| Background | Henry Fothergill was born in Caerelon in 1837. He was the third son of Richard and Charlotte Fothergill (formerly Merrick) and nephew of Rowland Fothergill of Hensol Castle. Together with his brothers, Richard, George and Thomas, Henry oversaw the family’s ironworks which included Plymouth, Penydarren, Taff Vale, Abernant and Llwydcoed. In 1864 he sold his interest in the ironworks to his older brother Richard and used the money to travel the world. On his return, he joined the Essex Militia, rising to the rank of Major. In 1877, he married Edith Russell Horwood, a vicar’s daughter of Maldon, and they settled in Copt Hall, Hawkhurst near Cranbrook. They had two sons Gerald Rowland (1880-1970) and Edward George Neville (1882-1962). Henry died on 1 Oct 1914 and Edith on 5 Jan 1925. |