Will Summary for John Seymour Of Great Marlow 1567

 I obtained a will copy from the National Archives, Kew. This I transcribed to the best of my ability and then summarised here.

JOHN SEYMOUR GENTLEMAN PROVED 1567

Asked for burial in Marlow Church if he died in the Marlow area. Poor householders of the town to be paid a total of 8 shillings to carry his body to the church and put him in the grave [Such a request is common in contemporary wills]. After his burial £3 in money and 40 shillings of wheat bread to be distributed to poor householders of Marlow. Also to the poor householders for 3 score years after his death 10 loads of wood and 5 bushells of wheat.

Wife Alice executor along with Henry Samsone. She was left all goods and chattels in their St Albans house. Samsone recievers money for his pains in being an executor.

Also Alice and testator's sister Julian [a common female name at time. Not usually given to boys] to have all goods not otherwise bequeathed to use for the good of his poor kindred or other poor people. John Godwin to advise them in this charity. He to receive 5 marks himself.

Alice got the occupation and profits from the testator's farm for 49 years if she did not marry again. She was to pay the rent for it to his landlord. If she did remarry then his sister Julian, a widow, and her son got the farm instead. The wood on the farm was to be used carefully.

Julian also received £10 plus for 40 years a yearly rental income worth 20 shillings from a little close "beyond the chapel" and the paled [fenced] ground "next ?Cuthber**? ?Close? in Marlow. This was rented out to John Elgerydge.

To William Hayes son of John Hayes, skinner of London, a mead with 1 acre of arable land lying in Marlow Field which the testator bought in a parcel of land formerly chantry lands. This property was then occupied by John Mathewes a tailor at a rent of 5 shillings a year. Also to William Hayes a garden ?plot? in Dean Lane [Dean Street] with two half acres of land in the Marlow Field, also formerly chantry lands, and also in occupation of John Mathewes for the rent of 5 shillings a year.

To Joan Hawkins now wife of Hawkins a baker of London a house with one acre of land at Marlow barkside [riverside where boats AKA barks pull up] which was also formerly chantry lands. The house was rented and lived in by Leonard ?Coakes? a bricklayer. After her death to her son John Hawkins who the will says was the testator's godson.

Thomas Sandes could have the lease of Marlow's parsonage house provided he refrained from charging testator's widow Alice tithes for that farm she was to have [the right to tithes would have come with the ownership of the property].

Timber to be given to the Bridgewardens for Marlow Bridge repairs but they must pay for it to be felled and carried away*. To be kept up for 60 years, as was an annuity for the maintenance of the bridge ditto. 

Ellen wife of testator's late brother Thomas £5 and to Agnes her maid 40 shillings 

To John Bee 5 marks, and to Thomas Sandes £5. Alice Birche 20 shillings. John Redinge.... To Clemens Swetifer 20...

Gown pared with fox to William Daye. Gown pared with furs to Richard Bowyer.

John Cartel of London, salter £5. 

Joan Pyng daughter of John Pyng of St Albans a brass pot, two .... and 2 ewes 

To Austen Oxe a ?mattress?, bolster , coverlet and a pair of ?sheets?, plus 20 shillings and 4 ewes.

The vicar of Marlow 20 shillings

To "my boy" [Youth employee] Edward £5 cash and "my second gelding". Servant Richard Lommys £3, 6 shillings and 8 pence. Ellen his wife's servant 20 shillings.

*Another member of the Seymour family had previously left a house and wharf in Marlow in trust, for the repairs of the bridge. This was however subject to Chancery proceedings. 

This transcription by Charlotte Day.

© Marlow Ancestors. If reusing this work please credit this blog and link here. You are welcome to do so however.

To date this blog contains mention of approx:

3000

people from or associated with Marlow. (Dec 2021)

History of Marlow in First World War - 1916

 

Poppy Day commerations, 2020

JANUARY

- The number of public lamps lit has been gradually reducing. The ones that are lit are shaded. In the end it's decided to abandon evening church services in Marlow as a result. 

- Sapper G Willis, son of Mrs Willis of 7 Cambridge Road is awarded the DCM for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, relating to events in  December 1915. When a "gallery" collapses on Sapper Willis, it takes 2 hours to extricate him. Despite this, he returns immediately to the "extremely critical" position, which is eventually held. 

FEBRUARY

- Captain L.S.Metford, home on leave, returns to his old school, Borlase, to address the boys. He tells them about the work of the Royal Flying Corps and the many "thrilling experiences" he has had while on active service with them. 

- Not to be outdone by the musical RAMC and their public concerts at Marlow, the Royal Engineers stationed here put on a "popular entertainment" in the Public Hall. So many people try to get in that the doors are closed and many people turned away. As the purpose is to raise funds for the Red Cross, it's decided to repeat the entertainment the next day so the disappointed Marlovians can have the chance to gain admission. 

- The vicar decides it would be a good idea to insure All Saints against the risk posed by aircraft, military or otherwise. This will cost a steep £17 so he issues an appeal for donations. 

- The Petty Sessions see their first case of someone appearing before them accused of not shading the lights in their home so they could not shine outside. Unfortunately for Annie Coventry of Chapel Street, it's decided to make an example of her as the first offender, and she is fined £1. However it's likely she would have recieved a higher fine anyway as Inspector West said she used "very bad language" and had not shaded the light when asked, or answered the door when he returned. Annie said she'd been busy putting the children to bed and didn't even know what the regulations were - at which point it was pointed out the poster explaining them was 200 yards from her home

MARCH 

- The Marlow tribunal begins regular meetings, usually at the Institute. Their job is to decide on applications made by men for a deferral or cancellation of call up for military service. It's headed by local Urban District Council chairman Mr J Langley, with other members being local tradesman. There is of course a military representative (sometimes two) present. Many of the exemptions granted are temporary and allow agricultural labourers to delay service until essential farm work has been completed. Others ask to be excused on the ground they are self employed and no one else can do the business. Some employers ask for the only man who knows how to operate a paticular piece of machinery to be allowed to stay home, with varying degrees of success. The military representative often answers that a woman could be bought in to do the job of a man an employer thinks is essential. On one occasion, when told by one such business that the job could not be suitable for a woman, the military man holds up a picture of a woman already performing the manual role successfully elsewhere, causing laughter all round. 

APRIL

- After a gale, the Royal Engineers in town are put to good use removing 5 fallen trees that block Oxford Road, as well as others in Spinfield Lane. 

JUNE

- Lillian Bowles, Lillian Bowler, and Mary Jane Langley are fined 4s each for stealing sausages and currants from the larder of the Royal Engineers Officers mess at Quarry Wood House. They say they did it as a joke. 

- The Royal Engineers stationed in Marlow stand in for the absent Grenadier Guards, who last year paraded before their former commander, General Sir George Higginson. The occasion now is his 90th birthday. He inspects the ranks as the soldiers line up on the Meadow opposite Sir George's Henley Road home, Gyldernscroft. 

- The riverside is busy as the Royal Engineers construct a pontoon bridge across the Thames to facilitate the passage of troops and heavy equipment. But following a period of heavy rain the pontoons become treacherously muddy and the situation quickly becomes dangerous. The horses pulling the cable cart of the 1st Signal Corps of the RE struggle to maintain their footing, and one stumbles, falling into the water. The horse harnessed with it is also dragged under, along with several men who narrowly escape with their lives. The two horses are not so lucky, and are drowned despite the frantic efforts of onlookers. A little later, the tragedy is almost repeated during the crossing of the pontoon bridge by the Kings Royal Rifles. A horse slips and slides into the water, with the water cart it was hauling. Sapper Morrison, of the 23rd Company Royal Engineers miraculously manages to cut the horse free of its harness, while underwater, dodging the plunging hooves. For a few moments, everyone believe that Sapper Morrison is drowned as the churning of water by the panicked horse makes it impossible to see him. But he makes it to the river bank, as does happily the horse. Morrison is praised for his courage and quick thinking. 

- The Royal Engineers hold a memorial service in All Saints in honour of the late Lord Kitchener. They had originally planned to hold a large outdoor event in Colonel's Meadow but the weather is awful so they settle on a parade with the band through town before the service. 

- The parochial roll of honour, showing men of the parish who have left to serve "king and country" is now hanging in the porch of All Saints. It lists 1,100 men of whom 54 are believed dead. The latter names are added to a tablet within the church. 

- On happier note, Royal Engineers still at Marlow are able to enjoy another sports day, this one followed by a dance. 

- All eyes are on Bisham where a military aeroplane descends into a field. A large crowd gathers as always, despite the planes short stay - to do a slight repair. 

JULY -

- Residents unaware of munitions work being conducted at the Brewery will now know about it thanks to reports of men engaged in work there being exempted from call up on those grounds. 

- More river sports for the Royal Engineers as well as cricket matches at the Marlow Cricket ground. Our home counties Royal Engineers play the East Anglians who are camped at Bourne End. They loose but are compensated by the "ladies of Marlow" entertaining them at tea. 

- 100 members of the 3rd home counties Royal Engineers leave Marlow for the Front. Another contingent head by train to Bourne End where they will stay in camp. All the leaving soldiers are proceeded by a band on their march through town. Marlow people immediately know what the sound of this music means by now and come out to line the streets as the men say farewell. 

AUGUST

- General Sir George Higginson, gives a speech to the boys of Borlase on their prize giving day. He tells them he hopes none could now go to sleep at night without a thought for those "maintaining the honour of King and Country in other lands".

-Gertrude Clayton, district representative of the Bucks agricultural committee writes a letter about their work to the local press. She appeals to those who could provide useful war work to those men exempted from armed service on grounds of conscientious objection, to come forward. She also says that farmers wanting to employ woman on the land could apply to the registrar of the Marlow district at the Old Parsonage.

- Mrs Damant, of West End Gardens, receives a heart breaking letter from Canon Phillips Smith of The Lee, relating to the death of her son Sidney. Canon Smith says Sidney died while trying to save the life of his own son Charles. Sidney had gone to bring back Charles, who had been wounded. Sadly both were killed but Canon Smith wished to thank Sidney's parents for his "courage and devotion to my beloved son." "It is hard for me to write more.."

- The home counties Royal Engineers left at Marlow leave Marlow for a short camp at Bourne End where they will stay for 3 weeks to undergo pontoon training. 

- The first wounded soldiers arrive at Little Marlow Manor house which has been loaned by Mrs Bradish Ellames for use as a convalescent home. 

SEPTEMBER

- The Home Counties Royal Engineers have formed a football team and will play games at Crown Meadow (Now Riley Recreation ground) for the rest of their stay, becoming a popular fixture as it's been a long time since the Marlow football teams have been able to play. 

- a number of local people report hearing the dull boom of guns in Marlow. Later they realise it occurred at the time of an Zeppelin air raid at Wycombe. Railway passengers there claim to see the Zeppelin shot down in flames. Initially there is doubt about whether this successful hit can be true, but the downing is said to be confirmed by those on West Wycombe hills as well as some soldiers at Wycombe. They say they saw the Zeppelin illuminated by the searchlights, before bursting into flame. It seemed to remain stationary for a moment, then began to descend, looking like a "red hot cigar".

- Gyldernscroft in Henley Road hosts a fete in aid of the Red Cross, raising £200. 

- The home counties Royal Engineers at Marlow start a mixed hockey team for officers and local ladies. They will become a popular feature, and play at Star Meadow (off Wycombe Rd, part of it becoming the Marlow FC ground.) 

OCTOBER - 

- The Maidenhead Military Football league has begun and Marlow's teams formed from the Home Counties Royal Engineers take part enthusiastically. 

- The family of Sergeant CV Austin of the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry allow the publication of a letter recieved by them relating to their son. The young soldier, age 23, had been reported wounded and missing in July. He became a German POW and died of his wounds in captivity. His parents then recieved the letter from Ivor Stewart Liberty who knew the circumstances of their sons injury and capture. He said both Austin and himself  had been hurt in the same attack. Austin could see that Ivor was severely wounded and despite his own injuries, crawled to his assistance. While bandaging Ivor's wounds, he was hit again, this time in the back and could not survive this last. Ivor wrote "he gave his life for a fellow soldier. Marlow may well be proud of him."

- Marlow Congregational Church lend their hall to recreation club of the Royal Engineers stationed in town. 

NOVEMBER 

- Marlow Fair is held as usual, in the Star Meadow. (It stopped occupying the streets of the Town Centre in 1903, to the delight of some and to the sadness of others). 

DECEMBER 

-The list of Marlow men fallen now stands at 92 names with 100 more reported wounded and 7 recorded as a prisoner of war. 

- On Christmas Day, the parents of Lieutenant John Bath, receive news that their 23 year old son had been killed in action on the 22nd. He is the son of All Saints organist Dr Bath of Newfield, and the news is broken to the congregation during the service. He had been back at the front for less than a month after returning to Marlow on leave. 

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

For a post on Marlow in 1914 see here, 

1915 here 

1917   here

1918 here

Brewery First World War Memorial tablet here

To find people of interest on the blog choose the Person Index on the drop down menu.

The 1890's Flu Pandemic in Marlow

In early 1890, doctors in Marlow were becoming aware that the flu epidemic in London was rapidly spreading through the home counties and it could only be a matter of time before Marlow fell victim. They had seen a great number of smaller scale epidemics, notably measles and scarlet fever, and were probably relatively sanguine about another. Flu was not infrequently found in our neighbourhood, and a few seasonal cases were inevitable. In February, Henley was reported to be in the grip of the latest outbreak, and by May the Chesham Examiner said the town was undergoing an "invasion of influenza". Although this initial outbreak is supposed to have lasted only a couple of months, it would return in at least two further waves. Marlow's illness peaks do not always neatly fit with the national pattern. Based on local reports of those suffering and not just dying, it seems that the principle danger period in Marlow began in December 1891 and continued into the following spring. 

The first cases of what would become known as Russian flu or Asian flu, are believed to have reached the UK from Europe in 1899. It eventually spread throughout the world, and is believed to be responsible for around 1 million deaths in the early 1890's. Local newspapers here reported a belief that the first British cases had been seen in Devon and Cornwall although modern sources believe London is a more likely place. 

Initially, the doctors reporting here to local authorities were pleased to say that despite the flu, the death rate had not risen. The reason that the flu was causing such alarm, was the severity of the symptoms, which were clearly different from the ordinary strain. Doctors had quickly identified that the illness appeared to attack the central nervous system and could initiate extreme depression, lethargy, and an inability to sleep. It was also characterised by severe muscle pain, and sharp pains in the eyes. 

Contemporary reports said two common early symptoms were a sudden sharp frontal headache, the pain in the eyes, and a "nervous depression". Others reported vertigo and nausea coming on suddenly. A high fever followed, lasting 2-4 days, with aching limbs, and often insomnia. A gastric variation, causing frequent vomiting was also reported, mainly affecting children.

Doctors at St Thomas hospital, London quoted in our local newspapers, felt the eye pain was especially characteristic, with even the slightest movement causing discomfort. They noticed that a reddening of the conjunctiva seemed to prelude the otherwise sudden onset of symptoms and so suspected the disease would enter the body through the eyes. 

These unpleasant symptoms caused the disease to be "much dreaded" by those who had not yet experienced it first hand. As a result local authorities elsewhere in the country were reportedly threatening to impose hefty £5 fines on those with influenza who "exposed" themselves outside. (E.G in Walmer and Ashford in Kent)  No quarantine requirements were however made of others who had come in close contact with the infected person.

Among the first prominent Marlow fatalities, in April 1891, was the "genial and kindly" John Hoddinott of The Fishermens Retreat hotel in St. Peters Street.  After a "sharp attack" he succumbed to congestion of the lungs. The Maidenhead Advertiser, in noting his death, remarked that John had been held in "great regard and esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance".

The press contained many reports of how quickly the illness could develop. In Marlow, 2 year old Horace William Campbell, was described as being as "lively as a cricket" on a Tuesday before falling ill the following afternoon, and dying on the Friday. He was the only child of Richard and Annie Lucy of Avonmore.

 It also factored in the death of those already suffering poor health, such as High street chemist Rosa Calcutt of Little Marlow (nee Cannon). A late attack of influenza was thought to bring Rosa to such a state of exhaustion that she could not survive an operation. The latter was performed as a desperate attempt  to help with a long term and medically puzzling internal complaint.

Dr Telvey, quoted by the Reading Mercury, reminded readers that for most people the disease was mild in it's long term affects and recovery quick. He expected those who retired for immediate bed rest to be able to carry on their usual business in 10-14 days after the symptoms first appeared. It was not something in his opinion that deserved the "excessive apprehension upon which in some quarters it is regarded". He did acknowledge that for the infirm and the aged, the Russian flu did constitute a "real danger".  

It seemed to affect all classes although the advice to stay in bed was obviously easier to follow for those who could afford to have servants managing their household. At the other end of the social scale, the master of Maidenhead Workhouse in December 1891 reported a "terrible fortnight" after almost all the female residents, as well as the matron, laundress and nurse were stricken down. Two adult residents  died as a result of the outbreak. 

It showed no sign of abating locally throughout January 1892, despite hopes expressed that the cold would suppress the virus. In fact, the Reading Mercury said it appeared to be spreading at an alarming rate in the Marlow district, and indeed throughout the world, the doctors having "great difficulty" in attending all the patients. An elderly lady in Marlow had died of flu just before the paper was published. However, just a couple of weeks later, the same paper reported the virus appeared to be coming less virulent. Not a moment too soon for local businesses who reported having scarcely enough hands available to do their work. It was this month that the Queen's 28 year old grandson, the Duke of Clarence, died two weeks after falling ill with the virus.

Sadly, the flu was back in Marlow at the end of 1893, with Mrs Somers Cocks of Lymbrook (previously Thames Bank) counting among the fatalities. This outbreak was thankfully more short-lived. 

While the doctors could not always agree on the causes of the flu, the advice on how to treat it was a little more universal. Bed rest, a liquid food diet, and an avoidance of draughts usually figured. The South Bucks Standard advised a tincture of Quinine as a useful remedy if not a complete cure. 

Interestingly, reported relapses or reinfections seem to have been quite common. A Dr Parsons, quoted in The Daily News, said a resurgence of symptoms was frequent 10-14 days after the  first attack, which he put down to an exposure to cold before a total recovery had been made. It seems initial infection did not give much immunity. 

The grave of flu victim John Hoddinott, (d.1st May 1891 aged 63) along with wife Elizabeth who died June 23 1916 age 84

Grave of Horace William Campbell tiny victim of the flu pandemic.

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

SOURCES/FURTHER READING 

Henley Advertiser - February 1st 1890, held in British Library archive, and accessed via the BNA November 2020. 

Chesham Examiner, May 14 1890, as above. 

Maidenhead Advertiser - May 6, June 24, December 30, 1891. January 4 1892, December 13 1893 - as above

South Bucks Standard - June 26, December 11 1891, as above. 

Reading Mercury - January 9, 16 1892 - as above

Bucks Herald  - January 16 1892 - as above

For an overview of the outbreak in Europe see International medical Journal of Experimental and Clinical Research

This 

See Here for Guardian article about the possibility of the virus having crossed from cattle to humans as a form of coronavirus.

To find people of interest on the blog choose the Person Index on the drop down menu. To read more posts about everyday life in old Marlow and other medical related posts, see the post listing here

©MarlowAncestors. You are welcome to quote from this research for family or local history purposes if you credit this blog and link back here so my sources also remain credited.

Another view of Horace Campbell's grave.

Great Marlow in the First World War - 1915

JANUARY 

 - The Marlow War Relief Committee decide to form a Marlow unit for the Bucks Battalion of the Volunteer Defence force. This will give military training to men too old to join up, or who work in exempted occupations for example. They will be put to work in various tasks such as guarding depots and assisting the special police. 

 - The Institute (later the building used as Marlow Library) decide to allow any Marlow men on active service free use of their facilities while they are on leave. This means access to a library, billiards table and other games. 

FEBRUARY

- At Walter Davies shop in the High Street you can see a war trophy on display. A German officers helmet was bought to England by an invalided officer and can now be seen in the shop. 

MARCH

- The new commanding officer of the Volunteer Defence Force is Arthur L Lawrence and 80 members are enrolled already. 

MAY 

- News circulates around town that the Grenadier guards will arrive at Bovingdon Green toward the end of the month. However their arrival is delayed because anti German riots in London necessitate their presence.

JUNE 

- 1,200 members of the 3rd Battalion of Grenadier Guards finally arrive at Marlow. They have come from the Wellington Barracks, on the 3rd/4th, with the usual fanfare and excited crowds stopping in the streets to cheer them in. A photographer captures the arrival of the main body of men on the 4th and it's made available as a postcard. The first train carrying troops arrives at 10.40, the second 11.45 Am. General Sir George Higginson is amongst those who turn out to witness the event, and he receives their salute. They march to Bovingdon Green where they will stay 7 weeks. Anyone who missed the troops arrival will have plenty of opportunities to see them march, as they proceed almost every morning to the long established firing range opposite Quarry woods for shooting practice. The 4th Battalion are initially expected to follow the 3rd to Marlow within a week or 2. They dig trenches but are they the training ones? See 1914. 

- A depot for the National Egg Collection is opened at 71 High Street to collect eggs to provide food for soldiers in hospital both at home and in France. Anyone keeping chickens can donate surplus eggs there. 

- The 3rd Battalion of Grenadier Guards march to Gyldernscroft in Henley Rd to honour of their former commander, General Sir George Higginson's, 89th birthday. The children of Bovingdon Green school have the honour of accompanying the Guards and the latters Drum and Fife band. 

JULY -

- Grenadier Guards in camp at Marlow host a boxing championship, the first of many sporting events to be held there. Later, the guards host "river sports" on the Thames. A large crowd, deprived of the chance to attend the usual Marlow Regattas, attend. Marlow Rowing Club puts their premises at the soldiers disposal and Mr Meakes loans some skiffs for their use. Popular with crowds are the swimming races, officers jousting on canoes and a hotly contested aquatic tug of war. A band from the Guards keeps everyone entertained throughout the afternoon from their position on the rowing club lawn. 

- 700 men from Marlow are now reported to be on active service. 

 - 3rd Battalion of Grenadier Guards leave Bovingdon Green, on the 20th after declaring the camp the best in England. Several wives and sweethearts walk by the side of the departing men as they make their way to the station. Other women are seen to give out cigarettes to the soldiers. Crowds throng the station, and the platform is closed. But enterprising ladies infiltrate the goods yard and manage to keep the men in sight a little longer. The men are replaced the following day by the 4th Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, who arrive by train and march through the town to Bovingdon Green. A special train also brings from London 200 members of the RAMC complete with ambulances. Officers take houses within the town. 

- On the 24th, another 400 members of the Grenadier Guards arrive at Marlow, while 100 leave for duty on the front. 

- Farmers at the Marlow Cattle Market hold sale in aid of Red Cross funds - with many animals selling well above usual rates and several put immediately back up for sale to be bid upon again. 

- A number of famous though unnamed London "artistes" travel down to Bovingdon Green to take part in a concert for the troops camped there. Hosted in the substantial YMCA tent. 

AUGUST

-Many Grenadier Guards move out of Marlow.  A company of the 5th Grenadier Guards and the (3rd) 5th London Field Ambulance (RAMC) remain at Bovingdon Green in camp.

- HRH the Prince of Wales makes brief surprise visit to the camp in his capacity as officer in the Grenadier Guards. 

- Anyone passing Marlow Lock is buttonholed by the energetic Miss Gladys Meakes who is selling miniature flags to boating people in aid of the Red Cross. 

- Hooks Farm hosts a military sports day and gymkhana for the 5th Battalion of Grenadier Guards at Marlow, and the RAMC ditto. In common with most of these events at Marlow, civilians attend in droves, paying a small entry fee of 1 shilling which is collected to raise funds for the Red Cross. Men in armed forces uniform can attend free. Some races are more serious than others, with a three legged race causing much amusement. More than 200 injured soldiers in regional hospitals are invited to attend, including wounded servicemen recovering at Cliveden. Some arrive by river, others by road. Although pubs in Bovingdon Green are technically not supposed to serve them, many are seen to be worse for wear during the day. The landlord of the Jolly Cricketers - Francis Styles - will be fined £5 for serving these soldiers. 

- Ladies and men volunteer to carry out national registration, which means delivering 3,500 forms to households in Marlow area. 

- An open air meeting is held in the Market Square to encourage every man able to fight to register his interest in doing so. Speakers use a flag draped lorry - loaned from the Brewery - as a platform. Among them is General Sir George Higginson who says war will only end when England and her allies come out victorious. The event ends with cheers for serving men and the Allies as well as the singing of the National Anthem. 

- Members of Wycombe VAD  march to Bovingdon Green to see the training trenches which have been made on the "most modern scientific principles." The trenches therefore pre date the arrival of the Royal Engineers during war time but the Grenadiers were said to be digging trenches in June - see above. 

SEPTEMBER

- Bovingdon Green sees yet more military sports, this time courtesy of the RAMC. Amongst competitive running races, and long and high jump events, can be found mounted wrestling competitions, egg and spoon dashes and a costume race won by a man dressed as a undertaker. 

- They also hold a river sports day, with swimming, punting, and a greasy pole climbing competition. The officers and their friends are invited to watch from the lawn of Marlow Rowing Club while others line the traditional regatta viewing spot - Marlow Bridge. After the last race, all competitors and officers are given a celebratory tea by the Rowing club following a prize giving. 

 - The RAMC  hold a fund raising concert in aid of their YMCA tent at the Bovingdon camp, one of many they will organise.

- The 2nd Welsh Guards are reported to also be at Bovingdon along with Grenadier Guards and RAMC. 

- The Bucks Examiner prints extracts from a moving letter from ex Marlow football player Sergeant H Hawkes to his wife, from his hospital bed at a military hospital at Netley. Hawkes had a miraculous escape, having been shot through the neck while fighting in the Dardanelles. "I must say I thought of you all when I lay there in the moonlight with hundreds of dead and wounded around me". The man from the Red Cross who had come to his aid, was sadly shot through the head and killed as he tended Sergeant Hawke. 

OCTOBER 

- Mr and Mrs Owens of 62 West Street receive special letter of sympathy from King and Queen after the death of the third of their sons in action. 

- The Welsh Guards leave Bovingdon  on the 2nd. 

- On the 23rd, the sounds of the Grenadier Guards Drum and Fife band marching through the town centre gives warning to any Marlow resident who hasn't heard the news - the Grenadier Guards are moving out. They leave from Marlow station as the band plays patriotic songs. The RAMC and 26th Fusiliers Bankers Battalion remain.

NOVEMBER

- 50 Marlow men are reported as killed or missing presumed killed so far. 

- The 26th Royal Fusiliers Bankers Battalion and (3rd) 5th RAMC are reported to still be in camp at Marlow. The former has formed a brass band and gives first performance at one of the many military football matches held at Marlow, on this occasion on Borlase playing fields. 

 - A fearsome gale at the end of the month sees numerous tents belonging to the camped soldiers upturned. They seek shelter in the YMCA tent before many get temporarily billeted within the town the following day. The RAMC billet themselves in The Old House and one adjoining while other troops occupy locations including the Institute (now Marlow Library), the Armoury (Institute Rd) and in the High Street  - "the old Lloyd bank" and the unused shop of Mr Martin plus the former boys school in The Causeway (now the church hall)

- The 26th Royal Fusiliers Bankers Battalion leave Marlow for Essex. They take with them a number of Marlow men who joined them during their Marlow stay. 

DECEMBER

- Three field companies of the Home Counties Royal Engineers Territorial force arrive in Marlow. They are quartered in empty houses and halls. About 450 men in total are housed.

- The RAMC leave Marlow after a long stay, giving a farewell concert that ends in an emotional singing of Auld Lang Syne. They had remained quartered at The Old House and an adjacent property after the gale last month partially destroyed their camp. 

- Busy scenes were reported at the Marlow recruiting office where 150 Marlow men are "attested for grouping under Lord Derby's scheme" 

- At the AGM of the Brewery, it is revealed that 44 of their employees are currently serving, and that 4 others had been found medically unfit for service. They are at this time executing a "considerable order" for shells having moved some of their production over to munitions. Company Engineer V B Butt supervised this work. 

The drinking fountain memorial to Charles Frohman who drowned in the sinking of the Lusitania. Sometimes called the Marlow Mermaid, but she has feet! 

For a post on Marlow in 1914 see here, 1916 here 1917 here 

1918 here

Brewery First World War Memorial tablet Here

To read other posts relating to Marlow's military history or everyday life here in the past, see the post listing here

Researched and written by Kathryn Day

©MarlowAncestors. You are very welcome to use this research for family or local history purposes if you credit this blog and provide a link back here. 

So far this blog contains mention of

3000

People from or associated with Marlow.

1833 Great Marlow Parochial Assessment Part Two

 Updated by Charlotte October 2023

The original handwritten working notebooks used to compile the parochial assessment have been in my family for a time but are now very fragile so I thought I'd better transcribe them for posterity. The books were used for corrections to this information up to circa 1839 and include slotted in correspondence on the issue.

This is part 2 of many parts dealing with the houses and buildings. 

Post by Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are very welcome to quote from / use this transcription for family and local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Town houses and buildings

High Street, West side continued

Format is =

Name

Description of property

Annual value

Any notes or comments from me in square brackets

John Meadows [a draper. Retired 1839]

Dwelling house and garden

£8

Stable and loft 

10 shillings

Barn

£1

Shops and dwelling house

£14

*****

Ralfs [only bit of name given] [property owned by the family from before 1826]

Dwelling house, yard and large garden

£22

*****

Mayor [Again this is the whole name given. Almost certainly a butcher].

House and garden

£6

*****

Susannah Clark [Grocer and tea dealer who also ran a coach. Her stagecoach was the first vehicle to cross Marlow suspension bridge when it opened. Present here 1830. Widow.]

House and garden

£8

*****

John Broome [he seems out of his proper place in the assessment. Died aged 89 in 1845. John was of Irish birth and had spent 26 years in the East Indies before returning to England in 1807. This return date precludes him from being the John Broome of Westthorpe Little Marlow in 1793]

House and garden

£11

*****

Robert Colbourne [Surgeon. I have a copy of the will of a Robert Colbourne that is this man's father. A transcription of it is here].

House, yard, stable, pleasure ground and garden

£26

*****

James Field [he ran a school, was a tailor and became Post Master. The wills of himself and his wife are available on the blog here].

Dwelling House, school room, offices and garden

£22

*****

William Harding [shoemaker and beerseller]

The Turks Head beershop [also known as the Saracen's Head], house, yard and garden

£10

*****

James Maclean [tin plate worker and ironmonger].

House, shop, and garden

£13

*****

Samuel Carter [shoemaker]

House, yard and garden

£15

*****

Richard Hawkins

House and other buildings

£12

****

Joseph Grey [a tailor]

House

£6

*****

John Moss 

House, Kitchen with room over Smith's shop, stable, large workshop, sheds, yards, foundry, gardens and part of house adjoining [John and his wife are the subject of a biographical post on the blog here. His main business premises described above as workshops, foundry etc were down by the Mills later and I thought at this time too but he is listed High Street which was his home address so not sure. He also a little later rented some arable land, stables etc in Spittal Street]

£21

Barn and part of a yard by the Meeting House [Oxford Road]

£2 10 shillings

Gardens by Oxford Lane [modern Oxford Road]

£3

*****

James Coster

House and garden

£12

******

To be continued

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Potlands (Now Portland's Alley)

 This is thought to be a very old right of way, leading towards the river from West Street. A 1760s map shows it almost as a roadway but in the 1600s it was a footway used as a short cut to the Parish Church. The "Potlands" which gave the way its name was described in the late 1600s as two closes of arable land (seems to be the modern West Street carpark and what later became the walled vegetable garden of Remnantz, now built over both to the right of you if you are in the the alley and facing away from West Street which is the same direction from which this photograph was taken) with this alley running beside it called The Way To Potlands or Potlands Lane or simply The Footway To The Church or Church Lane* before that. There was a style from the footway / alley / lane giving access to those closes of arable next to it. 

There are shown a few buildings beside the lane on the 1760s map but you can't tell what sort of usage they were put to. By the 1820s however there were certainly cottages, sheds and workshops on what is now the car park. They were small and higgledy piggledy in lay out, hidden from West Street by a row of tiny cottages facing out onto West Street. Some of these were owned by Owen Wethered in the 1830s. I am aware of some other owners and residents in the earlier 1800s too. These cottages, and all those on Potlands are long gone.

It was a reasonably poor area, though not the poorest in Marlow. The cottages in Potlands did not receive running water until 1902/3. It was however an area well served by wells. 

* Church Lane can also refer to Church Passage

See who was living Potlands in 1833 here

A detailed post about the 1800s people of Potlands is available here. A higher than normal proportion of the men there worked as gardeners, domestic and market. 

To find people of interest to you on the blog choose the Person Index on the drop down menu. More West Street content can be found on this menu.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use my research with credit.

Uniacke Gravestone Marlow

 

All Saints Churchyard- very close to the river edge . Photographed 2018.

Sir Herbert Uniacke. (Lt General)

Photo by Charlotte Day.

To find people of interest to you on the blog choose the Person Index on the drop down menu.

©Marlow Ancestors. Reproduction welcome with credit.

Items dug up West Street garden in 1980's and 1990"s

From Remnantz kitchen garden, a small selection

Glass bottle stoppers, from Remnantz Kitchen garden and under former tennis courts there

Above, some of very many clay pipe stems to be found in West Street gardens when digging. 

Above, found West street garden, adjacent Remnantz. Dated 1724. 

 Some of the broken clay pipe stems still smelt of tobacco. Someone lost a lot of keys! There were several lockable gates and doors leading from one part of the garden to another, as well as those giving entry to outbuildings such as the dairy and the numerous side entrances. You would need 23 keys alone to cover all of the above! If you add in house keys...

To read about Stephen Remnant who most likely gave his name to the house see the post here

And life for the cadets at Royal Military Academy junior branch here

©Marlow Ancestors

Will Summary Catherine Suthery of Great Marlow 1820

 CATHERINE SUTHERY WIDOW WILL WRITTEN AND PROVED 1820. See research notes below.

Says she of sound mind and whole understanding.

All wearing apparel to her servant Mary Loftin.

After debts and funeral expenses paid everything left equally to John Mossenton cordwainer of Great Marlow and Thomas Rolls draper of the same and their heirs forever. Includes the house where testator lived and a cottage next to it occupied by Widow Davis.

John and Thomas are the will's executors.

Catherine made a mark rather than signed.

Witnesses: Francis Hickman, William Westbrook and Henry Goldsmith.

Research notes:

Catherine was the widow of Chapel Street grocer Joseph Suthery. The cottages referred to in the will were in Chapel Street. Her husband left them to her for life then to his Anderson nephews. It isn't clear then why Catherine leaves the property to Mossenton and Rolls as they weren't within her ability to bequeath. A widow Anderson occupied the former Suthery home in 1833.

Catherine was Catherine Bird at marriage. 

Thomas Rolls had premises in the High Street. John Mossenton was based in Chapel Street. William Westbrook was a Market Square butcher. Henry Goldsmith was an attorney.

More Marlow will summaries indexed here

Transcribed by me from a will held at the National Archives Kew and summarised here.

 ©Marlow Ancestors. You may freely copy this transcription with credit to this blog and a link here.

Great Marlow in the First World War - 1914

 

AUGUST

3rd - The streets of Marlow are busy as crowds gather to watch the arrival of the advance party of what will be no less than 3,700 men of Berks, Bucks, Oxford and Gloucestershire battalions of the South Western Infantry Brigade (territorials). They will be attending their annual training camp at Bovingdon Green. The arrival of the territorials had been delayed and uncertain, to the consternation of local traders who looked forward to a significant boost to trade whenever soldiers encamped in the area. The Marlow men march straight to camp, others will arrive by train. A band plays music to welcome the arrivals at the station. The site has previously been used for military purposes. For example, in Autumn 1913, the Grenadier Guards had held their annual training camp at Bovingdon Green and Marlow Common. 

 4TH - War on Germany declared. The men encamped at Bovingdon received immediate orders to up sticks and return to their barrack to await further instructions. They leave quickly early the next morning, before most residents are awake.

- Work to commandeer local horses for military service begins, to the annoyance of some. 

- 39 extra special constables are sworn in at a special sitting of the Marlow Petty Sessions. 

- the Marlow War Relief Commitee has first meeting, in the Institute (now the Library) John Langley is elected its head. It has a Recruiting sub committee too. Its purpose is to coordinate with the district and national war relief fund to raise money to deal with cases for relief and other emergencies caused by war. 

- A Belgian flag is flown from the flagpole in the Enclosure (the Causeway)

SEPTEMBER - 

- Armed forces recruitment ad appears in local newspapers and in posters pasted up around the town. 100,000 men are needed, age 19-35, or up to age 45 if an ex soldier or to age 50 if former NCO. Any man wishing to sign up could head to the post office to find details of nearest active recruiting officer or they could head to any military barracks and volunteer in person (The recruiting officer was Col. Sergt. H. Frith of Maisonette, Newtown, Marlow). Anyone under 5ft 6" in height or who didn't meet the minimum chest measurement would have their services declined for now. Frith sends a large contingent of men to Oxford to join the new army almost immediately. Most pass their medical exam. 

- Open air recruitment meeting is held in the Market Square. A very large attendance is reported. Patriotic music is played before and after rousing speeches by among others, Sir George Higginson. He urges women to exhort their menfolk to enlist. (Marlow had had a branch of the National Service League from at least 1910. They campaigned for compulsory military service during peacetime for males, in the Territorials. Woman could also join this league to promote it).

- The sight of a new Army Farman Biplane flying over the town causes "considerable excitement". Even more so when the plane descends and lands in a meadow near the station, in order to complete some minor repairs. During its stay of about an hour, an eager crowd gathers. Dr Dickson hosts the two pilots - Lieutenant Gould and Sergeant Barr from Hendon - to tea before they continue on their way to Brooklands. Before they leave, they make several passes over the town. A few days later, many residents rush outside to see another bi-plane pass over town. 

- Marlow football club suspends playing of matches, some of the team already having enlisted. The other minor Marlow football clubs such as Marlow Wednesday and Marlow United follow suit.

- The parish church announces that until further notice the first verse of the national anthem will be sung immediately before the blessing. 

- The Marlow Urban district council display a "roll of honour" in their offices at 59, High Street. This lists Marlow men on active service, including those who were already serving when war broke out. On September 26, the roll lists 250 names, of whom 100 had enlisted since the war began. The list includes 7 members of the Bowles family.

- The War Relief Committee have a depot in Victoria Road where needlework tasks can be assigned to the woman of Marlow who have already lost their employment as a result of the war - and who are not in reciept of any other aid. The materials produced are to provide hospitals and similar institutions with the items they need. Much of the work will be to make clothing which will be distributed by the Red Cross. They also aim to offer first aid and nursing training.

Applications to Mrs Dickson, The Gables. [Wife of Dr John Dunbar Dickson]

- A Marlow private in the Royal Berks writes home and describes his experience at the Battle of Mons as "too awful to describe". He is injured in the leg. 

- A German Army reservist is reported detained at Marlow. They are subsequently sent to a Military Aliens camp at Newquay. 

OCTOBER

- The bullet extracted from the shoulder of Private H Tubb at the Battle of Aisne is on display in the window of the shop of Walter Davis in the High Street. He is recovering in hospital at Wandsworth.

NOVEMBER

- A Marlow committee organised to support and house Belgian refugees has now recieved 25 Belgian nationals aged from 3 weeks old to a grandmother. They are placed in a house in Glade Road, given over solely to their use as well as in the homes of volunteers. 

- Three members of Marlow fire brigade have passed their Red Cross Ambulance training and fitness assessments and are now serving on the front (Toovey, Faulkner and Clisby).

DECEMBER

- It's confirmed that the first 25 wounded soldiers, all Belgians, have arrived at Bisham Abbey which has been turned into a Red Cross hospital.

- Special prayers said at Christmas services in parish churches. 

Written and researched by Kathryn Day.

For other posts on Marlow in the First World War, see here: 1915 1916 1917 1918

First world war memorial tablet at the Brewery Here

To find an ancestor look at the Person Index option on the drop down menu for all mentions of them on the blog.

To read other posts relating to Marlow's military history or everyday life here in the past, see the post listing here

SOURCES / FOR FURTHER RESEARCH :

Bucks Herald August 15, September 5, 22 & 26 1914, copies held at the British Library Archive accessed online via the BNA November 2020.

Reading Mercury February 14, September 5th and 12th 1914, as above.  

Bucks Herald Oct 10th & November 7 1914 as above.

War Weekly, November 1914

South Bucks Standard - April 15 1910, as above.

© Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to quote from this research providing you link back here to retain credit to this blog and the the original sources used for research.