Note on Ticmore End

This note is made by a descendant

ALTHOUGH my brothers and sisters are so familiar with this endeared abode as to render a description of the engraving unnecessary it may prove interesting to their descendants and with the former revive emotions which will find appropriate expression in the lines of Cowper

I seem to have liv'd my childhood o er again

To have renewed the joys that once were mine

On approaching the front door mantled with jasmine and roses the window on the right lighted the Parlour that on the left the Kitchen. Immediately over the former was the Study adjoining it, in front a Bedroom and over the Kitchen the Best Chamber (regarded as sacred by many who there received the counsels of their dying Pastor). That occupied by my venerated ancestors was directly behind it the house extending considerably in this direction and resembling in form the letter L. The Attic was divided into two rooms. The Garden, that lovely spot whose flowers seemed more fragrant and fruits more delicious than all others was a large square plot walled round and quartered by two broad grass walks intersecting each other at its centre. The lofty elm and sombre firs like landmarks were distinguishable far distant while its yew tree bowers and shady filbert walks recall associations the most tender and affecting. Truly no stately edifice could be more prized by its possessor than was this lowly abode by my ancestors nor could the expiring poet bid farewell to earth without one fond allusion (from The Dying Christian bidding adieu to the World by Mr Frandis See Rippon Comprehensive edition p 553).

My loved habitation and garden adieu

No longer my footsteps ye greet

The house was erected in 1762 under the direction of the Rev B Francis and rendered permanently the property of the Church. It is situated on high ground but not sufficiently on the brow of the hill to command the picturesque scenery surrounding it. Ticmore end is in the parish of Horsley about three quarters of a mile from the village and midway between it and Shortwood.