Joseph Wilton and Ann Thurlbourn

Photo © Kim Fyson (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St.Andrew's Street Baptist Church

Photo available for reuse under

this Creative Commons licence.

Joseph Wilton (b. 1815 in Royston, Hertfordshire), Bachelor, Tailor of Market Hill, Cambridge, son of Stephen Wilton, Harness Maker, and Elizabeth Hankin, married Ann Thurlbourn (b. 9 Sep 1820 in Cambridge), Spinster, School Mistress who gave her address as Park Street, daughter of John Thurlbourn, Glover, and Rhoda Poarcher, at the Baptist Chapel in the town of Cambridge (presumably St Andrew's Street Baptist Church) on 11 May 1841. Witnesses were William Thurlbourn and Sarah Thurlbourn, who I presume were Ann's brother and sister.

Joseph and Ann Wilton had 13 kids:

1. Sarah Ann Wilton b. 1842 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 84
2. Edwin Joseph Wilton b. 1843 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 77
3. Eleanor Wilton b. 1845 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 77
4. Kate Wilton b. 1846 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 75 (d. 1870 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 294)
5. Clara Jane Wilton b. 1848 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 67
6. Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton b. 1850 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 12 Page 87
7. Alice Maria Wilton b. 1852 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 316 (d. 1854 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 242)
8. Lydia Ann Wilton b. 1853 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 273
9. Alice Maria Wilton b. 1855 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 297
10. Herbert Charles Wilton b. 1857 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 304 (d. 1858 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 261)
11. Fanny Wilton b. 1859 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 372
12. Marion Louisa Wilton b. 1860 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 308 (d. 1861 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 228)
13. Frederic John Wilton b. 1862 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 334 (d. 1879 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 234)

Most of the registrations correctly spell the mother's maiden name as THURLBOURN, so someone in the family must have been literate.

Joseph brought his new wife to Great Dunmow, where on 6 Jun 1841, we find Joseph Wilton (25) Tailor and Ann Wilton (20) in the High Street, where his uncle, eldest sister and two brothers already lived. If one could take a time-machine back to Great Dunmow in 1841, imagine how long it would take to get any shopping done after greeting all the family en route! Having often joked that I come from a long line of Essex girls (white stilettos optional), little did I know quite how much influence on 'Essex style' (stop thinking TOWIE), my relatives may have had, having served the clothing needs of the population in Great Dunmow for probably three centuries or more. Robert Hockley (bap. 1775), who was also my relative, was also listed as a tailor in Pigot's Directory of Essex 1823 and as a tailor and draper in the High Street in 1841. They may have been in competition, but as Robert Hockley was then 65, there also exists the possibility that my Wilton relatives took over the business from my Hockley ones. Joseph Wilton was once again listed in White's Directory of Essex 1848, as a Tailor and Draper.

The difference between tailor and draper is that tailor makes, repairs, or alters clothes professionally, especially suits and men's clothing while draper is one who sells cloths; a dealer in cloths; as, a draper and tailor. And a clothier is a person or company that makes or sells clothes or cloth, while an outfitter is a shop selling men's clothing.

As the census returns for 1851 in Great Dunmow are missing, we have to wait until 1861 - when Joseph Wilton (46) Tailor And Clothier; Ann Wilton (40) with eight of the nine then surviving children still at home: Edwin J Wilton (17) Tailor; Eleanor Wilton (15), Kate Wilton (14), Clara J Wilton (12), Arthur T Wilton (10), Lydia A Wilton (7), Alice M Wilton (6) and Fanny Wilton (2). The 1861 census locates Joseph's premises three-doors-down, on the same side of the road, from The Saracen's Head Hotel, with a confectioner and a clockmaker between them and a draper and grocer on the other side.

In 1871, Joseph Wilton (56) Clothier, employing 3 men and 1 boy, was still in the same position with the Willis brothers next door (although the clockmaker had changed career to become an insurance agent) and then the Parker family, confectioners. In the Wilton household also were Ann (50), Edwin Joseph (27), Eleanor (25), Arthur (20), Lydia Ann (17), Alice Maria (15), Fanny (12) and Frederick (8). Clara Jane (21) was living with her sister, Sarah Ann Jarvis (28), also in the High Street, Great Dunmow.

Joseph Wilton died, aged 58, on 11 Aug 1873 (1873 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 242) from Consumption (Tuberculosis) and was buried on 18 Aug 1873, leaving effects valued 'Under £600'. 

Ann Wilton died, at 56, on 15 Nov 1876 (1876 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 248) and was buried on 22 Nov 1876 in Great Dunmow. 

Kate Wilton had died, from Consumption (Tuberculosis) aged 23, in 1870 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 294 and was buried on 24 Jan 1870; Sarah Ann Jarvis died at 31, in 1874 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 271, again from Consumption (Tuberculosis) and was buried on 8 Jan 1874; and Frederick John Wilton died, aged 17, in 1879 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 234 and was buried on 20 Aug 1879. The level of loss in this family is truly heart-breaking. 

In 1881, it fell to Edwin Joseph Wilton to carry on the Outfitters Shop, High Street, Great Dunmow, assisted by his brother Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton (30) Clothier. Eleanor Wilton (29 ish) Tobacconist; Clara Wilton (27) Tobacconist, Tom Jarvis (13) Cashier Clerk, Nephew born in Thaxted [William Thomas Jarvis son of Sarah Ann Jarvis] and a Lodger were at 3, Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex. Alice Marie Wilton (25) Governess and Fanny Wilton (22) Governess were elsewhere in the High Street, Great Dunmow.

In 1891, Alice Wilton (31) Schoolmistress; Fanny Wilton (28) Schoolmistress; Eleanor Wilton (38) Dressmaker; Clara Wilton (36) Dressmaker and Lillie Wilton [Lydia Ann] (32) Governess. The last three were visitors in the household of the first two in the High Street, Great Dunmow. 

In 1901, Eleanor Wilton (claiming to be 45) Dressmaker and Clara Wilton (42 ish) were living in Fairfield Road, Chelmsford; Arthur T Wilton (50) Clothiers Assistant, was a Lodger at The Brook, Great Dunmow. Lydia A Wilton (42), Alice M Wilton (41) and Fanny Wilton (37) were all listed as Teacher Private School and living together in New Street, Great Dunmow.

Alice Maria Wilton died at 51 in 1906 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A 385. Essex Newsman of 9 Jun 1906: "MISS ALICE WILTON, of New Street, Dunmow, died very suddenly on Friday last. The deceased lady was in her usual health until the previous Wednesday afternoon, when she was seized with pain, and on the doctor's arrival it was found necessary for her to undergo an operation without delay. This was carried out, but death followed very soon afterwards, from heart failure. The funeral took place at the Congregational Church Burial Ground on Tuesday, when a large number of fiends attended, The mourners were Mr E J Wilton of Brighton and Mr Arthur Wilton, brothers; Messrs J W Beard, L Saville, A Dennis ad J V Mackenzie, Mr James Mackenzie, Mr & Mrs Scarfe, Mr & Mrs Dennis, the Choral Society, the Choir, the Misses White (old pupils), Mr & Mrs Budd, of Chelmsford, and the pupils of the school. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev D B Thomas.

In 1911, Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton (60) Outfitter, was a Boarder in Market Street, Great Dunmow; Eleanor Wilton (55 ish) Dressmaker and Lets Apartments was still living in Chelmsford with sister Clara Jane Wilton (51) and two Boarders; Lydia Ann Wilton (47) School Mistress and Fanny Wilton (42 ish) Music Teacher were still in Great Dunmow. 

Clara Jane Wilton died at 70 in 1919 D Quarter in CHELMSFORD.

In 1921, Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton (70) Formerly Clothier, was an Inmate in Severalls Mental Hospital, Colchester (Severalls Hospital: the Evil Inside The Asylum); Eleanor Wilton (72) Lodging house keeper; Lydia Ann Wilton (56) and Fanny Wilton (52) were at 10, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford with Thomas Cunnington (23) Accountant Clerk from Gorleston on Sea, Boarder.

Arthur Thurlbourn Wilton died at 72 in 1923 M Quarter in COLCHESTER Vol 04A Page 772; Fanny Wilton died at 67 in 1926 D Quarter in CHELMSFORD Vol 04A Page 620; Lily Wilton [Lydia Ann] died at 74 in 1928 M Quarter in CHELMSFORD Vol 04A Page 724 and Eleanor Wilton died at 82 in 1928 J Quarter in CHELMSFORD Vol 04A Page 684. 

None of them, other than Sarah Ann and Edwin Joseph, ever married.

Charles Hockley and Annie Crow

Halfway House Farm, near Great Dunmow, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robert Edwards - geograph.org.uk/p/231844

Charles Hockley (b. 27 Apr 1876), son of William Hockley and Charlotte Cock, like generations of the family grew up at Halfway House, married Annie Crow, daughter of James Crow and Ann Newcombe, who had lived virtually next door at Philpot End, in Great Dunmow, on 29 Mar 1902.

Charles and Annie Hockley had four children:

1. William Charles Hockley b. 7 Sep 1903 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 869, bap. 18 Oct 1903, in Great Dunmow
2. James Hockley b. 24 Oct 1909 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 842, bap. 28 Nov 1909 in Great Dunmow
3. Annie Hockley b. 14 Jan 1912 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 1696, bap. 25 Feb 1912 in Great Dunmow
4. Charles Francis Hockley b. 25 Mar 1915 J Quarter in DUNMOW 04A Page 1630, bap. 2 May 1915 in Great Dunmow

At Halfway House in 1911 were Charles Hockley (35) Farm Labourer, Annie Hockley (33), William Charles Hockley (7) and James Hockley (1).

None of the baptism records say where, but they do all confirm the family's residence at Halfway House. On the last baptism for Charles Francis in 1915, his father's occupation is given as Army Service Corps Serving in France. 

Despite about 60% of soldiers’ Service Records being irretrievably damaged or lost completely as a result of enemy bombing in 1940 during the Second World War, Charles Hockley's record survives. Charles Hockley, Service number T4/041670 of Halfway House, Great Dunmow, Essex, had volunteered, age 38 years and 8 months, for 3 years service on 18 Jan 1915, at which time he was 5 ft 4¼ with a 37" chest. The record confirms the dates of birth of his four children, which it says were verified by certificates, but he'd incorrectly remembered the date of his wedding anniversary.

Charles was attached to the 452nd Horse Transport Company (he'd have been used to working with horses on the farm). See: Army Service Corps Horse Transport Companies. According to the list, pre-war, this was the 46th (North Midland) Division and his record does show him with the 46th Division Train - "the ‘workhorse’ of the Division in terms of carrying stores and supplies". Charles' embarked in Southampton on 18 Feb 1915, arriving in Le Havre the following day. It is recorded that the Division spent the first months in the Ypres Salient. Charles was in France until he was discharged on 22 Mar 1919. He received a British War Medal and a Victory Medal.

In 1939, at Halfway House Cottages, Great Dunmow, were Charles Hockley, Labourer Stockman; Annie Hockley; James Hockley, Farm Labourer and Charles Francis Hockley, Heavy Tractor Driver (Agricultural Contract Work).

Charles Hockley died, aged 76, in 1953 J Qtr in BRAINTREE Vol 04A 283.

Annie Hockley died, aged 77, in 1955 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 540.

• William Charles Hockley of Church Cottage, Tilty, had married Jessica Emma Trott, daughter of Robert William Trott, on 11 Feb 1928 in Tilty, Essex. In 1939, William C Hockley, Gardener, and Jessie E Hockley were living at The Fields, Stansted Mountfitchet. William Charles Hockley died, aged 86, in Bishops Stortford, in 1989. Jessie Emma Hockley died, aged 92, in Harlow, in 1998.
• James Hockley, of Halfway House Cottage, Ongar Road, Great Dunmow, died on 2 Oct 1979. He does not appear to ever marry.
• Annie C Hockley (she didn't have a second name, but the birth date agrees), married Fred Hardy in Great Dunmow in 1937. In 1939, Fred Hardy, Horseman on farm and Annie Hardy were living at Tolliday Cottages, Stebbing, Great Dunmow. Fred Hardy died, aged 80, in 1985 and Anny Hardy, aged 77 in 1989.
• Charles Francis Hockley died on 5 Sep 2012. He'll have been 97.

Richard Wilton and Catherine Byatt

Quaker Meeting House (Grade II Listed), New Street, Great Dunmow

Richard Wilton (bap. 20 Mar 1811 in Royston, Hertfordshire), middle son of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, married Catherine Byatt (bap. 4 Apr 1824 in Little Canfield, Essex), daughter of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, at the Independent Meeting House (Quaker Meeting House), New Street, Great Dunmow, on 25 Mar 1843, according to the Rites and Ceremonies of the Protestant Dissenters. Richard Wilton, who had been listed on the 1841 census, living in the High Street, Great Dunmow, as a harness maker (as he is on the marriage certificate), was 32 at the time of the wedding and Catherine Byatt, then 19, was listed as a minor. Witnesses were Richard's younger brother Joseph Wilton and Maria Staines (then 17) sister of Richard's brother, Henry's wives (both), daughters of Thomas Staines and Sally Hockley.

Richard and Catherine had seven children:

1. Ann Wilton b. 1844 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 76, mother's maiden name BYATE. (Died 27 Apr 1850 (1850 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 56), aged 6, buried 2 May 1850)
2. Elizabeth Wilton b. 9 Aug 1847 (1847 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 69). Many places, online and off, have listed Elizabeth's date of birth as 6 August, however, I've now obtained a copy of her birth certificate from the GRO and it clearly reads Ninth August 1847.
3. Richard Wilton b. 1848 (No GRO birth registration, under any name) (Died, aged 41, in 1889 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 322)
4. Walter Wilton b. 1850 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 12 Page 79 (Died, aged 1, in 1852 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 219)
5. Martha Wilton b. 1853 M Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 317 (Died, aged 1, in 1854 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 209)
6. William Wilton b. 1855 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 311 (Died, aged 3, in 1858 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 223)
7. Ellen Wilton b. 1857 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 335

On the birth registrations for Elizabeth, Walter, Martha, William and Ellen, the mother's maiden name is correctly listed as BYATT. On Elizabeth's birth certificate, her father is listed as Richard Wilton, Harness Maker and her mother, Catherine Wilton, formerly Byatt, Informant, made her mark.

Richard Wilton, Harness maker (journeyman), died on 3 Mar 1858 (1858 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 262), from Phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis). He was 46. The informant, present at his death, at Dunmow Down, was Ann Whybrow. (Formerly Ann Chandler, she had married Thomas Whybrow, a Currier (specialist in the leather trade) in 1823.) Richard's burial on 8 Mar 1858, is in Non-Conformist Church Records, so may have been in the burial ground attached to the Quaker Meeting House in Great Dunmow (PDF), and listed his cause of death as Consumption. 

George Wilton, born in the Dunmow Union (Workhouse) on 3 Feb 1860 (1860 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 361), birth certificate says his mother's name was Caroline Wilton, no father listed, but I cannot find a Caroline Wilton in the area at any time. On later census returns George was listed as Catherine's new husband - John Eldred's - step-son, so George appears to have been Catherine's 'mystery' illegitimate son.

(George can't have been Richard's son - unless sperm freezing was invented MUCH earlier than we've been led to believe - and an attempt to 'legitimise' this birth by suggesting a death of a Richard Wilton, in Whitechapel, in 1862, I can categorically refute, as now that the GRO provide a search facility, a quick look showed that this record was the death of a child, aged 1.)

In 1861, the widowed Catherine (surname transcribed as Wilson), was living with her brother, William Byatt, in Little Canfield. George Wilton, aged 1, was listed there as nephew to the head of the household. There was a Stephen Wilton (13) Baker, lodging in the household of Elizabeth Edwards (73) at Dunmow Down, Great Dunmow, however, I believe this was a pseudonym used by Catherine's son Richard Wilton (see 1884 below). While, the 13 year old Elizabeth and her 4 year old sister, Ellen (listed as being 6), were that year, listed as inmates in the Great Dunmow Union Workhouse.

Catherine then remarried to John Eldred, widower, on 27 Sep 1862 in Great Dunmow. (Various records list her previous surname as Walton or Wilson.)

John Eldred (bap. 10 Mar 1822 in Great Dunmow) son of William Eldred and Eleanor Fewell, had married for the first time to Harriett Page, on 20 Aug 1848, in Great Dunmow. John and Harriett Eldred had three sons:

1. John Eldred b. 1849 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 12 Page 73, bap. 10 Jul 1853 in Great Dunmow. (Died aged 10, in 1860 J Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 224)
2. Walter Eldred b. 1852 D Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Volume 01C Page 355, bap. 10 Jul 1853 in Great Dunmow. On the baptism, his father's occupation is listed as Brewer's Servant and address given as No 12 Smith Place High Street Wapping London. (Died, aged 18, in 1871 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 256)
3. Alfred Eldred b. 1855 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 01C Page 468 (for reasons unknown the mother's maiden name is listed as PORTER, but there does not appear to be another Alfred Eldred it could relate to) bap. 12 Aug 1855 in Great Dunmow

But Harriet Eldred died aged 28, in 1855 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 312.

John Eldred remarried to Elizabeth Tennisse, Widow, daughter of John Pitts, Mariner, on 2 Nov 1856 at Christ Church, St George in the East. Elizabeth Pitts had previously married James Tennisse (born Jacobus Teunisse on 8 Feb 1823 in Amsterdam, Netherlands) on 5 Jun 1854, in Bethnal Green. The pair had three children, all of whom died as infants: Maria Sophia Tennisse (1849-1853); James John Tennisse (1851-1856) and Sarah Tennisse (1853-1855). James Tennisse also died, aged just 32, in 1855, in Stepney.

John and Elizabeth Eldred had one daughter:

1. Thomazine Maria Eldred b. 24 Jul 1857 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 413, bap. 4 Apr 1858 in the parish of St George in the East, Stepney. Her father's occupation was listed as Drayman and their address again as 12 Smith's Place.

Then Elizabeth Pitts Eldred died, aged 30, on 1 Apr 1859 (1859 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 271).

So when Catherine Wilton married John Eldred, she became his third wife.

In 1871, living in Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, were John Eldred (44) Ag Lab, Catherine Eldred (42) both had lost 5 years; Walter Eldred (18) Son, Alfred Eldred (16) Son, Maria Eldred (13) Daughter, Ellen Wilton (14) Step-Daughter; George Wilton (11) Step-Son; and Alice Wilton (2) Granddaughter (Alice Catherine Wilton born 12 Feb 1869, to Elizabeth Wilton.)

Then John Eldred died, aged 49, in 1876 D Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 54.

In 1881, Catherine Eldridge (sic) (56) Widow, Dressmaker from Canfield, Essex, was living at 23, Powis Road, Bromley, Poplar, with Richard Wilton (31) Labourer; George Wilton (21) Labourer; Ellen Wilton (24) Match Maker (although listed as married); Susan Robinson (21) Match Maker (Boarder) and four Lodgers: William Wardley (20) Labourer from Sudbury, Suffolk; Arthur Seatch (36) Labourer from Bromley; Frank Poulter (24) Carman from Cambridge and James Howard (18) Match Maker (Fusee) from Bromley.

Matchgirl strikers, several showing early symptoms of phosphorus necrosis. Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

White Slavery in London

Living little more than half a mile from the Bryant & May's factory in Bow, it's probably reasonable to assume this was where they were all employed, where conditions were especially bad. 

"The match girls worked from 6.30am (or 8am in winter) until 6pm, with just two breaks, standing all the time. “A typical case”, wrote Besant, “is that of a girl of 16, a piece worker; she earns 4s a week ..." (Worth around £26 in 2020).

"Conditions were appalling for the 1,400 women and girls who worked at Bryant and May's match factory in Bow, East London. Low pay for a 14-hour day was cut even more if you talked or went to the toilet, and 'phossy jaw' - a horrible bone cancer caused by the cheap type of phosphorus in the matches - was common."

"If you handled white phosphorus or came into contact with it too much, then it caused serious damage to your health and you ended up with a terrible condition known as ‘Phossy Jaw’ – where you would get severe toothache followed by swelling of the gums. Abscesses would then form on the jaw-bone, and the facial bones would glow a greeny white in the dark. If untreated then ‘Phossy Jaw’ would develop into brain damage and ultimately multiple organ failure." As a result of these appalling conditions, the London Matchgirls Strike of 1888 started in the factory, which led to the establishment of the first British trade union for women. Match Girls Strike at Bryant and May Factory: The 1888 Uprising for Workers’ Rights in London

The Essex Herald of 20 Oct 1884 reported on "WHOLESALE SHOP LIFTING. - Richard Wilton, a navvy, of Bromley-by-Bow, was brought up in custody charged with stealing a black rep cloth overcoat and 12 pairs of tanned leggings, value £1, from the shop of Edwin Joseph Wilton, in High Street, Dunmow on Saturday night last. Prisoner was further charged with stealing six twill jackets, value 24s, the property of Mr John Beard, of North Street, Great Dunmow, on Saturday night. Superintendent Ackers stated that the greater part of the property had been recovered and identified, and, it being believed that others were implicated in the robbery, he asked that the prisoner, who was only arrested on Sunday night, might be remanded. The prisoner was accordingly remanded for a week. Later reports, which (named the perp as Stephen Wilton (36) Baker) noted that Mr [Edwin] Wilton stated the prisoner was his cousin. The prisoner was acquitted. (There were two cousins, to both Richard and Edwin, named Stephen Wilton [1] [2] - neither were angels - but I'm sure this was Richard and not either of them.

Of Catherine's surviving children and two step-children: her daughter Elizabeth Wilton; her son George Wilton; Alfred Eldred and Thomazine Maria Eldred ... all four gave the name Catherine as the first or middle name to their first child. In the case of her step-son, Alfred's wife's mother was also named Catherine to account for this, but for all of them to use the name, I think tells us far more about Catherine as a person than records usually can.

So far, I've not found a death for Catherine, but with so many incorrect names given throughout her life, it's not easy to guess what it might be listed under. There's also the chance, of course, that she remarried once again and therefore this is under yet another totally new name.

Charles Stephen Hockley and Esther Clark

Photo © John Salmon (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Helen & St Giles, Rainham

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Charles Richard Hockley (b. 1874 in Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar), born and baptised Charles Stephen Hockley, from marriage onwards Charles Richard Hockley, son of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton, married Esther Clark (bap. 23 Jun 1878 in Rainham, Essex), daughter of Abraham Henry Clark and Esther Shellito, at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham, on 20 Mar 1897.

Charles and Esther Hockley had six children:

1. Rose Ellen Hockley b. 19 Jan 1898 (1898 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 525), bap. 20 Feb 1898 at St Helen & St Giles
2. May Hockley b. 27 Sep 1901 (1901 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 613), bap. 4 Nov 1901 at St Helen & St Giles
3. William Stephen Hockley b. 12 Jan 1907 (1907 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 626), bap. 17 Mar 1907 at St Helen & St Giles
4. Richard Charles Hockley b. 12 Jan 1907 (1907 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 626), bap. 17 Mar 1907 at St Helen & St Giles
5. Edith Florence Hockley b. 4 Jun 1911 (1911 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 1185), bap. 2 Jul 1911 at St Helen & St Giles
6. Dorothy Mabel Hockley b. 29 Jul 1914 (1914 S Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 1226), bap. 13 Sep 1914 at St Helen & St Giles. Dorothy Mabel Hockley, of 1 Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex, daughter of Charles Hockley, a Farm Labourer died on 7 Mar 1915 (1915 M Quarter in WHITECHAPEL Volume 01C Page 393), at the London Hospital, Whitechapel from (1) Intussusception (2) Operation. She was buried on 13 Mar 1915 in Havering, London.

All of the birth registrations show the mother's maiden name of CLARK. All of the baptisms list them as the children of Charles Richard and Esther Hockley. Richard Charles and William Stephen, were identical twins. 

In 1901, Charles Hockley (27) Agricultural Labourer was living at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex with Esther Hockley (22) and Rose Hockley (3).

In 1911, and still living at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham, Essex, were Charles Hockley (37) Farm Labourer; Esther Hockley (34), Rose Ellen Hockley (13), May Hockley (9), William Stephen Hockley (4) and Richard Charles Hockley (4). On the 1911 census return the couple state that they'd been married 14 years and, by that time, had 4 children, with all four then still alive.

Charles Hockley (no middle name listed) died, aged 41 in 1916 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 620 and was buried on 17 Oct 1916.

In 1921, Esther Hockley (43) Widow, doing Agricultural Work at Brick House, Rainham, still living at 1, Rosedale Terrace, Rainham with Rose E Hockley (23) Carburettor Tester; May Hockley (19) Machine Minder Out Of Work; Richard C and William S Hockley (14) Farm Work; and Edith F Hockley (10).

In 1939, Esther Hockley (b. 28 May 1878), Widowed, School Cleaner, address was 100 Upminster Road, Rainham, and living with her were William S Hockley, Farm Worker; and Edith F Hockley, Machine Operator.

Esther Hockley died, aged 71, in  1950 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 05A Page 455 and was buried on 8 May 1950 in the district of Havering.

• Rose Ellen Hockley married Edward Herbert Parker at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 12 Nov 1921. Rose Ellen Parker, of 136 Upminster Road South, Rainham, died on 7 Dec 1983 and was buried on 14 Dec 1983 in the district of Havering.
• May Hockley married Archie Harold Patch (b. 6 Jun 1898 in Grays, Essex) at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 5 Jun 1926. May Patch died in 1930 M Quarter in ORSETT Volume 04A Page 645, aged 29, and was buried on 13 Mar 1930 in Havering, London.
• William Stephen Hockley, does not appear to have married. He died aged 70 and was buried on 8 Jul 1977 in Havering, London.
• Richard Charles Hockley married Beatrice Maud Deeks at St Helen And St Giles, Rainham on 18 Nov 1933. Richard Charles Hockley died at 84 in DOR Q2/1991 in BRENTWOOD (4662) Volume 9 Page 1679 and was buried on 11 Apr 1991 in Havering, London.
• Edith Florence Hockley married John Cyril Peel (b. 7 Dec 1911 in Blackburn, Lancashire), in the district of Romford, Essex on 3 Sep 1945. John Cyril Peel died in Norfolk in 1983; Edith Florence Peel of 78 Clark Road, Ditchingham, Norfolk died on 7 Dec 1984.

William Hockley and Jane Pye and Sarah Stokes

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

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

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

William and Jane Hockley had two children:

1. William Hockley b. 7 Jun 1795, bap. 3 Jul 1795, Age: 3 Weeks & 5 Days
2. Jane Pye Hockley bap. 30 Jul 1797. Died aged 9 months, and was buried on 14 Mar 1798.

It would appear that Jane likely died as a result of giving birth to their daughter, as she was buried at St Mary's on 6 July 1797, aged 25. 

William then remarried to Sarah Stokes (bap. 27 Dec 1778 in Little Canfield) daughter of William Stokes and Mary Judd, on 7 Sep 1800, also at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, not before they'd had their first child however. William and Sarah went on to have at least eight children:

1. Jane Hockley b. Feb 1800 "Bastard Child of William Hockley and Sarah Stokes", it states, was baptised, aged 9 weeks, on 13 Apr 1800
2. Robert Hockley bap. 2 Oct 1802 (Died aged 3 weeks, 3 days and was buried 15 Oct 1802)
3. Robert Hockley bap. 11 Mar 1804
4. Sarah Hockley bap. 29 Dec 1805
5. Mary Ann Hockley bap. 26 Feb 1809
6. Elizabeth Hockley bap. 25 Aug 1811
7. Anne Hockley bap. 8 Dec 1816 (where William is still listed as Hostler). (Died 1819, aged 2 and buried 16 Sep 1819)
8. Henry Hockley bap. 25 Apr 1819. [Sources]

In 1841, William Hockley (74), wife Sarah (65) and youngest son, Henry (20), were living in Star Lane, Great Dunmow. 

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

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

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

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

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 Turner, on 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. Died at 17 in 1841 J Quarter in BILLERICAY Volume 12 Page 6 and was buried on 30 May 1841.
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 Roding; Sarah 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, in 1870 (1870 M Quarter in CHELMSFORD Volume 04A Page 134), and was buried, on 8 Feb 1870, in Ingatestone.

In 1871, Sally Staines, widow and annuitant, was living Nr The Maltings, Avenue Cottage with Anne (40), housekeeper and Fanny Hogg, boarder. 

Sally Staines (née Hockley) died, aged 87 in 1875 (1875 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 308), 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

Joseph James Hockley and Nellie Radley

Holy Cross Church, Felsted, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Stack - geograph.org.uk/p/2031193

Joseph James Hockley (b. 7 Mar 1881), illegitimate son of Elizabeth Hockley, married Nellie Radley (b. 19 Apr 1880 in Felsted), daughter of Jonah Radley and Jane Digby, on 2 Jan 1904 at Holy Cross Church, Felsted.

Joseph James and Nellie had six children, but tragically, only two survived:

1. Eleanor Lottie Hockley b. 1904 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 416
2. Doris Rose Hockley b. 1907 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 434
3. Austen Hubert Hockley b. 1909 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 407. Died in 1909 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 223
4. Annie May Hockley b. 1910 S Quarter in WILLESDEN Volume 03A Page 301. Died 1910 D Quarter in WILLESDEN Volume 03A Page 136
5. Neville Frederick Hockley b. 1910 S Quarter in WILLESDEN Volume 03A Page 301. Died 1910 D Quarter in WILLESDEN Volume 03A Page 129
6. Kathleen Nellie Hockley b. 1916 S Quarter in STEYNING Volume 02B Page 403. Died 1917 D Quarter in STEYNING Volume 02B Page 365

Annie May and Neville Frederick, clearly, were twins.

Joseph James Hockley from Felsted, had enlisted in the Coldstream Guards on 20 Jun 1898. He said he was 18 years and 3 months old, so he'd added a year. He was a tall lad at 5ft 9in, weighing 133 lbs with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and brown hair. The workhouse school had just about taught him to sign his name. In 1901, J Hockley (20) from Felsted, Essex, Pte foot guards, was at Pirbright Camp in Pirbright, Surrey. 

As James Hockley he served in Gibraltar in 1899 and twice in South Africa, once in 1900 and again in 1902, during the Second Boer War, for which he was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal and 5 clasps including Diamond Hill, JOHANNESBURG (Doornkop), CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE and SOUTH AFRICA 1902. James Hockley was transferred to the Army Reserve on 5 Aug 1902 and discharged from the reserve on 18 Feb 1910 on promotion to the rank of Sergeant of Police. 

In 1911, Joseph Hockley (30) Metropolitan police sergeant, Nellie Hockley (30), Eleanor Hockley (6) and Doris Hockley (4) were living at 5 Weymouth Terrace, Acton Lane, Willesden. This census confirmed that, by that time, they'd had 5 children, of whom 3 had died, during their 7 year marriage.

Joseph James Hockley died, aged 38, in 1919 M Quarter in STEYNING.

In 1921, Nellie Hockley (41) Stationer & Confectioner was at 94, Portland Road, Hove, Aldrington, Sussex with Eleanor Lottie Hockley (16) Assisting Mother in Shop; Doris Rose Hockley (14) Clerk. There were two boarders, both Policemen for Hove Borough Police and two visitors, William Henry and Eleanor Theresa Sheppard (from London. Family maybe?).

In 1939, Nellie Hockley, widow, lived at 46 Marmion Road, Hove.

Nellie Hockley of 46 Marmion Road, Hove, died on 3 Aug 1958 at 26 Tugela Road, Chippenham, Wiltshire, leaving her effects to Doris Rose Slade (wife of Samuel James Slade) and Leslie William Terry Judd chartered secretary. 

(Eleanor Lottie Hockley had married Leslie William Terry Judd in 1929, in Steyning, Sussex, while Doris Rose Hockley married Samuel James Slade in 1948, in Chippenham, Wiltshire. Uncertain if either couple had children).

John Walter Harris and Alice Catherine Wilton

Kingsley Hall, Powis Road, Bromley-by-Bow

John Harris (21) Batchelor, Engineer, who listed his father as Charles Harris, Blacksmith, married Alice Wilton (20) Spinster, daughter of Elizabeth Wilton, at the Parish Church of Bromley St Leonard (St Mary's Church, Bromley St Leonard's, more on this lost church here) on 25 Dec 1889. Witnesses at the wedding were W Wardley (there was a William Wardley lodging in her grandmother's household in 1881) and Hannah Smith. Alice had listed her father as "James Wilton, Carman", an invention, presumably "for appearances sake", which seems to be a portmanteau of James for James Hockley, her putative father; Wilton her mother's maiden name and her own birth surname; and Carman, which was the occupation of her half-uncle, George Wilton.

Because Alice was born on 12 Feb 1869 and her mother married James Hockley in 1870, it's generally assumed that James was Alice's biological father. In 1871, while James and Elizabeth Hockley were living on the Braintree Road, Great Dunmow, Alice (2) was next-door-but-one with her grandmother, Catherine Eldred, which made sense as Elizabeth was then about to have another baby. In 1881, Alice was on the census with James and Elizabeth Hockley, in Hornchurch, listed as Alice Hockley (14), leading many to assume she lived with them and used that surname thereafter, but I wonder if this was just a case of not challenging the use of dittos, nor wanting to explain why your kid had a different surname. Alice didn't use that surname to marry and the fact that she married in the area where her grandmother, rather than her mother, lived, I feel, is also significant. As it seems she was raised by her grandmother, this suggests she was not James Hockley's child.

John and Alice Harris had ten children:

1. Elizabeth Harris b. 7 Mar 1890 (1890 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 578), mother's maiden name listed as WILTON. (No baptism found, which is not really surprising given her 'premature' arrival.)
2. Ellen Harris b. 28 Dec 1891 (1892 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 633) with her mother's maiden name listed as ALDRIDGE. Feeling that Aldridge could be a mis-hearing of ELDRIDGE and Ellen being the name of Alice's Aunt, this looked likely, so I obtained the birth record which confirms that she was the child of "John Harris, Boiler Maker and Alice Harris, formerly Aldridge, of 39 Egleton Road, Bromley", bap. 31 Dec 1891 at St Mary's, Bromley St Leonard's. She did not survive and it looks likely she died 1896 J Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 364.
3. John Harris b. 25 Oct 1893 (1893 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 605) with his mother's maiden name listed as ELDRIDGE, bap. 30 Nov 1893 at St Mary's Church, Bromley St Leonard's
4. Mary Catherine Harris b. 7 Dec 1895 (1896 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 597) with her mother's maiden name listed as WILTON, bap. 22 Dec 1895 at St Mary's, Bromley St Leonard's
5. Charles Harris b. 1898 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 581, with his mother's maiden name listed as HOCKLEY. (No baptism record found.) Died 1898 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 394
6. Charles Harris b. 15 Oct 1899 (1899 D Qtr POPLAR Vol 01C Page 569) mother's maiden name WILTON. bap. 26 Oct 1899 at St Mary's, Bromley St Leonard's. Died 1899 D Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 425
7. Albert George Harris b. 29 Sep 1901 (1901 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 578), mother's maiden name listed as WILTON, bap. 23 Oct 1901 at St Mary's Church, Bromley St Leonard's
8. Charles Douglas Harris b. 13 Jun 1903 (1903 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 575) with his mother's maiden name listed as WILTON, bap. 5 Jul 1903 at St Mary's, Bromley St Leonard's
9. Percy Harris b. 1905 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 579 with his mother's maiden name listed as ELDRIDGE. (No baptism record found.) Died 1905 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 349
10. Florence Hannah Harris b. 8 Apr 1912 (1912 J Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 972), mother's maiden name WILTON, bap. 28 Apr 1912 as Florence Anna Harris at St Mary's, Bromley St Leonard's. Died 1912 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 605

On the baptism for the 6th child, Charles Harris in 1899, John is listed as John Walter. It appears this is correct. It did seem that Charles was important and probably a family name, having used this for three sons, and this did also suggest this was indeed John's father's name. Hannah, used as the second name of the last child also seemed significant. Born John Walter Harris on 27 Apr 1868 (1868 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 499), bap. 25 Feb 1869 at St Anne's Limehouse, he was the son of Charles John Harris and Hannah Harriet Camp. There's no record of a Charles Harris, Blacksmith in the area, ever, but Charles John Harris, Mariner and Rigger, later became a Labourer and, if that was at an Iron Foundry (as were his son and grandson later), then this is just the sort of 'upgrade' that would be given him to make a marriage certificate appear more posh. There are also many similarities between the naming of John and Alice's children and of his siblings.

If we needed clues that this is indeed Alice Catherine Wilton, Elizabeth Wilton's daughter and Catherine Byatt's granddaughter, there are the names given to the first two girls. Using HOCKLEY on one of the birth registrations adds another, but the use of ELDRIDGE on some of the birth registrations is strange, but extremely useful in providing evidence of her connections. Alice's grandmother, Catherine Wilton (née Byatt), married a second time to John Eldred. However, in 1881, Catherine (living at 23, Powis Road, Bromley, Poplar), had listed herself as Catherine Eldridge, and her two step-children, John Eldred's son and daughter from his previous marriages, also later used this 'usefully wrong' surname. There is no logical reason that I can think of for Alice to use this surname, unless, as the clues seem to be pointing, she was actually brought up by her grandmother. It's almost as if Alice is leaving us a trail of clues, although I can't possibly imagine she did so consciously.

Haven't been able to find them in 1891 and think they eluded the census.

In 1901, John Harris (30) General Labourer from Limehouse, Middlesex was living at 14, Powis Road, Bromley, Poplar with Alice Harris (29ish), Elizabeth Harris (11), John Harris (7) and Mary Harris (5). On this census, Alice's birthplace is listed - curiously and wrongly - as Bromley, London.

In 1911, John Harriss (sic) (40) General Labourer at Iron Foundry from Limehouse was living (in 2 rooms) of 24 Norris Road, Bow, London, with Alice Harris (42) whose birthplace this time is listed as Rainham; Jack Harris [John Jnr] (17), Albert Harris (10), Charles Harris (8), Lizzie Harris (21) and Mary Harris (16). On this census they confirm that they had been married for 21 years and had 9 children of whom 5 were then still alive and 4 had died.

On 18 May 1920, Charles Douglas Harris, son of John Harris of 24 Norris Road, Bromley-by-Bow, London E3, enlisted in the Royal Tank Corps, the record saying he had previously served with the 5th Dragoon Guards. He was, however, discharged on 14 Jun 1920, "Having made a mis-statement as to age on enlistment." He'd said he was 18, when he was only 17. (So many had done this during WWI and the services weren't so fussy about it then.)

In 1921, weirdly listed as John Alfred Harris (52) Labourer from Limehouse, Middlesex, still living at 24, Norris Road, Bromley, Poplar, with Alice Harris (53) who had finally remembered that she was born in Dunmow, Essex; and Charles Harris (18) Labourer. Also listed on the transcript is Albert Harris (20) Seafarer, although on the original census schedule, there is a line through his name as in the r/h column of the listing, in brackets states (away at sea).

Albert George Harris (right) born 29 Sep 1901 in Bromley-by-Bow, had indeed joined the Merchant Navy in 1918. On 1 Apr 1919, he had joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, described then as being 5ft 5in, with light brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion and a 34½ in chest, from which he was demobbed on 8 Apr 1920. It appears Albert had joined the ship "Woodarra" at Victoria Docks, London on 4 Feb 1921.

Alice Harris died, aged 61, in 1931 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 479.

In 1939, John W Harris (b. 27 Apr 1868) Skilled Labourer (Pensioner), Widower, was living at 774 Old Ford Road, Bow, Tower Hamlets.

John Walter Harris died, aged 80, in 1949 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 05D Page 322. It is reported that he died on 10 Mar 1949 at St Andrew's Hospital (St Andrew's Hospital, Devons Rd, Bow).

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. At least three sources (1841 census, his own marriage in 1843, as well as his death certificate) show Richard Wilton was a harness maker. However, as Richard had died in 1858, I can see how this error became perpetuated.

James and Elizabeth Hockley had eleven children:

1. Alice Catherine Wilton b. 12 Feb 1869 (1869 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 407), bap. 27 Apr 1869 at St Mary, Great Dunmow as Alice Wilton, daughter of Elizabeth Wilton, Single Woman
2. George James Hockley b. 21 May 1871 (1871 J Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 384, bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
3. Charles Stephen Hockley b. 1874 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 677, bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
4. Eliza Ellen Hockley b. 15 Apr 1876 (1876 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 198), bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch.
5. William Hockley b. 1878 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 227 (Died, aged 1, in  1880 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 138)
6. John Harry Hockley b. 25 Jul 1881 (1881 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 03B Page 270), bap. 28 Aug 1881 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
7. Emily Hockley b. 1884 M Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 323, bap. 30 Mar 1884 at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch
8. Frederick Hockley b. 19 Mar 1886 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 349 (mother's maiden name listed incorrectly as Wilson)
9. Alfred Albert Hockley b. 15 Apr 1888 (1888 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 359)
10. Joseph Hockley b. 1892 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 402 (Died 1892 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 201)
11. Florence Hockley b. 1894 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 413

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 with rebate) were living in South End Road, Hornchurch, with Alice Hockley (14) - listed under James' surname - George Hockley (11), Charles Hockley (9) birthplace 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). (The 1911 census confirmed 11 children born, with 9 surviving.)

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 (77), wife of James Hockley a Farm Foreman (present at her death), died on 2 Dec 1924 (1924 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 503) at Spring Cottages, Rainham, from Acute Bronchitis & Heart Failure.

James Hockley died, at 87, in 1936 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 409.

George James Hockley and Emily Jane Jiggins

St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © terry joyce - geograph.org.uk/p/2135721
Former church, now a private residence.

George James Hockley (b. 21 May 1871 in Great Dunmow), son of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton, married Emily Jane Jiggins (b. 30 Apr 1876 in Rainham), daughter of David Jiggins and Eliza Ann Turner on 25 Dec 1895, in Rainham, Essex, presumably at the Church of St Helen and St Giles.

George James and Emily Jane Hockley had eight children:

1. Emily Florence Louisa Hockley b. 2 Aug 1896 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 476, bap. 30 Aug 1896 at St Helen & St Giles, Rainham
2. Sarah Elizabeth Hockley b. 1898 M Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 519, bap. 2 Jan 1898 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
3. James George Hockley b. 24 Jan 1899 M Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 551, bap. 1 Mar 1899 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
4. William Hockley b. 7 Apr 1900 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 556, bap. 6 May 1900 a St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
5. Frederick John Hockley b. 16 Aug 1903 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 620, bap. 4 Oct 1903 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
6. George Hockley b. 18 Nov 1909, reg. 1910 M Qtr in ROMFORD
7. Alfred Hockley b. 1913 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 1245. Died 1913 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 549, buried 1914 in Wennington
8. Rose Hockley b. 1913 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 1245

All of the GRO birth registrations show the mother's maiden name JIGGINS. The last two, clearly were fraternal twins, though only Rose survived.

In 1901, we find George J Hockley (26ish) Agricultural Labourer at 1, Spring Cottages, High Street, Rainham with Emily J Hockley (23), Florence Hockley (4), Elizabeth Hockley (3), James Hockley (2) and William Hockley (0).

In 1911, with their address listed as Sparrow Hall, Wennington, were George Hockley (36) Farm Labourer; Emily Hockley (34), Florrie (14), Lizzie (13), James (12), William (11), Frederick (4) and George (1).

In 1921, George James Hockley (50) Farm Bailiff for Mr J Randall, Market Gardener, was living at Gerfin Cottages, Upminster Road, Rainham, with Emily Jane Hockley (45), James George Hockley (22), William Hockley (21), Fredrick John Hockley (17) - those three sons then also working for Mr J Randall, Market Gardner - George Hockley (11) and Rose Hockley (8). 

In 1939, George J Hockley (68) Farm Labourer Retired; Emily Hockley (63) and Emily F L (Florence) Hockley were listed at Rose Cottage, Billericay.

Emily Jane Hockley of Rose Cottage, Dunton Waylett, died on 1 Jan 1950 (1950 M Quarter in BRENTWOOD Volume 04A Page 451) and was buried on 6 Jan 1950 at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts.

George James Hockley died on 19 Jul 1950 (1950 S Quarter in BRENTWOOD Vol 04A Page 307) at Rose Cottage and was buried, on 24 Jul 1950, also at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts, with his late wife.

The church was sold in 1985. "Following the sale the church was restored for use as a private residence which it remains to this day. There are still a few gravestones remaining from the former churchyard adjacent to the house." Theirs appears to be one of the surviving gravestones, albeit in a damaged state (pictured left). The inscription reads, "In Loving Memory of A dear mother EMILY JANE HOCKLEY who fell asleep 1st January 1950 aged 78 years. Also a dear father GEORGE JAMES HOCKLEY who fell asleep 19th July 1950 aged 79 years. Gone but not forgotten."

• Emily Florence Louisa Hockley married Leonard George Dice (b. 26 March 1901 in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex), son of Frederick John Dice and Fanny Vince, in 1947. Florence Emily Dice died in Haywards Heath, in 1981. Leonard George Dice in 1994.
• Sarah Elizabeth Hockley married Percy Albert Peckham (bap. 25 Sep 1892 in Ringmer, Sussex), son of Ernest James Peckham and Rose Alice Buckwell, at Holy Saviour Church, Croydon in 1917. Percy Albert Peckham died in 1952 and Sarah remarried to widower, Harry Sherwin in 1958. Harry Sherwin died in 1971 and Sarah Elizabeth Sherwin died in 1981, both in Brighton, Sussex.
• James George Hockley married Ada May Rust (b. 1898) daughter of George William Rust and Rhoda Jane Clark, in Romford, Essex in 1922. Ada May Hockley died in 1975 and James George Hockley in 1977. They had eight children, one girl and seven boys.
• William Hockley married Florence May Berryman (bap. 28 Sep 1902), daughter of Herbert William Berryman and Jessie Cornell, in Romford, Essex, on 26 Oct 1935. William Hockley died at 64, on 28 Jan 1965, and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton on 5 Feb 1965. Florence May Hockley died in Brentwood in 1973.
• Frederick John Hockley married Mary Ann Elizabeth Hearn (b. 6 Feb 1905 in Hornchurch), daughter of Horace Edward Hearn and Mary Ann Elizabeth Turner, in Romford, on 2 Apr 1923. They had one daughter, Dorothy Mary Hockley (1929-2012). Frederick John Hockley died, at 41, on 15 Oct 1944 in Waltham Cross. Mary Ann Elizabeth Hockley died on 15 Feb 1963, in Romford.
• George Hockley died on 16 Dec 1979 in Dunton Waylett, Essex.
• Rose Hockley, daughter of George James Hockley, Poultry Keeper married Edward John Norman Arnold Walker (22), Guardsman, who's residence at the time of marriage was Aldershot, purportedly son of George Walker, Labourer (although I have found no birth or baptism), on 29 Sep 1934 at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton. One of the witnesses to this marriage was F M [Florence May] Berryman, who married William Hockley the following year.