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.
It was a very pretty church.
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.
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!
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.
