Helena Pare Lydia Mott
Today I bring you a total mystery. In vain I have searched for information about the poet Helena Pare Lydia Mott, who lived at 115 Maze Hill. There is a glorious 1951 plaque to her, in flowing rococo-style, with what I can only assume is a verse of hers engraved into it.
The summer's breath is spent upon the hills
Behold, remember and rejoice
She seems to say
I give you colour
That the colour of your winter
May be eased
Until I come again.
And, er, that's it. I have consulted books, googled her to infinity, asked anyone I know who might have a clue - and drawn a complete blank.
I find it remarkable that such a splendid house, with such a grand plaque has absolutely no reference to it - or the person to whom it relates - anywhere that I can find. This is only just over 50 years ago. Is someone so important that she warranted a memorial in 1951 so easily forgotten?
Does anyone out there in Greenwich Cyberville know anything about her? In the meanwhile I will continue to delve and update you if I find anything.I guess Greenwich without mystery would be a dull place indeed.
BTW I will be coming to No. 111 Maze Hill and its more famous but un-plaqued resident very soon...
Labels: Greenwich People, Secret Greenwich, Weird Greenwich
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:44
28 Comments:
Oh, please knock on the door and ask the owners. I have spent all afternoon trying various combinations and am all googled out! Perhaps it is a poem that she loved and her husband had the plaque made after she died.
I've tried googling the poem too. Absolutely zilch.
Me too, also googled the address and have found a fascinating site Greenwich/British History On Line. Pages of local historical info, I was particluarly interested to read about the Battle of Blackheath in the 11th century with the Danes! Just up your street. Nothing on this particular conundrum though.
Have you tried the Local History Museum? They are (or used to...when I still lived in Blackheath) in Mycaenea Road (sorry if the spelling is wrong). I was actually very curious about the house I used to live in - even though no-one special or of importance had lived there, and a very friendly lady there helped me and actually found stuff on my house. Maybe they can help you with this as well?
Good luck & keep us informed if you find anything?
Thanks for the link Marilyn - I'll take a peek!
Erica, yes the museum has moved - it's now called The Greenwich Heritage Centre and is based in Arsenal. I will be going there as my next stage, hopefully - unless someone beats me to it!
I think there are various poetry umbrella organisations out there - they may know. The Poetry Society maybe?
Good idea. I'll try emailing them.
I am getting obsessed by this. Could it be two ladies - Helena Pare & Lydia Mott. Lydia Mott I now know (another afternoon with Google)was an American feminist, Quaker and abolitionist and wrote amongst other things "Pensive recollections of a darling child" Did she write poetry? did the lovely Helena admire her? More questions and no answers!
Marilyn - you could have a point - it's a very odd name. I have emailed the Poetry Society as Alan suggested. Maybe they can come up with something.
Would it be a bad idea to ask the people that live there now? They may know something!!
Go on...be bold!!
Good luck! Erica
So that I can sleep tonight have asked a friend (who thinks that Helena and Lydia might have been sisters) to e-mail a friend who lives a couple of doors away, we might just get an answer here.
Great, Marilyn!!
Keep us informed if you find out anything?
Thanks Marilyn. I was going to pop a note through their door (I'm a polite sort of phantom and I stop short of doorstepping innocent people...) but I'll hold fire until you come back to me. Fantastic. A mystery could be solved...
I've had a reply from the Poetry Society - nothing yet. They've suggested I contact the Poetry Library. Watch this space...
Ooooh this is getting quite exciting isn't it!
We've become amateur inspectors!
Tee hee. Yes...
Update, folks. The lovely people at the Heritage Centre have two books of her poetry - but nothing on her life. So at least we know that she is one person...
The search continues.
I think I have just about cracked it. Helena Pare Lydia Mott was a poet, her daughters Helena and Ursula lived in the house after Helena died in 1951 hence the poem and the date. The daughters both died about 10 years ago. I have tracked down a good friend of theirs who has a number of Helena`s books and by coincidence we will both be at the same drinks party in Maze Hill on Sunday. Will update any interested parties on Monday. Phew!!
Fantastic work, Marilyn! I look forward to the outcome of your drinks party...
Thank you!!
This is great! Thank you for the updates.
And Marilyn, have a wonderful drinks party - also I am sure I can speak on behalf of all of us when I say that we are all looking forward to the next update!
Great drinks party yesterday and have the following to report.
Joseph and Helena Mott bought the house in 1941 (how do people remember exact dates like that?) Helena as we know was a poet and Joseph was the Art Director of Royal Doulton. The two daughters, who never married were Ursula, who worked for UNESCO and Helena, who was an actress. When Joseph died Helena gave up the stage to look after her mother. After Helena (senior) died in 1951 Ursula moved in with Helena and the "Miss Motts" lived together until they both passed away about 10 years ago. They made no changes to the house, original cooker with polished brass knobs. Apparently the house was full of wonderful antiques, china and a truly beautiful dolls house. Thats my lot, I can now sleep peacefully.
Marilyn, that is wonderful! Thanks for keeping us updated.
Are you considering a new carreer now (i.e. detective!)
Thanks again, Erica
That's fantastic, Marilyn! You have succeeded where many failed. Wonderful piece of detective work!
I have found out the following about the elusive Helena:
Helena P L Turner born 1873
Parents:
Felix P Turner and Helena Turner
In 1881 living 31 Victoria Terrace, Kingston upon Thames
Felix is a watchmaker/finisher
In 1891 still at same address, Helena is 18 – no occupation
Helena Pare L Turner married Joseph Henry Mott 1897 Jul-Aug-Sep Kingston Middlesex, Surrey
In 1901 they are living Teddington, Middlesex
Joseph’s occupation is Manager of art pottery.
This was all from various censuses and birth/marriage/death info.
However this does not solve the problem as to why she warrants a plaque
I can't find out where and what Joseph was doing in 1891.
She died as you know 1951 (Jan-Feb-Mar) Greenwich
Anne
Sorry, just read all the comments and see she was a poet.
Wow - excellent sleuthery! Thanks!!!
http://www.shadyoldlady.com/location.php?loc=1208
this might help ;)
Thanks Jaize
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