January 9th 2014
Squires and Spires of Northamptonshire – Chris Rowe
Chris is a familiar face at our WI so we look forward to hearing her views and seeing her photographs on this subject. Northamptonshire is rich in history with connections to Royalty and many well known events in the past, notably The Gunpowder Plot, beheading of Mary Queen of Scots at Fotheringay, Eleanor Crosses and our own Diana, Princess of Wales, to name but a few. We are sure that Chris will have many more offerings for us alongside slides and personal tales.
Review of the evening
Chris did not disappoint as she took us on a brief journey around the county. There are approximately 70 churches with spires or steeples, with many different styles dating from as early as 13th century. The Squires, who were wealthy landowners and usually lived in large manor houses, were often JPs and landed gentry. We heard about Edmund Crosse (Crosse and Blackwell) from Weedon Bec, John Dryden's connection with Canons Ashby, John Neville from Stowe 1X Churches married to Katherine Parr, who later became the 6th wife of Henry V111, Tresham family of the Triangular Lodge, Sulgrave Manor and the Washington family, Althorp and the Spencers and the Garrick club members at Easton Maudit to mention just a few.
The competition: 'Northamptonshire's Best Side' was won with an old picture of Squires and Spires, 2nd, a locally produced tea towel and 3rd a hand knitted Saints scarf! It is lovely to see the different interpretations of the competition entries and we encourage members to join if they feel able.