Colchester historian Sharon Mooney has been doing some digging and learnt about the origins of the name "Scarletts" in Colchester.
IN early 2020, someone asked me the significance of the name Scarletts – as in Scarletts Road and Scarletts residential home, which today stands empty among woodland on a private road leading from Recreation Road.
It sparked an interest and started a journey to find out more.
In the mid-19th Century, the land was known as Philbrick’s field, a modest 15 acres owned by Mr Frederick Blomfield Philbrick.
In 1854, this land was considered for the new cemetery.
As it once looked - The Scarletts. This original house image was taken from the sale catalogue from 1947
However, the site was too near running water and was not taken for this purpose.
A new residence for the Philbrick family was built and the house, completed in early 1859, may have been called ‘Oak Trees'. By the 1861 census, it was listed as ‘The Scarletts’.
But why ‘The Scarletts’?
Originally, I had thought it was named after Sir Captain James Yorke Scarlett, a hero of the Crimean war and a household name of the time.
However, further investigation has shown that a windmill known as Scarlett’s windmill was mentioned in a will from 1706 where John Scarlett, a gent from Wormingford, had left said windmill to his grandson.
It stood exactly on this spot but was moved around 1800.
Family home - The Scarletts
Mr Philbrick and his family resided here for around 25 years.
I’d like to say happily, but the newspapers of the time tell us that for at least ten of those years he was complaining about the smell from the Hythe. Something we still smell, see and hear about today!
In Philbrick’s time, the stench was added to with a fish manure manufacturer in the area.
However, he must’ve loved his house and gardens and, being a keen horticulturist, he planted many trees.
In 1880, a meeting of the Colchester Natural History Association took place in the gardens and 50 to 60 members gathered to hear a lecture on the Wellingtonia Gigantea – a tree native to California, three fine specimens having been planted here.
In the mid-1880s, Mr Philbrick’s wife, Judith, passed away and he moved on.
Nod to the past - the original gatepost that still remains on Old Heath Road
Adverts are placed and the residence and impressive woodland is up for lease at this time.
The army take it for 21 years as the residence for the Commander of the Eastern district.
Sir Robert White moves in around 1885, followed by Sir Evelyn Wood in 1886.
Again, the matter of the stench from the Hythe is reported, with Sir Evelyn very unhappy about it.
By 1900, the name of ‘The Scarletts’ is changed to ‘Government House’ in recognition of the military connection.
But this name does not stick and by the 1911 census it is once again listed as ‘The Scarletts’ and still in military occupation.
When this connection ends has yet to be discovered.
Rooted in the past - this magnificent tree remains on the site
After being sold in 1947, the house is believed to have become a hostel for displaced persons after the Second World War and eventually a residential home for the elderly.
Checking out the electoral registers in Colchester library gave me an indication that it was demolished in around 1968.
Sadly, the house no longer exists, only the gardener's cottage, some outbuildings and the gateposts to the original driveway on Old Heath Road remain.
Not knowing what the house had looked like, I decided to track down a photo and traced the descendants of the Philbrick family and former resident Sir Hugh Walmsley, to help me with my quest.
My patience paid off and I am now in possession of a copy of the auctioneer’ particulars from the 1947 sale along with a wonderful photo.
So, with kind permission of the owner, ladies and gents, I give you ‘The Scarletts’.
Looking back - Colchester historian Sharon Mooney
The photo is to be included in a New Town history calendar for 2022, which I hope to put together with the support of Aveley Lodge Residential Care Home.
The proceeds of which will be donated to a local charity of my choice.
You can register your interest by emailing newtownremembers@gmail.com
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