John Richard Lambert Walmisley
| Born: 6th April 1818 | Died: 9th Dec 1890 | Married: Augustine Girault | Mother: Anna Maria Lambert | Father: John Angus Walmisley | Descendant: Augustine Walmisley |
| Census | 1841 | 1851 | 1861 | 1871 | 1881 | 1891 | 1901 | 1911 | 1921 |
John Walmisley was the son of John Angus Walmisley and Anna Maria Lambert and the father of Augustine Walmisley. He was a Solicitor.
John Walmisley has his own wikipedia page
Birth
John Richard Lambert Walmisley was the son of John Angus Walmisley and Anna Maria Lambert, and he was born on the 6th April 1818, and Christened on the 9th June 1818 at the church of St Margaret, Westminster. At the time his parents were living at Great Queen Street, Westminster, Middlesex.
He was admitted to Westminster School in 3rd July 1827
In 1833, on the 30th March, when he was 15 years old and living at 12 North street, he was bound to the clerk of Walter Prideaux (Attorney of Her Majesty's Courts of Queens Bench and Common Pleas at Westminster, and of Goldsmith's Hall) to see him in the profession of an attorney at law, and solicitor in chancery for the term of five years (the articles of clerkship written on the 2nd April 1833 survive). This was agreed to by his father John Angus Walmisley, who paid a stamp duty of £120.
On the 27th November 1839 he was sworn, admitted, and enrolled as an Attorney of her Majesty's Court of Queen's Bench at Westminster.
On the night of 6 June 1841 John was still living with his parents in North Street, St John The Evangelist, Westminster. He was 22 years old, and a solicitor. It is two months before his wedding.
First Marriage
In 1841 John Richard Lambert Walmisley married Maria Augustine Graff (nee Girault), at St Paul, Covent Garden, London (in the registration district of Strand, Middlesex, London). She was a widow with children.
| 1841. Marriage solemnized at Parish Church in the Parish of St Paul Covent Garden in the County of Middlesex | |||||||
| When Married. | Name and Surname. | Age | Condition. | Rank or Profession | Residence at the Time of Marriage | Father's Name and Surname | Rank or Profession of Father |
| August 15 | John Richard Lambert Walmisley | both of full age | Bachelor | Gentleman | Tavistock Row | John Angus Walmisley | Gentleman |
| Maria Augustine Graff | Widow | Tavistock Row | Auguste Nicolas Girault | Gentleman | |||
| Married in the Parish Church according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Established Church by Banns by me Charles Wesley D.D. | |||||||
| This marriage was solemnized between us | John R.L. Walmisley | In the Presence of us | Alexis Simonin | ||||
| Augustine Graff | John James | ||||||
Coincidentally, the parish registers list a Maria Graffe marrying a John Lambert on the 6th February 1842, at Saint Botolph Bishopsgate, London, London, England, however, closer inspection shows that this is definitely not our couple as the father is a George Graff.
The 1845 Post Office directory for London and Birmingham listed him as: Walmisley John Richard Lambert, sol. 12 North St. Westminster, his father had a separate entry in the same directory.
"In the early 19th century Preston House was built on Preston Hill, followed by more cottages. The brooks was crossed by both a ford and a footbridge. Preston house was leased to professional men during the 19th century, including a surgeon, a cigar importer and a solicitor. Around 1880 it was acquired by George Timms who created Preston Tea Gardens."
"New housing and blocks of flats were built in Preston around 1960, replacing all of Preston's old buildings. Lyon's farm, Hillside Farmhouse, and Preston House were replaced by council estates." "Preston house was demolished in 1962-3"
On February 11th, 1850 he was promoted: "To be Officers in the Artillery Company of London;- To be Lieutenants, with the following seniority: ... John Richard Lambert Walmisley, gent. ... " (The Gentleman's Magazine).
Children
John Charles Girault Walmisley could possibly be the son of Charles Louis Auguste Graff as John was born in September, and her first husband Charles was recorded entering the country in May, four months before John was born. The birth certificate says that John Walmisley was the father, and the mother was Marie Walmisley, however they did not marry until August the following year (1841).
| Child's Name | D.O.B. | P.O.B. | Birth Certificate |
| John Charles Girault Walmisley | 13 Sep 1840 | Westminster, Middlesex |  |
| John George Charles Walmisley | ~1842 | Westminster, Middlesex | John George Charles Lambert Walmislet Died Oct-Nov-Dec 1862 Chelsea vol. 1a p.139 |
| Maria Augustine Walmisley | Q2 1843 | Westminster St Margaret, Middlesex | |
| Augustine Anna Maria Walmisley | ~1844 | Westminster, Middlesex | |
| Philip Walter Girault Walmisley | ~1846 | Westminster, Middlesex | died 1881 |
| John Walmisley | ~1848-50 | m.16 Oct 1887 May Thursa Sullivan. |
He also had three step-children from his wife's first marriage:
| Child's Name | D.O.B. | P.O.B. | Birth Certificate |
| Gabrielle Augustine Graff (Girault/Walmisley) | ~1833 | France | |
| Charles Antoine Graff | 9 Dec 1836 | ||
| Emma Graff (Girault/Walmisley) | ~1839 | France |
They had a daughter called Augustine Anna Maria Walmisley.
In 1851 John and Augustine are living together with 5 children (and 2 servants) at No. 4, The Grange, Brompton, Kensington, in Middlesex.
In 1856 the post office directory lists his offices (under Irish Law Agents and commissioners) as 23 Parliament Street, London, and his home address as 5 Victoria Street, Westminster Abbey, SW.
Divorce
In November 1857 John leaves Augustine, and goes to live with Anne Howell, staying at 133 Stanley Street Pimlico, and other places. This explains why John never appeared in the census with Augustine after 1851.
On the 25th February 1859 Augustine files for divorce from John citing abandonment, and adultery. In the document she talks about having had two sons, and a daughter with him, all alive, and ages 17, 15, and 12 (which would put their dates of birth around 1842, 1844, and 1847 which roughly matches the three youngest children living with them for the 1851 census - John George Charles Walmisley, Augustine Anna Walmisley and Philip Walter Walmisley)
On the 7th May 1862 John Rd. Lambert Walmisley joined the Dalhousie Lodge of the freemasons in Hounslow (passing June 5th, Raising July 3rd). His address is given as 5 Victoria Street, West (maybe Westminster), Parliamentary Agent. He gets a certificate on the 17th June 1863.
Looking at the census in 1861, there isn't a John Walmisley in residence at 5 Victoria street on that day. Nor an Anne Howell.
In 1865 he is registered to vote at 5 Victoria Street, St Margaret, Westminster, where he holds apartments.
In 1871 John RL is living at Preston House, Preston, Harrow, Middlesex. With him are his two sons John (21) and Richard (15). He and his eldest son are both solicitors. This is especially interesting as Richard was not one of his sons with Augustine, based on his age he would have been born around 1856, just before John left Augustine. And we know from the divorce petition in 1859 that Augustine had no sons around this time. Potentially this is a son with Anne Howell.
In the Newspapers
The London Daily News of 13th November 1852
"Whitehall, November 12. - The Queen has been pleased to appoint John Richard Lambert Walmisley, Esq., to be captain, in the Artillery Company of London."
From the London Gazette of May 30, 1854: "Whitehall, May 27, 1854.
The Queen has been pleased to place the under-mentioned Officers of the Artillery Company of London , on the Retired List, viz: ... Captain John Richard Lambert Walmisley. ... "
On Monday, 21st May, 1855 John R.L. Walmisley, Esq. was elected a Fellow of the Statistical Society.
From "The Jurist" London, June 14, 1862
"COMMISSIONERS TO ADMINISTER OATHS IN CHANCERY.- The Lord Chancellor has appointed the following gentlemen to be Commissioners to administer oaths in the High Court of Chancery:- In London - Edward Hobart Barice, of No.52, Old Broad-Street, City; and John Richard Lambert Walmisley, of No. 5, Victoria-Street, Westminster Abbey."
From "THE EDINBURGH GAZETTE" on May 12, 1863
The following Appointment is substituted for that which appeared in the Gazette of the 28th ultimo.
Commissions signed by Her Majesty's Commisioners of Lieutenancy for the City of London.
1st London Artillery Volunteer Corps
John Richard Lambert Walmisley, Esq., late Captain in the Honourable Artillery Company, to be Captain. Dated 15th April, 1863.
MEMORANDUM
Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of Captain Walmisley bearing the title of Captain-Commandant of the 1st London Artillery Volunteer Corps.
From the "United Service Magazine" No. 426, May 1864:
"THE VOLUNTEER GAZETTE. War Office, Pall Mall, March 22. 4th Administrative Battalion of Staffordshire Rifle Volunteers - ... 1st London Artillery Volunteer Corps - Capt.-Comt. John Richard Lambert Walmisley, late Capt. Hon. Artillery Company, to be maj.comt. ... "
THE LONDON GAZETTE on August 29, 1865
Re James Josiah Hardey, a Bankrupt.
NOTICE is hearby given, that the Partnership heretofore subsisting between John Angus Walmisley, Esquire, late of No 5, Victoria-street, Westminster Abbey, deceased, John Richard Lamber Walmisley, and James Josiah Hardey (the bankrupt), acting as Parliamentary Agents, at No. 5, Victoria-street aforesaid, under the style or firm of Walmisley, Son, and Hardey, has ceased and determined by the bankruptcy of the said James Josiah Hardey, in pursuance with the provisions of the deed of partnership between the said parties, bearing date the 2nd day of April, 1860.- Dated this 28th day of August, 1865,
John R. L. Walmisley
THE LONDON GAZETTE on 14th Febuary, 1868
Whitehall, January 6, 1868.
The Right Honourable Sir William Bovill, Knt., Lord Chief Justice of Her Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, at Westminster, has appointed John Richard Lambert Walmisley, of Victoria-street, Westminster, in the county of Middlesex, Gentleman, to be one of the Perpetual Commissioners for taking the acknowledgements of deeds to be executed by-
married women, under the Act passed for the abolition of fines and recoveries, and for the substitution of more simple modes of assurance, in and for the county of Middlesex, also in and for the city and liberties of Westminster, and the city of London.
THE LONDON GAZETTE on December 1, 1874
1st London Artillery Volunteer Corps. Lieutenant-Colonel John R.L. Walmisley resigns his Commission. Dated 2nd December, 1874.
Second Marriage
John married Alice Elizabeth Workman in 1883 in Kensington, Middlesex. The witnesses were a John Walmisley, and a Lydia Dorothy Richardson. It is likely he was divorced from Maria Augustine in 1859, but also there is a possibility she died in 1882.
John is living at 129 Cornwall Road.
On 17th October 1887 they both attended the wedding of his son John Walmisley - the witnesses were a John Richard Lambert Walmisley (father, solicitor) and a Alice Elizabeth Walmisley.
Death
He died on the 9th December 1890 at 15 Kemerton Road, East Brixton at the age of 74. He was a retired solicitor. He died of a disease of the Aortic and Mitral valves, epilepsy, 6 years, coma 24 hours.
Obituary of John Richard Lambert Walmisley:
Death of the Vestry Clerk of St. John’s, Westminster.
A genial presence, familiar more closely to the last generation, has just passed from our midst, in the person of Mr. John R. L. Walmisley S.S.C., who for upwards of 45 years, was vestry clerk of the ecclesiastical Parish Church of St. John the Evangelist, Westminster. His death was announced on the 17th inst. After passing through a distinguished career at Westminster School, the deceased gentleman took articles and was in due course admitted a solicitor, which profession he followed at the time of his death. As a professional man, as a Freemason, as a volunteer, as a official and as a personal friend, he always showed himself to be thoroughly earnest and good at heart and willing to render any benevolent service to the utmost of his power. In his physical prime he was amateur champion sculler of the river Thames for two years: he also, for upwards of 16 years, by his loyal activity and zeal, contributed to the success of the London and Westminster Corps and to the 1st London Artillery Brigade, of which he was Colonel for many years. In addition, he was secretary of the St. John’s Division of the Queen’s Westminsters for a lengthy period. His official position in the Parish for the last 30 years had gradually become less important owing to the changes effected by recent legislation. He was nevertheless very generally respected and his loss will be deplored by a wide circle.
Military Service
A Walmisley Challenge medal was sold for £120 in 2007. The description was:
"Walmisley Challenge Medal, obv. flaming grenade with crown above, engraved, ‘1st London Artillery Brigade’, rev. engraved within a wreath of oak, ‘Walmisley Challenge Medal - Carbine Practice’ (Sergt. Graham 1864 won by Corpl. Worrall 1865, 1866 & 1867), 38mm., silver, ring suspension, silver buckle on ribbon, in wooden glass-fronted case with ivorine labels, ‘Presented by Lt-Col. H. W. Morrieson to the 90th (1st City of London) Brigade R.A.’, minor edge bruising, good very fine £50-70 Footnote
Lieutenant-Colonel John R. Lambert Walmisley commanded the 1st City of London Artillery Volunteers in 1864. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Walter Morrieson was born on 11 September 1857, and after tours in India and South Africa, retired on 7 October 1905. The Walmisley Medal was presented to Worrall by Morrieson, who had won it three years running."
Rowing
John Walmisley rowed for the Thames Club
The Grand Challenge Cup is a rowing competition for men's eights. It is the oldest and best-known event at the annual Henley Royal Regatta on the River Thames at Henley-on-Thames in England.
In 1846 John Walmisley won this cup with the following crew from the Thames Club, London:
| F. W. Blake | W. Field | E. G. Peacock | E. Webb | J. S. Robinson | F Playford | L D. Strutton | J. R.L Walmisley (stroke) | G. Walmisley (cox) |
In 1847, and again in 1848 he won the Wingfield Sculls - this is a side-by-side single (individual) sculling race on the Tideway course in London for a pair of silver sculls presented by Mr Henry C. Wingfield 'to be held by the best, forever'. Having said that, some say that he only won in 1848 because in 1847 he fouled so badly that no-one would challenge him the following year, and he won by a row over. in 1849 the competitors were Mr Playford (from the Thames Club) and Mr bone (from the North), as "Mr John Walmisley, the holder of the two past seasons, resigned the proud symbols of aquatic superiority."
First lets hear about the first race in 1847, from the John Bull paper 7th August 1847:
Aquatics Championship of the Thames. - The contest for the silver sculls, the symbol of championship amongst gentlemen amateurs, came off on Tuesday evening. This distance was, as usual, from Westminster-bridge to Putney, and the match, as heretofore, created the most lively interest, Mr. Walmisley being the favourite, but a severe race being anticipated. Mr. J. Walmisley (Thames Club) .. .. .. 1 Mr. Murray (Thetis) .. .. .. .. 2 Mr. Harrington (Thetis)
A beautiful start was effected, and they were all scull and scull; but immediately afterwards Mr. Harrington, who had the inside station, drew slightly ahead of mr. Walmisley, who had No. 2, Mr. Murray, who had not got away at the same severe pace, making strong efforts to mend his condition. A little before the Horseferry Mr. Harrington was crossed by Mr. Walmisley, whose two accompanying boats materially assisted him, to the disadvantage of his neighbour. Mr. Harrington ineffectually endeavoured to pass Mr. Walmisley up to Milbank Prison, where, fouling his scull on the hard, he lost it; and to save his boat turning over with him, he jumped into the water, and was fortunately immediately extricated, but of course was thrown out of the race. Murray before this had come up considerably towards Mr. Walmisley. when the same proceeding on the part of the accompanying eight was adopted, considerably to his advantage, compelling the umpire several times to declare that unless fairer conduct were shown, he should have to disqualify the leading man. After this Mr. Walmisley gradually drew away, was two or three lengths ahead at Vauxhall-bridge, went on, and won with the greatest ease by nearly half a mile. The umpire subsequently couched his decision on the race in the following words:- "The umpire in deciding that Mr. Walmisley has won the silver sculls, remarks that he has highly to deprecatee the conduct of his two accompanying boats, chiefly manned by watermen, who manifestly prejudiced the other competitors; further, the umpire has to protest against gentlemen rowing for the silver sculls taking their competitors' water too soon; and adds, that he awards the prize, not having seen any such intentional fouling as is mentioned in the articles."
M. Walmisley has addressed the following letter to the Times:- Sir. In your native of this match, which appears in the Times of this day, the following statements are made: "A little before the Horseferry Mr. Harrington was crossed by Mr. Walmisley, whose two accompanying boats materially assisted him, to the disadvantage of his neighbour." And- "The umpire in deciding that Mr. Walmisley has won the silver sculls, remarks that he has highly to deprecatee the conduct of his two accompanying boats, chiefly manned by watermen, who manifestly prejudiced the other competitors," &c I therefore address you to refute the above statements as most unjust and unworthy, by declaring that I did not at any time cross Mr. Harrington, and that I had yesterday no connection with any boats whatever, except the Thames eight manned by some friends unaccompanied by a single waterman, who were throughout the match never within 100 yards of my antagonists, and the whole way ahead of the umpire's boat, and one six-oared boat manned by watermen, who alone attended upon me during the contest. Thus having shown that your reporter has been abused and myself wronged, I confidently trust you will do me the justice to insert this communication, and oblige, Sir, Your most obedient servant, John R.L. Walmisley.
Complaints about incidents during races seem to be common at the time, with an Umpire in a completely unrelated race in the same month (the Late Mortlake and Barnes Regatta) also having to resort to writing to a newspaper to set the record straight...
The next year, 1848 one article stated that it was the course that put off challengers, not a history of fouling, from The Era, 6th August 1848:
Wingfield Challenge Sculls This prize, the achievement of which conferred on the victor the title of Amateur Champion of London, once synonymous with Champion of England, has not this year induced a single challenger to enter the lists. The holder is, consequently, entitled to possess them until next August ; and, unless the course is altered, in all probability, every succeeding August of, we trust, a long time. Were it the dread of Mr. Walmisley's prowess that causes challengers to hold aloof, we would cordially hail it as another triumph for him. But such is not the case. Henley and Putney lead to a different conclusion. The reason is that the old course has been most ill-advisedly retained ; and unsuited as it is now rendered by the numerous steamers, any one with reputation as a sculler would decline to contend from Westminster to Putney. To render this match as interesting as old, may, perhaps, be difficult; but to prevent its declining altogether, the course must be changed. Against this, want of precedent cannot be urged, as even the present one - the old Waterman's wager course is not the original one for the Amateur Championship. The first match for Wingfield Challenge Sculls being rowed from the Red House to Hammersmith Bridge - the same course as for the Leander Cups Match ; and on this occasion, we believe eleven men started. For many years this match has been looked on as the crowning triumph of the year, and it stood its ground even after the many more substantial and enduring prizes put in their claim, Latterly, however the unfitness of the present course for the light wager craft, had prevented the first-rate University scullers from entering, and the achievement of the prize does not now carry with it the proud title of Champion of England ; nay, we can scarcely say that it implies the Amateur Championship of London, for few men would care to appear over a course where it is impossible to row at full speed for 400 years, and where it is better to be lucky, than strong, quick and in good condition. We would conclude by reminding the former winners of this prize, who have it in their power to alter the course, that so long as this match commands respect, so long will it be the means of porpetuating their fame. When competition for these sculls dies away, the glories of the old race of scullers will be seldom called to mind.
Other records
John Richard L. Walmisley also got married in SeptemberQ 1883 to Alice Elizabeth Workman in Kensington, Greater London, Middlesex.
Obituary of his brother, Major Walter Millbanke Walmisley We regret to have to announce the death of Major Walter Millbanke Walmisley V.D. of Glenalough, Grosvenor Avenue, Wallington, which took place somewhat suddenly on Monday, March 22 1915. Major Walmisley was only confined to his bed a few days and his death came as a great shock to his many friends in the district. He was in his 84th year and had always enjoyed the best of health. The Major was the youngest son of John Angus Walmisley of Westminster, who was one of the Earl Marshall’s gold staff officers at the coronations of King George IV, King William 1V and Queen Victoria, probably an unique event in the life of any man. His Grandfather was for many years associated with the House of Lords. Major Walmisley’s mother was the daughter of Colonel W. Lambert, of the Honourable East India Company’s service and Commandant of Fort Tauna, in the presidency of Bombay. In his younger days the Major was a fine athlete and few could beat him in the 100 yards sprint. He was a good all round cricketer and played for the Surrey Club and Ground, as well as the Honourable Artillery Company. In one match he and his eldest brother caught or bowled the opposing side, a fact which was chronicled at the time in “Bell’s Life”. An ardent volunteer officer, Major Walmisley served for 27 years in the lst London Artilllery Brigade, and he received the V.D. from the hands of Queen Victoria. This Brigade was founded by the Major’s eldest brother, Colonel J. R. Lambert Walmisley, who will be best remembered perhaps as the winner of the Wingfield Sculls, two years in succession, namely 1847-1848. The Brigade afterwards became known as the City of London Artillery Company (5th London Division RA). As a young man Major Walmisley entered the Discount market and in course of time became one of the oldest, if not the oldest Bill Broker of the City of London. He was very well known and highly respected at most of the London Banks and was a great favourite wherever he went. He had an old time charm of manner and courtesy about him that endeared him to those with whom he came in contact. The death of his wife just after the celebration of his golden wedding a few years ago was a great blow to the Major. He was well known in Wallington and highly esteemed by all. For about seven years, he sat on the Parish Council, being Co-opted in November 1901 in place of Mr. G .F. Newth. He resigned in July 1908, when he left the Hamlet only to return later. The Council passed a resolution of appreciation of his services when his resignation was announced. As a momento of his pleasant association with the Council, he presented the Chairman with an ivory hammer. The Major was Chairman of the Lighting Committee and he took very great interest in the lighting of the Parish. In politics he was a staunch Conservative and he was a devout churchman, worshipping at Beddington Parish Church. When he resided in Croydon, the Major was churchwarden at St. Andrew’s Church for a few years. Mr. Herbert William Walmisley, the Major’s eldest son, was on the Marshalls gold staff officers at the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary and received the Coronation medal from the King. One of the Major’s daughters – Aird, the wife of Dr. T. Wilson Aird, one of Wallington’s best respected medical practitioners and another daughter was the wife of the late Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the gifted composer of “Hiawatha”, in memory of whom, a handsome monument was erected in Bandon Hill cemetery. The funeral took place at Bandon Hill on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Rectors of Beddington and Sutton, the Revs. H.A. Hodgson and H.W. Turner, two very old friends of the deceased. Among the mourners were the two sons, Mr. W.H. Walmisley and Mr. W.R.G.S. Walmisley, Dr. T.W. Aird and the 2nd Lieutenant Guy H. Walmisley of the Royal Engineers.
MAJOR WALTER MILBANKE WALMISLEY, of the City of London Artillery Brigade (5th London Division, R.A.), died at Wallington, Surrey, on March 22, aged 83. He was a member of the family which put an eleven in the field against Bromley (Kent) in 1872 and XI of the Blundell Family in 1873.
Surrey Mirror 23rd March 1915 Major Walter Milbanke Walmisley, of the City of London Artillery Brigade (5th London Division, R.A.) died on Monday at Glendalough, wallington, in his 84th year. Major Walmisley, who held the Volunteer Decoration, was the son of the late Mr. John Angus Walmisley, who was one of the Earl Marshal's Gold Staff Officers at the coronations of three Sovereigns. George IV., William IV., and Queen Victoria.
Law List 1843 He had an entry in the Law List, 1843 (London Attornies):
Walmisley, John Rich. Lambert, vestry-clk. and clk. to commrs. for paving, &c. of st.john-the-evangelist, west-minster, 12, north-street, westminster.
Two other Walmisleys also feature:
Walmisley, Edward (at Mr. J. Dangerfield's), 26, suffolk-street, pall-mall east, and 68, chancery-lane.
Walmsley, John Watson, a commiss. for affidavits in c.p. at lancaster (firm Walmsley, Keightley and Parkin) 43, chancery-lane.
Also in the Court of the Exchequer:
Deputy [Chief Usher], Mr J.A.Walmisley
Messengers, T.J.Wyld, T.Hamilton, S.Stephenson, R. Walmisley, & J.A. Walmisley
And in the list of Parliamentary Agents:
Jones & Walmisley, 40, parliament street
Parratt & Walmisley, house of lords
Henry Glazebrook married Amelia second daughter of Thomas Forbes Walmisley of Westminster (England and Wales Visitation) born 1816, married 1847.
References
John Richard L. Walmisley died in DecemberQ 1890 in Lambeth, Greater London, aged 74.