Moreton Paddox, The Fountain c.1955

Photo ref: M138001

I lived in Moreton Morrell for all of my early years. Fond memories of both Moreton Hall and Moreton Paddox. I remember American armed forces being at Moreton Paddox during the war years, especially the Christmas parties they put on for the local children. Lots of changes over the years, not always for the better.

I have never been to Moreton Paddox but I just found some pictures of the gardens and house in my father's scrapbook from the war. He lived in the barracks near the gardens from June 13 to August 10, 1944. On the back of one photo he wrote, "I wish I was back in this place now. We had a pretty good time there." He also said that no one lived in that manner house, but that the gardens were very well ...see more

My mother, Angela Joan Balsom lived at the Paddox from the age of 2 until she was 16 (1935-1951). Originally she lived at North Lodge. Her father, Walter Henry Balsom, was Captain Emitt's butler. Upon the outbreak of WW2 Captain Emitt joined the life guards. As my grandfather did not meet the height requirement he joined the Welsh guards. My mother remembers being taken to school in the head ...see more

My parents and I spent a very enjoyable week at Moreton Paddox when it was run by the WTA. At the finish of our week we went to Wales but, as I was awaiting my School Certificate results, I journeyed back alone to the Paddox and was employed as the general dogsbody in the kitchen, peeling potatoes, making toast and washing up the kitchen utensils. I always had the afternoons off so was able to enjoy the ...see more