Happenings on the Heath

Sword Mill, Civil Wars, Duels, Horse Racing, The Great Wolf, Sir Joseph Banks, Extreme Pedestrianism, Hot Air Balloon Race plus the other Hounslow Heath.

Click on the image above to scroll through the slides.

1. Some of the happenings in this talk are connected to milestones in British History for which there is a wealth of information available… and there are other happenings which leave mysteries in their wake. The theme though is that it happened on, over or under the Heath.

2. Here is a map of 1635 showing Hounslow Heath. Between the 1630s and 1650s there was a Sword Mill. The sword makers were famous at the time, many of them were from Germany; the swords were bought by royalty and military. Richard Hopkins and Joseph Jenks, swordmakers, enscribed their swords as made by them in Hounslow. Five different types of swords were made there. Benjamin Stone, who established the Sword Mill, later became ‘His Majesty’s Blademaker for the Office of the Ordnance’. This is an image of the inscription mark from a Hounslow sword. The River Crane and Baber Bridge are shown on the map, which can give you an idea of the position of the sword mill.

3. Taken prisoner in his bed, 12th November 1642 – by members of the troop of a captain John Fynes. Accused of scouting towards Brentford. “I’m just a Groom to Mr Harbred of Yorkshire.” said Thomas. He was committed to the Gatehouse and to remain there during the pleasure of the House [Parliament]. Thomas’ master, Mr. Harbred, was a horse-man in Prince Charles’ troop. What was happening on the Heath and Brentford in 1642? Thomas Rigg had found himself caught up in the English Civil War. A conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians – also referred to as Cavaliers and Roundheads.

4. The English Civil War was caused by Charles I’s largely divisive innovations in Church and State, which were challenged by his opposition. Charles tried to mount a pre-emptive strike against leaders of the opposition, it failed in January 1642 and Charles was forced to flee his capital. In November 1642 the 13,000 strong Royalist Army – having marched from various points west of London, had assembled on HH, Thomas Rigg being one of them, in readiness to march on London and do battle with the Parliamentarian Army.

5. On the morning of 12th November 1642 4,600 members of the Royalist Army advanced to Brentford to engage there with the Parliamentarian forces (perhaps helped with information gained from Thomas Rigg’s scouting). A battle then ensued: the Battle of Brentford – in which the Royalists captured Brentford. The troops could well have used swords made at Hounslow. Was Thomas Rigg just a lowly groom or was he an expert in scouting and a spy for the Royalist Army?

6. This painting is of James II Army mustered on HH in 1687. A little background first – Charles I had been beheaded on 30th Jan 1649 – Oliver Cromwell had been and gone – he had died on 3rd Sep 1658 – Charles II (Charles I’s son) had entered London in triumph on 29th May 1660 – Charles II died on 6th Feb 1685 – his brother was crowned James II on 23rd Apr 1685.

7. . In this 1871 Map of HH you can see the Military Exercise and Review Ground – River Crane and railway

9. Whilst James II Army was on HH, a gentleman, Samuel Johnson, a cleric and pamphleteer, had written an address to the soldiers encamped on the Heath. It was titled ‘A Humble and Hearty address to all English Protestants in the present army’ – it exhorted the soldiers to come to the defence of their religion rather than ass8st their Catholic officers in erecting a popish kingdom of darkness and desolation. Samuel was arrested on 25th May1686 – he was charged with high misdemeanours: designedly publishing two pernicious, scandalous and seditious libels to raise and stir up sedition and rebellion in his Majesty’s leige subjects. In November 1642 he was sentenced to: pay 500 marks to the King. Lie in prison until it was paid. To stand three times in the pillory in the Palace Yard, Westminster; at Charing Cross and the Royal Exchange. TO be whipped from Newgate to Tyburn – 317 lashes whit a whip of nine cords knotted. Why did Samuel Johnson feel so roused to write to the Protestants in James II army and why was he arrested and charged?

9. Again a little background needed. James, whilst his brother Charles II was king had converted to Catholicism and Parliament were worried that if he ever became king that he would then force a change to the State religion - from Anglican to Catholicism. James, when he became King, did overrule Parliament and placed Catholics into high office – against the law of the land - that only Anglicans could hold high office. The mustering of James II army on HH was a show of force and a threat to Parliament – leading to Samuel Johnsons address to the troops. The mustering also became an attraction as a great day-out for Londoners.

10. I’ll begin with duels that happened on the H and then follow with some background information. In August 1806 a duel was reported in the Morning Chronicle - but the participants were only mentioned by their initials: at 5 o’clock on a Sunday morning Captian G-N and Captain G-M exchanged five shots each – captain G-N received a bullet in the thigh. A duel on HH in 1809 was more fully reported: The participants were Mr Franks a gentleman of fortune who resides on Windsor Forest and Captain Damar a member of a regiment of dragoons. Were reported as being distant relatives. There had been an altercation between these two gentlemen, during the day, in the betting stand at Ascot Races . In the evening there had been a race ball at Egham were the altercation was renewed. Captain Damar was wounded slightly in the first fire. Mr Franks was shot through the body and was not expected to live. Another duel were only initials were used: is that of Mr C and Mr M – at a distance of six paces – Thankfully only Mr M suffered – he had his whiskers singed. Many of you may have seen or read of duels; that there were two participants and that they each had an attendant known as a second. The participants w would stand back-to back, and in the case of pistols, walk a few steps turn and fire. Is that all there was to a duel? No – there were strict rules and etiquette to follow: the Royal Code of Honour with more than 17 rules; the French Duelling Codes – with 84 rules, for the less strict there was the Irish Duelling Code which had 25 rules, and became known as the Irish Code Deullo – introduced in 1777. Types of offences which could lead to a duel – ‘a simple offense, an offense of an insulting nature or an offense with personal acts of violence’. ==== For example A tells B he is a cheat B retorts that A is a liar During the duel A must make the first apology After one fire B may explain by way of an apology But if no apologies forthcoming after 2 shots each B may explain and A apologise. No dumb shooting or firing in the air admissible. The challenged has the right to choose his own weapon unless the challenger gives his honor he is no swordsman. The challenged chooses the ground. The challenger chooses the distance. The seconds fix the time and terms of firing – seconds are bound to attempt a reconciliation before the meeting takes place. The time and place were to be as convenient as possible to surgical assistance. If the rules and etiquette were not followed, by either party they would be shunned by society.

11 . Today we find it inexplicable that pistol manufacturers saw fit to produce and sell pistols solely for the purpose of duelling. In this set there are even pistols for the seconds.

12. Horse races took place regularly on the H and were well attended. Where did they take place? Here we have Rocques map of 1754 and which shows the detail of a race course on HH.

13. The runners and rider were well reported in newspapers before and after the events. The races were not one off events but over a few days: eg Wed to Sat. The participants would race twice around the two mile course. In 1820 it was reported that the races were extremely well attended and many dashing carriages and elegant females were present – is there anything suggestive in that the word ‘females’ was used rather than ‘ladies’? There were prizes such as those offered by the Gentlemen of the Clarence Stag Hounds: a silver cup valued at £50.00 – the prize was solely for non-thoroughbreds which were the property of farmers of Middlesex. Here is the story of Mr Sage, the Brewer. In July 1735 Mr Sage bet that he could ride his horse 20 miles on the Hounslow course for 20 guineas. His grey horse had won the Hunter’s Plate at Kingston Races. He would not have to ride ten times round the course for the course was in fact 25 yards over two miles. Mr Sage weighed 12 stone and the saddle weighed seven pounds. The horse therefore was carrying more weight than he was used to. On starting the odds were 5/4 that he did not do it. Those in the know about horse racing knew that the horse would be unlikely to stay the course when carrying that weight. On the fifth time round, the horse stumbled, Mr Sage had held his rein too short, and he flew over the horses head - the horse ran off towards Hanworth – both sweating violently. The odds had increased to 6/4 that he would not complete the course. The experts agreed that the horse could easily have run 20 miles had the rider been a groom – as a groom would have been at least 2 stones lighter. ------------- It was reported in the London Evening Post of Jan 1734 On Tuesday last the great Wolf was turned loose at the Powder Mills on Hounslow Heath, and hunted by the Kingston Hounds, he ran no further than Hanworth (which is about 1 mile) and there got into the water and would like to have been drowned, but was saved with difficulty. They tied whipcord over his nose to muzzle him; which kept his jaws so close together that it prevented his running. It is computed that there was upwards of 500 horses in the field. Now that is a mystery – what was the great Wolf? Kingston History Centre were interested to hear of it but had no records of a great Wolf in their archives.

14. Joseph Banks was arrested whilst meandering on HH. That must have been very embarrassing for the authorities as when he came before the magistrate he recognised him not only as his neighbour but also the famous botanist, explorer and naturalist. Joseph had been out on the Heath observing the flora and fauna. Joseph would often dress similar to a footpad and with his sister go out wandering in the local area. That episode did not go unnoticed by the general public – a rhyme and cartoons were penned – the rhyme by the then popular rhymster Peter Pindar, which also poked fun at the Bow Street Runners who had taken Joseph into custody.

15. There is so much to say about Joseph Banks that it is difficult to know when to stop. Sir Joseph Banks was a British explorer and naturalist who, as long-time president of the Royal Society, became known for his promotion of science. His explored Newfoundland, Labrador, Brazil, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia. He accompanied Captain Cook on his voyage towards he South Pole and around the World. He was asked, by the King, for his advice in developing Kew Gardens. Which explains why it was so embarrassing to the authorities and so humorous for the general public. His home in Spring Grove is now part of West Thames College.

16 . Pedestrianism, over great distances, became popular in the late 1700s. When feats of pedestrianism were undertaken for considerable wagers. There was often one person betting they could complete a particular distance in a particular time. For example A Mr Paul, in 1808, wagered that he could go from from Knightsbridge to Windsor in 2½ hours – a distance of approx 20 miles and that his return would take under 3 hours. He bet 100 guineas on the outward course and 50g on the return course. He included a rest between each leg and stated that the entire venture would occur in under 12 hours. He set out at 8 in the morning and by nine had completed nine miles. By ten o’clock he was within 1 ½ miles of Slough and easily completed the course in under 2 ½ hours. He then lay down on a straw bed, wrapped in blankets and after four hours, began his homeward journey – to be completed in under 3 hours. Bearing in mind that it was April, which is generally a fairly wet month, the rain had fallen in torrents and he had to carry an umbrella for the first seven miles. When had arrived on HH the wind and the weather were so against him that he retired. He did though win 50g. ==== The second Extreme Pedestrianist was a lady – a postwoman – Mrs Lucy Hawkins of Hounslow. Lucy was born in Hounslow in 1806 and would have know the area very well. Her 16 . daily round was from Hounslow to Hanworth – covering ten miles. There is an instance of an Inspector accompanying her on one of her daily rounds – but he gave up before the round was finished.

167. On Saturday 30th May 1908 at 3 o’clock a balloon race was undertaken by 31 competitors. The start was attended by a crowd of 5 ½ thousand – with picnics and parasols. The race was from the Hurlingham Club in Fulham to Burchetts’ Green, nr Maidenhead – a distance of some 30 miles.

18 . The race was international with competitors from Britain, France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland. As they drifted over and near the Heath knots of children were seen and heard dancing and shouting frantically with joy. There were no accidents and all completed the course safely – bar one who was unable to start. It must have been an amazing sight –as it would be today. Although it would have been even more amazing in 1908 as machines which could fly were only just being invented.

19. There was considerable debate at the time as to whether flying machines could be used for good or evil. Much of the information available to the general public was gleaned from boy’s magazines or authors such as H.G.Wells and Jules Verne. Only 5 years earlier, 1903, had the American Wright Brothers managed to fly 852 feet in 59 seconds – Europe was catching up – slowly – Alberto Santos-Dumont managed in 1906 to fly seven metres. Which explains why there were such huge crowds and why the children were so excited when watching the balloon race.

20 . Here is the final item ‘The Heath under your feet’. I’d like to take you on a journey from Cowes, Isle of Wight – down the coast of Africa around the Cape Peninsula and all the way to Australia – a journey lasting 4-5 months and then to the Australian state of Tasmania.

21 . And then on to Cradle Mountain – At the feet of Cradle Mountain there is an area named HH. Wow! You are thinking – how did that happen?

22 . In the early 1820s, when Tasmani was known as Van Diemen’s Land, a company was formed, the VDL co., who employed surveyors to inspect the soil – over vast areas. It was one particular surveyor, a Mr. Fossey from Hertfordshire, who named the area of heathland HH.

23 . Today the Tasmanian HH is accessible only by a track – a track only for those experienced in bush-walking – makes our HH seem very tame. There is an environmental volunteer group in Tasmania: Wildcare. The Cradle Mountain volunteers section of Wildcare are busy clearing the track – each square measure one kilometre and they are just on the final 300 metres. My thanks to Glen Hayhurst for these photos of the volunteers, which show how narrow the track is and it certainly looks steep in places.

24 . And now the final picture – the HH track in Tasmania.

Bibliography –

Happenings on the heath

Acknowledgements

With grateful thanks to:

Fiona MacFarlane, Archivist, Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office, for the information on Mr. Fossey and the naming of Hounslow Heath.

Glen Hayhurst ,Secretary, Wildcare Cradle Mountain Volunteers, for permission to use his photograph, map and information on the Hounslow Heath Track.

Clinton Barnes, for permission to include his photograph of Hounslow Heath.

Archives

Tasmanian Archive and Heritage Office , SD_ILS:1029304, NS2809-1-9 (Hil - Kel), The E. R. Pretyman index to Tasmanian place names. [20Apr2017] https://stors.tas.gov.au/NS2809

Geoff Lennox, Centre for Tasmanian Historical Studies, VAN DIEMEN'S LAND COMPANY, 2006 (04APR2017).http://www.utas.edu.au/library/companion_to_tasmanian_history/V/VDL%20Co.htm

Books

Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, E. R. Pretyman, 'Fossey, Joseph (1788–1851)', http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/fossey-joseph-2060/text2563 [published first in hardcopy 1966] [29 April 2017].

Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, Banks, Sir Joseph (1743–1820), L. A. Gilbert, [ published first in hardcopy 1966], [27Apr2017]. http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/banks-sir-joseph-1737

John Callow, James II The Triumph and the Tragedy, (Kew, Surrey; The National Archives, 2005).

A Complete Collection of State Trials Vol XI, (Compiled by T.B. Howell) (London, Fleet Street, T.C. Hansard, 1816); pp 1339-1354. [link] [Samuel Johnson]

Cecil Roberts, And so to Bath, (New York, Macmillan Co., 1940), p. 140. [link] [Joseph Banks]

The Works of Peter Pindar, (London, Jones & Co., 1823), pp 62-3. [link] [Joseph Banks]

Online Information

The Battlefields Trust, Battlefieldstrtust.com, Resource Centre Home > The Civil Wars > The Edgehill Campaign > Battle of Brentford > The Battle; [2017], [05Apr2017]. http://www.battlefieldstrust.com/brentfordandturnhamgreen/history/the-battles/brentford.htm [plus images and battlefield trail]

British History Online, www.british-history.ac.uk, commons-jrnl, (Vol 12,) pp 845-847. [15 February 2017]. http://www.british-history.ac.uk/commons-jrnl/vol2/pp845-847

British History Online, www.british-history.ac.uk, Daniel Lysons, 'Heston', in The Environs of London: Volume 3, County of Middlesex (London, 1795)http://www.british-history.ac.uk/london-environs/vol3/pp22-45#fnn105

Centurions1911.org.uk., Age of Pedestrianism, [2017], [21Apr2017]. http://www.centurions1911.org.uk/age-of-pedestrianism.html

Geriwalton.com., Foster Powell – The Celebrated Pedestrian, [2014], [27Apr2017]. https://www.geriwalton.com/foster-powell-celebrated-pedestrian/

Geriwalton.com., French Dueling Codes for Swords, Pistols, and Sabers, [04Jan2016], [05Apr2017]. https://www.geriwalton.com/french-dueling-codes-for-swords-pistols-and-sabers/

Geriwalton.com., Irish Dueling Code or the Irish Code Duello, [31Jul2015], [05Apr2017. https://www.geriwalton.com/irish-dueling-code-or-irish-code-duello/

Oxford DNB., Melinda Zook, ‘Johnson, Samuel (1649–1703)’, Oxford University Press, 2004; [2005-2016], [10Apr2017]. http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/14916

webring.org., Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Machines, Europe's First Flight Santos-Dumont Gets Europe Off the Ground: At Last!http://www.thosemagnificentmen.co.uk/asd/

Maps

British History Online, Sheet 006, Map of Surrey, (Southampton, Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882). http://www.british-history.ac.uk/os-1-to-10560/surrey/006 [12 Feb 2017].

Glen Hayhurst, Hounslow Heath Track, (email 29Apr2017).

Google Maps, Hounslow Heath, Tasmania. [link]

Google Maps, Staines Road, Hounslow, TW14 0HD., [link]

Google Maps, Hurlingham Club to Burchett’s Green, [link]

British History Online, 'Sheet 006', in Map of Surrey (Southampton, 1871-1882), (Originally published by Ordnance Survey, Southampton, 1871-1882). (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/os-1-to-10560/surrey/006 [accessed 12 February 2017]. [Military Exercise]

David Rumsey. Com., John Arrowsmith, 1834, Van Diemens Land, (Tooley, R.V. The mapping of Australia and Antarctica (2nd ed.), p. 18 no. 117, p. 299 no. 95-96) [link]

Phil Philo, John Mills, archaeologydataservice.ac.uk, The Bedfont Gunpowder Mills; p 96. [ND], (04Apr2017). http://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archiveDS/archiveDownload?t=arch-457-1/dissemination/pdf/vol05/vol05_04/05_04_095_102.pdf [Moses Glover Map 1635]

Dave Pape, Earth Images, AVHRR Pathfinder., (2001), (04Apr2017). https://www.evl.uic.edu/pape/data/Earth/1024/PathfinderMap.jpg

John Rocque, oldmapsOnline.org., Carte topographique de le comté de Middlesex, 3., 1754., [25Apr2017] http://www.oldmapsonline.org/map/unibern/000993475

St Margarets Community Website, Hounslow Swords., (2014), [03may2017]. https://stmargarets.london/archives/2014/03/hounslow_swords.html

Newspapers

London Evening Post, July 1734. [Horse Racing]

London World Fashionable Advertiser, 11 Oct 1787. [Payment to troops]

London St James Chronicle or British Evening Post, 13 Oct 1789. [For Sale]

Morning Post, 11Jun1805. [King review troops]

Morning Chronicle, 05Aug1806. [Duel]

Hampshire Chronicle, 25Apr1808. [Pedestrian]

Windsor and Eton Express, 03Sep1820. [Horse Racing]

Morning Post, 13Sep1820. [Horse Racing]

The Standard, 01Jun1908. [Balloon Race]

World's News, 19 Dec 1908; p.2. (Sydney, NSW. 1901-1955). http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-title466 [Footpath]

Images

1st Art Gallery.com., The Leedes Arabian, being led by a groom, in a landscape; [nd], [13Apr2017]. https://www.1st-art-gallery.com/John-Wootton/The-Leedes-Arabian-Being-Led-By-A-Groom-In-A-Landscape.html.

Clinton Barnes, flickr.com., Hounslow Heath Walk, [April, 2006] [13Feb2017] [link]

Daily Mail., 07Aug2015., Penguins, pirates and even a minion: Spectacular show as more than 100 balloons take off at start of international fiesta, (Anthony Joseph) (Copyright adamgrayswns.com). [27Apr2017] http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3187785/Hundreds-balloons-start-international-festival.html

David Galbraith, oobject.com.,12 pairs of dueling pistols, [nd], [05Apr2017]. http://www.oobject.com/category/12-pairs-of-dueling-pistols/

Getty Images, Balloon Fun. [link] [27Apr2017].

Glen Hayhurst, Wildcare Cradle Mountain Volunteers, No Highwaymen on Hounslow Heath, (7 December 2016). http://wildcaretas.org.au/wildcare-cradle-mountain-volunteers/no-highwaymen-hounslow-heath/

National Army Museum, collection.nam.ac.uk., A Grand Review on Hounslow Heath, 1687; [nd], [13Apr2017]. https://collection.nam.ac.uk/detail.php?acc=2002-11-682-1

National Trust., nationaltrustcollections.org.uk., A Grey Stallion and Attendant; [nd], [13Apr2017]. http://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/499992 [groom]

Royal Collection Trust, royalcollection.org.uk., Charles I (1600-1649) Signed and dated 1636; [nd], [13Apr2017].

https://www.royalcollection.org.uk/collection/404398/charles-i-1600-1649

Royal Society, royalsociety.org., Caricature of Joseph Banks, 1788, (John Wolcott (1738-1819, British Satirist); [13Apr2017]. https://pictures.royalsociety.org/image-rs-9513

St. Margarets community Website, stmargarets.london., The Duel - A Combat of Honour, Martyn Day. [2017], [26Apr2017].

St Margarets Community Website, Hounslow Swords., (2014), [03may2017]. https://stmargarets.london/archives/2014/03/hounslow_swords.html

Wikipedia, Joseph Banks, Dr Daniel Solander, Sir Joseph Banks, Captain James Cook, Dr John Hawkesworth and Earl Sandwich by John Hamilton Mortimer, 1771. [ 27Apr2017]. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Banks

University of Windsor, almoose786.wordpress.com., Entertainment in the 18th Century https://almoose786.wordpress.com/horse-racing/ [26Apr2017]

Further Reading

Films

Pathe, 1906, Rescued in Mid-air [see below]

Charles Urban, 1909, The Airship Destroyer [see below]

eafa.org.uk, East Anglian Film Archive, Rescued in Mid Air, available at: http://www.eafa.org.uk/catalogue/213326, (1904), (19 Nov 2013).

europeanfilmgateway.eu.,The Airship Destroyer, available at: http://www.europeanfilmgateway.eu/node/33/detail//video:NTljNDA0MGUtZjA4Yy00NTRlLWEyMzctOWNlNzAwMzZkYTA5X1VtVndiM05wZEc5eWVWTmxjblpwWTJWU1pYTnZkWEpqWlhNdlVtVndiM05wZEc5eWVWTmxjblpwWTJWU1pYTnZkWEpqWlZSNWNHVT06OmF2Q3JlYXRpb24uREsvREtfYXZDcmVhdGlvbl8xMDM3NDc5MDAwMDAwMDk2MDAz, (1909), (19 Nov 2013).

Online Information

archive.org., The Log of the Flying Fish (1887), available at: https://archive.org/details/Harry_Collingwood_The_Log_of_the_Flying_Fish, (nd), (16 Nov 2013).

Sir Joseph Banks Society: http://www.joseph-banks.org.uk/

Kingston History Centre, Guildhall, High Street, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 1EU. www.kingston.gov.uk/history

Andrew Nash, julesverne.ca., Robur-le-Conquérant – 1886, (The Clipper of the Clouds) available at: http://www.julesverne.ca/vernebooks/jvbkrobur.html, (2011), (16 Nov 2013).

Andrew Nash, ibid.,The Master of the World, available at: http://www.julesverne.ca/vernebooks/jvbkmaster.html (2011), (16 Nov 2013).

https://royalarmouries.org/great-hall-in-littlecote-house/swords-of-the-english-civil-wars

Smithsonian National Space and Air Museum, 1903 Kitty Hawk, https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/1903-wright-flyer

http://www.touringtasmania.info/hounslow_heath.htm