At the beginning of The Diary, Montagu is living quietly at Hinchingbrooke. For an account of the 1659 events in the Baltic which led to his retirement in difficult circumstances, see https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
For a deep dive into the Baltic affaires that had Montagu sent there with 41 ships in the summer of 1659, see "Ships, sailors, and mediators: England's naval aid to Sweden 1658-1659" by Mary Elizabeth Ailes, an associate professor in the History Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sh…
The universal silence about Montagu's outreach to Charles II indicates how secret it was -- nothing official must exist.
Edward Montagu was an English admiral and nobleman who served in the English fleet which became involved in the hostilities between Sweden and Denmark-Norway in 1659.
That year Montagu maintained a correspondence with the Swedish king. He informed Karl X that Richard Cromwell was keen to encourage a peace between the two parties, and had commanded Montagu to sail into the area to help keep the peace.
When Montagu wrote to Karl X in mid-April he was quite negative toward him for not having signed the Treaty of Roskilde and for not keeping him informed of developments. As Cromwell was a guarantor of the Treaty it was important for Sweden to sign, as otherwise if England continued to support Sweden she was liable to attack from the Dutch and this was not a desired outcome!
On 20 May Montagu explained that the fleet was maintaining its position in the Skagen near Jutland, and that he was required to transport the Duke of Holstein and so would not be able to have an audience with Karl X.
He also sent a letter to the speaker of the English parliament, W. Lenthall, from aboard the 'Näsbye' in the Sound, regarding peace negotiations between Denmark and Sweden.
SOURCES: Swedish Riksarkiv, Anglica 522; Bodleian Library Tanner MSS; L. Bittner and L. Gross, Reportorium der diplomatischen vertreter aller lander, vol. 1, 1648-1715 (Oldenburg and Berlin, 1936), pp.183, 199; G. M. Bell, A Handlist of British Diplomatic Representatives 1509-1688 (London, 1990); PRO, SP/75/16-17; Swedish Riksarkiv, Svenske Sändebuds till Utländske Hof och Deras Sändebud till Sverige, 1841, p.84.
Service record Arrived 1659-06-30, as ADMIRAL Departed 1659-09-13, as ADMIRAL
February 24, 1659 -- Parliament votes to send a fleet to the Baltic for the preservation of Commonwealth trade and commerce. RCII
(End of March) Edward Montagu appointed commander of a fleet of 40 ships to sail for the Baltic to defend England's commercial interests and to counteract Dutch attempts to intervene in the war between Sweden and Denmark. CN
April 6, 1659 -- Montagu's fleet arrives at Elsinore to find the forces of Charles X of Sweden besieging Copenhagen. Montagu attempts to persuade the Dutch not to intervene on Denmark's side. ODNB
May 11, 1659 -- A treaty signed at The Hague between England, France and the United Provinces to mediate for peace between Denmark and Sweden. RCII
May 25 -- Richard Cromwell's abdication of his offices read in Parliament together with a schedule of his debts. Parliament agrees to assume his public debts and appoints a committee to consider a comfortable subsistence for him. RCII
July 8, 1659 -- The Council of State orders Vice-Adm. John Lawson to sea with a squadron to watch the Flanders coast for signs of preparation for a Royalist invasion force. All infantry and cavalry regiments to be recruited to full strength. The garrisons at Newark and Nottingham strengthened with troops from Newcastle. RCII
August 24, 1650 -- Montagu's fleet sails from the Baltic Sound for England, greatly weakening the influence of the English commissioners. CN
September 6, 1659 -- Montagu's fleet arrives back in England. CN
September 10 -- General-at-Sea Edward Montagu reports to the Council of State. Under suspicion of involvement in Royalist conspiracies, his commission is revoked and he retires to his country estate. TR http://bcw-project.org/timelines/…
@@@
In March 1659, Montagu commanded a fleet sent to the Baltic to defend England's commercial interests and to counteract a Dutch attempt to intervene in the war between Sweden and Denmark, but his diplomatic efforts were interrupted by the fall of the Protectorate and the return to power of the Rump Parliament in May 1659. Republicans mistrusted Montagu and suspected that he was in contact with Royalists, particularly as his return to England coincided with Booth's Uprising and a series of planned Royalist insurrections around the country. Montagu protested his loyalty before Parliament. Although no evidence could be found against him, his commission was revoked and he retired once again to Hinchingbrooke. http://bcw-project.org/biography/…
"Captain Curle, late of the Maria, gave me five pieces in gold and a silver can for my wife for the Commission I did give him this day for his ship, dated April 20, 1660 last."
"Sam can be bought, ..."
The dodgy bit here that I see is that Pepys back-dated the Commission by 2 months. Presumably that gives some financial reward to Capt. Curle and/or William Murford.
Being paid for issuing the Commission was SOP (standard operating procedure), just as paying 26/. for being appointed to the responsibility of being a Privy Councillor was normal.
Since Pepys doesn't mention it until next April, let's say they leave in March 1661. Montagu gave them nine month's notice. For all we know, he might have found them a place to relocate to.
"My Lord told me, that the last words that he parted with the Protector with (when he went to the Sound) [early 1659], were, that he [MONTAGU] should rejoice more to see him [CROMWELL] in his grave at his [MONTAGU'S] return home, than that he [CROMWELL] should give way to such things as were then in hatching, and afterwards did ruin him: and the Protector said, that whatever G. Montagu, my Lord Broghill, Jones, and the Secretary, would have him to do, he would do it, be it what it would."
If I have read this correctly, it is a very odd conversation to have with your Commander-in-Chief: 'I'd rather you die than give in to pressure.' And the boss says, 'Don't count on me: I plan to fold.'
"A ‘hansel’, or ‘handsel’, is a small gift given at the beginning of a year to wish the recipient good luck ... "
"Handsel Monday, the first Monday of the new year, when handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc."
Without years and examples of usage, it's impossible to know if this means the beginning of January (modern) or the end of March/early April (medieval). And Pepys was writing in the middle of this change over.
Fortunately Pepys doesn't use 'handsel' with this meaning, so it's a non-issue for us.
Bill's 2 examples from the 18th century makes me think handsel gifts at the March/April New Year was a medieval tradition.
"Would these be referring to the decapitated head of Charles I?"
In this case, it appear so. But I hate to say, across the board, all refer to the beheading of King Charles. The sign might show a portrait of Henry VIII, in which case the name refers to his picture.
At the outbreak of the first Civil War, the Norfolk town of King’s Lynn was an important North Sea port. Protected by rivers on 3 sides, the town’s existing, largely medieval, defenses were repaired, improved and re-armed.
Roger L’Estrange took part in the siege of King’s Lynn in Norfolk, which was captured by his father, Sir Hamon L’Estrange, in August 1643, who defended it for 6 weeks before surrendering it to parliamentary forces in September of that year.
In the 17th Century, especially designed boats known as wherries were built to transport reeds, timber and, during England's Civil Wars, soldiers and ammunition up and down the Broads – and, if conditions were right, to and from ships anchored along the Norfolk coast.
Capable of carrying up to 40 tonnes and perfectly designed for the Broads' shallow, sheltered waters, wherries remained the primary form of transportation in Norfolk and Suffolk for two centuries.
Visitors to King’s Lynn, the major town at the heart of West Norfolk, will find a town rich in maritime history. The town's heritage, coupled with the impressive Norfolk coastline and the intrinsic charm of the surrounding countryside and pretty villages, makes it a great place to visit.
The town has celebrated the 800th anniversary of the signing of the King John Charter. This charter granted Lynn its borough status, giving it self governing powers – which all reflected the town’s importance as a key trading centre.
King’s Lynn was one of England’s foremost ports as early as the 12th century, and was perhaps as important in the Middle Ages as Liverpool was to become during the Industrial Revolution. Described as ‘The Warehouse on the Wash’ it stayed prominent as a port until the railways took much of its traffic in the mid-19th century.
Originally called 'Linn’, the town is thought to have derived its name from the Celtic word for a lake or pool, and it is recorded that a large tidal lake originally covered this area.
By the early 13th century with the granting of the charter, the town became Bishop’s Lynn, and grew rich on trade. The Hanseatic League, a powerful German trading organisation made up of merchants from North Germany and countries around the Baltic Sea, contributed to this prosperity.
The legacy of this history is evident today. Fine late medieval merchants houses stretch back to the river between cobbled lanes.
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Lynn changed its name to Lynn Regis – and subsequently to King’s Lynn.
The Custom House overlooks the Purfleet and the town's medieval harbor. The 12th century St. Margaret’s Church overlooks some of the finest ancient architecture in England, including the Trinity Guildhall built in the 1420’s. The Tuesday Market Place, one of England’s grandest squares, houses the Corn Exchange, a 750-seater venue for concerts, comedy and flea markets.
The historic Saturday Market Place and the Tuesday Market Place are hosts to traditional outdoor markets, which have been a feature of Lynn life for hundreds of years with stalls selling shellfish caught by Lynn fishing fleet, as well as locally grown farm produce from the Fens.
One of Lynn’s most notable and unusual landmarks is Greyfriars Tower, This Medieval Franciscan Priory for centuries guided sailors navigating the difficult waters of The Wash.
Much of King’s Lynn’s story is linked to its maritime heritage and trading centre. True’s Yard Fishing Heritage Museum, The Green Quay – Wash Discovery Centre, The Custom House Tourist Information Centre and Maritime Exhibition, Town House Museum all tell this story.
Visitors can follow the King’s Lynn Maritime trail, described and interpreted in a leaflet, which highlights 25 locations, each of which tell parts of the heritage story.
In the 17th century people generally had their offices in their homes. Therefore, when James, Duke of York, became the Lord High Admiral, the Admiralty Office moved to Whitehall.
During the interregnum it was wherever the holder of the office lived, or wanted it to be.
By the 18th century things had become too big and complicated for this casual approach, so they set up Admiralty Offices. Sorry -- I don't know where that was either.
Asparagus was introduced into Britain in the 17th century. In 1667, diarist Samuel Pepys wrote about buying a “hundred of sparrow-grass” at Fenchurch Street in London.
By 1768, asparagus was being grown in Evesham and sent for sale in Bath and Bristol.
Asparagus is a crop that requires time and patience. It takes 4 years to grow to maturity before it’s ready for cutting, and the spears can only be cut for a short season, traditionally between April 23 (St. George’s Day) and June 21 (Midsummer’s Day). After that, it has to be left to grow and gain strength for the next year’s crop.
An asparagus plant can remain viable for 20 years or more.
Asparagas remains a way of life in the Vale of Evesham. St. Leonard’s Church in Bretforton has an asparagus stained-glass window, and the local Round of Gras pub pays tribute with both its name and a seasonal asparagus menu.
The term “a round of gras” is also unique to the area. A round of asparagus contains 15 spears, and can be combined into a larger bundle known as “a hundred,” consisting of 120 spears.
THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF BRETFORTON, in Worcestershire, England, has a unique claim to fame. Over 240 acres of land surrounding the village used to be dedicated to asparagus.
Known locally as “Vale gras” or simply “gras,” Vale of Evesham asparagus is unique. What makes it different than any other asparagus?
The answer lies in the terroir. Unlike the sandy soils found in other asparagus regions, Vale asparagus is grown in heavy clay. In addition, the Vale of Evesham has a warm, dry microclimate. These factors combined result in a slightly sweet asparagus that’s succulent and tender, despite its thicker stem.
After the Restoration, Kilkenny Castle and most of the lands that had been confiscated by Cromwell from the Butler family were restored by Charles II to the new Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler, Marquis of Ormonde. He changed the castle (now 3-sided medieval fortress, thanks to Cromwell) to a French-style chateau.
Kilkenny Castle -- After the Restoration, Kilkenny Castle and most of the lands that had been confiscated by Cromwell from the Butler family were restored to the new Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler, Duke of Ormonde. He set about changing the castle from a medieval fortress to a French-style chateau.
If Dublin Castle was Ireland's Whitehall, then Kilkenny was their Hampton Court.
It’s easy to spot the influence of Cromwell – he blew up one entire side of the castle, leaving it a 3-sided fortress.
For more history and pictures of this medieval masterpiece (somewhat messed up by the Victorians!) -- see https://www.exploring-castles.com…
Kilkenny Castle is a beautiful day trip from Dublin as Kilkenny is in the Wicklow mountains. Read more about the Kilkenny City, Wicklow Park, and Glendalough Tour from Dublin: https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubl…
I'm tempted to ask you what part of militant Anglicanism, tithes, the Test Act, the Act of Uniformity, and more religious persecution than for 2 decades, etc. that you disagree with, John, but we're not there yet, so let's hold those debates for later.
And as for Mrs. Palmer, she's living close to Whitehall with her husband, Roger Palmer MP. SPOILER: Nine months from now she will be delivered of a child, and 3 men are suspected of being the father -- none of them her husband. She writes a letter to Charles reminiscing about the night they spent together on May 29 -- his 30th birthday and the day of his entry into London. But there I go again -- we've got 9 months to get through before then.
MartinVT very kindly clarified for me the way of transporting timber for masts from New England to Old England in a 3-part exchange beginning at https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
Comments
Third Reading
About Sir Edward Mountagu ("my Lord," Earl of Sandwich)
San Diego Sarah • Link
At the beginning of The Diary, Montagu is living quietly at Hinchingbrooke. For an account of the 1659 events in the Baltic which led to his retirement in difficult circumstances, see
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
About Baltic ("The Sound")
San Diego Sarah • Link
For a deep dive into the Baltic affaires that had Montagu sent there with 41 ships in the summer of 1659, see
"Ships, sailors, and mediators: England's naval aid to Sweden 1658-1659"
by Mary Elizabeth Ailes, an associate professor in the History Department at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Sh…
The universal silence about Montagu's outreach to Charles II indicates how secret it was -- nothing official must exist.
About Baltic ("The Sound")
San Diego Sarah • Link
Edward Montagu was an English admiral and nobleman who served in the English fleet which became involved in the hostilities between Sweden and Denmark-Norway in 1659.
That year Montagu maintained a correspondence with the Swedish king.
He informed Karl X that Richard Cromwell was keen to encourage a peace between the two parties, and had commanded Montagu to sail into the area to help keep the peace.
When Montagu wrote to Karl X in mid-April he was quite negative toward him for not having signed the Treaty of Roskilde and for not keeping him informed of developments. As Cromwell was a guarantor of the Treaty it was important for Sweden to sign, as otherwise if England continued to support Sweden she was liable to attack from the Dutch and this was not a desired outcome!
On 20 May Montagu explained that the fleet was maintaining its position in the Skagen near Jutland, and that he was required to transport the Duke of Holstein and so would not be able to have an audience with Karl X.
He also sent a letter to the speaker of the English parliament, W. Lenthall, from aboard the 'Näsbye' in the Sound, regarding peace negotiations between Denmark and Sweden.
SOURCES:
Swedish Riksarkiv, Anglica 522;
Bodleian Library Tanner MSS;
L. Bittner and L. Gross, Reportorium der diplomatischen vertreter aller lander, vol. 1, 1648-1715 (Oldenburg and Berlin, 1936), pp.183, 199;
G. M. Bell, A Handlist of British Diplomatic Representatives 1509-1688 (London, 1990); PRO, SP/75/16-17;
Swedish Riksarkiv, Svenske Sändebuds till Utländske Hof och Deras Sändebud till Sverige, 1841, p.84.
Service record
Arrived 1659-06-30, as ADMIRAL
Departed 1659-09-13, as ADMIRAL
FROM: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hist…
About Baltic ("The Sound")
San Diego Sarah • Link
February 24, 1659 -- Parliament votes to send a fleet to the Baltic for the preservation of Commonwealth trade and commerce. RCII
(End of March) Edward Montagu appointed commander of a fleet of 40 ships to sail for the Baltic to defend England's commercial interests and to counteract Dutch attempts to intervene in the war between Sweden and Denmark. CN
April 6, 1659 -- Montagu's fleet arrives at Elsinore to find the forces of Charles X of Sweden besieging Copenhagen. Montagu attempts to persuade the Dutch not to intervene on Denmark's side. ODNB
May 11, 1659 -- A treaty signed at The Hague between England, France and the United Provinces to mediate for peace between Denmark and Sweden. RCII
May 25 -- Richard Cromwell's abdication of his offices read in Parliament together with a schedule of his debts. Parliament agrees to assume his public debts and appoints a committee to consider a comfortable subsistence for him. RCII
July 8, 1659 -- The Council of State orders Vice-Adm. John Lawson to sea with a squadron to watch the Flanders coast for signs of preparation for a Royalist invasion force. All infantry and cavalry regiments to be recruited to full strength. The garrisons at Newark and Nottingham strengthened with troops from Newcastle. RCII
August 24, 1650 -- Montagu's fleet sails from the Baltic Sound for England, greatly weakening the influence of the English commissioners. CN
September 6, 1659 -- Montagu's fleet arrives back in England. CN
September 10 -- General-at-Sea Edward Montagu reports to the Council of State. Under suspicion of involvement in Royalist conspiracies, his commission is revoked and he retires to his country estate. TR
http://bcw-project.org/timelines/…
@@@
In March 1659, Montagu commanded a fleet sent to the Baltic to defend England's commercial interests and to counteract a Dutch attempt to intervene in the war between Sweden and Denmark, but his diplomatic efforts were interrupted by the fall of the Protectorate and the return to power of the Rump Parliament in May 1659. Republicans mistrusted Montagu and suspected that he was in contact with Royalists, particularly as his return to England coincided with Booth's Uprising and a series of planned Royalist insurrections around the country. Montagu protested his loyalty before Parliament. Although no evidence could be found against him, his commission was revoked and he retired once again to Hinchingbrooke.
http://bcw-project.org/biography/…
About Thursday 21 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Captain Curle, late of the Maria, gave me five pieces in gold and a silver can for my wife for the Commission I did give him this day for his ship, dated April 20, 1660 last."
"Sam can be bought, ..."
The dodgy bit here that I see is that Pepys back-dated the Commission by 2 months. Presumably that gives some financial reward to Capt. Curle and/or William Murford.
Being paid for issuing the Commission was SOP (standard operating procedure), just as paying 26/. for being appointed to the responsibility of being a Privy Councillor was normal.
About Thursday 21 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
"which put my Lord to a stand how to dispose of them, that he may have the house for his use."
"Sandwich had ousted them by early 1661 ( https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/… ),"
Since Pepys doesn't mention it until next April, let's say they leave in March 1661. Montagu gave them nine month's notice. For all we know, he might have found them a place to relocate to.
That sounds more than fair to me.
About Thursday 21 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
"My Lord told me, that the last words that he parted with the Protector with (when he went to the Sound) [early 1659], were, that he [MONTAGU] should rejoice more to see him [CROMWELL] in his grave at his [MONTAGU'S] return home, than that he [CROMWELL] should give way to such things as were then in hatching, and afterwards did ruin him: and the Protector said, that whatever G. Montagu, my Lord Broghill, Jones, and the Secretary, would have him to do, he would do it, be it what it would."
If I have read this correctly, it is a very odd conversation to have with your Commander-in-Chief: 'I'd rather you die than give in to pressure.' And the boss says, 'Don't count on me: I plan to fold.'
About Handsel
San Diego Sarah • Link
"A ‘hansel’, or ‘handsel’, is a small gift given at the beginning of a year to wish the recipient good luck ... "
"Handsel Monday, the first Monday of the new year, when handsels or presents are given to servants, children, etc."
Without years and examples of usage, it's impossible to know if this means the beginning of January (modern) or the end of March/early April (medieval). And Pepys was writing in the middle of this change over.
Fortunately Pepys doesn't use 'handsel' with this meaning, so it's a non-issue for us.
Bill's 2 examples from the 18th century makes me think handsel gifts at the March/April New Year was a medieval tradition.
About Wednesday 20 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
"Would these be referring to the decapitated head of Charles I?"
In this case, it appear so. But I hate to say, across the board, all refer to the beheading of King Charles. The sign might show a portrait of Henry VIII, in which case the name refers to his picture.
About King's Lynn
San Diego Sarah • Link
At the outbreak of the first Civil War, the Norfolk town of King’s Lynn was an important North Sea port. Protected by rivers on 3 sides, the town’s existing, largely medieval, defenses were repaired, improved and re-armed.
Roger L’Estrange took part in the siege of King’s Lynn in Norfolk, which was captured by his father, Sir Hamon L’Estrange, in August 1643, who defended it for 6 weeks before surrendering it to parliamentary forces in September of that year.
For more on this, see
https://www.militaryhistorylive.c…
http://c-cluster-110.uploads.docu…
https://www.pepysdiary.com/encycl…
https://www.researchgate.net/publ…
About King's Lynn
San Diego Sarah • Link
In the 17th Century, especially designed boats known as wherries were built to transport reeds, timber and, during England's Civil Wars, soldiers and ammunition up and down the Broads – and, if conditions were right, to and from ships anchored along the Norfolk coast.
Capable of carrying up to 40 tonnes and perfectly designed for the Broads' shallow, sheltered waters, wherries remained the primary form of transportation in Norfolk and Suffolk for two centuries.
Highlight from: https://www.bbc.com/travel/articl…
About King's Lynn
San Diego Sarah • Link
Visitors to King’s Lynn, the major town at the heart of West Norfolk, will find a town rich in maritime history. The town's heritage, coupled with the impressive Norfolk coastline and the intrinsic charm of the surrounding countryside and pretty villages, makes it a great place to visit.
The town has celebrated the 800th anniversary of the signing of the King John Charter. This charter granted Lynn its borough status, giving it self governing powers – which all reflected the town’s importance as a key trading centre.
King’s Lynn was one of England’s foremost ports as early as the 12th century, and was perhaps as important in the Middle Ages as Liverpool was to become during the Industrial Revolution. Described as ‘The Warehouse on the Wash’ it stayed prominent as a port until the railways took much of its traffic in the mid-19th century.
Originally called 'Linn’, the town is thought to have derived its name from the Celtic word for a lake or pool, and it is recorded that a large tidal lake originally covered this area.
By the early 13th century with the granting of the charter, the town became Bishop’s Lynn, and grew rich on trade. The Hanseatic League, a powerful German trading organisation made up of merchants from North Germany and countries around the Baltic Sea, contributed to this prosperity.
The legacy of this history is evident today. Fine late medieval merchants houses stretch back to the river between cobbled lanes.
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Lynn changed its name to Lynn Regis – and subsequently to King’s Lynn.
The Custom House overlooks the Purfleet and the town's medieval harbor. The 12th century St. Margaret’s Church overlooks some of the finest ancient architecture in England, including the Trinity Guildhall built in the 1420’s. The Tuesday Market Place, one of England’s grandest squares, houses the Corn Exchange, a 750-seater venue for concerts, comedy and flea markets.
The historic Saturday Market Place and the Tuesday Market Place are hosts to traditional outdoor markets, which have been a feature of Lynn life for hundreds of years with stalls selling shellfish caught by Lynn fishing fleet, as well as locally grown farm produce from the Fens.
One of Lynn’s most notable and unusual landmarks is Greyfriars Tower, This Medieval Franciscan Priory for centuries guided sailors navigating the difficult waters of The Wash.
Much of King’s Lynn’s story is linked to its maritime heritage and trading centre. True’s Yard Fishing Heritage Museum, The Green Quay – Wash Discovery Centre, The Custom House Tourist Information Centre and Maritime Exhibition, Town House Museum all tell this story.
Visitors can follow the King’s Lynn Maritime trail, described and interpreted in a leaflet, which highlights 25 locations, each of which tell parts of the heritage story.
More, and pictures, at https://www.historic-uk.com/Histo…
About Admiralty
San Diego Sarah • Link
In the 17th century people generally had their offices in their homes. Therefore, when James, Duke of York, became the Lord High Admiral, the Admiralty Office moved to Whitehall.
During the interregnum it was wherever the holder of the office lived, or wanted it to be.
By the 18th century things had become too big and complicated for this casual approach, so they set up Admiralty Offices. Sorry -- I don't know where that was either.
About Bear (Fleet St)
San Diego Sarah • Link
L&M has no mention of The Bear, Fleet Street.
About Asparagus
San Diego Sarah • Link
Asparagus was introduced into Britain in the 17th century. In 1667, diarist Samuel Pepys wrote about buying a “hundred of sparrow-grass” at Fenchurch Street in London.
By 1768, asparagus was being grown in Evesham and sent for sale in Bath and Bristol.
Asparagus is a crop that requires time and patience. It takes 4 years to grow to maturity before it’s ready for cutting, and the spears can only be cut for a short season, traditionally between April 23 (St. George’s Day) and June 21 (Midsummer’s Day). After that, it has to be left to grow and gain strength for the next year’s crop.
An asparagus plant can remain viable for 20 years or more.
Asparagas remains a way of life in the Vale of Evesham. St. Leonard’s Church in Bretforton has an asparagus stained-glass window, and the local Round of Gras pub pays tribute with both its name and a seasonal asparagus menu.
The term “a round of gras” is also unique to the area. A round of asparagus contains 15 spears, and can be combined into a larger bundle known as “a hundred,” consisting of 120 spears.
THE PICTURESQUE VILLAGE OF BRETFORTON, in Worcestershire, England, has a unique claim to fame. Over 240 acres of land surrounding the village used to be dedicated to asparagus.
Known locally as “Vale gras” or simply “gras,” Vale of Evesham asparagus is unique. What makes it different than any other asparagus?
The answer lies in the terroir. Unlike the sandy soils found in other asparagus regions, Vale asparagus is grown in heavy clay. In addition, the Vale of Evesham has a warm, dry microclimate. These factors combined result in a slightly sweet asparagus that’s succulent and tender, despite its thicker stem.
Highlights from https://www.atlasobscura.com/arti…
About Chocolate
San Diego Sarah • Link
Sam Ursu made an excellent summary about 17th century chocolate at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About James Butler (Duke of Ormond, Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland)
San Diego Sarah • Link
After the Restoration, Kilkenny Castle and most of the lands that had been confiscated by Cromwell from the Butler family were restored by Charles II to the new Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler, Marquis of Ormonde. He changed the castle (now 3-sided medieval fortress, thanks to Cromwell) to a French-style chateau.
If Dublin Castle was Ireland's Whitehall, then Kilkenny was their Hampton Court.
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…
About Tuesday 19 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
Kilkenny Castle -- After the Restoration, Kilkenny Castle and most of the lands that had been confiscated by Cromwell from the Butler family were restored to the new Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, James Butler, Duke of Ormonde. He set about changing the castle from a medieval fortress to a French-style chateau.
If Dublin Castle was Ireland's Whitehall, then Kilkenny was their Hampton Court.
It’s easy to spot the influence of Cromwell – he blew up one entire side of the castle, leaving it a 3-sided fortress.
For more history and pictures of this medieval masterpiece (somewhat messed up by the Victorians!) -- see
https://www.exploring-castles.com…
Kilkenny Castle is a beautiful day trip from Dublin as Kilkenny is in the Wicklow mountains. Read more about the Kilkenny City, Wicklow Park, and Glendalough Tour from Dublin: https://www.viator.com/tours/Dubl…
About Sunday 17 June 1660
San Diego Sarah • Link
I'm tempted to ask you what part of militant Anglicanism, tithes, the Test Act, the Act of Uniformity, and more religious persecution than for 2 decades, etc. that you disagree with, John, but we're not there yet, so let's hold those debates for later.
And as for Mrs. Palmer, she's living close to Whitehall with her husband, Roger Palmer MP.
SPOILER: Nine months from now she will be delivered of a child, and 3 men are suspected of being the father -- none of them her husband. She writes a letter to Charles reminiscing about the night they spent together on May 29 -- his 30th birthday and the day of his entry into London.
But there I go again -- we've got 9 months to get through before then.
About Masts
San Diego Sarah • Link
MartinVT very kindly clarified for me the way of transporting timber for masts from New England to Old England in a 3-part exchange beginning at
https://www.pepysdiary.com/diary/…