Inherited Craziness
A place to share all the nuts found on my family tree

Showing posts with label Great Dunmow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Great Dunmow. Show all posts

Sunday 17 March 2024

William Crow and Judith Doe

St Mary's, Great Canfield, Essex

William Crow (b. ~1789) married Judith Doe (b. ~1792), daughter of Henry Doe and Elizabeth Stones, on 17 Mar 1814 at St Mary, Great Canfield

Confusingly, there were several people called William Crow, born around 1789-1791. One of the others was born in Little Waltham, in 1791, who I can trace, later appearing in other places, so that one is definitely not our man. Unfortunately, on some websites, the distinction has not been spotted and the two conflated. There was a William Crow bap. 29 Mar 1789 at St Mary the Virgin, Broxted, son of Thomas and Elizabeth Crow, who I believe to be a possibility, but this would need much more evidence for confirmation.

The following 15 children, however, can be attributed to this couple: 
  1. Elizabeth Crow bap. 7 Aug 1814 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  2. William Crow bap. 24 Dec 1816 in Great Canfield
  3. Henry Crow bap. 6 Apr 1817 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Canfield
  4. Charlotte Crow bap. 25 Apr 1819 in Great Dunmow
  5. Eliza Crowe (sic) bap. 18 Jun 1820 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  6. Jane Crow b. 21 Apr 1822, bap. 29 Apr 1825 at Dunmow Chapel
  7. John Crowe (sic) b. 16 Nov 1823, bap. in Great Dunmow [1]
  8. George Crow b. 17 Sep 1825, bap. in Great Dunmow [1]
  9. Thomas Crow b. 9 May 1827, bap. in Great Dunmow [1]
  10. Stephen Crow b. ~1830, said to have been bap. 10 April 1831
  11. James Crow b. 10 Nov 1830, bap. 10 Apr 1831 in Great Dunmow
  12. Robert Crow b. 16 Mar 1832, bap. 27 May 1832. Died, aged 2, and was buried on 7 Feb 1834 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  13. Matilda Crow b. 8 Oct 1833, bap. 29 Jun 1834 in Great Dunmow
  14. Mary Crow b. 28 Mar 1835, bap. 8 Sep 1835. Died, aged 4 in 1840 M Qtr in DUNMOW UNION Vol 12 Page 63 and buried on 17 Jan 1840.
  15. Sarah Crow b. 20 Jul 1836, bap. 5 Oct 1837 in Great Dunmow
[1] John, George and Thomas' baptisms were listed together with birth dates in what appear to be the Non-Conformist (presumably the Congregational Chapel) records, so they may have also been baptised together, clearly after Thomas' birth, the most likely date appearing to be 14 Dec 1828. 

In 1841, William Craw (sic) (50) Ag Lab was living at Philpot End, Great Dunmow with Judyth (sic) (40), Henry (20), Jane (20), John (20) - ages rounded - George (17), Thomas (13), Stephen (11), James (9), Matilda (6) and Sarah (4). William Crow (25) was a M. S. [Male Servant] in the household of Thomas Smith (30) Farmer at Mudwall Farm, Bishop's Green, Dunmow.


In 1861, we find William Crow (70) Agricultural Labourer, with his birthplace given as Great Dunmow; wife Judith (69) and son Stephen Crow (24) Agricultural Labourer still living at Philpot End, Great Dunmow. 

William Crow died, at 72, in 1861 D Qtr in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 214 and was buried on 23 Nov 1861 at St Mary The Virgin, Great Dunmow.

Judith Crow (70/71) died in 1868 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 218 and was buried on 20 Feb 1868 in Great Dunmow.

Friday 8 March 2024

Edwin Joseph Wilton and Maria Seaton

Buckingham Road, Brighton, BN1
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Quinn - geograph.org.uk/p/3125000

Edwin Joseph Wilton (b. 1843), son of Joseph Wilton and Ann Thurlbourn, married Maria Seaton (b. 1851 in Holbeach, Lincolnshire), daughter of William Seaton and Ann Cook, in Hackney, London,  on 8 Mar 1877. The Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury of 16 Mar 1877 reported on the marriage, "at the Victoria Park Tabernacle, London, Edwin J Wilton, of Dunmow, to Maria, youngest daughter of Mr. Wm. Seaton, Holbeach Drove, Crowland."

Edwin and Maria had seven children: 

  1. Sydney Edwin Wilton b. 1878 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 454
  2. Frederick William Wilton b. 1879 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 473
  3. Mabel Annie Wilton b. 1882 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 539. (Died 1882 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 330.)
  4. Reginald Wilton b. 1883 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 518
  5. Ethel Mary Wilton b. 1885 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 575. (Died 1886 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 388.)
  6. Dorothy Wilton b. 1888 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 621
  7. Frank Wilton b. 1891 M Qtr in BRIGHTON Vol 02B Page 234
(The 1911 Census confirms 7 children born, 5 surviving & 2 died.)

In 1871, Maria Seaton (19) had been a Draper's Assistant to James Scott (57) Grocer & Draper in Bridge Street, Downham Market, Norfolk.

After the death of his father in 1873, in 1881, Edwin Joseph Wilton (37) General Outfitter, employing 4 men and 1 boy, had taken over the Outfitters Shop, High Street, Great Dunmow, assisted by his brother, Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton (30), Clothier. In the household were Maria (28), sons Sydney Wilton (3) and Frederick Wilton (1) and Julia French (19), Domestic Servant. 

The Essex Weekly News of 28 Dec 1888 section on Great Dunmow reported on the "CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. - A Christmas morning service has for the last five years been held at this place of worship. This year the attendance was good. Christmas hymns with great heartiness, and a sermon on "The Incarnate Word" (John i. 14) was preached by the Rev. J Barton Dadd. There were no decorations. In the absense of Miss Mackenzie, the musical arrangements were under the direction of Mr. Edwin J Wilton." Sidney Wilton, meanwhile, was one half of a violin duet at the annual Children's Christmas Entertainments at the Town Hall. In other news that year, the inmates of Great Dunmow Workhouse "were regaled at dinner of Christmas Day with prime roast beef and plum pudding." [...] "And Master Dadd presented each child with an orange, bought with his own pocket money." 

By 1891, Edwin Joseph Wilton (47), Clothier, and his wife Maria (39), Sydney E (13) and Frederic W (11), had moved to 26 & 27, North Road, Brighton, Sussex. They'd added three more children; Reginald (7), Dorothy (3) and Frank (0) and employed two assistants: John Jarris (21), Herbert Tapley (17) and two Domestic Servants: Mary Ruffle and Elizabeth Ruffle, both 13. 

In 1901, they had moved even more upmarket to 8, Buckingham Road, Brighton, with Edwin J Wilton (57), Clothier, wife Maria (49), Sydney E Wilton (23), had become an assistant in the business, Reginald (17), Dorothy (13) and Frank (10) were all still at home. Also listed are Albert Baker (19), Clothiers Assistant and Elizabeth Ruffle (23), General Domestic Servant.

In 1911, at 8, Buckingham Road, Brighton, were Edwin Joseph Wilton (67), Maria (59), Dorothy (23) and Elizabeth Ruffle (33), General Servant.

In 1921, Edwin Joseph Wilton (77) Retired Clothier and Maria Wilton (69) were still living at 8, Buckingham Road, Brighton, Sussex.

Edwin Joseph Wilton died in Brighton, aged 82, on 8 Dec 1925. 

Maria Wilton died on 23 Feb 1934, also aged 82. They are buried together at Brighton and Preston Cemetery, Brighton, Sussex.

Saturday 24 February 2024

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 bap. 3 Jul 1795, Age: 3 Weeks. & 5 Day
  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 and Mary Stokes, 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. Ann 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 died and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 20 Oct 1844. The widowed Sarah, then 83, was still living in Star Lane in 1861 and died, in 1867, aged 90. 

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

Wednesday 21 February 2024

Stephen Thomas Wilton and Sarah Anna Laver

St John the Baptist, Crondall Street, Hoxton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2624595

Stephen Thomas Wilton (bap. 29 May 1842 at St Giles, Mountnessing), son of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines, married Sarah Anna Laver (b. 1854) on 21 Feb 1874 at the church of St. John the Baptist, Hoxton. Reported in The Essex Standard, West Suffolk Gazette, and Eastern Counties' Advertiser of Friday, February 27, 1874, it states that Sarah Anna was the second daughter of the late Mr. John Laver, of Felsted [and his wife Caroline Stevenson].

Stephen and Sarah Wilton had five children:
  1. Thomas Stephen Wilton b. 1st quarter of 1875, bap. 9 Apr 1875
  2. Miriam Stevenson Wilton b. 2nd quarter of 1877
  3. Henrietta Staines Wilton b. 1st quarter of 1879, bap. 16 Apr 1879
  4. Ethel Maud Wilton b. in the 3rd quarter of 1882, in Dunmow
  5. William Laver Wilton b. 4th quarter of 1883, in Dunmow
In 1861, Stephen Wilton (19), in the High Street, Great Dunmow was already listed as a Cabinet Maker. Still there in 1871, Stephen Thos., aged 29, was once again described as a Cabinet Maker. The Post Office Directory of Essex 1874 also listed Stephen Thomas Wilton as a cabinet maker.

In 1881, Stephen T Wilton (39), Upholsterer, was at the Furnishing Warehouse, High Street, Great Dunmow, with wife Sarah A (26), Thomas S (6), Miriam S (4) and Henrietta S (2) and Lizzie Turner (15), General Servant.

The Essex Newsman on 16 Sep 1882 reported that Mr Robert Low, livery-stable keeper and proprietor of the Dunmow Temperance Hotel (White Lion, High Street, Dunmownow in retail use), was summoned for being drunk while in charge of a horse and cart on the highway at Great Dunmow on Wednesday, 30 Aug. [I'll wait while you ponder the irony of the proprietor of a temperance establishment being drunk.] The point of mentioning this case is that the horse and cart, we were told, were the property of Mr. Stephen Wilton. Stephen didn't have the best sort of friends, me thinks.

In 1883, John Stokes of Great Dunmow, thatcher, was charged with obtaining a hayfork, value 2s. 2d., from Mr. Stephen T. Wilton, ironmonger, at Dunmow on the 11th July. The prisoner went to plaintiff's shop and represented to a youth in charge that he was going to thatch Mr. H. Wilton's stack (complainant's father's), and was sent by him for a fork. A fork was supplied, and the statement was found to be false. The magistrate consented to the case being settled out of court on defendant paying the costs, 6s. 2d., which he gladly did.

So after many years working as a Cabinet Maker and Upholsterer, it would appear that Stephen Wilton had changed his trade to ironmongery.

Stephen Thomas Wilton, like his brother, Henry Staines Wilton, was my 1st cousin 4 times removed. Unlike his older brother, who died leaving a large fortune, Stephen Thomas Wilton committed suicide. The newspaper reports of the time give more graphic detail than we're used to today, so I feel it's fair to issue a trigger warning. Please DON'T read on if it may cause you distress.

Essex Newsman 21 June 1884

DISTRESSING SUICIDE OF A TRADESMAN

On Saturday Dunmow was startled by the news that Mr. S. T. Wilton of 59, Maury Road, Stoke Newington, London, had died early that morning. The news was transmitted by telegraph to his father, Mr. Hy. Wilton, harness maker, and later it transpired that the deceased had risen about four o'clock that morning and cut his throat in his own kitchen. Mr. S. T. Wilton had for some years carried on the business of a cabinet maker at the Furniture Warehouse, High Street, Dunmow, until as late as the end of April, when his stock in trade was sold by auction by Mr. Jackson. It had been his intention to join with Mr. Robt. M. Low, of the Temperance Hotel, in taking a large mineral water business in London, but somehow the matter fell through; but deceased had the appointment of manager. The deceased leaves a widow (formerly Miss Laver, of Felsted) and five young children, the youngest an infant. The greatest sympathy is felt for his relatives at Dunmow, especially for his father, who has lived in the town all his life, and earned great respect.

Hackney and Kingsland Gazette 16 June 1884 

Report from the Hackney and
Kingsland Gazette 16 June 1884
SAD SUICIDE AT CLAPTON 

On Saturday morning a distressing suicide occurred at 59, Maury Road, Clapton. The occupier, Mr. Stephen Thomas Wilton, 42, lately gave up business as a cabinet maker and, it is stated, intended entering the mineral water trade. He appeared, however, to have suffered slightly from some form of mental derangement, and on Friday night was unusually restless. About four o'clock on Saturday he got up, and his wife asked him to make her a cup of coffee. He went downstairs, as she thought with this object, but as he did not return in a reasonable time, she also went down to the kitchen, and, to her horror, saw him standing over the sink, with the blood streaming from a large gash in his throat. A medical man was sent for, but death took place before he arrived.

"He appeared, however, to have suffered slightly from some form of mental derangement ...". FFS! If 'suffering slightly' ends up in suicide, I hate to think what the result might have been if he'd suffered greatly!  

His widow, Sarah, didn't remarry. In 1901, we find her living at 1, Pulteney Road, Wanstead, with three of her children; Miriam, Ethel and William with hers and her daughters' occupations listed as Dressmaker. And in 1911, not far away at 35 Marlborough Road, South Woodford, with just Ethel remaining at home, who's occupation is given as "Assisting in Dressmaker business."

Sarah Anna Wilton died in 1936, aged 81. 

Saturday 20 January 2024

Thomas Staines and Sally Hockley

St Giles Church, Mountnessing
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2444460

Thomas Staines (bap. 28 Mar 1790 in Mountnessing, Essex)son of Thomas Staines and Sarah Lewin, married Sally Hockley (bap. 23 Dec 1787 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), daughter of Daniel Hockley and Sarah Turneron 20 Jan 1812 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow. Witnesses were Robert Hockley, Sally's 1st cousin, and Benjamin Cheek (the latter was a Boot and Shoe Maker, according to Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823.)

Thomas and Sally had eleven children in total, who were all baptised at St Giles, Mountnessing, where the family settled for many years: 

  1. Thomas Staines bap. 12 Dec 1813
  2. Sarah Staines bap. 23 Jul 1815
  3. William Staines bap. 23 Mar 1817
  4. John Staines bap. 11 Apr 1819
  5. George Staines bap. 10 Dec 1820
  6. Robert Staines bap. 13 Oct 1822
  7. Elizabeth Staines bap. 4 Apr 1824
  8. Mariah Staines bap. 6 Nov 1825
  9. Mary Staines bap. 28 Oct 1827
  10. Anne Staines bap. 31 Mar 1829
  11. Charles Staines bap. 21 Jun 1831

On the baptisms of Thomas, Sarah, William and John, their father is listed as a Shop Keeper. On those of George onwards, he's listed as a farmer. He's also listed as a farmer on Sarah's marriage to Henry Wilton in 1838.

Farm Buildings, Woodlands Farm, Mountnessing
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Winfield - geograph.org.uk/p/37921

In 1841, Thomas Staines (50), Farmer, was residing at Woodlands Farm [Thoby Lane], Mountnessing with wife Sally and six of their children; George (20), Robert (18), Maria (15), Mary (13), Ann (11) and Charles (9). Eldest son Thomas Staines married Eliza Lee in 1835 and went to live in High RodingSarah Staines had married Henry Wilton in 1838 and they could be found in the High Street, Great Dunmow; a William Staines of the right age, who was born in Mountnessing, is a farmer of 79 acres in Navestock, Essex; John Staines also appeared to have left home and Elizabeth Staines, it would seem, sadly, had just died, aged 17, and was buried on 30 May 1841.

In 1851, Thomas Staines (61), Farmer of 130 Acres, Employing 4 Labourers and 2 Boys, at Woodlands Farm, Mountnessing, with wife Sally. Still at home were George (30), Maria (25) and Ann (22). Mary Ann Wilton (5) was listed as Niece (could be an easy mistake if one of children was completing the census or responding to the enumerator for their parents), but she was Thomas and Sally's granddaughter (daughter of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines), possibly staying with her grandparents as her mother had another child in 1851. 

By 1861, Thomas and Sally Staines had moved to Lord Peters (Sir William Petre) Alms Houses, Stone Field, Ingatestone, Chelmsford. Thomas (71) was then listed as being a Maltster and Corn Dealer. Still living at home were daughters Maria (32) and Anne (29) and visiting them were granddaughter, Elizabeth Staines (14) (daughter of William Staines) and their grandson, Henry Staines Wilton (20) (son of Henry Wilton and Sarah Staines).

Thomas Staines died, at 79, and was buried, on 8 Feb 1870, in Ingatestone.

In 1871, Sally Staines, widow and annuitant, was living Nr The Maltings, Avenue Cottage with her daughter Anne (40), housekeeper and Fanny Hogg, boarder. Sally Staines (née Hockley) died, aged around 87, and was buried on 18 Mar 1875 at St Edmund and St Mary's Church, Ingatestone.

Ginge Petre Almshouses, Ingatestone (1840)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Julian Osley - geograph.org.uk/p/3493906

Wednesday 17 January 2024

William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton

Watling Street, Thaxted
                         cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/4308377
All of the buildings here are listed at grade II.

William Thomas Jarvis married Sarah Ann Wilton (b. 1842), daughter of Joseph Wilton and Ann Thurlbourn, in Great Dunmow, on 17 Jan 1866. On the marriage record, William Thomas Jarvis is listed as the son of John Jarvis, a Grocer, but I've been unable to find a grocer called John Jarvis anywhere. It's a bit suspect that Sarah worked for a grocer and he 'coincidentally' choses this and feels to me like another case of a father invented for the marriage certificate. There are plenty of those. Neither have I found a record of a birth or baptism of William Thomas Jarvis, because he doesn't appear on any census in this period either to get clues to verify when or where he was born. 

Whoever he was, nevertheless, the couple had two children:

  1. Kate Jarvis b. 1867 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Vol 04A Page 392
  2. William Thomas Jarvis b. 1868 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 387. Died aged 17, on 4 Oct 1885 (1885 D Quarter in CHELMSFORD Volume 04A Page 209) and was buried on 9 Oct 1885, in Chelmsford, with father listed as Thomas Jarvis.
In 1861, Sarah A Wilton (19), Milliner, had been a boarder in the household of Alfred Sprent, Draper & Grocer, in Watling StreetThaxted

By 1871, Sarah Jarvis (28), Dressmaker, was listed as widowed - although I've been unable to find a record of William Thomas Jarvis' death - living with her two children and her sister Clara Jane in High Street, Great Dunmow. 

Sarah Ann Jarvis died, aged just 31, in 1874 M Quarter in DUNMOW.

In 1881, [William Thomas] Tom Jarvis (13) Cashier Clerk, Nephew was living with two of his maiden aunts, his mother's sisters, Eleanor Wilton (29) and Clara Wilton (27) at 3, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex.

Then William Thomas Jarvis died on 4 Oct 1885, aged 17.

There were two girls called Kate Jarvis born 1867 in Dunmow

However, there were two people called Kate Jarvis, both born in the March quarter of 1867 and both registered in Dunmow. One of the births lists the mother's maiden name as Wilton - thus she was daughter of William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton - while the other birth lists the mother's maiden name as Patient - she was the daughter of John Jarvis and Ann Patient. Cannot determine is what, if any, relation they are to one another.

In 1881, a Kate Jarvis (14) was a general servant in the household of Susan F Sprent (38), widow, in Town Street, Thaxted, Dunmow, Essex. Therefore, while it would be tempting to think that the Kate Jarvis who is working for Susan Sprent in 1881 would be the daughter of Sarah Ann Jarvis (née Wilton) who had worked for Alfred Sprent 20 years earlier, in reality, and especially if they are related, it's impossible to tell which one this was.

There are, actually, no verifiable records of the Kate Jarvis the daughter of William Thomas Jarvis and Sarah Ann Wilton beyond 1871. 

(The Kate Jarvis who married William Hockley, in Dunmow, in 1890 was the daughter of John Jarvis. She definitely wasn't the daughter of Sarah Ann Wilton, as this erroneous listing suggests. Neither can I find how this William Hockley is related - if he is - to the rest of my Dunmow Hockleys. The family were living in Thaxted, in 1901. Then this William Hockley died, aged 36, in 1902. In 1911 the widowed Kate Hockley (44) was in Thaxted with her two children and then on 2 Mar 1912, the widowed Kate Hockley married a John Jarvis (was he her relation?) and, once again, became Kate Jarvis. It is therefore this Kate Jarvis, daughter of John Jarvis and Ann Patient, rebooted, listed in Thaxted in 1921 and in Dunmow Road, Thaxted in 1939, who died, aged 79, in 1947 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A  Page 801.)

Monday 25 December 2023

James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton

St Mary, Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3988759

James Hockley, son of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, married Elizabeth Wilton, daughter of Richard Wilton and Catherine Byatt at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow on 25 Dec 1870. The groom was 20, the bride claimed to be 19, but she was 23. :) James' occupation, as well as that of both George and Richard is recorded as Labourer. In Richard Wilton's case, this is incorrect. We know from at least three sources (1841 census, his own marriage in 1843, as well as from his death certificate) that Richard Wilton was a harness maker. However, as Richard had died in 1858, when Elizabeth was only around 11, she either didn't know or had forgotten (and probably couldn't read what was written anyway), so I can see how this error became perpetuated.

James and Elizabeth Hockley set about repopulating Essex:

  1. Alice Catherine Wilton b. 12 Feb 1869 in Great Dunmow
  2. George James Hockley b. 21 May 1871 in Great Dunmow,
    bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
  3. Charles Stephen Hockley b. 1874 in Bromley, Poplar,
    bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
  4. Eliza Ellen Hockley b. 15 Apr 1876 in Romford,
    bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch.
  5. William Hockley b. 1878 (died 1880, aged 1)
  6. John Harry Hockley b. 25 Jul 1881,
    bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
  7. Emily Hockley b. 1884,
    bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
  8. Frederick Hockley b. 1886 (mother's maiden name as Wilson)
  9. Alfred Albert Hockley b. 15 Apr 1888
  10. Joseph Hockley b. 1892 (died 1892, aged 0)
  11. Florence Hockley b. 1894
(The 1911 census confirmed 11 children born, with 9 surviving.)

In 1871, James Hockley (20) Labourer, and Elizabeth Hockley (21 ish) were living on the Braintree Road, Great Dunmow. Two year old Alice, meanwhile, was next-door-but-one with Elizabeth's mother, Catherine Eldred.

In 1874 they were in Poplar where Charles Stephen Hockley was born. Elizabeth's mother, Catherine Eldred, was also living in Poplar, as was James' eldest brother William, which explains them being in the area.

By 1881, James (29) and Elizabeth (28) were living in South End Road, Hornchurch, with Alice Hockley (14) - now using James' surname - George Hockley (11), Charles Hockley (9) birthplace given as Bromley - this was Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar - and Eliza E Hockley (4).

In 1891 at 3, Spring Cottages, High Street, Rainham (these & White Post Cottages were next to South Hall Farm on the Wennington Road), were James Hockley (39) Agricultural Labourer, Elizabeth (37), George (19), Charles (17), Eliza (15), Harry (9), Emily (7), Frederick (5) and Alfred (3).

In 1901, still at 3, Spring Cottages, James Hockley (48) was Foreman on Farm. With him were wife Elizabeth (44) still getting younger - I make her 54 - Harry Hockley (19) Horseman on Farm, Frederick Hockley (15) Horseman on Farm, Alfred Hockley (13) Attending School and Florence Hockley (6).

In 1911, James Hockley (63) had become the Bailiff on Farm (Farm bailiff) with Elizabeth (56), Frederick (25), Alfred Albert (23) and Florence (17).

In 1921, James Hockley (72) Farm Labourer was working for Stephen Randall Market Gardener and still living at Spring Cottage with Elizabeth Hockley (73), with Alfred Albert Hockley (33) still at home, working for C J Wills & Sons Ltd Building Contractors on a New Housing Scheme.

Elizabeth Hockley died in 1924. She was 77.

James Hockley died in 1936. He was 87.

Sunday 24 December 2023

Charles Prior and Mary Wilton

Shops in Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/6483373

Charles Prior (b. 1812 in Great Dunmow), son of John Prior and Elizabeth Suckling, married Mary Wilton, daughter of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, at an unknown venue, in Great Dunmow on Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1833

Charles and Mary Prior had four children: 
  1. Henry Prior b. 1835
  2. Mary Prior b. 1838 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 71 (Mother's maiden name listed as WILSON.)
  3. Elizabeth Prior b. 1840 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION  Volume 12 Page 73 (Mother's maiden name listed as HILTON.)
  4. Ann Prior b. 1842 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 77 (Mother's maiden name, finally, listed correctly as WILTON.)
In 1841, Charles Prior (29) Basket Maker, Mary Prior (33), Henry Prior (6), Mary Prior (3) and Elizabeth Prior (1) were in the High Street, Great Dunmow. The census record reveals that the family monopolised this part of the High Street with Charles and Mary Prior being next door to John and Elizabeth Prior, Charles' parents, who in turn, were next door to Mary's brother, Henry Wilton (who had Henry Wilton Pryor in his household, apprentice tailor). The other side of them was their uncle Henry Wilton. The other side of Charles and Mary Prior was another of Mary's brothers, Richard Wilton

Charles Prior (and his father, John Prior) were listed as Basket Makers and Mary Prior as a Straw Hat Maker in White's Directory of Essex 1848.

In 1861, still in High Street, Great Dunmow, were Charles Prior (49) Basket Maker from Great Dunmow; Mary Prior (58) Bonnet Maker; Mary Prior (23) Bonnet Maker and Elizabeth Prior (21) Dressmaker.

In 1871, in New Street, Great Dunmow were Charles Prior (59) Basket Maker, Mary Prior (66) and Elizabeth Prior (30) Straw Bonnet Maker

In 1881, with address as High Street New Street, Great Dunmow (were they on the corner?), were Charles Prior (69) Basket Maker; Mary Prior (75) Basket Maker's Wife and Elizabeth Prior (40) Straw Bonnet Maker.

Mary Prior (née Wilton) died, aged 83, in 1887 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 319.

In 1891, in the High Street, Great Dunmow, were Charles Prior (79) Widower, Basket Maker and daughter, Elizabeth Prior (50) Bonnet Maker.

Charles Prior died, aged 79, in 1891 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 343.

(Elizabeth Prior died, aged 59, in 1899 D Quarter in RISBRIDGE Volume 04A Page 483. Ann Prior had married Charles Probart Keeble in 1865 and they had been living in Queen Street, Haverhill, Risbridge, Suffolk.)

Now, I realise they're hardly the Bennet Sisters (also from Hertfordshire), but the Wilton girls - who were born between 1804 and 1819 - will have come of age between 1825 and 1840 and it helps to look at the styles of their age.

Saturday 23 December 2023

Daniel Hockley and Sarah Skinner and Mary Ann Hurry

Aythorpe Roding Post Mill
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Trolove - geograph.org.uk/p/3392678
Aythorpe Roding Windmill near to Roundbush Green, Essex

Daniel Hockley (b. 1845), son of George Hockley and Eliza Crow, married Sarah Skinner (b. 1855), daughter of Samuel Skinner and Margaret Smith (née Harrison), on 23 Dec 1876, at St Mary's Church, Great Canfield

Daniel and Sarah Hockley had nine children:
  1. George Arthur Hockley b. 1 Dec 1877, reg. 1878 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 453, bap. 30 Dec 1877 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
  2. Beatrice Margaret Hockley b. 1879 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 466, bap. 31 Aug 1879 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
  3. Samuel Frederick Hockley b. 1880 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 488, bap. Frederick Samuel Hockley (which he was known by thereafter) on 26 Sep 1880 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
  4. Rose Hockley b. 1882 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 523
  5. Herbert Hockley b. 1884 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 558
  6. Ernest Hockley b. 1885 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 559
  7. Amy Hockley b. 1886 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 594
  8. Christopher Hockley b. 1888 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 596
  9. Margaret Hockley b. 1890 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 657, but who died in the same quarter, 1890 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 398 and was buried on 27 Feb 1890 at St Mary's, Great Canfield with the burial record giving her age as 17 days.
In 1881, calling himself Daniel George Hockley (32) Coachman was living at Fitzjohns, Great Canfield, Dunmow. He didn't have that middle name, but it was his father's name and this is the 2nd time this week I've found someone adding their father's name as a middle name, so I wonder if it was a 'thing'? And it was useful later on. Fitzjohns, it appears from the census schedules, is next door to the cottage he lived in ten years previously, so he may have been with the same employer. With him were wife Sarah Hockley (25), George Arthur Hockley (3), Beatrice Margaret (1) and Samuel Frederick Hockley (0).

Sarah Hockley died, aged 33, and was buried, also at St Mary's, Great Canfield, six days before her last child, on 21 Feb 1890. It probably doesn't require a medical degree to work out what contributed to her cause of death.

In 1891, Daniel Hockley (40) Coachman, Widower, was still living at Fitzjohns, Lodge Gates, Great Canfield, Dunmow, Essex with George A Hockley (13), Betsy M Hockley (11), Frederick Hockley (10), Rose Hockley (8), Herbert Hockley (6), Ernest Hockley (5) and Amy Hockley (4). Meanwhile, Christopher Hockley (2) was being looked after by his aunt, Mary Ann Hockley (wife of Daniel's elder brother, William Hockley) in Poplar, London.

Unsurprisingly, Daniel Hockley then remarried, to Mary Ann Hurry (b. 31 Jul 1861 in Depwade, Norfolk), daughter of Samuel Hurry and Jane Moyes, also at St Mary's, Great Canfield, on 25 Jul 1891. At the time of the 1891 census (5 Apr), Mary Ann Hurry (29) had been employed as a General servant in the household of a William J Peacock at Claremont, Lewisham Park, Lewisham, so one can't help being curious about how their paths would have crossed.

Daniel and Mary Ann added a further three children:
  1. Daniel Samuel Hockley b. 14 Feb 1894 M Quarter Vol 04A 700
  2. Alice Jane Hockley b. 7 Jan 1898 M Quarter Vol 04A Page 750
  3. Stanley Hockley b. 24 Dec 1902, reg. 1903 M Quarter Vol 04A 893
In 1901, Daniel Hockley (49) had moved to Near Pennyfeathers, High Roding, where he was employed as a Coachman gardener, living with Mary A Hockley (39), Ernest Hockley (15) Farmer's servant; Amy Hockley (14), Christopher Hockley (12), Daniel S Hockley (7) and Alice J Hockley (3).

In 1911, living at Round Bush Green, Aythorpe Roding, were Daniel Hockley (65) Stockman, Mary Ann Hockley (51), Daniel Samuel Hockley (17) Labourer; Alice Jane Hockley (13) and Stanley Hockley (8) At School.

Daniel George Hockley, of Round Bush Green, Aythorpe Roding, died aged 73, and was buried on 10 Sep 1918 at St Mary's Church, Great Canfield. 

In 1921, Mary Ann Hockley (60) Widow, was still at Round Bush Green, Aythorpe Roding, Dunmow, with Daniel Samuel Hockley (26) and Stanley Hockley (18), both Farm Labourers at Brook End, Little Dunmow.

In 1939, Mary Ann Hockley, widow, lived at 4 Round Bush Villas, Braintree with son Stanley Hockley and his wife, Emily, and son Daniel S Hockley.

Mary Ann Hockley died, aged 81, and was buried on 27 Aug 1942 at St Mary's Church, Aythorpe Roding.

Thursday 30 November 2023

Robert Hockley, Tailor and Draper

All Saints Church, Stisted, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Stack - geograph.org.uk/p/2051427

Robert Hockley (bap. 1 Oct 1775 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), son of Robert Hockley and Elizabeth Cramphorne, married Elizabeth Neve of Stisted, at All Saints Church, Stisted, Essex on 30 Nov 1797.

In 1799, the records of Country Apprentices, inform us that William Lammas was indentured to Robert Hockley, Tailor. This William Lammas would have been his cousin, son of William Lammas and Mary Hockley, Robert's aunt.

However, Elizabeth Hockley, wife of Robert Hockley, Tailor, died at just 27 and was buried on 23 Feb 1800. She had given birth to a daughter, who was christened, Elizabeth Hockley at 3 weeks of age on 25 Feb 1800. The infant died at 2 months and was buried, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, on 16 Mar 1800, with a sad note on the burial record saying "The mother dead."

Unsurprisingly, on 20 Nov 1801, Robert Hockley of this Parish, Widower, remarried this time to Mary Hayward of the Parish of Halstead in the County of Essex, Spinster, at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow. They were married by License in the Presence of Thos. Lilly and Elizabeth Hockley.

Robert and Mary's son, Ebenezer Hockley b. 6 Jun 1804, bap. 3 Aug 1804, was listed among Dunmow (Independent): Births & Baptisms.

But Mary Hockley wife of Robert Hockley died, aged 30, on 19 Aug 1805 and Essex Non-Conformist Church Records list that she was buried on 23 Aug 1805. There was also a Non-Conformist burial of a Mary Hockley on 30 Aug 1805, so, although there is no corresponding baptism, nor is the age of this deceased listed, my fear is this may be the death of another infant.

So, on 12 Jul 1808, Robert Hockley, Widower of this Parish, married for a third time to Mary Harvey, Widow, of the Parish of Great Sampford, again at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, the record stating, "Married in this Church by License. In the presence of Thomas Reynold and Sarah Cornell." It hasn't been possible to work out what this Mary's maiden name was.

This Robert and Mary Hockley had at least these two daughters:
  1. Eleanor Hockley b. 1811, died aged 33 on 21 Dec 1844 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 56 and Essex Non-Conformist Church Records show she was buried on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 1844.
  2. Lueza Hockley bap. 4 Mar 1814, listed in Dunmow (Independent): Births & Baptisms. Died on 7 Nov 1814 and was buried on 11 Nov 1814. 
Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823 lists Robert Hockley as a Tailor and Draper.

In 1841, Robert Hockley (65) Tailor and Draper was in High Street, Great Dunmow with Mary Hockley (64), Eleanor Hockley (30) and Mary Fewell (17) Female Servant. Their position in the High Street was interesting: 

The first household listed in the High Street, Great Dunmow in 1841 was that of Samuel Thorn (40) Shoe Maker. Next door was Robert Hockley, Tailor and Draper. Then George Saich (25) Ostler. It doesn't tell us which establishment, but as an Ostler, it must have been a Coaching Inn, so my feeling is most likely the Saracen's Head Hotel, the 15th century Coaching Inn at 30 High Street, Great Dunmow. (Saich later went to the Neville Arms, Wendens Ambo). The other side of the hostelry were Henry Wilton and Mary Barton, then Henry Wilton, Saddler - in whose household was Henry Wilton Pryor - and then John Prior (55) Basket Maker - father of Charles Prior married to Mary Wilton - who were next and Richard Wilton was lodging next door.)

Mary Hockley died at 66 in 1843 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 59.

In 1851, Robert Hockley (76) Widower, Tailor from Great Dunmow, Essex, was living in Fryerning, Essex with James French (14) Ag Lab, Lodger in his household. (Robert's son, Ebenezer Hockley (44) Draper and Tailor, was at that time also living in Ingatestone Street, Fryerning with his family.)

The Essex Standard on 12 Nov 1858 reported that on the "4th instant Josiah Martin St. John, of Brighton, was charged with stealing a time-piece from Mr. Robert Hockley, tailor, of Ingatestone." So he was in Ingatestone by then.

Robert Hockley died in 1861 D Quarter in CHELMSFORD Volume 04A Page 86. The Essex Standard of 13 Nov and 15 Nov 1861, reported, "Nov 6th, at Ingatestone, aged 85, Mr. Robert Hockley, formerly of Dunmow."

Wednesday 22 November 2023

James Waterman and Tamar Hockley

All Saints, High Roding
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/5059359

James Waterman (bap. 5 Aug 1821 at Hatfield Broad Oak), son of Isaac Waterman and Jane Hasler, married Tamar Hockley, daughter of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, on 22 Nov 1850 at All Saints, High Roding.

James and Tamar had two sons:
  1. James Waterman b. 1852 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 303, bap. 30 Jan 1853 at All Saints Church, High Roding.
  2. John Waterman b. 1857 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 319, bap. 25 Apr 1858 at All Saints Church, High Roding.
In 1861, James Waterman (40) Agricultural Labourer, Tamar Waterman (33), James Waterman (8) Scholar and John Waterman (3) were living in High Roden Street, High Roden (sic) (High Roding, obvs), Dunmow, Essex.

In 1871, living "In the Street, High Roothing, Dunmow, Essex" (hopefully, not too literally) were James Waterman (50) Groom, Tamar Waterman (45), James Waterman (18) Carpenter and John Waterman (13) Ag Lab.

In 1881, they had moved to Cannons Road (presumably Cannons Lane), Hatfield Broad Oak Aka Hatfield Regis, Dunmow, Essex. James Waterman (60) Groom; Fanny Waterman (55) from Great Dunmow (same age, I have no doubt this is Tamar) and John Waterman (23) Carpenter.

In 1891, on the Stortford Road, Little Canfield, Dunmow, Essex were James Waterman (69) General Labourer and Tamar Waterman (65).

Tamar Waterman died, aged 71, and was buried on 14 Mar 1898 in Great Dunmow (although the record isn't precise about which churchyard).

In 1901, James Waterman (79) Widower, Retired Groom from Hatfield Broad Oak, was living alone, still on the Stortford Road.

James Waterman died, aged 84, in 1905, in Great Dunmow.

Monday 6 November 2023

George Hockley and Eliza Crow and William Bloomfield

St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, Essex - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1304114

George Hockley, son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Eliza Crow, daughter of William Crow and Judith Doe on 6 Nov 1843 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow. The marriage record shows that George, as well as both fathers' were labourers and witnesses were John and Jane Burton.

George and Eliza's children included: 

  1. William Crow bap. 17 Nov 1842 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  2. Tamer (sic) Hockley b. 1844 (Tamar as a female given name) 
  3. Daniel Hockley b. 1845, bap. 12 May 1850 
  4. Elizabeth Hockley b. 1847, bap. 9 Aug 1857 
  5. James Hockley b. 24 Apr 1849, bap. 10 Jun 1849
  6. Emma Hockley b. 1851, bap 13 Apr 1851
  7. Lucy Hockley b. 1852, bap. 8 Aug 1852
  8. Charles Hockley b. 1854, bap. 9 Jul 1854
  9. Alice Hockley b. 1855, bap. 11 Nov 1855
  10. Sarah Ann Hockley b. 1857, bap. 9 Aug 1857
On the baptism record for William, son of Eliza Crow, Single Woman, her address was listed as "Dunmow Union House", i.e. the workhouse. Listed as William Crow, at 19, he married as and thereafter used William Hockley

Tamer's (sic) birth is listed at the GRO with the mother's maiden name as Crow, but there are no further mentions of her: not on a census, no baptism, nor record of a death, so my hunch is that this child died in infancy. 

The only Daniel Hockley registered in Dunmow in 1845 has the mother's maiden name listed as "Cross". Probably just a transcription error.

George Hockley, Agricultural Labourer, died on 12 Jul 1857, aged just 42, at Halfway House, from the all-too-common cause then, Phthisis (Tuberculosis (TB)) and was buried on 17 Jul 1857, in Great Dunmow.

In 1861, we find widow, Eliza Hockley (40), living at Phreaders Green, Great Dunmow with sons, William Crow (19) and Daniel Hockley (14), both Agricultural Labourers, seemingly supporting their mother and their younger siblings: Elizabeth Hockley (12), James Hockley (10), Emma Hockley (8), Lucy Hockley (7), Charles Hockley (6), Alice Hockley (5) and Sarah (3). 

In 1871, at High Street, Park Corner, Great Dunmow, there were Eliza Hockley (39) - erm, nope, she was 50 - Charwoman, with Charles Hockley (16) Farm Lab and Sarah Hockley (12) Domestic Servant. Daniel Hockley (21) Groom, was living at The Cottage, Great Canfield, Dunmow. Emma Hockley (19) was General servant to Samuel Knight, Architect at Maitland Park Villas, St Pancras, London. Lucy Hockley (19) was a Housemaid at 38 Upper Park Road, Belsize Park. Alice Hockley (14) was a domestic servant to William Stacey, Photographer and Florist, in The Causeway, Great Dunmow.

Eliza Hockley, daughter of William Crow, Labourer, married William Bloomfield, widower, son of Robert Bloomfield, in Felsted, on 20 Apr 1872.

It hasn't been possible to find William Bloomfield's baptism, however, he had previously married Mary Ann Harsant (bap. 1 Apr 1821 in Peasenhall, Suffolk), in 1839, in Blything registration district. In 1841, William Bloomfield (20) Blacksmith, Mary Ann (20) and their daughter Lucy (1) were in the High Street, Moulsham, Chelmsford. In 1851, William Bloomfield (32) Blacksmith, with Mary Ann (30) and Lucy (11) were back in Stoven, Blything, Suffolk. In 1861, William Bloomfield (43) Jobbing smith (with wife listed as Maria and daughter as Lizzie: probably misheard) were living at Bridge End Road, Great Bardfield, Dunmow. And by 1871, William Bloomfield (50) Blacksmith, Mary Ann (49) and Lucy (29) had moved to Church End, Great Dunmow. Then Mary Ann Bloomfield died, aged 49, and was buried, on 26 Aug 1871, at Holy Cross, Felsted. (Lucy Bloomfield just disappears.)

In 1881, William Bloomfield (62) Blacksmith, born in Dunwich, Suffolk, and Eliza Bloomfield (55), were living at Cottage Farm, Banister Green, Felstead.

In 1891, William (73) and Eliza Bloomfield (64) were at Cock Green, Felsted

William Bloomfield died, aged 76, in 1893. 

In 1901, Eliza Bloomfield (it claims 75) widow living on children, Felsted. 

Eliza Bloomfield died in 1906. She will have been 86.

Tuesday 31 October 2023

George Prior and Mary Hockley

St Mary, Little Easton, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/339750

George Prior (bap. 24 Dec 1820 in Great Dunmow), son of William Prior and Sarah Shed, married Mary Hockley, daughter of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason at the Church of St Mary the VirginLittle Easton, on 31 Oct 1845.

George and Mary had five children:
  1. William Prior b. 1848 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 74, bap. 5 May 1848 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton
  2. Sarah Prior b. 1849 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 75, bap. 18 Dec 1849 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton
  3. Emma Prior b. 1851 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 91, bap. 23 Feb 1851 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton
  4. George Prior b. 1853 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 273, bap. 10 Nov 1853 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton
  5. Edith Prior b. 1856 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 299, bap. 27 Jul 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton. Died aged 1, in 1858 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION  Volume 04A Page 262 and buried on 17 Mar 1858 at St Mary the Virgin, Little Easton
On Edith's baptism, her father's occupation is listed as Gardener.

In 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891, the family lived in Park Road, Little Easton. They look to have lived at the same address for almost 50 years, which is rare and suggests also that George had steady employment from one employer, rather than moving from farm to farm yearly as many did.

In 1861, George Prior (40) Garden labourer, Mary Prior (36), William Prior (13) Farm work; Sarah Prior (11), Emma Prior (10) and George Prior (7).

In 1871, George Prior (50) Gardener, Mary Prior (45) and just George Prior (17) Coal Porter left at home.

In 1881, just George Prior (60) Garden labourer and Mary Prior (58).

In 1891, George Prior (69) Garden labourer with Mary Prior (65).

George Prior died, aged 72, and was buried on 28 Mar 1893 at Little Easton.

In 1901, Mary Prior (79) Widow, was living at the Alms Houses, Little Easton.

There had been Almshouses, near the church-yard, built by Lord Maynard, in about 1716, for the residence of four poor widows to be appointed by his heirs. The current Grade II listed former almshouses, were built in 1895. The date and a 'W' are placed centrally. The 'W' perhaps stands for Warwick, as apparently Frances, the Countess of Warwick, had them built. By 1902 they were accommodating six old people - one of whom was Mary Prior. Perhaps George Prior had worked for the Countess in the gardens of Easton Lodge

Mary Prior died, aged 85 and was buried, on 28 May 1907, at Little Easton.

Former Almshouses, Church Row, Little Easton
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/4985490