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Celebrating Hampshire HistoriansKing, Edward18.10.1821 - 12.03.1885Edward King was born in Lymington, the son of Richard and Elizabeth King, and spent his early life in the town. In 1845 when his father remarried (a marriage his son called ‘unpleasing’) Edward moved to London and married Susan (maiden name unknown). At the time of the 1851 Census he and his wife, and their infant daughter (also Susan), were living in the parish of St George the Martyr, Middlesex. They returned to Lymington in 1858 where Edward established his well known bookselling business. The 1861 census return shows the family in residence at 105 High Street, with Edward’s occupation being shown as ‘bookseller and printer employing 1 man and 3 boys’. From then until his death the family literally ‘lived over the shop’. As well as being a businessman and historian, like his father before him, Edward made his mark in local politics. A member of Lymington Borough Council from the 1860s he was first elected mayor in 1872 and served in this capacity for the municipal years 1872/3 and 1873/4, thereby ‘devoting much time to the public good’ (Lymington and South Hants Chronicle, 26 March 1885). Sources
PortraitContribution to county’s historyIn researching and writing what was at the time a definitive history of Lymington, King indicated his motivation, in a way which reflects one of the underlying purposes of local history. ‘Connected with every locality in England there are numerous facts, which, being below the dignity of history; tend quickly to be forgotten, though they become in after years, subjects of great interest to the inhabitants. Without them the past is a mere blank; but when they are recalled into existence by the medium of the press, bygone years and long forgotten individuals start again into life and remembrance.’ In this respect, he can be regarded as a true visionary. Moreover, his work embraces many features of Lymington’s history from its earliest origins to the nineteenth century, covering aspects of the town’s social, economic and political life as well as its architectural heritage. As it was put in his newspaper obituary, ‘in his excellent account ... [he] showed that he was an antiquary of no mean order, and his book will form his enduring memorial in his native town.’ Relevant published works
Critical CommentsOther CommentsIn the Preface to Old Times Revisited King makes some interesting observations about his background and approach. First, ‘I must have been born an antiquarian; for I can recollect in early childhood making earnest inquiries about the recollections of aged relatives as to the stirring times of the French Revolution and the Foreign Emigres.’ Second, ‘... the reader may be sure I never assert anything that is without foundation.’ Last, ‘My connection with the Town Council has enabled me to go, in every case, to the original Books and Documents.’ He also points out that he ‘picked up the baton’ from Charles St Barbe who had begun collecting documents for the purpose of writing a history of Lymington but ‘was far advanced in life; and ... had scarcely commenced when, increasing infirmity, and death, arrested his labours.’ It is also worth recording that King’s Bookshop remained in the family until 1988 when it was sold to four staff members. It is now a branch of Waterstones. The importance of the King family in the life of Lymington is reflected in the fact that the research facility at the St Barbe Musuem is named the Kings Research Room. ContributorRoger Ottewill and St Barbe Museum volunteers (11 June 2024) Key WordsLymington, local history Any queries or further suggestions for this part of the list should be addressed to celebrating@hantsfieldclub.org.uk.
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