The History of Sewell Barn

Sewell Barn is named after Anna Sewell, the author of ‘Black Beauty’ – a book about the treatment of horses, especially in towns, London in particular.  She was the great-niece of the Quaker John Wright who bought Sutton Farm in the early 18th century and installed his nephew, also named John Wright as tenant.  Not having any children of his own and as a philanthropist, he was anxious for young John to prosper.  After a short time, John Wright (snr) died and the farm passed on to his nephew who sold out to John Vancouver, younger brother of George Vancouver, the navigator and explorer who gave his name to Vancouver, Canada.