Social Victorians/People/Naylor

Also Known As

• Family name: Naylor
• Mittie Naylor Westenra, Lady Rossmore
• Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (Irish peerage)
  • Derrick Warner William Westenra, 4th Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (28 March 1874 – 31 January 1921)
• Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (UK peerage)
  • Derrick Warner William Westenra, 5th Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (28 March 1874 – 31 January 1921)

Demographics

• Nationality:

Residences

Richard Christopher Naylor

• Nantelwyd Hall, Ruthyn
• Hooton Hall, Cheshire
• Kelmarsh

Family

• Richard Christopher Naylor (6 September 1814 – 30 November 1899)
• Caroline Threadcroft (27 April 1827, baptism – March 1855)
  1. Caroline Frances Selina Naylor (2 February 1855, baptism – 11 February 1865)
• Mary Sophia Thorold (c. 1839 – 1889)
  1. Mittie Naylor (12 November 1859 – 8 February 1953)
  2. Mary Naylor (9 December 1861 – 14 November 1948)

• Mittie Naylor (12 November 1859 – 8 February 1953)
• Derrick Warner William Westenra, 4th/5th Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (7 February 1853 – 31 January 1921)
  1. Hon. Mary Westenra (1 December 1890 – 29 July 1960)
  2. William Westenra, 5th/6th Baron Rossmore of Monaghan (12 July 1892 – 17 October 1958)
  3. Hon. Richard Westenra (15 October 1893 – 26 July 1944)

• Mary Naylor (9 December 1861 – 14 November 1948)
• Alfred Hassall Straker (1 October 1860 – 9 December 1924)

Acquaintances, Friends and Enemies

Friends

• Joseph H. Fitzhenry (c. 1836 – )
• Godfrey C. Morgan, Member of Parliament (c. 1831 – )

Employees

• Livings
  • Kelmarsh Rectory, Rev. R. Dalton
  • Harringworth Rectory, Rev. H. J. Atkim
  • one other
• Mr. A. Pearman, valet (c. 1889–1899)
• Messrs. C. Newcombe, stud groom
• O. Vials, head gardener
• F. Hodges, assistant gardener
• F. Bindley, carpenter
• Estate servants
  • G. Mutton
  • A. Malpas
  • J. Vials
  • J. Turner
• A. Holland, gamekeeper
• Mr. J. C. Greenbank, estate agent
• Mr. J. Smith, house steward
• Mr. Smith
• Mr. A. Pearman
• Miss Thirkettle, head housemaid
• Mr. Ordish, late valet
• Mr. J. C. Cort, late coachman
• Mrs. G. Wilford, late head housemaid
• Miss Cowdry
• Mrs. Scott, housekeeper at the hall
• Tenants present at the funeral
  • Harrington
    • Mr. J. Woods
    • Mr. W. Cheaney
    • Mr. J. Cox
    • Mr. J. Kilby
  • Clipstone
    • Mr. W. Freeston, sen.
    • Mr. W. Freeston, jun.
    • Mr. W. Buswell
    • Mr. E. Maddock
    • Mr. S. Burnham
    • Mr. G. Fox
    • Mr. E. Buswell

Organizations

Richard Christopher Naylor

• Banking firm Naylor, Leyland, and Co., Leyland and Bullins by 1899

Timeline

1854 April 6, Richard Christopher Naylor and Caroline Tredcroft married at the British Chaplaincy in Naples, Italy.

1856 April 5, Richard Christopher Naylor and Mary Sophia Thorold married.

1871 2 April, Sunday, the 1871 UK Census lists the following people at Kelsmarsh Hall: Richard C. Naylor (56 years old), Mary S. Naylor (32), Mittie Naylor (11), Mary Naylor (9), governess Gabrielle Kerstrat (31), visitor Godfrey C. Morgan (39), visitor Joseph H. Fitzhenry (35), and the following servants:

1. James Smith (31), house steward, domestic
2. William Povey (32), valet
3. Thomas R. Pope (31), under butler
4. James Brown (26), footman
5. Thomas Grinham (25), footman
6. Frank Brown (26), house porter
7. Richard Page (28), valet
8. Eleanor Shepper (44), housekeeper
9. Mary Coles (40), nurse
10. Marie M. E. Blane (28), lady's maid
11. Catherine Reynolds (30), laundry maid
12. Ann Scott (30), housemaid
13. Ann Shelton (26), kitchen maid
14. Hannah E. Copley (31), stillroom maid
15. Hannah Barnett (22), laundry maid
16. Ann Sheen (28), housemaid
17. Ellen Coles (24), schoolroom maid
18. Sarah Clipston (22), laundry maid
19. Emma Bird (17), housemaid
20. Ellen Martin (21), scullery maid

1882 June 14, Mittle Naylor and Derrick Warner William Westenra, 4th/5th Baron Rossmore married.

1897 July 2, Miss Naylor attended the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball.

1899 December 4, Monday, the write-up of Richard Christopher Naylor's funeral in the Northampton Mercury, which contains some biographical information, is notable because servants and tenants are named:

DEATH OF MR. R. NAYLOR.

AN EX-MASTER OF THE PYTCHLEY.

We regret to record the decease London, on Thursday week, of Mr. Richard Christopher Naylor, of Kelmarsh Hall. Though known mostly to the present generation in this district as a steady-going country gentleman, Mr. Naylor in the sixties was one of the most prominent sportsmen of the country. He was the youngest son of Mr. John Naylor, of Hartford Hill, Cheshire, where he was born in 1814. He was consequently 85 years of age. His father was a rich man for those days, when £100,000 was a phenomenal fortune, and sent his son to be educated with the scions of noble families at Eton. Leaving school, he joined his father in the great banking firm of Naylor, Leyland, and Co., now Leyland and Bullins, of Liverpool and elsewhere. He soon turned his attention to sport, and as long ago as 1846 won the Queen's Cup at Cowes with his yacht Sultana. Two years later, on succeeding to his uncle's estate, he was elected a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron. In that year he retired from the banking business, and purchased Horton Hall and the Cheshire estate of Sir O. Massey-Stanley. He did some little travelling abroad, and 1854 married a daughter of the Rev. Robert Treadcroft, of Tangmere, Sussex. His wife died the following year, and in 1856 he married Miss Marie Sophia, the only daughter of Mr. Henry Thorold, of Cuxwold, Lincolnshire. In the year of his second marriage he was High Sheriff of Cheshire. Meanwhile he had formed a breeding stud of thoroughbreds at Horton Hall. He became particularly prominent in the racing world on account of his purchase the famous sire Stockwell. Had it not been for him, this horse would have gone abroad, and, says an authority, "the whole of the history of the Turf in this country must have been completely altered." As an owner, he won his first race in 1860, and two years later the Oaks with Feu-de-Joie, while in 1863 Macaroni, a son of Sweetmeat, secured for him the Two Thousand Guineas and the Derby. The win of Macaroni in the Derby was one of the most sensational finishes in the history of the race. Lord St. Vincent's Lord Clifden was favourite. Macaroni started at 10 to 1 in a field of 31. The race was run in a steady downpour of rain. As the horses were reaching Tattennam Corner, Saccharometer struck into the heels of Bright Cloud, and several horses rolled over. Those following actually jumped over them. In the straight the race was between Lord Clifden and Macaroni, Macaroni being at the girths of the other. We quote the "Northampton Mercury" of the time: "At the commencement of the stand enclosure, Fordham took a steadier at Lord Clifden, and the horse settling down into his splendid stride, appeared to be winning cleverly, but at the bottom of the hill Challoner took hold of Macaroni, who answered gamely, and Lord Clifden stumbling in the last stride, enabled the Two Thousand victor to get up, and catching the favourite literally within a few inches of the post, won by short head." Mr. Naylor won immense stake over the race. He sold Macaroni to the Baroness Rothschild for 7,100 guineas. After this he won the Cesarewitch twice, with Cherie in 1869 and Jester in 1878. Other horses of note owned by him were Fulmen, who took the Lincolnshire Handicap in 1886, and the Abbott, who ran third for the Two Thousand and Leger in 1880. It is curious that Stockwell proved of very little assistance to Mr. Naylor himself in providing him with winners. Mr. Naylor, who had a seat at Nantclwyd Hall, Ruthyn, as well as Horton Hall and Kelmarsh, was a J.P. and Deputy Lieutenant for Denbyshire, a J.P. for Northamptonshire (appointed 1866) and Cheshire. He was a patron of three livings, including Kelmarsh Rectory. Mr. Naylor was exceedingly fond of hunting, and was almost always at the meets of the Pytchley, which Hunt, by the way, has cancelled its meet on Monday in consequence of Mr. Naylor's funeral taking place that day. In 1872, on the resignation of Mr. J. A. Craven, he took up the Mastership of the Pytchley, and hunted the country with considerable satisfaction for two seasons. Curiously enough, his Mastership is not mentioned in Mr. Nethercote's monograph on the Hunt. There is an interesting, though scarcely characteristic, story told of meet of the hounds at Kelmarsh. With the pride of a good sportsman and a Master, Mr. Naylor was especially anxious that there should be good sport. The earth-toppers, however, possibly through the good cheer of the previous day, were either too late or too early at their work, with the result that every fox and vixen, instead of being rendered homeless on the hunting day, were all securely banked in their lairs. Such a contretemps did not happen again. Mr. Naylor continued hunting until he was nearly eighty. Rather more than three years ago he met with very unpleasant accident whilst yachting. When engaged in fishing he fell overboard, and in the endeavour to save him he had his shoulder pulled out and his wrist broken. He was very much enfeebled in consequence, and, considering his advanced years, it was perhaps too much to expect that he would entirely shake off the effects of the unfortunate accident. He re-appeared in the hunting field, however, in less than three months, at a meet at Maidwell, driving in his carriage to receive the congratulations of a large field.

Mr. Naylor removed to Kelmarsh from Cheshire in 1872, transferring his breeding stud at the same time. His wife died in 1889, and his racing colours, first registered in 1859, were seen no more. Mr. Navlor leaves two daughters, one of whom has resided with him throughout her life. The other daughter is the Countess of Rossmore.

The funeral took place on Monday at Kelmarsh, the body being placed in the family vault which was built in 1889, when Mrs. Naylor died. The body, which was enclosed in a coffin of polished oak, with massive brass fittings, and a shield plate bearing the inscription, Richard Christopher Naylor. Born 7th September, 1814. Died 30th November, 1899," was conveyed from Euston to Kelmarsh on Monday, in charge of Mr. A. Pearman, who for the last ten years has been valet to the deceased gentleman. The body arrived at Kelmarsh at ten o'clock and was there met by Mr. Varnam, the representative of Messrs. Shepherd and Manning, of Northampton, who had the funeral arrangements in hand; Mr. J. C. Greenbank (Mr. Naylor's estate agent); Mr. J. Smith (who for forty years had been the employ of Mr. Naylor as house steward), and the fojlowing workmen who carried the coffin from the train to the hearse which was waiting, and who, at the interment in the afternoon, acted as bearers: Messrs. C. Newcombe (stud groom), O. Vials (head gardener), F. Hodges (assistant gardener), F. Bindley (carpenter), G. Mutton, A. Malpas, J. Vials, J. Turner (estate servants), and A. Holland (gamekeeper). The body was conveyed direct from the station to the church, which was thoroughly restored by Mr. Naylor in 1872–3, and which is, probably, one of the best-appointed churches in the county. Here it was deposited in the chancel of the church to await the burial service at two o'clock, some three hours later. On and around the coffin were arranged wreaths from the Countess of Rossmore and Miss Naylor (the deceased's only daughters), Lord Rossmore (son-in-law), the Countess of Caledon, the Hon. Mrs. Chetwynd, Miss Jane Thorneville (Chesterfield House, Rangemore), Mr. Joseph Davies (Hyde Park, London), Captain and Mrs. Gerald Leigh (the present tenants of Kelmarsh Hall), Mrs. Forth (Northampton, who for some years was companion to Mrs. Naylor), the Rev. R. Dalton, the Rector of Kelmarsh, and family, "His devoted servants, J.S., M.S., A.P., R.T.," and the stable, garden, and estate servants. Subsequently to these there were added floral contributions from Lady Trafford, Mr. R. B. and Lady Margaret Loder, Lady Naylor-Leyland (Hyde Park House), and Mr. Christopher Leyland (Haggerston Castle, Beal, Northumberland).

Seeing that Mr. Naylor was an ex-master of the Pytchley Hounds it was only fitting that the meet of that crack pack should be abandoned, and that several prominent followers of hounds should have been present at the interment. The mourners were the Countess of Rossmore and Miss Naylor (daughters), Lord Rossmore, and Mr. Fitzhenry (London), the last of Mr. Naylor's friends who saw him alive. The church was well filled, those present including:— Mr. R. B. Loder (High Sheriff of Northamptonshire [sic no closing paren], Mr. W. M. Wroughton (Master of the Pytchley Hounds), Sir H. H. Langham. Mr. T. F. Hazlehurst, Mrs. J. T. Drake, Rev. R. H. Rokeby, Mr. J. C. Greenbank (estate agent), Mr. J. Smith (house steward), Mr. Smith, Mr. A. Pearman, Miss Thirkettle (head housemaid), Mr. Ordish (late valet), Mr. J. C. Cort (late coachman), Mrs. G. Wilford (late head housemaid), Miss Cowdry, Mrs. Scott (housekeeper at the hall), Mrs. Forth (Northampton), Mr. J. Woods, Mr. W. Cheaney, Mr. J. Cox, Mr. J. Kilby (Harrington tenants), Mr. W. Freeston, sen., Mr. W. Freeston, jun., Mr. W. Buswell, Mr. E. Maddock, Mr. S. Burnham, Mr. G. Fox, Mr. E. Buswell (Clipstone tenants), Mr. J. Gibbs, Mr. C. Blackett, Mr. W. Blackett (Kelmarsh tenants), Mr. S. Bamford (Harrington), Mr. J. Keatley (Arthingworth), Mrs. Kitchen, Mr. S. Kitchen (Market Harborough), Mr. J. Kitchen (Yaxley, Peterborough), Mr. E. Busweli (Clipstone), Mr. W. Coleman (Oxendon), Mr. W. H. Buswell (Market Harborough), Mr. W. Bodger (station master at Kelmarsh), and Inspector J. Gee (Northampton), representing the London and North-Western Railway Company, etc. At the graveside the concluding portion of the service was conducted the Rev. H. J. Atkim, the rector of Harringworth, this living, together with that of Kelmarsh, being the gift Mr. Naylor.

1916 July 15, Mary Naylor and Alfred Hassall Straker married at St. James's, Picadilly.

1939 September 29, the 1939 UK Register lists the following people at The Hall, Melton and Belvoir, Leicestershire: Mary [Naylor] Straker (widowed, 78), Mittee Lady Dowager Rossmore (81), and staff:

1. Ada Alice Reeves (43), cook
2. Elsie N. Wood (52), lady's maid
3. Jennica Stewart (58), domestic servant
4. Rose M. M. Thurston (52), lady's maid
5. Fanny Cowdery (86), retired
6. "This record is officially closed," which means that the person was not known to have died when the page was digitized.
7. Florence M. Hewitt (42), housewife
8. Julia Tyler (19), kitchen maid
9. Margaret Cox (18), housemaid
10. "This record is officially closed."
11. "This record is officially closed."
12. John K. Green (18), footman

Costume at the Duchess of Devonshire's 2 July 1897 Fancy-dress Ball

At the Duchess of Devonshire's fancy-dress ball, Miss Naylor (at 339) — probably Miss Mary Naylor — was dressed as Comtesse de Charny in the Quadrille of the Louis XV. and Louis XVI. She would have been 35.

Notes and Questions

1. Miss Mary Naylor's sister, Mettie Lady Rossmore, is not listed as having attended the ball; where was she? The two often attended events together, which is what makes me think Miss Naylor is this Miss Naylor, that and the wealth of the father.
2. Alfred Hassall Straker "was killed by a fall from his horse when hunting with the Cottesmore hounds on 9 December 1924."