Netley Abbey Matters
Past Lives and Times of Netley Village and Hospital

Netley + District Village News -

The Month of March through the years!

Hatches, Matches and Despatches

The wife of the Rev W S Ffrench gave birth to a son on 17/03/1879

Western Gazette 21/03/1879


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On Saturday last, at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey, the marriage took place of Miss Hilda Florence Armitage, only daughter of Mr + Mrs Sidney Armitage, Sea View, Abbey Hill, Netley Abbey and Mr Robert George Hodder, Woodside, Butlocks Heath, Netley Abbey.

The bridegroom’s brother-in-law, Mr Godfrey Stride, was Best Man.

The bride’s friend, Miss Yvonne Dianna Espezel was the bridesmaid.

Hampshire Telegraph 26/03/1935


Netley Chemist Married

The marriage of Mr Walter John Kilford, MPS, youngest son of Mr + Mrs W James Kilford of the Post Office, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey took place at St Boniface Church, Chandlers Ford on Monday 25/03/1940.

The bride was Miss Margaret Thomason, eldest daughter of Mrs and the late Mr Thomason of Carnham,

Lake Road, Chandlers Ford. The Groom, Mr Kilford is well known in NA where he has a Chemist shop.

Hampshire Telegraph 29/03/1940



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"On Thursday an inquest was taken by Mr Todd of Netley on view of the body of Edward Blackman

who was found drowned in a pond there. From his conduct on the day preceding, it is thought he

committed the act in a fit of derangement. Verdict accordingly."

Hampshire Chronicle 29/03/1819

Death of the Station-Master at Sholing

Mr. Hoskins, the station-master at Sholing, on the Netley branch of the London and South-Western Railway, died on Saturday, and his funeral took place yesterday (Friday), on the twentieth anniversary of the opening of the line from Southampton to Netley.


The deceased had held the post of station-master for nearly twenty years, and had secured not only

the confidence of his employers but also the greatest respect and esteem of the whole of the residents

of the district, and by whom his old familiar face will be much missed, especially by those who are

in the habit of travelling by rail.

Hampshire Advertiser 06/03/1866


The death has occurred at Victoria Road of Mrs Berridge, 69.

She was buried at St Mary’s Hound on Saturday.

Hampshire Advertiser 07/03/1914


"The funeral of Mr Walter Amos Earwicker, a native of Portsmouth, took place at St Mary Churchyard, Hound on Thursday. The deceased was ill only a short time and died after an operation in the RSH Hospital aged 52. 


He was a teacher at Butlock’s Heath Council School for over 20 years and was most respected. He was a sidesman and a Sunday School teacher at St Edward’s Church. He leaves a widow and a daughter.”

Hampshire Telegraph 26/03/1926


Much sympathy is extended to the widow and son and daughter of Mr. Randolph Churchill who has

passed way after a very short illness. He saw service in the Great War and has never since enjoyed

good health. For some years he has been a resident in Netley Abbey and was well known.

Nearly 12 months ago he took a small business in Gosport, where he had resided with his family

until his death.

Hampshire Telegraph 04/03/1927


“Mercury’s Head Master’s Death”

Mr P E Newman, who had been Head Master on the training ship “Mercury” for many years, died

suddenly on Friday, 23rd, in tragic circumstances.


He attended to his duties as usual during the day and boarded the 6.05 pm bus from Hamble.

Shortly afterwards he was seen to collapse. The conductor and passengers rendered what assistance

they could and the bus was hurried to Dr Butler’s surgery at Netley.


The Doctor, however, was out and Sergeant Woodsford was called.

The deceased gentleman was removed to the Scouts’ Drill Hall, Netley where artificial respiration

was applied, but without success. Valuable assistance was remedied by Mr S B Williams of Hamble.


Mr Newman was later seen by Dr Butler who pronounced life extinct.

Mr Newman had been attended for some time by Dr Hopper of Bitterne Park for heart disease.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 30/03/1928


“Much sympathy is felt for the relations of Mr Harry Edgar Sutton of 17, Butlock’s Heath, Netley Abbey

who passed away after a short illness on Wednesday, 13 March.  


He was employed at the Shell-Mex in Hamble where he was much respected by his fellow workmen.

He was 43 years of age and leaves a widow and an 8 year old daughter.


The funeral took place on Saturday morning at St Mary’s Hound Churchyard, the Rev W Henty Summers officiating. The chief mourners were the widow, his brother Mr Fred Sutton, his parents and

workmen from Shell-Mex.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 22/03/1929


“An old and respected resident of Netley in the person of Mrs Louisa Lover, in her 71st year, passed

away on Saturday 14th at the Southampton Hospital. She had been ill for some time at her residence

in Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey, previous to going into hospital.

Her husband pre-deceased her over 7 years ago.  


Mrs Lover was well known as she kept the Tea Rooms near Netley Station for some years.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Hound on Tuesday morning, the Rev W Henty Summers officiating.

There were many floral tributes.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 20/03/1931


The funeral of Mr West, RN, (retired), 79, of Briarleigh, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey took place at St Mary’s Hound Churchyard last week. The deceased was an old and respected resident of Netley having lived there since his retirement. He leaves a widow and 2 daughters. His only son was drowned during the Great War, he being one of the Officers on the ‘Asturias’.

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 11/03/1932


Much sympathy is expressed towards Mr + Mrs H Bowyer, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey in the loss of

their 2 year old child, Brenda who passed away at the Isolation Hospital on Saturday, 21/03/1936.

The funeral took place at Hound on 25/03/1936. 

Hampshire Telegraph 27/03/1936


The husband of Mrs Lily Robertson of New Road, Netley Abbey died at the Royal South Hants Hospital

on 6 March. He will be buried at St Mary’s Churchyard, Hound on 18th March.


A fatal accident occurred at Netley Abbey on Friday last when Alfred Judd, a labourer who was employed

in connection with the Hound Sewerage Scheme met his death whilst working in a trench.

Dr Turner of Netley certified that death was due to a broken spine and broken neck.


The son of Mr and Mrs Lawrence of Station Road, Netley Abbey, died at the Royal South Hants and Southampton Hospital after a short illness at an early age. 

All 3 - Hampshire Telegraph 12/03/1937


Mr H Lowe, Sorrento, Station Road, Netley Abbey passed away at his residence on Sunday evening, 14/03/1937 rather suddenly although he had been an invalid for some time. Mr Lowe was a well-known and respected resident, having lived in the village for 40 years. He was in his 79th year.

He leaves a grown up family of 2 sons and 2 daughters. His wife pre-deceased him 2 years ago. 


The funeral of Mr John Robertson took place at St Mary’s Churchyard Hound on 11/03/1937. The chief mourners the widow, Mr A Robertson, brother, Mrs W Robertson, sister-in-law, Mr Brann (father-in-law),

Mrs Corbett (sister-in-law), Mr + Mrs Barnes (brother + sister-in-law), Mr Fielding (brother-in-law),

Messrs L + V Kitcher (cousins).  Floral tributes included one from the Watch Department of the Cunard White Star Line and members of the Netley Workmen’s Club. Mr Robertson was a naval pensioner and for many years was a master-at-arms in the service of the Cunard White Star Line. He was 54 years of age.

Both - Hampshire Telegraph + Post 19/03/1937


The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Hound on Friday of Mr William Westbrooke, 88, who died

at 1 Gomer Cottages, Hound Road, Netley Abbey on 27 February. Amongst the mourners were

Mr + Mrs T Gardner and Mr + Mrs Honeybourne (daughters + sons-in-law), youngest daughter Jessie,

Mr + Mrs J Page, Captain Buckmaster, Messrs R C Moorman, A Ferris, J Kill, C Collins, Mesdames R C Moorman, F Hobbs, J Rowe (representing the British Legion); Messrs T Curtis, F Barr and T Cutler

(Royal Victoria Lodge of Oddfellows)  

 

The cremation took place on Wednesday of Mrs Florence Catherine Gape of Waverley, Station Road,

Netley Abbey whose death took place on Saturday.

Both - Hampshire Telegraph 10/03/1939


On 12/03/1941 0130h, 5 bombs dropped in village, one demolished “The Hermitage” killing Mrs Pyke, 84.

Her remains were interred on Friday 14/03/1941 at the Roman Catholic Burial Place, Bursledon,

Father Haines conducting the service. The family mourners were Mrs Ensell and Mrs V Hammick (daughters), Major Pyke (son), The Rev C Ensell (son-in-law). 

Mrs Pyke was a well-known figure in the village and often visited those in need, giving cheery words

and helpful comfort. Her husband had pre-deceased her.

Hampshire Telegraph 21/03/1941


The funeral of Mr Walter James Castleman, 4 Wilton Terrace, Netley took place at St Mary’s Churchyard, Hound on Tuesday 18/03/1941. The family mourners were - the Widow, his son Mr Arthur Castleman,

Mrs Benham and Mrs Hedley, his daughters, Mr Billy Hedley (son-in-law); Mrs Gatrell, his mother.

Mr Castleman was 52 years of age when he passed away at The Mount, Bishopstoke on Saturday

after a short illness. He was a very respected and well known resident in the village where

he had lived all his life. 

Hampshire Telegraph 21/03/1941

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On Tuesday last, a man named Holloway and his son, were committed to Winchester gaol for felling

an ash tree, near Netley, the property of Lady Holland. 

Hampshire Advertiser 01/03/1824


Robbery at Netley

A mid-day robbery has been effected at Lake House, about £200 worth of jewellery having been stolen. Apparently the jewel case containing the property was taken into the Abbey grounds as some convalescent soldiers from the Hospital found some of the less valuable articles there. The police have the matter in hand.

Hampshire Telegraph 02/03/1917


Jewellery stolen

“Police-Sergeant, PC Woodford’s perception in noting a left-foot print beneath a window led to the arrest of Harry Roper of Woolston, who at Eastleigh on Monday, was charged with breaking into the house of Emily Annie Cooper at Butlock’s Heath and stealing a gold watch, two gold rings, a gold chain and a gold brooch, valued at £11 10s on 7 March.


There was a second charge of stealing 3s in money and a gas-meter lock, the property of the

Southampton Gas Co at the same time and place.  


The prisoner pleaded guilty to both charges but said there was only 1s 6d in the meter. The charge was accordingly reduced. Being unable to deal summarily with a house-breaking charge, the Bench sent the prisoner for trial on this count and gave him a month’s hard labour in the second case.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 22/03/1929


Two Years for Manslaughter

Mr J A Frampton (19), a farmer from Netley Abbey, was sentenced two years' imprisonment at Hampshire Assizes yesterday, for the manslaughter of Able Seaman David Stephen Keeping on January 23.

He was prohibited from driving all types of motor-vehicle for 15 years.


Prosecution stated that Able Seaman Keeping was killed on Bursledon Bridge when Frampton’s car

collided with his motor-cycle. It was alleged that Frampton overtook a coach on the brow of Bursledon

Bridge, travelling in the direction of Southampton at a speed of between 50 and 60 miles an hour.

Able Seaman Keeping, with "terrible injuries,” died instantaneously, while his pillion passenger was thrown over the bridge parapet into the river. His body was recovered six weeks later.


Frampton. who denied the charge, said he slowed behind the coach and pulled out to see if anything was approaching. The road was clear so started to overtake. He thought the light of the oncoming motor-cycle was hidden from him by a dip in the road. 

Portsmouth Evening News 25/03/1954

To be sold by Auction at the Lake House, Netley Abbey

Wednesday + Thursday 18 - 19 March 1936,

following on from the death of Miss Georgina L Pennington


Sale of the well-made, old-fashioned and antique equipment, including the Furnishings of 8 Bedrooms,

Gents Mahogany and other wardrobes, Mahogany, Oak and other Chests of Drawers, Vertical Pianoforte by Bechstein, carved Oak Dower Chest, Dining Room Appointments in Mahogany, about 1200 ozs of

Silver, Sheffield Plated Articles, Valuable Antique Gold and Enamel Musical Snuff Box, fine old English Bracket Clock, Sofa, Tables, Antique Break Front Inlaid Mahogany Cabinet, Antique Coffee Tables,

Library of 2000 Volumes. Also Pictures, Prints, China, Glass, Linen, Invalid’s Self-Propelling and other Chairs, Garden Seats, Outdoor Effects, Coal etc etc.

Portsmouth Evening News14/03/1936

There's more about the Pennington Family in Village Folk

Village Notices


Horse Tale l

"Notice from Netley Lodge, 08/03/1792 - whereas a bay cropped Gelding about 13.5 hands high with

a switch gait, came upon the premises of Thomas Ewer of Netley Lodge in the Parish of Hound,

near Southampton.


Whoever owns the horse may have him again on paying this and all reasonable expenses; otherwise he

will be sold or taken at a fair valuation for whatever expense shall then have incurred for keep etc.”

Hampshire Chronicle 12/03/1792


Horse Tale ll

"Stolen or Strayed, from the Common of Bursledon or Netley on Wednesday the 14th of March.

A brown blood mare, coming three years old, light clean legged, never broke in, fifteen hands high,

long tail, right leg before rather goes in; supposed to have been seen in the possession of some

Horse Stealers on the night of the 14th.


Whoever will bring the said Mare, or give information here she may be found, to Mr Ware, Bursledon Lodge, Hants shall receive FIVE GUINEAS, if Stolen and if Strayed, ONE GUINEA Reward.”

Salisbury + Winchester Journal 26/03/1821


Fashionable Intelligence

Rev T Southam has recently taken up residence in Netley Lodge.

Hampshire Advertiser 02/03/1844


Rev G Southouse and his wife are now living at Netley Lodge.

Hampshire Advertiser 21/03/1846

They remained there until 1855.

Netley Lodge is one of the oldest buildings, carrying evidence of Tudor and Elizabethan building. 

Some materials are from the Abbey.  The mid-1700 maps show a road running from the Abbey to the

Lodge and thence on to the Sydney and Cliff Lodges, with a bridge or a dam over the Bunney stream,

with an inlet to the beach. This became a reedy swamp which is now cleared for a water fowl pond

opposite the Hard - today it's called Sophie's Pond. 

The maps also show a track running down to Netley Cliff, past Windmill Hill.


Oddfellows' Anniversary

“The Royal Victoria Lodge, Southampton District of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows held their 13th anniversary at their lodge room in the Prince Consort Inn, Netley Abbey on Wednesday 26/02/1879. Between 40 and 50 of the brethren and friends sat down to a first-rate dinner supplied by Mr Harding, the Host.”

Hampshire Advertiser 01/03/1879


New Reading Room and Institute

"The Hon Mrs E C Yorke has just conferred a very great boon on this part of the Parish of Hound.

She has, at her own expense, fitted up a reading room and institute in the village of Netley Abbey

for the working classes, on premises formerly occupied by the Butcher, Mr Slade.

She has also provided a Cocoa room. 


The Reading Room was formally opened on Monday evening where there was a large attendance with

no less than 50 enrolling as members. The Rev W R Ffrench (Vicar of Hound) was unanimously chosen

as the Chairman of the Institute.

Mr Collins was elected as Secretary; Mr Pepler as Treasurer and a committee of 8 were appointed.”

Hampshire Advertiser 08/03/1879


For Sale:

Short Notice of Unreserved Sale of Outdoor Effects and Trade Utensils, property of the Mineral Water Works, New Road, Netley Abbey on 12/03/1906.

Southern Echo 07/03/1906


New Drainage System

"A decision was taken in March 1923 by the South Stoneham Rural District Council that it was time

that a system of drainage should be instituted in the Parish of Hound.

Netley Abbey was urban in character. The area to be drained should take in Butlocks Heath, Station Road, New Road, Victoria Road and the Abbey Hill.

It was decided to refer the drainage matter to the Hound Parish Council for their observations."

Hampshire Advertiser 31/03/1923


For Sale:

Five desirable and well-built Semi-detached Villa Residences known as

“Inglemere”, “Eskdale”, “Springlands’, “Hatfield’, “Heathfield” all situated in Station Road. 


Also the Terrace of nine excellent and well-built Dwelling Houses known as Wilton Cottages, New Road, producing a rental of £234 per annum, tenants paying water rate in addition.

To be sold by auction in Lots at the Jubilee Hall, Netley Abbey on Thursday 02/04/1925.

Portsmouth Evening News 28/03/1925

PRESENTATION TO GUIDE CAPTAIN 

“On Wednesday, at the Guides' weekly meeting, the Rangers, Guides, and Brownies who had subscribed

to get a present for their captain. met together at the Oddfellows' Hall on New Road, Netley. 


Miss Wiltshire has been the Netley Guide captain for some years, and is now giving up on account of

her marriage. Miss N. Mickie. the eldest Ranger, made the presentation, which consisted of a pewter

kettle on a stand, in a nice little speech, with all the good wishes of the Company for the recipient's

future happiness.


The Sea Guides gave a present on their own, and Miss N Davis did the presentation.

Miss Wiltshire thanked all for their good wishes, and said she appreciated their kindness and regretted

having to leave them.”

Hampshire Telegraph 04/03/1927

What's On?


On Tuesday afternoon the children of the Bond of Hope assembled in large numbers at the

White Rose Coffee Rooms, on the occasion of the annual tea and prize-giving.


The Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke (President) kindly provided tea. A selection having been given by the bond.

Mrs Yorke distributed the certificates and prizes won in examination, speaking few words of

congratulation and encouragement to each of the recipients. Subsequent to the distribution,

an enjoyable Concert was initiated by Master Charles Rowe, a member who will soon be leaving Netley.

The President, in commemoration of the event, very kindly presented him with a handsomely bound Bible.

Hampshire Advertiser 16/03/1907


The St John Ambulance Club held their weekly practice dance on Friday evening.

There were but 50 present. Mr H Allen officiated at the piano and Mr F D Hobbs was MC. 

Hampshire Advertiser 07/03/1914

NETLEY CHURCH SOCIAL

“An enjoyable social was held at the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday in aid of the new heating apparatus at

St Edward's Church. Songs were contributed by Messrs Tulitt, Vickers, Harold Gillard, Cutler, Vibert,

and Mrs. Cutler, Miss Clark being the accompanist. 


Recitations were given by Miss Knowlton. Dancing was part of the programme, the music being supplied by Miss Fox and Mr Raddock. Mr G Lusby ably carried out the duties of M.C.”

Hampshire Telegraph 04/03/1927


“An entertainment was given by some of the members of the Rechabites’ “White Rose Tent” on Tuesday evening. Mr F Bowden, the Secretary, being the organiser. A large number of people attended.”


"On the 16th, a Whist Drive was held in the Legion Hall.

The prize winners were Mrs Moon, Mrs W Orman, Mr Westley and Mr Patter. The MC was Mr Stanford. 


A dance followed the whist at which there were about 70 present. The Netley Trio provided the music.

Mr Scard was now the MC.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 22/03/1929


“At Butlock’s Heath Band of Hope meeting at the Hollies Hut on Saturday, the Shield, prizes and certificates were presented. The Shield was hung in the Hollies Hut; also an enlarged photograph of the late Mrs Elliot Yorke who was the originator of the Band of Hope. Each child was then presented with a certificate, book and badge and those with the highest marks received a money prize. Top Boy, Norman Provins with 91 marks and Joan Vanderplank, Top Girl, with 86 marks were much applauded.


A concert was given by the children amongst whom present were B and D Pressley, Sidney Bowles, J and G Vanderplank, W Hallum, V and N Collins, Gretta Cross, B Newton, Dolly Finch, E Jeans. The proceedings closed with a verse from the National Anthem.”

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 20/03/1931


ST. PATRICK'S DAY DANCE

About 120 people attended the St. Patrick dance at the British Legion Hall on Saturday. A most enjoyable time was spent. The British Legion Band supplied the music and Messrs. Scard and Gallacher were the MCs.


LEGION BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP

The second round of the British Legion Billiards Championship was played at Hedge End. Mr. McGibbon met Mr. Thomas in 500 up, the former winning by 201. 


FANCY DRESS PRIZE-WINNERS

A children's fancy dress party was held at the British Legion Hall on Friday, the judge being Mrs. Jenkins. Prizes were awarded to the following:

Material Dresses - Girls: 1, Dorothy Bowles (Grannie); 2. Dutch Boy; 3. Pierrot: consolations, E. Moore and

I. Figgins.   Boys: 1. Windmill Man, J. Moore; 2, Spring Cleaning, S. Bowles: 3. Cowboy. K. Ford. Paper dresses: Girls. 1. Buy British. 0. Ingram; 2, Drummer Boy. E. Roberts; boys. 1, Football Cap, Brian Weeks; consolation, C. Bowles.

Hampshire Telegraph + Post 23/03/1934

The annual parish meeting was fixed for 23 March at which the question of the Hard and street lighting

for Old Netley will be on the agenda.


It was agreed to ask the District Council to extend the curbing in Grange Road and alter the position

of the 30-mile speed limit sign in the newly-built up area and complaints were received that overhanging hedges in Station Road, Butts Road and Sellwood Road were dangerous to pedestrians.”

Hampshire Telegraph 10/03/1939

"The Tennis Club’s first hard court was opened on Saturday by Mr A Orman who played the first ball.


He was supported by Mr P Moore, Captain, who had arranged dances and other functions to raise a portion of the cost.


The remainder of the cost being found by the Chairman + Committee of the Central Club behind which the Tennis Court was situated.”

Hampshire Telegraph 10/03/1939

Just about where the car park is now

From Cistercian Abbey Ruins at one end, through Netley Abbey Village to the Royal Victoria Hospital ... 

Netley Abbey Ruins 2017 photo
Victoria Road Netley Abbey Photo
Photo Red Cross Hutted Hospital Netley 1915
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