Families of note and interest
By Rev. David Payne
Rector of Shackleford, 1966-1973, died 2014
Sir Edgar Horne (1856 1941) lived at Hall Place (now Aldro School)) c.1900-1941. He was a 1st. Baronet, and Chairman of The Prudential. He owned a black and yellow Rolls, purchased in 1937 – now reconstructed and in service! (see Michael Argyle). Lady Horne died in 1939. They had twin sons, Alan and Guy.
Sir Alan Horne Bt. (1889-197.?), 2nd. Baronet, who succeeded his father in 1915. He married, first in 1915 Henriette Kelly who died of influenza in 1918. They had one daughter. He married his second wife, Roslyn Robson in 1923, and they had one son (deceased).
He was educated at Eton and University College, Oxford. He served in the 1914-18 war, as a Captain in the Surrey Yeomanry; he was mentioned in dispatches four times, and won the MC, and French Croix de Guerre. He also served in the 1939-45 war as Lt. Col. in the Pioneer Corps. He also became Chairman of The Prudential. His heir, the present Baronet, was his Grandson, Alan Gray Anthony, born in 1948. He lived at 1, The Paragon, Blackheath.
Major William Guy Horne (1889-19..?), was a Director at The Prudential. He was a professional soldier in the 1914-18 War, and in 1921 was in the 10th Royal Hussars. He retired in 1931. In the 1939-45 War he was a Group Captain, enlisted in A.A.F. He was a member of the MCC and Cavalry Clubs. He retired to the south of France.
Clare Sheridan, author and portrait sculptress of note, lived at Mitchen Hall c.1911-15. Her husband, Wilfred was killed at the Battle of Loos. He was a descendant of the Playwright, R.B. Sheridan. Her first ever pottery effort was fired at The Watts Gallery Pottery in 1915. It portrays her infant child, Elizabeth Anne Linley Sheridan. The grief-stricken mother, Clare, found herself moulding the dead child. This opened up a talent, later to blossom.
Fred Lindsey (of Hurtmore, who died around 1975) was a young, apprentice potter at The Watts Pottery, and recalled Clare well – “strikingly beautiful, but very sad”.
Clare was a cousin of Winston Churchill and was bridesmaid at his wedding at St. Margaret’s, Westminster.
Clare wrote several books, e.g. “Nudo Veritas”. She lived latterly at Breche Place near Rye. Quite an eccentric!
Lady Caroline Grenville (1856-1946) daughter of the 3rd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, born and bred at Stowe, which was later the public school. See Memorial in St. Mary’s. She had four nieces, one of whom was Miss Eva Hadaway, who was cared for a Grenville, and later lived in Roseacre Nursing Home in Godalming. She spoke amusingly of the Earl of Kinross, a kinsman, who lived at Stowe – “quite a lad”! Eva died in 1976. She loved St. Mary’s and always gave generously.
The Rev. Joe Ellis recalls the regular (several times a week) visits of Lady Caroline Grenville and her nieces to the Rectory in Shackleford (quite a strain!)
Lord Penzance (see “Who’s Who” c.1900), who died c.1901, lived at Eashing Park, long since demolished. Had a carriage (or two) and horses. The Footmen had gold braid, while Lord Midleton’s “only had silver”! Recalled old Mrs. Lizzie Newman, late of the National Trust Cottages, Lower Eashing.
Lord Midleton – The Rt.Hon. William St.John Brodrick – the 8th Viscount and first Earl Midleton (created 1920), 1856-1942. He was twice married. By his first wife he had five children: George, later 2nd Earl, Muriel (Tweedmouth), Sybil, Aileen (Meade) and Moyra (Lloyd). His second wife, Madeleine (1876-1966) had two sons, Francis (killed in action 1942) and Michael (killed in action 1943). She lived at Borough Farm, Witley after the 1939-45 War.
I have many notes and letters about the Midletons. My chief contact was Lady Moyra Loyd (1897-1979) widow of General Sir Henry Charles Loyd DSO, MC etc. ex. Coldstream Guards. They lived latterly in Geldestone Hall and Mettingham Place, both in Bungay. His “Reminiscences from the Front 1914-18” are riveting. He fought with great distinction in France. They had two offspring, Lavinia, who married Sir Henry Gore-Browne (1918-99) who was a Government Chief Stockbroker, and is buried at Peper Harow; and Sir Julian Loyd b. 1926, who lives at Burnham Market in Norfolk. He was the Queen’s Agent at Sandringham for 25 years until his retirement. He stayed often at Peper Harow in the 1930’s.
Lord Midleton was in the Cabinet in early Edwardian days, at the India Office, Foreign Office, etc., and was Minister for Ireland. Lord Midleton was known on the Estate as “Lordie” – but not to his face! His Bailiff was old Mr. Hancock (Jim’s father) who served in the Warwickshire Yeomanry in Edwardian years.
The 2nd. Lord Midleton (George) (1888-1979) was known as “Naughty George”. He rebelled against his father. He served in the 1914-18 war and was awarded the MC. He lived in Jersey for many years, where he married, divorced and remarried, but with no issue. With his death the Earldom became extinct. The present, 12th Viscount, is Keeper of Clocks in the Bury St. Edmunds Clock Museum. He was at school with Christopher Bell (Dolphin House) at St. Edmund’s, Canterbury.
The Peacheys lived at Upper Eashing Farmhouse. Below is a letter from Donald Peachey, whose grandfather was a Founder Church Warden of St. Mary’s Church, with a Stovold, who was Raymond and Percy’s grandfather. (Their father was Ernest F. Stovold, nicknamed “squeaker” because of his high voice, and lived at Lydling.
Letter from Donald Peachey of Holt’s Hill, Duntisbourne Abbotts, Cirencester dated 21st August 1971
Dear Mr. Payne
I was delighted to have your letter and am equally pleased to let you have a cheque for £5 for a chair in the Chancel. It really should have been for two, but I am now only doing a part-time job and the financial picture is not all that rosy in consequence!
Thank you also for a copy of Mr. Beal’s “Memories”. I did not of course know him as we left Upper Eashing in 1925 – hence, I hope, no mention of my father. I can recall most of the people he mentions – and several of course that he doesn’t. Particularly Col Buttemer (whose family I think had a lot to do with the building of the Church – I am sorry to learn that he has recently died. My father bought his first car from his father in 1911). Mrs. Kimber, who was also a pioneer motorist, and who had a great affection for my father.
I recall Williams as the schoolmaster – he had red hair and pince-nez glasses! I seem to remember Mr. Denyer with a large beard, a bowler and a bicycle! As we lived at Upper Eashing and I was away at school from 1919 onwards I did not of course often see the Shackleford people except at Church during the holidays. I was nearly always walking from Upper Eashing – Father did not think it right to be seen motoring to Church!
As I have already told you, my father was three months old when the Church was consecrated and my grandfather was of course one of the first Churchwardens.
Alfred Wickes (1881-1971) was Headmaster of St. Mary’s School, “a man of Kent” and great cricket lover – he watched Hobbs, Woolley, “Tich” Freeman, Ames, etc. at the Canterbury Festival. “A man with a large heart and huge feet!”
“Old” Mrs. Hill – mother of Crispin, Pansy and Freddy, quite a character! Aldro School was at Eastbourne until 1940, when it moved to its present home, then known as Hall Place.
Col. & Mrs. Nicholson – parents of Sally Bolton and Sue Cole – see his reflections on Shackleford life elsewhere on the site
The Buers – Farmers and parents of “Buster”, whose mother was a Weller (one of seven) of Amberley Farm, Milford.
Swanbourne Cottage was the District Nurse’s house – see the plaque on the wall facing the road. It was given by Lord Midleton, one of whose names was Fremantle – and the Fremantles came from Swanbourne, Bucks.
The Rokers – see the windows in the Apse (east end) of St. Mary’s, a notable family in Shackleford in the 19th century. The McDougalls lived at Rokers in the 1950-70’s.
Col. Lancelot & Mrs. Ann Fairtlough – “notables” in the village in the 1920-50’s, originally lived at Hurtmore Holt and moved latterly to Priorsfield Road.
The Wrigleys, lived in the village in the 1920’s, see a window memorial to their son, killed in the 1914-18 war in St. Mary’s south transept.
Mrs. Phyllis Watson lived at Snape House. She was widowed in 1918, and “took to her couch” thereafter, and was eventually looked after by Nanny Avis. She lived to the age of 90+. The house was named after Snape, near Aldeburgh in Suffolk, whence she hailed. Her grand-daughter is Samantha Eggar, the actress.
The Hurst-Browns lived at Norney Cottage. Her family came from near Leiston, Suffolk She was from the Garrett family, who were linked with the Garrett-Andersons, known for the first lady Doctor to qualify, and after whom the hospital was named. Buried at Peper Harow.
The Fullers of Home Farm, Peper Harow. Percy, who was tenant of the Estate, came originally from King’s Lynn, Norfolk. He had four children, Lyn (killed in a road crash) and Jumbo, by his first wife; and Julia and Robert by his second wife, Greenie.
The Stanley-Evans. Peter and Barbara. Peter’s elderly parents lived at the Nursery. Peter had three single aunts, who lived at “Molly Mackerells” in the 1970’s.
Fred Jones (1883-1970) lived almost next to the shop. He was born in Vine Cottages (Hurtmore Bottom). He was a lovely countryman, and recalled Archdall Buttemer in the early 1890’s.
Bill Lamboll (1884-1969) was also born in Vine Cottages – a real local. His sister in law was a cook at Aldro school.
Will Taylor (1886-1973), another real “local”, who lived at No.1 Lombard Street with his old flea-ridden dog!
Louis and Ruth White. He was a London solicitor and was Chairman of Surrey County Council 1965-1969. They went to Canada in the 1970’s. His brother, Dennis, taught at Aldro School for 11 years, and became Head Master of Pennthorpe School in Rudgwick; he was killed in a car accident near Attleford Lane in 1957.
The Hewitts. Old “Bob”, who died c. 1967 was a very fine and astute Market Gardener. He married Doris, and they had 6 children.
The Pouparts, from Somerset Farm, came from Twickenham in the 1920’s. His father was a Market Gardener, who sold his produce in Covent Garden Market.
The Gillinghams. Leslie and Mary lived in Lower Eashing Farm Cottage and Douglas and Mavis lived opposite in The Forge.
The Holland Bosworths, Tim and Elizabeth, lived at Mitchen Hall, but have now moved to Buriton, near Petersfield.
Molly Thornton, of Mitchen Hall and then the Old Peper Harow Rectory (renamed Mulberry House). She was a Christian Scientist.
William Romanis, late of The Rough, Hurtmore, was born in 1889. He was the elder son of Rev. W.F.J. Romanis, Preacher of the Charterhouse Church and Annie Ellen Corrie. He married, in 1916, Dorothy Elizabeth Barnet, daughter of the Chancellor of Ferns Cathedral, Co. Wexford. Educated at Charterhouse (Captain of School), Trinity College Cambridge (a maths scholar), where he gained a Double First. He trained at St. Thomas’ Hospital and served in the RAMC as Surgeon (STM). He also qualified as a Barrister. They had one son (who lives in Barnes, Middlesex) and two daughters. He died in 1966/67, and his widow, Annie moved to a home near Crondall. She died in about 1975. Gave a small Private Communion Set to David Payne, who still uses it. It belonged to her father in Wexford.
John & Jennifer Thornton – lived in Hurtmore (?1964-70). He was a senior Banker, a Director of Barclays. He was the son of a Clergyman, and a Church Warden at St. Mary’s with Lt. Col. Sclater M.C., circa 1965/68. They had three children. They retired to Norfolk. Col. Sclater’s son->in-law, Commander Pip Lavers, who lived at Tankards, Lower Eashing, read the lesson every Sunday in St. Mary’s, and was elected the first Chairman of Towards Fellowship in 1962.
Charlie & Mrs. Knights came to live at ‘Headlands’ c.1901. Charlie was from Norfolk, a skilled carpenter and joiner on the Peper Harow Estate. He answered an advert: “Wanted, Skilled Carpenter/Joiner for P.H. Estate. Must be communicant C of E”. The couple were ‘pillars’ of Peper Harow Church. They had three daughters, Emmie who did not marry, and was a Post Lady, Nancy (Anne) Mackay, and Doreen(?) who lived away – near Banstead(?). They also had a much loved handicapped son, who travelled about in a wheelchair or donkey cart. Mrs. Knights (senior) came from one of the Wallops (Hampshire). They loved the “old order” at Peper Harow. Emmie retired to Elstead. Charlie and his family are buried in the churchyard, just on the left of the path to the door.
The Keightleys (c. 1901) of Snape House. The Rev. C.A. and Mrs. Keightley had a son, b. 24th June 1901, who became Gen.Sir Charles Keightley, GCB, DSO, OBE, etc. He was educated at Marlborough College and the RMC at Sandhurst and was commissioned to the Royal Dragoon Guards in 1921; from 1930-33 he was Adjutant of the Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. In the 1939-45 war he was three times mentioned in dispatches, and commanded the 6th Armoured Division in Tunisia 1942/43, and 78 Division in Italy 1943-44, and the V Corps., Italy & Austria 1944-45. From 1948-51 he was CinC BAOR, 1951-53 CinC MELF, 1953-56 ADC to Queen, 1958-62 Governor & CinC of Gibraltar, and 1947-57 Colonel of the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. He retired to Tarrant Gunville in Dorset.
St. Mary’s School – H.M.’s Log Book has much valuable information, e.g. “Absenteeism” in late September related to children going off “Hop Picking” up at Puttenham. An annual occurrence. Headmaster despairs! At a Governors’ meeting in the late 1960’s, chaired by Louis White, business was conducted with utmost speed. Louis, sometimes in evening dress, bound for some evening event up at Kingston, where he was chairman of Surrey County Council. Louis was largely ‘autocratic’. (This he said to prove them, for he himself knew what he would do! John 6.6)
Other Memories and Happenings
In 1968 the River Wey overflowed, and burst its banks, and the river flowed through The Stag, while Bill and Jean Webb watched helplessly. Scenes in Guildford were horrendous.
Lizzie Newman (nee Denyer) of the National Trust Cottage in Lower Eashing recalled similar, but worse, scenes around 1900 (1905?) when she, as a young girl had to stay upstairs for several days in her bedroom, until the floods subsided. When she came down there was a layer of mud everywhere downstairs, and a frog hopping round the living room. Her father ran a Cycle Repair Shop in Lower Eashing – “Denyers”. Lizzie was one of about ten or eleven Denyer children.
I met one of them, Frank, in Wales (Garden Cottage, Treberfydd, Bwlch) about 1970. He still had his Sunday School Certificate (Eashing Chapel) and also “Temperance Society Certificate” (c.1890). He worked at Bwlch for the Raikes family, descendants of Robert Raikes, founder of the Sunday School Movement in Britain. He recalled the Band, which played in Eashing Chapel in the 1890s. The Chapel (wooden) was often nearly full – it must have seated 20-25. It was moved from Eashing in 1995 and rebuilt at the Rural Life Centre near Tilford.
Mitchen Hall
Mitchen Hall was said to be haunted – a figure like a Butler walks through.
St. Mary’s
Eric Buttemer’s father held séances there. Gladys ‘saw’ and heard Kenneth (their deceased son) there. David Payne blessed and exorcised the place.
The Grotto in Peper Harow Woods. (see Colin Baker)
A strange, eerie presence there. Tradition of a Dairy Maid who used to meet one of the Midletons there (1800’s). A Book ‘The Charcoal Lord – the story of a ruined life’ was in Fred Baker’s possession in the 1950’s, but he lent it and never had it back.
Peper Harow House was alleged to be haunted by some of the boys who lived there in the Approved School years.