O.B.S

28/07/2026

A significant new addition to the historical record: a full biography of Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow has just been published, drawing on her private letters and diaries — untouched since her death in 1863.

The Life of Olivia Bernard Sparrow: Duty and Devotion is written by Christopher Bernard Montagu, her great-great-great-grandson, who came into possession of her papers and found no existing scholarship on her life. It examines her inheritance of vast estates at just thirty, her decision not to remarry, her role in the marriage between Kitty Pakenham and the future Duke of Wellington, and the family rift with her daughter Millicent that culminated in a widely reported trial.

For anyone researching or simply curious about her life, this is the first substantial biographical account to draw directly on her own papers.

Shop online (link in comments). Not may copies left.

25/07/2026

The response to Olivia's poem has been wonderful to see — thank you to everyone who's listened and shared.

There's another way to help mark her legacy: a petition calling on Cambridgeshire County Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Brampton Parish Council to install a Heritage Plaque at Brampton Village Primary School, recognising Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow as the founder and benefactor of the original village school.

83 people have signed so far — the goal is 500. It costs nothing and takes thirty seconds. Please support other villagers in helping get this important memorial over the line, for future generations to appreciate all she did for this village.

🔗 Sign here: https://www.change.org/walkwitholivia

(Change.org may prompt a separate "chip in" donation after signing — that goes to Change.org, not to this project. Signing itself is completely free.)

20/07/2026

It's been a little while since the last post — but there's been plenty happening behind the scenes.

Here's an short extract from the Biographical Acoustics interview with Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow: hearing her voice recite a poem for the people of Brampton.

Created using AI voice training and scripted from historical records, original letters, local knowledge and architectural evidence, this is part of an ongoing project bringing Olivia's life and legacy into a present-day format — grounded in documented fact, not invention.

Have a listen, and let us know what you think 👇 As 'Walk with Olivia' kicks off a new chapter in the life and times of this extraordinary matriarch. Watch this space...

Walk with Olivia published a post on Ko-fi

18/11/2025

O.B.S. 250: New Archival Discovery!

A new discovery from the Huntingdon Library archives has confirmed that Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow (1775–1863) — founder of Brampton’s first school and long-time resident of Brampton Park — was buried here in Brampton, not in Hadleigh, Suffolk as previously recorded.

Factchecked: The original Brampton Parish Burial Register records her interment on 20 February 1863, aged 88, conducted by Rev. J. Mackie, Vicar. The entry confirms that Lady Olivia rests in the Bernard family vault beneath the Lady Chapel at St Mary Magdalene Church.

Our special thanks to Julie, a member of the Brampton Historical Society, for bringing this important record to light and helping correct a long-standing detail in local history.

The O.B.S Legacy Map has now been updated to reflect this discovery and is NOW available to download free, along with a recent live podcast and documentary, in conversation with the great lady herself at: www.walkwitholivia.com



Our existing note remains in place: ‘This information has been compiled with care and consideration. Certain details reflect interpretation or local tradition where historical sources may differ.’

02/11/2025

Brampton’s first ‘Blue Plaque’ is now underway!

A new community campaign is being launched to honour Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow (O.B.S.) with a permanent Blue Plaque at the village’s first school — recognising her lasting contribution to education.

Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow (1775–1863) devoted much of her life to improving education, welfare, and opportunity in Brampton. Her legacy includes the founding of the village’s first school.

We’re now inviting residents, historians and supporters to help make this happen.

Show your support and sign here. It’s totally free (don’t pay for ads) https://c.org/NBNQ595KWm

30/10/2025

Exciting news from Brampton!

We’re delighted to see the weekend of events for Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow featured in the Hunts Post. Read all about how our village gathered to celebrate her legacy—through walks, art, and storytelling.

https://www.huntspost.co.uk/news/25584135.event-brampton-philanthropist-lady-olivia-sparrow/

If you missed it, don’t worry – you can still experience the heart of the weekend via the O.B.S. 250 Podcast, which is now live online, and best experienced on headphones. More updates to follow shortly…

www.walkwitholivia.com

A weekend event to mark local philanthropist Lady Olivia Sparrow was organised in the village of Brampton.