HOME OF OUR DELIGHT – The stories behind Mells Village War Memorial and the impact the war on community life

This September the ‘Home of our Delight’ exhibition at Rook Lane Chapel, Frome will explore the stories behind the Mells village war memorial and the impact of the war at home in Somerset, and launch a new ‘hidden history’ walk in Mells village following these stories on the ground.

“For the best part of the past year we’ve had the privilege of sifting through local and national archives and exploring how the First World War affected Mells village and the families who lost sons, brothers, fathers and uncles; from gamekeepers and colliery workers to the son of the then Prime Minister, Herbert Asquith,” explained Jo Plimmer, Project Coordinator and Sue Bucklow, Curator.

“We always knew the Asquith family records would be a rich source of information and we are indebted to Raymond Asquith, the present Earl of Oxford and Asquith, OBE, for generously granting us access to the archive for our research. We have also been delighted to discover other surprising records of life in Mells around the Great War, not least about photographer William Jones.

“Thanks to Coleford historian Keith Wadley we have several photographs taken by William, or Bill as he was known. A Coleford man, Bill was a photographer, amateur thespian, shop-keeper, author and entrepreneur. His photographs give us a fascinating glimpse of our local social history in the first half of the twentieth century.

“As well as his sombre images of the newly erected Mells village war memorial, Bill documented some of the local amateur dramatics on which he was so keen, including some of the performances and pageants which took place in Mells before and after the First World War.

“Searching through the Royal Institute of British Architects archive, we discovered an unexpected link between these light hearted theatricals and the Lutyens designed war memorial. In a letter dated August 1919, written on a return journey from Mells, Sir Edwin Lutyens describes how he had to avoid the Shakespeare play in the vicarage garden as it ‘would have ‘burst me with suppressed giggles’. As well as being an indication of the world renowned architect’s sense of humour…it’s also a reminder that despite the long shadow cast over the village by the 1914-18 war, some elements of normal life did resume in the aftermath.

“Maybe there are more of Bill’s photographs hidden in Frome attics. Perhaps you have diaries, letters or other photographs you could share with us. We’d love to hear from you if you have any information or objects relating to the names on the Mells war memorial or the family and friends these men left behind.

“This is an ambitious project and we’d also like to hear from anybody who would like to volunteer to help with research or indeed as a steward or helper with one of our many planned activities. Contact us at: projects@rooklanearts.org.uk ”

‘Home of our Delight’ is a Rook Lane Arts Trust community project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. www.homeofourdelight.org.uk