The Hampshire Family Historian | Vol.49 No.2 | September 2022

Local Group Programmes

created. Who, for example, was the ‘nephew’ and ‘visitor’? My own talk focused on how some couples met through their place of employment, how the miner’s strike impacted those in the mines or in heavy industry who found themselves out of work, and the lead to a rather good scandal! Whatever the criticisms, remember once upon a time we had to wade through rolls of microfilm at the PRO with no index. So, as David says, don’t give up (at least not till the money runs out!). (May) Winchester, Blood, Bishops and Bones Part 2 – Andrew Negus This took the story from 1100 when Winchester was still the nominal capital of England and the bishop was at his zenith in terms of wealth and political power, to the mid-point of the Tudors and a period of religious upheaval which ushered in the slow decline of the bishop’s authority. Andrew documented the impact various bishops had on the city, both at their own direction and via the monarch. It was William of Wickham who was responsible for the rebuilding of the cathedral into the one today by combining the new perpendicular architecture of the 14th century with the Norman parts that survived his ‘makeover’, while it was Stephen Gardiner, bishop from 1531, who oversaw the dissolution of Hyde Abbey under the orders of Henry VIII. The bones of the title (saint and monarchs) may have been revered in part one, but in part two it seems Winchester was rather careless of them! As usual, Andrew’s talk was lively and full of interesting snippets about the life and times of the period in question. (June) The Real Downton Abbey – Ian Porter This talk was actually about what it was really like to work in a grand house and not about Highclere Castle as some might think. But by comparing it to the fictional place he was able to dispel many misconceptions that the TV series has given rise to such as the relationship between servants and masters, (which was not ‘chummy’ and benevolent), as well as between the servants themselves in what was a very hierarchical set-up. A large house in the 19th century would have a range of staff depending on the social standing of the owner or their interests (hunting etc.), and Ian took us through the roles each member of staff would perform. He also looked at the perks associated with each role that could be used to supplement their wages, (Mr. Fortnum in the household of Queen Anne eventually made enough money to go into business with his friend Mr. Mason!). He also covered what aspects servants found most irritating about their employment; how their lives changed over time, especially after WWI and the introduction of technology; and how servants were finally able to gain the upper hand. An enjoyable and informative talk by a speaker who knew his subject well was followed by a fulsome question and answer session. Ian is an historian, novelist, walks guide and public speaker who covers 25 different subjects. Forthcoming Meetings: September 8th History and Mystery of Maps Tony Painter October 13th Member’s Evening November 10th Christmas Food & Drink through the Ages Simon Fowler December 8th Christmas Party

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