Bygones and Essex Tales Archives - Phoenix FM: Recent Episodes
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For this week’s foray into the past, Margaret Mills told us all about “CHELMSFORD BRENDA”, who it turns out was not a person but a dog – a St Bernard to be precise.
It seems that Chelmsford Brenda was owned by a Mr and Mrs Nathan Smith.
Mr Smith was a dentist based on London Road in Chelmsford and with the agreement of the Red Cross, Chelmsford Brenda was put to work collecting money for the benefit of troops who had been wounded during the first world war.
Over the course of around 3 years she collected over £300.
If you missed what Margaret told me you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Chelmsford-Brenda.mp3Look forward to having your company again next week,
Scott
The post Who was CHELMSFORD, BRENDA? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This afternoon Margaret Mills looked at the life and work of the keen naturalist, “Robert” MILLER CHRISTY who lived in Chignal St James, Near Chelmsford in the early 1900’s.
For some reason he was always known as simplyMILLER CHRISTY.
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Miller-Christy.mp3He was especially keen on the world of nature, but was also interested in the reported mythical creatures such as the Essex serpent, that was supposed to attack and even eat unsuspecting people.
Really?
Well if you missed what Margaret told me today, you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Miller-Christy.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post A look back at the times of Miller Christy appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Of course being a Tuesday, I was joined during the second hour of today’s show by Margaret Mills who chose to tell us about the somewhat Bohemian lifestyle of the portrait painter, AUGUSTUS JOHN, who spent some time living in MATCHING GREEN, near Harlow.
He was accompanied during this visit by his wife, IDA MARGARET NETTLESHIP, his mistress Dorothy or Dorelia McNeill, (described as the children’s maid) and 9 of his alleged 100 children!
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Augustus-John.mp3I very much hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post The Bohemian lifestyle of portrait painter, AUGUSTUS JOHN appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her weekly historical feature, on this occasion Margaret Mills told us about the time that the renowned poet, Alfred Tennyson stayed in Essex.
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Tennyson-at-High-Beach.mp3Hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post Alfred Tennyson – 1st Baron Tennyson at High Beech in Essex during the mid 1800’s appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her historical feature today, Margaret Mills took us back to just before the start of the first world war – 110 years ago – when Essex was the scene of a major agricultural strike which involved farmworkers who launched a series of strikes aimed at increasing their wages to about about £40 per year and reduced working hours – a half day on Saturdays.
The strike started in February 1914 and finally ended just one day before the start of the war, finally achieved its aims, it was not without a lot of pain.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject:
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Margaret-Mills-Essex-Agricultural-Strike.mp3Hope to see you once more next week,
Scott
The post appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Following her look at coach travel in Essex, in days of yore, this week Margaret Mills turner her attention to the beginnings of the motor car industry in Essex.
Surprisingly today’s feature is not connected with FORD, but back in 1892, a man called Frederick Bremer who lived in Walthamstow, built a petrol driven car in a shed in his back garden.
His claim to have driven the vehicle on public roads around Walthamstow in 1894 is unsubstantiated bearing in mind that had he actually done so, he would have broken the law as it was only in 1896 that propelled vehicles were finally allowed on public roads.
After his death in 1941 the car he built was gifted to the Vestry House Museum in Walthamstow, where it can still be seen today.
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Margaret-Mills-Bremer-car.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post The first motor vehicle in Essex back in 1892! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Of course being a Tuesday I was joined once again by Margaret Mills who took us back to the coaching days of old, before the arrival of the railways.
Margaret looked at two Essex based pioneers of coach travel – George Shillibeer and Walter Hancock and if you missed what Margaret told me you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Margaret-Mills-Essex-Coaching.mp3I very much hope you will be able to join me once again next week,
Scott
The post The Coaching days in Essex of old! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills this week was something which is often referred to as “ESSEX GOLD”.
It is in fact the oyster trade which is centred around the areas close to Maldon and Colchester.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject today: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Margaret-Mills-Essex-Gold.mp3I’ll see you again next week,
Scott
The post So this is ESSEX GOLD! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This afternoon, Margaret Mills took as her subject, a 14th century lady named, ALICE PERRERS, who was at least for a time in the service of the father of the Black Prince, but later she seemed to have become a pretty well to do land owner.
Alice was believed to have been born in 1330 in Castle Heddingham, becoming lady in waiting to Queen Philippa and King Edward III and subsequently becoming a prolific land owner in London, Hampshire and Essex.
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Margaret-Mills-Alice-Perrers.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post A lady in waiting – but clearly not for ever! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday, I was joined as usual by Margaret Mills who’s subject today was a pair of Essex horticulturists from Ongar – brothers Henry and Edward Doubleday.
Listen here to learn more on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Margaret-Mills-Henry-and-Edward-Doubleday.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post The Doubleday brothers from Ongar appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills for of this week’s historical feature, concerned Billericay during the winter of 1766, where on the 18th January the town was hit by a blizzard like no other, with snow lying between 6 and 10 feet deep.
Not surprisingly this resulted in the Rochford to London coach becoming totally buried.
Apparently it required the efforts of 30 men over a period of 3 days to clear a path and free the coach.
You can hear more here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Margaret-Mills-A-Billericay-Winter.mp3Hope to see you next week,
Scott
The post A really bad winter in Billericay appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills NEWPORT SCHOOL that was founded by a remarkable woman, Dame Joyce Frankland back in 1588.
Listen again here to what Margaret told me today about how this happened: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Margaret-Mills-Newport-School.mp3I’ll see you again next week,
Scott
The post Newport Free Academy appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret Mills looked back at the life and times of a renowned clergyman from Ongar.
A pupil of Rugby school, he is reputed to have been the first boy to have ever picked up and run with ball, thereby creating the game of Rugby.
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this man: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Mills-William-Webb-Ellis.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Scrum Down appeared first on Phoenix FM.
I was joined as usual by Margaret Mills who today told us all about an Essex born preacher named Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
It was said that he used to draw such huge crowds of people wanting to hear him preach that special halls often had to be hired.
Apparently he was known widely as the PRINCE OF PREACHERS, as reportedly listeners to his sermons were often left spellbound.
Whether or not you will be equally spellbound, you can listen again here to what Margaret told me today about this man: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Mills-Charles-Haddon-Spurgeon.mp3I look forward to the pleasure of your company again next week,
Scott
The post The Prince of Preachers appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For a second week running Margaret Mills took us today on a return trip to Thaxted to try to find out what happened to the cutlery trade she told us about last week.
If you missed what Margaret told me then, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Mills-The-Cutlers-of-Thaxted-Pt-2.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post From cutlery to wool appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her trip back into history this week, Margaret Mills took us back to 14th century Thaxted, when the town was the centre for cutlery. It seems that at that time the Lord of the Manor granted very favourable terms for those engaged in that trade which allowed the town to become the second wealthiest town in Essex.
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Mills-The-Cutlers-of-Thaxted-Pt-1.mp3I hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post The cutlers of Thaxted appeared first on Phoenix FM.
As per usual on a Tuesday I was joined once again by Margaret Mills who this week took us just up the road to Blackmore, but the Blackmoor of Tudor times, where one of Henry VIII’s mistresses, ELIZABETH BLOUNT, was smuggled out of London before she could give birth to one of his love children.
When her illegitimate son was born, the King was especially happy to discover that he had a son, who was unsurprisingly called, Henry.
It seems that at one point King Henry considered divorcing his then wife Catherine of Aragon, marrying Elizabeth thus making his son legitimate and a possible future monarch.
Of course this did not happen and the young Henry died aged just 17, amidst rumours that he might have met his end at the instigation of Anne Boleyn.
Listen here to what Margaret had to say about these events: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Margaret-Mills-Elizabeth-Blount.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post Essex might have become the birthplace of a King of England appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills introduced us today to a landscape gardener named Humphrey Repton who used to live in Romford.
One of the properties in Essex for which his talents were put to use, was Hylands House in Chelmsford.
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Margaret-Mills-Humphrey-Repton.mp3I hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post So just who was Humphrey Repton appeared first on Phoenix FM.
I was joined again today by Margaret Mills who took as her subject this week, LOUGHTON HALL
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this establishment: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Margaret-Mills-Loughton-Hall.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Loughton Hall in Tudor times appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For our historical feature this week, Margaret Mills took us over to CLARENCE HOUSE – no not the one where CHARLES and CAMILLA used to reside – this was Clarence House is in Thaxted.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this establishment: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Margaret-Mills-Clarence-House.mp3All being well I hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post Clarence House in Thaxted appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills joined me again today and took as her subject this week, North Weald Bassett Airfield, that came into its own during the last world war.
Listen here to the interesting facts about this airfield that Margaret has uncovered: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Margaret-Mills-N-Weald-Basset-Airfield.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post The old airfield at North Bassett appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills this week was Abigail Masham, a confidant of Queen Anne who lived for a time in our county at High Lever.
If you missed it, you can listen again here to what Margaret told me about her life and times: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Margaret-Mills-Abigail-Masham.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post Abigail Masham – Confidant to Queen Anne appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills concerned a remarkable judge, Sir Nicholas Conyngham Tindal, who was born in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford in 1776, the site being marked with a commemorative plaque.
A statue to the great man also stands in the Square that bears his name.
If you missed what Margaret told me about this remarkable man, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Margaret-Mills-Judge-Tindal.mp3I’ll see you again next week,
Scott
ShareThe post The People’s Judge appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s feature Margaret Mills took us back to Elizabethan England – more specifically to Tudor Elizabethan England and the visits to Essex by Queen Elizabeth I.
Listen again here to what Margaret told me today: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Margaret-Mills-Elizabeth-I.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Visits to Essex by Elizabeth I appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s look back in time, Margaret Mills took a look at arson attacks in our county.
In the early months of 1844 a number of Essex farms suffered arson attacks but although no one was ever officially charged with the offence, the attacks stopped as suddenly as they’d started.
A certain amount of circumstantial evidence pointed towards at least one individual – but presumably not enough to secure a conviction.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Margaret-Mills-Arson-attacks-in-19th-Century-Essex.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post Arson attacks in 19th century Essex appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by MARGARET MILLS this week concerned the TAYLOR SISTERS of COLCHESTER.
The Beverly Sisters, they are not so you could be forgiven for never having heard of them but I bet you remember the nursery rhyme “TWINKLE, TWINKLE LITTLE STAR”.
If you missed what Margaret told me about their connection with this favourite tune, listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Margaret-Mills-The-Taylor-Sisters-of-Colchester.mp3I hope to have your company again next weeek,
Scott
The post Nursery Rhymes + Colchester appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject selected today by MARGARET MILLS was MOYNES PARK HALL in Steeple Bumpstead, and its connection with JAMES BOND – 007 himself no less.
If you missed it you can listen again here to what Margaret told me: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Margaret-Mills-Moynes-Park-House.mp3I hope you’ll be able to join me again next week,
Scott
The post A house of spies hidden in Steeple Bumpstead appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This afternoon local historian, Margaret Mills took a close look at the village of Birdbrook, near Steeple Bumpstead, where it seems that there was an outbreak of multiple marriages – one woman apparently entered into no less than 9 marriages whilst another man also buried in the same churchyard was recorded as having had no less than 7 wives – not all at the same time, I hasten to add.
Listen here to what Margaret reported on these somewhat unique characters: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Margaret-Mills-Many-Marriages.mp3All being well I hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post Weddings en masse appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject that Margaret Mills chose today for her BYGONES feature, concerned the author and journalist, Rudyard Kipling and his links with Essex.
If like me you were surprised to hear that he had links with our county, listen here to what Margaret had to say on this issue: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Margaret-Mills-Rudyard-Kipling.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Rudyard Kipling’s Essex links appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of today’s historical feature chosen by Margaret Mills concerned the activities of the early flying entrepreneurs, like NOEL PEMBERTON BILLING who were the early pioneers of air flight from tiny airfields like the one at South Fambridge.
If you missed what Margaret had to say on this subject today, you can listen again here:-
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Margaret-Mills-Fambridge-Airfield.mp3I very much hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post The early aviators from Fambridge appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s historical outing, Margaret Mills took us on a trip to Horham Hall near Thaxted.
Once home to a courtier to Elizabeth I and more recently a well known authoress.
Currently it’s also apparently the haunt of a dog!
If you missed what Margaret had to say about this house, you can listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Margaret-Mills-Horam-Hall.mp3Hope to have your company once again next week,
Scott
The post Thaxted’s HORHAM HALL appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills elected today to tell us about a somewhat unorthodox man who practiced as the town of Tolleshunt D’Arcy’s GP between 1864 and 1932.
I very much doubt that we’ll ever see the like of this man again – and if you doubt my words listen out here to what Margaret had to say about this worthy: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Margaret-Mills-Dr-Salter.mp3I hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post You won’t find a GP like this today! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
As per usual on a Tuesday, I was joined by Margaret Mills who took us to look at what’s left of Great Myles House in Kelvedon Hatch.
The answer is “not a lot” since one of the owners demanded that the house be demolished, although no one seems to know why.
Anyway you can listen here to what Margaret managed to unearth about this one time, no doubt, imposing house: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Margaret-Mills-Great-Myles-House.mp3See you once again next week,
Scott
The post Is there anything left of Great Myles House? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
After last week’s outing to Warley Barracks, this week Margaret decided to take us on a trip to Kelvedon Hall.
During Tudor times and later, the house was owned by 13 generations of a single family – John Wright. Later during the 1930’s it was owned by Southend West’s MP, Henry “Chips” Channon, who had been married to the heiress of the Guinness brewing company.
If you missed what Margaret told me you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Margaret-Mills-Kelvedon-Hall-.mp3I very much hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post An outing to Kelvedon Hall with Margaret Mills appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject picked today by Margaret Mills, concerned the history of the former army barracks at Warley.
If you missed it, listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Margaret-Mills-Warley-Barracks.mp3I look forward to having your company once again next week,
Scott
The post The story of Warley Barracks appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills, for her historical feature was VALENCE HOUSE on Becontree Avenue in Dagenham which dates back to about 1240 and is now a museum and study centre.
Listen again here to what Margaret told me today on this very interesting establishment: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Margaret-Mills-Valence-House-1.mp3See you in the New Year,
Scott
The post Dagenham’s Valance House appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills concerned an Essex cricketer with a most unusual Welsh sounding name – Hugh Glendwr Palmer Owen – who played for the county between 1882 and 1902.
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this incredible man: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Margaret-Mills-H-G-Owen-.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post A 19th century Essex cricketer – Hugh Glendwr Palmer Owen appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Of course being a Tuesday I was joined once again by local historian, Margaret Mills who took us over to The Old Moot Hall in Maldon.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this old building: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Margaret-Mills-The-Moot-Hall.mp3I look forward to joining upm with you again next week,
Scott
The post Maldon’s Old Moot Hall appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject selected today by Margaret Mills concerned two astronomers from Wanstead, one of whom became Astronomer Royal.
If you missed what Margaret told me, you can catch it all again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Margaret-Mills-Wansted-Astronmoer-.mp3I’m not here next week as I’m off on my holidays but I hope to see you once more on Tuesday 26th September,
Scott
The post The Astronomer Royal from Wanstead appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Of course, being a Tuesday I was joined once again by Margaret Mills who took us to over to Chichester read more
The post The history of Wickford’s Chichester Hall appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The story we heard from Margaret Mills today involved a cat which went missing in Canewdon during the war. It read more
The post “Fluffy” – The Prodigal cat of Canewdon appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills for today’s feature, concerned the castle which once overlooked Saffron Walden, or Walden read more
The post Saffron Walden Castle appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday, Margaret Mills returned with information about a charitable hospital established for lepers in Maldon, that itself became read more
The post St Giles Leper Hospital appeared first on Phoenix FM.
I was joined once more today by Margaret Mills, who’s story this week involved a woman, named Rebecca Lawe who read more
The post A really sad but true story of murder in Clavering appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday I was joined once again by Margaret Mills who’s topic today concerned youngsters, known locally as “THE ARTFUL read more
The post The Artful Dodgers of Southend-on-Sea appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills for today’s historical feature involved a multi-talented Chelmsford born man who rejoiced in the read more
The post Philemon Holland from Chelmsford appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills today concerned an unusual reference library established in Maldon in 1704 by a Dr Plume, read more
The post Dr. Thomas Plume’s Reference Library appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of today’s feature chosen by Margaret Mills, was of a Tiptree based farming entrepreneur by the name of read more
The post John Mechi – A Tiptree farming entrepreneur appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This afternoon Margaret decided to look at the time that Dr David Livingstone spent in Stamford Rivers, Near Ongar in read more
The post The disastrous first appearance of Dr David Livingstone appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of Margaret Mills’ topic today was that of Baron John Cutts of Saffron Walden, known as the Arkesden read more
The post The Arkesden Salamander appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills concerned the life of Gladys Turbard, who was known as “The Queen of Laindon”.
It seems that Gladys was renowned for being the first woman employed by the Post Office in Basildon, spending 36 years delivering mail from 1941 until her retirement in 1977. In the early years her round was generally rural.
If you missed what Margaret had to say, listen again here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Margaret-Mills-Gladys-Turbard.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post The story of Gladys Turbard – The Queen of Laindon appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills took as her subject today, a totally incompetent map maker from Ilford named, Henry Joist.
Dating from around 1651, were you to follow the directions on his maps, you would be very fortunate indeed if you ever arrived at your intended destination.
This is akin to some SAT NAVS today that proudly proclaim that, “You have arrived at your destination” whilst dumping you in a field of cows, miles from anywhere.
The only plus point is that if you could actually get hold of one of his creations, it would probably be worth a small fortune now!
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this worthy gentleman: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Margaret-Mills-Henry-Joist.mp3See you again in a couple of weeks,
Scott
The post Are we there yet? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The item chosen by Margaret Mills for her historical feature this week involved a conflagration which occurred in a church no less, and was connected with some striking bricklayers, supposedly employed in the construction of the railway line near the Essex village of Writtle.
This incident dates back to April 1839.
You can listen here to Margaret’s description of this unholy scene: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Margaret-Mills-Fighting-Bricklayers-of-Writtle.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post The fighting bricklayers of Writtle appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s historical feature, Margaret Mills, took us back to events connected to a lengthy drought.
Last week she was looking at a big storm in Southend-on-Sea and this week turned her attention to a long standing drought which lasted between 1890 to 1910 resulting in 1905 to a rates rebellion in village of Belchamp Water to restore the water supply after the local well dried up.
Listen here to Margaret’s commentary on this event: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Margaret-Mills-The-1905-Drought.mp3All being well I hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post How a drought led to a “rates rebellion” appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s historical feature Margaret Mills took us back to a very blustery day in Southend, back in March 1842 when the town was “visited by a tremendous storm”.
And of course, ships at sea, bore the brunt of the storm.
No less than six vessels were driven ashore suffering considerable damage, many being completely destroyed, after being dashed against the wharfs and piles on the pier.
Eight ships were reportedly wrecked and out of a total of 15 casualties, which included a woman and child, at least 6 men were sailors from Leigh-on-Sea.
Damage was estimated at over £10,000 – a huge sum in 1842!
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this catastrophe: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Margaret-Mills-1842-Southend-hurricane-.mp3Right well I’m now going to “blow” out of here, but not with such force.
I hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post A very stormy March day at Southend appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of today’s historical feature concerned the story of a true rabble rouser of old.
She was known as Capt. Ann Carter.
Ann Barrington, had married butcher, John Carter in December 1620.
After a series of poor harvests grain prices shot up, not helped by a decision to export grain to Europe, resulting in a local shortage.
Unsurprisingly feelings were roused and in March 1629 a large group of women, led by Ann Carter, marched to the wharf, and forced the sailors to unload grain into the women’s aprons and caps, which they could distribute to their friends and families.
Amazingly the authorities were fairly restrained and quietly arranged a collection to ensure grain could be distributed at a fair price to the locals. Unfortunately a wider issue was brewing affecting food prices over a much wider area of the county so Ann decided to gather the support of several hundred unemployed clothworkers resulting that May in her leading a mob of 2-300 people who got away with 4 tons of grain, prevented the ship from leaving and ransacking houses and warehouses.
This time action was swift and Capt Ann Carter and 3 men were hanged, Ann being hanged by virtue of giving herself the title of captain.
Listen again here to Margaret’s report on this episode:-
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Margaret-Mills-Capt-Ann-Carter.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Capt. Ann Carter appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday, I was pleased once more to be joined by Margaret Mills who took us back to a very wet TILLINGHAM, back in October 1859.
To be precise it was on the 22nd of October when Tillingham and the surrounding area was struck by a cloudburst like no other.
Tillingham itself was under 2 feet of water and by that evening had been completely cut off, whilst roads in Latchingdon, had vanished below the water line and in Purleigh a man was drowned in a “wall of water” whilst trying to rescue a pony.
If you missed it you can listen again here to Margaret’s description of the events of that fateful day: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Margaret-Mills-The-Tillingham-Cloudburst.mp3I very much hope to have your company again next week,
Scott
The post The Tillingham cloudburst appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her trip into times gone by, Margaret Mills unearthed a real gem about a woman from the Colchester area who lived around the start of the 20th century and who was nicknamed “MARMALADE EMMA”.
If you missed it, you can learn how she got that nickname by listening again here to what Margaret had to say about this woman: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Margaret-Mills-Marmalade-Emma.mp3I hope you can join me again next week,
Scott
The post Marmalade Emma appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills today concerned an escape from Chelmsford prison which took place back in February 1847.
Amazingly in spite of the time of year one of the miscreants was dressed in just his nightwear, which he had miraculously managed to replace by the time his was apprehended!
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject:-
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Margaret-Mills-Chelmsford-prison-escape.mp3Hope to see you again next week,
Scott
The post Escape from Chelmsford prison appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s historical feature, Margaret Mills took us back to the 1840’s and the early days in the formation of the Essex police force.
Interestingly she revealed that many early police recruits came from the military, or were former farm labourers or shop assistants, but many failed to stay the course, often through drunkenness or associations with undesirable females!
Listen here to what Margaret had to say on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Margaret-Mills-Early-Essex-police-recruits.mp3I look forward to seeing you again next week,
Scott
The post Essex police force – the beginnings appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject Margaret Mills chose for today’s feature concerned the Epping Sausage Scandal which dates back to the mid 1800’s.
The scandal was unearthed by investigative journalist, James William Greenwood.
It seems that Epping was renowned for the quality of sausages produced there, so the shear volume of supposedly “GENUINE EPPING SAUSAGES” being sold across London, raised doubts in his mind as to the feasibility of producing the genuine article in such quantity.
You can listen again here as Margaret described what James Greenwood’s investigation uncovered:
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Margaret-Mills-Epping-Sausage-scandal.mp3See you once more next week,
Scott
The post The Epping Sausage Scandal appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills concerned the First World War Aerodrome at Stow Maries, and their incredible 19-year old commander, Lt Claude Ridley.
Listen again here to what Margaret told me about this amazing place and thicken who flew from here: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Margaret-Mills-Stowmaries-Aerodrome.mp3See you again next time,
Scott
The post The incredible men of Stow Maries Aerodrome appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For a second consecutive week, Margaret Mills, turned her attention to suffragettes and in particular to a group, from what was then Essex, who attacked the Mansion House in London back in 1910.
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Margaret-Mills-Suffragettes-2-.mp3See you again next time,
Scott
The post More on suffragettes appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday I was joined once more by Margaret Mills who had a tale to tell about a couple of sisters from Ingatestone, who as well as being the daughters of an important tea merchant in the town, were also suffragettes, who it seems had no qualms of taking on the authorities of the day.
Listen here to what Margaret had to say about their activities: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Margaret-Mills-Suffragettes-1.mp3Hope to catch you again next week,
Scott
The post The Rock Sisters – suffragettes from Ingatestone appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s feature Margaret Mills re-visited war time Britain to look at the secret underground army unit which existed in Ashingdon.
To listen again to what Margaret told me, just click on the link below: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Margaret-Mills-Secret-Army-of-Ashingdon.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post The secret army of Ashingdon appeared first on Phoenix FM.
So over the past couple of years, we’ve had to come to terms with the COVID pandemic, but at least it was nowhere near as bad as THE BLACK DEATH, which occurred around 1348 and 1349.
And it was to the BLACK DEATH to which Margaret Mills turned her attention to for today’s historical feature.
Listen here to what Margaret had to say on this subject, especially on the effects of this plague in Essex:-
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Margaret-Mills-Black-Death.mp3Let’s hope for a more healthy year ahead and look forward to having your company again next week,
Scott
The post The Black Death in Essex appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret Mills examined the, not unsuccessful career of a female tobacco smuggler from Leigh-on-Sea, who was known as Mother Gregson.
You can listen again here to what Margaret told me of this woman’s exploits: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Margaret-Mills-Female-Smuggler.mp3Hope to see you again in the New Year in the meantime may I wish you a very Merry Christmas!
Scott
The post Mother Gregson – the tobacco smuggler from Leigh-on-Sea appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Believe it or not there really are connections between at least two Essex villages and the big names of Disney and Washington.The Disney name is associated with Fryerning and you will find a monument in Fryerning churchyard commemorating the Disneys from Essex who travelled to the New World.
There is an even closer connection between Purleigh and Washington as back in 1635 Lawrence Washington a forebear of George Washington, was actually rector of All Saints Church.
Listen again here to what Margaret told me today:
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Margaret-Mills-Disney-and-Washington.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Are there really any connections between Essex and Disney and Washington? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her feature this week, Margaret Mills looked back to the 14th century when the Essex village of Pleshey was a mightily bustling town.
Pleshey Castle at that time was owned by Thomas Duke of Gloucester who happened to be the uncle of King Richard II. Unfortunately it seems that the king was very jealous of the power and wealth of his uncle and took steps to redress this situation.
If you missed what Margaret said you can catch it all again here:-
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Margaret-Mills-Pleshey.mp3See you again next week,
Scott
The post Pleshey in history appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills’ subject today concerned a one-time benefactor of Billericay, a man who rejoiced in the somewhat unusual name of read more
The post A Major benefactor of Billericay appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject Margaret Mills chose today concerned a very unorthodox military detachment that existed in Rochford during the period read more
The post The might of Rochford’s unorthodox military detachment appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s feature, Margaret Mills conducted us to Rayleigh to hear about the Dutch Cottage on Crown Hill. Listen again read more
The post Rayleigh’s Dutch Cottage appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her historical gem this week, Margaret Mills transported us back to the 18th century and the tale of an read more
The post Which side of the bed do you sleep on? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Last week Margaret Mills was looking at Wickford’s claim to fame – THE DARBY DIGGER and this week Margaret returned read more
The post The “NEW WICKFORD” in Rhode Island appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Margaret Mills looked back today on the rather unsuccessful piece of equipment designed and built by Wickford industrialist, Thomas read more
The post Wickford’s “almost” claim to fame – THE DARBY DIGGER appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Billericay’s star historian, MARGARET MILLS turned the clock back this week to the days when smugglers abounded around the coastlines read more
The post Smuggling in Essex was once rife appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject for today’s historical feature chosen by local historian, MARGARET MILLS, concerned the somewhat unusual Essex based religious sect read more
The post The PECULIAR PEOPLE of Essex appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For a second week running Margaret Mills returned once more to the village of Great Bardfield. This week Margaret reported read more
The post Great Bardfield and THE GOONS appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week the subject chosen by Margaret Mills was THE LION AND THE UNICORN, which has nothing whatever to do read more
The post The Lion and the Unicorn appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday, Margaret Mills returned with a tale about a Methodist Minister from Rayleigh and a suffragette – and read more
The post The story of a Methodist Minister and the suffragette appeared first on Phoenix FM.
I was joined once more this afternoon by MARGARET MILLS, who related the story of First World War battalion, known read more
The post An unusual battalion based in Hornchurch appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen today by Margaret Mills concerned a 16 year old boy, George Wright from Colchester who back in read more
The post A cautionary tale about lurid literature appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of today’s feature by MARGARET MILLS concerned the strange story about an apparently miserly miller based in read more
The post The Death of a Miser appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s feature Margaret Mills reported on an award given to an Essex postman, Samuel Wyatt, on the occasion of read more
The post A well deserved reward appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret Mills took us back to Rayleigh in March 1805 when it seems a party of 14 men read more
The post A right royal rumpus at the inn appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Last week Margaret Mills took us all off to Thaxted to discover just what makes the THAXTED FLITCH and this read more
The post Conrad Noel – the red vicar of Dunmow! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s step back in time, Margaret Mills took us on a trip to Dunmow to learn just what read more
The post The custom of the Dunmow Flitch appeared first on Phoenix FM.
With all the pageantry that’s went on last week, Margaret Mills kept to a royal theme concerned a visit read more
The post A right royal picnic appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of today’s BYGONES feature as chosen by Margaret Mills was the life of the poet John Clare who read more
The post All about the poet, JOHN CLARE appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret was looking at an institution established in Harlow Tye aimed at reforming delinquent boys. Although reportedly very read more
The post The Harlow Tye Reformatory for “bad boys”! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s historical feature, Margaret Mills looked at a medical pioneer from Chelmsford – Dr Benjamin Pugh, a read more
The post Dr Benjamin Pugh appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen this week by Margaret Mils, was a 19th century lady called Clarissa Bramston. Clarissa was married to read more
The post All about Clarissa Bramston appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills this week was an Essex author, apparently famous in his day who rejoiced in read more
The post All about an Essex author appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her feature this week, Margaret Mills looked at the life of the Chelmsford born, authoress, often referred to as read more
The post Ursula Bloom – Chelmsford’s Queen of Crime appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s feature Margaret Mills took us back to Elizabethan England – more specifically to Tudor Elizabethan England read more
The post Queen Elizabeth I and her visits to Essex appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s look back to earlier times, Margaret Mills took us back to an incident which occurred on the read more
The post The first lifeboat for Harwich appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Of course, being a Tuesday I was joined once more by Margaret Mills who this week turned her attention to read more
The post The great fire of Radwinter appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Being a Tuesday I was joined by Margaret Mills for her regular historical feature that this week concerned a 19th read more
The post Ellen Terry and the Countess of Warwick appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Last week, Margaret looked closely at the Essex links forged by Queen Mary and Margaret returned to this subject this read more
The post A second look at “bloody” Queen Mary appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject of this week’s historical feature chosen by Margaret Mills, concerned the links with Essex by Queen Mary, also read more
The post Bloody Queen Mary appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills today concerned a man from Saffron Walden who constructed the first Eddystone Lighthouse after losing read more
The post Henry Winstanley – the man who designed the Eddystone Lighthouse appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This afternoon, Margaret Mills looked back at the days when racing fans used to flock to Galleywood. Listen here to read more
The post The glory days of Galleywood Racing appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen this week by Margaret Mills concerned the “so-called” pop-up racecourses that at one time were all the read more
The post The “pop-up” racecourses in Essex appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret Mills reported on the Essex link with James Bond – 007. It seems that a Colchester read more
The post The Essex connection with “007” appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s historical feature, Margaret Mills related the tale of the Essex poisoner, Mary May of Wix, who it read more
The post Beware Mary May of Wix! appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her first subject of 2022 Margaret Mills who told us all about an authoress from Ilford, little known now, but read more
The post A favourite authoress of the top people appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her Bygones subject this week, Margaret Mils looked at a somewhat unusual man from Loughton. Perhaps the words to read more
The post A very ODD man appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her historical feature this week, Margaret Mills took us back to a summer day in 1906 when an Ilford read more
The post A fun day out at the seaside appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s feature, Margaret Mills turned her attention to the links between Essex and the doomed voyage of SS read more
The post The Essex links with SS “TITANIC” appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For today’s historical feature, Margaret Mills turned the clock back to the mid 1600’s to look at the life read more
The post Hannah Woolley – the Queen of Domestic Management appeared first on Phoenix FM.
This week Margaret Mills turned the clock back to the early 1900’s to look at an early Essex car manufacturer read more
The post A very early Essex made car appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The subject chosen by Margaret Mills for this week’s Bygones feature was a social reformer and campaigner from the early the 19th century, Thomas Foxwell Buxton.
Although he lived much of his life in Weymouth for which town , her served as MP he had been born in Castle Hedingam.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this interesting character: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Margaret-Mills-Thomas-Foxwell-Buxton.mp3 See you again next week,
Scott
The post Thomas Foxwell Buxton appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Once again this week Margaret Mills had more to say about about the colourful clergyman, Henry Bate Dudley.
Having spent a fortune building himself a luxurious rectory at Bradwell-on-Sea, it seems that he was initially prevented from becoming vicar of the parish, until the existing incumbent had died.
But that didn’t work either as church authorities then vetoed his appointment on the grounds that he was not considered to be a fit and suitable person to hold this office.
Not surprisingly this decision went down like the proverbial lead balloon with the said, Henry Bate Dudley.
What happened next you can learn by listening again here to what Margaret told me today on this subject: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Margaret-Mills-Henry-Bate-Dudley-Pt2.mp3 See you again tomorrow,
Scott
The post More about the Rev. Henry Bate Dudley appeared first on Phoenix FM.
The topic chosen this week by Margaret Mills involved a somewhat colourful Essex clergyman, who rejoiced in the name of HENRY BATE DUDLEY who lived for a time during the late 18th/early 19th century in Fambridge.
You can listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this “worthy”: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Margaret-Mills-Henry-Bate-Dudley.mp3 Hope to catch you again next week,
Scott
The post The Reverend Henry Bate Dudley appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Well if you thought you’d had a bad day, spare a thought for the man enjoying an afternoon sunning himself in a deckchair in the garden of his house in Windsor last July after a passenger aircraft thoughtlessly emptied their sewage tanks.
Yes he, his umbrella and sun lounger, copped the lot.
A bit grim to say the least!
Although using a route tracking app, the victim had been able to identify the airline involved, the cost involved in any legal action would have proved exorbitant so the victim of the incident has had to take the hit, as it were, “on the chin”.
He described the whole episode as “a really horrible, horrible experience.”
A fellow, but untreated, resident, who attended a council meeting where the issue was raised, pointed out that companies could be fined ‘millions’ for dumping sewage into rivers, stressing that ‘when aircraft dispatches it onto people’s heads that’s frankly far more heinous.‘
Mind you had the affected person had blue blood running through their veins, there might have been a right royal row!
In the second hour of today’s programme we reported on the man who received a £90 fine for driving in a bus lane but who was more than a little surprised after the photographic evidence supplied by the council in support of their claim, showed a woman wearing a top emblazoned with the word KNITTER, which computers had managed to link with David’s personalised number plate KN19 TER – a reference to his nickname “KNIGHTER”.
David Knight from Dorking had been issued with the fine for allegedly driving in a bus lane 120 miles away in Bath, a city he had not visited, and what’s more because the fine had not been paid within the 30 days allowed, it had been increased from £60-£90!
Fortunately the council has since agreed to cancel the fine.
With that piece of good news, I’ll leave you and hope to have your company again tomorrow,
Scott
The post Could anything be worse than this? appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her regular BYGONES feature, Margaret Mills took us back today on a journey to Fobbing on the 24th November 1862, the site of the last ever recorded heavy weight bare knuckle prize fight.
The fight was between Tom King and Jem Mace and went for a full 20 rounds!
Listen here for Margaret’s description of this event: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Margaret-Mills-The-Fobbing-Fighters.mp3 Hope to see you again next week!
Scott
The post The Fobbing Fighters appeared first on Phoenix FM.
Notorious author, Elinor Glyn, who at one time lived at Sheering Hall near Harlow, was the subject of Margaret Mills’ historical feature this week.
One of her books in particular caught the public’s attention – THREE WEEKS – published in 1907, which turned out to be a favourite of the then king, EDWARD VII.
Listen again here to what Margaret had to say about this incredible woman: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Margaret-Mills-Elinor-Glyn.mp3 See you again next week,
Scott
The post Elinor Glyn – an author of some notoriety appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For her historical feature this week, Margaret Mills took us back 200 years, to the funeral of Queen Caroline, the estranged wife of King George IV.
Queen Caroline wanted to be buried in Brunswick, Germany, but having died in London, a funeral procession proceeded from London across Essex to Harwich where her body was transferred to a ship to be taken to her final resting place in Germany.
Listen here to Margaret’s account of this event: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Funeral-of-Queen-Caroline.mp3 I look forward to having your company again next week,
Scott
The post The funeral procession for Queen Caroline appeared first on Phoenix FM.
For this week’s feature Margaret Mills looked at the Essex connection with the world famous sculptor, JACOB EPSTEIN who was especially renowned for his work at Coventry Cathedral.
For some years the said, Mr Epstein lived in Loughton and you can listen again here to what Margaret told me today: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Margaret-Mills-Jacob-Epstein.mp3 I’ll catch you again next time,
Scott
The post Sir Jacob Epstein appeared first on Phoenix FM.
I was joined again today by Margaret Mills who took us on a second visit to the seaside.
Last time around Margaret was looking at how people holidayed especially between the 1930’s and 1950’s, but this week Margaret turned the clock forward a few years to the 1960’s, 1970’s and 1980’s.
Listen here to what Margaret had to say on this: –
https://www.phoenixfm.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Margaret-Mills-Seaside-Pt-2.mp3 Join me again next time
Scott
The post Another trip to the seaside appeared first on Phoenix FM.