Letter #6, Post #2

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!
Tuesday 14 February 2012
To Cassandra, from Rowling, "At Nackington we met Lady Sondes' picture over the Mantlepeice in the Dining room, and the pictures of her three Children in an Antiroom, besides Mr Scott, Miss Fletcher, Mr Toke, Mr J. Toke, and the Archdeacon Lynch." - Jane Austen, Thursday 15-Friday 16 September 1796

Her thought continues on at Nackington, but I think we will take this in little bites. It would be too much to research for one post; so...

Lady Sondes would be the Mary-Elizabeth Sondes we mentioned yesterday. She was Richard Milles, the MP's, only daughter. She was married at this time to 2nd Baron Sondes of Lees Court. They had six childred, but only three at the time of this letter.

An antiroom, or anteroom, is a lobby, vestibule, waiting room or hall.

Okay, here we go, the Scott's and Miss Fletcher. Mr. Scott was married in 1777 to his cousin, Cecilia Scott, who had been married before to Brice Fletcher. Brice Fletcher had died in 1776, but he and Cecilia had a daughter, the  Miss Fletcher mentioned in the letter. I cannot find a first name for her. whew

Mr. Toke and Mr. J Toke of the Toke family of Godinton near Ashford, Kent. Mr. Toke, Mr. John Toke (1738-1819), was the father to the Mr. J Toke also mentioned here. They are both named John. Senior Mr. John Toke was the High Sheriff of Kent 1770. The younger John Toke was vicar of Bekesbourne  and rector of Harbledown, Kent.

Godington house, what a beautiful house! Below is a link to information about it. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Godinton_House

Archdeacon Lynch was the Revd. Dr. John Lynch, the Archdeacon of Canterbury.

This is what was listed about him in:

The History and Topographical Survey of the County of Kent: Volume 12 URL: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=63712 Date accessed: 14 February 2012.

"JOHN LYNCH, LL. D. was next promoted to this dignity on Nov. 7, 1788. He was the second son of Dr. John Lynch, dean of this church, and was educated at Christ-church, in Oxford, of which he was a student; he was first rector of St. Matthew, Fridaystreet, London; in 1771 he was collated to the rectory of Adisham, which he in 1781 exchanged, by consent of the patrons of both, with Dr. John Palmer, for the fifth stall in the church of Canterbury; and in 1782 was presented to the rectory of St. Dionis Backchurch, in London, both which preferments he holds at this time, and is the present archdeacon of this diocese; a gentleman, whose affability and courtesy of behaviour, benevolence of heart, and diffusive charity, have deservedly gained him universal esteem and commendation.

This was a pretty hefty group hanging out at Nackington, was it not?

I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!
Terrie