The Meyer family were to reside at Forty Hall for almost a century
James Meyer I
On November 7th 1799, Forty Hall was sold at auction for a second time. Its new owner was a Mr James Meyer. A prosperous merchant of Dutch descent, he was keen to establish himself as a country gentleman, whilst at the same time retaining close ties with his business interests in the City of London.
Land that had been sold in 1789, once again became part of the Forty Hall Estate, the main staircase was remodelled and the roof re-clad in Westmoreland stone. New rainwater pipes displaying James’ initials were added showing the date 1800.
James was keen to involve himself in local affairs and served as a magistrate for many years. He looked after his tenants well and family documents recall how James kept a shoe-mender at Forty Hall who would produce shoes for the poor, paid for out of James’ own pocket.
Christian Paul Meyer
James Meyer l did not marry and on his death in 1826, Forty Hall passed to his nephew Christian Paul Meyer. Unlike his uncle, Christian Paul Meyer had four wives, the first being Louisa Boddam, daughter of Rawson Hart Boddam of nearby Capel Manor.
It was Christian Paul Meyer who paid for the building of Jesus Church on nearby Forty Hill. Apparently, one hot summer day Christian and Louisa’s son James refused to walk the two miles to the Church in Enfield Town. In retaliation, Christian Paul had Jesus Church built nearby, so that his son would no longer have an excuse not to attend!
James Meyer II
After the death of his second wife Christian Paul Meyer moved to Brighton in 1837, leaving Forty Hall to his son James. Despite his initial reluctance to attend Church, James Meyer ll grew up to be a God-fearing and well-liked landlord, keen to look after the welfare of his tenants. He sat on many local committees serving as Chairman of the local Board of Health and as a governor of Enfield Grammar School. He also established the first Infant School in Forty Hill in memory of his beloved sister who had died of tuberculosis.
James Meyer married twice. Little is known of his first wife Frances Solly, but in 1881 James married Georgina Goldfinch and went on to have two daughters, Mary and Catherine. Many photos survive from this period including pictures of the little girls enjoying climbing trees and rowing on the pond.
