John Cartwright (1862-1944) - Part 5

Today we publish the fifth and final part of John Cartwright's story. In this final part John talks about the Blankney Flower Show, the parade of the stud, finding gold and two bonny fine boys.

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

Now for a reference to the wonderful Blankney Flower Show - one of the best in England. It was estimated we had 21,000 people there the second year. So many got in without paying: was nearly one o'clock in the morning before they got the last train away from the station. As well as having a wonderful show of flowers, we had splendid bicycle races; some of the best riders in England attended; also had some of the best trotting horses, and jumping and pony racing as well. Then came the parade of the stud - Hermit, Galopin (both Derby winners), Friars Balsam, never beaten as a two-year-old, but did not race after, Bendigo winner of the Lincoln Handicap and the Cambridgeshire, also Lord Nelson, the horse got one eye knocked out and did not race. I was the secretary for all horses. When we gave the show up we had about £600 in hand, which we divided between the County Hospital and the Farmer's Benevolent Fund. For the latter I have had nineteen votes ever since and I understand they don't run out until 1954.
About sixty years ago one of our men in the Fen, named Flatters, digging a trench to put some pipes into the home field pond, found a gold sword hilt which father got £50 for from Mr. J.D. Fisher, Lincoln.. Flatters got the money. Some years later when digging a rat out of a hole just below the top Fen gate in the dyke end, we found a gold bracelet, which Mr. Fisher gave us £64.10.0 for. The same bracelet is now in the British Museum in London. Another piece of gold was found in the Car Dike side against Linwood Hall about the same time. As the tide came up to the Car Dike many years ago we are still wondering if these gold finds have anything to do with King John's treasure which was lost in the Wash.
Just to finish this rigmarole, I knew a farmer with two bonny fine boys, both of them with a lot of good in them, but they seemed to be dissatisfied that their father had not made better use of his time, telling their mother they should make pounds where their father made pence, but up to now the pence have not been made.

I hope you have enjoyed reading John Cartwright's story as much as I have enjoyed writing it. I think you will agree he was indeed a remarkable man.
Footnote
In the bell tower of Blankney church, on the left as you look at the font, there is a plaque which reads as follows:
To the glory of God. After doing service for 100 years the five bell wooden frame in this tower was replaced by an eight bell iron frame, in which the bells were re-hung and quarter turned (No.1 being cast). At the same time a treble bell was given by the farmers of the parish as a thank you offering for the restoration of peace, and was dedicated by the Lord Bishop of Lincoln on March 14th 1920

Charles Henry Sibthorp. Rector.
John Cartwright)
William Maltby ) Churchwardens

St. Oswalsds Blankney