Last week, Harvey and I took a short break, spending time in the Cambridgeshire/Essex/Bedfordshire/Hertfordshire area. Whilst we were there, we visited Westminster College in Cambridge, a centre for learning within the United Reformed Church, which also houses several sets of archives:
- The records of Cheshunt College (including correspondence with the Countess of Huntingdon).
- The Presbyterian Church of England archive.
- The United Reformed Church History Society collection.
- The records of Westminster College.
- The Churches of Christ archive.
Westminster College, Cambridge
I’ve mentioned before how my 6 x great-grandfather, John Dando the elder, wrote to the Countess of Huntingdon in 1771, having first been introduced by letter by Rev’d Rowland Hill, an itinerant preacher with whom John was acquainted.
Rev’d Hill wrote…
“According to your Ladysps orders I have spoken to a Hatter who has sent his terms in Letter By Mr. Hawksworth. I shall also this evening speak to a clothier who shall also write you his terms. as I believe them both to be real Xtians I hope there is no reason to doubt but you will have Xtian treatment from ym both.”
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Letter written by Rev’d Rowland Hill to the Countess of Huntingdon
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In his letter, John informed the Countess of the price of his hats and went on to discuss the evangelical revival taking place in his area. This would, no doubt, have been of interest to the Countess who had founded the Countess of Huntingdon’s Connexion, a Calvinistic movement within the Methodist Church.
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Letter written by John Dando to the Countess of Huntingdon
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It was great to see the original letter in person and I would like to mention the wonderful enthusiasm of Helen, the archivist at the College.
The Lodge at Westminster College, Cambridge
Westminster College is a lovely Grade II listed building with some beautiful architecture and I especially liked the library and the Chapel. Had I known in advance that they offer accommodation, I think I’d have been tempted to stay for a couple of days!
Letters reproduced here with the permission of the Trustees of the Cheshunt Foundation, Westminster College, Cambridge.
Rev’d Rowland Hill Letter Reference: (F1/1200)
John Dando Letter Reference: (F1/141)
