Blackmore: Petrie Connection

Further research on a church window at Blackmore has revealed the connection between Herbert Brown, who died in the First World War, the Pratt family and Revd. Walter Layton Petrie, the parish Vicar between 1888 and 1922.

The Parish Council is having the War Memorial cleaned and re-engraved and some villagers are keen to correctly record the names and remember those whose names, for whatever reason, were not included on the memorial when it was unveiled in November 1920. Any information on Herbert Brown would be gratefully received.

An earlier blog entry queries a possible connection between Revd. Petrie and dedication of a war memorial window to a Lt. Herbert Brown. (http://blackmorehistory.blogspot.com/2008/08/blackmore-petrie-connection.html).

Subsequently a reader of the blog advised that Herbert James Brown is commemorated on the Christ Church Lee memorial in the London Borough of Lewisham, now housed at the Local History and Archives Centre, Lewisham and is on their war memorial website at http://lewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com/memorial:lee-christ-church-war-memorial

The citation for Lieutenant Herbert James Brown may be found on the following link: http://lewishamwarmemorials.wikidot.com/person:brown-herbert-james

Viz:
“Dates:
(1884 - 1917)
War Service:
Lt. in the 1st/7th Bn Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Died in Israel 06 Nov 1917, aged 33.
Location of Memorial:
Christ Church WW1 War Memorial and Beersheba War Cemetery and Window at St Laurence, Blackmore, Essex inscribed
I have not found so great faith in Israel.
In memory of Herbert James Brown Lieut. Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Killed in action in Palestine Nov. 6th 1917. Given by his widow.
Details:
Born Mar Q 1884 Lewisham RD. Husband of Grace E. Petrie (formerly Brown)[nee Pratt Married Sep Q 1911 Ongar RD][Grace remarried Mar Q 1919 St Martin RD Stanley Layton Petrie], of St. Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland. Native of Essex. Stanley was vicar of St Barnabas, Sunderland from 1915 until 1929, when he became vicar of Holy Trinity, Stockton on Tees, where he remained until after 1931. Herbert and Grace children: Peggy E [Mar Q 1915 Lewisham RD].”

Herbert Brown was born in Lee in 1884 and married Grace E Pratt in 1911. They had one child Peggy, born 1915. Following the death of her husband Grace married for a second time, to Stanley L Petrie.

The Pratt Family lived in Blackmore.

Rowland Richard Pratt was born in Navestock, Essex, in 1848. His wife, Clara (nee Patmore) was born in Takeley, Essex about 1855. Rowland was the son of Charles & Charlotte Pratt. Clara was the daughter of William & Phoebe Patmore. Rowland & Clara's three children were Clifford, Ethel & Grace.

In the 1911 census we find Grace Evelyn Pratt, aged 29, living at Hay Green Farm, Blackmore.

The family comprised:

Rowland Richard Pratt. Head. Married. M. 62. Occupation: Independant [Independent]. Born: Narestork [Navestock], Essex
Clara Rebecca Pratt. Wife. Married 34 years. F. 55. Occupation: At home. Born: Lakely [Takely], Essex
Rowland Clifford Pratt. Son. Single. M. 21. Working at home on farm. Born: Doddinghurst, Essex
Grace Evelyn Pratt. Daughter. Single. F. 29. Working at home on farm. Born: Narestork [Navestock], Essex

My notes show that Rowland Pratt was a Churchwarden at the Parish Church in Blackmore in 1907. He was buried at Blackmore, 8 May 1913, aged 64.
Clara, his wife, was buried at Blackmore, 22 April 1912, aged 57.

Grace married Herbert Brown at Blackmore on 15th July 1911. . Herbert Brown, then aged 27, was an Engineer from Blackheath. His father was Ernest James Brown, a brick manufacturer. Grace Pratt, aged 30, was a Blackmore resident. Her father, Rowland Richard Pratt, describes his profession as ‘Gentleman’ [ERO D/P 266/1/12].

The Memorial Window in the south aisle of the Priory Church of St Laurence, Blackmore, records on the left side Herbert James Brown:

“I have not found so great faith in Israel.

“In memory of Herbert James Brown Lieut. Royal Welsh Fusiliers. Killed in action in Palestine Nov 6th 1917. Given by his widow. [i.e. Grace Petrie nee Brown nee Pratt]

Herbert Brown was not a Blackmore resident as far as I am aware.

Grace later married Walter Layton Petrie’s son, Stanley, of St Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland.

On the right hand of the window is inscribed:

“Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me.
“To the memory of Rowland Richard and Clara Rebecca Pratt. Given by their three children”.

The information from the 1911 census therefore confirms the identity and relationship of the people commemorated. The window was given, principally, by Grace Petrie, daughter-in-law of the serving Parish Vicar.

Blackmore: Petrie Connection?

One of the stained glass windows in the Priory Church of St Laurence Blackmore commemorates a victim of the First World War. His name is Herbert John Brown, who I think might be related to the Vicar at the time, Revd. Walter Layton Petrie. I had an E mail from Keith Doree, a descendent of WLP, so thought I would ask. Unfortunately we are not much further forward. Does anyone know the answer to solve this mystery?


7 June 2008

Hello.

Thanks very much for posting a picture of The Rev. W. Layton Petrie.

The Rev. W. Layton Petrie was my great-great-great uncle. He was the son of Charles Adolphus Petrie (1814-1893) and Ann Elizabeth Lea (1815-1907). My Great-great grandmother Lavinia Elizabeth Petrie was his elder sister. Lavinia married John Hunt Doree.

W. Layton Petrie and his wife Amelia "Minnie" Soames had a son, Stanley Layton Petrie, who was also a minister. He was vicar of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Stockton on Tees, having left the parish of St. Barnabas, Hendon, in 1929.

I don't know if Stanley had any descendants.

Regards,
Keith Doree
Sydney, Australia


8 June 2008
Response

Hello Keith.

Nice to hear from you. It's good to hear from a descendant of W Layton Petrie. I am a church member at the place where your gt-gt-gt-uncle was Vicar for 34 years so have found him, through reading minutes of meetings etc, to be an interesting character. He was hugely energetic in the restoration of his two churches at Blackmore (Essex) and nearby Norton Mandeville. (No doubt you have seen the more recent posting of a photograph taken at Blackmore Vicarage in 1902. Presumably his wife, Amelia, is sitting to his left).

During the period 1900-1920 nearly all the windows in St Laurence, Blackmore, were stained. One is a war memorial window specifically in memory of Herbert James Brown. The text on the window reads:

"I have not found so great faith in Israel.
"In memory of Herbert James Brown Lieut. Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Killed in action in Palestine Nov. 6th 1917. Given by his widow".

I found out that Herbert Brown was not a Blackmore resident but husband of a Grace E Petrie (formerly Brown) of St Barnabas Vicarage, Sunderland.

I conclude that she is related to WLP. Could you solve a problem and tell me whether this is the case please?

Regards
Andrew Smith

8 June 2008
Reply

Thanks for the reply. I had not seen a photo of my ggg uncle before, so it is terrific to see his memory and works live on. Thank you!

The Petrie family was a very interesting group. W. Layton was the youngest of 9 children, my gg grandmother being the eldest (18 years older than W. Layton). One of their siblings, Edward "Ted" Petrie was a publican and their sister Ellen "Nellie" was the wife of Rev. George C. Daw, the vicar of St. Mark's, Dalston. My gg grandmother was widowed very young and was a linen draper. She 2nd married an assistant of hers, John Doree, who was 5 years younger than she. They had 5 children, one who was named after Lavinia's first husband.

I don't find a Grace E. Petrie on the tree, although I will dig a bit deeper. I will continue to check and let you know what I find.

I am not sure who Stanley Layton Petrie's wife was. I will see if it was Grace.

I am travelling to London next week and will see my cousin who has a photo album with many Petrie’s included-- I will look for your Grace.

All best wishes,
Keith Doree


9 June 2008
Reply

Keith. Many thanks. Look forward to hearing from you.

I looked at the window this morning while in church. The left hand side is as written but the right hand side has a different commemoration.

"Behold I come quickly and my reward is with me.
"To the memory of Rowland Richard and Clara Rebecca Pratt. Given by their three children."

Any relation?
Andrew

10 June 2008
Response

Another puzzle, Andrew! I will see what I can find, but no immediate connection that I can see.

Regards,
Keith


15 August 2008
Further response

Hello, Andrew!
Well, it already seems a long time ago that I was in London. Had a wonderful time.

I haven't found a connection, but I can give you more information about the Pratt family.

Rowland Richard Pratt was born in Navestock, Essex, in 1848. His wife, Clara (nee Patmore) was born in Takeley, Essex about 1855.

Rowland was the son of Charles & Charlotte Pratt.

Clara was the daughter of William & Phoebe Patmore.

Rowland & Clara's three children were Clifford, Ethel & Grace.

I will let you know if I find anything else, but there doesn't seem to be a link to the Petrie family at the present time.

Hope you are well.
All best wishes,
Keith

Blackmore: Rededication of Church 1902 (3)

Detail from left hand side of group. The Vicar, Revd. Walter Layton Petrie, is seated fourth from the left, with his wife by his side.

Blackmore: Rededication of Church 1902 (1)

Recently I was generously given this photograph by someone clearing out a home in Blackmore. Here, seated in the back garden of the then Vicarage, are local worthies from the early twentieth century. Someone had the presence of mind to write in pencil on the back “Re-opening of Church & Presentation of Illuminated address to the Vicar. 9 June 1902.” From research I had already done on the history of Blackmore – and published in ‘Blackmore; A Short History’ - I immediately realised the significance of the event. The following is taken from the Essex Chronicle (13th June 1902), found in the Cuttle collection held at the Essex Record Office [ERO T/D 181/2/11].


“Blackmore Church Restored
Presentation to the Vicar
“One of the Bishop’s Cheery Days”

“Monday was a red-letter day among the Churchpeople of Blackmore, it being the occasion of thanksgiving and dedicatory services in connection with the restoration of the Parish Church and steeple. The work of restoration has been going on since 1898, and it has since been of a most complete character. The ancient fabric has been greatly improved, and, where possible, the repairs have been executed so as not to alter the appearance.

“The improvements, which have cost altogether about £2,500, include the entire reframing of the nave roof, which has been provided with a new oak ceiling; the north arcade has been rebuilt, and the chancel rearranged. New choir stalls of oak, a fresh heating apparatus, and a sweet-toned organ have been provided. The aisle roofs have been renewed, the north wall has been entirely rebuilt and the peculiar steeple has been practically rebuilt; the old wood being used as far as could be. All the bells have been rehung, and the tenor bell has been re-cast while chiming apparatus has been fixed. The mausoleum, too, has been removed and fitted as a side chapel, while three painted windows have been placed in the church. One of the windows is to the memory of the late Dr White, for many years the vicar’s warden, and another to the late Mr H J Barrett, who gave £300 to the steeple fund. Mr F Chancellor, of Chelmsford, was the architect. The total amount of subscription received up to the present is about £2,200. Some handsome needlework has also been given to the church by Mrs Wantheuir. A new oak pulpit, lectern and screen are among other noteworthy improvements.

“The address, which was pleasantly executed in colours by Mr F W B Stocker, of Chelmsford, recorded in thankfulness the good work of Mr Petrie’s ministry, noting especially his successful efforts in obtaining a vicarage-house and a church hall, and in carrying out the restoration of the church. It continued: “We value deeply our well-appointed and well-cared for free and open church. We are deeply sensible of the zeal and love which you have shown in the furtherance of your Master’s work, both by your pastoral labours in the church and in our homes, and we are not unminded by your kindly efforts in connection with the social side of our church life. We trust that divine blessing may rest upon your work, and that you and Mrs Petrie may long enjoy health and strength to continue your labours among us”. The presentation was organised by Miss Hull, assisted by Mr F Scrutton, Mr G White, and Mrs Knightsbridge. There were 240 subscribers, including almost every parishioner, and the subscriptions ranged from one penny upwards. The contributions were most willingly given Mr and Mrs Petrie being exceptionally popular.

“Mr Petrie, who was greeted with applause said he was more than delighted at the kind expressions of his parishioners, and he could not thank them adequately. He had only honestly tried to do his duty (Applause). It was an honour to have a hand in the repair of the ancient Priory of Blackmore. In the initial stages of the work he was considered to be a man of weak intellect (laughter) and pressure was brought to bear on him to build a new church and leave the old one as a ruin. The skill of the architect had been ably displayed by the renovation. He (Mr Petrie) believed that the right judgment had been followed. One great difficulty was the churchyard, but Mr T R Hull voluntarily gave a strip of land for its enlargement (Applause). Among the many who had extended ready assistance were Lord Salisbury, Viscountess Cranbourn, Mrs McIntoch, Miss Hull, Mrs Petrie, and the late Mr Barrett. There was also a large donation from an anonymous friend. One very poor woman gave him, unasked, threepence (Applause). Between £300 and £400 had been realised by sales &c. In conclusion, the Vicar said he and Mrs Petrie would value the testimonial as long as they lived (Applause).

“The health of the Churchwardens (Captain Wellesley Pigott J.P., and Mr F Scrutton) was drunk, and Mr Scrutton responded, saying it was a “treat to do anything for our Vicar” (Applause).

“Mr G Crowe, a Nonconformist, asked to be allowed to speak a few words. He said he attended the function because of the love and respect he had for the Vicar (Applause). He had never before given his mite with so much pleasure as he did to Mr Petrie’s testimonial (Applause). He (Mr Crowe) was not ashamed of his Nonconformity – (hear, hear) – but he was willing to “agree to differ”. He never knew a clergyman so assiduous as Mr Petrie. He had known Mr Petrie to walk miles to visit a poor person and also act as nurse (Applause).”

The challenge now is to name all the people.

Blackmore: Revd Walter Layton Petrie

Original post 29 April 2008. Revd Walter Layton Petrie was Vicar of Blackmore from 1888 to 1922, and also of Norton Mandeville. During his incumbency he was instrumental in the restoration of both churches. The photograph comes from a collection given to me which was once exhibited in the (now closed) local library. If you are a descendant, it would be good to hear from you.

Updated 8 June 2008. Keith Doree in Sydney, Australia, E mailed to say that he is related to WLP.