John Cartwright (1862-1944) - Part 2

Yesterday I published Part 1 of the life of John Cartwright of Blankney Fen. In his notes John talked about schooldays and his early working life. Today we continue his story. In Part 2 John, in his own words, gives us a glimpse of life at Blankney Hall, he touches on his marriage, talks about various activities that earned him extra money and his involvement with the church.

The Life of John Cartwright of Blankney Fen from the age of twelve years

Lord Chaplin entertained a distinguished party at Blankney to look at the yearling bloodstock (1885) which included H.R.H. the Prince of Wales (afterwards King Edward), Col.Ellis attending the Prince, Duke of Portland, Marquis of Hartington, Earl Westmorland, Earl of Rosslyn, Earl of Durham, Earl Cadogan, Lord Hastings, Lord Charles Beresford, Sir John Willoughby, Sir Geo. Chetwynd, Sir J.D. Astley, Sir F Johnstone, Count Kinsky, Col.Forester, Mr .Chris.Sykes M.P., Mr Craven, Mr.A.J. Balfour, Capt.Batchelor, Capt.Machell, Col. Oliphant, Mr Calcraft, Hon.Geo.Lampton, Hon.James Lowther, Hon.R.Spencer, and Hon.D.Plunkett. All the above spent the weekend in the Hall, servants slept in the village. Thirteen yearlings went up to Newmarket to be sold, which made over £20,000, eleven of them by Hermit, one by Galopin, and one Rosicrucian. Most of the above party came to Blankney for many years. Lord Chaplin was married 1876 to Lady Florence Leveson Gower, eldest daughter of the Duke of Sutherland, who died on October 10th 1981. In 1888 I married, and my choice has turned out to be one of the best wives and mothers in the world. Now I had to begin to earn something, starting by taking my coat off at farming, also as insurance agent for the General Insurance Company, which brought me in about 10/- per week for a good many years, and as well as looking after the farm I earned about 20/- per week on the corn market for several years. At the same time was Overseer of the Poor and Highways, which brought me in about another 7/6 per week for 27 years, having collected in that time in rates about £20,000. All this entailed a lot of work in book keeping and driving about in the old covered car, and if I remember right, my good lady did not like being disturbed by me coming to bed so late after making out rates, but I told her I had to do something to rub off the £1500 borrowed, and it all helped, as the old woman said when she went to 'Skeg'. Sometime about now (1896) Canon Stephens made me his Churchwarden, which office I have filled for two more Rectors, the Rev. E.L. Treffry 13 years and the Rev. C.H. Sibthorp. On the Rev. E.L. Treffry leaving us in 1914 I was appointed Drainage Commissioner for Blankney and Martin in his place, was also Chairman of the Parish Council for a short time, so I think I have done my bit for good old Blankney.

Look out for Part 3 of this fascinating story in the Journal.