Window - "The Miraculous Draught of Fishes" - Or is it ?

Joshua Price's ten famous enamelled glass windows originally from Cannons Palace and now in Great Witley church are renowned for their craftsmanship and beauty and are possibly unique as a set in the whole world. They each depict a New Testament biblical scene (with the exception of one from the Old Testament) and most of these are straightforward and self-explanatory. However, talking to churchwarden Ian Holland, it has recently been suggested by fellow churchwarden Peter Heighway that the depiction of the window entitled "The Miraculous Draught of Fishes" may in actual fact be something quite different in scriptural terms, and may possibly be based on the miracle which saw Christ walking upon the water.
We will have to wait and see as to what evidence, if any, emerges from this intriguing claim, but if it is true then a considerable amount of history may have to be amended. Watch this space.

Visit to Great Witley Church - Sunday 28th February 2010

Although today was not my turn for stewarding duty, I could not resist a visit to the church as it never disappoints. When I arrived I found that my very good friend and research collaborator Ruth Butler was duty steward that afternoon. We were soon engaged in conversation and exchanging ideas and information on all sorts of topics to do with the church and Witley Court next door.
There has recently been an improvement to a feature of the interior of the building. that is that the old photographic and information display set up with the assistance of the late Bill Pardoe over forty years ago has now been completely re-vamped and modernised. The new display is a much more professional work and has been undertaken by Peter Kemp, the husband of one of our stewards Hilary. Peter has digitally scanned all the old prints and mounted them on attractive felt board which is framed in oak, all at his own expense. There has been universal praise and admiration from all who have cast their eyes on this impressive piece of craftsmanship despite reservations from some quarters - many thanks indeed to it's author.
Whilst on this particular topic, a very impressed Simon Lees-Milne and Ian Holland payed a visit to show their appreciation of Peter's work. Ian and his wife Mary have just returned from an extended visit to their family in Australia, having missed the miserable winter that the rest of us have had to endure. What a shame !
In addition to all this activity, a young gentleman came striding into the church and proceeded at once to the organ balcony, whereupon he played the said instrument nearly all afternoon in an impromptu recital of music, much to the delight of the visitors present. All in all a most interesting and enjoyable afternoons entertainment.

Stewarding at Great Witley Church

Our acting chief steward Roger Perkins has just rung to book me in on a couple of stewarding turns at the church as he is short-handed in March (and quite often other months too, especially in the winter). I haven't a regular slot like most stewards but work on a "fill-in" basis as and when there is a shortage, provided I am free myself. So it is that I am in for Friday 12th. March P.M. and Friday 26th. March A.M.

Stewarding times from March are 11.00 - 14.00 mornings and 14.00 - 17.00 afternoons, seven days a week. Roger says that he has "lost" around a dozen stewards over this winter period, for various reasons, and another recruiting campaign is likely soon. If you are interested in Witley Church & the court or history in general, music and the arts, Roger would certainly be glad to hear from you if you could be of assistance and would consider becoming a steward. Contact Roger Perkins on 01299 896975.

John William Ward - "Smoking"

Going back briefly to J.W.W.'s letters, I could not help but be amused by the content of a letter he wrote from Vienna in December 1817 in which he describes the habits and traits of German folk and with particular regards to thier smoking habits. Here is the relavent passage in full; see what you make of it:

........." Smoking, as I need not remind you , is a most important business in the life of almost every German of whatever condition. And to say the truth, I am rather inclined to consider it as a good thing for the common people. If they did not smoke they would probably drink more. It is a sort of defence against cold and bad air, and supplies a cheap, tranquil, harmless amusement. But it is an odd way for a gentleman to pass his day."

Visit to Madresfield Court

Thursday 4th March is the date of the next meeting of the Poseidon Fountain Restoration Society at The Hundred House, Great Witley. It may be a good opportunity at this meeting to broach the subject of a visit to Madresfield Court, Malvern, perhaps jointly with the church stewards group. If there appears to be some interest then I will contact Roger Perkins and ask for his views on the matter. Access to the interior of Madresfield is not normally available to the general public but can be arranged with the Elmley Trust (the managers of the estate) to suitable interested groups. I have briefly discussed this with Ruth Butler who, as ever, seems very keen. Having recently read Jayne Mulvagh's superb book on the place, I am of the view that a visit should be arranged for sometime this year. I'm sure it won't disappoint.

John William Ward - the"old" Earl of Dudley's letters

Not long after his death, two compilations of letters written by the "old" Earl of Dudley, John William Ward were published. "Letters to Ivy" was compiled by S.H.Romilly and consisted of correspondence to a Mrs. Helen Stewart (wife of Dugald Stewart) of Edinburgh. D.S. had been a tutor of Ward's prior to his attending Oriel College, Oxford. He regarded the Stewart family as more or less equivalent to his own and wrote to "Ivy" as he called her, on a regular basis for most of his life.

The other book of letters were to Edward Copleston, later the Bishop of Llandaff, with whom Ward corresponded regularly with his old Oxford master, again for many years.

I have read both of these books and found them fascinating, though a bit heavy going, especially the Copleston edition. They both illustrate Ward's interests and views on a wide range of subject matter, particularly the politics of the day,both domestic and European, and the machinations of his rise to become Foreign Secretary, and the literary works of the classics and those of many contemporary figures including his friend Lord Byron. Ward travelled extensively abroad in Europe and these events are well covered in his letters. Some interesting accounts of everyday life (such as the sometimes indifferent quality of postal services) can also be gleaned, as well as the amount of quite serious illnesses he suffered from time to time, to an extent almost unthinkable by today's standards. Highly recommended.

What has all this got to do with Witley Court you may ask? J.W.W. left his vast fortune in trust to the son of his second cousin, and it was the trustees of young William Ward who purchased the Witley & Holt estates from the Foley's in 1837/8. So without old John's money the history of Great Witley would have told a very different story indeed.

Welcome to my Witley Court blog

Hello and welcome to my Witley Court blog. I hope to be making regular contributions with regards to what is happening at Great Witley these days, not forgetting the church of course and the tearoom. A few thoughts on matters of an historical nature will also be making thier appearance here. Thank you for reading my comments.

Lord Balloon, the 2nd. Baron Foley of the 2nd. creation, also went by the name of David Pagett.