Cater Museum Opens 1960, Billericay May 11, 2013

The Cater Museum – Billericay, Essex, UK

One of the many interesting places the Billerica Twinning Group visited on our 2004 trip to Billericay was the Cater Museum. This museum is located in a three story brick building on High Street, the main street of Billericay. We saw many items of local historical interest, rooms decorated with period furniture and a lovely enclosed garden area for relaxing behind the building. The Cater Museum is home to a chair painted by Billerica artist, Colleen Sgroi, and donated to the Cater Museum by the BTG. Click the link above see the many activities going on at the Cater Museum.

Submitted by Jayne G.

March 8, 1775 – Thomas Ditson March 18, 2013

On March 8, 1775, Thomas Ditson was tarred and feathered by the  47 Regiment of the British Army. 

Thomas Ditson wanted to be a Minuteman for the town of Billerica in the worst way.  He was a young farmer of 33 and was eager.  The first step would be to arm himself for the duties that might lie ahead.  He inquired of townsmen who had guns for sale but was directed to a man who he thought was a soldier.  Not sure if he thought he was a soldier for the colony or what, but he turned out to be a soldier in the British army named Sgt. John Clancy of the 47^th regiment of Foot.  This gentleman brought him to a “house” which turned out to be a barracks for members of the 47^th.  They bargained for a while over a coat and settled for 2 pistareen and Thomas placed the coat in a bag (which was left behind)  and began the process of dickering over a gun.  Here is where the story differs a little from who you want to believe.  And to be quite honest, not sure if I would go to a British soldier to inquire about buying a gun to be used against British.  According to Clancy or according to Ditson the gentleman’s name was McClenchy and from now on will refer to the Soldier as McClenchy.  McClenchy and Ditson began drinking while discussing and dickering over guns.  McClenchy says Thomas Ditson was going to buy as many as he would sell to him for any sum of money.  In the words of Thomas Ditson.   Ditson went to McClenchy’s dwelling and McClenchy showed Ditson a gun that he told Ditson was a very fine piece and told Ditson that it was up to him what he did to dispose of at any time.  Ditson asked if the Sentry would take it from him at the Ferry and was told by McClenchy that no he had stood sentry and frequently let people pass with guns.  Ditson agreed to give four dollars for his gun, but did not take it nor pay the money.  Coming away, he told him there was a sergeant that had an old rusty piece and this person would sell cheap.  The Sergeant would sell for one dollar and a half.  McClenchy’s wife came down at this point as Ditson notes and talking to McClency asked what he was doing and was he going to bring Ditson into a scrape.  Ditson at this point, must have felt a little skiddish as he tells in his deposition because he says to the Sargeant I would rather not take the guns after he paid a dollar and half and asked for this back and was refused.  He was followed and when he came out of the door saw others coming up to greet him.  They seized Thomas Diston and carried him to the Guard-House upon Foster’s Wharf at six or seven o’clock in the evening and read him the laws which Thomas Ditson, Jr. had never heard before.  He was kept there until seven in the morning and thought he would just be told he needed to pay a fine and then be let go.  Oh no, not so fast.  The Sergeant came in and asked Thomas Ditson, Jr.  to strip to my breeches and then another Soldier came in with a bucket of tar and a pillow of feathers and tarred and feathered Thomas Ditson from his head to his foot including his breeches and he was told to read a sign that was later hung around his neck that said “American Liberty, or Democracy exemplified in a villain who attempted to entice one of the Soldiers of His Magesty’s Forty-Seventh Regiment to desert, and take up Arms with Rebels against his King and County”.  Thomas Ditson was then paraded around in a wagon-like cart with about forty or fifty armed soldiers surrounding the cart with officers and drums and fifes ahead of the cart playing “Yankee Doodle” and the soldiers making fun singing as they went.  After a while, the cart came to a halt and Thomas Ditson was told to get down by one of the soldiers and Thomas inquired which way should I go and was told where you please.  Inhabitants pressed in upon the Soldiers and Thomas was afraid. 

This physical form of punishment was a typical mob attack and one that was not an official punishment but used to enforce unofficial justice or revenge and was used frequently by the British Army in feudal Europe and its colonies as well as the early American frontier.   Victim would be tripped to waist and hot tar was either poured or painted onto the victim while unable to move and then victim was made to roll around in feathers.  Then they would be paraded around town  to humiliate the victim after the torture so as to inflict enough pain and torture so that victim would conform his behavior to the demands of the attacker. 

For Billerica, Massachusetts, this is a large fact in the History of the Revolution.  Billerica, Massachusetts has a Yankee Doodle Homecoming every year in September.  At that time, a group known as the Billerica Colonial Minuteman, as one of the celebrations in town,  re-enact this part of history.

Submitted by Karen E.

www.bcmm.us/yankee_doodle.htm, Yankee Doodle Story – Billerica Colonial Minute Men

lincoln.lib.niu.edu/csi – bin/amarch/getdoc.Pl?/var/lib/philogic/…, “American Archives”, Deposition of Thomas Dotson.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarring_and_feathering, “Wikipedia”, Tarring and Feathering.

Governor John Winthrop born January 12, 1588 January 12, 2013

John Winthrop, a Puritan, sailed from England, the Isle of Wight, on April 8, 1630, leaving England in order to escape religious persecution. Winthrop landed in Salem, of the Massachusetts Colony, about two months later with his deputy Thomas Dudley and about seven hundred others interested in populating this colony.  Salem was not considered adequate for all of the new arrivals and John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley set out to survey new areas eventually making settlements in Charlestown, Boston and Cambridge. Winthrop settled in Boston and Dudley settled in Cambridge. Both Winthrop and Dudley were also granted land near Concord. Dudley’s land became Bedford and Winthrop’s land became Billerica. Early map of Billerica. “12 hundred acres granted to John Winthrop Gov. of Massachusetts by the General Court, 1638” can be seen between what was the Billerica Common and the Concord River. On the other side of the Common was another parcel granted to Winthrop in 1643, according to the map.

Winthrop became the first Governor of Massachusetts, elected by a small group of assistant magistrates. In this manner he was elected Governor three times. He was eventually succeeded by Thomas Dudley who was elected by delegates.  Each town in the colony sent two delegates to represent their interests.

Winthrop wrote  on many subjects. He kept a journal of his trip across the ocean and his life in New England. His journal were eventually published in 1825 1nd 1826 as “The History of New England from 1630–1649. By John Winthrop, Esq. First Governor of the Colony of the Massachusetts Bay.”

The towns of Winthrop, Massachusetts and Winthrop, Maine are both named in his honor.

Submitted by Jayne G.

Calendar November 19, 2012

The Billerica Twinning Group has created a limited edition calendar in celebration and commemoration of the 15th Anniversary of the Twinning of Billericay Essex England and Billerica MA USA. Both British and American Holidays are presented on the calendar and will be detailed, in this blog, on the respective dates. Calendars are on sale now for $10.00 plus shipping. To buy a calendar please contact Joan  at jparcewski@gmail.com. This project has been made possible in part from a grant from the Billerica Arts Council and Massachusetts Cultural Council as well as a grant from the Billerica Community Alliance.  All monies raised are used to support activities and events related to the Twinning between Billerica MA and Billericay Essex. Below is a photo of the Twinning Charter signed in 1998. This charter is displayed at the Billerica Public Library. Submitted by Jayne Glennon

American Football in England May 29, 2012

While we know that football is a huge American pasttime, did you know that the NFL is in the UK. Here is a link to their website http://www.nfluk.com/about-us.

I do remember that there was a lot of hooplay a few years ago about the Patriots playing in London. It obviously didn’t register the connection. But note that they will be playing there again this year on October 28th when they will be playing the St Louis Rams at Wemblay Stadium.

Yes American football is alive and well in England – check out the official website of the Essex Spartans http://www.essexspartans.co.uk/, an American football team based in Billericay Essex.
Submitted by Joan Pa.

The following t…

The following text was taken from a website http://www.findaproperty.com/areaguidebook.aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&storyid=20387&areaid=0685.  Interesting that Billericay has approximately 40k residents – and so doesn’t Billerica.  Easy travelling distance from Chelmsford – and so isn’t Billerica.  Trains journey to London about 35 minutes – trains to Boston about the same. “As the village does not have a great deal of facilities, it will attract buyers that don’t mind jumping in their car for work or shopping.”  Funny in many ways, so doesn’t Billerica.” Some interesting contrasts and similarities

Originally recorded as Byllyrica, the small, historical, semi-rural town of Billericay has a lot to offer…

If you are looking for a relatively quiet area, with a hint of nightlife, in easy travelling distance of larger towns such as Chelmsford, Romford and Southend, and a 35-minute commute to London, Billericay may well be the perfect location to settle.

It is said that a meeting of the Pilgrim Fathers, who sailed the Mayflower, took place in Billericay and as a result, many local places have been proudly named after this event.

Although much of Billericay was built post-war, there are plenty of Georgian and timber-framed buildings in the high street, plus a beautiful old church, making the centre a delightful place to enjoy, whether as visitor or inhabitant.

It also plays host to the Cater Museum, which paints a good picture of Billericay’s historical events and buildings.

Busy High Street

The compact but convenient high street currently has a combination of familiar stores and boutique-style shops. Locals can find mostly everything they need here.

However, Chelmsford town centre, which has a more extensive range, is just a 20-minute drive away for the more die-hard shoppers, and of course London is on the doorstep.

Billericay High Street is also crammed with restaurants and bars of all types to cater for the variety of residents in the area.

Stuart’s bar is a relaxed, comfortable setting for 20-somethings to share a bottle of wine and recline on the large, leather sofas, but the town also includes more traditional, period pubs.

The Red Lion, for example, dates back to the 13th Century and gives a cosier, more local feel to those drinking there.

Food wise, hungry customers can choose from a wide range of cuisine including Italian, Chinese, Indian, and traditional pub menus.

The opening, in recent years, of many restaurants and pubs is thought to be related to the introduction of Waitrose, acting as a catalyst to begin regeneration of the high street which has led to the many wining and dining options now available.

Green & Pleasant

As a result, Billericay has prospered over the past 10 years and is now home to around 40,000 people.

There are many picturesque green areas in and around Billericay, one of which is Lake Meadows, a large park centrally located.

In the park, locals can try their hand at pitch and putt, fishing and crazy golf or may just be happy to take a leisurely stroll around the lake and take in the scenery. Nearby Norsey Woods is also a thriving nature reserve.

With this seemingly idyllic balance of rural living within a close proximity of London, Billericay has become very popular with commuters, and property prices have therefore rapidly increased within this past decade.

Property Market In Billericay

Property: Billericay is split by many estate agents into North (CM12) and South (CM11).

Demand, and therefore prices, in the North of Billericay is generally higher. Norsey Road, backing onto Norsey Woods, contains the primest properties, with price tags over the seven figure mark.

However, there is a wide range of homes available: luxury one and two bedroom apartments by the station; two bedroom Georgian cottages near the high street; three bedroom 1960s semi-detached houses; and four bedroom new builds – to name but a few.

The Southern side of the town is hillier and it can be noticeably cheaper to buy here. However, this side of Billericay is a more convenient spot for access to the A127, leading to Southend and the M25.

This area is newer and, as a result, most of the properties on offer are post-war and vary in sizes.

Queen’s Park offers newer, more affordable flats and houses and also some ex-local authority property. Sunnymead is also more accessible in terms of cost but further from the centre of town.

It may be noted, though, that there are no really `undesirable’ areas and no great crime problem throughout Billericay.

Buyers: As Billericay is on the commuter belt, it attracts many city workers including young professionals buying apartments located around the train station. First-time buyers may also be interested in the one and two bedroom starter homes in Queen’s Park.

Families are also drawn to Billericay due to the results of the local high schools.

In 2006, pupils gaining five or more GCSE A* to C grades at The Billericay and Mayflower schools were 52 per cent and 49 per cent, respectively. St John’s School, also in Billericay, is a co-educational independent non-selective day school.

For those looking for something a little grander, Norsey Road and most roads leading from it are generously scattered with a veritable selection of old and new mansion-style houses.

Living in Billericay

Transport

• Trains: Direct trains run from Billericay to London Liverpool Street and Southend-on-Sea. Train journeys to London take around 35 minutes.

• Buses: A good bus service operates from the train station, including the 100 route, which travels between Lakeside and Chelmsford. Specially scheduled buses transport pupils to most surrounding schools.

• Roads: Close to M25, A12 and A127.

Shopping

• Most necessary high street shops are located in the centre of town, including chemists, general stores, two supermarkets and numerous clothing outlets.

Eating and Drinking

• Good choice of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes mainly located in the town centre.

Sports and Leisure

• Billericay Town Football Club which currently plays for the Ryman League Premier Division.

• Stock Brook Country Club offers golf and a fitness centre including a pool with a retractable cover for year-round use.

• Lake Meadows swimming pool has various classes available.

Entertainment

• Both regular comedy club and local bands at Billericay Town Football Club

Near Billericay: Crays Hill

Facilities: The small village has one pub, a convenience store and a primary school. All other amenities can be found in Billericay and Wickford; two main larger towns located either side of Crays Hill.

Property and Buyers: There is an assortment of properties here, mainly catering for families. As the village does not have a great deal of facilities, it will attract buyers that don’t mind jumping in their car for work or shopping.

Properties in Crays Hill can generally have more land with them. The area is quite rural but with a good choice of facilities just down the road.

Younger families will be attracted by the primary school and perhaps because property prices are around 10-15% less than Billericay.

Transport: Crays Hill is a 5-10 minute drive to Billericay and Wickford train stations. These are both serviced well by bus routes.

Near Billericay: Ramsden Heath and Downham

Facilities: There are no shops in either neighbouring villages but a good primary school.

Property and Buyers: Many young families are attracted to these villages because of the highly regarded primary school in Downham. The properties on offer are generally no different from Billericay in price but are attractive because of the more rural surroundings.

Transport: Billericay train station is around a 5 minute drive from both villages, from which London Liverpool Street, Southend and all intermediate stations are accessible. A very good bus service runs from here to most surrounding areas.

Near Billericay: Little Burstead

Facilities: Little Burstead has a pub and a common within the village.

Property and Buyers: Properties here are pricier. Due to the small size and pretty, rural location it is more sought-after in particular by families who are attracted to the countryside and a more peaceful way of life.

Transport: Billericay train station is around 5 minutes away, from which London Liverpool Street, Southend and all intermediate stations are accessible. A very good bus service runs from here to most surrounding areas.

  Submitted by Joan Pa.

With spring now in full swing, people in Billerica and surrounding communities are always looking for places to walk, to get exercise, to enjoy others company and the like. Our friends in Billericay have Norsey Woods.

According to their website
“Norsey Wood is a mixed coppice woodland covering an area of 65ha (165 acres) and consists of a variety of habitats because of the different underlying geology. It has a history that goes back some 4000 years and this, together with the richness of its wildlife, makes this site unique.

The Wood has been designated a Local Nature Reserve, a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Leaflets about the various aspects of the Wood can be purchased from the Information Centre, where the Interpretation Room has interactive guides on wildlife in the Wood and an overview of the history of this ancient woodland, suitable for all ages. (Please contact the Warden on 01277 624553 for information on opening times). Woodland crafts are still practised and are on show at the annual Open Day.”

For those of us who were lucky enough to have had a personal tour with our friends from Billericay, it is an incredibly beautiful area immersed in history, a lot of flora and fauna, great walking paths – an outdoor person’s ultimate dream.

Here is their guide to Norsey – enjoy – Perhaps it might inspire you to take a trip to England, stopping in Billericay and a visit to Norsey and other spots in and around town. http://www.norseywood.org.uk/wood/Guide_to_Norsey_Wood.pdf

Submitted by Joan Pa.

Billericay UK – Youtube video

For those who may never have been to Billericay UK (our sister town), we would like to share with you some footage that is on youtube – a trip back in time.

And as you see this black and white footage and read some of the comments, you might find it interesting to note that they too once had a cinema in town that is no longer.

Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5fwmt8ZgNw&feature=related

Submitted by Joan Pa.

Billerica and Billericay February 25, 2012

2012 – Hello Twinning enthusiasts! The Billerica Twinning Association has asked me to start this blog to inspire more consistent interaction and discussion between the members of the Billerica Twinning Association and the Billericay Mayflower Twinning Association.

2013 – This year the Billerica Twinning Association members will submit posts to this blog that correspond to the dates and events noted on our commemorative 2013 calendar. The calendar was created in celebration of the 15th Anniversary of the Twinning of two towns – Billericay Essex England and Billerica MA USA

We would love to post and share your stories and photos relating to a Billerica/Billericay connection. Please email  –  billericabillericay@gmail.com

Jayne G.