John Fowles, Author
As Honorary Curator of Lyme Regis Museum 1978 - 1988, he was able to link references to individuals from memory without the help of databases.
PEOPLE
Social history is often called the "history of the people". Our choice here of individuals is somewhat eclectic, often originating from current research projects or enquiries to the Museum.
We have created and included here a compilation of Lyme Regis Trade Directories covering the period between 1823 and 1903. This has proved invaluable in our "people researches" and may well help others trying to establish when and where a named individual trader lived.
Trade Directories (Lyme Regis) 1823-1903
Another source of information used are the records of the Sun Insurance Fire Office: Those for 1788-93 list who owned/lived in certain streets, along with their occupations, whilst the later records for 1880-1895 give not only the name and occupation but also the address and the contents insured.
Sun Fire Office Records 1778-93
Sun Records Oct 1880-June 1895
A well-known entrepreneur involved in many enterprises in the 1920s -1950s
A description of his life and the diaries he kept from 1788-1831 which give fascinating details of everyday life.
Anderson, Lady Abbott 1888 - 1973
Used her social position to instigate and support many useful social organisations
Brown, Nancy, Confidential Servant to the Ingram Family
A servant buried in the churchyard with the family she served sparked research.
Tracing a family ,many buried in the churchyard, from 1805 to the 1920s.
Highlights of the life of a 19th century father and one of his sons.
Fielding, Henry & the wealthy heiress
An early escapade in the life of the author of "Tom Jones".
Govier, Samuel - Master Smith of Lyme Regis
Information about the subject of James Whistler's famous painting.
Vicar in Lyme Regis from 1974-80
Peterson, William - Auction 1821
The sale particulars give an interesting insight into everyday life.
Philpot Sisters - Final Resting Place
Research has identified the plots where the 3 sisters are buried.
Born in 1911, these are her recollections in 2006 plus additional research.
Ramsbottom, Harold John
Town Clerk 1912-1934 and sole Solicitor at Hillman & Bond 1912-1946
Born in Membury in 1784, died in Sherborne Lane aged 89, having served in the Navy under Nelson and others.
Reports from newspapers as he leaves Lyme in 1961
Lyme Regis - as described by Rev Tiarks in 1955
Waring, Eleanor Emma (Sister Emma)
Born in 1838, well-educated although the 4th child of 11, her recollections in 1909 of songs her mother sang have been used by Steeleye Span amongst others.
Wingrave, Dr V H Wyatt - Obituary
1938.
The first curator of the Museum after a long and distinguished medical career.