Issue 14
January 2013
Bessemer 200th Anniversary Edition
On behalf of the Friends of Charlton Village and the Bessemer 200 Working Party welcome
to this special Bessemer 200th anniversary edition of the Hiz e-newsletter.
In this issue we are honoured to have a contribution from Paul Bessemer, Sir Henry’s Great
Great Grandson who gives a family perspective to the great man and the events planned to
mark this milestone. Other Bessemer descendents then add their own thoughts on what this
anniversary means to them.
We look back at 12 months preparation for the 200th birthday of Charlton’s most famous
resident with excerpts from Hiz editions published in 2012. Finally we complete the story
with details of those events planned by the coordination team.
We very much hope you will take time out to visit one or more of the following events:
Events planned for 2013.
Jan 19th : Birthday party at the Windmill PH , Charlton.
Steam Engines, music, period costume, food and Bessemer Ale from Tring Brewery.
Exhibition of old photographs.
19th Feb –end May: Bessemer Exhibition at the British Schools Museum in Hitchin
Learn more about one of England’s unsung heroes born just walking distance from the
Museum.
May 18th : Victorian Fete also at the British Schools Museum.
All the fun of a traditional Victorian Fete with Punch & Judy, Steam Fire Engine and the
RNLI in the 19th century. Period costume recommended.
SIR HENRY BESSEMER 200TH ANNIVERSARY
THOUGHTS ON BESSEMER 200 CELEBRATIONS
Sir Henry Bessemer was so fond of the blissful and idyllic times of his youth in Charlton and
Hitchin that, in later life, he named several of his residences “Charlton House” in honour of
those halcyon days where, in his Autobiography, he writes: “(I) could sometimes, in my quiet
walks round my own meadows, almost fancy myself at my dear old birthplace, Charlton, and
myself again a village boy“. In fact my grandfather, Howard Frank Bessemer, was born at
Charlton House, Upper Norwood in 1872 just down the road from the Crystal Palace.
Sir Henry would have been overjoyed at all the fantastic efforts that the Friends of Charlton
Village, the British Schools’ Museum, the Charlton Society and the Hitchin Historical
Society have made to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of his birth on 19th January 1813.
Although inundated and crowned with honours during his lifetime, there is little nowadays in
the United Kingdom to recognise the enormous impact Sir Henry made to the Victorian era
and to Science in general.

the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, or “IOM3” (formerly the Iron & Steel
Institute) have a Bessemer Room containing numerous artefacts bequeathed by Sir Henry
and his descendants;

the IOM3 continue to award an annual Bessemer Gold Medal (established by Sir Henry in
1874) for outstanding services to the steel industry;

The “Bessemer Room” at the Science Museum which was once crammed with exhibits from
Sir Henry’s life and inventions no longer exists, and many artefacts are now boxed up and
consigned to storage;

there are a few streets named after him dotted about the country;

The only Blue Plaque (which commemorates a link between a location and a famous person)
in honour of Sir Henry is in Charlton village on the house where he was born.
Baxter House, where the first steel experiments were made, and where his “gold paint”
business was conducted for many years, is now buried under Platform One of St. Pancras
Station opposite the old church.
Charlton House at Highgate is now La Sainte Union Convent School.
The site of his house in Northampton Square where he lived after his marriage to Ann Allen
is now part of City University.
His magnificent Estate at Denmark Hill, next door to the eminent art critic John Ruskin’s
residence, was demolished in 1947 and the large Blanchedown Estate of 682 houses is built
on the site. The only reminder of Sir Henry at Denmark Hill where he lived for 35 years is
Bessemer Road by King’s College Hospital, and Bessemer Grange Primary School where an
old oak tree, the sole survivor of his estate, stands lonely in the playground.
However, there is nothing at any of these locations to remember Sir Henry - other than the
one in his beloved Charlton Village.
Even during the later stages of his life, Sir Henry’s star was beginning to fade. In a letter to
his grandson, Henry William Bessemer in April 1892 six years before his death, Sir Henry
writes “At one time (20 years ago) everyone would have been too glad to serve me in such a
case, but these many obligations are now forgotten, and men whose fortunes I have made,
treat it as an old affair in which I also benefitted, and so we are quits”.
That is why it is so impressive and important that the village of Charlton and the town of
Hitchin have joined together magnificently to honour Sir Henry and the 200th Anniversary of
his birth. His actual birthday is being marked by a party in the Windmill pub directly
opposite Charlton House where Henry was born on 19th January 1813, with a special beer
“Bessemer Ale” brewed by Tring Brewery in his honour, and with music and even a play
about Sir Henry. The Bessemer 200 Exhibition at the British Schools’ Museum in Hitchin
will be a wonderful celebration of Sir Henry’s achievements, and Andy Gibbs and his team
have put an enormous amount of work and effort into remembering Sir Henry. The Museum
are also arranging a Victorian Fete with steam engines in the summer; and the Charlton
Society are marking his birth with an event in May. There are also several events being
arranged by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining throughout the year to coincide
with specific dates relating to Sir Henry’s life and inventions.
It is marvellous that the residents of Charlton and Hitchin have done so much to honour the
memory of one of their favourite sons, Sir Henry Bessemer. It is poignant that, at the 200 th
Anniversary of his birth, the praise of his lifetime achievements which started with honours
from numerous learned societies and scientific institutes; various Honorary Freedoms from
Worshipful Companies and Cities; decorations from the Emperor Napoleon of France, Prince
Oscar of Sweden, the Emperor of Austria, the King of Württemberg, the King of the
Belgians, the Prince of Wales; and a Knighthood by Queen Victoria has come full circle, and
that the main celebrations of his incredible life and inventions are being cherished in the
village of Charlton and Hitchin where he was born and of which he was so very fond.
By Paul H. Bessemer (my grandfather was a grandson of Sir Henry Bessemer)
Comments from Bessemer descendants:
Charlotte Crankshaw (South Africa) A few years ago when I become interested in doing
genealogy and finding out about my ancestors, I was excited to learn that part of my family
heritage included being a Bessemer. This has taken me on an amazing journey of knowledge
and discovery – Sir Henry Bessemer being my Great Great Uncle. I am extremely grateful to
committed and dedicated individuals who have done so much work already in preserving the
Bessemer and especially Sir Henry Bessemer’s legacy. Thank you to everyone who has put
in so much time and effort to make this event memorable. My only regret is that my family
and I cannot be there to be part of the celebrations that have been organised to commemorate
Sir Henry Bessemer’s life and achievements. Although we are not able to be there, we are
grateful to have been included to feel part of this historic occasion.
Bill Bessemer (Australia): The memory fades over time and no more so than for the
Australian Bessemer’s who also face the tyranny of distance. It is not an easy journey for us
to visit the places you have described so articulately. I suppose we have always been
conscious of our name and heritage but your communications have given us a much better
understanding of Sir Henry, his ancestors and descendants. It has been a trip of discovery for
us and we thank you.
I suppose I would add something along the lines that descendents as far away as Melbourne
and Sydney in Australia have learnt much about Sir Henry leading up to the 200th
anniversary and they too would like one day to visit Charlton and Hitchin and visit those
places that so captivated him.
Joan Fairman-Schrecengost (USA): Sir Henry Bessemer is our great-great-great uncle. As
children, my siblings and I were told of a family relationship with Sir Henry Bessemer. As I
researched the Fairman genealogy I found much of the information we were given as children
was incorrect. My research revealed that it was through William Edward Fairman's marriage
to Francis Anne Bessemer, Sir Henry Bessemer's sister, that we are descendants of Sir Henry
Bessemer. In doing my research I found that Francis Anne and her sister, Sophia, were
embroiderers and did work for Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent and Princess
Victoria, who later became Queen Victoria. Some of their work might be seen at Kensington
Palace. I was unable to obtain much information regarding Francis Anne Bessemer or
photographs of her. I would appreciate any information on or photographs of Francis Anne
Bessemer.
Sincere thanks for everything,
Limited Edition Bessemer 200 Fine Bone China Mugs
A limited edition of Bessemer 200th anniversary commemorative mugs are now available.
Price £6 each or 6 for £30. All proceeds to the British Schools Museum in Hitchin thanks to
our generous sponsor Consilium Financial Planning, www.consiliumfp.co.uk .
Mugs are currently on sale at the Half Moon PH, Queen St , and Hawkins Department Store
in Bucklersbury, Hitchin. They will also be on sale at the Exhibition at the British Schools in
February or direct from John Pearce at [email protected].
In Search of Henry Bessemer: Excerpts from our journey through 2012
Hiz January 2012: How it all started
(Notice that we got the date of birth wrong in the first edition)
Henry Bessemer
The Friends have convened a
working party to look at possible
events to celebrate the 200th
anniversary of the birth of Henry
Bessemer in Charlton on 19th
January 1812.
So far representatives from
Hitchin Historical Society,
Hitchin British Schools, and The
Windmill PH have signed up to
the group. In addition we are
pleased to have Derek Wheeler,
MBE as part of the team. It is
also hoped that the Charlton
Society will nominate a
representative to maximise the
involvement of all key
stakeholders in what will be an
anniversary recognised worldwide.
As we count down to Jan 2012 ,
The Hiz will provide regular
updates of planned events and
information on how the general
public can get involved.
Henry Bessemer
Born
19 January 1813
Charlton, Hertfordshire, England[1]
Died
15 March 1898 (aged 85)
London
Nationality English
Occupation engineer and inventor
Known for
Development of the Bessemer process for
the manufacture of steel.
Hiz March 2012: Bessemer Crest (courtesy Paul Bessemer) / Bessemer pub, Sheffield
Hiz May 2012: Outing to Kelham Island Museum, Sheffield.
On May 1, John Pearce of
Charlton, Alan Brookman of the
British Schools, and myself, Derek
Wheeler of Hitchin Historical Society,
made a trip to the Kelham Island
Museum in Sheffield to witness the
effect that steel manufacture had on
the area over the last thousand
years. The plentiful water pouring off
the hillsides into the rivers was used to
power small millwheels, timber
was available for charcoal for
the smelting process, limestone and
iron ore were not too far distant, and
coal was latterly within easy reach.
Sheffield was well-placed for its
unique role. Local sandstone was used
for the grinding wheels which
provided the edges for scythes, swords,
scissors and tools of all kinds.
(l-r Alan Brookman, John Pearce,
Derek Wheeler)
Hiz June 2012: The Bessemer Saloon Ship Company.
Although well known as a successful
businessman and inventor, Henry
Bessemer did have one dramatic
failure. He suffered from sea
sickness on his many trips to France
so in Dec 1869 he began designing a
ship on which no-one would be seasick. What he created was a cross
channel ferry with a cabin that
remained level whilst the ship rolled.
Unfortunately the boat was so
unstable that it was very difficult to
steer. On her maiden voyage on 8th
May 1875 she sailed from Dover but
on arrival in Calais crashed into the
pier. The SS Bessemer never sailed
again and only a few remnants are
available today in the form of wooden
panels from the saloon. Three of
these panels appeared on Antiques
Roadshow recently and it is hoped
that photographs of them will be
displayed at the Bessemer 200th
anniversary exhibition which will run
at the Hitchin British Schools
Museum from Feb to May next year.
Hiz July 2012 : Bessemer 200 working party night out.
By way of a taster for next year’s
200th anniversary celebrations
members of the Bessemer 200
Working Party presented at the
Launch party for this year’s
Hitchin Festival. The event was
hosted by the Hitchin British
Schools Museum with steam
engines in the playground.
The speakers were (l to r) Derek
Wheeler MBE, Andy Gibbs and
John Pearce.
Hiz October 2012: The early years.
Henry Bessemer was born on the 19th January 1813 in Charlton House , Charlton. His father
Anthony Bessemer a refugee from France was a successful business man who set up a
foundry for type metal in the village near or close by a water mill. Exactly where this
foundry was located is subject to conflicting reports but either way it was of great interest to a
young Henry who was fascinated by all things mechanical. Henry takes up the story in his
autobiography of 1905.
‘ There was , however, one other attraction in the village, which played a not-unimportant
part in moulding my ideas at this very early period. I was very fond of machinery , and of
watching it when in motion; and if ever I was absent from meals , I could probably have been
found at the flour mill at the other end of the village, where I passed many hours, gazing with
pleasure upon the broad sheet of water falling into the ever-receding buckets of the great
over-shoot water-wheel; or, perhaps, I might have been watching, with a feeling almost of
awe, the huge wooden spur wheel which brought up the speed, and was one of the wonders of
the millwrights craft in those days.’
It is often assumed that the water-mill referred to in this passage was at Mill Farm, however,
as this is just 100yards away from Charlton House would Henry really have referred to it as
‘at the other end of the village’? It seems more likely that other mills existed along this
stretch of the Hiz between the source and its entry into Priory Park. The river was, as we
know from old photographs, very much larger and faster flowing than the post-abstraction
water course that we are familiar with today.
One subject not covered in the autobiography which remains somewhat of a mystery is where
Henry went to school. There is a reference (Sir Henry Bessemer: Father of the Steel
Industry edited by C Bosworth pub 1998 by IOM Communications Ltd) that he left school at
the age of 14 to be educated at home. The British Schools just a half mile away was
operational at this time though we can only speculate if this contributed to his education.
What we do know is that at age 17 the family moved to Clerkenwell in London where Henry
initially felt overwhelmed and isolated. Rather than pining for the old village life though he
was determined to make a name for himself.
Charlton House, Charlton.
River Hiz with boy in contemplation.
Hiz November 2012: The Famous Five go up to Town.
On Thursday 18th October John Pearce, Bob Prebble, Alan Brookman, Bill Sellicks and
Derek Wheeler went off to see the wizard; the man who transformed the world's steel
industry from an expensive, wasteful process of guesswork into a simple, reliable and
relatively cheap exercise. We went off to Carlton House Terrace overlooking St James Park,
wherein lies the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. This amazingly handsome
building has a room dedicated to our local genius, Sir Henry Bessemer and we were there to
gain more information about the life and work of this Charlton - born wizard.
On arrival we were greeted by a delightful lady, Hilda Kaune who is the Librarian at the
Institute, and a great fan of Sir Henry. After refreshments, we were met by Paul Bessemer, a
direct descendant of the great man.
Derek inspects the Bessemer drawings.
Sir Henry and Hilda keep the group in order.
The room was a shrine to Sir Henry's genius; here were large portfolios of his engineering
drawings, there were impressive certificates issued by the City Livery Companies, showing
the great esteem in which our local boy was held.
Our host Paul Bessemer then led us to refresh the body, having plenteously nourished the
mind. We hastily 'made a progress,' as Pepys used to say, to the Harp Tavern in Covent
Garden, where we did imbibe most heartily. From there we went by Underground to
Clerkenwell and did espy the Jerusalem Tavern. Now this amazingly quaint watering hole is
right next door to the house to which the Bessemers moved in 1830. Paul noted that this was
probably the first time since that year that a group of Hitchin people had been gathered
together against that adjoining wall
Paul points the way...
A well earned pint...
Hiz December 2012: Denmark Hill by John Brunton, Herne Hill Society.
Henry Bessemer in Herne Hill
Bessemer House
In 1863 he bought a house and surrounding land on Denmark Hill, on the North side of Herne
Hill. He demolished the rather modest existing house and built a mansion to the designs of
Charles Barry Jr., calling it Bessemer House. A few years later he built a house next door in
mock Tudor style called The Grange for his daughter Elizabeth and her husband William
Wright.
Bessemer House was luxury and opulence on a grand scale. His enormous wealth, much of
which had been derived from patents, meant that money was literally no object.
The Drawing Room c.1910
The Hall c.1910
Bessemer House was surrounded by a 40 acre estate. Here there was a model farm, a small
village of hot houses, a herd of deer, a large lake and, inside the mound formed by excavating
the lake, an elaborate grotto with designs based on those in the Alhambra Palace in Granada.
Henry Bessemer and his wife lived at Bessemer House until her death in 1897 and his the
following year.
Sir Henry Bessemer 1813-1898