Shirley Heritage Project – Autumn 2012 Public History Talk #3
“Nathaniel and Catherine Jefferys – who do you think they were?”
Speakers: Patricia White & Erika Howells
Born in the late C18 and living in Shirley in the 1800s, the Jefferys were prominent landowners and philanthropists who were instrumental in the inception of the newly formed Shirley Parish in 1836. Local links to the couple include St.James’ Church, Shirley Schools, land on what is now St.James’ Park, Blighmont House, Belle Vue House, and Hollybrook House.
Patricia’s and Erika’s extensive research uncovered stories from the Jefferys family history associated with the Battle of Trafalgar, the death and funeral of Lord Nelson, the court of Royal Kings and Princes, and the proposed Victorian Didcot, Newbury, and Southampton railway extension.
A fascinating and enlightening talk which linked Shirley to the courts of George III and George IV and places as far afield as Fleetwood and Heysham.