Crockham Hill October 2024 Newsletter - Flipbook - Page 20
In 1976 she was sold once again. De-rigged by her new owner, David
Anderson, he developed her into a thriving restaurant, but had to sell her
in 1985, due to ill health. The next owner was Patrick Keen, a Portsmouthbased business man and accomplished sailor, who installed a Perkins
engine. With Kitty now motorised, it allowed him to develop a successful
charter business in and around the Solent. In 1990, when I heard that Kitty
was again for sale, it was an opportunity not to be missed.
I bought her with the intention of continuing the chartering business.
Although her passages were mostly in home waters, she also went on many
occasions to France and Holland, participating in Classic Boat Festivals in
Brest and Amstand, as well as being chartered for short holidays. She
became well known in Honfleur and Deauville where she was always
warmly welcomed by the classic boat communities. During the 25 years of
my ownership, I re-located Kitty from Southampton to Portsmouth and,
finally, in 2010, to Maldon, Essex, on the East Coast - the natural home of
the Thames barge.
Where does the name Froghole come from?
Paul Cosh
As usual when drinking with some village elders the other evening, the
conversation was deep and meaningful. We covered Ukraine, Gaza, the US
election and the riots in this country. Recently, however, a conundrum
presented itself. None of us, including some residents from Froghole Lane,
knew the derivation of the name 8Froghole9.
Let me start by dismissing the theory that Frog had any connection with
the nickname for Frenchmen (sorry Oli!), any more than the 8French9 in
French Street does. The 8French9 here might simply have taken its name
from that of the local landowner. (The name 'le Frensch' was recorded as
far back as 1273 and was probably in use well before then).
It seems that the only two local french connections are Quebec House and
Pootings. The first would probably best not be discussed with the French
and the second is probably best discussed elsewhere.
So here are five possible derivations/meanings of Froghole.
1. Some say that there once was a mad woman who used to fly a Welsh
flag and that the place was called Flag Pole which over the years was
misspelled and mispronunced until it became Froghole.
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