Page 26 • The HERALD • 11th May 2023 v SAY YOU SAW IT IN THE HERALD v A&D Morrison Builders Ltd FOR ALL YOUR BUILDING NEEDS • Extensions • Renovations • Alterations • Groundworks • Roo ng • Drives & Patios 07768 599704 or 023 8194 8673 adlmorrison@sky.com Free Estimates • Fully Insured • Based in Dibden Purlieu • Cedral cladding DECORATING Interior and Exterior Established 1985 07867 528307 mark.blake.decorating@gmail.com All aspects of Plastering & General Decorating Covered Free Quotations Fully Insured Mobile 07941 255335 Phone: 023 8089 8324 parkesij@yahoo.co.uk www.ijs4plastering.co.uk THE RESIDENTS OF RHIME HALL, PART 3 by Robin Somes, Fawley and Blackfield Memories Returning to the hamlet of Rhime Hall, let us look rst at James Chandler (1760-1838). James was born in Fawley, and married Elizabeth Nicholas; the couple had three sons and a daughter. Elizabeth died in 1823, and James later remarried, to Elizabeth Bound – almost certainly a close relative of David and omas Bound, whom we met in the previous episode, since David Bound was a witness to James’s will. Like other families we’ve seen, James held considerable assets, including livestock, bank savings, and cottages at Hardley and Langley. e two cottages were occupied by Joseph Kitcher, and Elizabeth Nicholas (a relative of James’s rst wife). Nicholas was around the same size, in Langley, almost opposite the Langley Tavern. Back in Rhime Hall, William Studds was born in Buckinghamshire around 1790. Described as a ‘serving man’ (i.e., a servant) in the marriage records, he marriedAnne Philps, in Fawley. Anne was the daughter of Richard Lovell Philps, a labourer. William’s time as a servant evidently didn’t last; later censuses describe him as a retired grocer, and the post o ce directories elevate him to the rank of “gentleman”. Finally in Rhime Hall in 1834, we see Richard White (1796-1863), born in Beaulieu, and copyholder of houses and land in the hamlet. In 1821 he was a publican, but later records have him as a boot and shoe maker and leather merchant. He married Maria Winn; their rst son, John Wilson White, was born in 1818. eir second son, Richard William White, was born in 1821 and given a private baptism (which usually indicates that the child was very sick and not expected to survive) in November that year. Richard junior died in May 1823, and was buried in Exbury. It is very likely that Whites Lane, o Fawley Square, is named a er the White family. Our brief exploration of Rhime Hall has shown a surprisingly wealthy and diverse range of folk, some local, some incomers, in such a small hamlet – not quite the rural backwater we might assume. With thanks to Clifford Wheeler for information on Joseph Kitcher. Digressing brie y, Joseph Kitcher was born around 1774, and aged 25 enlisted in the 82nd Regiment of Foot Infantry. He fought in the Peninsular War, and was wounded in battle in Portugal. His wounds eventually ended his military service in 1817, and he returned to Fawley, presumably as an agricultural labourer, like most of his peers. e Chandlers’ property that he rented was around 1/3 of an acre, described as ‘Cottage and garden’, on Hardley Common, near the Forest Home pub. In 1949, the land and a building were still marked on the OS map; they nally disappeared when the re nery was extended. e property the Chandlers rented to Elizabeth Aerial photo of Hardley Common from 1947, showing Joseph Kitcher’s cottage and land (top right). Photo © britainfromabove.org.uk Robin Somes has recently published a new local history book titled Digging up the Past which is now on sale in e Herald o ce. e book includes a collection of 28 illustrated articles, rst published in e Herald between 2021 and 2023, featuring historical events, family connections, and personal recollections of life around Fawley and the LOCAL HISTORY BOOK FOR SALE! Waterside villages. e book is on sale for £5 (cash only) from e Herald o ce or via Robin’s online shop: shop.robinsomes.co.uk Cinema with a Festival Feel on Bank Holiday Weekend Go to the movies and see your favourite lm in a picture-perfect backdrop, as Beaulieu hosts the UK’s largest touring outdoor cinema across Spring Bank Holiday weekend in May. From Top Gun: Maverick to a singalong of the Greatest Showman and Mama Mia! Adventure Cinema will make it an experience to remember! Disney’s Encanto is a children’s favourite, or take the whole family to watch Elvis which spans the generations. At the home of the National Motor Museum, how could they miss adding a motoring lm themed day? Pick your favourite movie from a selection of seven lms, then sit back, relax and enjoy your screening from Friday 26th to Monday 29th May. Buy your ticket, pack a picnic, camping chair and a blanket, then join them under the sun and stars for a fun evening with family and friends. is is cinema with a festival feel – and just what you need to kickstart the summer. For tickets and details see www.beaulieu.co.uk/events or call 01590 612888.
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