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Contact: Jenni Brockman Phone: 804-443-3357 Fax: 804-443-6781 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Tappahannock (March 31, 2003) - Thanks to the generosity of Mrs. James C. Wheat, Jr., students at St. Margaret's School recently enjoyed a fascinating glimpse into America's British heritage. Mrs. Wheat, an Upper Essex resident and friend of the school, sponsored a March 28 presentation by "Lawrence Washington," the seven-times great grandfather of our country's first president. 
Photo left:
Martin Sirot-Smith as George Washington's Tudor ancestor, Lawrence, tells Jeesun Lee that her life would have been short in 16th century England. Smith's presentation at St. Margaret's School was made possible by Mrs. James C. Wheat (far right), a friend of both SMS and England's Sulgrave Manor.
"Events like this really make history come to life for our students," said Head of School Margaret R. Broad. "We appreciate the opportunity to have such a sought-after speaker." Washington is portrayed by Martin Sirot-Smith, director emeritus of Sulgrave Manor, the Washington family's ancestral home in Oxfordshire, England. A costumed Smith told students that life was very different during Tudor times, when Lawrence Washington amassed his wealth, bought land from King Henry VIII and built Sulgrave. To demonstrate, he asked 10 girls to stand, then had them drop to the floor one by one as they "died" of various childhood illnesses and occupational hazards. Only one "lived" to the age of 40, which would be the equivalent of 90 today. Smith also traced the genealogy that links Lawrence to his famous American descendant. In 1656, Colonel John Washington left Sulgrave as a result of the English Civil War. "No matter how you feel about war," Smith explained, "there's only one side to be on-the winning side." John, the great-grandfather of George, traveled across the Atlantic and settled on Virginia's Potomac River to re-establish the family's fortunes. The rest, as they say, is history. To conclude, Smith showed slides of the manor house and its grounds. The Washington family coat of arms above the door and on many windows not only inspired symbols of Washington, DC, and the State of Washington, he said, its stars and stripes most likely also formed the basis for the American flag. |
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