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Brentfordian, George Percy, one of original settlers in Virginia

On Channel4 TV at 9pm tonight is “Jamestown: America’s Birthplace”.This year is the 400th year anniversary of the first English settlers in Virginia, USA.  Brentfordian, George Percy, from Syon House, settled in Virginia and was Governor of Virginia 1609-1610.http://www.virtualjamestown.org/pic24a.htmlThe 9th Earl’s youngest brother George Percy, was one of the original settlers who sailed to Viginia and founded Jamestown in 1607.  George played a significant role during the early years of the settlement, acting as governor for a short period, when much hardship was experienced.  He returned to England in 1612.  There is a wealth of information on: http://www.virtualjamestown.org/page2.htmlAlso at Syon House:May 2007 - Bank Holiday Monday 7th"Jamestown 400" - Sponsored by the Virginia Tourism Corporation - Special Event & Exhibition on George Percy. Demonstrations & re-enactments of early 17th century life together with talks about the settlement of Jamestown, to commemorate the 400th anniversary. The exhibition will continue until October 28th.

Duncan Walker ● 6607d13 Comments

One problem with publicity was the fact the the Estate manager left in March and they haven't yet replaced him, just split the job up. It may have been that publicity slipped through someones fingers. People on Brentford Dock did get a flyer though.

Neil Chippendale ● 6596d

There were five or six main stalls at this event..and the dressed up participants were often speaking as if they were back-in-time.One chap had his medical kits laid out..and in another section the knitting and clothing craftspeople displayed their materials and tools!--------------------------------------------------------This charming lady (didn't swear by the way!)..engaged us in a commentery of how the food rations were managed and prepared. No egg,bacon and fried slice from what I could see!  But she relayed her message very nicely..and was on the ball!------------------------------------------------------These young lads were obviously following in their parents and grandparents' interest in these outdoor events!------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------And the chance to walk around Syon House..ACROSS THAT LAWN!!and around the gardens was a maiden memorable occasion.Amazing to think that one was still in Brentford TW8!

Jim Lawes ● 6596d

Jim Lawes ● 6596d

I missed this event too and would have loved to have gone. It is a shame more wasn't done to make people aware it was taking place.

Mike Hardacre ● 6598d

Agreed Patricia, the special event on Bank Holiday Monday didn't seem to be heavily advertised even in Syon Park..around the car park.. on the day!  Duncan (and Neil?) on this Forum was my tip-off.Syon Park leaflets mention the event..as does the HM magazine (Hounslow Matters) although the latter didn't highlight the action yesterday.The brentfordtw8 website calendar missed it..but I know it's not an easy job to keep track of these things.-------------------------------------------------------The Syon Park gardens are open daily from 10.30am till 5pmand as Duncan said they are another treat for us locals...right on our doorstep.---------------------------------------------------------"This way!"  Duncan mentioned the wild ducks..they saw the camera and flew into my path!---------------------------------------------------------Meanwhile my friend Gladys (my Mum's name too!)..was fending off allcomers!---------------------------------------------------------A very pleasant participant...--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------I missed the main action..but enjoyed visiting the various stalls and chatting to the participants.  I believe there was another costume event during the weekend at Osterley Park. Spoilt for choice aren't we?

Jim Lawes ● 6600d

Sorry to have missed it.  But apart from the banner you showed was it advertised anywhere else ?

Pat Kingham ● 6600d

Superb photos Jim. No, the gentleman wasn't me, but I do like his hat. The Adam's ceilings in the house are beautiful, and we are also lucky to have his work at Osterley Park House as well.I love the Syon Park garden around the lake, it is a hidden gem, so quiet, with benches dotted around the lake for quiet reflection, whilst watching the colony of terrapins and wild ducks. The trees are striking, my favourite is a 'Bald Cypress' (Taxodium distichum), which is a tall slender tree with an elegant 'S' shape.

Duncan Walker ● 6600d

Thanks Jim for the photos, just wish I was in Brentford to see the event, 14,000 miles away. I helped set up the event when I was over last year and then spent time emailing Richard Palethorpe at Syon for the next few months. It's a real shame that local people don't seem to go to Syon events.In October is a talk on the Battle of Brentford, 1642. Mark it in your diary.I used to be a member of the Sealed Knot with Dennis Ward many years ago. It was good to see him again, even a photo.

Neil Chippendale ● 6600d

It's a shame it rained most of the morning and early afternnonwhich dampened the attendance at this (11am to 5pm) event...but there was much to learn,admire and enjoyAs Duncan,Ann and Neil have indicated the exhibition goes on till October 28th, and that will give visitors a chance to visit the stunning interior of Syon House too I presume!!I'm grateful to Duncan to drawing our attention  to this 400th anniversary..and the fact that local man George Percy was so much involved with the settlers' arrival and survival on the USA shore.  Skilled individuals with challenges ahead!The Syon Park car park was as packed as I've ever seen it at 3pm today..but only a few ..say 20% ..were destined for the House and beyond. ---------------------------------------------------------Many were fishing at the lake!!, others were in the Butterfly House, many were in the Garden Centre, Woollen Products centre or cafe and  others maybe touring the House and back garden.It was an exciting prospect to enter Syon House for the first time..and to see the meadows beyond! This whole venue is quite exceptional in my opinion and there are superb views and sightings to be seen.As one entered that front lawn area in front of the House,costumed paricipants came into view..and they explained their crafts and domestic activities of 400 years ago.--------------------------------------------------------The folk around were members of the Tudor Society, or the Essex Militia Society etc etc , others came from Bedford and one person apparently from Staffordshire....all to display their costumes, and to explain how people survived in those days. Several Brentfordians were spotted..but not many!!------------------------------------------------------- We saw their traps for catching birds!, implements for doing carpentery, basketing making, cookery sysems and so on.I risked injury getting some pictures!!---------------------------------------------------------The lady must have been over 70yrs!..and still a great shot. I didn't argue!  She was preparing to arrow her next meal I suppose!----------------------------------------------------------Was this Duncan, I wondered, not having met him yet?No, it was Dennis Ward of the Essex Militia!www.the essexmilitia.co.ukWell done Neil by the way!  More pictures in the pipeline.Were you able to attend today?---------------------------------------------------------

Jim Lawes ● 6601d

Get down to Syon and see the re=enactment etc and read all about Pocahontas and her links to Brentford.I'd be interested in what people think about the weekend and exhibition as I helped arrange it.

Neil Chippendale ● 6602d

Thanks for enlightening many of us Duncan...about that historical adventure to colonise America!The event starts on Monday..this weekend:From the Syon House website.May 2007 - Bank Holiday Monday 7th"Jamestown 400" - Sponsored by the Virginia Tourism Corporation - Special Event & Exhibition on George Percy one of the original settlers who sailed to Virginia in 1607 and later became a Governor. Demonstrations & re-enactments of early 17th century life together with talks about the settlement of Jamestown, to commemorate the 400th anniversary. THE EXHIBITION WILL CONTINUE UNTIL OCTOBER 28TH""---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------pictures taken early this evening.

Jim Lawes ● 6602d

Yes Ann, I thought so as well. It fascinated me how the programme brought to life individual settlers, traced from the aretefacts and it showed just how practical the venture was. It was indeed a business venture and people were selected for their skills. How amazing that this was the first British colony anywhere, which began a formula for colonisation for business, then military force to defend that trade, eventually to form the vast British Empire. I suppose today's multinational companies carry on that tradition with helping hands from their governments!The Queen has just arrived in the US today to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first permanent English settlement at Jamestown, Virginia - although many Americans will still tell you it was in Plymouth, Massachusetts - 13 years later. See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/6616037.stm

Duncan Walker ● 6605d

Duncan,The programme was fascinating, especially the square well possibly built by miners.

Ann S. Allridge ● 6606d