Notes compiled by Danny Howell. First published in Warminster & District Archive magazine, No.4. May 1990:
Blanche Lady Pelly was the daughter of Sir Frederick Vincent, 11th Bart., and second wife of Sir John Henry Pelly, 2nd Bart., who predeceased her. The Pelly family seat was in Essex but later at Thorngrove, Gillingham, Dorset.
Lady Pelly moved to Warminster in 1877, residing first at Vine House, Boreham Road, but in 1882 she had St. John’s Lodge, also at Boreham Road, built as her residence.
St. John’s Lodge was completed in January 1883 and Lady Pelly was so pleased with it she treated the builders, Joseph Gaisford of George Street, Warminster, and John Ponton of Back Street (later renamed Emwell Street), Warminster, and their respective employees to a supper at the Magnet Cocoa House (now the Farmers Hotel) on the corner of Sambourne Road and Silver Street, Warminster. One of Lady Pelly’s sons, Sir Harold Pelly, attended the supper in her absence. William Jervis Stent, the Warminster architect, was present, which suggests, maybe, that he was responsible for the design of St. John’s Lodge. After the supper the men indulged in games and smoking before leaving at about 11 p.m.
During her time at St John’s Lodge Lady Pelly supported many local causes, worked hard for St. John’s Church, and acted as a sick visitor. She was President of the Warminster Nursing Association. She also served for 27 years on the Warminster Board of Guardians, at the time when she and Miss Compton of Chitterne were the only female members. She gave up in 1922, due to ill health, but maintained her interest with regards the welfare of the inmates of the Poor Law Institution, particularly with the children and also donating gifts. Lady Pelly also took an active part in welfare matters in Wiltshire, serving on the County committees for the development of domestic education.
After several months of illness Blanche Lady Pelly passed away, in her 89th year, on Monday 16th February 1925. She was laid to rest at Gillingham Parish Churchyard, Dorset. She left two sons.
The eldest son was Sir Harold Pelly , 4th Bart. (the fourth son of Sir John Henry Pelly), who succeeded his half-brother in 1877. Sir Harold resided at Gillingham. His wife was Anna Pelly, formerly Anna Poore. She was the daughter of Major Robert Poore, of Old Lodge, Salisbury.
The younger surviving son was Mr. Arthur Pelly, who resided after his wedding at Scotsdale, Boreham Road, Warminster. He married the widow of the Rev George Atwood, who was for many years Rector of Bishopstrow.