Memories of Cornwallis Remembered Events

Hundreds of villagers and invited dignitaries enjoyed the Cornwallis Remembered celebrations on the village green and in surrounding locations on Friday 5th July. 2019.

click image to enlarge

Many of the events have been recorded in pictures by Paul French of Southpoint Films and you can experience or re-live the event by Clicking Here to see Full Album

Christopher Beeton (Senior village resident)
& Post Chaise
click image to enlarge

click image to enlarge

A video of the Church service is to follow.

All  published images taken by: Paul French of Southpoint Films 

paul@southpointfilms.com - www.southpointfilms.com - 0800 009 6982

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Illustration by Shaun Stevens
click image to enlarge

Illustration by
Shaun Stevens
click image to enlarge

The Admirals’ Trail  
As a lasting resource, a heritage trail from Hurst Castle through Milford and surrounding towns and villages on to Bucklers Hard and Calshot Castle.

Copies of the free leaflet are available from Milford on Sea newsagents, Hurst Castle shop or the Parish Council office.

Illustration by Shaun Stevens
click image to enlarge

Illustration by Shaun Stevens
click image to enlarge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Background Information 

Milford-on-Sea Historical Record Society and The 1805 Club (which was founded in 1990 to preserve and care for the memorials and graves of those associated with the sailing navy of the Georgian era) are holding a number of important events in July 2019 to commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Death of Admiral Cornwallis (who had lived at Newlands Manor, Milford on Sea). 

A Brief Background: The 5th July 2019 marks the bi-centenary of the death of Admiral the Hon Sir William Cornwallis, one of England’s most renowned admirals. He settled in Milford in 1800 shortly before being appointed Commander in Chief of the Channel Fleet in 1801 and from 1803-1806. It was during this period that Napoleon planned, and came close to executing, an invasion of England. Cornwallis displayed courage, perseverance, determination and leadership through his blockade of the French fleet at Brest and other ports which frustrated Napoleon’s plans to invade England. This action, in the face of major logistical and strategic difficulties and through two winters of unusually severe weather even for the seas off the coasts of Brittany, secured his reputation as one of the greatest admirals of the Royal Navy, respected by his fellow officers, loved by his men, and revered by Nelson. The achievement of preventing a major invasion stands alongside the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and the Battle of Britain in 1940 in the annals of this country. 

Admiral Cornwallis etching
click image to enlarge

Admiral Cornwallis, Captain Whitby & Nelson: Admiral Cornwallis acquired the Newlands estate in Milford by lease in 1800 and later purchased the property. He was a close friend of Lord Nelson, a life-long bachelor and formed a great friendship with John Whitby who was his Flag Captain and whom he regarded as a son. After the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson, it was naval Captain Whitby who broke the news to Nelson’s mistress, Lady Hamilton. 

Cornwallis’ Grave and The Three Admirals: In recent years the location of Cornwallis’ grave in the churchyard of All Saints, Milford has been unknown. Cornwallis asked to be buried in an unmarked grave next to his good friend Captain John Whitby. This request was adhered to by Mrs Whitby, but her daughter, Mrs Theresa West, erected a very fine monument in the church, the old gravestone was abandoned, and all memory of it was lost. 

Admiral Cornwallis etching
click image to enlarge

In 2014 Cornwallis’ grave was discovered but was in poor repair. The Whitby/Cornwallis ledger was conserved to prevent any further deterioration. It was decided to renovate the ledger together with the memorial in the church to a second naval officer who served with distinction in the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, Rear Admiral John Peyton has been restored. A third senior naval officer and friend of Cornwallis, Admiral Robert Man, is also buried at All Saints, Milford. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Cornwallis Remembered celebrations chairman was 
Christopher Hobby and event organised by: 

www.milfordhistory.org.uk | www.1805club.org

For further information please contact: David Long at: david@milfordonsea.org