BANKS Winter-Spring ISSUE Martha Banks King
Bob and Susan King - Their 2006 Pilgrimage We were fortunate to have a three week trip in August and September, which included a visit to Bavaria, then a fourteen day commercial tour of Scotland, Wales and England, then a rental car trip to Kingston Lacy and Corfe. We were very surprised that this visit to the Bankes roots was so interesting and inspiring. Thomas, Ginger, George, Norma and others had described their visits to us, but our experience was far above our expectations. At Kingston Lacy, the magnificent "country home" built by Sir Ralph Bankes after Corfe Castle was destroyed, the monarchy restored and the Bankes properties restored to their owners, we were fortunate to encounter a docent who, when he found out that we were Bankes descendents, spent a long time with us telling us history that we did not know, even after exhaustive reading. Briefly, it is that Sir Ralph built the home in 1663-5 but furnished it minimally. William John Bankes (1786-1855), who was very artistic, spent most of his life collecting art treasures in Egypt, Italy and elsewhere in Europe, sending them back to Kingston Lacy to make it a truly magnificent home and art museum. K.L. remained in the family, being occupied by Bankes for many generations. Under Ralph Bankes (1902-81), who inherited his father's solitary nature, the estate gradually subsided into tranquil decay. At his death it was bequeathed to the National Trust, but there was serious question whether the trust could accept it because so much money was needed for repairs and restoration. Finally the trust did accept it, spent three million pounds (6 mil. $) putting on a new roof, much more on the interior and art restoration. Finally, it was opened to the public and now, although it is a long way from anywhere, there are many visitors. The grounds, gardens, cattle herds and pastures were of particular interest to me. Then we went to Corfe Castle, which was incredibly impressive. A terrific lady, well versed in its history and architecture, took us through the ruins. Also, very impressive was the village around the castle, which is maintained much as it has been for 400 years. We found that this village, two towns on the coast, Swanage and Purbeck, about a a mile of waterfront (the only waterfront in England not owned by the Queen), as well as thousands of acres between Corfe and KL were part of the Bankes estate given to the National Trust. Another surprise to us was that this part of England is popular with English people but "undiscovered" by tourists. We told everyone, "Please don't tell anyone else about it because a flood of tourists would destroy the quaint and beautiful atmosphere of the area." When one experiences the beautiful, tiny stone churches where our ancestors worshiped, the farms and villages that are nearly the same as they have been for hundreds of years, the harbor where our ancestors defeated the Danish Vikings, the castle where one of England's kings was murdered, the pubs where ordinary Englishmen have eaten and drunk for many generations, one can feel a peculiar sense of history unlike anything I ever experienced. This was a really memorable experience that I shall never forget, and we encourage all descendents to make the pilgrimage. Love, Cousin Bob and Susan King Bob and Susan King at Kingston Lacy—2006
Inside this issue: News & Announcements
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Russell Marion Banks 1926-2006
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Chase the Darkness Charles Banks
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Matthew Garrison earns Bronze Star
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Re-Runs
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Send me your Scoop!
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