Mary Lockyer: Starlight
Unearthing History: The Mary Lockyer Project
Over the past few months, our team has delved into the life and stories of Mary Lockyer, a pioneering woman whose contributions to astronomy and photography have largely been overlooked by history.
This is what everyone in the team has been up to...
Over the past few months, our team has delved into the life and stories of Mary Lockyer, a pioneering woman whose contributions to astronomy and photography have largely been overlooked by history.
This is what everyone in the team has been up to...
Carolyn Kennett: Unveiling Ancient Sites and Photography Techniques
(PC: Carolyn Kennett) Sunset at the Merry Maidens
Carolyn has spent the past few months immersing herself in the life and times of Mary Lockyer, focusing particularly on the ancient sites she visited and the old photography techniques she used. Carolyn’s research has involved visiting historical locations which were integral to Mary and Norman’s research and making her own observations, considering these alongside the results of the original investigation. Carolyn’s reflections on the ancient sites and historical research methods will be compiled into a write-up at the end of the project.
Carolyn's highlight:
Carolyn: “Exploring the old photography techniques used by Mary. This aspect of the project allowed me to connect with the past in a meaningful way, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs Mary faced. By immersing ourselves in the historical context of Mary Lockyer's time, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs she faced in her endeavours.”
Carolyn's highlight:
Carolyn: “Exploring the old photography techniques used by Mary. This aspect of the project allowed me to connect with the past in a meaningful way, gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs Mary faced. By immersing ourselves in the historical context of Mary Lockyer's time, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs she faced in her endeavours.”
Exploring Ancient Alignments: Retracing Mary Lockyer's Footsteps in Tregeseal and Bodmin Moor
The CAS field visits to Tregeseal and north-west Bodmin Moor, led by Carolyn Kennett, guided large groups through significant prehistoric landscapes despite challenging weather conditions. At Tregeseal, participants explored Bronze Age monuments and stone circles, learning about their astronomical alignments and historical significance. The tour continued at Bodmin Moor with visits to Stannon and Louden Hill, where foggy conditions obscured some views but did not diminish the educational value of the experience. These walks, inspired by the early 20th-century archaeo-astronomer Lady Mary Lockyer, provided valuable insights into her pioneering work. By retracing Lockyer's steps and examining the same sites she studied, the event highlighted the lasting impact of her contributions to understanding the alignment and ceremonial use of prehistoric monuments, reinforcing her importance in the field of archaeo-astronomy.
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(PC: Carolyn Kennett) 1. Moonrise at the Hurlers
2. Carolyn Kennett discussing the significance of the urn found by WC Borlase in a cist beyond the inner end of the passage of the Tregeseal entrance grave.
2. Carolyn Kennett discussing the significance of the urn found by WC Borlase in a cist beyond the inner end of the passage of the Tregeseal entrance grave.
Bea's Insights: Archaeoastronomy and the role of Gender
Bea, who has been working alongside the Norman Lockyer Observatory as part of her PhD, has been a fundamental part of this project, her archival work excavating crucial stories and aspects of Mary’s life. Bea’s research took her to multiple sites around Devon, including Exeter Library, where she viewed the book bequest, and the Sidmouth Museum Archives, which contained family photographs. These resources provided Bea with a deeper understanding of Mary's contributions to Norman Lockyer's work, particularly in the field of archeoastronomy. Bea's article on this subject emphasized Mary's significant role and included her photographs of various sites in the UK.
Bea’s highlights:
“This project has been interesting to partake in as it excavated much of the forgotten history of an amateur astronomer who played a large part in her famous husband's work. It is also important because it necessitates a recognition of the restrictions placed on women in late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Mary's status as a suffragist points to a progressive tendency inside the Lockyer family, which is fascinating when one takes into account the liberal circles of writers and artists Norman also moved in.”
Bea’s highlights:
“This project has been interesting to partake in as it excavated much of the forgotten history of an amateur astronomer who played a large part in her famous husband's work. It is also important because it necessitates a recognition of the restrictions placed on women in late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Mary's status as a suffragist points to a progressive tendency inside the Lockyer family, which is fascinating when one takes into account the liberal circles of writers and artists Norman also moved in.”
Sidmouth Patchers & Quilters: Crafting a Fabric Monument
The Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters have been working alongside Mayes Creative to craft a quilt that honours Mary’s legacy. Sandra Wheeler is a representative of the group who has shared her experience of working on the project with us.
Sandra's involvement in the project began with a meeting with Jo, Carolyn, and Bea, where they discussed the idea of creating a quilt to honour Mary Lockyer's life. As a member of the Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters, Sandra coordinated the work to produce this quilt. Her research primarily took place online, where she compiled a timeline of Mary's life and achievements. Sandra also collaborated with the curator of the Sidmouth Museum, Ann Tanner, to gather more information.
Sandra's Highlights:
The Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters have now completed the beautiful quilt that depicts various facets of Mary's life. This collaborative effort brought together different skills and experiences, resulting in a project that surpassed all expectations. The quilt stands as a testament to Mary Lockyer's legacy and the contributions of women in history, and Sandra and the Quilters are thrilled with the outcome, as are we all!
Sandra's involvement in the project began with a meeting with Jo, Carolyn, and Bea, where they discussed the idea of creating a quilt to honour Mary Lockyer's life. As a member of the Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters, Sandra coordinated the work to produce this quilt. Her research primarily took place online, where she compiled a timeline of Mary's life and achievements. Sandra also collaborated with the curator of the Sidmouth Museum, Ann Tanner, to gather more information.
Sandra's Highlights:
The Sidmouth Patchers and Quilters have now completed the beautiful quilt that depicts various facets of Mary's life. This collaborative effort brought together different skills and experiences, resulting in a project that surpassed all expectations. The quilt stands as a testament to Mary Lockyer's legacy and the contributions of women in history, and Sandra and the Quilters are thrilled with the outcome, as are we all!
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(PC: Caroline Corkrum) Examples of the completed Quilt Patches
Liv's Research: Stitching a Narrative
As an intern at Mayes Creative, the Mary Lockyer project has been a fascinating opportunity for me to be able to explore local communities and connect with a past which does not always readily reveal itself to us. Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to visit the Sidmouth Observatory, where I explored Norman's telescopes and attended a lecture on the Lockyer ladies. I also visited Exeter’s Old Library and examined archives, uncovering surprising parts of Mary Lockyer's story, and the stories of her ancestors. Alongside my own research, I have been collating parts of the team’s findings to create some social media content to bring the project to a wider community and weave information and pictures into narrative. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such wonderful women as Carolyn, Jo, Bea and the Quilters and feel proud to be a part of such an incredible group of researchers!
This project has been a collaborative effort, with each of us bringing our unique perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we have unearthed a rich history that celebrates the life and achievements of Mary Lockyer. We hope that our research inspires others to delve into the stories of remarkable women whose contributions have shaped our world.
This project has been a collaborative effort, with each of us bringing our unique perspectives and skills to the table. Together, we have unearthed a rich history that celebrates the life and achievements of Mary Lockyer. We hope that our research inspires others to delve into the stories of remarkable women whose contributions have shaped our world.
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(PC: Olivia Cronin)
Image 1: Norman Lockyer's telescope, Sidmouth Observatory
Image 2: Front cover of Mary Lockyer transcript, held at Old Library, Exeter
Image 1: Norman Lockyer's telescope, Sidmouth Observatory
Image 2: Front cover of Mary Lockyer transcript, held at Old Library, Exeter
Turning Tides: Songwriting Project
In April, Turning Tides ran an educational and interactive songwriting project with the Sidmouth Cubs, focusing on the life of Mary Lockyer. The event was attended by over 15 young people,
Highlights and Feedback:
Haidee (Scouts Lead):
“Thank you all so much for your time, the arranging and planning, and making it work! You all really did rock, you had all the children involved and focused and a great time was had by all so thank you! “
Parent of a participant:
“I was at the Sidmouth cubs workshop today with my 9 year old daughter. We had an absolutely great time, thank you to everyone involved. It was a brilliant opportunity to be involved in our community, making history come to life.”
Highlights and Feedback:
Haidee (Scouts Lead):
“Thank you all so much for your time, the arranging and planning, and making it work! You all really did rock, you had all the children involved and focused and a great time was had by all so thank you! “
Parent of a participant:
“I was at the Sidmouth cubs workshop today with my 9 year old daughter. We had an absolutely great time, thank you to everyone involved. It was a brilliant opportunity to be involved in our community, making history come to life.”
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Images from the Turning Tides songwriting event
Mary Lockyer: Starlight is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to research and share the hidden story of Mary Lockyer widely.
Blog post written by Olivia Cronin, University of Exeter
Blog post written by Olivia Cronin, University of Exeter
Other activities
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Boscawen Un Stone Circle, Cornwall
Merry Maidens, St Buryan, Cornwall Stannon Stone Circle, Bodmin As part of our Mary Lockyer: Starlight heritage project we were delighted to offer 5 Drawing The Stones workshops where we appreciated Cornwall stone circles through tonal drawing. Led by artist Peter Beeson, the activity was suitable for all abilities. We had some beautiful outcomes, which have been used to print on banners and are also being made into bookmarks for sharing at local libraries. |
