May 2008

Perkins Trough

Further to last month's report, the trough has now been cleaned and painted, and it will be getting a liner so that it can be put in the Market Square near the existing Gatward Trough and used as a planter.

Dr Johnson's House in Gough Square, London

On 8th April our first visit in 2008 for members was to Dr Johnson's House. Members met outside 'Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese' in Fleet Street where some of our party enjoyed an excellent, moderately-priced lunch inside. We then took the short walk to Gough Square, past the bronze statue of Johnson's cat 'Hodge', and entered the building.

We were welcomed and shown around by the Curator, Stephanie Pickford, who has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the house as well as the man himself. We gradually ascended the stairs of the five storey building; past rooms where Johnson entertained friends such as Oliver Goldsmith, Joshua Reynolds and David Garrick; to the top floor where he compiled the first comprehensive English dictionary with the help of his six amanuenses. We were told many amusing stories about Johnson's life, later recorded by his biographer James Boswell. The house subsequently had various owners until it was purchased in a parlous state by the Liberal M.P. Cecil Harmsworth in 1911 and restored and opened to the public the following year. The house was nearly destroyed on three occasions during Second World War bombing but was saved by the courage of the Auxiliary Fire Service, who were using the house as a rest centre and arts club.

An excellent first of twelve visits organised for members this year.

High Down

The first of our local visits, on Wednesday 23rd April, was a real treat: a significant historic house that was unknown to most of our members and, indeed, to the experts. The house is called 'High Down' and is positioned on the top of a hill between the village of Pirton and the Hexton road.

The reason it's significant is because it has astounded the experts by being one of the few buildings of its period that has remained largely unchanged. It was built by Thomas Docwra, descendant of the Grand Prior of the English Knights Hospitaller who was also called Thomas Docwra, around 1600. It was first occupied by his eldest son, another Thomas Docwra, he preferring to live at the grander Putteridge Bury. Later it was let to various tenants until purchased by the Delme-Radcliffe family, in whose ownership it remained until our host, Tim Dye, bought it quite recently. Only three owners in 400 years!

Tim Dye plans a major restoration of the house, mainly to repair its fabric but certainly with the intention of keeping it as original as possible. We were convinced that he has the drive and passion to carry it out and we hope to return in the future to see the fruition of his monumental task.

We wish him success with his project.

This page updated 8 June 2008