The original house is thought to be 15^th century, and was built on the site of a Roman encampment, Ariconium – it was doubtless the scene of many  battles between contending armies and a great many Roman coins and other relics have been turned up by the plough in the fields adjoining the house.   Included in these are some fine old bronze coins in mint condition, amongst which were those embossed with Caesar, Agrippa and others.  Sadly much of the site of Ariconium was destroyed in 1785.

Richard Ap Meryk

In 1441 Richard Ap Meryk was born in the house, and he later became the customs officer to Henry VII and then the founder member of Bristol’s Society of Merchant Adventurers;  he ended up with his own Merchant’s Mark – basically a trade mark – and was exceedingly wealthy.  Richard altered his name to Ameryk, and  rumour has it, that he gave his name to America, and certainly the Meryk family crest which boasts stars and stripes could be the origin of the American Flag.

A descendant, Walter Meyrick, left Bollitree House  as it was known then, to his nephew Thomas Hopkins Merrick from Pencoyd in 1776 and here comes the sorry tale.

Thomas Hopkins Merrick

Thomas Hopkins Merrick was deeply in love with a Spanish lady, but she declared that she couldn’t possibly live in England unless it was to be in a castle – Thomas duly set about transforming the façade of Bollitree House to give it some vague appearance of a castle, but his lady was unimpressed and Thomas was left out of pocket and without his bride.siBder s

By 1789uchow forms someone’s back garden wall, but is visible from the r

By 1789 the hapless Thomas Hopkins Merrick was dead, and his entire stock of farming utensils and impliments etc. were sold by auction.  These consisted of five wagons;  three carts;  ploughs;  drays;  harrows and rolls.  Also all his furniture and household goods, along with a chaise and harness for four horses.

The Palmer Family

It appears that the Palmer family who then took over Bollitree Castle were related in some way to the Merricks as Merrick was used as a middle name for a son for a Palmer descendant.  For many years Mr. George Merrick, a Saddler in Ross on Wye proudly sold Swedish Turnip Seed as grown by Mr. Palmer at Bollitree

A pack of hounds was kept at the castle, and the surrounding countryside provided excellent hunting grounds.  The Castle  also had an excellent reputation for cider production, especially under the Palmer family;  George Palmer made bottled cider and perry which was favourably compared with the best champagne.

George Palmer was also a grower of excellent quality crops, and he was a kindly gentleman who gave many people cause to think of him fondly.  For example, George let the Weston Cricket Club use one of his fields, and this along with other things prompted the Club to present him with a lovely silver goblet.  The inscription read “Presented to George Palmer Esq. by the members of the Weston Cricket Club, in remembrance of his many kindnesses to them.  Season 1868”

In 1903 Bollitree Castle and Estate was put up for sale – “An excellent opportunity will be offered to capitalists, sportsmen and others”.

The description included “the property is highly adapted for a breeder of pedigree stock or for a sportsman, being in the centre of a good hunting district, close to a good market town, with the land in a high state of cultivation.”

It was further said that it was hoped that a thoroughly good sportsman and agriculturist would become the new owner;  live there, and do his utmost to show sport, and, with horse, dog and gun, join in the merry hunt of fur and feather;  as well as the production of blood stock, beef, mutton and corn for which the land is eminently qualified.  The well known strength and quality of Bollitree cider and perry was also mention, and it was hoped that production would continue.

Charles Watkins duly moved into Bollitree Castle in 1903, but whether he had bought the property or was simply renting it I have yet to ascertain.  He was certainly a man of means, and his son C.R. Watkins was selected in the same year to row No. 6 in the Cambridge boat in the following year’s inter varsity boat race.  His weight was 13 stone if anyone is interested!

1841 – Bollitree Castle Household

1851 – Bollitree Castle Household

1861 – Bollitree Castle Household

1871 – Bollitree Castle Household

1881 – Bollitree Castle Household

In 1891 William Marfell was still at Bollitree,

1901 – Bollitree Castle Household

1911 – Bollitree Castle Household

1921 – Bollitree Castle Household

I am not convinced that the transcription of “Gammond” is correct – it actually looks more like Jammond, but I cannot find anything to confirm either name.

1784 – Death Penalty for Old Man at Weston Under Penyard

James Williams, also known as Samuel James, aged 74, was executed on 13th August 1784 for stealing a horse at Weston Under Penyard.

1849 – Death by Arsenic Poisoning at Weston Under Penyard

A very sad and tragic tale.

Harriet White was in the service of Mr. Butler at Weston Under Penyard when she became pregnant.

One evening she became very ill, and Mr. Butler ordered her to bed – suspicions were aroused a little later that maybe she had taken poison, and a lady by the name of Mary Baldwin who was tending Harriet asked her if this was the case.

At first, Harriet denied having taken poison, but then later she said that she had taken half a teaspoon of arsenic in water;  not long afterwards she died.

The surgeon who was summonsed had initially suspected Cholera, but the post mortem ruled this out and the cause of death was stated to be arsenic poisoning.

The jury’s verdict was that Harriet had taken the arsenic in the hope of getting rid of the baby, and that she had not intended to kill herself.

1853 – Reckless Driving by Youths is nothing new

Thomas Probyn, a butchers boy, was known to be something of a boy racer – only of course in 1853 it was horses and carts not cars.

One evening, he was careering down the road to Weston Under Penyard when he came across the carriage of Mr. Cocks of that village, who was being driven home by his servant.    A serious collision ensued, which resulted in both Mr. Cocks and his servant being thrown from their carriage which was virtually broken in two.

The Bench took the view that as butchers boys were notoriously reckless when driving, the highest penalty allowed should be given.  This was 40s fine, but because Thomas couldn’t pay he was committed to prison for three weeks with hard labour.

1853 – Storm over Weston Under Penyard

Flooding in Herefordshire is nothing new – in July 1853 a massive thunderstorm, which lasted for over two hours, deluged the area causing massive damage and loss of livestock.  It was reported that the rain didn’t just fall, it dropped as if in a solid mass!

People had lucky escapes when rescuing horses from the deep water in their stables, and whole fields of turnips were destroyed when water to a depth of four feet covered them.

Mud was washed from the fields onto the roads, clogging the drains and causing the water to divert into houses and farm yards.  The London mail coach battled through mud and deep water – one can only imagine the exhausted state of the poor horses.

1857 – Child Murder Suspect – Weston Under Penyard

A new born baby girl had been found dead in a pool at Kingston Court Farm at Weston Under Penyard, and the chief suspect was a 22 year old girl named Sylvia Trigg who worked for Mr. Burgum at Kingston Court.

Sylvia was arrested at the Court and a private investigation was carried out at the office of the Magistrates’ Clerk – an action which was severely frowned on by the Court as being damaging to the case.

The evidence was heard over two days, and included that of a 14 year old girl, Elizabeth Bradley, who told of how she found Sylvia apparently very ill, lying on a sofa and appearing to be in great pain.  Elizabeth saw a great deal of blood around Sylvia.

Another witness, Henry Hall who was a labourer at Kingston Court, told how he found the child in the pond.

Post Mortem on the Baby

When the post mortem was carried out, it was found that although the body was very decomposed, a swelling was evident on the right side of the head – an injury which was deemed to have been sufficient to cause death. The umbilical cord had been torn and not tied off, which meant that no medical aid had been given at the birth, and this too could have killed the child.

The surgeon also examined Sylvia, and found that she had recently given birth.

However, the Bench were not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to convict Sylvia of murder, and they decided to proceed against her only for concealment of birth.  Sylvia was committed for trial and bail was set at £100 with two sureties of £50.

May 1863 – Amateur Concert at Weston Under Penyard

A wonderful selection of musical talent gathered to entertain at Weston Under Penyard schoolroom, which was said to almost equal the visit by the Wandering Minstrels of Hereford, and the room was packed.

Sir F. Gore Ouseley played the piano;  J.H. Arwright, Marcellus Newton, and C. Willett played on violin;  Tenor was the Rev. H. Cooper Key;  Rev. G. Cornewall and L. Willett played Violincellos;  Concertina was played by Captain X.F. Orange;  Flue by Chandos Wren Hoskyns, and Harp by Mrs. Hawkshaw.

The schoolroom was beautifully decorated with evergreens, and flowers which were artificial but so good as to be like the real thing.

Sir F. Gore Ouseley gave an outstanding performance, and the audience wanted more – what they got instead was a mediocre duet by Mrs. Symonds and Miss Phillipps!

The rest of the concert was well received.

John Partridge was guilty of pulling down the remaining ruined walls of Penyard Castle in order to use the stone for his building projects.

In  1856 William Stubbs bought the house and went on to have eight children with his wife Jane Charlotte.  Jane had a special interest in the hospital at Ross on Wye, and paid entirely for a ward there for severely ill people as well as donating land adjoining the recreation ground for the use of the patients ;  she also freely gave to other local charities.

William Stubbs died in 1871 and left the house to his children, but after the death of his son Major General William Henry Stubbs, the house passed into the ownership of his five sisters, and it was then that they changed the name from Lower Weston to Penyard House, as shown on the census returns – it can be confusing because there is a separate Lower Weston House, which is a much older mansion.

The sisters lived at Penyard House for many years, but eventually they decided to leave and in 1900 the house was put up for sale but it repeatedly failed to achieve its reserve;  it was a further two years before it was bought by Robert Law Harkness.

Sales Particulars for the sale of Penyard House

Penyard House – containing handsome and lofty drawing room;  dining room, morning room;  panelled business room;  vestibule;  hall and corridor;  chief and secondary staircases;  17 capacious, lofty and airy bed, dressing and workrooms;  modernly fitted WCs;  bathroom and lavatory with hot and cold;  laundry;  store rooms;  servants hall;  dairy fitted with up to date milk coolers and walls lined with white porcelain tiles;  larders;  pantries and complete culinary offices;  lofty arched cellars with fitted wine bins;  the whole bountifully supplied with water.

Approved drainage system.

Detached and modern stabling for 8 horses;  harness room;  hay and corn rooms;  Coachhouse area for 6 carriages and 2 cottage residences.

At a separate sale in 1902, the following effects belonging to the Misses Stubbs were also on offer:

Superior Broughham Waggonette;  pony carriage, station cart, donkey gig, London and Ross-made saddlery;  capital Cob gelding;  mare donkey;  2 store pigs;  in calf dairy cows and heifers etc.;  poultry, runs and coops;  light road waggons;  carts;  gears;  96 iron hurdles;  farm implements;  garden appointments;  cucumber frames;  greenhouse plants etc.

Also 500 volumes of books;  a grand harmonium in walnut case;  Spanish mahogany book cases with escritoire;  wardrobes;  chests of drawers;  washstand;  dressing and other tables;  cheval glass;  clocks;  china and glass;  iron and brass bedsteads;  feather beds;  mattresses;  linen and glass cupboards;  box mangle and kitchen and culinary requisites.

Robert Law Harkness was born in 1852 in Malvern, and married Mary Robina Tregonwell, but they had no children.  He died in 1914, but Mary stayed in the house until her death in 1824.

Robert Alfred Lowth inherited the house, and he and his wife Nancy Eva Aikin Sneath lived there until 1935 when they sold it and it became the Wye Hotel.

In 1984 the house was bought by the charity The Leadership Trust Foundation, and they sympathetically restored the building and grounds.

Penyard House is now once again a hotel and wedding venue

1851 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

1861 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

1871 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

1881 –  Penyard House Household

1891 –  Penyard House Household

1901 –  Penyard House Household

1911 –  Penyard House Household

1921 – Penyard House Household

For an hour or so before the opening ceremony, the roads into the village were clogged with every type of carriage and vehicle which had brought clergy, gentry and residents from miles around.  The result was an assemblage of over 200 people.

The cost of the restoration was largely down to Mrs Bridgeman, who lived in the parish, with the remainder being given by The Rev. E.B. Hawkshaw and leading parishioners.

Fonts

Memorials

James Rudge

James Rudge, died lst August 1808 aged 63. “He was pious; humane; generous and sincere”

William Merrick

William Palmer

Much of this is indistinct, but I have gleaned the following: William Merrick died 9th January 1745 aged 40. William Palmer of Bollitree died 25th February 1851 aged 69, also Sarah his wife who died March 15th 1822 aged 40.

Thomas Hopkins Merrick

Thomas Hopkins Merrick, died 26th March 1788 aged 66, also Mary wife of Thomas Hopkins and mother of the above, died 15th October 1793 aged 100. (Good grief!!! this is indeed a rarity for the date, and if she is one of yours then please do let me know). Also, William Hopkins Merrick of Kingstanley, son of Thomas and Mary Hopkins, died 21st August 1808.

Mary Hopkins Merrick

And one of you did indeed let me know that they were descended from Mary Hopkins Merrick……..very grateful thanks to them for providing this image of a little painting of the lady, which is thought to have been done after her death.

I would ask that you do not take this image without first asking permission from myself.

Thomas Bisse

Thomas Bisse S.T.P, died 22nd April 1731 aged 56. This inscription is fully readable, but is in Latin so if there is an descendant out there who would like the text I will happily oblige

Churches of Weston Under Penyard

• St. Lawrence Church - Weston Under Penyard

  The church of St. Lawrence dates from the 12th century, with rebuilding and additions in the 13th and 14th centuries. The original spire was badly damaged by lightning in 1750 so was dismantled, but the tower was restored in 1927.
  The whole church was extensively restored in 1867 and re-opened in July of that year with great ceremony and excitement.

  For an hour or so before the opening ceremony, the roads into the village were clogged with every type of carriage and vehicle which had brought clergy, gentry and residents from miles around.  The result was an assemblage of over 200 people.

  The cost of the restoration was largely down to Mrs Bridgeman, who lived in the parish, with the remainder being given by The Rev. E.B. Hawkshaw and leading parishioners.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Fonts

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Memorials

  James Rudge

   

  James Rudge, died lst August 1808 aged 63. “He was pious; humane; generous and sincere”

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  William Merrick

  William Palmer

  Much of this is indistinct, but I have gleaned the following: William Merrick died 9th January 1745 aged 40. William Palmer of Bollitree died 25th February 1851 aged 69, also Sarah his wife who died March 15th 1822 aged 40.

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Thomas Hopkins Merrick

  Thomas Hopkins Merrick, died 26th March 1788 aged 66, also Mary wife of Thomas Hopkins and mother of the above, died 15th October 1793 aged 100. (Good grief!!! this is indeed a rarity for the date, and if she is one of yours then please do let me know). Also, William Hopkins Merrick of Kingstanley, son of Thomas and Mary Hopkins, died 21st August 1808.

   

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Mary Hopkins Merrick

  And one of you did indeed let me know that they were descended from Mary Hopkins Merrick……..very grateful thanks to them for providing this image of a little painting of the lady, which is thought to have been done after her death.

  I would ask that you do not take this image without first asking permission from myself.

   

   

  

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

   

  Thomas Bisse

  Thomas Bisse S.T.P, died 22nd April 1731 aged 56. This inscription is fully readable, but is in Latin so if there is an descendant out there who would like the text I will happily oblige

   

   

   

  

   

   

   

  Read More >

News from the Past Weston Under Penyard

• News from the Past - Weston Under Penyard

  Storms, concerts and Arsenic poisoning

  1784 – Death Penalty for Old Man at Weston Under Penyard

  James Williams, also known as Samuel James, aged 74, was executed on 13th August 1784 for stealing a horse at Weston Under Penyard.

  1849 – Death by Arsenic Poisoning at Weston Under Penyard

  A very sad and tragic tale.

  Harriet White was in the service of Mr. Butler at Weston Under Penyard when she became pregnant.

  One evening she became very ill, and Mr. Butler ordered her to bed – suspicions were aroused a little later that maybe she had taken poison, and a lady by the name of Mary Baldwin who was tending Harriet asked her if this was the case.

  At first, Harriet denied having taken poison, but then later she said that she had taken half a teaspoon of arsenic in water;  not long afterwards she died.

  The surgeon who was summonsed had initially suspected Cholera, but the post mortem ruled this out and the cause of death was stated to be arsenic poisoning.

  The jury’s verdict was that Harriet had taken the arsenic in the hope of getting rid of the baby, and that she had not intended to kill herself.

  1853 – Reckless Driving by Youths is nothing new

  Thomas Probyn, a butchers boy, was known to be something of a boy racer – only of course in 1853 it was horses and carts not cars.

  One evening, he was careering down the road to Weston Under Penyard when he came across the carriage of Mr. Cocks of that village, who was being driven home by his servant.    A serious collision ensued, which resulted in both Mr. Cocks and his servant being thrown from their carriage which was virtually broken in two.

  The Bench took the view that as butchers boys were notoriously reckless when driving, the highest penalty allowed should be given.  This was 40s fine, but because Thomas couldn’t pay he was committed to prison for three weeks with hard labour.

  1853 – Storm over Weston Under Penyard

  Flooding in Herefordshire is nothing new – in July 1853 a massive thunderstorm, which lasted for over two hours, deluged the area causing massive damage and loss of livestock.  It was reported that the rain didn’t just fall, it dropped as if in a solid mass!

  People had lucky escapes when rescuing horses from the deep water in their stables, and whole fields of turnips were destroyed when water to a depth of four feet covered them.

  Mud was washed from the fields onto the roads, clogging the drains and causing the water to divert into houses and farm yards.  The London mail coach battled through mud and deep water – one can only imagine the exhausted state of the poor horses.

  1857 – Child Murder Suspect – Weston Under Penyard

  A new born baby girl had been found dead in a pool at Kingston Court Farm at Weston Under Penyard, and the chief suspect was a 22 year old girl named Sylvia Trigg who worked for Mr. Burgum at Kingston Court.

  Sylvia was arrested at the Court and a private investigation was carried out at the office of the Magistrates’ Clerk – an action which was severely frowned on by the Court as being damaging to the case.

  The evidence was heard over two days, and included that of a 14 year old girl, Elizabeth Bradley, who told of how she found Sylvia apparently very ill, lying on a sofa and appearing to be in great pain.  Elizabeth saw a great deal of blood around Sylvia.

  Another witness, Henry Hall who was a labourer at Kingston Court, told how he found the child in the pond.

  Post Mortem on the Baby

  When the post mortem was carried out, it was found that although the body was very decomposed, a swelling was evident on the right side of the head – an injury which was deemed to have been sufficient to cause death. The umbilical cord had been torn and not tied off, which meant that no medical aid had been given at the birth, and this too could have killed the child.

  The surgeon also examined Sylvia, and found that she had recently given birth.

  However, the Bench were not satisfied that there was sufficient evidence to convict Sylvia of murder, and they decided to proceed against her only for concealment of birth.  Sylvia was committed for trial and bail was set at £100 with two sureties of £50.

   

  May 1863 – Amateur Concert at Weston Under Penyard

  A wonderful selection of musical talent gathered to entertain at Weston Under Penyard schoolroom, which was said to almost equal the visit by the Wandering Minstrels of Hereford, and the room was packed.

  Sir F. Gore Ouseley played the piano;  J.H. Arwright, Marcellus Newton, and C. Willett played on violin;  Tenor was the Rev. H. Cooper Key;  Rev. G. Cornewall and L. Willett played Violincellos;  Concertina was played by Captain X.F. Orange;  Flue by Chandos Wren Hoskyns, and Harp by Mrs. Hawkshaw.

  The schoolroom was beautifully decorated with evergreens, and flowers which were artificial but so good as to be like the real thing.

  Sir F. Gore Ouseley gave an outstanding performance, and the audience wanted more – what they got instead was a mediocre duet by Mrs. Symonds and Miss Phillipps!

  The rest of the concert was well received.

  Read More >

Buildings of Weston Under Penyard

• Penyard House - History

  Believed to have been built in 1821 at Weston under Penyard by John Partridge, a wealthy land owner (in fact he owned a great deal of the village), Penyard House is in the Italian style and  sits in 9 acres of beautiful gardens and parkland.

  John Partridge was guilty of pulling down the remaining ruined walls of Penyard Castle in order to use the stone for his building projects.

  In  1856 William Stubbs bought the house and went on to have eight children with his wife Jane Charlotte.  Jane had a special interest in the hospital at Ross on Wye, and paid entirely for a ward there for severely ill people as well as donating land adjoining the recreation ground for the use of the patients ;  she also freely gave to other local charities.

   

  William Stubbs died in 1871 and left the house to his children, but after the death of his son Major General William Henry Stubbs, the house passed into the ownership of his five sisters, and it was then that they changed the name from Lower Weston to Penyard House, as shown on the census returns – it can be confusing because there is a separate Lower Weston House, which is a much older mansion.

   

  The sisters lived at Penyard House for many years, but eventually they decided to leave and in 1900 the house was put up for sale but it repeatedly failed to achieve its reserve;  it was a further two years before it was bought by Robert Law Harkness.

  Sales Particulars for the sale of Penyard House

  Penyard House – containing handsome and lofty drawing room;  dining room, morning room;  panelled business room;  vestibule;  hall and corridor;  chief and secondary staircases;  17 capacious, lofty and airy bed, dressing and workrooms;  modernly fitted WCs;  bathroom and lavatory with hot and cold;  laundry;  store rooms;  servants hall;  dairy fitted with up to date milk coolers and walls lined with white porcelain tiles;  larders;  pantries and complete culinary offices;  lofty arched cellars with fitted wine bins;  the whole bountifully supplied with water.

  Approved drainage system.

  Detached and modern stabling for 8 horses;  harness room;  hay and corn rooms;  Coachhouse area for 6 carriages and 2 cottage residences.

   

  At a separate sale in 1902, the following effects belonging to the Misses Stubbs were also on offer:

  Superior Broughham Waggonette;  pony carriage, station cart, donkey gig, London and Ross-made saddlery;  capital Cob gelding;  mare donkey;  2 store pigs;  in calf dairy cows and heifers etc.;  poultry, runs and coops;  light road waggons;  carts;  gears;  96 iron hurdles;  farm implements;  garden appointments;  cucumber frames;  greenhouse plants etc.

  Also 500 volumes of books;  a grand harmonium in walnut case;  Spanish mahogany book cases with escritoire;  wardrobes;  chests of drawers;  washstand;  dressing and other tables;  cheval glass;  clocks;  china and glass;  iron and brass bedsteads;  feather beds;  mattresses;  linen and glass cupboards;  box mangle and kitchen and culinary requisites.

   

   

  Robert Law Harkness was born in 1852 in Malvern, and married Mary Robina Tregonwell, but they had no children.  He died in 1914, but Mary stayed in the house until her death in 1824.

   

  Robert Alfred Lowth inherited the house, and he and his wife Nancy Eva Aikin Sneath lived there until 1935 when they sold it and it became the Wye Hotel.

  In 1984 the house was bought by the charity The Leadership Trust Foundation, and they sympathetically restored the building and grounds.

   

  Penyard House is now once again a hotel and wedding venue

  1851 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

  Thomas Butler	68	Farmer, widower	b. Sandhurst, Gloucestershire
  Martha Butler	34	Daughter	b. Monmouthshire
  Elizabeth Hook	35	Housekeeper	b. Gloucestershire
  Eliza Wite	18	General Servant	b. Gloucestershire

  1861 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

  William Stubbs	63	Widower,	b. London, Middlesex
  Eliza Jane Stubbs	41	Daughter	b. India
  Jane Charlotte Stubbs	37	Daughter	b. India
  William Henry Stubbs	35	Son, Captain Bengal Army	b. India
  Caroline Charlotte Stubbs	33	Daughter	b. India
  Emily Bonadash Stubbs	24	Daughter	b. India
  Mary Stubbs	21	Daughter	b. Epsom, Surrey
  Ann Williams	31	Cook	b. Michaelchurch, Herefordshire
  Emma Watkins	21	Parlour Maid	Peterchurch, Herefordshire
  Anne Parson	15	Kitchen Maid	b. Woolhope, Herefordshire

  1871 –  Penyard House Household (known as Lower Weston)

  Ellen J. Stubbs	50	Sister	b. India
  Jane Charlotte Stubbs	47	Sister	b. India
  Caroline Charlotte Stubbs	43	Sister	b. India
  Emily B. Stubbs	34	Sister	b. India
  Mary Stubbs	31	Sister	b. Epsom, Surrey
  Bertha Edwards	23	Cook	b. Brockhampton, Herefordshire
  Margaret D. South	19	Parlour Maid	b. Lugwardine, Herefordshire
  Agnes Hodges	18	Housemaid	b. Newent,  Gloucestershire
  Henry Lloyd	25	Servant	b. Brockhampton,  Herefordshire

   

  1881 –  Penyard House Household

  Ellen J. Stubbs	62	Lady	b. India
  Jane Charlotte Stubbs	57	Lady, sister	b. India
  Caroline Charlotte Stubbs	53	Lady, sister	b. India
  Emily B. Stubbs	44	Lady, sister	b. India
  Mary Stubbs	41	Lady, sister	b. Epsom, Surrey
  William J. Eastwich	72	Visitor, Widower, retired Captain, H.M. Indian Army	b. London
  Sarah	70	Domestic Servant	b. Felton, Herefordshire
  Bertha Edwards	33	Cook	b. Brockhampton, Herefordshire
  Mary Probert	30	Housemaid	b. Sellack, Herefordshire
  Sarah Williams	23	Laundry Maid	b. Woolhope, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Cuthbert	47	Housekeeper	b. Maldon, Suffolk
  Henry Lloyd	33	Coachman	b. Brockhampton, Herefordshire

  1891 –  Penyard House Household

  Ellen Jane Stubbs	71	Living on own means	b. India
  Jane Charlotte Stubbs	67	Living on own means	b. India
  Caroline Charlotte Stubbs	63	Living on own means	b. India
  Emily B. Stubbs	54	Living on own means	b. India
  Mary Stubbs	51	Living on own means	b. Epsom, Surrey
  Eliza Mullon	30	Parlour Maid	b. Brockhampton, Herefordshire
  Jane Rees	21	Cook	b. Cardiff, South Wales
  Annie Andrews	21	Housemaid	b. Ross on Wye, Herefordshire
  Sarah Williams	35	Laundry Maid	b. Tarrington, Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Price	21	Kitchenmaid	b. Newent, Gloucestershire

   

  1901 –  Penyard House Household

  Caroline Charlotte Stubbs	73	Living on own means	b. India
  Jane Charlotte Stubbs	77	Living on own means	b. India
  Emily Bonadash Stubbs	64	Living on own means	b. India
  Mary Stubbs	61	Living on own means	b. Epsom, Surrey
  Lydia Allen	37	Cook	b. Madely, Shropshire
  Louisa Walton	24	Parlour Maid	b. Inkberrow, Warwickshire
  Ada Mary Walton	22	Housemaid	b. Worcestershire
  Edith Elizabeth Wo;ce	18	Kitchenmaid	b. Kington, Herefordshire

  1911 –  Penyard House Household

  Robert L. Harkness	58	Farmer	b. Malvern, Worcestershire
  Mary Robina Harkness	56	Wife	b. Cambourne, Dorset
  John Watts	65	Butler	b. Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire
  Sarah Bowers	34	Cook	b. Dorset
  Amelia Wright	26	Housemaid	b. Dorset
  Florence Eleanor Stallard	16	Housemaid	b. Much Marcle, Herefordshire
  Gladys May Harris	16	Kitchenmaid	b. Drybrook, Gloucestershire

  1921 – Penyard House Household

  Mary Robina Harkness	b. Cranborne, Dorset 1853	Head, widow
  John DeCourcy Dashwood	b. Woolwich, Kent 1855	Visitor, Lt. Colonel Retired, Indian Army
  Madelein Annie Meade	b. Bath, Somerset 1865	Visitor
  Mary Catherine Battams	b. Brampton Ash, Northamptonshire 1878	Lady’s Companion
  Sarah Bower	b. Dorset, 1885	Cook
  Amelia Fanny Wright	b. Shaftsbury, Dorset 1885	Housemaid
  Doris Amelia Barrington	b. Leominster 1906	Under Housemaid
  Rose Ethel Williams	b. Ross on Wye, Herefordshire 1905	Kitchen Maid
  John Watts	b. Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire 1845	Butler

  Read More >
• Bollitree Castle - History

  Herefordshire is rich with glorious castles, some of which admittedly are in ruins, but Bollitree Castle cannot be counted among their number as it is more of a house masquerading as a castle;   it never had anything to do with defence and was a mere folly which was added on to a Queen Anne mansion.  The stable block however has always been considered to be rather splendid, and is now Grade 11 listed.

  The original house is thought to be 15^th century, and was built on the site of a Roman encampment, Ariconium – it was doubtless the scene of many  battles between contending armies and a great many Roman coins and other relics have been turned up by the plough in the fields adjoining the house.   Included in these are some fine old bronze coins in mint condition, amongst which were those embossed with Caesar, Agrippa and others.  Sadly much of the site of Ariconium was destroyed in 1785.

  Richard Ap Meryk

  In 1441 Richard Ap Meryk was born in the house, and he later became the customs officer to Henry VII and then the founder member of Bristol’s Society of Merchant Adventurers;  he ended up with his own Merchant’s Mark – basically a trade mark – and was exceedingly wealthy.  Richard altered his name to Ameryk, and  rumour has it, that he gave his name to America, and certainly the Meryk family crest which boasts stars and stripes could be the origin of the American Flag.

  A descendant, Walter Meyrick, left Bollitree House  as it was known then, to his nephew Thomas Hopkins Merrick from Pencoyd in 1776 and here comes the sorry tale.

  Thomas Hopkins Merrick

  Thomas Hopkins Merrick was deeply in love with a Spanish lady, but she declared that she couldn’t possibly live in England unless it was to be in a castle – Thomas duly set about transforming the façade of Bollitree House to give it some vague appearance of a castle, but his lady was unimpressed and Thomas was left out of pocket and without his bride.siBder s

  By 1789uchow forms someone’s back garden wall, but is visible from the r

  By 1789 the hapless Thomas Hopkins Merrick was dead, and his entire stock of farming utensils and impliments etc. were sold by auction.  These consisted of five wagons;  three carts;  ploughs;  drays;  harrows and rolls.  Also all his furniture and household goods, along with a chaise and harness for four horses.

  The Palmer Family

  It appears that the Palmer family who then took over Bollitree Castle were related in some way to the Merricks as Merrick was used as a middle name for a son for a Palmer descendant.  For many years Mr. George Merrick, a Saddler in Ross on Wye proudly sold Swedish Turnip Seed as grown by Mr. Palmer at Bollitree

  A pack of hounds was kept at the castle, and the surrounding countryside provided excellent hunting grounds.  The Castle  also had an excellent reputation for cider production, especially under the Palmer family;  George Palmer made bottled cider and perry which was favourably compared with the best champagne.

  George Palmer was also a grower of excellent quality crops, and he was a kindly gentleman who gave many people cause to think of him fondly.  For example, George let the Weston Cricket Club use one of his fields, and this along with other things prompted the Club to present him with a lovely silver goblet.  The inscription read “Presented to George Palmer Esq. by the members of the Weston Cricket Club, in remembrance of his many kindnesses to them.  Season 1868”

   

  In 1903 Bollitree Castle and Estate was put up for sale – “An excellent opportunity will be offered to capitalists, sportsmen and others”.

  The description included “the property is highly adapted for a breeder of pedigree stock or for a sportsman, being in the centre of a good hunting district, close to a good market town, with the land in a high state of cultivation.”

  It was further said that it was hoped that a thoroughly good sportsman and agriculturist would become the new owner;  live there, and do his utmost to show sport, and, with horse, dog and gun, join in the merry hunt of fur and feather;  as well as the production of blood stock, beef, mutton and corn for which the land is eminently qualified.  The well known strength and quality of Bollitree cider and perry was also mention, and it was hoped that production would continue.

  Charles Watkins duly moved into Bollitree Castle in 1903, but whether he had bought the property or was simply renting it I have yet to ascertain.  He was certainly a man of means, and his son C.R. Watkins was selected in the same year to row No. 6 in the Cambridge boat in the following year’s inter varsity boat race.  His weight was 13 stone if anyone is interested!

   

   

  1841 – Bollitree Castle Household

  John French	46		b. Gloucestershire
  William French	17		b. Herefordshire
  Thomas French	4		b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth French	40		b. Herefordshire
  James French	11		b. Herefordshire

  1851 – Bollitree Castle Household

  George Palmer	37	Farmer	b. Pencoyd, Herefordshire
  Selina Palmer	37	Wife	b. Norwich
  William Charles Palmer	6	Son, scholar at home	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Rose Palmer	4	Daughter, scholar at home	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Jane Palmer	1	Daughter	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  William Palmer	32	Brother	b. Herefordshire
  Ellen Johnstone	24	Cook	b. Bacton, Herefordshire
  Ann Hall	20	Nurse	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Hannah Webb	19	Housemaid	b. Upton Bishop, Herefordshire
  George  Walby (?)	32	Groom	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Rosa Cooper	40	Sister in Law, Governess	b. Norwich

  1861 – Bollitree Castle Household

  George Palmer	47	Farmer of 400 Acres	b. Pencoyd, Herefordshire
  Selina Palmer	47	Wife	b. Norwich
  William Charles Palmer	16	Son, scholar at home	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Jane Palmer	11	Daughter, Scholar at home	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  George Merrick Palmer	8	Son, Scholar at home	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Harriet Ford	30	House Servant	b. Little Dean, Gloucestershire
  Elizabeth Davies	22	House servant	b. Little Birch, Herefordshire
  Joseph Taylor	28	Groom	b. How Caple, Herefordshire

   

  1871 – Bollitree Castle Household

  George Palmer	57	Farmer of 399 acres	b. Pencoyd, Herefordshire
  Selina Palmer	56	Wife	b. Norwich
  Jane Palmer	21	Daughter	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  George M Palmer	18	Son	b. Weston under Penyard, Herefordshire
  Amelia Hawkins	21	Housemaid	b. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  Elizabeth Meek	22	Cook	b. Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
  Thomas Constance	63	Wandering Gardener	b. Longhope, Gloucestershire

   

  1881 – Bollitree Castle Household

  William Marfell	47	Farmer	b. Herefordshire
  Elizabeth Marfell	54	Wife	b. Herefordshire
  Edgar Marfell	22	Nephew	b. Brampton Abbotts Herefordshire
  Ann Dobbs	24	Cook	b. Llangarron, Herefordshire
  Sarah Bailey	22	Housemaid	b. Herefordshire

  In 1891 William Marfell was still at Bollitree,

   

  1901 – Bollitree Castle Household

  Charles Watkins	52	Corn Merchant	b. Herefordshire
  Charlotte Watkins	53	Sister living on own means	B. Herefordshire
  Rhoda Wilkins	23	Housemaid	b. Lydney, Gloucestershire

  1911 – Bollitree Castle Household

  Arthur Thomas Webb	66	Farmer and Butcher	b. Monmouthshire
  Elizabeth Webb	66	Wife	b. Monmouthshire
  Catharine Ann Webb	33	Daughter, Dairy work	b. Monmouthshire
  Frances Mary Webb	27	Daughter, Dairy work	b. Monmouthshire
  Thomas Edward Webb	26	Son, working on farm	b. Goodrich, Herefordshire
  Robert Rumsey Webb	61	Brother, Lecturer in College	b. Monmouthshire
  Wilfred George Parry	21	Boarder, farm pupil	b. Herefordshire
  Constance Strong	18	General domestic servant	b. Epsom, Surrey

  1921 – Bollitree Castle Household

  I am not convinced that the transcription of “Gammond” is correct – it actually looks more like Jammond, but I cannot find anything to confirm either name.

  Stratford Gammond	b. Herefordshire 1871	Farmer, Employer
  Winifred Gammond	b. Raglan, Monmouthshire, Wales 1885	Wife, Home Duties
  Colin Gammond	b. Upton Bishop,  Herefordshire 1909	Son
  Edward Gammond	b. Upton Bishop, Herefordshire 1910	Son
  Mary Gammond	b. Upton Bishop, Herefordshire 1911	Daughter
  Diana Gammond	b. Upton Bishop, Herefordshire 1916	Daughter
  Kate Nash	b. Much Marcle, Herefordshire 1901	Domestic Servant
  Mildred Prosser	b. Ross on Wye, Herefordshire 1906	Domestic Servant
  John Roberts	b. Madley, Herefordshire 1891	Assistant to Stratford Gammond

  Read More >