In a week where it was revealed that Home Secretary Priti Patel had discussed the possibility of sending asylum seekers to Ascension Island for processing, many comparisons were drawn to similar detention centre implementations in recent history, and one such comparison that arose was centred around Harwich, and the Earl William ship, from back in … Continue reading Ascension Island and the Earl William
HPFC: The 1939-40 Season That Never Was
At the start of Summer, I wrote that I was planning/threatening to write up a large post relating to Harwich & Parkeston Football Club; that's still in the works, but to tide everyone over for now let's look at the shortest season in the club's history. The year 1939 as a whole was the twilight … Continue reading HPFC: The 1939-40 Season That Never Was
On This Day: September 19
1758: HMS Alarm, a 32-gun frigate, built by John Barnard & John Turner, was launched at Harwich on this date. The reason for the name is not certain, but it may have something to do with the fact that on the 2nd of that month a fire broke out at Deptford Yard, prompting alarm bells … Continue reading On This Day: September 19
The Harwich Pub Scene in the 1890s
A stupidly specific subject this time, let us head back to the late Victorian era, at a time when Harwich was flooded with licenced premises. Believe it or not there were over thirty pubs, inns, and hotels crammed into Harwich (I make it 32), and as you can imagine things were starting to hit saturation … Continue reading The Harwich Pub Scene in the 1890s
Harwich Alphabet Poem
In September 1894, the late curate of Harwich St Nicholas, Rev W H Wilkins, had his poem about Harwich published in the Truth periodical, as part of one of their 'puzzles', titled "Rhymed Alphabets Descriptive of Popular Watering-Places", under the moniker "Orwell". Here it is in full - about half of it is still relevant … Continue reading Harwich Alphabet Poem
A Half-Baked History of Pieseas Chippy
Pieseas has satiated the hunger of residents and tourists alike for more than thirty years. Situated by the entrance to Old Harwich, this puntastic fish & chip shop is a part of the town's fabric. In fact, the site, at 76 West Street, has supplied the town with food for far longer than you might … Continue reading A Half-Baked History of Pieseas Chippy
A Friday Night Thought
Something not really in keeping with this blog, but after reading about how Jeff Bezos' net worth has reached $200 billion, it's worth considering the sense of scale, so I thought I'd put it in historical terms. Christopher Jones was born in about 1570, so 450 years ago. If he was still alive today, and … Continue reading A Friday Night Thought
Harwich Quirks & Oddities
Last Updated September 11 2020 Harwich, being a small, old town, has changed and developed a relatively large amount over the centuries, despite the town's ancient blueprint still largely standing to this day. As a result, when looking back from the present, without the benefit of historical context, a number of situations arise which seem … Continue reading Harwich Quirks & Oddities
The Fryatts of Harwich
Captain Charles Algernon Fryatt attained folklore status in the Harwich area after being captured and executed during the First World War. Although he was born in Southampton (in 1871 - Wikipedia gives the incorrect year), he lived in Parkeston for many years from his teens, before moving to Dovercourt, his final residence, and resting place. … Continue reading The Fryatts of Harwich
On This Day: August 10
1588 (OS): The register of St Nicholas notes the burial of Harye Blacke. This is particularly unusual, as there were no other known people with that surname in Harwich at the time, plus Harry was a rarely-used variant of Henry. Given the year, and the names of those around him in the register, it is … Continue reading On This Day: August 10
Harwicensis 