You might think that Edward's response to Ellen's death was rather sparce, but the truth is that it probably was not even as much as I have indicated. Apparently, according to my sources, he never again mentioned her name, as he also never spoke of his first wife, who also died very young and in childbirth.
The news that my father had to convey to Mr. Wakefield this year must have been very hard for him to write. Ellen Legh became pregnant again within months of her little girl’s birth, and again had a stillborn son, in January of 1831, but this time she also paid with her life. She was nineteen.
Because of the information I received from her daughter, Ellen Lowther, I can be quite sure of my details. Ellen Legh died at her husband’s London house in Berkeley Square.
Mr. Wakefield will most likely have already heard about her death as it was written up in the newspapers. The clipping I copied is from Bell’s Life in London who reported that on 23rd of January “Mrs. Legh, the lady of T. Legh, Esq. MP Died last week. This was the lady about whom so much interest was excited four years since, in consequence of her abduction by Mr. Wakefield.”
I’m sure he was saddened, as were her husband and parents, at having the adventure called up yet again after her death.
I’ve copied out the death notice.
‘She was laid in a lead-lined coffin, with her stillborn son in the crook of her arm. Accompanied by a small party of undertakers, led by the featherman and drawn by four horses, their black ostrich plumes signaling their solemn task, Ellen’s hearse made its slow progress north in the bitter cold: the sombre procession halting at turnpikes, stopping every twenty miles for refreshment and rest overnight.
On the morning of 27 January Ellen’s funeral procession left Newton. The Legh tenants, 110 in number, wearing hatbands and gloves, rode two abreast, followed closely by six plumed mules and then the hearse, drawn by six black horses. Two mourning coaches preceded the carriages of her husband, Thomas Legh: her father, William Turner; Her Uncle Henry Critchley and those of Mr. Orford and J Wilson Patten MP. Six other carriages, two chaises and eight gigs completed the cortege. A heavy fall of snow, accompanied by a short frost severely hampered their progress as the hearse, bearing mother and son, was hauled up the steep snow-covered hill to the church.
Finally Ellen’s coffin, clad in crimson velvet and richly ornamented, its pall supported by six clergymen, was borne into St. Oswald’s Church Winwick: above the portal was a hatchment bearing the Legh coat of arms. There, within the fourteenth century Legh chapel, Ellen and her infant son were laid to rest.
She was buried in the Legh family vault, and on her gravestone is carved the following:
IN THE VAULT OF THIS CHAPEL
ARE DEPOSITED THE REMAINS OF
ELLEN
THE DEARLY BELOVED
AND MOST DEEPLY LAMENTED WIFE
TO THOMAS LEGH ESQ.
OF LYME HALL, CHESHIRE.
AND DAUGHTER OF
WILLIAM TURNER ESQ.
OF SHRIGLEY PARK
IN THE SAME COUNTY
BORN 12 FEBRUARY 1811
DIED 17TH JANUARY 1831.
LEAVING AN ONLY SURIVVING CHILD
ELLEN JANE LEGH
BORN 20TH FEBRUARY 1830.'
“March 1, 1931
My dear friend Daniel,
It grieves me more than I can say to read your letter. She didn’t deserve what life threw at her. And I have a heavy heart over the grief she bore because of my actions those years ago. Please keep me informed, if you can, of how her daughter progresses.
It seems selfish at these times to talk of my successes. I have now had two books published. The first, The Punishment of Death, is based on my studies on my fellow inmates here in the prison. I have been called to give evidence to a Parliamentary Select Committee enquiring into prison conditions. I expect to become involved in various schemes for social improvement.
My book, Letters from Sydney does seem to be well accepted. My ideas are counter to the highly respected views of people you may have heard of Jeremy Bentham and Adam Smith.
I want to transplant British society without the many social evils evident at home. Colonial land sold at a high, uniform price would produce revenue to pay for the immigration of free settlers. Newcomers unable to afford land would constitute a labouring class. Economic growth would result, and by concentrating settlement, a civilized society capable of self-government would evolve.
The undeveloped state of New South Wales is due to lack of labour arising from indiscriminate land grants. I suggest that in future land be sold, not granted, at a price sufficient to prevent labourers from becoming landowners too soon and that the proceeds, with a tax on rent, be used to finance the emigration of labourers, preference being given to young persons of both sexes in equal numbers. The book has become well known and has made important converts.
I have persuaded the Colonial Office, or to be specific, Lord Howick, the under-Secretary for the Colonies, to abolish free land grants in New South Wales. I cannot help but be pleased that I have made such an important contribution to this country and our colonies.
I remain faithfully yours,
Edward Gibbon”
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Written by Fledermaus (3470 comments posted) 16th December 2007 | Seems mr. Wakefield doesn't waste too many words on the former object of his affection. But then, that's partly explained in the introduction.
Nice description of the funeral. Must have look rather great, especially in Victorian England. Strange how not even 200 years ago death was present everywhere. I once saw this documentary about the subject. Seems that in the 19th century the most beautiful graves were built, firstly because people could be buried on commercial cemeteries for the first time, and secondly because so many people died that the monuments were not just to honour one person, but reflected down upon their whole family.
Wonder what the Australians are going to say: Did it work out as planned? |
Written by Phil (6951 comments posted) 16th December 2007 | I wonder if you visited the church as part of your research, Jean. Graves, vaults and crypts are really interesting places.
He does seem to pass oer the death of Ellen very quickly. Possibly a clue to the single mindedness of the man.
Progressing well.
Phil | Thanks Fledermaus and Phil
Written by jean.day (2359 comments posted) 19th December 2007 | I went to a funeral of my husband's father's cousin not long ago - and his daughter had done him proud. Four black horses with plumes and a very fancy carraige. The trip to the cremetorium took awhile.
The Australians didn't take to my Mr. Wakefield very well. You should hear what Brian Fone has to say on the subject.
I didn't visit the church or graveyard, Phil. I am a lazy researcher, letting my fingers do most of the work. |
Written by bluecity (432 comments posted) 19th December 2007 | Another interesting chapter.
You're still doing full stops after Mr and St Oswald. You may feel you are reflecting Victorian custom, especially in your excerpts from newspapers etc. You will have to decide a "house style".
You wrote
Quote:
as thee hearse...
I think you meant to write "the".
You wrote
Quote:
Hord Howick, the under-Secretary for the Colonies,...
I think you meant "Lord Howick..."
Great description of funeral! I was less happy with Edward's letter, too full of "good works". I think we need to learn more about the man Edward.
Margaret is still great, very real! I love her plain and matter-of-fact way of writing down facts as she sees them.
Rosemary | Thanks Rosemary
Written by jean.day (2359 comments posted) 20th December 2007 | I will make the punctuation consistent when I decide which way I want to go - when I have actually finished writing. For the time being, I will do what is most comfortable for me while I am writing. For me it slows the progress if I have to stop after every word to see if I have put in a . or not. Thanks for the other corrections. I do write very quickly - and make lots of typos - and appreciate you pointing them out.
I don't think I want to make Edward different. I am using his exact words whenever I can - and if he comes across as boring and too full of good works - so be it. He was a man who thought everything he did was going to work - very confident and full of himself. |
Written by Lizzy (827 comments posted) 22nd December 2007 | The funeral description was very good.
Edward doe appear pompous, but I'm looking forward to more about Margaret.
Lizzy |
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