The exact date of 1623 and owners initials are seen in the drawing room ceiling, upstairs, of Lady Mary Reade.Last year I was very pleased to see the HW Pickersgill painting of James Clitherow was donated by St.Bernards Hospital Museum for display at Boston Manor House, the Clitherow family home for many years - it probably hung in the asylum boardroom for a hundred and fifty years as he was the first chairman of the leading *Hanwell Asylum, which at the time was very innovative and gave the afflicted or ill a much improved life. James Clitherow as a leading magistrate played a prominent role from the planning in 1827 until 1838.Enthusiasts led by Janet, Friends of Boston Manor, Boston Manor Residents Assoc have done well to rescue and restore the picture of a key local figure who really helped to make changes for the better.*originally the Ist Middlesex County Asylum opened in 1831. www.fobm.org.uk
Robert Darke ● 6231d