Mary Gee (1795–1864): A Life of Compassion, Wealth, and Enduring Legacy

Mary Gee, born Mary Hughes in 1795 (Plas Coch, Anglesey), emerged from two distinguished Welsh families— the Bulkeley-Hughes and the Thomases of Anglesey. She was one of nine children. Her father, Sir William Bulkeley Hughes, and mother, Elizabeth Thomas, were part of a lineage that traced its ancestry back seventeen generations to Owain Gwynedd, Prince of Wales (1137–1170). This noble heritage, steeped in tradition and influence, would have shaped Mary’s early life and positioned her within the upper echelons of British society.

Marriage and Early Life

In 1821, Mary married Osgood Gee, a member of the a luent Gee family of Sa ron Walden, Essex. Their union was not only socially advantageous but financially significant—Mary’s father provided a dowry exceeding £4,000, a substantial sum in the early 19th century. The couple initially settled at Hepworth Hall in Great Maplestead before moving to Ashford Lodge, where they hoped to raise a family.

Tragically, both of Mary’s daughters died young: Mary Gee (1822–1835) and Elizabeth Gee (1824–1828). These losses were devastating and left Mary without surviving children. Despite this sorrow, she remained resilient.

Colne House and Widowhood

In 1809, Osgood Gee Sr. had purchased land in Earls Colne from Thomas Fowell Buxton. Upon his death, theproperty passed to his only son, Mary’s husband. Plans for a grand manor house with 13 bedrooms, other rooms and o ices—Colne House—were likely drawn up around 1836, designed to host high society guests and reflect the family’s status. However, in 1837, Osgood Jr. died unexpectedly, leaving Mary a widow at 42.  Alone but financially secure, Mary oversaw the completion of Colne House, which was finished by 1839. Shemoved in with seven servants, establishing herself as a prominent figure in the village. Though no architectural plans survive, local lore and builder records suggest two possible contributors to the construction: (Stan Jarvis records:) Mr Ward, referenced in a scratched tile found during renovations, “Mr Ward built this house and hebroke before he built it 1840 (signed) John White”. and Zach Rogers, a respected builder from Earls Colne.  Zach Rogers is the more likely candidate. His firm managed numerous local projects, including Earls Colne Grammar School, Colne Place, and various private dwellings. His team included skilled subcontractors— bricklayers, carpenters, roofers, and plumbers—among them a John White, who may be the same individual mentioned on the tile. The architectural style of Colne House closely resembles other high-status buildings Rogers worked on, and his workshop was located on land known as “Wardes,” possibly linking him to the mysterious Mr Ward.

A Philanthropic Vision

Mary Gee’s wealth extended beyond landholdings. She held investments in public stocks and railwaycompanies, including Great Western and Great Northern Railways. These investments were likely guided by her brother, William Bulkeley Hughes, a railway prospector and chairman of the London and North Eastern Railway.   William was a close associate of George Stephenson, the famed railway pioneer, further connecting Mary to the industrial advancements of her time.  Moved by the poverty she witnessed in Essex, Mary channelled her wealth into transformative community projects. Her philanthropy was both strategic and heartfelt, targeting education, housing, and spiritual life.

Education and Welfare

In 1838, Mary purchased and demolished the Earls Colne workhouse, replacing it with a primary school. She funded the entire operation—children were clothed, fed, and educated at her expense. Two years earlier, she had done the same in Great Maplestead, demonstrating a consistent commitment to improving lives through education.  Her generosity extended to Greenstead Green, where in 1845 she financed the construction of a school, vicarage, and church. These buildings were designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, one of the most esteemed architects of the Victorian era. Mary also contributed significantly to the building of Holy Trinity Church in Halstead (1843–1844), further cementing her role as a benefactor of spiritual and educational institutions.

Infrastructure and Housing

Mary’s contributions weren’t limited to grand buildings. She funded the installation of a public water pump in Earls Colne (1853), built two thatched cottages on Halstead Road, and supported the construction of South Lodge at Colne House. These projects provided essential services and housing for local labourers and families, reflecting her deep concern for everyday needs.

Legacy Through Elizabeth Barter

Mary Gee passed away in 1864 at the age of 69. Her will revealed the full extent of her generosity. She left substantial sums to both local councils and national charities:

•  £1,000 (≈ £160,000 today) to Colchester Hospital
•  £100 (≈ £16,000 today) each to:

o Indigent Blind School, St George’s Fields

o Education of Deaf and Dumb Children, Old Kent Road

o National Benevolent Institute

o Society for maintaining and educating poor orphans of clergymen

o Essex Education Board

•  £200 (≈ £32,000 today) to the Society for Promoting Curacy in Populous Places
•  £100 (≈ £16,000 today)each to the councils of Earls Colne, Great Maplestead, Halstead, and Greenstead Green for food, clothing, and fuel for the poor

Her closest companion, Elizabeth Barter—a vicar’s daughter from Oxfordshire—inherited much of Mary’s estate. Elizabeth continued Mary’s philanthropic mission with equal fervour. In 1876, she built the House of Mercy in Great Maplestead at a cost of £10,000, a refuge for vulnerable women. She also refurbished thechancel at St Giles Church in memory of Mary.

Elizabeth later joined the convent of All Hallows in Ditchingham, Norfolk, where she served as a nursing sister.  Her wealth supported the hospital’s work until her death in 1882. The hospital, recently mentioned in nationalnews due to its closure, stands as a lasting testament to Elizabeth’s—and by extension, Mary’s—compassion.

Colne House: A Timeline of Occupants

After Mary’s death, Colne House passed to her youngest sister Sidney and her husband Frederick Carleton Marsden. The property remained in the family until 1919, after which it was occupied by a succession of military and professional individuals. This continuity of stewardship reflects the enduring prestige and historical significance of the estate.

Surviving Buildings Linked to Mary Gee

Several structures in Essex still bear the imprint of Mary Gee’s generosity:

• Water pump, Earls Colne (1853)
• Holy Trinity Church, Halstead (1843–1844)
• St James the Great Church, Greenstead Green (1845)
• Vicarage, Greenstead Green (1845)
• Old School, Greenstead Green (1845) St Giles C of E School, Great Maplestead
• Two thatched cottages, Halstead Road, Earls Colne
• South Lodge to Colne House

These buildings serve as physical reminders of her impact and are integral to the heritage of the region.

A Woman Ahead of Her Time

Mary Gee’s life defied the limitations often placed on women in the 19th century. Widowed and childless, she could have retreated into private grief. Instead, she chose to become a force for good, using her wealth to uplift others. Her investments in education, housing, and health care were visionary, and her collaboration with leading figures like Sir George Gilbert Scott and William Bulkeley Hughes placed her at the heart of Victorian progress.  Her story is not just one of charity—it’s one of strategic philanthropy, community engagement, and enduringlegacy. Through Elizabeth Barter, her influence extended into the next generation, and through the buildings and institutions she funded, her spirit lives on.

Acknowledgements

This account draws upon the dedicated research of volunteers and historians who have preserved Mary Gee’s story:

• Lesley, Gordon, Keturah, John, and Frances – Volunteers at Earls Colne Heritage Museum
• Jim Davis and John Walmsley – Halstead Heritage Museum
• Wendy Jones – for her contributions to local history

Their work ensures that Mary Gee’s legacy continues to inspire and inform.

(Mark Claydon, Museum Researcher and Volunteer, October 2025)