Captain Mallom of Wacton Hall

Description

Captain Mallom of Wacton Hall is the first comprehensive account of the Mallom family of Wacton Hall, near Long Stratton, Norfolk. The focus, John Mallom (1742–1782), Lieutenant in the 57th Foot, and Captain in the 63rd Foot, fought in the American War of Independence. John’s career in the Army was sponsored by Charles Townshend MP, William Pitt’s charismatic Chancellor, brother of George Townshend, of Raynham Hall, Norfolk, and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Mallom served on five Court Martial Panels, rebuilt the defences at Paulus Hook Fort, illustrated by a rare document he submitted for payment, saw action, and was sent to England in January 1781, as “an Officer of Merit” carrying his Commander-in-Chief’s dispatches to London. Captain Mallom served with the two officers most hated by the Americans: Colonel Banastre Tarleton & Major James Wemyss.

In addition, the author describes the growth and development of the Mallom estates culminating in the purchase of Wacton Hall in 1672, the award of a Coat of Arms in 1685 and explores Mallom’s ancestral connections through the marriage of his grandfather. This created an important link with prominent Norfolk families—Suckling, Shelton, and Boleyn. He was Admiral Nelson’s 2nd cousin, and his direct descent from Sir Geoffrey Boleyn made him a 1st cousin of Queen Anne Boleyn, and a 2nd cousin of Queen Elizabeth I. Through Lady Margaret (Butler) Boleyn, Mallom was descended from the Bigod earls of Norfolk, two of whom were sureties for Magna Carta, and Edward I was his 14th great grandfather. The last section concentrates on Captain Mallom’s brother, Richard (b. 1744), with the search for his marriage and descendants.

This book will be of interest to those that wish to examine the familial ties of those at the centre of 18th century British military history and their association with the county of Norfolk.