A history of the Wesleyans at Marlow

Given the Marlow Victorian Wesleyans campaigns for total abstinence it's amusing that part of their chapel premises was built on the site of a small brewery. No doubt they thought this was a good conversion of use for the land! As we have covered most of the other chapels and churches within the town, it's the turn of the Wesleyan's to be featured.  

John Wesley in town 

John Wesley recorded preaching at Great Marlow in 1742. His subject was the "Pharisee and the publican." He had not divined that Marlow would soon be known for it's large number of licenced premises per head of publication. The publican he refers to was a public official, in that case a tax collector. Wesley was not always welcomed when he arrived to preach but his reception seems to have been mild at Marlow. The next day he was at Windsor where a considerable rabble declared they wouldn't let him preach. He did manage to do so however as fortunately for Wesley, some of those intending to disrupt proceedings had gone to a nearby fair to buy fire crackers. While there they got into a brawl and were arrested before they had a chance to go back and test their aim on Wesley. There isn't any evidence of a deluge of recruits to Methodism after this visit, in fact it wasn't for 60-70 years that there was a real start for the Wesleyans here. 

Preaching under a tree..and in a barn

Sgt George Cole of the junior branch of the Royal Military Academy at Great Marlow (at Remnantz in West Street) was the man later credited with starting the Wesleyan movement in Marlow. A staunch Methodist himself, he was disappointed to find no place of worship or indeed any fellow Wesleyans at Marlow in the first decade of the 19th century. Of course George may not have known the beliefs or sympathies of everyone in town but he certainly would have known if there was any organised worship there or not. He arranged for the circuit preachers in the area to make a stop at Marlow instead of riding by. With no established meeting place, the worshippers gathered under a tree near the Common Slough (Spittal Square). This was a type of meeting point familiar to the Wesleyan preachers at least and it had the advantage of making the sermons audible to passers by whether they wanted to listen or not! The preachers must have done a good job as George Cole quickly managed to gather enough support to hire a barn for their meetings. This was off Spittal Street, adjacent to the site they'd later have a purpose built chapel. They didn't have exclusive use of this building of course. Whether it was still used for farming purposes isn't clear but apparently it was used for theatrical performances, lectures and the like in the week. The Congregational church members also used barns early on their life in Marlow. The Methodists barn was later called gloomy as it was poorly lit with just "tallow drips" to see by. No wonder that a quickly growing congregation inspired George and the others to aim high. They arranged with Robert Rockhole to purchase a large field that ran behind Spittal Street back up to Cambridge Road. They didn't even in their wildest dreams need such a large site. So they divided it up, kept a portion to build on and sold the rest to James Meakes whose family would start the Anchor Brewery on their portion but I'm not sure they yet put it to that use. Money from the sale were invested back into a chapel building fund but was nowhere near enough to commence work. So they took out loans for the purpose. The new building was opened in 1810 by the Methodist author Dr Benson. It was a building of a design considered suitable at the time, quite plain outside and in but importantly, not so gloomy and cold as a barn! It was able to accommodate 300 people. There were complaints later that the building may have been put up in a bit of a rush and wasn't too well built. It wasn't especially cheap though - it was said to have cost over £1400. The worshippers only settled the chapel debt for this initial building in 1862. Fears about the stability of the building came to a head in 1860 when it was observed the front of the building was bulging alarmingly. The walls needed to be pinned. This work and the addition of a porch was completed in 1864 along with interior alterations such as the lowering of the pulpit. After all this the building was thought to be much strengthened and improved. In fact the South Bucks Free Press considered it the most handsome and commodious place of worship on the circuit. 

New works a foot 

No doubt the congregation had had enough of building work for a while. But they long had a dream of erecting a new Sunday school building. A Sunday school existed before that date but I was not sure if it had a separate building or used space within the chapel.  Then I found a report of  speaker at a Sunday school event in 1870 who said that a Sunday School building had been erected within the last 12 years for use of that and as a day school. Traces of the day school are feint in other records, but see my post on the Marlow British Schools for more on this subject here. Regardless of what accomodation they already had, the Sunday school needed more room so when in 1885 the buildings of the now defunct Anchor brewery next door became available, the Wesleyans purchased them. Included was the original old barn they first met in. They developed the site for their new Sunday school, spending £818 on the project. The architect was Charles Carter of Marlow and the builders Messrs Wellicome ditto. It was originally said that some of the brewery buildings themselves would be enlarged and adapted but whether the final design incorporated any part of the Anchor I am not sure. The old Sunday school was still up when the new Sunday school was open as it was used to host a celebration tea on the first day of official use in January 1886. It was however soon to be demolished. The capacity of the new building was 350 children, and it would have 4 classrooms. (It had 145 enrolled members in 1909.) The name was proudly carved over the main entrance. One of the speakers at the public opening was especially pleased to see a brewery site converted to such good works as he said he was a former brewer who had now become a total abstainer. 

Big Ambitions

 The number of worshippers and supporters in the 1880s and 90s meant they could be ambitious and start thinking on improving the chapel itself. Extensive decoration was done but before long it was again considered to be in a poor state and actually too dangerous a condition to begin structural alterations as originally intended. 

So in 1898 they decided to move ahead and build an impressive new chapel. It would be on the same site of the old but about 12ft closer to the street. The designer was Richard Wellicome, one of their worshippers and also their sometime organist who handily was also an architect and surveyor. More of Richard another day. A new organ chamber wasn't initially put in, but it was planned to do so as soon as the building debt was reduced enough so it's future inclusion was factored in to the design. (The old organ did come into the new build in the mean time.) It was decided to start work once £500 had been raised. In 1899 tenders were requested for the erection (won by Lovells of Marlow) and the old was already being demolished - last services were held there in July 1899. While the work was ongoing, the Congregational church in Quoiting Square kindly offered the use of their premises for services. An old infant school at the Wesleyan site is mentioned again as it was to do temporary duty as a vestry. Once the chapel was ready, it was said the old vestry "at the north end of the building" would be retained as was the "ministers accomodation". Did they mean the original vestry of the old chapel or the ex schoolroom which was doing duty as the vestry during the building work? Either way it's intriguing some of the old building(s) may have been retained at least for a while. I've been told this vestry and school room at the rear of the chapel were demolished a little time after the Second World War. 

The impressive new chapel opened in December 1901. When the idea had first been discussed they hoped to build it for £1200 but this budget was soon upped and the final cost was £1800. They were especially pleased with the inclusion of toilets, hot water pipe heating and the latest design of incandescent lamps hanging from the ceiling and in wall brackets. 

Jolly times

The youngsters attending the Sunday school had an annual outing for games, singing and the consumption of bountiful supplies of tea and cake. Booker common was a favourite destination, not too far away. The children were transported in borrowed waggons and carts. 

The chapel had - like most "non conformist" groups in the town - a Band of Hope. This was a children's temperance society. They encouraged youngsters to take the pledge against alcohol consumption so they were in the habit of temperance from an early age. The Band had weekly meetings, their own outings and various events in the year. The group got it's own magic lantern for the children to enjoy. The Wesleyan Band of Hope also apparently recruited adults presumably as supporters and helpers. The first group was set up with the other non conformist places of worship in the town and so sometimes met at other churches. Eventually most of the chapel's maintained their own individual bands. It was obviously successful at recruiting members - in 1881 they'd had 200 people sign the pledge through their efforts. How many kept to it is of course not recorded! The chapel was also the meeting place for the non denominational Marlow Total Abstinence Society in the 1890s. Most of the members of that were non conformist worshippers.  

What a nice display...of blotting paper

Due to all the improvement works at the chapel, fundraising was ever ongoing and I love to read the descriptions of their money making entertainments.  If for example you went along to the bazaar held at the chapel in 1899 you could enjoy recieving a mild electric shock thanks to Frederick Dukes galvanic battery  - Frederick enjoyed electrocuting people at all kinds events all over town so being a non Wesleyan would not spare you. Other attractions were stereoscopic views and a bewildering range of needle worked knick knacks. In the bazaar of 1885 you could look at a model of a chair factory with 40 moving figures, and visit the stall run by Alfred Davis of Marlow Football Club fame, who was managing a borrowed miniature printing press that could produce little address cards. Less interesting in my eyes is a display of award winning blotting paper, as featured in the 1907 money raising bazaar. 

Related posts: 

The primitive Methodists of Marlow: here

Index of posts about churches and chapels - here

More on the Dukes family here

Grave of minister John Hogg here

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

©MarlowAncestors 

Sources included: 

The Works - John Wesley. Edited by John Emory. (18--)

Marlow Directory and Almanack, 1907 & 1915. (Marlow Printing Co) 

Marlow Guide 1905

Sutcliffe, Barry P, Church, David - 250 years of Chiltern Methodism (1988 Moorleys) 

South Bucks Standard 4th September 1898, September 9th 1893, March 3rd & May 19th 1899, December 13th 1901

Oxford Journal April 14th 1810 

Maidenhead Advertiser February 4th 1870, December 17th 1884, January 6 1886, September 9th & December 30th 1885. 

Bucks Herald August 7th 1875 & 14th February 1878, April 9th 1907 

Berkshire Chronicle -  10th January 1885, 26th September 1885

Slough, Eton & Windsor Observer January 30th 1886

Post Office Directory 1854

Reading Mercury 15th July 1899

Kelly's Directory of Buckinghamshire 1899. 

South Bucks Free Press - 29th July 1864

Meakes and Eddowes Ironmongers

Joseph Meakes started an ironmonger business in Spittal Street circa the late 1860s. He went into business with his son George so the business was called "J Meakes and Son". Previously Joseph had worked as a whitesmith. The Meakes family were very heavily involved in the smithing trade, including his father Thomas who faced bankruptcy in 1830. More on that here. In the past ironmongers manufactured themselves much of what they sold in their shops.

In 1874 Joseph and George advertised for an additional assistant for their shop. The successful applicant had to be able to help with their bell hanging and gas fitting sidelines. 

As local agents for the Silber lighting system (oil fuelled) they also fitted out the new Marlow Station building and platforms with lighting in 1873*. 

Joseph died at Windsor in 1880, two years after the sudden death of his wife Elizabeth. George carried on the business. His customers included Wethereds Brewery in the High Street for in 1890 it was reported that his employee William Night or Hight fell off a ladder when descending from the brewery office roof and broke his leg.

George was a busy man- he founded the Meakes and Redknapp Marlow boat building business in the 1886 too. Tickets for the occasional river excursions put on by Meakes and Redknapp were sold at the Spittal Street shop. He was also a founder member of the Thames Boat Builders Association.

George's son Joseph George became a marine engineer and boat builder. 

John Eddowes managed the ironmongers for several years in late Victorian times because of George's declining health and the fact he had two businesses to run. 

George died in 1903 at the age of 68 with his funeral being held at Cookham Dean. He had been living at Grove House there for some years.

John Eddowes took over the shop entirely in March 1904 and traded under his own name thereafter. 

John and his wife Lillian came originally from Staffordshire. Soon after taking over John was already winning work from the local council. He supplied them with equipment to water the dusty roads and repaired street lamps for them for instance.

John's adverts pushed the use of gas for heating the home as a cheaper and less bothersome method than a coal or coke fire. Interested customers were invited to view his gas fires in operation. John hired a barn in nearby Crown Lane for extra stock storage.

Before taking over the business the Eddowes lived in Chapel Street. They later lived off premises again, at Kenton House, Victoria Road.

Above, advert from 1907. Ironmongers, engineers, bell hangers, gas fitters, builders merchants etc. They say they have the largest showroom for mantle pieces, tiled stoves, hearths, ranges etc in the district. 

Note: there were a lot of Meakes about in Marlow including multiple Josephs. The Joseph who founded the ironmongery business is not to be confused with the Joseph a blacksmith and publican of Fingest / Lane End for whom see here or Joseph Meakes, blacksmith of Little Marlow. Joseph of Fingest / Lane End was the nephew of Joseph of Little Marlow however.

Related posts:

Joseph the ironmonger's brother Henry Thomas Meakes ran the Cross Keys pub, see here.

For more Spittal Street related posts including other shopkeepers see this index.

History of the gas works and supply in Marlow here

**More about the building of Marlow Station can be found here

Researched and written by Charlotte Day.

Above 1905 advert for Eddowes. Reused in 1907!

Sources include:

Reading Mercury 31st January 1874. British Library Archives via the BNA.

Censuses transcribed from microfilm by Charlotte 

Marlow Guide 1903, 1907. 

Marlow Almanack and Directory 1907. 

Marlow Almanack and Guide 1915

Bucks Free Press 10th October 1873. 

Kelly's Directory 1913

Meakes Grave, Great Marlow

 Thomas Meakes, Blacksmith of this town, d. Jan 10th 1826. Age 72 years. 

ALSO 

Sarah, wife of the above, d. April 17 1832 age 84 years.  

Their son Thomas baptised at Great Marlow in 1780 was also a blacksmith as were multiple other descendants.

For an index of other grave posts see here.

Photo by Kathryn Day. Research by Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this content for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

William Crake - The Man Who Collected Money

 William Crake was a man who might well have come knocking on your ancestors door as part of his work. They may not have been too pleased to see him however, as he was a rent collector, and tax assessor/ collector for many years. But he also filled many other roles and so was a familiar figure bustling about the streets of Marlow on some business or another. 

William (b September 1819) was the only son of Mr Robert (died 1853) and Mrs Crake (nee Meakes, daughter of blacksmith Thomas Meakes also of Chapel Street, died 1858). Dad Robert was a furniture dealer and broker with a side line in building, carpentry, rent collection and insurance. There was a huge number of insurance agents in Marlow but the Phoenix Fire "assurance" company was the main one represented by the Crakes. In this role, William at least came bearing money if your claim was successful. In fact he was often praised for the speed at which he made pay outs. He comes across as a man regarded as scrupulously honest and meticulous. He also had a formidable memory and head for figures, so it is no surprise he served as treasurer or honourary secretary for several institutions. One of his longest associations was with the local branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society for whom he was treasurer or secretary for over 20 years. They distributed Bibles to the poor amongst other things. 

When Josiah Clark died in the 1840's, William succeeded him in the role of assessor and collector of the Queen's taxes eg income tax. This was obviously a responsible and sometimes difficult role. He had proved himself by helping his father to collect rents. He later succeeded to his father's overall business, chiefly the building aspect, with no furniture dealing mentioned. And it was through his uncle James Field, postmaster and schoolmaster, that he succeeded to the lucrative position of Phoenix insurance agent. He would also work as a house agent, organising the sales and lettings of homes and businesses in Marlow. 

It was in connection with his work in rent collecting that William nearly lost his life in 1881. He was returning from Lane End when a furious snow storm descended. The drifting snow in the countryside became deep and walking conditions were hazardous. William took hours to make a journey that should have lasted much less. It was said he was only able to make the slow and painful progress onwards in the freezing conditions because he had carried an umbrella. He used this to probe the depth of the snow drifts and steady his steps. He finally turned up at some cottages in an "exhausted and dilapidated state". It took him several months to recover his health. 

William is probably best known now for his work to bring a Baptist mission to the town. He was behind the setting up of the first small Baptist Chapel in Providence Place, Dean Street. It is likely he actually built it too. Later he was on the building committee of the new Baptist Chapel in Glade Rd. Other Crakes pop up as members of the Primitive Methodists chapel. (Read more on the Baptist Chapel here)

In 1897, William climbed onto a chair in order to wind a clock. It seems the effort of this triggered some kind of attack which caused him to fall. His brain was "much affected" afterwards and he could no longer manage his business. His head for figures was just gone and he developed a shuffling slow walk. He turned most of his work over to his trusted friend and assistant of 30 years, Christopher Sparks (including the building side). William lived for another two years. Six weeks before his death his condition worsened and he finally took to his bed. He was 80 at his death. (Saturday 6th May 1899.) The South Bucks Standard called him "a most respectable and in many ways useful inhabitant". (That is he had filled many roles!) 

Above grave of William Crake 1899 and Ellen Crake 1892, All Saints Church, Marlow. 

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

SOURCES

Slaters Royal National and Commercial Directory 1852 (Isaac Slater, 1852)

The New Monthly Vol 19 (H Colburn  1823)

Kelly's Directory 1869, 1883 (Kelly's Directories Ltd)

Harrods Royal County Directory (J G Harrods & Co 1876)

Blowers Architects, Surveyors, Engineers and Builders Directory 1860 (T Blaver 1860)

William's Manufacturer's Directory for London and the Principal Towns 1862

Report of the British and Foreign Bible Society 1867-1873

South Bucks Standard 17 May 1899

©Marlow Ancestors

Lane End Schoolmaster Henry Harman

Henry Harman was the schoolmaster of the school in Lane End, then part of Great Marlow, for over 30 years.

He was born in West Wycombe according to the census (or Lane End or Great Marlow according to his obituary) in 1825. 

His obituary [South Bucks Standard 18th May 1906] states that Henry was a genial, generous man who would willingly give flowers from his beautiful garden to anyone who wanted them if they only asked. It also said that Henry played the cello during church services at Holy Trinity Church, Lane End when younger as well as being in their church choir. The obituary stated that in his church cello playing he was accompanied by his wife playing the harmonium but which wife was meant I am unsure as Henry married 3 times.

The first marriage was to Mary (nee Meakes) who was the Infants schoolmistress at the Lane End school. When the couple retired from there Henry switched to being a dealer in petroleum and benzoline. 

Sadly Mary died in 1874 as the result of a horrific accident in relation to some stored benzoline at their home. Mary found herself engulfed in flames when some of the stored benzoline exploded when she was right by it. What caused the ignition was not discovered. Though neighbours gave the screaming Mary immediate medical assistance she died of her injuries the next day. She left behind a son Henry (also known by his middle name John) aged 14 and daughter Ellen aged 8. 

The next year Henry married at Lane End Jane Rhoda. She was the widow of William Hiatt of Wycombe Marsh.

As some point between 1875 and the 1881 census Henry became an iron founder but continued to deal in flammable oils for many years afterwards. He owned his own property in Lane End by 1891.

Jane Rhoda died in 1896 and Henry married a Harriet. Perhaps their joint love of gardens drew them together as Harriet was herself a prize winning fruit and flower grower at local shows.

He died in 1906. His obituary stated that prior to his death he had been bed bound for 8 months and in poor health for 2 years. I see that he had an allotment however well into old age.

Henry's daughter Ellen (by marriage Butler) grew up to be a schoolteacher herself at Church Stretton.

Written and researched by Charlotte Day. 

See:

Kelly's Post Office Directory 1869.

©Marlow Ancestors. 

Landlords of The Cross Keys, Spittal Square/Spittal Street

The pubs location is Spittal Square /  Spittal Street previously known as the Common Slough. Now known as The Oarsman. (Sometimes listed as located in Chapel Street, which is a continuation of Spittal Street) This is a replacement for the earlier building that jutted out more into the Street. 

These earliest two mentions refer to an earlier incarnation, not on the same site. It is uncertain where this first pub was located.

1757 - Sylvester Law (had moved from the Upper Crown)

1766 - Sylvester Law (Will of Sylvester Law 1766  here )

*****

Spittal Square site - note this pub was almost certainly originally one of two pubs in Marlow called the White Hart. See our post on that for landlord listings for that pub and the other White Hart which was nearby in Chapel Street. It is available here

1839 - Henry Thomas Meakes. A blacksmith also on the same premises. Previously worked for his father Thomas Meakes as a journeyman blacksmith. Thomas went bankrupt in 1830 despite a loan of over £200 from Henry. This loan was secured on all of Thomas's stock in trade, book debts and furniture, something which caused serious censure at the bankruptcy hearings as it illegally deprived other creditors of a chance to have Thomas's goods seized and sold to settle the debts owed to them. There is no suggestion Henry meant to do anything illegal. In fact the judge in the case called him an an excellent and hard working young man. [Bucks Gazette. 17th January 1830. British Newspaper Archive]. Henry was born 1805. His brother later ran an ironmongers further up Spittal Street. See here

1841- Henry Meakes. Also blacksmith as above.

1844 - Henry Meakes as above.

1846 - Henry Thomas Meakes. Fined 40 shillings for allowing card games on his premises. Also executor that year of the will of stationer William Collins of Flackwell Health.

1847 - H.T Meakes (Mr Ridgely also listed as landlord this year.)

1852 - J Meakes

1853 - Mary Ann Meakes (also  listed as a whitesmith)

1854 - Mary Ann Meakes  (listed also as blacksmith). Likely widow of Henry Thomas Meakes who was definitely a Mary Ann.

1859 - John Wellicome. Hannah his wife had died in 1844.

1861 - John Wellicome (also plumber and smith, employing 9 men). Though not given on census as such John was also a painter, decorator and glazier!

1863 - John Wellicome. Cautioned to conduct his premises better or his licence will not be renewed..

1864 - John Wellicome (also listed as blacksmith). Died February that year. 

1869 - Henry Creswell.

1877 - Henry Creswell.

1879   Henry Cresswell transferred premises to Robert Lunnon  "The Cross Keys Inn"

1881 - Robert Lunnon.

1883 - Robert Lunnon.

1888 - 1. R.Lunnon 2. Alfred Williams.

1891 - Alfred Williams (also a joiner).

1892 - Alfred Williams transfers premises to William Redsdale /Ridsdale.

1893 - Thomas Ridsdale  (qv)  transfers premises to Edwin Richards who passes it on to John Wilson. (NB in 1894 a Mrs Richards, described as formerly keeping the Cross Keys in Marlow, is a coffee shop proprietor in London.)

1894 - John Wilson transfers to H F T Hitchins/ H F Thomas Hitchens.

1895 - Thomas Hitchens qv 2. Joseph Dyer/Dwyer.

1898 -1 Joseph Dyer. 2 Thomas Pym (incorrectly given as Joseph Pym in the Bucks Free Press of that year) .

1899 - Thomas Pym - he is called up as a member of reserve forces to "go to the Cape" - that is war in South Africa. He is reported injured for the second time in March 1900. (2nd Devon's)  Mr Barksfield takes over. 

1903 - Joseph Barksfield.

1920- Joseph Barksfield.

1924 - Mrs Annie Barksfield.

1925 - Annie Barksfield gives up licence and Spencer Charles Fisher takes over.

1939 - Robert William Spencer.  Robert moved in this year to Seymour Court Road where he opened a grocery shop known simply as The Stores. This was at the very top of the road opposite the park and no longer exists. Robert died in 1943. He was a special constable during the war.

1948 - G Cawdon Wooster. Cross Keys Inn. Offers accommodation, luncheons and a snack bar.

        Spittal Square, above. 

This post is updated as new information emerges. 

More Spittal Street related posts indexed here

Use the A-Z person index in the top drop down menu, rather than the tag search, to check all other posts for mentions of your ancestors. Many Marlow landlords changed premises and there can be other family members running other establishments. Some places changed how they described themselves - or how they were viewed- and so licensed premises listings here take in not just beer houses, pubs and inns but common lodging houses and hotels too. We mainly focus on pre WW1 listings but sometimes list later names if it ties in with research we are helping with. For other posts about pubs, see the Pub Related index here 

Additional research by Charlotte Day.

SOURCES 

1833 Parish Assessment. Original handwritten notebooks held in my family. Transcribed by Charlotte Day.

Kelly's Post Office Directory 1859, 1864,1869,1877,1889,1903, 1907

1853 Mussons and Cravens Commercial directory. From the University of Leicester Archive.

Many licence hearings reports including :

Bucks Herald 27 December 1879, copy held at British Library Archive and accessed via the BNA January 2021.

South Bucks Standard September 14 1894, as above.

Robson's Directory 1839,1844.

Census 1861,1871,1881,1891 transcribed from microfilm by Jane Pullinger and Charlotte Day.

©Marlow Ancestors. 

This Way For Healthy Masculine Exercise

 In the 1890's gymnastics was undergoing a period of being strongly in fashion locally. Apparently a town of "any size could boast of a gymnasium" hereabouts, with one glaring exception - Marlow. Reflecting on letters it had recieved on this subject, the South Bucks Standard thought it inconceivable that a town that prided itself so much on sporting success should be so behind the times. The practice of gymnastics was very invigorating they thought. Soon after this a meeting was held, presided over by Mr F O Wethered, in which it was resolved to start a gymnastics club for young men, with Wethered as president.

So in March 1896, membership enrolment began with 100 names submitted. Sergeant Palmer, drill instructor at Borlase and Mr Baxter who was involved with other gym clubs, agreed to offer training. There was no young man for whom a course of properly directed gymnastic training would not be of benefit they thought. It would develop strength and discipline. The Music Room, aka the Lecture Hall (now the Masonic centre, St. Peters Street) was chosen as their meeting place. They met only during the winter season, twice weekly with the two instructors alternating attendance. All of their exercises were performed to piano music. 

They had a practice place, an instructor and eager pupils, but what they lacked at first was any equipment. Neighbouring gymnastics clubs kindly put on fundraising displays solely intended to benefit the new club, with Boyne Hill and Maidenhead at the fore. The latter had a gymnasium in Queen Street, Maidenhead and maintained a long bond with Marlow, the two often putting on joint shows. Maidenhead also had the habit of lending one or two of their experienced performers to assist Marlow in a display. When Instructor Palmer left to take on a position at the Merchant Taylor School, Maidenhead man G W Phelby took over. By November 1898, they had enough apparatus to declare themselves possessors of a gymnasium although this was just the Music Room in another guise, the equipment stashed away between gym sessions. 

Dozens of keen young gymnasts offered a good opportunity for the likes of WB Langston, boot and shoe seller. He had opened a second shop facing his first in Marlow High Street and this would specialise in sporting and leisure shoes including those designed for gymnastic use. 

Each year, the Marlow gymnasts would compete against each other in pursuit of medals, before an audience of ladies and gentlemen. The  overall champion was crowned for getting the highest score across the different disciplines. In 1897 this honour went to J Meakes. As well as this there were regular exhibitions of "strength and agility" presented in the form of a competition. The young men showed off their skills using barbells, Swedish dumbbells, horizontal bars, and a vaulting horse as well as performing jumps and tumbles, all to accompaniment of suitable piano music. To be honest some of these exhibitions sound like a endurance test for the audience, lasting several hours and encompassing comic and musical interludes. The end of season performance in 1900 came to well over 3 hours of "bright tripping music" and gymnastic stunts. No longer just showing off the likes of their barbell and horse skills, the boys included a performance of clowning, sword exercises, military style drill, "comic boxing" , and the formation of human pyramids. The audience showed no signs of fatigue according to reports, which may not be true of the young performers at the end! Relief for the latter came when a more serious boxing match took centre stage - Rippington V Broadbent - two well known local pugilists. After this, the evening came at last to a close.

The club acknowledged that the use of the music room was not an ideal space performance wise, but they were too short of funds to consider hiring bigger facilities. They did manage on one occasion to secure the use of a large temporary gazebo erected for a fundraising ball at the rear of the Institute when the latter had finished with it. But by 1899, the club was already facing a deficit in funds. They were nevertheless determined to continue as the club had been started to give the youth of Marlow an aid to "healthy development" and they still felt the cause was a worthy one. However membership began to decline, with fewer youths willing to commit to the twice weekly practice. This and the chronic lack of funds caused the club to be wound up in 1903. The equipment was sold off at a knock down price to the Boys Life Brigade, who would also use the Music room. Marlow's entertainment scene would never be the same!

Known members:

Alfred Davis Junior

L Smith Junior (treasurer)

J Carter Junior (hon.  secretary)

J Meakes

W B Taylor

A H Harman

Q Bird

A Young

A J Tugwood

L Holland

P Charter (Carter?)

S Arber

G David

Above, a part of the Borlase school gymnasium as it stood in c1905. There had been some argument about the relative access day and boarding boys got to this facility. 

To read a post on the Victorian cyclists of Marlow see here

To find all mentions of your ancestor however small, use the a-z Person Index on the drop down menu. For a shorter list of more detailed posts, select the Biographies Of Individuals or Biographies of Families menu options.

Other Marlow History posts can be found under the General Marlow History option on the menu. There is a sports subsection to that for more posts like this. Posts are currently uploaded daily so if what you need isn't here yet, check back soon! 

SOURCES

South Bucks Standard 20 September 1895, 9 April 1897, November 29 1898, 6 October 1899, 23 March 1900, 24 April 1903 - copies from the British Library Archive and accessed via the BNA.

Maidenhead Advertiser 21 December 1900, as above

Watson, James Madison -Handbook of Callisthenics and Gymnastics - a complete drill guide for schools, families and gymnasiums. (E Steiger, 1889)

©MarlowAncestors

 

Historic Landlords of The Plough, Marlow

 Updated by Charlotte April  2026.

Location : Address may be given variously as Little Marlow Road, Wycombe Road, "the Bourne End Road", Town End, Marlow Fields, or Chapel End. Wycombe Road is the most common in historic use but Little Marlow Road was the "proper" address in more modern times. 

The Plough has been demolished, and replaced by this housing. Image ©Colin Groves. 

1854 - James Johnson. Pub "newly erected" in 1853.  James was however a carrier long before, running to London. In 1843 he suffered a severe setback when a valuable horse of his stumbled and fell in harness while crossing the bridge at "Bone End, Wooburn".  [Bone End is now known as Bourne End] The bridge sides were only 2ft high and horse fell head first over them, to be left dangling with its head in the water. James was only slightly injured and frantically tried to cut the horse free with the help of others who ran to his aid but it was too late. The horse was valued at £14. The Bucks Advertiser complained that the bridges in the neighborhood were poorly constructed and dangerous as a whole. 

Property description 1853 from Reading Mercury 17th December edition= 8 rooms, with double coach house, stabling and yard.

1861 - James Johnson (born St.Albans)

1864 - James Johnson (address  given as Chapel Street) Also runs carrier service. 

1869 - James Johnson

1870 - James Meakes. Previously of Little Marlow. Cousin of George Joseph AKA Joseph Meakes pub landlord of a Lane End pub. See here.

1874 - "Plough Inn". That year Joseph Meakes the father of James died at the pub.

1877- "Plough Inn" James Meakes. He married that year Eliza Mann (originally of Norwich). Had his licence endorsed for allowing gambling on the premises and opening later than allowed. James said everyone who was there out of hours were his private guests and were there in a back room to celebrate his forthcoming marriage and no money changed hands. He had forgot to lock the door he said but had called time by 11pm. However the magistrates considered the charge of gambling definitely proved, which was not allowed in a pub under any circumstances. So he was  fined but only a mitigated amount in consideration of his previous good conduct despite a previous warning for a similar offence. Eliza features as an unmarried woman in this post.

"The Plough Commercial Inn" . 

1881 - James Meakes

1883 - James Tompkins "Marlow Fields"

1884 - J. Meakes. Seemingly James back again.

1885 - James Meakes (one source said John but that obviously wrong). James was dead by 1891 as his wife Eliza was listed as a widyw. She had moved to Little Marlow. 2. John Gale. John advertised the fact that he had a lock-up coach house and stabling for guests. He hoped to attract commercial travellers to the pub. It is possible that John is the man of that name who later lived in Victoria Road Marlow and gave his occupation as a "retired coachman". A man of this name was coachman at Marlow Place in Station Road in 1885.

1886 - John Gale

1891 - John Gale.

1892 - John Gale then GB Hughes

1893 - G.B Hughes (See also The Carrier's Arms here) (also carrier running to Reading two days a week and to Wycombe on Fridays) Later at the Black Lion, Well End. 

1895 - Mr and Mrs Smith. Provided dinners and teas for group outings coming to Marlow in order to enjoy the river.

1896 - Samuel Smith

1898  - Sam Smith transfers to Fred. Carter.

1901 - Carter dies aged just 36. Widow Elizabeth takes on licence in immediate aftermath. 

1902 - George Frederick Cox.

1903 - George Frederick Cox.

1905 - Charles F Cox 2. Mr A? Wheeler. Most likely Henry Wheeler as below. 

1907 - Henry George Wheeler. That year his pub was the site of raucous celebrations after Henry East of Dean Street was acquitted at the Old Bailey of serious theft charges. The celebrations saw Wheeler charged with allowing drunkenness on his premises but the magistrate recognised that his small pub had been overwhelmed by 150-200 revellers and he had done all he could to keep order. One of the guests, teenager Kate Lunnon of Hatches Row, Dean Street had previously worked for East was however fined for getting insensibly drunk and passing out on a dung heap in the Plough Yard after drinking a whisky and ginger beer. She could have been more unfortunate and fallen in the pig stye that we know was also in the yard in that year (keeping the pigs of Harry Bowles). To be fair to her the pub was very small, full of people smoking and by all accounts stiflingly hot. Her arguement that she actually fainted after being helped outside to get some air sounds very credible. Henry East had bought her one drink but as far as I can see that was the extent of her alcohol consumption that evening. I demand a retrial! More on the Henry East court case here.

In 1908 Henry Wheeler suffered from a bad head injury after an accident involving his cart and another in collision on the Wycombe Road, past Burroughs Grove. He was dragged along the ground all the way back to the Inn. The other cart was undamaged, Henry's destroyed. Wife "Lizzie"/Elizabeth was nee Brown and was born in The Mint pub in Dean Street where her parents were in charge.  See here. He born London. Hosts the Plough Sick and Dividend Club slate club. 

1913 - "Plough Inn"

1919 - 32 Henry George Wheeler.

1932 - after 27 hears at the helm, Henry George Wheeler passes the licence to Edward Ernest Wheeler. Henry later became the librarian at the library set up in part of what is now Liston Hall, and the caretaker of the whole hall. He died at the Riley Nursing Home, Chapel Street in 1940. Edward Wheeler was a retired Metropolitan police officer.

1932-44- Edward Ernest Wheeler. Edward died this year, leaving a widow and a married daughter.

C 1950-early 1957 Harry C Windmill. Harry and Mrs Windmill moved to Middleton-on-Sea, near Bognor Regis.

1957 - 60 Victor Easthaugh.

1958 or 1959  depending on reports- the inaugural Boxing Day barrell rolling contest down Glade Road contested by the regulars of the Plough and those of the Marlow Donkey, one pub versus the other. This tradition continued until at least 1966. The winning team received a trophy of a silver barrell though not at the first event.

1964 -67 (at least) Jim Tubb landlord.

Related Posts:

There are posts on this blog about individual families associated with certain pubs, as well as on individual pubs themselves so have a look at the Pub Related index here  & don't forget the Person Index for all mentions of someone on this blog. Find it on the top drop down menu. 

Posts about life in the neighbouring streets here

More beer sellers than bakers -Temperance in Marlow here

Lists of posts about everyday life in old Great Marlow here

SOURCES

 Kelly's Post Office Directory 1864,1883, 1899, 1903, 1907, 1915,1920,1939

Marlow Town Guide 1905

Marlow Directory and Almanack, various years. 

Bucks Free Press 19th August 1932, Wycombe Library 

Contemporary newspaper reports of licencing hearings, court cases and other related news, some accessed via the BNA - a selected few: 

Bucks Herald June 24th 1874 and 11th March 1877 as above. 

South Bucks Standard - January 6 1893, December 24,1913, as above. 

Bucks Advertiser and Aylesbury News 14 October 1843, as above

Bucks Free Press - 7th May 1943, High Wycombe Library. 

Census 1861,1871,1881,1891

©MarlowAncestors. 

Low Grounds Farm [Pound Farm] Historic Occupiers

 Updated January 2026

Historic list of occupiers. These are not necessarily owners of course.

Description: Near Temple Lock. Harleyford Lane. On the site of Neolithic and Bronze Age activity. Very close to the Thames, and on the historic flood plain. Also called Pound Farm in some early 1800s records (because of its proximity to the pound lock at Temple). Between 200 and 300 acres. Seems to have been long part of the Court Garden estate, or more accurately owned and leased alongside it.

1771- Richard Allaway??

1776- Land at Low Grounds leased at the time of his death 1776 by Dr William Battie of Court Garden House Marlow and London (where he kept a madhouse). Whether he had the whole farm or not I can't yet say. A biography of Dr Battie is available here

1806- Land at Low Ground let to Richard Webb but again it is not clear if this is the whole farm. Owned by surgeon William Cleobury of Marlow.

1815- Thomas Taylor. Died at the farm that year aged 75. A memorial to him was erected inside Marlow church. Wife Francis had predeceased him and he married her sister Sarah Palmer. Marrying your dead wife's sister was illegal at the time as he obviously knew from the contents and wording of his will. Though elderly himself, Sarah must have been much younger as Thomas thought it possible that he and she could still have children together. In his will he left his farm stock and implements and other property to trustees including Sarah for the benefit of any children born to them as a couple. In 1830 farm employee Thomas Cull is killed at the farm. He is out shooting rooks with his master when one of the birds is killed up a tree and gets lodged there. Thomas climbs up to collect the carcass but slips and falls. He is killed instantly. 

1833-35. James Franklyn / Franklin. In 1834 he started selling off his farm stock as he was moving into the Crown Inn, Market Square Marlow as the new publican. His lease was going to be up in 1835 anyway. Lists of sale items included a lot of brewing utensils so he was obviously already interested in that area. Otherwise his was a mixed farm with a dairy herd, beef cows, sheep and crops of hay, wheat and oats. For more on James and the Crown generally see post here. The farm was owned by Davis Davenport Esquire at this time and was 218 acres of land.

1837-68. Mr John Curtis. Born around 1805. Wife Jane whom he married in 1841 (née Simmonds). This may have been a second marriage for him. In 1837 his shepherd was killed after falling from a tree he had climbed in order to get a good position from which to shoot "pest" rooks. In 1862 a  field on the farm used for a cricket match by Marlow Cricket Club. In 1865 cattle plague broke out on the farm, which would have been a serious worry for the Curtis family. It was one of the greatest fears of Victorian farmers. Many cows died at Low Grounds in quick succession and John felt the need to write to the South Bucks Free Press to defend himself as "much has been said" about the case. He assured the community that it wasn't dilapidated buildings on the farm or the unhealthy riverside situation of them that had caused the plague outbreak. Rather it was an infected calf brought from London. He said local vet Mr Meakes had managed to cure 2 animals and others were under similar treatment with hope of success [Reading Mercury 19th August 1865, South Bucks Free Press 15th September 1865. Via the British Library/ BNA]. At the parish church, the Rev Milman leads prayers on the appointed day to plead for divine assistance in dealing with the outbreak. He says every such affliction sent by God was a "memento of sin and a summons to repentance." The farm was owned by George Davenport until William Clayton bought it in 1857. This obviously did not affect  the tenancy of John Curtis.

1868- John Curtis, above died there age 63.

1869-81 Jane Curtis widow of above assisted by her son John (born 1844). In 1881 she is listed as a farmer of 329 acres employing 3 men and 2 boys. That year wasn't a great one for Jane and John- there was a fire at the farm and they had peas, oats and chaff stolen from them.

1891- by this date John was also called a farmer on the census no longer just "farmer's son". His mother was around 71 or 72 so no surprise there. It looks like the day to day running of the farm was the care of John by the mid 1870s but mum obviously considered herself in charge for a long time afterwards! John also acted as a poor law Guardian for Marlow.

1901-15 (at least) John Curtis. Though Jane was still given as head of the household on the 1901 census she was no longer calling herself a farmer. She died at the farm aged around 87 in 1906.

1932-54 Esther and Garnet White, who moved to the farm from their native Wales. Esther was flying the flag for women farmers, just as Jane Curtis had done. She had a degree in Agriculture and was a professional dairy instructor before her 1923 marriage. In 1954 the couple retired to Croft Farm on the Henley road and their son David took over at Low Grounds.

Researched and written by Charlotte Day.

Farm occupier listings are compiled by me from property records, ads, trade journals, censuses, wills, court cases and more.

To look for other people on the blog use the Person Index option on the top drop down menu.

Lots more farm occupier lists to come on the blog for both Great Marlow and Little Marlow. Come back later to see what we have. Use the menu here  to find other farm posts.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this original research content for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog. Census information though my own transcription from microfilm always remains Crown Copyright.

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. 

Above, a patriotic image from the "Marlow Directory and Almanack" 1915. 

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 - or so it's thought at the time. 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. 

- the South Bucks Free Press prints a letter from two members of Marlow Town Band, now serving with the Bucks Battalion (T.F) in Flanders. Pte E J Smith and Pte F Latham want to thank other band members for a surprise parcel of goodies sent out to them. They say "it's fairly safe in the trenches as long as you keep your head down" but add where the trenches are close together you have to dodge grenades and "stand a good chance of getting mined". Overall though they say they have "nothing to complain of". 

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.