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929.2
W856W
1193902

GENEIALOGY COL-UE-CTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01402 3227

A HISTORY OF THE
WOODGATKS OF StONEWALL PaRK

AND OF SUMMERHILL

JN KENT,
And their Connections,

The Rev. GORDON WOODGATE, M.A. and
GILES MUSGRAVE GORDON WOODGATE.

" Sing, sing in praise of Men of Kent
So loyal, brave, and free ;
'Mongst Britain's race, if one surpass,
A Man of Kent is he."

(Chorus from " The Brave Men of Kent.")

WITH 20 ILLUSTRATIONS
AND INDEX.

PRINTED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION

BALDING & MANSELL, WISBECH.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.

1133902

Frontispiece, SUMMERHILL, presented by Miss Hedges, Wallingford Castle.

SUMMERHILL, from old print of about 1770 to face p. 39

SEAL CHURCH.presentedbyMissLouisaWoodgate, St. Leonards „ ,, 164

RIVERHILL, presented by Miss Louisa Woodgate, St. Leonards ,. „ 272
FRANCIS WOODGATE of Underriver. presented by Mrs.

Grantham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288

UNDERRIVER. near Sevenoaks. presented by Mrs. Grantham , 290

WILLIAM WOODGATE of Summerhill 317

TONBRIDGE CASTLE 327

WILLIAM F. WOODGATE of Summerhill. presented by Mrs.

Veasey . . . . . . . . . . . . , 330

ANNA ALLNUTT. wife of W. F. Woodgate of Summerhill.

presented by Mrs. Veasey .. .. .. .. 332

WILLIAM WOODGATE of Swaylands. presented by Mrs. Veasey .. „ 3^3

HARRIOTT WEST, wife of William Woodgate of Swaylands.

presented by Mrs. Veasey .. .. .. .. .. ., ,, 384

SWAYLANDS.Penshurst. presented by Mrs. Veasey 385

OLD HAWKWELL. Pembury. now demolished 428

SPRING GROVE. Pembury. now demolished 436

PEMBURY HALL, presented by the Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate „ „ 468

PEMBURY HALL. Drawing Room, presented by the Rev.

R. S. S. Woodgate. the owner . . . . . . , „ 469

PEMBURY HALL. Old Oak Staircase, presented by the

Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate, the owner .. 471

REV. R.S.S. WOODGATE, of Pembury Hall, presented by himself „ .. 473

MRS. R. S. S. WOODGATE (lately deceased) presented by the

Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate 475

Besides those whose names are above mentioned as donors of particular pictures,
we are much indebted to the following subscribers who undert 5ok to defray the cost
of illustrations : —

Mr. Charles Woodgate (Natal Police) . three illustrations ; Mrs. Edwin Woodgate,
" Riverhill," Oxton. one illustration ; and Miss Rose Woodgate. Eastbourne, one
illustration ; also to Mrs. Woodgate. of Rochester, for obtaining the photographs of
Swaylands and Summerhill. the original paintings of which are in her possession.

[

CONTENTS.

INTRODUCTION.

Chap. Page.

I. Origin and Early Ancestors 6

II. Stonewall Period (1590-1718) 22

III. Early Sununerhill Period 37

IV. Mountfield (1732-1790) 45

V. Acton 65

VI. Ashburnham of Broomham 76

VII. Humphry of Seal 158

VIII. Woodgate of Riverhill, Sevenoaks . . . . . . 269

IX. Rideout of Westmeston 291

X. Rose, Sarah, and Anne Woodgate, of Tonbridge (1790-

1827) 298

XI. Later Summerhill Period (1769-1816) 317

XII. Allnutt of South Park, Penshurst 388

XIII. Nouaille of Great Ness, Sevenoaks . . . . . . 404

XIV. Woodgate of Spring Grove, Pembiuy 428

XV. West of Postern Park 437

XVI. Brisco of Coghurst, Hastings . . 449

XVII. Woodgate of Pembury 468

XVIII, Woodgate of Hawkhurst and Horsham 476

XIX. Woodgate of Brenchley and Hever 488

XX. Miscellaneous . . 497

INDEX.

For complete Index see end of book.

TABLE OF FOLDING PEDIGREES.

I. Early Woodgate Pedigree . .

n. Woodgate of Penshurst

in. Woodgate of Stonewall and Chidingstone

IV. Crompe of Maidstone

V. Woodgate of Summerhill and Mountfield

VI. Woodgate of Riverhill

VII. Woodgate of Pembury

to face page 7
II
15
31
45
269

474

REFERENCE SHEET.

As the following pages were printed in detacliments, it was found impossible
to refer to succeeding pages by their number without resorting to the device of a
reference sheet. The following table accordingly indicates the page to which refer-
ence is made.

rence on

page 13

124

125

153

171

175

177

is to

page 476
373
317
269

437
415
459
260
421
296
469
299

Reference on page 182 is to page 306

183

440

195

. 377

197

. 422

200

. 394

232 ,

416

247

, 492

249

. 455

270

. 319

288

420

382

434

397

. 415

INTRODUCTION.

It has been represented to us that Woodgates have never filled high offices
of state, nor distinguished themselves in literature, in law, or in politics, and that
consequently any publication of their history is not only unnecessary but almost
presumptuous. When these objections were made, it had not perhaps been con-
sidered that a work of this nature might be valuable precisely because the Wood-
gates have never been more than plain country gentlemen, living on their own
estates. History relates the actions of kings, statesmen, and generals : but
when it is desired to learn the manner in which the landed classes and lesser orders
of society lived, it is to such works as the present that one must turn, where it is
recorded in their own words.

In editing these family letters, much has been allowed to remain which would
have been excised had the book been intended for publication and not merely for
private circulation among the family. The letters were written in the full intimacy
of relationship, and the writers never for one moment dreamed that their letters
would be laid before their descendants in this manner. Every allowance must
therefore be made.

As to the propriety of reproducing private letters, we cannot do better than
to express our opinion in the words of Miss Edgeworth.

" Next to biography written by the person himself," she observes, " his private
letters afford the best means of obtaining an insight into character. But some
readers, and those whose opinion is most honourable, will recoil with horror at the
idea of publishing letters . . . Without need of my assertions, every reader
of discernment will at once perceive that these letters are not manufactured
for the public, but written in the fulness of the heart and in the careless ease of
private correspondence. Such are the only letters worth seeing, yet how few of such
are fit to meet the public eye ! There can scarcely be better proof of any man's
consistency and singleheartedness than that his best friends can dare to lay before
the public his really private correspondence. Considered in this light, I trust that
in producing my father's letters to various persons, of different and distant periods
of his life, I shall do honour to his memory with all impartial judges."

The old spelling of the letters has been retained, but it was found necessary
from considerations of space, to excise a large number of passages relating to trivial
or conventional matters, such as the usual messages at the end of a letter, enquiries
after health, apologies for not writing sooner, and such hke, which are to be found
in present day letters — passages not uninteresting in themselves, but forbidden
insertion by exigencies of space and constant repetitions. It is interesting to
recognise the same traits of character brought out in the living descendants of the
writers.

It is to be observed that the letters, however old, are in one sense singularly
up-to-date. We learn, for example, that in 1826 " Mr. Nouaille was gratified by
an exhibition of fossils and minerals, the chief merit of which consisted in their
being brought from the North Pole and presented by Captain Parry." This
forcibly reminds us of Captain Peary, and a controversy which has agitated
scientists and the public for weeks. Again, Mrs. Brisco's letter on the Budget
on p. 465 might have been written last November, instead of in the year 1852 ; and
we are all familiar with the opinion, advanced by the Nouailles, that their " ruin
was due to Free Trade."

We desire to point out that our compilations might never have seen the light of
day but for the accession of these letters. It was impossible in a single volume to
attempt to treat the ancient and modern history alike exhaustively without spoiling
both ; the former has therefore been sacrificed to the latter, and little more than
an outhne of the earher history has been attempted, though our researches
were in their way considerable. We have not attempted to bring the work up to
date, except to a certain extent by means of the genealogical tables. To endeavour
to portray the later history of the family is far too delicate a task for us to essay,
and we might add that the result would (in our opinion) be far less interesting than
the old letters and correspondence which would be thereby displaced. The different
members of the family, however, may very well continue the records of their own
branches in the blank pages which have been inserted at the end for that purpose.

Finally we desire to thank the family for the support they have given us.
We had hoped to defray the expenses of printing from the subscriptions, and were
sorry to find that we had not a sufficient number of subscribers to enable us to do so,
with the result that there is a deficiency. Our first idea was to delay printing until the
required number of subscribers was obtained, but some of our older supporters (and
we ourselves) were so anxious to see the work completed that we decided not to wait,
but to print at once and trust to our losses being subsequently made good.

We are especially indebted to Mr. Arthur Boissier, of Penshurst, and Mrs.
George Woodgate, of Pembury, and the Revd. W. J. Rudge, of Ardnave, Basset,
for the loan of correspondence, and desire to express our thanks to all those who
have in any way assisted us. Foremost among these was the late Miss Ellen Wood-
gate, of Ravenscourt Park, London, to whose sympathy and advice we owe a
debt which can never, alas ! be repaid. We are glad to feel that though she has
not lived to see these pages in type, the perusal of the greater part of them in manu-
script afforded her some gratification in her last days. We commit this work to
our readers, trusting to their sympathy to excuse the many inevitable errors and
imperfections which pressure of time and of other work must have brought about.

GORDON WOODGATE.
GILES M. GORDON WOODGATE
Tydd St. Giles' Rectory,

Cambridgeshire,

January, 1910.

CHAPTER I.
ORIGIN AND EARLY ANCESTORS.

The pedigree of the Woodgates in Burke's Landed Gentry is prefaced with
the remark that " the family is an old Kentish one, said to be established there
since the twelfth century." However this may be, or whatever Burke's authority,
it certainly is in accordance with the traditions of the family which is stated to be
of Saxon ancestry.

But traditions, however interesting, yield in value to documentary evidence
of which there is no lack. In the reign of Edward I (1271) there were, at one and
the same time, Woodgates in Kent ; in Warwickshire ; a little later they are found
in Buckinghamshire ; much earlier (1190) in Dorsetshire ; in Middlesex and London ;
in Essex ; and at a very early period in Sussex. The list is by no means
exhaustive, but is sufficiently long to show the futility of recording the
ancestry of every chance Woodgate as a valuable piece of family history, when
probably his family and that of the Woodgates of Summerhill had no common
ancestor.

The Essex Woodgates, for example, have a pedigree extending back about
two hundred and fifty years which with little difficulty might have been carried
back much further. They had large families. This branch alone will therefore
account for many Woodgates now living ; the coat armour, too, is the same as that
of the Kentish family (though the crest differs). We shall therefore confine ourselves
to Kent and Sussex.

The origin of the name itself should inform us that those who bear it are likely
to be numerous. Woodgates evidently dwelt by the gate or hatch leading into
one of the numerous woods or deer-forests. John-at-the- Woodgate would be such
a man's description, and when surnames came in, Woodgate would be the one adopted.
There were many atte Woodgate's (atte--at the), de Woodgate's, de la Woodgate's,
and so on. The families of Yates, by their number, testify to the frequency of the
" yate," the old provincialism for gate. It is interesting, too, to read of the abbey
of Tarente, founded by the Bishop of Durham and endowed by WilHam de Wode-
gate with his manor of Wodegate. The prior of Bromore adds to it the advowson
of the Church of St. Nicholas Woodgate ; and Kainel de Wodegate grants lands
there (1242).

The name itself is spelt in every conceivable manner, Wodegate, Wodgate,
Wudgate, Odgate, Wudigate, Wudyate, Wodehyate, Wouldgate, Wolgate, Wold-
gate, Wodegat, are but a few ; literary curiosity could extend the list almost
indefinitely.

The origin of the family was borne in mind when the arms were chosen. The
squirrel — the denizen of the wood — the acorns outlined against the azure of the
chevron, the blue sky ; the livery colour, green, like that of the foliage ; what could
have been more appropriate ?

II.

The earher history of the Kentish family is somewhat vague, though many
documents exist to elucidate it. During the time that was spent in the collection
and arrangement of materials for this work, the examination of the older records
was sacrificed to that of more modem ones, and our information for this period is
very inadequate. Yet we have no doubt whatever but that anyone gifted with
leisure and patience could construct, without any great difficulty, a connected
pedigree almost as far back as the Conquest. Though our researches for this
period were slight, we must make some use of the material that was obtained.

.osO. 1)8 .incr ;t>tfaf

iiiat^anicfiii

i QbftD ^ofih tiiiv bevi(ic

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.tioi OS .Tud /;■.(.! ed

is-

le-

Bt.
Wi
V€

lei
pe
pe

John
Jack(

Jolin Woodgate, juu., of Chidingston(

William \Voodgate=p
of Chidingstoue,
living 1488 ; bur.
in Parish Church.

John Wood-=pThomasin
gate of Chid- ; Wickende
ingstone, ; will dated
living 1523. j living 152

William Wood-T=
gate of Wood-
gate, Chiding-
stone, steward of
the lands of the
Duke of Buck-
ingham. Will
dated 1543.

ohu W^oodgate=FJoan

Edenbridge ;
ur. there. Will
roved 1523.

executrix
of will.

Thomas Wood-=FElizabeth

gate of Trug-
gers, Chiding-
stoue, bur. at
Chidingstone 8
Feb. 1566.

. . . ., bur.
at Chid-
ingstone
31 July
1574.

Woe

John Woodgate=pJohan
of Cowden and
Edenbridge.
Will dated 1560.

Woodgates of Stone-
wall, Chidingstone.
(See Sheet No. III.)

Christopher Woodgate
of Woodgate, Chiding-
stone ; bur. at Chiding-
stone 6 Dec. 1570.

Wood
gate,
dead ii
1540.

Wood J'

Martin=

A^ood-

ate of

)den-

)ridge,

)ur.

here 25

pril

558.

Agnes, mar. at
Cowden, 3 July
1575, John
Ford. (N.B.—
Fords lived at
Hepbrooke.)

Joan.

Julian,

mar. at

Hadlow,

13 Sept.

1573,

Steven

Larken.

I
William

Wood-

I'ate.

Christo-
pher
Wood-
gate.

Edenb
Feb. 1

Hei

Wood
gate 0
Ighthj
living
1588.

William^
Wood-
gate of
Rivers-
dale
Heath,
Chiding-
stone,
living
1557.

I
Joan»

John Woodgate of-rElizabeth
Chidingstone ; bur. I . . . ., bur.
12 June 1620. Will 27 Oct.
proved 1620. 1632.

Elizab
atlgh
July 1

N.B. — In a few instances the descents i

Hester, bap.

Sarah, bap. 7 Aug.

12 April

1586 ; bur. 30 Dec.

1582; living

1601.

1617.

—

Elizabeth, bap. 10

Elizabeth,

Aug. 1589; living

bap. 28 Feb.

1617.

1585.

probabilities.

The Men of Kent (which is not the same as Kentishmen, who are regarded by
the former as being infinitely less favoured than themselves) met William the
Conqueror at Swanscomb, and so impressed him by their resolute bearing and
martial ardour that he was glad to conclude terms of peace with them by allowing
them to retain all their ancient customs, including gavelkind. One result is that
our ancestors were all free men.

In the year lo Edward I (1281) we learn from the Ahhreviatio Placitorum
that a suit was instituted by Henry de Woodgate against William de Stubbesden.
Radus (Ralph) de Woodgate, father of Henry, had contracted to settle certain
lands at Sheldwich and Throwley to advance his son in marriage with the daughter
of William de Stubbesden. The marriage was duly celebrated, Ralph conveyed
the lands to William de Stubbesden on the understanding that he should enfeoff
Henry, and soon afterwards died. William, so far from adhering to the arrange-
ment, sold the lands to Guncelinus de Badlesmere and pocketed the proceeds. The
matter was brought before Stephen de Pencester (Penshurst), a man of great con-
sequence ; and subsequently the whole matter was thrashed out in the Courts.

Now these Woodgates of Sheldwich and Throwley were succeeded about two
hundred years later by Wolgates of Sheldwich and Throwley, in which family Ralph
is a name that continually recurs. Wolgate was sometimes written Woodgate,
Wouldgate, etc., but the " 1 " generally appeared in the name.

Hasted has some information on the subject. Referring to Wilgate Green,
at Throwley, he says : — ' ' There was a family named Wolgate, from whose residence
at Throwley this green seems to have taken its name of Wolgate or Wilgate Green.
After they had remained here for some generations, they ended in a daughter ; for
Mr. Ralph Wolgate, dying in 1642, his daughter Anne married Mr. William Gennery,
and entitled him to her father's possessions here, including Posiers in Borden and
other parts of the country." (Posiers was a manor acquired by the Wolgates about
the time of Henry VIH. Other branches of this family continued to exist after
Ralph's death).

Hasted's note on Badlesmere is also significant. He says that by the inquisition
taken of the possessions of Bartholomew de Badlesmere in 2 Edward HI (1328),
it was found that he was as that time seised of lands at Sheldwich apud le
Woodgate, as was Margery his widow at her death three years later.

In 1382, one hundred years after the marriage of Henry de Woodgate, a John
Wodegate was living. He settled in Penshurst, and founded a family which estab-
lished itself in the south west corner of Kent in a neighbourhood of which Chiding-
stone may be termed the centre, consisting of that parish, Hever, Edenbridge, Pens-
hurst, and Cowden. These were the immediate ancestors of the Woodgates of
Stonewall and Summerhill, which may be termed the senior branch.

No traces of Woodgates in the Chidingstone area can be discovered prior to the
before mentioned John Woodgate, of Penshurst ; he must have migrated there from
some other locality, possibly from Throwley.

III.

John Woodgate of Penshurst, in 1435 hired lands called Hawden Mead and
60 acres of pasture, for which he seems to have paid £20 19 8. He is mentioned
again as being feoffee, otherwise trustee, with Robert Darkynholl and John Dark-
ynholl of Otford and John Reme of Tonbridge, of lands in Leigh, Tonbridge, Pens-
hurst, and Chidingstone, under a deed dated 20th January, 1433.

He left two sons, John of Chidingstone and William of Edenbridge. Both,
with their sons, took part in the great Kentish rising under Jack Cade in 1450.
" This was not a rabble," says Furley, " but an organised rising of the midcUe-
classes, as well as those of more humble calling. One knight, eighteen esquires.

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In the year lo Edward I (1281) we learn from the Ahhreviatio Placitorum
that a suit was instituted by Henry de Woodgate against William de Stubbesden,
Radus (Ralph) de Woodgate, father of Henry, had contracted to settle certain
lands at Sheldwich and Throwley to advance his son in marriage with the daughter
of William de Stubbesden. The marriage was duly celebrated, Ralph conveyed
the lands to Wilham de Stubbesden on the understanding that he should enfeoff
Henry, and soon afterwards died. Wilham, so far from adhering to the arrange-
ment, sold the lands to Guncelinus de Badlesmere and pocketed the proceeds. The
matter was brought before Stephen de Pencester (Penshurst), a man of great con-
sequence ; and subsequently the whole matter was thrashed out in the Courts.

III.

John Woodgate of Penshurst, in 1435 hired lands called Hawden Mead and
60 acres of pasture, for which he seems to have paid £20 19 8. He is mentioned
again as being feoffee, otherwise trustee, with Robert DarkynhoU and John Dark-
ynholl of Otford and John Reme of Tonbridge, of lands in Leigh, Tonbridge, Pens-
hurst, and Chidingstone, under a deed dated 20th January, 1433.

He left two sons, John of Chidingstone and William of Edenbridge. Both,
with their sons, took part in the great Kentish rising under Jack Cade in 1450.
" This was not a rabble," says Furley, " but an organised rising of the middQe-
classes, as well as those of more humble calling. One knight, eighteen esquires.

seventy-four gentlemen, and five of the clergy of Kent took part in the rebellion,
and the same may be said of Sussex, where the gentry would never have placed their
lives in jeopardy among the following of a ' vagabond soldier.' " Furley gives a
list of the four esquires and thirty-one gentlemen of Kent who obtained pardons.

The four esquires were William Hexstall of East Peckham, William Edward
of Sandhurst, William Culpepper of Goudhurst, and John Fogge of Chart. Among
the thirty-one gentlemen were WUliam Woodgate of Edenbridge, Roger Twysden,
John Roberts of Cranbrook, and two Culpeppers. The names of the three other
Woodgates are to be found in a list of rebels.

John conveyed lands at Tonbridge and at Swaynislond, Penshurst, to Richard
Hammond, of Penshurst, who conveyed them in 1459 to John Moyse, sen., of
Penshurst. The two brothers, John and William, were trustees of Robert Ludwill, of
Cowden, who by will dated 30th December, 1456, devised property in Cowden to
Thomas Wickenden and Sarah his wife. John Woodgate left a son, John, who
died about 1476, leaving four children.

John of Chidingstone, the second son, married Thomasin Wickenden, and was
ancestor of the Woodgates of Hever. Walter, of Penshurst, the third son, and
Julian his wife (circa 1460-1540) were ancestors of the Woodgates of Penshurst,
Brenchley, Hadlow, Sundridge, and (we think) Hawkhurst. Alexandra, the daughter,
married William Potkyn, Esq., of Sevenoaks, and was buried at Sevenoaks, in 1501,
leaving issue William Potkyn of Sevenoaks and London (a).

William the eldest son owned lands called Babefeld, held of the Manor of Chid-
ingstone, Burghersh, in 1477 ; and in 1490 was owner of the Leas, Greffield other-
wise Grottfield, and the Marie, all held of the same manor. In 1488 he was feoffee
together with John Tebold of Seal, William Potkyn of Sevenoaks, William Smyth
of Sundridge, and William Miller of Bromley of lands of William Graunger of Sun-
dridge in trust for Richard Medehurst of Goldhill. In that year also he and John
Ware of Chidingstone were feoffees of Walter Darknoll of Hawden together apparently
with Richard Ashdowne. William Woodgate was buried in the Parish Church
of Chidingstone.

He was succeeded in Babefeld in 1499 by his son William Woodgate of Wood-
gate, Chidingstone ; Thomas, the other son, appears to have had the Leas, Grott-
field, and the Marie, as in 1629 they were vested in his descendant William Woodgate
of Stonewall.

William, the son, was steward of the lands of the Duke of Buckingham, who
held great possessions in Kent and elsewhere, including Penshurst Place and Ton-
bridge Castle. He was keeper of the Manor and Parks at Penshurst, for which he
received £7 11 o a year ; he was also keeper of Kymbalton Castle, Hunts., for
which he received a penny a day. Sir Henry Owen was keeper of the Postern Park,
Tonbridge, for which he received ^^4 11 o a year; and Sir Edward Guildford was
keeper of the North Frith Park, for which he received the same sum {b).

It seems that William Woodgate was also keeper, modern " land-agent," of
Halden Park ; for on i8th April, 1540, Stephen Cowper writes to Thomas Cromwell,
Earl of Essex, ' ' I and your farmer of Halden Park, William Woodgate, send you by
the bearer seven couple of herynshawes of your own breeding there, all that are
now ready. Let us know whether to send the rest of the herynshawes and shovel-
lers." He requests to have the rangership of the park. Tenterden, 1540.

In 1509 it was presented by the homage of the Manor on the part of Frenden
that William Woodgate had encroached upon the highway at Westcroft ' ' in terr.
de Curdeshouse."

(a) The arms of this family are "Argent, on a fess between three talbots, gules, three lozenges or."
(6) Surrey of the lands of the r>uke of Buckingham in 1523, soon after he was beheaded — P.R.O.

In 15 12, on the death of John Alphew, of Boar Place, Chidingstone, Lord of the
Manors of Chidingstone Burghersh and Smythestreet temp Edward IV, it was found
that he was seised jointly with William Woodgate, John Ware and another (who
survived) of three messuages and looa. arable, 26a. meadow, 250a. pasture, and 30a.
of wood land in Chidingstone, Sundridge, Penshurst, and Chevening ; and he was
seised jointly with Wilham Woodgate and John Ware of two messuages and 150a.
of arable land in Cowden, held of the Manor of Otford, and two messuages and looa.
of arable, 40a. pasture, and 20a. wood land held of the abbot of St. Peter's. He
was also seised of a messuage called Chested and 40a. of arable and 2| acres of meadow
land in Penshurst. He left two daughters and co-heiresses, one of whom married
Sir Robert Read, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, who possessed Boar Place
in her right (c).

William Woodgate's will dated the last day of February, 1540, remains. He
directs that he should be buried in Chidingstone Parish Church, next to his father,
giving to the Church for his biurial there 6/8. To be spent on his burial day, 53/4 ;
and the same sum to the poor. For an honest priest to sing for his soul and his
wife's soul, and for those that he was bound to pray for, for one year, £2 13 4,
(three score masses). To Joan Ward, his late servant, a cow and 2od. To daughter
Joan, 5 kyne and £3. To everyone of his godchildren, 8d. To son John, house
and lands in Cowden some time Thomas Sedley's, and all other his pastures, meadows
and woods wheresoever contained in a certain deed thereof made and sealed 24th
March, 1538. Also to son John £10 of money, three pounds of silver, three kyne,
two bullocks, two calves, half his swine, half his bedding, half his brass and half his
pewter ; and all his corn except 12 bushels of wheat and 12 bushels of oats. To
son Christopher, the house called Woodgates and the lands thereto belonging in
Chidingstone and Penshurst, and all other lands, pastures, woods, crofts and meadows
whatsoever contained in a certain deed made and sealed 24th March, 1538. Also
to son Christopher three silver pounds, 12 bushels of wheat, 12 bushels of oats, half
his swine, half his bedding, half his brass and half his pewter. To servant Mary
Ward, a cowe and 20 -. To servant Julyand Hall, a cowe and £3 6 8. Residue
to sons John and Christopher, the executors. Supervisor William Beecher, who
was to have 3y/4.

(Signed), WILLIAM WOODGATE.

Witnesses : Sir John Doggett, parish priest, Thomas Basset and others.

Proved at London 15th March, 1540.

Christopher Woodgate was, we believe, unmarried. In 1540 it was presented
by the homage on the part of Frenden that ' ' Johes Elys insult fecit in Xoferum
Woodgate cum pugno" ; in other words, Christopher complains of assault and battery
committed on him by John Ellis.

John Woodgate, from 1543-5 occupied his lands at Cowden, and eventually
removed to Edenbridge (? Tonbridge), where he was living on 20th March, 1560,
the date of his will. He wills to be buried at Edenbridge (? Tonbridge). To wife
Johan, aU goods and chattels. Also lands in Cowden for life, subject to maintenance
of two youngest children ; after her death, the lands to be sold and money divided

(c) There are a number of deeds by which lands were conveyed to Sir Robert Read with William
Woodgate and others as trustees, as in 1482 (lands late of William HextaU). Also in 1484, of
lands at St. Mary Hoo, Kent, to Read ; John Wode, Clerk ; William Woodgate ; and WiUiam
Middleton, Citizen of London.

Again, in 1486, Margery WhetnalL, Spinster, grants to Robert Rede, Serjeant at Law, WiUiam
Bruyn, WiUiam Wodegate and Richard Cressy, her lands at Halstowe, and St. Mary Hoo, that
belonged to her grandfather WiUiam Hexstall, Esq., deceased.

In 1501 Robert Rede, Knt,, one of the King's Justices, releases to WiUiam Wodegate,
and John Ware aU his right in lands at Orpington, Famborough, and Hayes, to the use of himself
and for the purposes of his wilL

between his children. To daughters Agnes Woodgate, Johan Woodgate, and Julian
Woodgate, £6 13 4 each. Residue of money to be divided between three sons William
Christopher, and Henry at 21. Thomas Blundell and Henry Stubbefield, executors.

Witnesses : William Charlton, William Bulling, Edmund Skinner, Harry
Stubbefield.

Proved at Rochester, 15th June, 1560. (xii., fo. 410).

Henry, the son, " of Item (Ightham), Kent, Gent," by deed dated 17th May,
1586, was appointed to the keepership of Eridge Park, Fant, with a full stock of deer
in Sussex, by EHzabeth Lady Burgenny, who enjoyed the hfe estate in it. He
was to have one stypend or yearly annuity of ;^io, together with the fedinge and
keepinge for 20 buUockes in the pasture of the said park, two geldings, one corn
mylle with all the proffits thereby growing, and also sufficient and necessary rooms
and lodgings in the house of Eridge, fit and convenient for the said Henry Wood-
gate and Mary his wife to inhabit and dwell in, with sufficient allowance of house-
bote and fire-bote (fuel) for their maintenance and better provisions in housekeeping
during the life of Lady Burgenny, who gave a bond in ;^200 to secure their enjoy-
ment of it. Lady Burgenny subsequently married, about 1586, Wilham Sydley,
of Lincolns Inn.

The other son of William Woodgate, and the brother of William Woodgate
the Steward of the Duke of Buckingham, was Thomas Woodgate of Truggers,
Chidingstone, ancestor of the Woodgates of Stonewall and Summerhill. We must
leave the consideration of his career to a later period,

A few words on the Edenbridge branch. We have the will of John Woodgate,
of Edenbridge, grandson of the William Woodgate, who served under Jack Cade.

" In Dei Nom. Amen. In the yere of ouer Lorde God, 1523, the 14th day
of June I John Wodgate, of Etonbreg, hole in mynde, make my testament in this
manner, ffirst I bequeth my soull to God ; my bodie to be buryd in the church-
yarde there. Also I bequeth to the high ault for my tithes forgotan 2d. It., [item]
to by A aulter cloth for the high aulter 34. It., I will six masses be saide at my
burying daie and six at my month (?) daie. This is the last will of John
Woogate that Marten and William my sonnes have my six oxen and all the
harnes belonging thereto. It., I will that Joane my daughter have a cowe.
The residue of my goods, [after] my detts and bequeth is paid, I gif holy to Joan
my wif whome I make my executrix. Witness Thomas Stanford, senr., John Wod-
gate, Thomas Stanford, younger, John Stanford."

Proved at Malhng, 30th June, 1523.

(Rochester, vh., fo. 276).

Martin the elder son was churchwarden at Edenbridge [cc), in 1535 and 1554,
and was Bridgewarden in 1557. The bridgewardens received the rents of cer-
tain lands at Edenbridge, Brasted, and Chipsted, and laid them out in maintaining
the bridge. The surplus was employed in a variety of ways as a kind of ' ' Develop-
ment Fund." E.g., in a lottery (with consent of inhabitants) ; in healing Anne
Stone's leg; in new casting and hanging the bell; in paving the bridge {"and
a paving breakfast") ; in maintaining a parishioner's daughter, with consent of
whole parish; in buying hemp, to be put out to the poor to be spun ; and in a fair
bible for the parish (with the consent of the parish).

In 1542 Martin Woodgait, Thomas Stretfeld and Robert Fuller held the bridge-
lands ; in 1543 Martin held the same lands, at 5/- rent. In 1547 the lessees were
Martin Woodgate and George Woodgate of Hever. In 1569 Martyn Woodgate,
son of Martin, was Bridgewarden. There seem to have been two wardens,
appointed annually.

(cc) Edenbridge is supposed to be named after the bridge there over the Eden. Streatfeild, however,
considers that the name might have been taken from Edehi, the builder of the bridge.

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Bridg
Pensl
1560.

S'of ^^o -^l/^'^^^*^ • • • ■=J«^'^ ^^3-es John Wc!odgate::p

gate of Wro- She remar. of City of of Brenchlev T' ' ' "

tham, deceased Rejnes in London ^renchley. |

in 1589. 1589. " ,jr ;,^.

Woodgates of
Brenchley.

Walter Wood-=pAnn 5
gate of Pens- at Chi
hurst, bur. 18 14 Fet
Feb. 1619. bur. 4 1

Anne, bap. 3 Edward Wood-
May 1577; gate, bap. at
bur. 4 May Penshurst 24
1577. Sep. 1578.

EHzabeth-rFortunatusWood-=Elizabeth

- . ., bur.
21 Feb.
1626. 1st
wife.

gate of Penshurst, . . bur

bap. 4 Sep. 1580; 21 Sep

bur. 5 Jan. 1645. 1641

^ili- 2nd wife.

EHzabeth,
bap. at

Chidi

ng-

stone 6
July 1578.

Elizabeth, bur. in chancel at
Penshurst 22 Aug. 1634.

A dau.

= Thomas
Hemming.

Fortunatus Woodgate of Penshurst,=?=Elizab(
bap. 28 Feb. 1626 ; bur. 6 Aug. 1664:Tpenshi

Dorothy,
bap. 9 Dec.
1645.

Martha Tworle,=pHenry Wood-=FAlice
mar. licence gate of Pens-

1670; bur
Sep. 1679.

24 I hurst, bap. 13
June 1647 ;
bur. 4 June
1719.

bur. 27

April

1727.

Elizabeth, bap. 27 Jan
1648-9.

Fortunatus Woodgate
bap. 26 Feb. 1650; bur!
7 May 1658.

Kathe-=

rine, Winn
bap. 21
April
1652.

Elizabeth,
bap. 18
June
1672.

Lucy,=^

bap. 5 Webb.
Feb. I
1673.

Walter ^Yoodga,te, bap
Aug. 1675.

Henry Woodgate of Pens-
hurst, bap. 27 April 1677.

John Woodgate, bap. 14 Mar
1678; bur. 14 April 1687.

Mary, bap. 15
Aug. 1686;
mar., 17 Feb.
1709, Thomas
Kennard of
Toubridge.

Robert Woodgate,
bap. 21 Dec. 1687.

Willi
bap. J
bur. 2

Henry Woodgate,
bap. 5 June 1690; Sarah
bur. 10 Feb. 1746, 1696
uumar. Will.

Henry Webb.

Ann.

William Woodgate, the other son of John, was living at Edenbridge in 1543
(Subsidy Roll) but in 1557, when he attested a deed, was living at Chidingstone ;
he was then at " Riversdale " Heath, — which we think must have been meant for
Rendsley Heath, in the neighbourhood of Truggers and Stonewall. His son John
Woodgate lived at Rendsley Heath, and left a will dated 8th October, 1617.

" Being aged and sickly " he directs that he should be buried in the church or
churchyard of Chidingstone. Poor of Chidingstone, 40/-. Daughter EHzabeth,
£10. Daughter Hester, ;^5o, one joyned bedstead with a feather bed and boulster,
coverlett and blankett thereunto belonging all being in my parlor and the great
joyned cheste standing in the loft over the hawle. Son William, one table with
frame with the benches and form thereunto belonging " without cubbert," all stand-
ing in the hall of my now dwelling house, with one furnace standing in the kitchen or
brewhouse, one " chayer," one great hop chest, all implements of husbandry and
certain other goods. Residue of goods to wife Elizabeth, the sole executrix. Son
William to have all the timber in the closes that is already felled, and the two boxes
with the title deeds, to be delivered to him immediately.

Witnesses : Thomas Leddal, Scr. and Anthony Combridge,
Proved P.C.C. 4th July, 1620 by Elizabeth Woodgate, widow. (81 Soames).

We do not know what became of William Woodgate ; he appears to have died
without issue, in which case his branch would have become extinct in the male line.

IV.

To revert to Walter, younger son of John Woodgate, jun., of Chidingstone,
who served under Jack Cade. He appears on the Court Rolls frequently from 1480
onwards, and in 1509 owns land formerly belonging to Fynch. In 15 15 he alienates
to Henry Jessop and Thomas Skynner lands, etc., late of Alice Coleyn. In 1518
(when Stretfield and Stretfyld begin to appear on the Court Rolls of the Honour of
Otford, on the part of Somerden) he is a feoffee of two properties ; one, of house and
50a. of John Alford, with John Goldsmith and Andrew Combridge. The other,
LongMiead and Kyngshell, alienated by Rd. Beche and Wm. Goldsmith to Walter
Woddgate, Robert Derknoll and John Moyes. In 1513 Margaret Tangmere alienates
a house and land called Blowerhill to Robert DerkynhoU (of Hawden), Henry Jessop,
Richard Rivers, and Walter Woodgate, and in 1535, he and Richard Rivers and
others are John Hart's feoffees of house and land called Fercombe.

Walter Woodgate settled in Penshurst ; he was there in 15 13, and is one of the
fourteen inhabitants included in the subsidy of that year. It is difficult to see why
only fourteen are assessed, but such is the case. They are all assessed in respect of
;^20, except Jasper Culpepper, Gent., and Lucas Johnson, £40. Their names are
Walter Fuller, John Moyse, Walter Woodgate, Richard Stretfeld, James Beecher,
Robert Combridge, John Combridge, and a few others mostly illegible.

He died soon afterwards, leaving a widow Julian and several sons namely
Edward, of whom pre sently; Walter, m. Joan Bassett ; John Woodgate of Pens-
hurst, apparently left no issue ; Reginald or Reynold Woodgate of Penshurst, an-
cestor of the Woodgates of Sundridge ; and probably, Peter Woodgate, ancestor
of the Woodgates of Hawkhurst.

Edward, the son, living at Chidingstone, 1543, at Penshurst from 1544 to 1566,
was for some time in the service of Sir George Harpur, of Great Chart, a man of
enterprising character who nearly perished on the scaffold under Henry VIII.
Edward's fidelity was rewarded by a devise of leasehold lands held of John, Duke
of Northumberland. This land he subsequently sold to Alexander Colepepper, Esq.,
of London, and of " the great lodge park of Northfryth," Tonbridge. The con-
veyance is dated 5th June, 1558 ; is signed by Edward Woodgate in a good hand ;
and sealed with his seal, a spray of oak leaves above, acorns below, and E.W. in the
middle.

aeodtisate of ^3ensljurst.

SHEET No. II.

dget , bur. at=^liU

iBhursi 25 July AVi

=f Ed ward Woodgate of Pcashurst, son of Walter Woodgate of Pen6hurst.=f= Alice, dau. of Richard Elvers of Penshurst,

Ednard Wood-=
gat« of Wro-
tbam, deceased
in 1389.

Ill ■\Voodgate=F.
iroiiolile,. J

.^John Beynoa John "Woodgati
" City of of I!r

Woodgates of
Breuchley.

Walter Wood-=FAnn Mills, mar. A dau.=John Sway- Margaret. Thomas Woodgate of=j= Alice

Kate of Pens- at Chidingstone land of Cow- — Chidingstone, after- ... .

hurst, bur. 18 14 Feb. 1571-2 ; den. Anne. wards of Hadlow. , Will

Feb. 1619. bur. 4 Sep. 1620. Adm'on granted 5 ; 1624.

William Woodgate, bap. at Pens-
hurst 26 July 1558 ; bur. 21 Aug.
1588.

William Wood- George Wood-
gate, bap. at gate, bap. at
Penshurst 13 Penshurst 4
Dec. 1562; bur. March 1564;
25 Deo. 1562. bur. 1 April
1564.

"T1 \ \

Mary, bap. at Pens- Peter Wood- Edmond Wood-=f=Mary

hurst 24 Nov. 1566. gate. bap. at Kate of Pens- bur. at

— Penshurst 15 burst, bap. at Penshurst

Susanna, bap. at June 1570 ; Penshurst 11 i 13 June

Penshurst 20 March bur. 3 July June 1572. 1 1605.

1568. 1571.

May 1577;
bur. 4 May
1577.

Edward Wood-

Kto, bap. at
mshurst 24
Sop. 1678.

Elizabeth,
Chiding-

Julyl578. 1624..

Bridgitc, bap.=John
at Chiding- Woolfe.
stone 91Aug.
1579; living

Thomas Wood-=f .
gate of Hadlow, li
bap. at Chiding- ii
stone 19 Feb. 1'
1580.

Alice, bap. at Chidingstone
11 March 1582 ; bur. at
Penshurst 29 March 1582.

John Woodgate. William Woodgate. Henry Woodgate,

John Wood- GabrielWood-=pJi>an

gate, bap. at gate, bap. at mar.

Chidingstone Chidingstone bridg

14 June 18 May 1596. 1619.

it Ton-
I 5 Sep.

Walter Woodgate,=pJane . . . .,
Parish Clerk and 1 bur. 14
Registrar of Pens- : May 1653.
hurst, bap. 20 Nov.
1597 ; bur. 26 Mar.

Joanna, bap. al
Chidingstone
10 Oct. 1602.

Edmond
Wocieite,
bap. 2 'Dec.

,=rH6nry Wood-=T=A

Martha Tworlo,=i=H6nry Wood-=T=Alice

of Pons- I

, bap. 13 bur. 27
J uno 1647 ; I April
bur. 4 Juuo 1 1727.
1719.

Elizabeth. Luct.t- . • ■
top. 18 bap.'s Webb.
June Feb.

Fortunatus Woodgate,
bap. 26 Feb. 1650; bur.
7 May 1658.

=Thomas
Burgess
of Wro-
tham.

Wmidgate,

^'"■^''!'!!L^^ Robert Woodgate, William Wrndgate, Fortunatus Wood- Richard Wood
Aug. 1688; bap. 21 Dec. 1687. bap. 24 May 1692 ; gate, b. 12, bap. 14 gate, bur. 28

, 17 Feb.
1709, Thomas
Kenuard of

Tollbridge. bur. 10 Feb. 1746, 1696.
uuniar. Will,

bur. 25 March 1693. April 1700.

Henry Woodgate, _ _ _

bap. 5 June 1690 ; Sarah, bap. 2 -ipril John Woodgate, h. Alice, bur.

and bap. 6 Aug. Oct. 1709.

Walter WoodgateT=Blizabeth,
of Brasted, bap. 17 j sister of
July 1626 ; bur. at Edward
Penshurst lOApril Fry ; mar.
1678. Will. 5 Oct.

1648.

Thomas Wood-=pElizabeth Terry,
gate, bap. 16 , mar. 7 Dec. 1671;
July 1637; bur. : bur. 29 June
22 May 1681. i 1681.

— Ason,bttr.21Jin.lW041.

Infant, bur. —

31 Deo. 1631. Eliiabeth, bur. 2 il>J
1661.

Elizabeth,
Penshurst

= Mary,— Edward
bap.at Chap-
Pens- man of
hurst Farning-
1655. ham. 2nd 1687.
husband.

Robert Thomas Wood-=Eliza- Sarah,

Cacott. gate of F^rn- both bur. at

Will. ingham. Will Brasted

proved 1701 ; living 17 April

s.p. 1701. 167S.

II II

Thomas Woodgite, John Woodgate.
bap. 28 June 1675; - , „

bur. 14 Feb. 1676. ATilliim Woo^

Sarah, bap. 6 May Twins, bur. U Mv
1679. "Sf*-

b Cacott. =

Jane:=Jacob Couchman.

Walter Cacott, 4 ohildrea.=Mary .

" Being aged and sickly " he directs that he should be buried in the church or
churchyard of Chidingstone. Poor of Chidingstone, 40/-. Daughter Elizabeth,
£10. Daughter Hester, £$0, one joyned bedstead with a feather bed and boulster,
coverlett and blankett thereunto belonging all being in my parlor and the great
joyned cheste standing in the loft over the hawle. Son William, one table with
frame with the benches and form thereunto belonging " without cubbert," all stand-
ing in the hall of my now dwelling house, with one furnace standing in the kitchen or
brewhouse, one " chayer," one great hop chest, all implements of husbandry and
certain other goods. Residue of goods to wife Elizabeth, the sole executrix. Son
William to have all the timber in the closes that is already felled, and the two boxes
with the title deeds, to be delivered to him immediately.

Witnesses : Thomas Leddal, Scr. and Anthony Combridge,
Proved P.C.C. 4th July, 1620 by Elizabeth Woodgate, widow. (81 Soames).

We do not know what became of William Woodgate ; he appears to have died
without issue, in which case his branch would have become extinct in the male line.

IV.

To revert to Walter, younger son of John Woodgate, jun., of Chidingstone,
who served under Jack Cade. He appears on the Court Rolls frequently from 1480
onwards, and in 1509 owns land formerly belonging to Fynch. In 15 15 he alienates
to Henry Jessop and Thomas Skynner lands, etc., late of Alice Coleyn. In 15 18
(when Stretfield and Stretfyld begin to appear on the Court Rolls of the Honour of
Otford, on the part of Somerden) he is a feoffee of two properties ; one, of house and
50a. of John Alford, with John Goldsmith and Andrew Combridge. The other,
LongHiead and KyngsheU, alienated by Rd. Beche and Wm. Goldsmith to Walter
Woddgate, Robert Derknoll and John Moyes. In 15 13 Margaret Tangmere alienates
a house and land called Blowerhill to Robert Derkynholl (of Hawden), Henry Jessop,
Richard Rivers, and Walter Woodgate, and in 1535, he and Richard Rivers and
others are John Hart's feoffees of house and land called Fercombe.

Walter Woodgate settled in Penshurst ; he was there in 15 13, and is one of the
fourteen inhabitants included in the subsidy of that year. It is difficult to see why
only fourteen are assessed, but such is the case. They are all assessed in respect of
^20, except Jasper Culpepper, Gent., and Lucas Johnson, £40. Their names are
Walter Fuller, John Moyse, Walter Woodgate, Richard Stretfeld, James Beecher,
Robert Combridge, John Combridge, and a few others mostly illegible.

In 1564 Edward Woodgate and Alice his wife conveyed 4a. of meadow land
in Penshurst to John Rivers of London. Alice Woodgate appears to have been
daughter of Richard Rivers [d) of Chafford Place, Penshurst, (Steward of the lands of
the Duke of Buckingham), and sister of Sir John Rivers, Knt., above mentioned,
Lord Mayor of London in 1573. The Rivers of Chafford Place, Penshurst, were
descended from Sir Bartholomew Rivers who received an augmentation of honour
from Edward IV. for his valuable services to the house of York. His son William
held a military command under Henry VH., and lies buried in Rochester Cathedral,
leaving by Alice his wife a son Edward, whose son Richard was Steward of the Duke
of Buckingham and died leaving several children, among whom were Alice Wood-
gate ; Sir John Rivers ; and a daughter, who married Robert Streatfeild, of High
Street House, Chidingstone, ancestor of most of the different branches of that
family now remaining.

By will dated 1583, Sir John Rivers directs that he should be buried at Hadlow ;
and gives to Thomas and Walter Woodgate of Penshurst a black coat each. His
grandson John was created a baronet.

Edward Woodgate in 1571 was living at Hildenborough, and on 28th January,
1574 (the date of his will), at East Peckham.

He wills that he should be buried in East Peckham churchyard. To poor
men's chest or box of East Peckham, 34, and of Penshurst, 3/4. To wife Alice,
half the household stuff, butter, cheese, bacon, tallow, and grease, 4 quarters of
wheat, of barle}' and of malt, 2 quarters of oats, and all the wood at his Otham
property; also £6 " reddie mone}^" and 2 chambers which she should like best
in the house at Otham, with free liberty to make fire, bake, brew, draw water, or do
any of the necessary business in any of the edifices there with some commodity in
the herb garden, without denial. Also annuity of £6 (purchased of Thomas Mascall
of Chart, next Sutton) for life, then to son Edmond. Also annuity or yearly rent
of £6 out of the property of Richard Landes, in Hurstmonceux, Sussex, till children
Mary, Susan, and William attain 16, then to those children. Son William, lands
called Brydges after the death of Agnes Welle. Daughter Margaret, £2 6 8.
Daughter Anne, £20 on marriage or at 21 ; Son-in-law John Sweylonde of Cowden
to keep Anne's £20 for her. Johan Sextan, 6/8. Johan Browne, John Roger, Anne
Browne, 3/4 each. Mary Woodgate, brother's daughter, 6 -. Forgives brother
Walter all debts due from him. To son Walter, all such debts as Thomas
Tylden owed on bond. Son Edward all such debts as John Leonard of Chevening,
Esq., owed on bond. Son Thomas, residue of goods and chattels. Thomas Tutterham
and William Miller, his beloved friends, to be overseers and have 10 - each. Lands
at Penshurst to son Walter. Son John, lands at East Peckham, purchased of Roger
Capper, alias Coper, and John Butter of East Peckham ; also lands lately purchased
of Symon Pyne of Maidstone, in East Peckham and Maidstone. Son Thomas,
lands in Otham and Langley, subject as aforesaid. To Robert and John Woodgate,
sons of brothers Reynold Woodgate, lands at Sundridge in full satisfaction of all
legacies bequeathed them by will of the said Reynold their father ; otherwise, the
same to go to Dorothy their mother. Witness : Thomas Tutterham, Walter
Woodgate, Thomas Smythe, and Robert Woodgate.

Proved in P.C.C. (12 Pyckering).

Thomas, one of the sons, settled first at Penshurst, then at Chidingstone, and
ultimately at Hadlow, where he died in 1619. We have the will of his widow, Alice,
dated 27th January, 1624 : —

Son Edward, three pairs of sheets and six pieces of pewter : to Alice his daughter,
a brass pan. Daughter Bridget, wife of John Wolfe, clothes of ' ' that white woollen

(d) The arms of Rivera are " Azure, two bars daacette or, in chief three bezants "

13
cloth that I have in my house," and six pieces of pewter, John Wolfe, 5 '-. Son-
in-law Thomas Billett, 5/- and to Hester his daughter a little brass pot, brass pan,
brass kettle, and pair of new sheets. Grandchild Richard Billet, pair of sheets and
six table napkins. Hester and Richard Billet, all such goods as Testatrix had that
were their mother's. God-daughter Alice (daughter of son Gabriel) great brass
pot. Residue to son Gabriel, sole executor.

Witnesses : Robert Williamson, Wilham Walter, and John Hooper (notary
public). Proved by Gabriel, 22nd February, 1624.

Edward Woodgate, another son, lived first at Penshurst, and ultimately
removed to Wrotham, in 1571-2. His widow, Elizabeth Woodgate, in May 1589,
married by licence John Reynes, of the City of London, Gent. In the marriage
licence Edward is described as " late of Rotham, Clothier."* Walter and Edmond,
two other sons of Edward of East Peckham, deserve separate mention.

Edmond, {e), the younger son, lived at Penshurst and died leaving two sons,
Walter and Edmond ; the former was Parish Clerk of Penshurst, and during the
ParUamentary regime seems to have fulfilled in some measure the position of Minister,
especially in the celebration of marriages.

He left two surviving sons — Thomas of Penshurst, married Elizabeth Terry,
and died in 1681 without male issue living at his death ; and Walter. The latter
married Elizabeth Fry and removed to Brasted, leaving his lands at Penshurst in
the occupation of his brother-in-law, Edward Fry. His will is dated 30th March,
1678 :—

To poor of Brasted, 10/-. Daughter Mary, wife of Francis Jourdain, ;^5. Son
Thomas, one press cupboard, sheets, napkins, etc. Daughter Elizabeth, ;^3 at 21
or marriage. Residue of goods to wife Elizabeth, the sole executrix, as to one quarter;
remainder to daughter Mary, Jane, Sarah, and Elizabeth. Daughter Sarah, £100
at 21. Daughter Elizabeth, ;^40 at 21. House and lands at Hever, occupied by
John Lee, to daughter Jane at 21. All lands in Penshurst (including house and
lands called Durtnolls, lately purchased of Edward Durtnoll, of Tiffey, Surrey,
and occupied by Robert Skynner). To son Thomas, except a house and lands where
Edward Fry lived, and 14a. lately purchased of Robert Skynner, which were to be
sold, a mortgage of ;f300 on DurtnoU's paid off and balance paid to Sarah in respect
of her £100 ; any excess to son Thomas. Wife to receive all rents till Thomas attain
16 ; then an annuity of £12 till Sarah attain 21 ; then annuity of £io. Friends
William Streatfeild, of Brasted and John Streatfeild, of Etonbridge, Overseers, and
to have 5/- each.

Witnesses : John Smyth, William Alchin, Henry Streatfeild.

Proved in Shoreham Peculiars, 2n(l June, 1679, by Elizabeth Woodgate.

Thomas of Farningham, yeoman, the son, died apparently without issue. By
will dated 6th November, 1701, he gives to wife Ehzabeth all household goods
and DurtnoU's in Penshurst, containing about 30a. near Pound's Bridge Mill, occupied
by Henry Hubbard. Sister Mary, wife of Edward Chapman of Farningham, 4a.
of meadow land in Penshurst, occupied by Robt. Evans. Sister Jane, wife of
Robert Cakett (/) of Brasted, £20. Residue to Mary Chapman, sole executrix.
Proved in Shoreham Peculiars, 22nd November, 1701.

With Thomas, the male line appears to have become extinct.

(e) In 1598 Edmond Woodgate and James Porter of Seal purchased of Samuel son of Thomas
Eldridge of Bidborough a moiety of a house and 80a. in Bidborough, but in November 1598,
three months later, Woodgate and Porter sell the property to WiUiam Olyver of Keales in Seal.

(/) The will of Robert Cackett of Brasted mentions wife Jane, nephew Thomas Cackett of Shibbornj
nieces Margaret and Mercy, daughters of brother Giles deceased. Son Robert, house and lands
in Hever. Son Walter, house and lands at Brasted. Lands occupied by Henry Thompson.
Robert and Walter Executors. Dated and proved 1712 (Shoreham).

The will of Jane Cackett of Brasted, widow, mentions son Robert and wife ; daughter Jane
wife of Jacob Conchman ; son Walter and his wife Mary and their four children. Dated and
proved 1731 (Shoreham).

* See Reference Sheet.

Walter, the other son of Edward Woodgate and Alice Rivers, resided at Pens-
hurst. He was one of the assessors of the various subsidies. In 1600, for instance,
there are about forty names in Penshurst, Leigh, and Groombridge ; the following
are the principal ones, being all those of £4 and upwards : —

Sir Robert Sydney, Knt., Lord Governor

of Flushing . . Lands « « ^^40

Thomas Waller, Knt., one of the

Commissioners of the Subsidy . . Lands . . . . £20

Kenelme Willoughby, Gent . . . . Lands . . . . £6

Christopher Willoughby, Gent. . . . . Goods . . . . £6

Thomas Golding, Gent. . . . , . . Goods . . . . ;^io

Thomas Jorden . . Lands . . . . £6

Anthony Combridge . . . , . . Goods . . . . ^6

Henry Brydger . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . £4

Robert Skinner . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . £5

Richard Fry . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . £4

Robert Stretfeild . . . . . . . . Lands . . ... £4

Henry Jessop . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . £4

*John Saxby, Gent. . . . . . . Lands . . . . ^6

"Andrew Combridge . . . , . . Lands . . . . £4

^Walter Woodgate . . . . . . . . Lands . . . . £4

^Assessors.

He died in 1619. Both his elder children seemed to have died in infancy leaving
only Fortunatus Woodgate, of Doubleton, Penshurst. The latter died in 1645, and
wills that he should be buried in the chancel of the parish church of Penshurst, as
near to his wives and child as conveniently could be.

He gives to the preacher at his funeral, 10/-. To poor of Penshurst, 20/-. Son-
in-law (? Step-son) Thomas Heming, 10/-. Servants, Thomas Aynscomb, John
Wood, Ehzabeth Chambers, and Margaret Burges, lod. each. Residue of personalty
to cousin Elizabeth Woodgate, daughter of Gabriel Woodgate. All lands to son
Fortunatus, the sole executor. Friend William Beecher and Thomas Skynner,
of Penshurst, his Overseers, 10;- each.

Witnesses : Richard Lovet, Thomas Berrey, and Thomas Leddal.

Proved 23rd June, 1645.

Fortunatus died in January, 1644. His son a few months later obtained a
marriage licence : — |

" 6 July, 1644. Fortunatus Woodgate, Gent, of Penshurst, Kent, bachelor,
18 [years], his parents deceased, emd Elizabeth Nevill of same, Spinster, about 22,
consent of father Francis Nevill. At St. Faith's, Middlesex."

Fortunatus the younger of Doubleton, Penshurst, died in 1664, and directed
by will dated 2nd May of that year that he should be buried in the chancel of the
parish church at Penshurst. His will provided as follows : —

To minister that should preach at his funeral, 20/-. Poor of Penshurst, 40/-.
Wife Elizabeth, ;^5, and ^20 annuity. Younger son William, ;{ioo at 21. Daughter.
Dorothy, Katherine, Elizabeth, and Frances, ;^ioo each at 21 or marriage. Eldess
son Henry, " all my books being in my house, some bookes which are not mynt
neither are they to be his ; they are my wive's and my daughter Dorothy's " ; also
all leaseholds and all other lands to Henry for life, ' ' provided that Elizabeth my wife
may and shall have the use of the chamber and the furniture thereto belonging

Vl ;«■?«! lyjui, es*-^ij&n«d i^m,

I^H;'wlI:f ■.'Uff-va^i^oW'irif&I,

tJBqqilul'l

iitnilti^'

•'i'»i^ i-I .fWsdjssilS .weibnA ..-wMbII lo levilO

.4-U"} -

■<:■ .-isfd I OITI \Ai£ IS OS . ! \bU 5 .-(jjd

nrrr ■lAT OS.iuJ.-..-. : .^ : i£ .md .muu ,rtr)T?

Peter Woo'dgate of I™gBers^rS,tr' 'tLSS"" SX!;

and of Stonewall

of Chidingstone ; married 16 25 Jul)' 1!
November 1562.

WiUiamWoUgate of Stone.=rJon...^;-. -^^-^^^^^^^^ i">S

22=William

wall, Chidingstone, Srd sou, baj
18 Feb. 1575 ; bur. 27 Aug. 1638

Joauua, uau. anu ueirt;s.s ui uun^.i^, .^^^i^. -- .. --—

Andrew Combridge of Chid- March 1578-9 ; Luck.

ingstone : mar. there 5 Oct. mar. 22 Oct.

1602 ; bur. 3 Jan. 1625. 1604.

Andrew Wood

gate, bap. 13 gate of
Nov. 1603. Stonewall,

\ " ^ I I 1

Jolin W00d-T=Sarah, dau. of Ro- Sarah,=fEobert Thomas Woodgate

William Wood-
gate, bap. 20
Aug. 1607.

bap. 4 March
1612 ; bur. 1
July 1643.

bert Streatfeild of bap. 13
Chested; mar. at March
Toubridge 27 June 1615.
1637. She remar.
John Ashdowne the
younger of Hever.

Streat-
feild of Andrew Woodgate
Cran- of Westerham, bap.
sted. 23 Jan. 1619.

Joanna.

Alice, baptized =
14 July 1585;
married 11
Peb. 1604.

Thomas Wood-
gate of Chid-
ingstone, bap
9 June 1617;

Elizabeth.

William Wood-T" Alice, dau. of
gate of Stone- EichardStreat-
wall: High Sheriff .feild of High

of Kent 1699: -" ' ^^^^^^ ^«'^'^'

bap-

26 Aug. 1638; bur-
23 May 1717. Will.

Sarah,=John Ash-
bap. 1 downe of
Oct. Kendsley
1643. Heath.

John Woodgate of=pElizabeth

Chidingstone ;
bur. 23 Jan.
1718. Will.

Chidingstone, bap.
12 Aug. 1641 ;
dec. in 1676.

Beecher,
bur. 23
Oct. 1676.

Joanna,
bap.
6 Nov.
1625.

I
The
Wo
gatt
9D
162

Elizabeth, bur.
26 Oct. 1676.

I
Alexan

John Woodffate=?^Rose, dau. and WilliamWood-= Hannah, Henry Wood-=rLydia, dau.
juiiii """"S"''^ , ._ _' ,. „__ ,„ ,n r^,--, ,„„ . „„+,. r>f rimifl- nf Thomas

of Stonewall
and of Summer
hill, Tonbridge,
bap. 13 Sep. 1664
bur. 21 Aug. 1727
Will.

! heiress of Eran
i cis Birsty of
Howgreen,
Hever ; mar.
at Peushurst
18 Jan. 1693.

gate of Chid- dau. of
ingstone, b. ....

1666; bur. 13 Coney of
March 1718. Seven-
oaks.

gate of Goud-
hurst,b.l668.

Thomas Woodi
of"' Thomas of St. Sepulch
Crompe of Citizen of Lom
Maidstone, b. 1670.

(See Sheet No. IV.)

William 'woodgate of Sarah, b. 3, bap. Alice, b. 30 Dec. 1697 ;=f=Artliur_Children Jol^^^y^^^^^^^ug:

Stonewall, bap. at at Penshurst 22 bap. at Penshurst 29

Penslmrst 11 June Oct. 1696 ; bur. Jan. 1698. AVill 1768.

1695. Adni'on granted 28 Feb. 1761, _

13 Sep. 1743. uuuiar. I

of Riverhill,
Sevenoaks.

4, bap.

1699 ; bur. at Chid- M

ingstone 17 April ui

1700.

One son, d. in infancy.

15
over the hall during her widowhood " and residue of personalty ; after Henry's death,
the same to devolve to his children, in tail male, with remainders overs. Provision
for enabling Henry, then unmarried, to jointure any future wife to the extent of
;f20 a year. Mr. Thomas Seyhard and Thomas Cadde, both of Penshurst, Overseers,
20/- each. Will written in his own hand and signed " Fort: Woodgate." .
Witness : Richard Beecher, Mary Beecher, John Chapman.

Proved 2nd May, 1665, in P.C.C. (56 Hyde).

Henry married about 1670 -" Mrs. Martha Tworle, of Loughton, Sussex, spinster,
about 28, and at her own disposal," by licence ; he was then about 25, and the
marriage was to be at East Hoadley ; the licence was dated 27th December, 1670.

There was no fear of the entail terminating in William's favour, as his brother
had an immense family. He was therefore sent up to London to make his fortune.
We do not know what line he followed, as his will (dated 29th January, 1715) describes
him simply as " gent." He seems however to have done pretty well, and directs
that his body should be brought to Penshurst, to be buried in the parish church.
He gives legacies of varying amounts to the following : —

Brother Henry ; brother Henry's son Henry ; sister Katherine Winn, widow ;
nephew William Burgess ; cousin Henry Bewley of Plaxtol ; niece Lucy Webb ;
cousin John Sandford and Elizabeth his wife; their daughter "my cousin" Katherine
Sandford ; cousin Edward Northey "of Painters Hall, London, Gent.";
cousin Nathaniel Drake, son of cousin Gideon Drake, under 21 ; and Nathaniel's
uncle Edward Northey ; gives three gold rings ' ' each of which I have by me and
usually wear " ; a broad piece of gold of five and twenty shillings each to cousins
Henry Burgess, Mary Burgess, and Ann wife of Edward Northey, and Ehz. Drake,
now wife of Gideon Drake ; Anna Maria Drake, daughter of Gideon ; cousin Thomas
Northey and Mary his wife ; brother Webb ; Mrs. Thomas Harrison ; Ann Shotter ;
Mr. Charles Whadcock ; nephew William Burgess sole executor and residuary legatee.
Proved at London, 6th February, 1720. P.C.C. (38 Buckingham).

Henry appears to have been the only son among fourteen children that survived,
and even he died without issue. By will dated 24th October, 1735, he left legacies to
a Webb nephew and niece, and the rest of his property to Susannah Page, widow
of Daniel Page, late of Penshurst. Proved at London, 20th February, 1746, by
Susanna Page. This branch appears to have ended with Henry.

VI.

To return, however, to the last remaining branch of the Woodgates of this
neighbourhood — that of Thomas Woodgate of Truggers, brother of William Woodgate
of Woodgate, and ancestor of the Summerhill family.

In 1544 he purchased Truggers, a property at Rendsley Heath, consisting of
about 50a. of land, which continued in the family for many generations. Truggers
belonged originally to John Slighters, afterwards to John Pigott and then to Henry
Pigott, who sold it to Woodgate. It was held of the manor of Chidingstone
Burghersh. Woodgate also held various lands of the King in capite, and in the time
of Henry VIII obtained the royal hcence to alienate some 50 acres at Rendsley
to Anne Bond, widow. Lands held in capite could only be ahenated on payment
of a fine or duty, often arbitrary ; and such fines continued to exist tiU the time of
Charles II, when they were swept away, and an equivalent revenue granted to the
crown. He seems also to have purchased the Rye, otherwise Holmwell, at Rendsley
Heath, which in 1525 belonged to Henry Pigott and in 1557 to Thomas Woodgate,

aeoonsate of ^toiutoall anti Ciitfisei-s. Cijititnsstone.

SHEET No. III.

Feb. 1566.=fElizabeth .

buried 31 July 1574.

Hunter, widow ; marne
ingstone 2
J September 1

wan,C
IS Feb.

, Woodgate of Stoiie-=f

idinastoDf. 3rU sou, hq: I
575" bur. 27 Aug. 1638.

ridKO of (
■. tlicre 6

14 July

married x± a,^..-...,

Feb. 1604. I l»t »

Elizabeth l'ig^ott,= Walter Woodgate^p? Mirrell, Henry ^\ 00
mar 19 Oct. 1596: of Truggers, 1st 1 buried 18 gate, baptiz
7 son bap. 14 Deo. Apr. IBU. 20 August

oseph "Woodgate, bap— p.
ized 30 March 1589. I

Not. 1577. ot Chid-

Aiiirew 'Wood- Johm 'Wooi-=f=Snrah,
sate. bap. 13 gate of

KoT. 1603. Stonewall,

bap. 4 March

oodgate. Thomas Wood-

Streatfcild
Chested; mar.
Tonbridge 27 Ju

Andrew Woodgate ingstone,
of "Westerham, bap. 9 June li
23 Jan. 1619. unmar.

Saiah,=John Ash-

gate 01 stone-
wall; High Sheriff
of Kent 1699; bap-

John Wood2ate=i=E/.iC, dau. and WilliamAVood.=Hannah, Henry Wood-=rLydia, dan. Ihomaa n oodgat*-

of 8tOTem!l iri"^""""- Bate of Chid- dau. of gate of Goud- I of Thomas of St. Sepulchre's,

ildJfSier- ™ Birst)- of ing«„ne,b hurst, b. 1668, Crompe of Clttzen of London,

SLTonbridae Howgreen, 1666; bur. 13 Coney ot | Maidstone, b. 1670.

.'-^^ 1^ Sep. l/i. ; H-er;___,nar. March 171B. Sej.n- .g^, ^hee^^ko. lY.) (Seel

WilL

. 21 Aug. 1727.

wniiin. Woodgate of Sarah, b. 3, bap. Alice, b. 30 Dee. 1697 iT=.4rthur Children John Woodgate, b. Henry
Svx.'^all, bap. aX at Penshnnrt 22 bap. at Penshurst 29 I of Eiverhill, 4, bap. 22^ Aug.

MK-Admon
13 Set,, lim.

Jan. 1698. Will 1768. Sevonoaks.

Jan. 1641. 1st

.T=Walter Woodgate of Chidingstone, bap. 25 AprU=
; 1603 ; m. 1st, 12 May 1631 ; 2ndly, 30 Not. 1648.

Elizabeth, bap. Margaret, bap.= Elizabeth, bap. Thomas Woodgate,-r Anna, bap.

at Penshurst 24 Oot. 1596. Wilooi. 25 Feb. 1598. bap. 19 July 1601. ^^"j^,^

Walter Woodgate of Lingfield=rElizabeth, ividow ot John Friend of Lingfield, Surrey. William Woodgate, 1

26 Feb. 1892.
. 29 Dec. 1657.

Jane=fThomas Mngg,

, Chidiugstone 4 Ann, bap. at Ohidin(

ap. at Chidiugstone 1
bur. 14 March 16C9.

;a-=^ Alexander Mary,-|-. . . . Car-
li, I Osborn bap. I penter.

.. 2 j of Cow- 26 Dec.

John Wood- Thomas Wood-T=Ann, dau. of Michael Miriam, Philippa, bap.=Thomas Moyse
™te bap. 10 gate ot Trug- ' Bassett ot Chiding- bap. 9 21 Feb. 1646 ; of Tunbridge
Dec 1637 ! gers, bap. 16 stone ; mar. 12 Feb. March mar. 7 Feb. W ells ; died

William Wood- Hannah,=John Ma

gate of Pens- mar. of Tyhur

hurst. Will 1667. and Grci

proved 1662. Nashes.

Oliver Com.=pSarah=Thomas Alex-

Joell-rSars
Harden. 1st of London. gate of bur.

Oliver of Harden. Andrew.

Anne. Mary=Richard S

Sarah,=pWilliam Robert Stephen Woodgate
.1677. Durrant W^ood- of Sevenoaks, b.
of Frani- gate, b. 1681.

A child, bur. John Wo.

28 April 1658. gate, bap,

— 28 June

A child, bur. 1662 ; bu:

12 May 1661. 21 Sep. 10

Sep. 1664; gers,

bur. 12 March iboa;

Dec. 1668. bur. 14 May

Sarah, Anne, b«p. Sebeoea, b.

hap. 25 3 Jan. 12 Oct 16*

June 1688; bur. if'"'

1686. 6 Aug. >oi. ItiM

mas Woodgate, Eev. Francis Woodgate, Vioai=j=Maix dan. ot Thomas Thompson Elizabeth, bap. at Anne, bap. at John Woodgate of S««I'''™ JT'^''' ^bndJ'
^^t^'chiib otMountfield; bap. 25^eo:i70B.l[or Hal. Place, seal. f-*T,!r« ^^ ^U^^^^.^' SSZ^LM^ ^ Vj imT bt. ^, ^t.

e 170.'. Woodgates of Summerhill, etc. ^y- ^'

over the hcdl during her widowhood " and residue of personalty ; after Henry's death,
the same to devolve to his children, in tail male, with remainders overs. Provision
for enabling Henry, then unmarried, to jointure any future wife to the extent of
^20 a year, Mr. Thomas Seyhard and Thomas Cadde, both of Penshurst, Overseers,
20/- each. Will written in his own hand and signed " Fort: Woodgate." .
Witness : Richard Beecher, Mary Beecher, John Chapman.

Proved 2nd May, 1665, in P.C.C. (56 Hyde).

Brother Henry ; brother Henry's son Henry ; sister Katherine Winn, widow ;
nephew William Burgess ; cousin Henry Bewley of Plaxtol ; niece Lucy Webb ;
cousin John Sandford and Elizabeth his wife; their daughter "my cousin" Katherine
Sandford ; cousin Edward Northey "of Painters Hall, London, Gent.";
cousin Nathaniel Drake, son of cousin Gideon Drake, under 21 ; and Nathaniel's
uncle Edward Northey ; gives three gold rings ' * each of which I have by me and
usually wear " ; a broad piece of gold of five and twenty shillings each to cousins
Henry Burgess, Mary Burgess, and Ann wife of Edward Northey, and Eliz. Drake,
now wife of Gideon Drake ; Anna Maria Drake, daughter of Gideon ; cousin Thomas
Northey and Mary his wife ; brother Webb ; Mrs. Thomas Harrison ; Ann Shotter ;
Mr. Charles Whadcock ; nephew WilHam Burgess sole executor and residuary legatee.
Proved at London, 6th February, 1720. P.C.C. (38 Buckingham).

VI.

To retiurn, however, to the last remaining branch of the Woodgates of this
neighbourhood — that of Thomas Woodgate of Truggers, brother of William Woodgate
of Woodgate, and ancestor of the SummerhiU family.

In 1544 he purchased Truggers, a property at Rendsley Heath, consisting of
about 50a. of land, which continued in the family for many generations. Truggers
belonged originally to John Slighters, afterwards to John Pigott and then to Henry
Pigott, who sold it to Woodgate. It was held of the manor of Chidingstone
Burghersh. Woodgate also held various lands of the King in capite, and in the time
of Henry VIII obtained the royal licence to alienate some 50 acres at Rendsley
to Anne Bond, widow. Lands held in capite could only be alienated on payment
of a fine or duty, often arbitrary ; and such fines continued to exist till the time of
Charles II, when they were swept away, and an equivalent revenue granted to the
crown. He seems also to have purchased the Rye, otherwise Holm well, at Rendsley
Heath, which in 1525 belonged to Henry Pigott and in 1557 to Thomas Woodgate.

One year before he purchased Truggers, i.e., in 1543, Thomas Woodgate appears

to have been one of the chief men in Chidingstone (after the Willoughby's of Boar
Place). There are about 80 names, and the following are the first nine in order.

Thomas Willoughby, one of the justices of

the King's Bench . . . . . . Lands . . . . £10

Humphry Walrond, Gent. . . . . Lands . . . . 20/-

Thomas Woodgate . . . . . . Goods . . 13/4

Stephen Pays . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . 13/4

Richard Streatfeild . . . . . . Goods . . . . 13 4

William Bassett . . . . . . . . Goods . . 5/4

William Ashdowne . . . . . . Goods . . . . 5/-

John Ashdowne . . . . . . . . Goods . . . . 4/8

Radus Ashdowne . . . . , . . . Goods . . . . 4/-

Two years later the order is as follows : —

Humphry Willoughby, Gent. . . . . Lands . . . . 40/-

Christopher Willoughby, Gent. . . . . Lands . . . . 40/-

Robert Stretfylde Goods . . . . 32/-

Thomas Woodgate . . . . . . Goods , . . . 16 -

William Ashedowne . . . . . . Goods . . . . 13 -

William Pygot . , . . . . . . Lands . . . . 12/-

Christopher Woodgate . . . . . . Lands . . . . 10/-

Raff Ashdowne . . . . . . . . Lands . . . . 10/-

John Bassett Goods . . . . 10/-

William Bassett . . Goods . . . . 10/-

Bryget Willoughby, widow(g) . . . . Lands . . . . 9/-

About 1558, out of 55 names, the first three are :—

Richard Stretfelde . . . . . . Goods . . . . ^^22

Henry Stretfeld . . Goods . . . . ^16

Thomas Woodgate Goods . . . . £12

The year before Thomas Woodgate's death, i.e.
four are as follows : —

1564 out of 52 names the first

Thomas Willoughby, Esq.
Richard Stretfelde
Henry Stretfeld
Thomas Wooderate

. . Lands . . . . £^0

. . Goods . . . . £20

Goods . . . . £14

. . Goods . . . . £12

Christopher Woodgate comes ninth with ly in lands, and Peter Woodgate with £5.
Thomas Woodgate died in 1565. He left a will, but it cannot be found in any
of the Courts of Probate ; it must therefore have been lost. We have learnt one or
two particulars of it from a suit in chancery of 1595.

The will was dated 20th January, 1565. By it (amongst other things) he gave
to William his third son a property at Rendsley Heath called Casdenne, containing
24a., in tail male, with remainder to second son Thomas in tail male. William
died unmarried in 1570, soon after attaining his majority. Thomas his brother
died seven years later ; but he had first mortgaged Casdenne to Richard Waters,
of Chidingstone, Miller, who (by directions contained in Thomas' will) sold Casdenne,
to John Combridge of Penshurst and Francis Combridge his son, paid off his
mortgage debt and handed over the balance to the executors. The Combridges
entered into possession and settled it on Abia, widow of Thomas Woodgate and

(flf) The Willoughby's of Chidingstone Burghersh were the most important family in the place.
Bridget Willoughby was daughter and co-heiress of Sir Robert Read, Chief Justice of the Common
Pleas and Lord of the Manor ; and widow of Sir Thomas Willoughby, Knt., a younger brother
of William Lord Willoughby (ancestor of Lord Willoughby of Eresby).

then the wife of Francis Combridge. John and Francis died several years jpreviously
to 1595. The land was claimed by Andrew, John, and Robert, as brothers and
heirs of Francis, subject to the settlement on Abia Combridge ; and also by Peter
and Daniel Woodgate, the two remaining sons of Thomas the Elder, as heirs in
gavelkind.

Of Daniel Woodgate, the youngest son {h), we know nothing, except that he
married Ann Hunter, widow, in 1575 (who seems to have died in 1584) ; and was
churchwarden of Chidingstone in 1578.

Thomas Woodgate, of the " Stooke," (or Watstock), the second son, is described
sometimes as ' ' clothier " Peter Woodgate and John Lye, of Edenbridge, were
the trustees of his marriage settlement in 1566. He left no male issue surviving.
We cannot find the will ; but we know from another chancery suit that he died in
.1577, and that by will dated 15th July, 1577 (amongst other things) he devised the
Stoke to Abia his wife for her life, and after her decease to his three nephews, Walter,
Thomas, and William Woodgate, successively in tail male, subject to sums charged
thereon for his daughters. The wiU was proved by Abia, the sole executrix, who
soon afterwards married the above-named Francis Combridge, (?) on whose death in
1584 she remarried his cousin, Anthony Combridge, of Newhouse, Penshurst. Thomas,
the second nephew, succeeded to Watstock, under the entail, Walter having sold
{k) to him his interest under the will.

The eldest son of Thomas Woodgate, of Truggers, was Peter Woodgate, who
succeeded to that property. Once, in 1577, ^e is described in a deed as " Peter
Woodgate, of Chidingstone, clothier, son of Thomas Woodgate, late of Cranbrook,
deceased. Clothier." If this deed is correct, then it can only be supposed that
Thomas went off in his early days to Cranbrook, at the same time probably as his
cousin Peter went to the adjoining town of Hawkhurst (the two chief centres of the
great cloth manufacturing industry) ; that Thomas, while still there, purchased
land at Chidingstone under his description of " Clothier " and eventually returned
to Chidingstone • and that when Peter sold the same land (/) in 1575, it was deemed
advisable by the attorney to identify Peter as the son of the purchaser.

{h) Daniel Woo.dgate was perhaps the father of Peter Woodgate of Tonbridge, who had several
children. Peter's wife died in 1651. This connection, however, is only conjectural.

(i) Francis Combridge by will dated 4th June, 1584, gave all his lands to Abia for hfe, and then
to his three brothers, Andrew of Chidingstone, Robert of Penshurst, and John (who died
without issue). Andrew and his nephew Robert, son of Robert deceased, agreed to divide the
inheritance between them, subject to the widow's life estate. Dated 4tli June, 1624.

(k) By Indenture dated 21st November, 1617, made between Walter Woodgate of Chidingstone
and Thomas Woodgate of Penshurst, Walter in consideration of £180 and the sum thereafter
mentioned granted to Thomas (1) A close of land in Chidingstone called Culderscroft containing
5a. next the King's Highway leading from Chidingstone to Cowden S. land of William Luck N. and
W. and land of Walter Woodgate E. (2) 12ia. of land and woodland in Chidingstone called Aldine
Croft or Little Copps next land of WiUiam Luck W, land late of MatthewDye N, and land of Walter
Woodgate E. and S. (3) 1 rood of land in Chidingstone being the N.W. corner of a iield belonging
to Walter called Sandfield or Hardlefield and right of way thereto through Sandlield iata Aldine
Croft and Culderscroft. (4) a messuage, orchard, barns, stables, and edifices called the Stoke
abas Stookehaes, abas Prickfieldhaes and 4a. of land adjoining in Chidingstone next land of
Silvester Streatfeild, Gent. E. (5) 4a. in Chidingstone called Pookden next the King's Highway
leading from Renhes Hoath to Chidingstone S.W., land of Anthony Combridge E. and land of
John Woodgate S. (Numbers (4) and (5) were subject to the hfe estate of Abia Combridge).
Reservation to Walter of right to resort to the marl pit in Aldine Croft to take marl for Sand-
field. Covenant by Thomas to pay the money charged on (4) and (5) to his deceased uncle's
daughters. Thomas releases Walter from a bond dated 18th June, 1613, to secure to Thomas
£450.

Abia Combridge died in May, 1632, but Anthony Combridge her husband, and Abia Everest her
grand-daughter retained the deeds and claimed the land, which was the reason of Thomas
Woodgate bringing the suit. Thomas Woodgate seems to have gained the day.

(I) The land in question consisted of 4a. of meadow called Snaghope in Chidingstone nextHad-
deredge Mead, East ; the common River, South ; and Hadderedge and Watermede, West and
North ; also right of way to Snaghope through lands of Peter. Covenant by Peter and Joan his
wife to levy a fine. Purchaser, Sir John Rivers, Knt., of London, for £45. Dated 7 th May, 1575.

Peter Woodgate married in 1562 Joan daughter of John Bassett, of Chidingstone,
whose family had been long settled in the parish. In the reign of Edward III
{^373) > Thomas Bassett appears as one of the chief men in Chidingstone. About
this time, in 1558 and 1559, the Bassetts of Chidingstone intermarried with the families
of Vane and Lambarde, two of the principal families of Kent. There is reason to
believe that Joan Bassett was an heiress or co-heiress (w).

It is almost certain that Peter Woodgate built Stonewall, which was still in the
family less than a century ago ; the main part of the house has been pulled
down" and only a small remnant left. However, we are informed that the
inscription "W.W,, 1590" is carved upon abeam in the remaining part of the old house.
In 1590, Peter's son William was about fourteen years old ; what is more probable
than that some boyish instinct led him to climb up and carve his initials in his father's
house ? This shows at least that the place had been built, and was then inhabited by
Peter. Again, two years previously Peter Woodgate had settled Truggers in trust for
his eldest son Walter (n) ; it seems that he left Truggers to reside at Stonewall. Peter
Woodgate, who was living in 1605, died soon afterwards ; no entry of his burial
and no will can be found.

He was succeeded in Stonewall by his third son William ; the Woodgates of
Stonewall are accounted for in the succeeding chapter.

VII.

Thomas the second son of Peter was of Watstock. He had only one son, Thomas,
and several daughters, of whom Anna married Thomas Allen, of Sevenoaks. Anna
by wiU dated 14th January, 1675 (made by virtue of ante nuptial agreement, dated
1672) , gave a messuage and 20a. in Leigh to her nephew William Woodgate, of Leigh,
Gent., and made various bequests, including ;fio to Carey Woodgate, daughter
of Joseph Woodgate her uncle. Husband executor.

{m) We have no idea of the extent of her fortune. Part of it lay in Cudham, called Skidds' Forty-
Acres, held of the Manor of Oxenhoath.

In 1590 Peter Woodgate was tenant of the Oxenhoath Court Rolls in right of his wife ;
and he, with Joan his wife, granted this property to their son Thomas of Watstock who appears
on the homage in 1603. In 1609 he aUenated the same to John Glover,
(n) In 1588 Peter Woodgate alienated Truggers to Henry Hebbethwait© of London, in trust for
Walter Woodgate, who attained 21 in that year. In 1605 Hebbethwaite surrendered Truggers
to Walter.

Peter Woodgate signs the parochial accounts in 1566 and subsequent years. The following
note is entered in the parish books : —

' ' A copy [of court roll] of a Uttle house at Summerden Green builded and belonging to the poor
of the parish of Chidingstone granted to Peter Woodgate to the use of the poor April 22nd,
anno 43 EHzabeth, was delivered by Henry Stretfeild to the nowe Churchwardens, 29th April,
1621 "

The following is from the order of the seats in the church agreed upon 28th September, 1571.
" Tenements and their occupiers, viz. : —

Wyborn at Bowbech Thomas Hayward.

Riddens at Bowbech Henry Moody,

Scoryers, William Seyhard, Gent. Occupier, Richard Wells.

John Hayward's tenement Thomas Lewin.

Sometime Pigot's Tenement (Truggers) Peter Woodgate.

Cransted Richard Streatfeild.

Tenement late Snap's William Gibson, Gent.

Stonelake William Clarke.

Tenement of Thomas Hayward at Tyegreen Richard Ameist.
The uppermost six seats on ye north side were builded and made by Thomas WiUoughby, Esq.,
for his household seats ; the seventh, eighth, and ninth, by John Jessop of ye Causeway Tene-
ment of Richard Blome, at Waterslip. The long seat in the South ayle, sometime called St.
Edward's Chapel, belongeth to Bore Place.

The chappell on ye north side of the chancell was builded by Sir Robt. Redde, Knt., Chief
Justice of ye Common Pleas, for his house called Bore Place."

John Hill, Parson Thomas WiUoughby, Esq.

John Ashdowne, senior. Richard Streatfeild.

Henry Ashdowne, junior. Henry Ashdowne, senior.

John Jessop. William Beecher. etc.

* See Reference Sheet,

William Woodgate of Leigh, by will dated ist June, 1706, * ' being aged but
in good health," gave legacies to Robert Hunt and his family ; to John Sale of
Leigh, and Elizabeth his wife, and John his son ; nieces Jane and Frances, daughters
of John White of Great Peckham ; Elizabeth, Ann, John, Mary, Joseph, and William,
children of John Bennett, of Tonbridge ; kinsman John Sale, senior, executor.
The Sales got the bulk, including an estate at HoUenden, Leigh. Proved i6th
December, 1706.

With William Woodgate the male line of this branch seems to have become
extinct.

VIIL

Walter Woodgate of Truggers, eldest son of Peter Woodgate of Stonewall,
owned Sealefields, Rook's Hoath, and other lands. He was churchwarden from
time to time, as in 1622.

In 1625, on the occasion of his son William's marriage, he settled on him by
deed dated loth July, Truggers and 50a., and Rook's Hoath in Chidingstone and
24a. He had also a younger son Walter, who married and had issue.

William Woodgate of Truggers, the elder son, had a numerous family. Among
others, he had John (0) , who died without issue ; Thomas ; Philippa, married Moyse ;
Sarah, married Alexander ; Hannah, married Martin ; and Joell. William Woodgate,
for the advancement in marriage of his son Thomas (/>), by deed dated 12th November,
1655, settled on him Truggers and Rooke's Hoath, and house and 8a. at Rendsley
Hoath purchased 25th March, 1643, of John Care ; also i6a. of arable, pasture, and
woodland in Chidingstone purchased 2nd May, 1626, of Henry Ashdowne subject
to an annuity of £15 to himself for life, and to the sum of £200 to be paid on his
death to his younger son Joel. In consideration of the marriage, Thomas Woodgate
by deed dated 15th December, 1655, settled on his prospective wife an annuity of
£13, charged on the above property.

Thomas Woodgate's wife was Ann daughter of Michael Bassett {q) of Chid-
ingstone, Lord of the Manor of Stangrove, in Edenbridge. We have Thomas's will
dated i6th April, 1669, describing him as of Chidingstone.

To poor of Chidingstone, £4 10 o. To poor of Penshurst, £4 10 o. To
youngest son Thomas, £1,200 at 21. Daughter Anne, £200 at 21 or on marriage.
Wife Ann, such household goods as he had with her on marriage ; residue of personalty
to son William. Wife Anne, life estate in Truggers and the furniture. Trustees
to let Geeres, accumulate proceeds and hand them over to son Thomas at 21. All
lands in Kent and Sussex to son William including Sealefields (held on a lease for 2000

(o) The will of John Woodgate of Penshurst was proved 18th April, 1662 by brother Joel in Shore-
ham PecuUars. He held lands of the Manor of Penshurst Hah mote ; and on his death the Lord
seised a steer as the best beast by way of heriot, for which Joel compounded by paying
£4 4 4 at a Court Baron holden 16th October, 13 Charles II, a very valuable steer !

(p) By an indenture dated 20th January, 1664, John Sage of Speldhurst in consideration of £305
conveyed to Thomas Woodgate of Chidingstone Geeres and its appurtenances containing 20a. of
land and 8a. of wood, late in the occupation of John Sage of Sundridge, but subject to a life
annuity of £5 to Ehzabeth Ashdowne of Chidingstone, Spinster, under the will of Nicholas Ash-
downe of Chidingstone deceased, and a mortgage for £80 created by Sage (created for payment
of £40 each to his brothers Wilham and Thomas, given by will of Nicholas Ashdowne).

(q) In his will dated and proved 1682, Michael Bassett mentions his daughter Anne Woodgate, widow,
and her two children Anne and Thomas, both under age.

His elder son Thomas Bassett of Cowden died 13th January, 1714, aged 71, and is buried
in the south aisle of Chidingstone Church where there is a stone to his memory.

John the yoimger son, of Edenbridge, was left the Manor of Stangrove and Linhurst Farm
(60 acres) at Edenbridge. He left, by Ann hia wife, five children, Sarah, Ann, Katherino,
Michael, and John.

years at a peppercorn rent of Walter Woodgate, jun., of Lingfield, Surrey) ; and
son Thomas to release to William his right in Robert lands {r). Executors:
Brother Joel, and brother in-law Thomas Bassett, of Chidingstone. Proved P.C.C.^
i6th June, 1669. (80 Coke).

William of Truggers the eldest son willed that he should be buried in the church
of Chidingstone. Gave ;^ioo to sister Ann Legate and everything else to brothei*
Thomas Woodgate, of Penshurst, sole executor. (Will dated 17th December, 1714).

The latter was ' ' of Burwash, Sussex, Gent." in 1689. His will, dated 20th
September, 1716, describes him as of Chidingstone. He gave ;^5o to sister Ann
Legate, ;^io to poor of Chidingstone, £10 to poor of Penshurst, ;^io to Francis
Green, of East Grinsted, his trustee, ;^io each to John Hayles, of Penshurst, and
John Streatfeild (executors), and everything else, including all his lands in Chid-
ingstone, Hever, Cowden, Lingfield, and Rotherfield, to John Longley. Proved
in P.C.C. 23rd February, 1722 by Hayles ; in 1742 administration (with will annexed)
de bonis non, granted to John Longley ; Hayles and Streatfeild both being dead.
(41 Richmond).

To return to the children of William Woodgate of Truggers.

Philippa, a daughter, married Thomas Moyse (s), of Tonbridge. Moyse possessed
some leasehold land at Tunbridge Wells on which be built a house. He appears
to have been a man of extravagant disposition, and before his marriage had contracted
" several great debts upon bond and otherwise." It was, however, arranged by
the marriage articles dated 2nd February, 1686, under which Joel and William'
Woodgate were Trustees, that the land should be settled ; that Philippa should
have all the furniture and effects after the death of Moyse, and that Moyse should
give a bond in £400 to the Trustees. In consideration of this Moyse took the greater'
part of Phihppa's fortune, and with it paid off a great many of his debts After-
Wards, however, instead of paying off his incumbrances, Moyse continually added
t6 them, and finally was arrested for debt and committed to prison at Maidstone,
where he died some years later.

His estate Of course was insolvent ; but his widow took out letters of administra-
tion, and paid off nearly £200 of the debts out of what remained of her fortune,-
including £5 which Moyse had borrowed of John Coppin, the gaoler at Maidstone;
and £10 II 2, Henry Streatfeild's charges for preparing the marriage articles.

Philippa Moyse made her will dated i8th October, 1700. She willed to be
buried at Penshurst. Left £10 each to her sisters Elizabeth Osborn and Hannah
Martin ; £20 to each of the children of sisters King, Alexander, and Carpenter ;
20/- to cousin Richard Fry, nephews William and Thomas Woodgate, and Aifeee
Ann Legate. Residue to brother Joel, sole executor.

Witnesses : Henry Streatfeild, Mary Scale, William Hilder,

Proved 12th November, 1700.

Joel the executor sold the effects at Tunbridge Wells for £58, the unexpired term
of the lease for £100 to Henry Streatfeild (who resold it to Philip Seal for £130) and
paid off the residue of Moyse's debts and the legacies leaving a comfortable balance
lor himself.

Sarah Woodgate, another daughter, married first Oliver Combridge, of Hawden,
Penshurst ; marriage settlement dated 23rd June, 165 1. Oliver Combridge owned
Hawden and 6oa., Newhouse and 60a., and other lands, of the yearly value of £140.
By his will dated 27th September, 1656, he gave all the lands in Penshurst, Speld-
hurst, and Tonbridge (which came from his uncle Andrew) to son Oliver ; Harts

(f ) Robertland consisting of 34a. near Rendleys Hoath was purchased 15th October, 1652, by Thomas
Woodgate of Chidingstone, of John Seyhard, of Delaware, Esq., son of Thomas Seyhard, for
£310. In 1477 it belonged to John Ashdowne (Rabbotteslande).

(«) For pedigree of Moyse of Penshurst, down to 1569, see Add. MSS., 34, 105, fo. 120 in Brit. Mus.

and the remaining lands in Bidborough, Leigh, and Tonbridge to son Andrew.
Personalty to wife for life, then to the children. His father Christopher and Uncle
Oliver, executors.

The uncle died soon after his nephew ; and Christopher the father, having made
Thomas Woodgate of Truggers and his daughter-in-law, Sarah Combridge (Woodgate)
executors, " by the persuasion of him the said Thomas Woodgate, he the said
Christopher the father did withdraw himself to places unknown," and soon afterwards
died. On his death, Sarah took out letters of administration to her husband, and
married Thomas Alexander, Citizen of London.

The eldest child, Oliver, claimed that Thomas Woodgate, who died in 1669
leaving personal estate of the value of ^^2,000, had not produced proper accounts
of the rents and profits received by him before his death. (It seems that the reason for
Christopher Combridge 's withdrawal was financial embarrassment ; for Thomas
Alexander, the principal creditor, took out letters of administration, on ist August,
1665).

Hannah, another daughter, married John Martin of Tyhurst. The marriage
licence, in 1667, represented Martin as being about 27, and Hannah (of Sevenoaks)
as about 24, and at own disposal ; to be at St. Clement Danes, or St. Mary Savoy,
Middlesex. The marriage settlement dated 24th May, 1667, comprised Great
Nashes and 70a., house and 8a. in Leigh, Little Nashes, and 5a. called Dunmow
Mead. The trustees were Thomas Woodgate of Chidingstone and William Martin
of Leigh (brother of John). He also owned property in Sevenoaks and elsewhere,
some of which he sold to Henry Streatfeild on 24th December, 1686.

The last of the family (except Thomas of Chidingstone), was Joel Woodgate
of Penshurst. He gave ^^5 to the poor of Penshurst and the residue (subject to
trifling legacies) to wife Sarah, executrix. Gilbert Spencer (of Redleaf) and John
Turner, overseers. Proved 29th June, 1715 (Shoreham Peculiars).

It seems that he had already provided for his only daughter Sarah, to whom
he gave {6 for mourning. In 1702 his daughter Ann Woodgate was buried. There
is a statement in the Register of Burials that she " was worth ;^5o per annum "
though her father was still living.

CHAPTER II.

STONEWALL PERIOD, 1590-1718.

William Woodgate of Stonewall, third son of Peter Woodgate of Stonewall,
married in 1602 Joanna daughter and heiress of Andrew Combridge of Chidingstone.
The settlement was dated ist September, 1602, by which certain lands consisting
of two houses in Penshurst occupied by Thomas Bates and Humphrie Ware, land
called the Eyland in Chidingstone and certain lands called Bramsell were by Andrew
Combridge granted to John Turner of Cowden and John Ashdowne, of Chidingstone,
in trust for the parties to the marriage and their issue subject to the life interest
of Andrew Combridge. At the same time John Combridge, brother of Andrew,
settled on his niece a small property called Keysden. Andrew Combridge died in
1624.

The Combridges {a) were an ancient family of Penshurst, descended from Adam
de Comerugge living temp. Henry III (1216-1272) ; the name in early manuscripts
is spelt in every conceivable manner, such as Comebrydge, Comerycke, Cumbrege,
Comerbridge, Comeledge, etc. In early times they wrote themselves De Comberugge,
and in the 13th century held lands in Penshurst, Speldhurst, Tonbridge, and
Chidingstone. As the family is so much connected with the Woodgates a pedigree
is appended. The arms of Combridge are " Gules, a cross moline or between four
swans with their wings addorsed argent, membered and beaked of the second, each stand-
ing on a mount vert." These arms were until recent years still remaining in the
windows of Coldharbour and Hawden, two of the ancient family estates in Penshurst ;
and should be quartered by all Woodgates descended from William Woodgate.

William Woodgate continually signs the parish accounts in a clear well-formed
hand, and for a number of years was churchwarden. He seems to have used sometimes,
for his seal, the acorn, which perhaps is more properly the family crest than the
squirrel, sed quaere. In October, 1625, an assessment was made on the parish for
repairing Chidingstone Church, which had been burnt down the 17th July previously,
at the rate of sixpence for every house and sixpence an acre. There is a list of the
82 owners of property and their acreage, amounting to 2,851 acres (not including

(a) There is a mass of information relating to the Combridges, collected by their descendant Dr.
Thorpe, the learned author of Registrum Roffenae, now reposing in the archives of the Society of
Antiquaries.

Hawden or Harden was purchased by Robert Combridge of one John Holt in 1535, and
Newhouse otherwise Harts was bought by the Combridges a few years later from WiUiam
son of Edward Hart. Most of the old names of houses were taken from names of famiUes.
There existed a " book of accomptes of Anthony Combridge for the frameing and settinge up
of his house in the year 1590 " ; articles of agreement for building a house for OUver Combridge
the elder in 1658 ; an account of monies expended by Oliver Combridge the elder deceased
for the education of OUver, Andrew, and Elizabeth Combridge, from 1666 to 1672 ; deeds, wills,
inventories, and every sort of document are referred to by Thorpe but are now in most cases
destroyed.

It is not clear whether the Combridges were entitled to quarter the arms of Luck, on the
marriage with Alice Luck. They were ''''Ermine, five mascles conjoined in fess between three
greyhounds with heads erased sable.''' They were quartered by the Thorpe's together with the
Combridge arms ; but possibly because of the marriage of John Thorpe with the daughter of
the Rev. John Luck of Mayfield, by his wife Susan Middleton, daughter of Sir Thomas Middleton.

" outbounders " apparently, i.e. those owning land who lived outside the parish,
which would increase the total by many hundreds). The largest owners were : —

ACRES.

Bernard Hyde, Esq. . . . . . . . . . . 200

William Birsty . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Wilham Woodgate [of Stonewall] . . . . . . 100

Henry Streatfeild . . . . . . 100

Samuel Godden . . . . . . 100

John Pigott . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Thomas Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

William Hawkins' Wo. . . 80

William Woodgate, junr. [of Truggers] . . . . . . 70

Thomas Brett . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Richard Hollamby . . . . . . . . . . 70

Walter Tye . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

William Everist . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Widow Combridge [of Andrew] . . . . . . . . 65

The outbounders included : —

William Everist, senr, . . . . . . . . . . 90

Matthew Ashdowne . . . . 80

Robert Streatfeild 70

William Woodgate's land is stated to consist of loa. meadow, 70a. pasture, and 20a.

wood. This is not altogether satisfactory ; for there is no arable land mentioned.

Besides which, Stonewall alone comprised 200 acres, and William owned considerable

property besides, which was worth altogether ^^200 a year.

He died at Stonewall, on 24th August, 1638 and was buried at Chidingstone.
On his death an Inquisition Post Mortem was held, to ascertain what lands of his
were held of the King in capite; the jury returned that the only lands held in capite
consisted of a house and 100 acres occupied by John Bassett, two houses in Chiding-
stone, one of which was occupied by Thomas Ledett, and the capital messuage in
which he himself dwelt {h).

His will (the first extant will of the Stonewall branch) dated 15th August, 1638,
begins in the quaint style of the period " I bequeath my soule to Almightie God
(who gave it mee) and to Jesus Christe my onlie Savioure and redeemer by whose
death and passion I fullie trust to have all my sinnes freelie forgiven and to attain
to the joy full resurrection of eternall life committing my bodie to the earth from
whence it was taken to be buried in the Church of Chidingstone aforesaid " He
gives £5 to the poor of the parish, small legacies to his god-children, William Streat-
feild (his grandson), William Winter, William Trendle, and Thomas Fulman ; his
cousin Elizabeth Bennett, and his servant Edward Bannister ; ^^150 to his son Andrew
together with various goods such as " a bedsted with a canopy " ; his grey colt and
all his goods in Frenden House to his son Thomas ; his piebald mare and other
goods to his daughter Sarah Streatfeild ; and the residue of his personal estate to his
son John, the sole executor. As to his lands, he gives to his second son Thomas,
a house and lands called Knights in Penshurst, occupied by his brother in-law, William
Wallis, the lands called Great Muddings, Keysden, the Eyland near Chafford Bridge,
and a small house and garden at Penshurst. (These lands were of the value of
£70 a year). To his son Andrew he gives a house and land called Skipreed, lands
called Old Reedes, Yeoman lands, Barne Mead, Clouds Meade, and the house in
Penshurst occupied by Thomas Leddall. As he had akeady settled Stonewall,
containing 200 acres, upon John the eldest son, he only gave him the house occupied
by Thomas Levett. Wilham Wallis and Robert Streatfeild were the trustees,
and the will was proved 12th October, 1638, in the Shoreham Peculiars.

(6) Inq. Post M. (P.R.O.) 15 Chas. I, c. vol. 494, No. 73.

It must be remembered that in 1638 money was very much more valuable than
it is to-day. One pound in the time of Henry VIII was equal to £6 in the reign of
Queen Anne, and £10 in the reign of George III. The legacies under this will must
therefore be multiphed by about 10 before a proper estimate of their value can be
formed. By this standard William Woodgate's personal property consisted of £20,000
and he had land worth £2,000 a year.

On WiUiam's death John succeeded to Stonewall, and two suits in chancery
began. In the first, Thomas Woodgate as plaintiff filed his bill of complaint in
November, 1639, against his brother John. Thomas alleged that the settlement of
StonewaU was made on condition that John would release certain rights under the
Combridge marriage settlement ; John in his reply denied this. It does not appear
that friendly relations between the two brothers were seriously interrupted.

In the second suit, John Woodgate as plaintiff filed his bill on 20th October,
1639, against his sister Sarah StreatfeUd and Robert Streatfeild her husband. He
complains that the Streatfeilds ' ' and Thomas Woodgate, one of the sons of the
testator, all or some of them being aUwayes dwelling in the house of the said testator
untni and at the time of his decease," entered all or most of the rooms and
chambers, chests, trunks, and presses, and took possession of various securities.
John being married, and keeping house by himself, was a stranger to the estate
of his father. He beheved that Thomas was indebted to his father. William Wood-
gate just before his death had received divers sums due to him, such as from William
Starkey for salt cattle, and from Henry Crittenden for wood. The personal estate
should have amounted to £2,ooo,which Thomas Woodgate admitted, but he said in
reply that he only borrowed £10 or £11. Sarah Streatfeild said she had only taken
an old taffeta apron which used to belong to her mother and which had been
promised to her. All parties wrote good hands.

John Woodgate had married in his father's lifetime Sarah daughter of Robert
Streatfeild, of Chested, Penshurst, sister of the above-mentioned Robert (c).
WUliam Woodgate desiring to advance his son in marriage, by deed dated loth June,
1637, conveyed Stonewall and the appm-fenances (some 200 acres) to Robert Streat-
feild and Wniiam Walhs in trust for himself for hfe, and after his death for John
Woodgate absolutely. During his father's lifetime John lived at Frenden House,
but on the death of his father removed to Stonewall.

(c) The Streatfeilds are one of the good old f amiUes of Kent and stiU retain all their original property
at Chidingstone and the neighbourhood. Their principal residence at Chidingstone was known as
High Street House — presumably because the street that runs through the village is on a high
elevation and not because the place was ever important enough to possess a " High Street."
The family have owned the house since 1550 ; it has since been rebuilt. A large engraving of
it appeared in Harris' History of Kent.

One of the family, the Rev. Thomas Streatfeild of Charts Edge, a man who spent his life
in collecting materials for a history of Kent, observes : —

' ' Though I have hitherto failed to deduce the pedigree from an earlier source than temp.
Henry VII (namely Robert Streatfeild, who married, as already mentioned, the sister of Sir
John Rivers), the family appears to have been settled in and about Hever for several generations
previously." He traces the name from the borough of Stretfield in Surrey, he thinks in Brede ;
though Mr. R. Carter Smith deiuced it from ' 'Streit des felde."

Perhaps it was unnecessary to go so far afield. It seems that there was some land in Pens-
burst named Strattefield ; for in 1561 William Hart of Tonbridge sold to Robert Combridge of
Penshurst, property called the Sandfields and four pieces of land called respectively the Garden,
the Streake, Strattefield, and another. (See Thorpe's collection at the Society of Antiquaries).

As the name so continually recurs, a pedigree has been appended. It has not been possible
to provide a complete pedigree with all the ramifications, as the family was as numerous as that
of the Woodgates ; but it is sufficient to identify most of the family that are referred to.

The arms of the family are "Per /ess, gules and sable, three bezants, two and one." The arms
used by Henry Streatfeild of Chidmgstone (died 1762) on his coach were Streatfeild quartering
Fremlyn and Ashdowne, and displaying those of Beard in a shield of pretence. The Streatfeilds
of Cransted differenced their coat by a label ; those of Westerham by a canton vair ; those of
Delaware by a label of four points ermine ; those of Sevenoaks by a mullet, and those of Hever
by a crescent.

John Woodgate came in for the troublous scenes of the Civil War. Kent
declared strongly for the Parliament, but the Woodgates appear to have been divided
in their sympathies. There is an absurd tradition in the family that the Woodgates
fought for the King and were punished for their loyalty by the loss of their motto !
It is said that the motto was "Spe, Diligentia, Numine," but that no motto was
used until the last century, when it was revived. " Esse quam videri " is also stated
to have been the original motto.

Such an account is not likely to satisfy a genuine inquirer, who might with reason
require the consideration of authoritative documents. From these it appears that
Chidingstone was mulcted successively in tax, fine, voluntary contribution, ticket,
excise, and sequestration. In 1643, for instance, the following sums were raised : —

£ s. d.

" Collected by Robert Goughue [Goodhugh]
and Thomas Birsty, a tax for the raising
of Volunteers otherwise called the propor-
tion made by the sub-committee.. .. 93 11 o

Collected by Walter Tickner and John Wood-
gatt, a shiUing tax, paid to Coll. Boothby 104 11 3

' ' Collected by Michael Bassett and Clement
Basden, shilling tax, paid to Mr. Whit-
ting . . . . . . . . . . . . no 6 6

Collected by Thomas Backett [Bassett] and
Robert Streatfeild, paid to Mr. Whitting,
two shilling tax . . . . . . . . 220 19 8

Collected by Thomas Rodgers and William
Woodgate [of Truggers] , paid to Mr. Whit-
ting, the 5th and 20th parts . . . . 348 0 o

Collected by Edward Beecher and John Norris
paid to Coll. Boothby, a tax for 13 weeks. . 69 8 11

£946 17 4

Even modern taxation is made by comparison to appear inconsiderable !

The parson of Chidingstone, the Rev. Edward PoweU, a staunch Royalist,
was sequestrated from the living in November, 1643, by Thomas Birsty and Robert
Goodhugh ; and the Rev. Thomas Seyliard, M.A., put into possession, allowing
Powell one-fifth of the income. The Seyliards of Delaware were the principad
people in the neighbourhood at this time. The parishioners, however, who were
mostly Royalists, refused to pay him tithes and the unfortunate minister was
reduced to dire straits.

The Hydes were particularly active in the Parliamentary cause. Bernard
Hyde, of Bore Place, in Chidingstone, one of the Commissioners of Customs, raised
large sums in Chidingstone for the Parliament, in which he was assisted by his
brother John. He died in 1655 and his son was created a baronet by Charles II,
soon after his accession.

The Woodgates of Stonewall appear to have been Royalists, though one of the
family, Captain Woodgate, commanded a troop of horse under the Parliament. This
troop and others like it plundered the inhabitants without much discrimination,
certainly not exempting the Woodgates and their relatives from their attentions.

The following is a list of those who lent money to the state, i.e., to Parliament, upon

ticket " about 1642.

John Seyliard, Esq.

Henry Streatfeild, Gent.

More to the committy, at Westerham
More to the committy at Aylesford

WUliam Reeve, Gent.

Wilham Woodgate, [of Truggers]

Robert Goughue . .

Robert Ashdowne

Michael Bassett . .

William Everest, junior .

Thomas Woodgatte (d)

Robert Streatfeild

Richard Streatfeild, Gent.

20
10

10
20

5
10

£243 o o

With this must be read the list of those who paid a fine to Coll. Boothby amounting
to £253. Amongst whom are : — £ s. d.

Henry Streatfeild .. .. .. .. .. 500

William Woodgatt . . . . . . . . 10 o o

Robert Goughue . . 30 o o

Robert Ashdowne . . . . . . . . 20 o o

Thomas Bassett . . . . . . . . . . 15 o o

William Everest, junr. . . . . . . . . 10 o 0

Thomas Woodgatt . . . . . . . . 30 o o

Robert Streatfeild . . . . , . . . 30 o 0

Walter Woodgate . . . . . . . . . . 10 o o

Observe that there is no Seyliard or Hyde, and that Henry Streatfeild escapes with
£5 only. John Woodgate of Stonewall neither " lends " money, nor pays fine !

7
40
II
22

Then there is a list of those plundered in 1643 : —
From Walter Woodgate . .

Thomas Woodgate, in money

„ William Wallis

Robert StreatfeOd, in money
Do. more for redeeming 2 horses . .
Do. more in linen and other goods to the

value of . .
Do. one mare stagg, which the said Robert

Streatfeild was offered for
Do. one mare more, worth . .
„ John Woodgatt, one sword
„ William Everest, one horn
„ Mr. Powell, one mare

Thomas Backett, one sword and belt . .

Walter Tickner charged upon free quarter
with man and horse by Captain Wood-
gatt himself

(a) All the preceding plundered by Capt. Bonnett

(6) Plundered by Capt. Westroo, Captain under Sir MiU Lusse.

(d) By Sir Michael Lusse's Capt. Lieut.

(e) By a sergeant of Capt. Woodgatt' s.

10 O 0

0(a)
0(6)
o{c)
o

o{e)

^132

8 4

0 0

£133

8 4

(d) Younger brother of John Woodgate of Stonewall.

One thousand Volunteers, and also such troops of horse as should be subscribed
for, were to be raised in Kent, according to a Declaration of 30th May, 1643. None
were to be of the trained bands. The Lord Lieutenant was to nominate a Major
General and to give battle against all forces raised without the consent of Parliament.
These forces were not to go out of the county without special leave. Tonbridge Castle
was seized for the Parliament and fortified ; £6 10 o of the expense was charged
upon the inhabitants of Chidingstone. In 1646 the Committee at Maidstone (of
whom John Rivers and Thomas Seyliard were two), had the fortifications dismantled
and the materials sold for ;^I40.

Other items of interest are the disbursements of Henry Streatfeild, which include
' ' a horse taken from him by order of the committy, delivered to Capt. Woodgate's
Lieutenant, £12 " ; John Seyliard's disbursements ; and Mr. Hyde's contributions,
amounting to about ;^6oo. The latter include : —

Freely given to the committee at Knowle . . ;f 200 o o

Lent to Deputy Lieutenants at Westerham for

finding a horse . . . . . . . . 20 o o

A black horse and arms sent out under Major
Welden. The arms weare lost and the horse
not worth £5 at his return.
More for one volunteer to Mr. Whitting . . . . 300

For the bringing in of our brethren the Scots. . . 40 o o

A number of persons joined in finding arms " after ^^3 an arms for the raising of
Volunteers." John Seyliard, Richard Streatfeild, Robert Streatfeild, Robert Good-
hugh, Thomas Woodgatt, William Wallis and Michael Winter, Widdow Woodgatt,
and others each paid £3 ; William Walter, and John Woodgate and others paid less.
Andrew, youngest brother of John Woodgate of Stonewall, died in September,
1641, aged 22, and was buried at Westerham. John Woodgate of Stonewall also
died in his prime, and was buried at Chidingstone, in 1643, aged 41. Whether either
of them was killed in an affray we do not know, but apparently no property of the
Woodgates was forfeited in any way. We do not know who the Capt. Woodgate was ;
he may have been one of the Woodgates of Penshurst. One Edward Woodgate was
very active in the Parhamentary cause and was instrumental in discovering a
Royalist plot.

No will of John Woodgate can be found ; but in the parochial books Richard
Streatfeild his brother-in-law, and Thomas Woodgate his brother are assessed on
behalf of the heirs of John Woodgate, so there must have been some testamentary
instrument. Sarah Woodgate, the widow, re-married in 1647 John Ashdowne
the Younger of Hever, son of John Ashdowne of Hever and Chidingstone {e).

(f) The Ashdowne? were an old Chidingstoae family. They figure in one of the visitations of Kent
(date uncertain) as being descended from Henry AshdowTie of Chidingstone and Agnes his wife
the daughter of Peter Manning of Chidingstone, a lady of twelve quarterings. Their eldest son
Bartholomew married Maria daughter of Henry Pratt of Oundle, Northants. The Ashdowne
arms are " Argent, a hon rampant gules, coUared or and lingued azure."

John Ashdowne the elder of Chidingstone, Lord of the Manor of Lewisham, Cowden,
(as to one moiety), left issue by Joan his wife : —

(a) John the younger of Hever, married Sarah daughter of Richard Streatfeild, relict
of John Woodgate of Stonewall : left issue Henry, buried 1657 at Chidingstone, and
Sarah, daughter and heiress, married Henry Streatfeild.
(6) Ann, married Henry Pigott of Chidingstone, and left issue IJficholas and four daughters.

(d) Richard, who left issue Anne, John, and Henry, the latter of whom had left to him by
his grandfather in 1677 an annviity of £14 towards liis expenses at school and at the
University.

Sarah Woodgate, the only daughter of John Woodgate of Stonewall, married John Ashdowne
of Rendsley Heath. The marriage licence, dated 2nd June, 1663, describes her as of Penshurst,
maiden, about 19, with consent of her mother ; John Ashdowne as about 26. To be at Pens-
hurst, where it was duly solemnised on 11th June. This licence was obtained on the same day
as that of her brother WiUiam.

From the parish register of Hever it appears that the Ashdownes lived at Hever Place,
and Hever Lodge.

The marriage articles were dated 3rd March, 1647, and Sarah's brother Richard
Streatfeild was trustee. By these John Ashdowne granted his wife an annual
rent charge of £15 a year out of Lorkins, Jemmetfield, Lorkins Hope, Chidingstone
Cross and 28a. in Penshurst ; and by a deed dated the next day John Ashdowne
the father in consideration of the marriage settled the above-mentioned lands,
together wdth a house in Chidingstone, occupied by Richard Streatfeild,
Kitchen Croft, Martin's Field (loa.) and Hallfield (14a.) on his son subject to his
own hfe interest in part of the lands. The following year the father made further
settlements on his son, including the moiety of his manor in Cowden.

John Ashdowne the younger, died intestate in 1654, and his widow took out letters
of administration on 20th October. His personal estate exceeded £500 in value ;
and from the inventory of effects we note the names of the rooms of his house at
Hever, namely :— the hall, parlour, old parlour, drink buttery and room adjoining,
brew house, chamber over brew-house, chamber over entry, chamber over hall, milk
house and chamber over, cheese press house, and chamber over, chamber over par-
lour, and chamber and garret over old parlour. Among the effects are a fowling
piece, two swords, and two belts. Sarah Ashdowne died in 1686 and was buried
at Hever. The only surviving child of her second marriage, Sarah Ashdowne,
married Henry Streatfeild of High Street House, whose descendants the Streatfeilds
of Chidingstone are entitled to quarter the Ashdowne arms.

To return to the family at Stonewall. Wilham the eldest son {ee), who was only
four years old at his father's death, was brought up at Hever and eventually married
Alice, only surviving daughter of Richard Streatfeild of High Street House (with whom
he had a handsome portion) and sister of Henry who married Sarah Ashdo^vne as
already mentioned. The marriage licence was dated 2nd June, 1663, and authorised
the wedding to be at St. Pancras, Soper Lane, London.

William Woodgate inherited Stonewall and the family estates, subject to his
mother's dower ; and by his careful conduct very considerably increased their extent.
William's uncle Thomas had died when William was about 22, leaving him considerable
benefits ; but he took more largely under the will of his uncle Richard Streat-
feild of Chested, who died in 1679. It is somewhat curious that, of his two rich
bachelor uncles, his uncle Woodgate should have left so much to the Streatfeilds,
and that his uncle Streatfeild should have left most of his property to the Wood-
gates.

Thomas Woodgate, by his will dated i6th November, 1656, being then " very
sick and weak," left £5 to the poor of Chidingstone ; ;^50 each to his nephews, William
and Richard Streatfeild ; ^^loo to his nieces Joan and Sarah Streatfeild, and £200 to
his niece Susan Streatfeild ; and the rest of his personalty (except 20/- to his servant
William Winter, and three small legacies) to his sister Sarah Streatfeild, whom he made
sole executrix. His uncle William Walhs and Michael Bassett were appointed
overseers. As to his lands, he left Skipreed, Frenden, and other property to his

{ee) John, the other son, seems to have married EUzabeth Beecher (Hasted). On 4th June, 1674,
a John Woodgate married Elizabeth Beecher, at Cudham ; and this probably is the John in
question. He seems to have died very soon afterwards.

The Beechers were an old family of Penshurst. One of them, Henry, was Alderman and
Sheriff of London in 1570. He died in 1571, leaving issue by Ahce Heron his wife (sister of Sir
Nicholas Keron of Edgecombe) Edward ; Bartholomew, who died in Ireland ; Henry, married
Edith daughter of John Riche, Apothecary to Queen Ehzabeth ; and three daughters. Edward
Beecher, the eldest, married Frances rehct of Francis Coppinger and reUct of Thomas Lord
Burgh, K.G., Lord Deputy of Ireland. Seymer Coppinger, her second son, and eventually heir
to his mother, by will dated 1656 devised his estates to William Walter of the Trench, ancestor
of the Walters of Tonbridge.

Another branch settled in Bletchingley. Henry, son of James Beecher of Chidingstone,
married EUzabeth daughter of Edward Baker of Bletchingley, and his son Richard continued
the family there. The arms are : ' ' Vair, argent and gules, on a canton or a buck's head
caboshed sable." The family owned Vexsour. Penshurst, and at one time (it seems) Chested.

sister Sarah Streatfeild for life, and after her death Skipreed was to go to her son
Robert Streatfeild, and Frenden to his godson and nephew John Woodgate ; and a
house at Penshurst to nephew Thomas Streatfeild. He left to Wilham Woodgate,
his nephew Knights, Muddings (in the occupation of William Wallis) and half the
lands which had descended to him from his brother Andrew, subject however, to ^^50
to his niece Sarah Woodgate payable at 21 ; the other half of such lands he left to
his nephew John Woodgate. The will was proved by Sarah Streatfeild, at London,
nth April, 1660.

Richard Streatfeild, the other uncle, left all his personal estate to his nephew
William Woodgate, except ^^5 to the poor of Penshurst and £5 to the poor of Chid-
ingstone, £100 each to his sisters Sarah Ashdowne and Obedience Leigh, and £100
each to his nephews William, Richard, and Thomas Streatfeild, and £100 to his kins-
man Richard Streatfeild of High Street House. William Woodgate was made sole
executor. Chested in Penshurst, Gildredge (/), Buckhurst in the occupation of
William Woodgate, Seedrobs, and divers other lands in Chidingstone, Penshurst,
Lankerton Green, Kent and Sussex, were left to William Woodgate for his life and
after his death to his son Richard Woodgate.

This will was a bitter disappointment to the three Streatfeild nephews.
Wilham of Delaware, Richard of Ford Place, Chidingstone, and Thomas of Vexsons,
Penshurst, who were induced to contest the will, but without success Richard
had, they alleged, " oftentimes said in his lifetime that he would give and devise
all his lands and tenements to them and their heirs " ; they were astounded when
' ' Mr. Henry Streatfeild did tell them of the death of the said Richard Streatfeild,
and that he had made a will and did show them a paper writing which he the said
Henry Streatfeild did say was the will and did read some part thereof to them."

William Woodgate in 1693 purchased the Manor and lands of Bokinfold, lying
in the parishes of Yalding, Brenchley, Horsemonden, and Goudhurst. The ancient
mansion house had been visited by Edward I and was at one time surrounded by
a dense forest called the Forest of Buckenwald. For further particulars of this
property the reader is referred to Hasted's History of Kent.

William Woodgate likewise purchased Ferbies in Speldhurst, an ancient property
that gave the name to the family that owned it, for particulars of which reference
also is made to Hasted. He settled it on Sarah, his only daughter, in marriage
with William Durrant of Great Street, Framfield, Sussex {g).

(/) There is an old counterpart of lease in possession of the family, dated 28th September, 1769,
whereby the Rev. Francis Woodgate, of Mountfieid demised unto Richard Delves of Tunbridge
Wells, Butcher, for 1 1 years at an annual rent of £48 the messuage and farm called Gildredge
with buildings, etc., and 80a. in Chidingstone, reserving all timber, minerals, royalties, and rights
of hunting, hawking, and fishing.

(g) The Durrants are an ancient family of Framfield and like the Stones and Peckhams were originally
Dissenters. There was a meeting house in the parish near Little Street, which was frequented
by most of the inhabitants, until Mr. Wharton became vicar (1728-1771). His courteous
behaviour and careful avoidance of personal reflections on those who differed from him in points
of religion procured him general esteem, induced the principal dissenters to hear him preach,
and finally reconciled them to a constant attendance, so that the meeting house became
neglected and was soon afterwards pulled down. The Durrants, however, were baptised and married
in the parish church, and were buried in the churchyard beneath the East window, where there
existed several altar monuments to their memory nearly two hundred years ago ; they were
then ruinous and probably are now gone.

There is a tradition that Framfield Church Tower fell on a Sunday evening in 1667, soon after
service. The following year the foundations of a new belfry were laid, but after some progress
the work was stopped on the pretence that the inhabitants were unable to bear the expense.
The truth was, that the Durrants, Stones, and Peckhams, who were the principal people in the
place, would not allow the work to proceed. The initials D and S are carved on the N.W. angle,
being those of the churchwardens Durrant and Stone.

The other principal families were the Peckhams of Arches, with whom the Durrants frequently
intermarried ; Gages of Bently ; Wamets of Hempsted ; and Smiths of Little Street and

William Woodgate's eldest son was John ; he married Rose Birsty, the ' ' fair
Rose of Kent," and was the first Woodgate of Summerhill, but for the present that
subject must be postponed. The next son, William Woodgate of Chidingstone,
married Hannah Coney of Sevenoaks, but died without issue at a comparatively
early age.

Henry the third son was, as far as we know, the first attorney in the family.
He settled at Gouldhurst, where the Bokinfold property lay, and made various
purchases of land there and elsewhere, which seems to suggest that he carried on a
flourishing practice (A). He married Lydia, daughter of Thomas Cromp of Maidstone,

Highlands, which was purchased by WilHam Durrani, who left it to his second son Robert.
The eldest son, also named William, hved at Great Street and died without issue in 1775 ; his
widow continued to hve there till her death. Robert Durrant, who lived with his uncle Stephen
Woodgate at Sevenoaks until the latter's death in 1754, was the last of the family ; there is a
marble Tablet on the north wall of the nave at Framfield : —

" In a vault beneath are deposited the remains of Robert Durrant, Esq., who died December
13th, 1799, at the advanced age of 84 years. By a regular course of temperance and moderation,
he enjoyed his health and faculties with less interruption than usually falls to the lot of humanity.
His manners were unassuming ; his integrity unsullied. This monument was erected by his
grateful nephews WiUiam, Thomas, John, and Henry Woodward, to whom he bequeathed the
bulk of his property."

Richard Durrant of Great Street, Framfield, bu. 24th May, 1714. Left issue

1. WiUiam, of whom presently.

2. John, bu. 3rd February, 1696.

3. (? Elizabeth m. 25th November, 1714, Edmund Calverley of Framfield and had issue.)
William of Great Street, hving 1727, m. at Withyam 23rd December, 1707, Sarah, daughter

of WiUiam Woodgate of Stonewall, High Sheriff of Kent, b. 1677, and had issue

1. WiUiam of Great Street, bapt. 30th September, 1708, d. 1775 s.p.

2. Sarah, bapt. 8th December, 1711, m. 8th March, 1742, WiUiam Peckham of Arches,
Framfield, Lord of the Manor of Peckhams and Arches. He d. 27th August, 1770,
aged 50 ; she 11th January, 1776, leaving

(a) Sarah, m. Rev. WiUiam Woodward, M.A., Rector of Plumptre. He d.
26th February, 1786, aged 43 ; she 1st May, 1823, aged 79, leaving
Sarah, WiUiam, Thomas of Highlands, John of Great Street, and
Henry.

(6) Mary, m. Rev. Henry Courthope, M.A., Vicar of Brenchley.

3. John bapt. 9th June, 1713, bu. 30th August, 1742. ("Doctor.")

4. Robert of Highlands, Framfield, bapt. 12th November, 1715, d. unm. 13th

December, 1799.

5. Richard, bapt. 4th October, 1716, bu. 15th February, 1728.

6. Stephen, bapt. 11th December, 1719, bu. 18th May, 1723.
The foUowing are extracts from Framfield Registers : —

Isaden (?) son of James Durrant.

Anne daughter of Nicholas and Martha Durrant.

Giles Durrant and Bridget Peckham.

John Peckham and Sarah Durrant.

Magnus Byrne and Mary Durrant.

Mr. Durrant and Mary Jenkins, l>oth of Rotherfield.

Nicholas Durrant.

Nicholas Durrant, infant.

Mrs. Lucy Durrant.

{h) Henry Woodgate died at Goudhurst in 1714, in liis forty-sixth year, leaving six children of whom
John the eldest son was then only fifteen. Letters of administration were taken out by his son
WiUiam on 26th April, 1721. The children were apparently brought up at StonewaU by their
grandfather, who refers in his will to " the chest of hnen brought from Goudhurst." There is
in existence an old book of StonewaU days marked with some of their names : " Wm. Woodgate,"
"Lydia Woodgate," " Seth Palmer," "Mrs. Ann Stretfeld." Henry Woodgate seems
to have been a man of considerable fortune. Part of the inheritance which devolved on his
children was a succession of suits in chancery.

The first was in 1732 against WiUiam Tempest of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-law, respecting
a small property at Hartley Quarter, Cranbrook, and some 34a. of woodlands in Cranbrook near
the Beggar's Oak, which Woodgate had purchased of Thomas Austen in 1709. Woodgate died
intestate in 1714, leaving John aged 15, WiUiam aged 12, and Henry aged 8, and " no one to

Bapt.

1688.
1690.

July 11.
June 28.

Marriages.

1603.
1624.
1637.
1703.

May 26.
Feb. 9.
May 9.
Dec. 23.

Burials.

1693.
1723.
1737.

Feb. 5.
May 18.
Nov. 3.

note on;

iBil>fo9*I IwsM k) oaAHaaTafl?/ nmsB

.91010 48 k*

.4- IT I <.»9n .riJr.l

jce

ied

^jo.ii ..I..-. ..-:

.8671 ..raau

ige

er,

ied

his

3at

[re.

Did

.op

ix.

"i4

Ursula

m. James

Blechinden.

Nicholas Cromi
of Maidstone.

Rev. John Crompe~Anne
of Maidstone.
WiU dated 1667.

I I I

John Henry Thomas

Dorothy,
m. Sir

EoWiRD

VVaterhousb,

John
d. unm.
1722.

Williab
of T
bu, lltBge.

Ann^James Fbemlh
d. in 1754.

{h)

Lydia. William

bapt. 16th bapt. 27th

Dec, 1725, Apl.,1727,
bu. 23rd bu. 1st

Dec, 1725. ApL, 1728.

Henry WooDGATEr Sarah Swa

of St. Faith's, of Tonbridf

London,

bapt. 1st Dec,

1728,

m. at Tonbridge,

5th Jan., 1760.

Sarah T John Floyd

^[AF

Sarah Floyd.

whose ancestor John Crompe of Farley, Sussex, married Joan, daughter of Sir Martin

look after their interests." Tempest and his son-in-law James Beckett of Cranbrook, Surgeon,
claimed the whole property under an old mortgage made by the Austens. Beckett describes
the woodlands as a " poor sandy hungry sort of land, known and charged by the name of Starve
Goose."

The next suit was in 1737, against David Fuller of Maidstone, Esq. Woodgate had purchased
40a. of wood lands called -'The Woodlands " at Marden of one Thomas Stephens for £320, subject
to a mortgage to Nicholas Amhurst, Gent., which Woodgate paid off and had transferred to the
Rev. John Crompe to attend the inheritance, and subject to two annuities of £5 each. The annuities
became vested in Fuller who claimed in respect of them. The lands had been let from 1715
to 1731 to John EUis at £18 per annum.

There was also a suit in 1707 between Henry W'oodgate and George Walker of Sitting-
bourne, Gent. Walker sold to Woodgate on Boxing Day, 1704, two farms containing 36a. of
land and 15a. of woodland, at Marden, adjoining other land of Henry Woodgate. After the sale,
one Thomas Jeffreys and others set up a claim to the land prior to Walker's ; Walker, who
was one of Woodgate's chents, asked Woodgate to brief John Higham, a barrister, to defend the
ejectment suit at Assizes, when the plaintiffs were nonsuited. Woodgate himself attended the
trial. Complications then ensued between Woodgate and Walker. Among the statement of
accounts are " Paid to Mr. Higham, £7 10 6 ; Paid by Mr. Durrant £5."

John Woodgate, Henry's eldest son, died intestate and unmarried in 1722, and letters of
administration of his estate were granted to his brother William. The lands therefore descended
by gavelkind to WiUiam and Henry equally. Some of the land (namely two houses, 115 acres
of arable, 60 acres meadow, 80 acres pasture, and 5 acres woodland, in Bokingfold) was con-
veyed by Henry Woodgate in 1710 to John Streatfeild of Penshurst, Gent., as Trustee ; and in
1721 the same John Streatfeild and Sarah his wife, by the direction of WiUiam Woodgate,
conveyed three houses and about 20 acres ' ' with the spring of water in the hollow field near the
mast pit " at or near Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells, to Thomas Jordan, Citizen and Turner
of London.

Henry Woodgate likewise owned three houses in Stone Street, Maidstone, between the
small bridge and a place called Wren's, and 8 acres at Tovell in Maidstone. Also a house and 80
acres in Ulcomb, which afterwards belonged to the youngest son, Henry.

The second son Wilham became a merchant, first at Westerham ( 1721 ) and then at Tonbridge;
but liis business never prospered, and was eventually bought on his death by his uncle Stephen
Woodgate, of Sevenoaks, to save it from creditors, and by him given to Wilham's son John
in 1750. Stephen died in 1754 and on 30th November of that year John entered into
partnership with his mother Margaret, who seems to have been a woman of capacity and had
carried on the business for some years. By her will, dated 4th December, 1754, and proved 14th
January, 1761, she left everything to her daughter Anne Woodgate, whom she made sole executrix.

Of the daughters, Lydia and Sarah died immarried ; the tliird, Ann, married James Frem-
ling and had issue. Sarah lived at Sevenoaks. By her will dated 10th September, 1759, she
gave one guinea to each maidservant hving with her at the time of her death. £5 to cousin
Susanah Hynes (daughter of uncle Thomas Woodgate), 10/- each to ten poorest inhabitants of
Sevenoaks, £200 to niece Ann Woodgate (daughter of late brother, William), £100 to niece
Ann Weatherall, £100 each to great nieces Ann and Sarah Floyd, all wearing apparel to nieces
Ann Woodgate and Sarah Floyd, hnen to sister Lydia Woodgate for life, then to four nieces ;
all other furniture in her newly built house at Sevenoaks to Lydia for hfe, then to the Floyds ;
New Tye in Chidingstone and Heaver (some 100 acres). Low Buckhurst in Chidingstone and
Heaver, and Nespridges in Heaver, to Lydia Woodgate for Hfe and then to her three nephews
Henry and John Woodgate and James Fremling ; Farm at Cocum Hill, Westerham, to be sold.
Residue to Henry Woodgate, James Fremhng, and Sarah Floyd, Henry Woodgate and James
Fremhng, executors. Will proved 5th April, 1760, by Henry Woodgate alone.

The farm at Cocum Hill was sold for £580. Sarah Woodgate left, as part of her estate,
the sum of £500 lent on mortgage of tolls to the Trustees of Tonbridge Turnpikes.

The other son, Henry, became a prosperous Citizen and Stationer of London. He married
in 1731 at St. Paul's Cathedral, with Archbishop's hcence, Ann daughter of Joseph Downing
of St. Bartholomew the Great, being himself described as of St. Magnus the Martyr. Her marriage
portion, paid over to Henry Woodgate was £2,000, in consideration of which Woodgate con-
veyed the Ulcomb property by settlement dated 8th and 9th December, 1730, to her father,
and Henry Overton of London as trustees on the usual marriage trusts. Henry soon died
leaving a widow and two infant children ; administration of his estate was granted to Ann, his
widow, on 7th August, 1740. The widow died in 1741 in the parish of St. Bartholomew the Great
leaving £500 to her son Joseph Woodgate, £500 to her daughter Ann Woodgate, £50 to Mrs.
Mary Fremhng, daughter of John Fremling, and a few small legacies ; her late husband's gold
watch in black shagreen case, his gold studs, and diamond ring, and her own diamond hoop
ring to Joseph at 21, and the residue to her honoured mother Martha Downing, the sole executrix,
who proved the will on the 15th February, 1742.

^vompB of WraihBions.

SHEET No. IV.

NiOHOLAB CrOMPB^

Rbv. John Cromps^
of Maidstone.
WiU dated 1667.

of Tonbrid
l)u, mil Sept,

William Guli.^ Lydia
Recorder ai
Town aerk

Ckompb— Lydia Gull
d. 16th Oct.
I 1624.

Ceompe- Henry Woodoate
of Goudhurst,

bapt. at Chidingstone
13th Oct., 1668,
bu. at Chidingstone,
25th. Dec.,

iingstoi
, 1714.

of East Peckham.

Blbchihobn.

Citizen and Stationer

M. 1st Jan., 1731 at St.
Paul's Cathedral,

1725. .4pl., 1728.

bapt 22nd
Oct.. 1729.
. 27th Dec.

daughter of

Downing, of
St. Bartholomew

Joseph Wi
of St. Eth(

James Saejh : John Floiu

bapt. 16th Feb..

elburghi
, 1766.

31
whose ancestor John Crompe of Farley, Sussex, married Joan, daughter of Sir Martin

The next suit was in 1737, against David Fuller of Maidstone, Esq. Woodgate had purchased
40a. of wood lands called •' The Woodlands " at Harden of one Thomas Stephens for £320, subject
to a mortgage to Nicholas Amhurst, Gent., which Woodgate paid off and had transferred to the
Rev. John Crompe to attend the inheritance, and subject to two annuities of £5 each. The annuities
became vested in Fuller who claimed in respect of them. The lands had been let from 1715
to 1731 to John EUis at £18 per annum.

There was also a suit in 1707 between Henry Woodgate and George Walker of Sitting-
bourne, Gent. Walker sold to Woodgate on Boxing Day, 1704, two farms containing 36a. of
land and 15a. of woodland, at Harden, adjoining other land of Henry Woodgate. After the sale,
one Thomas Jeffreys and others set up a claim to the land prior to Walker's ; Walker, who
was one of Woodgate's chents, asked Woodgate to brief John Higham, a barrister, to defend the
ejectment suit at Assizes, when the plaintiffs were nonsuited. Woodgate himself attended the
trial. Comphcations then ensued between Woodgate and Walker. Among the statement of
accounts are " Paid to Hr. Higham, £7 10 6 ; Paid by IVIr. Durrant £5."

John Woodgate, Henry's eldest son, died intestate and unmarried in 1722, and letters of
administration of his estate were granted to his brother William. The lands therefore descended
by gavelkind to WiUiam and Henry equally. Some of the land (namely two houses, 115 acres
of arable, 60 acres meadow, 80 acres pasture, and 5 acres woodland, in Bokingfold) was con-
veyed by Henry Woodgate in 1710 to John Streatfeild of Penshurst, Gent., as Trustee ; and in
1721 the same John Streatfeild and Sarah liis wife, by the direction of WiUiam Woodgate,
conveyed three houses and about 20 acres ' ' with the spring of water in the hollow field near the
mast pit " at or near Mount Pleasant, Tunbridge Wells, to Thomas Jordan, Citizen and Turner
of London.

Henry Woodgate likewise owned thi-ee houses in Stone Street, Maidstone, between the
small bridge and a place called Wren's, and 8 acres at Tovell in Haidstone. Also a house and 80
acres in Ulcomb, which afterwards belonged to the youngest son, Henry.

The second son Wilham became a merchant, first at Westerham (1721) and then at Tonbridge;
but his business never prospered, and was eventually bought on his death by his uncle Stephen
Woodgate, of Sevenoaks, to save it from creditors, and by him given to Wilham's son John
in 1750. Stephen died in 1754 and on 30th November of that year John entered into
partnership with his mother Hargaret, who seems to have been a woman of capacity and had
carried on the business for some years. By her will, dated 4th December, 1754, and proved 14th
January, 1761, she left everything to her daughter Anne Woodgate, whom she made sole executrix.

Of the daughters, Lydia and Sarah died unmarried ; the tliird, Ann, married James Frem-
ling and had issue. Sarah lived at Sevenoaks. By her will dated 10th September, 1759, she
gave one guinea to each maidservant hving with her at the time of her death. £5 to cousin
Susanah Hynes (daughter of uncle Thomas Woodgate), 10/- each to ten poorest inhabitants of
Sevenoaks, £200 to niece Ann Woodgate (daughter of late brother, William), £100 to niece
Ann WeatheraU, £100 each to great nieces Ann and Sarah Floyd, all wearing apparel to nieces
Ann Woodgate and Sarah Floyd, linen to sister Lydia Woodgate for life, then to four nieces ;
all other furniture in her newly built house at Sevenoaks to Lydia for hfe, then to the Floyds ;
New Tye in Chidingstone and Heaver (some 100 acres), Low Buckhurst in Chidingstone and
Heaver, and Nespridges in Heaver, to Lydia Woodgate for hfe and then to her three nephews
Henry and John Woodgate and James Fremling ; Farm at Cocum Hill, Westerham, to be sold.
Residue to Henry Woodgate, James Fremhng, and Sarah Floyd, Henry Woodgate and James
Fremhng, executors. Will proved 5th April, 1760, by Henry Woodgate alone.

The farm at Cocum Hill was sold for £580. Sarah Woodgate left, as part of her estate,
the sum of £500 lent on mortgage of tolls to the Trustees of Tonbridge Turnpikes.

The other son, Henry, became a prosperous Citizen and Stationer of London. He married
in 1731 at St. Paul's Cathedral, with Archbishop's hcence, Ann daughter of Joseph Downing
of St. Bartholomew the Great, being himself described as of St. Hagnus the Martyr. Her marriage
portion, paid over to Henry Woodgate was £2,000, in consideration of which Woodgate con-
veyed the Ulcomb property by settlement dated 8th and 9th December, 1730, to her father,
and Henry Overton of London as trustees on the usual marriage trusts. Henry soon died
leaving a widow and two infant children ; administration of his estate was granted to Ann, his
widow, on 7th August, 1740. The widow died in 1741 in the parish of St. Bartholomew the Great
leaving £500 to her son Joseph Woodgate, £500 to her daughter Ann Woodgate, £50 to Mrs.
Mary Fremling, daughter of John Fremhng, and a few small legacies ; her late husband's gold
watch in black shagreen case, his gold studs, and diamond ring, and her own diamond hoop
ring to Joseph at 21, and the residue to her honoured mother Hartha Downing, the sole executrix,
who proved the will on the 15th February, 1742.

Calthorp, of Hicklinge, son of Sir Martin Calthorp, Lord Mayor of London, who was
acknowledged by Queen Elizabeth to be her cousin. Henry Woodgate's children,
therefore were descended from the Plantagenets. The Crompes were a well-known
family of Maidstone ; John Crompe was Mayor in 162 1, and Thomas Crompe died
in 1645 during his mayoralty. Thomas married Lydia, daughter of William Gull,
Town Clerk and Recorder of Maidstone, by Lydia his wife, the sister of Sir Edward
Whetenhall of East Peckham.

Thomas Woodgate, the fourth son, was a citizen and "Ironmonger" of
London, that is, was " free" of the Ironmongers' Company, In those days the
iron industry flourished exceedingly in Kent and Sussex, notably at Cowden
and Lamberhurst, The iron rails round St. Paul's Cathedral were forged
at Lamberhurst, The furnaces belonged to the principal families in the
county ; and it is probable that there was some connection between Thomas
Woodgate and the local iron foundries. Even now the numerous deep holes at
Cowden and elsewhere afford evidence of the former existence of the furnaces.
Eventually the industry failed owing to the supply of wood, for fuel, becoming
exhausted, and the competition of iron foundries situated in coal centres. For
a fuU account of this interesting subject, refer to Archaeologia Cantiana, vol. xxi,
pp, 308 et seq,

Thomas Woodgate married Susanna daughter of Thomas Seyliard of Salmans,
Penshurst, one of the oldest families in the county, descended from Ralph de la
Seyliards, residing at Seyliards in Hever in the time of King Stephen ; Seyliards
remained in the family uninterruptedly until Sir Thomas Seyliard sold it about
1700, to John Petley. (N.B. — Jane Seyliard his sister married Ralph Petley of River-
head) {i).

Of these two children, Ann married Thomas Weatherall of London, and Joseph died
unmarried at an early age, leaving by will dated 5th and proved 11th November, 1756, £500
to his "dear and honoured grandmother Mrs. Martha Downing as a token of my gratitude to her
for her care and goodness to me during the whole course of my hfe." £100 to brother-in-law-
Thomas Weatherall, £50, to aunt Mrs. Anne Home, £50 to friend Mr. John Marsh and £50 to
kinswoman ^lary Saunders. All his real estate in Kent and elsewhere and the residue of personalty
to sister Ann Weatherall ; Thomas Weatherall sole executor. Both wills were witnessed by
Daniel Fox of the Six Clerks Office, Chancery Lane, the family sohcitor. Joseph is described
as of the Parish of St. Ethelburgha in the City of London, Stationer.
(i) The Seyhards hved at Seyhards until Robert, eighth in descent from Ralph, made Delaware
in Brasted his residence. The pedigrees drawn up by Hasted, Streatfeild, and Thorpe all
conflict in the most essential particulars, but that here given is a compromise between the three.

WiUiam SeyUard of Delaware, Hever (son of John Seyhard of Delaware and Ahce his wife,
daughter and heir of Richard Frankhn of Reading) married Dorothy, daughter of WiUiam
Crownden of TunstaU, and died in 1595, aged 39. His wife, remarried to Michael Beresford
of Westerham, died in 1613, aged 50, leaving issue

1. Sir Thomas Seyliard of Delaware.

2. John Seyliard of Salmans, Penshurst.

3. Anne, m. William Seyliard of Edenbridge,

4. Francis.

5-8. James, William, George, and Ehzabeth ; all dead in 1613.
John of Salmans, of the Petty Bag Office, Feodary of Kent, bapt. 1580, m. 1632 Frances,
daughter of John Reeve and widow of Thomas Streatfield of Shoreham, and had issue,

1. Thomas, of Salmans.

2. John, of London.

Thomas, the elder son, married Mary, daughter of Robert Holman of PendhiU, Bletchingley,
M.P., and left issue

1. John of Pendhill of whom presently.

2. Susanna, m. at Penshurst 16th December, 1695, Thomas Woodgate of London

(b. 1670, bu. 4th October, 1706, at Chidingstone) and had issue.

3. Mary, bapt. 1656, m. 1678 Richard Antrobus of London.

4. Frances, m. Waldron of London.

5. Anne, m. Rev. Kidby of Essex.

6. Thomas of Penshurst, M.D., bapt. 1653. s.p.

The fifth surviving son was Richard, the devisee in remainder under the will of

John of Pendhill m. Margaret, daughter of Jeffery Amherst of Riverhead, Bencher of
Gray's Inn, and died 5th February, 1745, aged 83. (She died 23rd November, 1712, aged 58)
leaving

1. John Seyhard of Pendhill, m. 1737, Aime Htmt, and died at Wateringbury, 1750,

leaving one child, Anne, who died in 1760, aged 12.

2. Margaret, m. Pellat.

3. Ehzabeth.

4. Annabella.

5. Thomas of London, had issue Hester Wade Seyliard, heiress of Pendhill, who

married George Scullard of London.
Sir Thomas Seyliard of Delaware m. Ehzabeth Beaumont of Gracedieu, and had issue
1. Sir John.

2-6. Ehzabeth, Sarah, Ann, Mary, and Dorothy.
Sir John Seyhard, Bart., of Chidingstone, married the daughter of Brocket of Herts., and
had issue

1. Sir Thomas.

2. Jane, m. Ralph Petley of Riverhead.

3. Eleanor, m. Richard Farewell, Barrister.

4. Mary, m. George Robinson.

Sir Thomas, of Boxley Abbey, m. 1st Frances only daughter and heir of Sir Francis Wyatt
of Boxley, by whom he left issue

1. Sir Thomas of Boxley Abbey, m. Ehzabeth Fortescue, and died leaving two children

Margaret and Ehzabeth, both s.p.
He married secondly Margaret daughter of Phihp, Lord Wharton, and had issue

2. Philadelphia.

John Seyliard of the Petty Bag Office purchased Salmans in 1638 of Sir Thomas Willoughby,
Justice of the Common Pleas. He was Feodary of Kent, and married Frances, daughter of John
Reeve and widow of Thomas Streatfeild, son of Richard Streatfeild of Chidingstone. In the
chancel at Chidingstone there is a very fine freestone altar tomb, faced and topped with black
marble, and a long Latin inscription to her memory.

". . . Viris duobus juncta, Thomae Streatfeildo priics
Deinde Johanni Seyliard, utrisq bonos
Natalis sortitis et honestas familias
AmhoV chara pariter et faecunda fuit. . . ,"
Facing the nave are three achievements of arms ; the first Streatfeild impahng Reeve; the
second Seyliard (azure, a chief ermine, a crescent or for difference) impahng Reeve ; the third,
Seyliard and eight quarterings. The last letters on the monument are indistinct ; but the arms
are beautifully clear, having been repainted by Miss Bracebridge of Atherton (whose mother
had been Harriet Streatfeild of Chidingstone) in 1816.

Thomas Seyhard of Salmans, his son, married Mary, daughter and heiress of Robert Holman
of PendhiU, Blechingley, M.P. for Surrey in 1654 ; his ancestor Sir John Holman was standard
bearer at Bosworth Field. Of their children, Susanna married Thomas Woodgate, and John
succeeded to Salmans and Pendhill, but took up his abode at Pendhill and married Margaret
daughter of Jeiirey Amhurst of Riverhead, Bencher of Gray's Inn. Salmans is a house yet
standing, large and comfortable and typically Kentish ; it frequently figures in the Old English
paintings of Dendy Sadler. PendhiU was a fine gabled house of a different character altogether,
something after the style of Summerhill ; there is a large plate of it in Bray's Surrey.

Thomas Woodgate hved in the parish of St. Sepulchre in the City of London. He died at
an early age and was buried at Chidingstone on 4th October, 1706. A stone near the altar
rails marks the spot ; it is inscribed : —

' ' Here lyeth the body of

Thomas Woodgate, late

Citizen and Ironmonger of

London, son of William

Woodgate of this Parish, Gent.,

who departed this Life
ye 30th of September, 1706 in ye
34th of his Age
He married Susanna
the daughter of Thomas
Seyhard of Penshurst,
Esqr., by whom he had
2 sons and 4 daughters."
The inscription is wrong; he left one son and two daughters (probably the stonemason's error).
Administration of his estate was granted 16th November, 1706, to Susaimah, his rehct. One
of his daughters married Wilham Davies, Citizen and Grocer of London ; the other married
Phihp Hinds and had issue, Wilham Hinds.

his great uncle Richard Streatleild, of Chested (see p. 29). During his parents Hfe-
time he hved with them at Stonewall ; we know, from a will, that his room there
was known as " the milk house chamber." At their death he removed to Chested,
where he died in 1724, unmarried, and was buried at Chidingstone on 29th March {k).
The sixth surviving son was Stephen Woodgate, of Sevenoaks Weald. He, too,
was a bachelor ; his niece Sarah Woodgate (daughter of Henry) and nephew Robert
Durrant lived with him. He died in 1754, and his nephew Francis Woodgate by will
directed that a monument should be raised to his memory, which does not seem to
have been done (1).

William Woodgate, the son, lived with his uncle John Seyhard at Pendhill. He died
unmarried in 1735, and by his will (dated 20th March, 1734, proved 2nd July, 1735) left £105 for
mourning and rings equally to be divided between his uncle John Seyliard and his cousins John,
Thomas, Elizabeth, and Annebella Seyhard, and Margaret Pellat. 10 guineas for mourning
and a ring to dear uncle Stephen Woodgate of Sevenoaks Weald, and cousin Sarah Woodgate, hving
with Stephen ; and the same to his sisters Susannah Hinds and Mary Davies, and their husbands ;
and £30 to John Seyhard's servants to buy them mourning. Nephew Wilham Hinds
£300 at 21. Servant James Stone all wearing apparel; dear cousin Ehzabeth Seyliard, "wall-
nutt tree beaurow " ; cousin Annabella, £40; cousin Margaret Pellat £20 ; Wm. Dunkley £10 for
mourning and a ring, also 2 guineas to buy a pair of pistols. Two sisters, £50 each. Miss Mar-
garet Mille and Mr. John Butler, £1 each for a ring. Silver watch and bay horse to Richard
Simons of Blechingley. ' ' According to a mutual agreement between my dear friend John Seyliard
junr. and myself that the longest liver should have a memorial of the other's respect and
affection, I give and bequeath to the said John Seyhard, junr., six guineas to buy him a gunn
and my best saddle and bridle." He, and Stephen Woodgate, executors ; residue for William
Hinds, nephew, at 21 years of age. To be buried in Blechingley churchyard. Farm and lands
called Frendon in Chidingstone in occupation of John Head to be sold by executors.

(k) The will of Richard Woodgate was dated 23rd March, 1723 and proved 16th April, 1724, in

the Shoreham PecuUars. Being then ' ' sick and weak in body ' ' he gave to liis sister Sarah Durrant
and Wihiam her husband, and their children WiUiam and Sarah £5 each ; two sons of brother
Henry, £4 each ; three daughters of brother Henry, £5 each ; brother Thomas' son £4, and his
two daughters, £5 each ; the residue to brother Stephen, the sole executor. To Stephen he also
left the house and lands called Chested and Seed Cubbs in Chidingstone, Caseinghurst Mead,
in Penhurst, Guildridge and house and lands called Buckhurst in Heaver and Chidingstone, all
in his own occupation ; also a house and lands in Penshurst, a house in the ' ' town " of
Chidingstone occupied by Wilham Pope and Thomas Eagleton, and all other lands in Chid-
ingstone and Penshurst ; to Richard Durrant, nephew, two houses at Lankerton Green.

(1) Stephen Woodgate's will, dated 25th November, 1753, provided as follows. Being then "in

tolerable good health " he gave to the poor of Chidingstone £10, and of Penshurst £5 ; £100
each to James, Sarah, and Mary Fremhng, children of niece Ann Fremhng widow and Mr.
James Fremhng deceased, charged on Frenden and Tophill. Niece Mary, wife of William
Davies of London, daughter of brother Thomas, hfe annuity of £12 out of-Frenden, and the same
annuity to her sister Susanna Hinds. £20 each to Henry, John, and Sarah Woodgate, AUce
Children, Rose wife of Mr. George Swayne, Elizabeth and Ann, children of late brother John
Woodgate of Summer Hill, charged on Chested. To nephew the Rev. Francis Woodgate of
Munfield, Frenden in Chidingstone containing 100 acres occupied by John Head ; 17 acres in
Chidingstone called Silcocks Meads, and aU other lands in occupation of Robert Head ; Tophill in
Chidingstone containing 60 acres, in occupation of Thomas Butcher ; meadow land in Chidingstone
near Chafford Bridge called Elepans ; aU other lands in occupation of Butcher ; Chested and
Seedrops, occupied by Samuel Waite ; house and 10a. in Chidingstone occupied by Thomas
Walhs ; cottage and garden in Chidingstone occupied by Robert HoUamby ; and all other lands
occupied by WaUis or HoUamby ; also Gildredge in Chidingstone containing 80 acres, occupied
by himself, subject to 10 years enjoyment thereof by nephew Robert Durrant from 29th Septem-
ber next after Stephen's death ; and aU the residue of his real estate. He gave to niece Sarah,
daughter of brother Henry, New Tye in Chidingstone and Heaver containing 100 acres, occupied
by John Fuller ; Low Buckhurst containing 50 acres in Heaver and Chidingstone ; and 12
acres called Nespridges adjoining, all occupied by James Knight ; property at Cocum Hill and
elsewhere in Westerham occupied by Thomas HoUamby, subject to legacies of £100 to Anne
Woodgate, daughter of late nephew Henry Woodgate of London, Stationer, £200 to Henry, son
of late nephew WiUiam Woodgate of Tonbridge deceased ; and £200 to Joseph, son of Henry
Woodgate of London, Stationer, deceased ; niece Lydia Woodgate, £300. The capital messuage
and lands in Sevenoaks where he then dwelt and the several houses and lands thereto belonging ;
the house and 10a. at HaU's Green, Sevenoaks, in his own occupation ; and cottage and garden
at BowzeU Gate, Chevening, to nephew Robert Durrant, subject to legacy of £200 to niece Ann
Fremhng, widow. Residue of personalty to Robert Durrant and niece Sarah, daughter of
Henry Woodgate equaUy, they the sole executors. The will (drawn by Francis Austen on
nine sheets) was proved at London, 2nd August, 1754, by both executors.

11939D2 35

In 1699 on 20th November, William Woodgate of Stonewall became High
Sheriff of Kent. There is an odd tradition that he went down in his official capacity
to meet William of Orange on his landing. As the landing was in 1688 and at Torbay,
not in Kent at all, it is diihcult to see how this could have been the case ; unless
indeed he went to Torbay as an ordinary magistrate ; he was not High Sheriff for
another eleven years. Again, the landing may have been on the King's return from
one of his foreign expeditions, in 1699, when Dover would probably be the place of
landing. In this way the tradition may be accounted for.

William Woodgate died in 1717, and was buried, according to the directions
contained in his wiU, " in linen." In 1678 an Act was passed with a view to the
encouragement of the woollen industry of the country, prohibiting burials in any-
thing other than woollen, except on payment of a fine of £5. This fine had therefore
to be paid on William's burial, which took place on the 23rd May, as also on his
widow's, which took place the following year. The bulk of William Woodgate's
land had been settled on the marriage of himself and his children, as he states in the
will.

The will was dated 24th January, 1714, and directs that he should be buried
in the Parish church. He gives 50/- to the poor of Chidingstone. To his dear and
loving wife Alice, ;^200, best milk cow, table and chairs in the parlour at Stonewall,
the bedstead in the parlour chamber, all the flax and hemp, six silver spoons, a
silver cup, six bushels of wheat, and such other linen and goods as she may select.
To son John, three silver salts. Son Richard, bedstead ' ' in the milk house chamber
where helyeth," silver two-handled cup marked W.W.A., a chest of linen made and
put up for him by his mother, and six pewter dishes. Son Stephen, the best horse
or mare, a similar chest of linen, a silver tankard, his silver-hilted sword and best
set of sUver buttons. Daughter Sarah Durrant, £20, three pairs of flax, hemp and
tow sheets, 18 flaxen napkins, table cloth, six old-fashioned silver spoons one where-
of was marked in the bowl. To her son Wilham Durrant, ^5 at 21. Grandson
William Woodgate, son of Thomas deceased, £5. Grandson William Woodgate, son
of John, a silver cup. Sarah, Ann and Lydia Woodgate, daughters of son Henry
deceased, one " chest of linen which was brought from Goudhurst," the chest to
their brother WiUiam. Lydia Woodgate, grand-daughter, £50 at 21.

Grandson William Woodgate, son of John, house and lands at Chidingstone
called Hilders, purchased of Wilham Kent. House opposite the church occupied by
Fortunatus Terry to wife Alice for life then to son Richard, subject to £40 to
godson William Woodgate, son of son Henry, at the end of his apprenticeship if he
be put out an apprentice, otherwise at 21. [N.B. — This house is one of those which
form the "High Street " and are justly celebrated for their beauty]. Son Richard,
all the goods that were in the house at Chested, and were left by his uncle, Richard
Streatfeild. To son Stephen, the capital messuage called Lawrence with the
premises belonging and 73 acres in Sevenoaks, in occupation of Stephen ; also iia.
of coppice adjoining, being part of lands called Rotherden, next Hale Oak
Green ; also house and lands called Crowhurst, containing 93 acres, including Crow-
hurst Mead and Lonedownes, in Sevenoaks and Chevening, in his own occupation.
Sons John and Stephen, executors ; proved by them 19th January, 1718.

His widow did not long survive him ; she was buried in 1718, on 23rd January,
" in linen," in the parish church. By her will, dated i8th November, 1717,
being then " sick in body," she gives ^^20 each to son John and Rose his wife, and
20/- each to their children William, Sarah, and Alice, and to Rose a bedpan ; to
Wniiam, also, a fire-pan and tongs, andirons, flock bed in the maids' chamber at
Stonewall, and to Alice a chest there ; son Richard, ;^20 ; daughter Sarah Durrant,
£20, a chest and its contents, all her gold rings, wearing apparel, a chest of drawers
in the closet next the parlour chamber, a trunk in the closet next the hall chamber,
and certain goods in the hall chamber ; to William Durrant (Sarah's husband),
20/-, and to their children William and Sarah 20/- each. John, Sarah, Ann, and Lydia

(children of son Henry deceased), 20/- each ; son Stephen, pewter and plates, brewing
vessels, aU the furniture in the parlour and parlour chamber, pair of curtains and
counterpanes in the hall chamber, a cow, fat hog, and other goods. Residue to
Stephen, the sole executor. Proved by Stephen 19th January, 1718, in the Shoreham
Pecuhars.

From this time SummerhiU became, in fact, the chief family seat ; though as
will be seen Stonewall was for some years deemed of equal consequence.

CHAPTER III.

EARLY SUMMERHILL PERIOD.

John Woodgate, the eldest son of WilHam Woodgate of Stonewall the High
Sheriff, married the " fair Rose of Kent," the beautiful and wealthy heiress of a
neighbouring squire. This was in 1693, some twenty- four years before his father's
death.

The Birstys, otherwise Birchenstys or Bursters, were lords of the manor of
Birchensty, in Ardingley, Sussex, from a time of remote antiquity. Thomas, fourth
in descent from John Birchensty of Birchensty, was the first to use the surname
in the contracted form, and was likewise the first to remove from the family home. He
married one of the Cotty's of Edenbridge. (N.B. — Seyliard, Cotty, and Holmden were
perhaps the chief famihes of Edenbridge at that time). He was a man of law, and
" Serjeant" to the hapless Queen Anne of Cleves, who was banished to Hever
Castle when the King married Anne Boleyn of Hever. His eldest son John (godson
of Francis Seyhard) had the family lands in Sussex ; William had lands in Hever,
Chidingstone, Penshurst, and elsewhere ; and Thomas the second son had How-
green and the Hever property (a)

Thomas, married Dorothy, sister of Sir Thomas Polhill of Wrotham. Thomas
Polhill, we think a grandson of Sir Thomas Polhill, married EHzabeth Ireton, grand-
daughter of Oliver Cromwell the Protector ; and of his two sons, David was Member
for Rochester and Keeper of the Records in the Tower ; and Charles, Commissioner
of Excise, married Martha Streatfeild of Chidingstone, John Woodgate's aunt.

It was their great-grand-daughter Rose Birsty who married John Woodgate.
Besides a considerable dowry and (traditionally) a passionate devotion to music,
she brought into the family the names Francis and Rose, which have since been

(o) How Green, otherwise Hook Green, was held of the Manor of Chidingstone Burghersh and

belonged originally to John Hynes, afterwards to John Seyliard, then to Thomas Seyhard, and
finally to Ewry Seyhard, who sold it to Thomas Birsty, who, as already mentioned, left it to
his second son Thomas. At the latter's death it descended to the two sons, Francis and Thomas.
Francis in 1625 sold his share to Thomas Pratt of London, of whom it was purchased by
Thomas two years later. Thomas, churchwarden of Hever in 1642 and 1654, was succeeded
by his son Francis, churchwarden in 1667 and 1680.

WiUiam Birsty of Chidingstone, third son of Thomas the " Serjeant," was one of the
principal inhabitants. He was buried in the nave at Chidingstone, where there is a brass to his
memory, inscribed : —

" Guhelmus fihus Tho de Birchensty
Com. Sussex ex Anna una cohaeredum
Johannis Fremling duas relinquens filias,
Annam et Catharinam obiit XX°., die mensis,
Maij Ao Dni MDCXXXVIj,
Aetatis LXVIIj."
Above are the Birsty arms, incorrectly differenced by a crescent ihstead of a star, impaling
Fremling, namely " Gules, a chevron between three helmets argent plumed and vizored or."
Administration of his estate was granted 15th June, 1637 to Anna Birsty, rehct, out of Shore-
ham Pecuhars. The other Fremling co-heiress, Catherine, married Silvester Page.

Mary Birsty, Rose Birsty's aunt, married John Woodgate of Hever, and had among other
issue Sarah Woodgate afterwards the wife of John Streatfeild of Penshurst, uncle of John Wood-
gate of SummerhilL

Two Birstys are mentioned subsequently. In 1710, at Edenbridge, Ehzabeth Birsty married
Edward Holmden, and in 1763, Mary Birsty of Westerham married WiUiam Tempest Beckett
of the same place. Beckett was the son of James Beckett of Cranbrook, Surgeon, and Mary
his wife the daughter of WiUiam Tempest of the Inner Temple, Barrister-at-law.

used in nearly every generation. The Woodgates descended from her quarter, with
their own paternal coat and that of Combridge, the arms of Birsty, ' ' Gules, a fess
embattled ermine between three dexter gauntlets or, and a crescent for difference."
The settlement made on the marriage included Stonewall, but subject to William
Woodgate's life interest. John Woodgate therefore started his married life at Chested,
which had been left by his great uncle Richard Streatfeild. All the children down
to Anne (May, 171 1) were baptised at Penshurst ; John the next child was baptised at
Chidingstone 20th December, 1712, his father being described as " John Woodgate
of Chested, Penshurst, Gent. " ; the next child Stephen was baptised in May, 1716,
at Tonbridge, for in 1712 John Woodgate purchased Summerhill in Tonbridge,
and soon afterwards removed there {b).

The history of Summerhill and its owners would require a chapter to itself,
and may at any time be found in Hasted and other books. It is therefore only
necessary briefly to recapitulate the main points prior to the Woodgate purchase.
The property belonged to the family of Clare, Earls of Gloucester and Hertford,
untn the death of Gilbert de Clare in 1314, when it passed to his sister Ehzabeth,
wife of John de Burgh. His grand-daughter married Lionel, Duke of Clarence,
whose daughter and heiress married Edward Mortimer, Earl of March, on whose death
this estate became the property of her nephew Richard, Duke of York, who aspired
to the Crown. It remained in this family till it was granted to John Dudley, Earl
of Warwick and Duke of Northumberland, after whom it belonged successively
to Cardinal Pole, Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, and then to Frances, daughter
of the great Sir Francis Walsingham and widow both of Sir Phihp Sidney and the
Earl of Essex. She remarried the Earl of Clanrickard, who at great expense built
the present house ; and was so pleased with the situation that he called it Summer Hill.
The house was not completed till the reign of James I. He was created Baron
SomerhiU and Viscount Tonbridge, titles still existent ; he spent most of his life there,
and was buried at Tonbridge in 1636, leaving a son Ulick, created Marquis in 1645,
because of his devotion to the Royalist cause, which, however, was a sufficient reason
for the sequestration of his estates by the Parliament. Parliament granted Summerhill
to the Earl of Essex, in lieu of a grant of £10,000 a year which could not be
paid ; on his death, to John Bradshaw the regicide. On the restoration Summerhill
reverted to the lawful owner, Margaret, only daughter and heiress of Ulick, Marquis
of Clanrickard.

Margaret married Charles M'Carty, Viscount Muskerry, who was killed by the
Dutch at Solebay in 1665. She then married a Villiers, but here Hasted and most
of the writers seem to be wrong, and the facts are therefore set out in detail.

John Villiers, Viscount Purbeck, brother of the celebrated George, Duke of
Buckingham, married twice. His first wife was Frances, youngest daughter of Sir
Edward Coke. Weldon, who never spares ' ' the beggarly kindred of Buckingham,"
says that John Villiers, husband of my lord Coke's daughter, was the best of the lot. .
. . . and his wife a wicked woman. He died without issue, but his wife bore a son
Robert, who generally went by the name of Wright, who on his marriage with the
daughter and heir of Sir John Manvers the regicide obtained a patent from Cromwell
to assume that name. Dugdale says that he alleged as a reason ' ' the many disservices
done to the commonwealth by the name and family of Villiers." Wright, other-
wise Manvers, was apparently destitute of all principle, and was expelled from the
House of Commons in 1658, in which he sat as Member for Westbury, upon a charge
of delinquency, though evidence was given of his zeal for the Parhamentary cause
as soon as he was out of reach of his mother's influence, and also that he had been

(6) Hasted and the writers following (and imitating) him describe John Woodgate as of Ghepsted,

Penshurst. This has puzzled many, no such place having ever existed, but the explanation is
simple. It was merely a printer's error, Hasted having used an old-fashioned S resembUng a P, as
reference to his manuscript shows.

heard to say " that rather than execution should not be done on the King, he would do
it himself." By the minister of Wycombe he was charged with never going to church.

As he had never been declared illegitimate, his son Robert resumed the surname
of Villiers and claimed the Viscounty of Purbeck and Earldom of Buckingham,
but the claim was disallowed. Robert Villiers married Margaret, Lady Muskerry,
as above, in whose right he became possessed of Summer hill ; but having
wasted his fortune and involved himself in debt, he went abroad as his father did to
avoid his creditors, and at Liege was killed in a duel by Col. Lutterell in 1686 in the
twenty-ninth year of his age. He had issue by Margaret his wife one son only,
John Vilhers. His widow then married Robert, otherwise "Beau" Fielding
and by her expensive way of living wasted her estates and sold them piecemeal
to different people. She died in great distress in August, 1698.

Her son John Villiers, who assumed the Earldom and subscribed himself Bucking-
ham, was educated at Eton and lost no time in following the worst example of his
ancestors. He cohabited with Frances widow of a Mr. Heneage of Lincolnshire, a person
of dissolute character but of a large jointure, for the sake of which he eventually married
her to procure a subsistence, having already wasted his own fortune. He died in 1723
at Darner's Hill, near Barnet, leaving two daughters who were in every way worthy of
their father and mother. His uncle Edward Villiers, bom in 1661, entered the Army
and was somewhat more reputable than the rest of the family ; he and his son
George renewed the claim to the Earldom until the extinction of the line in 1774.

John Villiers succeeded to the house and park of Summerhill, the Manor of South
Frith, and certain demesne lands left unsold by his mother. The house, manor
and park and certain lands he sold to Thomas Deakins, and the residue, consisting of
about 1,200 acres, he sold to Abraham Hill, of whom later. Dekins died without
issue and devised Summerhill to one Cave, who sold it about 17 12 to John Woodgate.

Summerhill must have been in a wretched state of repair ; indeed, Camden
describes it about this time as "a vast pile falling fast to ruin in a delightful situation,"
but there is ample reason to suppose that John carefully overhauled the
place and did everything that was necessary. He had thirteen children, of whom
ten survived. In spite of big house and large family, he managed to make some
further judicious additions to his property, notably the Manor of the Moat, Cowden,
which he bought of the heirs of Thomas Gainsford about 1720.

In 1726 we come to the first of the long series of letters. It was written by John
to his fifth son Francis Woodgate at Trinity College, Oxford. It seems that John
had himself taken his son to be entered at Oxford, and had only lately returned.
Son ffrancis, ' ' December 24th, 1726.

Yours I Received 17 Instant, but not knowing how to rite sooner, . , I am glad
to hear your Cold Is over ; I carryed home A very tedious cold with mee from Oxford
and have had the Apothecary's Assistance before I could get It of. Give my service
to Mr. Shephard and thank him for all favours At Oxford. I went home by Reading
and Mr. Zinzin was very Civil to use [us] and treated use very handsomely, Hee
hath A son At Morling Colledg and says hee will see you when hee comes to Oxford.
If hee Invites you over you may goe with his son when you bee At Liberty, for you
have noe friends near there. It Is the Largest countrey town I have seen. I heare
there hath been Abondance of snow In the West ; wee had but Little, and beyond
Crow borrow In Sussex none at all. I have ordered thirteen pounds for you with
Cosen Henry Woodgate at the three bibles one [on] London bridg ; send as soon as
you pleas and will order twelve pounds more next quarter and make It f&fty pounds
the year. If that will not bee enough, when you over you shall have more ; but you
must bee as prudent as you can for there Is a great many of you to provide for.
Your mother brothers and sisters Love to you, and I two, and remain, your Loving

ffather John Woodgate,
from Summerhill,

Tunbridg, Kent,

4©

Wee are all well, God bee thanked, at present and all freinds, and wish you a
merry Crismas. Son William Remembers his love to you and wonders you not rite
to him ; hee hath sent you a Letter but hath had noe anser."

Mr. Zinzan, who seems to have been living at Reading, was probably a son of
Henry Zinzan who married Jacoba, one of the three daughters and co-heiresses of
Sir Peter Vanlore, in whose right he became the owner of Tonbridge Castle. The
other co-heiresses married respectively Sir Robert Cook and the Earl of Stirling.
One of Mr. Zinzan's sons sold the castle to the Hookers in 1739.

John Woodgate died the following year, and was buried ' ' in woollen " the 21st
August at Chidingstone, where a marble tablet on the north wall perpetuates his
memory.

' ' Sacred to the memory

of John Woodgate, Esqre. of Summer HOI,

and Rose his wife

whose ashes are deposited

near this place. He died

August 17th, 1728, aged 68 ;

She Sept. 22 ; 1744, aged 71.

John Woodgate, Esqre.,
was the eldest son of William
Woodgate of Stonewall Park,
the High Sheriff for the County
in the year 1700,
And of AUce his wife.
The filial piety of Francis
Woodgate, M.A., late Rector
of Watlington and Vicar of
Mountfield, Sussex
directed by will this monument
to be erected as his last token
of sincere respect for his honoured parents "
The monument shows marks of the arms having been affixed ; but the shield has been
torn off bodily.

By his will dated 28th March, 1727, he gives to eldest daughter Sarah Woodgate,
farm and lands called Clay hill in Goudhurst, occupied by Frances Hammon, and
^^700 ; to second daughter, Ahce Woodgate, £1,000 lent to Thomas May of Hadlow,
Gent., on mortgage, also ;^ioo one year after marriage ; to daughter Rose Woodgate,
farm and land containing 50a. at Edenbridge, called Mousers, occupied by Thomas
Sales, and ;£400 ; to daughters Elizabeth and Anne £100 apiece at 21, also the ' ' Old
Lodge " and " Heath Farm " at Lingfield, occupied by Robert Martin ; to dearly
loved wife Rose Woodgate, ;^35 a year out of Howgreen, one quarter of the silver
plate, half the pewter, and the use during hfe or widowhood of ' ' the parlour, the
pantry, the lodging wherein I now lie and the nursery room, with the cellar now used
as a milk house, with the use of the kitchen, brewhouse and oven all being in my now
capital or mansion house called Summer Hill wherein I now dwell ", and the furniture
of such rooms ; also the use and possession of the garden, liberty to take water, and
a way through the great hall to the said garden and all ways and passages to and from
the said premises at her pleasure ; to eldest son William, all lands in Chidingstone
and Penshurst, an estate in Hartfield and Cowden called Sussex House, also the farm
and lands called Dryhill (c) in Sundridge and Chevening occupied by William Hawes,
with the manor of Dryhill ; to son Henry, Summerhill, Cusson's farm, Summerhtll

and 20a. of wood ; also a messuage called Blowters Tenement with 6a. of arable, 2a. of
meadow, and 22a. of wood, a messuage called Ufimondes, and other lands.

farm, Summerhill park, the two meadows (then divided into several parcels) called
the Priory Meads near Tonbridge Town, and the Manor of Summerhill and other
manors, two houses in Tonbridge (occupied by Richard Ashdowne and Rose Johnson),
the manor house and 36a. in Tonbridge, a field in Capell and the residue of household
goods ; to son Francis, Howgreen and all other lands in Hever and Brasted, occupied
by John Shelly, subject to £35 annuity to his mother ; to son John, the Moat farm
and the Manor of Cosswyns, Gunn House and lands in Withyam, lands in Hartfield,
and house and lands at Forest Rowe in East Grinsted, subject to paying £25 a year
to Francis ; poor of Tonbridge ^10 ; sister Sarah Durrant £5 ; to all servants at time of
decease, 10/- each ; residue of plate to sons and daughters equally ; loving brother
Stephen Woodgate £s, he to be trustee. Witnessed by WilHam Woodgate (probably
the nephew). Proved at London, 1st December, 1727, by William Woodgate, the
eldest son and executor.

Stonewall, the ancient family seat, thus fell to William the eldest son ; Henry
the second son had to be content with Summerhill. William and John, the eldest and
youngest sons, took up their abode at Stonewall, and at various times acted as church-
wardens and overseers. William died intestate and unmarried in 1743, and
administration was granted to Henry Woodgate, brother, on 13th September. John
Continued to live at Stonewall ; he signs the Chidingstone registers in a firm, clear,
well-educated hand, and was there certainly as late as 1766 (when churchwarden) and
1769 (overseer), and died in 1770 intestate and unmarried. He was buried at Ton-
bridge, and administration was granted on 9th April, 1770, to his nephew William,
Henry, Francis, Anne, and Rose Swayne the next-of-kin having first renounced.
In this grant he is described as being late of Tonbridge deceased. On his death there
was a deed of partition between Henry and Francis, by which the latter obtained
(amongst other things) the Moat.

Ahce Woodgate the second daughter married Arthur Children of Riverhill,
Sevenoaks {d), and had issue an only son who died in infancy. Arthur Children
predeceased his wife.

(d) Children is a name typically Kentish. The family were settled at Hildenborough as early as

the reign of Richard II, when Simon Children appears as one of the principal inhabitants. They
wrote themselves a ChUdern or a Children. They owned for hundreds of years an estate called
Childrens in Hildenborough and were lords of the manor of Philipotts, near Leigh and Tonbridge.
In later times the principal branch, that of Children of Ramhurst, built Ferox Hall, Tonbridge,
and there resided. It is not at present known how the Riverhill branch was connected with this
family. Their descent is behaved to be as follows. Arthur Children of Tonbridge, will proved
1644, married Joan and had issue,

(a) Arthur. (d) Hellen. (/) Joan.

(b) James. (e) Mildred (</) Jane.

Arthur of Tonbridge, eldest son, married at Tonbridge in 1655 Mary Markwicke and had issue,

George of Nizels Hoath, Tonbridge, who married Ehzabeth daughter of Walter Burt, he
died 19th April, 1722, leaving

(a) Markwicke.

(b) George died young.

Sevenoaks, Apothecary.

(d) George. " (h) Margaret.

(e) Arthur of Riverhill, m. Ahce Woodgate (j) Sarah.
(/) Mary. {k) Aime.
(g) Ehzabeth

The arms are " or, a saltire engrailed gules."

Ehzabeth wife of Arthur Children of Riverhill was buried "in hnen " 7th December,
1719, at Tonbridge ; Ahce Woodgate must therefore have been the second wife.

According to ' ' Cid's " Guide to Sevenoaks, 1864, Riverhill was built about 1740 " on the
site of an old farm house by Mr. Woodgate, who was then a Banker in Tonbridge and was
occupied by his family for many years." Though we do not know the history of the place,
this in any event is untrue ; the Childrens were there in 1719, and owned it until 1768, when
Ahce Children left if by will to her brother Francis Woodgate of Mountfield, Clerk in Holy
Orders (not of Tonbridge, Banker) ; and the Woodgates did not occupy it till 1780.

Rose Woodgate the third daughter, married George Swayne of Fish Hall,
Hadlow (e) ; she likewise died a widow, without issue.

Rose Woodgate, the widow, lived at Summerhill till her death in 1744, together
with Henry and the unmarried daughters.

In 1727, the year of his death, John Woodgate was created a Commissioner
of land taxes in the Act of that year, by which the tax, which had been at two shillings,
was raised to four. Stephen Woodgate was another Commissioner. In 1733 when
the tax was reduced to a shilling in the pound to conciliate the landed interest,
Henry Woodgate, as well as Stephen, was appointed a Commissioner under the Act.

In 1740 the Act 13 George II was obtained, being an Act to revive, explain,
and amend the Act 16 & 17 Charles II, viz. : an Act for making the River
Medway navigable in the counties of Kent and Sussex. The promoters included
Henry Woodgate of Summerhill, Wilham Woodgate of Stonewall, the Duke of
Dorset, John Wood, John Hooker, Robert Streatfeild, and forty others. The
" Company of Proprietors of the Navigation of the River Medway " was formed,
with a common seal, and commissioners appointed for determining the proper
satisfaction to be given for damage sustained by owners or occupiers of lands. The
Commissioners were seventy-one in number, including Stephen Woodgate, John
Children of Ferox HaU, Lord Amherst, David PapiUon, Lord John Sackville, Lord
Vane, Henry Streatfeild jun., of Chidingstone, Robert Streatfeild of Cowden, Thomas
Streatfeild of Sevenoaks, and others. Henry Woodgate owned some valuable shares
in this company.

By this will, dated 29th November, 1768, AUce Children of Tonbridge, widow, gave to her
brother John Woodgate of Stonewall £200 ; to her ten nephews and nieces, children of brother
Francis £100 each ; two maidservants, £5 each ; niece Rose Woodgate, gold watch ; niece
Sarah Woodgate, diamond ring ; £10 for twenty poor people of Tonbridge, and further £10
for other poor of Tonbridge ; to godson Richard, eldest son of John Children of Nizel's Hoath,
Tonbridge, a house and land at Fawk Common, Seal, occupied by the widow Cripps, subject
to £100 to be paid to his sister Mary wife of Neddal of Sevenoaks and £100 to be paid to his
brother John. To dear brother Henry Woodgate lands at Haysden, Tonbridge, occupied by
John Relph, aLso house at Haysden occupied by Thomas Webb ; to dear brother Francis, house,
lands, and woodlands called River Hill in Sevenoaks occupied by Francis Otway, Esq., also
Skin Hill, Sevenoaks, occupied by the Duke of Dorset ; to dear sisters Rose Swayne and Anne
Woodgate, Hale Oak, in Chidingstone and Sevenoaks, occupied by Richard Saunders, also lands
at Meopham Bank, occupied by James Holmes, also farm at Hollanden, Leigh, occupied by Robert
Skinner, also lands in Seal, Tonbridge, and the house in Tonbridge, occupied by herself.
Residue to Rose Swayne and Anne AVoodgate, executors. Witnessed by Thomas IMiller and
Thomas Miller, jun., and Thomas Swayne.

Thomas Miller was the doctor and (we beheve) Swayne the solicitor,
(e) George Swayne had married, firstly, Ehzabeth daughter and co-heir of John France, through

whom the Swaynes acquired Fish Hall. He had two sons, John bapt. 22nd August, 1732, at
Hadlow, and Thomas born 1734. Thomas Swayne probably the solicitor above mentioned, had
two daughters ; Mary the elder married in 1795 the Rev. John Delves, Vicar of Ashburnham, and
Ann who married in March, 1791, John Fellowes Claridge, of the firm of Austen and Claridge, of
Sevenoaks, Sohcitors. Mr. Claridge was Clerk of the Peace for the County of Kent, and held
a Commission in the Sevenoaks Troop of W^est Kent Yeomanry, which he resigned in 1813. His
daughter Ann married in 1813 Charles Ducie of Bilhter Square.

The Swayne arms are ' 'Azure, a chevron between three pheons or, within a bordure ermine " ;
they are displayed on the south wall of Hadlow Church. Underneath is the inscription : —
' ' To the memory of Thomas Swayne formerly of Fish Hall in this parish
and late of Tonbridge who departed this Hfe December, XXV, MDCCC
in the LXVI year of his age. And of Anne Swayne his wife who died on the
XXI day of January, MDCCCVIII, aged LXXII years.

Also to the memory of
John Fellowes Claridge of Sevenoaks in this County Who died the VII May,
MDCCCXXII. aged LVIII years, and of Anne the wife of the said John
Fellowes Claridge, and daughter of Thomas and Ann Swayne.
She died March III, MDCCC VI, aged XLI years."
The other France co-heiress married in 1722 Walter Barton of Court Lodge, Hadlow ; the
manor of Hadlow was settled on her, and descended to her son John and grandson Walter,
who changed his name to May. Fish Hall is an ancient Tudor building with fine sloping roof ;
what remains of it is now used as a farm house. The present hall was probably erected at the
end of the eighteenth century. It is so named from having belonged to the Fishers of Hadlow,

Again, under the Act of 8 Anne, for making a road to Woodsgate and Tunbridge
Wells, tolls were granted for a term of fifteen years. The roads became so bad
that they could not be kept in repair by ordinary measures, and the Act of ii
George I was passed appointing special Commissioners (Henry Woodgate one),
and granting the tolls for a further period of twenty-one years.

After his mother's death Henry Woodgate still lived at Summerhill with his
three sisters, Sarah, Ann, and Elizabeth, and it seems that they were joined by
their nephew William, eldest son of the Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield^''
Sarah died in 1761 and Elizabeth in 1766. The latter's will, describing her as of
Summerhill, and dated 5th October, 1766, states that she is ' ' sick and weak in body" ;
she gives to her dear brothers and sisters Henry, Francis, John, Alice Children,
Rose Swayne, and Anne Woodgate ;f 100 each. To Ann for hfe her moiety in messuage
and lands at Lingfield, containing 200a., occupied by Benjamin Harden, and then
to her nephew William Woodgate absolutely. To sister Rose Swayne, moiety of
house in Tonbridge occupied by Richard Miller, and then to sister Ann absolutely.
Residue to Ann, sole executrix, who proved the will 14th May, 1767. (Witnessed
by Thomas Swayne).

About two years later on William's marriage, Henry and Ann left Summerhill
and occupied one of the houses belonging to Henry in Tonbridge Town. There is
a tradition that the Woodgates at one time occupied old Judd House, now used as
the School Sanatorium.

In 1767 Henry found himself engaged in a chancery suit, Woodgate v. Head.
He had contracted to purchase of John Whittaker of Wrotham, Gent., Trustee for
sale of William Head and Henry Head of Faversham, Gent., (sons of Rev. John
Head of Selling, deceased, and Mary his wife) a messuage and buildings and 104a.
in Tonbridge known as Romneys, Selby's Barn, and the Clays ; also a house
and 5a. csQled the Gatefield otherwise Walkfield, Hillyfield 5a. ; Oldhard Field 6a.,
Broomfield 4a., Great Mead 6a., Strake Slift la. Clapper Mead la., two Cookes
Meads 14a ; also the Flying Horse, formerly known as the Half Moon, and 47a.,
all in Tunbridge and Hildenborough. It had been put up to auction and withdrawn ;
but after the sale Woodgate offered :^i,45o which was accepted, but the lands were
subject to a perpetual annuity of £60 to James Head, and of £3 2 o to the church-
wardens of Tonbridge. Difficulties arose with the Trustee for sale, but apparently
Woodgate got his decree for specific performance from Sir Thomas Clarke, Master
of the Rolls. Mr. Swayne was Woodgate's Attorney.

On 9th April, 1772, Henry Woodgate purchased certain lands of Matthew Smith
of Lee, Kent, Esq., for ;^i,65o. The purchase consisted of a capital messuage known
as Hollywish otherwise Holwich and the buildings, orchard and garden containing
some 4a. and various lands containing in the aggregate some i8oa. in Hartfield and
Cowden (/) abutting on lands of Butcher West and South, on lands of the Duke of

(/) The lands in detail were

B. P.

R. P.

Forward

1 39

Six Acres

1 21

Woodgate's Mead . .

3 33

Hovelfield . .

0 27

Lower Mead

2 32

Housefield . .

1 12

Horse Piatt Mead . .

0 14

Watts Piatt . .

2 4

Thorny Bank

2 17

Pond Bayfield

2 1

Little piece adjoining

3 11

RidgeField ..

0 21

Little Combfield . .

2 30

Homefield . .

1 16

Further Combfield ..

3 34

Hopyard Field

2 8

Comb Woodfield . .

1 5

Nine Acres . .

3 9

Little Meadow, adjoining the

Longlead Wish

3 19

Bridleway leading

from

WeU Field ..

2 5

Cowden to Blackham Com-

Acre Piatt . .

0 10

mon

1 11

Grey Clay . .

2 2

Greenfield . .

2 22

Greatlead Wish

3 11

Little Clay . .

0 31

Square Field..

3 33

The Wood ..

0 25

1 39

178

3 24

* See Reference Sheet.

Dorset, Piggott and Everest respectively East, lands of the Rev. Francis Woodgate (the
Moat) and the brook that divides Kent from Sussex North, and the highway from East
Grinsted to Tunbridge Wells South, all occupied by Edmund Everest, formerly
by Edward Gainsford. Witness, Edmund Everest and Tho. Scoones. The price
seems extraordinarily low, being less than £10 an acre.

Henry Woodgate died ai Summerhill in 1787, and was buried at Tonbridge
on 8th December. The monument to his memory refers to the organ in Ton-
bridge Church, his last gift, near which it was erected : —

" While within these hallowed walls

Devotion feels an ardour
Raised and refined by Holy Harmony,
Let pious gratitude revere and cherish
The memory of Henry Woodgate, Esq.,
late of Summer-hill.
To record his beneficent virtues
On the marble tablet, with the Eulogium
They deserve, would be to violate
that manly simplicity
which marked his unassuming manners,
And while it taught him to do good in secret
Rendered him superior to the praise of an epitaph
And the ostentation of a tomb.
He left these earthly tabernacles
To join the choir of Heaven.
December ist, 1787,
aged 87.

This is styled by the Gentleman's Magazine as " An elegant monumental inscription
for a gentleman who by his will gave money to erect an organ, which has been done
accordingly." This will is dated 7th December, 1782, and in it he devises to brother
Francis Woodgate his moiety of the Stonewall estate in Chidingstone and Penshurst.
To his sister x\nn Woodgate the two houses in Tonbridge, occupied by himself and
Thomas Vine ; also several fields called Clapper Fields on the East side of the
Clappers, Tonbridge in his own tenure, for life, and after her death to his nephew
Henry Woodgate. All pictures, plate, linen, and effects to brother Francis, also
£4,000. Dryhill (in Chevening and Sundridge, occupied by John Wingate) and three
shares in Medway Navigation Company to nephew Henry. To nephew Stephen
Woodgate five of such shares and ;(5oo. To sister Ann :^200. Niece Mary Acton
;^ioo, children of deceased niece Alicia Ashburnham £20 each. Nieces Rose, Sarah,
Ann, and Frances Woodgate and Elizabeth Humphry ;£ioo each. Kinsman John
Woodgate of Tonbridge, £50. Revd. Mr. Harpur, Vicar of Tonbridge, ;^20 ; Ann
Dudgen of Tonbridge, widow, ;^io. Poor of Tonbridge, £10. Servants, 20'- each.
;f6oo to be laid out in the purchase of an organ to be placed in Tonbridge Church,
under the direction of nephew William Woodgate, the Vicar, George Children of
Tonbridge, Esq., and Thomas Scoones of Tonbridge, Gent. All other monies, lands,
houses, and manors to nephew William Woodgate, the sole executor. Witnessed
by Mary Ann Scoones.

By a previous will of 29th November, 1779, but revoked, he had given his
brother £8,000 instead of £4,000 ; Dryhill to Stephen instead of to Henry, and in
lieu of the £500 legacy ; the furniture to Anne for hfe and then to Henry absolutely ;
and Holly wish to Henry, instead of allowing it to pass with the residue. Also £500
for an organ instead of £600.

Ann Woodgate, the last of her generation, continued to live on at Tonbridge
until her death in 1792 ; she was buried on 21st September at Tonbridge.

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SHEET No

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4oY. 1V90.

John Woodgate, Mary, bap. 2 March^John At—

bap. 30 Sep. 1737 ; mar. 24 Jan. I Inner 1 , , .

1735 ; bur. 11 1765 ; d. 1 Jan. | 23 Mar^^^*^ "^

March 1736. 1785. "^Pv

, 1 June

Henr

River

John Acton of Car Henry Acton,

Mount, near Whit- b. 14 Oct. 1769;

by, Yorkshire, b. 22 d. 3 May 1771.
Sep. 1767.

William Fran«-

of Tonbridge , „ „, I

Summerhill,b.*n Hartrup Wed
28 March 1770 ^«?^ern Park,
1828. '^^'^S^-

15 Feb. 1806 ;
Aug. 1818.

00«

Anna, b. 9 Dec.
1795 ; bap. 3
Feb. 1796 ; bur.
11 April 1796.

I
Anna, b. 31 Jan.,=
bap. 12 Feb. 1797 ;
mar. 1828; d. 25
June 1829.

=Henry Buttanshaw
of West Peckham,
Kent.

). 21 Jan., bap. i
nar. 10 June 18^

I
An infant child,
d. 24 July 1829,
aged 2 months.

Vices'
Knoi-

^George Arbutj

Fran(^oodgate Ar-
mar. Annie,
Sir Charles

I I I

Cathe-=7=Rev. Augustus Ellen Hamilton
William Warde Susan, Woodgate,
of Little Hor- d.l909. d. 13 Feb.
sted, Sussex. 1857, un-

mar.

William

Cathe-=p

Francis

rine,

Woodgate,

mar.

b. 1826 ;

1854;

d. 1827.

d.l896.

William

Hamilton

Henry

Frances.

Warde.

E. Fran-

cis.

.ptta

dan.

Augustus Fran- Edward Charles Ca

cis Warde. Warde.

— — Mi

Henry John George Frede-

Warde. rick Warde.

Walter
ford W
gate of
ner Tei

Julia ]

Grace

CHAPTER IV.
MOUNTFIELD, 1732-1790.

Francis Woodgate, fifth son of John Woodgate of Summerhill, was sent to school
at Tonbridge, from which in 1727, he gained the Smythe exhibition, tenable for
seven years at either University. He proceeded, as we have seen, to Trinity College,
Oxford, where he matriculated on 31st March, 1726, and graduated B.A., 1729,
M.A., on 4th February, 1734.

He took orders, and was hcensed in March, 1732, to the curacy of Kemsing-
oim-Seal, near Sevenoaks, on an annual stipend of £30. He was there for less than
a year, but in that time he met Mary Thompson (a) of Hall Place, Seal, whom he

(a) The Thompsons of Stone Street were settled at Hall Place, in Stone Street, Seal. There is a

marble tablet above the south door to Thomas Thompson, nephew of Mary Woodgate, as follows:
' ' Near this tablet
are deposited the remains of
Thomas Thompson,
late of Hall Place, in this parish
who died January 1st, 1805, aged 61 years.
Also of Sarah, wife of the above,
who died November 20th, 1781, aged 35 years.
Also of Sarah their daughter,
who died May 25th, 1779, aged 4 years.
They left issue, two sons, Thomas and John."
There is another tablet, near the same place : —

' ' In memory of
Thomas Thompson,
of Fawke, in this parish,
who died August 1st, 1832, aged 54.
Also Ehzabeth,
wife of the above,
who died February 9th, 1833, aged 78.
Also Sarah
only daughter of the above,
who died December 13th, 1823,
aged 6 years."
This Thomas Thompson sold HaU Place to Lord Camden. The arms of the family are ' ' Azure,
a Uon statant guardant or." ; crest, a wivem ; or (according to Burke, who is probably wrong)
" a Hon rampant ducally gorged or." Motto : Nil conscire sibi.

In the pedigree of the Woodgates, drawn up by the Rev. Thomas Streatfeild, F.S.A., of Charts
Edge, to accompany the coats of arms intended as a wedding present for Clare Woodgate and
Francis Woodgate of Falconhurst in 1838, to which it was to form a key, Streatfeild observes
' ' The arms bom for Thompson are manifestly wrong ; I have therefore passed them over." This
allusion is explained in a short manuscript pedigree of the Thompsons, in which he says ' ' Mary
m. the Revd. Francis Woodgate, on whose monument at Tonbridge the arms of Thompson
of Kenfield in Petham are impaled." (Thomas Thompson of Keniield, son of the last Thompson
of Sandwich, married Ehzabeth sister of Sir John Leveson of Hallingy and had issue Sir John
Thompson, who died s.p., 1645. For their pedigree, see Hasted). In the Thompson pedigree
however, Streatfeild gives the arms as stated above.

All doubt on the subject is dissipated by a letter of Charles Thompson, addressed to Streat-
feild, in 1828, (Brit. Museum, Add. MSS. 33929, foHo 135).

' ' Sir, — ^The impression of the arms on this note are those received by my father upon
applying upwards of fifty years since at the Heralds Office for the arms of Thompson. The same
were used by his Father and Grandfather, and he has no doubt but they are the correct arms of
Thompson. I have the honour to remain,

Sir, yours respectfully,
iloohester, Nov. 25th, 1828. Charles Thompson."

Wootiflate of pummnW'

SHEET No. V.

The Bev. Francis Woodgate, M.A., "Vicar of Mountfield and Rector of Whatlington, Sussex,=rMary, dau. of Thomas
5th son of John Woodgate of Summerhill ; b. 25 Deo. 1706 ; bur. 17 Nov. 1790. I bap. 6 Apnl 1714 ; mai

Joliii Woodgate,
bap. 30 Sop.
17a6i bur. U
March 173().

Mary, bap. H Maroh^JoIin Acton of the

1737;
1766;
1785.

Rose of Tollbridge, Alicia, b. 174.1 ;=pSir William Ashburn-
bap. 25 Oct. 1739 ; mar. 1766 ; d. I ham of Uroomham,
d. 1 Jan. 1827, un- 1777. I Sussex, Bart,

mar, +

(See p. 76.)

William Woodgate of=rFrances,
Summerhill, bap. 5 " ' '
Aug. 1743; d. 28 May,
bur. 3 June 1809.

. of John Hooker of Ton-

Stephen Woodgate of
Sevenoaks, bap. 16
May 1745 ; d. 1 Jane
1811, umuar.

Henry Woodgate of=rEllen Ham
Riverhill, b. 1746. I mar. 1780.

(See Chap. Till.)

John Acton of Car Henry Acton,

Mount, near Whit- b. 140ut. 1769;

by, Yorkshire, b. aa d. 3 Miiy 1771.
Sep. 1767.

Francis Woodgate=pAnna, dau. of Thomas Frances, b. 16 Nov. 1772 ; bap.=pBichard AUnutt of South Anne, b. 1774 ;=rPeter Nouaille of Great-

of Tonbridf^ii Ca^itto and of
Sunmiertiili.l), 13 Feb., bap.
28 March 1770; d. 24 Juue

Allnutt of Eltha
30 Sop. 1774; mar. 21
Feb. 1794 J d. 7 March
1819.

Park, Penshurst.

(See Chap. XIII.)

I. 1775 ;=John Hartrup West John Woodgate of Stone-

of Postern Park, wall, b. 24 Aug. 1778;

Tonbridge. bap. 24 Oct. 1778 ; d. 13

(See Chap. XV.) Jan. 1842, unmar

Georgina Martha, b. 15 Feb. 1806 ; bap. Musgrave Brisco of Cogh
19 May 1806 ; d. 11 Aug. 1818. M.P. ; mar. 8 Oct. 1828.

Anna, b. 9 Dec.
1795; bap. 3
Feb. 1790 ; bur.
U Ai,ril 179G.

Anna, b. 31 Jan.q
bap. 12 Feb. 1797 ;
mnr. 1828 ; d. 25
June 1829.

rHenr
Kent.

An infant
d. 24 July
aged 2 mo

chihl,
1829,
ths.

Frances, b. 4 May,=T=Rev. Thomas Knox, D.D.,
bap. 4 July 1798 ; I Headmaster of Tonbridije
mar. 19 Aug. 1815; School ; d. 21 June 1843,
d. 1830. aged 59.

I n n n

mus Thomas HoUia Arthur
Kno.\. Kuox. Knox.

William Woodgate of=rHarriott, dau. of Col. Rev. Henry Arthur Woodgate,=pMaria, dau. of Ed- Maria,

Swaylauds, Penshurst,
and of Lincoln's In
Fields, b. 28 Sep., baj
5 Nov. 1799; d. 1

Francis
Woodgate,
b. 1826;
d. 1827.

Cathe-rRcv. Augustus E
rine, | WilliamWarde Si
mar. of Little Hor- d.
1854; sted, Sussex.
d.l896.

Hamilton Augustus Fran-
Frances.

len Hamilton

Lsan, Woodgate,

1909. d. 13 Feb.

1857, un-

Ashley Henry Sidney Wil-

Woodgate, Lt. liam Wood-

60th Royal gate, d. 26

Rifles; d, 13 Feb. 1883,

May 1866. s.p.

James West, R.A., of
Woohvich; b. 15 Dec.
1804; mar. 16 Aug.
1825 ; d. 29 Deo. 1879.

B.D., Rector of Belbroughtoi
and Hon. Canon of Worcester,
b. 25 April, bap. 12 June 1801 ;
d. 24 April 1874.

ward Chapman
" iiford,E.I. Co.;
.31 May 1838;

a=pGeoi

rge Arbuthnot of Elderslie, d. 1886.

George Arbuth- James Woodgate Ar- Herbert Robin

not, mar. Mary buthuot, mar. Annie, Arbuthnot, ma

Leslie. dau. of Sir Charles Evelyn Xoel.

Jackson.

Herbert Wood-=f Mary

ugustus I
5 Wardc.

Cithenne. Evelyn William Wood-

— Cathe- gate.

Mary. rine. _

Percival Woodgate,
March 1874, unmar.

Ernest Wood-=rEdith, dau. of Cecil Willii

:John

Veasey,

I.C.S.

West Wood-
gate.

William Wood- Violet Edith Streat- Hamilto'u Strcitfeild
gate, Lt. King 9 feild, mar., 22 Sep. Woodgate.
Own; killed S. 1908, Gilbert Selwyu _

Africa 1900. Robins. Lionel Streatteild

Woodgate.

Mary, mar.
Warring-
ton Laing. Cecil Vea-
sey,

III

Henrietta

Water Brad-

Major-Gen. Sir

Arthu

Newman.

ford Wood-

Rlmml Robert

WlKHl

gate of the In-

Pr«vost Wood-

Kathe

Eleanor.

ner Temple.

gate; killed, S.

Browu

—

Africa, 1900.

Alice Rose

. Julia Mary.
Grace Maria.

1
Mary

Eui

lVm>th>

. Alk

smootisatt of j^ummevijiU

SHEET No. V.

i,SiiH«ox,=T=Mary, dan. of Tl.oraas Thompson of Hall Place, Seal (aee p. 46) ;
bap. (1 April 1714; mar. 12 Sep. 1734; bur. 8 Jan. 1785.

olni Hooker of Ton-
lur. 30 Maroh I76»;
Deo. 1803, ancd 00.

'louaillo of Grout.

Hf,oplioii Wooden
May 1746'; i. 1 .1

nlnide ofT=l';ilen Hammond,

Sarah of Tonbridjte,
bap. 31 May 1748;
d. 14 June 1812, un-
mar.

;=f=EV-

William Humphry, Ann of Tonbridge,

of Seal, etn. biip. 4 Oct. 1752 ;

d. 23 March 1803,

(See Chap. VI\)

Frances, bap. 16 April
175C; mar. 26 Oct,
1784 ;d. 5 Jan. 1786.

=Eev. Richard Hideout, M.A., Rector of Westmeston,
Sussex. He remar. Sarab, widow and relict of Samuel
NicoU of Court Lodjfe, Mountfield.

lliirtrup Wwt John WoodgatootStono- Rev. Stephen Woodgate, Vicar=rFrance8, sister of hr.«t
Btorn I'ark, wall, b. 24 Aug. 1778; of I'embury, b. 1780. I Viscount Hardinge ;

- ■ — I mar. 1809.

(See Sheet No. VII.)

n. Georgina Hamilton, d
.'iscount Boyne, b. 23 F
5 ; mar. 16 June 1804 ;
Dec. 1809. 1st wife.

■Heury Woodgate(2ndsQn),of Spring^Clare, dau. ot the Rev. Thomas Harvey of Redleafe, Fonshurst'
Grove, Pembury, b. 28 March 1771 ; b. 30 July, bap. 3 1 July 1793 ; mar. 3 Maroh 1813 ; remar. lie?'
d. 27 Deo. 1818. | Thomas Streatfeild, F.S.A., of Charts Edge, Westerham, 29 Sep.

1823, and had issue. 2nd wife.

=Charles Hay Fre\Tfcn ot Cold Overton Hall,
Leicester, M.P. I^id husband.

Henrv Woodgate, b. 24 Jan.
1815 ;■ d. 21 May 1815.

Clare, b. 6 May 1816; mar. 1838 ;:

to.^Mnriii, ilriu. of Ed-
ard Clianmnn
radford,E.I. Co.;
lar. 31 May 1888;

Maria, b. 21 Jan., bnp. J;Pob.T=Jarao8 Thomas, M.C.S. ;
1803 ; mnr. 10 Juno 18^. | d. 6 Jan. 1840,

MarittyGoorgo Ailmthnot of Eldor.slic, d. 1896. Emma, d. 1890=pCul. Peregrine Madgewick Francis.

Francis Woodgate ot Falcon-
hurst, Cowden, and ot the
War OfBce; b. 4 Oct., bap.
22 Deo. 1808; d. 16 Oct.

George Arbuth- James Woodgjito Av- Herbert Robinson Lennox
not, mav. Mary bulhnot, nuir. Annie, Arbutlinot, mar. Arbuth-
I'Ml'O- dau. of Sir Charles Evelyn Noel. not.

Julia=FSii
_ l_

William Rose Robinson. 1871.

Peregrine C. Cot- Norman Arbuth-

ton Francis, mar. not Francis, mar.

Florence Hale. Eva Pennington.

Has issue, Hugh Issue.
Francis.

May, mar.

Capt.

Stirling.

4. WiUir

1. May.

— Robinson.

2. Julia. —

— 5. James.

3. Edith.

=CIare, dau. and coheiress
of Henry Woodgate of
Spriug Grove, mar. 14
Feb. 1838; d. 15 Feb.

Julia, b. 5 Aug.,
bap. 29 Oct.
1810 ;d. 27 June

Decimus Woodgate (Aiutmlia),
b. 5 March 1812; bap. 20 Nov,
1812; mar. Gertrade Beresain
of Coblentz on the Rhine. H«
d. Jan. 1875.

Bverard.
Charles.
Alfred.

Winefred.
Francis.

Gertrude EmmaxKev. Henry
Rose. I Bevis, Vicar

of ArUngbam,
Gloucestershire.

William
isWood-
d. 1890,

dia-r-John

ria. Veasev

I.O.S.

lloDrioUn
Novrmiiii.

Francis WiiUam Woodgate Bevi!.

Walter Brad-
ford \rood-
gate i>( the In-
ner Temple.

Juliii Mary.

Grace Maria.

MiijorGcn Sir Arthur Seymour Gerald Marriott Alfred Henry=rGertrude Francisfeenrv Anna Sus-
^r," \v H i7h''*^*'VT;- yr^^g^h """■• l^Sustine l AmeHaNew- Woodgi|,Miior anna, d.
1 rev ost Wood- Kathenne Wylde Ada S. Bolton. Woodgate. brouner. 14th Belal Na- 1858

Austin Bradford Woodgate

FrancesT=Commauder Musgrave^^Rosd

Amelia, , Richard Wil- Woodgate, : BUioi

d. 1909. I liam Wliish, d. 1886. |
d. 1902.

Rev. Gordon
Woodgate,
mar. Laura
Busbridge.

Harvey Woodgate,
mar. Clara . . . •
She d. 1909.

WilliamArthar
Woodi,iit.-. 'i-
185S.

Katherine Clare.

William Henry
Whish, mar.
Violet O'Dono-
$taue.

Sophia Frances, George Streat- John Sidney Ethel Constance, mar. Francis, d. inf. Frances Clare. Rose. Clare Laura Gordon,

mar. Essex Hoi- feild Whish. Whish. Vivian Arthur Mar- — — — —

combe, who d. - _ s\ki\. Ernest Wood- Clemence Hilda, Francis William

1910. Amy Mary. Margaret - gate, d. inf. Woodgate. dead. Woodgate, d. inf.

Evelyn. Richard Victor Whish. 1883.

Eleanor_Gordon. ^^J^'X^.

Henry Gordon gate- _
Woodgate.

afterwards married. He was presented to the Vicarage of Mountfield in that year,
and in 1734 to the adjoining Rectory of Whathngton, both in the patronage of the

The arms on the note were the same as those aheady mentioned. The crest, according to
Hasted, is a Dragon.

The marriage articles of William Thompson and Mary Harbroe were dated 30th April, 1682,
and made between WilUam Thompson of the first part, Francis French of Seal, Gent., and Henry
Streatfeild of Chidingstone, Gent., (trustees) of the second part, and Mary Harbroe of Tonbridge,
widow, of the third part.

By her will she gave £100 to her child (unborn) and the residue to the children of the marriage
equally ; if no children, then (in certain proportions) to Sir Bernard Hyde, Dame Margaret his
wife, Henry Streatfeild, Francis French, stepson Thomas Harborrow, nephew Anthony son of
William Vincent, and WiUiam Thompson,

Mary the third wife of Wilham Thompson, wiU dated 16th May, proved at Tonbridge 6th
July, 1709, mentions the children of her brothers Ambrose, WiUiam, and John Martin; kinsmen
John, Ambrose, Richard, George, Roger, and Mary Keble ; sister Katherine wife of Samuel
Ladbrooke, late of Beckley ; ' ' son-in-law " (stepson) Thomas Thompson ; Thomas Thompson
of Ightham, and Mary his daughter, and cousin Mary, wife of Richard Children of Tonbridge.
Affidavit on her burial sworn by Mary Childrens.

The following entries in the register cannot be fitted into the pedigree. (N.B. — The
accompanjang pedigree was constructed in the first instance almost entirely from the Seal
Registers).

Seal. 1793. WiUiam, son of WiUiam and Ann Thompson, bapt. 19th May.
Seal. 1784. Sarah, wife of WiUiam Thompson, bu. 26th November, aged 36.
Hever. 1738. Ehzabeth Thompson, of Seal, bu. 13th January.
Thompson of Seal had two children : —

1. William, of whom presently.

2. Thomas of Ightham, m. 3rd July, 1687, Catherine Cheeseman, of Rochester, and had
issue Mary, living 1709.

William of Hall Place, Seal, buried " in hnen " 3rd July, 1708.
m. 1st Margaret, and had issue

1. Mildred, bu. 30th September, 1683.

2. Thomas, of whom presently.

He m. secondly Mary, daughter of John Vincent and Dorothy his wife, the rehct of James Harbroe
of Sundridge, bu. 3rd February, 1684. WiU dated 14th July, 1683, pr. at Rochester, 12th
February, 1684. Had issue a child, who died young. He m. 3rd Mary Martin, sister of Ambrose
Martin, bu. 24th May, 1709.

Thomas of HaU Place, bapt. 19th November, 1673, bu. 18th June, 1739, left issue by
Ehzabeth his wife (bu. 11th May, 1742).

1. Wilham, bapt. 17th June, 1709.

2. Mildred, bapt. 7th February, 1711, d. 12th October, 1792, m. WiUiam Everest and had

issue, it seems, Edward bu. 26th November, 1744, and John.

3. Mary, bapt. 6th April, 1714, m. Rev. Francis Woodgate,

4. Thomas, of whom presently.

5. John, bapt. 30th October, 1721, m. 26th November, 1760, Ehz. Hills of Seal, bu. 5th

March, 1762.
Thomas of HaU Place, bapt. 16th July, 1716, bu. 28th June, 1749, left issue

1. Mary, bapt. 10th November, 1740, m. 16th June, 1772, Rev, John Ward AUen, Rector

of Kidby and Minor Canon of Rochester.

2. Ehzabeth bapt. 24th April, 1742, (?bu. 2nd December, 1759).

3. Thomas, of whom presently.

4. Richard, Senior Alderman and Mayor of Rochester, d. 3rd March, 1829, aged 79-80,

leaving issue Charles of Rochester, who married Miss Stevens (or Dewsbery) only

daughter of a wealthy brewer. He had sixteen children, eleven of whom

survived. Mary Ann the eldest m. 23rd January, 1836, Thomas CameU of Sevenoaks.

Thomas of HaU Place, bapt. 2nd January, 1744, d. 1st January, 1805, aged 61, leaving issue

oy Sarah his wife (d. 20th November, 1781, aged 35)

1. Thomas of Fawke, Seal, bapt. 30th September, 1773, d. Ist August, 1832, m. at Ightham,

14th December, 1815, Ehzabeth daughter of John Taylor of the Warren, Kent,
bu. 17th February, 1833 — then Uving at Borough Green, Wrotham — left issue
Sarah, only child, b. 1817, d. 13th December, 1823.

2. Sarah, bapt. 14th May, 1775, d. 25th May, 1779, aged 4.

3. Rev. John Thompson, bapt. 1st November, 1780. Sidney College, Cambridge, B.A.,

1802. M.A., 1806— Vicar of Meopham, Kent.

Duke of Dorset, of Knowle, Sevenoaks. On 12th September, 1734, he married
Miss Thompson ; the wedding was at St. Martin's Outwich, in London.

Mountfield is a pretty Httle Sussex village, between Robertsbridge and Battle.
The parsonage at Whatlington was small and mean, that at Mountfield is of good
size and beautifully situated. It is approached through a splended avenue of chest-
nuts, planted by the NicoUs, which is terminated at length by two gates, side
by side. That on the right opens into a road leading, after a short distance, to
Court Lodge (now Mountfield Court), the " great house "; the other leads into a
road which gradually sinks, passes Court Lodge on the right, leaves the vicarage
garden on the left, rounds the corner immediately under the vicarage (which here
stands some twenty feet above the road) and enters some meadows beyond, among
which are the Court Lodge kitchen and walled gardens, and finally joins the public
road opposite the Church gate. The vicarage looks down perpendicularly on to the
road.

Court Lodge is a large and handsome red-brick house picked out with stone ;
it belonged to John NicoU [b), a J. P. and Deputy Lieutenant for the County, and High
Sheriff in 1741. He planted the chestnut avenue.

The first of the Mountfield letters is from Francis Woodgate to his mother,
at Summerhill, and is as follows : —
" Dear Mother,

As it is a great pleasure to us to hear from our Friends in Kent, so I dare say
it is to you to hear from us in South Britain. We are all in good health, tho I have
lately been very much troubled with a pain in my Stomach. Rose's Face begins to
break out again a little, tho not hkely I hope to run to such a height as it was before.
Molly will talk all day long of her aunt Children's Coach coming to carrye her to her
Grandmamma's. I think it is a very great misfortune that you can't see the little
Maids oftener. If it was but an hour's walk, how diverting would they be to you ;
but as Providence has fixt us at such a dirty Distance from you, I can only now and
then amuse you with a little of their innocent Prittle Prattle ; for tho Rose indeed
can't speak a word, yet she begins to make herself understood, and gives such
broad Signs, which tho unintelligible to every body else, are very plain to those that
are about her. She is the most good natured, laughing, kissing little Girl that I
ever saw in my life. We have as dismal weather at Munfield, I suppose, as you have
at Summer- hill ; it makes short days win nothing at all. Our poor People are

(6) An account of Mountfield would be incomplete without mention of the NicoUs. The family

is descended from the Nicolls of Hendon Place, Bliddlesex (living there temp. Henry V),
who bore for their arms ' ' Azure, on a fess between three hons heads erased argent, as many
swallows proper." They were granted to Wilham NicoU of Ridgeway, Hendon ; and his
descendant, the Rev. Chas. NicoU of St. Leonards has the original grant.

James Nicoll, grandson of WiUiam, owned Court Lodge and appears in the Heralds Visita-
tion of Sussex in 1724. He left it by wiU in 1730 to liis cousin the above mentioned John,
who married Welthian daughter of William Jordan, and died in December, 1777, leaving issue : —

John Luke NicoU, appointed Deputy Paymaster General of aU His Majesty's Forces in
Germany and the Low Countries in 1747. He married EUzabeth daughter of Sir James Gray,
Bart., and was buried at Mountfield in 1767, in his father's hfetime, leaving

1. John NicoU, of Court Lodge, J.P., for Sussex, Secretary and Registrar of Chelsea

Hospital, died June, 1788.

2. Samuel NicoU of Court Lodge, the " Nabob," J.P., Accountant-general to East Lidia

Company, died 26th April, 1787, aged 43 (monioment to him in St. Albans Abbey).

He m. Sarah daughter of Francis Carter NiccoU, who remarried in 1789 the Rev.

Richard Rideout, of whom lat«r.
Court Lodge descended to Samuel John Nicoll, son of Samuel, an officer in His Majesty's Army,
and was eventuaUy sold in 1859 by one of his sons to the late Mr. E. C. Egerton, whose widow,
Lady Mary Egerton, occupied it tiU her death in 1905. It now belongs to her son, who married
the Hon. Mabel Brassey. It does not appear that Samuel NicoU ever resided there, as it was
occupied successively by Lord ChanceUor Thurlow, and Mr. Smee (a London Merchant) ; and
afterwards, it would seem, by the Lambs.

ready to starve ; and the Parson [himself] has not yet collected his Tithes, tho he
has been very busye lately in getting the accounts, and yesterday gave notice for
a[^meeting on Thursday Se'nnight, I was lately a hunting ; we found plenty of
Hares, within a field or two of my House ; we found a Leach, killed a brace, and had
very good sport. I was in hopes my Brother would have come and taken them off,
and if he will come yet, I believe the Parish of Munfield will afford him Game.
You'll say that I shall tire your Patience with such a tedious epistle, but as it is my
Birthday, I hope you'll excuse me if I am a little longer than ordinarye. We intend
to drink all your healths in the Evening as I dare say you will ours at the same
Time. Our neighbour is high Sheriff for the ensuing year, so that I may have the
pleasure of taking a Trip to assizes again, but I believe I shall beg to be excused.
Mr. Noaks of Brightling is lately recovered of the Small Pox. I expect my Brother
Jacky, & Richd. Erridge down about Christmas. I hope my Brother Harry,
if he wont bring his Hounds, will be so good as to accompanye my Brother Jacky.
I wish we could come as easily at this Piece of Paper, and spend the Christmas with
you. My Wife is very busye in her Family affairs, and joins in respects to yourself.
Brothers, Sisters, and all Friends with

Yr. Dutifull and affectionate Son,

Fran Woodgate.
December 8th, 1740.

Molly is just come up to me, and desires that I would talk about her aunt's
Coach, and when the Cuckoo has eat up all the Dirt, that's her expression, she'll
come and see you."

The High Sheriff in 1741 was John Nicoll of Court Lodge, and Francis Woodgate
was his chaplain. The Nicolls were firm supporters of the reigning family ; and, in

one of his letters to the Duke of Newcastle, John Nicoll speaks of ' ' the d d old

Jacobites."

The Sussex roads about this period were bad beyond description. Some idea
of the state of the neighbourhood may be gathered from a letter of Horace Walpole,
who made a pilgrimage through Kent and Sussex in 1752. He writes from ' ' Battel "
in August : —

* ' From Summerhill (see p. 37 ) we went to Lamberhurst to dine ; near which,
that is at the distance of three miles up and down impracticable hills, in a retired
vale, such as Pope describes in the last Dunciad,

' Where slumber Abbots, purple as their vines ;'

we found the ruins of Bayham Abbey, which the Barrets and Hardinge's bid us
visit. . . . Here our woes increase. The roads grew bad beyond all badness,
the night dark beyond all darkness, our guide frightened beyond aU frightfulness.
However, without being at all killed, we got up or down, I forget which, it was so
dark, a famous precipice called Silver Hill, and about ten at night arrived at a
wretched village called Robertsbridge. We had still six miles hither, but deter-
mined to stop, as it would be a pity to break our necks before we had seen all we
intended. But alas ; there was only one bed to be had, and the rest was inhabited
by smugglers, whom the people of the house called Mountebanks ; and with one of
whom the lady of the house told Mr. Chute he might lie. We did not at all take to
this society, but, armed with links and lanthorns, set out again upon this imprac-
ticable journey. At two o'clock in the morning we got hither to a still worse inn,
and that crammed with excise officers, one of whom had just shot a smuggler.
However, as we were neutral powers, we have passed with safety thro' both
armies hitherto, and can give you a little farther history of our wandering thro' these
mountains, where the young gentlemen are forced to drive their curricles with a
pair of oxen. The only morsel of good road we have found was what even the natives

had assured us was totally impracticable ; these were eight miles to Hurst Monceaux."
In another letter he states that ' ' On our return we had an opportunity of surveying
that formidable mountain Silver Hill, which we had floundered down in the dark.
It commands a whole horizon of the richest blue prospect you ever saw."

This description sufficiently explains the allusions in the previous letter, and
helps one to understand the difficulty of getting about the country even in August.
The next letter is dated from London ; Francis Woodgate had accompanied his
brother, who was to undergo an operation by Samuel Sharp, the most eminent
surgeon of his day. Mrs. Everest was his sister-in-law and seems to have lived
at Bromley or Plaistow.

" Dear wife.

We got safe to London a Thursday Night ; I called at Mr. Everest's and stayed
about a quarter of an hour. My Brother's Fistula was cut this day, and the Surgeon,
whose Name is Sharp, thinks it may be very easily cured. I shall stay here till my
Brother has a Companion from Tunbridge, wch I hope will be a Monday or Tuesday
at farthest. I propose to spend one night with them [the Everests] at Bromley,
if it be possible. Mr. Swain [of Fish Hall, Hadlow, Francis Woodgate's brother-
in-law] thinks of returning tomorrow, so that I shall be left to Nurse the Sick tiU
Monday or Tuesday ; however, he is as hearty as can be imagined. As I came out in
a Hurry, I did not think to ask you whether I should buy you any thing, but as I
don't know when I shall have another opportunity, I shall endeavour to procure
you a few trifles, to make you some amends for this unexpected absence. As I am
and have been somewhat in a Hiurry, especially of Thought, I hope you'll excuse
the shortness of my letter, wch with my Love to the httle Dears I shall conclude
with assuring you what I believe you will easily believe that I am, with the greatest
Sincerity,

Yours, F.W.
George Inn, Southwark,

Deer. loth, 43."

Francis Woodgate sometimes bought " a few trifles " for himself, of which we
have a specimen in the bill of G. Hawkins of London, bookseller.

1739-

£ s. d.

Octr. 17 I Warren's Discourses, 3 Vols. . . . . o 15 0

I Traps Sermon . . . . . . . . 010

I Stebbings Sermon . . . . . . 003

Apr. 24 I Nature Display'd. 4 Vols. 8vo. . . . . 140

I Com. Prayr. 8vo. Turkey . . . . 060

I I2VO. Do. . . . . . . 036

I Lovling's Persius . . . . . . . . 010

Deer. 24 I Rapin's History, 2 Vols 2 10 o

I Moll's Geography . . . . . . i i o

i^ I 9

At that period novels were largely unknown. In 1771 the death occurred of
Francis Woodgate's old friend, John Children of Ferox Hall ; and he received a
memorial ring from George Children the son, together with a brief letter. The
closest ties of intimacy subsisted between the two families.

" Tonbridge, 19th May, 1771,
"Dear Sir,

I am persuaded you wiU receive with a melancholy satisfaction the enclosed
Memorial of an old and sincere Friend. I, who well knew his heart, know that few
had a warmer place in it than you and yours ; and in begging your acceptance of

this Trifle, at the same time that I gratify myself, I act on a motive, which I hope
will always have the greatest weight with me, that of doing what he would have
wished. I am too well convinced of the sincere return of Friendship on your part to
doubt of yom- most hearty Sorrow for the great and sudden Loss We have sustained.
Long may it be before your Worthy Family experience how very hard it is to part
from a beloved and respected Parent, and may You and Mrs. Woodgate long con-
tinue to enjoy every comfort that dutiful and affectionate Children can give ! My
poor Mother, who is, I thank God, somewhat better, both in health and spirits than
she has been, most heartily joins me in this and every good wish to you all ; and I
remain, dear Sir, your much afflicted but very sincere Friend and humble Servt.,

Geo. Children." (c).

By this time, the eldest son William was married and settled at Summerhill ;
and several of the other children were married. Amongst them was Mary, who
married in 1765 John Acton of the Inner Temple, London ; and Alicia, who married
in 1766 Sir Wilham Ashburnham of Broomham near Hastings. The birth of
William's third child, Frances, gave occasion to a letter to his sister Ehzabeth who
was staying at Summerhill at the time ; it is written from Mountfield by Mrs.
Woodgate.

" To Miss E. Woodgate,

at Summerhill, near Tonbridge, Kent.

Thursday ye 19th Novbr., '72.
I thank you miost kindly, my dear Bessy, for your last night's epistle, which
made us all very happy to hear Mrs. Woodgate is in a good way, and I dare say my
dear you are as much rejoyced as we are. 'Tis a delightful thing to have it in your
power to send us such a pleasing account ; most sincerely do I hope it will continue,
and most heartily do I congratulate you all on the occasion. 'Twas kind of dear
little Willie to shew his sister his best pocket handkerchief ; dear little fellow, 'twas
a pretty thought, it pleased me much. As to the dear little girl, I think it is to be
feared she won't live long ; I wou'd have Mrs. Woodgate think so, that she may'nt
be surprized if any such thing shoud happen. Your Father is got pure well again,
and Sally we thought was better, but she has some how or other got a fresh Cold,
and her Cough is worse than usual, which is a bad thing for those that are so thin
as she is ; I hope she will soon get better. Mr. Bishop has been exceedingly ill indeed.
Doctr. Watts and Mr. Young attend him ; the latter set up with him a Sunday
night. He is now better, as is Mrs. Bishop who has been ill, and they have now two
Servants very bad, which is very unlucky, particularly as there is Children which
want a great deal of hand. I had a letter from Mrs. Acton yesterday which I shou'd
have reed, a Sunday ; when that was wrote they were all well. Your Sister

(c) There is one other letter addressed to the Rev. Francis Woodgate by no less a person than Hasted,
the author of the history of Kent, one of the best county histories that have yet been written.
His spelling of Mountfeild is curious. The correct spelling is Mundefeld. The name is derived
from the Saxon word munde (mound) and feld i.e., campus, signifjdng the general or enclosed
field. Vide Spelman Gloss, also Sir Wm. Burrell's MSS. Hasted's methods of acquiring
information are interesting, and instructive to future historians !
"Sir,

I beg the favour of your assistance towards a work I have employed myself in for some
years and have now nearly compleated, which is An Historical Survey of this County of Kent,
and I should be more particularly obUged to you for it, in regard to an Estate you possess in
Cowden called the Moat, which Philpott our former writer leaves in 1656 in the possession of
one Gainsford. Who have been the owners since, to yourself, and the several years of transition
from one to the others is what I should be much obHged to you for. I am thoroughly sensible
of the trouble I am here giving and beg your Excuse for it, and whatever Civihty I may receive
from you on this Account will be Ever acknowledged as a particular favor by, Sir, your much
obhged and most obedient Servant,

Edward Hasted,
St. John's, near Dartford, Kent,
April Ist, 1768,"

called on Mr. NicoU since he has been in his new habitation ; he has set it off to the
best advantage, and they are mightily pleased with it. I am joyned in kind respects
and best wishes for a good account next post, which will give great pleasure to my
dear Betsy's sincere friend and affectionate Mother,

M. Woodgate.

I am glad to hear your Aunts are well. When you see them pray give our
respects, and kiss little Fanny and the dear little Boys for me. I will repay you ye
first opportunity."

In 1775 Elizabeth Woodgate became the object of regard of Mr. R. H. Lambert,
whom we take to be a son of Josias Lambert, an old friend of Francis Woodgate.
Mr. Lambert's letter to Francis Woodgate follows : —

' ' My dear Sir,

'Tis now above two years ago since I took the liberty of disclosing to you the
tender regard I entertained for your amiable Daughter Miss B. Woodgate. When
I first had the pleasure of waiting upon your agreeable Family, I found your Daughter,
not only what the world allowed her to be — confessedly beautiful — but what gave
me infinitely more satisfaction, unconscious of it, good, amiable, and sensible. The
most distant thought of fortune did not enter into my consideration, & whilst I
indulged the pleasing hopes of rendering myself agreeable to her, I forgot that I
was a younger Brother and yt. my little pittance would bear but a very small
proportion to the great superiority of her merit.

Circumstanced as I then was, I ventured to declare to you my situation, but
with so much embarassment yt. I rather fear I injured than advanced myself in
your good opinion ; yet when then you saw the confusion that arose from
the delicacy of my situation, you kindly cherished the timidity of my hopes by wishing
me settled in yom- own neighbourhood. Will you pardon me, my dear Sir, when I tell
you that I presumed upon your friendship and yt. I took every honourable method
my imagination could suggest to procure a living in the County of Sussex. I was
unfortunate ; and my Father's late purchase in Suffolk has deprived me of the
happiness of fixing in a Neighbourhood endeared to me by a thousand pleasing
circumstances, by a thousand undeserved kindnesses.

I should ill deserve the many obliging marks of friendship you have honoured
me with were I to conceal from you a single sentiment of my heart. Indeed, Sir,
you are fully entitled to know all my thoughts upon a subject that relates to any
particular part of your family ; nor can I impolitely quit your house without assuring
you that I stiU retain the same awakened affection for jn:. Daughter, and yt. I shall
be most unhappy if a change of situation must ever remain as an insuperable objec-
tion to my happiness.

My little estate is worth Two thousand five hundred ; the hving ;^i5o pr. an.,
and my Father has been pleased to promise me £2000 at his death. I have also
great hopes of getting another small living joined to my Rectory.

You will easily see from the above that though I cannot command the genteel
Luxuries of life, yet wiU there be, with a becoming economy, a due sufficiency for
its most decent elegancies. I must confess I have no idle ambition to live above
my income ; 'tis inconsistent with the independency of my spirit and very repug-
nant to my ideas of propriety.

Permit me. Sir, to assure you, that I have everything to hope from the sensi-
bility and good understanding of your Daughter, and though I am very conscious
that I cannot accommodate her in a manner suitable to my wishes and her merits,
yet I know another very great truth, that I can give her a heart undebased by
unworthy sentiments and trembhngly alive to her virtues and to her amiable quali-
ties.

What I have wrote to day should have been mentioned yesterday. Why it was
not, you who can feel will best be enabled to judge.

Need I assure you with what respect and esteem I remain yours,

R. H. Lambert.
Salchr., Thursday Morng., Octobr. 4, '75."

(The date is added in Mr. Woodgate's own hand).
The request met with a cold water douche by way of reply : —

"Dear Sir,

I received yours of yesterday, and am sorry that you stiU entertain any thoughts
of such a Connection as 3'ou mention'd. I was in hopes that they had taken a Turn
some other way ; and whenever they do, I heartily wish that all the pleasing Ideas
you form from such an attachment may answer your warmest wishes. You say
it is two years ago that you first disclosed it to me. I then with freedom and Candour
declared my sentiments upon it, that in general I could by no means enter into such
an Engagement till it was known what part of the Kingdom it wd. be my daughter's
Lot to be placed in, & that you was actually in possession & settled. I am still
of the same way of thinking ; the reasons of this are so obvious that yoiur own Reflec-
tions will easily lead you to them. But, my Dear Sir, there is another more material
consideration which it will be proper without reserve to communicate ; the Inclina-
tions are to be consulted, and I should by no means command, or unless there is
some great Impropriety control them. I mentioned it to her yesterday, and was
very candidly desired to acquaint you, that such a Connection was not agreeable,
and she could not approve of it, is very much obliged to you for the favourable
opinion you entertain of her, joins in compliments & wishes you many happy
years, with, Dr. Sir, yr. most Faithful humble Servant,

Francis Woodgate."

There is a pretty little poem by Mr, Lambert headed " The Tears of Lady
Fanny on the Downfall of the Weather Glass ; an Elegy " ; and also a Rebus
addressed by him to the Miss Woodgates. There are no more letters from him,
and in 1778 Elizabeth Woodgate married the Revd. William Humphry of Seal.
There are, however, a few letters from Josias Lambert, who seems to have been
a friend of the Woodgates in Sussex. He settled at Kendal, and kept up the
intimacy by correspondence, of which two specimens survive : —

" Dear Sir,

On the ist of this Month I did myself the pleasure of sending you a Pot
of Char, & expect it will be in London on the 12th. It is directed to be forwarded
from the White Hart in the Borough. The Fish are the best that Winander-mere
produces & I hope you will receive them safe & good. I am never so happy
as when I have an opportunity of obliging my Friends & I beg you will accept
this Trifle, as a smaU return for the many Civilities you shew'd me dm-ing my stay
in Sussex. Notwithstanding the space betwixt us, I can sometimes hear of you ;
but alas, notwithstanding what you us'd to remcirk concerning the Lancashire
Witches, the Broomsticks have lost all their Virtues, and if I was to pick &
choose amongst them for a Day together, not a Feather could I find upon one.
Those were happy days when my Fair Countrywomen c'd have recourse to such
clever expedients, but as those Days are fled, I must be content with staying where
I am, and sending you a five days Paper-Flight account of myself. You will
naturally imagine that I am scarcely compleatly settled yet ; indeed I am, & much
more to my satisfaction than I could Ever have expected. The People, tho' blunt,
are very honest and civil, and I have no reason to complain of any want of respect in
them. As I have often mentioned the nature & appearance of this Country to
you, I shall wave the description & only add, that for these two months past,
it has exhibited such a Scene of Horror as baffles Imagination. A Gentleman
of Veracity told me the other Day that he travell'd o'er a Glen or Dingle fuU of

Snow, the depth of which, upon an average, might be 12 yds., & yet frozen so
hard that Carts went over with safety. This collection of Snow was driven together
by the Wind, but you will not be surpriz'd when I tell you that it lay in the open
Fields above half a Yard deep. The Frost was equally severe ; & the River Kent,
which is none of the stillest, bore Skaters in the space of two Nights only. I am
affraid I have trespass'd upon yr. patience too much already & therefore, to come
off with the best grace I can, will be to let you know that I am. Dear Sir, your most
obliged, humble Servt.,

Josias Lambert.
Kendal, 5th March, 72.

P.S. — I beg you will present my sincere Respects and Compliments to Mrs.
Woodgate & the young Ladies & teU them I often drink their Healths. Mr.
Foster may think me Lazy, but I will soon convince him I am not. I sh'd be
glad of a Line upon yr. receipt of the Char."
"Sir,

The memory of those we Love and esteem is always to be cherished ; at least
no person of common feeling would willingly efface the Impression, indeed the
effort would be painful and disgusting. If any thing in Life, next to a good
Conscience, is desireable, it must be the approbation & respect of amiable &
benevolent Characters. As such I have always drawn your Family ; & the Picture,
tho' finished some years, hath lost nothing either in keeping or colour. What gives
me the greatest concern is that I have not more opportunities of seeing you ; but
if the Vision of Fancy be indulged, I pay you many a visit. No longer since than
Yesterday I drank your health in the upper Regions — don't stare — {i.e.) upon a
Mountain elevated about | of a Mile in the Atmosphere. Much did I wish for
Harry ; the Day' was fine, & diversion favourable. Having shot 3 Brace of Moor-
Game, the Least of which weighed 230Z., My pleasure would have been much
increased could I have transported them to you untainted, but that would have
been impossible. However there is a little Packet upon the road for you, which
I hope will : it is directed to you as usual, to be forwarded from the White Hart,
Southwark; as it left Lancaster on the 4th inst., it will be in town of course in ten
days from the Date. During my short stay with you, I mentioned the success of
our Liverpool Privateers ; I say our, for we have a right to some pride, honest in
its nature, from laudable exertions at this calamitous period, and now I have the
pleasure to inform you that the famous Manila Ship was taken by the Amazon of
the same place, called so from being in a great measure fitted out by a Party of
Ladies, three of whom are my particular Friends, and of which one hath an 8th,
the others a 32nd share between them. The Papers have pretended to ascertain
her value ; as yet nothing certain is known, but it is supposed to be immense. When
I left Sussex I called several times at the Sussex to see Mr. H. Woodgate, but was
never so fortunate as to meet with him. My best Respects & Comps. attend Mrs.
Woodgate & the young Ladies, and I beg leave to subscribe myself your faithful
Friend & hble. Servt.i

Josias Lambert.
Kendal, Octobr. 5th, 79."

The next four letters are written by the Revd. Edm. Mapletoft from his
Vicarage of Widdington, near Quendon, Essex. He makes his proposals for Miss
Anne Woodgate, and as the letters are similar in character to that of Mr. R. H.
Lambert's, it is unnecessary to give them at length. Curiously enough, Mapletoft,
like Lambert, says that " it is full two years since he had the pleasure of meeting
her with Mr. and Mrs. Humfrey at Mr. Manesty's," and she therefore may not well
remember him ; but there was one difference, and that is, his suit was received with
more favour than Lambert's. The engagement was broken off because of Anne's
continued iU-health, which would have rendered future happiness impossible ; but
as Mapletoft so very nearly became connected with the family, it may be interesting

to read such extracts as relate to himself. Writing to Mr. Woodgate, he says : —

" I was presented the other day by the Society of Christ's College to a living
in Hertfordshire of £300 a year ; my private fortune is ^^90 a year and I am 42 years
of age. I know not any person to whom I can refer you except Mr. Manesty of
Salhamstead near Reading ; he is perfectly acquainted with my circumstances
& connections, and will very readily answer any inquiries you may do me the honour
to make." This is dated 7th November (but no year) ; he writes on 25th Novem-
ber that he had been instituted the previous day to the living of Anstye in Herts.
The last letter, written about fifteen months later, is dated from Anstye (d).
Miss Woodgate also received through the post the addresses of Mr. Thomas Nelson
whom she met at Sevenoaks.

The hues following may well be inserted here. ' ' A copy of verses made by

the particular request of a young Lady on seeing Miss A. W - - d e.

I.
The Muses' aid I now require,

And for good cause my Brains I tease,
To sing the praise as you desire
Of Lovely Ann in polonese.
2.
So graceful, smart and debonair

That very Priests have lost their ease,
And thro' an opera glass they stare
At Pretty Anne in polonese.

Oh, Tyson, you'd renounce your Doom

And let the Belles dress as they please
Did you but see, in your Ball Room,

My Charming Ann in polonese.

4
If thro' a village e'er she goes

The clowns they stare and cry ' Adsmease,
What's thai there thing ? ' cries Tom, * I'ze knows,

'Tis Madam Ann in polonese.'

How dainty she moves in the Dance,

Old men they run and cough and weaze.
And Macaronis skip and prance

To view my Ann in polonese.
6.
Oh ! had I but a pen of spirit,

I'd suffer not such verse as these
To tell of the peculiar merit

Of Beauteous Ann in polonese.

7-
In nobler strains my theme I'd breath.

And on a Laurel wou'd I seize ;
Fame shou'd adjust it in a wreath

And crown Fair Ann in polonese.
8.
May there soon come a happy Swain,

Who is by nature formed to please ;
May he her favour quickly gain,

And wed her in her polonese.

(d) Mr. Mapletoft eventually married in April, 1787.

It may appear absurd for Tom to know the name of the dress ; but he was a
sharp Lad, moreover some excuse must be made for a young beginner."

Anne Woodgate appears to have been staying with the Manestys about 1777,
when she received the following letter from her sister Frances : —

' ' What ! no letter John ? What unparalleled airs ! Did you ever hear the like
Sally ? This, I presume, my dear Ann, was your soloquy last night ; how pleasant
must it be therefore to you to find I am both grateful and punctual. I am perhaps
as much fallen in love with my Cap, as Pygmalion was attached to his Stake.
Seriously I admire it, am particularly obliged for the Tippet because it was a
Voluntary & in short for everything. Once for all, / am not for many words, but
I thank you kindly, & if any whimsical Revolution should happen in my affairs,
you are the first on my list to be provided for. We may perhaps trouble you in town
but I don't know for what. Mrs. and Miss Hammond I believe spend this week
in Town, you may perhaps see them. Mr. Nicoll is vastly well, expects the
Wedding folks down this week, but I rather think not till after Easter. I am very
forward in the Gardining way, have caught two or three Elegant Colds at that
diversion ; I believe I have migeonnett come up. Everything about Court Lodge
is to be extremely neat, quite a pleasure to see how different the House looks.
Betty's thanks to Sally for her favor. Our new maid is a bonny good natured
Lassy, not comparable to Wickham in respect to beauty ; but when she has study'd
Ld. Chesterfield {e) a little, I make no doubt of her acquitting herself well. Jack
I imagine begins to count every hour, till the day of his perigrination. I had a
long letter from Carter, she seemed to take mine as a favour, a worthy soul I do
believe. My sister's congees for your Epistle. Betty & I agree to rise every
morn at 5 to drink Sage Tea, being reckoned good for the memory. Pay my particular
compliments to Mrs. Manesty ; Betsy will pay you for her sixpenny chicks some day
with Interest. I heard from Mr. Ashburnham lately, they seem all quite well.
Compliments to self and Co. Ever yrs.,

Fanny Woodgate.

How shd. you hke a dimity Jacket for Betsy ?"

The reference to Pygmalion seems to indicate a knowledge of the classics.
The Miss Woodgates were devoted to gardening. Mrs. Humphry's daughters,
in later years, were the greatest enthusiasts.

In 1778 Ehzabeth Woodgate married Mr. Humphry, and the next letter from
Mountfield is addressed to her on the question of servants. Servant difficulties
were not unknown even in the " good old days," and amongst the family letters
there are several which relate to the engaging of cooks and others, of which the
following may serve as a specimen : —

(«) " Chesterfield " appears to have been a nickname for the Rev. William Gordon, the Curate

of Mountfield*

We have been favoured by Mr. Wilson, the present Vicar of Mountfeild, with a list of Curates
who served under Francis Woodgate at Mountfield. There was, of course, another Curate in
Charge at Whatlington.

Hugh Hodgson, B. A., 1760-1762.

John Bishop, 1760.

Robert Wilson, 1762-8 (went to Battle).

Viscount Preston, 1768.

Robert Foster, 1768-1772.

William Gordon, 1772-6. (Went to Bexhill).

A. Corrance, 1776.

Montague Davis, 1777-9.

Richard Rideont, 1782-3.

Richard Constable, 1784-5 (afterwards Rector of Cowford, Sussex).

Henry Bishop, 1785-91.

In 1760 Hodson entered into the cure of the parish until 1762, when the Rev. Francie
Woodgate re-entered. The Rev. William Hussey was afterwards Rector of Sandhurst; his sister
Frances was mother of the Rev. Thomas Streatfeild.

♦See Reference Sheet.

" Mountfield, ye 5th Jany., '79.
My dear Mrs, Humphry,

We are very happy to hear you all continue well ; pray how did you escape
in the late high Wind ? 'Twas very alarming here & I see it has done a great deal
of damage in Town. In this neighbourhood it has blown up many Trees, unthatched
Barns, &c., &c., which must be some time before they can be repaired. According
to your desire I have Bargained with your Cook. She is to have four Guineas a year
& half a Guinea for Tea, & you are to bear her expences up in the Carrier's
Waggon the Tuesday after Lady day. 'Tis good Wages for so young a person,
but she has been out in Service eight years at Ladytide. I hope she will do very
weU, & her coming seems to be approved of by all parties. Fanny's has been
a long Month ; her Sisters talk of coming home next Week, who will be great
Strangers. They are exceedingly gay at Sen. Oaks with their Balls, &c., the poor
old Marryed Lady hasn't been at one, shou'd suppose it was because She hadn't
returned her formal visits ; dare say you'l be glad when they are over. Your
Father continues well, but he had a long confinement with that nasty disorder (I
will call it so) and you, my dear, are the only person I ever saw with it before ;
imagine you haven't forgot it. I heard from Mrs. Acton last post when they were
all well, they had heard of the Death of their Brother WiUiam [Acton] who went
off ver}^ suddenly at the last ; he hasn't left any family, which is a satisfaction, &
a very good kind of Man. Mr. Griffiths dined with us a Saturday & stayed with
us till ]\Ionday, as hearty as ever I saw him ; he gave the Sacrement here a Sunday,
& is really better than he has been for years. He told us Mr. Gorden was taken
Prisoner coming from Russia (as he intended spending the Winter with his friends
in England) by a French Privateer & carried into Dunkirk. Poor Man, he seems
not to regard it much, but wishes to see Paris ; he wrote a very chearfull letter to
Ld. North on the occasion. Mr. Nicoll hasn't been so well for a few days past as
usual, he has call'd often on your Father during his confinement. Our little Party
are all well and joyn in kind respects to Mr. Humphry, your Self, Brothers &
Sisters, wishing you all health and many happy Years, be assured, my dear, I am
at all times your Affectionate Mother,

M. Woodgate.

I am got in a dark corner which you may easily see."

This letter is sealed with a large squirrel, the crest, and her previous letter was
sealed with the coat of arms, on which the " chevron " is depicted " sable," instead
of " azure " as it should be.

The next letter congratulates Mrs. Humphry on the pleasing account received
of her little son William, who was only eleven days old ; and mentions the Actons'
visit.

My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Mountfield, Octbr. ye 26, '79.

. . . . Mr., Mrs. A. & C. left us yesterday morning, all well ; I never
saw them look better. I do suppose Mr. A. just gave a call this Morn, at Sen. Oaks,
& underwent Fan's examinations ; the particulars you may possibly have heard
before you receive this. Mr. Hussey is vastly delighted with Aunt Fanny's
likelynesses, wishes to see her of all things to chat about it. Sally & Nanny have
had colds for several days, but Ann's is much worse to-day than it has been. She
can't keep off the Bed, & is really very poorly. I hope she will be better to morrow ;
they are pretty general, I think, at this time. Sally intends going to Tunbridge
very soon but can't tell the day, not till her cold is better. Ann's breath is always
so bad with a cold that she makes me uneasy. Mr. Wm. Bishop and his Lady
dined with us last Thursday, & a Friday we dined with them at Court Lodge,
with Mr. Spurgen & a Mr. Pritchard — a very pretty sort of a young Man, is now

57
Curate at Battle. After Tea the Old Gentleman order'd Weston to strike up, a very-
agreeable surprize to the young party ; they danced away four Couple several
dances & were well pleased. Saturday Mr. Nicoll & Mr. & Mrs. John Bishop
dined with us. All these good people made kind enquiries after you all and drank
your healths every day & were very glad to hear the good news. Your Father
is as well as usual, he joyns with us in kind love & respects to Mr. Humphry ,
yourself & the young Man. I am, my dear Mrs. Humphry,

Your sincere friend and affectionate Mother,

M. Woodgate.

Sally has just been looking over my letter, & says you will think Ann is worse
than she is, but I hope you won't be at all surprized as you have seen her just so
many & many a time. Our love to all at 7: Oakes, tell them they are good
dear girls for writing so often. Bless you all. It is just dark."

This letter is succeeded by one two months later : —

" Mountfield, ye 6th Decbr., '79.

I am much obliged to my dear Mrs. Humphry for her kind letter, &
was happy to hear you cou'd give so good an account of your self & nursery. I
pityed you very much when I heard the dear child had been ill, as I well knew those
were distressing times (tho 'tis common with young children). Henry just gave
us a call yesterday on his way to Battle. We have had so much Rain, wind, and
floods that I was afraid he wou'dn't be able to get over. We were down at Mr.
Edgar's today ; he says his house has been for this week or more like a publick Inn,
both Gentlemen and Ladies have stayed there for a night or two. Upon my word
I think they ought to make him good amends. Poor Miss Durrant has been very
dangerously ill for these two months, or more. We stopped there to day when Mrs.
Dun-ant told us she had just got her up, but she wasn't able to go out of her room ;
her complamt Doctr. Watts says is Convulsions, sometimes in such pain you may
hear her a great way. Pray how do you escape Colds your way ? They are almost
universal with us, of the same kind and generally very bad. Mr. Woodgate &
I have hitherto been very fortunate in that respect. We were alarmed for poor
Sally, tho we didn't hear of it till she was well as they told us ; we expect her home
soon, I shall be glad to see her safe at Mountfield, tho her stay won't be long with
us. I fancy Nanny will go .... to morrow or next day, & they talked
of sleeping with us a night .... we shall hear to morrow how 'tis to be.

Mr. Jenkin put me by finishing my letter ; he came in after Tea, as spruce as
a Bachelour, to let us know there was an assembly going on at Rothersbridge for
the benefit of Mr. Richard's children, ('tis supposed he has made off with the most
he had got in the Mountebank (/) way) & so ask Ann to come to their Ball.
What with Balls, Assemblys, Players, Officers, &c., sure Rothersbridge must be
a gay place, but alas the main thing is wanting. Poor Guy's affairs are left very
indifferently ; they blame his widow very much. His affairs are in a scrambling
condition ; his Mother gave all she had to the Children, as she saw their Mother
wou'd soon make off with it. Do you know that Mrs. Hollyway has got
another son ? Mr. Nicoll has had a bad cold, he hasn't been here for some time.
Mr. John is in Town. I shall run on with my nonsence till you will be tired out
before you get to the end, so I shall conclude with our kind respects to Mr,
Humphry & your Self, wishing your both your healths ; particular love to the
sweet Boy who I beg you wou'd treat and kiss him twice for me as soon as you have
read this, & then, my dear Mrs Humphry, you will greatly please

Your sincere friend & affectionate Mother,

M. Woodgate."

(/) See page 48 when " Mountebank" is used for " Smuggler."

Two weeks later she writes again, with further particulars of the floods and
Henry's approaching marriage.

" Mountfield, ye 20th Decbr., '79.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

I thank you for your kind letter, the contents of which gave us infinite pleasure
to hear you were all so well. I take the first opportunity of letting you know that
your Father most readily complys with your request, in answering for the dear child,
(indeed my dear 'twas rather remiss in me not to mention it as 'twas what I fully
intended when I set down to write) . He desires you would dispose of Three guineas
as you think proper, which he will repay by the return of Henry, who I suppose
is detained in Town longer than he expected, on account of this Tryal, which may
last several days. I hope this tempestuous Weather will be over before he comes
this way ; I don't remember such continued floods, 'tis very disagreeable indeed,
particularly when you expect any body. Your Aunt & Sally got through very
safe tho the water came in the Carriage as it went up & twas a foot higher when
they returned ; they kept their feet up & didn't get any Cold, both perfectly well
after their journey. I never saw either of them look better, & as hlythe as can be,
I do think they are glad they are this side of the Water. I am glad to hear you have
bargained with Phillis ; I hope 5'ou will with Molly when the time comes ; as you
seem to like one another, 'twill be a good thing on both sides. Pray did you ever
hear of our Mr. Dalrymple having another wife ? Report says that he married a
Scotch Woman some years ago by whom he had seven Children, but as they cou'dn't
agree they parted by consent & he kept remitting her money yearly till of late,
since he has been unsettled in his mind, when the remittance ceased. She and the
Children came to England which has made great confusion I hear ; how shocking
if true. Mrs. Harecourt was brought to Salehurst yesterday morning to be
buried by her husband, in a very private manner. She sent for Mrs. Boys during
her illness and they parted great friends. She left her fifty pound ; the Captain
had two hundred & fifty or ;^3oo a year came to him by her death which she
cou'dn't hinder him of. I had a letter from my Sister Everest lately, in which she
desired her particular love to you & all the good wishes that can be, is very glad
to hear you have got a little Boy. Poor woman, she is as bad as ever. . .

Ann desires you would thank her sister for her letter & tell her she will write soon.
I shall be very glad to see both the young Women safe at Mountfield. Mrs.
& Miss Hammond was with us for two or three nights the week before last, when
Mrs. H. intended then to go to Town with her Daughter for a few days ; I don't
know but what it may be the best thing she can do, as parting with an only Child, &
to be left quite alone just as they are marryed isn't quite agreeable. You know it
would make some people put on their bonnets. One of your Sisters will go with them
and return with the Old Lady. I can't conclude without giving you caution you don't
get any cold at the Christening. Yesterday was our Tithe meeting & to day you know
we have a great many people to wait upon, & just at dinner time we had some
gentlemen came in to dine with us, that we have been quite full of Company. It
keeps on raining & the flood is so high I can't tell how they get through the Water.
Anne, your Father & Sisters are just set down to a Rubbar while I finish my letter ;
they joyn in kind respects & best wishes with my dear Mrs. Humphry's

affectionate Mother,

M. Woodgate.

I woudn't mention the affair of Mr. D. as there was a Gentleman here this day
who heard it contradicted at Lewes, tho it has certainly been pubhckly talked of.
I hope 'tisn't true. Love to your Brother & Sisters when you see them, particu-
larly to the dear Boy ; tell him I wish to kiss him. I have been called off so many
times I hardly know what I have wrote."

59
The correspondence is carried on, in the next year, by Frances Woodgate, who
thus addresses her sister : —

" My dear Mrs. Humphry,

My Mother sends thanks for your last ; we are sorry to hear your little man's
court enamel is so defaced, but there are specks in the sun you know ; I hope he will
soon recover his complexion, and give us the pleasure of his good company. We
shall be extremely happy to see you at any time ; I shall quite grieve if my little sister
doesn't come and eat some of our peas and strawherrys. We are very much concerned
for Mrs. H. W's mishap but sincerely hope she continues in a good way. We wished
much for a letter last night ; how very lucky Mrs. Hammond's not being come out
of Town. I am quite ashamed to send this scrall, I meant that last line as an apology
to Mr. H. for the writing. We expect Mr. Ashburnham to go to Hastings this week,
but he won't stay here, as the little girl may have been in danger of the Small Pox.
Bourne will be quite a gay place ; Lady Godfrey Webster and daughter have taken
Lodgings there. The East Devon are now at Rothersbridge, Battle, &c., are to be
encamped at Rye with the Cheshire & 6th Regiments. Mr. Pritchard buried
Charlotte Grove (g) here on Saturday ; he and Mr. Constable are very good neigh-
bours to us, both agreeable young men enough, but I have seen more so. The latter
seems going on in a style. I hear he is to marry Miss Evett soon, he is certainly a
genteel lively man, is gone with Mr. Goring to see the Grand Select this week. The
Deans' Lady and Sister seem much approved off ; I hear they are pretty young
women, good Horsewomen, & fond of dancing. We don't mean to honor them with
a visit. Pritchard has taken Mr. Bishop's morning duty. I must tell you the
Household establishment of Tom Fuller (of Watling) ; three Maids, a footman, &
gardner, the house fitted up very elegantly, three Horses, a Whisky Sec, Sec, Sc Mrs.
F. as fine as if she had brought him £30,000. What a little humble Peeress the
Countess of Balcamp will be, am glad Bess is got out of her Mama's way. The
Riots in Town are shocking surely. We dined at Court Lodge on Friday, the old
man quite chearful ; he had two Devonshire Cousins with him, one a handsome
young grazier with his hair combed so smooth that it shone again. Banquo has been
down & a dreadful fracas ensued. The old man swore he wd. kick him out of the
house, Banquo retorted that it was his own house, came here with his grievances, quite
foaming at the mouth. He said the demand from the King was near £14,000 ; he
shewed us Papers from the Exchequer ; they all seem rejoiced that his Majesty
should have the money in preference to any of their own Friends. I am Joined by
all in best wishes. Love, Compts., &c. Ever yours, my dear Betsy,

Fanny.

I think Mr. H. quite in the right to be at the Cricketing. Our Boys are quite
well ; Geo: desires I wd. say that he drinks yours & yr. little boy's healths every day,
the child really has for a great while. Poor Mrs. Alderton was buried last week. Old
Mrs. Simes died last Friday, Jenny has just been here ; she & her spouse well.
I have sent her home sighing at these wicked Riots. The Johnsons all well. Pray
give Master Billy a kiss for me."

The Riots of course were the Gordon Riots of 1780, when the mob held London
for a week, sacked many of the best houses in the Town, notably Lord Mansfield's,
and were at length put down by the imprisonment of Lord George Gordon in the
Tower. "Banquo" must have been one of the Nicolls ; and Geo: was George
Ashburnham, who with his brother made long visits at Mountfield, which, indeed,
was one of their homes.

The next letter is addressed in 1781 to Anne at John Acton's, Swithin's Lane,
London.

{g) Charlotte Grove was buried at Mountfield on 8th June, 1780, which fixes the date of the letter.

" My good friend,

I direct for you in Town as I imagine it will find you out ; suppose you will
receive this at Clapham, where I hope it will find our Friends all well. Mrs.
Hammond, we heard from our Fair Ladies, went to Town yesterday. Rose desires
you would thank Mrs. A. for her Sunday's Favor, we are very sorry she can give no
better account of her Invalids. I still think if they were here they would soon get
better. My partiality may be great I allow ; every gale that blows is
odouriferous, spelt wrong, I presume it is the same with you. I am as brown as a
mulloiio grubbing about, but gardening begins to be too much for my aged Limbs.
Our Neighbours bell rings so hard for dinner that it worries my Senses. Sam &
his spouse are now there ; her Mother returned on Friday & took poor Banquo
with her, as Bag Cheeks wont condescend to meet him. We think Mrs. NicoU very
agreeable but I must own high enough for a Peeress ; she took particular care to say
she kept two maids to attend on her. Sam is quite affronted that you did not return

with them that day, (the Miss W s may say what they please, but it was a firm

engagement, I never was so explicit in making one before, says Sam). She desires
her Love and intends calhng on you this week. They go to morrow ; fancy she sees
things with different eyes than when she was Miss Sally, the old man's senses
repaired & spirits quite gone, her former companions not at home, & herself
Married. We don't much admire her Mama ; don't you think her palavering manner
& howsevers (exactly like Mrs. Willard, & her mouth so much the counterpart of my
old Cousin Weatherall) that I think her a some what disgustful miss ; she talks so
much of her own Friends that I am sure they have interred the Family Trumpeter.
One whole mornings conversation amounted to this, that the blood of the Serankes
(her Friends) had flowed in a clear pure Channel (at Hatfield) with their Beet for 300

years. You are a very great favorite of Mrs. N 's, she will tell you what

encomiums your Battle Beau passed on you at Court Lodge. Fancy they will
not come down any more this year. I do think the departure of Miss Hammond
& yr. Ladyships have cast a gloom over our Neighbourhood, not one joyous meeting
at Battle this winter, the Balls given up for ever. Miss Bishop hangs her lip to see
dear Miss Nancy, Pritchard sighs & grows fat, your poor little Salehurst Swain I hear
is worn to a thread, & Will's eyes have never sparkled since our return. I believe it
may be happy for me that they have not, as I am sure my pride will now keep me from
ever falling a Martyr to their Brilliancy. He is going into Suffolk for three weeks.
Pritchard & Constable are to officiate. Mr. Bishop's girl and boy are arrived,
shd. think poor Jack's head must be bad, shut up with those obstreperous brats.
Molly Sellers is now down ; her parents have contrived successive Junkettings for her,
am afraid they, poor souls, will be laid up by endeavouring to entertain her. . . .
I am joined by all in duty, Love, Compts., &c., to every body ; write soon, Ann, &
I am ever thine

(France).

Our best Compts. to Mrs. Hammond ; the boys desire dutiful remembrances, &
George desires his love to all Aunt Nanny's little boys & all her little girls, adieu.

Tuesday afternoon : hope to hear that Miss A. & Johnny are better, sure they
might come here. What a valorous knight errant for a Pigmy is Sir J. E. ; he must
have a Dulcinea. Jack Fermor desired his particular love to us by will on Saturday.
R. & I expect a proffer."

The next letter is to Mrs. Humphry, and from its contents must have been
written about 1784.

" Mountfield, Tuesday Afternoon.

Nine acres of grass down and nine more to cut ! This is Mr. Hussey's account
of your Spouse's present amusements ; why my dear Friends, we shall not have the
pleasure of seeing you till Christmas, I verily think. However, I sincerely wish
your Hony good weather, & that it may soon be all happily over. My Mother has

got a most troublesome cough ; she was blood'd this morn, & Mr. Durrant thinks
he shall with the Assistance of Spermacitis draughts soon remove it ; she has not
been quite free from one for some months, but I hope he will be as good as his word.
My two neices are sitting by me, & by their Loquacity draw off my Ideas which
would otherwise be very sublime ; I have imposed silence on Alicia which she resents
much, & set Ann to work. After so much precaution you will expect something
brilliant, he not deceived. And so you would not honor his Grace's Festival ? I
feel myself some what mortified at your nonattendance, being convinced that you
would have learned some of Vesiri's capers from the Nobility, by which I might have
been benefited ; but seriously, I think it was odd your not going. We heard from
Ann by Sunday ; am rejoiced Mrs. H. W. and her young Francis are so remarkably
well. We were at Mr. W. Bishop's last week. Miss Thorns spends the summer at
Sedlescomb. I verily think she will leave Ann at least a legacy. Mr. Pritchard
was sent for express to Hampstead, his Lady being there & extremely ill. Our
Garden is a wilderness of sweets, I never saw it handsomer. Our Esqr. is altogether
Invisible, spends all his time at Darvel, {h) in his Boat. I walk'd with him very
soberly from Church on Sunday, altho' it rain'd hard. I look upon him as my Dernier
Resort, though I shall not be too pointed in my addresses till I see if Government
leaves any thing ToUerable. Does Doctr. Cornwallis take the Bishoprick ? ^I saw
Mr. Home (of Aulburn) just by Maidstone lately who assured me that his l:^riends
did not wish him to it as he is to resign the Dean'ry & Wrotham. I wish'd Mr,
Home to fancy me as he is a most agreeable widower, with a good House & good
fortune ; does Mr. Humphry know him ? I should have written to you before, but
hoped to have had a personal Interview e're this. I hope Willy has the same Family
partiality that he Inherited last year. Mr. Hewlett has sent my Father a Book ; it
is his last publication (an answer to Doctr. Price). Missy sings & whistles & . . .
notwithstanding my Prohibition to the contrary. I wish you could see her. I
hear the Military at Rye behave extremely .... Ann seems to grieve at the
melancholy Idea of Mrs. Hammans leaving England ; their Farewell I suppose was
very affecting. I am joined by all in Love and best Respects to yourself & Mr.
Humphry (whom I meant to have mention'd first) not forgetting Mr. Curteis's
young Curate, ever thine with the most sisterly Fidelity,

F. Woodgate.

How provoking it is that Willy is not old enough to assist Mr. C at this critical
juncture. Mr. NicoU is just come to Tea, something new, as he never drank any.
I am sure of him now."

Mr. C. was probably Mr. Curteis of Sevenoaks, and the " Esqr." Mr. Nicoll of
Court Lodge Reference is made to Mrs. Woodgate's continued ill-health, and it is
probable that the letter was written not long before her death, which occurred on
the I2th Jan., 1785, in the seventy-second year of her age. The circumstances are
mentioned in a letter, fortunately preserved, from her son Henry to Mr. Humphry.

" Riverhill, Thursday Evening.
My dear Friend,

It is with the deepest affliction I inform you that my Dear Mother is no more ;
at the fatal Hour of Two yesterday in the afternoon we were deprived of our ever
honoured & much beloved Parent. She was quite sensible to the last & died
perfectly composed. My Father endeavours to support himself as well as He can,
calls forth all his Fortitude & Philosophy, & is really better than you cd. expect ;
my Sisters also are as well as you can suppose and exert themselves in composing my
Father & alleviating their general distress. I did not get Home till near Seven this
Evening or shod, have sent to night — shall now order Thomas to carry this early in
the Morning & to give it Jack before Mrs. Humphry is stirring. I am grieved to

(h) In a valley in Darvell Wood, about three miles from Court Lodge, there used to be a furnace

where iron ore was smelted. There was a large pond there, now drained. (Note supplied by
the Revd. C. W. G. Wilson, Vicar of Moimtfield),

hear she is not well & am persuaded you'll use every precaution in disclosing this
melancholy event. I should be very glad if you cd. call here in the Morning but I
don't know that it is fair to ask you to come. My spirits are too much broken to be
a comforter at present, but nevertheless I will come over to you to morrow if you
can't make it convenient to call here. Excuse haste as I want very much to get to
rest. Beheve me, yr. sincere tho' much afflicted

H.W.
Our kind love to Mrs. H. yourself & little Folks."

The same year Frances Woodgate was married to the Rev. Richard Rideout,
and the correspondence is taken up in 1787 by Alicia Ashburnham, then about ten
years old. She was one of the " two neices " and lived at Mountfield with her
grandfather and aunts. The letter is in a good, though childish hand, between ruled
pencil lines, and is addressed to Wilham Ashburnham junr., Esqr., Edward Street,
Portman Square.
" My dear Brother,

I thank you for the favor of your kind letter which it gave me great pleasure to
receive. I have the satisfaction to inform you that my Aunt Anne is rather better
than when I wrote last, tho she has been but very poorly all the Winter. We
expect my Uncle and Aunt Humphry next week. Willy is to be of the party, whom
I have not seen for two years. My Uncle Harry intended to have made us a visit
this week but was prevented coming. The weather has been so mild this winter
that the Garden looks quite gay with snowdrops and all sorts of Spring flowers. My
Aunt Anne has saved all her Geraniums and they grow and look beautiful. Mrs.
Murrey and Mrs. Ferris have each of them another little girl, and poor Mrs. Bishop a
little Boy, but it did not live. Mr. and Mrs. NicoU have been above a month at Court
Lodge, but Sam they have left in Hertfordshire ; she often takes us out for a drive.
I have been several times to Battle. Lady Webster has been very dangerously ill
but is now much better ; it was reported that Sir Godfrey had taken General Murrey's
House at Ore. My Aunt Sally intends being in Town this Month to be present at
Miss Acton's wedding, which is to take place some time in the spring. My Aunts and
I are in the Lottery ; I depended on haveing part of the twenty thousand, but am
sorry to find they are both drawn. My grandpapa and my Aunts desire their kind
Respects to my Papa, with my Duty and Love to yourself and Brothers,

from your affectionate Sister,
Mountfield, March 3rd. Alicia Ashburnham."

Ann Woodgate has added a postcript in her own hand, containing a charade
"made by the celebrated Miss Streatfield " ; she expresses her opinion that it is
exceedingly good, but it is too long for insertion here. She writes the same year to
her sister, staying at Seal.

" Friday, August 3rd, 1787.
My dear Sally,

Your letter on Sunday gave us great pleasure, for which my Sister is much
obliged ; she will with pleasure answer for little Fanny, is much delighted to hear
that her God Daughter is such a promising maiden, desires you would leave Mrs.
Humphry Two Guineas to be disposed of as she thinks proper, and also twelve shillings
as her prize in the Lottery ; and pray tell her also that I shall be at her service, not for
the next for that will" be a Boy, but for her httle Daughter Anne / certainly
shall be responsible. I have been but indifferently well this last week ; have tried
Mrs. Walter's receipt and really think it alleviates as it makes me expectorate when
my breath is poorly. I am sure Willy would laugh to see me trudge round the
Garden with my Pipe ; my Father tells me I shall soon be a proficient in smoaking.
Pray don't forget to thank Mrs. Walter for her attention. The Hardys are coming
to Court Lodge, but not quite so large a party as last year, as the three youngest
Children are left in Town ; Mrs. NicoU I fancy has dropped her scheme for the present.

Mr. Hodson called on us on Monday ; he is settling Mrs. Atterbury's farm for the
Miss Hays. He told us that Mr. Ashburnham, William and John were at Westmeston ;
we heard from Mr. Rideout lately when he told us he should be with us on
Tuesday, and I think it not unlikely but that Mr. A. &c. may come with him. We
dined at Mr. Russel's (by invitation) last week, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop, &c. there, but
they were disappointed of four Beaus. Poor Jack Durrant died on Tuesday, he has
been in a deplorable way for some time. Do you ever remember such a July ? Mr.
Humphry was lucky in his Hay ; such heavy rains I hardly ever saw but the element
seems cleai* at present. Alicia is sadly afraid you will not come home while your
charming bed of migionett is in its prosperity. I hear there is a great deal of Company
at the Wells — the Dutchess of Rutland, Beaufort, and Ancaster, Duke of Leeds,
Lord North, &c. ; the Walks were Illuminated for the Princess of Lamballe ; she is to
be at the Races, which are expected to be very full. Mr. H. Bishop was much dis-
appointed that he did not see you at my Aunt's, we were very glad to hear by him
that Mrs. Woodgate was so much better.

Adieu, my good friend,

from your ever affectionate

Anne Woodgate.

I am joined in kind Love and Respects to Mr. and Mrs. Humphry, yourself and
all our little kindred. Alicia longs to nurse Fanny and to salute Betsy. George I
know has kisses enough for you. I desire you would give Willy a shilling to make a
playment on my Birthday. Pray remember us to our friends at Riverhill, and
Brother S. Fanny Bishop has got a little Poney and intends being an expert Horse
woman. Fanny Russel is a sprightly httle girl, like her Mother, & the Boy they think
a good deal like the late Dean. Backy seems to manage her children & Household
with great propriety ; she made kind enquiries after you and Mr. H."

This is almost the last of the Mountfield letters ; for three years later Mr. Wood-
gate's health began to break up. He had attained a ripe old age, and took duty
almost to the last. In 1788 he signs the register in a firm, clear hand, which shows
the amount of vigour he retained. The last wedding at which he officiated was in
1786, though he took duty till much later. He died in 1790, and was buried at
Tonbridge. The monument, on the north wall of the chancel, bore this inscription : —

" Beneath the rails of the altar, in the silent chambers of the dead, sleep the
remains of Francis Woodgate M.A. with those of the loved partner of his happiness
and his wishes, Mary Woodgate. During half a century he conscientiously dis-
charged the pastoral office as Rector of Watlington and Vicar of Mountfield in the
County of Sussex. Pious, humble, charitable, he early aspired to and obtained and
uniformly preserved the truly honourable character of an exemplary parish priest.
In domestic and private life the purity of his principles and the benignity of his
nature led him to fulfil every duty ; ever strict to himself, but to others amiable,
indulgent.

Not less laudable in her sphere, his faithful associate exhibited a model of
conjugal and maternal virtue. Blest and blessing in the calm tranquillity of a long
and honoured life, they closed their eyes in the Christian faith and hope, universally
regretted ; he on the loth November, 1790, at the age of 84, his wife having departed
the I2th January, 1785, aged 71." ■ —

By will dated 4th June, 1789 the Rev. Francis Woodgate, gave to his three
unmarried daughters Rose, Sarah, and Ann Woodgate, all his household goods,
linen, plate, hve and dead stock of all sorts at Mountfield and all books of which his
son William had duplicates ; also his four-wheeled carriage and pair of grey horses ;
also the house in Tonbridge Town occupied by the Miss Jordans ; the Moat Farm and
Manor of Cosins, in Cowden, Kent, and Hartfield, Sussex, occupied by George
Kidder ; and ;^i,ooo each in cash. Sister Ann Woodgate 5 guineas. Daughter

Elizabeth Humphry, 50a. of land called Mowsers in Edenbridge, occupied by Holm-
den ; Skeen Hill, Sevenoaks, occupied by the Duke of Dorset, and ^^500, Son
Henrys house and lands called Isele Dale in Sevenoaks, Leigh and Chidingstone,
occupied by Richard Saunders ; and Howgreen, in Heaver and Brasted, occupied
by John Humphry, subject to ;^300 to grandchildren William, John, Denny, George,
and Alicia Ashburnham at 21. Granddaughter Ahcia Ashburnham, ;£5oo. Robert
SeUous of Mountfield, labourer, £10. To each of the servants, 2 guineas. Son
Stephen, Chested and Seedrups in Chid: and Penshurst, occupied by Page ; house
and garden in Penshurst (divided in two and let to labouring men) ; cottage in
Chid: occupied by Hollomby ; farm called Gildredge in Chid: occupied by Richard
Delves ; farm called Frinden in Chid: and two pieces of land there called Sibords
Meads ; ' ' the plain of lands " and woodlands purchased by him of . . .
Thorpe Esq. in Chid:, also the farm called Tophill in Chid: occupied by the widow
of John Streatfeild Gent, subject to £1,000 to grandson John Acton, and to erecting
a monument in Chid: church to his (testator's) uncle Stephen Woodgate, Gent.
Executor to erect monument to Francis' father and mother in the parish church of
Chid: Kinsman Robert Durrant Esq., trustee. Son William to have remainder of
books, and all other real and personal estate, and to be sole executor. Witnesses :
Mary Bishop, James J. Bishop, Richard Hides.
Proved at London 3 Dec, 1790.

On 13th Nov. Mrs. Humphry wTites : —
" My dear Sisters,

I cannot sufficiently condole with you on the late loss we have sustained in the
best of Fathers, but it must be entirely on our own account as we have every reason
to be satisfied that he is a great gainer by the exchange. Bro. S. informed Mr.
Humphry this morning of the particulars of his will, & I think he has shewn the
greatest kindness to us all in this last act of his life. I am sure we shall be sensible
of his goodness as long as we live. I am rejoiced for you all, and I am sure you feel
the same grateful sentiments that I do. I am very glad that Brother S. has reason
to be so well satisfied.

. . . If a change of scene would be agreable to any of you, I am sure we
should be rejoiced if you would come to us. I hope my Dr. Anne has not particu-
larly suffered in yr. late scene of distress. Mr. Humphry unites with me in kindest
love and most sincere condolence to you aU. I remain, my dear Sisters, your most
affectionate and sincere in affliction
Saturday, November ye 13th. Elizabeth Humphry."

CHAPTER V,
ACTON.

Mary Woodgate the eldest daughter of the Revd. Francis Woodgate, b. 1637,
married John Acton of the Inner Temple, London. We are fortunate in having the
whole series of letters which led up to this event. They were indorsed by
Mr. Woodgate and marked " A's ist Lr." " A's 2 Lr." and so on. The first is
dated 1764, and is as follows : —
" Revd. Sir,

You will possibly be surprized, yet, I flatter myself, not offended at the liberty
of this address from an entire stranger, the subject of it being of some moment to
you, and of very near concern to your daughter and myself. I should not have
presumed however to give this trouble without first receiving permission from Miss
Woodgate, whose many amiable Qualities, attracting my attention in a casual inter-
view at my friend Mr. Davenport's, & being afterwards confirmed to me by Mrs.
Davenport's account of that valuable Lady, determined me in an endeavour to gain
some Interest in her Heart. The Success, by means of the favourable Representa-
tion which those friends made of me to Miss Woodgate, & an opportunity which
they have been kind enough to give me in a late visit of a few days to Tunbridge of
sounding her Inclinations, has far exceeded my most sanguine hopes ; happy, too
happy, shou'd they be crowned with the approbation of her Father, which I now beg
leave to request. You will naturally ask what are my pretensions. They are by
no means so large as I could wish, and much inferior to the Lady's deserts, tho' in a
very improveable state : such as they are, my Education, profession, present state
of Income, and the reasons upon which I ground my expectation of advancement,
permit me now to lay before you ; in doing which assure yourself, Sir, I shall observe
the strictest truth and candour.

I am by Profession an Attorney. The early part of my Instruction I received
from my Uncle Mr. Chesworth, a Gentleman of known Character in his profession
here ; the remainder upon his decease with Mr. Cocks, his Partner, with whom I
continued for three years and upwards after the expiration of my Clerkship, and had
the whole Conduct of his Business, which was very considerable. Last Year, much
against Mr. Cocks's inclinations, I left him, on a more advantageous prospect opening to
my view, but upon the strongest Terms of Friendship and assurances from him of pro-
moting my Interest. My principal Employ is that of Deputy Clerk of the Errors in
the Court of King's Bench, under Mr. Way, an office of very great Trust, and from
which accrues to me a Moiety, with him, of a very profitable business, exclusive of
my own separate concerns, amounting in the whole to more than a clear ;^200 per
annum, to say nothing of very reasonable prospects, I might almost say a certainty,
of much Improving my situation in a very short space of time. My Character, I
doubt not, stands universally fair and unimpeached ; my Behaviour has been such as
to procure me the Esteem of all my Friends, and wiU, I hope, stand the Test of any
Enquiry you may Honour me by asking ; my Industry in business must in some
measure appear to you from the Account above stated, considering I am not yet six
and twenty years of age. In a word, upon the above circumstances, I lay my most
material stress, my private Fortune, of which I come next to speak, being com-
paratively inconsiderable. It consists of a Freehold Estate in Cheshire, my native
Soil, which however being Intailed on my Issue, and not capable therefore at present
of coming into Settlement, is not worth mentioning : there is also a Leasehold Estate,

but of small Value, and both together not much exceeding £40 per annum. Besides
these, I am also Intitled to some contingent Interests under my Father's will, and
otherwise, but these being dependant on Deaths cannot be brought into the present
account. My Personal Fortune is not a great deal more than is sufficient to carry
on my Business which in our way requires Money being continually laid out. For
the truth of what I have above asserted, I shall beg leave to refer you to Mr.
Cocks and Mr. Way, whose addresses are, Joseph Cocks, Esqr., at Castledich, near
Ledbury, Herefordshire (where he is during the Vacation but his House here is in
Lincolns Inn Fields) and John Way Esq., Ormond Street or Lincolns Inn, London ;
I mention these two Gentlemen in particular as being best acquainted with me and
my affairs ; and Persons of Character Probity and Fortune.

AU I shall now add. Sir, is, that if my present Circumstances and the General
account I have given of myself (which are rather Diminished than exaggerated)
meet with your approbation, and make me appear in any degree worthy of the
Blessing I demand, you may securely rely on my constant Endeavour, if I know
myself at all, to merit the Esteem and Friendship of your Family, and to make the
young Lady as happy as possible. In this case I shall hope to be allowed the Liberty
of waiting on you at Mountfield, to talk more at large upon this Subject. The
favour of a Line in Answer will be an additional Honour conferred on. Sir, Your most
devoted & obt. hble. Servt.,

Jno. Acton,

Inner Temple, Sepbr. 15th, 1764.

P.S. — Upon looking over this, I shou'd be inclined to think an apology necessary
for its length, if that would not still add to it."

To this account we can only add that John Acton, of Lincolns Inn Fields, was
sworn and enrolled an Attorney of the King's Bench on 29th June, 1762. The
reply was favourable to Mr. Acton's interest, and evoked the second letter a week
later.

" Revd. Sir.

I reced. the favour of yours, and am much obliged to you for the good opinion
you seem at present to Entertain of me, which I flatter myself you will have no reason
to retract. I am so far from thinking your proposed Enquiries in any degree
unreasonable, that on the contrary I entirely approve of them, and commend your
prudent Circumspection in so doing, as I would by no means wish or be thought to
Impose on you in an affair of so much importance to all parties.

Your observation. Sir, with respect to making a Settlement, is very right, as
the Intail of my estate cannot at present be Barred. I thought I had expressed
myself fully enough in my last to be understood, that I am in possession of it myself,
& have been so from my Uncle's death, under whose will I am Intitled to it . . .
If you please to enquire of Mr. Cholmondeley, one of the Members for Cheshire, who
has always honour'd my Father and me with his Friendship and acquaintance, and
who is now at Vale Royal in Cheshire, I flatter myself he will give ample satisfaction
on this Head. Mr. Davenport, who knows as much of me as any body, will, I dare
say, give you a candid and impartial account of me, if you please to apply to him.

As I have been very explicit in my own affairs, if I shall be so happy in other
respects to meet with your approbation, I hope you'l excuse my enquiring in return
what the Lady's Fortune wiU be, and what will be expected from me in consequence
of it ; my motive for which is, that I may consider in what manner I can do the most
justice to her, and to the satisfaction of yourself and Family.

I am, Sir, your most obt. hble. Servt.,

John Acton,
Inner Temple, Sept. 22nd, 1764."

He supplies further particulars of his estate, which had a considerable quantity
of timber on it. His Father, who survived his Uncle, lived on his own property in
Cheshire and left the bulk of it to his younger children (three sons and a daughter,
all minors) to the exclusion of John Acton, whom he considered to be partly provided
for by his Uncle. The enquiries confirmed all that he had said in his own favour,
and his application was granted, as we learn from his grateful acknowledgment : —
" Revd. Sir,

I yesterday reced. the favour of yours, and shall ever retain the most grateful
sense of the honour you have conferred on me. I shall with great pleasure wait upon
you on Friday next (my avocation & Engagements here not permitting me to do it
sooner) & as I cannot now possibly be absent longer than Monday, shaD beg leave to
stay with you till Sunday Morning, and then take Tunbridge in my return to London.

Please to make my due respects to all your Family, and as I hope soon to have
the pleasure of settling this Affair with you in Person, it is unnecessary now to add
more than that I am with the greatest truth.

Your most obt. hble. Servt.,

Jno. Acton.
Inner Temple, 9th Octr., 1764."
" Revd. Sir,

I return you my most sincere thanks for the favours I received from you at
Mountfield ; it was with great regret I was obliged to leave you so soon but the
necessity was unavoidable. I got well to Tunbridge that Night & the next day
arrived well here after a pleasant ride. I acquainted your sisters with my success,
and do assure you if anything cou'd possibly add to my happiness it is meeting also
with their approbation, which they were so good to give me. I have the greatest
reason to be satisfied with the choice I have been so fortunate to make, and I every
Hour make discoveries which give me the strongest assurances of great Happiness ;
my Gratitude is infinite, and I hope I shall be able to give you reason to return my
friends your thanks as well as mine for their recommendations. I did not particu-
larly acquaint Miss Woodgate either with her own Fortune or what I had agreed to
add to it, thinking it would come more proper from you. At present I have my
hands too full of other matters to look out for a situation for me, but have employed
an able emissary or two. I intend it to be small and convenient, as we can easily
remedy any inconvenience in that respect when occasion requires, but as you will
easily conceive, an affair of this nature, and to be transacted at so great a distance,
will unavoidably interfere with my other business. I hope I shall not be thought
too precipitate if I press for a completion of my happiness towards Christmas ; I
firmly rely on Miss Woodgate's own good sense and discretion not to Impute any
want of affection to her on account of my little absences, which as a publick officer
and othen\-ise will not be in my power to prevent in a very short time, and this I
hope win be an argument for granting my request.

I expect Mr. Cholmondeley in a few days here, when I shall get some Covers (a)
and send you what I promised for your Perusal. I propose, if no unforeseen accident
happens to prevent me, being at Tunbridge on Saturday Se'night, where I shall be
glad to receive any commands from you, as I shall scarce be able to reach Mountfield,
being obliged to return on Monday following. Please to give my due respects to
Mrs. Woodgate and aU your Family ; hoping to be favoured with soon hearing from
you, I remain with the greatest Esteem, Sir, your most faithfull hble. Servt.,

Jno. Acton,
Inner Temple, i8th Octr., 1764.

P.S. — Mrs. Davenport is come to Town to-day, they particularly desired their
Compliments on my telling them I was going to write to you."

(o) The " covers," of course, were much sought after in the days before penny postage was

introduced. The transmission of letters was exceedingly expensive ; but Members of Parliament
were entitled to "frank" letters by signing the cover or outside (envelopes not having been
invented at that time).

The next letter was enclosed with the draft marriage articles, by which the
settled funds were to be limited to Mr and Mrs. Acton for their lives and afterwards
to their children equally at twenty-one. He proceeds : —

' ' I returned from Tunbridge on Monday morning last as I mentioned to you,
but when I shall be able to go there again I can't say, having now both my hands
full. It would give me great satisfaction if Miss Woodgate was a little nearer me
during the Term, but being afraid that is impracticable must submit, tho' Mrs.
Davenport was so obliging to invite her to come & be with her some time, & I verily
beheve would be extremely glad of her Company. It gives me singular pleasure to
reflect that two such amiable friends with Hearts and Minds so united will soon be
so near together. I have not yet been able to hear of a House that will suit me ; its
amazing the vast increase of Rent & demand for Houses at this part of the Town as
there's not now one to be let any where hereabouts, but I hope to get one by & by,
tin when must wait with patience. As soon as the Sittings are over I shall with
great pleasure wait upon you at Mountfield, which wiU be next Month. I consider
myself under great obligations to Miss Woodgate for so kindly excusing me from
attending on her so often as the sincerity of my professions make me wish for, as well
as on all other accounts ; in due time I hope to make her amends for all. I had the
pleasure of hearing from her to-day. In my last Excursion to Tunbridge I was much
pleased with Mr. William Woodgate, who I look upon to be a very sensible deserving
young Gentleman, & who will in time be an ornament to his Family, shall esteem myself
happy in his acquaintance & good wishes. We have no news stirring here, except
some flying Reports about changes in the Law & in some other Departments, I
believe all equally void of foundation.

I was in great expectation of being favoured with hearing from you before this
time, but hope I now shall as soon as convenient. Please to give my best respects
to Mrs. Woodgate & all your Family, & I am with the greatest Esteem, Sir,

Your most faithfull hble. Servt.,

Jno. Acton.
Inner Temple, Novr. 3rd, 1764."

The next letter which has survived, the ninth (three intermediate letters having
been lost) contains fuller particulars of the house which was fixed upon : —
" Dr. Sir,

I return you my most sincere thanks for the favours reced. from j^ou during my
stay at Mountfield, shall ever esteem myself happy in testifying the deep sense I have
of them. We got to Tunbridge on Thursday by 12 o'clock ; from thence I set out
before one, & arrived here very well about half-past five, without being accosted by
any collector [high waj' man] & in very good time.

This morning Mr, Davenport & I have agreed for the House in Shire Lane,
before in view, with which I hope Miss Woodgate will be perfectly satisfied. He
seems to like it pritty well, tho' I think some parts of it rather dark, otherwise the
first & second Floor are not amiss ; if the Conveniencys below Stairs were rather
better I should be glad. I've taken it on a 21 years Lease at £30 per ann., paying
£150 Consideration — For this I'm to have it compleatly ready to go into to my
satisfaction ; it is now all ready but Papering & some few things which were let alone
for the Tenant to chuse & suit himself in. Upon the whole, I believe the Bargain
will not be very disadvantageous, as the man has been offered several times £46 per
ann. but wanting money immediately I got it cheaper on that account. It is to be
Papered &c. to my Patern & liking, & ready to go into in the course of next month
if I please, which may very well be done provided it is thought to be then aired
enough. This being now reduced to a certainty by the signing of the agreement,
permit me to renew my application for an early Day ; you are I'm sure very sensible
of the Great Inconvenience as well as Expence attending these Journeys in time of
Business, besides the near approach of Parliament sitting & the Term, when I shall

be much engaged. I propose taking a Ride to Tunbridge on Friday next, before
which beg the favour of a Line from you, as I hope then to fix the time & settle every
thing previous to coming to Mountfield.

Upon talking to Miss Woodgate she seems to disapprove of any articles being
made ; to which I can only add I am ready and willing to Execute them if you please,
but if not you may securely rely on my word that whenever it please God to have
occasion to carry them into Execution, I shall consider myself equally bound &
immediately settle it to her satisfaction & yours.

I had a very kind invitation on Thursday, at Bromley, by your Friends at
Plaistow, shall do myself the pleasure of going there the first opportunity.

For the above Reasons among various others, I shall hope the week after next
will compleat my Happiness ; we shall then very soon have the House ready, which
I shall choose she should oversee. Our Friends in Norfolk Street desire to be
Remembered & with all due respects to your Family, Believe me to be. Dr. Sir,

Your most faithfuU hble. Servt.,

Jno. Acton.
Inner Temple, 29th Deer., 1764."

Shire Lane had the very great advantage of being near the numerous Courts
scattered about the neighbourhood of Chancery Lane. It is now demolished and the
Royal Courts of Justice occupy the site. It connected Carey Street with the Strand
and Lincolns Inn with the Temple. In one of the houses the famous Kit Kat Club
met, and Addison and Steele produced many of the Spectators and Tatlers. Latterly
it depreciated in reputation, but many men of eminence have lived there, including
at that time Hook. Rents in the eighteenth century were lower than in these days.

In less than a month the couple were married at Mountfield, by licence, the
24th Jan., 1765 ; the registers were signed by Wm. Woodgate and Jenny de Passow.

Three years elapsed between the last letter and the next one that remains,
which is marked the twenty-second. Mrs. Acton's brother, Henry Woodgate, was
reading Law with a view to becoming a barrister, and lived for the time being with
the Actons ; her brother Stephen, too, subsequently passed some of his time with
them whilst articled in town. The letter is as follows : —
" Dear Sir,

We were made very happy yesterday, to hear by my friend Harry of the health
of our friends at Mountfield. I returned from my Cheshire Expedition yesterday
morning before ten, the badness of the Roads preventing my reaching further than
St. Albans the night before ; I never saw anything equal to them, being by the
continual wet weather cut to pieces. I was happy to find Mrs. Acton pretty well,
as I was very anxious on her account, & her then state made me leave her with much
regret ; but as I could not have gone this year unless at that time, & being advised
there was no danger, with due care, made me venture — thank God she's now so
much mended as to be able to walk a little with assistance, & hopes to have no more
pull backs. My dear little Boy continues quite hearty & thrives daily. Give me
leave here to return you my sincere thanks for your kind offer in answering for my
name sake, which we accept with the greatest gratitude ; the Ceremony is proposed
to be on Friday, when nothing could more contribute to our mutual happiness than
the honour of your personal answer, & with Mrs. Woodgate making part of the JoyfuU
Company — indeed, we have long hoped for the favour of a visit here ; & still keep in
memory your kind promise of it.

< 41 found my Cheshire friends all well, but they were obliged to accept Doctors'
Visits, as business was the object of my Journey ; I had however the satisfaction of
compleating all our affairs as far as they could be, & preserving amity between all
parties, which most abundantly paid me for my trouble, I brought up my little Sister
with me, as my Dear Mrs. Acton was so good to desire to give her instruction ; poor

7()

thing, she sensibly feels the loss of a good Mother now, tho' then of small concern to
her, being very young. I hope she will in goodness endeavour to repay in some
measure the infinite obligations she'l be under to her, & be studious to follow the
pattern sett before her. My Gratitude for so good an Act to a poor helpless Orphan
is unbounded.

At Chester I called on Mr. Mainwaring, saw them all well, & particularly desired
their best respects to yourself & Family, importuned me much to stay Dinner, but
my time would'nt permit — they propose seeing Sussex next year. At Litchfield

enquired after the C 1 Family, find a Sale of his Effects was Cryed there last

Thursday ; the young Man is now there, but who he married no person could learn
further than that she used frequently to travel between London & Liverpool in the
Machine, always dressed well &c. but whether one farthing Fortune or ;^io,ooo
remains a secret — it seems he owes much money there & very little dividend expected.

I hear no News at present, the Ministry being likely to remain at least till the
meeting of parliament — the dispute of the Physicians is at present mostly the Topic
of discourse but its now almost threadbare. I beg my best respects to Mrs. Woodgate
& all the Family, & am. Dr. Sir, yours most affectionately,

Jno. Acton.
Shire Lane, Octr. 27th, 1767."

In March, 1768, it seems that Stephen, previous to setting up business on his
own account, was engaged with a firm of solicitors in London, which appears more
clearly in the next letter, the twenty-third. Acton's remarks on the affair of Wilkes
are of considerable value ; they come from a keen observer of contemporary events,
and a thoroughly able lawyer.

" Dear Sir,

I was favoured with one of yours sometime since, which I begged Mrs. Acton to
acknowledge the receipt of, it not being then in my power to answer it. I doubt not
you thought the time long before Stephen was fixed, which gave me some concern,
being convinced his wishes run before hand with my success, but things do not always
turn out as we would. At last, however, I hope at least, he's agreeably settled for
the present, till something better turns out, tho' I could wish his salary would more
nearly ballance his Expences ; so much I can testify for the Gents he's with, that
they are all men of great probity & honour in their profession, & have great business
among the first Rank. Something has been mentioned with Respect to his boarding
with us ; one objection (& the greatest) is answered by my Wife's acquiescence &
the light he stands in to us ; & tho' its not my intention to take any person under the
predicament of a Boarder, yet as its my earnest wish by every act in my power to
testify my regard to every one of your Family, I shall only say that so long as my
House & Hours are agreeable to him, I shall be very happy in his Company, & to
render him every service in the compass of my abihties. He seems at present solely
disposed to sobriety & diligence in his business, which I doubt not will continue ;
my friend Harry in these is a very good Pattern.

Mrs. Acton being gone to the Wardrobe, I am now her emanuensis in the
following, that she was there yesterday ; Mrs. Ashburnham (b) was out airing & pretty
well, which rejoices all here as the air will certainly be of service to her. We are
all very well and our dear little Boy grows charmingly ; they tell me I'm a very good
nurse, but with your permission I hope soon to take Mrs. Woodgate's sentiments
upon it, as I think her a great Judge ; we have many a battle for him here, par-
ticularly after Dinner when Harry posts himself at the Door to take him at his
entrance. He's very strong & I hope his Humour abates, but has no Signs of a
Tooth yet.

(6) Mrs. Ashburnham, Mrs. Acton's sister, and formerly Alicia Woodgate, was the wife of

Mr. William Ashburnham, M.P. for Hastings and Deputy Keeper of the Great Wardrobe.
He afterwards succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his father.

Our heads have been all turned with Wilkes and Liberty here lately, but
yesterday exceeded all I ever saw. The papers you'l doubtless see have the whole of
it however ; he has carried his Election for the County hollow as they say. He was
strongly supported in the County by men of property & had as good Managers as the
old Members had the reverse — the mob of many many thousands, men women &
children for him greatly opposed the Voters going for the other two, stoned them,
broke the Coaches &c. with other glorious marks of Liberty, to wch they were not a
little irritated by their very imprudently carrying colours before them with " No
Blasphemers," "No French Runnagates " on them; however these were soon
demolish'd, & then by putting the immortal No. 45 on the coaches &c they all passed
on & last Night the poll closed. I know many turned back not choosing to risk a
broken head, but at the place all was quiet & in good order & a very fair Election.
This day the Sheriff declared the Numbers to be thus — Wilkes 1,292, Cooke 827, &
Proctor 807, so he fairly beat them & the two first were duly returned. Sir WiUiam
I hear on the declaration went & shaked him by the hand & wished him Joy. He
behaved extreamly well diuring both his Polls & yesterday did all in his power to
keep peace & order as agreed on all hands. Last Night all London & Westminster
was Illimiinated from one End to the other & those Houses that refused had their
Windows broke ; the Mansion House has suffered above £700 damage, all the
Windows, Glass Sconces, Chandahers, Chimney pieces &c. broke to pieces because
they would not put out lights & in revenge for some supposed affronts of the Lord
Mayor to their Idol Wilkes. He was not at home, but some are in Custody to-day.
Many houses were threatened till they put out Lights. I'm glad Cooke is in, as his
place is very materialy convenient to him. Lord Baltimore's Trial on Saturday
lasted from half past 7 in the Morning till near 4 the next Morng., when he & the
women were acquitted of the Capital Felony. The prosecutrix gave a most affecting
clear circumstantial account of the whole, never faultered, nor put one occurrence
before another or left any uncleared. . . What I believe tended most to his
acquittal was her denying that she ever said before Lord Mansfield that she was
satisfied & desired to return with my Lord B. in wch she was flatly contradicted by
Mr. Way, & in another part by Lord M's own Servant, two indifferent witnesses —
these you see greatly discredited her whole Evidence, notwithstanding which the
Baron seemed with her & 4 of the Jury were for convicting him. Another Indictment
is found for the Conspiracy &c. in wch his pocket will suffer & not his neck ; this we
shall have,

I am desired to present all due respects from hence to yourself & Family, &
believe me to be with the utmost sincerity. Dr. Sir, yours most affectionately,

Jno. Acton.
Shire Lane, 29th March, 1768."

The next letter, the twenty- fourth, though written nearly three months later
(9th June, 1768) resumes the subject of Wilkes. In it he discusses with much
learning and in minute detail the various reasons why the Outlawry was reversed ;
but the interest is of too special a character for the generality of readers, and some
of the reasons, which were overruled, were, in his own words, ' ' too nice for any
man but a most refined casuist in the Law to enter into." He adds : —

' ' I am very sorry to hear Mr. Cooke is dead, as its a great loss to his Family.
Mr. Manley is one of his Executors & fully employed. It's believed Mr. Serjt. Glyn
will be chosen on Wilkes's Interest [i.e., to take Mr. Cooke's place in Parliament],
which I don't think unlikely in the present popular clamour.

I am happy to acquaint you that our dear httle Boy continues quite well, but
of this Mrs. Acton writes herself. I shall only say that I'm afraid you'l soon have
a parcel of troublesome guests, tho' with your leave I intend soon to make one

amongst them, offering at the same time ample Revenge in Shire Lane on demand.
The Young Lawyers & I must do in the interim as well as we can.

I beg all respects &c., & am, Dr. Sir, your most sincere and affectionate

Jno. Acton.
Shire Lane, gth June, 1768.

Yesterday another North Briton No. 51 was pubhshed by Bindley containing
the speech he intended to have made in Court by way of shewing Cause agst his
Attachment, ten times more audacious & Impudent than the other, on which the
Attorney moved to-day for another Attachment."

The twenty-fifth letter, three years later, is more melancholy in tone ; it contains
news of the death of Harry Acton, not two years old ; and is endorsed by Mr.
Woodgate, " death of dear, dear little Harry."

' ' Dear Sir,

I am most unhappy to be forced to confirm the fatal news you were prepared to
expect. It pleased the Almighty to take our ever dear sweet blessed Harry (c) to
himself, soon after twelve yesterday, to the inexpressible affliction of his poor
Parents. God's Will must be done, & we submit ; but it is very hard so suddenly to
lose such a dear little Prattler ; indeed we were not prepared for such a sudden
dreadfull Blow. Poor dear, he is an Angel, & happy beyond our Conception. I
can't descend to particulars, being far from well myself, & his ever dear Afflicted
Mother unable to write. Miss Woodgate is at the Wardrobe, so you must hear more
from her. The dear Baby suffered a great deal from the Convulsions but went off
gradually at last. Four days ago in the bloom of Health & Beauty & now no more.
Great God ! what a change ! We had Dr. Ford, Dr. Eliot, Mr. Davenport & Mr.
Crawley, but all human aid, & all our prayers, were in vain. My Wife with great
grief & sitting up, was very ill yesterday, but as we prevailed on her to go to Bed
soon after the fatal stroke, hope she is better in health to-day. God alone knows what
was the Cause, as we are ignorant, except Dr. Ford's surmising it something of an
Epidemical disorder, now about among Children, but this is doubtful. Miss Fanny
is very well, but very unfortunate to be here at such an Event. She joins with my
Wife in Duty, Love and good wishes to all the Family as due, & I am. Dr. Sir, your
most unhappy

but sincere

Jno. Acton.
Shire Lane, Saturday, 4th May, 1771."

Three years later he received highly advantageous proposals from Mr. Wyatt,
an Old Tonbridge boy and a leading London Solicitor.

' ' Dear Sir,

The Relationship I have the happiness to bear to you demands the earhest
information of every material change in my Circumstances & Connections. Mrs.
Acton has given you a hint, she tells me, that we might soon become Citizens, which
seems now reduced to a certainty. My friends are unanimous in their opinion,
that the proposal made to me was too advantageous to be rejected. Mr. Wyatt,
upon the death of his Partner, made me an offer of half his Business, provided I
could give up my present attendance, & come to his House in Swithins Lane, Lombard

died May 3rd, 1771.
My dear Mrs. Acton died Janry. 1st, 1785.
Mr. Acton died March 22nd, 1787.
Mrs. Cleaton married April 26th, 1787.
Mary Cleaton bom Janry. 24th, 1790."
The above is from a Hst of births, marriages, and deaths kept by one of the Mountfield Woodgates.

Street. After due consideration I have accepted it, & to-morrow morning I shall
wait on my Lord. Mr. Wyatt has been in business above five & thirty years, & now
resides in Bloomsbury Square. Perhaps you may know him as he went to Tunbridge
School, is a Sussex Gent., has a Seat 12 miles on this side Lewes, & a very considerable
Landed Estate. I have done agency business some years for them, which induced
Mr. Wyatt spontaneously to make me the offer, & to refuse many large offers of
partnership. He has very large concerns, & some of the first business in the City,
all of which is instantly to be turned into my Name, but he to attend every Morning,
& when he dies the whole to be mine. I am obliged to give up the Sittings, as being
incompatible with the business I shall be fully engaged in, but shall keep my Com-
missionership & some of the best Error agency, which is to be my own. The House
is very old & bad, but being Mr. Wyatt's own, & the old shop, I shall take it, at least
at present, & get a House at Camberwell or some where near for my Family. I
shall have my hands full, but the great consideration is, that I hope the sooner to
get out of the Smoke. Mrs. Acton went to-day to visit the House, & we afterwcirds
dined at Bloomsbury, but I do not wish her to be much in Town. Business is more
a Freehold than places, besides the change is far beyond what I could expect in that
way. I have been thus particular, because you ought to be acquainted with the
whole. I hope & doubt not making above a thousand a year — but I must work hard.
Am happy to tell you we are all very well. The Kensington air has done none of us any
harm — am joined in all due respects by Mrs. Acton & Sister, to yourself & Family,
I am dear Sir, yours sincerely,

Jno. Acton.
Shire Lane, i8th March, 1773.
Mr. Foster desires Compts."

This connection led to Acton's becoming, ultimately (as we are informed),
Sohcitor to the Bank of England, one of the greatest prizes to be obtained by any
firm. With the exception of one short note, this is the last of his letters, which are
for the most part sealed with the Acton arms, " Gules, two lions passant between
nine crosses-crosslet fitchee," being the arms borne by the ancient family of Acton
of Cheshire, from which John Acton was descended. The correspondence is taken
up by Mrs. Acton, who writes to her sister in 1778 with congratulations on her
marriage.
" My dear Mrs. Humphry,

By a letter from my sister last post we had the happiness of hearing the pleasing
conclusion of an event which I hope will prove a continual source of felicity to yourself
& Mr. Humphry and all your Friends. I beg in the name of all here you will accept
our most sincere congratulations on the occasion. I find they are very gay in Sussex
with their red coats ; my sister has all the Beaus to herself, at Courtlodge I mean,
as our old Friend will be glad of their company often. Captain Seymour slept with
us last week in his way to Cockheath, his face more broad and full as yellow as usual ;
Mr. Humphry [Ozias Humphry] and Brother Henry dined with us on Sunday, the
former will visit you soon I believe. Mr. Acton and Mary join their Love and best
Respects to Mr. Humphry, yrself, and Fan, with her who is with all cordiality yours
most affectly, M. Acton.

Vauxhall, Novr. 17, yB>. "

The next letter to Mrs. Humphry is also dated from Vauxhall, 1784, where it
seems the Actons were residing instead of at Camberwell. It was written by Mrs.
Acton a few days before her death ; her hand was evidently weak and feeble, and she
lacked the strength to conclude the letter, which is finished in the hand of her sister-
in-law and namesake.

" Vauxhall, December 23.

My ever dear and much loved Friend,

Accept tho' late our most hearty congratulations on the birth of yr. dear Httle
George. May his happy parents enjoy every additional felicity that can attend so

desire able an event. I am wish'd to say our Family are ever at yr, service to select
for a christening party. Many thanks to Mr. Humphry & you for our kind
present ; I ventured to eat some, which was most excellent, I fancy pork is very scarce
this year as we pay 8d. pr. pd.

Your good spouse made us a kind tho short visit, dare say he will tell you I
continue very much the same, cannot get the right side the post. My last experiment
is lay'd aside, cd. find no effect fm. it. We shall aU mourn the loss of a good Brother,
but I sincerely hope he will reap every expected benefit. I don't wish to bid him
farewell, quite a serious business. You have, my dear, our every good wish for yr.
speedy getting about again, & then I will tell you another wish viz., that you will
bring yr. little Nursery & stay some Time with us ; my little new Doctor wd. soon
cure me, I have half gained one of the party already. I am rather tired ; my dear
Mary will finish. Adieu, my dear, God Almighty Bless with health & all comfort you
& yours.

M. Acton.
Love to our dear Friends on the Hill."

Then, in another handwriting : —

"You have nothing to regret in being confin'd this severe weather. I begin
to think it is set in for three Months at least. Our poor Cook has had a fall and
sprcdn'd her Arm dreadfully, we feared it was broke at first ; Mr. Carsan thinks she
wUl not have the use of it for many months. I forget whether I told Mr. H. the story
of ^Mrs. Williams. She was a Miss Chapman our Neighbour ; her friends have been
Mourning for her since July, but some doubts having lately occur'd, they apply'd to
Lord Mansfield to make him [Mr. Williams] produce certificates of her death &c. but
to the astonishment of all parties he brought her in, alive and in perfect health.
There are two children whom he had likewise kill'd. The day was fixed for his
marrying a young Lady of large fortune. The Lord Mayor is so displeased at his
conduct in making him wear Mourning that he is going to disolve their partnership
immediately, it is quite a novel story There is not the least truth in the reports
about the .... of France, Lady Salisbury, or Mrs. Herbert ; the last was
invented by an Irish Countess, against whom a prosecution is commenced. We spent
a most agreeable day at Stockwell on Sunday ; Mr. Manning was much admir'd,
he is a Devonshire Man, has a Brother a Clergyman at Exeter. With Love cind
Compliments of the Season to all, beheve me, yours most Affectionately.

M. A.

Hope to hear from you soon."

Mrs. Acton died on ist January following. Her offer, however, to stand sponsor
for George Humphry was accepted, and carried out by Mr. Acton, as we learn from
his last letter two months later, addressed to Mrs. Humphry : —
" My dear Madam,

I embrace the earliest opportunity of acknowledging the favor of your very
kind Letter received to-day. I accept your obliging Invitation with great pleasure,
& nothing but the continuance of my present very violent Cold & ill state of Health
shall prevent my personal attendance. It is right to acquaint you I have engaged
to answer for my little friend at River Hill [Elizabeth Woodgate, bom February,
1785] in the same week, therefore the Families must settle between themselves as
to the day & I write by the same Post to both Houses. I have unavoidable Engage-
ments on next Wednesday & Thursday morning, but Friday, Saturday, Sunday,
& Monday I am at all yom: Service. You will do me the favour of pointing upon
some Fish, Oranges &c. My best respects to Mr. Humphry & my young friends,
& have the Honor to be, Dr. Madam, yrs. most faithfully,

Jno. Acton.
Swithins Lane, 22nd March, 1785.

Permit me to request an Answer on Saturday next."

75
Mr. Acton did not long survive his wife, and died on 22nd March, 1787, still in
the prime of hfe. He left but one child, John, born 1767, the other son having died ;
his sister, once more being left alone in the world, married, the next month, 26th
April, Mr. Cleaton and had a daughter Mary Cleaton {d) born 1790. John Acton,
the son, pursued no profession, it seems ; and appears to have passed the rest of his
hfe with the Cleatons,

John Acton is hereafter mentioned occasionally in the letters, and from time to
time he would stay with his relations in Kent, such as at River hill or with his Aunt
Rose Woodgate at Tonbridge, to whom he would send presents of game and Yorkshire
hams. But living in Yorkshire, far from all the family, it is not unnatural that he
should gradually drop out. He settled first at Hesterton ; and then at Car Mount,
in the ^o^vnship of Ruswarp, Yorkshire.

In Dec. 1840, Mrs. Lipscomb, one of the daughters of Henry Woodgate of
Riverhill, writes : —

" We paid Mr. Acton a visit for a week this summer at his pretty place Carr
Mount near Whitby ; he sent us a pressing invitation by Mrs. J. Woodgate, who
went to see him. It was a great pleasure to me to see him again ; he is a very fine,
hearty and handsome old Man. Miss Cleaton is rather a curiosity."

One of Mrs. John Woodgate's sons was named Acton, after him ; his life
was short, but he reflected great credit on the name, and fell bravely fighting at
Chillianwallah.

(d) Among the letters is one signed Mary C. (unless the C. is intended as a kind of flourish to

the last letter), unaddressed and undated, beginning " My good Friend, now my dear Aunt is
quite out of danger I can philosophize with you, but whilst I was hourly in Fear of losing so
excellent a Friend, Reason pleaded in vain — it cd. not reconcile me, &c., &c." She continues to say
that her father and sisters left at 6 o'clock that morning, and her uncle was shortly expected ;
and in the most pressing manner requests a visit to enhven her aunt and herself at Chingford
Hall, which lay two hours by the coach outside London, beyond Hackney and Walthamstow.
It is possible that the author was Mary Cleaton or her daughter Mary, and her correspondent
one of the Humphrys ; but this is onlv a hazard.

CHAPTER VI.

ASHBURNHAM OF BROOMHAM, SUSSEX.

Alicia Woodgate, the third daughter of the Revd. Francis Woodgate of Mount-
field, b. 1741, m. in 1766 William Ashburnham of Broomham, in the parish
of Guesthng near Hastings, the eldest son of Sir William Ashburnham, Bart., Bishop
of Chichester. The family of Ashburnham is very ancient ; and as its earlier history
is well known, it is sufficient to say here that Broomham had been in possession of
the ancestors of this branch from time immemorial, and was brought into the
Ashburnham name by the marriage of Richard Ashburnham with the daughter and
heiress of Sir John Stoneling of Broomham. Richard's younger brother John was
the ancestor of the Earls of Ashburnham, of Ashburnham, near Battle, whose title
(and also that of Baron Ashburnham) is of more recent origin than that of the
Baronet's, which was created in 1661. One circumstance may here be mentioned
in connection with the family. It is asserted that Juxon, Bishop of London (whose
portrait is at Broomham) and Sir Denny Ashburnham of Broomham were the only
adherents of Charles I who were with that unhappy monarch on the scaffold. The
latter obtained the watch which the King had in his pocket when he was executed,
and likewise the shirt he then wore, which had some drops of blood on it, and some
other relics. These were bequeathed in 1743 to the parish clerk of Ashburnham in
Sussex and his successors for ever, and are deposited in the parish Church there.
Sir William Ashburnham, Bishop of Chichester from 1754 to 1797 {a), married

(a) Sir William Ashburnham, Bishop of Chichester, b. 1710, d. 14th September, 1797, leaving

issue

1. William (Sir), of whom presently.

2. Margaret, d. unm., 1822-3.

■ 3. Frances, d. unm. 4. Catherine m. Capt. Fitzgerald.

5. John, Capt. in General Brown's Horse and His Majesty's Page in Waiting, d. unm.
May, 1768.
Sir William, b. 5th March, bapt. 29th March, 1739, at St. Anne's, Soho, M.P. for Hastings
1761-74, Deputy Keeper of the Great Wardrobe, High Sheriff of Sussex 1803, m. 12th April at
St. Clement Danes, AUcia, dau. of Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield (b. 15th August, 1741,
d. 10th January, bu. 18th January, 1777 in Guesthng Church). He died 21st August, 1823,
aged 84, leaving issue

1. Sir William, bapt. 21st June, 1769, in Scotland Yard, m. at Seal, 7th July, 1825,

d. 2l8t March, 1843, without issue. He married Juhana, daughter of the
Rev. WiUiam Humphry of Seal, and Elizabeth his wife, dau. of Rev. Francis
Woodgate; born 27th July, 1789, d. 22nd February, 1865.

2. John (Rev. Sir) B.D. of Clare Hall, Rector of Guesthng 1795, Chancellor of the

Diocese and Prebendary of Chichester 1796, Vicar of Pevensey 1816, b. 26th
December, 1770, in Scotland Yard, d. 1st September, 1854. He married Ist
Frances 4th dau. of WilUam Foster of HoUington (b. 29th March, 1787,
d. nth April, 1838), and had issue

(a) John Piers, b. 28th March, 1821, d. 8th January, 1839.

(b) Sir Anchitel, Bart., b. 1828, father of the present Baronet.

(d) Sir Cromer, K.C.B., Major General

(e) Fanny Ahcia. (/) Honor.

Sir John m. 2ndly Anne, dau. of Thomas Harman, who died without issue in
1873.

3. Denny (Rev.), B.A. Clare ColL, Cambridge, Vicar of Ditchling and Rector of

Catsfield, Sussex, b. 20th May, 1773, d. 1843, m. 1st 20th February, 1802, Nancy,
only child of Joseph Dickson of Calcutta, and rehct of T. F. Bancroft (she died
at Eltham, Ist May, 1818, without issue). By his second wife he left issue.

Margaret, daughter of Thomas Pelham, M.P. for Lewes, and EHzabeth his wife ;
the latter was daughter of Henry Pelham, Clerk of the Pells, younger brother of Lord
Pelham of Laughton and uncle of Thomas Pelham Duke of Newcastle, and of his
brother Mr. Henry Pelham, both of whom served as Premier under the early Georges.
The Pelham influence was usefully exerted to secure the advancement of the family,
and there are several letters among the Newcastle correspondence in the British
Museum from different Ashburnhams, chiefly the Bishop of Chichester.

The Ashburnhams of Broomham on many previous occasions had represented
Hastings in Parliament, and William Ashbumham, the husband of Alicia Woodgate,
was returned together with Mr. James BrudeneU in March, 1761. His town resi-
dence was in Albemarle Street ; his father Hved principally at the Palace in
Chichester, and Broomham was only occasionally occupied by the family. Upon
his marriage in 1766, he took a house in Scotland Yard, Westminster. In March,
1768, he was re-elected Member of Parliament for Hastings, and was made — at this
or some other period — Deputy Keeper of the Great Wardrobe. There is a long series
of letters from the different members of the family, the first of which was written
from London in 1766 to the Rev. Francis Woodgate at Mountfield, on receipt of a
Christmas hamper and a substantial Christmas present.
'* Dear Sir,

I am to thank you for a very obUging and kind letter I reed yesterday by Miss
Woodgate ; who, I have the pleasure to inform you, arrived here safe about 3 o'clock.
Please to accept my grateful acknowledgments of the favour of ^^lo and ;^30 notes
enclos'd in yr letter.

I certainly should have acquainted you and Mrs. Woodgate of my dear wife's
illness at the beginning, had not her sister been continually with her, who wrote
every post to inform you of the true state of her health, and whose account I believed
would be at least as good, if not better, than what I cou'd have been able to have
sent you. Your daughter has all the assistance that can be procured for her ; is at
present as well as can be expected ; and hope and pray will in a short time be
re-instated in her former health. We are extremely happy in having Miss Woodgate
with us ; yet, I own, shou'd be made more, far more happy might we hope ever to
be indulged with yours and Mrs. Woodgate's presence here. I know there are great
obstacles that deprive us of that happiness ; and tho' it is not for me to advise upon
that occasion, I may nevertheless be permitted to own that, cou'd it be brought
about, with safety and satisfaction to yourselves, nothing wou'd afford me greater
happiness. Our united duty and love attend on 5'ou and yx family. I am,

Your dutiful son,

Willam Ashbumham.

Mary Ellen, who m. 16th May, 1845, her cousin, John Eldridge West, Capt. 8th
Regt.* and had seven children. He m. 3rd, 10th July, 1823, Harriet, dau. of
William Luckie, who died 17th July, 1890, leaving issue Harriet Ahcia, who
m. 30th December, 1845, Rev. Alexander Chirol, B.A., of Clare HaU, Cambridge,
and had several children.
4« George WiUiam, b. 2nd August, 1774, left issue by Hannah his wife (who d. 30th
June, 1844).

(a) Flora, b. 1825, m. 1853 Colin Turing Campbell of Grahamstown, Cape

Colony.
(6) George Percy, of Worcester Coll., Oxford. Left issue,
(c) Denny, d. unm., 1900.
\d) John Woodgate, b. 1840, m. 1864 Juha, dau. of Dr. Merriman, D.D.,

Bishop of Grahamstown, and had issue,
(e) Decima, m. 1863 George Montague Cole of Port Elizabeth.
(/) Bertram, d. 1860.

and four children who died in infancy,
6. AUcia, b. 10th January, 1777, m. December, 1804, James Eldridge West of Postern
Park, Tonbridge.*

* See Reference Sheet.

78
London, Deer. 25th, 1766.

Mrs. Ashbumham joins me in returning you and Mrs. Woodgate very many
thanks for the hospitable hamper of provisions : indeed, we are very much oblig'd
by it. The hamper shall be returned next week, without fail."

The next letter is dated several months later from Crowhurst, where Mr.
Ashburnham was staying with his uncle, Henry Pelham.

' ' Crowhurst, Aug. 9th, 1767.
Dr. Sir,

When I was last at Mountfield, you was so obliging as to say, that you shou'd
be glad to see us again at any other time ; I now take the liberty of mentioning that
Mrs. Ashburnham and myself intend doing ourselves the pleasure of waiting upon
you again on Monday next, if that will be quite convenient ; if otherwise, I beg you
wou'd be so good to let me know. We dine at Ashburnham [Ashburnham Place,
belonging to the Earl of Ashburnham] on Monday and intend coming to Moimtfield
in the evening. I hope you will think Mrs. Ashburnham much mended in her health
since you saw her ; indeed, I think her very much so, which affords me very great
happiness. The notice which Lord and Lady Ashburnham have been pleased to
take of us affords me the greatest joy ; and as it is a matter which so nearly concerns
our welfare, I flatter myself it will be no disagreeable thing to you to hear of. I beg
leave to trouble you with my kindest love to all your familv, and believe me to be.
Dr. Sir,

with the greatest regard, most affectionately yours

William Ashbumham."

There is in existence a letter from William Ashbumham to his cousin Thomas
Pelham of Stanmer, Earl of Chichester, in 1773.

" My Lord,

I take the liberty of troubling your Lordship with this to request the Honor of
you to be a sponsor, at the christening of our third son, now three weeks old. He
was privately baptiz'd the day after he was born, by the name of Denny ; & we
intend to have him christened about the end of this week ; viz. Friday or Saturday.
The Countess of Ashburnham and my Uncle John Pelham intend doing us the like
Honor. Mrs. Ashbumham presents her best compliments & joins me in the above
Request ; & we both join in the same to Lady Pelham.
I have the Honor to be

Your Lordship's most obedient
Scotland Yard, Humble Servant,

June 2ist, 1773. William Ashburnham."

There is an undated letter from Lady Ashburnham, the Bishop's wife, to her
little grandson William, referring to the death of her cousin, Lady Catherine Pelham :

"Albemarle Street, Febry the 21.
Dear William,

Before I left Chichester, Mrs. Clark desired me to convey a httle prayer book to
you, that she begs your acceptance of. I sent it to you by Mr. Holhngbury last
week and hope you received it safe, and desire you would let me know if you have
received it. I desire you woxild tell your Papa that we all went into mourning last
Sunday for Lady Catherine Pelham. I hope to hear you are all well. With my love
to your Papa and your brothers, I am, dear Child,

Most affectionately yours,

M. Ashburnham."

79
The letter is sent under a cover franked ' ' W. Chichester," and addressed to
Hastings. William Ashburnham soon developed into a Poet of considerable
promise ; a note from Mrs. Frankland (aa) written a few years later, compliments
Miss Ashburnham upon her ingenious nephew's poem, and begs leave to congratulate
her and all the amiable young man's nearest connections on his abilities as a scholar
and his general good character.

Alicia Ashburnham died loth January, 1777, in giving birth to her daughter
Alicia, and was buried in Guestling Church ; we believe that the church, which was
paved with brick, was destroyed by fire in the last century together with the monu-
ments, but whether there exist any to her memory or that of her husband or family,
we have not ascertained.

It appears that for some reason Alicia was not christened till nearly eighteen
months after her birth ; Miss Cresset, her godmother, was daughter of the Bishop of
Llandaff and first cousin of Sir William Ashburnham. The letter referring to the
event is addressed to Mrs. Woodgate at Mountfield : —

' ' Dear Madam,

I am to thank you for the very great favour you have done me in answering for
my little daughter. The ceremony was performed on Sunday evening last. It was
not in my power to send you word before it happen'd ; therefore I hope you will
excuse it. The other two sponsors were, my Father and Miss Cressett. My children
are all well and desire their duty and love. I intend coming out of town within a
fortnight and believe I shall go to Tunbridge Wells, I am sorry we can't come into
Sussex, as my boys had promised themselves much pleasiire in calling at Mountfield.
There will be left at John's Cross, on Thursday afternoon, by the Diligence, a small
parcel directed to yourself.

I beg my best respects to Mr. Woodgate and the rest of 'the family,

and am, dear Madam, your affectionate and obedient Servant,

W. Ashburnham.
Wimpole Street, Cavendish Square,
June 9th, 1778."

Placed in a situation so unfortunate, without mother or sisters, Alicia was brought
up with her grandparents at Mountfield, and afterwards lived at Tonbridge with her
aunts, when the Mountfield family was broken up. She, in common with her
brothers, ever looked back on the Mountfield days with the greatest regard and
affection, as appears more than once from their letters. Alicia's first letter is written
in a round copy hand between ruled lines to her brother William at Edward Street,
Portman Square, but the letter is inserted with greater propriety under " Mount-
field," (see p. 62). Sir William writes to Mrs. Woodgate : —

" Edward Street, Portman Square.

April nth, 1782.
Dear Madam,

I thank you for your last letter. It was a great satisfaction to me to hear that
Alicia continued well. I should be very much obliged to you, at your leisure, to
send me the same good account. I have lately hired a very good house in Edward
Street, Portman Square. As Mrs. Woodgate has been so kind as to take charge of
my daughter so long, and that too at a time when I scarcely knew how to take
proper care of her — at least I was unable to do so with proper satisfaction to myself —
I shall not think of fetching her home suddenly, but wiU take some opportunity soon
of coming to Mountfield for one night, when we may talk the matter over.

I beg my respects to all the family at Mountfield, with love to Alicia, and am,
dear Madam,

Your affectionate & obedient servant,

William Ashburnham."

(aa) Mrs. Frankland was, we believe, mother of the Countess of Chichester.

This is the latest letter from Sir William Ashburnham that remains to us, tho'
he lived more than forty years longer. There is, however, another letter from his
father, to the Earl of Chichester : —

' ' Broomham, Septbr. i8th, 1782,
My Lord,

By a letter my daughter Fanny received last week from Mrs. Frankland, then
at Stanmer, Lady Pelham was so good as to remind us of caUing at Stanmer in our
way to Chichester. We always intended ourselves that Honour ; & I now take the
liberty of mentioning to your Lordship the time we have fix'd for our journey
thither. We propose to set out o' Monday se'nnight Septbr. 30th & to dine at
Stanmer o' Tuesday, Octobr, i8th, if your Lordship has no other engagements at
that time to prevent us. If you have, may I beg the favour of a line to inform us
of it, as there will be time enough for us to receive any such information before we
leave Broomham.

I hope your Lordship will be so good as to excuse the trouble I have given you
upon this occasion, and permit me, together with all our best Respects to Lady
Pelham and Miss Pelhams, to assure you of that Regard and Esteem with which I
have the Honour to be, my Lord,

Your Lordship's most Faithfull & aifecte. Humble Servant,

W. Chichester."

In 1794 there is a letter from Miss Frances Ashburnham of Chichester to her
nephew William, directed to him at Tunbridge Wells, on the occasion of a poem
which had been sent for her perusal : —

" Chichester, Oct. 19, 1794.

It were impossible, my dear nephew, I should omit to acquaint you of the
pleasure yr. excellent poem has given to your grandfather ; it gave me such true
satisfaction to hear him express his approbation, that I should have felt myself
greatly wanting in the affection of a regardful Aunt had I not given you the pleasing
information. But as he might not have thought it necessary for me so to do, I would
not have made any proposal to him of writing to you ; for while he is so perfectly
pleased with you, God forbid / should cause one frown .... My sisters join
me in love to my brother, yourself, and all my nephews, yours affectionately,

F. Ashburnham.

A letter directed for me to the Palace, Chichester, will come safe to hand."

Besides the poem, William evidently held correspondence with the Bishop on
religious matters ; one lengthy letter, or treatise, consisting of twenty-seven closely
written pages, remains and enters into minute detail on many points. It is dated
from Tunbridge Wells, 3rd February, 1796,

It would seem that William and Denny Ashburnham were placed under the
instruction of the Reverend WiUiam Gordon, of Speidhurst. William was certainly
there in 1795 ; and Denny from 1795 to 1798. Both took out game hcences for those
years, and the Revd. William Gordon and his son William {b), who were at Tunbridge
Wells as lately as 1815, continued to do so for many subsequent years.

Mr. Gordon was a trustee of the settlement made on the marriage of Henry
Woodgate of Spring Grove with the Hon. Georgina Hamilton ; it is possible that this
may help to explain the circumstances of the name Gordon having been used
by Henry Woodgate's descendants. We have two letters of his. The first dated from
Tunbridge Wells, ist August, 1799, thanks Wilham Ashburnham for the loan of one
of his plays ; the writer adds : —

" I shall be very happy to see you here this summer. 'Tis true our retired
manner of living would prevent me from inviting any young Gentleman except your-

(6) The Revd. William Gordon, junior, married on 24th June, 1816, Lonisa, <mly daughter of

Thomas Lewis, K.C., of Russell Square.

self, but I think I have seen enough of you to judge that your pleasures do not consist
in dissipation. We have a spare Bed quite at your service, and I flatter myself there
can be no objection, in case it be agreeable to you, why you should not use it.
I shall be much disappointed if I have not the pleasure of your Company, whenever
you can make it perfectly convenient, any time after the 21st inst. Please excuse
this scrawl, which I have written amidst five unruly children. . ."

The second, just a month later, contains some criticism of the play, the ' ' Virgin
of the Sun " ; he adds : —

' ' I hear your brother had a fall ; I hope he is quite well again, and that Sir

WiUiam & your brethren are well. We do not begin to shoot here till the 14th. //

Sir Wm. & the Gentlemen in your neighbourhood have begun, pray give me a line."

After this Denny Ashburnham, the third son, went to Cambridge, when he writes

to his brother William at Broomham : —

" Clare Hall, Novr. nth, 1799.
Dear Brother,

My Father left Cambridge on Saturday morning, after which I breakfasted with
Mr. Cresswell my Tutor, and was introduced into the Hall to dinner for the first
time. I was much pleased with my new situation ; the colleges are much finer
buildings than I expected. We went to King's College Chapel on Friday evening ;
it is much the finest piece of Gothic architecture I ever saw. It consists of but one
aisle, one large Gothic window at each end and many smaller ones at each side, all
of which are painted glass, except the large one opposite the altar. The inside of the
building is white, the choir is shut off by a partition of dark, rich coloured wood
finely carved, over which is an excellent organ. They sang ' ' Lord of all power and
might " in a capital style ; there were two boys who sang the duets charmingly.
The scene altogether was the most solemn I ever witnessed.

Clare Hall is much the pleasantest of all the colleges ; 'tis a stone quadrangle.
My apartments consist of three rooms, two small and one large, with windows at
each side ; one looks into the quadrangle, the other into a grass platform with a
gravel walk round it ; on the left side of this platform stands King's College and
Chapel, opposite a shrubbery, and on the right runs the river with a very elegant
bridge over it.

With regard to my studies I can say nothing at present, only that my Father
having permitted me to have a private tutor, 'tis our intention to learn the languages.
The day we left you we called at Tunbridge ; my sister was in good spirits and I was
truly happy to find my Aunt Sally perfectly recovered. We slept at Seven Oaks
and arrived in Town early next day. London was very dull : on Sunday we went
to the Foundling Chapel in the morning ; they sang an anthem of Dr. Boyce in which
the man sang a solo with great expression ; in the evening an anthem, opened by a
treble duet, which was beautiful. On Friday we went to Drury Lane to see Hamlet
and Blue Beard. Kemble was great throughout but particularly pleased me in the
scene before the players and where he rings the queen. Durban played Polonius
well, tho' the character will not admit of much. Mr. Chamberlain is not arrived
yet, which I am sorry for, it being rather awkward at first not knowing anybody.
We left Town on Wednesday the 6th : near Epping we met what would have pleased
John to have seen, a regiment of the guards on their return from Holland, who
appeared much war-worn. 'Tis almost an entire flat from London to Cambridge,
and little diversity of country till you come to Audley House, the seat of Lord
Howard's, which is a superb place. From thence to Cambridge, about 12 miles, is
open campaign country with scarce a tree to be seen. We did not arrive till two
hours after sunset, but it was clear and moonlight. I heard a very excellent sermon
on Sunday at St. Mary's, the subject was the superiority of Christianity over
Judaism and Mahommedanism. Give my kind remembrance to my brothers
and John Dugdell, and I am, your affectionate brother,

Denny Ashburnham.

Blue Beard pleased me much, but I was surprised to find Kelly's voice so
indifferent, tho' perhaps he gave the most perfect shake upon a very low note I ever
heard. I think the music and action in the Tower scene greatly impressive,"

Three weeks later he writes again, describing the allotment of his time to various
studies. " The 45th Regiment of foot," he says, " passed through Cambridge, &
it was feared would have made a distvu^bance owing to the high price of bread, which
was then 13 pence a quartern loaf, but it fell the next week." He also writes about
music, to which he was ever devotedly attached ; his voice was exquisite and
his taste refined.

Denny Ashbumham eventually took Orders in 1818. His eldest brother,
William, amused a poetic fancy with innumerable fragments of verse and sonnets,
some of which were printed in a quarto volume in 1795 ; and many were collected
and printed after his death. A large number, however, remain, and of these the
following is a specimen, not indeed of the best, for the scansion is weak ; but the
general effect is amusing : —

THE OLD MAID'S CONFESSION.

I.
When I was a maiden of blooming fifteen

I scornful and proud used to be ;
I was led to expect wit, wisdom, and gold.

And nothing less would do for me.
2.
Ah ! then was the time, when my eyes they shone bright.

My cheeks like the rose on the tree.
My ringlets they fell on a forehead so white

And Lovers came a courting to me.

My first was a youth any girl might adore.

And ardent as lover could be ;
But my Mother she found out the Lad was very poor,

So he would not do for me.

4.
My next was a Duke with his coronet of gold.

And garter tied around his left knee ;
But his face, like his family, was wonderfully old.

So he would not do for me.

5.
My next was an Earl, who succeeded his Grace,

An Earl from the north countrie.
But he had Scotch brogue, and a lean hungry face,

And he would not do for me.

6.
My next was a Baronet with bloody red hand

Emblazon'd in heraldry.
But he had been known behind a counter to stand,

So he would not do for me.

7-
The next was a Doctor all burly and big

Expecting a very good See,
But I could not bear the thoughts of a horrid buz wig,

So he would not do for me.

8.
The next hobbled in my favour to beg,

An Admiral and K.C.B.,
But though famous in arms yet he wanted a leg,

So he would not do for me.

9-
The next was a Nabob, just landed six weeks,

Late Governor of Trincomalee ;
Though his Guineas were yellow, yet so were his cheeks.

So he would not do for me.

10.

The next was a Dandy, who had driven four in hand.

Now reduced to a Tilbury ;
But in getting over the ground he had run through his land,

So he would not do for me.
II.
This was almost my last — I was then forty-four ;

Alas ! I am now fifty- three,
And I really think that some I rejected before.

Would now do vastly well for me.

12.

Now my roses I borrow, my ringlets I buy ;

I go out to cards and to tea ;
If I venture an ogle, or hazard a sigh.

There is no-one e'er returns them to me.

13-
Then all ye young Ladies from me warning take,

Who scornful and proud chance to be ;
Lest when from your fanciful dreams ye awake —

Old maidens of fifty-three !

In 1795 Mr. Humphry, who had been favoured with the sight of some of his
productions, thus addresses him : —

" ... I meant to have taken that Opportunity of writing, and of
returning the Play and the Poems, with the Perusal of which you have been so obliging
to favor me. I had formed a very high opinion of your Talents for Poetry from
the Specimen which I had before seen, and am happy to say that it is by no means
diminished by what I have lately read. The Play altogether is very interesting —
many of the Passages highly Poetical — and the Language throughout extremely
elegant and perspicuous, free from that Swelling and Bombast so very disgusting in
many of our modern Tragedies. But to speak my real sentiments, I do not concur
with you in opinion respecting the Deviations from History. It may possibly be
admitted in Stories taken from dark and remote ages, or the History of foreign
countries, as in the instance you mention from Shakespeare. I apprehend however
that the same Liberty would not be approved of in a Period of our own History that
is perfectly known — for it has a tendency to destroy the Credibihty of the Story
which must always lessen the Effect, and is likewise calculated to confound the
fabulous with the True, which surely should carefully be avoided, and I believe you
will find that Shakespeare in those Plays that are taken from om: own History adheres
in the main very closely to the facts. I should not be siurpriz'd if it was owing to
this that your Play was not admitted at the Theatre. Your Odes I was highly
delighted with, and the Expostulatory Ode in particular contains much tender senti-
ment as well as a great deal of poetical Imagery Your Poem of the

Restoration of the Jews was greatly admired in this Neighbourhood, and Mr.
Lambarde told me that on every fresh Perusal of it, he was charm'd with new
Beauties. . . ."

Whether he ever succeeded in obtaining the representation of his plays on the
stage we do not know. A letter from his friend, Mr. WiUiam Henry Palmer of
Bedford Row, in 1820, informs us that a tragedy had been submitted to Mr.EUiston,
the Manager of the Drury Lane Theatre, in which Kean was intended to have acted
the chief part. He also mentions having read with great enjoyment a volume of
Mr, Ashburnham's Tragedies. He adds : "I think you should not require a large
premium for it as it is your first production of the kind, and they are very shy of new
Authors. If the first takes well, the second will pay you better."

Under the nom de guerre of " Albert," William Ashburnham wrote one of the
" Rejected Addresses," to be spoken at the opening of the new Theatre at Drury
Lane, in October, 1812. It was a short address of about fifty lines. He says in
reference to the destruction of the old building by fire

" Let our young Drury but your care engage . . .
And she shall rise — the Phoenix of her age."

It would seem that Sir William Ashburnham was never at Broomham for long
at a time, for he would often pay long visits to Tunbridge Wells and London ;
Portman Square seems to have been his favourite residence in town. In 1802, his
daughter Alicia, who was being brought up by her aunts Rose and Sarah Woodgate,
at Tunbridge, spent a long time at Broomham for the purpose of being introduced
to the people and neighbourhood. Sarah Woodgate writes of her in September : —

' ' We have heard from Alicia several times lately ; she has been introduced to
most of the Family's in the Neighbourhood, & has seen all our old acquaintances.
She has been to one ball which proved a very good one, she led down the Dance with
Mr. E. Millward. She meant to be at the Assembly yesterday. To-morrow we are
to hear from her again. She spends her time very agreeably ; they generally take a
drive in the morning, & have a concert in the evening."

In December, 1814, Mary Anne Humphry writes : —

" Mr. Ashburnham called upon mj^ Aunt on Tuesday morning. Sir Wilham
Ashburnham leaves the Wells the beginning of next month, & has taken an House
in Town. His Family seem to consider him in a very precarious state, having lately
been seized with another Fit."

Somewhere about 1823 Margaret Ashburnham, Sir William's sister, died at
Chichester, where she had continued to live after the death of her father. The event
is described by Rose Woodgate in a letter of the 29th January : —

" Mrs. James West [formerly Alicia Ashburnham] received a letter from her
Brother yesterday mentioning the death of his Aunt Margaret. She died on
Saturday ; an express came to Guestling on Sunday, & Mr. John Ashburnham is
gone to Chichester to superintend the funeral, which at her particular request is to
take place at Guesthng. Mr. John Ashburnham and Mr. Constable are her Executors.
Sir William declines daily. ... I think Mrs. Margaret's a very happy release.
Mr. James West is invited to the Funeral, but I believe he will decline."

About three years before, her sister Frances Ashburnham had been dangerously
ill, but for the time being recovered. Julia Humphry, who soon afterwards married
William Ashburnham (junior), writes on nth June : —

Mrs. Frances Ashburnham has lately been extremely ill, & her life considered
in imminent Danger. Mrs. Jas. West was sent for to the Wells the week before
last and was with her for several successive days. She expressed a great desire to
see Mr. Ashburnham, & in compliance with her wishes he came to Tunbridge on
Saturday, & has been spending a few days at Dryhill. I took a drive to the Wells

with Mrs. Jas. West on Wednesday when her alarming s5anptoms had subsided, &
she was considered out of danger. Mr. Ashbumham is looking very well ; he returned
to Broomham on Thursday, & requested to be kindly remembered to you & my
sisters. . . . Mr, Ashbumham was much pleased with the reception he met with
when he presided at the County meeting in Sussex, given in order to celebrate the
return of the County Members. It was attended by all the respectable gentry,
clergy and yeomen in that part of Sussex, amounting to more than two hundred.
He was supported in the chair by the County Members, Mr. Burrell & Mr. Curteis,
& I understand from Mrs. Mascel that he did the honors extremely well, & was thought
to display great talents for public speaking. Mr. Ashbumham has since received a
very flattering letter from Lord Ashbumham, saying how happy he was to hear he
was coming forward on public occasions & giving him a very kind Invitation to
Ashbumham."

In 1823 Sir William's health failed. Juha Humphry writes of him : —

' ' Sir William's health continues much the same ; I imagine he has quite lost his
faculties, & is reduced to a state of second childhood ;"

and Maria West (the daughter of William Woodgate of Summerhill) writes from
Hastings soon afterwards : —

' ' "William West is just come from Broomham, & says a great alteration has
taken place in Sir Wm. during the night ; he has entirely lost his speech & his sons
think it unlikely he wiU survive the week."

He died at Broomham on 21st August, aged 84. The papers of the day (c)
describe his liberality to the poor, who when ill were always allowed nourishment
from his house. On dohng day, instead of lavishing money on his tenants, he made
it his custom to distribute fiom* in proportion to the number of each family. It
is mentioned, as an instance of his moderation, that he never allowed the rents to
be raised, and his tenants paid the same amount that they did to his father. By
his will which was proved in 1824 (or by the settlement) Broomham and the Winchelsea
estate passed to his eldest son William. Besides a considerable landed estate and
other property, he left £30,000 in Government stock.

It was not long before Sir William, the eldest son, made proposals for his cousin
Julia Humphry, but not until an engagement with a Miss Ailing had very nearly been
concluded ; as our information of this affair is contained in three letters, we cannot
describe it better than by giving extracts from them. The first is written by Julia
Humphry about June, 1824, describing the arrangements made by Capt. Streatfeild
R.N., immediately before his marriage with Anne Woodgate of Riverhill : —

' ' James John West received a letter from his uncle last week, written with his
usual flow of spirits and speaking in the highest terms of the Beauty & agreeable
qualities of his intended Lady. You will be surprised to hear that Captn. Streatfeild
formerly paid his addresses to Miss Ailing & that an engagement subsisted between
them for some years. She was introduced to the Chidingstone Family ; as the
fortune on each side was limited Mr. Streatfeild recommended a httle delay, during
which time Sir William's partiality was hinted, or she had an offer from a gentleman
of larger fortune, upon which this Lady wrote to Captn. Streatfeild saying her senti-
ments were changed, and she must regret their engagement to be considered at an
end. You will have the goodness not to mention this unless you hear it from any
other quarter, altho' it is generally known here."

She writes on 5th November, 1824 : —

" I do not know whether you are aware that obstacles have arisen with regard to
Sir Wm. Ashburnham's marriage ; at all events it is postponed for the present and
it is considered doubtful whether it will ever take place. The demur has arisen as is

frequently the case on settlements. Sir Willm was disposed to be extremely-
liberal, which Miss Ailing's family took advantage of & wished for nearly the whole
of the unencumbered estate to be settled on her. Mr. Palmer considered this very
unreasonable, & on the part of Sir Willm has remonstrated which occasions the
delay. I must request you not to drop a hint of this, altho' you may perhaps hear
it from James West on Sunday. The Gentleman consoled himself by having a large
Party at Broomham last Tuesday, consisting of Ld. Robert Fitzgerald, Alderman
Atkins (who is staying at Hastings) and all the Gentlemen in the Neighbourhood with
whom he is acquainted."

And again on the i6th : — ' ' I have heard from many quarters that Sir Willm
Ashburnham's marriage is at an end. James John West was here last night, & men-
tioned having received a letter from his uncle a few days ago confirming the report.
The final breach was occasioned by Settlements ; Sir Wm. offered five hundred a year
which was thought insufficient by Miss Ailing and her Brother. It has been an
unfortunate affair for Sir Wm., altho' many of his Friends are of opinion, from the
unamiable character of the Lady, that he has had quite an escape. I have not
heard Mrs. Jas. West mention the subject of her Brother's marriage, & having
only heard it from James must request you not to mention the particulars at
present."

In April, 1825, Sir William Ashburnham formally proposed to Julia Humphry,
in a long letter, couched in terms of the most eloquent appreciation ; we do not feel
justified in transcribing it at length, but one passage furnishes the keynote to much
of their life at Broomham : —

" On one point among many others (and it is to me a point of the greatest
importance) I am convinced we shall cordially agree, namely in appropriating a large
portion of the surplus of our income in the service of charity ; and I assure you that
you will never appear so much like an angel in my eyes, as when you become the
distributor of my bounty. Your gentle manners and benignant feelings will leave
the balm of blessing wherever you bestow a gift. You will be a ministering Seraph to
the poor of my parish, the admiration and delight of my neighbours, the pride, the
glory, and the comfort of my home. . . ."

Enclosed with the letter was one to Mrs. Humphry. The reply was favourable,
and evoked another letter to Mrs. Humphry, which we are fortunate enough to
possess : —

" Tunbridge, May 5th, 1825.
My Dear Madam,

I return you my best thanks for your very kind and most acceptable Letter of
the 2nd instant. Next to the acquiescence of your Dear daughter, nothing could
afford me greater satisfaction than to find that my offer of marriage to my Dear Julia
has received your Sanction and cordial approbation ; the Sanction and approbation
of a parent, and such a parent as you have always been to your children, must afford
me the highest gratification. Amongst the numerous virtues and good qualities
which gem the brow of your lovely, your excellent daughter, filial piety shines very
conspicuous. How happy am I to have obtained a prize so inestimable !

In regard to the encomiums that you have been pleased to bestow so lavishly
on me, and which so far transcend my deserts, I shall only say that it will be an
object of ambition with me to strive, in some degree, to deserve them. I will
endeavour, my Dear madam, to be what you wish me to be. In every thing that
concerns your Dear daughter, I will consider how her revered mother would wish
me to act, and you shall be on these occasions the guiding star to direct my conduct.
I love your Dear daughter with the truest, the most ardent affection ; to be her
husband will be to me the summit of earthly felicity, and it shall be my care to show
my gratitude for the blessing of her hand, by endeavouring on all occasions, small
as well as great, to promote her comfort, her ease, her pleasure, and her wishes.

Her sweet smiles will irradiate my home with the beams of gladness, and give a colour
to my future life.

Your observations on my pecuniary affairs are liberal in the extreme. I must
however repeat that the Settlement of five hundred pounds per annum which I
propose to make on your Dear daughter, as a jointure after my death, is very
inadequate to her merits, and far, very far below what I could wish ; it is, however,
unfortunately all I have in my power at present to offer. The interest arising from
my Dear Juha's own fortune, bequeathed to her by her father, will, after my demise
and your own, augment the amount of her jointure ; that she is satisfied with the
Settlement I proffer evinces that moderation which is only one amongst her numerous
good qualities.

May providence, my Dear Madam, prolong your invaluable life to an unusual
extent that you may behold us for a long series of years, surrounded by our children,
and witness the happiness I shall enjoy from a union with your beautiful, amiable
excellent daughter !

As Miss Humphry is going to Scale to-morrow she is so good as to be the bearer
of this Epistle which I send as my fore-runner, as I shall, with your permission, have
great pleasure in dining with you at Seale to-morrow, Friday, May 6th, at four o'clock.
I remain, with sentiments of the greatest regard and esteem. My Dear Madam, yours
very affectionately,

William Ashburnham."

Several letters of congratulation from various friends and relations remain, but
we will content ourselves with two of them, namely from Mrs. C. Hardinge and
Sir Richard Hardinge : —

" It is needless I am sure, my dear Julia, to tell you how much we are delighted
at the news of the happy estabhshment you are going to form — so honorable &
unexceptionable a connection with so much sterling worth on both sides, bids fair for
as much Domestic Felicity as Mortals may hope to enjoy. More universal Pleasure
was never felt in any such connection, & as I always looked on you as one of my
good girls (at least an Aunt) you must teach your Friend to consider himself as a
Nephew. Your Mother is quite renovated. Caro. sheds tears of joy, & we are all
happy. What can I say more ? Ever affectionately yours.
May 8. Caroline Hardinge.

Compts. to Mrs. R. Woodgate."

" London, Friday.
Dear Mrs. Humphry,

Upon the happy event of Julia's expected Marriage you will have a load of
congratulation and for my part I don't know how to express my gratification. How-
ever, I can assure you I consider it as a boon of Providence to Myself, and that I do
not feel sensible enough of it notwithstanding, inasmuch as your merits & amiable
Conduct have been so great & so conspicuous throughout yr. life and so valuable to
our dear friends at the Grove that I cannot feel joy commensurate to ye occasion,
and I may add that ye Merits of the Bride Elect bid fair when tried in ye Ordeal of
Marriage & ye Motherly State to equal yours when she arrives at your age. I beg to
add my best regards & congratulations to all your admirable Daughters, being always
yr, sincere friend,

Richd. Hardinge."

There are very kind letters from Mrs. Charles Hardinge (Emily Callender), Mrs.
Nouaille*, Mr. Cade, Mrs. Petley*, and others, which cannot here be reproduced.

The marriage settlement was dated 6th July, 1825, whereby certain property
was conveyed to the Trustees upon Trust to pay the income to Sir William Ashburn-
ham for life (except £100 a year pin money to Lady Ashburnham) ; and after his

♦See Reference Sheet.

death, Lady Ashbumham to receive £500 a year jointure. The Trustees were James
Eldridge West, George Palmer, Francis Woodgate (of Ferox Hall), and Peter Nouaille
the Younger.

The wedding was celebrated at Seal on 7th July, 1825, by the Rev. John
Ashbumham, Rector of Guestling ; and those who signed the register were Henry
Woodgate of Riverhill, Mary Anne Humphry, Frances Humphry, and Alicia Amy
West. The following day the Bride and Bridegroom set out for Broomham, and on
their arrival at Guestling were accorded a highly gratifying reception, which is
described in a letter of Lady Ashbumham on the 9th July : —

" My dearest Mother,

In the expectation of the arrival of Waters with my Packages from Seal, I
enclose a few lines to send by him, knowing it will afford pleasure to yourself and my
Sisters to receive an account of our journey and arrival at Broomham. On our
arrival at Tunbridge we were greeted by the ringing of Bells and on reaching my
Aunt's door it was so surrounded by strawers, Handbells, &c. that it was with
difficulty we could gain admission. My Aunt I am happy to say is quite well and
appeared much gratified by the visitors she received on that day. We were soon
followed by Mr. & Mrs. James West & a part of their Family and Mr. & Mrs. J.
Ashbumham, who proceeded with us to Guestling, We reached Broomham about
eight o'clock, after having had a most favorable journey. At the Park Gate we
were received by the whole Parish of Guestling, with strewing and loud acclamations
of joy. Indeed it is most gratifying to witness the manner in which Sir Wm.
Ashbumham is looked up to by his servants, neighbours and Dependants. Broomham
far exceeds the expectations I had formed, & the grounds & gardens with a httle
Improvement are capable of being rendered very delightful ; the House is much in
the same state as when Fanny & myself visited it last Summer, with the exception
of our Bed Room which is fitted up in a modern manner with every accommodation.
Indeed, every wish I can form is anticipated by the affection and attention of Sir
Wm. Ashbumham & I never can be sufficiently grateful to him, or thankful to
Providence for being united to a man of such exemplary Character and Conduct.
Tell my Sisters the Hall boasts a most beautiful display of Geraniums, but as they
have been drawn, in order to force the blossoms, I shall defer making the request of
procuring them some cuttings untill I have the great pleasure of seeing them at
Broomham. We are looking forward with much Interest to the arrival of the
detachment of plants from Seal. Sir Wm. Ashbumham as well as myself derives the
utmost satisfaction from the kind manner in which we were received by all our
Friends on Thursday last. I sincerely hope that you, my dear Mother, experienced
no ill effects from the exertion of that day ; & altho every feeling of regret is not to
be repressed, at the separation from such dear Relatives, yet it is greatly softened by
the idea of the frequent intercourse which Sir Wm. Ashbumham has most kindly
assured me shall always subsist between us. I tmst my Sisters are quite recovered
from the fatigue of Preparation, &c. I shall hope to hear to day that they passed a
pleasant Evening at Greatness. I have been much occupied both yesterday & to day
in packing & directing wedding cake ; I hope Fanny will have sufficient for her
Friends, as the whole at Broomham is disposed of. I depend on each of my dr.
sisters writing to me very frequently. We do not attend Church till to-morrow
sennight. I am to commence the superintendence of the Family on Monday. Jane
reached Broomham before me and appears to like her new abode. We are going to
explore the beauties of the surrounding scenery & must therefore conclude. Sir
Wm. Ashbumham joins me in kindest Regards to my sisters and yourself, & BeHeve
me, my dearest Mother, yr truly affect. Daughter,

Broomham, Juliana Ashbumham.

July 9th, 1825.

Sir William Ashburnham desires me to say with his most affectionate Respects,
that you wiU receive a Letter from him in the course of a few days. The Packages
from Seal are just arrived, we are much obliged to dear Fanny for her exertions.
The Plants appear to have suffered less than cd. have been expected from the Journey.
Have the goodness to let Mrs. Hughes know that her Daughter is arrived here safe &
well, 10 o'clock."

From this period until 1833 there is an almost unbroken series of letters, with
an average of more than one to each month ; it would be impossible to set out at
length each letter, and the utmost we can do is to make some selections from the
voluminous correspondence that succeeds. Hastings was at that time a very
favourite resort, especially with many members of the family, and the allusions to the
Wests, Nouailles and other relatives are constant. The next letter is about a month
later.

" Broomham, August 7th, 1825.
My dear Fanny,

I fear you have accused me of inattention in not having written to you before,
but reaUy my time has been so entirely occupied in receiving visitors and returning
visits, attending Parties, &c and finishing my dresses, that really I have not had an
hour at my own disposal. Sir Willm. Ashburnham desires me to thank my Mother
for her kind Letter, by which we learnt that you have all been spending a little time
at Tunbridge. I depend on receiving a full account of the manner in which you
passed yx. time. We have not heard from Mrs. James West for some time, and we
are anxious to know how our Friends in Kent are disposing of themselves and whether
the Dryhill Family visit Brighton this season. Since I ^vrote to Mary Anne I have
had many morning visitors, & the neighbourhood here being so distant a great part
of our time has been occupied in returning visits. Mr. and Mrs. Camac came to
Hastings about a fortnight ago and were early in their attentions at Broomham.
Mrs. Camac appears quite a woman of the world and is extremely lively and enter-
taining in her manner ; they brought an Invitation to dine with them last Wednesday
which we accepted, and met a Party of eighteen at Dinner. Nearly the whole
Company had assembled before we entered the Room & I confess I felt myself a
little overpowered by the novelty & splendor of the scene ; but the manners of the
Hostess were so encouraging that I regained my composure before I was handed out
of the Room by Mr. Camac. The party consisted of Sir George Prescott's family,
who have taken Battle Abbey for five years, Mr. Brisco and Mr. Musgrave, Mr. and
Mrs. Wastel Brisco, Mr. & Mrs. Shadwell, two officers, & Mr. & Mrs. Shorter. We
had an excellent dinner consisting of Soup, Fish, Venison, &c., it was extremely well
served up and we had a very agreeable visit. I must now proceed to give you an
account of the Lewis Races which we attended last week. We left Broomham on
Thursday morning ; the weather was unfavourable for our journey & the Roads not
good, however we reached Wantons, Mr. Dugdell's, about six o'clock in the Evening.
From the high manner in which Sir Willm. speaks of Mrs. Dugdell I was prepossessed
in her favour and she appears to be an amiable & sensible woman, & they paid us
every attention during our stay. On Friday morning we proceeded to Lewis, &
attended the Race course ; in consequence of the previous Rain and the heavy
showers that fell during the morning the scene was not so gay as usual, altho' the
Duke of York & many elegant equipages were on the Ground. I had a good view of
his Royal Highness who pass'd the carriage on Foot several times. Ld. Abingdon's,
Ld. Chichester's & Ld. Egremont's carriages & four were also on the course. In the
Evening we attended the Ball, upwards of two hundred Persons were present amongst
whom were many of the nobility and leading gentry of Sussex. I cannot attempt to
enumerate the different persons I heard named, but I will mention some of the most
considerable. Ly. Chichester, her two Daughters & Ld. Pelham, Ld. & Lady Abing-
don, Ld. & Lady Gage, Lady Dane, Sir G. & Lady Shiffner, Sir John & Lady Shelley,
&c. I had the honour of being introduced by Sir Wm. to Lady Chichester & she

afterwards introduced me to her two Daughters, the Ladies Mary & Amelia
Pelham ; they are not handsome, but appeared to enjoy the Ball exceedingly & to
possess very amiable and pleasing manners. All the Luxford family were present ;
I was a good deal with them & they were happy to renew their acquaintance. I was
also congratulated by Mr. Donald & Mrs. Fitzhue who is not the least altered and looks
as well as when Mary Lane ; Mrs. Lane was with her Party. Sir G. Shiffner's eldest

son is lately married, & Mrs. Shiffner & Miss (illegible) were considered the Belles

of the Evening . . . There was a magnificent & brilliant display of Diamonds
among the Ladies but the most splendid set was Mrs. Camac's.

On Wednesday we dine with Mr. & Mrs. Wastel Brisco at Battle. The Neigh-
bourhood wish to establish BaUs at Battle & one is to be attempted this week which
we are to attend with them. I am sure you will think my head will be turned by the
number of our Engagements, & indeed I am a little of the same opinion, I was
shocked to see in the Papers the death of the Duchess of Dorset. Pray recollect I
have received very little news of my native land since our marriage. Sir William is
going to send to the post this afternoon when I hope to receive a letter from you,
& as dinner hour is arrived I must conclude,"

Mrs. Camac had been a Miss Brisco of Coghurst, and was married three times.
William Camac was her first husband. He belonged, we believe, to an Irish family,
and he had spent the earlier part of his life in India, where he had realized a very large
fortune. ' ' He shook the Pagoda tree and the diamonds fell down." The diamonds,
worn by Mrs. Camac, were justly celebrated. The Camacs and Briscos are referred
to continually in the course of the letters, and were considered leaders of Hastings
society.

On ist September Miss Humphry paid her sister a visit at Broomham. We have
no letters of hers on this occasion, but one from Marianne to her aunt Rose Woodgate,
dated 8th September, 1825, sufficiently sets out the circumstance attending this
event : —

' ' Fanny left us for Brome Ham yesterday week to make Sir William & Julia
a visit. This morning I have received a long letter in which she teUs me that she
received a cordial welcome from Sir William & Julia & that a happier meeting does
not often occur. Julia is looking remarkably well and appears quite at home in her
new situation ; there is so much kindness and attention in Sir William that a more
perfect picture of connubial happiness cannot be witnessed. In consequence of
several engagements their dinner parties are postponed tiU the present week.
Tuesday they expected a party of twenty, & the same number on Friday. On
Friday last they all dined at Battle Abbey with Mr. and Mrs. Camack & a party of
fourteen ; she adds it was quite a treat to see the House, which is magnificent & fitted
up in a superb manner. The furniture of the drawing room (with pillars) cost Sir
Godfrey Webster £5,000. They were agreeably surprized at meeting Mr. and Mrs.
West's party at Hastings, & you have probably seen Mrs. West e'er this & heard the
particulars of their visit into Sussex. Report says that Mrs. North is likely to enter
a second time into the matrimonial state, with a Mr. Wilson, who has a good appoint-
ment in the Customs house. Our friends at the Grove departed for Hastings on
Tuesday morning at ten o'clock ; they had taken a house in Waterloo Place, &
Captain Hardinge started the day before to prepare everything for their arrival."

Marianne Humphry succeeded her sister at Broomham ; the latter writes from
Seal, on 9th November : —
" My dear Julia,

. . . We were most happy to receive your kind Epistle, the recital of your
late excursion afforded us much amusement, from which we are happy to find Sir
William & yourself derived so much enjoyment. Considering the season of the year
is so far advanced, I do think the weather was most propitious which in seeing a

new country is always a desirable circumstance. Altho' you did not find Lord &
Lady Chichester at home, yet your visit to Stanmer may be productive of future
intercourse with that noble & highly estimable family. Marianne anticipates much
pleasure from her intended visit to Broomham. . . I am very sorry to hear Mrs.
Camack has postponed her Ball, fearing it may disappoint us of the pleasure we had
anticipated of seeing you at Seal at the end of December, I still hope it will take place
before that time."

" Broomham, Novr. 13th, 1825.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Pray give my kind regards to Mary Anne & tell her that as she leaves
it to us to fix the day, we shall hope to see her at Broomham next Saturday. Sir
William recommends her to secure a Place by one of the first Hastings Coaches, &
his Carriage will be in readiness to meet her on Fairlight when the Coach arrives.
Broomham is really a cold House, I therefore hope Mary Anne will take every pre-
caution of warm clothing, that her engagements here may not be interrupted by the
intrusion of colds or any other complaint. Friday is fixed for Sir William's audit
when the Servants will be all fully engaged. We joined a party of seventy at Miss
Millwards [d] last Thursday Evening. Mr. & Mrs. West and their Niece were there
[Frances Woodgate, afterwards Mrs. Musgrave Brisco], Fanny looked very pretty &
was a good deal admired, but I agree with you in thinking she does not appear to
advantage in Dancing. I believe the next Ball at Hastings is fixed for the 24th.
Many new arrivals have taken Place during our absence, & the Fashion of the company
considerably improved, and I observed several very pretty young women. To
morrow I believe we are to attend Mrs. Camac's at Home and shall then have no
other engagements till after Mary Anne's arrival. Sir Willm. is much obliged by
the Promised plants, the wet weather has been unfavourable for gardening. Sir
WUliam has had a most satisfactory letter from James ; he writes in high spirits &
appears delighted with Cambridge ; he expresses the greatest gratitude towards his
Father, who in addition to the allowance he makes him has aSorded him a Private
Tutor. We called on Mrs. Guerdon last week, she was looking very delicate but
considers herself to have derived benefit from her Residence at Hastings. Mr.
Guerdon was in Suffolk, & Mr. Lambarde was passing a few days with her, his
Daughter. The cold season appears to have set in unusually early, the walking here
is very indifferent in consequence of the late Rains, & the Park & Grounds are very
wet. My Mother's old friend Mr. Gordon is staying at Hastings at the same
Lodgings we were in last year ; he is in good Health & very cheerful, but totally
blind. His Daughter Miss Gordon with her Friend Miss Saint were at the Miss
Millward's Party. I understand the Miss Eyles' are also at Hastings. Mrs. West
tells me she has been in search of a Lodging for Mrs. Allnutt & Maria, who wish to
visit Hastings for six weeks, but poor Mrs. Allnutt has had an attack of spasms,
which will prevent her leaving Home at present. I hope Mrs. Camac's Ball will
take Place before Xmas that Mary Anne may have an opportunity of attending it."

The next letter, written on the 8th, refers to the ill health of John Ashburnham
and Sir William ; the latter soon recovered and resumed his walks to Hastings.

" Broomham, Deer. 17th, 1825.
My dear Fanny,

Mary Anne having left us to pass a few days with Mr. and Mrs. West at Hastings,
I flatter myself a letter from me will not prove unacceptable to my Dear Mother &
yourself. I have the satisfaction to inform you that Mrs. John Ashburnham was
safely confined last night with a fine little girl, & I am happy to add both Mother &

{d) The Milwards occupied a leading position at Hastings, being one of the old families of the

place. Their descent appears to be from Edward Milward, Esq., son of Capt. Edward Milward of
Hastings, who died 29th October, 1749, aged 67, leaving by Elizabeth his wife (who died 31st
January, 1742, aged 47) a son, John Spencer Milward, Esq., who died in 1760, aged 32. Mary,
daughter of Capt. E. Milwaid, died in 1753, aged 67.

child are doing well. You will I know expect some account of our Engagements.
Our visit to Windmill Hill proved a most agreable one. Mr. H. Curteis is residing
with his Father. I thought him a good deal altered, & appears by no means to have
recovered his spirits ; Mr. & Mrs. Curteis were extremely attentive, & gave us a
pressing Invitation to visit them again. We met a Party of sixteen at Dinner. Miss
Curteis is a lively agreeable young Woman, & Mary Anne was delighted with her. I
am grieved to find the last accounts of Lydia Luxford give but faint hopes of her
Recovery. Last Tuesday we dined at Mrs. Bird's with a small Party ; in the
Evening all her Rooms were thrown open, when she had an addition of forty more
visitors. The younger part of the Company amused themselves by dancing Quad-
rilles. The Miss Birds are pleasant accomplished young women. Wednesday we
dined with Mr. and Mrs. Stileman, & met Dr. & Mrs. Lamb, the Deane's, Richards's,
&c. Thursday Evening we attended a Party at Mrs. Fawkes's who is residing in one
of the best Houses in Wellington Place. There is a great similarity in all the Hastings
Parties, Quadrilles are the constant amusement of the Evening. At Present a
scarcity of Beau's prevails but a reinforcement is expected next week when the
young Men leave the Universities. Mr. & Mrs. West & their Niece are much engaged ;
Fanny excites much admiration & is considered one of the leading Belle's ; this
Eveng Mrs. West has her first at Home, which we have promised to attend. A
rumour has reached us that the New Years Ball at Sevenoaks this year will not take
Place in consequence of the Dry rot having made such rapid Progress. Mary Anne
went to Mrs. West on Thursday Evening, and is to return to Broomham oh
Tuesday when a large Party are to dine there ; we expect Dr. Wellesley
[brother of the Duke of Wellington], two of his Daughters & Mr. Wellesley,
two Mr. Briscos, Mrs. Casarlet, Mr. J. Hodges, Dr. Wilmot & his son, our Postern
Friends, the Miss Birds, Dr. & Mrs. Lamb, Mrs. Wynch & Mr. Wynch. Perhaps I
should apologise for giving you the trouble of peru^ng so long a list of names, but
know you are interested in what is going on at Broomham. Mr. J. Dugdale has been
staying here & at Hastings for the last ten days, but leaves this Evening. I had a
letter from my Aunt Rose yesterday, she gives a good account of herself & an improved
ofte of Mrs. J. West."

At the end of the year Sir William and Lady Ashbumham paid a visit to the
Revd. Denny Ashbumham, who afterwards wrote his brother a letter from which we
will quote ; much of it is taken up in a critical appreciation of the music at St. Paul's
and Westminster Abbey.

" 27, Upper Marylebone Street, Portland Place.

Janry. 3rd, 1826.
Dear Brother,

Is there no hope of pardon for neglect like this ? None ! stern conscience readily
replies, except where Christian principles prevail and where the reformation not the
punishment of the offending party is contemplated. Here then is my hope, here my
consolation, and here my trust & confidence of reconciliation rest. Now to proceed !
Another year, another happy year is gone, happiest in the train of all that's past to
me, and pray tell Lady Ashbumham that your joint visit to the vicarage stands a
pleasing & distinguished feature in that happy period. Accept our wishes therefore
that Lady Ashbumham & yourself may experience similar felicity in this and every
year to come.

I presume ere now you have recommenced your ornamental plantations, and girt
the ancient mansion with the cone-like fur, the sombrous cedar, & the graceful larch,
and rendered it that which it never was before, the seat of Taste, Intelligence and
Genius.

. . . Your recommendations on our musical department have had the desired
effect of exciting a laudable ambition of improvement, but to what degree I hope a
future opportunity will offer of hearing your opinion. I am vain enough to imagine

that we have hit off a new mode of practice, combining both mechanical & scientific
information wh. I think must naturally accelerate our progress & render it emulative.

I heard from Mr. Bishop the other day saying that Mr. Cazolet would pay your
bailiff for the wood he purchased frm. the Glebe. You would obUge and convenience
me much by allowing him to collect what is due to me for that article & forwarding
it to Town before the end of this month as I am anxious to purchase a little stock as
soon as possible. The Mackenzies are gone to Brighton where I expect to see them
on my return, Mrs. Ashburnham desires her kind Respects to yourself and Lady
Ashburnham, to whom you will remember me affectionately, and I remain your
aiiecte. Brother,

D. Ashburnham.

Kindest regards to the Rector & his Lady. Pray tell me of your improvements,
&c."

That year saw Sir William involved in serious difficulties, which it is impossible
to understand with accuracy. It seems that their origin lay in the Rye Harbom- Bill,
by which the Ashburnham title to a certain estate was compromised. The Bill was
introduced by Mr. Richard Whitton, and passed in 1830.

' ' Sussex Hotel, Bouverie Street, Fleet Street.

April 4th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

When absent from you, my beloved wife, nothing affords me greater delight
than to correspond with you by Letter, because I know that everything that relates to
me or my affairs excites an interest in your fond, your affectionate bosom. I there-
fore hasten, the moment I returned from Mr. Palmer's, to snatch up my pen to com-
municate to you the result of our interview, which I am happy to say has turned
out most satisfactorily, inasmuch as I have every reason to think that I shall be able,
through Mr. Palmer's kindness, to raise money sufficient to discharge my most
pressing incumbrances within the space of the present month. The report respecting
the title to my sheep-house estate is upon the whole rather favourable. Mr.
Palmer has seen Mr. Green, the Solicitor to the Commissioners of Crown Lands, who
says, that it is by no means the wish or intention of Government to commence
vexatious Suits, nor to harrass the Subject. The Commissioners are only desirous
fairly to ascertain whether the Lands in question do or do not belong to the crown.
This is very right and proper. Mr. Palmer has promised to send Mr. Green a copy of
the different grants under which I hold ; and Mr. Palmer thinks that when Mr. Green
has perused them, he will be of opinion that the crown has no shadow of any claim
whatsoever to any part of the estate which I possess.

As I came through Tunbridge I just caught a smile from your sister Fanny, as
I passed my Aunt's window. My nephew William West met me at the Crown, with
whom I had a hurried conversation for a few moments. He told me that Wise had
finished the flower table that I had ordered, and that it was a very well executed
piece of workmanship. I should have liked to have seen it exceedingly, but had not
time. I desired that it should be sent immediately to your sister Fanny, who I hope
will be pleased with my present."

The letter is extremely long, and contains a descriptive account of the health of
various friends, which at the time was an interesting subject, but at this distance the
theme has lost its attraction. There is a good account of the nursery gardens at
Vauxhall and the theatre at Drury Lane, but the subject is too general for the present
occasion. The letter affords many striking instances of the affection and esteem the
author felt for Lady Ashburnham, which is shewn in all his subsequent letters. This
letter is succeeded by another, dated the 8th April, from the Sussex Hotel : —

" I understand that the Rye-harbour bill is to be proceeded with next week,
notwithstanding the serious indisposition with which Mr. Richard Whitton is
afflicted, his father having undertaken to transact the business in his Son's behalf.

Mr. Richard Whitton, I am told, lies dangerously ill of a brain fever, which illness is
supposed to have been occasioned by his having caught cold after having taken
large dozes of calomel. I wish Mr. Richard Whitton no harm, notwithstanding his
conduct has been most pernicious and inimical to me ; but the business, perhaps, will
proceed more smoothly and more amicably now it is conducted by his father."

The letter further describes Miss Humphry's satisfaction on receiving the rose-
wood flower table ; and his visit to the exhibition of Associated Artists. He was much
pleased with Mr. Hutchins the dentist, who supplied the deficiencies amongst his
teeth with great skill and judgment ; but the charge was no light one, fifteen guineas.
At that time James West was seriously ill, and fears were entertained even for his life.
Sir William Ashburnham was himself disturbed by the harassing perplexity of his
affairs, but the judicious arrangements made by Mr. Palmer relieved him from present
difficulties. The next few letters are from Lady Ashburnham to Miss Humphry,
the first dated 14th April, 1825 :—

' ' Sir William was too unwell to derive any Pleasure from the numerous enter-
tainments of the Metropolis ; however he summoned sufficient Resolution to attend
the Society of the Deaf & Dumb on Tuesday. The Duke of Gloucester was in the
Chair, and he had the Honor of sitting on His Royal Highness' right Hand ; the
speech he made on giving the Duke's Health has appeared in some of the papers, but
he says it is given very incorrectly & much distorted by the Reporters. Sir Willm.
was very glad to reach Home ; from being so much indisposed he found the Hotel
so extremely uncomfortable that he thinks he never can venture to London again
alone. ... Sir Wm. thought my Brother [William Ozias Humphry, of the
Council Office] looking very ill ; he mentioned that he had been appointed to Mr.
Litchfield's situation, but from his Illness had been prevented taking Possession of
his new office. He has notwithstanding the most serious Intentions of retiring, &
thinks from his long services he shld obtain a Pension of a thousand a year. Sir
William has at last succeeded in matching his Horse, and we are going this morning
to take a drive to Hastings."

" Broomham, April 23rd, 1825.
My dear Fanny,

... I can scarcely confess the concern I feel for the lamented Illness of Mrs. Caroline
Hardinge. By a kind letter I received from Maryanne yesterday we learnt that the
last accounts were rather more favourable, altho' it is greatly to be apprehended from
the nature of her disorder there is little hope of ultimate Recovery. Her loss to her
Relations and Friends, by all of whom, from her many virtues and excellent qualities,
she is justly held in such high estimation, must be most deeply regretted, and really to
my dear Mother the deprivation she will experience in the loss of the kindest of
Friends is almost irreparable. I feel much for our dear Friend Caroline, whose
situation at this time must be painfully distressing . . .

Sir William is a good deal occupied at this time. This week Mr. Rately a
surveyor at Hastings is coming to Broomham to inspect the house, & Sir Willm's
operations here will be in some measure decided by his opinion. We have had several
offers of cooks, but only one that is at all eligible. She stated that her native place was
Romney, that she had hved as Cook in the Family of several Gentlemen whom she
named for two and three years each, & that she perfectly understood the management
of a Dairy, Poultry, & every branch of cooking. Her last place was at the great Inn
at Sittingbourne, where she had hved two years and a half, & entertained no doubt
of her mistress giving her a good character. She came to Broomham last Thursday
& I promised to let her know o\xr determination in a Week, as it is a Responsible
situation. I shd. have preferred engaging a Person of whom we had some previous
knowledge & who could have referred me to a Gentleman's Family for her Character,
altho her appearance & manner were most respectable, & she mentioned having
several Brothers in service, the eldest of whom has hved with Mr. Henries of Montreal
for eight years as a Butler."

Mrs. Hardinge died on the 23rd. In addition to the difficulties brought about
by the Rye Harbour Bill, the Ashburnhams found themselves at the same time
troubled by one of an almost equally serious nature, the condition of Broomham.
The house, in some parts at least, was many hundreds of years old, and
had not been repaired when repairs were needed ; this policy of procrastination
nearly effected the ruin of the whole, but the letters explain everything.
^ ' My dear Fanny,

Altho' in some measure prepared for the mournful event your letter of yesterday
announced, yet the sad intelligence of the death of Mrs. Caroline Hardinge occasioned
me a painful shock. The Loss of so excellent a Friend to my dear Mother and your-
selves must long be felt. All her friends must be consoled by the Reflexion of so
many virtues. She closed her earthly career with the Love and Respect of all
around her, & is removed by a merciful Providence without Pain & Suffering to a
happier state of existence. From the great affection our dr. Friend Caroline enter-
tained for her Aunt & the alteration it makes in her situation, she must feel most
acutely on this melancholy occasion. My Aunt's Recovery is really wonderful ; how
did she support parting with you ? I hope Maryanne will derive much pleasure
from her intended visit to London ; when the time is fix'd I shall be much obliged to
her to give me a line, as I wish for an opportunity of conveying some little tokens of
Remembrance to our young Friends [her brother's children] in Charlotte Street.

I have deplorable Intelligence to communicate with Regard to the state of Broom-
ham. After Mr. Rately had minutely examined and inspected the whole of the
Building, he gave it as his decided opinion that the whole of the structure was in a
totally irreparable state. From the circumstance of the Rain having penetrated the
Roof, & so many different parts of the House, for such a number of years, the Surveyors
are of opinion that the Principal Timbers which unite the House are so much
decayed, that any money laid out on Repairs would be entirely useless, & likewise
gave it as their opinion that the house would not much longer be a safe Habitation.
From the high value Sir Willm. has always maintained for the Residence of his
ancestors, this Intelligence was as you may imagine a great shock to him, but I am
happy to say has supported it with great firmness of mind like a true Philosopher, &
has been turning his attention to whether it will be more desirable to erect a new
Mansion or to hire a Residence for a term of years within a moderate distance of his
Estates ; this morning he has been sketching a plan for a new house but what he will
fix upon on more mature deliberation is quite uncertain & it would not be prudent to
decide on Building tiU our affairs are finally settled. We took a drive to Hastings on
Wednesday, when I had a second interview with the Servant I mentioned in my last
letter. . . . To-morrow must be a melancholy day for Seal, I shall often thmk of you."

Caroline Hardinge (junior) had for many years lived with her Aunts at the
Grove ; and on the death of the survivor of them, established her headquarters
at Pembury Vicarage, with her sister Mrs. Stephen Woodgate. When the household
was broken up, the cook (Anne Richardson) went to Broomham ; a few particulars
of her duties may prove interesting. She was to have no perquisites, but fixed wages,
which in a former letter were estimated at about ^^18, which in those days must have
been considered high ; tea and sugar for the kitchen consumption were to be con-
trolled by the cook. The scullery work was conducted by the dairy maid, who
likewise managed the poultry under the superintendence of Mrs. Holmes. The
Surveyors' report of Broomham must have been exaggerated ; but that genuine
apprehension prevailed is shewn by Mrs. James West's declining an invitation,
owing to the supposed dangerous state of the house.

'"Broomham, May 7th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

I was very anxious to receive some Intelligence of our dear Friend Caroline
Hardinge ; she must deeply feel the separation from her beloved and excellent aunt,

but sincerely hope she will derive much comfort from a future Residence with her
sister. Sir Willm. will be much obliged to you to inform him if the horses belonging
to the late Mrs. Hardinge are to be disposed of by auction or private contract and
whether they were found to answer her purpose ; if by private contract, what price
would be expected. He wishes his name not to be mentioned, being uncertain
whether it would suit him to make the Purchase at this time. I must request
Maryanne to remember me very kindly to our Friends in Charlotte Street, and to give
my nephews William & Richard five shillings each and my little god-daughter a. Soyereiga
as a remembrance from me, the sovereign for Julia either to be laid out in some
article or given in money as she deems most desirable. You will recollect five
pounds was owing to me from my Uncle Stephen's Legacy, I believe I mentioned to
you when at Tunbridge the manner in which I wished this sum to be disposed of.
I imagine Maryanne will visit the Exhibition ; Sir Willm. is anxious to hear her
Opinion of Sir Thomas Lawence's admired Picture of Miss Murray, of which Fams
speaks so highly. A Family of Spanish refugees of Noble Family have been at
Hastings for some time ; I understand they excel much at Embroidery, and have just
completed a beautiful Reticule, which is to be played for by 24 members at ten
shillings each ; at the solicitation of Miss Bird we have taken 2 tickets, it is to be
decided next Friday or Saturday when we are Invited by Mrs. Bird to a dejeuner a la
Fourchette. Sir Willm. has hitherto come to no decision with regard to his House,
but thinks he should find the erecting a new House too considerable an undertaking.
We are engaged on Wednesday to dine at Winchelsea with Capt. & Mrs. Wright."

Sir William's health suffered a great relapse soon afterwards, and occasioned
a somewhat prolonged visit to Seal, to recuperate ; we owe to this circumstance a
letter from John Ashburnham, who sent an ample account of how things were
going on at Broomham in their absence. The next letter was three days after their
return, when Sir William was decidedly better.

' ' Broomham, Sunday Afternoon, June i8th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

Sir William much regrets there being a contested Election for this County. Sir
Godfrey Webster at present heads Curteis on the poll, & he fears he shall be called on
to exert himself for his Friend, which at Present his Health is unequal to. I have
written to Mrs. James West to invite her Daughters to Broomham next week. We
find Mr. Ray visited Hastings during our absence, therefore Sir Willm. must wait for
his Opinion till he returns, which will probably be in about a fortnight. We were
delighted with the Improvements that three weeks had made in the scenery here, the
Geraniums in the Hall are in the most brilliant Bloom & exceed in beauty & variety
any plants we saw at Wilderness. I do wish you could see them. Mrs. Holmes left
Broomham Friday ; she was much affected at parting, which was to be expected,
having had a comfortable Home here for nine & twenty years. Our new servant
appears to suit us extremely well."

The next letter is edged with black in consequence of her brother's death. It
seems that his widow was left without any pension, and applications through Lord
Camden and Lord Harrowby were made to obtain one, which eventually proved
successful.

" Broomham, July 21st, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

I hope you have heard favorable Intelligence from Town, we are very anxious
to hear the result of the application to Ld. Harrowby. Our young visitors appear to
enjoy themselves very much. I am agreeably surpriz'd in your Namesake, we find
her extremely conformable to our wishes in all respects : her manners require a little
polishing, but I think her a sensible, clever Girl. Alicia has all the hilarity and good
humour of youth & looks forward to entering society with the utmost pleasure.
Major and Mrs. Mackenzie are now staying at Iden, we expect a morning visit from

them every day ; they are going shortly to make an Excursion to Paris & on their
return have promised to pass a week at Broomham. A Ball is to take place at
Battle next Friday at which Sir G. Prescott, Sir Charles Lamb, &c., are to act as
Stewards. We met Sir G. & Lady Prescott at Hastings last week who expressed
themselves anxious for us to attend, but Sir William declines attending all Public
meetings on account of his Health. Mr. Richard Whitton died at Rye last week ; he
had a most alarming brain Fever in the Spring from which he was supposed to be
recovered & came to Rye during the Intense heat where he was seized with a Relapse
& expired shortly afterwards. We went to Hastings yesterday & paid a visit to
Dr. & Mrs. Knox ; the Doctor has been very little there, & was going to Town again
in a day or two, but they have promised to take a family Dinner at Broomham
before they leave this neighbourhood. I have sent you a Receipt for Ginger Beer,
it is made with little trouble & I think my Mother & Maryanne would find it very
refreshing in hot weather. It is Sir WiUm's. favorite Beveridge. We are going
to-day to take a Family Dinner with Mrs. J. Ashbmrnham."

The recipe is as follows : —

"GINGER BEER.
To two oz. of cream of tartar add i oz. of ginger bruised, i pd. of sugar, & one
lemmon juice & peel, pour on them 4 quarts of boiling water. When at a proper
heat add two spoonfuls of yeast. When cold, strain it, bottle it in half-pint stone
Bottles & tye the corks down. It will be ready to drink in 12 hours."

This recipe is one of many scores, or hundreds, that have survived, many of
them being old cooking recipes that were used at Mountfield.

'* Broomham, August 19th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

Mr. D. Ashburnham with his Friend Dr. Cope and James West came to us on
Thursday for the purpose of being present at the Public Dinner which was given to
Mr. Curteis by the Freeholders of Sussex. It took place yesterday at Northiam,
about one hundred & fifty gentlemen & Freeholders dined together, & the day passed
off extremely well. Sir Wm. was in the Chair, & I understand the conduct of
the Chairman gave universal satisfaction ; the speeches he made after proposing the
toasts were much applauded, & he was most cordially cheered by all the Party on leaving
the Chair, Mrs. Mascall invited me to meet her brother's Family, Mrs. Hodges
of Hemstead, & a party of Ladies who were to assemble to witness the scene, but the
carriage being pre-engaged to the gentlemen I was obliged to decline. Mr. D. Ash-
burnham & his Friend Dr. Cope left us this Morning, Dr. Cope is a most agreeable &
sensible Man. We have just had a visit from Mr. Mrs. & Miss Curteis & Mrs. &
Miss Mascall."

The toasts on this occasion, in Sir Ws'. owti handwriting, number no less than
sixteen ; the three first are the usual loyal toasts, the fourth and fifth are ' ' Edward
Jeremiah Curtis Esqf., one of the Knights of the Shire for the County of Sussex,"
and " His worthy co-adjutor, Walter Burrel Esqr." Some of the other toasts
could have been prepared by none other than Sir William, such as ' ' The Liberty of
the press, and may it never again be polluted by blasphemy or stained by sedition,"
and ' ' may the distressed working manufacturers receive the best species of relief,
that which is bestowed through the medium of employment."

The next week Mary Anne Humphry came to Broomham with her maid Char-
lotte, for the shower baths and treatment ; nearly half the succeeding letter is
occupied with a discussion of her ailments.

* ' Broomham, August 25th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

We are very anxious for the continuance of fine weather as Broomham
is to be unroofed next week ; the summer has been so favorable that I regret
it has not been done at an earlier period of the year, but hope the autumnal

rains will not set in till after the equinox. Sir WiUm. is also at this time
building a Kitchen Garden. We have for some time been engaged to dine with Mrs.
Mascall ; next Wednesday we are to sleep at Iden, & Dr. & Mrs. Lamb having only
one spare Bed it will not be in our power to take Maryanne with us, but I shall give
Charlotte a strict charge not to leave her during our absence. I was glad to hear so
good an account of Mrs. Wm. Humphry, I think she must enjoy the Country this
Hot Weather. Pray thank Richard for his Drawing & tell him I'm happy to find he
is so good a Boy. James West left me on Thursday, he is to finish his visit next
month. I had a letter yesterday from Alicia, & I have the satisfaction to say she
gives a better account of my Aunt Rose."

" Broomham, Septr. 6th, 1826.
My dear Mother,

Broomham is at present in a most uncomfortable state. The Repair of the Roof
having commenced, the late rains have completely deluged all the Rooms in the
Front of the House ; the Drawing Room with the apartments over it & our Bed
Room are entirely saturated with the wet, & I am doubtful whether we shall be able
to inhabit them again during the winter. However, we trust if the Weather is toler-
ably favourable that the North side of the House will be secured by the end of next
week. Sir Willm. & myself regret exceedingly not having it in our power to invite
yourself & Fanny to Broomham this Autumn, but we have at present only one Bed
Room that we can depend on as being secure from the Rain, & therefore most
reluctantly must defer this Pleasure till some more propitious opportunity. We spent
a most agreeable day at Mrs. Mascall's, Mr. & Mrs. Constable & their Daughter were of
the Party ; they made many kind enquiries after you. The long Drought which has
prevailed during the summer has produced an Epidemic Fever in this Neighbourhood,
which has proved very fatal at Winchelsea. Mrs. Hollingbery died of this disorder
about ten days ago."

The next letter was written declining an invitation to Seal.

' ' Broomham, Sepr. 13th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

The repairs of Broomham are this week going on most prosperously. Ten men
are at present occupied on the Roof of the House, in addition to which Sir William is
at this time Building a Wall-Garden, therefore you cannot be surprized that Sir Wm.
should wish to remain at Home to superintend the Improvements, which we hope
wOl be compleated by the middle of next month, when we look forward with much
pleasure to making my Mother a visit. Henry Woodgate [afterwards Canon
Woodgate of Belbroughton] is staying at Hastings & performed part of the Duty
there last Sunday. Sir Wm. would be exceedingly obliged to my Mother to lend
him Pott's translation of Vergil & would esteem it a great Favor if you wd pack
them carefully and send them to him as soon as convenient by one of the Hastings
coaches. He has translated the first Book of Vergil, & wishes much to compare it
with Pott's. The Theatre at Hastings is lately opened, Dowton has been performing
there several nights. The Races are to take place to-morrow. The change in the
Weather has operated favourably on the Fever which has been so prevalent in this
part of the country. Mr. Stileman's Family have aU been great sufferers from this
complaint, but have I understand all left Winchelsea for change of air."

' ' Broomham, Octr. i8th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

Last Monday we dined with Mrs. Camac & met Sir Charles Lamb & Lady
Montgomery with a party of fom-teen at Dinner. Mrs. Camac's Evening Routs
commenced on this day, when she had a large & most agreeable Assembly. We have
seen a good deal of our Friends at Tunbridge ; Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge with Mrs.
Callender passed a long Morning at Broomham to-day, they appear to enjoy the
gayeties of Hastings extremely, they intend leaving Hastings next Monday in conse-
quence of Mr. Pearson being about to quit the curacy of Tunbridge. The Play we

patronized passed off extremely well : there was a very good House, altho' the audience
was not quite so numerous or fashionable as last year. Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny
Woodgate have been at Hastings for a few days, they very obligingly join'd our
Party. Mr. Brisco & Mr. Musgrave sat in the same Box with them. Mr. West has
engaged Poel's Lodgings for three months, the Ladies appear to anticipate the
greatest pleasure from passing another Winter at Hastings. The Hastings Balls
commenced yesterday sen' night ; the first was numerously attended, our Tunbridge
Friends were there & appeared to derive much Pleasure from the Evening Amusements,
but I shall defer giving you the Particulars of the Partys & News of this Neighbour-
hood till we meet. The walls of the Garden were completed yesterday & to-day we
are going to a nursery garden near Rye in search of Fir Trees. James West left us on
Saturday."

Early the following month the Ashburnhams paid their visit to Seal, and
despatched the following letter on their return.

" Broomham, Deer. 3rd, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

We were much concerned to hear of my Aunt Rose's Indisposition. Sir William
had a long letter from his Sister last Thursday in which she stated that Mr. Morris had
attended my Aunt & that she was then better ; he considered her in a state of extreme
Debility, tho' not in immediate Danger. I have the satisfaction to inform you that
Mr. J. Ashburnham is recovering from a severe Illness ; Mr. Wynch performed the
Service at Guestling to-day. Mr. & Mrs. West & Miss Woodgate took a Family
Dinner here on Friday, they tell me they have had many Engagements. Hastings is
at this time very full of good Company. Mrs. Camac has issued Cards of Invitation
for a grand Ball on the 28th. Sir William has taken a Horse to-day on Trial for a
week. Wednesday we are engaged to dine with Mr, & Mrs. Shadwell & we think of
attending the Ball on Thursday Eveng. Yesterday we had a visit from the Bride &
Bridegroom, Mr. & Mrs. H. Wynch, who have been returned to Pett about a week.
Mrs. H. Wynch is by no means handsome, but very genteel & pleasing in her manners.
We intend having a Dinnei Party next week, in order to give them an early Invitation.
Miss Carpenter called on Mrs. West a few days ago, when she took an opportunity of
imparting to her the numerous offers by which she had been solicited, & that it was in
consequence of her own cruelty that she remained Miss Carpenter. While on this
subject I must mention that Dr. Burgess has a Patient in the person of poor Baron
Wolfe, who has met with a fall returning from a Party. I hear the Ladies of Hastings
are much interested in the Baron's Recovery & frequently pay him a Visit. Having
been entirely at Home of late my Work has gone on well, but I shall be very thankful
for yours and Maryanne's kind contributions. I have made my Morng gown
which has been much admired.

P.S. Monday Morng. I have just received your kind Letter & we were most
exceedingly grieved by the most distressing account it contained of the Health of my
dr. Aunt Rose ; she has passed a long & valuable Life & her loss will be deeply felt
whenever it pleases Providence to withdraw her from this state of existence. Pray
remember us to her most affectionately. We shall wait with great anxiety for yr.
next letter & intend putting off all our Engagements."

Rose Woodgate grew worse, and her life must have been despaired of at the date
of the next letter, which contains many inquiries and reflections that we are compelled
to omit.

' ' Broomham, Deer. 20th, 1826.
My dear Fanny,

Sir William dines at Hastings this Eveng with Mr. & Mrs. West, & I cannot
employ the interval of his absence in a more satisfactory manner to myself than by
addressing a letter to you. I hope poor little Richard is better. I was happy to
find our nephew Wilham is at Seal as he wiU be a companion to Maryanne in her
Morning walks. I understand James is expected at Hastings to-day, I hope we shall

lOO

have the pleasure of seeing him at Broomham. Last Thursday we had a Party
to dine with us, the Invitations having been sent before we received your first
Letter announcing the lamentable Illness of my poor Aunt, & Sir William did not like
to decline receiving his Friends, thinking it probable mj^ Aunt might continue in her
present state with little fluctuations for a considerable time. I understand Hastings
is fuU of company & gayer than ever, two or three Parties taking place every Evening.
We have had several Invitations but I have Declined going into Company at present.
Mrs. Camac very obligingly invited you and Maryanne to her Xmas BaU which I
consider a particular compliment knowing she has a dread of a superfluity of Ladies,
& not having had it in our power to attend one of her Monday Evening Parties this
year ; to-morrow Eveng there is to be a Ball to which Mrs. J. Ashburnham is tq
accompany Mr. & Mrs. Richards. I have great pleasure in saying that Mr. J.
Ashburnham is very much Recovered.

Wednesday Momg. Mr. & Mrs. West's Dinner Party yesterday amounted to
ten in number, & in the Eveng they had the addition of twenty more visitors. James
breakfasted with us this Morning ; he is I think grown stouter & looking remarkably
weU, he is gone to Winchelsea on a coursing Party with some gentlemen from
Hastings, It would afford me the sincerest pleasure to hear that a Provision was
made by Government for Mrs. Wm, Humphrey, I think Lord Camden's Letter gives
it a favourable appearance."

Rose Woodgate died on January ist, 1827, and the Ashburnhams attended the
funeral. They started after an early dinner at Broomham, and arrived about eight
o'clock in the evening. Owing to the death of the Duke of York, they had the utmost
difficulty in procuring mourning in time for the occasion. They passed one night
at Tonbridge and a week at Seal ; but the return journey was not so fortunate, cis one
of the carriage horses was injured on the way to meet them, and they were obliged to
leave it at the Inn and take post horses the whole way.

One of the letters written on Rose Woodgate's death was from her nephew,
George William Ashburnham, to Miss Humphry, at Seal, which wiU serve as a specimen
of his style.

"3, Denmark Place [Hastings], Jany. 14th, 1827.
My dear Madam,

It was with no less Gratitude than Surprise that I read your obliging letter of the
nth inst — gratitude for my Dear Aunt's kindness to me through life, and surprise at
this last unexpected act of kindness (her Legacy) of which I assure you I never had
the most distant expectation or hope, but which I shaU ever hold in respectful and
Dutiful remembrance. I am now at a loss to proceed ! but, before I stay my hand,
which is unable to guide my pen to rehearse in adequate language the praise Due to
our Departed Friend, I must take leave to say, I believe never mortal quitted this
world with better hopes of an Immortal and an Eternal Felicity than she has.

I am extremely happy to hear my Aunt Humphry is so well, pray give my best
respects to her and thank her for her kindness on this, as well as on all former Occa-
sions. I also beg my best regards to yourself and Sister, and remain. Dear Madam,
wishing you all every happiness here and hereafter, your most affectionate Cousin,

G. Wm. Ashburnham."

Denny Ashburnham, too, writes to Miss Humphry on the same occasion.

' * Upper Marylebone Street, Portland place,
Janry. 15th, 1827.
My dear Madam,

Your kind favour was delivered immediately on my arrival in Town, but at too
late an hour to admit of its being answered by return of post.

I feel very grateful to my late respected Aunt Rose for her kind and handsome
remembrance, indeed I always associate that venerated name with dear Mountfield,
with every thing that is amiable, with every thing that can render this life rationally

happy. Mrs. Ashburnham begs to unite with me her sincere thanks for your kind
sohcitude for the children whom I am most happy to be able to say are now perfectly
recovered from their severe Illness. Will you oblige me by mentioning to my
Brother that I shall probably remain in Town till the 26th of next month ? . . . "

The Revd. John Ashburnham (who on the same occasion writes in somewhat
similar terms) suffered so much from bad health that he was compelled to undertake a
journey to town to consult Dr. Latham, of Harley Street, and was accompanied by
his wife and eldest boy ; the other children were left with his brother at Broomham.
They arrived about the 15 th February, and at first stayed at Golden Cross (near
Charing Cross), but afterwards took rooms at 13, Tichborne Street, Haymarket.
Mrs. Ashburnham writes from Golden Cross on the i8th February to Lady Ashburn-
ham with reference to a visit she had paid to her relatives in Marylebone Street : —

' ' Mr. Denny Ashburnham I am sorry to say is suffering from a severe cold, and
unluckily he had two Duties to perform to-day. Mary I regret to say was gone to
School, therefore I was disappointed by not seeing her ; the other little girl is entirely
recovered from her late illness, they are returning to Ditchling in about ten days and
their engagements prevent them from accepting Mrs. James West's invitation to
spend a few days at Tunbridge next week. John Piers is quite reconciled to London,
in fact he is much pleased with it, & delighted with this situation ; he amuses himself
by looking out of the window, and by writing Letters to yourself & his Sisters."

A second letter from Mrs. Ashburnham gives a favourable account of the
consultation, in which she adds : —

"We have got a very comfortable lodging consisting of a Drawing room & two
Bed Rooms communicating with each other on the same floor, which we find
extremely convenient. The situation is also good, it being just at the end of
Quadrant Regent Street. John Piers can see the Horseguards go up & down
the street from the Window which he is delighted with, indeed he is more pleased
with the soldiers than any thing in London Can you tell me if Miss Hollingbury is
in Town & where she is ? I should like to see her if she is in Town. Mr. Denny
introduced Miss Mary to us yesterday ; I was much pleased with her, she is a very
nice pretty good-tempered Child. We are just going with Mr. Denny to the Bazaar
in Baker Street where I hope to get my little Fanny her Doll & Cradle which I
understand she is extremely anxious for. I should like to see the dear Children
exceedingly, I beg you to kiss them for me & tell Fanny she may depend on having
her Doll & Cradle. I always give you a specimen of my bad writing. I do not know
how it is, but I am sure to write particularly ill whenever I have the pleasure of
addressing you. With our united kind regards to Sir William & yourself I am, my
Dear Lady Ashburnham, yours most affectionately,

March 5th, 1827. Fanny Ashburnham."

It was intended to place John Piers Ashburnham at a preparatory school in the
neighbourhood of London early in the following spring. Mr. Ashburnham returned
completely cured of his ague at the end of March.

To return however to the Broomham family.

' ' Broomham, Febry. 12th, 1827.
My dear Fanny,

I saw Mrs. West at Hastings one Morning before her departure, who informed me
that she had derived more benefit from following Mr. Scott's advice than that of any
other medical man she had ever consulted, Sir William is very much obliged to my
Mother for sending him " Warburton's Essay on Pope " the perusal of which affords
him much interest. Mr. Cubit came to Broomham last Friday, when he inspected the
house, &c.; he appeared fully to enter into Sir William's views on the subject of making
every alteration in the most economical manner, & by no means Recommends
extensive Repairs & considers that the old Mansion may be rendered a very comfort-

able Residence by some judicious Improvements. Mr. Cubit is to send Sir William the
end of this week a contract for the proposed alterations, and should this prove as
satisfactory as his visit, the works are to be begun in Town immediately & the work-
men are to commence their operations here on the sixteenth of April. Whilst on this
subject I must mention that the wainscoting in the Dining Room is to be repaired &
to be painted of an Oak colour. We were extremely glad to hecir of the safe con-
finement of Mrs. Francis Woodgate, the arrival of the little Girl must have been
most welcome. The Death of Mrs. Johnes is greatly regretted at Hastings, we hear
the House there is left to her nephew Coll. Johnes ; I wish Anna Woodgate may
have a Legacy, but we have not heard it mentioned in this Neighbourhood. Hastings
has thinned a good deal in the last fortnight. We intend going to Mrs. Camac's this
Evening, as it is conjectured her Parties for the season will close to-night. We hear
a matrimonial Engagement has taken place between Mr. St. Quinten & Miss Georgiana
Wellesley. Pray tell Anne Nouaille how much I admire the screens she so kindly
presented me with when at Hastings. We dined at Mr. Stileman's last Wednesday &
met a Party of sixteen composed chiefiv of the Rye Neighbourhood,with the exception
of Mr. Wynch & Mrs. H. Wynch.

Tuesday Morning. Mrs. Camac had rather a large & a very pleasant party last
night. It passed off so agreeably that she talks of giving two more before she goes to
Town. Ld. Graves & his three daughters were present. Mr. Camac is just recovered
from a fit of the gout ; they were particularly attentive & invited us to join some of
their parties in Mansfield St. Mr. Musgrave Brisco was one of the Party last
night. He was in good Spirits. If he has experienced a second disappointment he
hears it well. A great change has taken place in the company at Hastings ; with the
exception of a few of the Residents, the Company last night was composed of nearly
all strangers to us. Sir Wilham is going to walk to Hastings. I must therefore
conclude."

At the end of February Mr. Palmer was expected at Broomham, but as he did
not arrive, it was supposed that he was able to prosecute Sir William's business in
London. Lady Ashburnham writes to her sister with reference to Rose Woodgate's
affairs : —

' ' Broomham, Febry. 27th, 1827.

If my Mother & yourselves have no Intention at any period of making the House
at Tunbridge a Residence, perhaps it would be most adviseable to sell it before it is
Repaired. Sir William finds his Bills for the alterations he has already made at
Broomham amount to more than he expected. Mr. Cubit's contract is much higher
than he expected, & this contract is only for repairing the Front of the House, & from
these estimates I do not think my Mother wd complete the enlarging & repairing the
House at Tunbridge for less than a thousand Pounds. I am happy to find your new
Neighbours at the Grove [Sir Alexander Crichton's family] are likely to prove so
great an acquisition to your Society. We attended Mrs. Camac's Party last night
which was very numerous & splendid. Sir Charles Lamb & Lady Montgomery,
Ld. Grave's Family, most of the Residents «& all the most select company now at
Hastings were there. The mourning is left off for the late Duke of York, & the
Room had a most gay appearance. I have purchased & made a black satten Dress,
which / sported last Night. Mrs. Millward was present, attired in black Velvit &
looking pretty well. It is the first Party she has joined since the Death of her
Brother. Mr. Musgrave Brisco danced the whole Eveng & appeared in excellent spirits.
Miss St. Quinten is returned to Hastings & looking more beautiful than last year.
We left the Rooms at eleven o'clock when the Party were Dancing with much spirit.
A copy of verses has lately made its appearance in Hastings, the Author unknown.
Mrs. Camac as being the leading character of the Place is spoken of in terms of high
Flattery, but so much Irony is expressed that it is probably intended as a complete
Satire on this Lady. However she passes it off extremely well. The little eccentri-
cities of the poor Miss Millwards are mentioned with much severity ; altogetherji^it

ro3

displays more ill-nature than wit. I intend copying them thinking they wUl amuse
you & Maryanne. I am told another copy of verses taking in more Characters &
more severe than the former are in circulation, but these I have not yet seen. I had
a Letter from Caroline Hardinge on Friday to request me to execute some commis-
sions for her at Hastings, she was expecting to receive a summons every day to the
Christening of Sir Henry's little Girl. Have you heard any further intelligence
respecting Mrs. W. Humphry's affairs ? The papers have spoken of Ld. Harrowby
as being likely to succeed Lord Liverpool. Should he be appointed Premier, I hope it
may be a favorable circumstance."

The next letter mentions Rose Woodgate's best bed which was given by Mrs.
Humphry to Lady Ashburnham.

" Broomham, Tuesday Evening [14th March, 1827].
My dear Fanny,

Maryanne 's Letter accompanied with the Catologue of the Furniture belonging
to the late Sir Rd. Hardinge reached us last night. Sir Willm. considers it so good
an opportunity for the purchase of Furniture that he has determined on attending
the sale, & for this purpose he intends going to Sundridge to-morrow. It is his
present intention to pass two Nights at Seal with my Mother & Maryanne & to
return to Broomham Friday evening. You may possibly see him in the coach, I
feel extremely obliged by my Dear Mother's kind offer of the Bed, & if you are sure it
is not wanted at Seal, it would prove extremely acceptable at Broomham. The only
conveyance here for large articles is Tylden Smith's Battle & Hastings Waggon,
which passes thro' Tunbridge Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays. We think Ld.
Harrowby's letter to Mrs. Wm. Humphry does great credit to his Lordship's feelings,
most sincerely do I hope his Patronage may be attended with a favorable Decision.
I am glad to hear your arrangements with Mr. Palmer are going on in so satisfactory
a manner. I really think if an advantageous offer should occur, it would be desirable
for my Mother to dispose of her Shares in the Moat Farm, which if sold would lessen
her trouble & add to her Income. Do you not think it would be desirable for Mr.
Palmer to ascertain at the Bank in what manner our late Father's Funded Property
stands there, by which means my Mother will know what part of it is at her own disposal .
I just mention this, thinking it might not occur to you. Last Friday we dined with
Mr. & Mrs. Henry Wynch, & met a very agreeable Party. Mrs. H. Wynch is a most
pleasing young Woman & appears to particular advantage at her own House. During
Mr. Ashburnham's absence the duty has been remarkably well performed by Mr.
Hodges, who excels much in his Profession. Do you expect a visit from Caroline
Hardinge this Spring ? By her desire I have ordered to be worked for her at Hastings
an exceedingly handsome Dress with three flounces and a heading of work ; the price
is to be two Guineas. Poor Mrs. Denne is in the last stage of a Dropsy ; she was so
extremely 111, it was thought she would not have survived last week. To-day we
hear she is a little better, but without a prospect of permanent amendment. We
dine on Friday with Mr. & Mrs. G. Ash, I hope Sir Wm. will return soon enough to
join the Party. I am much concerned to hear you are to lose your valuable &
agreeable neighbours at Godden. Being nr eleven o'clock I must conclude."

Sir WHliam's proceedings at the sale are best recounted in his own words. He was
unable to obtain at the second day's sale any of the lots that he had decided upon,
namely Lot 212, Lot 265, a magnificent eight-light Grecian lustre which hung in
the drawing room and sold for 24 guineas, two guineas beyond his own bid ; and
Lot 266, a brilliant chimney glass, 54 inches by 29, which sold for 17 guineas, two
guineas in excess of his bid.

' ' Seal, March 15th, 1827.
My dear Julia,

. . . . I bought Lot 108, consisting of a set of ten, and two elbow, mahogany
chairs covered with scarlet morocco, for thirteen pounds ten Shillings. I likewise
purchased Lot 113, an eight-light Grecian lustre (which hung in the dining parlour)

I04

for ten pounds ten shillings. I do not know whether either you or I will be ulti-
mately satisfied with my purchases, but the whole sum I have given for them is so
moderate that I think I cannot have done essentially wrong. The dining room chairs
have certainly been made many years, and the morocco is in some degree discoloured
by time, but the sum I have given for them is so small that I am of opinion they
cannot fail to be useful as supplementary chairs, even if we should determine that
they are not good enough for best. The Grecian lustre (though very inferior to that
which hangs in the Drawingroom) I consider extremely handsome, & I was tempted
by the low price to purchase it under the idea of hanging it up in my dining room,
which when it is painted of an oak colom* cannot have too much light. . . , Soon
after I had passed through Riverhead I was overtaken by Mr. Petley, who very
obligingly conveyed me in his carriage to Sundridge ; in consequence of this
fortunate occurrence I arrived exactly at the very moment when the dining room chairs
were put up for sale. ... At Sundridge I met Mr. Francis Lipscombe and Mr.
Manning of Combe-bank {e), with the latter of whom I recommenced my acquaintance.
I enquired after Mrs. Lipscombe [formerly Sarah Woodgate of RiverhUl], and
was happy to find that she is quite well. I was glad also to learn that Mrs.
Henry Woodgate of River-hiU is considerably improved in health. . ."

The letter concludes with the following sentence : ' ' The pen I have had to
write with is so bad, that I am afraid you will find my Letter hardly legible." Every
word, every letter, is formed with faiiltless accuracy, and the whole is a production
of which any person of the present day might be supremely, and justifiably, proud.
It is, however, a trifle inferior to some of Sir William's writing, which in general is
fully equal to copy hand. Here be it said that the knowledge gained by the present
generation is too often acquired at the expense of the simpler but very necessary
accomplishment of good writing ; in nearly every instance, the writing shewn by the
old letters is far, very far superior to that of the present day.

The bed arrived about the same time as the articles purchased at Sir Richard
Hardinge's sale.

' ' Broomham, Sunday Eveng.
My dear Fanny, March 25th, 1827.

. . . I am truly rejoiced to find that Ld. Harrowby has succeeded in his
endeavour to obtain a Pension for Mrs, Wm. Humphry, & altho' the Provision is
small 1^200 a year] yet under the circumstances of the case it is an event that we
must all feel very thankful for. . . . The articles from Sundridge arrived yester-
day; the chairs are a handsome Form but not in a good state of Preservation. The
lustre is not unpacked from having no place at present from which it can be sus-
pended. I imagine you had a visit from Mr. Palmer last week as he would be returning
from the Kentish Assizes about that time. Sir Willm proposes recommencing his
Repairs in about a Fortnight ; I believe he will begin with the Poultry yard. The
beginning of May he thinks of new roofing the remainder of the House, & on the
15th of May Mr. Cubit is to commence his operations on the Interior of the old
Mansion. Sir Wm. indulged me this morning with a little of my favourite amuse-
ment ; we have planted about a hundred Forest Trees & fifty evergreen shrubs. How
truly unfortunate is the situation of poor Mrs. Hughes, the Living of Westfield has
been for some time sequestrated & Mr. Hughes is out 0/ sight. The Parsonage has
lately been taken possession of by Government Officers for arrears of Hop Duty. A
Farmer in the Parish whose Family had formerly received many instances of kind-
ness from Mrs. Hughes has given her a temporary asylum at his House. I hear Mr.
Polhill has offered her a Home at Chipstead but there is great difficulty in knowing
what to do with her Sons, who it is said have been much neglected & inherit all the
bad propensities of their Father. We passed a very agreeable Eveng. at Mr. Ash's &
met Mr. and Mrs. MUward, the Goodenoughs, &c. . . ."

(e) Mr. William Manning, M.P., was the father of Cardinal Manning.

I05

The next letter is written on two half sheets of paper most skilfully united with
cotton, and describes the parties at the Cazalets', the Lamb's, and elsewhere : —

" My dear Fanny,

This day being set apart for Sir William's Audit, and in consequence being con-
fined to my own Room, I cannot employ a portion of the time in a more agreeable
manner to myself than by addressing a Letter to you. ... I hope my Mother
will be fortunate in the disposal of her Property & we think the arrangements she is
about making are very judicious; by this means we trust her Income may be increased.
Mr. J. Ashbumham does not return home till after Easter. Mr. & Mrs. St. Albans
are so much pleased with Hastings that they intend buying a House there and making
it their future Residence. Mr. St. Albans has lately been appointed by the Bishop
of Chichester to the Curacy of Westfield. ... I shall be rejoiced when the
Repairs cire completed, having been in so unsettled a state of late. Tell my dear
Mother we depend on her making us a visit towards the end of the Summer, by which
time I hope the House will be comfortable indeed. I look forward with the greatest
pleasure to seeing her & my Sisters again at Broomham. Mrs. Charles Milward
either has or is about to leave Hastings ; yrs was the first Intelligence of her good
JFortune that had reached us. We are to dine with Mr. and Mrs. Lambe en famille
on Monday to meet only Major and Mrs. Mackenzie. Sir William would be obliged
if you would ask Mr. NouaiUe if he can without difficulty obtain for him from the
Manufacturers by the beginning of next month patterns of crimson taboret silk, not
stuff, by which time we shall know the number of yards we shall require for Curtains ;
this Mr. Nouaille was kind enough to offer the last time we had the Pleasure of
meeting him at Seal. I had a long letter from Alicia West a few days ago ; she gives
a good account of all her Family. The little Girls have just commenced Lessons in
Dancing. We are in daily expectation of hearing the result of James' first college
examinations. From the accounts that have reached us we hope it will be creditable
to himself. We think of leaving off our mourning for our late Aunt on Easter Sunday;
is this the time you have fixed on ? On opening my writing Desk I found only two
half sheets of Paper, & being excluded from the Drawing Room I was obliged to
unite them which I hope you will excuse. . .
Broomham, April 5th, 1827."

The Ashburnhams were invited to spend some time with the Mackenzies in
town in April. The next letter is not till November, and contains an account of
Mr. Allnutt's Death. Lady A. adds : "I sincerely congratulate my Mother &
yourself on the Prospect of retaining as Neighbours our kind Relatives & Friends at
Greatness. We attended Mrs. Camac's Party Monday Sennight. She had a briUiant
assembly, Ld. Westmorland was there. He is staying at Hastings with an Invalid
Daughter. I hear her Party last Monday was very numerous & amounted to more
than eighty."

On the 24th, Mrs. James West, William, and Alicia West came to stay at Broom-
ham, and soon afterwards James West, who had just returned from Cambridge,
arrived at Hastings.

' ' Broomham, Deer, gth, 1827.
My dear Fanny,

... On Wednesday we had a Dinner Party of twenty comprized of our Neigh-
bours at Rye ; Fanny Woodgate joined our Party & remained here till yesterday Morn-
ing. She is looking uncommonly well & appears more than ever to enjoy the amusements
of Hastings. On Friday for the sake of economy we had another large Dinner Party,
and as I know you hke to hear every particular shaU send a list of the Company,
which consisted of the Archdeacon, Mrs. & Miss Goodenough, Mrs. Wynch, Mr. &
Mrs. H. Wynch, the two Miss Birds, the two Mr. Brisco's, & Mr. Hodges We were
much disappointed in not seeing Mrs. Mascall who was summoned into Lincolnshire
by Mr. Collet the day before, in consequence of the alarming illness of her sister. On

io6

the day of our first party Mr. & Mrs. Rush dined & slept here ; I was really very happy
to see our old friends at Broomham. Mrs. James West is looking very well, I am
much concerned to see she does not derive more amusement from Society. We are
to dine with Mr. & Mrs. Richards one day next week but I believe she will decline all
Engagements at Hastings both for herself & Ahcia during her stay. James joined his
Grandfather & Mrs. West yesterday & I believe they are engaged to Parties every
day for the next month. The Public Ball is fixed for the 25th, & Mrs. Camac's
grand entertainment is to take place on the 27th Nov. ; poor Mr. Camac has been
confined for the last month with an attack of gout. The last Public Ball was but
thinly attended. Mr. Courthope's Family came from Wylie to be present. The
Flirtation between Miss Courthope & a gentleman at Hastings appears on the decline.
Mrs. John Ashburnham declines joining parties at present but is to pass a few days
here this week to meet Mrs. James West. We hear the Chapel at Hastings is nearly
finished. It is to be consecrated on the i8th & to be open for Public Worship on
Xmas Day. It is said Miss Anson is engaged to Mr. Sharp ; James consoles himself
with paying attention to Miss Golightly, a very pretty young woman from the neigh-
bourhood of Pembridge, who is now at Hastings. Fanny Woodgate's cousin Mr.
Hamilton has been for some time at Hastings ; he is in attendance on Mrs. & Miss
Russel. You may recollect the latter is the Lady to whom he is engaged. Fanny
has seen him frequently & he appears to wish to cultivate frequent Intercourse with
her."

' ' Broomham, Deer. 28, 1827.
My dear Fanny,

... I received your kind letter on Wednesday & immediately signed the Legacy
Discharge [for the legacy under Sir Richard Hardinge's will] & returned it to Capt.
Hardinge under cover to Sir Henry by that night's post. Our Friends from DryhUl
leave Broomham on Monday next. About a fortnight ago Alicia persuaded her
Mama to allow her to attend with us one of Mrs. Camac's at Homes, with which she
was much pleased. Mrs. Camac gave Mrs. J. West & her Daughter a most pohte
Invitation to attend her Ball last night ; Mrs. West I am happy to say found herself
equal to the exertion & thither we all repaired about nine o'clock. Mrs. Camac
kindly enquired after Maryanne & yourself & said she should have been most happy to
see you also. From 150 to 200 Persons were assembled & I assure you it was a most
agreeable Ball. Mrs. James West was highly entertained by the Variety of Characters
that were present ; Alicia is much improved in dancing, made out extremely well, and
obtained for a first Ball a good share of Partners. Fanny Woodgate was thought
the decided Belle of the Evening, she is considered to be much improved both in her
Person and Manner. Mrs. Camac was as usual all attention to her Guests. One
great drawback to the Eveng occurred ; poor Mr. Camac was in Bed suffering from
a severe attack of gout. Lord Graves lost a Daughter at Hastings a few days ago in
consequence of which all his party together with Dr. Wellesley's Family were prevented
attending. I am told Hastings is overflowing with visitors, but imagine Lady
Londonderry would find no difficulty in obtaining Lodgings in a good situation for
about eight guineas a week, as the company changes so continually. It afforded me
real pleasure to hear so good an account of Ld. Camden's Family after their late
severe affliction, & that yourself & Maryanne had passed so cheerful a day at Wilder-
ness. We are to patronize a Play to-morrow Evening, we fix this day as being the
only vacant night during the stay of our Tunbridge Friends. We have three engage-
ments next week, on Wednesday to the Miss Milwards, Thursday Mrs. Stonestreet's
& Friday Mrs. Goodenough's. Mr. Courthope's Family arrived at Hastings yesterday
for the purpose of attending Mrs. Camac's Ball last night. Perhaps -perseverance on
their part may obtain the Prize. Our friend James is paying great attentions to Miss
Golighty who has been at Hastings with her Mother for the last six weeks. I am glad
to find Mr. Palliser has succeeded in effecting an exchange. Should you attend our
Friend Caroline Hardinge's Wedding, pray offer my sincerest & kindest congratu-
lations : on her account I wish it was a more desirable connection."

107

The next letter followed in close succession ; Miss Humphry had been asked to

recommend some lodgings to Lady Londonderry, and her sister mentions four
that were vacant and suitable :

II, Wellington Square, 9 beds Five guineas a week.

13, Pelham Crescent, 10 beds or more. Eight guineas a week.

I, Breeds Place, 11 beds or more, Twelve guineas a week.

Brunswick House Parade, Nine guineas a week.

" Tuesday Morning (ist Janry., 1828).
My dear Fanny,

Our friends at Dryhill left yesterday morning. I am concerned to say that
James states in his Letter received this Morning that poor Fanny Woodgate is very
unwell, having had continual fainting fits, but I am happy to add was somewhat
better last night. I fear she has undergone too much exertion of late. The dramatic
Performances on Saturday Evening passed off very well. Mr. & Mrs. West filled a
Box with themselves & Friends, & James escorted a large Party of young Ladies.
The House was well attended, many of the Principal visitors now at Hastings were
present."

A postscript mentions that Sir William had that morning received Intelligence
of the death of his unfortunate cousin. Miss Ashburnham of Chichester.

Anne Frances Ashburnham was a niece of the Bishop of Chichester, being the
daughter of the Rev, Charles Ashburnham, Precentor and Canon Residentiary of
Chichester Cathedral. Miss Ashburnham had an only brother. Charles, and both
were unfortunately weak in intellect. On the death of their mother, about 1822, a
widow, they were left insufficiently provided for ; indeed,Miss Ashburnham had but a
farm which brought in £40 a year, and her brother had perhaps still less. However,
the family contributed liberally to their support. Sir William gave ^^500, John
Ashburnham gave £10 a year, and the Pelhams, Lord Chichester and other relatives
likewise assisted. They lived under the care of their cousin Mrs. Davison, wife of the
Treasurer of Chichester Cathedral, who proved a most valuable friend at this juncture.

The next letter mentions the Winchelsea property which was so adversely
affected by the Rye Harbour Bill, and which Sir William Ashburnham was very
anxious to sell.

" Broomham, Janry. 13th, 1828.
My dear Fanny,

... I very much regret you have so much trouble in the arrangements of o\xi late
Aunts' affairs, but where so many Interests are concerned fear it too often occurs.
Mr. Palmer came to Hastings about a fortnight since, & with the mutual consent of
Sir Wm. & Mr. J. Ashburnham cancelled the contract with Mr. Shadwell for the
Winchelsea Estate. Mr. Shadwell for some time has not been in good Health &
would not longer consent to so large a sum being tied up, & the Trustees considering
it doubtful whether the contract could be enforced while the crown claims were
pending thought it most advisable to rehnquish it altogether. You may be assured
this is a great disappointment to Sir Wm., having for nearly three years looked
forward to the completion of this purchase, as the time for the final arrangement of
his affairs. However we must hope for the best, & Mr. Palmer hears the Crown will
certainly issue an Inquisition to try the question in the course 6f the ensueing Spring,
after which a re-sale of the Estate will take place, but I fear under much less advan-
tageous circumstances. We attended Mrs. Bird's Ball in Wellington Square last
Wednesday Eveng, Most of the Principal Famihes & many of the visitors of the place
were present, amounting to about a hundred. Lady Burton & Mr. H. Burton who
are among the last arrivals at Hastings joined the Party. Pray teU Mrs. NouaiUe
that Anne appeared to enjoy herself exceedingly, was looking remarkably well &
danced the whole Evening. Fanny Woodgate I am sorry to say appears in a delicate
state of Health, & is advised to avoid much fatigue ; between ourselves I think she has

io8

of late been a good deal harassed by different suitors. Mr. Wm. Palmer has been at
Hastings twice lately, & made proposals of marriage to her. I understand he is
coming down again on Saturday, but whether he is to be a favored lover I am at a
loss to conjecture. Mr. Musgrave Brisco has been paying her great attention but
he appears quite unsuccessful. . . .

Mrs. West is to have a Party to-morrow Evening. A Public Ball is to take Place
on Wednesday to which Sir Wm. at the particular request of Mrs. Camac again
officiates as Steward, & we have an Invitation to dine with Mr. & Mrs. Bowen in
Wellington Square on Saturday. I depend upon Anne Nouaille's making us a visit
during her stay in this Neighbourhood. I hope yourself & Maryanne enjoyed Miss
Burton's Party. . . . "

The next letter contains a request by the Rev. John Ashburnham that Lady
Ashburnham should stand god-mother to his second son, Anchitel :

' ' Ever since the birth of my little son I have been turning it in my thoughts
whom I should among my friends ask to be Sponsors for him. Now there is no one
who it would be more gratifying to me (& I may add to Mrs. Ashburnham) to stand
Godmother to him than yomrself. Your undertaking this office will therefore be
esteemed by us as a particular obligation At the same time I beg to say that if you
have the least objection to comply with my request I shall not take your doing so at
all amiss."

John Piers, the eldest son. died at an early age, so that Anchitel eventually
succeeded to the baronetcy. The next letter, from Sir William, accompanied the
" Keepsake " (a Literary Annual), his gift to Mary Anne Humphry, and contains
much discerning literary and artistic criticism, which consideration of space compels
us to exclude.

' ' Broomham, April loth, 1828.
My dear Miss Mary Anne Humphry,

. . . Sir Charles Hardinge was from home, but we saw at the Vicarage Capt.
& Mrs, Hardinge, and also Lady Hardinge, who introduced to us a train of remark-
ably healthy looking children. Lady Hardinge was looking charmingly, and seemed
delighted at seeing Julia. Her Ladyship told us, that Sir Charles had some thoughts
of coming to Hastings in the course of next autumn : I hope he will carry his intentions
into execution, which will be very agreeable to us. We had an uncommonly fine
day for our journey, the roads were in excellent order, and we arrived at my old
mansion about seven o'clock. I have this morning been to the Parsonage, but am
sorry to say Mrs. Ashburnham is far from well. . . .

Sensible of the interest which the friendly circle at Seal feel for all my family, I
have much pleasure in transmitting to you some very agreeable intelligence which I
have just received from my brother Denny. I found here a letter from my brother
Denny, in which he saj's that whilst he was in London he had an interview with
the Lord Chancellor, who not only treated him in the kindest and most cordial
manner, as an old friend, but from some observations which Lord Lyndhurst made,
Denny thinks himself warranted in supposing that he may depend for certain on his
Lordship's patronage. . . . "

The next letter is also from Sir William to Mary Anne Humphry fixing the date
of her visit to Broomham. He requests her to obtain a drawing which Mr. Engle-
heart had promised to do for him of the Knights Templars tombs at Winchelsea, and
' ' a similar message to our young friend Mr. Peter Nouaille who has engaged to
execute for me a Drawing representing some of the antiquities at Oxford and in its
neighbourhood." These drawings, together with some verses upon Ozias Humphry,
which Mrs. Humphry had, were destined for Sir William's magnificent album. It
was very handsomely bound and finished ; but whether any of his albums remain
with the family we do not know. He adds : —

' ' I understand that the Earl of Chichester is going to be married to a daughter

log

of the Earl of Cardigan ; perhaps you may have seen the Ladies Brudennel. at Wilder-
ness. As I hear Mr, William Thorpe is sent for to London to draw up the marriage
articles, I imagine that the ceremony will shortly take place. Both Julia and I
depend upon seeing her nephew William Humphry at Broomham in the course of his
summer vacation ; perhaps he will accompany you here if his grandmother can spare
him so soon. We expect our friends Mrs. and Miss Palmer to pay us a visit about the
8th of this month. We were concerned to hear of the death of Major Woodgate,
though from the reports of his illness we had reason to anticipate such an event."

The Major was William Woodgate of Summerhill, who died at Dunkirk, surrounded
by several of his family. From two letters of Mary Anne Humphry's, we learn
that William Humphry returned to school no less pleased with his visit than were
Mrs. and Miss Palmer, the former of whom reminded her occasionally, when in her
most agreeable moods, of her aunt Sarah Woodgate. Their places were taken by
Wilham and John West, the latter " improved, and an intelligent and fine boy,"
the former " always an agreable inmate." With reference to the approaching
match between Musgrave Brisco and Fanny Woodgate, who were then at Ton-
bridge, Mary Anne Humphry observes : —

' ' The family at the Postern intended to go to Town on Monday, a preparatory
measure to the approaching union. William tells us Mr. Brisco frequently goes to
Dry Hill & that his Mother likes him very much. Mr. & Mrs. Shadwell came over to
Broomham ten days ago to invite all the Party to dine with them on Tuesday last ;
we sat down to Table to the number of ten, consisting of Miss Sayer, Mr. Dudley
North, Mr. Warrenger, our own party & the host & hostess ; in the Evening there was
the addition of Miss Milwards, Mr. & Mrs. Stonestreet, Dr. Burgess, &c. Miss
Fanny [Millward] was quite brisk, & related to me their attending a sort of fete
champetre at Lady Hertford's, where the gardens were illuminated in a splendid
manner & many of the royal family present. Miss Milward said the King was not
pleased with Lady Londonderry's assumption of Royalty. On Thursday next Mr.
Curteis gives a grand entertainment at Windmill Hill. The Company are invited at
one o'clock, archery & Quadrilles are to constitute the Diversions of the Day ; Sir
William & Julia have decHned, as they cannot be accomodated with beds. Dr. &
Mrs. Knox spent two hours here yesterday morning ; they admired the House & furni-
ture exceedingly. Mrs. Knox said, Anna is now staying with her brother William
[Woodgate] in London, where her marriage will shortly take place, & in consequence
of her Father's recent demise as privately as possible. . . ."

Mr. Brisco's marriage was greatly delayed by the dissensions between William
Woodgate and Mr. Whitton who were preparing the settlements ; the delay extended
to weeks, and even to months, and during that time the Ashburnhams, being in
constant expectation of a summons to the wedding, were unable either to accept or
give invitations to their friends. Fanny Woodgate's cousin, the Hon. Gustavus
Hamilton, was more fortunate, for we learn from Mary Anne Humphry's letter of
13th September, 1828, that

" . . . Mr. Hamilton was married on Tuesday last to Miss Russel, at the
new Chapel at Hastings ; it was very private, & soon after the ceremony they departed
in a carriage and four to London, where they will remain a short time previous to an
excursion on the Continent " (/).

(/) Miss Russell was the daughter of Mr. Matthew Russell, M.P,, of Brancepeth Castle, Durham.

Brancepeth Castle was originally one of the ancient homes of the Nevilles. It was purchased
in 1796 for £75,000 by Miss Russell's grandfather, whose son completely restored it, in excellent
taste and without regard to expense. He married a sister of the Rt. Hon. Charles Tennyson
D'E3Tiecourt, and had two children ; the son died in 1850 without issue, and the daughter
married Mr. Hamilton, afterwards Lord Boyne, who succeeded in his wife's right to Brancepeth
Castle and assumed by royal hcence the name and arms of Russell in addition to those of
Hamilton. Their grandson is the present Lord Boyne, in the Peerage of Ireland, and Baron
Brancepeth in that of the United Kingdom.

The letter continues :

' ' On the same day was hkewise married at Battle Miss Barton to Lord Clarina.
Fame reports that this Lady has a large fortune. Mr. Palmer left Broomham on
Saturday morning, he said my Mother's wishes should certainly be attended to ; his
family are now at Brighton where they propose remaining six weeks. Sir William &
Julia were invited yesterday to dine at Winchelsea, to meet the Bishop of Calcutta
& his Lady. In the morning however Mr. W. Lipscomb called with his Brother the
Bishop to say the party was postponed in consequence of the indisposition of
Mrs. Lipscomb. They have been making a tour round the coast, and from too much
exertion, or the heat of the weather, she found herself very unwell, & perfect quiet was
recommended for the next fortnight. We are going to Hastings this morning ; the
place is overflowing with company & looking cheerful & gay. A visit to Miss Mil-
ward will probably put us in possession of the particulars of the late weddings. On
Monday last we called upon Mrs. Mascal ; it was a lovely morning & I enjoy'd the
drive extremely. Miss Mascal (still in delicate health) was gone with Mr. Herbert
Curteis to pass a fortnight at Eastboarne. Mrs. Mascal walked with us through her
Gardens & pleasure Grounds, which are extensive, & I saw the Noisette Rose, of a
gigantic height, still flowering most luxuriantly. . . ."

A visit of Frances Humphry to Broomham succeeded that of her sister, and was
the cause of several interesting letters.

" Broomham, Tuesday Morning, (i8th Novr., 1828).
My dear Mother,

In the expectation of seeing our friend Julius NouaUle, I shall prepare an Epistle
for his conveyance to you. I must in the first place inform you of my safe arrival
here on Friday evening about six o'clock, the Coach by which I travelled went by
Tonbridge Wells, Tycehurst, & Wadhurst, which detained us a little longer on the
road, but gave me an opportunity of seeing a new & pretty part of the country. Sir
William's carriage was waiting my arrival at the Hare & Hounds, & on reaching
Broomham a cordial reception together with a cheerful Fire blazing in my bedroom
soon made me very comfortable after a wet journey. . . . Saturday morning I
accompanied Sir William & Julia to Hastings, when we called on Miss Crichton, but
unfortunately did not see her, as she was taking an early dinner with her friend.
We afterwards visited Miss Mascall, & Mrs. & Miss Golightly — the former is staying at
Hastings with a sick Aunt, & expecting to be joined by her Mother in about a month.
On leaving Hastings we met Mr. & Mrs. Musgrave Brisco entering the town. Mr.
Brisco was on the look out, anxiously awaiting their arrival which was announced by a
merry peal from the BeUs of St. Clements Church. In consequence of the indisposi-
tion of Miss Luxford, herself & her sister Elizabeth had been passing a fortnight
with Miss Browning for the benefit of a little warm bathing & left Hastings a week
ago much improved in Health.

Julia has lately had all her Geese stoln, & Saturday night three Hen-roosts in the
Parish (including Mr. John Ashburnham's) shared the same fate. It is intended to
caU a meeting of the parishioners to propose a nightly watch during the winter, in
the hope of putting a stop to these daring Depredators. TeU Maryanne her friend
Chanticleer with his melodious strains arouses me by times every morning. Julia has
written to invite Miss Crichton to pass a few days here next week. ... I have
not yet been able to see my little Godson, but intend visiting the Parsonage the
first disengaged morning. Sir Wm. & Julia have declined several parties next
week in the expectation of Miss Crichton being here ; the only engagements at present
existing are a dinner here on Wednesday, & one at Sir Wathen Waller's on Friday
week. We are going this morning to call on the Bride & Bridegroom, & hope to find
Juhus Nouaille here on the return. . . ."

" Broomham, Novr. 24th, 1828.
My dear Maryanne,

As the relation of the proceedings at Broomham proves so acceptable to our
friends at Seal, I certainly will not fail to send you a circumstantial detail of them,
but in the first place must thank you for the kind letter received on Friday last, &
assure j^ou it affords us no less satisfaction to hear a good account of my dear Mother
& yourself. Julia & indeed all the Trio were much disappointed that the unexpected
departure of Miss Crichton prevented her coming to Broomham, having indulged
many pleasing anticipations from the prospect of her Society. I will now proceed
with my detail in due order. I know you will expect a particular account of Mr. Kay's
entertainment ; Mrs. \Yinch, Mr. Henry & Mr. feter Winch, Mrs. & Miss Randal
(ladies residing in Wellington Square) & ourselves partook a repast consisting of
every delicacy of the season, elegantly served, with all thp refinement foreign skill
could devise, the choicest Wines, & a Desert to which the confectionery of Paris &
Brussels were added ; & to compleat all rose Water was dispensed after dinner for the
refreshment of the party. Mr. Kay & his Sisters were most attentive to their Guests ;
barring a small tincture of affectation, he appears an intelligent pleasant man ; his
Sisters I like very much, their Cottage is quite a Bijou, I am to visit them some
morning to take a more accurrate survey of their cabinet of Foreign Curiosities. Of
the Ball you must not expect so animated & vivid a description as I probably should
have given ten ypars ago ; it was nevertheless very pleasant. A hundred & forty
fight persons were present, & among several stars of less magnitude Mrs. Briscp
^^one pre-eminent. Sir Wm. continues to act as ^ Steward, in whiph office he is
considered so efficent, that his name was included in the list withoyt ascertaining his
own wishes on the subject. The mourning here is not yet laid aside, altho' at the
Ball & most of the festive meetings many of the ladies appear in white Dresses.

Much to the disapppintment of Sir Wrn. his Album is not yet arrived from
Town ; the Binder certainly does not enter intp fiis feelings, or he would nqt
have been so tardy in executing his Order. The Pictures [the family portraits,
ypferred to in Mary Anne Humphry's letter] are remarkably wgU cleaned, & appear to
great advantage ranged in due order round the dining-room. The Party here on
Saturday passed most agreeably, 22 at dinner, mth the addition of Miss Sayer, a
friend, and two Neices (who volunteered their company) in the evening ; the dinner
was very handsome & well served, & altho' so late in the year, the Floral display was
very ornamental to the Table. Mr. Henry Winch the preceding day sent a nosegay
containing more than a hundred different flowers, gathered from the owjier's Garden,
& many of them beautiful of their kirid. In the eveng Sir Wm. proposed a pool of
commerce for the benefit of the Infant School, in which many of the party readily
joined, the Gentlemen putting in Double Stakes ; it was at last contested by Julia &
myself, the fickle goddess however favoured her with success, & the sum of thirty
shillings was consigned to the care of Miss Bird in aid of the funds of the institution.
The Bazaar is to be opened at the Assembly room the 23rd & 24th of Deer. Ly
Ashburnham, Mrs. Camac, Mrs. Brisco & Mrs. Millward have been solicited to act as
Patronesses, & every Patroness is to have two young Ladies in waiting upon her.
The design is certainly very laudable, but if it could be accomplished with less cere-
mony & display, it might perhaps be still better. My Godson is really a magnificent
Child, & remarkably gracious & condescending to his God-mamma; the little Girls are
beautiful Children, but at present I cannot say much in favour of their agreeable
qualities. At the Ball Miss Millward danced the whole evening with some of the
smartest partners in the room including yr friend Mr. Dudley North. Mr. & Mrs.
West appear most happy to rejoin their Neice ; Mrs. West is to bring Mrs. Brisco to
pass a Morning here some day this week. Mrs. Brisco says the reception & kindness
she has received from aU Mr. Brisco's family cannot be exceeded. One of the
Carriage horses has been so much indisposed that the Farrier recommends perfect
rest for a week, possibly this short intermission may be desirable for the Inmates

of the House as well as the Stable. Invitations have been received (in which I am
included) to the following dinners: Tuesday the 2nd of Deer ArchdeaconGoodenough's,
Friday the 5th the Miss Millwards', & the loth (my dear Mother's Birthday) to Mr.
Stonestreet's. I never remember such a month of November, the walk to Church
yesterday morning was quite delightful. Do not think that amidst all the gaiety
by which I am surrounded that I am unmindful of my friends at home, & whenever
you feel disposed for writing, a letter will be most acceptable to me. With our
united best love to my Mother & yourself, ever my dear Maryanne yr affecte sister

Frances Humphry.

A list of the party at Broomham on Saturday last : Mr. Brisco, Mr. & Mrs. M.
Brisco, Mr. & Mrs. Camac, the Archdeacon, Mrs. & Miss Goodenough, Mr. & Mrs.
West, Mrs. Mr. Henry & Mr. Peter Winch, the Miss Millwards, 2 Miss Birds, Mrs.
Ashbumham & Mr. Palmer."

A postscript added by Lady Ashburnham : — ' ' . . . Have you heard that Sir
Anthony Hart has sold Mabledon to Mr. Deacon, a Banker in London ? Sir William
has nearly completed his Orchard Plantation, which we hope will prove a great
addition to the garden at Broomham. Mrs. M. Brisco is looking beautiful ; from a
conversation I had with Mr. Musgrave the day they dined here, I think they will
ultimately fix on a Residence in the Country & we hope not far from us. . . ."

The Brisco's are henceforth mentioned so frequently and at such length that, in
view of the fact that many of the extracts are arranged under the heading of BRISCO
(Chapter XVI), it is impossible to transcribe at length every reference to them.
The narrative is resumed by Miss Humphry on the 2nd December, 1828.

" . . . The party here on Wednesday last consisted of Sir Charles Lamb,
Ly. Montgomery, Ld. Eglinton, Ly. Turnour & her eldest son. Sir Wathen Waller,
2 Mr. Norths, Mr. & Mrs. Stonestreet, Mrs. & Miss Golighty, Miss Lucas, & Mr.
Warrenger ; several of the residents being engaged the number was made up by
including a few visitors. The dinner did infinite credit to the arrangement & good
taste of the Mistress as well as the skiU of the Cook. The Beauport family made
themselves very agreeable & admired the fitting up of the House exceedingly, Ly.
Turnour appears to more advantage unaccompanied by her poor unfortunate lord ;
she was very handsomely attired & took an opportunity of informing Julia that she
made a point of waiting on her in a dress she had to attend his Majesty's drawing
room in the Spring. There was a Concert & Ball at Hastings the same evening,
which several of the party attended after leaving Broomham. It is a relief to Julia
that these parties are over, there being a degree of anxiety attending home-meetings
that is not experienced elsewhere.

The party at Sir Wathen Waller's on Wednesday last was very select, 16 at dinner,
& the entertainment altogether the most splendid I have witnessed ; the display of
Plate quite magnificent ; a variety of the choicest wines, & a dessert consisting of the
rarest Fruits & preserves ; in the latter four richly gilt Cornucopia's were introduced,
which produced a very ornamental effect to the table. Sir Wathen abounds in
anecdote, which with a little degree of pomposity renders his conversation highly
amusing. The Baroness How presided at the head of the table, & was very attentive
to her guests ; but is so extremely deaf that she can derive little pleasure from society,
& most of the party appeared reluctant to hear the sound of their voice through the
medium of her ladyship's Trumpet. Sir William's Album arrived yesterday, & is a
most splendid work ; he has presented it to Julia and I am sure she will duly value
so gratifying a proof of affection & genius ; I promise myself a rich treat, in being
allowed to peruse the contents of this interesting volume. . . The Carriage
Horse is quite recovered. We went to Hastings yesterday to call on Mr. & Mrs. West,
& found them both quite well. We also made Miss Golightly a visit, who favoured us
with the sight of some of her paintings, one of which (a miniature of Mary Queen of

113
Scotts) Sir Wm. much admired, & she has promised him a copy for his Album ; she is a
pretty Hvely girl, with most fascinating manners ; Mr. Dudley North appears by no
means insensible to her charms. I find the parties very pleasant now I am become
more acquainted with the members of which they are composed. Miss Goodenough
I like much, & Miss Lucas is a very pleasant well informed young Woman. The
Invitations multiply, to Balls, as well as dinners ; Sir Wm. & Julia prudently decline
all evening engagements (with the exception of Mrs. Camac's Ball fixed for the 26th
Inst.) during the Winter. Even Mrs. Brisco begins to find the parties too frequent,
& says she quite enjoys a quiet evening at home. Sir William has sent to a certain
Mr. Job Elliot, famed for his Skill in draining land, & hopes to conclude a treaty with
him, for performing this salutary operation on his Park. . . ."

The Baroness Howe was the eldest daughter of the celebrated Lord Howe, and
married secondly in 1812 Sir Jonathan Wathen Waller. A reflection of the life at
Broomham is afforded by a long letter of this date from Denny iVshburnham, from
which we have made a few extracts : —

" 27, Upper Marylebone Street, Portland Place,
Deer. 5th, 1828.
Dear Brother,

. , . I v/as happy to find that Lady Ashburnham & yourself have been
passing your time so agreeably and sociably. I pictured to myself the happiness I
have so often witnessed in the festive Parties at Broomham ; such happiness is
natural where good sense, good humour & good taste prevail in the Host & Hostess,
the Lords & Governors of the feast, for surely there folly herself, fearing detection, will
mantle in her best attire & muffle all her bells.

It gave me sincere pleasure to hear that Fanny Woodgate had changed her
name so much to the satisfaction of her Relatives & with that promise of felicity
alluded to in your very effective lines written & spoken on the occasion, & which must
have contributed largely to the hilarity of the marriage feast, neither would the
loyal sentiments bourn on the Breezes of the blustering West lose their effect. I am
glad you have planted an orchard ; it is an appendage much wanted to your old
mansion. I can see you in imagination walking your rounds & watching the progress
of your plants, which is indeed a matter of great interest, rising in proportion to our
knowledge of the vegitable world. Believe me, the pleasure I derive from my very
limited information in Botany is indescribable. Hamlet calls this world * ' an un-
weeded garden" . . . My dear Mrs. Mackenzie, Mrs. Lewes & children, with Miss
Capley spent a long morning with us at Ditchling, and were much pleased with the
improved appearance of the Vicarage, and Mrs. M. ran away with your letter
containing the nuptial fines & we parted not a little pleased with our visitors.
Your favour was forwarded to me from Ditchling last Monday, which I should
have answered sooner had I not waited to see my little Nephew whom I saw yesterday
at Mr. Jephson's ; he was looking remarkably weh, quite a picture, & very anxious for
Saturday week, which he expects will set him at rural liberty.

Here, now, is drawing to a close perhaps the happiest of the many happy years
of my life. I cannot say with Octavian ' ' Where are the look'd-for Years, gaily
bedecked with fancy's imagery, when boyhood smiled upon thy lusty youth & all
was sunshine ! " — for with me, such times, not only have been, but are still existing,
rolling on in bright or even brighter colouring arrayed. . . ."

The style of this writer is not dissimilar to that of his brothers George and Sir
William, and has about it a certain ring that is now seldom met with. It is employed,
with much effect, in the next letter, which contains a criticism of the Keepsake for
1828, Sir William's yearly Christmas present to Mary Anne Humphry. His remarks
will not admit of transcription at full length, but an extract will suffice : —
" . . . The poetry, with the exception of two or three small pieces, is very

114

indifferent. The following epigrammatic couplet is decidedly the best amongst the
verses, and seems like a satire, a severe satire on the rest.

' ' Swans sing before they die — 'twere no bad thing
' * Did certain persons die before they sing."

The prose department is much better. . . My poetical album tias at last beei^
returned from the hands of the bookbinder. It is magnificently bound, and has been
much approved of by my friends. I flatter myself that it is quite a unique com-
pilation. Many Kentish families are expected at Hastings, amongst the rest the
Hodges of Hempsted, the Morlands of Lamberhurst, and the Moneypennys of Hadlow;
Mr. Henry Hodges and his family, and Sir John and Lady Smith (who is sister to Mrs.
Morland) are arrived there already. . . ."

This letter is succeeded by one containing a minute description of the Bazaar.
Sir William had expressed his anxiety to secure a beautiful chess table, valued at
fifteen pounds, painted by Miss Bryan, a friend of the Miss Birds. The border was of
" a peculiarly elegant arabesque pattern most admirably executed in imitation of
ebony and ivory ; the squares are black and white alternately, each white square
being decorated with a different Landscape, chiefly views on the Rhine taken on the
spot by the young Lady herself." This masterpiece was played for by thirty share-
holders of ten shillings each, and fell to the lot of Mrs. RusseU, whose daughter had
lately married Mr. Hamilton ; doubtless Lord Boyne's famOy now possesses it.

The Bazaar realized on the two days sale £260, when a great many articles were
yet unsold. Amongst other things Sir William purchased for one pound a well
executed watercolour painting of ships encountering a strong gale at sea by a Miss
Hutton, a pupU of Copley Fielding ; Dr. Batty (a good judge of drawings) declared
that it did great credit to her master. Sir Wniiam declares that, " like all the
European markets, the room was overstocked with commodities, and the goods to be
sold very far exceeded the number of purchasers." After exceedingly minute
details of the Bazaar, he concludes : —

' * We dined and slept on Monday at Mr. Camac's. At dinner we met Sir Wathen
Waller, Mr. Archdeacon Mrs. & Miss Goodenough, Mr. & Mrs. Milward, Mr. & Mrs.
Stonestreet, Mr. & Mrs. West, Mr. Brisco, Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco, and Mr.
Crosby ; in the evening was a large assemblage comprising almost the whole of our
acquaintance resident at Hastings. On Tuesday we dined with Mr. and Mrs. West
and the Briscos, and spent a very pleasant evening. I am sorry to say that the
depredations in this parish still continue. The Larder of Guestling workhouse was
broken open last night & robbed of the provisions it contained."

Further particulars of the Bazaar are supplied by Lady Ashburnham, who, as
one of the lady Patronesses, received several acknowledgments as a reward for her
exertions.

" Broomham, Thursday Eveng., Janry. ist, 1829.
My dear Fanny,

. . . I was much obliged to Mrs. West & Mrs. Camac for their kind accomo-
dation, finding standing [at the Bazaar] so many Hours very fatigueing. Mrs.
Camac's Ball on Friday last proved extremely agreeable; about an Hundred &
sixty persons were present consisting of most of the visitors now at Hastings, & all the
Principal Families in this part of Sussex, with the exception of Lady Montgomery,
who was prevented by Indisposition from attending. Ld. Eglinton was there, &
danced the whole Eveng. It was the general observation that the Room did not
boast so large a display of Beauty as Hastings usually presents. The Miss Lucas',
Miss Gohghtly & Miss Dugdel were the most admired amongst the young Ladies.
Mrs. Musgrave Brisco was the decided Star of the Evening ; she was in her very best
looks, indeed I do not remember ever to have seen her to so much advantage, elegantly
attired in a white (illegible) over white satten, with a most becoming pink Hat from
Madame Geransdol, for the occasion. . . , Mr. Hodges' Family from Hemsted

who arrived at Hastings the morning of the Badl were present, & also Sir John
Smith's Family. Mr. & Mrs. Morland have taken a House, & I am told Dr. Wellesley
has arrived in Wellington Square this week. Mr. J. Ashburnham attended the Ball
and appeared much amused by the gayety & to him novelty of the scene. Mrs. A.
enjoyed herself excessively, & looked very well. . . . (Friday Morning). The Ball
last night proved the best of the season, more than a hundred & fifty persons being
present. Lady Montgomery & a party from Beauport attended. I hope Anne
Nouaille will arrive at Hastings before the Xmas festivities have ceased. Mr.
Burton has finished & furnished a House in the new Town and is residing there with
his Family. Many houses are to be completed next spring, & he has it in contem-
plation to build a Church."

The new toWh was St. Leonards. It was planned and built by Decimus Burton,
one of the Burtons of Mabledon in Tonbridge, to whose family a large part of it now
belongs. In March, 1829, Sir William paid a visit to London, partly on business and
partly in order to see his dentist. He says :

" Dr. Birch and his daughter (who were taken up at Battle) were two of my
companions in the stage-coach, and I kept up so lively so interesting, and so incessant
a conversation with the Dean, as to make the time pass very quickly, very smoothly
and very pleasantly. The Dean told me some very curious anecdotes of Mr. Barton
of Battle Abbey, relating to the period when he resided in France during the revolution
but it would take up too much of my space to enter into detail at present. Mr.
Wetherall of Pashley came up to town by the same coach as I did, but he was an
outside passenger. . . After I left Mr. Bell [the dentist], I went to attend a
meeting of the Horticultural Society, at their house in Regent Street, where I was
dubbed a Fellow of that Society in due form, and congratulated by the president on
the occasion. I did not expect to see any of my acquaintance there, but I did meet
Mr. Wilson of Hastings and the Count de Yaunde. I did not stay long at the meeting
because I had so many things to do ; but I am now entitled to attend whenever I
think proper. I consider the Society as an object of great national importance. . "

He dined in Upper Woburn Place and afterwards had a long discussion with
Mr. Palmer on the state of his pecuniary affairs ; attended Drury Lane Theatre, and
was a critical spectator of " Peter the Great " and " Caswallon " ; ordered a large
quantity of groceries to be sent by sea to Hastings ; visited the National Gallery and
the British Institution ; and indulged in the varied amusements of the metropolis,
from which he returned at the end of the week. In June Mrs. Henry Buttanshaw
died. She was the second daughter of W. F. Woodgate, of Summerhill.

" Broomham, 2nd July, 1829.
My dear Fanny,

. . . We were much concerned to hear the death of poor Mrs. Henry Buttan-
shaw ; no particulars have yet reached us, but we understand from James West that
this melancholy event took place last week in consequence of her confinement. I
stated in my last letter that Sir Wm. had invited the Bishop of Chichester to Broom-
ham, & on Tuesday we were honored by a visit from his Lordship accompanied by his
son in law Mr. Baker. We invited a party of eighteen to meet him at Dinnelr.
Unluckily many of the Ladies disappointed us on the Day ; however we assembled
fourteen at Dinner. Mr. & Mrs. Milward, Mrs. G. Wynch, Miss Sayer, with six
clergymen completed that number. The Bishop is a most agreeable Man, extremely
polite, and expressed himself much gratified by the attentions he received here. He
gave Sir Wm. & myself a pressing Invitation to visit himself & Mrs. C — at the
Palace at Chichester. He quitted Broomham after Breakfast yesterday morning to
hold a Confirmation at the Church of Rye. Mrs. James [West] and Alicia came to
Winchelsea last Saturday se'nnight ; we have frequently seen them & she appears
much pleased with her son's abode and situation. She did not feel equal to join our
party on Tuesday, consequently we were disappointed of seeing Alicia, but they both

ii6

accompanied us to the Confirmation at Rye, after which we partook of a cold collation
at Mrs. Watson's where we met a large party. They come to stay here next Monday
and before their return they are to be joined by Mr. James West & Frederick. Mr. J.
Dugdale passed the greater part of last week here ; on the day of his arrival our
Friends at Winchelsea were dining with us. He had not met Mrs. James West before
for more than twenty years but in consequence of James being his curate she behaved
to him with much civility, and the next day James gave us all a Hospitable Dinner at
Winchelsea. Mr. J. Dugdale is about to exchange the two Livings he now holds for a
valuable one in Dorsetshire in the gift of the Duke of Rutland. Mr. Mortimer the
present incumbent has an only daughter who is married to a nephew of the late
Archbishop of Canterbury, & settled in East Kent, & his object in effecting the
exchange is to reside near her. James will retain the Curacy of Winchelsea. Miss
Dugdel is not in good health, never having recovered the excitement she experienced
at the termination of her last visit at Hastings. Ld. Harris by his will kindly remem-
bered her with a Legacy of five hundred pounds. Julius Nouaille came here on
Monday, & we hope he will continue with us till Saturday Morning. We regret he
does not find his situation at Pevensey more agreable. . . Mr. G. Ashbumham

is just arrived to dine with us. . . ."

About this time an application was made on behalf of Sir William and many of
the Freeholders, to Mr. Herbert Curteis to offer himself as candidate for the county
whenever his father, Mr. Edward Jeremiah Curteis, M.P. for Sussex, should find the
duties of a Legislator too laborious. It was the occasion of a very handsome letter
to Mr. E. J. Curteis, in which he says :

". . . I feel confident that he will tread in the steps of his father. I feel
confident that the same loyalty to our most gracious Sovereign, and the same stedfast
attachment and adherence to our excellent constitution which has characterized your
parliamentary career will also distinguish his conduct. Your perfect independence,
your unwearied, your indefatigable exertions in favour of agriculture, and your
constant, your exemplary attentions to the business of the County, will prove an
admirable pattern for his guidance. He could not possibly imitate a better model.
The principles and practice which we have admired in the father I doubt not will be
found in the son. That you may long enjoy health and happiness, and that you may
for many many years continue to represent a county which you have so faithfully
served, and which is so strongly attached to you by the deepest feelings of approbation,
gratitude, & esteem, is the earnest wish of your sincere friend and faithfal humble
servant.

William Ashburnham."

The next letter represents I\Ir. Curteis as being in a dangerous state of health ; and
refers to the newly-married Mrs. James John West, formerly Miss Molyneux.

" 28th July, 1829.
My dear Fanny,

. . . The Bride & Bridegroom dined with us on Wednesday, on their return
from Hastings. We like our new Relative very much ; she appears to be a young
woman of considerable mental attainment, and without being handsome, of genteel
commanding appearance, & with the advantage of very pleasing manners, but I am
sorry to add she still appears in a delicate state of health. We are to have a Dinner
party at Broomham on Friday when they pass a few days with us. They have
received the kindest letters of congratulations from the Postern, & she appears very
desirous of cultivating the Regard and good opinion of all his Family.

Mr. & Mrs. Musgrave Brisco are settled for six months in a most commodious
Residence in York Buildings. Mrs. Musgrave is looking charmingly, in much
improved Health & excellent Spirits, & Mr. & i'.Irs. James John West are to pass the
early part of this week with them, to attend the Races on Tuesday & be present at the
Ball the following Eveng. Mrs. Mackenzie & myself are to join a Ladies party/^at

117

Mrs. Brisco's on Tuesday, after the sports of the Morning are concluded,. & in the
Evening we adjourn to the Heath out of compHment to the steward who calls the Play.
We dined yesterday at Fairlight Place with Mr. Planta & passed a most agreeable
Eveng. We sat down ten to dinner. Sir Howard & Lady Elphinstone with a Party
staying in the House compleated the number. Sir William was charmed by Mrs.
Vom's performance on the Piano, but I understand she is considered to be one of the
finest Players in England. The marriage of Mr. Elphinstone & Miss Curteis was to
have taken place last Wednesda}^ but was obliged to be postponed in consequence of
the alarming state of Mr. Curteis' health, but as he is now better it is hoped the
ceremony need not long be Delayed. Their intended union gives the utmost satis-
faction to the Families on each side There appears to be quite a Matrimonial
mania in this neighbourhood. Mr. Oriel's marriage with Miss Georgina Morris takes
place to-morrow at Fairlight. It is said that a demur has arisen with regard to the
Engagement of Mr. Wynch and Miss Wilmot, in consequence of the Gentlem.an's
Fortune not answering the expectations that had been formed by the Family of the
Lady. I am anticipating much pleasure from the idea of enjoying a visit to Seal. , .
W^e heard yesterday from good authority that Mr. & Mrs. Mackenzie have finally
taken Mr. Denne's House at Winchelsea, but do not know whether they have hired it
or purchased the Property. We think ourselves fortunate in the prospect of having
such highly esteemed & kinds friends for permanent Neighbours. I think it will
also be a very agreeable circumstance to Mr. & Mrs. James John West. We are told
Hastings is very full. How much I wish you could join our Parties this week, but I
trust when we meet you will fix a time for coming to Broomham. Mrs. Camac was
expected at her House last night, & I imagine with her return the wonted gayeties of
the Place will revive. We hear Bohemia [belonging to the Wastell Brisco's] is taken
b}^ a Nobleman, but do not know his name. . . . Last Monday we dined with
Mr. & Mrs. Shadwell. I am glad to say they are both much benefited in Health &
Spirits by their late excursion."

In December, 1829, Sir William sent his usual present of " The Keepsake" to
Mary Anne Humphry, to whom he says :

' ■' I have not hitherto been able to profit by the lessons you was so kind as to give
me in the Oriental tinting, because I have not yet procured my brushes for the purpose,
but I shall do so before long. The Drawings I executed under your tuition have
much pleased the friends to whom I have shewn them."

His next letter to Mary Anne Humphry dated 12th January, 1830, mentions that
he is engaged in composing a new version of the second Book of the Aeneid, and
requests the loan of one or two books, to be sent down by Miss Nouaille. After
commenting on the death, and the striking talents, of the late Sir Thomas Lawrence,
he mentions a flying morning visit made them by Mr. Francis Lipscomb, on his way
from Hastings to Winchelsea. Mr. Lipscomb's eldest sister was then lodging at
Hastings, with Miss Browning. Miss Humphry soon afterwards paid a visit to
Broomham ; she returned to Seal at the end of March, when she received the following
letter.

' ' Broomham, April 4th, 1830.
My dear Fanny,

. . . The Morning you left us we were favored by a visit from the Miss
Millwards, who were much disappointed at not finding Miss Humphry here, as one
object of their visit was to wait on her. However, they sat two hours with us, & told
us all the news of the Neighbourhood. You have probably seen that Miss Fanny
Morris' Marriage took place the next day. After partaking an elegant Breakfast at
Mr. Millward's, the Bride & Bridegroom took their Departure for Tunbridge Wells,
and after passing a few daj^s there Mrs. Thomas Barton is to go on to visit her sister
Mrs. Oriel, during the time that Mr. J. Barton goes to Ireland, to be present at the
Roscommon Assizes. & to wind up his Account as Sheriff for the County, after which

ii8

they join Mr. & Mrs. Barton, who intend to reside in Ireland. They have quitted the
Abbey and a sale of Furniture &c. which they added took place on Saturday at
Battle. Sir William is much obliged by the information you have obtained from Sir
Alexr. Crichton ; in consequence of his opinion, in the event of our going abroad, we
have decided on not taking our Cook with us. We have heard nothing either of
Mrs. North or her Friend, & therefore imagine that Coll. Clews was alarmed either by
the size or Rent of Broomham. Sir Wm's affairs in town remain in the same state as
When you left us. I shall be anxious to know that your new Clergyman is approved,
but thmk the Parish will long regret the Departure of Mr. Engleheart. Mrs. J. J;
West & James walked here to Dinner on Tuesday. The Bishop & his Family leave
Hastings very shortly, I hope this connection may not end with their departure.
James & his wife staid v/ith us tiU Thursday, when they went on to Hastings, being
engaged to breakfast & spend the next morning with Mrs. Marsh. . . I had nearly
forgot to mention that we had a visit from the hriday party last Monday, the Bride-
groom looking all happiness & Mrs. Harwood in one of the most elegant bridal Bonnets
I have ever seen. Mrs. Musgrave Brisco spent a long morning with me last week ;
she was looking beautiful, and appeared much interested in the Plantations & Improve-
ments that are going forward at Coghurst, which she visits nearly every day. I was
quite vexed on the day of your departure to find the large Sole had not been put in
the basket, the only one that was worth my Mother's acceptance. . . ."

Lady Ashburnham's next letter contains some commissions for her sister, whb
was about to visit London : the King's death was daily expected, and everyone wais
engaged in procuring sables.

" Broomham, May 15th, 1830.

. . . Our friends at Winchelsea passed a morning with us last week. Miss
Maryanne Molyneux is a fine young woman, as tall as her sister [Mrs. J. J. West]
but very inferior both in appearance and manner. Mrs. James John West is looking
very poorly. The Princess Sophia of Gloucester has taken Bohemia for six weeks ;
she passed Broomham in her Carriage & four a few days ago. Mr. J. Ashburnham
has been unwell for the last w^ek with a cold, he read prayers this afternoon with
great apparent difficult}^ to himself & it was extremely painful to his congregation. . .
Sir William met Mr. Camac one day last week at Hastings, he came down to super-
intend the building of a new Room. He stated that a general gloom pervaded
London, & that nothing was going forward in consequence of the depression of the
times & the state of the King. . . . The garden is really beautiful, not a day
J)asses but what I wish you could see it. The Lilacs Laburnums and spring flowers
have been very gay. Joseph works in it from sunrise to sunsett & passes Sunday in
walking about & admiring it. . . ."

A few days later she writes, admiring some specimen's of Alicia West's Oriental
tinting. She adds :

". . . Coll. & Mrs. G. Dyke and their family are come to reside at the
Vicarage at Tunbridge. Our old domestick Mrs. J. Killick was confined last week
with a little girl. Mrs. Montague gave her first Dinner Party at the Cottage on
Monday ; she walked to Broomham with her Daughter to return our visit, in full
dress, attended by their Footman in a like costume. ... A cavalcade of five
Carriages & four passed Broomham on Tuesday Morning, I understand it was the
Family from Beauport on their route to Dover, from whence they intended to
embark for Italy. . . ."

The commissions, as we learn from the next letter, were executed satisfactorily ;
but a deplorable accident to Sir William necessitated his going to town himself.

' ' Broomham, June 14th, 1830.

. . . Mr. & Mrs. Denny Ashburnham have passed the last week with us, and
left Broomham for London this Morning. They appeared much gratified by their
visit ; Mr. Denny's Health is improved and I find Mrs. Denny Ashburnham a sensible

iig

intelligent young Woman, her musical talents are considerable, and highly cultivated;
and in other respects she possesses more than common attainments. Mr. & Mrs,
James West and their two eldest Daughters came to Winchelsea last Thursday to
spend a few days with their son and Daughter ; the following day they dined with us,
when we had a large Family Party. Unfortunately on that morning Sir William's
Teeth (which have been for some time in a tottering state) gave way, and came out,
which prevented his dining with his Friends or deriving that Pleasure from their
Society which he had anticipated, since which he has found the State of his mouth so
uncomfortable that he determined on going to Town this morning to consult Mr.
Bell. Mr. James West drove his party down in a Phaeton, intending to make a
good deal of use of it during their stay, but they have been particularly unfortunate
in the weather ; and Sir William's unlucky absence, added to our uncertain prospects,
prevent our inviting them here, as we should otherwise have wished to have done.
About a month ago Sir William had an application from Dr. Fitton, thro' his sister at
Hastings, to hire Broomham, but at the expiration of a week we heard from Miss
B^itton that he had engaged Brasted Place, of which he could have immediate
possession. Sir William intends consulting with Mr. Palmer & advertising
Broomham, but should the heavy rains continue I fear it will operate against its
letting

Mr. J. Ashburnham is returned home after having passed three weeks in town
under medical advice. Dr. Reece whom he has consulted does not consider the attack
on his chest of an alarming nature but recommends him not to attempt doing duty at
present, & he intends engaging a curate for two months. I fear this rainy weather
prevents my Mother from taking her drives. About a fortnight ago we had a visit
from Mr. & Mrs. Woodgate & Miss Allnutt who drove o^^er from St. Leonards, & the
next day Mr. & Mrs. Petley and their neice passed the morning here. I was surprised
to hear of the addition to Capt. Hardinge's Family. .

Sir William found Mr. Bell ' ' very civil, very attentive, and very liberal " ; his
terms for the necessary alterations were £-^0. Writing from the Bolt and Tun Inn,
Fleet Street, afterwards known as the Sussex Hotel, he says :

". . . I arrived here about six o'clock on Monday. My brother John came
up by the same coach, but he would take an outside passage, notwithstanding the
weather was so very showery, and I was afraid he might have received injury, in his
state of health, from the rain, but I am happy to say that I saw him yesterday, and he
said that he was not only not the worse for travelling in the wet, but that he found
himself already much benefited by the Change of air. He will not return to Guestling
till the beginning of next week, as his carriage and horses will not be ready before
that time. On my arrival here I was agreeably surprised to find my friend Dr. Lamb
at this Hotel ; and we spent a very pleasant evening together. I am sorry to say that
Dr. Lamb is by no means well, and he complained of symptoms of the gout. I fear
that Dr. Lamb, like myself, is suffering under the pressure of heavy pecuniary
embarrassment. . . ."

Whilst in London he visited the exhibition at Somerset House with his brothers
John and Denny, and saw the paintings of the lately deceased Sir Thomas Lawrence (g).

(g) Probably one of the pictures exhibited was that of Miss Harriott West, immediately before

her marriage with Mr. William Woodgate of Swaylands. This is generally considered one of
the artists' finest productions, though having always been preserved in the family, it was not
until lately much known. It was sold by Mrs. Ernest Woodgate of Rochester (formerly Miss
Streatfeild, and William Woodgate's daughter-in-law) to Colnaghi for what was then considered
the enormous (and record) sum of four thousand guineas, though we beheve a painting by the
same artist has lately reached a still higher figure. It is related that Miss West was very un-
punctual in keeping her appointments with Sir Thomas. One day she came in late, shghtly
flushed and holding a watch in her hand. Her colour, her pose were so exquisite, as she advanced
to make her excuses and beg the artist's forgiveness, that he readily replied, " Certainly,
Madam, if you will allow me to paint you in your present attitude." The watch may be
observed in the illustration which appears in this work.

Amongst the miniatures, he observed " an excellent likeness of Dr. Wilmot of
Hastings, and an indifferent one of the Hon. Gustavus Hamilton." The painting
that chiefly demanded his admiration was one of Miss Croker. He also attended his
solicitors, the Palmers, in Bedford Row, to whom he gave the copy of an advertise-
ment for the letting of Broomham for two years, and for the sale of the Winchelsea
portion of the estate by private contract. Every day he dined at the European
Rooms, opposite the Mansion House, on " a basin of some sort of excellent soup and a
baked rice pudding," almost the only species of sustenance of which his condition
permitted him to partake.

One of the first applicants for Broomham was a Mr. Williamson, as we learn
from Lady Ashburnham.

' ' Broomham, July i6th, 1830.
My dear Fanny,

As my Mother and yourself appear desirous of being made acquainted with Mr.
Williamson's decision with regard to hiring Broomham, I lose no time in informing
you of the result of the negotiations. Mr. Williamson came to St. Leonards with his
Family the beginning of the week, and last Wednesday brought Mrs. Williamson here
to see the place, when she expressed herself in strong terms of disapprobation to her
Husband's engaging any country Residence, more particularly one in Sussex, having
always resided in the neighbourhood of London ; and this morning Sir Wm. has
received a letter from Mr. Williamson, stating that he finds it impossible to overcome
the impracticahle prejudice of his wife, and therefore that he is obliged with much
reluctance to decline becoming the tenant of Broomham. From what we could
learn with regard to character and circumstances, he would have proved a most
desirable Tenant, but from the apparent temper and tone of mind displayed by his
wife, I should have felt regret at entrusting so much valuable property to her care. I
understand she was a Daughter to one of the great Brewers, and probably had a large
fortune. . . . Give our kind love and express our best thanks to Mrs. NouaiUe
for her kindness in writing to Mrs. Thomas and making enquiries for a Residence at
Brussels for us, and we shall feel much indebted to you to communicate the answer.
Mr. Wynch has applied for the refusal of Broomham for a Friend of his.

The excitement which a general Election produces is commencing. We are told
there will be no contest for Sussex. Mr. Herbert Curteis call'd a few days ago to
solicit Sir Wm's support and interest. Mr. & Mrs. J. J. West with her sister are gone
this week to visit Admiral and Mrs. Rarnin (?) who reside near Lewis. / shall begin to
conjecture that Captn. New combe has other motives besides being introduced to my
Mother for visiting Seal. I have seen Mrs. M. Brisco one morning ; they are to go to
the Postern again about this time, & return in about a fortnight when they take
Possession of their new House. Amongst the numerous enquiries that have been
made with regard to Broomham, no objection whatever has been made to the terms on
which it is proposed to be lett. . . ."

Soon after this Lady Ashburnham repaired for a short visit to Seal ; Sir William
was unable to accompany her, for he was engaged to preside at a public dinner at
Hastings, of which he has left a full account on record :

' ' Broomham, August 17th, 1830.
My dear Julia,

. . . I shall now detail to you the proceedings which took place at Hastings in
honour of His Majesty's accession. I arrived at the Swan Hotel about five o'clock,
over the door of which a large union flag was displayed. About half past five the
company, which consisted of between seventy and eighty persons, sat down to an
excellent dinner served up in the assembly room. There was one long table, a cross
table at the top of the room for the principal persons who attended, and two short side
tables. All the regulations of the day were very well managed. I was supported on
my right hand by Mr, Stonestreet, and on my left by Mr. Burton, who however
quitted at nine o'clock, as he was obliged to set out at that hour for London, to be

examined this day respecting a suit which is now pending in the Court of Chancery.
Amongst the gentlemen who attended this meeting, in addition to those I have
cdready named, were Dr. Wilmot, Mr. Wynch, Mr. Peter Wynch, Mr. Richards, my
nephew James, Capt. Brown, Capt. Jeffery (who enhvened the meeting by singing
several very appropriate songs), Mr. Miller, Mr. Savery, one of the sons of Mr. Scrivens
(who was the only person connected with the Corporation whom I saw in the room),
Mr. Durrant, Mr. Collins of Winchelsea, Mr. Baker, &c. My nephew James' friend
Mr. Sharp was not present, James imagines that he was away from home. I have the
satisfaction to inform you that the evening passed off most harmoniously, and that the
most perfect unanimity prevailed. The object of the meeting seemed to be well
understood and cordially embraced. The assembly was distinguished by the most
animated, the most enlivening conviviality, interspersed with the most enthusiastic
bursts of loyalty. All the sentiments I uttered appeared to be generally and very
highly approved of, and were greeted by loud and frequent peals of applause. When
my health was given, my name was received with the loudest acclamations, which
were redoubled when I quitted the Chair, affording a very gratifying proof that my
conduct had given entire satisfaction. I must not omit to mention that in the course
of the evening your health was given, and received, as it always ought to be, with the
most rapturous plaudits. You cannot imagine how much this unexpected compliment
(unexpected at a political dinner) warmed my bosom with delight ; and it affords me
great pleasure now to report it to you. I left Hastings about ten o'clock in the
evening and reached Broomham at half past eleven.

I now turn to quite a different subject, but on which I have information to send
you, which on many accounts I know you will be glad to hear. My Bailiff George
Kennard has taken a small farm at Pembury belonging to a gentleman of the name of
Fowler, whose father formerly resided at Spring Grove [the property of the late
Henry Woodgate, Mrs. Musgrave Brisco's father]. Young Mr. Fowler and his
brother called upon me yesterday to enquire the character of Kennard ; and the
character which I could justly give him was so satisfactory that Mr. Fowler
immediately let Kennard the farm which he is to enter upon at old Michaelmas.
Although Kennard does not suit me as a servant, yet I really, sincerely think he
will make a very good tenant. I am in hopes, therefore, that this arrangement
may prove beneficial to all parties. . . ."

His next letter is written after the receipt of alarming news from Seal. A
serious change had occurred in the state of Mrs. Humphry's health, and the worst
apprehensions for her safety were excited. He mentions his intention of joining the
party at Seal after a few days.

' ' Broomham, August 21st, 1830.

. . . In consequence of the Letter you have received from our friend
Mrs. Lewis Mackenzie suggesting the idea that she and the Major have some thoughts
of visiting St. Leonards, I think I ought to lose no time in proposing to Major Mac-
kenzie the plan I have had in view, for an exchange of residences, offering him
Broomham for six months, on condition that we may be permitted to occupy his
house in Connaught Square during the same period. The adoption of this plan will
not in any degree interfere with any arrangement you may wish to make for staying
with your Mother. I should not be at aU surprized if the Mackenzies have had an
intimation, through Dr. Lamb, of my intention of offering them Broomham, and that
Mrs. Lewis Mackenzie's Letter was written partly to sound you on the subject before
they came to a final determination respecting the taking up a temporary abode at
St. Leonards.

My nephew James walked over with me on Thursday last to Mountfield ; Dr.
Lamb (A) was not at home, but we saw the Ladies who enquired very kindly after

(h) Thomas Philip Lamb, Esq., of Court Lodge, Mountfield, M.P. for Rye, died in 1819. It

is supposed that Dr. Lamb was a son or brother of his.

122

you. Dr. Lamb was engaged at the town-hall at Rye on important and very
urgent public business. I am sorry to inform you that the family at Mountfield
were greatly alarmed by authentic information that it was the intention of the mob
of Rye to attack their house last Wednesday night. Dr. Lamb applied for and
obtained a guard of soldiers, which prudent precaution probably intimidated his
enemies, as the premeditated attack was not made on that night, but the family
think it is only postponed. This is a sad state of things ! After our return from
Mountfield I dined with James and his wife at Winchelsea. . . ."

The reply shews that Mrs. Humphry's life was despaired of, though she managed,
in fact, to recover.

" . . . I think your plan of offering Broomham to Mr. & Mrs. Mackenzie for a
term of six months a very eligible one. . . . It is very unfortunate that Sir
Alexander Crichton is absent, not that I think medical aid would be of any avail in
my dear Mother's case. Mr. & Mrs. Petley have just called ; they made many
enquiries after you, and desired their kind regards. Poor Mrs. Nouaille visits us
daily, and has promised to pass the period of my absence here which will be a great
comfort to Fanny. . . ."

Sir William passed a few days at Seal, and on his return at the beginning of
October has some trifling domestic news to relate, such as the loss of four ducks,
stolen out of the park by some itinerant hop-pickers ; the state of the house and
garden and particulars of his journey down. He adds :

" I am sorry to say that the miscellaneous intelligence I have to communicate
is chiefly of a melancholy nature. A dreadful accident took place on Friday last on
Fairlight down. Sir Frederick Baker (whom you may recollect to have met at Mrs.
Camac's) was walking near Mr. Milward's mill, which was at work at the time, and
being near sighted he approached too near to one of the shafts, one of which struck
him on the head, and now lies without any hopes of recovery.

I regret to inform you that our old and benevolent friend Miss Milward was
seized with a fit on Sunday last, and was obliged to be carried out of church. She is
in some degree recovered, but she has not been out of her house since Sunday ; I am
grieved to add that her medical attendants consider the attack which she has
experienced to be of the most serious, the most alarming description. You will
receive to-morrow, Monday, October 4th, by the ten o'clock Hastings coach, a
package containing three pheasants, two partridges and a goose. . . ."

Two days later he writes what he calls a supplement to his last letter, in
which he describes his farming affairs. It seems that he had suddenly, and almost
unexpectedly, sustained some heavy financial blow in connection with the Winchelsea
estate, which occasioned several journeys to town, and was the cause of a general
reduction of expenditure. To this, too, may be attributed his resolution of letting
Broomham and living in a less expensive manner elsewhere, as he probably felt that
at Guestling he was obliged to maintain a certain establishment and expenditure.
One of the measures adopted, so it seems, was to take in hand some of his land that
had been given up by the tenants, and retain it m his own occupation, managed by
his bailiff. The details of his clover, his barley, and his sheep, are too minute for the
general reader.

He continues : —

" George Kennard quits my service on Monday next, and Charles Wilson will
take possession of my cottage the next day, but as I shall have several arrangements
to settle with Wilson, I am afraid I shall not be able to leave Broomham until
towards the end of next week. ... I have great satisfaction in informing you
that Mr. Brisco told me that Miss Milward is recovered from her late illness, and that
it is now considered that her attack was not of so dangerous a nature as was at first
apprehended. The unfortunate Sir Frederick Baker is dead, and shocking to relate

123

his wife Lady Baker was present when the fatal accident took place. Lady Baker had
cautioned her husband not to get too near the shafts of the mill, but unhappily the
caution was not attended to. When I arrived at Broomham on Saturday evening
I found a parcel here from my brother Denny containing a drawing, a present from
one of Mrs. Denny Ashburnham's sisters. The drawing, which is very beautiful,
is executed with a pencil, . . .

Sir Godfrey Webster, I hear, is now residing at the George Inn at Battle, and that
he has breakfeisted with Lady Webster at the Abbey, and has driven her out in her
poney-chaise ; this looks like symptoms of reconciliation, which, I hope will be
eventually accomplished. Sir Godfrey, I am told, is in a deplorable state of health ;
excesses of every kind have broken up an originally good constitution. [It will be
remembered that Battle Abbey, until lately, had been tenanted by the Bartons].
Mr. Musgrave Brisco has just sent me a brace of pheasants and a hare. I have
sent the hare and one of the pheasants to Mrs. John Ashburnham, the other I shall
have dressed at home ; as I have sent game to Seal so lately, I imagined you would
not wish to have any more at present."

Three days later on 8th October he writes again, with more particulars of the
garden and farm. He states that the wool at the sheephouse had been weighed, and
found to be worth £350 ; and that he had good reason for thinking that the produce of
the sheep house farm would altogether be much more considerable than his brother
John anticipated, notwithstanding the disadvantages attendant on an entering
year.

' ' I met Mr. Frederick North yesterday, and was sorry to find from him that the
family had not heard from his brother Charles, at which they begin to be rather
uneasy. Poor Mr. Dome died the day before yesterday. He departed this life at
Fairlight Place. I understand that he had been for some time in a very declining
state of health. There is to be a Public Meeting held at the Swan Hotel, Hastings,
on Tuesday next for the purpose of establishing and organizing a district Bible
Society for Hastings and its vicinity. The Earl of Chichester has accepted of the
office of president, and wiU certainly take the chair on the occasion. I am to be one of
the vice-presidents, and shall consequently attend ; I hope the design will be well
supported, as I consider district Bible Societies to be very useful and beneficial Insti-
tutions. You need not be apprehensive that I shall incur much expense by this
undertaking ; I shall only subscribe one guinea."

On the nth he writes again :

" . . . I am sorry to say that depredations of a serious nature are commencing
in this parish. About a week ago Mrs. Montague had her larder broke open at
Guestling cottage and robbed of the greater part of the provisions which it contained.
The larder is detached from the house and therefore in an exposed situation. But
Mrs. Montague has a fierce dog which she considered as a guard, notwithstanding
which the robbers effected their purpose. Previous to this my brother John had a
pig killed and stolen in a most audacious manner. In the night all my brother's pigs
were driven out of his farm yard, when the robbers selected one which they killed in
my wood, adjoining to Ford's house, in which wood some of the remains were after-
v/ards found, together with a stout club such as are used by the smugglers. No
traces of the perpetrators have yet been discovered. On Saturday night my brother's
bailiff William Knight seized the notorious young Watson in an attempt to break
open the lock of the place where the rabbits are kept. Watson was taken into
custody, but yesterday being Sunday the magistrates were not able to act ; Watson,
however, was put in confinement and will be examined this day, when he will
unquestionably be committed to the county jail to take his trial.

Cooke certainly quits my church-house farm ; indeed he has not money sufficient
to carry on the business. My brother John, as one of the trustees under my father's
will, consents to manage the concern until an eligible, and responsible, tenant can be

124

found. As Cooke has got no house we allow him to stay where he is till Lady day on
his paying an adequate rent for the dwelling. . . ."

Three days after this letter Sir William set out for Seal, where he spent nearly a
month — unless in the interval he visited London, as had been suggested previously —
and returned the first week in November. Lady Ashburnham writes to her Mother,
who seems to have recovered from her attack : —

' ' Broomham, Novr. 8th, 1830.
My dear Mother,

We reached Broomham Tuesday Eveng about seven o'clock after a prosperous
and pleasant journey. We passed an hour with our Friends at Dryhill, where we
added to the number of our Packages. The weight of our Luggage delayed us longer
on the road than usual. We hope yourself and dear Fanny have been well since
our departure ; I trust I need not say with how much Pleasure I reflect on the great
kindness we received during our late agreeable visit at Seal, and only wish our Resi-
dence was nearer, that we could enjoy the happiness of meeting more frequently.
On our arrival here we had the satisfaction of finding our Establishment and every-
thing connected with home going on in good order, but I am much concerned to add
that the same bad spirit, which has lately been displayed in Kent, has spread into
this part of the country. The night after our return we saw from our front windows
a large Fire blazing tremendously in the direction of Battle. We have since learnt
that it was the stacks of corn belonging to Mr. Emery, the master of the Inn there,
which were entirely consumed. The next night a large Fire was discerned from
the back of the House which proved to be the stacks &c. of Mr. Farncomb, an
opulent Farmer at Icklesham, which were also entirely consumed ; several other
Fires have also taken place in this country. One night last week the stacks &c.
belonging to one of Mr. Fuller's tenants were burnt to the ground. He has gener-
ously offered a reward of two hundred Pounds for the discovery of the Incendiary.
Mr. Cobbet has been lecturing in this Neighbourhood, and many strangers of a
doubtful description have been observed, who it is thought have been endeavouring
to excite a spirit of discontent amongst the labourers towards their employers, as
well as a spirit of disloyalty towards the government. Meetings of the Magistrates
have frequently taken place, and it is earnestly to be hoped their efforts may lead to
some discovery.

I wish I had more agreeable Intelligence to communicate, and must now
turn to other subjects. ... I found a kind Letter from Mrs. Camac on our
return and a Card announcing a long list of Parties for the Winter. The two Miss
Millwards were at the last Ball. Miss Millward danced a great part of the Evening,
therefore I imagine she is entirely recovered from her late Indisposition. . . ."

Cobbett was well-known in his day as a political firebrand, a centre of disaffection
and sedition ; at the present day, however, his powers of exciting discontent would
be considered commonplace. In 1830, the most deplorable agrarian outrages
were being perpetrated throughout England, especially in Kent and Sussex. The
farmers' crops were freely burnt and their houses plundered until January, 183 1,
when stern measures of repression were adopted. England was convulsed over the
Reform question, and feelings ran high everywhere. While the Ashburnhams
were at Seal, a fire was observed from Coghurst one evening to be blazing exactly in
the direction of Broomham ; Mr. Musgrave Brisco hurriedly collected his servants
and some labourers and went to the rescue, but found the whole thing a false alarm*.

The next year Sir William sent Miss Humphry some material for her album ;
his remarks on the occasion form a very good sample of his style.
My dear Miss Humphry, " Broomham, April 15th, 1831.

By favour of Miss Jesse Crichton, who returns to the Grove on Monday next,
I have an opportunity of sending you some food for your album, which, upon the

* See Reference Sheet.

125

whole, will I hope prove acceptable, though every dish may not be equally piquant
or nutritious. I promised to be your purveyor, and in right of that office I present
this as a first course. Taste differs so much amongst individuals, that many things
which may be palatable to one are by no means relished by another. Perhaps
therefore you may deem some of the verses too tart, and others too flat ; if this is
the case, I have only to say, I particularly request that you will, without the smallest
hesitation, fling them away. It is my wish to assist, not to dictate, and I shall be
amply rewarded if any of my selections are adopted.

In regard to my own compositions, it does not become me to venture an opinion ;
but all the other pieces I consider to possess some merit in their respective lines.
Amongst them you will find a great variety of thought, sentiment, style, and versifi-
cation. I esteem variety highly desirable, ii not an absolutely necessary qualification
in an album. The grave, the gay, the humourous, and the pathetic, like hght and
shade in a picture, heighten the effect of each other by the powerful operation of
contrast. . . . Together with the poetry, I send you the Humphry arnis
emblazoned, which will make a very appropriate frontispiece to your album. It is
not so well executed as I could wish, but you will recollect that it is a first attempt,
and that I am not so much at home with my pencil as I am with my pen. You will
cut away the paper close to the drawing, and paste the Heraldic bearings on a leaf
at the beginning of your Album, where I think it will have a tolerably good effect. . .
I had a narrow escape yesterday from a mad dog. I had been to attend a
parish meeting at the workhouse, and in coming through my Grove in my way to
Broomham, I heard some men (who were running) exclaim — a mad dog ! and I saw
a dog galloping down the road towards me. From the Warning I had received
I had time by rushing into the rough part of the Grove to escape the impending
danger, an escape for which I am, and ought to be, very thankful ; for I
consider Hydrophoebia to be one of the most dreadful calamities to which our nature
is subject. The mad dog was pursued through the parishes of Guesthng and Fair-
light, and was at last killed between Fairlight place and the sea. In its course it bit
several dogs, but providentially it did not injure any human creature. I am sorry
to say that several mad dogs have made their appearance in this neighbourhood.
A mad dog bit two or three dogs lately at Winchelsea. Ten of my sheep, (Lambs
of last year) belonging to the sheep-house farm, which were put out to keep at
Heathfield, were bit by a mad dog, and were obliged to be killed.

I esteem the portrait of your dear Mother to be a striking, but by no means a
flattering likeness. It is executed, upon the whole, much better than I expected ;
though the colouring in the countenance, especially in the ej^es, is certainly too
faint. . . ."

The portrait referred to was a painting by Mr. Hazlehurst. One painting was
sent to Broomham, the other retained by Miss Humphry*.

In August and September the Ashburnhams visited Seal, from which Sir WilHam
returned first. He writes on 13th September, the day of his return, with an account
of the various domestic and other concerns ; everything had gone on well in their
absence under the superintendence of Mrs. Impett, the fruit (especially the Ribstone
pippins) was abundant and of very good quality ; the flower garden was disappointing,
but the farm had turned out well. The oats and barley were got up in good condition,
and the brakes cut and for the most part carried. He continues :

"... Between my hour of dinner, and taking my tea, I went to the parsonage
where I found my brother John, Mrs. John Ashburnham and all their family
quite well. Johnney is not gone to school ; I imagine he will not return to Camberwell
any more. It was very fortunate that I did see my brother immediately, since he
had received no notification of the meeting that is to be held this Day for the purpose

* See Reference Sheet.

126

of adjusting the plan for the improvement of Rye harbour, and the embankment
of the adjacent lands. It is very extraordinary that my brother has had no notice,
because the chairman at the last general meeting promised my brother that he
should be informed when the next meeting was to take place. My brother will
attend the meeting this day, and if, before I close this letter, I can learn what business
was transacted there, I will send you the particulars."

He goes on to say that Mr. and Mrs. Howard Elphinstone had called to ask them
to the Hastings and St. Leonards' regatta, which took place under the patronage
of Mr. Howard Elphinstone and his brother-in-law Mr. Herbert Curteis ; and that
Mrs. Camac had sent them invitations to all the amusements of the race week.
However, * ' Broomham appears very dull in the absence of the ruling star, with
whose cheering beams it is usually enlivened," and Sir William employed a consider-
able part of his time in writing letters to Seal, whither he sent too, a quantity of
fruit and some partridges, shot that day (Sept. ist).

The letter containing an account of the Rye Harbour meeting is missing ; and the
next is dated 13th Sept. He says :

". . . My brother John came here to say, that a meeting would be held
at Rye on Monday next to take into consideration a plan which it is hoped will
settle for ever the supposed claims of the Crown, but which plan is connected with
so many legal points which my brother does not think himself competent to decide
upon without Mr. Palmer's professional assistance that he has written to him to
request him to come down to attend the meeting. My brother, hkewise, does not
chuse on so important a subject to incur the sole responsibility. I shall write to Mr.
Palmer to invite him to take up his abode at Broomham, and I expect to see him
here on Saturday or Sunday next. As Mr. Palmer is coming on my business I am
bound to show him every attention, more particularly so as his house in town is at
all times most hospitably opened for my reception. I wish also to have an interview
with Mr. Palmer , and have some conversation with him on various topicks. . . .
I have just this moment heard that Mrs. John Ashburnham was safely delivered
this morning of a son, and that both the Mother and the child are going on remark-
ably well.

The Princess Sophia of Gloucester has taken a house at St. Leonards ; she wished
very much to have had Bohemia, had it been furnished. On the day of the coronation
Her Royal Highness laid the first stone of the new church which is to be built at
St. Leonards amidst the applauding acclamations of the people, a good work
very properly commenced on such a day. Mr. Capel Molyneaux delivered a
prayer on the occasion. Some hundreds of the lower classes of the people were
amply regaled with refreshments in a booth which the Princess honoured with her
presence. Loyalty and good feeling were the order of the day. . . ."

SiUTOunded by so many distractions, Sir William decided to prolong, although
impatiently, his absence from Seal. With characteristic consideration, he deemed
that the prolonged visit of a gentleman might cause some inconvenience at Seal,
while the stay of his wife would be all the more valuable because of its extension.
Besides, his larming concerns at that period required his presence and inspection.
The difficulty of selling commodities and of obtaining payment after their sale he
declared to be almost incredible.

Without further particulars than axe at present available, it is impossible for us
to understand the question of the Winchelsea lands. An Act of Parliament was
passed in July, 1830, to enable Commissioners to raise additional funds on the tolls
by way of mortgage or otherwise, and to amend an act passed in 1801, which was an
Act for more effectually improving the old Harbour of Rye, and to appoint new
Commissioners. Mr. Palmer had gone for three weeks into Yorkshire and was
unable to attend the meeting ; consequently Sir William Ashburnham was enabled to

127

set out for Seal the next week. The next letter of his that we have was written on the
occasion of his sending the Keepsake to Mary Anne Humphry, After this the
correspondence is taken up by Lady Ashburnham.

" Broomham, Dec. 14th, 1831.
My dear Fanny,

Being considerably in arrears with you on the score of Letters, I now sit down
to liquidate a part of the obligations. . . . We had a most agreeable visit at
Coghurst & had the Pleasure of meeting Mr. & Mrs. West, who were passing
a few days there previous to taking possession of their Lodgings at Hastings.
Mrs. Brisco appears in very good health, & was looking beautiful. This morning
we went to Hastings and paid visits to many of our Friends there ; at Mrs.
Shadwell's we met Mrs. Luxford & her Daughters who were staying in Hastings
for the benefit of Elizabeth Luxford's health, but I am happy to say she did
not appear much of an Invalid, & was extremely agreeable. Mrs. Luxford seemed
really glad to renew her acquaintance with me, & enquired with much kindness
& interest after you all. We called afterwards on Mrs. Lipscomb who was looking
sadly, she had been confined to the sofa for some time.

I know Maryanne will feel an interest in hearing the particulars of Miss Brown-
ing's unfortunate marriage, for unfortunate I find it is considered by her true friends.
From the most authentic information I can obtain I learnt that when Dr. Godwin
first made proposals she laid before him a statement of her affairs, which were much
embarrassed, the receipts never having met the expenditure since she first took
the house in Pelham Place. A similar statement was also sent to her own Friends
who, under the consideration that the distrest members of the Family had been
chiefly supported, undertook to make an arrangement with the different Trades-
people to whom she was indebted. Under these circumstances the Marriage took
place. The Friends afterwards not coming forward so speedily as was expected,
the creditors became clamorous, & Dr. Godwin considering that he had made himself
responsible took himself off for France, & his poor wife went to her sister at
Tunbridge Wells. The little property she possest has since been sold under an
execution for Rent. As it is clearly ascertained she was becoming more
embarassed every year I think she was wrong in not sooner breaking up the
Establishment, but she probably hoped from the increasing importance of the
place that future success might retrieve past misfortunes & enable her to extricate
herself from the difficulties of her situation. I learnt from Miss Luxford that
Dr. Godwin was formally Curate of Ewhurst, that he was considered a man of
generally bad character, an habitual gambler, & that the Fortune he once possest
was supposed to be much lessened if not altogether dissipated. She appeared
very much to regret that Mrs. Godwin should have been induced to form so
unfortunate & precipitate a connexion.

We were very glad to hear a good account of Mr. Engleheart & happy to find
he has regained his Health. I hope Lady Crichton is relieved from her anxiety
for the safe return of Sir Alexander to his Family. About a fortnight ago I had
a visit from Lady Crawford accompanied by Miss Sayer ; she exprest a great wish
to become acquainted with Sir William, having formerly been intimate with many of
the members of the Ashburnham Family."

The next two letters are from Sir William. The first is chiefly concerned with
the election of Mercy Bartholomew, a little girl, into the asylum for the rehef of
Deaf and Dumb Children, a society which engaged his warmest sympathy and
active interest. He obtained for the object of his solicitude from eight hundred to
one thousand votes. He relates that his ' ' relation Mr. Charles Ashburnham, brother
to the Earl of Ashburnham, is going to be married to Miss Murray, a young lady
highly accomplished, and possessing a large fortune." The second, dated 24th
February, 1832, contains an acknowledgment of three large nets from Miss Humphry

made by herself, to protect the wall fruit from the assaults of birds. She continues : —
' ' Mrs. West of the Postern appeared to leave Hastings with much reluctance.
In addition to her relations and friends at Hastings and in its vicinity, she had many
old acquaintance who are now become settled residents at St. Leonards, particularly
the Burtons, Mrs. and Miss May, and the Miss Morleys. St. Leonards has been much
improved of late by the erection of several new and very elegant stone edifices in the
villa style. Foundations for houses are digging at various different places between
Hastings and St. Leonards and I think, before long, it will become all one town. I
am sorry to hear that Mr. Burton has been very unwell for some time past. The
Hon. Mr. Percy Ashburnham is now at the Hotel at St. Leonards. My brother John
and I called upon him there but did not find him at home. He has been recom-
mended to St. Leonards for the benefit of his health. The Earl of Ashburnham
pays such marked attentions to Miss Gilbert that it is imagined a matrimonial
alliance between the parties is hkely to take place. Miss Gilbert is very amiable
and very handsome ; she was considered to be the most beautiful girl that attended
the last Hastings Ball.

Capt. and Mrs. Wilford are now resident at Shorter's cottage. Mrs. Wilford
I think you may remember to have formerly met as Miss Frances Denne. Mrs.
Wilford has performed a feat, of which I beheve few Ladies, except herself, can boast,
namely that she has compleatly sailed round the globe. They went to New South
Wales, where Capt. Wilford's regiment was stationed, by the Cape of Good Hope,
and through the Indian Ocean ; and on their return to England, They crossed the
Pacific Ocean, and entered the Atlantic through the straights of Magellan. Mr.
Wilford describes the climate of Sydney as very hot ; but that the country abounded
with a profusion of flowers brilliant in their hues and various in their forms.

. . . We shall be most happy to accept of your mother's kind invitation,
and pay you a visit at Seal as soon as circumstanzes will permit ; but I am sorry to
say, that the parish of Guestling is in a very disorganized and discordant state, and
I must stay here till some arrangement has taken place respecting the appointment of
parish officers for the ensuing year. . . ."

The marriage of Charles Ashburnham, who was secretary to the Embassy at
Constantinople, took place in February, 1832 ; but nothing further came of the matter
between the Earl of Ashburnham and Miss Gilbert. It would seem that the visit to
Seal duly took place ; but that in July an alarming change in Mrs. Humphry's
health occurred, and Lady Ashburnham hastened to her beside. This unfortunate
event, however, resulted in the gain to us of several interesting letters from Sir
William.

" Broomham, July 17th, 1832.

. . . After parting with you on Fairlight Down, I went to Rocklands where
I found Mr. and Mrs. Milward at breakfast, and I partook of a dish of cocoa with
them. Afterwards we called in Charles Wilson, and Mr. Milward's shepherd, and we
held a consultation on the management of South Down sheep. Mr. Milward says
that his shepherd was brought up on the South downs, and that he considers him as a
remarkably intelligent man in his line. In answer to the numerous interrogations
which I put to the Shepherd, I collected the following information. In the first
place Mr. Milward's flock is folded the whole year round, except during the severest
of the winter months, when they are placed in a warm, roomy close well littered with
straw ; thus the whole of the manure is preserved for the benefit of the land. This
you see exactly accords with your ideas on this part of the subject. To effect this,
however, the flock must be well fed. The shepherd strongly recommends dry food for
sheep in the winter season, but not of an expensive kind ; he has used oat-straw,
and pea-haulm, and even barley-straw with great success. Secondly, Mr. Milward
attributes the high price he usually gets for his lambs, not only to the goodness of his
breed, but likewise to the pains he takes to furnish his lambs with an abundance of

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nutritious food immediately after they are weaned, and thus to force them forward.
The best food for this purpose he esteems to be a second crop of clover, and where this
cannot be procured then the rowings of meadow land after the hay has been carried.
I shall reserve rowings in my meads for my lambs, which are to be weaned as soon
as the ewes are shorn. I cannot recapitulate in a letter all that passed concerning
the best modes of employing artificial food ; but I shall conclude this subject by
observing that I find a large portion of my ewes are much too old for profit, and that
I have been in an erroneous habit of keeping them too long. In consequence of this
information I have determined, if possible, to turn out one hundred and twenty
ewes this year. I have engaged Mr. Milward to supply me with forty ewes, and
twenty ewe Lambs. I partake of a family dinner to-day at Rocklands with Mr. and
Mrs. Milward but to meet no company.

My brother John went to Coghurst on Saturday, and saw Mr, Musgrave
Brisco, who treated him in the most friendly manner, and assured him that he
would give him any information in his power, but he was not aware that his
father was a bidder for my Winchelsea estate, and that he was confident that if his
father had had any such intentions he would have named it to him ; he finished by
saying that he thought my Winchelsea estate must be worth more than twenty six
thousands pounds. From this I conclude that either there were no real bidders at the
sale, or that we shall not be able to trace them. I fear therefore that I have no
chance of selling that property at present.

I have one piece of bad news (in a httle way) to communicate, namely, that
there was an attempt made on Saturday night to steal your geese ; and although the
robbers were disturbed, they succeeded in carrying off one young goose. Jane was
awakened by the geese making an unusual noise, when she flung up her bedroom
window, and, altho it was almost dark, she plainly saw a man in dark trousers and
a light- coloured jacket, with a goose under his arm, hurrying through the door
that leads from the back-yard to the pleasure grounds. It was very extraordinary
that the dogs took no notice of what was passing whatever. They must I think have
had something given them. I shall take some precautions to prevent such outrages
in future ; but with what success I know not.

My brother John's ox-team has been ploughing my Smugglers field this morning,
and I am to have the use of this team at present for their keep, I hope in the course
of a few days to purchase two cart horses, one of my brother John and one of Benfield,
but it is not quite settled."

The next letter refers to the proposed sale, not of the Winchelsea estate, but of
Broomham, which was a property perfectly distinct from the other ; it is dated
20th July.

" I received yesterday a Letter from Mr, Palmer, from which I send you the
following extract. Mr. Palmer says, ' I have been able to call upon Mr. Humphreys
this morning, when I verbally described to him, as well as I was able, the Broomham
estate ; and required of him on whose account it was that the advertisement was
inserted. He says that a Mr. Hibbert left by his will a very large sum of money, and
directed that a portion of it should be laid out in the purchase of a freehold estate in
one of the counties mentioned in the advertisement you saw ; and that the purchase is
to be made under the direction of the Court of Chancery, and to be approved of by
Master Winkfield, a Master in Chancery, Mr. Humphreys says that the person who is
to possess the estate prefers one in Hampshire, but if I will furnish him (Mr. Hum-
phreys) with the particulars of the diflferent farms, the rent. Land-tax, tythes,
poor-rates, and other usual particulars, with the price, it shall be laid before the
Master. The money to be laid out in the purchase of an estate is £40,000 or
upwards,'

It is impossible to ascertain how this negotiation may end, but it is certain that
there is a bona fide purchaser, and all the parties appear to be respectable. I think

I30

trustees are more likely to give a full and fair price than any other persons. The
terms I ask are thirty years purchase on the actual rents, four thousand pounds for
the mansion, and the timber to be valued. Even my brother John is of opinion
that if these terms can be procured it would be advisable to agree to them.
Both Mr. Palmer and Mr. Hare thought these terms fair, and that perhaps they
might be obtained. I know the name of Hibbert very well in the commercial or
mercantile world ; but I do not at present recollect any thing about the family. I
shall forward to Mr. Palmer the information he requires as soon as possible.

After dispatching my Letter to you on Tuesday, I proceeded to Rocklands to
dine with Mr. and Mrs. Milward, where I met a very small party consisting of the two
Miss Birds and Mr. Foyster, the new Rector of All Saints and St. Clements, Hastings.
The Miss Birds spoke very highly of the sermon which my nephew James preached
last Sunday at St. Mary for the benefit of the Society for promoting Christian Know-
ledge. They said that his discourse was very impressive and excellent, but rather
too long. The collection made at the Church doors in behalf of the Institution
amounted to upwards of twenty pounds, a very good collection considering there
is so little company, at present, in Hastings. . . .

The Reform dinner took place yesterday at Hastings. I am told it was admir-
ably arranged and conducted, and gave universal satisfaction. The most perfect
order, regularity and harmony prevailed. The poor inhabitants of Hastings were
entertained with a dinner in the priory meads, when between eighty and ninety
tables were placed for their reception, at which five thousand four hundred persons
sat down. The number of people assembled, including spectators, was estimated at
fourteen thousand. The health of the King was drank with enthusiastic shouts of
Loyalty. The town of Hastings was ornamented with green boughs, and flags of
various descriptions ; the flags, amounting to above a hundred, were afterwards
removed to the place of entertainment. In the latter part of the day a variety of
amusements were prepared to entertain the populace ; and the whole concluded
with a display of fireworks. . . ."

His next letter, dated 26th July, intimates his intention shortly of being at Seal,
and deplores the unfavourable turn in Mrs. Humphry's illness. He says :

" . . . I have just finished a Schedule of my Broomham estate for Mr.
Palmer, containing the name of every field, the name of every occupier, the number
of acres, the species of land, the rent, and every other kind of information which 1
think can be required, such as the amount of tithes, poor-rates, &c. This task has
given me a great deal of trouble, and has taken up a large portion of my time. I
anxiously await the result of the pending negotiation, as almost every day's experience
convinces me that I never shall be comfortable until I have sold the Broomham
estate ; because no other measure will afford me so good an income together with a
regular payment of the same, not subject to contingencies. On this important
subject, however, 1 will say more when I see you. ... I am extremely sorry
to hear that Philip Nouaille's expedition [to Canada] has commenced so very
unpropitiously ; but I hope that the next accounts will be more favourable, and I
entertain no doubt but that he will ultimately succeed.

I dined on Tuesday at Coghurst with Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco, and Mr.
and Mrs. West ; and I was glad to see our friends there looking so well. Old Mr.
Brisco arrived at Hastings on Tuesday ; and Mr. and Mrs. William Camac are making
a tour through Wales. I was very sorry to learn from Mrs. West that my friend
Alderman Atkins {i) had lately lost his youngest daughter. The young lady, I
believe, has always been very unhealthy. I see also by the newspapers that Alderman
Farebrother has lately lost a daughter.

(») Mr. John Pelly Atkins, the only surviving son of Alderman Atkins, married the only

daughter of J. G. Children, and grand-daughter of George Children of Ferox Hall Tonbridge.

131
. . , Charles Wilson gave me notice, in a very respectful manner, that he
should wish to quit my service at Michaelmas next, and at the same time thanking
me for all the favours he had received. The reason he alledged for taking this step
was, in the first place, that he had never had good health since he has been at Guestling
and he thought the air did not agree with him ; secondly, that the people in the
parish had taken such a dislike to him as to render his situation very uncomfortable.
He says he cannot account for this dislike unless it is because, whilst he manages my
farming affairs, he will see that my workmen do a full and fair day's work, which he
thinks they are not inclined to do. . . . My haymaking goes on very prosper-
ously, and I believe I shall have (including the stack in the marsh) at least one hundred
tons. . ."

Broomham was duly advertised to be sold by private contract ; and the following
brief description is taken from the somewhat lengthy particulars.

The property comprised some 2,290 acres of land in the parishes of GuestHng,
Icklesham, Pett and Rye, including Broomham house and park, outbuildings and
stabling for twelve horses, keeper's lodge, &c. ; the Manors of Heigham and French
Court ; the ruins of the ancient castle of Winchelsea called the Camber Castle ; and
the Bailiwick or office of Bailiff of the Town of New Winchelsea. The principal
farms Vv'ere the Sheephouse Farm, 883 acres ; Place Farm, 155 acres ; the Park,
consisting of 150 acres and some lands adjoining ; and 336 acres of wood, besides
smaller farms, cottages, &c., &c. This was of the yearly value of £2,500 ;
Broomham house ;^ioo
The Estate :^i.5oo

Winchelsea Estate :^900

£2,500

This at thirty years purchase would represent a sum of £75,000 ; but fortunately,
so it seems to us, no purchaser came forward. It is evident that the Winchelsea
estate is here included.

In the interval between this, and the next letter that is preserved, Sir WiUiam
had returned from Seal. He mentions his agreeable journey down in the coach,
and has several little pieces of domestic intelligence for Lady Ashburnham, which
may be passed over here.

" Broomham, October nth, 1832.

. . . I was sorry to hear that old Mr. Brisco had been extremely ill, so much
so that Mrs. Camac had sent round cards to postpone her Monday evening party.
I sent yesterday to enquire after him ; and the report was, that he was rather better,
though still confined to his bed. His complaint however is rheumatism, which
though painful and troublesome, is, I believe, never dangerous. My brother John
went to London on Thursday last, and took John Piers with him in his way to
school. Mrs. Ashburnham and the children at the parsonage are all well, except
the baby, who is very poorly, and suffers much from cutting his teeth.

When I came home, I found here a long and very civil letter from Mr. Sharpe,
in which he nibbles at my political opinions, but without refuting them. He and
Mrs. Shcirpe desire me to present their best compliments to you. . . . When
absent, nothing gives me greater pleasure than to receive a Letter from my dear
wife, more especially now, as I am very anxious to hear that you are quite well.
You will present my Love and kindest regards to your dear Mother and your Sisters.
I am, my dear Julia, with the tenderest love and warmest affection, your faithful
husband,

William Ashburnham."

His next letter, dated i6th October, announced that Durham, one of the
Winchelsea tenants, had refused to give up possession when required to do so, after

132

proper notice given ; Sir William was fully equal to the occasion, and took prompt
measures for an ejectment, all the more so as Durham seems to have been of a
malicious and impudent temper. There had also been difficulty over a valuation.
At the Lewes sheep fair, notwithstanding the business being dull, Mr. Milward made
as much as twenty-two shillings a head of his best lambs, and twenty shillings of his
worst, which in Sir William's eyes emphasised the importance of keeping to good
breeds. His nephew James West had been ill with English cholera, but was then
recovered. Mr. and Mrs. William Denne, her parents (Major and Mrs. Orme) and
sisters had just arrived at Hastings for a visit.

Soon afterwards Sir William rejoined the party at Seal for a few days, and then
returned to superintend matters at home, whence he writes on 4th November. A
curious incident befell him on his return. ' ' Two gentlemen got upon the coach at
Tunbridge, who smoked their cigars and were both very civil ; one of them amused
me much by remarking to his companion, what a striking likeness there was between
me and a gentleman they had dined with on the preceding day ; his companion
concurring in this observation, the former asked me if I was related to Mr. Lozet
of Town Mailing. I assured him I was not. This little incident entertained me, and
I own I have some curiosity to see the person to whom I am supposed to bear so
strong a resemblance." Travelling in the 'thirties was very different from what it
is to-day. Either private carriages were used or the coaches. To return from Seal,
Lady Ashburnham was recommended to secure a seat in the White Hastings Coach
(for which she paid twenty shillings), but the place had to be taken at the office in
London. This was done by Bishop, the driver, who left word at the Chequers, in
Sevenoaks, whether a seat could be secured or not. When the seat was secured for
certain, Lady Ashburnham was to write home mentioning on what day and at what
time she would be at Fairlight Down, where the carriage would be in readiness to
meet her. He continues : —

" . . . I am sorry to inform you that a new and atrocious species of depre-
dation has occurred in the parish. Last Saturday se'ennight one of my ewes was
killed, the meat cut off from the bones, and the skeleton and the skin left in the
field. A few days afterwards one of Mr. Thomas Breed's sheep was destroyed in a
similar manner. The Blacksmith at Icklesham (who had but five sheep) has had one
of them stolen. No traces have yet been discovered of the base perpetrators. With
this exception my farming affairs appear to have gone on very well. . , . John
Holmes [for so many years the Bailiff] has sold 51 refuse Lambs for fourteen shillings
per head, which is the highest price which I obtained for my best Lambs at Battle
fair. . . ."

Sir William kept up a close fire of letters ; the next day he writes again :
" . . . I went to Hastings yesterday, and called upon Mr. William Denne,
to consult with him on the best mode of opening a negotiation with Sir Edward
Hamilton for the purchase of my Winchelsea estate. Mr. Denne said he was
acquainted with Sir Edward Hamilton, but that Sir Edward had left Hastings, and
he imagined that he was gone to London, previous to which he knew that he
had been over to view my property near Winchelsea. Mr. Denne told me that there
is thirty thousand pounds vested in the funds in the names of Trustees for the benefit
of Sir Edward Hamilton's children ; this money Sir Edward has, for some years past,
been very anxious to transfer into Lsmd, and he prefers marsh Land. Mr. Denne
added that he had some reason to believe that the trustees would not consent to any
purchase which would not yield four per cent. If this is their absolute determination
we shall not agree, but perhaps time has convinced them that no Land can be obtained
on such terms. Mr. Denne was very friendly, and said, as he was going to town in a
few days, he would call upon Sir Edward Hamilton, and ascertain whether he had
any inclination to purchase my Winchelsea estate, and if that was the case he would
refer him to Mr. Palmer for particulars. I accepted Mr. Denne's obliging offer, and

133

shall await the result ; but I fear I must not entertain any very sanguine hopes from
this quarter, though I have thought it right to make the trial.

I saw my nephew James, yesterday ; he seems in much better health, and in
very good spirits. He tells me that he has lately been lecturing the lower classes
of the parishioners at St. Mary's on the important duty of receiving the Lord's
Supper ; and with so much success that, the last time the Sacrament was administered
at St. Mary, there were seventy additional communicants, chiefly from the middle
and lower classes. This shows both the power and efficacy of his exhortations, and
his zeal and assiduity in the cause of religion. James also says that he has brought
over all the dissenters at Winchelsea, together with the principal dissenting minister, to
the church by explaining to them (and explaining to their satisfaction) that there is no
just and sufficent reason for them to separate from the establishment. This is a
good work and does credit to his talents and activity, as well as to his devoted
attachment to the cause he has undertaken to advocate. I am sorry however to add
that he seems to run into great extremes, and to make Dr. Fearon of Ore his model.
I beheve I wrote rather too strongly in regard to poor James' health, but I had my
account from Mary Holmes, who always exaggerates. . .

The Duke and Dutchess of St. Albans paid Mrs. Camac a visit for two or three
days. They were received with great ceremony ; a grand party was invited to meet
and entertain them ; and a band of musick was provided to play during the banquet.
During the stay of their Graces at Hastings, Mrs. Camac took them in her carriage
over to Winchelsea. The Dutchess was so well pleased with Hastings, that it is
reported she has commissioned Mrs. Camac to engage a house for her. The Duke of
Cumberland has taken two houses belonging to Mr. Thomas Breeds in Breeds' Place
for the accomodation of himself, his family, and suite. The object of the Royal
Duke in coming to Hastings is that his son Prince George, who labours under a serious
complaint in his eyes, might have the benefit of the constant attendance of Sir
Wathan WaUer.

My brother John, Mrs. Ashburnham, and all their family are quite well. Mrs.
John Ashburnham has lately had a Letter from her son John Piers, in which he says
that he now likes his school very much. This is a good piece of news, and I hope will
prove a prelude to improvement. . ."

Two days later there is another long letter, in which Sir William ' ' flings on
paper anything, however trivial," he can collect, and sends it with some pheasants
(shot by John Holmes), a woodcock and some soles ; also some plants, and crimson
perennial stocks, the seed of which he had from Mrs. Richard Streatfield of Hever.
The woodcock was the first that season shot in the neighbourhood. He says, " I see
from the newspapers that the Revd. William Thursby, (who married Miss Pelham)
has resigned the living of All Saints in Northampton, which is said to be worth
£400 per annum. I suppose that he resigned in consequence of the Bishop of his
Diocese insisting upon his residence." It is believed that such a state of affairs was
by no means uncommon in 1830, though the position with regard to pluralities
was improving. He says : ' ' Give my kindest love to your dear mother, and tell her
that I miss much, in an evening, our agreeable rubber of whist. When you see my
Uncle Henry [Woodgate of Riverhill] give my kindest love to him, and present
my best compliments to Mrs. Petley." With this parcel, he sent two sonnets to
Mary Anne Humphry, of which he says : —

' ' I believe few authors are wholly exempt from some degree of vanity ; when I
say vanity, I do not mean a puffed up and over-weening idea of their own talents
and productions, but a sensibility to the voice of praise, and that throb of delight
which a writer cannot fail to feel, when any portion of his writings receives the
approbation of those whom he esteems. You flattered me by saying that you much
valued some Letters I had written to you on Literature and the Arts This obser-
vation has induced me to send you a specimen of my poetry in the shape of two

134

Sonnets. 1 have selected the Sonnet entitled " The Painter," because I know the
interest you take in that charming art, the art of painting ; and I have selected the
other Sonnet, entitled the Death of the elder Pliny, because the subject was suggested
to me, during a visit at Seal, by reading in your mother's Library Melmoth's trans-
lation of an epistle from the younger Pliny, in which he relates his uncle's death, and
describes that dreadful, that fatal eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which overwhelmed
the unfortunate cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Perhaps you will do me the
favour to turn to this epistle, and see whether I have not strictly adhered to historic
truth, and whether lam not fully justified in all I have asserted.

I assure you, my dear Miss Maryanne, that it is very dangerous to praise a poet.
If you praise a portion of his verses he will inundate you with his productions ; and if
you praise his Letters, he will ruin you in postage. Since this Letter comes gratis,
it is not liable to the latter objection; and I do not consider two Sonnets an inundation.
I think, therefore, my infliction is very moderate. . . ,"

Sonnet. THE PAINTER.
Blest imitative art ! (whose colours blend

In rich profusion o'er the canvas spread)
Thou raisest up or lost or absent friend.

The loved, the great, the honoured and the dead ;
Invaluable the aid thy power supplies.

Which features, form, can so correctly trace,
Which bids the absent stand before our eyes.

And from the grave recalls the reverenced face :
Content no varnished artifice to use,

But placed in proper attitude and light.
Complacently the enamoured Limner views

The produce of his pencil with delight.
As these existence owe to him alone,
With a Creator's glow he smiles upon his own.

Sonnet. DEATH OF PLINY THE ELDER.
Happy the man whose actions good and great

Are worthy record in historic page ;
Happy the pen that can such deeds relate

In works the boast of each succeeding age.
But happier far is he, who both unites,
Whose rich-stored lines, bright, nervous, pure, refined.
Are the reflection of his piuer mind,
Acting as nobly as he finely writes.
Such Pliny was — such traits his writings show,
Such Pliny was braving the tortured wave,
Fearless himself, but emulous to save.
Mid horrors that from fiery mountains flow.
Fame with no single marble was content,
A ruined city forms his awful monument.
On nth November, he writes in apprehension for the health of Lady Ashbum-
ham, who had contracted an obstinate and severe cough ; he thinks the English
climate in winter too cold for her, and proposes travelling to a more genial region.
He announces his intention of letting his farm of Little Higham to Mr. Gutsell, a
substantial farmer, of French Court in Fairlight, who offered him any rent he chose
to name ; this Sir William considers preferable to retaining it in his own hands. He
draws a lively picture of their respective conditions. " I am glad," he says, " that
your dccir mother is not deprived by my, absence of her rubber of whist. I often
think of the dear circle at Seal, either engaged at their amusing pastime, or in pleasing,

135

cheerful, and enlivening conversation, while I am pacing my splendid rooms in
cheerless solitude ; perhaps I ought not exactly to say solitude, as contemplation and
the Muse are my companions."

Sir William was doomed to many disappointments. When he writes next,
on 13th November, he mentions having heard from Mr. Dertne, who had called on
Sir Edward Hamilton, but found him out of town. Sir Edward Hamilton was,
in fact, returned to Hastings, and had despatched a confidential agent to view again
Ihe Sheep-house estate. Sir William's enquiries about Outsell were most unsatis-
factory, and revealed him as a highly irresponsible tenant ; " I am become sb
accustomed," he says, "to these kind of disappointments that I ahi callous and
seared to them. Perhaps after all it is best as it is ; for I should have been obliged
to have laid out nearly two years rent in repairs, which, although it would have
been money well spent, yet it would have been a great drawback on my income for
the ensuing year, which I can ill afford." Lady Ashburnham's little agricultural
speculation over some runts had not met with the success anticipated. He goes on
lo say :

" . . . I received a note on Monday from my brother George informing
me that his wiffe was safely delivered, on Sunday night at eleven o'clock, of a fine
boy. The mother and infant are both doing well. I was glad to hear this good
account, though I cannot but regret that George has so large a family.

Tv/o melancholy occurrences have taken place on this coast, in consequence
of the heavy squall of wind which set in so furiously against this squall on Saturday
last. A schooner from Dartmouth foundered between Rye and Dungeness, and
all on board perished, except one man who climbed up the mast, and remained there
until a boat could put off to his rescue. A smuggling boat, on its passage from
France to Hastings, was what the seamen call capsized, or turned over, and all the
crew, including the master, were lost. The master was a smuggler, and did reside
at HoUington corner. He has left a widow and six children.

A shocking event took place on Monday at Pett. A boy of about fourteen
years of age hung himself in his master's oast-house. The female part of the family
were engaged in washing, in which the boy had been assisting by bringing water ;
the boy having been missed for some time they went in search of him, and found him
suspended from a beam in the oast-house, and quite dead. The cause of this rash and
deplorable act cannot be conjectured. . . ."

Lady Ashburnham returned a day or two later ; and from this point until the
end of our period the letters become very much less frequent, sometimes only one or
two to one year, and sometimes none at all. The next in point of date is from Denny
Ashburnham, who was about to remove from Ditchling to Catsfield.

" Ditchling Vicarage, July 19th, 1833.
Dear Brother,

I am quite uneasy at the thought of my inattention to your kind request of
hearing from us on our arrival in Town, & I can conjure up but one shadow of excuse
for not having so done — that is, poor George, whom I repeatedly saw, continues still so
obstinately bent upon pursuing his own imprudent plans, that I had nothing to impart
on that head which was likely to serve him, or afford you ye smallest satisfaction.
My attempts to assist him I fear were exerted to no purpose & our meetings were
generally of that unsatisfactory nature as very much to chill the spirit for social
correspondence & certainly diminished the pleasure I shd otherwise have experienced
while in Town. I had however several treats, both musical & pictorial,, ... I
must inform you that we leave Ditchling next Tuesday for Catsfield. I have so
arranged with Mr. Ash as to reduce the expence of moving considerably ; the van
which takes myself family and servants to Catsfield brings Mr. Ash's family to Ditch-
ling & we have adopted the same plan in regard to the waggon which takes our

136

luggage. We expect to arrive about 6 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday but Mr, Ash will
not leave Catsfield before Thursday, and we shall have so much to do and arrange
that I fear I shall not be able to get over to Broomham till after the nth of August.
I have much more to say upon the arts when we meet ; ye British gallery now displays
a noble collection of pictures. There are three rooms, one contains those of Sir
Joshua, another those of Sir Thos. Lawrence & a third those of West's. Here you have
a good opportunity of comparing ye respective merits of each artist, & in my opinion
the former stands pre-eminently foremost. Many of his pictures reminded me of
days of yore, when painting was ye rage ; when we all were artists & when nothing
delighted me more than to accompany my father yourself & my Brother John to ye
Royal Academy.

Give our kindest remembrances to Mrs. A. & my brother John, & say I hope we
shall soon see much more of them than we have hitherto done. We regret greatly
leaving our kind neighbours, but shall be delighted to see our Relatives in the East of
Sussex. I beg that Lady Ashburnham & yourself will accept everything that is kind
from us, & I am your affectionate brother, D.A."

In 1833 the Ashburnhams paid another long visit to Seal ; Sir William returned
to Broomham for some days to superintend, and then went back again, as in former
years. Upon one of these occasions he writes in the following terms, after giving
a variety of news concerning the farm and kindred subjects.

' ' Broomham, October 6th, 1833.
. , . As I know you like to see things kept in repair, and in nice and proper
order, I have directed the park gates to be repaired, and new-painted of a dark green
colour : so you see I get on by degrees. . . .

After I had despatched my letter to you by the post on Thursday, I walked
over to Coghurst and found Mr, and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco at home, together with
Mrs. Camac. The latter, though labouring under a bad cold, seemed in her usual
high spirits and good humour. Mrs. Camac represented the Hastings races to have
been very well attended ; and that not only the race-days, but that a great part of the
succeeding week exhibited a continual round of gaieties. There was a Ball at the
Swan ; a Ball at St. Leonards ; Mrs.Camac's grand Ball ; and a Ball given by Mrs,
Burton ; together with a regatta, and a play at the theatre patronized by the Stewards
of the races. The Ball at the Swan did not conclude till past four o'clock in the
morning. This is much too late, it is making a toil of a pleasure. Mrs. Camac told
me that she had made a delightful tour during the summer months to Cheltenham,
Buxton, and Harrogate, with which she appeared to have been much pleased. The
only noblemen whom I have heard of as being at Hastings are Lord Louth and
Lord Elphinstone. . . ."

It would appear that the following December saw the sale of the Winchelsea
estate finaUy arranged. Miss Humphry writes, on December 5th, 1833.

' ' I heartily congratulate Sir William and yourself on the prospect of a termina-
tion to your protracted and harassing anxieties, and trust the minor consideration
of the time of taking possession will be satisfactorily adjusted. The sum obtained
I hope realizes Sir William's expectation, and earnestly do I hope the sale of this
property may relieve him from pecuniary embarassment. I shall be most anxious
to hear the purchase is compleated ;" and again, a few days later,

' ' I rejoice to learn the sale of the Winchelsea property is finally arranged."

This sale should have relieved, or contributed to relieve. Sir William from his
liabilities, of which, as has been said, we do not know the nature, unless they were in
some way connected with the Rye harbour. In 1834 they repeated their visit to
Seal, from which they returned at the end of June.

137

* * Broomham, July ist, 1834.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Hastings and St. Leonards have been deserted by visitors, but it is
hoped they may fill towards the middle of the month. This part of the country is
suffering greatly from the long continuance of dry weather, much less rain having
fallen here than in Kent. The hay crops are so short that they will scarcely repay the
expence of cutting, and Sir Wilham is obliged to give up the idea of mowing more
than half the meadow land which he had laid for this purpose. . . . We have
had visits from several of our Neighbours since our return. Last week Mr. and Mrs,
Stonestreet & Mr. & Mrs.Wynch call'd; the Family at Pett have been great sufferers
from the prevailing Influenza. Mr. H. Wynch was looking very ill and had been
unable to perform his clerical duties for a month ; he had the Disorder in so violent a
manner that he was obliged to have his Head shaved several times, & I was sorry to
hear that the elder Mrs. Wynch was very unwell with a relapse of the complaint. ,;^

Mr. Wallenger's intended Marriage is entirely unknown here, and not much
credit is attached to the report. He has resigned the living of St. Mary's and Lord
Chichester has appointed a Mr. Marychurch to succeed to the Preferment. Mr.
Wallenger's departure is much lamented at Hastings. It is stated he is going abroad
for the Recovery of his Health. The House he has lately buUt on Castledown is
advertized for sale. We had a transient interview with Mrs. James West and her
Daughters on Wednesday, & were happy to observe Mrs. James West looking much
stronger. Mrs. James John West [this was J. J. West's second wife, a Miss Blair],
and her infant are going on well. Mrs. Blair and her sisters are still at Winchelsea,
but return to town in a few days. Mr. & Mrs. North have been in great affliction
for the safety of their only surviving son, who had the Scarlet Fever some time ago,
& the medical men were very apprehensive consumption would follow ; they are now
gone to Cheltenham to visit her Mother & in the hope that change of air may be of
benefit to their son. Our friends at the Parsonage are all well. John is at home for
his summer vacation, much grown and looking very wefl. Our geraniums in the
Hall we found in great beauty, although they wiU not bear comparison with yours. . ."

The drought became more serious still ; to quote the words of Sir William,
' ' my farm and my garden are almost burnt up. There is a serious scarcity of water
for the cattle. The ditches in the marshes are almost all dry ; and the stock of all
descriptions, belonging to various different owners, run all together. The effects of
this continued drought I fear will be very calamitous." With this letter were sent
some verses and two sonnets, of which the following will serve as a specimen. The
other was supposed to be written on the plains of Waterloo.

"SONNET.

On the Hero of Waterloo being insulted in the streets of London.
How fickle is the favour of the crowd

Oh ! shame to Britain ! — more disgraceful far

Than all reverses of uncertain war,
That thy base rabble should with insult loud
Dare to assail thy Hero's laurel'd head.

Victor renowned ! for whom the hand of Fame

Gathered at Waterloo a deathless name,
And round his brow her freshest Laurels spread.
Champion of England's throne ! was this thy lot ?

Are noble feelings changed to ravings vile ?

Has generous Gratitude forsook our Isle ?
Can Wellington and Glory be forgot ?
Shall he, who (doubtless) Gallia's fury braved,
Be hooted in the land his matchless valour saved ?

138

Though nothing could divert the Duke from his purpose, these insults were
nevertheless keenly felt. When the windows of Apsley House ovierlookihg tHe
Park were broken by the mob, he put Up iron shutters which were never once removed
till his death. With these verses was sent a " floreal letter " to Miss Huniphrj^;
deploring the effect of the drought on his garden : speaking of his brother's familyi
hie says :

'' My birother JDenny, Mrs. Denny Ashburnham, and his two daughters spent
i '^ieek with us lately, and during their stay furnished us with a rich musical treat.
Denny fancied that he had, in some measure, lost his voice, but from experiment I am
Warranted in asserting that his voice is as sweet, as melodious, and as powerful as
6ver. in taste, feeling and expression he never, I think, appeared to greater advan-
tage. Mrs. Denny Ashburnham possesses a fine voice ; her lower and middle tones
are remarkably good, but some of her upper notes are rathef harsh : she is sensible of
this defect, and is much improved in modulating her voice so as to correct this
irrijperfection. After a time I arh convinced she will sing admirably, and I think
#e shall soon meet with few Ladies, amongst our acquaintance, who will surpass
hier in this delightful science. Denny's daughter Mary is grown quite a tall girl.
She exhibits sOrhe prospect of singing ; but at her early age it is impossible to frtrni
ahy judgment. They speak very highly of their kind neighbours General and Mrs.
Pilkington, whose daughters are most agreeable companions to my young neices,"

The time had nearly arrived for the settlement of the Winchelsea estate sale,
of which Mr. Herbert Curteis was the purchaser. A strict system of economy was
established and maintained at Broomham, until the pecuniary troubles were over.
Entertaining was severely restricted, and prudent measures of a like nature were
adopted. It is not plain what was the " heavy loss " referred to in the following
letter ; possibly it was the bad price realized by the sale of land.

' ' Broomham, Septbr ist, 1834:
My dear Fanny,

. . . Sir William had a Lettier from Mr. H. Palmer on Saturday, when he
learnt for the first time officially that Mr. Herbert Curteis is the actual purchaser of
the Sheep house estate. Several exceptions have been taken to the title, some of
which have been got over, and we trust no serious obstacle presents itself to prevent
it being paid for at the specified time, which is now fast approaching. Mr. Palmer
is now at Brighton. I shall be truly thankful when Sir William is able to get an
arrangement of his affairs, but know by experience that all matters where law is
concerned proceed very slowly. We think it favourable Mr. H. Curteis having avowed
himself to be the purchaser, which we suppose he avoided doing till he was satisfied
as to the title. Sir William presided at the Dinner for the Society of promoting
Christian Knowledge on Friday last, and was gratified by the manner in which he
was supported. I had a kind note from Mrs. Mackenzie who is staying at Iden and
intends favouring us with a morning visit the end of next month. Julius Nouaille
was here one day last week. I was glad to hear from him a good account of his
friends in Kent. . . ."

The next letter, from Lady Ashburnham, dated 5th November, 1834, contains
a description of the Duchess of Kent's visit to St. Leonards : —

^ " The Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria arrived at St. Leonards
yesterday ; last week it was intimated to Sir Willm that the Corporation of Hastings
attended by the whole neighbourhood intended meeting their Royal Highnesses,
and escorting them through Hastings to St. Leonards, Flies not being deemed
admissahle, Mr. & Mrs. Ashburnham offered us seats in their carriage, and we accom-
panied them to join the procession. The Town of Hastings made every effort to
demonstrate their Loyalty on the occasion. A triumphal arch formed of evergreens
&c was erected at the Hare & Hounds, where the jurisdiction of the corporation
commences, & the place fixed on for the reception of the Royal Party. They came

139
l^om Tunbridge Wells, lunched at Biattle Abbey, & their arrival about three p'clo,ck
was announced by the firing of canon, ringing of Bells, 8^ the huzzaing of an immense
cpncourse of persons. The Rpyal carriages were attended from Battle by a large
party of Sussex gentlernep and yeomen, all well mounted, and received on their
arrival by the Corporation and resident Gentlemen of Hastings on Horseback ; the
carriages afterwards fell into the Procession and the Pedestrians followed. The
Town of Hastings was richly decorated with evergreens, interspersed with every
description of flowers that the season could supply, & Flags & Banners with appro-
priate inscriptions were waving in all directions, indeed I think the Royal Party
could not fail of being gratified by the high degree of Loyalty and good feeling
evinced on the occasion. I wish my dear Fanny you could have been present, I
assure you it was a most gratifying spectacle ; I could hardly have supposed thi^
part of Sussex could have produced such an immense concourse of persons. Before
I quit the subject I must not omit to mention, that we had a most gracious curtsy
from the Duchess of Kent & the young Princess as thp carriage slowly passed the
window where they had alighted at St. Leonards. I am told a most beautiful display
of fireworks & a splendid illumination took place at St. Leonards last night, indeed all
orders appeared most anxious to testify their loyalty & attachment to the Throne.

Mrs. North has lately lost her mother, her eldest brother Sir William Marjorir
banks died a short time previously. An extraordinary mortality has taken place in
her Family, six members of which have departed this life within the last year. . . "
On 14th February, 1835, Mrs. Humphry died at the advanced age of 84 years,
^ary Anne Humphry's health necessitated her living in London, under more adequate
medical control than could be exercised over her by her family, anc^ Miss Humphry
was left alone at Seal. Under the circumstances, it was decided that she should take
up her abode at Broomham, whither she removed with a good deal of her furniture,
and, what was more precious to her, her plants. From that time until her death,
Broomham was her home, and the house at Seal was let.

Lady Ashburnham writes in May to her sister, and the letter is addressed to her
at Mrs. Bepham's, 9, Alexander Square, Brompton.

' ' Broomham, May 14th, 1835.
My dear Maryanne,

Not having had the satisfaction of hearing from you since Fanny's arrival here,
I purpose addressing a Letter to you hoping it may find you improving in health and
more comfortable in your present abode. I earnestly hope as the season advances,
aijid you become more settled in your habits, that you will find yourself much better,
and more equal to meet the little difficulties we must all have to encounter in this
world. You are aware that this is a most trying period of the year for Invalids, and
you must look forward with hope that after a time your health will be altogether
renoyated, & that you will again enjoy with a thankful mind the blessings of life.
We thought Fanny looking poorly on her first arrival, which was to be expected after
^11 the harass & fatigue she has had to endure ; we have little variety for her at present,
^ut she amuses herself with tending her plants which are arranged in different parts
pf tlie House ; they have been considerably checked by removal from the green-house
tp a colder climate at so early a period of the year. After her walk with you in
Kensington gardens, she was astonished to find vegetation here so backward.

. . John West came from Tnnbridge and spent the day with us yesterday ; he
returned early this Morning as he is to join his Regin^ent in a few days. He gives a
good account of all his Family with the exception of his sister Fanny who has been
a great Invalid during the Spring. Alicia accompanied Mr. & Mrs. Camac, who were
staying at the Postern at Easter, to a Ball at Maidstone with which she was highly
Relighted, having the gratification to dance with several military Beaus. John West
IS fciecome much more conversible from having had the advantage of a more extended
intercourse with society. Mr. & Mrs. James John West are still absent from Win-

140

Chelsea & their poor Httle Boy continues very unwell. The death of Mr. Yates of
Fairlawn took place about three weeks since. His Loss is deeply regretted ; the
Parish of Shipbourne have put themselves in mourning and the gentry of the neigh-
bourhood attended the Funeral. We are told that Miss Yates and Mr. & Mrs. Park
are to be resident at Fairlawn.

We hear Hastings and St. Leonards are deserted by company ; both Places have
been full during the Winter. The buildings at St. Leonards are re-commencing on a
large scale. I think I informed you of the death of our old neighbour Mrs. Francis
MiUward, and that she had left the bulk of her property to Mrs. Millward for her life.
The first Horticultural meeting for the season took place at Battle last Friday ; it was
but thinly attended, most of the resident gentry being at this season in London.
The Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria are become the Patroness & the Vice-
Patroness of the Society. . . ."

There is a postscript added by Miss Humphry : —

" My dear Maryanne, I had the satisfaction of finding Sir William and Julia
quite well on my arrival here, and was fortunate in having pleasant companions in the
coach, which beguiled the distance from London. . . I have called on the Miss
Kays at their pretty cottage with Sir William and Julia, and have seen Mr. and Mrs.
Ashburnham and their beautiful group of children several times. Sir William
has kindly assigned me a piece of ground for Flowers, and I renew my favourite
amusement with pleasure. I do not make more particular enquiries respecting
St. Leonards till we hear from you ; Julia thinks you would not Hke it under present
circumstances, destitute of company, and constant noise from the buildings going
forward. . . ."

In August Mr. and Mrs. Denny Ashburnham passed some time at Broomham.
He was by that time well settled at Catsfield, and had been taking duty at Hove,
where he became acquainted with the curate there, Mr. Snowden, an old Tonbridge
School Bo}^ Mr. and Mrs. John Ashburnham and their two daughters, Fanny and
Honor, had been staying at Catsfield during the summer, ' ' one of the old fashioned
cricket-playing summers, returned after long absence, bringing to mind Thomson's
beautiful poem on this lovely season," as Denny Ashburnham describes it.

In December, 1835, Sir William and Lady Ashburnham visited their Kentish
friends. Lady Ashburnham, describing the event to her sister, says :

' ' We had the satisfaction of finding our friends at the Castle well on our arrival,
& I have had the pleasure of seeing several of our old Tunbridge friends. To-day
we have been to Pembury, & found Mrs. S. Woodgate at home, in excellent spirits
and looking better than I have seen her for some time. She made many kind enquiries
after you, & hoped you would pass a little time with her previous to your return into
Sussex. We afterwards called on Lady Hardinge, & were gratified by having an
opportunity of seeing Bounds, which is an excellent House, fitted up in a very hand-
some manner. We are to attend a little dance at Mr. F. Woodgate's to-morrow
Evening, & it is our intention to return to Broomham on Friday. I am happy to
hear of Miss M. Crichton's intended marriage. Pray give our kindest regards to Mr.
& Mrs. Nouaille, Peter & Anne."

In February, 1836, Sir William found it necessary to consult Mr. Palmer upon
some very complicated accounts ; it would seem that they related to the affairs of
Cheyney's Icklesham Charity, which had been allowed to stand over for very many
years, with results that may easily be imagined. The difiiculty arose, in part, over
a feofifment. It was suggested by Mr. Palmer that the parish of Icklesham should give
a piece of land in lieu of the land in question ; and that if they had none, that Sir
William should sell them a portion of the Smuggler's field {giving he declared to be
quite out of the question).

141

Sir William writes from Mr. Palmer's house : —

* ' Upper Wooburn Place. (Feb. 5th)

Tuesday nine o'clock in the afternoon.
My dear Julia,

After a most disagreeable journey, through snow sleet and rain, I arrived between
seven and eight o'clock yesterday afternoon in Wooburn Place where I received a
most kind and cordial welcome from our friends the Palmers. . . . Notwith-
standing his indisposition, Mr. Palmer very willingly entered into the business
which brought me to town, and we have been employed this morning in endeavouring
to arrange the charity concerns, but we have not yet completed our task. Even
Mr. Palmer found it very difficult to make a satisfactory arrangement, from the
complexity of the details. Mr. Palmer thought the manner in which I had drawn up
my paper of accounts was objectionable, though the mode which he has adopted is
not materially different from mine in the general result. I have the pleasure to state
that Mr. Palmer tells me that the fifty pounds bequeathed by the late Mr. Bradshaw
now stands in the three per cent consols, and has never been drawn out, as I was
apprehensive, through mistake, it might have been. This discovery will be a saving
to me of fifty pounds which I was afraid I should have had to have paid in addition
to the arrears of rent. It is a great consolation, likewise, to me to reflect that it is
now proved that my father had not acted irregularly or incorrectly in this business.
As it is scarcely possible that our accounts can be so matured and methodized as to b6
in a state to be laid before Mr. Hume before Saturday or Monday next, I write to say
that you must not expect me at Broomham till Tuesday next. Whenever I do
come I shall probably travel by the Regulator or blue Hastings coach which leaves
the Bolt in tun in Fleet Street at ten o'clock in the morning, and reaches Hastings
about seven o'clock in the evening.

I called in Southampton Row on your sister Mary Ann this morning, and found
Capt. and Mrs. Thomas with her who were very civil and polite. Mary Ann said she
was well, and I hope she is so ; but I thought she looked pale and dejected. As
Capt. and Mrs. Thomas were present she did not say a word about her present residence
which I think she would have done had she liked it. She said she should write
to you in a day or two. She seemed much pleased with my present of the Keepsake.
I called this morning upon Mr. Robert Hare at Coutt's Banking house, and paid
him the money for the wine ; and he gave me the receipt for it. I enquired after
Mrs. Robert Hare and the young people, and I was glad to find that they were all well.
I gave Mr. Hare the letter for his wife with which I was entrusted. He was much
concerned to hear of your sister Fanny's illness. [Mrs. Hare was the widow of William
Ozias Humphry, Lady Ashburnham's brother].

Probably you have learnt from my brother John that I was not able to get an
inside place in either of the early coaches ; I was therefore obliged to wait for the ten
o'clock coach which made me late in town. When at Hastings, having a quarter of
an hour to spare, I called upon Mr. and Mrs. Brisco who were at breakfast ; I was
glad to find Mrs. West very composed and looking very well. Mrs. Brisco told me she
was in hopes that she had quite got rid of her lameness. . . ."

On the back of this letter is written in pencil, in Lady Ashburnham's writing,
The last received from Sir Wm. Ashburnham by his wife, never leaving home again
unaccompanied by her. He departed this Life March 21st, 1843."

In the exhibition at Somerset House in May, 1836, appeared a painting (No.
180) "Broomham Park, J. Thorp. Beneath their shade the bleating flocks repose."
Denny Ashburnham says, ' ' This picture escaped my notice, however I shall have an
opportunity of seeing it to-morrow. To render this picture most interesting, the
Baronet should be introduced in the attitude of exclaiming in fine poetical phrenzy,
' ye woods & wilds whose melancholy shade ' &c."

142

In the following November, the Rev. Thomas Harvey, Vicar of Cowden, applied
to Sir William for assistance in increasing the accommodation in Cowden church. It
must bp rei^emhered that Lady Asl^^^urnham and her sisters owned the Moat, Cowden,
and that the Ashburnhams were interested in the parish, as being among t^e principal
landowners. Sir William regrets his inability tp assist ; in tW course o^ the letter
he says :

■ ' In the church at Guestling, (the parish in which I reside) I have a side chancel
which is my private property, but in which there are no seats. As there is a great
want of accomodation for the parishioners of Guestling, I have for years had it in
contemplation to erect pews or benches in my chancel, and then to give up the pews
now occupied bfy my family and dependents to others."

In P^ceniber, Lady Ashburnham writes to ]\Iary Anne Humphry, at 4, Ken-
sington Crescent : —

" . . . I am happy to tell you that poor little Honor Ashburnhar^ is better,
altho' she is still confined to her Bed, and it is feared she will be a great Invalid for
some time, but it is hoped she will ultimately recover. Mr. Ashburnham went to
Town on Saturday to bring Anchitel from School for his Xmas Holidays. Our
neighbour Mr. Kay is just returned from a continental tour ; he has visited Paris and
the Netherlands, and was prevented prosecuting his journey into Greece from
apprehensions of the cholera, having arranged a plan for travelling in the suite of
King Otho on the occasion of his Marriage. Mr. Prout the celebrated artist h^s
taken a House at Hastings (one of those in the Paragon Buildings) and intends
making it his permanent abode. He is said to be much put of health and hope^
the mild climate of the place will be useful to him. We understand Mr. Pahner is to
be Sheriff for the County of Sussex the ensuing year : his son Mr. George Palmer [who
seems to have been curate under Mr. Wynch] is to act as Chaplain on the occasion.
Mrs. West is intending to pay Mrs.Nouaille a visit early in January previous to taking
a Residence at Hastings. I was happy to hear from Fanny [who had just returned
from a visit to Mary Anne Humphry] a good account of Mrs. Hare, Juha and her
brothers, and should be glad to find that Richard had a permanent engagement. We
are happy to hear that James West's health is improved since his Residence at
Southborough. We have completed the purchase of the Poney Phaeton and think
it will prove an accomodation here, but do not intend to use it till the return of
Spring. ..."

It is evident that, since Denny Ashburnham's removal to Catsfield, the brothers
obtained much more of each other's society, and several letters of invitation are
extant. Denny Ashburnham's letters are noticeable for the frequent quotations they
contain, chiefly poetical, but sometimes extracts from prose writers. In the spring of
1837, he writes from Catsfield Rectory : —

' ' We called on Mrs. J. Dugdell on the 7th [April] & were rejoiced to find that her
little Daughter Caroline had received so much |),enefit from the sea air. We expect
to see them some morning should the weather permit. J. Dugdell has ^vritten nie
a long and interesting Letter on the subject of his futiu"e intended movements relative
to the health of his daughter. His present plan is to leave England early in the
ensuing Autumn, visit the South of France, Italy, Switzerland, and the Rhyne. You,
I know, are not of a wandering disposition. I am, in a restricted sense of the word.
Though perfectly contented, though more than happy in my present beautiful retreat,
yet still I should be well pleased tp take a wider view of this delightful world, from
which the eye of Reaspn and of Christian faith looks upwards to thf; promised land.

. . . Only think of little Fanny's sudden flight to school ! I most sincerely hope
it will be attended with every wished-for good anticipated by Mrs. Ashburnham and
my brother Rector. , . ."

143

Writing next year, he describes the arrangements made for the commutation of
Tithe at DitchHng :

' ' The Land owners have enter'd into a resolution to give me a rent charge of
^210 pr ann: that is, they have agreed to raise the tithes £i8 7/- & to allow £39 13/-
as the average sum for poor rates. I hope my brother John will consider this arrange-
ment satisfactory. I am glad to hear my brother John has settled the question
of tithes with his Parishioners at Pevensey to his satisfaction ; and knowing that he
is now in Town, perhaps you will favour me by informing him on his return how I
have managed with the Land owners at Ditchling. Owing to the death of Mr.
Billingham the Catsfield tithes business is postponed."

He goes on to state that Mr. Wharton, his curate at Ditchling (for it must be
remembered that he held both livings), owing to ill health had resigned, which he and
the parishioners esteemed a very great loss. He requests to know if his brothers have
in view any one to whom they would wish the appointment to be offered. This is the
last letter of Denny Ashbumham's that remains.

Miss Humphry in February, 1837, describes the Nouailles' visit to Mrs. West at
Hastings, and goes on to say : —

' ' Mr. and Mrs. Denny Ashburnham spent a morning here the early part of last
week, and are to make their long promised visit with their young people the 6th day of
March, when Fanny Ashburnham is to pass the week here to meet her cousins. Mrs.
D. Ashburnham brought Sir William two beautiful water-coloured paintings from her
sister ; they are original compositions, and the designs and execution evince much
talent in the artist. Sir William's last letter from his sister stated they were aU
recovering from Influenza ; you will be glad to hear that John West is made a
lieutenant, he has been very fortunate in succeeding so early to promotion. Lady
Ashburnham received a long letter from Mrs. Hare a few days ago ; I sincerely hope
the engagement entered into for Frederick may prove advantageous. I wish some
employment could be found for poor Richard. ... Sir William has resumed his
evening reading, which is very delightful to Julia and myself. Mrs. AUnutt is
prevented coming to Hastings by the indisposition of Maria, who has been very
poorly for some time. Mrs. Nouaille's visit is not to exceed a fortnight. She has
promised to pass a morning here before she leaves the neighbourhood. We hear Mr.
John Thompson is returned to England and that he is performing the Duty at
Meopham as Curate, for which his Creditors allow him a hundred a year. . . ."

On 15 th August she writes again : —

' ' I should have given you a line before had we not been a good deal engaged the
last few days. Sir William and Ly. Ashburnham request me to say with their kind
love that it will be perfectly convenient, and they shall be most happy to see you on
Wednesday the 23rd inst. They will send their poney carriage to the Hare and
Hounds, Fairlight, on that day to meet you, and convey you and your servant to
Broomham. We are going to-morrow to Catsfield to pass a fev/ days with Mr. and
Mrs. Denny Ashburnham and return on Saturday.

Notwithstanding the long drought there was an abundant and beautiful display
of flowers at the Battle show; Sir William was quite triumphant, having four first rate
amateur prizes assigned him, for the best Boquet, the best geraniums, the best Per-
ennials, and the best Pinks. His basket-boquet was much admired and certainly was
the prettiest thing in the room. I hide my diminished head, only coming in for one
prize for the second best geraniums. . . . We had a delightful visit to Mrs.
Mascal, who entertained us in a most kind and hospitable manner. She recollected
your having made her a morning visit, and desired her kind compliments to you.
Mrs. Corbet is shortly to be united to Sir Archer Croft, a son of the late Physician of
that name. The Marriage is to take place at Tunbridge Wells, and Miss Corbet and
Anne Nouaille are to be the Bridesmaids. The Nouailles hope to pass the month of

1-14

September at Hastings, but as the period of their visit depends on previously setthng
for the sale of their property, I fear the procrastinations of the Lawyers may defer it
beyond the time they anticipate. Mr. and Mrs. James John West have a sweet
lively good-humoured little boy, a pretty child, and at present perfectly healthy. . ."

On Mary Anne Humphry's return, Lady Ashburnham writes :

' ' Broomham, Oct. 15th, 1837.

. . . We have heard no tidings of you since your arrival at Tunbridge ; and
hope you found Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate and their Family well, and have no
doubt but you received and communicated much Pleasure by a renewed intercourse
with your old Friends. I am sorry to say that Mrs. Ashburnham has been very
unwell since you left us ; she found her Lodging at Hastings small and inconvenient,
and returned home in consequence sooner than she intended. Bathing has proved
so beneficial to Honor that it has again induced them to take appartments in Bruns-
wick House, of which they took possession on Thursday last. We shall be very
glad to hear from you, how you found Mrs. West and the young people at Tunbridge
Castle. Miss Curteis of Sevenoaks is going to be married to Mr. Cox, a promising
young clergyman of good Family ; he has been curate to her Father for some time,
and has now obtained another engagement. Lord Camden and Lady Georgina
Pratt have this autumn been making a tour in Wales. Sir William had a most
agreeable visit to Ashburnham ; he met a Party of 12 gentlemen including Ld. Ash-
burnham and his Brother, Sir Charles Lamb, Mr. Fuller and Mr. Danby, the two late
Conservative Candidates for East Sussex. He slept at Ashburnham and spent the
following day with his brother at Catsfield. . . ."

Miss Humphry writes on 30th November, 1837.

". . . Our Greatness friends left Hastings on Thursday last, all much
pleased and benefited by the excursion, indeed Mr. Nouaille's health derived so much
advantage that Mrs. West thinks it likely they may be induced to come again early in
the spring. Mr. John Woodgate [of Stonewall] arrived the day of their departure,
so that Mrs. West is not left alone. Since you heard from us last we have dined at
Beauport with a very gay party, consisting of Lady Charlotte & Ly. Maria Seymour,
daughters of the Duke of Somerset — the elder sister is one of the ladies in attendance
on the Queen Dowager — Ly. Jane Hamilton (a relation of Ly. Montgomerie) , Ly.
Webster, Mr. and Mrs. Wastel Brisco, Mr. Greville, Mr. Rush, & ourselves. It was a
very handsome entertainment ; Ly. Montgomerie is very agreeable at the head of her
table, & extremely affable and condescending to all her guests. Mrs. Ashburnham
returned home on Thursday last. Dr. Davis, the domestic physician to the Queen
Dowager, has seen her and concurs with Mr. Watts in his opinion of her case. They
thought the air of Hastings too relaxing & recommended her return home. . . ."

Lady Ashburnham writes on 15th March, 1838 : —

" . . . I am truly concerned to inform you that poor Mrs. Ashburnham
continues in a very precarious state ; she sometimes considers herself better but I fear
no real improvement has taken place in her health. We visit her frequently, and
tho' at all times she is not equal to conversation, yet she derives comfort from hearing
us read to her ; she frequently enquires after you and is much obliged by yoiu" kind
remembrance of her. The children are all recovered from the hooping cough, but
I am sorry to say that Lawrence is in a very dehcate state of Health ; the medical
men have hitherto been unable to discover the nature of his complaint.

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Woodgate [he was in the War Office, and was a younger
son of W. F. Woodgate of Summerhill ; his wife was daughter of Henry Woodgate
of Spring Grove, and sister of Mrs. Musgrave Brisco] passed a few days at Coghurst
soon after their marriage. We had the pleasure of dining there to meet them. The
Bride was very agreeable and appeared to great advantage in a rich white silk dress
handsomely trimmed with Blond. We were glad to have an opportunity of renewing
our acquaintance with the Bridegroom, who appears an amiable pleasing young

145
Man. They have been making a tour of visits, passing a few days with many of their
Relatives. They intend residing in the Tower ; Mr. F. Woodgate has engaged a
Residence for three months, and at the expiration of this term he hopes to succeed to
an official Residence. Mrs. Brisco has been suffering from a severe cold accompanied
with Inflammation in one of her eyes, which she attributes to attending her sister's
wedding during the severe weather, but is now well again. Mrs. Allnutt & Mrs.
Nouaille have each been passing a short time with Mrs. West at Hastings ; we had the
gratification of meeting the three sisters at Coghurst. Mrs. Nouaille gave a good
account of Mr. Nouaille, Peter, and Anne ; she lamented the shortness of her stay and
the inclemency of the weather prevented the possibility of calling on you during her
stay in London. . . . We hear from Mrs. Nouaille that Mrs. Palliser is this year to
visit her Family, Fanny hopes to be fortunate enough to meet her. Capt. & Mrs. J.
Woodgate are also to visit their respective relatives this summer. . . I heard from
Mrs. West lately, our Friends at the Castle are cdl well. John West's Regiment
is ordered to Halifax, and he likes his destination very much."

The next letter, dated 13th April, announced the dissolution of Mrs. Ashburnham.
Miss Humphrey writes : —

" You are aware that poor Mrs. Ashburnham's health had been gradually
dechning since the Autumn, and for some time past all hope and expectation of her
recovery was at an end. Under these circumstances it will lessen your regret to learn
that it pleased God to remove her to a more durable state of existence on Wednesday
last. During her long illness she had every alleviation that human skill could
afford,and was soothed and gratified by the unremitting attentions & consideration of
Mr. Ashburnham to her comfort. Fanny [Ashburnham] returned home two days
ago. Mr. Ashburnham is deeply affected but derives comfort from having his young
people around him, who I am happy to say have all regained their health. Julia has
of late been much occupied in attentions to our deceased relative, and since the event
in giving necessary orders.

. . . Mr. and Mrs. Brisco went to Town on Tuesday last ; they intend
coming down for a week or ten days after the middle of May to see their garden and
inhale a little country air. Mrs. West leaves Hastings on the 21st inst. and stays
with her friends in Kent till the return of Mr. & Mrs. Brisco to London when she is to
accompany them and pass the month of June in the Metropolis. Miss M. A. Moly-
neux is staying at Winchelsea ; Mr. James [John] West brought her to call here on
Monday last, we were all much struck by her resemblance to her sister the late Mrs.
West, and I do not know when I have seen so handsome and agreeable a young
woman. You will be glad to hear Sir William has lately been exercising his
poetic talent by adding considerably to the number of his Sonnetts, many of which
are happy effusions of his muse. About six weeks since Mrs. Mackenzie surprised
all her friends by giving birth to another son. Miss Lamb's marriage is expected
shortly to take place, and Mr. and Mrs. Mackenzie and all their young people are to
be present at the wedding. Mrs. Milward called here last week to invite us to be
present at the laying of the first stone of a new Church to be erected on the Barracks
ground near Hastings ; the mournful event at the Parsonage of course prevents our
witnessing this interesting ceremony. Mrs. Milward accompanied by her sister Mrs.
Holmes & her family & young Mr. Milward are intending to make an extended tour on
the Continent during the ensuing autumn & winter. I am sorry to hear you have
sustained so many losses in your garden. . . ."

The confined space at our disposal renders it impossible to transcribe the kind and
sociable letters in full, which is the only way of expressing the generous sympathy and
good feeUng that runs throughout. Almost as many little gifts and packages passed
between the three sisters as letters ; visits were frequently exchanged ; and nothing
was wanting to complete the harmonious circle. Every letter refers to the garden,
the favourite subject of correspondence ; and their zeal in this direction was equalled

146

by their knowledge. From the next letter, dated 24th July, 1838, we learn that
Miss Humphry took no fewer than five prizes at the Horticultural Show (namely,
for the best green-house plants, calceolarias, pinks, perennials, and the second best
geraniums) ; and Sir William was nearly as successful in his exhibits. Miss Humphry
adds : —

' ' Mr. & Mrs. Brisco came to Coghurst last week, and attended the wedding of
their friend Miss Elliot with Mr. James, which took place at Ore Church. Mr. James
succeeds Mr. Wharton to Mr. Denny Ashburnham's curacy of Ditchhng, and thither
the Bride & Bridegroom repaired after their marriage. If the weather is fine we are
to drink tea at Coghurst to-morrow evening. I believe Mrs. West is with Mrs.
Nouaille, probably you have either seen or heard from her yourself.

Mr. and Mrs. Denny Ashburnham and their young people passed the week
before last at Broomham, they all desired their kind love to you, and begged me
to say the distance prevented their young people visiting you before they left London.
Ly. A. invited Fanny and Honor Ashburnham to join the party, and the youthful
cousins enjoyed each others society exceedingly. A Museum for natural history is
about to be established at Hastings, and a room for this purpose is erecting in George
Street on a portion of the site of the old workhouse. Mr. North has presented his
collection of stuffed animals and beautiful Indian birds to the Institution. You may
perhaps recollect om: passing a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Micklethwait at Coghurst
last Christmas. Mr. Micklethwait 's name appears in the new hst of Baronets. We
hear he is promoted to this distinction for personal service rendered to her Majesty
when she was staying at St. Leonards. She was driving in a carriage with the
Duchess of Kent when one of the horses became restive ; Mr. Micklethwait who was
near came forward, and gallantly arrested the animals at his own personal risk, and
thus rescued the royal inmates from further alarm.

We dined yesterday with Mr. and Mrs. Vernon at Westfield where we met Dr.
and Mrs. Birch, and spent a very pleasant day. Mr. George Palmer is returned to
his old lodgings at Hastings ; he was succeeded at Pett by Mr. and Mrs. Henry
Wynch last week. We hear Mrs. George Wynch bore the journey better than was
anticipated from her declining health and advanced period of life. Hastings is likely
to be deserted by many of the resident gentry during the summer. Mr. & Mrs,
Brisco are intending to visit their Property in Yorkshire, and to proceed from thence
to Edinburgh before their return. Mrs. Milward is absent and intends passing the
ensuing winter at Rome. Mr. and Mrs. Stonestreet and their family are about to
depart on a continental tour, and Mr. and Mrs. North are going into Suffolk, and
afterwards intend visiting Miss Shuttleworth's Castle and Property in Lancashire,
on the occasion of her coming of age.

Mrs. Stileman and her daughters are to have a bazaar for the sale of useful and
fancy articles on the 2nd of August ; it is to be held in the Ruin of the Friars, and the
Profits arising from the sale to be appropriated to a clothing fund for the poor of
Winchelsea. I believe little remains to communicate respecting my visit to Seal.
. . . Our old servant John is married to one of his fellow servants ; he continues
with Mrs. McCloud, and is as much in favor with his mistress as ever. I spent two
days most agreably at the Grove, and Miss Jessy was very friendly in offering me any
assistance in her power. Sir Alexander was in Ireland, and not expected to return
immediately. William West walked up to visit me, and passed a long afternoon at
Mr. Nouaille's, and Mrs.West and her daughters met me at the Crown, Tunbridge, on
my return to Broomham. . . ."

Miss Elliot was the only daughter of Col. Elliot, of Valebrook, Hastings ; and her
husband was a great friend of Henry Arthur Woodgate, at that time Curate in charge
of Holy Trinity Church, Tunbridge Wells. At that period it would seem that
desirable curacies were exceedingly difficult to obtain ; before obtaining Ditchling,
Mr. James had for many months been fruitlessly engaged in seeking one, amongst

■ 147

the offers being one from Mr. Woodgate, whom he held in the greatest respect. He
describes him as ' ' something of an oracle " at home, that is, with the James family ;
and a great power at Coghurst ; and declares ' ' the good word of such a man as
Woodgate" to be most effectual. It is probable that he obtained Ditchling through
Mrs. Brisco.

Mrs. MacLeod was formerly Miss Jane Petley (the aunt of C. C. Petley, of River-
head, who married Ellen Woodgate), and widow of Kenneth Mackenzie, of Tarbet
House, heir to the forfeited Earldom of Cromarty. She died at Riverhead in 1844,
aged 86.

About a month later Lady Ashburnham writes : —

' ' Broomham, August 29th, 1838.

. . . Fanny has lately received two letters from Mrs.Nouaille ; in the first
she announced the death of our old and valued friend Mr. Whitehead. He had
long survived all enjoyment of Life, therefore his release must be considered a happy
translation for himself. The Livings of Kempsing and Seal have been conferred
on Mr. Harwood, a friend of the late Lord Plymouth's, in consequence of a promise
of long standing from his Lordship. We hear Mr. Whitehead had accumulated
a large Fortune, it is said sixty thousand pounds, and that the stamp on the Probate
of the Will amounts to nine hundred pounds. This large sum he has divided between
his Nephews and Nieces. . . .

We have lately been passing a few days agreably at Beauport ; a large Party
were staying in the House, consisting of the Countess of Mexborough and her Daughter
Lady Sarah Savile, two Lady Jane Hamiltons, one a half sister of Lady Montgomerie's,
the other Daughter to the late Lord Duncan. Sir Charles Lamb and Lady Montgomerie
live in a very handsome style, and are very kind and hospitable to all their country
neighbours. Mrs. Mascall has lately passed two da3/s with us ; she is a most estimable
person and dehghtful companion. Notwithstanding the many sorrows she has ex-
perienced, she is very cheerful, derives much pleasure from social Intercourse, and is
passing a tranquil happy old age, which is cheered and enlivened by frequent Inter-
course with her only surviving Daughter and grandchildren. Lord Ashburnham's next
Brother Coll. Ashburnham was married last week to Miss By, a young Lady of large
Fortune residing in the Neighbourhood of Tunbridge Wells, We have been deprived
of our Carriage Horse by an accident for the last month, which is unfortunate for Sir
William as he now finds walking in hot weather attended with a good deal of fatigue.
However I hope in the course of a week or two we shall be restored to our locomotive
powers. Mr. Schofield, Professor of Greek at Cambridge, is supplying for Mr. James
West during his absence at Tunbridge, and is residing in his house at Winchelsea.
Mr. Schofield is a man of high character and attainment, and is considered the best
preacher in the university of Cambridge.

Did you see by the paper last week the marriage of Mrs. Morrison, ' ' formerly
a Miss Carnel," to the Earl of Carnwath ? This gentleman is a Scotch Peer seventy
years of age with a numerous Family, and she is become his third wife. What an
extraordinary elevation some of the members of this Family have attained ! During
our stay at Beauport I attended an Archery meeting at St. Leonards with Lady
Montgomerie and her Party ; I had the Pleasure of meeting Dr. Knox & all his
Family. They have been at Hastings for some time & have paid us a visit."

In October, Frederick Humphry, who was to establish himself at Rotherfield,
paid a short visit to his aunt at Broomham ; his time was passed in exploring the
home domain and visiting Hastings, where they met Mr. Nouailie. He impressed
his relatives with his strong resemblance to his father. On 5th November, Lady
Ashburnham writes : —

" . . . We have been to Hastings several times lately to visit our relatives
in York Buildings ; dear Mrs. Nouailie is looking quite as well as last year. Mr.
NouatUe is under the medical care of Mr. Duke, & considers himself benefited by his

148

advice, altho' I fear no great permanent improvement can be expected from his
present state. Anne [Nouaille] passed a few days with us last week ; she is very-
cheerful and agreable, and told us how much pleasure your late visit to Seal had
afforded your old friends and Neighbours. We dined at Coghurst last Thursda}^ and
met Mrs. Camac, Mrs. Nouaille, and Mrs. West with a small circle of friends, and had
a social pleasant visit. Mrs. Camac is going to Paris about the middle of this month,
she is to be escorted thither by Mr. Wastel Brisco. I think her gay Balls & parties
will be a loss to the young people of the Neighbourhood.

I do not know whether I informed you that Mr. Ashburnham has decided for
his eldest son to enter the Army, and has lately made an application to Lord Hill
to have John Piers' name placed on the army list, which his lordship readily agreed
to, but as some time must probably elapse before John obtains a commission, he is to
be placed at an educational seminary to learn military Tactics & the modern languages.
The paper last week announced the death of our old friend Mr. Alderman Atkins ;
he had been in a declining and most melancholy state for some time previous. Mrs.
G. Wynch died at Pett Rectory on Tuesday last ; she had been confined to her Bed
and in a most exhausted state for many months which will doubtless reconcile her
son and Daughter to her departure from hence. Sir William is gone to Catsfield to
spend the day with Mr. & Mrs. D. Ashburnham, not having seen or heard anything of
them for some time. Mr. & Mrs. James West are returned to Winchelsea, we intend
paying them a visit the first fine day. We hear the Infant is a charming child.
John Petley has obtained his commission, and is preparing to join his Regiment
at Dublin in about a month. Sir Charles Lamb & Lady Montgomerie left Beauport
on Thursday last for the continent, with the intention of passing the winter months,"

The next year Miss Humphry writes : —

' ' Broomham, Febry 4th, 1839.

. . . I am happy to say we are all well ; Sir William had a cold a few weeks
since which prevented his dining at Ashburnham, but it was not of long continuance.
Sir William and Lady Ashburnham beg me to thank you for your kind Invitation ;
they hope to be in London in the course of the spring, but at present are unable to
say what may be their plans for that period, At all events they depend on seeing
you at Broomham in the summer. I have written to Mr. Palmer to enquire whether
we could m.ake a satisfactory title for a Purchaser to the real Property bequeathed to
us under the will of our late Father ; as his reply is not quite to the point I shall write
again & therefore will not enter further upon the subject at present. . . .

The young people at the Parsonage are all well. Fanny and Honor have passed
a few days here several times during the Cliristmas holidays. Fanny is gradually
losing her shyness and is altogether much improved, her appearance is quite that of a
woman and she is rather taller than Lady A. The little boys all dined here lately,
& I wish you could have witnessed their enjoyment in contesting a pool of commerce.
Lady Ashburnham corresponds with Mrs. James West, and yesterday I received a
social letter from my namesake giving an account of a dance they have lately had at
the Castle, which she states Alicia and herself to have enjoyed exceedingly. Mrs.
Stephen Woodgate and four of her sons were present, & nearly 50 of their friends &
neighbours, not including their own family. She mentions that Miss Bridgeman
their late Governess is recently very well married to Mr. Darnell, a clergyman, who is
2nd Master at King's CoUedge School.

We have not seen Mrs. West lately, but hear she continues to receive good
accounts of our friends at Greatness. Mrs. Brisco's sister, Mrs. F. Woodgate, has
been very unwell in consequence of taking a cold ; she is now better and gone for
change of air to Mr. John Allnutt's at Clapham. I hope Richard [Humphry] will
let me hear from him when his plans are matured. We hear the Sevenoaks neigh-
bourhood has been very gay this Christmas ; the new year's ball was attended by
upwards of three hundred, and there have also been several private balls in the

1^9

neighbourhood, amongst which one given by Miss Yates at Fairlawn where there
were nearly two hundred persons, including the Military from the Depots of Maidstone
& Chatham, and is named as having been particularly delightful. We hear Lady
Georgiana Pratt attended by her nephew Mastr. Stewart was present on both occasions.
Mrs. Camac is returned from France and is now at Hastings ; she was followed to
Paris by Mr. Lushington, a gentleman with whom she was previously acquainted at
Hastings, who acquired so great an influence over her feelings that she consents to
return to England for the purpose of being united to him. He was very considerably
younger than herself and said to be of most objectionable character, which latter
circumstance induced her brothers [Musgrave and Wastel Brisco] to interfere, and
she has happily been influenced by their representations & given up an alliance that
could not fail to have been productive of future sorrow and regret.

The poor of this Parish have been very much considered by their more affluent
neighbours this winter. A fund has been raised in the Parish to supply them with
coals at a very moderate charge. Sir Wm & Ly. Ashburnham have given excellent
soup once a week for a limited time, and supply all their own labourers with flour at a
very reduced price. Mr. & Mrs. Brisco have given most liberal benefactions — 15
pair of Blankets to the poor of Guestling, & a liberal supply of meat & bread twice
to twenty poor families of this Parish, and to double the number of the Parishes of
Oare and Westfield. Mrs. Luxford is staying at Hastings in consequence of her
eldest daughter being in a very delicate state of health. Mrs. Mascall lunched here
one morning last week in her way from Hastings to Peasmarsh."

This letter, crossed on three sides, is followed by an equally lengthy one in
April. Mr. Lushington, whose character seems to have been accurately described by
Miss Humphry , obtained so great an ascendancy over Mrs. Camac, in spite of her prudent
resolution, as to induce her to share her fortunes with him. Mrs. Camac had a
considerable fortune of her own, in addition to what she might have received from
Mr. Camac ; she possessed also the valuable diamonds, which exercised a peculiar
fascination over her suitor.

" Broomham, April 15th, 1839.

. . . You will be sorry to hear that John Piers Ashburnham has been very
unwell, I fear he was not sufficently careful of himself during the winter. Mr. Watts
attends him and says he will require care for some time. Honor is much improved
in health and her Papa talks of taking her to London to see her sister this spring.
Mr. & Mrs. Brisco do not go to Town till the end of the month ; they have been
detained at Coghurst by the marriage of Mrs. Camac. On her return to London
Mr. Lushington renewed his addresses, and his persuasions overcame her more
prudent resolves. On the loth of this month she became Mrs. Lushington and
therefore it only remains for her friends to wish she may not have cause to regret this
ill-advised union. We quite enjoy being restored to pedestrian exercise ; I have taken
several pleasant walks lately and visited oiu" friends at Coghurst, Fairlight & Pett,
in some of which walks Lady Ashbiu"nham has accompanied me. . . ."

Two months later John Piers Ashburnham, the ultimate heir to the baronetcy,
died. His aunt, Mrs. James West, of Tunbridge, writes : —

' ' Tonbridge Castle, June 15th, 1839.
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

I was much shocked on Sunday last by receiving a letter from my Brother John
containing the melancholy intelligence of the Death of his son. The sad event
appears to have been awfully sudden & consequently must have been a most severe
trial to his poor Father ; his remains passed through here yesterday. Mr. West
met my Brother at the Crown Hotel and he informed me he appeared in the greatest
affliction. His two daughters were with him. I think there must have been a great
change in poor John Piers after you left Sussex. I understand the Funeral is to take
place to-morrow. . . . May I request you to favour me with a line soon as I am

I50

very anxious to know how my poor Brother John and his family support themselves
under their heavy affliction. . . I consider it quite Providential that Mrs. Ash-
burnham has been spared this severe pang."

This loss made Anchitel, the second son, the ultimate heir to the baronetcy.
The last rites are described by Lady Ashburnham, in a letter dated 24th June :

' * I must now inform you that the Interment of our poor Nephew John Piers
took place on Friday last. The Funeral was strictly private. Mr. Ashburnham & all
his children, with Sir William, attended as mourners, & Mr. Watts & the Servants at the
Parsonage closed the Procession. Mr. Ashburnham is deeply afflicted by the early
loss of his eldest son. The young people are recovering their composure, and I hope
now the last duties to the departed have been performed their tranquillity of mind
will gradually be restored to them."

She goes on to say, after thanking her sister for a beautiful present of millinery
from Regent Street : —

" I suppose Fanny has ere this left you ; I was glad she decided on paying Mrs.
Nouaille a visit, who I trust will be cheered and enlivened by her society. Julius
Nouaille spent a morning here last week ; he teUs us Mr. Nouaille is much better, and
that Miss Nouaille is about paying a visit to Sir Archer Croft at Acton. I am told
Mr. Harwood only holds the living of Seal for a few years, and that it is to be conferred
on the son of Mr. Blackall, who you may remember was Tutor to the late Lord
Pljonouth and died early in life. Mr. Harwood, who is a man of fortune, is altering
and making considerable additions to Oak Bank and rendering it far too considerable
a Residence for the Living of Seal to support. I therefore do not despair of again
seeing our old House the Residence of the Clergyman of the Parish. We hear a
matrimonial engagement has taken place between Lord Amherst and Lady Plymouth,
and that the marriage is to be solemnized in the course of July. Lord Amherst
supported so high a character thro' Life & Lady Plymouth is so amiable that I hope
the comfort of the Parties may be inhanced by the union. Lord Amherst removes to
Knowle and Lord and Lady Homesdale are to reside at Montreal. It is a singular
coincidence Ld. Amherst marrying two Dowager Lady Plymouths. Mr. and Mrs.
Lushington are separated, Mrs. Lushington allowing him four hundred a year, on his
engaging not in any way to annoy her.

It is with much concern I inform you Mr. Denny Ashburnham has been seriously
iU. He is now I am happy to say much better. If the weather will permit, we
intend to spend the day at Catsfield on Friday, by which time we hope to find Mr.
Denny Ashburnham very much recovered. I shall be glad to hear of Ozias [Hum-
phry's] safe arrival in old England, & that he is well and derived advantage and
improvement from the voyage. . . ."

Meanwhile Miss Humphry had been staying with her sister in London, and with
Mrs. NouaiUe at Sevenoaks. There she was glad to renew her acquaintance with
her old friends and revisit her former home ; she visited the Wests at Tonbridge, but
finding the return coach was full, she was obliged to pass the night with the Woodgates
at Ferox Hal!. She says (June 29th) : —

' ' You see by the Paper the marriage of Lord Amherst with Lady Plymouth has
taken place. The ceremony was performed at Knowle on Tuesday last by Mr.
Curteis in the presence of Lord & Ly. Holmesdale, Ly. Sarah Amherst, the Marquis of
Downshire, and Mr. Clive. It is said Lord & Ly. De la Ware do not like the match ;
none of the family being present on the occasion appears to confirm the rumor. The
work people & their families with the children of the National Schools were liberally
regaled on the occasion."

On the occasion of this ceremony, Lord Amherst presented Mr. Curteis with a
very handsome silver inkstand, engraved with an appropriate Greek inscription.

151

Miss Humphry writes on 17th July : —

" . . . Mr. Ashbumham is recovering his spirits and his young people are all
well. Mr. Watts considers change of air and a relinquishment of professional duty
for a time essential for Mr. Denny Ashbumham, in consequence of which he is gone
to Ramsgate with his family for a month. Mr. George Palmer leaves this neighbour-
hood next week, he is anxious to obtain a curacy in London from which we conclude
his union with Miss Lovell is likely to take place. Mrs. Allnutt and Maria are passing
three weeks at St. Leonards ; Maria has derived so much benefit from the change of
air and the advice of Mr. Duke that she hopes altogether to lose her cough before she
returns home."

She describes the flower show at Battle, where Sir William was as successful as on
previous occasions. Sir William adds a postscript ; but the writing shows that his
seventy years were beginning to take effect. She writes again on 27th August, 1839 : —

" . . . Mr. West (accompanied by his son William) has been in Town for
the purpose of having the tumor under his ear extracted. Sir Benjamin Brodie
performed the operation (which was a severe one) most successfully, Mr. West
returned home about a fortnight since, quite as well as his family could expect after
such an operation. The visit of Mr. & Mrs. J. J. West at the Castle has been prolonged
in consequence of the Scarlet fever being prevalent amongst children at Winchelsea
& they are unwilling to return home until the infection has quite subsided.

You will be siurprized to hear that Sir Henry Hcirdinge has purchased South
Park. It must be a most agreable and gratifying circumstance to his family that
he should fix on a Residence in their vicinity. In my account of the wedding of Miss
Hardinge, I did not hear until after I wrote to you that Sir Charles [Hardinge]
performed the ceremony & Sir Henry gave the bride away. A party of 50 break-
fasted at Bounds on the occasion, including Lord Camden, Ly. G. Pratt, & Sir Henry &
Ly. Emily Hardinge. The bride & bridegroom (k) are making a tour of a few weeks
up the Rhine & on their return take possession of their new house in Park Terrace.
What a very gay wedding was Miss Cobb's, it must have been quite a gala for the
Miss Ballads. Mrs. Whitton has sold Stone Wall to Mr. Parks, said to be a gentleman
of great affluence ; she is coming with her neices to Hastings for the present, and
intends taking a permanent house at Sevenoaks. Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate
[of Falconhurst] are passing a week at Coghurst & we are going to call on them this
morning. Mr. and Mrs. Lushington have adjusted their differences and are making a
tour on the Continent with the intention of passing the ensuing winter in Italy.
Many of the gentlemen in this neighbourhood intend being present at the Wellington
banquet on Friday next. I heartily hope the weather may be propitious and that
they may ' ' fill Wellington's cup till it beams like his glory." There is in Sir William's
garden a covey of 16 partridges which have been brought up there, & are so tame
that they are not disposed to take their flight. The ladies in this neighbourhood are
very busy and very active in preparing for the Fancy-fair for the benefit of an Infirmary
Our Ottomans are in progress and I hope may prove creditable to the taste & industry
of the inmates of Broomham."

The Ottomans were being worked in worsted for the Bazaar. They were very
highly esteemed. Lots were drawn for Miss Humphry's Ottoman, which was
secured by Mrs. Richards of Icklesham.

' ' Broomham, March 20th, 1840.
We have not been able to make use of our open carriage much of
late ; we however took advantage of a mild day last week & went to Hastings, and
unexpectedly found Mrs. Nouaille with Mrs. West with whom she is passing a fort-
night ; she regretted not being able to calLon you during her short late visit to Mr.

(k) The bride was Caroline Bradford Hardinge, second daughter of Sir Charles Hardinge ;

and the bridegroom the Rev. R. W. Browne, Prebendary of St. Paul's. Their son is now Vicar
of Hever.

152

Rudge. . . . We hope you will be fortunate in letting your house : I can only say
we shall be truly happy to see you at whatever period is most convenient and agreeable
to you. Mr. William Streatfeild (the widower), whom you formerly remember, is
going to be married to one of the Miss Larkings of Westerham, an amiable Lady, &
the connexion gives great satisfacfion to the Family of his former wife. Mrs. Brisco's
sister Mrs, Francis Woodgate's little boy is just turned of a twelve months old, and
begins to talk, and runs alone. I think you will be surprized at the growth of the
young people at the Parsonage ; Fanny in appearance is quite a young Woman.
Sir William I am happy to say is in very good health, but is infirm in moving; he
does not however omit taking a little exercise every fine day, and Fanny & myself
have made the most of the fine weather for pedestrian excursions. . . ."

Next in date is a brief note from the Countess of Ashbumham, the first that we
find preserved, accompanied by an invitation card. It is as follows : —
* * My dear Madam,

Lord Ashbumham and I regret extremely that we have been hitherto prevented
paying you and Sir William Ashbumham a visit, but we hope to have the pleasure
of seeing you here on the nth and that you will remain the night with us.

Most tmly yours

K. C. Ashbumham.
Ashbumham Place, Septr 4. 1840."

She writes again a little later : —

' ' Dear Lady Ashbumham,

I received the accompanying letter yesterday, and I was about to put it in the
fire, knowing nothing of the writer, when Lord Ashbumham suggested that it might
be addressed to you. I therefore take the liberty of enclosing it to you. I hope you
and Sir William are pretty well and have not suffered from the very cold and trying
weather we have had."

The enclosed letter was from Charlotte Lachington, late C. Agote of Seal, who
requested some assistance for her mother, herself, and four children ; she dilates
upon the past goodness of the Humphrys at Seal, and recollects Lady Ashbumham
and her sisters, when children, as "the admiration of the whole neighbourhood."
The most interesting passage is, ' * my father had the charge of Summerhill during the
Major's great alterations."

The last letter to Sir William Ashbumham happens also to be Miss Humphry's
last. She was staying with Mrs. Hare.

' ' June 23rd, 1842.
My dear Sir,

I cannot express the pleasure the sight of your handwriting afforded me, and
truly appreciate the contents of your very kind letter, which I shall preserve as a
valued memorial of your kindness towards me. I regret exceedingly it will not be in
my power to return to Broomham for the Battle horticultural show ; I shall however
in idea partake the agreeable httle excitement of preparation, and fancy I see the
beautiful productions of your garden arranged on your hall table previous to exhibition
and anticipate your floral triumphs. I hope some of the Geraniums may suspend
their development untill my return, that I may have the pleasure of admiring them
with you.

Yesterday Mr. Sheridan Knowles sent Mr. Hare a ticket for a Dress-box at the
Hay Market Theatre, and I had the pleasure of accompanying my friends to see his
new Play of the Rose of Arragon. . . . We did not, my dear Sir, forget the
anniversary of Tuesday last, & drank your health, with due honors, accompanied
with every due wish to yourself & yr dear companion. We were admitted to the hall
of Buckingham Palace by Ld. Liverpool's tickets on Thursday last, & saw her Majesty
attended by her suite go to the Drawing room. Our view was transient but never-

153

theless it was a gratification. I cannot conclude without expressing my grateful
thanks for all yr kindness and with the pleasing hope of meeting you shortly, I am,
dear Sir, yr truly affectionate

Frances Humphry."

Meanwhile Denny Ashburnham, who was ill before, steadily became worse.
Mrs. Denny Ashburnham writes from No. i, Park Village West (postmark Great
Portland), on 21st February, 1842, to Lady Ashburnham on her husband's position,
Mr. Ashburnham 's case was hopeless, though his sufferings were likely to continue
for several months. " I have still," she says, " many blessings which I thankfully
acknowledge ; heavy as my affliction is, it is still blended with comfort. If our dear
invalid was irritable or violent perhaps he could not be with us, now I know that I
have it in my power to administer to his happiness ; he is always delighted to see me,
and I pass a large portion of every day with him."

Mr. James, their curate in charge at Ditchling, had been supplying for them at
Catslield, and was engaged to do so till the middle of May, when Mr. Ashburnham
purposed to return ; and if it was found that the climate of Catsfield did not suit him,
he would then resign. He was in a position of complete helplessness, and the manage-
ment of everything devolved upon his wife. She writes : —

' ' Happily Mr. Ashburnham having always confided his affairs to me I know
precisely what his means are, and it will be my great desire to keep strictly within
our income. I mentioned to you that long previous to my dear husband's malady
he had given me a power of attorney to receive his dividends, and hitherto the Mr.
Kells have raised no objection to paying me the monies they receive ; now there are
no other sources from which our income is derived."

On 27th February, 1843, she writes again :—

" My dear Lady Ashburnham,

Mary wrote you word last week that her dear Papa was much worse than he had
been ; I grieve to say my account to-day is even worse, he is very ill, indeed in as
alarming a state as it is possible. I am very unhappy about him ; his entire loss of
mind has for some time rendered it a most difficult thing to prescribe for him, and as
he is now suffering from an internal disease which wastes his strength more than he
can support by nourishment (though given every quarter of an hour) we have every-
thing to dread. I will write again by the next post. I am, my dear Lady Ashburn-
ham, yours most affectionately

Harriet Ashburnham."

Very soon afterwards he died, in his seventieth year. His death took place
within a month of that of his brother. Sir William, whose health had been slowly
breaking up ; the latter died 21st March, 1843, aged 73. A considerable number of
letters that were written upon this occasion have been preserved, namely, from his
brother John ; his sister Mrs. James West ; his niece, C. M. West ; Mr. and Mrs. Hare
and Juliana Humphry ; Mrs. Denny Ashburnham ; H. Ashburnham (Mrs. George
Ashburnham) ; Mrs. Nouaille * ; and Mr. Palmer. Of these, the letter of his brother,
who by the event became Sir John Ashburnham, must serve as a specimen.

" Rectory House, March 25, 1843.
Dear Lady Ashburnham,

I beg to offer you my sincere condolence on the bereavement you have sustained
by the death of my poor Brother. Having myself experienced two of the greatest
deprivations incident to this mortal state, be assured that I can duly appreciate &
sympathize with your feelings on this mournful occasion. As soon as intelligence of
the melancholy event reached me in London, I returned home by the earliest con-
veyance & arrived here this morning by the Mail. I trust it is almost unnecessary

* See Reference Sheet.

154

to add that if I can render you any assistance my services are at your command.
With kind regards to Miss Humphry beheve me, dear Lady Ashburnham, your
very truly

J. Ashburnham."

Sir William left his affairs in some confusion. His will, dated 24th December,
1842, declared that, instead of the jointure of :{5oo a year provided by the marriage
settlement, Lady Ashburnham should enjoy a life estate in Broomham, the garden
and Park, and the several lands and farms (including the Church Farm of 100 acres)
therein named ; at her death the Broomham estate was limited to his brother John for
life, with a limitation to his nephew Anchitel for his life, with remainder in tail male to
the sons of Anchitel. There were several limitations over in case of default.

Sir William left to Lady Ashburnham absolutely all his interest in the Moat,
Cowden ; Higham farm in Guestling, containing 22 acres ; the contents of Broomham
(except plate and pictures, which were to be hers for life only) ; certain Peruvian
Bonds and a legacy of £1,500 in cash. He left the following legacies : — ;£i,ooo each to
his brother George Ashburnham and his sister Alicia West ; £500 each to his nephew
James John West, his nieces Mary Ellen and Harriet, daughters of Denny Ashburn-
ham, and the Rev. John William Dugdale ; £100 to his servant John Holmes ; a
year's extra wages and mourning for all the servants ; £50 to each of his Trustees,
John Ashburnham, George Palmer, and William Henry Palmer ; and an annuity of
;^ioo a year to his brother George for his life — £500 was left for the publication of
some of his manuscripts. The residue was to be sold and applied under the trusts
of the will.

It is to be feared that Sir William Ashburnham neglected to take a compre-
hensive survey of his property at the time of making his will, with the result that he
had no adequate fund for the payment of his debts and legacies. The Peruvian
Bonds at the time of Lady Ashburnham 's death consisted of Bonds to the nominal
value of ;^7,300, worth about ;£6,ooo in cash ; these however were bequeathed to Lady
Ashburnham together with his household and farming effects. Apart from these,
his personal estate was inconsiderable. In consequence of the variety of interests
involved, it was decided to sell that portion of the estate which was unentailed. To
obtain the consent of the Court to the various arrangements, a friendly suit in
Chancery was commenced. The unentailed property was accordingly valued by
Mr. Thomas, and upon that valuation a portion of the property was purchased by
Lady Ashburnham ; the advowson of Winchelsea was bought by James John West ;
and the rest, by far the most considerable part, was purchased by Sir John Ashburn-
ham. The purchase was not confirmed by the Court till January, 1846, and not
completed till 1848. It may be imagined that negotiations were protracted, and the
expense, owing to the number of parties, for the most part represented by different
solicitors, must have been enormous ; but the Palmers conducted the difficult matter
to a successful conclusion. The original liabilities existing on the land were paid,
the debts had already been settled, and the legacies were satisfied. We believe
that this suit of Ashburnham v. Ashburnham is a leading case in equity.

That portion of the unsettled estate purchased by Lady Ashburnham consisted
of the Place Farm, comprising 155 acres, the Kitchen Wood of 39 acres, and the
Bench Field Wood of 7 acres ; the purchase money amounted to £4,700, Lady
Ashburnham's means thus consisted of her purchase, her Hfe estate in the settled
property, £7,300 in the Peruvian Bonds, her share of the Moat Farm (worth at that
time about £6,000), Higham Farm, her funds which having been settled on her
marriage became by Sir William Ashburnham's death without issue absolutely vested
in her and her own private fortune which was not inconsiderable. Besides this,
her sister, Mary Anne Humphry, died in the same year as Sir William, by which she
came in for some thousands of pounds.

155

A brief account of George William Ashburnham, the youngest son, should be
given. In 1803 he joined the 3rd batt. Cinque Port Volunteers as Lieutenant ; but
it does not seem that he followed any regular profession. His wife brought him not a
penny of fortune, but a large and ever increasing family ; his own fortune, which was
left him by his father and other relations, was necessarily modest, and appears to
have been wasted by injudicious management. Sir William Ashburnham afforded
him some assistance during his lifetime, and after his death, as has been mentioned,
left him ;^i,ooo and an annuity of £100 a year, but other help was required — and the
estate was not wound up for some years.

In 1842, Lord Ashburnham endeavoured to do him some service. There is a
letter of the Countess of Ashburnham, dated 25th January, 1842, requesting Lady
Ashburnham to inform her of his precise position ; she replies : —

" . . . Mr. George Ashburnham has unfortunately lost the little Property
bequeathed him by his Father and other Relations by injudicious management. I
have little personal knowledge of Mrs. George Ashburnham, but believe she has much
to contend with & her situation to be one of great distress, arising from pecuniary
involvement & a numerous family. They have five children, having lost four
children. Sir William Ashburnham allows his Brother one hundred a year
besides casual assistance, which is the utmost his circumstances enable him to do ;
they have no other certain dependence, and I fear this sum must be very limited for
the support of so large a Family. Your Ladyship kindly enquires in what manner
your assistance might be useful, which induces me to take the Liberty of stating that
as the Family consists chiefly of Boys, if Lord Ashburnham and yourself could
kindly exert your Influence in obtaining admission for any of them into any of the
charitable Institutions for the education of Youths whose Parents are in distrest
circumstances, it would be conferring a very essential benefit. The eldest child is a
girl, the next a promising youth of fifteen, who has a decided Talent for Drawing.
Mr. Prout, the eminent artist in water colors who is resident at Hastings, has for some
time kindly given him gratuitous instruction in drawing. The next son is a fine
Boy of ten years of age, the other Children aU Boys proportionately younger. ..."

A year later, George Ashburnham writes : —
' ' My dear Lady Ashburnham,

I am much obliged by the receipt of your favour this morning ; in answer I am
constrained to say, this long promised favour, I fear, is unavailable at present, other-
wise I should be extremely happy to accept it, as I had all along set my heart and
mind on hopes of some admission to this school ; but my two youngest Boys I fear are
precluded, William being Eleven last summer, and John Woodgate now only just
turned three years of age, the one too old and the other a very long time to look forward
to. But I wiU not despair ! another opportunity may, and I trust will occur, in aid
of my dear children's education. Trusting (as no news is good news) my Brother
yourself and Miss Humphry are all well, I remain, my dear Lady Ashburnham,
yours truly
6 Meadow Cotgs., Jany. loth, 1843. G. Wm. Ashburnham."

Mrs. George Ashburnham writes to Lady Ashburnham, on ist March, 1844,
thanking her for some assistance and hoping that Sir WiUiam's estate will soon be
wound up and the legacies and annuities paid. She says : —

" . . . It is such an expensive time and there are Eleven to provide for every
day ; it almost turns my own senses to think of it, and yet I must, as poor Mr. Ash-
burnham does not know what to do. . . I have also to thank you kindly for a
present of a Bible and Prayer Book to Denny [the second son, aged twelve], it was the
very thing he had been wishing for and I promised him he should have one as soon as
I could make it convenient. He looks at it and admires it half a dozen times a day,
and says he longs for Sunday to come when he can take his own Prayer Book ; I have
been obliged to lend him mine, and of course he values it more as a present from your

156

Ladyship. This is my grand wish that I may Hve to see my children running in the
way of God's Commandment, and enabled to get their own hving in that state of life
in which it has pleased God to call them, i.e. worthy of the name of Ashburnham. . ,"

To add to his misfortunes, sufficiently great, George Ashburnham lost his wife,
and was left alone to contend ^vith the difficulties of his position. His lamentable
state may be gauged from his letter to Lady Ashburnham, dated i8th July, 1844.

" . . .1 must conclude, my dear Lady Ashburnham, labouring as I have been
by the sufferance (not the hand) of Almighty God, the most heartrending afflictions
I ever experienced. I have buried four precious infants ; I have lost two dear
brothers in less than three weeks ; and am now bereaved of the Partner of my bosom,
the Mother of my dear children, and the comforter of my afflictions. Now am I left
alone to a cruel world with seven children, three of which are under four years and a
half old. What more cruel afflictions can be reserved for me yet, I know not, but
while I live and am blessed with strength I will bear more, if greater sufferings I am
doomed to."

Unfortunately he was a man of decided opinions, and would only be assisted
in his own way. Lord Ashburnham was constrained at length to give up the unequal
task, but through many years Lady Ashburnham extended unvarying help and
kindness to the family. The children sometimes proved difficult of management, and
an attempt was made, strongly against his wishes, to educate his eldest son George
Percy for the Church. He had entrusted him to persons whom he afterwards imagined
he had cause to distrust. " I was incautious, and too credulous ; " he says, " I had
not eaten a Pound of salt with them, as my poor uncle Henry Woodgate had enjoined
me strictly to attend to, as long as I lived." It appears however that his suspicions
were quite unjustified. George Percy was very kindly treated and sent to Oxford.
During this period Flora Ashburnham, the eldest child, must have been invaluable.
She writes on 9th January, 185 1, that her father (who was then jj years old) had
fallen down one whole flight of stairs, from which he had met with some severe bruises.
The fall must have shaken him very badly ; she writes six days later, in a shaky
hand : —

' ' Dear Lady Ashburnham,

You will be concerned to hear that my poor dear Papa expired this evening at \
past five ; he had been sinking fast during the day & departed without one struggle.
Thus afflicted I can write no more now. I propose coming to Broomham by early
van to-morrow morning.

Yours very truly
(Monday Night) Flora Ashburnham."

That year Flora Ashburnham sailed to the Cape to marry the man to whom she
was engaged, Mr. Colin Campbell, a prosperous gentleman of Grahamstown. William
and Denny were placed in the London and County Bank, William at Greenwich,
Denny at Chichester ; in this they continued a few years, and were steadily gaining a
good position for themselves and winning a way to independence, when they received
a very advantageous offer from Mr. Campbell to join him in South Africa, which, as
they in common with the rest of the family were endowed with remarkably good
health and sirong constitutions, they did ; and no doubt their efforts were crowned
with success. John Woodgate Ashburnham was sent to Mr. Earle's school at Tun-
bridge Wells, and afterwards went out to the Cape. Decima was placed at another
school at Tunbridge Wells and eventually joined her sister at the Cape, as also did
Bertram, who was educated at Christ's Hospital. George Percy, the eldest son, had
very decided talents for drawing, but his efforts do not seem to have been so successful
as those of the other members of his family. What ultimately became of him, we do
not know.

Decima made an advantageous match in South Africa, and John Woodgate
Ashburnham married the daughter of Dr. Merriman, Bishop of GraLamstown. He

157
died in 1888, leaving several children, of whom the eldest, John Anchitel, became
Resident Magistrate at Bloemfontein in the Orange River Colony.

It has been mentioned that Sir William left £500 for the publication of some of
his poetical works, having already published some Sonnets and Poems in a quarto
volume in 1795. Lady Ashburnham undertook the task, and consulted the views of
Lord Ashburnham and Sir John Ashburnham ; the former recommended Mr. Rodd of
9, Great Newport Street. There are several letters on the subject ; one, from Lord
Ashburnham, mentions other and older papers.

T^ T J A 1-1. 1- " Ashm Place, loth Feby, 1847.

Dear Lady Ashburnham, -^ ^'

I accept with many thanks your very obliging offer to allow me to peruse the
Family Papers which you have discovered at Broomham, and I engage to take all
due care of them and restore them to you as soon as I have read them.

I fear that the weather must have prevented Mr. Rodd from leaving town, but if
he should be at Broomham in a few days, I should propose that he should take charge
of the parcel, for I think it probable that he wHl come here before he returns to town,
as I wrote to him by yesterday's post to say I wish'd to see him. I would rather defer
the pleasure of looking over the correspondence than have documents of so much
interest entrusted to any less safe mode of conveyance.

Mr. Hallett's silence is little to his credit. I can conceive no good reason, tho a
very cogent one might be suggested, for such an incivility. I need not repeat that if
on this point or any other I can be of any use to you, I shall be very truly gratified to
be employed. Lady Ashburnham desires her kind comphments to you, & I remain
very faithfully yours

Ashburnham."

Mr. Hughes Hallett was a London solicitor who had written to Lady Ashburnham
informing her that, in the course of transactions in his office, he had discovered that
Sir William Ashburnham was legally entitled to certain property, of whose nature he
gave no hint. Mr. Palmer declared that he was a man of very respectable antecedents ;
Lord Ashburnham's enquiries, however, had elicited that his character was generally
considered unprofessional. A good deal of correspondence passed on the subject, but
it seems that the matter was allowed at length to drop.

It should be mentioned here that the Earl of Ashburnham and his family proved
the kindest and most valuable of friends ; their letters are very numerous, and
invitations to Ashburnham constant. They succeeded in rendering very valuable aid
to George Ashburnham's family in establishing themselves in life.

Lady Ashburnham raised one other memorial to her departed husband. In 1858
she erected in Guestling Church a stained glass East window, the subject being
Christ feeding the multitude, surrounded by texts and the arms of Ashburnham ; also
two lancet windows illustrating the Ascension and the Resurrection. The inscription
was as follows : —

' ' In Memory of Sir William Ashburnham Baronet,

Of Broomham in this parish,

The Poet and Philanthropist.

Born June 21st, 1769, married July 7th, 1825,

Juliana daughter of the Revd. WiUiam Humphry, Vicar

of Kempsing cum Seal in the County of Kent,
and departed this Hfe, without issue, March 22nd, 1843."

This window was put up by Ward & Co. at a cost of over ;^ioo ; and when the
stonemason's charges and other items were added, the amount was nearer ;^200.
Lady Ashburnham also effected the repainting and varnishing of the hatchments in
Guestling Church ; newly paved and pewed the Broomham Chancel and repaired the
Broomham faculty in Guestling Church. These works were finished, and the Church,
which had been restored, was re-opened on ist August, 1858.

Lady Ashburnham continued to live at Broomham until her death, which
occurred 22nd February, 1865, in the seventy-sixth year of her age.

158

CHAPTER VII.
HUMPHRY OF SEAL.

Elizabeth, the fifth daughter of the Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield.
b. 29th November, 1750. married in 1778 the Rev. William Humphry, M.A., Vicar of
Kemsing and Seal, and Rector of Birling, Kent {a). He was the only brother of
Ozias Humphry, R.A., the eminent miniature painter and the friend of Reynolds,
of Dr. Johnson, and of Romney. Ozias Humphry was a Fellow of the Society of
Antiquaries and has left on record some very interesting particulars of his family,
contained in several unconnected papers.whose purport we have attempted to give, as
nearly as possible in the same language.

When this family first arrived in England is uncertain, but the earliest account is
found of it in Domesday Book, the Inquisitio Gheldi, and similar evidences, from
which it appears that Humfridus was Chamberlain to King Edward the Confessor,
and it would seem that he continued in the same capacity with his kinsman William
the Conqueror, as is manifest from the many favours and grants which he received
from that Monarch. He possessed estates in Dorsetshire, Somersetshire, and other
counties. The arms of this family were recorded in the College of Heralds upon its
first establishment by Henry the Third in 1340 ; they were first granted to one of the
Holy Warriors at the Siege of Acre, and the crest — a cross bottone charged with
five pellets — bears an allusion to the wounds of Our Saviour. In 1380 Sir John
Humphry was one of the Knights who took part in a great tournament, described
in an old collection of arms made about 1390. This book, formerly in the possession
of Sir William Le Neve. Mowbray King of Arms, was purchased for his Majesty,
in 1795 at the sale of books of Mr. Barack Longmate. The drawing was copied by
Ozias Humphry, and attested as a true copy by Mr. Barack Longmate ; Joseph
Edmonson, Mowbray Herald Extraordinary ; and John Trenchard, First Com-
missioner of Taxes. The genealogy of this family is entered at the Heralds College,
commencing with John Humphry, whose descendants were believed to be the only
remaining representatives of the family.

(a) Henry Humphry of Honitoa married EKzabeth, only surviving daughter and heiress of the

Rev. Ozias Upcott, for 40 years Rector of Honiton, and left issue

George Humphry of Honiton, only son, m. EUzabeth Hooper of Braunston. He died
in 1758, she July, 1789, aged 82, leaving

1. Ozias R.A., F.S.A., d. unm., 9th March, 1810.

2. Five other children, not surviving.

3. William (Rev.), M.A., m. 10th November, 1778, EUzabeth, dau. of the
Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield (b. 1750, bu. at Seal 23rd February, 1835),
d. 1816 leaving

1. William Ozias, of whom presently.

2. Elizabeth, b. 18th January, 1782, d. unm., bu. 12th June, 1818.

3. George Upcott, bapt. 2nd April, 1785, d. 10th May, 1803.

4. Frances, bapt. 4th September, 1787, bu. 23rd December, 1854. at Seal,

5. JuUana, m. 7th July, 1825 Sir WiUiam Ashbumham, Bart., of Broom-

ham (her cousin) {see p. 88.) No issue.
G. Mary Anne, b. 12th January, 1792, d. 27th May, 1843, unm.
7. John, b. 30th April, 1794, bu. 13th March, 1807, aged 12.
William Ozias, of the Council Office, Whitehall, b. 18th October, bapt. 29th December,
1779, bu. at Seal 2nd June, 1826, m. 1813, Louisa, dau. of — Newcombe. R.N., and left issue
1. WiUiam, d. 1829. 2. Stephen, d. September. 1822.

3. Richard, b. 1820-1. Left issue, two children.

4. Frederick, b. April, 1821. 6. Ozias, left two children.

6. JuUana, m. Mr. Tucker, of Bootle, Liverpool.

159

The above-mentioned John Humphry, of Dorsetshire, accompanied the forces
assembled by Edward VI, in Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Dorsetshire, under the
command of Lord Russell in the year 1549, to subdue the rebels of Devonshire and
Cornwall, who had taken up arms to prevent the pulling down of crosses and super-
stitious appendages of the Roman Catholics, and on account of the enclosing of lands.
The battle which reduced the insurgents and relieved Exeter was fought at Fenneton
Bridges, four miles from Honiton.

It appears by ancient writings (in possession of the family in the time of Ozias
Humphry) that the beauty of the country and other considerations induced John
Humphry to continue and settle himself in the Vale of Honiton. where he purchased
estates which were not finally alienated from the family till 1790. One of his descend-
ants. Henry Humphry, Gent., married Elizabeth, only surviving child of the Rev.
Ozias Upcott. for nearly forty years Rector of Honiton, in whose parish Church he
lies buried under the Communion Table. He preached the first sermon in that pulpit
after the Restoration of Charles II. The Upcott family is of considerable antiquity
in Devonshire, and allied to many distinguished west country families. One of them
married Joan Trelawney of Trelawney ; another Agnes Upton, ancestress of the
Viscounts Templetown ; and a third, eldest sister of the Rev. Ozias Upcott, married
WiUiam Courtney of Powderham Castle.

George Humphry, son of Henry Humphry and Elizabeth Upcott, married
Elizabeth daughter of Nicholas Hooper of Braunston, Devon. This was the family
of George Hooper, Bishop of Gloucester, who suffered martjnrdom at the West door of
his own Cathedral. George Humphry was bom at Honiton and was originally
intended for the Church ; he was educated with great aptitude for learning under the
Rev. Ezra Cleaveland, Rector of Honiton and author of the Lives of the Courtney
Family ; but the misfortunes of the family prevented this design. He died in
1758 leaving a widow and two surviving children, Ozias and William.

To this family of Humphry belonged Thomas Humphry, Member of Parliament
for L>Tne Regis in the time of Henry VI ; Michael Humphry, in the second Parliament
of Charles I ; Dr. Lawrence Humphry, Principal of Magdalen College, Oxford, an
exemplary Protestant Divine of great learning ; and it seems Sir Orlando Humphry or
Humphrys.

With reference to the latter, the following memoir is certainly interesting and
possibly valuable.

"ANECDOTES OF SIR WILLIAM HUMPHRYS' FAMILY.

"Sir William was the son of Sir Orlando Humphrys, and married a Miss Lancashire
(whose Father I believe was a Solicitor) ; his brother I well know was a most eminent
Apothecary, in Clements Lane, Lombard Street, & Father of Mrs. Baker, whose
picture now hangs in my parlour, and who stood Godmother to me with her cousin
Lady Humphrys.

" Sir WilHam was Lord Mayor in 1727, the year King George the Second came
to the throne, and entertained their Majesties according to custom at Guild Hall the
29th of October. Lady Humphry was far advanced in her pregnancy; the
Queen, eager to prevent her kneeling to present the first goblet of wine (as usual),
struck it off the salver to the great annoyance of both their fine dresses, but plenty
of warm napkins soon remedied the disaster, and the Queen insisted on a chair being
set near her, and very freely conversed during the time she sat at dinner. Before
the Queen retired, she desired to see Lady Humphrys at St. James' as soon as she had
recover'd the fatigue of that day, to speak to her on a subject not proper to mention
then, and wished to know the day before that she might appoint an hour to receive
her in private, without any form, and advised her to come in her private coach, not as
Lady Mayoress, and quite in a morning dress. This was obeyed, and she was received
with the greatest affability.

i6o

" The Queen then told her that she heard it was customary for the King or Queen
to be sponsors for a child born in the mayoralty, and as she had a son wished this
might be a daughter ; but being aware of the great trouble and expense it would
cause to her Ladyship, and great inconvenience to herself, begged she would accept her
first Lady of the Bedchamber to answer for her at the Christening, and if the child
lived to repeat her Catechism, desired she might be brought to say it in her hearing, or
she should not think herself discharged from her Duty she had undertaken.

" Sir William had one son and two daughters. The former died of the small pox
when only 13, to his great grief. The latter consequently became coheiresses to a
large estate he had purchased in the parish of Barking in Essex, on which was a
very old mansion seat which he pulled down, and built another, which he told my
father, exclusive of many old materials, cost him twenty seven thousand pounds.
When finished and aired, all Lady Humphrys' relations, with my father and mother,
were the first company invited to sleep in it and stayed three days. It was called
Jenkins. The best bed was crimson velvet, two silk damask, their own bed silk
mohair, the rest stuff damask, and the servants common stuff hangings (cotton
furniture was then unknown).

" The eldest daughter married Reginald Ball Warren, Esqr., a Brigadier in the
army (a title since changed to aide de camp), a most worthy man, who was so much
in love with her that he offered to take her either with or without fortune, which so
pleased Sir William that he made a most cruel stretch of parental authority by insisting
on her marrying him, as her heart she declared was engaged to Colonel Honey wood
and Mr. Warren was old enough to be her Father. He had an estate in Berkshire
of ;^3,ooo per annum, kept a set of horses, made her the best and most indulgent
husband, and she often said gratitude supplied the place of affection and enabled her to
make him a good wife. They were a very happy couple, and many happy hours
has the writer of these anecdotes spent in sitting on their knees ; they never had a
child, and both were very partial to me, but to my great sorrow Mr. Warren died
before I was seven years old. He left his widow (as he thought) his estate at her
own disposal, but it did not prove so, for his sister being unhappily married to Sir
Archer Croft, whose gaming and extravagance deprived him of his liberty many
years before he died in the King's Bench Prison, and left his lady and four children
to be maintained and educated by her good brother, which they all were very comfort-
ably. In a few months after Mr. Warren's decease, his widow married her first Love,
Colonel Honey wood, who living but two or three years she as soon as decency would
permit married Thomas Gore, Esqr., who had retired from business some years and
was esteemed the richest merchant in the City. With him she lived near ten years,
when Lady Croft (Mr. Warren's sister) happening to have some occasion to apply to
her Father's will, it occurred to her attorney that her sons were the legal heirs to her
brother's estate, as he had no children. The most eminent Counsel were consulted
by both parties, who being all of the same opinion what was termed an amicable suit
was commenced, and the arrears for the possession from Mr. Warren's decease made
with abatements to their mutual satisfaction, as there was no appearance of fraudulent
design in the matter (only mistake) ; but it cost Mr. Gore so large a sum, and proved
so great a mortification and disappointment to his Lady that she died of a rapid
decline in less than a year after.

" Her sister being many years younger and the favourite daughter of Lady Hum-
phrys, who lived to see her two first children born, she left after a few legacies the
residue of her large fortune in Trustees' care (of which my Father was one) and I
have often heard him say that with what she gave at her marriage and left at her
decease it amounted to £80,000. In 1741 she was married to Charles Gore, Esq.,
of Tring, in Hertfordshire, who was for several sessions of Parliament Member for
that County, and nephew to her sister's husband. Since my father's death in 1762,
I have entirely lost all connection or knowledge of the family, by various changes of
situation ; but have heard from good authority that a few years after Mr. Gore's demise

i6i

his eldest son sold the Tring estate (being in the Army and ordered to the East
Indies) for £90,000, to pay off the younger children's fortunes, of whom I beheve
there were seven. I have heard he was very successful and deserving and still living,
and cannot be above eight years younger than the writer of these anecdotes (at
Mr. Humphry's particular desire) who was 75 last January.

Elear. Neale. 1809.
Brompton, Middlesex. Given to Mr. Humphry, June 29th, 1809."

The misfortunes of the family have been mentioned ; the same misfortunes
made it necessary for Ozias Humphry to exert his talents with vigour and industry.
In 1763 he was invited by Sir Joshua Reynolds to settle himself near him in London,
and three years later " he exhibited at Spring Gardens a portrait in miniature of
John Ealing, the old and well known model of the Royal Academy, which was
universally noticed and admired, and was purchased by his Majesty, who was
graciously pleased to reward him for it by a present of a hundred guineas, and as a
further encouragement he had the honour to paint a large miniature of the Queen,
with other branches of the Royal family. He continued to practise this hne of art
with almost unexampled success until the year 1772, when a fall from his horse gave
his head so violent a shock and impaired his whole nervous system so much that he
was unable to pursue his profession of miniature painting with the same eihcacy
that he had hitherto done. By the advice of his friends, he was induced to endeavour
to extend the scale of his practise, and with this intention he resolved to pass a few
years in Italy, not only for the reason just stated, but with the hope of general
improvement in his profession. He left England in 1773 accompanied by his friend
Romney, and proceeded to Rome, where and in the neighbourhood he resided four
years. In this situation, though surrounded by advantages, he had still many
difficulties to contend with, for his time had been so entirely engaged by miniature
painting that he had had little or no practise in oils, and had the whole process to
discover. In 1777 Mr. Humphry returned to England, where he established himself,
p€iinting generally in oils until the commencement of the year 1785, when he embarked
for India. . . ."

This account, taken from Bryan's Dictionary of Painters and Engravers is
necessary in order to understand the position of his brother, the Rev. WUliam
Humphry. He left Magdalene Hall with the warmest commendation from Dr. Dennison,
the Principal, and the Rev. John Allen, the Vice-Principal and his Tutor ; and in
1767 he was licenced by the Bishop of Winchester to the Curacy and Lectureship of the
Parish Church of Wandsworth, Surrey. On the 31st December, 1770, he was instituted
to the Vicarage of the Parish Church of Kempsing, with the chapel of Seal.

The progress of Mr. Humphry's engagement is briefly traced in the Italian
letters of Ozias Humphry, who thus delivers his opinion of his brother's proposed
connexion on first receiving the news.

" . . . You have made me happy beyond expression by acquainting me that
you have at length made your proposals to Miss Woodgate and her family and that
they have been so favorably received. I am so well persuaded of the goodness of
your disposition that I believe Miss Vv^'oodgate will never have cause to regret her
connexion with you, and am so satisfied with what little I have the pleasure to know of
the Mr. Woodgates and with your account of the rest of the family that to be myself
in some degree connected with them is the most desirable event that can be. You
have now in your possession near a thousand pounds. I am happy to have it in my
power immediately to fulfil my promise. I rely upon your prudence in securing my
money that is in Mr. Child's hands. Let me hear exactly what money you will want,
and everything shall be done to your Heart's content. I beg you to present my most
respectful wishes & compliments to Miss Woodgate, and let her know that the I have
not ye pleasure and good fortune to be personally known to her, I have long enter-
tained most favourable sentiments and shall from this time encourage an affectionate

l62

regard for her ; to her Brothers & Family, my most respectful complimts. Your
letter if anything had been wanting will contribute much to secure my departure
from Rome. . . .
Rome, Feby ist, 1777."

The next letter, four days later, contains further details of the pecuniary arrange-
ments ; he adds,

" . . . I think your proposals rather inadequate to Miss Woodgate. Nothing
upon Earth shall prevent my being in England before midsummer, therefore I should
think if your Nuptials could be deferr'd till then it would not be amiss."

Writing on 24th February, he says : —

' ' I remember very well your description of Miss W — ; what little I have had
the pleasure of knowing of her Brothers I entirely approve, and tho I have not the
good Fortune to be known to Miss W. or her Father, I can have no doubt from your
acct of them but it will be a connexion both honourable and advantageous for you,
and productive of much happiness. I have not only no objection to it, but in what-
ever light I consider it am flatter'd and delighted with the prospect of it, and shall
be happy to do everything in my power to promote and forward your wishes. I know
very little of the exact situation of my Mother's circumstances, and therefore cannot
guess if it wou'd be convenient for her to advance you three or four hundred pounds,
which I can easily believe will be the least you will want. I should be very sorry that
any thing shou'd be proposed to her wch wd give her a moments uneasiness or put
her to the least difficulty. The very few years which in a course of nature she can
have to live I hope will pass in uninterrupted enjoyment. Therefore whatever money
you may find necessary to make your proposals reputable and your condition easy,
I will most willingly furnish you with. I can with convenience let you have five
hundred pounds of the money in Mr. Offiey's hands to settle upon Miss Woodgate
if it should be required or as much more as you shall find necessary. You know my
circumstances in all respects and may command whatever I have."

Amongst the letters of congratulation is one from John Hughes, an old friend,
dated 28th July, 1777 : —

' ' I have been indebted a Letter to you for some time past, but hearing a great
Peece of News relative to yourself, I could not any longer defer writing to you. This
News is no less than your being married to 3'e Lady you have so long admired. I
hope ye Report is true, but as I have my Doubts about it I shall defer sending ye
usual Compts till I have it confirm 'd under your own hand, when you may expect a
Letter of Congratulation by ye Return of ye Poste. By this time I hope your Brother
is safe arriv'd in England & in good Health. He is a lively sensible man & his account
of the different places he has seen while abroad must be very entertaining. But
you perhaps (if Report speaks Truth) are so much engag'd in domestick affairs as to
pay little attention to foreign customs or Fashions. I have lately been in Berkshire
where I spent a Fortnight with an old Schoolfellow. His name is Townshend. He
inform'd me yt Mr. Bryan, Master of Magdalen School, Oxford, whom you knew,
has some time since paid ye last Debt to Nature. If he was not ye most sensible in
ye University, yet he was generally thought a good sort of man, and you know we
ought always to speak well of ye dead.

I was very glad to hear yt ye Duke of Dorset behaves so kind & Friendly to you,
& hope yt his Grace, as soon as it is in his Power, will make you a Pluralist. When
you see his Grace & have a good opportunity, please to make my respectful Compts to
him. It gave me great Pleasure to hear that Mr. alias Dr. & Mrs. Whitfield were m
good Health. Pray make my best wishes to them. I hope to see Dr. Whitfield's
name soon in ye news Papers with his being appointed at least to a good Prebendary.
I don't like ye Character you give of Mr. Manesty, but I hope ye Breach between him
& Dr. Whitfield is by this Time made up. Please to make my respectful Compts to
Sir Charles & Lady Farnaby, & you will oblige your sincere Friend & humble Servant,
July 28, 1777. John Hughes."

i63

The following verses on Elizabeth Woodgate could hardly have been^written
by Mr. Humphry : —

" To Miss Elizabeth W e of Mountfield in Sussex, written by one of her

admirers in the year 1766.

I.
No lass on famed Britain's plains,
Where Beauty all triumphant reigns.

Dear Betsy can outvie ;
Her artless charms no muse can tell
Nor can the rising sun excell
The radiance of her Eye.
2.
Unnumber'd graces round her move,
At once inspiring awe and love.
How heavenly is her smile !
With what a sweet bewitching mien.
Not to be told or safely seen,
She can the hours beguile.

3-
Good nature, cheerfulness and ease
Improve the fair one's power to please,

Which no vain pride destroys ;
While meaner Beauties gain by arts
Of vulgar growth the coxcombs' hearts.

She scorns the worthless joys.

4-
Be bold, my Muse, and tell the Fair
No tinsel charms can e'er ensnare

A heart that's worth the pains ;
A short lived flame indeed may raise.
Which rapid as it grows decays.

And scarce a day remains.

5-
But would you fire the real love
Of swains of worth and sense approve.

Pursue my Betsy's plan ;
No other way you can succeed ;
For tho' you may the monkey lead.
You'll ne'er secure the Man."
The marriage articles provided that Mr. Humphry should settle ^^1,500. and the
Rev. Francis Woodgate ^1.200. which was duly carried out by a Settlement dated
September. 1783. of which Ozias Humphry of Thornhaugh Street. London, and
Henry Woodgate of Riverhill were the Trustees. This sum would produce about
;^ioo a year. Mr. Humphry had also the living of Seal cum Kemsing ; and in 1782
he was instituted on the presentation of Lord Abergavenny to the Vicarage of Birling.
Kent. It is also possible that Mr. Woodgate made his daughter some allowance
during his lifetime, and he certainly remembered her very handsomely in his will.
At first however the Humphrys had a very limited income ; but as they were both
exceedingly prudent and economical, that was no great hardship. They were married
at Mountfield. by licence, on loth November. 1778. and on the 12th Mr. Humphry
is able to report their safe arrival at Seal, in a letter to the Rev. Francis Woodgate.

' ' Dear Sir,

I do myself the Pleasure of informing you that we arriv'd safe at Godding Green
[in Seal] last Night, after as agreable a Journey as the Badness of the Roads wd admit

164

of. I am commissioned to assure you that Mrs. Humphry highly approves of her new
Habitation, & I am pretty confident that in this & every other Situation my greatest
Happiness will always consist in a constant Endeavour to promote hers. We have
not yet had the pleasure of seeing the Ladies & your Son [Stephen] at Sevenoaks,
but they are all well & intend paying us a visit to-morrow Morning. Mrs. Humphry &
Miss Fanny desire to be remember'd to you, Mrs. Woodgate & their Sister in the
most dutiful & affectionate Manner, in wch I hope you will permit me to joyn them,
& believe me to be, Dr. Sr. your most obliged & obedient Servt.
Godden, Novr 12. 1778. Willm. Humphry."

The family at first resided in a house at Godden. The next letter indicates a
desire to settle in the neighbourhood of Mountfield, as Dean of Battle. The Bishop
of Chichester's eldest son had married Alicia Woodgate. Francis Woodgate's daughter,
so that a certain amount of interest was not lacking ; but the attempt proved abortive.

•' Seal, Jany. 28, 1779.
"D. Sr.,

I take the earliest opportunity of thanking you for your very great kindness in
soliciting for me the Living of Battle ; & tho' from the lateness of the application.
I cd not be very sanguine in my Hopes of success, yet, whilst there was the smallest
Probability of succeeding, I did not doubt but you wd excuse the Liberty of my
pressing it, especially as the Situation in many Respects wd have been particularly
agreeable to both of us — but on no account so much so as by bringing us to the
Neighbourhood of Mountfield. All Circumstances however considered, it is perhaps
as well for us as it is. for the Dignity annex'd to the Deanery might possibly have led
us into some Expences that might not quite so well have suited our Circumstances.
& I assure you, Sr., that I have put the Living of Seal on so good a Footing, & without
the least Dispute with any of my Parishioners, that in future it will afford us a very
comfortable income, & I am informed by those who are much better judges of it than
myself that my Farm, when once got in order, is likely to turn to a very good Account.
We saw Mr. Davies (aa) for a few Minutes last Monday Evening at Sevenoaks, as
we were returning from a visit to Mrs. Shorte, & he has promis'd to favor us wth his
Company next Monday Se'nnight. I am desir'd by Mrs. Humphry to thank Miss
Sally for her Letter, & Miss Anne for her Note. We both anticipate great Pleasure
in the Hopes of seeing you & Mrs. Woodgate at Godden early in the Spring, when I am
reall}^ of Opinion you will joyn with us in thinking that our House & Situation are very
agreable. I am commissioned by Mrs. Humphry to present her Duty & best Respects
in wch, Dr Sr., permit me to joyn her & to conclude myself with great sincerity,
your most oblig'd & affectionate Servant,

William Humphry."

As there are several hundreds of Humphry letters, it is impossible to set out each
one at length ; most of the earlier ones are from Ozias Humphry, full of all the London
news of the day. We will content ourselves with extracts relating to the county of
Kent and the different members of the family. He writes on 6th November, 1779.
from Newman Street : —

" . . . You acquaint me that Mrs. Humphry and yourself will soon be in
London on a visit to Mrs. Acton [her sister]. I can only say that whatever time you
can spare for me I shall be very thankful for, and will do every thing in my power to
render your stay in London agreeable to you. Mr. Farmer brought me a most obliging
message from Lord Frederick Campbell wth permission in a very ample manner to me
to study at my Leisure the collection at Coombe Bank &c. I expect every hour
likewise an invitation from Mrs. Perry of Penshurst to come there to copy the
Sacharissa of Vandyke."

{aa} Mr. Davies must have been either the curate at Mountfield or the husband of Mary Woodgate,

a first cousin of the Rev. Francis Woodgate, being a daughter of Thomas Woodgate of St.
Sepulchre's, London.

i65

On the birth of Elizabeth, the second child, on i8th January. 1782. Mr. Humphry
received the following letter of congratulation from the Duke of Dorset.

' ' Gro. Sq. Jan 19th. 1782.
Few words are best upon happy as well as melancholy occasions, and I shall only
desire you to read the enclosed letter ; at the same time I sincerely congratulate
Mrs. Humphry and you upon the agreaUe contents. I am with great truth, your
most faithful humble servant

Dorset."
Here is another specimen of the Duke of Dorset's correspondence, an invitation
to dinner.

" Knole, Sun: night.
The Duke of Dorset's compliments to Mr. Humphry, and acquaints him that he
gives to-morrow the duplicate of the Haunch of Venison he gave on Saturday to
his brother. The Duke and Duchess of Dorset both hope to see Mr. and Mrs. Humphry ;
the hot weather will not allow the haunch to wait a later day. The Duke and Duchess
of Dorset leave Knole for some time on Wednesday. The dinner hour is half past
four. ...(&)

On 6th February. 1782. William Humphry was instituted to the Vicarage of
Birling. to which reference is made in the next letter. Ozias was something of a
genealogist ; he was in 1798 elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries on the

(6) A propos of this, the following lines were written by J. F. Sackville, one of the family of the

Duke of Dorset, on 25th September, 1792.

ON FRANCE.
In Europe there's a savage race

Of cruel kind of men.
There is not one true honest face,

Not even one in ten.
Now all the men in arms do rise

And Uberty do cry ;
The air resounds with dreadful cries ;

All must consent or die.
Perhaps they will behead the King,

And also kill the Queen,
Which will be the most horrid thing

That ever yet was seen.
And now the streets, as we are told.

Are in a gore of blood
And human bodies not yet cold

Lay on the sanguine Flood.
They now come here, our bread to thieve.

But stiU I have no care.
But that they will behind them leave

Their horrid customs there —
And let us honest Britons hke
Be merry, dance, and sing.
True to ourselves, our Country's right.
And true to George our King.

J. F. Sackville hoc composuit, September 25th. 1792."
The author was only a child ; but it shows the detestation with which even children regarded
the proceedings of the French. The production was shown to Mr. Humphry, who wrote under
it these lines : —

' ' How am I pleased to see my Friends excell,
In Nature's great Perfection, writing well ?
But when they spring from an illustrious hne,
Who paid due Honours to the Sacred Nine,
Where unimpaired the seeds of Genius run.
With undiminished force from Sire to Son,
Such worth transmissive claims the loftiest Lays ;
Praise less than this were impotence of Praise.
That Praise, O Sackville, may you learn to boast
Nor let your great Forefather's Fame in you be lost.
^ ^ W. H."

i66

nomination of the President, Lord Leicester, and spared no exertions in seeking out
memorials of his family.

' ' Dear Brother,

I trouble you with this to beg to know for certain from you when the great
cricket day and Ball will be at Sevenoaks, because it is my Intention to come and to
bring with me Mr. Jackson of Exeter for a day or two. You know he never tastes
wine, so that you will have nothing to provide for him but a little meat, pudding,
water & a bed. I cou'd wish to see your new living at Birling and if you had leisure
to go on to Rochester I shou'd be very well pleased that we might visit together the
Tombs of two of our great-great-grand aunts who lie buried in the Cathedral there,
wth monuments & inscriptions to their memory & arms &c wch I have discovered
within a few days past. I am pretty much engaged at my leisure in a search for
family records in wh I have been greatly successful. I shall bring down with me an
authenticated evidence from the Heralds Ofhce of four hundred years, & I believe it
traceable back to the reign of Edward the Confessor before the Conquest, as it is
certain from Doomsday Evidence & the Inquisitio Gheldi that a namesake who was
Chamberlain to that prince held Lands in Devonshire at that very early period, but
of this more when I have the pleasure to see you. . . . My best compliments to
Mr., Mrs., & Miss Noaille. . . .
Newman St., June 2, 1782."

Miss Nouaille afterwards married Mr. Rudge ; and her only brother married
Anne Woodgate of Summerhill.

In 1784 Ozias Humphry resolved to pass some three or four years in India and
return with a fortune. Willison had just returned with ^^30,000 made by painting
there for eight years ; Smith was the only tolerable miniature painter in that country,
and had accumulated ;f 20 .000 in five years ; Mr. Humphry would have been contented
with £10,000, which he declared would " give serenity to the prospect of old age."
He was anxious to leave some permanent property in the family upon which his
successors might start. The fact is. he was of a very extravagant disposition, a man
who would spend his whole income, be what it might ; and a more perfectly sanguine
man would be difficult to discover. He states in a letter to his brother :

" . . . You say I ought to be contented if I can make four hundred a year
&c. I never have made less than six, wch I dare say I could increase, but I never
will ; for it would inevitably leave me an anxious & miserable old age, full of want,
disappointment and wretchedness. . . ."

Before his departure he went down to Honiton to pay a last visit to his mother,
whom he expected never to see again. She suffered from no particular complaint
but was slowly decaying. He writes to his brother : —

" . . . Whenever you go, make a point of carrying some sermons, as the
people there desire exceedingly to hear you preach. . . There was an assembly
whilst I was at Honiton wch proved a very agreeable one. I dined once with Mr.
Putt at Combe, and at Mr. Blagdon's where the card clubb happened to be, once at
Mr. Card's, & with all that family at Mrs. Baker's, and all the Family with Mr. Tucker
dined with us at my Mother's. Mr. Tucker's kindness and attention to my Mother
is more like another son than a Friend of the Family. She is also particularly happy
in a servant who is really much attached to her & to her interest. Mr. Card's Family
& Mrs. Baker are very kind & attentive to her. I made a slight drawing of her which
is very like her and from wch I mean to make a regular miniature. . . I have also
a sketch of our House & of Hembury Fort from my Bedchamber window, & one or
two other slight things. ... My very best Complimts to Miss Sarah & to Mr. &
Mrs. Henry Woodgate. . . ."

He sailed in January. 1785, on board the Francis. He had heard, with some
disgust, that the stories of " the golden East " had had a similar effect upon three

167

other artists as upon himself, and they had all manifested a desire to try their fortune
in India. Amongst them was Mr. Smart, the miniature painter. Mr. Humphry's
House in London was let to Lady Clark, and the management of his affairs entrusted
to his brother, but unluckily either Mr. Acton or Mr. Winter neglected to make out his
power of attorney. He says : " I trust & hope Mrs. Woodgate [of Mountfield] is
better. To-morrow I will put on for one month mourning for my dear & much valued
Friend Mrs. Acton."

Mrs. Woodgate died that month. In May, Mr. Humphry paid a visit to Honiton,
which was the occasion of the following : —

" Seal. May ye 29th. 1785.
My dear Husband,

. . . We all set off for Mountfield to morrow morning, as I received a letter
from there yesterday informing me yt it wd be perfectly convenient our coming at
this time, & that my Father would send for us to Lamberhurst & Mrs. Woodgate
[of Riverhill] is so kind to take us as far as Tunbridge, when we mean to take a
chaise to Lamberhurst. I shall certainly return the day you do, as we shall be all
most anxious to see you after so long an absence. Brother Henry most kindly
suppHed me with the sum I wanted. I dined at Mr. Winder's on Friday according to
appointment & met the intended party. Mr. Pratt called & drank tea here on
Monday ; he came to ask you to go with him to River Hill the next day. Your
lambs are all in perfect health, not any of them sold but I believe Moyse is to take
some of them this week. Mr. Fleming did Duty at Seal this morning & walked home
with me & eat a beef stake, as he was going to Kemsing this afternoon ; he said Dr.
Witfield has Company & Edward's people were from home. Poor man, he seemed
most happy in obliging you.

Harry Hardinge has been applying for the Living of Shoreham but is not likely
to succeed. This I had from Mr. Pratt. He went to Bayham yesterday. Mrs.
Powell has taken the House opposite to Mr. Streightfield's. Mrs. Hardinge continues
very poorly, I imagine they will be at the Grove before you reach Seal. Mr. Powell
came agreeable to his appointment tho he sent a letter by the Post to say he could
not possibly come till Thursday sevenight ; he said he had waited in Town a fortnight
& could not get Ordained. Poor dear Ann [Woodgate] continues very indifferent
indeed ; Mrs. W. says she never saw any person look so ill."

Mr. Pratt, who subsequently succeeded as Earl Camden, lived at this time at
Wilderness, near Sevenoaks. In 1789 Ozias Humphry returned ; he had realized
large sums, but had left a great deal still owing — particularly from the Nabob Vizier
of Lucknow. He writes in reference to the Duke of Dorset's marriage, on 9th
January. 1790 : —

" . . . It is not at all surprizing to me that the Duke thought it proper for
Mr. Curteis [Rector of Sevenoaks] to marry him. What a gross affront would it not
have been to have passed over the Rector of his parish ? & one too whose family he
has so long known ? I have not yet seen Palmer, but shall send to him this Evening
to know if he is in Town. Harry Woodgate has not wrote to me as yet. If he
should ever mention any thing of my concern to you. it is proper he shou'd be informed
that my acct to him was made out as if it was for Lord Stanhope or Sr Charles Famaby
& I expect that his for the interest of his money be made out in the same manner. . . .
Will [Humphry] promised to translate for me one of the Epistles of Ovid ; pray let
him do it & send it. I shall be happy to have an opportunity of seeing Lord Bayham
to explain my concern to him & cannot but flatter myself that the issue will be
favorable. Sir Samson Wright told me this morning that in one of yesterday's
papers it was asserted that you had married the duke ; to which I replied, it was not
very unlikely but that I knew nothing of the matter. I have not seen the paragraph.
It is expected the dutchess of Dorset will be presented to the Queen on Thursday
next, previous to the Birth day, on wch day no presentations are made."

i68

The " concern " was evidently the Nabob's bond, in which Henry Woodgate
seems to have been the counsel employed, and Mr. Palmer the solicitor. The Duke,
whose seat was at Knowle Park, was patron of Ozias Humphry, and also of his
brother. Of the other families in the neighbourhood, the Pratts lived at the Wilder-
ness, and also at Bayham Abbey ; Mrs. Hardinge, daughter of Sir John Pratt the
Lord Chief Justice, and sister of Lord Camden, lived with her daughters. Juliana and
Caroline, at the Grove, Seal, a property belonging to the Pratts ; Lord Amherst at
Montreal, near Sevenoaks ; the Nouailles at Greatness ; and the Woodgates. of course,
at Riverhill.

Mrs. Humphry, Senior, died in 1789, aged 82 ; the best pictures, prints, and the
pick of the furniture were taken by Ozias Humphry, the remainder sold, including
a quantity of valuable Honiton lace. Ozias Humphry writes from St. James' Street,
25th March. 1790 : —

" Mrs. & Miss Hardinge did me the favor to call yesterday with Miss Nouaille
(who by the way grows coarser & coarser) & sat with me more than an hour. They
behaved with great kindness, asked after you, offered to bring any parcel or convey
any thing for you, invited me to see them & behaved to me in the highest degree
satisfactorily. ... I have neither seen or heard of Mr. or Mrs. Cleaton [formerly
Miss Acton] lately, or of Mr. Henry Woodgate. I wish much to make a little whole
length of Mrs. Humphry, & if I cou'd, wou'd spare her a week at Easter. I am
delighted with Lord Bayham, there seems such a radical integrity about him. He is
to have Palmer it seems for a Colleague at Bath. It pleases me exceedingly that the
Duke's friend is so likely to prosper in Kent. Remember me in the kindest manner
to Mrs. Humphry & the Children, & tell Will he shall have his Heraldry again in a
week or two when I hope he will turn it to good account."

Meantime the children were growing up. William was eleven ; and after him
came Elizabeth, George Upcott, Frances, and Juliana whose godmother was Miss
Juliana Hardinge. Her uncle had wished her to be named Matilda, an old family
name. Mary Ann and John were born three or four years later. The Reverend
Francis Woodgate died in 1790 ; and Mr. Humphry applied to the Duke for the
vacant livings. Mrs. Humphry writes to her sisters : —

" . . . You wish to know of Mr. Humphry's application for the Livings in
order to exchange them with Mr. Rideout, which Brother Henry informed us wd be a
great accomodation to him. He applied to the Duke in the most pressing manner
in the presence of the Dutchess. His Grace did not refuse him but said he had gone
a great way in promising them, but still Mr. H. thinks he has some chance of succeeding.
After what he has said 'tis impossible he can say a syllable more about it. If we
know any thing further you may depend on hearing.

If a change of scene wd be agreeable to any of you, I am sure we should be
rejoiced if you wd come to us. I hope my dr Ann has not particularly suffered in ye
late scene of distress. Mr. Humphry unites in kindest Love & most sincere condolence
to you all. I remain, my dear Sister, your most affectionate & sincere in affliction,
November ye 13th. Elizabeth Humphry."

The three unmarried daughters, Rose. Sarah, and Ann Woodgate, settled at
Tonbridge, not many miles from Seal ; from Tonbridge they frequently drove over to
see their sister, or received her there.

The Rev. Francis Woodgate left Mrs. Humphry a farm called Mowsers in Eden-
bridge, in the occupation of Holmden, containing fifty acres ; a property in Sevenoaks
called Skeen Hill, in the occupation of the Duke of Dorset ; and ^^500 in cash. It
seems that they sold Mowsers. Ozias Humphry writes : — ' ' I want much to discourse
with you upon the late addition Mrs. Humplu-y has had to your Fortune, I imagine
that by a part of it you will be able to confer a lasting obligation upon the D. of D.
[Dorset]. Miss Ford tells me she conceives any Estate you may have near Westerham

1 69

cannot but be very valuable. I have the pleasure of seeing Miss Ford often ; I
apprehend her Mother is in the last Extremity, she has been gradually declining for
the last three months. I long to see William & George & all the other children. I
expect that William will do honor to the name."

Ozias Humphry evidently refers to a possible sale of Skeen Hill to the Duke ;
the land near Westerham was of course Mowsers.

The two youngest children, Mary Anne and John, were born respectively in
1792 and 1794. Of the former, Mrs. Humphry writes to her sister in June, 1792.

* ' My dear Sally,

I have been truely concerned to hear you have been so poorly, & more so since
the report Mr. Humphry made from you, that you thought you should not be well
enough to come to the Christening, which I most sincerely hope will not be the case.
If you are still very unwell I am sure change of air will be of the greatest service to
you, & I shall be heartily vex'd if I can't see you. I have myself been very
indifferent since I wrote to you, & have had such an inflammation in my eyes that
I was near blind for ten days. They have been rather better lately but Mr. Taylor
thinks I shall not get well for the present. I have been truly delighted with Mr.
William Ashburnham's Poems, I think it astonishingly clever indeed ; Mr. H. is
quite as much pleased with it as I am. It is a great treat to me to hear him read
it, which I am sure he does ten times in a day with the greatest pleasure. I wish Mr.
W. Ashburnham would come with you to our Christening, I don't know anyone
whose company wd give me so much pleasure. I long to know how you do. I
wish you had taken some advice when you was in Town. I still flatter myself
that you will be well enough to come to us on Thursday, & pray don't think of any
of your going home at night."

John's birth is announced to Anne Woodgate by Mr. Humphry in a letter of the
30th April.

" Dear Madam,

I am extremely happy to inform you that our Family has received the addition
of a fine little Boy. The little Stranger made his appearance about 4 o'clock this
Morning. I am sorry that the new Part of our House is not quite so dry as I cou'd
wish it, but by taking care I hope we shall prevent every Inconvenience. If you and
your Sisters were disposed to take a drive to Seal in the course of next Week, we shall
be very glad to introduce you to your new Relation ; at the same time we shall
have an opportunity of shewing you our House, which we are all much delighted
with. The Papers have inform'd you that Lord Camden was buried at Seal last
Saturday. The Funeral v/as very proper and respectful. The present Lord Camden
sent me a twenty Pound Note for the Trouble I had on the occasion, but I have my
Reasons for wishing it not to be mentioned. The Duke call'd here last Monday, and
told me he cou'd not express the concern he felt that we had left Godden. He and the
Duchess are so tenderly attach'd to our Welfare that they particularly desir'd to be
inform'd of Mrs. Humphr3^'s safety, and accordingly I have sent to them this morning."

Earl Camden's successor was Viscount Bayham, his eldest son, formerly mentioned
as Mr. Pratt ; he filled the highest posts in the government of the country and was
justly distinguished for his patriotic resignation of the large income arising from his
ofhce of Teller of the Exchequer, namely, we believe, ^^30,000 a year. He was created
Marquis Camden in 1812, and on several subsequent occasions proved a valuable
friend to the Humphrys.

The Humphrys had recently removed from the house at Godden to one which
they had purchased in 1793 of the lately deceased Lord Camden, and enlarged and
improved with the addition of a greenhouse and in some other particulars. In 1846
Lord Camden's grandson bought it back.

About this time it became necessary to fix upon some school for William. iEton,
Westminster, and Chiswick were all considered. The inevitable expenses at Eton
were ;^8o a year, besides casuals, which might amount to anything over another £20.
Ozias Humphry and a friend whom he had consulted, Mr. Paine of Tunham Green,
whose house was formerly inhabited by the lately deceased Duke of Dorset, strongly
recommended Chiswick, one of the most orderly and well regulated schools in the
Kingdom. Its numbers were limited to one hundred boys ; at Eton there were five
hundred. Its situation was healthy ; the position was close to Ozias Humphry,
and lay behind the garden of the Paines, who promised to treat William as one of
their own children. From the decided manner in which Ozias Humphry writes, it is
probable that William was removed at once from the school at Sevenoaks to Chiswick.

In 1796 William was placed in the Council Office at Whitehall, of which he
became eventually one of the principal clerks. He lodged with a Mr. Scott, who may
have been identical with the gentleman of that name, the principal usher at Chiswick.
He writes at some length in 1796 : —

' ' Smith Square, St, Johns Church Yard, 13 July 1796
Dear Papa,

I have not yet asked Mr. Townshend leave to come into the country ; if I had I
am certain it could not have been granted, as Business has pressed so hard of late that
we have not been able for this week past to go from the office before half past two or
three o'clock. Mr. Wadman's absence is in a great measure owing to this, who has
gone to the sea to try the effect of bathing. As soon as Mr. Wadman returns which
I hope will be in less than a month, our Business will be in a great measure got
through, and there will be no obstacle in the way to prevent my coming to the Country,
and I have no Doubt of being then able to obtain Permission to be absent for a
Fortnight or three weeks. I have seen little of my Uncle lately, as at the Time I csdl,
which has been in the Evening, he is generally taking his walk ; he is obliged to use
Exercise then, as his Avocation prevents him from doing it at any other part of the
Day. I breakfasted about a week ago with a Mr. Jephson at my Uncle's, a Member
of the Irish Parliament and a great Friend of Mr. Grattan's. He spoke ver}^ highly
of Lord Camden [then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland] ; no one, he said, could be more
liked, and it was wonderful in what a surprising Manner he has conciliated the Nation.
A particular Instance he mentioned ; Lord Camden frequently called on Lord
Charlemont, a violent oppositionist, but nothing in the World could prevail on him
for some time to repay the visits. Lord Camden called on him, in short so often came
of a morning and sat with him in his Library, and behaved in so courteous a Manner,
that it was impossible to resist longer. He was obliged to break his Resolution ; he
has been several times to the Castle and they are at present on the most friendly
Footing. I received an Invitation through Mr. Lagrange from Mrs. Munster to dine
with her on Sunday sennight, accordingly I went. Mr. Lagrange accompanied me
there and we spent a very agreeable Day. Miss Walpole was the only other Person
of the party. Mrs. Munster particularly enquired after you, my Mama, and the whole
Family. I likewise dined with Mr. Lagrange on Sunday last. There was no one
there but myself except a Mr. Kemble, a young Gentleman a Relation of his. I
called on Dr. Whitfield about a Fortnight ago, he is removed from Westminster to
Newman Street by Oxford Road. . . Pray give my Duty to my Mama and Love
to my Brothers and Sisters, and as my Paper is quite exhausted I must now beg leave
to remain your ever dutiful son

W. O. Humphry."

In 1800 Mrs. Humphry and Elizabeth spent several weeks at Hastings, which
led to an interchange of letters between her and Mr. Humphry. Much of them is
necessarily taken up with uninteresting domestic details and the consideration of the
state of health of the different members of the family. Though these circumstances
must have been full of interest at the time, they can now very conveniently be omitted.

171

The first of these letters is from Mr. Humphry to his wife : —

" Seal. 24th of June, 1800.
Dear Madam,

. . . Lady Amherst in the handsomest Manner has given up Montreal to
Ld Amherst, who I am sorry to say is going to be married to Lady Plymouth who is
between forty and fifty, so that there is little Prospect of a Family to inherit his
Honors, or to the Neighbourhood of an eligible Acquaintance. Mr. and Mrs. Thursby
were at the Grove all last Week. I spent one afternoon with them, and like Mr.
Thursby very well. He is a sprightly agreable Man. He was at Church on Sunday
but wd not preach. They invited me to dinner with them several Days, but I

dechned that as I did likewise an Invitation from Mr. L on Saturday, and

another from Lord Camden. I am still very stout and so am likely to continue.
Lady C. and Lady Londonderry were at Church. I met Mr. Taylor at Mr. Wrainch's.
and he seem'd very uncertain when Mrs, Taylor would go to Hastings, and indeed
doubtful whether she wd go at all. I hope to find an opportunity of sending what you
want by some other conveyance."

The Rev. George Augustus Thursby, Rector of Abingdon, Northants,, married
in 1800 Frances Pelham, the daughter of Henry Cressett Pelham of Crowhurst Park,
who had married Jane Hardinge, daughter of Nicholas and Jane Hardinge. Mrs,
Thursby had one brother, who died unmarried, and one sister, who married Thomas
Papilion of Acrise Park ; her son assumed the name of Thursby-Pelham and married
his cousin, the daughter of Thomas Papilion, from whom the Thursby- Pelhams are
descended.

Mr. Taylor was an apothecary of Sevenoaks and by the exercise of this
occupation earned an income of some £350 a year ; he married a daughter of the
Earl of Stanhope, and at the time of his death, which occurred not many years later,
was Paymaster General. One of the conditions imposed upon Mr. Taylor was that
he shoiild ever continue to pursue his calling in Sevenoaks, but this was obviously
evaded.

It would seem that some wine had been ordered by Mrs. Humphry but had
been delayed at the time Mr. Humphry wrote. The reply, dated from Hastings
28th June, states : —

" I am happy to announce that our wine arrived safe this day. Mr. Rideout
was so kind as to send us six pint bottles that he decanted ofi for us of old port
that had been in his cellar eight years ; I took it very kind of him* ... I
fully intended sending this letter by to-day's post had not Sir William Ashburnham
& Denny call'd & sat an hour with us, which prevented my finishing it in time. He
was abundantly polite, said he sd call very often to enquire after my health, gave
us the most pressing Invitation to come to Broomham, which I declined in as civil
a manner as I cd. Did I tell you my old Friend Miss Frewen is here Bathing for
her health ? I was very happy to see her, she has called on us several times. Our
Lodgings stand high & there is a fine opening to the Hills, which tho they are small
makes them airy. There was a view of a fleet yesterday on the Sea uncommonly
beautiful, which Sr WiUiam Ashburnham told us was supposed to be the secret
Expedition sailed. Flour here is very scarce & bad ; very fortunately for the
place they never had so fine a fishing Season before, they have made above 6 Thousand
pounds. Will you give our best thanks to the Miss Hardinges for the trouble we
have given them about the wine. I paid nine & ninepence for the carriage of it. . ."

Mr. Humphry's reply, on ist July, comments on various points raised in the
preceding one. He says : —

' ' Tho you have had so great a Plenty of Fish at Hastings very little has been
brought here. Neither you nor Betsy however should live too much upon Fish,

* See Reference Sheet.

172

it is too thin and unsubstantial a Food ; a good Beef Steak is infinitely better. . . •
I think I never was so lucky in Hay Making. We finish'd on Tuesday Night and
I believe never had so good a Stack of Fodder. We begin at Noah's Ark on Saturday
Se'nnight. I have bottled off seven Dozen of Cyder and I hope it will prove good.
I received an Invitation from Lord C. who was then in Town to dine with him on
Sunday to which I sent an Excuse, and at Church he press'd me to dine with him
yesterday but I again desir'd to be excus'd, as it wd be inconvenient to leave my
Family. It will by and by I hope lead to an Explanation. As you are in the midst
of your Kindred and old acquaintance you will I trust study to pass your Time as
agreably as possible. Nothing will contribute so much to your Health. I have no
Fears about Betsy, as I daresay she is all Gaiety and Life. John is very much
improv'd in reading. They are all to drink Tea on Thursday at Mrs. Brown's,
together wth Miss Walter. . . ."

' ' Hastings, July ye 8th, 1800.
My dear Mr. Humphry.

. . . I have been walking on the beach an Hour before breakfast, as it
was not my bathing morning, & have pick'd up plenty of shells for the little dears.
. . . Sir William Ashburnham walked near an hour with us on the Beach on
Saturday. He is dispos'd to be very civil, said he cd not offer us anything out
of his Garden as he had destroy'd it ; poor Man, how ill judged before he has made
another. All his sons have call'd on us ; Denny I think very much improv'd, he
said he was rejoiced to hear that George was like to go to Cambridge as he sd be
so happy in his acquaintance. . . . Poor Mrs. Delves (c) I understand was
buried at Ashburnham. Mrs. North I hear has got a son to their great joy ; we
hear Mrs. Horn is now with them. I am glad to hear our Friends at the Grove
[Hardinges] are so well, we drink their Healths every day together with our good
Friend Mr. Stracey. Miss Milward sent us a fine plate of Strawberries last night
but we have not yet touch'd peas, they are gd. a gallon. Our kindest love to our
Friends at Riverhill and Brother Stephen ; Betsy received a letter from EUen [Wood-
gate] lately, she is now writing to Miss Ashburnham. I have not heard anything
of the Rideouts since they left Hastings. . . ."

' ' Hastings. July ye 15th. 1800.
My dear Mr. Humphry.

. . . Mrs. Pelham was so good as to call on us to-day. She came with an
intention of taking us to Crowhurst for a few days, but we were obliged to decline
her kind offer. Sir WiUiam Ashburnham has behaved with great kindness. &
the most obliging attention, has sent us Chickens, beans, peas, strawberries &c. Poor
Man he seem'd to have great pleasure in it & hop'd I should not think it troublesome.
Mrs. Whitear is particularly civil & Miss Milward. The latter has taken great
pains to get us a cheap comfortable Lodging but has not succeeded. The Town
is very full & a good deal of company coming every day. Charlotte Smith [the
novelist] is amongst the number. She comes into the Library very often, but I
have not yet glimps'd her, I wish to do it very much as she is such an interesting
Character. I was quite grieved to hear of the death of poor Mrs. Whitehead. Has
Mrs. Taylor given over all thoughts of coming ? Its a very curious sight to see
the Fish of a morning taken out of the boats for the Markett ; tho there is such
abundance we have not purchased mackrel under 4d. a piece & other fish in proportion.
Their great Season for Herrins is now coming on. from which they derive their
greatest profits. We have not heard from my Sisters, do you know if they are at
Courtlodge ? Mrs. Murray told me the other evening they were expected. . . "

" Hastings, July ye 29th. 1800.

. . . Betsy heard from Alicia to other day ; they [the Miss Woodgates and
Alicia Ashburnham] purpose coming to Courtlodge after the first shower. Sr William

Thomas Swayne of Tonbridge.

173

continues his kind remembrance of us. Our opposite neighbour in Mr. Croncke's
lodgings is a Mr. Otley's Family, very respectable people from Cambridge ; they
are so good as to send us a daily paper every day. I try to make friends of them
for the sake of Dr [dear] George, as Mr. Whitear tells me they have shewn his son
the greatest kindness ; you can't think what a clever young man he is. . . Mrs.
Children [wife of J. G. Children of Tonbridge] is at last coming to Hastings ; they
wrote to Miss Cossom to procure Lodgings for them. I went with her to search
& got a very good one in the high street, at 5 guineas a week, since which the young
Man has been down & taken a very small one at the sea at 2 & a half ; she is to be
brought down in a parakeen, a conveyance I have often heard yr Brother discribe
as used in the East Indies. We often meet Mr. & Miss Murray, she has given us
many kind Invitations to Beaupore & offered to come & fetch us at any time. I
am grieved to hear the Dean of Battle continues very iU ; it is lucky for him Dr.
Whitfield being on the spot to do his Duty. . . ."

Mrs. J. G. Children lingered for many months at Hastings and died in the
same year.

" Seal. 13th Septr, 1800.

... I walked yesterday to Sevenoaks with Fanny and Julia to call on Mrs.
Taylor, and was very much concerned to find it in her opinion that Sea Bathing
has not been of much Service to you. . . . How very unlucky to have so many
of your Bottles of Wine broke ! I am very much afraid you will be distrest for
that article and I have it not in my power to assist you. I shall send to your Brother
Henry on Monday for six Dozen. You will be surpriz'd after all my vapouring
to hear that I dined at Wilderness on Thursday. It was to meet the Bishop of
London and Mrs. Porteous. I thought I had done enough to express my Disappro-
bation of Lord C's late conduct, and that if I had declin'd this Invitation it would
put a Bar to all Intercourse not only wth him. but hkewise with another great Man,
in future. They were extremely civil and Lady Camden told me she should see
Sr Walter Farquhar next Week and would be happy to deliver any Message, as
she intended to have a good deal of conversation with him with regard to you. They
all with the Bishop and Mrs. Porteous desir'd their particular compliments. Lord
Camden and the Master of the Rolls had been that Morning to Tunbridge at the
concert which was very well attended. Mrs. & Miss Taylor seemed highly delighted
with Hastings, particularly the latter who very much regretted parting with you.
After all their Bustle of setting off at . . o'clock in the Morning, they were
too late for the Concert, and Miss Taylor seem'd very much out of sorts that it did
not suit her Father to send her the next day. Little John is now standing by me
with his face array'd in a most gracious Smile ; he says he longs, as we all do, to see
his Mama, and Betsy likewise will be no unwelcome Guest. George has attended
School [at Sevenoaks] every Day this week ; I miss him very much, he is so uniformly
good. How providential that the children have all enjoy'd so good a state of health
during the whole of your absence. I shd not have known what to do had they
been ill. . ."

The last of the Hastings letters is dated i8th September. The sea bathing had
not been as beneficial as had been expected, but it was considered likely that the
good effects would be felt after returning home.

" , . . We propose leaving Hastings next Monday, & hope to be with you
on Tuesday to dinner, at which happy meeting we promise ourselves not a little
pleasure. I have had all the bottles packed, & our Trunk I shall direct to be left
at River Hill, from whence William [their man] must fetch it. I shall continue
my bathing till the day we go in the most regular manner. Mr. John George Children
brought me a letter from my Sisters the other day with a ;^5 note Inclosed. & a
particular history of the Concert. We shall sleep one night at Tunbridge. I think
you was perfectly right in meeting the Bishop & Mrs. Porteous. We have called

174

on Mrs, Noaille & she on us. The Bakers from Chiddinstone are likewise here who
had before inform'd me of Miss Kent's accident for which I was very much concem'd.
. . . Our friends here are so good as to express great concern at our Departure.
Poor Mr. Evet dyed last Friday very suddenly, I should be glad if you would let
our Friends at River Hill know. We propose calling on them on Tuesday morning
and should be glad if Mary Ann [who had been at RiverhiU during her Mother's
absence] wd be in readiness to return with us. We shall set out about half past

7 as I wish to take a few fish to Tunbridge. If you like to order a chaise from Seven-
oaks we shall set out at ten o'clock. The Rideouts have been so civil I must call at
Courtlodge. We shall depend on your sending the Chaise to Tunbridge on Tuesday.

George Humphry was the second son, born in December. 1784 ; he was at Cam-
bridge in November, 1801, when he was only sixteen years old. He was placed
at Jesus College, and recommended to the patronage of the Master by his Godfather,
George Hardinge, the Queen's Attorney General and Chief Justice of the Brecon
circuit, in a letter which is extant : —

' ' My dear Sir & Friend.

I have the courage to anticipate your thanks for promoting any favor of yours
to me which it is in your power to confer, as I have recently experienced your kindest
attentions & bestow'd in a manner which indicated that it gratified you to oblige
& gratify me. At this place my excellent Mother has resided for several years with
two of her Daughters, beloved & respected by all her Neighbours. Their pastor
& friend is Mr. Humphry the Vicar of Seal, a very accomplished man, a good Scholar &
a remarkably eloquent preacher, of the best principles & of the most exemplary hfe.
He is the Father of some as promising Children as I ever knew.

The second of the sons, George Humphry, was educated partly by his Father
& partly by Mr. Whitehead of your College who keeps a very admirable School
at Seven Oaks. He has just left that School & his Father, who is a very able Judge
of literary attainments (tho' he may be of course partial to his own offspring) reports
that he is an excellent scholar in Greek and Latin. I have had no personal oppor-
tunity of appreciating, if I could, these acquisitions, & have only to say of this
Young Man what none can deny, who see and converse with him, that he is.
But this family who have seen more of him can further attest his goodness of heart
and sweetness of temper.

His Father has a very laudable ambition for himi (which the son participates)
that he should not only be competent for the honor of being elected into a fellowship
in that most respectable Society which has you for its head, but that he should be
eminently distinguish'd as an academical Scholar. He is told that considerable
stress being laid upon Mathematical science, for which in general Boys at Sevenoaks
are not sufficiently put in train, it will be necessary for him to be a hard Student

8 or 9 hours in the day for the purpose of acquiring ye knowledge in Philosophy
that will ensure to him the object I have stated without prejudice in that Learning
in which he is grounded. But I should hope that a good capacity, which I have
no doubt that he inherits from both his parents, wll not require much intense
application. Be that as it may (and of course temper'd as well as guided by the
sense of the tutor) I recommend the Young Man's interest credit & fortune to your
benevolent patronage & support. I have the honor to be, with high respect, my
Dr Sir, your most gratefully affectionate Servant,

George Hardinge."

Thus recommended, his career, had he lived, might have fulfilled every expect-
ation ; he was cut off in the prime of his youth, by a stroke brought on, it seems,
by his too great exertions. His first letter that remains is dated from Cambridge.
6th November, 1801, but is uninteresting and short.

175

He writes on November 19th, 1801.

" . . . We have twelve freshmen, viz. the Earl of Altamont. one fellow
commoner, & ten pensioners, all of whom excepting three came to College before
me. so that almost all the rooms were engaged previously to my arrival. Mr. Shep-
herd, who was at the head of Eton School for nearly a twelve month, was the one
who came immediately after me, & the cheapest rooms he could get were those
which had at present an income of ten pounds upon them, & upon which he is obliged
to expend thirty pounds before he can possibly enter them. I called on Denny
AshbiuTiham a few days ago, & yesterday Mr. & Mrs. Whitear called upon me &
I accompanied them to Mr. Otley's. but we did not find him at home. Mr. Whitear
has behaved very obligingly to me, & was so kind as to say, that if ever I should
find any difficulties either in Euclid or Algebra which I could not get over, he should
be very glad to assist me. . . I am labouring hard to keep up with the young
men who come out of the North in Mathematicks ; they come up having all Euclid
and the greater part of Algebra at their fingers ends, so that it is with great difficulty
that I can keep with them. They have left all from the South behind them except
me, & I hope that with great assiduity I shall be able to do for them. I called on
Mr, Walter this morning ; he was much better than he was, his gout being nearly
cured in his feet, so that he was to day for the first time able to walk out, but his
hand is stni very weak. John Woodward is coming next week to college to reside,
I should suppose for the purpose of procuring a certificate for his scholarship ; but all
the rooms in the college are engaged, so that I shall not see much of him. . ."

His next letter is dated from Cambridge, 9th February, 1802 : —
" Dear Father,

I have the pleasure to inform you that I arrived at Cambridge yesterday, where
I found J. Thompson ready to receive me ; he is remarkably well, but I think looks
rather thinner than when I last saw him. He purposes returning home very shortly.
I had a very pleasant journey to Town with Mr. Hardinge ; he was so obliging as
to insist upon taking me to William's lodging's at Pimlico. When we were at the
Inn waiting for Miss Hardinge, he wrote another letter to Dr. Pearce saying that
a little civility would do no harm, & desired me to deliver it to him which I did
last night. ... I have seen both Mr. Walter & Henry W.. they are quite
well. Mr. Walter leaves Cambridge to-morrow."

Ten days later he writes again : —

" . . . On my arrival in Town I found my Uncle & William quite well.
I went with J. Thompson on Tuesday & Wednesday Evening to Dnu-y Lane Theatre.
. . . Mr. Petley does not intend to give up his office, but means to lay down
his gig, & to attend regularly to his business for a twelvemonth, at the expiration
of which time he will go to Paris, where Lord Whit worth [the Ambassador] has
promis'd him a good situation. A very melancholy circumstance has lately happen'd
here ; a young man of the name of James, whom I mentioned to you as being a
particular friend of Streatfeild's, a short time ago broke a blood vessel, & last Monday
week he died, & was buried on the Wednesday following in Jesus Chappie. The
whole college attended his funeral. J. Thompson requests to be remembered to
you, & he would be much obliged to you, if you should see his Father or his brother,
to inform them he purposes writing in a few days. . . .On looking over the
Cambridge Callender I find that Mr. James Walter {d) took the degree of eleventh
Wrangler, which however at this time would not be more than nth Senior optime.
I drank tea with Mr. Whithear yesterday, & stayed with him till nine, during which

{d) For some account of this family, see note on* Humphry's friend Walter seems to have

Uved at Seal, where Miss Walter was also living. Subsequently they lived at Brenchley, or
Harden. In 1805, Sarah, daughter of WilHam Walter, Esq., of Jewell House, Brenchley, married
Thomas Hooker of Brenchley. There seem to have been at least four sons : Stephen, John,
James, and J. A. Walter. The Rev. Weaver Walter was at Penshurst in 1793.
* See Reference Sheet.

176

time he instructed me in Euclid & Algebra.. He informed me that Mr. D. Ashbum-
ham had desired him to procure him apartments in the Town, as he & Mrs, Bancroft
were coming to Camb. next Tuesday. . . ."

John Thompson was a grandson of Thomas Thompson of Seal, and great
nephew of Mrs. Woodgate of Mountfield. Denny Ashbumham married Mrs.
Bancroft. George Humphry had taken Streatfeild's rooms, and with them the
greater part of the furniture. The letter to Dr. Pearce had the desired effect.

" Cambridge, March 26th, 1802.

. . . Dr. Pearce sent for me a few days ago to inform me that he had
received a letter from Mr. George Hardinge, in which he spoke very highly in
my favour & told Dr. Pearce that he would esteem it a particular favour
if he would serve me in any manner that might lie in his power ; which Dr. Pearce
assured me he would, & desired me, when I next saw Mr. George Hardinge, to inform
him that he had made a point of mentioning to me the receipt of his letter, & that he
certainly would comply with his wishes ; & he added that had he heard nothing
from Mr. Hardinge, he would certainly, from what he had heard from Mr. Whitehead,
have done every thing in his power to serve me ; but you may depend upon it that
that would not have been the case ; whereas now there is little doubt of my having
some scolarship or other. I called on Mr. & Mrs. D. Ashbumham a few days since ;
they were remarkably civil to me. & enquired particularly after all my Seal Friends.
Mr. Whithear went to Town last Monday & is not yet returned. . . . Mr. Moore,
T. Thompson & George Austen are coming at Easter to pay John Thompson a
visit."

' ' Cambridge, April ye 13th, 1802.
My dear Father,

. . . Mr. Whithear went to Town yesterday, where he means to stay the
whole vacation ; he will meet his Father in Cambridge, & he thought it very likely
that he would accompany him back to Cambridge. Mr. Whitheeir went to Town
about a month ago, at which time he was ordained a Deacon by the Bishop of Chiches-
ter. ... I suppose you have heard that Streatfeild means to join the party
which is shortly coming from Sevenoaks to Cambridge. John Thompson desires
particularly to be remembered to you. The famous Sir Edward Hamilton is admitted
a Nobleman of Emmanuel College, & dined the other day in our HaJl."

About a week later he mentions that he had taken much exercise lately in
walking round with Mr. Moore to visit all the colleges. He was much pleased with
the civility of the Ashburnhams ; Mrs. Denny Ashbumham, he declared, was remark-
ably good tempered. He writes on 7th May : —

' ' John Thompson desires me to present his respects ; he went to Town last
week with some of his fellow students to see the Illuminations, & he was so fortunate
as to meet both his father & his brother. I drank tea last Monday with Mr. D.
Ashbumham ; his brother William intends paying him a visit at Cambridge in the
course of a fortnight. There is at present an election here, which occasions a great
deal of riot & confusion. The Candidates are Lord Charles Somerset Manners
& Sir Henry Peyton; it has already lasted three days. & there is a great probability
that it will last some days longer, though Sir H. Peyton has greatly the advantage.
I have seen a catalogue of the exhibitions ; your picture, which my uncle had painted
by Mr. Spicer, & which he intends as a present for my mother, was in the exhibition.

On the election day the gates were shut, to prevent the undergraduates from
participating in the confusion. He writes in June : —

" I saw Mr. D. Ashbumham this moming. & he desires particularly to be
remembered to you & all my friends. He has taken a house near Windsor, for
which place he & Mrs. Ashbumham set off to-morrow ; he went to look at the house

177

which Lady Raddiffe formerly had. but found it far too large for his purpose. Mrs.
Ashburnham dislikes Cambridge so much that she declares she will not accompany
Mr. A. when he returns in October. Mr, W. Ashburnham left Cambridge about
a fortnight since. Mr. Whithear also left Cambridge about the same time ; the
reason of his leaving so soon was that he received a letter from his father, in which
he said that he was very unwell. & that he should be very glad if he could come
to Hastings «& do his duty for him. . . ."

In September, 1802, it was found necessary for George Humphry to recruit
his health at Hastings. His friend W. Whitear found some lodgings for him at
Miss Button's, whence he writes on the i6th : —

" On my arrival at Tunbridge I found all my Aunts [Woodgate] quite well ;
they meant to have sent a parcel by me to Miss Ashburnham on Monday, but when
they found that I was not arrived, they sent it by the coach. I saw my Uncle
William [of Summerhill] at Tunbridge who informed me that my Aunt Woodgate
was so ill as to be obliged to keep her bed ; he desired particularly to be remembered
to all my family. . . . There is to be a grand ball at Hastings to-night, which
Miss Ashburnham & all her Brothers will attend ; it is expected to be a very good
one, as there is at present a great deal of company at Hastings. Mr. John Scoones
has been staying for the last month at Miss Button's, but leaves Hastings I believe
on Saturday*."

He writes again on the 26th : —

" . . . I am happy to say that bathing agrees with me perfectly well, as
I think that I am much heartier than when I left Seal. I had the pleasure of seeing
Miss Ashburnham & her brothers William & Denny at Hastings on Tuesday ; they
were remarkably civil to me & invited me very particularly to come to Broomham ;
but as they did not mention a conveyance, I think that to walk there & back again
the same day is too great an undertaking for me at present. I have seen a great
deal of George Ashburnham since I have been here ; we walk together constantly
every day. He desires to be kindly remembered to all my family. I have met
Mrs. Nouaille several times ; she is always very civil. & desired that I would call
upon her, which I accordingly did. She said that she hoped when her Gentlemen
returned that I would come & eat some mutton with her. I dined at Mr. Whithear 's
with Mr. George Ashburnham last Thursday ; Mr. & Mrs. North were of the party.
They all desired to be remembered to my friends when I next wrote. . . ."

Elizabeth, the daughter of the Rev. William Whitear, Vicar of St, Clements
and All Saints, Hastings, married in 1799 Mr, Francis Frederick North, of Rougham
Hall and of Hastings Lodge. Their son, who was Member for Hastings, and his
family are constantly mentioned in Chap. VL George Humphry returned to
Cambridge, in renewed health, in October, whence he writes on ist November ; —

" Mr. Weaver Walter left Cambridge on Saturday last : he purposed being at
Seal on Thursday. I have seen a great deal of Harry Walter since I have been
here, he appears to be remarkably good tempered. Dr. Pearce has made John
Thompson the offer of a curacy near Newmarket, Mr. WoUaston the rector wishing
to go abroad for three years. There is a very good house & garden, but Dr. Pearce
said that he believed there could be but a small stipend. He has written to his
father to know his pleasure before he gives the Doctor a decisive answer."

That month the pain in his side, and his cough, returned.

" My Uncle Humphry," he says, " has a most beautiful picture of you in
Miniature, painted by Mr. Spicer from that painting of you which Mr. Spicer has
in his possession, & he intends it as a present for my Mother ; it is much larger than
that picture which she has of my Uncle. With respect to what you mentioned
of Mr. G. Hardinge, I have observed no alteration whatever in the Dr's. Behaviour.

* See Reference Sheet.

178

In February, 1803, his cough evidently became very troublesome, though he
does not enlarge upon it in his letters. He says : —

' ' I received a letter from Mr. Hardinge on Sunday in which he desired me to
go to Dr. Pearce & request him to procure a copy of some Latin Verses, which Mr.
Hardinge wrote when at Cambridge, but which he has now lost, as he wishes to
print some of his Latin Verses for the use of partial friends alone. Dr. Pearce
desired me to defer answering his letter for about a week, by which time he hoped
to be able to procure them. . . My Uncle called one day when I was in Town
at Mr. Long's, & left a note to be forwarded to Mrs. P. Nouaille [formerly Anne
Woodgate of Summerhill] ; he talks of advising Mr. P. Nouaille to employ a Mr.
Singleton, an indigent friend of his, to paint him a cabinet of Miniatures. I have
seen Mr. Denny Ashburnham who is quite well ; Mrs. Ashburnham purposes coming
to Cambridge after Easter."

Mr. Hardinge's verses, consisting of about a hundred lines, were duly copied
by George Humphry and sent off. He mentions the intended visit of his uncle
Ozias Humphry, on his way to Ely. He writes on 20th March : —

' ' I have seen a great deal of Mr. D. Ashburnham lately, he desires to be kindly
remembered to you whenever I write. He is going shortly to his house near Windsor,
where Mr. W. Ashburnham & Miss Ashburnham are to make him a visit during
the vacation. I was very sorry to hear that John Thompson had been so unfortunate
as to lose the curacy of Otford. which I thought he seemed to have a very fair chance
of obtaining."

On the 25th March he states his cough to be rapidly improving ; but the report
in his last letter is worse.

" Cambridge, April 17th, 1803.

I am sorry to say that, though I find myself getting gradually better every
day, nevertheless being considerably reduced & weakened by my complaints I
am unable at present to fix any time for returning home. My cough has likewise
been lately very troublesome ; Dr. Davy was with me this morning ; he says that
he will send me a plaister to be placed on my breast, which he has no doubt will
greatly relieve it. He likewise means to make some alterations in my draughts
which I continue to take in the same quantities as when I last wrote. It certainly
would be the most agreable thing to me, & what my Drs highly approve of, to be
taken home the same day in a Post chaise, as the chance of meeting with a damp bed
is by far the most formidable part of my journey. Mr. Otter is not at present in
College. It is rather unlucky that I am obliged to miss Mr. Caldwell's lectures in
Longinus next term, as I think that I should have gained some little credit ; the
other lectures are not of any great consequence. J. Thompson arrived at Cambridge
yesterday, quite well. H. Walter is likewise quite well. Mr. Whithear left Cambridge
a fortnight ago, I expect him to return every day. John Thompson desires to be
kindly remembered & with my kindest love & remembrance to all my friends, believe
me, dear Father, your most dutiful son

G. U. Humphry."

On 24th April, his brother writes from Seal : —

" We were all of us very much grieved to hear so unfavourable an account
of your Health. My Father intends going to town to morrow, and if he can get a
place on Tuesday in the Telegraph you may expect to see him on that Day at the
usual Time of the Coaches' arrival. It is his intention to return the next Morning
and take you with him if you are well enough to undertake the journey, and travelling
by easy stages he hopes you will reach Home on Thursday. My Father wishes you
to collect the Bills before his arrival that he may settle them before he leaves
Cambridge. I am happy to say, I have found great benefit from the Seal air [he
had himself been very ill] and sincerely hope you will derive equal benefit from it.
Your friend John Thompson will I dare say assist you in packing your things.

179

We are all very well at Home and unite in kindest Love with, Dr George, your
affectionate Brother

W. 0. Humphry."
George Humphry, of whom such great things had been expected, died on
14th May, 1803. Dr. Pearce wrote a handsome letter on the occasion : —

" Ely. June 2. 1803
Dear Sir,

Having been absent from Cambridge for the last month, I did not hear till
a day or two ago of the melancholy termination of your Son's illness. I hope it
will be some consolation to you that your Son has done his duty, & that his memory
will be long regretted by all at Jesus College, as a young Man of vt?ry promising
abilities and most excellent disposition. Our Society shewed their sense of his
merit by electing him, not long ago, into the best Exhibition they have in their gift.
This indeed will not remove your grief, but it will have the effect of soothing & softening
it, by intermingling every agreable recollection which his early life was capable of
suggesting. With every good wish for your comfort under this severe Loss, & with
great esteem I am, dear Sir, your truly obedient & faithful Servant

William Pearce."

Mr. Hardinge's elegiacs over his godson are well worthy a place, though to
some they may be unintelligible.

"EPITHAMIUM.
Qui loquitur Pater est ; " Hoc nati cernite Marmor,

*' Umbraque per vitam sit renovanda Fidem.
" Cernite adumbratas virtules Fratris adempti

" Nee Desiderii cedat inermis Amor.
" Ing-enio dotatus, et artibus auctus honestis,

" Doctrinae ingeniius Moribus erubruit.
*' Ex humili officio nunquam defluxit amorem,

" Nee placido in studiis deficit obsequio.
" Non ilium affectus Animi sapuere jurentes

" Non Amor illicebris, impulit, arma ferens.
" Festinante viro ; — licet in juvenalibus armis

" Purus aut Infantum, spiritus interiit."

These lines have been translated by the author.
"EPITAPH.
A parent speaks : — ' My son's this marble view,
And in your own, your Brother's life renew.
With talents gifted and with arts improved,
His blushes graced the Science that he loved.
From Duty's path his genius never strayed,
His temper blest the guides that he obeyed ;
No turbulence of passion, foe to rest,
Could stir the calm of his unsullied breast ;
Though on the verge of Man, his parting breath
He died in purity — an 'infant's death.'"
" I threw some thoughts together," he says, "upon my ever beloved and
lamented namesake ; accept them with your accustom'd indulgence to me. They
are like himself, modest in their colouring & the characters of truth."

That his death came as a surprise to the family, the following letter will show : —

' ' Rect. of Exchequer, 16 of May, 1803.
Dear Father,

I reed this morning a letter from my Uncle Henry [Woodgate] informing me
of the melancholy event of my poor Brother's death. I confess that it was as

i8o

unexpected as it is afflicting to me, for I had no idea from what Betsy wrote that
he was so near his end ; on the contrary, I entertained hopes that he was Hkely to
recover, but as it has pleased Providence to order it otherwise it behoves us to submit
with resignation to the divine will, & to indulge the pleasing consolation that from
the uniform benevolence & piety of his Life he is removed from a world of trouble
to a blessed state of immortality, & must live dear in the remembrance of us all to
the end of our lives. My Uncle having mentioned that you desired to see me at
Seal, I intend to come down to-morrow either by the Tunbridge Coach or the caravan.
I have not yet informed my Uncle of the severe loss we have sustained, but am
certain he will partake most sincerely of our grief. With best affections to my
Mother, to my sisters & to John, I remain your dutiful son

W. O. Humphry."

On the South wall of Seal Church is the following inscription : —

'In memory of

George Upcot Humphry

of Jesus College, Cambridge, second

son of the

Reverend William Humphry, Vicar of this parish

and Elizabeth his wife.

He was born Deer. loth, 1784

and died May 14th, '803."

William Humphry went to Cambridge to collect the effects, and brought home
the linen, silver, private papers, &c.

The correspondence is resumed some months later by Elizabeth Humphry in a
letter to her mother, at Tunbridge : —

' ' Seal, September ye 21, 1803.
My dear Mama,

My Papa had the pleasure of receiving your kind letter this morning, and it
made us very happy to hear of your safe arrival at Tunbridge, and that you found
tJl our Friends perfectly well. It. must have been extremely disagreeable meeting
so many Hop waggons, and we think it a very good plan your returning on Sunday
evening. . . . My Papa spent a very pleasant day at Lord Camden's yesterday ;
their party was Mr. Willard, Mr. Kelson and an officer from Sevenoaks. My Papa
there heard that Mr. Claridge has bought of Captain Boarder the reversion of the
late Mr. Farmer's estate, for which he was to pay Captain Boarder an annuity for
life ; and he likewise heard, which I was very happy to hear, that Lord Whitworth
[who had married the Duchess of Dorset] had made it up between him and the
gentlemen, and it is agreed that he is to be an officer in the Regiment. I hear
Mr. Atkins is going out of Lord Camden's troop [of Yeomanry] and that he is to
be ensign in Mr. M. Austen's Company. I dare say that you have heard from
Major Woodgate [of Tunbridge Castle] that there is to be a review in Knole Park
next Friday. ..."

Lord Whitworth was the Lieut.-Colonel of the Sevenoaks Volunteer Infantry ;
among the Captains were F. Motley Austen, Henry Woodgate of RiverhiU, and
George Polhill, Lord Camden commanded the Kentish yeomanry. Lord Darnley
was the Lieut.-Colonel, and WiUiam Woodgate was the Major. Charles Willard
was Cornet in Lord Camden's troop.

In 1804 and 1805 Mrs. Humphry and Mary Anne accompanied Mrs. Pratt to
Sandgate, where they spent some weeks. Mrs. Pratt was a sister of Mrs. Hardinge,
and an unmarried lady, the term Mrs. being a courtesy title. Mrs. Humphry's
first letter from Sandgate is dated loth October, 1804. in which, referring to their
drive to Dover, she writes to Julia : —

" We spent a most charming Morning as the day was so fine, and the scene so
new to us. I think yr Pappa has been at Dover ; the views are uncommonly grand.

i8i

We walk'd on the Pier & admired the Shakespeare CHff ; we cd not get to see the
inside of the Castle as they will not admit strangers at this time. The entrenchments
they have thrown up are astonishing. Mrs. Pratt gave her whole party a most
hospitable Dinner at one of the best Inns. & we retum'd home to tea in the afternoon,
highly gratified with our day. Our party at present is rather thin as Mr. Martin
returned to Hays last Saturday to do his Duty, but I believe he or Mr. Robenson
are to come at the week's end. . . Mrs. Pratt is both in uncommon good health
& looks, & rises every morning to Breakfast at nine o'clock. The weather is grown
much colder but as yet we have had no fires ; this I dare say astonishes you but
one seldom feels cold by the sea, & our bed room is full south. Mr. Martin's absence
has a little derainged our whist party, as we are obliged to supply his place with a
dumb, which is not quite agreeable to Mrs. Rush, & Mrs. Pratt will not associate with
any one in the place. I fear I cannot fix the day for our return, but hope to be able
in my next letter. We have never had the smallest fright on account of the Enemy,
tho you read such frightful accounts in the paper ; was you to see the astonishing
preparations all round the Coast, you wd think us safe enough in this quarter ; we
are so surrounded by Military & the Soldiers wearing scarlet that a Black coat is
quite rare amongst us. . . ."

In 1805, when Elizabeth Humphry was also of the party, Mrs. Humphry
writes : —

" . . . Mrs. Pratt desires you will thank Brother Henry [Woodgate of
Riverhill] for the Pheasants which arrived at the proper time, & at the same time
inform him we drank his & his Family's health each day when we partook of his
Liberality. General Moore [better known as Sir John Moore] & his Regiment
have just received orders to leave Sandgate to morrow to join the Expedition ;
his Aid-de-Camp Abercomby went a few days ago ; does our Nephew [John Wood-
gate] join the Regiment on this occasion ? I am happy to hear Brother Henry
is so well pleased with the General's behaviour. Mrs. Pratt with myself & Mary
Ann called at Acrise on Wednesday ; Mrs. Papillon kindly insisted on Mary Ann's
spending the day with her young people & she would send her to Folkestone the
next Morning with her children who were going to bathe. She return'd the next
morning highly delighted with her visit. Our next neighbour is a Mr. & Mrs. Saw-
bridge, particular Friends of Mrs. General Moore's ; at present his brother & sister
are with him, Miss Twisden that was."

In 1806, Mary Anne alone of the Humphrys joined the party. Her mother
writes to her, at Sandgate (13th September, 1806) : —

" . . . The day you left us we were going to spend the day at River Hill
where we met Sir Richard & Lady Hardinge, Mr. & Mrs. Biscow & their son & Mr.
Whitehead ; we spent a very pleasant day, & the young people had a dance in the
evening. We had some very excellent Fruit from the Mayes's Hot house. Betsy
& myself have this morning taken a drive to Sevenoaks, on our return we called on
Mrs. Nouaille. The House is in the greatest confusion & they are at this time painting
the dining parloiur. Captn & Mrs. Thomas are returned with them ; she expressed
great satisfaction that they are returned home. Your uncle is still with us ; he means
to take his Departure next Friday. He with Julia & Fanny made Mrs. Round a
visit last Monday. Mrs. Pelham with Sir Henry Strachan's Family made a visit
to the Grove & took Miss Fanny [Hardinge, afterwards Mrs. Stephen Woodgate]
home in the evening. Miss Scoones was married at Tunbridge yesterday ; Mrs.
Nouaille said they were almost stunned with the ringing of the BeUs. . . ."

There is a letter of Julia's a few days later : —

" . . . We have walked to Seven Oaks several times lately and Paid a great
many Visits. We call'd at Mr, Taylor's where we had the pleasure of meeting Mr.
& Mrs. Ilbert who were come from Eltham to spend a Day with their Father. I
think they seem much pleased with their House and Situation. I really think Mr.

l82

Taylor looks better than he did some time ago. The Miss Stiles have been staying
with Mrs. Curteis for the last Month. . . We have had an Invitation from Sir
Richard and Lady Hardinge. We all point upon spending a very agreeable Morning.
The Players are very much approved off, and all the Families go very frequently
to see them ; we have not yet been so fortunate as to have that pleasure, but we
hope we shall go some Evening soon. . . ."

The following year John Humphry died, aged 12. He had always been delicate,
and suffered latterly from ague and other complaints. He rode out every niorning
on a pony, but nothing was of any benefit to his health*. He was buried on
13th March at Seal, where there is an inscription to his memory on the same tablet
as that of his brother : —

"Likewise of John the third son
who was born April 30th,. 1794
and died March 8th, 1807."
In 1810, Ozias Humphry died. He writes in the previous year from the Prince
of Wales Hotel, 7th January : —

' ' Few things, my dear Mary Anne, could have afforded me more real pleasure
than the receipt of your truly obliging & affectionate Letter, and altho' I never
had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Henry Woodgate [of Spring Grove], yet never having
heard her name mentioned but with much credit to her, I never can reflect upon her
loss but with sorrow. It is however some consolation to know that you are to be
more closely connected with the late Mrs. Hardinge's Family by the marriage
of the amiable Miss Hardinge with your cousin Stephen [Woodgate]. Your
acct of Lord Amherst's Ball interested me much, but the world can not well
account for his Lordship's quitting England in a diplomatic capacity with so
large a Family unless it be to add the pension to his other Income. I wish
my Brother to be informed that the late Mr. Hare had the day before his sudden
death completed a task of many years Labor, wch it is expected will do him great
Honour. The Bishop of Durham and many other dignitaries of the Church recom-
mend that it may be sold for the Benefit of his Widow, who is not over rich, and
whose only son is serving with the Army in Spain — an uncommonly promising
young officer who serv'd in Malta & Egypt with particular distinction. . . I
will avail myself of Mr. Noaille's ... as soon as the weather is a little suitable.
Pray let Mr. P. Noaille know that both Mr. Lawrence [afterwards Sir Thomas
Lawrence] & Mr. Daniell are thankful for his kind Invitation. & will gladly accompany
me into Kent in the Spring for two or three days, but I imagine not to shoot or hunt
or fish, neither of them being a Sportsman, but will come to see Kent, wch is abund-
antly interesting."

That year Mr. Humphry evidently applied for some official post, as we learn
from William's letter : —

' ' Council Office. Whitehall,
ist Feb., 1809.
Dear Julia.

. . . I have been greatly disappointed not to have heard any thing further
on the subject of Lord Camden's Application in behalf of my Father, particularly
since by a recent Appointment the Question depending must have been brought
to an issue. I trust that should my Father be disappointed on the present occasion,
he will receive a Promise to succeed on the first vacancy that occurs ; certainly a
more than ordinary share of HI Fortune will attend him if he fails to get something,
for there seems no Apprehension now that the Ministers will go out, Affairs in Spain
having terminated so much better than at one Time could possibly have been expected.
I really think our Army have performed Wonders, considering how critically they

*See Reference Sheet.

i83

were situated ; I apprehended and it appeared to be the general opinion that the
whole of them would have been lost. Great Credit is given to the Commanding
officers for their Conduct and for their personal Gallantry in Action, at what hazard
to themselves the Event has shewn, but to which Circumstance is chiefly attributed
the safety of the Army. My Uncle called on me last Friday to get a Letter frank'd
for Mr. Acton who had lately sent him a basket of Game, I am happy to say that
he appeared remarkably well. I was so much pleased with your Letter that I hope
you will let me hear from you often, as there is no Expence attending the Postage."

In July, when Mary Anne was staying at Brighton with the James Wests,*
her mother writes to her : —

" . . . I am sorry to tell you that Miss Hardinge has been seriously ill
with a sore throat this week, she is now better but does not recover so fast as one
could wish ; Mrs. Pelham is with them at this time. Mr. Irwin was so good as to
give your Pappa a Sermon this Morning. He is come to stay at Wilderness with
ye younger Branches of the Family. Ld. & Lady Camden with Lady Frances came
down last night, but retm-n to Town early on Monday morning. I fear the news
is very bad indeed. I received a letter from your Uncle Humphry yesterday intim-
ating that he intended coming to us this week for a few days, as he has some business
to transact with the Dutchess & Ld. Whitworth. ... I hear all the Thomas'
are soon going to either Hastings or Brighton. Mrs. Nouaille is to bring some of
the Family to morrow to spend a week at Greatness "

On 9th March, 18 10, Ozias Humphry died at the age of 67. and was interred
in the burying ground attached to St. James' Chapel, Hampstead Road. He
was generally considered the first miniature painter of the day ; for a more circum-
stantial account of his life the reader is referred to the Gentlemen's Magazine of
April. 1810. and to the Dictionary of National Biography. It does not seem that
he left much property except some valuable pictures ; the bulk of these would appear
by him to have been left to his kinsman. WiUiam Upcott. of the London Institution,
a man very prominent in the world of books. Many of these were sold far, very
far below their real value ; some were sold with Hoppner's collection, and others
with those of Romney — who had accompanied Humphry to Italy. William Upcott
writes on 21st May, 1800 : —

" Mr. Christie. . . , judged it most prudent to defer the sale for a few
days, when they will appear with Romney's Productions, which will be disposed
of at the same time. This I consider a singular circumstance, after the close intimacy
which subsisted between these two characters in early life, then a studied coolness
on the part of Romney which lasted till death separated them, and at length that
their Vcirious performances should be exposed for public sale at one and the same
time, is a circumstance quite unlooked for, and in a small degree somewhat extra-
ordinary."

Mr. Humphry possessed several paintings executed for the Duke of Dorset ;
a few family paintings ; and amongst others some which at his death could not be
discovered. We believe that there is at Knole a very good portrait of Humphry,
painted by Romney.

Whilst upon this subject, it is appropriate to mention that Upcott procured
for himself considerable distinction, and died in 1846. There are several of his
letters, the latest of which addressed to Mrs. Humphry, and dated April 28th, 1818.
refers to some of his labours. In it he says : —

' ' John Evelyn's Diary is out in 2 Vols 4to. which has cost me many a painful
hour to transcribe & see in part thro' the Press, and I hear a very flattering account
of its sale, in which I am very much interested ; the late Lady Evelyn generously
granted me a share of the profits. My own trifling work on Topography is all sold

* See Reference Sheet.

off, never to be reprinted by me. Little more than literary fame was the issue
of this production, but I have received several kind letters from Earl Spencer, Sir
R. C. Hoare and others, expressive of their opinion of my undertaking. At present
I shall desist from further attempts. My eyes have been so much tried that I find
it absolutely necessary to give them rest, and turn my attention towards the com-
pletion of my various hobbies which have been too long neglected."

To return, however, to WUliam Humphry, whose next letter is dated from
Whitehall. 8th June. 1800 :—

" . . . I have not seen Mr. Upcot for some Days ; at that Time he did not
know when the sale of my Uncle's Pictures would take place, Mr. Christie having
so many other things in Hand which were brought to him before that he was obliged
to dispose of first. This is a very unlucky circumstance as the Season is now getting
advanced, and will I fear prove prejudicial to their Sale. The Dutchess has written
to him to send the Miniatures back to her, that she might shew them to a Person
for ascertaining their value ; what has happened since I have not heard. He talked
of coming down for a Day or two, he does not know that I am prevented from leaving
Town, for I have been so much occupied that I have not been able to go to him.
For some Time I have been employed every Night till one or two in the Morning.
I have heard that my Father did not succeed in selling his Farm, but bought it in
for £2,075. Fanny I conclude is returned from visiting her Aunts. . ."

Mr. Upcot made several visits to Seal. William's arduous duties gradually
undermined his health, which appears to have been none of the strongest, and he
died comparatively a young man. Mrs. Humphry's is the next letter, dated 30th
June. 1800 : —

" . . . Our Grove Friends are to drink tea with us this afternoon with
Mrs. Sackville Austen [a sister of Mr. Multon Lambard]. We have heard that there
is a match going on between Lady Frances Pratt & Ld. Clive, a son of Ld. Powis,
a young man very well spoken of ; he has a fortune of near Thirty Thousand a year
independent of his Father ; I think it appears very likely to take place. I shall be
rejoiced to see Mrs. West to-morrow & hope she will bring one of her little Boys
at least. Fanny is delighted at the thoughts of her Brighton excursion. I shoidd
have asked Miss Fanny Hardinge to meet Mrs. West, but Mr. Bowdler's Family
are coming to them to morrow. I hope some of the Riverhill Family will join our
party. . . ."

The last letter of Elizabeth Humphry (the daughter) is undated, but falls
between 1810-12, and is addressed to her sister at Tunbridge : —

" Seal, June i8th.
My dear Fanny,

I should have written to you some days ago. but I knew Mary [a servant] was
going to Tunbridge to be confirmed, and I thought it would be a nice opportunity
of sending you a Letter. . . . We begin to think you have made my Aunts a
very sociable Visit, & we all depend upon your returning soon. We all point very
much upon seeing my Aunts ; & I hope after Mrs. West's Christening, which if I
am not mistaken is next Wednesday, they may fix an early day when we may have
the pleasure of seeing them & you. The Mrs. Hardinge's were very much pleased
with their little Excursion to Hastings ; they said Mrs. Nouaille was very well and
able to exert herself more than anybody, but that she did not recover her looks at
aU. We had but a very small party at Seal Fair ; the Mrs. Hardinges dined with
us, & Mrs. Francis Woodgate [son of Henry of Riverhill] & Miss Maypleton came
in the Evening. My Sisters and myself called on Lady Hardinge last Friday ;
she received us with her usual good humour and shewed us all over her House,
which has been new papered, and a great many beautiful Pictures put up since
we were there in the Winter ; afterwards we walked in the gardens which are really
delightful. Mrs. F. Woodgate's Sister Mrs. Willis is coming this Week to stay

i85

at Godden ; Francis has invited us to drink tea with them next Thursday to meet
her. he is to send his Carriage for my Mother. I fear Mr. Spencer has forgot his
annual present, as he has always sent it long before this. Mrs. & Miss Lambard
& Miss Mallard [Mr. Lambard's niece] called upon us last week, the latter is come
to stay in this neighbourhood a great part of the Summer. She and the three eldest
Miss Lambards are going next week to Oxford, to be present at the Installation ;
it must be particularly agreeable to Miss Hallard as she has two Brothers there.
We have set out our Plants, except the Orange tree. & new poted them & I hope
they look tolerably well. We have not been able to raise any of the choice cuttings
Mrs. Woodgate gave you & Julia, I think it was too early in the year to plant them.
We are very much disappointed that the Visitation [at Tunbridge School] is not
held this year at Tunbridge, as we should have liked of all things to have made
my Aunts a visit & brought you home. My Father begins mowing at Godden
to morrow. . . ."

In November, 1810. Mrs. Humphry met with a disagreeable accident ; when
walking in Mrs. Nouaille's greenhouse, she sHpped and fell with so much violence
that she dislocated her wrist and severely bruised her side, in consequence of which
she was lame for many weeks.

On ist June, 1811, Stephen Woodgate died at his house at Fawke, in Seal,
after a lingering illness, aged 66. He was by profession a lawyer, and practised
at Sevenoaks (e). He was a bachelor, and figures but slightly in the letters. In
1794, when Volunteer corps were forming all over Kent and a county subscription
was opened, he subscribed ;f2i. and with Mr. John Fellowes Claridge, Deputy Clerk
of the Peace and Attorney at Law, was appointed to receive the subscriptions in
the Sevenoaks neighbourhood. He was an officer in one of the Volunteer bodies ;
for in 1799, after the great review of the Kentish Volunteers at the Mote by the
King, a meeting was held to consider some public memorial to Lord Romney, and
the preliminary notice signed by several of the officers, amongst whom was Stephen
Woodgate.

But one letter from his pen survives, addressed to Mrs. Humphry : —
' ' My dear Madam,

I am very much obhged by your Invitation for Friday and I trust you will
excuse my waiting upon you ; I have not dined from home since I was with you
but when I have been called out on Business. Mr. Humphry was talking to my
Servant about some Knives and Forks ; pray let me know what you want and they
shall be sent to you. Also, if you stand in need of any Fowls, I have some in the
coop, which have been up some days and ready for slaughter, much at your service,
and likewise Ducks.

I hope Mr. H. and the Ladies are well ; pray make my Remembrances and
beheve me to be,

Dr. Madm.,

Very sincerely yours,
Godden Green, Tuesday Morng. Stepn. Woodgate."

Intelligence of his death was communicated to Juha Humphry and Stephen's
sisters at Tonbridge by Mary Anne, in a letter dated from Seal the day after the
event : —

' ' After we reached home last night we learnt the melancholy intelligence
of the death of our poor Uncle Stephen. We were in a great measure prepared
for the event from the sad state he has been in for the last week. You wiU no doubt
have heard the particulars of his death before you receive this letter. I hope my

(e) Stephen Woodgate of Shire Lane was sworn and enrolled an Attorney of the Queen's Bench

on 30th April, 1768, before Lord Mansfield. In 1781, Stephen Woodgate and WiUiam Norton
(his clerk) attest the will of Mary Boakes of Chidingstone.

i86

Aunts are as well as can be expected after the great shock, it must be a great conso-
lation to them that his last hours were so tranquil, & that he appear 'd to suffer so
little pain.

We have sent yom: mourning. As you desired to know what we intend doing
on this occasion, I must inform you that Elizabeth purposes having a black sarcinet
gown, Fanny & myself a fine black cambric muslin, & we would advise you to do
the same ; we shall make them with an high & low Top for the sake of convenience."

Mrs. Humphry adds a line on the fold : —

" I am sure my dear Sisters we condole equally with each other's loss of our
poor Brother. It was a great comfort to hear he went off in the easiest manner
possible. I have not heard or seen any one from River Hill nor do we know when
or where the Funeral is to take place. We shall hope for a line by the return of
George to know how you aU do."

We do not at present know what property Stephen Woodgate left nor what
became of it ; his father had left to him Chested, Seedrups, Gildredge, Frinden,
Tophill, and other lands in Chidingstone and Penshurst, besides which his uncle,
Henry Woodgate of Summerhill, had left him a valuable legacy.

The same letter that announced Stephen Woodgate's death contained intelligence
of another : —

' ' Poor Miss Loyd expired last Thursday ; she returned from Tunbridge Wells
only two days previous to her decease. Her poor Mother, we understand, is almost
heartbroken, as she had flattered herself to the last that her Daughter would have
recovered. They applied to my Papa to have a vault made in Kempsing Church.
Pray remember me to Mrs. West, we were much disappointed at not seeing her
little girl at the window as we returned home [from Tunbridge]. If my Aunts
have quite done with The Lady of the Lake perhaps they will have the goodness
tosenditbackinyourhatbox, as they are all here very anxious to read it. . . ."

The same writer resumes the pen three weeks later : —
' ' My dear Julia,

We were in great hopes before this that we should have had a conveyance for
sending you a letter, but as no such offer arrives I shall not longer defer writing to
you. Our Cousins at River Hill called upon us last Friday, they told us what a
pleasant Day they had spent with my Aunts, & that they were to dine at River HiU
the latter end of this week ; next week we hope to have the pleasure of their Company
for they must- consider that the Summer is spending very fast & that the longest
Day is already gone by. Our Haymaking at Godding was completed last Saturday,
it was all carried in the best order & finished just before the rain came ; I think so
far we have been particularly fortunate.

My sisters have been staying at the Vine for the last week ; Fanny went the first
part of the week and Elizabeth the latter end. Lady Hardinge is uncommonly
well and they spent their time in the most agreable manner. I dined there on
Saturday ; the Mrs. Hardinges carried me, but first we made a great many visits
& among the rest called upon a Mrs. Lockhart (a lady who has taken the Cottage
Mrs. Cumberland formerly had at Vessel's Green for her Summer Residence). Miss
Otway is to leave her present Habitation at Riverhead to Day, she is going into
that of the late Mrs. Blencowe's at Sevenoaks. Lady Russel has taken her House
for three months after which it is said Sir Charles & Lady Farnaby are to have it.
We hear that Mr. George Austen & Miss Hunse [?] are certainly to make a match
of it ; possibly there may be no foundation for this & that it is only an old Report again
revived. Mrs. Papillon & some of her Daughters, with Mr. & Mrs. Thursby & their
Family, are coming to the Grove to Day to spend a week. We are to drink tea
there to-morrow. We have called upon Mrs. Nouaille several times lately ; I am
sorry to say she does not improve much in health, she thinks her complaint inter-

i87

mitting ; her Friends wish her very much to have further advise. Sir Richard
Hardinge has some Idea of parting with his House on the Vine. He has offered the
Lease to Mr. Lambard but he has refused it ; Miss Coddrington has appHed for it,
but it is not thought she will take it as she is always in search of a House & can
never meet with one quite agreable to her wishes. I think they wiU be a great loss
to the neighbourhood as they have certainly contributed to enliven it very much.
Sir Richd. is undoubtedly a very whimsical man & never is satisfied with a House
for any length of time. You remember Miss King who was formerly so much with
Lady Hardinge. she is to be married to a Clergyman & settled in Ireland. . . ."

Sir Richard Hardinge removed from Sevenoaks to Sundridge. His original
home was in Ireland. He was for two years (1810-12) a Captain in the Sevenoaks
Militia ; and an original member of the Kentish Bowmen. He seems to have par-
ticipated in the various amusements and business of the neighbourhood.

In 181 1 some correspondence passed with the Rev. W. Tucker of Honiton,
one of Mr. Humphry's earliest friends, over a gravestone which the latter desired
should be erected to the memory of his mother. Ozias Humphry declared that
he intended some lasting memorial of his parents by presenting some good specimens
of art in the chancel of the church. For that purpose he intended leaving a thousand
pounds. He had already obtained designs from his friend James Wyatt, Surveyor
General to the Board of Works ; but the scheme fell through. The less ambitious
project was successfully carried out.

Meanwhile, in March of 1812, Sarah Woodgate of Tonbridge died. From
that time one of the Humphrys was almost constantly with their aunt Rose Woodgate,
who lived till 1827. Soon after the death, Mary Anne Humphry writes from
Tonbridge, in April : —
" My dear JuHa,

I received your kind letter Tuesday Afternoon, which was left here by Sir
Richd. Hardinge's Servant. I understand Mr. Nouaille was prevented coming
to Tunbridge on Monday by the Illness of his Coachman, which accounts for my not
receiving my mourning on that Day. ... I suppose you have heard of the
intended Gala at the Powder Mills on Saturday ; tickets have been sent round to
the whole neighbourhood to invite them to inspect the works & partake of a cold
Collation. If the Weather is fine, I am to accompany the Thomas's. Mr. Burton
has sold Bowden to a Gentleman of the name of Morrison, formerly of Dr. Knox's
School. We hear they are likely to prove a great Acquisition to the neighbourhood.
Miss Harvey tells me that Mr. Bayley is Brother to the Subdean of Lincoln ;
he is said to be advanced in Life & very infirm. Mr. Nouaille has purchased Captn.
Thomas' House, & I believe it is settled that the Family remain at Tunbridge.
Mrs. West is much better ; she intended having a large Party last night, but was
obliged to postpone it from the Death of Mr. Matthews, who died on Monday last ;
for some days previous to his Decease he had been extremely iU with an Inflamation
added to his other Complaints. I hope Mr. Rush retum'd from Westerham on Sunday
soon enough to take the service in the afternoon. I understand Mr. Benson is very

much admired as a Preacher at the WeUs I called at Quarry Hill last

Saturday with Mrs. & the Miss Thomas. Mrs. George Whitaker call'd upon my Aunt
last Week ; she mentioned that Mrs. & Miss Whitaker were soon expected from Bath. . "

The next letter, from Frances Humphry, refers to the engagement of Henry
Woodgate of Spring Grove, to Clare Harvey ; it is dated from Seal, 25th September,
1812.

" . . . We were quite surprised to hear of Henry Woodgate's match. We
think it a very good one in every respect but the too great disparity of their years.
What little I have seen of my cousin elect I like extremely. We are happy to hear
my Aunt Rose is coming to Riverhill next week, when we shall hope to have the
Pleasure of seeing her. The Mrs. Hardinges with Mrs. Pelham, Mrs. S. [Sackville]

i88

Austen & Miss Papillon (who have been staying a few days at the Grove) drank tea
with us last Tuesday ; Mrs. Juha is now confined with a complete fit of the Gout,
Mrs. S. Woodgate has left them in suspence for a great while. Sir R. & Lady Hardinge
are gone into Norfolk to make Mr. Stracey a visit ; what charming Weather for all the
Travellers. Mrs. Peters and her eldest Son call'd here this Morning ; she says they
have been very little at Brasted this Summer but are now come to reside there till
the latter end of March. She enquired after you & desired her love to you. Mr.
Lambard's Family are going next week to Hastings ; poor Miss Otway is extremely
unwell with the jaundice. Mrs. J. Woodgate still looks very poorly. The Arch
Bishop of Canterbury is coming into this Neighbourhood on a visit to Lord Frederick
Campbell. I do not hear that the Time is fix'd for the Prince Regent's Visit to Knole.
The Marchioness of Camden & her Daughters call'd here yesterday, but as we were
at Dinner they said they would call again in the course of a few days. The carpet
& rug arrived last night ; the Carpet is very handsome but I cannot say that I admire
the Rug. . . ."

' ' Seal, December 15th, 1812.
My dear Julia,

. . . The Day after I wrote to you, we received an Invitation to Mrs. Lam-
bard's Ball, which we accepted, & in the Evening we had a note from the Duchess
inviting us to a Dance for the same Night. My Father call'd at Knole yesterday,
when the Duchess told him she hoped to prevail with Mrs. Lambard to change her
Day, as she cannot put off her Ball as she expects a great Deal of Company from
Town & several of the Ministers for the Occasion. We have likewise received
an Invitation from Lady Camden for a Dance on the 30th Inst. Now under these
circumstances perhaps my Aunt Rose will have the goodness to allow me to postpone
my Visit for ten Days or a fortnight as I am sorry to say poor Elizabeth is not well
enough to partake of these Festivities. But if my Aunt has the smallest objection
to be left alone for so short a time, I will with pleasure keep to my Appointment. . . .

Mr. Irving took my Father's Duty at Kempsing last Sunday. My Mother &
Fanny are to dine at Wildernesse on Thursday ; my Father you know does not
venture from home of an Evening. We understand they expect a large Party at
Xmas, among whom are the Duke & Duchess of Montrose & three Daughters, Ld.
& Ly. Castleraigh, Ld. Londonderry & three Lady Stuarts. Sir Richd & Lady
Hardinge set off for Bath last Sunday. He has had the Gout flying about him for
some time & is in Hopes that Bath waters may give him a regiilar fit. Poor Lady
Hardinge seem'd rather reluctant at leaving the Vine during this gay season. Mama
& Fanny are to drink tea at the Grove this Eveng with Mrs. Nouaille ; Miss Rideout
comes to Greatness on Wednesday "

The visit was postponed on account of the balls. The invitations of the Duchess
were not so general as in the previous year ; but Mrs. Lambard postponed her ball
till the 4th January, and the Duchess invited all who were to have attended it.
Julia returned the following week to be present on the occasion ; she was conveyed
home by Mr. Nouaille, who had gone to Tonbridge on the affairs of the Bank. Mr.
NouaiUe was one of Mr. Children's trustees, and J. H.West one of William Woodgate's.
The next letter, dated from Tunbridge, ist February, 1813, refers to the Bank : —

" My dear Julia,

, . . Mr. West is still very much occupied by the Failure of the Bank, &
from living on the spot the greatest share of settling it seems to fall upon him. Mr.
J. G. Childrens continues to issue his notes, but I believe they do not obtain a very
extensive circulation. We drank tea with the Thomas's last Friday & met Miss
Harvey & Mrs. Hammond (who is staying with them). Captn Thomas still remains
in a state of suspence with regard to his House, not having made any Agreement
for the Purchase of it. We hear that Miss Clare Harvey's Wedding is to take Place
early in the month of March. The Family are going to Town this Week to make

the necessary Preparations. Mr. T. Knox has been returned to Tunbridge for some
Days. He performed no Part of the Duty of yesterdaj^ either in the TMorng or
Eveng. My Aunt Rose is very much in want of some Winter work & will be obliged
to Mama to send her the Directions &c for knitting the Nightcaps. Mrs. S. Woodgate
has just been here, she tells me that her Aunts went from Pembury last Saturday
to Southpark to spend a few days with Mrs. Allnutt. . . ."

' ' Wednesday Eveng, Septr., 1813.
My dear Fanny,

We have this Morning received a Basket of Peaches from Wildernesse, & imag-
ining a Part of them, with some of our own, will not be unacceptable to my Aunt &
yourself, my Father intends sending Thomas to Tunbridge to-morrow as the Bearer
of them. Julia was much obliged for your kind letter ; we were happy to find the
Concert proved so agreable. I think you kept up the weeks amusement with great
spirit. Mr. Hutchens gave great satisfaction here, & I understand from Mr. [Charles]
Hardinge was equally approved at Tonbridge. His sermon was very much liked, &
his delivery thought extremely pleasing. Mr. Lambard and all his Family attended.
W'e had few others of the considerable People from Sevenoaks, & were surprised
that not any of the River Hill Family stay'd. Mr. Polhill sent a Donation of two
Pounds & regretted extremely he was prevented attending himself. The Collection
amounted to 22/ 7s. Mr. Hutchens & Mr. Stevens dined with us, & we had in
addition the two Mrs. Hardinges, Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille, & Mr. Rush. We all thought
Mr. Hutchen a most agreable Man, & I assure you both Himself & Mr. Stephens
seem'd much pleased with the reception they had met with. My Mother & Elizabeth
paid a Wedding Visit to Mrs. Lane last Friday, when Mrs. Francis Woodgate was so
obliging to give them a Cast [i.e. a seat in her carriage] ; they afterwards called
upon Mrs. Lambard &c. Mrs. Randolf has taken Miss Otway's House at River
Head for six months. John Thompson call'd here this Morning. He inform'd us
Mr. Van Mildart is appointed Regius Professor of Divinity at Christ Church, Oxford,
which, with the Preferment attach'd to it, amounts to more than 3000 per Annum.
He is allowed to retain both his Livings. It was given him in the handsomest
manner by Lord Liverpool & came quite unsolicited.

Mr. Rush has declined Mrs. Loyd's House, & intends waiting for one here, the
Situation being so infinitely more desirable. He has lately purchased six Houses
in London rented at 30^ a year. Julia & myself spent a very pleasant day at the
Grove on Saturday ; we were invited to meet Miss Julia Lambard who has been
spending a few Days there lately. We hear Mr. Henry Hatsel has gone to Portugal,
I believe he left England at the commencement of Summer. Mr. Charles Petley
call'd yesterday; he has heard Mr. Wilgress at Chevening & thinks him as a Preacher
equal, if not superior, to Dr. Andrews. We were much surprised the other morning
at receiving a Visit from Mrs. & Miss Atkins, who are come to spend a fortnight
with Mrs. Rouchelle. They made many enquiries after Miss Frances, & were much
disappointed at not having the Pleasure of seeing her. Your account of Col. Austen
having made Proposals of Marriage to Anne Woodgate [of RiverhiU, afterwards
Mrs. Richard Streatfeild] had not reached us before. We have mentioned it to
Mrs. Francis [Woodgate] who seem'd to think it very improbable. ... I
quite forgot to tell you poor Mrs. Papillon has lost her youngest Child, a fine Boy of
ten months old, who died of water in the Head & was very ill twenty four Hours.
Since your Departure Mr. Whitehead has discontinued his Visits here of a Sunday,
therefore I leave you to determine what was his attraction."

Col. Thomas Austen of Kippington, who was Member for West Kent, was the
second son of Francis Motley Austen of Kippington, Sevenoaks, and nephew of the
Rev. Sackville Austen, who married Anne Lambarde. Mrs. Randolph was Mrs.
S. Austen's sister, and her husband was formerly the Bishop of London. Their
brother, Multon Lambarde, miarried the daughter of Francis Otway, once a tenant

I90

of Riverhill. The Rev. John Austen, Rector of Chevening. another son of F. M.
Austen, married Miss Lane of Bradborne.

In 1813, WilHam Ozias Humphry took a somewhat extraordinary step. He
married a Miss Nevvcombe, and afterwards informed his family of the fact. That
their feehngs were hurt is evident. The affair is best explained by the letter of
William himself.

" No. 12, Gt. Smith St., Westminster,
4th of Octr, 1813.
Dear Father,

I fear that you must have supposed that something was going on wrong in
consequence of my long Silence, and particularly after the kind and affectionate
Letters I received from my Sisters Maryanne and EHzabeth. You will be surprised
to hear that I am married without submitting the matter for your Approbation
first, which I do not think you would under all the Circumstances of my Situation
have greatly disapproved, but restrained by motives of false DeHcacy I omitted
from Time to Time the opportunity which I greatly lament, and for which I humbly
entreat your Forgiveness. You will of course expect me to give some account of
the Person with whom I have formed so intimate a Relation. I have then to acquaint
you that she is the Daughter of an Officer in the Navy of the Name of Newcombe ;
she is about twenty years of Age, very pleasing in her Person, truly virtuous, very
amiable in her Disposition, and prepossessing in her Manners. I have known her
exactly three years from the present Time, and have from the first meditated the
Connexion now subsisting between us. I am afraid you will accuse me as deficient
in Candour by concealing a circumstance so interesting to my own Welfare and in
which my Family cannot but feel alive, but I am conscious that I have brought
no Disgrace on them, and I am certain that my Sisters will be much pleased with
their Sister in Law when they become acquainted, and I shall find I have a great
Load off my mind when I find that you are not so far dissatisfied as to renounce
all Intercourse with me for ever. If I should obtain your Forgiveness, it shall be
my constant Endeavour to fulfil in every Respect and with Credit the various
Relations in Life expected from me and which I have hitherto too much disregarded,
particularly towards two most excellent Parents and such kind and affectionate
Sisters. My Wife's Uncle is a Post Captn in the Royal Navy, and commands the
" Wanderer" Frigate, and her Grand Father is a Clergyman of Exeter in some
office about the Cathedral ; she has no immediate Property but is not without hand-
some Expectations. I assure you she has the worst of the Bargain, for she is a young
Lady generally admired, & I certainly know that she has refused offers more flattering
in Preference to me. I hope that one of my Sisters will write by return of Post.
I am sorry that I have not replaced the Twenty Pounds I borrowed in May, but
will on rect of my next quarter's Salary. I have not been at the Office since Monday
but stay away with Lord Chetwynd's Permission. My Wife is extremely uneasy
as well as myself for the part I have acted towards you, which was wholly contrary
to her wishes. I again express my hope that you will not withhold your Benediction
from me on this Occasion, and my Wife begs to unite in sending her Duty to you
& my Mother & kindest affections to my Sisters, & I remain by hoping that I shall
be a more Dutiful son in future

W. 0. Humphry."

Upon further acquaintance, Mrs. Wm. Humphry proved fully equal to the
description given of her. Both she and Capt. Newcombe stayed at Seal on different
occasions, and were an agreeable addition to the family. The next letter contains
some further particulars of her.

' ' Seal, February 15th, 1814.
My dear Julia,

. . . My Brother & Mrs. W. Humphry are still with us. I know you are
very anxious to hear some Particulars of our new Sister. I shall say nothing respecting

191

her person, as Mr. Rush brought us a most accurate Account ; but what is of infinitely-
greater Consequence, she appears very amiable & well disposed & perfectly good
tempered. She informs us she was educated at Montague House, Chelsea, since
which she has resided with her Mother, tho' she has spent a good deal of Time
occasionally with her Uncle Captain Newcombe, who she represents as having been
extremely kind to her. Her Father died at a very early period leaving herself 8c
one Sister, after which her Mother married Captn Jackson, by whom she has one
Daughter & three Sons, all of whom are in the Navy. William is looking remarkably
well & appears to be in very good spirits, & I am happy to add they appear to be
very much attach'd to each other. They have been received with the greatest
kindness & civility by all our Friends here, & Lord Camden on Sunday requested
my Brother to introduce him to his Lady.

The Mrs. Hardinges, Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille, Mr. Francis Woodgate (who dined
with us) &c drank Tea here on Friday, & the following Evening we spent at the
Grove. Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate and all their Family are expected at the Grove
to Day, & I believe are to stay till Saturday week. Mrs. Nouaille went yesterday
to Stone Wall to visit her Brother John who has been very ill lately. She seem'd
on Sunday very uneasy at his Illness. We hear it is in agitation at Sevenoaks
to build two Chapels, one at Riverhead & the other on Sen'noke Wild ; Lord Amherst
& Mr. Lambard have taken the whole Expense of erecting the Former on themselves.
Mr. Veet dined with us yesterday, he told us no particular news. Sir John & Lady
Twysden have left Bradborne for three years & have taken a small House at Ashford
where they are now living. I imagine Mr. Rush will soon bring his Lady home,
as the Improvements in the House are nearly completed ; he talks of going to Town
next week for a few Days. Lady Camden & Lady E. Pratt call'd here last Saturday,
when Lady Elizabeth gave us a pound for the Penny Society. Mrs. William
[Humphry] is very fond of musick & plays & sings very agreably. . . ."

" Seal, Monday Morng, May 2nd [1814].
My dear Julia,

The Mrs. Hardinge's visiting Pembury to Day enables me to send you a letter
& likewise to thank you for the letter I received by Mrs. Nouaille. Mrs. Nouaille

seemed very well pleased with her excursion to Rochester Fanny attended

a very gay Rout at Mrs. Sackville Austen's last Tuesday ; the Company were as
numerous as at Mrs. T. Austen's & tho' the House is so small were accomodated
without the least Inconvenience ; there were four Rooms open for their Reception
& seven Card tables. The Evening passed of very agreably. Mrs. Whitaker spent
two Days with us last week ; I fear their Circumstances are very much reduced, as
Mr. Whitaker is obliged to sell his House at Pembury immediately. The Sisters
have not yet determined where they shaU fix their future abode. Mr. Henry Walter
is going with his Pupil Lord Weymouth to make a Tour through the West of England
for two or three Months, unless Peace may have made any Alteration in their Arrange-
ments. Mrs. Baker's House here is certainly to be let, your Friend Mrs. Hemble
has applied for it. Mr. Whitehead has taken Mrs. S. Austen's house on the Vine
& is to have Possession of it at Michaelmas. Mrs. Nouaille is to have a large Party
to stay with her this week & amongst the number Judge Grose, his Daughter &
Sister. Our Greenhouse is looking beautiful. . . ."

In June, Mrs. Humphry and two of her daughters spent a few days with Mr.
Baker in London. Three crowned heads were at that time in town, and Mr. Baker's
house commanded an excellent view of the procession to the Guild Hall. That
month Sir Henry Hardinge returned to England, covered with distinction which
he had gained under the Duke of Wellington. He was received at the Grove by
many of his relations. The event is touched upon by Mary Anne Humphry, in a
letter dated the 15th June, 1814 : —

" . . . On Monday we spent a very pleasant Day at Godding ; Mrs. C.
Hardinge, Richard, Caroline, & Mrs. T. Ponton comprised the Party. Mrs. J.

192

[Julia] Hardinge has been staying a week with Sir Richd & Lady Hardinge [in
London] ; she had frequent opportunities of viewing the great Potentates, & on
Saturday attended the opera, when her Party were fortunate enough to obtain a
Box immediately opposite to the Royal Party. She returned on Wednesday
accompanied by her nephew Col. Hardinge, whose Arrival was announced by the
Ringing of Bells &c. He call'd here yesterday, looking remarkably well & quite
recover'd from the Hardships he has undergone. Mr. Hardinge & a large family
Party are now assembled at the Grove to welcome his Return. They dine to-day
at the Vicarage, & Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate are to meet them. . . ."

' ' Thursday Morning, December 22nd, 1814.
My dear Julia,

. . . The Party at Mrs. William Scoones's was put off on Friday & is to take
place this Even'g. Edward Scoones is ordered immediately to America, & I under-
stand his Brother Henry is expected at Tunbridge daily. I went with Mrs. West to
Pembury on Tuesday ; we sat an hour & an half with Mrs. Henry Woodgate & after-
wards call'd at the Vicarage. Mr. Henry Woodgate is one of the Stewards for the
Ball here on Wednesday & he requested me to tell you he hoped Fanny & yourself
would contrive to come to it, as he should bring two Beaus who would have great
Pleasure in dancing with you. The new Bride Mrs. William Austen has sent a
Wedding Cake to Summer Hill, requesting it might be distributed amongst the
Relations & particular Friends of her Family, & accordingly my Aunt received a
Piece on Monday Eveng. Mr. Knox is gone to Town to spend the Xmas. Mr.
Thompson perform'd the whole Duty on Sunday Eveng. He takes his final
Departure from Tunbridge the End of this week & is going to London, where it is
said he has obtained an Appointment. Mr. Ashburnham call'd upon my Aunt
Tuesday morning ; Sir William Ashburnham leaves the Wells the beginning of next
month, & has taken a House in Town. His Family seem to consider him in a very
precarious state, having lately been seized with another fit. Miss Harvey had a
Party of fourteen at her House last night at which my Aunt & myself were present.
We hear Mrs. Bailey intends to dispose of the Castle, provided he can sell it for
nine thousand pounds, and Harman & Tate are mentioned as likely to become the
Purchasers. No Tydings of a Cook have yet reached us tho' we have made every
possible Enquiry, but I should hope you would soon hear of one in your Neighs
bourhood "

In 1815 Elizabeth Humphry, the daughter, died ; there is an inscription to hei
memory beneath that to her brother George : —

" Also of Elizabeth their eldest daughter,

Who was born January i8th, 1782,

And died June 5th, 1815."

The only letter of 1815 (dated 6th November) indicates that Mr. Humphry',
health was becoming less robust ; any exertion, like attending a tithe meeting
easily rendered him indisposed. Mary Anne Humphry writes : —
' ' My dear Julia,

Mr. Nouaille informed us yesterday he intended going to Tunbridge to-morrow,
& should be happy to accomodate you with a cast Home. We should have given
you earlier intimation of this, but we understood Mr. Nouaille did not mean to attend
the next meeting. ... I think you wanted a few more Beaux to enliven your
Party at the Christening ; Mrs. Julia Hardinge gave us a Bill of Fare of the Dinner,
there are not many Vicars I should suppose who could afford to give such an enter-
tainment. Mrs. Stephen Woodgate & all her Family are coming to the Grove on
Wednesday. Mr. & Mrs. Rush dined with us yesterday. . . ."

The Christening party appears to have been in Stephen Woodgate's family
at Pembury. In June, 1816, Mr. Humphry's general weakness''al armed his family.

193

Under medical advice, he confined his diet chiefly to animal food, abstaining from
all fruit and vegetables, but without much effect. The letter continues:—

' ' Mr. J. Ponton is staying at Godden ; he called here yesterday. We are quite
of my Aunt's opinion that he is a very agreeable Man. . , . My Mother &
myself accompanied my Father to Sevenoaks this morning ; upon our return we
met Mr. Stanhope & his friend Mr. Hawley, who staid here till five o'clock. Mrs.
F. Woodgate is in want of an under nurse ; if you should hear of one likely to suit
her, will you send her to Godden "

Mary Anne Humphry's letter of 26th June shews that her Father's condition
was viewed with serious apprehension. Writing from Tonbridge, she describes
the appearance at church of Mrs. Charles Hardinge, after the wedding on the 13th.
She was the second daughter of Kenneth Callender of Craigforth.

" The Bride & Bridegroom made their appearance at Church on Sunday with
Sir Richd. & Lady Hardinge & Miss Callender, who was generally taken for the
Bride. My Aunt paid her wedding visit yesterday ; we were much pleased with
Mrs. Hardinge who is rather handsome & extremely pleasing in her manners. Mr.
Hardinge seems in excellent spirits & from the appearance of his Lady we really
think he has at length been fortunate in his choice. Mr. Knox preached a very good
sermon on Sunday for the benefit of the Sunday School ; a Collection was afterwards
made at the Church doors which amounted to more than twenty pounds. It was
badly conducted in this respect as the Congregation were not apprized of his Intention,
& many that would have been contributors were not prepared for the occasion.
We understand that Mr. Gordon & Miss Jervais were to be married yesterday at
Shipbourne & that Mr. Knox was to perform the ceremony. Mrs. West on Monday
brought me an invitation from Mrs. Alnutt to dine at South Park to meet the bride
& a large party, who were to attend afterwards the Leigh Chricketing, but as the
weather is changible I thought it more prudent to decline, & not having quite lost
the Headache I have lately had. . . ."

Mr. Richard Baker, who had spent part of June at Seal, wrote in the most
pressing fashion, desiring Mr. Humphry to consult some London specialist and stay
with him as long as he could, for that purpose. His next letter was written on
hearing of his friend's death. He died on the 13th July, 1816, aged 73, and w£is
buried at Seal six days later.

The intelligence was communicated to Rose Woodgate in a letter from Henry
Woodgate of Riverhill.

" Riverhill, July 13th, 1816.
Dear Sister,

It is with infinite Concern I inform you that our worthy Friend & Brother
Mr. Humphry is no more. He died this Morning about half past five & was perfectly
sensible almost to the last, but suffered greatly for a few Hours before the awful
Change took place. His Family & Mr. Richards [the Doctor] were up the whole
Night with him. Poor Man, he had been rapidly sinking for several weeks past,
but his Death was more sudden than any of us expected. I have been to Seal this
Morning. Mrs. Humphry and her Daughters are in the greatest affliction as you
may suppose, but I hope time & Reflection will alleviate their Sufferings & Distress.
I shall go over often & offer my Services on this mournful occasion, as I shall be
anxious to afford them every Assistance & Consolation in my power.

Mrs. Humphry will thank Mrs. James West to acquaint her Father & Brothers
of this sad Event. Willm has not been down (which I am very sorry for) but He
is to attend the Funeral. John [Woodgate] is gone to Ireland ; the order was so
sudden that he had not time to take leave of us. Believe me ever, with our united
Love,

Yoiu: most afft Brother
;? 1^^ Henry Woodgate."

194

William Humphry's letter is as follows : —

' ' Council Office, Whitehall, 15th of July, 1816.
My dear Sister [Frances],

I received your Letter this Morning communicating the mournful Intelligence
of my dear and excellent Father's Decease. The short Letter I had previously received
from Julia prepared me in some Measure for the fatal Event, but the dreadful
Certainty of so irreparable a Loss has filled me with Feelings of Sorrow I can at
present but ill express. The Intimation of the Wish you have signified for me to
attend at the Funeral is I am convinced perfectly right, and no Respect I can shew
to the Memory of so good a Parent and so worthy a Man, in all the Relations of
Life, can be too great ; but I really am apprehensive that I do not possess sufficent
strength either of Body or Mind to bear up against so trying a Scene, the Possibility
of which I have contemplated during my whole Life with a kind of superstitious
Awe, and the withdrawing from which might be imputed to a Want of proper Feeling,
or being actuated by worse Motives, which if you could read by my Heart you would
discover was not the case. What you mention as to my Father's kindness towards
me overpowers me with Gratitude and affords me the Greatest Consolation, and I
will endeavour, in every Action of m5>^ Life, to do as if his eyes were fixed upon me.
I unfortunately fell early in Life into a wrong Course, and never had Firmness to
extricate myself out of it, and I can assure you that I never made those Applications
that occasioned him so much Displeasmre except under the Pressure of the last
Necessity and to avoid worse Consequences. I am happy to think that I have
succeeded in bettering and extricating my Affairs which it would have been some
Consolation to him to have known. I am grieved to think that the last Moments
of his Life were passed in so much Pain, but as you have so sensibly observed the
Loss falls wholly upon us ; he, good Man, is doubtless in a State of Felicity, the
just Reward of a pure and unspotted Life. Let this event open our eyes and admonish
us as he exhorted on a former melancholy occasion I well remember, to strengthen
the Ties of Affection towards each other, to forget all past Differences, to live happily
with each other, and to do good as far as we are severally able. I hardly know
what I have written, from the frequent Interruption I have experienced and from
the Grief which almost overpowers me, but I will try to compose my Mind and
reconcile myself to your Wishes ; and with kindest Remembrance and Condolence
to my afflicted Mother and to my Sisters Julia and Mary Anne I remain

Your ever affectionate Brother
W. O. Humphry.
My Wife and Boys are I am happy to say quite well. I will not neglect the
insertion in the Papers."

So far from being able to attend the funeral, William Humphry was unable
to leave the house for several days ; and on his recovery, owing to pressure of business
and other matters, was unable to visit Seal until September.

Near the South porch of Seal Church is a marble tablet, surmounted by the
arms of Humphry (/) and Upcott quarterly, impaling those of Woodgate ; below
is the inscription : —

•'To the memory

of The Rev. William Humphry, M.A.,

45 years Vicar of this parish and Vicar of Birling

in the County of Kent,

who departed this life 13th July, i8i6,

aged 73 years.

Faithful in the performance of his ministerial functions

as a Christian Priest,

Exemplary in the discharge of all the relative duties,

and pious to his God,

He guided others in the path to Eternal life,

and led the way."

(/) The arms of Humphry were " ermine, four pallets sable."

195

By his will, dated soth January, 1812, Mr. Humphry devised his house at Seal,
three cottages at Seal and two cottages and eight acres of land at Godden Green,
Seal, two cottages and a small farm known as " Noah's Ark" at Kemsing, and
all other his real estate for his wife for her life, and after her decease upon trust
for sale, proceeds to be divided between his four daughters, to each of whom he
gave in addition £500 in the Three Per Cents, He gave £2,000, secured on lands
of Thomas Francis Goringe of Burwash, to William Ozias ; but by a codicil dated
i8th October, 1814, executed after his son's marriage, revoked the bequest and
gave it instead to Peter Nouaille and Henry Woodgate of Riverhill as Trustees to
pay the interest to his wife for her life, then to his son for his life, then to his son's
wife for her life, and then to divide the amount equally between his son's children
at 21. All the household effects were left to Mrs. Humphry, and the residue to Henry
Woodgate of Riverhill, the Trustee, upon the same trusts as the realty. The will
was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury by Mrs. Humphry the Executrix,
on i6th August, 1816.

Mr. Humphry was succeeded in the Vicarage of Kempsing cum Seal by the
Rev. Gervas Whitehead, M.A., domestic chaplain to the Duchess of Dorset (the
patroness), and senior Fellow of Jesus College, Cambridge. Mr. Humphry's death
caused his family no change of abode, for the house they occupied at Seal was not the
Vicarage but their own.

The next letter, from Mary Anne Humphry at Tunbridge, in 1816, contained
the important news that Summerhill was to be sold*. She goes on to say : —

" Doctor Knox preach'd again on Sunday & gave us an admirable discourse
of near an hour long. After Church we call'd upon Miss Knox, who assured us
Mr. Sconce was perfectly recovered from the effects of his accident. Fanny has
certainly made a great Impression upon the Doctor, which his travels have not
obliterated ; he requested when next I wrote to send his kind Regards to her. Mr.
& Mrs. T. Scoones have left Tunbridge, & Miss Julia Scoones has accompanied
them with the Intention of staying a Twelvemonth. The next card Assembly on
Friday is expected to be a very good one, as all the young people have agreed to attend
& make up a round Table. We have had several visitors this morning which will
apologise for the haste I have written this in."

The only letter in 1817 is from Mary Anne Humphry : —

' ' Seal, April 15th, 1817.
My dear Julia,

I send you a few lines by Miss Callender who is going to-morrow to spend a
fortnight with Mrs. Charles Flardinge ; little George and William Woodgate [sons
of Stephen] accompany her, as the Mrs. Hardinges intend going to Town on Thursday
where they have taken lodgings for a month. Caroline was prevented by indis-
position from attending the ball last night & has been confined for the last ten days
with a bad cough attended with fever ; the loss of a ball at her age is really a dis-
appointment, especially as she had been engaged for some time to dance with the
Hon. Mr. Cust, brother to Lord Brownlow, & a very genteel pleasant young man.

(Wednesday morning.) I had written thus far last night when Mrs. Nouaille
call'd & carried me to drink tea at the Grove. The BaU on Monday was very well
attended, & altho many families of the neighbourhood were absent there was an
hundred and eleven in number, a large proportion of whom were strangers. . . .
Lord Camden's family came to Wilderness last week with Mr. & Lady Emily James.
The former [Mr. James] continues in a very precarious state of health, & his physician
who never leaves him entertains little hopes of his recovery. Lady Emily from anxiety
of mind is so much altered that scarce any vestige remains of her former beauty.

* See Reference Sheet.

196

You have probably before this heard of Mr. Whitehead's good fortune. As
fellow of his College, a living called Stanley Regis in the finest part of Gloucester
has lately fallen to him. It is double the value of this with an excellent house &
glebe of eighty acres attached to it. He has not yet determined whether he accepts
it & went this week to visit it. If he takes the living he vacates Seal immediately,
but I think he will be unwilling to quit his friends & connections here, altho so
desirable a piece of preferment. We shall be gratified on Sunday with hearing
John Thompson who takes his duty during his absence. We all dined at the Grove
on Thursday & met Sir Richd & Lady Hardinge ; Sir Richd has some intention
of taking Col. Austen's house at Sundridge, in which case he relinquishes his design
of going abroad this j^ear. . . . Our visiting with Mr. & Mrs. Irving has hitherto
been confined to frequent calls, but we intend asking them to dinner next week
with the River Hill family."

Mr. James was son of Sir Walter James of Langley Hall, Berks., who married
Lord Camden's sister. Lady Emily James, his wife, was daughter of the Marquis
of Londonderry, and sister of Viscount Castlereagh. He was engaged in the cam-
paigns of 1813 and 1814, and distinguished himself so much as to have received
the thanks of the Emperor of Russia and King of Prussia, as well as some distin-
guished military orders of those sovereigns. On the cessation of hostilities he was
appointed Secretary of Legation at Munich and Secretary of the Embassy at the
Hague ; but in consequence of ill health returned to England in 1816, and died
at Dublin in March, 1818, in the twenty-fifth year of his age. His widow re-married
in 1821 Sir Henry Hardinge.

In 1818 Julia Humphry spent a very pleasant time with her cousin, Francis
Woodgate of Godden ; Mr. Woodgate and his family had taken 2, Gloucester Place,
Hastings.

" Seal, February 5th, 1818.
My dear Julia,

. . . We were sorry to learn Mrs. Francis Woodgate was prevented by the
indisposition of little Henry from joining the party at Miss Milward's ; however we
hope he is now quite recovered. My Mother is much gratified by the enquiries
made after her by her friends at Hastings & wishes to know if you have yet had an
opportunity of seeing Miss Cosswin. The news of Mrs. Tilden's death gave her
great concern ; but from the suffering state she has long been in, it may perhaps
be considered a happy release. Mrs. Nouaille is rejoiced to hear her young patient
is going on so well. . . . The Mrs. Hardinges went to Tunbridge on Friday
and returned on Tuesday. John Woodgate [of Stonewall] has lately been spending
three weeks at the Vicarage at Pembury & is now at Spring Grove. Mr. & Mrs.
Foster have also been passing a week with Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate & are coming
to the Grove for a few days. We heard from Fanny yesterday ; perhaps (as she
may write to you) it is not fair to tell of Tunbridge news, but I must inform you
that Mr. Carnell has made proposals of marriage to Miss Laura Scoones & it is
supposed the fair one will not be cruel. I hope, if Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate
wish it, that Major Budyer will acceed to their terms ; we only regret that the House
is not situated in our neighbourhood. Mrs. Cobb has agreed with Mrs. Otway to
take her house at Riverhead from ladyday, & Mr. John Cobb (it is said) has hired
Bradborne. . . ."

Julia Humphry was invited to prolong her stay at Hastings, and returned
with the Woodgates to Sevenoaks, after a delightful visit.

' ' Seal, Feby 19th, 1818.
My dear JuHa,

. , . The accounts of Mrs. Knox are more favourable, & her friends now
entertain every hope of her going on well. What a dreadful event the suicide of Sir
Richard Croft ! Surely it was most unfortunate he did relinquish his profession on
the death of the lamented princess. Fanny drank tea at the Grove last night, &

197

there heard of an approaching wedding between Miss Bisco & Mr. Tritton, son of
the banker, & at present curate of Tatersfield ; it is an union intirely approved by
the ladies' family.

The intelligence I sent you of Bradborne & Mrs, Otway's house was not correct,
as the Cobb family have declined taking them & Mrs. Otway (by the advice of her
friends) has decided on remaining herself at Riverhead. We called upon Mrs. Irving
on Tuesday. Next week her Mother & sisters are going to town, to be present
at the festivities given in Honour of Lord Temple's coming of age, & which are
expected to be very splendid. Poor Miss Claridge has had the typhus fever to a most
alarming degree, & last week went to Hastings in so weak a state as to be conveyed
down in a litter. Mr. Wilmot at the request of her Father attended her there.
Mrs. Lawrence has been appointed Schoolmistress & is to enter upon her ofhce on
Monday next. This fine morning tempted us to walk to Sevenoaks, where we
called upon Mrs. Luxford & Mrs. Wilgress. Mrs. Nouaille desires you to tell Mrs.
Woodgate what pleasure it gives her to learn that little Francis is so well recovered.

To this period must be referred two undated letters ; the first is a short one from
Mrs. Humplury, and mentions the birth of her grand-daughter Juliana. The second,
from Miss Humphry at Tonbridge, is in reply to the former, which was brought
by Henry Woodgate. It was conveyed to Seal by the Rev. Edward G. Smith on
his way to Greatness. She says : —

" . . . . Mrs. James West has promised to take me to the Wells some
morning after we have had a shower, to call upon my old friend Major Wood. James
received a long letter from his uncle a few days ago in which he mentions that his
brother Denny is studying very hard for Orders & hopes to be ordained in October.
Mr. Harte came to Mabledown the beginning of the week ; I believe now all the
houses in the Neighbourhood are occupied. I find immediately upon my arrival at
Tonbridge a certain Gentleman renewed his visits to Mr. West upon the old subject*.
We have seen Mrs. Knox & Maria several times. Mr. Knox hired an open carriage
to take his family to Brighton, & as the term for which he engaged it is not expired,
they now frequently drive out in it. Dr. Knox is expected at Tonbridge soon,
& likewise Mr. Sconce & his family "

Another letter, dated 7th February, 18 19, and written by Miss Humphry,
describes one of the Sevenoaks balls.
' * My dear Julia,

. . . As I think you will have a little curiosity to hear an account of the
Ball, I will endeavour to satisfy it as well as I am able. Mrs. Julia Hardinge was so
kind to chaprone us, with her Niece & Miss Harriet Papillon. It was much more
numerously attended than usual at this season of the year, the company amounting
to near a hundred. Sir Richard Hardinge exerted himself very much to make a
good Ball & brought a large party from Town for the occasion, consisting of three
young ladies, Miss Ellis (a sister of Mrs. Heaton's), Miss Prade & Miss Stracey, &
two very smart Beaus, Mr. Heaton & Mr. Stony, in addition to which two Officers
of the Guards came to the Crown by the invitation of Miss Stracey. Altho there
was a larger proportion of Beaus than was expected, yet the number of belles greatly
preponderated, consequently every dance there was many a disappointed fair without
a partner. Ld. Camden & his two youngest daughters & Ld. & Ly. Amherst with
Lady Harriet Windsor were present. There were several very pretty young Women,
but Susan Allnutt was considered decidedly the belle of the evening ; she looked
particularly well, & all those who had not seen her before were much struck with
her beauty. The new Stewards were very active & thought to acquit themselves
extremely well. The following night we spent a delightful evening at the Grove &

* See Reference Sheet.

met Sir Richd. & Lady Hardinge & all their Party. Miss Prade amused the company
with a little very fine musick, & the other young ladies contributed very agreeable
& humourous singing. I really do not know when I have met more agreeable young
women. Miss Stracey is extremely lively & I should think more than a little ol a
coquette.

Caroline Hardinge appears highly delighted with her visit to the Metropolis ;
she partook of a variety of amusements, but nothing seemed to afford her so much
gratification as going over St. Paul's Cathedral. She has brought several presents
from town. Mr. & Mrs. Allnutt, Susan & Miss Sidney are coming to the Grove
to-morrow week for a few days. Lady Camden & Lady G. Pratt called yesterday,
they do not go to Town till next month. = . . Sarah Woodgate was prevented
accompanying her Brother & Sister by a cold. . . ."

The next letter refers to a long day spent by the James Wests at Seal.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Our little friend William [Humphry, their nephew] has not forgot
the impression made on him by Alicia, & his first question the next morning was,
' When Miss Alicia would come again ; for I should like to see her again. Aunt JuHa.'
You will I think be surprized to hear that Mr. Whitehead has sent us an Invitation
to dine upon venison on Tuesday next. I heartily wish you could partake of it,
as such an event may not happen again. The family at River Hill are also asked —
as well as Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille, but they (I believe) have declined as their sons go to
Brentford [to school] on that day. My Uncle, Anne, & Sarah, with John, and
William Woodgate (who is staying at River Hill) dined with us yesterday & Mr.
Whitehead. We had a fine neck of venison which our guests seemed to enjoy ex-
tremely. The Mrs. Hardinges favoured us with their company in the evening.
We talked over our intended visit on Tuesday & have determined to be as merry
as possible. Anne regrets m.uch j^ou will not be present & thought an express should
have been sent off for the occasion. My Mother has received a letter from Mr.
Gorringe of Burwish, requesting permission to transfer her mortgage to his sister,
who is about to purchase the land and to whom he is indebted for a considerable
sum. As my Uncle is of opinion that the money will be equally secure & nothing
is more advantageous than a mortgage, my Mother means to comply with his request.
Our servant John gave warning about a week since ; he has offered to Mrs. Cade,
but she declines taking him, not having been used to the care of plate & china.
We have not yet hired a boy, altho' many have allready offered. Perhaps you may
hear of one likely to suit the place.

Sir Henry Hardinge has been staying at Sundridge for the last week. I fear
Sir Richard will not be well enough to be present at the christening to-morrow.
I hear Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hardinge intend to draw a line & only to ask relations;
however I hope you will be invited in the evening, & gratified by again meeting
your old friend Sir Henry. My Aunt Rose will be sorry to learn that, in a letter
from Mr. Acton to my Uncle, he mentions that Mrs. Clayton [Cleaton] has lately
had a paraletic attack. I do not hear that he is coming into the south. Has my
Aunt yet settled with her Servants ? I suppose that Richard will wish for promotion;
as Susan is so valuable a servant I hope she will remain stationary. . . ."

' ' Wednesday Eveng, Nov. 24th, 1819.
' ' My dear Fanny,

. . . The Miss Allnutts came to us on Thursday and left us yesterday ;
they were so very accomodating & good tempered that we derived the greatest
pleasure from their society. The Mrs. Hardinges dined with us on Friday, & our
Friends at Greatness joined the Party in the Eveng. We invited the Riverhill
Family but unfortunately they were engaged to dine with Mr. & Mrs. G. Austen
on that day. On Saturday we walked to Sevenoaks & call'd on Mrs. Charles Petley,
and afterwards dined at the Grove. We had many momg visitors, among the rest

199

the Lady Pratts, the Miss Woodgates & Mr. & Mrs. C. Petley. The Miss Allnutts
have made up very pretty morning dresses, not unhke yours of last year, & we
were very glad they were so much seen. Fanny Allnutt gave us much Information
respecting the Fashions, and with great good humour assisted me in mantua making.
Miss Sydney & Maria [Allnutt] came up in the carriage yesterday & spent two hours
with us. I believe Miss Sydney leaves South-Park in February, when she is to be
introduced in the fashionable world. I will thank you not to mention this at present.
Mr. Smith took the whole Duty at Seal last Sunday, & it is thought he went through
the service with much credit to himself, & was highly flattered by Ld. Camden saying
he had not heard the Duty better performed for a long time. We dined at Greatness
yesterday to meet our old friends Mr. & Mrs. Rush. Mrs. Parsons has been staying
there for some time ; her spirits appear improved by change of scene and the kind
attentions of Mrs. Nouaille.

Mrs. Sackville Austen has been very unwell with a Carbuncle on her neck &
suffers much in consequence. You have probably heard of the death of Mrs.
Hallard's eldest son, who was found dead in his Bed very unexpectedly ; he had
been in an indifferent state of health for some time [Mrs. Hallward was a Miss
Lambarde and sister of Mrs. Sackville Austen]. We were very glad to see Mrs.
Rush & regret that her stay is so short ; they spend two days with Mrs. C. Hardinge
on their return. The Mrs. Hardinges had a good account of the children at Pembury
on Sunday, they are recovered from the fever ; as soon as the Infection is over Mr.
& Mrs. S. Woodgate are to make their annual visit at the Grove. Major Woodgate
[William Woodgate of Summerhill] remains in this part of the country till after
Xmas ; Anna came from Brighton last week to give her Father a meeting. We
think Fanny Allnutt's manner of doing her hair would be particularly becoming to
you & I would recommend you to adopt it, as we hear hows are going out of fashion.
The Allnutts are to attend a county Ball at Maidstone next Tuesday when new
ball Rooms are to be opened. Lord Clifton & Sir Thomas Browne are Stewards
on the occasion, . . ."

The following is the reply : —

' ' Tunbridge, Novr. 28th, 1819.
My dear Julia,

. . . I am very glad to hear you derived so much pleasure from the Miss
Allnutts' company, & I hear they express themselves equally pleased with their visit
to Seal ; Fanny came to the Postern on Thursday, since which the weather has been
so indifferent that I have not seen her. Mr. Luxford has lately had a considerable
addition to his fortune by the death of Mrs. Hooper of Hailsham, who was his God-
mother ; we hear she has left him the great Tythes of the parish where she resided,
which amount to four hundred a year, & ten thousand pounds in money. My Aunt
says my Mother must remember her Brother, who formerly frequently preached
at Mountfield. Major & Mrs. Wood have lately spent a few days at the Postern,
I think her a very pleasant unaffected woman. Mr. West's Carriage on Friday
se'nnight conveyed a party of six to drink tea there during their visit, in which
number I was included ; a few Gentlemen dined there & we spent a very pleasant
evening. Miss Spark, Fanny Woodgate's Governess, is a very pretty agreeable
young woman, with one of the finest complexions I ever saw. I dined with Mrs.
Charles Hardinge the week before last with Major Woodgate, Stephen, & Mr. John
Scoones ; the Major retains his enthusiastic fondness for musick, & I never saw him
in better spirits, which do not appear forced but quite natural. Mr. James West
went to Tudely Church last Sunday to hear an old School fellow (the son of Dr.
Stephens) perform the service ; he is a pupil of Kemble's & considered a very fine
preacher, but I should not think theatrical action quite adapted to the pulpit. I
believe I mentioned that Wise intended leaving Tonbridge ; we now find he has an
execution in his house, & is indebted to Government two thousand pound?/ for
stamps. The South Park party go to the ball on Tuesday from the Postern, &

Mr. & Mrs. West have some idea of accompanying them. Tell Maryanne her friend
Miss E. Carnell is going to-morrow to Gunsberry house to make her Aunt [Mrs.
Morrison] a visit till Christmas. I am much obliged by yr hint respecting Dressing
the hair, which I shall endeavour to adopt ; I understand you have metamorphosed
your head & that it is considered a great improvement. Mr. Knox preached this
morning & gave a most excellent advent Sermon. Mr. Luxford had yesterday a
juvenile party at dinner consisting of the head class at Mr. Knox's, James and William
West & a few other favourites,"

A postscript written the next day adds : —

". . . Mrs. Allnutt & Mrs. West called this morning ; Mrs. West is prevented
attending the ball by slight indisposition, which I regret very much, as she said had
she gone she should have requested me to accompany her, & although I am indifferent
to dancing I must own I should have been much gratified to have witnessed so gay an
assemblage. If the weather is propitious I am to walk over to the Postern to-morrow
to hear a full & circumstantial account of the Ball from the young ladies, I called
upon Mrs. Charles Hardinge this morng ; she tells me Miss Caroline is your visitor
during her Aunt's absence in Town. I am sure her company affords you all
pleasure."

Meanwhile William Humphry's family were growing up. The latest addition,
Julia, was " as lively as a little bird " and the two sons went every day to school ;
William made good progress, but Richard, who at that time had not attained his
fourth year, was not resigned to his fate. Two weeks later Mary Anne Humphry
writes : —

" Seal, Sunday, Deer. 12th, 1819.
My dear Fanny,

. , . Caroline spent the interval of her Aunts' absence with us. They
found Sir Richard & Lady Hardinge in better health, but they seem unhappy in
regard to Frederick Hardinge, fearing his complaint has a tendency to consumption.
Sir Richd. with his usual kindness has sent for him to Town, that he may receive
the first advice. We are told the children at Pembury are much improved by
change of air ; they came up a party of twelve & remain at the Grove till Thursday
sen'night, when Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge with Sir Henry are to succeed them for the
Xmas Hollidays. Perhaps it would have been more prudent if Mrs. Stephen Woodgate
had deferred her visit till after Christmas, when all idea of infection would
have been removed. I am sure you rejoice in the good fortune of our friend John
Thompson ; what a happy circumstance his connection with Sir Thomas Dyke, who
has proved a real friend. He entered the church with little prospect of preferment
& is now in possession of from 7 to 8 hundred a year. He favoured us with a visit
on Thursday, I wish you had been present ; he was in such high feather & elated
with success. He hoped Miss Fanny was quite well & desired to be par-ti-cu-lar-ly
remember 'd to her whenever we wrote. Miss Barton called here a few days ago ;
she spoke highly of the new Curate who gives general satisfaction ; she kindly invited
us to come to Sevenoaks church & sit with her to hear him perform the duty &
afterwards lunch at her house. . , .'

In January was the New Year's Ball which indirectly proved so fatal to the
Allnutts*. After her description of it, Mary Anne Humphry adds : —

' ' We have seen a great deal of Mrs. Charles Hardinge since her visit at the
Grove. We spent a day at the Grove last week. I grieve to say Mrs. Julia Hardinge
still suffers much from the gout which detains her a prisoner, & Mrs. Carohne has
ventured out very little this Xmas. Mr. & Mrs. Charies Hardinge, Caroline &
Frederick dined with us yesterday with the party at Greatness & Mr. Whitehead.
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Petley called on us last week."

See Reference Sheet.

" Tonbridge, Febry, 15th, 1820.
My dear Julia,

. . . My Aunt has had an Advertisement put in the Maidstone paper this
week that her Farm is to be let, in consequence of which she may expect applications
for it very soon ; & it has to-day been intimated to her that she will probably soon
receive the offer of a compromise for the money owing to her by the Major, but
which I will thank you not to mention at present. The Miss Woodgates spent a
part of the morning here on Wednesday, on which day the King was Proclaimed.
The Ladies of the place assembled in the Town Hall to witness the Procession, which
was a very respectable one considering it was only fixed the night before ; had the
notice been longer, many of the neighbouring gentry would have attended. Divine
service is to be performed here to-morrow when Mr. Knox is to preach, Mr. Hardinge
having already given us a Funeral Sermon. . . .

A meeting of the Ladies & some of the Tradespeople took place yesterday at
the Vicarage to arrange a plan for regularly visiting the Girls School (which at
Mrs. Hardinge's request I attended), when a Committee was formed consisting
of more than twenty who have engaged to visit 2 at a time a week ; the numbers
being so considerable will make it very easy to every one, as it will only come to
their turn officialy once in about three months ; but I should think all the young
Ladies who have not family arrangements to attend to would like an opportunity
of being useful, & be disposed to repeat their visits more frequently. I have been
this morning with the Miss Carnells & Miss Jewhurst, the latter of whom is very
clever & useful on the occasion, & I shall hope to gain some useful hints for the
management of our own School. . . Frances Humphry."

" Seal, February 20th, 1820.
My dear Fanny,

Julia desires me to thank you for your kind letter, since the receipt of which
we have had the pleasure of hearing from Mrs. Stephen Woodgate that my Aunt
and all my friends at Tunbridge were quite well. I am sorry to inform you poor
Mrs. Julia Hardinge continues a great invalid ; she has been confined to her bed
with a severe return of gout since Tuesday. , . Cciroline returns from Town
to-morrow ; Mrs. Stephen Woodgate has proved an excellent nurse during her
absence & by her care & attention has contributed much to the comfort of both
her aunts. Sir Henry Hardinge has offered himself to represent the City of Durham
(I know not whether assisted by Lord Stewart's interest) ; he is not sure of success,
having a powerful opponent to contend against. He is gone to Durham to forward
this object as much as possible. The proclaiming of the present King took place
at Sevenoaks yesterday week. The concourse of people assembled to display their
loyalty was very great & most of the carriages in the neighbourhood followed in
procession Music was wanting to enliven the ceremony and which from some
mistake had not been provided ; I understand in this respect it was conducted much
better at Tunbridge. Mr. John Dudlow [of Town Mailing] read the proclamation.
I went with Mrs. Nouaille ; Lady Camden & her Daughters in a carriage & four
attended, & Lord & Lady Stanhope, & Lord & Lady Amherst with their servants
in new mourning as Lord of the Bedchamber to the late King. The Magistrates
and some of the gentlemen around dined at Kippington [Mr. Austen's].

Mr. Whitehead has lately lost another nephew, Charles Whitehead, with the
same complaint that so many of his family have died of. He went to his funeral
on Wednesday, the day when our late revered sovereign was interred, when Mr.
Henry Kelson performed the service at Seal. I must tell you rather a laughable
circumstance. Lady Camden & the young ladies have long wish'd for an oppor-
tunity of hearing Mr. Donald of whom a very favourable report has reach'd them,
but partly out of delicacy to Mr. Whitehead forebore to gratify their curiosity. How-
ever on Wednesday, hearing of his absence, they determined to go, when lo ! Mr.
Curteis who has not taken the duty for some time performed the whole service,

to their great disappointment & the amusement of many, who knew with what
reluctance her ladyship had quitted her own parish church. Mrs. Otway Maine
has lost her eldest son ; fortunately she was staying with her Mother at Bath when
this event took place. Mr. Robert Maine's eldest son, who you may remember to
have heard was a most promising lad, is dicing of a consumption, & Mr. Kelson
thinks cannot survive beyond May. We called upon Mrs. Charles Petley on Friday
morning ; she was allow'd to come down stairs the day before & appear'd in good
spirits. We are much concerned to hear that Fanny Allnutt has had a relapse,
indeed I think we hear of nothing but illness among our acquaintance. Your
friend Admiral Lawford is very ill at this time, but know not his complaint. Mr.
Rush received a summons that his mother was dangerously ill, & Mrs. Packman
went down to her daughter during his absence. I fear you will think I send you
quite a sick list, but poor young Peak, Betty Morgan's husband, is in the last stage
of a decline & not expected to live from day to day. . . . Julia has planted
half the Enenomes sent by Mr. Acton in the upper part of the bed where the enenomes
of last year & the pinks were put, the best place she cd find in the garden ; the
remainder wait your future orders. I hope my Aunt will get a good tenant for her
farm & one more regular in his payments than Hooker. . . . Maryanne
Humphry."

" Tonbridge, March 26th, 1820.
My dear Julia,

. . . Mr. Ashburnham spent a night at Dry Hill in his way from Chichester ;
we saw him for about ten minutes, he appeared in great spirits & looked extremely
well. I hear Miss Bancroft is engaged to be married to a gentleman in the Army,
but do not know whether it is considered a desirable connexion. I accompanied
Mrs. West and her young ladies about ten days ago to call on Mrs. S. Woodgate.
Although the children had the Hooping cough, they all looked remarkably well,
and the youngest boy is one of the sweetest children I have seen for some time.
Poor little Arthur's is a most unlucky accident, but I am happy to find he is doing
as well as possible.

I spent a very pleasant day at the Postern last week with Miss Sydney & Susan
Allnutt. I fear poor Fanny, tho' she is considered better, does not mend as fast
as could be wished. Mrs. Knox invited me to dine with them last Friday to meet
Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge, but as it was not quite convenient for me to dine out, as my
Aunt expected Hooker, I went in the evening. She shewed me a pair of very hand-
some diamond Ear-rings, a present from Mr. T. Knox ; my Aunt says they are not
genuine, but of this I am not a sufficient judge to determine, I only know they are
very brilliant. I am sorry to say very little progress is made in the arrangement
of my Aunt's affairs, & I begin to fear they will not very speedily be compromised.
Mr. James West advises her not to appear anxious to come into their terms, as he
thinks a little delay may be advantageous to her.

The enlargement of the Church is decided on (by a great majority) & I believe
it is to be begun very soon ; I have seen the model of the alteration & think it will
be extremely handsome. The Weddings furnish the chief subjects of conversation
here at present ; it is said Mr. Carnell's with Miss Laura Scoones is to take place very
soon. I am told Mr. Arthur Pott is to fulfill an old promise & present the bride with
a wedding dress. I wish Sir James Cockburn would continue the mortgage my
Mother holds on the Farm at Burwash, as I fear she will not be able to dispose of
the money to so much advantage in any other way. . . . Frances Humphry."

To this period must be ascribed the following letter, undated, addressed to Miss
Humphry at Tonbridge : —

" Wednesday Morng, April 4th.

As my dear Fanny expresses a wish to hear an early account of the ball, I must
inform her that I attended it with Mrs. Caroline Hardinge & our friend Caroline.

203

There were a few more than a hundred present, & tho' not graced by any of the
nobility it proved an uncommonly pleasant ball, particularly to the dancers, as
beaux were in great abundance. The dancing commenced with Miss KnatchbuU
& Mr. Cobb of Ightham & followed by about thirty couple. Captn. Woodgate
[John] as Steward gave the greatest satisfaction & from his attention to all the company
I think I may venture to say there has not been so popular a steward since the new
ball room has been opened. The sombre garb of mourning admitted not of much
variety among the dresses, but about a dozen white contributed to enliven the room.
The hair was chiefly formed in braids ornamented with flowers & feathers, & many
wore coronet combs with white pearls. All the young ladies have taken to dancing
quadrilles, & as they were more approved of we had only two country dances. Mrs.
Wells brought a large party, & among them Sir Thomas Croft, a very fine dancer
& son of the late unfortunate Sir Richard Croft. Mrs. C. Hardinge made a good
chaperone, «& we did not get home till it wanted ten minutes to four, . . The
Family are now at Wilderness & the young ladies seem to enjoy this fine weather.
Ld. Brecknock is returned from Vienna ; we met him at the Grove & he seems to
be improved by his intercourse with the world. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

Miss Humphry's place at Tonbridge was taken by Julia, and Mrs. Humphry,
Frances and Mary Anne went to spend a few days with Mr. Baker in town, where
their time was fully occupied in visiting the different places of interest. They
attended the christening of their nephews WilHam and Stephen Humphry at St.
George's, Hanover Square ; Richard and Julia were too unwell, and were privately
baptised afterwards. Captain Newcomb was William's godfather ; it would seem
that the children's baptism had been delayed for some reason. Mr. Van, one of the
Clerks in the Council Office, was seriously ill and not expected to survive many days ;
on his death, William Ozias Humphry expected an increase of salary of from £150
to £200 a year. It was customary in those days for those in the country to give
their friends on going to London a number of commissions to execute. The following
note, written on their return, refers to one of these, the tea.

" Seal, May ye 4th [1820].
My dearest Julia.

. . . I am sorry I have not had an opportunity of sending my sister's
tea, which is safely stored in the House keepers' room. We expect our Neighbours
[the Mrs. Hardinges] home next Friday which will enliven us much. I suppose
you hear a great deal of London intelligence from Mrs. [Charles] Hardinge. I grieve
most sincerely for the distress the poor Allnutts are in, we have only to pray for
dear Fanny's speedy release. We expect Mrs. William Humphry & her little Tribe
whenever the children are well enough to travel ; I have invited poor little William as I
think a little country air quite necessary after the Hooping Cough. . .Elizabeth
Humphry."

In June Mary Anne Humphry spent several days with Lady Hardinge at
Sundridge, of which she has left a full account : —

' ' I went on Friday & they were so kind to send me home yesterday morning.
General Wolf was staying there the whole time & likewise General Brooke, with
Mr. & Mrs. Bloxam & a Miss Ansley, sister to the latter, for the first few days. I
passed my time very agreably and they were so obliging to take me on Saturday
to call at Hill Park, Mrs. Gibbons', and afterwards to Mr. Bloxam's at Ide Hill.
This place at the present season is very beautiful & I was surprised with the extent
of view it commands on every side. When the Bloxham's first came to the Hill,
it was you know considered a dreary spot, but by forming plantations & making
a beautiful garden he has really rendered it an enviable situation. On Sunday
after attending the morning service the Carriage was ordered and we went to pay
a visit at Mr. Manning's [William Manning of Coombe Bank, M.P., was the father
of Cardinal Manning] where we had the pleasure of seeing all the family. Miss

204

Manning by daylight is a very pretty girl & said to be extremely clever. Their
house is even more splendidly fitted up than in Lord Frederick's time and they
live in all the magnificence of the Eastern style. Afterwards we proceeded to
Chevening Place. Lady Stanhope was gone out walking ; however we went in to
view the principal ap'partments, which are very handsome, & his Library & collection
of books are said to be the best in the neighbourhood. We were shewn the gardens,
lately finished, & laid out after the French style with numberless gravel walks with
parterrs of flowers interspersed bordered with box and covering a space of seven
or eight acres. Beyond was a fine piece of water with a view of the surrounding
country. After this we called upon Mrs. John Austen who had been confined just
a month and was down stairs for the first time. On reaching the house two little
smiling boys in a new garden chaise drawn by their nurses met us, & I have not
seen finer children for some time ; her little girl is a very fine baby. Lady Catherine
Stanhope happened to be there at the time, a fine rosy faced child about ten months
old. While Lady Hardinge remained with Mrs. Austen, I attended the gentlemen
round the garden which did not quite answer the description I had heard. I have
now a wedding to inform you of. Miss Lane is engaged to marry a Mr. Fitzhue,
residing in the neighbourhood of Southampton, with the entire approbation of her
friends. His father is a man of large fortune, and the Son was originally intended
for the diplomatic line but afterwards preferred going into the church. After
breakfast on Monday, while Lady Hardinge was preparing to return to town, I
accompanied General Wolf to see the paper mills. I was much gratified with viewing
the machinery & the whole process of making the paper, & had no idea that paper
underwent so many changes before it comes into use. . .

We were much grieved to hear of the illness of poor Mrs. Charles Petley ; indeed
her sufterings seem to have greatly alarmed all her Family, but a note received
from my Uncle Henry informs us that aU apprehensions of her danger are happily
removed. I much fear there is no hope of a similar good report from South Park
& in the present distressing state of poor Fanny Allnutt her Friends can only hope
that her sufferings may not long be protracted. . . I am sure you will be concerned
to hear of an event that has taken place at Kemsing. Poor Mr. Thomas Relph
after only a few days illness died last week. His Death was brought on solely
by distress of mind occasioned by the embarrassment of his affairs & has plunged
aU his Family in the deepest affliction, & his poor widow is said to be quite incon-
solable. Mr, Edward Smith performed the whole of the duty here on Sunday,
& Fanny thinks he has a very fine voice. . . ."

' ' Tun bridge, Sunday, June nth, 1820.
My dear Mother,

. . . The Bells are now ringing most merrily to celebrate the arrival
of Mr. & Mrs. Willm. Scoones ; they have been spending a short time in the Isle of
Wight since their Marriage. Mr. & Mrs. Carnell returned to Tunbridge on Friday.
As Fanny is so much interested in Tunbridge News, I must inform her of a wedding
which we hear (though not from any authority) is likely to take place ; it is said
that Mr. Harmer's eldest son is paying his addresses to Miss Sophia Harvey. If
this is the case I should think it would be a most advantageous match for the Lady, as
he is a young man of excellent character. We were very sorry to hear of Mrs. Charles
Petley's serious illness ; my Uncle Henry has informed us in confidence that his
son Francis has obtained the refusal of Mr. Simmonds' House, but I must request
you not to mention this again, as they wished it not to be known at present. I
dined with Mrs. Luxford last Tuesday & met Mrs. & Miss Mascel, Mr. Ashburnham
& Mr. James West. Miss Mascel (tho' not handsome) is a very sensible agreable
young Woman ; you may recollect she is the Lady that was mentioned for Mr.
Lane last Xmas. They appeared much interested in every event relating to the
Sevenoaks neighbourhood. Miss Luxford is now introduced in company; she is
much improved in her appearance & a remarkably good humoured pleasant girl. . .

205

The Law suit which was instituted against the Skinners Company has been, decided
in favour of Tunbridge, & I understand the School will gain an addition of four
thousand a year to its funds. I am very glad to find Maryanne has enjoyed so
pleasant a visit at Sundridge. Mrs. C. Hardinge is not looking the better for her
London gayety. Her little girls are much grown and looking extremely well. I hear
Mrs. Julia Hardinge has been quite well during her stay in Town, & been out to
parties almost every day. I hear Lord Brecknock [Lord Camden's eldest son]
entered the Tunbridge troop last week ; he has taken John Woodgate's [of Stonewall]
place as Lieutenant, under Mr. Nouaille. I am told Mr. Willm. Lambard is placed
on half pay for two years, & that himself & Mrs. Willm. Lambard are coming to
Sevenoaks to reside with his Family till they can procure a House. My Aunt has
heard nothing from Mr. Alexander since Fanny left Tunbridge. I understand
this delay is occasioned by Dr. Brodrip, who has been seriously ill, but is now recovering
and I beheve camiC to Summerhill last week. . . .

Juliana Humphry."

Everyone familiar with Jane Austen is aware that it was one of the customs
of her period to form parties who drove in carriages to picnic in some retired spot
and spend the day there. One of such picnics is described in a note written about
this time.
" My dear Fanny,

. . . I accompanied a large Party yesterday to Buckhurst ; the weather
was uncommonly favourable for an outdoors Excursion & I spent a most agreable
day. The Party consisted of Mr. & Mrs. Luxford & their two Daughters, Mr. &
Mrs. Hardinge, the Miss Eyles's, & the Miss Powells. Mrs. Luxford who formed
the Party invited me, & Mrs. Hardinge in the kindest manner accomodated me
with a seat in her carriage. \^^e left Tunbridge about eleven, and reached the
place of our destination a little before two. The situation of Buckhurst is very
delightful. We went over the House & afterwards explored the beauty of the
Grounds. An excellent cold dinner was provided by the party, of which we partook
under a large Oak near the House. In the afternoon we walked to Withyam &
went over the Church ; a monument has lately been erected to the memory of the
young Duke with a very suitable & appropriate inscription, said to be written by
Ld. Whitworth. I was particularly gratified, indeed all the Company appeared
much pleased with their visit, & Mr. Luxford purposes forming a party on the same
plan to attend the Wells Races. I understand the Mrs. Hardinges are enjoying
themselves very much in the Isle of Wight ; they have taken Lodgings at Cowes
for a fortnight from last Monday. Mr. & Mrs. Knox & the Doctor returned to
Tunbridge last Thursday. Mr. Knox I am sorry to hear has been very unwell during
his absence. . . . Juliana Humphry."

" Seal, Wednesday Morng., Novr. 8th, 1820.
My dear Juha,

. . . We dined at Greatness the day Col. Thomas & his daughter returned
from Tunbridge. They all seemed most happy in renewing their acquaintance
with their former friends & neighbours. My Aunt they told us was looking remark-
ably well & not a day older than when they had last the pleasure of seeing her. Susan
was very happy to meet you at Mrs. Knox's ; she spent two days with us & is so
intelligent that we derived much pleasure from her society & in hearing their different
adventures since their residence on the Continent. All the family spent an evening
with us before they left Greatness. Poor Mrs. William Thomas we thought looking
less well & thinner than when she left England. Sir Richd. & Lady Hardinge
have taken up their residence in London for the present. Sir Henry has lately been
on a visit at Sundridge & also at the Grove. Fanny spent a day at the Grove during
his stay, with Sir Richd & Lady Hardinge, Mr. & Miss Taylor & Mr. Henry Leake.
Harriet Papillon came to the Grove on Wednesday to pass a month with her friend
Caroline. The Mrs. Hardinges were much distressed yesterday on hearing of the

2o6

sudden death of Mrs. George Hardinge. She had been spending a fortnight with a
friend in Suffolk. They have as yet heard few particulars, but imagine her death
to have been occasioned by a fit of appoplexy. So many sad events of this nature
have lately taken place in their family that the spirits of the Mrs. Hardinges seem
much depressed at this time.

We have seen the Lady Pratts frequently of late ; they brought us a large
basket of dalia roots. They really pay great attention to the School & have
now arranged for the girls to work in the former school room. Lady Georgiana
is now on a visit to Lady Downshire. Yesterday after visiting the school
we took a walk with Lady Frances & Lady Caroline, & on our return found
Mr. Francis Woodgate. He thinks of quitting Nuffield very soon & taking early
possession of his house at Tunbridge [Ferox Hall]. Mrs. Charles Thompson &
her two second daughters have been staying for the last fortnight at Falke ; previous
to their visit there, the two young ladies had been passing ten days with Mr. Thomas(?)
Dyke. Miss Fanny Thompson is a very pleasing girl, just seventeen, & very striking
in her appearance. Mrs. Charles Thompson is still very handsome after having
had sixteen children, eleven of whom survived. You will be surprized to hear
that on Monday we dined with Mr. Whitehead who gave us an excellent dinner.
We had a very pleasant day altho the party was small consisting of Mrs. C. Thompson
& daughters, Mr. Thompson of Falke, with ourselves ; perhaps it might have been
enlivened by the addition of Mr. John Thomas [Thompson ?] whom we were led to
expect would have joined the party, but unfortunately the invitation was by mistake
carried round by London & reached him too late. We are anxious to hear that the
church at Tunbridge is opened ; we hope that my Aunt will continue to be accomodated
with a comfortable seat. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

Maryanne was to have taken Julia's place at Tonbridge, but the latter wrote
deferring her departure till the Sevenoaks Ball was over, which she desired
Maryanne might not miss by being at Tonbridge. The reply describes the event.

" Seal, Saturday Morng., Nov. 25th, 1820.
My dear Julia,

. . . Having seen Mr. Francis Woodgate yesterday you have probably
heard from him the particulars of the Ball. You may conceive that some of the
ladies had not much dancing when I tell you there were only seven dancing gentlemen
to twelve ladies. There was a beautiful supper & only forty to partake of it. Mr.
Manning's family & Mr. & Mrs. John Austen were the only distant families present.
There were only quadrilles & one country dance before we came away, but I under-
stand it was concluded with our own national dances. Miss Manning who was
attired in mourning was certainly the attraction of the evening. Mrs. Caroline
Hardinge went early with the intention of passing an hour or two with Mrs. Otway,
but poor woman she was too unwell to receive us, being confined to her bed for
two days with an absess. We therefore went on to Mrs. Lambard's & I had the
pleasure of seeing Miss Bridon (who you know never attends Balls) looking more
beautiful than ever. All the circle at River Hill with the exception of my Aunt,
Mrs. C. Hardinge, Mr. Stephen Woodgate, Caroline & Harriet dined with us yesterday
& Mrs. Nouaille came in the evening. Mr. Whitehead was prevented joining our
party by the death of his sister in law, Mrs. Whitehead of Ash, & whose funeral
he attended yesterday. The recent mortality in that family is really mournful
and another son is said to be declining with a consumption. We have as yet had
no illumination for the Queen altho a faint attempt was made on one evening. I
am sure your sentiments on that subject will endear you to your godmother. Mr.
Whitehead's praying for her spotless Majesty two Sundays has excited a great oration.
Lord Camden spoke to him on Sunday & certainly he has laid himself open to a severe
repremand from his Bishop. I shall be glad to hear yr church is again open, tho'
from the season of the year it must be damp and you shd be very careful on first
attending it. . . Maryanne Humphry."

207

" Seal, Sunday, Deer. 17th, 1820.
My dearest Julia,

. . . The Duchess of Dorset called here last Tuesday & was very conversable
& agreable ; this morng we received an invitation from her Grace to a dance at
Knole on Wednesday the 27th Inst. As this is the case I regret my dr Julia that
you are not able to partake the amusement, as you are more of an age to enjoy dancing
than myself. Miss F. & Miss E. Papillon have been at the Grove since Tuesday.
We have been much gratified in seeing some of the former's paintings. She has lately
finished two pieces of Feints, which are really some of the most beautiful productions
of the kind I ever saw. We drank tea at Greatness on Friday with the party from
the Grove, when Mr. Nouaille exhibited many of his interesting curiosities for the
amusement of the young ladies. Our friend Peter came from Oxford for the Christ-
mas vacation last Tuesday. Sir Richard Hardinge has sent down a box containing
six caps that he intends as presents to his friends, out of which my Mother has received
a very pretty white satten turban that will prove particularly acceptable should
she feel herself equal to the fatigue of attending the Knole Ball. The Book-meeting
is fixed for next Thursday, which my Mother will attend & perhaps one of us.
I hear Tonbridge Church is extremely handsome ; after having been deprived of
publick service for so long a time, you must all feel most happy that it is again
resumed. The Lady Pratts continue to interest themselves very much in the
School ; we generally meet them there of a Monday Morning, they purpose
distributing rewards to the children this week previous to the Christmas
holidays. Our friend Caroline (altho' not quite well) is in great spirits at the pros-
pect of two fine Balls. . . ."

The two balls were the Duchess of Dorset's and the New Year's Ball. The latter
is described by Miss Humphry in the next letter.

" Seal, January 7th, 1821.

I reproached myself for having let a week pass without sending my dear Julia
an account of the New Year's Ball ; I must now inform her that it was a delightful
one, and that Maryanne and myself enjoyed it very much. I do not know the number
that were there, but from the appearance of the room should imagine considerably
more than two hundred. It was really quite a County ball. Most of our own
nobility were present : Lord Camden carried a party of 17 consisting of part of the
family of the Duke of Montrose, Lord & Lady Castlereagh, Lord Ellenborough &
his Brother &c. ; we were quite gratified in having an opportunity of seeing so many
publick characters. The ladies were more splendidly attired, and a much larger
display of Jewels than at Knole ; Lady Castlereagh was particularly brilhant.
Dancing commenced about ten, with our own national dance, after which Quadrilles,
waltzing & a Spanish dance succeeded Your sisters danced all the Quadrilles, which
perhaps you will be surprised to hear when you recollect that last year I thought
my dancing days at an end. It was the general opinion that there was a much
larger display of beauty than at Knole ; Lady Caroline Pratt looked particularly
well & was considered one of the BeUes of the Evening. Miss Sidney came with
the Mays ; she appeared very happy to meet us & greeted us with all her former
good humour & cordiahty. Lord Brecknock & Mr. Sidney have accepted the office
of Stewards for the present year. Mr. Hemming came down on Saturday evening
& went with us to the Ball, with which he appeared much gratified ; he was obliged
to return to Town the following Monday morning being engaged to attend a private
ball at Hampton that evening, given to celebrate the coming of age of two of his
particular friends (twin Brothers) on that day. Our friend Mr. Baker is quite
well. You will be happy to hear that Carohne Hardinge is very much recovered ;
she has for some days been able to come into the dressing room & enjoy the society
of her friends. I spent a day with her last week & Maryanne is going to the Grove
for the same purpose to-morrow. Poor Mrs. Otway died last Thursday; her health
had been declining for some time but her friends did not apprehend that her end

208

was so near till a few days previous to her decease. She was so kind hearted &
friendly a woman that her loss will long be lamented by all her family & friends.
Mr. Townsend, a friend of Lord Camden's, performed the duty here this afternoon,
& was very much admired ; he is very young (not in Priest's orders) but a very
animated preacher & promises to excel in his Profession. . . Mr. Irving called
here a few days ago & I am sorry to say gave but an indifferent account of Mrs.
Irving's health ; she is now at Eaton with her three little Girls. I hope Miss Luxford
liked the Ball ; she was attired in a very pretty dress. A large party from the
Wells attended the Ball of which Mrs. Fane was the most distinguished for beauty
of person & elegance of dancing. . . ."

Soon after this, Miss Humphry succeeded Julia at Tonbridge, and received a
letter from Mary Anne describing yet another ball.

" Seal, Janry. 21st, 1821.
My dear Fanny,

. . . You may depend upon receiving your Italian Honeysucldes by Mrs.
Nouaille on Monday next, when she purposes with Mr. Nouaille & Anne to spend
a few days with Mr, & Mrs. West at the Postern. We were happy to find you had
enjoyed several pleasant engagements since your return to Tunbridge, & Mr. Alex-
ander giving you a frank was a fortunate circumstance as I am sure Mr. Acton
would be gratified to receive a perusal of the Tunbridge news, from his favorite
cousin. . . Caroline Hardinge attended the last Ball with the Family at Wilder-
nesse ; as usual, she was encircled by a host of partners. She is not inclined to vanity,
or the attentions she meets with from Gentlemen on these occasions might turn the
head of a young girl. There were eighty four in number and all the grandees, with
the addition of Lady Glengal brought by Lady Stanhope, & Lady Downshire with
her son, a charming boy eight years of age ; Lady Caroline Pratt (always good natured
to children) went down a country dance & this young boy afterwards wished to
join in the quadrilles. Lady Londonderry & her nieces called here on Thursday
& sat an hour ; her manners are mild & pleasing which add a grace to the high
endowments of her mind. On Friday we dined at Wilderness & spent a very pleasant
day ; Lady Elizabeth Pratt really seem'd delighted to see my Mother & paid her
much attention. She has the most benign countenance I ever beheld, & the manner
in which she spoke of our dear departed Father was truly gratifying, for whom I
verily believe she entertained a sincere regard. Lord Camden went to town early
the next morning & the two sisters departed for Baldero. My mother took it kind
in Mrs. West calling upon her as her stay at Greatness was so short. My Mother &
Julia are going this morning to 7 oaks to make some visits & are to take Mrs. Caroline
Hardinge & her niece ; one of their horses is laid up & so my Mother puts a pr. of
Horses to their carriage. . .Maryanne Humphry."

' ' Tunbridge, April loth, 1821.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Mr. Alexander came to Summer Hill yesterday. He wishes extremely
to liquidate my Aunt's debt as well as that of the other creditors, but his SoHcitors
have requested the delaj/ of a few davs till some necessary instruments are signed.
The loss is his as the money is lying idle, & the creditors will receive interest to the
day of payment ; at the same time, the delay is vexatious to all parties. . . Mr.
& Mrs. Francis Woodgate returned from London on Saturday ; Mr. Clarke approves
of the manner in which little Johnny has been treated both by Mr. Webb & Mr.
Morris & recommended them to pursue nearly a similar system. Mr. F. Woodgate
executed the commission I gave him to my intire satisfaction. He made the purchase
at Swan's in Picadilly as he cd not match the colour at Grafton House or any other
place ; this shop is considered one of the cheapest & best in London. My Aunt
Rose desires me to thank you for your kind present of dahas, & which she has no
doubt will greatly embellish her garden. Mr. F. Woodgate will be much obliged
to you for a few of the Corcoris Japonica & to send them to him at the proper season

209

of the year. I imagine you are now beginning to look forward to our friends return
at the Grove. Mrs. Woodgate call'd upon them in town & thought all the ladies
looking remarkably well. Have you heard who has taken the house at Godding
[probably that lately vacated by Francis Woodgate on his removal to Ferox Hall,
Tonbridge] ? How goes on our worthy vicar ? & do you continue to beat him at
chess ? or perhaps, like your friend Mr. Brown, you now & then give him a game
for a little encouragement ? Mr. Bouvier left some considerable property ; what
he possessed in France he bequeathed to his brother there ; he has left Miss Feldwick
all his stock of wine & the furniture of the house, besides which she comes in for
the house in the row given her (I believe) by Mrs. Bouvier, two hundred pounds to the
maid servant, & twenty with his cloths to the man. Poor man, he made his will
but a few hours before his death & was sensible to the last. . . . Maryanne
Humphry."

The next letter describes in some detail an eloquent sermon by Mr. Dodd at
Tonbridge ; the collection at the church doors amounted to forty-six pounds, and
Mr. Alexander who was in town sent a ten pound note.

" Tunbridge, May 21st, 1821.
My dear Julia,

I was truly happy to hear from the Miss Woodgates [of Riverhill] that my
Mother, yourself & Fanny were enjoying the interesting scene that took place in
the neighbourhood of Sevenoaks on Friday last ; I shall hope to be favoured with a
description, for altho' many particulars have reached me, the impression it made
upon your minds will be very gratifying to me to hear. It must have been a proud
day to Mrs. Lambard's family, & no one I doubt not felt more than Miss Bridon
on the occasion.

It afforded me much pleasure to find from your kind letter that Mr. Baker
had not omitted his usual invitation to Town & sincerely do I hope it will prove
an agreable visit to all the party. ... I have seen the Miss Woodgates fre-
quently ; on Saturday I walked with Anne to the Postern, and am to take another
walk with Anne & Sarah this morning. Mr. & Mrs. Knox had a large dinner party
on Thursday, which I joined in the evening. The company were amused with some
excellent sleight of hand performances, exhibited by a foreigner from the island
of Corsica, with which the company expressed themselves much pleased. I was
rejoiced to hear of Mr. Henry Walter's good fortune, equally honourable to his
own character as well as to his noble patron who has conferred upon him so valuable
a piece of preferment. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

We are fortunate in possessing a letter from Miss Humphry descriptive of hei
visit to London in June, showing what were then considered the amusements of the
Metropolis. They started at nine o'clock on Wednesday morning and reached
St. Paul's at two, where they found Mr. Baker surrounded by many of his relatives
including a Miss Morris from Salisbury, " a very lively intelligent young woman,"
who reminded them a good deal of Fanny Allnutt. She continues :—

" After partaking some refreshment, Julia & myself accompanied some of the
party to Piccadilly to view a beautiful collection of Paintings in water colours that
are exhibited there ; this art is brought to great perfection. We particularly admired
the productions of Turner & Robson. Dr. Hemming was so obliging to procure
us Tickets of admission for the anniversary of the Charity Schools at St. Pauls which
took^'place on the following day, & a more gratifying & interesting scene can hardly
be imagined. The number of children present, all neatly dressed and instructed
by charity, amounted to ten thousand & the spectators beyond my calculation.
The Bishop of Gloucester preached ; we had very good seats & heard the musick,
which was very fine, to great advantage.

Friday evening we attended a concert (for which Mr. Baker presented us with
tickets) at the Hanover Square Rooms ; we heard some beautiful singing & musick,

saw a great deal of genteel company, & had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Townes,
her Daughters & Mrs. Ilbert ; they pressed us very much to accompany them
to the Foundling Hospital the following Sunday. Saturday we devoted to Shoping.
Sunday Morning we walked to Mecklenburg Square, accompanied by Frederick
Hemming & his brother Charles ; we called upon our friends & went with them to
Church. The service was remarkably well performed & we heard a most excellent
& impressive sermon on the day from Mr. Hewlit ; the children with a little professional
aid sang beautifully. After service we saw the children dine, & went over the
Hospital to see everything worthy of observation. Hogarth's celebrated picture
of the March to Finchley & many other fine paintings are deposited there. We
spent an hour with our friends, who have an excellent House handsomely furnished
& delightfully situated. They all enquired much after you & desired to be most
kindly remembered. The weather was too cold & uncertain for our projected visit
to Richmond, but one fine morng we had a little row from Black Fryars to West-
minster, & I agree with you in thinking it a most agreeable recreation. We visited
the British Gallery in Pall Mall & were delighted in viewing so many distinguished
& interesting works of ancient masters ; West's picture of Christ healing the sick
is exhibited there, which is wonderfully conceived & executed. We afterwards
inspected a large collection of pictures that are to be disposed of by Lottery in Bond
Street. We walked in the Burlington Arcade & Western Exchange which are
nearly as attractive as the Soho Bazaar. We went to see the Egyptian Tomb,
which must afford much gratification to antiquaries ; it is very curious & gives a
good idea of the ancient sepulchres of the Egyptians. The difficulties Belzoni
encountered & the perseverance he displayed in search of these ancient relicks are
wonderful We concluded our amusements with the Panorama of Naples which
is the prettiest thing of the kind I ever saw ; the bay of Naples & the surrounding
scenery are beautiful. My Mother was quite well during her visit ; she kept very
quiet, not feeling herself equal to much exertion ; the Panorama was the only amuse-
ment she partook of. We saw our friends in Charlotte Street frequently. Mrs.
William Humphry is looking remarkably well, & the Infant tho small is a very
healthy child ; he is to be named Frederick ; the rest of the Children are well &
Richard quite restored to his former looks. We all dined with my Brother the day
before we left Town. We had a great many commissions to execute for ourselves
& friends ; but I think you will say we contrived to blend a large share of amusements
with them. . . ."

" Tonbridge, Novr. 19th, 1821.
. . . I wish I could send you a better account of our poor Invalid friend
here, but with concern I inform you Mrs. F. Woodgate's sufferings increase ; she
says she is never free from pain. Her spirits at times are very much depressed.
I often go & sit with her, as the society of her friends appears to afford her some
relief. You have not answered the question respecting the field at Godden, which
answer Mr. F. Woodgate is anxious to obtain. Mr. Knox, Mr. Luxford & Mr. W.
Scoones were kept in Town all last week by the Skinner's Business, which did not
come on till Friday. Mr. Knox came home late on Saturday night & returned
early this morning. He says they shall probably be detained the whole of the
present week & it is uncertain whether it will even then be decided. Mrs. James
West had a little party last Friday evening ; it consisted of Mrs. & Miss Salmon,
Mrs. W. Harvey (who is staying with her daughter), Mr. & Mrs. Morris, Mr. F.
Woodgate, Mr. Brown & myself ; as the weather was so unfavourable Mrs. West
was so kind to accomodate me with a bed & I spent the following day at Dry HiU.
Mr. Salmon was too unwell to join the party ; his tithe meeting at Tudely took
place the beginning of the week & proved very unproductive ; it is thought this
disappointment (in the irritable state of his nerves) produced a return of indisposition.
Johnny West's complaint proved the jaundice ; he has been as yellow as an orange
but is now recovering his complexion & is much better. . . The Ball appears

to have been very select ; it is seldom at this season of the year that so large a display
of nobility are present. My Aunt paid the remainder of the purchase money for the
share of the Farm &c. on Friday to William Woodgate by the desire of Mr. West
& Mr. Carnell*."

In November the Lord Chancellor gave his decision with respect to the
htigation between Tonbridge School and the Skinners Company (the Governors).
Sir Andrew Judde, founder of the school, had devised some property to the
Skinners Company in trust for the school. Some of the property, then only grass
fields, is now covered by what is part of the Borough of St. Pancras, and is of enormous
value. The Skinners contended that they might retain for themselves whatever
surplus there might be after providing for the school ; but this view was not shared
by the Court, and the whole funds were ordered to be applied for school purposes.
This dispute has been referred to in some of the previous letters, and is mentioned
in the next : —

" Monday Morng., 8 o'clock [Seal, November, 1821].
My dear Fanny,

W^e have seen Mrs. Stephen Woodgate several times since she has been at the
Grove. Yesterday CaroHne Hardinge, Charles, Arthur & Jane [Woodgate] dined
with us. I have now a piece of news to communicate, which I think will occasion
you some surprize. Sir Henry Hardinge is soon to be united to Lady Emily James.
This intelligence was communicated to us a short time ago by the Mrs. Hardinges,
but I must request you not to mention it at present, as they wish it not to be pub-
lickly known till after the ceremony has taken place. Sir Henry has been staying
at Wynyard with Lord Stewart for some months ; and Lady Londonderry and her
daughter have been likewise in the House. His family appear much pleased with
the connection although at present they will have a very hmited income. Mr,
& Mrs. Charles Hardinge are returned to Ketton ; Mr. Hardinge is anxious to remain
in the North till after his Brother's Marriage has taken place. Mrs. Charles Hardinge
was to dine with Lady Stewart to be introduced to her future sister. Lord Stewart
has invited all Sir Henry's Family to be present at the wedding, but they consider
it too distant a journey for them to undertake at this season of the year. After the
ceremony has taken place, the Bride and Bridegroom are to remain at Wynyard
for a Month. Sir Henry is now in Town, and is coming into this Neighbourhood
in a few days. Lady Elizabeth Pratt is at Wilderness, and Lady Londonderry
is expected in the course of the present week. The accounts of poor Miss Fanny
Lambard are much more unfavourable. The xening of Mr. Willm Lambard's
son is to take place next Monday ; our friends at the Grove are invited to dine with
them on the occasion, after which Mr. & Mrs. Lambard are going to join their farnily
at Hastings. We were happy to see in the Papers that the Lord Chancellor's decision
is in favour of Tunbridge School ; it must eventually prove of great advantage to the
town, and I hope that it will be settled soon enough for our cousins at Dry hill, the
Wests, to derive advantage from it Julia Humphry."

In December, Mary Anne Humphry writes from Seal : —

' ' The Miss Woodgates [of Riverhill] with William Woodgate [afterwards
of Swaylands] called here for five minutes yesterday ; they were in a hurry as William
was going to Town & was fearful of being too late for the Coach. Mrs. Charles
Petley went to Town early in the week to consult Dr. Clarke, having experienced
a change of symptoms in her side. Mrs. Lightfoot has made another addition to
her family. We partook of a haunch of venison yesterday, & spent a sociable
pleasant day with the family at the Grove. Mrs. Juha Hardinge (altho' much
improved in Health) is too much of an invalid to have a large party. As Mrs. S.
Woodgate calls on you this morning by appointment, you will he«r an account
of her brother's intended wedding. In case other morning visitors should prevent

* See Reference Sheet.

this communication & I know you are interested in this occasion, I insert a few
particulars. Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge & Mrs. Hardinge of Ketton (if she finds herself
equal to the undertaking) with other friends assemble at Wyndyard on the eighth.
On the tenth a breakfast a la fourchette is to be given about one o'clock, & at four
Sir Henry is to be united to Lady Emily by special licence. The ceremony is to be
performed by his Brother Charles, after which the bride and bridegroom set off for
a seat of Lord Stewart's twenty miles from Wyndyard. In the meantime the
guests are to enjoy themselves, probably with a ball, & the evening will conclude
with a splendid supper. The next day all the party assembled are to separate.
All these arrangements are made by Lady Stewart, & Lord Castlereagh has expressed
his approbation of the wedding in a very kind & friendly manner. Sir Henry has
taken a house in Grosvenor Square for the winter."

" Seal, March 8th, 1822.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Poor Mrs. Julia Hardinge has not been so well for the last week, &
Mrs. Caroline in consequence has suffered much from anxiety. The cheerful
society of Mrs. Stephen is a great comfort to her aunts ; she leaves them to-morrow.
They will not be alone again for some time, for Mrs. Hardinge is to spend a few
days with them on Monday & Miss Fanny Papillon comes to the Grove the middle
of the month. Mr. & Mrs. Smith came down to Greatness Saturday & returned
early Monday morning. Julia walked to call upon Mrs. Nouaille yesterday with
Mrs. S. Woodgate & Caroline. Mrs. Allnutt is going on well & Maria is quite recovered.
Mrs. Allnutt has received a letter from Miss Sydney in which she speaks in high terms
of the Ladies Keppel. Mr. William Coke has conducted himself remarkably well
on the marriage of his Uncle, altho' he feels the disappointment & says " his Sun
is now set." This strange Union of Mr. Coke is universally censured, & the general
opinion seems to be that he has disgraced the character he has hitherto sustained.
We are sorry to hear there is a demur to Anna Woodgate's wedding ; when an event
of this kind is publickly announced, any impediment to arise is always a disadvantage
to the young lady. . ."

Meanwhile Mrs. Julia Hardinge's health was breaking up, and she died in
April, 1822. After describing the progress of her disorder in some detail, Mary
Anne Humphry proceeds (ist April, 1822) : —

". . . Caroline was uneasy at the accounts she heard of her aunt and
requested to return, as she did yesterday ; tho pleasure awaited her in all directions,
she could not enjoy it in the present suffering state of her aunt. Fanny Papillon
has proved an admirable nurse during her absence & was delighted to see her return
accompanied by her brother Tom [Papillon], who escorted his cousin from London.
He called here yesterday after lunch and I am quite of your opinion in thinking
him a very fine young man with remarkably pleasing manners. Julia dined &
slept at the Grove on Friday & thought there was a material alteration in poor
Mrs. Julia. Sir Richard & Lady Hardinge are coming to Sundridge on Thursday ;
Sir Richard wishes to give up his house in the country provided anyone will take
the lease, but as this is doubtful on the terms he proposes his family think he may
continue there for another year. . . John Thompson favoured us with a visit
on Wednesday ; the magnificent beauty Miss Marquet has been staying at LuUingstone
— he seemed mortyfied that his friend Whitehead (who had dined there the day
before) did not extol her in the same rapturous terms as himself, & you will be
surprised to hear that he prefers Caroline Hardinge in the tout ensemble. He has
passed a most agreeable three months at the house of his patron, in the society of
Miss Calcraft and others, all of whom were to disperse the end of last week. He
admired our Greenhouse, and said I do assure you Miss Maryanne they are very
superior to the plants at LuUingstone ; he has promised to bring us some Neapolitan
violets. I was quite concerned to hear the account you gave of Henry Scoones,
but hope an amendment has before this taken place. Miss Cobb the younger is

213

going to be very well married to a Mr. Lambart of Beau Port near Hastings. Mrs.
& Miss Randolf called here on Friday & the day before we had a visit from Mrs.
Parsons & Mrs. Crow. Do inform us if any of our Tunbridge friends intend coming
to the Ball ; the Knole family, as Lady Plymouth is going to them, will probably
be there. . . Your letter is just arrived & I have only time to say you are the
best correspondent in the world. . . Maryanne Humphry."

" Tonbridge, April i6th, 1822.
My dear Julia,

. . . I was happy to hear from Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate (who I dined with at
the Vicarage on Friday on their return from the Grove) that they found poor Mrs.
Julia Hardinge in a more comfortable state than they expected ; she was quite
cheerful & enlivened by Sir Henry's visit & their society, & her spirits were less
depressed at parting than usual. Mrs. F. Woodgate is much better, although
at times she endures acute pains. Mr. John Thompson last week spent a few days
with his friend Mr. J. Harman at Holmden. He called at Dryhill & upon Mr. &
Mrs. F. Woodgate ; / was not a little mortified that he did not favour us with a visit,
perhaps you or Maryanne can explain the cause of this apparent neglect. Mr. Donald
I believe was also of the party. It cannot be said Tonbridge is destitute of Beaus.
About a fortnight ago I saw more than a hundred Gentlemen of fashion ; Lord Derby's
hounds were turned out at Wickham and persued a stag to the Wells, where the poor
animal was taken in a Cottage it had entered for safety by the rocks. Three hundred
noblem.en & Gentlemen followed the chase ; many of them returned by Tonbridge
& I do not know when I have seen so many handsome young men. I was very sorry
to hear from Mrs. S. Woodgate that our friend Mrs. Whitaker is very much out of
spirits on account of her nephew George having failed in business. This unfortunate
event happened a few days after the birth of his fifth child ; no blame is attached to
him, his failure being solely occasioned by a strong opposition in Trade. The Measels
have again made their appearance here ; George Luxford came home for the Easter
Holadays, & a few days ago failed with the complaint. It is supposed he brought
the infection from School. Poor Henry Scoones's complaint is decidedly on his
lungs, & I am concerned to hear little hopes are entertained of his recovery. I have
been invited to the Knox's twice lately, once to spend a day en famille, & last Friday
evening to meet the Francis Woodgates ; I was sorry I was not able to accept either
invitation. Anna [Woodgate] is still there ; she tehs me she thinks of taking up her
abode at Hastings. I am sorry to tell you all visiting & intercourse has been suspended
between the Knox's & Hardinges since Anna has been at Tonbridge ; surely it would
be better to lose the recollections of these misunderstandings in oblivion. My
Aunt is making some Raisin Wine. . . Mr. Tom May is gone to France ; when
he comes back, do not you think he will a little resemble the Monkey who has seen
the world ? I think I hear you censure me for this remark ; but the Gentleman
is so conceited that surely he is a fair object for a little satire. As the Ball proved
so good a one I am very sorry you & Maryanne were not there ; I am told Caroline
never looked better than on that occasion. Alicia & John West dined here Sunday ;
William joined the party in the afternoon, when we had a very pleasant walk that
we all enjoyed much. . . . Frances Humphry."

The next letter, written in reply, announces Mrs. Julia Hardinge's death : —
' ' My dear Fanny,

. . . Before you receive this you will probabty have heard of the death
of our valuable neighbour Mrs. Julia Hardinge. This Event took place yesterday
morning about eleven o'clock ; no alteration had taken place in her symptoms
for some time till the day before, when Mr. Kelson thought her not so well & she
took a little castor oil at going to Bed, after which she went to sleep, & passed a
comfortable night. About ten o'clock a material change was observed by her
Family, when Mr. Richards was sent for, but before he arrived the vital spark was
extinguished and her life was terminated without a struggle. My Mother went

214

to the Grove yesterday with Mrs. Nouaille, when they saw Mrs. Carohne Hardinge
who was as composed as ought to be expected, and tho deeply affected feels grateful
to Providence that her departed sister did not longer languish on the bed of sickness,
and that her sufferings were ended in so tranquil a manner. Mrs. Stephen Woodgate
& Mr. Hardinge came to the Grove immediately that they received the Intelligence
of the melancholy Event. I am sure we have lost a most warm hearted & excellent
Friend ; perhaps her real character was only known to her Relations & most intimate
Friends, and the Recollection of her many virtues will long live in their Remembrance.
Caroline Hardinge & Fanny Papillon dined here Monday, and tho' they were aware
that poor Mrs. Julia was in a most precarious state had no idea that her end was so
near. Mrs. Caroline Hardinge was so strongly united in affection to her Sister that
she must feel the separation most severely, but her Relations are so numerous and
they are so much attached to each other that I have no doubt but she will receive
every alleviation from their kindness and attention.

Lord Camden's Family returned to Town Monday. We saw them frequently
during their stay, & on Sunday my Mother, Maryanne and myself dined at Wilderness,
and really I do not know when we have enjoyed a Visit more ; all the family were
so very condescending and agreable. Lord Brecknock returned a few days before,
we think him improved both in person and manner. Mr. Gower, who was staying
in the House, Mr. Petley and Mr. Kelson were also of the party. In the evening
the young Ladies entertained us by shewing us views of Rome, Naples, Venice
and other curiosities which Lord Brecknock had brought from Italy. Lady Frances
seems to think her friend Miss Humphry has stayed long enough at Tunbridge
& wishes to see her again. You will be glad to hear that Mr. Irving has succeeded
to a very valuable Living in Dorsetshire, presented to him by Doctor Goodall ; it is
situated in a delightful part of the country & he intends to vacate his living in Sussex.
We have not seen the Riverhill family for some time ; poor Sarah has been very
unwell lately with an ague in her Head. We are quite at a loss to account for Mr.
John Thompson's not having paid a visit to his particular Friend Miss Humphry.
Mrs. West's visit to Greatness is postponed on account of Mrs. Matthew's illness ....

Juliana Humphry."

From Mcirch to July, 1822, there are a series of proposals from Mr. Whitehead
for Julia Humphry. It is probable that Mr. Whitehead, the Vicar of Seal and an
old and valued friend of the family, was becoming advanced in years, and his
addresses discouraged for that reason. His character was in every way amiable
and respectable and his fortune considerable.

Lady Frances Pratt, mentioned in the last letter, died in July, 1822, and her
funeral is described by Julia in a letter to Miss Humphry.

" The Funeral of Lady Frances Pratt took place here last Tuesday. It was
conducted in a very private manner. Lord Camden & Lord Stuart attended as
mourners. Lord Brecknock was so much afflicted by the death of his sister that
he was unable to be present. The Procession consisted of a Hearse & six and two
mourning coaches & four, followed by Ld. Camden's carriage. The Children of the
National School attended by the desire of Ld. & Lady Camden, thinking it would
be agreable to the wishes of Lady Frances who took so lively an Interest in their
welfare. The Girls had mourning given them for the occasion & the Boys black
crape hatbands. . . . We hear Mrs. Randolph is much pleased with her son's
intended marriage ; Miss Drummond has an Independent Fortune of five hundred
a year. We have heard a rumour of another wedding ; it is said Mr. T. Harvey
is to be united to Miss Nunn, a niece of Miss White's."

Mr. Harvey, Vicar of Cowden, was brother of the second Mrs. Henry Woodgate
of Spring Grove ; Miss Nunn had a fortune of ;^6o,ooo. That month Maryanne
Humphry joined Mr. and Mrs. West and Frances Woodgate at Hastings, where

215

it was considered her health would be improved by the sea bathing. The Wests
had taken Mrs. Wingfield's house on the parade.
' ' My dear Maryanne,

. . . The kind reception you received from Mr. & Mrs. West was very
gratifying, I think you cannot do otherwise than enjoy yourself extremely in so
pleasant a place as Hastings, and in the society of such agreable Friends. We
heard from my Brother a few days after you left us ; he did not find himself so well
on his return to Town, and is advised by his medical attendants to spend as much
time as possible in the country this summer, in consequence of which he came
to us again last Friday, accompanied by his little son Richard. My Brother's
health is already a httle improved, & we hope this visit will quite compleat his
Recovery ; he purposes remaining about ten days, when he will be obliged to return
to Town, as one or two of the clerks in the Council ofhce are to go in the suite of the
King to Scotland. William does not find his Health equal to undertake a journey
towards the North, therefore he will be obliged to resume his official duties during
his Majesty's absence. Richard is not very strong and we fear his complaint has
increased. Sir Henry and Lady Emily Hardinge spent a few days at the Grove
last week. Sir Henry called here accompanied by his Lady, as he wished to have
an opportunity of introducing her to us. Time has made a great alteration in her
appearance, I can scarcely believe she is the very pretty Lady Emily Stuart that I
formerly remember as a belle at the Wilderness Ball. Coll. & Mrs. Evelyn call'd
Saturday to invite us to dine at St. Clere to-morrow. My Mother is not equal to
going out, but Fanny & myself have accepted their Invitation, & anticipate much
pleasure from seeing their Gardens & collection of Plants, which are so much celebrated
for their beauty. Mrs. Nouaille and Anne walked over and drank Tea with us
Saturday Evening ; her sons are returned from School looking extremely well.
Philip is much grown. Fanny had a sociable letter from my Aunt Rose yesterday,
it is written with much spirit and is really a wonderful Epistle for a Lady that has
nearly attained her eighty third year. She has been made very nervous by the
melancholy event which has taken place at her neighbour's the Miss de St. Croix's ;
she expresses herself very anxious for me to come to her. In consequence of my
Brother's being here I do not think I can conveniently leave home till next week. . ."

On Maryanne's return, Mrs. Humphry made a visit to Tonbridge, after which
Julia spent some time there.

" Seal, Sepr. 20th, 1822.
My dear JuUa,

. . . Mr. Baker & my Brother do not come to us till the end of the month.
Mr, Baker has been absent for a month in Devonshire. . . . He has relinquished
Business in favor of his nephew ; he continues to reside in the House & means to do
so to the end of his Life. I have drawn two Patterns for Miss Luxford, but am so
little satisfied with my performance that I fear the Miss Humphry's taste will not
be held in such high esteem in future. My Mother & Maryanne accompanied Mrs.
Nouaille to drink Tea at the Grove to meet Mrs. S. Woodgate ; the preceding day
I dined there with Miss Burton, the Sundridge party (with the exception of Mrs.
Charles Hardinge who could not venture so far from her little Boy), & the Stephen
Woodgates. William Woodgate joined the Party in the Evening & proceeded to
Town by the Mail the same night. I understand the Party at the Pembury Christen-
ing is to be very numerous ; as you are to dine there «& probably will only be invited
in the evening to Mr. Hardinge's, if you have m.ade yr new Gown I should be tempted
to wear it. Caroline Hardinge is making a new Dress for the occasion. Mr. John
Thompson made us a sociable visit last week. He enquired very tenderly after
Miss Juha ; he told us he had been unmercifully rallied by the Miss Richards at the
sale the day before ; they said, addressing Sir Thomas Dyke, Mr. Whitehead & him-
self, that they considered Bachelors quite a nuisance to society. Mr. Whitehead
had a dinner party last week consisting chiefly of the Thompson f amUy. Sir Thomas

2l6

Lennard has announced to Mrs. Hardinge that his eldest Daughter is soon to be
united to Mr. St. Albyn, a young clergyman, son of John St. Albyn ; it is rather a
match of entertainment than splendor. My uncle Henry was so good as to come
over & spend a morning with us last week : he appears remarkably well, Richard
often talks of his dear Aunt Julia ; his general health is certainly improved, but
I fear the weakness in his back increases. He is really a most engaging child & a
great favourite with us all."

' ' Seal, Octr. i6th, 1822.

My dear Juha,

. . . My Brother's last letter gave a more favourable account of the Children ;
since the death of poor little Stephen they have been in great anxiety for Frederick.
He is now, I am happy to add, much better and William and Julia quite recovered
[from measles]. The Measels are at this time very prevalent here ; we trust by
not allowing Richard to go into the Village he will escape Infection. He is in very
good health, but I am sorry to say we think the weakness in his back decidedly
increased. He is so affectionate & engaging a Child that we shall all be very sorry
to part with him ; at the same time we are anxious for him to have good advice, &
hope my Brother will lose no time in consulting Mr. Ward on his return to Town.
Mr. Baker left us yesterday ; he is remarkably well & more active than when he
last visited us. He rose every morning at 7 & walked more than usual. Last
Friday he took us to Knole when Mrs. Hardinge lent us her Donkey Chaise & Caroline
joined our Party. It is cdways a treat to go over the House & the day was so fine
that I never saw it to more advantage ; it is kept in the nicest order possible. A very
good likeness of Lady Delawar by Saunders is the only addition to the Pictures.
We did not attend the Fair on Saturday, but hearing there was a very good collection
of animals, Mr. Baker kindly postponed his return to Town that he might accompany
us Monday, when Caroline again joined our Party. We were much gratified in seeing
many curious animals, including the Bonassus that created so much curiosity in
Town last year. We afterwards partook of a most hospitable collation at Mrs.
Machin's, met many of the Neighbourhood, & spent a most agreeable morning. . .
Mr. Whitehead dined here last week, & Mrs. Hardinge, Caroline, two Miss Papillons
with Mrs. Nouaille & Anne came in the Evening ; the night before we met a little
Party at Greatness. Anne Nouaille anticipates much pleasure from her visit to
the Postern. Ld. Camden & Ld. Brecknock are gone into Wales : Lady Camden
& her Daughters are spending the interval of their absence at Hastings. We last
week received a present of a beautiful basket of Grapes from Wilderness, which
were particularly acceptable when we had friends to partake of them. Mrs. Hardinge
& Caroline go to Town to-morrow to be present at the Christening of Sir Henry's
Httle Boy, which is to take place the following day. Pray tell my Aunt we shall
not forget to drink her health in a bumper on Friday. We are grieved to hear poor
Mrs. F. Woodgate is suffering so much, & fear from the nature of her complaint
the prospect of her obtaining rehef is very uncertain. . . . Frances Humphry."

The two letters follov/ing must have been written some time in 1823 ; the
first is from Miss Humphrj' to Julia at Tonbridge : —

" . . . Lady Camden wrote to my Mother last week offering her the use
of her Carriage to take a drive round the Duchess' new roads & call on Ly. Aboyne ;
as my Mother did not feel very well on that day she decHned. The following morning
Lord Camden called again & said, altho' my Mother was not well enough to make
a formal visit, they hoped she would come & partake a family Dinner at Wilderness
& they would have no other Company. We accordingly dined there on Saturday
& spent a very pleasant day ; I may say nothing could exceed the kind attentions
of all the family. . . Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate are at the Grove for a few days;
they went to Shooters Hill Monday se'nnight in their open carriage, when they
both caught cold & have been so unwell that it put an end to their expected enjoy-
ment."

217

The next is a reply to the foregoing letter, written from Tonbridge.

" . . Since you heard from me I am commenced quite a gay character. . . .

On Monday I dined & slept at Dry hill to meet Mr. Denny Ashburnham, & was much
gratified by hearing him sing many of his favorite songs. Sir Willm's Health
continues much the same ; from what I hear I imagine he has quite lost his Faculties
& is reduced to a state of second childhood. Friday Evening I spent at the Postern.
. . . Mrs. Francis Woodgate has called on us twice this week & really appears
better ; little Stephen continues to go on favourably & every hope is entertained
that he will do well. Mr. Harman is soon to leave Holmden ; the House in the
Town has been painted & preparing for them, but I now hear he has obtained the
refusal of Nisols, which will be more convenient for his business. The Lectures
are to conclude this Evening ; the Funds are exhausted, therefore they are obliged
to be discontinued. . . ."

In August some of the family took lodgings in George Street, Hastings, from
which the next letter is written on the 15 th.

" My dear Fanny,

After we parted at Tonbridge we had a most propitious journey and arrived
at Hastings about four o'clock. Mr. West was waiting in the Town & very kindly
conducted us to our new abode. We afterwards dined with Mr. & Mrs. West, who
would take no excuse & insisted on all our Party's joining their Family circle. Our
lodgings are very comfortable, the Bedrooms airy & fully answer our expectations.
I am happy to inform you my Mother is quite well & enjoys walking on the Parade
and the amusements of Hastings extremely. My Brother's health has already
derived benefit & we hope the sea Breezes will have a most salutary effect on him ;
he has not quite lost his Rheumatic Pains & therefore thinks of going into the warm
Bath next week, which is strongly recommended to him by all his Friends. Mary-
anne bathes every other morning. She goes into the sea with much courage & feels
refreshed after it, therefore there is every reason to hope it will prove beneficial.
I confess I was a little overcome by my first dip in the ocean, but soon recovered my
courage & think I shall now enjoy it very much. Our friends from Crowhurst
visited us on Saturday & on Tuesday Mr. & Mrs. Rush & Maryanne dined here ;
they gave us a pressing invitation to visit them at Crowhurst, which we hope to do
during our stay. Mrs. Rush expects the two Miss Claggetts to spend a fortnight
with her in a few days. The Parade is very gay of an Evening, & we enjoy extremely
walking on the Beach and inhahng the sea Breezes. Maryanne frequently mounts
the Hills after bathing ; I do not always accompany her on these Rambles, as she
ascends with much more facility than myself. I met Mr. Ashburnham yesterday
morning. . . . Hastings is not so full as last year, & many Lodgings are to be
Lett ; this is supposed to be occasioned by the lateness of the season and the falling
of the cliff in the winter which spread an alarm & has sent many Families in Town,
which were in the Habit of coming here, to other sea Places. We hear the Miss
Millwards are gone to France for six weeks, & Mrs. North and her Family are staying
at Tunbridge Wells Mr. & Mrs. West and their Party's Residence here are a great
acquisition to us ; after walking on the Parade of an Eveng we frequently adjourn
to each other's Lodgings when my Mother & my Brother have a sociable Rubber
with them. Mr. & Mrs. Wills (Mrs. Whitaker's Neighbours) called on us last week ;
she is a very pretty pleasing woman ; they are staying at Hastings for the benefit
of her Health. Mrs. J. Ashburnham & her sweet little Boy have just paid us a visit.
Sir Wm. was considered rather better this Morng. You would be amused to see
William on the Parade ; he is in high Feather & makes new acquaintance every
Eveng."

' ' Monday, Jany. 7th, 1824, [Seal],
My dear Fanny,

We were much concerned to hear of the indisposition of Fanny Woodgate
& happy she is now recovering from the effects of it ; the postponement of the party

2l8

at Greatness was a disappointment to our friends there, as well as ourselves, as you
was included amongst the Guests invited. Julia dined there with Mr. Lipscomb
& Mr. Auber, & my Mother & myself went in the evening. There was a fine dinner
& it was a pity that more friends did not partake of it. We attended the New
Years Ball on Thursday with Caroline Hardinge, her brother Richard, & Miss
Papillon. The company present amounted to two hundred & fifteen, which exceeded
by four the opening of the Ball room in 1819. Ld. Camden carried a party of fifteen,
Lady Geary & her daughter, Mr. & Mrs. Choundney Deering &c. The young ladies
left the room before supper, but Ld. Camden & his son remained. The Duchess
& Ld. Whitworth came for a short time ; Miss Russel (whom you may remember)
was with them, very fashionable & graceful in her appearance, and Mrs. & Miss
Loyde. Lady Stanhope brought a Party of six ladies : Lady Harriet Neville with
her Aunt were likewise present. The Ball was graced with numerous Belles, but
Miss Harriet & Elizabeth Bisco were the most admired. Mr. & Mrs. Thomas Streat-
feild (the bride) two sons & a daughter were there ; we were happy to meet Mrs.
Streatfeild again, but thought her altered in appearance. Rosa Woodgate came
from Greenwich with her Brother ; had her dress been handsomer, she would have
appeared to more advantage altho' many thought her a fine Girl. Julia & myself
enjoyed the ball exceedingly ; our party were extremely kind & attentive ; I declined
dancing as the room was so warm, altho' frequently solicited for this purpose

I must now tell you of a rumour that has reached us ; Sarah Woodgate [of River-
hill] is said to be engaged to Mr. Lipscomb. We have it from no authority, but the
report is very prevalent in the Neighbourhood. Mrs. Caroline Hardinge has not ventured
out this Xmas. She has had several parties ; we attended one on Saturday where
was Miss Burton, Miss Clements, Mr. Lambard & his daughters. Sir Richard Hardinge
& Miss Taylor, Mr. Petley, Mrs. Nouaille & two sons. Mr. Irving is spending a few
days at Wildernesse ; he call'd here Saturday. Mrs. Irving has recovered her health ;
they have three children, the youngest (a boy) is nine months old. He has a charming
situation in Dorsetshire, a good house, and his hving extends twelve miles ; it is
distant twenty two miles from Weymouth & twelve from Pool. Our guests on
Monday consisted of Uncle Henry, the Captain & Sarah [Woodgate], Caroline, Miss
Papillon & Richard Hardinge, Mrs. Nouaille, Anne & Julius, & Mr. Whitehead.
Our friends were very cheerful & seemed to enjoy themselves. My Mother did not
dine below, which saved her fatigue & enabled her to enjoy a rubber in the evening.
In enumerating our guests I forgot to name a Mr. Buttonshaw who came unexpectedly
to Greatness ; as Mr. Nouaille went to Town that morning with his son Philip, Mrs.
Nouaille of course brought him. He distinguished himself last year at the University,
is gentlemanlike in his manners & intended for the Church. At present he takes
pupils & Julius is one of the number. Mr. John Thompson performed the whole
duty here on Sunday ; he preached an excellent sermon, "so teach us to number
our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Ld. Camden admired it
very much. . . . My Mother has sent my Brother & Sister her annual present
of pork &c., which reached them in proper time ; they are aU well. . . .

Maryanne Humphry."

Mrs. Thomas Streatfeild was of Charts Edge ; she was a Miss Harvey and the
widow of Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove. The rumour with reference to Sarah
Woodgate proved well founded, for nine months later she was married to Mr, Lips-
comb. The next letter is addressed to Miss Humphry at Tonbridge : —

' ' Seal, Monday Morning, Febry. 9th, 1824.

' ' We were happy to hear from Miss Callender yesterday so good an account
of my Aunt & yourself. She tells us she has enjoyed many a pleasant walk with
you during her stay with her sister at Tunbridge [Mrs. Charles Hardinge]. Mrs.
Caroline Hardinge will be alone with Arthur for the next few days as her two young
friends go to Maidstone this morning for a ball there to-morrow, & likewise to partake
of other amusements. Julia, I beUeve, told you when she last wrote I was then

219

at the Grove ; they were so kind to carry me to St. Clere, & I was much gratified
in seeing the House (having never been there before), & it being a lovely morning
CaroHne & I explored the garden, Greenhouses &c. , . . Mrs. Evelyn was very
unwell with the gout in her right hand, & unable to dress or feed herself. Mrs.
AUnutt spent two days at Greatness last week ; she drank tea here & at the Grove.
Maria she said was quite well & anticipating much pleasure from Mr. Meggison's
Ball which takes place to-night. Mrs. Lambard's family are going & likewise Mr.,
Mrs. & Miss Haranc. You perhaps heard that Mr. Herries was prevented acting as
Steward at the last Sevenoaks ball, from the illness of his httle Girl ; she died at
Montreal last week at the age of seven years. Mrs. Rush came to Greatness on
Monday ; during her stay we had an evening party at Mrs. Nouaille's, here, and at
the Grove. She went on Saturday to Feversham where Mr. Rush was to meet her
& return with her to Crowhurst. A living has lately fallen to her eldest brother
as canon of St. Paul's, & she tells me he is in expectation of another valuable piece of
preferment. Her sister she likemse informed me is going to be extremely well
married. Anne Nouaille is to make her a visit at Crowhurst with her Brother
Peter in May. We think she seems rather tired of her present situation ; from
the unfavourable state of the soil many months pass without her being able to get
out or even take a walk, & this with a young family is a serious inconvenience.
Lady Aboyne has lent her house at Godding for two or three months in the Spring
to Capt. & Lady Mary Seymour, during which time the house at the Tan yard is to
be prepared for their reception, & indeed I believe the Duchess & Ld. Whitworth
have already begun the alteration ; with the improvements they propose making
it will be made a better House than that at Godding, We grieve to hear Mrs.
Francis Woodgate continues so great a sufferer. . . . We are glad Mr. & Mrs.
James West were so fortunate in their weather when they visited the Metropolis ;
William & Alicia I am sure enjoyed the theatre. While Julia & I were paying
some visits last week with Caroline Hardinge at Mrs. Randolph's &c. Mrs. & Miss
Harenc called upon my Mother ; she likes them very much & thinks Mrs. Harenc
particularly agreable. I forgot to inform you they invited us with C. Hardinge
to dine & go with them to the ball new years night. Dr. Slade is made dean of
Chichester ; we hear from his retired habits this promotion does not yeald him
much pleasure. We have just received a very kind invitation from my Uncle
Henry to dine at River Hill Tuesday week & wch my Mother has accepted provided
she continues pretty well. We are much concerned to hear the accounts of Fanny
Woodgate are not more favour£ft)le, the sea air will we trust prove beneficial. . . .

Maryanne Humphry."

To this period probably must be assigned the following note addressed to Miss
Humphry at Tonbridge : —

' ' Sir Richard & Lady Hardinge are gone to Town for the winter. Miss Callendar
accompanied them for three weeks, after which she returns to her sister. Maryanne
& myself spent a very pleasant Eveng at Wilderness last Friday ; Lady Camden
& her Daughters were very kind & obliging ; they shewed us several specimens of
Piatt made from English Grasses, which it is thought will equal the Leghorn in beauty
& durability, & if brought to perfection will prove a new acquisition to the manu-
facturers of this country. Philip & Anne Nouaille drank tea with my Mother and
Maryanne last night. They gave them every particular of the Postern dance, &
it being so new a scene to them they appeared quite delighted with their Evening.
Caroline Hardinge when in the North received a handsome present from her Mother,
& during her last visit to town she purchased with it a Ruby Garnet necklace &
cross, set in gold. It is exceedingly handsome & her Aunt tells her is too superb
for a spinster. I was very glad to hear Mrs. Jas. West had again made her appearance
at a Dance & hope Alicia derived much pleasure from it. Mrs. Lightfoot call'd
yesterday ; she is staying with Mrs. Streatfeild with a large part of her Family.
. . Juliana Humphry."

220

' ' Seal, Monday Morning, March 15th, 1824.
My dear Fanny,

The visit of Sir William & his nephew James [West, junior] gave us
all much pleasure. We regretted they were not prevailed on to stay all night, as they
must have experienced a cold ride home. I was in great hopes of meeting with a
cast to Tunbridge this week, & have sounded all my friends upon the subject. Caro-
line Hardinge tells us that as Mrs. Stephen Woodgate has lost her poor baby, the
carriage will probably soon go down for her to spend a Httle time at the Grove, &
Mrs. Nouaille has for the last week wished to pass a day at the Postern, but having
the two Boys still with her & three of her female servants about to quit, has not been
able to carry her wishes into effect. Mr. Whitehead has decided upon taking a
curate. . . . John Thompson paid us a visit on Wednesday of two hours. He
seemed to lament deeply the loss of his little niece & said Mr. F. Woodgate had
written a very feeling & consoling letter, which has contributed to sooth their
minds on this trying occasion. Miss Fanny Thompson you will be sorry to hear
is not in good health ; she has lately been staying with her cousin & is now on a visit
at Lullingstone with Mrs. Twysden & two other young ladies, hkewise guests of Sir
Thomas Dyke's. My Mother Thursday sen'night accompanied Mrs. Caroline Har-
dinge to Sundridge, being anxious to see poor Lady Hardinge once more, who was
much gratified with again seeing her. On Tuesday last we dined at the Grove
with Sir Richd Hardinge ; his spirits appeared depressed with the sufferings of Lady
Hardinge. Mrs. Caroline Hardinge & her niece went on Saturday to pass a week
at Sundridge, we quite miss their society. We congratulate Mrs. West upon the
improvement of Fanny Woodgate's health, & rejoice that Sir Astly Cooper has been
so successful with his fair Patient. Tuesday week Julia & myself dined at Wilder-
nesse & spent a sociable pleasant evening. After tea we had each the honour of
playing two rubbers of short whist with his lordship ; they return to the country
again at Easter. Mrs. Charles Petley is quite well ; we call'd on her last week.
If they can let their house for three months, she wishes to go to Hastings for that
period & as early as Easter for the benefit of sea air, Bathing &c. for the children.
You have doubtless heard of Mr. Christopher Lipscomb's promotion, (it was quite
unsolicited) ; his Brother at Sevenoaks has undertaken for the present the tuition
of Mr. Polhill's sons. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

The next letter contains an account of some negotiations conducted by Mrs.
West for hiring some lodgings at Hastings for the Humphrys. The writer, Julia
Humphry, continues (from Tonbridge, 15th July, 1824, to Miss Humphry) : —

Mr. & Mrs. West &c. started for Hastings at six o'clock Thursday morning ;
William West, Fanny & Rosetta accompanied them. The little Girls are to remain
three weeks when Mrs. James West is to go down with Alicia ; Mrs. James West
stays a few days or a week and Alicia is to continue with them till they return home.
The School affairs are likely to be brought to a conclusion, in consequence of which
Mr. Knox has taken a Degree of Doctor in Divinity at Oxford. I was rejoiced to
hear that Maryanne finds Riding so beneficial ; perhaps when the weather is more
temperate she may venture as far at Tunbridge. The Matrimonial mania appears
to continue ; two more weddings are announced. Mr. Henry Streatfeild is to be
married to a Mrs. Pepper, a young widow with a large Jointure, & Daughter to
Mr. Dorien Maggens, and we understand Miss Emily Saint has accepted the Proposals
of Mr. Tom May, and we hear Miss May is engaged to Mr. Cleughs, the late curate of
Hadlow. Mr. Henry Streatfeild is anxious to hire a House in the neighbourhood
of Chidingstone. It is said Mrs. Pepper has a Jointure of two thousand a year.
I hope & trust the Seal Party experienced no ill effects from the tremendous storm
of Wednesday night ; I considered myself fortunate to be returned from the Postern
before the violence of it commenced. Mr. West writes word from Hastings that the
damage there, in broken glass alone, amounts to a thousand Pounds. Our friends
at Dryhill I believe go to Town this week. My Aunt & myself are to dine with Mrs.

221

James West to-day, and as the time is nearly arrived for attending Church, I must
conclude. . . . Juliana Humphry.

I am just returned from Church and have been gratified by hearing Henry
Woodgate, who read Prayers & Preached to a very full congregation. The tones
of his voice are very pleasing, and in my opinion he reads and preaches with much
feehng and good judgement but appears to have a weakness in his Lungs ; should
his Health be strengthened, he will excel much in his Profession. He is certainly
the handsomest young Man I ever saw in the Pulpit. His text was taken from the
58th Psalm, ' ' Verily there is a reward for the righteous ; doubtless there is a God
that judgeth the earth."

His subsequent history was equally creditable to Julia Humphry's foresight
and to Henry Woodgate, who, in an age of learned and eminent divines, proved
himself one of the staunchest pillars of the Church.

In August it would seem that Julia and Maryanne journeyed to Hastings to
engage lodgings before the arrival of Mrs. Humphry and her eldest daughter, pending
which they enjoyed the hospitality of the Wests. There is a long letter on the
subject of lodgings, and the rent of those most suited to their requirements amounted
to three and a half guineas a week. The lodgings they had procured for Mrs. Caroline
Hardinge were rented at five guineas a week. Hastings was a favourite and fashion-
able resort for the inhabitants of Tonbridge and the neighbourhood, and of those
staying there the letter mentions Mrs. Thompson, Peter Nouaille and Dr. Rudge
(who had preached several times and was expected to stay a month longer) ; the
James Wests had lately departed.

From a letter of this month we learn that Rosa Woodgate was about to leave
her sister Mrs. Knox to make a visit at South Park and Pembury, and then to return
to her aunt Mrs. Garthwaite, at Pilmore Hall, Durham. In October Julia was
back again at Tonbridge, writing to Miss Humphry at Seal, on their return from
Hastings.

" On Friday, the floods having subsided, I walked to the Postern. Mrs.
Matthews & some of her grandchildren have been passing ten days there. Mrs.
West expects her niece elect. Miss West [who was engaged to William Woodgate]
this week for two days, before she leaves this Neighbourhood. Fanny Woodgate
still complains of a little Cough ; Mr. Morris has recommended her being entirely
clothed in fleecy hosiery, which she has adopted. She is looking particularly well,
and is in excellent spirits, but is advised to be very careful of her health during the
winter. . . . Now there are so many attractions at Seal, surely Mr. Hatch
will reside more among his Parishioners. You must not omit to drink my Aunt's
Health to-morrow, when she will attain her 85th year. I have written this under
many interruptions ; Willm. West has spent the evening here. . . .

Juliana Humphry."

The following letter, undated, must be attributed to this period. It is addressed
from Tonbridge, by Julia : —
" My dear Fanny,

. . . I dined with Mrs. Hardinge on Tuesday ; Mrs. MacLeod, Miss Warde,
a Scotch lady & Miss Yates formed the Party. Miss Yates is very conversable &
pleasing, & in her manner reminded me of our former friend Mrs. Green. I was
glad the weather proved so favourable for Mrs. Wm. Humphry & her little companions ;
give my love to Richard & tell him I shall be quite disappointed if I do not hear
he is a good Boy. I spent a very sociable day at the Postern on Friday with James
& Alicia West ; the floods last week have seriously injured Mr. West's crops of grass.
Mr. & Mrs. West are going to Hastings next week to take Lodgings ; Miss Gunning
leaves them to-morrow. Mr. Knox performed the whole duty here to-day, both
morning & afternoon. I imagine Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge are gone to Sundridge. I
am going to Drink tea with Mrs, Jas. West, & have written this in great haste since

church. Mr. & Mrs. Millwaxd [of Hastings] were at Church here this morng with
the Miss Eyles. . , ."

" 5th Novr. 1824. [Tonbridge].
My dear Fanny,

. . . I had an invitation last Thursday to dine with Mrs. Luxford ; Mr. &
Mrs. H. Curteis, Mrs. Maskell & Miss Jemmet were staying in the House. I regretted
not being able to accept it but we were engaged to drink tea at the Vicarage to meet
Mrs. Flint. To-morrow I am to accompany our friends at the Postern to Penshurst
to go over Penshurst Place, after which we are to dine at South Park ; I anticipate
much Pleasure from this Excursion. Mr. & Mrs. Carnell have lately been passing
a week at Hastings. Little Mary Scoones continues to go on well ; she told her Aunt
the happiest day she had passed since she left Hastings was at Mrs. Humphry's,
& that she never should forget the many entertaining stories told her by Miss Mary-
anne. Anna Woodgate is full of engagements, & had scarcely time to call on Mrs.
Carnell. Hastings is full of Company & nearly every Lodging is occupied. I am
sure my Mother will be concerned to hear of the death of her old friend Mr. Henry
Bishop ; he died last week after a short illness. . . . Juliana Humphry."

" Sunday, Nov. i6th, 1824,
My dearest Mother,

. . . James West drank tea with us on Monday. He mentioned having
met Mr. Hatch, & I am anxious to hear your's and my sisters account of your new
neighbour. I understand his manner is not particularly graceful. I spent a
pleasant day at South Park yesterday sennight & was much gratified by going over
Penshurst Place ; many of the finest pictures have recently been cleaned and a good
portrait in crayons of Mr. P. Sydney lately arrived from Town. Miss Sydney is
still in France. Mrs. West purposes spending a few days at Greatness in the course
of ten days or a fortnight & has kindly promised me a conveyance of which I shall
most gladly avail myself. She devotes one day for visiting Mrs. Streatfeild at
Charts Edge, and another for seeing her Seal Friends. Miss Ward leaves Mrs. West
at Xmas ; she has had several applications & is in treaty for a situation with a Lady
in Hertfordshire. ... I imagine James informed you that Mrs. Jas. West
has engaged a Governess ; she is not an accomplished woman, but has an excellent
Recommendation from the Lady she has just quitted. I was glad to hear a few
days ago that a Gentleman was in treaty & likely to engage Spring Grove. I called
at Penshurst with Mrs. West on Tuesday ; Mrs. Springet and three of her children are
staying at the Postern. I am to drink tea with Mrs. Knox on Tuesday, and as it is
a formal Invitation imagine their usual rout will then take place. Miss Callender
is staying at Fairlawn ; Mrs. Yates is recovering from her late illness. . . . Mr.
Francis [Woodgate] has just been here & mentioned the report of an unpleasant
Robbery at Fawke, which if correct must have distressed poor Mrs. Thompson
exceedingly. . , . Juhana Humphry."

' ' Monday Morning, 8 December [1824]
My dear Julia,

. . . Mr. & Mrs. S. Woodgate with their family took leave of the Grove
on Friday, leaving Jane behind for a week or ten days to profit by the instructions
of Mr. Gibbon. I dined at the Grove (en famille) Wednesday ; the day previous
they had spent at Fairlawn. They appeared much gratified with their day & the
blind Miss Yates presented Mrs. Hardinge with a beautiful silver purse, a most
extraordinary production to be accomphshed by anyone labouring under the severe
afiliction she experiences. Your account of Mr. Hatch solved the mystery of his
not residing at Seal ; every one laments that a young man so highly gifted by nature
& so much admired in the Church should by early imprudence have placed himself
in so embarrassing & painful a situation. Miss Burton paid us a visit on Thursday;
that morning she had heard from Lady Burton particulars of the devestation occa-
sioned at Hastings by the late storm, an account of which has doubtless reached

223

you from Sir W. Ashburnham. I forgot to mention when speaking of our friends
at the Grove that Caroline is going to day to Maidstone for a week, when Fanny
Papillon is to supply her place, after which she goes with her Aunt to Town to stay
with Sir Richard till the day before Xmas day. . . Maryanne Humphry."

" Tunbridge, Deer. 19th, 1824.
My dear Fanny,

Sir William Ashburnham & his two nephews left Dryhill yesterday for Bromham ;
they went down in the new carriage which came from Town the eveng before & is very
handsome. Sir William was fully engaged during his stay. He called on all his
Friends & Relations in this Neighbourhood & on Wednesday James drove him to
Pembury in his way to the Wells. Stephen was not at home but Mrs. Stephen
received him & introduced him to the whole of her Family, her elder sons being
just arrived from School. I know you will be glad to hear that the Skinners have
empowered Dr. Knox to elect James West to an Exhibition, therefore his going to
college is now decided on. Dr. Knox has behaved in the handsomest and most
friendly manner on the occasion. I spent a pleasant Eveng with Mr. & Mrs. Knox
on Tuesday ; Mr. & Mrs. Hardinge, Miss Callendar, Sir William & his Nephew & a small
Party dined there. A party of two & twenty assembled at the Postern on Thursday
Eveng ; the company were amused with cards, dancing and musick which was
kept up with much spirit till twelve o'clock. Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny did all
in their power to entertain their Guests & it was a very lively pleasant meeting.
My Aunt was much obliged to my Mother for some nice sausages which reached
her by Penfold on Wednesday. Mr. Luxford's sale went off extremely well & the
Furniture in general sold at an high price. I attended with a Party on Wednesday
but the Ladies found it so little entertaining that we did not stay more than half
an hour. James & William West are to spend a fortnight or three weeks at Broomham,
& Sir William is to pass a few days again with his sister either the middle or end of
next month. Miss Harvey called on Maryanne Tuesday while we were at Dry
hill. . . . Juliana Humphry."

This exhibition to which James John West was elected was worth £100 a year
for four years ; it was one of the new Judd Exhibitions, and James West was the
first holder of it. He also obtained a scholarship at Jesus College, Cambridge,
to which place he went in 1825.

" Seal, Febry. i6th. 1825.
My dear Julia,

. . . The Weather was so fine last week that my Mother was induced on
Thursday to make a few Morning visits. We called at Knole, Ly. Abo5me's &
Fairlawn. The Duchess was not at home which was quite a disappointment, as
we hoped to have been favoured with a sight of her Orangery. Ly. Aboyne received
us most graciously, & told my Mother she had been meditating whether she might
take the liberty of first calling on her. You will be surprized to see how pretty
she is making her Place ; a new approach to the House through the Hop Garden
is a great improvement. We were unfortunate in not finding any of the family
at Fairlawn at home ; Mrs. Yeates with Miss Peel & Miss E. Yeates returned the
visit on Monday & expressed much regret that they did not see us. I fear we shall
soon lose Mr. Hatch ; Mr. Whitehead a short time since intimated that he should
be happy to enter into a permanent engagement, provided he would reside more
here. To this he assented ; however when he next came to Seal he proposed to
Mr. W. an exchange with his brother Charles, who he said would be very glad to
take the Curacy & reside (with one of his sisters) in Mr. W's. house. Although we
have heard so high a character of this young Man, we cannot repress a feeling of
regret at parting with our comparatively old friend ; he performs the Sunday service
so well that he will be a great loss in the Church which is always well attended, &
the unfortunate predicament in which he is placed appears to create additional interest

224

among his female parishioners. Mr. W. said he made no disclosure to him, but
appeared a good deal agitated when he communicated the Proposal. My Mother
has engaged a brother of Robert's to supply his place ; he is rather young for the
situation, but Robert gives so favourable a report of his steadiness & good conduct
& appears so confident he will suit that we are induced to try him. . . . We
have had several evening visits since I last wrote among our httle circle. Miss
Warde spent two days last week at the Grove & afterwards went to Wilderness for
the same period. She called one morning with Caroline and we thought her very
agreable. Tell James with my love that I am happy to hear he is persuing his
studies with so much avidity, from which there is no doubt he will hereafter derive
much advantage. Mrs. Nouaille is just arrived for Church, I must therefore con-
clude, &c Frances Humphry.

Sir Thomas Lennard's eldest son is about to form a second matrimonial engage-
ment with Miss Sheddon, a young Lady of good fortune, I believe an only daughter
of Sir Robert Sheddon."

The following letter, undated, must be attributed to this period.
" My dear Julia,

. . . Anna Woodgate is sta3dng at Greatness ; she dined here Monday
with Anne Nouaille. Altho' she has so many kind friends at Hastings, she tells
us she has left it as a residence, finding it too relaxing a situation for her health.
It is not at present decided where she is to fix her future abode. You will see her
soon as she goes to her sister Mrs. Knox to-morrow. The only Hastings news she
imparted is that Mr. Frederick North is engaged to be married to Mrs, Shuttleworth,
a handsome agreable young Widow of about 30 with one little girl. This lady
has a jointure of ;^3,ooo a year, half of which she rehnquishes on a second marriage.
I was quite sorry to hear this intelligence, as you know we had set our minds on his
being our future cousin.

Mrs. Hardinge told my Mother on Sunday that Sir Richard's intended match
is at an end, I beheve in consequence of some difficulty respecting settlements.
As the gentleman appears disposed to marry again, perhaps he is not hkely to form
a more desirable connexion. I will thank you not to mention this till you hear
it from other quarters. Miss E. Yeates (with her cousin, a Miss Burton) favoured
us with a second visit last week and was very conversable and agreable. Anne
Nouaille is looking forward with the greatest delight to the Ball ; our young friends
are so desirous for us to be present that I have promised to comply with their wishes.
Maryanne is a Httle doubtful but I think she will also be there ; and it would afford
us the utmost pleasure to meet you in the ball room. Should you however not
feel disposed to add to the number of BeUes, if you do not think the request too
unreasonable, perhaps you would again favour me with the loan of yr wreath,& I
wd return it by Mrs. West the following day, but believe me I had much rather
see it ornament yr head on that evening than my own.

We saw a good deal of Mr. H. Thursby during his stay at the Grove ; he is
remarkably well informed and good humoured, but has a good deal of singularity
in his appearance & manner for a young man that has lived so much in the world.
He assisted Mr. Hatch twice in the Duty ; he read very agreably but his voice is
not sufficiently powerful for our Church. Mr. & Mrs. Petley & Mr. & Mrs. Lips-
comb have lately favoured us with morning visits. It is whispered that you are
to have a dance at Mrs. F. Woodgate's in the course of Easter week. Carohne
Hardinge goes to Lady Geary Wednesday for the Maidstone Ball & stays at Oxen-
hoath the remainder of the week. I hope you was not the worse for yr walk to the
Miss Eyles's ; we feared it might be a little too much for you. . . .

Frances Humphry."

225

" Tonbridge, March 8th, 1825.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Mr. James West and James went to Meopham last Sunday to spend
the day with Mr. John Thompson & returned the following morning. You will
be glad to hear that James is entered at Jesus CoUedge Cambridge. He is much pleased
with this arrangement and as his destination is finally fixed, it will I hope have the
effect of steadying his mind & inducing more regular habits of application. I imagine
you have heard the particulars of the Tunbridge Ball from Anne Nouaille. The
Stewards obtained great applause ; yr absence was much regretted by all your
Friends & Maryanne was considered a great loss among the Belles. It passed off so
well that I believe it will be the prelude to regular Balls being established here.
Between ourselves I think it would have been as well had this been deferred till
Easter, as being a more proper season for indulging in musical gaieties. I have
now another gay meeting to relate to you. Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Scoones gave their
first Party last Monday : the Invitations were very numerous & nearly fifty persons

attended and most of the Leigh neighbourhood, & Mr. & Mrs. . Mr. Scoones'

office was appropriated for dancing, after which the Company partook of a most
elegant supper. I assure you I have not for a long time passed a pleasanter Evening.
Captn. Scoones is a great favorite with the young Ladies & indeed the universal
politeness and attention of his manners in my opinion renders him very deservedly
so. He leaves this winter in a very short time for America. Mr. & Mrs. Scoones
sent an invitation to the Miss Humphry's, but as you declined coming to the Ball
I did not forward it to Seal Mrs. Hardinge & Miss Callender in consequence of the
recent death of Mrs. Flint have declined attending these meetings. How do Sir
Richd. Hardinge's Family approve of the matrimonial step he is about to take ?
Perhaps if he must form a second connexion of this nature it is more suitable than a
younger lady. Mr. Wilgress told me that Sir Richard had announced this event
to the Duchess of Dorset, and mentioned that Mrs. Shepherd has a jointure of three
thousand a year, half of which she relinquishes by a second marriage, therefore
she wiU pay a high price for her title. Was not you surprized to hear of Mrs. Wood-
gate's attending the Ball ? She was likewise at Mrs. Scoones' but appeared to be
in a fitter state to have been in Bed. We had a visit on Sunday from Miss Eyles
& her niece ; they are just returned from Brighton where they have been passing

six weeks. Miss Louisa was staying in Surrey with Mr. & Mrs. Benson

Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny went to Town on Tuesday, they purpose returning before
Easter ; as Fanny's health has not been quite regijlar of late, Mrs. West intends
taking her to Mr. Clarke for the benefit of his advice. James West has taken his
Horse into the stable, and as it will soon be in riding order he intends taking an
early opportunity of paying a visit to his friends at Sed. My Aunt has received
a small piece of wedding cake from Capt. & Mrs. J. Woodgate. . . .

Juliana Humphry.

I have just received your kind note for which accept my best thanks. . You
may recoUect that Mrs. Shepherd had some years ago the Manor House at Sevenoaks
for a few months, & I believe Caroline Hardinge has been in the habit of attending
Balls at her House in Town. Her age is said to be nearly fifty and that she is a
fashionable handsome woman for her time of life."

The next letter, by Juha Humphry, tho' undated, must have been written in
April, the month that she received proposals of marriage from Sir William Ash-
bumham.
' ' My dear Fanny,

. . . Sir William Ashburnham went to Town last Tuesday. We saw him
frequently during his stay. He remains in town for a fortnight ; you will frequently
see his name in the Paper as he purposes attending several Public meetings. He
proceeds to Ditchling to visit his Brother Denny & on his return is to pass a few
days with his sister, if he does not before that time take his departure for Brighton.

326

Sir Willm has made his niece Alicia a present of two beautiful diamond Rings.
The diamonds belonged to his Aunt Margaret ; they are beautifully set & I imagine
form a part of Miss Ailing's rejected presents. The Baronet made many enquiries
after his Seal friends & requested me to convey to them his very kindest Respects.
I hear Anna Woodgate is gone to South Park, I have not seen her since you left
Tonbridge. Nothing further has transpired with respect to Mrs. Knox's Party.
The Skinners' day is fixed for the 17th of May, on which day I think it not unlikely
that it may take place, when I hope one at least of my fair sisters will make it con-
venient to attend. Captn. & Mrs. Streatfeild came to Tunbridge last Tuesday
and returned the following day ; unfortunately poor Mrs. Francis [Woodgate] was
so unwell as to be confined to her Room, and could have no enjoyment from their
Society. They favoured us with a sociable visit and Anne was enjoying good Spirits.
We had also a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Petley the beginning of the week. . . The
post this morning brought me a long and entertaining letter from Fanny Woodgate;
she has not partaken of any gayety since she has been in Town, her time being
entirely engaged with Masters. She has one for Musick, Dancing, Drawing, and
Perspective, but hopes to be rewarded for her Industry before she leaves the Metropolis
by partaking some of the public amusements. She desires her kindest love to her
Aunt Humphry & cousins at Seal. We hear from Sir Willm. that sixty new Houses
are to be begun this Spring at Hastings near the White Rock ; his brother George
has agreed for a Piece of Ground, adjoining Mr. Camack's, for which he is to give
the enormous price of eight hundred pounds, & purposes erecting another House.
The rumour of Mr. F. North's intended marriage with Mrs. Shuttleworth is confirmed ;
Captn. Streatfeild is well acquainted with her & describes her at a fascinating woman
in Appearance & manner, but her age cannot be less than five & thirty. . . Mr.
Hardinge has been confined with a bad cold, & in consequence of the Indisposition
of the other clergymen Dr. Knox has performed the whole Duty for the last Sunday,
& altho the cause is to be regretted his Discourses are so excellent & his delivery
so impressive that it has been a great gratification to all the congregation.

Juliana Humphry."

In April a great event took place in the Himiphry family. It is referred to in
the following note : —

" Saturday Eveng.
My dear Fanny,

A circumstance has occurred this Morning which makes me very anxious to see
my dear Mother, & having no other way for accomplishing it, I have engaged the
Fly to convey me to Seal to-morrow ; I purpose starting from Tunbridge at nine
o'clock & hope to reach Seal between ten and eleven, and now give you a line to
apprize you of my Intention, that yourself and Maryanne may not go to Kempsing
Church, as I wish for an opportunity without the Interruption of visitors of talking
over an affair of considerable Importance. Do not be alarmed as I trust it will not
be of an unpleasant nature, but I shall reserve all further communication on the
subject till we meet. I received dr. Maryanne's note this morning & am concerned
to find the expectation of complaisant visitors will prevent us the Pleasure of seeing
her at Tunbridge next week. If not very Inconvenient perhaps you would return
with me to-morrow for a few days, being much in need of your judicious advice at this
time. I must now bid you adieu for this Evening, & with our kind love to the Seal
circle. Believe me, dr. Fanny, yr truly affectionate

Juliana Humphry.

My Aunt has been reading my Note. She says I have not sufficiently explained
the object of my visit, and desires me to add there is not the smallest cause for
alarm."

The nature of this matter is explained by the following note to Sir William
Ashbumham at Broomham : —

227

" Dry Hill Lodge, April 30th, 1825.
My dear Brother,

As I consider it cruel to keep any person in suspense, & more particularly a
Lover, I hasten to inform you that my dear Julia called here about an hour after you
left us, & I presented your letter into the fair hands of the object of your affections,
& I have the satisfaction to say she appeared to receive it most cordially, which I
consider as a most favourable omen to you. I cannot say when you will receive her
answer but I imagine as soon as she has heard from Mrs. Humphry. As I find
myself rather feeble this evening I must now conclude with most ardently wishing
you every success & happiness in the prospect before you. I remain, my dear
Brother, most affectionately yours,

Alicia West."

An offer from a man of such admirable parts and unexceptionable circumstances
could not be refused, but for further particulars of this affair the reader is referred
to p. 86. Juha Humphry's next letter to her sisters is dated the 13th May : —

" ... Sir William Ashburnham returned from Town yesterday & spent
the Evening with us last night when he communicated to me his Intentions with
respect to his Future Establishment. He has at present only two Female Servants,
which he considers will be very insufficient for the size of his House, and therefore
intends engaging two more ; one, as he kindly expressed, to wait upon me and to
take some part in the Household work, the other as Housemaid. I hinted to him
from the manner in which I had been brought up that little attendance on me would
be necessary, but he appeared to think from his station in society an Establishment
of two Men and four Female servants was indispensible, and therefore wishes me to
engage two Domesticks from the Neighbourhood of Seal. He mentioned that Mrs.
Homes had been in his Family for twenty seven years, and unless it was my particular
request should feel much regret at parting with her. The dairy maid he also wishes
to retain. I am sure I never can be sufficiently grateful for the kindness, liberality,
& Feeling he evinces, and the manner in which he consults my future comfort. It
is my Intention to return home by the Fly on Thursday Morning. Sir William goes
to Broomham to day to meet a Gentleman who is surveying his Estate, now on Sale ;
he comes to Tunbridge again on Tuesday to be present at the Skinners' Meeting and
intends himself the pleasure of dining with my Mother on Thursday. He is obliged
to be in Town on Friday morning & therefore purposes sleeping at the Crown,
Sevenoaks, to be in readiness to start by the first coach. I have entered into these
Particulars that my dear Mother and yourselves may have an opportunity of con-
sidering the subject, as Sir Willm wishes it to be finally arranged on Thursday, but
I must request you not to mention it again till after our meeting. Mrs. Knox called
yesterday to offer her congratulations & to invite us to drink Tea with her on Tuesday,
which I have accepted for Maryanne & myself, & shall be greatly disappointed if she
is prevented coming to Tunbridge on that day. Alicia West is also to accompany
us. The Gentlemen dine after the Recitations at the School & therefore Mrs. Knox
was doubtful whether they wd join the Party, but at all events M.A. had better
bring an Evening Dress. My Aunt & myself spent the Morning with Mrs, Jas. West
on Wednesday. Mrs. Bailey has also called to offer her good Wishes & said she cd
wish me no greater Happiness in the union than what she experienced with Mr.
Bailey. Mr. and Mrs. Hardinge & Miss Callender are gone to town for ten days to
meet Mrs. Callender. I had a most kind note from Mrs. Hardinge before her
departure, and a gratifying letter from Mrs. Lipscomb reached me this morning.
Although I am looking forward to the prospect of Future Life, yet I really feel much
regret at leaving Tunbridge, more especially on quitting my Aunt, from whom for
so many years I have experienced such uninterrupted kindness.

I have just received your kind note by Mrs. S. Woodgate. I am to dine with
Mrs. F. Woodgate to morrow (en Famille) when I will make the request to Mr. F.
Woodgate, & should feel grateful to Peter NouaiUe if he will allow his name to be

228

made use of as the other Trustee. The Perusal of my Brother's Letter has completed
my Happiness & I shall have much Pleasure in making him a visit. Would it be
proper for me to write to him or Mrs. Wm, Humphry ? Will you have the goodness
to inform me by Penfold at what hour Mrs. Nouaille's Party will be at Tunbridge on
Tuesday next." . . .

The following letter is undated, but must have been written about the same
time : —

' ' Seal, Monday Morning.
My dear Julia,

Among the various occupations consequent to a late Event, I must not omit to
address a few lines to one the most deeply interested in the present proceedings.
Sir Wm. Ashbumham's visit to Seal was productive of the utmost satisfaction.
Altho' I know to you it is a consideration of comparatively trifling importance, yet
we think it right you should be acquainted with the extent of his hberality. Sir Wm.
adhears to his first proposal, & thinks that 500 pr. annum is as little as his widow
ought to possess as a jointure, & much regrets he cannot make it more. He also
-particularly requests that the Interest of the fortune you will inherit from our dear
departed Father may after his decease & my dear Mother's augment the amount of
your jointure ; and adds ' ' that you are satisfied with this settlement evinces that
moderation which is only one among your numerous good qualities." My Mother
told him how much she regretted she could not do more at present than add 500 to
the same sum you at present possess, & even this trifling addition he was very
unwilling for her to relinquish. How happy are you, my dear Julia, to possess the
affections of a man of such exalted worth & liberal sentiments ; & how proud shall
I feel to style him Brother. I can only say I hope (and believe I may add with confi-
dence that I think) you will not prove undeserving of such an inestimable treasure.

I wrote to Sir Wm. yesterday to state that in consequence of our long acquaintance
with Mr. Scoones and his family, we thought it would be agreable to your wishes
that he should act as yr professional Agent on the present occasion ; & at the request
of tJie said Sir Wm., I am to write to Mr. Scoones on the subject in the name of my
Mother by this night's post. My uncle Henry [Woodgate] who was here yesterday
thinks a more proper person could not have been fixed on to make yx marriage
settlement ; he likewise said he believed only one Trustee was necessary on your
part, & that he could answer for his son's being happy to act on the occasion. My
Mother wrote to my Uncle on Saturday & he lost no time in coming over to offer his
congratulations ; he expressed the most heartfelt pleasure & was so much affected as
to shed tears. As the Post does not go up on a Saturday my Mother could not
inform my Brother till last Night, & we sincerely hope he will partake the feelings
of his family on the occasion. You could not fail to have been gratified at the
pleasure expressed by all your friends to whom this Event has been announced. Mrs.
Nouaille and all her family were profuse in their good wishes, Mrs. Hardinge &
Caroline delighted ; Mrs. Hardinge said she loved us all as her children & hopes Sir
Wm., on whom she passed the highest encomiums, will allow her to consider him as
belonging to her family. Indeed my paper would be filled were I to relate the kind
expressions used by all your friends on the occasion. . . . Frances Humphry."

Julia Humphry's fortune in possession consisted of ^^500 in the Three Per Cents
under the will of her father, besides which she was entitled under the same will on
the decease of her mother to one-third of her father's real estate and one-third of her
father's residuary personal estate ; and was also entitled to some property under
her parents' marriage settlement and certain contingent interests under the wills of
her Aunts Ann and Sarah Woodgate. To this Mrs. Humphry added ^(500, and the
whole seems to have been settled upon her on her marriage. She subsequently
derived some benefit under her mother's will. There is in existence a letter from
William Scoones referring to the settlement : —

229

" Tonbridge, 6th July, 1825.
Dear Miss Humphry,

To the disappointment which the parties may have felt in the alteration of the
day for executing the deeds I must add my own, as it prevents me the pleasure I
had anticipated in a visit to Seal on this occasion. My Brother has undertaken to
attend to the business and takes with him the Deed between yourself and your
Sisters for making the share of each in the property a vested interest which I have
examined. With every good wish for the happiness of your sister & Sir W.
Ashburnham, I remain, Dear Madam, your faithful & obedt. Servant,

Willm. Scoones."

This Deed was necessary to make vested Julia Humphry's reversionary interest
under her father's will, which was liable to be defeated upon her death
without issue in Mrs. Humphry's lifetime. This agreement also comprised the con-
tingent legacies of £800 and £900 under the wills of Ann and Sarah Woodgate. Mr.
Scoones' brother was John Scoones, and the firm was conducted under the style of
W. and J. Scoones. The crest used by this family was a griffin's head. The settle-
ment of the Broomham property, on the part of Sir WilHam Ashburnham, is suffici-
ently mentioned on p. 87.

The next communication is from Maryanne Humphry, addressed to Julia at
Tonbridge : —

' ' Wednesday Morng.

Altho', my dear Julia, your mind is doubtless much occupied at this time, yet
a few lines from Seal will, I trust, not prove unacceptable. It is really very grati-
fying to reflect how much all your friends appear to participate in your present
happiness, & the heartfelt pleasure they all express in your approaching Union with
so excellent & esteemed a man as Sir Wilham Ashburnham. Mr. John Thompson
paid us a visit yesterday morning ; he requested if there was a vacant niche in our
letter when we wrote to you ' ' to present his very best wishes & to assure Miss Julia
that her happiness would not be forgotten in his prayers." Fanny has received a
letter from Mr. W. Scoones this morning in reply to one addressed to him on Monday ;
he appears much gratified with the confidence you have placed in him on this occasion
& desires her to make you his best acknowledgments.

We received a long letter from Mrs. W. Humphry yesterday evidently
written before my Mother's communication had reached them, containing a very kind
& urgent request from both my Brother & herself for my Mother and two of us to
make them a visit, either the end of this month or the beginning of the next. My
Brother is now at Hampstead for the benefit of the air before he returns to the office
& some of the family are with him ; the change has already proved beneficial & he
preferred this place to pass a week or two as much more convenient than coming to
Seal, from its near vicinity to his office. Our friends at the Grove, including Mrs.
Allnutt & Mr. Whitehead, drank tea with us last night ; at the request of our Mother
I communicated to this latter Gentleman on Sunday the change about to take place
in your situation. He wished you joy on the occasion & was happy to hear of an
event that gave satisfaction to Mrs. Humphry & her family. I should like much,
my dear Julia, to come & see my Aunt & you on Tuesday with Mrs. Nouaille, but
am not sure but their carriage may be filled on that day, as Philip does not go to
Town till next week. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

The wedding was at Seal on the 7th July, and the Rev. John Ashburnham
performed the service. Henry Woodgate, Mary Anne and Frances Humphry, and
Alicia Amy West (one of the bridesmaids) signed the register. A letter from Mrs. James
West, written two days before the event, gives some idea of the kind of dresses that
were worn on such occasions : —

My dear Julia, " Dry Hill Lodge, July 5th, 1825.

You would have heard from Alicia on Monday according to promise had my

230

dress &c., arrived from Town, but Miss Attree could not get my order completed to
send till last evening. I am happy to add she has executed them entirely to my
approbation & above all to my Brother's taste. My Lace Dress is made with full top
resembling a French one and long sleeves ; she has sent me the same sort of feather
in my Bonnet as yours. This was not my order as I left everything to her taste, you
must therefore not he angry at my having the same plumes as yourself. Miss Attree
has sent me a mob Cap to wear with my Bonnet, & as I thought you wou'd like to
know the shape I have enclosed you a paper pattern. I perceive Miss Attree's taste
& my own accord, as she has put a blond lace on my cap instead of a quilling. I
have the pleasure to tell you my Brother of aU things admires your Bridesmaid's
attire. . . . Alicia West."

A detailed account of the reception at Broomham of the bride and bridegroom
is to be found on p. 88 under " Ashburnham."

" Seal, July 19th, 1825.
My dear Julia,

. . . Our Seal Festivity's did not end with your Nuptial Day, for on Thursday
last Mrs. Hardinge invited a large Party in honour of the occasion, & after dinner the
Health of Sir William & Lady Ashburnham was drank with much pleasure by all the
Company present. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Woodgate were spending a day or two at
the Grove & likewise Miss Papillon & Miss Cook (who is daughter of the Professor of
that name). This Lady entertained the company with several sweet and pleasing
airs, after which a quadrille followed, to the no small satisfaction of the younger part
of the Guests that were assembled. Mrs. James West spent the morning here on
Thursday & kindly left Alicia with us ; she appears very happy & we find her so agre-
able an inmate that we shall be quite sorry when the day arrives to part with her.
As Sir William informed my Mother you intended going to Church on Sunday, you
have probably before this received visitors. All the families we visit in the neigh-
bourhood have called, gentlemen as well as ladies. I am sure you must find the
House at Brome Ham delightful during this sultry weather ; we have been quite
banished from the Drawing room during the last week, but our Book room is cool &
pleasant. Anne Nouaille passed the evening here yesterday. There was a cricket
match on the Vine Saturday between the Sevenoaks & Tunbridge Gentlemen, when
the latter were victorious, & I understand our friend James did not exult a little
that his party gained the Palm of Victory. We hear Lady Caroline Pratt is to be
married this week, & the ceremony to be performed at St. George's Church,
Hanover Sqre. Sir Thomas Lawrence is now painting a portrait of the Bride elect.
We were glad to hear the plants arrived in safety ; the carrier Waters quite entertained
us with the account of his journey & he seemed much elated with the kindness &
good cheer he received at Brome Ham. I hope for the credit of Seal that the Damsels
you took from here will turn out well. . . . Maryanne Humphry,"

On ist September Miss Humphry paid a visit to Broomham, and Maryanne was
left alone with her Mother. We have a letter from her to Rose Woodgate : —

" Seal, Wednesday Morning, Sep, 8th, 1825,
My dear Aunt,

My Brother & his eldest son have been with us since Thursday sennight ; the
former appears already benefited by his native air, & can now walk for two miles
without much apparent fatigue. Our nephew William is a remarkably good Boy &
so tractable & accomodating that I shall be quite sorry when the time comes for
him to quit Seal. . . . Mr. Harenc of Sevenoaks has been dangerously ill &
attended by two Physicians ; he is a little better & pronounced out of danger. The
morning preceding the departure of Mrs. Hardinge for Hastings she received a letter
to announce the death of Lady Jane James, sister to Lord Camden, & who I believe
had been in declining health for some time. I hope Mrs. Francis Woodgate continues
tolerably well, remember us kindly to her when you next see Mr. Francis. I hear

231

Mr. Simpson has left Tunbridge, & is succeeded by a Mr. Powell. Mrs. Nouaille has
received favours & wedding cake from Mr. Edward Rudge who was lately married at
Marybone Church [to Miss Van Notten-Pole] ; he with his bride are gone to pass
the next year at Florence & Pisa. Mr. & Mrs. Willm. Woodgate intend to visit
several of their relatives as soon as they return from the Isle of Wight. . . ."

In November Maryanne paid her sister a visit at Broomham. Miss Humphry
writes : —

" Seal, Nov. 9th, 1825.
My dear Julia,

. . . ' ' Mr. Warton, the gentleman that succeeds Mr. Hatch as curate here,
is much approved ; he has not the naturally fine voice of Mr. Hatch but he reads with
great feeling & has given us two beautiful & impressive sermons. Mrs. Hardinge &
Caroline have just been sitting an hour with us. They expect Mr. & Mrs. Stephen
Woodgate & their four youngest children to day to pass a fortnight with them. We
met Sir Henry & Lady EmUy Hardinge at the Grove one evening before they left
the Neighbourhood ; Mr. & Mrs. Charles Hardinge succeeded them & are now staying
with Sir Richard at Sundridge. . . ."

" Seal, 25th Deer., 1825.
My dear Julia,

. . . The New Year's Ball is certainly to take place, altho' the splendour
must be much dimin'shed. It is expected to be well attended, & I am sure the
presence of Sir Wm. & Ly Ashburnham will afford much gratification to all their
friends. Miss Burton's party I believe is not to take place till after next week. Mr.
& Mrs. NouaiUe hope to be favoured with yx company at dinner Wednesday the 4th
inst. . . You have probably heard from Mrs. West that Mrs. Rudge is become a
Grand-mamma ; Mrs. Pole was confined about ten days ago with a fine little girl.
Mrs. Hardinge is again deprived of the use of her horses by illness, which prevented
my Mother attending the Book-meeting, as Mrs. Nouaille could not accomodate us
both and she did not feel equal to go without a supporting arm ; I therefore represented
her & met a very pleasant & more numerous party than usual. Poor Mrs. Harenc
who was a little recovering her spirits received a severe shock a few days ago in
hearing of the sudden death of her father, who was Found dead in his bed without
any previous illness. . ."

After the visit to Seal, Sir William and Lady Ashburnham passed some time with
their Aunt Rose Woodgate at Tonbridge. The next letter mentions an interview
with a cook, who had offered herself to Lady Ashburnham ; her terms were twelve
pounds a year with tea and sugar.

' * Seal, Jany. 21st, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . As the frost is gone we are next week to have a general Assize.
We have distributed Sir William's and your bounty to our poor Neighbours & they
all expressed their grateful thanks, with many good wishes for the Health & Happiness
of their kind Benefactors. Caroline Hardinge & Miss Papillon had a most agreable
Ball at Rooks Nest. The accounts from Pembury are favourable ; Mr. & Mrs.
Stephen Woodgate are in great apprehension for poor little William whose Fever is
assuming an alarming aspect. On Wednesday I accompanied our friends at Great-
ness to see a Museum of Natural Curiosities now exhibiting at Sevenoaks, with which
(never having witnessed the British or Liverpool Museums) I was much pleased.
Lady Georgiana Pratt made us a sociable visit a few days ago. Mrs. Cade called this
morning & regretted much she has not had an opportunity of seeing you since yr
marriage. . . . Frances Humphry."

Miss Humphry was at Tonbridge for the last part of her sister's visit there, and
the next letter is addressed to her at that place by Mrs. Humphry.

232

"Seal, Feby. 28 [1826.]
My dear Fanny,

I inclose you a live pound note & one Sovereign ; whatever more is due I will
settle when I have the pleasure of seeing you. As you tell me one line from me
affords you great pleasure, I always feel happy to please you, as you have been so
good in writing to us for which I cannot praise you too much. I this morning
ventured to Chmrch for the first time since your absence ; Ld. Camden express'd great
pleasure at seeing me out again. Ld. Brecknock was at Church, indeed the whole
Family seem in great spirits at the thought of the expected arrival of Lady Caroline.
Lady a Boyne WTites such pleasant letters to Mrs. Hardinge ; the wedding is again
put off till the ist of March, I imagine on the indisposition of his Majesty who is to
give the bride away. I saw a letter from dear Julia to-day addressed to Mrs. Nouaille ;
she mentions how successful she has been in administering her Medicines. I was
quite miserable when I heard of poor William's illness & am truely thankful to
Providence that he is got better. I am very happy to hear both Mr. & Mrs. F.
Woodgate are going on so weU. I wish you to consult Mr. Francis on the sale of my
House &c. I think it will be desireable to sell Godden at once, but this House & the
land at Noah's Ark I wish to dispose of subject to my Life in it. I wish him to advise
me who he thinks proper to employ on this occasion & what part of the year is most
desireable for me to offer it for sale, & beg him not to mention it to any one. I
received my writings safe back from Mr. Crow but am not likely to get either Principal
or Interest owing to the great scarcity of Money. My kindest love to my Dr. Sister,
& with the same to yourself I remain your most affecte. Mother,

Elizabeth Humphry."

' ' Tonbridge, Febry. 7th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . On Sunday, after Church, I called on Mrs. F. Woodgate. Mr. Francis
is better & gets out a little to call on his neighbours, which tends to improve his
spirits ; he last week experienced a return of the spasms in his stomach, for which
he is at this time undergoing a course of calomel. Dr. Knox's family received the
addition of a little boy last Thursday Evening and I am happy to add Mrs. Knox
& the Infant have been & continue to go on in the most favourable manner.
You probably saw by the Papers the death of Mr. Manning's youngest daughter ;
after having so recently been in good health & the enjoyment of Life, what a sad
change for her Family. Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny called on Sunday after Church,
but not a syllable transpired respecting the pending Negotiation. Mrs. James West
walked down last week to call on my Aunt. Ahcia is our frequent visitor. Many
of my friends have been so obliging to call and leave their cards, but do not come
in lest they should fatigue my Aunt ; Mrs. Hardinge frequently caUs at the door to
make personal enquiries. The accounts from Pembury are more favourable & it
is hoped the crisis is passed, but the poor little boy is described to be in a very reduced
and exhausted state. My Uncle Henry drove down on Sunday after Church & called
on my Aunt ; he made many enquiries after you & Sir WiUiam «& desired his best
remembrance. I picked up a pocket handf. of yours in the garden of which I shall
retain possession till we meet. Mrs. Nouaille & Anne are expected at the Postern
to-morrow for one night, & by them I hope to receive some InteUigence from Seal.

The next letter, one from Maryanne Humphry, is subjoined to a note in Mrs.
Nouaille's writing, and ' ' a recipe for the measles " * ; it is addressed to Lady
Ashburnham.

" Seal, February loth, 1825.
My dear Sister,

The family circle at the Grove has been enlarged by the arrival on Monday
of Sir Richd and Genl. & Miss Wolf & I had the pleasure of dining with them on

*See Reference Sheet.

233

Wednesday. Miss Wolf is not handsome but sensiblej& pleasing in her manner ;
our friend the General seems to dote upon his daughter & delighted with the oppor-
tunity of introducing her to the ladies at the Grove. Have the goodness to inform
Sir Willm Ashburnham that Mrs. Hardinge has purchased Mr, Yates' horses for an
hundred pounds. They are of a grey colour ; one is a perfectly sound horse & the
other from some defect in breathing is termed a warer which is the reason Mr. Yates
parts with them. On this account perhaps they might not be desirable for the
Roads around Broomham. Lord & Ly. Camden returned from Town on Wednesday
with Ld. Brecknock ; altho' greatly recovered from the effects of his accident he
still walks very lame. Mr. Smith the architect spent two or three days in examining
the roof of the Church & does not think it in so dangerous a state as was apprehended ;
he says it may be repaired for four or five hundred pounds, and as under Ld. Camden's
directions no unnecessary expense is to be incurred such as new pewing it &c the
whole may be completed in three weeks. He recommends a person from Town to
superintend the Country workmen. Lady Aboyne & her Daughter went to Town
on Monday to attend the wedding of Ld. Strathaven ; the ceremony is to take place
in a few days in a small chapel in the lodge at Windsor, & as his Majesty has signified
his intention of giving the Bride away, the party invited is to be very select. The
Bride & Bridegroom are to reside at present in a house of Lady Aboyne's situated
(I think) in Huntingdonshire. Lady Elizabeth is said to have a fortune of sixty
thousand pounds. Have you heard of John Woodgate's good fortune? He is
promoted to a Major's rank on the staff in India with the pay of 800 per annum.
Mrs. Thomas writes word he is much beloved & respected by all that know him,
William Woodgate is so much better that Dr. Mayo has taken his leave for near a
week. Poor Miss H. Manning's decease was very sudden. She had fainting fits of so
alarming a nature that Mr. Kelson who was dining at Coombank on the day she
expired apprized her family that medical aid was of no avail. She is said to have
been so amiable a Girl that her loss is much lamented ; her complaint was some
internal adhesion which obstructed her digestive powers, & her family are consoled
by thinking that had she lived she never could have enjoyed good health. . . .
Our friends at Greatness lately spent a few days with Mrs. Rudge, when Anne pre-
sented Mrs. Pole with a beautiful lace cap (her own work) intended for little Anna
Matilda. . . ."

There is a letter of the same date from Miss Humphry, but it is of small conse-
quence. She writes " You are not very strong, therefore take care of yourself,
my dear Julia, for Health is so necessary to the enjo5mient of Life that few pleasures
can be experienced without this blessing."

Lord Strathavon was the eldest son of the Earl of Aboyne (afterwards Marquis
of Huntley) and Lady Aboyne, daughter of Sir Charles Cope, and a sister of the
Duchess of Dorset.

" Tonbridge, Tuesday Morning [Feb. 25th, 1826].
My dear Julia.

. . I am very sorry Sir WilHam has not had better weather for visiting
the Metropolis & hope he will experience no increase of Rheumatism in consequence.
I am sure you had a very agreable Companion in my friend William during his
absence & have no doubt your young Protector took especial care of the charge com-
mended to his care. Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate have had quite a sick house ;
all the younger children & most of the servants have been much indisposed ; little
Alfred has had the measles & the rest of the children (that have been ill) all the
symptoms of the disorder without the erruption. They were desirous of introducing
a new name in the family, & therefore have given their little boy that of Edward.
My Aunt received a letter from Mr. Acton a few days ago which contained all
imaginable good wishes to you & Sir William. He was disappointed in sending his
annual basket of game & intends to substitute two real Yorkshire Hams which my

234

Aunt considers a more acceptable present. Mrs. Moneypenny & her Nieces wished
Fanny [Woodgate] to join their party to the Maidstone Ball last Tuesday, which
was declined ; do not you think this augurs favourably for her absent friend ? I
watch the progress of the Peruvian Bonds with much Interest & am happy to see
an improvement has taken place within the last few days. . . . Maryanne
Humphry."

The Ashburnhams had invested several thousand pounds in the purchase of
Peruvian Bonds. The next letter is likewise from Maryanne Humphry.

' ' Seal, March 14th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . My Mother is very well at this time & on Tuesday accompanied Mrs.
Hardinge to Sevenoaks. We called at Mr. Lambard's & found the family at home.
They are going to Hastings the end of this week, provided they succeed in obtaining
an House in Pelham Place. Poor Mrs. Gurdon has not been so well ; she went to
Bexhill in an open carriage & caught cold. My Mother is much obhged to Sir William
Ashburnham for his kindness in writing to Mr, Palmer. We hope Sir William is
no loser by the failure of the bank at Hastings, tho indeed these failures have been so
general that few persons I fear connected with them but have suffered temporary
inconvenience.

The meeting between Lady Caroline Stuart & her family has been productive of
much pleasure to both Parties. When the family left Wildemesse Lady Camden sent
us the novel of Granby accompanied with a kind note from Lady Georgiana. We
have been amused with the perusal ; the fashionable & pernicious effects of gambling
are well described. The author is a Mr. Leister & a scene in which he exposes a
singular & ingenious trick with dice is much commended ; it is even said that he
himself discovered the contrivance. Although not acquainted with the parties,
some account of Lord Strathaven's marriage may not prove uninteresting. The
King notwithstanding his present attack of gout was wheeled in a chair to the Chapel
& gave the bride away. She was habited in Brussels lace & her only ornaments
a pair of pearl earrings set with diamonds, given her by Ld. Strathaven. Lady
Cunningham presented a perfect contrast to her daughter, sparkling with jewels
like a brilliant meteor. After the ceremony His Majesty saluted the Bride & a dinner
was prepared for the party at the lodge at which the King presided, altho he only
partook himself of Mutton Broth, & with the permission of Sir Henry Halford (who
was present) drank one glass of champagne in honour of the festive occasion. You
may recollect hearing that Coll. Ilbert died some time since. He has left a consider-
able estate in Devonshire to Mrs. Ilbert's eldest son on his attaining the age of twenty
four, to Perry the younger son Two hundred a year & tliree or four thousand pounds
to commence his career in life, & to Mrs. Ilbert he has bequeathed the same legacy
as to his own Sisters. Mrs. Ilbert has been living at Tiverton & intends to remove
her residence to Bath to be near Mrs. Philips, the sister of Mr. Ilbert. Mr. Turton
has been dangerously ill with a pleurisy but now is doing well ; they are coming to
Brasted. Caroline Hardinge . . sends her kind love, & recommends if you have
leisure to work some ottomands to ornament your rooms at Broomham, an amuse-
ment quite in fashion just now. I was quite surprised to hear of Mrs. Wynch giving
a dance so late in the Hastings season & hope to hear it proves agreable. . ."

' ' Tonbridge, March 15 th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . Penfold has just brought me a long letter from Maryanne ; she tells
me Mr. Warton has taken Godden & is fitting it up for the reception of himself &
Pupils at Ladyday. Mrs. Hardinge carried my Mother to call at Fairlawn on Monday;
they found the young ladies at home & had a most agreable visit. I received a
letter from Mrs. W. Humphry yesterday morning & am concerned to inform you
she does not altogether give so favorable an account of my Brother's Health as could

235

be wished ; she says he sleeps well & his appetite is generally good, but adds that
he has a slight cough, is extremely weak & much reduced. Mr. Paslow thinks
him better but he is very low & desponding about himself ; he has not yet quitted
the Drawing-room. When the season is more advanced & he is able to get out into
the air I trust it will tend to renovate & improve his Health. Dr. Knox is much
occupied in the alterations at the School. The offices are all taken down & a new
Play-ground is in progress for the Boys. A deputation of the Skinners have been
down this week to arrange & settle the plan of proceeding with the Dr. Mr. Francis
Woodgate is quite recovered from his illness & Mrs. Woodgate is so well as to intend
spending the day at Riverhill to-morrow ; the children are all well. I imagine Sir
William & yourself are occupied in the agreable pursuit of Gardening, & have no
doubt my friend William West is willing to render you a little assistance in your
labours. The genial weather of last week has set everything in motion. I walked
to the Postern last Friday & in my cloth Pelisse found the heat quite oppressive.
. . . Mrs. F. Woodgate received a letter from Miss Luxford yesterday & I was
happy to hear poor little Lydia is quite recovered from her serious illness. I am
quite concerned to hear Mr. Wenham has made no provision for his Daughter ;
I do think it was most unjustifiable conduct towards her. . . Frances Humphry."

Miss Humphry took advantage of the West's visit to Greatness to return home
in their carriage for a few days. She writes again on her return : —

" Tonbridge, March 31st, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . William West returned much pleased with his visit & the kindness
he received at Broomham. All his friends think him grown & looking remarkably
well. Was not you surprized to hear of Sir Richard Hardinge's union with Miss.
Wolf ? It took place at her married sister's at Bath in the most private manner,
by special License, about a fortnight ago. The ceremony was performed by her
brother Mr. James Wolf. • His family cannot be supposed to approve of so dispro-
portionate a union (the Lady being in her 35th year), to some of them it must prove
a serious disappointment ; they have however the good sense to make the best of it
& hope his happiness may be promoted by the society of a sensible companion &
attentive nurse. Her talent in this way was soon called into practice, for the poor
Bridegroom has been seriously ill with an Inflammation on the chest, in addition
to Gout, since his Marriage. Do not you think it an enviable prospect for a young
lady on first entering the conjugal state ? . . . The Ball at Sevenoaks was
very thin for Easter, the number not amounting to 70. Neither Maryanne or
Caroline Hardinge were there. Our friends at Greatness wished me very much to
join their party, but as my stay was so short I was unwilling to leave my Mother
& Maryanne. I was sorry it was not a better ball as Mr. & Mrs. Camack came
from Town to be present. Mrs. Camack shone pre-eminent in all her Diamonds.
You know the Sevenoaks people are proverbial for not paying proper attention to
strangers ; I fear that was the case in the present instance. Mrs. Camack however
had a good deal of dancing & expressed herself much pleased with the Evening.
I returned on Wednesday ; Tuesday Caroline Hardinge & James West dined with
us, & Mrs. Hardinge & Jane Woodgate joined our circle in the Evening. Caroline
tells me in confidence that a matrimonial engagement has taken place between
Henry Thursby & his cousin Elizabeth Papillon, with the entire approbation of their
respective families. James West is looking remarkably well & in his usual good
spirits ; he likes Cambridge better than ever & I hope he is going on well. He considers
himself most fortunate in having so clever a man as Mr. Ramsey for a Tutor & says
he entertains the highest veneration for him. He has been passing a few days with
Mr. Thompson & returns to Cambridge the early part of next week. The last
accounts of my Brother were rather more favourable. Mr. Paslow says he has
several Patients in the same state, & that he cannot expect much improvement in
their Health till we have a change of weather. We hear from Mrs. W. Humphry

236

that our good friend Mr. Baker died possessed of eighty thousand pounds. He left
a will & made an equitable distribution of his property. To his nephew Frederick
Hemming he bequeathed thirty thousand pounds with all his books & prints. Mrs.
Stephen Woodgate is going on well, Mrs. West has promised to take me to call on
her next week. . . Frances Humphry."

The next letter is from Mrs. Humphry.

"Seal, April ye 5th, [1826].

You cannot think, my dear Julia, how much entertainment your letters afford
me, and what pleasure it gives me to hear so good an account of Sir William Ashburn-
ham and yourself. I am much pleased to hear you have been engaged in the amuse-
ment of Planting, as you know I am a great friend to improvements of that nature.
Did you trench the ground before hand, as I am told its expedient for their thriving.
The Plantations about us I think flourish very well & I hope yours will do the same.
I must now beg your acceptance of a pair of cuffs ; they are a trifling memorial
but 3^ou Mill recollect they are worked by your Mother in her 76th year. I drank
tea at the Grove last night to meet Mrs. & Miss Thursby. They enquired very much
after Sir William and yourself, & desired to be kindly remembered. I am sorry
I cannot send you a better account of poor William ; he continues very much the
same. Poor Mrs. Humphry has had a great deal of Nursing this winter, I fervently
hope the mild weather will benefit his health. I do not say anything about your
coming to see me at present, as I dare say Sr. Wilham will be occupied for some
time in directing the alterations in his House ; when do you think of begining ?
I often wish I could transport myself to your fire side to pass a little time with
Sir William and yourself. I am tolerably weU at present altho' at times I am very
feeble & poorly. Mary Ann will write you a much more sprightly letter & tell you
all the news."

On the 26th April, Mrs. Humphry's old and valued friend Mrs. Caroline Har-
dinge died. At the time of her death she was in London with her niece Caroline,
and for some time previously had been receiving daily visits from Sir Henry Halford,
the King's Physician. The seat of her disorder appears to have been the head,
to which leeches and a blister were applied without effect. Her death was a severe
loss to the neighbourhood where she had lived for so many years, and especially
to the Humphrys. On the 19th Maryanne Humphry writes from Seal : —

. . Great is the interest evinced here for Mrs. Caroline Hardinge & numerous
were the enquiries yesterday from all classes to know if we could afford them inform-
ation. . . The preparations for beginning the Church are delayed in consequence
of Mr. Smith's indisposition, & this circumstance will probably retard its commence-
ment for a few weeks. Our own bricklayers are to be employed but not the Carpenters.
My Mother accompanied Mrs. Nouaille &c. in a drive to St. Clere on Monday, &
yesterday Mrs. Evelyn called at the door to enquire if we had any intelligence from
Town [of Mrs. Hardinge]. Mrs. Nouaille has sent her never failing remedy for the
measles to Fairlawn yesterday, and my Mother took the opportunity of enquiring
after the family. Mr. Yates sent word both the young ladies were recovering. . ."

Maryanne Humphry's letter to Lady Ashburnham, written two days later,
conveys much the same intelligence : —

" . . . You have no doubt heard from Tunbridge of the alarming attack
of apoplexy with which our esteemed friend Mrs. Caroline Hardinge was seized
the day after her arrival in town. Caroline wrote on Monday to impart the sad
intelligence. At that time every relief the best medical skill could administer
had failed of producing the desired effect & she remained unconscious to all around
her. . . Sir Richard has also been seriously indisposed so that poor Lady Hardinge
may indeed be termed a mourning Bride. My Mother feels much for her valued
friend and at times is a good deal affected at the deprivation she will experience
in her agreable & improving society. In our present anxiety it affords us great

237

comfort that my Aunt continues so remarkably well & we rejoice to hear such
favourable accounts of James West ; poor Fellow, he has had a serious illness which
may ultimately prove advantageous & teach him to be more temperate in his exertions
& amusements for the future. We were quite glad to see Alicia West with Fanny
to spend a morning here last week ; she tells me it is quite decided for her to take
lessons in dancing & looks forward with no small degree of pleasure to her visit
at Broomham. . . How superb was the entertainment you describe at Beauport ;
you must almost have fancied yourself in the regions of fairy land. Our paper
informed us Sir William was a distinguished advocate at the annual meeting of that
benevolent society of the relief of the Deaf & Dumb, & you may be sure we read
the account with more than accustom'd interest. My Mother accompanied Mrs.
Nouaille in a drive to St. Clere on Monday ; they found Mrs. Evelyn at home & her
rooms were gracefully decorated with abundance of floral emblems. It is the first
spring for some years she has been well enough to enjoy her Garden. How beautiful
is the table Sir William has presented to Fanny ! when filled with flowers it will be
the admiration of every one. Lady Aboyne sat half an hour here yesterday ; she
has really a most engaging manner & said my Mother was very forgiving to admit
her after her apparent inattention in not calling before. She talked of you & recalled
the circumstance of Sir William having partaken the amusement of skating with
Lady Charlotte. How uncertain are the events of this life ! last week we were
looking forward to the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Hardinge & Caroline again & hearing
the particulars of a pleasant visit ; the scene is now reversed, & whatever may be
the result I hope dear Caroline will be enabled to meet it with the same fortitude
& resignation to the Divine will which her revered Aunt would have evinced on a
like occasion."

Three days later the news is worse ; a letter of Maryanne Humphry to her
sister says : —

" . . . Mrs. Nouaille received a letter yesterday from Mrs. Thursby ; I
grieve to state poor Mrs. Caroline was taken considerably worse on Saturday & not
expected to survive the day. She does not suffer any pain, which is a consolation.
. . . Mrs. W. Humphry wrote to my Mother on Saturday. Our Brother's
health improves but his strength does not return as fast as could be wished. He
is to take a drive the first very fine day in Mr. Paslow's carriage. My Uncle made
us a short visit yesterday after Church & wch he said would prove a prelude to a
longer one very soon. Neither my Uncle or Aunt approve of losing Mrs. Lipscomb's
society for so long a period as a twelve month. I should imagine Mr. Lipscomb
will not persist in wishing her to remain for so extended a period in the North.
Our Church is to be begun this week. Notice was given yesterday that during the
time it is under repair service will be performed at Kempsing. . ."
Mrs. Hardinge died on April 23rd.

' ' Seal, April 26th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . Our late letters have I trust prepared you for the melancholy Event
I have now to communicate. A great change took place in our dear friend Mrs.
Caroline Hardinge on Saturday last, when all hope became extinct, & she closed
her valuable life without a struggle on Monday morning at 4 o'clock. Our dear
Caroline's health suffered much during the illness of her aunt, but we have the
satisfaction to hccir from Mrs. Hardinge that she supported the closing scene with
more fortitude than could be expected ; she revered her departed Aunt so highly
& they lived so happily together that the loss to her must be incalculably great. . .
The Funeral is to take place here on Saturday next ; I never knew any one more
lamented, for few possessed so enlightened an understanding and affectionate feeling
to all around her. . . Mrs. Nouaille with her accustomed kindness has visited
my Mother every day for some time past. My Brother & Mrs. W. Humphry wish
Maryanne to make them a visit, & she thinks of passing a little time with them

238

a fortnight or three weeks hence. Mrs. Allnutt has seen her friend Emily Sidney,
now Mrs. WilHam Wakefield ; she was in high spirits at the liberation of her Husband,
is reconciled to her Father who consents to allow her four hundred a year, & has been
introduced to her sister Mrs. Sidney. During the time the Church is under repair
(which commenced on Monday) service is to be performed twice a day every Sunday
at Kempsing. The Bishop of Rochester holds a Confirmation at Tonbridge the 12th
of May when Alicia West is to be confirmed. We long to know Mr. Rateley's opinion
of Broomham & Sir William's decision on the subject. We hear Sir Richard &
Lady Hardinge come to Sundridge to-day, but do not know whether dear Caroline
accompanies them. . . Frances Humphry."

The establishment at the Grove was broken up, and the house, which belonged
to Lord Camden, was eventually let to Sir Alexander Crighton. Anne Richardson,
the cook, was taken into Lady Ashburnham's service at Broomham. Caroline
Hcirdinge's headquarters, from that time, were fixed at Pembury, the home of her
sister Mrs. Stephen Woodgate ; and we learn from the next letter that she went
there in May.
My dear Julia, " Seal, May loth, 1826.

. . . I wrote to dear Caroline a few days ago & said everything / knew you
would wish, for you. When the impression of her grief is softened, & she can visit
this neighbourhood without painful emotion, we hope she wtU pass a little time
with us. By her desire my Mother has the Donkey Chaise, & Maryanne & myself
are desired to select a memorial of our departed friend. Mr. Stephen Woodgate
came to the Grove to make some arrangements on Monday, & afterwards dined
with us. He brought me an affectionate letter from Mrs. Stephen ; her recovery
has been much retarded by the late melancholy Event. . . . The Horses of
our departed Friend were sent to Town the beginning of last week & sold for a larger
sum than Mrs. Hardinge gave for them. We walked to Sevenoaks Monday to call
on Miss Haranc & a few friends, & to-morrow my Mother thinks of making a morning
visit at Fairlawn. We hear from Mrs. S. Woodgate that Mrs. Hardinge has mentioned
us all affectionately in her will ; take no notice of this, as we have heard nothing
from Sir Henry or Captain Hardinge, who are the Executors. . . Ld. Camden
takes possession of the Grove next week, when she [the cook] expects to receive her
discharge. When you think a proper time has elapsed, she wishes you to apply to
Miss Hardinge for her character, who will be at Pembury after Friday next. . .

Frances Humphry."

Lady Ashburnham had v/ritten to enquire whether the horses were to be sold
privately, as her husband was desirous of purchasing them. Mrs. Hardinge's death
was followed by an affliction of still nearer concern to the family at Seal. From
the next letter it appears that William Humphry's health took an alarming change
for the worse during Maryanne's visit. The letter is addressed to Miss Humphry
at 14, Charlotte Street, Pimlico.
My dear Fanny, ' ' Seal, May 21st, 1826.

With what painful feelings I left Charlotte Street yesterday you can well imagine,
& how anxious I felt to hear further tydings of my dearest Brother. I would have
given any thing this morning to know how he continued the remainder of the day
yesterday, & if he passed a more comfortable night. . . . I hope dear Mrs.
Humphry continues tolerably well ; her unremitting attentions to her dear husband
during a long illness will hereafter prove a source of the purest satisfaction whatever
may be the dispensation of an all wise Providence. I know she has a kind friend
with her, that will partake & endeavour to alleviate her present distressing situation.
. . . Mrs. Nouaille has paid my dear Mother every attention, visiting her once
and twice a day, & to amuse & relieve her mind has occasionally taken her for a
drive in her carriage. Mr. & Mrs. Smith are now at Greatness. Both Mr. & Mrs.
Nouaille evince the greatest interest for my Brother & desire their love & best wishes
to him & my Sister. , , , Maryanne Humphry."

239

Maryanne Humphry had found her brother much better on her arrival, and the
change was quite unexpected. Lady Ashburnham at this period spent some days
at Seal while Sir WilHam was in town, and endeavoured to cheer her Mother by her
company. William died on the 26th May, and the fatal news was conveyed to them
in a letter of the 27th.

' ' My dearest Julia,

I should have written to you yesterday but my dear Brother was so extremely
exhausted that we all concluded the term of his existence here was drawing to a
close. Towards the Evening he became still more weak & exhausted, & unaccom-
panied with pain & without a sigh or struggle gently sank into the arms of death
at half past eleven o'clock. As there was no prospect of regaining his Health,
we cannot be too thankful to a Merciful Providence for removing him with so little
suffering to a happier state of existence & the patient resignation he evinced to the
Divine Will, during a long illness, I doubt not has proved acceptable in the sight
of Heaven.

The first effusion of our poor Sister's grief was most distressing, which the
sight of her children this morning again renewed. I have endeavoured to support
& comfort her as far as I am able & am happy to add my efforts have not proved
unavailing, for her feelings are now become much more tranquil & composed. I
grieve to hear dear Maryanne has been so unwell, & fervently hope to receive a
better account soon. The melancholy state in which she left my poor Brother
was sufficient to unnerve a stronger constitution. I am sure it will afford her &
my dearest Mother the utmost consolation to know that his end was so gentle &
undisturbed that, altho' I was sitting by him, I was scarcely aware the change had
taken place. I hope Sir Willm. has joined you ; it is a great comfort you are at
Seal as I am sure yr society will greatly alleviate the sorrow of my Mother & Mary-
anne.

Captn. Hardinge has shewn the kindness & attention of a Brother, calling every
day to make enquiries, & offering his services in any way that may be useful. I
cannot leave poor Mrs. Humphry in her present distress ; in compliance with the
wish expressed by her dear departed Husband the funeral is to take place at Seal,
I imagine towards the end of next week. I will write again Monday when I shall
be able to give you further information. You will be good enough to send me as
soon as convenient a Hst of the mourning wished for by my Mother, yourself &
Maryanne, and if you can give me any Instructions respecting the Transfer [of
stock] I shall be much obliged. Mrs. W. H. unites in most affectionate remembrance
to all yr circle & beheve me ever, my dr Julia, yr truly affectionate sister

Frances Humphry,"

William Ozias Humphry was buried at Seal on 2nd June, described in the
register as being ' ' of St. George's, Hanover Square, aged 46 years." The inscription,
on the same monument as that of his brother George (see p. 180) is as follows : —
" Also to the memory
of William Ozias Humphry Esq.
(of the Council Office, Whitehall), their eldest son,
who departed this life the 26th May, 1826,
at the age of 46 years."
Though he had been in the possession of a comfortable income, it seems that
he had neglected to make any adequate provision for his wife and family. He
died without a will, and his widow was obliged to take out letters of administration
to his effects. The whole family passed some time at Seal in August, after which
they accompanied Mrs. Moody, a friend and near neighbour in London, on a visit
to the seaside.

Meanwhile, the effects of the shock on Maryanne's health, caused by her brother's
illness and death, became more apparent. She complained of unpleasant sensations

240

in her head and in August departed for Broomham in order that she might indulge
in the shower bath and dry cupping. This was not found to be beneficial ; and as
Maryanne was very restless and excitable, and most difficult to manage, she engaged
lodgings at Hastings for the sake of the sea-bathing there, which did her some good,
and she returned to Seal with the Ashburnhams at the end of October. She never
quite recovered, and from that period was always excitable, full of strange ideas
and alarms for her health, and possessed of a constant desire for change.

The next letter of interest is from Miss Humphry.

" Seal, Octr. 20th, 1826.
My dear Julia,

. . . I went to Tonbridge Wednesday to pass the day with my Aunt, on the
anniversary of her 87th birthday. ... I called on poor Mrs. Francis Woodgate
& found her in bed in a very suffering state. Caroline Hardinge is still at Sundridge ;
her health is so much improved that she intends visiting some of her friends previous
to her leaving the Neighbourhood. Monday she comes to Wildernesse for a few days ;
the middle of the week she goes to Mrs. Evelyn, & Saturday sen'night she is to be
with us. We requested her to defer her visit as long as she could in the hope of her
meeting the Broomham Trio here. Mr. & Mrs. William Woodgate with their little
Boy came to Greatness yesterday for a week, we are to drink Tea there this evening
with a small party. Ly. G. Pratt made us a sociable visit this morning & requested
me to come to Wildernesse & see the Gardens &c. before their beauty is quite eclipsed.
Ly. Caroline has reached home by easy stages & her Health is much improved. We
hear you have been much engaged & very gay of late. . . Frances Humphry."

"Seal, Octr. 26th, 1826.
My dear JuHa,

We shall be truly happy to see our Broomham friends on Saturday next . . .
You will be concerned to hear that a return of indisposition obliges Caroline Hardinge
to change her plans ; instead of visiting her friends as she intended, she has gone to
Town for medical advice previous to her settling at Pembury for the winter. . . .
We drank tea at Wildernesse on Tuesday & passed a very sociable pleasant evening
with Lady Camden & Ly. Georgiana. We were invited to Greatness the same day
to meet Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny, & regretted being previously engaged. Our
Postern friends called yesterday on their return home. Fanny looks extremely
well in mourning, but it is a little unfortunate being obliged to put on a sable garb
for one for whom she could not entertain any very great affection, after having
made preparations for her winter Campaign. Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Woodgate are still
at Greatness, we see them frequently ; their little boy is a remarkably fine child,
& the very image of his Father. . . . Frances Humphry."

Sir Richard Hardinge died in November, and was succeeded in the baronetcy
by his nephew Charles, the Vicar of Tunbridge. His death is referred to in the
following : ^..

[Seal, Novr. 21st, 1826.]
' ' My dearest Julia,

. . , We spent a pleasant evening yesterday with Mr. & Mrs. Wharton ;
it was a small party consisting of the family at Greatness & Mr. Whitehead. My
Mother was quite gratified at again visiting a house where she has passed a large
& happy portion of her life. They gave us an elegant entertainment & Mr. NouaiUe
was gratified by an exhibition of Fossils & minerals shewn to him by Mr. Wharton,
the chief merit of which consisted in their being brought from the North Pole &
presented by Captain PaiTy. I am sorry our cousin Fanny & Mr. & Mrs. West
have been confined with colds ; to the former a little temporary delay of pleasure
may increase enjoyment. Do inform me if any matrimonial overture is likely to be
made in that quarter ? You will be glad to hear that our friend Caroline has been
remembered by her uncle in a legacy of a thousand pounds & the jewels belonging

241

to the late Lady Hardinge. His widow has a settlement of £500 a year & two thousand
pounds, & Sir Charles the plate. This I gleaned from Mrs. Nouaille who heard it
at 7 oaks yesterday. Our late friend Sir Richard was so well known in this neigh-
bourhood that the distribution of his fortune has created some interest, and tho
eccentric he was yet so friendly & hospitable that he will be greatly missed by those
of his family & friends who best knew him. Your kind remembrance was gratefully
received by Mrs. Still ; it was, she said, quite a beauty & she regretted that her lady-
ship should have been at Seal without seeing her, & this sentiment has been echoed
by all her humble friends, with concern that Indisposition was the Cause. Fanny
hears that Sir Richard has remembered all his family in a very affectionate manner
with the exception of Mrs. Stephen, who he considered had been handsomely provided
for by her Aunts. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

" [27th Nov. 1826.]
My dear Julia,

. , . Mrs. NouaUle has not heard from Mrs. West since their Residence at
Hastings, therefore your intelligence was very acceptable. She is desirous to establish
little social parties weekly at Greatness, our House & Mr. Whitehead's, & for Mr.
& Mrs. Wharton occasionally to join when the weather is mild & favourable. Our
friend Sir Richard died much richer than was supposed. To the present baronet
he has left the Irish estate (which when he came into possession was heavily mortgaged
& was enabled to clear) & the plate & china, both considered of great value ; and
his pictures between his three nephews. To Caroline (as I mentioned before)
a thousand pounds and the late Lady Hardinge's diamonds ; £5000 to Sir Henry,
settled on his mariage ; ;^3000 to Captain Hardinge, and half his personal effects ;
to his widow ^^2000, with her jointure £500 a year & the remainder of his personals ;
Mr. Gore a thousand pounds, and to the Cullums £4000 ; to all his nephews & nieces
in the same degree of relationship ;^ioo, with the exception I am sorry to add of
Mrs. Stephen Woodgate. The two executors are Sir Charles & Captain Hardinge.
Fanny has received a letter from Caroline containing some just observations on
her Uncle's character ; she says, ' ' tho' like all human beings not without failings,
yet he was so agreable, hospitable & kindhearted that he cannot fail of being greatly
missed by his family and friends ; and the reflection that he was the last of his high
gifted generation is itself melancholy." ... A second Robbery has lately

occured at Mr. Lambard's ; some person escaped from the hall door, after pur-
loining various articles of clothing & taking from Miss Mary Lambard's work box
a valuable set of gold implements for work. A police officer came down from London,
but has not succeeded in discovering the depredator. The knowledge of this burglary
makes us rejoice in the possession of Boxer, who evinces a decided hostility to all
intruders. . . . Maryanne Humphry."

A letter from Frances Humphry, on December 12th, 1826, gives an account
of her aunt's critical state. She was kept alive by three glasses of sherry a day.
She says : —

" . . . I received a note from Maryanne last night by Penfold, stating that
Ly. G. Pratt had requested her to arrange & procure the prizes for the children of
the school, & never having undertaken the office before, feels a little at a loss &
requests if I can leave my Aunt that I would retiurn for a day or two to render her
a little assistance. As Mr. Morris sees no symptoms of immediate change, I purpose
going home to-day for one or two nights. My presence appears to afford my Aunt
so much satisfaction that I should be very unwilling to leave her for any length of
time in so critical a state. Our nephew WiUiam comes to Seal on Monday ; I hope
his society will prove an amusement to my dear Mother & Maryanne. Since I have
been here I have received several kind visits from Caroline Hardinge, & Saturday
Mr. S. Woodgate called to make personal enquiries. Mrs. James West is looking
poorly. ... I sincerely wish her nerves were stronger to enable her to support
the inevitable trials of Hfe. . . . Frances Humphry."

242

On her return from Seal, Frances Humphry found her patient weaker, and in
greater pain. ..." Maryanne is fully occupied in arranging the Prizes for
the School, & any employment that takes her attention from herself is beneficial.
William arrived (quite well) the day before I left Seal. Mrs. W. Humphry has
lately received a very kind letter from Ld. Camden, stating how desirous himself
& Ld. Harrowby are of obtaining some provision for her, & regretting the illness
of Lord Liverpool has prevented their conferring with him on the subject. They
are certainly rather slow in their proceedings, but we still hope much good may
result from such powerful Interest. . . Sir Charles & Ly. Hardinge with Mrs.
Callender called during my absence ; they repeated their visit yesterday & sat some
time with me. Caroline comes to the Vicarage on Saturday for a week. How truly
melancholy the circumstances of poor Mr. Wheater's death. He was so estimable
a character that this event must have plunged his family & friends in the deepest
affliction. I conclude you will join Mrs. West's dinner party to-morrow & hope
it will prove agreable. I hear yr party on Thursday was most agreable, the new
china much admired, an excellent dinner well dressed, & altogether a most hand-
some entertainment. So says my informant. . . . Frances Humphry."

" Seal, Deer, ye 24th,
My dearest Fanny. . . I quite grieve that you cannot pass Xmas with us.
. . . Mary Ann accompanied Mrs. Nouaille to the Book Meeting on Monday
& met a very pleasant party. She was so fortunate to draw No. 9 for Lady Camden
& got her favourite lot ; mine was No. 19 ; for such a high number I think I was
fortunate in getting the life of Kemble. She has had a great deal to do this week
in settling the affairs of the school. Lady Georgiana Pratt call'd this morning
& approved very much of what she had done. William is a very good Boy & receives
quite as much pleasure from the Donkey Chaice as his brother Richard. I saw
little Martha Woodgate, & think her a sweet little girl. The Family at the Grove
are not yet arrived. . . . Elizabeth Humphry."

[December 29th, 1826].
" My dear Juha. . . My Mother, you will be happy to learn, is very well
at this time & attended Church on Xmas day. Lady Londonderry is now at Wilder-
ness, & Sir Henry & Lady Emily with their three children. They favoured us with
a visit this morning. Lord Castlereagh is also one of their family circle. You have
probably heard of the premature death of Lord Amherst's eldest son, who fell a
victim to the effects of a contageous fever about a fortnight after his return from
the Burmah army, against which he had distinguished himself on several occasions,
& is deservedly lamented. Lord Amherst has also had the same fever, but happily
is now recovered. Mrs. West writes word she attended a splendid party at Broom-
ham a short time since. I am glad to hear Fanny Woodgate is looking so well ;
the arrival of her uncle and aunt must prove an acquisition to her residence at
Hastings. Anne Nouaille is equipping herself for her intended visit & looks forward
with much pleasure to partaking of the Hastings festivities. Mrs. Wharton dined
with us on Tuesday & Mrs. Nouaille's family &c. came in the evening, & last night
we drank tea at Greatness to meet the same party. We were favoured with a visit
from Lord Camden a few days since. Both himself & Lord Harrowby have had a
communication with Lord Liverpool on the subject of a pension to Mrs. Humphry,
& the result he hopes may be satisfactory in consequence of my Brother's long services,
altho' the first lord of the Treasury is reluctant to admit a precident of this kind
m the present state of the Country. Lord Camden in the most friendly manner
enquu-ed the age of William, & said that had he been two years younger he could
have placed him at Merchant Taylors School. From the interest with which he
enquired the respective ages of the other children, I really think he would be glad
to assist in their education & advancement in life ; he hoped if Mrs. Humphry's
income was increased, William might be sent to a good school, & thought it to be
regretted he had not been instructed in Latin. He is upon the whole a very good

243

Boy ; he desires me to thank his Aunt Ashburnham for her kind remembrance to
him. Travels & voyages seem to be his favourite reading at present. My Mother
had a visit to-day from Lady Hardinge & Carohne ; I was so unlucky to miss them,
having walked with William towards Sevenoaks. Poor Fanny must have a melan-
choly time at Tunbridge."

The next letter is from Mrs. Humphry, describing Lord Camden's visit in much
the same terms as above : —

" Seal, Decembr 31st, [1826].
My dearest Fanny,

The account you send of my dr Sister is very distressing indeed, & we can only
pray that she may experience an happy Transition from this to a happier & more
dureable state of existence. I thank you for your note ; may many many happy
years attend j^ou & reward the kind attention you have shewn to my dr sister. It
gave me sincere pleasure to see Lady Hardinge, Mrs. Callender & dr Caroline. I
hope you have often had that happiness, indeed I am truly grateful for their kindness ;
Sr. Henry & Lady Emily Hardinge had called just before. Mr. & Mrs. Charles
Petley & Henry made me a visit on that morning, unluckily Mary Anne & William
were walked out. Anne Nouaille is going to Hastings on Tuesday. We have
returned Miss Yates' books & received a kind & polite note in return, saying she
& her sister intended calling very soon & bringing some of the same books unbound.
May all the Blessings of this hallowed season attend you, my sister & all Friends
at Tunbridge. Most affectionately yours, Elizabeth Humphry."

Rose Woodgate died on New Years' day, 1827. For letters descriptive of this
event see under Chapter X.

On the 3rd January, Frances Humphry, after stating briefly the provisions
of the will, adds : —

" Mrs. Nouaille came down this morning (with Anne who was on her way to
Hastings), & sat two hours with me. Her account of my dear Mother is delightful ;
she supports the present affliction with her accustomed resignation under every
dispensation of the Divine will. I have received many kind letters, particularly
from Mrs. S. Woodgate, who requests to hear from me again. Dear Caroline called
repeatedly, & said how delighted she should be if her servant Ford, who is an excellent
Nurse, could be of use on the late occasion. . . ."

Mary Ann Humphry writes to her sister : —

' ' We have all lost an invaluable friend in our dear Aunt, & it must prove a
consoling reflection that you was enabled to sooth & impart consolation to her
dying hours. Remember us very kindly to Susan, whose constant care & affection
to her poor Mistress we are very glad she has so kindly remembered."

After the funeral was over, Frances and the Ashburnhams went together to
Seal. Mary Ann informs Lady Ashburnham that she will find her nephew WiDiam
Humphry ' ' rather a rough blade, but possessed of a frank & generous disposition."

The New Year's Ball at Sevenoaks that year, at which of course the Humphrys
were not present, was attended by more than a hundred and forty ; and the band
from Almack's, without the harp, provided the music. The Ashburnhams did not
stay long at Seal, and on their departure Frances Humphry returned to Tonbridge
for a few days to see after her Aunt's affairs. She went back to Seal at the beginning
of February whence she writes to her sister Julia on the 5th : —

" . . . Poor Mrs. Francis Woodgate was in a very suffering state for some
days last week, & early on Saturday morning to the great joy & surprise of Mr.
Francis & her friends gave birth to a very fine little girl, & when I left Tonbridge
both Mother and child were going on as well as possible. I understand the infant
is a remarkably fine child. Mr. Francis desired me to say he should have acquainted

244

you with this happy event had I not been writing. I heard a report at Tonbridge,
which I sincerely hope may prove correct, that the late Mrs. Jones (who felt much
for the situation of Anna Woodgate) has left her a legacy. I saw Anna who expressed
much stirprize & gratitude for our dear Aunt's kind legacy. I spent a very sociable
pleasant day with Ly. Hardinge, who kindly offered to bring me home. Miss Eliza
Yates, hearing I was at Tonbridge, rode over & called on me. She was accompanied
by Miss Peel, the eldest sister of the late Mrs. Yates. As the House at Tonbridge,
is in so dilapidated a state, my Mother appears disposed to sell it, but has not quite
made up her mind on the subject. I assure you I was not idle during my stay at
Tonbridge ; I settled everything that can be done at present and, am happy to add,
much to my Mother's satisfaction. We were invited to dine at Wilderness last
week to meet Sir A. Crighton & his family ; as I was absent Maryanne did not feel
quite equal to meet a party of strangers & therefore declined the Invitation. Sir
Alexander with his lady & family were at Church yesterday ; we purpose calling on
them in the course of a few days. William is still here, & his reluctance to leave
Seal is not diminished. He is so happy & good humoured that we shall be quite
sorry to part with him, but do not think it right to keep him beyond the end of the
present week."

" Seal, Febry. 20th, 1827.

My dear Julia, . . We are happy to find Mr. Cubitt's opinion of Broomham
is so satisfactory & hope his Estimates of the expense will prove equally so. I cim
very glad the oak panels remain. They accord so well with the general character
of the House that I should have been quite sorry had it been necessary to remove
them. We have heard nothing from Mr. Palmer, do you think I should write to
him ? On Sunday last my Mother received the usual letter from the Stamp office,
apprizing her that a copy of my Aunt's will had been received there. When I go
to Tonbridge again (which is delayed till we have heard from Mr. Palmer) it is my
Mother's present intention that I should select what Furniture we think will be useful,
and (after giving some to Susan) Mr. Stidolph is to take the remainder for sale (without
its being known to whom it formerly belonged). We think this will be a desirable
mode of disposing of it. My Mother has not quite made up her mind respecting the
House. Some of her friends think it desirable to sell, & others that they should
be unwilling to part with it. What is your opinion on this subject ? I am sure
it was the wish of our departed Aunt that whatever plan is most desirable should
be adopted, & regret my Mother should not derive advantage from so kind a bequest.
Several offers have been made for taking it ready furnished for six months, but we
do not think it is in a state to let till it has undergone repair. My Aunt Woodgate
has lately been very ill, & is still in a weak languid state, which has prevented our
seeing my Uncle & talking over this business with him. We find our new Neighbours
at the Grove very agreable ; their family consists of three grown up daughters
(pleasing accomplished young women) & two Httle boys at School.

On Saturday last Maryanne & myself dined at Wilderness with Sir Alexdr,
Ly. & Miss Crichton, Mr. & Mrs. John Austen & Mr. Irving, which with their own
family made a party of twelve, & we had a most agreable visit. In the evening
Miss Crichton gratified the party with some musick. She sang several French,
Spanish o: Italian airs & her performance was much admired. We were quite
glad to meet cnr old friend Mr. Irving. He came up to attend the Funeral of the
late Venerable Archdeacon of Rochester. Mr. Irving's family has lately been
increased by the addition of another daughter. Our friends at Greatness are gone
to Tonbridge to-day to be present at the Christening of Dr. Knox's youngest little
boy, to whom Mr. Nouaille is to be a Sponsor. On Thursday Anne Nouaille is going
to Nizells to pass a week with Mrs. CornwaDis. Mr. & Mrs. West & Fanny Woodgate
kindly came up & spent the morning with us yesterday. They are all quite weU
& highly pleased with their sojourn at Hastings. Our friend William arrived safe
in Town, & we are gratified to hear from Mrs. W. Humphry that she thinks him

245

much improved by his visit to SeaJ. You see by the papers that Lord Amherst
has sent in his resignation ; the death of his son, together with Ly. Amherst & his
Daughter's being out of Health, induced the wish to rehnquish his appointment. . ."

' ' Seal, March 8th, 1827.
[To Lady Ashbumham]. . . We hope Mrs. W. Humphry's Prospects brighten.
She has received a most kind letter from Ld. Harrowby which I will transcribe
for your perusal. We think it gives great reason to hope that some Provision will
be made for her by Government. I go to Tonbridge on Monday next & do not
expect to make the necessary arrangements in less than a week. Mr. & Mrs. West
kindly proposed my taking up my abode at the Postern ; this I declined, as it would
interfere with the necessary proceedings at my late Aunt's. If the best Bed will
be useful at Broomham, my Mother desires me to say she hopes you will accept
it, & if you will let me know how you would like it conveyed, I will see it packed
& sent before I leave Tonbridge. . . . Anne Nouaille went to the Postern on
Tuesday to attend a party at Mr. Scoones' in the evening ; she does not return
immediately as Mr. & Mrs. West are in daily expectation of a visit from Mr., Mrs.
& Miss Goodenough in their way from Hastings, & it was a promise that Anne should
meet them there. . . Frances Humphry."

Lord Harrowby's letter was in the following terms : —

" Grosvenor Square, 20th Febry., 1827.

Madam, I can truly assure you that I have not been inattentive to your claims.
Before I left London at Christmas, I had pressed them more than once on the attention
of Lord Liverpool & Mr. Robinson, & I found in my conversation with the former
that he appeared impressed with their justice, & that we both agreed in thinking
that some provision might be made for you in a mode which would obviate the
difficulties which had struck Mr. Robinson on the ground of official precedent. I
wrote to Lord Liverpool, not long ago, a letter stating the whole case at considerable
length ; urging his early attention to it, desiring him to communicate it to Mr.
Robinson, To this letter I have received no reply, & I fear that his lordship's
unfortunate illness will necessarily delay any decision, but I think the grounds
upon which the claim is made are so strong, whoever may have to make the decision,
you may depend upon my renewing the application, though I cannot answer for
the success. In the meantime, as I am sensible of the inconvenience you must
sustain from delay, however unavoidable, I will beg you to permit me to inclose a
draft for Fifty pounds, which may I hope be of some little use in any immediate
embarrassment. I am. Madam, Your obedient humble servant

Harrowby."

On the 19th March, Mrs. W. Humphry was able to inform Lady Ashburnham
of the complete success of Lord Harrowby's exertions on her behalf. " I am well
assured," she says, " that both Sir William & yourself will congratulate me on this
piece of good fortune. How kind Lord Harrowby is and has been to me ; and to
Lord Camden I owe a vast deal for the kind part he has acted toward me."

Mention may here be made of Rose Woodgate's affairs. She left the house
in Tonbridge (sold to Mr. Scoones for £900) ; the Moat, Cowden, offered for sale
at £6,000, but withdrawn ; ^^8,700 in 3 per cent, consols and £1,200 in 3 J per cent
reduced annuities. After a great number of legacies, the residue was given to Mrs.
Humphry, the sole Executrix, who thus became entitled to a very large share of the
estate. The Moat, which had been bought by John Woodgate of Summerhill over
a hundred years previously, was devised, as to one quarter, to Henry Woodgate of
Riverhill subject to £700 in legacies to his children ; and as to the residue, to Mrs.
Humphry for life, with remainder to her three daughters,. Palmer, France &
Palmer, Solicitors, of Bedford Row, proved the will. The Probate Duty was £160.

An attempt was made to sell the Moat. It was first offered to the Rev. Thomas
Harvey of Cowden (brother of Mrs. Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove), as Trustee

246

for General Maitland (g), the owner of adjoining property, but declined. Mr, Henry
Blackman of Lewes was the other trustee.

The property comprised some 216 acres of arable, meadow and woodland,
of which about 60 acres were meadow. It was subject to an annual quit rent to the
Lord of the Manor of Lewisham of £1 5s. 6d., and to a similar sum as a relief on
death ; also to a yearly sum of 4s., payable to Sackville College, East Grinstead.
Land Tax redeemed.

The opportunity was taken of offering the Humphrys' Seal property to Lord
Camden for £3,500, subject however to the use of the house and garden by Mrs.
Humphry during her life. This too seems to have been declined.

At the time of her death Rose Woodgate had £300 in cash in the house ; and
the furniture was valued at £400, books ;^ioo, pictures £150, trinkets £50, plate
£90, and china and linen £;^o. These valuations were for " probate purposes."

In July, Mary Anne Humphry is found staying at Mrs. Day's house at Brighton,
for the benefit of her health and under the advice of Sir Alexander Crighton. She
writes : —

" Brighton, July 6th, 1827.

My dear Fanny,. . . Our friend William being now staying with you was
a surprise to me, & I have no doubt he enjoys the country during this cheerful season
more than when he paid his last visit at Xmas. I am interested in hearing of his
progress in latin, & am sure his Aunt Fanny will stimulate his improvement in that
desirable language. I am really much concerned to find your former intelligence,
of our friends at Greatness selling their property, confirmed by your last letter. I
wish to know how dear Mrs. Nouaille supports the prospect of quitting a situation
that has been the theatre of her kindness and active benevolence to her friends
& the poor around her for a period of so many years. To our dear Mother & ourselves
she will be an immense loss, & we shall much miss & regret the society of our young
friends. I was favoured by a most sociable letter from dear Julia last week ; the
painters & paper hangers came to Broomham on the Wednesday, & were proceeding
in their operations with all expedition. Both herself & Sir William seem to be looking
forward with much satisfaction to the completion of the repairs undertaken by
Mr. Cubit for the present year. Mrs. Newnham & her niece Miss Trump favoured
me with a visit on Monday last, & the following day sent me an invitation to dinner,
which I accepted, & among three young ladies was agreably surprised to meet Miss
Arabella Streatfeild, who has been passing the last fortnight at Brighton, looking
younger & prettier than I ever recollect. She kindly called upon me this morning

ig) General the Right Hon. Sir Thomas Maitland, G.C.B., younger son of the Earl of Lauderdale,

died of apoplexy in 1824. He was Governor of Malta, Commander of the forces in the
Mediterranean, and Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Isles.
Mr. Maitland's letter was as f oUows : —

«' Westerham, 25th April 1827.
Sirs, Mr. Harvey of Cowden has given me your letter to him relative to the Moat farm in
that parish, the contents of which I communicated to my Trustees, who agree with me in thinking
the sum of £6000 much beyond its value. The utmost I should feel inclined to offer would bo
£4500, which must necessarily be subject to the approbation of my Trustees, S. M. Maitland."

In 1836, Mr. Donald McLean, of the Oxford Circuit, submitted an ofiEer which was declined.
He states that the Moat was near a property belonging to his father-in-law.

The following advertisement for sale of the house in Tonbridge appeared in the Times and
Morning Herald.

Tonbridge Town — To be sold by private contract, a messuage in the High Street lately
occupied by Mrs. Rose Woodgate deceased with a large garden behind the same. The
premises are freehold, and present a desirable opportunity for any gentleman having
sons who wishes to take advantage of the richly endowed Grammar School of Sir
Andrew Judd at Tonbridge for their Education. Immediate possession may be had,
and further particulars known on appUcation to Messrs. Palmer, France & Palmer,
SoUcitors, Bedford Row, London ; and of Mr. Stidolph, Parish Clerk, Tonbridge, who
will shew the premises."

247

to ask me to walk with her on the pier this evening at eight. . . . Yesterday
a young Man from Northumberland arrived. In manner he reminds me a little
of our northern relative, who took his departure so abruptly. . . ."

It may be a matter for some surprise that the Miss Humphrys were acquainted
with Latin Their father was deeply learned both in Greek and Latin, and imparted
a thorough knowledge of these languages to his children. Dinner used to be about
three o'clock, after which Mr. Humphry would read aloud, often from the classics,
while the daughters occupied themselves with needlework. Very often this would
be followed by a rubber of whist_ The next letter is also from Brighton.

' ' German Place, July 12th, 1827.

My dear Fanny, Altho' you have not answered my last letter, yet you are so
good a correspondent that it would be reprehensible in me not to take advantage
of Miss Arabella Streatfeild's kind offer to convey a letter to you. I am quite sorry
to lose the society of Miss Streatfeild ; she is so pleasant & good natured that I shall
quite miss the walks I have taken with her "

Mary Ann Humphry's time was very pleasantly occupied in walks, drives,
picnics to the DevU's Dyke, musical parties, and other amusements. The chain
pier and the frequent arrival of steam packets were a constant source of interest.
The other inmates of the establishments were the aforesaid Mr. Etherington from
Northumberland (a great favourite) , who had lately succeeded his father ; Mr.
and Mrs. Grey, elderly people from Camberwell ; Mr. Dyer, uncle ©f Mr. Stonestreet
of Hastings ; Mr. Jacob, of the Board of Works, and a Member of Parliament ; and a
Captain Baker, an officer in the navy. Captain Baker had married a niece of Mr,
Thursby, and was then a widower. " I was surprised to hear from him," says
Mary Ann Humphry, ' ' that our friend Henry Thursby, before his marriage to Miss
Bessy Papillon, was considered a great flirt among the young ladies."

On the 17th August, Mary Ann Humphry refers to the marriage of Capt.Hardinge
with Miss Callender. She was surprised to hear how quickly it was all over ; and
declares "they have indeed been prompt in their measures." She continues:
' ' I saw in the paper the demise of poor Mrs. W. Wakefield at the house of her uncle
the Earl of Albermarle. All things considered, she may have been taken away in
mercy, for her future state presented a dreary prospect. Is the rumour true that
our friend Caroline is to follow the example of her brother Richard ?"

Mary Ann Humphry stayed at Brighton tiU the latter part of November. The
last letter to her was dated from Seal the 17th November, 1827 : —

" My dear Maryanne, Having obtained a frank from Lord Brecknock, my
Mother gladly takes the opportunity of sending you a remittance, & is sorry to
have been necessarily obliged to remain so long in Mrs. Day's debt. When you
have fixed the day for yr return, if you will give us a line, James shall await yr
arrival at Tonbridge & order a Chaise to convey you & yr luggage home. ... I
had a letter from Caroline Hardinge lately in which she desires her best love to you ;
it is still uncertain when her Marriage takes place. Mr. Palliser is trying to effect
an exchange into the Horse Artillery, which never leave England except on actual
service. She promised to inform us of the result, & not having heard further from
her fear he has not succeeded. Miss Round {h) was married here a fortnight ago to
a Brother of Mr. CarneU's of Tonbridge, & our friend Mr. Buttonshaw is shortly to
be united to his pretty cousin Miss Sarah Camell. The Church was opened last
Sunday with a very full congregation. We like Mr. Engleheart very much ; he is a
well informed sensible man & very active in the discharge of his professional Duty,
but does not appear to have good health. . . . We are happy to find you
have had such pleasant society, & promise ourselves much amusement from a
recital of the gay scenes by which you have been surrounded."

(h) For an account of the Rounds of Stonepit, Seal *.

* See Reference Sheet.

248

Mary Ann Humphry writes once more from Brighton on the 21st stating that
Miss Swinley's aunt had invited Miss Arabella Streatfeild to pass the winter at
Brighton, as her health was delicate and the air there agreed with her better than
that of Chiddingstone. Mr. W. Streatfeild had been presented by the Bishop of
London to a small living in Essex.

The prolonged stay at Brighton had contributed very materially to the cure,
though it had cost more than a hundred pounds. Brighton was at that time a place
of great fashion.

The next year, 1828, young William Humphry was sent to school at Kingston
House, Regents Park. There are two or three letters to his grandmother, but this
will serve as a specimen, written in a round boyish hand, and dated 6th February.
" My dear Grandmother,

A month is now elapsed since I had the pleasure of seeing you and my Aunts.
You have I suppose heard that I had a very quick & pleasant journey into London.
Aunt Maryanne's letter to Mrs. Day went to the Council Office [for a frank] on
Tuesday ; tell her it was sure to go, because Mr. Flint said he would see that it should
go to Mr. Greville who was then confined to his room.

I heard from Mamma a few days ago, who says that Fred has been confined
to his bed with a bad eye. He has had leaches & a great quantity of medicine.
I say steam Coaches will not answer because they are always a bursting. They will
only go a certain number of miles before it requires fresh water & Fuel. Give my
kind love to Aunt Fanny & Aimt Maryanne. Tell Aunt Fanny that in a short time
I will write to her, which she shall not call bob short as she usually does. Tell Aunt
Maryanne that I am in the same Latin Books as when I was last at Seal. I forgot
to use the proper way of address, but am sure you will forgive it this time. I intend
according to Aunt Maryanne's wish to send Mr. Whitehead the said Valentine.
I remain, my dear Grandmamma, your dutiful & affectionate grandson

William Hum phr y . ' '

The next letter describes a visit of Miss Humphry to London. Much of her
time was occupied in shopping and executing various commissions ; but she managed
to find time to attend some of the exhibitions then being held. Writing of the
fashions, she describes ' ' the hats as most preposterous, both in size and trimming.
They are generally made of blended colours. Your bonnett may be made very smart
by the addition of either flowers or feathers, as suits the occasion."

' ' Seal, June 8th, 1828.

" . . . You will think my time was not wholly engaged in business when
I tell you I passed three horns at the Exhibition, & went to see the Water Colours
exhibition in Suffolk Street, the Diocanna in the Regents Park, and ( by tickets from
Mr. Lennard) the Zoological Society in Burton Street, & Astley's Theatre. At the
Royal Academy, Sir Thomas Lawrence is as usual pre-eminent. The Countess of
Gower & her daughter & Lord Eldon are exquisite pictures ; the former, wHh her
child, are beautiful subjects for the canvas. On the wnoie i was more pleased with
the Exhibition in Suffolk Street, which is a beautiful exhibition of paintings. We
dined one day with Capt. Newcombe, who was as hospitable & cordial as on my
former visit. I called on Mrs. Ponton & Mr. Hemming, both of whom gave me
pressing invitations to visit them for a longer period, but this my stay in Town would
not permit. Mr. Hemming expressed the utmost pleasure at seeing me. He made
many enquiries after you, & said if you could apprize him when you visit Town,
how happy he should be to call on you. I made William & Julia a visit at their
respective schools ; they are both looking very well & much improved. William
points much on visiting Broomham during his summer vacation. On Sunday last
I attended the morning service at Westminster Abbey, & afterwards went to St.
Margaret's Church. Whenever I saw any good prints, I thought of Sir William's
Album, & wished they were added to his collection. During my absence Mr. Atkins,

249

three of his daughters, a brother-in-law, & nephew called, & my Mother & Maryanne
found them very agreable. Capt. & Mrs. Woodgate also made them a visit ; John
was very cordial, and they conjecture from his manner he regrets his injudicious
letters. Our Church is at this time Painting. We had a pleasant walk to Kempsing
this morning, & a numerous congregation."

The next letter is addressed to Mary Anne Humphry, at Broomham.

' ' Seal, July i8th. 1828.

My dear Maryanne. . . I am not surprised that Broomham exceeded your
expectations, for I really think no place ever exhibited a more improved appearance.
What a change we have had in the weather ! Alas, for our poor Hay, which we
fear has suffered much ; & when it will be got in it is impossible to say in the present
uncertain state of the atmosphere. My Mother is quite well, & rises every morning
at eight o'clock. Last week we called at Wilderness & were most graciously received
by Lady Camden & Lady G. Pratt. Lady Camden conducted my Mother into
Ly. Georgiana's room, from which she had a full view of the conservatory & orangery.
Lady Camden very kindly gave me cuttings of several new Geraniums that we did
not before possess, & I hope to be successful in raising them. ... I have no
doubt William quitted Broomham with reluctance ; how very kind of Sir William
to indulge him with the use of a poney. Nothing I am sure would have afforded
him equal pleasure. I hope he was a good Boy and not unmindful of the hints
he received at Seal. This morning's post brought a hasty line from him. He will
be disappointed in not meeting James with his Rabbits : an interval of sunshine
renders his presence indispensable in the Hay field. Mr. dc Mrs. Nouaille, Anne
& Peter are to pass a fortnight with Mr. Boswell at his seat near Doncaster during
the month of September. The young people anticipate much pleasure from the
excursion, & I hope it will prove agreable & beneficial to all the party. Mr. Engle-
heart brought his Father to call here last week & requested he might be permitted
to see the miniatures, which he admired exceedingly, & was so obliging to say when
he visits the neighbourhood again he will remove the injury they have sustained
from damp, & endeavour to secure them from further injury from the same cause
in future. Mrs. Whitaker was made very happy previous to her leaving Sevenoaks by
a letter from Mr. Henry Walter, stating that it was so long since he had been able
to see her, & having a little time at his disposal, he hoped to pass a few days with her
during the present week.

I had written thus far yesterday morning when Mrs. Nouaille came with
her Daughter, requesting us to take Anne for a night in consequence of Mr.
Rush having arrived from Town with his son recently recovered from the
measles, & she was unwilling for Anne to incur the risk of infection. . . . The
Archdeacon of Rochester visited the Churches of Kempsing & Seal on Wednesday
last ; he issued orders for repairs in Kempsing, & directed that the modern window
(which has so long been an eyesore) on the South side of Seal Church should be removed,
together with several changes of minor importance, & said he should expect these
alterations to be carried into effect before the next Visitation. Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb,
with his Brother in the Navy, have just been here. We are happy to see Mrs.
Lipscomb so much improved in Health, which she attributes to change of air & the
kindness she received from her friends in Sussex. I hope you will derive equal
benefit from your excursion. . . . Frances Humphry."

The next letter is from Miss Humphry, inviting the Ashburnhams to Seal in
order to be ready to attend Fanny Woodgate's wedding with Musgrave Brisco.
Mary Anne Humphry was to be one of the bridesmaids.*

"Seal, August 27th, 1828.

. . . The neighbourhood has been quite alive since the return of Ld. &
Ly. Amherst. On Friday last there was a Ball at Seven Oaks, in honour of the

* See Reference Sheet.

250

event, at which the Montreal family, a party from Knole, & most of the neighbourhood
was present, amounting in the whole to about a hundred. Ld. & Ly. Amherst
must be gratified by the reception they have received ; all classes of their neighbours
appear anxious to testify their joy on the occasion. We called at Montreal last
week & were received by Ly. Amherst, Ly. Sarah Amherst & Ly. Harriet Clive ;
they were all very agreable, & nothing can exceed the pleasure they express at
returning to England. . . . The day we went to Montreal we met Sir Charles
& Ly. Hardinge coming to Seal. Sir Charles has purchased Bounds of Ld. Caledon,
with the intention of making it his future residence. His Irish property is either
sold or upon sale at this time. Mr. Rush accompanied Mr. Nouaille's family to tea
here on Monday, which with the Miss Crichtons & our Village Pastor constituted
our little Party. Lord Amherst has just called here ; he sat half an hour conversing
in the most agreable manner & enquired with much kindness after every member
of the family. The House at Knole is filled with visitors. Ld. & Ly. De la Warr
are there, the first visit she has made her sister at her native place since the death
of the Duchess. The Duchess of Kent is coming from the Wells to dine there one
day this week Frances Humphry."

There is one more letter from William Humphry, from Kingston House, dated
20th October, 1828. Three months later he was dead. His mother had written
to him stating that the family at Seal desired a letter from him ; but he writes saying
he has had a bad finger, or he would have written before ; also that his letter to his
Aunt Fanny would have been longer, had not his finger pained him so much. He
was out of Phaedrus' Fables, and in Cornelius Nepos. He says also that the mornings
were so cold and foggy that Mr. Garrett had had a fire in the schoolroom for the
first time ; that one of the boys, Edward Kynaston, had left for Westminster ; and
that he had " been learning drilling since Midsummer, which has much improved
my walking, and makes me look in every person's face when I am speaking to them.
I suppose before this you have parted with your old Donkey, and the young one
has taken his place, but I hope that is better than the other one, which did not go
faster than a slug's gallop."

' ' Seal, Novr. 6th, 1828.

My dear Julia, . . . We rejoice Sir Willm. has let his Farm to his satis-
faction. He will be relieved from much vexation & anxiety, & we hope it will prove
advantageous in a pecuniary point of view. . . Sir Alexr Crichton has let his
House in Town for a term of 14 years. The lady that has taken it declines the
furniture, which is very costly & handsome ; & Ly. Crichton fears they shall sustain
considerable loss in disposing of it by auction. The Nouailles are returned much
pleased with their northern excursion. York is forty miles from Mr. Boswell's,
& therefore too distant to allow them to visit it during their short sojourn. We
are very glad you had an opportunity of seeing Sir Charles & Ly. Hardinge previous
to their quitting Hastings. We hear the Gentleman to whom the dowager Ly.
Hardinge is married has the appointment of Store-keeper at Chatham, & is a brother
of Col. Jones of the Engineers. I am sure all the friends of Mrs. Palliser [late Caroline
Hardinge] heartily concur in the wish that the efforts of her family may prove
successful in bringing her among them. We received a letter from Mrs. Wm. Humphry
a few days ago. The children's coughs are better, & she hopes Frederick will be
admitted at Hertford this month. Her friend Mrs. Moody has lately entered a
second time into the matrimonial state ; I am sorry for the loss Mrs. H. will sustain
in her society. Mr. Cobb was married at Tonbridge last week, & brought his bride
to Ightham the same day. We hear she is very beautiful, & widow of Mr. Legg,
the late Vicar of Bray. The fineness of the weather induced my Mother to pay
a visit at Fair Lawn on Saturday ; we found the Misses Yeates well, & passed two
hours very agreably with them. The dowager Lady Hawley has taken Mr. Claridge's
House at Sevenoaks & is coming to reside there immediately. Mr. & Mrs. Henry

251

Buttanshaw [late Anna Woodgate of Summerhill] called on Saturday ; we were gone
to Fair Lawn & regretted not seeing them. . . . Frances Humphry."

In November Miss Humphry paid a visit to Broomham ; and on the 20th
received the following letter from her sister, at Seal : —

" . . . Lady G. Pratt visited us on Saturday. She has lately been passing
a few days with Lady Delawarr. From her ladyship we learnt that the general
mourning ceased on Sunday, & that Lady Camden & herself took it off on the following
day. I was sorry you was not apprized of this, as it might have lightened the
weight of your paraphernalia. Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille went down to the Postern yesterday
to bring their daughter home. I accompanied Miss Crichton to call upon them.
Anne informed me they had been enlivened by a letter from Mrs. Musgrave Brisco,
describing the gratifying reception they had received at Hastings. ... Sir
Alexander Crichton has received a communication from Captain Hardinge to accept
the office of Steward to the Balls for the ensuing year ; he wishes to decline the
Honour, but I do not know what will prove the result. . . . This blotted letter
will remind you of Ld. Collingwood's prohibition to his daughter, nevertheless I
must be excused from the Haste I have been compelled to write."

" Seal, December nth, 1828.

My dear Fanny, . . , Mrs. Whitaker you will be glad to hear is recovering
from her late severe illness. Mrs. Lightfoot has received a few lines in her own
writing, to signify this improvement. Mrs. Nouaille dressed a haunch of venison
on Wednesday which I partook of with Mr. & Mrs. Wilgress & Mrs. Lightfoot. Mr.
Lightfoot & their daughters joined the party in the evening. Lady Georgiana Pratt
made us a visit last week. Lady Londonderry is expected at Wilderness in about
a fortnight, & other friends this week. Lady Crichton came home for a few days
only on Tuesday, having left her Father in so precarious a state as to intend returning
to him in a few days. I am sorry poor Alicia is not allowed to partake the pleasing
gaiety of Hastings, particularly as it arises from a derangement of the system. A
second Assembly took place in our drawing room on Tuesday evening, the same
party as before with the exception of the Miss Crichtons. Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille
& Peter went yesterday to South Park intending to sleep there. Mrs. Allnutt &
Maria returned from Town on Monday. I have been taking a ramble with Miss
Crichtons this morning as far as Stone Street ; on my return they shewed me a col-
lection of articles they have been making for the Hastings Bazaar, at the request
of their friend Miss Fitton .... Maryanne Humphry."

The Bazaar was held in December (see p. 114) ; Miss Humphry had meanwhile
returned to Seal, and writes to her sister (30th December) ' ' I trust, my dear Julia, you
have not suffered from the fatigue of attendance on this occasion ; and now that
your engagements have in some measure subsided (& you are returned to the quiet
scenes of domestick life) you will have time to attend to your health, & be quite well,"
She adds : —

' ' Mr. Polhill has taken Bradbourn for a year, to give time to arrange his affairs
and look out for a permanent abode ; the family are very desirous of remaining in
the neighbourhood. When the property was first on sale, Mr. Yates Peel made
an offer of ninety five thousand pounds for the whole, which Mr. Polhill must now
regret having declined, as the sum obtained for the part already disposed of falls
far short of this price. I drank tea with Mrs. Nouaille on Friday last, & met Mr.,
Mrs. & Miss Lightfoot, Mr. Petley & his two eldest sons, Mr. Whitehead & Mr. Thomas
Curteis. Julius has heard nothing respecting Pevensey (except from Mr. Rush) ;
his hopes appeared to revive when I told him it was a mistake Mr. John Ashburnham's
having granted two Titles within the last three years. Mr. Dodd of Penshurst is _a
friend of the Bishop of Chichester, & he has promised to represent his case to his
lordship, which he hopes will be attended with success. Anne is anxious to be at
Hastings by the 9th of January to attend Mrs. Goodenough's Ball, but is uncertain

252

whether she shall be able to carry her wishes into effect. I am sorry to say Mrs.
W. Humphry's last letter gave an indifferent account of William, who is returned
from School indisposed ; she appears to think he has outgrown his strength & hopes
a little attention to diet, aided by good nursing, may soon restore him to Health.
Lady Londonderry, Sir Henry & Ly. Emily Hardinge, Col. & Mrs. Evelyn, & Mr.
Irving are staying at Wilderness. Mr. Irving called yesterday ; he tells us they
find the dowager Ly. Hardinge (who retains her title) an agreable neighbour at
Rochester. The neighbourhood will I believe be disappointed in their expectation
of a Ball at Montreal this Christmas, & we hear of no festivities that usually mark
this season of the year. Lord Amherst it is said intends to add considerably to his
house next spring. The family do not come to Knole at present. Mrs. Petley
has not been quite well lately, but hopes to attend the New Years Ball, to witness
her fotir sons joining in the festive dance. Sir Alexander & Ly. Crighton returned
from Mousley last week ; the young ladies have been at Church but I have not seen
any of the Family since my return. Mr. Engleheart drank tea with us on Saturday.
I appeared in my new bonnet on Christmas day ; I flatter myself it is both handsome
& becoming. This neighbourhood has not quite escaped depredations ; a short
time since Mr. Cronk had the Donkey he purchased of my Mother together with
19 rabbits of his son's, stolen ; and two rounds of beef were removed from Mr. Evelyn's
larder by means of taking the tiles from the roof of the building. Mr, Wm. Streat-
feild is gone to Nice to join his Brother & sister, & Frederick Streatfeild is returning
from India very much out of health. . . . Frances Humphry."

On the 19th there came a letter from 10, Charlotte Street, Pimlico, written
by Mr. Robert Hare to Mrs. Humphry. " My good friend and neighbour, Mrs.
William Humphry," he says, " had I understand prepared you to expect an unfor-
tunate result from the severe illness of her son William, and at her request I have
the painful task to acquaint you that he expired at half past twelve this forenoon.
Mr. White had seen him twice during yesterday and ordered a blister which failed
in its object. Early this morning the poor Boy, amidst considerable suffering,
vomited a large quantity of foetid black water, which proves to have been the contents
of an abscess in the chest,"

Mr. Hare was Mrs. Moody's brother-in-law. Very soon after this event, the
widow married Mr. Hare.

" Seal, Febry. 14th, 1829.

My dear Julia, . . , We spent a very sociable pleasant day at the Grove
last week with Mr. Nouaille's family. Mr. Whitehead was gone to Chatham to attend
the Funeral of one of his brothers, who died about a fortnight ago. Poor man,
we think him altered, but he appears cheered and amused by coming occasionally
to play a game of chess with his old friends & neighbours. Juhus Nouaille is in
high spirits at the difficulties being removed to his Ordination, which is to take place
by the Bishop of Chichester the ist of March, & anticipates (if he can secure a small
garden) that he shall be compleatly happy at Pevensey. What does Sir Wilham
think of the political proceedings ? Poor Mrs. Nouaille is quite in despair. The
change of Mr. [torn, ? Peel's] conduct appears to create general surprize & regret.
. . . . Frances Humphry."

Mrs. l^'ouaille felt most deeply on the Roman Catholic question, and the passing
of the Roman Catholic Relief Bill must have been to her a severe blow.

" Seal, April 21st, 1829.
My dear Julia, . . . The Miss Crichtons called this morning to give us
an account of the Bail, which v. as not so numerous as usual, altho' Lord & Lady
Plymouth with the Montreal family honoured it with their presence & staid supper.
Notwithstanding the number of Gentlemen present, from a want of introduction
the young ladies had not so much dancing as they would have liked. The Miss
Crichtons thought Mrs. Musgrave Brisco decidedly the Belle of the Evening ; it was

253

a great disappointment to our Postern friends that Mr. & Mrs. Camac were prevented
joining the party. My mother is dehghted at the prospect of seeing you here. She
attended Church last Sunday & experienced no inconvenience but a Httle fatigue
in consequence. Lord Camden's Family, accompanied by Mr. Stewart, arrived
at Wildernesse on Friday. They must all enjoy a httle relaxation after discussing
the important subject that has lately occupied the Public attention. We called
on Miss Burton this Morning & had a most sociable pleasant visit ; she, as well as
many of our Neighbours, anticipate gloomy results from the decision of the great
National question in Parliament. I am very glad to hear our friend James [West]
commences his professional duties with so much ability, & much wish we had an
opportunity of hearing him, . . . Frances Humplury."

On the 19th June, Miss Humphry mentions that Mrs. W. Humphry, Richard
and Julia had come to Seal for a visit ; she considered the latter ' ' a very good little
girl, of a most docile disposition." The donkey chaise was in frequent requisition.
"We hear very indifferent accounts," she adds, "of Mrs. Henry Buttanshaw
[Anna Woodgate] ; she has a fine httle boy, but is suffering herself from a great
depression of spirits."

The next letter describes visits to Fairlawn, Miss Adean and Mrs. Adamson.

" Seal, August 3rd, 1829.
My dear Julia, . . . Mrs. W. Humphry tells us she ascertained that her
Pension will not be forfeited by marrying again. We represented to her the responsibility
of the situation she will be placed in by marrying a man with 4 children ; she appears
quite decided on the subject, & says if we knew the character of Mr. Hare, she is sure
every objection would vanish, & has no doubt the connexion will prove advantageous
to her children, & very much promote her own happiness. We sincerely hope this
may prove the case, but cannot help considering it a most imprudent measure.
Mr. Hare's salary is ;^5oo a year & with perquisites amounts to six. My Mother
received a letter from Mrs. Palmer yesterday, stating that, if quite convenient, herself
with Mr. & Miss Palmer propose coming to us for a few days next Saturday evening.
We shall be most happy to see them, & my Mother also wishes to consult with Mr.
Palmer on matters of business ; she thinks it would be desirable under existing
circumstances to dispose of the Property here, provided she can meet a purchaser
on the same terms it was offered to Lords Camden & Plymouth. A social little
party consisting of the Nouailles, Mr. Engleheart & ourselves partook our worthy
Vicar's hospitality on a fine haunch of Ld. Camden's venison ten days ago ; a few
days previous our Pastors met here to partake a neck of the same venison. . . .
Mr. & Mrs. Rayden with their children have passed two nights at Mr. Nouaille's
in their way to Hastings. Julius Nouaille appears much pleased with Sussex,
& speaks in grateful terms of the kindness & hospitality he has reed at Broomham.
Our furniture has lately undergone the ceremony of immersion, & the new carpet,
which is very handsome, is laid down in the drawingroom, so that our house is in
Us best attire. Mrs. Lipscomb & her Infant are going on remarkably well ; the
little girl is named Mary Cornwallis, after Mrs. CornwalUs who is to be a Sponsor.
Lady Crawford offered her services on the same occasion ; they were however declined,
in consequence of a similar offer from my Aunt Woodgate. . . Frances Humphry.

' ' Aunt Woodgate " was, of course, Mrs. Woodgate of Riverhill, Mrs. Lipscomb's
mother. The next letter describes the circumstances of Lady Camden's death : —

' ' Seal, 26th August, 1829.
My dear Julia, . . . The demise of poor Lady Camden took place at Bayham
last Friday fortnight. Her state of health had been as well as usual tiU within
two days preceding the event. It was a fortunate circumstance that Mr. Kelson
& his daughter were staying in the house, in their way into Somersetshire. Recourse
was had immediately to the best advice at Tunbridge Wells & London, but the

254

functions of Nature being altogether exhausted, the most eminent skill proved of no
avail. All the family were assembled at Bayham. Altho' her ladyship's character
was not endow'd with stirring & great qualities, nevertheless her uniform piety
& the resignation she evinced under severe family afifiiction must render her memory
dear to the recollection of her family. The funeral took place on the following
Friday ; it was conducted as privately as possible, Lord Camden & Lord Brecknock
attending as principal mourners. Mr. Gower remained to console poor Lady Georgiana.
The pulpit, the family pew & the chancel is hung with black cloth, the sombre
appearance of which is somewhat relieved by their escutcheon of Arms painted on
white sattin. The Family we understand are tolerably well & expected at Wilderness
next Thursday. Fanny has written a few lines of enquiry & condolence to Lady
Georgiana. I hope in her present affliction she has the support & comfort of some
kind female relative or friend.

Mr. & Mrs. Palmer & their daughter really appeared to enjoy their brief visit
into the country. They remained only from Saturday till the Tuesday succeeding.
On the Monday we went over Knole, with which they expressed themselves much
gratified in seeing a full-length portrait of the late young Duke, by Saunders. . , .
We sincerely hope our friend James' dreams of Elysium will all be realized ; remember
us kindly to Julius Nouaille, I am glad Sir William thinks so favourably of his
performance in the Church. Mrs. Nouaille & Philip drank tea with us on Friday,
She intended yesterday going to Tunbridge to visit Mr. & Mrs. Knox, who are
returned much benefited by their sojourn at Brighton. We were quite astonished
to hear of Mr. & Mrs. Brisco's trip to France, I am sure you will be glad to see them
again in Sussex. After a trip to Hastings & Tunbridge Wells, Mr. & Mrs. Hemming
took us by surprise for one night on Sunday. . . Maryanne Humphry."

The next letter is to Sir William Ashburnham : —

" Seal, Septbr. 3rd, 1829.

My dear Sir, . . . My Mother requests me to make her best acknowledg-
ments for the kind & liberal present of game she received yesterday Morng ; they
arrived in excellent order, & prove most acceptable. The new Church at Tunbridge
Wells is to be consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester to-day. Sir Charles Hardinge
was appointed to Preach on the occasion, but is unfortunately prevented by a severe
domestic affliction. His eldest daughter after a short illness died last week of a
bilious fever, & another of the children (Emily) has for some time been in so precarious
a state of health that her recovery is considered very doubtful. Sir Alexdr Crichton
is still in Ireland ; we are to dine at the Grove to-day to meet the Miss Atkins.
We received a very kind note from Ly. Georgiana Pratt a few days ago, in which
she states they are now tolerably well & endeavouring to exert themselves for the
sake of each other, & she hopes bearing these severe afflictions as she ought. Mrs.
West, Mr. & Mrs. Brisco favoured us Mdth a call last week, & we afterwards met
them at Mr. Nouaille's. Mr. & Mrs. Brisco are much pleased & gratified with their
trip to France. They visited Callis, Boulogne & St. Omer. The little they have
already seen appears to have given them an inclination to explore still further
Foreign lands. The paper of yesterday states the marriages of Mr. Wm. Palmer
& his sister to have taken place ; I hope they may both be happy. I forgot to
mention that yr friend Dr. Yates has built a very good but unornamented house
at Penshurst, which Mrs. AUnutt says (with the Furniture) has cost him six thousand
pounds. . . . Frances Humphry."

' ' Seal, Deer. 12th, 1829.

My dear Julia, . . . Thursday was the anniversary of our dear Mother's
natal day, when Anne Nouaille & her brother Peter & Mr. Engleheart dined here
to celebrate the event, & we had a very social pleasant meeting. ... I am
happy to tell you the purchase of the house at Tonbridge is at last compleated; I
have lately been a little engaged in correspondence with Mr. Palmer & my Uncle
on the subject {another reason for not having written to you before). A letter from

255

my Uncle yesterday states that my Aunt Woodgate is much better, & he. mentions
his intention of passing a morning with us soon. Yesterday we dined at Wilderness.
. . . . Lady Georgiana took an opportunity of saying she had only been out
twice to call on Ly. Amherst & Mrs. Evelyn & that one of her first visits would be
to my Mother, previous to which she hoped we would call on her. Some days ago
I received a letter from Mrs. Robert Hare giving a good account of all the children ;
& she further adds that they are all so happy & comfortable together that for herself
she has never any wish to leave home. Miss Jessy Crichton this morning brought
my Mother a very pretty work-basket ornamented with her own drawings as a
birthday remembrance. We have lately had numerous morning visitors ; yesterday
Mrs. Randolph, accompanied by her youngest son. The Bride & Bridegroom
do not return to Seven Oaks till after Christmas, when it is said they take up their
abode with Mrs. Randolph. . . . Frances Humphry."

The following letter from Lord Camden accompanied a drawing of Mr. Humphry.

' ' Wildernesse Park, Deer, 17th, 1829.
Dear Mrs. Humphry,

As we had been informed, some time ago, that it would be agreable to you
& to your Family to possess a Portrait of your late excellent Husband, I should
instantly have complied with that very natural wish ; but the Book, in which that
portrait and others were placed, having been mislaid and only recovered a few days
ago, I have not been before able to present the Drawing to you. I should only
have parted with the Picture to his Family, esteeming as I did his benevolent mind,
his respectable conduct and his clerical attainment. I beg you to believe me, dear
Mrs. Humphry, Yours most sincerely,

Camden."

The next letter was written in 1830 to Lady Ashburnham. Having filled two
pages with minute description of the health of different members of the family,
Miss Humphry proceeds : —

" Seal, Jany. 13th, 1830.

. . . I must now give you a little of our gaiety Ly. Crichton called
Wednesday morning, & gave her sanction for my attending Mrs. Harenc's dance
with Maryanne in the evening, & I have not for some time witnessed so festive a
scene. Nothing could exceed the attention of Mrs. & Miss Haren: to their guests,
which amounted to about 120. Seven rooms were thrown open & a diversity of
amusements offered, that each might select that suited to their taste ; the Quadrille,
the Waltz & the Gallapade in succession gave variety to the dancing, & the evolutions
of the young ladies were very amusing to the spectators. The whole neighbourhood
(with the exception of the Nobility) were present, & several families from a distance.
Mr. & Mrs. Bisco, 4 daughters & 2 sons [Harencs] were of the party ; their youngest
daughter made her first appearance in public this Winter, a very pretty girl & much
admired. Miss Golighty appeared very glad to meet me ; she made many enquiries
respecting Hastings & said how much she envied me the prospect of seeing that
dehghtful place again. Mrs. Petley, after partaking all the gaiety of the season,
is looking remarkably well. I am sure Sir William laments the death of Sir Thomas
Lawrence whose Portraits have been so justly admired, & considered only surpassed
by those of Vandyke. We hear the eldest son of our old friend Mrs. Ilbert is to be
united to one of the Miss Found's, & that it is an engagement entirely approved by
the respective families. Mrs. Nouaille was much gratified to see her son Julius
had acquitted himself in so creditable a manner at his examination. He came up
on Monday for the week, looking quite well, & so well satisfied with Pevensey that
he hopes never to change it for another curacy. Maryanne is gone to dine (& sleep)
at Mr. Nouaille's to meet a party at dinner. On Friday last we partook the periodical
hospitality of our worthy Vicar, and a very social pleasant meeting we had, with
Mr. Nouaille's family & our clerical friends ; & on Monday the Baroness Chandoir,
Miss M. Crichton, their brother Constantine, Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille & Anne & our

256

Pastors partook of some Christmas cheer here, & I am happy to say my Mother is
in no respect the worse for her exertion. The Baroness Chandoir is a most inteUigent,
pleasing woman, & her appearance & manner are generally admired. We hear her
diamonds at the New Years Ball were very splendid. They were purchased by the
Baron's father, & formerly belonged to the Queen of Poland. We are happy to hear
a good account of Mrs. Musgrave Brisco's health, & that she appears to so much
advantage at the head of her table."

The Baroness Chandoir was formerly a Miss Crichton, and her husband was a
Polish nobleman. January and February, as we are informed by the next letter,
were signahzed by intense cold. After such a long and almost ceaseless snow
everyone was looking for a "renovation of Nature."

" Seal, Febry. 6th, 1830.
My dear Julia, . . . The depressed state of Agriculture at the present
period is indeed truly alarming. Surely Ministers will devise some measures for the
relief of the country. We lament that this operates so disadvantageously to the
interest of Sir William, & fervently hope the prudent measures he has decided on
adopting (altho' they may occasion temporary inconvenience) will ultimately produce
comfort and happiness to yqu both. Our periodical assize is necessarily deferred
on account of the weather. Whenever this has taken place I hope to take advantage
of the first favourable change that occurs for making you a visit. Like yourselves
we have for some time been nearly confined to the house, the state of the weather
having debarred intercourse except with our very near neighbours. On Thursday
we walked to Greatness when Mrs. Nouaille also had taken advantage of the gleams
of sunshine 8c was gone to Seven Oaks. Peter drank tea with us in the evening ;
& states that his sister Anne is quite well & very happy at Hastings. We dined
at Wilderness last week with the Baroness Chandoir, Miss Jessy Crichton & Mr.
Engleheart, & passed a very pleasant evening with less form than usual. In the
evening some fine prints from the Cartoons of Raffelle, & beautiful drawings of Lady
Farnborough's were produced, which amused & gratified all the party. Ld. Camden
& Ld. Brecknock are gone to Town to attend Parliament. Ly. Georgiana (with
her httle nephew) remain quietly at Wilderness for the present. Mr. Engleheart
has decided on relinquishing his curacy in the spring ; after exploring Holland (with
his sister & a female cousin out of health) he means to pass two months at Aix-la-
Chapelle in the hope of deriving benefit from the Baths of that place. We shall
all regret his departure ; for in addition to the exemplary discharge of his professional
duties, he has been a most agreable & I may add improving Neighbour. We are
rather surprized at not having received any inteUigence from Mrs. Robert Hare
since her letter stating the illness of poor little Julia. Mr. Willard's nephew Mr.
Cole has lately lost liis wife. She was staying with a friend in Town, & on Saturday
last he received inteUigence that she was seriously ill ; he immediately hastened to
her & melancholy to relate she died of apoplexy before his arrival. Her remains
are brought to Sevenoaks and are to be interred there to-day. Capt. & Mrs. Randolph
are returned to Sevenoaks ; we met them walking a few days ago, looking very well
& very happy. The weather has hitherto prevented our calling on them. The
severity of the winter, added to the want of employment, causes great distress among
the poor, in consequence of which a second subscription has been made for their
relief, to which Ld. Camden has kindly contributed ten pounds. A collection has
likewise been made for Kempsing, as the inhabitants are too poor to be able to afford
much assistance themselves, . . . Frances Humphry."

On the 13th April, 1830, Miss Humphry writes again :—
" . . . Mr. & Mrs. Wharton arrived at the Grove yesterday, & come to us
for two nights on Thursday, as Mr. Wharton's Sunday duty in Town will not permit
a longer absence. My Mother did not feel quite well on Sunday & was much disap-
pointed that she was prevented attending Church. Mr. Engleheart's earnest

2S7

exhortations appear to be successful, as notwithstanding the state of the weather
we had a full congregation and 8y communicants at the Sacrament. Lord Camden
& Lord Brecknock have been at Bath ; Lady Georgiana came to Wilderness the
early part of last week. She called on us a few days ago, & appears rejoiced to
return to the country. Little Julia is very well, & very happy here ; she is a child
of so amiable & engaging a disposition that she is a great favourite with us all.
The Baroness Chandoir leaves England early next month ; it must occasion her
family a severe pang, the parting for so distant a separation."

The Baroness was to start for Petersburg in June, where Sir Alexander would
resign her to the care of her husband. Mr. Robertson, at that period, was painting
her portrait in half length miniature of large size. Mr. Engleheart was succeeded
by the Stamers ; they had travelled much on the continent, and had lived at Paris
and Geneva.

' ' Seal, May 14th, 1830.

My dear Julia, . . . Captn. Streatfeild tells us Hever Castle, together
with property to the amount of :^70oo per annum, has lately devolved to an old lady
of the name of Waldo, a sister of the late Sir Timothy Waldo, who intends to repair
& restore it precisely to the state it was in at the time of Henry the 8th, & hopes to
see her nephew & heir established there during her life. Mr. Lipscomb tell us, when
the Church in the Weald was given him, it was stipulated he was to take the duty
at the Chapel at Riverhead whenever it was erected without any additional emolu-
ment. Mr. Wharton is acquainted with the Bishop of Peterborough, & I learn from
him that his patronage is very small, having only two good livings in his gift, the
rest being scarcely equal to curacies, & with two sons in the Church it may naturally
be supposed they will succeed to these should they become vacant. Under these
circumstances I fear our friend James has no chance of preferment from that quarter.
Mr. Lambard's family are at Hastings ; & Mrs. Burton & Miss Clements are either
gone or going there shortly, for the benefit of warm . bathing. We have not yet
been able to meet with a Poney or donkey ; Mr. Peter Nouaille is occasionally so
obliging to accomodate us with the loan of his, & this morning Julia & myself drove
over to Riverhead to call on Mrs. Petley. . . . Frances Humphry."

The next letter describes Miss Humphry's visit to Town. She attended the
Italian Opera, the Zoological Gardens, the exhibition of Lawrence's paintings, and
other matters of public interest ; but the account is too long for insertion.

" Seal, June 6th, 1830.
My dear Julia, I fully intended writing to you before I went to Town, but
my Mother's tenant Mr. Waterhouse favoured us with his company for the whole
morning the preceding Saturday & defeated my intention. Yesterday week I took
my flight to the Metropolis, & after a pleasant sojourn returned on Saturday evening,
& had the happiness of finding my dear Mother quite well. Anne Nouaille had
very kindly passed the whole interval of my absence at Seal, & little Julia had
realized her promise in attentions to her Grandmamma. Mr. & Mrs. Hare did all
in their power for my accomodation & amusement ; he is a sensible, pleasant man,
& appears much attached to his wife, & very fond of all the children. ... I
met Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Woodgate in Town, & passed some time with them at the
British Institution. Captn. & Mrs. Hardinge are staying with Major Bradford.
. . . . Frances Humphry."

Waterhouse, as might be conjectmred, desired that his rent should be reduced.
Meanwhile Maryanne Humphry, under the advice of Sir Alexander Crighton, was again
staying at Mrs. Day's house at Brighton. Unfortunately, one of the inmates was
" a lady whose unusual and tremendous voice affects her nerves so much, that she
[Maryanne] was frequently obHged to seclude herself in the retirement of her own
room,"andeventuaUy it was foimd necessary to remove to another house altogether.

258

" Seal, June 26th, 1830.
My dear Julia, . . , Mrs. West & Mrs. Brisco called on us a fortnight ago,
when Mrs. West gave Julia & myself a very kind invitation to join a large family
party at the Postern on Tuesday last, to celebrate the anniversary of her birthday,
which we accepted, & passed a most agreable day. It was also the day of the annual
visitation of the Skinners at Tonbridge School, & in the afternoon the party assembled
there, & afterwards went to Church & heard some beautiful singing & music by
performers from the Chapel Royal, brought to Tonbridge by the Skinners for the
occasion. I was quite gratified in the opportunity of seeing so many relatives &
friends. We called at Dryhill when Alicia gratified me with a sight of her paintings.
I admire them exceedingly, & think Mrs. Cook's style far superior to any thing
of the kind I have seen. At the Postern we met Mr. & Mrs. Brisco, the Allnutts,
Stephen Woodgates, Nouailles &c. Mrs. Brisco is looking very delicate, & says
she was not well during her stay in Town, but feels quite renovated by inhaling a
little of the Postern air. Sir Henry Hardinge has obtained a Cadetship for Charles
Woodgate, & he is shortly to proceed to India. Richard came to us for his hoHdays
yesterday week ; he had a bad cold on his arrival, but is now quite well & enjoys
himself exceedingly. Our youthful companions occupy a good deal of our time and
attention. . . . Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb called a few days ago ; they purpose going
to Hastings for a month to give their children a little bathing. Mrs. Burton & Miss
Clements returned sooner than they intended, in consequence of the increased
illness of Miss Clements, whose health is rapidly sinking, & it is thought she cannot
long survive. Anne Nouaille has been passing a week at the Postern to meet her
cousin Mrs. Brisco, & returns home to-morrow. Mrs. Brisco hopes to be settled in
her new abode (to which she is looking forward with much pleasure) by the end of
this month. . , . Frances Humphry."

The next letter, dated 15th August, is quite short. Miss Humphry mentions
having met Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Woodgate, two of their young people, the Nouailles,
and others, at an evening party given by the Miss Palmers ; also that the Wests
had called on them, together with Mrs. Brisco who ' ' was looking as interesting
and pretty at usual."

In August Mrs. Humphry was very seriously ill; Lady Ashburnham was summoned
to her side, but the danger passed off. Sir William subsequently joined the
circle at Seal for a few days. After the departure of the Ashburnhams, Mrs. Nouaille
did all in her power for Mrs. Humphry. " Nothing," writes Miss Humphry, " can
exceed Mrs. Nouaille's kindness. She goes home occasionally of a night and returns
the following morning. On Sunday she leaves us, and I hope we shall contrive
to go on tolerably well till your arrival."

Maryanne meanwhile was still at Brighton, making no progress in her health.

" Seal, Novr. 13th, 1830.

My dear Julia, ... It was a great satisfaction to hear of your safe arrival
^t Broomham, altho' we cannot feel quite free from apprehension at finding incendiary
proceedings are taking place so near you. When will this calamitous destruction
of property cease ! The country altogether appears in a most alarming state, and
the disappointment of the public on the postponement of their Majesty's visit to
the city was very unfortunate at this juncture ; unless Ministers were in possession
of circumstances that have not transpired to the public, surely the Duke of Wellington
and Sir Robert Peel if necessary might have absented themselves on the occasion,
without risking the popularity of his Majesty in the present moment of general
excitement. . . . The day you left us I received a beautiful bouquet of Dahlias
from Lady Georgiana Pratt, accompanied with an invitation to dine with her the
following day. I accordingly went, & passed a very pleasant evening with Sir A.
Lady & two Miss Crichtons. Lady Georgiana's spirits are much improved, and
the honours of the house on that day devolving solely on herself (Ld. Camden &
Ld. Brecknock both being absent) she exerted herself more than usual. She has

259

since called, and promises to bring her little nephew some morning to introduce
to my Mother. On Thursday last I dined with our friends at Greatness, & met
Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Palmer, the Miss Palmers, & Sir A. & Ly, Crichton. Mrs. Story
& the Miss Palmers called a few days after you left us, & were much disappointed
to find you gone. They gave us a pressing invitation to visit them in Seymour
Street, and Mrs. Story said if she could prevail with my Mother {which she thought
she could if I would second her wishes) she would herself come down to fetch her, &
would devote herself entirely to her as long as she was disposed to favour them
with her company. Mr. Stephen Woodgate & his son Arthur called on us a few
days ago ; all are well at Pembury. Was the newspaper correct in stating a meeting
had been convened by the labourers at Guestling (for an increase of wages) on Mondav
last ? and did Mr. John Ashbumham as there reported (under the appellation of the
Parson) accede to the proposal of a reduction of his Tithes from eight to three hundred
a year? . . . Frances Humphry."

' ' Seal, Novr. i8th, 1830.
My dear Julia, ... I am to dine with our friends at Greatness to-day
to meet Mrs. Allnutt & Mr. & Mrs. West, and Mrs. Nouaille has engaged they shall
spend the evening with my Mother. In consequence of the heavy loss Sir A. and
Lady Crichton have sustained on their West India property, they say it is absolutely
necessary to contract their expenses, and I grieve to tell you they have made up their
minds (altho' with extreme reluctance) to quit the Grove next Spring. I need not
say how much we regret the prospect of losing such agreable and truly valuable
neighbours, in which feeling I am sure the neighbours will generally participate.
I received a long letter from Mrs. Hare this morning ; poor Richard has been suffering
from his back but is now a little better ; Frederick is returned to Hertford, and Julia
and Ozias are quite well. The report of Mr.Wilgress' intended marriage (/) is confirmed,
and Mrs. Lightfoot tells us he intends leaving Sevenoaks. We are very anxious to
hear from you, and fervently hope the enormities have ceased, and that peace and
quiet are restored to your neighbourhood. . . . Frances Humphry."

' ' Seal, Deer. 27th, 1830.
My dear Julia, . . , Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille & Anne have lately been passing
a few days in Town with Mr. & Mrs. William Woodgate. They dined one day with
Mrs. Rudge, & visited Mrs. Pole, and several of their friends. Mrs. Nouaille is come
out quite smart in a very pretty velvet Bonnet purchased in Town. Ninety eight
children of the National School received Rewards on Thmrsday last ; the day was
so cold that Miss Jessy Crichton, Mr. Stamer & myself were the only members of the
committee present. Lady Georgiana Pratt is still rather an invalid, and by the
advice of Sir Alexr. Crichton does not leave the house during the cold weather.
Lord Brecknock's friend Mr. Pratt assisted in the service on Christmas day ; there
was a full attendance of the gentry, but I never saw so few of the lower classes on a
similar occasion. Ld. Camden is giving soup to the poor of Seal and Kempsing
twice a week & to-morrow Ld. Plymouth's benefaction of beef is to be distributed,
a most seasonable relief at this inclement period. Lady Aboyne has lately been
passing six weeks at St. Leonards, and liked the place so well that she was induced
to remain much longer than she originally intended. Mr. & Mrs. Edward Rudge
are passing the winter at Hastings. Lord Marsham & Mr. Harenc are the Stewards
for the New year's ball, & therefore I conclude it will be well attended. Mrs. Nouaille
has kindly invited me to go with them which I have declined, as amusements of this
description cease to possess any attractions for me. Constantine Crichton is come
home for the Christmas vacation much grown, and a very intelligent promising
young man. A letter from Mr. Waterhouse filled with complaints arrived a few
days ago. He has not paid his rent and wishes for a little further indulgence. He
thankfully receives the deduction my Mother proposed to make, and hopes the good

{/) The Rev. J. T. Wilgress married in 1831 Arabella Streatfeild of Chidingstone. Mrs. Lightfoot

was the daughter of Thomas Streatfeild of Serenoaks.

26o

feelings of his landlady, when he comes, will allow him what is reasonable to meet
the times and employ the poor, who press so heavy on the land that for the present
quarter he is paying 4s. in the pound, with a prospect of being still higher the next
quarter. He states that all the farms adjoining the Moat, with one exception, are
given up and on the owners hands. . . . Frances Humphry,"

By March, 1831, Maryanne Humphry had removed from Brighton to Hastings,
without having derived much benefit from the treatment.

" Seal, March 17th, 1831.
In compliance with your wishes, my dear Mother has sat again for her picture,
and by most of those who have seen it the preference is given to the one intended
for you, although I must candidly add I prefer my own. Mr. Hazlehurst is considered
fortunate in his likenesses. The Miss Crichtons are endeavouring to persuade
Sir Alexander and Lady Crichton to gratify them, and I believe they have consented
to be represented by Mr. Hazlehurst. Mr. & Mrs, West dined at Mr Nouaille's
yesterday, and all the party very kindly drank tea with my Mother in the evening,
and she enjoyed her pool of Quadrille. Anne Nouaille is passing a few days with
Mrs. Allnutt, who has been very unwell with a bilious attack since her return from
Town. The neighbourhood are lamenting the loss of Mrs. Burton who died on
Thursday last. She was a most excellent person, a kind and liberal benefactress
to the poor, and so friendly and benevolent to all her neighbours that she is univer-
sally regretted by all classes. Sir Francis Burton arrived some days previous to the
event, and does not leave the Vine till after the Funeral, which is to take place at
Sevenoaks on Tuesday next. . , . Miss Clements left Sevenoaks on Wednesday
morning. Mrs. Petley moved into her new abode last week ; after several fruitless
attempts, Mrs, Nouaille has seen her. At first her spirits were much depressed ; she
soon however recovered her composure, and appeared relieved that the first interview
was over. Patrick [Petley] has obtained his commission, and is gone to Town to
wait upon Lord Hill, What does Sir William think of the Ministers' measures of
Parliamentary Reform ? We received a packet of letters by Mr, Philhp Nouaille
from our young friends in Charlotte Street last week ; they are all well, and I believe
we shall soon see some of them in the country. I am longing to begin gardening
but the ground is too wet at present. . . . Frances Humphry,"

The removal of Mrs, Petley, formerly Ellen Woodgate of Riverhill, was made
necessary by the death of her husband in 1830. Probably one of the portraits
referred to is now at Broomham, A propos of this, the following anecdote is related
of Mrs. Humphry, A gentleman, on being shown a miniature painting of her, done
late in life, and supposing that the colouring of her face was artificial, expressed
his admiration of the portrait but considered it a pity that a lady of her advanced
age, and a clergyman's widow, should deem it necessary to paint. Not long after-
wards he made Mrs. Humphry's acquaintance and played a rubber of whist with
her ; so intense was the interest she manifested in the game that the excitement
caused her colour to change, which amply convinced her critic that he had been
mistaken in his surmise.

Many of the Humphry miniatures and paintings passed eventually to Mrs,
Humphry's grand-daughter Julia Humphry, who married Mr, Tucker of Bootle
near Liverpool and predeceased him.

" Seal, March 26th, 1831.

My dear Julia, . . , On Monday next, Warton's Virgil together with my
Mother's picture shall be forwarded by a Hastings Coach to Broomham, and we
shall be happy to find Mr, Hazlehurst's production meets the approbation of Sir
William and yourself. My dear Mother has kindly consented to sit again, as I think
Maryanne will be gratified to possess a likeness. Do not mention my intention to
her, as I hope it may prove an agreable surprise on her return home. Mr. Engle-
heart has been passing three days at the Grove. I dined there on Wednesday.

26 1

He made many enquiries after Sir William and yourself and hoped Sir William
was proceeding with the translation of Virgil, a work he said evincing so much
talent that he should be very sorry if it was not compleated. . . . We hear
Mrs. Burton has left her place at the Vine to her brother Sir Francis Burton for his
life, and after him to his second son ; to each of her servants ten pounds for mourning
and a year's wages, in addition to different sums proportioned to their length of
service. I passed an hour with Mrs. Brisco yesterday at Greatness, who is sitting
for her picture. She is to come up again on Monday when Mrs. West and herself
are to lunch here. One of Mr. Hazlehurst's most successful efforts is Julius Nouaille,
which is as like as possible. My Mother hopes he will not have left the neighbourhood
before you next visit us, as she has quite set her mind on having your picture. Dr.
& Mrs. Fitton were of the party at the Grove on Wednesday ; very agreable people.
They leave Brasted Place at Midsummer, and are to be succeeded by Mrs. Douglas
and the Miss Latewards. Mr, Wilgress was married at Chidingstone on Tuesday
last. We hear the number of candidates for Sevenoaks school amounted to fifty
three. . . . The yeomanry cavalry went out for the first time on Monday last ;
Lord Holmsdale regailed them with a dinner at Sevenoaks, which was a most agreable
commencement to their services. It is said that Bahffs are put into Mereworth
Castle ; all the effects, including the books & fine Pictures, are advertised for sale
by auction next month. I think you remember Mrs. Polhill (formerly Miss May
of Hadlow) ; she is just married again to the eldest son of Sir William Twisden.
I should imagine Plutus must have influenced the gentleman's choice, as she is stated
to be old enough for his mother. Anne Nouaille has been at the Postern the last
ten days, & returns home on Monday. . . . Frances Humphry."

" Seal, April 15th, 1831.
My dear Julia, . . . We were happy to find by your last kind letter that
Mr. Hazlehm-st's production met the approbation of Sir William and yourself.
Your observations are so judicious that I shall suggest them to the Artist when
my Mother sits again, which I hope she will be able to do next week. . . . Mr.
Curteis of Sevenoaks died last week, a happy release after a most distressing illness
of some months. I caUed on Lady Georgiana Pratt a few days ago and found her
a little better. She is delighted to be in the country, was in very good spirits and
hoped I would soon visit her again. Lord Camden called here yesterday ; he gives
a delightful account of his sister Lady Londonderry, who he says is residing at
Battersea, has her house constantly filled with Grand-children, and that it is her
delight to promote and as far as she can partake their amusements. The Easter
Ball was very well attended. I was surprised to hear that Mr. & Mrs. James West
and Alicia were there. Mrs. Brisco (in a pink toque and new white silk dress from
Madame Jerando's) and Mrs. George Norman (formerly the pretty Miss Stone of
Chislehurst) were considered the bells of the evening, rather mortifying to the young
ladies to be eclipsed by matrons. Maria Allnutt went with Mrs. Nouaille and Anne ;
she called here the following morning. Mr. & Mrs. Streatfeild of Chiddingstone
cure at Hastings for three weeks, and are shortly to be joined by Mr. & Mrs. Wilgress.
Mr. John Thompson made us a sociable visit yesterday, when I delighted him by
reading Sir William's verses, which he admired exceedingly. . . Frances
Humphry."

" Seal, April 25th, 1831.
My dear Julia, . . '. I have been sadly remiss in not having written to thank
Sir William for his very kind and most acceptable contribution of Poetry, a large
proportion of which he will see inserted in my album. The Humphry arms are a
great ornament to my book, and the execution far exceeding my expectation ; and
I can only repeat that I am very grateful to Sir William for all the trouble he has
so kindly taken to promote my amusement. We had a letter from Mrs. Hare last
week, in which she states that Mr. Hare will not be able to leave Town till the month
of June, or perhaps later, but hopes before that time I shall be able to pass a little

262

time with her in Town. You will be concerned to hear that she appears to think
poor little Julia in a delicate state of health. She has lately spent five weeks with
Lady Turner, who has a daughter nearly the same age and much attached to Julia.
Sir Francis Burton intends to lett the house at the Vine ready furnished, with six
acres of land, rent 250 pds a year, and the tenant to pay all taxes. The terms are
considered high, but the beauty of the place will probably tempt some person where
money is not an object. Mr. Waterhouse was here on Saturday to pay his rent.
I was glad to hear him say a little improvement had taken place in the price of timber ;
it is now selling from seven to ten pound a load. . . . Frances Humphry."

" Seal, May 5th, 1831.
My dear Julia, . . . Lady Georgiana Pratt called here a few daj^s ago,
and I am to drink tea with her to-morrow evening. Party spirit has placed the
country in a state of great excitement. An illumination took place at Sevenoaks
last week, when the windows of all the houses not illuminated were shivered to atoms.
There was one here the following evening, and to save ours from a similar fate, we
most reluctantly put up a solitary light in each window ; poor Mr. Whitehead, who
was not aware any thing of the kind was intended, had 15 panes broke. The Miss
Yates favoured us with a visit yesterday. Miss Eliza is shortly to come again,
for me to accompany her to the Kempsing hills in search of the Orchus tribe. The
Nouailles are all well ; Miss Austen (who formerly resided at Tonbridge) is passing
a week at Greatness. I was anxious to give you a line, but you wiU excuse a long
letter, having been occupied during the morning in endeavouring to amuse my
Mother while she was sitting to Mr. Hazlehurst, who is leaving the neighbourhood
in the course of a few days. . . . Frances Humphry."

Meanwhile Maryanne Humphry had returned to Seal. Numberless remedies
had been tried, all equally unavailing. Each change simply aggravated her craving
for further change. By the advice of Sir Alexander Crichton, the opinion of Sir
George Tuthill was taken ; he considered that only by the exercise of firm control
over the patient could any good be accomplished. ' ' Whatever plan be really good
for her," he said, " will have no chance of success unless it be strictly persisted
in without being made in any degree subservient to her vaccillations, which are
a part of her malady. They are hkely to be made inveterate by being gratified."
In June, Richard and Juha Humphry visited Seal, and their society amused and
interested her for the time being.

Nor was this the only difficulty with which Miss Humphry was obliged to
contend. Waterhouse made frequent efforts to obtain a reduction of his rent ;
and they were obliged to accede to his demands, under the advice of Mr. Thompson,
who considered it unlikely that another tenant could be found, even at the reduced
rent.

"Seal, July 25th, 1831.

My dear Julia, . . . Maryanne continues much the same ; the restlessness
of her mind is not to be described. She is still anxious to consult Dr. James Johnson,
and from the perusal of his work is so impressed with the benefits arising from
continental travelling that she says she is sure no other plan can afford her a prospect of
relief. She has promised to consult with Lady Crichton (in the absence of Sir Alexander)
on the subject previous to taking any measures for carrying this plan into effect.
Richard's holadays expired on Saturday, and he left us rather reluctantly on that
morning ; at the request of Mrs. Hare, Julia remains untill herself & Mr. Hare visit
the country. She is a most sweet tempered affectionate child, I only wish she
had the advantage of a little more regular instruction than I fear she is in the habit
of receiving. . . Lady Aboyne's youngest son Mr. Francis Gordon has relin-
quished his intention of taking Orders, for the army, and his friends have obtained
him a commission in the Guards, which from his habits and manners appears a
profession far more suited to him than the church. You have probably heard

263

from Anne Nouaille that Captn. & Mrs. Thomas are returned to England ; they
have disposed of their house and property at Brussels and intend making Bath
the place of their future abode. They are to make our friends at Greatness a visit
the beginning of next month, and we shall all be most happy to see them again.
Miss Amherst, the last surviving aunt of Mr. Round, died at Stone Pitts after a short
illness last week. Lord Tenterden and the Judges together with a large party of gentle-
men dined at Wildernesse yesterday in their way to Maidstone. I am not surprised
that Mrs. Brisco is unwilling to part with her cheerful companion [Anne Nouaille],
whose society is much missed in her little home circle. . . Frances Humphry."

In July, 1832, Mrs. Humphry had a most dangerous attack, from which she
was not expected to recover. All the doctors abandoned hope ; but, thanks to the
skill of Sir Alexander Crichton, and her own wonderful constitution, she was com-
pletely restored to her former state. Maryanne Humphry had been living at
Canonbury with an attendant, and returned to Seal about August, whence she
despatched the following letter to her sister on the 24th November : —

' ' My dear Julia, . . . From the accounts in the Paper, the royal visitors
are making Hastings very gay. The Herald states they attended St. Mary's on
Sunday & that Mr. West preached an excellent sermon. The Papers have informed
you of the demise of poor Lady Aboyne. The funeral takes place this day at Barsted ;
I beheve the remains of the late Countess Liverpool were interred at this place.
It is rumoured in the village that the Domesticks have received orders to quit & that
the establishment is immediately to be broken up. Lady Catherine Cavendish
was with her sister, & Mr. F. Gordon came down on Saturday. The loss of so
estimable a character must be severely felt by her family, & the parish will lose the
benefit of her exemplary example, as well as the beneficence she was at all times
ready to exercise. Poor Mr. Whitehead's attacks have been more severe of late ;
his sister Mrs. Wade has been passing the last week with him. Mr. J. Thompson
called here Wednesday. The absence of his curate at this time is unfortunate ;
last Sunday the congregation were assembled for near an hour before any clergyman
made his appearance. At last a gentleman arrived, but not before some of the
congregation had left the church. I have not learnt his name, but he recognized
Mr. Stewart, with whom he had formerly been at School."

" Seal, December 3rd, 183 1,
My dear Julia, ... Sir Henry Hardinge called on my Mother during
his stay at Wildernesse. Mr. Engleheart has lately passed a few days at Greatness ;
he drank tea with us, accompanied by Mr. Nouaille's family, and called twice upon
my Mother. He is still residing with his brother at Bedford. After Christmas he
is to spend a few days here, when we hope he may have the pleasure of meeting
Sir William & Lady Ashburnham. Mr. Curteis intends taking down the Rectory
house immediately, which obliges Mr. Nixon to seek for another habitation, and
Mr. Nouaille has kindly accomodated him with the use of Greatness till April. Mrs.
Allnutt came up the beginning of the week to buy bargains at Mrs. Wells' sale. We
have lately dined with Mr. & Mrs. Stamer & met Mr. Alison, the curate of Otford,
a most unsophisticated young man, full of ardour in his profession, and the height
of whose ambition is to be curate of Seal. I also passed a pleasant evening at Greatness
the beginning of the week. .Mr. Lambard called upon my Mother yesterday and
was very agreable. I am sorry you had not a better day for your visit to Coghurst
[the Briscos'], but I am sure it passed pleasantly with your friends. ....
Frances Humphry."

' ' Seal, Novr. 30th, 1832.

My dear Julia, . . . Our friends at Greatness have passed two nights

at the Postern to take leave of their friends previous to their departure for Hastings.

Mrs. Nouaille was so kind to visit my Mother immediately after her return home.

She called at Bounds to see Mrs. Stephen Woodgate and Jane who are still there.

264

and you will be happy to hear Jane is so much better that every hope is entertained
of her recovery. Lady Hardinge shewed Mrs. Nouaille over the house which is
ornamented with a number of family portraits ; the one she most admired was an
excellent likeness of Sir Henry invested with all his orders. We hear poor Dr.
Knox is deeply affected at the loss of his eldest son, which melancholy event took
place at Tonbridge on Sunday last after an illness of only five weeks. Julia is a
very tractable good little girl and her innocent mirth enlivens us all. She is working
in Baskets under the instructions of her aunt Maryanne and is much pleased with
the employment. I am sorry to tell you the spirit of incendiarism has again appeared
in this neighbourhood. On Saturday night last all the produce of a Farmer at
Otford was consumed by fire, the same person who experienced a similar loss two
years ago, and last night there was a fire at Shoreham that consumed all the produce
of a little Farmer (which was not insured) and the poor man sustains a loss of near
a hundred pounds. In addition to these there have been other fires in different
parts of the neighbourhood, all supposed to be the work of incendiaries ; no discovery
has yet been made, but it is to be hoped the miscreants will not elude justice. Mrs.
Nouaille is coming this evening in the hope of finding my Mother well enough to
derive amusement from a little game of cards. Mrs. Brisco informs her friends

that Sir Francis Burdett has taken a house at Hastings for the winter

Frances Humphry."

In October, 1833, Maryanne Humphry went to reside at 9, Alexander Square,
Brompton. A letter from her of this date mentions a chance meeting with the
James Wests, who had taken up their abode at Tonbridge Castle ; and she expresses
her regret to hear of the precarious state of health of Francis Woodgate of Ferox

The next letter from Miss Humphry, in December, 1833, was written to make
arrangements for the Ashbumhams' approaching visit. She mentions that the
Judges had spent two days at Wilderness on their way to Maidstone, and occupied
three pews in Church. " Last week," she adds, " Mrs. Nouaille received a letter
from her friend Mrs. WiUiam Thomas communicating the death of poor Col. Thomas
after a month's illness. What a happy circumstance that his brother was with
him ; his presence must also prove a comfort and protection to the widow and daughters
in a foreign land." Maryanne Humphry was to come down from London for
a week to complete the family circle. The former extended their stay till February.

The letters of this period refer almost entirely to the health of Mrs. Humphry,
who was in a very feeble state. Sometimes there are httle items of general news ;
for instance, on ist March, 1834, Miss Humphry writes :—

Poor Mrs. Streatfeild was out in her little open carriage a short time previous
to her decease. Her illness was only of a few days duration. Few persons have
evinced so much enjoyment from an advanced period of life, which continued to the
last. You have probably seen by the papers the death of Mr. Lane. Poor young
man ! His career furnishes a melancholy instance of how inadequate are the gifts
of fortune to procure happiness ; " and again on the 31st March :

" I was gratified by the receipt of a letter from our friend Mrs. Palliser last
week, written in her usual aftectionate strain. Her four children are all well and
promising. She hopes to see her brother Richard this morning, which will be a
great happiness, for excepting a few hours visit from her cousin John Papillon
she has not seen any of her family or relatives since her marriage. She says she
often thinks of Seal and the many happy days she spent in our society, and begs
me to inform her of every thing relating to myself and both my dear sisters. Lady
Georgina Pratt has been passing ten days at Hastings. Miss Rush is passing a
fortnight at Greatness ; she is much improved in appearance, and a very pleasing
girl. She tells me Mr. Rush has the prospect of changing his living in Leicestershire
for that of Hollington, which will be most desirable to him if it can be accomplished.

265

Ann Nouaille and her young friend are going this evening with Mr. Curteis to the
Sevenoaks ball. Sir Alexander Crichton and his family take their departure for
Cheltenham the 15th of April, where they propose to remain for three months.
Our partnership in the Paper ends with their departure, which occurs at the expiration
of a quarter."

" Seal, July 26th, 1834.

My dear Julia, . . . Mrs. Hare and Ozias passed a few days with us last
week, Mrs. Hare is looking remarkably well and in her usual good spirits ; Ozias
is much grown and improved and altogether a very nice boy. I talked over with
Mrs. Hare the future prospects of her sons. For the two younger ones she thinks
there will be no difficulty ; Richard has expressed a wish to be a Tobacconist [i.e.,
a tobacco planter in the West Indies], and if nothing more eligable offers, she thinks
he will be inclined to try that line of business. I asked if through the interest of
Mr. Hare it would be possible to get him in asaclerkatCoutts'. She says they are
convinced his health is unequal to constant occupation at the desk, added to which
the responsibility is so great that Mr. Hare would not like to make himself answerable.
Oiu: friends at the Grove have lately been very obliging in supplying us with the
morning Herald, therefore there is no occasion to trouble Sir William to send Ms
paper longer. Pray make my grateful thanks to him for this, and the many instances
in which he has so kindly promoted our gratification and amusement. Mr, & Mrs.
West passed the day at Greatness on Wednesday last, Mrs. West walked from
thence and sat an hour with us ; she tells us Mr. and Mrs. Brisco are quite well and
proceeding on their excursion to the northward. Mrs. Brisco, to whom the scenery
is new, is much pleased with Matlock and the Derbyshire spars ; they purpose going
by the Rail road from Manchester to Liverpool, and after visiting the Lakes to return
by Yorkshire. Mr. Ponton and Mrs. Willis have taken Mr. Claridge's house at
Sevenoaks for the three ensuing months. Lord and Lady Holmsdale, quite
unattended, walked to Riverhead Church on Sunday last. I hear the bride (who is
considered by no means handsome) was attired in a slightly tinged french white
silk Pelisse. . . Is it correct that Mr. Herbert Curteis is the real purchaser of
Sir William's Winchelsea property ? . . . Frances Humphry."

To this period the following letter must be assigned :

" Charlotte Street, December nth.
My dear Miss Humphry.

Your nephew Richard being now in his 17th year, which he will have completed
in March next, I am sure you will excuse his Mother in soliciting your kind offices
in endeavouring to get him appointed to some situation for his future support.
You are aware that the deformity in his Back precludes him from the pursuit of any
muscular employment or any other where a commanding appearance is requisite ;
yet I am told such a defect is not considered an objection in official duties of the
Desk, for which indeed his last three years education at the Pimlico branch of King's
College seems to have well qualified him. Your very excellent and noble friend
Earl Camden having heretofore so kindly bestowed his patronage on my late Husband,
it has occurred to me that as Teller of the Exchequer his Lordship may still have it
in his power, in case of a vacancy happening, to extend a similar kindness to his
eldest surviving son. I should therefore feel most grateful if you would do me the
favour of speaking to his Lordship on the subject, Richard is considered to possess
an excellent capacity ; and should I be so fortunate as to succeed in having a promise
of an appointment in the Exchequer, tlirough Lord Camden's very great kindness,
his Father in Law [step-father], whom you know holds a situation of the highest
trust at Messrs, Coutts' and Co., would not fail to get him properly qualified for the
adequate discharge of the required duties. With kindest regards to Mrs, Humphry
and yomrself, believe me, my dear Miss Humphry, yours affectionately,

Louisa Hare."

266

This letter (which was evidently written so as to be shown to Lord Camden)
is sealed with a crest, a demi-lion rampant.

There are no more letters previous to Mrs. Humphry's death, which occurred
on the 14th February, 1835, at the advanced age of 84; she was buried at Seal on the
twenty-third. There is an inscription to her memory underneath that on her
husband's monument. (See p. 194).

Also to the memory of

Elizabeth his wife

Daughter of the Revd. Francis Woodgate, Vicar of Mountfield and Whatlington

in the County of Sussex,

who departed this life the 14th February 1835

at the age of 84 years ;

who during the course of her long life and under many trials by affliction exhibited

the fruits of Christian resignation, Christian faith and Christian charity.

Mrs. Humphry's will was dated loth August, 1829. She gave £50 to Mrs.
Hare, and £$0 to each of Mrs. Hare's children. The household furniture to Frances
and Maryanne. The residue, including books, pictures, china, stocks, and real
estate to her three daughters absolutely. Witnessed by Geo. Whitehead, Elizth.
Palmer, and Geo. Palmer.

The following particulars of her personalty are taken from old Probate papers :

Cash in the house at death . . . . . . ^^300

,, at Bankers (Hoare's) . . . . . . 310

Household and garden effects . . . . . . 400

Books, prints, &c. . . . . . . . . . . 150

Wearing apparel and trinkets . . . . . . 65

Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

China, hnen, &c. . . . . . . . . . . 30

£^.345
Besides the above there was the Seal property, the Moat, and money in the
funds. Further, on Mrs. Humphry's decease, the marriage settlement monies
became divisible ; these monies were represented by £910 in the Three and a half
per cent reduced annuities in the names of Ozias Humphry and Henry Woodgate
the Trustees, and £2,438 reduced annuities in the name of Henry Woodgate alone.
The costs of Probate were £38 ; funeral expenses £53 ; simple contract debts £140 ;
and legacies, pecuniary and specific, £740.

The first letter after this sad event describes the packing up of the things for
Broomham, where Miss Humphry was to pass the remainder of her Ufe. Sir William
sent wagons to bring them away ; and not the least valued part of their freight was
the collection of plants and flowers.

" Seal, March 25th, 1835.

My dear Julia, . . . The stone Mason has been here to-day with a modle
in paper of the Tablet intended to be erected to the memory of our beloved Parents.
The spot we first fixed on has not sufficient space to admit it. After Prayers this
morning I surveyed the church with Mr. Whitehead and Mrs. Nouaille, and they
concurred in opinion that the most eligable vacant spot left was next to the Tablet
previously erected to departed members of our family, which must be removed
a little nearer the door to admit a sufficient space for the erection of one to our
Parents. The accounts of poor Maria Allnutt are very indifferent, Mrs. Nouaille
is going to-morrow to pass a few days with her friends at Penshurst. She is most
kind in wishing me to come to them, but it is impossible for me to leave home with
so many work people about, and while there is so much to be done. To-morrow I
propose to pack Maryanne's things,|^& when they are completed commence preparing

267

the Furniture. Poor Mrs. F. Milwaxd's must be considered a happy release by all
her friends ; she has not long survived her sister. Altho' I cannot think of quitting
a place where so large a portion of my life has been passed and where all my neighbours
evince so much interest in my welfare, without a deep feeling of regret, yet I am
most grateful for the home offered me in so kind a manner by Sir William and yourself,
and where I anticipate as much happiness as this sublunary state is capable of
affording. . . . Frances Humphry."

The tablet was erected by Henderson on the 9th April, when Miss Humphry
was still at Seal, engaged in packing up and taking leave of her friends. The house
was completely painted and papered, and let. Miss Humphry spent a few days
with Mrs. Nouaille, afterwards proceeded to London for a short time to prove her
mother's will and wind up the executorship, and then took her departure for Broom-
ham. Her subsequent letters are to be found amongst those of the Ashburnhams.

Maryanne Humphry continued to live at 4, Kensington Crescent till her death,
in 1843. There are several further letters from her, but not of an interesting nature.
The monument in Seal, erected to her memory, is placed above that of her father
and mother.

** To the memory of
Mary Anne youngest daughter of the late
Revd. William Humphry, Vicar of this parish,
and Elizabeth his wife,
who was born January 12th, 1792.
and departed this life after a long period of illness May 27th 1843.
" Behold, I have refined thee but not with silver,
I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction ;
In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment,
But with everlasting kindness will I have
Mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.''

Also of

Frances Humphry

second daughter of the late Rev. William Humphry and Elizabeth Humphry

born June the 17th 1787

whose exemplary and useful life was closed

December the 15th 1854.

" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, from thenceforth

"Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours

•' And their works do follow them."

(Beneath is a small shield — it should have been a lozenge, as unmarried ladies
are not entitled to the use of shields — displaying the arms of Humphry and Upcott
quarterly.)

By her will, dated ist September, 1840, Mary Anne Humphry of 4, Kensington
Crescent, gave all her real estate to her two sisters. All household goods in London
to Frances. Share of furniture in house at Seal (occupied by Dennis HoUingworth
Esq.) to Lady Ashburnham. Richard, Frederick, Ozias and Juliana Humphry,
£500 each in the Three per cents. Mrs. Nouaille, ^^200 ; Mrs. West, ;^5o ; Nephew
Richard, portrait of his father W. O. Humphry ; Sir W. Ashburnham, miniature of
Lionel, Duke of Dorset ; Legacies to Mrs. Simmons and Mrs. Hill, and residue to
sisters, Executors.

The house at Seal in which the Humphry's resided had been purchased of Lord
Bayham (afterwards Lord Camden) by the Rev. William Humphry in 1793, This
house and three cottages, and the small property at Noah's Ark, were put up for
auction in 1839, but withdrawn. In 1846 the house and three cottages were sold
to Lord Camden ; and in 1847 a further portion of the property was sold to Lord

268

Camden. In 1853 the residue (it seems) was sold ; and of this, Lord Camden bought
part for £500, and Mr. Rogers of Riverhill purchased the remainder for £700.

Of Mrs. Hare's children, Ozias perhaps turned out in the least satisfactory
manner. He married in a rank lower than his own and died early, leaving (we
believe) two children. His widow went out to the Cape, and married the ship's
purser.

Richard, as already mentioned, had a deformity in his back. He spent some
time at Cornhill, in Durham, with a man named Curry, learning the principles of
farming. He stayed there till Christmas, 1836, " by which time," he says, " I
hope I shall have acquired a tolerable knowledge of grazing, and also of the world ;
and if circumstances go on favourably, I hope to take my passage to South Australia
by January or February next." Arrived there, he eventually settled down at
Goulburn, a town containing about one thousand inhabitants and situated about
150 miles from Sydney. He describes the gentry there as excessively proud,
although many of them .' ' had made their fortune by selling beer and tobacco, the
former on the sly." Most of the constabulary of the town were ticket of leave
men or ex-convicts. One of the principal public buildings was a very large gaol,
surrounded by a high wall. At first the place inspired Humphry with feelings of
melancholy and dislike ; but he settled down and eventually acquired a valuable
property there. He found the business of a builder most lucrative. He married,
and left two children, one of whom died in infancy. We believe the surviving son
was brought up at Liverpool or Bootle.

Frederick was employed in the Australind Company, which appears to have
been an exploration company. In 1843 he was in Austraha. His mother mentions
having called at the Company's offices in the City and being shown some of her son's
drawings. He held a position of considerable trust, and had gained the esteem
of everyone for his ability and honourable behaviour. " He is," writes Mrs. Hare,
' ' more than the fondest mother could wish for. What pride did I feel when these
beautiful proofs were turned over, with the mark F.H. He is indeed a splendid
draftsman." He inherited the family skill in drawing ; and sent home some beautiful
reproductions of West Australian scenery. In 1846 he was doing well in Ceylon.
What subsequently happened to him we have not been able to ascertain.

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269

CHAPTER VIII.

WOODGATE OF RIVERHILL, SEVENOAKS.

Henry Woodgate of Riverhill, youngest son of the Rev. Francis Woodgate,
born 1746, was early apprenticed to the law. He was articled in London, where
he lived with his brother-in-law John Acton in Shire Lane, in the midst of the
Courts and Inns.

In 1767, October, John Acton writes, ' ' We were made very happy yesterday
to hear by my friend Harry of the health of our friends at Mountfield. His looks
prevented any enquirys about him, the effects of the sun, air, exercise and your
stingo (as he calls it) being sufficiently apparent, particularly the former below
his hat. I was glad to see him so well, and to hear of his good sport, as that seems
all to him ; however, he resumes the Quill without much regret, and says Westminster
Hall now won't hurt him."

Henry Woodgate was a keen sportsman. There is a portrait of him painted,
it is said, in his early days, by Ozias Humphry R.A., at Broomham. He is represented
with a peruke, carries a gun under his arm, and is clad in brown. William Upcott,
Humphry's executor, writes in May, 1811, "On Saturday last I was at the exhibition,
where I saw a portrait of Mr. H. Woodgate, but placed too high for me to judge
much of its merits."

He was sworn and enrolled an attorney of the Queen's Bench, on 22nd November,
1770, before Lord Mansfield, being then of Serjeants Inn. Not long afterwards
he was called to the Bar. The first letter from him is dated 1776, and is addressed
to his Father at Mountfield.

" Dear Sir, I lately heard that our little Friend Chesterfield intends shortly
to leave you, & this Intelligence has been confirmed by Mr. Hammond, who tells
me he has taken the Curacy of Bexhill, & that he means to decamp as soon as he
can provide 5nrself. Hammond exclaimed in bitter terms agst his Friend, & finally
pronounced him Non-Compos. I have made many Enquirys for an assistant for
you, & the other Day when I mentd what was abt to take place, before Mr. Courthope,
he immediately offered his services, said he shod be happy to assist you for a short
time, upon conditions ; & here it will be necessary for me to explain & to tell you
what these conditions are & in what manner he is circumstanced. Mr. Courthope
has engaged Mr. Hussey for a year certain at Brenchley, abt two Months of which
time is expired. He therefore wd gladly supply your Living for six Months certain
if you'll consent to his residing at Hastings (which by the bye is pretty much the
same thing as Beauport) to commence from the r4th of April next. I don't know
whether Mr. Gordon is in a hurry to depart, or how you may have provided ; but
I thot if you shod be distressed, this Offer would not be rejected, especially as it
is highly probable Mr. Hussey may wish to succeed him. Mr. Courthope seemed
desirous to come, said he did not care a farthing abot the Salary, that whatever
you have given others he shall be abundantly satisfied with, Sc added there was
not anr Man in the world he would be Curate to. The Ashburnhams have been
in Town some time. I have called on them twice, & they seem in tolerable good
Spirits, tho' Denny is not well. My Bror says Delves thanked him kindly the other
day for recommending such a customer ; they certainly paid everyone very honour-
ably, & made their Exit with applause, which I'll assure you gives me great pleasure
to hear. Delves told my Bror that he discounted a Draft of Ld. Ashms for ;^200.

agaooUgatc of l^ibcrfjill, ^cb^iioafes.

SHEET No. VI.

' Wood^ate of Serjeaut's Inn and of Rivevhill,
V, b. 5 Dec. 1746; bap. at MouQtfield 13 Jan. 1
I. 1780 ; d. 21 Sep., bur. at Seal 29 Sep. 1834.

Barrister— pEllen, dau. a

at Battle of Battle ;

April 1831.

Uiill,TonbridK0,b.21!Mii)'
1761, ban. nt Sovonoaku 13
Juno; drint Ohurob, Ox.
ford, 1800; d. al I'ornx
Hall It May 1843.

of Nlaolln, 'fonbrid({Oi

< 28 Oot. IBOI) { d. 21

Ellon, b. 8 Nov. 1782, bap.=F(

Uioro 19 July 1814; d. ! i
:i Deo. 1889 1 bur. at Seven- j f-

Mary, b. Feb. Elizabeth, b. F.

1784, bap. at 1786, bap. at Sev(

Sevenoaks 25 oaks 4 Feb.; m

March ; bur.at there May 1808.

raauder R.N., son of
Henry Streatteild
of Chidingstone.

Voodgate, b.=
ap. at Seven-
; d. at Sand-
e, 28 March

:Katherine Jane, youngest
dau. of the Rev. William
Lipscomb, Vicar of Wil-
bury, Yorks ; mar. 1 Maroh

:Rev. Francis Lipscomb, M.A,, of the Woild,
Sevenoaks, afterwards Vicar of Wilbary from
1832 till hi» death ; Corpus Obriiti Collige,

Mary CornwalliB, Francis Lip
bap. at Sevenoaks comb, bap. i
12 Aug. 1829. Sevenoaks.

Henry Lips. Bobert Hartley Lips-=Mary Ratberiue,dBU.
comb,bap.at comb, Agent to the Johu WoodgateofLive
Sevenoaks. Hou. Mark BoUe. pool ; mar. at Saadbai

6 May 1862.

MuryT=Prauois WuodKatc=i=Mary, dau. of

Ton. 1811; bap. at

Martha, bap. at Seal=Charles Robert Car- Ellen, bap.

Hay 12 April 1815 ; mar. ter I'etley of River- at Seal 23

Walker, at St. George's. Han- head, b. 9 Sep. 1607 ; Sep. 1816 ;

over Bquare, 10 Aug. d. 23 May 1890. d. young.

John Wood- Alfred Wood
gate, b. 1819; gate, b. 1824.

d. 3'oung. tralia.

WilliamWood- Mary,

John Acton Wood- Christnphei
gate, bap. at Seven- Frederick
oaks 23 May ~ "

' Vista, ! Don

Oxford

Lieut. 24th Light Hever, and

Infantry; killed at ofthcirgen-

"' ■'" " ' '" ■' , Repub-

Don An- gate of

Riverhill, Ox- Rev.
ton, near Bir- Charles
kenhead. Prince ;

Chllliauwallah

Cyril Wood- Charles Cleaton Mary Catherii
gate. Woodgate, d. at m., 1862, Eot>

sario. mar. at Walton- San

— on-the-Hill, 10 al S

Walter Wood- Junel857,Bev.

gate, d. 2 Oct. John Lomax of Fral

1810. Easingwood ; d. Sou

Vice - Governor
the Provinc
Buenos Ayres
26 May 1881.

! April
May-

AuniUi Mai

of Wood- Rosario; m.
ar. gate. 29Dec. 18S7.

Rosa, mar., 5 Feb. Frederick Aunila Mary. Herbert Ham- Harry Edivin Oswald Wood-
1885, Don Carlos William — mond Wood- Woodgate, d. gate.

) Mayol of Woodgate. John Woodgate. gale, d. 1872. u

Buenos Ayres and

— Gerald inhur

Ja.:per Frioco Woodgate.
Woodgate.

Charles Woodgate, Ernest Woodgate,
South Africa. died unmar.

269

CHAPTER VIII.

WOODGATE OF RIVERHILL, SEVENOAKS.

In 1767, October, John Acton writes, " We were made very happy yesterday
to hear by my friend Harry of the health of our friends at Mountfield. His looks
prevented any enquirys about him, the effects of the sun, air, exercise and your
stingo (as he calls it) being sufficiently apparent, particularly the former below
his hat. I was glad to see him so well, and to hear of his good sport, as that seems
all to him ; however, he resumes the Quill without much regret, and says Westminster
Hall now won't hurt him."

Henry Woodgate was a keen sportsman. There is a portrait of him painted,
it is said, in his early days, by Ozias Humphry R. A. , at Broomham, He is represented
with a peruke, carries a gun under his arm, and is clad in brown. WiUiam Upcott,
Humphry's executor, writes in May, 1811, ' 'On Saturday last I was at the exhibition,
where I saw a portrait of Mr. H. Woodgate, but placed too high for me to judge
much of its merits."

' ' Dear Sir, I lately heard that our little Friend Chesterfield intends shortly
to leave you, & this Intelligence has been confirmed by Mr. Hammond, who tells
me he has taken the Curacy of Bexhill, & that he means to decamp as soon as he
can provide yrself. Hammond exclaimed in bitter terms agst his Friend, & finahy
pronounced him Non-Compos. I have made many Enquirys for an assistant for
you, «& the other Day when I mentd what was abt to take place, before Mr. Courthope,
he immediately offered his services, said he shod be happy to assist you for a short
time, upon conditions ; & here it will be necessary for me to explain & to tell you
what these conditions are & in what manner he is circumstanced. Mr. Courthope
has engaged Mr. Hussey for a year certain at Brenchley, abt two Months of which
time is expired. He therefore wd gladly supply your Living for six Months certain
if you'll consent to his residing at Hastings (which by the bye is pretty much the
same thing as Beauport) to commence from the 14th of April next. I don't know
whether Mr. Gordon is in a hurry to depart, or how you may have provided ; but
I thot if you shod be distressed, this Offer would not be rejected, especially as it
is highly probable Mr. Hussey may wish to succeed him. Mr. Courthope seemed
desirous to come, said he did not care a farthing abot the Salary, that whatever
you have given others he shall be abundantly satisfied with, & added there was
not anr Man in the world he would be Curate to. The Ashburnhams have been
in Town some time. I have called on them twice, & they seem in tolerable good
Spirits, tho' Denny is not well. My Bror says Delves thanked him kindly the other
day for recommending such a customer ; they certainly paid everyone very honour-
ably, & made their Exit with applause, which I'll assure you gives me great pleasure
to hear. Delves told my Bror that he discounted a Draft of Ld. Ashms for £200.

270

I have not yet seen Mr. Acton's new house [in Vauxhall] but they give me a
great account of it. Johnny says he shall be ruined, as he has had three Men constantly
at work in his Garden ever since the Snow went. He has near three acres of ground
well laid out, wch to be sure will want a great deal of Labour to keep it in thorough
Order & repair ; its a pretty hobby Horse & from which (tho' a bad horseman)
he is in no Danger of being decanted.

I hope you did not suffer in the late cold weather. Most old People complained
a good deal, & it really was for many days so intense that it got to the marrow of
the Young ; at least I found it difficult to keep myself warm even by the fireside,
but then that might be owing to the delicacy 0/ my Texture & Frame. The poor must
have suffered greatly, & I believe more in the Country than here, as there have
been very noble Subscriptions open'd & supported with great Spirit & Generosity.
I thot of poor John Sellous many times ; it must have thrown him back a good deal,
& therefore I shod be much obliged if you wd give him five shillings for me & likewise
five shillings to my old Friend Robin (who must have been a Sufferer too), & credit
me for the same or draw upon me at Sight. My Aunt Swayne still continues poorly
& my Uncle had a fall in the frost wch almost laid him up ; his Hip (my Bror says)
is so bad now that Dr. Miller attends him daily. I hope my Dogs turn out well ;
they have now a good Home, & I shod be sorry if they don't behave properly. I
am just returned from the Sittings at Guildhall, & have not time to write more.
Mr. Courthope wd be glad to know yr Sentiments as soon as convenient. I beg
my Duty & Love & remain in haste. Dr. Sir, your truly affect. & Dutiful Son.
Saturday Eveng, Febry loth, 1776." Henry Woodgate."

The letter is endorsed in Francis' handwriting " 41. Feb. io.'76 Gordon, Court-
hope. Chairs * A's House, 5s. to R. & J. Sellous."

The next letter was dated 28th November, 1778, and addressed to his sister Mrs.
Humphry, congratulating her on her marriage.

' ' Dear Betty Burr, I am so heartily ashamed of myself for not writing to you
sooner that I am set down at a very late hour to pay my Respects to you, & to assure
you that, altho' many of yr Friends may have been much earlier in their Congratu-
lations, yet that none of them are more sang-uine in their good Wishes for yr Felicity,
or that more heartily rejoice with you on the late Event than I do. It is my sincere
Opinion that you have got a good honest Trout for a Husband, & I am inclined to
think (tho' by the bye it is dangerous to intrust you with the Secret) that he has
made a very excellent choice in a Wife. They tell me you both plighted your troth
with great Solemnity, & went thro' the Ceremony with an admirable good Grace.
I wish I cod have seen you ; it may not be so awful as some people represent it, but
I have my Fears, my Doubts & Apprehensions, & shod be very loth to run any Risque.

It will not be long before I shall be released, & as I know my way to Godden &
into yr Ale Cellar, you may depend on an early visit. The Dr. had some right special
in the Autumn & I hope the next Brewg will turn out well. You know my Mother
was always very indulgent to me after a long Day's Fag, & I hope you'll be equally
liberal, & allow me a Quart. Mr. Humphry desired me to send him 2 lbs. of Tea,
I at i8s. the other at 12s., but as I had an opportunity of getting some in anr way
equally good & much cheaper hope he'll excuse it. I really think it was extraordinary
good & Hope you reced it safe by the Coach.

Pray let me ask you whether you have heard anything of a Mr. Erskine lately ?
A gentleman of that name has been the only Subject of Conversation for some
Days past. He is a young Barrister (called only last Term) that on Monday made
such a Speech (in a Matter where Lord Sandwich was a party & whose conduct
appeared in the most infamous Light) as astonished the whole Court & every pson
that heard him. He is certainly a Phenomenon ; his abilities are transcendent,
& there's no doubt but he'Uverysoonbeavery great Man. He's brotherto LordBuchan

* See Reference Sheet.

271

& was formerly both in the Navy & Army, is the same pson that Miss Moore eloped
with, & I find that he knows Stephen & some of you. He asked me last Night
at Guildhall very particularly after you. The Judges & all the Bar were ready to
smother him with Encomiums. He has five children, has not studied the Law more
than three years, but during that time so intensely as rather to hurt his Health.
You may tell your neighbour Hardinge [of the Grove, Seal], Mrs. Skinflint, that her
Son's best Oratory is but Dishwater to Mr. Erskine's common Talk. You see
how much I am hurried, & I am sure you'll easily perceive that I grow very dull.
I beg you'll present my Love & good wishes to your worthy Spouse, & likewise
to such of my Sisters as are with you, & believe me at all times, yr most affectionate
Brother

H. Woodgate.
Saturday, ii o'clock.

I saw my friend Mr. Ozias [Humphry] this day, who is very well I can only
find common office Paper, & that's better than brown."

Henry's judgment was fully vindicated by events. Mr. Erskine became one
of the greatest Lord Chancellors that have ever adorned the Woolsack.

In 1779 Henry was prepared to take the "risque " he mentions. " Henry
is gone to dine at Battle," writes his mother in October ; " he pays great attention
that way, & he has great reason so to do, & the more as he is just going to leave us.
The particulars you will have from himself. He certainly is a very fortunate young
man." And again, on 6th December, she writes, ' ' Henry just gave us a call yesterday
morn in his way to Battle ; he is to return to-morrow morn very early, as he must
be in Town in the evening. I am quite afraid that he has too much business upon
his hands at once, hurrying about continually, & we have had so much Rain, Wind
& continually floods that I was afraid he wou'dn't be able to get over. Mrs. & Miss
H. [Hammond] seemed very [pleased] with the House they have taken [in town] ;
they were very fortunate to get it, but rather too far for the young Man, as he must
be very early and very late, but hghted to the door, which I think is some satis-
faction. I intend sending this by Henry, but he says he can't possibly call on you
this time, hopes you'l excuse it. I hope the happy day isn't far off, & I think if it
please God they have their health they have a fair chance & a pleasing prospect
for it."

He married at Battle, on 13th January, 1780, by Hcence, Ellen, daughter and
heiress of John Hammond {a) of Battle, a lady with a fortune of £80,000.

(a) The Hammonds were a family that had long been settled in Sussex. The name (written

in earHer times Hamon) occurs constantly in the muniments of Battle Abbey, leaving but httle
doubt that the family originated with Roger FitzHamon, who came over with the Conqueror,
on whose death it is stated that he embraced the cause of Rufus against his brother Robert ;
and on the death of Rufus, took the same course in support of Henry I. In 1 102 Robert Fitz-
Hamon founded a monastry at Tewkesbury where he died. One of their descendants was
John Hammond, the last and thirty-second Abbot of Battle. On the dissolution of monasteries
by Henry VIII, he was compensated with the Deanery of Battle and an annual pension of 100
marks, which he only hved to enjoy some eight years. There was formerly in the Abbey some
painted glass bearing a representation of liim.

The Abbot's will was dated 1st December, 1540 ; and by it he bequeathed the bulk of his
property to the church and his servants, leaving however a house and some land at Battle to
his kinsman John Hammond, son of Thomas Hammond.

The Hammonds in later years, it is said, owned the Powder Mills at Battle, famous for the
excellence of their products. In the Church there are several stones to their memory.

" Here lies the body of John Hammond ; died January 9th, 1711, aged 75. Also the body
of Joan wife of John Hammond, who died January 24th, 1700, aged 69."

"Sacred to the memory of John Hammond of this Parish, Gentleman, who died 17th
Deer., 1761, aged 48 years. Also of Eleanor, his wife, who died 11th January, 1797, aged 84
years. Also of John' Hammond their son, who died 16th March, 1760, aged 5 years. Also
of WiUiam Hammond, son of John Hammond the Elder, who died 20th April, 1749, aged
54 years."

272

It is not at present known in what way this money was settled, if at all. On
his side, however, the Rev. Francis Woodgate brought into settlement Riverhill
in Sevenoaks, and certain other lands in Kent. Riverhill was a large and substantial
stone house, with extensive grounds, standing in a park of a hundred and twenty
acres. It stands close to the summit of Riverhill (whence the name), faces south,
and commands a magnificent view across the Weald of Kent in four counties. It
is about two hundred feet from the brow of the hill, and is therefore well sheltered
on the North. For many years it had been the property of the Childrens (seep. 41).

Henry Woodgate was private Secretary of Lord Mansfield, the great Lord
Chancellor. It is not known whether he ever practised much as a Barrister ; he
certainly seems to have been assiduous in his attendance at the Courts, but this
may have been due in some measure to his connection with Lord Mansfield. While
in town, he seems to have lived in the pleasant village of Clapham, where he had
a small farm. The following is addressed to his father.

" Serjeants Inn, 12th Febry., 1790.

Dear Sir, I shod think myself guilty of the most inexcusable neglect for not
writing sooner, if I had not had particular Reasons for it. I knew it wod be expected
of me to say something of Matrimony, & to tell you the Truth, I did not like to hazard
an opinion without knowing how I shod like it, nor wod it have been at all the thing
for so green and inexpert a Lad like me, three days after my Nuptials, to have talked
loudly of the Joys & comforts of dom.estick Life & of the amiable Temper & gentle
Disposition of my Spouse. But now having had time to look round the new Scene
of Life, I have the pleasure to teil you in the sober Voice of Discretion that I never
was half so happy a Man in my Life, & I can assure you that if I had had my Wife
on Tryal only I like her so well that I wod not exchange her for any other Woman alive. .
And now, having said this much, let me not forget to thank you in the kindest manner
for yr ready assistance & most generous support, which you lately so chearfully
gave me. I know it is more than most Fathers wod have done, but then there are
few Sons so happy in a Father as I am. We like our House, Servants &c. &c. very

much, & have hitherto gone on very smoothly. I believe Mrs. W informed

you that I had a Cow, which we find vastly convenient and advantageous ; she
supphes us with Cream, Custards, Syllabubs & yesterday for the first time we made
three pounds of Butter. There's for you, Sir ; whose Dairy can yield more ? Master
AUingham is to buy me another Alderney (of Mr. Evelyn, who has many to sell)
immediately, as I can very well keep two, & I am sure it wiU turn to a very good
Acct.

The getting backward and forward in the Season I have found difficult and
fatiguing, as I seldom during the Term have left Chambers much before nine, & I
have always rode, but now it is over, for the Sittings begin on Monday, when I shall

The will of John Hammond of Battle, proved at Lewes, 1741, mentions his wife Anne,
his son John, and his daughters Anne and Hannah. There are also Hammonds mentioned
in the Parish Register of Battle : —

Baptisms. 1722. June 8. John, son of William and EUzabeth Hammond.

1752, May 22. Eleanor, daughter of John and Eleanor Hammond.
Burials. 1714, April 12. Mrs. Ann Hammond, widow.

1720, June 11. Mr. Thomas Hammond.
1745, March 25. Mr. WiUiam Hammond.
1740, April 20. Mrs. WiUiam Hammond.

1760, March 10. John, son of Mr. John Hammond.

1761, Dec. 28. Mrs. John Hammond.

1772, June 22. Mrs. Ehzabeth Hammond, widow.

1773, May 22. Margaret, daughter of Mr. John Hammond.
Marriage at Ashbumham, Sussex :

1716, Aug. 3. Wilham Hammond and Elizabeth Sampson.
Elien Hammond must have been daughter of John, who died 1761, and Eleanor. Their
arms, which should be quartered by Ellen Hammond's descendants, were ' 'Argent, within
a bordure engrailed vert, on a fess sable, three ogresses each charged with a martlet of the field,
between three escallop shells or."

273

always dine at Home. But you'll say, Won't it be sharp work to be at Westmr
Hall dressed at nine every Morng ? Mrs. Woodgate flatters herself from something
that passed between you that she shall have the Pleasure of seeing you and my
Mother at Clapham this Summer. I wish she did not misinterpret your words, for
there is nothing in this world wod make us both so happy, if it is only for a Night or
two ; we heartSy hope you'll come as I wish much to shew you my Farm and the
et ceteras. I have had a very kind letter of congratulation from my Brother, but
Mrs. Woodgate does not join with him in any of his good wishes, for her name is
never mentioned. I have heard that she has said that she never will visit my Mrs.

W as the slight of passing by without calling on her never can be forgotten.

I sent a piece of Cake to my Uncle & wrote to him to make our Excuses for not calling
on him, which he has since mentioned to sevl people & seemed much pleased with.

There is very good News arrived & the following may be depended upon, as
Lord Mansfield just now coming from Westmr read a letter to me from Lord Stormont
with the following Intelligence, that Ross & Digby with a part of Rodney's Squadron
has fallen in with Eight Spanish Men of War, two of which they captured ; but being
taken near their own Coast, & a heavy Gale of Wind coming on, they were obliged to
put into Cadiz, where two others of their Squadron soon after arrived in a shattered
Condition & reported that the other Dons were taken by us. The News is universally
believed & a Gazette extraordinary is expected this Evening. I am glad to see the
Spirit of our Countrymen roused, and that we are hkely to humble the Pride of our
Insolent Foes. Mr. Acton's Family is well ; they dine with us to-morrow. Mrs
Woodgate joins with me in kindest Love & best wishes, & I remain, Dr. Sir, yr most
affectionate & dutiful Son

H. Woodgate.

Mrs. Woodgate is much obliged to my Mother for her kind Letter."

About this time were the Gordon Riots, when the mob sacked Lord Mansfield's
House in Great Ormond Street and endeavoured to destroy his country house
at Hampstead. The whole thing is minutely described in Barnaby Rudge. Not
content with this, they sought his Lordship's life ; and a large m.ob laid in wait
for him on his way down to the Houses of Parliament. Henry Woodgate accom-
panied him, and had heard of the intention of the mob. The story is told in the
words of one of his descendants. "My grandmother (Ellen Woodgate), who
had not been married long, took off her snood, a blue ribbon I think, but at any rate
the colour of the Rioters, and begged her husband to wear it if he saw any occasion.
When they came to the Mob, he told Lord Mansfield to sit well back, and thrust
his great burly figure through the window, wearing these ribbons, and they let the
carriage pass."

The next letter is dated from the country.

' ' Riverhill, AprU 7th, 1781.

Dear Sir, I am just drove in from the Garden by the Rain, where I have been
very busy the whole Morning & indeed almost every Day since our return. We
now begin to look neat & I think have found every thing the Season will admit of.
My Consort is remarkably weU & has fine Spirits. My brother S. [Stephen] went to
Town on Thursday & took Jack Acton Home ; he retiurned this Morn & has sent me
word that he will spend this Evening with me. My Sisters dined here on Thursday
& I walked Home with them in the Eveng ; imagine they have informed you
of a curious Anecdote concerning our Rector. The Living of Ightham is reported
to be sold but I do not believe it to be true ; nay, Lipshot said an attorney in London
of the name of Tresiliegue informed him that he had purchased the immediate
Presentation for his Son. I was afraid to say a great deal or I cod have told him
Tresiliegue was not only a Rascal but a Beggar. Mr. Bishop just gave us a call
on Thursday Eveng ; he was engaged to sleep with the Miss Jordans or he wod have
staid with us. He admired this place most exceedingly but I did not think he said
a word too much in the Praise of it ; for I view it with greater Delight every Day I

274

live, & never can sufficiently express my Gratitude & Obligations to you for the
Possession of it. My Uncle & Aunt both promised to come & see us very soon ; the
former complained of being a good deal out of Order, said he had not had a well day
for three months. I have not seen or heard anything of our Friends at SummerhiU
since our return, believe I shall ride down the beginning of the week. I have taken
old Hollo wback into the Stable again, & she is better than ever I remember her.
She has brought me two fine Colts, & therefore it is time she shod have a Respite
from suckling. I go on very well with my Laundry ; but Carpenters & Masons are
a People not to be got rid of in a hurry. I push them on as fast as possible & am
determined to keep them to it, & hereafter I am resolved to have as httle to do with
them, as they half ruin a Man in small Beer. Mr. Knox of Tunbridge has a new
Coach just come out spick & span with a pair of long Tail Greys. Is not this quite
the thing ? My Aunt says, Lor', Sir, a Schoolmaster's is a vast fine Trade. I
intend to send Thomas with the whiskey next Sunday or to-morrow Sen'ight for
Mrs. Pepper, who will return the next Day, & if you can spare me a Gallon of yr
Potatoes to plant & will be kind enough to send them to the Cross, I shod be much
obliged to you, as they are an extraordinary fine sort. Mrs. Woodgate joins with
me in Love & kindest wishes to all the good Family, & we both present our best
Thanks for the use of your Chaise & all other favours. I remain, Dr. Sir, yr most
truly affectionate & Dutiful Son, H. Woodgate.

Shall be glad of a line from one of yr Secretarys when convenient."

Endorsed " H's 59, Aprill 7, 1781, Mrs. Pepper, Potatoes &c." Sealed with
the Woodgate arms and crest.

In 1792, the excesses of the French Revolutionists excited great alarm in England,
and meetings were held all over the country to pass resolutions to testify their
attachment to the happy constitution of their country, and to strengthen the hands
of the executive. With the same object in view, the Kent Association was formed.
Committees were everywhere organised. The resolution passed at the Sevenoaks
meeting had forty-four signatories, all being men of considerable local consequence
and standing, including Henry Streatfeild, Revd. T. S. Curteis, T. Thompson, Henry
Woodgate, Wilham Humphry, Rev. Thomas Harvey, Stephen Woodgate, Peter
Nouaille and Peter NouaiUe jun., and the committee of nineteen members included
Streatfeild, Harvey, Curteis, Henry Woodgate and Nouaille.

About this time, Ozias Humphry writes : —

" Mr. & Mrs. Woodgate's pictiues came very safe last night. I hope to hear
Mrs. Acton is quite recovered before this ; I suppose the whole of that Family are
gone to Mountfield. I was at Twickenham Tuesday last & Wednesday, where I
dined with Mr. Gibbon & a select party of literati. Mr. Cambridge declares he never
in his life saw any person who did the Honours of her table more perfectly well than
Mrs. Woodgate, nor did he ever see a more agreable. . . . {torn)."

There are many short notes from Henry Woodgate to his neighbours, the Hum-
phrys, accompanying little presents of game and fruit — such as the following, dated
about 1808.

" My dear Mary Ann [Humphry], The Bearer will bring you back your
Basket which I have filled, but I beg you'll remember the Condition upon which
I have done it. The peaches look very fine but they are deceitful, as they have not
the flavour that my Fruit generally has. I saw your sister F. on Monday who was
quite well. If you receive this Note in time, pray stop your Brother from coming
here to Day, as we are cJl going out at twelve o'Clock with Mr. & Mrs. John Ponton
to spend the Day at Godden. To morrow or any other Day we shall be most happy
to see him, & if he does not stay some Days with us,we shall be very much disappointed.
With our united kind Love & best wishes to aU, believe me, your most affectionate
Uncle.
Friday Morning. Henry Woodgate."

275

Henry Woodgate had seven children, of whom Mary died in infancy. Elizabeth,
the second daughter, married about this time Major Broome {b) or Brome, of the
Royal Regiment of Artillery, stationed at Rochester. In 1813 he was one of the
Committee of which Lord Darnley was chairman, formed to promote the entertainment
of the officers of the Russian fleet lying in the Medway, and so testify the admiration
of the British public for the Russians' heroic resistance to the French.

On 5th April, 1808, Alicia West writes," I was surprised to hear that Elizabeth
Woodgate is going to commence Matron, & more particularly that she has the courage
to support that character with a Military Gentleman. I have not yet had the
pleasure of seeing Captain Brome, therefore you may imagine I am not a little
impatient to be introduced to my cousin Elect. My Uncle Henry was so kind as
to call here to announce the approaching Nuptials which are to take place in his
Family, & I was very happy to hear it was to his entire approbation."

In 1809 Francis, the elder son, married Martha Ponton, (c) sister of the before
named John Ponton, and daughter of Thomas Ponton.

John, the younger son, on 27th October, 1805, joined the 52nd Light Infantry,
commanded by Sir John Moore, the hero of Corunna. That was the day when
news came of the battle of Trafalgar, when Captain Cooke, uncle of the lady who
was afterwards to be John's wife, fell on board the Bellerophon. In 1806 he
served in Sicily. In that year on 14th July his cousin, Alicia West, writes : ' ' While
we were at Goudhurst, John Woodgate's Regiment passed through in their way to
Maidstone ; but unfortunately I did not see my friend John as he halted at Cran-
brook instead of Goudhurst."

While John joined the regular forces of the Crown, his father and brother were
equally ready to contribute their share to the defence of the country.

In 1794, when troops of yeomanry were being formed in Kent (one of which
was raised by Henry's nephew William Woodgate of Summerhill), and subscriptions
opened, Henry subscribed ^^30. In 1803, when the Sevenoaks Volunteer Infantry
was formed, Henry Woodgate received a Captain's commission. It was commanded
by Lt. Cols. Lord Whitworth (of Knole) and Lord Frederick Campbell ; Captains
F. M. Austen, Christopher Cooke, W. S. Coast, George Polhill, and Thomas Lane.
Later on, it would seem that the name of the Volunteers was altered to the ' ' Seven-
oaks and Bromley Regiment of Local Militia."

Another corps was formed called the Holmesdale Volunteers. Francis Woodgate
and Charles Carter Petley of Riverhead were Lieutenants, and received their Cap-
taincy on 28th June, 1805. Petley resigned in 1808, and was succeeded by Lieut.
George Austen. The Volunteers received their colours in 1803 from the Duchess
of Dorset at Knowle. They were drawn up 600 strong in the quadrangle, in the
presence of the Duchess of Dorset and Lord Whitworth, the Duke of Dorset, the
Rev. Thomas Sackville Curteis, chaplain to the Regiment, and many ladies of

(6) A Capt. Joseph Brome in 1810 took out a game licence ; described as of Sevenoaks. Major

General Joseph Brome, R.A., d 11th March, 1782.

Iim (son of Daniel Ponton of St. Mary's, Lambeth, who died 15th May, 1777, and Mrs. Ponton,
whodied 12th January, 1788) was born 1749, matriculated at St. John's College, Oxford ; M.A. in
1774 ; was called to the Bar in 1772. About 1808 he settled down at Nisells in Hilden borough,
where he hved till his death in October, 1821, aged 73. From 1808 to 1821, his name appears
among those in Kent who took out game licences.

Ke had four children, at the least. One was Martha Woodgate ; another Mrs. WiUis ;
a third, John, who married in June, 1810, Catherine, daughter of Jolm Dunn of Bedford Street
and of East Sheen, and hved from 1810 to 181.5 at Edenbridge ; and Thomas. The latter,
hke his father, was a barrister, of Lincohi's Iim, 1804. He took his degree at Brasenose, and
died in HiU Street, Berkeley Square, on 13th April, 1853. He was one of the founders of the
Roxburgh Club. ,,

The Ponton arms are, " Gules, a lion rampant argent, between three escallop shells or.

276

Sevenoaks, The officers were lavishly entertained at Knowle, and the men regaled
at the different inns in Sevenoaks.

Henry Woodgate was, it is presumed, a magistrate for the county. He served
on grand juries at Maidstone from time to time, and was equally active in other
directions {d). In one instance he was somewhat unfortunate. In the case of
" HoUoway and Freeman v. Henry Woodgate Esq. and others" (Commissioners
of Taxes for Shoreham), the defendants were mulcted in ^^620 damages for illegal
distress.

In 1814, Ellen, the eldest daughter, became engaged to Charles Carter Petley
of Riverhead. On 2nd May Maryanne Humphry writes : —

' ' Were not my Aunt and yourself surprized at the Intelligence my Uncle
communicated on Monday last ? It was announced to us the preceding day, tho'
we had before suspected an Alliance to be forming between the two Families. I
have no doubt but Ellen will be very kind to the little Boys, & as Mr. Petley behaved
so well to his former lady, there is great reason to hope it will prove a happy union,
which we sincerely hope will be the case. They have taken Mr. Meins' house at
Brasted which is ready furnished & the rent eighty pounds per annum. Captain
& Mrs. Brome call'd upon us yesterday on their return to Rochester. She is looking
remarkably well & the Infant is a fine child. Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate went
to Town last Monday ; it is uncertain what stay they make. The youngest little
Boy is left at Godding during their absence."

The Petleys are one of the oldest Kentish families. They are descended in
direct line from Richard Petley of Downe, living temp. Hen. Ill, whose descendant
married about 1620, as his second wife, Elizabeth daughter of Ralph Came of London,
through whom he acquired Riverhead. Charles Carter Petley was unable to take
possession of the family house, because his mother and his grandmother were both
living. He had married, firstly, Annabella daughter of Donald MacLeod of Geanies,
Sheriff-depute of Ross, who died in 1812, leaving Charles, b. 1807 (who afterwards
married Martha daughter of Francis Woodgate) and Patrick, b.i8 11. He held,
as already mentioned, a captaincy in the Holmesdale Volunteers, which he subsequently
resigned, and in 1814 was gazetted to a captaincy in the Sevenoaks and Bromley
Regiment, West Kent Militia, vice Duke of Dorset, promoted. He was likewise
a Magistrate and (in 1821) a Deputy Lieutenant for the County.

He married on 19th July, 1814, Ellen Woodgate. The marriage settlement
was dated the i6th July ; and the trustees were Francis and John Woodgate and
Henry Heneage St. Paul. Their residence at Brasted was temporary, and they
soon took up their abode at Chipstead, Chevening. Francis Woodgate meanwhile
was living at Godden (1809-1817). Only three of his letters remain. The first
is addressed to his Uncle on the death of Elizabeth Humphry : —
" My dear Sir,

On our return from Town last night we were truly concerned to hear of the
loss you had sustained. For our departed friend, the change no doubt is a happy
& enviable one. Pray give our love to Mrs. Humphry & all your Circle, with whom
we most sincerely condole. If I can be of any use on this melancholy occasion,

(d) There is in existence an old priated handbill headed ' ' A caution to the inhabitants of

Sevenoaks and its vicinity." It seems that Henry Woodgate, the Rev. T. Curteis, Messrs.
Evel3Ti, Willard and other gentlemen disputed some proceeding of the Duke of Dorset, and called
a pubUc meeting to oppose it. The broadside more than hints that they were prompted by
motives of self interest, not by pubhc spirit ; and states that ' ' their notices carry on the Face
of them sure marks of their Imbecility and the Badness of their Cause. They have called a
Meeting to adopt some Plan. Why ? Because they are without Sure ground to go upon.
They are about to dispute his Grace's right to his own Property ; and fearful of the Expence,
wish to shift it, and the attending Obloquy, upon those who may be simple enough to join with
them. In short, their Aims are unattainable. They know and fear this, and whoever shall be
hardy enough to embark with them will have to lament their Folly in being so engaged."

277

remember I am always ready. We hope to hear you are all well ; pray do not trouble
yourself to write. I am happy to say Mrs. Woodgate is better than when she left
home. I remain, my dear Sir, yrs very sincerely
Godden, June 8th, 1815. F. Woodgate."

On 6th November, 18 15, Maryanne Humphry again writes : —
" I accompanied my Father to Chevening on Sunday & on our return we
called upon Mr. & Mrs. Charles Petley ; the little Boy is quite recovered from the
Cow pox & is a very fine child. The Riverhill Family are made very happy by the
arrival of John in England. He is not coming home till the end of the month, as
he is under the necessity of remaining with his regiment which (I believe) is now
stationed at Portsmouth. The apartments of Major Brome at Chatham are now
painting. He is to bring his children to River Hill to day to stay there till this
Inconvenience is removed. We called at Godding on Friday, when Mrs. Francis
Woodgate informed us Mr. & Mrs. Whi were coming to spend a week with her."

John Woodgate had returned covered with distinction. After serving in
Sicily, he landed in the Peninsula with the 2nd Battalion in 1808. When the 52nd
marched into Spain, Capt. Clement Poole, Lieut. John Woodgate, and Ensign
William Royds, three sergeants and 130 men were left sick at Lisbon ; but as soon
as their party was fit for duty it was incorporated into a battahon composed of
detachments from the 29th, 43rd, and the Rifle Corps, under Major Way of the 29th,
and formed part of General Richard Stewart's Brigade at the time when the army
under Sir Arthur Wellesley moved against Oporto.

This detachment was commanded by Lieut. Woodgate. He was severely
wounded on this occasion. He was the first to scale the wall and was severely shot
in the loins. Six rank and file were wounded and four missing. Sir Arthur Wellesley,
in his despatches, requested to draw attention to the conduct of the 29th, 43rd,
52nd and Rifle Corps.

In 1809 he served with the advanced guard at the passage of the Douro; was
present at the action on the heights of Grijon (severely wounded) ; and Talavera.
In the retreat of Massena from Spain, he served with the ist Batt. of the 52nd and
was engaged in various affairs, including Sabrigal (1811), and the battle of Fuentes
D'Onoro. In 1812 he was severely wounded before Ciudad Rodrigo. The enemy
had occupied a strong redoubt on the hills of St. Francisco. A detachment of the
light division was told off to storm the place, which was carried out in the most
brilliant manner, and all the garrison killed or taken. Only six of our men were
killed ; and three officers (Capt. Mein, Lieut. Woodgate, and Lieut. Hawkesley)
and 14 men wounded. Woodgate was promoted to a company in the Bourbon
Rifles and in 1812 exchanged into the 20th Light Dragoons.

Woodgate had been wounded at Badajoz. He fell into deep snow and lay
there all night unconscious. Next morning Lord Wellington rode round watching
the dead being picked up, and saw Lieut. Woodgate, who, waking up at the same
time, imagined he had been asleep and was horrified to reflect what must be the
opinion of his CO. Looking down, he saw the muscles hanging out of his left pocket
and his white breeches covered with blood. The sight reassured him, and he swooned
away again.

John Woodgate formed a life-long friendship with Lord Hardinge. It originated
in this way. John was sent to school at Sevenoaks, a big boy for his age ; and his
first day there some of the other boys had got hold of little Hardinge and were
roasting him before the fire, according to the genial custom of the times. Though
only a " new boy," John made such a fuss that Hardinge was released ; and, to
attest his gratitude, carved him a small wooden boat, for many years preserved
in the family.

278

After Ciudad Rodrigo, Sir Henry Haxdinge (as he then was) wrote home to the
Woodgates of Riverhill a warm eulogy of his friend. " Your son," he said, " with
a spirit you will admire, however you may endeavour to restrain it in the future,
volunteered his services on the evening of the 8th instant to be one of a chosen
detachment of his Regt. to attack by escalade a redoubt in front of Ciudad Rodrigo,
the possession of which would very much accelerate the progress of the siege against
the place. . . and in which your son, whilst gallantly exciting his men, received
a wound on the side, by the bursting of some Grenades thrown from the Redoubt.
He is attended by Lord Wellington's surgeon Mr. Gunning. . . I would have
wished you to have rejoiced on the occasion which the despatches will relate unmixed
with any trial to your feelings from your son's wound, but I have very great pleasure
in affording to the Father of my old school fellow & to his Kentish friends the very
proudest consolation you can all feel, that whilst stepping beyond the line of his
Duty your son received his wound in evincing a courage & determination that the
bravest cannot surpass, & which his Regt. & Friends cannot too much admire. . . .
Very truly & sincerely yours,

H. Hardinge."

From such scenes, a return to matters of business detail is somewhat humdrum.
Mr. Humphry died in 1816, and Henry Woodgate's assistance to Mrs. Humphry
in managing his affairs must have been very valuable. We have one letter advising
her not to be managed by Mr. Urquhart's somewhat officious interference in the
matter of a mortgage. He drafts a letter which Mrs. Humphry should write to him.

' ' Sir, I am sorry you shod have promised the Money & engaged Mr. Thompson
to go to Otham about the Business of the Mortgage, as I cannot think that an Oast-
house & 34 acres of land can be a sufficient security for £2000, & it appears to me
that both Mr. Randall & Mr. Scudamore have their doubts about it ; for although
they mention that the Interest will be paid regularly, they do not say what Mr.
Price paid Mr. Home for this Property, or what in their opinion is the present value
of it. I shall write to my Son, who is an interested Party, to know his sentiments
before I can give you a final Answer, I am, Sir, . . ,"

In 1822 Mr, Petley's grandmother died, aged 91. Maryanne Humphry writes,
on 8th March, " My uncle with Anne & Sarah spent a morning here last week.
Four of Mrs. Petley's Grandsons followed her remains to the grave. She has left
;f50o to each of Captain Petley's daughters ; Mrs. Cade & Mr. Petley are left executors
to her will, & Mrs. Carter Petley is said to have a jointure of ;^8oo a year."

In 1824, Anne Woodgate of Riverhill married Richard Streatfeild {e), Commander
R.N. He had passed his examinations in 1808, was gazetted to a heutenancy on
19th July, 1809, and was promoted to the rank of Commander, while serving in the
Impregnable, in May, 1814. He was a younger son of Henry Streatfeild of Chid-
ingstone (see Pedigree). The settlement was dated 27th July, 1825, and the Trustees
were Francis and John Woodgate and Henry and George Streatfeild.

There are only two letters from Anne Streatfeild. The first was a note to JuHa
Humphry, not long before her marriage, thanking her for procuring certain materials
for dress. " My Mother," she continues, " is very glad you like her butter, but she
says she shah be quite affronted if you say a word more about paying for it, as she
is sure you would gladly accomodate her in distress She will continue to save the
same quantity for you every week, or more if you wish it. Frank is with us & desires
his kind love to you all ; he is sorry the weather prevents his calling on you this
morning, as he is obliged to return to Hastings to-morrow. He will be up again in
about a fortnight, and if it would be agreable to you to return with him, he would

feild officiated ; and the witnesses who subscril»ed the register were Christopher Lipscomb,
Abraham Streatfeild, Jane Esther Streatfeild, Henry Woodgate, Henry Streatfeild, and Sarah
Woodgate,

279

be very happy to have your company. We were at Tonbridge on Wednesday &
found all our Friends well. I'm happy to say my Father is pretty well except a
little cold. The Petleys have been with us the last week, but I'm sorry to say
they leave us this morning, therefore I hope, m}' dear Julia, you will excuse haste,
& with our united kind love to my Aunt, Maryanne & yourself believe me, most
affectionately yours Anne Woodgate."

Mrs. Stre'atfeild's other letter was written to Miss Humphry on the death of
her aunt Rose Woodgate in 1827.
" My dear Fanny,

Your kind note announcing to me the melancholy event which has taken place
did not reach me till yesterday, owing to the neglect of our servants in not forwarding
it to Chiddingstone where we were staying. In the meantime I had heard of our
loss from Mr. Allnutt. Thus, my dear Fanny, I was of course fully prepared for the
distressing account you gave of my poor Aunt on Saturday. Under such sad circum-
stances, and so thoroughly fit as she must have been for the change, surely hef
release must have been earnestly desired by all who loved her. I am sure you will
believe that from my heart I participate with you in aU the feelings you have so
well expressed in your note, and with them is mixed sincere regret that you should
have so soon agam been called upon to witness such melancholy scenes. Captn.
Streatfeild desires his kindest regards to you, & beheve me, my dear Fanny, ever
your most affectionate cousin
Smarts' Hill, Saturday, 6th [Jan., 1827]. Anne Streatfeild,"

The letter is sealed with the Streatfeild arms impaling those of Woodgate.

The recent death in the Humphry family, referred to in the letter, was that
of William Ozias Humphry in 1826. On this occasion there it a letter from Francis
Woodgate to his cousin Lady Ashburnham : —

" Tunbridge, May 29th, 1826.
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

The very unfavourable reports we had heard for some Days previous to your
poor Brother's decease had prepared us to expect the melancholy intelligence your
Letter of yesterday communicates. The change to my departed friend is no doubt
an enviable one, but the loss his afflicted Wife & Family have sustained is irreparable,
& most sensibly do we feel for them on this mournful occasion. The last hours
of your poor Brother being passed in so composed & comfortable a manner must
be a source of great consolation to you all. It grieves us to hear such a sad account
of your dear Maryanne ; we most sincerely pray you will shortly send us happier
tidings. I am rejoiced to find your good Mother bears up against this heavy affliction
with so much fortitude. If I can render any assistance to any of you, pray don't
hesitate to inform me. Mrs. Woodgate I am sorry to say is far from being well.
Four of the children have the Hooping cough so badly it is quite distressing to
witness their sufferings. Our united regards & best wishes attend all your circle,
& believe me, my dear Lady Ashburnham, 3TS very sincerely,

F. Woodgate."

Sealed with the Woodgate crest, beneath which are the letters F.W.

Francis Woodgate meanwhile, about the end of 1820, had quitted Nuffield and
removed to his house at Tonbridge, Ferox Hall, a large red bnck and stone house
built and lately sold by the Childrens. The house is a handsome, square, Georgian
building nearly opposite the school. It was built on or near the site of the old
tithe barn, a building of the greatest antiquity, and honoured by Queen Elizabeth's
resting there on her way to Eridge. Some of the fittings and old oak carving were
removed to Ferox Hall.

To return, however, to the due sequence of events. The Streatfeild wedding
is mentioned by Miss Humphry on 15 th July, 1824, as being then imminent.

28o

' ' Have you seen the Riverhill Family ? We hear poor Sarah was so unwell
during her stay in Town as to be attended by two medical men, but I am happy
to say she is now much better. The Report here is that Anne is to be married
in the course of a week, & that Captn. Streatfeild & his Bride are to proceed to
Windsor to pass the Honey moon there, Doctor Clarke having offered them
his House. Miss St. Croix had a visit from her eldest Brother last week, who is a
particular friend of Dr. Clarke's; and beside his preferment at Windsor possesses the
living of Tillington in Sussex. Mr. Ailing has been his curate for some years. I
believe Miss St. Croix had her Information of Miss Ailing from this source,
(see p. 85). Mr. F. Woodgate went to town to-day to bring Martha from Clapham,
previous to Mrs. Willis' summer Excursion. One of Mrs. Woodgate's little Boys
has been very 111, little William, with the same disorder that poor Stephen has
suffered so much from" ; and again, in an undated letter : —

Captn, Woodgate called here on Monday ; he came to Tonbridge to stand
for his Brother's little Boy, who was Christened on that day and named Alfred.
-Mr. & Mrs. F. Woodgate were the other Sponsors. They afterwards went to Riverhill
and spent the Day there. Ann Woodgate was nearly recovered from her attack
of Lumbago, but had not then ventured out. We hear from Mrs. Allnutt a very
pleasant description of the House Captn. Streatfeild has hired. It is situated half
a mile from South Park, ready furnished and fitted with every modern convenience
& elegance. Captn. Woodgate informed us of another Wedding. Dr. Lipscomb
is to be married before he leaves England to a Miss Pope, a connexion of Lord
Coventry's Family. She is said to be a very pleasing young Woman of about thirty,
& her Brother is to accompany the Bishop to Jamaica as Archdeacon."

The next event of importance was the double marriage in the Woodgate and
Lipscomb (/) families.

On 30th September, 1824, Sarah Woodgate married the Rev. Francis Lipscomb,
son of the Rev. William Lipscomb, Vicar of Wilbury, Yorkshire. Francis eventually
succeeded his father at Wilbury. The marriage was at Sevenoaks, performed by
Christopher Lipscomb, Bishop of Jamaica and brother of Francis, in the presence
of Henry Woodgate and Henry Lipscomb. Francis Lipscomb's cure at Sevenoaks
was the district known as the Weald. The settlement was dated 29th September, 1829 ;
and the Trustees were Francis and John Woodgate and William Lipscomb.

(/) For a reference to these Lipscombs, of Hampshire, see Conan Doyle's White Company.

The Rev. WiUiam Lipscomb, vicar of Wilbury, Yorks., married Margaret Cook, sister of Captain
Cook of the Bellerophon, killed at Trafalgar. Their children were : —

Christopher, New Coll., Oxford, 1800 ; M.A. 1811 ; D.D. 1824 ; Dean of Arts 1822 ; Bursar
1823; Fellow until 1825; Vicar of Sutton Berger, Wilts., 1818; Bishop of Jamaica
1824 until his death, 4th April, 1843. He offered the Archdeaconry to the Rev. William
Streatfeild, who dechned it ; and the appointment was subsequently accepted by the
Rev. Edward Pope, the Bishop's brother-in-law.
Edwin, Commander R.N.

Cyril, New CoU.. Oxford, Fellow 1812 until his death, 2.5th September, 1S15.
Francis, m. Sarah Woodgate, see above. Their eldest son Francis was at Rugby, and

St. John's CoU., Oxford.
William, Deputy Surveyor of Delamere Forest, Cheshire, d. 1857 — leaving Henry Curteis,
56 years Vicar of Staindrop and Hon. Canon, d. April, 1904 ; WiUiam, 50 years agent
for the Savile estate, Yorkshire, d. September, 1904 ; and the Rev. Edwin Francis
Lipscomb, now Uving, one of the few remaining persons who served under the
old East India Company, (he sailed for Bombay early in 1849); and two daughters,
now Uving.
Katherine Jane, m. Major John Woodgate, and
Sarah, m. Rev. Thomas SackviUe Curteis, Rector of Sevenoaks.

The Lipscomb crest, we are told, is a dove with wings addorsed or displayed ; the motto,
" SimpUces sunt columbae."

We beheve that the Rev. Edwin Francis Lipscomb is engaged in preparing some memoirs
for the press ; if so, his extended experience must have acquainted him with much that is of
interest to his family and relations.

28l

The other marriage was that of John Woodgate, who married on ist March,
1825, Katherine Jane, youngest daughter of the Rev. William Lipscomb.

' ' Tunbridge, Oct. 17, 1824.
. . Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb came to Riverhill on Friday ; they ventured
in a Steam Packet from Ramsgate to London & found this mode of conveyance
very Pleasant. They took leave of the Bishop & his Lady who were to be in readiness
to sail on Wednesday. Miss Lipscomb has lately had the measles, and the accounts
on Saturday were so unfavourable that John thought it right to go to Camberwell
yesterday. Sarah is to join him to-morrow and to remain to nurse her sister in law.
Mr. Lipscomb is afraid of going with her, never having had this disorder. It is
an unfortunate commencement for poor Sarah. Poor Mrs. Francis [Woodgate]
has been suffering a good deal lately, & been obliged to have recourse to her old
remedy of being bled with leeches Juliana Humphry."

" 16 Nov., 1824

Mr. Francis Woodgate has lately been in town. I spent a long day with Mrs.
Francis during his absence, & never see her without her regretting not being able
to accept your kind Invitation. My Uncle & Mrs. Lipscomb came to Tunbridge
on Friday to visit their Friends here ; they were both in excellent spirits, and Sarah
considered to be looking particularly well. I called on Mrs. Richard Streatfeild
with the Postern Party, but unfortunately she was not at Home. I went over her
House with Mrs. AUnutt, which is pleasantly situated at the end of South Park.

(Julia Humphry.)"

19th December, 1824. ' ' I called on Mrs. Francis Woodgate yesterday & found her
in good spirits & very comfortable. She desired her kind love to Maryanne & regretted
much not having the Pleasure of seeing her when she caU'd. We had a visit on
Thursday from Captn. & Mrs. Streatfeild ; Anne made many enquiries after you all,
& said she should make a point of visiting Seal the first time she went to Riverhill."

(Julia Humphry.)

i6th February, 1825, Seal. ' ' We were quite gratified in seeing our friends from
Riverhill who kindJy spent the morning with us last Thursday. Anne is looking
remarkably well, her spirits not at all subdued, & appearing to possess perfect con-
jugal felicity. Captn, Streatfeild was of the Party, & we all think him a very pleasant,
good humoured & gentlemanly man. Poor Sarah is looking very delicate." (Frances
Humphry.)

26th April, 1826, Seal, ' ' My Uncle walked from Riverhill and back again, &
spent the Morning here yesterday. This is a wonderful exertion for a man on the
verge of 80. Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb give up their House early in June.when they
purpose going into Yorkshire. Mr. Lipscomb stays 2 or 3 months & leaves Sarah till
the Spring, Her family do not approve the plan, as she is again likely to increase
her family, & they think her health too delicate to be separated from her friends
for so long a time." (Frances Humphry).

Mr. Petley's mother died in October 1825. The following Spring the Petley's
took possession of Riverhead.

loth May, 1826. Seal. ' ' Mr, & Mrs. Petley with their family went to Hastings
to-day for a month. On their return they take possession of the House at Riverhead,
My Uncle, Captn. & Mrs. John Woodgate with their little Boy (one of the sweetest
children I ever saw) made us a visit this morning, John is looking remarkably
well & appears as happy as possible," (Frances Humphry.)

2ist November, 1826. Seal. ' ' I accompanied Mrs, Nouaille to River Hill one
day last week, & was fortunate in seeing Mrs. Lipscomb & her baby, who really does
credit to her maternal care. She appeared anxious to take possession of their new
House, & said that six fires had been lighted to dry it for their reception, therefore
I hope Miss Lightfoot's apprehensions have subsided." (Maryanne Humphry.)

282

Rose Woodgate, who died in January, 1827, left by will one-fourth of an estate
in Cowden and Hartfield, called the Moat, to her brother Henry Woodgate, subject
nevertheless to the payment of £100 to each of his six children, and £50 each to Denny
and George Ashburnham. The remaining three-fourths was devised to the Humphrys.

After one or two attempts to sell privately, it was put up to auction by Palmer,
France & Palmer of 24, Bedford Row, the Solicitors of the Humphry family. Their
measures were not sufficiently vigorous for Henry Woodgate, who writes as follows : —

' ' Wednesday, 4th July, 1827.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Are you still without any Intelligence from Mr. Palmer ? If nothing has been
done, I shall think him dilatory beyond all Precedent. It will very soon be too late
to shew the Property to Advantage. The Farm now may have a rich & luxuriant
Appearance, & therefore Mr. Palmer shod be pressed to lose no time in bringing
it to the Hammer. As the Morning Herald has more Advertisements for the Sale
of property than any other Paper, I have daily examined mine in the Hope of finding
one to attract public notice, but hitherto I have been disappointed. If you don't
teize rattle & ferret this slothful Lawyer, the Business will never be brought to a
conclusion. I hope this will find you better than when Sarah called on you, & that
you & Fanny are now quite well, & with our united love, I remain ever affectionately
yours H.W."

He writes again, a few days later : —

" Thursday, 12th July [1827].
My dear Fanny,

Mr. George Austen informs me "by the Presentments on the Coiurt Rolls of
the Manor of Lewisham " that a Relief of two Quit Rents (witht mentioning the
amount, which by the bye must be trifling) is payable to the Lord on every death
or alienation, but no Heriots are paid.

I hope yr Mother continues quite well, & that you & yr Companion were not
fatigued with yr Journey, though Jenny required so much of the Lash ; & I hope
you had a pleasant Evening at Mrs. Burton's. James is not yet rettu-ned from
Leatherhead."

On another occasion, about August, he recalls the circumstance of the old tenant
of Rickwoods farm, part of the Moat, regularly riding over to Mountfield to pay
his rent. He says : " I wish you to give such Instructions as you think proper, as
my Interest is too trifling to interfere upon this occasion. Whatever you may do, I
shall be satisfied. I am happy to say that Sarah's little Boy is doing well & very
much improved. Mr. & Mrs. Willis, Frank & Martha called here to Day & made
us a long Morning visit. They all go to Dover next Week to make John Ponton's
House alive."

There is a note, undated, from Mrs. Lipscomb about this period.

" My dear Mrs. Humphry, I feel quite ashamed of having kept your Donkey
so long, & beg you will accept our best thanks for your great kinc^ess in allowing
us to do so ; it has distressed me very much, I assure you, to deprive you of it for so
long a time, & I am afraid it has put you to much inconvenience. I am sure you will
be sorry to hear that my darling Child is very iU. Mr. Nelson thinks him in a very
precarious state indeed, & apprehends he has sjnnptoms of water in the head, &
these symptoms I grieve to say increase every day. My Brother & Mrs, Frank are
just come, & therefore I hope you will excuse this short & hurried note, & with out
very best regards believe me, my dear Aunt, your obliged & affectionate Niece,

Saraii Lipscomb.

I hope to hear by the Bearer that you are all quite well."

283

Here is another note from Henry Woodgate : —

" Friday, 23rd November [1827].
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

As you desired Mr. Waterhouse to call on me a few Days since with his Rent,
you may think it a Httle queer that you have not heard from me. The Fact is, he
came here just as we were going to Dinner, & as He said He shod be up again in a Week
or ten Days, I desired to defer the Conference & refused to receive the Rent, & hope
in doing so I have done nothing wrong. What a sudden alteration in the Weather !
No longer ago than Thursday I was writing to Mr. Acton, when I remarked how
wonderfully fine the weather had been, and that that day was more like May than
Novr. Our dear Sarah has been very ill lately & for some time confined to her bed,
but I am happy to say we have had a better Acct of her this Morng. James will
bring you a very fine Hare kiUed yesterday & a pheasant killed on Monday last ;
in such weather as the present, it would keep for a Month. As you are fond of Rabbits
I have ordered James (before he starts) to endeavour with his Ferrets to procure
you a couple, but it is uncertain whether he will succeed."

The following also is from Henry Woodgate.

" January 4th, 1828.
Dear Mrs. Humphry,

. . . Captain Streatfeild & Anne came here yesterday & went off at 11 o'clock
to call at Riverhead, & to-morrow they mean to visit Sarah & return from thence
to Chiddingstone to Dinner, James will bring you a Hare killed yesterday, which
I hope will prove a good one. Mr. Allen has sent me very little Game for many
weeks past."

The Moat was withdrawn at the auction, and Henry sold his share to Mrs.
Humphry for £1,378, being for one-third of the Kentish part and one-sixth of the
Sussex part ; small interests in the Moat were outstanding, even in Rose Woodgate's
time, in her brother. There were also sums due for back rent ; and also the value of
the timber, which was considerable.

" Riverhill, 17th January [1828].
My dear Fanny,

1 have no wish to see the Draft of the Conveyance of my Share of the Moat
Farm or any desire to have it forwarded to any Professional Man on my behalf,
as Mr. Palmer is so honourable a Man & so correct in his Practice that I have no
doubt he will give satisfaction both to your Mother & myself. As the Ground was
dry & favoured pedestrianism, I got home just in time to escape a scolding
& not much fatigued, frequently telling James that I was afraid I walked
too fast for him. What a lamentable Day we have got ; the Ground was
never known to be so rotten. The valley has been for weeks past under water, &
much mischief it is feared will be done. Pray press Mr. Palmer for Expedition,
as we are all agog for our Legacy. The poor King seems pestered to Death, & it
may truly be said " Uneasy lies the Head that wears a Crown."

"Riverhill, Feby. 5th, 1828.
My dear Fanny,

I got Home yesterday half an Hour before my Son arrived in his Vehicle, &
not more fatigued with my Walk than He & his Companion in their Sociable. Frank
advised me before he left Riverhill to write to Mr. Palmer upon our Business, & as
I do not like to do anything in this affair without your Priority, I subjoin a copy of
my Letter. . . ." He states incidentally, in this, that Messrs. Willis & Co.
of Lombard Street were his Bankers.

In April, 1828, it seems that Sir William and Lady Ashburnham spent a short
time at Riverhill. Sir William writes from Broomham, on the loth,

' ' I was happy to see my Uncle Henry looking so well ; he received us most
cordially, & seemed particularly glad to see Julia. I am sorry to add that he repre-

284

sents Mrs. Woodgate as being very poorly. She had not left her bed when we were
at River-hill. On our way to Tunbridge we met Mr. Francis Woodgate walking
towards River-hill. He showed Juha a letter which his son Thomas had written
to Mr. Ponton. The young man writes in great spirits, & appears to be much pleased
with the profession he has embraced. He says he is studying the life of Nelson,
a good model for a young Sailor to have in view. Our first visit at Tunbridge was
to Dry-hill. . . . When we left Dryhill we called first upon Mrs. Francis Woodgate
and then we paid our respects to Lady Hardinge at the Vicarage. At Ferox-hall
I was introduced to Mrs. John Ponton and her daughters ; I think the latter are
very pleasing girls. Mrs. Francis Woodgate appeared tolerably well, and said she
was going to take a drive to Tunbridge Wells."

In July of 1830 the Francis Woodgates were at St. Leonards. Their visit to
Broomham is described in a letter of Lady Ashburnham's of the i6th : —

I was surprised last Saturday by a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate,
accompanied by their second son and Martha. They were passing a week at St.
Leonards with the younger part of their Family for the benefit of sea air. Never
having been at Broomham before, they were much interested in seeing the House
and Place. They spoke in terms of high approbation of St. Leonards & think it will
far surpass Hastings or any Place of public resort on this coast. Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb
were also here the beginning of the week ; they have taken lodgings in Pelham
Crescent for a Month."

In August, 1830, Mr. Petley died (g). On ist September Frances Humphry
writes : — "I had a kind note from Mrs. Richard Streatfeild a few days ago. We
rejoice to find poor Mrs. Petley supports her sad bereavement with so much fortitude
and resignation. Her sister says she has lost the kindest & best of husbands, but
they have much to be thankful for. Mrs. Nouaille is going to Riverhill to-morrow
to enquire after my Uncle & Aunt. Poor Mrs. Lipscomb is unfortunately confined
to her bed with rheumatism."

Not many months afterwards Mrs. Woodgate of Riverhill died. On 15th
April, 1831, Frances Humphry, writing to Lady Ashburnham, says : —

You wiU be concerned to hear our poor Aunt Woodgate is very seriously ill.
I was at Riverhill last week, when I saw her for a few minutes only, and thought
her in a very weak languid state, since which her illness has daily assumed a more
alarming aspect. She now scarcely takes any nourishment ; and is thought to be
rapidly sinking. All her children have been with her but John, and my Aunt begs
he may not be sent for, as his wife is daily expecting to be confined of her fifth child.
Mrs. Petley is staying at Riverhill, and Mrs. Nouaille very kindly takes her sons
Henry and John during the absence of their Mamma. Captn. Streatfeild has just
been here ; he states my Aunt to be perfectly aware of her situation, in a most happy
frame of mind, and evincing the utmost resignation to the Divine will. To each

(g) In Sevenoaks Church there is a stone, with the Petley arms and crest at the head, and the

motto " Toujours pret," with the following inscription subjoined : —

Petley,
1814.
Charles Carter Petley
Bom I Died

20 Jan., 1780. | 28 August, 1830.

Ellen, wife of the above
Born I Died

SNovr, 1781. | 3rd Deer., 1839.

Catiierine EUen, daughter of
Charles Robert Carter Petley
Bom I Died

24th Feby., 1850. | 5th August, 1852.

Arms: "Argent, two bends engrailed sable; a canton of the second." The crest is a
mailed hand holding a scimitar by the blade.

285

of her children she has given little memorials of her affection. My Uncle, as might
be anticipated, is greatly distressed at the prospect of losing his faithful companion
of more than fifty years ; "

And again, a few days later : —

" Seal, April 25th, 1831.

" . . . . You will have heard from Mr. Francis Woodgate that the awful
scene at Riverhill closed on Saturday evening, when my poor Aunt breathed her
last. She was surrounded by her family, whose affectionate attentions must have
soothed and alleviated the sufferings of her bed of sickness. When John heard of
the state of his Mother, he set out immediately for Riverhill and arrived yesterday
week. Altho' my poor Uncle was in some measure prepared for such a termination,
yet his naturally sanguine disposition led him to indulge hope, and therefore we fear
the shock will be very great and earnestly hope his health will not suffer in consequence.
The funeral of my poor Aunt is to take place here on Saturday next at two o'clock.
Will you have the goodness by a line to inform Maryanne of her decease."

Ellen Woodgate was buried at Seal on 30th April, 1831, aged 79 years.

On 5th May, Frances Humphry writes to Lady Ashburnham : ' ' The Funeral
of our late Aunt was very private, attended by her two sons, Capt. Streatfeild &
Mr. Lipscomb. Mr. Francis, John, and all the domesticks were at Seal Church on
Sunday. They called here afterwards, and I am concerned to say gave a very
indifferent account of my poor Uncle, who is quite overpowered with grief. John
lamented the necessity of leaving his Father under such distressing circumstances ;
he was to start by the Mail Sunday night, & hoped to reach home on Tuesday, when
he expected to find an increase to his family during his absence."

On 15th May she writes again : —

*' I went to River Hill a few days ago to see my poor Uncle. He was much
affected at first meeting, but gradually became more composed, and is perhaps as
well as can be expected after such a bereavement. Mrs. Petley and Mrs. Richd.
Streatfeild were there, and I hope his children will contrive to be with him as much
as possible."

In 1831 Henry Woodgate, not yet recovered from the loss of his wife and bowed
down with old age, found himself involved in serious financial difficulties. Perhaps
after his wife's decease the income of her property had passed to the children, which
brought matters to a crisis. No mere conjecture however will account for this
collapse. It does not appear that his style of living had been unduly expensive
(for he undoubtedly had a very fine income), or that he was addicted to any particular
form of extravagance.

Under his marriage settlement he had acquired Riverhill, besides any interest
he might have enjoyed in his wife's £80,000. In addition to this, his father had
left him by will lands in Sevenoaks, Leigh, Chidingstone, and Seal, and Howgreen
in Heaver and Brasted, the ancient family estate of the Birstys. In 1787 his
uncle Henry Woodgate of Summerhill left him the manor and estate of DryhiU in
Chevening and Sundridge, some valuable property in Tunbridge, and some shares
in the Medway Navigation Co. All this, and benefits from others of his relations
and as much as had not been settled, seems to have been spent by 1830. In 1829
he sold off some houses in Tunbridge Wells.

The leading Equity case of Acton v. Woodgate, decided in the Rolls Court
before Leach M.R., and the facts therein recited, shed considerable light on the
position. It there appears that one of the creditors was Henry's nephew John
Acton, of Car Mount, who had advanced various sums, from £100 in 1785 to £2,400
in 1792, and £500 in 1812. Henry Woodgate was likewise indebted on the foot of a
running account with his great nephew William Woodgate and James Currie, partners
in the firm of Currie, WiUiams & Woodgate of Lincoln's Inn, Solicitors, to the extent

286

of £20,000 or more ; and was under liabilities to others, including various capital
and annual sums under the marriage settlements of his children.

Being desirous of freeing himself from this load of incumbrances, Henry Woodgate
in October, 1831, conveyed all his real estate in Sevenoaks, Shipborne, Leigh, Ton-
bridge, and Seal, and personal estate (except of course the settled property and the
household furniture, plate, hnen, china, wearing apparel, and certain horses and
carriages;, to trustees for sale. Riverhill was entailed on the eldest son ; but Francis,
we are told, executed a disentailing assurance to break the entail. Henry however
reserved to himself for the remainder of his life the house and grounds of Riverhill
and 120 acres of land adjoining, and took a charge over the residue of £100 a year.
The trustees, Woodgate and Currie, were to pay off all the debts and hand over
the balance monies to Henry.

On 3rd December, 1831, Frances Humphry writes : —

On Monday I called on my Uncle and found him looking better, and more
cheerful than for some time past. Mrs. Petley says it will be her earnest endeavour
to promote the comfort of his dechning days. The establishment at Riverhill
is broken up, and a sale of the household effects takes place the 13th and 14th of
this month."

In December, 1833, Francis Woodgate was dangerously ill, and had to be
removed to London. On the 3rd, Frances Humphry writes : —

" We rejoice to learn some improvement has taken place in the health of Mr.
Francis Woodgate, notwithstanding which we learn from Mrs. Petley that Dr.
Paris still considers him in a precarious state. His son Thomas is recently returned
home, and his ship is to be paid off, which the family regret, as he has no prospect
of professional employment again at present."

And again, on the i6th December : —

With much concern I inform you the accounts of poor Mr. Francis Woodgate
are very unfavourable. Mrs. Petley went to see him on Wednesday last, & was
much shocked at the alteration three weeks had effected. He was in tolerable
spirits, and so patient that he never uttered a complaint, but so weak as scarcely
to be able to sit up in his bed, and what little nourishment he takes is forced upon
him. I fervently hope a blessing may attend the means used for his restoration,
as I do not know a life of more value to his family. It appears extraordinary Mrs.
Francis Woodgate should not be in Town when her husband is so seriously indisposed."

13th January, 1834. (Sir Wilham Ashburnham). " When in London, I went
to Hill Street and saw Mr. Francis Woodgate, whom I have the satisfaction to say
is progressively improving in health, though he is sadly altered in appearance
since I saw him at Tunbridge. Mr. Woodgate told me his physician Dr. Maton
had pronounced him to be convalescent.- This is as favourable a report as could
be expected."

nth February, 1834. (Miss Humphry). "Mrs. Nouaille was surprized
by a visit from Mr. Francis Woodgate (accompanied by his daughter Martha) yester-
day. He considers himself much better, but is so feeble and aged in appearance
that she says he looks ten years older than his Father."

It would seem that Mrs. Petley lived at Riverhill with her two sons during
the remainder of her father's life. He died at Riverhill on 21st September, 1834,
aged Sj, and was buried at Seal on 29th September.

Francis Woodgate was appointed residuary legatee and devisee and sole
executor of his father's will. As however he had already conveyed the bulk of his
property to Trustees, and nothing of any consequence passed under the will, Francis
declined to prove it, and probate was never obtained. A limited administration of
trust estates was afterwards taken out. In 1846 Palmer, France & Palmer on
making a request for information, obtained a reply from Messrs Currie, Wilhams
& Woodgate that they had the will and would supply them with a copy, likewise
with a copy of Francis Woodgate's will.

28;

There is one more letter from Francis Woodgate, directed to Miss Humphry
at Greatness, and dated from Tonbridge 2nd December, 1835. It concerns
chiefly a declaration of trust. He concludes, " We shall be rejoiced to welcome you
to Ferox Hall whenever you please, & depend upon your making us a sociable visit.
Sir William & Lady Ashburnham dined with us yesterday, & we shall have the
pleasure of meeting them at the Castle to-day. With kind regards to you and our
Friends at Greatness, Believe me, my dear Fanny, very truly yours

F. Woodgate."

In July, 1739, Miss Humphry describes a visit to her friends in Kent, when
she met the Woodgates at Tonbridge.

" I went to Tonbridge for the night, and saw many of our friends (viz.:) Mr.
and Mrs. Francis Woodgate and four of their young people, our friends at the Castle,
the Knoxes, Miss Dudgen and Susan. Mrs. F. Woodgate said your letters had
furnished her with amusement for some time. Martha Woodgate has been passing
three months with her cousins Mr. & Mrs. Willis at Sydenham, during which time
she was only in London twice, and regretted it was not in her power to call upon you.
The services of our old servant John are so necessary to the comfort of Mrs.Macleod
that Mr. Petley has fitted up a room for his wife and child to live with him in the house.
Lady Crichton said she had requested Mrs. Petley to thank you for the pretty flower
rug you had sent her."

Mrs. Francis Woodgate died in 1842, aged 55 ; and her husband died the following
year, aged 61. They had, altogether, twelve children, of whom four died young.
The only surviving daughter, Martha, married Charles Robert Carter Petley of
Riverhead. Of the sons, Francis, Henry, and Stephen were at Tonbridge school.
Francis, the eldest, succeeded his father and lived at Underriver, Seal.

Henry, the second son, at Tonbridge school, 1822-7, became a solicitor and
practised first in London on the Surrey side of the Thames, afterwards in Sackville
Street, and subsequently at Romsey, Hampshire. He died at Bexley Heath, Kent.
It is believed that he had a daughter, Eleanor, married about 1870.

Thomas, the third, entered the Navy, and was promoted to the rank of Commander
in 1843. He married Miss Walker, and resided at Box, where he died leaving two
sons who died during their minority and a daughter.

Stephen, at Tonbridge School 1826-8, married, and died prior to 1886. William
married twice ; Alfred ; and Edward, married in Australia.

There is a letter from Sir John Ashburnham on ' ' the death of Mr. Francis
Woodgate, an event at which I am truly sorry ; for though I had not the pleasure
of much acquaintance with him, I have always entertained a great respect for him.
His decease must be a great deprivation to his family, and a matter of regret to all
his friends."

There is a hatchment in Tonbridge Church erected on the death of Mrs. Woodgate,
displaying the arms of Woodgate and Birsty quarterly impaling Ponton, and the
motto " Gloria et Deo." In this, the field and acorns in the Woodgate coat are
emblazoned or. We were lately mformed by the Vicar of Tonbridge that this hatch-
ment was falling to pieces for lack of attention. Many of the other hatchments in
the church had been renovated and restored ; but that the sum of five pounds
was required to restore this hatchment, a work which could not be undertaken
without assistance from some of the family. The hatchment is still, we believe, in
its dilapidated state.

The Battersea property was sold at the wrong time ; had it been realized with
judgment the proceeds would have been very much more than they were. Even
so, there was a large sum which was divided, we believe, equally among all the
children ; and the bulk of Francis Woodgate's original Woodgate property went
to Francis his eldest son.

288

The latter was at Tonbridge School from 1822-7, and married at St. George's,
Hanover Square, in 1834, a- l^-dy of considerable fortune, Mary daughter of Mr.
Taylor of Tonbridge. We believe that her father was William Taylor, Master of
the Skinners Company ; his son Skinner Taylor died while at Tonbridge School.
He had been bom while his father was Master, and took his name according to
ancient custom, from the Company. Another son, John Aird Taylor, bom 1815,
gained a Judd Exhibition from Tonbridge to Worcester College, Oxford.

Francis Woodgate died at his London house, in Westboume Terrace, and
was buried at Seal. The large clock now in Seal Church was his gift to the parish.
In the churchyard is a stone cross, bearing this legend : " In memory of Francis
Woodgate, late of Underriver, who departed this life January 14th, 1855, aged
45 years. Mary, wife of the above, who departed this life July 27th, 1853, aged
42 years. Francis Woodgate, Capt. late 2nd Life Guards, eldest son of Francis
and Mary Woodgate, who departed this life September 19th, 1876 aged 40 years.
' I am the Resurrection and the Life '."

To return, however, to the daughters of Henry Woodgate of RiverhtU. We
have a letter from Miss Humphry in July, 1837, describing her visit to the Allnutts
at Penshurst. " Mrs. Allnutt," she says, " took me a (kive in her open carriage.
Our first visit was to Captn. & Mrs. Streatfeild at Hever. Anne shewed us all
over her house, which is a very pretty abode in the summer, and they have made
it replete with convenience. Our cousin is as cheerful and jocose as ever ; she
made many enquiries after you, and desired her kind love. Little Ellen is much
grown and improved, and under the tuition of her Governess proceeding with her
education in a satisfactory manner. She rides on Horseback, and frequently
accompanies her Papa in his equestrian excursions. ... I paid a very agreable
visit to Mrs. Petley and was happy to find her much improved in health. Her sons
are most obliging pleasant young men, and Henry very regular and persevering in
his mental attainments. Mr. & Mrs. Lipscomb and their two eldest little boys
were expected at Sevenoaks the early part of this month, and the sisters were
anticipating much pleasure from the meeting."

24th July, 1838, (Miss Humphry). " Mrs. Petley has derived great benefit
from Hastings. She drove over to Broomham one morning and walked round the
Gardens, which she admired very much. We saw her sons frequently ; they are
both very agreable promising young men. Henry is much improved in health ; he
has lately taken his degree, and intends studying Divinity at Oxford for two years
previous to taking Orders."

i6th April, 1839. (Miss Humphry). " I have lately received a sociable letter
from Mrs. Petley. Her son Henry is looking out for a title for Orders, and is anxious
to obtain a curacy in a situation where his Mother could reside with him, having
rehnquished a hundred a year at Oxford for this purpose."

In 1840 there is a long letter from Mrs. Nouaille describing the New Year's
Ball at Sevenoaks *.

" John Petley came from Chatham, and was delighted [with the ball]. He is
much grown in height & very thin ; he expects to be sent to New South Wales. On
Tuesday the Petleys received the first despatches from Capt. Petley, bringing intel-
ligence of their safe arrival at Barbadoes, all well ; the winds have been so high that
the family have suffered much anxiety for their safety. Jane Petley is here, & next
week goes to Mrs. Wilgress for a few days to meet Ellen Streatfeild [Mrs. Richard
Streatfeild's only child], and then poor Jane returns to Miss Scot's School at Brighton.
Next year she is to be introduced. I was at Riverhead last week and saw your
old cook Marchant, and learned she is giving great satisfaction at Mr. Petley's. I
have had a long letter from cousin John Woodgate of Liverpool ; his wife is expecting
an increase to her family, making ten. He has injured a tendon of his left arm

* See Reference Sheet.

The late FRANCIS WOODGATE, Esq. of Underriver.

289

from which he is recovering. He says he lately heard from Miss Cleaton that our
Cousin Acton is in good health, but this winter he keeps much indoors — a proof
he feels the effect of Time. One of John Woodgate's sons in Christ's Hospital
has distinguished himself & obtained a medal. His name is Christopher Frederick
Woodgate, & he is a very promising youth. This is very gratifying to his Parents
& Friends."

There is one more letter, from Mrs. Lipscomb, dated from Wilbury, i8th
December, 1840.
" My dear Lady Ashbumham,

It is such a very long time since I have heard of you, I cannot resist writing
to enquire after Sir Wm., yourself, & sisters. When my dear sister Petley was
living, I frequently did, as she always mentioned the friends she knew I was interested
about. I hear from my dear nephew Henry occasionally ; he seems to like Gljnide
very much. He is in London now, to be ordained priest at Lambeth next Sunday.
He will see his Uncle & cousins, as Mr. Lipscomb is gone to London for a fortnight
to see the Bishop of Jamaica before he leaves England, and took his two boys on
from Rugby with him, as their Uncle wished to see them. The Bishop was here
in November, and two more of Mr. Lipscomb's brothers at the same time, a nice
fraternal party. He is in excellent health,, really wonderful after being 15 years
in that trying Climate. He is beginning, since the emancipation, to reap the reward
of his labours in that Colony ; he has to select 40 curates at £300 a year each, and
he had above a hundred candidates. This is really choosing his own society. He
preached a beautiful sermon at York, for the Society for promoting C.K. which the
Archbishop begged might be printed ; he, as well as my husband who met him at
York, was staying with his Grace some days at Bishop's Thorpe. There never
was so large a collection made on any occasion of the kind before. We have two
pupils ; a nephew of Capt. Bedingfield — you know him, I beheve ; he did live in
Sussex. He is an orphan, and lives with his Grandfather Col. Bedingfield 10 miles
from us ; and a son of Mr. Gooch, who is connected with the Archbishop of York,
his sister having married his Son. This enables us to send our boys to Rugby, where
they are getting on very well. Henry has risen most rapidly in the School this
half year ; he is the httle sick baby you so kindly reed at Broomham, which I always
remember with thankfulness & gratitude, as under Providence it was instrumental
to his restoration to health. Dr Wilmot who prescribed for him is dead I believe.
Mary is what her excellent godmother Mrs. Comwallis prayed she might be, a comfort
& blessing to me. She is very lively & cheerful, & forward in most things for eleven
& a I ; my two httle boys healthy, good & dutiful. We shall very soon have a rail-
road from Nth Allerton to York, which place we can then reach in two hours & a ^,
& we can be in London in eleven hours. How our ancestors would stare, who formerly
made their wills before such a Journey. No place wiU be retired soon. Mr. L.
and my boys went from London to Rugby, 80 miles, in three hours. k-We paid Mr.
Acton a visit for a week this summer at his pretty place Carr Mount near Whitby ;
he sent us a pressing invitation by Mrs. J. Woodgate, who went to see him. It was a
great pleasure to me to see him again : he is a very fine hearty and handsome old
Man. Miss Cleaton is rather a curiosity. We also went to the sea with all our
children to a very pretty little place, quite Hastings in miniatiure, which made me
like it. I think I shall quite have tired you with this long account of myself &
Family, but I trust & hope you will favour me with the same of yourself &c. which
wiU give me great pleasiue. I beg to be kindly remembered to Sir Wm. & your
sister Fanny, & believe me, dear Julia, yours very affectionately,

Sarah Lipscomb."

Our remaining information is gathered from a succession of letters written by
Mrs. NouaiUe or Anne.

4th April, 1846. " Henry Petley has been for a httle while at Riverhead,
Underriver &c & called here on Friday 27th March, informing us he was to embark

290

at Southampton on the 3rd inst, in the " Royal Tar " steam vessel of the Oriental
Steam Company. I thought much of him yesterday, & heartily hope he may have
a prosperous voyage & tour to the Holy Land, Sjnia & Egypt. Mrs. Petley [Martha
Woodgate] took her Babe to Town on 28th, the child not thriving as they cou'd
wish. Dr Locock assured them all was right, only great care was necessary. I
think Mrs. Petley looks thin & poorly, but anxiety for her Babe may cause it. It
is a very delicate little child."

12th August 1846. " This morning Mrs. Allnutt accompanied me to Under-
river. We found Mr. Francis Woodgate remarkably well ; the eldest Boy has left
Mr Wallace, & they axe seeking a school for him. The Eldest Girl is placed with
the Miss Wallace's, & the 2nd Boy with Mr. Wallace. They are all very fine good
children, & I think very handsome. Everything is so nice & so very comfortable
at Under-river. I walked round their Garden ; they have a beautiful Green house
& all the Flowers most gay & splendid, but alas ! the disease is amongst the potatoes
& it was very sad to look on them. The Petley s have been paying a long visit to
their Brother Capt. Thos. Woodgate, who has been very ill, but recovering. I
conclude you have seen in the Paper the Marriage of the youngest Daughter of the
late Mr. John Ponton, & Mr. Austen, the 3rd son of Sir Henry Austen, a Surrey
Family."

14th April, 1855. " Yesterday we had a visit from Capt. Tom Woodgate
& his wife. He is much engaged with a Phosphate manure Company. We hear
but a poor account of Mrs. Lipscomb." (Anne Nouaille).

loth January, 1857. ' ' Mrs. Richard Streatfeild has been for her annual
visit to Mrs. Lightfoot at Sevenoaks ; she is looking remarkably well, & is delighted
with her little grandson. The Petleys are all well, but Martha looks delicate. My
Brother's little godson is a sweet child, and so extremely good. Henry Petley
came to Riverhead for the Christening, but could not stay to dinner, having an
engagement in Town. He had made up his mind to quit Woodchurch, and would
leave in three months ; his future plans are not settled, but he had some intention
of going abroad. Young Frank Woodgate of Under-river is to come of age this
month. It is difficult matter to provide a suitable home for his sisters, and nothing
at present is settled respecting it. The third Boy is at Harrow. Mrs. F. Lipscomb
during the summer was very poorly, and nothing appeared to rouse or animate
her, but she is now much better. Her son John has got a desirable tutorship in a
family at Portland Place." (Anne Nouaille).

John Woodgate, for some time after his marriage, lived at Leatherhead in
Surrey. After his father's death he applied to the War Office for some appointment,
and was given the Paymastership of Liverpool, worth ;{5oo a year. One of his
Lipscomb nephews writes of him, " I will venture to say no one of the name ever
upheld the honour of the family more than he did ; he was a man of high integrity.
. . . My Uncle frequently told me of the early days in Kent, for he was proud
of the ancestry of his family." He held his appointment for thirty years, when
he retired to pass the rest of his days at Sanabach. When he resigned, the War
Office wrote intimating that Major Woodgate was the best Paymaster they had had.

John Acton, the eldest (surviving) son, was destined for the Church, and with
that end in view, after leaving Brasenose, read for some time with his cousin. Canon
H. A. Woodgate, at Belbroughton. Lord Hardinge, at that time, offered the family
a commission in the army, worth £500. Acton was the only son old enough to take
it ; so he relinquished all ideas of the Church, and was drafted off to take part in the
Sikh War. He was killed at Chillianwallah ; his body was discovered among the
dead by his friend Henry Bradford (son of Sir John Bradford, the great cavalry
leader, and nephew of Mrs. Henry Woodgate).

It may be said in conclusion that the descendants of Henry Woodgate of River-
hiU may be fotmd in every quarter of the globe.

M^ "^

tr^

291

CHAPTER IX.
RIDEOUT OF WESTMESTON.

Frances Woodgate, youngest daughter of the Rev. Francis Woodgate. born
1756, was manied at Mountfield, by licence, to the Rev. Richard Rideout, Vicar
of Westmeston in Sussex, by R. Constable, Curate of Mountfield. William Woodgate
and Richard Whatt sign the registers. The Rideouts (a) were a good Sussex family
settled for many years at Framfield Park.

Mr. Richard Rideout, the grandfather (apparently) of the Rev. Richard Rideout,
held a responsible position at Lewes. He seems to have been Undersheriff, and
confidential agent of the Duke of Newcastle, the Premier, The Pelhams had enor-
mous influence in Sussex, and their agent must have been a man of some consequence.
Among the Newcastle correspondence in the Brit. Museum are many letters to and
from Mr. Rideout. In one of them Rideout proposes that Charles Smith, who
was not likely to live long, should resign his place in the Customs, in favour of his
(Rideout's) nephew Nicholas Willard, who should pay a certain sum out of it. He
adds that Thomas, brother of Nicholas Willard, warmly approved the scheme.

In one of his letters, the Duke represents to Rideout the desirability of repre-
senting the Sheriff at the Assizes. As an interesting specimen of the correspondence,
it is set out at length : —
" To Richard Rideout Esq. Lewes.

" Claremont, Augt. 12th, 1764.

Dear Sir, I am very much obliged to you for taking upon yourself at my request
the trouble of representing the High Sheriff at the Assizes. I dare say it will be very
agreable to the judges as well as to the gentlemen of the County.

I am extremely sorry that the present state of the Duchess of Newcastle's
health and the great loss which she has so lately had of her sister the Duchess of
Leeds, which has very much affected her, will not permit me, as I fully intended,
to wait upon the Judges and the gentlemen of the County at Horsham, or to be
present at the horse races, and pay my respects to the gentlemen. I am sure their
good nature will excuse me, and that they will impute it to the true reason, and
not to any want of regard to them or desire to attend them.

(a) Richard Rideout married on 18th December, 1684, Sarah, daughter of Walter Dobell of

Southover and Sarah his wife (Arms : Sable, a doe between three bells argent). Their son
Richard of Framfield Park, and Anne his wife, had four children of whom Sarah died unmarried
and was buried at Framfield 20th April, 1743 ; Anne, bapt. at Framfield, 2nd August, 1716 ;
the Rev. John Rideout, B.C.L. Univ. Coll., Oxford, Rector of Woodmancote, Sussex, died at
Lewes, 1804 ; and Richard.

(N.B. — In 1809 a Rev. John Rideout, Rector of Woodmancote, Sussex, married the daughter

of Sir Harry Goring, Bart.)

Richard Rideout of Lewes was bapt. at Framfield 10th June, 1715, and married Ehzabeth,
daughter of Nicholas Willard of Chiddingley and widow of Richard Payne of Lewes. It was
their son Richard who married Frances Woodgate.

The arms of Rideout are : — " Azure, a trefoil slipt between three mullets argent" Crest :
a horse trottant saddled and stirruped.

Payne arms : " Per fess, sable and argent, two lions passant guardant counterchanged."

Stone at St. Peter and St. Mary, Lewes. ' ' Sacred to the memory of Richard Payne, late
of this Parish, Esq., who died January the 17th, 1732, aged 39. Also of Richard Rideout, late
of this Parish, Esq., who died April the 28th, 1767, aged 52."

Mrs. EUeabeth Rideout, widow, was buried at Framfield, 28th April, 1767.

A Mr. Rideout was buried at Framfield 1st Oct., 1753.

292

As you represent the High Sheriff, I must beg that you would make my excuses
in form to the Judges, Grand Jury, and the gentlemen that shall be at the Assizes.
I hope there will be a good appearance of gentlemen at the Assizes and at the Horse
races ; and the same allowances will be given as when I am there. I shall send
Greening down, who knows perfectly what used to be done.

I hope my Lord Ashburnham will be at the races. My nephew Mr. Shelley
will be at both places. I have ordered a Buck and some carp for the judges, and
a Buck for the High Sheriff, part of which, if you think proper, you may send to the
Grand Jury. We are very low in venison ; and we have not the assistance of Pet-
worth Park. The venison will be at Horsham on Monday morning early. I am
with great respect, dear Sir, your most affectionate humble Servant,

Holies Newcastle.

P.S. I have altered my mind ; and have ordered a buck more, half to the grand
jury and half to the counsel. So you may keep the High Sheriff's for yourself."

The proceedings finished up with a County Ball at Lewes, at which Miss Pelham
of Brithelmstone was to do the honours.

The Rev. Richard Rideout had been curate'at Mountfield, and was presented to
the living of Westmeston in 1783, and continued to hold it till 1809. He was also
a Prebend of Chichester. It seems that the wedding party, consisting of Mr. and
Mrs. Rideout and the bride's sister Anne Woodgate, went straight from Mountfield
to Westmeston, for the first letter extant is dated from Westmeston two days after
the wedding, and addressed to his father-in-law.

' ' Westmeston, Oct. 28th, 1784.
My dear Sir,

'Tis with infinite satisfaction I can inform you that we arrived safe at West-
meston by 4 o'clock. We found no Difficulties on the Road as you may suppose
by the time we reached our Destination. I must now. Sir, with unfeigned Gratitude,
beg you you will accept my sincere Thanks for the important Charge you have
committed to my Care, & hope by a tender attention to my Frances to merit that
Esteem from you which I flatter myself I now possess. I am happy to tell you
my House meets with great Commendation. Miss Anne was much delighted with
the Prospect from the Hill. My Visitors are both perfectly well, which I pray
God may long continue, and I have not another wish. My Father, Mother & Grand-
mother present their Compts to you & Mrs. Woodgate & return you many Thanks
for some Cake which we sent them in your Names. We had a present of a very
curious one from Brighton to day, according to the Bath fashion painted with
Hearts, Darts & Cupids. I wish my dear little Fit cou'd see it as it wou'd delight
her much. I was this Morn to make my Father & Mother a visit. I never saw them
in such spirits before. My Brother comes to us to-morrow as my Father insists
that all shou'd be holyday. I must tell you Mrs. Green came in unexpectedly whilst
I was at Lewes ; as soon as she saw me she scream'd out & swore I shou'd not
salute her. The Consequence of so positive a Declaration you may easily imagine.
After divers Questions she enquired what I had for dinner ; she gave me great Credit
for my Managemt, as Green & herself for want of Forecast were obliged to live on
Mutton Chops & Pudding Cake for three weeks after Marriage. I must acquaint
you that all the Plate is rubbing up at Lewes, & a Cup which has not seen Day light
for eighteen years is to be produced on our visit to them. I need not say how happy
we shou'd be to see you & Mrs. W. at Westmeston, but I fear a Father's Claim precedes
his Son's. Fanny & Miss Anne join with me in Duty & Love to yourself, Mrs. W.
& Miss Woodgate, not forgetting dear little Friend, & conclude me to be, my dear
Sir,

Yours faithfully & affectionately,
Rd. Rideout.

My Father desires I will inform you that he will send you ye bond as soon as
Mr. Hoper returns."

293

The letter is sealed with the crest. A fortnight later is a letter from Mrs.
Rideout to her sister, with further details of their reception.

' ' Westmeston, Nov. 14, 1784.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

We are extremely obliged for your kind Congratulations & good wishes, and
hope Mr. Humphry will accept our best Thanks for the same. I should have written
before but was in hopes of hearing the good News & having an opportunity of wishing
you much joy. What dreadful weather we have had. Anne is perfectly well, & on
Wensday we make our splendid entry at Lewes, where I believe we shall stay some
little time. The Assembly is Thursday Sennight when / flatter myself we shall
make an elegant appearance. Mr. & Mrs. R. point much on our visit, & all the Gentry
mean to pay us the compliment of a second formal visit. I understand we are to
have ringing &c. We have had a number of morning acquaintance. I heard from
Mountfield this week. I cannot fancy myself far from thence. I know Mr. R.
is a favorite, therefore I must tell you that he had provided every thing with such
exactness & nicety, that we seem as much settled as old Housekeepers. I wish
you could give us a peep. Mr. Rideout desires his best respects to Mr. Humphry
& will be rejoiced to see him here.
Tuesday Morn : —

This letter was to have been sent on Sunday but had no opportunity. We go
to Lewes to-morrow. Mr. Hoper spent this morn'g with us ; he is a most agreeable
young man. We are conveniently situated for the Church, hardly a step to it.
Ld. Pelham & the Major made us a visit last week, & we had an affectionate letter
that her Ladyship means me that honor, but has not left her room for some time.
Mr. Kemp (the Member) is a great favorite of Anne's ; he breakfasted with us last
week.

Mr. Rideout is gone to dine at Stanmer [Lord Pelham's house]. My pink
Tabby is trimmed with crape & white sattin ribbon, & is a perfect beauty. Mr.
& Mrs. Medcalfe were to have spent part of this week with us, but the weather was
too bad. Mr. Constable comes to us when we return from Lewes. I do assure
you we have a very comfortable House & very well contrived ; hope you will not
forget yr promise some little time hence. We hope you will not scruple to give
us a Godson this Christening or at any time, as we shall be happy to answer for any
body belonging to you. Mr. Rideout has bought me a beautiful young Horse, just
a proper size, & it is now properly in Training for my exhibiting. We have not heard
from Vauxhall for some posts. We are impatient to hear of a new relation. I
am join'd by our Friend Anne in Love & Duty to Mr. H., yourself & our dear Kinsfolk
(I wish they were both with us) Ever yrs most Faithfully
f^i^r^k*^ i^ ' F- Rideout."

The next letter, addressed to Mrs. Humphry, was written during a visit to Mount-
field the following August : —
" My dear Friend,

Upon the word of an honest Gentlewoman, & the Oath if required of an
unexceptionable Priest, I had written to you the Day the Assizes were holden at Lewes ;
& as Mr. R. was to dine with Mr. Kemp, he was to have directed it ; but he not going,
it has not seen Day light since, as I was confident it would not pay Postage. I

should have wrote last week but my Cousin assured me we should have the

pleasure of seeing Mr. Humphry this week & we were very sorry to find him some-
what a lying Prophet. We found our Friends here purely, Anne I do assure you
much better than I expected to see her. She certainly mends daily & rides con-
stantly ; & now she has got a pretty man to escort her, I think it must be of great
benefit. I hear great accounts of your three lovely babes & quite long to see dear
httle George. We spent a fortnight at Framfield & were not disengaged one Day ;
dined with our Cousin Woodward with a party of eighteen on a Haunch of Venison,
met Mr. & Mrs. H. Courthorpe & Mr. & Mrs. G. Woodward, who enquired particularly

294

after Mr. Humphrey & yourself. We leave Mountfield the last Day of this Month,
& Mr. Rideout shoots the remainder of the week at Framfield. We dine at Lewes
the 3rd of Septr. & get home in the Eveng after having been absent five weeks, which
I think you will say is rather Dissipated. Anne desires her best Thanks for your
kind letter. She & her Companion are just returned from Darvel (see p. 61 note)
laden with the finest Pike I ever saw. Mrs. Hardy & five Children are at Court
Lodge, Mr. H. in Town for advice. I can't think how she can be tolerably easy, as
an Amputation is the only thing that will ever effect the cure of his leg. We dined
at Mr. Bishop's with a very large party on Thursday. I want vastly to see
Mr. Mapletoft but shall not have that satisfaction this time. Brother Henry has
promised to be here this week ; am very sorry Mrs. Woodgate is so poorly. Indeed,

my Dear Friend, I wish much to behold you & depend on seeing you next

spring. My Friend Will knows you they entertain me very much with

his and Betsy I understand is as amiable as ... . have

been much entertained with some sky ... . Mr R. let off to please Alicia
on her An ... . Birth Day. We were particularly happy (to see) Father

so hearty, his hands are much a very fine thing that he had

strength out. I am join'd by all in Love & every wish to Mr. H.

yourself and little ones.

Ever yrs, my Dear Mrs. Humphry, most Sincerely,

F. Rideout.

We are all much disappointed at not seeing Mr, H. Particular Love to Riverhill
& Brother Stephen.

Mountfield, August, 23rd.

Mr, Durrant says, Mr. Humphry is just the man he likes, the most agreeable
Companion he ever conversed with."

The Durrants, Woodwards and Courthorpes were, of course, cousins of the
Woodgates (see p. 29).

In November, Mrs. Rideout was back again at Westmeston, still inviting Mrs,
Humphry and her family to pay her a visit.

"Sunday, Nov. 13, 1785:
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Accept my best thanks for the favor of your last Letter. I hope this will find
my little friends quite well ; was grieved to hear they had been so ill. I have the
pleasure to tell you that we are quite well. Was very glad to hear from my Sister
yesterday that our Dear Ann continued better. I quite long to see yourself, Mr. H,
and all my pretty dears ; shall depend upon your making good your promise next
year, or I shaU really take it hard. I flatter myself it would give you great pleasure
to see how comfortably we are settled and what a convenient Habitation we have.
You know there will be a little Inducement, which may perhaps succeed better than
all I can say. I have been very busy lately in making preparations, & jJtho' I have
all Mrs. Rideout's child bed Linen, I find a pretty deal of sewing. The Wardrobe
was compleated this week by the arrival of a Boat, coral, & spoon from Mr. & Mrs.
Rideout.

Mr. R. is the best gardiner you ever knew. I wish you could see our Green House
Plants, & our winter Roots ; it is really delightful to see the Geraniums & Arinculas
in full bloom. I wish Willy was with us. We expect Mr. & Mrs. Raynes (Mr. R's
Tutor) to make us a visit this week. To-morrow Mr, Medcalfe and a party of gents
dine with us ; I wish Mr. H, was of the Party, as I am sure he would like Mr. M.
We expect Mr. H. Bishop in his way to Chichester. What a desperate Riot there
was at Lewes on the fifth of November ; Mr. J. Rideout was with us, & we had some
beautiful Fireworks let off from our Garden. The Reverend Dean of Siorrington,
who was our visitor, seem'd to enjoy them extremely. I am much obliged to the
Hardinges for their kind enquiries. It would be a happy thing if Mrs. Hammond
was to be released I think. Have you heard from Mr. Ozias ? I hope he will return

295

safe & sound. How does Betty Dann ? I am very happy . . . . . being
my country woman .... & my upper maid in ... . steady ; she has
seven hundred pounds, but .... agreeable servitude to living by herself
. . . , comfort .... to have such a one, as I do . . . . upon
her .... a common servant she came to me .... Medcalfe. Mrs.
Hoper has got a .... I hope Brother H. received a Letter from me some
little time ago. I beg you will give our best Love to Brother Stephen & him. Mrs.
W. I understand is at Battle. William Ashm brought Mr. R. the sweetest Drawings
you ever saw. I shall point upon shewing you all my curiositys, & if you do not come
I shall take it very unkind, I really am serious, tis what you ought to do or I shall
think you unnatural. My dear Friend (who by the by is so good to me that I never
shall make him amends) joins in Love & the Heartiest good wishes to our good
Brother, yourself & the Dear Children. I am, my dear Mrs. Humphry, yours most
faithfully & affectionately, F. R — "

The next letter was written by Mr. Rideout about a fortnight before his wife's
death ; he urges Mr. Humphry to subscribe for a copy of the " History and Antiquities
of the Church, Town & Neighbourhood of Southwell, Notts., illustrated with
Capital engravings & dedicated (by permission) to the Arch Bishop of York, the
whole comprised in one large quarto volume. Several Anecdotes of transactions
during the Civil Wars in the last Century will be introduced in the course of the
History, which will throw considerable Light on some of the leading Characters
of that age, ut ait Auctor. The work is not published thro' any mercenary view
as Mr. Rastale is a man of Family & Fortune, his Father Dr. Rastale high in the
Church of Southwell .... Mr. Curteis is very well acquainted with Mr.
Rastale, was at College at the same time." The author was a very particular friend
of Mr. Rideout, and a man of marked abihties ; Mr. Rideout is very urgent in his
friend's behalf, and requests Mr. Humphry to push the work among his acquaintance.
" Do smite Mr. Henry [Woodgate] & tell him I know he is fond of antiquities.
Mrs. Rideout is very much obliged to Mr. & Mrs. H. W. for two kind letters."

He adds that Mrs. Rideout is in expectation of an increase to her family. The
event was fatal to herself ; but the circumstance is best described in the words of her
brother William Woodgate of Summerhill, who broke the news to his father in a
letter that survives.

' ' Summer Hill, Sunday, Jan. 8th, 1786.
Dear Sir,

It falls to my Lot once more to undertake the painful Task of communicating
to you & my Dear Sisters the unwelcome news from Westmeston. Poor Mrs.
Rideout is no more. My letter on Fryday Night I hope in some Measure prepar'd you
to receive this sad Intelligence. I was so well assured myself of this Event, that I
deem'd it best to speak out. I had a letter from Mr. Hodson by the Post this Mom
dated the fifth instant to inform me that the fatal Hour was about two in the Morning
of that Day. I am rather surpriz'd they did not send a special Messenger as my
two last Letters were missent to Uxbridge. Bro: S: slept here last night & I have
sent to Bro: H. by him to consult whether it wd not be proper for one of them to go
down to comfort poor Mr. Rideout. For my own Part I must not stir from Horne ;
my Uncle is much worse than when I wrote on Thursday — besides the Complaint
in his Breath he has now a Fever & is very ill. I shall send my Son down with this
Letter, who will inform you more particularly. I hope you will collect your usual
Fortitude to stand against these repeated Shocks, and you will use your own dis-
cretion in communicating these sad Tidings to my Sisters & particularly to poor
Anne, but I am afraid your own Heart will be too sensibly affected long to conceal
the Contents of this Letter. I have liv'd in such a Situation for the last week that
I hardly know what I write. Our united Love & Respects & beheve me, Dr. Sr.,

Yr. most dutiful & aff. son,

Wm. Woodgate."

To one of Mr. Woodgate's advanced years, such a shock must have been severe.
But four days before, he had lost his eldest daughter, Mrs. Acton (see p. 74).
There was, according to the Gentleman's Magazine, a tablet erected to Mrs. Rideout's
memory, on the north wall of the chancel at Westmeston.

Sacred

to the memory of

Frances,

Daughter of the Rev. Francis Woodgate

of Mountfield in this County,

and wife of the Rev. Richard Rideout,

Rector of this parish,

Who died the 5th of January 1786 in the

28th year of her age,

Lamented by a Father who had experienced

her Dutiful obedience,

Regretted by Friends who valued the

sincerity of her attachments,

Bewailed by the poor who were cherished

by her bounty

This marble is placed here

by an afflicted husband

to commemorate

Her virtues and his own misfortunes.

Mr. Rideout married a second time — on 22nd December, 1789, at Mountfield, by
licence, one of the vidtnesses being Sarah Woodgate. The object of his choice was
Sarah daughter of Francis Carter Niccoll {b) , and vvddow of Samuel Nicoll of Court
Lodge, accountant general of the East India Company and styled by tradition
"the Nabob" (see p. 47). Samuel Nicoll died in 1787, leaving one child, Samuel John,
who succeeded to Court Lodge. Mrs. Nicoll evidently had a life estate in Coiut
Lodge, and there the Rideouts took up their abode. Mr. Rideout frequently took
duty at Mountfield as appears from the registers. Framfield Park, the family
seat, remained in his possession till he sold it in 1817 to Alexander Donovan.

There were two children, at least, of this second marriage, Anne b. 3rd June,
1792 ; Richard b. 8th November, 1793. It was to the first of these that Mrs. Humphry
refers when she writes on 22nd June, 1792, ' ' Mr. Humphry was very glad to meet
Mr. Rideout. He was very much pleased with our new relation."

Mr. Rideout vvrites from Court Lodge in 1800, to Mrs. Humphry at Hastings : —
" My dear Mrs. Humphry,

I understood by you that your wane had not arrived, and as I know it is of
great consequence that what you drink should be genuine, I have taken the liberty
of sending you half a dozen Pints of my old Port, which has been in my cellar eight
years. I trust, shou'd you be again disappointed, you will be candid enough to
inform me, that I may supply you till yours arrives. I charge you on no account drink
that woeful mixture that is to be bought at the Swan. I shall endeavour to get it
down to you by a returned fish cart ; if I don't succeed I will send it by the coach
to-morrow Evening. I was extremely happy to hear by Betsy this morning that
the Bath agreed with you better than it did the day before. I shall hope to see you

(6) The other witness was P. C. Searancke. Mrs. Sarah Nicoll was the daughter of Francis

Carter Niccoll and Ann Searancke his wife. Mr. Niccoll died in 1782, aged 58, his wife 1793,
aged 67, and their daughter EUzabeth 1797 ; an inscription to their memory may be seen in
St. Alban's A.bbey. Their son adopted the name of Nice oil- Searancke, and his son Francis
Joseph Searancke married a Miss Wood, whose niece married the Revd. Charles Nicoll of St.
Leonards, now hving. Mr. Nicoll possesses a full sized portrait of Sarah Nicoll, the second
Mrs. Rideout.

297

again this week, & that I shall find you much better. Accept, my dear Madam,

my most affectionate regards & believe me to be, yours most truly,

Court Lodge, June 17th, 1800. R. Rideout.

P.S. I have had the wine racked off so that the carriage wiU not affect it."

In February, 1803, Sarah Woodgate of Tunbridge writes: — "We met the
Rideouts several times during their stay at Summer Hill ; they enquired much

after you They are going to spend a month at Ld. Chichester's. Lord

Pelham has got Mr. Rideout appointed a Prebend of Chichester, which tho' only
a Feather at present, from what he intimated I shou'd imagine will lead to better
preferment."

In 1806 Rose Woodgate writes : —

' ' Mrs. Rideout has been at Summer Hill some time ; it has happened so that
we have seen but little of her. She seems in very indifferent Health & Spirits. Ann
[Rideout] is left at Home with her Governess ; I think it must be very dull for her.
We are to dine with them at Summer Hill on Friday next. Mr. Rideout returns
on Wednesday."

She writes about a year later : —

" I suppose you may have heard from Mrs. Nouaille that the Rideouts are
going to leave Court Lodge and mean to reside at Lewes. A son of Sir Francis
Baring is in treaty for it. They wish it to remain a secret till the widow's joynture
is settled. I find it is to accomodate Sam [Nicoll], & to the satisfaction of all parties.
I have not room for particulars."

But three months later, Sarah Woodgate writes : —

' ' Mrs. Rideout returned to Court Lodge on Monday. She contrived to get
robbed at the Election in Hertfordshire of about five pds. After all I believe they
will not quit Court Lodge, at least for the present."

Mrs. Rideout died at Court Lodge on 24th March, 1809, aged 50, and lies buried
in St. Alban's Abbey with several of her family. Miss Rideout often stayed with
the Nouailles at Greatness. She was very delicate, and terminated an unhappy
life in 1816. Mary Anne Humphry writes : —

' ' I had written thus far when Mr. NouaUle arrived and communicated a piece
of intelligence which has shocked and grieved me beyond measure. Before this,
you will probably have heard that poor Miss Rideout is no more. She died of a
decline the twenty first of last January, but Mrs. Nouaille will tell you every
particular. Her loss must deeply affect all her friends."

Miss Humphry writes of her death : —

' ' The intelligence of poor Miss Rideout's death shocked us very much ; we
hear Mr. & Mrs. Garrow paid her every attention, & trust the change she has
experienced, for herself, is a happy one, as she had certainly a large share of trouble
& sorrow in this life, Mrs. Nouaille tells us she made a will before she left England,
& she believes left all her property to her Father for his life & after his decease to
be divided between her brothers. My Mother has put on Mourning, but as we did
not wear it for Mrs. Rideout, we do not intend to use it on this melancholy occasion."

What became of the family after this is not known, but we believe that some
of the descendants settled at Bath, and are now living.

Just belore the issue of this worlc, we were informed of the existence of The Collier Letters, edited by Mr. Charles
Lane Sayer, whose ancestor Mr. John Collier of Hastings was the principal correspondent. We are indebted for thi3
information to Mrs. Harkness of Ore, Hastings, who Isindly lent us her copy for perusal. This book explains much
that is obscure, and would have been invaluable had we but known of it before. The letters, extending from 1716-1780,
relate to most of the families of the Hastings neighbourhood, and especially to the Colliers, the Murrays of Beauporfe,
the Craastoiis, the Milwards, the Worges of Battle, the Greens, the Pelhams, the Ashburnhams, &c.

Mr Collier was Town Clerk of Hastings, and for many years agent of the Duke of Newcastle and others of the
Pelham family His influence at Hastings was paramount, and he was succeeded as " uncrowned King " by his son-
-in-law Mr Edward Milward who died in 1811- From these letters it would appear that, as years advanced, Mr Collier
resigned many of his appointments, to which JMr Rideout succeeded. In 1757, for instance, Mr. Rideout took over the
Stewardship of the Duke of Newcastle's Manor of Ore. Mrs. Green, mentioned on page 292, must have been Mr.
Collier's third daughter, Jane, who eloped with Mr. Green about 1761, which would account for her "want of
lorecast." She is described as " a lively pleasant woman like Miss Milward, fond of Society." She died in 1802
leaving, among other property. Bohemia at Hastings to her husband for life, and after his death to be divided between
the children of her two sistprs Mrs. Sayer and Mrs Milward. They must have conveyed it to the Briscos, to whose
descendant (Mrs. Arbuthnot) we believe it now belongs.

298

CHAPTER X.

ROSE, SARAH, AND ANNE WOODGATE OF
TONBRIDGE (1790-1827).

When the Rev. Francis Woodgate died, the house-keeping at Mountfield
was given up, and those of the family who hved there removed to the house at
Tonbridge, formerly in the occupation of Miss Jordan, The family consisted of
the three unmarried daughters. Rose, Sarah, and Anne ; and the grand-daughter
Alicia Ashburnham, whose mother did not survive her daughter's birth. The
Rev. Francis Woodgate left to his three daughters all his household goods, linen,
plate, &c., at Mountfield, his four-wheeled carriage and pair of grey horses, and the
house at Tonbridge, in addition to ;^i,ooo each, and lands in Cowden and Hartfield,
and £800 to Ahcia Ashburnham. The household at Tonbridge was therefore, in
every sense, the direct successor of the Mountfield establishment and to Tonbridge
the Penates were accordingly removed.

Until 1800 we hear practically nothing of them, and none of their letters of
that period were preserved. A little memorandum book contains an entry with
some curious items in what appears to be the hand of Rose Woodgate.

' ' A deep snow ye 5th of May, old style ; snow ye 15th of April 1787 ; Hard

Winter 1789, snowed all March.
Balm of Gilead left in the borders in the year 1790 all lived, no frost ; decbr

23rd, 1790 a most violent storm of hail Thunder & Lightning.
91. a remarkably mild winter, but snow hail & Frost ye 12th of June, being

Whitsunday.
1795. Hard Winter ; lost all our Green House plants."

The first of the letters is from Sarah Woodgate, addressed to her sister : —

" Tunbridge, May 2nd, 1801.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

As I have so good an opportunity, coudn't omit giving you a line. It is quite
an age since we have heard from you & if I was not to set a good exanple our Corres-
pondence wou'd drop. Seriously tho, we wish to know how you all do. Mrs. W.
Woodgate [at the Castle] goes on vastly well with her Nursery. The Duchess of
Dorset's Marriage [to Lord Whitworth] surprized us very much as we never heard
it hinted 'till we saw it in the papers ; I imagine you will be very gay when they
return to Knowle. Ld. Whitworth you know is an old Partner of Ann's; Jack Everest
was a great Friend of his, he used to visit him at Plaistow. 'Tis reported that Mr.
J. G. Children is soon to be married to a Daughter of Mr. Hamet the Banker, and
niece to Sr Benjamin ; he was introduced to the family at Lisbon by Mr. Murray.
It appears a very early attachment so soon after his late loss. Dr. Ferns is thought
in a very dangerous state. Suppose you have heard of Mr. Jordan's (a) preferment
(without Solicitation) to a Living of near two Hundred a year near Chichester ?
Mr. Carter her Father Died some time ago and Mrs. C. is to live with them till . . .
in Bromley College. How did Fanny like the Tunbridge Ball ? We were happy to

(a) The Rev. Richard Jordan, M.A., succeeded the Rev. Francis Woodgate at Mountfield,

which he held till 1836. He was also Vicar of Hoo. He was the second son of the Rev.
Thomas MarshallJordan & Susanna daughter of Daniel Woodgate of Stonepit, Seal(seechap.XIX.)
He married Miss Carter of Rochester, and his daughter Margaret married Dr. Carter of Mountfield.

299

see her look so well. The Famous Charlotte Smith I'm told has taken a House
at Frant ; her next Publication I think must now be on the Beauties of Kent. Dr.
Watson whom you saw here is now settled at Tunbridge. The Visitation at the
School I believe is fixed for the 19th of this Month, when if 'tis convenient to you
to make a visit we shall be most happy to see you, as we think it will be an amusement
for some of our young Friends. Mrs. John Allnutt has been so ill that she was
obliged to go into the Country for Change of air. Mrs. W. Woodgate had a Legacy
of two Thousand pds from her Grand Father [Mr. John Pott of Eltham] & the
executors made her a present of a Hundred for Mourning. My Brother call'd
on us yesterday for the first time since his confinement ; he has had a very severe
fit of the gout and is much reduced by it. (If convenient) we should be glad of a
line by the return of the Servant. Our united kindest Love to all our Friends at
Seal (I didn't forget to drink my Uttle John's Health on Thursday). Beheve me,
most Truly & affectionately jn-s,

S. Woodgate."

Jack Everest was probably Sarah Woodgate's first cousin. This letter, like
most of the others, is sealed with the Woodgate arms. The next is from Rose
Woodgate : —
' ' My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Ann continues much the same as when you left us ; she has taken a drive to
Summerhill, been to Church &c, & I hope during the next moon we shall contrive
to spend a day with you. We have just heard from Alicia ; she accompanied her
Brother to Broomham on Saturday last. Denny, Mrs. A. and the little Girl are of
their party. Mrs. Ashm. was so fatigued with the Heat she was obliged to halt
a day at Tunbridge. Ann is a very good little Girl & much improved ; they have
had all their Neighbours to call on them, the Murry's, Milward's &c. Mrs. NicoU
is in Lodgings at Hastings.

Miss Tilden called on us on Thursday ; she told us what a pleasant day she
spent with you, seem'd delighted with seeing all her old Friends. Mr. & Mrs. White-
head and their five Children are now at Mr. Children's. He has had very satisfactory
letters from his son ; he is delighted with America, is now in the Neighbourhood of
Philadelphia, & admires ye beautiful plantations &c. We are soon to lose our
worthy Vicar. I beheve he is in Hamshire. A son of Coll. Heartrup at present
supply s for him.

Ellen & Elizabeth [from Riverhill] are to make us a visit next week. We
have had several invitations from Fanny Ashburnham but we have declined accepting
them till AHcia returns. The Arch Bishop I hear is to give a Sermon to-morrow.
We have not seen our new Relation yet, but imagine we shall before he quits Smnmer-
hill. Sally has imployed Mrs. Ditcher to make her cap in the same style as Mrs.
Woodgate's with white ribbon ; I assure you it is quite superb. Mrs. Hooker has
made us several visits. Pray have you read Mrs. West's letters to her son on Educa-
tion ? I hear they are very well wrote.

Pray don't follow my example but write to us soon ; I assure you this is the
first letter I have attempted to write since Octr. Mrs. Nouaille has just been here ;
we are very glad to see her look so well but extremely sorry to hear that poor
George has been so ill. - Dr. Watson does not quit Tunbridge at present ; he has
taken a temporary House till he can get a better. Mr. Curtail the Archdeacon called
on them this week in his way from London ; he is now Ninety-two.
Tunbridge, August 28th, 1802."

Sarah Woodgate takes up the correspondence three weeks later . George
Humphry was on his way to Hastings, the other George was his cousin G. Ash-
burnham.
My dear Mrs. Humphry, ' ' Tunbridge, Septr. 17th, 1802.

Our Friend George arrived here safe on Wednesday ; he seemed in good
spirits, but certainly looks very thin. I think you do perfectly right to do every

300

thing to contribute to his Health. We had prepared Sandwich's &c. for him on
Monday, & a parcel for Ahcia (which we were obliged to forward on that Day).
I walked with him to the Angel & saw them drive off ; some of his companions
seem'd very respectable people. Mrs. Summer-Hill Woodgate has been confined
to her Bed for some Days with a Bowel complaint attend'd with a good deal of Fever.
Dr. Smith has seen her, & she is rather better to Day. I believe my Brother &
Maria will go to the Christening at Greatness, but it is very unfortunate for all parties
her Illness just at this time. We have heard from Alicia several times lately. . . .
I wish poor George cou'd be admitted of their partys ; he is still at Hastings. I think
the two Georges will be nice companions for each other. John Scoones is likewise
there who will be glad to join them.

Mr. Streatfeild's wedding has been the subject of conversation for some time.
It will be more than a nine Days wonder. I am entirely of your opinion respecting
his conduct, but cannot blame her if she likes him well enough to marry ; he will
add another Child to his numerous family. I never understood that Mrs. Brase-
bridge interfered about it, imagine it will take place very soon, I'm told in the
course of a fortnight. Our Friend Mrs. Ditcher has been fully engaged lately pre-
paring smart things for the future Bride. Tis reported Lady Catherine Bligh is
engaged to Coll. Stewart, a Brother of Lord Castlereagh's. Our River Hill Friends
[Ellen and Elizabeth Woodgate ] left on Monday ; they were at a play at the Wells
with the Castle Family, which they were highly delighted with, being the first they
had ever seen. I am happy to hear so good an account of Mr. Ozias, & should have
been very glad to have seen him at Tonbridge ; poor William I think never makes
us a visit. Mr. & Mrs, Barret of Stockwell have called on us several times lately
with their two sons, very fine young men ; the Daughter is married. They have
taken a pleasant House just by Prospect place ; she invited us very much to come
& stay with her. He is very much alter'd, has lately had a Parylitick stroke ; Dr.
Turton has attended him for some time. My sisters join in kindest & affectionate
remembrances to all your circle. Believe me, my Dr Mrs. Humphry, yours most
truly

S. Woodgate.

Mrs. Harrison had another son, about a fortnight ago. Mr. Hartrup the present
curate is of Clare Hall ; his Friends we are told are very Genteel people. 'Tis whis-
pered his Father wishes to purchase this Living : I am afraid we shall not see much
more of our old Friend Mr. Papillon."

Mr. Papillon was the Vicar of Tonbridge, and a near relation of the Hardinges.
The Streatfeild alluded to was Mr. Henry Streatfeild of Chiddingstone, whose first
wife (the daughter of the Rev. Newton Ogle, D.D., Dean of Winchester) had died
in June, 1801, leaving a very numerous family of thirteen children, most of whom
survived. His second wife was Charlotte daughter of William Scoones of Tunbridge,
who was almost a " child." Mrs. Bracebridge was his sister, formerly Harriet
Streatfeild.

The next letter, three months later, was from the pen of Rose Woodgate : —

[i6th Dec, 1802].
" My dear Mrs. Humphry.

We heard from Alicia this morning & expect her here the end of next week,
to spend her Christmas with us. Her Father & Brother leave her here in their way to
Town. They seem to have very pleasant Neighbours at Winchelsea. She has been
with a large Party to a Play at Rye. I am glad to hear that Fanny was at the
Ball, & that it proved so good a one. What a serious misfortune is poor Mr. Nouaille's,
& I hear the Malady rather increases. The Summerhill Family returned this Morning
but we have not seen them since.

I know that you will be glad to hear that Mr. Children is thought rather better,
the' I fear not out of Danger. He is attended by Doctr Baillie ; Mr. Luttrell went

301

up again on Monday. Mrs. Whitehead has been with him some time & the House-
keeper ; he is at a Hotel in Town. Its very unfortunate just as John George returned.
I hear he has brought several curious things with him from America, Plants, a Canoe,
and amongst other things an Eagle, which Sally saw yesterday when she called on
the Childrens. Brother Henry called on us this morning. He expected our Friend
Mr. Acton in the Evening ; he will be a great stranger amongst us, we shall be most
happy to see him. Mr. Papillon is in this Neighbourhood to receive his Tythes,
I hope he will call on us. We have not yet heard for certain who is to have the
Living.

Mr. Moneypenny is building a new House at Hadlow, the same sort of plan as
Lord Boyne's, on a smaller scale ; it has been rumoured that he pays his devoirs to
Miss Georgina Hamilton. I see Mrs, West has published a new Novel ; we have
been reading her letters to her son — excellent instructions, but I am afraid few young
Men will be benefited by it. Sophia Scoones is now with Mrs. Streatfeild ; I believe
they are now in Town.

As you liked my Charade, if I can find room, I will send you an Enigma of Mr.
Ashbumham's making, which we think a good one particularly the last verse.

Enigma.
As Celia each acquainsance Cuts

Whene'er they disagree ;
So I, when just occasion calls,

Can cui as well as she.
Yet deem me not, ye pond'rous Dames,

Wrapt up in selfish gloom ;
I'm always well content to be

The largest in the room.
Altho' my utmost stretch of power

No^ames of /ire can raise ;
When many of my species meet

We often make a blaze."

It would appear that Mr. Moneypenny formerly ' ' paid his devours " to Anne
Woodgate of Summerhill, till his hopes were shattered by her marriage with Mr.
NouaiUe. He was again eclipsed, as regards Miss Hamilton, by Henry Woodgate
of Spring Grove ; we do not know who eventually consented to share his new house
with him.

The next letter is from Sarah Woodgate : —

' ' Tonbridge, Feby ist, 1803
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

I hope you have all continued free from Colds, which people in general have
complained of. In short, a good warm fire during the frost & snoW has been one
of our principal comforts. Mrs. Wm. Woodgate & her little Girl are both remark-
ably well ; I think better than usual, & a finer Child never was seen. Imagine Mrs.
Peter NouaiUe has informed you of the History of our last Ball, which proved a
very agreeable one, & how Gay we have been in this Neighbourhood with Private
Dinners &c. Our Friend Mr. Acton has been present & seems to enjoy our Christmas
Partys. We are happy to see him so well. He is now wth Henry Woodgate and is
to come to us for a few days next week. We met the Rideouts out several times
during their stay at Summer Hill ; they enquired much after you, as did Mrs. Garth-
waite who has been on a visit at the Castle, & I think I never saw her look so well.
Mr. Pelham I'm informed died very suddenly at last ; we hear Mrs. P. has two
Thousand a Year, with the House in Town & that at Crowhurst ; pray is it true ?
Mr. Papillon call'd upon us the other Day. We are told that his Brother Philip
is to have the Living of Tonbridge but will not reside here. Mrs. James Bishop sat
an Hour with us lately. She was going to take her Eldest Daughter to Bromley

302

school ; she mentioned that she should keep only Land enough for her own convenience,
& Robert Sellers & his Bror Thomas are to take one of her Farms. I hope
they will succeed. The Rideouts are going to spend a Month with Lord Chichester ;
Lord Pelham has got Mr. R. appointed to a Prebend of Chichester, which tho' only
a Feather at present, from what he intimated, should imagine will lead to better
preferment. Mr. Ashburnham left us on Saturday last ; he spent a week with us,
and is so very pleasant & agreeable that every person must enjoy his Company.
I cannot find that anything is yet settled for poor George. Mr. A. has made a visit
at Summerhill since Mrs. Ashburnham's confinement, who goes on well with her
baby. I wish you lived wit[hin easier distance as we] cou'd have a little more of
your Society, & I am certain you wd be dehghted to hear some new Music & beautiful
Songs that Alicia plays. We were sorry our Friend William had not time to make
us a visit when he was last at Seal. Is George at College ? I am happy to hear he
has recovered in health. Miss Fanny Ashbm & Miss Georgina Hamilton made us
a visit the other Morning ; the former came to ask Alicia to the Wells. We have
heard of our Friends at River Hill but have not seen them for some time."

Mr. Ashburnham must have been Denny. His sister resumes the correspondence
the following month.

" Tunbridge, March 13th, 1803.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

As my Aunt Sarah is at present an Invalid, she has deputed me her amanuensis

to thank you for the favour of your kind Letter Imagine Mr.

Acton has informed you of all the news in this Neighbourhood, including the Phan-
tasmagoria that has been Exhibited here. I assure you we quite regret that he
has left this part of the world. The Weather has been particularly unfavorable
for my Aunt Anne who still continues extremely poorly ; she has lately had a com-
plaint in her foot, which has occasioned it to swell very much, and she is under the
necessity of wearing a list shoe. Pray are not you shocked at the alarm of War ?
I think the Duchess of Dorset must be very impatient to return to this happy Island.
I understand Mrs. P. Nouaille has been a great sufferer from the Influenza, but is
now better, and Mrs. Allnutt, who is likewise in Town, is now 111 with the same
disorder.

I had a letter the other day from Mrs. Ashburnham, who informs me she goes
on remarkably well with her little Nursery ; she gives me a most pressing invitation
to come and see my Niece, which I purpose accepting very soon, as my Father
who is now at Broomham intends taking me to Town in the course of a fortnight,
when I am to go into Berkshire. Mr. Philip Papillon read himself in here lately
& we hear means to be at Tunbridge part of the Summer. Mr. Hartrup still holds
the curacy & purposes residing at the Vicarage. Was not you concerned to hear
of the Death of your old friend Mr. Russel ? Doctor Knox has made several
purchases on Quarry Hill, & I hear is going to build a capital House ; pray tell my
friend Elizabeth this, as it will certainly be the Heir apparent' s future residence."

That month Ann Woodgate died, aged fifty. She had always been delicate ;
and for some years, it would seem, had been almost a chronic invalid. Two days
before the death, her sister Mrs. Humphry writes : —

" Our dear Anne continues much in the same state as when I first arrived,
but gets rather weaker. I can't give a more true account of her health than what
my sister express'd in her last letter ; she is not able to get up to have her bed made —
lays & dozes. I am thankful to say she does not seem to feel much pain. I found
Sally very poorly indeed with such a very bad cold & shocking cough, I think she
seems to be getting better to-day. She has hardly eat a small roll for these three
weeks, but to day she eat a little Dinner. I don't fix any time for returning as it
depends on circumstances, but you may possibly see us to morrow. I have expected
some of our Riverhill friends to call ; they may possibly to morrow or the day after ;
if so we shall return with them, otherwise I shall take an opportunity of returning

303

in the Coach. Poor Ann seem'd very glad to see me, but did not express any
wish for my coming down. We called at Riverhill but my Brother was not at
home. I heard of the death of Miss Austen this morning by Mrs. William Woodgate ;
what a happy release ! "

Anne Woodgate's epitaph was written by Sir WilUam Ashburnham (her nephew),
as follows : —

" Sacred to the Memory
of Ann Woodg^ate,
Daughter of Francis and Mary Woodgate,
Who died the 23rd of March, 1803,
Aged 50.
Her mournful relatives this tablet rear
To one in life so loved, in death so dear !
To one who, doomed in sickness' paths to tread,
Resigned to Heaven, bowed her submissive head ;
The record of their loss this stone imparts,
Her virtues live engraven on their hearts."
Writing of her to his sister Alicia, he says, with his accustomed felicity of
expression : —

' ' Broomham, March 27th, 1803.
My dear Sister,

I sincerely sympathize with you for the loss of our dear and much lamented
Aunt Anne. To lose one so highly beloved, so deservedly esteemed, and to whose
society you have so long been accustomed, must at the first shock overwhelm you
with the deepest affliction ; but when we consider the hopeless state of suffering
in which she has languished for so many years, it perhaps was hardly to be wished
that she should Hnger longer. She is gone from a scene of trial & of pain to the
regions of the blessed. Few persons have ever been in Life more affectionately
beloved, or in Death more sincerely regretted. From my earliest Childhood she
has always been to me an object of affection, and the more I contemplated her
excellence the higher she rose in my esteem. The remembrance of her virtues
will ever remain deeply imprinted on my heart. Her weeping friends have the
greatest consolation which in their situation the human mind can possibly receive,
that is, a well grounded and unpresumptuous confidence that her pure spirit rests
in the bosom of her Saviour, and her God. My Father desires me to thank you
for your Letter, and to offer his condolements on the present melancholy occasion.
He likewise directs me to add that he intends going to Town on Friday next April
ist, you will either accompany us or not just as is most agreeable to yourself ; he
leaves this entirely to you. I am perfectly assured that the Dear Relative, whose
loss we now deplore, would not have wished that her death should preclude you a
single day from the society of your Father and your Brothers. If however your
departure from Tunbridge so immediately after the Funeral can possibly be con-
sidered the slightest disrespect to the memory of one so highly revered, I am sure
I should be the last person to urge it. You will write to me by Tuesday's post to
inform us of your determination, I go to London with my Father ; at all events
therefore I shall see you on Friday. I am, your affectionate Brother,

William Ashburnham."

Anne Woodgate by will, dated i6th November, 1800, gave everything to her
two sisters Rose and Sarah equally, subject to a few small legacies of various amounts
to her brothers WiUiam, Stephen and Henry, her sister Mrs. Humphry, the poor of
Tunbridge, and her nephews William Ashburnham and John Acton, payable within
six months ; and certain legacies payable after the deaths of Rose and Sarah, namely,
to her niece Ahcia Ashburnham, £1,400 ; to John Acton, £200 ; and Mrs. Humphry,
£800 ; all in the Three per cents. The will was proved by Rose and Sarah, the
executors, on 2nd August, 1803.

3^4

The next we learn of the Tonbridge family is from a letter of Alicia Ashbumham,
dated 17th July of that year or a year later, to her brother William.
' ' My dear Brother,

I am sorry to inform you that we were obliged to postpone our Visit to Court
Lodge, as my Aunt Sally was not well enough to undertake the journey ; she has
been extremely poorly since you saw her, and the weather is so very hot and
unfavourable for Invalids that we are afraid she will not get better till there is an
alteration. We spent a very pleasant day at Mrs. Humphry's Christening, the
Hardinges &c. &c. of the party. Mr. H. is much obliged for the perusal of your
Poem. He desired I would inform you that it had afforded him the greatest pleasure,
and thinks it one of the best productions he ever read ; if you do not wish to have
it returned immediately, we intend driving to the Wells after a shower when we
will bring it you. Mrs. Murray was Robbed at Spratts-Bottom of her watch and
12 Guineas, as she and her friends were retunring from Town on Tuesday Evening,
and she was so alarmed when she came to the Crown that she had an Hysteric
fit. Last night we went a large party to see the Troop exercise, & Coll. HoUwell said
they performed extremely well. I beg my Duty to my Papa and kind love to
yourself and Brothers, from your sincere and affectionate

Alicia Ashburnham.

My Aunts desire their respects.
Tunbridge, 17th July."

The above was addressed to the Wells, where the Ashburnhams were staying.
The Troop was the troop of Yeomanry, commanded by W. F. Woodgate (of Tonbridge
Castle). Col. Holwell was father-in-law of J. G. Children, and son of Governor
Holwell, who was one of the few that survived the dreadful scene in the Black Hole
of Calcutta. It is to be feared that highway robbery, even at the beginning of last
century, was only too frequent.

The next letter from the same pen contains the first allusion to the '"' noble
captain," otherwise James Eldridge West : —

" Tonbridge, April 26th, 1804.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Mr. Hardinge called on us to-day & offered to take a letter to you (as he purposed
going to Seal to-morrow) so I was resolved to avail myself of so good a Conveyance,
tho' I have very little to communicate. I am very glad to find Miss Taylor is likely
to be settled so much to the satisfaction of herself and friends ; you know she was
always a particular favorite of mine. We understand the Wedding is to take place
very soon, indeed I think it will be quite a tryal for poor Mrs. Taylor to part with
such an agreeable Daughter. My Brother spent some days with us last week.
I was sorry to hear that Mr. Henry Courthorpe was very dangerously 111 : I understand
his Disorder is supposed to be a Dropsy.

The Visitation at Doctor Knox's is fixed for the 14th day of May, so pray tell
Elizabeth if she feels inclined to see her old flame, she may be sure of meeting with
a hearty welcome at our Nursery. I \\dsh my friend Fanny cou'd see some Roses
& Mignonette which I have got, a present of the Nohle Captain's,

My Aunts received their Carriage about a Fortnight ago, & I must say it is
extremely well painted. Mr. Hardinge seemed to speak with much pleasure of the
late Gallant conduct of his Brother George. Indeed, he appears to have signalized
himself so much that, shou'd he continue his Heroic Actions, he will no doubt soon
be an Admiral.

Mr. & Mrs. P. NouaiUe spent a long day at Summer HiU on Sunday. I hear
Mr. Henry Hodges has given Nine Thousand pounds for the Living of Beckley, &
means to reside there. Mr. Constable called on us the other day. He told us that
he had lately got the Living of Hailsome ; you know these Livings were lately vacated
by the Death of Mr. Harper. Suppose you have heard of the Dissolution of our
old Friend Mrs. Bristow ? We hear that Mrs. Hare wishes to take a House in the

305

Neighbourhood of Seal ; two of her grandsons are lately come to School at Doctor
Knox's.

My Tall friend begs to be particularly remembered to yr Circle."

James West was a man of immense height, and suitably proportioned ; he was,
in addition, decidedly good looking, and Alicia soon succumbed to his charms. He
was the only child of John Hartrup West of Postern Park, Tonbridge (who afterwards
married Maria Woodgate of Summerhill, as his second wife).

Curiously enough, the next persons to be involved in robbery, though of a more
peaceable character, were Rose and Sarah Woodgate. Writing on 30th April, 1805,
from Postern Park, Alicia (then Mrs. James West) says : —

" I imagine you have heard that my Aunts have had a Drawer broken open
where they Deposited their household money, & that the person who committed
the Robbery proved to be their faithful John, in consequence of which he has been
kept in Custody for the last week ; but Mr. Children, thinking was he to commit
him there would hardly be sufficient evidence to Convict him, my Aunts yesterday
allow'd him to depart in peace, to the very great joy (as you may suppose) of my
Aunt Rose, for she said she was sure, had she been obliged to carry on the Prosecution,
she shou'd never have been able to have gone through with it. I have no doubt
but they will discharge the Cook in consequence of this affair, for I assure you in
my opinion appearances are exceedingly against her, as John and herself were the
only Servants in the House (Baker being gone to Burwash on a visit to her Friends)
when the Robbery was committed. It was very fortunate for my Aunts that we
were with them at the time, for having a Nohle Captain with them, it took off in a
great measure from their alarm, tho' to confess the truth I have hardly conquer'd
my fears yet."

In August Rose and Sarah Woodgate and Mr. and Mrs. James West passed
a fortnight or three weeks at Brighton. The terror inspired in England by Napoleon
was so great that every day, for many years, people expected to wake up and find
a French army in possession. The existence of this feeling alone is sufficient to
account for the ardent patriotism and strenuous exertions of every true man ; and it
is small wonder that Troops of Yeomanry and Volunteer Companies sprang up like
mushrooms throughout the country. Sarah Woodgate writes to Miss Humphry : —
We shou'd have written to your Mama to have informed her of our intended
excursion, if Mrs. West had not ; we will certainly write to her from Brighton. I
suppose you have heard of Miss Hamilton's intended Match. It seems a very extra-
ordinary one tho' we have not heard the particulars respecting Fortune &c. I
hope we shall have a pleasant [trip] and we sincerely join with Mrs. West (who
I am happy to say is quite well) in wishing you every happiness at Sandgate. How
very kind of Mrs. Pratt ! My sister is the only croaker amongst us. What do you
think of the News of this Day ? Perhaps we shall be taken by the French, tho'
I am told Brighton is a safe place, as it wd be found very difficult to Land. When
we return we shall persuade yr Mama &c to come & hear Dr. Knox if he has not
quitted the pulpit. Ever yrs affecly

S. Woodgate.

We had not an Idea of going to Hastings ; how cd Bro: S. suppose so, as he
pointed out the objects on the road to Brighton ? "

Mrs. Pratt was a sister of Lord Camden's, the term Mrs. being applied to
unmarried ladies of age or dignity as a mark of respect ; Rose Woodgate was always
termed Mrs. Rose. Mrs. Pratt had invited Mrs. Humphry and her daughters
to accompany her on a visit to Sandgate.

The next letter from Rose is dated 9th December, 1806 :—
" My dear Mrs. Humphry,

Mr. Ashburnham has been with Mrs. West this last week ; we dined with them
on Wednesday last, being their Wedding Day— Mr. Papillon, Stapleton &c of the

3o6

party. We met her and her party at Dinner at the Castle last week with the Spring
Groves, & on Sunday they spent the Day with us. Mr. Russel is soon to be married
to Bell Ferris, & Mrs. Bishop to a Clergyman in the Neighbourhood but I have forgot
his Name. The Masons are returned from Sedlescomb, on the Death of his Uncle,
and are gone to the Family House. Mrs. Rideout has been at Summer Hill some
time. It has happened so that we have seen but little of her ; she seems in very
indifferent Health & spirits. Ann is left at Home with her Governess ; I think it must
be very dull for her. We are to dine with them at Summer Hill on Friday next.

We had a very pleasant Ball ; a very genteel party of near twenty from the
Wells ; since which they have had a subscription Dance there & wished some of the
Neighbourhood to joyn their party, but no moon & bad roads prevented most of
ye party & I hear Lady Boyne was rather offended. Mr. Ashm. was much pleased
with the improvements of his Nephew ; he begins to call Mama and be very enter-
taining. I hope Mary Anne had a pleasant excursion & that her Beau proves
constant. We never heard of Mr. Petley's Wedding, but fm his settling in Scotland
imagine it is to a friend of Mrs. Maitland's. Captn. & Mrs. Thomas drank tea with
us on Sunday, I think they will prove pleasant Neighbours. I have worn my Gown
often & I assure you it has frequently been taken for a Sarsnet. Mr. Rideout returns
to Summerhill on Wednesday."

' ' Tunbridge, Janry i8th, 1807.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

I should imagine e'er this Mr. James West has communicated to our Friends
at Seal the glad Ty dings from the Postern. Mr. W. has just left us ; in the course
of a day or two we mean to be introduced to the little Stranger, who I hear is a very
fine plump Child, and when Miss Ashbumham leaves her and she can sit up, we
intend spending some days with her. Lady Amherst's was one of the most Elegant
Balls I have heard of for some time. Pray tell Elizabeth that we did not forget
to drink her Health to Day with the usual good wishes to herself & all her Relatives ;
I hope she has some snap dragons, or something very good to Day. As to myself
I continue in statu quo : I have not been to one of the Balls tho' we have had several
good ones. We have spent some very pleasant Evenings lately with our Neighbours,
the Knox's, Castle, Thomas, &c ; the latter we find a very accomodating agreeable
Family, quite an Acquisition to the Place. Mr. T. Knox expressed himself much
pleased with Mrs. Humphry & her Fair Daughters ; poor Miss Knox seemed to have
a particular desire to attend ye New Years Ball, she is since gone to Town. I told
her I was certain you wd be happy to introduce her. Have you read the Dr's Sermon
preached before the Philanthropic Society ? He did us the favor to send us one as
soon as it was printed, which we took great pleasure in reading, and is much at
your service if you have not seen it. The players have not been permitted to act
here yet ; the Methodists have been endeavouring to prevent them, but the Gentle-
men have taken such an active part that they are determined they shall. I hope
some of our Nieces will contrive to make us a visit during their stay here, & see their
old Friends again, as they seem'd to hke their performances. I hear they have
purchased a licence & Mr. Children has given them leave to stay. Pray have you ever
read the Modern Griselda ? There is only one volume, written by Miss Edgeworth,
a good lesson for young Married people. Mrs. H. Woodgate has lately lost her youngest
Brother ; he died at Edinburgh. Pray remember us to Bror S. and inform him
of the arrival of his little relative."

Mr. Children was the most active of the Tonbridge magistrates. Mrs. Henry
Woodgate's brother was the Honble. Richard Somerville Hamilton, who died
the 8th January. In the meantime John Humphry, the third son, was slowly
sinking, and his life was despaired of at the date of the succeeding letter : —
" My dear Mrs. Humphry,

We were grieved to hear that poor John continues so ill. We wished much
to hear from you, as we had several very indifferent accounts of Him. I wish

307

my dear Mrs. Humphry I could say anything to give you Consolation, but to you
who have so much Religion & fortitude it may be needless. We have all our Clouds,
Anxieties & Alarms, but it is to be hoped in due time they will be dispersed. We
hope from the nature of his disorder that his sufferings are not very great ; if there
is so little prospect of his recovery, it is not to be wished for him to linger long.
Mr. Humphry & yourself must find the greatest comfort in your dutiful & affectionate
Daughters. I hope you will take care of your own Health, & that it will not suffer
fm so long an attendance on the poor Invahd. My dear Mrs. West's Baby at present
is quite well, & James a fine little Fellow & improves daily ; we purpose going to
Mrs. West on Sunday to spend some days. Mrs. Henry Woodgate is hkewise an
Invalid. We hear the Death of her Brother affected her very much & she has been
blooded several times.

Sarah Woodgate."
Febry 11-1808.

John Humphry died on 8th March, aged twelve. The next month Rose Wood-
gate writes again : —
' ' My dear Mrs. Humphry, [15th April, 1807].

Little William [West] has lately had the Cow Pox, & since the Thrush, which
obliged them to delay the Christening ; Mrs. West now waits for her Brother's return
from Town. When the weather gets a little more settled I hope we shall have
the pleasure of seeing you, & as many of our young Friends as you can make it
convenient. Little Henry at the Castle [afterwards Canon Woodgate of Belbrough-
ton] has been confined to his Bed for some time with a Rhumatic Gout ; poor little
Fellow, he has suffer'd very much, but is now quite out of Danger & begins to have
the use of his Hands. You probably have heard that Mr. James West has purchased
Mr. Hankin's House at the Upper end of the Town. He could not meet with any
thing more Eligible ; it is near his Father & us which has induced him to buy it.
Captn. Thomas is now in Town, his Brother the Colonel & his Lady are to return
with him ; we find them very pleasant Neighbours. Mr. T. Knox is much liked
in the Church. Mrs. Knox enquires much after you. All our nieces at River- Hill
are gone to Town, we have not heard from them for some time. So your Neighbour
is come into power again : I hope your Family will find the good effects of it. Have
you read " All the Talents and Elijah's Mantle " ? I think we shall have an oppor-
tunity of seeing them in a few Days. The small Pox has been much in the Town which
has occasioned ma.ny to be innoculated. I think this must have been a trying
Spring for poor Mrs. Harding."

The Humphrys' neighbour was Lord Camden of the Wildernesse, Seal. On
the dissolution of the Ministry of All the Talents, he entered the Cabinet as President
of the Council.

Mrs. Hardinge, Lord Camden's sister, did not long survive, and her death
is recorded the following month : —

" Tunbridge, May 20th, 1807.
My dear Mrs. Humphry,

I have just heard that Mrs. Nouaille visits Tunbridge to Day, & therefore am
preparing a few lines to send by her, to thank you for the favor of your last kind
letter. We are to meet her at the Thomas' this afternoon & shall hope to hear
a good account of you all. We were extremely disappointed at not having the
pleasure of meeting you the day we dined at River Hill ; I wish yourself &c. would
come down & stay some time with us. I am of opinion it would do you all good,
as a httle change of scene is sometimes of great service. Consider of it & let us know ;
the week after next will be perfectly convenient to us & we shall be most happy to
receive you. We heard of the Death of poor Mrs. Hardinge on Monday, and tho'
I consider it as a most happy release, yet still I am very sorry for her, as I had always
a very high opinion of her. You will still I have no doubt have excellent Neighbours

3o8

in the Miss Hardinges, yet I think her a great loss ; poor Woman, I cannot help
thinking how chearful she was when I played a Rubber with her last year. We
had a very pleasant party at the Christening at the Postern, tho' the poor Children
are both Ul & still continue so with the Hooping Cough ; 'tis a very distressing,
troublesome complaint at best. Jemmy at present suffers the most ; dear little
fellow, he is more impatient than the baby. 'Tis a favorable time of year for them.
Mrs. West has been an excellent nurse, but 'tis very fatigueing for her, particularly
of Nights. Mrs. Rideout returned to Courtlodge on Monday ; she contrived to get
robbed at the Election in Hertfordshire of about five pds. After all I believe
they will not quit Court Lodge, at least for the present. We were in some hopes
that we should have seen some of our young friends at the School Gala, which
proved a very agreeable Meeting. The Knox's did all in their power to prevail
with Mr. Peter Nouaille to bring some of them down, as there was a Dance in the
Evening, but the letters that were written on the occasion I hear were missent,
Mr. John Ashburnham is still at the Postern. The Mr. Ashms are returned into
Sussex and Denny is in Town ; he entertained the party with singing at the Christening.
When is Mrs. Hardinge's funeral to take place ? What a grievous loss was poor
Mr. H. Bishop's ; you see what misfortunes we are all liable to. Our Garden is
very pleasant, I wish you wd come & see it. I understand there is a poem
lately published, written by a Mr. Graham, on the Sabaoth. Mr. Ashm spoke
highly of it, & has sent for it ; he said it was something in the stile of Cowper.
I shou'd like to read it. Pray give us a line in the course of a few days, I am certain

my scheme will be beneficial to you S. Woodgate."

Mrs. Hardinge was the widow of Nicholas Hardinge, Clerk to the House of
Commons, Secretary to the Treasury, and at one time Member for the Borough of
Eye ; he was widely distinguished for his classical attainments, and died in 1788.
As her grand-daughter married the Rev. Stephen Woodgate, and the families
were otherwise connected, the following account may be of interest, taken from
an old and faded manuscript in Mrs. Humphry's handwriting, and evidently copied
from some such paper as the Gentleman's Magazine.

" Died on Sunday, at three o'clock in the morning, at the Grove near Seven
Oaks, Kent, in her 89th year, Mrs. Hardinge, relict of the late Nicholas Hardinge
Esqr. and Sister to the late Earl Camden. Her faculties were to the last unimpaired,
sound and clear ; her capacity was not inferior to that of her Brother, and she
resembled him in her eloquence. Her manners were as engaging as they were
dignified, and her prudence in every circle of domestic life could only be surpassed
by her goodness of heart. She was religious, moral and humane. If in her numerous
virtues a ruling passion could be discovered, it was her zeal in executing the parental
office, her vigilant attention to the interests of her children, and her solicitude for
their love to one another. The loss which is theirs no words can tell, no time can
alleviate. She died universally respected, admired and honoured by her numerous
friends."

She left three sons and three daughters. Of the latter, Caroline and Julia,
both unmarried, continued to live at the Grove until their death ; Jane, the other,
married Henry Cresset Pelham.

The next letter is from Sarah Woodgate, three months later : —

" Tunbridge, July 30th, 1807.
My dear Mary Anne,

I have just recollected that I am a letter in your debt, & therefore as I had
an opportunity of sending a line gratis thought it wou'd not be disagreeable. Pray
inform your Mama and Sisters that we shall depend on the pleasure of seeing them
either the latter end of next week or the beginning of the week following. We have
a little domestick business going forward which prevents our receiving them before.
Fanny seems much pleased with her excursion to Brighton ; Mrs, West and she

309

were both uncommonly partial to the place. The little Boys have been perfectly
well since their return, but the meazels have been so much in the Town that we
have not seen them but once since. Mrs. West & Fanny have been very sociable
in walking over in an afternoon. The Thomas' we hear have taken very commodious
Lodgings at Hastings, and are all improved in their health. The cause of poor
Susan's weeping the Day you left us, she was taken rather by surprise to be confirmed,
and she was afraid the Bishop wou'd ask her some questions. Have you read all
the letters that have been pubhsh'd on that affair since you left Tunbridge ? It
has been a general Topic ; we hear the Dr. and his Family are much hurt on the
occasion ; Mrs. & Miss K. have called here several times lately, but not a word on
that subject. We were quite grieved that you were caught in that tremendous
Storm, but if you recollect we all thought there would be one ; it was a pity Mr.
Humphry did not take a Chaise all the way and then you wou'dn't have had such a
hurrying Dinner. How fortunate that you did not take any cold ! All our Gayities
I think vanished when you quitted Tunbridge. How truly distressing the melan-
choly event at Coombank ; how does Ld. Frederick bear his loss ? Poor Mr. Austen
was buryed on Wednesday, I little thought his end was so near when we call'd and
found him so ill with the Gout. I am afraid we shall soon lose Miss Austen for a
neighbour which we are extremely sorry for. Mrs. West bought me a very pretty
gown at Brighton ; the border is very handsome, worked in satten stitch, and much
at your service. Your sisters will take the pattern when we see them. We are all
very sorry to hear Elizabeth has suffered so much with the pain in her face, a little
change of air will be of service to her. Pray tell your Mama we hope she will make
us a sociable visit. We have the promise of a fortnight, it will do them all good."

The next letter is undated, but the outside is marked December ii, and internal
evidence points to the year 1809. William Woodgate had died in May, and it would
seem that the improvements at Summerhill were alterations by the Major before
he finally moved there from Tonbridge Castle.
" My Dear Mary Anne,

We hope Mrs. Humphry has not suffered any inconvenience from her Accident.
We are quite concerned that she should trouble herself to write any of the Poem,
as Doctr Knox lent it us & he says it is in his Extracts. Your Neighbours gave us
a very good Account of our two Nephews. How very unfortunate for Mrs. Stephen
[S. Woodgate of Pembury] his being so ill in Town ; had we known of their calling
we should certainly have sent you an Epistle. You have heard that we spent a
Pleasant Day at the Castle, since which the Bride &c has made us a Morning Visit ;
we think it very Friendly of her calling on Mrs. West. We like her very much,
think her a pleasant Agreeable Woman, & it seems to be the general Opinion of those
that know her. We think they are both very fortunate, and that you will have
Agreeable neighbours in them.

I was not at the last Ball but Sally thought it very pleasant, many strangers.
Mrs. Cartwright was much admired, has been a great Beauty ; this is his second
Wife. We have read his two Volumes of Sonnets & letters. He has been Tutor
in the Duke of Bedford's Family. We like his Writings very much, but we hear he
has been a disappointed Man as he has expended large Sums in experiments which
have not answered. Has Mr. Humphry read Mr. Benson's Sermon on the Jubilee ?
We think it a very good one. Mr. T. Knox is gone to Oxford to Vote for Ld. GrenviUe.
We spent a pleasant evening there lately & likewise at our Neighbour's ; Mr. Whit-
marsh was there to take his little Girl home.

Poor Mr, Nouaille's must be a happy release. We are very glad to hear Mrs, N —
continues to improve in Health. We hear Mr. Burton is Building a very good House
for his son at Barden. Thaddeus is still here, visits at the Castle and Quarry Hill.
The North York leave Tunbridge this week. Mr. J. G, Children is returned from
his Western excursition, but no Bride, but it is expected. Your Friend Miss
Manwarring is still here, as Gay as ever, and a Miss Jones from Eltham. We

3IO

partook of a fine Turkey at Dry- Hill with a small party their Wedding
Day. We were grieved to hear of poor Mrs. Campion's Loss. What a truly Melan-
choly event. The Castle Ladies have been here this morn & we are going to play
a rubber with them this Even ; we wish one of you had Accompany'd the Mrs. Har-
dings the other day. We liked Thaddeus of Warsaw very much, likewise his
Namesake, & think him a very Agreeable Man. Miss Burtons were yesterday
in their dark Brown Peliss. . . . SaUy took a drive with Mrs. West to
Summer Hill the other day ; she thinks it will be long before it is finished. Our
little Friends at Dryhill are quite well & as full of play as Usual."

There is one other letter, undated : —
" My dear Mary Anne,

As Mrs. Thomas is going to Greatness to Day, she promised to convey a few
lines to our Friends at Seal. We are very glad to hear Mrs, Nouaille is better. We
had heard before of Mr. N's disagreeable loss: it was mentioned to us as ;£i5,ooo.
We have guess'd all your puzzles, & wish we had a few to return. I dined
with Mrs. West yesterday (on the finest Turkey I ever saw, quite Norfolk) with a
few Friends. Their little Folk are all in good looks at present, & very entertaining.
Imagine you often see Fanny Woodgate. Mrs. W's dress for the Wedding was
scarlet Cloth trimmed wth & sleeves of very fine Lace (too late in ye year & Fashion
I think), white Hat & Feather. Miss Knox called on us since her return fm Town ;
she Dined with the Burtons in their New House. William's Match went off on
account of Fortune on the Lady's side. When the Parchments were produced, she
said she was not surprized, as /our Gentlemen had declined for the same reason.
Don't you think she was too explicit ? . . . . R. Woodgate.

Tunbridge, Febry 26th."

Sarah Woodgate died on the 14th June, 1812, aged 64, and was buried at Ton-
bridge. She was exceedingly handsome, like her two sisters ; and like them much
given to works of charity. By her will dated 15th October, 1794 (proved at London,
30th September, 1812), she gave everything to her two sisters, subject to certain
legacies, namely : — small legacies to her three brothers, Mrs. Humphry, her nephews
William Ashbumham and John Acton, and the poor of Tonbridge ; £100 to her niece
Alicia Ashbumham at 21 ; and three legacies to be paid after her sisters' deaths,
namely, £700 to Alicia Ashbiunham, ;^200 to John Acton, and £900 to Mrs.
Humphrey.

On her death a very curious point arose with regard to the Moat, Cowden.
The three sisters had made their wills in favour of each other, and on Anne's death
each sister took one half. When Sarah died, she had left half her original share to
Rose, but the other half was left to Anne, who was dead, and the devise passed to
Anne's heirs. Again, her will was made before Anne's death, so that she had made
no disposition at all of the share which she received under Anne's will, and this
passed to her own heirs — so that the heirs of Anne and Sarah were entitled altogether
to one third of the Moat.

This case was submitted to counsel, Mr. John Leach, whose opinion was to the
above effect. Moreover, as all the Kentish portion of the Moat was subject to the
law of Gavelkind, by which all the sons (or brothers) take equally, the heirs were
the four sons of William Woodgate of Summerhill (as representing their father)
and Henry Woodgate of Riverhill, Stephen being already dead without issue ;
so that Henry took one half (one-sixth of the whole), and William's sons shared the
other half between them. The Sussex portion was not subject to Gavelkind, and the
whole of the one-third went to the Major, William's eldest son. In 1820 Rose Wood-
gate bought up the outstanding interests of her nephews. For their one twenty-
fourth part of the Kentish property, with the share of some arrears of rent, each of
them received ;(200, and some £50 extra for timber ; the Major received an additional
£250 for his one-third share in the Sussex property, which contained only a feW

311

acres. By these transactions, the whole of the Moat became vested in Rose
Woodgate and Henry Woodgate alone.

Besides this, the half of Sarah's personalty that she had left to Anne became
payable to Anne's next of kin ; so that all her brothers and sisters received a very
agreeable windfall.

After the death of her sisters, Rose generally had one of the Humphrys, her
nieces, staying with her, and eventually left them the bulk of her property.

Her next letter is undated, but we assume it to have been written in 1816 ;
here be it said that most of the subsequent letters are undated, and the dates given
are therefore in some degree conjectural.
" My dear Mary Anne,

I am very glad to hear you had all such an agreeable excursion, indeed you
were very fortunate in your Theatrical amusements. I write this post to say that
some of my Neighbours are going to Greatness on Thursday & that it would be a
nice Conveyance for you if it should suit your convenience. I fear the fruit has
suffer'd very much if I may judge from my poor Garden, most of the trees that were
so full of Bloom are almost all gone blited. I think Mrs. Hardinge will be quite
an acquisition to the Neighbourhood ; I have had the pleasure of seeing his Uncle,
as he came with him to Church on the Sunday. Suppose you have heard Mr. Robbert
Pott is very soon to be married to his old flame ?

I hear Mrs. Knox [formerly Frances Woodgate of Summerhill and lately married
to Dr. Thomas Knox] goes on extremely well, has had no Complaints but the Tooth
Ach. Mrs. Woodgate is expected to make her a visit soon. Poor William walked
from Hastings last week. Mrs. Sparks has made her sister a visit & brought a fine
little Girl with her. Mr. Joseph Jefferson is going to France soon for six weeks, I
believe to learn the French language. I hear Col. Merrison that married Miss Carnel is
purchasing Mr. Mercer's(6); perhaps no truth in it. MissBayley is returned fromLondon,
smarter than ever, & her Friend Miss Hoskins with her ; she is grown a fine young
Woman. I was invited to meet them & a large Party on Thursday next Door
but was obliged to decline as usual. Miss B. enquired much after you all. I hear
the Uncle has made his niece some very handsome presents. Grand Pianno &c &c,
Mrs. J. Wests' information."

Mrs. Hardinge was a Miss Callender and married on 13th June Charles Hardinge,
the Vicar of Tonbridge, who on the death of his uncle succeeded to the baronetcy.
The next letter, dated 12th July, 1816, was written just before Mr. Humphry's death ;
it appears that Mary Anne Humphry had been urgently sent for from Tonbridge.
" My dear Mary Ann,

I am extremely concerned to hear Mr. Humphry continues so ill, but hope to
have a better account to Day from Mrs. Nouaille, & that when the Weather is a
little more settled & it gets warmer he will find the benefit of it. I joyned the party
at Dryhill on Wednesday. Your Absence was much regretted by all, & more the
Cause of it. Mr. & Mrs. Knox called on me on Tuesday ; the Doctr was gone to
Town. He said Mr. H. acquitted himself very well at the Visitation. He admired
Mr. Hartrop ; I believe they have postponed their visit to Hastings & will go to
Town. My Neighbours are packing up & the Col.'s Family leave Tunbridge Monday
seven Night. Poor Tunbridge ! "

[b) Mr. Thomas Mercer of Green Trees, Hadlow, v/as ruined by the lamentable failure of the

Tonbridge Bank. In May, 1816, he was to appear at the Guildhall with John Batlow, described
as of Tonbridge, Bankers. E. G. Smith of Finsbury Square, Mr. Children's Solicitor, acted
for them.

Green Trees was put up to auction at Christie's Rooms, Pall Mall ; the SoUcitors were
Scoones & Son of Tonbridge. It was a comfortable family residence with walled garden,
orchards and 180 acres of land, lying two miles from Tonbridge on the road to Maidstone.

Mrs. Merrison, on her husband's decease, married the Earl of Carnwath, who died ^vithin
three months of the wedding (see p. 147).

312

Her next letter was in October : —

" My dear Julia,

I shall be very happy to see you whenever you can make it convenient to your-
selves, but I cannot consent to your making so short a stay, as you promised me
a visit in the Winter. I am sorry to hear your Friend Caroline has been so poorly,
siuely it must be very inconvenient for her Brother to move Furniture so far. Major
Bradford is still at the Vickerage. Mrs. James West & I called on Mrs. Charles
[Hardinge] last week ; she is certainly a most agreeable woman. I suppose you
saw in the Papers the Wedding of our great Brewer ? I hear the Lady has ten Thousand
pounds Fortune ; he is quite an old Man & has a large Family. Mr. Winch is going
to Board & Lodge (& Mr. Harmer's eldest son, till his House is finished &c) with
Mr. Keat.

Mrs. Knox called on me lately. She expected Mr. Vic [Vicesimus] & his Lady
from Paris that Day, & the Doctr was to return with them to Town. He gave us
an excellent Sermon on Sunday. Tunbridge Wells seems on the decline. Lady
Theodosia Viner called the Play on Monday. Mr. Willm Scoones is removed to his
Father's, & Henry & Edward are both at Home so they have a good round Family
at present. I hear there is to be an Auction at the Crown to-morrow of a great
quantity of the Major's wine (see p. 380). Mrs. Whitticar sat an Hour with me on
Saturday in her return fm her Visit ; I am very glad to hear my little God Daughter is so
well recovered from her late illness. I wish you were all so good Horse Women as the
Miss Allnutts ; I hear they Rode to Hastings lately & only stayed one or two Nights,
& returned on Horseback. I saw in the papers Mr. Kemp was fitting up a Chappie
at Brighton, I suppose then it was his Sister. Mrs. Peters' Match seems very
ridiculous ; how do her sons approve it ? I am glad to see an Account fm Dover
to Day what an Immense Number of English are returned from France, & Family's
of distinction. What a dismal Day we have had. You must be prepared to find Tun-
bridge very dull & stupid, not like River-Hill, no Carriage, no Musick, Hospitality
or chearful Company, only one croaking old Woman ; we must make ye best of it.
Adieu. . . . Tunbridge, Octr i8th, and my Birthday^"

From the conclusion it would seem that Rose had given up her carriage. She
thinks Tonbridge very dull and stupid, and Tunbridge Wells on the decline ; probably
the unfortunate business which involved the sale of Summerhill, in 1816, and of
Ferox Hall, and plunged several families into difficulties, cast a gloom over
the neighbourhood. Ferox Hall was purchased about the end of 1820 by Francis
Woodgate, eldest son of Henry Woodgate of Riverhill ; and his family from that
time proved the best of friends and the kindest of neighbours to Rose Woodgate,
who in her advanced age was much dependent upon them for society and other
benefits.

" Tunbridge, Janry. 29th [1823 ?]
My dear Fanny,

As the frost is gone I once more take my Pen in hand. Mrs. Woodgate continues
much the same, rather better since she went to Town. Mr. Ponton brought his two
Nephews home on Saturday. James [Mrs. James West's eldest son] has had a
very Gay Christmas, a number of Dances &c. & William amuses himself with
drawing, as his Uncle has got an instructor fm Hastings. I hope it will not be long
before I have the pleasure of seeing my dear Julia at Tunbridge ; the Weather
was most trying for her in Town, but I hope with my Doctr Flannel & due care she
has continued quite well. Miss Jele's House has been broke open, and Mr. Saint's.
A Servt that lived with the former a short time is suspected. The Luckfords
have not been out of their House for a long time ; all have been ill but are now
better."

James- John and William West at that time were staying at Broomham with
their Uncle Ashburnham.

313

" Tunbridge, Thursday, Septr. i8th [1823].
My dear Fanny,

The Weather has been dehghtful for the Sea. I was very sorry to hear of your
disappointment by Mrs. Hardinge's illness, but I hear to Day she is better & I think
will probably be at Hastings by the end of the week. I have frequently had the
pleasure of seeing my nephew Sr. William as he calls on me often ; to Day they all
dine at the Postern, on Saturday with their Aunt at the Wells, & on Monday he
goes to Town on Business, then visits Denny &c., & returns home again soon. Change
of scene seems to have been of service to him.

Mrs. West & Miss Gunning have just called on me ; they tell me Mrs. Humphry
is the Bell of Hastings & make a very favorable report of you all. I have seen the
Woodgates twice lately. I suppose you heard of their grand Ball by Caroline ? Mrs.
James [West] has been a kind Neighbour to me. Mrs. Francis [Woodgate] is better
than usual, was well enough to Dine at Dryhill this week. I believe you have
heard that Mr. Yates had taken Mr. Luckford's House till March at 15 Guineas a
Week ; he is expected here this week. I hear he has two daughters who are both
very unhealthy. I am glad to hear the Milwards are returned, as I think you will
be entertained by their excursion. Mr. Addams gives Philosophical Lectures at
the Town Hall to Day : he is much recommended by Mr. Benson. He & his Lady
lodge with Miss Dudgen. He looks a Gentleman. Mr. Knox has had two Cricketings
lately, Mr. Petley attended both. He brought my Nieces down, but I don't know
whether the Ladies went. You know James West is commenced player, & is likewise
become a Sportsman ; I think it is too young, but they tell me many are Junr. to him.
Mr. Lushinton Died at the Wells last Week. My Nephews went to the Chappie
on Sunday which was excessively crowded ; the place is fuller than ever. I reed a
letter from Mr. Acton & his usual present of Grouse a few days after you left me,
Mrs. W. Scoones & her Children are gone to Brighton & Mrs. T. Allnutt has been
confined to her Bed at Mr. Scoones. Miss Harvey makes great enquiries after you
& Miss de St. Croix desires her kind regards. I am sorry my good Doctress was not
benefited by the saihng excursion. You will have the goodness to let me hear
from you before your Mother returns that I may be prepared with a Family Dinner,
Lunch or whatever is most agreeable or convenient to 5^- party."

Rose Woodgate at this time was getting very old, and her writing bears evident
marks of the feebleness of old age ; her letters too are much shorter, and contain
several mistakes.

" Sunday, 27th, Novr. [1825].

I thank you, my dear Fanny, for your kind Letter. I ought to have answered
it sooner, but really I am so old and stupid, that you will excuse it. Poor Mrs.
Woodgate continues a great sufferer, aknost always confined to her Bed, & obliged
to take opium draughts ; Mr. Francis and my dear AHcia are my best Neighbours.
I suppose you know that Mrs. Allnutt & Maria are at Hastings ; I hear they have
taken lodgings for a month. I hope, my dear Fanny, you will not forget your promise
of visiting Tunbridge. I am glad to hear you have got so agreeable a supply to
succeed Mr. Hatch. "

Her next letter is to Lady Ashburnham, at Hastings.

' ' I thank you, my Dear Julia, for your kind letter, and shall be most happy
to see you at the time mentioned. Mrs. James West sat an hour with me yesterday ;
Alicia is very good, & an excellent Neighbour. I am quite grieved for the Melancholy
Event in the Luxford Family, a most distressing event. Poor Mrs. Francis Woodgate
continues a very great sufferer, quite confined to her bed, seldom well enough to see
her Friends. You seem very gay at Hastings; Tunbridge affords no news. Poor
Miss de St. Croix has been very ill, but now recovered & has got a New Lodger ;
I think his name is Henderson, he is Curate to Mr. Moneypenny & they give him
an excellent Character. What a sad affair this of the Banks ; I hear the Tunbridge

314

people have got a great many notes of the Maidstone Bank. Our friend James
seems very happy at Cambridge. I suppose now he will soon be returning to Tunbridge.
I hope, my Dear JuHa, you will give me a line to know when I am to have the pleasure
of seeing you. You will find me a poor old Cripple, as I spend most of my time
on the sopha.
Thursday, Deer 15 [1825]."

Maidstone Bank followed the example of the Tonbridge Bank ; indeed, Banks
failed all over the country, numbers were ruined, and the market glutted with fine
estates for sale. Rose was evidently not concerned personally for she writes with
a philosophical detachment which would otherwise be impossible, but many of
her friends must have been affected. Her next letter was written in 1826.

" I am still, my dear Fanny, the same poor Creature you left me, very feble &
poorly, have only been able to get in the Garden but once since you left me. I am
glad to hear so good an Account of Mrs. Humphry & her Family ; I sincerely hope
Government will consider her Situation. I seldom see Mrs. James West as she
has been quite an invahd, but the young people are very Neighbourly. Mrs. Streat-
feild called on me last week. She gives a delightful Account of her little Ellen. You
hear all the Tunbridge news from your Neighbours. I write this thinking that
Ann Nouaille may convey it to you. How very kind of Mrs. Harding to remember
her old Friends. Miss Morleys are now at ye Postern, so they have quite a party
of young people.
Tunbridge, June 27th [1826]."

Mrs. Streatfeild was Rose Woodgate's niece, formerly Anne Woodgate of Riverhill,
the wife of Capt. Richard Streatfeild of Hever. Her last letter is dated Tuesday,
25th July [1826] :—

' ' I thank you, my Dear Fanny, for your kind letter. You hinted taking another
drive in yr Donkey Chaise ; the Dust is now finely laid. I have just received a note
from Mr. Francis Woodgate mentioning the Death of Mr. John Ponton ; he died at
Cheltenham, on Saturday Evening. They have had a letter fm Mrs. Ponton every
day for some time, as he was not expected to Live. James is very well & quite Gay,
was at a Ball at the Wells on Friday. Mrs. West has still a large party with her.
Must your Donkey take you home again at Night ? Cannot you contrive better ?"

Rose Woodgate continued in a very infirm state until December, when the end
began to draw near. Her niece Frances Humphry was in constant attendance,
and her letters of this period have all been preserved. To transcribe each one would
be a wearisome repetition of detail, but a few extracts will serve to throw light upon
this last stage of her life.

On December 12th, Tuesday, she writes to her sister, Lady Ashburnham : —

' ' There is little variation in my dear Aunt since I wrote last, one day greatly
exhausted, & the next a Httle revived ; Mr. Morris thinks she may remain in this
state longer than he at first apprehended, with no prospect of real amendment. Her
back pains her a good deal & every day becomes more tender. I greatly fear this
will be an increasing evil ; she takes nearly the same quantity of Nourishment & 3
glasses of Sherry during the day & night, which I really believe has prolonged her
Hfe. Mr. Morris has found it necessary to increase the quantity of Opiate every
two nights to produce sleep."

The next week, Tuesday, she writes again : —

" Knowing your anxiety to hear of our dear Patient, I should not have been
so long silent, had you not received frequent Intelligence from our friends at Dry
Hill. On my return to Tonbridge Friday last, I found my dr Aunt still more reduced
& weakened, & suffering more from her back, the skin of which is broke, & I grieve
to state occasions her much pain ; she is now so extremely tender, that the moving
her from one bed to the other is a most distressing of&ce."

315

The day before her death, on Sunday evening, she writes : —

" With infinite concern I inform you my dearest Aunt has been considerably
worse the last few days ; & every Symptom indicates that the period of her suffering
is fast approaching. The patience & resignation with which she has supported
a lingering illness, & the grateful affection evinced for the attentions of those around
her, are quite angelic. God grant the scene may close without suffering."

The next day Rose Woodgate died ; and her death was duly communicated
to Lady Ashburnham : —
' ' My dearest Julia,

It will afford you a mournful satisfaction to know that our dearest Aunt is
released from her sufferings. She departed this life about three o'clock this Afternoon.
I grieve to state that her previous sufferings were most distressing, & we cannot
be too thankful they have terminated. We have lost a beloved and revered relative,
& her many virtues will ever endear her memory. The reflection that she is entered
on a state of durable happiness will afford us all the purest consolation. It has
indeed given me the truest satisfaction that I have been enabled to administer
some degree of comfort to her latter days. Mrs. James West was in the house, and
altho' greatly affected, supported the first shock much better than might have been
expected. I can only add my kindest remembrance to Sir William & yourself
Ever, dearest Julia, yr truly affectionate Sister
Jany, ist, 1827. Frances Humphry."

She writes again on the 3rd : —

' ' I lose no time in informing you that Tuesday next at 12 o'clock is the time
fixed for performing the last mournful duties to our dear departed Aunt ; & I am
sure the attendance of Sir William will prove a gratifying tribute to us all. You
can be accomodated with a bed here without the least inconvenience , & I need not
add yr presence will afford much comfort to me. Mrs. James West was here yesterday ;
her feelings at present are strongly excited ; I trust a little time & reflection will
mitigate the violence of her grief. Our dearest Aunt has descended to the grave
full of years & resignation, & that she has exchanged a state of suffering for that of
permanent felicity must reconcile us all to the loss of so beloved a relative.

The Will was read yesterday morning by Mr. James West in the presence of
Mr. F. Woodgate & myself. My Mother is appointed sole Executrix ; as I shall
see you so soon I will only state that by a Codicil the share in the Moat Farm originally
bequeathed to my Brother is given to us, charged with a Legacy of 750 pounds to
be paid by us (within twelve months after the decease of my Mother) to Mr. Nouaille
& Mr. F. Woodgate in Trust for the Children of my deceased Brother. I hope the
distribution my Aunt has made of her property will give satisfaction to her friends,
as I am sure it was her earnest wish to do what was kind by all. I am acting as the
Representative of my dear Mother, & it shall be my utmost endeavour to fulfill every
duty in conformity to the wishes of my dear departed Aunt."

Mary Anne Humphry writes in similar terms.

The wiU, dated 4th June, 1816, as altered by a codicil made not long before
her death, provided as follows : —

The Moat Farm, as to three-quarters, and the house at Tonbridge, to her sister
Elizabeth Humphry for life and then to her three nieces, subject to a legacy of £750
to the children of her deceased nephew, William Ozias Humphry (namely William,
Richard, Frederick, Ozias, and Juliana) ; the remaining quarter of the Moat to her
brother Henry of Riverhill, charged with legacies of ^700, namely ;^ioo to each of his
children, Francis, John, EUen Petley, Elizabeth Broome, Anne Streatfeild and
Sarah Lipscomb, and £50 each to Denny and George Ashburnham,

The following cash legacies : — ^^loo each to her nieces, Mrs. AUnutt, Mrs. Nouaille,
Mrs. West, Lady Ashburnham, Frances and Mary Ann Humphry ; £200 to nephew

3i6

John Acton ; £ioo each to her greatnephews and greatnieces, James John West,
Wilham Ashbumham West, Alicia Amy West, John Eldridge West, Frances Ashburn-
ham West, Rosetta Maria West and Frederick George West ; £20 each to the five
children of her deceased nephew William Humphry ; £50 each to her nephews Sir
WiUiam Ashburnham, Rev. John Ashburnham, Rev. Stephen Woodgate ; ^^50
to her great niece Anne Woodgate (daughter of the Major); £1,500 in cash and
;fi,6oo in Three per cents to her niece Ahcia West ; ^^loo to her maid Susanna
Smithers ; and £^ to the poor of Tunbridge. Everything else to Mrs. Humphry,
the sole executrix.

The house, which was situated in the High Street, was sold to Mr. Scoones, and
the furniture was to some extent disposed of among various friends ; the rest we
imagine was either sold or taken to Seal. Further information respecting Rose
Woodgate's affairs will be found in the account of the Humphrys (see p. 246) .

WILLIAM WOODGATE, Esq. of Summerhill.

317

CHAPTER XI.
LATER SUMMERHILL PERIOD.

It has already been stated that Henry Woodgate was living at Summerhill in
1764, with his sisters Ehzabeth and Ann. His eldest nephew William Woodgate
(son of the Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield) was also one of the household.
William then became acquainted with his future brother-in-law, John Acton (married
to Mary Woodgate in 1765), who leaves on record his impressions : —

" In my last excursion to Tunbridge, I was much pleased with Mr. William
Woodgate, who I look upon to be a very sensible deserving young Gentleman, and
who will in time be an Ornament to his family. I shall esteem myself happy in his
acquaintance and good wishes."

WiUiam was then only twenty years old ; but events amply justified the opinion
of the shrewd young lawyer, as will be seen. In 1766 Elizabeth Woodgate died.
In March, 1769, William married, whereupon his uncle and aunt quitted Summerhill
and took up their residence in a house at Tonbridge belonging to Henry.

Everything tends to show that Henry Woodgate had spent nothing on the
house during his tenure, and that the whole place was utterly neglected. It was
visited by Horace Walpole in 1752, who writes thus : —

' ' A mile from Tunbridge we chmbed up a hiU to see Summer-hiU, the residence
of Grammont's Princess of Babylon. There is now scarce a road to it. The Paladins
of those times were too valorous to fear breaking their necks, and I much apprehend
that La Mousery and the fair Mademoiselle Hamilton must have mounted their
palfreys and rode behind their Gentlemen-ushers to the Wells. The House is Uttle
better than a farm, but has been an excellent one, and is entire though out of repair.
I have drawn the front of it to shew you, whch you are to hand to me again to shew
me. It stands high, commands a vast landscape, beautifully wooded, and has
quantities of large old trees to shelter itself, some of which might well be spared
to open out views."

All this was soon changed. William had the whole place put into thorough
order, in which it was thereafter maintained as long as it remained in the family.
From time to time it was restored and improved. For some account of the place,
the reader is referred to Hasted.

Readers of Thackeray wiU recollect Harry Warrington's visit to Tunbridge WeUs.
Barbeau, the landlord of the White Horse, informed him " that there was a great
entertainment at Summer Hill, which had taken away most of the company ; indeed
there were but four other gentlemen in the room." This would be about 1756.

Wilham Woodgate married Frances daughter of John Hooker (a) of Tonbridge

(a) We take this opportunity of making some mention of the old Huguenot family of Markett,

otherwise Marquette, of French (or Belgian) descent.

John Markett of Meopham Court Lodge married Ann, sister of Frances Hooker, and had
the following children : —

1. An infant, buried 7th January, 1754.

2. Arm Hooker, b. January, 1755, d. at Deptford.

3. John, b. 5th September, 1755, d. 5th September, 1789, at Meopham. He was a West

Indian Merchant.

4. Francis, the heir.

5. Frederick, b. December, 1758. Entered first the profession of Law and then the Army.

3i8

Castle ; the ceremony was at Tonbridge, on 30th March, 1769, and the register
signed by Thomas Hooker and Stephen Woodgate. By the marriage articles, dated
29th March, 1769, and made between William of the first part, Frances Hooker his
intended wife of the second part, and Thomas and John Hooker, Stephen Woodgate
and William Scoones (the Trustees) of the third part, amongst other things William
covenanted to leave by will to the Trustees £4,400 for his widow for her life by way
of jointure and afterwards for the children.

The Hookers were descended from Sir William Hooker, Lord Mayor of London
in 1675, who belonged to an old Hampshire family. His son John settled at Oldbury
Hill in Ightham and afterwards at West Peckham, where he was High Sheriff of Kent
in 1712, Of his two sons John, the younger, purchased Broad Oak in Brenchley
and founded a family there ; Thomas, the elder, purchased Tonbridge Castle.

Thomas Hooker, brother of Frances, sold Tonbridge Castle to William Woodgate.
His ancestor " John Petley," he says, " was ruined in his services to Charles I,
yet got up again sufficient to purchase considerable property in the parish of Tonbridge

and built almshouses there for six poor housekeepers " A detailed

account of the family is given in the footnote below. It only remains to add that
their arms were ' ' A cross, sable and argent, between four escallop shells all counter-
changed," with which were quartered Bromfield, Wood, Petley, and Bourchier. (aa).

6. Elizabeth, m. 1790 the Rt. Hon. Sir John Bayley, Bart., Baron of the Exchequer*
Her son Francis Bayley, who sat as Judge of the Westminster County Court until
he was ninety years of age, was the father of Lady Cornewall*.

7. Augustus, Lieut. R.N., b. 16th January, 1761, married when stationed at Cork a young

-widow whose maiden name was O'Donovan. She died leaving three small children,
one of whom subsequently married Mr. Rayden. Lieut. Markett married again and had
two daughters, both of whom died single. Mr. Rayden had, among other children, a
daughter Lucy (now Mrs. Grahame of St. Leonards), to whom we are indebted for
much valuable information.
Mr. Wilham Rayden of King's Bench Walk is a great-grandson of Augustus Markett.

8. George, of the Middle Temple, b. 16th January, 1762.

9. An infant, died January, 1763.

Mrs. Markett also died in January, 1763. John Markett's eldest (surviving) son, Francis,
inherited the estate and died on 7th June, 1821. One of his children, Isabella Frances, married
in September, 1815, at St. George's, Bloomsbury, the Rev. William Mansfield. We believe
that the name of Markett is borne by one only of the numerous family of John and Ann Markett,
namely a Miss Sophia Markett.

(aa) Sir William Hooker, Knt., Sheriff of London, 1665, Lord Mayor 1674, d. 1697, aged 84,

leaving by Laetitia his wife, dau. of Francis Coppin of Middlesex,
1. John, of whom presently.
2 and 3. Other sons.

4. Anne, m. Sir John Lethuiller, Knt., of Sutton-at-Hone Place.

5. Laetitia, m. Edward Vaughan of Haverscord, and had issue

Sir WilUam m. 2ud. Susanna, dau. of Sir Thomas Bendish, Bart., of Stanstead, Surrey.

John Hooker of West Peckham, High Sheriff of Kent in 1712, m. Ehzabeth Green and leftissue

1. Thomas, of whom presently.

2. John of Broad Oak, Brenchley, ancestor of Hookers of that ilk.

Thomas of Tonbridge m. Anne Bromfield, dau. and heiress of Bromfield and Mary

Winter his wife, and grand-daughter of Sir ... Bromfield, Knt., of Herts., Lord Mayor of London.
He left issue

John Hooker of Tonbridge Castle m. Elizabeth, dau. and heiress of John Wood of Tonbridge
(who.<^ father Gilbert ra. Elizabeth dau. and heiress of John Petley of Downe and Oldberry
Hill, igiitham) and left issue

1. Thoiiint, of v/hom presently.

2. Ehzabeth. m. 1st Richard Children, brother of John Children of Ferox Hall, Tonbridge.

2nd Joseph y Inter of London.

3. Anne, d. 1763, m. John Market of Meopham Court Lodge.

4. Mary, m. Rev. Henry Austen, M.A., Rector of West Wickham, Kent. He died 22nd

July 1807, aged 81, leaving Issue

a Henry, d. 7th June, 1772, aged 7.

h Edgar Francis, d, 1st March, 1804. aged 29.

c Ehzabeth Matilda, m. John Butler Harrison of Southampton.

d Harriet Lennard.

* See Reference Sheet.

319

We have a glimpse of the process by which Summerhill was furnished. William
went up to town to make his purchases, and there met his brother Henry , who describes
the event : —

(Saturday, lo Feb., 1776).

' ' My brother William left town this morning ; he came on Thursday to buy
Furniture &c. and in the old character (which I'U give him credit for supporting
admirably well). He has got discount allowed him, and a great many good bargains.
He desired me to tell you that he has bought you some chairs, but that you won't
receive them till Friday Se'nnight."

His earlier letters, addressed to his Father at Mountfield, relate chiefly to matters
of business ; Wilham managed the family estates in Chidingstone and Penshurst,
belonging to his father. The first of the letters refers to James Kiddar, tenant of
the Moat Farm.

' ' Saturday night, dark, 12th June, 1773.
Dear Sir,

I have a few minutes to inform you that James Kiddar came over yesterday
Morn: requesting a small Tree for some Laths, but I soon found out that his Business
was, if he could, to bargain for another Lease. I hung off very much at first because
I saw him earnest. He thought I had not seen you since he had, but told me very
candidly the same story with yourself, namely that you ask'd 100 p. annum, & he
to keep Repairs ; that he had offer'd to take it & repair at the same Rent, but that you
at last talked of allowing something towards them. He hum'd & haw'd a great
while, the Repairs he was sure as he had taken time to consider of it would cost
30o£. At last I told him in few words that if I did the Business with him, it must
be on those Terms ; that he should give ioo£ p. annum, keep all Repairs for 21 years,
leave it in good Repair, carry off nothing the last year, all to be left on the Premises ;
he was to find his own bricks, & every Thing except rough Timber, and upon these
terms you would assist him with 5©;^, and that if he did not like it I could let it for
more money & upon as good Terms. He fretted much, dwelt long upon the Advan-
tage he has over you by this Lease &c. To this I answered it wd be no Loss to the
Landlord as I cd find a Man who would gladly take it ah off his Hands, and seeing me
determin'd offer'd to accept of my Conditions upon advancing ioo£ towards Repairs.
I absolutely refus'd another Shilling & he went away desiring a little Time to consider
of it. Now, Sr, I apprehend before you receive this Letter he will be with you. If
so, and you have not agreed, let me persuade you to stand out. I am sure he will
not leave it : make no other Conditions. I remember when last at Mountfield you
said you wd allow ioo£ towards Repairs, but I am mistaken if you cannot save
5o£. I told him that when last he & I had some Con. Fab. he positively refused
to be rais'd, & that I had thought nothing more of this Continuance after his Term,
This frighten'd him much. Upon the whole he is a good substantial Tenant, who
will make the best Bargain he can, but will punctually stand by it. I am well
persuaded he will use the Land weU, & pay his Rent in due time, very necessary
Qualifications for a desirable Tenant.

I am happy to inform you that Bro: S: [Stephen] is much better, tho' I dare
say you have heard from him since I left him on Sunday Even: since which I have
not heard from him. I mistake Mr. Thompson was at Ton: on Monday at our

5. Sarah, m. Austin Greenland of Newman Street.

6. John of Cheapside, d. unm.

7. George, d. young.

8. Frances, m. William Woodgate of Summerhill.

Thomas Hooker of Tonbridge Castle, eldest son, m. 1st Ann , dau. and heiress of ... Redman
of Windsor. 2nd Sarah, coheiress of Ottle.y of Testwood, Hants. ; she d. at Testwood 14th
December, 1812. He died at Testwood, December, 1803, leaving by his fii'st wife a son,

Thomas Redman Hooker, D.D., Vicar of Rottingdean, whose son, Thomas Redman Hooker,
of Eton, Christ Church, Oxford, and Middle Temple, Judge in Ionian Isles, d. 1830.

320

Turnpike Meeting, who said he was pure well. I desir'd Mr. Delves to acquaint you
of it on his journey to Battle. I shall be up with him again to-morrow afternoon.
We are all very well ; Mrs. W: is obliged by sister F's of this Morn: — joins in due
Respects with, Dr St.,

Yr most dutiful son,

Wm. Woodgate."

The next communication is a short note : —
" DearSr,

Mr. Davis has done us the Honour of his Company at Dinner & promises to
deliver safe into your Hands any Commission &c. In consequence I have taken the
Liberty to inclose 35^^ in three Bank Notes, two of ten Pounds each and one of
fifteen, which I hope you will receive safe. George Kiddar [tenant of StonewaU]
has paid his rent to Michaelmas last & promised the rest very soon, & James pd
£iy 7s. & I allowed 2$£ agreable to Contract, ^ a yrs rent due at Mich: last, & proposes
to come & see you very soon.

I went to Penshurst on Thursday to see the Tree in Dispute wth Mr. Wakefield,
but was prevented by the continual Rain of that day — wet thro' three Times. I
receiv'd your Potatoes &c. for which I am much oblig'd ; will return the sack &c.
the first convenient Opportunity. I have planted upwards of two Acres. I am very
much engag'd in Repairs &c. Mr. Davis waits & I am oblig'd to subscribe myself
yrs most affectionately

Wm. Woodgate.

Due Respects to my Mother & Sisters. I believe you will see my Uncle & Aunts
very soon. We should be very glad to see my Mother & you in Kent.
Summerhill, Saturday Evening, May 17, 1777."

This letter, like many of the others, is sealed with the arms of Woodgate and
Hooker impaled, surmounted with the crest.

The next letter, in 1782, contains an amusing account of WiUiam Woodgate's
dealings with various timber merchants, over the sale of timber from some of the
Chidingstone property. Timber was not the least valuable part of the produce,
and from time to time brought in very considerable sums ; in addition to the large
timber there were a great number of young ash trees grown for hop-poles in the
Tonbridge district, which were so arranged that one-seventh part of the number
were cut every year.

" It is with some degree of Pleasure as well as Pain that I write you this letter.
I apprehend you have long expected to hear from me, and the Reason that I have
not wrote before is because I could not send you any kind of satisfactory account
of any thing that I have attempted to perform.

I was in Hopes to have sold the Timber agreable to the Account I sent you
on my first Survey of it, but I have been very much disappointed and began at last
to despair of getting a Markett for it this year. I offer'd it soon after I last wrote
to you to Mr. CoUins, & he went accordingly to see it, I mean to say he sent his
Men for he never went himself, and when he came to deal for it I offer'd the whole
to him for fifteen hundred guineas, which seemed to astonish him beyond all measure ;
nay, he carried it so far as to certify that no man living could buy it on those Terms,
said it was view'd too high, & next that the Price was more than ever was given.
I challeng'd him often to bid me something, but he went away without offering one
Farthing. The next Day he sent his Servant to me, (his Clerk), offering to purchase
it by Measure, or desiring that I wd get it view'd by other People — all which I flatly
refused, but at last tender'd it for Pounds. It was still too high, & he never tempted
me with any Price. Then came Mr. Edwards from Rotherhithe, a very pompous
Man, & talked in a more pompous stile, but as he was to me a perfect Stranger
my Terms were for ready Money only, to which he pretended to have no Objection,
and accordingly he went to see it. I asked him 1500^, he bid me 1300^ ; several
Letters pass'd between us. At last he bid me 1325^ or five Guineas per Load to be

321

measur'd after they were cut down. I had a strong Objection to this last Method,
as such Bargains always terminate in Dispute. I had offer'd it in my last to him
for 1450^, but upon Enquiry hearing a very bad Character of him I clos'd my
Correspondence wth him very abruptly. I verily believe I escaped a Scouring.

Then came a Mr. Coomber & he had less to say than ye others and matters
were in this Suspense till our last Markett when I offer'd it to Mr. Budger of Frant
& David Langridge, & they accordingly went to see it — and I never heard from them
till last Saturday Even, when they came over, and after a great deal of Conversation
and many Efforts to get other Trees thrown in of Beech or Oak, or any Thing, we
agreed finally for fourteen hundred pounds, and Articles were drawn and signed
accordingly. The usual Times of Pajonents in this Country are at Michaelmas
& Christmas, in equal parts, but they wd not pay till Chrstmas, then to be quite
certain of the Money ; and so I was oblig'd to accept of their Terms. I found the
Time of Year for the felling the large Timber was far advanc'd & very likely might
not get a Market for it. Upon the whole it is a good repenting Price, and they are
very safe men. My Uncle thinks it full 50^ better for such good security. Now,
Sr, for a little statement of the case.

At Frenden, 41 Trees, Contents 2650 Feet. Meetings 65 plus 2,

at 2s. p. foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265 o o

At Tophill, 59 Trees, Contents 2858 Feet. Meetings 48 plus 26,

at Do 285 16 0

At Skinners, 33 Trees, Contents 1720 Feet. Meetings 52 plus 12,

at Do. 172 16 0

At Stonewall, 115 Trees, Contents 6805 Feet. Meetings 59 plus 20,

at Do 680 10 o

£1404 2 0

By the above Calculation the Sum amounts to fourteen hundred & four pds
& two Shillings, but as it is sold only for 1400^ it remains for me to settle the Pro-
portion for each Lot, which I think I can as near as it need be. I trust I can give
very clear reason for what I do. First then to Frenden, which upon the whole is
the best Timber & largest Meetings, I allot . . . . . . . . . • 275 0 o

To Tophill which are the least Meetings & by far the smallest Timber

I allot 270 0 0

To that at Skinners 175 0 0

which I think is fair when we consider the goodness of the Timber, not a
Shaky Tree among them, & the nearest to Markett by six shillings in the Load,
besides Turnpikes, of which there are three from the other places, & tho the
Meetings are only 48 yet I am quite clear it ought to have that Proportion. Then
to Stonewall there remains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 680 o o

This is by far the finest timber but among them are some very small & very
coarse, and some of the largest Trees in Aliens & thereabouts are extremely shaky.
In this Proportion you will receive nine hundred and twenty eight Pounds fifteen
shillings. I dare say we have made full as much if not more than if it had been sold
in different Lots, and I hope it will meet with your perfect approbation, & so saying
I will dispatch this Timber Business & proceed to my next Subject.

I enclose two letters for your Perusal ; the one I reed from Bro: S: by Sister
Fanny on Sunday afternoon — the other is my answer to it of yesterday Mom:
which will save me much Trouble in recapitulation. I say to you as I say to him
I know not what to advise. If you wish to see me at Mountfield I will come at any
Time. Wth Respect to your Accounts I find from my Books they stand thus.

322

Mr. Wm. Woodgate to Mr. F. Woodgate Dr.
1781
May i8th. Reed of Mrs. Streatfeild a yrs Rent due at Michaelmas last .

Novr. 6th. Of the Miss Jordans

27th. Of Mr. Delves a yrs rent at Mich. . . . .

Deer. 23 Of G. Kiddar a 50-5 Rent for the Moat Farm due at Mich: last
Of do. for ye ^ yrs Rent Stonewall
1782.

Jan ye ist. Of R. HoUamby, ^ yr at Mich: last

Feby ye 5th Of Page ^ yr Rent at Lady D

March ye 9th Of G. Kiddar 1 yr R. at Mich

Per Contra. Cr. 269 5 o

1781.

For yrs Land Tax, Miss Jordans . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 o

Nov. 6th ^ 5n-s Land Tax do. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

By Interest pd to Mr. Weatherall for Bro: S: on note . . 33 16 o

i6th. By 8 Dozn of Port Wine at 18/- 7 4©

Corks for Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Dec. 23rd. To G: Kiddar in full Discharge of his Note and Interest

for Bro: S: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171 8 0

1782. Jan, 1st. With R. Hollamby . . . . 14

Feb. ye 5th. With Page 10

23 0

20 0

, 46 4

84 2

29 17

6 0

30 4

29 17

213 12 8

By the above account you wiU find a balance of fifty five pounds twelve shillings
& fourpence in yr Favr. Besides I have reed 50^ Draft at 20 Days after sight for
the Ash so that I shall have fourscore Pounds in Hand. The Ash man pleads a hard
Bargain, declares he has lost above ten pounds by it. The remainder will be paid
very soon.

Now, Sr, I wait your Instructions how to apply this Money — shall I send
it to you ? Shall I give it to Bro: S: or what shall I do with it ? Thad will pay his
Rent in a short Time & so I should think Page would. And now I mention his name,
he desires Leave to plow up about two Acres of Webland agt Hollamby's to plant
wth Hops, and to wch Request I can see no very great Objection, but I wish to know
yr Sentiments. But I must inform you that we have had a more desperate Rumpus.
About ten days ago I hunted wth Mr. Harvey at Redleaf & the Hare gave us a
Tiun thro' Seedrups &c when to my great surprize I found seven or eight tellers
grub'd up without any Leave, & two of them very fast growing Trees. It was under
Pretence of sowing the Ground with Furze. I fir'd very much at this Treatment
& threaten'd Vengeance. But upon Enquiry I understand the Butcher, to whom
the whole is Let, was not at all concerned in the Transaction, it was the mere Act
of his foolish Brother. Page the Butcher came over to me the next Day & brought
Russel at Becksoar wth him, to certify his Innocence ; he pleaded guilty & submitted
to the Mercy of the Court. I have nothing to say to mitigate this offence, but I
verily believe Page the Butcher, that is your tenant, is as honest a Man as any in the
Kingdom, and as spirited a Tenant. I should be glad to know what you determine
concern: the Liberty to plant Hops. My Fingers begin to get very cold ; I find I
have written a long Letter, have only to add our united Respects to yrself, my
Mother & Sisters, & am. Dr. Sr., yr most affect: son

Wm. Woodgate."

In December, 1787, Henry Woodgate died, leaving his nephew William his
executor, and his residuary legatee and devisee, in which devise was included Summer-
Mil. It is fairly safe to assume that William came in for a good deal of ready cash.

323

for the next year he embarked on a considerable purchase in Pembury ; but the
event shall be related as far as possible in his own words, contained in a letter to
his Father : —
Dear Sir, " Summerhill, June 19th, 1788.

Not having a Possibility of seeing you this week as I fully intended, I am set
down to give you an Account of my late Proceedings and to inform you why I have
not been at Mountfield agreeable to my promise. I have been engag'd in a very
laborious Undertaking in viewing, surveying, & purchasing the Hawkwell Estate,
which was expos'd to publick Auction at Garraway's Coffee House as you wUl see
by the particulars herewith enclos'd the 4th inst. The Estate has certainly many
Temptations for my situation. Its affinity, vast Tract of Country, manerial Rights
&c. are very engaging, but above all I consider the immensity of young Timber
and the great Compass of Woodlands as particularly inviting. I have purchased Lot
the first, the fifth, and sixth, which comprehend most part of the Estate, and I
think I may venture to add I have got a good Bai^gain. The farther particulars
I shall postpone till I have the pleasure of seeing you, which I hope will be soon.

We are quite burnt up for want of Rain, and the cold winds and blasting weather
of last week has set us to haying to endeavour to secure what little remains. The
Corn does not seem to suffer. The old proverb that a Dryth never made a Dearth
in England will I hope prove true at this Time. For Hops & Fruit we have very
great Appearance, for the latter the most I ever remember. It is an ill Wind that
blows no good. This Summer has been wonderful for the marling Business of which
I have had a full Share. I shall cover between twenty and thirty Acres. I am afraid
it will not be in my power to build the Oast House at Cowden this year. Geo:
Boorne has been much afflicted with the Rheumatism, grows old very fast, and has
engag'd a large Building for Mr. Simmons at the Cage. They don't like to go from
Home. I had agreed with Wickham, Mr. Harvey's Carpenter who assisted us in
the work at Chested, to do this Business, but he has disappointed me. It has given
me a good deal of Uneasiness, as I know the Man wants it done, but he must be
satisfied for another year. My Aunt complains very much of the Heat ; to be sure
her House is quite a stove. To add to her Comfort her Maid Molly is gone away
very ill with httle Hopes of her recovery. She wishes much that one of my Sisters
would come and stay with her. Our little Ann is at present with her, but she is too
young to be of any Service. Our Boys have broke up for their Midsummer holydays,
and we expect Mr. William from Oxford (b) the Beginning of next month. We
continue to hear very pleasant accounts of his liking his situation. I am sorry to
give you the most alarming accounts of Mr. Jos: WeatheraU. In all probabihty his
Dissolution is fast approaching. His Journey to Lisbon was of no kind of Service ;
he is under the direction of Dr. Lettsom, who gives the Family no Hopes. When I
was in Town he was at Carshalton, but so weak that he could not get to Tooting
where he much wish'd to be.

There is a very capital Estate in this Neighbourhood to be sold, Sir William
Twisden's at Peckham, the best that was ever offered at one time in the County.
It comprehends the best part of the three best Parishes, the two Peckhams & Hadlow.
Mr. Henham uses six hundred a year of that Estate and people say last year made more
than ten thousand pounds of his Farms, a capital Yeoman of Kent. The Estate
goes to market under the Direction of Mr. Scoones, our Cousin Thompson of Hall,
& Mr. Lowten late agent to Bro: S: I understand there is an absolute Necessity
for it all to be sold, & hear they ask sixty thousand pounds, & have been offered
fifty. There is a material Difference between this & the Hawkwell Estate : in the
former there is no poor Land, & in the latter none good. The former Rents at 20s
per Acre, the latter at 5s, but 50^ is 50^ whether it is paid from good or poor land,
& poor Land is more capable of Improvement & in my humble Opinion no Estates
are so valuable as those where there is Timber.

(6) W. F. Woodgate matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford, 12th March, 1788.

324

I shall send this by the Diligence & inclose a few Pidgeons wch were kill'd this
Morning & I hope will prove good. Mrs. W. & my Family unite in all due Respects
& good wishes to yourself & my Sisters wth, Dear Sir, yr most affectionate son

Wm. Woodgate."
The advertisement for sale of the estate appeared in the Maidstone Journal
of 20th May, 1788. William Woodgate bought Lots i, 5, and 6.
' ' At Garraway's Coffee House
To be sold by Auction. 4th June, 1788.
The following freehold estates of the annual value of about i^oo.
Lot I. A compact estate comprising the extensive Manors of Pepenbury Magna
and Parva, otherwise Bowridge, with the Quitrents and Heriots amounting
annually to ^^lo 10/- the corn tythes of the Parish of Pembury producing £120,
Great Hawkwell Farm let at £66, Little Hawkwell Farm let at £80, Church
Farm let at £30, and 98a of fine woodland (Tithe free) valued at £-^y. Total
value ;^4i8. Also the Perpetual Advowson of the Vicarage of Pembury, the
incumbent 66, and the annual value about ;^i5o.
Lot 2. 12 acres called the Binns let at l/\ 15/-.

Lot 3. A House, Smiths Shop and 7 acres at Pembury Green let to Mr. Fry for £16.
Lot 4. Culverden Farm, well situate for building near the Wells, containing 92

acres lately let at £50 but now on hand.
Lot 5. Little Haleshole Farm let at £20 and Rules Wood 19 acres, valued at £7.
Lot 6. Great Haleshole Farm, i mile from the Wells, containing 153 acres, lately
let at £60 but now on hand. Inam's field 9 acres let at £5, and 141 acres
of fine woodland on hand. Tithe free, valued at £52.
Each lot is perfectly complete with suitable farm buildings."

The next letter related to the Moat. This was an ancient Manor, for many
years disused, holden of the superior Manor of Lewisham. The latter belonged
to Wickenden, who left it to his two sons. One of these sold his share to the Ash-
do wnes, through whom it was eventually acquired by John Driver ; the other half
belonged to the Bassetts. Michael Bassett, the last of the family, left three daughters
and coheiresses, one of whom married John Burgess. Hence the claim. Driver
subsequently sold his share to Mr. Streatfeild of Chidingstone.

" Summerhill, Monday Even:
Dear Sir, Deer. 8th, 1788.

I attended the Court at Cowden agreable to your Desire, at which a very few
People were present except the Lords of the Manor, Mr. Crowther & his clerk. I
took much pains to enquire into the merits of their claim, and from what I can
collect it was for that Part of the great Manor of Lewisham in the parish of Cowden —
four Tenants only in the whole, your's by far the most considerable, namely for
upwards of three hundred Acres late Gainsford's, from which I should suppose that
the Moat was purchased of that Family. They have no Court Rolls nor original
Grant, only a Book wherein the different Receipts for Quitrents are entered. It
does not appear that they ever kept a Court. The Bassetts were the former owners,
and in the above Book in the year 1731 there is a Receipt for Quitrents from my
Uncle Wm. witness thereto my late Uncle Wm., Heriots, Alienations &c. then paid,
I suppose upon the Death of my Grandfather, with a particular promise from. . . ,
Bassett, to return the several sums if they could not substantiate their claim. All
this seems to be in my Uncle William's own hand writing, since which it has been
paid by my Uncle John & afterwards by you, which receipt I have from Burgess
the Tanner, the Father of the present claimant. Crowther declares that when he
lived with my Brother he saw the above receipt. Mr. Streatfield has purchased part
of the Lands, & his tenant Burfoot attended that day & paid the Quitrent. In all
Events I am sure you have no right to pay them the whole, as I believe John Saxby
of Hadlow is entitled to a third. Without better Information I did not think it
proper to pay that Day, but directed Mr. Crowther to apply to my Brother and if

325

upon his Examination of the Papers it should appear they could make, out their
claim, I would pay them forthwith. I have since seen Stephen and given him the
particulars, and desired that it might be seen into immediately. It certainly is a
very extraordinary Demand. I think there is no one paper or record that can fix
it on the Moat Farm. It is every where mentioned as upwards of three hundred
Acres of Land late Gainsford's. The Caveat entered in their own Book by my
Uncle William in the year 173 1 sufficiently shews that it was then a thing of Dispute,
which has never been cleared up. It is a Matter of some Consequence ; they boast
of this Manor, have appointed one Driver Gamekeeper (who by the bye is one of
the Claimants as Lords of the said Manor). I was much embarrassed to know
how to act. Your last Letter by Sister Anne was decisive to finish in. Bro: S:
has heard the contents, and has been instructed by no means to hazard a Suit till
I have seen you, which I hope to do about Christmas.

We are at present engag'd in viewing the Timber on the Hawkwell Estate,
a Gentleman from Monmouthshire sent up by Mr. Jones on their part, & Thorn of
Brenchley, surveyor to Mr. Collins, appointed by me. I heartily wish it was settled,
and hope & trust it will not be long before it is quite Compleated. My Sister makes
us a very short visit ; we cannot prevail with her to stay any longer. I refer you
to her for all the News of this Country. Mrs. W: & my Family unite in all due
respects and good wishes to yrself, my Sister & Alicia with. Dear Sir, your most
dutiful & affectionate son,

Wm. Woodgate."

The Rev. Francis Woodgate died in 1790, leaving his eldest son executor and
residuary legatee and devisee. Again William came into a considerable sum,
and negotiated several purchases. His next purchase, however, a large one, was
concluded just before the death of his father. We take this opportunity of making
some mention of them.

It has been stated, on p. 39, that John Villiers sold 1,200 acres of land, part
of the original Summerhill estate, to Abraham Hill. Hasted says that the land
lay adjoining the high road leading from Tonbridge to Rye, opposite Summerhill
park gates, and extended thence almost to Pembury Church ; that from Hill the
land passed to Edward Whatmore, from Whatmore to James Templer, and from
him to the Rev. John Templer.

It was this land that Woodgate purchased, which was conveyed to him by an
Indenture dated the 8th July, 1790, made between the Rev. John Templer of Lindridge
in the Co. of Devon, clerk of the one part, and William Woodgate of Summerhill
Esq. of the other part. The purchase money was £14,100. The description of the
land is very long and somewhat involved ; when we examined the deed on the Close
Rolls, time was short, but the following particulars, though incomplete (and in much
abbreviated form), may be of interest.

1. House and 6oa. land in Southfrith near the Old Forge.

2. Ja meadow, formerly part of Old Forge pond.

3. House and 120a. of land in South Frith next Old Forge Lane on the N.W.
4-8. Small parcels containing together 20a.

9. Fair Oaks Place, 7a.

10. Piece of rough ground at tail of Forge pond, 2a. (4-10, abutting upon the
lane leading from the Old Forge to the Great Lodge i.e. Summerhill, North
and East).

11. Two fields and a shaw, called Roach Pit field, 9a.

12. 15a. and a wood, next the said lane on the East.

13. Kipperwell Corner, 5a.

All the above were formerly in the occupation of William
Pocock and then of Jeffrey Burling ; and were part of the
forest or park of South Frith.

14. A house wherein Alex. Caillard formerly dwelt and 94a.

326

15- Meadowland, 2a.

i6. House called Knowles Hill Farm and I20a., abutting on the Highway

leading from Pellet Gate to Fairthorne, S, W, and N ; and lands late of

Henry Woodgate N. and E.

17. 4a. arable Land.

14-17 in Tonbridge or Tudely, late in the occupation of Thomas
Wells and then of Thomas Hartrup ; formerly part of the Forest
of South Frith.

18. Fish Lodge and 73a., occupied by Ehz. King, widow.

19. Fairhouse, and 19 fields in South Frith, occupied by Thomas Hartrup.

20. Deadman's Farm and 19 fields, (83a.) next Pembury Walk Wood on the N.

21. House in South Frith and numerous woods, all named, including Devalls
Wood. (Query, is this the right way of spelling Devil's Bridge ?). New
Bears Wood, Pembury Walk Wood, Fairthorne Wood, Knowles Wood &c.
All parcel of the park or forest of South Frith and occupied by Templer.

22. Numerous smaller pieces.

23. Mercer's farm.

24. The powder mills, in the occupation of Messrs. Hooker & Co, with outhouses,
buildings, etc., by the Old Forge.

Witnessed by William Scoones, Tonbridge.

We are inclined to think that the whole 1,200 acres was not comprised in this
deed, but that there was another conveyance as well. Time alone prevented the
solution of this question.

In his observations on Summerhill, at the beginning of the last century, Amsinck
says : —

" It has been noticed that much of the lands had been separated from the
mansion house before it came into the possession of the Woodgates. It has been the
fortunate lot of the present proprietor to have been enabled to re-unite much of this
dispersed property, which is at present said to be fully equal to the support of this
noble mansion "

A further property in Tonbridge was conveyed to William Woodgate by an
Indenture dated 7th July, 1791. The vendors were the devisees of Lady Smythe
of Bounds, (widow of the Rt. Hon. Sir Sidney Stafford Smythe). It was only 7a.
known as Bourn Mill Mead ; and the purchase money was :^273, with £24 extra for
timber.

A much more interesting purchase was that of 1793 — of Tonbridge Castle.
As there already exist so many and such learned accounts of that historical fortress,
it would be a pity to engross valuable space in attempting to do that which has
been far better done by others. We will therefore refer the reader to Hasted, amongst
others, and recapitulate in the briefest language some of the main points.

Richard Fitz-Gilbert, one of the principal persons who accompanied the Con-
queror to England, obtained the fair domain of Tonbridge ; his son, Richard, assumed
the surname of Clare. Their arms were, " Or, three chevrons gules." It has been
considered that this circumstance explains why the chevron is so frequent in the
coats of the gentry living in the neighbourhood. The Clares held Tonbridge for many
years. Among subsequent owners were the Earl of Gloucester ; Hugh de Audley,
Earl of Gloucester ; the Earls of Stafford ; the Dukes of Buckingham ; John Dudley,
Earl of Warwick, afterwards Duke of Northumberland ; Cardinal Pole ; and Henry
Carey, Lord Hunsdon, from whom it eventually passed to Sir Peter Vanlore, Bart,

The latter left no issue male. His three daughters who married respectively
the Earl of Stirling, Sir Robert Cook, and Henry Zinzan, Esq. accordingly succeeded ;
and Tonbridge Castle, Manor, and certain of the demesne lands fell to Zinzan.
In 1739, that family sold it to John Hooker.

327

Tonbridge Castle ceased to be regularly occupied after the fall of the Duke
of Buckingham in 1521, from which time it began to decay. It was fortified in the
time of the great rebellion ; but the fortifications were dismantled in 1646. The
place was of vast strength ; and in spite of neglect and worse, the sacrilegious treat-
ment it received from the spendthrift heir of the Vanlores, who sold much of the
casing of the wall ; and the determined, but fruitless, efforts of Thomas Hooker to
destroy part of it to make room for his house, much of the ruins remain, in singular
beauty. The outer walls, part of which remain, enclosed an area of six acres, which
are now occupied by the Castle grounds, reaching down to the Med way, which was
formerly part of the Moat.

Amsinck says, " It was the intention of Mr. Hooker to have converted this
tower into a house for his own residence, but it was found to be scarcely practicable
consistently with modern habits and ideas, at least not without too glaring a trespass
on the exterior and vital character of the ancient edifice. Having given up this
idea, he fell upon a scheme which, in the opinion of many persons, will be deemed
equally objectionable ; he built a modern stone house within the area of the fortress,
immediately adjoining the great tower. He cannot certainly be complimented
on his taste ; it is a species of architectural sacrilege. It must be noticed however
that the present proprietor [W. F. Woodgate] does not participate in the sin. He
found the modern intruder on the spot ; and has done everything which good taste
could dictate to make it as little offensive as possible, whilst the zeal with which he
preserved the ancient remains, and the liberality with which he allows them to be
inspected by the curious, proclaim that such a barbarism would not have originated
with him ; and that the innovation will proceed no further."

In May, 1793, Christie offered for sale, at his great room in Pall Mall : —

' ' A desirable freehold estate consisting of the Manor of Tonbridge, with Courts
Leet and Baron, free warren &c. and extensive fishery in the River Medway, quit
rents, fines, rights of toll, of markets, fairs &c. &c. together with the venerable
castle, elevated mount embellished with plantations, in the midst of pleasure grounds
disposed with taste, exuberant kitchen garden with lofty walls, richly cloathed with
choice fruit trees in a full state of bearing.

' ' Also adjoining to the Castle a new built Stone House nearly finished, and all
suitable attached offices, stabhng for ten horses, double coach House, large bam
&c. &c. suited to the Villa as well as to the farm, and rich inclosures, amounting in
the whole to 13a & 35 poles (or thereabouts) forming a most cornplete residence
for a large family.

' ' Also, in six following lots, about 80 acres of rich meadow, pasture and hop
ground, & in small part arable land, valuable pottery &c,"

It was not sold, and (after selling off 40a. privately, to whom we know not),
the whole place was offered again by public auction in August (c). William Woodgate
became the purchaser, finished off the house, and settled it in 1794 on his eldest son
William Francis Woodgate, in marriage with Miss AUnutt. His eldest sister, Frances,
had shortly before married Miss Allnutt's brother, Richard Allnutt of South Park
(see chap. XII), and the double wedding was celebrated in verse by the facile pen of
George Children of Ferox Hall, an old friend of the family (d) :

(c) In October, 1793, there was a two days' sale of the household furniture of Thomas Hooker
of Tonbridge, consisting of mahogany bedsteads, dining tables, cabinets, chairs, &c. ; a fine-
toned harpsichord and music book ; an expensive library ; a coach and harness ; four horses ;
and various other articles, the bulk of which appear to have been of mahogany. No pictures,
plate, Hnen, or china are mentioned.

(d) These verses and the succeeding set are taken from old and faded manuscripts in our possession
They were printed in Memoirs of J. G. Children, but in shghtly different form.

328

1
Young Cupid and Hymen, some summers ago,

(On frolic and joy ever bent),
Set out on a fortnight's excursion or so

To the Watering places in Kent.

At Margate they stopp'd, at Ramsgate and Hythe,

At each some employment they found ;
And they parted from all of them buxom and blythe,

With success their joint efforts still crowned.

3
To Tunbridge at last thro' the rich Weald they rode,

And as business they there might rely on,
They agreed there awhile to prolong their abode.

And took lodgings at Fry's on Mount Sion.

4
The Walks and the Rooms ev'ry morning and night

With glorious effect they attended ;
Cupid shot with a judgement unerringly right,

And Hymen the matter soon ended.

5
For health and for pleasure and business perchance.

At noon, if not checked by the Heat,
Like other good people, to chase non-chalance,

They rode out to each neighbouring Seat.
6
As beneath the two Beaches that crown Summer Hill

With the Prospect enchanted they stood,
The Lord of the Mansion, brimfull of Good-will,

Rode out of the Garden Coppice Wood.

7
At the sight of two strangers he pulled up his poney.

And liking their looks and their air,
He rode up, joined in chat, and sans ceremonte

Asked them home to partake of his fare.
8
The Gods nothing doubting the Luck of his Pot

Right gladly the summons attend ;
For they both knew him well (tho' them he knew not)

And each had been warmly his friend.

9
He showed them all over the house with much glee,

And with Social talk the time cheered.
Till Robert announced that the clock had struck Three,

And the Ladies and Dinner appeared.

Bows over, and so forth, they sat down to eat,

And no soul would have thought they were Gods ;
They shewed their kind Hosts how they relished their meat,

And beat Billy Bowman by odds.
1 1
But they tasted a much greater treat all the while

In the family circle around them ;
Hymen cast on them all a benevolent smile,

And Cupid most rare subjects found them.

329

After tea they took leave and mounted their Nags,

And as they rode back to the Wells,
"My dear little fellow," says Hymen, " I'fegs,

Those are brave lads and nice little Belles."

13
Says Cupid, "Our Hosts gave us excellent cheer,

I liked nor their boiled nor their roast ill,
But they well nigh had paid for their kindness full dear.

For, egad, I could scarce keep my Bow still."

14
"Nay, Cupid," says Hymen, "no shaft must be shot

At that group without nicest discretion ;
You and I must both use all the Judgement we've got,

Of bliss to secure their possession."

15
The next Day to Penshurst their airmg they took,

Saw the House with good old Raw's assistance.
And as from a window they happen'd to look

They espied a fair Dame at small distance.
16
They asked, " Whose that Villa?" " Lord ! Sirs," says the Dame,

"That's South-Park, full of beauty and grace;
And the owner, God bless him ! (Squire Allnutt by name)

Is thoroughly worthy the place."

Good Allnutt they both recollected, and sighed

That their favour had cost him so dear;
And they knew that it now was his lot and his pride,

A third generation to rear.
18
They vow'd they'd go see both the place and the man.

And asked if the young folk were down ?
Mrs. Raw answer'd Yes, and with rapture began

The Dear Creatures with praises to crown.

Then straight they took Horse, and to South-Park they went,

And, tho' there, as at Woodgate's, unknown.
Again they were quickly convinced that in Kent

Hospitality'd set up her throne.
20
The worthy old gentleman welcom'd them in

To a sandwich and excellent wine,
Called his Grand Children round their good graces to win,

And fain would have kept them to dine.
21
They politely declined, — but with eyes never tired

Walked the Wood and the Lawn with their Host ;
And all that they saw they sincerely admired.

But himself and his family most.
22
Returning, I scarce can tell which said it first,

(For both it so forcibly struck
That each with the thought was just ready to burst),

" Good Heavens, what wonderful luck !

330

" At once both our generous hosts to reward

" Kind fortune hath pointed the way ;
"And what to us both seem'd but yesterday hard

" Is perfectly easy to day.

24
" Summer Hill and South-Park ! two such places so near,

"Both with Health, Wealth, and Goodness so filled!
"Sure nothing' on earth was ever more clear

"Than that Heaven their union has will'd."

25
"Aye," says Cupid, "and if I have not lost my aim,

" And my arrows are not blunted quite,
"Tis not me, brother Hymen, you ever shall blame

"If doubly they do not unite."

26
Hymen quickly conceived what the sly urchin meant,

And his meaning was just to his mind ;
So he gfave the proposal his hearty consent.

And behold ! here are two couple joined.

iy
All praise then to Cupid and Hymen we'll sing,

And all joy to the Pairs they have bless'd ;
And let none of us doubt who sit round in this ring

But they'll take as good care of the rest.

28
Meanwhile the fair Union, thus strongly begun.

May no fate or disaster e'er sever —
Summer-Hill and South-Park ! may they ever be one,

And Woodgate and AUnutt for ever.

"Billy Bowman" was none other than W. F. Woodgate himself, so called
because he belonged to an Archery Club known as the " Kentish Bowmen." The
Society was founded in 1789 by J. E. Madox ; the entrance fee was ten guineas,
and the annual subscription i| guineas. The qualification for membership was a
freehold in Kent of the annual value of £10 ; and there was a fine of ;^ioo on every
member who married. The uniform was a grass green coat, buff linings, buff waist-
coat and breeches ; black collar to coat, uncut velvet in winter and tabber silk
in summer, with yellow buttons. The first year there were 11 members ; the second,
30 ; the third, 123. This great increase was due to the Prince of Wales becoming
Patron, when Bowman's Lodge on Dartford Heath was made the rendezvous,
and meetings were held there every Saturday during the summer. The Society
came to an end in 1802.

The following verses, from the same pen, were sung at Anna Allnutt's wedding,
by her sister Susanna : —

I
" Oh ! how shall I this chequered Day
My mixed emotions tell !
How force my faultering tongue to say.

My Sister dear, farewell 1
If chearfully to kindred worth

My Anna I resign,
Can I forget that from my birth
Dear Anna has been mine ?

WILLIAM FRANCIS WOODGATE, Esq. of Summerhill, about 1794.

331

Can I forget our Infant Joys

In common we possessed,
That all our Infant griefs and joys

Were shar'd by either breast ?
The pleasing works of Art and taste

Together we were taught,
One sketch our little pencil traced,

One flower our needle wrought.

3
In the same Air our voices join'd,

On the same string we play'd.
Even now how Irksome 'tis I find

To sing without her aid.
Our friendship with our years improved

And with our reason grew,
And sure two sisters never loved

With harmony more true,

4
Then how can I without a tear,

Without regret most tender.
My friend, companion, sister dear

To other Hands surrender ?
But this is all too sad a strain

To suit a wedding day;
Methinks you are ready to exclaim,

Nay, prithee, let's be gay.

5
Well then, adieu the whining stram,

No more of fond lamenting,
Susanna is herself again,

To this fair match consenting ;
Reason prevails, no selfish care

My breast again shall enter.
Like yours my every wish & care

In Anna's bliss shall centre.

6
Mean while her happiness I'll tend

With vigilance most steady.
And e'er profess myself as friend

And Guardian ever ready.
Yes, mark me as yourself you bear,

My worthy, lucky Bowman,
I'll treat you as a Brother dear

Or as my deadly foe-man.

7
If e'er you fail in that respect

My Anna's virtues merit,
And by unkindness or neglect

Shall vex her gentle spirit,
Nor Moat nor Drawbridge, Dike nor Mound

Shall from my rage secure you.
Till you within your Castle's round

With Bats and Owls immure you.

332

8
But if you cherish as you ought

The treasures you possess,
And dedicate your every thoug-ht

Her every hour to bless,
I'll meet you still with vizage glad

And never failing Glee,
And scarcely better love the Lad

Who'll do as much for me.

Meanwhile national affairs were in a serious and even desperate state. A great
meeting was convened by the Sheriff of Kent at Maidstone, on nth April, 1794.
Two thousand persons attended. A resolution was passed amid great enthusiasm,
" That the present critical state of affairs appears to render imperative general
and individual exertion ; and that therefore a subscription be immediately-
opened, to provide for the defence of the county from foreign invasion or domestic
tumult ; that the plan of forming troops of cavalry to consist of gentlemen and yeoman
seems best adapted to this purpose ; and that any person who will undertake to
form such a company should give in his name to the Lord Lieutenant, and be
appointed Captain, with power to nominate his inferior officers ; that the subscriptions
be applied towards their equipment, formation and continuance, and othen\dse for
defence as the committee thinks fit ; and that the Militia be augmented."

Each troop was to consist of fifty, afterwards increased to fifty-eight. They
were to have no levy money, but were to serve during the war without pay, unless
called out and embodied ; to find their own horses and clothing ; Government to
provide arms {e) and accoutrements as usually provided for cavalry, and to provide
a Sergeant for each troop, who was to be fitted at the expense of the troop. Yeomanry
to be liable for active service on invasion or for the suppression of riots, when they
were to be paid as dragoons.

A committee was formed, consisting of all subscribers of £10 and upwards, of
whom seven should be competent to act.

This was the plan submitted by the Duke of Dorset, the Lord Lieutenant. The
response was immediate, and large sums were subscribed on the spot ; below are
a few of the names : —

Duke of Dorset, £500. Lord Romney, ;^300

Lord Bayham (Camden) £200 Sir John Shaw, ^^loo

W. Woodgate, Esq., ;^5o Geo: Children, Esq., £50

F. M. Austen, Esq., ^^50 Richard AUnutt, Esq., ;^30

W. F. Woodgate, Esq., £25 Stephen Woodgate, Esq., £21

J. F. Claridge, Esq., £21 Aug: Greenland, Esq., ^21

Further subscriptions continued to pour in afterwards, such as : —
Henry Woodgate, Esq., £20 Lord Amherst, ;{300

(Riverhill).
Tristram Everest, Esq., £20 J. Allnutt, Esq., ^^21

(Eltham).
Rev. W. Humphry, £10 Mr. Wm. Scoones, ^^5

Mr. John Mugridge, ;^io John Weatherall, Esq., £10

(Tonbridge).
There are, literally, hundreds of names, and by the end of April the total amount
was over ;^io,ooo, with further subscriptions still coming in.

At a meeting on 15th AprU, it was resolved that John Fellowes Claridge and
Stephen Woodgate, attornies at law, should be appointed to receive monies and

(e) Mr. W. B. Woodgate some time since picked up in a second hand shop an old carbine marked

" Woodgate's," formerly belonging (it is supposed) to one of the Major's troopers.

MRS. W. F. WOODGATE of Summerhill (formerly Anna Allnutt), about 1794.

333

subscriptions in the Sevenoaks district. Also, that every captain forming a troop
should be allowed ^'j for each man on formation, and £^o for the sergeant's horse
and clothing (/).

The first batch of men to offer to raise troops were : —

Earl of Darnley Capt. William Hammond

Sir Edward Knatchbull, Bart. Capt. Percival Hart Dyke
Hon: J. Thomas Townshend Capt. WiUiam Woodgate

Capt. Henry Oxenden Earl Camden

Sir John Honeywood, Bart.
Woodgate's troop was officered by Henry Woodgate (William's brother)
Lieutenant, and William Streatfeild of Southborough, Cornet.

In June, James Holwell of Tunbridge Wells offered to raise a Troop ; and in
August, James Moneypenny did the same. After these, no more troops were raised.
The first troop to appear was Sir Edward Knatchbull's and soon afterwards
Capt. Dyke's.

In 1795, we read of Woodgate's troop being entertained at Southborough.
' ' Wednesday, August 19th, in honour of the Prince of Wales' Birthday, the Ton-
bridge Troop of Gentlemen and Yeomen Cavalry, commanded by Capt. Woodgate,
and the Tunbridge Wells Troop, commanded by Lt. Col. Holwell, assembled in
Bounds Park, fired three volleys, and performed their evolutions together in Brigade,
(Capt. Woodgate taking the command, as being captain of the Senior Troop), after
which they had a sham fight and dined together on Southborough Common, where
a naval tent 100 feet long was erected, and an elegant dinner given by Mr. Samuel
Hurrion, a respectable farmer of Southborough, and where much loyalty and con-
viviality prevailed."

One of the Troopers (I.H.) about this time, in November, 1796, sought to
express his loyalty in verse, entitled " The Kent Volunteers," respectfully inscribed
to Captain Woodgate and the Tonbridge Troop.

"Tune: Liberty Hall —
Sound the Trumpet, and call out your Soldiers to Arms,
Whose bosoms true old English Liberty warms;
See, France rears her head, and with fury appears;
Let her come — we're prepared — with the Kent Volunteers.

Fol le rol.
She threatens our King and she threatens our Coast;
Her threats are in vain, let her bluster and boast;
Let her come it she dare, there's no Briton that fears,
Kent shall rest her defence on her own Volunteers.
Shall Frenchmen our spirits of Freedom subdue ?
Plant Guillotines here, where Liberty grew ?
Our King", too, destroy with whate'er we hold dear ?
Bravely die first each Briton and Kent Volunteer.
Led on by our worthy Commander we'll go,
Litrepid and firm, we will brave every foe;
When our Chief gives command, to obey him we'll fly
And each Kent Volunteer return Victor or die.
Form your lines — pray be steady — dress front and rear Ranks,
To the Right and Left outwards, wheel, wheel on your Flanks;
Draw Swords — charge the Foe — dress — pursue them amain,
They've been oft dressed before, and we'll dress them again.

(/) At a meeting of the Committee in July, 1794 (Duke of Dorset in the Chair, and present

eight other members, including W. F. Woodgate), it was resolved to allow each Captain*£150
for refitting his troop.

334

May the True sons of Kent with respect e'er be named,

Nor forfeit the title their grandfathers gained;

But united and firm may defend the old Cause,

Their King and their Country, their Freedom and Laws.

To the Kent Volunteers now a Bumper we'll fill,

Men of Kent brave and loyal always were, and are still;

To our Captain, Lieutenant and Cornet three cheers, *

Glory, Health and Success to the Kent Volunteers."

In June, 1797, the eight troops of Yeomanry belonging to the Western Division
of the county met at the Wilderness, Seal, where they were reviewed by General
Fox in the presence of nearly 6,000 spectators. The troops, commanded by Lord
Darnley, formed line at twelve o'clock and went through various evolutions ; and
their steady attention and soldier-like appearance evoked the greatest applause.
The troops afterwards partook of a dinner provided for them by Lord Camden in
a large tent, ' ' after which several loyal songs were sung and toasts given, and the
day concluded with the utmost harmony and conviviality."

In April, 1798, " The Tunbridge and Tunbridge Wells Troops of Volunteer
Cavalry, commanded by Captains Woodgate and Howell, were reviewed in Bounds
Park by Major General Fox, who expressed in a pointed manner his approbation
of their appearance and manoevres. After the review the General and his suite,
with the officers of his squadron. Lord Darnley &c. were elegantly entertained by
Capt. Woodgate at Tunbridge Castle. These troops have engaged to serve in any
part of Kent, Surrey or Sussex,"

In July the troops were again reviewed at Seal, as in the previous year. In
November, William Streatfeild died at Southborough, and William Scoones was
appointed Cornet in the following March. In 1809 William Ford Burton was
appointed Cornet, vice Carnell promoted.

On 1st August, 1799, the King himself was pleased to inspect the various
Volunteer corps of Kent in Lord Romney's park at the Mote. He was accompanied
by the Queen, the Prince of Wales, the Dukes of Cumberland, of Gloucester and
of York, the Lord Chancellor, Mr. Pitt, the Prince of Orange, and other illustrious
persons. The whole of the troops numbering over 6,000 were under the command
of Lieut-General Sir Robert Lawrie. The head of the column was composed of the
first corps of West Kent Yeomanry Cavalry under Lord Camden, composed of a
troop of Kent Guides under Capt. Hussey, Lord Camden's Sevenoaks Troop, Major
Woodgate's Tonbridge Troop, Capt. the Hon. J. Townsend's Chislehurst Troop
and the various others in order. Major Hammond commanded the Second Corps
of East Kent Yeomanry Cavalry, and Lieut.-General Fox commanded the Kent
Volunteer Infantry and Artillery. Lord Romney provided lunch for the whole of
the troops in temporary booths, and His Majesty departed profoundly impressed
and gratified.

The following month a meeting at the George Inn, Sittingbourne, was convened
by some of the officers, including W. F. Woodgate, P. Nouaille, Stephen Woodgate,
and J. F. Claridge, to consider some lasting memorial to Lord Romney's generous
behaviour on the occasion, such as a column or some public monument. J. F.
Claridge was deputed to act as Secretary of the Committee.

W. F. Woodgate was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant in August, 1797, his father
having been made one in 1792. He was likewise a magistrate, and his name appears
in lists of the grand jury at Maidstone, in special commissions, and other county
business. In October, 1802, he was appointed a Trustee of the Tunbridge Wells
Chapel, together with Lord Camden, Lord Neville, Lord Marsham, F. M. Austen,
Richard Hardy Yorke, George Children and Thomas Christopher Gardiner. The
surviving Trustees were Lord Abergavenny, Lord Romney and John Austen.

335

This ' ' structure or fabrick for a chappell for the use and exercise of Rehgious
worship and celebration of divine service and hearing of sermons was erected and
built diverse years since by the pious and charitable contributions of diverse well
disposed persons upon a piece or parcel of ground near Tunbridge Wells in the parish
of Tonbridge which was formerly part of certain lands called Inhams and part of
the late park or forest called Southfrith" — not, as Hasted says, with the pulpit in
Speldhurst, the altar in Tonbridge, and the vestry in Frant. This land had formerly
belonged to John " Earl of Buckingham and Viscount Purbeck, only son and heir
of the Right Hon. Margaret Viscountess Purbeck deceased " (see p. 39). The
Trust deed was dated February, 1703.

Among the original Trustees seem to have been Viscount Purbeck, Thomas
Lake of the Middle Temple, Thomas Weller of Tonbridge, the Bishop of Rochester,
Sir Humphry Miller of West Peckham, William Sherlock, Dean of St. Paul's, and
Charles Amherst of Bayhall. The first new trustees appointed were Lord Aber-
gavenny, Sir George Rivers of Chafford, Bart, Sir Edward Northey the Attorney
General, Sir William Cave Canon of Windsor, Dr. Ressbury Rector of St. Paul's,
Shadwell, Wilham Strong of Tonbridge, Jeffrey Amherst of Riverhead, and John
Dyke of Frant. In 1727 Sir George Rivers was the sole surviving Trustee.

Meanwhile the two youngest sons, John and Stephen, were at school at Tonbridge.
We have some account of Skinner's Day (or Founder's Day) in 1795, when the
Skinners visited Tonbridge and were welcomed as usual in a Latin speech by the
head boy, Vicesimus Knox, to which Dr. Finch, Prebendary of Westminster,
replied. Next morning the Skinners went to Church, to distribute their extensive
charities, and then to School House to be present at the examinations and hear the
Greek and Latin speeches delivered by the six head boys. Afterwards the Company
dined at the Rose & Crown, with a great many of the gentlemen living in the neigh-
bourhood ; the dinner was followed by songs.

In the evening the whole company returned to the school where all the ladies
of Tonbridge were assembled, and were entertained for nearly two hours with verses
from the pen of Dr. Knox, the Head Master, all of which (with one single excep-
tion—though which, we are not informed) were spoken with judgment and propriety
by the ten head boys — Knox's, Scoones, Rich, Mitford, Davies, Goldfinch, Baker, and
Woodgate's. ' ' AU the speeches breathed a very becoming spirit of loyalty and were
truly deserving of the praise which they experienced. The just tribute paid in
Mr. V. Knox's concluding address to the virtues of Mr. Gregg, late Member for
Morpeth, and who attended this meeting for 35 successive years, received that
heartfelt applause which verses written so elegantly and delivered so feelingly must
ever deserve."

In 1797 much the same thing occurred. ' ' The day was spent with the usual
festivity, and Major Woodgate and several other gentlemen much increased the
conviviality by some excellent songs. . , The Company of Skinners have very
liberally doubled their subscriptions to the poor, to whom they give bread every
Sunday throughout the year ; and on the day of their visitation each man receives
a warm stout piece of cloth (sufficient in quantity to make a coat and waistcoat),
a loaf of bread and five shillings. . . . The Gentlemen who spoke were the
Messrs, Bakers, Bruleys, Davies, Grant, Tho: Knox, Kemble, Mitfords, Smith and
Woodgate. Mr. T. Knox particularly distinguished himself in a most beautifully
descriptive blank verse poem entitled "The Tunbridge School-Boy." Mr. Mitford
was animated in his " Introductory Address " ; Mr. Baker spoke with feeling and
taste in an elegant copy of Greek verses ; Messrs. Grant, Woodgate, Baker minor and
Davies were very happy in their comic attempts ; and Bruley major concluded
with a speech of appropriate allusion, skilfully delivered."

The dialogue spoken by Robert Mitford and Stephen Woodgate on 9th May,
1799, has been published in Rivington's History of Tonbridge School, p. 104. We

336

have also the "Epilogue" written by Anne Woodgate and spoken by Stephen
at the school after his Comrades had performed two Scenes in Terence's play of
The Brothers, before Dr. Knox, October i8th, 1798.

"Bravo, my boys, I'm glad to see all this

You've got off well without one little miss ".

''Charmingly played, " they all cry out and roar,

"I never saw it so well done! Encore!"

Because they never saw it done before !

They say in works poetic there should be

At first or last a little simile ;

Now to a dinner 1 this play compare,

Which to the mind is most delicious fare.

Terence the Cook, who with unrivall'd art

Has drgssed with wit & humour every part ;

The Boys are Waiters, and serve up the feast

To you, good Sir, who are our honoured guest.

But as they're young in office, t'was thought meet

To give you but two courses for your treat ;

But when they're more accustomed to the Board,

You shall have three, I pledge it on my word.

These courses now removed (as I'm a sinner)

I bring the cheese to this dramatic dinner;

But as the Cook doth seldom make the cheese.

Mine is my own, too coarse I fear to please ;

With little taste and less of mighty wit,

You ne'er can relish this my home-made bit.

But Rabbit it ! you know all things must grow,

And when the sage appears upon my brow,

I trust you then will find I can with ease

By you instructed make a better cheese.

In February, 1797, Stephen Woodgate was set to compose some lines on the
" Horrors of War." Anxious to evade the exertion, or distrusting his capacity,
he requested the aid of his sister Maria, who produced the following : —

" O War ! thou source of every Human woe,

From thy terrific Reign what Sorrows flow !

Fair Science takes her flight when you appear.

And commerce droops her Head in deep despair ;

Justice and Truth, with Pity, hide their face ;

Rapine and Murder have usurped their place.

Arise, great Bridport, arm'd with terrors go.

Defend thy Country and chastise the foe.

Go teach this lesson to Proud France and Spain,

That Britain's Navy still commands the Main.

Bid Horrid War and foreign faction cease,

And Bless this Isle again with smiling Peace."
She also wrote for him this epigram in February, 1797 : —

" Mourn, Rome, oh mourn, for thou hast much to fear ;

Behold, the French before thy gates appear.

Like sheep diseased, too surely wilt thou fall,

For now alas ! thou art one man with Gaul."

Here is a letter from Maria Woodgate in 1796 to her friend Susan Allnutt, after-
wards Mrs. Garthwaite, staying at 2, Coopers Row, Crutchet Friars, London.
' ' Summer Hill, Thursday Evening, Jan, 21st, 1796.
A word to the wise. Its a wonder to me that you, who are a citizen and enjoy

337

the Town before you, should think me, a Country girl, and who may almost be styled
the Child of Nature, capable of reading your letter which I received on old Twelfth
Night ; but I found Ways and Means to make it out in a Quarter of an hour after
supper, though I am sure I should have puzzled my brains till the midnight hour
had not my brothers given me a way to unravel the mystery. We were all in the
wrong in supposing Mrs. Walter would keep her widow's vow, as I hear from a busy
body she is in a way to get married a second time. It is a melancholy reflection that
within a year she was Miss in her teens, had seen her wedding day, had been a mourning
bride and distressed mother, yet still a minor. Her Cymon is not a man of the world,
nor perhaps a fashionable lover, nor yet her first love, but it is the opinion of most
people he must be a hypocrite if he is not a good natured man ; report says he has
a great many rivals, yet the Chances are in his favor as she has given her refusal to
the miller of Mansfield, the Farmer, and Spanish Friar. I hope he will make a
tender husband and that she will study the way to keep him.

Fame is a liar if the inconstant Mr. Gardiner is not going in the army ; if he does,
I hope he will not prove a poor soldier nor yet a Deserter, as that would be the
road to ruin. His friends wished him to continue the Village Lawyer but he would
be a soldier. I will tell you what, I have made a discovery that Mr. Mercer and Miss
Harper (whom I shall distinguish by the appellation of the constant couple) will before
May day enter the temple of Hymen (g). A few days ago Mr. Endless called upon
us a quarter of an hour before dinner, and I assure you we had a great deal of agreeable
chit chat ; he told us he had taken a house in a small hamlet, 2538 miles from Gretna
Green. The man is bewitched, I think, or the deuce is in him, for he declared an
old bachelor was the most despicable character in nature, except a Rover, and as he
had sown all his wild oats and had learnt how to grow rich, he was determined to make
a bold stroke for a wife. He said his intended must be a woman of sense, and he should
prefer an heiress, a Lady of the Manor or an Irish widow, provided she had a heavy
purse (as she must have a large fortune) ; she must be without duplicity, a stranger
to dissipation, by no means a romp, nor any ways like a country madcap, not subject
to the spleen, nor too intimate with her next door neighbour. I told him 'twas the
Way of the World for bachelors' wives to be the best managed, but I did not doubt
but he would ride a wife and have a wife, but as he had given his opinion so freely,
I was sure no Country lasses would be candidates for such a suspicious husband as
I was sure he would prove.

Yesterday I wanted change for a bank note, and went to the bank for that
purpose, and acting the man of business killed two birds with one stone ; for I called
on the mock Doctor, who told me Captain Weller had left Tonbridge Wells as he had
received orders to play the recruiting officer in Somersetshire. He had ordered his
What-do-ye-call-it, drummer, no, his recruiting sergeant to be at Ilchester immediately.
I should think Mrs. Weller will like this way of life better than being in camp. I
don't know any couple more likely to claim the flitch of bacon than this ; he is a
true Briton and I doubt not but he will acquire Sprigs of Laurel. Next Friday
there is a Committee at Tonbridge ; my Father will attend, when the old maid (I mean
Ann) and myself have entered into a confederacy to play a trick on the gentle shepherd,
ahas the genteel youth. It would be only tit for tat, a little retaliation, for the
other night he attempted to frighten us with an apparition of the ghoast of an
upholsterer , and tried to make us believe 'twas the dead alive. Now we intend dressing
up some new brooms which we received from our woodman (as long ago as Lord
Mayor's day) hke nine sailors, with a golden pippen in each of their hands ; their
heads are to be made of phosphorus covered with a chapiet. These figures are
to be linked together and fastened to the panel of the door by a padlock, and placed
on the first floor of the haunted tower at the Castle. Henry the second on entering
the room must move the the springs of the arms, when the apples will fly about his

{g) 1796, February. Married in London, Thomas Mercer, Esq., of Greentrees near Tonbridge,

to Miss Polly Harpur, third daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Harpur of Tonbridge.

338

head and make him imagine he is attacked by Banditti. Now this will answer three
purposes ; it will afford us divertisement, give us revenge, and prove the touchstone
of his courage, which you, and we, know was suspected on May Day. We think
Nature will prevail and that he will run away ; if he should, he must pull the strings
of the chaplet, and then he will discover the phosphorus which will appear Magic
Fire. As he is a Cholerie man, we know he will be in a violent rage and look as
black as Othello if our plot succeeds ; but if by any mistake it should not, he will
say, " Who is the dupe ? " and the laugh will be against us. But we will venture
neck or nothing as we have two strings to our bow ; for we have another trick which I
think better than this, but it requires great contrivances to execute it, which you will
readily allow when I tell you 'tis an artificial tempest.

I shall expect to see you very smart at the Jubilee after your journey to London,
and as we shall be a jovial crew I trust we shall be all in good humour. I shall try
every stratagem to prevail on Boman to let us have a hop in the evening, as I should
like of all things to dance the Highland Reel ; I know my Father's son-in-law will
oppose my motion, but every one has his fault. My Grandmother used to say in
days of yore that the first was generally a spoilt child, and it will be an agreeable
surprise to me if Bomanett confutes her doctrine, as the Lord of the Manor thinks
her quite a prize. When last you saw her, her complexion resembled a West Indian's,
but she now promises to be the Fair Maid of Kent. John George [Children] is quite
the distressed manager, as he has tried a variety of arguments (but without effect)
to persuade us to have another rehearsal, but / \vill not come into his schemes ior
love or money ; but I know you are so full of Life's vagaries that I shall not wonder
if he prevails on you to turn Actress again. But as you like it.

Who would have thought it ! The fair Circassian, I mean Harriett Austen, is
on a visit to Emma GreeiJand. I am afraid you will think this Hodge Podge much
ado about nothing, but I hope you will not prove a Critic, nor give the author of this
letter to the Devil on two sticks, as that would be a cruel gift and make me a fair
penitent ; but if I am a true Prophetess I shall find you too clever by half to criticise
the country wit of your sincere friend

Polly."

We are fortunate in having a manuscript book containing a number of verses
written by the three sisters, (known as ' ' The three Graces ") ; the first is a Song,
written and sung by Maria Woodgate about the year 1788, at the age of thirteen.

I
** As the Gods and the Goddesses, one idle Hour,
Were drinkingf of Nectar in Phoebus' Bower,
Jolly Bacchus arose and said t'was his inteirt
Shortly to visit the county of Kent.

2
Diana and Venus both did ag^ree
With Bacchus to go that fine county to see,
And Apollo also gave his consent
With them to visit the county of Kent.

3
Bacchus straightway did call for his chair :
Apollo, Diana, and Venus the Fair
Ascended their cars ; and away they all went
To take a short view of the county of Kent.

4
They view'd the county with joy and delight,
And said they were never so pleased with a sight ;
And all of them said that if Jove would consent
They would often visit the county ot Kent.

339

5
Before from the county they did ascend
They all agreed their assistance to lend,
For a message from Jove came which gave his consent
That each should leave a Blessing on Kent.

6
Bacchus arose without any delay,
He filled a Bumper and thus he did say :
" May Hops, Hopes, and Happiness, Chear and Content
" For ever be found in the county of Kent."

7
Apollo rose next, and said t'was his desire
That Health, Wealth, and Wisdom and Harmony
Should always be found in their fullest extent,
With Justice, to reign in the county of Kent.

8
Diana and Venus both rose and did say,
" May beauty and Hunting in Kent hold their sway ; "
So each filled a Glass, and Success then they drank
To the Beauties and likewise the Harriers of Kent.

9
And having each a blessing bequeath'd,
They from the county did take their leave.
They ascended above ; may they never repent
Of having thus bless'd the county of Kent.
The idea contained in this little poem is somewhat similar to that in Mr.
Children's on page 328 ; the former however was written several years before the
other, so Maria Woodgate cannot be convicted of plagiarism.
There is a riddle written by Anne Woodgate in 1789 : —
" My origin to Noah's Ark I trace,
And there I did confine all Human Race.
Since then more numerous am I grown
And may be seen in every Town.
I'm in all Palaces, nay in Cottages,
In every Ship some Chair and Climages,
And am so formed by Art for Mankind's use
That heat and cold I easily produce.
I'm various colors, Brown, White, and Black,
And when I'm roughly used do make a crack.
I often speak, but never had a Tongue,
And what surprizes most am always Hung.
I've but one eye which often is put out,
For fear I should discover what you're about.
But one thing more about me can be said.
You should secure me when you go to bed."
The answer is Door.

" Having made Miss Allnutt an exceedingly good April fool the ist of April
1796, when I left Mark Lane and went to East Street in the evening, I undeceived
her by sending her the foUovring lines : —

If I have a sister before the next year,

Assuredly she must a woman appear,

With a ring on her finger which she'll wear for life,

For e'er she's my sister she will be a loife.

A Dutiful Daughter I think she will be,

An affectionate friend, and companion to me i

With discernment sufficient her senses to rule

That she never may be made an April fool."

340

Miss Allnutt had her revenge and played Maria Woodgate a trick, which
offended her much. She vowed retaliation. This came to Miss Allnutt's ears
through Harriet Scoones, and produced a very submissive letter begging forgiveness,
which was duly granted at the end of a letter of fierce invective, much too long
for insertion here. That the whole affair was a joke may be easily perceived.

In August, 1796, being at South Park, Maria Woodgate intended to write her
friend Miss Scoones, then in Lincolnshire, a newspaper, and in the Poet's comer
insert the following stanzars ; but she changed her mind and did not send them.

Beloved Marianne farewell,

My favorite friend adieu ;
Some times bestow a thought on her

Who oft will think of you.
For the' far distant, yet shall I

With fond esteem attend ;
My ready thoughts will wander off

To seek my earliest friend.
And while your young companions grieve

That you from Kent are flown
To visit Lincoln's fenny land

To you before unknown ;
Like you I now have left my Home,

But not so far have strayed ;
Fraternal love hath called me here ;

The summons I've obeyed.
For your regard for me is such

Experience hath shewn,
That all my Griefs and Joys you share

And always make your own.
And tho' the year will nearly waste

E'er we shall meet again,
Yet where it ages, yet no change

Our friendship will sustain —

No distance, time, no power nor Art

Can change my Love for you,
And I believe that still for me

Your Friendship is as true.
For 'twas decreed by fate, therefore

What is can't be undone,
Mary and Anne united are

And must be ever One."

The following lines, written by Anne Woodgate on 26th November, 1796, the
day of Miss Scoones' return from Lincolnshire, shared the same fate : —
" Can'st thou a moment (my Dear Girl) retire,
And leave those relatives around your fire,
Who with delight, with joy, and heartfelt glee
Elated, welcome home my friend m thee ;
Can'st thou while each fond Parent's hearts rejoice ;
And every Brother, every Sister's voice
With fond affection welcomes your regress,
And nought is seen but mirth and happiness ;
Oh, can'st thou leave them and one thought devote
To read the lines contained in this Note,
From one who if she could herself would come

341

And with unfeigrj'd joy welcome you home ?
But, since tis doom'd I must not quit the Hill,
My Pen must tell you all the joy I feel ;
Three days are wasted since I heard that you
To Scampton would on Thursday bid adieu.
" Ye Gods," what then I felt can I define,
Such pleasures. Friendship, sure are only thine.
To think on Sunday I again should see
My young companion, favorite friend in thee !
Was sure such happiness I cannot speak,
For well we know that eloquence is weak.
So I'll not strive my gladness to make known,
For well I know you'll judge it by your own.
Therefore this welcome only will I send,
I'm still your most sincere & faithful friend.
I will not, Mary, trespass on your time,
Nor longer bore you with my doggerel Rhime,
Not rich in the sublime and beautiful
It may, to other eyes, seem vapid, dull ;
To you alone they will some joy impart
Because they are the dictates of my Heart.
And if you have that fond regard for me
Such as I have, and always had, for thee ;
You will to-morrow, when your hand I press,
Feel all that pleasure I would now express."
The next piece is an epitaph written by Anne Woodgate in December, 1796
on John Sales, who had been Huntsman to the family for six and thirty years. He
died October, 1796. Notice the use of the different hunting terms.
** Who e'er shall draw this little piece of ground,

Who's kennel'd underneath in hopes to scan,
Know near this stone the names are to be found

Of a poor thoroughbred good Honest Man.
He WQ^QT gave Tongue, but when \\q follow' d Truth.

The Fill of Honor strict did he pursue ;
At fault he never was, for from his youth

Conscience, and God, he always had in view.
Full sixty years the world's great field he ran :

At last his strength gave ground to slow decay.
Fairly run down by age, disease and pain,

(His Breath being checked) his spirit stole away.
Staunch to the last, each relative and friend.

Who came in at the death, have earth' d him here ;
And now alas ! Life's Chase is at an end,

No trail is left of him they loved so dear.

When the Dead Hollo sounds from above

He'll leave his form and join the Heavenly cry,

(We humbly trust) chear'd by his Maker's Love,
And Hunt with praises through eternity."

Another specimen of Anne Woodgate's poetical genius is afforded by a clever
valentine to her sister, dated 14th February, 1797 : —

" M-y only love, in whom each grace I see,
A-rise and tune thy heart to Love and me ;
R-aise every string that was unstrung before,
I-'U touch the chord that may my peace restore,
A-pprove my Lay or I can sing no more —

342

W-ake then, my fair, and listen to my Song ;
O-n wings of Hope I join the tuneful throng ;
O-h ! if my tender strains (devoid of art)
D-elight thine Ears, and Vibrate on thy Heart,
G-ently wilt thou then calm thy fluttering Breast,
A-nd hush, in softer notes, my soul to rest ;
T-he happiest Pair, we'll warble through the Grove
E-ver in Unison, with Peace and Love."

The Watch ; A Song.

Written by Anne Woodgate on the Watch Tax, 1798.
Tune : Bow, wow, wow.

My worthy Master ci-divant, with pity view my face,

I am your gold repeating watch just now turn'd out of place —

My wrongs have "wound my Courage up so high that, nothing fearing,

I'm come to tick my grievances, oh grant me partial hearing.

Tick, Tick, Tick, Etc.
2
Your Father and yourself I've served from my earliest youth,
And so correct my ways have been I've ever told the truth —
As you directed, so I vient, of work I've had my portion.
And ne'er stood still, but always kept the grand Machine in motion.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

3
Of such intrinsic worth am I that Dear I've ever been,
And once you valued me because no better e'er was seen ;
And I am sure my principles can safely bear inspection
For your interest ever was the Main Spring of my Actions.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

4
But now alas ! so hard my case my Worth is disregarded ;
The hand which oft has guided you is run down and discarded ;
Your conduct you don't regulate by honor's sacred laws,
Or surely you would ne'er dismiss a friend without a cause.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

5
Wheel within wheel have been to work to force me from my station ;
Lies have he&n forged to strike your heart and hurt my reputation ;
And their Machines are so well set your favor for to gam
That they will never stop, I fear, until they hang in chains.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

6
To be foVdoff I cannot bear, nor thus to lose your favor,
When I to serve you days & nights have done my best endeavour ;
You'll be chagrined, my worthy Sir, 'tis that that does me nettle,
For superseded I'm to be by one of baser metal.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

7
But yet your former kindue«5s's are stamped upon my Heart,
So deeply is your name engrav'd t'will ne'er from thence depart,
That had I now Dame Fortune's wheel, I'd turn her treasure so
That all your life you ever should like me on diamonds go.

Tick, Tick, Etc.

343

8
If you reflect a moment you'll my grievances redress,
The seals you will restore to me & all my woes suppress ;
And as your father faithfully I serv'd in days of yore,
Your children's children too I'll serve till time shall be no more.

Tick, Tick, Etc.
SONG.

Written by Anne Woodgate, August, 1798.

"Scarce m my teens a love I had,

A young- School Boy was he ;
The Art of Love he'd learnt so well

He fain would teach it me.
But his tuition I despised

And played a Truant's part,
I ne'er was in the mood to love.

For neuter was my Heart.
''False concord we in Plurals find,

I've C07istrued off," said I,
"So no conjunction will I form

But Singular I'll die
Declaim no more, Your theme's a bore,

Begone & cease your Pother ;
For if you don't, depend upon't,

I'll go and tell my Mother."
2
A lawyer's clerk came next to court,

And long he urged his plea ;
He swore he'd prove his actions were

All from chicanery free.
But I no ter7ns with him cou'd keep.

Nor with his suit was moved ;
For when I tried my little Heart

An alibi it proved.
Of civil things I was the judge

And I condemn' d his flame,
And sentence quickly I pronounc' d,

" Return from whence you came.
By Cupid's La7vs you've lost your cause

Begone &c. &c."

3
A yeoman Trooper next advanced

And oft saluted me :
He dressed & by St. George he swore

My eyes cut two and three ;
But tho' he did assault my Heart,

His Charge had no eflFect ;
For all his arts I parried off

For I knew ''left Protect:''
I said " Commanded not I'll be

So halt, no more intreat.
Disperse your hopes, I'll be obeyed;

Your Orders are retreat.
I ne'er will yield so quit the field

File off & cease &c. &c.

344

.4
Not long ago a Sailor came

A cruising for my love,
And soon the Signal made for chace

Which I did not approve.
But when I saw the Union Flag,

I tacfi d about so smart,
My wavering fancy struck, alas !

He captured my poor Heart.
He swore I was his greatest prize

And vow'd he'd love no other,
And this engagement he declared

He'd go and tell my Moiher !
But I said, "No, oh steer not so,

Indeed I had much rather
You'd sail away, without delay,

And tell it to my Father.'"

The Ship. A Song,
by Anne Woodgate, December 1797, Tune : Derry Down.
I
Our Constitution pray have you not heard
Oft times to a Dog and a Lion compared?
But I have a simile better by far,
For I say our State's a first rate Man of War.

Derry Down.
2
In the top mast, the fore mast, the Mizen mast we
The King, Lords and Commons very plainly can see ;
And the stay of the Ship, the Anchor I mean.
Why that's Magna Charta, the finest e'er seen.

Derry Down.

.3
Tho' this Ship is engaged with a turhultnt foe,
Where the high Winds of Discord most foully do blow ;
Tho' the tide is against her, she's little to fear
For her pilot is wise & with caution will steer.

Derry Down.

4
While this contest doth rage & this tumult doth roar.
We must all give consent for to lighten her store ;
For till these squalls subside she'll heavily sail
As her burden increases with every gale.

Derry Down.

5
Tho' the times are so rough & disputes run so high.
The Torrent to stem every Art does she try ;
But her blustering enemies will not agree
On this Ocean of life for to have a calm sea.

Derry Down.

6
She's hoisted the flag of truce twice all in vain ;
Her Foes have not answer'd the Signal again,
For they are in hopes could they once come on deck
This fine gallant ship wou'd soon be a wreck.

Derry Down.

345

7
But tho' toss'd about by the Billows of War,
The Rocks off Point Paine we behold from afar;
So she'll never founder but brave Wind S' Weather
So long as her fine loyal crew hold together,

Derry Down.

8
Then cheer up, my Lads, for during this storm
We guard well our decks to protect her from harm;
Our guns are well manned, & her firing sha'nt cease
Till safely she's moored in the Harbour of Peace.

Derry Down.

In 1797, when Susan Allnutt was staying in Coopers Row, Maria Woodgate
sent her this letter : —

" Summer Hill, Saturday Evening, 1797.
Dear Susan, I think it is nearly an age
Since I sat down to write you a sociable page ;
But I hope from this time that we two shall contrive
Our dead correspondence again to revive.
For this I declare, and believe me 'tis true,
I always find pleasure in writing to you ;
So here I begin, and it is my design
To send a week's journal unto you in rhyme.
Last Sunday I did what all good Christians ought,
Attend at the Church, with devout look and thought,
Heard prayers from the Curate who audibly read,
All attention was I to each word that he said ;
For I think in his duty he shews great devotion,
And were I Archbishop he should have promotion.
I afterwards heard an uncommon good lecture,
'Twas preached by Papillon, our worthy young Rector.
The subject he chose was exactly the thing —
"The providential escape of our excellent King
From democrat villains," who ought to be shot,
And I wish from my soul that it may be their lot.
His Reverence discoursed with a judgment most rare,
Admonishing those who his auditors were
To aid and assist in the general cause,
To be true to their King, their Religion and Laws.
The service being ended we marched down the aisle.
But did not perceive that it rained all the while
Till we came to the porch, where the wind and the rain
A great many ladies from home did detain.
While we at the weather did grumble and fret.
And none of us wishing to get ourselves wet,
George de Passow came in, and like a good fellow,
Entreated us much to take his umbrella.
Which he did affirm was the best in the Town
To preserve from the rain apron, bonnet or gown.
But the clouds they grew blacker, the wind it rose higher.
We all cold as death wished much for a fire ;
And for fear we should make a grand Exhibition . .;
We sent for the Coach with all expedition, ^. ] >■

Which soon did arrive when we full of fun

Being seven in number stepped in one by one. ^ "^

De Passow the Young, the Gay, and the Gallant

346

First presented his arm to sweet Rosey my Aunt,

And seeing her seated his hand did extend

For her sister Miss Ann, who next did ascend ;

My mother then followed, but with much ado,

For she in her haste lost her clog- and her shoe,

Which occasioned us all to laugh and to grin

Though we tried all we could to keep our smiles in.

The Doctor [Knox] and I then next led the way,

Louisa and Deb behind did not stay.

But soon took their places by me and Aunt Rose,

And well crowded we were as you may suppose.

We then thanked our Beau for his kindness and care,

He wished us Good Morning with bow debonnair,

And, bidding adieu in a manner polite,

Turned down the Church Lane and was soon lost to sight.

Away drove the Coach, though the rain it did beat.

And we never once stopped till we came to Bank Street

When we left at their mansion house Louisa and Nell,

Though we wanted them much to dine on the Hill.

We then to the Castle bid John Killick {h) drive,

And in less than five minutes we there did arrive.

Where I saw Billie Boman and Anna his wife,

Who I am sure never looked half so well in her life.

And finding her so, we bade her adieu

And John home did drive like another Jehu.

Our repast being ended, we each gave a friend,

And secondly drank that the war might soon end.

For I think that at present we are sad in condition,

But I hold my tongue, being no politician.

My Father he read us a sermon till nine,

When the supper came in, a nice mutton chine,

Which, having demolished, we each took a light

And curtseying low wished each other good night.

I soon was unrobed and soon fell asleep

But my dream till I see you a secret I'll keep.

When I rose in the morning it was nearly nine,

The walking was good as the day it was fine ;

I paraded the garden without hat or cloak,

For I think catching cold is all a mere joke,

And breakfast being over I sat down to stitch

A collar or wristband, but I forget which ;

And though it is strange yet I swear it is true,

I never once moved till the clock had gone two.

Will Eldridge & Boman at three came to dine

And stayed till they had each drunk a bottle of wine ;

For you very well know they .^re two of that sort

Who are never so happy as when they're near Port.

Tuesday succeeded but nothing new brought

And we all as usual eat, drank, laughed, and thought,

Till evening arrived, when as we did chat

Of the Times and of Politics, this thing and that.

We heard the bell ring, we looked at each other,

The door opened wide and in came — your Brother,

Bows over and so forth we first did enquire

{h) John Killick was the Summerhill coachman. His son was afterwards coachman to Dr.

Knox and eventually became the School porter, a position that he occupied for many years.

347

Of the health of our sister & Dicky the Squire,

Of Uncles, of Aunts, and of Susan the Belle,

And were all very g"lad to hear they were well.

Supper appeared, and to eat we began,

We well played our parts, except sister Nan

Who is grown so excessive affected of late

That not one bit of supper will she ever eat.

Our spirits were good and mirth did abound

And laughter and joke went merrily round ;

But the clock striking twelve soon stopped our career

And it sent us to bed with a flea in our ear.

The next day for dinner we dressed a nice turbot

Which we think was a present from Mr. Fitzherbert,

And being a large one we sent over night

Our Mercury Harry our friends to invite ;

But of twelve that were asked there were only five came,

And who those five were I am going to name.

John Eldridge, Will Muggridge, the Pop, and the King,

A Lady — who was it? — -why, Admiral Bing.

That the fish was a good one I am sure you will own

When I tell you 'twas literally picked to the bone.

We ladies, retiring, to the Drawing room went.

And there a long time in scandal we spent ;

For we waited for tea, three hours at least.

Which is always the case at a Smnmer Hill feast.

At length the Beaux came in and were all full of glee

And merry we were while we were at tea.

The cards being called for, John Eldridge (Arch Wag)

Protested that he could play no game but Brag.

To please the old Cogger that game was proposed.

The motion soon carried, being more ayes than noes.

The minority were, the Pop and my Mother,

The Cowardly Admiral and likewise your Brother.

The four then accordingly sat down to whist,

And we made such a noise that we got ourselves hissed.

But meaning no harm, and being light hearted.

We played, laughed, and sang till twelve when we parted.

Next morning John Allnutt did all of us grieve

By saying that he was obliged to take leave.

For he learnt by a letter his house had been robbed,

Which we all exclaimed was a terrible job.

We saw him depart, when Nan and my Mother

Set sail in the Coach to dine with my Brother.

I begged my excuses to Anna they'd make,

For I was invited but had the face-ache.

And the pain that I felt for the space of an hour

I cannot describe as 'tis out of my power.

They stayed at the Castle till 'twas very late

So I and my Father were left Tete-a-tete,

For Harry was gone in pursuit of a Pheasant

Which he wished very much to send as a present

To a certain young lady who wished him success,

But who 'tis I mean I'll leave you to guess ;

For I now must conclude and rhyming give o'er

now as well more (illegible)

That my friend Virticordia may ever be blest,
Be loved by her friends and by them be caressed,

348

And that nothing- may happen to fidget or fret her
I am sure is the wish of her Dear Margaretta.
Now if ever I find that my Susan does show
These lines of her friend to Belle or to Beau,
By all that is sacred I swear for her pains
I'll cudgel her first and then blow out her brains."

The reply is also in verse : —

" Coopers Row, Dec. lo [1797]
Thanks twenty times over, my dear Margaretta,
And twenty times more for your excellent letter.
Were I in the habit of writing in rhyme,
I would journalize too for a month at a time,
For a fortnight, for more, all the time I have spent
Since I left the agreeable County of Kent ;
Or rather left Tonbridge, that seat of delight,
When each minute was pleasure from morning to night.

You know how I left you, more dead than alive,
But they needs must go whom the D— — 1 will drive,
And though soon out of sight, not so soon out of mind,
For I could not help thinking on those left behind.
But away with these sorrows which must not be discussed,
For if destined to Eltham, to Eltham we must.
There suppose me at dinner, my Grandmother by,
With a heart full of woe but a smile in my eye.
We had mutton at top but the bottom was veal,
Pickled pork on one side, the other side teal,
With a few odds and ends just to make up the table,
Whatever the poor little village was able.

When the dinner was over the tea was not missed.
And the card table next with a rubber at whist,
Where we grumbled and growled at each other's bad play,
While we all were determined to have our own way.
Supper followed soon after the Clock had struck ten,
And this was indeed but the dinner again ;
Though the veal it was minced and the mutton was hashed,
And the pork and the teal accidentally clashed,
For the man as he entered the dining room stumbled.
And the teal and the pork in one platter were jumbled.
But these are misfortunes the righteous must bear,
So we laughed at the lout and put up with the fare ;
As late hours affect both the head and the heart.
Whenever the clock strikes eleven we part,

In the morning I woke, and perhaps with the lark.
For I just could discover it was not quite dark;
But knowing the house did not breakfast till ten,
I quietly took to my sleeping again,
And for almost an hour (I'm in ecstasy still)
I dreamt I was yet with my friends at the Hill,
Encircled with Deborah, Nell, and Maria,
And a little snug party of friends round the fire.
When we joked with each other and laughed at the turn,
And quizzed those we hated, again and again.
But while on the subject that's nearest at heart,
Let me thank George de Passow for playing a part
So polite and so kind: What a good-natured fellow !
If I could not get him, why I would get his umbrella.

349

But my dream, like a bubble, burst over my head,

And left me far, far from Maria, in bed.

How cruel to dream or how cruel to wake,

But again to my journal, and breakfast we'll take.

With a penny French roll and a dish of bohea

We satisfy nature and talk o'er our tea,

Till we have finished the third or fourth bason or cup

Then the things are removed and the tea-chest locked up.

And now that I've told you the business of one day,

All the rest are the same, Thursday, Friday, or Monday.

For what in a village so dull can we find.

To feed with variety body or mind ?

So no more then of Eltham, no, no, no, no, no

But we'll haste to that sweet little spot, Cooper's Row ;

And thanks to good Thomas, he came in his chair

And Killick like, Jehu like, drove me up there.

With what rapturous pleasure I entered the hall.

Though both elbows I broke against both sides the wall,
And so great was my pain and so loud did I bellow
That John, who was playing the violincello
On his Axminster Carpet, that deadener of sound,

Was surprised at my shrieks and his music was drowned;
But I have not so long been acquainted with you
Not to know how to bear a misfortune or two ;
So Philosophy clapped on my elbow a plaster,

And I soon was recovered from such a disaster.

Oh, could I describe what a house ! On my soul
It is not in language to speak of the whole ;
Such sumptuous apartments, for show or for use.
Such a drawing room furnished in manner profuse,
Such a dining room too (how I wish you were in 't
With a Polypheme eye somewhat given to squint !)
In short all is elegance, neatness & taste,
Not a chair or a stool or a table misplaced.
Indeed when I looked in the case for the fiddle,
One of Thomas' pistols dropt out of the middle ;
But when I bade George take his holsters away,
The fiddle was found that was lost t'other day ;
So though each was not quite in its own proper sphere.
The one was forthcoming, the other was near.
What breakfasts ! What dinners ! What suppers ! What beaux !
Scarce a moment is left us for nature's repose.
But alas ! Who can stand such expense of the purse,
While the charges for washing become worse and worse?
No starch to be bought, and with soap at such price,
'Tis impossible ever again to look nice.

Then adieu, muslin draper, (illegible)

So I popped to the mercer's and boug'nt a silk gown

As sombre as any old maiden's in town.

Though dark and light blue, trimmed with white, is divine

And accordingly that I have fixed on for mine ;

And should you now eye me without or within

About me you'll find nothing white but my skin ;

And that indeed shews as if starch was but rare,

Or rather like linen laid by from the air.

Yet when I am in my new bonnet and gown,

I am all black and blue from the foot to the crown.

350

I shall not describe all the plays I have seen,
Or descant on the parties wherever I've been,
For fear you should grieve at your dull situation,
And lament you were born in 50 humble a station.
Then no more of these joys which you must not partake,
I'll be silent about them for Margarett's sake.
But debarred of such tattle, of what can I talk.
Say how often I ride or how often I walk,
What fashion is rife or what foil}' prevails,
How John blows his nose or how Tom bites his nails ?
Little pleased with such news, you'd be glad when I'd done,
And nominate folly what I may call fun.
Then no more, but to say that I never have shown
Your verses to anyone's eye but your own :
So I fear not your cudg^el, and as for my brains
Blow them out if you will, and they're yours for your pains.
But you need not boast much of the bargain you've got,
They'll be not worth the value of powder and shot.
Yet before I am brained, in my very best manner,
Let me sign myself yours, and your loving, Susanna.
And my surname I'd ndd but, I fear to do wrong,
For I know not to whirh sort of nutt I belong.
Whether Hickory, Filbert, or Hazel, or Walnut
But I know that I am faithfully yours, Susan Allnntt.

In April, 1799, Ozias Humphry voltes from London to his brother at Seal,
* ' I am this moment returned from Earl Camden, to whom I have made a statement

and full explanation of my India concerns I met Will: Woodgate of

the Castle at Lord Camden's and am to go with him to the Exhibition on Thursday (*')."

In 1800 Stephen Woodgate had left Tonbridge and gone up to Trinity CoUege,
Oxford ; a number of letters written to him there have been preserved, and afford
a good insight into the daily life at Summerhill. The chief correspondent was
Maria Woodgate, who signs herself sometimes " Benbow " or " Ben" (probably
because she too, like her brother " Bowman," belonged to the Kentish Bowmen).
She and her family had a curious habit of calling people by nicknames, which makes
it impossible to understand some of the allusions.

The first letter is as follows : —

' ' Summer Hill, Sunday Evening,
My dear Stephen, [May 26, 1800].

Lest you should think that the late rains have carried us quite away and that
we have shared the fate of the butcher that killed the Derby Ram, that is ' ' been
swaUow'd up in the flood," be it known to you that all your relatives in and about
Tonbridge, high and low, rich and poor, young and old, one with another are at
this time and on this day. May the twenty sixth in the year of our Lord one thousand
seven hundred and — (I mean eighteen hundred) sound and free from splint shaven
or windgall, which good piece of News no doubt will create in you a most wonderful!
appetite, therefore woe unto the toast and muffins that are serv'd up to your table
this morning.

I have not a doubt in my own mind but what the affau* between the Christian
name of Hotspur and the fifth Month in the Year is totally at an end, as he has not
been to Hadlow once since I wrote last ; the report seems to have died away, therefore
exit Harry and Miss May, and enter Miss Maria Otway who was married on Monday

(♦) In June, 1799, we learn that, " On Friday last, the 7th, a servant belonging to Major

Woodgate of Tonbridge was found dead in his bed, and from ids having neglected to take off
his neckcloth or unbutton his collar, it is supposed he was suffocated."

351

by the Revd. & learn'd Bishop of Oxford to a Captain Foster, in the same Regiment
as Jolm Whipping and Sam Nicholl. He is several years younger than the lady
and I believe cannot boast much of the ready Rhino, but is a very good kind of man
I daresay, a good kind of creature as ever lived. Your Aunts have been to London
for a week and return'd last night, Aunt Sally delighted with her highcockalorum
and really looks immensely handsome. They agfee with me in thinking Pizarro
the most excellent of Plays; they saw the same entertainment that we did viz.,
" Of age to-morrow." I should think that anybody is equal to the character of
Alonzo ; as for Charles Kemble, he is in my opinion the poorest creature on the stage,
and how you can admire him is to me astonishing. He always puts me in mind of
water gruel, so very insipid. I hear there is a remarkable fine picture of RoUos
restoring the child in the Exhibition this year ; of course you will see it on your
return.

We expect a very good ball on Monday se'nnight. Neither my father nor
Mr. Mercer will be there as they are going to Layton to buy some horses for the
young farmer ; they set off on Witsun Monday. I hope your father will consult
Dr. Milman or Harvey in his way to or from Northampton, for that is the fair they
are going to and not Layton. The Young General at the Castle has been extremely
bad indeed with the small Pox ; he had between two and three hundred in his face.
However, he is now in a very fair way. Boman went to Town yesterday to present
his address to his Majesty on his late escape and I believe all Kentish Volunteers'
address on the same occasion. Mrs. Mercer safe in the straw yesterday with a daughter,
to the great joy of that noble and ancient family. John and Harry desire their
most respectful compliments and beg leave to inform you thro' me that they have
inroled your name in the Postern Heath Society, and that your presence is most
ardently wish'd for by that venerable and patriotic body. The Skinners came
down on Tuesday. Poor Mrs. Knox met with a very sad accident yesterday ;
in coming down stairs she was seized with a violent fit of the cramp and fell down
several steps, and sprain'd her ancle so very much that Mr. Lutterell thinks it will

be some time before she can leave her room. Poor old [?] death is now confirmed

by a letter from Mr. England to the Parish officers at Tudley. I hope thick as Nitchell
alias Mitchell will not have the living. I have no patience with my first suitor and
shall look very cold when I see him, for I think his behaviour to you has been infamous.
Both the little girls at South Park are with us, Fanny being in London with Uncle
John. I have the honor to remain, your most contemptible

'Ria Benbow."

That month, four days previously, there had been an influential meeting at the
Star Inn, Rochester, under the chairmanship of the Rev. Richard Warde, to oppose
the bill then depending in Parliament ' ' suspending until ist Jan. 1801 the duties
on hops imported into Great Britain, and granting other duties in heu thereof."
The Chairman subscribed £10, Lord Camden, Lord Darnley, Lord Sondes, Sir
W. Geary and Sir E. Knatchbull subscribed £21 each. William Woodgate of Summer-
hill, Thomas Mercer of Green Trees and Stephen Amhurst gave £20 each ; W. F.
Woodgate ^^lo ; Charles Polhill ;^5, and a few others subscribed varying sums.
A committee, including W. F. Woodgate, was formed to promote the opposition.

In January, 1803, a numerous meeting of landowners and hop-planters was
held at the Bell Inn, Maidstone, to obtain repeal of the late additional duties on
hops. A committee was formed, consisting of Lord Romney, Earl of Thanet, W.
F. Woodgate, T. Mercer, and some others.

In 1794, William Woodgate, Lord Camden, Sir John Shaw, Henry Streatfeild,
George Children, and some others brought about the formation of a Society for the
encouragement of Agriculture in Kent ; at that time the Canterbury Society was
the only one. William Woodgate invariably came forward upon such occasions.

Here be it mentioned that in November, 1800, William Woodgate purchased
of the trustees for sale under the will of John Broadhurst of Duflield, Derby, for

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£1,782 the tithes of hay, corn, grain and other tithes on his lands in Southborough
Ward, Broombridge Ward and the Great Park of Southfrith in the respective
occupations of himself, W. F. Woodgate, Jeffrey Burling, Moon, John Porter, William
Playfoot (late Thomas Hartrup), Henry King, Thomas Hammond, Stephen Wigmore,
George Neale, Stephen Dickenson, Samuel Waite, and James Wooley. Also the
tithes on Brook farm, the property of John Squires of King's Langley, occupied
by William Woodgate ; also lands of Halsey, lands called Broome Mill, and lands
of Goodwyn, Richard Gower, and Thomas Hartrup, These tithes were formerly
part of the rectory or parsonage of Tonbridge.

The next is but a short note from the Major, sealed with the Squirrel and the
Major's initials. Sale and Neild were two leading musicians of the day. Sale especially;
he often resorted to Tonbridge and Summerhill. The Woodgates were all passionately
devoted to music.

' ' Sunday, June 16, 1800.
Dear Stephen,

All your friends in this Part of the country are well except your Father, who
is confined with a complete fit of the gout. By all means attend the whole of the
music next week, particularly the Business for Calcott's Degree, as I understand
from Sale & Neild that it is a prodigiously fine Composition. You will be charmed
with Elliott. I have sent all the Papers. You shall have a long letter from me
before the end of the week. Mrs, Larking of Peckham died this afternoon.

W. F Woodgate."

The next letter contains an interesting account of the entertainment of the
Tonbridge Troop, who were all invited to dine at Summerhill, eighty in number.

" Summer Hill, Sunday Evening,
17th June, 1800.
My dear Stephen,

Harry has told me that he has intended tipping you a line for the last fortnight,
which is the reason I have not wrote before, but as I see there is no sign of his per-
forming his promise I think I may as well answer his letter for him. Your father
has been confined to his bed since Monday with a most violent attack of the gout ;
the pain he has suffered has been amazing but I think the disorder is now upon
old Robin alias upon the turn, for the pain has abated considerably since three o'clock
and I am very much in hopes that he will have a good night. It happened particu-
larly unlucky that he should have the gout just at this time, for on Friday the
troop dined here ; but my Father was so bad that he could not head his own table
but lay in state in his white satten bed and saw his friends there. There were eighty
brave yeomen set down to table and by what I can understand they were all vast
merry and drank to their next jollification. There has been a sad rumpus at South
Park ; Mr. Allnutt has found out that in his absence the servants acted high life
below stairs, and were not contented with giving their guests dinner tea and supper,
but extended their invitation even to beds. Having made this discovery the Squire
is determined to make an example of them and has given warning to the whole crew,
Shoebridge, Bob, Richard and the few maids, so that next week we will have quite
a new household. I have no news to tell you but of the melancholy kind ; poor
Mary Lewin is as bad as bad can be, Anna expects to hear of her death every day.
Mrs. Delves has been given over for the last fortnight, and I am afraid before this
the scene is closed. Mrs. Willicim Larkin was declared by Dr. Smith yesterday
to be past hope and poor Ann Eyles and Mrs. John George remain in as bad a state
as when I wrote last. I am now pretty sure that the affair is all off between Harry
and Miss May [of Hadlow Castle] ; there is a mystery in the whole proceeding that I
cannot understand ; I am very sorry for it for I think it would have been a very good
match on both sides the gutter. You cannot imagine how much Spring Grove is im-
proved within these three weeks ; I think for the size of it there cannot possibly be a
prettier place. The noble Captain has taken a house near Maidstone where he and his

353

family are i^oiie. 1 hear Mr. Andrews is certainly to leave Tonbridge very soon, having
engaged himself to Hadlow. John Whitrets I understand succeeds him here, so I have
taken it into my wise head that we shall soon have a wedding. I am afraid he is too
great a sportsman to be long at Tonbridge without giving offence to some of the neigh-
bours. We have heard that old Sulleston is dead, do you know if it is true ? Harry
desires I would say that there is to be a grand match of cricket on Thursday between
the Postern club and Peckham ; John George is become a member of the former
society. Harry knows he has been extremely rude in not answering your letter,
but really he has been so over head and ears in business (not to say a word about
love) that he has not had time ; he therefore hopes you will excuse it. I suppose
we shall soon hear of your coming home, the sooner the better says

Benbow."
About the same time the Troop were entertained to dinner at Ferox Hall, in
the laundry, where private theatricals were from time to time held. In a prologue
to My Grandmother, which was acted there not long afterwards, Mr. Children
says : —

"The building's old, but never mind the floor,
'Tis not lonj4^ since a troop of horse it bore —
The men I mean (their chargers stayed below)
But they were men of goodly port and show ;
Stout yeomanry, of weight and substance ample,
Behold their noble Captain for a sample."

The Captain, of course, was Major Woodgate, a man of fine physique.

At the dinner Mr. Children recited a lengthy poem of his own composition
headed An address to the Volunteer Troops of Yeoman Cavalry, who have nobly stood
forward in defence of their King and Country, from which we will quote a few lines : —

" Right welcome, my friends, most happy to meet ye,
From Captain to trumpeter warmly I greet ye.
Shall Britain in order and government's cause
Stand forth, and a Britain not speak his applause?
Shall Kent still maintain her old honour in story,
And a man of Kent not in his country men glory?
Shall Tonbridge men wield in this contest their sabres,
And shall not a Tonbridge man hail his brave neighbours ?
Yes, hail to the virtue, the spirit, the sense,
Which calls Britons forth in their country's defence,
Which the breasts of our gentry and yeomanry warm
In support of our blest constitution to arm" &c.

There is an account in the Kentish Gazette of October, 1803, of the training of
the West Kent Regiment of Yeomanry, commanded by Lord Camden. The men
entered the town in marching order, deposited their standards with the Colonel,
received their billets, and retired to their respective quarters. " In the evening
the Captains of troops visited the stables and quarters of the men to see that every
accomodation they were entitled to was afforded them, and every succeeding evening
this duty was performed by a subaltern officer from each Troop. At six the next
morning the trumpets sounded for feeding the horses, and at eight after parading
in the High Street the troops were marched to Coxheath, where they went through
their evolutions in a manner that reflected much credit upon their steadiness and
attention. On Friday the Lord Lieutenant reviewed the Regiment at Coxheath,
when his Lordship was pleased to express his entire approbation of their appearance,
and the pride and satisfaction he felt in being connected with the Men of Kent,
from whose exertions if they should, and the probability was they soon would, be
called upon to act, he could not but anticipate the most favourable consequences.

354

After the review the officers of the regiment were sumptuously entertained by the
Noble Earl at the Mote, besides whom there were present General Sir David Dundas,
the Earl of Chatham, Mr. Pitt, the Hon: Mr. Stanhope, Col. Whitworth and Col.
Hay, of the Depot, from whose able advice and assistance the regiment had derived
considerable benefit. On Saturday Gen. Dundas reviewed the regiment. After
passing in order before the General, the troops went through the sword exercise
and their several evolutions with a steadiness, notwithstanding the extreme unfavour-
ableness of the day, that would not have disgraced regular troops. Gen.
Dundas, whose judgment is universally acknowledged, and who is not we believe
in the habit of paying undeserved compliments, was pleased in returning his thanks
to Lord Camden to observe that the troops had performed beyond his expectations,
that they were as perfect as the nature of their establishment could admit of, and
fit for service.

" The troops, after receiving the thanks of their respective Commanders, were
then dismissed upon the heath, and the officers returned to Maidstone, where they
gave an excellent dinner at the Bell to the Earl of Romney, the Earl of Chatham,
and the several other noble and honourable personages who were at the Mote the
preceding day, with the addition of Lord Amherst and the Mayor of Maidstone,
to whose exertions the troops were much indebted for their comfort in quarters.
We cannot conclude this account, so gratifying to the feelings as well of those engaged
as of the Men of Kent in general, without observing that, independent of the conduct
of the men in the field, nothing could exceed their order and regularity in quarters ;
the greater part of them opulent yeomen, retiring after the exercise of the day to
their stables, and the care of their horses, with as much promptitude and attention
as if they had been under the control of martial law. With men actuated by spirit
and zeal like this, led on by men of the spirit and gallantry of their field officers.
Earls Camden and Darnley and Major Woodgate, and by their worthy and active
representative Sir William Geary, and other highly respectable gentlemen commanding
the several troops of the regiment, who can doubt the result, and who would not
rather bury himself under the ruins of his own mansion than suffer one of the Cor-
siccan banditti to contaminate the threshold of his door ? "

' ' Summerhill, Sunday morning.
My dear Stephen, [Nov. 1800].

One says he cannot write because he is troubled with Mrs. Lewin's complaint,
another pleads a violent head ache as an excuse, a third is excessive sick and a
fourth mortal cross, therefore it rests with me to tell you that Summerhill stands
exactly in the same place as you left it & that Tonbridge Church has not advanced
one inch from its former situation, all which news I am sure will rejoice the cockels
of your little heart to hear.

You executed the commissions entirely to all our satisfactions. Whether
Mrs. Weatherall was the principal in the affair remains to be told ; I strongly suspect
she was. We had some rare jokes with Uncle Squack after you left us, not to say
a word of my dressing myself up & passing for Mrs. Hassel for a whole evening
& taking him in a second time as Harry's waiting maid at Spring Grove, all of which
was famous fun for the whole crew. He is as good a kind of creature as ever lived,
I have no doubt, yet without a compliment we were all very consolable when he
made his bow. Your father has been complaining of a pain in his side for several
days past, but a good days sport of Shooting has wrought a wonderful cure & he is
now quite bobbish. Your Mother has had a very bad cold ever since you left us
but I think upon the whole she is better. Your dearly beloved Beauty is in a state
of convalescence & is declared by the family to be out of danger : this intelligence
I am sure will give you an additional appetite for your breakfast. The rest of your
Establishment as far as I can understand are all as well as can be expected.

By what I can understand from Mr. West you were not over & above delighted
with ' ' Wilmore Castle " : if I may be allowed to be a judge of the Plot by the account

355

in the newspaper, it is a very Stupid thing, almost as bad as " Of Age to-morrow."
All the songs I think are bordering upon " George Kutte,"

How very lucky it was that you should happen to fall in with poor Mary ;

its really Sister Woodward, was wonderful. Mr says her appearance

was rather gipsish & that her .... was very forked I hear. I hear you
. . . . brisk but you shall not have my consent : she is really so very silly,
as good a kind of creature as ever lived I daresay, but unfortunate in her upper
Story, Our assembly on Monday sennight is to draw all the world to Tonbridge.
I hear of nothing but beds being bespoke & Partners engaged. I am to be taken
by the hand by Master Head, alias Mr. Gardiner ; he dined here to-day with Mr.
Wills and I swore sister. I think him a good conversable man. Look at your hand.

My father called upon Mrs. Walter & her fair daughters yesterday & gives
such a favourable account of them that we intend to go in form to-morrow. He
says he likes your intended, the youngest, best. I find they are ten thousand
pounders therefore I advise you to brisk about & perk up, and who knows but you
may carry off one of the heiresses ? Your father sent off Vintner the other day
with a flea in his ear for coming too late to his work ; he this morning engaged Daniel
at Mrs. Sclater's which we are all extremely glad of, as I have the highest opinion
of him. He is to come as soon as my Aunt can meet with a man to suit her. Tom
Relph is so extremely ill that he cannot live a week. On Tuesday we dined at
Southpark. An invitation came for you which I shall keep till I see you. As
you have been gone such a short time you cannot expect much news ; my next
will I hope be more worth the postage. We all unite in love & so forth. Believe
me, your most obedient faithful sincere and beautiful humble servant, Mr. Children's
game keeper's Christian name added to a guinea, ahas Ben Bow."

The next letter is written from Hastings where Anne Woodgate was staying
with the Rideouts ; it will be remembered that after the death of his first wife
(Frances Woodgate) Mr. Rideout married Mrs. NicoU of Court Lodge. The Rideouts
lived at Court Lodge for many years, and often stayed at Summerhill. Sam Nicoll
was a stepson, a young Lieutenant who had been lately taken prisoner by the French.

" Hastings, Wednesday Momg.,
My dear Stephen, November 27, 1800.

I think myself highly honor'd by your letter which I received a few days before
I left the Hill & which I certainly shou'd have answered long ago, but waited tUl I
arrived at this place. I have been taken in, for when I engaged to spend a fortnight
with Mrs. Rideout I had not the smallest idea that she was going from Mountfield,
but here we are all in the House that Boman had, & except ourselves there is not
one Foreigner here. I suppose you leave Oxford in the first week in the next month,
& I hope to return to the Hill the week after. Sam has been returned about ten
days. Poor fellow, he has been very unfortunate, for he was taken by the French
in his passage home, & when he was captured he was so bad with Mrs. Lewin that
he was confined to his Bed, & after three days Captivity he was sent home on a
Cartel but so very ill that they thought he would die. He tarried at Portsmouth
a fortnight, & tho he is now much better yet they are very apprehensive of a Relapse.
As soon as he is well enough he will join his Regt. which is at Gosport. I assure you
he is a very pleasant young Man, but his Mouth swallows up all his Beauty. Maria's
time for writing I think is on Sunday next, therefore mine comes as a way piece.
I have not heard from Benhow since I left home, so cannot tell you any domestick
affairs that have occur'd since last Monday (which was the day I left home). Hector
Relph is dead ; I did not hear how he had left his affairs but it was generally believed
that he had made a pile. Maria's Gayzate was full of matter ; she did not read it all
to me, but what I did hear I highly approved. Did she tell you that there was
most prodigious Quizzing at the Ball ? You never heard anything like it in all your
life. I did not speak to your Intended, but from their appearance I shall not give
you my Consent nor will John, but I think I like Harry's Choice very well. If you

35^

can spare ten minutes next week to explain yourself, I shall be obliged to you ;
direct to me here at K. R. Hastings. Sir Wm, Ashbumham, the world says, is
going to be married : he call'd here yesterday, & from his conversation, manners
& appearance I think with the Multitude. She is a young lass of 22 with as many
thousands. I do not believe all this, because if it was true she would not fancy
January. I sincerely Condole with you on the loss of Beauty. I assure you she
was very properly attended to & the Boys said, if she had been their dog, they
shou'd have killed her several Days before she died, but as you was absent they
chose she shou'd die a Natural death. Next Monday is fix'd for Jewhurst's benefit,
five shillings a ticket & eveng work. Sale and Neild are to be down on Sunday.
I must own, I shou'd hke to have Fortunatus's cap for that night. I have nothing
more to tell you worth hearing so conclude you will take the will for the deed, &
believe me, your afft sister, A.W.

Sam tells me of a very good song that will suit you : it is call'd The Quaker
& begins " My name is Obadiah."

This letter is supplemented by the next, being Maria Woodgate's promised
" Gayzate " of Sunday,

" Summerhill, Sunday Evening,
Nov. 30th, [1800].

" Most potent, grave and revd. Stephen, my very worthy and approved good
brother," you are a very good kind of creature I am free to confess ; I think the
same of myself and yet all pipe and no dance will never do for your amiable sister
Maria. Pray, good Sir, why am I so neglected ? I am the only one in the family
who will conndescend to write to you, and yet am the only one whom you do not
direct your delectable epistles to. Fie, Mr. Stephen, you may write to Harry as often
as you please, but I will be hanged if you ever receive an answer. I am sure you will
be extremely sorry to hear Miss Scoones is so extremely ill that Doctor Budd thinks
there is very little chance of her life ; what renders her illness the more distressing
is that she is on a visit to Dr. Wilgress' family at Eltham ; her complaint is a one
and twenty day fever which I understand nine times out of ten proves fatal. I
think altogether it is a most unfortunate and melancholy affair. Nan left us for
Court Lodge on Thursday se'nnight ; the Rideouts go to Hastings on Monday for
four months ; of course Nan goes in their train, and who knows perhaps change
of air may be of service to her ? There is a report here that she has two lovers,
Philip and Peter, alias the dear Mr. Moneypenny and the sweet Mr. Noel. Now
if you would give her a roundabout hint in your letters (if you mean to write to her),
I think it would be a good joke, but dress it up so well that she may not suspect
Me as the informer. You cannot imagine what a foolish dance you led them all
(myself excepted) about your head and your gardiner. I pretended to be quite
ignorant as to your meaning but was ready to bite my lips to hear them all guessing
as to what you could possibly mean ; pray don't explain yourself but say something
more about it in your next. Fanny and the children staid with us the whole of last
week ; I had a monstrous run of ill luck the whole time they were here, came off
loser about two guineas ; sad, very sad, was it not ? You must not on any account
consider Miss Walter your intended, it really wiU not do at all. She is all goodness
I make no doubt, but I am sure when you see her you will say that you cannot deal.
You have often heard of a Death's head on a Mop stick, but think of a Death's head on
a mill post and your amiable intended is before you. Ann Eyles gets better with
respect to her sight every day ; I have lately had letters from her and it would
astonish you to see how well she both writes and indites. Young Eyles is going to
the West Indies for change of air, the physician declaring him to be in a rapid decline.
I daresay he will meet with the fate all old maids' lovers do, die over sea.

Jewhurst's benifit is to-morrow night. Sale, Smart and Sweet Ann Rye come down
to hold forth. I don't much expect a full meeting as Jewhurst is not at all a favorite,
and I am confident many people will stay away on purpose to mortify him. I will

357

give you some account of it in my next. Some desperate sordid minded men broke
into Mr. Town's yard the other night and killed two of his horses. He and his
friends have offered a hundred pounds reward for the apprehension of the villains.
I think you had for the future better not write till after you have reed my letters,
as then I may be certain that they arrived safe at the place of their destination.
I think it is very odd that you have not been called on by Little Jack ; were I you I
certainly should not pay him the first visit — a little whipper snapper, I have no
patience with him. Mr. Nokes died this morning. Tom Relph died the day after
I wrote. I understand he has not mentioned Mr. or Mrs. Cave {k) in his will. I
forgot to tell you in my last that Boman is in possession of Relph's farm. Both
the Gips are Mrs. Lewin and excessive sick. I have no news whatever to tell you
and hope my next will be better worth the postage. Poor Beauty was buried with
funeral honors in Love Lane. Most noble Stephen, yours affectly

M. W."

We learn further particulars of the Concert from the Major, who wrote a few
days later. His concluding advice to his brother is excellent ; it reminds us however,
of the misfortunes that were in store for himself.

' ' Thursday, Deer 4th, 1800.
Dr Stephen,

I have very little news to tell you, ergo you will think my Letter stupid. I
rather think the Girls give you a Gazette extraordinary once a fortnight. We had
a very good concert here on Monday night, tho but thinly attended, but there was
money collected sufficient to pay Sale, Page & Mr. Smart. To-morrow we are
going a large Party to coursing at Summerhill — Simmons & Will Harvey &c. and
plenty of Hares. We caught six at the Hutches last night and all lie well to be
coursed. I send you all the Maids love Papers. I cannot shoot at all ; I miss'd
13 fair shots at Cock Pheasants a few days ago at Morlands, & this Morning with
Shuffler and Tatler &c. found a Hare in my new Garden amongst the Brocoli, and
ran him hard up to the end of the Bowling Green by Brigden's where we lost him,
and trying back found a rabbit near the Ice House which after a famous Hunt
we killed. It rained so hard we lost the Hare. If Bonny & Beauty had been with
us, she would not have escaped us.

We are all well here, and at Summerhill. The Sidneys, Summerhills, Boynes,
Streatfeilds, &c. &c. dine here on Satmrday. When do you come Home ? Remember
me to Scholfield & all Friends. I hope he keeps you bang. Perhaps I may pay you
a visit next Term but it all depends upon the Captain. I have got Possession of
Tom Relph's Farm, where I mean to spend more of my Time in fine weather. We
all dine with Dr. Knox on Monday, it being his Birth Day. Vi comes down & we
shall have a jolly Day. John George Children is gone to Lisbon & means to proceed
to Italy. If he never returns it will be no loss in my opinion. Be a good Boy and
mind your Books. Remember the old saying, ' ' When House and Land are gone
& spent, then Laming is most excellent."

Yrs affectly,

W. F. Woodgate."

The next letter appears to have been written early in 1801, but is undated.

' ' When you desired me to send your coat, you ought to have told me how
I was to have directed the Box. I was obliged to see Boman who has done it for me.
Leaving your Coat behind you was so like you. Ah ! Stephen you would loose your
Bagnell if you could get it off. No tidings of your Hat yet, and I think now there
is no chance of your ever setting your two good looking eyes on your Skimmer again.
As I sent your coat in a Box, I thought it wd be a good opportunity of sending

(k) The Caves for a few months owned .Summerhill (see p. 39). Joseph Cave of Tonbridge

died in 1820, aged 69; "many years a respectable inhabitant of that town and a near
relative of the ancient family of Caves, formerly of Summerhill."

358

you a Hare and a brace of Pheasants. I proposed it to Harry and my pretty Jane,
but they both laughed and said it would be sending Coals to Newcastle. I am sure
you will say that my intention was well meant and that I am a good creature. It
was so like you going to the Ancient Music in boots ; a little bird whisper'd in my
ear the whole story. How could you be so shiftless ! Your commissions all arrived
safe ; I am quite disappointed with my life. I think it both foolish and miserable.

To-day we dine with Mr. South Cash, the Xmas party with the addition of a
fourth Miss Nash, her two Brothers and their friend. There will be 26 to dinner
on Tuesday. We junket away at Green Trees. Your father is so very poorly that
he will not be able to go to-day. His journey to Lidsdown has brought on something
like the Gout ; he has not yet got his crutches nor is Miss Sophy wheeled round,
therefore you may be sure he is not very Bad. Miss Scoones has had a relapse and
is I think in a very precarious state. Nan & I call'd on her on Sunday but she
was too ill to admit either of us. I have no news to tell you. I shall expect to
hear from you again some time between this and Xmas. Believe me, yoiu"s
candide et constante

A famous Admiral.

With respect to the Killing words you mention in your last Concerning my
never being a Wife, I can only say this, Dum spiro spero. Perhaps you may not
recollect that the Admiral I allude to is Benbow."

The next letter must have been written about March, 1801, at a time when,
owing to wet harvests, wheaten flour could not be cooked and everyone was obliged
to eat brown bread, which was the only variety sold. The quartern loaf was sold
for IS. 7jd., and the threepenny loaf only weighed about 10 oz. Those were bad
times indeed, especially for those whose income was derived from the land.

" Summer Hill, Sunday Morning
[ ? March, 1801].
My dear Stephen,

I only wish it had pleased your high and mightiness to have let me know whether
or not you had reed your coat ; I sent it the day after I had your letter, surely
you could have given a line or two just to have said that you reed it safe. How
can you be so George ? But it is so like you. We go on much after the old plan here.
I do not see much variation in our plan of living. We eat, drink, laugh, cry, ride,
walk, sleep, nod, doze, dream and snore as usual, except Harry, who all at once
is grown particularly fond of musing in the grove, or wandering by a purling rill ;
" he eats little, thinks much and in thinking sighs" as Scrub says. Some say one
thing and some another, but for my part I think he is in something that begins
with an L, or in other words I think he is in LOVE. Symptom the first : he is
uncommonly silent, that's a sign of Love. Symptom the 2 : he is monstrous absent
and very cross, that's a sure sign : and symptom the third and last ; he is never
happy or contented but when he is on the other side of Hadlow turnpike gate. Now
after my saying this, I suppose your wise head will immediately imagine that May
flowers are springing up again, but you are far from the mark. Miss Nash is the
goddess of his idolatry, but this is all nonsense ; I will venture to say he is as heart
whole at this moment as when you left him, tho he has certainly been very brisk
at Green Trees. We had a very large party at Mr. Mercer's ; there really was fish,
flesh, fowl and good red herring. We made up a dance of eleven couples ; they
certainly meant well but I had much rather have sat down to a good comfortable
game of Cards, for what pleasure do you think it could have been to me to be pulled
and panted about by Will Mugridge and Harper, all very good people in their way
as ever lived but certainly not the most agreable or best dancers in the world ? How-
ever the Mercers meant well, so of course I was pleased. Your father is quite recover'd
from his late attack of the gout. Mr. Lingard's election for the clerkship of the
Mereworth road comes on Wednesday ; it is expected to be a very contested one.
Of course they are making all the interest they can for him at Tonbridge : Selby and

359

Dudlow are the other candidates. Your old friend Mrs. Whipping senr. died on
Wednesday aged sixty two. When you write to me I wish you would mention the
number of Mr. Webster's (the stocking man I mean whose bill you paid for your
father) as I want some hose and shall write to him for some, but have forgot his
direction, so pray do not forget it.

The Allnutts go to Sutton to-morrow ; her little Fanny has been very
ill. Mr. Wakefield thinks that the brown bread does not agree with her. How
is the brown loaf relished in your part of the world ? Here the common
people grumble sadly ; I assure you we all despond extremely at the badness of
the times and I am extremely afraid that Harry's words will be verified. What
is to become of us all I am at a loss to confess. Mrs. Harrison came to Tonbridge
on Thursday ; she is very ill and really seems half starved. I understand that
Edgar and his Rib are as poor as poor can be. Miss Scoones has had a second relapse
and I am afraid there is now but little chance of her recovery. I find the John All-
nutts and John Garthwaites are in part reconciled ; the latter have been staying
in Mcirk Lane, but with respect to the other branches of the family they are farther
off an accomodation than ever. Old Mr. Pott is so extremely ill that he is not
expected to live long. I wish from my soul that he may leave a certain friend of
ours a good ten thousand ; Amen say you. I have made a particular enquiry and
find that your Horse, Dogs &c are as well as can be expected. Gip told me yesterday
that you certainly had her fan. Fye Mr. Stephen : tis so like you she says. She
shall expect a very smart one when you return. Stephen Hooker said something
the other day about giving a little dance ; if he does, I hope he will stay till the
roads are a little better, for they are so intolerably bad that it will be impossible
for us to attempt getting to Broad Oak. Every body I saw to-day and to whom
I made known my intention of writing desire their best respects to the Oxford wit.
Yours affectionately

M. W."

As to the roads, it was customary for the Spring Grove Woodgates to send out
a wagon in advance with a number of faggots to repair the worst places, when they
went out to dine in the winter. No doubt the Summerhill family did the same.

" Summer Hill, Sunday Morn,
April 20th, 1801.
My dear Stephen,

No news is good news all the world over ; therefore as you did not hear froni
me this morning, you must naturally conclude that your Father is considerably
better, indeed I never saw him better than he has been the last two days. He
now gets up by eight, and is this morning gone out on horseback, and I have no
doubt but in a very few days he will quite recover his strength and be able to jump
over the moon if there should be any occasion for him to take such a leap. I have
one very bad piece of news to tell you, which is that your old friend Mr. William
Eldridge is extremely ill. James West told us last night that he did not expect
him to hve the week. I will not seal this letter till they return from Church that
I may give you their report concerning your old friend. I must tell you a nanny
goat of Fanny Allnutt. Mr. West called here yesterday, and when he took his
departure, he said to the child, " Well, Fanny, when will you make me a wisit ? "
" You should not say wisit," said she, " you ought to say visit ; you are a fool ! "
Of course there was a general laugh in which the Gentleman himself joined, though
I think he was a little hurt at what Fantail said. It certainly was " out of the
mouths of babes and sucklings " &c. We received a parcel from Lord Callico this
morning ; your Mother fully expected a seal, but lo & behold ! she was disappointed.

When I got back to my Aunts' on Wednesday I found Mr. Rideout. This
affair of Sam Nicoll's has greatly injured Mrs. R's. health ; they are now apprehensive
that she will have another fit. If she does, I imagine it will prove fatal. The
grand news from the Baltic has raised our spirits two pegs ; they illuminated at the

36o

Wells last night in Consequence, but you know the Tunhridgites are always behind
hand in these kind of affairs. We heard from Fanny this morning ; by her account
Mrs. J. Allnutt is in a very precarious state. Let me know how you made out at
River Hill, &c. We have got a very smart lady in the room of Salley, Miss Brigden;
I hear Sally and Pike intend to apply for John Kilhck's house ; I think it will just
suit them. You shall hear from some of us on Sunday. No news whatever. Yours
affectionately

M. W.
They are just returned from Church, Mr. Eldridge much better."

Mr. Woodgate it seems had experienced gout very badly. Sarah Woodgate
writes the beginning of next month, " My Brother called on us yesterday for the
first time since his confinement. He has had a very severe fit of the gout and is
much reduced by it." The same authority explains the affair that disturbed Mrs.
Rideout's health. She says; : ' ' Was not you surprised to hear that the match was
off between our friend S. Nicoll and Miss Murray ? We have seen Mr. Rideout
since, who says 'twas entirely his fault that he made a most ridiculous business of
it ; he has now joined his regiment."

Stephen Hooker was the owner of Broad Oak, Brenchley, a cousin of the
Hookers of Tonbridge. When Thomas Hooker sold Tonbridge Castle to Mr. Woodgate
he removed to Testwood near Southampton, where he died about 1805. The
intimacy between the two families was not destroyed by the distance that intervened ;
for the next letter is an invitation to Stephen to visit him at Testwood.

' ' Testwood near Southampton
May 3rd, 1801.
My dear Stephen,

I hope you continue your intention of not going into Kent this approaching
Vacation & that I shall have the pleasure of seeing you for the whole or as much
as you can indulge me with. According to my memorandum it commences on the
i6th of May (instant), & I know that a Coach goes from Southampton to Oxford
two or three times a week, which is only four miles from hence. I mention the
Coach because as your honour does not keep a horse you need have no occasion to
provide one. as we can help you out somehow, but that shall be at your option.
My brother inform'd me in a letter reed to-day that your father has been out after
his long confinement, but is yet very weak, & that your mother & sister Ann will
be in Town by the latter end of next week at Mrs. Weatherall's. This fine weather
has made the New Forest very beautiful & I hope you will enjoy it as much as I do,
though I suppose you prefer Latin & Greek scenery better than any thing. God
bless you, Stephen. Accept our affectionate regards & believe me, ever yours
truly

Thos. Hooker."

There is also a letter from the other brother, John Hooker of Cheapside, extending
a hospitable invitation to his nephew Stephen. John Hooker was deaf, and char-
acterized by many peculiarities, some of which he carried to great lengths. He
was very fond of riding about the country on horseback, and only put up at Inns
where he could obtain plenty of cream. When he stopped at an Inn for the night,
his first enquiry would be whether they had any cream ? The landlord of course
immediately assured him that they had the best cream in the neighbourhood. ' ' Pro-
duce it," Hooker used to say, to the great discomfiture of the landlord, who generally
had not a drop of cream in the house. In that case he would go on to the next Inn.

" Monday, 7 Xber, 1801.
My dear friend Stephanus,

I hope this will find you in rare health and spirits & your pockets lined with
Gould. The time I presume is nearly approaching, when I may expect the pleasure
of seeing you in Cheapside (for be assured it always is a pleasure) but I must entreat

36i

you to let me know the day of your arrival here as soon as you have made up your
mind on that business, otherwise I may possibly be obliged to turn you into a Haunted-
room to sleep, where I am credibly informed there are the most dreadful Apparitions
& Ghosts that ever were heard of. I have lately heard from your Tunbridge Connections,
and they have been vast merry — a world of piping, Dancing & Drumming, Squirrel-
hunting and a deal of pastime of that sort, with plenty of good cheer. I dont hear
of any weddings going forward, tho I dont beheve Matri: is at a stand-still. Now,
Cousin Stivey, you must pay a particular attention to what I am going to remark,
which is as follows ; you have frequently brought me from Oxford either Brawn
or Sausages or some of the dainties from that famous City, but I must beg you will
this Xmas decline bringing me any thing from this honest declaration of mine. My
Garners are filled with all manner of Stores, have plenty of good things in my larder,
to which I know there will be a succession from my good Kentish friends who are
ever liberal — so I beg you will come up empty-handed (another time Reliss alias
relish may be acceptable). With truest regards I remain, dear Stephen, yours
most heartily,

John Hooker.
This is not the season for Goldfinch-Ice-Cream."

The next is concerned with the birth of Henry Woodgate, afterwards of Bel-
broughton.

" Summerhill, May 12th, 1801.

You may suppose that when I wrote my last truly laconic epistle I was in
rather an uppish humour, for to tell you the truth I thought it rather odd that we
had not once heard from you since you made your exit, but your sermon on Tuesday
amply satisfied me, so now I shall begin on a fresh score. Your nephew Henry
grows charmingly ; with respect to his beauty, I think him much like all other children
at the same age, tho' some body, willing to please Papa and Mama, think him quite
" an Angel," and can easily trace

" Boman's mouth and nose.
His Mother's eyes as blue as sloes."

The Christening will take place I believe some time next month ; the sponsors,
my uncle Henry, my aunt Gilly Flower (Rose) and Mr. A. Pott. I will relieve
your anxiety cooncerning your old friend Mr. Wm. Eldridge ; a sharp fit of the
gout has driven his old complaint quite away and he is now as well as can be expected.

Your father is at last got quite well, except a swelling in his arm which pains
him occasionally. My Mother and Ann go to Mrs. Weatherall's on Wednesday,
therefore if you want any Commissions, direct to them there. Mrs. J. Allnutt is
considerably better than when I wrote last and there are now great hopes of her
entire recovery. We carried the children home yesterday [from South Park] but
are to leave them again on Friday as Mrs. Allnutt and Fanny are going to Epsom
Races next week. " Nice Man " is here again with his two great lubberly boys.
Mrs. John Brigden (ci-devant Miss Finch) had a son and heir yesterday morning.
Miss Brigden succeeds Sally, and we all approve of her highly. Another chance for
you, if you can't deal with the Walters. Mrs. John Hussey has taken half WUmot's
house, a smart widow with only one child ; you can't do better I think. We have
not yet paid our visit to Dr. Watson ; his wife seems as good a creature as ever lived,
but certainly has not the gift. The Skinners come next week ; I don't think that
I shall honour them with my presence, as really they are not worth sporting a new
hat for. The world speak as of a done thing between Nan and Peter ; what confirms
us is that he has been at the Castle for a day or two since she has been there. The
London journey will settle it of course. Lord, how I Hke to take the wise ones in !
I shall expect to hear from you next Tuesday, so don't disappoint me. I suppose
you know the story of Mrs. W. Pott ; she has been most graciously received by the
whole family. Our best wishes attend you. Yours affectionately

M. W."

362

The next letter is from Anne Woodgate, shortly before her marriage. Though
she does not mention Peter Nouaille, the letter is full of interest. Kent was certainly
the home of cricket, and the Woodgates seem to have entered into the game with
zest. Tom Martin was a local cricketer, and his name survives in ' ' Martin's Field,"
a piece of land that was bought of him and added to the school playing grounds.
It is interesting, at this distance of time, to know the colour of the Summerhill
Coach, yellow.

" Summer Hill, Saturday Evening [May, 1801],
My dear Stephen,

From what I can understand Ben has behaved extremely shabby in not writing
to you ; for my part I shall not make any apology for my Silence by reason I never
promised, for you know you said my Letters were always Mortal Staid, but perhaps
a Stupid Epistle may be welcome just at this time. In the first place I must tell you
my father is much better than he has been for some time, tho' he complains a good
deal ; his hand & shoulder are frequently in great pain nor has he yet left off his
Flannels, but I hope & trust as the Warm Weather advances his health will return.
He is uncommonly busy making the new Garden ; it is all set out, & the walls are
begun. The Garden coppice is taken in from the Wild cherry Tree. All the Walls
are pulled down in the Front of the House, the dog Kennel, Duckery and round
by the large Ash is to be converted into a Shrubbery, drying ground for Washing,
&c. &c.; you cannot think what an improvement it is. You wou'd hardly know the
place again. I am in hopes it will bring a handsome Way or rather approach to the
House. They have carried the Water into the new Garden which makes it very
complete, & my father is more pleased with his improvement than any Child was
with a Rattle. He expects to have the walls completed by the time he has carried
one Load of Hay. If every thing was to be pay'd for, these alterations wou'd cost
eleven hundred pounds. The Masons from Eaton Bridge build the Walls.

Harry desires me to teU you that on Leigh fair day at Leigh the Postern Club
(with Foster & Tom Martin, alias Gosker, given) play against Peckham. I sincerely
hope they wiU be victorious ; they seem more chricket mad than ever. On Whitsun
Monday Summer Hill play'd against the Postern. Harry was deem'd too good
for them, so it was my Jenny against my Jemmy. Our People play'd so bad that
they were beat, one Hands Innings. Harry offer'd to take Jen, Maria, Myself and
the Maids (provided he bowl'd) against all those that play'd that day. Your Horse
is at present under the care of Mr. Harpur who says he is the best steed in the county,
& will be in excellent condition by the time you return. Harry has bought a very
prettj^ Poney of old Borling which he has named Jemeca ; he has been offer'd Six
Guineas for his bargain by Mr. Gildart, consequently he is much pleased \vith his
new purchase.

Myself & Mother returned from Town last Saturday where we had spent a
wondrous gay ten days. The night we arrived we went with Boman to the antient
concert in the Hay Market, old Sale having sent us Tickets ; he likewise gave us
tickets for St. Pauls, the Anniversary of the Charity Children (which I think was
by far the finest sight I saw) & Tickets for the Ladies Catch & Glee Club, when I
was greatly entertain'd. Miss Tennant was in full song & I think greatly improved
since she was at Tonbridge. You cannot think how very civil old Sale was. I
went to three plays, viz : the Blind Girl & Seaside Story, Othello & Petruchio, and the
Pirates & Char. ... I like your favorite Miss de Camb very much ; Cooke
in lago pleased me greatly, but I cou'd not see him in Richard hy reason it was
not acted while I was in Town. From the Time I arose in the Morng till I drew
my curtain at night, I was on some pleasurable scheme — never had so much gaiety
in my Life. I did not much like the Exhibition. It is six years since I was in Town,
therefore you may suppose I had a vast deal to see. Last Wednesday we had our
last assembly for the season ; it was but thinly attended, but very pleasant. None
of the Scoones' except William present. . . . the Bridles there ; after supper
Boman [made a] very had speech about chusing .... when Lord Boyne

363

was elected in the .... Old Ponto, who retires on a Pension, lb....
was a Concerted plan between Boman .... Ponto, but to the company

it appeared .... was turn'd out. Three worse orators (

speechified) I never heard. J.G. & his friend Mr. Hamet were there ; the world
say his Match is off, but Mr. Hamet making his Mrs. Dudgen rather tells us that
it is not. He seems a very pleasant young man. My father & Mother did not go,
so we invited Gip to join our Party, & just as we were going to dinner, in came
Mr. Wells the Timber Merchant. He went with us to the Assembly & returned
with us ; I never saw a pleasanter man in my life. We left our Coach at young
Squires to be painted, which will be finished in two months, during which time
the quaker has lent us one of his coaches. My Mother is vastly pleased with the
Idea of having it tickled up. Boman has sold his Post chaise and has bought an
old Landaulette ; both carriages are to be painted the same color, a yellow. We
have got a new Curtain & Sopha cover for my Father's room, so that what with the
new Garden, Carriage & Furniture you will hardly know us. On Tuesday week the
Rideouts come to us for some days ; Mrs. R. writes in doleful dumps, for Sam is going
to Egypt. He is now a Capt. in the 26 Regt. I have told you all the news. Maria
walked yesterday over to South Park where she will tarry ten Days to learn the
art of making cheese."

The next letter announces Ann's engagement and gives some particulars of
Mr. Nouaille's fortune, which was even more considerable than the figure at which
he is said to have delivered it : —

" South Park, Tuesday morning [June 1801].
My dear Stephen,

The sentence of the Court being very mild, far beyond my hopes, I will not
hesitate one moment in acknowledging that you are as good a creature as ever lived.
I have such a piece of news to tell you. Would you believe it, that the same stone
that the builders refused is become the headstone of the comer ? or to speak more
to the purpose, e'er this everything is settled between Nan and our Huntsman, alias
Peter Noilee, ahas Noel. I never was more surprised in my life, never having suspected
the least flirtation. Her prospects of Happiness I think are very bright, as everybody
gives him the best of Characters, and if fortune is at all essential to Happiness, his
is sufficiently large to satisfy all her wants and v^dshes, as Mr. Foster tells me that
he delivered his income in last year at ;^6ooo, out of which he allows his father £1500
and his Mother ;^900. Notwithstanding, he will have a famous income till one or
both of them choose to " tip over the perch," There is in my opinion but one
objection, which to me wd be of considerable weight, that is the neighbourhood,
having always a particular aversion to the Sevenoaks people ; but perhaps it is only
prejudice and will wear off when I know them better. As there is nothing to wait
for, I dare say we shall mount our wedding favors long before Christmas. Nan
seems vastly delighted at the prospect of a spooney and Anna tells me that they are
uncommonly sickly. I have not yet been introduced in form to my brother elect,
as the business has been settled since I have been here ; but as I return on Thursday
I suppose I shall be let into the secrets of the Cabinet. I have not the least doubt
but I shall be married in the course of a twelve month, as we know the old saying,
" Going to one wedding produces another," and " when once we do begin the Devil
himself can't stop us."

We have had a rare back at cards since Mr. and Mrs. John have been here.
I have been fortune's favourite as yet. The Rideouts go to Summerhill to-morrow
very opportunely, as Henry the Third is to be Christened on Friday and they wiU
assist at the ceremony. I find Sam's regiment is ordered to Egypt which has affected
Mrs. Rideout very much. I saw by the papers that Mr. Gardiner has been wounded.
I always thought Mr. Allnutt one of the best men breathing and am now firmly
convinced of it : he gave me a new gown yesterday. Tom Elwin and his wife have
been at Ferox. He called here but I have not seen her ; those that have speak of her

364

in the highest terms. You may as well plead ignorance to Uncle Squack concerning
the Hunting match (Peter) till everything is finally settled. Allnutt has his gentlemen
cricketing on Friday se'nnight ; I think if he proceeds in his invitations as he says
he shall, he will be uncommonly fortunate if he does not give some offence, the
eye is become so wondrous captious.

I cannot think what is become of the Eyles ; I write repeatedly but have not
heard from them the Lord knows when. Your father has not quite got rid of the
pain in his arm, but is considerably better than when I wrote last. I think you
will be delighted with the improvements in front of the house, but I will not anticipate.
Tom Mercer and Mr. Luttrell are both getting better as fast as possible : what a
shocking thing it would have been had either of them died. I have no patience
with the Scoones' setting their faces so much against the ball. We went to the
Wells yesterday, not a soul on the Walks but ourselves. However as I came home
a gown richer, / thought it very pleasant. Both the girls are well, Fanny more a
favourite with me than ever ; I am certain I shall not hke my little nephew Peter
half so well. Let me hear from you soon, and believe me, yours affectionately

M. Woodgate."

In October most of the family, it would seem, went to Bourne, from which
place Maria Woodgate writes : —

" Sunday Evening, Oct. 27, 1801.
No. 8, Terrace, South Bourn.
My dear Stef ,

Tho the Times are vast hard, yet I know you will not grudge the Postage of the
letter which contains the agreeable news of Benbow's being alive and merry. We had
a very pleasant journey here tho' the last ten miles went terribly against the grain,
for I was quite Mrs. Harbroc, so tired, and thought we never should get to the place
of our destination ; tho we left the Castle at Nine we did'nt get here till quite night.
I admire Bourne extremely but don't like it quite so well as Ramsgate ; the sands
here are delightful. We parade it there from one till half after four, and see a world
of fine Folks. We abound in Nobility, the Dutchess of Dorset and Lord Whitworth,
Lord Handley and family. Lady Popham &c, with many others too numerous
to mention in this here advertisement. (Lord Duterly here).

I am certain you would quite enjoy yourself here, for there is such a famous
set of Players. We went to three Plays last week, the first ' ' Laugh when you can "
with " Bon Ton ; " "a cure for the Heart-ache," with " Of Age to-morrow ; " and
last night " Richard 3d " with " Rosina," all of which they performed most capitally.
Mrs. Baker's Company is a fool to them. There is one performer who I think nearly
equal to the Canister alias Banister. The Theatre is a very neat affair and altogether
I am quite delighted with my jaunt. I fancy we shall return to-morrow Fortnight,
therefore unless you have something to say very much to the purpose I will not trouble
you to answer this while I am here, but wait till I return, because then you know
Nunkey pays for all, " you take me " {Shakespere) ? Anna and Boman with Fanny
and Henry Arthur came here on Monday ; I am in hopes that the sea air will be of
great service to the Children, particularly Granma's tarrange. Anna hopes you
will not forget the Scotch airs harmonized by Dr. Hays ; she says she spoke to you
about them. How did you make out with cuck if you went up together in the
Coach ? I think Folks will begin to talk but perhaps you are making interest with
Mama for the sake of our Miss. My Brother Lyar thinks from what he has heard
that it is highly necessary your Father should speak to poor Alicia about the Scarlet
Fever ; where that flirtation will end I cannot think. It is such a fine moon light
night that we are tempted to parade on the Sands, tho it is now past nine o clock,
therefore I must subscribe myself here, yours most affecly,

Benbow.

Father and Mother and Such desire their best remembrance to the Oxoniensis ;
I should not have honor'd you with an Epistle if Time did not hang rather heavy
on my hands this Evening."

365

The Major was back at Tonbridge the next month, and as anxious for some
brawn as John Hooker was the reverse.

" Novr. 28, 1801.
Dr. Stephen,

We are all well at the Castle & at Summerhill. I wish you would send me by
the Coach on Sunday Evening half a Collar of Brawn, very Horny : the Stag and
the Copper are here and are anxious to taste it. If you wish for a Brace of Pheasants
and a Hare I will send them in a day or two.

Yrs affecly,

W. F. Woodgate.
Friday Eveg. Post waits."

"Greatness, Monday, March 29th [1802?].
My dear Stephen,

. . . . I called at the Postern on Friday and think I never saw a place so
much improved since I was there, which was last summer. I was grieved to see
Mr. West's eye which appears to me to be much worse than it was when I last saw
him. When I was upon the Hill I called on all those who had called upon me, and
I assure you Mr. P. N. was admitted upstairs to see Mrs. Sclater, who I think looks
very well. I suppose you have not heard that on Wednesday last Mrs. Tom Hooker
(Emma Greenland) was as well as could be expected, and of her child they said
nothing but that it was a son. Tom Hooker wrote to Mrs. Sclater to announce
this event and from Elmden was issued the above bulletin. Mrs. Harrison was
expected to spend some time at Tonbridge this spring. Mrs. Illingworth arrived
at Mrs. Harvey's on Thursday last ; how long she will tarry at Tonbridge the Elmden

Gazette does not inform us. Mrs. L Davis has quitted her house in the High

Street, Tonbridge, and taken lodgings at Mrs. Boseman in Castle Street. We
return'd from Summer Hill yesterday. We went to Church and ordered the curricle
to be at my Aunt's immediately afterwards. While it was getting ready, Jemmy
Hay ward went up to Mr. P. N. in the Crown yard and made an apology that the
bells did not ring, alleging as an excuse that he did not know we should be at Church :
five minutes afterwards we left the town, so I do not know whether they rang a peal
or not, but I think it is very likely, as Boman made such a fuss when we were hanged
because they rang but two peals. You remember they all got so very tipsy. I
do not hear anything of the Harbroc's Ball, and therefore begin to suspect that it
has fallen to the ground, but I shall hear more on Wednesday when I propose going

to South Park for some days Mr. P. N. unites with me in love and

best wishes and I remain, my dear Stephen, yours affectionately

Anne Nouaille."

With reference to Elmden and the Sclaters, we may here notice a song, written
and sung by Maria Woodgate at " a female party at Elmden," February loth,
1797. Mrs. Sclater was a sister of Mrs. Woodgate of Summerhill : —

Let others on this jovial night

To Balls, or Routs, or Courts repair ;
We Spinsters six feel more delight

Than they can find or meet with there,
Since Man, the Odious, Tyrant, Lord,

To-night we don't admit, Ma'am,
Around this Board, with plenty stor'd.

With us madcaps to sit, Ma'am.
Then all join in Chorus and sing both firm and Hearty
May fortune bless our cousin Bess

And this her female Party,

366 2

Our President [Miss Sclater] she did judge well,

And I with truth approve her plan,
From this her party to expel

That hated creature, Tiresome Man ;
Our Mirth is check'd when he is by,

For he no fun or Pleasure knows
Unless he plagues us with his kisses,

Breaks the chairs or tears our cloaths.
Then all join in chorus Sec.

3
To-night no one shall here be teased

With sighs, or roguish looks or leers,
Or Whisper soft or loving Squeaze

Offend our tender touch, or ears ;
Oh no, with friendship's sacred flame

Our Bosoms throb and burn ;
Love we detest, a plague at best.

And sterner Hymen spurn.

Then all join in chorus &c.

4
Were I the Queen of Briton's Isle

And ruled with sceptred glory.
My wise laws, and my government

Would shine in future story ;
I'd Banish men from out my realm.

Those useless wretches, cruel spies ;
No Males, I ween, (were I a Queen)

Should e'er pollute your virgin eyes.
Then all join in chorus &c.

5
To guard from men my native shore

(Who'd wish to visit us no doubt)
I'd raise an Amazonian corps

And fairly drive the monsters out ;
So sweetly would our Hours fly,

So sweetly glide our Lives,
We'd Spinsters die, without a sigh,

And ne'er be wretched wives.

Then all join in chorus &c.
6
The French they talk of coming o'er

To view our matchless charms ;
Oh, how 1 wish they'd reach our shore

And call our males to arms.
Were fate Propitious to my prayers.

Such slaughter should we find.
The French and English all should fall,

No males be left behind.

Then all join in chorus &c.

7
But till that happy time arrives,

When men no more by us are seen.
Our toast shall be, May Heaven preserve

The Sisterhood and me the Queen ;
And we will drink each Spinster's health

But chiefly yours, my Cousin dear,
And may you female parties give

To us staunch Maidens every year.
Then all join in chorus &c.

367

The following duet was written by Edgar Austen, and sung by him and his
cousin Anne Woodgate at Mrs. Simmons', March i6th, 1797 : —

A. W. Since we, dear Girls, this night are met
And songs go round the table,
I with the rest will raise my pipe
As well as I am able

Tol de rol &c.
As well as I am able

From morn to night men Plague us sore

With longing looks and sighing,
And when they get us by themselves

They cram us up with Lying.
Ah then, then 'tis, I love you Miss,
In deed, I am not Lying.

They surely think us wondrous weak

To win us by deceiving,
For true enough 'tis plain and clear

A Man there's no believing,
Ah No, no, no, indeed 'ti.s so
A Man there's no believing.

Then let us be upon our Guard

And Spinsters be respected,
Nor let creation's Lords e'er boast

By them we are protected.
We scout them all, both great and small,
Nor live by them protected.

In short, dear Girls, take my advice,

My plan and pray persue it ;
Or when you've lost your tender Hearts

Perchance you'll like to see it ;
And when too late you'll curse your fate
And surely like to see it.

E. A. Oh say, fair Maid, I prythee say.
How far our Court avails,
For if our Words have no effect

A gentle squeeze prevails.
Ah then, then, then, the charming man
The charming man prevails.

For tho' you sometimes fret and fume

'Tis counterfeit displeasure ;
For only just one tender kiss

And Man's a monstrous treasure ;
A kiss, a kiss, that charming bliss
And man's a monstrous treasure.

Full well I know, full well you know,

How oft you scold and flout us ;
But after all I'm sure you'll own

You cannot do without us.
Ah no, no, no, your actions show
You cannot do without us.

368

For you we live, for you we'll die

Nor think our lot distressing,
Since surely now you stand confessed

That Man's your greatest blessing.
Ah yes, yes, yes, you'll now confess
That Man's your greatest blessing.

i E. A. Ah yes, yes, yes, you'll now confess

•5 A. W. Ah no, no, no, I'll ne'er confess

So E. A. That Man's your greatest blessing

^ A. W. That Man's the smallest blessing.

The following letter is the only one extant written by Mrs. Woodgate : —

' ' Sunday Even, June 29th, 1802.
My dear Stevening,

I am very much obliged by your letter of yesterday, and take an early oppor-
tunity of acquainting you that your petition concerning a watch is granted. Your
father complied immediately with a smile, and he has authorized me to ask you which
you like best, such a watch as John has or one with a silver case, that he may write
to Green* & Ward and have it ready for you in Town. Now you know that silver
watches are all the tipper and wear for ever, and was I to choose, it should be a silver
case because its most fashionable, but as you wiU be the possessor please yourself
and let me know. About a fortnight ago we all dined at Mr. Nouaille's at Sevenoaks,
met the Southparks, Castleites, Mrs. & Miss Nash & Mr. Willard's brother Peter,
a very sumptuous affair I assure you ; old Brazier returned with P.P. to Greatness
and I have not seen her since, nor do I expect her home till the latter end of this week.

Last Wednesday week I received an invitation from Anna to go with her to Leigh
Fair, and being young I accepted, and we set off about four and drove to Mr. Harbroc's,
where we had tea instantly, met Fanny and Mr. Allnutt, Mr. Saint and two Mrs,
Saints, Mr. Harvey, Mr. Walter, Mr. Hammond and Mr. Peckam. We then paraded
to the green, and entered a grand Calavan to see a variety of beautiful wax figures,
among which was the late King and Queen of France as natural as life. The Cricketing
was Tunbridge against Wrotham ; Henry and John both played, but the game
was not played out, as night came on, but the advantage was much in favour of Tun-
bridge. Last Wednesday our boys went to Wrotham to play the returned game,
when the Tunhridgians beat the WrotJtamites by five wickets. James West I hear
did great things in the catching way. Mr. West's affairs seem to Itang and wither ;
he spent the evening here the other night and I thought him remarkably low, yet
I think it will take place. I had a large party last Sunday in the afternoon ; Mrs,
W. Harvey, Peas and his brother Henry, Miss Fly, Mrs. Walter and two daughters
and four Scoones'. I hardly knew how to bear such clack, for I was mortal feeble ;
for I had over fatigued myself the day before with riding and was really very ill
for a few days, but I have now got quite well again. The Walters have gone into
Lincolnshire for two months. To-morrow Mrs. Whittaker, Charlotte, George and
Augustus dine with us ; and I am sorry to tell you yesterday week they had a terrible
rumpus, what about I do not know, but the old man turned Augustus out of doors
and said he never wished to see him alive again. The poor fellow went to George
and has been there ever since : what they will do I cannot think. I suppose I shall
hear the whole of it to-morrow from her, as she sent me word she wished much to
see me.

Last Friday your old friend Bob Shelly called here ; we could not persuade
him to stay dinner, but he promised he would dine with us on Tuesday next and stay
all night. He looks remarkably well and liked his quarters at Hytlie very much,
but I believe he is now disbanded. We are afraid we are going to have a contested
election. Honeywood's people are canvassing and Mr. Polhill was at Tunbridge
yesterday and got many votes : and Sir Edward and Mr, Hussey called here ten days

369

ago, and went to Mr. Children's, the Major's, Lord Boyne's, and Mr. Benson's, but
said he should not canvass till after the nomination at Maidstone, which is expected
very soon. I call his being here and at those places canvassing, don't you ? Sir
William Geary sent word he should call here this week ; I really think it is time they
should begin if they mean anything. So far on Sunday night. Monday noon.
Henry dined yesterday at Greatness and left them all well. On Thursday there
is to be a Visitation at Tunbridge and the grand Cricket match is to be played the
same day, but I shall honor neither of them with my presence. Our party has just
arrived, so must conclude before dinner, as the prophet decamps at six. All well.
Boman dines here. Yours affectionately,

F. Woodgate."

There is in existence an old broadside describing the people who attended the
polling at Maidstone. The Woodgates were there. The gentlemen went on horse-
back, the ladies in a carriage.

" .... Then the shafts of a chaise broke of in a hurry,

Which put Mrs. and Miss Woodgate into a flurry."

The next letter is written by Mr. Woodgate himself, announcing the death of
the Vicar of Pembury, and offering the living to Stephen. Stephen was yet very
young, still at Trinity, but everything seems to have been managed satisfactorily,
without the necessity of a " warming pan." The house was within easy distance
of Summerhill, and only a few hundred yards from Spring Grove.

* ' Summer Hill, Monday Noon,
June 20th, 1803,
My Good Fellow,

I take the earliest opportunity of informing you of the Death of my very old and
truly respectable Friend, the Vicar of Pembury. Mr. Luttrell prepared us to receive
the News yesterday Morning, but the Event did not take Place till Midnight or
early this Morning. I wish it had pleasd God to have spar'd his Life at least for a
few Months longer, for your sake as well as my own, as then I trust we should have
had little or no trouble. But Fiat Voluntas and we must all obey.

I promised you the next Presentation, and I now with the greatest Pleasure
perform that Promise, with every wish, Hope and Prayer that you may long live
to enjoy it. You will very early be brought into Life, and I have every reason to
think you will Continue to act well, and preserve the good character you have hitherto
established. And the Advice among a thousand others, which my Father gave
to me, I most sincerely submit to you : Nil conscire sibi, nulla pallescere culpa.
There is more Meaning in that happy Quotation than three sides of paper will Contain.
You will nov/ have an Opportunity before you leave College of informing yourself
of the ground you stand upon, and among the Literati will get instructed exactly
of the earliest Moment you can take Possession. I understand I have six Months,
the Bishop six more, and the Archbishop afterwcirds has the same Time. Surely
if we play our cards well we may be able to secure it without a Presentation, I mean
without getting any body to hold it.

You must make Dr. Foster your confidential Friend as he has the Ear of the
Bishop and most likely will secure him in our Interest. We are bound by every
Tye of Gratitude to conduct ourselves most accomodatingly to him, but still if it
could be brought about, I can see no objection why you could not immediately
undertake the Church, more especially as your Brother is one of the Wardens, but
more of this Anon. We are going to Dinner at Hall Place to meet the Allnutts &c.
and I am afraid you will not be able to read what I have wrote ; I have but a few
Minutes to spare, but I will drive on as long as they last. Our Friends at Greatness
spent the Day here yesterday and I am happy to say they are in great Spirits
& look remarkably well. Mr. West goes wth us in the Coach. Tell Simpkin his
Father is bravely and be sure caution him to be a good Boy, to mind your Advice

370

and avoid Drunkenness. They are all ready & the Coach at Door. Our united
Love &c.

Yr truly affectionate Father

Wm. Woodgate."
Four months later Mrs. Woodgate died in the sixty-first year of her age, on the
25th November, 1803, after three days illness, and was buried at Tunbridge. She
is described as having been " a lady of most amiable disposition and engaging
manners." She had been ill in September and attended with a good deal of fever.
George Humphry writes in September, 1802.

" On my way to Hastings. ... I saw my Uncle William at Tunbridge,
who informed me that my Aunt Woodgate was so ill as to be obliged to keep her
bed ; he desired particularly to be remembered to all my family."

The last of the Summerhill letters was written by the Major, announcing Henry
Woodgate's engagement to Miss Georgina Hamilton, the daughter of Lord Boyne : —

" Castle, June loth, 1804.
Dear Stephen,

Had you reached Oxford safe & sound as you expected, I am sure you would
have given me a Line respecting Taylor, according to your promise. I am well
aware that to a Learned Divine (who is always engaged in writing the best of Sermons)
the trouble of addressing two Lines to a Layman is great, therefore may I request
that you will be so good as to ask Charles to inform me if he knows or has heard
any thing lately of the Reverend Elias Taylor, Fellow of Trinity College, Oxford.
I cannot suppose for a moment that a candidate for a Prebendal Stall at Canterbury
has been engaged the whole week at Ascot Races. Unless the Chaplain of the West
Kent Regt, of Yeomanry Cavalry is heard of within 4 days from the date hereof,
it will be infer'd that he has Departed this Life in some obscure Hole, and a New
Chaplain will be appointed. It is now finally agreed on that Henry Woodgate
Esqre. of Spring Grove, takes unto himself the second Daughter of Lord Viscount
Boyne to wife on Saturday next. The ceremony is to be perform'd by the Revd.
T. Harvey, Clerk, at the Parish Church at Pembury. The Bride and Bridegroom
with their Friends dine at Summerhill afterwards. Strange as these arrangements
may appear, it is so settled at present. The Curate at Mereworth will probably
hear further particulars in good Time. The Governor of the Castle will be happy
to see an odd Being by the name of Stag any day this Month, or he will meet his
Friend Sharkaback in London any day after the Wedding : I have olfer'd to officiate
as Groom of the Bedchamber on the Occasion but have been rejected, but without
Disdain. A Person who has lately built a Cottage in Quarry Hill Wood, and who is no
Englishman, yet a great preserver of Game, has recently shot the favorite Hound of
John Woodgate (of the Pembury Company) which he some time since purchased of a
Gamekeeper by the name of Stephens. The animal is not yet dead and hopes are
entertained of its recovery. The second Meeting of the Wells Book Club was held
at the Sussex on Thursday last, when the Revd, Stephen Woodgate was elected a
Member and the whole of his subscriptions for Dining, Wine, Books &c. for one
Year, amounting to £3 12s. o was paid by his Brother

W. F. Woodgate."

A certain degree of jealousy appears to have existed between Maria Woodgate
and Alicia Ashburnham ; the former eventually married the father, the latter the son
(by the first wife) when all became harmony again. But before this, it is rather
amusing to read in June, 1805, Alicia West's remarks (she was then the wife of James
Eldridge West) to Miss Humphry : —

' ' The visitation at Doctor Knox's was during our absence, but from what I
can understand we had no loss whatever, as it was rather a stupid affair, I am told
Maria Woodgate was presented with a garland ; now in my humble opinion she is

371

rather too ancient to have such honour conferred on her. I have not once had the
supreme felicity of seeing her (since you left me) not even at a third place."

The garlands were given to the head boys in the school, as well as prizes ; each
boy presented the garlands to such lady present as he deemed most worthy of it.

WiUiam Woodgate began to decline in 1809, and his life was evidently despaired
of for some time before his death ; for his nephew William Ozias Humphry writes on
ist February, 1809, to his sister, ' ' I was sorry to hear the intelligence you sent about
my uncle Wilham ; I should suppose he will be an irreparable loss to his family."
He died the 29th May, 1809, aged 65, and was buried the 3rd June following(/).

For an interesting survey of his life we are indebted to a copy of a letter addressed
to Lord Clarendon by Ozias Humphry, the celebrated artist, whose brother married
Wilham Woodgate's sister : —

" Dear Lord Clarendon,

For two or three weeks past I have been meditating a letter of respect and
thanks to your Lordship for the repeated instances of your kindness and favor,
but have been prevented by my ancient and invincible infirmities, imperfect sight,
which now obliges me to entreat the assistance of a Friend. I left London on Monday
last to visit my Brother and my Friends in Kent. I arrived at his residence in the
Evening and had the satisfaction to find him and all his Family in perfect health.
My brother has been established here under the patronage of the Duke of Dorset
and in the house of Lord Camden's family for nine and thirty years past, and it is
now more than two and thirty years since he connected himself with the Woodgate

(I) Two anecdotes are related of Mr. Woodgate. One of his gardeners, a verj' stupid fellow,

who never waited to hear the end of a sentence, was being instructed to convey a message to
a neighbour. Before ]Mr. Woodgate could state what the message was, the man said " Yes,
Sir," and went off. Mr. Woodgate allowed him to depart, and in due time he reached the house.
He asked to see the master and began that he had been sent with a message, and then for the first
time realized that he had not heard what it v/as. The gentleman knew this servant's peculiarity,
and rephcd, " Oh, I know what your mast«r wants. Take this to Squire Woodgate, with my
comphments," pointing to a large stone. The day was hot ; the ascent to Summerhill long
and steep ; and the man probably reahsed the folly of his ways !

The other story is to the effect that, during one of his rambles, Mr. Woodgate found himself
in a desolate part of the country and a heavy snowstorm coming on. Just as the first few
flakes descended he espied a light, and discovered a small wayside inn. He knocked ; and after
a considerable interval heard the bolts drawn back and the door opened. The landlord, a
most villainous looking man, growled out that there was no room, and was about to slam the
door in Mr. Woodgate's face when the latter, disinclined to pursue his journey in the storm
which was then raging, forced his way in and insisted on being accommodated. The man called
his wife, a woman of even more villainous aspect ; and after a whispered consultation said they
could find him a room. In a short time new laid eggs and smoking rashers of bacon were laid
before him, of which he partook heartily and retired to rest.

To his astonishment the room was a large weU-pitched chamber in the front of the house,
evidently the best bedroom. He had expected some attic, and was agreeably surprised. He
made fast the door and was soon asleej). During the night he awoke, with a feeling of intense
cold. He had piled all his clothes on the bed, but could not get warm. Finally he recollected
having observed a big cupboard, which might contain some rugs, got up, and endeavoured to
open the door. It was tightlj^ jammed, and Mr. Woodgate, who was a big, powerful man, was
obliged to exert all his strength. Suddenly the door flew open, and something fell forward out
of the cupboard, extinguishing the candle. It was a corpse ! Mr. Woodgate, nothing daunted,
re-lighted the candle, put back the corpse, and got into bed again, and, what is more strange,
passed an excellent night. In the morning he complained of his uncomfortable companion
to the landlord, who explained that the man had died there the previous day and was laid out
on Mr. Vv^oodgate's bed ; and that as the latter insisted on being put up, he had put the corpse
into the cupboard and given him the bed.

It is also stated that in the old days of the " mountebanks " when smugghng was carried
on with the connivance of almost the entire country, that sometimes a party of smugglers with
their packhorses coming up from the coast would encamp for the night in the wilder part of
Summerhill Park, behind the house, in the direction of Tudeley. There they were never molested.
Perhaps they were too numerous and too well armed. In the early morning, however, a gardener
might be seen making his way up to the house with a keg of brandy or something similar, which
had been left behind by the smugglers as a peace offering !

family of Summer Hill, Tonbridge, Kent. I think I have mentioned this circumstance
when I have had the honor to be at the Grove [Lord Clarendon's seat]. It is now
three months since Mr. Woodgate, Mrs. Humphry's eldest brother who resided
at Summer Hill, died ; by his frugahty and skill in agricultural concerns he enlarged
his original fortune very considerably, insomuch that at his Death the Property he
possessed is estimated at full three hundred thousand pounds. This large property
he has not bequeathed to his eldest son, but has conformably to the practise of this
country divided it, governing himself by the principle of gavelkind. He left four
sons : to each of the younger he has given a sum of thirty thousand pounds in Timber
and Estate, with an exception in favour of his third son to whom he has added
Twenty thousand pounds more. To each of his three daughters he has given
Three thousand five hundred pounds and no more, a scanty provision in proportion
to the sons, but this has been invariably the practise of the Family. Mr. Woodgate's
eldest sister married the present Sir William Ashburnham by whom he has issue.
The eldest nephew of my sister who now enjoys the estate & resides at Summer
Hill married Miss AUnutt, a beautiful woman with a handsome Fortune. The second
son married the Honorable Miss Hamilton, a daughter of Lord Boyne of Ireland ;
the fourth, the Revd. Stephen Woodgate, has recently been married to Miss Hardinge,
a near relation of Earl Camden, with a Fortune of Ten thousand pounds. The other
son is at present unmarried. The other branches of this respectable Family are
equally well settled. By this it must appear that I have many inducements to
visit my Family in Kent "

In stating that the daughters had but :^3,500 apiece Mr. Humphry was not
strictly within the truth ; they each had £10,000 on their marriage, in addition to
which smaller sums were left to them by the will.

This will, which was in the Testator's own handwriting, was dated the 4th March,
1805 ; it recites the marriage articles and death of his wife.

To Maria, £3,500, and £30 payable immediately.

To Frances wife of Richard Allnutt of Southpark, £500.

To the poor of Tonbridge, £20 ; and of Pembury, £20.

Sums of five guineas to various people to buy memorial rings, viz. : to all his
brothers and sisters, to his brothers-in-law Sir William Ashburnham, the Rev.
Richard Rideout, and the Rev. Wm. Humphry, his wife's brother John Hooker
of Cheapside, her sister Elizabeth Sclater, widow, her brother-in-law the Rev.
Henry Austen, his nephew John Acton, and to George Children and William Scoones
of Tonbridge. To William Harpur of Pembury, Gent., £500 "as a token of my
regard for his faithful and diligent services," and a gold ring. All the servants, two
guineas each and wages. God-daughter Julia Scoones, the daughter of William
Scoones, £50 at 21 years of age.

To son Henry Woodgate, Great Hawkwell and Little Hawkwell in Brenchley,
Pembury, Tudely and Capel, lately occupied by Thomas Henham and Peter and John
George but then by William Harpur acting for him (William) ; the Mill, etc., occupied
by Harpur, Spring Grove otherwise the Church Farm, etc., lately occupied by Chas.
Crause, Esq., but then by Henry Woodgate, all in Pembury and Tonbridge ; and the
following woodlands, Great-horse Pasture Wood, Hog Wood, Crab Wood, Yew
Tree Wood, Stiller Wood and Church Wood in Pembury, Brenchley, Tudeley, and
Capel — all free of the great Tithes of Pembury. Also ' ' my extensive Manors
of Pepingbury Magna and Pepingbury Parva otherwise Bowridge " ; and a lease
for 21 years of Knowles Hill Farm otherwise Harvenden late occupied by Thomas
Hartrup but then by Henry Woodgate at the rent of £34 per annum. Also * ' the
free use of the new private road lately made through Pembury Walk Wood and the
rough Fields thereunto adjoining to meet the new road lately made to his house at
Spring Grove," and the same right to Stephen Woodgate with " liberty of making
a new road through that part of the Church Farm next adjoining to the Vicarage

373

House," the latter road to be maintained by Stephen, the former at their joint expense
as far as the Lane that divides Tonbridge and Pembury.

To son John Woodgate, Stonewall with house, cottages and lands and the
Nunnery Wood and Pookden Wood, all in Chidingstone and Penshurst, and lately
occupied by George Kiddar but then by himself. Also Sussex House farm in Cowden
and Hartfield and house and lands called Kentwater in Cowden, occupied by Sawyer
Goodwyn. Also Hollywith House and 183 acres occupied by Pullman, and the
Manor of Hollywith.

To son Stephen Woodgate ^500 in cash payable by John out of Stonewall ;
the perpetual advowson of the Vicarage of Pembury ; the rectory impropriate and
the great Tithes of Pembury. Also Pellet Gate farm in Pembury, Tonbridge, Tudely,
and Cape], occupied by James Wooley ; also Knights Place and lands at Pembury,
late occupied by Nathaniel Chittenden but then by the Parish officers of Pembury ;
also a woodland called Grimble Grove containing 14J acres at Pembury occupied
by himself. Also £1,000 in cash.

To William Francis Woodgate, the eldest son. Summer Hill and lands, the
Manor of South Fryth, the South Fryth Estate purchased by him of the Rev. John
Templer, the Priory Mead, and all his manors and lands not before disposed of, and
all his plate, furniture, ready money, public stock, etc. W. F. Woodgate to be
sole executor.

There were three codicils : — The first was unimportant ; the second revoked
William Harpur's legacy of ^^500, because William Woodgate had found himself
" under an engagement to pay to Harpur one thousand guineas as a remuneration
for his time and services while he continued in my employment which sum I think
far exceeds any sum that I ought to pay to him and consequently he can have 110
further claim in honour or equity on me." ; the third mentions that since the will
he had sold Sussex House farm to the Rev. Thomas Harvey of Cowden for £2,860 13 6,
which he gives to John Woodgate in cash instead of in land, and gives each of his
three daughters an extra £100.

The witnesses to the will were William Scoones junr. of Tonbridge, Attorney ;
Richard Squire of Kings Langley, Herts ; and H. Harpur of Cannon Row, West-
minster. Witnesses of first codicil : John Scoones ; John Ashdowne, clerk to Messrs.
Scoones ; Daniel Butcher, a gardener at Summerhill. Of second codicil : Anne
Grace Eyles and Louisa Eyles of Frant, Spinsters, and Daniel Butcher. Of third
codicil : Frances Markett, William Ford Burton, and William Scoones.

The will was proved in the Prerogative Court the 13th June, 1809.

Soon after his father's death, the Major left the Castle and removed to Summerhill
which underwent many alterations for his reception (see pp. 152 and 302). Tonbridge
Castle had been greatly improved by the Major. The outer walls enclosed an area of six
acres,which had been made into beautiful gardens. Miss Berry, a great friend of Horace
Walpole who had formerly pronounced on it, paid it a visit in October, 181 1, when
it was still to let. ' ' I drove with Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and Lady Erroll to Tunbridge
Castle. I had no idea of the beauty of the ruin nor of the goodness of the house
that they have added or attached at the side of one of the towers, between which
is the grand entrance gate. The enclosure of the castle down to the river is a lawn
and a shrubbery. It is at present to let, and we went all over, Mr. Gordon having
some idea of taking it."

Henry and Stephen Woodgate, Mrs. Allnutt and Mrs. Nouaille were already
established in houses of their own, and John Woodgate took up his residence at
Stonewall with his sister Maria as housekeeper, Stonewall consisted of about
1,400 acres. He pulled down the house, which had been inhabited by successive
generations of Woodgates since 1590, if not before, and built a large red-brick
Georgian house which is substantially the present building. The road now runs

374

over the site of the old mansion, which is entirely destroyed except for a portion
that has been made into the principal entrance lodge, probably the old servants'
wing. The beautiful old timber and plaster work in front has been concealed by
red tiles, but may still be seen from the rear, just as it originally was. The following
letter was written by Maria West about 1810 to her sister, Mrs. Nouaille, enclosing
a copy of the obituary notice of Mr. Nouaille senior that appeared in the annual
Register,

" My dear Nan, [1810].

I cannot possibly see you before I go to town, as I have spunged myself on the
Burtons who go to town on Tuesday ; but I shall be happy to execute any commissions
for you. I heard from Mary Weatherall yesterday ; not a word about an accident,
but says she shall be distracted if she does not see me on Tuesday. I was much
disappointed in not seeing Mr. Nouaille yesterday. I called to him from the Sheriff's
lodgings but either he would not or could not hear me. I was much pleased with the
trials, never having seen any thing of the kind before. We got home soon after
eight. I like every thing I saw at Stonewall ; as soon as I return from town I shall
expect you & Mr. Nouaille to pass your opinions. Not having any thing more to
say, I am, yrs affly

M.W."

This letter was written from Mabledon, James Burton's house. Mr. Burton
was High Sheriff of Kent in 1810, so that the letter must have been written in that
year. Also, Peter Nouaille, senior, died in December, 1809, so that his obituary
notice had only just appeared. It does not appear whether the improvements
referred to extended to the rebuilding of the house or to alterations only.

It seems that John Woodgate was involved in the same fate that overtook
his brother the Major. In 1813 he put up for sale some of his outlying property,
such as the Manor farm of Hollywish in Hartfield, Sussex, consisting of 183 acres
of well timbered and well-watered land in a ring fence, let at the low rent of £ibo a
year. This was to be sold at the Auction Mart, London, on 24th March, by Win-
stanley & Son ; the Solicitors were Edwards & Lyon, Bloomsbury Square.

John Woodgate in 1815 and 1816 was Churchwarden of Chidingstone, and
signs the accounts in a good hand, not unlike that of the Major. In 1814 he was
seriously ill and Mary Anne Humphry writes on 5 th February : —

' ' Mrs. Nouaille went yesterday to Stone Wall to visit her brother John, who
has been very ill. She seemed on Sunday very uneasy at his illness."

In 1818 we learn from the same source that ' ' John Woodgate has lately been
spending three weeks at the Vicarage at Pembury and is now at Spring Grove."
In 1819 John Woodgate was Steward of the Ball, as described by Susanna Allnutt ;
though whether it was this John Woodgate or his cousin John Woodgate (of the
20th Light Dragoons) we do not know. She says : —

' ' Of course you had a full description of the ball from Maryanne. She looked
uncommonly well and I really think she was the Belle. John Woodgate made
a capital Steward ; not so Mr. Rolls. He came in very late, sat in a comer the
whole evening, and never opened his lips,"

In 1820 John Woodgate retired from the Yeomanry in favour of Lord Brecknock ;
at that time the troop was under the command of Peter Nouaille. It seems that
he went out to India ; for Mary Anne Hmnphry writes, on loth February, 1826,
to Lady Ashburnham :

Have you heard of John Woodgate's good fortune ? He is promoted to a
Major's rank on the staff in India with tlie pay of ;^8oo per annum. Mrs. Thomas
writes word he is much beloved and respected by all that know him."

In November, 1837, he was staying with his sister Maria West at Hastings.
He died at her house in 1842. He was staying there with his nephew Septimus

375

Woodgate. They had been for a walk together and John Woodgate got his feet
wet, but neglected to change his socks. He caught cold and died very soon after-
wards. In person he was rather short. All those who knew him spoke of the
amiable character of his disposition. We have been informed that after his death
his portrait was engraved ; but we have been able to come across neither portrait
nor engraving. He was buried in the family vault at Pembury.

He sold Stonewall in his Hfetime, probably about 1818 or 1820. It is now
possessed by the Meade-Waldos.

The Woodgate's house in town was in Hanover Square. We have extracted
a passage on the changed manners of the day from Mr. W. B. Woodgate's delightful
Reminiscences (m), just published. (He is a grandson of the Major.)

' ' When I was a lad I now and then saw guests who could not climb into their
coaches without friendly supervision, yet used to be told that such scenes were
nothing to those of my father's boyhood, when at my grandfather's town house
(right hand corner of Hanover Square, where it abuts George Street), sturdy serving-
men leaned their chins on their staves as they sat waiting in the entrance hall to escort
home masters who might no longer be fit to take care of themselves. Or, as to my
great-grandsire's table at Somerhill, Kent, (now in Goldsmid hands), on dit there
was always a rehable lad in attendance under the table, to loosen the neckcloth of
any gentleman who subsided from his chair."

Unfortunately the time was almost at hand when Summerhill was to be sold
and the family broken up. The Major has been accused of recklessness and extrava-
gance. He certainly spent considerable sums, but he was justified in doing so
as long as he did not encroach on his resources ; as long as he distinguished between
capital and income, there could not be much harm, though he was not wise in spending
the whole of his annual revenue. If has been said, too, that the estate was so cut
up and sub-divided as to be incapable of supporting the house. This is ridiculous :
one son had Stonewall (the original family estate), and the two other sons had the
Pembury property, which had been purchased for them. The whole of Summerhill,
greatly added to by the purchases from Templer and others, not to mention Tonbridge
Castle and other properties, was left absolutely to the Major ; and Humphry places
the value at ^^200,000. His wife, too, had a very handsome fortune. One of his
chief expenses were his musical parties at Summerhill, where the saloon was admirably
suited to the purpose. It was his practise to engage the best singers of the day
to perform on these occasions.

The cause of ruin, beyond all question, was the Tonbridge Bank. He was
persuaded to join this unfortunate venture as a part owner when it was in a very
shaky condition about the year 1810, sorely against the will of his wife, a woman
of great sense and discernment. It is said that this was the first time that he neglected
her advice, with the result that will appear.

The Bank was started (as we are told) by the shopkeepers and landowners of
Tonbridge and the neighbourhood, who had no outlet for their savings except the
purchase of land. Government stock and enterprises of the nature of the South
Sea Bubble. The traders supplied the greater part of the funds, the gentry lent
their patronage. In some places the arrangement worked very well, though in
others failure was the inevitable result of the lack of experience or the employ-
ment of unbusinesslike methods.

At Tonbridge, where the movement was fostered very largely by the Scoones
family, the Tonbridge solicitors, the Bank had reached a very unfortunate stage.
The Major was exactly the man they wanted ; he became a partner. He brought
a considerable accession of capital and infused new blood into the concern. His

(m) Reminiscences of an Old Sportsman, published January, 1909, by Eveleigh Nash,

enlivened by several " family " anecdotes and enriched with twenty-four illustrations.

13a

376

family was possessed of great local influence, and he was well calculated to buttress
up a decayed and tottering institution. The principal partner at the time was
George Children of Ferox Hall, Chairman of the Tonbridge Magistrates, and a large
landed proprietor ; in these capacities he was widely honoured and respected, but
as bankers both he and W. F. Woodgate must have been alike inexperienced and
incapable.

The first we hear of the Bank was in 1797,. In March of that year there was a
meeting of the gentry, yeomanry, tradesmen, and inhabitants of Tonbridge and the
neighbourhood at the Rose and Crown, under the chairmanship of Edward Hussey,
to consider how to prevent embarrassment to public credit from the effects of ill
founded and exaggerated alarms, and to support it with the utmost exertions at that
juncture. The week before a similar meeting had been held at Canterbury, and
other such meetings were held at Sandwich and elsewhere throughout the country.
The meeting passed four resolutions : —

Firstly, " that we have the firmest conviction of the vahdity and security of
the Bank of England, and that any attempt to check or frustrate the free circulation
of its bills or notes will be highly injurious to agriculture, trade and commerce."

Secondly (unanimously), " that we the undersigned, being highly sensible
how necessary the preservation of public credit is at this time, do hereby declare
our approbation of the measures taken by the Bank of England to secure it, namely
the forbearance to issue at present any cash in payment."

Thirdly (unanimously), " that as it may be expedient for the Bank in this
town to adopt a similar measure, we do declare that we will receive Bank Notes, or
the notes of Messrs. Children, Woodgate and Scoones, in payment of any sum of
money to us, and that we will use our utmost endeavours to make all our pa5mients
in the same manner."

Fourthly, ' ' that it is our opinion, at this time, it will be a great convenience
to the town and neighbourhood if Messrs. Children & Co. issue notes of smaller
amount than five guineas, and we recommend notes of one guinea."

The Woodgate partner of this time must have been William Woodgate of Sum-
merhiU.

In 1807 the Bank was in a critical condition, but difficulties were for the time
smoothed over. At the end of 1809 a scheme was suggested under which Mr. Children
should sell all his Kentish property, release himself from every liability connected
with the Bank, and purchase a new estate in Devonshire. If he had done this, he
would have had a handsome surplus, but difficulties were again smoothed over for
the time being. Three years later the Bank suspended its payments. There had
been no rapid or sudden ruin ; for a number of years it had gone from bad to worse,
its affairs had become more and more involved, and even in 1812 the fuU meaning
of the stoppage was realized by none. Here be it said that of this melancholy
period we have much vague report and little solid material ; most of our evidence
is collected from the Children memoirs, whose views are necessarily out of S5mipathy
with the Major. Those who lived at the time, and are now long since dead, considered
the subject so painful that they refused to discuss it.

The crisis was announced by Mr. Children to Sir Nash Grose in the following
letter :—
" My dear Friend,

I have but time to inform you that on the fullest consideration, assisted by Major
Woodgate's friends Mr. Pott and Mr. Allnutt, we have resolved to put a stop to our
bank concern, and we shut up our doors to-morrow. You will be sorry to hear
that it has been a very losing as well as troublesome business. The amount of loss
I cannot yet ascertain ; but there was no chance of making it less by going on
longer, if we could have done so. I shall not return to Town at present, and John G.

377

will I believe come down to-morrow and Anna with him. You will see an advertise-
ment in the papers on Tuesday for a meeting of our creditors at the Town Hall here
to-morrow se'nnight. You will not suppose I am in very good spirits or very weU,
but I am ever most faithfully and affectionately yours
Tunbridge, Dec. 6th, 1812. Geo. Children."

This meeting duly took place on the 14th December, in the same hall that WiUiam
Woodgate had presented to the town. There was a numerous attendance. It
appeared that the estates of the partners consisted almost wholly of landed property
which it would require time to dispose of, in order to enable them to discharge the
demands of their creditors. It was unanimously resolved by those present to accept
their respective debts, with interest, by four instalments at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months
from the 7th December. Also that £1 and £2 notes of the Bank should be continued
and received in circulation until the first instalment should be paid.

The Major began to sell off some of his outlying property, perhaps even the
Castle ; but the idea of selling SummerhiU did not once occur to him. It is said
that he refused the most tempting offers to purchase on behalf of the nation, which
desired to present Summerhill to the Duke of Welhngton, a fitting acknowledgment
of his great services.

Mr. Children's Solicitors, Scoones & Son, instructed Murrell & Wilson to offer
some of his property in Tonbridge and Leigh at the Auction Mart in March, 1813,
in twelve lots, comprising together 1,400 acres. It included the Manor of Datchhurst
or Hadlow Place, abundantly stocked with game ; the Manor Farm of Barnets
with capital new house a short distance from the Turnpike road ; and seven other
farms lying contiguous, in most cases held by distinct titles. In 1815, Children
attempted to sell a capital new Mansion House called the Mount (nearly completed),
two miles from Tonbridge, at a short distance from the Turnpike, and six farms
containing together 700a. in a ring fence.

In 1816 the end came, and the Bank was found to be utterly ruined, involving
both the partners in irretrievable disaster. For the first time the Major realised
that Summerhill had to be sold. The shock of this news was so great that Mrs.
Woodgate, on receipt of it, immediately became very iU ; but all put on a brave
front, and under these most trying circumstances conducted themselves with forti-
tude and resolution. We have a letter written by Mary Ann Humphry to her
sister Julia in 1816 when the news first became known : —

" We hear Mrs. Woodgate was only made acquainted with the Major's deter-
mination to sell Summer Hill about a fortnight since. Mr. AUnutt had the unpleasant
task of imparting it to her. The intelligence affected her so much that she was
taken ill immediately ; she now appears quite recovered. I drank tea at Summer
Hill last night with the Thomas', and was surprised to meet a large party, the Knox's,
Childrens, Burtons &c. Mrs. Woodgate exerted herself and endeavoured to appear
in spirits, but we evidently observed at times a great depression."

A commission of Bankruptcy under the great Seal, bearing date at Westminster,
6th February, 1816, was issued against the Major to Henry Hebbings, Jefferies
Spranger, William Paley, John Beamlech, and Henry Wrottesley. The Major was
summoned to appear at the Guildhall in February, 18 16 ; Mr. Sudlow of Monument
Yard was his Attorney. George Children, Thomas Mercer, and John Batlow, all
of Tonbridge, Bankers, were summoned to appear in May ; their Attorney was
E. Grose Smith of Finsbury Square. At this meeting, the major part of the creditors
who had proved their debts nominated John Hartrup West of Tonbridge, Richard
Allnutt of Penshurst and William Day of Gracechurch Street, Oil Merchant,
assignees of W. F. Woodgate's estate, which was accordingly conveyed to them
on 27th February, 1816, upon trust for sale and division.

The following advertisement therefore appeared in due course for the sale
by auction of a " Capital freehold Mansion, Park, Manor and Farms " by Messrs.

378

Crawter, at Garraway's Coffee House, Change Alley, Comhill, London, on Wednesday,
the 14th of August at 12 o'clock.

" The extensive, valuable and capital domain of Somerhill, near Tonbridge,
in the County of Kent, comprising the magnificent mansion house suitable in splen-
dour and elegance for the residence of a family of the first rank, with numerous
and convenient offices of every description, situate on a commanding eminence,
within the park containing 560 acres, ornamented with stately and beautiful timber.
The range of valuable and contiguous farms of rich and highly cultivated ground,
extending from the town of Tonbridge, on both sides of the Turnpike road leading
from London to Hastings for the space of about four miles, the whole comprising
upwards of about 2,500 acres, is distant from London 32 miles. Also the Manor
or reputed Manor of South Frith, extending over a large tract of land abounding
in game, with all the appurtenances and incidental royalties and immunities belonging
thereto.

Particulars and tickets to view to be had of Mr. Allnutt or J. H. West ; Sudlow,
Francis & Urquhart, Solicitors, Monument Yard ; Messrs. Crawter, Cobham, and
at Thanet Place, Temple Bar, London. Also of Mr. Allen, the Steward at Summerhill;
and at the principal libraries in the different towns."

At the same time, Green Trees and Ferox Hall were offered for sale (see p. 311),
together with the remaining Children property unsold, i.e. The Mount and no acres,
part of the Manor Farm called Barnet and 133 acres, Ramhurst Farm and 231 acres.
Old Hop Garden Farm and 60 acres, Meopham Bank Farm and 50 acres, and several
cottages, etc. — the whole comprising about 620 acres, including Bordyke House,
and several houses in Tonbridge. It is significant that none of the parties, until
1816, had offered his house and home estate lor sale.

Before we finally take leave of Summerhill, we must briefly consider its then
state. The Major had made great alterations on his accession, and adapted it to
modern ideas of convenience. Sir Bernard Burke, who visited it in Mr. Alexander's
time, has lefc his account of it on lecord : —

" The Mansion stands upon a beautiful eminence in the northern part of the
grounds, amid extensive Woodlands. It is of considerable size, and although it
has been partly rebuilt and much repaired, preserves not a little of its fine old character.
The large bay windows are still retained, a feature of so much importance in a country
residence, and which so weU accords with the Elizabethan style, though totally at
variance with Greek or Roman architecture. Much too is added to the picturesque
effect of the whole by the pointed gables and ornamental chimneys. The principal
front is the West, overlooking the town of Tunbridge and a beautiful country. From
a turret in the Court of the North side of the house are seen the Canterbury Hills
near Dover, at a distance of about 50 miles. This view however and the several
objects comprised in it are best enjoyed from a rising hill on which grow two large
beeches, (" the two beeches that crown Summerhill " mentioned in Mr. Children's
poem), at a little distance southward from the house." After a suitable eulogy
on Mr. Alexander, he proceeds, ' ' The library in particular is a noble room executed
from the designs of Sir Jeffrey Wyatville. It extends the whole depth of the house,
being one hundred feet in length, with eight columns, and lighted by five bay windows,
which from their unusual number produce a singular effect. There is a tradition
still believed by many that Charles II held his court here when he and his
Queen visited Tunbridge Wells in 1664. But this rests upon too slight a
foundation to be received in direct opposition to the testimony of Count de
Grammont, who being one of the party at the time could hardly have been mistaken
on a point so simple. ' Lady Muskerry and Miss Hamilton,' says the gay narrator,
' were at Summerhill, having left the melancholy residence of Peckham. They
went every day to Court or the Court came to them.' So far as the Count is concerned,
nothing can be plainer or more decisive than his evidence, and it is not difficult
to understand how the frequency of the royal visits to Summerhill should have given
rise to a report that Charles and his Queen held their Court within its walls."

379

Oliver Cromwell, too, paid Summerhill the distinction of a visit and slept there ;
and the Princess Victoria made an express visit to the place when she was in the
neighbourhood.

Summerhill is commemorated in versebytheRev. Richard Harris Barham, author
of the Ingoldsby legends. Extracts are given below, but the full verses are to be
found in Mr. Barham's Life.

"O Summer Hill ; if thou wert mine
I'd order in a pipe of wine
And ask a dozen friends to dine ;
In faith I would not spare the guineas,
But send for Pag and other ninnies,
Flutes, hautboys, fiddles, pipes, and tabors,
Hussars with moustaches and sabres,
Quadrilles and that grand waltz of Weber's,
And give a dance to all my neighbours.
And here I'd sit and quaff my fill
Among the trees of Summerhill ;
Then with bland eye careering slowly
O'er bush-crowned ridge and valley lowly,
I'd drain the cup to thee, old Rowley [Charles II],
To thee and to thy courtly train
Once tenants of thy fair domain.
# * *

0 Alexander, loftier far.

Now culminates thy happier star

Than his of old, my ancient crony,

Thy namesake erst of Macedony,

Unrivalled, save perhaps by Bony.

Oh, happier far in thy degree

Art thou, although a conqueror he

While thou art but an ex-M.P.

Yea, far more blessed, my Alexander,

Art thou than that deceased commander ;

Much though his name be honoured. Fate

Making thee Lord of this estate

Dubbed thee in verity " the Great."

Another world thou dost not sigh
To conquer, much less pipe thine eye

1 dare be sworn — No ! Alexander,
Thou art not half so great a gander.
This is thy globe, here toiijours gai
Thy motto still, though, well-a-day
Sarum be popp'd in Schedule A.

O, Summer, Summer, Summer Hill,
Fain would I gaze and linger still ;
But see, the moon her silver lamp
Uprears, the grass is getting damp ;
And hark, the curfew s parting knell
Is tolled by Doctor Knox's bell !
I go to join my wife and daughters
Drinking these nasty flavoured waters.

0 Summer Hill ! I must repine,
Thou art not, never can be mine !

1 have not even got the wine."

38o

Mr. James Alexander was an East Indian Director of enormous wealth, but
fell under the ban that attended the owner of Summerhill, lost the greater part of
his money and was obliged to sell the place to the late Sir Julian Goldsmid, for
many years M.P. for the Rochester Division. At his death the estate passed to the
present possessor, Mr. E. O. D'Avigdor-Goldsmid. There are some ancient wooden
four-posters at Summerhill still preserved, with the Woodgate name carved under-
neath ; and some of the leaden spouts in front of the house are ornamented with
various names and dates, carved by different members of the family before they
came to riper years.

Summerhill was sold to Mr. Alexander at a time when prices were low ; after
the long war peace had been declared, and an universal panic had set in, involving
house after house in the general ruin throughout the country. Even then the
worst was not fully realized ; many supposed that the Major would still have sufficient
to pass the rest of his days, if not in affluence, at least in ease and comfort. WiUiam
Ozias Humphry writes on 15th August, 1816 : —

" I see by the papers that Summerhill was to be sold yesterday ; pray inform
us when you write cdl you have heard about it, for I shall be anxious to hear that
it has fetched a good price so as to leave the poor Major a decent competence after
the liquidation of his debts."

The wine was sold separately. It may be safely imagined that after 1812,
until the position of his affairs became better known to him, the Major had refrained
from stocking much wine, though we know, and Miss Humphry's letter shows, that
he had not ceased to entertain ; what was sold must therefore have been merely
the residue of what the cellars contained. Nevertheless, the Sale catalogue displays
an astonishing quantity. The sale was to have been held on the 22nd October,
1816, at the Rose and Crown, Tonbridge, at eleven o'clock.

' ' All the capital stock of genuine and superior choice wines in the cellars of
the Mansion House of Somerhill, Tonbridge, comprising : —
2 hogsheads of Claret.
I ,, Preignac.

I „ Vin de grave.

Upwards of 300 dozen Port.

100 „ Claret.

80 „ Madeira.

20 ,, Sherry.

70 ,, Various,

consisting of Burgundy, Barsac, Val de Poena, Grape and Orange. Also about
200 dozen empty bottles and magnums."

When it is considered that the above list includes nearly 6,000 bottles and four
hogsheads, we are able to form some idea of the scale of hospitality which the Major
thought necessary to maintain. Some idea of the size of the cellars may be gathered
from the fact that the Major — so it is said — drove a carriage and four round them
for a wager.

There was also a sale of the effects at Summerhill. There are many relics,
pieces of plate, linen, china, etc., still in the family that were saved from the wreck,
but most of the furniture and effects were sold. Some things were bought in by the
family. Some of the family pictures, that is to say of the generation then living,
such as Maria West and Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, were taken away ; but
aU the remainder, with one or two trifling exceptions, including the portraits of all
the Woodgates of Stonewall and the early Summerhill days have vanished. There
is a tradition that the family portraits were collected together into a great heap
before Summerhill and burnt, and some have improved on this by saying that the
Woodgates did this, rather than allow them to fall into the hands of strangers. The
probability is that the tradition is perfectly correct, but that the agents of destruction

38l

were the purchasers, the Alexanders. We know for a fact that a great many of the
books were left at Summerhill, and were there until lately ; for all we know they
are there now. Doubtless the pictures which were not wanted were also left ; and,
being quite uninteresting to the Alexanders and not considered valuable as works
of art, were burnt by the new-comers. This disaster was is its nature irreparable.

At Pembury, of course, and Spring Grove, some few portraits were preserved,
but only of the contemporary generation ; at the latter the number did not exceed
a dozen large paintings and a few miniatures more. It is just possible that some
of the older pictures are at this moment scattered about the neighbourhood, in
country houses, farms, and second-hand shops.

On 17th November, 182 1, there was a meeting of the creditors at the Rose
and Crown for the purpose of arranging the ultimate disposal of certain parts of the
household furniture and effects of the Major remaining unsold, and deciding whether
the same should be sold publicly or by private contract, or whether they might
be taken by the family without payment.

The affairs of the Bank were vested in assignees. Peter Nouaille and Mr. A. B.
Valle were Mr. Children's trustees. At the time the Bank stopped payment, as
we learn from the Children Memoirs, Mr. Children was debtor to a large amount
on his account with the bank and " another partner " debtor to the bank more
than twice as much. He had entered into several joint obligations ; for instance,
Rose Woodgate had lent ;{3,ooo upon the joint bond of Mr. Children and Mr.Woodgate.
When the partners failed, the holders of these joint securities naturally came in to
prove under each commission for what they could get. He complains that ' ' from
the holders of joint securities from the partners of the Bank having come in to
prove under the separate commission against him, more than three fourths of his
assets were absorbed and his personal creditors, instead of receiving their twenty
shillings in the pound, were obliged to take only an equal dividend with them."
He adds : " that these debts, or any part of them, are not mine to pay, I suspect
is already pretty well understood. Those debts are purely and entirely debts of the
bank ; they were for money and stock borrowed for the support of the bank when
it was under difficulties, and were all applied solely to the use of the bank ; out of
the bank funds therefore they ought to have been repaid. . . . The hardship
upon me (or rather upon my personal creditors) to be obliged to pay any part of
them is most evident. I cannot however deny the legal right of the holders to come
upon me for what they can get, nor do I complain of them having thought fit to
exert that right. I can only say it produces that defalcation from my assets which
I did not foresee, and thus falsifies the assurance I most honestly gave my own
creditors, that they would lose nothing by me."

Of course, Mr. Children was mistaken in supposing that no part of the debts
were his to pay ; the money was borrowed for support of the Bank, and the proprietors
made themselves liable ; the proprietors, of whom Mr. Children was one, were there-
fore responsible. It was an admitted hardship, but everything that he can say
might have been urged with equal force by the Major, who had an additional grievance,
that he was drawn in to bolster up a rotten and decayed concern. If Mr. Children
had realized his property and retired in 1810, as he had been urged to do, he would
have had, at the very least, a clear surplus of -^70,000. As it was, it sold very ill
and was not sufficient to discharge his debts and the liabilities of the Bank ; in
1820 a first dividend out of his estate was paid of five shillings in the pound, and
later on a second dividend at the rate of two shillings ; whether anything else was
ever paid we do not know. The Childrens were people of great wealth ; but the
Major's property was larger, and it is obvious that he might have realized in 1810
and withdrawn with a still greater surplus. Mr, Children was justly beloved and
respected in all the neighbourhood of Tonbridge ; and it is due to his memory to say
that a more perfectly upright man never walked.

382

It was not only the Major who was involved in this unfortunate affair ; his
relations were all more or less nearly concerned. Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove
was severely hit ; and though he managed to retain his lands, clear of mortgages and
unsold, he lost very heavily*. John Woodgate of Stonewall was no less affected,
and we cannot imagine that Stephen altogether escaped, nor the Nouailles and Allnutts,
nor even Rose Woodgate ; for she had lent money to the extent of nearly £y,ooo,
some of which she voluntarily agreed to forego in favour of the Major. In 1821 she
bought up the small outstanding interests of the Major and his brothers in the Moat ;
the Major's share came to about £500. The following authority to pay over the
purchase money was addressed to her by J. H. West.
' ' Dear Madam,

The money due to the assignees of Mr. Wm, F. Woodgate for his share of the
Moat Farm &c as also that due to Mr. John Woodgate, you will be kind enough to
pay to Mr. William Woodgate, and his receipt will be quite sufficient, and am, Madam,
Very truly yours

J. H. West.
Postern, Nov. 17, 1821."

This Mr. William Woodgate was the Major's eldest son.

There was one striking distinction between the case of the Childrens and Wood-
gates. Both lost nearly all their money, but Mr. Children had an only son who was
grown up and possessed of independent means, fully capable of maintaining his
father and himself in comfort ; the Major had a numerous family of ten children,
of whom the eldest, Frances, had but just married Dr. Thomas Knox, of Tonbridge
School, and she was not yet twenty-one.

The Major and his wife left Tonbridge and resided first at Edinburgh and then
in France, though the Major from time to time paid long visits to his friends in Kent.
The children were taken charge of by various relatives, chiefly the Allnutts, and
brought up by them. Of all the Major's numerous relations, none proved themselves
at this time so valuable as the Allnutts and Lord Hardinge ; the former with one
accord exerted themselves to afford whatever assistance they could, and the latter
by his influence and patronage so generously exercised secured for the family excellent
positions in the War Office, cadetships in India, and similar openings.

In November, 1819, Julia Humphry was staying with her aunt Rose Woodgate
at Tonbridge, when she met the Major who was staying at Pembury. She writes
on the 24th: —

" Major Woodgate remains in this part of the country till after Christmas ;
Anna came from Brighton last week to give her Father a meeting"; and five days
later she writes : —

' ' I dined with Mrs. Charles Hardinge the week before last with Major Woodgate,
Stephen, and Mr, John Scoones. The Major retains his enthusiastic fondness
of musick, & I never saw him in better spirits, which do not appear forced but quite
natural."

In February the next year, Miss Humphry writes from Tonbridge that she
would continue to stay with her aunt, who felt unequal to the transaction of some
business she had on hand in connection with the Moat, and that ' ' it has been inti-
mated to her that she will probably soon receive the offer of a compromise for the
money owing to her by the Major, but which I will thank you not to mention at
present." In March she writes : —

" I arn sorry to say very little progress is made in the arrangement of my
Aunt's affairs, & I begin to fear things will not very speedily be compromised. Mr.
James West advises her not to appear anxious to come into their terms, as he thinks
a little delay may be advantageous to her."

*See Reference Sheet.

WILLIAM WOODGATE Esq. of Swaylands,

383

James West's desire was amply complied with ; there was a good deal of delay,
for on April loth, 182 1, Mary Anne Humphry writes : —

' ' Mr. Alexander came to Summer Hill yesterday. He wishes extremely to
liquidate my Aunt's debt, as well as that of the other creditors, but his solicitors
[Messrs. Brundrett & Co.] have requested the delay of a few days till some necessary
instruments are signed. The loss is his, as the money is laying idle, & the creditors
will receive interest to the day of payment. At the same time the delay is vexatious
to all parties."

The Major, at the time of his death, was living at Dunkirk. Miss Humphry
writes to her sister. Lady Ashburnham, on 6th June, 1828 : " Major Woodgate
has been seriously ill with an inflammation on his chest. On hearing of his state^
William, Rosa, and Frank immediately set out for Dunkirk. William returned
on Monday, when he was considered better. Henry is now with him and he expresses
the utmost comfort from the Society of his children."

The illness evidently proved fatal, for on ist July, 1828, Sir William Ash-
burnham writes, " We were concerned to hear of the death of Major Woodgate,
though from the reports of his illness we had reason to anticipate such an event."
Mrs. Woodgate had died at Edinburgh in the Major's lifetime. The Major's body
was brought over from France and buried with much pomp in the family vault at
Pembury.

The unfortunate Major, who brought down on himself such a terrible misfortune,
effected the ruin of the family. The principal place, Summerhill, was irrecoverably
gone ; and the younger branches at Stonewall and Pembury were all involved in
the loss and ruin. Perhaps this explains in some way why the unlucky Major was
recollected with such bitterness by his relations. His children for the most part
acquitted themselves well in their struggle with the world.

It seems that there had been no marriage settlement of any kind of either his
own or his wife's property, which all went into the general wreck, except a sum of
;^350 a year which was charged on Summerhill. This was the only property which
the children inherited. A brief narration of their respective careers is here given.

L William and Henry, the two eldest sons, were at Tonbridge School at the time
of the final crash in 1816. William was about 17 years old. On hearing that Summer-
hill was to be given up, he showed that independence of spirit which characterised
his subsequent career by immediately setting off to see Mr. Scott, a solicitor and
a friend of the family, to see if he could help him to some employment. This was
done entirely on his own initiative, without consulting any of the family. Mr.
Scott had intended taking his own son into the business, but the son had set his
heart on entering the army, and Mr. Scott was so pleased with Wilham's spirit that
he took him in instead. This son eventually became General Sir John Scott.

On 9th November, 1819 ' ' William Woodgate of Hunter Street, Brunswick
Square, Esquire, aged 20, the son of WiUiam Francis Woodgate of Edinburgh "
was admitted to Lincolns Inn. He married in 1825 Harriet daughter of Lieut.
Colonel James West of the Cadet Barracks, Woolwich. Her portrait was painted by
Sir Thomas Lawrence and lately reaHzed a record sum at Christie's (seep. 119). He
lived at first in Guildford Street, within easy reach of Lincolns Inn, and in 1828
removed to Cumberland Terrace, Regents Park, where he remained until 1845 when he
took up his residence at Swaylands — a charming house at the top of Rogue's Hill,
Penshurst, built by himself to resemble a Summerhill in miniature.

Swaylands must have taken its name from the family of Swayland, though
it is true that there was anciently land in Penshurst of the same name. It has been
suggested that the justices in eyre sat on the spot and gave it the name. Mr. Woodgate
sold Swaylands in 1859 to Mrs. Crupper, and settled for a short time at Clapham,
from which he removed to 56, Prince's Square, Hyde Park, where he remained till

384

his death. Swaylands now belongs to the Drummonds and has been much added
to : Httle of the original house remains.

Lord Hardinge entertained a profound admiration for Mr. Woodgate, whom
he designated " the Wellington of Law," the highest praise he could bestow. He
carried on business in partnership with Mr. Currie, at 32, Lincolns Inn Fields,
demolished a few years ago to make room for the ugly Land Registry. The firm was
subsequently joined by Mr. William Williams, who was admitted a sohcitor in 1839
and died in 1907, one of the oldest and most highly respected solicitors in London.
We believe that Mr. Woodgate built and owned the Thatched House Club in St.
James'.

Mr. Woodgate was a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, and Master of Barnards Inn,
which was, we believe, sold under his direction. He occupied a high place in the
profession, and died widely respected on 14th June, 1866, at his house in Prince's
Square. He was buried at Fordcombe, a hamlet of Penshurst, whose church was
built when Mr. Woodgate was at Swaylands ; Lord Hardinge had defrayed half the
cost and Mr. Woodgate had contributed very largely to the remainder. The illus-
tration is from a photograph. Mr. Woodgate's typically English face and buUd
is responsible for the well-known "John Bull" of cartoons; he sat for the
original drawing.

11. We have been obliged with so excellent an account of Henry Woodgate,
the second son, from one of his children, that we have inserted it just as it is,
though rather exceeding the space we had intended to allot.

" Henry Arthur Woodgate, B.D., Rector of Belbroughton, was the second son
of William Francis Woodgate of Somerhill. He was born at Tonbridge Castle,
April 25th, 1801. After the old home at Somerhill was broken up, Henry Woodgate
spent the remainder of his boyhood with his uncle Stephen Woodgate, Vicar of
Pembury, attending Tonbridge Grammar School. At Pembury he formed his
friendship with Mrs. S. Woodgate's family, the Hardinge's, eventually becoming
curate to Sir Charles Hardinge and later marrying Maria Bradford, cousin to Lady
Hardinge.

"At the age of sixteen he won a Scholarship at St. John's College, Oxford. In
1826 he took a First-class in Classics. He became Fellow and Tutor in his College,
was three times Public Examiner 1827-8, Bampton Lecturer 1838, Select Preacher
1836 — 1838 and later 1865-6. During his career at Oxford he formed warm friend-
ships especially with the leaders of the Oxford movement. Ruddy and of a fair
countenance, musical, full of fun and humour, Mr. Mozley describes him as ' ' the
most popular man in Oxford.

" He was ordained in 1824 and in course of time became curate in charge of Trinity
Church, Tunbridge Wells, then a district of Tonbridge. In 1837 he was presented
to the living of Belbroughton, a large country Parish in the gift of St. John's College.
In 1838 he married Maria daughter of Captain Bradford, by whom he had ten children.
His eldest son, Walter Bradford Woodgate of Brasenose, was the famous University
oar ; his second son Major General Sir Edward Woodgate fell on Spion Kop 1900.
He was rightly described as " the militant son of a Militant Father," for Henry
Woodgate was essentially mihtant (though not quarrelsome), throughout his hfe
earnestly contending for " the Faith once dehvered to the Saints."

" At Belbroughton he led the life of anactive Parish Priest, dihgently visiting
the people of his large and scattered parish, at the same time taking a leading part
in all Church and Diocesan work, being Rural Dean, Diocesan Inspector of Schools
(in those days a voluntary work), Hon. Canon of Worcester and Proctor for Convo-
cation. Convocation had in 1841 become a dead letter, the House only meeting to
be peremptorily prorogued. The Worcestershire clergy were seriously considering
whether it were worth while to elect a member to represent them. Mr. Woodgate
however urged them that to give up the right of election would be to surrender

MRS. WILLIAM WOODGATE of Swaylands (formerly Harriott West).
From the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence, P.R.A.

385

a principle. " Let us hold fast the rights of the Church," he pleaded, " even if
we are not allowed to act." Who, asked the opposition, would care to undertake
so thankless a task? " I will," was the prompt reply. He was elected Proctor
and held that office until 1874.

" The history of Convocation, in which he played so large a part, shows how
wise was this brave counsel. In all the momentous controversies of the day he took
an active part, contending for the integrity of the Athanasian Creed, the Religious
education of children, and protesting against the spoliation of the Church. His
logical mind was prompt to see the principle at stake, his pen to defend it ; his courage
was equal to standing by it, regardless alike of popular clamour, of the frowns of
those in high places or the appeals of friendship.

"So he stood firm when men's hearts were faihng and leaders of thought were
deserting the Church of England in despair. The secessions to Rome, numbering
as they did some of his greatest friends, were a sore trial to him. Several of these
had visited Belbroughton and preached in the old Parish Church ; no wonder there
was distrust and suspicion, and cries of " No Popery " arose. Mr. Woodgate met
the aggrieved Parishioners with plain common-sense, joined to a touch of humour
which disarmed the better disposed among them ; then went on his way, careful
not to give offence but refusing to yield an inch to popular clamour. He never
swerved from his loyalty to his Church, or faltered in his affection for the friends
who had thought it their duty to leave Her. His renewed intercourse with Dr.
Newman was one of the greatest pleasures of his later years.

"Keenly as he could cut in controversy, he ever respected honest opponents.
He hated shams while respecting honest Dissenters ; for poHtical ones he had an
unbounded contempt. His old friend Mr. Gladstone, from whom in latter years
he utterly differed, summed up his character : " I never," wrote the former, " when
sending a subscription to the Woodgate brass in Worcester Cathedral, ' ' subscribed
to any thing with greater pleasure than I do to the memorial of one whom no con-
siderations of personal interest or private friendship could induce to swerve from
what he thought right."

"He loved children, and delighted in all beauty of sight and sound, especially
that of vocal harmony. His harmonious choir, in which no instrument was allowed,
was unique. In his younger days he was a bold rider, delighting in country life and
knowing every inch of the country in which he dwelt.

"He fell, it may be truly said, in harness, on Christmas day 1873 ; he died April,
24th, 1874, on the eve of his seventy third birthday, and his parishioners mourned
for him as for a common father. Requiescat in pace " (n) .

III. John Woodgate, the third son, sought his fortunes in the Presidency of
Madras. He was appointed Ensign on 13th February, 1821, and Lieutenant on
7th July, 1824. A life of great promise was cut short on 14th October, 1826 ;
for he then died at Amherst town at the commencement of his career.

IV. Francis, the fourth son, was born at Tonbridge Castle on 4th October, 1808.
When his father's household was broken up, he was brought up by his Aunt AUnutt
at South Park. Lord Hardinge obtained him a post in the War Office when only
sixteen or seventeen and he joined an expedition to Portugal. Francis Woodgate always
maintained a warm friendship with Lord Hardinge. The latter had promised aU
Mr. Woodgate's four sons commissions in the army, and would have used his position
as Commander-in-Chief to push their fortunes. Unfortunately he died (in the
presence of the Queen) just before the eldest son, Harry, was ready to take up his
commission ; he accordingly entered the Indian army, in which Charles Hay Frewen
procured him a commission, and the other sons followed different careers.

(n) Mr. Woodgate was the author of several works, notably Woodgate's Historical Sermons,

in two volumes. A good deal of light is thrown on his career bv the Reminiscences of his son,
W. B. Woodgate.

386

On his return from Portugal he had assigned to him an official house in the
Tower of London. He married in 1838 his cousin Clare Woodgate, daughter of
Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, who was living at Charts Edge, Westerham,
with her mother Mrs. Streatfeild. Francis Woodgate used to ride down to see her,
spend a night or two, and ride back early the next morning. At the time of the
Chartist riots he was sworn in as a special constable.

After the marriage they lived for a few weeks with the John Allnutts at Clapham,
while the house in the Tower was being prepared for them ; but before many years
the Tower house was burnt to the ground, when they removed to a place at Cowden,
called Falconhurst. This was a small property consisting of a house and about forty
acres of meadow land ; the house was poor, but was beautifully restored and added to
by Decimus Burton in the style of Spring Grove. Mr. Woodgate used to ride every day
to London on horseback, and came back in the evening. It necessitated early hours, as
the journey there and back must have been sixty miles ; but in the summer Francis used
to rise several hours before he started and amuse himself in the garden and
on the farm, to which he was devoted. Eventually he found his daily ride too much of
an exertion; he resigned his post in the War Office on a pension, sold Falconhurst,
and removed in 1850 to Pembury to farm Spring Grove, his wife's property,
containing from 500 to 600 acres.

Falconhurst has since been almost entirely rebuilt and much enlarged ; it is now
known as Claydene. During Mr. Woodgate's ownership, his neighbour the Hon.
J. C. Talbot, Q.C., ran up a large mansion close by and requested permission to call it
Falconhurst ; Mr. Woodgate, very properly, declined, so Talbot dubbed his man-
sion, pour rire, " Little Falconhurst."

After the Woodgates sold the property, Mr. Talbot dropped the diminutive and
his place is now known as Falconhurst simpliciter. The late owner (the Rt. Hon.
J. G. Talbot, M.P. for Oxford University and Chairman of West Kent Quarter
Sessions) died only this year, to the great loss not of Kent only, but of the country.

Spring Grove itself was let to the Miss Powells, aunts of Sir R. Baden-Powell
the General, who used we believe to spend his holidays there. Mr. Woodgate accord-
ingly took up his abode at Hawkwell Farm. His operations were most unsuccessful ;
bad crops and low prices made each year worse than the preceding one, and having
lost the bulk of his capital he relinquished the farm in disgust and settled (eventually)
at Effingham House, Dover, where he died in 1871. He was, like his brothers, a tall
fine man, over six feet in height, in disposition reserved, a sound Churchman and
staunch Tory, and devoted to country life. Immediately after he left Pembury,
the Crimean War broke out ; harvests were good and prices high, and in a very
short time Richard Ashby the tenant, who had previously occupied the mill at
Hawkwell, from almost nothing had amassed £20,000.

After his death, Mrs. Woodgate purchased No. 9, the Lawn, St. Leonards,
where she died in 1894. Spring Grove was sold by the Trustees of the settlement
in 1871 to the late Mr. Robert Tabor (father of Mr. Arthur Tabor of Cheam) on very
advantageous terms. Mr. Tabor pulled down the old house and erected the present
building, known as Hawkwell, which is a good deal larger than Spring Grove, but
neither handsome nor beautiful. It now belongs to Mr. Mewbourne.

V. Decimus Woodgate, the fifth son, born 5th March, 1812, at Summerhill, was
taken charge of, we believe, by the John Allnutts of Clapham. He was a man
of large proportions ; he measured six feet one and a half inches in height, and rode
twenty stone. He entered the German Military service. In Germany he married
Gertrude Beresam of Coblentz on the Rhine. He subsequently was employed in
South Australia as a Government Surveyor, and was considered one of the best they
had had. He thought nothing of riding seventy miles a day. He also had vineyards
in Kangarilla. He died in 1875, leaving eight children, and was buried in the church-
yard of St. George's, Meadows, a church which had been built largely through his
efforts.

387

Of the daughters, Frances married in 1815 Dr. Thomas Knox, headmaster of
Tonbridge. For further information of this family see History of Tonhridge School,
and Tonbridge School Register.

Anna married Henry Buttanshaw of West Peckham, a manufacturer. It was
not considered a very good alliance. She only hved one year after her marriage (0).

Maria, born 1803, resided with the John Allnutts at Clapham until her marriage
with James Thomas in 1823. Mr. Thomas, of the Madras Civil Service, obtained
his writership in 1812, in 1817 became second assistant to the Collector of Tinnevelly,
and rose by progressive steps until in 1837 he became Judge and Criminal Judge of
Rajahmundras. He died in 1840 at Madras ; his wife died at sea in 1833. There
is a very good portrait of her by Sir Thomas Lawrence in the possession of her grandson
Mr. James Woodgate Arbuthnot of Elderslie, Surrey. There are also some
miniatures of the family in the possession of Lady Robinson of Inverness Terrace,
Maria Thomas' daughter, including a miniature of Maria Thomas by Sir Thomas
Lawrence [f).

Rose, born 1806, was very taU and very handsome. She lived with her Aunt
Garthwaite. She possessed a wonderful memory, and could repeat almost anything
that she had once heard, whether prose or verse, without the least effort. She
died in November, 1855. She had been to a party, and on her return complained
of feeling unwell. Learning that she had been eating new bread, Mrs. Garthwaite
attributed her pain to indigestion. Two or three nights afterwards she said to
the nurse, ' ' I feel as if I were going through the bed ; I wish you would get me
some beef-tea." When the nurse came back, she noticed a great change in her
patient. She at once alarmed Mrs. Garthwaite, who came in hurriedly ; in a few
moments she was dead.

Julia, the youngest daughter, died in 1831 at Tunbridge WeUs. There is a
monument to her memory in Trinity Church,

(o) The following inscription is on a tablet affixed to the north wall of West Peckham Church :

"Near this place are deposited the remains of Anna tlie beloved wife of Henry Buttanshaw
of this parish, and daughter of the late WiUiam Francis Woodgate Esq. of Summerhill. She
died June 25th, 1829, aged 31 years, deeply lamented by her affectionate husband, who in
commemoration of her many virtues and to perpetuate her memory has erected this tablet.
In the same grave is also buried their infant son Hen^3^ who died July 24th, 1829,
aged 2 months. "

(p) The following is theuonly surviving letter from Maria Thomas, written, before her marriage,

to the Humphrys at Seal.

"Clapham Common, Dec. 22nd, 1820.
My Dear Fanny

I often review with much pleasure the many very happy hours I spent under your roof ; and
I often think of the attentive audience I had when repeating my reveries and dreams, and
the wish you then expressed to hear them. I have purchased a few of your favourites, which
I hope you will accept for my sake. It had been my intention to have written both you and
Mary Ann a long epistle, but I am afraid I shall not be able to manage it, as I expect my
Uncle J. Allnutt, who is to take the little packet to WilUam, to call for it every minute. Tell
Mary Aim she shall hear from me the next time an opportunity offers of sending a letter free.
I have enclosed the Crayons and French Books I promised her.

How is your dear I\Iother ? Give my kind love to her. I have laid in a fresh stock of
Dreams, and I often would give anything to transport myself to your fire-side , when you are
quite alone, and excite your risible faculties. Give my love to Julia. How does Mary Arm's
French come on ? I have been studying Astronomy since I have been at home, and I hope
with a httle success. Music comes on a merveille. Much against my inclinations I must now
conclude, as my Uncle is waiting for my letter. You will do well if you can read this, but my
pen is vile, and I must not stop to mend it ; and beUeve me,

Your truly affectionate Friend and Cousin

Mary Woodgate.
Dites mille choses de ma part a Mary Anne."

388

CHAPTER XII.

ALLNUTT OF SOUTH PARK, PENSHURST.

Frances Woodgate, eldest daughter of William Woodgate of Summerhill, born
1772, married 1793 Richard Allnutt, J.P., D.L., of South Park, Penshurst,

The Allnutts were a family of great opulence. Richard Allnutt, senior, was
a wealthy City merchant, who settled in Kent and purchased several properties
in Penshurst, Leigh, and adjoining parishes, on a part of which called South Park
he built himself a house known by the same name. The South Park in former times
belonged to the great park of Penshurst Place. Richard Allnutt married a
Miss Spencer of Redleafe, Penshurst ; and it was that connection which induced
him to settle at Penshurst. He had two sons : William, the eldest, died young ;
and Thomas, married in 1771 Miss Pott of Eltham, where he lived (a). He had several
children, and dying in his father's lifetime left his eldest son, Richard, to succeed
to the Penshurst property. On coming of age, Richard married Miss Woodgate
and improved and enlarged South Park (6).

(a) The Allnutts lived at Merlewood House, Eltham ; it was purchased by Richard Lewin

in 1798.

(6) The arms of Allnutt are " Per fess and pale indented, or and gules, five mascles conjoined

(query) of the second in first and fourth quarter." With these should be quartered the arms of
Westbrook, " Gules, a leopard's face jessant a fleur de lys or."
John Allnutt of Sutton Courtney, Berks, had issue

1. John of Sutton Courtney, eldest son and heir (N.B. — In May, 1790, a Mr. Allnutt
of Sutton married Miss Wood of Stanton, Harcourt, Oxfordshire).

2. Moses, died s.p. 3. James. 4. Richard.

Richard Allnutt of South Park, Penshurst, d. August, 1789, m. Miss Spencer, of Redleafe,
Penshurst, widow of ... Forester; had issue

1. WiUiam, eldest son, d. about 16 years old.

2. Thomas of Eltham.

Thomas Allnutt of Merlewood House, Eltham, m. 1st June, 1771, at St. Olave's, Regent
Street, Susanna, dau. of John Pott of Eltham and Anne his wife, daughter and heiress of
Fletcher of Mansell Street and Gloucester (b. 16th March, 1751, d. 1792). He died in his father's
hfetime, 13th September, 1787, about 35 years old leaving issue

1. Richard Allnutt of South Park, b. 29th February, 1772, m. at Tonbridge 14th October,

1793, Frances eldest daughter of William Woodgate of Summerhill (b."l6th November,

1772, bapt. at Tonbridge the same day). He died 19th November, bu. at Penshurst,

23rd November, 1827, leaving
i Frances, b. September, 1796, d. 3rd July, bu. at Penshurst 8th July, 1820, unm.

ii Susanna, b. 14th November, 1799, bapt. at Penshurst 27th December, d. 4th
May, bu. at Penshurst 10th May, 1821, unm.

iii Maria, bapt. at Penshurst 6th May, 1805, m. 7th September 1841, Rev. George
Richard Boissier, B.A., of Oakfields, Penshurst. He died 23rd June, 1858, she 23rd
January, 1886, leaving two sons — Allnutt, b. 15th January, 1843, d. about 1896,
unm. ; and Arthur, now of Smart's Hill, Penshurst, unm.

2. John Allnutt, of whom presently.

3. Anna, b. 30th September, 1774, m. William Fkancis Woodgate of Summerhill (see p. 327),

4. Susanna, b. 28th August, 1775, m. April, 1797, John Douce Garthwaite, the younger,
of Sliackleford, Cliichester ; and of Pilmore Hall, Durham (b. 2nd August, 1775, d.
at Ripon, 13th August, 1853). She d. in 1860, s.p.

6. Thomas of Himtingdon, b. 6th July, 1777, m. 1st August, 1798, Harriet, dau. of William

Scoones of Tonbridge (d. 1860), and d. 22nd June, 1834, at Tunbridge Wells, s.p.
6. Wilham, d. infant.

389

The old house of South Park differed very substantially from the present building.
It was admirably situated on rising ground, commanding a view of the village and
grounds of Penshurst Place, and enjoyed a fine prospect in every direction. Mr.
Allnutt was fortunate in his undertaking ; instead of the necessity of new plantations,
his only task was the exercise of judgment in thinning the woods already standing,
and removing sufficient timber to open out views.

The following lines were written in 1796 by Mrs. Allnutt's sister, Ann Woodgate,
on Mrs. Allnutt refusing to give her a subject for some verses ; it was before the
birth of Mrs. Allnutt's first child :—

" How cross were you, Fan,

To deny me, (poor Nan)
The theme which I asked you to give;
How much I was vex'd,
Chagrined and perplex'd,
I ne'er shall forget while I live.
But why should I take it as such an ill thing,
Since a subject you have ne'er given, e'en to the King?"
Richard Allnutt was one of those who came forward in the defence of his country
in 1803, when Napoleon was threatening England with invasion ; and proffered
his services. He was made Captain of a Troop of the West Kent Regiment
of Yeomanry Cavalry, and had for his Lieutenant his friend and neighbour James
Harbroe of Hall Place, Leigh. His sabre is stiU preserved by his descendants.

The events leading up to Mr. Allnutt's marriage are described in verse (see p. 328).
One of the earliest references to the AUnutts in the family letters is contained in a
letter of Maria Woodgate of June, 1800.

" There has been a sad rumpus at South Park. Mr. Allnutt has found out
that in his absence the servants acted high life below stairs, and were not contented
with giving their guests dinner tea and supper, but extended the invitation to heAs,

John Allnutt of Clapham, the second son, b. 23rd February, 1773, m. 7th July, 1796, Elizabeth
eldest daughter of John Douce Garthwaite of Shackleford Hall, Surrey, who d. December, 1810
(Monument in Salisbury Cathedral) leaving

1. a son, b. and d. 1797.

2. a son, b. and d. 1799.

3. Anna, b. 1801, d. 1828, unm.

4. John, of whom presently.

Mr. Allnutt married secondly Eleanor, daughter of Samuel Brandram of Lee, Kent (b.
1789, d. at Clapham 21st March, 1866), and had issue by her

5. Eleanor, b. 1816, d. unm.

6. Jane, b. 1818, m. 1845 Henry Carr (b. 1817, d. 1888) and died in 1845, s.p.

Mr. AUnutt died at Clapham, 12th January, 1863, was buried at Norwood, and was succeeded
by his son

John Allnutt of Charles Street, Berkeley Square, b. 1803, m. 1st in 1838, Elizabeth Harriet,
dau. of John Fassett Burnet of May Place, Crayford, Kent (b. 1819, d. 1843) and had issue

1. Anna, b. 1839, m. 9th October, 1860, the Right Hon. Lord Brassey, of Normanhurst,

Sussex ; Lady Brassey d. 14th September, 1887, leaving issue

(a) Thomas Allnutt Brassey, m. Lady Idina Nevill, dau. of the Marquis of Abergavenny.
lb) Mabel Annie, m. Charles Augustus Egerton of Moimtfield Court, Sussex (see p. 47).
(c) Constance Alberta, d. 24th June, 1873.
{d) Muriel Agnes, m. Earl Delawarr.

(e) Marie Adelaide, m. Freeman Freeman-Thomas, M.P., late Chief Liberal Whip.
Mr. Allnutt married secondly 24th April, 1862, dementia, dau. of Richard Puckle. He d.
5th May, 1881, she 26th July, 1909, leaving

2. John Hay AUnutt, b. and died 1864.

3. Jane Raye AUnutt, b. 1865, d. 1873.

4. Violet Susan AUnutt, now Uving, m. 1888, Major Vicesimus Knox of SpringhiU, More-
in-the-Marsh, grandson of Rev. Thomas ICnox, D.D., and Frances his wife, the dau.
of W. F. Woodgate of SummerhiU ; they have issue, amongst others, dementia Allnutt
Knox and Vicesimus John Knox.

390

Having made this discovery the Squire is determined to make an example of them,
and has given warning to the whole crew, Shoebridge, Bob, Richard and the few
maids, so that next week we will have quite a new household."

Richard Allnutt was fond of all forms of sport. He possessed a hunting box
at Sutton, from which the first Allnutt letter (except that on p. 348) was written : —

Dear Stephen, " Sutton, Dec. 8th, 1800.

Maria told you in her last letter that you were not to expect to hear from me
till I arrived here, which I did on Wednesday last. I brought with me my cook
& housemaid, & left my dear Girls at Summerhill as I thought it was not worth
while to bring them for a fortnight, but if I had imagined how very melancholy I
should have been I certainly should have brought Fanny. From nine in the morning
till half past four, if I was not an extreme domestic Lady & had a great many resources
within myself, I should find some of the above mentioned hours rather of the dull
order, & from tea till Supper, after the duties of the Nursery are performed, the
Males generally take up the Newspaper or a Book. I really begin to think it will
be well if my Tongue does not forget its office, for want of practice ; but joking
apart, I should not like to live at a hunting Box aU the Season, for you know I am
very fond of Society & never had the gift of that tame thing called Taciturnity.
One thing I must tell you of ; there are two or three Gentlemen in the Neighbourhood
who now & then dine with us, which makes it sometimes tolerable. I believe I shall
go to Town for a day or two e'er I return home, which will be a few days before
Xmas, as Mr. Walter comes to us at that time. Now for the Fish of Fishes & my
Nobby Cheese. I made thirty before I came away, & my Maid intended to make
them as long as ever the Curd will come. I fancy I have made 400 lbs. Mr. Arthur
[Pott] keeps house this time so that we are only on a Visit ; after Xmas we shall
be housekeepers on our own bottoms & I shall certainly bring the children. I
suppose you have heard now all about John George ; he will never come back again
in a whole skin in my opinion. How very unfortunate Miss Scoones being taken
so very ill at Eltham ; poor thing, she has been extremely bad. Two days, I believe,
they did not expect her to live & I am afraid it will be some time before she can be
moved. I begin to think that there is something between Harry [Woodgate] & a
pleasant Month. I watched them at the Concert & fancied that I saw something
more than common but I May be mistaken. When I was at Summerhill I rode
over to Spring Grove. Upon my word the House looks very clean & pretty & I
think Harry's intended road tlirough the Church Wood will be very delightful. I
am sorry to hear what you say about Bob Shelly, but I won't give up my good opinion
till I know for certain it is true. Nan is Still at Hastings with the Rideouts but
retiuns by Xmas. So Sam [Nicoll] has been taken by the French ! I hope they
have lowered his proud spirit a little. The John Allnutts are Still at Brighton.
T do not know of any news either in these parts or at home, so adieu.

Yours very affecly,

F. AUnutt.

I have just had a letter from Maria. The dear girls both well, but poor John
has been at death's door. On Thursday he overfatigued himself with hunting on
foot & was taken at Fairthorn in most violent convulsions which continued for
five hours. Mr. Lutterell was much alarmed about him. He is now much better
& was moved home on Saturday. If you write to me let it be early next week or
I shall be gone."

John, who overfatigued himself, was probably Mrs. Allnutt's brother John
Woodgate, afterwards of Stonewall but then living at Summerhill. Miss Scoones
was a sister of Mrs. Thomas Allnutt ; she was probably Charlotte, afterwards Mrs.
Henry Streatfeild of Chidingstone. The next letter, written in 1801, also from
Sutton, was in much gayer mood. It related a "rumpus" between the John
Garthwaites and John Allnutts.

391

" Sutton, Sunday Eveng. [March 9th, 1801].
Many thanks, my Dear Stephen, for your kind attention in writing to me.
I should have answered your epistle before, but I was not at home when it arrived,
and you know when a Woman is in the Gay World (London) she has quite enough
to do without writing letters unless they should be Love Letters ; therefore as you
are only my Brother, you of course stood no chance of my favor during my stay
in the Metropolis. I return'd yesterday after a fortnight's visit to Castle Street.
During my stay I was only three times in Public, once to the Play (Deaf & Dumb),
once to the City Assembly and once to a Concert at the Crown & Anchor, The
first I did not much like, the second I knew nobody, but the third entertained me
much. Boman [Major Woodgate] gave me three tickets or you may be sure I should
not have gone, as I have not been hit by a Fiddle, as some people, who you, and I,
know. There has been a terrible rumpus in Mark Lane — perhaps you do not know
that it has cdl been made up between the John AUnutts and the J. Garthwaites.
Well, all has gone on vastly well and vastly happy for above two months, and the
J. G.s were staying in Mark Lane, till last Tuesday, when the Gentlemen had high
words and the J. G-s quitted the Mansion in Mark Lane in a Tiff. Mrs. J. Allnutt,
being left quite alone, beg'd me to let Fanny (who has been staying with her above
a fortnight) stay a few days longer as she said she should be so dull. I of course
consented ; poor Aunt John, I realy pity her to have a quarrel at this time (she
expects to be Confined the first week next month). I have offered to be head-nurse
on the occasion, and have no doubt but I shall be accepted. I hear Anna is very
unwell with the Rheumatics, I hope nothing worse. J. G. Children a little bird
told me is coming home. I saw Mrs. Harrison on Friday at Uncle John's [John
Hooker], never was more shock'd in my life, she realy looks quite starved, and has
not the remains of a pretty Woman. Edgar was likewise there. I have not seen him
since he became a Benedict ; he is very much withered and looks extremely ill. We
expected Harry and John up for this last fortnight, but as they have neither of them
made their Mrs. Dudgen, I thought it best to George Depasso their Memory a bit,
so I wrote this Morning to them both and expect an answer by return of Post. Both
your charming Nieces are well, Susan quite delighted to see her old Mum again ; she
put her little arms round my neck and Love'd me so heartily it would have done
your two good looking Eyes good to have seen her. If you return to Summerhill
before we leave this delightful place, hope you will give us some of your time, in
your Way home ; you will greatly admire our Situation. We are all well and send
love &c &c

Yours very affecly.

F. Allnutt."

' ' Greatness, Wednesday Morng

July 8, 1802.
My dear Stephen,

I know you will be extremely happy to hear that Ann has presented you with
a Nephew. The joyful event took place on Monday morning at half past one o'Clock.
The Saturday before, Mr. Allnutt and myself intended to ride up to dinner ; well
we had not got to Bids Bridge when we met Peter's man who brought a letter saying
they were in hourly expectation of Ann's confinement. You may be sure I put
my best foot foremost, but when we got near Uncle Stephen's it rained to such a
degree that we were obliged to stop under a Lodge for nearly an hour. You may
guess I was in a pretty fidgget. It was near five when we arrived. Well, Ann con-
tinued ill all that day, but thank God is now doing as well as possible. Poor
Ben was in such a fuss, for she was afraid she should have been present, but the
carriage which brought my Mother took Ben home. My Girls are on the Hill, aU
well. Since I have been here I have been Mrs. Lewin, owing I verily believe to the
fright I was in ; however Dr. Rheubarb and Dr. Candle has set me to rights. My
Hub is gone to the Nomination at Maidstone to-day ; they go a strong party from

392

Tonbridge. Young Peter is the very picture of Papa, so you may guess a Great
Beauty, and there is no Mark on his nose, which you know Ann was much afraid
of. Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille seem quite dehghted with the little Stranger. I am sorry,
among the many persons we had to write to, that you really was forgot till this
Morning, the old saying " out of sight, out of mind." I suppose you will be at home
e'er long. I saw Frank [Woodgate of Riverhill] the other day and he said in about
a fortnight we might expect you. What a terrible time the Whittakers have. I
really have no patience with that old Fellow ; I suppose you have heard he has
turned Augustus out of doors, for what Cause I know not. I shall stay here about
a fortnight longer, then Ben will take my place. I have no News to tell you of, so
adieu. All friends well. I am, dear Stephen,

Yours very aifectely

F. Allnutt.

I have just received your letter for which many thanks, & as I have said all I
had to say, you will excuse more at present from

Yours,

Hornsby."

The " old fellow " was none other than the Rev. John Whitaker of Pembury,
whom Stephen was destined to succeed in two or three years. Frank Woodgate
was at Cluist Church, Oxford, at the same time that his cousin Stephen was at
Trinity.

Several years must have elapsed between this and the succeeding letter, which
was written by the eldest daughter to Maryanne Humphry at Seal : —

' ' Sunday Momg.
My dear Maryanne,

Most happy should we have been to pay our promised visit to Seal had it been
in our power, but Susan is now staying with a friend at the Wells, & to-morrow
I start for Huntingdon with Papa on a visit to Mr. Thos. Allnutt to meet Uncle &
Aunt Garthwaite, whom we have not seen for many years. We intend being from
home about a fortnight & on our return our house will be full of company for a short
time, but we shall be quite disengaged after Michaelmas, if that time will suit you,
& I can assure you we shall not stay for a second invitation. I have been suffering
the last week with a most tremendous toothache ; the pain however has been some-
what abated, since my face has swelled to the size of a J loaf. Emily Sidney joins us
all in kind love to you ; we extend ours to the rest of your family. Believe me to
remain, your affect cousin,

Fanny Allnutt."

In 1819 the Allnutts and Humphrys were the victims of a somewhat cruel
hoax. Some one purported in Mrs. Humphry's name to present the Miss Allnutts
with some expensive bonnets from Griffin's in Bond Street. The Allnutts were
much pleased with the present, of which they were advised ; but the bonnets failed
to make their appearance. They wrote accordingly to Mary Anne Humphry : —

" Friday Night.

I need not tell j^ou, my dear Maryanne, how astonished and gratified we were ^
upon receiving your enclosed note from Bond Street. A messenger was immediately
dispatched to meet the coaches on the Tonbridge road, when woe betide, he returned
empty handed ! Each succeeding day he has applied at the different Inns at the
Wells, Tunbridge and Watts Cross, with as little success, and on Thursday I wrote
to Griffin to enquire the particulars of how the box had been sent, directed &c, &
I trust we shall receive them to-morrow, safe & beautiful. Our anxious wish to
catch a glimpse of the bonnets before we thank'd you is the only excuse we can offer
for the apparent negligence of the circumstance, which we trust you will represent
to my aunt in as favorable a point of view as you can, accompanied with our best
love & thanks, but she shall receive a note herself from me when they arrive.

393
We have completely dawdled our time away since we left Seal. The day after
my return I went to the Postern with Aunt Maria & there compleated my ball finery,
which had a very striking effect. The Ball was delightful, Stewards chai-ming, &
partners fascinating (N.B. the best in the room). We got home in pretty good time,
but I am shocked to add Susan & I sat up talking to Aunt Maria till 8 o'clock 1
Since that event Major & Mrs. Forster &c have been with us, & as the season is too
far advanced to partake of out-of-doors amusements, we have been fully employed
in entertaining our Guests. The lateness of the hour obliges me to conclude thus
hastily, & begging you to offer our affectionate love & thanks to my aunt for her
kind recollection of us, you & Julia, accept the same from your loving cousins,

F. & S. Allnutt.
South Park, Deer. lo. ^ past i A.M. ! ! ! !

P.S. My black & gold turban looks beautiful, & is very much admired."
Another two days brought no news, and a further note was sent.

* ' Sunday Morng.
My dear Maryanne,

The Post is just arrived & no note from Miss Griffin. Might we trouble you
to write to her & enquire by what coach she sent the Box &c ? I really am quite
shock'd to give you so much trouble, but I think the circumstance ought to be enquired
into. With our united love &c. believe me, yours affec.

F. Allnutt."
Writing to Miss Humphry in December, Mrs. Humphry explains the situation
at some length : —

" I must now tell you of a very foolish joke that has been played upon us &
the AUnutts. Mary Ann last week received a letter purporting to come from Fanny
Allnutt, to thank me for two most beautiful costly bonnets, sent as a present from
me to herself & Susan ; and the next morning a letter arrived from Miss Griffin,
a Milliner in Bond Street, with a bill inclosed for two richly trimmed Parisian Bonnets
with Plumes &c, the price ten pounds twelve shillings, desiring immediate payment.
We treated it as a ridiculous joke & took no notice of it. On Sunday morning
Mary Ann received a long letter from Fanny Allnutt & we find from her that they
have been equally imposed on with ourselves, having received a letter in Mary
Ann's name from Bond Street begging her & Susan's acceptance of two elegant
bonnets, in consequence of which they sent their servant to meet all the Coaches
the three following days, but not hearing any tydings they had written to Miss
Griffin & likewise to Mary Ann to beg to know how the Boxes were directed. The
latter wrote to her on Sunday assuring her we were entirely ignorant of the whole
Transaction. I will explain it more fully when we meet ; I am quite tired of relating
this most ridiculous transaction, as I fear you & my sister will be in reading it.

Saturday : . . . The Miss Allnutts called on us on Thursday morning,
they have really been most extremely ill-used. They drove up to Sevenoaks & walked
over ; I can't help feehng a good deal for them as I think they paid dearly for their
visit. Mary Ann's Handwriting was immitated so exactly that it would have
deceived any person, I must beg you not to mention this to any one, particularly
the Family at River Hill, unless they have heard it."

The affair was sufficiently mortifying ; but all ended well, by Mr. Nouaille
giving the Miss Allnutts and Mary Anne Humphry two pounds each to purchase
a bonnet.

The following letter, undated, is from Susan Allnutt : —

' ' South Park, April 2nd.

You must I am sure, my dear Maryanne, think me very remiss in not having
answered your letter, but when I tell you how I have been employed the last two
or three days you will not I hope accuse me of negligence. On Monday Papa and
myself started for Brighton on horseback at a quarter past nine in the morning.

394

The first part of our journey was very wet, but with the assistance of Johnny's
Great Coat over my habit, and an oil skin cover for my hat, I contrived to keep
myself dry. I am sure you would have laughed to have seen me thus equipped ;
and above all Richard [the servant] behind with an immense pair of saddle bags.
Fortunately about half way the day cleared up and the rest of the way was quite
fine. We only rested half an hour on the road and reached Brighton at a quarter
past four. I found Fanny quite well and, not expecting to see us, of course wonder-
fully surprised. We remained one day there and returned the next, and a most
delightful excursion we had.

Yesterday a most extraordinary event took place here. Lord Derby's Stag
Hounds hunted the Stag down into this country ; we saw the stag pass our Peirk
Gates and then into the Meadows and in about ten minutes I think not less than
two hundred huntsmen with the Hounds in pursuit of him. I never saw such a
beautiful sight as when they aU came galloping down the hill from Penshurst, in
scarlet and green coats ; they really had a beautiful effect. The stag was taken
at Mr. Jones' in his Park, and is to be sent for this morning. Three horses have
died from over fatigue, indeed they were all nearly exhausted. I wish my dear
Maryanne you had been here, I am sure you would have enjoyed it. Emily [Sidney]
desires her love to you and is extremely obliged for the trouble you have taken in
writing out the verses, which she thinks beautiful. Is there the least chance of out
seeing you at the Easter Ball ? I really have no more news to tell you. Will you
give my love to Aunt Rose [Woodgate] and accept the same yourself, my dear
Maryanne, from your affec. cousin,

Susanna Allnutt."

The Miss Allnutts and indeed all the family were admirable horsewomen. In
1816 the two sisters rode from Penshurst to Hastings, and returned after a stay
of only a day or two. Unfortunately they both died early in life. They were
returning from the New Year's Ball at Sevenoaks and the carriage stuck fast in a
snow drift gathered at the foot of one of the Penshurst hills. Fanny insisted upon
getting out into the snow, her feet protected only by white satin slippers, and caught
a severe cold which terminated in consumption. We have an account of the ball
by Mary Anne Humphry, who formed one of the AUnutts' party. It was about
the time of " the hoax."

" Friday Evening, Jan. 7th, 1820.
My dear Fanny,

. . . Our time has been a good deal engaged this week, or I should have
given you an earlier account of the New Year's Ball, & probably before this you have
heard many particulars from some of your Tunbridge friends. It was a very splendid
assembly & the number about an hundred and ninety. As the fatigue of the evening
was too much for my Mother to encounter, Julia & myself went early, to join Mrs.
AUnutt's party who was so kind to chaperone us. We derived much amusement
from seeing the company enter the room, for indeed so brilliant an assemblage in
the country can be seldom witnessed. To make use of a newspaper phrase, among
the distinguished personages present were Lord Camden and his two youngest
daughters. Lady Harriet Neville, Lady Stanhope, Col. Stanhope, & Lord Charles
Fitzroy, Lord & Lady Amherst, Miss Amherst, Mr. & Lady Harriet Clive, with a
numerous party of friends. All the families in the neighbourhood were present,
and numbers from different parts of the county too numerous to be enumerated.
You will be surprized to hear Mr. Lane was there, being his first appearance in this
neighbourhood since his disgrace. We thought him altered, & certainly not the
same Mr. Lane who was considered one of the leading beaux of a Sevenoaks ball ;
John Woodgate & Sarah absented themselves, & under all circumstances this was
surely a wise & prudent determination. You will perhaps like to hear who the
belles were. Among the dancers, those whose opinions we have heard considered
Susan Allnutt & Lady Caroline Pratt pre-eminent in beauty, & indeed among the

395
second class there was an unusual display of beauty. Miss Amherst is much improved
& a very pretty dancer, tho' too polite to make much figure in a ball room. Mrs.
StreatfeOd, Mrs. C. Hardinge & Mrs. W. Lambard among the married ladies were
the most admired for their personal attractions. Lady Georgiana Pratt & Mr.
Clive began the dance. Lady Harriet Clive's dress was a pink & white gauze over
white satten, ornamented with diamonds consisting of a superb tiara, necklace,
earings &c. The dancers were for the most part arrayed in white, composed of
lace blonde & gauze, many of which were very elegant, & their effect improved
by some few coloured dresses interspersed. The Heads were worn very high & the
hair chiefly done in high bows & generally adorned with plumes of feathers or flowers.
Julia's white satten was very elegant & much admired, but I am sorry to add its
beauty is impaired by some red wine Mr. Henry Scoones had the misfortune to spill
upon it. He seemed much mortified & chagrined, & on Wednesday morning came
up from Tunbridge to express his great concern for the mischief he had occasioned."

Frances Allnutt died in 1820, and the following letter must have been written
not long before that event : —

" South Park, Thursday.

Many thanks, my dear Julia [Humphry], for the beautiful Pincushion, which
I assure you I consider the most useful piece of fiurniture in my work box. Poor
dear Fanny also sends you her very best thanks for the elegant border which she
thinks doubly valuable from it being your own work. She would have written
herself, but alas she is unable. I grieve to say that although her appetite is better,
and her perspirations not so violent, yet she is certainly thinner and weaker than
when she left home ; still, none of the Physicians think unfavorably of her, therefore
we must hope for the best, but she is sadly altered indeed.

I saw your sister Fanny frequently during my stay at the Postern ; I suppose
you or Maryanne will soon take up your abode at Tunbridge [with Rose Woodgate,
their aunt]. The intended weddings form a fine subject for conversation, the people
really appear awake and lively which I am sure is not often the case there. I think
without exception it is the most disagreeable place I know ; what say you ? Of
course you had a full description of the Ball from Maryanne ; she looked uncommonly
well and I really think she was the Belle. John Woodgate made a capital Steward,
not so Mr. Rolls ; he came in very late, sat in a corner the whole evening and never

opened his lips. Does your (?) still continue in favor? I assure you I

have heard several people say what an improvement it is to your lovely countenance.
My time is so taken up with nursing that I have not time to add any more.

Would it be convenient to you, my dear Juha, to spend a few days with us in
about a fortnight ? I mention that period as Mr. & Mrs. A. Pott [of Bentham
Hill] are coming to us in a day or two. After they are gone we shall all be delighted
to see you, and I am sure it will do Fanny good. Pray write soon and tell me you
can come as soon as Mr. & Mrs. A. P. leave us. We all unite in kindest love to Aunt
Humphry, dear Maryanne and yourself, and believe me, dearest Julia, ever your
truly affectionate cousin,

Susanna Allnutt."

Susanna was so assiduous and devoted in her attendance upon her sister, that
she herself caught the complaint. Frances was always considered good looking,
but Susanna was a very great beauty. Frances died on 3rd July, 1820 ; Mrs. Humphry
writes of her on May 7th : " I grieve most sincerely for the distress the poor Allnutts
are in. We have only to pray for dear Fanny's speedy release. Poor Mrs. Nouaille
keeps up her spirits pretty well on this melancholy occasion, and often drives down
to comfort them."

On nth June, Julia Humphry writes : " The accounts of poor Fanny Allnutt
continue much the same ; indeed in the state in which she now languishes her death
must be considered a happy release. The scene for some time must have been

396

most distressing to all the family. I hear poor Mrs. Allnutt is so much altered
that you would hardly know her."

Susanna died at Brighton on 4th May, 182 1. Mary Anne Humphry, who
was staying at the time with her aunt Rose Woodgate at Tonbridge,writes of her
on loth April : ' ' Mrs. Nouaille called at the door yesterday in her way to Brighton.
She seemed to entertain no hope of any material amendment in poor Susan's health,
and said her friends could only pray that her sufferings may not be much further
prolonged. Poor Maria's health does not seem to improve, and the pain in her
side has not given way to mercury, which has been applied externally. I should
think the distress of poor Mrs. Allnutt can hardly be conceived at this time."

She wTites again, on 21st May : ' ' On Saturday I walked with Anne [Woodgate
of Riverhill] to the Postern. Mrs. West [formerly Maria Woodgate] seems very
dejected and deeply to feel the loss of poor Susan, probably increased by the dis-
tressing state of poor Mrs. Allnutt's feelings at this time. That fatal Thursday
when she took her last look of her beloved Daughter quite overset her, & tho' now
a little recovered, is in so weak a state as to faint away with the slightest exertion,
& all thoughts of removing her to South Park are relinquished for the present. The
soothing hand of time, with the aid of Religion, can alone mitigate the sorrows
of this disconsolate Mother."

In November, 1821, Juha Humphry writes from Seal : " Mrs. Allnutt, Maria,
and Anna Woodgate, [daughter of the Major] called on us last Tuesday ; poor Mrs.
Allnutt brought us two dresses which were made by her dear departed Daughters,
and requested Maryanne and myself to accept them from the hand of their poor
Mother, and wear them for the sake of those dear departed cousins who always
entertained the greatest regard for us all. They are very handsome cloth dresses
given to them by Mr. Robert Pott, and had only been once worn. I am sure we
shall value them very much as a Remembrance of those to whom they once belonged.
Mr. Allnutt is gone to Eltham to take lodgings, as South Park is considered too cold
a situation for Maria to remain at during the winter.

The sisters were buried at Penshurst ; and their deaths are recorded on a marble
tablet on the North wall of the church.

" Near this place but without these walls repose the remains of two sisters,
the daughters of Richard Allnutt Esq. and Frances his wife, of South Park in this
parish. Frances Allnutt died July 3rd, 1820, aged 23. Susanna Allnutt died 4th
May, 1 82 1 aged 21.

" They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in death they were not
divided."

" If tender pity ever touched your breast.

Mourn for these much loved sisters, now at rest,

And with their sorrowing- patents drop a tear

O'er every virtue which could life endear.

There is no balm to heal parental grief,

For worldly pleasures fail to yield relief.

Sweet filial love can never be forg^ot

And Rachel mourns her children who 'are not';

But deepest grief by Christian faith is cheered,

And Faith's the rock on which that hope is reared.

Hope points triumphantly to joys more sweet,

Where Faith has promised kindred souls shall meet.

Maternal love records their early doom,

O could her tears and prayers recall them from the tomb ! "

From the last line but one, perhaps one is justified in supposing that the lines
were written by Mrs. Allnutt. There are in existence three sets of verses written
upon this subject by the Rev. Thomas May, for many years Vicar of Leigh, and an

397

intimate friend of the family. The first is entitled ' ' Found on the trunk of a tree

after the deaths of Frances and Susan AUnutt ; " space alone prevents our giving

them all ; and the two last must serve as specimens : —

" Lines on the Tomb of

FRANCES and SUSAN ALLNUTT.

Spare what thou seest, for spoil will but increase

The bitter anguish of a Father's breast,
Whose greatest joy is thus to deck the tomb

And dress the green sod where his children rest.

The fragrant flowers, the fairest of their kind,

Restore to memory for ever dear
Some sweet bewitching grace of form or mind

And bloom the emblems of those buried here.

3
O'er these sad graves each gentle maid shall sigh,

And sorrowing raise her thoughts to Heav'n above ;
Oh gentle maid, may'st thou be spared to bless

With fond returns thine anxious parent's love."

The other verses are headed, ' ' Found in a hermitage after the lamented deaths
of Frances and Susan Allnutt."

Ah, why should the bitterest grief

Yet afflict the fond heart with its weight?
In this Hermitage seek for relief

Where these graces so recently sate.
Past pleasures will never return ;
Those joys are now fled
Which their presence once shed;
Our only resource is to mourn.
Let him who could carelessly roam

Amid these most hallowed shades,
There pause for awhile and bemoan

That beauty so speedily fades.
To their virtues our praises are due ;
So brightly they shone,
So soon are they gone,
We scarce can believe it is true."
The hermitage, of course, was the parsonage at Leigh.

Susanna Allnutt had become engaged to a gentleman whose alliance was
disapproved by Mr. Allnutt on the score of insufficiency of fortune. He went to
India, where he had obtained an appointment, and having realized a considerable
sum returned to claim Miss Allnutt. He rode over in a heavy snow storm, and as
he approached South Park beheld a funeral procession descending the drive. Upon
enquiry he learnt that it was Miss Susan Allnutt's. Without a word, he turned his
horse's head, rode back to the port, and returned in the first boat to India,

The following was written on the back of Mrs. Nouaille's letter to Julia Humphry,
on her engagement in May, 1825, with her cousin Sir William Ashburnham. Mrs.
Allnutt had just reached Greatness on a visit to the Nouailles*.
' ' My dear Julia,

Upon my arrival here this Morng I was made happy by a piece of most pleasing
intelligence relative to you, and I cannot permit Mrs. Nouaille's letter to depart

* See Reference Sheet.

398

without taking the opportunity of offering (which I do from my heart) the sincerest
congratulations. I shall hope to have the pleasure of seeing you on Tuesday and
then personally to assure you of the regard and kindest love I bear to my Cousin
Julia and all her Family, It was very sly in you not to give me a hint when I saw
you at the Postern ; you have a Cousin who could not have kept such a thing a secret,
but then I must say in every respect she is totally unlike my Cousin Julia.

Believe me, yours truly affectly

F AUnutt."

In January, 1827, Rose Woodgate died at Tonbridge, leaving legacies, amongst
others, of ^^loo each to her nieces Mrs. AUnutt, Mrs. Nouaille, and Mrs. West. The
following letter was written on hearing of the legacy : —

' ' Saturday, Jany 13th, 1827.
My dear Cousin Fanny [Humphry].

The contents of your letter both surprised and gratified us. That our respected
late Aunt should thus have considered us in her last will we shall remember with
affectionate gratitude, and the Legacy is doubly welcome as being so totally un-
expected.

You, our Cousin, have the great consolation of having so largely contributed
in supporting & comforting the declining days of our venerable Aunt, a consolation
which will yield you satisfaction to the latest period of your life, and rest assured
you will be rewarded. We are all truly rejoiced to hear your excellent Mother
bears up so well, and you will say every thing kind and affectionate to her on this
occasion, and present our united love to her and the rest of the family. Mr. West
is quite recovered from the effects of his late cold, which confined him to the house
a whole week. The young Ladies are quite well, and all join in kind regards and
best wishes to you and yours with your affectte Cousins

Frances AUnutt.
Maria West."

In November, 1827, Richard Allnutt was seriously affected with an abscess on
his shoulder ; he was attended by Mr. Earl, son of Sir James Earl, twice a week but
continued for some time in a precarious state. On the 21st, Mary Ann Humphry
writes from German Place, Brighton, where she was passing several weeks : —

' ' I was happy to learn poor Mr. Allnutt is so resigned to his situation, & I fear
the state of his constitution is such that he cannot long survive so serious an attack.
He has frequently been an inmate at this House, where from his colloquial mirth
he was a general favourite."

Mr. Allnutt had expired two days previously. A monument on the north wall
at Penshurst records his death : —

" This tablet is erected to the memory of

Richard Allnutt Esq. of South Park in this Parish

who for more than 30 years most actively

discharged the duties of a Magistrate for this County.

He died Nov. 19th 1827, aged 55."

Henry Woodgate of Riverhill writes of him : —

" We are procuring our sables for poor Mr. Allnutt whose sufferings from
every acct were most dreadful & shocking. He will be very much missed as a
Magistrate & greatly lamented by many of his friends."

Lady Ashburnham writes about the same time : —

" Mr. & Mrs. West Math Fanny came to Broomham yesterday to acquaint
us with the termination of Mr. AUnutt's illness. Poor Mrs. Allnutt was to go to the
Postern to day, & Mr. & Mrs. West leave Hastings to-morrow for the purpose of
joining her there, as well as for Mr. West to attend the Funeral. Our cousin Fanny

399

[Woodgate] is to pass the interval of their absence at Broomham, & we shall be
most happy in the pleasure of her company."

Mr. Allnutt was remarkable for the great kindness he invariably displayed
towards those with whom he came in contact. His nephew Francis Woodgate,
afterwards of Falconhurst, was brought up at South Park, and frequently testified
to the kindness and consideration he then experienced. He took an active part
in pubhc affairs. He was a magistrate ; was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the
county in 1797 ; and was a Captain in the Yeomanry. He was continually attending
public meetings, sitting on Grand Juries, and performing generally those useful
tasks necessary for the transaction of the business of the county (c).

Mr. Charles Pott of Freelands, his first cousin, and Mrs. Allnutt were left
executors of the will, by which the whole property was given to Mrs. Allnutt for life,
and after her decease to Maria, with the exception of ;f 4,000 which was left at Mrs.
Allnutt's own disposal. Unfortunately Mr. Allnutt, whose openhanded generosity
had addicted him to expenditure, had been guilty of extravagance, and had very
much reduced the amount of his fortune. Under the circumstances, and there
being no son to carry on the family, Mrs. Allnutt wisely decided to sell South Park,
which required a large establishment, and build herself a smaller house on another
part of the property. The last letter we have from South Park was written in
1830, and is addressed to Mrs. Humphry.

" S. Park, Thursday.
My dear Aunt,

I am very anxious to have the pleasure of seeing you at South Park, before
it finally passes into other hands. If therefore you and my cousins will & can favor
me with your company next week (name your own day) I shall be greatly obliged.
I have plenty of room for your servants. I am desirous of shewing you my operations,
and I may add improvements. The Nouailles have promised to come down again
one day next week, cannot you contrive to come together ? and the longer you stay
with me the better I shall be pleased. Should you not feel inclined to favor me,
perhaps you will allow my cousins to come ; but I must add, they will be the more
welcome if attended by their good Mother. Take all this into your gracious consider-
ation, and if possible oblige your affect. Niece

Frances Allnutt."

The purchaser was Mr. Lloyd, who in less than ten years sold the place to Lord
Hardinge. Miss Humphry, writing to Sir William Ashbumham on 3rd September,
1829, says : —

" I accompanied our friends the Nouailles yesterday to South Park to spend'
the day with Mrs. Allnutt. We passed the morning very agreably in rambling
about the grounds, & I do think Mr. Loyd is fortunate to be the possessor of so
pretty a place. The spot Mrs. Allnutt has fixed on for her Cottage is most picturesque,
& the surrounding scenery beautiful."

The next year the Allnutts paid a visit to Seal. Miss Humphry writes in April : —

' ' We found Mrs. Allnutt «& Maria most agreable inmates ; they left us on
Monday leist for Greatness, since which we have seen them several times. They
were to attend the Seven Oaks ball last night, and to day all the party dine at the
Postern to meet Mr. & Mrs. Camac, & Mr. & Mrs. Brisco. On Monday last Maryanne
accompanied Mrs. Allnutt to Penshurst to see her Cottage, which she admired
exceedingly, and the following day the Greatness & Seal party, accompanied by
Mr. Engleheart, assembled at Knole to go over the house ; the weather was most
propitious, & I never saw this fine old Place appear to greater advantage. Maria
was much gratified, never having seen it before."

(e) His gamekeeper, appointed for the royalty of South Park, otherwise the royalties in the

parishes of Penshurst, Leigh, and Tonbridge, was for many years James Durtnall.

400

She writes the next month : ' ' Mrs. Allnutt is still kept in a state of vexatious
uncertainty & unable to pursue her plans, as Mrs. Pott intends to sue for a new
trial in the Court of Kings Bench ; " but two months later she writes again :

" Mrs. Allnutt has gained her cause in the Court of Kings Bench, & I hope is
relieved from further vexation on this score. On the day of her finally quitting
South Park, she received intelligence of another piece of unexpected good fortune.
Mr. Woodward who has been for some time on the continent informed her that
his mother, who died in April last, had bequeathed to herself & daughter a legacy
of three hundred pounds each. Mrs. AUnutt requested we might be acquainted
with this circumstance, & at the same time begged it might not be mentioned out
of her own family."

Mrs. Woodward was probably one of the Woodwards of Framfield, a descendant
of Sarah Durrant, daughter of William Woodgate of Stonewall, and therefore dis-
tantly related to Mrs. Allnutt. Mrs, Allnutt's new house, " The Grove," was built
after her own design by Decimus Burton. Though small, it was a very pretty
red brick house, so arranged that it could easily be enlarged if necessary. The
site was in a bend of the road which was formerly dissected by the turnpike, but
Mrs. Allnutt obtained permission to alter the road's course. The garden and sur-
roundings left nothing to be desired ; it is sufficient, perhaps, to say that their plan
was arranged by Mrs. Allnutt herself. She displayed a wonderful knowledge and
capacity in everything she attempted. Her advice on every subject was eagerly
sought by her neighbours. Once being consulted by Lord Hardinge as to some
plantations at South Park, she so impressed him with her capacity that he exclaimed,
that, had she been a man, she would have been " a second Duke of Wellington."
From one who considered the Duke as the beau ideal, this was indeed praise.

A visit to Mrs. Allnutt in 1837 is described in a letter of Miss Humphry. She
says : —

* ' I passed my time most agreeably with my relatives and friends in Kent ;
my visit to Mrs. Allnutt was of a most pleasing description. I never saw her beautiful
Cottage, and the scenery of Penshurst, to greater advantage. The weather was
delightful and each day Mrs. AUnutt took me a drive in her open carriage. Our
first visit was to Captn. & Mrs. Streatfeild [Anne Woodgate] at Hever. One morning
we passed at Tunbridge Wells and made several visits. Another we went to Cowden,
Stone Wall, &c. My greatest gratification however was seeing the exquisite Pictures
and beautiful gardens of Mr. Wells at Red Leaf, which far surpass any idea I had
previously formed. His Gardens contain every thing rare and beautiful in the
highest state of order and cultivation, indeed both nature and art have combined
to render it the most attractive spot I have ever seen. Maria Allnutt is not in good
health, and when I was there she experienced so much languor and debility as to
be unequal to joining in any of these pleasurable excursions. She has painted some
beautiful glass for the upper part of their drawing room window, and her music,
drawings and works of various kinds evince much talent and perseverance,"

One of Maria Allnutt's accompHshments was oriental tinting, in which she
attained a very high degree of perfection, and many of her productions have been
preserved by her sons. She married the Rev. George Richard Boissier, B.A., of
Oakfields in Penshurst, who was for several years curate of Penshurst. Lady
Ashbumham, writing on 29th August, 1838, says : —

' ' In Mrs. Nouaille's last letter she announces, at the request of Mrs. AUnutt,
that a marriage is settled to take place between Mr. Boissier and our cousin Miss
AUnutt. I hope it may be productive of happiness to the parties, Mr. Boissier
is curate of Penshurst ; he is a widower with a smaU independent fortune."

In 1854 Miss Humphry died, and the foUowing letter was written to Miss NouaiUe
at Broomham on the occasion. In order to explain it, one must know that Miss

Humphry had latterly resided with her sister Lady Ashburnham, who had just
arranged for her nephews and nieces (the children of Sir John Ashburnham) to live
with her at Broomham.

" Saturday, Deer, i6th [1854].
My dear Ann [Nouaille],

Lucy's letter prepared us for the melancholy termination of our dear Cousin's
attack. That her sufferings were not of long duration must in some degree mitigate
the sorrow with which this severe blow must affect dear Lady A. She has indeed
lost a most valuable sister and affectionate companion, and who was endeared to
every member of the family. I will not write to Lady A. on this mournful occasion,
but request you to convey to her my heartfelt sympathy, with every affectionate
feeling towards her, and to express a hope that she will be supported from the only
source from which it can flow, in unison with the attention and affection of those
now to become part of her family.

We must all consider it a fortunate circumstance that every thing had been
arranged for the family circle to be enlarged before this unexpected event took
place, and I have no doubt but all will derive consolation from feeling the power
to comfort and support each other. To the young people I send my best love, with
the assurance that the domestic arrangement so lately made by Lady A. must conduce
to the comfort and happiness of all parties. I shall be glad to hear again from you
in a few days, and with again expressing my affectionate feeling to the whole circle
believe me, your affect. Aunt

F. AUnutt."

At this period of her life Mrs. AUnutt was in the full possession of every faculty.
In 1857, when she was in her 85th year. Miss Nouaille writes of her : —

' ' Aunt AUnutt is weU, as you may conclude from her being at a Ball at Ashurst
Park last Tuesday, and remaining tUl 2 o'clock in the morning, breakfasting the
next day at the usual hour downstairs, and none the worse for her gaiety. I am
sorry to say Mrs. Boissier has been very Ul with an attack of bronchitis, the second
she has had this winter. She is now a little better but stiU confined to her room,
and I fear wiU require a good deal of care during the remainder of the winter."

Four more letters are preserved, all dated 1857, and all addressed to Lady
Ashburnham.

* ' Saturday, Feby 20th, 1857.
My dear Cousin,

Since I wrote on the loth Dr. Richardson from the WeUs has visited our poor
patient [Mr. Boissier] 4 times, and altho' he gives us no hope of permanent improve-
ment, yet his remedies have had the effect of reducing the swelling in the legs, and
also mitigating all the other symptoms, which were and are indicative of the complaint;
we must however be thankful that the sufferings are so far reduced, that he can
obtain some sleep during the night. He stiU remains on the sofa, not being able
to lie in bed. Maria can now take rest in the adjoining room and of that she stood
greatly in need. Mr. B. Ukes to see the neighbom-s when they call, it seems to cheer
him up. He cannot take any sohd food, but has something in smaU quantities every
two or three hours. There is certainly an improvement in every respect, but not
of a lasting quality. I had a letter from Fanny [Mrs. Frewen] the other day ;
she gave me the account of a severe attack she had of Influenza. We have aU
escaped that terrible complaint.

I have no family intelligence to communicate, excepting that WiUiam Woodgate
[of Swaylands, Penshurst] is recovering, very slowly to be sure, but anything is better
than going backward. They are with the Wardes at Horsted, the boys at school, and
EUen stajring with Mrs. StreatfeUd in the vUlage here. I think I told you that Mrs. J.
AUnutt was very iU ; it has passed off and she is again in the drawing room. George
Woodgate and his wife were over on Thursday ; it was a bitterly cold day for an open

4P2,

carriage, but Louisa did not seem to mind it. She reported well of her mother,
brothers & sisters, and also of her own 7 children, a pretty good lot of them I think.
I don't know how it is, but clergymen always appear to me to have such very large
Families. Henry Woodgate has 10. I have not had any intelligence from Septimus ;
is he stiU at Bohemia ? Hastings always appears to agree with him, and the sea
air to do him good. For the future you will consider that no news is good news.
With my affect. Love to you & Julia [Humphry] I remain, your affect, cousin,

Frances Allnutt."
"The Grove, July 8th, 1857.
My dear Cousin,

I was much concerned to learn from Ann Nouaille the unexpected failure of the
Hastings Bank, and that you my good cousin are likely to be defrauded of some
hundreds. I will hope however that may not be the case, but from all quarters
we hear half Hastings and the surrounding farmers are ruined. This is the second
Hastings Bank which has failed in my memory, for I was there when Ward's failed
somewhere about 34 years since, be the same more or less. I hope by this time
all your hay has been got up in good order, and plenty of it. I was fortunate enough
to have my whole crop in the stack without a drop of rain, a fair average crop in
excellent condition. Now I hope soon to have the pleasure of your company, and
only wait for you to name the day. Any time after Thursday the 15 th I shall be
disengaged, and the sooner the better. I trust that your niece Juha Humphry
win accompany you. I anticipate very sincere pleasure in having you once more
under my own roof, and I will do my best to make you comfortable. I am thankful to
say I am gradually improving in health ; stUl, the tiresome Erisypelas hangs about
the forehead. However, I am told it will soon disappear altogether. When you
favor me with your company, my carriage shall meet you at the Wells station, if
you come from Broomham ; but if you come from London, then at our Penshurst
station. Maria is quite well, but poor Allnutt [Boissier] has been suffering from
that lowering complaint the hay fever, to which he is subject. I am happy to say
he is recovering but he is not near so hearty as when at Hastings. However we must
be thankful that he is enabled to join his companions in the healthy game of cricket.
My dairy department is flourishing and the produce will increase when we get the
after grass. Some of my neighbours are now deep in the haymaking, and the late
showers during the day and storms at night have been injurious in many ways.
AU the wheat appears excellent, but alas ! there are hardly any apples. I shall not
have 6 bushels, whereas I have gathered 362 bushels, but that was 4 or 5 years ago.
With my kindest love, yours aSectly

F. AUnutt."

Mrs. Allnutt 's dairy and country pursuits were a constant source of amusement
to her, and nothing pleased her better than exchanging presents of game or the
products of the dairy with her neighbours. One such present consisted of some
small pigs which she directed the coachman to drive to their destination. The
coachman demurred ; he said he was engaged to drive Mrs. Allnutt or the carriage
anywhere, but to drive pigs he was not engaged. Nothing more was said at the
time, but very shortly the carriage was ordered, and Mrs. AUnutt said, " You will
now drive the pigs in the carriage." History does not relate what transpired.

The next letter is as follows : —

' ' The Grove, Wednesday, July 15th, 1857.
My dear Cousin,

I am anxiously awaiting your next letter, announcing the day I may expect
the pleasure of your company. You may be quite certain the carriage will be
in attendance at the station (Timbridge Wells) when you have named the hour and
day for your arrival. I am sorry I shall not see Julia, but must look for that pleasure
at some future period. Either Maria or Mr. Boissier will meet you at the station,

403

and you can make what use of the carriage you hke, should you wish to call anywhere.
This extreme heat is very trying, & almost overpowering even when sitting still.
The hajmiaking is now pretty well concluded, and the harvest will quickly follow.
The wheat was never more promising, but there is nothing for the poor cows ; my
dairy has sadly fallen off, I think quite a third. Everything seems parched up.
My beautiful roses are dropping for want of some refreshing showers. I trust most
truly that we may not be in any way disappointed, but have a happy meeting
as early as you can conveniently leave home. With my kindest love, I remain
yours affectly,

Frances Allnutt."

The last is but a note, stating that Mr. Boissier would be at the Wells at half
past three.

Mrs. Allnutt died, we believe, in 1868, aged 96. Her death was caused by a
fish bone becoming lodged in her throat, though otherwise she was perfectly well,
and apparently had before her a prospect of many years.

Mrs. AUnutt's abilities were of the highest order, and were exercised in many
directions. She was devoted to gardening and outdoor pursuits and to literature.
Her management of domestic affairs was admirable ; and that her arrangements
met with the approval of her servants may be proved by the circumstance that
they all grew old in her service. Richard and Benjamin, the coachman and butler,
were in her service for over forty years. One evening Benjamin asked Mrs. AJlnutt
if she remembered where she was dining forty years ago that day ? He said it was
the first day that he came, and he had to take the family to the house he named.

Maria Boissier left two children, Allnutt and Arthur, the former of whom died
of pneumonia several years ago. He was an accomplished musician, and excelled
on the violin. The Boissiers lived for many years at Oakfields, a pretty house built
by Mr. Boissier, situated half way up Smart's Hill. In Penshurst Church are two
brass plates, inscribed as follows : —

* ' In memory of Revd. George Richard Boissier A.B. of Oakfields in this parish.
Died 23rd June 1858 aged 67.

Also of Maria his wife, daughter of Richard Allnutt Esq. of South Park in this
parish. Died 23rd January 1886 aged 79."

404

CHAPTER XIII.

NOUAILLE OF GREATNESS, SEVENOAKS.

The Nouailles, or de Noailles, were an ancient and noble French family, who
fled to England in 1685 on the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, choosing rather
to give up possessions, country, and title than to renounce their Protestant religion.
As it has been our consistent endeavour in elucidating this work to employ as far
as possible the writings of members of the family, the story of the Nouailles shall
be revealed by several documents, the first of which is a memorandum by Miss
Nouatlle of St. John's, Sevenoaks, dated 1867.

' ' At the revocation of the Edict of Nantz my great grandfather Peter NouaiUe*
or rather de Noailles, came into this country and died cind was buried at St. Anne's,
Soho,(of which circumstance the register, being faulty, gives no intelligence, never-
theless I know the circmnstance thro' my Father & the Delamares & by other
circumstances ; that is to say by tradition, being handed down from generation to
generation. The documents and all the papers and arms &c. relating to the male
part of my family are in the hands of James Frushard my Father's nephew, now in
India).

My great grandfather was of the old House of Noaille or Nouaille in Languedoc,
who proved their descent in the Reign of Louis the XIV for eight or nine hundred years
previous to his reign ; the old Chateau Noailles was the inheritance of the family.
P. Noailles or Nouaille (a) embarked at Nimes, he being a Protestant, and by that
forfeited all his inheritance and the protection of his family : he died within the year
of his arrival into this country. His wife Ann Blois married a Grillier, and my
grandfather (b) by that means lost all his inheritance, save some few hundred pounds

(o) 26th February, 1693. Marriage of Sr. [Seigneur] Pierre Nouaille of Nismes in Languedoc and

Mme. Suzanne Jollys of Mar, Blois ; performed at French Protestant Church, Glasshouse
Street, Leicester Fields.

(6) Miss Nouaille throughout her account has left out a generation. The pedigree of the Nouailles

is as follows : —

Pierre de Noailles, otherwise Peter Nouaille, who came over from France, m. Anne Blois (re-
married to Mons. GriUier) and was bu. at St. Anne's, Soho, in 1692 leaving
Peter Nouaille of Paternoster Row, London, b. 1692, m. Anne dau. of John MaiUiard of
Spitalfields. He d. 11th April, 1763, aged 70 ; she 11th December, 1765, leaving issue
a daughter Susanna m. James Frushard of London, d. 22nd February, 1795, leaving
a son James Frushard of Calcutta, of the firm of Udney, Frushard and Laprimandaye ;
and a son
Peter Nouaille of Hackney and of Greatness, Sevenoaks, D.L. for the City of London, m.
February, 1760, Elizabeth, daughter and heiress of Peter Delamare ; he d. 7th December,
1809, she 6th June, 1805, leaving
1. Anne, b. 29th October, 1761, in St. Mary Axe, bapt. at St. Andrew Undershaft, m.
28th July, 1791, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Edward Rudge, F.R.S., F.R.G.S.,
F.R.H.S., and F.R.L.S. of Abbey Manor House, Evesham (b. 27th June, 1763, d.
3rd September, 1846) ; she d. 1st September, 1836, leaving issue

(c) Edward John Rudge, F.R.S. of Abbey Manor House, Evesham, J.P., D.L.,
Barrister at law, b. 30th May, 1792, in RusseU Place ; ancestor of Rudges of
Evesham.
{b) Samuel Nouaille Rudge of Threekingham, Co. Lincoln, D.L., Barrister-at-law,

ancestor of Rudges of Threekingham.
(c) Anne Eliza Nouaille Rudge, b. 13th June, 1797, m. 22nd September, 1824,
Charles Richard Pole of Wickhill House, Co. Gloucester, and had issue.

405

in cash. "When 21 years of age he travelled abroad and brought home his great
grandmother, and he became after a time a Merchant and Freeman of London
and made much money. My grandfather had two children by his wife Ann Malliard,
viz : My Father and a daughter married to James Frushard, whose son took away the
family documents, save an old marriage contract in the iron chest."

This document is supplemented by an obituary notice that appeared in the
Annual Register on the death of Miss Nouaille's grandfather in 1809, extracts from
which we have taken the liberty to append.

" At Greatness, near Sevenoaks, aged 86, Peter Nouailleesq. the oldest member
of his Majesty's Court of Lieutenancy in the City of London. This gentleman's
grandfather was descended from an ancient family in France, and came over to this
country from Nismes in Languedoc, at the revocation of the edict of Nantz, having
sacrificed a considerable property in that country in common with many others
who upon that occasion voluntarily left France for the sake of their religious prin-
ciples. Mr. Nouaille's father resided at Hackney and was a merchant of considerable
eminence in the Levant and Italian trade. At the age of twenty one, Mr. N. having
previously been taken into partnership with his father, set out upon a tour through
Europe with a view to establish correspondences, and to acquire general knowledge ;
at the end of two years, having travelled through France, Italy and Sicily, he was
obliged to return home without visiting Germany on account of the Continental
War, in which England was at that time engaged.

" Whilst abroad, he gained a perfect knowledge of the French and Italian lan-
guages, which he spoke and wrote with the fluency and correctness of a native,
acquired a great taste for the fine arts, and brought home with him a valuable collection
of pictures and prints &c. which he continued to augment for many years after his
return to this country.

" In the year 1 761 he married Ehzabeth, the only daughter and heiress of Peter
Delamare esq. of Greatness, whose ancesters were hkewise refugees from France
in 1686. In right of his wife he became possessed of the silk mxills at Greatness ;
they had been erected upon a very confined scale, and at that period they did not
produce above 300I. per annum. He however soon perceived that great advantages

2. Peter Nouaille of Greatness, J.P., b. 7th May, 1766, in St. Mary Axe, m. 17th September,
1801, Anne daughter of William Woodgate of Summerhill, J.P., D.L., (b. 25th January
bapt. 25th February, 1774, d. 2nd February, 1848, bu. at Sevenoaks) d. 3rd August,
1845, aged 80, bu. at Sevenoaks ; left issue.

(a) Peter of St. John's Lodge, Sevenoaks, d. unm. 6th March, 1864, bu. at Sevenoaks.
(6) Phihp, b. September, 1803, d. 12th December, 1803.
(c) Rev. Julius, B.A., Vicar of Ditchling, Sussex, d. unm. 2nd February, 1855, aged

49.
{d) Philip, emigrated to Canada where he died at Upper Dawn 8th December, 1849,

aged 41.
(e) Anne of St. John's Lodge, Sevenoaks, d. unm. November, 1897. Last survivor
of the Nouaille family.
The Delamares were descended from Etienne Delamare, who married Elizabeth Fauvel
(will dated 1692, pr. 1694) and left issue

1. Peter, of whom presently. 5. Elizabeth m. John Le Bailey.

2. Stephen, dead in 1692. 6. Susannah m. Noah Lubias

3. Isaac. 7. Francis

4. Alichael.

Peter Delamare m. the daughter of — Viard and had issue

1. Peter m. Catherine daughter of Nicholas Oursel, and had issue Elizabeth m. Peter
Nouaille (see p. 407).

2. Abraham of Hackney s.p.

3. Isaac m. Miss Vautier (see p. 407).

4. Jacob d. unm.

6. John d. at Cheshunt 15th March, 1794, aged 70 unm.

6. Mary m. Auber (see p. 407).

7. Susaima d. unm.

4o6

were to be obtained by them, and possessing a profound knowledge of mechanics
and mathematics, after spending at least 2o,oool. in enlarging and improving the
machinery, he very considerably increased their produce. Some parts of the
machinery which he invented are so ingenious in their construction and movements
as to render the silk prepared by them for different branches of manufacture far
superior to that worked by any others in this country.

" He first introduced the manufacture of crapes into England, which before his
time were imported from Bologna ; by his own ingenuity he discovered the process
of their manufacture, and soon rivalled them in his manner of preparing them.
In the year 1778, partly through the imprudent speculations of a near relation, in
whom he placed implicit confidence, and partly by heavy losses occasioned by the
failure of a house with which he transacted business, he became a bankrupt. The
unkindness and oppression which he experienced from some of his relatives upon this
occasion considerably aggravated, and certainly tended to confirm, this misfortune
which might have been averted had proper time been given him to settle his affairs.
He was however amply compensated by the countenance and friendly offers of
assistance which he received from many of the most eminent merchants in the
city, amongst the foremost of whom was his ever valued friend Peter Gaussen esq.
then Governor of the Bank. After the sale of his effects and collections, he prose-
cuted his business with unceasing energy. The silk mills now became his chief
object ; he more than doubled their number, and brought them to so high a degree
of perfection that they produced many thousands per annum, and in a few years
he was enabled, as he had hoped to do from the hour of his misfortune, most honour-
ably to discharge the residue of his debts which would have been due to the creditors
had not the bankruptcy taken place, and which after it had he could be under no
legal obligation to pay. It was a measure dictated alone by that high sense of honour
and integrity which uniformly directed all his dealings with others.

" In 1800, having realized an independent fortune, which was then considerably
increased by the death of a near relation, he withdrew from business, giving up the
manufactory and property connected with it to his son, and retired to Sevenoaks,
where he resided till the death of his wife, which took place in 1805. He then returned
to pass the remainder of his days with his son at Greatness. About this time
his memory began to fail him ; it was the only symptom he exhibited of old age,
and was probably occasioned by his intense application to studies of an abstruse
nature at an earlier period of Ufe.

" In the year 1792, when the mania of the French Revolution had nearly obtained
a footing in this Country, and it became necessary for every one to testify their
attachment to the constitution, his name appeared almost the first upon the list
of those pubHc spirited men who at that critical juncture established the association
at the Crown and Anchor. He was blessed with a good though rather delicate
constitution which had never been impaired by intemperance or enfeebled by
disease ; and he had the enviable felicity of attaining to an advanced age without
suffering from any of the infirmities which usually accompany that period of life,
being able to read the smallest print without the assistance of glasses. He possessed
a highly cultivated understanding and a considerable portion of general knowledge,
refined by an exquisite taste ; the upright independence of his character and his
high sense of honour were manifested in every occurrence of his life. He had a
strong sense of religion and piety, and a sensibility and tenderness of feeling that
rendered him ever alive to the misfortunes of others. In addition to the many
Christian virtues which he exercised, the most prominent feature of his character
was an unboimded liberality and benevolence towards those who needed his support ;
his purse was ever open to encourage and assist young artists in their professional
pursuits. To rescue merit from distress, and to bring into active and useful exertion
talents which would otherwise have been lost, he was ever foremost to contribute;
his kindness to all those employed in his service uniformly shone forth on every

407

occasion, amply providing for the comforts of those who had grown old in his employ.
To the poor he was a kind friend and benefactor, and no-one was more deservedly
esteemed in the neighbourhood where he resided. The respect that attended him
through life was equalled only by the sorrow which accompanied him to the grave.
He was buried at Christ Church, Spitalfields, and has left a son who succeeds him in
the business, and one daughter who was married in 1791 to Edward Rudge esq."

Mrs. Rudge had a daughter Ann, afterwards Mrs. Charles Pole, who describes
her mother as " a most charming brunette, with an exquisite figure." Mrs. Pole
has left a brief memoir of her grandfather.

" . . . . My mother's father was distantly related to his wife (her mother),
and was of the old Noaille family, the w having been introduced after coming to
England. The arms were also the Noaille arms, but were also altered (c), which
ought not to have been done ! I have several drawings of arms and quarterings
with coronets of my Mother's family.

' ■ All the Dutch and French Refugees prospered in England, and many have
married into the English nobility. My grandfather Petr Nouaille was one of the
Prince Merchants of his time, a most accomplished as well as a most truly good man ;
he had travelled a great deal, and spoke many languages fluently. His house was
always open to distinguished men, whether foreigners or English, of science and
arts. He had a nephew, a sister's son, in whom he placed entire confidence, and by
degrees trusted every thing and every transaction to him. Alas ! his nephew played
him false, and my gd-father was ruined. Of course every thing was sold ; but a
small place which had been a Hunting box of my gd-father's father [other accounts
represent it as the property of the Delamares] called Greatness near Sevenoaks,
Kent, and which with other property had been settled on my gdmother, remained,
and there my gd-father went with his wife and two children, my mother and her
brother. Both were old enough to know all the circumstances, particularly my
mother, who from very early years had been her Father's companion and comfort.
He could not rest without trying something that would enable him to repay every
farthing to his creditors. He was a very great mathematician, it had been an
amusement in prosperous times. He now determined to turn it to account ; and
after great and very patient trials, he succeeded by calculations to form a machine
which should produce a fabric only procured from Italy at great cost, and of which
the secret was kept inviolably by the makers. He was enabled to produce the
same thing at a much less cost, and had in a few years the great happiness to repay
all his creditors to the last farthing, and realized also a fortune of £10,000 per annum.
He continued to live at Sevenoaks till he died "

Mr. Nouaille, as has been mentioned, married at the beginning of February,
1760, Elizabeth the only daughter and heiress of Peter Delamare {d), then living

(c) The arms of the de Noailles are ' ' Gules, a bend or ; " with which are quartered those of
Delamare, namely, " Azure, a lion rampant argent " The bend has been extended over them
both, so as to form, practically, but one coat. Miss Nouaille's grandfather had these arms
registered at the College of Arms.

(d) Peter Delamare m. Miss Viard and had issue

1. Peter, whose only child m. Peter Nouaille.

2. Mary, m. Mr. Auber, and had issue Robert Henry Auber 01 Camberwell, living
in 1843.

3. Isaac, of whom presently, and
4 — 7 Four other children.

Isaac Delamare of Cheshunt, m. Miss Vautier and had issue

1. Isaac of Cheshunt, d. at Holylands Hotel, Norfolk Street. Strand. 2nd December,

1829, aged 88.

2. Daniel, d. of a decline under 30.

3. and 4. Catherine and Mary, lived at Theobalds.
5. Elizabeth.

14a

4o8

with her uncle Abraham Delamare in Steward Street, Spitalfields, where the Huguenot
refugees congregated in great numbers. Even now many of the old houses show
traces of the silk weaving industry that was carried on by the refugees, and many
of the names in that quarter are obviously Gallic in their origin. Unfortunately
(at least, from the antiquarian point of view) the neighbourhood is being rapidly
filled up by Jewish immigrants, who overflow from the neighbouring district of
Whitechapel. Mr. Nouaille was then living in Wamford Court, behind the Royal
Exchange. The marriage was held at the Chapel in the Tower of London.

The Delamares were likewise a refugee family, hailing from Normandy ; their
history reads like a page of romance. Mrs. Nouaille's grandmother on the mother's
side was Elizabeth Bernard, only child of Pierre Bernard, who appears to have been
descended from Bernard Damelour, a colonel in the guards of Frederick Augustus,
Prince of Saxe. Elizabeth Bernard's mother was dead ; her father lingered in France
in an endea^'our to save the wreck of his fortune, and sent her to England by
herself. With great difficulty he got her on board a French fishing boat ; her
grandmother combed back her hair, kissed her, and bade her adieu, hoping soon to
follow her to England ; but the orders were so rigidly enforced that they were un-
successful, and never saw her again. The child was only eight years old and was
landed on the shores of England by the poor fishermen, who were well acquainted
with and devoted to her family {e). Before parting, her grandmother had tied
around her neck a pearl necklace with a double row of pearls of great value. She
was consigned, with many valuable jewels, to the care of an eminent merchant
living at Kensington. According to one version, she was accompanied to England
by her uncle. The story may be continued in the words of Mrs. Nouaille (Elizabeth
Delamare) : —

' ' My grandmother [Elizabeth Bernard] was put to one of the best schools
at the west end of London, from whence at the age of i6 she was married to Nicholas

Elizabeth Delamare m. in 1769 Stephen Dolignon and had issue

1. Louisa m. 15th May, 1794, PhiUp Dauncey, Barrister-at-law ; he died 14th June,

1819, aged 59 ; she 6th February, 1804, aged 34, leaving

(a) Phihp. (b) John m. 13th March, 1827.

(c) Louisa, m. 4th January, 1820, Robert Bill, Barrister-at-law, who d. at
Rochester 12th October, 1823, leaving three daughters.

(d) Mary Sophia, m. 2nd November, 1826, John Henry Latham of Dover,
and had four or five children.

2. Rev. John Dohgnon, Rector of Hillborough and Vicar of Goodnestone, Norfolk,

m. about 1808, the dau. of Archdeacon Yonge of Swaffham, who d. 7th March,
1843, in Oxford Street, leaving issue one son, the Rev. John Dolignon, and four
daughters.

(«) Affairs of this kind must have been not uncommon. An instance is related in the Diary

and Correspondence of the first Lord Malmesbury, who in November, 1796, met at Paris " Mme.
de Noailles from Versailles." The editor of the diary (the late Lord Malmesbury) delivers the
following anecdote from an original memorandum among the Harris papers.

Lord Malmesbury was at Brighton at the period of the bitter persecution of the French
nobility and clergy during the Revolution ; and as he was walking on the beach, a French fishing
boat drew up and landed an infant, whose parents intended to follow. He consigned it to the car©
of Lady Malmesbury ; and within a month the child's mother arrived. This child became a
handsome and fascinating woman, and a leader in the first circles in Paris. Lady Malmesbury
was a Miss Amyard, of a Huguenot family, whose ancestor came over a year before the revocation
of the Edict of Nantes ; her brother. Sir George Amyard, married the heiress of the Comewall's of
Moccas Court, Herefordshire, and took their name.

This information is derived from a letter written by Mr. Francis Bayley, the County Court
Judge at Westminster (one of the sons of Sir John Bayley, Baron of the Exchequer) to his cousin
Miss Nouaille in 1876. Lady Bayley was a great niece of Mrs. William Woodgate of Summerhill,
and Sir George Comewall of Moccas married her grand-daughter, Louisa, daughter of Mr. Francis
Bayley.

409

Oursel (/), who came also from France on the same occasion, and I beheve from
Normandy. His history is as follows ; and that of his father is in a letter, in my
little iron trunk, (which I beg may remain in my family for ever). Nicholas Oursel
had good fortune enough to sell part of his land and property in France to a Priest
who was privately his friend ; he sold it at a loss, but being fortunate enough to
realize it in money, being very fair and handsome he rubbed his face over with
walnut liquor, disguised himself as a sailor, got on board a Dutch ship, and when
the French soldiers came to examine the ship to see no refugees were there, he employed
himself about some of the tackle of the vessel and passed unnoticed and arrived
safe in Holland. From thence he came to England, when soon becoming acquainted
with my grandmother, he married her from the boarding school. I forgot to mention
that her expenses had regularly been supplied from France, but that after I suppose
the death of either her father or uncle the pension ceased. I think her mother
was dead before she came over. Nicholas Oursel still left property in France, which
two old maiden ladies, by turning Roman Catholics, got possessed of ; there was
a fine house at Paris, which the son of Nicholas Oursel and my Mother's brother
went to Paris and I believe went to law about ; at least he spent fifteen hundred
pounds in endeavouring to recover that house and other property, which was
acknowledged to be his undoubted right, and that if he would turn Roman Catholic
he would have been put in possession of, but he refused and came back again.

" My mother, Catherine Oursel, was his sister ; she has said that her family
were originally English, and that they went over to France with William the Con-
queror, and that her family arms were in Coventry. She has also said there was
a fine estate in France, but although it was acknowledged her brother's right if he
would turn Catholic, he replied he would not on any account.

" My grandfather and grandmother Nicholas and Elizabeth Oursel lived in
Bucklebury [in the City] ; he became a Merchant and made a good fortune, but
being too venturesome in trade met with losses, went and settled in Dublin, and
then went to Rotterdam in Holland where he died. My mother was at all these
places. There appear to have been former alliances between Avelliers and Bernards,
as appears from a silver seal, the property of my mother, and several of her family
arms which I have got and request may be preserved. I never knew from what
part of France my mother's mother came from. My mother's brother Nicholas
Oursel lived and died in Holland ; he married first a Burgomaster's daughter, by
whom he had one son ; this died — he then lived at Rotterdam. In second marriage
he chose a lady of the name of Rizder ; by her he left three children both sons and
daughter. He fell into misfortunes at last. All these children if found out must
some of them have papers which can more particularly trace my family. My mother
married Peter Delamare of a French family of Normandy ; there was a Sir Peter
Delamare came over with William the Conqueror as recorded in history. I am
the only child of Peter Delamare and Catherine Oursel. (signed) Ehz: Nouaille."

(/) Nicholas Oursel m. Noemy Berguier of Havre a Gras, Normandy, and had issue

Nicholas Oursel, m. 17th April, 1768, Elizabeth Bernard, only child and heiress of
Pierre Bernard and Margaret AveUier his wife ; he had issue (besides four children
who died young).

1. Catherine b. at London Ist April, 1700. WiU pr. 4th August, 1798, m. Peter
Delamare and had issue EUzabeth, wife of Peter Nouaille of Greatness.

2. Elizabeth, b. in London 17th September, 1698, d. 7th April, 1754, unm.

3. Nicholas.

Nicholas Oursel of Rotterdam, b. at Battersea 9th May, 1705, m. 1st a burgomaster's daughter
and had issue

1. a son, d. young.

He m. 2nd, D. Rysen (b. 1711) and had issue

2. Nicholas of Amsterdam : had issue, two children who d. young, and a dau. Joanna
Apollonice.

3 and 4. Two daughters, one of whom married Comeille Turtorel of Leyden and had
five children.

4IO

This valuable paper was written in January, 1789, at Great Ness, A long letter
from Nicholas Oursel addressed from Amsterdam to his cousins the Nouailles,
9th December, 1791, intimates that he had been applied to for information on family
affairs. He says : —

" I have all the books of the arms of this our family in my hands, likewise
papers of the law suit which my father commenced for your parents concerning
the estate of our great aunt at Paris. . . , My mother Oursel, born Rysen,
is in a good situation and is near 80 years of age ; my eldest sister is married very
well, and my youngest sister has a sufficiency and has five children. My business
consists in the management of a respectable House of commerce, named Van der
Uliet & Zoonen, well known in London, trading in manufactured goods. I have
had three children in marriage, but only one living about six years old. I shall not
mention any more concerning our family, except that they are looked on here as
fashionable people. If you choose now to revive a forgotten relationship, you will
find me and mine always ready to continue our friendship ; on the side of my worthy

deceased father, I have no nearer relation than you " The address

from which he writes is Beruling Straat, Amsterdam.

We have been thus particular with the various collateral ancestors of the Nouailles,
partly because of the intrinsic interest of the story, partly because records of this
nature are easy to lose and almost impossible to replace ; and as we have been
favoured with the loan of the foregoing documents, as well as others, by the Rev.
W. J. Rudge, the present possessor of them, we have endeavoured to perpetuate
them far as possible [ff).

To return, however, to the Nouailles. Mr. and Mrs. Nouaille, and their son
Peter, were living together at Greatness at the beginning of the last century, and
the sole management of the mills was in the hands of Peter, the son. He was very
handsome, and so like the Prince of Wales (afterwards George IV) that they might
have passed for brothers. He was deeply attached to the daughter of a Peer (who
entertained an ardent and brotherly friendship for Mr. Nouaille), and she was no
less devoted to him, who had upon one occasion been the means of saving her life ;
but Mr. Nouaille hindered the match.

A second attachment proved more successful. Peter Nouaille wooed and won
Anne Woodgate, the second daughter of William Woodgate of Summerhill, in 1802,
but for further particulars of this circumstance see p. 363. Mr. Foster informed Maria
Woodgate that he stated his income at £6,000 a year, out of which he allowed his
father £1,500 and his mother £900. The Nouailles themselves say Mr. Nouaille's
fortune amounted to £10,000 a yezx. Mr. and Mrs. Nouaille junior lived at Great-
ness, near Sevenoaks. Greatness (§■) is a large old stone house outside the town,
near which were the celebrated silk mills.

The first letter that we have, after the marriage, may be found on p .365 under
the heading of Summerhill, which it chiefly concerns. Mrs. Nouaille adds : ' ' Mr.
and Mrs. Rudge visit us, how long to tarry I know not, but I hope some time. On
our return from the Hill yesterday we were very greatly concerned to find that Mr.
J. Mills, whose wife is sister to Mrs. Child and who was second in command in the
manufactory, had been taken ill of a fever and died on Friday night. He was a young
man, has left seven children, and in a short time there will be another. We were

[ff) As the proofs of these pages pass through our hands, we observe with deep regret the

death of the Rev. W. J. Rudge, who expressed a keen interest in tliis work and afforded us
most valuable assistance.

(?) Greatness undoubt«dly belonged to the Nouailles for many years prior to the Woodgate

alliance ; yet in 1790 we find an advertisement for sale of two properties at Sevenoaks and Otford
belonging to Lady Smythe, deceased. Lot 1 consisted of Place Farm and Great Lodge Farm
and 459a (on which stood the venerable ruins of Otford Castle), let on lease to William Everest.
Lot 2 comprised Greatness Farm, consisting of farm house, outhouses, and 417a. Ir. 33p. of
land let on lease to Richard Ray.

411

not only grieved for the loss of this poor man, but very apprehensive that the fever
should spread ; four of the children have caught it, but they have it in a slight degree.
God grant that it may not spread ! This poor fellow caught it in Londofi.^'

In September, 1806, Mrs. Humphry writes of her niece's establishment : ' ' Betsy
and myself have this morning taken a drive to Seven Oaks. On our return we called
on Mrs. Nouaille ; the House is in the greatest confusion & they are at this time
painting the dining parlour. Captn & Mrs. Thomas are returned with them. She
expressed great satisfaction that they are returned home."

Mr. Nouaille, senior, died at a ripe old age in 1809. Rose Woodgate writes
that it must be considered a happy release. Mrs. Nouaille, senior, had predeceased
her husband. She left some sealed directions concerning her affairs, to be opened
after her death.

The first paper is dated 17th June, 1794. By it, she expresses a wish not to
be buried at Sevenoaks, but in the Nouaille famity vault in Spital Fields Church.
Also that her three brilliant diamond pins and earrings, and bracelets set round
with brilliants, might go to her daughter Anne Rudge for life and then to her daughters.
That her son Peter should have the bracelet containing the miniature of his father,
her pearl pin and pearl necklace of two rows, and all the rings in the filigree iron box,
except one, and ' ' all my mother's family arms . . . and the letter also in the
little filigree iron box, as proofs to his family, should he ever have any, whence they
originally came for the cause of the Protestant Religion." The excepted ring
was to go to Capt. Wilham Thomas, grandson of James Prevost, Esq., of the Island
of Jamaica. Her wearing apparel, except her Point and Brussels lace, and other
lace, to her maid Anne Favant if living with her at her death ; finally, in the event
of the directions being attended to, she left her children her blessing.

She left another paper which partook of the nature of a codicil. By it she
directed that, as she had a separate income from the Three per cents held in Trust
for her by Messrs. James and Peter Auber and John Sewell, and from, time to time
had made trifling savings, such savings and all other mone}^ she might have which
" would be but a trifle to either of my children," should go to her unfortunate
relations in Holland, the Oursels. She declared that Mr. Nouaille had made such
ample provision for his son and daughter, to which she had herself added by cutting
off her entail, that she felt that something was owing to a family reduced by misfortunes ;
the money should therefore go to her first cousin Nicholas Oursel of Amsterdam,
or in case of his death to his onty daughter Johanna Apolonice, or (in case of her
death) to Oursel's widowed sister the wife of Corneille Turtinel and her five children
at Leyden. She earnestly requested her husband, ' ' who never refused me anything
in his power," to attend to the directions ; revoked the gift of the ring to Capt.
Thomas ; and confirmed her gift to Anne Favant, then Mrs. Child. Dated 24th
February, 1801.

The paper is long and involved, but the above is the substance of its intent.

Among the Nouaille papers is a note addressed by the Rector of Sevenoaks,
proposing a composition in lieu of Tithes, to hold good for six years.

" Sevenoaks, March 3rd, 1807.
Sir, For the land and premises you occupy in the parish of Sevenoaks, Kent,
called Greatness-farm, I propose that you pay to me the Rector and Vicar thereof
as a Composition of Rectorial and Vicarial Tithes, with all parish rates and assess-
ments thereon, the annual sum of ^^46 19 6 for six j^ears from New Michaelmas Day
1806 in the stead of the same being taken in kind. I am. Sir, your humble Servant

Thomas Sackville Curteis.

A written answer to the above of consent or non-consent to be returned on or
before the 12th day of March, 1807."

412

On the back of this paper are some calculations in Mr. Nouaille's writing as to
some land in Seal, consisting of 200 acres, including 25 acres of wood of Kay's farm,
60 acres of Mrs. Lane's, and the House, 40 acres and cottages, including 9 acres of
plantations. He purchased the tithes of Seal and Kemsing on this property of
4/6 an acre at 30 years purchase, that is for £2,025. The interest on this, setting the
woodland as compensation for small tithes, would be 3^101 5 -. There had been
a similar communication in 1799, suggesting " four shillings per acre, one with
another, through the whole farm ; for Hops six shillings additional to the Four ;
wood four addl ; and Flax two addl, this Composition to cover all other articles
of Tithes as Hay, Corn & Cows &c."

Another letter from Mr. Curteis offers to make Peter Nouaille Churchwarden.

" Lee near Lewisham.
March 13th, 1809.
Dear Sir,

I have heard of your great and nobly spirited Conduct in Regard to the steps
going to be taken abt Repairing our Church. I admire & commend you much for
the Part you are abt to take in it. I cannot therefore defer making a Request to
you to ye following Purport. On Easter Monday next the Minister & Parishioners
choose New Churchwardens, therefore shall be made ver}^ happy & comfortable
if you will permit me to appoint you for my Churchwarden for ye ensuing year. We
expect to be visited by our Diocesan this Summer, & shall be doubly pleased to have
a man of your Respectability in a public Character on that Occasion. I will thank
you for a Line in the course of a week or Ten Days. I return Home some Day this
Week. With all due Compts & Respects to you & yours, hoping this will find you all
well. Believe me, faithfullj^ & sincerely

T. S. Curteis."

The seal to this letter bears the Curteis arms with an inescutcheon of pretence.

There are two letters from the Rev. Thomas Baker of Chidingstone. In the
first, dated 1806, he desires Peter Nouaille to request his friend Lord Stanhope
(distinguished for his mechanical genius and scientific researches) to make some
calculations on the analogy of colour to sound. The second is as follows : —

" Chidingstone, May 19th, 1812.
Dearly beloved Peter,

Knowing that on Sundays (especially if they are wet) your Master either rea(Js
to you or makes you (which is the same thing, excepting the Difference) read good
Books to her, I have enclos'd what I had at Brighton some 20 years since extracted
from an old Gentleman's Magazine, for both your conning and observing upon ....
What a Fuss about 0aks, No-ale, and a Chat-wicke in the last Eur: Mag ! I told
Asperne that it was by no means a Parson's Production. Having an unexpected
half-Hours Leizure, and knowing how full your inner Waistcoat is of Friendship
and Patience, I will thus extend my Epistolary visit ; and swear that your Ante-
deluvian Watch was not made by Tubal-Cain, or rather (if there is any difference)
before the year A.D. 1642 ; but more of that when next we meet at the aforesaid
Silversmith's, or infinitely rather in this very house where I am writing this Scrawl.
I had a Letter on Thursday last (while in Town) from Sir Nash, full of Amazement
and Trouble concerning his intimate and much esteemed Friend, Mr. Percival— but
I need not waste Paper, Pen and your Patience upon that over-copious Subject,
re-re-re-repeated every where ; only begging you to tell me when the Sky will fall ;
to the easily catching of Larks ; and compelling the Outs and the In's to co-co-co-
coalesce ? N.B. If thou shalt want good Arsenick to poison Rats with, pray send
to Pickance's at Penshurst ; as what we laid of it for that killing Purpose full 4
Months since hath nasally poison'd this House ever since, and we are afraid for
4 Months to come. How little did we dream that their Tedd Potties and Effluvia
wou'd have lasted so long ! More odious (or odoriferous ?) behind our Parlour-

413
Wainscoat than all the Rats in 0aks Parish ! ! ! However we positively will have
it all sweet and comfortacious against the much-long'd-for Visit of the No-alians ;
and in the meantime the aforesaid we do remain their cordial Well-wishers,

Thomas & Mary Baker.
P.S. Alas poor @aks-Church ! Scarcely repairable externally ; and on last
Sunday internally irreligiously interrupted ! ! ! "

This amusing letter was addressed to Peter Nouaille, Esq., Greatness. Sir
Nash was Sir Nash Grose, who used to stay with the Nouailles at Greatness ; he was
likewise a great friend of the Childrens and of the Summerhill Woodgates, and for
twenty-six years a Judge of the King's Bench. The assassination of Mr. Percival,
the Prime Minister, took place on nth May, 1812, and naturally created great
excitement at the time. The key to the new arrangement of verses is too long
for insertion.

There is also a letter upon business matters from John L. Barnard of 6, George
Lane, Botolph Lane, Eastcheap (perhaps a cousin), dated 8th February, 1810. Mr.
Nouaille's father was the last surviving executor of Mrs. Delamare of Hackney,
who had left some money to James Frushard of Calcutta, of the Calcutta firm
of Udney, Frushard & Laprimandaye ; James Frushard died leaving Stephen
Laprimandaye his partner and executor ; the latter appointed Mr. Barnard his
attorney, who writes in that capacity. In reply Mr. Nouaille referred him to E. G.
Smith Esq. of Barbers Hall, his attorney.

In the meantime Mr. Nouaille's family was growing up at Greatness. There
was one daughter, Anne, and four sons, of whom Philip the second died at the age
of three months. Peter, the eldest, was at school at Brentford and was about
eleven years old when he wrote in a faultless hand the following letter, which bears
evident marks of dictation.

' ' Egglesfield House, Deer ist, 1813.
Dear Father,

With the most sincere pleasure I take up my pen to inform you that our Vacation
will commence on Thursday the 23rd instant, when I hope for the happiness of seeing
you and all my friends quite well at Greatness. Mr. Morris desires me also to
mention that the business of the School will be resumed on Monday the 24th of
January. With Duty to my Mother, and Love to my Brothers and Sister, I remain,
Dear Father, Your very Dutiful Son,

Peter Nouaille."

One can very well imagine this letter written up on the black board, to be
copied out, with the necessary variations, by each boy in the school !

The school was kept by the Rev. John Morris. For the half year ending at
Christmas, 1814, the fees for Peter and Julius amounted to £y8, including extras.
Mr. Morris was then of opinion that they could both hold a higher place in the class
if they exerted themselves to the utmost. The next half year, ending July, saw
Philip the youngest son also at School, when their united fees amounted to £93 for
the half year, Mr. Morris then described ' ' all the trio as promising young Gentlemen
and of excellent disposition & conduct." By successive stages they rose in his
estimation, so that at the end of that year there were ' ' no more amiable boys in
his house ; " all shewed gradual improvement, especially Master Philip, who
promised to do very well. Their fees for that half year came to ;^ii8. In the
bill of December 18 15 the chief Latin Book was Virgil ; and the extras, in that and
the other accounts, included French, Dancing, and Drawing.

The other letter from Brentford that survives, though written nearly four years
later, is neither so elegantly framed nor so faultlessly transcribed ; in other words,
it was a genuine letter, and not a species of dictation or copy lesson.

" Egglesfield House, Septr 14th, [1817].
Dear Father,

When I came here Mr, Morris, as I told you before, asked me some questions
& among them he asked me what I should be, & I said, that I should like to follow
your line of business, 6c he said he wished to have some conversation with you on the
subject when the first opportunity should offer, & pray tell me when I am to leave
Brentford as I wish very much to know. Pray tell Mrs. Weatherman I gave her
letter to the Coachman to give to Mr. Lee. I hope Mr. Blum is well & that you are
all so. Give our love to William & all at Greatness & receive the same yourself
& I hope that you left all well at South Park. I remain, Your very dutiful Son,

Peter Nouaille."

On the other side of the page is scrawled an epistle in the hand of Philip Nouaille,
who was then eight or nine years old ; some obvious mistakes have been corrected
in a grown up hand, but we have adhered to the more interesting original, with its
highly necessary postscript : —
" Dear Sister,

I have got a preasant for you & it is shuttlecoke & bateldore. Pray have you
rode the donkey since we left you ? I hope you have, if you havent pray ride it
now else I shall never be able to stick on. As I have nothing more to say, I remain
your affectunate Brother

Philip Nouaille.

excuse my bad writting."

Here is a treatment for typhus fever in its worst form ; it seems that there were
some cases of typhus at Sevenoaks at the beginning of 1818, when Mr. Nouaille
wrote to a friend in London, Peter Le Souef, for particulars of the treatment. Having
had a friend successfully treated he was able to give the outline of the general course
as applied by Dr. Fordham of North Audley Street. ... " Mr. F. ordered
this young man's head to be shaved and a Blyster applied immediately (as before
observed, his case was quite desperate). There were afterwards mustard poultices
applied to the soles of the feet and a profusion of strong Cordials administered,
together with yeast at intervals. . . I beg my respects to good Mrs. Nouaille and
sincerely wishing that every blessing may attend her humane exertions to relieve
every one on whom she is in the habit of bestowing her kindness, I remain. Dear
Sir, very sincerely yours, Peter Le Souef."

In 1819 Mr. Urquhart of Kemsing wrote requesting facilities for fishing :

" Sir, Desirous of Angling in the stream towards Otford, I beg leave to sollicit
the liberty of following the course through your Park and Grounds ; if not inconsistent
with your rules the favor will be esteem'd by, Sir, (respectfully) Your obedt &
obliged Servt
Kemsing. D. Urquhart.

17 May 1819."

The kind reply deserves to be recorded : —

" Mr. Nouaille presents his Compliments & begs leave to assure Mr. Urquhart
that if it can afford any amusement angling in the small brook which runs ttu-ough
the meadows on Mr. Nouaille's estate, he is at full liberty so to do, Mr. Nouaille
only requesting Mr. Urquhart to go thro Jonas' garden to the Brook, as Mr. N, has
not a spare key left in his possession to offer, which will open his boundary gates."

The Nouailles had always a great predilection for interesting collections and
objects of curiosity ; Miss Humphry refers to them on 17th Deer. 1820. ' ' We
drank tea at Greatness on Friday with the party froni the Grove [the Hardinges]
when Mr. Nouaille exhibited many of his interesting curiosity's for the amusement
of the young ladies. Our friend Peter came from Oxford for the Christmas vacations
last Tuesday."

415

An account

in Mr. Nouaille's handwriting of ' ' expenses to & from Ox

Peter's account,

Jany loth, 1820, " is preserved ; it illustrates most strikin

expenses of travelling in the old coaching days.

lOth Jany.-

—Chaise to Bromley

. £0 19 6

driver

. 0 3 6

gates

. 0 1 6

Chaise to Town

. 0 18 0

Horsier . .

. 0 0 6

gates

. 0 0 10

driver

. 0 3 0

11th.—

Bill at Cooper's Hotel

. 2 1 0

Waiter do do . .

. 0 6 0

Coach to Oxford

. 3 5 0

Coachman

.036

Lunch

0 7 0

Coachman

. 0 3 0

12th.—

Hat for Julius

. 0 9 0

Gloves. Self

. 0 3 6

gave Henry (A)

. 5 0 0

Lent ditto to be paid by Wilham

. 8 0 0

13th.—

deposit for coach

. 1 0 0

Library at Oxford

. 0 1 0

14th.—

Peter's fees Matriculation

. 2 11 0

Other fees left with Henry

. 30 0 0

Tavn Bill Oxford

. 8 7 4

Waiter

. 0 9 0

Chambermaid

. 0 8 0

Boots

. 0 2 0

Brawn

. 1 10 0

Scout

. 0 1 0

15th.—

Coachman

. 0 3 0

Porter at Oxford

. 0 0 6

letter & postage in London

. 0 1 6

Coach from Oxford

. 2 15 0

Chaise to Locksbottom

. 1 2 6

driver

. 0 4 0

gates

. 0 0 10

Horsier

. 0 0 6

Chaise Home

. 0 15 0

Brandy & Water

. 0 1 0

driver

. 0 3 6

Horsier

. 0 0 6

gates

. 0 1 6

Miss Anne for good cond.

. 0 2 6

Charity to Boakes

with me

. 5 0 0

77 9 0

Cash taken

.£150 4 6

Cash paid

. 77 9 0

72 15 6
These expenses were incurred on Peter's matriculation and entering at Oxford.
The next letter was written by Mrs. Nouaille, on Julia Humphry's engagement
to her cousin Sir William Ashburnham in May, 1825 ; Julia Humphry was then
staying at Tonbridge with her aunt Rose Woodgate.

" Greatness, Monday.
My dear Cousin Julia,

I cannot allow a Post to pass without offering you my most hearty Congratu-
lations on your intended Marriage with Sir William Ashburnham. Believe me,
my dear Cousin, it is an Event that rejoices my heart, & you have my fervent good
wishes. You have bright Prospects for Happiness with so excellent a Man as Sir

(h)

Was this Peter Nouaille's nephew, Henry Woodgate, then at St. John's ?

4i6

William A. You have long known my opinions, having ever esteem'd him an
Exemplary character, & by a Union with him I think you may without presumption
hope for that Peace which the world can neither give nor take away. I must
acknowledge, I was surprized when your kind Mother gave us this information yesterday ,
for we had not even heard a rumour of it — but then I have been much confined at
home lately. After Church our friends from the Grove rejoiced with us, and soon
after my Uncle Henry [Woodgate of Riverhill] arrived to rejoice also, so that there
was I assure you a very great rejoicing, but by none more sincerely than Mr. Nouaille
& cousins Peter, Philip & Anne, who all beg me to offer you their hearty congratula-
tions & best wishes. I have the satisfaction to say, I have not seen your Mother
looking so well for some time ; Joy & Smiles are conducive to Health. We are to
drink tea with her to-morrow, when I hope to see her equally well. I wish you were
of the Part}'-. I shall look forward to the pleasure of seeing you on Tuesday next,
when I purpose with some of my family to attend the Skinners. Mr. Nouaille and
all your cousins here unite with me in love and kindest remembrances to you. God
bless you, my dear Julia, & believe me, yr truly affect. Cousin

Anne Nouaille.

It would not be correct to beg you to offer our congratulations to Sir William A:
but I request you will present our kind regards to him, & say that I am very anxious
to see him, & hope to meet him next Tuesday. Present our love & regards to my
Aunt Rose. I shall congratulate her on Tuesday. Mrs. Allnutt is just arrived."

The next letter, addressed on 25th February, 1826, to Lady Ashburnham, is full
of directions for dealing with measles ; Mrs. Nouaille evidently paid much attention
to nursing, which formed but a small part of what her charitable nature induced her to
undertake. She adds, ' ' I went to the Postern on Tuesday to meet all the Hastings
Party & was happy to see them all looking so well, & so much pleased with their
visitation. I saw my Aunt Rose, & your sister Fanny on Tuesday, I thought my
Aunt was looking a great deal better than when I saw her a fortnight ago. Your
sister was quite well."

Meanwhile the silk mills had been going from bad to worse ; they were at their
zenith in 1760, and for a great many years brought in handsome profits. Old Mr.
Nouaille was a man of striking ability ; but his son, though full of mechanical con-
trivances and ingenious schemes, could not make them turn to his advantage, and
indeed lost much money over them. It is said also that one of his men, in whom
he reposed implicit reliance, proved unworthy of the trust and cheated him of large
sums. Trade was slack and times bad all over the country, and the conclusion of
the War in 1816, instead of bringing in a millennium of prosperity, seemed to make
matters worse than ever. To these causes of decline must be added several severe
losses, which were caused probably by imprudent investments ; for instance. Rose
Woodgate writes about 1812, ' ' We are very glad to hear Mrs. Nouaille is better ;
we had before heard of Mr. Nouaille 's disagreeable loss : it was mentioned to us
as £15,000." One of the letters states that the Nouailles themselves attributed
their final misfortunes to Free Trade.

At length the receipts of the mills, having slowly dwindled, became less than
the expenses of working ; the mill hands, many of whom were French refugees,
were discharged, and the works sold by auction and taken away. To meet their
liabilities, it would seem that the Nouailles were driven to realise some of their
property about 1827, though they did not sell Greatness, where they continued to
live for many years. On 6th July, 1827, Mary Anne Humphry writes : " I am
really much concerned to find your former intelligence, of our friends at Greatness
selling their property, confirmed by your last letter. I wish to know how dear Mrs.
Nouaille supports the prospect of quitting a situation that has been the theatre of
her kindness and active benevolence to her friends and the poor around her for the
period of so many years. To our dear Mother and ourselves she will be an immense
loss, & we shall much miss and regret the Society of our young friends."

417
In November Miss Humphry writes, ' ' I have another piece of intelligence to
communicate that I am sure will afford you pleasure ; our Greatness friends do
not quit the neighbourhood ; Mrs. Child has offered to resign the House she occupies
for their accomodation, which offer Mr. Nouaille has accepted, and they intend
removing into it the end of this month. The family are much pleased with this
arrangement, and have no doubt they shall find it a very comfortable abode ; they
are all intitled to great praise for the cheerful acquiescence they have evinced under
this necessary change."

It seems that this contemplated change was not made, and the Nouailles con-
tinued at Greatness for several years. A certain Mr. Joseph Harrison, on returning
to Sevenoaks in 1833 after an absence of some years, and finding the mills dismantled,
wrote an " Ode to the Mills " of some five hundred lines, from which we have
extracted a few. They are of no value from a poetical point of view, though
interesting enough in themselves.

"What gave the place its name and its renown,
And made it lively as a little town,
Were silk mills larg-e, in which a hundred hands
Were kept employed, all at their various stands ;
To wind the unwroug-ht silk and it prepare
For weaving- into crape for future wear,
The refuse fiom the good to separate.
And bring it from a rough to smoother state ;
To tie in little knots when broke was found,
While bobbins quick and reels more slow went round.
'Twas here, in midst of constant noise and hum,
Where oftentimes songs would from workers come,
Full many a female spent her younger years,
And not a few till silvered were their hairs.
To do the harder work some men were there,
Whenever wanted, they were always near ;
And when 'twas requisite to make things new,
To alterations make when 'twas the whim
Or pleased the fancy of the mind of him
Proprietor who was of factory.

Which things, when done, were oft not satisfactory.
A scheming man he was, not always wise,
For many wiser plans he would despise.
And in the end it proved that they were right ;
Abortive many proved and useless quite.
From faults of this description it might be.
Or other causes difficult to see,
Business decreased, and numbers were discharged
To seek for other work, tho' not designed
For what laborious was, after confined
Within the silk Mills they had been, where light
Their occupation was ; and tho' some might
Their wish obtain and get a livelihood.
Others for want of work quite idle stood.
At length the Mill was altogether stayed,
The year's returns the outlay ne'er defray'd ;
And where 'twas bustle and where wheels went round
Suspended was the long accustom'd sound.
The Mill was shortly razed to the ground.
The bidders were invited to attend
And make there purchases and so to send
Away from "Greatness" all the cogs and wheels,

4i8

Bobbins and wicker baskets, spindles, reels.

Thus when I visited the place I found

No vestige lefc but spaces in the ground.

In which the water-wheel was used to play

That when a child I looked at with dismay.

There also were the holes the forge had formed,

The shop where carpenters with plane and saw

The wood had oft prepared to stop a flaw.

Or millwright with his gearwork often did

Whate'er by overseer he was bid "

Traces of the ancient fabric are still visible ; and the old framework of the
mills with its huge timber posts and beams are yet within the recollection of some
of the inhabitants.

It will be recollected that Peter Nouaille, the eldest son, expressed a desire
to enter the silk mills ; whether he ever did so or not is unknown, but for the rest of
his life he pursued no occupation. Julius took Orders and obtained the curacy of
Ditchling, near Brighton. Philip the youngest son entered on a mercantile venture
with a Mr. Davison. The venture failed, and Philip lost his entire fortune, the
whole of which he had embarked on the enterprise. This information is supplied
by Miss Humphry, who wrote in July, 1831,

' * I am sure you will be concerned to hear that the poor Nouailles have sustained
another pecuniary loss. Mr. Davison and their son Philip have failed in business,
and their names appeared as Bankrupts in the Gazette of Saturday last. It is a
sad thing for Philip whose fortune was all embarked in the concern, as he will
now return home without employment, or the prospect of being again engaged in the
line of business for which he was intended. Poor Mrs. Nouaille evinces her usual
strength of mind and good feeling on the occasion, and says her consolation under
these adverse circumstances arises from the conviction that not the slightest blame
attaches to her son in the transaction."

The next year Philip sailed for Canada, to seek his fortunes in a new land. Before
starting he wrote the following letter : —

" London, 25th April, 1832.
My dear Father,

I have arranged every thing I hope to my satisfaction thro the kind assistance
of Mr. Rayden (?) , who has done everything in his power to assist me. I have secured
my place in the Hebe ; she sails on the 5th of May, but it will be requisite for me
to be here two days before, as I shall have plenty to do to get all my things on Board.
Unfortunately Mr. Price sailed last Friday, but I have been to the Canada Company
and have made arrangements with them by giving the £10 as a deposit upon the
land I shall purchase of them. They engage to carry me free of expense from
Quebec to York Town.

As it regards poor Daniel I have written him a letter to shew to you & the
Committee and sincerely hope they will enable him to go out in the same ship with
me. This I am certain of, that he will not be able to get out so cheap by any other
vessel. The Captain agrees to take them all for £18 and they are to provide them-
selves in every thing which will be about as much more. I have secured him three

(») Mr Rayden married one of the daughters of John Markett of Meopham, and Anne his wife'

the daughter of John Hooker of Tonbridge Castle ; Mrs. Markett was a sister of Mrs. William
Woodgate of Sumraerhill. The Marketts or Marquettes were a family of Belgian refugees,
now extinct but for one unmarried lady ; they possessed a good estate at Meopham Court Lodge,
near Cobham, Kent. One of the daughters, as already stated, married Sir John Bayley, who
sat as a judge until the age of 90, in the full possession of every faculty. The Bayley's succeeded
through marriage to the estates of the family of Laurie of Maxwelton in Scotland (famed in
the song "Annie Laurie "), upon which they assumed that surname.

419
berths upon the following conditions, that I must write up on Thursday night whether
he will be able to go or not, and also to pay a deposit of £9. By a letter which Mrs.
Rayden has written to-day to my Mother 5^ou will see how I have got on with my
equipments, and I shall bring down with me to-morrow a list of every thing which I
have bought. I devote to-morrow to calling upon Mrs. Rudge, which will conclude
my labours this week, and must contrive to get every thing ready to come up on the
2nd or 3rd. Pray remember me to all at home and believe me, my Dear Father,
Your affectionate Son

Philip Nouaille."

Fate decreed that his start should be unpropitious, but whether he ultimately
succeeded, in accordance with the wishes, hopes and expectations of his friends,
we do not know. He died at Upper Dawn, Canada, on 8th December, 1849.

In 1837 the Nouailles were still at Greatness, but decided to complete the sale
of their property in that year. In February of that year they stayed for some time
with Mr. Rudge, after which they visited Hastings, their favourite resort. In
July they were at Greatness, when Miss Humphry paid them a visit. Miss Humphry
informs us that the Nouailles hoped to spend September at Hastings, but that
the period of their visit depended on previously settling the sale of their property ;
she feared that "the procrastinations of the Lawyers" might defer it beyond
the time they anticipated. Her fears were realised, for the Nouailles did not reach
Hastings till October, when Lady Ashburnham writing to Mary Ann Humphry,
observes : —

" Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille and Peter joined Mrs. West at Hastings last Thursday
se'nnight. Poor Mr. Nouaille was a good deal overcome by the journey and has
been very unwell in consequence. We called on them last Thursday and were
rejoiced again to see our old and valued Friends. Mr. Nouaille was recovering
from his Indisposition and his Family hope he is now deriving benefit from change
of air. Mrs. Nouaille made many kind enquiries after you and regretted exceed-
ingly you had quitted the Neighbourhood before her arrival, but depends on paying
you a visit at Kensington Crescent the first time she goes to London. They have
promised to pass a long day here during their stay, and our cousin Peter is to dine
and sleep here on Wednesday next. Mrs. AUnutt and Mr. John Woodgate [of
Stonewall] are to join the Hastings party to-morrow. Mrs. West's house is rather
confined for so large a party ; however the}^ appear a most happy circle, and now Mr.
Nouaille is better enjoy themselves exceeding^."

On leaving Greatness, the Nouailles purchased St. John's Lodge, a smaller
house, situate near the bottom of St. John's Hill, Sevenoaks. The house was filled
with all the best and most curious part of their furniture, and became a veritable
museum. Their means were at the time uncertain, but afterwards, as their affairs
became more settled, they found themselves better off than they had anticipated.
The change from Greatness to St. John's must have been great ; but amidst their
adversities, their equanimity was never once disturbed, and their misfortunes
only served to show their virtues in stronger relief. Mrs. Nouaille once made the
remark that, in their misfortunes, one of her comforts was that they continued to
live surrounded and respected by all the friends of their prosperity. That they
should thus continue to enjoy the esteem and friendship of all their neighbours and
former acquaintance, many of whom were people of rank and wealth, is a remarkable
testimony to their worth.

Mrs. Nouaille was endowed with remarkable intellectual qualities ; she was a
keen politician, a sound theologian, and well-informed on nearl}^ every subject ;
her neighbours frequently flattered her by requesting (and following) her advice
in matters of difficulty. Before Sunday Schools were generally introduced, she
used to hold classes for the mill hands, and had special services for them on Wednesdays
and Fridays. This was at a time when the country clergy (without any reference

420

to particular instances) too often lacked the zeal and energy which they now so
conspicuously exhibit. Of her attention to the material needs of the mill people
and her poor neighbours, her charity and generosity, enough has been already
said.

In 1840 Miss Humphry was ill, and Mrs. Nouaille wrote with very particular
enquiries : —

' ' Thursday Evening, Janry 5th [1840].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

. . . We are all, I thank God, well, & have pass'd a most quiet Christmas.
Nothing has occur'd in the way of gaiety but the New Years Ball, which was well
attended, 180, more Beaux than Belles, so that the Benedicts were not inlisted into
the service ; few wallflowers, no " stars & garters," the only Titles Lord Homesdale,
Lord Marsham, Dowager Lady Torrington, & her 2nd son Honble Mr. Byng, Mr.
& Mrs. Bruce (ci-devant Miss Pitt). The young ladies introduced were Ellen Streat-
feild & Mary Knox. The youngest daughter of the Revd. John Austen was to have
join'd the Party, but she has been very dangerously ill, & not sufficiently recover'd
to attend. Mrs. Richard Streatfeild [ci-devant Ellen Woodgate of Riverhill] went
to her brother's at Tonbridge & chaperoned the following party — her daughter,
Henry & Martha (her nephew & niece), Tom & Arthur, Fanny & Mary Knox ; Mary,
Jane, Dalton & Frederick Scoones, 12. Peter & Anne joined Mrs. Curteis & Mr.
& Mrs. Cox ; all agree it was a most agreeable ball, but not so Brilliant as formerly.
. . . . I am now in expectation of going to Mrs. Allnutt's who is under much
anxiety on account of Mrs. Boissier, who certainly is much afflicted. Mr. Nouaille
requests me to say he is likely to have a Presentation to Christ's Hospital next
Easter, & if Mr. George Ashburnham has a son eight years old, Mr. Nouaille will
be happy to present it to him. The Crightons are all well. Lady Camden is in
Town. Lord Amherst is not in health, & that is the Reason there was no party at
Knole. You cannot think how much Seven Oaks is changed by the opperations
of the Rail road ; there is only one Hastings Coach & one Tonbridge Wells Coach
passes through ' ' our Town " now, & it is reported the Mail from Hastings will
proceed from Tonbridge by the Rail. We shall become a Retired Village ; the
Publicans complain sadly & also the Trade. I think we are behaving better near us,
for a disagreeable Beer shop at the top of this Hill is given up, they had no Custom ;
the Beer shop near the Union complain that they must retire having No trade — our
Neighbours must be more sober or there wou'd not be so great a change. They are
making a new line of Road from the Common to the Chapel in the Weald, to wind
round the Hill, to avoid Hubbard Hill. It will cost £800 ; £400 has been subscribed
by the Gentlemen in the neighbourhood & the remainder will be raised by a Tax or
rate. It will be a merciful work ; so many accidents have occur'd on Hubbard Hill.
Mr. Nouaille, Peter & Anne beg to unite with me in kind Love & remembrances to
you. Sir William A, & Cousin Fanny, & in best wishes that you may have a Happy
New Year & many, I remain, my dear Lady A, Your affectionate Cousin,

Anne Nouaille."

Mrs. Nouaille's next letter is from Penshurst, announcing the birth of Allnutt
Boissier on January 15th at half-past twelve o'clock.

" The Grove, Penshurst, Monday, Jany i6th [1843].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

. . . . I was much obliged by your kind Letter of the 9th inst. which was
forwarded to me here. I was happy to receive from your Pen so good a report of
Sir Wm A, and my cousin Fanny, & most heartily hope you have all continued as
well as when you wrote. Mrs. West is a good Correspondent & she always mentions
our Relatives at Broomham when she has anything to communicate ; nevertheless
a letter is always acceptable. I grieve for the account you have given of poor dear
Mary Anne ; I was in Hopes of a better report. Alas, how sad it is ; most sincerely

do I sympathize with you all in this distress & can only hope your next intelligence
may be more comfortable. I came here last Monday to cheer up the spirits of my
sister, who has suffer'd so much anxiety for her daughter. I thank God she is well
& as you may suppose delighted with her new character."

About two months later Sir William Ashburnham died, upon which Mrs. Nouaille
sent a letter both to Lady Ashburnham and Miss Humphry, who lived at Broomham.
In the first she expresses the conviction that Sir William was ' ' removed from a
life of great suffering to receive the reward of a well-spent life ; " the second is as
follows : —
" M}' dear Cousin Fanny,

Greatly were we grieved at the mournful intelligence we received this Morng
from Mrs. West. Julius had mentioned in his letter from Lewes on Wednesday
that dear Sir William Ashburnham was very ill, but as my sister had not said anything
of his illnesss in her Letter on Sunday we flatter'd ourselves it was an exaggerated
report. Mrs. West says dear Sir Wm A. had been ill a week ; that must in some
degree have prepared you for the awful change, & that will have soften 'd the severity
of the shock. Nevertheless such mournful events are great Trials ; you have great
consolation in reflecting the comfort you have been to the lamented Departed, & to
your Dear Sister, particularly now under this Heavy Affliction. I wish I was nearer
to you but that is a vain wish. When your mind is more composed, & you have
Leisure, it will be a great Satisfaction to receive a few lines from you, & we shall
be glad to hear that you & Lady Ashburnham are as well as we can expect you to
be under existing circumstances. For the present Mrs. West will communicate
with us. We hear our Cousin of Ferox is well again ; a wonderful Recovery !
St. John's, Friday March 24th."

It was not long before Mr. Nouaille himself was called upon to pay the debt
of nature. He had reached the ripe age of 80 and was full of vigour to the last.
The news was announced by Julius Nouaille.

" St. Johns, August 4th, 1845.
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

It is my painful duty to inform you that it has pleased the Almighty to release
my dear Father from his troubles and sufferings in this life. The melancholy Event
took place yesterday at half past 11 O'clock in the forenoon. He had been in a
lethargy the last few hours, and died in the presence of us all, calm and peaceful,
without a struggle and without a moan. We are all pretty well. My Mother &
Ann bear this bereavement as well as you could expect. Give our kindest regards
to Miss Humphry & believe me, my dear Lady Ashburnham, your affectionate
cousin

Julius Nouaille.

We shall be obliged if you will inform the different branches of your family
of this Event."

It would seem that every letter announced a death ; perhaps that is why they
were deemed worthy of being preserved. The next of such events was the death
of Julia Knox, whose mother, Frances Knox, was the daughter of W. F. Woodgate of
Summerhill.

" St. John's, Saturday April 4th [1846].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

We were very glad to hear, from your Letter to Anne, that my Cousin Fanny
was recovered from her severe attack & able to go to Mrs. West on Monday last,
where I think your Presence would be a great Comfort & Consolation to our afflicted
Relatives. I was pleased to hear from Mrs. Allnutt, who pass'd yesterday with us,
that she had met you both at Capt. West's, that you were much recover'd from
your attack of Influenza, & that Cousin Fanny was nearly well & the mourners
better, under their sad Bereavement. It is very melancholy to see so many of our

422

youthful Relatives pass away before us ; the death of poor Julia Knox is very pitiable
& a very severe Trial to her Sisters & Brothers. The Distress is increased by her
removal to Ventnor. I always lament the sending the Patient away from friends,
Home & Comfort, but it is a Consolation to the Survivors & Friends that every aid
& assistance was render'd, & this my nephews & nieces have perform'd to the utter-
most, & from that they will derive consolation. I was very sorry we did not meet
in Town: the streets were so wet & it was so cold when Anne call'd the day after
we received 5'-our Letter that I was afraid to accompany her, but it wou'd have
given me very sincere pleasure to have seen you both. I must now change my
subject for one of very great rejoicing, I mean the glorious Victory we have obtain'd
in India — sure there never was so complete a defeat, the gracious hand of Providence
guiding the whole. I have read the account in our Paper of yesterday with the
greatest satisfaction, having heard it read twice before ; every part is so well express'd
& Sir Henry's [Hardinge] Proclamation so admirable. It is indeed a most glorious
victory. What an influence this Event will have on President Polk & indeed all
Europe, for all Eyes have been upon this war. How it will strengthen our Eastern
possessions. This great Victory increases the Business of our Ministers, who are
fully Employ'd, & what will be the result of the two great Bills before the House
I cannot imagine. I can rejoice at the Victory because I understand it, but these
Bills are quite beyond my comprehension. The Ministers say, we shall be ruin'd
if the Corn Law is not carried, the Protectionists say we shall be ruin'd if it is — so
the Commons decree we must be ruin'd either way. Pray let us hear from you
when 5^ou have a little leisure, as we shall like to know how you perform'd your
journey & how you both are after your sojourn in Town & your return home. Mrs,
West has fix'd to come to us on Friday the 24th but I hope to see her before that
Day."

The next letter contains a very cordial invitation to Lady Ashburnham and
Miss Humphry, offering them two apartments, and a room in the attics for their
maid servant.

' ' The Grove, Penshurst, Tonbridge, August 12th [1846].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

. . . Mrs. West (who came here with us) is engaged to go to Mrs. Wood
at the Wells on Tuesday next, the following Monday she proceeds to Mrs. Springate,
from thence she returns to Mrs. Allnutt & comes to us for a short time previous to
her pitching her tent at Hastings. . . . You know Mrs. Dutton has left Seven
Oaks & established herself at Penshurst, & it is rumour'd that Mr. Francis Smith
of Hastings has taken it. Great are the changes at Seven Oaks ; there are few of
your old friends remaining. You will be much pleased with Mr. Blackhall's House ;
I have not seen it, but Peter tells me he has made it very pretty indeed. All the
good people at Seal are as usual. I have no news to communicate of them. Fair
Lawn is to be sold by auction in a few days. Nizels has been sold to a Mr. Goldsmid
who has let it to Mr. Cartwrite the Dentist — it has been enlarged & greatly changed ;
it is a large Mansion. Mr. Farmer Bailey of Leigh has been adding to Hall Place ;
one Room is 70 feet long & all in proportion."

Mrs. Nouaille writes on the 26th of next February for a remedy for ague, which
Lady Ashburnham had found ver}- successful, for some poor people at Sevenoaks.
She supplies a lively picture of the general povert}^ and distress.

' ' This trying winter has caused much suffering, l^ the sudden Deaths are most
awful. Very melancholy was the Death of Mr. Heawood ; he had been declining
for a long time, & there are many who are not surprized at the sudden Event. We
mourn another old Friend, Mrs. Polhill, who attended Church on Ash Wednesday,
when she caught a cold which brought on a Bilious attack, & on Sunday last she
died at the age (the Papers say) of jy. The Family are all in great Grief ; the Event
was so sudden. Miss Polhill (always an Invalid) was very poorly at the time, & is
now very unwell. Are you aware that Mr, Fredk, Polhill, who had Otford, is now

423
curate of Hever ? I see by the paper this Morng that Dr. Cronin has been sent
to Newgate for Man-slaughter, a warning to others ! There is an over\yhehning
tide of crime & distress & suffering ; the lack of employment, the high Price of Pro-
visions, the severity of the season, & the sickness that prevails every where, is most
appalling, & the distress is great indeed. There is hardly a House in this district
but there is one or two sick — either man or woman or child. Some I know are thus
situated, to supply Bread for their Children have sold their wearing apparel, others
their silver Tea spoons, & some have given up their Breakfasts for three weeks
past. Many men have gone Fasting to their daily Work, & one man work'd all
Day fasting ; there is no particular complaint, but all have the same Result, extreme
debility. The little children suffer dreadfully, & when a little better their feet &
ankles have Black Spots upon them, which turn to erruptions which Discharge
&c &c. None of our Neighbours have died, but none as yet have intirely recover'd.
Your old neighbour Miss Catt, who married Hugget — lives in what we call Mercer's
Row, nearly opposite to us — her husband has been out of work & has been very
ill, but is better. A child 6 years old had the Mumps (which is every where) & then
fever, & has now very bad feet & ankles ; the Parish have not assisted them, because
he is a Tradesman, & their distress with their six Children has been very bad indeed.
Hop digging has now Commenced & I hope things may mend, with the Agricultural
Labourers. The Medical Men order the bad feet to be Poulticed every six Hours,
& it must be done with fine Bread. What a trial when they have not Bread enough
to eat, but I will say no more on this Painful subject. We are all I thank God well :
we have had cold & cough, but since the snow has disappear'd we are all very much
better. I do not hear of any particular news of Seal, except that there is much
sickness & distress. The Crichtons are as well as usual ; Miss Crichton is in Town for
a fortnight, & the poor Widow & her son are well & the Family appear to be
comforted by their Presence. All as usual at Under River & Riverhead. Lady
Sarah Williams has another Daughter, & all well. I wish it had been a Son.
You cannot think how dull 7 Oaks has been all this Winter, not a Party or a Rout.
Mrs. Lightfoot is gone to Town & deeply lamented the great Alteration that has
taken Place. Lady Crichton has been very ill but is nearly well again ; they all
desired me to present their kindest remembrances to you & Cousin Fanny when
I wrote to you."

It is safe to imagine that the Nouailles did all in their power to alleviate the
current distress ; but their ability had been curtailed with their means. Later in
the year distress diminished, and the price of bread became less, as we learn from
Mrs. Nouaille's next letter, which begins with general enquiries after the health of
Lady Ashburnham and Miss Humphry, who had been ill.

" St John's, Wednesday, Augt nth [1847].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

My daughter with Mrs. West left Coghurst for the Grove on Wednesday last,
& on Thursday Anne returned home safe & well, when for the first time I heard
that my Cousin Fanny had been very ill. . . . While Mrs. West is at Hastings,
I have the great Satisfaction of hearing of you, but now she is " over the Hills
& far away," I seldom hear of Broomham. For the last ten weeks I have been a
great Gad about, to Ditchling, Otham & Penshurst ; we are now resettled at Home
again. Where ever I have been I have witness'd the most promising appearance
of the Crops, & our Paper this Day says the 41b Loaf in London is 8d., & the second
Quality yd. How Grateful we ought to be for this great Blessing ! We have been
much excited by the Election, & grieve that it has so terminated. Every thing
at Seven Oaks passed off most quietly, but there was great regret & great disap-
pointment to very many. Have you seen Sir Digby Mackworth's letter to Edmund
Molyneux Esqre ? It was in our Paper last Sunday. I send you a squib from
Mr. Gladstone's Committee at Oxford ; I do not like Mr. G's Politics, but I admire
the wit of his Party.

424 A Cipher they sought,

A Cipher they found ;
The Value was Naught,
The Figure was Round.
There is no news stirring in this Neighbourhood ; every thing is very quiet,
exceedingly so. Lady Camden & her Babe are going on very comfortably. The
Crichtons are all well. Poor Ellen Clifton married Mr. Petley's Groom some years
ago ; he fell sick & unable to continue in service. He has a Brother in the United
States who wrote to beg they wou'd come to him & he wou'd meet them at New
York, so with the assistance of many Friends (without me) they obtain'd funds
sufficient to pay their Passage out & have sail'd with two Children. I believe they
have been supported for a long time by Lady Crichton. Poor Ellen was looking
sadly, & much changed when I saw her in the Spring ; Poverty & anxiety make
great havoc in Beauty. I hope they may fare better in America. Our Flower
Garden is quite gone by for this year ; the lack of Rain has caused most of the summer
Flowers to be quite dried up & appear Dead, but it is the same all around us. We
hear Mrs. Charles Woodgate has a Daughter, & all well, which is a great Blessing.
Mrs. Petley & her Httle Girl are going on prosperously ; her Sponsors are Capt.
Thomas Woodgate, Jane Petley & Fanny Knox ; the name of the young Lady I
have yet to learn,"

Mrs. Nouaille's last letter was written from Hastings to fix the day for paying
a call at Broomham.
My dear Lady Ashbumham, " Saturday, Nov. 20th, [1847].

We anticipate much Pleasure in taking Lunch with you, & if it is Convenient
to you to receive us, Mrs. West myself & Co. will wait upon you on Thursday next.
We propose starting soon after 11 o'Clock calling upon our Cousin Petley [Henry]
& Hope to be with you before one o'Clock. As the Evenings now Commence early,
& are cold, we must take our Leave at | past 3 o'Clock, to reach Home to Dinner.

I hope we may find you & our Cousin Fanny as well as when we met at Cog-
hurst. Mrs. West, myself & Co unite in Love & kind remembrances to you & your
sister, & I remain, my dear Lady Ashbumham, yr affectionate Cousin

Anne Nouaille.
Shou'd Thursday be wet, or very windy, we will postpone the pleasure of waiting
upon you till Friday."

Mrs. Nouaille died the 2nd of February following, aged 76, and was buried in
the Nouaille vault beneath the nave of Sevenoaks Church, together with her husband
and her infant son Philip ; there, too, Mrs. West was afterwards buried. On the
south waU of Sevenoaks Church is a marble tablet bearing the Nouaille arms, quar-
tered with Delamare, impaling the ensign of Woodgate, and surmounted by the
crest (a demi lion rampant argent issuant out of a mural crown and holding a wreath) ;
underneath is the motto * ' Prodesse quam conspici," and the epitaph following ; —

Sacred

to the memory of

Peter Nouaille Esq. late of Greatness in this parish who departed

this life August the 3rd, 1845, in the 8oth year of his age ;

also of

Anne Nouaille his wife, second daughter of William Woodgate Esq.

of Summerhill in the parish of Tonbridge in this County,

who departed this life Feb. the 2nd 1848 aged 74 years ;

also of

Philip Nouaille, their second son, who died Dec. 12th 1803 aged three months;

also of

Philip Nouaille, their fourth son, who died at Dawn in Upper Canada

Dec. 8th 1849 aged 41 years ;

also of

The Revd. Julius Nouaille B.A. their third son, Vicar of Ditchling,

in the County of Sussex, who departed this life Feb. 2nd 1855 aged 49 years.

An inscribed brass plate let into the floor marks the site of the vault.

425

There are several subsequent letters from the family ; one from Julius in 1854
is chiefly occupied with advice to Lady Ashburnham on Aldemey cows. He died
of bronchitis at Ditchling on 2nd February, 1855, and was buried at Ditchling at
his particular desire. From a long letter of Anne Nouaille, written shortly afterwards,
we have extracted one or two passages : —

" Poor dear Julius wished to be buried among his flock, and therefore last
Friday week he was carried to his last resting place accompanied by dear Peter,
myself, our cousin Mr. Rudge, and a few of his most intimate friends in this county.
William Woodgate was prevented from coming, to our great regret. Our future
plans are not quite settled ; we shall probably remain here three weeks longer, Peter
wishing to settle up everything before leaving ; the farm is the greatest trouble."

Peter and Anne NouaUle, who alone survived, continued to live at St. John's ;
from the remaining letters we have extracted a few passages of especial interest,
and dismiss the rest with a few words.

A letter dated 13th April, 1855, is chiefly concerned with Mr. Blackball, Vicar
of Seal, and the disposition of Miss Humphry's small bequest to the poor of that
parish ; Anne Nouaille adds : —

" I am glad Mrs. Monck is better, pray give our kind remembrances to her
and Mr. M. when you see them. Yesterday we had a visit from Capt. Tom Woodgate
& his Wife. He is much engaged with a Phosphate Manure Company. We hear
but a poor account of Mrs. Lipscombe. Mrs, Brisco I am glad to say is better & I
trust in time will recover her strength."

Mrs. Monck was the daughter of Sir William Horn the Attorney General ; her
husband was the son of the Honble. Sarah Hamilton (sister of Mrs. Henry Woodgate
of Spring Grove) and the Rev. George Monck.

On 8th November, 1856, she writes to inform Lady Ashburnham of the
approaching consecration of St. John's Church, Sevenoaks, when Mr. Curteis was
to give subscribers a Luncheon at the Crown ; she continues : ' ' Francis Woodgate
[son of Stephen Woodgate of Pembury] left us last Friday. Septimus has been
very poorly since he has been at Coghurst and has consulted Mr. Gardiner, who
hopes to benefit him. It is very sad he suffers so much. I have had no intelligence
from my Aunt since you were here, but hope no news is good news."

Her next letter is long : —

" St. Johns, Jan. loth [1857].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

. . . We were at a party at Riverhill last Thursday. The entertainment
consisted of dissolving views and artificial fire works. There we met Mr. Warde
and some of the Woodgates from Swaylands. They gave a poor account of William's
eldest son Hamilton, who looks sadly but does not complain of anything in particular.
. . . Mrs. Streatfeild (the Widow) of Penshurst is dangerously ill, and fears
are entertained of her recovery ; she has many symptoms like her sister Mrs. Sweeting
who died a few months since. Our Neighbours are much as usual. Mrs. Lightfoot
was dangerously ill in the Autumn and is now much alter'd, aged and shrunk from
what you last saw her, Ld. Amhurst is very infirm and quite confined to the house.
How alarming are the Garrott robberies in London ; we hear 4 took place in one
week, at the top of Devonshire Place (k) in the new Road. I hope the " ticket
of leave " system will be done away with or it really will not be safe to walk about.
I am sorry to say we have a great number of people in this parish out of employment,
more than has been known for years, and no one appears able to account for it.
The weather having been open, the distress has been very great, and many appli-

(i) The Briscos' town house was in Devonshire Place ; both Anne Nouaille and Lady Ashburn-

ham frequently stayed there, and were thoroughly familiar with the spot.

426

cations are made only for " Bread ; " — poor creatures, I cannot think what they
will do, for the little shops will not trust them. Last week we heard that poor
Mrs. Charles Woodgate was safely confined with a Daughter, on the 20th November,
and was expected in England the end of this month. She had received previously
the letters with the account of Charles' illness, but the fatal news had not arrived
when she wrote. What a sad journey home she will have ! "

The fatal news was, of course, his death, which occurred at sea off Aden on
30th October, 1856. The next letter announces the death of Mrs. James Eldridge
West, formerly Alicia Ashburnham. Anne Nouaille says of her, writing on December
31st, 1859 :—

" Her health had been so precarious that you could not have been very much
unprepared for the sad intelligence. Her declining years have been so melancholy
that it is indeed a happy change to her. WilHam and Alicia must feel their loss
more deeply than the other members of the family, for they have been most devoted

to her, and have fulfilled their filial duties most exemplarily My

Brother has had a very nice letter from Henry Petley, giving a good account of
himself ; the weather had set in severely and he was some what short of firewood,
but hoped to get some from a ship just arrived. He says he is in pretty good health,
as may be supposed from his " having catechised children before Church, taken
two services, walked 7 miles out and home, 14 miles, with snow returning " in one
day, a pretty good day's work. He desires his kind remembrances to you. The
poor, he says, have no idea of any thing being given to them ; consequently there
are no beggars."

Her next letter, dated loth August, 1861, congratulates Lady Ashburnham on
her niece Julia Humphry's intended marriage with Mr. Tucker of Birkenhead, who
she thinks will give her ' ' a good and able protector and comfortable home. . . .

1 am sorry to say Capt. (now Major) John Woodgate has left Liverpool more than

2 or 3 years since, and is residing in Cheshire. Had he been at Liverpool I am
sure he would have been very glad to have seen Julia. , . . You have doubtless
seen in the Papers the loss the Parish has sustained by the death of our good Rector
Mr. Curteis. Altho from his precarious state of health this sad event might have
been expected at any time, yet it has been a great shock to every one. He had not
been quite so well the last fortnight, but nothing occurred to anticipate a fatal
result till about 11 o' Clock on Friday night, when a difficulty of breathing came on,
and he most peacefully expired in half an hour, appearing as if he really fell asleep,
and was perfectly conscious to the last. Dear Mrs. Coxe has great consolation in
reflecting how devoted she has been to him in her attentions and in his exemplary
character. He was such a good man in every respect. We have lost a most invalu-
able Friend and like numbers of others most sincerely mourn him. Seven Oaks
will not be the same to us now he is removed, and we shall sadly miss our long
established intimacy at the Rectory. You will be glad to hear Henry Petley safely
arrived in Scotland on the 30th of July, having left St. Johns, Newfdland, the i6th
previously. He is staying with Major & Mrs. P. Petley, and talks of taking some
duty in Edinburgh for the winter. We as well as the Riverhead party had been
very anxious about him as no tidings were heard of him for some time, and he was
expected to arrive the beginning of July. He writes word he is quite well but very
thin."

In 1864 Peter Nouaille died. His death was announced to Mrs. Frewen (formerly
Mrs. Brisco) in the following letter.

" St Johns, March 6th [1864].
My dearest Fanny,

It has pleased the Almighty in his infinite wisdom to release my dearest Brother
from his sufferings this morning at ^ past 10 o'Clock. He was taken worse yesterday
about 2 in the afternoon, the breathing most distressing, and it was difficult to keep

427
life in him, but he ralhed and even had a httle sleep during the night, but he gradually
sank and peacefully expired without a struggle or a groan. He retained his con-
sciousness to within two hours of his death. He bore his illness with the greatest
patience and resignation, not a murmur escaped him even when sadly oppressed in
Breathing, his only exclamation being Oh dear ! You said you would come and see
me ; it would be a great comfort, but I shall not have a bed ready till the middle of
the week, it will require so much airing. I have sent over to Lady Hancock, who
has promised to come and stay with me, and I can poke her into dear Peter's little
bed. Sir Samuel I cannot take in. Please thank Mr. Frewen for his kind letter.
I know he had a great and sincere regard for my dear Departed, who only on Friday
was speaking of him and saying, ' ' Mr. Frewen was not known nor fully appreciated."
I have asked Charles Petley to kindly help me in business matters. Please let Lady
Ashbumham know of my sorrow and ask her to tell Mrs. Tucker."

This letter was enclosed by the Frewens in a note to Lady Ashburnham, which
intimated their intention of starting for Sevenoaks that very afternoon to endeavour
to be of some assistance.

Her two last remaining letters were preparatory to visiting Broomham ; she
mentions that she only succeeded to two Trusts as executor to her brother. Of
these he was the sole surviving trustee. One of them was that of Lady Ashburnham's
marriage settlement, of which Francis Woodgate of Ferox Hall, James Eldridge
West, and Mr. Palmer had been the other trustees.

Anne Nouaille continued to live at St. John's, where she died in November,
1897, in extreme old age. She was the last of the Huguenot family of Nouaille ; but
though the name is extinct, the race still survives in the descendants of her aunt
Mrs. Rudge. She died universally respected by all who knew her. She was rather
small, and of striking features ; at the time of the Women's Collection she presented
a petition to the Queen, who was greatly and favourably struck with her appearance,
and made many enquiries about her. One anecdote must be related : — A lady,
who knew her well, was engaged in conversation with another, who remarked that
Miss Nouaille was exactly like the pictures of the old French aristocracy. ' 'Naturally,"
was the reply, " she is descendeci fxqufi the old French nobles."

428

CHAPTER XIV.

WOODGATE OF SPRING GROVE, PEMBURY.

Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, the second son of William Woodgate of
Summerhill, born 1771, was for some time engaged to Susanna AUnutt, There
had already been a " double marriage " between the two families, but for some
reason the engagement was broken off, and Miss AUnutt married John Garthwaite.
Miss AUnutt was considered plain ; Garthwaite and Henry Woodgate were both
remarkably handsome.

About 1800 WUliam Woodgate proposed to establish Henry at Pembury, and
offered him the choice between the houses of Old Hawkwell and Spring Grove.
The former was a very large, and somewhat ruinous, moated mansion lying down
in the valley ; the latter was then a farm house known as the Church Farm, much
smaller, but exceedingly pretty and beautifully situated on the high ground near
the Church. Henry selected Spring Grove, which was altered and enlarged, and
HawkweU was demolished.

Hawkwell and a great part of the Pembury estate had been purchased by
WiUiam Woodgate in 1788 (see p. 323) from the co-heiresses of the ancient family of
Wybarne, which had held it since the reign of Henry VIII. (See Hasted). There is a
pen and ink sketch by Streatfeild in the British Museum, beneath which is written :

' ' Why borne ? To the glory of God.
Why borne ? To the blessing of men.
Why borne ? To the hope of Eternal life.
Who are borne in Christ again, Quoth Wyborne."

Streatfeild entitles his drawing " The mansion of Great Hawkwell, from a
rude drawing made shortly before it was puUed down. T.S. 1829."

The rude drawing was sent to Streatfeild by John Scoones, with the accom-
panying letter : —

' ' Dear Sir, .

I have at last got the drawing of Hawkwell which I spoke of. The young
man who drew it (when a boy) cannot recollect what he copied it from. He lives with
a saddler at Seven Oaks and his name is CoUins.

From what I collect of an old servant on the farm (now in Pembury almshouse)
the drawing is generally correct. The place was moated, with a bridge opening
into a paved court. The bridge was of brick, with waUs and stone foundation,
the water clear without rushes or reeds except about the bridge where there were
Water cresses. The waUs of the house were plaister with rough cast and broken
glass upon them, the windows diamond paned or quarried, the roof tUed. I could
not make out from the old man exactly how the upper windows in front projected,
but if you think the subject worth your pains, your knowledge in this sort of archi-
tecture wUl I presume enable you to put this to rights. The side door seems a puzzle.
I write this more in haste than finish as Mr. Harvey waits to take it to you. Believe
me, dear sir, with best regards to Mrs. Streatfeild,

Yom"s very faithfuUy

John Scoones."

. ... ^I1U!>^ I ^ „ ^

J] — T^^^

429

Wisely or not, Hawkwell (a) was taken down and the timbers employed by
William Woodgate, who was Lord of the Manor, in the construction of a Town
Hall for Tonbridge. The old market house or town hall appears, from a memor-
andum of Sir Roger Twysden of his having paid 40s. to Thomas Lake of Hadlow
which he had promised to Sir Humphry Miller towards the erecting of the same,
to have been built in 1671. It was very small, and may be compared to a lych gate
covering a small space enclosed by a brick wall three or four feet high. The space
between the wall and the " lych gate " roof was open. Beside it was a small
tower with brick base for about six feet, then tiled, surmounted by a bell tiurret and
clock.

The new town hall was a much finer building, standing in High Street and
supported on arches. At the time of erection the arches were filled in, but the
masonry was subsequently removed and the arches thrown open ; there was an upper
storey containing a large room. This building was taken down about 1901.

Spring Grove was altered and new roads to it were made (see p. 372), especially
through the Pembury Walk Woods. Henry's sister Maria writes in June, 1800 : ' ' You
cannot imagine how much Spring Grove is improved within these three weeks ; I
think for the size of it there cannot possibly be a prettier place."

And the following December Mrs. Allnutt writes : —

' * When I was at Summerhill I rode over to Spring Grove ; upon my word the
House looks very clean and pretty, and I think Harry's intended road through the
Church Wood will be very delightful. I begin to think there is something between
Harry and a pleasant month ; I watched them at the Concert and fancied I saw
something more than common, but I May be mistaken."

And Maria Woodgate observes the following March : —

' ' We go on much after the old plan here, I do not see much variation in our
plan of living. We eat, drink, laugh, cry, ride, walk, sleep, nod, doze, dream and
snore as usual, except Harry, who all at once is grown particularly fond of musing
in the grove, or wandering by a purling rill ; " he eats little, thinks much and in
thinking sighs," as Scrub says. Some say one thing and some another, but for

(a) Hawkwell, like other old houses, had its own ghost story. Here is one version. In the

seventeenth or early eighteenth century the occupier of Hawkwell, Roe, died leaving a widow
and two daughters. One of the daughters, Esther by name, made a run-away match with an
adventurer at one of the London Churches in the Fields (St. Giles or St. Martin's). His only
object was to possess himseK of her money in which he succeeded before long, and having done so
rendered her life so miserable that she determined to escape. She accordingly started ofiF for
Pembury one bitter winter's morning with her baby, on foot.

Now it seems that Mrs. Roe and her daughters were in the habit of celebrating some particu-
lar day, a birthday perhaps, with special festivities. The first one after the run-away match
had passed off as usual. The next year however the festivities did not take place at Hawkwell,
but at some other house in the village ; Hawkwell had been damaged by fire, and was boarded
up for repairs. Mrs. Roe had a presentiment that her daughter Esther would appear in time for
the diimer, and would not allow the company to begin. Hour after hour passed, and still they
waited. Mrs Roe was very old and infirm. Worn out with anxiety, and perhaps with fasting,
she suddenly fell forward in a fainting fit, exclaiming " She has come, I knew she would
come." She never recovered, and died in a few hours.

Esther had, as a matter of fact, set out that morning. She arrived at nightfall at the old
mansion, utterly exhausted. She found the place deserted and the entrance boarded up.
Unable to get in, overcome with cold and hunger, and too wearied to move another step, she
sank down in the mud, where she was found the next morning, clasping her child to her, both
frozen to death.

Esther's ghost has since been seen at rare intervals. Once, about forty years ago, it was
observed by a traveUing tinker, who burst into the nearest house (an inn, where a merry party
was proce^ng) half dead with terror. He explained to the astonished company what he
had seen, and it appeared that he was a perfect stranger to the place and to the story.

This story was related to us some years ago by Mr. W. B. Woodgate. If there are any
mistakes or omissions, it must be attributed to forgetfulness on our part after this lapse of time.
Not the least interesting part of the story is that the ghost no longer appears on the original
date, but has kept to the old style of the calendar I

430

my part I think he is in something that begins with an L, or in other words that
he is in Love. Symptom the first : he is uncommonly silent, that's a sign of Love.
Symptom the 2 : he is monstrous absent and very cross, that's a sure sign ; and
symptom the third and last, he is never happy or contented but when he is on the
other side of Hadlow turnpike gate. Now after my saying this, I suppose your
wise head will immediately imagine that May flowers are springing up again, but
you are far from the mark. Miss Nash is the Goddess of his idolatry, but this is
all nonsense ; I will venture to say he is as heart whole at this moment as when you
left him." [The Mays lived at Hadlow Castle].

There is a description of an entertainment, given by Henry at Spring Grove,
contained in a letter of Mrs. Nouaille, his sister, of 29th March, 1802 : —

' ' Last Wednesday, the 24th, myself and master went to Summer Hill where
we met the South Parkites to he in readiness for Harry's gala the next day, & of
all the merry days I ever spent in this life I think last Thursday was the most so.
We were sixteen in the waggon, viz. appearances four, Father, Mother, Ben [Maria
Woodgate], Boman, Fanny, Anna, my Master and self, Pompey, Ahcia West and
Aunt Sally and James West ; the Greentrees [the Mercers of Green Trees] and Gips
met us there. The roads were very good and we arrived at Spring Grove at 4 o'clock
in the best humour possible ; in all we mustered twenty six and we all dined in
Harry's front parlour. There was a side table in one of the recesses, but the table
being placed across the room held the whole party extremely well. We had an ex-
cellent repast and after supper there was a good deal of bachelor's fare handed about,
but I came in for very little of the oyster sauce ; Aunt Sally had much more than
her share. I never saw so merry a party and one and all agreed they never spent
a pleasanter day. I never saw Allnutt and Fanny in such spirits and we kept it
up till two in the morning when we thought it right to order our sociable, Boman
and Anna had not exerted their gem as we expected they would upon such an occasion,
therefore as all the rest at Summer Hill were just returned from Parnassus {b), the
Major led off and was followed by Fanny, Maria, Allnutt, Harry, myself and mate,
and seven better songs upon such an occasion were never warbled. Allnutt, Fanny,
my Master and Ben and part of mine were encored, and the company were so mightily
tickled by some of them that the songs were obliged to be stopped while they indulged
their laughter. I only regretted you were not one of the party as I am sure you
would have been very much entertained, and I never knew a set go off so well."

Henry, like his brothers, was in the Yeomanry. At first he was lieutenant
in his brother's troop ; but the latter was promoted to a Majority, and Henry received
his captaincy. His commission signed by the Lord Lieutenant and endorsed ' ' Lt.
Hy Woodgate, Captain, Tunbridge Yeomany Cavalry " has been preserved.

' ' By Charles Earl of Romney, Viscount Marsham, Lord Lieutenant and Gustos
Rotulorum of the County of Kent and of the City and County of Canterbury &c. &c.
To Lieut: Henry Woodgate

By Virtue of the power and authority to me given by a warrant from His Majesty
under his Royal Signet and Sign Manual bearing date the twenty second day of May
1804 I the said Charles Earl of Romney do in His Majesty's name by these presents
constitute appoint and commission you the said Lieut: Woodgate to be a Captain
of the Tunbridge Troop of Yeomanry Cavalry commanded by Major Woodgate to
bear date the 5th May 1804 but not to take rank in the army except during the time
of the said Corps being called out into actual service. You are therefore to take
the said troop into your care and charge and duly to exercise as well the officers as
soldiers thereof in arms and to use your best endeavours to keep them in good order
and discipUne who are hereby commanded in His Majesty's name to obey you as

(6) It almost appears as if each one wrote his own songs for the occasion, in which case they

would certainly be very amusing and witty.

431
their Captain ; and you are to observe and follow such orders and directions from
time to time as you shall receive from His Majesty your Major or any other your superior
officer according to the rules and discipline of war in pursuance of the trust reposed
in you. Given under my hand and seal the i6th day of January in the Forty fifth
year of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain King Defender of the Faith &c. and in the year of our
Lord 1805.

Romney."

Henry Woodgate married in 1804 the Hon. Georgina Hamilton, second daughter
of the Right Hon. Viscount Boyne of Stackallan.

Her fortune on marriage consisted of £10,000. William Woodgate, on his
side, settled a perpetual rent charge of ;^200 a year, issuing out of the Pembury
estate, upon Henry Woodgate for life, then upon Henry's wife for life, then upon
the children of the marriage on the usual trusts. This deed was dated 15th June,
1804, and was made between William Woodgate of the first part, Henry Woodgate
of the second part, Lord Boyne and the Hon: Georgina Hamilton of the third part,
and the Rev. William Gordon and Peter Nouaille [of Greatness] of the fourth part.

Lord Boyne had built his house on Mount Ephraim, at the Wells. Like his
son-in-law, he was in the Yeomanry. He joined the Tunbridge Wells Troop in 1797,
and in 1807 he appears to have been Captain. A newspaper paragraph in June,
1807, relates the celebration at the Wells of the King's Birthday : —

' ' At Tunbridge Wells on June 4, Viscount Bo5nie's troop of yeomanry fired
a feu de joie in honour of the day ; and in the evening a large number of the gentry
assembled at the Upper Rooms, patronized by Viscountess Boyne, and finished the
auspicious day by assisting at a Ball."

And again, in 1810,

' ' His Majesty's birthday was celebrated by the company at Tunbridge Wells
by a very splendid ball under the patronage of Lady Boyne. Lord Boyne's Troop of
Yeomanry Cavalry fired three good voUies on the occasion, and retired to drink
His Majesty's health at the Kentish Tavern."

In 1815 Lord Boyne resigned, and was succeeded in the Captaincy by James
Cranbourne Strode. It seems that he left the neighbourhood about that time.
When the Troop was first formed, it was suggested that Richard Cumberland, the
Dramatist, should be one of the officers, an honour which he declined. In his
Memoirs he says of this Troop : —

" Men of these principles could not fail to be respectable and they are now
serving with credit to their Captain and themselves under the command of Lord
Viscount Boyne, who resides at Tunbridge Wells, and, together with the duties
attendant on his commission as commander of this respectable corps, executes the
office of magistrate for the county, not less amiable and honourable in his private
character than useful and patriotic in his public one."

The wedding was to take place on Saturday, the i6th June, at Pembury ; the
Rev. Thomas Harvey was to officiate. Afterwards the Bride and Bridegroom and
their friends were to dine at Summerhill (c).

family Bible :

' ' Henry Woodgate Esqr., of Spring Grove, second son of William Woodgate Esqr., of
SomerhiU, married the 16th of June, 1804, Georgina Hamilton, second daughter
of Viscount Boyne. Georgina Martha their daughter, bom the 15th of February
1806, died August 11th, 1818. Frances their daughter bom August 9th, 1807.
Henry Woodgate married secondly Clare daughter of the Rev. Thomas Harvey of Cowden,
Clare their daughter bom May 6th, 1816."

432

There are in the possession of Miss E, J. Woodgate, at 9, the Lawn, St. Leonards,
portraits of Lady Boyne, Miss Hamilton/ and Henry Woodgate. The latter is
a large full length painting representing him with his gun and dogs, and a brace of
pheasants at his feet. A propos of this, Henry was a capital sportsman. His
gamekeeper for some years was John Budger.

There is also a large life-sized portrait of the two daughters, Georgina and
Frances, as children, in white dresses and red leather shoes. Beside them is a bird
cage, and one of them is fondling a dove. In the background a storm is seen to be
brewing. It is related (probably without truth) that Georgina got wet through in
consequence of the storm and that she died from the effects of it.

The second paper, evidently in the handwriting of Lady Boyne, is as follows :

Sarah Hamilton, bom at Lodge 4th February, 1776 between two and three o'clock in the

morning.
Gustavus Hamilton, born at Stackallan 12th April, 1777, between the Hours of twelve

and one in the day.
Richard Somerville Hamilton, born at StackaUan the first June, 1778, at four o'clock in the

morning.
EUzabeth Mary Hamilton, born the 19th of July, 1780, at Stackallan between the Hours

of five and six o'clock in the evening. She died in Ireland in 1784.
Richard Somerville Hamilton died at Edinburgh, January 8th, 1809.
Gustavus Hamilton married August 4th, 1796, Harriet only daughter of Benjamin Baugh

Esqr., of Ludlow.
Georgina Hamilton married Henry, second son of Wm. Woodgate Esqr., of SummerhUl,

Kent, Jvme 16th, 1804.
Georgina Martha Woodgate bom at Pembury, Saturday Febry. 15th, 1806, between

the hours of three and four in the afternoon, christened 19th May, 1806. Godfather,

Viscount Boyne ; Godmother, Honourable Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Woodgate.
Frances Woodgate was born at Pembury Saturday 9th August, 1807, between the Hours

of two and three in the afternoon. Godfather, WiUiam Woodgate Esqr., Godmother,

Lady Boyne (torw)."

There is another leaf, with the note of the marriage, birth of the two children, and the
death of Georgina Martha on 11th August, 1818.
{d) As no pedigree of these Harveys has, so far as we are aware, ever appeared in print, we take

this opportunity of giving some account of the family. The first ancestor was Richard Harvey
of Tilmanstone, Lord of the Manors of Great and Little Barfield (Barville) who died in 1472,
leaving, by Julian his wife :

1. John.

2. Robert, d. 1507, left issue by Maryon his wife, John, and Thomas m. Joan ,

and died 1554.

3. Joanna. 4. Christian.

John of Barfield, the eldest son, died in 1479 leaving issue by Margaret his wife

1. Robert. 3. Richard, s.p.

2. Thomas, s.p. 4. Nicholas.

Robert of Barfield, the eldest son, left issue by Rose his wife

1. Robert. 3. Isabella.

2. Juhan. 4. Joanna.

Robert of Norburn, the eldest son, died in 1568, leaving issue by Margery his wife

1. Thomas Harvey of Eythorn, m. 1560 Juhan Dann, and died in 1580, leaving numerous
issue.

2. Robert.

3. Richard.

The third son, Richard of Norburn, married in 1568 EUzabeth Awstyn (who d. 1618) and
d. 1600, leaving

1. Thomas.

2. Richard, m. 1594 EUzabeth Verrian and had issue Thomas, who left issue by Ursula

his wife ; WUUam ; Peter ; Richard ; Valentine ; and EUzabeth.

3. Peter, left issue WilUam, EUzabeth, Barbara, and Ursula.

4. Valentine, m. Frances

5. George.

6. EUzabeth, m. Richard Soms.

Thomas of West Studdal, eldest son, m. EUzabeth Papper widow (who d. 1660), and died
in 1660, leaving issue

433
Mrs. Woodgate died on Christmas Eve, 1808. Ozias Humphry writes, ' ' Altho'

I never had the pleasure of seeing Mrs. Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, yet never

having heard her name mentioned but with much credit to her, I never can reflect

upon her loss but with sorrow."

In four years time Henry Woodgate became engaged to Clare Harvey, daughter

of the Rev. Thomas Harvey of Redleafe, Penshurst (d). Miss Humphry writes

on 25th September, 1812 :

' ' Your letter was full of information not a syllable of which had reached us

1. Richard of Selson, b. 1600, m. 1st Sarah who died in 1644, leaving issue, and

secondly Jane Barker.

2. Thomas, d. 1673.

3. Henry.

4. Luke, b. 1611, d. 1651, m. Elizabeth

5. Lawrence, b. 1616, m. 1646 Elizabeth Taylor.

6. Catherine, m. Barker.

7. Ehzabeth, m. Sutton.

Henry of Kittington, third son, b. 1609, d. 1672, married Martha Rogers who d. 1676,
leaving issue

1. Thomas.

2. Richard, m. Mary and left issue.

3. John, d. 1714, leaving issue by Mary his wife.

5. James. 8. Martha.

6. Henry. 9. Mary.

7. Thomas 10. Ehzabeth.
Thomas Harvey, left issue by Martha his wife.

1. Thomas.

2. Martha, m. WiUiam Loode.

3. Thomas. 6. Ehzabeth.

4. WiUiam, 7. Mary.

5. Anne. 8. Judith.

Thomas Harvey of Deal, the eldest son, left issue by Elizabeth his wiie, Thomas Harvey
of Tonbridge, b. 1732, d. 1779, leaving issue by Charlotte his wife, youngest daughter and co-
heiress of the Rev. Wilham Davis, Vicar of Tonbridge,

1. Rev. Thomas Harvey of Redleafe, Penshurst, Vicar of Cowden.

2. Wilham Thomas Harvey of Hilden House, Tonbridge, married 9th December, 1786,

at Tattersfield, Surrey, Ann Staples, and left issue (amongst others) Henry, Lieut.
24th Regt. Native Infantry, Madras, d. 1815 ; and L. M. Harvey, second daughter,
m. at Tonbridge 18th October, 1814, E. Morris, Surgeon 3rd Lanes. Regt.

3. Charlotte. 4. Frances
5. Sophia, m. Ilhngworth.

The pedigree is completed by extracts from the Harvey family Bible :

" Thomas, son of Thomas (buried at Tonbridge 17th July, 1810, aged 73) and Charlotte

Harvey, bom December 6th, 1754, died an infant. (Charlotte bu. at Tonbridge, 3rd

June, 1779, aged 47).
' ' Charlotte dau. of Thomas and Charlotte Harvey, born September 2nd, 1756 [died 24th

January, 1834].
"Thomas son of Thomas and Charlotte Harvey, born 5th December, 1757 [died July

6th, 1835].
"Sophia, daughter of Thomas and Charlotte Harvey, born 5th December, 1757 [Mrs.

Ilhngworth].
" Harriet, dau. of T. and C. H. born 16th May, 1762, died an infant.
" Frances, dau. of T. andC. H., born 23rd December, 1765 [Mrs. Browne, died at Penshurst]."
There is another set of extracts, from a different Bible, belonging to the said Thomas (eldest
son), who married Ameha daughter of John Bachelor. John Bachelor died 15th April, 1791,
buried at Spitalfields ; his wife Ameha died 17th October, 1802, and was buried at the same
place.

' ' Ameha, daughter of Thomas and Amelia Harvey, privately baptised 23rd December,

1790, born 5th December.
" Clare, dau. of T. and A., privately bapt. 31st July, 1793, bom 30th July.
" John, son of T. and A., bapt. 18th September, 1801, bom 26th July, died 7th April,

1802, bu. at Cowden.
" Clare, above, married Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, Pembury, 3rd March, 1813.
" Henry, their son. born 24th January. 1815. died 21st May, 1815.
"Clare, their daughter, born 6th May, 1816.

" Ameha, above, married John Sparke of the Stock Exchange, London, 28th June, 1814.
" Mrs. H. Woodgate married at Bersted, Sussex, ye Rev. Thomas Streatfield of Charts

Edge, Westerham, 29th September, 1823.
" Thomas, above, married Emily Jane Nunn, at Tooting, Surrey, 26th Febraary, 1824.

434

before. We were quite surprized to hear of Henry Woodgate's match. We think
it a very good one in every respect but the too great disparity of their years. What
httle I have seen of my cousin elect I hke extremely."

Henry was born in 1771, Miss Harvey in 1793.

On 1st February, 1813, Mary Anne Humphry writes : —

' ' We hear that Miss Clare Harvey's wedding is to take place early in the month
of March. The Family are going to town this week to make the necessary
Preparations."

The marriage settlement was dated 26th June, 1813. The trustees were Thomas
Harvey jun. , John Woodgateof Stonewall, and John Ham. Henry Woodgate charged
Spring Grove with a perpetual rent charge of ;^35o a year on the usual marriage
trusts.

Clare Harvey's fortune was considerable, but the whole of it was spent in rescuing
Henry from the position into which he had drifted in consequence of the failure
of the Tonbridge Bank (see p. 382).

The Rev. Thomas Harvey of Redleafe, LL.B. (Pemb. College, Oxford, 1778)
was Patron of the living of Cowden, to which he was instituted in 1785. Redleafe
had been left to him by the will of Abraham Spencer, Sheriff in 1736 {e). It was
a beautiful, old-fashioned white house with gardens that were universally celebrated.
There was also a small house known as Little Redleafe (referred to in Hasted's
footnote), which Harvey purchased and converted into an entrance lodge. The
present Redleafe was erected not many years ago. It is larger than its predecessor
but not nearly so beautiful.

He was succeeded in Redleafe by his son, Thomas, who was instituted Rector
of Cowden in 1835 and died in 1878, aged 82. It was he who " stopped the fight "
near Edenbridge. Prize fights, though strictty forbidden, were not infrequent ;
and were attended by the greatest ruffians in the Kingdom, as well sometimes as
others more refined. Harvey, a magistrate for the County, hearing there was
going to be a prize fight near Edenbridge (to which the principals and spectators
were conducted by special train which stopped intermediately between two stations,
so as to avoid the police), boldly rode up alone just at the start and forbade them
to proceed. It was almost as much as his life was worth, and the fact of his being
a clergyman would probably make matters worse ; but his attitude was so determined
that he compelled them to desist and succeeded in dispersing the crowd. (Here's
a fine subject for a painting !)

In 1814 Mary Anne Humphry writes, on 22nd December :

' ' I went with Mrs. West to Pembury on Tuesday ; we sat an hour and a half

" Thomas, their son, bom 24th January, 1826, publicklv baptised at Cowden, 13th January,
1827.

Henry Gordon, their son, bom 2nd November, 1827, bapt. at Cowden 19th June, 1828."

The family arms of Harvey are " Argent, two bars counter nebulee sable ; on a chief of the
second three crosses patonce fitchee or." These arms were borne by Sir Nicholas Harvey,
knighted at Tewkesbury, as also by Sir Walter Harvej% Lord Mayor in 1266. The elder branch
of the Harveys of Tilmanstone appear to have dropped their paternal coat and assumed that
of their maternal ancestor, Awstyn, Astwyn, Astyn or Ashetyn (query, Austen), in imitation
of whom, and in ignorance of their right, the Harveys of Tonbridge also bore the coat of AwstjTi.
A patent of the crest was granted by Sir Gilbert de Rich, Knt., Garter King of Arms, in 1572
to Richard Ashetyn of West Peckham ; but the lions paws were couped, not erased.

The arms of Awstyn, as displayed in various Harvey hatchments at Tonbridge and elsewhere,
are " On a chevron gules between three lions gambes erased sable as many crescents or." Crest t
two Uons gambes erased sable, armed gules, supporting a crescent or.
(e) The Spencers of Redleafe were descended from those of St. Albans. Gilbert, great grandson

of Wilham Spencer of Redleafe, was Steward of the lands of Robert Earl of Leicester (the Sidneys)
at Penshurst. He was also traditionally Gentleman of the Bedchamber to Charles II, and the
King's camp watch and other memorials of liis station remained in possession of the Harveys.
He was also General Receiver of the Land Tax in Kent. He married EHzabeth, eldest sister
and coheir of Ohver Combridge of Newhouse (see pedigree of Combridge), and died in 1709,
aged 80, leaving (amongst other issue) Abraham, of Redleafe, the only surviving son, who died
unmarried in 1740, aged 60.

435

with Mrs. Henry Woodgate, and afterwards called at the Vicarage. Mr. Henry
Woodgate is one of the Stewards for the Ball here on Wednesday, and he requested
me to tell you he hop'd Fanny and yourself would contrive to come to it as he should
bring two Beaux who would have great pleasure in dancing with you."

Henry Woodgate was killed in 1818 by a fall from his horse a day or so after
Christmas. He was endeavouring to open a gate without dismounting, when the
horse suddenly started, and threw him from the saddle. His foot caught in the
stirrup and he was dragged along the ground for a considerable distance before some
one stopped the horse and released him. He was at once taken to Spring Grove,
and died from his injuries a few hours later. There is a marble tablet in Pembury
Church with this inscription :

"This Tablet

was erected in memory of Henry Woodgate

Esqre. as a last tribute of affection and

esteem by one to whom his memory

is endeared. He died at Spring Grove

on the 27th of December, 1818."

He had three children surviving at the date of his will, Georgina Martha, Frances
and Clare. By such will dated i8th July, 1817, he appointed his brother the Revd.
Stephen Woodgate, his brother in law Thomas Harvey, and his friend James Yer-
raway of Carshalton, trustees ; he left to each of his godchildren, Rosa daughter
of W. F. Woodgate, Ann daughter of Peter Nouaille, and William son of the Revd.
Stephen Woodgate, ;^50 ; he devised his Manors of Pepingbury Magna and Parva,
Great Hawkwell and Little Hawkwell Farms and Church Farm then Spring Grove
with the Mansion house &c. erected on part of the said last mentioned farm wherein
he then dwelt with the Church Wood, Great Horse Pasture Wood, Hog Wood, Crab
Wood, Yew Tree Wood, Stiller Wood, &c. as left to him by his father, and also a
farm near Hawkwell which he purchased of Peter George to his trustees upon
Trust to pay out of the rents and profits the sums secured by his settlement, a further
rent charge of ^^50 to his widow (in addition to the £350 a year) and the residue
including his personalty to his daughters, but so that they should bring their shares
into hotchpot to equalise the division.

The will was witnessed by Mary Ann Viner, the Governess ; William Scoones
junr ; and John Scoones ; and proved at London 3rd February, 1819.

Georgina Martha Woodgate died four months before her father. Mrs. Woodgate
and the two surviving daughters continued to live at Spring Grove. Clare, the
youngest, had an exquisite voice and sometimes entertained her mother's friends
by standing on the table and singing to them. She left Spring Grove when she
was seven, so she must have been very young.

Mrs. Woodgate, in 1823, married the Revd. Thomas Streatfeild, F.S.A. of
Charts Edge, Westerham. Spring Grove was let (/).

On this marriage, Mrs. Streatfeild took her daughter Clare Woodgate to live
with her at Charts Edge, and her step-daughter was brought up by the Wests at the

(/) The advertisement that appeared in the papers was as follows : — " Spring Grove, in the

parish of Pembury, 4^ miles from Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells and ^ mile from the London
Boad to Hastings. To be let on lease, with immediate possession of a respectable family residence
called " Spring Grove ", pleasantly situated at Pembury 34 miles from London, being a most
comfortable family mansion consisting of an entrance hall, a breakfast and dining parlour,
and drawing room, gentlemen's dressing room, footman's pantry, excellent kitchen, wash house,
brew house, good cellars, laundry, dairy, and every domestic office ; also seven bedrooms and
five attics ; excellent garden with a wall particularly well covered with choice fruit trees,
and shrubbery, a capital corn and hay barn, cow lodge, two coach-houses, stabUng for 7 horses,
with 91 a. of land, 5i a. of which is arable, the rest being paddock and pasture, free of rectorial
and vicarial tythes by a payment of £2 annually to the Vicar of the parish. With which will
also be let if required the extensive Manors of Pepenbury Magna and Pepenbury Parva, a good
carriage road from the London Road to the house, and excellent furniture in the house which
may be taken at a Valuation. For further particulars apply to Messrs. Scoones & Son. Solrs.
Tonbridge, and at the Vicarage House, Pembury, where tickets to view may be had."

436

Postern, Mrs. West, Frances' aunt, having no children of her own. Spring Grove
was restored and improved by Decimus Burton, one of the Burtons of Mabledon
and the founder of St. Leonards. His other works included the building of Mrs.
Allnutt's house at Penshurst, Coghurst, and the restoration and enlargement of
Falconhurst (now known as Clay dene), Cowden, in the Spring Grove style.

The drawing room (22J x 17^ ft.) and the dining room (22J x 17 ft.) and the
rooms above had been built on by Henry Woodgate ; the old part of the house
consisted of the library (23^ x i6| ft.), the hall (33 x 16 ft.), two other rooms,
and the various ofhces, above which were the bedrooms. Decimus Burton heightened
the roof of the old part so as to admit three attics, threw out a bay window from the
drawing room, and a very beautiful porch, erected new chimney stacks and executed
numerous smaller improvements, such as the introduction of finials. The glass
door in the porch was filled with stained glass, in which the Woodgate arms and some of
their alliances were beautifully painted. This glass is now at 9, the Lawn, St. Leonards.

The Revd. Thomas Streatfeild was descended from the Streatfeilds of Chiding-
stone (see pedigree). His first wife was a Miss Champion, a lady of very large fortune,
by whom he had several children. Mr. Streatfeild for many years took duty at Tatsfield
in Surrey, and was Chaplain to the Duke of Kent, the father of the late Queen Victoria.
He was the author of several miscellaneous pieces, but was chiefly remarkable for
his great antiquarian knowledge. He laboured incessantly to bring out a revised
history of Kent, founded on Hasted, but only one volume has been published,
on the Hundred of Blackheath. There are fifty two large volumes of his Manu-
script in the British Museum, for the most part folio, and of priceless value. There
are several volumes of sketches and views, many of them of his own drawing, with
which he intended to embellish his work. Without an intimate acquaintance with
this collection, it is safe to say that no author can aspire to a complete history of
Kent. He had several artists in his constant employ, on whom he expended nearly
;^3,ooo ; the armorial drawings were made on wood blocks by himself.

This truly valuable man had several children by his second wife, all of whom,
with Clare Woodgate, and the children of the first marriage, were brought up
together at Charts Edge.

The only early letter of Mrs. Streatfeild that we possess was written in 1827,
on the death of Rose Woodgate, to Miss Humphry. It is sealed with the arms of
Streatfeild impaling Harvey and Woodgate quarterly.
My dear Fanny, ' ' Charts Edge, Jan: 4th, 1827.

I have been prepared for the melancholy contents of your letter for some time,
as I understood Mr. Morris considered poor Aunt Rose's state hopeless. I certainly
should not have gone to the New Year's Ball had I known of her decease, but as I
met several branches of the Family, I concluded she lived till it was too late for us
to hear at this distance, as I am sure I would be the last person to shew disrespect
to any one who bore the name of Woodgate. I am sorry to hear that your Mother
is poorly and the death of her sister will be a severe shock to her. Mr. Streatfeild
unites in kind regards to yourself, and believe me, Yours very truly

Clare Streatfeild."

Clare Woodgate married in 1837 her cousin Francis Woodgate of the War Office,
fourth son of the W. F. Woodgate of Summerhill. A brief account of them and of
the subsequent history of Spring Grove appears on p. 385.

Frances, the other daughter, married firstly Musgrave Brisco of Coghurst,
and afterwards Charles Hay Frewen of Cold Overton. She died without issue,
so that the only representatives of the Spring Grove branch are the descendants
of Clare Woodgate. A separate chapter has been devoted to Mrs. Brisco.

Mrs. Streatfeild died in 1886, aged 92. There is a tablet to her and her husband
in Chidingstone Church : — " Thomas Streatfeild clericus obiit Mali XVL
MDCCCXXXXVHL aetat LXXL Et Clare uxor ejus obiit Mail XVL
MCCCCLXXXVL aetat. XCH."

437

CHAPTER XV.

WESTS OF POSTERN PARK, TONBRIDGE.

After the death of WiUiam Woodgate of Summerhill in 1809, Maria his eldest
daughter repaired to Stonewall to keep house for her brother, John Woodgate, a
bachelor. It was not long however before she married John Hartrup West of Postern
Park, Tonbridge (a), but had no issue. By a former wife, Mr. West had had one
son, James Eldridge West, who had married Alicia Ashburnham, daughter of Sir
William Ashburnham of Broomham and Alicia Woodgate, and was then living at
the Postern (b). In order to pursue a consecutive narrative, it is necessary to turn

(a) From an entry in an old Family Bible, it appears that the Miss Hartrup, at the head of the

pedigree, was the daughter and coheiress of a lady whose surname was Fisher and whose first
husband was named Grimbalston. There were two children : Francis Grimbalston, b. 1705, d.
1706 ; and Elizabeth, b. 1706. She married a gentlema,n of the name of Hartrup, and had issue

1. Ann, b. 12th August, 1710 ; Mrs. Sheepy and Mrs. Bedford, Sponsors.

2. Katherine, b. 5th February, 1712, d. 20th May, 1712.

3. Mary, b. 31st January, d. 24th June, 1713.

4. Richard, b. 17th February, 1714 ; d. 11th September, 1715.

5. Robert, b. 17th February, 1715 ; d. 1715.

6. Sarah b. 15th July, 1710. Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. Gunton, Mrs. Gull and Katherine Hayward,

Sponsors.

7. Mary, b. 13th September, 1719. Mrs. John Hayward and Madam Jeyes Sponsors.
The Wests appear to have been descended from Francis West of London, son of Anthony

West of Aughton, Yorks. who married Alice daughter of Blase Carrell of London, Merchant.
The arms are : — " Argent, a fess indented between three leopards heads sable " With these
should be quartered Hartrup (a chevron between three wolves), and Eldridge (or, a bend regulee
sable, in base a martlet gules beaked of the second).
(6) Mr. West m. Miss Hartrup, coheiress (b. 1710 — 19), and had issue

1. John Hartrup.

2. Miss West, m. at Deptford in April, 1737, — Pomroy, Clerk of the Chequer.

John Hartrup West of Deptford (whose widow married 2ndly WilUam Slade of Bromley
Hill, High Sheriff of Kent in 1791) had issue

John Hartrup West of Postern Park, Tonbridge, J.P. and D.L., a posthumous child, m. 1st
Amy, only daughter and heiress of James Eldridge of Postern Park, by Mary his wife, daughter
of Thomas Whittaker of Trosley Court, High Sheriff of Kent in 1758. She died 2nd December,
1797, leaving one child,

1. James Eldridge West.

Mr. West married 2ndly Maria, daughter of WilUam Woodgate of Summerhill, J.P. and
D.L., b. 22nd June, 1775, d. 20th April, 1851, s.p. Mr. West was succeeded by his only son,

James Eldridge West of Postern Park and of Tonbridge Castle, J.P. and D.L., b. 20th June,
1783, m. 3rd December, 1804, Alicia, only daughter of Sir WllHam Ashburnham, Bart., of Broom-
ham, and Alicia his wife (daughter of the Rev. Francis Woodgate of Mountfield) b. 10th January,
1777, d. 22nd December, 1859, and had issue

1. James John, of whom presently.

2. William Ashburnham West of the Manor House, Tonbridge, J.P. and D.L., b. 17th
January, 1807, d. 1881 unm.

3. Alicia Amy, d. unm.

4. Frances Ashburnham, d. JMarch 1846, unm.

5. John Eldridge (Capt.) b. 1813, m. 16th May, 1845, Mary Ellen daughter and coheiress
of the Rev. Denny Ashburnham, Vicar of Ditchling (younger son of Sir William Ash-
burnham) and had issue, AUcia, Denny, and five other children.

6. Frederick George, b. 1819, had issue, one son and one daughter.

7. Rosetta Maria, m. 10th May, 1854, the Rev. James HiUiel-, D.D., of Sandwich.

The Rev. James John West, M.A., scholar of Jesus Coll., Oxford, and Rector of Winchelsea,
Sussex, b. 1810, m. 1st Margaret, daughter of Capt. Molyneux of Ludlow, Salop, and niece of
Sir Capel Mol5Tieux of Castle Ditton, Bart., and had issue

1. a daughter, b. 26th December, 1830, d. infant.

He m. 2ndly Charlotte, daughter of Capt. Blair of Walton Grove, Surrey, and niece of Sir
Robert Blair of Bath, and had issue

2. James John. 3. Charlotte Ahcia.

3. Blair Henry, B.A., Magd. Coll., Oxford, 1860. 4. Rosa Charlotte.

438

back a few years in order to take up the thread at the beginning of the West letters
in 1805.

" Postern Park, April 30th, 1805.
My dear Fanny [Humphry],

Your kind letter afforded me the sincerest pleasure for which I must request
you to accept my thanks. I am very happy to find you had an agreeable Dance,
but must own I was rather disappointed at your not sending me a list of your Partners,
as then I shou'd have been able to have given a pretty shrewd guess who was your
favourite. We expect my brother William here to-day, whose society you may be
certain will render me very happy. I met Frank Woodgate the other day at my
Aunts' [Rose and Sarah Woodgate, of Tonbridge], and hkewise Mr. & Mrs. P. Nouaille
& little Peter. I cannot help sympathizing with poor Mr. & Mrs. Taylor on the
prospect of their daughter's [Mrs. Ilbert] going to Canada, as the very idea of parting
with her must almost break their hearts. I hope now my dear Fanny you will take
warning & never bestow either your hand or heart on a Military Man. We shall
remember to drink John's and his Godmother's health in bumpers to-day. I undei
stand my uncle has consulted Dr. Smith & that he thinks himself the better for his
prescriptions. I saw my Aunt Fanny [Ashburnham, of Tunbridge Wells] the other
morning; she seemed quite vex'd it was not in her power to purchase us the flower
stands at Mr. Cumberland's auction, as they sold much better than was expected.
If my brother brings his Gig, I am sure he will pay his friends at Seal a visit. . ."

Mr. Richard Cumberland was the well known dramatist living at Tunbridge
Wells.

" Postern Park, May 5th, 1805.
My dear Fanny,

Be assured you would have heard from me long e'er this had I not seen your
friend Miss Walter. . . . Poor Mrs. W. Woodgate [of Tonbridge Castle] has
had a most severe struggle for her life ; I called on her yesterday, & tho' she is won-
derfully recover'd she still looks in my opinion very ill. Rosa is a nice little Girl.
I am happy to inform you my Aunts are perfectly well. ... I imagine
we shall soon have Mrs. Nouaille in this Neighbourhood, as I understand the Sclaters
are soon to quit their House, the charming Eliza being to be married very shortly."

That month the Wests and Ellen Woodgate spent some time in London, viewing
the sights of the Metropolis and witnessng the performance in the play Douglas
of the young Roscius, with whom they were delighted. " I did not call or send
to your Brother Wilham," she writes to Miss Humphry on 3rd June, " as I was
fearful it might not have been agreeable to him, but must own I was very much in
hopes chance would have thrown him in my way, but I Vv^as so unfortunate as not
even once to meet him. . . . We spent the day yesterday with your Aunts
[Rose and Sarah Woodgate] & they desired to be most kindly remembered to your
circle. I think they told me that they met Elizabeth and John at the Review in

Knole Park while we were in London I saw my Brother Denny several

times when I was in Town (as he was staying with my Father) ; he wishes us much
to visit Derbyshire, but I fear I shall not be able to undertake so long a journey ;
but as Broomham is quite within my distance, we purpose going there in the course
of the Summer, which you may be sure I anticipate the greatest pleasure from,
as it is my favourite abode. I am extremely concerned to find Mr. Ilbert still con-
tinues in so precarious a state, from what I hear there is very little chance of his
recovery ; if so, what a melancholy prospect has poor Mrs. Ilbert. We met Miss
Julia Hardinge going to Town the day we returned. . . ."

She writes again on 29th September : —

" . . . . You cannot imagine how delighted I was with our Brighton
Excursion & sincerely hope Mrs. Humphry & your sisters will be equally so with
theirs [at Sandgate]. I have no doubt they will return with renew'd health & spirits.

439
I am extremely happy to find Mrs. Nouaille goes on so well with her Nursery. My
Aunts & the Mr. Wests are gone to Church, and I thought I could not employ the hours
moire agreeably during their absence than addressing your Ladyship, My Brothers
A^ilham & Denny have spent a few days with us lately. To-morrow I purpose
taking a Drive to Riverhill. ... I met the family at Riverhill here about ten
^ays ago, when Ellen presented me with the sweetest Pincushion I ever saw, of her
own performance, which you may be sure I shall keep as long as I live for the Giver's
sake. I daresay Julia and you begin to be rather impatient for the return of our
friends from Sandgate, as I imagine by this time you begin to be almost tired of
Housekeeping, tho' I know you always excelled in that capacity. . . . My Aunt
Sarah received a very long letter from Mr, Ozias Humphry the other ddiy."

The visit to Brighton was undertaken by Mr. and Mrs. James West, Rose and
Sarah Woodgate, and lasted about a fortnight. The Humphrys had accompanied
Mrs. Pratt to Sandgate for some weeks. Soon after this time, James John West,
the eldest son, was born. Mrs. James West writes in 1806 : —

' ' Postern Park, March loth, 1806.
My dear Fanny,

You cannot imagine how much I was disappointed at not meeting you at the
Ball, & to own the truth my only motive in going was the pleasing idea of meeting
you, but the fates had decreed it otherwise. I daresay you would like to hear every
particular of our Grand Assembly. I shall therefore take great pleasure in sending
you a full & circumstantial account. In the first place, I must tell you how your
sweet Willy deplored your absence. I assure you he told me as soon as I entered
the Room that (to his sorrow) Mr. and Mrs. P. Nouaille had brought Mrs. Whitehead,
whom he considered as a very poor substitute for Miss Humphry. To own the truth,
our Ball was very thinly attended, which you will readily believe when I tell you
there were not forty persons present, & out of that number we cou'd scarcely muster
ten Couples of Dancers. There was a greater dearth of Belles than Beaus, which you
know is rather unusual at Tonbridge, but this being the case you will not be surprized
at Mr. Wm. Burton condescending to ask a married Lady to Dance, but I was under
the disagreeable necessity of refusing him that Honor. Now I have no doubt but
the reason he selected me was in order to gain some information respecting your
Ladyship, so you see it you had taken my advice & prolong'd your stay a little,
I shou'd have been able to have put my plans in execution, & who knows but before
the expiration of 1806 I might have had the satisfaction of seeing you settled at that
charming Mansion on the Hill [Mabledon] ? So you see, my dear Fanny, what
happiness you have lost by thus hastily absenting yourself.

I suppose you have heard that Mrs. Henry Woodgate [of Spring Grove] is not
able to nurse her little Girl, tho' in other respects she is extremely well, & I under-
stand purposed coming downstairs yesterday. I have not been to see her, but \
shall very soon. Mr. Charles Hardinge did not attend our Ball, neither did Mr.
John Thompson favour us with his company. I was quite shocked and concerned
to hear of the death of poor Mrs. Claridge ; what a dreadful loss she will be to her
family. Had it not been for my Aunts' kind care and attention to me, I should have
spoke from experience that a Mother's is a most irreparable loss, but they certainly
have amply supplied a mother's place to me. I have not heard from any of my
Sussex friends since they left us, but I beheve I shall take coinpassion on Mrs. Ash-
burnham in her solitude & send her an epistle. I am told Mrs. Whitaker purposes
returning to Pembury, so I suppose we shall have all the gentlemen in this Neighbour-
hood kneeling to Miss W. as I have no doubt they will now discover she has ten
thousand charms. When we got to the Vine the Morng we left you, we saw all the
Holmesdales, including the Duchess & Lord Whitworth ; I assure you they made
quite a military appearance. I imagine yoii have heard that Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille
intend being our Neighbours very shortly ; they have taken Mr. Sclater's House for
a short time, which I am quite surprized at."

440

Mr. Sclater's house — Mrs. Sclater was a Miss Hooker of Tonbridge Castle — was
Elmden. Mrs. Claridge was the daughter of Thomas SwajTie of Fish-hall, Hadlow,
and grand-daughter of George Swayne of Fish-hall, who married Rose the daughter
of John Woodgate of Summerhill. Mr. Claridge was for many years Clerk of the
Peace. Mrs. Whitaker's husband had been for fifty years Vicar of Pembury, and died
is 1803.
My dear Fanny, " Postern Park, July 14th, 1806.

I hope you have not forgot your promise (when we last parted) of accompanying
us to Brighton ; we rather think of going in the course of a fortnight, but you may
depend on hearing from me again as soon as the day is fix'd. I am happy to say my
Aunts purpose joining our party, which you may be sure will render it much more
agreeable to your Humble Servant. We returned from Goudhurst last Saturday
where we have been spending some days, indeed the kind attentions of Mr. & Mrs.
Mathews to myself & Bahe made me extremely sorry to leave them. I quite long
for you to see my little darling, I think you will scarcely recognise him. Mr. Burton
intends giving a Dance on Friday next : he sent the Mr. Wests & myself a Card, but
as the Ladies of the Family have never condescended to visit me, I have declined the
Invitation, but the Gentlemen mean to attend. I am particularly happy to hear
that Ellen Woodgate has regained her health, as I assure you I have been very
anxious on her account. I have promised to spend a day at Riverhill for some time,
I must therefore make a point of seeing them before I go to Brighton. I met your
favorite Mr. Henry Walter last night. I do think him a remarkably pleasant and
gentlemanly young Man "

She writes again the next fortnight : —

" It is our intention to take a drive to Seven Oaks on Thursday next & we
have promised to Dine at River Hill as we return. Now I am extremely sorry it
will not be in our power to reach your Habitation (on account of the Hooping Cough)
but if you cou'd contrive & meet us at Seven Oaks we shall be most truly happy in
taking you back with us, as we purpose going to Brighton the end of next week.
We have not yet fixed the day as it must depend on the Assizes at Lewes, for I assure
you that the place is quite a scene of confusion during the Assizes, so much so that
it renders it extremely unpleasant to pass tluro'. If you prefer coming down with
Mrs. P. Nouaille, I beg you will not scruple to say so, as I wou'd wish you to accept
whichever conveyance you like best, only the sooner you come to me the more you
will oblige your Humble Servant.

I have been staying with myAunts for the last ten days & only returned yesterday.
While I was with them I had the good fortune to see my Brother Denny in his way
into Sussex, & likewise the family at River Hill as they went to the Wells. It gave
me great pleasure to see my friend Ellen looking so remarkably well, indeed if I
might judge from her looks her Health appears quite re-estabhshed. . . ."

In January she writes that her Aunt Fanny was staying at the Postern ; she
mentions having heard from Ellen Woodgate, describing the gaieties at Sevenoaks
and the ball at Lady Amherst's, " a most splendid affair." In that month William
Ashburnham West, the second son, was born.

In 1808, James West, wishing to have a house of his own, purchased one at the
upper end of the Town, of Mrs. Hankins. Thomas Hankins, a surgeon (the third
son of Mr. Hankins of Tonbridge, Surgeon) died at Tonbridge on nth November,.
1808. The house was called Dryhill Lodge, and we believe it to be identical with
that now known as Manor House, a rambling old fashioned red brick place now a
good deal altered and used as one of the School houses ; as such, it was kept for
some years by Mr. H. Pott. Rose Woodgate writes, ' ' He could not meet with
anything more eligible ; it is near his Father and us, which has induced him to buy
it." The first letter from their new house is as follows : —
My dear Fanny, ' ' Dry Hill, April 5th, 1808.

As my Aunt's servant purposes going to Seal to-morrow, I shall avail myself

441

of the opportunity of sending you a few lines by him. ... I flatter myself you
will hardly recognise my sweet William, he is so grown since you saw him ; and as
for James, I assure you he is a most saucy fellow. We begin now to be very com-
fortably settled, tho' our State Bed is not yet completed. With the pleasing hope
of seeing you soon, I shall conclude with the united kind regards of Mr. Jas & myself
to your circle, & allow me to remain, yours most affectionately,

Alicia West."

The next letter contains a pressing invitation to Miss Humphry to attend the
ball on March 2nd, and pass two or three nights at Dry Hill, which would be her
hrst visit since they " commenced house-keepers." She adds : —

' ' I feel certain that it will give you great pleasure to hear that Mr. Jas. this
morning received a long letter from your friend Captain Wood, who appears in high
health and spirits, & requests to be remembered to all his friends in this neighbour-
hood ; no doubt he includes you. Pray how does the wedding [Stephen Woodgate
to Miss Hardinge] go on at the Grove ? I imagine it will shortly take place. My
Aunts are quite well ; what a beautiful shirt you have worked for my Aunt Rose,
I assure you she is quite delighted with it. I am happy to say my Boys are well
but very saucy, particularly my eldest darling. My Brother has been staying some
days with us lately."

A Captain Wood married in 1801 Lady Caroline Stewart, sister of Lord Castle-
reagh. Before the next letter was written, Maria Woodgate had married Mr.
West, senior, of the Postern. It is dated 15th August, 1816, and is addressed to
Mary Anne Humphry.

" . . . I am rejoiced to find that Riding on Horseback agrees with you,
& have no doubt but you will like the Poney, as it is a great favorite with our young
Folks, but so far from your depriving them of an amusement they feel highly flattered
by your condescending to Ride it, & I am confident nothing will give them greater
satisfaction than to hear it has re-established your health. My Cara-Sposa is now in
Town, but I expect him to return this Evening. My Aunt Rose has kindly offered
to convey this Epistle ; I think the Seal air will be of service to her. I regret the
loss of the Thomas' extremely, more particularly on her account, as they were such
very good Neighbours, indeed I think this place appears quite deserted.

Pray tell Fanny that my dear little Rosetta will be grown out of her knowledge
unless she visits Tonbridge soon. Our Boys like School exceedingly & you will be
surprized when I tell you that they even regret a half Holyday. They now learn
to Dance, & I have no doubt they will improve very much. My Aunt Fanny spent
the morning with me the other day on her way to Mrs. Moneypenny's, where she
purposed spending some days. She told me the Wells was very little frequented
this Season. I think Mrs. Charles Hardinge [formerly Miss Callender] a very pretty
agreeable Woman, indeed I consider Mr. H. a most fortunate Man."

The following letter was written by the eldest son, at a time when he was not
quite twelve years old, in a round unforined hand.

" Tonbridge, June ist, 1817.
My dear Miss Julia [Humphry],

I certainly shall blush when I see you in not having written to you before, but
I have been so much engaged lately that I could not allow myself time. However
I have a small budget of News to communicate to you. I shall therefore begin
with saying Uncle William is, we hear, arrived at the Wells ; how I do sincerely
wish you were here, for reasons you very well know. Mr. Benson has been staying
with us lately; he preached on Sunday afternoon and on Whitsun Monday and
gave us a most admirable sermon on both occasions. His text on Monday was
" Let Brotherly love continue." I admired him so much as a Preacher that I
have made up my mind to enter the Church. If you should happen to honour me
with your presence when I first ascend the Pulpit, I entreat you my dear Julia

442

not to be extreme to mark what I say amiss. Mr. Benson left us on Wednesday.
Jiliss Marianne went to Mr. S. Woodgate's Christing with Grandpapa on Friday.
Our Holidays commence on Thursday the 19th of June. It is with unbounded
pleasure I can inform 3'ou that my Aunt Rose & the amiable Miss Maryanne are
quite well, as our Circle all are. Mama took it particularly kind in Miss Fanny to
pay her a visit, as her stay at Tonbridge was so short. God bless you, my dear
Miss Julia, & may you ever be happy is the sincere wish of your Affectionate tho
saucy cousin

James John West."

There is only one letter of Mr. West senior (except one on business) ; it seems that
Miss Humphry was the object of particular attention from some gentleman who had
to be rebuked by Mr. West.

" My dear Miss Fanny,

After*I left you I call'd upon your admiring but now disconsolate swain. Our
interview was very short, he of course all expectation. I told him I had had a
conversation with you, & that under every consideration of the matter he must
positively discontinue his visits. He promised most faithfully to obey your com-
mands, but in my life I never saw a more perfect Picture of the Knight of the Woeful
countenance. He thank'd me for the trouble I had taken. I made my Bow and
departed, so that I sincerely hope you may rest in perfect safety for the time to
come. Believe me, very truly yours.
Postern, Thursday Eveng. J. H. West.

Janry 22, 1818."

About 1826, James John West writes from Hastings to communicate some
important intelligence. He fancies he has met the future " Mrs. James West
junr," as he calls her, and exhausts the realms of fancy in describing her perfections.
Mrs. Allnutt (formerly Frances Woodgate of Summerhill, who we learn was wearing
the handsomest head-dress in Hastings), pronounced him with her usual force and
brevity " quite an enthusiastic Jackass ; " and Mrs. West senior (Maria Woodgate,
on another though similar occasion, says ' ' I have seen many ' stricken deer ' in
my time, but really James out-Herod's Herod. A more complete Noodle I never
saw ; he is too ridiculous to laugh at." From several circumstances, it would seem
that his words and his whole behaviour were very extravagant.

Mrs. West senior was devoted to Hastings, and spent a great deal of her time
there. The first remaining letter of hers in which she signs herself West is dated 1823.

' ' My dear Julia,

On the receipt of your letter this morning I visited my friend Smith with the
intention of engaging his lodgings, but upon enquiry I found he had proved a gay
Deceiver, for I understood from him on Saturday that you was to have had a kitchen
entirely to yourselves, whereas it now appears that himself, wife and servant (who
reside in the house) make use of it jointly with the lodgers, which I think you would
have found extremely inconvenient on many accounts, particularly in the mixture
of servants ; besides which there were other objections which I will explain when
we meet. Being foiled in this attempt to secure a House, we went over many more ;
but altho' the rooms were tolerably airy, yet the Staircases were so dark & steep
that I am sure my Aunt would not have thought either of them desirable. Thus
circumstanced, we deem'd it advisable to engage Mrs. Cromp's in George Street,
the House the Dodds had, at three guineas the week for the month, from Thursday
the seventh of August. There are four Bed rooms to these lodgings ; the fourth I
think you will find convenient if your Brother visits you during your stay at Hastings.
The Kitchen,which is a very good one and looking to the street, you will have entirely
to yourselyes. The landlady (a very nice old woman, afflicted with an asthma)
is the only person in the House, & she occupies a room quite at the back part, & I
daresay will not annoy you in any respect. Rely upon it, we will take every care

443

of your trunk when it arrives. Now my dear Julia we shall feel particularly obliged
if you will take a mutton chop with us the day you come down. We will dine at
any time, and if you let us know your mode of conveyance and what time you will
be here, Mr. West will meet you in the town and conduct you to our villa, where
Ave shall be happy to entertain you all till your own apartments are arranged for
your reception. After dinner Ann Waite (who is the Lady of the Bedchamber)
can go over with your Damsels and put everything in order ; while my Aunt, Mary-
anne & yourself are unfatiguing yourselves at our Bow window, while I order you in
any coals or Beer upon your arrival. I only hope you will not be scrupulous, but
command my services in any thing that you may require. William West is just
come from Broomham & says a great alteration has taken place in Sir Wm. during
the night ; he has entirely lost his speech & his sons think it unlikely that he will
survive the week. I mention this that you may bring a little mourning. Sir John
Sidney is here, flirting with Miss Scott. I am happy in seeing Henry Woodgate
looking so well ; he is staying here with the Normans. Miss Gunning came through
wind & water on Saturdaj^ ; she was disappointed in an inside place, so mounted
the Box, wrapped in the Coachman's great coat, & in this elevated situation made
her entree into Hastings. With kindest love to all at Seal, believe me, most affly
yours
Monday morning. M. West."

Another letter, more brief, is addressed to Miss Humphry about 1825 ; Miss
Humphry was staying with Rose Woodgate at Tonbridge.
' ' My dear Fanny,

Had the Evening smiled, it was my intention to have called on you, and solicited
the pleasure of your company to join the Postern party to the concert to-morrow
Evening. A ticket, and a seat in the carriage, are much at your service, and the
acceptance will infinitely oblige both Mr. West & myself. Should you prove pro-
pitious to our wishes, the party will be with you by seven o'clock. I beg you will
present my kind love to my Aunt Rose and at the same time believe me, yours affly.
Postern, Tuesday Even. M. West."

James John, William, and Frederick were all brought up at Tonbridge School.
James, who was there from 1818 to 1825, and was Head Boy in 1824, was elected
by Dr. Knox (who married Frances Woodgate) Judd Exhibitioner in December,
1824, and was entered for Jesus College, Cambridge, of which he was a Scholar,
His father made him a good allowance and in addition afforded him a private tutor ;
we believe it was the general custom for undergraduates to find their own tutors
out of their allowances. He had been coached by Mr. John Thompson of LuUingstone,
who accompanied him to Cambridge for the first tim.e in October, 1825. Miss Hum-
phry writes, " He gives a favorable report of our friend James & left him very
comfortably settled at Jesus Colledge ; they travelled with Mr. Warren (a brother
of the Judge) & his son, who was about to commence his academical studies at
Cambridge. His Father described him as an excellent young man & of a very
studious turn ; between him and James a friendship commenced & Mr. Thompson
said he left them pursuing their studies together. His Tutor also we are told is a
most respectable man. These are satisfactory particulars I thought."

James derived the greatest enjoyment from his Cambridge life, upon which
he entered A\dth peculiar zest. He took his degree in 1829, was ordained in 1831,
and took his M.A. degree in 1832. Though sorry to leave Tonbridge, where he
never once had had a misunderstanding with his kind friend and master Dr. Knox,
he was delighted to attain to Cambridge, where he intended, he says, to prosecute
his studies with the utmost zeal in order that he might do credit to Dr. Knox.

Meanwhile, in 1825, Sir William Ashburnham married his cousin Julia Humphry,
and Mrs. James West's eldest daughter Alicia was one of the bridesmaids. After
the happy pair left Seal and Tonbridge, they proceeded to Broomham where they

444

received an enthusiastic greeting (see p. 88). Mrs. West writes on the occasion, on
I2th July : —

" Allow me once more to offer the very sincere congratulations of Mr. James
West, myself & circle on your arrival at the old mansion. That my dear Brother
& his fair Bride may experience every happiness there is my fervent wish. I have
no doubt but you were greeted with every mark of respect by the numerous
assemblage which I heard was to be collected on the joyful occasion near the Park
at Broomham. . . . Your friend Miss Harvey & Mr. & Mrs. Moneypenny
called here yesterday to offer their Congratulations. Mr. James West started
for London this morning. Mr. & Mrs. Browne made their appearance at Church
on Sunday last ; I have not yet paid them a visit, but intend calling on them to-
morrow provided Alicia is better, as you know she delights in visiting a Bride. As
Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate are just announced you must excuse my concluding.

In September James paid the Ashburnham's a visit, and attended one of their
big dinner parties. He rode down to Guestling, with his pointer following ; and
expressed himself as anxious for some shooting. We learn that his friendship
with Mr. Warren, whose father was a clergyman in West Sussex, ripened into intimacy.
It seems that William West followed his brother to Cambridge. Alicia and Fanny
West also stayed at Broomham for several weeks, and were delighted with their
visit.

Mrs. James West v/rites on 26th June, 1826 : —

" I understand Skinners Day [Founder's Day at Tonbridge School] passed
off very well. There were four singers from the Chapel Royal to entertain the
Gentlemen after Dinner ; they likewise sang at Church in the afternoon. There
were only three Boys who had Garlands, and Alicia desires me to tell you that she
was fortunate enough to obtain one of them, Mary Hardinge another and Maria
Allnutt the third. The young Gentlemen who had Garlands were presented also
with some very handsome Books."

These garlands were given as an honorary reward to boys who had achieved
distinction, and were presented by them to one of the ladies present ; they were
also the recipients of a more valuable recognition of merit, such as books. In Sep-
tember, 1826, the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Victoria visited Summerhill
and Tonbridge. ' ' The Duchess of Kent," says Alicia West, ' ' is staying at Tonbridge
Wells and has visited Summerhill and the Castle, and we understand she intends
visiting Tonbridge Church. She went to Penshurst Church the Sunday before
last. Her little Girl is with her, and I hear she is a sweet child."

On 28th November, 1826, Mrs. James West writes to her brother that her
Aunt Rose had been taken seriously ill. She goes on to say : —

' ' Alicia requests me to acquaint you that Mr. Kerby patronized the Theatre
here last evening, & that Mr. James, William, herself & John attended. I believe
it was the best House they have had during their stay here. Pray tell Julia that
Alicia has been much gratified by the society of the Miss Pontons, whom I consider
remarkably nice Girls ; indeed I shou'd like exceedingly to have them for Neighbours.
I was quite grieved to hear so unfavourable an account of my friend Mrs. Denne,
& hope soon to hear she is better. . .

Alicia writes of the Miss Pontons : —

" I can assure you I miss the society of the Miss Pontons very much, they
are very accomplished Girls ; they both play delightfully on the Piano, and the
eldest likewise on the harp. Mama was extremely sorry to hear of the death of Miss
Whitear, and more particularly as it was caused in so shocking a manner. Mr.
Harvey [probably William Thomas Harvey of Hilden House] had a Robbery
committed at his house the other night ; he estimates the loss at eight pounds.

445
Tonbridge continues as gay as ever, we have At Home's here three times a week,
and in addition we have Theatricals here ; I think we shall soon vie with Hastings.
One day last week we saw Uncle George [Ashbumham] go by on the Coach, he
kissed his hand to us as he passed."

On ist January, 1827, Rose Woodgate, whose health for two months previously
had experienced a steady decline, died at an advanced age. She was one who, in
the words of Mrs. James West, had ' ' from my very earliest infancy supplied the
place of the tenderest of Mothers," and she expressed the opinion that she would
take long to recover from her loss. She viewed the approaching event with the
most poignant feelings of grief, and her excitable nature was overpowered by the
realization of her fears. She writes to Lady Ashburnham.

" I am sure my dear Brother & yourself will sympathize with me in the very
great affliction I have experienced in the loss of the best of Aunts. It afforded
me the most soothing consolation to find in my dear Relative's last moments she
was free from pain. Her latter hours were marked by that Piety, patience and
resignation that had been so conspicuous during her life ; her loss by me will long,
long be felt."

And again : —

' ' This morning's post brought me a letter from my dear Denny in which he
S5mipathizes with me in the most feeling & affectionate manner on the loss of my
dear, revered, and (by me ever to be) lamented Aunt, who has from my very Infancy
ever evinced towards me the fondness of a Mother ; but now, my dear Fanny,
The chain is broke that bound us then,
Where shall I find her hke again ?
Never in this world, I am well convinced ; but I shall ever cherish in my mind the
virtues of one whose loss I shall as long as life remains never cease to deplore."

It is not surprising that Mrs. James West should thus lament her Aunt, to
whom she had been accustomed to pay a daily visit, and to whom she was ever a
daughter rather than a niece. Mrs. James West, at the death of Rose Woodgate,
came in for ;{2,200 in cash and ;f3,ooo in the Three Per Cents, besides which £100
legacies were left to each of her children. The bulk of her fortune however passed
to the Humphrys.

In February died Mrs. Jones, whose funeral passed through Tonbridge. Mr.
William Hussey who formerly resided at Tonbridge settled at Hawkhurst ; his son
attended Tonbridge School.

The following undated letter of Mrs. John Hartrup West must be ascribed to
this period : —
" My dear Lady Ashburnham,

When I last had the pleasure of seeing Sir William at the Postern, he expressed
a wish to know the name of the beautiful scarlet Plant we all so much admired
at Redleaf in the Autumn. Mr. Wells informs me it is called the Salvia, and that
it may be had now at any Nurseryman's, altho' a few years ago it was considered
a most rare and scarce production. It is of a hardy race and by no means difficult
to raise. Every success attend you in your endeavour to rear so ornamental and
elegant a plant, for I think it was one of the prettiest things I ever saw. We are
delighted to hear that Alicia is to pay you a visit ; she has been a most excellent
neighbour lately & I have no doubt you wiU find her, as we have, a most sweet tem-
pered amiable girl. Her society is so confined at home that I think a few weeks
spent at Broomham will be of the most essential service to her, & conduce greatly
to her improvement and happiness. I called on our friends at Seal about ten days
ago and was happy to find them all so much better than I had anticipated after
their severe afflictions. We expect James & William Home next week ; the former
gives a very good account of himself and says he has quite recovered his good looks.
William has been poorly but is better ; I think it is quite an exertion for him to absent

446

himself so long from Home. I am sorry to say Mr. West cannot get rid of His cough'
which at times is still very troublesome. Sincerely hoping Sir Wm. is quite recovereja
from his late Indisposition & that you were not a sufferer from your excellent hiirsihgj
believe me, my dear Lady Ashburnham, yours most affly,

M. West.
We ail unite in kindest regards to Sii*. Wm. Fanny [Woodgate] is quite
recovered from the Hooping cough and looks forward to spending another winter at
Hastings with all imaginable glee. To be sure Tonbridge has been unusually dull
and void of interest.
Thursday morning."

Fanny Woodgate, afterwaj-ds Mrs. Musgrave Brisco, was the daughter of Henry
Woodgate of Spring Grove. Both he and Mrs. Woodgate were dead, and Fanny
Wias brought up at the Postern by her aunt. Her sister Clare Woodgate, afterwards
Mrs. Francis Woodgate of Falconhurst, was living with the Streatfeilds at Charts
Edge. Some of Mrs. West's letters are given under the heading of ' ' The Brisco's "
(Chapter XVI).

In a letter written in April, 1829, Mrs. James West mentions the death of Mr.
Pelham. Lady Hardinge informed her that his will had not yet been found, nor
had the family mourned for him. She had hoped that her brother, William, might
have come in for the Shropshire estate.

The story of James John West's engagement may be collected from the various
letters extant. He was staying at Hastings with Mr. and Mrs. West of the Postern
at the time. Lady Ashburnham writes on 13th January, 1828 : —

' ' You will be concerned to hear that James West has given his Friends at
Hastings considerable uneasiness, & I am grieved to say has entangled himself (without
the knowledge of any of his Family) in a matrimonial Engagement with Miss
Molyneux, a tall young Lady who you may perhaps recollect attending the last
Ball you went to with us at Hastings with Miss Curson. Mr. and Mrs. West are
made extremely unhappy by this unfortunate occurrence, but I must particularly
request that neither my Mother, Maryanne, or yourself will mention it to anyone
at present, as I believe his Father & Mother have not yet been informed of it. It is
a most rash action on James' part. Miss Molyneux having no fortune or expectation
of any. Her father resides at Ludlow in Shropshire and has twelve children, eleven
daughters and one son. This affair has cast a great damp on the enjoyment of the
Hastings Party ; but as they have neither of them any provision, I do not see how
it can ever take place. Poor Mr. West is in great tribulation, & I feel much appre-
hension for the effect this intelligence may produce on Mrs. James West's health."

In April Sir William paid a short visit to Dry-hill. He says, " My sister had
lately met her friend Mrs. Moneypenny, who congratulated her on the intended
union of her son James with Miss Molyneaux, and spoke in the highest terms of
the young Lady. As my sister seems perfectly to approve of the purposed connection,
I have only to say that I hope all things will ultimately turn out for the best.
My sister does not expect her son James at Tunbridge during the present vacation ;
she imagines that he will stay at Ludlow till it will be necessary for him to return
to Cambridge."

James was nearly as pleased with the whole Molyneux famUy as he was with
that member of it whom he favoured with his particular regard. Mr. Molyneux
was an officer in the Army and brother of Sir Capel Molyneux, Bart, of Castle bittori,
In order to make some provision for James, his uncle Sir William Ashburnham
secured him the curacy of Winchelsea. The living of Winchelsea was in his gift^
but was already occupied ; James however was curate in charge and lived at the
Rectory. Mr. Mortimer was the Rector, but appears to haye been non-resident.
The stipend was assisted by the allowance James received from his Father ; but

447

economy was necessary, and one of the first acts James performed was to sell his
horse. .

The wedding was fixed for the 27th August, 1829. Lady Ashburnham's present
was a handsome set of china. Lady Teynham gave Miss Margaret Molyneux her
Avedding dress ; and Lady William Somerset (who was the eldest daughter of Lieut.
General Sir Thomas Molyneux, Bart.) made her a present, coupled with her advice
to be very economical till better days should arrive.

On 28th November, Sir William Ashburnham writes : —

' ' My nephew James and his wife intend to set off from Winchelsea on Monday
next upon a visit to their friends at Dry-hill, where, I doubt not, Mrs. James John
West will be a very acceptable guest. Our new relation is very sensible, very
shrewd, very discerning, and very agreeable. Mrs, Musgrave Brisco is much pleased
with her. James is very anxious to introduce his wife to your circle at Seal, and will
^pend a morning with you during his stay in Kent, if possible. I am sorry that his
grand-father will have left the Posterne before he can reach Tunbridge ; but this
\yas unavoidable on the part of my nephew, because Mr. Mortimer did not read in,
and take possession of the Rectory, till Sunday last, and till this ceremony had been
performed Jame^ could not, with any degree of propriety and respect to his new
Rector, have left Winchelsea."

During his stay at Tonbridge he delivered an appropriate sermon on behalf
of the Friendly Societies, who declared that they had never heard so fine a discourse.
His powerful voice, complete self-possession, and undoubted ability contributed
to render him, a capital preacher. The happy pair, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs.
James West, Alicia, Rosetta, and Frederick, called at Seal, where Mrs. James John
West's manner and appearance made a most favourable impression ; indeed she was
generally considered a lady of very superior parts, and in this opinion Mr. and Mrs.
James West and the family most heartily concurred. Alicia was to have returned
with them to Winchelsea, but stayed to take lessons in Oriental tinting from Mr.
Cook, the original inventor of the art, who was residing in the neighbourhood of
Tonbridge for a short time.

In June, 1830, the James John Wests were staying at Northiam, and on their
return received a visit of several days from Mr. James West, who drove dovm his
wife, AHcia, and Fanny in a phaeton. In December Mrs. James John West gave
birth to a daughter, which did not long survive. Mrs. West never recovered ; but,
after lingering for some months in a feeble state, expired.

James John West married secondly Charlotte, daughter of Captain Blair of
Walton Grove, Surrey, and niece of Sir Robert Blair of Bath. In 1833 they were
staying at Dover, the guest of Mrs. Blair. Dover Castle, he writes to Sir William,
reminds him of their ancestor Bertram Ashburnham, a Kentish Baron and Constable
of Dover Castle in 1066 ; he was beheaded by William the Conqueror for his valiant
defence against the Normans. So says tradition, and Burke follows; but Mr.
J. H. Round in his latest work pours scorn on it. Certainly Bertram de
Ashburnham is not a name one would expect to find borne by a Saxon General.
James West says he saw Sir John Hamilton at St. Leonards, who was
staying at 31, Marina, and was desirous of renewing his old acquaintance with
Sir William. Sir John Hamilton, Bart., a general officer in the Army, married
the daughter of Mr. George Paul Monck, a connection of Mrs. Musgrave Brisco
and the Boyne Hamiltons. John James West eventually became Rector of Winchel-
sea, and purchased the advowson after Sir William's death. He died in 1872, having
had by his second wife two sons and two daughters : James John, Blair Henry,
Charlotte Alicia, and Rosa Charlotte West.

To return to the Wests of Dryhill. In September, 1832, Mrs. James West
writes : —

' ' When the Skinners paid their annual visit to the school, Frederick obtained

448

a prize from having been the head of his class for some weeks previous to Skinners
day ; I have also the satisfaction to add that he has since been raised to a higher
class & is now the head of that. General Le Measurier has formed an Archery
meeting to which Mr. J. West, my son John, Alicia, & Fanny belong, & enjoy the
amusement very much. They meet every Wednesday for four hours ; it appears
a delightful exercise & well calculated to form the person. I am sure you would
like the Measuriers. John accompanied his Father to dinner at the General's last
week. I received a long and sociable letter from Marianne Molyneux the other day ;
she appears to prefer their present residence to that in Shropshire. They seem to
approve of Capel's choice extremely."

John Hartrup West died on ist January, 1836. Mrs. West seems to have
spent the chief part of her time after this event at Hastings ; Mrs. Brisco desired
her to live at Coghurst, but this offer was declined. Further particulars of her may
be found in the next chapter.

In 1836, the year of his Father's death, Mr, James West purchased Tonbridge
Castle, and there the family took up their residence. Mr. James West was a Justice
of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for the county of Kent. He was possessed of
considerable property in Tonbridge and the neighbourhood, on a portion of which
he grew hops. After about ten years at Tonbridge Castle, they returned to Dry Hill,
and Tonbridge Castle was let to Mr. Joyce. Mrs. James West's health in the
latter end of her life was extremely feeble ; and towards its close she became childish.
She died on 22nd December, 1859, from a stroke of paralysis.

Of the eldest son, James John, sufficient has been said. William Ashburnham
West, the second son, continued a bachelor and lived at Tonbridge where he died
in 1881. He was a Justice of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenant for the County.

John Eldridge West, the third son, a Captain in the army, was married in 1845
to his cousin Mary Ellen, daughter and coheiress of the Rev. Denny Ashburnham,
Vicar of Ditchling and Rector of Catsfield, Sussex. The service was performed,
at the lady's particular request, by the Rev. George Woodgate of Pembury. After
the lapse of a year or two, Capt. West settled down at Hanover House, Tonbridge,
and had seven children. About 1858 he unfortunately lost all his money in railway
speculations, and in 1863 the family removed to Trafalgar Place, Swansea.

Frederick George West, the fourth son, farmed land near Tonbridge and was
the author of several small volumes. His wife died in 1859, leaving him with two
small children, a son and a daughter.

Of the daughters, Rosetta Maria married in 1854 the Revd. Dr. James Hillier
of Sandwich ; Frances Ashburnham died unmarried in 1846 ; and Alicia Amy con-
tinued to live at Dry Hill after her mother's decease, where we believe she died
unmarried.

Mrs. West senior, the widow of John Hartrup West of the Postern, after her
husband's death, lived generally at Hastings, at her house in York Buildings, now
converted into shops. We have been told, by one who knew her well, that she
was always high spirited, and full of vivacity. She was fond of singing old songs,
some of which have been contributed to the English Folk Song Society, ' ' as having
been sung in the family of an old Kentish Squire." She was fond of seeing her old
friends, but latterly did not indulge much in general society. Her niece begged
her to make her home at Coghurst, which she declined.

She died in 175 1, and was buried in the vault of the Noualles at Sevenoaks.
There is an inscription to her memory underneath that of the Nouailles, in the nave
of Sevenoaks Parish Church.

' ' Also of Maria widow of John Hartrup West Esq. of the Postern, Tonbridge,
third daughter of William Woodgate Esq. of Somerhill in the same parish, who died
April 20th, 185 1, aged 75 years."

449

CHAPTER XVI.

BRISCO OF COGHURST, HASTINGS.

Frances, the other daughter of Henry Woodgate of Spring Grove, was brought
up, as has been mentioned, by her aunt Maria West at the Postern. She had her
own governess, who taught her French, Itahan, music, drawing, dancing, and lesser
accomphshments, without the assistance of Masters ; and for this the governess
received ;^ioo a year. This was paid for out of her allowance from Spring Grove.
Her first letter was written on her return from Hastings with the Wests, who spent
a good deal of their time there. Her cousin Jane Woodgate of Pembury had
been of the pSLVty.

' ' Postern, Septr. 28th, 1824.
My dear Miss Mary Anne [Humphry],

. . . The coach conveyed us rapidly away from dear Hastings, and
indeed much ioo rapidly for some of our party who cast many ' ' a longing ling'ring
look behind," but the rain which descended in torrents reconciled us rather more
to our departure. We reached Tonbridge at half past twelve. We left poor little
Jane at Fairthorne ; there were evidently a few tears at parting, but Uncle Stephen
was there ready to receive her. William Woodgate and his Bride elect are staying
at South Park. We went over on Saturday to be introduced. Had we not heard
she was beautiful, we should certainly have considered her a very pretty young woman,
but her having been so much extolled has been rather disadvantageous to her. She
is much taller than we expected to see her, I think she is about my height, exceed-
ingly thin & pale ; she has beautiful dark eyes and hair and a very pretty mouth
and set of teeth. They are going to spend a short time at Greatness and at Pembury,
and then we expect them here for a few days. I have no doubt we shall find her
very agreable ; she appears exceedingly pleasing and good-tempered. You mentioned
in your letter that you had been very gay and much engaged, but you did not tell
me whether you had been often to the Croft, or if you had met Musgrave frequently,
which I am surprized at, as I am sure this subject must be much more interesting
to you than any other. Oh ! with what pleasure should I see you and this hero
settled at Mrs. Shakespeare's Cottage ! He certainly must be styled the ' ' Knight
of the Woful countenance," but I have no doubt he would make the best of husbands.
We have had two phenomena in the shape of two invitations to Dances since our
return, but having no Carriage Horse we were prevented from accepting them.
One was to Mr. May's and the other to Mr. Saint's. I have been confined to the
house by unfavourable weather and a bad cough for the last ten days, and I am sure
it is many degrees colder here than at Hastings ; a North-wind I might perhaps
have endured with more patience, but wet weather has not many attractions. Aunt
West heard from Aunt Nouaille the other day. She said that Peter had derived
great benefit from Dr. Smith's advice ; she also mentioned that Miss Rudge was
married last Tuesday and that she had received Wedding Cake and Silver Favours
in abundance. Although this is rather out of date, yet I hope you and Musgrave
do not mean to dispense with it, as I think it a very agreable part of the ceremony.
We are all much obliged to yourself and Sisters for the trouble you have taken
concerning our Raffle, and we are only sorry that your endeavours were not attended
with more success. Uncle and Aunt West unite with me in love to Aunt Humphry,
your sisters and yourself, and with the kind regards of Miss Ward [the governess]
believe me, my dear Cousin,

Ever most Affectionately Yours
Frances Woodgate."

45 o

In March, 1825, the Wests took their niece to town to consult Dr. Clarke about
her health, which had been rather irregular. They stayed a short time at Stockwell
Common with the Whittons, who appear to have hired or purchased Stonewall of
John Woodgate. Frances writes to Julia Humphry : —

' ' Eastry's Hotel, March 17th, 1825.
My dear Miss Julia,

Aunt Maria received your kind letter this morning ; we were all much pleased
with the inforniation it contained of the great improvement that appears to have
taken place in Mrs. James West's health since we left Tonbridge. A few lines froni
you on the subject, were a great satisfaction to Uncle West, for although his Grandson
Ja^les is a most excellent correspondent, he is rather heedless on sorne points. We
left Stockwell Common yesterday, haying spent a most delightful week there,
Nothing could exceed the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Whitton, who did everything in
their power to render our visit agreable. Sophia Arundell (their niece) is a very nice
girl, and I found her a remarkably pleasant companion. Mrs. Whitton has very
kindly proposed a plan by acceding to which I think I should derive great benefit ;
it is to return with her from Stone Wall at Easter and remain at Stockwell until
Whitsuntide, by which I should have the benefit of five weeks of Sophia's Masters.
She has very good ones, both Music and Drawing. I sincerely hope this plan may
be carried into execution, as it is an opportunity which may perhaps never occur
again. I cannot say but what I should regret leaving the Postern for so long a time,
but it is impossible to obtain good masters in the Country. I am afraid my letter
will be rather uninteresting as I have no gaiety to tell you. of, not yet having visited
any places of public amusement ; indeed, our time is fully occupied with Masters
and visiting our different friends. . , ,

The day after our arrival at Stockwell we had an interview with My. Clarke. I
am happy to say he does not prohibit Dancing ; he said I only requii^ed care. I am
taking Lessons in Dancing of Mr. Steel, a son-in-law of Monsieur Henri's ; I am to
have four lessons a week, two at home and two at his Academy in Alfred
Place, Bedford Square. His hours are rather inconvenient ; he attends
us at half past seven at night, and we go to him at five o'clock, by which
means we are prevented from partaking of any Evening's amusements on Mondays,
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. We have a great wish to see Kean in
Richard the third ; he will perform in that character on Monday next, and the
entertainment v/ill be the Pantomine of the talking Bird, singing tree &c &c. I
hope we shall be able to attend the Theatre on that night. On Saturday we went
to the Bazaar, where we spent an hour or two very agreably. I think there is hardly
an article 3'ou can mention but what now appears to be sold there, and really some
at very moderate prices. With respect to Ofera Cloaks, we have seen a great many,
good, had, and indifferent. I think the general price of a good one seemed to be from
three to five -pounds. You may get a tolerably good one for between two and three
pounds, but under two pounds they are of a very inferior description. I have purchased
one, which I think very neat ; I shall not tell you the damage until you have seen it.
I shall only say that it cuts rather deep into my quarter. I have seen a beautiful Ball
Dress at Eyles's of plain white Blond. It was very prettily made, but I rather think
our operator will be Mrs. Bean.

On Thursday last we set out with an intention of calling on Uncle and
Aunt Boyne, having heard from Sir William Ashburnham that their present
residence was in Half Moon Street ; we however searched the street from
house to house, but could not gain any intelligence of them. Aunt Maria
then wrote to Mr. Palmer requesting their direction ; he informed her that, their
house in Portland Place being completed, they had removed there. We intend
calling on them to-morrow. The Miss Morleys spent an hour or two with us this
morning, they are both looking remarkably well ; we are going to dine with them
to-morrow. We have likewise called on Lady Bailey, and the Burtons ; we are

451
engaged to dine with the latter on Friday week. We had two very pleasant dinner
parties during our stay at Stockwell, the first of \yhich concluded with a Uttle Quad-
rille, to which as you may suppose / had not the slightest objection. We came to
London almost every day, in fact our time passed as agreable as possibly. William
Woodgate called on us this afternoon. Aunt Maria and I were unfortunately
at Mr. Steel's Academy, but he stayed some time with Uncle West. He has both
l^rank and Deci now with him. He is thinking of taking a house in Guildford Street.
He likewise informed Uncle West that Henry has had a fall from his horse, but is
doing well. I cannot close my letter without telling you how blessed I consider the
Pounty of Huntingshire in containing "the delightful and fascinating Edward."
Jane Harrison and I attach a great value to the little sprig of Geranium we received
from him at parting ; we planted it before we left the Postern, christened it ' ' the
Edward," and intend to cherish it with the most tender care. We shall often think of
it when the donor is many leagues distant. You will probably think from this
letter that it will be necessary for me to take a few lessons in writing, as well as
other accomplishments, but my hand shakes with my exertions in dancing, and the
Watchman reminds me that it is time to retire to rest. I shall look forward with
great pleasure to the prospect of receiving a long letter from you in a few days, so
pray do not disappoint me, as it will take a most serious effect on my nerves etc, etc,
Believe me, my dear Cousin,

Ever most affectionately & sincerely yours
Frances Woodgate.
Saturday. I was prevented from sending this letter yesterday as my Aunt
wished to add a few lines, but she is so fully occupied that she requests me to say
with her love that you must take the will for the deed. We were out yesterday the
whole morning. We visited the British Gallery and were extremely pleased with
some of the pictures. We likewise called on Aunt Boyne. She at first denyed
herself as the Carriage was at the Door and she was just going out, but upon sending
up our cards we were instantly admitted. She appeared extremely delighted at the
interview and said it was a pleasure she had long wished for. I did not see my
Uncle as he was ill, but I was introduced to my cousin, who appears to be a very
agreable young man and I think rather handsome. We were asked to dinner but were
obliged to refuse, being engaged every day. They have a most excellent house
No. 15 Portland Place. I think this long letter deserves a speedy answer — a hint,
pray take it."

The next letter was written on her return to Stockwell Common : —

" Stockwell Common, April 23rd, 1825.
My dear Miss Julia,

Having half an hour at my own disposal (which amongst my numerous engage-
ments is I assure you a very rare occurrence) I cannot employ it more to my own
satisfaction than in scribbling a few lines to my cousin Julia, as that young Lady
was so kind as to say, when I last saw her, that she should always be happy to hear
from me ; but I wish it to be perfectly understood that (like the rest of the world)
I expect some little return for what I do, therefore I think you will not think me a
very unreasonable being when I solicit the favour of hearing from 3^ou occasionally.
. . . , I really am quite overpowered with masters and mistresses, but I like
them all exceedingly. Satiirday is our only vacant day. I have lessons in Dancing
twice a week, in Music twice a week, in Drawing once a week, and in Perspective once
a week. My greatest favourite is my dancing master ; he explains everything so
thoroughly that I think it is impossible not to derive benefit from his instruction.
We attend Mr. Steel's Academy on Mondays and Thursdays, where we certainly
witness some very elegant Dancing. Sophia Arundell and I were nearly frightened
to death at the idea of exhibiting before so many proficients. The first time the
ceremony was certainly most awful and appalling, but by degrees the panic has subsided
and we now rather enjoy it. I think there are some of the prettiest and most elegant

452

looking girls I ever saw, and I am sure we shall learn twice as much by seeing others
dance as by taking private lessons. I have no Gaieties to tell you of as our time
now is entirely devoted to business ; pleasure is to come after to reward our industry.
Mrs. Whitton has given a few hints about going to the Play, the Exhibition, &c &c,
which I hope will not end in hints. To-morrow two young Ladies are coming here to
remain till Monday; one is Miss Dodd who perhaps you recollect having seen at Hastings,
and the other is Miss Nelson, a friend of Mrs, Webster. Miss Dodd is a very agreeable
girl, I like her very much. I believe the female sex is generally accused of having a
great propensity to talk write and think about Dress ; I am now going to prove the
truth of this assertion as I cannot refrain from telling you what little I have seen of
the fashions. ... I received a letter from Aunt Maria yesterday. I think the
Posternites seem to be in a complete bustle ; I expect to see the house quite meta-
morphosed when I return. I am sorry to hear that Mrs. James West still continues
in the same state ; in a former letter Aunt Maria stated that she had some intention
of going to Brighton but she does not mention a Word of it in this. She must find
a great loss in Mr. Morris. I hope little Mr. West will exert himself and be as atten-
tive as possible. One part of my Aunt's letter gave me the greatest uneasiness ;
she informed me that the dear Edward plant has departed this life. I hope it is not
ominous of any misfortune befalling the original. I long to hear from Jane, as
she marched off to Southampton very quietly with a slip which looked very thriving ;
I trust she will meet with better success. I think Mr. and Mrs. Whitton are really
two of the kindest people I ever met with, but with all their kindness Stockwell is
not like Home, and although I pass my time very pleasantly yet I shall not be at all
sorry when Whitsun-tide comes. I hope you will not have left Tunbridge when I
re-visit it, as I shall be very anxious to see you. How does the Book Club go on ?
I hear you're going to lose your Secretary for three weeks but I suppose he will
delegate his authority to his friend Miss de St. Croix during his absence. I shall
watch the arrival of the Post every morning very anxiously, therefore do not disap-
point me, there's a good one."

Some of the letters are very long, and considerations of space make it necessary
to leave out the usual messages at the end — ^genersd enquiries after health and
conventional remarks. The next letter is chiefly about a dress which was intended
to adorn the person of the writer at some of the At Homes at Hastings.

My dear Miss Humphry, " Postern, Sept. 2nd [1826].

. . . . We think next week of visiting that earthly Elysium for a few days
in order to take a house for the winter ; I sigh for the time to arrive. We had a few
friends to dinner on Thursday and we expected Uncle Stephen to join our party,
but I am sorry to say, just as we were sitting dovv'n to dinner, a note arrived from
Pembury informing us that the Baby was dangerously ill, and if a great change
did not take place in two hours a consultation was to be held. We have not heard
any intelligence since. We have heard to-day that Aunt Rose is much the same.
James is waiting to convey this to the post, and I believe you are aware that he does
not possess the virtue of patience in a very eminent degree."

The next is but a note to " her counsellor " about 1828 : —
" My dear Miss Humphry,

We fully intend doing ourselves the pleasure of spending a morning at Seal,
and as meeting Sir William and Lady Ashburnham will greatly add to the pleasure
of oiir visit, we should feel much obliged by your writing us a few lines just to inform
us when you expect your august visiters from London, that we may arrange our
plans accordingly. James starts for Ludlow to day. The term ended on Tuesday,
and of course he could not lose any time in flying to the presence of his ' ' divine
Margaret." My Uncle and Aunt and Mr. Brisco unite in kind remembrances to your
circle, and believe me, thou most able, discreet, and sage counsellor, and thou most
kind affectionate and well-judging of cousins, ever thine most truly,
Postern , Friday. Frances Woodgate. ' '

453
In January, 1828, Lady Ashburnham writes from Broomham : " Fanny
Woodgate I am sorry to say appears in a delicate state of health and is advised to
avoid much fatigue. I think she has been of late a good deal harrassed by different
suitors. Mr. Wm. Palmer has been at Hastings twice lately & made proposals of
marriage to her, I understand ; he is coming down again on Saturday, but whether
he is to be a favoured Lover I am at a loss to conjecture. Mr. Musgrave Brisco
has been paying her great attention but he appears quite unsuccessful"

In due course Frances Woodgate became engaged to Mr. Musgrave Brisco,
and the lawyers were instructed to prepare the settlements {a). William Woodgate
of Lincoln's Inn Fields acted for his cousin and Mr. Whitton for the Briscos. Their

(a) The Briscos of Coghurst, Hastings, were descended from the old Brisco family of Crofton

Hall, Cumberland, now represented by Sir Musgrave Brisco, Bart.

Micsgrave Brisco, younger son of John Brisco of Crofton, by Catherine his wife, the daughter
of Sir Richard Musgrave, Bart, of Hayton Castle, married the heiress of Coghurst —
Mary Fletcher Dyne, daughter of Edward Dyne of Coghurst and Lankhurst and Mary
his wife (born 1714). The Dynes were great people at Hastings. In 1728, at the time
of the King's Coronation, Edward DjTie (Baron of the Cinque Ports), Sir WilUam
Ashburnham of Broomham (one of the members for Hastings) and Thomas Pelham
of Stanmer were deputed to support the King's canopy in the procession. Mr. Collier
writes in 1727, " Mr. Dyne Came to Town this day about noon. I have been Plagued
■vvith him to Get his accoutremts, but of this Take no notice, for I think I have by this
managed soe as to Support the Queen's Canopy, wch I would not upon any acct loose.
Itts vastly the Greatest Honor, & Indeed the Queen manages everything in the World."
Mr. ColKer, Col. Pelham of Crowhurst, and the Hon. Thomas Townshend, M.P. for
Hastings supported the Queen's canopy. In 1760 the canopy bearers at the coronation
of George III were Edward Milward, Mayor ; Wilham Ashburnham, M.P. for Hastings
(husband of AHcia Woodgate, and one of the Barons of the Cinque Ports), and John
Pelham. Musgrave Brisco was succeeded at Coghurst by his son,
Wastel Brisco, Captain in the Guards, who in 1777 was hving in Yorkshire, where he had
extensive property, and of which he was a Deputy Lieutenant. He lived latterly in
Sussex, of which he was likewise a Deputy Lieutenant, and in the Commission of the
Peace. He married on 24:th October, 1785, Sarah Goulbum, and died on 25th January,
1834, leaving

(1) Musgrave of Coghurst, a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Sussex
and Yorkshire, b. 15th April, 1791, m. 8th October, 1828, Frances Woodgate.
No issue.

(2) Sarah, m. (firstly) 1810, William Camac of Hastings; secondly, Charles
Alexander Lushington; thirdly, Wilham Fletcher Norton. No issue.
By the kindness of Mr. F. O. Fisher of St. Leonards, we are enabled to
give the following particulars of Mr. Camac. He was the fourth son of John
Camac of Maralin, Co. Down and Elizabeth his wife the daughter of Jacob
Turner of Lurgan, Co. Down. Through the influence of Gwjm Burges, Pay-
master to the Hon. E. I. Co., he was procured a Writership, and sailed in
1778 on board one of the Company's ships, commanded by Capt. Curzon.
He was appointed Collector in a district called the Twenty-four Purgannaks.
In 1781 his brother Col. Jacob Camac died, leaving him by will the estate of
Rose Hall, Co. Louth. Continuing in India, he rose to be a Senior Merchant
in the Company's service. In 1802 he held a commission in the Calcutta
MiHtia Cavalry (Gent's Magazine, p. 489), and was still a Senior Merchant,
but in 1810 returned home, and took a house in Portman Square. There,
it seems, he met Miss Brisco, described as a young and beautiful girl. He
died in April, 1837 (p. 461). This information reached us after the account
given earlier in the book was written.

(3) Wastel, of Bohemia House, Hastings, J.P. and D.L. for Sussex, b. 1792,
m. 1822, Maria, daughter of John Lade of Broughton House, Kent, and left
issue

(a) Wastel, b. 1824, whose daughter (we believe) married an Arbuthnot,

and is now the owner of Bohemia House.
(6) Arthur Musgrave Dyne.

The arms are : — " Argent, three greyhounds courant in pale sable : " quartering the ensigns
of Crofton, Whinnos, Skelton, Dyne, and Fletcher. Crest :— a greyhourand courant sable in
pursuit of a hare proper. JMotto : — grata sume manu.

454

difficulties and disagreements were such that it was found impossible to fix the date
with certainty, to the great distress of the principals, Mrs. West writes : —

' ' My dear Lady Ashburnham,

I have had it in contemplation to write to you for some time past, but have
delay'd it from week to week, in expectation of being able to name ' ' the great, the
important day," but the abominable Lawyers still keep us in most disagreeable
uncertainty. The Settlements were before Mr. Whitton and William Woodgate
for some weeks, but they never could come to an amicable understanding, and I
shall always think that a previous hostility towards each other, arising out of a
quarrel unconnected with the Settlements, occasioned a most acrimonious feeling,
and was the cause of unnecesary delay. This procrastination became at last so
unpleasant to the Mr. Brisco's and ourselves that we thought it advisable to with-
draw the writings from Mr. Whitton and place them in the hands of Mr. Chalmers,
Mr. B's family Solicitor, who was to act in concert with William, when we were led
to hope that all difficulties would be immediately got over, and that the Wedding
might take place in the course of a week. It is now nearly a fortnight since the
writings were laid before Mr. Chalmers, & we have been anxiously awaiting the
arrival of every post, telling us everything was amicably adjusted ; but unfortunately
[for us) there is such a spirit of Matrimony abroad in the Land and he has so many
settlements to attend to that he has not had time to give to ours that attention he
deems necessary, but every day we expect to hear that all things are arranged satis-
factorily, for the Principals are perfectly agreed, & the ' ' Law's delay " is the only
thing that retards the young people's happiness now. All this is very harassing to
our spirits and I am fearful has already occasion'd much inconvenience to our friends,
& I think it now remains in this uncertain & perplexing state, that the Marriage
may take place next week, or be delayed a fortnight or three weeks longer. I can
only say that we should feel much disappointed if we had not the pleasure of seeing
you and Sir William, our most valu'd friends, at the Wedding, yet still I have no
hesitation in saying that my Aunt Humphry's convenience & pleasure ought to be,
and no doubt is, your first consideration, and it would be a thousand pities she
should lose the benefit of change of air during this delightful season. Our party
will be so numerous that it will be impossible for us to entertain our Friends as we
could wish with a dinner, but if our dejeune is as well conducted and goes off with
the same spirit that a similar one did three years ago at Seal, we shall feel most happy.

I am sorry to hear Mr. Brisco senior is not improv'd in health ; I sincerely hope
we shall have the pleasure of seeing him at the wedding, for ' ' methinks a Father
is at the Nuptials of his son a guest that best becomes the table," & his conduct
has been so kind & honorable throughout our matrimonial proceedings that he will
always be a most welcome visitor at the Postern. The near approach of ' ' the day "
makes me very nervous ; but I must, I shall have sufficient fortitude to enable me
to bear the great trial that awaits me, when I shall have to surrender my dear &
affectionate Fanny into other hands, but I have every confidence and hope that
he into whose hands I resign my " pearl of great price " is truly deserving of the
treasure he will possess & will justly appreciate her many amiable vertues ; for I
know not a more excellent character than Mr. Musgrave Brisco, and from his having
been domesticated with us so frequently for the last six months, we have had frequent
opportunities of knowing and estimating his worth. I have in my time seen many
" stricken deer " but really James out Herod's Herod, a more complete Noodle
I never saw ; he is too ridiculous to laugh at. I am delighted to hear of Mr. Hamilton's
marriage, may it prove a fore-runner to one at the Postern, for this uncertainty
is very tiresome. Your friends at Dry Hill are all well, except for poor Rosetta,
who has been on the sofa for the last week. Anna is returned from her tour & I
suppose that you have heard that Miss Winchester is married at last. Remember
me most kindly to Sir Wm & Mary Anne, and believe me, my dr Lady Ashburnham,
yours ever affectionately M. West.

455

I paid the tribute of a few tears to the beautiful verses of Sir Wm. to Fanny :
they touch'd me deeply."

The next letter, to Mary Anne Humphry, contains a request to her to act as
bridesmaid at the approaching event.
' ' My dear Cousin,

I take the opportunity Mr. Musgrave Brisco's return to Hastings affords me to
make you a little request which I have long meditated. You will probably anticipate
the nature of it. Will you oblige me by gracing my Wedding with your presence ?
I assure you it will be conferring the greatest pleasure on me, as well as on many
others. The day is not yet fixed, but in all probability it will be in the course of a
fortnight or three weeks, at all events you may depend on my giving you timely
notice. With our united kindest regards to Sir Wm. and Lady Ashburnham, believe
me, my dear Cousin, Ever yours most affectionately

Frances Woodgate.
Postern, Monday night."

This was followed by another letter to Mary Anne Humphry which explains
itself :—

" Postern Park, August 21st [1828].
My dear Cousin,

On perusing your letter (which my absence from home prevented me from
sooner receiving) it appears you did not quite understand the nature of my request
to you. Perhaps I was not perfectly explicit and intelligible, as I \vrote in a great
hurry, and a certain person was at my elbow all the time, talking to me, and I do not
know how it is, but certain persons do occasionally distract the thoughts and bewilder
the imagination. You will observe that I take all the blame upon myself, and do
not even venture to surmise that any other certain person might have bewildered
you and prevented you from reading my letter right, but now to the business of this
letter which ought to be important after so long a preamble.

As the word Bride' s-maid does not once occur in your letter, I fear you did not
understand that it was my request you should oblige me by officiating in that capacity.
I have had a personal interview with your sister Fanny on the subject and she per-
fectly understood me ; and has consented to grace the bridal procession with her
presence, therefore I trust, my dear Mary Anne, that you will be equally obliging,
good-natured, kind-hearted etc etc. I assure you, you and your sister were among
the first put down upon my list of Bride's maids ; my others are to be Maria Allnutt,
Anne Nouaille, Jane Woodgate, Clare Woodgate, Alicia West and Fanny Streatfeild,
the latter having been my particular friend for some years past. Of course I do not
presume to dictate your dress, but I must give you a hint that it is my particular
wish all my nymphs should be clad in virgin white ; I know it is contrary to the present
fashion, but it is a whim of my own. The materials of the dress will of course be
optional. The disputes and squabbles of the Lawyers render it impossible for us to
fix any thing ; it is really very provoking, after the very handsome and liberal manner
in which Mr. Brisco senr has behaved that difficulties should arise between the Lawyers.
We have been kept in a state of great suspense and anxiety for the last month.
Throughout the whole affair no contention has ever arisen between Mr. Brisco and
Uncle West ; therefore as the principals are agreed, I think it is an unheard of thing
that we are to be harassed and made uneasy, because Wilham Woodgate and Mr.
Whitton choose to quarrel. However I assure you this is the case. Mr. M. Brisco
paid us a flying visit last Saturday, and he "then said things were as unhkely to be
settled as they were two months ago ; however we have this morning received a letter
from William Woodgate, by which it appears that affairs are going on more smoothly.
I do not care about it myself, but I cannot bear to see those whom I love and venerate
made uneasy, when they are doing every thing in their power to make things go on
as they ought. I assure you Niohe has paid frequent visits to the Postern lately,
and it would be difficult to find a more dolorosa party than the four who sat down to

456

dinner the day Mr. M. Brisco visited us. Poor Mr. Brisco's declining health renders
him very unfit to contend with so much anxiety, however I trust that our trouble
will soon be put an end to ; it only makes good the remark, ' ' the course of true
love never did run smooth," or at all events it's course is sure to be ruffled when those
necessary evils, settlements, are introduced, I ought to apologize for troubling you
with my misfortunes, but you know out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

I have been spending a few days at Chart's Edge lately ; Mrs. Streatfeild is
expecting shortly to be confined. I found my sister Clare much improved, curling the
hair makes a wonderful alteration and softens the countenance considerably. We had
a very merry family party here last Saturday week to celebrate my coming of age,
and I received some very handsome presents on the occasion. I have not room to
insert them all, and will therefore only mention two, which as they came from the two
people I love best in the world were of value accordingly. One was a magnificent
long blond Vetl from Aunt Maria, to be worn on a certain day ; the other was a beau-
tiful set of Amethysts from Mr. Musgrave Brisco, Tonbridge is expected to be
very gay this Evening, as there is to be a magnificent display of fireworks exhibited
from Dr. Knox's play ground. We rather expect a visit from Rosa this morning,
I am dying to hear an account of the Wedding which took place on Tuesday ; I
already hold my head several inches higher from the alliance with the noble house of
Buttanshaw. The happy pair of originals are I believe gone to spend the honey-
moon in the Isle of Wight. You may depend on my writing to Lady Ashburnham
and yourself as soon as the day is fixed, and with our united kind regards to Sir
Wm and Lady Ashburnham, believe me, my dear Cousin,

Yours most affectionately & sincerely
Frances Woodgate,

This being the sixth letter I have written this morning wHl I trust plead my
excuse for the badness of the penmanship."

The wedding seems to have caused quite a flutter among the friends and relations.
The Humphrys had been invited to Broomham, but put off the visit, and instead
invited the Ashburnhams to Seal, so that all might be ready to attend the summons
from the Postern whenever it should come, and afterwards go down to Broomham
together. The Nouailles had fixed the date of their visit into Yorkshire, which they
were obliged to postpone. The bridesmaids' dresses were either pearl or French
white. They were eight in number, and by Mrs. West's desire, each came prepared
with a bouquet of flowers tied with narrow white ribbon, to be put on for the return
from the Church.

At last the day came, the eighth of October. The ceremony was performed
at Tonbridge Church, after which the numerous guests assembled at the Postern.
At the wedding feast Sir William Ashburnham recited some lines that he had composed
for the occasion ' ' which must have contributed," says Denny Ashburnham, ' ' largely
to the hilarity of the marriage feast ; neither would the loyal sentiments borne on the
Breezes of the blustering West lose their effect." After the honejonoon, the newly
married couple stayed for some days at the Postern. ' ' Mr. & Mrs. Musgrave
Brisco," wTites Miss Humphry on 6th November, " arrived at the Postern on
Thursday last ; Anne Nouaille went down on Saturday to give them a meeting and
to attend the Bride to Tonbridge Church the following day. Mr. & Mrs. Nouaille
dined and slept at the Postern on Tuesday. We have seen them this morning, and
they teU us the period for the Bridal party proceeding to Hastings is not fixed. Mr.
and Mrs. West either accompany them .or go about the same time ; previous to their
departure they all purpose caUing upon us. Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Woodgate dined
at the Postern on Tuesday, and the party all assemble at Pembury Vicarage to dinner
to-morrow."

On the 15th November the Briscos returned to Hastings ; Miss Humphry
describes their entry : " On leaving Hastings we met Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco
entering the Town, Mr. Brisco was on the look out anxiously awaiting their arrival.

457

which was announced by a merry peal from the Bells of St. Clements Church. The
party at Mrs. Camac's yesterday [she was Musgrave Brisco's sister] was both numerous
and brilliant, 20 at dinner including Sir Charles Lamb, Lady Montgomery and Lord
Eglington, Sir Wathen Waller and his son, Mr, and Mrs. Milward and many of the
principal residents in the place with the addition of about forty more in the Evening.
The Bride appeared to great advantage, looking beautiful, in white satten, with
a set of pink topaz ornaments ; her appearance and sweetness of manner were
generally admired, and all concur in the opinion that Mr, Musgrave Brisco is a most
fortunate man. White was the prevailing costume ; the Miss Milwards were attired
in white lace dresses over white satten, and Miss Milward said when her toilet was
complete and she looked in the glass she was only afraid Mr. Musgrave Brisco would
mistake her for his bride. On entering the room Lord Turner immediately made
his way up to me, and commenced a conversation, and could scarcely be persuaded
I was not the Miss Humphry he had seen before. Another curious mistake, my old
friend Mr. Shorter came and congratulated me as Mrs. Musgrave Brisco. Poor
Man ! a convincing proof that his eyesight must indeed be lamentably defective.
Mr. and Mrs. West are expected at Hastings Thursday next and are to join the party
at dinner here on Saturday. Mrs. Brisco told us they had forty visitors yesterday
morning. I should think she will not be sorry when the ceremony of her first intro-
duction is over. . . . We are going this morning to call on the Bride and Bride-
groom."

Miss Humphry's next letter to Seal is almost as interesting ; it is dated 24th
November : —

" . . . . Of the Ball you must not expect so animated and vivid a descrip-
tion as I probably should have given ten years ago. It was nevertheless very pleasant.
A hundred and forty eight persons were present, and among several stars of less
magnitude Mrs. Brisco shone pre-eminent. , . The Bazaar is to be opened at the
Assembly Room the 23rd & 24th of Deer ; Lady Ashburnham, Mrs. Camac, Mrs.
Brisco & Mrs. Milward have been solicited to act as Patronesses, and every Patroness
is to have two young Ladies in waiting upon her. Mr. & Mrs. West appear most
happy to rejoin their niece. Mrs. West is to bring Mrs. Brisco to pass a morning
here some day this week. Mrs. Brisco says the reception and kindness she has
received from all Mr. Brisco's family cannot be exceeded ; " and Lady Ashburnham
adds in a postcript, ' ' Mrs. M. Brisco is looking beautiful ; from a conversation I had
with Mr. Musgrave (the day they dined here) I think they will ultimately fix on a
Residence in the country, and we hope not far from us."

In 1829 the Briscos paid a visit to France, during which they visited Calais,
Boulogne, and St. Omer, and were much gratified with their trip, from which they
returned in greatly improved health. On their return they hired a house in York
Buildings, close to the Wests' house at Hastings, for six months, until they could
be more permanently settled. Mary Anne Humphry writes in September : —

" Mr. & Mrs. Musgrave Brisco are settled for six months in a most commodious
residence in York Buildings, Mrs, Musgrave is looking charmingly, in much improved
Health and excellent spirits. Mr. & Mrs. James John West are to pass the early
part of this week with them to attend the Races on Tuesday and to be present at
the Ball the following Evening. Mrs. Mackenzie and myself are to join a Ladies
party at Mrs. Brisco's on Tuesday after the sports of the morning are concluded,
and in the evening we adjourn to the Heath out of compliment to the Steward
who calls the Play."

The next January (1830) Sir William Ashburnham writes," We dined at Hastings
on Saturday with Mr, and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco, and spent a very agreeable day there.
This was the first dinner party which Mrs. Musgrave Brisco had given at her own
house, and she received her guests, and conducted the whole arrangements of the
day with much suavity, elegance and ease. She appeared in high spirits and was

458

looking remarkably well. The dinner party consisted of ourselves, Sir Wathan Waller,
Mr. and Mrs. Camac, Mr. and Mrs. West, Major and Mrs. Rutledge, (Mrs. Rutledge
is daughter to Mrs. Lambert who formerly resided at Beauport, and sister to Major
General Sir John Lambert K.B.), the two Miss Milwards, Capt. Wathan &c. In
the evening there was a large addition to the party too numerous to name individu-
ally."

In July, 1830, the Briscos passed a fortnight at the Postern while their new
house was getting ready, at the end of which they returned to take possession. This
new house seems to have been Coghurst — not the Coghurst which is mentioned
so often later on, for that as yet was not built — but Old Coghurst, the house of
Mr. Brisco senior. While Lady Ashburnham was on a visit to Seal in October,
1830, Sir William passed much of his time with the Briscos. He writes on the
3rd, having met them on his return to Broomham, " Mrs, Musgrave Brisco was
looking as charming as usual ; both she and Mr. Musgrave were extremely cordial,
and pressed me very much to partake of a family dinner with them to day to meet
old Mr. Brisco who is just returned from the North. This kind invitation I readily
accepted, and shall walk over to Coghurst as soon as the evening service at Guestling
is finished."

On the 5th : " I dined on Sunday at Coghurst, and I think the Brisco's have
got a most comfortable house. Mr. and Mrs. Brisco, old Mr. Brisco and myself
formed the whole of the party. I had a fine moon light night in which to walk home.
Mr. and Mrs. William Camac come from town on Thursday to Hastings, on which
day they dine with old Mr. Brisco, who has very civilly invited me to meet them,
which invitation I have accepted."

He writes on the 8th, " I dined yesterday at old Mr. Brisco's, where I met
merely a family party consisting of himself, Mr. and Mrs. Camac, and Mr. and Mrs.
Musgrave Brisco. The Camacs were just arrived from London ; they appeared
to be in remarkably good health and spirits, and seemed to have derived much pleasure
and amusement from their excursion into the north. Mrs. Camac was looking
uncommonly well, notwithstanding she was greatly disfigured by wearing an imme^ise
and very ugly cap. She represents Harrowgate as having been extremely gay ;
she said that she attended nineteen balls during her stay there, and that they
generally sat down to table above fifty in company. Mrs. Musgrave Brisco flattered
me by requesting me to give her my advice on the arrangement of her flower garden ;
and for this purpose I am to spend the morning to-morrow at Coghurst. I told
Mrs. Musgrave Brisco that I should be most happy to afford any assistance in my
power, but that to form the plan of an entirely new pleasure garden would require
some consideration. My flower garden was formed by degrees, and the shape
of the ground and the forrest trees that actually stood there gave a turn to the
plan and arrangement."

On nth October, Sir William writes: " I spent the morning on Saturday
at Coghurst to attempt to plan Mrs. Musgrave Brisco's flower garden, I have given
her the hasty sketch of a design which she will make what use of she pleases. There
is plenty of space, and the ground lies well towards the sun for shrubs and flowers ;
but I am afraid, like most places in this part of the country, it will be very much
exposed to the south westerly winds. As every thing is to be created, it must be
many years before any plan can be expected to develope itself. Mrs. Musgrave
Brisco was looking remarkably well, and seemed quite wrapt up in the prospect
of her future flower garden." Soon after this letter Sir William Ashburnham set
out to join the party at Seal, and the letters ceased.

Sir William's next letter, referring to the Briscos, mentions a curious but
fortunate mistake of Musgrave Brisco who had supposed Broomham to be ablaze.
This was in September, 183 1, at the time of the Reform Bill, when the Duke of Wel-
lington was stoned in the streets of London and the infuriated populace throughout

459
England set fire to stacks and houses, and exhibited many other " glorious marks
of liberty," as John Acton would have said. The neighbourhood of Hastings did
not escape the contagious disaffection ; there were several cases of arson, and Mr.
Brisco had some reason for his belief ; for though no man less deserved the unpleasant
attentions of the mob than Sir William Ashburnham, yet on that very account he
was the more likely to be sacrificed to its unreasoning fury. He writes : —

' ' I called yesterday at Coghurst, and found Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco
both at home. Mrs. Musgrave is looking remarkably well, and in very good spirits.
She told me that she expected her Aunt Allnutt and her cousin Maria at Coghurst
on Saturday, on their return from Mr. Bayley's near Dover. Mrs. Allnutt I suppose
goes home on Monday, as Mr. and Mrs. Musgrave Brisco leave Coghurst on that
day for the Postern in the way to Mrs. Streatfeild's at Charts-edge to attend the
christening of her youngest child, which ceremony is to take place on Tuesday.
Mr. Musgrave Brisco told me that during my stay in Kent, one evening after it was
dark, he saw a tremendous blaze exactly in the direction of Broomham ; in consequence
of which he summoned his Servants and collected the workmen from the farm-
house at Old Coghurst [which must have been a still older Coghurst] and sallied
forth to my assistance ; but when he approached the fire he found it was occasioned
by John Venis burning rubbish. Mr. Musgrave Brisco's exertions were very friendly,
and I feel much obliged to him. You have probably heard that Mrs. Wastel Brisco
has had an increase to her family ; she was safely delivered of a daughter as long
ago as the 29th of last month. I am sorry to learn that poor Mrs. Camac is confined
at Harrowgate with a fit of the gout. This is very unlucky, and will cast a great
damp upon the gaieties of the Hastings races."

In November, 1832, Sir Wilham Ashburnham called at Coghurst to arrange
the purchase of two cart horses ; but was disappointed at finding that both Mr. and
Mrs. Brisco had gone out, the former on horseback, the latter to Hastings to bathe ;
" I should have thought it too late in the year for bathing," he observes, " but I
hope Mrs. Brisco finds it, by experience, beneficial." A day or two later he went
over again, and was more fortunate, though he found Mr. Brisco unwilling to sell
the horses which Sir William wanted. ' ' They were both extremely civil," he writes,

' ' I spent a long morning with them, and partook of a slight repast Mrs.

Musgrave Brisco mentioned to me a very melancholy circumstance. Mrs. Brisco,
the wife of Sir Wastel Brisco's eldest son, a very young woman, who has not been
married twelve months, was attacked with a cough and a complaint on her lungs,
and the air of Penrith in Cumberland was thought too cold for her, and she was
ordered to Hastings where she improved in health ; but she came to Coghurst and
spent a few days with Mrs. Musgrave Brisco, and she there unfortunately caught
a severe cold, which brought back her malady with such increased violence that
her medical attendants now pronounce her to be in a decided consumption with
scarcely a hope of recovery."

Mr. Brisco senior died on 25th January, 1834. During his lifetime he made
a very liberal allowance to both his sons, who were both left very well off, though
the bulk of his fortune was left to the elder son. Miss Humphry writes on ist March :
" The distribution Mr. Brisco has made of his property, it is to be feared, may
cause dissensions in the family. Having made his younger son so liberal an allowance
during his lifetime, it is to be regretted with so ample a fortune he should not have
made an adequate provision at his decease, which he might have done, still leaving
a splendid fortune for Mr. Musgrave, who I heartily hope with his amiable wife
may long enjoy, and make a good use of so large an accession of wealth."

To the elder son, Musgrave, he left Coghurst and the extensive estates in York-
shire ; Wastel, the younger son, had Bohemia House and a large tract of territory
which gives its name to that part of the town ; a good deal of it is now built upon
and must yield a very large revenue. It belongs we believe to Mrs. Arbuthnot,
daughter of the late Mr. Brisco. At that time Coghurst brought in ;^6,ooo a year.

460

On his accession, Musgrave Brisco decided to rebuild Coghurst. He secured
the services of Decimus Burton, the architect who restored Spring Grove and built
St. Leonards. The new house was something after the style of Summerhill, on a
more confined scale. It had the same beautiful gables and was built of white stone,
at a cost, it is said, of £30,000. The drive was entered by a handsome gateway,
adorned with the Brisco arms carved up in stone with the arms of Woodgate on an
inescutcheon. These arms are still there.

Lady Ashburnham writes of Coghurst on ist July, 1834, " Yesterday we had
a visit from Mr. & Mrs. Brisco, both looking remarkably well and in excellent spirits.
The first stone of the new house at Coghurst was laid on Saturday by Mrs. Brisco.
Mr. Decimus Burton attended, & Mr. Gilphin the Father of the clergyman at Seven-
oaks (who is a professional layer out of grounds) was present on the occasion. As
far as I could understand the plan it will be a very handsome edifice, the ground
floor of which will contain six spacious apartments. Mr. Burton undertakes to roof
it in in the course of next summer. Mr. & Mrs. Brisco have been staying at the
Albion Hotel ; they leave Hastings on Saturday and purpose starting for the North
very shortly."

Mrs. Brisco was considered one of the great beauties of Sussex. After her
marriage she devoted much of her time to the poor of Guesthng, Icklesham, Ore and
Westlield ; her pastime consisted in making them articles of clothing, her pleasure
in presenting them. She was wonderfully skilled ^vith the needle, and was accustomed
to hold sewing classes at Coghurst for the school children. She was devoted to her
Aunt West, whom she regarded with filial affection ; and when Mrs. West was
staying at Hastings, used to make her a daily visit. On such occasions, as we have
been told by one who knew her well, Mrs. West's face would hght up with pleasure
as Mrs. Brisco entered the room, followed by a servant laden with fruit, flowers,
or game. The relations between the Briscos and Ashburnhams were of the most
cordial description, such as must have subsisted from a sense of mutual esteem and
affection, and not merely because they were neighbours or cousins. Whenever
the Ashburnhams went to London, the Briscos placed their town house, in Devon-
shire Place, at their absolute disposal, whether they were themselves there or not.

At the end of 1834, when Coghurst was still building, Mrs. Brisco writes from
her temporary house at Hastings, in Wellington Square :—

* ' My dear Lady Ashburnham,

Will you and Sir William give us the pleasure of your company for a few days
next week ? We really shall be truly glad to see you. I will promise you a well-
aired bed tho' perhaps not a very spacious apartment, but this I know you will
kindly excuse. Mrs. Camac expects a very good ball on Monday. Now we really
hope you will come to us on that day, and we can all adjourn in the Evening to Mrs.
Camac's ; she expects a great many county families, and Sir John Conroy and some
of the gentlemen of the Duchess of Kent's suite. Mrs. Camac begs me particularly
to tell you that she hopes you will not consider having refused the invitation in the
first instance, but waive all ceremony and grace her party on Monday night. We
intend having a few friends to dinner on Wednesday, and I hope we shall be able
to amuse you for the rest of the week. Mr. Brisco and my sister [Clare Woodgate]
unite with me in kindest regards to yourself and Sir William, and believe me, dear
Lady Ashburnham, your most affectionate Cousin

Frances Brisco.
36, Wellington Square, Friday [6th November, 1834] "

In 1834 the parties in Parliament were very evenly balanced, and a general
election seemed imminent. Musgrave Brisco determined to offer himself for
election ; he was a staunch Tory, and had an influential and energetic supporter in
his sister, Mrs. Camac. A lady of Hastings writes on 22nd December, 1834, " I
suppose you have heard that Musgrave Brisco intends offering himself as a candidate

461

for the borough, and Mrs. Camac of course supports his cause very warmly. There
will be four other candidates — Planta a staunch Tory, Elphinstone a Radical, Warre
I think a Whig, and North whom they say was a Whig when they were in power
but a Tory in his heart. It seems very doubtful at present whose cause is most
successful. Mrs. Camac is very violent about it, and not only goes about canvassing
herself but actually threatens people if they refuse their vote."

The same lady writes on 5th January, 1835, describing the party given by the
Duchess of Kent, who was staying at Hastings with the Princess Victoria and her
suite, and her introduction both to the Duchess and the Princess Victoria ; her
father had been unwell, so she was taken to the party by the Briscos. She adds :
' ' The election begins this week. Mr. Elphinstone is to be proposed by Mr. Handcock!
He must indeed be in want of a friend if he cannot find a better man than Mr. H.
He will have to make a speech, and I hear there is a large party going to hiss him.
The hustings are erected in the open space at the bottom of the Square ; there is
also another at the top of High Street. I expect there will be a regular sparkle up.
We are going in early this morning on purpose to see the fun. It seems at present
very doubtful who will come in."

The poHing ended in a victory for Mr. Elphinstone the Radical. MusgraveBrisco,
nothing daunted, stood again in 1837 when Mr. Elphinstone gave up the seat. Miss
Humphry descrilDes the situation in February, 1837 : — ' ' Mr. and Mrs. Brisco have
had the Influenza very severely ; at one time Mr. Brisco was considered in an alarming
state. They are both I am happy to say sufficiently recovered to get out again. We
met them at Hastings on Friday morning. Mr. Elphinstone has intimated his
intention of withdrawing from the representation of Hastings in the event of a
dissolution of Parliament, in consequence of which four candidates have entered
the field— Mr. Planta, Mr. North, Mr. Brisco, and a Mr. Holland, the latter gentle-
man on the Reform Radical interest — so that Hastings is likely to be warmly con-
tested, and I fear party feeling will again intrude and interrupt the harmony of the
neighbourhood. From the activity that prevails amongst the Conservative party,
I should imagine a change of Ministry is anticipated."

In July the Briscos, who had left Hastings for a visit, were recalled by the
unpleasant tidings of their opponents' activity ; but in spite of his exertions,
Mr. Brisco was again unsuccessful.

About this time Mr. Camac died. Miss Humphry writes on 15th August, 1837 • —
' ' Mr. and Mrs. Camac left London for Harrogate on Saturday week ; on the last
stage of their journey poor Mr. Camac (who previously had been better than usual)
experienced an apoplectic seizure — medical aid was immediately resorted to, and it
was thought advisable to pursue the journey. He never spoke afterwards, and
without the least suffering expired the night after his arrival at Harrogate. It was
a most distressing situation for Mrs. Camac. The intelligence reached Coghurst
Saturday evening. Mr. Brisco and his brother started early the following morning
to join their sister. Mrs. Brisco came here (Broomham) on Sunday and staid till
we went to Winchelsea yesterday. We lament that Mr. Brisco lost his election for
Hastings. The respectable part of the Inhabitants were with him, and their bringing
in such a character as Mr. Holland in preference shews that the elective franchise
has gone too low, & vested power in the hands of those who do not know how to use
it for their real interest."

In October of that year the Briscos celebrated the anniversary of their wedding
day, ' ' by giving a most hospitable entertainment at Coghm-st to large numbers
of the tradespeople and workpeople. The festivities were on an extended scale,
and several hundred persons were regaled in the good old English style of hospitality.
The health of the hberal Host and kindhearted Hostess was drank by the assembled
guests with much enthusiasm. We [the Ashburnhams] were invited to join a large
Family circle to witness the entertainment, but unfortunately were prevented

462

being present. We axe to dine at Coghurst one day this week to meet our Kentish
friends."

The next month witnessed the presentation of plate to Mr. Brisco by his sup-
porters at the Election, Miss Humphry \^Tites, on 30th November. ' ' On Monday
last we passed the morning at Coghurst to witness the presentation of a piece of Plate
voted to Mr. Brisco by the electors who supported him at the late Election for Hastings.
The day was most favourable and it was a very interesting scene. The Procession
consisted of from four to five hundred persons preceded by a band of music and
Banners bearing appropriate inscriptions. They were received by Mr. & Mrs.
Brisco standing in the centre of the porch of their Mansion & surrounded by a party
of their friends. On the arrival of the Cavalcade a Banner was presented to Mrs.
Brisco (thro' the medium of Mr. Brown) from the wives of the Electors. It was very
handsome, composed of white silk, with a deep fringe of orange colour and tassels
of the same to correspond ; the Brisco crest was beautifully executed on the top,
and underneath the following inscription ' To Mrs. Brisco from the wives of the
Electors of Hastings who supported Musgrave Brisco Esqre at the Election in July,
1837.' This Banner is placed in the Hall, where it forms a conspicuous and gratifying
ornament. The presentation of Plate to Mr. Brisco by the senior elector present
then took place. It is an elegant article, intended as a center ornament for the
table, composed of a mixture of bright burnished and dead silver ; the design, a
triangular vase, upon which two Cupids are planted upon a lion, supporting an
Epergne — on the three sides of the pedestal are engraven the Brisco arms, the arms
of the Town of Hastings, and the Inscription. Mr. Brisco returned thanks in an
excellent speech, and after partaking refreshments in a Tent erected opposite to
the House this numerous party separated, on all sides highly gratified by the results
of the day. Mrs. Camac was delighted and the good people of Hastings appear
quite reinstated in her favour."

After one of the elections, Mr. Brisco gave a great dinner to his supporters.
On dit an old man in smock frock rose to his feet during the post-prandial speeches
and uttered the wish that Mrs. Brisco might " be hung, drawn and quartered " —
(pause : general consternation) — ' ' hung with golden chains, drawn in a carriage
and four, and finally quartered in Heaven."

In August, 1838, Lady Ashburnham ^vrites : —

" Mr. & Mrs. Brisco are making a tour in Scotland. They intend visiting
Glasgow and Edinburgh, with the lakes adjacent, and are expected to return to
Coghurst early in September. Mrs. Camac has been at Hastings for a few weeks ;
she is however about leaving and intends making an excursion to Leamington and
afterwards to the North of England. In November she proceeds to Paris to pass
the winter."

That winter was exceptionally severe, and great distress prevailed amongst the
poorer inhabitants of the neighbourhood. Mr. and Mrs. Brisco contributed to
alleviate it by giving, amongst other liberal benefactions, fifteen pairs of blankets
to the poor of Guestling, and a generous supply of meat and bread twice a week to
twenty poor families of that parish, and to double the number of families in Ore and
Westfield.

About that time Mrs. Francis Woodgate had been very unwell, and passed
some time with her sister, after which she went for change of air to Mrs. John Allnutt's
at Clapham. She and her husband were again at Coghurst in August, when Miss
Humphry writes, on the 27th, ' ' We spent the anniversary of Mrs. Brisco's birthday
at Coghurst & enjoyed walking over their place exceedingly. The Tiu*ret entrance
Mr. Brisco is making will be a beautiful erection, and from being situated on a promi-
nent spot will be visible from all points of the neighbourhood. Mr. Brisco is also
building a kitchen garden and green house, so that he is at present surrounded by
workpeople. Mr. & Mrs. Francis Woodgate are passing a week at Coghurst, and we
are going to call on them this morning."

463

In March, 1840, Lady Ashburnham writes, " Mr. and Mrs. Brisco go to Town
to-day. Coghurst is to be painted and papered during their absence ; and they
intend compleating the furnishing of the House this Summer. Mrs. Brisco has
built extensive Wall gardens, and is continuallly improving his grounds. Mrs.
Brisco's sister Mrs. Francis Woodgate's little Boy is just turned of a twelve month
and begins to talk and runs alone."

The following letter in rhyme must have been sent by Mrs. Brisco to her sister
about 1843.

"My dearest Clare,

I hope you're aware
That the pattern g-arment you had lent me

Is two inches more wide

From side to side
Than the set which to make you have sent me.
2

So you see, my dear,

It is quite clear
That your little g-arments when finish'd,

Tho' quite as long

And just as strong,
Yet in width will be somewhat diminish'd.

The children all,

Both great and small,
With cotton and needle and thimble

Are working away

By night and day,
And they really appear very simple.

When last I wrote

I had a sore throat
Which to leave me appears most unwilling ;

I am now in bed

With a pain in my head ;
It's influenza — I'll bet you a shilling !

The snow was so deep

Tho' we tried to sweep
From our front door up to Kennard's,

Yet we could not ride

Without fear of a slide
To Hastings or to Saint Leonards.
6

T saw with dismay

That t'was Valentine's day
And the weather grew worse and not better ;

And it made me fret,

That I could not get
For dear Harry or Anna a letter.

On Thursday last,

Tho' it snowed quite fast,
Dear Sep. at York Buildings safe popp'd in ;

He did not fail

To come by the rail,
A mode we are all now adopting.

464

I am happy to tell
That he looks very well

And I hope will get strong and hearty :
He says on M on-day
Southwick Crescent was gay

And the Crofts had a Polka party.

9
Fine was the night
And the lamps were bright

And the party tho* small was charming
I heard nothing of Francis,
But Jane Corbet dances

The Polka — its really alarming !

That nice young maiden
I'm glad still at Hastings is staying;

She's a sweet little guest

For my dear Aunt West,
And amuses us all by her playing.
II

The weather grows cold,

Yet Wastel is bold,
And in spite of the weather keeps moving ;

He goes on as he ought

With good Mr. Faught
And in learning is greatly improving.
12

Churchill one day

Gave his tongue such way
That he greatly offended his master ;

So the truth to speak

A new butler we seek
To make up tor that sad disaster.

On Tuesday at eight

In her chariot of state
Mrs. Lushington starts for the season :

To London she goes

All through the snows,
It's really enough to freeze 'un.

I think I discover

That she has a lover,
But marriage must not yet be thought on :

But I'll tell you in rhyme

That all in due time
I think she'll become Mrs. Norton.

Now joy to you all,

In bower and hall,
In Spring when is hatched the young chicken

In Summer gay,

And on Christmas day.
And in Autumn when hops they are picking.

465

First to Frank and Clare,

Then to Harry the fair,
Then to sweet little Musgrave the genius.

To dear little Anna,

With her graceful manner,
And to fat little Fanny the Venus.

Joy, joy to you all,

Both great and small,
To the little and io the full-grown ;

Joy, joy to you all

Both short and tall
Around Falconhurst's merry h^aXh- stone."

Here there is a gap till 1852, when Mrs. Brisco writes from London : —

" Ellis' Hotel, St. James's St., Decbr 11 [1852].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

I have been every day expecting to return to Coghurst and have therefore
delayed making you my annual request concerning the school children. However
as the time of our departure from Town still seems very uncertain, and Christmas
being so near, I think I cannot delay writing to request you would have the very
great kindness to select twelve girls from the Guestling school to receive Cloaks
or Frocks and I should be still further obliged to you if you would direct them
to be at Coghurst on Wednesday morning at eleven o'clock, and I will have a person
there ready to measure them. ... I was never in London for so long a period
at this season of the year before, but it is much more cheerful than I expected as we
find a good many friends here — the Mackenzies, Sir A. and Lady Croft, the George
Palmers, and my Uncle and Lady Boyne, all of whom have been excellent neighbours ;
my Aunt Stephen [Woodgate] also, so that I have not been a day without visitors,
and when I have been well enough I have dined with them en famille on the many
long evenings Mr. Brisco has spent at the House of Commons. There is a good
deal of excitement just now about the Budget, and various are the opinions expressed
about the " ways and means " proposed by our hold Chancellor of the Exchequer,
but he avowed last night that Ministers were determined to carry the Budget as a
whole measure, so by that they must stand or fall. If the Peelites, Whigs, Manchester
School and the Irish Brigade all unite against Ministers, the struggle will be a serious
one. Monday night will be the grand fight. Being so near the scene of action
makes one quite nervous. . . . We have had, in addition to our public anxieties,
private ones also. The election petition brought against us made me really ill ; to
be accused of bribery is so dreadful and I am so angry with the people for pretending
to think Musgrave could do any thing wrong, after they have known him as they
have for nine years. No one knows what I have suffered ; and had I been at Coghurst,
I think I should have died. I do not think I slept an hour together during the whole
three weeks the cause was going on, but now all is happily terminated. Musgrave
bore it much more like a philosopher than I did. I really think Mr. Robertson was
frightened, but Mr. Brisco was not at all. / suffered enough for both members put
together. We are longing to get back to Coghurst again."

On ist September, 1853, Mrs. Brisco writes inviting Lady Ashburnham to dine,
to partake of a haunch of venison just arrived from Sir Wastel Brisco.

In February, 1854, Mrs. Brisco writes lamenting she had not been able to call
at Broomham before she left Coghurst ; she and her husband, the latter especially,
had been very unwell. " Poor Septimus left us last Tuesday week," she says,
' ' not thinking his brother William worse than usual, but he only arrived in time
to witness the closing scene, as his brother died four hours after his arrival."

466

In March, her husband grew worse ; she writes on the 31st : —

" 38, Devonshire Place, March 31st [1854].
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

Your kind and affectionate letter should not have remained so long unanswered
had not its postscript informed me that you had heard from Mrs, Monck of the state
of my dear husband's health. . . . Soon after we came to Town, the cough and
difficulty of breathing increasing, we called in Dr. Watson, and he alas ! confirmed
what Mr. Duke had told me at Coghurst, that there was great want of power in the
action of the heart, altho' no disease in the organ itself. The next day he made a
more particular examination with the stethoscope, and then told me he had also
detected something wrong in the right lung. This he dates from the rupture of the
small blood vessel in the throat in December. . . . Some days I am all hope,
and then again my heart fails me when I witness the extraordinary emaciation, but I
put my trust in Him who alone can help, and I trust that my hourly prayers at the
Throne of Mercy for him who is my "all " in this world may yet be answered. No
one can tell my anxiety. Dear Anne [Nouaille] is a great comfort to me, she is
always so considerate and kind. My poor Aunt Stephen has been very ill since the
death of her son. She repressed her feelings too much at first and is now suffering
from re-action, but I have had a better account of her this morning."

Her husband died soon afterwards ; and the next letter, dated December, 1854,
in deep mourning, was written to invite Lady Ashburnham and Miss Humphry
to make her a visit to 20, Eversfield Place, Hastings, where she was staying.

She writes again in May, 1858, pressing Lady Ashburnham to make a stay in
town, at Devonshire Place. She signs her letter " Frances Frewen." She had
married, in 1856, Mr. Charles Hay Frewen of Cold Overton Hall, Leicestershire,
Member for East Sussex from 1846 to 1857. They continued to occupy Coghurst
though they spent a good deal of time in Leicestershire, where Mr. Frewen enjoyed the
hunting.

In March, i860, she writes from Cold Overton to Lady Ashburnham, mentioning
her nephew Harry Woodgate : —

" I had a letter from my sister last week informing me that dear Harry's
regiment has been ordered to China, at which he is much delighted as he was quite
tired of a quiet life in India. Really one would think these youths were tired of life,
so anxious do they seem to get into the battlefield again. I cannot say that our
neighbours at Melton Mowbray are very quiet ; on the contrary, their proceedings are
very frisky. What do you think of Lord Grey de Wilton and two of the Ladies
Egerton and Mr. and Lady Mary Craven and our member Mr. Hartopp acting
a play in the public corn exchange, where any body who could pay three and sixpence
might be spectators ! As Mr. Frewen says, -private theatricals in one's own house
are all very well, as every man's house is his castle, and if they like to stand on their
heads there, nobody can say them nay. The highest tickets were 12/6, the next
7/6, and the next 3/6. All I can say is, young ladies did not do so in rny time."

In August, i860, Mr. and Mrs. Frewen took a long tour to the North, and saw
everything as far as Sutherland. They passed some time in the Highlands. A very
long letter to Lady Ashburnham describes their adventures. " While at York,"
she saj^s, " we drove over to Bishop's Thorpe to see the picture of Archbishop
Frewen which hangs over the dining room chimney there ; he built a great part of
the palace. The gardens are very pretty indeed. We then returned to the Minster
to see his tomb in the Lady Chapel,which Mr. Frewen of Brickwall has lately restored."

Her last remaining letter was also written to Lady Ashburnham : —

" 38, Devonshire Place [6 June, 1864].
. . . I have been under anxiety since my return about my poor sister Clcire,
who is at her Mother's in Brook Street, having come up to Town for medical advice.

467

Her complaint proved to be internal tumour for which she underwent an operation
last Monday, and I am happy to say it turned out a most successful one. She
bore it wonderfully well and has gone on since as well as possible. She has been
downstairs four days and takes her first drive with me to day."

Mrs. Frewen died in 1867 ; her husband died in 1878, She left no children.
Most of her property returned to the Briscos ; some went to the Frewens ; and a
small portion, much less than her original Woodgate fortune, fell to the share of her
Woodgate nephews and nieces. Nearly all her beautiful jewellery went to two
Miss Briscos who attained a great age and died possessed of immense wealth. We
have been told that Coghurst descended to one of the Miss Briscos who conveyed it
away, to Sir Wastel Brisco, three years before her death. It now belongs to Sir
Musgrave Brisco, the present baronet.

468

CHAPTER XVII
WOODGATE OF PEMBURY.

The Rev. Stephen Woodgate, born in 1780, was the youngest son of William
Woodgate of Summerhill. Some account of his school life at Tonbridge, and of
his Oxford days, has been given already. He took his degree in 1802, and two
years afterwards, while still at Oxford, was presented by his father to the living of
Pembury.

He married in 1809 at St. George's, Hanover Square, Frances Hardinge {a),
who {according to Ozias Humphry) had a fortune of ;^io,ooo. Her eldest brother,
Sir Charles Hardinge, was Vicar of Tonbridge ; another brother was Lord Hardinge,
Governor General of India ; and a third Captain George Nicholas Hardinge, R.N. —
the hero of the " Piedmontaise " (b). Miss Hardinge's aunts and her grandmother

(a) The family of Hardinge has been seated from an early period at King's Newton HaU, Derby-

shire. Sir John Hardinge of King's Newton HaU, a Master in Chancery, raised a Royalist
troop of horse for Charles II ; his grandson Nicholas, Clerk of the House of Commons, Secretary
of the Treasurj-, M.P. for Eye, and Recorder of Kingston, m. Jane, dan. of Sir John Pratt, Lord
Chief Justice of the King's Bench, and sister of Charles, 1st Earl Camden. He died in 1758.
she in 1807 (see p. 308), leaving issue

1. George, Attorney General to the Queen and Chief Justice of the Brecon circuit, b. 1743,
m. Lucy, dau. and coheir of Richard Long, and d. 26th April, 1816, s.p.

2. Henry, of whom presently.

3. Sir Richard Hardinge of BeUeisle, Co. Fermanagh, Bart., b. 1755, m. 1st on 6th May,

1793, Mary, dau. of Ralph Gore, Lord Ross ; and 2nd on 14th March, 1826, Caroline,
dau. of Major General Wolf. He d. in November, 1826, s.p.

4. Jane, b. 1740, m. at Seal 1st September, 1767, Henry Cresset Pelham of Crowhurst,

only son of Thomas Pelham, M.P. for Lewes, and Ehzabeth his wife (the daughter of
Henry Pelham), and grandson of Sir Nicholas Pelham of Cottisiield Place, Sussex,
M.P., who was the son of Sir Thomas Pelham of Laughton, Bart., and M.P. for
Sussex in 1(^54.

5. Caroline, of the Grove, Seal, b. 1747, d. 23rd April, 1826, unm.

6. Juliana, of the Grove, d. 1822 imm.

The Eev. Henry Hardinge, Rector of Stanhope, Durham, b. 2nd September, 1754, m. 4th
June, 1779, Frances, daughter of James Best of Park House, Boxley, High Sheriff of Kent.
He d. 7th September, 1810, she 27th October, 1837, leaving issue

1. Rev. Sir Charles Hardinge, Bart., of Bounds Park, near Tonbridge, Vicar of Tonbridge,
b. 22nd March, 1780, m. 13th June, 1816, Emily-Bradford, 2nd dau. of Kenneth
CaUender of Craigforth, Co. Stirling, ancestor of the Hardinges of Bounds (see Debrett).

2. George Nicholas, Commander R.N., b. 11th AprU, 1781, killed in action.

3. Frances, b. 1783, m. Rev. Stephen Woodgate, Vicar of Pembury, Kent.

4. Henry, 1st Viscount Hardinge, Governor General of India, Commander in Chief of
British Army, &c., purchased South Park, m. 10th December, 1821, Lady Emily
Jane, dau. of the Marquis of Londonderry and widow of John James (see Debrett).

5. Richard, Major-General R.A., b. 1790, m. Anne, eldest dau. of Thomas Papillon of
Acrise ; 2nd Caroline-Johnson, youngest daughter of Kenneth CaUender of Craigforth.
Had issue.

6. Frederick, b. 1801, m. 1829 Hannah Elizabeth, dau. of Warren Maude of Green Bank,
Darlington.

7. Caroline, m. 1828 Major-General Palhser, R.A., and had issue.

(6) Captain Hardinge, being in command of the St. Fiorenzo in March, 1808, captured under

great difficulties, after a fight lasting for three days, the French frigate " La Piedmontaise,"
a ship of very superior power and mounting fifty guns. Hardinge was kiUed by a grape shot
discharged the second broadside in the last action. The French had 160 casualties, the
EngUsh 38.

He had previously distinguished himself by his gaUant conduct in boarding and taking
a large Dutch man of war brig off the coast of HoUand, for which enterprise Lord St. Vincent
promoted him to the rank of Post Captain. On landing at Sheerness and handing in his report

469

resided at the Grove, Seal, and are continually mentioned in the Humphry chapter.
Her father was Rector of Stanhope, a living then worth £5,000 a year.

The advowson, the manors of Great and Little Hawkwell, and an extensive
tract of land in Pembury had been purchased by WilHam Woodgate in 1788 ; the
incumbent, the Rev. John Whitaker, was then sixty-six. He was for fifty years
Vicar of Pembury, and died on ist July, 1803 (c).

The Vicarage at Pembury (now much enlarged and known as Pembury Hall,
having been purchased by the family from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners) was
a very small house, and when Stephen became Vicar was enlarged by William Wood-
gate by the addition of a fine dining room and two adjoining rooms now thrown
together and converted into the hall, which, with the old oak staircase, may be
seen in the photograph. The dining room is of higher pitch than the rest of the
house, as William Woodgate insisted that it should be the best room in the house.
Stephen Woodgate subsequently added on two rooms next the dining room, which
together now form the drawing room ; of this a photograph is given. There was
until lately an old view of the house in its former state at Kenward, the late Sir
John Shaw's house at Pembury, showing the roadway running almost underneath
the drawing room window. That road has now been diverted.

We have been thus particular in our description, as Pembury Hall (with Gimble
Grove and some adjoining property) is all that remains to the family of the many
thousands of acres that it once possessed. The oldest part of the house fell into a
ruinous state, and was pulled down and rebuilt by the Rev. Reginald Stephen Shaw
Woodgate, the present owner, who has lately added to it a billiard-room with bed-
rooms above, so that the house is now entirely Woodgate-built.

The whole place has been immensely improved, though at great cost. One
piece of land belonging to Mr. Whitaker, being the land now occupied by the lawn
and containing less than an acre, had to be bought by WiUiam Woodgate for £800;
not because of its value, or that of the two old cottages on it, but because it lay in the
very middle of the other land. The garden joins one side of the churchyard ; and
on the other side was Spring Grove, belonging to Stephen's brother Henry, the Lord
of the Manor and principal landowner in the parish. The property likewise adjoins
the Summerhill land, which ran close up to the old Vicarage. William Woodgate

to the Port Admiral (Rowley), he forebore to speak of himself ; and it was not until the Admiral
questioned him as to what officer had conducted the attack that the truth became known. The
Dutch Captain, who had been offered generous terms of surrender, replied with the discharge
of a pistol, and was cut down by Hardinge himself.

Capt. Hardinge was voted a public funeral in St. Paul's Cathedral, and a representation of
the Piedmontaise was granted as an honourable augmentation of the family arms.

of the last Marquis de Rambouillet, who sacrificed his estates and went into voluntary exile
in England after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. His widow died in England, having
dropped her title. Their daughter married Baron Maseres, whose son, the last Baron, died in
1824, aged 93 ; their son, Charles (father of Elizabeth Whitaker), was bom in Denmark, the
Queen standing sponsor. Mrs. Whitaker died in 1814, aged 69, in Rathbone Place, at the
house of Baron Maseres.

J. A. Whitaker, the eldest son. Major of the 21st Foot, fell at New Orleans in 1815. George
Whitaker of Pembury, another son, married at Brisley, Norfolk, in 1811, Philadelphia Walter
of Seal, daughter of WiUiam Hampson Walter.

The Walters were an old family, descended from WiUiam Walter, whose grandson James, a

physician at Gloucester, married Rebecca, daughter of Sir George Hampson, Bart., M.D., and

had issue William Hampson Walter.

Rebecca Walter married secondly Wilham Austen, and had four children, of whom one was
the Rev. George Austen, father of Jane Austen, the noveUst. Mrs. Austin died in 1732,
aged 36. Her husband was uncle of the Rev. Henry Austen, who married Mary Hooker, sister
of Mrs. William Woodgate of SummerhiU. The Whitakers were allied to the Streatfeilds.

470

conveyed a small part of this to his son as accommodation land ; so that when Summer-
hill was sold, a few acres of the original property was retained by (and now belongs
to) the family. On this land is a magnificent beech tree, held to be the finest in
West Kent.

Mrs. Stephen Woodgate and the family were continually staying at the Grove,
where they frequently met the Humphrys, Mr. Humphry being Vicar of Seal. The
first letter extant from this branch is an invitation, about 1812.

" August 3rd, [1812 ?].
My dear Julia [Humphry],

The pretty little Frock of your work my Aunts brought me on Wensday. Accept
my best thanks for it ; it is truly elegant, and the work was beautifully done. We
go to Crowhurst next Monday, and hope on our return to see you and another of our
Cousins, to spend a little time with us, which will give us great pleasure, when you
will see how becoming your Frock is to our Dear little Boy, who is I assure you a very
fine Fellow. Mr. & Mrs. Humphry will not I hope refuse to spare two, out of the
four to us for a short time, & we can easily manage thro' the Grovites to get you here.
With our united kind regards to all the party at Seal, I remain, my dear Julia, yrs
affectionately
Pembury, Friday. F: Woodgate."

The next is a note, written in 1816 after the death of her uncle, George Hardinge,
Chief Justice of the Brecon Circuit and the Queen's Attorney General.

' ' J*vly dear Friends, I send my little Boys to visit you, and by them I write a
few lines to tell you that my Admirable Aunts support themselves under this sudden
and lieavy blow with their usual strength of mind and fortitude, but they are deeply
afflicted and suffer much. They desire me to say that they shall be glad to see any
of their kind friends that will walk up to see them. Adieu ; I trust dear Mr. Humphry
is pretty well, tho' I am sure he has felt much for his departed friend. I remain,
yours truly,

F: Woodgate."

It is a great misfortune that, out of the half dozen letters of Mrs. Stephen Wood-
gate which remain, four relate solely to deaths. The next two letters were wTitten
respectively on the deaths of her two Aunts, but the first, alone, will sufflce.

[1822]. " My dear Fanny,

Accept my grateful thanks for your kind note of this morning. We have all
lost one of the best and kindest of Friends, and must mutually console and comfort
one another. You will feel, I am sure, great satisfaction in hearing that the surviving
sister has been enabled by a good Providence to support herself with the most pious
fortitude, and that her health does not appear to have suffered from her deep sorrow
and affliction. She saw your Dr. good Mother a few hours after the stunning Blow
had fallen on her, and she will tell you that she supported herself as an humble
Christian ought to do. If I am pretty well, I go to the Grove on Monday & will
caU on you in my way. Adieu dearest Fanny, with our kindest regards to Mrs.
Rose [Woodgate], Believe me, yr truly affectionate
Wednesday night. F: Woodgate."

Mrs. Stephen Woodgate had nine sons and two daughters, Jane and Anna.
Anna died in infancy ; Jane survived several years, but died in 1833. She frequently
stayed at Hastings. In 1824 Mary Anne Humphry writes of her,

' ' Jane Woodgate is a general favourite. She took her first lesson in dancing
yesterday, & her master expressed himself anxious for her remaining here at least
six weeks, to derive advantage from his instruction."

This opinion of the amiable character of Jane was, by Mrs. Humphry, extended
to the other children : she says, in 1826.

471

" My friend Mrs. Caroline talks of going to Pembury on Thursday to carry
home the children. I never saw more engaging young people ; under the tuition of
Mrs. Hardinge, you may guide them with a straw. They dined with me one day,
& I was quite amused with their little chearful society. I hope Sir Richard [Hardinge]
will find all the comfort he expects from his union with Miss Wolf ; I hear she is
sensible & amiable, & calculated to make him a chearful companion & attentive
Nurse."

Three deaths at this time followed in rapid succession. First, in April, 1826,
that of Caroline Hardinge, the aunt, who left her niece most handsomely provided
for in her will — so much so indeed that Sir Richard Hardinge, who died in November,
considered it unnecessary to name her in his. In January, 1827, Stephen's
aunt. Rose Woodgate, died, leaving him a small legacy. Mrs. Stephen Woodgate's
letter on the occasion was as follows : —

" My dear Fanny,

Your sad intelligence reached us this morning, and Mr. Woodgate and I both
felt shocked at hearing of the death of his dear Father's eldest Sister, full of years
and patient resignation. It is not for the departed that we ought to mourn, but my
dear friend I feel most anxious to hear of your dear Mother, and I am sure you wiU
be kind enough to let me hear of her when your letters from Seal arrive, for I feel
that you will not leave Tonbridge till after the last sad duties are performed. Alas,
my Friend, Death has made heavy havoc with your family and ours — the blooming
innocent has been equally snatched away with the aged friends, & we have only to
bow with resignation and pray that further inflictions may not add to our sorrows.
I entreated Mr. Woodgate to let me answer your note, and with our united kind
regards, I am always 3^-8 affectionately

F: Woodgate.
Pembury Vicarage, Janry 2nd, 1827."

The funeral was at Tonbridge.
' ' My dear Cousin,

I shall have a melancholy Pleasure in attending the Funeral of my late Aunt
on Tuesday next, and will be with you at the Hour appointed. With our united
sincere regards, believe me, yours very faithfully

Vicarage, Pembury, Stephn. Woodgate.

Jany 5th, 1827."

There is one more letter from Mrs, Woodgate.

' ' Pembury Vicarage, May 9th, 1828.
My dear Lady Ashburnham,

I grieve to say that our hopes of visiting you and Sir William are for the present
unavoidably postponed from a sad accident that has befallen our carriage Horse,
viz. no less than the Groom, 10 days ago, in riding him threw him down, & unfor-
tunately has broken both his knees, which accident will disable him for ever as a
saddle Horse for Stephen, and for the present prevents our driving him in the Phaeton.
You see therefore, my dear Friend, that our intended pleasure of visiting Broomham
is not possible for some time to come. Our poor Friends are removed from Hastings
to the Wells. Mr. Woodgate finds Lord Henry much alter'd since he saw him at
Hastings, and I thought her looking sadly. I take the liberty of enclosing to Sir
William a card for the poor little Boy we mentioned to him, and of soliciting his
kind vote & good offices in his behalf. I lament I must make you pay double postage.
With much love & regard I remain, my dear Lady Ashburnham, yrs affectionately

F: Woodgate.

Excellent accounts of Caroline."

After her Aunt's death, Caroline Hardinge (Mrs. Woodgate's sister), fixed her
headquarters at Pembury Vicarage ; there are several letters from her of this period.

472

One, on June nth, 1827 : —

" . . , My sister is just going to new furnish her drawing rooms. Morant
from Bond Street is their man of business. We spent last Friday at Greatness, a
sorrowful visit. You must by this time have heard that they are going to sell their
property. They say Free Trade has ruined them. What a loss it will be to your
Mother & sisters ; "

And again, on June 19th, 1827 : —

' ' We have three great boys now at home, who keep us alive. Mr. & Mrs.
W. Austen are come to Pembury for 3 months. He is in extreme iU health, & unable
to mix with the neighbourhood. This air is recommended as being particularly
healthy, & he is very near his own family, who appear very anxious & affectionate
in their frequent calls upon him. Don't you grieve to hear the Nouailles are obliged
to sell Greatness ? Alas, alas, how that neighbourhood changes."

One of these letters, written in March, 1827, describes her ' ' late jaunt to Town,
to attend my god Child's Christening. My visit did me no harm, tho' I was not
sorry to get back to earlier hours & shorter flights of stairs. The party was a very
brilliant one — Emily ; Lady Londonderry, the other Sponsor, very handsomely
attired, with a good sprinkling of diamonds ; Lady C. Wood ; Captain Wood and his
Sister ; Lord Camden, his son and daughter ; the Marquess of Lothian ; Lord Castle-
reagh ; Sir C. and Lady Hardinge ; Major Bradford & yr humble Servant ; in the
evening Sir James & the beautiful Lady Graeme (late Fanny Callender). All the
ladies in white, except Lady Londonderry & Lady Emily, the latter in a
Brussells lace dress over Pink satin. I assure you I was very smart in a bobbin net
worked by Fanny in large sprigs over white Sattin, with my garnets. The dinner and
wines splendid. I staid a week. . . . Yesterday we dined very agreably with
our neighbours the Willis's. I see a great deal of my brother's family at Tonbridge,
which is a great happiness to me."

" Pembury, Novr ist, 1827.

My dear Julia, . . . My sister and the family are quite bonnie. Our
circle has been lately encreased by the arrival and domestication of Mr. Palmer,
a young man of property who is to act a short time as curate. He is very agreable
and quite an acquisition. I will deliver your message to Lady Hardinge when I
next see her. Mr. & Mrs. NouaUle & Anne spent the day with us yesterday, &

appeared in excellent spirits. I hope their affairs are mending

C. Hardinge."

In August, 1828, she describes her brother Richard's wedding ; it was very
pretty, the bridegroom in his Horse Artillery uniform cut a great dash, and the
pair started off to town in a carriage drawn by four grey horses. She goes on to
mention her own engagement to Capt. Palliser, R.H.A., who had been sta5dng at
Pembury for the last ten days. They had, provisionally, fixed on Woolwich as their
future home, where her brother Richard and Caroline Callendar, his wife, were to
reside. Mr. PaUiser had obtained his appointment the previous year. So much
interest had been made for it that the Duke of Wellington had been heard to say,
" It would be sufficient to gain the Bishoprick of Durham."

* She writes about this time regretting the necessity of decUning an invitation
to stay at Seal, before she settled down at Pembury for the winter. She had already
decUned invitations at Wildernesse and St. Clere, and could not very well accept
that of the Humphrys.

It appears that Jane Woodgate's health gradually dechned, though not without
rallies from time to time. Miss Humphry writes, in November, 1832,

" Mrs. Nouaille was so kind to visit my Mother yesterday immediately after
her return home. She called at Bounds to see Mrs. Stephen Woodgate and Jane,
who are still there, and you will be happy to hear Jane is so much better that every

THE REV. REGINALD STEPHEN SHAW WOODGATE of Pembury HaU.

473
hope is entertained of her recovery. Lady Hardinge shewed Mrs. Nouaille over the
house, which is ornamented with a number of family portraits. The one she most
admired was an excellent likeness of Sir Henry, invested with all his orders."

In April, 1833, Carohne Palliser (late Hardinge), writes from Keyham Point,
Devonport : —

"My poor niece Jane Woodgate I fear is in a precarious state, which I was not
aware of until three weeks ago, and I am very anxious to hear from her poor Mother
how she bears up under such a trying scene."

On 3rd December, 1833, Miss Humphry writes,

' ' The accounts of poor Jane Woodgate are most distressing and it is thought
she cannot survive many days. On Sunday week I was surprised to see Sir Charles
and Lady Hardinge at Seal Church. They were passing two nights at Wilderness
to meet Sir Henry and Lady Emily ; the following morning they all called upon us.
Lady Hardinge is as interesting and pleasing as ever. Neither of the brothers
have heard lately from our friend Mrs. PaUiser ; the last accounts were favourable
of herself and her youthful progeny. Mrs. Allnutt and Maria called upon us last
week ; they concluded their visit in the vicinity of London by passing two days
most agreably with Captn and Mrs. Hardinge at Woolwich. They went over the
arsenal, and saw everything calculated to interest strangers."

P.S. I have just received a note from Anne Nouaille communicating the
decease of poor Jane Woodgate. She breathed her last yesterday morning at nine
o'clock, without a struggle or a groan, and perfectly collected to the last. Mrs.
Nouaille, accompanied by her son Peter, is gone to Pembury to comfort and sym-
pathize with the afflicted parents, who are as composed as can be expected ; "

and again, on i6th December,

' ' We learn Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Woodgate support their afflicting loss with the
utmost resignation. In the hopeless state their lamented daughter had long lan-
guished, they must feel thankful her sufferings were not further protracted. Her
complaint was ascertained to be an internal abscess. Their son Frederick ten
days ago received his commission for the Army, and is shortly to join his regiment
stationed at Kilkenny. It arrived at a fortunate moment, to afford a little change
to the thoughts of his afflicted parents."

The Rev. Stephen Woodgate (d) died at Pembury on 29th January, 1844, and
was buried at Pembury. He was succeeded by his eldest son, the Rev. George
Stephen Woodgate, born in 1810, educated at Charterhouse and University College,
Oxford, where he took a third class in Classics. His first curacy was at Caversham
in Surrey, then at Headcorn ; after which he was for five years Curate to the Rev.
William Dodsworth, Vicar of Christ Church, Albany Street. This was the first
chiurch in which Dr. Pusey preached after his suspension. In the summer of 1843
he came to Pembury in consequence of his father's failing health, and remained with
him until his death, when he succeeded to the Vicarage. In 1846 he married Miss
Louisa Shaw (now living), daughter of Capt. Charles Shaw, R.N., and sister of the
late Sir John Shaw of Kenward, Bart.

During his incumbency a large and handsome Church was erected in the upper
part of the parish of Pembury, mainly through his exertions ; and the ancient l^wer
Church was completely restored. He died in 1871, and a beautiful stained glass

(i) The following story is related. It might have been included under the heading of " Ali

Baba," in the New Arabian Nights. Early in Stephen Woodgate's incumbency a travelling
merchant arrived at Pembury with some packhorses carrying what he represented as very
valuable merchandize. Not caring to entrust it to the servants at the Inn, where he intended
to put up for the night, he requested and obtained permission to leave his baskets in the Vicarage
hall. In the middle of the night, Stephen Woodgate was awakened by a rusthng downstairs ;
and beheld, to his amazement, a man emerge from one of the packs, and proceed to undo another
to release his confederate. Stephen seized him ; and after a vigorous struggle, with the assistance
of the footman, the robber was secured. Needless to say, the mysterious merchant never appeared
to claim his wares.

474

window has been placed in the East end of the old Church, to the memory of him
and of his father. His eldest son, the Rev. R. S. S. Woodgate, was subsequently
for several years Vicar of Pembury.

Mrs. Stephen Woodgate removed from Pembury to London, where she died
on 2nd May, 1854, in Hurd Street, Manchester Square, two months after the death
of her son William Hardinge Woodgate, Major 86th Regiment.

Writing of the event, a year later (January, 1855), Mrs. Palliser says : —

' ' 1 was greatly afflicted at the death of my only sister. Since her widowhood
& residence in London, we had seen so very much of each other that her loss was
very sad to me. Her sons that lived with her have taken a small house looking
into Hyde Park, and are keeping house together."

The letter is dated from the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich.

There had been left to Stephen Woodgate by his father an extensive property in
Pembury including the next presentation and perpetual advowson of the Vicarage
of Pembury, the Rectory impropriate and the great tithes, Pellet Gate Farm, Knights
Place, Gimble Grove (e), and other lands in the several parishes of Pembury, Tonbridge
Tudeley and Capel, and a substantial sum in<;ash. This property had been entailed ;
but as soon as George Woodgate attained twenty-one, he executed a disentailing
instrument to enable large slices of the land to be sold off to meet the extravagances
of one of his brothers, who had incurred very heavy debts ; nor was it much satisfaction
to know that similar debts were subsequently contracted. Lord Hardinge, the
trustee, at last stepped in and refused to sanction the sale of further property, other-
wise all might have gone.

Charles Henry Woodgate, the third son, educated at Charterhouse, obtained a
cadetship in India through the influence of his uncle Lord Hardinge. His subse-
quent career was as follows : —

1832. loth October. Writership.

1833. 27th January. Assistant to the Principal Collector and Magistrate of North

Arcot.

1835. 5th December. Acting Head Assistant to the Collector and Magistrate of

Trichinopoli.

1836. 26th January. Ditto, Coimbatore.

1838. 6th February. Head Assistant to the Collector and Magistrate of Trichinopoli.
1844. Proceeded on Furlough to England. Married Miss Alicia Shaw, eldest sister
of Mrs. George Woodgate.

1847. 20th January. Sailed for India.

1848. Subordinate Judge at Madura.

1855. Civil and Sessions Judge, Tinnevelly.

1856. 30th October. Died on board the Alina.

" In memory of

Charles Henry Woodgate

3rd son of the late Revd. Stephen Woodgate

Vicar of this Parish

Died at sea off Aden 30th October 1836.

Also of

Charles Shaw Campbell Woodgate

Eldest and dearly beloved son

of the above Charles Henry Woodgate

And Alice Frances his wife
died at Palamcottah in Southern India
after two days illness, 20th December 1855
aged 3 years and 3 months."

(e) The house known as Gimble Grove, and occupied by Mrs. George Woodgate, was built

by her after her husband's death. In some instances, as in the will of William Woodgate, it
is spelt Grimble; Hasted speaks of " Kynwell-grove-kopys." The correct spelling appears
to be Gimble, or Gimbel.

The late MES. WOODGATE, of Pembury Hall.

d sister of t!ie
ge's, Hanover
^ault.

iptimus Woodfi-ate, War
eace, b. 12 July 1822 ;
unmar. 22 May 1891 ;
ir. at Pembury.

Octavius Woodgate, d. infant ;
bur. at Pembury.

Herbert Woodgate, d. infant
10 Oct. 1820; bur. at Pembury.

Anna Maria, d. infant ; bur. at Pembury.

Frederick Woodgate, Capt., d. 24 June
1851 ; bur. at Pembury.

lau. of Thomas Henry Barton of
re, Ireland, by Charlotte his wife.
Lord Pluuket ; mar. 1881.

Florence Grace, mar., 1871,
William Hill, Civil Service,
Nova Scotia.

Marion Prederika Doug-
las, mar., 1871, Robie
Uniacke.

enry Plunket Woodgate,
sylon.

Sibyl Grace
Charlotte.

I
Mildred
Violet.

Lngela=T=Bernard E. Dali

ilary,

uar.

.893.

son, M.B., son of inge Wood-

I "^ I

George Hard-=f=Margaret, dau. of Alice Jane,

Rev. J. B. Dali

sonofUpwelland
Harriet Shaw
his wife.

gate, U.S.A

R B. Ronald of d. 8 Feb. Blanche,

Tunbridge Wells; 1903; bur. mar

mar. 1892. at Pem

Jf. bury.
Issue.

Cicely=rRev. George
Louis Lach-
lan. Vicar of
Tudely,
Kent.

1894

Dalison.

Cecil George.

Hugh Robert
Lachlan.

I I
Monica Mary.

Henrietta Harry.

I I

Vere William Woodgate.
Noel Shaw Lachlan.

I I
Verena Cicely.

Cynthia Margaret.

The late MRS. WOODGATE, of Pembury HaU.

[

SBooDgate of ^^emhurp.

SHEET No. VII.

Bev. Stephen "Woodgate, M..^

youngest son of William TVoodgate of Summerhill ;

privately at Tonbridge Nov. 1780; d. 29 Jan. 1844.

. 11 April 1809 ; d. 2 May 1854 ; bur. at Pembury in t

I Stephen=FLouisa Margaret, youngest s
.A., Vicar dau. of Capt. r " ~
tt. 22 June: of Sir John <
.pril 1871. . Bart., now of Gimble Grove, :
' mar. at Speldburst, Kent, i

viving William Hardinge Charles Henry Woodgate,=pAlicia Frances Shaw, Arthur Woodgate,

-.Trr .:,._.. -,,.. ,. ^ r, ^- ., . „ . ^^ ^^ Speldhurst b. 13 Dec. 1813;

iSep. 1846; d. at d. 20 June 1899;

;. Leonards Feb. bur. at Pembury.

18 July 1844; d. 9 May']
bur. at Pembury.

WarOaice,d. d. i

Octavius Woodgate, d. infant; Anna Maria, d. infant ; hi
bur. at Pembury. ~

— Frederick Woodgate, Ca

Herbert Wooiigate, d. infant 1851; bur. at Pembury.
10 Oct. 1820 ; bur.at Pembury.

t Pembury.
d. 24 June

Charles Shaw Campbell Woodgate, d. at
Palamcottah, South India, 20 Dec.
1855, aged 3 years and 3 months.

Gertrude Franc
mar.SlAprillS;
d. 3 Dec. 1879.

South Eaton Place, S.'V

Uau

dau. of Lord Plunket ;

lunket Woodgate, Sibyl Grace Mildred

EeT. Eeginald Ste-=pLydia Elizabeth, dau. Atrnes^

phen Shaw Wood- of Colonel William Louisa,

gate of Pemburv Meller of Broadlands, mar.

HaU, for several M.P. for Stafford; Nov.

yeareVicarofPem- , mar. 1880; d. Nov. 1872.

William Eomayne mar.
Callender of Maul- Aug.
deth Hall, M.P. for 1875.

Dublin.
William Barry.

=pArthur S. Tabor Ethel Margaret, mar.,' Angela^Bemard E. Dali- George Hard-=7=Margaret, dau. of
of Cheam, eldest 1909, Rev. Carleton Mary, son, M.B., * " ™ . ■- - - - -

son of Robert Rushleigh of Horton mar. Rev. J. B.

rge Hard-=7=M

Wood- I R.

, U.S.A. Ti

! Jane, Cicely^Eev. (

Tunbridge Wells;

Stephanie
Meller.

Cecil Margaret.
Evelyn Grace.
EsmeDeBrun.

Harold Stephen Bigg- Wither.
Ralph Woodgate Bigg- Wither.

April Much Had-

Monica Mary.
Henrietta Harry.

Tere William Woodgate.
Noel Shaw Lachlan.

:hH i:Uiii-U-

« 9£lJ J'^ .-■i-i--, -lav
•fodtiW i .^J*A. -Ixii

WyaiIoi,j;ii

vo^l jbid1fi«*«8: not
.Sitai .voTI ,ii. ;088I

.ntnH 'id hui?.'A .idJiaeifeO

Vr.8 .90KT

475

Arthur, the fourth son, obtained an appointment in the Civil Service, and rose
(we beheve) to be Post Master General at Halifax, Nova Scotia. There is a stone to
his memory at Pembury : —

" In loving memory of Arthur, son of the Revd. Stephen Woodgate, Vicar
of Pembury, Kent, born in 1813, died June 20th 1899; also of Grace Woodgate
his wife, born October 17th 18 19, died May 9th 1900."

Francis John, the sixth son, after taking his degree at Oriel, Oxford, in 1842,
entered the War Office ; and Septimus, another son, held a Government appointment
at Somerset House until compelled by ill health to relinquish it : both were bachelors.
The former died in Albion Street, Hyde Park, in 1865 ; the latter is commemorated
by a stone at Pembury.

"In loving memory of Septimus, son of the Revd. Stephen Woodgate,
Vicar of Pembury, Kent, and of Frances his wife, born July 12th 1822, died
May 32nd 1891."

The three next children died in infancy ; and the youngest, Capt. Frederick
Woodgate, died in London in 185 1.

It appears that all the family, except Charles, Arthur, and Septimus, were buried
in the family vault at Pembury, together with the remains of the Woodgates of
Spring Grove and some of the Summerhill famOy.

# * *

Since this was written and just before going to press, the death of Mrs. Reginald
Woodgate of Pembury Hall has occurred. She died on 14th November, 1909, and
was buried on 19th November in the family vault under the chancel at Pembury.
The photograph wliich accompanies this work was given as a memorial of her by her
husband, who has also given the remaining views of Pembury.

476

CHAPTER XVIII.
WOODGATES OF HAWKHURST AND HORSHAM.

PART I.

The Woodgates of Hawkhurst seem to have branched of[ from the family at
Chidingstone and Penshurst. Peter Woodgate, a cadet of the family (a son, probably,
of Walter Woodgate of Penshurst and Julian his wife (see p. ii) ; settled down at
Hawkhurst and founded a very flourishing branch at Hensill (a) which for many
generations was the principal family seat at Hawkhurst.

In 1543 Peter and Thomas Woodgate were residing in the Cranbrook Hundred,
and were assessed at £10 and £30 respectively. In 1549 Thomas dropped out, and
Peter was assessed at £40. In 1571 the assessment was ^^20. These figures are not
very significant except to show the relative wealth of those assessed ; and of the
sixty names or thereabouts in 1571, in the Great Barnfield Hundred, the richest
man was Richard Boys, £25 ; after him came Peter Woodgate with £20, then Henry
Parker with ;^i5. Some way down the list is Peter's eldest son, Edmund, with £6,
and Wniiam Austen with £8, with Hammonds, Chittendens, Mercers, HenseUs,
Austens, Springetts, and others.

Peter Woodgate was a Clothier or Cloth Worker, an industry carried on exten-
sively in the Cranbrook neighbourhood. So important was the clothier vote that
on election days the candidate who had their support was certain of being returned.
Kentish grey — the colour of the Kentish broadcloth — is still the county colour,
and the livery colour of many families whose ancestors were Clothiers. The facings
of the Kentish militia were of the same hue.

During the i6th century, forty-six Acts were passed by Parliament to regulate
the industry, which in 1568 was turning out 12,000 broadcloths a year. The Act
of 5 and 6 Edward VI declared that every broadcloth, when thoroughly wet, should
be 30 yards long, and in breadth 7 quarters at the leeist ; and when well scoured,
thicked, milled, and dried should weigh not less than 84 lbs.

^ A petition to Queen Elizabeth informs us that ' ' out of every cloth there groweth
to the poor for their relief and living, as to spinners, weavers and thickers, 50/- ;
and that the making of a broadcloth consisteth not in the travail of one or two
persons, but in a number, as of 30 or 40 persons, men women and children, at the
least."

The Chittendens of Lilsden, Hawkhurst, and the Austens, were famous Clothiers ;
and the ancestor of the Duke of Leeds (Sir Edward Osborne), was a Clothworker and
Lord Mayor of London.

(o) Hensill is one of the ancient Denes of Kent ; it was held of the Manor of Eastry, and gave

the name to a family, of whom one of the earliest members was Simon HenseUe of Hawkhurst,
hving temp. Hen. V. The wills of John and Margaret HeansiU of Hawkhurst, of 1464 and
1473 respectively, are at Somerset House. The original estate, in Peter Woodgate's time,
comprised the house, two messuages, and two hundred acres of meadow and woodland abutting
upon the Queen's High Street East ; a common pasture called Hawkhurst Moor, South ; lands
respectively of the heirs of James Dunk, Sir Richard Oakes, Knt., and Thomas Mercer, West ;
of the heirs of George Standen, and of Edmund Duke, and the heirs of Thomas Afford, West
and North ; lands of Thomas Evenden, Robert Grant, heirs of Nicholas Springett, highway,
and Stephen Beeching North and East; lands of Nicholas Goodman and Robert Jurden, North
and East ; and lands of Thomas Syseley, North.

A hurried and distant view, in the fading light of a November afternoon, would suggest
that the old house has been demolished and replaced by a very pretty building of white stone.
The situation is beautifuL

477
Peter Woodgate was constantly engaged in making judicious additions to his
property. By way of rounding off Hensill, he bought of Robert Jurden iia. of land
in 1560; of Thomas Syseley and wife and George Syseley in 1566, a house and 12a.;
of Robert Jurden and Johanna his wife in 1564, a house and 22a. ; to say nothing of
other purchases elsewhere, of which we have records.

In 1572, when Queen EHzabeth mustered her forces in consequence of the
massacres in France on St. Bartholomew's Day, Peter Woodgate was Captain of the
Hundred of Great Barnfield.

Peter Woodgate, by will dated 5th April, 1581, gave to the poor of Hawkhurst,
40/- ; to son Edmund, an annuity of £10 payable out of a messuage and 90a. at
Ticehurst and Etchingham called Luckers Down, and 30a. adjoining called Brooke's
Drove, purchased of Richard Abroke ; and subject thereto, the same lands to son
John the Elder in tail. John the Elder also had Hensill in tail and the bulk of its
contents, Glonedes, and other lands. Thomas was to have the goods, implements,
teynterd and household stuff at Delmynden. John the Younger and Edward were
each to have £20 as soon as they were 16, and ^^300 each on 27th December, 1594,
and 27th December, 1595, respectively, to be paid in the South porch of Hawkhurst
Church between the hours of eight of the clock in the forenoon and three in the
afternoon. These two sums were charged on Hensill ; and if either died, the survivor
was to take the whole. Henry was to have the ^^50 ' ' which is in Mr. Loftied his
maister's hands," and land in Slaugham in tail, with remainder in default of issue to
Peter's grandson Edward, son of Thomas, Woodgate. Son Peter was to have £$ at
16, and an annuity of £^ out of certain lands in Hawkhurst ; which lands, and other
lands next Gunster's Dene in Salehurst, land called Southafelden in Hawkhurst and
Tysehurst, and a field of 8a. between Northhale and Denbourne in Hawkhurst (pur-
chased of Syseley 's widow), and a legacy of ;^5 on attaining 16, were left to Arthur in
tail. Daughter Cara Bates, 40/- to buy a ring, the same to Thomas son of John
Woodgate of Hawkhurst and John son of Thomas Woodgate. To every servant,
5/- and wages. Grand-daughter Margaret Austen, £5 on marriage. Wife Catherine,
all leaseholds, certain bonds and residue of personalty, also the life estate in Rowlands
in Hawkhurst, purchased of Thomas Mercer, and after her death to John the elder ;
also a life estate in lands and tenements called Syseley's in Hawkhurst, purchased
of Thomas Syseley, and in other lands, which after her death were to go to Selwyn in
tail, with remainder over to Arthur in tail. Wife executrix ; and if she remarry,
to execute a bond in ^f 1,000, with two sureties, for the due execution of the will.
William Austen of Goudhurstand Arthur Stizzye of Hawkhurst, sons in law. Trustees.

Witnesses : Richard Hertop, Richard Boys, William Playfere, Andrew Beeching
and others (6).

(6) Peter Woodgate of Hensill, Hawkhurst, Lord of the Manor of Delmynden, Capt of Great

Barnfield Hundred, had issue by Joan his wife

1. Joan, bu. 1562.

2. Edmund, b. circa 1551, m. Micholl.. (marriage settlement dated 30th June, 1577).

3. Thomas of Delmynden, Hawkhurst, of Battle, 1581, of Withiam, 1588, of Hartfield.

1609 (will), m. Beatrice dau. of Thomas Ehynton of Hoggaston by Beatrice his wife,
dau. of Sir Edward Bray of Shere ; he left issue

(a) Edward, mentioned in his grandfather's wiU.

(b) Edmund.

(d) Joanna, m. Thomas Allen of London and Finchley.

(e) Thomas, of Rotherfield in 1611.

(f) Sarah, b. about 1595; hcence to be married at Tunstall 18th January, 1621
to George Juxon of Chart next Sutton and of Tunstall, Kent (related to Richard
Juxon of Canterbury) ; had issue Dorothy, and Sarah m. Thomas Barker of Chart
next Sutton.

4. a dau. m. Arthur Stizzye.

478

On Peter's death, an Inquisition was held before Richard Leatheford, Esq.,

6. John the Elder of Lamberhurst, m. Joan sister of John Wimshurst of Goudhurst. Bu.
in church at Lamberhurst. Will pr. at London 16th August, 1598 ; mentions " cousin
John Woodgate of Brenchley ; " left issue

(a) John (e) Mary, under 21 in 1598.

(b) Thomas. (f) Joan, under 21 in 1598

(d) Edward.

6. Ehzabeth m. October, 1560, Wilham Austen of Goudhurst.

Joan Woodgate was bu. December, 1560, whereupon Peter Woodgate m. 2nd in February,
1561, Catherine, dau. of — Giles, and had issue,

7. Cara, m. — Bates.

8. John, bapt. 13th October, 1564, d. young.

9. Henry ; had issue Mary, living in 1590.

10. Rev. Peter Woodgate, bapt. 21st December, 1565, B.A. 1578, Chaplain of New College,
Oxford, bu. in Queen's College Chapel, 4th November, 1590, unm.

11. John, bapt. 11th June, 1567, d. young.

12. John the Younger, of whom presently.

13. Edward, bapt. December, 1570, left issue

(a) Ehzabeth, bapt. September, 1599.

(b) Wilham, bapt. December, 1602.

14. Arthur of Horsham (see p. 485).

15. Selwyn of Hastings. Administration granted 15th January, 1590, s.p.

16. A daughter m. — Culpepper.

Peter Woodgate d. in 1580 ; will pr. at London 3rd May, 1581. His widow married in Feb-
ruary, 1581, John Lumford of Hastings, Jurat ; he was bu. at St. Clements, Hastings, 24th
June, 1617, she 9th November, 1590, leaving issue.

Peter Woodgate was succeeded by

John Woodgate the Younger of Hensill, bapt. December, 1568, bu. 11th November, 1633;
Left issue by Ahce his wife

1. Thomas of Hensill, bapt. October, 1595, will pr. at London 16th October, 1656, unm.

2. Daniel of Hawkhurst, Citizen and Scrivener of London, of whom presently.

3. Cicely, m. 4th March, 1620, Nathaniel Chittenden of Hawkhurst and had issue Nathaniel ;

m. 2nd Thomas Russell.

4. Peter.

5. John, bapt. 7th July, 1633, m

6. Edward, died 1638-54, leaving issue by Sarah his wife,

(a) John. (d) Steven.

(b) Edward of London. (e) Daniel.

7. Samuel of Hawkhurst, bapt. 1600, wiU pr. at London, 14th October, 1658, unm.

8. Joseph of St. Christopher, London, d. unm. 1638. Nuncupative will dated 27th May,

pr. 5th June, 1638.

9. WiUiam.

10. Ehzabeth, m. 18th July, 1640, at St. Clements, Hastings, Rev. Martin Fist of Win-
chelsea, afterwards of Sellington ; had (among other issue) Mary.

11. Jane, bapt. 2nd October, 1625, m. Thomas Peachey, formerly of West Dean and then.

of Forington, Sussex.

12. Arabella, bapt. 23rd September, 1627.

13. Katherine, bapt. 3rd January, 1629, m. Joseph Boorman of Hawkhurst, and had issue

Katherine and Joseph.

14. Mary, m. John David of Beckley, and had issue Margaret, Thomas, and Mary.
Daniel Woodgate of Hawkhurst, Citizen and Scrivener of London, m. Mary, dau. of Robert

Grosvenor, Citizen and Draper of London ; his will pr. at London 13th January, 1680, hers
4th December, 1697 (she was bu. 18th October, 1697, aged 71). He left issue

1. Thomas, of whom presently.

2. Daniel, bu. 31st January, 1665.

3. Robert, b. 2nd May, bapt. 25th May, 1665.

4. Sarah, b. 20th July, bapt. 5th August, 1667, bu. 2l3t September, 1669.

5. Frances, hving 1697.

6. Peter of Hawkhurst b. 2nd October, bapt. 25th October, 1672, m. Deborah — bu.
22nd April, 1698, administration granted 4th May, 1698.

7. Ehzabeth, b. 20th December, 1673, bapt. 9th January, 1674.

Thomas of Hensill, b. 1602, m. Anne dau. of the Rev. Stephen Munn, Rector of Woodchuroh.
He was bu. 19th January, 1715 (died 14th January), aged 61, she 19th December, 1740, aged 88,
leaving issue

1. Daniel, b. 28th December, 1683, bapt. 15th January, 1684, d. young.

2. Anne, b. 16th January, bapt. 12th February, 1685.

479

Escheator for the County, and a jury, to ascertain what lands Peter held of the King in
capite. The return mentioned the Manor of Lewens and 8oa. in Hailsham ; i6a.
Woodland called North Heath in Hailsham, parcel of the Manor of Michelham ;
Stone Croft in Hailsham ; i6a. in Hailsham (part of 23a., of which 4a. was held of Sir
Thomas Sackville, Knt., Lord Burghersh, of his Manor of Wyllingdon in free socage,
and 3a. of Elizabeth Hurst, widow) ; two messuages and 140a. in Etchingham and
Ticehurst called Tuckers Downe and Brookes, held of Sir Roger Lewkenor, Knt., as
of his manor of Bodyham in free socage ; a bam and 2a. in Ticehurst ; and 26a.
in Etchingham and Salehurst. The ancient rents, which were almost nominal,
amounted together to £14 los., that of the Manor of Lewens being £6 13s. 4d.

Edmund, at his father's death, was the eldest son, being then 29 years of age
and upwards (" et amplius ").

Many of the children had been handsomely provided for in their father's life-
time. Thus, in 1559, Peter Woodgate seems to have settled on his daughter, Eliza-
beth Austen, a messuage and 133a. in Goudhurst, of which 20a. was planted with
valuable timber. (See Pedes Finium, Michaelmas Term, i Eliz.) Again, by an
Indenture of Feoffment dated 30th June, 1577, property was conveyed to Richard
Boys of Hawkhurst, Gent., William Play fere of Hawkhurst, Gent., and Andrew
Beeching of Hawkhurst, Clothier, in trust for Edmund Woodgate and Micholl his
wife. In 1608 an Edmund Woodgate of Maresfield married by licence Margery
Pankhurst of Fletching, widow. From the terms of the will of Arthur Woodgate
(p. 486) it seems likely that this Edmund was the son of Peter.

Catherine Woodgate, the widow, within a year re-married John Lumford or
Lunsford of the town and port of Hastings, a jurat and a man of some note. The
family trace an unbroken descent from the time of Edward the Confessor, and
their chief abode was a large old house at East Hoatliley, called Wights, where Sir
John Lumford died in 1618. Catherine Lumford seems to have died in 1590, having
had one daughter, Grace. Her Lumford stepchildren were Robert, John, and a
daughter Bennett. The name of Giles is not uncommon in Sussex ; their arms are,
" Per pale, azure and gules, a griffin passant or." It is not known who Catherine
Giles was ; she might have been the daughter of Richard Giles of Cranbrook, or
have come from Hailsham.

Edmund appears to have had no male issue ; John the Elder settled at Lamber-
hurst, and conveyed away Hensill to his brother John the Younger, of whom presently.
Arthur was ancestor of the Woodgates of Horsham and Lewes whose history appears
hereafter. Edward was churchwarden in 1598, when the Registers were first started,
and the former entries transcribed ; he purchased a book for thirty-six shillings,
and signs at the foot of each page.

3. Sarah, b. 30th August, bapt. 15th September, 1686, d. 14th January, bu. 2l8t Jaauary,

1742.

4. Thomas, b. 6th April, bapt. 1st May, 1687.

6. Cordelia, bapt. 29th October, 1689, m. Thomas Hunt, of Goudhurst (marriage licence
dated 27th April, 1719).

6. James of Hawkhurst, bapt. Ist November, 1691, bu. 18th April, 1728, leaving iBSue by

his wife,

(a) William, bapt. 20th October, 1722.

(b) Mary, bapt. 16th November, 1724.

7. Peter.

Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst bapt. 28th June, 1695, m. Christian — . He d. 30th January
bu. 3rd February, 1757, she d. 22nd January, 1790, aged 91, leaving issue

1. Thomas, bapt. 6th February, 1745.

2. Walter, bapt. 17th February, 1737, bu. 27th June, 1740.

3. Anne, bapt. 8th February, 1736, m. 8th August, 1764, Mercer son of Samuel Durrani

of Hawkhurst, and d. 20th December, 1811, leaving issue

(a) Samuel Woodgate Durrant of Hazleden, d. 8th June, 1834, aged 68, and
(b-h) William, Anne, Thomas, Barbara, Mary, Elizabeth, and John.

48o

The Rev. Peter Woodgate, one of the younger sons, matriculated at Queen's
College, Oxford, in March, 1585-6, took his degree two years later, and became
Chaplain of New College. He died at the early age of twenty-six, and was buried in
the College Chapel, where, upon the North wall, near the door leading to the tower,
was this inscription : —

" Heus, Peripatetice,

Conde tibi tumulum, nee fide haeredis amori

Epitaphiumque compara.

Mortuus est, nee erint hbris haec verba ducentis,

Woodgatus hie sepultus est."

Camden says : " In the cloister of New College in Oxford, this following is
written with a coal for one Woodgate, who bequeathed ;^200 to one who would not
bestow a plate for his memorial. . . ."

Gutch says : ' ' He, being born to an estate, gave in his will to his executor Mr.
Robert Smith of Bucknell in this county an estate valued at above ^^200 and to
his daughter Grace Smith ^^loo, besides legacies. He also left sums of money to be
given to poor people, and to one Thomas Hudson of this College (New) he gave
^6 8 6 to buy him books. Also the like sum to Benjamin Hey don, a junior FeUow,
afterwards Schoolmaster of Winchester, Doctor of Divinity and Dean of Wells,
which was to be employed for the same purpose. Legacies also he bequeathed to
several people, of which some amounted to ;^20, some to £10, others also to ^^5,
iZ' £2, £1, and los. All which money so bequeathed not procuring from the executors
or any of the legatees a little memorial to be put over his grave, Mr. John Hoskeyns
Senior, a most celebrated wit of this College, was pleased to write the aforesaid
epitaph on the wall near the grave, with a coal; a copy of which epitaph, being
afterwards by him given to his most worthy friend, the learned Camden, he did as
most worthy of memory and fit for this purpose insert it among his epitaphs in his
book entitled " Remains," published in 1604.

The said inscription, being afterwards worn out, was revived with red ocher,
and at length painted in red and black letters, by the care and charge of the worthy
philosopher and theologist Mr. Robert Grebby of Lincolnshire, then one of the chap-
lains of this college, who dying in the year 1654 was buried near to it."

By the will of the Rev. Peter Woodgate, dated 31st October, and proved at London,
27th November, 1590, he gives various small legacies (as mentioned) to his Mother ;
brother John the Elder, and John's child ; John the Younger; Edward and Arthur ;
children of brother Thomas ; Mary daughter of Henry Woodgate (£20) ; sister
Grace Lumford ; sister Culpepper ; Dr. Alworthe " in consideration of his paines " ;
Robert son of George Limpe ; Christopher Bud, Fellow of St. Mary's College ; poor
of Hawkhurst ; poor of Hallowell and Calstreet in Oxford ; the prisoners at Easter ;
and the prisoners in the town gaol, Borardo by name. Robert Smith executor ;
Mr. Edmund Pope and Mr. Watson to be overseers and each have £4 for a ring.
Witnessed by James Culpepper. The Warden of New College was Martin Culpepper,
Doctor of Physic, Dean of Chichester (1577), and Archdeacon of Berks (1588).

Thomas, second son of Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst, is of some interest to
the Woodgates of Summerhill. That eminent and learned antiquary, the Rev.
Thomas Streatfeild, deduces a somewhat remarkable ancestry for the family from
Thomas Woodgate, whom he represents as having married Beatrice Elrington in
1577. His son Edward was, he states, the father of Wilham Woodgate of Stonewall,
who married and had issue in 1603. Thus he allows twenty-six years for the birth
of two generations ! Streatfeild's theory is not merely wrong but impossible. It
is seldom, however, that he is guilty of error ; and it is refreshing to feel that, in matters
of this kind, even the highest authorities are liable to mistake. Aliquando dormit
Homerus.

481

Thomas Woodgate married Beatrice daughter of Thomas Elrington of Hoggaston,
otherwise Hoxton, descended from Sir John Elrington of Shoreditch, Knt., a man
of great consequence. He was Treasurer of the Household, Keeper of the Kmg s
Wardrobe Constable of Windsor Castle, Clerk of the Hanaper in Chancery, and so
forth and married Margaret daughter and coheir of Thomas Etchmgham of Etch-
ingham. His son Edward belonged to the Privy Chamber ; and his grandson Simon
was chief butler to Edward IV. Thomas, son of Simon, married Beatrice daughter
of Sir Edward Bray the Elder of Shere, Master of the Ordnance and leader of the
troops who attacked Wyatt at Charing Cross. Beatrice Elrington's father died in
1566- by his will, he appointed Sir William Cordell the Master of Rolls, and Sir James
Dyer Chief Justice of the Commons Pleas, his Trustees. His eldest son, Edward,
married Margaret daughter of Sir John Spencer of Althorpe, and widow of Sir Giles
AUington, and had issue.

The marriage settlement, dated 24th June, 1577. was made between Peter
Woodgate of Hawkhurst, Gent., and Catherine his wife of the one part, and Edward
Elrington of Willesden, Esq., and Thomas Fortescue of London, Gent., of the other
part • whereby a hfe estate in Delmynden, Webbs, Dyers, and other lands m Hawk-
hurst and also lands in Hailsham, Pevensev and elsewhere, was reserved to Peter ;
and subject thereto, the fee simple was conveyed to Elrington and Fortescue, m
trust for Thomas Woodgate and Beatrice Elrington and the survivor of them and the
heirs of their body (c) We are indebted for the following account of the Manor of
Delmynden to the late Mr. Thomas Frewen of Cold Overton.

' ' There appear to have been twelve Denes, which were held of the Royal
Manor of Wye, seven of which were situate in the parish of Hawkhurst. (Kilburne,
p 130) One of those was the manor and capital messuage called Delmynden, ^yhlch
was in ancient times the patrimony of an eminent family of that name who flourished
here about the reign of Edward HI. The portraiture of Delmynden and his wife
both kneeling, was formerly to be seen in stained glass in the North aisle of Hawkhurst
Church till the rebeUion in 1641, which together with the principal inhabitants
of the place represented in the stained windows in the same posture could not escape
the destructive principles of the times.

In the 13th of Henry VIII (1522), May 8, Richard Adams of Fletching in Sussex
was possessed of this Manor, leasing it to one Weever ; from him it descended to
Stephen Adams of Alborne in Sussex, Esq., who on 21 April. 3 Edward VI (1549).
being then of Fletching, sold the Hall and Manor of Delmynden to Peter Woodgate

of Hawkhurst, Gent "

On 23rd April, 30 Elizabeth, 1598, Thomas Woodgate. being then of Withiam,
Sussex, and Beatrice his wife, conveyed Delmynden, Webbs, and Dyers to George
Scott of Hawkhurst for £1,500. It remained for some time with the Scott taniUy,
and was eventuaUy purchased in 1746 by Thomas Mercer, from whom it passed to
the Frewens, who still are (unless they have recently parted with it), the worthy
possessors of this estate. Delmonden Manor, as it is now called, is a fine old house yet
standing.

The will of Thomas Elrington {d) of Dean Court, Kent, brother of Beatrice, dated
1602 mentions a debt of £250 owing to his nephew Edward Woodgate ; he mentions
Thomas Allen, " servant of Sir John Roper," Mr. Boys of Cliffords Inn and a
number of legatees ; and by it he gives the residue of his property to his sister Beatrice
Woodgate. He gives directions for his burial in Savoy Church, as near to his brother
as possible, with a grave and four escutcheons of arms like his brother's, the latter

'ic) The fine levied in Hilary Term, 21 EUz. describes Delmynden as consisting of the Manor

and its appurtenances, 2 messuages, 4 bams, 3 gardens, 7 orchards, 50a. arable land, 23a. meadow,
50a. pasture, and 17a. of wood, with the appurtenances, in Hawkhurst.

(d) The arms of Ehnngton are " Argent, on a fess dancettd three plates, between six cranes

sable."

482

with the difference of a younger brother ; also an inscription in brass ' ' Many deceitfull
people have prevailed against us ; Lett them rest in peace, O Lord, and be mercifull
unto us." He had contracted for the sale of his manor of Dean Court in Kent to
Sir John Roper.

Sir John Roper belonged to the same family as the celebrated Margaret Roper,
daughter of Sir Thomas More. Her daughter Elizabeth married Sir Edward Bray
the younger, Beatrice Woodgate's uncle ; his first wife was an Elrington.

In November, 1581, Edmund and Thomas Woodgate, both described as of
Battle, " Gent," enter into a bond for £1,000. In 1598 Thomas is of Withiam.
In September, 1609, when he makes a nuncupative will, he is of Hartfield. He gives
all his personal estate to his wife ; " and I will," he says, ' ' that out of the last my
childrens portions shall be satisfied, as I have told you how, and my debts all be
satisfied ; and if my sons Edmund or Robert demand of you anything, let them be an-
swered only how many hundred pounds they have which their father has given them
these four years. . . And the said Thomas Woodgate then further said to his
wife that he appointed her to be Executrix to execute and perform these things
so willed by him, and that for her ease and aid in that behalf he did join as an
assistant or helper unto her his brother John Woodgate, who said he was an honest
man at liberty, and is and always hath been a kind friend and loving brother both
to me and you. And that the said Thomas Woodgate, speaking to his wife, said that
before God he blessed you and their children. And I give God thanks that he hath
permitted me to speak. These or the like words in effect and substance were shewed
and spoken by the said Thomas Woodgate."

This will was proved by Beatrice, the widow, at Lewes on 21st December, 1609 ;
two years later letters of administration to her estate were taken out by her son
Thomas Woodgate of Rotherfield. She then had been living at Rotherfield.

John Woodgate the Younger in 1631 was obliged to pay £11 to avoid being
knighted ! In these days, people pay any sum to obtain it ! He seems to have
acquired Hensill of his brother John the elder. There is an old MS, pedigree at
the British Museum of his descendants, constructed mainly by the aid of his will,
but we cannot find the will itself. He was succeeded in Hensill by his son Thomas,
who on ist February, 1654 conveyed it to Angley Fowler, Esq., Robert Fowle,
Gent., and John Horsmonden, Gent, upon various trusts, the place devolving event-
ually on his nephew Thomas Woodgate.

Thomas the Elder, by will dated 13th June, 1654, gave a number of legacies. To
the poor of Hawkhurst, £3 ; brother Samuel, £$ annuity ; sister Cicely Russell, £10 ;
nephew Nathaniel Chittenden, £50 ; sister Jane Peachy, £40 ; Katherine Boorman,
£40 ; and £10 each to her two children ; niece Mary Fist, daughter of Rev. Martin
Fist, £100 at 18 ; sister Mary David, £5 ; nephew Thos. David £10 and niece Mary
David, £40, at 21 ; Edward, Stephen and Daniel, sons of brother Edward deceased,
£20 each at 24 ; John son of Edward, £50 ; Thomas son of Edward, £100, and £10
annuity ; Elizabeth daughter of Peter Hinton of Newenden, £10 at 21 ; Sarah wife
of Thomas Barker, £5 ; Dorothy daughter of George Jackson, deceased, £5 ; brother
Daniel the residuary legatee and sole executor. Fowler, Fowle and Horsemonden,
trustees. Witnessed by William and Samuel Boys, Edward Godwin and Florice
Cooke. Proved by Daniel.

Samuel Woodgate, by will dated 25th September, 1657, gave to Meury and Mar-
garet David £20 and a small chest of linen ; sister Cicely Russell of Boorn £5 ; nephew
Thomas Woodgate of Burwash £5 ; EHzabeth daughter of Peter Hinton £5 ; nephew
Edward Woodgate of London £5 ; the Boormans, £40 ; Dorothy Juxon, cozen,
20/- as a token of remembrance ; residue to the Peachys, Thomas Peachy sole
executor. Witnesses : Sarah Barber, Dorothy Juxon, Thomas Barber. Proved
by Thomas Peachy.

483

Daniel Woodgate was a Citizen and Scrivener of London. By his will, dated
27th May, 1680, and prepared by George Townrow of St. Mary, Alderman of London,
he directed his debts to be paid, and the residue of his personalty divided into three
parts " according to the lawdable usage and custome of the Citty of London, one
such part to my loving wife Mary, one to my four loving children, Robert, Peter,
Frances and Elizabeth Woodgate equally at 21 (I having already paid unto sonne
Thomas Woodgate his part and portion) at 21 years of age, and as to the remaining
third as followeth ; " i.e. to poor of Hawkhurst, where Daniel dwelt, ,^3 ; son Robert,
^150 at 22 ; son Peter, ^^150 at 22 ; daughter Frances, £6co, and £100 left her by
her late grandmother ; daughter Elizabeth, :^5oo. Residue of the third to wife
Mary. Wife Mary (besides the jointure secured by the marriage settlement), a
farm in Hawkhurst and lands called the Stileman for life, with remainder to son
Thomas. Thomas to have a farm at Highgate, Hawkhurst ; two other farms and
loa, of land called Darbothrue near Stone Stile lands, with the orchard barn and i8a.
thereto belonging. Peter to have a farm of 45a. at Sandhurst purchased of Robert
Chagstock, in tail male, with remainders over to Thomas and Robert. Robert
to have a farm of 6oa. in Sandhurst in tail with remainders over. Wife Mary and
son Thomas, executors and guardians.

Witnessed by Samuel Grosvenor, Nicholas Lane, and George Townrow Noy.

Mary Woodgate of Hawkhurst widow, by will dated i6th August, 1683, gave
£5 for funeral expenses ; son Thomas, ^^5 ; daughter Frances, twelve pence ; William
Lanes, son of brother William Lanes, Citizen and Haberdasher of London, £5 ; and
Elizabeth daughter of William Lanes, £5 ; son Robert, £250 at 21 ; son Peter ^^250
at 21 ; Robert, Peter and Elizabeth, all movable goods at 21. Lands in Hawkhurst,
lately purchased of son Thomas, to daughter Elizabeth at 21. Brother William
Lanes and son Thomas, executors and residuary legatees.

She was buried at Hawkhurst, near her husband. There was in Kilburn's
time a flat stone in the Church to commemorate Daniel Woodgate ; but it is now gone.

This is the last of the Hawkhurst Wills in our possession. Thomas, of Hensill,
eldest son of Daniel, married (e) Ann daughter of the Rev. Stephen Munn, Rector of
Woodchurch. Her father, it seems, was a son of Samuel, and nephew of John Munn
of Woodchurch. The arms of the family are ' ' Per chevron, flory counter flory
sable and or, in chief three bezants ; in base a tower of the first." One of the family,
Capt. Thomas Munn, was Member for Hastings ; his son, the Rev. Vere Munn,
was for 22 years Vicar of Bodiam and died in 1736,

Thomas Woodgate lies buried just outside the south porch, where there is a
large altar tombstone to his memory. The inscription is much defaced by time and
exposure ; and much of it is now illegible. Such of it as can be deciphered reads
as follows : —

" Here lieth the body of Thomas Woodgate Gent, oi' Hensill in this parish,

who departed this life the 14th of January Anno Domini 1714 aged 61

daughter of Stephen Munn, Rector of W^oodchurch in this County

Dawchett Peter "

Near it axe two smaller stones, inscribed as follows : —

"To the memory of Peter Woodgate Gent, who died Jan. 30th 1757
aged 62 years. Christian Woodgate died January 22nd 1790 aged 91 years.
Left issue by Christian his wife one daughter Ann ; also near this place lieth
2 of their sons, Walter and Thomas ;

and: —

" To the memory of Sarah daughter of Thomas Woodgate Gent, by Ann
his wife who died Jan. the 14th 1742 aged 36 years."

(«) Marriage Licence issued from Canterbury. Thomas Woodgate of Hawkhurst Grent.,

Bachelor, about 29, and Anne Munn of Woodchurch, Spinster, about 24."

484

In Lady Jennings' work, A Kentish Country House, which is an account
of the Jennings of Hall House, Hawkhurst, is a letter from Margaret Saxby to her
cousin Nathaniel Collier of December, 1666 ; " I will get Mr. Steve Woodgate to
bye me a side saddle, I want one exceedingly and can be without one no longer,
and next wick or when yee please send me a bil and I wil set my hand to yt."

Steve Woodgate was son of Edward, nephew of Daniel, We are informed that
there are still Woodgates at Hawkhurst, of humble rank indeed, but generally
esteemed by their neighbours. We apprehend that they are descended, not from
the Hensill family, but from one of those numerous persons named in the registers
who cannot be fitted into the pedigree. Subscribed is a list (/).

(/)

Extracts from Hawkhurst
Baptisms. —
1561. May 18.
November 25.

1563. May 28.

1564. January 17.
June 10.

1565. April 23.

1566. January 12.
May
October,

1567. December.

1568. February.

1569. February.
1574. January.
1578. February.
1583. March.

1590. December,

1591. January,
April.

1593. December 23.
1595, December.

1598, August.

1599, October,

1601. January.

1602. May,

1603. October,

1605. July.

1606. September.
1608. January.
1635, June 7.
1725, July 4.
1795. May 24,

Marriages.

1563. February.

1571. Jime.

1590. October.

1592. April.
1598. August.
1632. April 9.
1634. June 1.
1681, May 26.
1765, December 25.

1770. January 3.

Burials.

1560. November,

March 23.

May 14.

December 31,

January.

February.

1563.
1565.

1575.

Parish Registers.

Elizabeth, daughter of John Woodgate.
Thomas, son of Richard Woodgate.

daughter of Richard Woodgate.

Thomas, son of John Woodgate.
Joan, daughter of George Woodgate.
John, son of Richard Woodgate.
Elinor ( ? ) daughter of John Woodgate.
John, son of Richard Woodgate.
George, son of George Woodgate.
Nicholas, son of John Woodgate.
MjToU, daughter of Richard Woodgate.
Ann, daughter of George Woodgate.
Robert, son of George Woodgate.
Mercie, daughter of George Woodgate.
Agnes, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Peter, son of George Woodgate.
Peter, son of William Woodgate.
Mary, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Martha, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Sarah, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
John, son of Thomas Woodgate.
EUzabeth, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Mary, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Woodgate,
Joan, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.
Edmund (?) son of Thomas Woodgate.

daughter of Thomas Woodgate.

Margaret, daughter of Thomas Woodgate.

Thomas, son of John Woodgate and Dorothea his wife.
Thomas, son of John and Ann Woodgate.
WilUam, son of WiUiam and Mary Woodgate.
as far as 1810.

George Woodgate and Jane {blank).
WiUiam Casson and Sarah Woodgate.
Thomas Woodgate and Mary Sampson.
Richard Bullock and Ahce Woodgate.
Thomas Woodgate and Joan Ser. . . .(?).
Thomas Nake and EUzabeth Woodgate.
Thomas Austen and Katharine Woodgate.
Thomas Chittenden, Clothier, and Joan Woodgate.
John Woodgate and Eleanor Buckland, both of Hawkhurst,
by Banns.

(John Woodgate writes good signature ; his wife a marksman).
Henry Stevenson of Hastings and Eleanor Woodgate of this parish.
To 1795.

John Woodgate.

WilUam, yoimg servant to John Woodgate.

John, son of Richard Woodgate.

Joan, daughter of George Woodgate.

Richard Woodgate.

— Woddgate.

Burial

Is —continued.

1579.

June.

1598.

September.

1603.
1640.
1734.

1808.
1825.

January.
April 9.
September 16.
May 2.
March 21.

1827.

November 12.

1835.

July 31.
November 28.

1838.

June 7.

485

It only remains to add that the arms of Woodgate of Hawkhurst, as given by
Hasted, are " On a chevron cotised three trefoils slipped, between three squirrels
sejant." Streatfeild, who had the advantage of consulting the arms on monimients
now gone, states that Hasted mistook the outlines of the chevron for cotises, and
that the charges were not trefoils but acorns. The crest was simply an acorn.

PART n.

Arthur Woodgate of Horsham (in 1600 living at Withiam) was a younger son of
Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst. His first wife was Joan Rejmolds of Goudhurst
of whom we have no particulars. His second wife was a Ravenscroft (a).

Anne, daughter of John Woodgate.
Elizabeth Woodgate.
Jane (Joane) wife of George Woodgate.
George Woodgate.
Thomas Woodgate.
John Woodgate. Labourer.
Ann Woodgate, widow.
Sarah Woodgate, aged 3 months.
Ann Woodgate, Four Wents (?) aged 35.
George Woodgate, of London, aged 27.
George Woodgate, of Hawkhurst, aged 60.
EUzabeth Woodgate, infant,
To 1852.

The pedigree of this branch is as follows : —

Arthur Woodgate of Horsham, younger son of Peter Woodgate of Hawkhurst, bapt. June,
1574, m. 1st at Goudhurst, 16th November, 1597. Joan Reynolds (sister of Joseph) of Goudhurst ;
and 2nd Elizabeth dau. of Peter Ravenscroft of Horsham, Gentleman of the Horse to the Duke
of Norfolk. He died in 1646 (will dated 31st January, 1641, pr. at London 1st June, 1646),
leaving issue

1. Arthur of Slaugham, eldest son, d. April, 1669 (will dated 6th August, 1667), leaving
issue

(a) George, d. imm., administration granted 4th August, 1658.
(6) Various daughters died young.

2. Richard, administration granted to widow Mary.

3. Henry, of whom presently.

4. John of Horsham, Attomey-at-law, m. at Horsham in 1670 Barbara Merryan.

5. Elizabeth, m. John Rowland of Crawley. Licence dated 28th January, 1635, to be
at Slaugham.

6. Judith. 7. Mihill. 8. Jane, m. John Foye.
Henry Woodgate, of Horsham in 1670, of Bins ted, Hants, in 1673, left issue

1. John Woodgate of the Middle Temple, b. 1652, matriculated at Trinity College, Oxford,
1670 ; entered at the Temple, 1673 ; m. at All Saints, Lewes, on 10th April, 1679,
Dorothy Lane of Southover, and had issue Elizabeth, bom about 1686. He died
13th February, 1693 (will dated 20th June, 1692).

2. a son, m. Deborah, dau. of — (her sister Henrietta m. Rev. Joseph Munday). Admin-
istration of Deborah Woodgate granted 7th October, 1695.

3. A son (name imknown).
The latter had issue

1. George, of whom presently, and

2. John Woodgate of St. Thomas on the Cliff, Lewes, who had issue Thomas, of the
same place (whose will was dated 6th March, 1773, and proved at London, by his
father, 7th July, 1777).

George Woodgate of Lewes, m. the dau. of the Rev. Thomas Davies, Vicar of Glynde from
1750-1789, and had issue

1. Robert, of whom presently.

2. Mary, m. 27th January, 1770, John Thompson Bull of Spring Gardens, London.

3. A daughter, m. 5th December, 1791, Henry Harben of Lewes, second son of Mr. Harben,
Banker.

4. A daughter, m. Alderman Coomber of Norwich.

5. George Woodgate of Downham, Essex, who had issue
George Woodgate of Bloomfield Hall, Essex, m. Susannah Maiden and had issue

(i) Jane.

(ii) JuUa, m. E. A. BentaU.

486

Her father, Peter son of George Ravenscroft, was Gentleman of the Horse to
the Duke of Norfolk ; he married Elizabeth daughter of John Hall of Horsham,
and heiress to her only brother John Hall. The other children of Peter Ravenscroft
were, George of Bretton in Co. Flints ; a daughter, who married Richard Mihill of
Horsham ; and John, of Horsham, bapt. 1571, married to Judith daughter of George
Feme, by whom he had issue (i) Jane wife of Henry Budger of Ashurst ; (?) Elizabeth,
married firstly William Richbell, and secondly Daniel Briggs of London, (3) Anne,
married to Thomas Petley, son of Petley of Filson, Shoreham ; (4) Mary married
Nicholas Sheppard, attorney at law ; and (5) Hall Ravenscroft, married to Elizabeth
daughter of John Stapley of Hixestede, Twyneham, Sussex, and had issue Elizabeth.

The arms of Ravenscroft are ' ' A chevron between three Ravens heads erased ; "
and they quarter the arms of Holland, Skevington, Brickhill and Swettenham.
Crest : On a chapeau gules, lined ermine, a lion passant guardant.

Arthur Woodgate occupied a position of some prominence. He was one of
those, in the time of Charles I, liable to what is now the privilege, but was then the
burden, of knighthood, as being the owner of lands worth £40 per annum ; but
compounded, like his brother John the younger, by the payment of a fine.

By will, dated 31st January, 1641, being sick in body, he devised to Arthur,
the eldest son, the house and lands at Slaugham known as Struttes farm for life,
then to George, eldest son of Arthur the younger, in tail, subject to £100 to be paid to
each of George's sisters. To son Richard, all lands and premises in Worth ; son
Henry, house in Horsham occupied by testator, and another house near thereto,
and a shop, cellar and chambers occupied by Matthew Napper ; son John, house and
cottage in Horsham ; daughter Judith, ^3 13s. 4d. at 21, given her by her uncle Richard
Mihill long since deceased ; poor of Horsham, 20/- ; subject to a number of small
legacies to daughters Elizabeth Rowland and Jane Foj^e and son Mihill Woodgate,
the residue to wife Elizabeth, sole executrix. Cozen Hall Ravenscroft and brother
in law Edward Pankhurst (see p. 479) to be trustees or overseers, and have 20/- each.

Arthur, the eldest son, during the first two years after his father's death, dwelt
in a farm at Southwater, in Horsham ; after which he took possession of Struttes
Farm, Slaugham, worth £60 a year. Struttes' was held of the Manor of Slaugham,
and after his death passed under the entail to Elizabeth, his only surviving child.
In August, 1667, he gave up housekeeping and sold all his oxen, stock and effects
to his son in law ; part of the money was paid in cash, the balance secured by bond
to his grandchild.

By his will, dated 6th August, 1667, he gave his grand-daughter Elizabeth Ford
a house in Horsham and a house in Catsfield ; and appointed his kinsmen Nicholas
and Thomas Sheppard overseers. Proved at Lewes.

Richard, another son of Arthur Woodgate the elder, died intestate, leaving a
widow and a considerable fortune, to which she took out administration. John,
another son, was an attorney. Henry, another son, resided for some years at Horsham
and then migrated to Binsted, Hants.

Robert Woodgate of Stock House, Billericay, Essex, and of St. Vedaat, London, m. at
St. Vedast's, 30th November, 1776, Ann Aylett, sister of Sir WiUiam Aylett, of StiflFord, Essex,
and had issue

1. John, of whom presently.

2. Henry, a Capt. in His Majesty's Army.

3. A daughter m. Mr. Walker of the Bank of England.

4. A daughter, m. Rev. Mr. Bishop of Suffolk.

5. A daughter, m. Mr. Stephenson of Blackheath.

John Woodgate, Capt. in the Guards, m. 15th Jime, 1805, at St. Pancras, Lady Honoria
Elizabeth Hester Lambert, eldest daughter of 7th Earl of Cavan. He d. at Southampton in
1806, leaving issue

Caroline Alicia Ehzabeth Drummond Woodgate, m. 23rd June, 1824 at Tome, Devon-
shire, George Spiller and had issue.
Lady Honoria Woodgate m. 2ndly at AU Saints, Southampton, in April, 1509, George
Frederick Harvey, Capt. 18th Light Dragoons, and died 30th March, J 856.

487

John, son of Henry, was sent to Trinity College, Oxford, and passed on thence
to the Middle Temple, of which he became a student. (See Foster's Inns of Court
Register.) He married one of the Lane's of Southover (a family represented by the
Lanes of Westmeston) and died in 1693, leaving a widow and a daughter Elizabeth,
and then living at " Wheatley Stile," Binsted, Hants. By will dated 20th June,
1693, (being then in good health), he directed that he should be buried in the
chancel of the church of Binsted near his mother. He gave to his daughter his
capital messuage, " Wheatley Stile," and the lands thereto belonging in Binsted
and Kingsley occupied by Christoper Smith, after the death of his father. Also the
books in his study and elsewhere. Meadow land in Kingsley called Gunhame to be sold,
the mortgage of £200 to William Gill of Headley, Southampton, Gent., to be paid off,
and the balance used for debts and legacies. To sister Munday, £20. Cousin John '
Butler, Gent, ;^io. Poor of Binsted, 20/-. Cousin Thomas Rowland and brother
in law Joseph Munday Overseers.

The widow took out letters of administration with will annexed at Winchester.
In the inventory of goods we note the mention of the books and desk in the study ;
the kitchen ; six turkey work chairs, oval table and looking glass, three pictures and
three maps in the hall ; looking glass, beds, andirons, table &c in parlour chamber ;
bed, six chairs, chest of drawers in hall chamber ; also dressing box, sideboards,
plate, bonds, &c. The executors were Henry Christmas of Stubb, Binsted, Gent. ;
William Burlie of Well, Long Sutton, Southampton, Gent ; John Cheyney, Gent. ;
and Bernard Birmingham of Binsted, Gent.

His nephew John Woodgate of Lewes was living in 1777 at the date of his son's
death. The latter, by will dated 6th March, 1773, in the event of his leaving issue,
gave his wife Mary an annuity of ;£i20, and the income of the residue (including the
rents of two houses) to be applied in maintenance of children ; and the capital to the
children at 21. If no issue, wife to have £1,000 and an annuity of £40 ; residue to
father absolutely, the sole executor.

We know but little of George Woodgate of Lewes. He married a Miss Davies {b) ,
daughter of the Vicar of Glynde. The latter was the friend of Clio Rickman, who has
been described as a " poetical scrap-manufacturer ; " he duly celebrated his departed
friend in verse which we can very easily refrain from, quoting.

Robert, the eldest son, in 1776 married Miss Aylett at St. Vedast, London ;
William Blake, J. Thompson Bull and Anne Barnes sign the registers.

His son, John Woodgate, Captain in the Guards, married Lady Honoria Lambert,
daughter of Lieutenant-General the Earl of Cavan. Lady Honoria was distinguished
for her great beauty and accomplishments, and was described, by one who had known
her from her infancy, as " the sweetest woman she had ever met wdth." Captain
Woodgate was wounded in Eg3^pt, after which his health remained in a bad state ;
but his death, which took place at Southampton in 1806, was caused by the rupture of
a blood vessel.

Lady Honoria Woodgate remarried in 1809 G. F. Harvey, Capt. nth Hussars.
Capt. Harvey agreed to place £900 a year at her disposal, but the match was opposed
by Lord Cavan. It took place, however, and Harvey was for some time aide-de-camp
to his lordship, until he could obtain some other appointment. The marriage was
not a happy one. There was one daughter by the first marriage, who married
George Spiller ; we believe Col. Spiller, now living, is one of the children of this
union, and a grandson of Capt. John Woodgate.

The arms borne by this family, as we are informed by their descendants the
Bentalls, were the same as those used by the Summerhill family, except that the
crest was "a dexter arm, armed, embowed at the elbow, holding a dagger by the blade."
(This crest, substituting a tilt-spear for a dagger, was used by John Woodgate of
Biddenden, Kent, in 1701). The crest : Esse quam videri.

(b) From Gentleman's Magazine, "Mrs. Woodgate, formerly of Lewes, died 15th January,

1843, aged 91, at CamberweU Grove." Is it possible that this was the widow of George Woodgate?

CHAPTER XIX.
WOODGATES OF BRENCHLEY AND HEVER.

PART I.

At present, our materials are insufficient for the earlier history of these Woodgates;
we can only state that it is our decided opinion that John Woodgate, sen,, of Brench-
ley was a son of Edward Woodgate of Penshurst and Alice Rivers his wife ; and
a nephew of Peter Woodgate of Hensill (Hawkhurst). Peter Woodgate's son, John
the elder of Lamberhurst, refers by will to his " cousin " John Woodgate of Brench-
ley {a).

John Woodgate, jun., by will dated 30th March, 1632, appoints " Fortune
Woodgate of Penshurst " (first cousin) trustee. He gives a number of small
legacies to daughter Frances Potter, son Thomas, and others, and ' ' my silver
cruse and my deske with locke to whomsoever shall move me when I shall end my
days." To son John, the mansion, garden, well and lands where he then dwelt.

(a) John Woodgate, sen., of Brencliley, son of Edward Woodgate of Penshurst, and Alice

Rivers his wife (see sheet No. I), died 1587-91, leaving issue

John Woodgate of the Crook, Brenchley, will proved 1633, left issue

1. Thomas of Pembury, will pr. 1760, left issue by Helen his wife

(a) A daughter, m. Edward Mercer.

(b) Elizabeth, m. at Tonbridge, June 1667, Renten Jeffrey, and had issue Thomas.

2. Frances, m. Potter, and had issue.

3. Edward, of whom presently.

4. John of the Crook, will pr. 1653, left issue by Joan his wife

(a) John, administration 1651, left issue Hester and Rachel.

(b) Edward. (e) Judith, m. Josias ColviU.

(d) Richard. (g) Walter, left issue, John.

(h) Stephen of the Crook, founded Woodgate's Charity by Avill pr. 1673 ; left issue
by Mary his wife Stephen of Horsemonden (only son), Mary, and Elizabeth.

5. Walter of Brenchley, will pr. 1654, left issue by Mary his wife Mary, Hannah, and
Elizabeth.

6. A daughter, m. John Coalman.

Edward Woodgate of Brenchley, will dat«d and pr. 1652, left issue by Joan his wife (living
in 1672).

1. PFi?Z?o»i, of whom presently. 3. Frances.

2. Edward. 4. John, under 21 hi 1652.

William of Brenchley, bu. in the South Chancel of Brenchley Church, will pr. 1683, left
issue by Mary his wife.

1. William of St. Bride's, London, m. 1st Margaret. . . . and had issue ; m. 2nd Elizabeth
(wUl pr. 1726), and had issue, William and Margaret.

2. Samuel, M.D. 3. Elizabeth.

4. John of St. Michael Crooked Lane, Brewer ; left issue Mary.

5. Daniel.

Daniel Woodgate of Stonepit, Seal, m. Sarah dau. of Richard Goodhugh of Tonbridge
(High Sheriff of Kent in 1697) and of Sarah his wife the dau. of Robert Streatfeild of Chested,
and Sarah his wife, dau. of Wilham Woodgate of Stonewall. Daniel was bu. at Seal " in linen "
on 26th January, 1723, leaving issue

1. Mary, m. 8th September, 1732, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Thomas Lake of
Sevenoaks, Commander R.N. ; he d. 1750, she 1782.

2. Sarah, m. 18th September, 1732, at St. Paul's Cathedral, William Evans of St. Martin's
in the Fields.

3. Margaret, bapt. 12th September, 1710, bu. at Seal, 19th May, 1766, " in linen " unm.

4. Susanna, bapt. 10th August, 1716, m. Rev. Thomas Marshall Jordan, M.A., Rector of
Barming.

5. Philadelphia, bapt. 12th April, 1713, bu. 25th May, 1720.

489

Son Walter, the house wherein Richard Joyner, bigge Joyner, late dwelled, and the
barn, orchard and land adjoining, and the little house wherein George Goodinge
dwelt, with liberty to draw water from the well given to son John. To son Edward,
the residue of personalty and the residue of the real estate, including the 14a. recently
bought of John SuUiard late of Brenchley Mercer deceased ; Edward sole executor.

The above John Woodgate was a merchant. He was succeeded in his business
by his son Edward ; John and Walter, two other sons, were " Clothiers," that is,
manufacturers of the Kentish broadcloth, like their cousins at Hawkhurst. For
some account of this important local industry see p. 476. Thomas settled at Pembury,

We have the will of Thomas of Pembury dated 29th December, 1675, by which
he gives to the poor of Pembury 10,- ; Son in law Mr. Renden Jeffrey {b) (? Robert),
5/- ; grandchild Thomas Jeffrey, £5 ; daughter Elizabeth, ;^io ; a long list of articles
disposed in various rooms such as the table and frame in parlour ; six joyned stools
and six leather chaises in kitchen ; table, forms, spit, gridirons &c. in drinkhouse
(cellar) ; brewhouse ; pewter, in milkhouse ; parlour chamber ; hall chamber ; and
twenty pounds of hemp. Also a moiety of a messuage called Munges otherwise
Muntoyes with lands and pasture, in Chidingstone , purchased of nephew John Woodgate.
Wife Hellen. Edward Mercer, son in law, executor. Witness : Philip Champion,
Thomas Cronk, Samuel Theobald. Proved 19th April, 1676 in P. O. C. by Edward
Mercer (45 Bence).

Edward, by will dated 4th October, 1652, gave to son John, lands and tenements
in Matfield lately purchased of John Fishenden, at 21. Daughter Frances, £100
at 21 or marriage, also all wearing apparel, linen and woollen that was her mother's.
Son Edward (unmarried), annuity of ;^io, and movable goods to the value of ^^20,
including one bed and the appurtenances to be chosen by him ; also ' * a scale gold
ring which I usually weare, with the letters of mine own and his mother's names
engraven thereon," and £20 in cash. Poor of Brenchley, on day of burial, 20/-.
Residue to son William, the sole executor. If John die under 21, then the lands
in Matfield to go to William, subject to £200 extra to Frances, and ;^ioo to Edward.
Witnessed by John Monkton, John Woodgate, and Walter Woodgate.

The will of John Woodgate his brother, dated i8th October, 1652, gave 40/-
to poor of Brenchley. Wife Joan, ^^lo annuity, also bed and bedstead in his little
chamber, 3 pairs of sheets, one joyned cheste, one trunk that was formerly hers,
i| dozen table napkins, and all necessary stuff to keep house. 2/6 to two grandchildren
(sons of John deceased). Son Edward, 5/-. Son Walter, 5/-. Son Thomas, £100.
Son Richard, :^ioo at 21. Daughters Judith and Elizabeth, £100 each at 21. Residue
to son Steven (sole executor), including wool, cloths and debts, and the house in
Brenchley Town occupied by Thomas Stone, butcher, with the lands adjoining,
subject to the right of the tenants of brother Walter to draw water from the well ;
also a field and slaying house. Witnesses : Walter Woodgate and Mathias Peirson.

Walter Woodgate, the third brother, by will dated loth April, 1654, directed
that he should be buried at Brenchley. To eldest daughter Mary, house called the
" Crook " in Brenchley, with the barn and workhouse there and 23a. Daughter
Hannah, house in Brenchley occupied by himself with the barn and workhouse
(the latter not quite completed) and 7a. of land ; also £100 at 21. Youngest daughter
Ehzabeth house late Darkins' " wherein he liveth " and 5a. Also ;^90 on condition
of completing the purchase from John Stiver of Ashford. A number of small
legacies to friends and relations including £5 to John Dunk and £10 to Mathias Peirson
and Humphry Mills. Household goods to three daughters equally. Residue to Mary,
she to be sole executrix. Witnesses : Matthias Peirson and Steven Woodgate.

(6) Tonbridge Registers. Renten Jeffrey de Whatlington in Sussex married Elizabeth Wood-

gate de Brenchley, in June, 1667. The Renten Jeffreys were a family of some note in Pembury.

490

The said Stephen Woodgate (called by Hasted " Capt. Stephen Woodgate "),
followed his father's business at Brenchley. By his will dated 14th March 1672,
he founded the Woodgate Charity at Brenchley (c), by giving a sum of 30/- ' to be
paid yearly to the use of the poor of that parish by the churchwardens, out of the
house in the town of Brenchley occupied by James Lewis and Robert French." The
Charity Commissioners' Report of 1837 declared that this was paid yearly in respect
of a messuage called Little Broad Oak, and distributed by the Churchwardens and
Overseers. He gave his wife Mary an annuity of ^^40 charged upon the house called
" the Crook " in which he dwelt. Daughters Mary and Elizabeth, £300 each at 21
or marriage, with benefit of survivorship. Brother Thomas £50. John, son of brother
Walter, £30. Servant James Morgan, ;^io. Brothers Edward, Walter, Thomas
and Richard, 20- each. William Woodgate of Brenchley 20'- to buy a mourning
ring, Joane Woodgate, mother, and Judith Colvill, sister, Thomas Earl, Thomas
Deeprose and loving cosen John Morgan of Horsemonden Esq., 20/- each. Maid-
servants Elizabeth Burgess and Elizabeth Morgan, 50 - each. Brother Richard to
see to the farming and have /lo extra. Brothers Edward, Thomas, and Richard
Woodgate and brother Josias Colvill and William Woodgate to be trustees, and to
pay surplus rents into the hands of some honest goldsmith to be improved at interest
for only son Stephen at 21. To son Stephen in tail male the lands in Brenchley and
Marden. Witnesses : John Morgan, Thomas Day and George Johnson. Probate
granted to Edward, Thomas, and Richard during minority of Stephen.

The will recited that he had £300 in his hands belonging to brother John deceased;
John's two daughters, Hester and Rachel, were to have ;fi5o each.

In 1703 Stephen Woodgate the son, then of Horsemonden, sold to John Hooker
of West Peckham (see p. 318) all his "reversion and remainder " of a messuage, two
barns, one stable, two stalls, garden, orchard, and several parcels of land containing
48a. in Brenchley in the tenure of Eastland ; and for this he received, as it appears
to us, the very inadequate sum of /250. This was Little Broad Oak. John Hooker
of Broad Oak, ancestor of the family of that ilk, was brother of Thomas Hooker
of Tonbridge.

To return however to the family of Edward Woodgate of Brenchley. His
eldest son appears to have been William, who followed in his father's footsteps as
a merchant.

William Woodgate issued some ' ' tokens." From 1648 (after the death of Charles
I) to 1672, the official coinage not sufficing, private persons issued coins of their
own, though strictly prohibited by law. The earliest tokens were farthings ; but
after the Restoration, half-pence were issued. In 1672 however all private tokens
were rigorously suppressed. Woodgate issued tokens of both sorts [d).

Farthing. Obverse : William Woodgat. The Grocers' Arms.

Reverse : Of Brenchley. 1654. WM. W, Farthing.

Halfpenny. Obverse : William Woodgate 1664. (In three lines, between
parallel lines.)
Reverse : In Brenchley WM. W, Half penny.

One of these tokens, on which we believe the name is spelt Blenchley, is in the
possession of Mr. W. B. Woodgate of the Inner Temple.

William Woodgate, by will dated i6th November, 1679, directed that he should
be buried in the South Chancel of Brenchley Parish Church. Wife Mary, £20 a
year out of the farm in the tenure of Nicholas Mattey of Yalding, also the interest
on the bills and bonds forming his daughter's portions till the latter attained 21.

^d) The Streatfeilds also issued a token. Obverse : I. E. StreatfeUd, Mercers. The Skinners'

Arms. Reverse : In Reatherf , and, Tunbridge, I. E. S. Farthing. (I. E. = J. and E. Reatherf =

Rotherhithe).

491

Daughters Margaret and Elizabeth ;(ioo each " of the money owed me by Charles
II, or one-third part of what is paid. Son Daniel, lease of lands in Yalding occupied
by John Mirriam ; also ;^ioo out of such money, or one-sixth at 21, also ;^200 in cash ;
and to be placed out when 14 years old ' ' with some person and for some calling
judged meet for him by his brothers Samuel and William. Son Samuel, £200 at 21,
charged on farm at Yalding ; also house and lands occupied by William Hodley
bought of brother John Woodgate ; also houses occupied by William Wall and
Sanders Rinnington ; also house and lands at Penshurst occupied by William Goodsall ;
also :^ioo out of money due from Charles II. Son John, the farm at Yalding ;
' ' and if he do not stay with his brother \\' illiam and his mother and be ruled by
them and his brother Samuel, I desire he should choose his trade and be put out
apprentice when of growth and age fitting." Son William, house and lands occupied
by the testator in Brenchley (subject to £10 annuity to brother Edward charged
thereon by his father) ; " and also if my said brother desire to live and bord with
him and they do or can agree to allow his bord for this his £10 a yeere and left him
have necessary clothes of all sorts and 5s. a quarter in money ; " also all book debts,
goods and effects. Poor of Brenchley, 40/- and of Yalding 20/-. For funeral sermon,
20/-. Although he believes he has lost £100 at least by a lease of lands and houses
from my Lady Robards, yet if his dear and loving wife desire to use and live in the
house and land Mr. Fissenden used, she should have it at the same rent paid by
Mrs. Fissenden during her widowhood ; if she remarry, she must pay down ;^ioo each
(extra) for Samuel, William and John. Samuel and William executors. Witnesses :
John Carter, Nicholas Friggel, John Brocksted.

Samuel Woodgate, the son, took his degree at Emmanuel College, Cambridge,
in 1678 ; on 29th April, 1682 he entered on the physic line at Leyden, and was ad-
mitted an Extra Licentiate of the College 23rd September, 1686. He was created
M.D. by Royal Mandate 1693. We have no certain evidence that this Samuel is
identical with the Samuel mentioned in the will, but it appears to be highly probable.

Daniel Woodgate married Miss Goodhugh, the wealthy heiress of Stonepit in
Seal ; but of them more hereafter.

John Woodgate chose the trade of a Brewer, and in 1737 was carrying on business
at St. Michael Crooked Lane, London. By an Indenture dated 22nd September,
1737, he conveyed the Yalding farm to Edward West, Citizen and Mercer of London,
for ^^1,050. This farm consisted of a house called Binge's or Colt's, with buildings,
garden, orchard and 60 acres of land, called by the names Strodefield, Kitcheniield,
Sandey's Croft, Perry Field lands, Burge's Mead, the Hope, Bromefield, and Frith
Mead, also a croft called the Frith, abutting upon Yalding Lease on the South.
This farm was conveyed to William Woodgate on i8th April, 1656, by Edward Colt
and Christopher Colt his son.

William Woodgate settled in the parish of St, Bride's, London ; he married,
and had several children. His second wife, Elizabeth, made her will in her husband's
lifetime, dated 25th April, 1725, all in her own handwriting. She appointed her
cousin Sibilla Henton executrix, and her friend John Bowes of King's Bench Walk,
the Temple, trustee ; and to each of them gave 5/- to buy a ring in remembrance of
her. She gave 10 - for a ring to the following : brother Johnson and wife, brother
John W^oodgate and wife, Mr. Richard Round and wife, aunt Alice Kenton, friend
Mr. Kirby Reynes, and Mr, John Whittock and wife. She gave all wearing apparel,
silk, woollen and linen to daughter Margaret. Household goods and plate equally
to son and daughter ; if they die, then two-thirds to brother Johnson, and one-third
to husband William Woodgate, the children by his former wife, and niece Mary
daughter of John Woodgate, all six to share equally. Residue to son WiUiam and
daughter Margaret ; ' ' only as my daughter has an opportunity given by me of saveing
money by her painting much greater than her brother can have dureing his appren-
ticeship, therefore before the division of what I leave be made, I desire my executrix

492

will make what my son shall have saved equal to what his sister shall have saved at
the time of my decease." There were no witnesses ; but Probate of the document
was granted to the executrix on gth February, 1726-7. It seems that her husband
died shortly after the will was made.

Daniel Woodgate married about 1704, Sarah, only daughter of Richard Goodhugh
of Tonbridge, and Sarah Streatfeild, the daughter of Robert Streatfeild of Cransted
and Sarah Woodgate, daughter of William Woodgate of Stonewall. Miss Goodhugh,
otherwise Mrs. Daniel Woodgate, was therefore a second cousin of John Woodgate
of Summerhill (e).

Richard Goodhugh was Sheriff of Kent in 1697. He left an only son Richard,
upon whom he settled lands in Kent and Sussex as tenant in tail, with remainder
over in default of issue to his daughter Sarah absolutely. Richard, the son, married
about ten months before his death, and settled a considerable jointure on his wife ;
but he died on 26th October, 1722, after a very severe illness which deprived him
of memory, without issue. He left lands worth ^^1,200 a year, the bulk of which
passed under his father's settlements to his sister ; and the timber on it was valued
at £15,000. The lands which belonged to her brother in fee simple likewise descended
to her, subject to the widow's jointure.

With this property was included the Manor of Speldhurst, and the estate in
Seal, near Sevenoaks, called Stonepit. It had belonged to Sir Thomas Piers, Bart,
(who died in 1680), and was conveyed to Richard Goodhugh.

Daniel Woodgate had five daughters, but no son to inherit the property. There
are many beautiful portraits of this family still existing, which hung uninterruptedly
at Stonepit until 1876. Among them are portraits of

Daniel Woodgate.

Sarah Woodgate his wife.

Mary Woodgate, daughter (Mrs, Lake).

Capt. Lake, R.N., husband of Mary.

Sarah Woodgate, daughter (Mrs. Evans).

Margaret Woodgate, daughter.

Susanna and Philadelphia, daughters.

The two youngest children were included in the same frame. The pictures
measured 4ft. lin. x 3ft. 3ins. The children were all young, we are told, when the
portraits were painted, and the eldest of them not much more than twenty.

(e) In 1676 Richard Goodhugh of Tonbridge, Bachelor, about 33, obtained a licence for marriage

with Sarah Stretfeild of Chidingstone, Spinster, about 22, with her mother's consent : at St.
Thomas', St. Saviour's, or St. George's, Southwark.
Seal Registers.

Marriage. — 1721. January 23rd. Richard Goodhugh, Esq. and Mrs. Mary Hills.
Burials. — 1711. December 31st. Mr. Jolm Goodhugh, buried in linen. Information
given by Mr. Robert Streatfeild of Brasted.

1714. April 7th." Richard Goodhugh, Esq., bu. in linen. Richard Adams

informant.

1715. August 11th. Robert Goodhugh, Gent. Information by Mr. Hopper.
1777. December 31st. Stephen Round, infant.

1779. October 28th. Richard Round, Esq., aged 54.
Baptisms — 1725. April 30th. Richard, son of Mr. Richard Round.

1774. October 4th. John William, son of Richard and Sarah Round.
Richard, son of Richard Round and Sarah Woodgate, married Sarah daughter of Stephen
Amhurst of West Farleigh, and was succeeded by

Richard Round of Stonepit, his son, who married at West MaUing in April, 1803, Rimmelion,
daughter of Clement Taylor of New Barnes, Mailing. Clement Taylor was M.P. for
Maidstone. Richard's sister died unmarried at East Mailing on 7th September, 1805.
His daughter

Rimmelion Round married George CameU who died in 1871. She died in 1876 and
was, we beUeve, the last of the family.

49 3

The eldest daughter, Mary, married by Hcence in 1732, at St. George's, Hanover
Square, Thomas Lake of Sevenoaks, Commander R.N,, and had issue. There is in
the nave of Seal Church a large black stone with this inscription : —

In memory of

Thomas Lake Esq.

A Captain in the Royal Navy, who was a

faithful servant to his God, his King and

his Country, and an eminent example

in the relative duties of Son, Husband, Father and

Friend. He died the i8th of April 1750

Ag-ed 49 years

Also

Mary his wife, daughter of Daniel Woodgate

Esqr. and Sarah his wife of Stone Pitt in this

Parish. She was endowed with sound intellect

without vanity ; piety without show ; charity

without ostentation ; patience without inter-

-mission in many of the most trying scenes

of human life. She died Nov. 29. 1782

aged 76 and was an irreparable Loss to

her surviving children, Sarah and

Margaretta Susannah, who have caused

this small token of their duty and affection

to their parents to be placed here."

At the head of this stone are the Lake arms, ' ' Sable, on a bend between six

cross-crosslets argent, a crescent for difference ; " containing, on an inescutcheon

of pretence, the arms of Woodgate. Crest : a seahorse's head.

Sarah Woodgate, the next daughter, married by special Archbishop's hcence,
in St. Paul's Cathedral, Wilham Evans of St. Martins in the Fields, in 1732, the same
year as Mrs. Lake.

Philadelphia, another daughter, died young.

Susanna Woodgate married the Rev, Thomas Marshall Jordan, Rector of
Banning, Kent, and of Iden, Sussex. He was the son of Nicholas Jordan of Maid-
stone, and bore for his arms " sable, an eagle displayed in bend between two cotises
argent ; a canton sinister or," They are buried in All Saints, Maidstone.

" Susanna Jordan,

wife of the Revd. T. M.

Jordan died Octr,

the 31st 1781 aged 66

also of

The Rev.

T. M. Jordan

Rector of Harming

in Kent

and of Iden in Sussex

died Feby. 26th

1786 aged 72 years."

The above inscriptions are to be found on stones let into the floor of the south
aisle, and are rapidly being obliterated by the effects of time (/) ,

(/) The Rev, T. M. Jordan and Susanna Woodgate had issue

1. Rev. John Thomas Jordan, Rector of Hickhng, Notts., b. 27th January, 1749, d. s.p,

1820, m. Elizabeth Cromp, an heiress, b, 1759, d, 1826.

2. Mary, m, William Loose and had issue,

3. Elizabeth, m. Sampson Coysganne.

4. Charles, Lieut. R,N., immarried, lost at sea 1779.

494

Margaret Woodgate, the remaining daughter, died unmarried. There is a
white marble to her memory in Seal, engraved with a somewhat singular inscription : —
" If vanity and ostentation have reared many sumptuous monuments to
flatter the base and unworth}^, sincerity and truth have reared at least this
plain one to speak a small part of the virtues of the best of women, Margaret
Woodgate, who was really the father of the fatherless, the defence of the widow,
the friend of the poor, and a lover of all mankind. Margaret Woodgate was a
Christian ; her religion was in her heart, not in her mouth ; and thence (as it will
in such cases do) influenced all her actions. ' Go thou and do likewise,' so
shalt thou receive a crown which fadeth not, eternal in the heavens. She died
May the 12th, 1766, aged 54 years. She was the daughter of Daniel and Sarah
Woodgate of Stone Pitt in this parish."

A lozenge surmounts the tablet, emblazoned with the Woodgate arms ; which,
though much defaced, are of much more value than the inscription (which would
have been more appropriate in commemorating the virtues of one of opposite sex).
These arms appear to be " Argent, on a chevron cotized azure three trefoils slipt,
between three squirrels sejant."

If Streatfeild's remark concerning the cotises (see p. 485) applies to these arms
also, then this is exactly the same coat as that borne by the Woodgates of Hawkhurst.
The significance of this is increased by the reference in a Hawkhurst will of 1597 to a
Brenchley W'oodgate as cousin. Ever^^thing points to a common descent for these
two branches ; and the references to Penshurst seem to link up with them the
Penshurst branch.

Margaret Woodgate of Wrotham by will directed that she should be buried in
the parish Church of Seal "in as private a m.anner as decency will admit, with
only one mourning coach and hearse." Sister Sarah Evans of Seal, widow, and
niece Sarah Lake of Wrotham, spinster, to be executors and trustees. ;^8oo in
trust for sister Mary Lake of Wrotham, widow, for life, then to nieces Sarah,Mary, and
Margaretta Susannah Lake equally. ^^800 in trust for sister Sarah Evans for life,
then for Mrs. Lake and sister Susannah Jordan for life, then to their respective
children. ;^8oo to Mrs. Jordan for life, then to her children. Residue to Mrs. Evans
and Sarah Lake. Proved 1766.

Daniel Woodgate died at Stone Pit in 1723. Administration was granted to
his widow on i6th April, 1725. She married in the following year Mr. Richard
Round, and had issue one son Richard, who succeeded his mother as heir at law, to
the exclusion of the daughters. Mrs. Round died in 1758. There is a large black
stone in the nave of Seal Church.

"To the memory of

Mrs. Sarah Round, Widow

who departed this life

the 5th December 1758 ag-ed 78.

Her holy charity and many other amiable qualities,

nor this poor piece of marble, make them

of this small memento of the dear deceased

and token of gratitude by her niece

Margaret Susan Bistre [?]
At the head of this slab are the Woodgate arms, with cotises and trefoil ; no
crest. Her grandson died without issue male (living 1821), and was succeeded
by his daughter who married George Carnell and died in 1876. In 1873 Stone Pit
was described as the property of Mr. J. Thornton Rogers of Riverhill.

5. Rev. Richard Jordan, Vicar of Hoo and Mountfield b. 22nd March, 1759, d. 21st August,

1833, m. Margaret, daughter of the Rev. Mr. Carter of Rochester, and had issue George ;
and Margaret, m. Rev. Dr. Carter of Mountfield, who d. 3l8t July, 1829.

6. Susanna, b. 15th November, 1745, d. 22nd May, 1777, m. 1776, George Children of
Ferox Hall, Tonbridge.

For further particulars of the Jordan family, see Memoirs of J. G. Children.

495
PART II.

We have not had time to investigate the history of this branch, which must
be dismissed in a few words (a).

They were descended from the old stock at Chidingstone, as may be seen from
the tree, and members of the family served as Churchwarden from time to time.
In 1574 the grandchildren of the first Woodgate of Hever and Margaret his wife
unite in the conveyance to William Snatt and Henry Stanford of five houses, two
cottages, four orchards, 6oa. arable land, 15a. meadow, 40a. pasture, and 15a. wood
in Edenbridge, Hever, and Cowden, together with other property ; and in 1558
George Woodgate (the elder) conveys to Thomas Streatfeild (probably by way of
marriage settlement) a house and 30a. arable, 2a. meadow, 20a. pasture, and 8a.
woodland in Hever.

The first will, dated 30th December, 1618, is that of William Woodgate the elder,
directing his burial in Hever Churchyard. To poor of Hever, 20s. Sister Alice
Hasselyn, ^5. Sister Anne Hooker, £20. Cousin Richard Burr of East Grinsted
;f 10. Cousin John son of George Woodgate deceased, ;f20. Small legacies to Anne
daughter of Edward Luck ; Ehzabeth Wickenden (servant to sister Stanford) ;
John and Thomas sons of William Douglas of Hever deceased ; brother Abraham
Taylor ; Godchildren William Prey, William Woodgate and Peter Embery ; two
daughters of brother John Woodgate deceased, Susan and Elizabeth, £10 each.

(a) Woodgate of Hever, son of John Woodgate of Chidingstone and Thomasin his wife (see

sheet No. I), dead in 1540, left issue by Margaret his wife (living 1540)

1. George, of whom presently.

2. Reynold of Hever, hving in 1540.

3. Thomas of Hever, living in 1545, left issue Joan, who m. William Stanford.

4. John ; left issue Robert, and Thomas m. 20th September, 1562, Cylyan Stanford.
George Woodgate of Hever, living 1547, left issue

1. George of Hever, deceased in 1619, left issue by Elizabeth his wife (? a coheiress ;
living 1602) John of Hever, living 1619.

2. William, of whom presently. 3. Gregory.
William, deceased in 1619, left issue

1. William the elder of Hever, will pr. 1619.

2. Elizabeth. 3. Alice, m. George Hasselyn.
4. Anne, m. John Hooker. 5. John, of whom presently.

John, administration granted 17th April, 1616, left issue by Susan his wife (who remarried
Stanford)

1. Susan. 2. William, of whom presently.

3. Elizabeth, m. 25th February, 1635, Thomas Medhurst of Hever.

William, the younger, of Hever, will pr. 1670, bu. 5th May, 1670, m. Sarah dau. of William
Holmden of Edenbridge, and left issue

1. Margaret, bapt. 25th August, 1639, bu. 16th March, 1653.

2. William, bapt. 9th February, 1642, bu. 16th March, 1653.

3. Two sons, bom April, 1655, bu. unbaptized 17th April, 1655.

4. Joan, bapt. 9th February, 1650, bu. 6th September, 1650.

5. Elizabeth, bapt. 1656, m. Henry Holmden.

6. Mabel, m. Henry Stanford of Edenbridge.

7. John, of whom presently.

John of Hever, only surviving son, bapt. 5th November, 1640, m. 20th July, 1665, Mary
dau. of Thomas Birsty of Howgreen, Hever (bapt. 8th October, 1645), bu. 17th August, 1681
(described as of Edenbridge), and left issue

1. ThomMS, of whom presently.

2. Sarah, bapt. 13th May, 1666, m. 1st July, 1686, John Streatfeild of Penshurst

(bom 28th January, bapt. 27th Febraary, 1656, bu. 16th July, 1726). Left issue
Thomas of Westerham, only son, bapt. 14th July, 1667, m. 28th March, 1687, Alice Johnson,
and had issue

1. Mary, m. 12th May, 1719, Geoffrey Taylor.

2. Elizabeth, m. Frederick Trimnell.

3. Ann, bapt. 20th September, 1689.

4. Robert, bapt. 20th March, 1691.

5. Thomas, bapt. 11th October, 1694, m. 25th February, 1720, Mary Saxby.

6. Alice, bapt. 11th October, 1693, m. 9th November, 1713, by licence, James Petley
of Brasted (who was bu. 4th August, 1720).

496

Residue to young cousin William Woodgate, son of brother John deceased, he to be
sole executor. Proved ist February, 1619, by Susan Stanford (during minority of
her son).

The said William, by will dated 13th April, 1670, gave trifling legacies to daughter
Mabel Stanford ; to wife, all such lands as were settled upon her for jointure, for life,
and afterwards to son John. Residue of personalty and all the unsettled lands to
John absolutely. Witness : William King and Thomas Streatfeild. Proved loth
November, 1670, by John Woodgate.

John married Mary Birsty of Hever (see p. 501) and his daughter Sarah married
John Streatfeild of Penshurst. The marriage licence was issued 25th June, 1686,
describing Streatfeild as bachelor, about 28, and Sarah Woodgate as of Hever,
spinster, about 20 ; with cons,ent of her mother Mary Woodgate, widow. Alleged by
William Streatfeild of Hever.

For further information of these Woodgates, see Proceedings in Chancery,
1659, Woodgate v. Brooks, Bdle 429, No. 251 ; and Woodgate v. Glover, 1652.
In the latter William Woodgate of Hever, Gent., and Sarah his wife, file their petition
for the proper administration of the estates of William and Martin Holmden, who
had left them legacies. There is in this cause a mass of interesting material, with
a list of all the furniture and effects of the Holmdens.

497

CHAPTER XX.
MISCELLANEOUS.

I.
It is stated, as a tradition, that the Woodgates are descended from Sir Walter
Raleigh. We have not been able to find any evidence in support of the legend,
though a careful search might confirm it.

II.
In 1629, land at Much Hadham, Herts, is conveyed to John Woodgate of Cliffords
Inn, Gent, and WilHam Shrimpton of Whitchurch, Southampton, Gent. (Close
RoUs, Record Office).

III.
" Louisa, only child of the late Henry Woodgate, Esqr.", married on 31st March
1848, at Brighton, the Hon. John Cranch Walker Vivian, M.P. for Truro, Lord of
the Treasury and Permanent Under-Secretary for War.

IV.
1821, June 4. Died at Southborough, near Bromley, Kent, Elizabeth,
daughter of the late Henry Woodgate, Esq. Barrister at law.

V.
Marriage Licences.
1603. September 5th. Thomas Woodgate of St. Michael, Lewes, and Joan Stret-

felde, daughter of Robert Stretfelde of Speldhurst, virgin.
1618. Francis Quarles, Gent., of Romford, Essex, bachelor, about 26, and Ursula
Woodgate of St. Andrew, Holborn, spinster, 17, daughter of John Woodgate
of same, Gent., who consents. At St. Andrew, Holborn.
[N.B. — Francis Quarles, the poet, of Lincoln's Inn, born at Stewards and
bapt. at Romford 8th May, 1592, d, 8th September, 1644, at St. Vedast's,
Foster Lane. He had eighteen children, one of whom, John Quarles, the
poet, was born 1624 and died 1665].
1626. November 17th. David Piatt, Clerk, Parson of St. Alphage, Canterbury,
widower, about 60 years and upwards, and Elizabeth Woodgate of same
place, maiden, about 46, at same.

VI.
Thomas Springate, grandson of John Springate of Hawkhurst, married in 1828
the daughter of Mr. Woodgate of Tonbridge,and had issue three sons and six daughters.
{Berry's Pedigrees).

VII.
Chidingstone Woodgates unidentified.
Baptisms —

1637. Sarah, daughter of John Woodgate, 25th October.
1639. John, son of John Woodgate, 22nd March.
1642. Elizabeth, daughter of John Woodgate, 27th November.
1646. Margaret, daughter of John Woodgate, 7th February.

165 1. son of John Woodgate. 13th May.

1670. Thomas, son of Robert Woodgate, born 26th February ; bapt. 24th

March.
1718. Margaret, daughter of WilHam Woodgate and Margaret his wife, born
4th November, bapt. 25th November.

498
Marriages —

1603. James Parks and Margaret Woodgate. 24th July.

1638. Thomas Chubb and Hannah Woodgate. 22nd May.

Burials —

1585. Mary Woodgate. 24th April.

1587. Joseph Woodgate. 12th September.

1603. Thomas Woodgate. 13th February.

1658. Thomas, son of William Woodgate. 2nd February.

1674. John Woodgate's late wife. 12th May.

1713. Thomas Woodgate of Chidingstone. 19th April.

1730. Mary Woodgate.

Administration of Elizabeth Woodgate of Chidingstone, deceased, granted
13th July, 1685, to Valentine Hayward, as uncle and lawful guardian (" curator")
of Sarah Hayward, minor, niece by a sister, and next of kin of the said Elizabeth
Woodgate. Shoreham Peculiars. Also of Joanna Woodgate of Chidingstone,
deceased, granted i8th July, 1640, to son Thomas Woodgate.

vni.

" An account of the ages of all the sons and daurs of Wm. Woodgate Esqre.
late of Stonewall in Chidingstone in Kent.

Baptised.

13 September

In primis John,

I
23 Aug.

Born.
1664.

31 July

William

16 July,

66.

13 Octr.

Henry

27 Septr.,

, 68.

24 Octr.

Thos.

12 Octr.,

70.

13 Novr.

Andrew

6 Novr.,

72.

Ricd.

3 Deer.,

74-

7 Feby.

Sarah

7 Jan..

77-

12 Jan.

Robt.

14 Deer.,

79-

19 Jan.

Stephen

10 Deer.,

81.

27 Novr.

Robt., seed.

16 Octr.,

83.'^

" Children of the Revd. Francis Woodgate.

John, born 17th September, 1735, at 8.

Mary, b. i6th Feb., 1737, at 2 in the afternoon.

Rose, b. 7th October, 1739, a qr. before 12 at night.

Ahce, b. 15th Augt. 1741, about 8 at night.

William, b. 6th July, 1743, at half an hour after six in the afternoon.

Stephen, b. i8th April, 1745, at 8 in the morning.

Henry, b. 5th Deer., 1746, at 3 in afternoon.

Sarah, b. 19th April, 1748, between 6 & 7 at night.

Elizabeth, b. 29th Novr. 1750, 40 minutes after i in aft.

Ann, b. nth Augt. 1752, at a qr. after 12 at night.

A still born boy April 25th, 1754, at 9 in the morning.

Frances, b. 15th March, 1756, at half an hour after 3 in the afternoon."

IX.

Nicholas Woodgate, Yeoman Harbinger, advanced to be Gentleman Harbinger
in Ordinary to the King " as soon as it shall please God to restore Us that Our
Family may be settled." Given at the Court at Breda 22 May 1660, and addressed
to the Lord Chamberlain.

Nicholas Woodgate of St. Martin's in the Fields, Esq., died in 1673, leaving
everything to Eleanor, his wife, except ^^5 to his kinsman.

499
X.

We had prepared a series of pedigrees in tabular form to accompany this work,
but at the last moment discovered that the cost of reproduction was prohibitive.
We accordingly embodied a great deal of the matter in the footnotes, and have
set out below in narrative form the pedigrees of Combridge, Birsty, and Streatfeild.
The pedigrees in this work (with the exception of that of Crompe), were printed
by Messrs. Mitchell Hughes and Clarke, 140, Wardour Street. W.
PEDIGREE OF COMBRIDGE OF PENSHURST.
Combridge of Penshurst m. 17th July, 1 Edward VI at Maidstone, Alice Luck, and had issue

1. John, of whom presently.

2. Robert, of whom presently.

John Combridge of Penshurst, ancestor of the Combridge's of Walters Green, Penshurst, left
issue by EHzabeth his wife (bu. 21st October, 1568).

1. Andrew Combridge, sen., of Chidingstone. Joanna Combridge, his daughter and

heiress, m. 5th October, 1602, WILLIAM WOODGATE OF STONEWALL.

2. Francis of Chidingstone, m. 7th July, 1578, Abia, rehct of THOMAS WOODGATE,
of Watstock, Chidingstone (she remarried Anthony Combridge of Newhouse). Bu.
18th June, 1583. Will dated 4th June, 1583. Left issue

(a) Ann, bapt. 1579 ; bu. 8th January, 1581.

(b) Wilham, bapt. 18th February, 1581 ; bu. 19th February, 1581.

3. Robert of Penshurst, bu. 26th February, 1598. Will dated 21st February, pr. 14th
April, 1598 ; left issue by EUzabeth his \vife

(a) Robert of Penshurst, m. 15th September, 1614, Anne Cotty, and had issue
(i) Robert, bapt. 1615. (iv) Mary, bapt. 1624.

(m) Andrew, bapt. 1617. (v) John, bapt. 1628.

{in) Anne, bapt. 1623. (vi) Thomas, bapt. 1631.

(6) EUzabeth, bapt. 6th December, 1590. (d) Ann, bapt. 1596.

Robert Combridge, sen. of Coldharbour, Penshurst (son of — Combridge and Alice Luck), m.
Joan, daughter and coheiress of Thomas Arnold of Speldhurst ; bu. 16th January, 1584.
Left issue

1. Anthony of Newhouse, alias Harts, Penshurst, m. Abia, widow and reUct of above-
named Francis Combridge. s.p.

2. Robert, jun., of Coldharbour, bapt. 1565, d. unm. 30th July, 1590.

3. Oliver Combridge of Hawden, otherwise Harden, of whom presently.

4. Katherine, living 1590.

5. Aiidrew, of Coldharbour, of whom presently.

Oliver of Hawden, bapt. 1565 ; m. EUzabeth, daughter of — Duke of Wadhurst and sister of
— Duke of Cosington House. He was bu. 1615, she 1623, leaving issue
1. Christopher, of whom presently.

Mercie, bapt. 1598 ; m. WilUam Durtnall of Haysden, Leigh, and had issue Anne.
Andrew, sen., of Newhouse, s.p., wiU dated 6th July, 1651.
Joan, bapt. 1602. 5. Joan, bapt. 1604.

Margaret, bapt. 1606. 7. Susan.

Anne, bu. 1661, unm.
9. EUzabeth, m. Lieut. WilUam Beecher of Vexsons, Penshurst.
10. OUver, of Newhouse, bapt. 1608 ; m. EUzabeth, daughter of WilUam Luck of Spring
Hill. He d. 1673, she 6th April, 1698, leaving issue

(a) OUver of Newhouse, only son, d. unm. 25th December, 1687.

(b) EUzabeth m. Gilbert Spencer of Redleafe and d. 1714, leaving issue Robert and
Abraham.

(d) Sarah, m. 1st Robert Chapman of London ; 2nd JOELL WOODGATE of Pens-
hurst, and had issue. See Sheet No. III.

(e) Anne, b. 1652 ; m. John Thorpe and d. 1712, leaving issue John Thorpe of Newhouse,
and OUver of Grays who m. Sarah, daughter of John Streatfeild of Penshurst
by Sarah his wife, daughter of JOHN WOODGATE of Hever.

(/) Susanna, m. Francis Combridge of Penshurst.
(g) Margaret of Grays, Penshurst, d. unm. Will pr. 1720.
Christopher Combridge of Harden, bapt. 1595, m. Frances daughter and heiress of Edward
Rivers of Leigh and Dorothy his wife ; bu. at Penshurst, 1654 ; and left issue

1. Jane, bapt. 1627.

2. Oliver, of whom presently.

3. George of Lyme in Devonshire.

4. Sarah, m. Samuel Rivers of Penshurst.

5. EUzabeth, bapt. 1632.

500

Oliver Combridge of Hawden, bapt. 1628 ; m. Sarah, daughter of WILLIAM WOODGATE
OF TRUGGERS, Chidmgstone (marriage settlement dated 23rd June, 165] ; she married
2ndly Thomas Alexander, Citizen of London). He left issue

1. Oliver of Hawden, of whom presently.

2. Andrew of Leigh and of Newhouse, s.p.

3. Elizabeth, m. 1st Underbill of East Grinstead, and 2nd Ford of Tonbridge.

Oliver of Hawden, m. 1672, Dorothy, daughter of Chalton of Penshurst. Will pr. 1690. Lrft
issue

1. Oliver. 4. Mary.

2. Anne. 5. Andrew.

3. Christopher. 6. Gilbert.

The other son of Robert Combridge of Coldharbour, namely Andrew of Coldharbour, bapt. 1567 ;
m. EUzabeth, daughter of Richard Streatfeild of Penshurst (her brother Richard married
Clemence, daughter of William Luck of Spring Hill), and had issue

1. Anthony, of whom presently.

2. Sarah, bapt, 1594, m. Beecher of Penshurst.

3. Elizabeth, bapt. 1596.

4. Mercie, m. Everest of Shoreham.

5. Susan, bapt. 1599 ; m. Mercer of Speldhurst.

6. A daughter who d. in infancy.

Anthony of Coldharbour, m. 1st Anne, daughter and coheiress of William Birsty of Chidingstone,
and had issue

1. Francis of whom presently.

He m. 2ndly EUzabeth Morgan, and had issue.

2. Anthony of Penshurst, m. Elizabeth, daughter of Boaks.

3. John of Penshurst, s.p.

4. EUzabeth, m. Hawkins of London.

5. Constantine, s.p.

Francis Combridge of Coldharbour, m. 1657, Mary, daughter of Osborne of Chidingstone, and
had issue

1. Anthony of Coldharbour, m. AUce, daughter of Hartington of Bodiam (remarried to

Couchman or Cushman) and had issue

(a) Francis of Coldharbour, will pr. 1728 by AUce Cushman, sole executrix.

(b) Thomas.

2. Mary, m. Philip Seal of Tonbridge.

3. Anna, m. Thomas Eldridge of Sevenoaks, and had issue Mary, Anna, and EUzabeth.

4. Francis of Groombridge, bu. 1711, m. EUzabeth, daughter of Thomas Constable.

5. Thomas, Uving 1728.

N.B. — ^In the obituary columns of The Times of April, 1910, was announced the death of the wife
of " OUver Combridge of Ottawa," Canada.

PEDIGREE OF BIRSTY, ALIAS BIRCHEN8TY.
Thomas Birsty, otherwise Birchensty, of Birchensty, Sussex, and of How Green, Hever, Ser-
jeant of Queen Anne of Cleves ; wiU dated 24th October, 1597, pr. at London 30th January,
1598, by sons Thomas and WilUam, m. Jane daughter of Cotty of Edenbridge, and had issue

1. John of Birchensty, m. Mary daughter of John Comber of Shermanburgh, and had

issue

(a) Thomas of Birchensty.
(6) Ann, d. unm.

2. Thomas, second son, of whom presently.

3. WilUam of Clndingstone m. Anne daughter and coheir of John Fremling of Kemsing,

widow of Richard Streatfeild of High Street House, Chidingstone. He died 20th
May, 1637, bu. at Chidingstone 7th June, administration granted 15th June. Her will
pr. 14th August, 1639. Left issue.

{a) Anne m. Anthony Combridge of Coldharbour, Penshurst, and had issue.
(h) Katherine, m. ante 1639 — Everest.
Thomas Birsty of How Green m. Dorothy, daughter of Thomas Polhill, sister of Sir Thomas
Polhill of Wrotham, and had issue

1. Francis.

2. Thomas.

Thomas of Howgreen, left issue by Susan his wife (bu. 23rd January, 1661)

1. Thomas of Hever, bapt. 9th June, 1633 ; m. January, 1659, EUzabeth, daughter of Rev.
John Pelter, Rector of Hever (bu. 1st September, 1668), and left issue
(a) a child, bu. 4th February, 1664.
(6) a child, bu. 6th January, 1666.
(c) a daughter, bu. 12th January, 1667.

50I

2. Barbara, bu. 3rd October, 1638.

3. Susan, bu. 26th May, 1659.

4. Anne, bapt. 6th September, 1634.

5. Elizabeth, bapt. 18th April, 1841, m. 19th January, 1664, Edward Welby,

6. Francis, of whom presently.

7. Mary, bapt. 8th October, 1645, m. 20th July, 1665, JOHN WOODGATE of Haver,

and had issue (see p. 495)

8. Ruth, bapt. 7th January, 1648, bu. 4th September, 1657.

9. Sarah, bapt. 11th July, 1652, bu. 17th January, 1654.

Francis Birsty, of Howgreen, bapt. 20th June, 1643, bu. 14th December, 1697. Administration
granted 7th May, 1698. Left issue

1. Francis, bapt. 7th October, 1666, d. young.

2. Rose, sole heiress, bapt. 20th December, 1674, m. at Penshurst, 18th January, 1693,
JOHN WOODGATE of Summerhill, from whom are descended the Woodgates of
that ilk.

PEDIGREE OF STREATFEILD.
Robert Streatfeild of Chidingstone, b. 1514 ; bu. 16th March, 1558 ; m. the daughter of Richard
Rivers of Chafford Place, Penshurst, sister of Sir John Rivers, Knt., Lord Mayor of
London, and of ALICE WOODGATE of Penshurst ; he had issue

1. Henry, the elder son.

2. Richard of Chested, of whom hereafter.

Henry of High Street House, Chidingstone, bu. 1598 ; m. Alice, daughter of Henry Moodie»
Citizen of London, and had issue
1. Henry, d. in infancy. 2. John, d. in infancy.

3. Elizabeth, m. James Beecher of Penshurst.

4. Richard, of whom presently.

5. Margerie, m. John Hollamby. 6. Anne. 7. Agnes.
Richard of High Street House, m. 1583, Anne, daughter and coheir of William Fremllng of Kem-

sing (who re-married Wilham Birsty of Chidingstone, p. 37), and d. 1601 leaving

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. Margaret, m. Edward Moodie.

3. Silvester, of the Inner Temple, Filacer of Kent, Sussex and Surrey.

4. Thomas of Shoreham, m. Frances, daughter of John Reeve (she remarried John Seyllard
of Salmans, see p. 32), and had issue.

(a) Francis, m. the daughter and heir of John Shatterden.
(6) Jane, m. Edward Taylor.

(c) Dorothy, m. Rev. Edward Powell, Rector of Chidingstone.
{d) Thomas, d. in his father's lifetime,
(e) Margaret. (/) Anne.

Henry of High Street House, b. 1586, m. Susanna, daughter of Christopher Lamb ; he d. 1647 ;
she 1648, leaving issue

1. Anne, d. in infancy.

2. Anne m. Thomas Slater, Citizen of London.

3. Richard, of whom presently.

4. Stephen, m. Anne Sharpe, and had, among others, Stephen of Somerdea Green.

5. William, b. 1620, d. unm. 6. Thomas, b. 1629.

Richard of High Street House, b. 1611 ; m. 1636, Anne, daughter of William Terry of Wadhurst,
and d. 1676, leaving issue

1. Susanna, d. in infancy.

2. Alice, m. WILLIAjM WOODGATE OF STONEWALL, High Sheriff of Kent (p. 28).

3. Henry, of whom presently.

4. Thomas of Sevenoaks, b. 1649, m. Martha, daughter and heir of Thomas Godwin of
TrottescKffe, and had issue

(o) Ralph, d. inf. (b) Henry, d. inf. (c) Margaret, d. unm.

\d) Martha, m. Charles Polhill, Commissioner of Excise.

(e) Thomas of Sevenoaks, b. 1682 ; m. Philadelphia, daughter of Thomas Fuller of
Waldron, Sussex, and had issue

(i) (ii) (iii) Philadelphia, Martha, and Sarah, all unm.
(iv) Thomas of Sevenoaks, m. Jane Ann Green, and had issue Henry of
Sevenoaks, d. 10th February, 1817, aged 37, s.p. ; and Catherine Anne,
m. 19th February, 1803, Thomas Lightfoot, of Castle Street, Leicester
Square.

5. Robert of London, s.p.

6. John of Penshurst, b. 1656 ; m. 1686, Sarah, daughter of JOHN WOODGATE OF
HEVER (p. 496) ; and d. 1726, leaving issue

(i) Sarah, b. 1687; m. 1718 OHver Thorpe of Newhouse; b. 1684 (p. 499), and had issue,
(il) John Streatfeild of Maidstone, m. Mary, daughter of Edward Pierce, and had

issue
(iii) Other children.

502

7. William of Hever Castle, b. 1645 ; d. 1728 ; m. Anne, daughter and coheir of George
Martin of Leigh (m. 1760 ; d. 1716), and had i88ue
(i) William of Oxted, Surrey, b. 1677 ; m. 1706, Sarah, daughter of Thomas Whlttaker

of Trottescliffe, and died s.p. 1734 She d. 1760.
(ii) WiUiam of Hever Castle ; left issue (amongst others), Bobert of Hever Castle,

of whom presently,
(iii) George, of Stoke Newington.

Henry Streatfeild, who re-built High Street House, b. 1639 ; m. 1665, Sarah, daughter and
heiress of John Ashdowne, the younger of Hever and Sarah his wife, the relict of JOHN
WOODGATE OF STONEWALL (p. 27). He d. 1719, leaving issue

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. William of Burghersh Court, Chidingstone, b. 1680 ; m. 1st EUzabeth, daughter and
heiress of Cooper, Citizen of London ; and 2nd EUzabeth, daughter of John Rogers
of Lenborough. He d. 1724, leaving issue one daughter Sarah who d. in infancy.

Henry Streatfeild of High Street House, b. 1679 ; m. 1704, Elizabeth, only daughter and heiress
of Richard Beard of Rottingdean, and d. 1762, leaving issue

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. Richard Beard Streatfeild of the Rocks, Sussex ; b. 1709 ; m. 1738, Mary, only daughter
and heiress of John Egles of Copwood and d. 1770, s.p.

Henry Streatfeild of High Street House, b. 1706, m. 1752, Anne Sidney, natural daughter of
Jocelyn, 7th Earl of Leicester. He d. 1762, she 1812, leaving issue

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. Richard Thomas of the Rocks, High Sheriff of Sussex, 1798 ; m. 1st Jane Esther, daughter
of Admiral Sir Chaloner Ogle, Bart (who died 1796, s.p.) He m. 2adly Anne daughter
of Robert Shuttleworth of Barton Lodge, Lancaster, by whom he became the ancestor
of the Streatfeilds of the Rocks.

3. Sophia.

4. Harriet, m. Walter Bracebridge of Atherton Hall and d. 1804, leaving issue.

Henry Streatfeild of High Street House, b. 1757, High Sheriff of Kent, 1792 ; m. 1st 6th June,
1782, at St. George's, Hanover Square, Elizabeth Catherine, daughter of the Very Rev.
Newton Ogle, D.D., Dean of Winchester, who d. 1801, leaving issue

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. Thomas, Lieut. Col. in the Guards.

3. Sidney, Private Secretary to Sir Robert Peel, d. 1823.

4. Richard of Hever, Commander R.N., m. 1824, Anne daughter of HENRY WOODGATE

OF RIVERHILL and had issue Ellen Charlotte (p. 278).

5. WilUam, Vicar of East Ham.

6. Charles Ogle, Major-General R.E., m. Katherine, daughter of Rev. J. S. Ogle of Klrkley.

7. Edward.

8. George Newton, d. 1828, unm.

9. Anna, d. at South Park, 5th Feberuary, 1830.

10. Sophia Catherine, m. 1822, Rev. Richard Peter Whish, M.A., Prebendary of Wells
and Vicar of Birchington ; she d. 1868, leaving issue (among others)

William, Commander Royal Indian Navy, m. Frances Amelia, daughter of FRAN-
CIS WOODGATE OF FALCONHURST, Cowden, see Sheet No. V.

11. Arabella, m. 1831, Rev. J. T. Wilgress.

12. Jane Esther, m. Edward Scoones, Major 52nd Regt.

He m. 2ndly 29th September, 1802, Charlotte, daughter of William Scoones of Tonbridge,
and d. in 1829, leaving issue by his second wife

13. Frederick, d. 1829.

14. Robert, d. 1824.

15. John of the Home Office, m. 1845 Catherine, daughter of Henry Sweeting of God-

manchester and left issue (amongst others)

Edith Juha, m. ERNEST WOODGATE OF ROCHESTER, see Sheet No. V.

16. Francis Stanier.

17. Emily.

Henry Streatfeild of High Street House, the eldest son, b. 1784 ; m. 1824, Maria daughter of
Magens Dorrien-Magens, reUct of J. Pepper of Bigod's House, and d. 1852, leaving issue

1. Henry Dorrien, of whom presently.

2. Edward Ogle, Capt. 44th Regiment.

3. Newton WilUam, m. Flora, daughter of Rev. W. E. Hoskins, Rector of Chidingstone.
and had issue.

4. Richard John of Chested, m. Harriet, daughter of Colonel Henry Armytage, and had
issue

5. Frances Charlotte, m. Rev. Henry Onslow Polhill.

503

Henry Dorrien of High Street House, Capt. 1st Life Guards ; b. 1825 ; m. Marion daughter of
Oswald Smith of Blendon Hall ; and d. 1889, leaving issue

1. Henry, of whom presently.

2. Sidney, m. Lucy daughter of A. H. Jenney, and had issue.

3. Gerald, m. Ida daughter of H. H. Combe of Pierrepont, Famham.

4. Oswald, m. Hon. Geraldine FitzGerald.
6. Eric, D.S.O., Capt. Gordon Highlanders.

6. Philip, M.V.O., Commander R.N., m. Effie daughter of Colonel Carey, R.A.

7. Violet, m. Lord Henry Neville.

8. Ruby, m. Viscount Colvile of Culross.

9. Ivy Marion, m. F. G. Gunnis.

Col. Henry Streatfeild, M.V.O., now of High Street House, m. Lady Florence Beatrice, eldest
daughter of the 2nd Earl of Lichfield, and has issue

Henry Sidney John, Lieut. Grenadier Guards, m. Dorothy, daughter of Sir Daniel
Cooper, Bart.

Richard Streatfeild of Chested, younger son of Robert Streatfeild of Chidingstone, had issue
by Margery his Urst wife (bu. 1565)

1. Richard of Penshurst and Westerham, b. 1563, m. Clemence, relict of William Luck
(by whom she left issue), and d. 1606, leaving

Thomas of Leigh and Westerham b. 1600 ; d. 1654, left issue by Mary his wife

{a) Robert of Westerham, who left issue by Cicely CoUins, his second

\vife, Ehzabeth (who died young), and Barbara, his heiress, married

to Robert Streatfeild of Delaware, see below.
(b) Richard (c) John.

(d) Edward. (e) WilUam.

He married secondly in 1566 Elizabeth Laundy, widow, and d. 4th December, 1584, leaving Issue

2. Elizabeth, d. inf. 3. Bennett, d. inf.
4. Robert, of whom presently. 5. Sarah.

6. Elizabeth, m. Andrew Combridge of Coldharbour.

Robert Streatfeild of Chested, b. 1571 m. Susan daughter of William Everest, and d. 1657,
leaving

1. Elizabeth, m. George Children.

2. Susan, m. John Cripps.

3. Richard of Chested, d. 1679, unm. (p. 29).

4. Anne. 5. Maria.

6. Robert, of whom presently.

7. Sarah, m. JOHN WOODGATE OF STONEWALL and had issue (p. 24).

8. Obedience, m. George Leigh.

Robert Streatfeild of Cransted, b. 1608, m. 1636, Sarah daughter of WILLIAM WOODGATE
OF STONEWALL (p. 24). He d. 1654, she 1681, leaving issue

1. Robert, b. 1640.

2. Richard of Ford Place, ancestor of Streatfeilds of Otford.

3. Thomas of Vexson, Penshurst, ancestor of Streatfeilds of Walters Green.

4. Sarah, m. Richard Goodhugh, of Tonbridge High Sheriff of Kent In 1697, and had
issue (amongst others) Sarah m. DANIEL WOODGATE OF STONEPIT, Seal (p. 492).

5. Joan, m. 1st Nicholas Piggott, 2nd William Baker.

6. Susan,

7. William.

William Streatfeild of Delaware b. 1636, m. 1st 1662, Ehzabeth Stanford, who d. 1676, leaving
issue

1. Robert, of whom presently.

He m. 2ndly in 1676, Dorothy, relict of Stanford, who d. 1679 ; he d. 1706, lea-ving

2. Richard of Cowden, had issue by Mary his first wife (who d. 1708) William, d. young ;
and by Jane, daughter of Anthony Stapely of Tumham, his second wife (who d. 1720>
Richard d. young. He died s.p. 1729.

Robert Streatfeild of Delaware, m. 1689, Barbara, daughter and heiress of Robert Streatfeild
of Westerham, as above, and d. 1744, leaving

1. Robert of Delaware, b. 1696, m. Mary, daughter and heir of Richard Still of Cowden,
relict of Thomas Dyke of Burwash and d. 1752.

2. Barbara, of whom presently.

3. Elizabeth, d. unm.

504

£ar6ara Streatfeild, ultimately heiress, married 1713, Robert Streatfeild of Hever Castle (see
above), who was b. 1684 and d. 1741. She d. 1771 leaving

1. William of Hever Castle, b. 1717 ; m. 1761, Sarah daughter and ultimately heiress of

OUver Thorpe of Newhouse, Penshurst, and had issue
(a) Robert, d. inf. (b) Wilhamd. hif.

2. Robert of Wandsworth, of whom presently.

3. Thomas of Stoke Newington, d. 1792, s.p. v.

Robert Streatfeild of Wandsworth, b. 1722 ; m. 1748, Anne, daughter and heiress of Samuel
Sandeforth and d. 1768 leaving

1. Sandeforth, of whom presently.

2. Anne, m. Clement Strong of Limpsfield, Surrey.

3. Barbara, d. unm. 1843.

Sandeforth of Long Ditton, Surrey, b. 1750 ; m. Frances, daughter of Thomas Hussey of Ash-
ford and d. 1809 leaving, among other issue

The Rev. Thomas Streatfeild of Charts Edge, Westerham, the eldest son, F.S.A. (p. 436). He was b.
1777, and m. Istly in 1800 Harriet, daughter and coheiress of Alexander Champion, who
d. 1814, leaving

1. Robert Champion, b. 1804, d. 1829.

2. Thomas Champion, b. 1806 ; d. 1823.

3. Alexander Champion, Lieut. 2nd Life Guards, d. 1833.

4. William Champion, of whom presently.

5. Edward Champion, b. 1811 ; d. 1834.

6. Harriet Jane, m. Rev. William Streatfeild, Vicar of East Ham. He d. 1860, she 1837.

7. Frances Maria, m. The Right Rev. Francis Russell Nixon, Bishop of Tasmania and
d. 1834.

8. Barbara Ellen, m. 4th October, 1844, Albert Pelly, 4th son of Sir John Henry Pelly,
Bart. He d. 1894, she 1898, leaving issue.

He m. 2ndly 30th September, 1832, Clare, daughter of The Rev. Thomas Harvey of Redleafe,
Penshurst, and rehct of HENRY WOODGATE OF SPRING GROVE (p, 436). He d.
17th May, 1848, she 16th May, 1886, leaving issue

9. Henry Rivers, b. 1826 ; d. 1831.

10. John FremljTi, F.R.C.S., b. 14th October, 1828 ; m. 1868, Georgiana Smith ; and

d. 18th March, 1886, leaving

(a) Thomas of Folkestone, M.D., m. Florence Wilson, and has issue.

(b) Austen, d. 1890.

11. Harvey Sandeforth, b. 1833 ; d. 1847.

12. AmeMa, d. 1830.

13. Clemence Elizabeth, m. 1853, Lord Justice Sir Henry Cotton of Forest Mere, Hants.

and d. 1891.

The Rev. William Champion Streatfeild of Charts Edge, eldest surviving son, m. 1832, Hannah,
daughter of Joseph Fry of Plashet House, Essex, and d. 1852, leaving (amongst other issue)
The Rev. William Champion Streatfeild, now of Charts Edge, whose eldest son is the Rev.
WiUiam Champion Streatfeild, Vicar of St. Peter's, St. Leonards on Sea.

505

INDEX.

The Index comprises the bulk of the names mentioned in the book, but is not
quite exhaustive. Each name, however, that is in the Index is exhaustively treated.
The Roman Letters refer to the Pedigree sheets.

Abergavenny, Marquis of, 10, i
163, 334, 335, 389. !

Aboyne, Lady, 216, 219, 223, !
232, 233, 234, 237, 259, 262, 263. I

Acton, v., 65-75, 164, 167, 183, j
198, 202, 208, 233, 247, 269, I
270, 273, 274, 283, 285, 289,
293, 301, 302, 303, 310, 313,
317, 372. j

Adams, 313, 481, 492. I

Ager, VI. !

Ailing, 85, 86, 226, 280.

Alexander, III., 21, 205, 208,
209, 375, 379, 380, 381, 383,
500,

AUen, III, 18, 161, 283, 378,
477, 481.

Allnutt, V, 91, 119, 143, 145,
148, 151, 193, 197-204, 209,
212, 219, 229, 238, 251, 254,
260, 263, 266, 279, 281, 288,
299, 302, 312, 313, 315, 327,
329, 330, 332, 336, 338, 339,
340, 345-8, 351, 352, 359-64,
368, 374, 376, 377, 382, 386,
388-403, 419, 420, 421, 428,
430, 438, 442, 444, 455, 459,
462, 473.

Amherst, 18, 31, 33, 34, 42, 263,
335, 351, 394, 492. 1

Amherst, Lord, 150, 168, 171,
182, 191, 197, 201, 242, 245,
249, 250, 252, 255, 306, 332,
354, 394, 395, 420, 425, 440.

Amyard, Sir George, 408.

Arbutlmot, V., 297, 387, 453, 459.

Ash, 103, 104, 135.

Ashburnham, Earl of, 76, 78, 85,
127, 128, 144, 147, 152, 155,
156, 157, 269, 283.

Ashburnham, (Baronets) V, 70,
76-157, 169, 171, 172, 175-8,
192, 197, 202, 204, 217, 220,
223-31, 234, 236, 237, 259,
265, 269, 286, 287, 297-316,
356, 364, 370, 372, 397-403,
414-6, 420, 421, 427, 437,-448
453, 456, 457, 458, 459, 462,
465.

Ashdowne, II, III, 16, 18, 19,
20, 22, 23, 24, 26-9, 41, 324,
373 502.

Atkins, 86, 130, 148, 180, 189,
248, 254.

Auber, 218, 405, 407, 411.

Austen, 30, 31, 34, 176, 180, 184,
186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 192,
195, 198, 199, 201, 204, 206,
244, 262, 275, 282, 290, 303,
309, 318, 332, 334, 338, 367,
372, 391, 420, 432, 434, 469,
472, 476-9, 484.

Avellier, 409.

Bachelor, 433.

Bailey, Bayley, 187, 192, 227,

300, 311, 313, 408, 418, 422,

450, 459.
Baker, I, 28, 115, 121, 122, 159, i

166, 174, 191, 193, 203, 207, I

209, 215, 216, 236, 247, 303,

335, 412, 503.
Bancroft, 76, 176, 202.
Baring, 297.
Barry, VII.
Barton, ^^.I, 42, 110, 115, 117.

118, 123. I

Bassett, III, 9, 11, 16, 18, 19,

23, 25, 26, 28, 324.
Batlow, 311, 377.
Bayham, Lord, 167, 168, 169,

332.
Beard, 24.
Beckett, 31, 37.
Beecher, III, 9, 11, 14, 15, 18,

25, 28, 499, 500, 501.
Beeching, 476, 477, 479.
Bell, 115, 119.
Bennett, 23.
Benson, 187, 225, 309, 312, 369,

441, 442.
Bentall, 485, 487.
Beresam, V, 386.
Bernard, 408, 409, 413.
Bevis, V.
Biggewither, VII.
BiU, 408.
Birch, 115, 146.
Bird, 92, 96, 105, 107, HI, 112,

114, 130.
Birsty (Birchensty), III, 23, 25,

30, 37, 495, 500, 501.
Bisco, 181, 197, 218, 255.
Bishop, 50, 55, 56, 57, 59-64,

93, 222, 273, 294, 301, 306,

308, 437, 486.
BlackaU, 150, 422, 425.
Blackman, I, 246.

Blair, 137, 437, 447.

Blechinden, IV.

Boakes, 414, 485, 500.

Boissier, 388, 400, 401, 402, 403,
420.

Bolton, V.

Boswell, 249, 250.

Bouvier, 209.

Boyne, Viscount, V, 109, 114,
301, 306, 357, 362, 369, 370,
430, 431, 450, 451, 465.

Boys, 58, 476, 477, 479, 481, 482.

Bracebridge, 33, 300, 502.

Bradford, V, 257, 290, 312, 384,
472.

Bradshaw, the Regicide, 38, 141.

Brandram, 389.

Brassey, Lord, 47, 389.

Bray, Sir Edward, 477, 481, 482.

Brecknock, Lord, 203, 204, 207,
214, 216, 232, 233, 247, 254,
256, 257, 258, 374.

Bridon, 206, 209.

Brigden, 357, 360, 361.

Brigstock, III.

Brisco (of Coghurst), V, 89, 90,
92, 99, 102, 105, 108-120, 123,
124, 127, 129-31, 136, 141,
144-9, 249, 251, 252, 254, 256,
258, 261, 263, 265, 297, 399,
425, 436, 447, 448, 449, 452,
453-467.

Brodie, Sir Benjamin, 151.

Brome, VI, 275, 276, 277, 315.

Bromfield, 318.

Browne, 121, 151n, 172, 199,
209, 210, 433, 444, 462.

Browning, 110, 117, 127.

Bryan, 114, 161, 162.

Brudenell, 77.

Buckmgham, Duke of, 8, 12, 38,
39 327 335.

Budger^Budyer, 196, 321, 430,486

BuUard, VI.

Burdett, Sir Francis, 264.

Burgess, II, 14, 15, 99, 109, 324,
453, 490.

Burrell, 85, 97.

Burton, 107, 108, 115, 120, 128,
136, 187, 200, 215, 218, 222,
224, 231, 253, 257, 258, 260,
261, 262, 282, 309, 310, 334,
373, 374, 377, 386, 400, 436,
439, 440, 450, 460.

5o6

I N DEX — continued.

Busbridge, V,

Buttanshaw, V, 115, 218, 247,
251, 253, 387, 456.

Cade, 87, 198, 231.

Cakott, II, 13.

Callender, VII, 98, 193, 218, 219,
222, 225, 227, 242, 243, 247,
311, 441, 468.

Camac, 89, 90, 91, 98, 99, 100,
102, 105, 106, 108, 111-4, 117,
118, 122, 124, 126, 130, 131,
133, 136, 139, 148, 149, 226,
235, 253, 399, 453, 457, 458,
460, 461, 462.

Cambridge, Owen, 274.

Camden, Marquis, 144, 151,
167-173, 180, 182, 183, 188,
191, 197-201, 206, 207, 208,
214, 216, 218, 219, 220, 232,
233, 234, 238, 242, 245, 249,
251, 253-259, 261, 265, 267,
268, 307, 332, 333, 334, 350,
351, 354, 371, 372, 394, 420,
424, 468, 472.

Campbell, Lord Fredk., 184, 188,
204, 275, 309.

Campbell, 77, 156.

Care, III, 19.

Carpenter, III, 20, 99.

Camell, 46, 147, 196, 200, 201,
202, 204, 210, 222, 247, 311,
492.

Carter, 298, 491, 494.

CartwTight, 309, 422.

Castlereagh, Lord, 188, 196, 207,
212, 242, 300, 441, 472.

Cavan, Earl of, 486, 487.

Cave, 39, 355, 357.

Cazalet, 92, 93, 105.

Champion, 310, 489, 504.

Chandoir, Baroness, 255, 256,
257.

Cbesworth, 65.

Chapman, II, 13, 15, 74, 499.

Chested (Penshurst), 9, 28, 29,
34, 35, 38, 64.

Chichester, Earl of, 78, 79, 80,
89, 91, 107, 108, 123, 137, 297,
302.

Child, 410, 411, 417.

Children, III, 34, 41-47, 49, 130,
173, 188, 272, 298-301, 304,
305, 306, 309, 311, 327, 332,
334, 338, 351, 352, 353, 355,
357, 363, 369, 372, 376, 378,
381, 382, 390, 391, 413, 494,
503.

Chirol, 77.

Chittenden, 373, 476, 478, 482,
484.

Cholmondeley, 66, 67.

Christie, 119, 183, 184.

Clanrickard, Marquis of, 38.

Claridge, 42, 180, 185, 197, 250,
265, 332, 334, 439, 440.

Clark, 78, 167, 208, 211, 225,

280, 450.
Cleaton, 72, 75, 168, 198, 289.
Clements, 218, 257, 258, 260.
Cleughs, Colonel, 118, 220.
Clive, 150, 184, 250, 394, 395.
Clothiers, 476.
Cobb, 151, 196, 197, 203, 212,

250.
Cobbett, William (the Agitator),

124.
Cockbum, Sir James, 202.
Cocks, 65, 66.
Cole, 77, 256.
ColUer, 297, 453, 484.
Collins. 121, 320, 325, 428, 503.
Combridge, III, 10, 14, 16, 17, 20,

21, 22, 24, 434, 499, 500, 503.
Comerford, VII.
Coney, III, 30.
Constable, 55, 60, 84, 98, 291,

293, 304, 500.
Cook, 40, 71, 123, 230, 258, 275,

280, 326, 362, 447, 482.
Coomber, 321, 485.
Cooper, Sir Astley, 220.
Cope, 97, 233.
Corbett, 143, 464.
Comwallis, 61, 244, 253, 289.
Cotton, Lord Justice, 504.
Cottv, 37, 499, 500.
Courthorpe, 30, 31, 106, 269,

270, 293, 294, 304.
Couehman, II, 13, 500.
Covemton, VI.
Cox, 144, 420, 426.
Crawford, Lady, 127, 253.
Crighton, Sir Alex., 102, 110,

111, 118, 127, 140, 146, 238,

244, 246, 250, 261, 252, 254-

260, 263, 265, 287, 423, 424.
Croft, Sir Archer, 143, 150, 160,

196, 203, 464, 465.
Crompe, III, IV, 30, 31, 32,

442, 493.
Cromwell, Ohver, 37, 379.
Cubitt, 101, 102, 244, 246.
Culpepper, 8, 11, 478, 480.
Cumberland, 133, 186, 430, 438.
Currie, 268, 285, 286, 384.
Curteis, 61, 85, 92, 96, 97, 109,

110, 116, 117, 120, 126, 138,

144, 150, 167, 182, 201, 222,

251, 261, 263, 265, 273, 274,

275, 276, 280, 295, 411, 412,

420, 425, 426.

Dalison, VII.

DarknoU, I, 7, 8, 11.

Damley, Lord, 180, 255, 333,

334, 351, 354.
Dauncey, 408.

Davenport, 65, 66, 67, 68, 72.
Davies, 33, 34, 35, 144, 164, 320,

335, 365, 433, 485, 487.
Davison, 107, 418.

Day, 246-8, 257, 377, 490.

De Passow, 69, 346, 348, 391.
Delamare, 404, 405, 407, 408,

409, 413.
Delawarr, Lord, 150, 216, 250,

251, 389.
Delmynden, 481.
Delves, 29, 42, 64, 172, 269, 320,

322, 352.
Denman V,
Denne, 103, 117, 128, 132, 135,

444.
Derby, Lord, 213, 396.
Derine, 218.
Dobeil, 291.

Dodd, 209, 251, 442, 452.
Dohgnon, 408.
Donald, 201, 213.
I Dov/ning, IV, 31, 32.
' Downshire, Marquis of, 150,
' 206, 208.
Dorset, Duke of, 42, 44, 47, 162,
165, 167-170, 183, 205, 254,
275, 276, 332, 333, 371.
Dorset, Duchess of, 180, 184,
188, 207, 218, 219, 223, 225,
233, 267, 275, 299, 302, 364,
439.
Driver, 324, 325.
Drummond, 214, 384.
Dudsen, 44, 313, 363, 391.
Dugdale, 89, 92, 114, 116, 142,

154.
Duke, 147, 151, 466, 476, 499.
Duncan, Lord, 144, 147.
Dundas, General, 354.
! Durrant, IV, 29, 30, 31, 34,
j 35, 41, 57, 63, 64, 121, 294,
i 400, 479.
I DurtnaU, 13, 399, 499.
I Dvke, 118, 200, 206, 215, 220,
I '333, 335, 503.
i Dyne, 453.

Earl, 156, 398, 490.
Egerton, 47, 389.
Eglington, Lord, 112, 114, 457.
Eldridge, 13, 346, 347, 359, 361,

437, 500.
Elhott, V, 72, 113, 146, 352.
ElMs, 9, 31, 197.
Elphinstone, Sir Howard, 117,

126, 136, 461.
Elrington, 477, 480, 481, 482.
Engleheart, 118, 188, 247, 249,

252, 254, 256, 260, 263, 399.
Erskine, Lord Chancelloi, 270,

271.
Essex, Eari of, 38.
Evans, 488, 492, 493, 494.
Evelyn, 183, 215, 219, 236, 237,

240, 252, 255, 272, 472.
Everest, III, 17, 23, 26, 44, 46,

49, 58, 298, 299, 332, 500, 503.
Evett, 59, 174.
Eyles, 91, 205, 222, 224, 225,

352, 356, 364, 373.

INDEX— continued.

507

Fane (Vane), 18, 42, 208.

Farmer, 164, 180.

Faniaby, Sir Chas. 162, 167, 186.

Fermor, 60.

Ferox Hall, (Tonbridge), 279,

312, 353.
Fielding, 39, 114.
Finch, 335, 361.
Fisher, F.O., 453.
FitzGerald, 76, 86.
FitzHugh, 90, 204.
Fitton, 119, 251, 261.
Flint, 222, 225, 248.
Floyd, 31.
Ford, I, 72, 168, 169, 243, 485,

486, 499.
Foster, 53, 55, 73, 76, 196, 351,

362, 363, 369, 393, 410.
Fowler, 121, 482.
Francis, V,
Frankland, 79, 80.

Fremlyn, IV, 24, 31, 34, 37,

500 501
Frewen, v', 171, 385, 427, 436,

466, 467, 481.
Friend, III,

Frushard, 404, 405, 413.
Fry, II, III, 13, 14, 20, 504.
Fuller, 31, 59, 124, 144, 501.
Fulman, 23, 373.

Gage, 30, 89.
Gainsford, 39, 44, 324.
Gardiner, 334, 337, 355, 356,

363, 425.

Garthwaite, 221, 301, 336, 359,

387, 388, 389, 391, 392, 428.
Geary, Sir WilHam, 218, 224,

351, 354, 369.
George, VI, 372, 435.
Gibbon, 203, 274.
Gilbert, 128.
Oiles, 478, 479.
Gladstone, 385, 423.
Gloucester, Princess Sophia of,

118, 126.
Godwin, 127, 482, 501.
Golding, 14.
Goldsmid, 375, 380, 422.
Golightly, 106, 110, 112, 114,

255.
Goodenough, Archdeacon, 104,

105, 106, 112, 113, 114, 245,

251.
Goodhugh, 25, 26, 488, 491, 492,

503.
Gordon, 55, 56, 80, 81, 91, 193,

262, 263, 269, 373, 431.
Gore, 160, 241, 468.
Goring, 59, 198, 291.
Gower, 214, 248, 254, 352.
Grahame, 308, 318, 401, 472.
Grantham, VI.
Graves, Lord, 102, 106.
Green, 20, 93, 221, 292, 297, 318,

501.
Greenland, 319, 332, 338, 365.

Greville, 144, 248.

Grey, VII, 47, 247, 466.

Grimbalston, 436.

Grose, (Justice), 191, 376, 412,

413.
Grosvenor, 483.
Gull, IV, 32, 437.
Gunning, 221, 278, 313, 443.
Gurdon, 91, 234.

Hale, V,

Halford, Sir Henry, 234, 236.

Hall, I, 9, 486.

Hallard, 185, 199.

Hamet, 298, 363.

Hamilton (Lord Boyne), V, 106,
109, 114, 119, 301, 302, 303,
306, 370, 425, 430, 431, 447,
454.

Hamilton, 132, 135, 176, 317,
378, 447.

Hammond, V, VI, 8, 40, 55, 58-
62, 188, 269, 271, 294, 333,
352, 365.

Hancock, Sir Samuel, 427.

Hankin, 307, 440.

Harbroe, 45, 364, 365, 368, 369,
389.

Hardinge, V, VII, 48, 87, 94-98,
103, 106, 108, 140, 151, 167,
168, 171, 174-92, 195-216,
218-244, 247, 250, 251, 252,
254, 258, 263, 264, 271, 277,
278, 290, 300, 307, 308, 311,
I 312, 315, 382, 384, 385, 400,
I 422, 438, 439, 441, 444, 446,
468-475.

Hardy, 62, 294.

Hare, 130, 141, 142, 152, 182,
252, 253, 255, 256, 257, 261,
262, 265, 266, 268, 304.

Harenc, 219, 230, 231, 238, 255,
259.

Harkness, 397.

Harman, 213, 217.

Harmer, 204, 312.

Harpur, 11, 44, 304, 337, 358,
362, 372, 373.

Harris, Lord, 116.

Harrison, 15, 300, 318, 359, 365,
391, 417, 451.

Harrowby, Lord, 96, 103, 104,
242, 245.

Hart, 22, 24, 112, 197.

Hartrup, 299, 300, 311, 326, 352,
372, 437.

Harvey, V, 142, 187, 188, 192,
204, 210, 214, 218, 223, 245,
246, 274, 313, 322, 351, 357,
365, 368, 370, 373, 428, 431,
432, 434, 435, 444, 486, 487,
504.

Harwood, 118, 147, 150.

Hasted, 50, 325, 326, 335, 485.

Hatch, 221, 222, 223, 231, 314.

Hatsell, 189.

Hawkes, VI.

Hawkwell (Pembury), 428, 429,

435.
Hawley, 193, 250.
Hayward, 18, 365, 437, 498.
Hazlehurst (artist), 125, 260,

261, 262.
Hemming, II, 14, 207, 209,

236, 248, 254.
Henham, 53, 372.
Hensill, 476, 479.
Herries (of Montreal), 94, 219.
Hertford, Lady, 109.
Hexstall, 8, 9.
Hibbert, 129, 130.
Higgins, VII,
Hill, VII, 18, 39, 46, 148, 267,

325, 492.
HilHer, 437, 448.
Hodges, 92, 97, 103, 105, 114,

304.
Hodgson, 53, 63, 295.
Holcombe, V.

HoUamby, 23, 34, 64, 332, 501.
HolUngbury, 78, 98, 101.
Holman, 32, 33.
Holmden, 37, 168, 495, 496.
Holmes, 42, 96, 132, 133, 145,

154, 227.
Holwell, 304, 333, 334.
Homesdale, Lord, 150, 261, 265,

420, 439.
Honey wood, 160, 333, 368.
Hooker, V, 42, 175, 299, 312,

318, 319, 326, 327, 359, 360,

365, 372, 391, 418, 440, 469,

490, 495.
Hooper, 13, 158, 199, 292, 293,

295.
Horn, 32, 61, 172, 278, 425.
Howe, Baroness, 112, 113.
Hughes, 89, 104, 162.
Humphry, V, 52, 60, 61, 73, 76, 83,

86-157, 158-268, 274, 276, 278,

279-285, 293, 294, 296, 299-

316, 332, 377, 380, 382, 387,

393, 396-402, 426, 438, 442,

443, 455, 470, et passim.
Humphry, Ozias, R.A., 158, 170,

177, 178, 181, 182, 183, 187,

269, 350, 371, 439.
Hunter, III,
Hussey, 55, 56, 269, 361, 368,

376, 445, 504.
Hynes, 31, 33, 34, 37.

Ilbert, 181, 210, 234, 255, 438.

IlHngv/orth, 365, 433.

Irving, 188, 195, 197, 208, 214,

218, ^44, 252.
Isaac, VI.

Jackson, V, 166, 191, 482.
James, 146, 147, 153, 196, 211,

230, 468.
Jeffrey, 121, 488, 489.
., 11, 14, 18.

John Bull," 384.

5o8

I N DEX — continued.

Johnson, 41, 158, 262, 490, 491,

495.
Jones (Johnes), 102, 244, 250,

309, 325, 394, 445.
Jordan, II, 13, 14, 31, 273, 298,

321, 476, 477, 488, 493, 494.
Juxon, 76, 477, 482.

Kay, 111, 140, 142, 412.
Keble, 46.

Kelson, 180, 201, 202, 213, 214,
233, 253.

Kemble (actor), 81, 199, 335,
351,

Kemp, 293, 312.

Kennard, II, 121, 122, 463.

Kennedy, VII.

Kent, Duchess of, 138, 139, 140,
146, 436, 444, 460, 461.

Kiddar, 319, 320, 322, 373.

KiUick, 118, 348, 360.

King, 20, 187, 320, 352, 496.

Knatchbull, 203, 333, 351.

Knox, V, 97, 109, 147, 189, 192,
193, 196, 197, 200, 202, 205,
209, 210, 213, 220-27, 232,
235, 244, 254, 264, 274, 302,
304, 306, 308-313, 335, 336,
346, 351, 357, 370, 379, 382,
387, 389, 420, 421, 422, 424,
443.

Lachlan, VII.

Laing, V.

Lake, 335, 429, 488, 492, 493,

494.
Lamb, Sir Charles, 97, 98, 102,

112, 118, 144, 148, 237, 457.
Lambarde, 18, 84, 91, 184, 185,

187, 188, 189, 191, 199, 205,

206, 209, 211, 218, 219, 234,

241, 257, 263, 395.
Lambe, 47, 92, 98, 105, 119, 121,

122, 145, 501.
Lambert, 51, 52, 53, 213, 458,

486, 487.
Lane, 90, 189, 190, 204, 264,

275, 394, 412, 483, 485, 487.
Larking, I, 152, 352.
Laurie, " Annie," 334, 418.
Lawford, Admiral, 202.
Lawrence, Sir Thomas, 96, 117,

119, 136, 182, 230, 248, 255,

257, 383, 387.
Leddal, 10, 14.
Legate, III, 20.
Leicester, Earl of, 38, 166, 434,

502.
Le Mesurer, 448.
Lennard, 12, 215, 223, 248.
LesUe, V,
Le Souef, 414.

Lewin, 352, 354, 357, 388, 391.
Lightfoot, 211, 219, 251, 259,

281, 290, 423, 425, 501.

Lipscomb, VI, 75, 104, 110, 117,
127, 218, 220, 227, 237, 249,
253, 257, 258, 278, 280, 281,
284, 285, 288, 289, 290, 315,
424.

Liverpool, Lord, 189, 242, 245,
263.

Llambi, Don Antonio, VT.

Lloyd, 186, 189, 218, 399.

Lomax, \T:.

Londonderry, Marquis of, 106,
107, 171, 188, 196, 208, 211,
242, 251, 252, 261, 468, 472.

Lowten, 323.

Lucas, 112, 113, 114.

Luck, III, 17, 22, 495, 499, 500,
503.

Lumford, 478, 479, 480.

Lushington, 149, 150, 151, 313,
453, 464.

Luttrell, 300, 351, 364, 369, 390.

Luxford, 90, 92, 110, 127, 149,
197, 199, 200, 204, 205, 208,
210, 213, 215, 222, 223, 235,
312, 313, 314,

Lyndhurst, Lord Chancellor, 108.

Mackenzie, 93, 96, 105, 113,

116, 117, 121, 122, 138, 145,

147, 465.
MacLeod, 146, 147, 221, 276, 287.
Maitland, General Sir Thos., 246,

306.
Manesty, 53, 54, 55, 162.
Manning (Cardinal), 27, 74, 104,

203, 204, 206, 232, 233.
Mansfield, Lord, 59, 71, 74, 185,

269, 272, 273, 318.
Mapletoft, 53, 54, 294.
Marjoribanks, Sir Wm., 139.
Markett, 212, 317, 373, 418.
Marshall, V.
Marsham, Lord, 259, 334, 420,

430.
Martin, III, 21, 40, 46, 181, 362,

502.
Mascall, 12, 85, 97, 98, 105, 110,

143, 147, 149, 204, 222.
Maseres, Baron, 469.
Mashn, VI.

Matthews, 187, 214, 221, 440.
May, 40, 42, 128, 181, 207, 213,

220, 261, 350, 352, 358, 390,

396, 397, 429, 430, 449.
Mayol, VI.
MeUer, VII.
Mercer, 311, 326, 337, 351, 358,

364, 376, 430, 476, 477, 481,

488, 489, 500.
Merriman (Bishop), 77, 156.
Micklethwait (Bart.), 146.
Middleton, 9, 22.
Miller, 42, 43, 121, 270, 335, 429.
Mills, I, II, VI, 410, 489.

Milward, 84, 91, 102, 104, 105,
106, 109, 110, 111, 112, 114,
115, 117, 122, 124, 128, 129,
130, 132, 140, 145, 146, 172,
196, 217, 222, 267, 297, 299,
313, 453, 457.

Mitford, 335.

Moat, Manor of (Cowden), 245,
310, 315, 324, 382.

Molyneux, 116, 118, 126, 145,
423, 437, 446, 447, 449, 452.

Monck, 425, 447, 466.

Moneypenny, 114, 234, 301, 314,
333, 356, 441, 444, 446.

Montagu, 118, 123.

Montgomery, Lady, 98, 101, 109,
112, 114, 115, 144, 148, 457.

Moody, 18, 239, 250, 252, 501.

Moore, 176, 181, 271, 275.

Morland, 114, 115.

Morley, 128, 314, 450.

Morris, 117, 208, 209, 210, 221,
241, 314, 413, 414, 433, 436,
452.

Morrison, 147, 187, 200, 311.

Mortimer, 116, 446, 447.

Moyse, III, 8, 11, 20, 167.

Mugg, III,

Mugridge, 332, 347, 358.

Munn, 478, 483.

Murray (Beauport), 62, 127, 172,
173, 297, 298, 299, 304, 360.

Musgrave, Sir Richard, 453.

Nash, 358, 368, 430.

Neild, 352, 356.

NeviUe, II, 14, 109, 218, 331, 394.

Newcastle, Duke of, 48, 77, 291,
292, 297.

Newcomb, 120, 158, 190, 191,
203, 248.

Newman, Cardinal, 385.

NicoU (Court Lodge), V, 47, 48,
51, 55, 56, 57, 59-62, 296, 299,
351, 355, 359, 360, 363, 390.

Noel, V.

Norman, 261, 443.

North, 56, 63, 90, 109, 111, 112,
113, 118, 123, 137, 139, 146,
172, 177, 211, 226, 449, 461.

Northey, 15, 335.

Norton, 185, 453, 464,

NouaiUe, (of Greatness), V, 88,
105, 107, 108, 110, 116, 122,
130, 138, 143-7, 150, 166, 168,
174, 177, 178, 181, 182, 184-
192, 198, 199, 205, 207, 212,
215, 218, 219, 220, 227, 229,
231, 236, 237, 240, 241, 244,
246, 249-52, 255, 258-63, 266,
274, 284, 288, 290, 302, 309,
310, 315, 334, 356, 361, 362,
363, 365, 374, 381, 391, 404-
430, 431, 435, 438, 439,
455, 456, 466, 472, 473.

Nunn, 214, 433.

I N D EX — continued.

509

O'DONOGHUE, V.

Ogle (of Kirkley), 300, 502.
Osbom, III, 20, 476, 500.
Otley, 173, 319.
Otway, 42, 186, 188, 189, 196,

197, 206, 207, 350.
Oursel, 405, 409, 410, 411.

Page, 15, 37, 322, 357.

Paine, 170, 291.

Palliser, 106, 145, 247, 250, 264,

468, 472, 473, 474.
Palmer, 30, 84, 86, 88, 93, 102,
104, 107, 108, 109, 110, 112,
115, 119, 126, 129, 140, 141,
142, 146, 151, 154, 167, 168,
244, 245, 253, 254, 266, 282,
283, 450, 453, 465, 472.
PapiUon, 42, 171, 181, 186, 187,
189, 197, 205, 207, 212, 214,
216, 218, 223, 230, 235, 247,
264, 468.
Paslow, 234, 235, 237.

Pearce, Dr., 175, 176, 177, 178,
179, 501.

Peckham, 29, 30, 368.

Peel, 223 251, 25«.

Pelham (see Earl of Chichester),
77, 78, 80, 89, 90, 107, 133,
171, 172, 181, 183, 187, 291,
292, 293, 297, 301, 302, 308,
446, 453, 468.

Pennington, V,

Pepper, 220, 274, 502.

Petlev, VI, 32, 33, 104, 119, 122,
147, 148, 175, 189, 198, 199,
200, 202, 204, 211, 214, 218,
220, 243, 251, 252, 255, 258,
259, 260, 275, 276, 277, 278,
281, 284-290, 306, 313, 315,
318, 424, 426, 427, 486, 495.

Piggott, III, 15, 16, 18, 23, 27,
603.

Pilkington, General, 138.

Pitt, 334, 354, 420.

Planta, Rt. Hon. Joseph, 117,
461.

Phmkett, VII,

Plymouth, Lord, 147, 150, 171,
213, 252, 253, 259.

Pole, 231, 233, 259, 404, 407.

Polhill, 37, 104, 180, 220, 251,
261, 275, 351, 368, 422, 500,
501, 502.

Ponton, VI, 191, 193, 248, 265,
274, 275, 282, 284, 290, 312,
314, 444.

Porteous, 173.

Potkyn, I, 8.

Pott, 202, 299, 311, 359, 376,
388, 390, 395, 396, 399, 400,
440.

Powell, 25, 26, 167, 205, 231,
386, 501.

Pratt, 27, 37, 149, 151, 167, 168,
169, 180, 181, 184, 191, 198,
199, 206, 207, 208, 211, 214,
230, 232, 240, 241, 242, 249,
251, 254, 256, 257, 258, 259,
261, 262, 305, 394, 395, 468.

Prescott, Sir George, 89, 97.

Preston, Viscount, 55.

Prince, VI.

Pritchard, 56, 59, 60, 61.

Prout (artist), 142, 145.

QUARLES, 497.

Raleigh, Sir Walter, 497.
Rambouillet, Marquis de, 469.
Randolph, 189, 213, 214, 219,

255, 256.
Rashleigh, VII.
Rastale, 195.
Ravenscroft, 485, 486.
Rayden, 233, 318, 418, 419.
Redman, 319.

Read (Chief Justice), 9, 16.
Reeve, 26, 32, 33, 501.
Relph, 42, 204, 355, 357.
Reynes, II, 13, 294, 491.
RejTiolds, Sir Joshua, 136, 158,

161, 485.
Richards, 57, 100, 106, 109, 114,

193, 213, 215.
Rideout, V, 55, 168, 171, 172,

174, 188, 291-7, 301, 302, 306,

308, 355, 356, 359, 360, 363,

372, 390.
Riverhill, 41, 42, 272, 285, 286.
Rivers, I, II, 11, 12, 17, 24, 27,

335, 488, 499, 501.
Robertson, 257, 465.
Robins, V.

Robinson, V, 33, 181, 245, 387.
Rogers, 25, 268, 433, 501.
Romney (artist), 158, 161, 183,

353, 354.
Romney, Lord, 185, 332, 351,

353, 354, 430.
I Ronald, VII.
I Roper, Sir John, 481, 482.
Roimd, 181, 247, 263, 424, 447,

491, 492, 493, 494.
Rudge, 152, 166, 221, 231, 233,

259, 404, 407, 410, 411, 419,

424, 427, 449.
Rush, 106, 144, 181, 187, 189,

191, 192, 199, 202, 217, 219,

249, 250, 264.
Russell, 63, 106, 109, 114, 159,

186, 218, 302, 306, 322, 478,

482.

Sackvillb, Lord, 42, 165, 479.
Saint, 91, 220, 312, 368, 449.
St. Albans, Duke of, 133.
St. Croix, 215, 280, 314, 452.

St. Leonards, 115, 119, 126, 139,

140, 284.
Sale, 19, 40, 302.
Saxby, 14, 495.
Sayer, 109, 111, 115, 127, 297.
Sclater, 318, 355, 365, 372, 438,

439, 440.
Scoones, 44, 177, 181, 192, 196,
199, 202, 204, 210, 212, 213,
222, 225, 228, 229, 245, 300,
301, 322, 324, 333, 334, 351,
357, 358, 359, 362, 364, 368,
372, 373, 375, 376, 382, 388,
390, 396, 420, 428, 435, 502.

Scott, 101, 170, 288, 383,443, 481.

Searancke, 60, 296.

SeUers, 60, 64, 270, 302.

Seyliard, III, 15, 20, 25, 26, 27,
32, 33, 34, 37, 489, 500, 501.

Seymour, 73, 144, 219.

Shadwell, 89, 99, 107, 109, 117.

Sharp, 49, 106, 131, 501.

Shaw, Sir John, VII, 332, 351,
469, 473, 474.

Shelley, 41, 89, 292, 368, 390.

Shepherd, 39, 175, 225, 486.

Shuttleworth, 146, 224, 226, 502.

Sidney (of Penshurst Place), 14,
38, 198, 199, 202, 207, 212, 222,
238, 257, 392, 394, 434, 443,
502.

Simmons, 204, 267, 323, 357, 367.

Skinner, 10, 11, 13, 14, 42, 499.

Slade, 219, 437.

Sloper, VI.

Smart, 167, 356, 357.

Smith, 29, 43, 114, 115, 172, 197,
199, 204, 212, 233, 236, 238,
299, 300, 311, 335, 352, 377,
413, 422, 438, 449, 480, 487,
503, 504.

Smythe, Lady, 325, 470.

Somerhill, 36, 37, 38, 152, 377,
378.

Sparks, 199, 311, 433.

Spencer (of Redleafe), 21, 185,
388, 434, 499.

Spicer, 176, 177.

Spiller, 486, 487.

Sprmgate, 222, 422, 476, 497.

Spring Grove, 121, 222, 352, 386,
390, 428, 429, 435, 436.

Stainer, 259, 263.

Stanford, 10, 495, 496, 503.

Stanhope, Earl of, 167, 171, 193,
201, 204, 208, 218, 354, 394,
411.

Stegmann, Don Claudio, VI.

Stephens, 31, 46, 189, 199, 370.

Stewart, Lord, 201, 211, 212,
214, 215, 234, 253, 263, 300.

Stileman, 92, 98, 102, 146.

Stirling, V.

Stizzye, 477.

Stone, 10, 29, 34, 261, 489.

Stonestreet, 106, 109, 112, 114, L
120, 137, 146, 247. >

510

I N D EX— continued .

Stonewall Park, 18, 23, 24, 36,
38, 41, 44, 151, 373, 374, 375,
450.

Stracey, 172, 188, 197, 198.

Strathavon, Lord, 233, 234.

Streatfeild, Richard (Commander
R.N.), VI, 85, 13.3, 189, 226,
257, 278, 279, 280, 281, 283,
284, 285, 288, 290, 314, 315,
400, 420, 502.

Streatfeild, Rev, Thomas (of
Chart's Edge), V, 10, 24, 32,
45, 218, 222, 386, 395, 421,
433, 435, 436, 456, 459, 466,
480, 485, 494.

Streatfeild (of Chidingstone, etc.)
Ill, V, 10-14, 16, 17, 18,20, 21,
23-33, 35, 37, 42, 46, 62, 64,
119, 152, 167, 175, 176, 219,
220, 246, 247, 248, 252, 259,
261, 264, 274, 278, 280, 300,
301, 322, 324, 333, 334, 351,
357, 390-401, 425, 455, 469,
488, 490, 492, 495, 496, 497,
499, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504.

Swayland, II, 8, 12.

Swa^ne, III, IV, 34, 41, 42, 48,
49, 172, 270, 440.

Tabor, VII, 386.

Talbot (of Falconhurst), 386.

Taylor, VI, 46, 169, 171, 172,
173, 181, 205, 218, 288, 304,
370, 433, 438, 492, 495, 501.

Tempest, 30, 37.

Templer, 325, 373.

Terry, II, 13, 35, 501.

Thaddeus, 309, 310. I

Thomas, V, 120, 141, 181, 183, !
187, 188, 205, 233, 251, 263, I
264, 306, 307, .309, 310, 311, |
374, 377, 387, 411, 441.

Thompson (of Seal), III, V, 13, |
45, 46, 143, 175, 176, 178, 189,
192, 195, 200, 206, 212, 213, I
214, 215, 218, 220, 221, 222, !
225, 229, 235, 261, 262, 263, I
274, 278, 319, 323, 439. |

Thorpe, 22, 64, 109, 499, 501, j
504. I

Thursby, 133, 171, 186, 235, 236, I
237 247. !

Tonbr'idge Bank, 188, 375, 376. j

Tonbridge Castle, 8, 27, 373, 448. i

Tonbridge School, 43, 72, 185, |
187, 20.5, 211, 223, 235, 258,
305, 335, 336. 371, 383, 384, i
387, 443, 444, 447, 456. I

Townshend, 162, 170, 208, 333,
354, 453. 1

Trme II. ■

Tucker, 158, 166, 187, 260, 426, I
427. j

Turner, 21, 22, 282, 453. |

Tumour, Lord, 112, 457. ;

Tuthill, Sir George, 262.

Tworle, II, 15.

Twysden, 8, 181, 191, 220, 261.
323, 429.

Uniackb, VII.

Upcott, 158, 159, 183, 184, 269.

Urquhart, 278, 414.

Valle, 381.

Vaunde, Count de, 115.

Vautier, 405, 407.

Veasey, V.

Victoria, Princess (afterwards

Queen), 138, 139, 140, 152,

379, 427, 444, 461.
Villiers (Viscount Purbeck), 38,

39, 325.
Volunteers, 27, 185, 276.

Wakefield, 238, 247, 320, 359.

Waldo, 257, 374.

Walker, VI, 31, 287, 486.

Waller, Sir Watlien, 110, 112,
113, 114, 457.

WalUs, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 34, 290.

Walpole, Horace, 48, 170, 317,
373.

Walter, III, 23, 27, 28, 62, 172,
175, 177, 178, 191, 209, 249,
355, 368, 390, 438, 440, 469.

Ward, 216, 222, 402, 449.

Warde, I, V, 9, 221, 223, 351,
401, 425.

Warren, 160, M3, 444.

Warrenger, 109, 112, 137.

Waterhouse, IV, 259, 262, 283.

Watson, 116, 123, 299, 361, 466,
480.

Watts, 57, 144, 150.

Way, 65, 66, 71, 277.

Weatherall, IV, 31, 32, 60, 115,
322, 323, 332, 354, 360, 361,
374.

Webb, II, 15, 42, 208.

Webster, Sir Godfrey, 59, 62,
90, 96, 123, 144, 452.

Weller, 335, 337.

Welleslev, 92, 102, 106, 115.

Wellington, Duke of, 92, 137, 138,
151, 258, 277, 278, 377, 472.

Wells, 203, 263, 326, 363, 400,
445.

West (of Woolwich), V, 119, 221,
383.

West (of Postern Park), V, 77,
85, 88-157 (passim), 184, 188,
193, 197-200, 202, 208, 210,
213, 214, 215, 217, 220, 221,
223, 225, 227, 229, 230, 235,
236, 242, 245, 258, 275, 304,
305-316, 359, 365, 368, 369,
377, 382, 398, 419, 421, 422,
423, 424, 426, 437-448, 449-
460.

Wharton, 29, 33, 143, 146, 231,
234, 240, 241, 242, 256, 257.

Whetenhall, IV, 9, 32.

Whish, V, 502.

White, 19, 252.

Whitear, 172, 173, 175, 176,
177, 178, 444.

Whitehead, 147, 172, 174, 181,
189, 191, 195, 198, 200, 201,
206, 212, 214, 215, 220, 223,
229, 240, 241, 248, 252, 255,
262, 263, 266, 299, 439.

Whitfield, Dr. 162, 167, 170, 173.

Whittaker, 43, 187, 191, 213, 217,
249, 251, 312, 368, 369, 392,
437, 439, 440, 469, 501.

Whitton, 93, 94, 97, 109, 151,
450, 452-5.

Whitworth, Lord, 175, 180, 183,
205, 218, 219, 275, 298, 354,
364, 439.

Wickenden, I, 8, 495.

Wilgress, 189, 197, 225, 251, 259,
261, 288, 356, 502.

Wilkes, John, M.P., 70, 71.

WiUard, 60, 180, 256, 276, 291,
368.

WilUams, 74, 285, 384, 423.

Wilhs, 184, 265, 275, 280, 282,
283, 287, 472.

Willoughby, 14, 16, 18, 33.

Wilmot, 92, 117, 119, 121, 197,
289, 361.

Wilson, 55, 90, 115, 122, 128, 131,
504.

Wimshurst, 478.

Winn, II, 15.

Winter, 23, 27, 28, 167, 318.

Wolfe, II, 12, 13, 99, 203, 204,
232, 23.3, 235, 468, 471.

Wolgate, S.

Wood, 42, 197, 199, 296, 318,
388, 422, 441, 472.

WOODGATE—

John Woodgate of Somerhill,
(1664-1728), 41, 42, 48.

Henry Woodgate of Somerhill
(1701-1787), 40, 44, 270, 273,
274, 285, 295, 317, 320, 321,
322, 325.

Rev. Francis Woodgate, 1706-
1790 (and family), 34, 39, 40,
41, 42, 44, 45-64, 65-73, 77,
161, 162, 163, 164, 167, 168,
269-273, 291-5, 319-325, 369,
498.
William Woodgate of Somerhill,
1743-1809 (and family), 43,
44, 50, 68, 69, 177, 223, 295,
299, 300, 317-387, 469.
Henry Woodgate of Riverhill,
1746-1834 (and family), 53, 61,
69, 70, 74, 85, 156, 163, 167,
168, 173, 174, 180, 185, 186,
189, 19.3, 198, 206, 209, 211,
218, 228, 229, 237, 244, 266,
269-290, 295, 300, 301, 307,
310, 312, 319, 332, 366, 398,
433, 439, 440.

Francis Woodgate of Ferox Hall,
1781-1843 (and family), 88, '
102, 119, 140, 144, 184, 189,
196, 204, 206, 208, 209, 210,
213, 216, 217, 224, 225, 227,
232, 233, 235, 242, 243, 269-
290, 392, 420, 421, 424, 425,
438.

John Woodgate of Liverpool,
Major, 1788-1868 (and family),
75, 145, 181, 193, 202, 225, 249,
269-290, 394, 426.

Stephen Woodgate of Sevenoaks
(1745-1811), 69, 70, 96, 164,
185, 186, 273, 274, 295, 305,
318, 319, 321, 322, 324, 325,
332, 334, 391.

Rose, Sarah and Anne Woodgate
(of Tonbridge), 84, 88, 98, 99,
100, 168, 169, 173, 187, 206,
215, 228, 229, 241-247, 279,
298-316, 351, 381, 382, 398,
430, 436, 438, 439, 440, 445,
471.

WilHam F. Woodgate of Somer-
hiU, 1770-1828 (and family),
109, 152, 180, 199, 201, 295,
299, 300, 301, 305, 307, 310,
311, 312, 323, 327-387, 388,
390, 391, 428-431, 439.

William Woodgate of Swaylands
(1799-1866), 109, 119, 198,
211, 215, 218, 221, 231, 233,
240, 259, 285, 286, 382, 383,
384, 387, 401, 425, 449, 451,
453, 454, 455.

I N D EX — continued .

Henry Arthur Woodgate of Bel-
broughton (1801 - 1874), 98,
146, 221, 290, 361, 383, 384,
402, 414, 443, 451.

Walter Bradford Woodgate, 375,
384, 429, 490.

Sir Edward R. P. Woodgate,
Major-General, 384.

Francis Woodgate of Falcon-
hurst (1808-1871), 45, 144,
145, 148, 151, 152, 385, 386,
399, 435, 436, 446, 451, 455,
456, 460, 462, 463, 466, 502.

Francis Henry Woodgate, Capt.
(1839-1877), 385, 463, 466.

Decimus Woodgate (1812-1875),

386, 451.

Anna Woodgate (1797-1829),
102, 109, 115, 199, 212, 213,
222, 223, 226, 244, 251, 253,

387, 396, 454, 456.

Rosa Woodgate (1806-1855), 218,
221, 387, 435, 456.

Henry Woodgate of Spring
Grove (1771-1818), 80, 182,
187, 192, 196, 214, 218, 245,
305, 306, 307, 381, 390, 391,
428-436, 439, 469, 504.

Frances Woodgate (see Brisco),
91 et passim, 220, 226, 234,
240, 249, 398, 446.

John Woodgate of Stonewall
(1778-1842), 144, 191, 196,
205, 233, 390, 391, 419, 434,
437.

511

Stephen Woodgate of Pembury,
Rev., 1780-1844 (and family),
140, 148, 182, 191, 192, 199,
200, 201, 202, 212, 214, 215,
216, 220, 222, 230, 231, 232,
235, 238, 240, 241, 257, 258,
263, 308, 309, 384, 402, 424,
425, 426, 435, 441, 442, 449,
452, 455, 456, 464, 465, 466,
468-475.

George Woodgate of Pembury,
Rev. (1810-1871), 401, 448.

Woodward, 30, 175, 293, 294,
400.

Wright. 38, 96, 167.

Wyatt, 33, 72, 73, 187, 481.

VVybarn, 18, 428.

Wynch, 92, 99, 102, 103, 105,
111, 112, 115, 117, 121, 137,
142, 146, 148, 234, 312.

^ATEs, 140, 149, 221, 222, 224,
233, 236, 243, 244, 250, 254,
262, 313.

Yeomanry, 42, 180, 205, 276,
389, 430, 431.

ZiNZAN, 39, 40, 320.

^J^

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Full text of "(A) history of the Woodgates of Stonewall Park and of Summerhill in Kent, and their connections"

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