Close up detail of plaster work around the top of the ceiling above the marble staircase
Once again I headed for Kingston Lacy with a mission to check under the floorboards in the house. A condition survey was being carried out by Clivedon Conservation on the plaster ceiling above the marble staircase.
Douglas and Tina (National Trust paintings conservator) surveying the painted plaster ceiling
It was while looking under the floor in the third Tented Room above the ceiling that Douglas from Clivedon Conservation spotted some writing on one of the joists of the superstructure, but he had not had time follow it up further.
“James” written in pencil on the wooden joist
So as well as looking between the joists for objects lost down the cracks between the boards or hidden on purpose, I had a look at the faces of the joists to see if I could find more writing. It was difficult to get the right lighting and angle to make out the words, especially as not all the boards had been lifted. But with the help of torches and various settings on my camera I could make out one full name, a part name and a date!
The surname “Game” to go with the first name James
The complete name was James Game, followed by the name Isaac and something illegible, presumably a surname, and then the date November 25th 1837. William John Bankes commissioned Charles Barry in 1835 to remodel Kingston Hall. This work was completed circa 1841, so the 1837 date fits with work being carried out in the house.
November 25th 1837
With access to the 1840 census I thought I would look up James Game to see if I could find him in the area or on the estate. It was exciting to find someone of this name living at Hillbutts, a small group of dwellings beside the boundary of the parkland around Kingston Lacy house. But best of all, his occupation was listed as a joiner!
I think the second name of Isaac starts with an N? All ideas and suggestions welcome, then we’ll see if we can find Isaac on the census as well!
I think the surname of Isaac starts with an N, or perhaps M
The name Isaac written in pencil
Archaeology National Trust SW 
is it “Mit[?]fiel[?d]”?? Mike Robinson 07899 888234 bravuogn@btinternet.com “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice” (graffiti by the railway line at Solis, Switzerland)
Hi Mike, interesting that the 1841 census suggested the name similar to yours but then suggested Mitchel, much clearer on the 1851 as Mitchel 🙂
I think I can see ‘Mitchell’ in the surname, written very loosely admittedly.
Good one Luke 🙂 I needed fresh eyes and especially ones with experience of past handwriting 🙂 Hope you have seen the update
Mitchell?
In the 1841 census, there is a Isaac Mitchell registered living at White Mill, Shapwick, aged 50. As I’m only looking at the index, I can’t see his occupation though….