Allensmore lies four miles to the south of Hereford.

Some people claim that the name Allensmore came from Alan de Plokenet (or Plugenet) of Kilpeck in the 13^th century,  when he reclaimed part of Haywood Forest and so the area became known as Alan’s Moor.

Other’s credit the name to Alain Fitzmain who held lands in the area, with the more being reference to the land.

Allensmore’s part inThe Herefordshire Commotion

In 1605, Allensmore’s part in the “Herefordshire Commotion” when it was the catalyst for an uprising of the Catholics who were refusing to attend C of E services.   Allensmore not only had a Catholic landlord in the shape of John Seabourne, but also a seminary priest, Roger Cadwallader.

Alice Wellington, a Catholic who died in May of that year, was  banished from the Church of England and so the vicar at the time refused to bury her;  this led to a large number of people taking the matter into their own hands and processing Alice’s body under cover of darkness to the churchyard, where they buried her.  The vicar was a little bitter about the way that things had gone recently in his parish – he had had no congregation to speak of for some considerable time – and this incident sent him scurrying to the Bishop, where he named several of the people involved in the burial – William Chadnor;  James Cole and Philip Giles being three of them.

Shortly afterwards, the High Constable of the Hundred rolled up, and arrested these three men, but James and William managed to escape after a certain amount of violence.  Another man, Leonard Marsh was dragged kicking and resisting back to Hereford, but just before arriving in the city, a gang of 50 armed men “persuaded” the Constable to release Leonard.

Following this, and presumably in the hope of quelling full scale Catholic rebellion, the Church and State swiftly stamped on any further outbreaks of trouble, but their task was not easy as many people disappeared over the border into Wales before they could be arrested, and those that stayed put up quite a fight.

Six weeks later, it was all over due to the arrests of priests and leaders, or their flight into Wales.

From the beginning of the 17^th century until relatively recent times it was a very poor area with what were more or less slum cottages set along the roads with no structure to the village.  It is still a strung out village but no longer poor.

Churches of Allensmore

• St. Andrew's Church - Allensmore

  Rebuilding of the original 12th century church began in the late 12th century, and restoration work continued up until the late 19th century.

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

  Font

  The font at St. Andrew’s church is ornately carved, but compared to most others in the county is relatively modern, being late nineteenth century.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Memorial

  Edmund Pateshall

  This memorial plaque shows Edmund Pateshall, 2nd son of Scudamore Lechmere of Fownhope, who died 4th November 1790 aged 42.
  Other monuments in Allensmore church include two to Arnold Burrell who died 1787 and to Mary Burrell who died 1815; a 14th century slab set in the floor dedicated to Sir Andrew Herl and his wife Joan; a monument for Mary Berrow who died 1775, along with other members of her family.
  The Pateshall family lived at Allensmore Court for many years and the windows in the nave of St. Andrews are a memorial to Col. Henry Evan Pateshall as well as Rev. P.M. Symmonds; Eliza Bent and Elizabeth Symonds.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Read More >

Buildings of Allensmore

• Allensmore Court History

  In 1725 the Pateshall family bought Allensmore Court and it remained in their family until it was demolished in 1957 following the death of the last of the family line.

  The Pateshalls of Allensmore Court

  Throughout their years at Allensmore Court, the Pateshall family proved themselves to be kind and generous – indeed, they donated most of the money needed to restore the church in 1880, and Evan Pateshall donated the land for the building of a village school in 1870. (The school closed in 1957, but the building is now used as a village hall).

  Servants were clearly well treated and many remained loyal for many years – in 1863 it was reported that Henry Neat, aged 43, died after many years being the faithful servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall; then in 1859, Mrs. Elizabeth Harper died at Allensmore Court aged 53, being described as “the faithful and attached servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall”.
  In 1939, Alfred Kitson of Hereford, died aged 74 and the headlines were “Faithful Servant – Family Tribute to Dead Employee.” It went on to say that for 60 years he worked in the gardens at Allensmore Court, and served three generations of the Pateshall family, including Lt. Col. Evan P. Pateshall (died 1912) and Col. Henry Evan Pateshall, Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire and Chairman of the County Territorial Association.

  Rear Admiral Nicholas Lechmere Pateshall

  Nicholas was the fourth son of Edmund Pateshall, born 13th September 1781. He survived his elder brother, Edmund Burnam Pateshall and succeeded to his estates in 1848. He remained on active service until 1816, being engaged in many distinguished actions.

  In 1840 he was Mayor of the city of Hereford, and he also became a Justice of the Peace.

  He died 18th October 1854 and in 1858 a fine gothic monument in Caen stone was erected in his memory, in the monumental chamber over the family vault in Allensmore Church.

  Evan Pateshall

  Evan was the youngest son of David Thomas of Radnorshire, and was born December 1817. He was educated in Shrewsbury, and then King’s College London. He became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire as well as for Brecon and Radnor. He commanded one of the companies of the Hereford Rifle Volunteers.

  Evan Pateshall was Mayor of Hereford in 1863, and in that same year he was returned as a member of the Town Council.  In 1873, Evan was again returned to the Town Council but Alderman Shellard petitioned against his election on the grounds that he was not a city dweller, and therefore not eligible to sit on the Council.  After an official enquiry, the seat was declared vacant.

  The following year, Evan contested the MP of the city in the Conservative interest and was elected, however in 1879 he resigned his seat due to ill health.
  Evan married Anne Elizabeth in 1842, she being the only child of William Pateshall. He took on the name Pateshall in 1855.
  He died on April 9th 1885 aged 67.

  Anne Elizabeth Pateshall lived until the good age of 95 when she died in 1910.

  A treat for the Wesleyan Sunday School Children

  The Hereford Wesleyan Sunday School enjoyed an annual treat, and in 1877  Evan and Anne Pateshall agreed that they could use one of his meadows at Allensmore Court.

  140 children duly arrived with teachers;  ministers and friends, and a wonderful day was enjoyed, with games of cricket;  leaping;  swinging and running until hunger stopped play and they all devoured a magnificent tea on the grass.

  During the evening Evan turned up to see that all was well, and was pleased to see the children enjoying themselves so much.  He then led the whole party on a tour of the garden and lake until it began to get dark.

  Everyone finished the day with hymns and a big vote of thanks for Mr. and Mrs. Pateshall before heading back to Hereford in “vans” – sprung, covered carts.

  It was reported that it was a most enjoyable day “without any serious injury”!

   

  Edmund Burnam Pateshall

  Edmund Burnam Pateshall was a well respected man, and became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire.

  He was the eldest son of Edmund Lechmere, afterwards Pateshall,  and later when his mother died in 1820 he assumed by Royal license the additional surname and arms of Burnam.

  The Royal License………take a deep breath before attempting to read!

   

  Whitehall, March 1, 1820…….The King hath been pleased to give and grant unto Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore in the county of Hereford, Esq. one of his Majesty’s Lieutenants and in the Commission of the Peace for the said county, eldest son and heir of Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore aforesaid, Esq. deceased, by Ann his wife, only daughter and heir of William Burnam of Westington in the parish of Grendon Bishop in the said county of Hereford, also deceased, his Royal license and authority, that, from an affectionate regard to the memory of his said late honoured mother’s family, he the said Edmund Pateshall and his issue may take and use the surname of Burnam in addition to and preceding that of Pateshall.  And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in his Majesty’s College of Arms.

  in 1804 he married the eldest daughter of James Ingram of Burford, Salop, but they had no children.

  Edmund died in 1848 aged 69.

  Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall

  I do love descriptions of weddings, and Alice’s in 1915 sounded lovely.
  “A very pretty and fashionable wedding, and one of considerable interest to West Suffolk was solemnised at St. Mary’s Church, Kington, Herefordshire, when Mr. Windsor Duncan Parker, son of the late Duncan Parker J.P. and of Mrs. Parker, Clopton Hall, Woolpit, Suffolk, was married to Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall, daughter of the late Lieut. Col. Henry Evan Pateshall of Allensmore Court, Hereford. Owing to the war, the marriage took place very quietly. The ceremony was performed by the Lord Bishop of Hereford, assisted by the Rev. R. Pelly. The bride, who was given away by her mother, Mrs. Pateshall, was charmingly attired in a gown of silver toned charmeuse draped with an exquisite old Brussels lace shawl to form an Empire coat, with sprays of myrtle and orange flowers and Brussels net veil. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white carnations, lilies of the valley and white heather, and wore a pearl and diamond necklet, the gift of the bridegroom. There were no bridesmaids; the bride’s mother wore a gown of soft lavender brocade of simple design, with a beautiful blonde lace fichu draped with a velvet flower. Mrs. Duncan Parker, the bridegroom’s mother was attired in black charmeuse draped with black lace.

   

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1851 census

  Millborough Burnam Pateshall	67	b. Barford, Shropshire
  Elizabeth Harford	45	Cook/Housekeeper
  Emma Robert	22	Kitchenmaid, b. Peterchurch, Herefordshire
  Catherine Preece	24	Housemaid, b. Madley, Herefordshire
  John Baker	21	Footman, b. Herefordshire
  Henry Neal	30	Coachman, b. Lugwardine, Herefordshire

   

   Allensmore Court Household and servants 1861 census

  Evan Pateshall	44	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnorshire
  Ann E. Pateshall	46	Wife, b. Hereford
  Elizabeth Pateshall	68	Mother in law;  funds holder, b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Bray	44	House Servant, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Price	27	House servant, b. Breconshire
  Thomas Straffan	25	Groom, b. Northumberland
  Mary Ann Woolford	25	House Servant, b. Burghill, Herefordshire
  Margaret Williams	22	House Servant, b. Hereford

   

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1871 census

   

  Evan Pateshall	53	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnorshire
  Anne E. Pateshall	56	Wife, b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Pateshall	78	Mother in Law and fund holder, b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Bray	54	Housekeeper, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Sarah Gwalkin	37	Ladies’ Maid, b. Kilpeck, Herefordshire
  Sarah J. Hinton	27	Housemaid, b. Holme Lacy, Herefordshire
  Ann Griffiths	19	Kitchen Maid, b. Pipe and Lyde, Herefordshire
  Isabella Dearden	19	Housemaid, b. Breconshire
  William Vizard	18	Footman, b. Broadway, Worcestershire

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1881 census

   

  Evan Pateshall	63	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnor
  Anne E Pateshall	66	Wife, b. Hereford
  Essex Holcombe	34	Nephew, not engaged in any profession, b. Pembroke
  Elizabeth Bray	64	Housekeeper, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Ellen Terry	25	Parlour Maid, b. Somerset
  Louisa Snook	21	Housemaid, b. Glamorgan
  Alice Williams	19	Kitchen maid, b. Abbeydore, Herefordshire

   Allensmore Court Household and servants 1891 census

  Anne E. Pateshall	76	Widow, living on own means, b. Hereford
  Essex Holcombe	44	Nephew, Secretary, b. Pembroke
  Catherine Holcombe	77	Sister in law, living on own means, b. Radnorshire
  Mary E.T. Holcombe	36	Niece, living on own means, b. Pembroke
  Elizabeth Bray	74	Housekeeper, b. Herefordshire
  Eliza Fickling	27	Parlour Maid, b. Norfolk
  Sarah Pugh	23	Housemaid, b. Glasbury
  Mary Ann Cooke	24	Kitchen Maid, b. Hereford
  Herbert Burghall	15	Page, b. Allensmore, Herefordshire

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1901 census

  Anne E. Pateshall	86	Widow, b. Hereford
  Eliza J. Horn	59	Visitor
  Eliza J. Burridge	37	Housekeeper, b. Somerset
  Harriet M. Preece	32	Housemaid, b. Goodrick, Herefordshire
  Edith C. Preece	25	Parlour Maid, b. Goodrich, Herefordshire
  Bertha Lane	24	Housemaid, b. Hereford
  Ellen Parsons	15	Kitchen Maid, b. Gloucester
  Samuel Davies	15	Page, b. Eardisley, Herefordshire

  Allensmore Court Household 1921 census

   

  Henry Evan Pateshall	b. Belgaum, India 1879	Retired Pay Regular Army, Landowner. Reserve TA
  Edith Ruth Phyllis Pateshall	b. Guildford, Surrey 1879	Wife, Home Duties
  Edward Benson	b. Henley on Thames,  1862	Visitor
  Lilian Went	b. Birmingham 1884	Cook
  Sarah May Woodmansee	b. Forsbrook, Staffordshire 1906	Housemaid
  Winifred Kate Taylor	b. Bodenham, Herefordshire 1906	Between Maid

  Read More >

People of Allensmore

• Allensmore Court History

  In 1725 the Pateshall family bought Allensmore Court and it remained in their family until it was demolished in 1957 following the death of the last of the family line.

  The Pateshalls of Allensmore Court

  Throughout their years at Allensmore Court, the Pateshall family proved themselves to be kind and generous – indeed, they donated most of the money needed to restore the church in 1880, and Evan Pateshall donated the land for the building of a village school in 1870. (The school closed in 1957, but the building is now used as a village hall).

  Servants were clearly well treated and many remained loyal for many years – in 1863 it was reported that Henry Neat, aged 43, died after many years being the faithful servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall; then in 1859, Mrs. Elizabeth Harper died at Allensmore Court aged 53, being described as “the faithful and attached servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall”.
  In 1939, Alfred Kitson of Hereford, died aged 74 and the headlines were “Faithful Servant – Family Tribute to Dead Employee.” It went on to say that for 60 years he worked in the gardens at Allensmore Court, and served three generations of the Pateshall family, including Lt. Col. Evan P. Pateshall (died 1912) and Col. Henry Evan Pateshall, Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire and Chairman of the County Territorial Association.

  Rear Admiral Nicholas Lechmere Pateshall

  Nicholas was the fourth son of Edmund Pateshall, born 13th September 1781. He survived his elder brother, Edmund Burnam Pateshall and succeeded to his estates in 1848. He remained on active service until 1816, being engaged in many distinguished actions.

  In 1840 he was Mayor of the city of Hereford, and he also became a Justice of the Peace.

  He died 18th October 1854 and in 1858 a fine gothic monument in Caen stone was erected in his memory, in the monumental chamber over the family vault in Allensmore Church.

  Evan Pateshall

  Evan was the youngest son of David Thomas of Radnorshire, and was born December 1817. He was educated in Shrewsbury, and then King’s College London. He became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire as well as for Brecon and Radnor. He commanded one of the companies of the Hereford Rifle Volunteers.

  Evan Pateshall was Mayor of Hereford in 1863, and in that same year he was returned as a member of the Town Council.  In 1873, Evan was again returned to the Town Council but Alderman Shellard petitioned against his election on the grounds that he was not a city dweller, and therefore not eligible to sit on the Council.  After an official enquiry, the seat was declared vacant.

  The following year, Evan contested the MP of the city in the Conservative interest and was elected, however in 1879 he resigned his seat due to ill health.
  Evan married Anne Elizabeth in 1842, she being the only child of William Pateshall. He took on the name Pateshall in 1855.
  He died on April 9th 1885 aged 67.

  Anne Elizabeth Pateshall lived until the good age of 95 when she died in 1910.

  A treat for the Wesleyan Sunday School Children

  The Hereford Wesleyan Sunday School enjoyed an annual treat, and in 1877  Evan and Anne Pateshall agreed that they could use one of his meadows at Allensmore Court.

  140 children duly arrived with teachers;  ministers and friends, and a wonderful day was enjoyed, with games of cricket;  leaping;  swinging and running until hunger stopped play and they all devoured a magnificent tea on the grass.

  During the evening Evan turned up to see that all was well, and was pleased to see the children enjoying themselves so much.  He then led the whole party on a tour of the garden and lake until it began to get dark.

  Everyone finished the day with hymns and a big vote of thanks for Mr. and Mrs. Pateshall before heading back to Hereford in “vans” – sprung, covered carts.

  It was reported that it was a most enjoyable day “without any serious injury”!

   

  Edmund Burnam Pateshall

  Edmund Burnam Pateshall was a well respected man, and became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire.

  He was the eldest son of Edmund Lechmere, afterwards Pateshall,  and later when his mother died in 1820 he assumed by Royal license the additional surname and arms of Burnam.

  The Royal License………take a deep breath before attempting to read!

   

  Whitehall, March 1, 1820…….The King hath been pleased to give and grant unto Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore in the county of Hereford, Esq. one of his Majesty’s Lieutenants and in the Commission of the Peace for the said county, eldest son and heir of Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore aforesaid, Esq. deceased, by Ann his wife, only daughter and heir of William Burnam of Westington in the parish of Grendon Bishop in the said county of Hereford, also deceased, his Royal license and authority, that, from an affectionate regard to the memory of his said late honoured mother’s family, he the said Edmund Pateshall and his issue may take and use the surname of Burnam in addition to and preceding that of Pateshall.  And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in his Majesty’s College of Arms.

  in 1804 he married the eldest daughter of James Ingram of Burford, Salop, but they had no children.

  Edmund died in 1848 aged 69.

  Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall

  I do love descriptions of weddings, and Alice’s in 1915 sounded lovely.
  “A very pretty and fashionable wedding, and one of considerable interest to West Suffolk was solemnised at St. Mary’s Church, Kington, Herefordshire, when Mr. Windsor Duncan Parker, son of the late Duncan Parker J.P. and of Mrs. Parker, Clopton Hall, Woolpit, Suffolk, was married to Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall, daughter of the late Lieut. Col. Henry Evan Pateshall of Allensmore Court, Hereford. Owing to the war, the marriage took place very quietly. The ceremony was performed by the Lord Bishop of Hereford, assisted by the Rev. R. Pelly. The bride, who was given away by her mother, Mrs. Pateshall, was charmingly attired in a gown of silver toned charmeuse draped with an exquisite old Brussels lace shawl to form an Empire coat, with sprays of myrtle and orange flowers and Brussels net veil. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white carnations, lilies of the valley and white heather, and wore a pearl and diamond necklet, the gift of the bridegroom. There were no bridesmaids; the bride’s mother wore a gown of soft lavender brocade of simple design, with a beautiful blonde lace fichu draped with a velvet flower. Mrs. Duncan Parker, the bridegroom’s mother was attired in black charmeuse draped with black lace.

   

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1851 census

  Millborough Burnam Pateshall	67	b. Barford, Shropshire
  Elizabeth Harford	45	Cook/Housekeeper
  Emma Robert	22	Kitchenmaid, b. Peterchurch, Herefordshire
  Catherine Preece	24	Housemaid, b. Madley, Herefordshire
  John Baker	21	Footman, b. Herefordshire
  Henry Neal	30	Coachman, b. Lugwardine, Herefordshire

   

   Allensmore Court Household and servants 1861 census

  Evan Pateshall	44	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnorshire
  Ann E. Pateshall	46	Wife, b. Hereford
  Elizabeth Pateshall	68	Mother in law;  funds holder, b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Bray	44	House Servant, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Price	27	House servant, b. Breconshire
  Thomas Straffan	25	Groom, b. Northumberland
  Mary Ann Woolford	25	House Servant, b. Burghill, Herefordshire
  Margaret Williams	22	House Servant, b. Hereford

   

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1871 census

   

  Evan Pateshall	53	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnorshire
  Anne E. Pateshall	56	Wife, b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Pateshall	78	Mother in Law and fund holder, b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Bray	54	Housekeeper, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Sarah Gwalkin	37	Ladies’ Maid, b. Kilpeck, Herefordshire
  Sarah J. Hinton	27	Housemaid, b. Holme Lacy, Herefordshire
  Ann Griffiths	19	Kitchen Maid, b. Pipe and Lyde, Herefordshire
  Isabella Dearden	19	Housemaid, b. Breconshire
  William Vizard	18	Footman, b. Broadway, Worcestershire

   

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1881 census

   

  Evan Pateshall	63	Magistrate and land owner, b. Radnor
  Anne E Pateshall	66	Wife, b. Hereford
  Essex Holcombe	34	Nephew, not engaged in any profession, b. Pembroke
  Elizabeth Bray	64	Housekeeper, b. Stretton Sugwas, Herefordshire
  Ellen Terry	25	Parlour Maid, b. Somerset
  Louisa Snook	21	Housemaid, b. Glamorgan
  Alice Williams	19	Kitchen maid, b. Abbeydore, Herefordshire

   Allensmore Court Household and servants 1891 census

  Anne E. Pateshall	76	Widow, living on own means, b. Hereford
  Essex Holcombe	44	Nephew, Secretary, b. Pembroke
  Catherine Holcombe	77	Sister in law, living on own means, b. Radnorshire
  Mary E.T. Holcombe	36	Niece, living on own means, b. Pembroke
  Elizabeth Bray	74	Housekeeper, b. Herefordshire
  Eliza Fickling	27	Parlour Maid, b. Norfolk
  Sarah Pugh	23	Housemaid, b. Glasbury
  Mary Ann Cooke	24	Kitchen Maid, b. Hereford
  Herbert Burghall	15	Page, b. Allensmore, Herefordshire

  Allensmore Court Household and servants 1901 census

  Anne E. Pateshall	86	Widow, b. Hereford
  Eliza J. Horn	59	Visitor
  Eliza J. Burridge	37	Housekeeper, b. Somerset
  Harriet M. Preece	32	Housemaid, b. Goodrick, Herefordshire
  Edith C. Preece	25	Parlour Maid, b. Goodrich, Herefordshire
  Bertha Lane	24	Housemaid, b. Hereford
  Ellen Parsons	15	Kitchen Maid, b. Gloucester
  Samuel Davies	15	Page, b. Eardisley, Herefordshire

  Allensmore Court Household 1921 census

   

  Henry Evan Pateshall	b. Belgaum, India 1879	Retired Pay Regular Army, Landowner. Reserve TA
  Edith Ruth Phyllis Pateshall	b. Guildford, Surrey 1879	Wife, Home Duties
  Edward Benson	b. Henley on Thames,  1862	Visitor
  Lilian Went	b. Birmingham 1884	Cook
  Sarah May Woodmansee	b. Forsbrook, Staffordshire 1906	Housemaid
  Winifred Kate Taylor	b. Bodenham, Herefordshire 1906	Between Maid

  Read More >

News from the Past Allensmore

[posts-by-tag tags=”Allensmore-newsfromthepast” content=”true”

The Pateshalls of Allensmore Court

Throughout their years at Allensmore Court, the Pateshall family proved themselves to be kind and generous – indeed, they donated most of the money needed to restore the church in 1880, and Evan Pateshall donated the land for the building of a village school in 1870. (The school closed in 1957, but the building is now used as a village hall).

Servants were clearly well treated and many remained loyal for many years – in 1863 it was reported that Henry Neat, aged 43, died after many years being the faithful servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall; then in 1859, Mrs. Elizabeth Harper died at Allensmore Court aged 53, being described as “the faithful and attached servant of Mrs. Burnam Pateshall”.
In 1939, Alfred Kitson of Hereford, died aged 74 and the headlines were “Faithful Servant – Family Tribute to Dead Employee.” It went on to say that for 60 years he worked in the gardens at Allensmore Court, and served three generations of the Pateshall family, including Lt. Col. Evan P. Pateshall (died 1912) and Col. Henry Evan Pateshall, Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire and Chairman of the County Territorial Association.

Rear Admiral Nicholas Lechmere Pateshall

Nicholas was the fourth son of Edmund Pateshall, born 13th September 1781. He survived his elder brother, Edmund Burnam Pateshall and succeeded to his estates in 1848. He remained on active service until 1816, being engaged in many distinguished actions.

In 1840 he was Mayor of the city of Hereford, and he also became a Justice of the Peace.

He died 18th October 1854 and in 1858 a fine gothic monument in Caen stone was erected in his memory, in the monumental chamber over the family vault in Allensmore Church.

Evan Pateshall

Evan was the youngest son of David Thomas of Radnorshire, and was born December 1817. He was educated in Shrewsbury, and then King’s College London. He became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire as well as for Brecon and Radnor. He commanded one of the companies of the Hereford Rifle Volunteers.

Evan Pateshall was Mayor of Hereford in 1863, and in that same year he was returned as a member of the Town Council.  In 1873, Evan was again returned to the Town Council but Alderman Shellard petitioned against his election on the grounds that he was not a city dweller, and therefore not eligible to sit on the Council.  After an official enquiry, the seat was declared vacant.

The following year, Evan contested the MP of the city in the Conservative interest and was elected, however in 1879 he resigned his seat due to ill health.
Evan married Anne Elizabeth in 1842, she being the only child of William Pateshall. He took on the name Pateshall in 1855.
He died on April 9th 1885 aged 67.

Anne Elizabeth Pateshall lived until the good age of 95 when she died in 1910.

A treat for the Wesleyan Sunday School Children

The Hereford Wesleyan Sunday School enjoyed an annual treat, and in 1877  Evan and Anne Pateshall agreed that they could use one of his meadows at Allensmore Court.

140 children duly arrived with teachers;  ministers and friends, and a wonderful day was enjoyed, with games of cricket;  leaping;  swinging and running until hunger stopped play and they all devoured a magnificent tea on the grass.

During the evening Evan turned up to see that all was well, and was pleased to see the children enjoying themselves so much.  He then led the whole party on a tour of the garden and lake until it began to get dark.

Everyone finished the day with hymns and a big vote of thanks for Mr. and Mrs. Pateshall before heading back to Hereford in “vans” – sprung, covered carts.

It was reported that it was a most enjoyable day “without any serious injury”!

Edmund Burnam Pateshall

Edmund Burnam Pateshall was a well respected man, and became a Magistrate and Deputy Lieutenant for Herefordshire.

He was the eldest son of Edmund Lechmere, afterwards Pateshall,  and later when his mother died in 1820 he assumed by Royal license the additional surname and arms of Burnam.

The Royal License………take a deep breath before attempting to read!

Whitehall, March 1, 1820…….The King hath been pleased to give and grant unto Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore in the county of Hereford, Esq. one of his Majesty’s Lieutenants and in the Commission of the Peace for the said county, eldest son and heir of Edmund Pateshall of Allensmore aforesaid, Esq. deceased, by Ann his wife, only daughter and heir of William Burnam of Westington in the parish of Grendon Bishop in the said county of Hereford, also deceased, his Royal license and authority, that, from an affectionate regard to the memory of his said late honoured mother’s family, he the said Edmund Pateshall and his issue may take and use the surname of Burnam in addition to and preceding that of Pateshall.  And also to command that the said Royal concession and declaration be registered in his Majesty’s College of Arms.

in 1804 he married the eldest daughter of James Ingram of Burford, Salop, but they had no children.

Edmund died in 1848 aged 69.

Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall

I do love descriptions of weddings, and Alice’s in 1915 sounded lovely.
“A very pretty and fashionable wedding, and one of considerable interest to West Suffolk was solemnised at St. Mary’s Church, Kington, Herefordshire, when Mr. Windsor Duncan Parker, son of the late Duncan Parker J.P. and of Mrs. Parker, Clopton Hall, Woolpit, Suffolk, was married to Miss Alice Muriel Pateshall, daughter of the late Lieut. Col. Henry Evan Pateshall of Allensmore Court, Hereford. Owing to the war, the marriage took place very quietly. The ceremony was performed by the Lord Bishop of Hereford, assisted by the Rev. R. Pelly. The bride, who was given away by her mother, Mrs. Pateshall, was charmingly attired in a gown of silver toned charmeuse draped with an exquisite old Brussels lace shawl to form an Empire coat, with sprays of myrtle and orange flowers and Brussels net veil. She carried a beautiful bouquet of white carnations, lilies of the valley and white heather, and wore a pearl and diamond necklet, the gift of the bridegroom. There were no bridesmaids; the bride’s mother wore a gown of soft lavender brocade of simple design, with a beautiful blonde lace fichu draped with a velvet flower. Mrs. Duncan Parker, the bridegroom’s mother was attired in black charmeuse draped with black lace.

Allensmore Court Household and servants 1851 census

 Allensmore Court Household and servants 1861 census

Allensmore Court Household and servants 1871 census

Allensmore Court Household and servants 1881 census

 Allensmore Court Household and servants 1891 census

Allensmore Court Household and servants 1901 census

Allensmore Court Household 1921 census

1834 – Murder of Allensmore Gamekeeper

One Sunday morning, a much respected Gamekeeper by the name of James Davies, a father of three children, was murdered by poachers.

A chap named John Evans of Arkstone Common had been spotted in the wood just prior to the murder and he was arrested pending further investigation, but it was known that several other men were involved.  Eventually five men were taken into custody.

The surgeon who examined James Davies said that he had a gun shot wound in the middle of his throat, and on tracing the wound to the left shoulder blade he found an amount of dispersed shot along with small bits of the shoulder blade.  In his opinion, the shot was fired from above the deceased.

A verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons unknown was returned at the inquest, and in reply to an application to the Secretary of State an answer was received:  “offering a free pardon to any one accomplice not being the person who actually fired the gun, and who will give such evidence against any of the parties concerned in the murder as may lead to their conviction”.

So far, I have been unable to find the end of this tale.

1845 – Allensmore, a Poem

Oh, who has not heard of the famed Allensmore,

Where all this is bright and entrancing is seen;

Where to gaze on each beauty, but leads you the more

to linger amid such enchantments of scene?

Where the soft blush of beauty is fresh on each flower,

and the spirit of fragrance is borne on the gale;

Where the sweet singing mavis by day haunts the bower,

Theat echoes at night to the bulbul’s soft tale.

There the rose in its splendour opes forth to the light,

And loads, with its perfume, the sweet summer breeze,

That roves o’er the lake, lying silent and bright,

and murmers its music through whispering trees.

There flowers of all hues and all odours combine,

To fling o’er the landscape a charm that is deeper

and around the old walls of the mansion entwine

The jasmine, the ivy, the vine, and each creeper.

There Pateshall lives;  where a Peri might dwell,

and forget e’en the charms of her own lovely sphere;

and the acts of his kindness and bounty will tell,

How man to his fellows should act while he’s here.

Through centuries storms has that proud mansion stood,

Unseath’d and unweaken’d;  the family name

still retains all its splendour;  unsullied in blood,

the present possessor shall pass down to fame.

There the goddess of plenty presides o’er the scene,

Enthroned and attended by pleasure and mirth;

And the wail of affliction is never, I ween,

allowed to intrude on that bless’d spot of earth.

Neath that roof the lone cry of the houseless is hush’d,

and soften’d each sorrow, and banish’d each sigh,

and dried are the tears that in anguish late gushed,

from the wayworn and sorrowful wander’s eye.

1846 – Death of Thomas Burgess at Allensmore House

Thomas Burgess died aged 63 on 26th January 1846.  He had worked for nearly twenty years as Butler at Allensmore House, but his expertise with his penknife is what he would be remembered for.

His skill in wood carving was exceptional, the he was responsible for the restoration of the pulpit in Allensmore church, as well as carving the wainscoated walls of Rotherwas Hall;  the altar chair in St. Martins Church, and the celebrated stick at Mr. Winter Spring’s tavern in Holborn, and many other fine things.

1847 – Suspected Imposter, a Caution to the Benevolent

Elizabeth Rogers, nee Jones, born at Abergavenny, had developed a novel way of obtaining sympathy, money and goods.

She went to Allensmore House amongst many other large houses in Herefordshire, and then proceeded to fall down having a fit.  After “recovering” she related that her husband was a japanner who found jobs in private houses and she had lost touch, and that her half brother kept a shop in Worcester and had written to her saying that he had heard that her husband was working nearby.  She said that she was on the road trying to find him – in this way she procured quite a large amount of money.

The public were warned to be on their guard against her, and said that when last seen she had a baby in her arms.

1848 – Man Dies in Ditch at Allensmore

William Jenkins was found face down in a water filled ditch late one night by a passerby, an apprentice wheelwright named John Bird.

When John spotted William, he rushed for help and a Mrs Cooper and her two daughters went back with him to hold lanterns.  John and another man, James Maclean, pulled William out of the ditch and for a moment they though that he was alive as he made a rattling noise in his throat.

However there was no pulse, and the men carried him back to a house while William’s wife was informed.

The verdict returned a verdict of “died by the visitation of God”.

1848 – Child Burns to Death at Allensmore

Martha Bethell aged 5, daughter of Stephen Bethell of Allensmore, was left alone in the house with her 9 year old sister Elizabeth whilst their mother went to fetch water from the well.

Elizabeth went upstairs, and then heard Martha screaming;  she rushed down to find Martha in flames and it was some time before help arrived in the shape of Henry Sayce, who smothered the fire.  She managed to tell her sister that a stick had fallen from the fire, and it had set light to her clothes.

Although Martha was still alive she was horribly burnt, and despite being rushed to the Infirmary she died a few hours later.

1849 – Robbery at Allensmore House

On 18th December, the saddle room adjoining the stables of Allensmore House, the residence of Mrs. Pateshall, was broken into and a writing desk was stolen, along with a five pound note and a quantity of gold and silver coins.  Also several memorandum books and other things belonging to the coachman, and a single barrel gun, the property of Mrs. Pateshall, was taken.

1855 – Allensmore Feast

Instead of the somewhat unseemly proceedings which had always accompanied the holding of Allensmore Feast and the desecration of the Sabbath, the Vicar decided on a more agreeable celebration.

He arranged for a friendly cricket match to be held, and it was a great success with much good humour and harmony.  The parishioners dressed in their best holiday clothes in order to see what this new game was.

It was stated “we should rejoice to see the manly game of cricket introduced in every village of the kingdom, being well assured that the generous rivalry inculcated by the amusement would do much towards cementing that union and friendship which ought to exist between rich and poor;  when the sons of the wealthy might mingle with those of the peasant, and both derive advantage by the intercourse.”

The teams were made up of the young gentlemen of the Hereford Proprietary School, and the youths of Allensmore parish.

1858 – Harriett Meek and Susan Bennell

The above pair were up in court for the theft of money, dresses and other clothing belonging to James Meek of Allensmore.

Harriett was described as a sullen looking country girl of 18, and had been somewhat neglected by her parents so her uncle offered her a home.  Susan was a prostitute who had been living in Plymouth before coming back to Allensmore where her parents lived.

The two girls committed the robbery when Mr. Meek was in Hereford, then journeyed to Plymouth via Newport and Bristol but were apprehended on arrival.  Both of them were wearing the clothes belonging to Mrs. Meek, and when the contents of the bundles they had been carrying were exposed in court there was a great deal of laughter because “the whole mysteries of feminine apparel and adornment” were there for all to see, and it was said that the uninitiated bachelor would fail to guess the use of them.  There was one thing, stuffed with feathers, which was like a new moon with strings attached to the horns.  There was also many ribbons, books and dirty letters – the latter giving the girls more anxiety than anything else about the proceedings.

Harriett claimed in court that she feared for her life when living with her uncle and that he threatened her regularly.  At this, James Meek became enraged and the police had to hang on to him to prevent him attacking Harriett.

The prisoners were committed to the Sessions

1862 – Accident at Allensmore

Thomas James, an 18 year old labourer employed by Mr. Berrow of Allensmore, was working in the Welper quarry when he was engulfed in a deluge of debris.

Fortunately, other men were working nearby and they quickly uncovered the poor man;  finding that he was badly injured they rushed him to Hereford Infirmary.

Thomas had badly broken both legs, but the house surgeon Mr. Beavan set to work and it was expected that he would make a full recovery.

1867 – Death of the Rev. Francis E. Baker

Hereford Journal.

“Mr. Baker was born in September 1801 being the eldest son of Rev. Francis Baker, Rector of Wylye, Wiltshire.  After serving sundry curacies, among which was that of Peterstow in Herefordshire, he was appointed to the vicarage at Allensmore by the Dean and Chapter of Hereford, in January 1842, where he has since lived, setting an example of great simplicity of life and of active daily charity.  It is difficult to describe a character which bordered closely upon eccentricity, but avoiding the mention of weaknesses to which all are subject, most of our readers will recognise the truth of what we say, when we draw attention to his remarkable humility of character, his willingness always to see others preferred to himself, and his sincere consciousness of his own faults;  his chivalrous respect for the female sex, poor and rich alike;  he reverenced youth, and unceasingly endeavoured to infuse an honest, manly spirit into the hearts and lives of the young, wherever or whenever he met them.  His contempt for all plausibility and humbug was well known.  In him the poor have lost a sympathising friend, and the rich a companion of the true gentleman type;  and though he has been withdrawn from public intercourse for some time past by his lengthened and trying illness, yet it will be long before his name ceases to be a household word in Allensmore parish.”

1899 – Death by Burning at Allensmore

James Pritchard, a 78 year old labourer of Cobhall Cottage, Allensmore was taken into Hereford General Infirmary suffering from the effects of severe burns received the previous Sunday, and he died a few days later from severe shock and exhaustion due to the burns.

At the inquest, a neighbour Mrs. Jones told how she often looked after him although he was in general good health.  James’ brother Thomas told how he was informed on the Sunday evening that James had been burnt and when he went to see him, he found him in bed.  He remembered falling into the fire, but recalled no other details.

Thomas said that as far as he knew, James had never had fainting attacks.

Another kindly neighbour, Edith Jones married to Alfred Jones a thrashing engine driver of Trap House, Allensmore, said that she often cooked for him and attended to other needs but that he was comfortable looking after himself.

On the afternoon of the Sunday, James was heard to be calling for help, and when people ran in they found him lying across the fire – they managed to get him out and and at this stage he could remember trying to wind the clock at the side of the fireplace;  somehow his boots slipped on the stone floor and because there was no fender he fell into the fire.

A doctor attended that night, and the following day he was taken to the Infirmary.

The verdict was Accidental Death

Font

The font at St. Andrew’s church is ornately carved, but compared to most others in the county is relatively modern, being late nineteenth century.

Memorial

Edmund Pateshall

This memorial plaque shows Edmund Pateshall, 2nd son of Scudamore Lechmere of Fownhope, who died 4th November 1790 aged 42.
Other monuments in Allensmore church include two to Arnold Burrell who died 1787 and to Mary Burrell who died 1815; a 14th century slab set in the floor dedicated to Sir Andrew Herl and his wife Joan; a monument for Mary Berrow who died 1775, along with other members of her family.
The Pateshall family lived at Allensmore Court for many years and the windows in the nave of St. Andrews are a memorial to Col. Henry Evan Pateshall as well as Rev. P.M. Symmonds; Eliza Bent and Elizabeth Symonds.