How to travel from Dover to London in 1789; the Reverend John Lyon offers scientific advice.

 

The recipient of this letter is the well-known Quaker slavery abolitionist James Philips, best known as the publisher of the below-decks plans for the slave ship Brooks/Brookes and in 1787 one of the twelve founding members of the Society for Effecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade. The writer is the Reverend John Lyon, perpetual curate of Dover, born 1734 died 1817, noted as a historian of Dover, an antiquarian, and experimental investigator into electricity.

The rather extraordinary letter is a detailed account of how to travel from Dover to London with least danger and discomfort; Philips’s daughter Judith (born ca 1770 died and buried in Dover 1795) is on a visit to Dover and about to return to London. Her father does not wish her to travel by night; the Reverend Lyon strongly recommends (and at length) travelling by night. The tone is a little teasing as an Anglican clergyman reproaches a Quaker for superstition and goes on to give a scientific demonstration of the preferability of night time travel.

The Barham Downs in Kent which features largely in the letter is the subject of an 18th century engraving by Stukeley; it can be googled.

There are connections between the Philips and Lyon families which could be investigated and Judith may have attended or possibly taught in a school for “young ladies” in Dover.

 

Transcription

Addressed to: Mr Philips Stationer   George Yard   Lombard Street   London

Postmark: Undated DOVER and London receiver mark of 20 April 1789 implying next day delivery

Datelined: Dover 19^th April 1789

 

Dear Sir

Your daughter [Judith Philips] called on me one day this week to inform me you cannot thinks of her travelling by night for fear of I know not what. I did not think you had any prejudice or superstition about you, but as you have a little in regard to travelling, I must endeavour to remove it. If you think there is more danger in riding in the stages in the night, than in Day on the Kentish road I think the Contrary; and for this reason: there are not so many houses open on the road, for the Coachmen to get down to drink; therefore not so many temptations for them to leave their horses; to run away with the passengers. If you think we are liable to be overturned by driving so fast by night; you are to be reminded I never venture in the mail coach, but go on fairly, & softly; & have never yet in the midst of frosts & snows met with the shadow of an accident.

I know what you intend to say, the Philistines be upon thee Sampson; but I insist the argument is all in my favour. You will say as a father, who fears every thing which may happen – my Child is more liable to take cold in coming from Dover in the night than the Day; but I think, & have experience the Contrary, and I have reason, and experience on my side, to support my argument. De Luc [Jean-André Deluc or de Luc (1727 –1817) a Genevan meteorologist who moved to England and was employed at court by Queen Charlotte] and all our great men skilled in the use of the Thermometer tell us the coldest part of the Day is a little before sun rising; and this is colder than any part of the night too. I also insist upon it that going over Barham Down [south east of Canterbury] is the coldest part of the Road from Dover to London; and by going off in the Evening the coldest part of the road is passed, before the coldest part of the night begins; for at this time of year we are at Canterbury, by the time day light starts in. By going off in the morning we are called out of a warm bed between 3 & 4 o’clock, hurried into a Carriage; and have the very coldest part of the dark hours; & the hazard is against those who are not accustomed to travelling, if they do not take cold in doing it. Previous to the night stages; I used to go to Canterbury in the Evening; & go thence in the morning. I think from what I have said; and I am serious; that you are a Convert to my Doctrine; and therefore I must beg the favour of a Line; to leave your Daughter at liberty, in what manner she is to return; either, by night or by Day; and I shall do my endeavour to see her safe to your own house. The time I cannot exactly fix; but if you give her a discretionary power to act for herself you may probably see her; before your apprehensions of Danger begin.

She will have two chances of being taken care of, as my Brother Executor will accompany me; but whether we shall travel by night or by Day is not yet fixed. I shall expect your ansr. with an unlimited commission to travel as necessity requires and am with respects to Mrs P. & your little ones

Yrs very sincerely

J Lyon

Acknowledgment

Additional research by Elizabeth Peters, Association of Genealogists and Researchers in Archives