Hello Everyone,
I thought it would be useful for our Family Members to be aware of our wonderful and memorable visit to the Flowerdew Estate in August. Jack Cllr.Eddie Boden (Chair of Staffordshire County Council) and myself, took part in the Descendants of Flowerdew Gathering at Sir George Yeardley's Virginia Plantation.
It is first of all a beautifully unspoiled piece of America set in the river valley of the James River. It is virtually unchanged from the early days when the land was first settled. We were immediately intrigued by the abundant evidence of the of wildlife of every kind common to America. It was 'Last of the Mohicans' country with panoramic views stretching over vast areas of wilderness. Personally I am in 'heaven' in the wilds, and it was an unbelievable experience for us all.
In the middle of the property stands a huge mansion built by the present owners, the extremely well-heeled Harrison Family, who incidentally were very generous hosts. The staff just call it 'the big house', and it is huge and opulently furnished, rather like those movie set stuctures we used to see in films such as 'Gone With the Wind'----except that it is 'modern.'
Various other buildings are scattered around the landscape, including a museum which illustrates the story of Flowerdew from pre-history to the present day. The staff just love their work sifting all kinds of artifacts, listing categorising and storing even the most apparently insignificant item. I was amazed to discover just how extensive are the 'bits and pieces ' of history just waiting to be uncovered and brought back to life. If I had my time over, I believe I could really get into it.
The day of the 'gathering' was hot and sticky. Descendants poured onto the plantation, and soon we were all chatting away and exchanging geneaological tales. As you do!! It was fascinating to feel close to the same blood lines, which had founded not only Flowerdew, but also British North America. Looking back, it is easy to see this part of history as one of the most significant events of modern times. If Virginia had failed, and it very nearly did without the determination of people like 'our' George, the whole history of North America may have been very different----and so would the rest of the world. Easy to speculate I know, but certainly that was the feeling we experienced.
George did become the richest man in America, as well as its biggest landowner. He did, it became apparent, own several other tracts of land in Virginia, and he really could choose 'plum' sites. He had an eye for a view,especially views where the river bends.
In the Jamestown Church (Jamestown incidentally is an island) Sir George's tomb holds pride of place at the centre of the knave. Swarms of archaeologists are working constantly ,picking over every inch. Graves, bones, and items of every description are being unearthed on a daily basis. The day we visited the island a large metal key was discovered. It may well turn out to be the key to the original church.
2004 marks the Quadcentenary of the founding of British North America, and it will be a very 'big deal' indeed. We as a group will be able to take part with great pride in the celebrations. All kinds of events will be re-enacted, including part of the voyage of the three ships which made it first to Jamestown.
Again, on the day we were there a local lady dressed as Lady Temperance Flowerdew was holding forth to a churchfull of tourists telling them the exciting story of her life with George.
The plan next year is to have as many Eardleys as possible over to Virginia to participate in the Flowerdew Gathering---and down the road to share in the Quadcentenary Celebrations.
The nearest large city is Richmond. It is different from many of the 'flashy' modern US cities. It exudes an old world charm and many of the buildings predate the Civil War. As Capital of the South everything in Richmond, or so it seemed to me, reminds the visitor of that terrible conflict and memories of the 'Old South'. Statues of great Southern generals such as Robert E. Lee and Jebb Stuart line the main street and old slave markets are now up-market hotels and restaurants. The city cemetary is full of famous Southerners like Presidents Jefferson Davis and Monroe. It truly makes American History come alive. I loved Richmond for its atmosphere and feel for history. Not far away is Appomattox (hope i spelled it correctly) where the surrender was signed. We visited it on a very hot day. A small wooden building out in the 'sticks' seemed like a most unlikely spot to end a war.
We hope to post some pictures soon. In the meantime it is to be hoped that this account will be of interest.
Take care
Robert Francis Eardley
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