June 1, 2020

I am indebted to my good friend Francois Chesko at the "Banbridge Chronicle" for sending me these wonderful copies. I have original papers he and Alan saved for me. But I could never scan them in as well.  Enjoy

 Rev. Henry Scriven, descended from Jane's older brother, Dr. WBB Scriven. & Curiously also, Bob Evans who would be so fun to ever discover if he is related via Evans ! 

Happy Trails,  Katie

Dr. William Barclay Brown Scriven, elder brother of my Jane Scriven Evans.  He married Sarah Hamilton of Hampton Hall, north of Dublin and on the coast.  
Alan & Irene my lovely sponsors on my trip drove me to see it.  We knocked on the door & the current owners invited us inside for photos and a look around.  Many years ago I corresponded with his father who kindly sent me wonderful photos and writings.  So here is Hampton Hall

 The view on the road to the Hall, the bay is right there, & the turn-in to the property.

 Right   that's me on the front steps

 The entry way foyer & original tiles

 Alan having a look around in the formal dining room

It looks this amazing because of so much fixing and work to repair it and furnish as it should be.  None of the original decorations remained but doesn't it look as if they are!!

WBB always kept his other property in Dublin, in St. Stephens Green & was willed to one of his sons.
Interesting to me too was that Rev. Evans of Rostrevor owned about 3 of those St. Stephen Green address's and they are listed in his will.  
We came away joking how we had been in Downton Abbey !! 

This was the home of Jane's brother, who gave her away in marriage to Edward Evans.  I'll have to look but I think Henry Hamilton signed the certificate too. WBB's father in law.
Sorry , I know it gets confusing

Happy Trails,  Katie

The Blue Plaque    is a program in the UK and elsewhere to tell people something or someone important, happened at that place or building.

The Scriven Lodge is such a home, in Banbridge, Ireland.  As I read family stories about Ireland. They say the Scrivens lived in the "Lodge".  I always imagined it was a large building in town. I thought it must be a huge building to house so many people.  
It came as a huge surprise to learn it is actually a large country estate farm!  The Lodge being the house on it! 

My Jane was born in England after the Scrivens left Ireland to send the boys to school.  She never lived in the Lodge, but Joseph and his brothers & older sister did.  

Here I am on the left and May Kirkpatrick, current owner of the property. It was a very windy evening and so cold. But we popped outside for a quick pic ... May was a good sport

                                                         
 Here May is again holding an old photo of the Lodge they found.  Me enjoying some welcome tea and cakes.  Window behind me if front of home. Blue plaque is just outside.  Can you see how thick the walls are. Not framed wood. Solid mortar & brick? at least my forearm length thick.  You don't feel or hear the wind inside this home.

Irene enjoying her tea & cake.  Noel & May Kilpatrick, current owners of the Lodge home & property.  So kind to show me the house and upstairs.  I came to tears picturing how old family must have bustled about the house.  If only I could have done this when any of them were alive.

A good story how Alan actually found me to contact. I had written to the Lodge several years ago. Looking to visit with any current owners and visit with them.  A son had however used my letter to quickly jot some information notes on the back of the envelope and it got mislaid.  When Alan was working on the book, the Kilpatricks pulled out the envelope and passed it along to him.  A good reason to hang onto your old email address's as you never know!

Happy Trails, Katie     May 23, 2020

Thursday  21 May, 2020

The Church of Ireland, Kilbroney , Ireland.  This is where my GGG Grandfather John Evans was for over 40 years.  His son, Edward Kentish Evans grew up here with his brother & sisters. There are better pictures online of the Church & Facebook. I regret my visit was too short. I wasn't able to go inside and take pictures.  Just to the East, directly across from the Church & behind some business's is the graveyard where he & family are buried. Also Mrs. Elizabeth Ross of Rostrevor and others. A small hidden away graveyard. Very peaceful   Alas, I was not able to enter the gates and take pictures.

Across the road and aways up, we spotted the Old SchoolHouse Cafe.  The inside decorations were novels and schoolbooks about the walls. I loved it.  I had a seafood soup that was delicious and onion rings on the side. Everything was so good and I wish I lived closer to eat there often.  The Coke bottle was small compared to what is served here in the USA. It was fun, Also online are more & better pictures than what I post here.

Happy Trails, Katie