1582 (OS): "Shakspare was maried unto Andrye Wryght the 4 of Marche." The first mention of an elusive Shakespeare in the register of Harwich St Nicholas; his forename is never confirmed (possibly George). Andrye was previously Gunhall (i.e. Gunnell), the widow of Thomas Wright. 1594 (OS): "Richard Person was maried unto Anne Aldaye the 4 … Continue reading On This Day: March 4
Tag: otd
On This Day: January 26
1576 (OS): Simon Jones, the younger brother of Christopher Jones, master of the Mayflower, was buried at the church of Harwich St Nicholas. 1854: The death is recorded of Charlotte Norris at Ullinish, on the Isle of Skye. Charlotte was the widow of William Norris, former Captain of the packet ship Beaufoy, of Harwich, who … Continue reading On This Day: January 26
On This Day: December 14
1531 (OS): John Holland became Vicar of Dovercourt-cum-Harwich, following the death of Richard Strowgth (aka Strought). He stayed for only two years before moving on. 1611 (OS): The burial is recorded of "Lucas [blank] nauta servus Galfridi Pells de Lynne regis", one of the more interesting burials of the time - this translates as "Luke … Continue reading On This Day: December 14
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
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
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
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
Summer Resorts On The Essex Coast
An "On This Day" of sorts - in 1881 the Chelmsford Chronicle featured an article by this name, detailing goings-on in Southend, Harwich, Dovercourt, and Clacton-on-Sea. Here is the section on Harwich, printed in full: The Great Eastern Railway Company now issues hotel tickets from London to Harwich for 30s. first-class return with board and … Continue reading Summer Resorts On The Essex Coast
On This Day: May 31
1562 (OS): Thomas Sheriffe (aka Shrive) was baptised, the son of William and Grace. Thomas was named as an Alderman in the King James Charter of 1604; he would later go on to be Mayor of Harwich, and own a significant property in the town. 1803: The Morning Chronicle of this date reported that the … Continue reading On This Day: May 31
Harwicensis 