Celebrating Hampshire Historians

Awdry, Frances

November 1845 – 19 March 1927

Frances Awdry was the eighth child of Sir John Wither Awdry Kt, who served as Chief Justice in Bombay before returning home to live at Notton House, Lacock, in Wiltshire. Her brother Vere Awdry (1854 –1928) one-time vicar of Ampfield, was the father of Wilbert Vere Awdry (1911-1997) author of the Thomas the Tank Engine books for children.

Frances Awdry’s literary output was directed at a different audience. As a contemporary of Charlotte Yonge, she was a contributor to The Miz-Maze or Winkworth Puzzle, a story in letters by nine female authors (1883). Much of her writing, however, chronicled the work of the Christian Church in converting, or attempting to convert, the occupants of far-flung corners of the world. In the Isles of the Sea: Fifty Years in Melanesia; By Lake and Forest, the story of Algoma and The Story of a Fellow Soldier, were detailed accounts of the triumphs, trials and tribulations of those intent on carrying out this pioneering missionary work. 

Closer to home, her account of A Country Gentleman of the Nineteenth Century describes a more secular, though deeply devout subject, the Rt Hon William Heathcote, Bart. owner of Hursley Park from 1835 to 1881.

Although the memoir is inescapably pious, it does make good use of surviving correspondence and contains some interesting detail. Every published Awdry family tree, for example, appears to credit Sir John and his two wives with different numbers of offspring. Frances tells us, however, that William Heathcote and John Wither Awdry, great friends and acquaintances, were always jesting about who had ‘the fullest quiver’. According to the book, Sir John led the way with 16 children, to Sir William’s 12.

Frances Awdry eventually took up residence in Winchester and did not marry.

Sources

• https://tttecommunitycentral.fandom.com/wiki/Awdry_Family_Tree

• Awdry F (1906) A Country Gentleman of the Nineteenth Century

Portrait

Some of the Awdry family at Notton House, Lacock, Wiltshire, in the late 1860s. Sir John was in India from 1831 – 41. He left Britain for the sub-continent with his first wife, Sarah, but returned home with his second, Frances, who bore him eight sons and five daughters between 1840 and 1860. All the daughters appear to be present in this image. Priscilla (b 1860) sits between her parents, Mary (b 1857) is looking at the camera. The other three are Elizabeth (b 1850), Frances (b 1845) and Sarah (b 1843) but as they look so similar, their individual identities are not apparent. Sarah, however, married the Rev Luke Walford and was widowed ‘within a year’. The middle sister appears to be wearing a mourning band and crucifix around her neck. This would narrow the field to just two.

Contribution to county’s history

The account of William Heathcote’s life and times makes good use of the correspondence available to Frances Awdry and covers school days, the relationship between Lord of the Manor and vicar (the influential John Keble) and various health issues. The links with other landed gentry – the Awdrys, Bigg Withers and Herberts, for example, are also explored, as well as Heathcote’s responsibilities as a Member of Parliament, Captain of the Militia and, not least, owner of an estate requiring constant maintenance.

Relevant published works

• Awdry F (1875) The Story of a Fellow Soldier

• Awdry F (1903) In the Isles of the Sea: Fifty Years in Melanesia

• Awdry F (1906) A Country Gentleman of the Nineteenth Century: Being a Short Memoir of the Right Honourable Sir William Heathcote, Bart., of Hursley 1801-1881 Warren & Son Winchester.

• Awdry F (1909) By Lake and Forest, the story of Algoma

Critical Comments

Other Comments

Contributor

Dave Allen, April 2023

Key Words

Hursley Park, William Heathcote, Hampshire landed gentry

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