A LOVE STORY LINKED TO OUR SPECIAL TOWN - MY BRENTWOOD VALENTINE TALE TOLD IN 60 SECONDS - COURTESY OF PHOENIXFM RADIO

In Brentwood, Essex there’s a rather special place called St Vincent’s Hamlet which remembers the great wars with France and Spain in the 18^th century. At the time, a poor junior naval officer John Jervis fell in love with Martha the rich daughter of Sir Thomas Parker, Chief Baron of the English Exchequer. 

In those socially class ridden days, it was impossible for them to marry. 

England was at war with France and John became captain of a huge ship which successfully scuppered the largest French navel force. He returned home, received a knighthood and a fat purse, becoming Commander of the British Navy; later Earl of St Vincent. He and Martha were now able to marry after waiting for 20 years. They took up residence at the beautiful Rochetts manor-house in South Weald, Brentwood.

Jervis once commented (with mock humour) at a dinner: “ My year of destiny was 1797 - 14 February when I committed three great faults  I got knighted; I got married; I got into Parliament!”  The Cape of St Vincent in Portugal has a plaque as does our little hamlet in Brentwood, Essex.