With a few recent new discoveries around London I thought it would be fun to visit some of these sites. I love researching my Mansel ancestors as they are so easy to find in historical records.
A trip to Wimbledon
Our first stop was Southside on Wimbledon Common. A few weeks ago I mentioned that this had been the home of Richard Mansel Phillips and his wife Caroline Bond Hopkins. Unfortunately their home was demolished and rebuilt on at a later date, but it was still good to see the site and the views over Wimbledon Common, it was certainly a lovely part of London.
The next stop was the church of St Mary in Wimbledon which was nearby. The churchyard is the burial place of William Mansell Philips of Coedgair (my third great-granduncle), his father-in-law Benjamin Bond Hopkins, and his benefactor John Hopkins, aka Vulture Hopkins.
The chest tomb of Richard Mansell Philips of Coedgair and his wife Caroline (only daughter of Benjamin Bond Hopkins) was easy to find. The monument was in good condition although the coat of arms and dedication were very worn and difficult to read.
The church was beautiful too and we were happy to find it was open so we could look around.
