The two butterflies shown either side of the number 1642 are left, the female, the
Wall and right, the female, Meadow Brown.
Hatfield House until the death of Elizabeth I was a royal household and used by her father, Henry VIII as a residence for his children.
However, Elizabeth died four years ago and now her successor James dislikes it and has persuaded the Cecil family to accept
a swap – their palatial home at Theobalds in Hertfordshire for his at Hatfield. Who says no to a King? Not Robert Cecil,
Earl of Salisbury, the small and sickly man with a crooked back who is James’ Chief minister of the Crown and dominates
English politics. He is also, as an important member and promoter of the London Virginia Company, doubly concerned in being
the first in England to learn of any positive news from Jamestown to discuss with the King.
Jamestown: June 21st. The third Sunday after Trinity.
The first recorded Anglican Communion in Virginia takes place followed in the evening by a farewell supper attended by Newport
prior to his departure back to England to obtain fresh supplies
Next day Newport takes two of the 3 colonists’ ships and sets
sail for home. He arrives in Plymouth on 29th July and immediately despatches a favourable report on the conditions and prospects
in Virginia to Robert Cecil. Newport’s dispatch includes letters from the colonists such as one from gentleman William
Brewster (now in Cecil’s Hatfield Library) enthusing about the new colony. Newport also gives details on events up to
departure time, mentioning the release from confinement of Smith and his admission to his seat on the Council. Also, since
the Indian attack on 26th May the proper fort has been built. It’s a triangular structure with artillery bulwarks on
each corner and this is recorded, along with the fact that the wheat that the settlers planted has come up and is growing
nicely.
The
messenger is shown here galloping across Dartmoor at the start of his journey. It will take days to reach his destination
over 240 miles away and he will need changes of horse en route from the networks of inns that, by law, have to provide fresh
mounts for special messengers.
