Footnotes

• St. Mark's church has evolved through several stages since its beginning in the 19th century. Originally a church-of-ease to the original Parish Church of Bromley, the Reverend A.G. Hellicar, then vicar of Bromley received the gift of an iron church. This was attended until 1898.
  
  It was Dewey, along with Ernest Soames who bought the land for the second St. Mark's Church at the bottom of Westmoreland Road in 1897. Dewey went on to employ the skills of the Reverend's son and architect, Evelyn Hellicar. Work was completed by 1898 with a new tower being added in 1903.
  
  This church remained until 16 April 1941, when Bromley suffered an aggressive air raid attack and only the tower was left undamaged. In 1952 H.R.H The Duchess of Kent laid the corner stone for the church's reconstruction. At this time a composite coat of arms incorporating the arms of the Bishop of Rochester, Sir Thomas Dewey and the Reverend H.J.A Edwards, Vicar in 1952, was added to the medieval style hatchments.
  
  Sir Thomas Charles Dewey (1840-1926) moved to Bromley during the 1860s, and began work for the Prudential Assurance Company where he would work for the next fifty years, eventually becoming President. Widely regarded as a leading member of Bromley society, a financially successful career meant Dewey was able to become a patron of many local charities and sporting organisations, including St. Mark's architect, Evelyn Hellicar, with commissions including the Music Pavilion at South Hill and Peak House, Sidmouth, in 1904.
  
  During the Second World War, Dewey made both South Hill and Peak House available as hospitals. In 1922, his generosity was honoured by the King of Belgium with the award of the diploma and insignia of Medaille du Roi Albert for his services to wounded Belgian soldiers.
  
  In July 1904, Dewey was made Honorary Freeman of Bromley, and was called upon to lay the foundation stone to Bromley's Municipal Buildings in 1907. He was also Honorary Colonel of the 2nd Kent Royal Garrison Artillery (Volunteers) and on 20 February 1917, Dewey was made a baronet; being the first of the Dewey baronets.
  
  A blue plaque in commemoration of Thomas Dewey is in the final stages of being erected on his original house in Bromley.
  
  With thanks to Rachel Bailey and the Friends of South Hill Wood and Kingswood Glen for their assistance in cataloguing this lot.

Auction Notices

• Please note that St. Mark's church is in Bromley, Kent and not Broxley. It has been suggested that the model depicts Bromley Parish church, where Dewey was also a warden.

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Category: Decorative Arts / Silver

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