| THE OLD RECTORY, THURLBEAR | Sixsmith Map 1957 |
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This old photograph is part of a collection of black and white negatives provided by Bruce Cleaver of The Old Rectory, Thurlbear in September 2001. It is clear that the picture is of the previous thatched Old Rectory which was pulled down in 1887 and rebuilt in its present form. |
| In 1885 Henry Fitzhardinge B. Portman became rector
of Thurlbear, Stoke St. Mary and Orchard Portman.
He was regarded by his parishioners as a peacemaker
and much beloved. He had the thatched rectory pulled down,
...and the new rectory was built in 1887. By 1951 this proved too
large and a small rectory was built in the Glebe meadow
north of it, known as "Haymakers" by the Lances. The War Office
rented the Victorian Rectory as a residence for the Commander
of the Wessex Division. The Rev. Lance had seven children born at Thurlbear Rectory and the Wellingtonia was planted in 1862, when his eldest son was born. (Source: R.A.Sixsmith, A History of Thurlbear, 1957). |
 Photograph by Terry Rowles, Winterwell, Thurlbear, who adds in May 2001 that Mr. Bruce Cleaver confirms the Wellingtonia tree is now 160 feet. |
 Information Text |
 R.A.Sixsmith writes of the church in 'A History of Thurlbear' (1957) "In the Tower is a heavy lead sheet with J. Philips, C. Warden and Crease, Plumber, 1799, upon it. This was found in the roof when it was being repaired. (Thought to be 1955/1956) Today the lead sheet is located on a west wall at The Old Rectory, Thurlbear.  Information Text |
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Bell believed to be the original from the earlier Old Rectory when thought to also be used as a Sunday School. Today, the bell can be seen on the roof of the present Old Rectory, Thurlbear. |
