James Bateman 1660-1718

James Bateman bought the Shobdon Estate in 1705 from Sir Robert Chaplin for the, then, vast sum of £30.428, and was already important in London society, having been Lord Mayor; Director of the Bank of England, Deputy Governor of the South Sea Company; an MP and Sheriff of London, and Director of the East India Company. Sir James Bateman replaced the old Jacobean Shobdon Court with a Palladian style mansion, which stood close to the church until 1933 when it was demolished. Sir James died in 1718 and was buried with splendid ceremony at night in Surrey at the Church of Tooting Graveney – he bequeathed the whole Shobdon estate to his eldest son, William (1695-1744) who was 23 at the time.

William Bateman 1695-1744

William married Anne Spencer in 1720, daughter of Charles Spencer the 3rd Duke of Sutherland and master of Althorp and granddaughter of John Churchill, the First Duke of Marlborough, and during the next twenty seven years William extended the extensive land holdings to include much of Kingsland, Wigmore, Aymestrey and Lingen. He became MP for Leominster and in 1725 George 1 gave him an Irish Peerage and he became Baron Culmore and First Viscount Bateman. In 1732 he became a Knight of the Order of the Bath. Unfortunately, his marriage did not last and they separated in 1738 – William died in Paris some six years later, and his heart is buried at Shobdon.

John Bateman 1721-1802

William’s oldest son John, born 1721, took on the management of the estate along with his uncle Richard (William’s brother), however John was rarely there being busy in London, so Richard (died 1773) ran things at Shobdon and organised the demolition of the Norman church and the building of a new one. The reasons for this are not known, but it is very sad that they destroyed one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the country – however, the new one is equally important. Lord John Bateman died in 1802 at the age of 80.

William Hanbury/Bateman 1780-1845

Neither Richard nor Lord John had heirs, and the Estate passed to William Hanbury (1780-1845) of Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire in 1802…….he was descended from Sir James Bateman on the female line. It was not until 1837 that Mr. Hanbury became a peer, so for a gap of 35 years there was no Lord Bateman at Shobdon. In order to formalise the title, William had to change his name to Bateman-Hanbury.

William Bateman 1826-1931

The Second Baron Bateman, William (1826-1901) son of the above, took the title of Lord on the death of his father in 1845 and was Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire for nearly 50 years, being involved in the life of the county as well as the Shobdon Estate. He loved hunting, and owned a racehorse, which perhaps hints at a lavish lifestyle…….certainly his finances dwindled to the point where Shobdon had to be heavily mortgaged. Even though he had to live more frugally, he still did exemplary public works in his post of Lord Lieutenant. He died in London in 1901 and his body was buried at Shobdon amongst much grieving.

William Bateman 1856-1931

The Third Baron Bateman, yet another William (1856-1931) was the eldest of eleven children and took on the title at the age of 45 when his father died in 1901 – when he died in 1931 and the Bateman dynasty ended. Slowly but surely the estate was broken up as money became tighter and tighter and these days very little of the big house remains except for the former servant’s wing.

Shobdon has a thriving airfield with a fascinating history dating back to WW2. In 1940 due to the urgent need for more airfields a new one was made between Shobdon and Pembridge in the north of Herefordshire; the runways were grass, and it was the immediate home for Westland Lysander and Fairey Battle support planes.
The following year the airfield saw the addition of buildings and hangars, and the runway was upgraded and widened. It was then renamed Shobdon Airfield.
Once the work was completed, No. 5 Glider Training School arrived, and it became a hugely important contribution to training glider pilots during the war.

Churches of Shobdon

• St. John the Evangelist Church - Shobdon

  The most amazing little church…..one is struck by the sheer fairy tale quality of the interior, although this description rather demeans the beauty

  The following was written in 1854:

  “The Shobdon doorways are remarkable instances of the triumph of genius, in giving expression to an imagination which, throwing off all the trammels of the past, sought out in the sacred writings a new field over which it might range undisturbed.

  That the old church of Shobdon is not of Norman origin is clear, not only from an attentive examination of its design and structure, but also from historical records.

  In the reign of King Stephen, one Hugh de Mortimer requested the architect who had built a church in Paris which pleased him vastly, to come over to Shobdon and erect a similar one.  This architect was a Byzantine, or Greek, and the church was completed under his superintendence.

  The old church no longer exists, having been pulled down a few years since in order to erect a new one on its site.  By the exertions of Mr. Lewis, the act of vandalism was arrested before the old doorways were completely destroyed, and Lord Bateman, struck by their extraordinary character, caused them to be safely removed to his park where they were set up.”

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Fonts

   

  This font  is of Romanesque origin, embellished with four lions nose to tail

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
  View showing lid

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   
  Victorian Font, given to the church when the original twelfth century font was thought to be out of keeping with the church

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Memorials

  Sacred to the memory of John, Lord Viscount Bateman, Baron of Culmore in the Kingdom of Ireland. One of His Majesty’s most honourable Privy Council and many years Lord Lieutenant of this County. His virtues did honour to human nature, he was generous and charitable without ostentation; of elegant manners, friendly and hospitable. He lived revered and died lamented by all who had the happiness of knowing his worth. In grateful remembrance of the many benefits received from him, this monument was caused to be erected by his near kinsmen, and, through his munificence the present possessor of this Estate.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Epitaph to John Handford

  Died 5th July 1778 aged 18

  Look, reader, on this stone with weeping eye,

  Twill serve thee as a glass to dress thee by.

  Twill show thee thy true face, altho’ though be

  At the highest pitch of frail mortality;

  This brave young man had all this life could give,

  And since he’s dead, canst thou presume to live?

  From death, nor with, nor youth, nor art can save;

  Go reader, and prepare thee for they grave.

  Read More >

Buildings in Shobdon

• Shobdon Court History

  Shobdon Court was built in the early 18th century when it was bought from Robert Chaplin by Sir James Bateman, and was similar in design to Clarendon House in London; it was hugely improved in the mid 1800s, and then further altered towards the end of the 19th century.

   

  Description of Shobdon Court

  The house was quadrangular, and built of brick, sitting on the side of a hill with extensive views over glorious countryside. The grounds were wonderfully parklike, with many woods and lakes. Many of the trees were fine specimens, including an enormous beech tree, and the flower gardens were impressive too, and contained many rustic baskets filled with plants – made by a Mr. Mearns who was gardener at the Court for many years.

   
  The kitchen garden was fairly close to the mansion, but hidden from it by the stables and servants quarters, and although the soil was reported to be good the steepness of the slope on which it was situated must have made life hard for the gardeners and for the kitchen staff!
  A rather scathing description went thus:
  “The arrangement of its area is much after the usual fashion, except that the melon ground is not detached as in most gardens, but its unsightly dung beds stand in company with several paltry little vine and pine pits, in one of the most conspicuous parts of the garden. There is likewise, a small space devoted to flowers by the side of the main walk that leads to the hot houses. The principal hot houses stand against the north boundary wall. Formerly, these consisted of a large greenhouse, a peach house for early forcing and a vinery for late grapes. Lately however, the ugly old greenhouse has been taken down and a spacious handsome new building erected in its stead under the direction of Mr. Crogan the present gardener.”
  Sadly it was demolished in 1933, although the Georgian brick stables, dovecote and gate piers remain intact.

  News from Shobdon Court

  Sir James Bateman 1660 -1780

  Sir James Bateman – the wealthy financier

  Sir James Bateman was a hugely successful financier, and clearly had an impressive head for business from an early age, learning much of his trade from his father. In the mid 1600s he lived in Alicante where he made a great deal of money trading wine; following this he returned to London to further swell his coffers by importing wine.
  As his wealth grew, he became one of the founding Directors of the Bank of England in 1694, and in the following year, possibly thinking that being an MP would be helpful in his quest for influence and power, he stood against Sir Edward Seymour, Tory candidate for Totnes but suffered a crushing defeat.

  House of Commons Inquiry into Bateman’s involvement with the Company of Scotland

  In 1695 there was a House of Commons inquiry which told of James Bateman’s contradictory answers regarding his involvement in the Company of Scotland, and eventually he was found guilty of several crimes. A Committee was ordered to serve impeachements on him, but somehow this never happened and everything was swept under the carpet.
  James became a founding Director of the New East India Company and was subsequently knighted, but he still hankered after being an MP and stood at St. Mawes – he failed again.

  More dodgy dealings by Sir James Bateman

  On the death of his father in 1704, he inherited vast amounts of property (as if he wasn’t wealthy enough!) and went on to buy the manor of Shobdon which he took as his own country seat.
  Sir James continued to campaign as a Whig candidate, but at the next election once again suffered defeat, however his strong friendship with Robert Harley (who wanted James’ money to fund the government in the City) eventually caused strings to be pulled in the background, and when Ilchester came up for grabs in the election, Harley made sure that James won the seat – rather an achievement when James wasn’t even there, but it ensured that he helped out with the finances.

  Death of Sir James Bateman

  Sir James died of “gout of the stomach” in Soho Square in 1718, – he left a vast sum of money and many valuable properties, one of which, Shobdon Court, he left to his eldest son William, who became a Viscount.
  His son, John, the second Viscount, gave the care of the estate to his brother Richard who took it upon himself to renovate Shobdon church in 1751. When John died, the title of Viscount died with him, and Shobdon estate passed to William Hanbury, a relative.
  William Hanbury’s wife gave birth to a son at Shobdon Court in 1835, and the estate was passed down through this family who added Bateman to their name (Bateman-Hanbury), until the third Lord Bateman died in 1931. He had suffered a long illness and passed away in a Paris nursing home at the age of 75.
  By his death the peerage became extinct as his only brother and heir presumptive, the Hon, Charles Stanhope Melville Bateman Hanbury had died a short time before.

  Coach Parcel lost in 1833

  “A hamper of game and fruit was sent from the seat of W. Hanbury Esq., Shobdon Court, by the Coronet Coach from the Lion Inn, Leominster, directed to a gentleman in North Wales, which was never received. The disappointment to the parties was of much more consequence than the loss of the contents, and Mr. Hanbury was determined to make the proprietors pay the value of the articles lost, or an action would immediately be commenced. On Friday, all expenses were paid by one of the proprietors of the above coach.”

  Lord and Lady Bateman set a noble example in 1840

  In 1840, Lord and Lady Bateman gave a dinner to the 40 girls and boys of their school at Christmas; also to the poor of the neighbourhood of Shobdon Court, a fat cow.
  They weekly distributed to the poor, good soup and a hundred weight of coal.
  It was reported that “His Lordship has ordered the wages of the agricultural labourers to be raised to 10s per week…….these great acts of benevolence are above all praise.”

  Flood at Shobdon Court in 1849

  Near to Shobdon Court there were several ornamental lakes and pools, one of which was remarkable for the “ sombre character of the sylvan shade that at all times spreads a gloom and stillness over its waters.” Another was described as being like a canal.

  Heavy rain starts the flood

  A night of very heavy rain filled the upper pools faster than the gutters for waste water could remove it, and it eventually burst the embankment of one pool. The water rushed down into a lower pool and then on into the fish pool of Rev. W. Wareing. It then thundered on to the Batemans Arms Inn, after which it took away the parapet of a bridge; destroyed a stone wall and swept away a horse and cart – although thankfully the horse was later rescued safely. The water swept on, and cleared a dairy of all the contents, as well as sweeping clean a barn floor which held the produce of four days work with the flail.
  A witness described the flood as being “like a lot of hogsheads rolling over one another”.
  A man at work in the barn became worried enough to secure his cider bottle before making his escape via a wall to the top of a fence post. Eventually the flood receded , and in relief he started swigging from his cider bottle as he sat on his post awaiting rescue. What a lovely picture!

  Fire at Shobdon Court in 1854

  Off one corner of the main building is another block containing offices; kitchens and servants apartments and it was here that the fire started. The estate secretary, Mr. Laver, was sitting in his office during the early evening, when he heard a crackling noise, and on going outside saw smoke and flames coming from the roof. Many female servants were in this building, so Mr. Laver immediately telegraphed to Leominster for the fire brigade – some eight miles away.
  Mr. Laver removed important papers and books, and some documents of enormous value, was well as managing to save some of the furniture. (No mention of saving the servants though!)

  Spectators at the fire help to contain it

  The commotion and alarm attracted hundreds of spectators and many of them volunteered to form a line to the horse pool some forty yards away, and soon buckets of water were being rapidly passed hand to hand up to the building, where men on ladders were waiting the throw the water over the flames. For three long hours they kept up this exhausting work, and managed to contain the fire somewhat until the fire brigade arrived.

  Melancholy suicide of husband of Lord Bateman’s sister

  In 1857 it was reported as “a very painful event, which in its associations challenges the sympathy of our readers for the members of a distinguished county family”.
  Major Warburton M.P. for the borough of Harwich, shot himself at his house at Frant. A doctor was quickly called, but he was superfluous as the Major was dead. He was a brother of Eliot Warburton, and a retired Major of Artillery; he married in 1853 the Hon Elizabeth Augusta Hanbury, daughter of the first and sister of the present Lord Bateman, Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire.
  He was only 41, and apart from his political position was a writer of some success, being the author of “Hochelaga” and “The Conquest of Canada” (no, I have never heard of them either).

  Shobdon Court following Transformation in 1858

  The Right Hon. Lord Bateman undertook a project to entirely transform Shobdon Court – the 17th century house was formerly of red brick and was just a block with an underground passage connecting it to another block which housed the offices. As will be seen, he might just as well have pulled the place down entirely and started again from scratch.

  The new additions

  New erections included a dairy; larders; sheds for coal and wood; a washhouse; drying room; laundry; brew house etc. A steam boiler was installed in the wash house, which was to heat the hot closets and plates in the kitchen, as well as to boil meat and vegetables in the scullery and to heat the drying room. It would also boil 500 gallons of water in the cistern at the top of the ventilation tower. However, the most important use of all for this boiler was to serve the wash and brew houses; it was intended to boil the clothes by steam, the tube having a steam jacket round it for this purpose, dispensing altogether with coppers. The fire under the boiler would also be used to heat the fixed iron plate which heated the flat irons in the laundry.
  The brewing house was thoroughly renovated and brought up to date so that manual labour was minimised.
  In the main house, all fittings etc. were made to be as convenient as possible, and pipes were run from the still room fire to the various housemaids’ closets, bath rooms and sinks in the butler’s pantry to provide hot water.

  A new water supply for Shobdon Court

  The house was supplied with water from a reservoir up on the hill, which ran into a large tank in the roof and from there supplied to all parts of the building, and numerous fire plugs were fixed on the outside of the house which owing to the height of the reservoir, made the use of fire engines unnecessary.

  Inside Shobdon Court totally refurbished

  All the old chimney shafts were replaced with new brick, and cornice, open parapets, pedestals and finials were added to both the main house and the offices. All brickwork was painted and pointed, and windows were renovated with the old frames and sashes being removed and replaced with new wainscoat oak frames and single sheets of glass. The slates and timber of the roof was removed, and the floor boards and timbers replaced which enabled the height of the rooms to be increased by 2ft 6 inches. All of the plaster work was renewed, and many of the ceilings were replaced with costly and elegant designs.

   
  Most of the doors, shutters, architrave mouldings, skirtings etc. were replaced, and the floors were laid with polished oak with parquet borders. The principal staircase was taken down, with a new dining room being formed out of the old staircase and billiard room (the drawing room became the billiard room). The old dining room and serving rooms became a drawing room and a boudoir.
  The old entrance hall was turned into a saloon, with a huge skylight which was an absolute work of art.

   
  At the new carriage entrance, a stone porch was built with an arcade on either side, and on the south front a vast terrace was built supported by wrought iron girders, and formed of a number of stone arches with cornice and open balustrades and flower vases on the pedestals. A flight of seven steps led down from the library door to the centre of the terrace, at each end of which was a flight of 20 wide and impressive steps connecting to the flower gardens.

   
  The entire cost was estimated to be around £20,000, and amongst those involved were:
  Messrs Ruddle and Thompson of Peterborough – general contractors
  Messrs Haden of Trowbridge – hot water pipe supplier
  Thomas of Birmingham – bell suppliers and hangers
  Eunson of Wolverhampton – gas pipes and fittings
  Hodgkin of Birmingham – iron tanks and skylights
  Mr. Alexander Milne of Northampton – Architect

  Fatal Accident at Shobdon Court during Transformation

  In 1857, one of the workmen employed at Shobdon Court to effect the renovations met with a fatal accident.

  The tragic decision

  At the front of the building a brick arch was being erected, which in accordance with common custom was supported at the centre by a temporary framework of wood which was removed once the masonry had thoroughly set. However, because this framework was deemed to be needed elsewhere, they decided to remove it early and a number of men set about removing it. They didn’t get very far before the whole of the centre of the arch collapsed burying several men in stone.

  The frantic effort to save lives

  Word travelled fast back to Leominster where the families of most of the workmen lived, and in no time crowds of hysterical relatives turned up turning the scene into chaos and confusion. Eventually though, the uninjured workmen collected themselves and set about trying to free their colleagues – sadly two were already dead, one from suffocation and the other from multiple injuries, but six were rescued alive although badly hurt.
  The two men who died were Edward Ellis and Thomas Jones; the injured men being Mr. Inch, foreman of carpenters; Richard Evans, Edward Morris, George Shore, William Bruce and one other.
  It was reported that “every attention was paid to the sufferings of the survivors, whose groans were scarcely less painful than the distress of those who were bereaved by the accident”.

  The inquest

  The inquest was duly held before the Coroner N. Lanwarne Esq. and the following jurymen:
  Hon. & Rev. Arthur A.B.Hanbury; Messrs. John Davies, James Irvine, Richard Galliers, Thomas Edwards, Peter Evans, James, Chapman, Richard Middleton, Thomas Seagrave, John Preece, Richard Yapp, John Woodrow and Thomas Skidmore.
  The jury were taken to view the bodies, and witnesses gave their account of the event, with two bricklayers saying that they had done nothing untoward or wrong by removing the wooden framework so soon.

  The verdict

  The Coroner addressed the jury and after deliberation they returned verdicts of Accidental Death, with the expression of opinion that Mr. Todd should be cautioned not to use so much haste in striking arches under similar circumstances in the future.
  In 1858 Election Intelligence reported that Captain the Hon. Charles Spencer Bateman Hanbury of Shobdon Court was elected for Leominster.

   

  1847 – The Coming of Age of the Right Honourable Lord Bateman

   

  The celebrations for this event had been going on for some considerable time,  and finally it was time for the festivities to centre on the “peasantry” and surrounding villages.

   

  This is a wonderful snapshot of what constituted entertainment in the 1800s – what a shame that such days are now a thing of the past.

   

  The day dawned pleasantly enough, but by 9 in the morning the rain began and for a while the activities were confined to indoors where the men were delighted to make use of the billiard table.  By early afternoon though, the rain cleared and the park guns were fired to summon the locals.  Much ale was handed out from the cellars of Shobdon Court.

   

  The sports were held on The Hays, a part of Shobdon Park;  there was huge merriment on account of the now slippery ground.

  Gurning Competition

  Firstly, three “hideous looking fellows” grinned through horse collars with painted faces as they competed with each other for the worst face;   next came a ladies’ race, then the climbing of a greasy pole which proved to be rather a challenge – one chap used sand to try to gain more grip  but he still descended more rapidly than he went up!

  Donkeyaster St. Leger

  The fourth event was the Donkeyaster St. Leger which was open to any UK donkey;  each man or lady had to ride each other’s donkeys.  Three lovely animals with zebra painted stripes took part and there was great hilarity when one of the riders was unseated at speed.

  Wheelbarrow Race

  Next came a wheelbarrow race with five competitors who were blindfolded then led in a circle several times before starting at the word “off”.  They all went off in different directions and one poor chap took his barrow straight into the very cold lake.  Two managed to reach the goal, but being neck and neck managed to become hopelessly tangle with each other.

  Pig Race

  A well greased little pig, know for its speed, was released to gallop up the course to the top of the park.  Although there were many chasers at the start, few were left after a mile and the pig returned triumphant.  No person was allowed to catch the pig by any method except by the tail, and teeth were banned!

  Another Donkey Race

  Jockeys had to ride facing backwards – four donkeys took part, and only one rider managed to stay on board for the whole course.

  Jumping in Sacks

  For half a crown, competitors had to travel 50 yards in their sacks;  7 took part but only three finished.

   

  There followed a race across the lake in brewing tubs;  bobbing for oranges;  hurdle races for men and then ladies;  and dipping in a treacle dish for sixpences with tied hands.

   

   

  Farm at Shobdon Court

  In 1891, Lord Bateman gave up his home farm along with his famous and celebrated herd of Hereford cattle and a superior flock of Shropshire sheep.
  The Shobdon herd of Herefords was one of the oldest in the country, and represented the famous Oxhouse blood.
  Marriage of Lord Bateman 1904
  The betrothment of Lord Bateman to Mrs. Henry C. Knapp of New York City was announced

  Shobdon Court Household 1851

  John Wills	53	Butler b. Westminster
  John Skye	27	Under Butler
  William Elliott	25	Footman b. Gloucester
  George Stokes	34	Servant b. Hereford
  Mary Baily	35	Housekeeper b. Westminster
  Charlotte Barrington	73	Visitor b. London
  Sarah Yeomans	39	Laundry Maid b. Hereford
  Martha Bird	27	Kitchen Maid b. Leominster, Herefordshire
  Catherine Newman	22	Housemaid b. Salisbury
  Ann Wall	22	Housemaid b. Hereford
  Jane Hodges	22	Dairymaid b. Hereford

  Shobdon Court Household 1871

  William B.B. Hanbury	44	Peer of the Realm b. Northamptonshire
  Lady Agnes B. Bateman	38	Wife b. London Middlesex
  Maud F.B. Hanbury	15	Daughter b. London, Middlesex
  William S.B. Hanbury	14	Son b. London, Middlesex
  Evelyn A.B. Hanbury	12	Daughter b. London, Middlesex
  Edward R.B. Hanbury	11	Son b. London, Middlesex
  Gertrude E.B. Hanbury	10	Daughter b. London, Middlesex
  Walter B. Hanbury	8	Son b. London, Middlesex
  A.R.B. Hanbury	4	Daughter b. London, Middlesex
  Geoffrey B. Hanbury	2	Son b. London, Middlesex
  Margaret C.B. Hanbury	1	Daughter b. London, Middlesex
  Louisa Smith	30	Governess, b. London, Middlesex
  Frederick Cook	23	Shorthand Secretary b. South Cerney, Gloucestershire
  John Giles	46	Butler
  Samuel Sword	27	Under Butler b. Norfolk
  Arthur ?	21	Footman, b. Boston
  John Millington	31	Gardener b. Chester
  Hannah Moxley	65	Housekeeper b. Flixton, Suffolk
  Jeanette Corbett	31	Lady’s Maid b. Rotheram, Yorkshire
  Hannah Evans	40	Head Nurse b. Shobdon, Herefordshire
  Mary Gravenor	17	Nurse b. Wigmore, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Madger	17	Schoolroom Maid b. Dresden, Germany
  Mary Rothrow	27	Housemaid b. Shobdon, Herefordshire
  Emma Stanton	25	Housemaid b. London
  Marion Rowling	19	Housemaid b. Lancashire

  At this point on the census page, someone has stuck a piece of paper over the names of the remaining servants with the name of someone who was omitted from the schedule.  It is particularly annoying because beneath the names that it covers is an acre of blank paper where it could have been put without causing any harm.

  Shobdon Court Household 1881

  Maud F.B. Hanbury	25	Peer’s daughter, head in charge, b. London, Middlesex
  Evelyn A.B. Hanbury	22	Peer’s daughter, sister, b. London, Middlesex
  Gertrude E.B. Hanbury	20	Peer’s daughter, sister, b. London, Middlesex
  Rachel A.S.D. Hanbury	5	Peer’s daughter, sister, b. Shobdon, Herefordshire
  Mary Walton	42	Lady’s Maid b. Marylebone, Middlesex
  Rachel Coster Farmer	53	Housekeeper b. Oswestry, Salop
  Emily Webster	18	Lady’s Maid b. Suffolk
  Emily Maria Harford	29	Housemaid b. Hampstead, Middlesex
  Anne Francis	21	Housemaid b. Church Stretton, Herefordshire
  Eliza A. Fulcher	17	Housemaid b. Ely, Cambridgeshire
  Annie Maria Lewis	16	Housemaid b. Clehonger, Herefordshire
  Mary Nash	18	Schoolroom Maid b. Radnorshire
  Laura Agnes Holland	15	Stillroom Maid b. Almeley, Herefordshire
  Eliza Overton	26	Kitchenmaid b. Staffordshire
  Mary Ann Banks	20	Scullery Maid b. Bromfield, Salop
  Sarah Keay	31	Laundry Maid b. Upton Magna, Salop
  Elizabeth Price	25	Laundry Maid b. Kings Pyon, Herefordshire
  Hannah Evans	21	Laundry Maid b. Upton Magna, Salop
  William Denham	27	Private Secretary b. Clerkenwell, Middlesex
  Samuel Dennis Little	32	Butler b. Hanley Castle, Worcestershire
  John Exall	20	Usher b. Withington, Herefordshire
  Walter James Brace	13	Butler’s boy b. Eardisland, Herefordshire
  William B. Gledhill	27	Boarder, Organ Builder b. Dewsbury, Yorkshire

   

  Shobdon Court Household 1891

  William Bateman	64	Peer of the Realm b. London
  William Laver	29	Private Secretary to Lord Bateman, b. Woburn Place, London
  Arabella Brown	51	Cook b. Hertfordshire
  Mary Petrice	38	Laundrymaid b. Scotland
  Annie J. Hopton	30	Housemaid b. Puddleston, Herefordshire
  Mary Fenton	21	Kitchenmaid b. Herefordshire
  Catherine ?	19	Under Housemaid
  William Almond	30	Butler b. Herefordshire
  William Jones	20	Footman
  Henry Garrood	21	Usher of the Hall, b. Suffolk

  Shobdon Court Household 1901

  Lord Bateman	74	Peer of the Realm
  Frank Clarke	26	Man Servant b. Axminster, Devon
  Alfred H. Gingell	15	Page Boy b. Newent, Gloucestershire
  William Donovan	60	Odd Man b. St. Georges East, London
  Annie J. Hopton	39	Housemaid b. Leominster, Herefordshire
  Florence Porah	20	Housemaid b. Denbigshire
  Mary Elliott	28	Laundrymaid b. Putney, Surrey
  Bertha Jones	23	Kitchenmaid b. Denbighshire

   

  Shobdon Court Household 1911

  Annie Jane Hopton	b. 1862 Puddleston, Herefordshire	Housekeeper
  Martha Armitage	b. 1869 Enfield, Middlesex	Laundry Maid

  Shobdon Court Household 1921

  B.R. Langham	b. 1886 Cambridgeshire	Butler
  M. Young	b. 1864 Glamorganshire, Wales	Cook
  C. Mansfield	b. 1898 Norfolk	Gamekeeper

  Read More >

People of Shobdon

• Bateman family of Shobdon

  The Batemans were possibly the most important Shobdon family.

   

  James Bateman 1660-1718

  James Bateman bought the Shobdon Estate in 1705 from Sir Robert Chaplin for the, then, vast sum of £30.428, and was already important in London society, having been Lord Mayor; Director of the Bank of England, Deputy Governor of the South Sea Company; an MP and Sheriff of London, and Director of the East India Company. Sir James Bateman replaced the old Jacobean Shobdon Court with a Palladian style mansion, which stood close to the church until 1933 when it was demolished. Sir James died in 1718 and was buried with splendid ceremony at night in Surrey at the Church of Tooting Graveney – he bequeathed the whole Shobdon estate to his eldest son, William (1695-1744) who was 23 at the time.

  William Bateman 1695-1744

  William married Anne Spencer in 1720, daughter of Charles Spencer the 3rd Duke of Sutherland and master of Althorp and granddaughter of John Churchill, the First Duke of Marlborough, and during the next twenty seven years William extended the extensive land holdings to include much of Kingsland, Wigmore, Aymestrey and Lingen. He became MP for Leominster and in 1725 George 1 gave him an Irish Peerage and he became Baron Culmore and First Viscount Bateman. In 1732 he became a Knight of the Order of the Bath. Unfortunately, his marriage did not last and they separated in 1738 – William died in Paris some six years later, and his heart is buried at Shobdon.

  John Bateman 1721-1802

  William’s oldest son John, born 1721, took on the management of the estate along with his uncle Richard (William’s brother), however John was rarely there being busy in London, so Richard (died 1773) ran things at Shobdon and organised the demolition of the Norman church and the building of a new one. The reasons for this are not known, but it is very sad that they destroyed one of the most beautiful Romanesque churches in the country – however, the new one is equally important. Lord John Bateman died in 1802 at the age of 80.

  William Hanbury/Bateman 1780-1845

  Neither Richard nor Lord John had heirs, and the Estate passed to William Hanbury (1780-1845) of Kelmarsh Hall in Northamptonshire in 1802…….he was descended from Sir James Bateman on the female line. It was not until 1837 that Mr. Hanbury became a peer, so for a gap of 35 years there was no Lord Bateman at Shobdon. In order to formalise the title, William had to change his name to Bateman-Hanbury.

  William Bateman 1826-1931

  The Second Baron Bateman, William (1826-1901) son of the above, took the title of Lord on the death of his father in 1845 and was Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire for nearly 50 years, being involved in the life of the county as well as the Shobdon Estate. He loved hunting, and owned a racehorse, which perhaps hints at a lavish lifestyle…….certainly his finances dwindled to the point where Shobdon had to be heavily mortgaged. Even though he had to live more frugally, he still did exemplary public works in his post of Lord Lieutenant. He died in London in 1901 and his body was buried at Shobdon amongst much grieving.

  William Bateman 1856-1931

  The Third Baron Bateman, yet another William (1856-1931) was the eldest of eleven children and took on the title at the age of 45 when his father died in 1901 – when he died in 1931 and the Bateman dynasty ended. Slowly but surely the estate was broken up as money became tighter and tighter and these days very little of the big house remains except for the former servant’s wing.

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News from the Past Shobdon

• Shobdon News from the Past

  Perils of childbirth etc.

  1798 – Advertisement for Country Housekeeper

  Wanted at Shobdon Court, a Country Housekeeper – she must have lived in a family and have had the care of a house and house linen, and understand the overlooking of the poultry and dairy.

  None but those who can have an unexceptionable character from their last place, need apply.

  1846 – Death After Childbirth

  Charlotte Jones, aged 20, became pregnant with an illegitimate child whilst in the service of Mr. Stephens of Evenjobb, but when her condition became obvious she went home to her parents in Shobdon.

  When she went into labour one Saturday, she refused to go to bed and remained in the kitchen where she eventually gave birth on the floor twenty four hours later.  Within ten minutes she was dead.

  Her mother, Mary Jones, said that Charlotte was so exhausted after the birth that she could neither eat nor drink, and the verdict of the jury at the inquest was that she died because of the circumstances.

  The Coroner severely reprimanded both parents of the dead girl, saying that they had exhibited gross negligence in not sending for medical help, and for allowing her to give birth on the kitchen floor instead of in bed.

  1861 – Christmas Benefaction

  For many years it had been the custom in Shobdon for the poor of the neighbourhood to be given an ox and some sheep at Christmas.

  In 1861 “the noble Lord Leiutenant exceeded the generosity of his ancestors”, and on Christmas Eve he arranged for an ox and a quarter, plus twelve fat sheep to be distributed to 174 poor families.

  1862 – Theft of Turkeys from Shobdon Court

  Forty nine young turkeys were taken from Shobdon Court, the seat of Lord Bateman, then not long afterwards another twenty three disappeared.

  Sergeant Dykes of the police led a thorough investigation into the matter, but were somewhat hampered by the insistence of locals that the young fowls were taken by rats, weasels and foxes.

  The locals further pushed their point by telling of when a colony of rats carried off a litter of suckling pigs!

  Call me a cynic, but one wonders how many locals were secretly rearing a bird for Christmas that year.

   

  Read More >

Description of Shobdon Court

The house was quadrangular, and built of brick, sitting on the side of a hill with extensive views over glorious countryside. The grounds were wonderfully parklike, with many woods and lakes. Many of the trees were fine specimens, including an enormous beech tree, and the flower gardens were impressive too, and contained many rustic baskets filled with plants – made by a Mr. Mearns who was gardener at the Court for many years.

 
The kitchen garden was fairly close to the mansion, but hidden from it by the stables and servants quarters, and although the soil was reported to be good the steepness of the slope on which it was situated must have made life hard for the gardeners and for the kitchen staff!
A rather scathing description went thus:
“The arrangement of its area is much after the usual fashion, except that the melon ground is not detached as in most gardens, but its unsightly dung beds stand in company with several paltry little vine and pine pits, in one of the most conspicuous parts of the garden. There is likewise, a small space devoted to flowers by the side of the main walk that leads to the hot houses. The principal hot houses stand against the north boundary wall. Formerly, these consisted of a large greenhouse, a peach house for early forcing and a vinery for late grapes. Lately however, the ugly old greenhouse has been taken down and a spacious handsome new building erected in its stead under the direction of Mr. Crogan the present gardener.”
Sadly it was demolished in 1933, although the Georgian brick stables, dovecote and gate piers remain intact.

News from Shobdon Court

Sir James Bateman 1660 -1780

Sir James Bateman – the wealthy financier

Sir James Bateman was a hugely successful financier, and clearly had an impressive head for business from an early age, learning much of his trade from his father. In the mid 1600s he lived in Alicante where he made a great deal of money trading wine; following this he returned to London to further swell his coffers by importing wine.
As his wealth grew, he became one of the founding Directors of the Bank of England in 1694, and in the following year, possibly thinking that being an MP would be helpful in his quest for influence and power, he stood against Sir Edward Seymour, Tory candidate for Totnes but suffered a crushing defeat.

House of Commons Inquiry into Bateman’s involvement with the Company of Scotland

In 1695 there was a House of Commons inquiry which told of James Bateman’s contradictory answers regarding his involvement in the Company of Scotland, and eventually he was found guilty of several crimes. A Committee was ordered to serve impeachements on him, but somehow this never happened and everything was swept under the carpet.
James became a founding Director of the New East India Company and was subsequently knighted, but he still hankered after being an MP and stood at St. Mawes – he failed again.

More dodgy dealings by Sir James Bateman

On the death of his father in 1704, he inherited vast amounts of property (as if he wasn’t wealthy enough!) and went on to buy the manor of Shobdon which he took as his own country seat.
Sir James continued to campaign as a Whig candidate, but at the next election once again suffered defeat, however his strong friendship with Robert Harley (who wanted James’ money to fund the government in the City) eventually caused strings to be pulled in the background, and when Ilchester came up for grabs in the election, Harley made sure that James won the seat – rather an achievement when James wasn’t even there, but it ensured that he helped out with the finances.

Death of Sir James Bateman

Sir James died of “gout of the stomach” in Soho Square in 1718, – he left a vast sum of money and many valuable properties, one of which, Shobdon Court, he left to his eldest son William, who became a Viscount.
His son, John, the second Viscount, gave the care of the estate to his brother Richard who took it upon himself to renovate Shobdon church in 1751. When John died, the title of Viscount died with him, and Shobdon estate passed to William Hanbury, a relative.
William Hanbury’s wife gave birth to a son at Shobdon Court in 1835, and the estate was passed down through this family who added Bateman to their name (Bateman-Hanbury), until the third Lord Bateman died in 1931. He had suffered a long illness and passed away in a Paris nursing home at the age of 75.
By his death the peerage became extinct as his only brother and heir presumptive, the Hon, Charles Stanhope Melville Bateman Hanbury had died a short time before.

Coach Parcel lost in 1833

“A hamper of game and fruit was sent from the seat of W. Hanbury Esq., Shobdon Court, by the Coronet Coach from the Lion Inn, Leominster, directed to a gentleman in North Wales, which was never received. The disappointment to the parties was of much more consequence than the loss of the contents, and Mr. Hanbury was determined to make the proprietors pay the value of the articles lost, or an action would immediately be commenced. On Friday, all expenses were paid by one of the proprietors of the above coach.”

Lord and Lady Bateman set a noble example in 1840

In 1840, Lord and Lady Bateman gave a dinner to the 40 girls and boys of their school at Christmas; also to the poor of the neighbourhood of Shobdon Court, a fat cow.
They weekly distributed to the poor, good soup and a hundred weight of coal.
It was reported that “His Lordship has ordered the wages of the agricultural labourers to be raised to 10s per week…….these great acts of benevolence are above all praise.”

Flood at Shobdon Court in 1849

Near to Shobdon Court there were several ornamental lakes and pools, one of which was remarkable for the “ sombre character of the sylvan shade that at all times spreads a gloom and stillness over its waters.” Another was described as being like a canal.

Heavy rain starts the flood

A night of very heavy rain filled the upper pools faster than the gutters for waste water could remove it, and it eventually burst the embankment of one pool. The water rushed down into a lower pool and then on into the fish pool of Rev. W. Wareing. It then thundered on to the Batemans Arms Inn, after which it took away the parapet of a bridge; destroyed a stone wall and swept away a horse and cart – although thankfully the horse was later rescued safely. The water swept on, and cleared a dairy of all the contents, as well as sweeping clean a barn floor which held the produce of four days work with the flail.
A witness described the flood as being “like a lot of hogsheads rolling over one another”.
A man at work in the barn became worried enough to secure his cider bottle before making his escape via a wall to the top of a fence post. Eventually the flood receded , and in relief he started swigging from his cider bottle as he sat on his post awaiting rescue. What a lovely picture!

Fire at Shobdon Court in 1854

Off one corner of the main building is another block containing offices; kitchens and servants apartments and it was here that the fire started. The estate secretary, Mr. Laver, was sitting in his office during the early evening, when he heard a crackling noise, and on going outside saw smoke and flames coming from the roof. Many female servants were in this building, so Mr. Laver immediately telegraphed to Leominster for the fire brigade – some eight miles away.
Mr. Laver removed important papers and books, and some documents of enormous value, was well as managing to save some of the furniture. (No mention of saving the servants though!)

Spectators at the fire help to contain it

The commotion and alarm attracted hundreds of spectators and many of them volunteered to form a line to the horse pool some forty yards away, and soon buckets of water were being rapidly passed hand to hand up to the building, where men on ladders were waiting the throw the water over the flames. For three long hours they kept up this exhausting work, and managed to contain the fire somewhat until the fire brigade arrived.

Melancholy suicide of husband of Lord Bateman’s sister

In 1857 it was reported as “a very painful event, which in its associations challenges the sympathy of our readers for the members of a distinguished county family”.
Major Warburton M.P. for the borough of Harwich, shot himself at his house at Frant. A doctor was quickly called, but he was superfluous as the Major was dead. He was a brother of Eliot Warburton, and a retired Major of Artillery; he married in 1853 the Hon Elizabeth Augusta Hanbury, daughter of the first and sister of the present Lord Bateman, Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire.
He was only 41, and apart from his political position was a writer of some success, being the author of “Hochelaga” and “The Conquest of Canada” (no, I have never heard of them either).

Shobdon Court following Transformation in 1858

The Right Hon. Lord Bateman undertook a project to entirely transform Shobdon Court – the 17th century house was formerly of red brick and was just a block with an underground passage connecting it to another block which housed the offices. As will be seen, he might just as well have pulled the place down entirely and started again from scratch.

The new additions

New erections included a dairy; larders; sheds for coal and wood; a washhouse; drying room; laundry; brew house etc. A steam boiler was installed in the wash house, which was to heat the hot closets and plates in the kitchen, as well as to boil meat and vegetables in the scullery and to heat the drying room. It would also boil 500 gallons of water in the cistern at the top of the ventilation tower. However, the most important use of all for this boiler was to serve the wash and brew houses; it was intended to boil the clothes by steam, the tube having a steam jacket round it for this purpose, dispensing altogether with coppers. The fire under the boiler would also be used to heat the fixed iron plate which heated the flat irons in the laundry.
The brewing house was thoroughly renovated and brought up to date so that manual labour was minimised.
In the main house, all fittings etc. were made to be as convenient as possible, and pipes were run from the still room fire to the various housemaids’ closets, bath rooms and sinks in the butler’s pantry to provide hot water.

A new water supply for Shobdon Court

The house was supplied with water from a reservoir up on the hill, which ran into a large tank in the roof and from there supplied to all parts of the building, and numerous fire plugs were fixed on the outside of the house which owing to the height of the reservoir, made the use of fire engines unnecessary.

Inside Shobdon Court totally refurbished

All the old chimney shafts were replaced with new brick, and cornice, open parapets, pedestals and finials were added to both the main house and the offices. All brickwork was painted and pointed, and windows were renovated with the old frames and sashes being removed and replaced with new wainscoat oak frames and single sheets of glass. The slates and timber of the roof was removed, and the floor boards and timbers replaced which enabled the height of the rooms to be increased by 2ft 6 inches. All of the plaster work was renewed, and many of the ceilings were replaced with costly and elegant designs.

 
Most of the doors, shutters, architrave mouldings, skirtings etc. were replaced, and the floors were laid with polished oak with parquet borders. The principal staircase was taken down, with a new dining room being formed out of the old staircase and billiard room (the drawing room became the billiard room). The old dining room and serving rooms became a drawing room and a boudoir.
The old entrance hall was turned into a saloon, with a huge skylight which was an absolute work of art.

 
At the new carriage entrance, a stone porch was built with an arcade on either side, and on the south front a vast terrace was built supported by wrought iron girders, and formed of a number of stone arches with cornice and open balustrades and flower vases on the pedestals. A flight of seven steps led down from the library door to the centre of the terrace, at each end of which was a flight of 20 wide and impressive steps connecting to the flower gardens.

 
The entire cost was estimated to be around £20,000, and amongst those involved were:
Messrs Ruddle and Thompson of Peterborough – general contractors
Messrs Haden of Trowbridge – hot water pipe supplier
Thomas of Birmingham – bell suppliers and hangers
Eunson of Wolverhampton – gas pipes and fittings
Hodgkin of Birmingham – iron tanks and skylights
Mr. Alexander Milne of Northampton – Architect

Fatal Accident at Shobdon Court during Transformation

In 1857, one of the workmen employed at Shobdon Court to effect the renovations met with a fatal accident.

The tragic decision

At the front of the building a brick arch was being erected, which in accordance with common custom was supported at the centre by a temporary framework of wood which was removed once the masonry had thoroughly set. However, because this framework was deemed to be needed elsewhere, they decided to remove it early and a number of men set about removing it. They didn’t get very far before the whole of the centre of the arch collapsed burying several men in stone.

The frantic effort to save lives

Word travelled fast back to Leominster where the families of most of the workmen lived, and in no time crowds of hysterical relatives turned up turning the scene into chaos and confusion. Eventually though, the uninjured workmen collected themselves and set about trying to free their colleagues – sadly two were already dead, one from suffocation and the other from multiple injuries, but six were rescued alive although badly hurt.
The two men who died were Edward Ellis and Thomas Jones; the injured men being Mr. Inch, foreman of carpenters; Richard Evans, Edward Morris, George Shore, William Bruce and one other.
It was reported that “every attention was paid to the sufferings of the survivors, whose groans were scarcely less painful than the distress of those who were bereaved by the accident”.

The inquest

The inquest was duly held before the Coroner N. Lanwarne Esq. and the following jurymen:
Hon. & Rev. Arthur A.B.Hanbury; Messrs. John Davies, James Irvine, Richard Galliers, Thomas Edwards, Peter Evans, James, Chapman, Richard Middleton, Thomas Seagrave, John Preece, Richard Yapp, John Woodrow and Thomas Skidmore.
The jury were taken to view the bodies, and witnesses gave their account of the event, with two bricklayers saying that they had done nothing untoward or wrong by removing the wooden framework so soon.

The verdict

The Coroner addressed the jury and after deliberation they returned verdicts of Accidental Death, with the expression of opinion that Mr. Todd should be cautioned not to use so much haste in striking arches under similar circumstances in the future.
In 1858 Election Intelligence reported that Captain the Hon. Charles Spencer Bateman Hanbury of Shobdon Court was elected for Leominster.

1847 – The Coming of Age of the Right Honourable Lord Bateman

The celebrations for this event had been going on for some considerable time,  and finally it was time for the festivities to centre on the “peasantry” and surrounding villages.

This is a wonderful snapshot of what constituted entertainment in the 1800s – what a shame that such days are now a thing of the past.

The day dawned pleasantly enough, but by 9 in the morning the rain began and for a while the activities were confined to indoors where the men were delighted to make use of the billiard table.  By early afternoon though, the rain cleared and the park guns were fired to summon the locals.  Much ale was handed out from the cellars of Shobdon Court.

The sports were held on The Hays, a part of Shobdon Park;  there was huge merriment on account of the now slippery ground.

Gurning Competition

Firstly, three “hideous looking fellows” grinned through horse collars with painted faces as they competed with each other for the worst face;   next came a ladies’ race, then the climbing of a greasy pole which proved to be rather a challenge – one chap used sand to try to gain more grip  but he still descended more rapidly than he went up!

Donkeyaster St. Leger

The fourth event was the Donkeyaster St. Leger which was open to any UK donkey;  each man or lady had to ride each other’s donkeys.  Three lovely animals with zebra painted stripes took part and there was great hilarity when one of the riders was unseated at speed.

Wheelbarrow Race

Next came a wheelbarrow race with five competitors who were blindfolded then led in a circle several times before starting at the word “off”.  They all went off in different directions and one poor chap took his barrow straight into the very cold lake.  Two managed to reach the goal, but being neck and neck managed to become hopelessly tangle with each other.

Pig Race

A well greased little pig, know for its speed, was released to gallop up the course to the top of the park.  Although there were many chasers at the start, few were left after a mile and the pig returned triumphant.  No person was allowed to catch the pig by any method except by the tail, and teeth were banned!

Another Donkey Race

Jockeys had to ride facing backwards – four donkeys took part, and only one rider managed to stay on board for the whole course.

Jumping in Sacks

For half a crown, competitors had to travel 50 yards in their sacks;  7 took part but only three finished.

There followed a race across the lake in brewing tubs;  bobbing for oranges;  hurdle races for men and then ladies;  and dipping in a treacle dish for sixpences with tied hands.

Farm at Shobdon Court

In 1891, Lord Bateman gave up his home farm along with his famous and celebrated herd of Hereford cattle and a superior flock of Shropshire sheep.
The Shobdon herd of Herefords was one of the oldest in the country, and represented the famous Oxhouse blood.
Marriage of Lord Bateman 1904
The betrothment of Lord Bateman to Mrs. Henry C. Knapp of New York City was announced

Shobdon Court Household 1851

Shobdon Court Household 1871

At this point on the census page, someone has stuck a piece of paper over the names of the remaining servants with the name of someone who was omitted from the schedule.  It is particularly annoying because beneath the names that it covers is an acre of blank paper where it could have been put without causing any harm.

Shobdon Court Household 1881

Shobdon Court Household 1891

Shobdon Court Household 1901

Shobdon Court Household 1911

Shobdon Court Household 1921

1798 – Advertisement for Country Housekeeper

Wanted at Shobdon Court, a Country Housekeeper – she must have lived in a family and have had the care of a house and house linen, and understand the overlooking of the poultry and dairy.

None but those who can have an unexceptionable character from their last place, need apply.

1846 – Death After Childbirth

Charlotte Jones, aged 20, became pregnant with an illegitimate child whilst in the service of Mr. Stephens of Evenjobb, but when her condition became obvious she went home to her parents in Shobdon.

When she went into labour one Saturday, she refused to go to bed and remained in the kitchen where she eventually gave birth on the floor twenty four hours later.  Within ten minutes she was dead.

Her mother, Mary Jones, said that Charlotte was so exhausted after the birth that she could neither eat nor drink, and the verdict of the jury at the inquest was that she died because of the circumstances.

The Coroner severely reprimanded both parents of the dead girl, saying that they had exhibited gross negligence in not sending for medical help, and for allowing her to give birth on the kitchen floor instead of in bed.

1861 – Christmas Benefaction

For many years it had been the custom in Shobdon for the poor of the neighbourhood to be given an ox and some sheep at Christmas.

In 1861 “the noble Lord Leiutenant exceeded the generosity of his ancestors”, and on Christmas Eve he arranged for an ox and a quarter, plus twelve fat sheep to be distributed to 174 poor families.

1862 – Theft of Turkeys from Shobdon Court

Forty nine young turkeys were taken from Shobdon Court, the seat of Lord Bateman, then not long afterwards another twenty three disappeared.

Sergeant Dykes of the police led a thorough investigation into the matter, but were somewhat hampered by the insistence of locals that the young fowls were taken by rats, weasels and foxes.

The locals further pushed their point by telling of when a colony of rats carried off a litter of suckling pigs!

Call me a cynic, but one wonders how many locals were secretly rearing a bird for Christmas that year.

The following was written in 1854:

“The Shobdon doorways are remarkable instances of the triumph of genius, in giving expression to an imagination which, throwing off all the trammels of the past, sought out in the sacred writings a new field over which it might range undisturbed.

That the old church of Shobdon is not of Norman origin is clear, not only from an attentive examination of its design and structure, but also from historical records.

In the reign of King Stephen, one Hugh de Mortimer requested the architect who had built a church in Paris which pleased him vastly, to come over to Shobdon and erect a similar one.  This architect was a Byzantine, or Greek, and the church was completed under his superintendence.

The old church no longer exists, having been pulled down a few years since in order to erect a new one on its site.  By the exertions of Mr. Lewis, the act of vandalism was arrested before the old doorways were completely destroyed, and Lord Bateman, struck by their extraordinary character, caused them to be safely removed to his park where they were set up.”

Fonts

This font  is of Romanesque origin, embellished with four lions nose to tail

 
View showing lid

 
Victorian Font, given to the church when the original twelfth century font was thought to be out of keeping with the church

Memorials

Sacred to the memory of John, Lord Viscount Bateman, Baron of Culmore in the Kingdom of Ireland. One of His Majesty’s most honourable Privy Council and many years Lord Lieutenant of this County. His virtues did honour to human nature, he was generous and charitable without ostentation; of elegant manners, friendly and hospitable. He lived revered and died lamented by all who had the happiness of knowing his worth. In grateful remembrance of the many benefits received from him, this monument was caused to be erected by his near kinsmen, and, through his munificence the present possessor of this Estate.

Epitaph to John Handford

Died 5th July 1778 aged 18

Look, reader, on this stone with weeping eye,

Twill serve thee as a glass to dress thee by.

Twill show thee thy true face, altho’ though be

At the highest pitch of frail mortality;

This brave young man had all this life could give,

And since he’s dead, canst thou presume to live?

From death, nor with, nor youth, nor art can save;

Go reader, and prepare thee for they grave.