Churches of Dilwyn

• St. Mary's Church - Dilwyn

  This church is 13th Century.

  There have been later additions to the building, and it is very large for the size of the village.

  In 1867 the church was re-opened in the presence of the Right Hon. and Ven. the Lord Saye and Sale, Archdeacon of Hereford.

  The old church, having long been known for its large proportions of the nave, was also known for the “tasteless and comfortless aspect of the interior”.

  St. Mary’s Church undergoes Restoration

  This pretty, but neglected little Norman church had been marred over the centuries with unsuitable additions and alterations;  the nave was thoroughly restored, stained and vanrnished and the pillars and arches of the arcade were stripped of whitewash.  The shingled spire was dilapidated, so new shingles were provided.  The burial ground was enlarged, drained and fenced.  Next, the roofs of the chancel, North Transept and aisles and nave were stripped of plaster and exposed to view.  Everything was thoroughly cleaned of whitewash and plaster and carefully pointed with grey mortar.  Many more aesthetic works were carried out and the interior was greatly improved and enhanced, with the beautifully carved chancel stalls and Priests’ desks showing the splendid work of Mrssrs Niblett & King of Gloucester, who also made the English oak Altar.

  The heating was by hot air flues, devised by Richard Lloyd of Welshpool, which proved to be economical and very effective.

  New Pulpit for St. Mary’s Church

  The magnificent pulpit was by Mr. Forsyth and was carved from Painswick Stone;  it sports eight panels, four of which contain the signs of the four Evangelists, and the other four show the emblems of the crucifixion – the cross and thorns;  the seamless coat;  the scourge, ladder and spear, and the nails.

  New Font for St. Mary’s Church

  The font is from the same source as the pulpit, and the cover is in beautiful wrought iron, octaganol in shape.  It rises nearly five feet, being elevated and lowered by tackle suspended from the roof.    The font cover was given in 1867 by Margaret Morris Bray.

  An ancient early English font was found buried upside down under the present 15th century font, and this is on display in the church.

  All in all, and there were many more wonderful aspects to this restoration, this little church was restored in the most glorious manner.

   

   

  

  Read More >

News from the Past Dilwyn

• Dilwyn News from the Past

  Races, water and fire

  1799 – Transported for Stealing

  (kindly supplied by Mike Walsh, Dilwynian_

  Ann Pugh was born in 1774 in Dilwyn bagged herself quite a haul of clothes and shoes, as well as money and for her pains found herself at the Herefordshire Summer Assizes on 16th July 1799.

  She and another woman, Ann Davies were convicted of grand larceny and were sentenced to be transported to “parts beyond the seas” for seven years.

  In Australia, Ann met and married John Nichols and the couple went on to have 13 children.  She eventually died in 1849 in New South Wales, aged 75.

  1846 – Dilwyn Annual Races

  As reported in the Hereford Journal:

  “On Monday 14th September will be run for on Dilwyn Common, a sweepstakes of one sovereign each, with not less than seven sovereigns added from the fund, free for any horse, mare or gelding, that never started for any Plate, Match or Sweepstakes of the value of fifty pounds at any one time; such horse mare or gelding to be the bona fide property of the owner at least two months previous to 14th September, and such owner to reside within thirty miles of Dilwyn.

  Three year olds to carry 7st 10lbs; four, 8st 4lb; five, 9st 4lb. A winner once this year to carry 3lb extra; twice 7lb extra.

  A Hackney race of ten shillings each, with not less than three sovereigns added from the funds; the owner to reside within six miles of Dilwyn. Entrance 7s 6d for each horse.

  Also on the same day will be run for a purse of not less than two sovereigns, free for any pony not exceeding 13 hands high that never won ten pounds at any one time, to carry catch weight.”

  1859 – The first traffic warden?

  John Davies and George Palmer, both of Dilwyn, were fined for separate offences of parking a wagon on the turnpike road for longer than was necessary for the purpose of loading or unloading.

  1859 – Dispute settled with buckets of Water

  Ann Abley, wife of Martin Abley of Dilwyn, was fine 9s 6d plus 10s 6d costs, for chucking three buckets of water over James Bowyer, also of Dilwyn.

  It was Ann’s way of settling a dispute and “washing out” an old grievance.

  1863 – Coming of Age of Lacon Lambe

  For Lacon Lambe’s birthday on May 16th, the tenants of his father Dr. Lambe’s estate at Dilwyn determined to thoroughly celebrate the day.

  The church bells started ringing early in the morning, and the village was decorated with arches of flowers and evergreens. A banquet was prepared for all the tenants, farm labourers, and also some old servants, as well as friends and tradesmen employed by Dr. Lambe. All in all about 70 sat down to eat in a beautifully decorated room.

  Out on the lawns there was dancing, whilst the bells continued to ring, and eventually tea, with good plum cake, was served to hundreds outside.

  During the evening, the beef remaining from the earlier meal was distributed along with chunks of bread to 60 people who had won the honour by raffle, and oranges and cake was given to the children.

  Everyone went home happy and respectful of Dr. Lambe for his generosity, and it was hoped that his son would turn out to be of the same cloth.

  Strangely, there was absolutely no mention in the write up of the birthday boy!!

  1863 – Destructive Fire at Dilwyn

  A fire broke out at Alton Court about a mile from Dilwyn and owned by Mr. Stephen Dent. It was thought to have been started when a steam threshing machine sent sparks into the buildings.

  On discovery of the fire, a mounted messenger was sent to Leominster for the fire engine, whilst people from near and far rushed to help with putting out the flames.

  Unfortunately, all efforts were in vain and by the time the firemen arrive the barn and many other buildings were destroyed. Eleven calves were moved to another building, in which was stored a large amount of hay, and the fire moved steadily towards this barn. The remedy was to cut away a large portion of the building, whilst a strong jet of water from the engine cleared the roof of tiles. With manual help, a gap was made so that the fire could not move further.

  Thankfully, no animals were harmed but the fire engine was kept working until the following day. The building was insured.

  1889 – Another Destructive Farm Fire

  This fire broke out during the morning at Little Dilwyn Farm, occupied by Thomas H. Griffiths – most of the previous year’s produce was destroyed.

  The fire started in the rickyard by the farm buildings, when a pipe in the boiler of a threshing machine burst, shooting flames in all directions. A nearby peastack instantly was ablaze, and several men and two women who were perched on top engaged in “pitching” into the thresher, were in grave danger. One woman didn’t wait for a ladder to be brought, and jumped off the stack – it was some 15 feet to the ground, but she escaped unhurt.

  Thomas Griffiths was standing next to the engine, and his hair caught fire, but he too was not seriously injured.

  Two mounted messengers raced to Hereford and Leominster for the fire brigade, but by the time they arrived the ricks and two barns were one mass of fire, and the threshing machine was destroyed. Fortunately, due to a good local supply of water, the remaining buildings were saved; the peas which were the produce of 17 acres, were lost, as well as all the wheat.

  The property was fully insured, but sadly the threshing machine was not.

  Read More >

Buildings of Dilwyn

• Swanstone Court History

  Swanstone Court  at Dilwyn was built in the 14^th century, and was rebuilt and extended in the 18^th century;  much of the earlier features still survive.

   

  1841 – Swanstone Court Household

  John Mattey	32	Farmer	b. Herefordshire
  Beatrice Jay	26		b. Herefordshire
  Joanna Jay	10		b. Herefordshire
  John Jay	20		b. Herefordshire
  Samual Mathews	13	Servant
  James Lane	12	Servant

  In 1844, all the effects of Swanstone Court were put up for auction by John Mattey as follows:

  34 pure bred Herefordshire cattle descended from the universally esteemed herds of the Misses Tomkins, Mr. Edmund Jeffries and John Hewer;  a team of cart horses and mares;  sheep of the Ryeland and Leicester cross;  fat and store pigs;  implements of husbandry etc. etc.   All in all, virtually everything that was used to run a farm.

  Household furniture was also up for auction:

  Oak and other tables and chairs;  an eight day clock in oak case;  barometers;  cupboards;  chimney glass;  oak four post and stump bedsteads;  feather beds, bolsters and pillows, blankets, sheets and counterpanes;  bureau and chest with drawers;  wash hand stands and night chair, linen chest;  fenders and fire irons;  china, glass and earthenware;  kitchen, brewing and culinary requisites;  a variety of useful dairy utensils.

  In other words, John Mattey was selling absolutely everything bar the clothes and one wonders whether he had to do this to settle debts.

   

  1851 – Swanstone Court Household

  Henry Rawlins Evans	49	Widower, farmer	b. West Indies
  Henry Rawlins Evans	23	Son	b. Bristol, Somerset
  Mary G. Evans	21	Daughter	b. Bristol, Somerset
  John Stope	47	Under Waggoner	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Charles Basenham	29	Cowman	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Hannah Harris	29	House Servant	b. Kineston, Radnor

  Given the leap in household numbers when the Evans family took over the court, the extensions to the house probably were built between 1844 and 1861.

  1861 – Swanstone Court Household

  Henry Rawlins Evans	33	Farmer	b. Bristol, Somerset
  Parthenia Evans	29	Wife	b. Vowchurch, Herefordshire
  Henry Rawlins Evans	3	Son	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Mary Jane Evans	1	Daughter	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Henry Rawlins Evans	59	Father	b. West Indies, British Subject
  Elizabeth Palfrey	21	Nurse	b. Herefordshire
  Sarah Williams	16	Housemaid	b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  John Parton	32	Head Waggoner	b. Radnor
  Joseph Barber	22	Under Waggoner	b. Hope Under Dinmore, Herefordshire
  William Evans	15	Waggoner	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire

   

  1871 – Swanstone Court Household

  Henry Rawlins Evans	43	Farmer	b. Bristol, Somerset
  Parthenia Evans	40	Wife	b. Vowchurch, Herefordshire
  Mary Jane Evans	10	Daughter	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Jane Moore Evans	8	Daughter	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Fanny Moore Evans	6	Daughter	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  James Parry Evans	4	Son	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Francis Moore Evans	2	Son	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Parthenia Moore Evans	9 months	Daughter	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire
  Henry Rawlins Evans	69	Father	b. St. Christopher, West Indies
  Ellen Hiles (?)	23	Governess	b. Vowchurch, Herefordshire
  Eliza Bowcott	21	General domestic servant	b. Pembridge, Herefordshire
  Julia Tunks	16	General domestic servant	b. Kimbolton, Herefordshire
  Thomas Leighton	17	Indoor farm servant	b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire

   

  1881 – Swanstone Court Household

  James T. Dawe	30	Farmer	b. Moreton on Lugg, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Dawe	30	Wife	b. Wormsley, Herefordshire
  Alfred James Dawe	2	Son	b. Madley, Herefordshire
  Edith Dawe	5	Daughter	b. Madley, Herefordshire
  Nora Dawe	3	Daughter	b. Madley, Herefordshire
  Alice Wheeler	20	Governess	b. Eaton Bishop, Herefordshire
  Alice Morgan	14	General Servant	b. Wellington, Herefordshire
  John Bathurst	20	Indoor Servant	b. Birley, Herefordshire
  William Bagley	15	Indoor Servant	b. Dilwyn, Herefordshire

   

  1911 – Swanstone Court Household

  James Davies	66	Single, Farmer	b. Weobley, Herefordshire
  May P. Jenkins	46	Single, Housekeeper	b. Monmouthshire

  Read More >

1799 – Transported for Stealing

(kindly supplied by Mike Walsh, Dilwynian_

Ann Pugh was born in 1774 in Dilwyn bagged herself quite a haul of clothes and shoes, as well as money and for her pains found herself at the Herefordshire Summer Assizes on 16th July 1799.

She and another woman, Ann Davies were convicted of grand larceny and were sentenced to be transported to “parts beyond the seas” for seven years.

In Australia, Ann met and married John Nichols and the couple went on to have 13 children.  She eventually died in 1849 in New South Wales, aged 75.

1846 – Dilwyn Annual Races

As reported in the Hereford Journal:

“On Monday 14th September will be run for on Dilwyn Common, a sweepstakes of one sovereign each, with not less than seven sovereigns added from the fund, free for any horse, mare or gelding, that never started for any Plate, Match or Sweepstakes of the value of fifty pounds at any one time; such horse mare or gelding to be the bona fide property of the owner at least two months previous to 14th September, and such owner to reside within thirty miles of Dilwyn.

Three year olds to carry 7st 10lbs; four, 8st 4lb; five, 9st 4lb. A winner once this year to carry 3lb extra; twice 7lb extra.

A Hackney race of ten shillings each, with not less than three sovereigns added from the funds; the owner to reside within six miles of Dilwyn. Entrance 7s 6d for each horse.

Also on the same day will be run for a purse of not less than two sovereigns, free for any pony not exceeding 13 hands high that never won ten pounds at any one time, to carry catch weight.”

1859 – The first traffic warden?

John Davies and George Palmer, both of Dilwyn, were fined for separate offences of parking a wagon on the turnpike road for longer than was necessary for the purpose of loading or unloading.

1859 – Dispute settled with buckets of Water

Ann Abley, wife of Martin Abley of Dilwyn, was fine 9s 6d plus 10s 6d costs, for chucking three buckets of water over James Bowyer, also of Dilwyn.

It was Ann’s way of settling a dispute and “washing out” an old grievance.

1863 – Coming of Age of Lacon Lambe

For Lacon Lambe’s birthday on May 16th, the tenants of his father Dr. Lambe’s estate at Dilwyn determined to thoroughly celebrate the day.

The church bells started ringing early in the morning, and the village was decorated with arches of flowers and evergreens. A banquet was prepared for all the tenants, farm labourers, and also some old servants, as well as friends and tradesmen employed by Dr. Lambe. All in all about 70 sat down to eat in a beautifully decorated room.

Out on the lawns there was dancing, whilst the bells continued to ring, and eventually tea, with good plum cake, was served to hundreds outside.

During the evening, the beef remaining from the earlier meal was distributed along with chunks of bread to 60 people who had won the honour by raffle, and oranges and cake was given to the children.

Everyone went home happy and respectful of Dr. Lambe for his generosity, and it was hoped that his son would turn out to be of the same cloth.

Strangely, there was absolutely no mention in the write up of the birthday boy!!

1863 – Destructive Fire at Dilwyn

A fire broke out at Alton Court about a mile from Dilwyn and owned by Mr. Stephen Dent. It was thought to have been started when a steam threshing machine sent sparks into the buildings.

On discovery of the fire, a mounted messenger was sent to Leominster for the fire engine, whilst people from near and far rushed to help with putting out the flames.

Unfortunately, all efforts were in vain and by the time the firemen arrive the barn and many other buildings were destroyed. Eleven calves were moved to another building, in which was stored a large amount of hay, and the fire moved steadily towards this barn. The remedy was to cut away a large portion of the building, whilst a strong jet of water from the engine cleared the roof of tiles. With manual help, a gap was made so that the fire could not move further.

Thankfully, no animals were harmed but the fire engine was kept working until the following day. The building was insured.

1889 – Another Destructive Farm Fire

This fire broke out during the morning at Little Dilwyn Farm, occupied by Thomas H. Griffiths – most of the previous year’s produce was destroyed.

The fire started in the rickyard by the farm buildings, when a pipe in the boiler of a threshing machine burst, shooting flames in all directions. A nearby peastack instantly was ablaze, and several men and two women who were perched on top engaged in “pitching” into the thresher, were in grave danger. One woman didn’t wait for a ladder to be brought, and jumped off the stack – it was some 15 feet to the ground, but she escaped unhurt.

Thomas Griffiths was standing next to the engine, and his hair caught fire, but he too was not seriously injured.

Two mounted messengers raced to Hereford and Leominster for the fire brigade, but by the time they arrived the ricks and two barns were one mass of fire, and the threshing machine was destroyed. Fortunately, due to a good local supply of water, the remaining buildings were saved; the peas which were the produce of 17 acres, were lost, as well as all the wheat.

The property was fully insured, but sadly the threshing machine was not.

There have been later additions to the building, and it is very large for the size of the village.

In 1867 the church was re-opened in the presence of the Right Hon. and Ven. the Lord Saye and Sale, Archdeacon of Hereford.

The old church, having long been known for its large proportions of the nave, was also known for the “tasteless and comfortless aspect of the interior”.

St. Mary’s Church undergoes Restoration

This pretty, but neglected little Norman church had been marred over the centuries with unsuitable additions and alterations;  the nave was thoroughly restored, stained and vanrnished and the pillars and arches of the arcade were stripped of whitewash.  The shingled spire was dilapidated, so new shingles were provided.  The burial ground was enlarged, drained and fenced.  Next, the roofs of the chancel, North Transept and aisles and nave were stripped of plaster and exposed to view.  Everything was thoroughly cleaned of whitewash and plaster and carefully pointed with grey mortar.  Many more aesthetic works were carried out and the interior was greatly improved and enhanced, with the beautifully carved chancel stalls and Priests’ desks showing the splendid work of Mrssrs Niblett & King of Gloucester, who also made the English oak Altar.

The heating was by hot air flues, devised by Richard Lloyd of Welshpool, which proved to be economical and very effective.

New Pulpit for St. Mary’s Church

The magnificent pulpit was by Mr. Forsyth and was carved from Painswick Stone;  it sports eight panels, four of which contain the signs of the four Evangelists, and the other four show the emblems of the crucifixion – the cross and thorns;  the seamless coat;  the scourge, ladder and spear, and the nails.

New Font for St. Mary’s Church

The font is from the same source as the pulpit, and the cover is in beautiful wrought iron, octaganol in shape.  It rises nearly five feet, being elevated and lowered by tackle suspended from the roof.    The font cover was given in 1867 by Margaret Morris Bray.

An ancient early English font was found buried upside down under the present 15th century font, and this is on display in the church.

All in all, and there were many more wonderful aspects to this restoration, this little church was restored in the most glorious manner.

1841 – Swanstone Court Household

In 1844, all the effects of Swanstone Court were put up for auction by John Mattey as follows:

34 pure bred Herefordshire cattle descended from the universally esteemed herds of the Misses Tomkins, Mr. Edmund Jeffries and John Hewer;  a team of cart horses and mares;  sheep of the Ryeland and Leicester cross;  fat and store pigs;  implements of husbandry etc. etc.   All in all, virtually everything that was used to run a farm.

Household furniture was also up for auction:

Oak and other tables and chairs;  an eight day clock in oak case;  barometers;  cupboards;  chimney glass;  oak four post and stump bedsteads;  feather beds, bolsters and pillows, blankets, sheets and counterpanes;  bureau and chest with drawers;  wash hand stands and night chair, linen chest;  fenders and fire irons;  china, glass and earthenware;  kitchen, brewing and culinary requisites;  a variety of useful dairy utensils.

In other words, John Mattey was selling absolutely everything bar the clothes and one wonders whether he had to do this to settle debts.

1851 – Swanstone Court Household

Given the leap in household numbers when the Evans family took over the court, the extensions to the house probably were built between 1844 and 1861.

1861 – Swanstone Court Household

1871 – Swanstone Court Household

1881 – Swanstone Court Household

1911 – Swanstone Court Household