The Liverpool Cab Murder

Medlock Hotel Rumney Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Sue Adair - geograph.org.uk/p/6521990
Late 19th century public house built adjacent to Kirkdale Gaol which was built in 1818 and demolished in 1897. This land became Kirkdale Recreation Ground but hid a gruesome past.

Arthur Edward Penfold (b. 1859), son of William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn, was found guilty of the murder of an "unfortunate" (prostitute) Margaret Stewart alias Isabella Cowie [1] on 17 Dec 1890, at Liverpool Assizes on 7 Mar 1891 and sentenced to death.

In 1891, Arthur Edward Penfold (31), Grocer's porter, Single, born in Hartfield, Sussex, was listed as a Prisoner at Her Majesty's Prison Kirkdale Liverpool, a.k.a. the Kirkdale House of Correction. "Prisoners had to work, and the treadmill (Penal treadmill) used for grinding corn was the largest in the country, needing the efforts of 130 prisoners a day to keep it running." Kirkdale had one of the highest death rates in the country for a prison.

What brought him there was widely reported in the press, but to summarise: Penfold had apparently been consorting with this woman, described as being "an inmate of a disorderly house", for five or six days before the date of the murder and, on the day in question, they'd gone out together. A witness said they were sober when they left in the afternoon. At 7:30pm they got a cab together and Penfold had asked the driver for Lambert Street. Upon arrival, Penfold told the cab driver that he had stabbed the woman and told him to call a policeman. The woman was taken to the Infirmary, but died shortly from the six stab wounds that had penetrated both her heart and liver.

The Indictment reads: "At Liverpool on the 17th December 1890, feloniously, wilfully, and of malice aforethought, did kill and murder one Margaret Stewart alias Isabella Cowie." Penfold was tried before The Honourable Sir John C Day, Knight (Sir John Charles Frederick Sigismund Day of whom it was writ, "The readiness with which he resorted to the severest punishments, including lashes, earned him a fearsome reputation and the nickname 'Judgment Day'.")

A later report relates that, "On one occasion when visiting the unfortunate man at Kirkdale, I asked him, "How come you to do it? Did you not know what you were about?" He said he didn't know why he did it or when, or even where it was done, his memory entirely left him: but he knew as soon as the fateful act was committed what he had done, and he could not forgive himself."

From the Liverpool Mercury Tuesday, 23 Dec 1890

THE TERRIBLE CAB TRAGEDY - PENFOLD'S ANTECEDENTS

Inquiries yesterday resulted in little further information as to the identification of the murdered woman Stewart or Cowie. A considerable number of people have viewed her body, some of them have known her during the period of her life spent in Liverpool. Up till a late hour last evening she had not been identified, and her parentage and place of birth still remain a mystery. It is believed, however, that she was formerly resident in Glasgow or Edinburgh. As to her Liverpool life, it appears that until about five weeks ago the deceased woman was at a house of ill-fame in a court off Lambert Street. 

The following are the antecedents of Arthur Edward Penfold, the full and correct name of the accused, which form quite a melancholy story. He was the son of a tollgate keeper, and was born in Hartfield, a pretty rural village on the borders of the Ashdown Forest, in the north of Sussex. His parents are long since dead. He served in the 5th Lancers, and was invalided out of the service with heart disease and afterwards joined the Sussex Artillery Militia under the name of Peter Bright. He appears to have won the good opinion of everyone with whom he came in contact, but was liable to give way to drink, and when he had only a small quantity he was "like a madman." Generally a teetotaller, he appears to have periodically broken out, and then he would leave his situation, however profitable it was, and, without warning, go away, often turning up in a most deplorable state of destitution.  

Writing to his brother from Norwich Union Infirmary in 1888 [2], after speaking of his misery, the letter reads: "Sad to lead a life like this, you cannot wonder at my being laid up. What a fool I must be to do it when I might be settled down and comfortable. What a poor, weak-minded fool for yielding so easy to temptation. I feel as if there is no hope for me; it seems no use praying: there is no God to hear my prayer. I have sinned away my day of grace and must now take my chances. Oh that I had never left the proper path. It is too late for me now. I am glad you are all right, dear brother. Keep to that path and don't yield one inch to the devil, or he will surely soon be your master." 

He returned to East Grinstead after that, and his old master, hearing that he was again in the town, sent for him, and without asking any questions as to his career during his long absence at once installed him into the old place of grocer's and draper's porter. Several month ago he had another outbreak, and not returning with a horse and van to his employer's shop, information was given to the police. Penfold was discovered drugged and insensible on Tunbridge Wells Common, and the horse and van on another part of the common not under control. He then admitted that he had given way to drink and to immoral women, with whom he generally got associated after taking even a moderate amount of liquor. He was brought up at the East Grinstead Police Court, and the charge was withdrawn, and strange to say, there were two former employers whom he had in his freaks forsaken waiting to offer him a situation, even, as one of them said, "if Penfold had done a couple of months' imprisonment," He went back into the employment of the of the draper and grocer, however, and went on properly until a fortnight ago, when he was sent to Horley with the horse and van. The morning was bitterly cold, and it was snowing fast, and there is no doubt that Penfold indulged in a little intoxicant to warm him. As usual, it got over him, and when he put up the horse and cart at Horley, after collecting an amount of £18, he went off and was not heard of until his name was identified by the East Grinstead police in connection with the Liverpool tragedy. He was then "wanted" for stealing the £18 alluded to. It may be interesting to state that though such a trustworthy employee when he kept to his temperance pledge, he occasionally complained of pains in the head, and was sometimes strange in his manner. It seems also that his grandmother was subject to epilepsy, and his mother died in an epileptic fit.

In 1884, Penfold had been before the Magistrates on the charge of attempted suicide - dropped on the grounds of insanity. In fact, he had attempted to take his own life on two occasions, once he had gone onto London Bridge with the intention of jumping into the river, the other time he put poison in his coffee. 

Nor were those even Penfold's only brushes with the law, as noted on the record of the murder trial is a previous incarceration for 14 days at HM Prison, Lewes, having been found guilty at Brighton Petty Sessions, on 31 May 1886, of being drunk and assaulting a P.C., under the name of Arthur Carter. 

At the trial, "Dr James Morton, of Chelsea, deposed that he had known the prisoner's mother, brothers and other relatives for many years. [He said] they were all characterised by a tendency to nervous disease. The mother died at the age of 55 during a violent epileptic seizure. Witness knew two brothers of the prisoner. One showed great mental instability, and the slightest excitement, either from joy or grief, rendered him almost incomprehensible. That brother's child two years ago had attacks of epilepsy. Prisoner's elder brother had five children, and three witness had seen epileptic attacks." 

Another witness said, "... he has relatives who are idiots." "One of the prisoner's female cousins is an idiot, but not bad enough to be locked up." 

Charles Penfold, the prisoner's younger brother recounted that the prisoner had disappeared from his employment suddenly in 1879, when he joined the 5th Lancers, and that "If he took drink he very soon became irresponsible."

Frederick William Penfold, of her Majesty's navy at Portsmouth, spoke of having frequently noticed peculiarities about [the] prisoner. He stated that he had not seen the prisoner for over seven years.

The jury, without leaving the box, found Penfold guilty of murder and the sentence of the court was that he was to be hanged. 

A petition was got up with a plea of insanity against the death sentence.

Ian Waugh of Murder Research provided one of the last pieces of the puzzle through an item from The Liverpool Mercury of Friday, 27 Mar 1891: 

THE CONVICT PENFOLD:

The Governor of Kirkdale Jail received the official document from the Home Office yesterday morning, announcing the respite of Arthur Edward Penfold, who was, at the recent assizes, found guilty of wilful murder. This decision of the Home Secretary was not only received with joy by Penfold himself, but by his brothers and others who, since the trial, have been indefatigable in their exertions to save the unfortunate man from the gallows.

Respite is not the same as commuting his sentence, it merely put it off.

Kirkdale Gaol was demolished in 1897, which is probably the reason Penfold was moved and he ended up at HM Prison Parkhurst, on the Isle of Wight. Parkhurst was subject to fierce criticism by the public, politicians and in the press for its harsh regime (including the use of leg irons initially). Obviously related to this move, was that his brother, Frederick William Penfold, relocated to the Isle of Wight in 1898. In the end his death sentence was never carried out, however, as Arthur Edward Penfold, Convict, died aged 41, at Parkhurst Prison, on 21 May 1900, from Peritonitis. There is reference on the death certificate of an inquest having been held on 23 May 1900. 

1. One of the witnesses at the inquest had said that she'd seen a letter from the victim's mother, addressed to Margaret Cowie, so this may have been her real name. Searches reveal that death certificates have been issued in all three names: Margaret Stewart, Isabella Cowie and Margaret Cowie, all with year of birth calculated to 1867 from her supposed age of 23.
2. Records show Arthur Penfold being admitted to, on 21 Jan 1888, and discharged from, on 11 Feb 1888, St Andrew's Workhouse, Norwich.

Stephen Bottrill and Mary Thompson

The Graziers Arms in the early 20th century when the public house was run by Phipps Brewery. Image reproduced from the Phipps Archive by permission of Northamptonshire Archives.

Stephen Bottrill (bap. 30 Mar 1803 in Scaldwell, Northamptonshire), son of John Bottrill and Alice Farndon, married Mary Thompson (bap. 14 Dec 1807), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis (sister of Daniel Thompson), at St Andrew's Church, Cransley, on 2 Nov 1830. 

The only children of the marriage that I can find records for are: 

1. Daniel Botterill, bap. 20 Dec 1831 in Cransley, Northamptonshire
2. Alice Botterill, bap. 4 Mar 1838 at Scaldwell, St Peter and St Paul (Died, aged 18, 1856 J Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 73, and was buried on 7 Jun 1856 at All Saints, West Haddon.)
3. Stephen Bottrell (sic) b. Oct 1840 (1841 M Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 262), bap. 3 Apr 1844 in West Haddon
4. Mary Ann Bottrell b. 1844 D Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 242 

Mother's maiden name: Stephen's is TOMPSON; Mary Ann's THOMPSON.

Wesleyan Chapel in West Haddon. Image provided by West Haddon Local History Group

Being located by both Baptist and Methodist Chapels in the 1840s probably wasn't ideal and conducive to business, which might account for the move to The Graziers Arms. 

In 1841 Stephen Bottrill was a Publican in West Haddon. This will have been at The Bell Inn. A later article says, "The Bell Inn no longer exists at West Haddon, although the old thatched house, with its picturesque gables, which bore the title, still stands opposite the Wesleyan Chapel." At that time, Solomon Thompson (b. 1802), brewer, was staying with the Botterills, while his own wife, Elizabeth (née York) and family were at their home in Cransley. This Solomon Thompson, must be related to Mary, but not discovered how.

Mary Bottrel (sic) (née Thompson) died, aged 37, in 1845 M Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 207. The death notice, which appeared in The Banbury Guardian of Thursday, February 27, 1845, read, "February 12, at West Haddon, Warwickshire, Mary, the wife of Mr. Stephen Bottrell, of the Bell Inn, aged 38; deeply lamented by all her friends." And in The Northampton Mercury, it adds that, "Her illness was short, but she bore it with great firmness and contentment." Whatever that means. Mary Bottrell was buried at All Saints' Church, West Haddon, on 18 Feb 1845. 

Graveyard, All Saints Church, West Haddon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Tim Heaton - geograph.org.uk/p/2106752

Stephen Botterell, widower, son of John Bottrell, Farmer, married, Elizabeth Newton, widow, daughter of John Dunn, Sheep Drover, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East, London, on 24 July 1845. Witnesses were John Blackett and Maria Blackett, Mary's sister. (Elizabeth Dunn had previously married Samuel Newton, on 9 May 1834, in West Haddon. Samuel Newton had died at 45 and was buried in West Haddon, on 4 Nov 1843.)

In 1847 and 1849 Stephen Bottrel was listed at the The Bell Inn. The Banbury Guardian of 13 Sept 1849, reported that at the Daventry Petty Sessions, Stephen Botterell was charged with keeping his house open after 10pm and allowing gaming. On this occasion the case was dismissed.

In 1851, Stephen Botterill was listed as Victualler Farmer of 140 Acres, with new wife Elizabeth Botterill (b. 1804), daughter Alice Botterill (13), son Stephen Botterill (10) and niece, Eliza Newton (9). 

In 1854 Stephen Bottrel was listed at The Graziers Arms, victualler.

Elizabeth Botterill died, aged 55 (1858 S Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 68), and was buried on 26 Aug 1858, also at All Saints, West Haddon. 

In 1861, Stephen Bottard (sic), Widowed, was a Farmer Of 147 acres Employing 3 men & 3 boys (In the trade directory he was a Beer retailer and farmer). Eliza Newton was still living in his household.

The Northampton Mercury of 5 Apr 1862 reported that William Blunsom, veterinary surgeon, was claiming the sum of £13. 17s. (£1,764.89 in 2021) from Stephen Botterill in the County Court. 

The London Gazette of 30 Nov 1867, reported that Stephen Botterill was declared bankrupt. There are several reports in the Northampton Mercury of Stephen Botterill being fined for 'Unjust measures': 15 Oct 1864 (2s + 18s costs), on 15 Feb 1868 (£4), 12 Sep 1868 (fined £5 for 4 quart jugs deficient in measure), and again on 13 Feb 1869 (£5). He blamed his bankruptcy on the 'badness of trade', but one has to wonder if poor judgement was as much, or perhaps more, to blame. Did it not occur to him these things might be linked? (Rhetorical question.) Nevertheless, Stephen Boterill was discharged from bankruptcy on 7 Feb 1868 (Northampton Mercury 28 March 1868). 

By 1871, Stephen Boterill (66), Widowed, was a farm labourer and lodger in the household of Thomas Bull, in West Haddon. 

Stephen Botterill died, aged 73, in 1878 S Quarter in DAVENTRY Volume 03B Page 74. He was buried on 8 Sep 1878 in West Haddon.

The Graziers Arms from above. Image provided by West Haddon Local History Group

With gracious thanks to Wendy Raybould, Archivist at the West Haddon Local History Group for many of the photos; for identifying the names of the pubs that Stephen Botterill was associated with and pointers towards many other records of his life. See also her: A brief history of West Haddon (PDF)

John Benjamin Botterill & Everlda J C Summers

St John the Evangelist, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill - Sanctuary
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2428606
View of St. John's Church from St. John's Gardens

John Benjamin Botterill (b. 1864), son of Daniel Botterill and Sarah Elizabeth Thompson, married Everlda Jane Caroline Summers, daughter of Thomas and Ann Summers (who in 1871 had lived in Testerton Street, Kensington), at St John the Evangelist, Lansdowne Crescent, Notting Hill on 21 Oct 1889. 

John and Everlda had four children: 

1. Thomas Daniel Botterill born 1891
2. Everlda Botterill born 20 Sep 1892
3. Benjamin Tompson Botterill born 1895
4. Mary Botterill born 1902

Princess Royal Public House
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1215433

In 1891, they were living at 115 High Street, Lewisham, with John B (26), Butcher, Everelda (25), their first child, Thomas Daniel (0) and Elsie Jones (43), Ladies Nurse, a widow from Catford, London, lodging with them.

But in 1900 and again in 1901, they were at the Princess Royal at 22, Longley Road, Croydon, where his uncle, John Soppit, had employed John Benjamin Botterill (36) as his Licenced Victualler Manager. Living there also were Everlda (35), Thomas Daniel (10), Everlda (8), Benjamin Tompson (5) and John's father, Daniel (69), who is listed as a widower - which is a mystery, because his wife, Sarah, was alive and living in Lewisham at the time.

Then on 16 Oct 1902, John Benjamin Botterill (38), appeared at the Quarter Sessions in Maidstone, accused of stealing, by his uncle, John Soppit.

From the Maidstone Journal and Kentish Advertiser 23 October 1902

THE JURY STOP A CASE

John Benjamin Botterill pleaded not guilty to stealing two boxes containing 51 cigars, one bottle of brandy, three bottles of whiskey, etc., belonging to John Soppitt, at Cudham, on August 7th.

Mr. C. S. Fooks prosecuted, and Mr. Hohler defended.

John Soppit, formerly licensee of the Princess Royal, Croydon, deposed that in 1898 he took the prisoner, who was his nephew, into his employ as manager and paid him at first £2 15s per week, and after £2. The net takings of the house were not satisfactory to him at the latter part of the prisoner's management. Prisoner left on June 23rd of this year. Then witness looked through the books. Prisoner had bought goods unauthorised, and after his departure witness found some scales missing. He afterwards found them in the prisoner's possession at the Blacksmiths' Arms, at Cudham, and he also found a couch there, which had been at the Princess Royal. Other things, including glasses, were also missing.

By Mr. Hohler: The couch was never given to the prisoner by him. He did not know that the bottle of brandy was given to the prisoner by the wholesale firm, and was not aware that the cigars were brought from the result of a draw from the slate club. The reason he saw the gas mantles were his was because they were the same kind as those used at the Princess Royal, and the glasses were similar to those belonging to witness. The labels with the prisoner's name on, which were on the bottles, was not printed with the witness's consent.

Sergt. Humphrey deposed to searching the Blacksmith's Arms, and finding the mantels in a box among some children's clothes.

Cross-examined: The prisoner had an excellent character. The goods had evidently not been unpacked after the move.

Prisoner gave evidence on oath, and said that his uncle gave him the couch. The cigars he bought as his share in the money out of the slate club, the money to be spent in the house. The bottle of whiskey and brandy was given to him by the wholesale houses in 1899. The bottle of gin was given to him by his uncle.

The jury at this point stopped the case, and the prisoner was discharged. 

The Blacksmith's Arms, Cudham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Oast House Archive - geograph.org.uk/p/1984351

As we can see from the report above, John Benjamin Botterill, in 1902, had gone to the Blacksmith’s Arms, Cudham (in the London Borough of Bromley), although not for long. (Read about this beautiful pub's history here.)

Prince Frederick, Bromley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/4625769

In 1911, we find John Benjamin Botterill (46), Licenced Victualler, at the Prince Frederick, Nichol Lane, Bromley, Kent, with wife, Everlda Jane Caroline Botterill (45), assisting in the business, Thomas Daniel (20), engineer's fitter, Everlda (18), dressmaker, Benjamin Thompson (15), Mary (8) and Esther Elizabeth Challen (19), Servant. They were still there in 1913.

In 1921, John B Botterill (56) from Deptford, London was Club Steward at Stratford Engineers Club, & Institute Ltd, living in at 167, Romford Road, West Ham, Essex with Everlda J C Botterill (55), Benjamin T Botterill (23) Milk Carrier for the Stratford Cooperative Society and Mary Botterill (18) Drapers Assistant at Allders Limited, in Croydon.

We next catch up with the family, in 1939, living at 44 Wellington Avenue, Hounslow, Middlesex. Living with John Benjamin Botterill (75), described as a Retired Fitter's Mate, are wife Everlda J C (74), daughter Everlda White, dressmaker, widowed, and her daughter, Jean M White (16) and a Leslie F Taylor, Gentleman's hairdresser, presumably a lodger.

Everlda Jane Caroline Botterill died, aged 77, in 1943, in Brentford. 

John Benjamin Botterill died, in 1948, aged 83, in Ealing. 

Edward William Wykes and Mary Jane Austin

Brixworth Union Workhouse
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Burgess Von Thunen - geograph.org.uk/p/1889562
Erected in 1835-6 to accommodate 265 inmates. Conditions were described as "prison-like and spartan", while food was "meagre and tasteless", according to Brixworth History Society. 

There appears to be no record of a marriage between Edward William Wykes (b. 30 Jun 1859), son of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson and Mary Jane Austin (b. 1861), daughter of Stephen Austin and Ann Wykes - the pair were first cousins: William Wykes (b. 1829) was the elder brother of Ann Wykes (b. 1842) - however, this appears to be their story.

In 1871, Mary Jane Austin (9) had been living at home with her parents at Holdenby Rectory, Holdenby, Brixworth, Northamptonshire. 

In 1881, however, Mary J Austin, erroneously listed as 30, was a Prisoner at HM Prison, Northampton St Sepulchre. The Northampton Mercury, on 2 Apr 1881, details: NORTHAMPTON imprisonment. Theft by a Pauper. Mary Jane Austin (20), Holdenby, was charged by Samuel Giles, master of the Brixworth Union [Workhouse], with stealing a pair of shoes. One assumes Mary Jane was an inmate of the workhouse for the birth of her illegitimate daughter, Kate M Austin, who at 6 mts, was also at the prison.

In the fourth quarter of 1881, Mary Jane Austin married Thomas Austin (b. 1844), son of William Austin and Jane Smith, at All Saints' Holdenby. How Mary Jane and Thomas were already related, I've not yet established.

Mary Jane had three Austin daughters:

1. Kate Mary Austin b. 28 Oct 1880, bap. 23 Nov 1880 in Brixworth
2. Bertha Minnie Austin b. 1882 D Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 117, bap. 16 Sep 1883 in East Haddon, Northamptonshire
3. Emily Jane Austin b. 4 Jan 1885 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 131

There was no GRO registration for Kate, clearly born before Mary Jane married. We cannot be certain whether Thomas Austin was her father. On the two GRO registrations for Bertha and Emily, the mother's maiden name is AUSTIN, that is to say, not left blank and defaulted, as in illegitimate births, but specifically listed to confirm that both parents had this surname.

Thomas Austin died, at 41, in 1886 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 98.

In 1887 and 1888, Kate Austin was enrolled at Holdenby School and Emily Jane Austin was also enrolled there on 13 Jan 1890. The record lists that Kate left the school on 15 Oct 1890, which fits in with them going to London.

Mary Jane had a further three children with Edward William Wykes:

1. Edward John Wykes b. 1891 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 1018
2. Mary Wykes b. 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1029. Died 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 610.
3. Annie Wykes b. 15 Dec 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1054, at 6 Charles Place, Kent, London, England, bap. 15 Dec 1899 at St Paul, Deptford. Died 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 739.

All three, once more, have the mother's maiden name of AUSTIN.

In 1891, Edward W Wykes (31) Boilermakers' Labourer from Deptford, Mary J Wykes (29) from Northampton, Kate Wykes [Kate Mary Austin] (10) and Edward J Wykes (0) from Deptford, Kent, were living at 16, Czar Street, St Paul Deptford. Emily Austin (6) was living in The Village, Holdenby in the household of her maternal grandparents, Stephen and Ann Austin.

In 1901, Edward Wykes (41) Iron foundry labourer; Mary Wykes (39), Emily Wykes [Emily Jane Austin] (16) Tin Worker from East Haddon and Edward Wykes (10) were still living at 6, Charles Place, St Paul Deptford. Bertha M Austin (18) was a Housemaid in the household of Herewald Wake (48) (Sir Hereward Wake, 12th Baronet (1852–1916) Magistrate, landowner and farmer at The Hall, Courteenhall, Hardingstone, Northamptonshire.

Mary Wykes died, at 39, in 1901 S Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D 596.

On 15 Jan 1908, Edward Wykes (50) Labourer, pleaded guilty at Greenwich Police Court to "Stealing five hundredweight in weight of iron and steel castings, the property of Samuel Isaacs and another." He also fessed up to "Receiving the same well knowing them to have been stolen." He was [lucky he was merely] bound over into his own recognisance for 12 months. 

It appears that Edward Wykes, with his age estimated at 79, died in 1936 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 909.

Joseph Rundle Trevail and Eliza Thursby

Lambeth Palace, London SE1.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Hallam-Jones - geograph.org.uk/p/3972034
The redundant St Mary-in-Lambeth Church at the side.

Joseph Rundle Trevail, aged 40 and claiming to be a Bachelor, son of Joseph Trevail, Farmer, married Eliza Thursby (34) Spinster, listed as daughter of James Thursby, Butcher, at St Mary, Lambeth, on 21 Sep 1890. Then, just 5 days later, on 26 Sep 1890, Joseph R Trevail and Eliza Trevail embarked on the RMS Ormuz, bound for Victoria, Australia, where they arrived in Nov.

Joseph Rundle Trevail (bap. 21 Jun 1847 in Luxulyan, Cornwall), son of Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle, had previously married Gertrude Augusta Shepherd (bap. 25 Apr 1845 in Colaton Raleigh in East Devon), illegitimate daughter of Eliza Shepherd, in Q1 of 1871 in St. George Hanover Square, London. Naturally, checked the National Archives for a record of a divorce, though it would be unlikely for ordinary people at that time, and of course there wasn't one. Bigamy is a prison offence in both the UK and Australia.

What's more, Joseph and Gertrude Trevail had five children:

1. Charley Thomas Trevail born 1871 (died 1871, aged 0) in Devon
2. Charley Joseph Walter Radford Trevail born 1872 in St Thomas, Devon
3. Annie Gertrude Trevail born 1875 in St. George Hanover Square
4. Kate Olivia Trevail born 1880 in Lambeth
5. Gertrude Augusta Trevail born 1884 (died 1885, age 0)

Mother's maiden name, in all cases, spelled Sheppard.

At the time of the 1871 census, Joseph Trevail (24) Engineer Fitter, was living in Denbigh Street, Westminster with wife Gertrude (25), brother Charles (20) Engineer Fitter, sisters Amy* (16) and Jane (12), as well as a visitor, Selina Rundle (20). (* Joseph didn't have a sister called Amy. Kate, maybe?)

In 1881, the family living at 6, Meadow Terrace, Lambeth, London, comprised: Joseph R Trevail (34) Engine fitter, Gertrude A (36), Charles J W R (8), Anne G (6), Kate O (0) and Eliza Sheppard (69) 'Relative' (Gertrude's mother).

In 1891, Gertrude Trevail (46) wife, married, mender of fine lace, was alive and well, at the family home in Meadow Terrace, Lambeth, with daughters Annie G (16) & Kate O (10), and her mother, Eliza Shepperd (78).

By 1901, Gertrude Trevail (55) Married [still], Honiton lace manufacturer, was living at 153, Kennington Road, Lambeth, with daughter Kate (20).

Meanwhile, Joseph Rundle Trevail, Engineer, was shown on the Australia Electoral Rolls in 1903, living in Market Street, New South Wales, Australia.

Gertrude Trevail died, aged 58, in Q4 of 1910, in Epsom, Surrey.

Departure of the P&O RMS CHINA
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons

Mr J R & Mrs Trevail (almost) departed from London, on 17 Nov 1910, on the RMS China, this time bound for Sydney, via Freemantle, Adelaide and Melbourne, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia on 20 Dec 1910.

Then, in 1911, Joseph Rundle Trevail married Eliza Thursby in Canterbury, New South Wales, Australia. Again. Non-bigamously this time.

On 27 Feb 1921, J R and Mrs Trevail left Sydney for Wellington, New Zealand, on the SS Marama, as tourists. Joseph's sister Mary Ann had just died and his sister Ellen was still in New Zealand.

The last will and testament of Joseph Rundle Trevail, who died on 20 Jan 1934, aged 86, of 52 Market Street, Randwick, New South Wales, Gentleman, left the balance of his estate to his 'dear wife Eliza', after various other bequests [and clues]. Among beneficiaries were a grandson, Arthur Waymark (his daughter, Annie Gertrude Trevail had married Louis Charles Waymark in Lambeth in 1898); his sister Olivia Caldwell (Olivia Trevail had married Thomas William Colwill in 1886 in St George, Hanover Square); her daughter was Elsie Bates; a niece, Florence Wright; other bequests go to a John Edwards and to granddaughters, Amy Edwards and Edith Anderson (née Edwards) (daughter Kate Olivia Trevail had married Frank William Edwards in 1903). His estate was valued at £3,757 in 1934, worth £275,819 today.

52 Market Street, Randwick, New South Wales

Nicholas Jones and Ellen Brennan otherwise White

Glenbrook from the R624 near Carrigalore
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian S - geograph.org.uk/p/5837006

Nicholas Jones, son of Thomas Jones and Mary Harty, married Ellen Brennan otherwise White, widow, on 5 Aug 1886, at Christ Church, Church of Ireland, Rushbrooke, Cobh - the church where his brother, David Jones, was Sexton. Nicholas' address was Rushbrooke and Ellen's Glenbrook. Witnesses to the marriage were a George Owens and Annie Jones - David and Nicholas' sister. Nicholas' rank or profession at that time was Able Seaman. 

Nicholas had been baptised on 17 May 1853 at the Catholic church of the Sacred Heart, Rath, near Baltimore (Rath And The Islands Parish), Cork. Sponsors were a James Hayes and Ellen Hart (sic) - his mother's sister. 

Ellen White was born in Epsom, Surrey in 1854. The civil record of her birth gives her mother's maiden name as Smith. On the record of Ellen's marriage to Nicholas, she gives her father's name as William Henry White, a farmer, but it hasn't been possible to find a marriage of a William White and someone whose surname is Smith in the right timeframe and area. Nor has it been possible to locate Ellen's previous marriage to Mr Brennan.

Nicholas and Ellen had one daughter, Annie Jones. On both the 1901 and 1911 census returns the ages given for Annie, 12 and 22, respectively, calculate to a year of birth of 1889/90. In both cases, it states she was born in England. Annie's own daughter could never find a birth record for her, so I'm sure I can't and we're forced to conclude that Ellen probably didn't register the birth before leaving England, nor once she got back to Ireland.

What will we do with a drunken sailor? You honestly couldn't make this up, and fulfilling every stereotype in the book: Irish. Sailor. Drunk. On 1 Sep 1875, Nicholas Jones, Seaman appeared in court as a Defendant in Queenstown (Cobh). The Cork Constitution (newspaper) of 2 Sep 1875, reported on the previous day's Queenstown Petty Sessions: "Nicholas Jones for breaking a window in the house of Mrs Cotter, publican, Harbour Row, was fined 7s 6d., compensation, and 5s. additional for being drunk."

The summons details that Nicholas was "Found drunk on the highway, town of Queenstown on the 3rd August 1875." And that he "Wilfully committed damage to a pane of glass the property of Complainant [Catherine Cotter, Widow] value seven shillings and six pence." "Defendant to pay a fine of five shillings + costs one shilling, or in default to be imprisoned for seven days in the County Jail. Said defendant to pay Catherine Cotter the sum of seven shillings compensation for breaking said pane of glass + costs 6d." 

From the Cork Constitution (newspaper), 17 January 1888:

MERITORIOUS CONDUCT OF A CORK SAILOR

At two o'clock yesterday, Nicholas Jones, of 11 Harbour View, Queenstown, was made the recipient of a silver medal, presented by the French Government for his meritorious services performed under the following circumstances:- 

In March 1886, he was serving on board the steamship Sarah Ann of West Hartlepool, bound from Baltimore to Galway. When in the neighbourhood of the Grand Bank of Newfoundland they fell in with a French brig Dix Freres (Ten Brothers) of Martinique, in distress, with masts gone and decks swept, a very heavy sea running at the time. The steamer hove to, launched a boat, of which Nicholas Jones was one of the crew, and they, after great difficulty and risk, brought four of the French crew on board the Sarah Ann the remainder being subsequently rescued by another steamer. 

The medal, which was accompanied by a certificate of merit, bore the following inscription:- "A Nicholas Jones, matelot a bord du naviere Anglais Sarah Ann; services a la marine Française, 1886." (To Nicholas Jones, sailor aboard the English ship Sarah Ann; services to the French navy, 1886.)

Mr W Harvey, President of the Board of Trade, presided; and Alderman Scott and Capt. M Dermott were also present.

Mr Harvey, in presenting the medal said that [the] board had very frequently been applied to to perform duties of the present pleasing nature, and that, he thought, spoke very well for the bravery of Cork seamen. He had very great pleasure indeed in presenting Jones with the medal and certificate which was so justly awarded to him for his share in the meritorious rescue, and he heartily wished him a long and successful career.

Alderman Scott said he had only to endorse what had been said by Mr Harvey, and he thought he was expressing the opinions of the community when he said he was proud of the recipient, not alone for the favourable record he bore, but for his instrumentality in saving human life, which was a most commendable quality. Mr Jones, having returned thanks, the proceedings terminated.

It may be mentioned that the delay caused in presenting the medal was due to the fact of Mr Jones being at sea almost constantly since the occurrence.

This further report of the incident, from the Northern Daily Mail, March 27th, 1886, tells us more, "The lifeboat by which the rescue was affected was in the command of Mr Andrews, the mate & it was so severely damaged by the heavy sea running at the time that it was little short of a miracle that she ever got back to the steamer. The entire crew of the brigantine were Negroes & the master & mate were quite drunk & not only resisted all persuasion to leave the sinking vessel, with which they declared they would go down, but they most inhumanely prevented a small boy from being rescued with the other four."

Records of Shipping agreements and crew lists at the National Archives of Ireland suggest that Nicholas served on various vessels, including the following ships: SS Xema departing from Cork in Jun 1891, Dec 1891, Jun 1893, Dec 1893, Jun 1894 and Dec 1894; SS Rotterdam from Dublin in Dec 1896, Lee from Cork in 1898 and Blamey from Cork in Dec 1900.

In 1901, Ellen Jones (47), wife, and Annie Jones (12), scholar, were living in the Lower Glanmire Road, Cork City. Nicholas will have been at sea. 

In 1911, still in Lower Glanmire Road, were Nicholas Jones (57) Ship's Steward, Ellen Jones (57) and Annie Jones (22) Bookkeeper. The household also included three Boarders: Samuel Donald Dare (42), James Raynane (22), John Foley (25) and Hannah Healy (40), Domestic Servant, Visitor. 

Nicholas Jones, Sailor, died on 22 Jan 1930, ultimately from cardiac failure. His death was registered in the district of Carrigaline, Kinsale, County Cork. The record said he was 72, but he will have been 76. 

Ellen Jones, Sailor's Widow, died on 23 Dec 1931, also in Carrigaline. She was 76. Her daughter, Annie King, was present at her death.

Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow and Jane Tarr

Huntsham : All Saints Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/6039979

William Henry Stone (baptised Henry William) married Sarah Snow on 23 Jul 1879 at All Saints' Church, Huntsham. Witnesses were John Voisey and the bridegroom's sister, Mary Ann (Marrianne). Their daughter, Ellen Stone Snow had already been born at Putson Cottages, Blundells Road, Tiverton on 27 Feb 1879, to Sarah Snow, a Domestic Servant and in 1881, this child was living with Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, listed as their granddaughter, because Sarah Stone, wife of Henry Stone a Farm Labourer, died on 22 Jan 1880, from Phthisis acuta (Acute tuberculosis), at Huntsham. Emma Maunder, sister, was present at her death. This explains why, in 1881, Henry Stone, was a widower, aged just 24, living alone at Little Fair Oak, Uplowman. 

At that same time, in Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway's household were two visitors: Mary Ann Tarr (27) and Jane Tarr (22), who were daughters of William Tarr, a Hostler, and his wife, Jane Wood, of Marsh Bridge Road, Dulverton, Somerset. Clearly they were there preparing for a wedding, because in Q2 of 1881, William Henry Stone married Jane Tarr.  

Henry and Jane Stone had four further children: 

1. Frederick Henry Stone b. 1885, bap. 26 Apr 1885, son of Henry and Jane, at St Mary’s church, Uffculme (Died 1887, see below)
2. Francis Albert Stone b. 17 May 1886, bap. 15 Aug 1886 in Halberton
3. Louisa Jane Stone b. 1888, bap. 26 Feb 1888 as Louisa Mary Jane Stone, at St Mary’s church, Uffculme.
4. Emma Katie Stone b. 3 Feb 1890 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 432, bap. 12 Feb 1892 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, the abode on the baptism record was Tiverton (Union), i.e. Workhouse

On 29 July 1887 The Western Times reported on the inquest into the accidental death of Frederick Henry Stone, 2½ yrs old, of Wellington Road, Uffculme, whose clothes caught fire, causing burns over his whole body, as did the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette. This report of the inquest, which was held in the cottage where they lived, is hard reading.

THE SHOCKING DEATH OF A CHILD NEAR UFFCULME

The inquest touching the death of the child, Frederick Henry Stone, aged 2½ years, son of a labourer residing at Brickyard Cottage, Wellington Road, near Uffculme, was held by Mr. F. Burrow, district coroner, on Saturday, when the evidence of the mother, Mrs Potter, a neighbour, and Dr. Morgan, of Uffculme, was taken. It appeared that about 8 a.m. on Friday the mother, having lighted the kitchen fire, placed the child, which was wearing its night-dress, in a chair by the side of it. Her back was turned for a few moments, and in the meantime the nightdress, a long one, became ignited by a burning stick which fell out of the grate. On hearing the child scream the mother ran into the kitchen, and finding the nightdress in flames, endeavoured to smother them by throwing some woollen material around the child. Failing, however, in this attempt, she and her little girl called for assistance, Mrs Potter then came in and, according to her statement, found the child in the middle of the floor, getting up into its knees and enveloped in "a mass of flames from head to foot." With the exception of fragments, the nightdress and undergarments were then completely charred. She extinguished the flames upon what remained and then, with the assistance of other neighbours, the burns were treated with linseed oil and lime water. In the meantime Dr. Bryden, of Uffculme, was sent for, as also was Dr. Morgan. The latter arrived first, but not until the child had expired. In his evidence, Mr. Morgan said he entirely approved of the remedies applied and even had he been there more could not have been done. The extent and nature of the burns, involving as they did the whole body were sufficient to cause death. -- The father of the child was present at the earlier part of the enquiry, but as he persisted in interposing remarks he was ordered by the Coroner to withdraw. Subsequently he was recalled and allowed to make a statement, the Coroner holding that he was not in a fit state to be sworn. Stone complained very strongly that Dr. Bryden although called twice and promised to come down did not do so until it suited his convenience in the course of his usual round as parish doctor, which was an hour or more after death. Mentioning incidentally that Dr. Bryden had attended on previous occasions he said he owed him 7s 6d, which he declared he would never pay. -- The Coroner remarked that that was a matter between himself and Dr. Bryden. -- It transpired that the child was insured in the Prudential Insurance Company. -- The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death."

William Henry Stone, Farm Labourer of Halberton, died, aged 33, on 11 Aug 1889, at the Infirmary Tiverton from Cardiac disease and oedema of the lungs (Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure.) 

In 1891, Jane Stone (32), Francis Albert Stone (5), Louisa Mary Jane Stone (4) and Emma Katie Stone (1) were all listed as Inmates at the Tiverton Union Workhouse. Ellen Snow (12) was again living with her grandfather, going by her mother's surname, even though her parents subsequently married. 

Jane Stone, Widow, married William Staddon at Uffculme Parish Church on 11 Oct 1899. William Staddon, Widower, son of William Staddon and Jane Babbage, had been blind from birth. (He'd previously married Leah Parr, in Halberton, on 30 Mar 1871. Leah Staddon died, at 51, in 1897.)

In 1901, William Staddon (51), Jane Staddon (42), Lucy Stone [Louisa Mary Jane] (13), Emma Stone (11) and Richard Takel (59) Boarder were living in Bridge Street, Uffculme. Ellen S Stone (22), was a Domestic Cook at a Private Girls School at 19, St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon.

In 1911, in Kitwell Street, Uffculme were William Staddon (52) Basket Maker, from Uplowman, Devon, with Jane Staddon (52) from Dulverton, along with his son Tom Staddon (32) and Henry Wright (45) Boarder. 

In 1921, with address just listed as 'Halberton' were William Staddon (73) Basket Maker (retired); Jane Staddon (62) and Doris Irene Harding (11) Granddaughter - actually Jane's granddaughter, daughter of Emma Katie Stone, who had married Reginald Herbert Harding in 1909.

William Staddon died in 1925 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 466.

There's a death of a Jane Staddon of the right age and vintage who died, aged 78, in 1937 J Quarter in MERTHYR TYDFIL Volume 11A Page 598. 

Joseph Trevail and Jane Rundle

Luxulyan Church, dedicated to St Cyriacus & St Julitta
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rod Allday - geograph.org.uk/p/2708738

Joseph Trevail married Jane Rundle on 19 Jun 1837, in Luxulyan, Cornwall. Joseph Trevail (bap. 24 Jun 1816, at Luxulyan), was the son of John Trevail and Elizabeth Knight. Jane Rundle (bap. 5 Jan 1818, at Luxulyan), was the daughter of Nicholas Rundle and Mary Ann Burn. The same two surnames in the same small farming community, must surely be connected. 

Joseph and Jane Trevail had at least 12 children:

1. Nicholas Rundle Trevail bap. 28 Jan 1838 in Luxulyan
2. Ellen Trevail bap. 22 Sep 1839 in Luxulyan 
3. Mary Ann Burn Trevail bap. 29 Dec 1841 in Luxulyan
4. Emma Jane Rundle Trevail bap. 25 Feb 1843 in Luxulyan 
5. Elfrida Trevail bap. 4 Feb 1845 in Luxulyan (died 1921, see below)
6. Joseph Rundle Trevail, b. 1847, bap. 21 Jun 1847 in Luxulyan
7. Dahlia Trevail b. 1849, bap. (as Cordelia) 27 May 1849 
8. Charles Trevail b. 1852 (no birth registration nor baptism)
9. Olivia Trevail, b. 1854 (per census), bap. 20 May 1855 in Luxulyan
10. Nancy Rundell (sic) Trevail b. 1855, bap. 20 May 1855 (disappears)
11. Kate Trevail b. 12 Nov 1857, bap. 27 Dec 1857 in Luxulyan
12. Jane Rundle Trevail, b. March quarter of 1860, bap. 29 Mar 1862

At Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, in 1841, there were Joseph Trevail (25) Farmer, Jane (20), Nicholas (3), Ellen (1), Charles Trevail (20) and Philip Trevail (40). The 1841 census, annoyingly, doesn't give clues to the relationships between household members, but this latter would be exactly the right age to be the Philip Trevail, father of Jane Trevail, mother of Silvanus Trevail.

In 1851, again at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, the household comprised: Joseph Trevail (35) Farmer of 118 acres, Jane (34), Nicholas R (13) Farmer's Son, Ellen (11), Mary A (9), Alfreda (6), Joseph (4), Delilah (1), John Couch (17) Farm Servant, William Browne (17) Farm Servant, John Tamblyn (60) Vitenary Sergant (sic) - they mean Veterinary Surgeon LOL - from Broadoak.

Jane Trevail died, in the March quarter of 1860, aged 43.

In 1861, Joseph Trevail (45), was farming 118 acres at Tregarden Farm, Luxulyan, Nicholas R Trevail (23), Ellen (21), Elfreda (16), Joseph (15), Delcia (sic) (12), Charles (9), Olivia (7), Nancy (5), Kate (3) and Jane R (1). 

There is a civil registration for Nancy, as well as a baptism and she's on the 1861 census, aged five, but there are no further records. 

Then in the last quarter of 1865, Joseph Trevail remarried to Eliza Roach, in Plymouth registration district, and went on to have another two daughters:

1. Hetty Trevail b. 23 Apr 1866
2. Emily Trevail b. 1868 (died 1893, aged 25)

Then the following item appeared in the London Gazette of 20 Aug 1869: 

"Joseph Trevail, of Tregarden in the Parish of Luxulyan, in the County of Cornwall, Farmer, having been adjudged bankrupt under a Petition for adjudication of Bankruptcy, filed in the County Court of Cornwall, holden at Bodmin on the 14th day of August 1869, is hereby required to surrender himself to John Basset Collins, Registrar of the said Court, at the first meeting of creditors to be held before the said Registrar, on the 4th day of September next, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon precisely, at the said Court."

In 1871, Joseph Trevail (55) was at Redmoor, Lanlivery with wife Eliza (45), Kitty (assume they mean Hetty) (4) and Emily (2) and Charlotte Ann Roach (12), listed as Daughter-in-law, but I imagine they mean Step-daughter.

In 1881, at Redmoor, Lanlivery, were Joseph Trevail (65) Butcher & farmer of 2½ acres, Eliza Trevail (56), Hetty Trevail (14), Emily Trevail (13).  

Lanlivery, St. Brevita's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - 
geograph.org.uk/p/6279283

Joseph Trevail died, aged 75, on 1 Apr 1891. He is buried at Lanlivery Parish Church and, having found these details in a record set called "Cornwall Memorial Inscriptions", we can probably assume that there may be a headstone there.

In 1891, Eliza Trevail (66) widow, farmer was still at Redmoor, Lanlivery, with her daughters Hetty (24) and Emily (22).

Emily Trevail died on 24 Oct 1893, aged 25 and is buried at the parish church in Lanlivery. Again, these details are from "Cornwall Memorial Inscriptions".

In 1901, Eliza Trevail (76) widow, living on own means, was alone at Churchtown, Lanlivery Rural, Bodmin. 

Eliza Trevail died on 26 Nov 1904, aged 80 and is also buried at Lanlivery parish church.

By 1871, Elfrida Trevail (26) was a Pauper Patient at the Lunatic Asylum, Bodmin (later St Lawrence's Mental Hospital). She was still there, aged 57, in 1901, at 67 in 1911 and at 77 in 1921. After 50+ years in that institution, Elfrida Trevail died, aged 77, and was buried in Bodmin on 12 Dec 1921.

Edward Green and Eliza Goodman

St. Matthew's Church, Bethnal Green
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Dr Neil Clifton - geograph.org.uk/p/688069

Edward Green (50) Licenced Victualler, Batchelor, son of William Green, Blacksmith, eventually married Eliza Goodman (47) Spinster, by Licence at Christ Church, St George in the East (Christ Church Watney Street), on 12 Jun 1870. They'd already been living together for around 30 years. Neither could read and write and each made their mark with an X. Witnesses were Charles John Osborne and Ann Bellett, Eliza's eldest sister.

Edward and Eliza had already had five lovely daughters: 

1. Eliza Green b. 1841 J Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 63, mother's maiden surname Goodman. (This looks like the child on the 1841 census. Eliza born 1841, does not appear on the census again.) There is a death of an Eliza Green, aged 8 in 1850 M Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 3 that would correspond.
2. Emma Green b. 1847 S Quarter in BETHNAL GREEN Volume 02 Page 16, with mother's maiden surname listed as Goodwin.
3. Mary Ann Green b. 3 Jul 1849, bap. 29 Jul 1849 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green. This baptism lists their address in Scott Street, Bethnal Green. Found no civil birth registration for Mary Ann. 
4. Sarah Green b. 15 May 1854, bap. 11 Jun at Christ Church, Stepney.
5. Eliza Louisa Green b. 21 Mar 1858 in St George in the East (1858 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 413. Mother's maiden surname Goodman), bap. 18 Apr 1858 at Christ Church, Jamaica Street, Stepney. Died, aged 13, in 1871 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 361.

From his baptism, we discover that Edward Green was born on 28 May 1821 and baptised on 7 Oct 1821 at the church of St George in the East, Cannon Street Road, son of William Green, Brazier and his wife Matilda. 

The records of the 1st and 5th births had already confirmed Eliza's surname as Goodman. The 1851 census, said she was from Braintree, Essex. On her marriage certificate, Eliza lists her father as Thomas Goodman, Carpenter, making her the daughter of Thomas Goodman and Mary Ann Pluck.

There is a record of an Edward Green (18) occupation Cabinet Maker, being indicted for stealing, on the 28th of January 1837, 1 horse-cloth, value 4s., the goods of Robert Campion. He was tried at the Old Bailey on 2 Feb 1837, found guilty and sentenced to one month in Newgate Prison.

In 1841, in Anglesea Street, St Matthew, Bethnal Green, there's a weird census entry of an Edward Green (20), Cabinet Maker, not born in the county and, with him are an Elizabeth (2) and Elizabeth (1 month). This might make sense if the first Elizabeth was 20, but it doesn't look like a mis-transcription. And Elizabeth isn't Eliza. Nevertheless, I'm still pretty sure this is them.

In 1851, living in Scott Street, Bethnal Green, we find Edward Green (32), Cabinet Maker, born in Shoreditch, with Eliza Green (28), born in Braintree, Essex, and daughter Emma Green (3). Where was Mary Ann? 

On Eliza Louisa's baptism in 1858, the family's address was given as Chapel Street, St George in the East, which was later renamed Tait Street. And we know they were already at the The King and Queen public house in 1856.

Chapel Street, St. George in the East was later renamed Tait Street (although the street doesn't exist at all now - current Tait Street is a completely different location). The King and Queen Public House, long since demolished, stood on the corner of Tait Street and Mary Street (marked P.H.) You can clearly see the area referred to as 'a yard in the rear'.

Anyway, it would seem from the newspaper report I've discovered (see below) that Edward Green was the subject of a sting operation, authorised right from the top in Scotland Yard. (If you're going to do something, aim high, eh?)

Fascinating to read dialogue that came straight out of the mouths of these ancestors, even if they do sound, shall we say, a bit on the rough side. :)

Sunday opening isn't even a crime now, but trying to blame Eliza, nooooo ....

From The Morning Chronicle of Monday, November 8, 1858.

SUNDAY IN A PUBLIC HOUSE – ARTS OF THE POLICE

Edward Green, the landlord of the King and Queen public-house, in Chapel Street, St. George’s-in-the-East, appeared at the Thames Police-court, on Saturday, on a police information charged with unlawfully opening his house for the sale of ale, beer and spirituous liquors on Sunday morning last, during the hours prohibited by law.

Richard Blanks, a police-constable, 81 K, stated that he was directed by Mr. Superintendent Howie, of the K division, to detect the defendant, who was in the practice of supplying people with beer and spirits on Sunday, during the whole of the day, while other houses were closed. He went to the house in plain clothes, dressed as a waterman, and was accompanied by Mrs. Randall, the female searcher at the station-house adjoining the Thames Police-court, who was the wife of a police-constable. On reaching the defendant’s house Mrs. Randall knocked at the front door, and waited some time without its being answered, and he said, “Come old lady, we shall not be served with anything here.” The door was then opened by the defendant, who narrowly scrutinised them both, and after looking at the trousers of witness, which were not blue [a laugh], said, “You will do; have what you like,” and directed them to a side door, which was opened, and they were admitted into the house and directed to a yard in the rear, in which was a private bar fitted up. There were 20 men and women in front of the small bar, and they were served with rum, gin, ale, beer, and tobacco. He saw others admitted at the side door, and let out after they were served at the back door. Mrs. Randall asked for two pennyworth of gin and cold water, which was supplied to her. He then called the landlady on one side, and told her she was doing wrong. She said, “What of it?” He then asked for the landlord, and told him what he had seen and he said it was a bad job.

The defendant, in reply to the charge, said that he could not contradict what was said. He was not aware what was done in the house. His wife did it all, and admitted people into the house without his knowledge.

Mr. Yardley: Where was the landlord – the defendant, I mean?

Blanks: He was at the front door. He directed me to the side door.

Mr Yardley: To be sure; you said so before. Don’t tell me, Mr. Green, you were not aware of it. It is a most flagrant case.

Sir Richard Mayne KCB (27 November 1796 – 26 December 1868) was a barrister and the joint first Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, the head of the London Metropolitan Police (1829–1868).

Inspector Hayes, of the K division, said repeated complaints had been made by licenced victuallers and beer shop keepers, who complied with the law, of the practice adopted by the defendant, who stood at the front door to reconnoitre, while persons were admitted at the side door. Mr. Howie, the superintendent, had made a special complaint to Sir Richard Mayne, the Chief Commissioner of Police, and had received his permission to adopt the means of detection used on Sunday morning last. Mr. Howie intended to be present to explain to the magistrate why he adopted the unusual step of allowing a woman to accompany the constable, but was obliged to leave the court to meet the commissioners.

Mr. Yardley: There is no harm in the means adopted to detect the defendant. No trap was laid. Mr. Howie was perfectly justified in doing what he has done. There is nothing illegitimate in the mode of finding out what was going on. I would not convict if a trap had been laid, but it appears there were 20 persons in the house. I shall deviate from the ordinary practice where a first offence has been proved. I generally treat a first offence lightly, but I fine the defendant £3 and costs, because he has broken the law systematically.

The fine was instantly paid.

[£3 in 1858 is equivalent to about £375 in 2020. Source.]

In 1861, at 25, Mary Street (same place: on the corner with Tait Street), St George in the East, were Edward Green (40), Publican, Eliza (38), Emma (13), Mary (12), Sarah (6) and Eliza (3), and Harriet Blundell (12), visitor.

Edward Green died on 22 Jun 1870, aged 50, from liver and kidney disease, just 10 days after he and Eliza married. From this, we can probably deduce that he knew how sick he was and at least cared enough to leave Eliza the means, through marriage, to take over the pub licence and a livelihood.

In 1871, at Tait Street, St George in the East (still the King and Queen pub), were Eliza Green (48), Widow, Licenced Victualler, married daughter, Emma Horn (22), Barmaid, John Horn (23), Plumber, Sarah Green (17), Eliza Green (13), Eliza Thompson (2), granddaughter, Emma Horn (2), granddaughter, Edward J Horn (0), grandson, and Emily R Slade (14), General Servant.

The East London Observer in August 1875 lists Eliza Green as the outgoing licensee at the King and Queen. 

In 1881, Eliza was living with her daughter Sarah and her husband, Alfred James Lynch, at the Duke of Norfolk public house in Mile End Old Town. 

It appears Eliza Green died at 67, in 1890 D Quarter in LONDON CITY Volume 01C  Page 5.