Lyme historian’s final ‘Shady Tree’ talk

Ken Gollop set to give his last lecture after some 25 years - this time focusing on housing developments in the resort

Ken Gollop will be explaining what this photo was all about at his final ‘Tales from under Shady Tree’ lecture. Pictures SUBMITTED. - Credit: Archant

After some 25 years Lyme Regis historian Ken Gollop is set to give the last in his popular series of talks called “Tales from under Shady Tree”.

The title of comes from the name of a large wych elm which grew in the field above Jordan Flats, now occupied by Anning Road.

Some of Lyme's most important housing developments will feature in Ken Gollop's final ‘Tales from under Shady Tree’ lecture. Pictures SUBMITTED. - Credit: Archant

As it was the only flat area of grass in the town besides Bumpy Field, it was a favourite playground for local children and reputed to be the one where world famous fossil hunter Mary Anning was struck by lightning as a child.

Jordan Flats has a varied history, having been built in the early 1800s as a cloth factory and later, from 1919/20 to the 1930s, was the White Rose Laundry which closed down before the outbreak of the Second World War. It was occupied by the military during the war and then converted into four flats by Lyme Borough Council.

Ken’s final talk for Lyme Regis Museum centres on the new housing developments in Lyme including the history of the Woodbury Down Estate, still known locally as St Albans.

The police, traffic and pubs also feature in this year’s talk which is billed as The Last Shady Tree talk and takes place on Sunday, March 4, at 2.30 at the Woodmead Halls, Lyme Regis.