When compiling suggestions for the ten medallions adorning the old Great Eastern Hotel building, a major point of note was that the two main maritime Christophers of Harwich, Jones and Newport, would not have been represented as their connection to Harwich was not known at the time (and in the former's case they were not … Continue reading Research Tip & Future Plans
Will of Christopher Newport
The following is my transcript of the will of Christopher Newport - available via the National Archives (PROB 11/132/424 - "Will of Christopher Newport, Mariner and Master of His Majesty's Navy Royal of All Hallows Barking, City of London") - written November 16 1616, ahead of his final voyage, on board the Hope, and proved … Continue reading Will of Christopher Newport
Early Years of the Foresters Arms
Foresters, the HQ of the Harwich Society, and said to be the oldest surviving building in Harwich, takes its name from the Foresters Arms, a pub that was established there in the 1860s. By the start of that decade, a brazier by the name of Thomas Glide occupied the property, and as the papers of … Continue reading Early Years of the Foresters Arms
Morrisons Roundabout Mayflower Replica
Old meets new as a sculpture of the Mayflower was erected on the roundabout by Morrisons supermarket today. Here is a snap I took of it this evening.
Harwich Ephemera
Something a bit different - a small selection of Harwich-related items I've picked up over the years. Harwich & Parkeston v Pegasus The programme from the 1953 FA Amateur Cup final between Harwich & Parkeston and Pegasus, at Wembley. We don't talk about the result. One of those items that appears fairly regularly on eBay … Continue reading Harwich Ephemera
On This Day: June 18
1721 (OS): Sir Anthony Deane was buried at St Olave Hart Street, London, having died seven days previously. The record of his burial reads: "Sr Antho: Deane Buried in the Chansel Brought from Charter house yard". 1587 (OS): Thomas Thompson, son of Thomas & Josian Thompson, was baptised. Thomas jr was the future brother-in-law of … Continue reading On This Day: June 18
On This Day: June 3
1486 (OS): Date the will of Peter Johnson of Harwich was proved; significant as, going by a simple search on the National Archives website, this is the earliest Harwich will proved at the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. It is so old that the entire contents of the will are in Latin, not just the probate. … Continue reading On This Day: June 3
On This Day: May 12
1253 (OS): From the Calendar of the Charter Rolls: "Grant to Roger le Bigod, earl of Norfolk and marshal of England, and his heirs, of a weekly market on Tuesday at his manor of Herewyk, co. Essex, and of a yearly fair there on the vigil and the feast of the Ascension and the eight … Continue reading On This Day: May 12
On This Day: April 27
1864: On Wednesday April 27, the 'nominal "first stone"' was laid on the site of what would become the Great Eastern Hotel, these days known as Quayside Court. A ceremony was held on the day, and one of the Lucas Brothers, Charles Lucas, presented a commemorative silver trowel to the Chairman of the Hotel Building … Continue reading On This Day: April 27
Genesis of the Alma Inn
Best known as the family home of the Twitts in olden times, the Alma of King's Head Street established itself as a public house in the Victorian era and, while relatively modern in Harwich terms, has remained active at that site to the present day. But how and why did it become a pub? The … Continue reading Genesis of the Alma Inn
Harwicensis 