George Washington's Ancestor Buried in Maldon

Somewhere in this quiet English graveyard, George Washington's great, great grand-father, Laurence Washington, lies buried.  He died in 1652.

I was made aware of this little-known historical fact by the "guv" (owner) of the 15th century Blue Boar pub in Maldon, Essex where I was having a drink a couple of weeks ago with my brother Mike and lovely sister-in-law Maureen.

When the guv learned that I was visiting from America, he told me that I should take a look at All Saints' Church right across the road from the pub.  "George Washington's great, great grandfather is buried over there," he announced proudly. "Bet you didn't know that."  Actually, no.


I bet quite a few Americans don't know that either.  Amazing what you can learn if you take the time to drink plenty of fine hand-crafted English Ale.  Especially the kind called "Puck's Folly," (don't say that too quickly after a few pints!) which the guv told me was made with hops from Oregon, USA.  No end of American connections in England!

But back to George Washington.  After our drink, we wandered over to the church.  Naturally, this being England, it was raining so we didn't linger in the graveyard to look for Laurence Washington's grave.

However, we did discover this magnificent stained glass window  which was donated by the citizens of Malden (not Maldon) in Massachusetts, USA "in memory of the life of Laurence Washington, formerly rector of Purleigh, Essex and the Great-great-grandfather of George Washington, the first President of the United States".

The window was dedicated in 1928 in the presence of the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Bishop of New Jersey (no explanation given for this), the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and the American Ambassador. It was completely refurbished in 2005.

The three main panels show (from left to right) St. Nicholas, St George and, most surprisingly in an English church, Joan of Arc!  

According to the little pamphlet about the window, St. Nicholas signifies Colonization, St. George signifies Patriotism and St. Joan signifies Freedom. 

St. Joan may be somewhat surprised that her captors (and executioners) now regard her as a symbol of "Freedom".  Or is that the Americans having a swipe at the Brits?

There can't be too many places in England where St. George and St. Joan get equal billing.  Messrs. Cameron and Sarkozy, who had a famously testy relationship, could learn a thing or two from these two saints and the citizens of Maldon and Malden.

Imagine my surprise when I went back to the US and found out that Malden, Mass., was only about three miles away from Winchester where Veronica and Baby Max live.   In any event, the Washington Window was a great find and will be a conversation piece among the Newports and their friends on both sides of the Atlantic.