Wednesday, 16 September 2026

William Blazey and Mary Anne Clarke

St Saviour's Church, Knightsbridge. Photograph by John Salmon.

William Blazey (b. 7 Nov 1853 in Heigham, Norfolk), youngest son of Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns, married Mary Anne Clarke (b. 1852 in Furneux Pelham, Hertfordshire), daughter of Joseph Clarke and Elizabeth Randle, at the Church of St SaviourUpper Chelsea, on 16 Sep 1877. William was then a Servant, of 151 Pavillion RoadKnightsbridge. Mary Anne listed her father as Joseph Clark, Farm Steward. Witnesses were William Clarke, probably Mary Ann's older brother, and Elizabeth Lasthman.

William and Mary Ann Blazey had 10 children:

  1. Francis William Blazey b. 29 Dec 1878 (1879 M Quarter in CHELSEA Volume 01A Page 350), bap. 2 Mar 1879 at St Barnabas, Pimlico
  2. Maud Elizabeth Blazey b. 1881 J Quarter in ST. GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 432
  3. Frederick John Blazey b. 18 Aug 1882 (1882 S Quarter in ST. GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 457), bap. 8 Oct 1882 at Holy Trinity, Vauxhall Bridge Road
  4. Annie Ellen Blazey b. 25 Feb 1884 (1884 M Quarter in ST GEORGE HANOVER SQUARE Volume 01A Page 494), bap. 23 Mar 1884 at Holy Trinity, Vauxhall Bridge Road
  5. Florence Emily Blazey b. 26 Feb 1886 M Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 333
  6. Sydney George Blazey b. 1 Jul 1888 S Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 272
  7. Alice Mary Blazey b. 26 Jan 1892 M Qtr in FULHAM Vol 01A 299
  8. William George Blazey b. 26 Jan 1892 (1892 M Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 299). (Died 15 May 1892 (1892 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 220) and was buried on 20 May 1892
  9. Lily Ada Blazey b. 1893 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 268 (Died aged 20 in 1913 S Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 300)
  10. Charles William Blazey b. 30 May 1895 (1895 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 344), bap. 29 Jul 1895 at St Peter's Fulham
All of the birth registrations have the mother's maiden name CLARKE

Obviously, Alice Mary and William George, born in the same quarter of 1892, were dizygotic (fraternal) twins, of whom only Alice survived (to 100).

In 1881, William Blazey (27) Cab proprietor from Norwich, Norfolk and Mary A Blazey (29) from Hertforshire, were living at 16, Trinity Mews, St George Hanover Square, Westminster. While I cannot account for the absense of Francis William (2), neither can I find him listed elsewhere.

In 1891, William Blazey (37) Omnibus driver; Mary A Blazey (38), Francis Blazey (12), Maud Blazey (10), Frederick Blazey (8), Annie Blazey (7), Florence Blazey (5) and Sydney Blazey (2) were living in Fulham.

In 1901, at 37, Bishops Road, Fulham, London were William Blazey (46) Omnibus driver; Mary Anne Blazey (48), Francis W Blazey (22) Builder's clerk; Maud E Blazey (20) Barmaid (retired); Frederick J Blazey (18) Stock broker's clerk; Annie E Blazey (17) Dressmaker; Florence E Blazey (15), Sydney G Blazey (12), Alice M Blazey (9), Lily A Blazey (7), Charles W Blazey (5) and Charles E Hall (35) Lodger, Married, Omnibus driver.

Then the first Mrs Mary Anne Blazey (née Clarke - with a final E) died, aged 54, in 1905 J Quarter in FULHAM Volume 01A Page 215.

On 15 Oct 1905, at Saint Peter's Church, IslingtonWilliam Blazey (52) Widower, Driver, son of Francis Blazey (deceased) married again, incredibly, to another Mary Ann Clark (41) (no final E's) Spinster of 71 Prebend Street, Islington, daughter of William Clark, Carman. William Clark was also from Norfolk. She brought with her an illegitimate son, John William McCallam Clark b. 1903 S Quarter in ST MARYLEBONE Volume 01A Page 540.

In 1911, William Blazey (57) Bus Driver from Norfolk; Mary Ann Blazey (47) from Islington; Lily Blazey (17), Charles Blazey (15), William McCallam Clark (7), David Howe (46) Lodger, Motor bus Driver and Lily Holmes (22) General Domestic Servant, Visitor were at 37 Racton Road, Fulham. Alice Blazey (20) was Under Housemaid in the household of Cecil Fane (54) at 27 Beaufort Gardens, Kensington (a stone's throw from Harrods Department Store.)

In 1921, William Blazey (67) Taxi driver, Out of Work, was living alone at 5, Adeney Road, Hammersmith and described himself as Widowed. However, just over a mile away at 25, Gratton Road, West Kensington, were Mary Ann Blazey (56) Daily woman, listed as married, with her son, John William Clark (17) Clothes Shop Assistant. Had William not used 'Widowed', this could have had a simple explanation, but as it is, it looks as if they'd separated.

Mary Anne Blazey (59) died in 1924 M Quarter in KENSINGTON Vol 01A Page 291. There was the extraneous E on her middle name this time.

William Blazey (80) died in 1934 J Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 640.

Isaac Phillips and Caroline Elizabeth Taylor

St Margaret, The Broadway, Barking - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2974985

Isaac Phillips (bap. 26 Dec 1813 in Orsett, Essex), son of Joseph Phillips and Ann Clarke, married Caroline Elizabeth Taylor (purportedly b. ~1813 in Woolwich, Kent) on 16 Sep 1832 at St Margaret's Church, Barking.

Isaac and Caroline had 12 children:
  1. Henry Phillips bap. 29 Sep 1833
  2. Isaac Phillips bap. 16 Apr 1835
  3. Maria Phillips b. 19 Aug 1837 (unnamed on reg 1837 S Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 153), bap. 17 Sep 1837
  4. James Davis Phillips, b. 1841 M Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 223, bap. 26 Jan 1841 (Died in 1841 M Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page and was buried on 31 Jan 1841)
  5. Alfred Davis Phillips b. 1842 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 12 Page 203, bap. 14 Aug 1842 (Died in 1842 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 12 Page 147)
  6. Jacob Phillips b. 1844 J Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 226, bap. 26 Mar 1844
  7. Rebecca Phillips b. 1846 S Quarter in ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 224, bap. 13 Aug 1846
  8. Abraham Phillips b. 1849 M Quarter in THE ROMFORD UNION Volume 12 Page 243, bap. 23 Feb 1849
  9. Anne Phillips b. 1851 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 12 Page 229
  10. Thomas Phillips b. 1854 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 88, bap. 26 Mar 1854
  11. Hester Phillips b. 1857 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 97
  12. Alfred Phillips b. 1861 M Qtr in ROMFORD UNION Vol 04A Page 103
Baptisms all took place at St Helen and St GilesRainham.

The mother's maiden name on all of the GRO birth registrations is TAYLOR. The use of Davis as a middle name for both James and then Alfred leads me to believe that this may have been Caroline's mother's maiden name - it's a convention I've seen used frequently in this period - however, I've been unable to find Caroline's baptism, nor a marriage between a Taylor and a Davis. Rebecca's baptism in 1846 lists her father's occupation as Shepherd.

In 1841, the family, living in Rainham, consisted of Isaac Phillips (25) Ag Lab, Caroline (25), Henry (8), Isaac (6) and Maria (4). Also living with them were Elizabeth Parker (75) and Mary Taylor (60). The 1841 census doesn't give us relationships, but could this latter have been Caroline's mother?

In 1851, in the Upminster Road, Rainham, we find Isaac Phillips (38) Shepherd, Caroline Phillips (38) birthplace Woolwich, Kent; with children: Henry (17) Ag Lab, Isaac (15) Ag lab, Maria (13), Jacob (7), Rebecca (5) and Abraham (2). They also had a lodger, Henry Neville (18), also an Ag Lab.

In 1861, with their address listed as Fran House, Cottage, Rainham, there are Isaac Phillips (48) Ag Lab, Caroline (48), Jacob (17) Ag Lab, Rebecca (14), Abraham (12) Ag Lab, Thomas (7) Ag Lab, Esther (sic) (4) and Alfred (0).

In 1871, at Back Street Cottage, Rainham (Back Lane/Street becoming part of Upminster Road, these different addresses are probably all the same place), this time are Isaac Phillips (58) Ag Lab, Caroline (58), Thomas (17) Ag Lab, Hester (14) Domestic Servant and Alfred (10) Ag Lab.

Caroline Phillips died, aged 67 in 1880 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 129, and was buried on 31 Oct 1880 in Rainham.

In 1881, still in the Village Back Street, Rainham, Isaac Phillips (68), widower, Ag Lab, was living with his daughter, Esther (24) listed as his housekeeper.

In 1891, Isaac Phillips (76), widower, Field Labourer, was an Inmate at the Workhouse in Romford. 

Isaac Phillips of the Romford Union House (later Oldchurch Hospital), died in 1892 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 182, aged 78 and was buried, on 5 Nov 1892, in Rainham.

Oldchurch Hospital, Romford
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/282543

Tuesday, 15 September 2026

Henry Wilton and Martha Douse

Saint Mary the Virgin, Great Shelford

Henry Wilton (bap. 12 Apr 1702), son of Henry Wilton and Elizabeth Bissell, groom from Stapleford, married Martha Douse (bap. 8 Jul 1711 in Great Shelford), daughter of Philip Douse and Constance Harvey, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Shelford, Cambridgeshire on 15 Sep 1732.

However, this was not Henry's first marriage, as he had first married Mary Simper, on 14 Jan 1727 in Sawston, Cambridgeshire, with whom he had a daughter, Mary Wilton bap. 18 Nov 1728. However, it appears that both Mary Wilton and the infant were buried in Stapleford on 28 Nov 1728.

Henry and Martha Wilton then had three children baptised in Stapleford:

  1. Henry Wilton bap. 2 Sep 1733
  2. Richard Wilton, bap. 16 Oct 1737
  3. Martha Wilton bap. 21 Oct 1739

Henry Wilton died on 18 Oct 1739 and was buried on the 21st, at Stapleford.

Martha Wilton was buried on 24 Oct 1766, also at Stapleford.

Henry's parents, Henry Wilton (b. ~1669) and Elizabeth Bissell (b. ~1673), had five children, all baptised in Stapleford:

  1. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Jul 1695 (Died in 1695)
  2. Martha Wilton bap. 27 Dec 1696
  3. Sarah Wilton bap. 14 Apr 1700
  4. Henry Wilton bap. 12 Apr 1702
  5. Richard Wilton bap. 7 Oct 1705 (Buried 18 Dec 1707)

Elizabeth Wilton was buried on 15 Oct 1705. (I think we can guess the cause.) Henry does not appear to remarry and there are no other children listed born to a Henry Wilton in that period with a different mother.

Henry Wilton Snr died on 27 Jun 1726 and was buried, on 30 Jun 1726, in Stapleford, Cambridgeshire.

  • Martha Wilton m. Robert Reynolds in Stapleford on 14 Jan 1722.
  • Sarah Wilton m. William Archer in Stapleford on 14 Sep 1726.

Anthony Cleghorn and Margaret Jane Murray

The River Tweed at Carham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Walter Baxter - geograph.org.uk/p/270077
Viewed from England at Carham, the village of Birgham in Scotland is on the left

Anthony Cleghorn (bap. 17 Mar 1745, in Carham, Northumberland), Batchelor, son of John Cleghorn (John Cleghorn and Isabel Edmiston, who married in Carham on 27 Mar 1733) married Margaret Jane Murray, Spinster, both "of this parish", at St Paul's ChurchShadwell, on 15 Sep 1770. Not the current church, built in 1821, but the old church, traditionally known as the Church of Sea Captains. Witnesses were George Cleghorn and an Andrew Hedly. What brought them to London and when, however, isn't clear.

It isn't possible to go any further north than Carham, without going over the border into Scotland and with a name like Murray, there must be an enormous probability that was where Margaret Jane's origins were. Sadly, trying to find the right Murray in Scotland is like trying to find the right Jones in Wales or Sweeney in Ireland! So, for now at least that's as far as we can go. 

The couple had at least five children: 
  1. Isabella Cleghorn b. Sunday, 7 July 1771, Isabella, daughter of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane of Farmer Street, Shadwell, bap. 28 Jul 1771 (at 21 days old) at St Paul's, Shadwell
  2. William Guthrie Cleghorn b. 1772, William Guthrie, son of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane of New Gravel Lane, Shadwell [1], bap. 18 Oct 1772 (the number of days old, if written, has disappeared into the margin and cannot be read) at St Paul's, Shadwell
  3. John Guthrie Cleghorn b. 13 Nov 1774, son of Anthony and Margaret Jane Cleghorn, bap. 20 Nov 1774 St Mary Magdalen Bermondsey
  4. Susanna Cleghorn b. 13 Nov 1774, son of Anthony and Margaret Jane Cleghorn, bap. 20 Nov 1774 St Mary Magdalen Bermondsey
  5. Ann Phillis Cleghorn b. Tuesday, 25 Feb 1777. Ann Phillis, daughter of Anthony Cleghorn, Baker & Margaret Jane (Margaret had been added in over the record, so she may have been known as Jane), Upper Shadwell [2], bap. 16 Mar 1777 (at 19 days old) at St Paul's, Shadwell
Guthrie is clearly significant, probably a grandmother's maiden name. John and Susanna must have been fraternal twins. Land Tax records also place Anthony Cleghorn in Shadwell in 1771, 1772, 1773 and again in 1777.

[1] New Gravel Lane in Shadwell was an historic street that was later renamed Garnet Street. It was located near the Shadwell Basin and the London Docks. "... gravel was obtained and carried down to the Thames to supply the ballast for the ships hence the derivation of the names of Old Gravel and New Gravel Lanes." [Source]

[2] Upper Shadwell was an extension of the Ratcliff Highway and ran across the north side of St Paul's Church, Shadwell (see map). (Captain James Cook is reputed to have lived at 26, Upper Shadwell, 1763 - 1765).

On 23rd May 1782 ("the twenty second Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord GEORGE the Third"), in the Parish of Saint Paul Shadwell in the County of Middlesex, Anthony Cleghorn was one of twelve "good and lawful men" of the jury at the Coroners' Inquest into the death of an infant, James Le Plasterer. We can probably be sure Anthony Cleghorn was alive then.

In April 1799, William Guthrie Cleghorn, Barber, was admitted into the Freedom of the City of London, having served his apprenticeship.

Otherwise, so far, I've found no further verifiable records for this family.

Monday, 14 September 2026

Morris Glede and Sarah Thorn

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477077

Morris Glede or Gleed (b. ~1783), married Sarah Thorn (b. 14 Sep 1793, bap. 21 May 1794 at Saint Mary Matfelon, known as St Mary's, Whitechapel), daughter of John Thorne and Sarah Coomer, at St Dunstan and All SaintsStepney on 14 Sep 1812. Both of them were listed as from the Hamlet of Ratcliff, a sub-district, in Stepney and Limehouse parishes. The marriage was solemnised in the presence of [unreadable] and Ann Gleed. 

Records exist for the following children: 
  1. William Gleed b. 26 Dec 1813, bap. 20 Feb 1814 at St Dunstan
  2. Sarah Glede b. 1 Aug 1815, bap. 3 Dec 1815 in Edmonton
  3. Marian Glead b. 3 Aug 1818, bap. 18 Oct 1818 in Edmonton 
  4. Esther Gleed, bap. 12 Nov 1829 at St Dunstan and All Saints
  5. Robert Morris Gleed, b. 8 Oct 1833, bap. 14 Jan 1844 at All Saints, Poplar
All of the baptisms show them as children of Morris and Sarah. On Sarah's baptism, their address is listed as Fore Street, Edmonton.

In 1841, Morris Gleed (58), wife Sarah (48), daughter Esther (17) and son Morris (8) were living in Water Lane, Fore Street, Edmonton. Also in the household were Thomas Acland (20) and Sarah Batts (4). (There is no indication of relationships, but could she be a granddaughter?)

Morris Gleed (58) died in 1843 M Qtr in EDMONTON Vol 03 Page 97 and was buried at All Saints', Edmonton on 5 Feb 1843 (age rounded to 60).

In 1851, Sarah Gleed (58), widow, laundress, from Bromley, Middlesex, was at Victory Row, Mile End Old Town, with Morris (18) dock labourer. 

There is a death of a Sarah Gleed with age estimated as 74, in 1865 M Quarter in POPLAR UNION Volume 01C Page 553, which may relate.

Saturday, 12 September 2026

Jeremiah Woodbury and Ann Brice

Burlescombe Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nick Chipchase - geograph.org.uk/p/3419551

Jeremiah Woodbury (bap. 23 Dec 1715 in Burlescombe), son of Johanis [John] Woodbury and Gratia [Grace] Stanbury, married Anne Brice (bap. 10 Oct 1718 in Holcombe Rogus), daughter of John Brice and Dorothy Wyatt, on 12 Sep 1737, at All Saints Church, Holcombe Rogus.

Jeremiah and Anne had at least the following children:
  1. Johannes [John] Woodbury bap. 24 Feb 1739 in Burlescombe [1]
  2. Betty Woodbury bap. 2 May 1742 in Holcombe Rogus
  3. Jeremiah Woodbury b. 1744-1745 (not seen baptism record)
  4. Dorothy Woodbery bap. 11 Apr 1746 in Holcombe Rogus
  5. Grace Woodbury bap. 9 Dec 1753 in Holcombe Rogus [2]
  6. Mary Woodbury bap. 16 Dec 1757 in Holcombe Rogus
  7. Thomas Woodbury bap. 6 Sep 1762 in Holcombe Rogus
As we can see, they were still writing the records in Latin in Burlescombe.

Anne Woodbury (47) was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 22 Nov 1765. 

Jeremiah Woodberry (80) was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1795.
  1. John Woodbery married Elizabeth Webber in Holcombe Rogus on 25 Jun 1759. Elizabeth Woodbury died in 1783 and John Woodbery in 1807.
  2. It appears Grace Woodberry (sic) married William Cotterell of Bampton, Widower, in Burlescombe, on 9 May 1779.

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson

Ye Olde King's Head, Chigwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/7349355
The main part of this set of buildings is the Olde Kings Head, a former coaching inn on Chigwell's High Road opposite the church. It is grade II* listed and probably dates from the 17th century, although some sources give a very specific date of 1547. Closer to the camera are the grade II listed King's Head Cottages built in the 18th century. The inn is said to have been the model for the Maypole in Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge.

Henry Bradley, son of Thomas Bradley and Sarah Garton, married Mary Chapman, in Chigwell, on 19 May 1810. This couple had one son:
  1. Henry William Bradley bap. 1 Sep 1811 in Chigwell, Essex
However, this first Mary Bradley died on 26 July 1812, aged 22, was buried, also in Chigwell, on 2 Aug 1812. Henry Bradley, widowed, then remarried, to Mary Thompson, again at St Mary's Church, Chigwell, on 12 Sep 1813

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson added at least nine children:
  1. Elizabeth Ann Bradley b. 29 Oct 1814, bap. 20 Nov 1814 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  2. Sarah Anne Bradley bap. 29 Apr 1816 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  3. Thomas Bradley bap. 22 Jun 1817. A note on this baptism record says, "Whilst St Mary Woodford Was Being Repaired, The Ceremony Of Baptism Was Performed At St Mary Wanstead."
  4. Ann Bradley bap. 20 Sep 1818 in Chigwell, Essex (presumably died)
  5. Ann Bradley bap. 30 Jan 1820 in Chigwell, Essex
  6. Sarah Bradley bap. 13 May 1821 in Chigwell, Essex
  7. James Bradley bap. 2 May 1824 in Chigwell, Essex
  8. Henry Bradley bap. 8 Jan 1826 in Chigwell, Essex
  9. Eliza Bradley bap. 13 Apr 1828 in Chigwell, Essex
The baptism records all list Henry's occupation and Labourer and several of them also list the family's residence as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Woodford.

In 1841, at Grange Hill, Chigwell, Epping, were Henry Bradley (50) Ag Lab, Mary (45), James (15), Henry (15) and Elizabeth (14) - presumably Eliza?

In 1851, Henry Bradley (63) Ag Lab, birthplace Woodford Bridge and Mary Bradley (54) born in Takeley, Essex, were living at King William, Chigwell Horse Lane, Epping. I'm sure Chigwell Horse Lane became Chigwell Road / High Road and wonder if the previous name was to distinguish it from other lanes that weren't even fit for horses? All joking aside, meaning the main thoroughfare that passes coaching inns, such as the King's Head.

Mary Bradley died, aged 65 in 1860 M Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 35, and was buried on 29 Jan 1860 in Chigwell.

Henry Bradley died, aged 74 in 1862 M Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 35, and was buried on 30 Mar 1862.

Friday, 11 September 2026

Samuel Blazey and Elizabeth Wiggins

Ducklington Duckpond
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Dave Price - geograph.org.uk/p/3483077
On
Fritillary Sunday with St Bartholomew's Church.

Samuel Blazey (bap. 7 Nov 1841 in Heigham, Norfolk), son of Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns, married Elizabeth Wiggins (bap. 14 Apr 1844 in Ducklington, Oxfordshire), daughter of Alfred Wiggins and Anne Adams, on 11 Sep 1864, at St Bartholomew’s church, Ducklington-with-Hardwick, Oxfordshire. Samuel was described as a Railway Servant, residing in Witney; Elizabeth, who was (20) under age at the time, was resident in Ducklington. Witnesses to the marriage were John Wright (possibly a cousin) and Maria Blazey (wife of Samuel's brother, Francis Robert Blazey).

Samuel and Elizabeth had five children:
  1. Alice Hannah Blazey b. 6 Feb 1865 (1865 M Quarter in WITNEY Volume 03A Page 651), bap. 5 Jun 1878 at Holy Trinity, Heigham, Norwich
  2. Francis Blazey b. 1867 (as Francis Blazer 1867 J Quarter in ST FAITHS Volume 04B Page 104), bap. 18 Oct 1867 in Drayton, Norfolk
  3. Alfred Blazey b. 8 Oct 1869 (1869 D Quarter in SAINT FAITHS Volume 04B Page 98), bap. 26 May 1870 in Drayton, Norfolk
  4. William Walter Blazey b. 1872 in Worcester (as William Walter Blazen 1872 J Quarter in WORCESTER Volume 06C Page 317), bap. Whit Sunday 24 May 1874, at 2 years old, at St Bartholomew’s, Ducklington
  5. Elizabeth Eliza Blazey, b. 8 Jan 1874 (1874 M Quarter in WORCESTER Volume 06C Page 346), bap. 8 Mar 1874, in Worcester
The mother's maiden name on Alice Hannah's and William Walter's birth registrations was correctly listed as WIGGINS, on those for Francis and Alfred's, WIGGENS and on Elizabeth Eliza's WIGGIN.

In 1871, listed as James Blazer (sic) (29) Engine Driver from Norfolk; Elizabeth (28) from Ducklington; Alice (6) born in Witney; Francis (4) and Alfred (1), were at Norwich Upper Road, Drayton, Norfolk. 

Elizabeth Blazey, aged 30, died, in Q1 of 1874 - can probably surmise why - and was buried on 18 Jan 1874, at St. Paul's Parish, Worcester.

In 1881, Samuel Blazey (35), widowed, Fireman on Railway, was living at 3, Duke Street, Heigham, Norwich (Duke's Cross Street (subsequently renamed as Manchester Street) with his widowed mother. Alfred (11) was living with them. Alice Blazey (17) was a General Servant to Joseph Clayden, Lodging house keeper at 16, Westbourne Place, St George Hanover Square; Francis (13), was living with his Aunt and Uncle, Joseph and Eliza Tiff (Samuel's sister Eliza) at 9, Union Terrace, Kensington, London, where he was Shop boy to greengrocer. William Blazey (7) Grandson was living with his maternal grandparents, Alfred and Ann Wiggins in Ducklington, Witney; While Elizabeth Eliza (7), was living with John and Hannah Versey, who were originally from Devon, in Worcester, described as 'Adopted Daughter'.

In 1891, Samuel Blazey (49) Fireman, Railway and daughter, Elizabeth (17) Tailoress, were living with Samuel's mother, Hannah (78) at 19 Manchester Street, Norwich. Alice Hannah had married in 1888; Francis Blazey (25) and Alfred Blazey (21) Dock Labourers, were living with their aunt and uncle, Joseph and Eliza Tiff, in Kensington, London; William Blazey (19) was again living with his grandparents, Alfred and Ann Wiggins, in Ducklington.

In the press of 14 May 1892, Samuel Blazey of Union Place, Norwich, a Great Eastern Railway employee, was reported as giving evidence at the inquest into the death of Robert George Buckingham (18) who died when hit by a ballast train running from Norwich to Cromer. Samuel Blazey was the Engine Driver's, mate and fireman on the train. Blazey said that Hubbard [driver] had just shut off steam before pulling up at Worstead, three-quarters of a mile from the station, and witness was putting on the injector in order to get more water into the boiler, when only four or five yards in front of the buffers he thought he saw a lad. Witness flew to the brake, and his mate promptly stopped the train. The inquest found that there was no one to blame.

In 1901, Samuel Blazey (57) Railway Labourer, was living at 19 Manchester Street, Norwich, with his mother, Hannah (90).

In 1908, Samuel Blazey appeared in the local City and County directory at 19 Manchester Street, listed as a Chimney Sweeper.

Unable to locate Samuel on either the 1911 or 1921 Census. 

Samuel Blazey died at 83 in 1925 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 161. 

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Thomas Chilcott and Elizabeth Stone

St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Thomas Chilcott (b. 4 Jul 1803, bap. 29 Sep 1803 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton), son of Joseph Chilcott and Miriam Carrick (née Perkins), married Elizabeth Stone (bap. 7 Sep 1806 at St Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare), daughter of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, at Cove Chapel, Cove, Devon on 9 Sep 1827. Witnesses were Thomas Venting and Philip Chave.

Their marriage will have taken place in the old Cove Chapel that was demolished in the 1850s, as An Act for legalizing certain Marriages solemnized in Cove (PDF) dated 13 Mar 1873, explains that, "in or about the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six the ancient consecrated chapel called Cove Chapel, situate in Pitt Portion in the parish of Tiverton in the county of Devon [...] was wholly taken down, in consequence of its dilapidated condition, and rebuilt on different site within the ancient chapel yard belonging thereto, but such new chapel was not consecrated or licensed for the solemnization of marriages ..." The oversight left this clarification.

Thomas and Elizabeth Chilcott had nine children:
  1. Henry Chilcott b. 16 Nov 1828, bap. 30 Nov 1828 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 6 mts, and was buried 30 April 1829, at St Peter's.
  2. Love Chilcott b. 18 Apr 1830, bap. 2 May 1830 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  3. James Chilcott b. 1 Oct 1831, bap. 23 Oct 1831 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 5 weeks and was buried on 6 Nov 1831 at St Peter's.
  4. William Chilcott b. 27 Feb 1834, bap. 13 Apr 1834 at St Peter's.
  5. John Chilcott b. 27 Oct 1835, bap. 11 Nov 1835 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  6. Maria Chilcott b. 1 May 1837, bap. 29 Jun 1837 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
  7. Emma Chilcott b. 19 Jun 1839 (1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 243), bap 8 Feb 1840 at St Peter's.
  8. Thomas Chilcott b. 30 Dec 1841 (1842 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 291), bap. 27 May 1844 at St Peter's
  9. Elizabeth Chilcott b. 5 Feb 1844, bap. 28 May 1844 at St Peter's
On Henry and Love's baptisms, Thomas Chillcott's occupation is listed as Labourer. On James, William, John and Maria's baptisms, it's Cordwainer (a skilled artisan who makes new shoes from new leather, distinct from a cobbler who traditionally repairs existing footwear.) And on Emma's, Thomas' and Elizabeth's baptisms, Thomas' occupation is listed as Shoemaker.

In 1841, living in Bridewell Lane, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (~35) Ag Lab; Elizabeth Chilcott (35); Love Chilcott (10); William Chilcott (7); John Chilcott (4); Maria Chilcott (3) and Emma Chilcott (1). (There's no Bridewell Lane in Tiverton now, but I assume it was off St Andrew's Street, because The Tiverton Town Bridewell, House of Correction, was situated on St Andrew's Street. Bridewell House, St Andrew Street, Tiverton, a former police station, built in 1846, is now converted to flats Bridewell Court.)

In 1851, living in St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (48) Pauper; Elizabeth Chilcott (44) born in Kentisbeare; William Chilcott (17) Lace hand; John Chilcott (15) Lace hand; Maria Chilcott (13) Lace hand; Emma Chilcott (10); Thomas Chilcott (8) and Elizabeth Chilcott (6).

The family do not appear to be listed anywhere on the 1861 Census.

By 1871, Thomas Chilcott (~71); Elizabeth Chilcott (~69) and son Thomas (27) Mason's Labourer, were living at Little Silver, Tiverton, Devon.

Elizabeth Chilcott (née Stone) died on 24 Mar 1875 (1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B 8Page 371). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette read: "CHILCOTT: - March 24, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Elizabeth Chilcott, aged 72." Though this was over-estimated as she was only 69. 

Thomas Chilcott died on 19 Oct 1878 (1878 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 318). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette, read: "CHILCOTT: - October 19, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Thomas Chilcott, aged 77." Again, there was a slight over-estimation in his age, as he will have been 75.

Tuesday, 8 September 2026

William Tooze and Sophia Disney

St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Wayland Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/6557083

William Tooze (bap. 3 Apr 1809) son of Thomas Tooze and Joan Potter, married Sophia Disney at St Andrew's Church, Halberton, Devon, on 8 Sep 1831. Sophia was most likely born around 1805 - census records place her birth anywhere between 1803 and 1808 - and she is consistently listed as being born in Thorne St Margaret, Somerset, as was Eliza Disney (b. 1807), wife of William's elder brother, Richard Tooze. Baptisms for that parish are not freely available online, so I haven't seen baptism records for either, but I imagine there's a good chance that the two could have been sisters.

William and Sophia had three children:
  1. Thomas Tooze bap. 10 Feb 1833 in Holcombe Rogus
  2. Edward Tooze bap. 29 Nov 1835 in Holcombe Rogus.
    Died, aged 7, and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1843.
  3. Eliza Tooze bap. 20 Jun 1838 in Burlescombe. Died, aged 4 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus in 1842. (No GRO registrations)
William's occupation listed on all the baptisms was Thatcher.

In 1841, William Tooze (30), Sophia Tooze (35), Thomas (8), Edward (5) and Eliza (3) were living at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1851, William Tooze (40) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (43) and Thomas Tooze (18) Thatcher were again living at Ridgeway, Pound Hill, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1861, William Tooze (59) Thatcher; Sophia Tooze (58) and Sophia Tooze (7) Granddaughter, were again listed at Ridgeway Gate, Holcombe Rogus.

William Tooze died, aged 60, in 1869 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 297.

In 1871, Sophia Tooze (67) Widow, Gardenwoman, and granddaughter, Sophia Tooze (17) Fancy Worker, were still at Ridgeway Gate.

Sophia Tooze died in 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 274, aged ~70. She was buried in Holcombe Rogus on 4 Jun 1875.

Cottages, at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/1268080

Thomas Tooze (bap. 10 Feb 1833) son of William Tooze and Sophia Disney, married Caroline Cottrell (bap. 16 Feb 1834), daughter of Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Tooze. The Banns of the marriage were attempted to be read in Holcombe Rogus, but written on the record is, "I William Tooze, father of the above Thomas Tooze, did openly in the Church this day March 13th, 1853, forbid these Banns. My son being under age." William Tooze.

The determined couple married, in Tiverton, in the 4th quarter of 1853.

Thomas and Caroline Tooze went on to have twelve children:

  1. Sophia Tooze b. 1854 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 417, bap. 7 May 1854 in Holcombe Rogus
  2. Edward William Thomas Tooze b. 1855 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Vol 05C Page 355, bap. 2 Dec 1855
  3. Sarah Jane Tooze b. 1858 M Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 416, bap. 14 Feb 1858
  4. Caroline Tooze b. 1859, bap. 26 Feb 1860 (no GRO registration)
  5. Eliza Tooze bap. 15 Dec 1861 (no GRO registration)
  6. Lily Tooze b. 1863 D Quarter in WELLINGTON-SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 396, bap. 8 Nov 1863
  7. Thomas Tooze b. 1865 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET & DEVON Volume 05C Page 390, bap. 10 Sep 1865
  8. Lucy Ann Tooze b. 1867 S Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 369, bap. 14 Jul 1867. Died, aged 13, in 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C  Page 273 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus
  9. Emily Tooze b. 1869 D Quarter in WELLINGTON - SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 352, bap. 10 Oct 1869
  10. Elizabeth Tooze b. 1872 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 393, bap. 3 Mar 1872. Died, 1900 J Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET & DEVON  Volume 05C  Page 209
  11. William Tooze b. 1875 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 361, bap. 15 Aug 1875
  12. Albert Tooze b. 9 Mar 1880 M Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 333, bap. 16 May 1880
Caroline will have been 46 when the last child was born, which is late, so I did check that they weren't passing off any illegitimate grandchildren as their own, but all of the registrations of the above show the mother's maiden name as COTTERILL, COTTERELL or COTTRELL and all of the baptisms list the child as being that of Thomas and Caroline, so appear to be theirs.

In 1861, Thomas Tooze (28) Carter; Caroline Tooze (28), Edward (5), Sarah J (3) and Caroline (2) were living at Knowle Cottage, Holcombe Rogus. Their eldest daughter, Sophia (7) was living with her grandparents.

In 1871, Thomas Tooze (38) Agricultural Labourer; Caroline Tooze (37), Caroline (10), Eliza (8), Lillie (sic) (7), Thomas (5), Lucy (4) and Emily (1) were all living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus. Living with them was Caroline's widowed father, Thomas Cotterell (84) Pauper and an Elizabeth Hall (22) Visitor. Eldest daughter, Sophia (17) Fancy Worker, was still living with her grandmother; yet to find Edward; Sarah Tooze (13) was Domestic Servant to Henry Jones (73) Carpenter, in South Street, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1881, still at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus were Thomas Tooze (48) Ag Lab, Caroline Tooze (48), Emily (10), Elizabeth (9), William (6) and Albert (1). Also living with them was Frances Tooze (6) Granddaughter (b. 1875 M Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 365), bap. 31 Jan 1875, illegitimate daughter of Sophia Tooze. Not found Sophia, Edward or Sarah Jane; Caroline married in 1879; Eliza Tooze (19) was Domestic Servant to John Howse (42) Farmer at Burrow Farmhouse, Ashbrittle; Lillie (sic) Tooze (18) was a General Servant to Alice E James (21) Schoolmistress in South Street, Wellington and Thomas Tooze (15) was a Farm Servant (indoor) to William Warren (55) Farmer at Ford Place, Holcombe Rogus.

In 1891,  at Twitchen, were Thomas Tooze (58) Coachman, Caroline Tooze (57), William Tooze (15) French Polisher and Albert Tooze (11). Elizabeth Tooze (20) was Domestic Servant to Frederick Chave (68) in Halberton.

In 1901, Thomas Tooze (68) Ordinary Labourer and Caroline Tooze (68).

Caroline Tooze died actually at 66, in 1901 S Quarter in WELLINGTON, SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 193. Thomas Tooze died in  1902 J Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 213, at 68.