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»Bridge Ends Distinguished prisoner Notes and queries John Edmonds th Pearson’s more suitable pulpit of 1852 Our late President occasionally contributed to our 18 century. In 1806 two unmarried ladies, Newsletter with topical or historical articles. His Miss Matilda and Miss Frances Rich, lived pieces demonstrate the range of his interests and the depth of his love for our villages. Reprinted there. Being the cousin and daughter of Sir here, particularly for the benefit of newer mem- Thomas Rich, retired Admiral, may explain bers of the Society, is his article from Issue 5 on the suitability of The Grove. The arrange- Admiral Villeneuve, who after his defeat by Nelson in 1805 was paroled in . ment appears to have been approved by

Henry Addington, Prime Minister 1801-04, • Winter 2015 45 Issue The bicentenary of Nelson’s victory at later Viscount Sidmouth, who lived briefly Newsletter of the Sonning & Society Trafalgar has a particular significance at Woodley Park. for Sonning. The defeated French The naval tradition of treating defeated Commander-in-Chief, Admiral Pierre de Vil- opponents with respect was warmly »Eye on Sonning leneuve, was billeted here for four months, upheld for Villeneuve, who never concealed Hocus-pocus in the pulpit “on parole”, having given his word that he his low opinion of Napoleon. Apparently at Diana Coulter a view from the Bridge would not try to escape. He resided at The his own request Villeneuve was permitted Probably the most reviled Archbishop ing nicknames, such as “The shrimp”, Mike Hart, Chairman Grove in Pearson Road to attend Nelson’s of Canterbury in English history was a “The little urchin” and “The little med- The Remembrance Service has just taken (formerly Sonning funeral in London. tailor’s son born in Broad Street, Read- dling hocus-pocus”. He was imprisoned place at St. Andrew’s in which we remem- Street), opposite the One of Nelson’s ad- ing in 1573. William Laud was a major and impeached in 1640, and eventually ber with gratitude so many who fought and High Street. mirals found him “a influence on King Charles I. They lost his head in 1645. died in conflicts. It is especially a sad time The Jacobean pulpit in St Andrew’s Throughout Trafal- very pleasant and shared a passion for order in religion Laud’s interest to us in “Sunninge” as we also recall not only the death of our (see page 1) was initially replaced with gar Villeneuve had gentlemanlike man”, as well as politics. Laud favoured the is that he preached a sermon here on President, John Edmonds, in August but the one above. This was transferred stood on the quarter- and he was a great primacy of the sacra- Sunday 31 August also of Christine Clarke, wife of our Vice to All Saints in Dunsden in 1876 and deck of his flagship social success in ments in worship. The 1623. He was friends President Canon Chris Clarke. Our sympa- replaced by the current, grand timber the Bucentaure. The Sonning, being small step of moving with Robert Wright, thies go to Chris and his family. pulpit still used in St Andrew’s. only remaining officer, “much in demand the communion table one-time vicar of By the time this edition is distributed we Family History Society uninjured, he surren- for dinner parties”. from the nave to the Sonning and also a will have had our 12th AGM. Our thanks go For budding family historians, the dered to prevent In April 1806 an east end, protected by Royal Chaplain, who to our after-dinner speaker Peter van Went Reading branch of the BFHS arranges further bloodshed, exchange of prison- rails, smacked too much became Bishop of for giving us an insight into the history of a series of monthly meetings and complaining that Fate ers was arranged. of popery for fervent Bristol in 1623. Holme Park. We are justifiably proud of an annual summer outing to a place had not reserved one Villeneuve returned Puritans. Relaxation of When Canon the history of our villages and we are very relevant to family, social and local his- musket ball for him. to France under a rules about pastimes on Pearson came to lucky to have Peter to tell us the Holme tory. The branch meets at the Church Brought to in flag of truce. He a Sabbath was equally Sonning in 1844, the Park story - an expanded version can be of Latterday Saints, 280 Meadway, the British frigate Euryalus, Villeneuve was landed in Brittany, lodging in Rennes. unpopular. Charles’ sup- pulpit from which Laud read on page 3. You can also read about Tilehurst RG30 4PE. All are welcome transferred to Reading on 30 December From there he wrote a long, highly critical port for these changes had preached was the old St. Andrew’s pulpit now in Tilehurst! – free entry, but donations gratefully 1805. letter to Napoleon, telling him that, “Eng- contributed in part to still in place: “it was Many of you will have already purchased received. Visit www.berksfhs.org.uk or Villeneuve was 42, five years younger land is too wise and too powerful to sign the Civil War and subse- of oak, of the reign the recently published first volume of pop into the Research Centre near the than Nelson. The Royal Navy described a fresh treaty with a man who she knows quent events. of James I, and of not Gordon Nutbrown’s A Thames Parish Berkshire Record Office. him as follows: “5ft 8ins. Hair very dark. is more dangerous to her in peace than in Laud was well edu- very bad design. We Magazine, which presents the Sonning (and

YouCaxton Publications Eyes light grey. Body well made. Marks & war.” cated. From Reading School he went to thought, at first, of retaining it, but sometime Woodley, , Dunsden and Wounds none.” His servant, Jean Baptiste Soon afterwards, Bacquè found Ville- the newly founded St John’s College in when it was cleaned from the yellow ) Parish Magazine over the period The editor at YouCaxton has ap- Bacquè, was recorded thus: “Age 20. 5ft neuve dead in bed. The official verdict was Oxford, first as a student and then as a paint, and brought back, it contrasted 1869 – 1945 in an abridged format. It proached the Society in case members 5ins. Mulatto. Hair woolly. Body slender. suicide, but there were six stab wounds in Fellow. His rise through the ranks of so unfavourably with the new work, is a fascinating read, covering historical have local history projects that they Marks & Wounds none.” his chest; many believe he was murdered the Church was meteoric. He became that we found it necessary to replace it and often truly parochial matters over may wish to publish. The editor, Bob The Grove belonged to the Rich family, on Napoleon’s orders. Royal Chaplain to James I in 1611. with one more suitable to the restored the past century and a half. If you haven’t Fowke, would be pleased to hear from owners of large parts of Sonning in the Within five years he was Bishop of St church.” (Memorials) See the replace- yet bought a copy it is available from you on [email protected]. DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES April 2016 [Date tbc] David’s and in 1626 became both Dean ment pulpit on page 4 of this issue. various outlets including St Andrew’s and Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 8:00 pm of the Chapel Royal and Bishop of Bath “Stowed away in a stable loft”, the Brighton’s newsagents. Members are welcome to attend Executive meetings. and Wells. In 1628 he was appointed Venerable George Pott, Pearson’s suc- Bridge: Newsletter of the Sonning June 2016 [Date tbc] 9 December 2015 Bishop of London, and when he was 60, cessor, found the pulpit and presented and Sonning Eye Society Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 8:00 pm Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 7:30 pm Archbishop of Canterbury. it to St George’s Church in Tilehurst, Education & Social Panel August 2016 [Date tbc] February 2016 [Date tbc] A man of small stature with a quick built in 1885-86 by S Gambier Parry, c/o Red House Cottage, Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 8:00 pm Executive Committee St. Sarik Room 8:00 pm temper, apparently he was inclined to the son of Henry Woodyer’s great Pearson Road, RG4 6UH 8-11 September 2016 Spring 2016 [Date tbc] irritability and impatient of contradic- friend, Thomas. The pulpit can be seen tel: 0118 9692132 Heritage Open Days Weekend - S&SES contribution, if Future Events Talk on bees tion. These characteristics and high there, and it is indeed a fine piece of email: [email protected] any, to be agreed churchmanship led to various unflatter- Jacobean timberwork still in use today. web: www.sonning.org.uk

Bridge newsletter • Issue 45 • Winter 2015 Bridge newsletter • Issue 45 • Winter 2015 »Executive Committee & Panels: breaking news Holme Park in historical perspective Andy Bell, Pauline Simmonds, Patrick Hamblin New Executive 2015/16 many, full of very useful information! fund it. The Panel continues to investi- Peter van Went

At the AGM held on 21 November, Planning applications gate other suitable locations. Two centuries after St. Birinus brought to Hurst landowner, Richard Palmer, features are its marble floored entrance Mike Hart, Bob Hine, Andy Bell and Christianity to the Thames Valley, whose rapid ascent of the social ladder hall and fireplace and an impressive Written comments were submitted on Impact of gravel extraction in Sonning Eye Alan Furness were elected to the roles Crown lands from Windsor Forest coincides with his employment as panelled staircase. Vestiges of the applications from Sonning Golf Club We continue to support the Sonning of Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Hon Sec- were granted to the Saxon bishops of the Duke of Bedford’s land agent in former Regency house remain within to build 17 dwellings (10 private and Eye Action Group (SEAG) over the retary and Hon Treasurer respectively. . By the 13th century, they London. the old library overlooking the terrace. seven affordable) on the Pound Lane lack of consideration to the major issue Lesley Heaney and Pauline Simmonds had built an enlarged manor house on By 1910, the costs of running such a boundary of the course (subsequently of flooding after the proposed infilling The Palmers in the 19th century were elected to the Executive. a steep meadow (“holms”) overlooking large estate were prohibitive with death refused); 51 West Drive; The Great of pits with inert materials. Further let- Demolition of the Rich family man- the Thames. duties and inflation taking their toll of Heritage Walks 2015 House; and Unit 1 at Sonning Farm. ters about potential groundwater issues sion ensued in 1796 making way for The 1086 Domesday Survey revealed many smaller properties. These con- The heritage walks in September again Borough’s decision on have been sent to County an elegant Regency house complete a thriving community, ample pasture, siderations amongst others persuaded proved to be very popular, with 68 visi- the proposed development at Birchley, Council. with gardens landscaped by Humphrey extensive woodland and a fishery. Ruth Wade Palmer to sell up. tors over the three days. Village history Old Bath Road, was upheld by the Repton. Robert, Richard’s eldest son, Spoon sculpture Amongst several owners following and its characters were brought to Inspector but the appeal by Millgate served as Tory MP for Berkshire for The Society received a number of ad- in quick succession was Captain Fryer life with the help of Tudor woodwork, Homes was denied due to the lack of a nearly thirty years. Acclaimed as verse comments regarding Uri Geller’s who kept a string of race horses which Georgian windows, church monu- suitable affordable housing contribu- the “Great Squire”, Robert’s benign ‘gift’ but the sculpture was removed regularly made an appearance at local ments and bricks. An architectural walk tion and not on the grounds of visual governance successfully defused the before any formal submission was point-to-points. When Fryer died in through time from the Saxons to today! appearance. Millgate Homes has sub- rural violence which afflicted so many made to WBC. 1933 and the house finally ceased to be mitted a further application. English estates during the “hungry” Knowing our ancestors a family home, it was bought by Farn- Traffic 1830s. Sonning, Woodley and parts of Our Autumn Talk on 2 October con- Sonning Parish Council planning meetings borough House preparatory school. An informal meeting was held with the Earley, all formed part of his miniature tinued the historical theme and looked Panel members continue to observe Unknown artist’s impression of the palace from After war broke out in 1939, the estate Assistant Bursar of Reading Blue Coat the river (Courtesy: RBCS) “kingdom”. When its peace was rudely closely at more recent residents. Gillian the monthly meetings of SPC. was let to the Royal Veterinary College School regarding traffic and parking in disturbed by the arrival of Brunel’s Stevens, Berkshire Family History With easy access to Windsor and West- following its evacuation from London. Sonning Conservation Area Appraisal Sonning Lane. The Society is to join a railway in 1838, Palmer famously Society, explained how to create a minster by river, Sonning soon became Teaching and lecturing took place The draft document is being finalised further discussion involving SPC and complained his game birds would be family tree using as an example one a regular meeting place for such medi- inside the house, upstairs rooms were by WBC ready for public comment. WBC. There is great concern regard- “scared away”. A much respected and of Sonning’s well-known families, the eval figures as King John and the Black turned into dormitories and rations ing speeding traffic in Sonning Lane generous benefactor, he died still a Russells. She traced their ancestors Cycle racks Prince. Following Richard II’s deposi- were supplemented with produce from and the danger to pupils. bachelor in 1872 aged eighty. back to early Victorian days via burial Pearson Hall Management Commit- tion in 1399, his child queen, Isabella of the estate. This ordered routine was The panel is re-assessing the practi- Between 1880-1882, Holme Park’s records, online databases, newspapers tee has approved installation of a rack Valois, was condemned to a lonely but loudly interrupted in August 1940 when cality of road and footpath improve- mansion assumed its now familiar and census forms, revealing a murder, outside the hall. The type is now being brief imprisonment in the palace. a low flying German bomber released ments in a number of locations in flint-faced appearance with dressings in an old turn-pike and some traditional considered and the Society thanks the its cargo into the woods near Sonning Sonning and will consult with SPC in Royal ownership stone, brick and terracotta. After Suf- occupations. It was fascinating and for Scarecrow Committee for agreeing to Lock shattering many windows. Luck- due course. Left relatively unscathed by the folk clergyman Henry Golding Palmer ily, the house itself was undamaged. Reformation, Sonning’s ecclesiastical reluctantly claimed his inheritance, In 1946, Holme Park came on the »New Members & links endured until 1574 when Queen he redesigned his aunt’s old country Can you help please? market again and by coincidence the Elizabeth exchanged properties in Annabella Marks and Diana Coulter “Rich connection” was destined to be 2016 subs due Wiltshire for Sonning’s manor. Ne- In January we would like you to re- revived after , Following his approach to SPC, we had glected, the Bishop’s “palace” fell into new your subscription, which is be- once endowed by Sir Thomas, left the pleasure of taking a spry, former WWII ruin, abandoned to villagers quarrying ing held at the same level as 2015. Reading for Sonning. evacuee around Sonning on 12 November. its building materials for their own Renewal forms are enclosed with Selling its old buildings in Bath Road Ron Darvell came to Sonning from Becon- homes; foundations grassed over lay all the details. Please note that if and backed with an appeal launched tree twice with his mother and baby sister: hidden until archaeological excavations you have already set up a standing by the Bishop of Reading, the town’s in 1940 following The Blitz and towards the in 1913. order or joined the Society at or second oldest school took up residence end of the war when doodlebugs rendered after the 2015 Village Show, there The Rich family at Holme Park. With a mere 150 pupils London and other cities unsafe. is no need to do anything. In 1654, as more English estates fell and ten staff, the School reopened Ron’s story will appear in the next issue A warm welcome is extended to into the hands of the City “nouveaux on 21st January 1947, Headmaster of our newsletter, but before we present the following new members: Mr & riches”, Holme Park was purchased Bernard Inge’s birthday, just before the it, we just wondered whether anyone who Woodyer’s sketch for the Library (Courtesy: The Mrs Avann, Mr & Mrs Hutchinson, by Sir Thomas Rich, a Mediterranean late Mrs Armine Edmonds) onset of one of the coldest winters in reads this remembers either a shy boy Mrs Johnstone, Mr & Mrs Parker, trader to which his ornate monument memory. starting school in 1940 or 1941, or, per- house, consulting architect Henry Mr Sanderson and Ms Bushby. in the men’s vestry in St Andrew’s haps more importantly, Mrs Brooks with Woodyer who recommended its trans- Welcome packs for new residents bears witness. By 1795, Admiral Sir More information on the architecture of the whom the family stayed in Pound Lane, formation into a Gothic-style residence. Bishop’s Palace can be found in “Bridge” Issue are available from Lesley Heaney, Thomas Rich, the fifth and last baronet, albeit briefly, in 1944 or 1945. Please con- 4, on Thomas Rich’s memorial in Issue 14, and on the Membership Secretary, on had removed to a smaller property in Varying fortunes in the 20th century Reading Blue Coat School in Issue 22. All issues tact us on either 0118 969 2132 or 0118 0118 969 7231. the village. Holme Park was then sold Amongst the building’s most striking can be viewed on the Society’s website. 969 2264 - we’d love to hear from you.

Bridge newsletter • Issue 45 • Winter 2015 Bridge newsletter • Issue 45 • Winter 2015