Historical Tour & Tea! The secret wedding of Violet Kerr Taylor at St Andrew's Epsom.

Rendell McIntosh from Alberton

'She said she was going out shopping and simply went off and got married'! In 1894 Violet Kerr Taylor of Alberton defied her mother Sophia's wishes to secretly wed her beau - Edward Gilmour - at St Andrew's church in Epsom. Elder brother Vincent gave her away and sisters Winifred and Mildred were possibly present.

Or at least, this the story we have been telling at Alberton for many years, backed up by recollections from descendants ....

A new document discovered for the upcoming historical Tour & Tea as part of the Auckland Heritage Festival 2020, has thrown the elopement and relationship between Violet and her mother into question and there are now several possibilities for what might have happened. Family mythologies are captivating tales that run deep!

Join us at St Andrew's Epsom as we trace back this story and revise the possible scenarios. Along with snippets on late 19th Century NZ weddings and Victorian attitudes towards elopement & marriage, the tour will also take in the sights of this charming Category 1, Gothic Revival church and includes a meander through the graveyard.

Followed by tea & scones served from the vintage china back at Alberton! With plenty of time to explore the house and garden.

Tour & Tea. Violet Kerr Taylor's Wedding at St Andrew's Epsom. Saturday 26 September 10am & 1:30pm. $25 includes tour, tea & scones and Alberton admission. Bookings essential. Email alberton@heritage.org.nz or call 846 7367

Please note this event will still proceed even under level 2 restrictions. Numbers will be reduced, more of the tour will be seated and contact tracing, hygiene and food service protocol will be in place.