The Living Village - History

Did you know?

The Rev John David Paulett was the notorious vicar of St Botolph's from 1888 to 1892, when he left in disgrace.

He was unmarried and lived in the vicarage with his sister, Isabella Paulett, who had been the matron of a home in London. She moved to Helpstone with her maid, Lydia Barnett.

In 1892 Rev. John David Paulett was aged 58 and the maid Lydia was aged 31 when they married down in London on January 28th. His sister took off to York with embarassment! They went on to have another son Robert and lived together in Peterborough until the ex-Reverend died in 1900!

The Lincolnshire, Rutland and Stamford Mercury dated May 13th 1892 gives a report of an ecclesiastical enquiry against John Paulett as he had not adequately performed the duties of his office. He failed to hold two full services on Sundays and neglected to visit the sick and dying!

No mention of his 'friendship' with the maid was made!There is a slight reference to this on page 4 of the our Helpston School Master's Diary (see historical documents), as the enquiry was held in Helpston School.