Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns

St. Bartholomew's Tower, Heigham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - geograph.org.uk/p/182191

Francis Stephen Blazey married Hannah Minns, daughter of Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett, on 28 Apr 1832 at this now lost church of St Bartholomew's, in Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk. Francis Stephen Blazy (or Blazey), born 26 Dec 1810, was baptised on 30 Dec 1810 at the church of St Martin at Oak, Norwich, son of Susanna Blazy and the baptism record makes it clear he was 'illegitimate born'. (Francis' mother married a John Maycock, also at St Martin at Oak, on 17 Jul 1811, but Francis never took this stepfather's name, so I do not think this was his natural father.) 

Francis and Hannah appear to have at least 10 children:

1. Harriet Blazy b. 30 Apr 1832, bap. 8 May 1832 at St Martin at Oak. Buried at St Bartholomew's, Heigham, on 10 Jun 1832, aged 1 month. 
2. Francis Robert Blazey b. 1 Aug, bap. 4 Aug 1833 at St Martin at Oak
3. Samuel Blazey b. 13 Jul 1836, bap. 17 Jul 1836 at St Martin at Oak. Died, aged 5 and was buried on 27 Oct 1841. (This child's death was registered in 1842 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 205).
4. Harriet Blazey b. 11 Jan 1839, bap. 13 Jan 1839 at St Martin at Oak
5. Samuel Blazey bap. 7 Nov 1841 in the Parish of Heigham, Norfolk
6. Hannah Blazey b. 17 Jun 1845 (1845 S Quarter in NORWICH Vol 13 Page 284), bap. 7 Jul 1845 and on 17 Oct 1860 at St Bartholomew's
7. Elizabeth Blazey b. 1847 (1847 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 249), bap. 17 Oct 1860 at St Bartholomew's
8. Eliza Blazey b. 16 Feb 1849* (1851 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 324), bap. 21 Oct 1863 at St Bartholomew's. *DOB as stated on baptism record, although it's difficult to believe she was registered two years late and more likely was wrongly remembered ~12 years later.
9. William Blazey b. 7 Nov 1853 (1853 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 129), bap. 17 Nov 1867 at Holy Trinity, Heigham
10. Alice Blazey b. 6 Nov 1857 (1857 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 157). bap. 2 Oct 1867 at Holy Trinity, Heigham

Holy Trinity church, Heigham, was built in the 1860's and the parish records begin in 1867, so they were among the first to use this new church. 

[i] Harriet born in 1832 doesn't appear on the 1841 census, whereas the Harriet born in 1839 does. There's no record of a burial for a Harriet, but there is a record of a burial of a Hannah Blazey at St Bartholomew's, on 10 Jun 1832, aged 1 month, which I'm confident must relate to this child. 

Most of the baptism records list Francis' occupation as a Dyer. On those of William and Alice, he's described as a Labourer. One wonders what happened for him to give up a skilled trade to take up presumably unskilled work.

In 1841, incorrectly listed as Blazeby, the family was living at Union Square, Heigham - this address was on daughter Hannah's birth certificate in 1845 - with Francis (30), Hannah (25), Francis (8), Sam (5) and Harriet (2).

In 1851, Francis Blazey (40) Labourer was a Lodger in the household of Mary Wright (46) Widow at 1, Manchester Buildings, Heigham, Norwich. (Mary was Hannah Blazey's older sister.) There also were Hannah (38) Wife of Lodger; Francis (18) Labourer; Harriet (12), Samuel (9), Hannah (5) and Elizabeth (3).

In 1861, in Chapel Street, Heigham: Francis (50), Labourer, Hannah (48), Elizabeth (14), Eliza (10), William (7), Alice (3) and Mary A Wright (22), dressmaker, niece. Samuel (19) was with his brother Francis at at 2, St Pauls Street, Blockhouse, Worcester; Hannah (16) was General Servant to Anne Clifford (78), Widow, and her unmarried daughter, Elizabeth Clifford (48), teacher, at Earlham Road Terrace, Heigham, Norwich. (Today Earlham Road is part of the so-called Golden Triangle in Norwich, "The Golden Triangle's terraces house professionals, families and many students from the nearby University of East Anglia; its friendly atmosphere has resulted in the Golden Triangle being dubbed the Norwich version of London's Notting Hill.")

By 1871, Francis Blazey (60), Hannah (57), with just William (17) and Alice (13) still at home, were living at 16 Globe St, Heigham. In 1872, still in Globe Street, Francis Blazey is listed on the Norfolk Register of Electors. 

Hannah Blazey (née Minns)

Francis Stephen Blazey died, aged 62, in 1873 M Quarter in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 111. 

In 1881, the widowed Hannah (67), was living at 3, Duke Street, Norwich Heigham, with son Samuel (35), Sam's son Alfred (11) and daughter Hannah's two children, Walter White (11) and Laura White (10). 

(It is also apparently written on the back of the image of Hannah that she looked after her older sister Mary Ann Wright's children.)

In 1891, Samuel (49) and his daughter, Elizabeth (17), were still living with Hannah (78) in Manchester Street, Norwich.

In 1901, Hannah (90) and Samuel (57), still resided in Manchester Street.

Hannah Blazey died, aged 91, in 1903 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B 95.

David Minns and Hannah Marsh

St Remigius Church, Hethersett, Norfolk

David Minns (bap. 5 Sep 1755 in Hethersett, Norfolk), son of John Minns and Elizabeth Gardiner, married Hannah Marsh (bap. 18 Feb 1759, in Hellesdon, Norfolk), daughter of Robert Marsh and Hannah Piggin, on 20 Feb 1775, in the parish of Newington St Mary - or Newington-Butts, 'in the the hundred of Brixton and of the county of Surrey, 1¾ mile (S.) from London'. 

Records can be identified for seven children of this family: 

1. Robert Marsh Minns bap. 19 Nov 1776 in Hethersett
2. Mary Minns bap. 25 Oct 1778 in Bawburgh, Norfolk
3. John Minns bap. 21 Sep 1783 in Norwich, Norfolk
4. Hannah Minns b. 21 Feb 1792, bap. 12 Mar 1792 in Heigham
5. Sarah Minns b. 15 Nov 1793, bap. 1 Dec 1793 in Heigham
6. David Minns b. 5 Jan 1797, bap. 8 Jan 1797, buried 3 Jan 1798
7. David Minns b. 19 Jan 1799, bap. 20 Jan 1799 in Heigham

With such gaps between them, there may have been other children.

David Minns was buried on 13 Sep 1835 at St Martin at Oak, Norwich.

In 1841, Hannah Minns (83) was lodging in the household of James and Elizabeth Morrison, in Cross Lane, St George Colegate, Norfolk. 

Hannah Minns (86) died in 1843 J Quarter in NORWICH Vol 13 Page 187.

William Harman Howes and Violet Rose Matilda Cheer

St Mark's church in Lakenham - the apse
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/2056898
Built in 1843 "for the poor and very populous" district of Lakenham

William Harman Howes (b. 14 Dec 1895), son of William Harman Howes and Elizabeth Eliza Blazey, married Violet Rose Matilda Cheer, on 8 Feb 1920, at St Mark, Lakenham, a district on the south of Norwich, Norfolk. Both were 24. One of the witnesses was William's sister, Alice May Howes. 

William and Violet had three children:

1. Joyce Mary Howes b. 1920 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 380
2. Pauline Margaret Howes b. 1924 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 239
3. Son b. 1932 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 234 (potentially living)

The mother's maiden name on all three birth registrations is CHEER.

On the marriage certificate, Violet gave her father's name as Edmund Cheer, deceased. The only birth registration of a Violet Cheer (simply as Violet, with no other given names) was in 1895 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 122. Her mother's maiden name was left blank. Violet Cheer doesn't appear anywhere on the 1901 or 1911 census. The only record of a Violet Rose Matilda anything, anywhere, ever, was the baptism of Violet Rose Matilda Fox, at St Martin At Oak, Norwich, on 8 Oct 1896, as daughter of Robert and Mary Fox. There was no GRO birth registration under this name. The answer, therefore, had to be that the illegitimate child born Violet Cheer in 1895 was baptised a year later as Violet Rose Matilda Fox and, upon marriage, reverted to her birth surname. They were the same person.

Robert Fox (49) widower, son of James Fox and Frances Blake, married Mary Cheer (45) widow, said to be daughter of William Chant, on 1 Feb 1896 at St Martin at Oak, Norwich. (Robert Fox had previously married Mary Ann Rayner in Great Melton, Norwich on 29 Jan 1876. Mary Ann Fox died in 1894.)

Mary Chant had previously married [Edmund Thomas] Edward Cheer, on 14 Dec 1879 at Saint Mark, Old Street, Shoreditch and in 1881, Edmund Cheer (42) Ostler (huntsman) from Shepperton, Middlesex, wife Mary Cheer (27) Charwoman from Wilton, Wiltshire were living at 218 Old Street, Holborn (Holborn Restaurant, 218 High Holborn), with four children from his previous marriage to Eliza Cass (m. 1853 Kensington), who had died in 1878. 

Edmund and Mary Cheer added two children: Henry Richard Cheer b. 1880 D Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 66, but who died 1881 M Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 523; and Alice Louisa Cheer b. 1884 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 506.

By 1891, however, Mary Cheer (36) Widow, was employed as Officers Cook at Bakers Row Infirmary Whitechapel Union (Whitechapel And Spitalfields Union Workhouse), although the record suggests that Mary herself was 'on the parish' (receiving charity from local authorities). Clearly, her husband had died in the interim and the death of Edmund Cheer (58) in 1890 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 373, I believe relates. 

In 1901, Robert Fox (56) Farm Labourer from Eaton, Norfolk was living at Hudson Buildings, Norwich; with wife Mary Fox (48) from Wilton, Wiltshire; Violet R Fox (5) Daughter; Kate L Fox (0) Daughter (Kate Lucretia Fox b. 1900 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 165) and Alice L Cheer (16) Step-Daughter, born in Whitechapel. 

This still leaves the question as to whether Edward / Edmund Cheer was Violet's father, as she claimed on her marriage, which is highly unlikely in 1895, when it is certain he was dead before 1891, or was it Robert Fox, who claimed her as his daughter in 1896. It appears possible it was neither.

In 1911, at 52 Coburg Street, Norwich, were Robert Fox (63) Gardner labourer; Mary Fox (57) Charwoman; Violet Rose Fox (15) Chocolate Maker (guessing at Norwich's chocolate factory, A J Caley and Son); Lucretia [Kate Lucretia] (10) and Dora Bush (4), who was also listed as their daughter. (Born Alice Louisa Bush in 1907 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 114, 'Dora' was actually Mary's granddaughter, the daughter of Alice Louisa Cheer, who had married George Bush, in Norwich on 23 Jul 1905.) On the 1911 Census Mary Fox (formerly Cheer, née Chant) says that she had 4 children in total, with 3 living and 1 who had died. The information asked for was supposed to relate to the then current marriage, but clearly - wrongly, but usefully - she had also included those from her previous relationships. 

In 1921, William Harman Howes (25) Cordial Maker at A J Caley and Son, was living at 3, The Elms, Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk with Violet Rose Matilda Howes (25) and Joyce Mary Howes (b. 1920).

In 1939, William Harman Howes (b. 14 Dec 1895), Mineral Maker, Violet Rose Matilda Howes (b. 10 Aug 1895), Joyce Mary Howes and two others were living at 49 Unthank Road, Norwich, Norfolk. 

We can assume that William and Violet had met working for the same employer: Albert Jarman Caley had begun selling a range of mineral waters and soft drinks in Norwich in 1863. He diversified to produce cocoa (1883), chocolate (1886) and Christmas crackers (1898). Caley’s bought The Elms, 49 Unthank Road which became the HQ of the Recreational Association with space for 250 people plus six grass tennis courts and a large bowling green and was also the location of almshouses for retired workers of John Mackintosh's chocolate factory. A J Caley chocolate company in Norwich, had finally been bought by Yorkshire confectioner, Mackintosh's, in 1932.

William Harman Howes died in the 2nd quarter of 1977, aged 81.

Violet Rose Matilda Howes, died in 1978, aged 82.

James Wright and Eliza Beavis

Interior, St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Julian P Guffogg - geograph.org.uk/p/6250676

James Wright (bap. 7 Aug 1836 in Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk) (26) Brush Maker, son of James Wright and Mary Ann Minns - the record specifies his father as James Wright, Weaver - married Eliza Beavis (bap. 10 Feb 1839 at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol) (24), daughter of George Beavis and Eliza Kingdon at St Luke's Church, Bedminster, Bristol on 21 Dec 1862. Their marriage was announced in the Western Daily Press of 23 Dec 1862. 

Witnesses were George Beavis and Rose Zilla Beavis (Eliza's sister). 

James and Eliza Wright had five children:

1. James Wright b. 2 Jan 1872 M Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 2, bap. 31 Mar 1872 at St Luke's, Bedminster 
2. Eliza Mary Wright b. 1875 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 1, bap. 30 May 1875 at St Luke's, Bedminster. Died, unmarried, aged 45, in 1920 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 220
3. Ellen Wright b. 24 Aug 1876 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 8, bap. 31 Dec 1876 at St Luke's, Bedminster. Died, unmarried, aged 71, in 1948 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 07B Page 190
4. Alice Wright b. 18 May 1878 J Quarter in BEDMINSTER Volume 05C Page 733, bap. 15 May 1879 at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol 
5. Rose Zillah Wright b. 26 Oct 1879 D Quarter in BEDMINSTER Volume 05C Page 677, bap. 25 Apr 1880 at St Luke's, Bedminster 

The mother's maiden name on all is BEAVIS. Unusually, for the time, they had their first child when they'd been married for 10 years and Eliza was 33.

In 1861, James Wright (24) Brush Maker, from Norwich, Norfolk, had been among a list of Lodgers (presumably as guests in an hotel) in the household of Edwin Marston, Licenced Victualler at 37 Moor Street, Birmingham. 

In 1871, James Wright (34) was living in Alfred Place, St Mary Redcliff, Bristol with wife Eliza Wright (32). Staying with them was Emma E Stone (2) Niece. (Emma Eliza Stone b. 1869 M Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 9, was the daughter of William Robert Stone and Rose Zillah Beavis.)

In 1881, James Wright (44) Brush Maker from Norwich, was living at (Somerset House), Langton Street, Bedminster, Somerset with wife Eliza Wright (42), James Wright (9), Eliza M Wright (6), Ellen Wright (4), Alice Wright (2), Rose Z Wright (1) and Mena Lewis (16) Domestic Servant.

In 1891, James Wright (54) Brush Maker (Employee) from Norwich, Norfolk was living at Alfred House, Milford Road, Bedminster, Somerset with Eliza Wright (52), James Wright (19) Telegraphist (Employee); Elizabeth M Wright (16) [Eliza Mary]; Alice (12) and Rose L [Rose Zilla] (11). Not located Ellen.

In 1901, James Wright (64) was living at 92, Belmont Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire with Eliza Wright (62), Eliza M Wright (26), Ellen Wright (24), Rose Z Wright (21), Lucy Wright (5), James W Wright (4) [Lucy and James William were their grandchildren, children of James Wright]; Henry Carveth (27); Alice Carveth (22) and Alice V Carveth (0) [Alice Victoria Carveth was the daughter of Henry Carveth and Alice Wright].

James Wright died, aged 68, on 28 Apr 1905 (1905 J Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 121) and is buried at Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol. The headstone, clearly commissioned by his widow, reads: In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband James Wright Who Fell Asleep in Jesus April 28th 1905 Aged 68 Years. "I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am." St John 17.24 (King James Version)

In 1911, Eliza Wright (72) Widowed, was living at 44 Cornwall Road, Bishopston, Bristol, with her two unmarried daughters, Eliza Mary Wright (36) and Ellen Wright (34). Although crossed through, Eliza had filled in the details on the census schedule that confirmed she had five children, then all still living.

In 1921, Eliza Wright (82) still living at 44, Cornwall Road, Bishopston, Bristol with Ellen Wright (44) Single, Postal Telegraphist and Charlie Frederica Noble (40) born in Hounslow, Middlesex, Companion Help.

Eliza Wright died, aged 82, in 1921 S Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 203.

Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett

Ruins of St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk

Robert Marsh Minns (b. 1776), son of David Minns and Hannah Marsh, married Mary Kett on 19 Oct 1801 at St Bartholomew's, the Parish Church for Heigham, Norfolk. Mary Kett, baptised here at St Bartholomew's on 1 Oct 1780, was the daughter of Hannah Kett and, just in case there was any doubt, the record of Mary's baptism states that she was 'Baseborn' (illegitimate). 

(Wonder if they were related to Robert Kett, leader of Kett's Rebellion.)

Robert and Mary also wasted no time in starting a family:

1. Robert Marsh Minns b. 1 Apr 1802, bap. 4 Apr 1802
2. Mary Ann Minns b. 17 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805
3. John Minns b. 19 Jul 1807 and bap. 19 Jul 1807
4. Ann Minns b. 14 Sep 1810, bap. 16 Sep 1810
5. Hannah Minns bap. 24 Jan 1813
6. David Minns b. 22 Jun 1815, bap. 25 Jun 1815
7. Elizabeth Minns b. 29 Mar 1818 and bap. 29 Mar 1818
8. Harriet Minns b. 15 Feb 1824 and bap. 15 Feb 1824

Several of the baptism records, which all took place at St Bartholomew's, Heigham, list Robert's occupation as Husbandman. On Harriet's baptism, her father is listed as David Minns, but I'm certain this is an error. The record also clearly lists her mother, and specifies her as the former Mary Kett.

In 1829, Mary Minns (née Kett) died, aged 49. She was buried on 17 Jun 1829 in the churchyard at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. (The church was destroyed by German bombs on April 27, 1942 and the graveyard was grassed over in the 1950s. No trace of any grave remains.)

St Mary's churchyard Hellesdon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak
 geograph.org.uk/p/850775

Robert Marsh Minns, Widower, remarried Ann Clark, Widow (have been unable to discover her maiden name), on 13 Nov 1831, also at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. 

In 1841, Robert Minns (55), Ann Minns (55) and youngest daughters, Elizabeth (20) and Harriet (15) were living at Upper Heigham. 

In 1851, still living in Upper Heigham, were Robert M Minns (74) and Ann Minns (64).

In 1861, in Heigham were Robert Minns (84) with Ann Minns (74).

Robert Marsh Minns, of Heigham, died in 1865, aged 88 (1865 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 125), and was buried on 31 Jan 1865 at St Mary, Hellesdon (where his grandparents had married and his mother was baptised). 

In 1871, Ann Minns (85) Widow, was living alone in Norton's Yard, Upper Heigham (Yards and Courts of Old Norwich). 

Ann Minns died in 1873 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 104, at 86.

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright

St Michael at Plea Church (Norwich Christian Resource Centre)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/1398216

Spire of Holy Trinity, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - 
geograph.org.uk/p/167498

James Baker (bap. on Leap Day, 29 Feb 1824 in Trowse, Norfolk) Widower, Servant, son of James Baker and Sarah Leach, married Mary Ann Wright (b. 11 Oct 1838 in Heigham, Norfolk), Spinster, daughter of James Wright and Mary Ann Minns, both then resident in Heigham, at Holy Trinity, Norwich on 7 Oct 1866. Witnesses were three of Mary Ann's 1st cousins: Samuel Blazey, Hannah Blazey (my 2x great-grandmother) and Elizabeth Blazey.

This was James Baker's third marriage.

In the first quarter of 1849, James Baker had married Virtue Dunham, also in Norwich. James and Virtue Baker had two children:

1. James William Baker b. 1850 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 308, bap. 19 May 1850 in Heigham, Norwich
2. Mary Baker b. 1852 J Quarter in HENSTEAD Volume 04B Page 186, bap. 23 May 1852 in Trowse, Norwich

In 1851, James Baker (28) 'Keeper of lunatic gent', from Trowse Newton, Norfolk; Virtue Baker (28) birthplace listed as Bellingham (Burlingham); J W Baker [James William] (0) and Elizabeth Dunham (8) from Lingwood, Norfolk, Niece, were living in Philadelphia, Saint Clement, Norwich.

Then Virtue Baker died, aged 30, in 1854 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 128 and was buried, on 27 Aug 1854 in Heigham, Norfolk.

And so, James Baker (35) Widower, Dealer, son of James Baker, Labourer, married Julia Mickleburgh (23) Spinster, daughter of Robert Mickleburgh, Labourer, on 7 Nov 1859, at the church of St Michael-at-Plea, Norwich. Born Julia Anne Mickleburgh on 3 Aug 1837 (1837 S Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 13 Page 18), bap. 17 Aug 1837 in Postwick, Norwich, James' second wife was the daughter of Robert Mickleburgh and Alitha Kate Barrett.

In 1861, James Baker (36) Servant, from Trowse; Julia Baker (24) from Postwick; James Baker (11) and Mary Ann Baker (9), Scholars, were living at Newmans Buildings, 1, Armes Street, Heigham, Norwich.

Julia had an illegitimate child before marriage, as Henry, son of Julia Anne Mickleborough (sic), Spinster was baptised at Postwick, on 17 Jan 1858. However, the infant died in 1858 M Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 177 and was buried in Postwick on 24 Jan 1858. There is no evidence of any further children with James Baker and, then Julia Baker died, age listed as 26, in 1861 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 130.

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright then added three children:

3. Ellen Mary Baker b. 14 Apr 1867 (1867 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 166)
4. Eliza Harriet Baker b. 1869 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 155
5. Herbert Alfred Baker b. 27 Jul 1874 (1874 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)

In 1871, living in Seppings Buildings, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (32) Wife, Dressmaker with Ellen M Baker (3) and Eliza H Baker (1). James Baker (47) from Trowse, was not in the family home and was listed as a Servant, with his occupation being "Male attendant" at Heigham Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich. (Heigham Private Lunatic Asylum, which had opened in 1836, was almost opposite the Dolphin Inn. It's grounds "filled the large swathe of land between Armes Street, Nelson Street, Old Palace Road and Heigham Street." It closed in 1960. [Source]. It was an asylum for ‘patients belonging to the upper and middle classes’.)

In 1881, once again at Seppings Buildings, 1, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (42) Wife, Dressmaker; Ellen Mary Baker (13), Eliza H Baker (11) and Herbert A Baker (6). Once again, James Baker (age rounded down to 55) Hosp[ital] attendant on the insane, birthplace Trowse, was listed at Heigham Hall Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich.

James Baker died at 63 on 1 Sep 1887 (1887 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 112). He is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery, Section 7 Plot 182. Probate was granted at the Principle Registry in Norwich on 22 Sep 1887.

In 1891, Mary A Baker (52) Widow, Dressmaker, was living at 186, Nelson Street, Norwich, Norfolk with her daughter, Eliza H Baker (21) Dressmaker; and son, Herbert A Baker (16) Shoe Hand.

In 1901, and still at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, were Mary A Baker (62) Widow, with Herbert A Baker (26) Boot & shoe trimmer; Eliza H Bream (31), Jack W Bream (2) and Fred H Bream (0).

Mary Ann Baker, Widow of James Baker, a Valet, died, aged 65, at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, on 6 May 1904 (1904 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 100) from Locomotor Ataxia 1 year, Apoplexy 23 years, Cardiac Syncope and is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery along with her late husband. Probate was granted on 11 Nov 1904 to Herbert Alfred Baker, Licenced Victualler. She left £285 8s 9d (~£44,000 in 2025).

Their headstone reads: In loving memory of JAMES the beloved husband of MARY ANN BAKER who died 1st September 1887 aged 63 years also of MARY ANN the beloved wife of the above who died 6th May 1904 aged 65 years Call not back the dear departed Anchored safe where storms are o'er On the border land we left them Soon to meet and part no more. (These words are from the hymn, Our Missing Treasures, written by Fanny Crosby.)

William Harman Howes and Elizabeth Eliza Blazey

St. John the Theologian, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - geograph.org.uk/p/160332
St. John's at the junction of Ber Street and Finkelgate in 
Norwich is historically known as St. John Sepulchre.

William Harman Howes (b. 15 Jul 1874), son of John Robert Howes and Martha Burrows Woodhouse married Elizabeth Eliza Blazey (b. 8 Jan 1874), daughter of Samuel Blazey and Elizabeth Wiggins, both of 3 Butchers Arms Yard, Ber St, on 2 Sep 1895 at St John Sepulchre, Norwich. Witnesses were William Walter Tillett and Martha Elizabeth Hunt, the groom's sister.

William and Elizabeth had three children:

1. William Harman Howes b. 14 Dec 1895 (1896 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 119). (Unusually, no evidence of baptism.)
2. Alice May Howes b. 31 Oct 1899 (1899 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 174), bap. 16 Mar 1910 at Holy Trinity, Heigham, Norfolk
3. Maggie Dorothy Howes b. 4 Apr 1910 (1910 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 146), bap. 1 Jun 1910 at Holy Trinity, Heigham

The mother's maiden name on all three registrations is BLAZEY.

In 1901, Elizabeth Howes (27) was living at 15, Manchester Street, Heigham, Norwich, with William (5) and Alice (1). Meanwhile, William Harman Howes (miss transcribed as William H Howne) (26) from Norwich, Norfolk, Married, Plasterer's Labourer, was a Boarder in a household in Epsom, Surrey. 

By 1911, William Howes (37), Elizabeth (37), William (15), Alice (11) and Maggie (0), had moved to 19 Manchester St, Norwich, where her father and grandmother had lived. (Alice May Howes had been born at this address.)

In 1921, still at 19, Manchester Street, Norwich, were William H Howes (46) Bricklayer's Labourer for Norwich Corporation; Elizabeth E Howes (47), Alice M Howes (21) Chocolate Moulder at Caleys Ltd; and Maggie D Howes (11).

And in 1939, still living at 19 Manchester Street, Norwich, Norfolk, were William Howes, Builder's Labourer Retired and wife Elizabeth.

William Harman Howes died on 27 Nov 1944, aged 70 (1944 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 199), at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. 

Eliza Elizabeth Howes (née Blazey) died, aged 78, from Cerebral thrombosis, arteriosclerosis, on 19 Jan 1951 (1951 M Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 919) at 60 Suffolk Street, Norwich, Norfolk.

(William Harman Howes in the Howes Family One Name Study).

James Wright and Mary Ann Minns

Ruins of St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk

James Wright (b. 20 May 1808 in Heigham, Norfolk), son of Richard Wright and Mary Blake, married Mary Ann Minns (b. 17 Jan 1805 in Heigham, Norfolk), eldest daughter of Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett, at the now lost church of St Bartholomew, Heigham on 28 Aug 1831. Witnesses were Lydia Wright, James Wright's aunt (wife of his father's brother, John) and Robert Marsh Minns who was either Mary Ann's father, or elder brother.

(The handwriting and name of the curate on this marriage record are the same as those on Mary Ann's sister Hannah's marriage the following year.)

James and Mary Ann Wright had three children:

1. James Wright b. 15 Jun 1833, bap. 30 Jun 1833 and buried, aged 3 months, on 6 Oct 1883, both at St Bartholomew, Heigham
2. James Wright bap. 7 Aug 1836 at St Bartholomew, Heigham
3. Mary Ann Wright b. 11 Oct 1838. Her DOB is as declared on her baptism (at the same time as her cousin, Eliza Blazey) on 21 Oct 1863, although the parish's Bishops Transcripts show that she'd already been baptised, at St Bartholomew, Heigham, on 24 Oct 1838. (Ref. 620).

All three of the original baptisms list James Wright's occupation as Weaver.

In 1841, Mary Ann Wright (35) was living in Union Square, Heigham, Norfolk with her two children, James Wright (5) and Mary Wright (3). James Wright was not in the household and we find him, age rounded down to 30, as an Inmate at The Infirmary Bethel, in the parish of St Clement, Norfolk.

James Wright, Inmate in The Infirmary Bethel (Bethel Hospital, Bethel Street, Norwich) died on 2 Dec 1841 (1841 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 169), age rounded up to 35, with his cause of death listed as Epilepsy. James Wright, of the Parish of St Clements, was buried at St Bartholomew, Heigham, on 8 Dec 1841. (The church was destroyed by German bombs on April 27, 1942 and the graveyard was grassed over in the 1950s. No trace of any grave remains.) Burial of those who died in workhouses and workhouse infirmaries, so presumably also in asylums, could be in the deceased's own parish at the family's request, often at the expense of the parish. 

"In 19th-century Europe, epilepsy was considered a highly hereditable disorder, associated with a familial tendency toward insanity, alcoholism, violence, criminal behaviour, migraine, and gout." - A diary of epilepsy in the early 1800s. "Living with epilepsy in past centuries was challenging; before the introduction of bromides in 1859 and phenobarbital in 1912, there were no effective therapies for seizures." And even in 1860, the condition was still thought to be contagious, or linked to insanity, so, as we see with James, people with epilepsy were often confined to asylums or workhouses. 

In 1851, Mary Wright (46) Widow, Dressmaker, was living at 1, Manchester Buildings, Hamlet of Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk (Manchester Buildings (yard?) - Union Place) (The Old Courts and Yards of Norwich PDF) with her son James Wright (14) Brushmaker's Apprentice; and daughter Mary A Wright (13) Scholar. Also living in her household, as Lodgers, were her brother-in-law and sister, Francis and Hannah Blazey, and five of their children: Francis (18); Harriet (12), Samuel (9), Hannah (5) and Elizabeth (3).

Mary Ann Wright, widow of James Wright, Weaver, died, aged 54, on 10 Jun 1859 (1859 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 103), at 1 Manchester Buildings, Heigham, Norwich, from 'Disease of the Brain' - as a medical term, this could mean many things including encephalitis (inflammation) - which was registered by her sister, Hannah Blazey, present at her death.

[NB: Difficult to tell without a medical degree, but with both James and Mary Ann having died from diseases that could have been caused by infections that can damage brain tissue and cause seizures (like meningitis or encephalitis), I wonder if they may both have been affected by the same initial contagion.]

The Bethel Hospital
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/5833231
The Bethel Hospital, named after its location in Bethel Street, dates from the late 17th and early 18th centuries and has some later additions. In 1899, the Norwich architect E Boardman was charged with rebuilding and repairs. Originally built "for the benefit of distrest Lunaticks" in 1713, the Grade 2 listed building currently is a children's psychiatric clinic.