Crawley - West Sussex

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Introduction
Summary
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Out & About
Brief History
Murder
Community
Property
High Street
Veteran Cars
Mark Lemon
Conservation

Welcome to
Crawley
West Sussex - England

Mark Lemon

Crawley west sussex england crawley uk Mark Lemon

Born in London in 1809, Mark Lemon became the first editor of the Punch magazine. After a brief period as a clerk in a brewery, he took over as landlord of the Shakespeare's Head Inn. He already had a strong interest in literature and tried to make the Inn a form of literary club. The pub was not a financial success but it is likely that the friendships he formed there led to him becoming involved with Punch magazine.

Punch first appeared on 17th July 1841, edited by Mark who remained editor until his death in 1870.
Although born in London (at Oxford Circus when it had houses!) an uncle, on a farm, brought him up. No doubt Crawley, then a single street surrounded by forests and meadows, reminded him of his childhood.

Mark Lemon moved to Crawley in the summer of 1858. He lived with his wife Nelly and their 7 children in Vine Cottage. At that time it was described as 'in Ifield' but was actually in Crawley High Street, just about 100 yards from the railway station. An important consideration as Mark Lemon travelled the 30 miles to the 'Punch' offices in the capital daily.

The 'cottage' was formerly a farmhouse, large and airy with low oak beams and wide fireplaces. It had an ample garden complete with orchard. Only a little imagination is required to visualise the delight of his children. The built the new Asda on the site.

Mark Lemon quickly became involved in local affairs. He organised art exhibitions and several sports clubs. He was a major player in the moves to get street lighting installed in the High Street.
He also raised sufficient monies to provide the town with its first fire engine!
His wife and daughters were not to be left out and were active in helping the local poor.

In August 1866 Mark and Nelly were presented with a silver tea service inscribed "To Mark Lemon, Esq. as a token of affectionate regard." It was presented at a dinner held in their honour at the Station Inn. I suspect that this became the Railway Hotel, which then became the Rocket, with the sign of Stevenson’s Rocket. For a brief spell it became the ‘Firkin and Firecracker’ with the sign of a firework. Sometimes one wonders who had the brain cell the day that name was derived! - Update - it has been redecorated and is now known as “The Railway” - Nearly full circle!

Not content with earning thirty shillings a week as editor of 'Punch' , Mark also founded 'The Field'. Both of which are still published. He wrote plays, short stories, novels and verses and used the income to support 'Punch' in the early days.

For more information on Mark Lemon: http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/Jlemon.htm