John Francis Greswolde-Williams

Information from: "Notes on the Inhabitants of Doddenham, by the Clergyman of the day, during the latter part of the 19th Century." [Many thanks to Peter Walker]

Husband: Francis Edward Williams - Second son, of John Williams of Pitmaston.
Born: 27th March 1804, in St. John, Worcester, Worcestershire
Census: 1841 in Doddenham, Worcestershire
Census: 1851 at Thorney House, Doddenham, Worcestershire
Occupation: 1851 J.P. Worcester and Hereford.
Lived at Malvern Hall, Solihull, Warwickshire.
Died: 1st February, 1885 at Falmouth (aged 80)

Wife: Ann Greswolde
Married: 30 August 1838 in Claines, Worcestershire
Born: ABT 1805 in Pershore St. Andrew's, Worcestershire
Census: 1841 in Doddenham, Worcestershire
Census: 1851 at Thorney House, Doddenham, Worcestershire
Census: 1861 at Malvern Hall, Solihull, Warwickshire
Died: 27 June, 1869.
Father: Henry Wigley Greswolde
Mother: Elizabeth Suckling

Children:

1) Wigley Greswolde Williams.
-- Born: 13th August, 1839. Worcester, Worcestershire.
-- Married: Louisa Letitia Haynes (2nd qtr. 1870, Birmingham, Warwickshire).
-- Died: 25th March, 1875. (leaves, widow)
-- Address: Grassendal Park, Aigburth, Lancashire).
-- Buried: 31st March, 1875. (St. Nicholas, Haleswood, Liverpool).

-- Louisa Letitia (Haynes) Greswolde Williams
-- Died: March, 1880.
-- Address: Rock Ferry, Cheshire. (Once of Aigburth, Lancashire).
-- Burial: 13th March, 1880. (St Nicholas, Haleswood, Liverpool).

2) ••John Francis Greswolde Williams.
-- Born: 23rd October, 1840, Worcester, Worcestershire.
-- Married, Mary Anne Jane B. Willis, 17th July 1867, Worcester, Worcestershire.
-- Died: 8th July, 1892.

3) Ann Wigley Williams.
-- Born: 23rd April, 1842.
- -Died: 6th May, 1842.

4) Henry Edward Williams.
-- Born: 25th June 1843, Doddenham, Worcestershire.
-- Died: 21st December 1875. (leaves, widow, Elizabeth [nee Brown] and son,*Francis Wigley
-- Greswolde Greswolde-Williams)

This is all about *Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams, of Bredenbury Court - The son of Henry Edward Williams and Elizabeth (Brown) Williams and Heir to all the estates of his uncle John Francis Greswolde-Williams.

Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams
Born: 14th November, 1873 - At Fairford, Gloucestershire.
Baptised: 10th December, 1876 - At Fairford, Gloucestershire.
Parents: Henry Edward Williams and Elizabeth (Brown) Williams
Died: 2nd July, 1931 - Worcester.

Married: Anna Louisa Ross
Second daughter of Colin G. Ross, of Gruinards, Ross-shire, and grandaughter of the late Captain Horatio Ross, of Rossie.
On: 23rd February, 1895
At: St. George, Hanover Square, Middlesex.

Anna Louisa Ross
Born: 10th March, 1868 (Brook Lodge, Cheadle, Cheshire).
Died:14th September, 1923 (Nairobi, Kenya - aged 55).
Buried: Broadwas Church

Daughter: Annie Dorothie Christian Greswolde-Williams
Born: 1897 - Pershore, Worcestershire.
Married 1st: Alfred Noel Granville Summers
In: 2nd qtr. 1919.
At: St Martin, London.
Married 2nd: Sir Victor James Guy Chetwynd. [ b. 14th November, 1902 - d. 25th November, 1938]
On: 8th July, 1926.
At: St. Martin, London
Died: 10th January, 1927
Buried: Broadwas, Church, Worcestershire.

Son: Francis Humphrey John Greswolde-Williams
Born: 8th August, 1899
At: Strathmashie, Kingussie,
N.B. Of Bredenbury Court, Herefordshire, and Knightwick, Worcestershire.

Daughter: Frances Ursula Makepeace Greswolde-Williams
Born: 1st qtr. 1906, Bromyard, Herefordshire.
Married: Charles R. Billyard-Leake
In: 1st qtr. 1924
At: St. George, Hanover Square, London.

Francis Humphrey John and his sister Annie Dorothie Christian Greswolde-Williams.
[Bredenbury Court, 1909].

Death of Anna Louisa (Ross) Greswolde-Williams - wife of, Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams [ABOVE]

The Tewkesbury Register - Saturday 29th September, 1923.

Death of Mrs. Greswolde Williams [Anna Louisa (Ross) Greswolde-Williams]

News has been received by telegraph,in Worcester, of the death which occurred in British East Africa, of Mrs. F. W. G. Greswolde Williams. She and Mr. Greswolde Williams were staying at their home which is called Knightwick (presumably in memory of the family's long association with the Worcestershire village) in the Kedong Valley, where she developed appendicitis and was operated upon a few days ago. Peritonitis set in and a second operation became necessary. Unhappily it was unavailing.

The deceased, the daughter of a Lancashire banker, was a Miss Ross, and was a sister of Mrs. H. R. M. Porter. Mrs. Greswolde Williams was Well known in Worcester and district. She identified herself with her husband's many social and sporting enthusiasms while he remained in England, and she generally accompanied him to England when he made his annual visits front East Africa. Indeed, she was with him last January upon his last visit.

Formerly Mr. and Mrs. Greswolde Williams lived at Thorney, Knightwick, for some time at Strensham Court, and afterwards at Bredenbury, a big estate near Bromyard, which Mr. Greswolde Williams bought. When the war burdens became so acute he ceased to maintain Bredenbury and took Broad-
was Court for the purpose of visits to his native county. In later years they have spent the greater part of the year on their estate in the Kedong Valley, where Mr. Greswolde Williams has done ranching and coffee growing on a large scale, and where, also, he has provided big game enterprises for himself and his English visitors.

Bromyard News -14th February 1924

Mrs Anna Louisa Greswolde-Williams, of Broadwas Court, and Knightwick Escarpment Kedong Valley, Kenya, British East Africa, formerly of Bredenbury Court, who died Sept. 24th last, wife of Mr Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams, left estate valued at £6,596 0s 5d. gross, with net personality £6,209 17s 9d. Probate of the will and codicil has been granted to Arthur Edward Lord, of 8, Foregate Street, Worcester, solicitor, her husband having renounced probate. Mrs Greswolde Williams left certain jewellery to her daughters, Annie Dorothie Christian Summers, Mary Lettice Staunton Fielden, and Frances Ursula Makepeace Greswolde-Williams, her residence and about 10,000 acres of land at Kedong Valley, Kenya, to her husband for life, with remainder to her daughters, Mary and Frances, three black ribbon and diamond brooches to her maid, Miss E Watling. £100 each to her sisters, Justine and Annie, property to which she was entitled to under the will of her brother, Charles Rose, to her husband for life, with remainder to her three daughters and the residue of the property to her husband.

5) Abel Ludlam Williams.
-- Born: 14th November 1844, Doddenham, Worcestershire.
-- Died: 7th December 1845.

6) Edward William Makepeace Williams.
-- Born: 28th January 1849, Doddenham, Worcestershire.
-- Married to a barmaid.
-- Died: 19th May 1867. (accidently shot)

The charities of ••John Francis Greswolde-Williams.

In 1890 John Francis Greswolde-Williams by deed founded six almshouses situated in the parish of Doddenham, and endowed the same with £6,000 2½ per cent. annuities, four of the almshouses to be allotted to residents of Knightwick and Doddenham, or either of them, and two to residents in the chapelry of Lulsley.
The same donor erected a residence for a nurse for poor sick persons resident in the same three parishes, but died without completing a conveyance to trustees. In 1893 the premises were daily conveyed by Thomas Suckling, who, in conjunction with Agnes Elizabeth Baynton, provided a sum of £2,040 15s. 10d. 2½ per cent. annuities as an endowment fund, producing £51 a year.
The same donor, by his will proved at Worcester 12 August 1892, bequeathed £1,000, the interest to be distributed to the poor of Knightwick and Doddenham on 23 October yearly, in the form of orders upon tradesmen, or in the form of money for paying rent. The legacy was invested in £1,030 18s. 7d. consols with the official trustees, producing £25 15s. 4d. yearly, which is applied chiefly in providing flannel petticoats and serge gowns.
The official trustees also hold a sum of £1,030 18s. 7d. consols, representing a legacy by the will of the same testator, for the benefit of the Church of England school at Doddenham, in the hundred of Doddingtree.

The Estates.

Malvern Hall and the Greswolde, Lewis and Wigley families

Malvern Hall and the Greswold, Lewis and Wigley families

The following information and the above photograph have kindly been allowed, from a more extensive story with regards to the history of Malvern Hall Solihull, and the Greswolde, Lewis and Wigley families, which was published by © Tracey Williams, Librarian of the Solihull Heritage & Local Studies (CORE) Whom, I am very greatful to.

To see this wonderful history and more detailed genealogy of the Greswolde-Williams family use
this link and use the browser back button to return to this page.

Francis and Ann Williams had also received one-third of the Malvern Hall estate on their marriage but they initially set up home at Thorney Lodge, Doddenham, Worcestershire, which was part of the Williams estates. They were still at Doddenham in 1851, but the 1861 census shows Ann Williams living at Malvern Hall with her son, John Francis Williams.

Ann died in 1869 and it seems that her husband, who by this time had two-thirds of the Malvern Hall estate, left Malvern Hall and moved to the Derriana Lodge estate (which he probably leased) in County Kerry Ireland. The Malvern Hall estate seems to have been somewhat neglected after this time, with the Greswolde-Williams family largely absent and not playing any part in the public life of Solihull.

Ann’s sister, Mary Greswolde, died in 1859 and left her one-third share of the Malvern Hall estate to her nephew, Wigley Greswolde Williams (1839-1875), eldest son of Francis and Ann Williams or, failing this, to his brothers in turn:

John Francis Williams and his sons or, failing these, to

Henry Edward Williams and his sons or, failing these to

Edmund William Makepeace Williams and his sons,

then to daughters of her nephews and their sons.

All those who held the lands were to prefix the name of Greswolde to that of Williams within 12 months of succeeding, unless they were a minor, when the 12 months was to be taken from the coming of age. Any not doing this, and using a name other than Greswolde-Williams were to forfeit all claim to this estate.

In line with his aunt’s Will, Wigley took the additional surname of Greswolde, becoming Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams. He died, aged 35, on 25th March 1875 at Grassendale Park, Aigburth, Liverpool.

Wigley had one son, Francis Greswolde William Haynes, who was born in 1865. However, Wigley didn’t marry the boy’s mother – Louisa Laetitia (“Tissie”) Haynes – until 1870 and so, under the legislation of the time, the child was still considered illegitimate despite his parents’ subsequent marriage. Therefore, he was unable to inherit as he would have done if he had not been born out of wedlock. A codicil in his father’s will provided for Frank (described therein as Francis Greswolde-Williams) to inherit all of his father’s real estate in Warwickshire over which Wigley Greswolde-Williams had power of disposition.

Wigley’s younger brother, John Francis Williams (1840-1892) inherited his brother’s one-third share of the Malvern Hall estate. In January 1876, he was granted a Royal Licence by Queen Victoria, in line with his aunt’s will, to take the surname Greswolde in addition to his surname of Williams, becoming John Francis Greswolde-Williams. With the death of his father, Francis Edward Greswolde-Williams in 1885, John Francis Greswolde-Williams inherited his father’s two-thirds share of the Malvern Hall estate and became the tenant-in-tail of of the whole Greswolde and Williams estates. He owned more land than any single one of his predecessors and it was said that he was probably the wealthiest commoner in the United Kingdom.

He had married Mary Ann Jane Bund Willis in 1867 and it’s believed that they spent the early years of their marriage at Malvern Hall. However, John Francis Greswolde-Williams lived mostly at his estate in Henwick Grange, Hallow, Worcestershire, where he died in 1892. He had no children so his heir was his nephew, Francis Wigley Greswolde Williams (1873-1931), although John also made provision in his Will for his illegitimate nephew, Frank Haynes.

Francis Wigley Greswolde Williams was the son of John’s late brother, Henry Edward Williams (1843-1875) and also took the additional surname Greswolde on inheriting Malvern Hall in 1892, when he was 19 years old (becoming Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams).

Frank, as he seems to have been known, had inherited estates in 13 counties and was living on his estate at Knightwick, Worcestershire at the time of his coming of age party in 1894. Before the First World War he spent much of his time farming on his large estates in East Africa and he also served in the 5th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment. His only son, Humphrey John Greswolde-Williams, was killed on the Somme in August 1917, aged 18.

Frank must have had the consent of his younger brother, Henry John Greswolde Williams (1875-1949), to break the entail as, in 1896, Frank put the Malvern Hall estate up for sale by auction.

The estate consisted of 148 acres, 2 roods and 16 perches and included the “well-known family mansion” with:

a noble suite of reception rooms, 18 bed and dressing rooms, ample domestic offices, stabling and agricultural buildings, excellent gardens and ornamental grounds, fishing pool and shrubberies, lodge, four cottages, a fine park, splendidly timbered with magnificent avenue half a mile in length, and ornamental lake formed by the River Blythe.

© by Tracey Williams, Librarian of the Solihull Heritage & Local Studies (CORE)

Henry Wigley Greswolde settled a third of the estates on the marriage of his daughter Ann with Francis Edward Williams. Henry Greswolde died in 1849, and by his will he devised the remaining two thirds of the estates to his two daughters Mary and Elizabeth Greswolde in fee simple, and they succeeded thereto on his death. On the death of Elizabeth Greswolde in 1850 Francis Edward Williams succeeded to her third of the estate, and on his death in 1885 his son John Francis Greswolde Williams succeeded to two thirds. On the death of Mary Greswolde in 1859 Wigley Greswolde-Williams, eldest son of Francis Edward Williams, succeeded to her third, and on his death in 1875 his brother John Francis succeeded. He died in 1892 without issue, and by his will devised the estate to his nephew Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams, of Bredenbury Court.

This explains the closeness of the family and a good reason why there is a window in St Mary the Virgin, Knightwick, which was dedicated to Francis Wigley Greswolde's son.

Lieutenant Francis Humphrey John Greswolde-Williams.

1881 Census - John Francis Greswolde-Williams - Living at Henwick Grange, Worcester.

1881 Census - R.G.11/2910 - Hallow (Martley, Worcester)

Address: Henwick Grange, Worcester.

John Francis Greswolde-Williams - Head - Marrried - age 40 - b. Worcester - Occupation: Income from land and interest of money.
Harriet Powell - Servant - Single - age 25 - b. allensmore, Herefordshire - Cook Domestic Servant.
Ann Maund - - Servant - Single - age 19 - b. Whitbourne, Herefordshire - Kitchen Maid Domestic Servant.
Elizabeth Fryer - Servant - Single - age 26 - b. Bengeworth, Worcestershire. House & Parlour Maid Domestic Servant.

**Death of Mr. John Francis Greswolde-Williams - Berrows Worcester Journal, Saturday, 9th July, 1892.

Berrows Worcester Journal, Saturday, 9th July, 1892.

DEATH OF MR. GRESWOLDE-WILLIAMS - 23rd October 1840 - 8th July 1892

It will be widely lamented that the beneficent life of Mr. J. F. Greswolde-Williams ended yesterday.
Mr. Greswolde-Williams had been ill for only ten days; and is said to have succumbed finally to congestion of the lungs. He had been attended by Mr. Sheppard and Mr. Bates. The fact of his illness was not widely known; and its seriousness was not at all apprehended. Mr. Greswolde-Williams had lived at Henwick Grange, near Worcester, for the last twenty years; and it was there he died.
Mr. Williams was a member of an old Worcestershire family, and there was singular fitness in the philanthropic associations which he established with the institutions of the city and county.
Mr. Williams had a large amount of landed property in Worcestershire and Warwickshire. He had estates in the parishes of Knightwick, Suckley, and Doddenham. At Knightwick he also had a shooting estate. He was an ardent sportsman in that particular, though he abstained from other branches of sport where much personal intercourse would have been inevitable. Mr. Williams was especially connected with Knightwick. A few years ago he established and endowed a number of model almshouses there. These almshouses were intended for the benefit of the aged parishioners.
A farm near Leamington, of which Mr. Williams was the owner, obtained a prize at the Royal Agricultural Show at Warwick a few days ago; and it was then mentioned that Mr. Williams had been especially liberal towards the tenants. Besides his generous interest in farming, Mr. Williams was a great horticulturist. Mr. Williams was of a peculiarly retiring disposition. He gave most generously to all and sundry of the charitable institutions of the city and county, and it was not unfrequentely his custom to give anonymously to avoid publicity. His gifts were of princely generosity. Of the Infirmary Mr. Greswolde-Williams was a vice-president, and one of the most generous supporters. For very many years he has been one of the largest annual subscribers, subscribing 20 guineas annually. besides his annual subscription, on frequent occasions he has given donations for special purposes, and has rendered help in kind. His donations amount in the total to £1,170. Of this large sum £500 was given in 1837 towards the extension that then commenced. For many years Mr. Williams has given a donation of £25 annually for the purpose of sending patients, leaving the Infirmary, to convalescent homes. This was only one example of his concern for those leaving the Infirmary.
In 1890 he originated a valuable fund known as the Samaritan Fund, by giving £25, which was followed by other subscriptions. His object in starting the fund was to help those who, by illness or accident, were prevented from continuing their work and consequently left the Infirmary in a destitute condition. For the last three years Mr. Williams has returned twenty-five tickets to the secretary for distribution in needy parishes where there are few subscribers, and it is consequently difficult to obtain tickets for deserving parishioners By his death the Infirmary loses one of its best friends, To the Royal Albert Orphan Asylum. Mr. Greswolde-Williams for many years had given an annual subscription of 10 guineas, besides occasional donations. He was also a generous subscriber to the Worcester Dispensary and Provident Medical Institution, of which institution he was a vice-president and a life governor. He was especially interested in the provident branch, and when the buildings in Bank-street were enlarged in 1889 he gave £250 towards the enlargement. The Dispensary, as the Infirmary, he helped by placing tickets at the disposal of the committee. But from active part in the management of these institutions, as also from others, Mr. Williams studiously abstained. He was a constant attendant at Hallow Church, and a regular subscriber to all the parochial charities. Mr. Williams gave large sums towards the restoration of various churches, but wherever his bounty was disposed he disclaimed public recognition of it. Only recently Mr. Williams offered to erect at his own expense a new church for the parish of Lulsley. and the church is now in course of building. Another of many local benefactions was the enlargement and refurnishing of Broadwas School, which he carried out at his own expense, two or three years ago. Mr. Williams was the patron of the living of Radford Semele, Leamington, to which some years since he presented the Rev. J. B. White, a former Curate of Hallow. The immense fortune to which Mr. Williams attained is said to have been amassed in the city by the grandfather of the deceased gentleman, at a manufactory in St. Clements. Mr. Williams married some years ago but leaves no children.

The funeral will take place at Hallow, tomorrow (Saturday), at 12 noon, the deceased having expressed a wish to be buried in the churchyard there.

THE LONDON GAZETTE, MAY 16, 1893.

JOHN FRANCIS GRESWOLDE-WILLIAMS, Deceased.

Pursuant to the Statute 22nd and 23rd Vic., cap. 35, intituled " An Act to further amend the Law of Property, and to relieve Trustees."

Notice is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons having any claims or demands against the estate of John Francis Greswolde-Williams, late of Henwick Grange, in the city of Worcester, Esq., deceased (who died on the 6th day of July, 1892, and whose will was proved in the Worcester District Registry of the Probate Division of Her Majesty's High Court of Justice, on the 12th day of August, 1892, by Thomas Suckling and Arthur Edward Lord, executors there in named) are hereby required to send particulars, in writing, of their claims or demands to us, the undersigned, as Solicitors for the said executors, on or before the 14th day of June, 1993 ; after which date the said executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which they shall then have bad notice; and the said executors will not be liable or accountable for the assets of the said deceased, or any part thereof, so distributed, to any person or persons of whose claims or demands they shall not then have had notice. Dated this 9th day of May, 1893.

PARKER and LORD, 3, Foregate - street, Worcester, Solicitors for the Executors.

Below are two different newspapers accounts of the coming of age of Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams. Both of them are interesting for the facts, showing that a great deal of money was spent on a very extravagant affair. It would have been Francis's 21st Birthday, his uncle John Francis Greswolde-Williams died two years before in 1892 and now on his birthday, Francis would become the heir to all his estates.

COMING OF AGE OF MR. FRANCIS WIGLEY GRESWOLDE GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS.
Berrow's Worcester Journal - Saturday, 17th November, 1894.

Berrow's Worcester Journal - Saturday, 17th November, 1894.

COMING OF AGE OF MR. GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS.

FESTIVITIES AT KNIGHTWICK

On Wednesday was celebrated at Knightwick the coming of age of Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde Williams, the nephew and heir of the late Mr. J. Greswolde Williams, to whose extensive property, which includes estates in 13 countries, he succeeded between two and three year ago. Since that time he has lived at Thorney Cottage, Knightwick, and has already made himself very popular amongst those around him, especially among his farm and cottage tenantry. He was educated at Repton, and since taking up his residence in Worcestershire has shown himself a thorough sportsman, being a well-known figure in the hunting field and keeping his own pack of harriers. Following in the steps of his predecessor, he has established the best relations with his tenantry, who have received a proof of his consideration for their interests — a proof particularly welcome at this time in the shape of a return of 25 percent of the rents for the half-year. Besides a large number of private presents, Mr Greswolde Williams, received substantial expressions of good wishes from his tenants, the school children, the local lodges of friendly societies, and from all around him. His interest in them he has proved to no less than their interest in him, by generous hospitality on the occasion. The festivities which occupied the whole of the day took place at the Knightwick Manor, the residence of Mr. T. Lawson Walker, where a large field was devoted to the comprehensive entertainments of the day. Unfortunately the weather was most unfavorable, but this did not much affect the appetite for enjoyment nor the indulgence of it, and fortunately the greater part of the time was spent under canvas and on boarded floors. The arrangements were on a most liberal scale. Out of doors there were roundabouts, swings, cocoa-nut sheets, shooting galleries, and a variety of amusements. There Were two bands, that of the 3rd and 4th Battalions Worcestershire Regiment (by permission of Col. Temple) and Whiteley's Royal Blue Band. In a special entertainment tent the following performances were given during the day:- Reynolds' Anglo-American Nigger Minstrels, Royal Marionettes, Punchinelle, Messrs. Revene and Elton (knockabout comedians), Professor Golding (ventriloquist), The Cattini Brothers (strong men), Mr. George Raycott (character comedian), Professor Monti (conjuror and juggler), Professor Houtines Troupe of performing dogs, Lupino Brothers (musical clowns and eccentric comedians).

At one o'clock some 200 tenants of the Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Warwickshire estates were entertained to dinner, and 400 of the labourers on the various estates were similarly entertained in another tent. At five o'clock tea was provided for the school children, cottagers' wives, and others, to the number of 500. At night there was a grand firework display, one of the set pieces being a portrait of Mr. Greswolde Williams, on his favourite hunter "Major," with his hounds around him. Despite the raining the mud the enjoyment of the whole of the guests was most thorough and complete.

The presents, which were on view in the dinner tent, were very handsome.

The tenants of the Worcestershire estates, who were joined by several of Mr. Greswolde Williams's friends who had hunted with his harriers and by several Worcester tradesmen, presented a large and handsome silver vase, a silver salver, and a silver tankard, each article bearing the coat of arms, crest, and monogram of the recipient. An illuminated address which accompanied the present was as follows:-

Presented to Francis Wigley Greswolde Williams, Esq., by the undermentioned tenants on his Worcestershire estates, friends who have hunted with his harriers and Worcester tradesmen, on his coming of age, 14th November, 1894. T. Lawson Walker, Charles Porter, Joseph Pope, sen, Lieut. Col. W. H. Parker, Capt. Featherstonhaugh, Capt. Stanley Clarke, Thomas Powell, Joseph Holloway, Walter Pope, J. Warner, J Corbett, Messrs. Perrins and Franklin, H. M. Lewis, J. E. Cooke, T. H. Smith, John P. Pope, John Powell, T. Brooks, W. Turbutt, W. Bishop, H. E. Pollard, H. Knowles, W. Watkins, T. Browning, Mrs. Browning, J. Cole, R. Brown, E. J. Cazalet, T. H. Walker, R. S. Nash, Dr. Weir, Mrs. Day, H. Holloway, F. Firkins, N. Crump, H. Corbett, T. G. Smith, J. Hunt, J. L. Larkworthy, John James, F. Fidoe, E. H. Hill, T. E. Nicholls, J. R. Ganderton, T Collins, W. Stokes, Thomas Jones, W. Taylor, G. H. Biddle, W. H. Rogers, George Hill, Joseph Pope, jun., M Potter, J. Humphries, W. E. Guest, W. Spencer, J. F. Parker, T. Hinks, Messrs. Hadley, S. Lewis, W. Grundy, J. Lightbank, C. Whitehead, F. W. Weaver, T. Strickland, R. Fidoe.

The present from the Radford and Coventry tenants was a handsome silver horse-shoe stand, furnished with a silver coaching horn, inscribed with the names of the subscribers, a hunting horn, a hunting crop, and pair of spurs, each article having the recipient's crest and monogram.

An illuminated address from the tenants of the South Herefordshire estate was in the following terms:-
"We the undersigned tenants of the South Herefordshire Estate, and the Vicar and churchwardens of the parish of Much Birch desire your acceptance, on the occasion of the attainment of your majority, November 14, 1894 of our hearty and sincere good wishes. We also express hope that you may be granted health, and that your life may be spared for many years to enjoy the estate bequeathed to you by the late respected John Greswolde Williams, Esquire, whose true friendship to his tenants and generosity to our parish will make his memory most revered amongst us for all time. We trust this good feeling may be maintained between yourself and tenants and that you may long be spared to follow in his footsteps. George E. Drinkwater, J. A. Paine, George Ruberry, T. G. Pritchard, W. E. Taylor, F. R. Burn side (Vicar), E. V. Banks, and John West (church-wardens)."

The present from the Knightwick Lodge of Odd fellows was accompanied by the following:-
"Presented to F. W. Greswolde Williams by the Loyal Prince Albert Lodge I.O.O.F., M.U., on the attainment of his majority, November 14th, 1894. J. R. Cas well, N. G., W. J. Hardwood, Per Sec.."

The cottagers of Radford, numbering 50, presented a silver cigar stand.

The parishioners in Doddenham, and friends, gave a spirit frame, with and address as follows:-
We, the parishioners of Doddenham, and friends respectfully beg your acceptance of the accompanying present on the occasion of your attaining your majority, November, 1894 - Mr. T. A. Browning, Mr. S. F. Browning, Mr. And Mrs. J. Riddle, Miss L. Cas well, Miss Alice Watkins, (Confinement), Master W. Glover, Mrs. Hill, Mr. And Mrs. W. Grubham, Mr. J. Grubham, Mr. And Mrs, C, Hereon, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Wood, Mr. And Mrs. J. Rolling, Master W. Rowberry, the Misses Jones, Mrs. And Miss Weaver, Mr. W. G. Andrews, Mary Finch, Mrs. G. Morgan, Mrs. Vernalls, Mrs. J. Williams, Mr. And Mrs. Nicholas, Mr. And Miss Oliver, Mr. And Mrs. Birch, Mr. Hadley, Mr. and Mrs, J. Morris, Mr. T. Williams, Mr. And Mrs. E. A. Browning, Mrs. Whittle, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, Miss Lily Vernals, Mrs. Page, Mrs. M. Morgan, Mary Morgan, Miss Mercy Morris, Mr. And Mrs. R. Hurren, Mrs. Caswell, Mrs, Jeynes, Mr. Wilcox, Mr. J. Taylor, Mr. And Mrs H. Palmer, Miss E. Palmer, Miss Edith Palmer, Mr. J. Palmer, Mr. Jones, Mrs. R. Grubham, Miss O. Grubham, Mr. And Mrs. Maund, (Whitbourne), Mrs. Hales (Whitbourne),Master W. Furniss (Whitbourne),
Mr. T. Hughes (Whitbourne), Mr. C. Smith (Whitbourne), Nurse, the Misses Price, Mrs Higgins (Knightwick), Mr. P. Morris, Miss Crump, Mr P. Grubham, Mr. And Mrs. T. Turner, Miss G. Perkins, Mr. Norman.

The Broadwas School children presented a pretty clock and calendar, and the boys and girls s of the Knightwick and Doddenham Church Schools gave a pair of silver pepper castors, with a short address, in which they congratulated Mr. Greswolde Williams on attaining his majority and expressed their best wishes for his future health and happiness. The address was signed on behalf of the scholars by Christopher Bates and Albert Lewis.

The gamekeepers on the various estates presented a handsome leather case, a silver plate bearing the name of the recipient and the occasion of the gift. A silver hunting flask and a silver cigar case were presented by the work people in the parish of Knightwick.

The Knightwick Cricket and Football Club prevented a four-in-hand driving whip accompanied by an illuminated address in the following terms :-
We, the undersigned members of the above club, beg your acceptance of the accompanying present, on the attainment of your majority, November 14, 1894, which we respectfully offer as a slight acknowledgement of the many services you have rendered to the club, at the same time wishing you long life, health, and happiness. Yours obediently, W. Stanley Clarke (captain), H. M. Lewis (honorary secretary), H. Cooper, W. Taylor, A. J. Knowles, T. Burrop, J. Hammett, W. Turtbutt. R. Jones, W. Powell, W. Smith, W. C. Hobbs, W. Jones. F. Hunt, J. Weaver, T. Matthews.

The servants at Thorney Cottage presented a hunting crop and silver horn, with an address which said:- "We the servants at Thorney Cottage, most sincerely congratulate you on your coming of age. We could not allow this happy event to pass without expressing our deep gratitude to you for your kindness at all times rendered to us. We ask your acceptance of a horn and hunting whip, not so much for their intrinsic value as for the kind motives which prompt the givers, and we ask you to value them fore the respect and good wishes it is intended to convey. We hope long life, health, and happiness may be granted you."

Mr. Greswolde Williams presided at the dinner to the tenants. Amongst the invited guests were the following :—Colonel Parker, Captain Suckland, the Revs. J. B. Wilson, H. Dodgson, T. White, F. Parsons, Messrs. A. Lord, E. H. Little, Jas. Essex, W. Hughes, J. Warner (Leigh), W. Norbury, E. J. Onely Pratten. ton, Newport Hadley, E. J. Cazalet, Percy Essex, Smith (Alfrick), W. Turbutt (Lulsley), Corbet (Leigh Sinton), W. Holloway, F. Firkins, Nicholls, Ganderton, Pugh, Guest, Humphries, Drew, Spencer. E. W. Hill (Broadwas), Holloway (Whitbourne), J. Pope (Lulsley), G. Porter, C. Porter, Brooks (Lulsley). J. Slade Nash, W. Coventry. Stanley Clarke, J. Walker (Cradley), J. Walker, Jun., G. H. Biddle, J. S. Turner, J. Twinberrow, J. Powell, T. Powell (Lulsley), T. G. Smith, Knowles, Pollard (Worcester), T. Godsall, J. Cook, Williams (Acton Beauchamp), H. R. Perrins, Franklin (Worcester), H. M. Lewis, T. Browning. Mrs. Day (Alfrick), Mrs. Browning (Knightwick), Messrs. W. Bishop (Lulsley), J. Pope (Clerkenleap), J. Pope (Leigh), J. Corbett (Bromyard). E. Cook, Lewis (Sapey Bridge), W. Andrews, J. G. Hill, J. Holloway, J. Lightband, J. James, J. F. Parker (Netherwood), J. Hunt, Dr. Weir, Messrs. W. Watkins, W. Grundy, J. Hinks, E. Larkworthy, R. Brown, W. Taylor, W. Stokes, Collins, J. Cole, T. Huband, N. Crump. Jones (Worcester), C. White-head, F. W. Weaver, W. Lee, W. A. Rogers (Horsham), G. Roper (Suckley), J. Holmes, J. Daniels.

Mr. GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS having given " The Queen,"

Mr. Lawson Walker said they were all assembled there that day through the kindness and hospitality of their host, Mr. Greswolde Williams, to commemorate¬rate his 21st birthday and coming of age. (Applause.) He was sure they would all agree that they would have liked a much finer day; but in that matter they must make the best of a bad job. They hoped their host would have long life and prosperity, in succeeding to the property of his- uncle, the late Mr. John F. Greswolde Williams, whose name would be long remembered in those parishes through the interest he took in them. He had a very pleasant duty to perform, having been requested by a number of gentlemen to ask their host's acceptance of a silver cup, tankard, and salver, accompanied by an illuminated address, from the tenants of the Worcestershire estates, friends who had hunted with his harriers, and Worcester tradesmen, to commemorate his coming of age. (Applause and hunting cries) They hoped he would have long life to enjoy those presents. Speaking as a tenant, he had every confidence in the present squire as a landlord. Already he had intimated that he was going to return 25 per cent, of the next half-year's rents. (Cheers.) They could congratulate themselves on having a gentleman like Colonel Parker to stand between land¬lord and tenant, and keep the greatest harmony between the two. Landlord and tenant should have implicit confidence in one another, without which neither invested money in the land, and it was impossible to compete, in these critical times, unless money was invested in the land. (Applause.) They had to express sincere thanks to the trustees - Captain Suckland and Mr. White - for the way in which they had managed the estate during the minority. (Applause.) In asking them to drink Mr. Greswolde Williams's health, the speaker expressed regret that he was going to leave them next year. After he had tried it for is short time he would have kindly feelings towards Knightwick, and the oftener he came back the better they would like him.

Mr. W. Hunter, of Caithness - where Mr. Greswolde Williams rents a moor, assured Mr. Greswolde Williams of the hearty welcome and appreciation he would meet with if he went to Scotland again.

Mr. H A. THORNELEY, on behalf of the Radford and Coventry tenantry, said be had much pleasure in being there to ask the Squire's acceptance of he small present which, it would be seen, was of a truly sport¬ing character. From what little he knew of the Squire he knew him to be of a true sporting English character, which to his mind, and to the minds of All the Warwickshire tenants, was the noblest of all characters. (Applause.) They trusted he would appreciate the small present, and look upon it as an expression of the kindly and good feeling which must exist if landlord and tenant were to go on pleasantly together. There always had been the best feeling between landlord and tenant of the Malvern Hall estate, and he had no doubt the same feelings would continue under the present squire. From the little he knew of their host, his motto, he thought, would be "Live and let live." (Applause.) They, as agriculturists, of Warwickshire, were passing through a period depression, but with such a gentleman as landlord, if they had a good heart, they had nothing to fear. (Applause.)
He expressed the hearty wishes of the Warwickshire tenantry for the long life and prosperity of Mr. Greswolde Williams, who, they hoped, would long enjoy that beautiful estate. If he went to Warwickshire, they, as Warwickshire men and sportsmen - considered second to none in England - would always give him a hearty reception and welcome if he liked to ride over their land and show them the way to go.

The toast was drunk amid hunting cries and the singing of "For he's a jolly good fellow."

Mr. GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS thanked those present for their gifts and no less for the kind expression of their good wishes towards him. He assured them it would be the effort of his life to promote the good feeling which had always existed between landlord and tenants on his estates (applause) and which be hoped would long continue. He took that opportunity of thanking the trustees for the way in which they had administered the estates. He was sure they had done their best for himself and for the tenants. (Applause.) He wished them all better luck in the future, better times, and better prices. (Applause.) In conclusion he proposed the health of Mr. Stanley Clarke, who had had a great deal to do in arranging for the festivities that day.

The toast was cordially drunk, and Mr. STANLEY CLARKE replied.

FESTIVITIES AT KN1GHTWICK, COMING-OF-AGE OF FRANCIS WIGLEY GRESWOLDE GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS. The Worcester Chronicle - Saturday 17th November, 1894

The Worcester Chronicle - Saturday 17th November, 1894

FESTIVITIES AT KN1GHTWICK, COMING-OF-AGE OF MR. GRESWOLDE WILLIAMS.

Mr. F. W. Greswolde Williams, the owner of extensive landed estates in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and other counties, attained his majority on Wednesday, and the event was celebrated in a very hospitable manner. Mr. Greswolde Williams was the nephew and heir of the late Mr. John Francis Greswolde Williams, who died at his residence at Henwick, near this city,
between two and three years ago after a career in which he displayed great munificence in the support of local charitable and philanthropic institutions. He was possessed of property in 13 counties, the principal portions of his estates lying in Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Herefordshire. The ancient seat of the family is Malvern Hall, Solihull, Warwickshire, a fine old country house, surrounded by a beautifully-timbered park. The estates were administered by trustees until the present owner attained his majority, and on Wednesday the young landlord entered into full possession of his inheritance. Mr. Greswolde Williams was educated at Repton. Since the death of the late owner of the estates, he has resided at Thorney Cottage, near Knightwick, in the midst of his Worcestershire and Herefordshire property. He has entered cordially into the occupations and interests of the district. These are almost solely represented by the pursuit of agriculture, and in this connection Mr. Greswolde Williams has shown practical sympathy with his tenants during the depressing seasons from which they have suffered. The district of Knightwick is essentially sporting country and "the young Squire," as he is best known, owes much of his personal popularity to the liberality and spirit with which he has maintained and hunted his celebrated pack of harriers. The good wishes of the whole neighbourhood have been aroused by the event celebrated on Wednesday.

THE FESTIVITIES
The enjoyment of the festivities was marred by the wretched weather which prevailed. All day rain fell, sometimes very copiously, and as the celebration was necessarily out of doors, the discomfort created by the weather was very considerable. The festivities took place at Knightwick Manor, the residence of Mr. T. Lawson Walker, a tenant of Mr. Greswolde Williams, as the latter's residence was less conveniently situated for the purpose. A large field near the homestead was utilised for the purpose. Here several marquees were erected for the dinners and teas, and the amusements
which were provided. Steam roundabouts, swing- boats, cocos-nut shies, &c., were located in the field, and throughout the day nigger minstrels, comedians, strong men, ventriloquists, conjurors, and other professional variety artistes, gave entertainments in a marquee. A novelty in this part of the country was the roasting of an ox spitted whole before a huge fire in the field. Two bands,Whiteley's. Royal Blue Band and the Band of the 3rd and 4th Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, played during the day.

Invitations were issued upon a liberal scale. A large contingent proceeded from Worcester in the morning, and a special late train was arranged for the return journey. In one tent 200 tenants and tradesmen were entertained to dinner, and in another marquee 400 labourers also sat down to a substantial repast. Mr. Greswolde Williams presided at the entertainment to the farmers and tradesmen, and among those also present were : Colonel Parker, Captain Suckling, the Revs.
J. B. Wilson), H. F. Dodgson, T, White, F. Parsons, Messrs, A. Lord, E. H. Little, Jas. Essex, W. Hughes, J. Warner (Leigh), W. Norbury, E. J, Onley Prattenton, Newport Hadley, E. J. Cazalet, Percy Essex, Smith (Alfrick), W. Turbet (Lulsley), Corbet (Leigh Sinton), W. Holloway, F. Firkins, Nicholls,
Ganderton, Pugh, Guest, Humphries, Drew, Spencer. E. H. Hill (Broadwas). Holloway (Whitbourne), J. Pope (Lulsley), G. Porter. C. Porter, Brooks (Lulsley), R. Slade Nash, W. Coventry, Stanley Clarke, J. Walker (Cradley), J. Walker, jun., G. H Biddle, J. S. Turner, J. Twinberrow. J. Powell. T. Powell (Lusley), T. G. Smith, Knowles, Pollard (Worcester), T. Godsall, J. Cook. Williams (Acton Beauchamp), H. R. Perrins, Franklin (Worcester), H. M. Lewis T. Browning, Mrs. Day (Alfrick), Mrs. Browning (Knightwick), Messrs. W. Bishop (Lulsley), J. Pope (Clerkenleap), J. Pope (Leigh), J. Corbett (Bromyard), E. Cook, Lewis (Sapey Bridge), W. Andrews, J. G. Hill, J. Holloway, J. Lightband, J. James, J. F. Padget (Netherwood), J. Hunt, Dr. Weir, Messrs. W. Watkins, W. Grundy, J. Hinks, S. Larkworthy, R. Brown, W. Taylor, W. Stokes, Collins, J Cole, T. Huband, N. Crump, Jones (Worcester), C. White- head, F. W. Weaver, W. Lea, W. A. Rogers (Horsham), G. Roper (Suckley), J. Holmes, J. Daniels.

SPEECHES AT THE DINNER.
After the repast - the CHAIRMAN briefly proposed " The Queen."

Mr. T. LAWSON WALKER, who was received with applause, said they were all assembled there that day through the kindness and hospitality of their host, Mr. Greswolde Williams, to commemorate his coming of age. (Applause.) he knew they would all join with him in wishing Mr. Greswolde Williams " Many happy returns of the day," and long life and prosperity on succeeding to the property of his late uncle, Mr. John Francis Greswolde Williams, whose name would long be remembered in the parishes of that neighbourhood for the interest he took in them and the condition in which he left them. (Hear, hear.) If the young Squire had succeeded to the property three or four years earlier, he believed he would have acquitted himself creditably, for he had the most practical knowledge of any one of his age whom he (the speaker) knew. (Hear, hear,) He had a very pleasant duty to perform, for he had to ask their host's acceptance of a silver cup, silver vase, and silver tankard, together with an Illuminated address, from the tenants residing on his Worcestershire estates, friends who had hunted with his harriers, and Worcester tradesmen. He hoped Mr. Greswolde Williams would long live to possess those tokens of their good will. (Hear, hear.) Speaking as a tenant, Mr. Walker said he had every confidence in their host as a landlord. (Applause) He was one of the nicest fellows he knew, and he had intimated that he was going to return to his tenants 25 per cent. on their next half year's rent. (Applause,) The tenants could congratulate themselves on having a gentle- man in Col. Parker — (applause) — who acted between landlord and tenant and maintained the greatest harmony that could be imagined between the two. (Hear, hear.) In his opinion it was the secret of the day that the landlord and tenant should have implicit confidence in one another. (Hear, hear.) If they had not that confidence, neither would invest money In the land, and it was impossible to combat the present critical times unless there was money invested in the land. (Hear, hear.) He could not help expressing their sincere thanks to the trustees. Capt. Suckling and Mr. White, for the way in which they had managed the estate during the Squires minority. (Applause.) He only regretted that Mr. Greswolde Williams was going to leave the district next year, but he was sure he would entertain a kindly feeling towards Knightwick, and when be came back they would be very pleased to see him. (Applause.) The speaker concluded by proposing "The Health of Mr. Greswolde Williams."

The toast was received with great heartiness, musical honours being accorded It.

Mr. W. HUNTER (of Caithness, where Mr. Greswolde Williams rents a moor) said if the Squire went to Scot- land again be would receive as hearty a welcome as before. (Applause.)

A SPORTING PRESENT.
Mr. H. A. THORNELEY, on behalf of the Radford and Coventry tenants, then asked Mr. Williams's acceptance of a presentation which, he said, the tenants had got together, and which was of a sporting character. (Applause.) From what little he knew of the Squire, be believed him to be of a true, sporting English character—Hear, hear—which to his mind, and he hoped to the minds of the Warwickshire tenants as a body, was the noblest of all characters. (Applause.) He trusted Mr. Greswolde Williams would appreciate that present, and look upon it as a token of the kindly and good feeling which, if the two parties were to go on pleasantly together, must exist between landlord and tenant. (Hear. hear.) In the past there had always been the best feeling between the Malvern Hall family and their tenants, and he had no doubt the same feeling would continue to exist with their present Squire. (Hear, hear.) He believed his motto would be "Live and let live. "(Applause.) They, as
agriculturists in Warwickshire, were passing through a period of unprecedented depression, but with such a man as they had in their landlord, if only they kept up a good heart, they had nothing to fear. (Hear. hear.) He expressed the hearty wishes of all the tenantry on the Warwickshire estate that their landlord might have long life and prosperity to enjoy the beautiful estates which he had come into. (Hear, hear.) If Mr. Greswolde Williams would only come to Warwickshire, a county which they, as Warwickshire men and sports- men, considered second to none in England — (Hear, hear)-if he would go and ride over their land and show them the way to " go," they would always give him a hearty reception (Applause.) The speaker concluded by addressing the host and remarking, "Long may you live, happy may you be, and may you come to Warwickshire occasionally." (Applause.)
Mr. GRESSWOLDE WILLIAMS, who was received with prolonged cheering and hunting cries, responded. He thanked the company most heartily for their kind presents and for the expression of their good wishes towards him. He assured them it should be the effort of his life to promote the good feeling which had always existed between the landlord and tenants of those estates. (Hear, hear), He took that opportunity of thanking the trustees for the way in which they had administered the estates, which he was sure they had done for the best interests of both landlord and tenants. (Hear, hear ) He wished the tenants better luck In the future, with good times and better prices. (Applause.) There was one gentleman present whose health he must propose—Mr. Stanley Clarke, who had had a great deal to do in getting up those festivities. (Applause).

Mr. STANLEY CLARKE appropriately returned thanks. This concluded the speech-making.

The wives of the tenants and labourers and the schoolchildren of Knightwick and Doddenham were entertained to tea in the afternoon. A variety entertainment took place in the evening, and the day's proceedings were concluded with a display of fireworks. This included a representation of Mr. Greswolde Williams mounted upon his favourite hunter " Major," and surrounded by his pack of harriers Mr. Greswolde Williams entertained a party of friends, numbering 23. to dinner at Mr. Lawson Walker's residence at night.

THE PRESENTS AND ADDRESSES.
In addition to numerous presents from private friends Mr. Greswolde Williams received a number of handsome gifts of a more public, character, and these were exhibited in the dinner tent.

The present of the Worcestershire tenants, friends who had hunted with the host's harriers, and tradesmen in Worcester, consisted of a beautiful sliver vase, silver salver, and silver tankard, all bearing the arms of the Greswolde Williams family. The following inscription appeared upon the vase and salver: "Presented to F. W. Greswolde Williams, Esq., November 14th, 1894." The presents were accompanied by an illuminated address, the following being a copy: "Presented to Francis Wigley Greswolde Williams, Esq., by the under- mentioned tenants on his Worcestershire estates, friends who have hunted with his harriers, and Worcester tradesmen, on his coming of age, 14th November, 1894. T. Lawson Walker, Charles Porter, Joseph Pope. sen., Captain Fetherstonhaugh, Captain Stanley Clarke, T. Powell, Joseph Holloway, Walter Pope, J. Warner, J. Corbett, Perrins and Franklin, H. M. Lewis, J. E. Cooke, T. H. Smith, John P. Pope, John Powell, T. Brookes, W. Turbutt, W. Bishop, H. E. Pollard, H. Knowles, W. Watkins, T. Browning, Mrs. Browning. J. Cole. R. Browne. E. J. Cazalet, T. H. Walker, R. S. Nash, Dr. Weir, Mrs, Day, H. Holloway, F. Firkins, N. Crump, H. Corbett, T. G. Smith, J. Hunt, J. L. Iarkworthy, John James, F. Fidoe, E. H. Hill, T. Nicholls, J. R. Ganderton, T. Collins, W. Stokes, Thomas Jones, W. Taylor, G. H. Biddle, W. H. Rogers, George Hill, Joseph Essex, Joseph Pope, jun., E. Porter, J. Humphries, W. G. Guest, W. Spencer, W. F. Parker, T. Hikn, .Hadley, G. Lewis, W. Grundy, J. Lightband, C. J. Whitehead, W. Weaver, J. Strickland, and K Fidoe. The gift of the Warwickshire tenants consisted of a large silver horse shoe mounted upon a shield, with a silver bugle, hunting horn, whip, and spurs. The Radford cottage tenantry presented a silver cigar stand.

The parishioners and friends of Doddenham offered a handsome liquor stand with an address: The following news were attached to the address : Mr. T. A. Browning, Miss S. F. Browning, Mr. and Mrs. J. Riddell, Miss L. Caswell, Miss Alice Watkins (Clifton-on-Teme ), Master W. Glover, Mrs. Hill, Mr. and Mrs. W. Grubham. Mr. J. Grubham, Mr. and Mrs. C. Hurren, Mrs. Lewis, Mrs. Hall, Mr. Wood, Mr. and Mrs. J. Rollings, Master W. Rowberry, Misses Jones, Mr and Mrs. Weaver, Mr. W. G. Andrews, Mary Finch, Mrs. G. Morgan, Mrs. Vernals, Mrs. J. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver, Mrs. Birch, Mr. Hadley, Mr. and Mrs. J. Morris, Mr. A. T. Williams. Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Browning, Mrs. Whittle, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins, Miss Lily Vernals, Mrs. Page, Mrs. N. Morgan, Mary Morgan, Miss Mercy Morris, Mr. and Mrs. R. Hurren, Miss Caswell, Mrs. Joynes Mr. Wilcox. Mr. and Mrs. Mumford, Miss H. Mumford, Miss Wilcox, Mr. J. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. H. Palmer Miss E. Palmer, Miss Edith Palmer, Mr. J. Palmer, Mr. Jones, Mrs. R. Grubham, Miss 0. Grubham, Mr. and Mrs. Maund (Whitbourne), Mr Hales (Whitbourne), Master W, Furniss (Whitbourne), Mr. T. Hughes (Whitbourne), Mr. C. Smith, " Nurse." the Misses Price, Mrs. Higgins (Knightwick), Mr. P. Norris, Miss Crump, Mrs. P. Grubham, Mr. and Mrs. T. Turner, Miss G. Perkins, and Mr. Norman. The tenants on the South Herefordshire estate prevented the following address, which was Illuminated and framed: "We, the undersigned tenants of the South Herefordshire estate, and the Vicar and church- wardens of the parish of Much Birch, desire your acceptance on the occasion of the attainment of your majority, November 14, 1894, of our hearty and sincere good wishes. We also express a hope that you may be granted health, and that your life may be spared for many years to enjoy the estate bequeathed to you by the late respected John Francis Greswolde Williams Esq., whose true friendship to his tenants and generosity to our parish will make his memory most revered amongst us for all time. We, trust this good feeling may be maintained between yourself and the tenants, and that you may long be spared to follow in his good footsteps. - George E. Drinkwater, J. A. Payne, George Pickering, T. G. Pritchard, W. E. Taylor, F. R. Burnside (vicar), G. V. Bankes and John West (church wardens. )

The Knightwick Football and Cricket Club presented a driving whip and an illuminated address, which they offered "as a slight acknowledgment of many services rendered to the club, and wishing Mr. Greswolde Williams long life, health, and happiness." The address was signed by Messrs. Stanley Clarke as captain, H. M. Lewis (hon. secretary), W. H. Cooper. W. Taylor, A. J. Knowles, T. Burrop J. Hammett, W. Turbutt, R. Jones, W. Powell, W. Smith, W. C. Hobbs, W. Jones, F. Hunt, J. Weaver, and T. Matthews.

The servants of Thorney Cottage presented a hunting whip and silver horn and expressed their sentiments towards their employer in the following address: : "We, the servants of Thorney Cottage, most sincerely congratulate you upon your coming of age. We could not allow this happy event to pass without expressing our deep gratitude to you for your kindness at all times rendered to us, and we ask your acceptance of the horn and hunting whip, not so much for the intrinsic value of the present as for the kind motives which have prompted the givers. We ask you to value it for the respect and good wishes it is intended to convey, with the hope that long life, health, and happiness may be granted to you."

The workpeople in the parish of Knightwick gave a hunting flask and cigar case, the gamekeepers on the estate a gun case, and the Prince Albert Lodge of Oddfellows. M. U. (Knightwick), an appropriate Present, the card accompanying it bearing the names of J. R. Caswell, N. G. and W. J. Harwood, Per. Sec. The Broadwas school children presented a pretty little clock, with a calendar suspended beneath, and the children of Knightwick and Doddenham schools gave two pepper castors, with a brief address, in which they congratulated Mr. Greswolde Williams on attaining his majority, and with their present offered their best wishes for his future health and happiness. The address was signed on behalf of the scholars by Christopher Porter and Albert Lewis.

Some intersting facts regarding Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams.
by R. Logan Kitson owner of Bredenbury Court in the 1920's. - Including 1911 Census.

The Greswolde Williams family at Bredenbury Court

Francis (Frank) Greswolde-Williams
Francis owned land in Africa as well as Herefordshire, so was not always in residence at Bredenbury.

The Happy Valley Set and Frank Greswolde Williams

He was not an unkind man, but his reputation was somewhat unsavoury given that he was a member of the Happy Valley set – a collection of aristocratic English roisterers who had properties in the Wanjohi Valley, Kenya, and who enjoyed nothing more than loads of drugs and booze before/during episodes of extra marital sex and violence. However, Francis was unlikely to have indulged in the sex bit due to his rather portly figure and the fact that he was usually less than sober, but he was thought to have been included in the "set" because he provided the drugs. He also lived apart from the others, having property in the Kedong Valley where he indulged his passion for big game hunting, especially lions, and back in Herefordshire he loved the local hunt – the North Herefordshire, who kept their hounds at Bredenbury Court, and he became Master of the Ledbury Hunt. He lost an eye in a shooting accident, but I don't know whether this was in Africa or in Herefordshire.

Death of Frank Greswolde Williams' only son

He was often accompanied by his only son, F.H.J. Greswolde-Williams, and his three daughters on the big game shoots in Africa, and acted as transport officer with the British East African force. His son who was educated at Eton, was given a commission in the King's African Rifles, but on 2nd August 1917 he was killed in East Africa during a large engagement with German forces. He was just 18. He was of course the only heir to all William's estates, not only in Herefordshire, but also Birmingham, Warwickshire, Worcestershire and of course the very large estate in the Kedong Valley, between Nairobi and the Grate Lake, in Africa.
Another casualty of the war with connections to Bredenbury Court was the head gardener, who was much respected and had been a very successful exhibitor at the Royal Horticultural Exhibition in London, specialising in chrysanthemums and carnations. Private Herbert Tribe of the Shropshire Light Infantry was killed in action in France on 7th September 1918.

Bredenbury Court Household 1901 Census

Francis Wigley Gresolde Williams 28 Living on own means, b. Fairfield, Gloucestershire
Anna Louisa Gresolde Williams 33 Wife, b. Cheadle, Cheshire
Minnie Dorothy Christian Gresolde Williams 3 Daughter b. Strensham, Worcestershire
Francis Humphrey John Gresolde Williams 1 Son b. Inverness

Amy Neville 32 Sister in law, b. Cheadle, Cheshire
Maud Christiane Faville 8 Niece b. Newcastle on Tyne
Robert Arthur Neville 4 Nephew, b. Chester

George Lees 36 Butler b. Longdon, Staffordshire
Richard Jones 28 Valet b. Tedstone Delamare, Herefordshire
Frank Humphrey 23 Footman b. Worcestershire
George Williamson Howard 17 Footman b. Castle Acre, Norfolk
Herbert Nelson 25 Footman b. Tadcaster, Yorkshire
Henry Brown 28 Groom b. West Derby, Lancaster
William Weaver 27 Groom b. Doddenham, Worcestershire
Thomas Short 23 Groom b. Silloth, Cumberland
George Millward 19 Groom b. Leominster, Herefordshire
John Pritchard 18 Groom b. Leominster, Herefordshire
Elizabeth Redfern 50 Housekeeper b. Great Packington, Worcestershire
Mary Claradge 33 Cook, b. Twickenham, Middlesex
Agnes Maud Taylor 23 Lady's Maid b. Worcestershire
Alice Traners 25 Kitchenmaid b. Portsmouth, Hants
Mary Machicholl 28 Kitchenmaid b. Glutt Caithoirs
Annie Haynes 20 Kitchenmaid b. Hartpury, Gloucestershire
Annie Jack 32 Housemaid b. Bamforthshire
Blanche Harriet Davies 22 Housemaid b. Bath Lodge, Wiltshire
Emma Susan Aldridge 20 Housemaid b. North Lake, Surrey
Eliza Louisa Warick 18 Housemaid b. Southam, Warwickshire
Annie Albon Ward 36 Nurse b. Bedford
Ada Louisa Gibbs 20 Nurse b. Waltham Abbey
Annie Rose Torth 16 Nurse b. Great Brickhill
Jennie Edwards 26 Nurse b. Ireland

Bredenbury Court: As remodelled by T. H. Wyatt for W. H Barneby, 1873.

The original square, hipped-roofed, house was built in about 1810 for William West, but it was remodelled in the Italianate style and extended by one bay to the left in 1873 by T. H. Wyatt for William Henry Barneby (1843-1914), and further enlarged in renaissance style by Sir Guy Dawber in 1902 for his successor, Francis Greswolde-Williams.

Wyatt's exterior is of rock-faced red sandstone and sandstone ashlar, and has roofs set behind balustraded parapets and rendered chimney stacks. Dawber added the single storey dining room on the east side and a rear wing on the north-west which replaced an earlier single storey range. There is a further long service wing on the north-east side. Inside, the 1873 work includes the panelled entrance hall and the staircase with twisted balusters and strapwork on the newels; and the chimneypieces in the inner hall and in drawing room. Dawber's alterations include the new dining room with a big segmental vaulted moulded plaster ceiling (possibly by G. P. Bankart) and panelling with carved festoon drops in the pilasters and Ionic columns framing the arched vestibule and inglenook. The north-west wing contains a billiard room with moulded ceiling beams and joists and another inglenook.

The grounds of the house were laid out in the 1870s by Edward Milner for W.H. Barneby, who demolished the medieval church (much rebuilt in 1861-62) in order to clear the site. Wyatt was also responsible for the west and south lodges, but the stables and the north-east lodge are additions by Dawber. The house became a school in 1944 and it remained so until 2016.

Frank Greswolde Williams is charged with Breach of Promise

In 1925, by which time Francis (known as Frank) was a widower, his wife having died in 1923, he found himself in court charged with breach of promise. In the press reports, the name has become Greswolde rather that Gresolde.
The judge was Mr. Justice Avory, and a special jury in the King's Bench Division was formed to hear the case between the plaintiff Mrs. Adelaide Margaret Constance Lubbock, the grand daughter of an earl and cousin of a viscount, and the exceptionally wealthy Mr. Frank Greswold Williams who was known throughout Worcestershire and Herefordshire and had been Master of the Ledbury Hounds. Sir Henry Maddocks K.C. acting for Mrs. Lubbock said that she was married in 1914 to Ralph Lubbock but she divorced him in 1922. There was no fault on her side. Both parties were keen on hunting and became acquainted in 1911 when Mrs. Lubbock's brother was the tenant of Bredenbury Court, which was owned by Frank Greswold. He was kind to her and gave her a horse, and called her by a pet name of "Tibby". Neither was of a romantic age it was said, but in 1924 they met at a London Hotel and Frank said "you know Tibby, I am very miserable. You know what Ann (his wife) was to me, and you Tibby have had a jolly rotten time and been treated very badly by Ralph. I have always looked upon you as the whitest woman I have ever met and Tibby, I would like to marry you". Mrs. Lubbock said that he had taken her by surprise, but said that she had always liked him so told him that she could make him a good wife, following which Frank said that they should choose an engagement ring; they went to a jeweller, and Frank choose a whopping ring which he gave to Mrs. Lubbock, and she was also measured for a wedding ring which had to be left for alteration. They told Frank's daughter and friends of their plans to marry, who were all delighted for the couple, and then a bit later on Frank spoke to Mrs. Lubbock's sister on the phone, telling her that he would be marrying Mrs. Lubbock on the following Saturday. He gave her £200 as a present, and she went to the Registry Office to arrange the wedding.
When she came back from "an entertainment" that afternoon, it seemed to her that Frank's daughters had grown decidedly cool, and on the Friday Frank told Mrs. Lubbock "Look here Tibby, my family are not half going for me about marrying you!" She asked why, and he said that it was because she was a divorcee and that if he married her before his daughter, Sally's wedding, not one of the family would speak to him again let alone go to his wedding. He said "Will you be a brick and postpone our wedding until after Sally's? After she is married, we can do as we like" Mrs. Lubbock agreed to this.
Later, Frank spoke again to her and said "my family are playing the devil. If I marry you they won't speak to me and have nothing to do with me, and it must be off". This annoyed and upset Mrs. Lubbock and wrote to him about his decision saying that she bore him no ill will, but was "hit jolly hard". She told him that she cancelled the order for the wedding ring, and had been in bed since with shock!
Frank's defence was not that he didn't make the promise, but that it was rescinded by mutual consent on January 12th, and that he responded to her letter thus "You are a brick. I shall not say much about it to anyone. My nerves are all upset. Cheer up love. From Frank."
Some time later whilst visiting her dentist in London, Mrs. Lubbock bumped into Frank and he kissed her. His affection led her to believe that things would be okay once he got free from his family and that he would still marry her. She wrote to him again after that:
"I am fed up to the back teeth, and at the present time I haven't a dime in the world and am truly in the soup. For old time's sake – do help me. Five hundred pounds will see me though. I am sure my goodness, that if I don't get some money by Wednesday I am in for it properly. I feel that things will come right and I always want to be a brick to you. I wish you all happiness and if you marry I hope that you will have somebody you deserve. "

The hearing was adjourned and I am still searching for the outcome.
R. Logan Kitson

Bredenbury Court was purchased in the 1920s by R. Logan Kitson.

Bredenbury Court becomes a School

In 1944 Bredenbury Court became the home of a Preparatory Boarding school which replaced the junior school at the Cheltenham Ladies' College.

The following has newspaper accounts, of the death of Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams.

Death of Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams - Birmingham Gazette, Friday, 3rd July, 1931

Birmingham Gazette, Friday, 3rd July, 1931.

Death of Big Landowner and Sportsman.
Midland Resident.

The death occurred at Broadwas Court, Near Knightwick, Worcestershire, yesterday, of Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams. He was 57 years of age. [d. 2nd July 1931]
Mr. Greswolde Williams had large estates at Warwickshire, Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and also in British East Africa, where it was his custom to spend the winter months indulging his love of shooting and horsemanship.

FEARLESS RIDER.

While in East Africa on one visit he injured one of his eyes in a gun accident, and could not in consequence follow sport so much, but he continued to breed game for his friends to shoot.
He was a fearless and daring horseman, and in earlier days was a keen polo-player.
Racing was another of Mr. Greswolde-Williams' interests: he owned several horses, and, when in this country, he was a regular attendant at race meetings, and was one of the stewards of the Worcester meeting for many years.
In later days he became interested In flying and bought an aeroplane.

TWICE MARRIED.

A breach of promise action brought by Mrs. Adelaide Margaret Constance Lubbock against Mr. Greswolde-Williams in 1925 (two years after the death of his first wife) excited a good deal of interest.
The plaintiff was awarded £500 damages.
In March, 19xx Mr. Greswolde-Williams married, at Kenya Colony, Pamela Sophia Fjastall.
His only son, Lieut. F. H. J. Greswolde-Williams, was killed in Africa during the war.
Two daughters survive him.

Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer - 4th July 1931

Death of Greswolde-Williams

Landowner and Sportsman

The death took place at Broadwas Court on Thursday, of Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde Greswolde-Williams, at the age of 57. Mr. Greswolde-Williams had been in failing health for sometime.
Mr. Greswolde-Williams was the grandson of Mr John Williams, of Pitmaston Worcester, whose son, Mr Francis Edward Williams, married Miss Anne Greswolde, daughter of Mr Henry Greswolde, of Malvern Hall, Solihull, and by his marriage became entitled to the Warwickshire and Worcester estates belonging to the Greswolde family. Mr. Greswolde-Williams was a son of Mr. Henry Edward Williams, who was the third son of Mr. Francis Edward Williams, and on the decease of his uncle, the late Mr John Francis Greswolde-Williams, of Henwick Grange, Worcester. Mr. F. W. G. Greswolde-Williams succeeded to the Greswolde and Williams' family estates, which were situated in the counties of Worcester, Warwick, and Hereford. Mr. Greswolde-Williams married in 1895., Miss Ross, the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. Colin George Ross.
The Williams' were descended from a wealthy South Wales family which settled in Herefordshire in the sixteenth century and acquired extensive landed estates in this and the adjoining county of Hereford.
In 1920 Mr. Greswolde-Williams sold a good deal of his property in Warwickshire, and a few years later put in the market the Bredenbury estate near Bromyard, which he acquired from the late Mr H. Barneby. At one time Mr. Greswolde-Williams lived in Strensham, but later went to Bredenbury, but he left there during the war years and the family then used Broadwas Court. But they were not in England all the year, for they spent many months of the year in British East Africa, where Mr. Greswolde-Williams had acquired large estates. It was his custom to go there about November of each year and stay till the following March. There he pursued shooting and sport of horsemanship, of which he was very fond. He was a fearless, even caring, horseman in earlier days and initiated horse polo games on Pitchcroft and elsewhere. While in East Africa he had the misfortune to injure one of his eyes in a gun accident and could not follow shooting sports so much afterwards, but he always bred game for his friends, and was keenly interesting in shooting in Africa. There his only son, Lt. F. H. J. Greswolde-Williams died in 1923. Probably because of his frequent absences abroad he took little part in the public life of the County, but he was made a Justice of the peace in 1900 and he was High Sheriff in 1906-7, and was a Deputy Lieutenant.
Mr. Greswolde-Williams took a very keen interest in racing. He owned several horse, and when in the country he was a regular attendant at race meetings, and was one of the stewards of the Worcester meeting for some years. In later years he took an interest in flying and bought a flying machine in which he was driven by a pilot.
One of his daughters married Lt. Noel Summers, of Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, and another Capt. C. R. BillyardLeake, of hare field Park, Middlesex.
A third daughter died a few years ago. On March 10, 1926. Mr. Greswolde-Williams married at Kenya Colony, Pamela Sophia Fjastail.

Evesham Standard & West Midland Observer - 11th July 1931

Memorial Service at Broadwas

In memory of Mr. F. W. Greswolde Greswolde-Williams, who died last Thursday at his home, Broadwas Court, a service was held at Broadwas Church on Tuesday Morning. The remains of the late Mr. Greswolde-Williams are being conveyed to East Africa, where he had extensive estates, and they will be buried there. There was a very large congregation at the memorial service. It was conducted by the rector, the Rev. J. R. Burns. The choir sang Psalm 121, "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills," and the hymn "Fight the good fight." The organist, Miss Daniels, Played Handel's "Largo," as the congregation left the church.
The mourners were: Mrs. Greswolde-Williams (widow), Mr Henry Greswolde-Williams (brother), Mrs. Neville (sister-in-law), Col. Porter (nephew), Mrs Lochrane (niece),Mrs Rose (sister-in-law), Mrs. John Parker, and Mr. A. E. Lord.
The general congregation included: Mr. And Mrs. T. Lawson Walker, Miss Lawson Walker, Mr. John Walker, Mr W. Walker, Mr. R. Maddox, Mr J. F. Twinberrow, Mr J. S. Twinberrow, Mrs. P. Edwards, Mr. B. Pugh, Mr. W. H. Pugh, Mr. T. Rimell, Mr. T. R. Rimell, Mrs. And Miss Rimell, Major H. P. Rushton M.F.H, Mr J. J. Edwards, (representing Mrs. Noel Francis), Col. Umfreville, Lt. Col. E. Franklin, Major C. V. Beresford, Major Todd, Major J. W. Gough, Mr. A.A. Annis (representing Bewdley Conservative Association), Mr. F. L. Curtless, Mr. J. Perkins, and Miss Perkins, Mr. R. D. Tennant, Mr. E. A. Fidoe, Mr. A. L. Fidoe, Mrs. A. F. Fidoe, Mr. H. G. Keen, Mr. A. Keen, Mr. & Mrs. W. S. Jones, Mr. And Mrs. J. Frazer, Mr. & Mrs. Jardine Gresson, Mr. & Mrs. H. M. Lewis, Mr. & Mrs. W. H. Spencer, Mr T. H. Firkins, Mr. & Mrs. S. Grosvenor, Mr. M. E. Paske, Mrs. Hurst, Mrs, Donald Cawley, Miss N. Jones, Miss V. Parsons, Mrs. Tidbury, Mrs. Drew, Mr. & Mrs. T. Ganderton, Mr. & Mrs. F. E. Smith, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Spencer (Alfrick), Messrs. T. Powell, J. Wood, A. Knowles, F. J. Tustin, J. F. Ganderton, A. E. Ganderton, F. Ganderton, T. Powell, jun., W. Clarke (representing Mr. J. P. Harvey, Kidderminster), E. Jones, F. B. Cliff, W. P. Pope, W. T. White, H. Hill, M. Skyrme, J. Spencer, R. Wood, E. Baker, W. Bond, F. Hill, W. Smith, J Vale, G. F. Purkis, G. Turner, H. Lane, S. White, Harvey Smith, T. W. Jones, G. Quartley, J. Coles, W. J. Hiams, J. Jones, T. Evans, F. G. Tyner, J. Spence, R. Phillips, G. A. Turner, and others.
Among the members of the staff of Broadwas Court who attended were: Mr. And Mrs. E. Baker, Messrs. F. Tidbury, G. Lane, J. Band, F. Robinson, F. Hunt, T. Delahay, H. Lane, F. Jones, G. Sadler, J. Rees, W. Rees, H. Griffiths, I. Griffiths, F. Bullock, J. Pope and H. Ricketts. A prominent figure among the members of the staff was David Obure Oyus, the African servant of the late Mr. Greswolde-Williams.
The Knightwick and Broadwas branch of the British Legion, which owes a great deal of its success to the help and generosity of the late Mr. Greswolde-Williams, was represented by Admiral R. S. D. Coming (president), Messrs. G. Pearson (Hon. Secretary), A. Jones, C. Robinson, J. Hill, W. J. Jones, T. Witty, W. Patrick, C. H. Ganderton, and J. Ashcroft.
Members of the County Police Force present were: Supt. Davies, P. S. Cale, P. C. Stephens and P. C. Warner.

Cheltenham Chronicle - 11th July, 1931.

Pershore Memorial Service

A memorial service for Mr. Francis Wigley Greswolde-Williams, of Broadwas Court, was held at the Parish Church on Wednesday afternoon. Friends from the Pershore district where Mr. Greswolde-Williams was well known, included his nephew, Colonel H. C. M. Porter, D.S.O., of the Court House, Birmingham. Mr. Greswolde-Williams resided for sometime Strensham Court, and later for a shorter period at Birmingham House, the stately mansion occupied for one and a half centuries by the Porter family, which has just been demolished. The late Mrs. Greswolde-Williams and Mrs. H. D. M. Porter, of Birmingham were sisters.
The remains of the late Mr. Greswolde-Williams will be taken to East Africa for burial. Here he had vast possessions.

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