I have recently retired after over 40 years in the electrical and electronics industry, latterly as a project quality manager at GE. In choosing to volunteer at the History Centre, I was following in my father’s footsteps who volunteered at the William Salt Library until he was over 80. I have some way to go! It is a change of discipline for me but should keep the brain active.

What did I expect from the Hatherton collection? I thought that the letters might be a bit dry and the content maybe not so relevant for nowadays. What I have been finding, however, is a window into the life of a mid-nineteenth century politician and important landowner in mid-Staffordshire and that many of the issues are still with us today.

I also thought that the Victorians took care over their handwriting and would be neat and legible. I am amazed that Lord Hatherton was able to read some of them as they were barely legible. The letters from Lord Hatherton in the collection are also difficult to read though these were copies he wrote of letters sent to others and intended only for his perusal record. We can forgive him.

What of the man? The letters I have read to date are from 1852, by which time Lord Hatherton was in the House of Lords and actively involved on political matters. His political and religious views by 1852 will have been toward the liberal left of nearly all he met in the Lords, so his influence must have been greatly appreciated by the Whig/Liberal parliamentarians of the day.

Anyway, onto the letters. The issues of the day were much and varied.

These included the risk of war and need for better defence (this time from the French). This included requests to build up Portland Harbour and another from Lord Londonderry about development at Seaham in the North East of England (which was blatant lobbying on behalf of his wife’s family). Also, a letter from Admiral of the Fleet, Sir T Byam Martin, who was highly concerned about the risk of an attack by the French ‘scoundrels;’. He didn’t want to be like Admiral Byng who was executed for failing to protect Minorca!

There were a number of letters concerned Parliamentary Reform These included a few from W R Greg (an Influential businessman, writer and liberal) who wished a review of ‘Rotten Constituencies’ and for expansion of the electorate even though this might include those who are ‘lazy and indifferent’. 

Many letters related to Lord Hatherton’s prominent role in the fundraising for a statue of Richard the Lionheart (Coeur de Lion) which to this day stands outside the Palace of Westminster. It was a demonstration of Hatherton’s connections. One letter of support from Prince Albert’s Office was with the blessing of Queen Victoria.

Various letters were from Count Cavour who, in 1861, became the first Prime Minister of Italy (but died only three months later). It was interesting that he wrote in French rather than English or Italian. His writing is very legible and he also kept his French grammar quite simple. Maybe Lord Hatherton’s French was akin to my O-Level!

What I had not expected was the level of insult conveyed in some of the letters. They seem to have been used like the WhatsApp of the day. One example was from Lord Shrewsbury who mentioned ‘Lord Johnny Palmerston’ being guilty of ’mischief’, ‘tyranny’ and ‘plunder’. Obviously not a fan!

Locally, even a dispute with the Marquis of Anglesey over the cost to put a canal over his Beaudesert Estate. A Mr William Mathews complained it would lead to the Marquis being ‘in clover for the rest of his life’.

Also locally, a few letters from his son, Edward Littleton, who was Colonel of the Kings Own (Second Staffordshire) Milita and wrote that they are badly dressed but better than the First Regiment. He also questioned whether a coachman’s wages of £35 were a mistake (I assume he thought it was too much!)

Anyway, I’m one volume down and plenty more to go.

I am thankful for Lisa and all at the History Centre for making volunteers so welcome every week (including the coffee and biscuits). See you next Tuesday!

David Townsend – Hatherton Volunteer