BLACKMORE HISTORY - Ask Andrew!!

Blackmore Area Local History forum.

Do you have a question about the history and heritage of the Blackmore area of Essex?
Did your ancestors live in Blackmore?
Were your relatives buried at Blackmore after 1893?
I might be able to help or put you in contact with someone who can.

Why not ‘Ask Andrew’?

Contact me
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Some notes
* I have set my Google Blog to allow anyone to send a ‘comment’. However it will not be automatically published but sent to my personal E mail box first. This should eliminate spam and safeguard the site from those who would want to post unsuitable material or comments. I want this to be a friendly site, suitable for school children doing projects and for parents to be happy with the integrity of everything posted.

Stondon Massey: School

These items were first published in the Parish Magazine for Stondon Massey
http://www.stondonmasseyparishmagazine.co.uk/pdf/march2006.pdf
http://www.stondonmasseyparishmagazine.co.uk/pdf/september2006.pdf

Stondon Massey: Nathaniel Ward

Rector of Stondon Massey (1626 – 1633).

For information, follow these links:
http://www.nndb.com/people/312/000049165/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A9998149

Stondon Massey: William Byrd - Last Will and Testament

An extract from the forthcoming book ‘William Byrd: Some Notes’

William Byrd, composer and resident of Stondon Place, died on 4 July 1623.

His Will, a copy of which may be seen in the Vestry of St Peter and St Paul Church, Stondon Massey (with permission), reads as follows:

In the name of the most glorious and undivided Trinity, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, three distinct persons and one eternal God, Amen.

I, William Byrd of Stondon Place in the parish of Stondon in the County of Essex, gentleman, do now in the 80 year of my age, but through the goodness of God being of good health and perfect memory, make and ordain this for my last Will and Testament.

First: I give and bequeath my soul to God Almighty, my creator and redeemer and preserver: humbly craving His grace and mercy for the forgiveness of all my sins and offences; past, present and to come.

And that I may live and die a true and perfect member of His holy Catholic Church without which I believe there is no salvation for me. My body to be honestly buried in that parish and place where it shall please God to take me out of this life which I humbly desire if so it shall please God may be in the parish of Stondon where my dwelling is: And then to be buried near unto the place where my wife liest buried, or else where as God and the time shall permit and suffer. And where I have been long desirous to settle my poor estate in the farm of Stondon place according to an award lately made between Catheren Byrde my daughter in law and me by a very good friend to us both.

Which award we both gave our Christian promises to perform, but having been let and hindered therein by the undutiful obstinancy of one whom I am unwilling to name: do now ordain and dispose of the same as Followeth. First, the whole Farm to remain to my self and my assignees during my life; and after my decease, I give the same to my daughter in law Mrs Catheren Byrd for her life; upon the conditions following, viz: to pay Twenty eight pounds, fifteen shillings and fourpence yearly to mr. Anthony Lutor or his assignees for the fee farm rent. And to pay to mistress Dawtry of Doddinghurst 15 shillings yearly for the quit rent of Maleperdus freehold: Also to pay unto my son Thomas Byrde Twenty pounds yearly during his life: And to my daughter Rachel Ten pounds a year during her life. And the same payments to begin at the next usual Feasts of payment after the day of my death: And after the decease of my said daughter in law mistress Catheren Byrde and of the aforesaid lives: I give and bequeath the whole Farm of Stondon Place to Thomas Byrde my grandchild, son of Christopher Byrd my eldest son by the said Catheren; and to his heirs lawfully begotten for ever: And for want of such heirs of the said Thomas Byrde son of the said Christopher: I give the same Farm of Stondon Place to Thomas Byrde my son to his heirs lawfully begotten: And for want of such heirs: I give the Inheritance of the said Farm to the four sons of my daughter Mary Hawksworth wife of Henry Hawksworth gentleman as they are in age and seniority viz: First to William Hawksworth and his heirs lawfully begotten and for want of such heirs to Henry Hawksworth his second brother his heirs lawfully begotten, and for want of such heirs to George Hawksworth and his heirs lawfully begotten, and for want of such heirs to John Hawksworth the fourth son of the said Mary Hawksworth my daughter: And to his heirs lawfully begotten. And for want of such heirs of the four sons of Mary Hawksworth my daughter and her husband To William Hooke son unto Rachel Hooke my daughter and to his heirs lawfully begotten and for want of such heirs: To the right heirs of me the said William Byrde for ever: Item I give and bequeath to the four sons of Mary Hawksworth my daughter and her husband To William Hooke son unto Rachel Hooke my daughter and to his heirs lawfully begotten and for want of such heirs: To the right heirs of me the said William Byrde for ever: Item I give and bequeath to my daughter in law mistress Catheren Byrde and her son Thomas Byrde all my goods moveables and unmoveables at Stondon Place. And also all the woods and Timber trees wheresoever they are growing in and upon the said Farm: upon this condition only to see me honestly buried and my debts truly discharged, to which end and purpose; I do make and ordain Catheren Byrde my said daughter in law and Thomas Byrde her son whole executors of this my last will and testament. Item I give and bequeath unto my son Thomas Byrd all my goods in my lodging in the Earl of Worcester’s house in the Strand: And where I purchased a perpetual annuity or rent charge of 20 £ a year of Sir Francis Fortescue knight unto 200 £ be paid in which annuity I have given to Elizabeth Burdet my eldest daughter for her life: I do now declare how it shall be disposed of after my said daughter’s decease, first if my said son Thomas Byrde concur with this my last will and Testament and accept of his annuity according to the same: Then I give the one half of the annuity being Ten pounds a year or one hundred pounds if it be paid in: to the said Thomas Byrd his heirs, executors and assignees. And the other half of that annuity I give and bequeath to Michael Walton with marriage of his wife Catheren Hooke my grandchild for her marriage portion. Always provided that if my son Thomas Byrd do seek by law or other ways to disturb or trouble my executors and not agree to the same: Then I do hereby declare That my will and intention is: That the said Thomas Byrde my son shall have no part of the said annuity: but I do hereby give that part of the annuity That I had given to my son Thomas Byrd: to Thomas Byrd my grandchild to him and his heirs for ever.

And having now by the leave of God Finished this my last will according to the true meaning of the said award and our Christian promises: I do now by this my last will and Testament utterly revoke and annul all former grants, writings and wills as far as in me lieth whatsoever is contrary to this my last will and Testament:

In witness thereof I, the said William Byrd have set my hand and seal the Fifteenth day of November in the years of the reign of our Sovereign lord James, by the grace of God King of England, France and Ireland the Twentieth and of Scotland Fifty six defender of the faith re 1622:

By me Wyllm Byrde

Sealed and delivered in the presence of Henry Hawksworth.

(Proved by Thomas Byrd and Catherine Byrd 30 October 1623)

We cannot know for certain whether Byrd was buried at Stondon, but it is unlikely that he travelled between the date of his Will and his death.

Stondon Massey: William Byrd - Our Shakespeare of Music

An extract from the forthcoming book ‘William Byrd: Some Notes’

William Byrd and Thomas Tallis were the great composers of Elizabethan England. In 1575 they were granted the exclusive right to produce printed manuscripts. Byrd, we know, lived for the last thirty years of his life at Stondon Massey. He was one-time organist at the Chapel Royal and Court Composer to the Petre family at Ingatestone Hall.

A Roman Catholic in a very Protestant era, Byrd was an unpopular man in the parish. The Churchwardens, who had significant power in those days, presented his name before the Essex Archdeaconry courts for failing to attend church and take communion, and for failing to pay church rates. This was a compulsory local tax intended to pay towards the upkeep of the church building and to provide for the poor of the parish.

We know that Byrd wished to be buried at Stondon Massey, but there is no evidence since no headstone was erected – in common with the early seventeenth century – and the Parish Registers for the period have been lost. St Peter and St Paul’s Church has a memorial to him commemorating the tercentenary of his death: he died on 4th July 1623. It bears the inscription “A Father of Musick”.


Much is written on the internet about Byrd. Other links:
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Byrd
http://home.sprintmail.com/~cwhent/WilliamByrd.html
http://www.classical.net/music/comp.lst/byrd.html

Stondon Massey: Sacred Music on BBC FOUR

Those taking the following Open University courses will be glued to BBC FOUR on 4 April when William Byrd of Stondon Massey will be featured.

- A214 An Introduction to Music
- AA317 Words and music
- A179 Start listening to music
- AA100 The Arts: past and present

Information on William Byrd and the small village on Stondon Massey, Essex, can be found on this blog.

Stondon Massey: John Carre

An extract from the forthcoming book ‘Stondon Massey: A Short History’, which draws on Revd. E. H. L. Reeve’s work of 1900.

I have still, however, to speak of the most illustrious of our merchant connections, John Carre, who died in 1570, was of Stondon origin. His godfather was John Hall, brother of Richard, and from him I dare say he derived his name. When a young man he went up to London under the kindly protection of Richard Hall who introduced him to the Ironmongers Company, and for whose memory he entertained to the last with affectionate regard. Later, he figures as one of the earliest members of the Merchant Adventurers Company, incorporated by Elizabeth in 1564. I gather that he was twice married, for two ladies appear with him in the handsome brass to his memory in Stondon Church, and while he bequeaths a third part of his property to his daughter Margery, he makes a smaller bequest in the event of her death to his “wife’s children”. He was uncle to Henry Giles (of “Giles’ Charity” fame) and to his brother Thomas, and refers to them both affectionately in his will as his “sister’s children”. The will is a very lengthy one, covering several pages of closely written folio. The “goods, chattels, money owing to him, household stuff, plate, jewels, and ready money” are to be divided into three equal parts, “according to the use and custom of the said city of London”; of which, one part he bequeaths to his wife Agnes, the second part to his daughter, and the third part “for the performance” of certain legacies. These include £10 for sermons to be preached in the church of the parish where he dies, viz., one each year for 20 years; £5 for a dinner to be made, at the discretion of the executers, by the parson and churchwardens of the parish of Stondon for “the inhabitants and honest householders by way of gratification;” £5 to the “poore man’s boxe” of Stondon Parish; £15 in current money to be distributed at the discretion of the executers “among the most honest of the Stondon parishioners of the poorest sort,” half the amount on the day of his burial and half within the next half year. Also £10 for a stock “to be employed in or for cattle or otherwise for the most comfort of the poorest inhabitants at the discretion of the parson and parishioners”. A further sum of £400 is given to the “Mystery of Ironmongers” on condition that for the next 21 years after his decease “two wardens of the said mystery or occupation, and two others of the same fellowship shall provide a preacher learned in Divinitie before the Feast of Pentecoste to ryde to Stondon in Essex, and at the same feaste in the Parish Church there shall be a sermon”. For their expenses yearly on this behalf £5 is specially given.

Carre left bequests to the Wayte Players of some of the city Companies; they had perhaps pleased him on the occasion of some civic functions. Wait-players are mentioned at Exeter in 1400 as parading the streets and calling the hours. Our Christmas “Waits” are probably the only representatives of the profession still extant at the present day.

This would bring the total value of his estate to £8,400 or thereabout, a substantial sum in the days of Elizabeth. No fewer than 16 persons are mentioned for whom memorial gold rings are to be made at £3 6s 8d apiece, while his eight executers and overseers are to be similarly cared for.

At Stondon the inscription on his tomb records his munificence as follows, it being his special desire to be buried here.

“John Carre citezen of London, an Irenmonger free,
also a Marchaunt venturar, in grave heare lyeth hee.
Heare in Stondon was he borne whose soule god toke to rest
the first of Julie in the yeare of Christ above exprest
Of earnest zeale amonge the rest, in lyfe he had regard
to this parrishe his native soyle and gave a large reward
To it and unto other mo that neare aboute it be
And eke in london wheare he dwelte full lyberall giftes gave he”.

He was buried on the north side of the Communion Table at the east end of the church, in the presence of four members at least of his old fellowship, no doubt in full state-robes, to the great entertainment of the villagers! One can picture Rector Fering receiving this imposing funeral party in our little church with a certain amount of anxiety and trepidation.

The Will is dated June 28, 1570, and proved July 15, while the brass monument records Carr’s death to have taken place on July 1. It is pretty evident, I think, that the good man must have prepared the lengthy and intricate testament long before, though he left the actual signature till nearly the last day of his life. Commission was given to Henry Giles alone to administration, his brother Thomas Giles renouncing his position as executer.

Stondon Massey: Durrant's Handbook For Essex (1887)

The following is taken from ‘Durrant’s Handbook For Essex’ (Durrant & Co., Chelmsford, 1887).

Ston’don Massey. A. 1155; P. 261; Rectory, value £500; 3 m. S.E. from Ongar.

Literally Stone-dune Marci, the stony or gravelly hill of the Marci, or Marks, its owners in former times. The Place is a good mansion. The Church (SS. Peter and Paul), though small, is a remarkable example of a Norman church. It consists of a nave and chancel, to which a modern N. aisle and mortuary chapel with vaulted stone roof have been added. A timber framework in the W. end nave supports a tower with 3 bells and a spire. On the N. side were, until recently, two round-headed Norman loopholes, placed very high in the wall. Opposite were two similar windows, one of which, in the 16th cent., was replaced by a large square-headed 3-light (Perp.) window. In the chancel are two more loopholes like the others, not more than 2½ in. wide externally, but splayed internally to 3 ft. The S. door is a rude, plain, round-arched one, with square capitals, of Norman age, or possibly older. The rood-screen and pulpit (both perfect) are of fine 16th cent. carved oak. The E. window is poor; that at the W. is Perp., with a narrow lancet window over it, which is possibly original. The font is octagonal, with rose ornaments. There is a floor brass, with effigy and long inscription to John Sarre [Carre](1570), citizen of London ironmonger and merchant venturer, who was born in the parish ; and another to Rainold Hollingworth (1753). The Register begins in 1708.

Stondon Massey: Revd. A Suckling. Memorials (1845)

The following is taken from Revd. Alfred Suckling’s book, ‘Memorials of the antiquities and architecture, family history and heraldry of the County of Essex’ (John Weale, London, 1845).

With the church of Stondon Massey commences my eleventh volume of “Antique and Armorial Collection;” - and I hope opportunity sufficient will be afforded me to devote its entire contents to the county of Essex, in which it is situated. Few districts offer subjects of higher interest; and although I must admit the want of the beauties of a stately cathedral, yet its remains of Roman castrametation - its castellated and its monastic ruins - its ecclesiastical and domestic structures - present, in singularity of design and construction, unparalleled examples of ancient art. The Roman works at Chesterford, considered by some as the most entire in England; the castles of Colchester and Hedingham; the Abbey of Waltham and the Priory of St. Botolph, both exceedingly curious specimens; the round church of Maplested; and above all, the wooden church of Greensted, perhaps a genuine instance of Anglo Saxon Architecture; the houses of Layer Marney and Audley these, and various others that might be justly adduced, will, I think, bear me out in asserting that the county of Essex is not to be surpassed in the possession of those curious and interesting remains which constitute the riches of architectural antiquities. Nor will the church of Stondon Massey, upon a close examination, be considered as unworthy addition to such a list. Although its south side makes a drawing of but little apparent interest, yet its northern façade, uninjured by modern innovation, presents a remarkable display of the peculiar architecture of Anglo-Norman times, than I have hitherto met with. Three small round-headed loop-holes placed, with the most jealous precaution, in the very uppermost portion of the wall, alone admit light from this side of building; while a similar number, in a situation exactly corresponding, originally pierced the south wall, of which two still remain ; the third has disappeared, having given place to a larger window in the nave, of a much more recent era. These six apertures, then, with one at the east and one at the west end, most likely of equal dimensions, afforded all the light which the devotees of that turbulent period thought it prudent to enjoy. The east end, I grieve to say, is now filled with a modern sash-window : the lancet-window, to be observed in the drawing, placed high up the gable, may he original, and was, perhaps, at first, round-headed, but I can offer nothing positive on this point, as recent masonry is apparent in this part of the edifice. Below are correct drawings of the interior and exterior of one of these loop-holes; the Saracenic or horse-shoe termination of which must not be suffered to pass unnoticed.

Though Stondon may he inferior in its masonry and finish to the celebrated church of Barfeston in Kent, it far exceeds that edifice, in my opinion, as an example of Norman Architecture. A reference to the drawings will show that the church of Stondon comprises merely a nave and chancel, of nearly the same width: its eastern termination was originally circular I cannot determine, as a modern brick wall forms the present gable.

In the interior are a few monuments, which may be thus briefly noticed. First, at the foot of two small figures, in brass, are the following lines in black letter: -

Who liste to see and knowe himselfe may loke upö this glase,
And view ye beaten pathe of death We he shall one day pase;
Wc way I Ramold Holingworth w pacient mind have gone;
Whose bodi here, as death hath changd, lieth covëed w this ston:
Thus dust to dust is brought againe, ye earthe she bath her owne,
This shall ye lot of all men be, before the trumpe be blowne.
Obiit 17 Aprilis, A°. 1573. Mors michi vita.

To the memory of Johanna Hollingworth, Spinster, Lady of the Manor of Stonedon Massey who died April 12, 1829, at Stonedon Place, in this parish, and was buried in the family at Thundridge, in the county of Herts.
On this monument are the arms of Hollingworth.

A mural tablet, inscribed to the memory of the families of How and Taylor, who resided at Stondon Place upwards of a century.

John Leigh, of Stondon Place, Gent., died 3rd of October, 1650.

Hic jacet Jacobus Crooke nuper hujus ecclesiae Rector, qui vitam Deo resignavit suam l die Mensis Martij, A.D. 1706, annoque aetatis suae 67.

At the west end of this church is a stone octagonal font, with the rose ornaments commonly met with in this shaped ornament; while a screen of wood divides the nave and chancel, which is in good preservation, but does not exhibit any peculiar tracery.

A frame of oak timber, however, which occupies a considerable portion of the western end, and sustains the present tower and bells, is entitled to observation, on account of its singular construction.

The north and south doors of the nave are perfectly plain, having neither column nor moulding in any part.

Blackmore: Parish Registers

Some notes for family historians who may have ancestors from Blackmore in Essex.

Blackmore’s old Parish Registers are kept at the Essex Record Office (http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/dis/gui.jsp?channelOid=13813&guideOid=14788 ) in Chelmsford.

Records for Blackmore survive from 1602.

Baptism Registers cover the period 1602 to 1961.
Marriage Registers cover the period 1602 to 1992.
Burial Registers cover the period 1602 to 1893.

Records since that date are kept in the Church Safe.

I have a transcription of burial records for the period 1893 to 1920.

For information relating to any of the above, click on the ‘comments’ section below.

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - March 2008

Following the success of ‘Through Changing Scenes’ at Blackmore, it’s Stondon Massey’s turn on Saturday 19th April, starting at 7.30pm. St Peter and St Paul Church (see photograph) will echo again to the words of their previous Rector and historian, Reverend Edward Henry Lisle Reeve, and will feature music by local Elizabethan composer, William Byrd. ‘Through Changing Scenes’ is a history of the church and village in words and music’. The music is provided by Tuneful Accord directed by Christine Gwynn, and the script, researched and written by me, told by members of the congregation. Profits will go to church funds.

Linked with ‘Through Changing Scenes’, two small books will be available telling the history of Stondon Massey. There will also be the opportunity to buy “Revd. E.H.L. Reeve. Chronicler Of The Great War” and “William Byrd: Some Notes”. All books are £1.50 each, more if posted.

Stondon Massey Church will also be featured on television. On 4 April, programme three in the series ‘Sacred Music’ will feature the life and work of William Byrd. Some of the programme was “filmed on location”. The series will be broadcast on BBC FOUR.

Will this mean a surge in visitor numbers this summer to our local parishes?

Over the next month, this ‘blog’ will feature aspects of Stondon’s history: not only some notes on composer William Byrd but also other local worthies.

Returning to the subject of books, I have written a number on aspects of Blackmore’s local history. A list is now included.

Here in this corner of Essex consultation around a Planning Appeal for the old school continues but in the meantime with Brentwood Borough Council approving a separate plan to extend the old building to permit conversion to a four-bedroom house. Letters associated with the Planning Appeal close on 7 March. My personal views are given on this blog.

As a parish, Blackmore covers about 2500 acres. In terms of housing, it may be divided into three sections: the old village, Hook End (or anciently Hooks End) and, Wyatts Green. The latter areas were scattered farms until the 1960s when estates were created. First Avenue, Hook End, were former ‘plot land’ dwellings, sold in the 1930s. In the old village (central Blackmore, actually towards the north of the parish) The Green and its surroundings lie within a Conservation Area. Essex County Council has recently undertaken an appraisal (the consultation period closed on 1 February) and this is of both historic and civic interest. This month I include a link to this and other Conservation Area appraisals.

Listed buildings are of importance to our history. Local Councils publish a ‘Buildings at Risk’ register. This includes Coachmans Cottage (Grade II listed) in Church Street but, a gold star is now required to its owner in that over the recent weeks it has been repaired. A link to Brentwood Borough Council’s register is now on this ‘blog’.

The landscape too is important to our heritage. This is illustrated in the nearby town of Chipping Ongar which has recently published its ‘Ongar Tree Strategy’. I include a short review.

I wrote last month that in terms of coverage Blackmore Area Local History will include the area roughly Epping to the west, Chelmsford to the north, Billericay to the east, and Brentwood to the south. I came across a map from 1848 which, being way out of copyright, I have included at the foot of the page. It gives a sense of relative location for those who are unfamiliar with this part of the county.

Coming soon to this blog
- Jericho Priory
- Early twentieth century postcards of Brentwood, Warley Barracks, Shenfield etc

Coming soon to Blackmore Village Website
- an index of Blackmore ancestors
- a transcript of the 1910 Electoral Register.

You can contact me by adding a Comment below, or better still, go to 'Aask Andrew' under 'labels' (left hand side) and add a comment under that topic.

Blackmore: Look Up Exchange. Burial Register. From 1893 (to 1920)

Family historians visit the Essex Record Office to check for the burial of their forbears. The Burial Register for Blackmore, Essex, after 1893, however, is kept in the church safe and not generally available for viewing. I have a transcript of the first 224 entries covering the years 1893 to 1920. Please send an enquiry, via the 'Comments' section if you think that I might be able to help (or so to 'Aask Andrew' - see 'labels' (left) and do the same).

(Years covered: 1893 (from 20 October), 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1914, 1915, 1916, 1917, 1918, 1919, 1920 (to 1 July). Extent: Persons buried at the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, Essex)

Blackmore: Leap Year. Know Your Dates!!

Thirty Days Have September,

April, June and November,

All the rest have thirty-one,

Excepting February alone,

Which has but twenty-eight days clear

And twenty-nine in each leap year.

Leaping Backwards.

Here we are then. Known as 'Leap Day, it's first time ever that someone with a home computer has written something that could be read on the world-wide web on a Friday, 29 February. The last time that there was this date-line was in 1980: the year of the Spectrum ZX80. How things have changed!

A good friend of mine worked out when the last Friday leap-years occurred.

“A non-leap year comprises 365 days 52 weeks plus 1 day, so that a particular date say, February 28 - between one year and the next, moves forward one day, or two days in a leap year. As these usually occur every fourth year, this gives a total shift of five days between leap years. Thus, working backwards it will need seven leap years for the leap day, February 29 to cycle through the days of the week, i.e. a total of 28 years.

“Applying this figure to the 20th Century, leap days occurred on a Friday in the years 1980, 1952 and 1924, and during periods between these years our “example” date retracted through 7 weeks. At this point an additional clause in the rule book kicks in. The final year of any century, i.e. the one ending in double noughts, is only valid if it is divisible, not by 4, but by 400. Thus, although 2000 is “in”, both 1900 and 1800 are non-leap years. Moving back from 1924 to 1896, i.e. through 28 years, our “example” date has retired 34 days having missed one in 1900, and it will require three more leap years to make a total of 49, a number that is a multiple of seven. Our next year with five Fridays thus occurs in 1884, giving two more such years in the 19th Century. of 1856 and 1828.

“At this stage, reaching the 18th Century, we are approaching an even bigger impasse. Crossing the century marker of 1800 and leaping back a further three jumps from 1800 we arrive at 1788, followed by 1760, both years replete with five Fridays. From here the trail runs cold and expires, because in 1752 the Reform of the Calendar took place, albeit some 170 years after Pope Gregory XIII had performed a similar operation on the Continent. During this period Great Britain kept with the Julian calendar of 365 days, and eventually had to chop out 11 days in the month of September, 1752, in order to bring the system into line”.

Leaping Forwards

In September 1752 England moved from the Gregorian to Julian calendar, and “lost” 11 days – from 2nd to 14th September: the calendar leapt forwards!

Also, until 1752, New Years Day began on 25th March. This was, and still is a “Quarter Day”, Lady Day, being exactly nine months before Christmas.

When looking at ancient Parish Registers, these show that the beginning of each year was March. References are made to “March 1525/26” which can be quite confusing.

This can throw up some very strange dates. Take for example the oldest gravestone in Blackmore churchyard, inscribed:

"ROBERT PETCHEY late of Blakemore departed this life 8th of June 1699 aged 33 years 4 months and 12 days

Youth health and vealth promised life in vain!
Yet early worth by early death shall gain
Thus tho a manly frame here moulding lies
He dyd to live & only fell to rise
Then men be wise since you this hour may prove
If bad heavn’s vengeance and if good its love "

Robert Petchey was born on 27th January 1665, baptised 15th February 1665 and died, unmarried, on 8th June 1699. The date of burial in the register is given just as June. He was the eldest son of Robert, a mercer by trade, and Elizabeth, whose marriage is not recorded but had four children.

What you realise is that 1699 minus 1665 is 34 not 33 years.

In another example, Sarah, the sixth child of William Glascock, priest in charge at Blackmore and his wife Elizabeth, was baptised on 6th July 1672 but buried, an infant, 11th February 1672.

On this basis, I will wish you a very Happy New Year on 25th March!

Blackmore: Buildings At Risk Register

A survey of endangered historic and / or listed buildings is carried out at regular intervals by Essex County Council. The last report for the Brentwood Borough area was carried out in 2007. On the report is the Grade II listed ‘Coachmans Cottage’ in Church Street, Blackmore. Fortunately work is under way to restore it, as the photograph, taken in January 2008, illustrates.

Follow the link to the local ‘Buildings At Risk Register’.http://www.essexcc.gov.uk/vip8/ecc/ECCWebsite/content/binaries/documents/Planning396/heritage_barr_brentwood.pdf

Blackmore: Former School. Planning Appeal.

The following is my personal response to the two Notices of Appeal. Do you agree with me? Let me have your comments.

Dear Sir,

Your Ref: H1515/N08/2061958/NWF (Council references 101 5/3104 and BRW/313/2007)

Notice Of Appeal Under Section 78(i) By Essex County Council
Alterations To And Change Of Use Of Former Youth Centre To Two Bedroom Dwelling, Demolition Of Former Library And Erection Of Three Bedroom Dwellinghouse Together With Associated Works To Form Garden Areas And For Parking Spaces
Former Blackmore Youth Centre & Library, The Green, Blackmore, Brentwood, Essex

I am writing in support of Brentwood Borough Council’s refusal of a planning application to erect a three bedroom property on the former play-ground of this Victorian property.

The former Youth Centre was, until 1970, the ‘Blackmore Board School’ built in 1877. Although not a listed building, it lies within the Blackmore Conservation Area, and, as such, is of great importance to the character and history of the village. Any encroachment on this old school building will detract considerably from the ascetic well-being of the area. The school is a jewel in the crown of the Conservation Area.

Officers of Essex County Council recently prepared a draft ‘Blackmore Conservation Area Appraisal’. Consultation on the draft ended on 1 February 2008. I quote:

12.3 Redevelopment Sites within the Conservation Area
The old school is a distinctive and significant building and its original brick boundary walls and outbuildings are important to its character and to local views. These should be retained in any redevelopment of the Library site, and any new development should be subservient to the old school and respect its scale and the prominent location of this site.

It is recommended that the old school together with its walls and brick outbuildings should be preserved in any new development that might take place.

12.6 Locally listed buildings

Brentwood Borough Council at present do not hold a local list of buildings which, whilst not of sufficient national importance to warrant listing, are considered to be of local importance.

However the Replacement Local Plan ... states that they will seek to compile a list of buildings of local or historic interest. The buildings will be assessed using defined criteria and are likely to be good examples of a particular design, type of construction, the work of a local architect or a building associated with an important local figure. Inclusion in the list will be a material consideration in determining planning applications, in an effort to retain important original features and fabric, and to control alterations or extension so as to maintain the character of the building.

The old school is a building central to the Conservation Area and prominently positioned. Although extended to the rear it retains its original external and internal details largely complete.

It is recommended that the old school should be considered for inclusion on a 'local list' if one were to be adopted by the Local Authority.


I firmly believe that the former School should be conserved and sympathetically converted to ensure its future use and viability. The site should be unencumbered by modern buildings on the footprint of the site.

Listing a building might, taking a layman’s point of view, preserve the building but cause a question-mark over its future use.

The former Library should definitely be demolished and a more compatible extension constructed, whilst preserving the historic aspects of the former school.

I enclose copies of photographs highlighting, in my view, historic aspects of the former Board School which must be preserved (see above).

1. The Victorian Board School viewed from Nine Ashes Road: a prominent feature on the edge of the Conservation Area.
2. North East face of School, with date 1877.

3. The words ‘Board School’ decipherable below the sill on the SW face of the building: in all probability destroyed at the beginning of the Second World War.

Three copies of this letter are enclosed. I am also writing a letter of objection in connection with the other planning appeal.



Dear Sir,

Your Ref: H1515/E/08/2061961/NWF (Council references 1015/3105 and CAC/BRW/2/2007).

Town & Country Planning Act 1990
Notice Of Appeal Under Section 78(i) By Essex County Council
Demolition Of Former Library Building And Non-Listed Extensions To Youth Centre, Demolition Of A Length Of Wall Bounding Existing Car Park And Removal Of Ornamental Tree
Former Blackmore Youth Centre & Library, The Green, Blackmore, Brentwood, Essex

I am writing in support of Brentwood Borough Council’s refusal of a planning application to demolish a boundary wall to this former Victorian School.

Situated on the edge of Blackmore’s Conservation Area, the Youth Centre is the former Blackmore Board School, erected in 1877. The boundary wall is an important part of the site and any encroachment on the site will detract visually.

Officers of Essex County Council recently prepared a draft ‘Blackmore Conservation Area Appraisal’. Consultation on the draft ended on 1 February 2008. I quote:

12.3 Redevelopment Sites within the Conservation Area
The old school is a distinctive and significant building and its original brick boundary walls and outbuildings are important to its character and to local views. These should be retained in any redevelopment of the Library site, and any new development should be subservient to the old school and respect its scale and the prominent location of this site.

It is recommended that the old school together with its walls and brick outbuildings should be preserved in any new development that might take place.

I do not object to the demolition of the unsympathetic modern Library. Any extension to the existing building should though be in-keeping and preserve any historical items of interest. I have given examples in my other letter.

Three copies of this letter are enclosed.

Blackmore: Conservation Area

A report on the history, heritage and conservation of the area around The Green, Blackmore, has been published. A link is provided below.

Blackmore: Conservation Area Draft Appraisal - published 14 December 2007
http://www.brentwood.gov.uk/pdf/14122007141548u.pdf

List of Conservation areas in Brentwood BC
http://www.brentwood-council.gov.uk/index.php?cid=31

Document Library
http://www.brentwood-council.gov.uk/index.php?cid=1253&subCatId=34

Blackmore: Postmark - 26 February 1908

Anonymous wrote to Miss Foxall, 4 Arthur Road, Stoke Newington, London:
"If fine you may expect me on Friday 28th the following day if wet about tea time"

Blackmore: Former School. Planning Appeal in Conservation Area

The former Victorian village school, currently for sale by its owners Essex County Council, has become the subject of two Planning Appeals. The Chief Planning Officer at Brentwood Borough Council wrote to local residents on 30 January (letter received yesterday) asking for views to be passed to the Planning Inspectorate by 7 March.

I have copied these letters because this blog aims to cover all things history to the local area. I do not engage in Party Politics. Please note that any comments you choose to make to this blog do not form part of the official Appeal process. (My personal response is given in a later posting).


Brentwood Borough Council
Your ref:
Our ref: TB(P)/BRW/313/2007
1015/3104

30 January 2008

Dear Sir/Madam
Town & Country Planning Act 1990

Notice Of Appeal Under Section 78(i) By Essex County Council
Alterations To And Change Of Use Of Former Youth Centre To Two Bedroom Dwelling, Demolition Of Former Library And Erection Of Three Bedroom Dwellinghouse Together With Associated Works To Form Garden Areas And For Parking Spaces
Former Blackmore Youth Centre & Library, The Green, Blackmore, Brentwood, Essex

I am requested by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to inform you of an appeal which has been lodged under the provision of the above Act, by Essex County Council against the decision of the Brentwood Borough Council, who have refused planning permission for the above. For your information, the Council’s reasons for refusing the application were as follows:

1. The proposed three bedroom dwelling would, by reason of the size, scale, design and mass result in this part of the development appearing unduly prominent in the street scene, to the detriment of the visual amenities of the area and character and appearance of the Blackmore Conservation Area, contrary to Policies CP1 and C14 of the Adopted Brentwood Replacement Local Plan.

The Grounds of Appeal as submitted by the Appellant can be viewed at the Town Hall during normal office hours. The Secretary of State has accepted the appeal and has instructed, upon the agreement of the parties, that the appeal be dealt with by way of written representations.

This Notice is given to you in order that you may express your views on the appeal, whether for or against, in writing by the 7 March 2008 to the Planning Inspectorate directly at Room 3/16 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. You should quote reference H1515/N08/2061958/NWF (Council references 101 5/3104 and BRW/313/2007).

Please note that the Planning Inspectorate request three copies of any written representations you make. Any representations received after the due date will not be seen by the Inspector and will be returned.

A free copy of the Department of the Environment’s ‘Guide to the taking part in
Planning Appeals’ is available from this department, Should you wish to inspect the
Council’s Statement you should telephone this Department to check its availability.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will only supply a copy of his Inspector’s decision letter when requested to do so.

Yours faithfully

T Balcombe
pp Chief Planning Officer



Brentwood Borough Council
Our ref: TB(P)/CAC/BRW/2/2007
1015/3105

30 January 2008

Dear Sir/Madam

Town & Country Planning Act 1990
Notice Of Appeal Under Section 78(i) By Essex County Council
Demolition Of Former Library Building And Non-Listed Extensions To Youth Centre, Demolition Of A Length Of Wall Bounding Existing Car Park And Removal Of Ornamental Tree
Former Blackmore Youth Centre & Library, The Green, Blackmore, Brentwood, Essex

I am requested by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government to inform you of an appeal which has been lodged under the provision of the above Act, by Essex County Council against the decision of the Brentwood Borough Council, who have refused planning permission for the above. For your information, the Council’s reasons for refusing the application were as follows:-

1. The proposed demolition works, in particular the loss of the length of wall, would be contrary to the objective of preserving or enhancing the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and would thereby be contrary to the provisions of Policy C14(vi) of the Adopted Brentwood Replacement Local Plan

The Grounds of Appeal as submitted by the Appellant can be viewed at the Town Hall during normal office hours. The Secretary of State has accepted the appeal and has instructed, upon the agreement of the parties, that the appeal be dealt with by way of written representations.

This Notice is given to you in order that you may express your views on the appeal, whether for or against, in writing by the 7 March 2008 to the Planning Inspectorate directly at Room 3/16 Eagle Wing, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN. You should quote reference H1515/E/08/2061961/NWF (Council references 1015/3105 and CAC/BRW/2/2007).

Please note that the Planning lnspectorate request three copies of any written representations you make. Any representations received after the due date will not be seen by the Inspector and will be returned.

A free copy of the Department of the Environment’s ‘Guide to the taking part in
Planning Appeals’ is available from this department, Should you wish to inspect the
Council’s Statement you should telephone this Department to check its availability.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will only supply a Copy of his Inspector’s decision letter when requested to do so.

Yours faithfully

T Balcombe
pp Chief Planning Officer

BLACKMORE HISTORY NEWS - FEBRUARY 2008

Blackmore’s heritage comes to life this February with ‘Through Changing Scenes: a history of the church and village in words and music’. The event will be held on Saturday 23rd February at the Priory Church of St Laurence, starting at 7.30pm. The music is provided by Tuneful Accord directed by Christine Gwynn, and the words, researched and written by me, told by members of the congregation. It is a repeat of the successful event held in 2005. Profits will go to church funds. Tickets are available from Blackmore Post Office.

There is no doubt that the popularity of the BBC TV series, ‘Who Do You Think You Are’ has encouraged many to research their family history. It is, apparently, the second most popular hobby – gardening being the top. I read an article in the ‘Essex Journal’ recently which, stated the obvious in my view, said that local history and family history are closely linked. Although I would say I am interested in local history (defining the geographical area), it goes without saying that the lives of those who have contributed (or otherwise!) to the area are vitally important. Inevitably research crosses the invisible boundary into social history too.

On the blog now is a feature about the Caton family in Blackmore (Essex) in the nineteenth century. I was able to help Wendy Snowdon with her family history research by directing her to various resources which many genealogists may not have come across. You might not be a member of this family, one of whom was a churchwarden, but this is a ‘Case Study’ which hopefully encourages you to delve deeper and understand more about your ancestors. I would be glad to hear your comments.

My forbears come from Mountnessing, the parish to the immediate east of Blackmore. My great-grandfather was schoolmaster at the beginning of the twentieth century. His son, Walter Reed (my great-uncle), also became a school teacher, and in 1950 gave a speech, probably to students at his school in Norwich, entitled ‘Retrospect’ recalling the village of Mountnessing in his childhood. Such, almost unique, material is too good not to publish on the Internet. It doesn’t fit into the Blackmore Village website (http://www.blackmorevillage.co.uk/) and is the reason for calling this blog ‘Blackmore Area Local History’.

In terms of the area covered, I consider it to be roughly Epping to the west, Chelmsford to the north, Billericay to the east, and Brentwood to the south. All sides of my family seem to have hailed from this part of Essex since at least 1900.

The possibilities for inclusion of material seem endless. Over the years I, and other members of my family, have received or taken photographs of the area so it would be good to scan and upload those. Pictures of Blackmore appear down the left hand side of the text.

Coming soon to this blog
- Jericho Priory
- a feature on Stondon Massey
- my grandfather’s postcard collection of Brentwood from the beginning of the twentieth century

Coming soon to Blackmore Village Website
- an index of Blackmore ancestors
- a transcript of the 1910 Electoral Register.

Mountnessing: Retrospect (from a talk given in 1950)

A talk given by W.W.Reed, Esq., M.Sc., F.R.I.C. the year after his retirement in 1950. Walter Reed was my great-uncle.

In accepting the very kind invitation of your Society to address them I am conscious of few qualifications to do so. The idea that I should have a fund of interesting experiences to draw on is unfortunately incorrect and the blame for that, in part, rests on those of you who studied at, what is now, the City College[1], for you were generally such well behaved people that life flowed very calmly, and I have had few highlights. However, on looking back over my life I came to the conclusion that, though I am not an old man yet, the sixty-five years of my life have seen some wonderful changes, and I will try to put them before you as the youngest ones of you may be interested in them and the older ones, of my generation, be drawn to speak of the past from your angle.

As I was born in 1885, two years before Queen Victoria’s first Jubilee, I am a Victorian - a term of reproach in the eyes of very modern folk. At the time I was born, outside the chartered boroughs, local government was practically non existent; there were, it is true, Boards of Guardians to look after the poor; the annual vestry which elected Church Wardens, and in London, outside the city, authorities dealing with sewers and drains. In Education, School Boards, created in 1870, existed when people demanded them, and probably more than half the countryside had none. The schools were in general denominational schools supported by voluntary rates. I cannot remember the inception of County Councils and R.D.C.s but I can remember the first P.C. (Parish Council) as my father was a member of that of our Parish. If you ask me how we were governed locally in the county at the time that I was born, I will venture to suggest the answer that it was by the Justices in Quarter Sessions.

I was born in a large parish - Mountnessing; one of the largest in Essex, about five miles by two-and-a-half, traversed by the Roman Road, as it is called on some maps, with one part abutting Billericay and reached by meandering lanes. The village lay for three-quarters of a mile along the main road. The Parish Church was one-and-a-half miles away on the road to Billericay, but there was an Iron Church in a lane close to the village, and two chapels - Congregational and Wesleyan - in the village street, but the latter closed in the early nineties. There were no large residential land owners, but the parsonage house of the parish, in my young day, was let to a military gentleman, a Major in the Regular Army, who was shortly made a Lt. Col. of Militia. He was reputed to have little money but his wife, a member of an old Banking family, was believed to be comfortably off; but he was very public minded and it was due to his energy that £2.000 was raised to restore the Parish Church which re-opened in 1891. I can remember going to the re-opening service. Owing, possibly, to the absence of a Squire there was a very independent spirit politically among the men I knew and possibly most of those not working directly for a farmer were Radicals, as we called them then.

I was born in a Manor House[2]. Not long before three or four gentlemen arrived and explained to my mother that they wanted to hold a Court and with permission used our drawing-room. After ushering them in, my mother withdrew, but was told not to do so as it was a public court. I believe these Courts functioned until the coming into force of Lord Birkenhead’s Land Act in (?) 1924. Copyhold tenure of course dated back to Norman times and had unexpected repercussions. Soon after my birth my parents moved to another house which had, for the size, a large number of sheds including one which had been a cowshed. It was originally roofed with tiles which had been largely blown off. The wooden slats were broken in a big storm one night. As my father had very little use for it he suggested that the shed should be demolished but the landlord reluctantly could not agree as he said the property was copyhold - so he roofed it for us in corrugated iron.

Our drinking water at that house was drawn by permission from a shallow well on property across the road. It was later “condemned” - we never drank it unboiled. For washing and other domestic purposes we used rain water collected in butts, and when they dried, which was not often, we brought water from a pond 150 yards away. On one occasion I can remember our going a mile away one very dry summer to get water from a brook so that we could have some sort of sponge bath. Incidentally, later on, we had to get our drinking water from the school well six hundred yards away. (My father was the village schoolmaster). It is heavy work carrying two 2-gallon pails of water that distance - we never used a yoke as was done on some farms locally, but we did find that a large hoop, one of our play things, kept the pails conveniently from our legs, and often used it. There is now a very deep well sunk into the green and which supplies piped water to the village.

The village was almost self-supporting. There was the old windmill reached by a two hundred yards chase perched on an artificial mound and the cottagers used to have their gleaning corn ground there[3]. We had our general shop where one could buy groceries, boots and shoes, ironmongery, drapery, etc. There was a bakery and a blacksmith’s shop (which may have been seven hundreds years old) - associated with a wheelwright’s shop with its sawpit, and a shoemaker. A new vicar offended the old gentleman shoemaker by genially saying, “Are you the village cobbler?” This caused the old man to draw himself up, and say,

“No, sir. I am the village shoemaker.”

By the way, in the speech of the village, the term boot was restricted to top boots, or those that reached the calf - all else were shoes or ‘shoon’. We had a village tailor, hay binder and chimney sweep. The hay binder was also a thatcher but his main job was getting the hay out of the stacks for the London market. Several wagons went weekly to the hay market just outside Aldgate. The wagons went overnight and came back next day. The hay binder’s wife was the local nurse in confinements. A butcher from Ingatestone - two miles away - brought in meat, but very few cottagers could afford that, except for Sunday. Some of them kept their own pigs and killed them as required. Grocers from Ingatestone and Brentwood (three miles away) used to deliver groceries and a postman walked in from Brentwood. Later, a younger postman was supplied with a bicycle and we had two deliveries and two collections daily from the village post office. There was one inn (referred to in Miss Bredon’s “Lady Audley’s Secret” as Castle Inn, Mount Stanning), three beer houses and one off licence.

I wonder if anyone has seen a man wearing a smock; there was an old man in the parish who I remember did so.

From one farmhouse in the village we could get fresh milk at 3d. a quart but we generally went one-and-a-half miles with our cans to get skimmed milk for which we paid 1d a quart. The dairy supplied the big house with milk and butter. The dairywoman (wife of the farm bailiff) wore pattens. Behind the big house (Thoby Priory) was Thoby Wood and during the winter village boys used to drive rabbits, pheasants and partridges, etc for big shoots. At the end of the day they were given 1/- (a shilling) and a rabbit - a useful supplement to the family’s funds when ordinary farm labourers were paid 12/- a week and horsemen and cowmen 13/- with Sunday labour.

The village school had an Infants Department of thirty-odd and an Upper School of ninety-odd. The latter was in a big room with a. sort of bay, where Standard I sat. The Headmaster looked after Standard IV and upwards. A partially qualified woman teacher took Standards II and III and an unqualified girl or woman (a monitor) taught Standard I. The Infant School had a. qualified mistress. There was a partition between the two schools which could be taken down for concerts, etc. The Sunday School met there, too and both Day and Sunday Schools had really useful little libraries. My father used to train the children to give a cantata once in the winter and the profits were spent on the Day School library. These continued until a new vicar came along who had conscientious objections to Friday evening concerts, etc. This was the only time when the platform could be assembled without affecting the school - it was dismantled on Saturday morning. Occasional concerts were however arranged by other folk.

Now for the roads. We were lucky in having a main road running through the village. It was macadamized with granite, water bound, and rolled in with a steam roller. In winter it was an inch or so deep in mud. The roadmen scraped this off to the side and made it up into heaps which were afterwards collected to form a larger heap on the grass verge. These were sifted by local builders to get grit for mortar. In some places the gutter between road and path was not very plain and. if one cycled home in the dusk, when there was a sprinkling of snow, one did not see the heaps and bumped over them. The lanes were made up of gravel and this in my young time was left to be rolled in by the carts. A quarter mile or so of this unrolled gravel was a nuisance to cyclists. These lanes frequently had cart ruts and often the carts etc kept in the middle of the road, which again was awkward for cyclists, for the carts never made way for them.

Penny-farthing bicycles were ridden - my father had one - but “safeties” were beginning to be popular, though at first they generally had narrow tyres (of the same kind as many perambulators today). Speaking of perambulators, I had the first in the village, and the girl who took me out for an airing was very proud of the privilege.

To the conservative farmer who used carts and traps, bicycles were anathema and it was difficult to pass them in a country lane for they would keep in the middle of the road. Rude boys shouted after cyclists, “Hi, governor! Your wheel’s going round!” or, worse still, “Monkey on a gridiron!” There is a hill south of Brentwood on the main road to London and the local weekly paper recorded regularly prosecutions and fines on cyclists for the dangerous way they went downhill. Freewheels began to come in about nineteen hundred but my cycle engineer advised me against them as unreliable; we had, as a rule, footrests on the front fork and used them in coasting down the hills. There was a step at the axis of the back wheel from which we mounted. The Dunlop patent still held in my schooldays, and the cheapest cycle tyre cover cost a guinea (three guineas in our money) - and tubes I think were about 8/-. Cycles were frequently made by the shopkeeper- he was an engineer. B.S.A. made cycle components - not complete cycles - and the shopkeeper assembled them. Complete cycles were only available from a certain few firms.

As farmers’ sons and daughters took to cycling the prejudice against cyclists abated and the byroads improved and hedge cuttings were not so frequently left in the lanes to puncture tyres. It is hard to realise what a revolution in country life was brought about by the cycle. It was cheap enough to be bought by working men could now get to work away from home - the knowledge of the district in which they lived was extended, but it killed the practice of long walks.

I am old enough to remember the repeal of the Act which entailed the walking of a man with a red flag before any mechanically propelled vehicle, and the famous London to Brighton run to celebrate that. I believe half the cars broke down, to the malicious joy of the general public. It is hard to realise that at first motor cars were such a rarity that when we heard the chug of a car we used to go to the windows of our dining room to see it pass just as in World War I we used to go out and look up at an aeroplane. The coming of the motor car destroyed the surface of the water bound macadamized roads and the county surveyors were driven to using tar as the binding agent. Our excellent main roads are due to motor car traffic. Motor lorries have influenced marketing to a remarkable extent. Up to the General Strike in 1926 a train ran every morning from Colchester to Liverpool Street, stopping at every station solely to convey milk in churns; it brought back the empties in the afternoon. That strike stopped the railway milk traffic and forced dairy companies to send out lorries to get the milk from the farmers. The new way was so convenient for both farmers and dairymen that in a short period of time after the strike finished the milk train ceased to run. The lorries allowed of farmers etc sending vegetables straight to the London market without using railways.

The development of science since I got interested in it is probably known to you all. I can remember, in a magazine for schools, reading of the discovery of argon - that was followed up by the discovery of the other inert gases of the atmosphere. Neon lighting uses a gas unknown fifty-five years ago. Radium, of course, made quite a stir when I was at school. The liquification of air in the later 1890’s was utilised by Ramsay in isolating the inert gases in the atmosphere and the “Daily Mail” had a wonderful article, in its early days, explaining how a pint of liquid air would suffice to drive the biggest ships across the Atlantic. That same paper, as I can well remember, had a vivid description of the capture and sack of the European Legations at Pekin in (?)1900, whereas they were in fact easily relieved by the mixed force of English, American, Russian, French and Germans.

I can remember vaguely the campaign to reconquer the Sudan and very vividly the Boer War 1899-1901. Later, as a ‘Volunteer’ I met, in camp, a Somerset Light Infantryman who claimed to have sent Buller’s message to Geo. White in Ladysmith advising him to destroy his guns etc and to surrender. There was a terrible moment when Sir Geo. White believed that the Boers were pressing him hard and at a critical moment in the despatch the line failed and we did not know till next morning the true story - and feared the worst. Spion Kop just a geographical expression with the Tugelia River - they were as vivid to our eyes as El Alamein to folk in the last Great War. I cannot remember how I learned of the Relief of Ladysmith but I can remember a man selling a London Evening Paper (½d.) and I bought one at ld. to take home to show my father - it was in the stop press. The relief of Mafeking was known during the night, and my schoolmates nearly blew down the playground wall with fireworks, while the Head sat indoors over his newspaper - The Times - and waited for the excitement to calm down before having the bell rung for school.

I think fifty years ago people were happier than now despite the great improvements and inventions.


[1] City College, Norwich was where W W Reed was a teacher. His talk was probably given to the Debating Society.
[2] Arnold’s Farm, Mountnessing
[3] This pattern of rural life was replicated throughout the country.