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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
PAST LIVES + TIMES OF NETLEY VILLAGE RESIDENTS
Alphabetical by surname
Robert Beck Thomas Chamberlayne Major L H Chatfield William B Courtenay Crichton Family
Thomas Denman Downie Sisters William Edginton Gould Family Douglas McGibbon
Moore Family Abner Pearmain Pennington Family Bertram Ponsford Rashleigh Sisters
Henry G Ross Vander-Plank
West Family Willoughby Winfield Family Annie Yorke
Robert Beck was the Publican of the Prince Consort Inn until 1861.
“On Saturday evening an inquest was held at the RSH Infirmary before Mr R G Bassett, deputy coroner, respecting the death of Mr Robert Beck.
Mr Beck was formerly well known to the London and provincial press as a bookseller and stationer
in Fleet Street and subsequently at Chatham.
Retiring from business at Chatham, he built the Prince Consort Naval and Military Hotel,
near to the Victoria Hospital at Netley.
In that town and in the vicinity of his hotel, his genial disposition secured him a large
circle of friends.
Last Thursday, he went to Gordon’s Concert Hall in French Street, Southampton
where some building extensions are in progress and ascended the scaffolding to enquire for
Mr Bostock, the builder.
In descending, he unfortunately mistook the proper ladder and attempted to get down a smaller one, only used to light the lamps in the concert hall. He was precipitated to the ground
and being a heavy man, fell with much violence.
He sustained a frightful fracture of the right leg. He was conveyed to the Royal South Hants Infirmary where it was confirmed that he had a compound comminuted fracture.
Sadly mortification of his foot followed and an amputation of the thigh was done in the hope
of saving his life. Unfortunately Mr Beck expired on Friday evening. He was 49 years of age.
The inquest returned a verdict of “accidental death”.
The Halesworth Times and East Suffolk Advertiser 22/10/1861
Major L H Chatfield, MC
Highfield, Victoria Road
Netley Abbey
Formerly Adjutant to the 5th Border
(TA) Regiment, he has been awarded the MBE for
Home Guard work, conducted from an invalid's chair.
He comes from Penrith, Cumberland
Lancashire Evening Post 16/01/1945
Mr William Baker Courtenay
Station Master at Netley Station
1894 - 1899
"For many years he has had charge of the interests of the South Western Company at St David’s Station, Exeter, has been appointed Stationmaster at Netley, near Southampton.
The travelling public of Hampshire who make Netley Abbey a point of starting or stoppage may be assured of a civil and obliging stationmaster in Mr Courtenay."
Hampshire Advertiser, 28/02/1894
In readiness for the imminent visit by Her Majesty Queen Victoria to the Royal Victoria Hospital in 1898, Mr Courtenay (left) received explicit instructions from the Railway Company (L+SWR) about the "laying of red carpet and providing luncheon" with a reminder that "he was responsible for keeping the station and outside quite clear."
One of his daughters, Beatrice, was allowed the honour of presenting a bouquet to Her Majesty
on her arrival at the Station.
It has been suggested that the magnitude of all of this may have played a part in his early death
in 1899 at only 48 years of age.
Ken Ford's Netley Abbey Village
Netley Station Personnel ca mid 1890s
Front row seated on right is Station Master William Baker Courtenay
Front row seated on left is Fred Watts
Netley Station Personnel ca mid 1890s
Front row seated on right is Station Master William Baker Courtenay
Front row seated on left is Fred Watts
The Crichton Family at Netley Castle
1881 - 1936
The Honourable Henry George Louis Crichton was born on 7 April 1844.
He was educated at Radley and Christ Church, Oxford. He served in the 10th and 21st Hussars and as Brigade Major of Cavalry in Ireland.
He first married on 17 August 1869, Miss Letitia Grace Cole-Hamilton, youngest daughter
of Arthur Willoughby Cole-Hamilton Esq of Beltrim Castle, Co Tyrone and his wife, Emily Caroline Beresford.
The Crichton family moved into Netley Castle in 1881.
Henry Crichton substantially added to Netley Castle during his life there. The architect, John Sedding, remodelled the castle between 1885 - 1890 creating a Gothic styled house adding another storey, heightening the tower, adding a new wing and transforming the interior considerably.
Many of the oak planks used as floorboards were from HMS Lord Warden, the Royal Navy’s heaviest ever wooden warship which was decommissioned in 1889.
There were substantial gardens, orchards, a pond and boathouse. There was also an Ice House.
Henry Crichton assumed command of the Hampshire Yeomanry between 1884 - 1894. Between 1894 - 1909, he was Brigadier General of the Hampshire Infantry Brigade. In 1911, he was knighted and during the Great War, he formed and commanded the Portsmouth Volunteer Infantry Brigade, a volunteer militia movement.
In Aid of Funds for the new Hound Parish Church
"A fancy fair is to be held on Thursday and Saturday next (13 + 15 August 1885) by the kind permission of
Lt-Colonel the Hon H G L Crichton at Netley Castle, in aid of the fund which is being raised for the
erection of a new Church which is to be the Parish Church for Hound.
A new church has long been a necessity in this parish and the committee have already
begun the work of erecting one on a beautiful site above the Abbey."
Hampshire Advertiser 08/08/1885
A Welcome Gift
Colonel the Hon. H . G. L. Crichton. of Netley Castle, wrote stating that he intended erecting a drinking trough for horses on the road near Netley Abbey Gate. The trough would be on his own land, but the hedge would be rounded off so as to allow the horses to go to the trough.
It would be just past the gate leading to the Abbey ruins, and there would be a drinking trough for dogs as well as horses. People driving to the Hospital and other places in the summer would find the trough a great convenience.
Hampshire Advertiser 24/10/1885
The Foundation Stone for the new Parish Church is laid
The foundation stone of the new Parish Church - Church of St Edward the Confessor - was laid by the Hon Mrs H Crichton at 3 o’clock on 6 October 1885.
Hampshire Advertiser 10/10/1885
Colonel Crichton's new steam yacht "Chimera" was named by his daughter, Emily.
Hampshire Advertiser 07/11/1885
Consecration of the new Hound Parish Church
The Church of St Edward the Confessor was consecrated on Wednesday 13/10/1886 by the Lord Bishop of the Diocese. The land was given jointly by Col the Hon H G L Crichton and Mr Tankerville Chamberlayne.
The south transept under which is a vault for the Crichton Family is called the Crichton Aisle in
commemoration of the founder and munificent benefactor to the church.
The tower contains a peal of eight fine bells from Warner + Co, a gift from Col Crichton.
Hampshire Advertiser 16/10/1886
"The Hound Parish Clerk (Mr. H. E. Robins) read a letter from Colonel the Hon. H. G. L. Crichton,
a member of the School Board, promising £5 towards the fund for
providing cheap dinners for the school children during the ensuing winter."
Hampshire Advertiser 05/11/1887
Sudden passing of Hon Lady H Crichton
Mrs Letitia Grace Crichton died unexpectedly on Friday 13 January 1888.
Her funeral was held on Tuesday
17 January 1888.
She is buried in St Edward’s Churchyard.
The high respect and esteem entertained towards her was evident by the large attendance at the mournful ceremony and regret was expressed by so many that one who was so greatly beloved should have been so unexpectedly removed in the midst of an active life of great usefulness.
Hampshire Advertiser 21/01/1888
Marriage of Col H G L Crichton
"The Church of St Margaret’s, Westminster, was thronged with a fashionable congregation yesterday afternoon - 29 January 1890 -
to witness the marriage of Colonel the Hon Henry Crichton, son of the late Earl of Erne, and brother to the present peer, to Lady Jane Emma Daring, a Companion of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India, only daughter
of Lord Thomas George, first Earl of Northbrook GCSI
Lord Northbrook gave his daughter away, while Colonel the Hon Charles Crichton attended his brother as Best Man."
Dublin Daily Express 31/01/1890
The 1891 Census shows -
Head - Colonel Henry Crichton, age 46;
Wife - Emma Jane. age 37
Daughter - Emily, age 20
Daughter - Louisa, age 9
Son - John, age 7.
Servants:
Governess - Sarah Millar, age 34
Cook - Bessie Martin, age 35
Housemaid - Lavinia Leaves?, age 28
Housemaid - E Clark, age 20
Kitchenmaid - Elizabeth Taylor, age 19
Scullery Maid - Emily Polaye?, age 20
Children's Maid - Edith Pettit, age 18
Children's Maid - Eliza Burgess, age 25
Butler - Charles Dragon, age 34
Footman - Henry B...stead?, age 25
Lady's Maid - Mary Salter, age 28
Lady's Maid - Lizzie Cheale or Cheate?, age 28.
A PLEASANT DAY WITH THE COLONEL
On Thursday last week the Isle of Wight troop of the Hampshire Yeomanry were entertained by their Colonel on board his yacht and at his residence, and the weather being glorious, a most enjoyable day was spent.
Soon after 12 o’clock Colonel Crichton brought his boat alongside Hyde Pier and embarked
the members of the troop who had assembled there on board his yacht "Chimera",
which was at once got under way and steamed down the Solent.
During the trip, lunch was partaken off on board, while the rest of the time was very enjoyably
spent on deck until Netley Abbey was reached.
Here all lauded and explored the beautiful grounds of Netley Castle and the Abbey until there came summons for tea, at which Lady Emma presided, and after good meal had been enjoyed, the Castle itself was explored and proved very interesting, being quite a show place.
Isle of Wight County Press and South of England Reporter 13/06/1891
Accidental Drowning
A man named Frederick Hants, aged thirty-three years, and a gardener, employed by Colonel the
Hon. H. G. L. Crichton, of Netley Castle, rang the bell for morning service at Netley Parish Church.
Instead of remaining to the service, the deceased went for a bathe in Southampton water.
He had not been in the water more than a minute or two when he disappeared.
An attempt was made to rescue him but without avail. and the body was recovered by
Edward Howe, who dived for it.
Deceased had only been married a few weeks. and it was supposed that he was seized with cramp.
A verdict of "Accidental drowning" was returned.
Reynolds’s Newspaper 20/08/1893
The Marriage took place yesterday afternoon between Miss Emily Florence Crichton and Mr John B Seely at the Church of St Peter's, Eaton Square, London.
Miss Emily is the eldest daughter of Colonel the Hon Henry George Louis Crichton, formerly of the 10th and 21st Hussars of Netley Castle, Netley Abbey and the niece of the present Earl of Erne.
Mr Seely is the third son of Mr Charles Seely DL snd JP of Nottingham who sat as MP for Nottingham for several years, of Sherwood Lodge, Nottingham and Brook House,
Isle of Wight.
[Sheffield Independent 10/07/1895]
Lady Mary Waldegrave is engaged to Mr Charles Crichton, 10th Hussars, eldest son of Colonel the Hon. Henry Crichton of Netley Castle but the marriage will not take place for some time.
Morning Post 08/03/1898
The 1901 Census shows Colonel H G L Crichton still in residence at Netley Castle with two other males and five females.
No other details are given.
Ancestry.co.uk
The 4th Itchen South (Netley) Sea Scout Troop was originally formed and registered in September 1908 and was adopted soon after by Sir Harry Crichton in 1909 who was the first Scout
County Commissioner for Hampshire.
Sir Harry was a great friend of Lord Baden Powell and his support was ultimately responsible for bringing the joys and excitement of the scouting movement on land and sea to children,
teenagers and young adults of Netley Abbey and the surrounding area for over 100 years.
Baden-Powell stayed at Netley Castle on his honeymoon in 1912.
During the early years, Sir Harry Crichton allowed the use of his own Boat House (a private residence today) by the scouts before they moved to the old Coastguard Hut on Netley Shore.
www.hiowmsons.org
"A pretty wedding took place at St Edward's Church, Netley Abbey in August 1910 between
Miss Louisa Crichton and Lt Guy Fanshaw, Royal Navy"
There are many plaques commemorating aspects of the Crichton Family through the years to be found
on the walls inside St Edward's Church, Netley Abbey.
The Church is beautiful - well worth a visit!
Major John Arthur Crichton was born in 1883 and educated at Radley College.
He took up marine engineering as a career having served his apprenticeship at Thornycrofts, Hants. He gained his degree of AMICE at King's College, London.
He joined the Hampshire Regiment at the inception of the Territorial movement and on the outbreak of war, proceeded with his battalion to India where he served as major of the battalion until the summer of 1916.
From there he was especially sent by the Indian Government to the front to carry out important marine constructional work.
Major John Arthur Crichton, Hampshire Regiment, attached to the Royal Engineers
died of pneumonia in hospital abroad on February 6th, 1917.
He was the fifth and youngest son of Col the Hon Sir Harry Crichton, ADC of Netley Castle."
Hampshire Regimental Journal, March 1917
Great sorrow is felt in Netley over the sudden death on Tuesday last of Mr George Turner, aged 70,
who was Sir Harry Crichton’s outdoor steward.
The deceased was greatly respected in Netley and was a sidesman at St Edward’s Church.
The burial will take place on Saturday at St Mary’s Extra.
Hampshire Advertiser County Newspaper 14/07/1917
General sympathy will be felt in the county with Colonel the Hon Sir Harry Crichton in the death,
which has taken place at Mullaboden, Co Kildare of his brother,
Lt-Col the Hon Charles F Crichton.
He served 12 years in the Grenadier Guards (from which regiment he retired in 1876).
Hampshire Advertiser County Newspaper 24/08/1918
Consecration at Crichton Chapel
"On Sunday morning, the Bishop of Southampton consecrated the altar in the Crichton Chapel to the memory of three of
Col Sir H Crichton’s children who have
passed away since 1914 - Mrs Seely (wife of Brigadier-General Seely), Rev F Crichton
and Captain R Crichton.
A brass ewer for the font was also consecrated.”
Hampshire Telegraph, 27/06/1919
Most of the photos relating to the Crichton Family were taken by Julie and me at St Edward's Church in 2019
In 1922, Col Crichton welcomed the Staff and Patients of the Royal Victoria Military Hospital into the grounds of Netley Castle.
It was possibly his last public contribution.
Impressive Funeral at Netley of the late Colonel, the Hon Sir Henry Crichton, KCB
"No finer tribute could be made to the memory of a great public man than was the case at Netley yesterday, when at the interment of
the late Colonel, the Hon Sir Henry Crichton KCB, there were present hundreds of persons representative of all classes of society, public bodies and various organisations from all
parts of the country.
Territorials, Boy Scouts, Cadets, Girls Guides, Sea Scouts, Red Cross representatives, members of the British Legion and many similar organisations stood to attention as
the Union Jack enshrouded coffin was lowered into the family vault in the Church of St Edward the Confessor which stands by the ruins of the old Abbey and across the road from Netley Castle where the deceased had resided.
The residents of the village had paid their tribute the previous evening when a memorial service was held at the Church, the coffin in the meanwhile resting in the Crichton Chapel beneath which is situated
in the family vault.
The little church was filled to overflowing and hundreds were unable to enter. On and around the coffin were arranged as many as possible of the 150 floral tributes whilst others were placed outside the church.
Col Henry Crichton had by service, example and benefaction won the love and esteem of
the whole county."
"The Scouts’ Memorial Service was held at St Matthew’s, Southsea last night to pay their last homage to the late Colonel Crichton who was County Commissioner of the Scouts for many years."
Portsmouth Evening News 16/05/1922
LADY EMMA CRICHTON'S DEATH at NETLEY CASTLE
"Lady Emma Crichton. widow of Col. the Hon. Sir Harry E. L. Crichton, K.C.8., daughter of the first Earl of Northbrook and sister of the second Earl, died at her home, Netley Castle, on Friday morning. Lady Emma, whose age was 82, had been ill for several months.
When her father was Viceroy of India, Lady Emma acted as hostess of Royal and other receptions.
On his lordship returning to England, Lady Emma - who was then Lady Emma Baring - resided with him at Stratton Park. She was a charming personality.
In 1890 she was married to Col. Sir Harry Crichton - so well-known in connection with the Hampshire Yeomanry - the wedding taking place at St. Margaret's, Westminster.
It was one of the most brilliant and picturesque weddings of the year.
There were no children of the marriage.
Sir Harry and Lady Emma made their home at Netley Castle, and extensively entertained.
He died in 1922.
Lady Emma Crichton took a great interest in Church work.
She did valuable work during the War in connection with the British Red Cross Society and entertained troops at Netley Castle on many occasions.
For her services she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
She was taken ill in August, but although she rallied and made a great fight, her strength gradually failed, and she sank into a coma some days ago, and passed peacefully away."
Hampshire Telegraph 24/01/1936
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Major Thomas Hercy Denman
"Netley Court" Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
Major Denman was a benefactor to and Hound Parish Councillor at Netley Abbey for many years.
His generosity in both time and financial aid enabled many projects to be successfully achieved.
There are many more articles and events documented on this website which owe their
success to him.
I'm pleased to say that - at last - Mr Denman is being commemorated in Netley Abbey!
The newly-opened Dementia Room at Netley Court Care Home is to be named after him.
He passed away at home on 17 February 1950, aged 84.
He desired to place on record his earnest desire to be cremated, without any rites or ceremonies
whatsoever and his ashes then scattered in a garden of remembrance.
Also that no paid notice of his death was to be inserted in any newspaper.
His Estate was valued at £135,980 net.
Nottingham Evening Post 21/06/1950
Occupying a magnificent situation in the centre of the Village, overlooking Southampton Water
with valuable frontage thereto and having direct access to the Beach, the delightfully situated
and secluded long leasehold Residence known as Netley Court, Netley Abbey.
Excellent accommodation on 2 floors only; nine bedrooms, three bathrooms, drawing room, dining room, music room, large conservatory, gent’s cloakroom, good domestic offices, all main services, central heating.
Detached Garage Block comprising garage for 2/3 cars with inspection pit and covered wash-down,
workshop and store sheds, tool and potting sheds, heated greenhouse.
The well-kept and attractive grounds are a most pleasant feature and extend to just over 2 acres.
Vacant possession.
Hampshire Telegraph 21/04/1950
Following Mr Denman's death, his residence became Netley Court Community School for
boys and girls with special needs. The school closed in 2006.
After many years lying derelict and failed planning permission applications, the site
was purchased by Harwood Care who had to agree to the original house being retained.
"Netley Court" today is a Residential Care Home, owned by Cinnamon Care Collection.
The Downie Sisters
Abbey House, Abbey Hill
1911 - 1940
The 1881 Census shows the Downie Family in Collingwood House, Tynemouth ...
Note - Mr Henry Downie - the father - is a "Drug Merchant" and one of his sons, William, is a "Druggist".
Clearly, different times, different meanings.
Henry Downie was born in 1828 and passed away on 9 February 1897;
his wife, Clara, nee Wynne, was born in 1832; she passed away at Richmond, Yorkshire in 1905.
They had 5 daughters and 3 sons but in 1911 but it was only sisters - Charlotte Isabella and Anita Florence - who came to live in Abbey House, at the top of Abbey Hill, Netley Abbey.
Anita Florence was born on 21 February 1865; Charlotte Isabella on 27 September 1866.
When their father died, Anita and Charlotte used their inheritance to purchase Abbey House in 1911 and set up Abbey Hill Boarding School for the "Daughters of Naval and Military Officers.
As was usual at the time, neither had any qualifications to teach but this was of no importance.
Several of their own nieces attended.
During WWII, the Government decided that the School needed to relocate because it was
on the flight path of German Bombers en route to Southampton.
Unfortunately this location was itself bombed during the school holidays and suffered intensive damage.
As a result, the School was closed due to it being a private school with no compensation.
The Sisters retired after the War.
Information received from Allison Trimble and her Family Tree via Ancestry.co.uk
The Downie Sisters followed the trend of "sisters" in Netley Abbey by being very generous benefactors to the less affluent Villagers - donating their time, home and funds to numerous Village events, meetings etc.
The Netley Social Club held a very successful fancy dress dance at the Jubilee Hall on Wednesday when about 130 members and friends took part.
The Misses Downie very kindly undertook the difficult task of judging and their decisions proved most satisfactory to all.
Hampshire Advertiser, Saturday 03/01/1920
ABBEY HOUSE PUPILS’ CONCERT
The pupils of Abbey House, under the direction of the Misses Downie, gave excellent entertainment in the
Jubilee Hall, which was greatly enjoyed.
The Netley Orchestra opened with a selection, “The Bohemian Girl,” and played during the Intervals
when a collection was made on their behalf. Then followed a short play entitled 'Footprints,' an incident
during the French Revolution in 1792 which was splendidly acted by all the artistes.
A fairy extravaganza in four acts, entitled "Ten Dancing Princesses." greatly pleased the audience,
the dancing. scenery and dresses being especially good.
At the conclusion, Mr. G. Lusby thanked the Misses Downie and pupils for their excellent entertainment
and also for the collection on behalf of the band.
Hampshire Advertiser 23/12/1922
The Annual Flower Show was held in the Castle grounds by kind permission of Lady Emma Crichton on Wednesday week.
The Judges for the Needlework, Writing and Painting sections were the Misses Downie.
who also presented all the prizes.
Hampshire Telegraph 22/07/1927
Women Conservatives
A garden meeting of the members of the Women’s Branch of the Conservative Association was held at Abbey House, kindly lent by the Misses Downies.
It was fairly well attended.
Hampshire Telegraph 11/05/1928
Progressing!
We are pleased to say Miss Downie, of Abbey House, is progressing after her accident of last
Thursday. which might have been much more serious.
As it is, she is suffering from a broken rib.
She was cycling along Victoria Road, Netley, when she came in contact with a horse and van.
Hampshire Telegraph 19/10/1928
The 1939 Register Entry for Abbey House shows -
Miss Anita Florence Downie - Head of School
Miss Charlotte Isabella Downie - Schoolmistress
Clara Margaret McKay - Teacher, age 41
Servants -
Grace Thorne, Cook, age 46
Muriel Rogers, Housemaid, age 17
Margaret J Morris, Kitchenmaid, age 15
Boarding Pupils -
Lettah Mary Squire
Daphne Christine Phillips
Veronica Maureen Jackson
- and 2 more pupils, born after 1925
Miss Anita Florence Downie passed away on 16 June 1954 at Blandford, Dorset, age 89.
Miss Charlotte Isabella Downie passed away on 8 March 1955 at "Woodlands" Nursing Home
near Wimborne, Dorset, age 89.
Their nephew, Basil Nugent, born 1893, son of Cecil Wynne Downie (1873 - 1926) would inherit their estate, shared with James Ian MacKay.
The Estate was valued at £679 6s 9d.
If anyone has got any photos of the Downie Sisters, please let me know!
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William John Edginton
1858 - 1922
His wife's name was Emma, nee Shove
William and Emma married at South Stoneham in the 3rd Quarter of 1885
He started his retail career with Lancaster and Spencer at Woolston but was then in 1881, promoted to Manager of their branch on the corner of Station Road and
(what would become) New Road, Netley Abbey
He then became Netley Abbey's Sub-Postmaster serving for 24 years.
The Edginton family was living "above the shop" on both the 1901 and 1911 Censuses
at 40 - 41 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
He was a prominent figure in public life in the district.
He was one of those who formed the first Parish Council there when such public bodies were first instituted in 1892. He also founded the first Boys Club in Netley and was instrumental in getting the Recreation Ground.
Mr Edginton was at one time, Netley + District correspondent for the “Evening News”.
Service gentlemen will be glad to know that the Hampshire Telegraph and Post can be obtained of Mr Edginton, newsagent, Netley, every Friday morning.
Portsmouth Evening News 11/08/1915
William was the Grand Master of the “Oswald” Oddfellows Lodge at Woolston.
In Church work, he was the Vicar’s Warden as well as the Treasurer of the Allotment Association
and many other societies.
In 1919, William was the Chairman of Hound Parish Council and also held the
appointment of an Overseer.
He retired as Sub Postmaster on 31/10/1919.
He is succeeded by Mr J Kilford who will carry on the stationery business as well."
Hampshire Telegraph, 07/11/1919
By the 1921 Census, William and Emma were living at "Springfield", Station Road, Netley Abbey
William's employment is stated as "Retired Sub Postmaster and Newsagent"
His Daughter Alexandra Catherine Agnes, born in 1898, is working as a Postal Clerk in the
Sub Post Office, employed by Mr W J Kilford
William passed away on Wednesday 31 May 1922 at "Springfield", Station Road, Netley
at the age of 64. His illness in the later stages was brief although he had been ailing
for some time.
His funeral will take place at 12 o'clock at the Church of St Mary's Hound on Saturday.
The chief mourners were his widow, his son and daughter (Mr J and Miss K); his son-in-law Mr F Tullitt, Mr + Mrs R J Tullitt; Sister Edwards.
The Misses Ada and Blanche Pennington were amongst the mourners.
Hampshire Telegraph 02/06/1922
His son, also William John, married Miss Elsie B Jefferies of Malvern in September 1923
Hampshire Advertiser 29/09/1923
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The Gould Family
5 Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey
1916 - 1937
At St Matthew’s Church, Southampton on Easter Monday, the marriage took place between the eldest daughter of Mr + Mrs E Rofe of Southampton (bride’s name unmentioned!) and Mr Raymond Gould, only surviving son of Mr + Mrs H H Gould, 5 Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey.
The Bride’s sister Miss Ruby Rofe, the Bridegroom’s sister Miss Eileen Gould and cousins of the bridegroom, Misses Gertie and Phyllis Cook were amongst the bridesmaids.
The Best Man was Mr Robert Grey.
The Reception was at Haig Hall, Carlton Terrace.
Hampshire Telegraph 25/04/1930
Mr H H Gould, Waverley Avenue, Netley Abbey passed away suddenly after collapsing at home on Sunday.
He was a well known figure in Netley Abbey and much respected.
He was a landscape gardener and was employed at the Wesleyan Church Vicarage.
He leaves a widow, a son and a daughter. He will be greatly missed in the Village.
A Memorial was dedicated to Mr Gould at the Methodist Church, New Road, Netley Abbey
just over a year after his death.
The Memorial consisted of a communion table and a plain oak cross behind the rostrum.
It was unveiled by Mr F A Kerry.
The Rev W H Bridge officiated.
Hampshire Telegraph, 07/05/1937
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Douglas McGibbon
1919 - 2002
He was born at Netley Abbey on 24 February 1919, the son of
Charlie McGibbon (1880 - 1954) who was a centre forward for several clubs, including
Southampton in the 1900s. At the time of Doug's birth, his father had retired from football
and was employed as Chief Clerk in the Statistical Office at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley
Doug played his youth football with the Air Service Training at Hamble.
During a charity cricket match, he approached the Southampton Manager, Tom Parker for a trial.
Parker gave McGibbon a game with the "Saints A Team" against Lymington Town during which he
scored a hat trick. This was sufficient to persuade Southampton to offer him a
professional contract which he signed in December 1938.
Doug played at centre forward for Southampton, Fulham and Bournemouth in the years just
after the Second World War. In the summer of 1951, McGibbon dropped out of League football,
moving to Newport, Monmouthshire to play for Lovells Athletic in the Welsh League.
His footballing days came to an abrupt end when he smashed his head following a collision with a cross bar. After a spell in hospital, he returned to Hamble to work as an aircraft engineer and then
as a sports officer.
He later moved to Isleworth in Middlesex where he was Sports Secretary for Gillette before
finishing his working life with Sperry Flight Systems in Basingstoke.
He died at an Aylesbury Care Home on 25 October 2002.
www.saintsplayers.co.uk
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The Moore Family at "Pasadena Cottages",
99 New Road, Netley Abbey
1931 - 1938
"Miss Ethel Irene Moore, third daughter of Mr + Mrs William Moore of Pasadena Cottages, New Road, Netley passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday evening, 18 August 1931, outside the Prince Consort Hotel, Netley Abbey.
It appears that the deceased had run out to see the "Graf" Zeppelin pass over, being accompanied by her sister, Miss Elsie Moore and friends, when she suddenly collapsed.
Dr Basil Howard Tripp, Captain in the RAMC who was staying at the Hotel was called but he could only pronounce "life extinct". She had been treated for some time by Dr Loughlin of Woolston for chronic heart trouble.
Miss Moore was of a bright disposition and liked by everyone.
She had been employed for some time by Mr Rogers*, Grocer on
the corner of Denzil Avenue.
Hampshire Telegraph 21/08/1931
*To read more about the Rogers/Crook families, click
Shared Village Stories l
The wedding took place at St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey on Saturday, 12 September 1936 of
Miss Elsie Gertrude Moore, youngest daughter of Mr W H Moore (late RN) and Mrs Moore,
Pasadena, New Road, Netley Abbey and Mr Arthur James Britnell, only son of
Mr + Mrs J Britnell, 24 Campbell Street, Derby.
The service was officiated by the Rev Strunton of Netley Royal Victoria Hospital.
Her bridesmaids were Miss Marjorie Alcott and Miss Myra Dudley (friends) and
Misses Edith and Lanie Moore (bride’s nieces).
Hampshire Telegraph 18/09/1936
Mr C Moore, 2 Pasadena Cottages, New Road, Netley Abbey who died last week was buried at
St Mary’s Hound Churchyard on Friday 9 December 1938.
The chief mourners were his three sons and two daughters.
He was over 70 years old when he died.
Mr Moore joined the Royal Navy in 1887, retired in 1909 but rejoined and served
during the Great War.
He was accorded Naval Honours and at his funeral, a guard of honour was formed
by members of the Netley Branch of the British Legion.
Captain Buckmaster of the Netley British Legion gave a short address.
Hampshire Telegraph 16/12/1938
W H Moore, Chief Shipwright, Royal Navy, volunteered in August 1914 and served on
HMS "Venus" and HMS "Excellent"and was engaged on patrol duties in the Atlantic Ocean,
Mediterranean Sea and off China.
He was demobilised in October 1919.
W G Moore, Artificer, Royal Navy, joined in June 1918 and served onboard HMS "Vivid" and HMS "Venus" and continued to serve after the war had ceased until July 1919.
Both - Boys behind Hound War Memorial, Paul Keast + Maureen Queen
The death took place on Thursday week of Mr Abner Pearmain, after a long illness, at his residence.
The deceased man was an old and well respected resident having lived in Netley for over 50 years.
He was, for several years, Butler at Hamble Cliff with the late Mrs Elliot Yorke and at Sydney Lodge with the late Lord Hardwicke but had recently retired.
He was in his 76th year and leaves a widow.
He had 4 daughters - Mabel, Grace, Alice and Margaret.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 11/01/1935
The Pennington Family
at "The Lake House"
1889 - 1936
By the 1891 Census, Lt-Colonel William A Pennington and his 4 sisters - Mary Jane Owen, Georgina Louise, Ada and Blanche - have relocated from Thickthorn House, Kenilworth, Warwickshire to Netley Abbey and purchased "The Lake House", above, previously known as the Netley Abbey Hotel. There is more info on the Hotel on Lost but not forgotten
See the Map below for Netley Abbey Hotel's location.
Their Mother, Mary C Pennington is there too. Her Maiden name may have been James.
Their father, William C Pennington died on 6 January 1870 and is buried at Kenilworth.
The 1851 Census shows he was a Surgeon and the family lived at
21 Montagu Place, St George, Bloomsbury, London.
The 1871 Census shows Mrs Mary C Pennington as Head of the family and a Landowner.
By the 1891 Census below, the family are living at The Lake House.
William, son, aged 42 is shown as "Head"
Mary Jane 46, Georgina 44, Ada 38, Blanche 37.
Their Mother, then aged 71, was "living on her own means".
with the following staff -
Eliza Hughes, aged 23 - Cook
Helen Dicksey, aged 22 - Parlourmaid
Sarah Pittaway, aged 25 - Housemaid
Lydia Jurd, aged 16 - Under Housemaid.
According to one our past Villagers, the "Lake House" had two main entrance gates, both double
width, to allow easy access by coach + horses.
It had a long, shrub-lined driveway with beautiful gardens.
The lake the house was named after was behind the house.
All the sisters played important parts in the growth of Netley Abbey, doing many good deeds
in their pursuit of helping the poor and needy in the Village and surrounding areas.
Colonel Pennington was a Churchwarden at St Edward's Church.
See the photo further down this Page for the wall plaque in his name which can be found
inside the Church down on the left side as you face the Altar.
The photo on the left shows the Lake House Staff, (year currently unknown).
This photo came from Ken Skinner (thank you!) who advises it is his Great Grandfather, Joseph Samuel Sellwood who is wearing the watch at the back of the photo.
He was the Head Gardener at the
Lake House.
Death of Colonel William Pennington
Winchester Records Office holds Insurance documents taken out by Misses Georgina Louisa and Mary Jane Owen Pennington with the Law Fire Insurance Society:
- Fire Insurance Policy No 492378 dated 2 February 1899
- Two Aircraft + Bombardment Policies on furniture, plate + jewellery,
No 059386 and 073168 to cover 1917 - 1918.
"A few days before Christmas, needy families could go to the Lake House to be presented with a piece of English beef as a gift. The size was according to how big the family was.”
Ken Ford's "Netley Abbey Village”
"The funeral took place of Miss Blanche Jacintha Pennington at Hound on Saturday last.
The coffin was taken into St Edward’s Church where part of the service was recited.
The bearers were members of the choir and the bellringers. The flowers were very beautiful.
She had been a Sunday school Teacher, as well as a Superintendent and a
member of the Church Council and district visitor."
Hampshire Telegraph 16/07/1926
On Tuesday afternoon, the Working Party of the Netley Branch of the SPG (Society for the Propagation of the Gospel) brought to the Lake House, the completed garments they had been allotted to make.
Miss Pennington kindly supplied the party with tea and allowed them to roam through the beautiful gardens of the Lake House
Hampshire Telegraph 22/07/1927
“On Friday afternoon, a well-attended SPG Workers’ meeting was held at Lake House,
Netley Abbey.
Miss Pennington gave an interesting reading and provided tea, also receiving many completed garments to be forwarded to the Society’s headquarters.”
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 06/07/1928
Lady Church Worker funded!
It has been possible through the Diocesan Council for Women’s Work to engage the services of a Lady Church Worker, Miss Stilling, more particularly for work at Old Netley.
She will take up her duties this week and her appointment is largely due to the initiative
and generosity of the Misses Pennington who are, through ill health, unable to carry out
the good work they have always done
in the Parish.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 03/04/1932
Coal + Thrift Club Christmas Tea
A Christmas Tea was given to the members of the Coal and Thrift Club at Old Netley by Miss Ada Pennington. It was held in the Old Netley Reading Room on Thursday of last week.
Amongst those present were Rev Henty Summers and his sister, and Miss Stilling.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 13/01/1933
Joseph Samuel Sellwood
The Gardener at the Lake House for over 50 years, the death ...
Death of Miss Mary Jane Owen Pennington
The death took place on Friday, 22/09/1933 at Lake House, Netley Abbey of Mary Jane Owen Pennington, eldest daughter of the late William Pennington.
The funeral service was at St Edward’s Church Netley Abbey on Tuesday.
Coventry Herald 29/09/1933
The late Miss Mary Jane Owen Pennington’s estate has been valued at £6968.
Hampshire Telegraph 01/12/1933
Sadly, Miss Stilling passed away before her benefactors -
The death has occurred of Miss Charlotte Augusta Stilling who was a licensed lay reader and a
Sunday School Teacher in the Parish for some time.
Aged 57, Miss Stilling was a native of Birmingham and had lived in Eastleigh for many years
where she had been a Sunday School Superintendent and member of the Parochial Church Council.
She had been ill for several months and passed away at a nursing home in Southsea at the weekend. The funeral took place at Eastleigh on Wednesday.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 18/05/1934
The Passing away of Miss Ada Pennington
The Parishioners of Netley Abbey heard with regret of the death of Miss Ada Pennington which took place at her residence, Lake House, Abbey Hill early on Sunday morning last, 10/11/1935.
Miss Pennington who was in her 84th year was a staunch member of St Edward’s Church where she was the Organist for a great number of years.
Unfortunately she met with an accident, breaking her hip and had to retire from being the organist.
The Parishioners presented her with a self-propelling chair which she used a great deal to get about in doing her visiting and church work.
She was also a Sunday School teacher and did a lot of good work at Old Netley
where she held a clothing club and Bible classes.
Miss Ada Pennington was only ill about a week and passed away with heart trouble.
She is survived by one sister, Miss Georgina Pennington.
A memorial service was held at St Edward’s Church on Wednesday afternoon and the interment
took place at St Mary’s Hound following this service.
Hampshire Telegraph 15/11/1935
And finally the Passing Away of the last Pennington sister - Miss Georgina Pennington
Miss Georgina Louise Pennington, of Lake House. passed away about 17 January 1936.
She was in her 89th year.
She was suddenly taken ill about a week ago and developed bronchitis.
Miss Georgina Pennington was the second daughter of William Pennington and is the
last of the family who were old and well-respected residents of Netley Abbey.
She was also a keen supporter of the Hound Nursing Association.
A memorial service will be held in St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey on Tuesday 21/01/1936
followed by her burial at St Mary’s Church, Hound.
Portsmouth Evening News 24/01/1936
Following the death of Miss Georgina Louisa Pennington in 1936, a Miss M A P McDougall and
Miss Florence H Pennington inherited the property and its contents in equal shares.
The House was immediately put up for sale.
As can be read on the article below, it
was purchased by Mr Arthur Percival Jenkins.
Prior to the arrival of the Pennington Family, I have so far found the following
past residents of The Lake House -
1877 - The Gould-Adams
1880 - 1881 - The Rev Theophilius Saulez
1884 - 1887 Major Frank William Nixon.
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Bertram E Ponsford whose mother resides in Arthur Terrace, and who lost his life on HMS Bulwark, was one of the first local boys to join the Royal Navy in 1912.
He was the first boy to join the Scouts movement when it started in Netley Abbey under the late Mr Thomas and carried the flag in the procession on Coronation Day,
also at the demonstration in the grounds of Netley Castle.
Hampshire Advertiser 25/08/1917
HMS Bulwark, pre-Dreadnought battleship, was destroyed off Sheerness, Thames Estuary on Thursday, 26 November 1914 as a result of an internal explosion.
Out of 750 crew, no officers survived and only 14 men, five of whom died from their injuries later.
To read about other past residents in Arthur Terrace, click Who's Haunting your House?
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THE RASHLEIGH FAMILY
Abbey House, Abbey Hill
1864 - 1910
At Hamble, on Tuesday last, we regret to state that a serious accident happened to
Miss Jane Rashleigh, daughter of the Rev G C Rashleigh, Vicar of Hamble.
The young lady and her sister, Laura were out for an airing with their mamma in a basket carriage when a forest fly attacked the horse, a usually quiet animal, which consequently commencing kicking dreadfully and broke Miss Jane's leg, her sister and mother escaping with a fright.
The sufferer was drawn home by two men and some professional gentlemen from Netley Hospital
were early in attendance on the fair patient, and through their kind endeavours,
she was enabled to pass a quiet night and is since going on favourably.
Hampshire Chronicle Saturday 28/05/1864
The 1871 Census shows the Rashleigh Family living at Hamble Rectory.
The Head of the Household, the Rev George Cumming Rashleigh, Vicar of Hamble is 78,
having been born on 23/06/1791 in Silverton, Devon.
His wife, Maria, nee Worsley, is 74. The couple married at Gatcombe, Hampshire on 02/11/1813.
Miss (Lydia) Jane Cumming Rashleigh is 28 and Miss Laura Anne Arundell Rashleigh,
born in Winchester, is 30.
They have 4 servants - Elizabeth Barlow (51), Mary Beamish (31), Sarah Chalcroft (20),
Cecilia Coles (16).
www.ancestry.co.uk/Censuses
The 1881 Census shows Miss Laura (40) is Head of the Household, living still at Abbey House with her sister, Miss (Lydia) Jane (38) and 4 Servants - Elizabeth Moore (25), Cook; Mr George Dicker (49), Butler; Cissy Coles (27), Ladies' Maid; Mary A Gibbons (27), Kitchen Maid.
The Census shows both sisters are living by "Income from Dividends".
www.Ancestry.co.uk/Censuses
The sisters undertook many and various charitable duties for the benefit of the Villagers of Netley and were well-respected by all.
In Growth of the Village, I mention St Augustine's Church, the Iron Church built on behalf
of the Rev De Saules. It has also been suggested that one of the Rashleigh sisters had an Iron Church or Room built at Abbey Hill as the Church of St Mary's, Hound was too far to attend,
it being almost 2 miles away.
In Memoriam
A handsome font has just been placed in the Church of St Matthew in Cheriton Fitzpaine, (Devon), the gift of the Misses Rashleigh of Netley Abbey in memory of their mother, Maria - a native of the Parish.
The base of the font is of polished Ipplepen marble and the upper part of Caen stone.
Exeter + Plymouth Gazette 03/05/1887
Mrs Rashleigh passed away at Abbey House on 28 August 1874 in her
78th year.
Singing for their Supper?
By the kind liberality of the Misses Rashleigh,
a supper was given on Tuesday to the
Choir of St Edward's Church when a capital spread was partaken of by the choir with
great relish, supplied by Mr Gibbons of the Nightingale Hotel.
Towards the end of the evening, Mr Peppler in proposing the health of the Misses Rashleigh, spoke highly of their generosity to the choir, amidst cheers.
Hampshire Advertiser, 24/12/1887
Miss Lydia Rashleigh arranged for the Jubilee Hall to be built for the Queen's Jubilee in 1887.
Head over to Lost but not forgotten to read more about the Hall.
Passing of Miss Laura Anne Rashleigh
In the presence of a very large assembly gathered to pay the last mark of esteem and expect to one who had for many years been held in high and loving estimation, alike by her friends and neighbours, the remains of the late Miss Rashleigh were interred on Wednesday afternoon in the family vault in Hamble churchyard.
The funeral cortege left Abbey House shortly after 2 o’clock.
Upon the outer oak coffin was the inscription -
“Laura Anne Arundell Rashleigh
Entered into rest 30 January 1891”
The deceased lady’s remains were placed with those of her father and mother.
She was the eldest daughter of the late Rev G C Rashleigh, Vicar of Hamble and Fellow of Winchester College.
Charitably disposed in an eminent degree, the deceased lady was ever ready to assist those in need and, with her sister, she was at all times ready to take an active share in the movements
for the moral and social elevation of the people.
In connection with the Primrose League, Miss Rashleigh was a tower of strength in the district and
not content with simply lending her name to this or kindred organisations, she brought to bear
upon anything she undertook, all the personal energy which was so marked a feature in her character.
So recently as a few weeks ago, Miss Rashleigh went about in her carriage and gave instructions
that the needy of Netley should be supplied weekly with 1 cwt of coal.
A stained glass memorial [photo below] is to be erected in the east end window of the church
under the Will of the late Miss Rashleigh. It bears the inscription -
“To the Glory of God in Memory of Laura Arundell and Lydia Jane Cumming Rashleigh.
Southern Echo 06/02/1891
Donations to the Workhouse
Miss Lydia Rashleigh has donated supplies of packets of tea, sugar, sweets and oranges
to the Christmas Day event at South Stoneham Union Workhouse,
where everything is always done for the comfort and
enjoyment of the inmates on this special day.
Hampshire Advertiser 29/12/1897
A Netley Lady’s Will
Miss Lydia Jane Cumming Rashleigh, of Abbey House, Netley whose estate has just been sworn at
£111,105 gross, left the following sums for charitable purposes:
£7000 in trust to pay the income therefrom to Margaret Yates for life,
with remainder to the Royal South Hants and Southampton Hospital;
£1000 to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Hound, near Southampton, for the poor of the parish;
£200 to the Hants Female Orphan Asylum, Southampton;
£500 to the Southampton Free Eye Hospital;
£500 to the Railway Benevolent Association;
£100 to the Clergy Orphan Corporation;
£100 to her coachman, Robert Medland;
£100 to her gardener Thomas Jenkins;
£100 to her lady's maid, Emma Clarke;
£100 to her cook, Sarah May; and
£50 each to her butler, G W Dicker, the latter’s wife and the wife of her coachman.”
Hampshire Telegraph 22/01/1910
Also in her Will, Miss Lydia directed that her Coachman, Robert Medland, should look after
her outdoor dogs and her Butler, George Dicker, should look after the indoor dogs
and that they should each receive £10 per annum for such service.
Should either her Coachman or Butler die while any dogs are living, the survivor should
receive £15 a year whilst any dogs are living.
Dundee Evening Telegraph 24/01/1910
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The Ross Family and Business
1901 - 1960s
The 1901 Census shows Henry G Ross is aged 18, single and living as a Boarder with William + Agnes Bedman at 1 Dart Villas, Station Road, Netley Abbey.
According to the Census, he is employed as "an Assistant Building Costs Manager".
Some newspaper articles showed Henry's middle name as Genge, some said George, like his father.
However, in June 2022, Simon contacted me to confirm that the middle name of his Great Grandfather,
Henry, was indeed Genge. Thank you!
Spookily but very welcome, on that same day, I received a second enquiry about the Ross Family,
this time from Nicky who now lives in South Africa.
She too is a Great Grandchild of Henry and Francesca.
Nicky has sent me lots of photos and newspaper cuttings relating to both sides of her family
who hail originally from Netley Abbey.
Nicky's story can now be read on Shared Village Stories lll.
As was the custom at this time, Henry's wife seems only ever to be referred to as Mrs H Ross
but her personal names were Francesca Henrietta Cecelia; "Cicely" to the family.
Henry married Cicely, nee Williams on 7 August 1904 at Portland, Dorset.
Between 1911 and 1917, Mr + Mrs Ross are living at Moss-Lyn, 59 Station Road.
Between 1920 - 1928, they are residents of Penshurst on Abbey Hill.
In 1928, they purchase "Rimpton House", Station Road, Netley Abbey.
They have one daughter, Grace and five sons, Robin, Bernard, Eric, Charles and Jack.
Annual Outing for H G Ross Employees and families
Mr H G Ross’s firm held their 10th annual outing on Saturday last, going by motor coach to Weymouth. They left at 8 am and returned at 11 pm.
Forty sat down to lunch, Mr Ross welcoming old and new faces.
All spent a jolly day on the beach.
Hampshire Telegraph 29/08/1930
H G Ross elected to serve on new Council!
The result of the election of the new Winchester Urban District Council was that the following were elected to represent the Parish of Hound - Commander Cole-Hamilton, Mr Henry G Ross, Mr F Hunt
and Mr H E Barnes.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post 03/04/1932
A very pretty wedding of much local interest was celebrated at St Edward’s Church, Netley on
Thursday, August 19th, the bride being Miss Grace Elizabeth Mary Ross, only daughter of
Mr + Mrs H G Ross of Rimpton House, Station Road and the bridegroom, Mr Harold Lyne Truscott, son of
Mrs Truscott and the late Mr H H Truscott of Court St Austell.
The brothers of the Bride - Bernard, Robin, Eric, Charles and Jack Ross were the Ushers.
The Guides formed a Guard of Honour outside the church for their Captain who was the Bride.
Hampshire Telegraph 27/08/1937
Mr Charles Arthur Frederick Ross, fourth son of Mr + Mrs H G Ross of Rimpton House was married
on Saturday 20/08/1938 to Miss Barbara Winifred Horrocks, daughter of Mr and Mrs F C Horrocks
of Birkdale, Southport at Christ Church, Southport.
Mr Eric Ross was the Best Man.
Hampshire Telegraph 26/08/1938
Miss Beatrice Freda Speakman, daughter of Mr + Mrs E Speakman, Grosvenor Road, Birkdale and Mr Eric Ross, son of Mr + Mrs H G Ross of Netley Abbey, were married at St James Church, Birkdale today.
The bride is well known for her social work in Southport.
Liverpool Evening Express,Saturday 13/07/1940
A minute's silence was observed
on Saturday at the Cricket County Ground Southampton where Mr Ross was well known.
Mr Henry Genge Ross passed away at his home at Rimpton House on 17 June 1942.
He is buried at St Andrew's Church, Hamble.
Amongst his mourners were his widow, Mr + Mrs R Ross, Mr + Mrs B Ross, Mr + Mrs Eric Ross.
Mr Ross who was 59 years old leaves a widow, 5 sons and 1 daughter.
Mr Ross came to Netley about 40 years ago. He was the governing director of H G Ross and Sons Ltd.
He was a member of Southampton Chamber of Commerce and the Institute of Builders and
President of the Southampton Master Builders’ Association.
In 1934 he was elected a member of Winchester Rural District Council but retired in 1938.
He took up ARP work and was senior warden for Hound Parish.
Mr Ross was a member of the Southampton Lodge of Freemasons, the Deanery Cricket Club
and British Legion Netley Branch.
He was the founder of Netley Abbey Cricket Club and a fine batsman himself.
Hampshire Telegraph 03/07/1942
[The original Newspaper article says he died on 19th June but the family's Memorial (see below) shows 17th June]
Mrs Cicely Ross passed away on 8 January 1947
This is one of a pair of tall candlesticks which sit each side of the Altar in St Edward's Parish Church.
One Base is engraved "Henry G Ross";
the other "Cicely Ross".
The photos were taken by Henry + Cicely's Great Great Grand-daughter
Emma Erasmus when she visited Netley Abbey in September 2022.
Thank you for allowing me to share your photos, Emma!
New information received in November 2023 from Malcolm, Grandson of Henry and Cicely -
"The candlesticks were presented to the Church by my Grandparents' family in memory of
Henry and Cicely - so a gift from Robin, Bernard (my father), Charles, Eric, Grace (Molly)
and John (Jock).
My father was Lay Reader at the Church at the time (see article above). He will have set
up the consecration which will have been carried out by the Vicar, Reverend Arthur J Beach.
I was about 15 at the time and a member of the Church Choir, as was my Uncle Robin."
Peter Hoadley of St Edward's Church, Netley further advises that the Hampshire Records Office in Winchester holds a document "Faculty for the installation of a new altar cross and two candlesticks
at St Edwards", Reference 133M83/P36 dated 1962."
Thank you Malcolm and Peter!
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William Alfred Stevens
William was a shipwright by trade but ran a tobacco business from his home at Briarleigh,
Victoria Road, Netley. He was married to Gertrude, nee West. They had a daughter, Dora.
He played football for Netley Sports Club in the right back position.
Netley Player passes away during a match
On Saturday, 18 February 1922, the team was playing Fareham in the Hants Junior Cup 5th Round on Langford's Meadow, Fareham.
At the end of 90 minutes, the score was 1-1 so extra time came into play. During the first 15 minutes, Fareham scored a second goal. The two teams had changed ends after the second interval and had lined up for a renewal of the game when William, who was standing alone in his proper place, fell forward and lay prostrate on the ground.
He was immediately attended to by the Netley trainer and carried to the Pavilion. The game then proceeded but only for a minute or two for a message was conveyed to the referee, Mr H F Bailey of Southampton, that William had passed away. The game was at once abandoned.
He had been in apparent good health and had not complained about feeling unwell. The sad affair has been reported to the Coroner and an Inquest will be held tomorrow.
Portsmouth Evening News, Monday 20/02/1922
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Walter and Annie Vanderplank
at The Hollies, Butlocks Heath
1891 - 1914
Annie had moved to Butlock's Heath when she was 17 years old.
Walter and Annie, nee Packer, were married in the last quarter of 1883
The 1891 Census shows the family living at Butlock's Heath
By the 1901 Census, Walter, 45, has become a Dairyman; one of his daughters, Lilian is a Pupil
Teacher at Butlock's Heath County School; his wife, Annie is a Shopkeeper.
In February 1902, Walter Vanderplank began a major building project on their family home - "The Hollies".
The next generation of Vanderplank continued to live at The Hollies.
Walter passed away on 31 March 1906.
In about 1914, Annie moved into the Post Office at Butlock's Heath
becoming the Sub-Postmistress.
Annie passed away, aged 83, on 26 December 1939 at her residence, 1 The Post Office, Butlock's Heath where she had lived for 25 years.
She had been ailing for 2 years but took an interest in everything around her.
Hampshire Telegraph 05/01/1940
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Henry West Senior was the Chief Coastguard stationed at Netley.
He lived with his wife, Elizabeth Harriet, his four daughters - Eliza, Alexandra Dora, Gertrude Emily and Beatrice - and his son, Henry Seymour at "Briarleigh", Victoria Road, Netley Abbey.
Henry Seymour West was born in the Scilly Isles in 1890.
In 1913, Henry married May Winfield and they lived at “Colaba”, Grange Lane.
[See Winfield family below]
On 21 March 1917, Henry Jnr was serving as Fifth Engineer on board the Hospital Ship "Asturias"
He is remembered on Tower Hill Memorial, London for those who have no known grave.
HM HS "Asturias" was a Royal Mail Packet Company ocean liner, built in Belfast in 1908.
In 1914, she became a Hospital Ship.
On 21/03/1917, the "Asturias" was torpedoed by U-Boat UC-66 near Bolt Head (Devon).
She had disembarked 1000 wounded men at Avonmouth.
Records show -
Military - 11 dead, 3 missing including 1 Nurse, 17 injured,
Crew - 20 dead, 9 missing including one stewardess, 22 injured.
www.wikipaedia.co.uk
The funeral of Mr West, RN, (retired), 79, of Briarleigh, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey took place at St Mary’s Hound Churchyard last week. He passed away on 26 February 1932.
The deceased was an old and respected resident of Netley having lived there since his retirement.
He leaves a widow and 2 daughters.
Hampshire Telegraph + Post, 11/03/1932
Eliza Harriet West, Wife and Mother passed away on 31 October 1937, aged 75.
"Briarleigh " is still standing - just - held up by a lot of rusty scaffolding!
The funeral of Mrs Alexandra Dora Date, aged 49, took place at St Mary’s Hound on Monday.
The deceased was the elder daughter of Mrs West and the late Mr West of Briarleigh, Victoria Road.
She passed away on 21 November 1932 after a short illness at her home in Cedar Avenue, Shirley.
Hampshire Telegraph 11/11/1932
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The Winfield Family
1878 - 1953
Mennel John Winfield was born on 23 May 1852 at Great Ponting, Lincolnshire.
On 19 November 1878, he married Miss Maria Gallon at Pear Tree Green Church, Sholing
Maria was born on 29 January 1860 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
She first came to this area ca 1875.
The 1881 Census shows the family living in Butlock's Heath, Netley Abbey -
Mennel J Winfield, 29, General Labourer
Maria, aged 26
Mary A, aged 1
Later records show that Mary was known as "Ann" or "Annie".
www.Ancestry.co.uk/Censuses
The 1891 Census shows the family living at No 13 "Ellis's Rows", Victoria Road, Netley Abbey -
John Winfield, 39, General Labourer
his wife Maria, 36 and -
Daughters -
Mary Ann, 11; Elizabeth, 9;
(Ada) Maria, 7; Martha 5;
May 2.
By the 1901 Census, the Winfield Family were living at No 5 Arthur Terrace
Margaret (Elizabeth) married in 1906
Ada (Maria) married Charles Valentine Clark in 1908
Annie (Mary) had married Charles Young by 1911
The 1911 Census shows -
Mennel John Winfield, 59, General Labourer at Netley Hospital
his wife, Maria, 56
daughter May, 22, single, born in Netley
boarder Annie Mabel Griffin, 26, married
Colaba, Grange Lane, Netley
Charles Valentine Clarke was born on 14 February 1883 in Cosham. He was a Dairy Worker.
He married Ada Maria Winfield on 29 June 1908 in St Edward's Church, Netley Abbey.
They lived at "Colaba" in Grange Lane.
The Clarkes bought a second class ticket for ss "Titanic", planning to travel onwards to San Francisco where Ada's sister, Annie, lived.
Charles' body was not recovered.
Ada was rescued in Lifeboat 14 by the "Carpathia" which took her to New York
arriving on 18 April 1912.
Ada returned to Netley Abbey on 25 April 1912.
She received £1.00 per week from the Mansion House Titanic Relief Fund.
She died on 19 February 1953.
May married Henry Seymour West in July 1913
They also lived at "Colaba" in Grange Lane, Netley Abbey.
[See West Family below]
Article in the Scene Magazine February/March 2015 courtesy of my lovely ex-neighbour, Gillian, RIP August 2020
Annie's husband, Mr Charles Young, passed away at Point Richmond, California, USA
on 9 August 1920 after an operation for appendicitis. He was 39 years of age.
Hampshire Advertiser 04/09/1920
In November 1928, Mr + Mrs Mennel John Winfield celebrated their Golden Wedding.
Mr Winfield has lived in the Parish for 72 years.
He was Verger at the temporary Iron Church of St Augustine’s at Netley Abbey
before St Edwards was built. He was then appointed Parish Clerk and Verger of both St Edward's and St Mary’s Churches in 1887. He retired in 1922.
He gave up his duties at the Royal Victoria Hospital over 9 years ago due to ill health
Hampshire Telegraph 23/11/1928
The death took place on Monday, 22 August 1932 of Mr Mennel John Winfield at his residence,
"Colaba", Grange Road, Netley Abbey.
Although he had been in ill health for several years, the end came rather suddenly.
Mr Winfield, 80, had lived in the Village since he was a lad and was well respected.
He leaves a widow and 4 daughters.
The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon at St Mary’s Hound Churchyard.
Hampshire Telegraph 26/08/1932
Mrs Maria Winfield passed away on 29 December 1943, aged 89
She is buried with her husband in St Mary's Churchyard, Hound
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The Willoughby Family at The Abbey
1905 - 1939
By 1905, Mr Edward and Mrs Matilda Willoughby are living in the grounds of The Abbey.
He is employed as the Gatekeeper.
By kind permission of Mrs. Willoughby, the Netley Social Club held sports in the
Abbey grounds on Whit-Monday.
The perfect weather contributed in no small measure to the enjoyment of about 300 people who attended, and amongst those present were Sir Harry and Lady Emma Crichton, who presented the prizes, while the Rev. W. E. Summers, the Misses Downie, and Mr. Grossmith acted as judges.
Thornycroft’s Band played during the afternoon and evening, and there was dancing at the
conclusion of the sports.
Hampshire Advertiser 14/06/1919
Sadly Mr Charles Edward Willoughby, age 65, passed away at the Royal South Hants Hospital on 3 August 1935.
He resided at
The Abbey, Netley Abbey where he was Custodian for about 30 Years.
The funeral took place on Wednesday 7 August at the Church of St Mary's Hound. Amongst the mourners were his widow, brother-in-law Mr Smith, sisters Mrs White + Mrs Arnold, nephews and nieces Mr + Mrs H Reynolds, Mr + Mrs F Hessell
and Mr + Mrs E March.
Hampshire Telegraph 09/08/1935
Mrs Matilda Willoughby's Obituary
Hampshire Telegraph 01/09/1939
A New Custodian for the Abbey Ruins
A new custodian has been appointed at the Netley Abbey Ruins by the Office of Works, in the place of Mr. Willoughby, who recently passed away, after over 35 years' service.
He is Mr. W. G. Mould, who filled a similar post at the " White Horse," Westbury, Wiltshire.
Mr. Mould started his new duties on Monday, September 2.
Hampshire Advertiser 06/09/1935
-oo0oo-
The Honourable Mrs Eliot Yorke
Her own first name was Annie
Hamble Cliff House
1879 - 1926
The youngest daughter of Sir Anthony de Rothschild, Annie was born on 9 December 1844.
Her mother was formerly Miss Louisa Montefiore. Her elder sister was Lady Constance Battersea.
Hamble Cliff, built for Sir William Paget in 1809, was in 1870 purchased by
the Earl of Hardwicke, Annie's father-in-law.
On 11 February 1873, she married the Hon Eliot Constantine Yorke, fourth son of the
fourth Earl of Hardwicke. He succeeded his brother, Lord Royston as the Member of Parliament for Cambridgeshire, entering the House of Commons for the first time on 3 January 1874.
He passed away following an illness on 21 December 1878.
https://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/14576/eliot_yorke/cambridgeshire
He is buried in the Churchyard of Hamble Parish Church with his two brothers.
In 1880, the Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke took over the lease of Richard Slade's shop at 19 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey and converted it into the White Rose Reading and Coffee Rooms.
More info can be found on Growth of the Village
A successful mission has been held at the White Rose Coffee Tavern during the past week and
efficiently conducted by Mr T W Glover of Freemantle.
The Rev W E Ffrench has been Chairman at each meeting.
Effective and stirring addresses have been delivered.
The choir from St Augustine’s Church, Netley with their organist, Mr George Andrews,
have rendered excellent service.
Over 200 persons have signed the pledge and taken the Blue Ribbon.
Great good has been accomplished during the mission.
Hampshire Advertiser County 31/01/1883
See Growth of the Village for more info on St Augustine's Iron Church.
The Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke lived at Hamble Cliff House for many years and featured prominently
in the life of the Village.
There was scarcely a phase of social service to which she did not give her support.
In many directions, she devoted both time and money to the welfare of Hound, Hamble
and Netley villages. Amongst many very notable and worthy deeds, she helped the
Village mothers with a Christmas Club.
She also conferred on the villagers, the provision of a district nurse and a nursing home.
In the dispensation of Christmas gifts, too, she was extremely generous.
Extracted from Ken Ford's Book "Netley Abbey Village"
The New Organ at the Church
“The services in connection with the opening of the new organ for St Edward’s Church, which has been kindly provided by the Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke, will be held the second week in August.”
Hampshire Advertiser, 23/07/1887
She was a member of the Education Committee of the County Council for Hampshire and for many years a member of the Council of University College, Southampton.
Various Reading and Recreation Rooms, including those at Butlocks and Old Netley, the above White Rose Coffee House and a refreshment room at Netley Railway Station were financially supported by her.
She arranged for her Caretaker, Miss Annie West, to set up a Soup Kitchen in the Coffee Rooms and supplied the soup at her own cost. She also funded the supply of wood and coal when the local Nurse, Mrs Edwards, identified which Villagers needed them and gave clothes to the young women who went into service locally.
Ken Ford's "Netley Abbey Village”
She was a dedicated worker on behalf of the Temperance movement and became President of the
Band of Hope Union and other organisations.
She was one of the founders of the Hants + Isle of Wight Temperance Union in 1894
Extracted from Ken Ford's Book "Netley Abbey Village"
She was a talented artist and took great pleasure from recording her journeys in water-colour.
The above fragment of a Telegram was given to me by Rod in late December 2022.
The original was found inside a book belonging to Mr Cyril Tubb, a relative of Rod's wife.
The Sender is Lady Constance Battersea, sister of the Rt Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke, aka Annie de Rothschild. It was received at Netley Post Office and is dated "October 1894".
What we don't know is who was the other person - Constance says "to you both"
The 1901 Census shows Annie Yorke at Hamble Cliff with 4 servants -
The 1911 Census shows Annie with a much larger contingent of Servants!
Note the 25 rooms!
Her husband, the Hon Eliot Yorke had been an ardent yachtsman and Mrs Yorke had also learned
to love the sea. Her yacht, “Garland”, which was fitted out at Gosport, was sold to the
French Government in 1916.
During the Great War, the charming grounds of Hamble Cliff were thrown open to the patients
and staff at the Royal Victoria, British Red Cross and Welsh Hospitals.
Annie Yorke always took a keen interest in the Hospital.
Much sadness was caused in Hamble and Netley Abbey when it became known that the Hon Mrs Elliot Yorke of Hamble Cliff had passed away at 2.30 pm on Sunday, 21 November 1926.
Her health had been giving anxiety for many weeks and her advanced age at 83,
militated against her recovery.
Hampshire Telegraph 26/11/1926
The Hon Mrs Eliot Yorke left much of her estate to her faithful Caretaker of the White Rose Rooms,
Miss Annie Maria West. It included several properties within and outside of Netley Abbey and stocks and shares of other businesses.
Sell by auction - 19 Victoria Road, Netley Abbey
Comprising brick built residence of four sitting rooms, five bedrooms etc in rear is a large brick-built Hall
35ft x 28ft. Good garden. The whole has a frontage of about 140ft 9in and a depth of about 100ft.
Vacant possession. The property including the plot on the west (upon which stands a cottage) is held on a term of 999 years from 1869 at a ground rent of £11-1-0 per annum but the aforementioned plot has been subleased for 950 years from 1878 at a ground rent of £2 per annum.
Portsmouth Evening News 13/11/1935
