Herald - Issue 409

v THE HERALD - ENCOURAGING LOCAL ENTERPRISE v 15th July 2021 • The HERALD • Page 17 0238001 4269 JOB A BOB PVCu fascias, soffits, guttering repairs (bungalows only), Blocked drains, Patios & Decking Repairs/Cleaning, Fencing & Sheds (repairs, installation & treatment), and general small maintenance works • Based in the Waterside • Fully Insured H WORKING TO CURRENT COVID-19 RULES H Bob Byrne • Tel: 023 8089 0141 • Mobile: 07519 303843 bobbybyrne@talktalk.net • New flooring & repairs • Interior & exterior fitted windows & doors • Fitted kitchens • Stairs & decking • Architrave & skirting • Pergolas & car ports • Gates made & fitted • Bespoke Summer houses • Garden structures & landscaping structures • Roofing & Fencing • Fencing • Structural wooden repairs James Powell Carpentry Jamespowellcarpentry.co.uk and find on Check a Trade Contact 07500 113098 Call for a no obligation quote OF ALL SAINTS CHURCH FAWLEY Send your local news to The Editor, The Herald, 2 High Street, Hythe SO45 6AH or email editor@herald-publishing.co.uk began a four year period of unemployment on half pay. In 1784 a 4th daughter was born named Anne, followed by a 5th daughter Caroline in 1785. Around this time, the Parry’s moved south and rented a property in Hythe, and subsequently, in 1796, bought a house on the outskirts of the village from Mr Robert Drummond, which became known as Hythe House. e house no longer exists and is now known as ‘Carpenters Close’ o Mousehole Lane. A er four years of inactivity he took command of a 44 gun frigate HMS Adventure. is operated in home waters and another daughter, Emily, was born to the Parry family but in 1786 Francis was ordered to take command of a small squadron of ships to patrol the west African coast to suppress the slave trade. Unfortunately Francis was in ill health by this time, su ering a series of small heart attacks. e oppressive heat and humidity of the ‘White Man’s Grave’ obliged the doctor to recommend that the second in command of HMS Adventure take control of the ship and return it to Portsmouth. Once again Francis was put on half pay which lasted for 6 years. In 1793 his 7th, and last, daughter, Harriett Barbarina, was born, and in that year he was appointed to the command of a large new ship-of-the-line 98 gun, HMS Prince. Due to lack of action the ship remained mainly anchored o of Spithead, but for a short while it did serve as the ag ship of Vice Admiral Sir Richard King who was Commander-in Chief at Portsmouth. On 1st May of that year, a 98 gun ship-of-the-line HMS Boyne, at anchor o Southsea, accidentally caught re when the Royal Marines on board practised ring exercises. It is supposed that the funnel running from the ward room stove, which passed through all the decks, set re to the Admiral’s papers in his cabin. By the time the re was discovered the ames had burst through the poop deck and it was too late to do anything. e ship was on re from stern to bow within 30 minutes. e guns on ships of the line were always loaded and the cannons began to ‘cook o ’ ring shots indiscriminately at the rescuers making their way to the ship. Later that day the cables securing the ship burnt through and HMS Boyne dri ed ashore, becoming grounded on the east end of the spit opposite Southsea Castle, where she exploded, causing devastating damage onshore. Francis and his ship’s company played a signi cant part in ghting the re, and in the rescue of the crew, saving all but 10 of the seamen of over 300 survivors. In 1799, he was promoted to Vice Admiral, but no command was o ered. Frustrated by his inactivity he wrote to the War O ce requesting a position in the newly formed local militia. He was given the rank of Captain (much more junior to Vice Admiral) and appointed commander of the Fawley Volunteers, where he remained until 1802 when he resigned and handed over to Captain omas Moody. e platoon was renamed the Fawley and Dibden Volunteers until it became the New Forest Rangers (Lymington Ri es). Francis Parry died on 18th December 1803 and was buried in Fawley Church yard on Christmas Eve. e family remained in Hythe until the following June when they moved to Fareham. His widow Fanny (Frances) died on 14th September 1814 and was buried with her husband in All Saints Church Fawley. Sadly, 9 months later two of the daughters, Charlotte Mary and Emily drowned o the coast of Sussex and were buried with their parents. e remaining four daughters continued to live in Fareham and remained unmarried until their deaths many years later, and were buried in Fareham. With many thanks to the late Dave Quensell for his informative paper on Vice Admiral Parry. Continued from page 16 HMS Boyle burst into flames whilst anchored off the coast of Southsea