Monday, 24 January 2011

History

1851 Census Record Moor Park Beckwithshaw


1858 Map of land where Horticap is now situated
I have found it difficult to find out what "Bluecoat" refers to in the title of Horticap but looking at the history of the land where Horticap is now it came to my attention that in the mid 1800's James Bray took over Moor Park Estate in Beckwithshaw the area Horticap is situated. He took the estate on in hope of improving the surrounding countryside by planting copses to encourage game. 
The map of 1858 shows a wood on the land where Horticap is now and maps that I have seen of 1913 still show that the wood existed in the beginning of the 20th century.




                                                                                       
 The above are extracts from the Oxford Dictionary of Place Names. I Researched the name Beckwithshaw
"Beck" refers to a brook, stream, water and "Shaw" refers to copse, group of small trees or a wood. These  meanings fit well with the development of my work. They generate thoughts of materials and what will be used to make the sculpture. Could wood and water be used together? 
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1 comment:

  1. John Tilly27 December 2011 at 07:53

    I am an independent videographer based in South Africa and am currently doing research on the son of James Bray (referred to above), Edwin Bray.

    Edwin Bray left England to prospect in South Africa and discovered the richest gold reef in the Barberton region of the old Transvaal. He was the founder of the Sheba Reef Gold Mine which is still in operation to this day.

    If anyone can assist with photos and/or sketches of James Bray and/or his family (his once Moor Park Estate property ) in particular that of Edwin Bray it will be most appreciated.

    Thanking you
    John Tilly

    johntilly@jonara.co.za

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