The Sinking of the Mistletoe and the Death of Anne Peel

John Peel, a merchant and MP, was tenant of Middleton Hall from 1854 until his death in 1872. The 18th August 2025 marks the 150th anniversary of the death of his daughter Anne, who died on that date in 1875 in an accident that was reported extensively in all the newspapers of the time. Two memorial items were created for Anne and both of these are located at Middleton.

John’s eldest daughter, Louisa, had married Edward Stanley Heywood. In August 1875, they, along with two of Louisa’s sisters, Anne and Eleanor, were staying at Ryde on the Isle of Wight for the yachting season. On the evening of the 18th August, Edward had taken Anne and Eleanor out in his 120-ton schooner called the Mistletoe. At the same time, Queen Victoria, along with her children Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice, had just left her residence of Osborne House on the Isle of Wight on the Royal yacht Alberta. They were heading for the mainland and then on to Balmoral Castle.

Crossing the Solent, at Stokes Bay, the Alberta collided with the Mistletoe. The Mistletoe was hit midship and was almost cut completely in half. It sank within three minutes. Commander Fullerton of the Alberta was highly commended for having quickly dived in to try to save the passengers and crew of the Mistletoe. He and three other seamen of the Alberta managed to recover Eleanor, Edward (who was in a serious condition when rescued) and nine of the 10-man crew. The captain, Thomas Stokes, was unconscious when rescued but subsequently died from his injuries. Anne Peel and a mate, Nathaniel Turner, both drowned. It was reported at inquest that Anne had been dragged down by the rigging of the mainsail.

Commentators noted that this event could have had significant national importance if the Alberta had not been constructed with watertight compartments. As a result of the accident, it was reported that her bowsprit and cutwater were completely gone and all of her timbers were started (displaced or loosened) and thus required a complete overhaul and repair. It was also reported that the Queen was very distressed by the collision and the loss of life. She was said to have been very involved with organising the care of the victims and demanded to be kept informed of all developments.

A memorial stained-glass window for Anne was then commissioned for St John’s Church at Middleton. Her memorial window is the west window of the Church and it depicts the Annunciation, the Nativity and the Epiphany.

Another memorial for Anne was a print-painting that was hung at Middleton Hall. The picture is of the biblical characters Ruth and Naomi and it is believed to be a copy of a painting. A provenance card not only states that it was commissioned in memory of Anne because of the accident, but it also informs that the print remained at Middleton Hall until it was gifted to Mrs Tidy, née Elizabeth Tilly, of Cross Green Farm, Middleton, once governess to the de Hamel family at Middleton Hall. Having descended through her family, a number of years ago it was kindly donated to Middleton Hall Trust and is on display.

Print-painting of Ruth and Naomi on display at Middleton Hall, 2015. Photograph taken by Joanna Habart.

Author - Debbie Jordan, Middleton Hall Volunteer.

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