Believe it or not, this was written in 1865, not on social media in 2020: Each time that I have visited Harwich has but served to revive and confirm my first impression. It seemed to me wonderful that people should be willing to live there. Imagine, reader, the dullest place you ever saw, and you … Continue reading Everyone’s a Critic II
Query: What Was Sybil Jones’ Maiden Name?
Last year, I wrote up a list of subjects about the Jones family for which there is no definitive answer as of yet. Two of these focused on Sybil Jones, the mother of the Mayflower's master, regarding her origin, and her maiden name. It is worth discussing the latter in more detail, in order to … Continue reading Query: What Was Sybil Jones’ Maiden Name?
The EU and the Referendum… in 1997
Growing tensions in the 1990s regarding the United Kingdom's membership within the European Union marked the start of what has turned out to be a tumultuous generation in British politics. In the run-up to the 1997 General Election, a single-issue party called the Referendum Party was formed, with the intent of putting the question of … Continue reading The EU and the Referendum… in 1997
On This Day: November 13
1665 (OS): The will of Nicholas Dawling of Harwich was proved at the PCC. Dawling is important as he was the husband and widower of Grace, the daughter of Christopher Jones, master of the Mayflower (Grace was buried the previous month - it is assumed they both died of the plague). Dawling names five children … Continue reading On This Day: November 13
A Victorian Harwich Selfie
The Strand Magazine, best known for publishing famous works of fiction, including Sherlock Holmes, also carried a number of non-fiction pieces, such as their "Curiosities" section. In September 1900, one such curiosity was published relating to Harwich, complete with photograph. Check out the link for the photo itself, but I will re-print the accompanying story: … Continue reading A Victorian Harwich Selfie
I have finally decided to branch out and join the Twittersphere - those who wish to can follow me at @Harwicensis. It will be used for sharing posts from the site, old and new, as well as retweeting items of interest relating to Harwich and/or history, and occasionally I'll go a bit meta and find … Continue reading Twitter
A Brief Look At Parkeston Methodist Hall
The Wesleyan Chapel on the corner of Garland Road and Tyler Street, Parkeston, more recently used as a Methodist Church (and since then, a cannabis farm, but we won't dwell on that), may soon be reshaped, rebuilt, and some aspects possibly lost to time, depending on the result of a resubmitted application by the present … Continue reading A Brief Look At Parkeston Methodist Hall
On This Day: October 19
1643 (assumedly OS): From the House of Lords, as found on the National Archives: "Petition of inhabitants of the town of Harwich, have lately received Thomas Wood as preacher of their town, who informed the House that he was an orthodox divine; yet he enveighs against the Church of England, refuses to bury, baptise, or … Continue reading On This Day: October 19
Will of Christopher Jones senior
On this day in 1578 (OS) Christopher Jones the elder, father of the future Mayflower master, wrote his will. Below is my (modernised) transcript of the will, as found via the National Archives (PROB 11/61/67 - "Will of Christopher Johns or Johnes, Mariner of Harwich, Essex" - proved February 3 1579). At the time of … Continue reading Will of Christopher Jones senior
Leonard Weaver: A Coventry View
Long-time Harwich residents may be interested to read this article from 1973, in the Coventry Evening Telegraph, about a son of the Midlands, the late great Harwich historian Len Weaver. HISTORIAN LEN WEAVER may soon find he is writing about a character very close to his own heart - himself.For Mr. Weaver, who was born … Continue reading Leonard Weaver: A Coventry View
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