Richard Gough (1) (1635–1723)

A history of the Parish of Myddle, written in 1701 by one of its parishioners. And what an interesting choice of structure! He used the seating plan of the church and pews to record the history of each family in turn. A delightful book by that peculiarly English form of author, the amateur historian and antiquarian. And thank goodness for them!

Myddle is a village in the English county of Shropshire, north of Shrewsbury, and not far from the border with Wales. At the beginning of the 18th century Richard Gough recorded the village families, working from the box pew they were entitled to occupy in the parish church; in some cases Gough can trace family generations back to the Tudor period a couple of centuries earlier. Whilst Myddle is a pretty remote rural economy, the impact of events beyond its bounds is vividly depicted, show more particularly the strife and bloodshed of the English Civil War. Quite a number of villagers seek their fortunes in London, and Wales provides a useful escape for some. Gough gives a clear idea of whether individuals thrived or failed, failure often attributed to excessive alcohol. Many people are recorded as servants, including for a period the author himself, suggesting that some sorts of service were temporary and provided experience and skills of value. There is a tantalising reference to Ellinor Mansell, for many years a servant, who "was very useful and indeed famous for her skill in surgery." show less

GB/UK/ENGL/England, Shropshire, Middle - History/England, Shropshire - Social life and customs