THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — www.findonvillage.com  created by Valerie Martin, contains scenes from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.

St. John the Baptist Church and the Manor of Findon c.1900s

RICHARD SOMERSET MARGESSON'S MEMORIES OF THE MANOR OF FINDON

        Copyright Valerie Martin 2004

Hugh Somerset Margesson was the brother of the Lord of the Manor of Findon, Colonel Evelyn Margesson  and he emigrated to Canada c.1900.   There he had son, Richard David — who had a son named Richard Somerset Margesson who in turn was extremely equally proud to have some links with the Lord of the Manor of Findon of yesteryear.   He is a busy Canadian and

involved as a volunteer with the Conservative Party, Provincially and Federally and City of Toronto elections. 

He has contacted me and given me colourful memories of the visit he made to his roots in the village in 1977..... when he knocked on the door of the manor at Findon Place owned by the Young family —

 

4th January 2004.

Sorry to hear that you do not know the Manor owners.  I know in England there has been much more of class structure, than here in the North American social melting pot, I suppose because there was no middle class in England for a 1000 years. 

Peta Young was very hospitable toward me.  Although, being friendly, and my own age, 38, at that time in 1977, she did say she was not involved in the church nor its women's auxilliary, because she did not want the Manor to become a place for tea parties and fundraisers. 

She may have not wanted to socialize with those beneath her, but like some women she may have not liked other women generally.  I will never know. 

During the first night of my visit to Findon just after attending evensong at the church, and being enthralled with the place, a parishioner, at the suggestion of the Warden, took me to the house.  The sons showed me around who knew this elderly spinster Professor's daughter - a recent Findon retiree. 

The next day at the house before noon I met with Peta who gave a drink.  A nice little dog entered the sitting room which I remarked on and she said I should have been there 2 weeks ago when Prince Charles was there and gave her the dog.  He drank out of the stem ware glass I was holding.  She said Findon was on his duty trip list because of the horses.  I would have like to have met this distant relative. 

Only recently he was on televison with his good diction and accent showing his grandfathers clocks.  Being a strong monarchist like most Canadians, I still respect him and regret years later the divorce and whole lady Diana saga. 

Peta politely dismissed the spinster who she said was a teatottler before giving me the drink.  She then donned a cape and took me down to the pub, on the north corner of the house laneway and main town street where I was staying and ordered drinks on the house for the few there.  That was one the most exciting days and nights I had ever spent. 

Two nights later of my 4 day stay it was reported all over the area that I was there and people came to the pub to meet me and awed at my North American accent. 

A lady waitress from the pub next door walked up to me and said, "Mr. Margesson, you have ruined our business, everyone is here. I was very apologetic and complied with her request to have a beer next door to help her.

 

Richard Somerset Margesson BA, Toronto, Canada.

 

Thank you Richard for all your hard work and assistance to me in tracing the life of the Margesson family.

 

 

3rd August 2006

Hi Valerie!

Milestone

On July 31, 2006 I spoke on the phone with my uncle, Robert John Margesson, of Victoria British Columbia Canada, who celebrated his 90th birthday. He is very alert and we had a good conversation. He went out to a coffee shop with his son, Hugh, visiting from California.

I entered Google on the internet, then my name, and there is a heading which leads into what you published about my visit to Findon.

Are you still adding to the anthology?

I turned 65 July 8th but feel and look youthful despite dreading that landmark date.

Regards,

Richard Somerset Margesson,
Toronto, Canada.

 

Here is a photograph from the era in question, the 1970s....

A Classic Car Rally at Findon Place in the days of the owner, John Young.

 

In September 2007, John Brown emailed to say "Hello Valerie ,i came across you web pages by chance in looking for a street map of Findon and followed on with interest.

Regarding Findon Place ,i knew it very well and was there many times.

The reason is i was the then owner Mr John Young,s,parts manager of his Mercedes Benz dealership in Caterham for twenty five years from 1974 .

I also laid on many social functions for him and his wife Peta who sadly died quite young but was a real fun lady.

John young had a fantastic collection of vintage and racing vehicles all kept at Findon Place .  He also had many vintage motor meets there with the Rolls and Bentley owners Club.and many celebrities

The interior of the house was amazing and i used to wander around the grounds in and out of the big glass houses and out buildings.

After Peta Yong died it was not quite the same feel and i was not surprised to see John sell it.
Once a gain i congratulate you on an excellent web site  Best regards  John Brown"

 

 Back to Manor of Findon Index
 Back to Main Index

This is Findon Village — www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created by Valerie Martin exclusively for documenting life in Findon.

E-mail: valeriemartin@findonvillage.com