Charles Bertie Birch Crisp

Charles Bertie was the first son of Charles Birch Crisp. I believe he had a twin sister Marjorie. Their birth records state 1896, but death records say 1894.

Charles Bertie was in the military, as well as his younger brother Christopher. In 1915, he was listed in the London Gazzette under Territorial Force, Yeomanry, 2nd Lieutenant. The military records are tricky as there were quite a few Charles Crisps.

I believe he married someone with the last name Stuart in 1920.

He died at the age of 65 in Bournemouth, Dorset, England.

Slight confusion: There was another Charles Bertie Crisp born around the same time, 1897 in Suffolk. He died in 1977. I have confirmation of the correct death here--as the last name is BIRCH CRISP.

Oliver Hill

Oliver Hill designed the building extension and gardens of Moor Close, and he also designed for Magdalen College, the Oxford college Charles Birch Crisp's son Christopher attended.

The Architectural Drawings of Magdalen College, Oxford: A Catalogue

edited by Roger White

Charles Birch Crisp Portraits

Found a couple more of Charles. Wish I could find portraits on all the subjects of this blog! The following portrait can be found on The Project Gutenberg. It's part of the book Forty Years of 'Spy' by Leslie Ward.

 

The following photo is from Bain News Service and is for sale on Amazon here.

Errors in Research

I have found that anything can contain errors--even official documents. Newspapers are often riddled with errors. Please do not hesitate to report anything inaccurate in my findings on this site. Thank you for your contributions!

Moor Close Birth

In 1900 a daughter was born to the gardener and his wife. This is Eleanor Woodman.

Note: Sylvia Birch Crisp was not born at Moor Close, but in Easthampstead in 1913.

Winston Churchill, Mr. Crisp and Moor Close

Last paragraph: "He has since settled down at Moor Close, Binfield,..."
As for the rest of this clipping, I don't really have a clue of what they are talking about. HA ;-)

Sheep for Sale

Have you purchased the latest edition of The Southdown Flock Book? This is an extract from 1907, Volume 16 By Southdown Sheep Society, inc, pg 44

Pre-Sylvia's Garden

There was a wedding and a reception at Moor Close before the 1911-1913 building expansion and creation of Sylvia's Garden. The garden was created to honor the (surprise) birth of Sylvia Birch Crisp in 1913.

Wedding of Charlotte Birch Crisp, sister of Charles

1902 Reception--Under Browne ownership

Room with a View

Left: My roommates hanging out the window.
Right: View from the Master Bedroom (That's me studying on the bench outside.)

The master bedroom accommodates four boarders. It could probably hold more if necessary. This is the best photo I have of the room. We were always re-arranging the beds into different configurations. There was a lot of room to work with. The hardware on the windows had gaps and when it was windy, a feather I kept on my desk would blow in the wind.

circa 1988

Did YOU sleep in this room? Tell us about it!

Help Wanted Ads

1875

1943

There were several listings in 1942 and 1943 related to Moor Close. It seems during the war the home served as a Staff Hostel. In 1946 the property was purchased by Newbold College.

In the Pond You Go!

I don't know how long the tradition lasted, but when it was your birthday, you got thrown in one of the ponds in Sylvia's Garden. Birthdays became dreaded occasions. Those ponds were dark, murky, cold and slimy! In the winter/spring of 1988 pond throwing was outlawed. PTL! My birthday wasn't until May. :-)

This is a photo of my poor roommate getting the Heave-Ho.

circa 1988