Some of you may remember that I had found out some interesting stuff about Merman House in Tideswell. For those of you who do not remember, a relative of my adoptive father, Ben Gregory, won a large sum of money by betting on a horse called ‘Merman’. He used the winnings to build Merman House.
Merman belonged to Lillie Langtry
A former occupier of the house contacted me and told me that the Horse belonged to the famous actress of the day. Actress Lily Langtree.
Apparently, this horse was RED HOT and won a hell of a lot of money for a lot of people. I found some old articles about it in the “New York Times” and you can read the Wikipedia entry for Merman.
I first wrote this post in 2009, and it’s taken me four years to find an image of Merman.
Previously, I had only been able to locate a photo of Merman’s Sire, ‘Grand Flaneur’.
“Grand Flaneur was Mermans Father He sired the Melbourne Cup winners Patron, Bravo, and at least 13 other major performers including Merman who was sent to England to win the 1900 Ascot Gold Cup, and also won the Goodwood Cup, Jockey Club Cup and Cesarewitch Handicap.”
This house can be found at the top of Town Head. When I was growing up in Tideswell, the house was in an unkempt state, owned by a Mr Hall. Known affectionately as ‘Black Bob’. I was completely unaware of any connection to the family.
So what’s the relationship with Merman farm and Merman barn? I am assuming Merman House was named after the racehorse. Built with the winnings?
Now, that’s a question I cannot answer in any detail Helen. If I were to hazard a guess, the barn maybe belonged to the Gregory’s too at one time, several of the houses up Town Head did. I doubt it would have even had a name though. I’m thinking that name was applied by a later owner.
Hi, Interested to read this re Ben Gregory, my great grandfather, as I’m a bit of a punter myself! Tho my Dad, Ben’s grandson, wouldn’t even buy a ticket in a Melbourne Cup sweep. I’d like if you would email me to discuss family history.