Tuesday, 3 March 2026

James Crozier and Jane Byatt

All Saints, Little Canfield
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3988788

James Crozier (bap. 9 Aug 1807 in Great Canfield, Essex) son of William Crozier and Sarah Watts, married Jane Byatt (bap. 9 Jun 1811 in Little Canfield), daughter of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, on 3 Mar 1827 at All Saints, Little Canfield. By my calculations, James was 19 and Jane 15.

James and Jane had 10 children, all baptised in Little Canfield:

  1. Sarah Crozier bap. 10 Feb 1828. (Baptism record says Sally.) 
  2. Rachel Crozier b. 1830 (No baptism record, but listed on 1841 census and lists James Crozier as her father on her marriage in 1855.)
  3. Susanna Crozier bap. 9 Sep 1831 
  4. Emma Crozier bap. 9 Aug 1835. Died Sep 1835, buried at Little Canfield
  5. Ann Crozier b. 1838 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 67, bap. 9 Jul 1838. Died 1839 and is buried at Little Canfield
  6. William Crozier bap. 21 Jun 1840
  7. Kezia Crozier b. 1846 S Quarter Volume 12 Page 71, bap. 2 Aug 1846
  8. Ellen Crozier b. 1849 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 83, bap. 4 Mar 1849
  9. Jane Crozier b. 1851 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 91, bap. 15 Jun 1851
  10. Louisa Crozier bap. 27 Feb 1859. Died at 37, in 1896 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 392.
All of the birth registrations, where they exist, show the mother's maiden name as BYATT. All of the baptisms give James' occupation as Labourer.

In 1841, living at Whip Warrens, Little Canfield (there is a Warren Farm at Little Canfield), were James Crozier (34), Jane Crozier (32), Sarah Crozier (14), Rachel Crozier (11), Susan Crozier (8) and William Crozier (1).

In 1861, living in The Village, Little Canfield, were James Crozier (52) [lost 2 years] Agricultural Labourer, Jane Crozier (51), William Crozier (20), Ellen Crozier (12), Jane Crozier (10) and Louisa Crozier (2). Sarah, Rachel and Susana had all married; and Kezia Crozier (13) was a House Servant in the employ of William Bailey (53) Farmer at Strood Hill, Great Dunmow

In 1871, James Crozier (61) Agricultural Labourer, was still living in Little Canfield with Jane Crozier (63) - their ages have more or less been transposed - with just Louisa Crozier (12) still at home. Jane Crozier (19) was House Servant to Henry Sewell Franklin (34) Farmer, in Lower Canfield.

In 1881, James Crozier (76) Agricultural Labourer and Jane Crozier  (71) were living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield. Louisa Crozier (23) from Essex, was a Domestic Maid at Grove House, St Peter, Thanet, Kent.

James Crozier died on 15 Sep 1888 (1888 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 268) and was buried in Little Canfield.

In 1891, Jane Crozier (84) Widow, was living alone, while Louisa Crozier (33) was General Domestic Servant to Henry S Franklin (54) Farmer, in High Cross Lane, Lower Canfield, for whom her sister Jane had worked 20 yrs earlier.

Jane Crozier died, at 88, on 2 Mar 1899 (1899 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 444) and was also buried in Little Canfield.

George Charles Mew and Sarah Jane Fudge

Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Basher Eyre - geograph.org.uk/p/2655103

George Charles Mew (24), son of George Mew and Mary Collins, married Sarah Jane Fudge (b. 25 Dec 1850 in East Stonehouse, Devon), daughter of Thomas Fudge and Ann Beedle, at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 3 Mar 1870. Witnesses were Ann Fudge (bride's mother) and W Hatch.

The bridegroom, a Steward on HMS Asia, lists his father as George Charles Mew, Petty Officer RN. George Charles Mew was born on 31 Mar 1845 at Cove of Cork, now Cobh, Ireland. It's claimed he was baptised at St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh on 3 Apr 1845, but this cannot be true as construction of the cathedral was not begun until 1868. The baptism record will be held by the Cathedral's Cobh Parish Office, but undoubtedly took place in St John the Baptist Catholic Church, which stood on that site from 1810 to 1868.

George and Sarah had eleven children in total:
  1. Lucy Elizabeth Ann Mew b. 4 May 1870 (1870 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 478), bap. Lucia Elizabetha, St John's RC Cathedral on 12 Jun 1872. Died, aged 6, in 1876 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 324.
  2. Mary Ann Mew b. 2 April 1872 (1872 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 452), bap. Maria Anna at St John's RC Cathedral on 12 June 1872.
  3. George Charles Mew b. 9 Dec 1874, reg. M Qtr 1875 in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 463, bap. 15 Aug 1877 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth. Died, aged 37 in 1912 M Qtr in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 663.
  4. Annie Louisa Mew b. 18 May 1877 J Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 504, bap. 15 Aug 1877, at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  5. Henrietta Mew b. 18 Oct 1879 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 493, bap. 16 Nov 1879 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral
  6. Henry Michael Mew b. 10 Oct 1881 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B 522, bap. Henricus Michael on 20 Nov 1881, at St John's R C Cathedral
  7. Mabel Mary Mew b. 26 May 1884  (1884 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 480), bap. Mabilla Maria on 11 June 1884 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth.
  8. Lucy Maria Mew b. 10 Sep 1885 (1885 D Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 498), bap. Maria Lucia on 20 Sep 1885 at St John's RC Cathedral. Died age 1, in 1886 S Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 350.
  9. Lucy Mary Mew b. 19 Sep 1887 (1887 D Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 511), bap. 9 Oct 1887 at St John the Evangelist's Church, Portsmouth
  10. Margaret Marshall Mew b. 29 Nov 1889 (1890 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 423), bap. Margarita Marshall on 15 Dec 1889 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth
  11. Andrew Samuel Mew b. 25 Dec 1892 (1893 M Qtr in PORTSEA ISLAND Vol 02B Page 458), bap. Andreas Samuel on 15 Jan 1893 at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral. Died, aged 2, in 1894 D Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 301, buried on 31 Dec 1894 at Kingston Cemetery.
George Charles Mew had enlisted in the Royal Navy in 1863. From 29 Apr 1863 until 31 Dec 1866, he was assigned to HMS Asia (1824), which, by that time was flagship of the Admiral-Superintendent of Portsmouth Dockyard. For much of that time George Charles Mew was a Warrant Officer's Servant or Cook. With HMS Rodney (1833) from 1 Jan 1867 to 4 May 1868, George was back with HMS Asia from 28 May 1868 to 31 Dec 1872 and engaged again from 1 Jan 1873 to 20 Feb 1874. His record in 1873 lists him as being 5ft 3in with brown hair, grey eyes and a dark complexion.

In 1871, Sarah Mew (20) was lodging in Hertford Street, Portsea with her daughter Losie [Lucy] (0) and Anne Bailey (11) Visitor. This will have been her niece, Louisa Anne [Annie] Bailey, who was actually 13. She was also listed in her grandparents' household, so being counted twice on this census.

From 21 Feb 1874 to 21 Mar 1874, George became the 4th of my relatives to serve, albeit briefly, on HMS Duke of Wellington (1852). From 6 May to 24 Aug 1874, he was with HMS Newcastle (1860) and his final posting was with HMS Endymion (1865) - which may have taken him to as exotic a location as Hull - from 25 Aug 1874 to 9 Aug 1875, when he was Invalided.

In 1881, George Charles Mew (36) then a Tailor's porter, was a Lodger in the household of his in-laws, Thomas Fudge (72) Navy Pensioner and Ann Fudge (68) at 33, Bridport Street, Portsea, along with wife Sarah Jane (29), Mary Ann (9), George Charles (7), Annie Louisa (4) and Henrietta (1).

Sarah Jane, was baptised as Sara Joanna Mew - listed as a convert - at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, Portsmouth, on 3 Jul 1882.

In 1891, in Clarence Street, Portsea, were George Mew (47) Tailor's trimmer, Sarah Mew (40), Mary A (19) Tailoress; George Mew (16) Shoemakers apprentice; Annie Mew (13) Dressmakers apprentice; Henrietta Mew (11), Mabel Mew (7), Henry Mew (9), Lucy Mew (4) and Maggie Mew (1).

George Charles Mew of Clarence Street, Landport died, aged 48, on 8 Apr 1893 and was buried, on 13 April 1893, at Kingston Cemetery, "in a Catholic Slot, 4th Row, 12th Grave, in Unconsecrated Ground."

In 1901, Sarah Mew (50) Widowed, at 46, Clarence Street, Portsmouth with Harry Mew (19) Stableman; Mabel Mew (16) Corset Maker; Lucy Mew (13); Maggie Mew (11), daughter Henrietta Hazzard (21), George Hazzard (22) Son-in-law, Journeyman Bricklayer and James Eyers (23) Blacksmith, Visitor. Son George Charles Mew (26) was a Stable Lad in the employ of Alfred Willson (50) Trainer of Race Horses in East Garston, Berkshire.

In Q3 of 1905, in Portsmouth, Sarah Mew married James William Holdaway. This gentleman, I believe, was the son of William James Holdaway and Eliza Gardener, bap. 6 Nov 1864 at St Luke's, Southsea, who, at 19, on 24 Feb 1885, had joined the Hampshire Regiment. He served in India from 1886 to 1888; Burma from 1888 to 1891 and in India again from 1891 to 1892 and was discharged on 23 Feb 1897. On 11 May 1897, he had enlisted in the 3rd Battalion Hampshire Regiment and was in Malta from 1901 to 1903. On 23 Mar 1904, he enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery and served in South Africa from 1904 to 1905, being finally discharged on 4 Aug 1905. What happened to him after 1905, however, is [as yet] a mystery.

In 1911, Sarah Jane Mew (61) Widow, employed as a Stay Lacer was living at 40 Fyning Street, Fratton, Portsmouth with her daughter Margaret Marshall Mew (21) Assistant Stock Keeper and Alec John Mew (1) (1910 M Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 439), who appears to have been Margaret's illegitimate child. Why Sarah Jane was listed with the surname Mew again when she'd already remarried (and presumably been widowed again), is not at all clear from the records available. On this census too, she lists (although these details have been crossed through) that she was married 40 years - her marriage to George Charles Mew was only 23 years until his death in 1893 - had eleven children of whom seven were living and four had died.

In 1921, Sarah Jane Holdaway (70) Widow, Wife's Mother, was living with her daughter Henrietta Hazzard (41) at 77, Middlesex Road, Eastney.

Sarah Jane Holdaway died in 1936 D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 647. The Portsmouth Evening News on 8 Oct 1936, had the following notice: "HOLDAWAY (Mew) Sarah Jane. In loving memory of our dear Mother, who passed peacefully away on October the 7th, at 77, Middlesex Road, age 85 years. - From her sorrowing daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. - Will be sadly missed. Peacefully sleeping." 

Saturday, 28 February 2026

Thomas Tubb and Louisa Wearn

King Street, Portsmouth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jaggery - geograph.org.uk/p/3754148

Thomas Tubb (b. ~1818, bap. 24 Apr 1820 at St Mary's Church, Portsea), Bachelor, Labourer from Bow Street, Portsea, son of William Tubb and Sarah Chard, married Lousia Wearn (b. ~1824), daughter of John Wearn and Mary Billinger, at St Mary's Church, Portsea on 28 Feb 1841

Thomas and Louisa had nine children in total:
  1. Thomas Alfred Tubb b. 1841 S Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 120. Died, aged 1, in 1842 D Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 07 Page 101 and was buried on 30 Oct 1842 at St Mary's, Portsea.
  2. Louisa Ann Tubb b. 1843 S Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 07 Page 131
  3. Mary Tubb b. 1845 J Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 07 Page 128
  4. Sarah Tubb b. 1848 J Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 07 Page 140
  5. Samuel Henry Tubb. b. 1852 M Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 02B Page 402. Died, aged 19, in 1871  D Quarter in PORTSEA Volume 02B Page 246 and buried on 29 Oct 1871 at St Mary's, Portsea. See below.
  6. Hannah Tubb b. 1854 D Quarter in PORTSEA ISLAND Volume 02B Page 364. Daughter of Thomas & Louisa Tubb of Bow Street, Landport, died aged 1, and was buried on 9 May 1856 at Kingston Cemetery.
  7. Emma Jane Tubb b. 24 Mar 1857 J Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 383
  8. Frances Tubb b. 1860 J Quarter in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 371. Died, aged 47, in 1907 D Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Vol 02B Page 273.
  9. Charlotte Elizabeth Tubb b. 1863 M Qtr in PORTSEA Vol 02B Page 457
In 1841, Thomas Tubb (22) Brush Maker and Louisa Tubb (20) were living in the Borough of Portsmouth, Parish of Portsea (Exact address unreadable).

In 1851, Thomas Tubb (33) Labourer was living at 18, Bow Street, Portsea (Bow Street was later re-named Station Street) with Louisa Tubb (27), Louisa Tubb (8), Mary Tubb (6), Sarah Tubb (3), John Silkcrialk (81) Visitor and his daughter Ann Silkcrialk (36) and Charles Collins (44) Lodger.

In 1861, living at 45, Bow Street, Portsea, were Thomas Tubb (45) Brush maker; Louisa Tubb (39) Stay maker; Louisa A Tubb (17) Stay maker; Sarah Tubb (13), Samuel H Tubb (9), Emma J Tubb (4), Frances Tubb (1), as well as Mary Wearn (82) Widow, who was Louisa's mother (who died in 1869).

In 1871, still at 45, Bow Street, Portsea, were Thomas Tubb (54) Brush maker; Louisa Tubb (49) Monthly nurse; Samuel Tubb (19) Sawyer; Emma Tubb (14), Fanny [Frances] Tubb (11) and [Charlotte] Elizabeth Tubb (7). Among those also living at that address at that time was John Johnson (50) Ship's Caulker from Sidlesham (nr Chichester), Sussex, Lodger.

Many newspapers nationally carried the story, on 27 Oct 1871, of A FATAL CASE OF SOMNAMBULISM. "An inquest was held before the Portsmouth coroner (Mr W H Garrington) on Tuesday evening on the body of Samuel Henry Tubb. The deceased, a young man of 19 years of age, was an inmate of the Workhouse, his intellect being impaired, and he was in the habit of walking in his sleep. A few evenings ago the attendant in his ward heard a noise, and on going outside found the deceased lying on the ground in a state of insensibility. The window of the ward had been unfastened, and it is supposed that the deceased then got out, falling onto the yard, a depth of sixteen feet. The medical officer (Dr Page) was called, but the deceased never recovered sufficiently to give and account of the occurrence, and died from concussion of the brain. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental Death."

The Hampshire Advertiser, on 28 Oct 1871, reported it as FATAL ACCIDENT TO A LUNATIC and added the detail that, "Louisa Tubb, the wife of Thomas Tubb, a hawker, residing in Bow Street, Landport, having identified the body as that of her son, said he was a labourer and lived at home with her. In July of last year he was admitted to the lunatic ward of the workhouse, and never complained of the treatment he received there. She and other members of the family were allowed to visit him, and they were all satisfied that he was well cared for." Dr Page added, "the deceased was very inoffensive, and did not require restraint. He was classed among the imbecile patients ..."

Thomas Tubb, Brush maker, with his address listed as Union House Portsea (Workhouse, later St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth), died aged 56 and was buried from St Mary's church on 2 Aug 1874, at Kingston Cemetery.

And so, Louisa Ann Tubb (52) Widow of Bow Street, daughter of John Wearn, married John Johnson (52) Carpenter, Bachelor, also of Bow Street (i.e. the Lodger), son of Henry Johnson, at St Mary's, Portsea on 14 Apr 1875.

In 1881, at 45, Bow Street, Portsea, John Johnson (60) Carpenter from Chichester, Sussex, was then head of the household, with Louisa Johnson (59), Emma Tubb (23) Machinist sempstress; Fanny Tubb (21) Stay boner; Elizabeth Tubb (18) Dress maker (apprentice) - all listed as Daughter-in-law, when they are really Step-daughters, but these terms were often used interchangeably in this period - and [Samuel] Henry Tollervey (9) Grandson - son of Louisa Ann Tubb, who had married John Tollervey in 1853.

In 1891, John Johnson (70) Naval pensioner; Louisa Johnson (68) and Emma J Tubb (33) Stay machinist, were living at 4, King Street, Portsea. Fanny Tubb (30) Charwoman, was a Lodger in the household of William J Morgan (68) Tailor in Upper Church Path, Portsea.

Fanny Tubb (33), then of 13 Upper Church Path, Portsmouth, was admitted to St James' Hospital, Portsmouth, still a mental health facility, on 12 Jan 1894, suffering from Delusional Insanity, where she died on 21 Oct 1907.

There is a record of the death of John Johnson (75) in 1897 M Quarter in PETWORTH Volume 02B Page 227. He could have still had family in Sussex, but my feeling is that being old and perhaps infirm and unable to work and needing healthcare, he could have been sent back to the nearest workhouse to his place of birth, which may well have been the Workhouse in Petworth.

In 1901, Louisa Johnson (78) Widow, Living on Parish relief, was living at 2, King Street, Portsmouth, with Emma Tubb (43) Stay machinist and Charles Coles (73) Widower, Carpenter (retired) from Boxgrove, Sussex, Boarder. 

Louisa Ann Johnson died, aged 81, in 1905 S Quarter in PORTSMOUTH Volume 02B Page 266.

Robert Gollop and Sophia Underdown

St Cuthbert's church, Widworthy
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/443571

Robert Gollop (b. 8 Dec 1805, bap. 6 Apr 1806 in Shute, Devon), son of Robert Gollop and Jane Horton married Sophia Underdown, daughter of Thomas Underdown and Susannah Underdown (also her maiden name, so were possibly cousins), on 28 Feb 1837 at St Cuthbert's church, Widworthy. (Sophia, whose parents had married in Southleigh on 27 Apr 1795, was born on 20 Jan 1809 and baptised, on 22 May 1809, in Colyton, Devon.)

Robert and Sophia had four children:
  1. Charles Benjamin Gollop b. 1837 D Quarter in AXMINSTER UNION Volume 10 Page 7, bap. 7 Jan 1838 in Widworthy
  2. Amos Robert Gollop b. 1839 D Quarter in AXMINSTER UNION Volume 10 Page 7, bap. 15 Dec 1839 in Widworthy, Devon
  3. Emanuel Gollop b. 30 Jan 1842 (1842 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 10 Page 125), bap. 25 Mar 1842 in Offwell
  4. Sophia Gollop b. 1844 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 10 Page 120, bap. 9 Jan 1848 in Offwell
Their residence at the time of Charles Benjamin's baptism was Dalwood, Dorset (now in East Devon). Robert's occupation was Shoemaker.

In 1841, living in Wilmington Street, Offwell, were Robert Gollop (30), Sophia (30), Charles (3), Amos (1) and Robert Salter (15), Apprentice. 

Sophia Gollop died, aged 38, in 1848 M Quarter in HONITON Volume 10 Page 99 and was buried on 4 Jan 1848 in Offwell.

In 1851, Robert Gollop (44) Widower, was living in his mother's household in Widworthy, as were his three youngest children: Amos (11), Emanuel (9) and Sophia (7), while Charles Gollop (14) was employed as a Farm Servant by Abraham Cottey (63) Farmer of 80 acres at West Colwell, Offwell. 

Robert Gollop died at 45 in 1851 S Quarter in HONITON Volume 10 Page 76 and was buried on 10 Sep 1851, in Widworthy, Devon.

James Orchard and Elizabeth Howe

Church of All Saints, Dulverton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marika Reinholds - geograph.org.uk/p/6070176

James Orchard (bap. 25 Dec 1808 in Luxborough, Somerset) son of John Orchard and Elizabeth Darch, married Elizabeth How (sic) (bap. 27 Jul 1807 in Exton, Somerset), daughter of Joseph How and Mary How, on 28 Feb 1831 at the church of All SaintsDulverton, Somerset. Not the church seen today, but in the previous 15th Century building (the tower survives), largely rebuilt in the 1850s. Witnesses were Jane How and James How.

James and Elizabeth had seven children, all baptised in Dulverton:
  1. Frances Ann Orchard bap. 3 Jul 1831 
  2. Thomas Orchard bap. 2 Feb 1834 
  3. Mary Elizabeth Orchard bap. 13 Jan 1837
  4. Ellen Howe Orchard b. 1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 238, bap. 6 Oct 1839
  5. Matthew Howe Orchard b. 1843 J Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 258, bap. 21 May 1843
  6. Anne Orchard b. 1846 D Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 263, bap. 10 Jan 1847
  7. Jane Orchard b. 1852 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396, bap. 29 Aug 1852
The mother's maiden name listed on all the GRO birth records is HOWE.

In 1841, James Orchard (30) and Elizabeth Orchard (30), Thomas Orchard (7), Mary Orchard (4) and Ellen Orchard (1) were living in the household of Grace Hanford (65) at Castle Court, Dulverton. Frances (10), was living at West Broford, Dulverton, with her grandparents, Joseph and Mary How.

In 1851, in Dulverton, were James Orchard (42) Colt Breaker from Luxborough, Somerset; Elizabeth Orchard (43), Mary E Orchard (14), Ellen H Orchard (11), Matthew H Orchard (7), Ann Orchard (7) and Ann Badley (21) Lodger. Frances Ann Orchard (19) House Servant, was still living in the household of her grandfather, Joseph How, Farmer of 180 Acres, at West Broford, as was Thomas Orchard (17) Grandson, Farm Servant.

Elizabeth Orchard died, at 52, in 1860 J Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 265 and was buried on 22 Apr 1860, at Dulverton.

In 1861, James Orchard (48) Colt Breaker, Widowed, was a Lodger in the household of John Holcombe (67) in Back Street, Dulverton. I've not been able to find Frances Ann. Thomas Orchard (27) was living in the household of his Father-in-law, George Staple (53), also there was his sister Ann Orchard (14). There was a Mary Orchard (22) Housemaid in Fore Street, Dulverton; an Ellen Orchard (24) Kitchenmaid at Calm John Cottages, Rewe, Devon; Matthew Orchard (17) Saddler was living in Bridgetown Village, Exton, in the household of James Clatworthy (44) Sadler and Jane Orchard (9) was a Visitor in the household of John Rudd (29) in Lady Street, Dulverton.

In 1871, James Orchard (65) Labourer, Widowed, from Luxborough, Somerset, was a lodger in the household of William England (50).

James Orchard died, aged 69, in 1878 D Quarter in DULVERTON Volume 05C Page 227 and was buried, on 14 Dec 1878, in Dulverton.

Thursday, 26 February 2026

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson

Northampton: St Giles
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/4127502

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson (bap. 18 Dec 1815), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, married, on 26 Feb 1838, at St Giles Church, Northampton. Thomas Smith, Brickmaker, listed his father as Thomas Smith, Labourer. Both gave their address as "Butcher's Yard". One of the witnesses was Catherine Willis, who may have been related to Lucy's mother.

There is only one confirmed record of a child of this couple:
  1. Ann Smith b. 1841 D Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 230, with mother's maiden name listed as TOMPSON
In 1841, Thomas (29) and Lucy (25), lived in West Haddon. Staying with them was Elizabeth Tompson (10) - actually 12 - who was Lucy's sister.

The Northampton Mercury of Saturday 13 April 1844, reported on the Northampton Borough Sessions of Tuesday 9 Apr 1844:

LUCY SMITH, wife of Thomas Smith, was indicted for stealing a quantity of ribbon, the property of Mr. T. S. Wright. Mr. Scriven appeared for the prosecution. Charles Goosey, one of Mr. Wright's assistants, saw the prisoner come in and out of the shop quite as many as twelve times on Saturday last. Some persons were looking at some ribbons, when the prisoner put her hand over the shoulders of the parties, took a piece of ribbon up, concealed it under her shawl, and ultimately put it in her basket. She had previously asked to be shown some net. Witness was engaged with a customer when she took the ribbon, and upon observing what had occurred, he went to the prisoner, and served her with some net, for which she tendered a shilling. Witness went under pretence of getting change and sent for a policeman, and she was given into custody. The ribbon was found in her basket.

Sessions House, Northampton
StJaBe, CC BY 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
Prisoner comes from West Haddon, and a Mrs. Hoole of that place, said she had an excellent character. Her sister, Mrs. Bottrill, a respectably dressed person, who cried bitterly, also said she had always borne a good character. The distress of her sister affected the prisoner who had hitherto exhibited no signs of emotion.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty.

There were two other indictments against her, one for stealing a pair of shoes, the property of Henry Freeman, and the other for stealing 14 yards of cotton print, the property of J. Phipps, both on the same day. At the suggestion, however, of the Recorder, no evidence was offered in either of these cases. After a feeling address, the Recorder sentenced the prisoner to Six Months' Imprisonment.

The Cast of Characters:
  1. Thomas Wright (35) was a Draper at Waterloo House, 21 Market Square, Northampton in 1841 and had a Charles Goosey (15), Draper's Apprentice, listed in his considerable household (employ) of 27 people.
  2. Mr. Thos. Scriven, of the Town of Northampton, Solicitor, according to the 1841 census, when he was aged 40, lived in St Giles Square.
  3. Mrs. Hoole: Ann Hoole, wife of Thomas Hoole, Brazier, in 1841 lived next door to Stephen and Mary Bottrill, of The Bell Inn, West Haddon.
  4. Henry Freeman (35), Shoemaker, in 1841, resided at Great Russell Street, Northampton. (Great Russell Street, Northampton, in 1974 waiting to be demolished.) Perhaps he sold his wares in the market?
  5. In 1841 there was a John Phipps (40), Draper, in Albion Place, Northampton and a John Phipps (15), Draper, in Gold Street, Northampton. We can assume it was one of these.
  6. The Recorder was N. R. Clarke, Esq., Sergeant-at-Law.
Presumably, Lucy will have served her sentence at the Northampton Borough Gaol and House of Correction, at that time located at Fish Lane (now Fish Street), Northampton. Built in 1792–4 this gaol and bridewell were erected to the south of the County Hall and held 120 prisoners. She was lucky that her punishment wasn't transportation, still very much in use at that time.

In 1851, we find them in Matildia Place, Foleshill, Warwickshire - literally 'Sent to Coventry', it would seem after Lucy's stint behind bars. Well, Thomas Smith was listed as James Smith (40) - this could be an error or it might be deliberate - Brickmaker and it's clearly Lucy Smith (36), birthplace Cransley, Northamptonshire. Listed with them was Lucy's older brother, Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter and Ann Smith (9), born in West Haddon.

So far, I've found no further evidence of this family.

Henry John Kingsbury and Elizabeth Lancey

St Mary's church, Pilton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Searle - geograph.org.uk/p/3513540

Henry John Kingsbury (bap. 17 May 1849 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset) son of John Kingsbury and Matilda Lawrence, married Elizabeth Lancey (bap. 31 Aug 1845 in Pilton, Devon) daughter of James Lancey and Mary Scamp, at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Pilton on 26 Feb 1879. At the time of their marriage, both were Servants and Henry was resident at "Exbury, in the County of Southampton". (Exbury House on the Solent, was rented by Conservative MP for Barnstaple, DevonColonel Sir George Stucley, to pursue his pastime of yacht-sailing. Kingsbury was his Butler.) One of the witnesses to the marriage was Eliza Lancey, Elizabeth's sister. Both fathers, John Kingsbury and James Lancey were listed as being Gardeners.

Henry and Elizabeth had five children:
  1. Flora May Kingsbury b. 6 Jan 1880 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 246, bap. 6 Jun 1880 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
  2. Matilda Mary Kingsbury b. 22 May 1881 J Quarter in SHAFTESBURY Volume 05A Page 239, bap. 26 Jun 1881 in Sutton Waldron, Dorset.
  3. Alice Mabel Kingsbury b. 1882 J Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 523. (No baptism found)
  4. Elizabeth Kingsbury b. 13 Dec 1884 (1885 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 498), bap. 1 Mar 1885 at St Mary, Bideford
  5. Henry John Kingsbury b. 1889 M Quarter in BIDEFORD Volume 05B Page 501, bap. 24 Feb 1889 in Bideford
In 1881, Henry John Kingsbury (32) was Butler to Sir George Stucley (68) at Moreton House, Bideford, Devon, where the then 'Deputy Lieutenant for the Counties of Devon & Cornwall, Baronet, Justice of the Peace', his wife and two youngest sons were waited upon by no less than thirteen servants. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Kingsbury (35) Butler's wife and Flora M Kingsbury (0) were living at Moreton Cottage, 4, Higher Meddon Street, Bideford, Devon.

In 1891, Henry John Kingsbury (42) was still Butler to Sir George Stucley (79) Magistrate, although the then three members of the family were having to 'make do' with the reduced circumstances of having merely 10 servants. Elizabeth Kingsbury (45) was living at 7 River View, Bideford with Matilda M Kingsbury (9), Alice M Kingsbury (8), Elizabeth Kingsbury (6), Henry J Kingsbury (2) and Charles F Lancey (17) Nephew, Apprentice Gardner. Eldest daughter, Flora (listed as Florence) (10) was at that time, a Visitor in the household of Mary E Sanders (65) Widow, in Regents Park, Heavitree, Exeter, in whose household also was Eliza Lansey (sic), who was her aunt.

In 1901, Henry J Kingsbury (52) Retired Butler - Sir George Stucley had died in 1900 and presumably left his 'Retainer' in a position to be able retire early - was living at Higher Gunstone, River View Terrace, Bideford with Elizabeth Kingsbury (55), Alice M Kingsbury (18), Elizabeth Kingsbury (16) and Henry J Kingsbury (12). F M Kingsbury [Flora May] (20) was a Schoolroom Maid in Holcombe Burnell, Devon. While Matilda Kingsbury (19) was a Lady's Maid in the household of Harriet Compton (57) Widow, in Andover, Hampshire. (Harriet Granville married Henry Compton, Esq. on 28 Dec 1870. She and Sir George Stucley's second wife, Louisa Granville, were daughters of Bernard Granville, Esq of Wellesbourne Hall, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire.)

In 1911, Henry John Kingsbury (62) Retired Butler, Elizabeth Kingsbury (65), Alice Mabel Kingsbury (28) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (26) were still living in Bideford. Flora May had married in 1903 and Matilda in 1908. Henry John Kingsbury (22) from Bideford, Devon was described as a WHOLESALE MANCHESTER WAREHOUSEMAN in Southwark, at 95 Southwark St and a curious note: (MilitaryDisposition) MESSRS. COOK'S EMPLOYEES, one assumes Thomas Cook & Son, who had transported the British Army up the Nile in 1884, so conceivable they were still undertaking military contracts. 

In 1921, Henry John Kingsbury (72) and Elizabeth Kingsbury (75) were living at 4, Lansdowne [Terrace], Bideford, Devon with their daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury (36) School Teacher for Devon County Council at Church Infants' School, Bideford and Eliza Lancy (77) Visitor (Elizabeth's sister).

Elizabeth Kingsbury died at 78 in 1923 in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 456. 

Henry John Kingsbury died, also aged 78, on 27 Oct 1927 D Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 520, leaving his estate to daughter, Elizabeth Kingsbury. The notice in the Hartland and West Country Chronicle read, KINGSBURY - Oct 27th, at Lansdowne, Bideford HENRY JOHN KINGSBURY, formerly Stucley's butler, aged 78.

In 1939, Elizabeth Kingsbury, Elementary School Teacher, was living at 7 The Strand, Bideford with her sister, Matilda M Lancey, Widow.

Elizabeth never married and died, at 80, in Bideford, in 1965.

  • Matilda Mary Kingsbury married Gerald Slayter on 20 Apr 1908. In 1911, Gerald Slayter (37) Butler and Mary Matilda Slayter (30) Cook-Housekeeper, were employed in the household of Francis Nicholas Blundell (30) Landowner and Farmer in Little Crosby, Lancashire. (Crosby Hall was the manorial home of the Blundell family, lords of the manor of Crosby since the Middle Ages.) Gerald Slayter died, at 48, in 1922, in Liverpool. Matilda Mary Slayter, Widow, married Charles Frederick Lancey, Widower, Gardner, who was her first cousin, at St Mary's Church, Grassendale, on 9 May 1927. Charles Frederick Lancey died, at 61, in 1935, in Liverpool South. Matilda Mary Lancey died in 1954, in Bideford, Devon.
  • Alice Mabel Kingsbury married Clement Arthur Page (b. 29 Sep 1884) on 5 Aug 1912, in Bideford. They had one son, Ernest John Page, born in Frome, Somerset in 1913. In 1921, Clement A Page, Alice M Page and Ernest J Page were living in Portsmouth, Hampshire. Ernest John Page died, at 17, in Portsmouth, in 1931. Clement Arthur Page died, at 48, in Portsmouth, in 1933. Alice Mabel Page died, at 69, in 1951, in Bideford, Devon.

Wednesday, 25 February 2026

Robert Marsh and Hannah Piggin

A Fine Day in February (Hellesdon) - John Middleton (Before 1856)

Robert Marsh, widower, married Hannah Piggin (bap. 9 Feb 1734 at St Edmund's Church, Norwich) single woman, then of the parish of Bauberg (Bawburgh), daughter of John and Mary Piggin, by Licence, at St Mary's ChurchHellesdon, Norfolk on 25 Feb 1758. No witnesses are listed. 

Let's hope it was a fine day for them!

Robert was a widower at the time of his marriage to Hannah. Although I've not [yet] located the earlier marriage, records show the burial of Sarah Marsh, wife of Robert Marsh, in Hellesdon, on 24 Dec 1755, with whom he'd had several children, including these baptised / buried in Hellesdon: 
  1. Mary Marsh buried 20 Nov 1735
  2. Keziah Marsh bap. 7 Jan 1738. Buried 9 Jan 1738
  3. Samuel Marsh bap. 27 Oct 1740. Buried 30 Oct 1740
  4. Robert Marsh bap. 6 Sep 1741. Buried 25 Oct 1741
  5. Kerenhappuch Marsh bap. 5 Mar 1744. Buried 11 Mar 1744
Keren-happuch (Hebrew: קֶרֶן הַפּוּךְ‎ Qeren Happūḵ, "Horn of kohl") was the youngest of the three beautiful daughters of Job, named in the Bible as given to him in the later part of life, after God made Job prosperous again. Keren-happuch's older sisters are named as Jemima and Keziah. (Clearly, they knew their bible, but I didn't find a record for a Jemima anywhere.)

Robert Marsh's second marriage only seems to have produced one child: 
  1. Hannah Marsh bap. 18 Feb 1759
Then it appears that Robert Marsh of Hellesdon Old Hall, Farmer, died and was buried in Hellesdon on 23 Jun 1762.

Richard Flew and Ann Hagley

St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/5579894

Richard Flue (sic) (bap. 29 Jun 1794 in Rackenford, Devon) of Loxbeare, son of Richard Flew and Jane Wright, married Ann Hagley (b. 14 Jan 1799, bap. 9 Jun 1799 in Stoodleigh), daughter of William Hagley and Mary Gale, at St Margaret's Church, Stoodleigh on 25 Feb 1827. Both parties made their mark with an X. Witnesses were Richard Greenslade and William Jordan.

Richard and Ann had four children:
  1. Mary Flew bap. 26 Mar 1828 in Oakford
  2. Ann Flew bap. 5 Jun 1831 in Rackenford
  3. William Flew bap. 16 Nov 1834 in Rackenford
  4. Jane Flew bap. 20 Aug 1837 in Rackenford
All of the baptisms list Richard's occupation as Labourer. On Jane's baptism, it is noted that their residence was again in Oakford.

In 1841, at Whitnoll Cottage, Stoodley (sic) were Richard Flew (47), Ann Flew (43), Mary Flew (12), Ann Flew (9), William Flew (6) and Jane Flew (3).

In 1851, with address listed merely as "Cottage, Rackenford, South Molton", were Richard Flew (58) Ag Lab, Ann Flew (54) and Jane Flew (10). Mary Flew had married in 1850; William Flew (15) was Boots & Farm Servant to Richard Veysey, Farmer and Victualler at the Bell Inn, Rackenford. (The word 'Boots' came from, ‘boot boys’, an occupation in the 1830s and 40s requiring young men to clean the boots of hotel guests. Later, the occupation had become simply known as ‘boots’, and duties included odd-jobs.) 

In 1861, still at Cottage, Village, Rackenford, were Richard Flew (69) Pauper and Ann Flew (65) Pauper. (Was unable to locate William.)

Richard Flew (75) died in 1868 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 312 and was buried on 23 Feb 1868 in Rackenford.

In 1871, Ann Flew (72) was living in Rackenford with her son William.

Ann Flew (75) from Union, South Molton (South Molton Workhouse), died in 1873 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 271 and was buried on 22 Aug 1873 in Rackenford, presumably at the expense of the parish.

Tuesday, 24 February 2026

William Hockley and Jane Pye and Sarah Stokes

The Chequers Public House - formerly The Chequers Inn,
coaching inn, 27 Stortford Rd, Great Dunmow, Essex

William Hockley (bap. 16 Feb 1766), Bachelor, son of Robert and Mary Hockley, married Jane Pye (bap. 12 Jul 1772), Spinster, daughter of Joseph Pye and Mary Guyver, on 24 Feb 1795 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, by Banns, in the Presence of George Nye and John Gunn.

William Hockley was described as Hostler at the Chequers Inn. The Hostler may have been the innkeeper, but certainly will have been responsible for the horses. The building is Grade II Listed, parts of which may date back to the 14th Century or even earlier, so one can probably presume that much of what one sees today is still fundamentally as it was in William Hockley's time.

William and Jane Hockley had two children:
  1. William Hockley b. 7 Jun 1795, bap. 3 Jul 1795, Age: 3 Weeks & 5 Days
  2. Jane Pye Hockley bap. 30 Jul 1797. Died aged 9 months, and was buried on 14 Mar 1798.
It would appear that Jane likely died as a result of giving birth to their daughter, as she was buried at St Mary's on 6 July 1797, aged 25. 

William then remarried to Sarah Stokes (bap. 27 Dec 1778 in Little Canfield) daughter of William Stokes and Mary Judd, on 7 Sep 1800, also at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, not before they'd had their first child however. William and Sarah went on to have at least eight children:
  1. Jane Hockley b. Feb 1800 "Bastard Child of William Hockley and Sarah Stokes", it states, was baptised, aged 9 weeks, on 13 Apr 1800
  2. Robert Hockley bap. 2 Oct 1802 (Died aged 3 weeks, 3 days and was buried 15 Oct 1802)
  3. Robert Hockley bap. 11 Mar 1804
  4. Sarah Hockley bap. 29 Dec 1805
  5. Mary Ann Hockley bap. 26 Feb 1809
  6. Elizabeth Hockley bap. 25 Aug 1811
  7. Anne Hockley bap. 8 Dec 1816 (where William is still listed as Hostler). (Died 1819, aged 2 and buried 16 Sep 1819)
  8. Henry Hockley bap. 25 Apr 1819. [Sources]
In 1841, William Hockley (74), wife Sarah (65) and youngest son, Henry (20), were living in Star Lane, Great Dunmow

William Hockley died, aged 76, in 1844 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 12  Page 55 and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 20 Oct 1844. 

In 1861, Sarah Hockley (83) Widow, was still living in Star Lane.

Sarah Hockley died, aged 90, in 1867 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 215. 

Star Lane in Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Edwards - geograph.org.uk/p/1503881