Exhibition: The History of Walton Hall

Owners of Walton Hall: The Harleys 

Dr Vaughan Harley (1863-1923)

According to a memorial plaque in St Michael’s Church at Walton Edward Vaughan Berkeley Harley (known as Vaughan Harley) was born in London on 28 December 1864. However most online records record the year of his birth as 1863. He was the eldest son of the Scottish physician and surgeon Dr George Harley and his wife Emma Jessie (née Muspratt). The Harleys’ London residence was 25 Harley Street, the famous street synonymous with private specialists in medicine and surgery and named after a family ancestor from whom the Harleys claimed descent. Vaughan was one of five children born to George and Emma Harley – his siblings were Ethel Brilliana, Harold Stanley, Vernon de Vere, and Olga Brilliana. The eldest child, Ethel became a successful writer and as an author was better known as Mrs Alec Tweedie (1862-1940).   

Vaughan Harley first studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh where he graduated with an MBCM (Bachelor of Medicine and Master of Surgery) and an MD (Doctor of Medicine) with honours. He then travelled extensively in Europe, studying in Paris with Louis Pasteur among other notable medics and scientists. In 1893 he was invited to establish the first department of pathological chemistry in England at University College, London. Three years later he was appointed the Professorship there, an appointment he held until 1919. He was also a Fellow of the Physiological Society and of the Chemical Society.

On Thursday 29 December 1904 Vaughan Harley married Mary Blagden (1869-1936) at Stone Parish Church near Aylesbury. Mary was the eldest daughter of Canon and Mrs Blagden of Peverel Court, Aylesbury. The wedding was reported in the Bucks Herald newspaper two days later and the bride's trousseau was described in some detail: “...a gown of white Liberty satin, veiled with chiffon and a deep flounce of Brussels lace on the skirt and a yoke of the same lace on the bodice. A satin train hung from one shoulder, trimmed with chiffon and sprays of orange blossom. The lace was the gift of her mother. She wore a string of pearls, the gift of the bridegroom, and a diamond and pearl pendant from her father and mother. Her bouquet was a sheaf of Madonna lilies, also a present from the bridegroom”. Mary's two sisters Therese and Hilda attended her as bridesmaids and wore, "...soft white satin picture gowns with lace scarves, and hats of petunia velvet with lace strings". 

The article concluded with mention of the reception held at the Blagden's family home, Peverel Court, largely attended by friends from London and the county of Buckinghamshire and described how, “...Dr and Mrs Vaughan Harley left at four o’clock to spend the honeymoon at Walton Hall, the bridegroom’s residence in Bucks”. Unsurprisingly for families as well connected as the Harleys and Blagdens, the list of wedding gifts was extensive and included several pieces of jewellery and silver household items such as a pair of silver gilt sugar dreders from the Duchess of Devonshire, and a silver loving cup and stand from the American Ambassador and his wife. Scottish Impressionist artist James Dick-Peddie (1857-1918) presented the groom with a portrait of his new bride. 

The couple’s first child, a daughter they named Diana Mary was born at Harley Street on 15 March 1906. She was known as Dido. Two years later, her sister Primrose was born at the same address on 19 April 1908. There are three family photographs of the Harleys at Walton Hall on this page.

The first photograph shows Vaughan and Mary Harley with Diana sitting in front of Walton Hall c.1906. The second photograph shows Mary, Diana and Primrose beside the cedar tree next to Walton Hall. Primrose is sitting on a swing hanging from the tree. This photograph was one of four included in sale documents for Walton Hall in 1911. The third photograph shows sisters Diana and baby Primrose with their Nanny outside the Hall c.1908. The first and third photographs were featured in an article about Walton Hall in The Open University staff magazine 'Open House' in December 1986.