Augusta Saumarez Tawke (1856 - 1947)

She was the daughter of Arthur Tawke and Augusta Mary Tawke. (Mother born Brentwood 1819 and died Rochford 1916, possibly descendant of James Saumarez, 1st Baron de Saumarez and also possibly from Guernsey). The early part of Augusta's life was spent at the Lawns, Hall Road.  She was considered to be the Lady of the Manor of Hockley. She never married. She was a keen huntswoman, going out every day when possible. She wrote four books on the subject "Hunting Recollections Volumes 1 - 4". She was Chairman of the Parish Council and involved with the building of the Hockley Public Hall, the Spitfire Fund, the Conservative Association and the childrens home.  She was a talented wood carver and carved the World War I Roll of Honour and the pulpit in the church.  In 1909 she set up a home for "wayward" girls. Also, she was responsible for the purchase of the old Corn Exchange in Rochford which she turned into a laundry to provide some income for needy women. (Now the Women's Institute Hall)

(Note our point of interest is the Augusta Tawke chair in the Old House, Rochford with a top cartouche of George V and Queen Mary).  In the early 1900's she moved into Bullwood Hall to help care for the invalid wife of local landowner, Samuel Sidney Baker. After his wife died, Augusta stayed at Bullwood Hall until the death of Samuel.  He left the Hall to her. She later moved into the "Myrtles", Hockley Road. She died in 1947 leaving her estate to the son of Samuel Baker. She is buried just outside the porch of St. Andrew's Church, Rochford.