To commemorate this month’s 150th anniversary of the death of George Reed, Burnham’s greatest benefactor during the Victorian period, a group of local historians from East Brent and Burnham have been researching his life and legacy.
Burnham historian John Strickland told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “He was responsible for a number of significant improvements to Burnham and the surrounding area. As well as building the new National School; Catherine & Julia Terraces; The Reed Arms; the Jetty and bringing the railway to Burnham, he did much more!”
“At the next meeting of The North Sedgemoor Local History group, an illustrated slideshow will be given about his family and his time in Burnham and East Brent.”
“Much of the detail in the slideshow is based on the research findings, including the Bodgers who were Manor House Gardeners, the opening of Burnham Gas Works and the installation of street lighting, plus his work in 1850 as Chairman of the Local Board of Health, not forgetting his time as Lord of the Manor East Brent.”
“Catherine and Julia Terraces were named after his two daughters and he also built the former St Andrew’s School on The Esplanade and was instrumental in the railway coming to Burnham, having his hotel – the Reed Arms – built to satisfy the tourists that arrived by train.”
The talk will be held in the lecture theatre at King Alfred School Academy starting at 7pm this Wednesday (12th June). Visitors will be welcome to attend for £2.
