Did you know that the commonest pub name in the UK is “The Red Lion”? It’s because of a royal decree, issued more than 400 years ago, when James VI of Scotland was also crowned James I of England. Following his coronation in 1603, King James ordered the red lion of Scotland to be displayed on all important public buildings – which of course included inns and taverns.
The Marchioness of who? That was the reaction of members of The Badsey Society way back in 2005 when they came across a reference to the Marchioness of Downshire in some Badsey and Aldington Enclosure Awards. Books had been written about Badsey’s history, much research had been done, but never before had we heard of anyone by the name of the Marchioness of Downshire.
Albert Edward Carter of Pitchers Hill Farm died on 29th June 1946. His widow, Mary Louise Carter remained at the associated house, Wickham House, until 1952. When she left, she put the contents up for Auction. These were sold by E.G. Righton & Son on 28th August 1952. The advertisement appeared in the Tewkesbury Register, and Agricultural Gazette of 16th August 1952.
On a recent visit to Witley Court, seat of the Foley family for many generations, I was reminded that the Foleys also owned the Manor of Aldington for some 140 years. Thomas Foley, an ironmaster, acquired the estate in 1665. Six generations of Foleys, all named Thomas, were lords of the Manor of Aldington until the estate was sold in 1806.
This plan was found in the deeds belonging to Bredon View, 11 Willersey Road. No details of the auction have been found, but the deeds reveal that an auction was held on 7th July 1888 at The Swan Inn, Bengeworth. The land had originally been owned by John Jones (1759-1850).
At the time of Aldington and Badsey enclosures, in 1808 and 1815 respectively, John Jones was a major landowner in the village. His family had owned land in the village for several generations.
* * * * *
John Jones was born at Badsey in 1759, the eldest of four children of Piercy Jones (1710-1802) and his wife, Elizabeth Squire (née Silvester). He was baptised at St James' Church, Badsey, on 28th October 1759.
The following advertisement appeared in the Worcestershire Chronicle of 9th November 1842.
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION
BY GEORGE AGG
WICKHAMFORD
About 2 miles from Evesham
VALUABLE FREEHOLD PROPERTY
Comprising
PITCHER’S HILL FARM
With
FARM HOUSE, BUILDINGS & VALUABLE
MEADOW & PASTURE LAND
In all about 89A 0R 23P
TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION BY
E g Righton & Son
First in One Lot, and if not sold then as under:
This article concerns William Smith, his two wives – Elizabeth Pope and Annie Sheward – and his 13 children born between 1901 and 1921. William Smith lived almost all his life at Pitchers Hill Farm, Wickhamford. He fathered eight children with Elizabeth and five with Annie. After his death, Annie, was mother to two more children.
