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JOURNAL OF THE DALWOOD RESTORATION ASSOCIATION INC.

PO BOX 1040 HORNSBY, NSW 2077

Journal No. 66 – August 2008

Editor: Cedric Wyndham Tel 03 9842 6834 or 0417 255 735 E-Mail [email protected] Registered by Australia Post – Print Post Publication No 240039-300007

Dalwood House Newsletter No 66

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T h e W a y F o r w a r d

Our objective now is to complete the restoration of Dalwood House in one step, rather than staged repairs.

To achieve this we need at least $3million. We believe such amounts are available for worthy projects, and we believe Dalwood House is one, but finding these funds is not easy. Your committee members knew the task was beyond them and that someone with expertise in this area was needed.

While our first attempt at hiring a fund-raiser unfortunately failed we made approaches to Xponential Philanthropy last year.

At the 24 June luncheon at Wyndham Estate Winery, John Wyndham announced that the DRA would be looking for $12,000 to fund a feasibility study to determine the potential success of a campaign to raise the funds to fully restore and furnish Dalwood House.

Some minutes after this announcement one of the guests walked over to John and told him that three people had offered to donate $4,000 each to get things underway. John and most of those present nearly fell off their chairs!

In the "Chairman's Corner" you will read of the progress so far.

The Chairman’s Corner I am delighted to report that there is light at the end of the tunnel with regard to the complete restoration of Dalwood.

In fact I believe that the next twelve months will be one of the most exciting periods of our Association’s history as we make a concerted effort to raise the necessary funds for the restoration.

Last year, Hugh Wyndham and I met with Craige Gravestein, the founder of Xponential Philanthropy to initiate the possibility of engaging their services. Craige was very positive and enthusiastic about the project. He indicated that the first step would be for us to find $12,000 – ‘seed money’ to enable a feasibility study to be made by his organisation.

Those attending the 2007 AGM may remember that we spoke of this need at the meeting and publicised it in a following newsletter. However, despite one or two small gifts, there seemed to be a lack of interest or doubt and I began to wonder if we would ever get the project off the ground.

My concern was such that I thought we were losing sight of one of the key reasons for our existence – the other being family history. We were doing very well on family history and I am glad of all the efforts being made. However, the restoration seemed to have floundered.

On the eve of our last Committee meeting and the family function referred to elsewhere in the newsletter my discouragement was great enough for me to consider giving up and I shared this with my wife, Jan. Given our faith in God, she responded by saying that we should pray about it, which we did.

I am not expecting all DRA members to share our belief, but on the morning of 24 June I had a distinct sense that I should mention at the luncheon the need for the $12000. I said that I was not asking for it at that point but intended to make it an issue at this year’s AGM. As the box above records, the funds were given then and there.

The next day, I emailed Craige Gravestein at his Brisbane head office to say that we had the seed money, asked when he would next be in Sydney and could we meet. As a


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result, Hugh Wyndham, Don Seton Wilkinson and I met with him on July 10. Prior to that meeting Craige emailed me with this comment - My team is very excited to be asked to conduct this feasibility study for you, it is a project of national interest and we are sure that we will be able to find you several targets for funding to complete this task.

The meeting was very positive and has been followed up with a second meeting on 25 July which included one of Xponential’s senior consultants, Terri Sheahan, who made copious notes about Dalwood and the project. Craige and Terri are confident that the restoration funds can be raised.

The Xponential team is now working on identifying possible corporate donors and will report back to us as soon as possible.

Craige Gravestein will give a presentation at this year’s AGM about progress and the steps to achieving the goal.

I hope that all Sydney members, and as many as possible within NSW and from interstate will attend the meeting which will be held as follows:-

Saturday 27 September

The National Trust,

Observatory Hill, Sydney 2001

at 2.00pm.

Please make the effort to come. The Notice of meeting is included with this newsletter.

As well, while we will keep you informed through future newsletters about progress, I plan to have some face-to-face meetings with DRA members in South Australia and Perth when I visit members of my immediate family. Hopefully, we can do the same for members in other states.

John Wyndham

For those who have access to the Internet, you might like to log on to Xponential Group’s website <www.xponential.com.au>

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Editorial

I feel many more than John had a fear that the Restoration of Dalwood House just wasn’t happening. The lack of visible work on the building in the last 15 years obviously helped create this impression, along with abandonment of annual gatherings, declining numbers and ageing membership. Another contributor of course was ill health and deaths among the Directors and their immediate families, business crises such as drought for members located in rural areas, etc. But your Committee has been busy in such areas as administration for several years, fixing problems that had resulted from the above misfortunes, and this has started to bear fruit.

The revitalisation of the DRA has come none too early, because Dalwood house is deteriorating.

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Annual General Meeting

As John mentioned opposite, the AGM will be held on 27 September. 7-pages of notices, forms and reports are attached at the end of this Newsletter.

Would all attendees please bring a copy of the 2 pages of financial reports, plus last year’s AGM minutes, which are at the back of this Newsletter. This will allow the meeting to proceed more efficiently. Of course the nomination forms are an invitation for members to also nominate for the Committee.

The Veno Cup will be on display at the AGM. I am grateful to Don Seton Wilkinson for the following article on the Cup.

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The Veno Cup By Don Seton Wilkinson

When the Veno Cup was returned to Australia from Canada by Jim Hegney, at the bequest of his late wife, Elizabeth nee Wyndham, great-granddaughter of Alexander Wyndham (son of George Wyndham of Dalwood), almost nothing was known about the origin of the Cup.1

As a result of recent contact with Susan Moore, who spends one day a week doing research

1 See article in Newsletter 54 of Nov 2003.


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among the old newspapers archived in the Dixon Library, University of New England, Armidale, for the Southern New England Vignerons Association, she found and sent me a photocopy of the following, which I then transcribed.

It tells who, when, where and how the Veno Cup was won, as well as providing some fascinating ‘colour’ surrounding the two day country race meeting of 150 years ago, which would be lost in a modern summary.

The following advertisement appeared on the front page of The Armidale Express Saturday, January 9, 1858.

Wellingrove Race Meeting 1858 Will take place on WEDNESDAY, the 24th, and THURSDAY, 25th of February. First Day, Wednesday, Feb. 24th. First Race. – The TRIAL STAKES, of One Sov. Each, with Ten Sovs. Added; for all two-year-olds; three quarters of a mile, one event; three entrances; weight, 7 st. Second Race. – The MAIDEN PLATE, of Twenty-five Sovs.; for all horses that have never won an advertised prize at the time of entrance; heats, one mile and a half; three entrances. Weight to be carried: 2 years old ………………… 7 st. 3 ditto ………………… 8 st. 4 ditto ………………… 9 st. 5 ditto ………………… 9 st. 7 lbs. 6 ditto ……………….. 10 st. 7 lbs. Third Race.– The TALLY-HO STAKES of Two Sovs. Each, with Twenty-five Sovs. Added; for all horses carrying 12 st.; three miles (more or less), over twelve leaps, approved of and marked by the Stewards or whom they may appoint; one event; three entrances. _____________________ Second Day, Thursday, Feb. 25th. First race. – The WELLINGROVE PURSE, of Fifty Sovs.; for all horses; weight for age; three miles, one event; three entrances. Second race. – The VENO SILVER CUP (named in honour of the Champion of New South Wales), valued at Thirty Sovs.; for all horses; heats, two miles; three entrances. Weight to be carried: 3 years old and under …. 8 st. 4 ditto ditto 9 st. 5 ditto ditto …. 9 st 7 lbs. 6 ditto and aged … 10st.

Third race. – The FORCED HANDICAP, of One Sov. Each, with Ten Sovs. Added; for all winners during the Meeting; twice round, one event; to be handicapped by the Stewards or whom they may appoint. Fourth Race. – The CONSOLATION PURSE, of Twelve Sovs., with a Sweep of One Sov. Each added; for all horses beaten during the Meeting; to be handicapped by the Stewards or whom they may appoint; one mile, one event.

RULES The new rules of the Australian Jockey Club to be strictly adhered to. Entrance 10 per cent., and Qualification 5 per cent, on amount of prize. In all races, except the Consolation, three entrances required. All riders to appear in jockey costume. Entrances to be made in writing, enclosing “fees,” name of horse and rider, colours, &c., addressed to “The Stewards,” at the “Woolpack Inn,” Wellingrove, before Nine o’clock each evening previous to the day of racing, at which time the entrances will close. The decision of the Stewards to be final. To start each day at Twelve o’clock precisely.

VIVAT REGINA ! REUBEN SMITH,

Hon. Secretary and Treasurer


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The following report of the above race meeting appeared in The Armidale Express, Saturday, 13th March, 1858.

Country News (From our own correspondents.)

WELLINGROVE RACES, 1858. SEVERAL days previous to the meeting the racers had all made their appearance, and from the performances of the well-known Wildblood and Empress, as well also as the good running of Belford and the broken-tailed mare, at Armidale, we anticipated some good racing – nor were we disappointed. A few maidens also showed that they would contest hard for the prize, and so they proved afterwards.

The course, we are sorry to say, was in anything but good order – cracked black soil, hard as bricks, and most awfully rough; and though much time and pain had been taken, and men employed in filling-up the cracks, breaking up lumps of black soil like stones, &c., it was impossible, owing to the dry season, to improve it much.

On the evening of the 23rd, the entrances being declared at nine o’clock, we found entered for the next day’s racing – for the Trial Stakes, only one, and it was consequently withdrawn; for the Maiden Plate, four; and for the Tally-ho, three; all good horses.

At twelve o’clock on the 24th, Mr. Robt. McMaster, our Clerk of the Course, having seen to everything, and being ready with his assistant, the horse drawn up to the post started for The Maiden Plate, of 25 Sovs., for horses that have never won an advertised prize at the time of entrance; heats one mile and a half.

Mr. Wyndham’s b g Belford, aged, 10st, (Tom Murphy) ………………………. 1 2 1 T B Dowling’s blk g Hamilton, 5yrs, 9st 7lbs…………………………………… 4 1 2 Jno McMaster’s g g Silver Tip, 5yrs, 9st 7 lbs………………………………….. 2 3 dr McInnes’s g g Herod, 4 yrs, 9 st…….. 3 dr

First Heat. – A capital start, all horses well together. Silver Tip fought hard for the lead in the run home, but Belford won the heat by about half a length, more or less, both jockeys using the whip. Time, 3 min. 6 sec.

Second Heat. – Belford, Silver Tip and Hamilton started only, Herod being drawn. A good race; won by Hamilton. Time 2 min. 58 sec.

Third Heat. – Hamilton and Belford had now to go for it, and they tried each other’s metal (sic) from the start; however, the little black horse had to give way to Belford, whose condition was superior to his, and he won by a few lengths. Time 3 min. 9 sec.

Second Race. – The Tally-ho, of 2 sovs., with 25 sovs. Added, for all horses, carrying 12 st; three miles, more or less; over twelve leaps approved and marked by the Stewards or whom they may might appoint.

Mr Wyndham’s ch m Old Kate (Owner) …… 1 Radford’s b g Eton Swell …………………… 2 E McMaster’s b g Champagne ……………… 3

This was really a first-rate race. At the start the jockeys seemed to vie with each other in politeness, for none appeared to be anxious to take the lead, and at last, in their anxiety to be exquisitely polite, pulled up at a walk before they took the first leap. However, Austin, no doubt thinking it was carrying the joke too far, dashed ahead, followed by Old Kate, Champagne third. The Swell led over in most gallant style, the lady following, with Champagne in her wake. Austin then led off, the horses keeping their position until nearing the second jump, when they closed a little and cleared their jumps nearly together. Kept in that order to near the half-mile post, when Champagne took the lead, and thus they passed the stand – well in hand, and together. Cleared at one bound leaps 5, 6, and 7, parting company at last – Champagne third, Kate and the bay going it hard. The eighth jump was broken down, when Champagne drew nearer and in passing the stand the second time round they all held a good position, each seeming inclined to be the winner. Kate slightly led over the 9th hurdle, and went on increasing her pace, but closely followed by the gallant boy, who was not a bit anxious to let her get away from him; still racing hard, Champagne slightly, closed on them, when, at the tenth leap, Kate tripped up one of the hurdles, and Champagne struck it and rolled over, fortunately not injuring his rider, though mightily shaking himself. He was not caught soon enough to go on, and Wilson seeing that he had no chance cantered in. Kate went on still, with the bay close to her, both clearing the eleventh leap together, and racing home at a terrific pace; Kate, however, seemed to have too much foot for the little horse, and was landed a winner by a few lengths.


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A protest was lodged against Kate by Mr. A.Ross, on account of the owner of one of the other horses, viz., that Kate had not gone over the ninth hurdle. Much was heard on both sides, and the Stewards decided the point the next day by giving it in favour of Old Kate.

A Hack Race, for £5; one mile heats; weight for age; was won by Hector, the property of Mr. McMaster.

SECOND DAY First race. – The Wellingrove Purse, of 50

sovs., for all horses; weight for age; three times round the course, one event.

Mr. Wyndham’s b g Belford, 9st 9lbs (Murphy) 1 James H Ross’s g g Wild Blood, 9st 9lbs … 2 T B Dowling’s blk g Hamilton, 9st … 3

A splendid race. Wild Blood was decidedly the favourite – all bets being in his favour, and only few taken. His tip-top condition reflected great credit on his trainer, Mr. Allen, and we have seldom seen a horse brought out better than Wild Blood was at our meeting.

At the fall of the flag all went off together, the grey taking a tremendous bound and slightly leading – showing his eagerness for the race. Bounding like a deer round the course, he passed the stand in the same manner, Belford and Hamilton going it steady. At the second mile Belford took the lead, and though the grey let out on going round the corner, it was evident that his constant leaping throughout the first and second mile had worn him out, and that he could not gain on the bay, who won the heat by about half a length – more or less.

No doubt had the grey been allowed to go at the start for about half a mile, or less, he would have become easy and gone on more steadily, and the race might have been differently decided. He seemed well named Wild Blood, for a wilder horse, when held, could not be found anywhere; and his boundings were something extraordinary.

Hamilton deserves notice, for a gamer little horse could not be found; and taking into consideration that he had only been in training for about a fortnight, and in low condition, should his owner bring him out next year, no doubt he will prove himself no mean antagonist for some of our cracks.

Second Race. – The Veno Cup (named in honour of the Champion of New South Wales), valued at 30 sovs., for all horses; heats, two miles.

Mr. Wyndham’s ch m Old Kate, 10st, (Tom Murphy) ……………………………….. 1 2 1 James H Ross’s ch f Empress …………. 2 1 2 E McMaster’s b g Champagne ………… 3 3 0

This was a very good race, owing to the known quality of Empress, who proved herself a fast one at Tenterfield.

First Heat. – This heat was very severely contested by Old Kate and Empress, and only won by a head by Old Kate, both jockeys using the whip freely in the run home. Time, 4 min. 31 sec.

Second Heat. – Empress took this heat, Old Kate saving her distance. The chestnut was pushed by Champagne, whom, however, she passed by a few lengths. Time, 4 min. 28 sec.

Third Heat. – Old Kate and the Empress fought hard for it from the start, racing all the way round, Old Kate eventually winning by about a length. Time, 4 min. 17 sec.

A protest was lodged by the Owner of Empress relative to the distance post being 240 yards, and not having advertised it; he claimed 120 yards, as he stated, according to Homebush racing rules. The Stewards, however, decided that Old Kate was not distanced, she having been inside the distance post – that distance (240 yards) having been used the day before in the Maiden Plate by the same jockeys, to whom, as well as to Mr. Allan (Wild Blood’s trainer), it had been pointed out by one of the Stewards as the distance post; and on referring to the Homebush rules – of which various copies were on the course, amongst which was the last published in the Sporting Almanac – no such clause could be found.

The Cup having been handed over to the fortunate owner of Old Kate, he at once had it brimmed full with sparkling Champagne, and passed round to the ladies who honoured the course with their presence. Then the winner of the Cup, rising to his legs, gave us a toast – “May the next Cup be the Lauristina Cup, the crack mare of the New England;” to which everyone responded with great cheers. The Cup then went round, until no more Champagne could be found to put in it.

Third Race. – The Forced Handicap, of 1 sov., with 10 sovs. Added, for all winners during the meeting; to be handicapped by the Stewards or whom they may appoint; twice round, one event.

Mr Wyndham’s Belford, 10 st (Murphy) …. 1


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Wyndham’s Old Kate …………………. 2 Both horses being the property of Mr

Wyndham, they only cantered round. In all our experience of racing, we do not

recollect ever having seen or heard of such a thing as one person being owner of all the winners of one meeting. Mr. Wyndham’s horses are now beginning to be known, and their qualities appreciated; and we doubt not next season he will bring out some of the young stock of Old Plover, and have their mettle tried. We wish he may always be a winner, for one who breeds horses with the care he does certainly deserves much credit and praise for it. We may add that we were credibly informed that old Belford won his races at this meeting without shoes, the blacksmith, after having taken them off, finding himself incapable, through drink perhaps, to put them on again.

Fourth Race. – The Consolation Stakes, of 12 sovs., with a Sweep of 1 sov. each, for all horses beaten during the meeting; to be handicapped by the Stewards or whom they may appoint; once round, one event.

Mr James Ross’s g g Wild Blood, 9st (Wilson) 1 Radford’s b g Eton Swell, 9st …………… 2 F McInnes’s g g Herod, 9st, 7lbs ……….. 3

Won easily by Wild Blood. After the last race several matches and other

races were run, amongst which was a Hack Race, for £5, catch weights, one mile heats; this was won by young Short’s mare, Bess. Two races, for saddles, one mile; the first won by Devlin’s Shamrock; the second by Boulter’s Jenny Lind.

We are happy to say that our races ended, as they always have hitherto, most amicably; and we are not aware of any rows or accidents taking place.

In the evening a new subscription list was entered into for the meeting of 1859, and we feel much pleasure in stating that £65 were at once subscribed; and also in adding that the Treasurer, after paying the prizes, announced to the Stewards that he had about ten guineas in hand to carry to the next year’s races.

These races are now decidedly established, and we are happy in stating that the whole population of the district seemed unanimous in supporting our meeting. We cannot conclude this without returning thanks to all parties for the very liberal manner they came forward with their subscriptions.

Wellingrove, 27th Feb., 1858.

Alexander is the only family mentioned in this report. He was about 17½-years-old at this time, and we suspect “Old Kate” was around 10. Were his parents or siblings at the meeting, and who actually bred and owned the horses?

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June’s Dalwood Gathering

Around 30 people gathered at Dalwood vineyard cellars for lunch on 22 June. All there felt the day was very successful.

After an enjoyable lunch, supplemented by Wyndham Estate wines for which we thank Orlando-Wyndham, we gathered at Dalwood House for the scattering of Janet Martin’s ashes and the unveiling of a plaque under the tree in memory of former chairman Philip Wyndham. Don Seton Wilkinson addressed the gathering before the unveiling, pointing out that the old Chinese Elm which was planted about 1884, will eventually die, but the one planted in Philip’s memory will ensure this tree, which is so much part of the Dalwood scenery, will continue.

Lunch at the Cellars

Attendees included Jim Windham of Houston, Texas. Jim belongs to the USA family that is distantly related to us. He has carried out a lot of research on the Windham family, including investigation of the links to our Wyndham family, using DNA methods. Jim briefly addressed the luncheon on the USA family. Jim also told of viewing the many portraits hanging in Felbrigg, and believes he can see some common features in our ancestors, and with the Wyndham/Windham men of today.


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Our common ancestor was the Sir Thomas Wyndham of Felbrigg (1472-1523) who successfully petitioned Henry VIII to reverse Henry VII’s seizure of the family assets (Sir Thomas and his father had supported the House of York).

The day included light-hearted comments about people who can’t spell their name. Jim noted that when John Wyndham of Felbrigg’s son moved to Wiltshire John directed his sons to use different spellings to differentiate the 2 branches. Centuries earlier the town in Norfolk had used the spelling Wymondham. But in official documents of Henry VIII’s time the spelling varied depending on which scribe was writing the document!

The main disappointment was the small number of DRA members that made it. Probably under half those present were members, and probably a third were families who had a member marry into the family, rather than being members of either the Dalwood or College branch of the family.

The date for the next gathering at Dalwood hasn’t been set yet, but may I ask that more family members please attend?

Dedication of Janet Martin’s ashes

Philip’s family Emma, Jane, Julie and Ben

after the unveiling

Plaque in memory of Philip Wyndham

Jim Windham at Dalwood

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Committee Report

Prior to the lunch on 22 June, the Management Committee met. Considering the 2½ hours available, we covered a lot of ground. Points of interest to members included:-

● Shiraz Ball: The committee meeting spent time discussing how we could raise the $12,000 “seed” money needed to progress to serious fund-raising. A feasible plan was developed that would probably have raised the funds within 12-months. The donation of this money during lunch means any monies raised by the proposed function will not be needed for this purpose, but the function will go ahead, money raised being used for other parts of the restoration project. The function is tentatively labelled the “Shiraz Ball”, and has the support of Orlando-Wyndham. It will be a high profile event, targeting potential donors rather than DRA members.

● Member benefits: At present members derive limited benefits from their membership fee. In future members will be offered discounted prices for functions such as luncheons, publications for sale, etc. As the web page develops we will create a “members only” section. In future Newsletters will not appear on the public web site until 12-months after publication. A membership number will be required for efficient administration of these systems. Starting with the next Newsletter your membership number will appear in either the email or the envelope containing your newsletter.

● Family Update: The last systematic collection of family details was carried out in 1977 by Don Seton Wilkinson in preparation for the 1978 gathering at Dalwood. In the near future we intend to repeat this exercise, to make contact with those members of the family who are not familiar with the Dalwood restoration project. 2 layouts of forms are attached at the back of this Newsletter. Would each reader please fill in and return one of them for yourself and family, to kick off this update process.

We will then identify each descent line that is not up-to-date and attempt to make contact

with a family member that can assist us in updating our records.

● Storage of Furniture: For some time we have been discussing storage of furniture until Dalwood House is restored. The delay is probably largely just Committee member’s not having time to do everything (any volunteers to serve on the Committee?). A nearby storage facility is being looked at, and the Carfi’s have offered to assist with storage fees for a while – our thanks to them.

● Maintenance: 3 Committee members spent an afternoon tidying up the garden prior to the June gathering. Any volunteers for future working bees? A recent termite inspection reported no activity, the first time an inspection has not found any.

● Dinton – Dalwood Letters: Transcription and checking of the letters was completed some time back. Extensive footnotes are required to allow a reader to understand the letters. Robyn Crossle and Don Seton Wilkinson are well advanced on this job. Some maps also have to be prepared, and some enhancement of photos done, then we can look at the printing and marketing task.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Subscriptions

While not discussed at the last meeting, we have noticed that many members pay less than annually. Please don’t take this as a criticism, as it is very easy to overlook a renewal which comes due every January, especially if you are busy, or there is a family crisis. In fact I believe I have been one of the offenders in previous years. On the other hand, some people have tended to forward membership when a Newsletter arrives, and have already paid their 2009 membership - possibly not realising their 2008 membership has been previously paid. To assist with this I will develop a system of showing membership expiry date on envelopes, or within emails.

Not that all on the subscription front is bad news. In the last 12 months we have received 75 membership renewals, a significant improvement on the previous year. Most, but unfortunately not all, our 2007 members have renewed their membership for 2008.

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The ‘Bukkulla Tragedy’

Newsletter 36 (August 1996) included a biography of Wadham, the most tragic figure in the Australian family, and the murder of his family, often referred to as the ‘Bukkulla Tragedy’.

Prior to this the Hunter Valley Wyndhams and Keenes (Sarah’s family) had enjoyed a close relationship from which arose 2 marriages - my gr-grand-mother was Sarah’s Aunt. But understandably this wrenched the families apart, and for a century the Keene’s had little contact, or knowledge of what followed. Recently we have caught up with a number of Keene descendants, and 3 plus spouses attended the June gathering at Dalwood.

I have always heard that the family managed to exert sufficient pressure on the press to prevent reporting in nearby newspapers. Having now checked the State Library’s archives I can assure readers this family legend has no factual basis.

All old copies of the 2 Inverell papers were destroyed in a fire in 1899, but I now have copies of reports of the murders, inquest, trial and some related items from Sydney, Tamworth, Armidale, Glen Innes and Goulburn newspapers.

The Newsletter biography also suggested official records may have been interfered with to keep the events quiet. Official records of criminal trials conducted in country courts at this time have often not survived. However in this case the State Archives hold an item indexed as being from the trial. In fact, these documents are a transcript of the evidence to the inquest. This inquest was conducted on the evening following the murders, and this transcript would have been submitted to the trial that occurred 6-weeks later.

The newspaper reports I have would occupy 50 pages of this Newsletter. Obviously they are far too much to reproduce here. Also, they are consistent with the previous article. And regrettably the reporter’s knack of “improving” even a “good” story flourished 120 years ago! But unfortunately they give no more than hints of where Sarah and the children were buried.

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Membership News

Sarah & Rowan Fisher have a daughter Emily Wyndham Fisher, born 17 May. Sarah is a grand-daughter of Sir Harold Wyndham.

Ben & Emma Wyndham’s 2nd daughter Phoebe Catherine de Burgh Wyndham arrived on 3 July. 2½-year-old Elly was introducing her friends (soft toys) to week old Phoebe when they took the photo below.

Ben is a grandson of Sir Harold.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * Our Next Generation

Hi all,

My name is Michael Wyndham. I was born on the 11th August, 1964, at Murat Bay District Hospital in Ceduna, South Australia, to the Rev. John and Mrs. Jan Wyndham, whom all of you may know. So I am a direct descendant of George, who was my great-great grandfather. I spent my early years travelling with my parents around this great country of ours.

In 1977 I commenced Year 7 at Sydney Church of England Grammar School (Shore), North Sydney. I completed the HSC in 1982 and the following year commenced studies in Humanities at Sydney Teachers College, now part of the University of Sydney. Having completed my studies and tired of education, I started to drive buses for State Transit Sydney Buses from the Willoughby Depot in September 1987.

In 1995 I met Kylie Harris, a Registered Nurse, who moved into a house that my sister Naomi and I were renting in Northmead, Sydney. All of us were attending All Saints Anglican Church at Parramatta. Kylie and I become engaged in


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October 1996 while she was working on Palm Island Queensland. On the 26th July 1997 we were married at All Saints and had our Honeymoon in Central Australia. I finished 10 years service with State Transit at the end of September 1997 and moved to Manilla, near Tamworth, where Kylie was working in the local hospital.

On the 24th of February 1999, Hamish Edward Wyndham arrived and has been a lot of fun since. Our second Wedding Anniversary was spent packing the car (Subaru Forrester) and trailer, 2 dogs and Hamish for a move to Central Australia. Kylie had applied to become a Remote Area Nurse in Aboriginal Communities and was to commence on the 3rd of August. Our first community was Ti Tree, north of Alice Springs. After 9 months we moved to Nyirripi in the Tanami Desert, a 10 hour round trip for 2 litres of milk and a newspaper and only 2.5 hours of sealed road.

Michael & Hamish

On the 23rd September 2001, Sapphire Louise Wyndham arrived and we continued to travel to Aboriginal Communities, Docker River (230kms) west of Uluru and Yuendumu in the Tanami Desert.

At the beginning of 2003 we all settled in Alice Springs were Kylie worked for Maternal and Child Health and I went teaching.

On the 19th April, 2004, Lucynda Mae Wyndham arrived and so completed my family. At the end of June 2006 we moved to Maitland on the Yorke Peninsula, South Australia, before buying an old house on 1 acre at Weetulta (4 houses and a

church) just north of Maitland. I am still being a house dad to the children as I have done since Hamish was born, except for the teaching in Alice Springs.

On final note, whilst living in Central Australia, I had the opportunity to locate the grave of my grandfather's brother, Ernest Llandaff Wyndham at Tennant Creek. He is buried in an unmarked grave in the Roman Catholic section of Tennant Creek Cemetery2. Further investigation through NT Police Records indicated that he had died as a result of knife wounds in a fight. In 2004 Kylie went to Tennant Creek for work and discovered that there was an Aboriginal family with the Wyndham surname. The grandmother of the family was born in 1942. Something for someone else to investigate further, perhaps.

Cheers, Michael

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 1886 Dalwood Photos

Many members will have seen the book of photos John Wyndham of Dalwood produced in 1886. The DRA has at least 3 books in its possession, and quite a few photos appeared in Don Seton Wilkinson’s 1978 Sesqui-Centenary booklet. We are now investigating the re-production of these photos. Various possibilities are being investigated, ranging from a limited edition of a full reproduction of the book in the same format as the original, to a softcover A4 sized edition more suitable for sale to the general public. We will advise you as this idea progresses.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The ‘Aunts in The Close’ Don Seton Wilkinson has been busy with more family research. Family records often refer to the “Aunts in the Close”. This term refers to George Wyndham of Dalwood’s two spinster aunts. Note that the Charlotte mentioned below is not George’s sister that married John Edward Andrew Bayntun Starky of “Spye Park”.

The Dinton-Dalwood Letters record that Charlotte Wyndham purchased a house in 1828 located somewhere in The Close, adjacent to the Cathedral in Salisbury, Wiltshire. Its exact location did not appear to have been recorded in

2 See Newsletter 19 of Oct 1990 for a little more

information about Ernest.


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any family papers and no family member seemed to know which house it was or if it still existed.

However, a copy of the “Royal Commission on the Historical Monuments of England Salisbury The Houses of the Close”, published in 1993, found in the Public Library at Salisbury, provided the answer.

The house is at 19 The Close. It is a handsome red-brick, three storey house with terracotta tiles, situated at the North East corner of the large lawn area surrounding the Cathedral.

The nucleus of the house dates from about 1677 and is attributed to Sir Christopher Wren. It is believed that Gilbert Burnet, Bishop of Salisbury and confidant of the joint monarchs William and Mary, used the building as a theological college for ordinands. In 1710 William Hearst took a lease on it and members of the Hearst and Wyndham (The College) families lived in it until 1797. The lease was then sold to Nicholas Williams who sold it in 1799 to two Kneller sisters. Following their death Charlotte Wyndham bought it in 1828.

19 The Close, Salisbury, 2008 The tower on the right is the chapel added in 1860

An advertisement in the Salisbury Journal of 18th August, 1828 described it as having a “handsome entrance hall and two sitting rooms, dining and breakfast, with housekeeper’s room, butler’s pantry, storeroom and an excellent kitchen, with large cellars. The second floor contains a handsome drawing room and three best bedrooms, besides a smaller one for a servant and

seven rooms in the attic. Also a small tenement behind the mansion …[and] double coach-house and stables for 5 horses, with brewhouse and all convenient offices.”

19 The Close, Salisbury, interior The wide door opens into the hall with the

staircase. The stable building stood to the South East of the house and is marked on city plans from 1716 to 1860.

The Dinton-Dalwood Letters record that Charlotte and her sister, Henrietta, had quite a lot of work done to refurbish the house. The Royal Commission Report records that the changes made by Charlotte Wyndham included, “The Office, at this time probably the diningroom, [which] was entirely refitted, with a grey marble chimney piece, fluted ceiling frieze, and new chair rail and shutters.”

Following the deaths of Henrietta and Charlotte Wyndham, it again became a

theological training college in 1860, when it was acquired by the Church of England, and the architect William Butterfield was commissioned to build new accommodation together with a library and chapel. It was the Salisbury Theological College until 1972, when it became the Salisbury and Wells Theological College.

In 1996 it became Sarum College, an ecumenical training college with Anglican, Methodist, Roman Catholic and United Reformed churches


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represented on the Board of Trustees. Baptist, Quaker and Orthodox are among its Patrons, Fellows and Visiting Scholars.

It is interesting to note that another house, ‘Arundells’ at 59 The Close, was completely refurbished about 1745 by John Wyndham of Norrington (died 1750 and brother of Thomas, Lord Finglass). It had been the long time home of former British Prime Minister, Sir Edward Heath.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Windham/Wyndham DNA Project by Jim Windham

There are male Windhams in the United States with matching DNA markers to a male Wyndham who has a proven line of descent from the Wyndham/Windham Family of Felbrigg. Based on those matching DNA markers, Family Tree DNA places the probability at exceeding 99% that they shared a common ancestor in the 17th generation.

In the 17th generation that common ancestor was Sir Thomas Wyndham. Sir Thomas married first Eleanor Scrope and from this marriage the male Wyndham with a proven line of descent descends. The Wyndhams in Australia and Canada are also descended from this first marriage.

Sir Thomas married secondly Elizabeth Wentworth. It is from this second marriage that male Windhams in the United States are believed to have descended. Knowing who the common ancestor was in the 17th generation allows a researcher to either prove or disprove each following generation of male descendents. By doing so, it is possible to either rule in or out who or whom could have been the ancestor or ancestors of the male Windhams in the United States.

Through research both in the United States and in England the below line of descent has been proven. Multiple forms of proofs for each and every generation were used. These proofs included but were not limited to independently published and recognized research works, parish records, wills, estate records and Visitations from the Heralds of the College of Arms. Every proof is in the public domain and available to any researcher if they wish to prove the lines of descent themselves. Any researcher wishing to verify the lines of descent is requested to contact

Jim Windham in the United States. The email address is [email protected]. You will be provided with the exact records and sources needed to prove the lines of descent.

BEGINNING WITH THE 17TH GENERATION 17th Generation - Sir Thomas Wyndham and his second wife Elizabeth Wentworth. They had only one proven son Thomas.

16th Generation - Sir Thomas Wyndham and his wife Mary Everard. They had only one proven son Henry.

15th Generation - Sir Henry Windham and his wife Bridget Mancock. They had only one proven son Thomas.

14th Generation - Thomas Windham and his wife Susan Clere. They had five proven sons Thomas, Henry, Francis, Edmund, and Edward. Through research it has been proven that the only possible son who had a proven male descendent that could be the ancestor of the Windhams in the United States is Thomas.

13th Generation - Thomas Windham had proven sons Charles, Thomas and Robert.

Robert left the Church of England and joined the Society of Friends. Robert with his wife and their daughter migrated to New Jersey where he died without having a son in 1674.

Thomas died a bachelor.

12th Generation - Charles Windham and his wife Elizabeth Clarke had two proven sons Clere and Charles. Charles married Elizabeth Berney and had two proven daughters and no sons.

11th Generation - Clere Windham and his wife Catherine Wall had proven sons John, Charles and Robert.

10th Generation - Either Charles Windham or his brother Robert. In the will administration for Clere Windham in 1712, his wife Catherine and the male heir John granted guardianship of Charles and Robert to Charles Wood. At the time guardianship was granted, Charles was described “as a minor beyond the seas”. In 1716, when Charles Wood died, Charles Windham is still described “as a minor beyond the seas”. In 1734, in South Carolina is found a Charles Windham with proven sons Amos and Daniel. Believed sons are John and William.


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There are proven and believed male descendents of Amos, Daniel, John and William who have matching DNA markers to the male Wyndham with a proven descent from the Wyndham/Windham Family of Felbrigg. The DNA marker Y19 along with other markers is being used in an attempt to determine from whom each male Windham tested descended.

Editor’s Addendum: When Jim refers to a Wyndham with proven descent from the Felbrigg family whose DNA markers match the USA Windham family (South Carolina), he is referring to a descendant of George Wyndham of Dalwood’s brother. This descendant lives in the USA.

Family historians will know that our family’s descent from the 17th century judge Sir Wadham Wyndham has been characterised by very long periods between each generation, often closer to 40 years than the usual 25 –30. It is therefore no surprise that we find equivalent generations in Jim’s branch are about 70 years older than in our family, eg Jim is one generation beyond my grandchildren.

Some of our Australian family have now joined this project, and their results should add certainty to the strong evidence we already have.

However, a word of warning for anyone else joining this project – DNA testing can turn up unexpected results. The chance of an unreported adoption or infidelity is 2 to 5% per generation, so in cases like this where we are looking back 10 to 15 generations there is quite a chance of a break in your male blood-line. In periods when early death was much more common, a brother only had to adopt the infant son of his sister, and bring him up as his son, for a break to occur.

I believe Jim has found half-a-dozen or more unrelated Windham families in the USA.

PS: Jim phoned as I was about to start printing this. His mail has just delivered test results for a descendant of George of Dalwood, and a member of the “College” branch of the family. Their results both confirm the suspected relationship to the South Carolina family, and of course to the USA descendant of George’s brother.

A descendant of the 3rd Earl of Egremont is also being tested.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Next Newsletter

An article about Margaret Jay’s Grandfather, Alexander Livingston (1716-1783), who made a fortune in Rotterdam, lost it in Aberdeen but made another fortune in Rotterdam before again living comfortably in Aberdeen.

An article relating some of John Wyndham of Dalwood’s involvement in the early activities of The Agricultural Society of N.S.W.

DRA member Carolyn Killen has a gallery at Wapengo (near Bermagui), and has been invited to exhibit in New York in September. More details next newsletter, which will come out after the exhibition.

And please let me know of family births, marriages or deaths, or other significant family events.


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Family Group Sheet Date: Father

Birth Chr Death Burial Marriage Father Mother

Mother Birth Chr Death Burial Marriage Father Mother

Children 1

Birth Chr Death Burial Marriage

2 Birth Chr Death Burial Marriage







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