A snippet from the Old Bailey Proceedings Online

As my family tree grows larger and larger I am fortunate to find some really interesting records outside of the usual family history sites. One such interesting record is from the Old Bailey Proceedings Online.

Old Bailey Proceedings Online (www.oldbaileyonline.org, version 9.0) March 1846. Trial of JOHN GREENING (t18460330-828). Available at: https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/record/t18460330-828 (Accessed: 21st April 2025).

John Greening was indicted for stealing a certain post letter, containing an elastic strap and buckle, value 6d.; 3 pieces of printed paper, 1d.; 2 written invoices, 1d.; and 1 letter, 1d.; the property of Her Majesty’s Postmaster-General.—2nd and 3rd COUNTS, for embezzling and secreting the same.—4th COUNT, for stealing the said goods out of the letter.—5th COUNT, for stealing the said letter and goods; the property of the Right Hon. Edward Granville, Earl of St. Germains, Her Majesty’s Postmaster-General; he being employed under the Post Office.

The letter was sent by Lady Sarah Jeffery Medlycott, the wife of Sir William Coles Medlycott, Bart., residing at Venn-house, Milbourn Port.

The account is interesting to read and gives extra insight to the lives on my ancestors. Poor John Greening was found guilty and imprisoned for a year.

Medlycott family vault in the Church of St John

This is my final post about Medlycott ancestors connected to the Church of St John in the pretty village of Milborne Port. In the church graveyard we found one large grave, almost hidden by yew trees which surrounded it. It looked to be made of granite and was inscribed around the top with the following names:

W.C.R.M. 8 Jan 1887 aged 55

S.J.M. 13 May 1879 aged 72

W.C.M.  23 Dec 1882 aged 76

E.D.M. {x} Feb 1902 aged 89

M.E.M. 1 May 1912 aged 78

Medlycott family vault

Medlycott family vault

Medlycott family vault

Medlycott family vault

I will need to identify the family members who were buried here in the Victorian times.

More about the Church of St John, Milborne Port

Following on from my post yesterday I wanted to write a little more about the Church of St John, Milborne Port. The church is full of memorials to different members of the Medlycott family. It was really exciting to walk around and spot them.

The first memorial I found was to George Medlycott, Gent, First Lieutenant in Colonel Moretes Regiment of Marines. Also of Thomas Medlycott, son of Thomas Medlycott of Ven, who died 1741.

Medlycott family memorial

A memorial to Sir William Coles Medlycott; his wife Dame Elizabeth Medlycott; Sarah Jeffrey, wife of Sir William Coles Medlycott; Sir William Coles Medlycott, 2nd Baronet.

Medlycott family memorial

In memory of Ann Medlycott, relict of James Medlycott of Ven (died 1758); of Elizabeth, second wife of Thomas Medlycott of Ven (died 1763); of Thomas Medlycott, eldest son of James Medlycott of Ven (died 1763); of Thomas Mervin Medlycott, second son of T.H. Medlycott of Ven (died 1793); of T.H.Medlycott of Ven, eldest son of John Hutchings of Sherborne; Thomas Mervin son of William Coles Medlycott (died 1798); of Elizabeth eldest daughter of William ….; of Mary Hutchings Medlycott ….

Medlycott family memorial

Thomas Medlycott of Abingdon, died 1716. Of James Medlycott (died 1731). Of James Medlycott (died 1729).

Medlycott family memorial

These were the most significant memorials I could find on my quick visit to the Church of St John at Milborne Port. I can’t wait to see how these fit into my family tree.

Church of St John, Milborne Port

When I was researching one of my Mansel ancestors I discovered a connection to Ven House, Milborne Port. As we were recently holidaying in the area we stopped to take a look around this historic village of Milborne Port and the Church of St John.

Fortunately the church was open so we were able to get inside.

Church of St John, Milborne Port

It was a very pretty church.

Church of St John, Milborne Port

It didn’t take long to find links to the Medlycott family from nearby Ven House (sadly not open to the public). This stained glass window was dedicated to Edward Bradford Medlycott.

Church of St John, Milborne Port

The church was full of memorials to the Medlycott family (more of which later), then we headed to look round the churchyard. Just beyond this was a small area with a very high wall and it was a ball court!

ball court at Church of St John, Milborne Port

According to a plaque on the wall, the ball court was built by Sir W.C.Medlycott in the year 1847. “It is earnestly hoped that this court which is meant for the health and amusement of the town will be protected from injury’.

I have never seen a ball court before. One side of it looked to be built against an old pub. Today it was a public space with benches.

Free Access to 1939 on Findmypast

In the run up to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, Findmypast is inviting the public to delve into their family’s wartime experiences from the eve of war to victory. From 1 April to 9 May, Findmypast will provide free access to the 1939 Register, enabling users to uncover where their ancestors were living during the early stages of World War II and discover their unique contributions to the war effort.

The 1939 Register, often referred to as the ‘wartime census’, is a valuable resource that provides a snapshot of life on the eve of the Second World War. In particular, members can explore their ancestors’ wartime roles through detailed civilian occupation data exclusive to Findmypast and learn more about their lives on the home front.

Once they have uncovered their family in the 1939 Register, members can delve deeper and trace their family in over 90 million newspaper pages, an extensive collection of military records, and poignant historical photographs. These records enable everyone the opportunity to understand their ancestors’ experiences of war, whether they were ARP first responders battling the Blitz, land girls keeping the country fed, or soldiers facing the enemy in battle.

Findmypast is also inviting members to participate in preserving the memories of VE Day by contributing to newly created Collections showcasing wartime celebrations across the UK. Launching at the end of April, these special Collections will highlight the personal accounts, photographs, and memories of VE Day as experienced by families across the country.

How to Access the Free 1939 Register:

  • Free access to the 1939 Register is available from 1 April until 9 May on Findmypast’s website.
  • Simply visit findmypast.com and sign up for an account to begin exploring your family’s wartime history.

A little update

Since I finished my little Ancestry project I have been enjoying some family history research with the pressure off. I’ve been back to researching people for fun and made some good discoveries:

I did a little research into Sir Edward Bradford Medleycott, who married one of my Mansel triplets, Maria Emma Mansel (2nd cousin 3x removed). Before they were married he travelled whilst in the Army and produced at least two sketchbooks which I found for sale online.

I found a letter written by Captain Thomas Mansel (my third great-grandfather) who wrote to The Duke of Wellington in 1830 seeking a position in the Coastguard. He mentions his ‘melancholy bereavement of losing an amiable wife  in premature labour at the age of 22’. I found this letter by searching his name and the letter popped up in the collection of the University of Southampton.

I discovered that Thomas Mansel had another sister I had not previously discovered. A while ago I went through the parish register for St Ishmael where I believe most of the children of Sir William Mansel has been baptised. I must have missed Francis Henrietta Mansel somehow. I only discovered her as she was mentioned in the will of her brother in law, William Owen Brigstocke who died in 1859 and left her £2000. William Brigstocke had been married to her sister, Harriet Mansel.

A reminder to myself that there is a wealth of information outside of Ancestry!