Fanny Maria JULIUS [934]

  General Notes:

Julius Jottings. October 1900 No. 3.
The Hulls, who left in Elvaston Place, Kensington, about the end of June, have been spending some months at Craigton, by Balfron in Stirlingshire.

Julius Jottings. No. 4.
January 1901
NOTES FROM MY DIARY.
In February, 1900, we all left Earlswood Mount to enable the additions to the house; which had been begun the year before, to be completed. The north side having been enlarged, the south, facing the garden, had to be finished, .. Five bedrooms were added, a new staircase of oak, and a billiard-room put in, also new conservatories built, and a wide terrace, which commands the extensive and beautiful view of the common mid hills beyond. The house we occupied in London was in Elvaston Place ; being situated near the Albert Hall, South Kensington Museum, and other places of interest, we had not far to seek for amusement. In London we were in the midst of a large circle of friends and relations, which gave rise to many pleasant family gatherings, and social intercourse. Several times whilst in the Park we had the pleasure of seeing the Queen, who had come to, London for a few days to receive the loyal congratulations of her people upon the news of the relief of Mafeking. On May 25th I was presented by the Countess of Erroll at the Queen's Drawing-Room, held by the Princess of Wales. It was very largely attended, and a most brilliant affair, the ladies dresses and gentlemen's uniforms being most magnificent. For the benefit of our lady friends, I may add, I wore a primrose satin dress, draped with old Limerick lace, and a train of heliotrope brocade, trimmed with white ostrich feathers, and sprays of labernum and, wisteria. We afterwards held a reception which was numerously attended.
My sister-in-law, Mrs. Colonel Hendley (Aunt Jane), who was then home from Calcutta, was living near us, and she kindly took Winifred, to Henley, with her own party. The scene on the river was, as usual, most amusing and picturesque, and Winifred greatly enjoyed the picnic in the boat. We went several times to Earlswood Mount to see how the works were progressing, and as only the kitchens and part of the drawing-room were available we had great fun over the impromptu luncheons there, and returned to town laden with flowers and garden produce in the evening. We left London in July, and had a month at home, which we much enjoyed. We had the opportunity of giving, and joining in, several garden parties; and the great pleasure of a visit from my niece, Madeline Julius, from Queensland. On August 2nd we all went to Scotland, leaving Redhill at 5 p.m. and reaching Lennoxtown 6 a.m. the next morning. We had a drive of 8 miles to "Craigton", a wild mountain road over the Campsie Hills. We found quite a little procession of four waggonettes with carts for the luggage. We numbered twenty-two souls all told. Right glad we were to reach " Craigton," where the old housekeeper had prepared a capital breakfast for everyone. " Craigton " is a fine estate, with beautiful grounds surrounding the house, which is large, well arranged, and fitted with all modern conveniences. The little village of Fintry is a mile up the valley, the row of small, white cottages, which constitutes the one and only street, looks most picturesque under the hills, with the dark firs for background. I cannot say much for the beauties of the church, but it is a neat and well-kept building, seating about 200. One large old-fashioned pew being reserved for " Craigton.." There is a nice toned harmonitun, which is well played by a blind organist, The old Psalm tunes are heartily joined in by the congregation, led by a few young girls. The minister is a good specimen of the Scotch preacher ; his discourses being very able and full of interest and instruction. The weather was very hot in August, and we spent most of the days on the lawn playing croquet, or floating lazily in the punt on the small loch in the grounds. After each contest at croquet, a raid was generally made on the fruit garden, where the bushes, laden with gooseberries, and. the fine abundant raspberries, furnished delightful refreshment. On wet afternoons the rendezvous was the billiard-room, where Trevor gave lessons to those who were not adepts at the game. Mrs. Watney, Dorothy Caulfeild and Eleanor Hull, were good pupils, and improved rapidly under Trevor's tuition. The great event each day was the return of the gentlemen from the moors, and the count of the game bag. The weather on the 12th was not as fine as could be wished, but a fairly good bag of grouse was made. One afternoon, while Professor Hull, F.R.S., etc., etc. (Uncle Edward), was with us, we scrambled through the woods, at the back of' the house, to the top of the cliff (from which " Craigton " takes its name), where we saw the remarkable formation of the Basaltic Rock, upon which Professor Hull gave us an impromptu lecture. We took several drives to the surrounding villages. Lennoxtown is 9 miles distant, rather an uninteresting place, and smoky, the chief industry being cotton printing. We called one day with Katie Julius at Lennox Castle, and had tea with Mrs Peareth-Lennox. It is a very handsome place, but of comparatively recent date. Balfron we visited several times, and Kippen too 3 both. characteristic Scotch villages. One most lovely summer morning we made an early start for the Trossachs. We were a party of seven. Mr. Julius Brewin (editor) being also with us. We drove to Balfron and took the train for Aberfoyle, which was reached in half an hour. From there the coach took us to the head of Loch Katrine ; it was a beautiful drive, the scenery looking its best in the bright sunshine. We went by steamer to Stronachlachan; and after a good lunch in the pretty hotel we spent three hours in wandering along the side of the loch. We returned by the same route, Staying for tea at Aberfoyle, and reachipg " Craigton " at 8.30. We all decided it had been a most happy expedition. Another day we spent in Stirling visiting the Castle, which is full of historical interest. I had there the pleasure of receiving a present of some of the beautiful Scotch pearls which are found in the river Forth. These pearls are very fine, and of an exquisite tint, both pink and blue. It is difficult to match them in size and colour, but when this is done, they look very handsome in rings and other ornaments. In September, several grouse drives took place. This was always a great event, gentlemen from the neighbouring moors joining our own guns.. It was generally a fatiguing day for the sportsmen, and we ladies always took care to have a good tea ready when they reached home. Very merry we all were over it, in the cosy oak room, laughing over the accounts of the various incidents of the day. In the evening on these occasions, after dinner, the dining-room and hall outside were speedily cleared, all the servants came up, and dancing went on merrily till a late hour. We had two capital musicians in Pryde, the blind organist, who also sang very well, and Mr. MacEwen, the ex-champion dancer of Scotland, who, besides his violin playing, gave great pleasure by his ,clever dancing. MacEwen also gave Winifred, Milly, and Evelyn lessons in Highland dances. Winifred learned the Shean Trews, which, danced in a short Tartan skirt and Scotch bonnet, made a pretty entertainment. The girls often got up impromptu charades, which, with Julius Brewin's clever assistance, went off with great spirit, and with songs and music the evenings passed pleasantly away. We had for some time been anxious about my nephew, Robin Gray, not having had news from him for seven weeks. In February Robin had joined Brabant's Horse Ambulance Corps, and had seen great deal of active service. We were now much relieved to receive a long and interesting letter from him, his silence being easily accounted for by the constant hard, and often distressing, work he was engaged in. We are looking forward to seeing Robin in England again, when quietness is restored to South Africa. But alas ! our party at " Craigton " had now to be broken up, for Milly had to return to St. John's School, Evelyn accompaning her for the first time. Hubert had to say good-bye also, and start for Cothill House. We made rather a sad little group at the hall door, as we watched the waggonette start for the long drive to Kippen at 7 o'clock in the morning. Aunt Jane travelled to London with them, en route for her return journey to India.. Mr. Hull took charge of all the party to London, leaving them at their various destinations. As, fortunately, there was no contest for the General Election in our division of Surrey, Mr. Hull was able to return North in a few days, and his niece, Eleanor Hull, accompanied him back to " Craigton." On September 23rd our little Leslie completed his third year: He and Isabel are inseparable companions ; being four years older than her brother Isabel is quite a little mother to Leslie. It is pretty to see them together, making a charming contrast in colour ; Isabel with her long, dark curls, and Leslie with his blue eyes and golden hair. Occasionally they go to tea with the old housekeeper at the lodge, taking flowers or cake, to cheer up the old lady, which, with their constant merry prattle, is very easily, done. In October Winifred went to stay with the Countess Strathatten; at Maehany, a fine, old, historical place in Perthshire. On her return she accompanied her father and me to Edinburgh, where we spent a week, visiting the Castle, Cathedrals, and Holyrood. We also took the opportunity of visiting the beautiful shops in Prince's Street, which we found very tempting. During our stay in the Balmoral Hotel we saw a Scotch wedding, the bridegroom quite orthodox, in kilts, with a bonnie bride. We also had the honour of meeting Lord Salisbury in the hall, who had come to stay a few hours in the hotel, on his return from visiting the Queen at Balmoral. The home covers were shot on November 1st ; 120 pheasants: and 150 rabbits were killed in the two days. The keepers and all the beaters were regaled at lunch with hot stew, served in large' pans, taken out to the coachhouse, where tables had been put up for the occasion. Leonard took a good photograph of the gentlemen with their guns and dogs, and some of the beautiful birds lying near them. We heard the guns all day near the house, and hardly liked to venture out till the sportsmen were nearly home. Some woodcock and wild duck were also shot. This brought the shooting to a close for the season.
Brigade-Surgeon Gray (Uncle Robert) and Mr. and Miss Dunlop left us the next day, and we began making preparations for, our return to Redhill. We said "Au Revair !' to our Scotch home on November 6th, and reached Earlswood Mount the next, day.
F. M. HULL.

Julius Jottings June 1901 No 5.
Mr and Mrs E.C.P. Hull and Miss Winifred Hull have returned to Earlswood Mount, Redhill, after their prolonged stay in Algiers.

Julius Jottings January 1902 No 6.
Mr and Mrs E. C. P. Hull have taken Sir George Goldie's house in London for the coming season. Their address will be: 11 Queens Gate Gardens, S. W., and they are going up there in April.

Hull Fanny Maria of Park Gate House Ham Common Richmond Surrey widow died 23 December 1931. Probate London 26 January 1932 to Leonard Stewart Benson Hull of no occupation Charles John Leslie Hull secretary and Albert Young Hyland solicitor. Effects L 50,367 18s 3d.
National Probate Calendar.

  Other Records

1. Census: England, 8 Apr 1861, Church St Southery NFK. Fanny is recorded as a daughter aged 4 born Southery NFK.

2. Census: England, 2 Apr 1871, Church St Southery NFK. Fanny is recorded as a daughter aged 14 born Southery.

3. Census: England, 5 Apr 1891, The Mount Reigate SRY. Fanny is recorded as a wife aged 34 born Southery NFK

4. Census: England, 2 Apr 1911, Reigate SRY. Fanny is recorded as a wife aged 52 married 31 years with 8 children all living born Southery Norfolk.

Fanny married Edmund Charles Pendleton HULL [935] [MRIN: 303], son of Rev John Dawson HULL of Wickhambrook SFK [1506] and Alicia Dawson BENSON [514], on 27 Aug 1879 in St Mary The Virgin Southery. (Edmund Charles Pendleton HULL [935] was born in 1840 in Bangor Co Down Ireland, died on 8 Nov 1924 in Reg Kingston SRY and was buried in St Andrew Richmond SRY.)