Just a day or so ago I mentioned one of the 'old boys' of Northop Grammar School, one John Wynne who became Bishop of Bath and Wells and Bishop of the diocese of St. Asaph from 1715 - 1727; the first bishop to be appointed in the reign of King George I. Just prior to this, in 1712 he had become principal of Jesus College Oxford and remained in that position for eight years.
He was born in 1667 and lived to the age of 76, dying in 1743. It was John Wynne, who in 1732, bought the Soughton Hall Estate* which is now a prestigious wedding venue but then was one of the most grandiose homes In Wales.
Besides his religious duties, Wynne was a keen botanist and the famous line of lime trees which, to this day, adorn either side of the main driveway into the hall were planted at his direction.
He is a direct descendant of the Bankes Family from Soughton Hall and Mynachlog* - the Old Monastery in Northop.
Pictured is his memorial tombstone, which is the main feature of the chancel floor at Northop Church in Flintshire.
*Future posts to come about both Soughton Hall (and its occupants) and Mynachlog.
#SoughtonHall #Mynachlog #Monastery #Northop #NorthopChurch #Flintshire #History
The Blenheim Boys
‘The devotion and gallantry… are beyond all praise. The Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava is eclipsed in brightness by these almost daily deeds of fame.’
Winston Churchill on the Blenheim Crews - Prime Minister’s Personal Minute, M.852/1, 30 August 1941
