“As small as a bee’s knee…” – with a local connection

One of the earliest recorded uses of the phrase “bee’s knee” appears in a letter written on 27 June 1797 by Eleanora Townley Ward (1752–1800). Writing to her sister, she remarked: “It cannot be as big as a bee’s knee.” At the time, the expression meant something very small or trivial.

Eleanora was the wife of Henry Townley Ward (1743–1810), a successful London solicitor who owned extensive property in Clewer and Dedworth, including The Willows, Surly Hall, Monkey Island, a farm, and around 260 acres of land.

The Townley Wards were well-known locally. Each year, they hosted Eton College boys at Surly Hall, sometimes with royalty in attendance. Henry also supported local causes, including a £100 gift in 1803 to the Bray School Trustees.

Henry practised law for over 44 years and was described in his obituary as “the father of his profession”. With no children, the couple’s estate later passed to Patrick Crawfurd Bruce MP of Taplow Lodge.