St Mary's chuirch.

St Mary's church at wivenhoe in1903. The 15th century tower is topped by a 18th century cupola The main body of the church was restored in the 1860's. The weather vane on top bears the date of 1802.

And for our next hymn.

The vicar and choir of St.Mary the virgin at Wivenhoe in 1928.

very patriotic.

Wivenhoe girl guides at the church parade in 1934-35

Another Wivenhoe /Trafalgar Hero.

James Martin was one of the crew on board M.M.S .Neptune a 98Gun ship of the line at Trafalgar on the.

21st October 1805 Her Commander was Captain Thomas Francis Freemantle. James Martin survived the battle , although 10 were killed and 34 wounded on board the Neptune.

James was born in1778 at West Mersea essex and died at wivenhoe  26th January1855 aged 77

Able Seaman James Martin continued his career at sea . Some years ,after Trafalgar when his ship was at Charente close to Rochefoet , a French man came on board his ship ,he knew me at first sight and said he had come on board to talk with me  about the battle of Trafalgar and with a large mug of brandy , but to give a toast of to the prosperity to England and France and may the two Nations be long united in peace:. If this Man really did know Martin from Trafalgar he was possibly one of the three Men from the ship Redutable  that Neptune found clinging to wreckage the morning after their ship sank.  James and Elizabeth Martin added three more sons to their Family, William John and Robert.  James Martin died on the 10th of April 1855, his book concerning the battle of Trafalgar is still treasured by his Family.James Ship's pay book no. was S.B. 1289.

James  Martin married Elizabeth Argent in 1800 They had 6 Children Sarah Sophia 1801, james 1803, William Henry 1807,  Sophia1811,  Robert Charles 1813,  Robertb1817,  John ?
 In the 1851 cencus James is living in Bath street Wivenhoe. Aged 72  his Daughter Sophia aged 39 and his Son Robert ,33 and James is given as retired mariner , pauper He died 5 years later.

Now we have two hero's of Trafalgar Benjamin Snood and James Martin. We should be proud of our heritage , how many other Communities can boast two Trafalgar Veterans.
Check out Benjamin Snood the other hero on the Labels on the right of the screen under The Church title

The battle of Trafalgar effected Wivenhoe.

This memorial plaque can be seen on the mariners wall in Wivenhoe churchyard, together with a head stone to Philip Sainty shipbuilder, one time smuggler who built the yacht Pearl. for the Marques of Anglesea, after being released from Chelmsford Prison.

Benjamin Snood's Father was William Snood a Wivenhoe man who was a tailor by trade , his Mother was Ruth  Clover.

On the same side of the churchyard is a seat with a plaque to Major Tom Burt of the S.A.S

Wivenhoe memories collection..

Check out the Wivenhoe Church link on the right hand side of the page

A complete mystery

Does anyone know what these niches were used for . In this cellar there are 4 along one wall and 1 each end. This house is only a few yards from the church. Another house has two in the cellar and another house opposite the Church in the High St. also has two. Were they religious as the houses are all 17th century. if you can help my email is  johnskateman@aol.com. I can then add any information you send and i will credit you on the blog.