Lamorna first became interested in the history of Thellusson Lodge, Church Walk, Aldeburgh when she and her husband moved into the house in 1996. She read that in 1789 the 1st Marquis of Salisbury had lived there. Over the next five years Lamorna visited the archives at Hatfield House, much encouraged by the archivist there as she was the first person to research this part of the Marquis’ life.  She continued her research of Thellusson Lodge families up to 1901.

The characters Lamorna introduced us to included royalty, aristocrats, dandies, fops, mistresses and political hostesses. She talked about their ways of life in high office, involvement in legal inheritance battles, their support of the local community, their births, marriages and deaths.  We heard about several notable families and their offspring, namely the 1st Marquis of Salisbury and his wife, Isabella Strode, Sir George and Lady Wombwell, George “poodle’ Wombwell, Arthur Thellusson, and Henrieta Vernon Wentworth.

Lamorna’s historical sources gave us fascinating detail. The local tavern receipts, estate agents’ sales and contents particulars, letters, newspaper articles, portraits, Gillray cartoons, and census information brought the characters and history of Thellusson Lodge to life. They also gave us an insight into the development of Aldeburgh as we know it today.

Lamorna’s talk was well attended – we all look forward to the next instalment when Lamorna has undertaken the next phase of her research.  (Summary: Sally Simmonds)