Churches of Letton

• St. John the Baptist Church - Letton

  The church of St. John the Baptist at Letton dates from around the 13th century, with some restoration in 1883.dating from12th to14th centuries with restorations of 1883. 

   

   

   

  

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News from the Past Letton

• News from the Past Letton

  Floods are nothing new in Herefordshire

  1824 – Dreadful Flooding Affects Letton

  Prolonged heavy rain during December caused the River Wye to burst its banks all along its course to the river Severn.

  The highest flood levels for 26 years devastated every part of the country through which the river runs, and the water continued to rise at a speed never seen before.  It was so rapid that there was no time to try to take precautions and vast quantities of timber, apples, fencing and animals could be seen passing down the flood.

  At Letton, a farmer lost nearly all his fruit which would have made 20 hogsheads of cider.

  Mail Coach overwhelmed by Floods near Letton

  The London Mail coach was on its way to Hay from Hereford with three passengers, the coachman and a guard, and having already had to divert from the Whitney road to the Bredwardine bridge, the driver proceeded cautiously.  Unfortunately the force of the river had washed away the surface of the road to nearly six feet and the four horses lost their footing.

  Men from Letton Race to Help

  The coach and the horses were forced up against a bank, and it was fortunate that the passengers were all on the outside – here they stayed until a boat was brought on a dray from Letton, whereupon they were rescued just as they thought that death was certain, and the mail was saved.

  The coachman had jumped into the water, which although he was a tall man reached up to his chin, and with immense bravery, often being swept off his feet but clinging on to the harness, he managed to cut all the traces and release the horses.  Tragically his efforts were in vain and after a terrible two hours the horses drowned.

  A man who had ridden into the water to help was unseated when his horse stumbled into the deep water, but he luckily was driven against the coach wheel and the guard and passengers dragged him on to the roof.  A happy ending for his horse, which was able to swim across the torrent and was later found a mile away unharmed.

  Huge praise was given to those from Letton who rushed to help, as well as Mr. Benton the coachman;  Mr. Morgan the guard, and all the passengers.

  Mr. Benton became extremely unwell due to his strenuous exertions and mental torment at not being able to save the horses.

  1830 – Death of Joseph Blisset of Letton

  On 12th October 1830 Joseph, eldest surviving son of Joseph Blisset of Letton, died aged 24.

  “Possessing a strong and cultivated mind, an upright and a liberal heart, he gained the love of all and lived an ornament to the society in which me moved;  whilst a firm reliance on the mercies of his God and Saviour enabled him to meet death with Christian fortitude in the bosom of his afflicted family

  1847 – Child Survives Terrible Burns at Letton

  A three year old child, the daughter of William Powell of Letton, was lucky to escape death when her clothes caught fire.

  Fortunately with much treatment the child survived, although she would be forever badly disfigured by the burns.

   

  1850 – Fatal Fight at Letton

  John Cumpton had a fight with a man named Prosser after both of them had been drinking heavily.

  John was a labourer, and had been working leveling ground and filling ditches near the workhouse at Weobley, returning to Letton every night.

  One day he was at work as usual, and along with others he went to a cider house in Weobley when rain stopped their work.  They had a gallon of cider each (!) before going back to their place of work where they started larking around, but the play fighting turned nasty when John Cumpton and James Prosser had words, and a serious fight broke out.

  They scuffled together and fell down, and one of the number helped John to get up but he was very unsteady so they propped him up against a bank where he said that his neck hurt and he wanted to go.  A cart was sent for, and John Cumpton was taken to Sally’s, a pub in Kinnersley where he was given a glass of beer before his parents arrived to take him home.

  At the inquest, the surgeon said that he thought the cause of death was an injury to the spine brought about by the fall during the fight.

  The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against James Prosser, but at the trial the judge ruled that the deceased was the aggressor and James Prosser was given a mere three days in gaol, which was later waived.

  1851 – Horrible Fight between Police and Poachers at Letton

  For some time, Letton and surrounding villages had been suffering the attentions of violent poachers who went about in gangs of ten or twelve.

  Night after night they set out armed with guns in pursuit of game, not because they were poor or out of work but just for the hell of it, and when encountering gamekeepers were extremely threatening.

  Eventually one landowner, Brampton Gurdon, called for the help of the police, being concerned about the increasing violence, threats and use of guns by the poachers.

  Superintendent Parker with a dozen rural police went from Swaffham to Letton Park, and Constable Noller being a strong powerful man, went over to aid the county police.  Every day for a week they lay in wait at night, whilst hearing the gunshots of the poachers in the distance.

  Eventually one Saturday night, they managed to ambush the poachers who immediately fired at the policemen.  Superintendent Parker was hit in the face and was very badly hurt, and Constable Greenacre was shot in the shoulder and face.

  The rest of the police and two keepers rushed to the poachers and a terrible fight ensued with the poachers using large clubs.  Although the poachers eventually fled, most of them were apprehended either on the road or in their own houses and one or two of them had been injured severely.

  1853 – Hurricane and Floods in Herefordshire

  Overnight at the end of December 1852, a hurricane hit Herefordshire, which was followed by torrential rain.

  At Letton the floods were “fearful”, and when the Mail coach eventually was given the go ahead to go through, the water was up to the shoulders of the horses and the passenger inside was thoroughly soaked.

  1890 – Archaeological Discovery at Letton

  In a pond next to an old moat at Letton Hall, the seat of Mr. R.T. Gurdon MP, a fragment of masonry that could have been part of a frieze was discovered.

  On it were some heraldic devices, a quiver with arrows and bows and some bezants below.  Repeated several times in florid letters of the Elizabethan period were the words “Help handis”

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Buildings of Letton

• Letton Court History

  Early buildings on the site were abandoned due to flooding, and the first Letton Court was built on higher ground.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  (May I point out dear reader, that although most photos on this site can be taken off for personal use only,   none of the images on this page belong to me and I would ask that if you wish to use them, you contact me so that I can ask permission from the gentleman concerned, Robert Millet Dew)

  The first name that I have for Letton Court is John Kyrewood, followed by Captain William James Downes who was a JP and deputy lieutenant of Herefordshire, and then the Waring family.

  Mr. Thomas Waring was one of the most respected farmers, although he never entered any of his stock into shows.  However his herd of Hereford cattle was much admired.  On his death in 1861, his glorious herd of Herefords plus sheep and other livestock were put up for sale.

  The Blissett Family at Letton Court

  The original building that was Letton Court was taken over by the Blissett family, headed by Joseph,  and in 1859 the Rev. Blissett  proceeded to completely rebuild the house.  He employed an architect from London, Mr. Thomas Teulon, and clerk of the works was Mr. J.H. Egon.

  The work was extensive, and took nearly two years to complete, however the Rev Blissett was so pleased with what was being done that at Christmas in 1860 he presented the builders with a fine bullock.

  The Court was built of red brick, very unusual for Herefordshire, and was rather lovely, hidden from view by ancient trees and with charming views.

  Henry Blissett was a keen angler, and was chairman of the Wye Fishery Board, also taking part in an experiment to ascertain the growth rate of salmon.  In March 1875  his son John Freeman  Blisset, caught a salmon at Letton which weighed nine pounds, and  they tagged the fish with a silver label bearing “W” on one side and on the other “181”.  Later that year in September, a man at Ware on the river Severn caught an eighteen pound salmon and the tag proved that the fish had gained a considerable amount of weight.  However another fish tagged lost a good pound in weight in three weeks between the first capture and the second.

  The coming of age of John Freeman Blisset

  On 19^th June 1866, the only son of Henry Blissett, John Freeman Blissett reached the age of 21 and many festivities were organised to mark the day.

  It wasn’t the best day weatherwise, but the sun broke through in time for the sports, and the church bells pealed out happily to celebrate the day.

  In the afternoon, the schoolchildren marched from the school room up to Letton Court, carrying flags and a banner saying “Long live the heir”;  once they arrived on the terrace, a little girl read an address to John, and then the whole school sang a song prepared for the occasion.  Afterwards they had plum pudding and wine, before exploring the gardens.

  At lunchtime the tenants, along with workmen and labourers and their wives, sat down to a big lunch, after which they joined the children for the races – prizes for which included sweets and toys for the children, and implements of husbandry, braces and neckties for the men;  and drapery for the women.

  John Blissett supervised the whole day himself, and in the evening a lavish ball took place in the gorgeous dining room of Letton Hall.  John rather sweetly opened the ball with Mrs. Dale, an old and loyal housekeeper and dancing started at ten in the evening.  Supper was provided, and every comfort was afforded to the guests.

  John was showered with gifts, including  a lovely diamond ring and a set of gold studs set with diamonds presented by the servants of the household and a silver tankard given by the gentlemen farmers of the parish.

   

  Henry resigned his position as Chairman of the Wye Fishery Board in 1877, saying that he regretted that the Secretary of State did not think fit to approve the measures without which he felt the salmon fisheries of the Wye, whether commercial or angling, would gain the prosperity of which they were capable.

  Henry Blissett’s wife, Jemima, died at Letton Court in 1877, and sadly his only son, John Freeman Blisset, died in 1880 aged just 34.

  In 1904 The Rev. George Blissett, M.A., the last surviving member of the family of Joseph Blissett, died at the age of 87.  He was educated at Balliol College, Oxford and was ordained in 1844.

  Tom Millett Dew

  Tom Millett Dew was born in 1859  at Beckington, and died in 1931 aged 72.  He was the eldest son of Joseph Carter Dew, of Milton Hill Wiltshire, his mother being Catherine Mary.

  In 1889 Tom married Margaret Jane Blissett  and they took over Letton Court when Henry Blissett died in 1893.  Sadly, their children died at an early age and were buried in the church next to Letton Court,  as was Margaret when she died in 1901.  Tom eventually married again, his wife being a Miss Sysum from Wiltshire.

  Tom sat as a Magistrate for Herefordshire for a good many years, and was also on the Rural District Council;  he was a philanthropist who championed the welfare of Hereford Hospital.

  When Tom died, he was buried in the church adjoining Letton Court, in the same grave as his first wife Margaret – perhaps he never truly got over losing her.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  I am indebted to  Robert Millet Dew,  who has sent to me a photo of Tom Millett Dew,  his Great Uncle – he has pointed out the abundance of oak paneling  behind his Great Uncle, and one can imagine how quickly that would have ignited in the fire described below.  This same gentleman has kindly supplied some of the information regarding Tom Millett Dew and all of the images relating to Letton Court.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Robert tells me that Tom had a pencil drawing made of the above photo, and it hung in both the old and new Letton Courts.    Jack Russells are very dear and loyal little dogs, and Tom was clearly extremely fond of his.

   

   

  Letton Court Destroyed by Fire

  Unfortunately, in 1924 Letton Court was burnt to the ground when a workman using a blow torch to remove paint from a window frame accidentally set fire to the curtains…….a stiff breeze fanned the blaze and within two hours the house and all its contents apart from some silver, estate papers and wine which were stored in strong rooms,  were gone despite the best attempts of the household staff to contain the blaze until the fire brigade arrived.  At the time, all the men were away at the market, and we will never know whether if they had been at hand the house could have been saved.

  The brave staff who tried to save Letton Court

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  The ruined interior of Letton Court

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  and the ruined exterior of Letton Court

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  This photo shows all that remains of the old Letton court – the red brick outbuildings to the right of the church.  At the time, not many houses were in Herefordshire were built using this material.

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  The current Letton Court was built close by, and is a lovely house with an old moat and the original gardens and parkland.

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  The house was put up for sale in 2012 and is now, like so many large country houses, a popular venue for parties and events.

  1871 – Letton Court Household

  Henry Blissett	62	Clergyman	B. Somersetshire
  Jemima Blissett	55	Wife	b. Scotland
  John S. Blissett	25	Son, JP	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Margaret J. Blessett	24	Daughter	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Dale	64	Housekeeper	b. Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
  Sarah E. Buck	20	Ladies Maid	b. Kings Lynn, Norfolk
  Sarah Dockerty	42	Housemaid	b. Worcestershire
  Louisa Dorrington	21	Under Housemaid	b. Essex
  Frances Jones	20	Kitchen Maid	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Mary Evans	18	Scullery Maid	b. Radnorshire
  John R. Sharp	26	Butler	b. Pencoed, Herefordshire
  William Botley	19	Footman	b. Edgmont, Salop

  1881 – Letton Court Household

  Henry Blissett	72	Clergyman without care of souls	b. Somersetshire
  Margaret J. Blissett	34	Daughter, head of household	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Dale	76	Housekeeper and Cook	b. Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire
  Elizabeth Richardson	26	Lady’s Maid	b. Bewdley, Worcestershire
  Eliza Morgan	34	Housemaid	b. Kinnersley, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Holder	26	Kitchen Maid	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Martha Minton	19	Under Housemaid	b. Radnorshire
  Annie Watkins	18	Scullery Maid	b. Bishopstone, Herefordshire
  John Richard Sharp	36	Butler	b. Pencoed, Herefordshire
  Arthur Francis	26	Footman	b. Eardisley, Herefordshire
  Margaret Davies	63	Gardener	b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Cook	47	Laundress	b. Wiltshire
  Emily Blanche Cook		Maid	b. Wiltshire

  1891 – Letton Court Household

  Henry Blissett	82	Clergyman without care of souls	b. Somersetshire
  Elizabeth Dell	57	Housekeeper	b. Much Dewchurch, Herefordshire
  Eliza Morgan	49	Housemaid	b. Kinnersley, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Powell	24	Cook	b. Ebbw Vale, Wales
  Martha Minton	28	Housemaid	b. Radnor, Radnorshire
  Elizabeth Owens	20	Kitchenmaid	b. Almeley, Herefordshire
  Mary A. Weaver	16	Maid	b. Hereford
  Frederick J. Clayton	19	Footman	b. Holmer, Herefordshire

  1901 – Letton Court Household

  Tom Millett Dew	42	Living on own means	b. Somerset
  Margaret Dew	50	Wife	b. Letton, Herefordshire
  Susan Pugh	31	Housekeeper	b. Chapel Allerton, Yorkshire
  Clara White	19	Kitchenmaid	b. Church Hill, Gloucestershire
  Ellen Pewfield	20	Housemaid	b. Shepton Mallet, Somerset
  F. Fosher (?)	21	Lady’s Maid
  Mary Pitchford	24	Parlour Maid	b. Shropshire

  1911 – Letton Court Household

  Tom M. Dew	52	Agriculture	b. Beckington, Somerset
  Alice May Dew	31	Wife	b. Wiltshire
  Laura Lea	27	Parlourmaid	b. Dilwyn Herefordshire
  Lucy Ann Harrison	23	Cook	b. Leicestershire
  Amy Rowlands	17	Housemaid	b. Herefordshire
  Emily Margaret Payne	16	Kitchenmaid	b. Teddington, Middlesex

  1921 – Letton Court Household

  Tom Millett Dew	b. Somerset 1859	Landowner
  Alice Mary Dew	b. Hankerton 1880	Wife
  Vinnie Turner	b. Wellington, Herefordshire 1900	Parlour Maid
  Jessica Hargest	b. Tillington, Herefordshire 1905	Maid
  Ellen Maud Vale	b. Herefordshire	Housekeeper
  Ellen Priscilla Passey	b. Orleton, Herefordshire 1893	Cook

  Read More >

(May I point out dear reader, that although most photos on this site can be taken off for personal use only,   none of the images on this page belong to me and I would ask that if you wish to use them, you contact me so that I can ask permission from the gentleman concerned, Robert Millet Dew)

The first name that I have for Letton Court is John Kyrewood, followed by Captain William James Downes who was a JP and deputy lieutenant of Herefordshire, and then the Waring family.

Mr. Thomas Waring was one of the most respected farmers, although he never entered any of his stock into shows.  However his herd of Hereford cattle was much admired.  On his death in 1861, his glorious herd of Herefords plus sheep and other livestock were put up for sale.

The Blissett Family at Letton Court

The original building that was Letton Court was taken over by the Blissett family, headed by Joseph,  and in 1859 the Rev. Blissett  proceeded to completely rebuild the house.  He employed an architect from London, Mr. Thomas Teulon, and clerk of the works was Mr. J.H. Egon.

The work was extensive, and took nearly two years to complete, however the Rev Blissett was so pleased with what was being done that at Christmas in 1860 he presented the builders with a fine bullock.

The Court was built of red brick, very unusual for Herefordshire, and was rather lovely, hidden from view by ancient trees and with charming views.

Henry Blissett was a keen angler, and was chairman of the Wye Fishery Board, also taking part in an experiment to ascertain the growth rate of salmon.  In March 1875  his son John Freeman  Blisset, caught a salmon at Letton which weighed nine pounds, and  they tagged the fish with a silver label bearing “W” on one side and on the other “181”.  Later that year in September, a man at Ware on the river Severn caught an eighteen pound salmon and the tag proved that the fish had gained a considerable amount of weight.  However another fish tagged lost a good pound in weight in three weeks between the first capture and the second.

The coming of age of John Freeman Blisset

On 19^th June 1866, the only son of Henry Blissett, John Freeman Blissett reached the age of 21 and many festivities were organised to mark the day.

It wasn’t the best day weatherwise, but the sun broke through in time for the sports, and the church bells pealed out happily to celebrate the day.

In the afternoon, the schoolchildren marched from the school room up to Letton Court, carrying flags and a banner saying “Long live the heir”;  once they arrived on the terrace, a little girl read an address to John, and then the whole school sang a song prepared for the occasion.  Afterwards they had plum pudding and wine, before exploring the gardens.

At lunchtime the tenants, along with workmen and labourers and their wives, sat down to a big lunch, after which they joined the children for the races – prizes for which included sweets and toys for the children, and implements of husbandry, braces and neckties for the men;  and drapery for the women.

John Blissett supervised the whole day himself, and in the evening a lavish ball took place in the gorgeous dining room of Letton Hall.  John rather sweetly opened the ball with Mrs. Dale, an old and loyal housekeeper and dancing started at ten in the evening.  Supper was provided, and every comfort was afforded to the guests.

John was showered with gifts, including  a lovely diamond ring and a set of gold studs set with diamonds presented by the servants of the household and a silver tankard given by the gentlemen farmers of the parish.

Henry resigned his position as Chairman of the Wye Fishery Board in 1877, saying that he regretted that the Secretary of State did not think fit to approve the measures without which he felt the salmon fisheries of the Wye, whether commercial or angling, would gain the prosperity of which they were capable.

Henry Blissett’s wife, Jemima, died at Letton Court in 1877, and sadly his only son, John Freeman Blisset, died in 1880 aged just 34.

In 1904 The Rev. George Blissett, M.A., the last surviving member of the family of Joseph Blissett, died at the age of 87.  He was educated at Balliol College, Oxford and was ordained in 1844.

Tom Millett Dew

Tom Millett Dew was born in 1859  at Beckington, and died in 1931 aged 72.  He was the eldest son of Joseph Carter Dew, of Milton Hill Wiltshire, his mother being Catherine Mary.

In 1889 Tom married Margaret Jane Blissett  and they took over Letton Court when Henry Blissett died in 1893.  Sadly, their children died at an early age and were buried in the church next to Letton Court,  as was Margaret when she died in 1901.  Tom eventually married again, his wife being a Miss Sysum from Wiltshire.

Tom sat as a Magistrate for Herefordshire for a good many years, and was also on the Rural District Council;  he was a philanthropist who championed the welfare of Hereford Hospital.

When Tom died, he was buried in the church adjoining Letton Court, in the same grave as his first wife Margaret – perhaps he never truly got over losing her.

I am indebted to  Robert Millet Dew,  who has sent to me a photo of Tom Millett Dew,  his Great Uncle – he has pointed out the abundance of oak paneling  behind his Great Uncle, and one can imagine how quickly that would have ignited in the fire described below.  This same gentleman has kindly supplied some of the information regarding Tom Millett Dew and all of the images relating to Letton Court.

Robert tells me that Tom had a pencil drawing made of the above photo, and it hung in both the old and new Letton Courts.    Jack Russells are very dear and loyal little dogs, and Tom was clearly extremely fond of his.

Letton Court Destroyed by Fire

Unfortunately, in 1924 Letton Court was burnt to the ground when a workman using a blow torch to remove paint from a window frame accidentally set fire to the curtains…….a stiff breeze fanned the blaze and within two hours the house and all its contents apart from some silver, estate papers and wine which were stored in strong rooms,  were gone despite the best attempts of the household staff to contain the blaze until the fire brigade arrived.  At the time, all the men were away at the market, and we will never know whether if they had been at hand the house could have been saved.

The brave staff who tried to save Letton Court

The ruined interior of Letton Court

and the ruined exterior of Letton Court

This photo shows all that remains of the old Letton court – the red brick outbuildings to the right of the church.  At the time, not many houses were in Herefordshire were built using this material.

The current Letton Court was built close by, and is a lovely house with an old moat and the original gardens and parkland.

The house was put up for sale in 2012 and is now, like so many large country houses, a popular venue for parties and events.

1871 – Letton Court Household

1881 – Letton Court Household

1891 – Letton Court Household

1901 – Letton Court Household

1911 – Letton Court Household

1921 – Letton Court Household

1824 – Dreadful Flooding Affects Letton

Prolonged heavy rain during December caused the River Wye to burst its banks all along its course to the river Severn.

The highest flood levels for 26 years devastated every part of the country through which the river runs, and the water continued to rise at a speed never seen before.  It was so rapid that there was no time to try to take precautions and vast quantities of timber, apples, fencing and animals could be seen passing down the flood.

At Letton, a farmer lost nearly all his fruit which would have made 20 hogsheads of cider.

Mail Coach overwhelmed by Floods near Letton

The London Mail coach was on its way to Hay from Hereford with three passengers, the coachman and a guard, and having already had to divert from the Whitney road to the Bredwardine bridge, the driver proceeded cautiously.  Unfortunately the force of the river had washed away the surface of the road to nearly six feet and the four horses lost their footing.

Men from Letton Race to Help

The coach and the horses were forced up against a bank, and it was fortunate that the passengers were all on the outside – here they stayed until a boat was brought on a dray from Letton, whereupon they were rescued just as they thought that death was certain, and the mail was saved.

The coachman had jumped into the water, which although he was a tall man reached up to his chin, and with immense bravery, often being swept off his feet but clinging on to the harness, he managed to cut all the traces and release the horses.  Tragically his efforts were in vain and after a terrible two hours the horses drowned.

A man who had ridden into the water to help was unseated when his horse stumbled into the deep water, but he luckily was driven against the coach wheel and the guard and passengers dragged him on to the roof.  A happy ending for his horse, which was able to swim across the torrent and was later found a mile away unharmed.

Huge praise was given to those from Letton who rushed to help, as well as Mr. Benton the coachman;  Mr. Morgan the guard, and all the passengers.

Mr. Benton became extremely unwell due to his strenuous exertions and mental torment at not being able to save the horses.

1830 – Death of Joseph Blisset of Letton

On 12th October 1830 Joseph, eldest surviving son of Joseph Blisset of Letton, died aged 24.

“Possessing a strong and cultivated mind, an upright and a liberal heart, he gained the love of all and lived an ornament to the society in which me moved;  whilst a firm reliance on the mercies of his God and Saviour enabled him to meet death with Christian fortitude in the bosom of his afflicted family

1847 – Child Survives Terrible Burns at Letton

A three year old child, the daughter of William Powell of Letton, was lucky to escape death when her clothes caught fire.

Fortunately with much treatment the child survived, although she would be forever badly disfigured by the burns.

1850 – Fatal Fight at Letton

John Cumpton had a fight with a man named Prosser after both of them had been drinking heavily.

John was a labourer, and had been working leveling ground and filling ditches near the workhouse at Weobley, returning to Letton every night.

One day he was at work as usual, and along with others he went to a cider house in Weobley when rain stopped their work.  They had a gallon of cider each (!) before going back to their place of work where they started larking around, but the play fighting turned nasty when John Cumpton and James Prosser had words, and a serious fight broke out.

They scuffled together and fell down, and one of the number helped John to get up but he was very unsteady so they propped him up against a bank where he said that his neck hurt and he wanted to go.  A cart was sent for, and John Cumpton was taken to Sally’s, a pub in Kinnersley where he was given a glass of beer before his parents arrived to take him home.

At the inquest, the surgeon said that he thought the cause of death was an injury to the spine brought about by the fall during the fight.

The jury returned a verdict of manslaughter against James Prosser, but at the trial the judge ruled that the deceased was the aggressor and James Prosser was given a mere three days in gaol, which was later waived.

1851 – Horrible Fight between Police and Poachers at Letton

For some time, Letton and surrounding villages had been suffering the attentions of violent poachers who went about in gangs of ten or twelve.

Night after night they set out armed with guns in pursuit of game, not because they were poor or out of work but just for the hell of it, and when encountering gamekeepers were extremely threatening.

Eventually one landowner, Brampton Gurdon, called for the help of the police, being concerned about the increasing violence, threats and use of guns by the poachers.

Superintendent Parker with a dozen rural police went from Swaffham to Letton Park, and Constable Noller being a strong powerful man, went over to aid the county police.  Every day for a week they lay in wait at night, whilst hearing the gunshots of the poachers in the distance.

Eventually one Saturday night, they managed to ambush the poachers who immediately fired at the policemen.  Superintendent Parker was hit in the face and was very badly hurt, and Constable Greenacre was shot in the shoulder and face.

The rest of the police and two keepers rushed to the poachers and a terrible fight ensued with the poachers using large clubs.  Although the poachers eventually fled, most of them were apprehended either on the road or in their own houses and one or two of them had been injured severely.

1853 – Hurricane and Floods in Herefordshire

Overnight at the end of December 1852, a hurricane hit Herefordshire, which was followed by torrential rain.

At Letton the floods were “fearful”, and when the Mail coach eventually was given the go ahead to go through, the water was up to the shoulders of the horses and the passenger inside was thoroughly soaked.

1890 – Archaeological Discovery at Letton

In a pond next to an old moat at Letton Hall, the seat of Mr. R.T. Gurdon MP, a fragment of masonry that could have been part of a frieze was discovered.

On it were some heraldic devices, a quiver with arrows and bows and some bezants below.  Repeated several times in florid letters of the Elizabethan period were the words “Help handis”