Letter to the Editor about 'Bastardy in Berkshire' from Joan Simpson Trussell, c/o Kelvin Rivers Simpson, London

I read the article on ‘Bastardy in Berkshire’ which appeared in the March 2000 issue of the Berkshire Family Historian. Mention was made of John Scoolt (Schultes). He was married twice, firstly to Ann Middleton, whose father was Vicar of Melton Mowbray and secondly to Joann Nell, apparently from St Olaves, London. His father (from whom we are descended) was Rector of Wallingford for 44 years and was married three times. I have found two marriages. Sarah, John Scoolt junior’s, sister, our grandmother x times removed was illegitimate. She was born in London in 1754 the daughter of Frances Clarke. John Scoolt, senior, married her in 1758. His second wife, Ann Blackall, died the previous year.

Incidentally, the half-sister of John junior, Mary married John Yarrow. Their son John Scoolt Yarrow married Sarah Yarrow, and they had a son Edgar William Yarrow, who had a son Alfred Fernandez Yarrow who became the first Baron Yarrow.

John junior was also involved in a court case in Hagbourne, regarding the disposal of some funds. He did not answer that summons either. It seems the Churchwardens did not care for him, or he was the black sheep of the family.

created 30th May 2003