The following recollections, which the author described as Hanslope ‘Memorials’ have come to us in a few hand-written sheets, probably torn from an exercise book. The author is not identified and they are undated. The notes came to light in 2010 in the papers of Mrs C Branson, together with a transcription prepared by Lady Markham in 1979. A note written by Lady Markham suggests they may have come originally from the Whitbread family, but it is not clear which member of the family might have written them.
The ‘memorials’ recall people and events going back to the 18th century. The style of the handwriting is typical of the early 1800s, although internal evidence suggests the content was first recorded in the late 1860s. The document seems to have been written in a hurry, perhaps by one person writing down the recollections of another. All this suggests that these are the recollections of an elderly person drawing on his or her own knowledge as well as stories passed down by earlier generations.
Where it is possible to check the facts given against other records such as deeds, wills, and church records of baptisms, marriages and burials, the information in the ‘Memorials’ appears to be accurate. However there is no way of confirming any of the comments on the characters of the people mentioned.
We have considered whether it is proper to publish the content in full, particularly as there can be no independent confirmation of the contentious comments. However, given the time that has elapsed since these people were living, and that it is clear these are just the views of an single individual, and having regard to the value of the rest of the content of the recollections, we have decided on balance to make them available. In addition, it is hoped that by publishing these recollections, more information will come to light on their origins. If you have further information on them, please contact us.
[There is a reference to the Memorials on a board outside 22 High Street (former grocers and post office) which was probably drafted in the 1970s or 1980s.]