Family Stories
Everyone Has A Story ...
Showing posts with label Labourer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Labourer. Show all posts

Thursday, 6 November 2025

George Hockley and Eliza Crow

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. Tamar Hockley b. 1844 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 75 (Tamar as a female given name) (No baptism found)
  3. Daniel Hockley b. 1845 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 71, bap. 12 May 1850  at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  4. Elizabeth Hockley b. 1847 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 79, bap. 9 Aug 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  5. James Hockley b. 24 Apr 1849 (1849 J Qtr in DUNMOW UNION Vol 12 Page 22), bap. 10 Jun 1849 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  6. Emma Hockley b. 1851 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 90, bap. 13 Apr 1851 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  7. Lucy Hockley b. 1852 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 283, bap. 8 Aug 1852 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  8. Charles Hockley b. 1854 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 326, bap. 9 Jul 1854 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  9. Alice Hockley b. 1855 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 282, bap. 11 Nov 1855 St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  10. Sarah Ann Hockley b. 1857 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 337, bap. 9 Aug 1857 St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
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

The mother's maiden name is listed on the birth registrations as CROW, except Daniel Hockley, with mother's maiden name listed as "Cross". 


George Hockley, Agricultural Labourer, died on 12 Jul 1857, aged just 42 (1857 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 225), at Halfway House [Farm], from the then all too common cause, Phthisis (Tuberculosis (TB)) and was buried on 17 Jul 1857, in Great Dunmow.

Clearly Sarah Ann and Elizabeth were baptised after their father's death.

In 1861, Eliza Hockley (40), was living at Phreaders Green, Great Dunmow with sons, William Crow (19) and Daniel Hockley (14), both Agricultural Labourers presumably 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). Tamar Hockley (16) was then a House maid in the employ of Francis Berrington Crittall (36) 'Ironmonger' (founder of Crittall Windows) in Bank Street, Braintree

In 1871, at High Street, Park Corner, Great Dunmow, were Eliza Hockley (39) - 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; Elizabeth Hockley (20ish) and illegitimate daughter, Ada Elizabeth Hockley (1) (b. 1869 D Quarter in ISLINGTON, bap. 1 May 1873, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), were listed as Inmates of Dunmow Union Workhouse; 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; while Alice Hockley (14) was a domestic servant to William Stacey, Photographer and Florist, in The Causeway, Great Dunmow.

Eliza Hockley, daughter of William Crow, 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'd 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.)

Charles Hockley, then 23, Groom from Great Dunmow, Essex, enlisted in the 20th Hussars at London, on 2 Jul 1877. At that time being 5ft 6in, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He transferred to the 10th Hussars (Prince of Wales's Own) on 31 Oct 1879, which ultimately meant he saw action at the Battle of El Teb, 29 Feb 1884 (First and Second Battles of El Teb) during the Mahdist War in what was then Mahdist Sudan. This action earned him the Sudan Medal 1884 (Egypt Medal) with clasp El Teb, as well as a Khedive Star 1884. From 11 Dec 1879 to 18 Feb 1884, Charles had been in the East Indies, first in Rawalpindi and then Mian Mir: "The four-week march was arduous and hampered by lack of healthy camels. They had to cross the rivers Jhelum and Chenab, and camped several days at Shaddera near Lahore." In November, they were ordered to re-locate again, to Lucknow, where the 10th were located near the ruined Dilkusha Palace. "There was a large European population at Lucknow during the cooler months so that a good social life was enjoyed." [Source] As proof of that, in Nov 1881, in Lucknow, Charles was treated for a dose of that well-known soldiers' "recreational hazard", Gonorrhea. The 10th travelled to Sudan aboard HMS Jumna 1884 and disembarked on 19 Feb 1884, where Charles' record locates him until 21 Apr 1884. Amongst sprains and dislocations, Charles also suffered Jaundice in 1879, ague (malaria or another illness involving fever and shivering) on no less than four occasions in 1880 and 1881 and Dysentery while in Suakin in 1884. Charles' next of kin is listed as his mother, Eliza Bloomfield at Glengall Road, Poplar - the address of her eldest son, William Hockley (born Crow). Charles left the army in 1885.

In 1881, William Bloomfield (62) Blacksmith, born in Dunwich, Suffolk, and Eliza Bloomfield (55), were at Cottage Farm, Banister Green, Felstead. Elizabeth Hockley (28), Ada Hockley (12) and Joseph James Hockley (0) - born on 7 Mar 1881, Elizabeth's second illegitimate child - were all Pauper Inmates at the Union Workhouse, Great Dunmow. (Joseph James Hockley was baptised on 16 Jun 1882 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, with their address given at that time as Dunmow Union Workhouse Felsted.)

In 1891, William (73) and Eliza Bloomfield (64) were at Cock Green, Felsted. Elizabeth Hockley (38) Pauper inmate was once more at Dunmow Union Workhouse, with son, [Joseph] James Hockley (10). Charles Hockley (35) was working as a Valet and residing in Arlington Road, St Pancras, London.

William Bloomfield died, aged 76, in 1893 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 407. 

In 1901, Eliza Bloomfield (it claims she was 75) widow living on children, was still living in Felsted. Elizabeth Hockley (49) was Housekeeper to Walter Howland at Silverleys, Straits Lane, Felstead, while Ada Hockley (32) born in Islington was back in The Dunmow Union Workhouse as a Pauper Inmate; Charles Hockley (46) from Great Dunmow, Essex was a Boarder in the household of Robert Bailey a Cadet servant (military academy) at 10, James Street, Woolwich, London. (Robert Bailey, from Huddersfiled, Yorkshire had served, from 1867 to 1888, in the 109th Regiment of Foot (Bombay Infantry). Charles was an Arsenal labourer (Royal Arsenal, Woolwich).

Charles Hockley died, at 50, in 1904 D Qtr in SOUTHWARK Vol 01D 23.

Eliza Bloomfield died in 1906 M Quarter in BILLERICAY Volume 04A Page 319, with her age estimated as 84. She will have been 86.

In 1911, Elizabeth Hockley (64) and Ada Hockley (43) Domestic servants were once again Inmates at the Dunmow Union Workhouse. So far I've found no further records for Elizabeth nor Ada, who may have died there.

Monday, 27 October 2025

Solomon Thompson Snr and Ann Rawson

St. Mary Magdalene church, Geddington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Richard Croft - geograph.org.uk/p/533762

Solomon Thompson Snr (bap. 25 Aug 1745 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Benjamin Thompson and Sarah Munn, married Ann Rawson (bap. 2 Jan 1747, in Geddington, Northamptonshire), daughter of James Rawson and Sarah Fletcher, at St. Mary Magdalene, Geddington, on 27 Oct 1767.

They had at least nine children baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley:
  1. Ann Thompson bap. 6 Nov 1768 (Buried 17 Dec 1768)
  2. Solomon Tomson (sic) bap. 20 May 1770 (Assume died in infancy)
  3. Sarah Tomson (sic) bap. 15 Dec 1771
  4. Mary Thompson bap. 17 Dec 1775
  5. Thomas Thompson b. ~1779 (Buried 20 Aug 1780)
  6. Martha Thompson bap. 11 Jun 1780
  7. Lucy Thompson bap. 6 Oct 1782
  8. Ann Thompson bap. 8 Nov 1784
  9. Solomon Thompson Jnr bap. 15 Jun 1786
Solomon Thompson, labourer, had appeared on the Northamptonshire Militia Lists 1771. "The Militia Act of 1757 required each county to raise an assigned quota of able-bodied men to serve in the militia. The act was passed as a reaction to the French invasion during the Seven Years War. The militia was responsible for the defense of Great Britain and Ireland. They never served abroad. Men were between the ages of 18 and 45 and served for a minimum of 28 days a year, over three years."

Solomon Thompson Snr (75) was buried, in Cransley, on 2 Sep 1823.

Ann Thomson (sic) Widow (81), was buried in Cransley on 31 Jan 1828.

Friday, 24 October 2025

James Hockley and Emma Parker

St. Mary’s Church, Great Canfield

James Hockley (bap. 5 Aug 1838 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), son of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, married Emma Parker (bap. 16 Jun 1839 at St. Mary’s Church, Great Canfield), daughter of William Parker and Jane Burton, at St Mary's, Great Canfield on 24 Oct 1863.

James and Emma had ten children:
  1. Anne Hockley b. 1864 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 345, bap. Annie on 13 Nov 1864 at St MaryGreat Dunmow
  2. Jane Hockley b. 1866 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 341, bap 9 Sep 1866 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  3. Fanny Hockley b. 1868 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 372, bap. 14 Jun 1868 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  4. George Hockley b. 1869 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 378, bap. 9 Jan 1870 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  5. Alfred Hockley b. 1872 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 416, bap. 14 Apr 1872 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow [1]
  6. Emma Hockley b. 1873 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 394, bap. 8 Feb 1874 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  7. James Hockley b. 1875 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 412, bap. 12 Dec 1875 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  8. Alice Hockley b. 1877 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 444, bap. 9 Dec 1877 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  9. Kate Hockley b. 7 Jan 1880 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 511, bap. 11 Apr 1880 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
  10. Mary Ann Hockley b. 24 Sep 1881 D Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 519, bap. 11 Dec 1881 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow
[1] The baptism record for Alfred Hockley lists the parents as William and Charlotte Hockley (James' elder brother and his wife), but he was James and Emma's son, as he appears on census returns with this family and the GRO registration shows his mother's maiden name as PARKER. Both brothers had numerous children baptised at St Mary the Virgin and one imagines both couples would have attended each other's children's christenings, so you can imagine how the curate could have been confused whose infant it was.

Some of the baptisms give James' occupation as Labourer, others Painter.

In 1871, James Hockley (33) Farm Labourer was living at the 'End of New Street, Great Dunmow', with Emma Hockley (31), Annie Hockley (6), Jane Hockley (4), Fanny Hockley (2) and George Hockley (1). 

In 1881, at Minchin Farm, (Part Of), Great Dunmow, were James Hockley (42) Agricultural Labourer, Emma Hockley (41), Jane Hockley (14) Domestic Servant; Fanny Hockley (12), George Hockley (11), Alfred Hockley (9), Emma Hockley (7), James Hockley (5), Alice Hockley (3) and Kate Hockley (1). 

In 1891 they were at Minchin Farm, (Part Of), High Wood, Great Dunmow, with James Hockley (52) Agricultural Labourer, Emma Hockley (51), George Hockley (21) Agricultural Labourer, James Hockley (15) Agricultural Labourer, Alice Hockley (13), Kate Hockley (11) and Mary Ann Hockley (9).

In 1901, James Hockley (62) was a Horseman on farm at Gate House Farm, Great Dunmow, with Emma Hockley (61), with just James Hockley (25) Horseman on farm and Mary A Hockley (19) still at home.

In 1911, James Hockley (72) Farm Labourer, Emma Hockley (71) and Kate Hockley (31) were back at New Street, Great Dunmow.

In 1921, James Hockley (82) Old Age Pensioner; Emma Hockley (82) Old Age Pensioner; Emma Hockley (47) Useful Maid and Kate Hockley (41) were still living in New Street, Great Dunmow. 

James Hockley (84) died in 1922 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 621. 

Emma Hockley died the following year, aged 83, in 1923 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 844.

Saturday, 18 October 2025

William Byatt and Ann Poole

All Saints, Little Canfield

William Byatt (bap. 6 Mar 1814) son of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, married Ann Poole (b. 1817) on 18 Oct 1834, in Great Dunmow, Essex. 

William Byatt and Ann Poole had ten children, all baptised in Little Canfield:

  1. George Byatt bap. 3 Apr 1836 
  2. Walter Byatt bap. 11 Mar 1838
  3. Charlotte Byatt bap. 31 May 1840
  4. Alfred Byatt bap. 25 Sep 1842
  5. Henry Byatt b. 1845 M Quarter Volume 12 Page 81, bap. 2 Mar 1845
  6. Emma Byatt b. 1847 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 78, bap. 18 Apr 1847
  7. Charles Byatt b. 1849 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 22, bap. 10 Jun 1849
  8. Mary Byatt b. 1852 M Quarter Volume 04A Page 318, bap. 21 Mar 1852
  9. John Byatt b. 1854 J Quarter Volume 04A Page 321, bap. 2 Apr 1854
  10. Rebecca Byatt b. 1856 M Quarter Vol 04A Page 343, bap. 27 Apr 1856
All of the baptisms list William's occupation as Labourer and the registrations, in DUNMOW UNION, list the mother's maiden name as POOLE or POOL.

In 1841, William Byatt (26) was living in Hickey's Lane, Little Canfield with Ann Byatt (24), George (5), Walter (3) and Charlotte (1).


Ann Byatt died, aged 42, in 1859 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 224 and was buried in Little Canfield on 6 Jan 1860.

In 1861, living in High Canfield Lane, Little Canfield were William Byatt (48) Agricultural Labourer, Widowed; George Byatt (25), Alfred Byatt (18), Charles Byatt (11), Mary (9), John (7) and Rebecca (5). George, Alfred and Charles were all working as Agricultural Labourers too, while Mary, John and Rebecca were at school. Living with them was William's sister, Catherine Wilton (35) Widow and George Wilton (1) Nephew. Henry Byatt (16) was a Carter on the farm of Thomas Bernard (59) at Little Hoddens, Little Canfield. Emma Byatt (14) Visitors Nurse Maid, was among a large number of staff at Gardeners Cottage, Little Easton (on the Easton Lodge estate).

William Byatt then remarried to Ann Vail (sic) on 18 Oct 1862

William shouldn't have been able to forget his wedding anniversary. 

Baptised Mary Ann Vale on 3 Nov 1833 in Little Canfield, daughter of Robert Vale and Mary Dubry, she was listed as Ann Vale when living with her parents at Frogs HallTakeley, Essex (presumably, her father was working there on the farm), in 1841. In 1861, she had been listed as Mary Vale (28) House Servant to Joseph Sweeting (64) at Beelfords, Great Dunmow.

William Byatt and Ann Vale had two sons, but neither survived:
  1. William Byatt bap. 20 Apr 1864 in Little Canfield. Died in 1864 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 236
  2. David Byatt b. 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 349, mother's maiden name VALE, bap. 17 Aug 1865, in Little Canfield. Died in 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 226.
In 1871, William Byatt (58) Ag Lab and Ann Byatt (40) were living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1881, William Byatt (68) and Ann Byatt (50) were still living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1891, William Byatt (81) Agricultural Labourer Retired, had accelerated time, while Ann Byatt (50) had succeeded in making time stand still.

William Byatt, with age 81 (actually 77), died in 1891 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 296 and was buried in Little Canfield on 19 Aug 1891.

Ann Byatt died, at 68, in 1897 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 385.

Thursday, 16 October 2025

William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone

St Peter’s Church, Uplowman
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2510457

William Bridle (b. 1871 in Brampford Speke, Devon), son of William Henry Bridle and Emma Lucas, and Lucy Jane Stone (b. 11 Apr 1872 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, were married at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman, on 16 Oct 1895. Witnesses to the marriage were Lucy Jane's elder brother, Francis Stone and her niece, Ellen Stone

In 1891, William Bridle (20), Horse Driver, was a boarder in the household of Mary Jennings in Westexe South, Tiverton. Lucy Stone, was a General Servant in the employ of Charles E Tutton, Chemist, in Gold Street.

William and Lucy Jane had just one child:
  1. Nellie Bridle, b. 20 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396), bap. 7 Apr 1898 at St George's Church, Tiverton
In 1901, William Bridle (29), Coal Yard Labourer, Lucy Jane (28) and Nellie (3) were living at School Board House, 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton. (111 Chapel Street was also the address given by Lucy's brother Charles at the time of his marriage to Emma Middleton in 1896.) There was a school, where there is a green bush, just beyond these houses, on the map of the area in 1890.

In 1911, at the same address, with William Bridle (40) employed as a Carter; with Lucy Jane Bridle (38) and Nellie Bridle (13) was still at school. 

In 1921, again at 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton, were William Bridle (50) Driver Motor Lorry, working for Shell Mex Ltd at the GWR Goods Yard, Tiverton Depot; with Lucy Jane Bridle (49) and Nellie Bridle (23).

William Bridle died relatively young, at 55, on 5 Aug 1926 (1926 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 387). 

By 1939, Nellie had married and she and her husband, Lewis William Kerslake and their son William were all living with the widowed Lucy Jane, who was undertaking Sewing and Domestic work, still at 111 Chapel Street. 

Lucy Jane Bridle died on 18 Apr 1944, aged 72 (1944 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 423). Probate was granted on 8 Jun that year, to her daughter, Nellie Kerslake. Lucy Jane left effects valued at £1912 15s 2d, worth approximately £106,000 in 2024.

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

Saturday, 11 October 2025

William Penfold and Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn

Lingfield, Surrey
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Peter Trimming - geograph.org.uk/p/1929778
Looking towards the Grade I listed church of St. Peter & St. Paul.

William Penfold (bap. 5 Nov 1826 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield), son of William Penfold and Hannah Humphrey, married Mary Ann Charlotte Gunn (bap. 25 Jul 1830 at St Nicholas Church, Chiswick), daughter of Robert Gunn and Dinah Powell, at St Peter and St Paul, Lingfield, Surrey on 11 Oct 1851. Witnesses to this couple's marriage were Thomas and Hannah Tharp.

William and Mary Ann had nine children:
  1. Jane Penfold b. 1853 D Quarter in EAST GRINSTED Vol 02B Page 94, bap. 30 Oct 1853 at St Peter and St PaulLingfield, Surrey
  2. William Robert Penfold b. 1855 D Quarter in CROYDON SURREY Volume 02A Page 123, bap. 20 Jan 1856 in Croydon, Surrey. Died 1856 J Quarter Volume 02A Page 82, buried on 13 Apr 1856 in Croydon.
  3. John Robert Penfold b. 12 Apr 1857 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 98, bap. 24 May 1857 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  4. Arthur Edward Penfold b. 1859 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 99, bap. 5 Jun 1859 at St Mary the Virgin, Hartfield
  5. Amelia Dinah Penfold b. 1861 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 104, died, age 5, in 1867 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 74
  6. Frederick William Penfold b. 20 Jul 1863 (1863 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 105) 
  7. Charles Penfold b. 31 Oct 1865 in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 104
  8. Thomas Penfold b. 1868 J Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Vol 02B 111. Died, aged 19 on 20 Apr 1887, at St. George Hanover Square
  9. George Albert Penfold b. 1870 S Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 114, died, age 3, in 1874 J Quarter Volume 02B Page 82, bur: 14 May 1874 St. Mary's Church, Hartfield, Sussex
In 1861, William Penfold (34) Agricultural Labourer was living in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, East Grinstead, Sussex with wife Mary Ann Penfold (30), Jane Penfold (7), John Penfold (4) and Arthur Edward Penfold (2).

In 1871, still in Hartfield Green, Hartfield, Sussex, were William Penfold (44), Mary Ann C Penfold (40), John R (14), Arthur E (11), Frederick W (7), Charles (5), Thomas (3), George A (0) and Henry Care (15) Nephew.

William Penfold died, aged 46 (1873 M Quarter in EAST GRINSTEAD Volume 02B Page 80), and was buried in Hartfield on 1 Mar 1873.

In 1881, Mary Ann Penfold (50) widow, was living at the Old Turnpike House, Hartfield - a later newspaper article mentions that her late husband, William Penfold, had been the toll house keeper - with Thomas (13) and Charles Payne (9) Boarder. Frederick William Penfold (18) was at the Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda; Charles Penfold (17) Grocer's assistant was living in Mitcham, Surrey in the household of his older brother, John Edward Penfold; there's no knowing where Arthur Edward Penfold was at that time.

Mary Ann Penfold died, at 55, in 1886 (1886 M Qtr in CHELSEA Vol 01A Page 252). News reports indicated she died during an epileptic seizure.

Tuesday, 30 September 2025

Moses Doe and Harriet White

St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch High Street
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Rodney Burton - geograph.org.uk/p/141922

Moses Doe (bap. 4 Feb 1821 in Little Canfield), son of Henry Doe and Elizabeth Doe, married Harriet White (bap. 6 Oct 1822 in Great Dunmow), daughter of Mark White and Rose/Rhoda Pickett, at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch on 30 Sep 1844. Rhoda White was one of four witnesses to the marriage. (In 1841, Rhoda White (42) was in the household - presumably as a servant - of James Samms (67) at Manor Farm, Little Easton (Little Easton Manor). Mark White had been buried in 1834, in Little Easton.)

Moses and Harriet had three sons:
  1. Charles Doe b. 1845 S Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 278, bap. at Walthamstow, St John the Evangelist
  2. Benjamin Doe b. 1848, reg. 1849 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 12 Page 320, bap. Walthamstow, St James the Great. Died, aged 13, in 1862 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 34, and is buried at Walthamstow, St Mary the Virgin.
  3. William Doe b. 1851 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Vol 12 Page 317
In 1851, Moses Doe (30) Labourer from Essex was living in Black Horse Lane, Walthamstow, West Ham, with wife Harriet (29) from Dunmow, Essex; Charles Doe (5), Benjamin Doe (1), William Doe (0) and Roda (sic) White (50) Widow, House Servant, Mother-in-Law from Fakenham, Norfolk.

In 1861, Moses Doe (40) Grocer, was at Sinkers Bridge, Walthamstow, West Ham, with Harriet Doe (36), Benjamin Doe (11), William Doe (10), Kate Stacks (2) Granddaughter from Middlesex and Elizabeth Martain (51) Widow, Lodger from Hackney. I've been unable to find Charles Doe, who would have been around 15 and probably out working. (There is a death of a Charles Doe in West Ham in 1861, but this record can be discounted as the deceased was aged 3.) With only three sons, who were too young, Kate Stacks cannot be the Doe's granddaughter so assume was the lodger's granddaughter.

In 1871, at Shern Hall Place, Walthamstow, West Ham were Moses Doe (50) Undergardener Domestic Servant from Little Canfield, Essex; Harriet Doe (49) from Little Easton and William Doe (20) Groom. (Shern Hall: stood in impressive grounds of more than 18 acres that contained landscaped gardens, a large T-shaped pond, orchards, meadowland, farm buildings and stabling.)

Harriet Doe died, at 52, in 1874 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 333 was buried on 7 Jan 1874 at St Paul's Church, Rusthall.

Moses Doe (53) Widower, Gardener, remarried to Mary Ann Norman (39) Spinster, on 7 Mar 1875 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church.

Moses and Mary Ann Doe added one further son:
  1. John Doe b. 27 Aug 1876 (1876 S Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 603), bap. 26 Nov 1876 at Tunbridge Wells, Congregational Church, son of Moses Doe, Gardener of Grove Cottages, Bishops Down
In 1881, transcribed as Morris Deo (and the bad handwriting does look like that) living at Denny Bottom, Speldhurst, Tonbridge, Kent, were Moses Doe (60) Gardener; Mary Ann Doe (45) Wife of Gardner; John Doe (4) Scholar, plus 2 Lodgers: John P Norbury (32) Carpenter from Liverpool and Alfred Brown (20) Carpenter from Bradwell on Sea, Essex.

Mary Ann Doe died, aged 53 in 1888 M Quarter in TUNBRIDGE Volume 02A Page 439, and was buried on 13 Mar 1888, at St Paul's Church, Rusthall

Moses Doe died, at 67, on 24 Jun 1888 (1888 J Qtr in TUNBRIDGE Vol 02A Page 364) and was buried on 27 Jun 1888, also at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. Sadly, the gravestone mentions "a long and painful affliction".

St. Paul's Church, Rusthall Common
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Malc McDonald - geograph.org.uk/p/6408539

Wednesday, 24 September 2025

Alfred Eldred and Frances Amelia Godfrey

Ponders End High Street at the junction with South Street 
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Nigel Cox - geograph.org.uk/p/678890

Alfred Eldred, son of John Eldred and Harriett Page, married Frances Amelia Godfrey, daughter of William Godfrey and Catherine Astor Oxenham, at St Thomas's Church, West Ham on 24 Sep 1917. They'd already been together for close to 40 years and brought up seven offspring. How very modern!

Alfred Eldred was half-brother of Thomazine Maria Eldred, step-son of Catherine Byatt and thus, also step-brother of Elizabeth Wilton.

Records suggest that Alfred and Frances had 7 children:
  1. Catherine Ellen Eldridge (sic) b. 1879 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Pg 674
  2. Alfred John Eldred b. 1881 S Quarter in EDMONTON Vol 03A Pg 321
  3. Mary Ann Margaret Eldred b. 1885 (no birth registration found)
  4. Rachel Maria Amelia Eldred b. 1890 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 630. Died, aged 1, in 1891 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 443
  5. Walter William Eldrett (sic) b. 1892 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 605
  6. Elizabeth Alice Eldrett (sic) b. 1895 S Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 199
  7. John Edward Phillip Eldrett (sic) b. 1899 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 4
Despite all the different spellings and variations of the family surname, on the GRO birth registrations, the mother's maiden name is consistently GODFREY.

In 1881, in South Street, Enfield [Ponders End], were Alfred Eldrett (sic) (26) Labourer, Francis (sic) Amelia Eldrett (sic) (23) and Catherine Hellen (sic) Eldrett (sic) (1). It says that their daughter was born in Bromley, Kent, but this too is yet another error as she was born in Bromley-by-Bow, Poplar

In 1891, Alfred Eldrett (sic) (36) Gas Labourer was living at 29, Donald Street, Bromley, Poplar with Francis (sic) Eldrett (33), Katherine Eldrett (12), Alfred Eldrett (10) and Mary Ann Eldrett (6).

In 1901, Alfred Eldret (45) General Carman was living in Church Street Buildings, 19, Church Street, Plaistow (West Ham), with Frances (41), Mary A Eldret (16), Walter W Eldret (9), Elizabeth Eldret (5) and John Eldret (2).

In 1911, Alfred Eldred (54) General Labourer, from Dunmow, Essex; Frances Eldred (50), Walter Eldred (19), Elizabeth Eldred (15) and John Eldred (12) were living at 41 Preston RoadStratfordWest Ham. They 'claimed' they'd been married for 32 years (corresponding with the birth of their eldest) and confirmed they'd had 7 children, of whom 6 were living and one had died.

In 1921, Alfred Eldred (64) General labourer for the Charrington City And Westminster Electric Light Company; Frances Eldred (60) and Walter William Eldred (29) Tallow Melter for Cockman Brothers Limited Tallow Melters And Bone Merchants, were still at 41, Preston Road, Stratford, West Ham.

Frances Amelia Eldred died, at 67, in 1927 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 5. 

Alfred Eldred died, aged 74, in 1931 D Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 1.

Wednesday, 17 September 2025

Henry Ralph Gabbedey and Elizabeth Louisa Osborn

St Botolph without Bishopsgate
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1193022

Henry Ralph Gabbedey (b. 18 Dec 1807), son of John Benbow Gabbedy and Isabella Cleghorn, married Elizabeth Louisa Sheldrick on 17 Sep 1833 at St Botolph-without-Bishopsgate. Born Elizabeth Louisa Osborn (bap. 24 Apr 1808 in Rotherhithe), daughter of James Osborn and Ann Hopwood, Elizabeth had previously married Thomas Sheldrick, also at St. Botolph Bishopsgate, on 10 Oct 1830. By the time Elizabeth had their daughter, Eliza Maria Sheldrick, baptised on 19 Aug 1831 in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Elizabeth was described on the baptism record as a widow, although she wasn't, yet.

Thomas Sheldrick (43) "A convict in the General Penitentiary" (Millbank Prison), was buried on 5 Jul 1832 at the burial ground of the General Penitentiary, Millbank. In 1830, Thomas Sheldrick and at the same time John Kimpton, were both sentenced, in Cambridge, to 7 years Transportation for Larceny. Then there's a second record ordering the removal of Thomas Sheldrick and John Kimpton from Cambridge to the General Penitentiary on 14 Jul 1830. Clearly Sheldrick died before he could be transported. But it raises so many questions, like why did Elizabeth marry a convict?

Henry Ralph and Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey added 10 children:
  1. Henry William Gabbedey bap. 5 Oct 1834 at St John's, Wapping.
  2. John Gabbodey (sic) b. 11 Dec 1835, bap. 27 Jan 1836 at Shadwell, Ebenezer Chapel, Independant, just north of Ratcliff Highway.
  3. James Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  4. Jesse Gabbedey b. 1837 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 02 Page 62 (Mother's maiden name SHELDUCK - Sheldrick misspelled.) Jesse and James (The outlaw Jesse James was not yet born) may have been twins, but why different mother's maiden names, is a mystery. Died, aged 1, in 1839 J Quarter in Volume 02 Page 50.
  5. Louisa Ann Gabbedey b. 1839 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 77 (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  6. Charles Gabbedey b. 1842 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 82. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
  7. Thomas Gabbedey b. 1844 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 94. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK). Bap. Thomas Enoch Gabbedy 25 Mar 1874 at St Anne, Limehouse
  8. Matilda Gabbedey b. 1845 S Quarter in SAINT GEORGE (IN THE EAST) Volume 02 Page 80. (Mother's maiden name listed as SHELDRICK).
  9. Joseph William Gabbedey b. 1848 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 566. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN).
  10. George Gabbedey b. 1850 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 586. (Mother's maiden name listed as OSBORN). Died, aged 1, 1851 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 381.
On Henry William's baptism, the family's address was listed as 70 Anchor and Hope Alley, (Browns Quay, Wapping), St. George in the East and Henry Ralph's occupation listed as Labourer. Later, on daughter Louisa's marriage in 1863, he was described as a Shipwright (as were his father and grandfather.) Once Civil Registration was introduced in 1837, they appear to have given up on baptisms. And what has been used on birth registrations for the mother's maiden name looks random, however, I suppose it depends on how the question was asked - 'maiden name' and 'former name', for example, would elicit two different answers if a woman had been married before.

In 1841, in Charles Square, St George, Tower Hamlets, were Henry Gabbedey (35), Elizabeth Gabbedy (33), Eliza Sheldrick (10), Henry Gabbedey (6), John Gabbedey (5), James Gabbedey (4) and Louisa Ann Gabbedey (2).

In 1851, Henry Gabbedey (44) General Labourer, was living in Sarah Street, Shadwell, with wife Louisa Gabbedy (43) purportedly from Hitchin, Hertfordshire; Henry Gabbedey (17), James Gabbedey (14), Louisa Gabbedey (12), Charles Gabbedey (10), Thomas Gabbedey (8), Matilda Gabbedey (6), Joseph Gabbedey (4), George Gabbedey (0), Eliza Sheldrick (20) and John Channing (21) Blacksmith from Newington, Surrey, Lodger.

Elizabeth Louisa Gabbedey (60) died in 1868 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 342, buried 28 Jan 1868 in City of London & Tower Hamlets Cemetery.

Henry Gabbedey died, aged 70, on 30 Jan 1877 M Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 299, leaving his effects to his son Henry William Gabbedey and his daughter Louisa Seares.

Friday, 12 September 2025

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson

Ye Olde King's Head, Chigwell
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/7349355
The main part of this set of buildings is the Olde Kings Head, a former coaching inn on Chigwell's High Road opposite the church. It is grade II* listed and probably dates from the 17th century, although some sources give a very specific date of 1547. Closer to the camera are the grade II listed King's Head Cottages built in the 18th century. The inn is said to have been the model for the Maypole in Charles Dickens' novel Barnaby Rudge.

Henry Bradley, son of Thomas Bradley and Sarah Garton, married Mary Chapman, in Chigwell, on 19 May 1810. This couple had one son:
  1. Henry William Bradley bap. 1 Sep 1811 in Chigwell, Essex
However, this first Mary Bradley died on 26 July 1812, aged 22, was buried, also in Chigwell, on 2 Aug 1812. Henry Bradley, widowed, then remarried, again at St Mary's Church, Chigwell, on 12 Sep 1813 to Mary Thompson

Henry Bradley and Mary Thompson added at least nine children:
  1. Elizabeth Ann Bradley b. 29 Oct 1814, bap. 20 Nov 1814 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  2. Sarah Anne Bradley bap. 29 Apr 1816 at St Mary the Virgin, Woodford
  3. Thomas Bradley bap. 22 Jun 1817. A note on this baptism record says, "Whilst St Mary Woodford Was Being Repaired, The Ceremony Of Baptism Was Performed At St Mary Wanstead."
  4. Ann Bradley bap. 20 Sep 1818 in Chigwell, Essex (presumably died)
  5. Ann Bradley bap. 30 Jan 1820 in Chigwell, Essex
  6. Sarah Bradley bap. 13 May 1821 in Chigwell, Essex
  7. James Bradley bap. 2 May 1824 in Chigwell, Essex
  8. Henry Bradley bap. 8 Jan 1826 in Chigwell, Essex
  9. Eliza Bradley bap. 13 Apr 1828 in Chigwell, Essex
The baptism records all list Henry's occupation and Labourer and several of them also list the family's residence as Grange Hill, Chigwell, Woodford.

In 1841, at Grange Hill, Chigwell, Epping, were Henry Bradley (50) Ag Lab, Mary (45), James (15), Henry (15) and Elizabeth (14) - presumably Eliza?

In 1851, Henry Bradley (63) Ag Lab, birthplace Woodford Bridge and Mary Bradley (54) born in Takeley, Essex, were living at King William, Chigwell Horse Lane, Epping. I'm sure Chigwell Horse Lane became Chigwell Road / High Road and wonder if the previous name was to distinguish it from other lanes that weren't even fit for horses? All joking aside, meaning the main thoroughfare that passes coaching inns, such as the King's Head.

Mary Bradley died, aged 65 in 1860 M Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 35, and was buried on 29 Jan 1860 in Chigwell.

Henry Bradley died, aged 74 in 1862 M Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 35, and was buried on 30 Mar 1862.

Monday, 11 August 2025

John Harvey and Esther Glede

Georgian Town Houses on Arbour Square, Stepney Casualguy, Public domain

John Harvey (b. ~1811 in Chingford, Essex) married Esther Glede (bap. 12 Nov 1829 at St Dunstan and All Saints), daughter of Morris Glede and Sarah Thorn, on 11 Aug 1849, at the church of St ThomasStepney, which had stood in Arbour Square: "a neat edifice of Suffolk brick, in the early English style, with two octangular turrets that was erected in 1837." It closed in 1940. The record of the marriage lists the bride's father as Morris Glede, the bridegroom's father as John Harvey and all three of them with the occupation of Labourer. John and Esther are listed as bachelor and spinster and "of full age". Witnesses were Eleanor Hooper and John P Hughlings. 

John and Esther already had three children and added six more:
  1. Sarah Ann Harvey bap. 17 Dec 1843 in Chingford, Essex
  2. Susannah Harvey, b. 5 Oct 1845 at 174 Eastfield Street, Limehouse (1845 D Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 459)
  3. Mary Ann Harvey b. 1848 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 02 Page 494, bap. 5 May 1850 at St Thomas, Stepney
  4. John Harvey b. 1850 D Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 02 Page 576
  5. Morris Harvey b. 1853 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 519, bap. 20 Feb 1853 at St Thomas, Stepney
  6. Esther Harvey b. 30 Oct 1855 (1855 D Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 468), bap. 18Nov 1855 at St Thomas, Stepney
  7. Job Harvey b. 5 Oct 1859 (1859 D Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 568), bap. 14 Dec 1859 at St Dunstan and All Saints (Died in 1859 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 408)
  8. Job Harvey b. 6 Nov 1860 (1860 D Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 580), bap. 9 Jan 1861 at St Dunstan and All Saints
  9. Lydia Harvey b. 26 Mar 1864 (1864 J Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 551), bap. 14 Apr 1864 at St John the Evangelist, Limehouse
The mother's maiden name on the civil registrations was GLEAD or GLEED.

In 1851, living in Fair Place, Stepney, were John Harvey (40), Labourer, born in Chingford, Essex; Esther (overestimated to 32), Sarah (8), Susannah (5), Mary Ann (3), both born in Limehouse and John (0), born in Stepney.  

John Harvey died, aged 56, in 1866 D Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 339.

In 1871, Esther Harvey (47), Widow, Trouser Finisher, was back in Eastfield Street, Limehouse, with John (21) Bricklayer's Labourer; Morris (19) Dock Labourer; Esther (16) Trouser Finisher; Job (12), Scholar, and Lydia (8).

In 1872, Esther Harvey remarried to Charles Staines at St James the Great, Bethnal Green (Where Reggie Kray and Frances Shea married).

In 1881, living at 23, Bow Common Lane, Bromley, Poplar were Charles Staines (42) Labourer from Stepney; Esther Staines (55), Job Harvey (21) Labourer, Stepson; Lydia Harvey (17) Stepdaughter and Samuel Passfield (18) Labourer, Grandson (Son of Samuel Passfield and Sarah Ann Harvey.)

Esther Staines died, age estimated as 63, in 1889 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 348.

Charles Staines died in 1908 J Qtr in MILE END Vol 01C Page 228, at 72.

Sunday, 3 August 2025

Edward William Wykes and Mary Jane Austin

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

Edward William Wykes (b. 30 Jun 1859), son of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, married Mary Jane Austin (b. 1861), widow, daughter of Stephen Austin and Ann Wykes - they were first cousins: William Wykes was the elder brother of Ann Wykes - at St Mark's Church, Deptford on 3 Aug 1890.

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

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

Mary Jane Austin had previously married Thomas Austin (b. 1844), son of William Austin and Jane Smith, at All Saints' Holdenby on 12 Dec 1881. On their marriage certificate, Thomas Austin's father is listed as Stephen Austin and Mary Jane Austin's as William Austin, clearly being transposed, which I'm sure is sending many a researcher barking up the wrong family trees.

Mary Jane had three Austin daughters:
  1. Kate Mary Austin b. 28 Oct 1880, bap. 23 Nov 1880 in Brixworth
  2. Bertha Minnie Austin b. 1882 D Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 117, bap. 16 Sep 1883 in East Haddon, Northamptonshire
  3. Emily Jane Austin b. 4 Jan 1885 M Qtr in BRIXWORTH Vol 03B 131
There was no GRO registration for Kate, clearly born before Mary Jane married. We cannot be certain whether Thomas Austin was her father. On the two GRO registrations for Bertha and Emily, the mother's maiden name is AUSTIN, that is to say, not left blank and defaulted, as in illegitimate births, but specifically listed to confirm that both parents had this surname.

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

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

Mary Jane had a further three children with Edward William Wykes:
  1. Edward John Wykes b. 16 Feb 1891 J Qtr GREENWICH Vol 01D 1018
  2. Mary Wykes b. 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1029. Died 1897 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 610.
  3. Annie Wykes b. 15 Dec 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1054, at 6 Charles Place, Kent, London, England, bap. 15 Dec 1899 at St Paul, Deptford. Died 1899 D Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 739.
All three, once more, have the mother's maiden name of AUSTIN.

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, 27 July 2025

Thomas Barton and Elizabeth Ann Fuller

St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/5264357

Thomas Barton (bap. 4 Dec 1842 at Woodford Bridge), son of Thomas Barton and Ann Birch, married and Elizabeth Ann Fuller (bap. 8 Oct 1843), daughter of Robert Fuller and Elizabeth Ann Bradley, at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge (the previous church before it was rebuilt) on 27 July 1862.

Records suggest that this couple had 12 children:
  1. Jane Ann Fuller b. 1860 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 44, bap. 16 May 1860 at All Saints Church, West Ham with a note that residence was 'Westham Union' (West Ham Union Workhouse)
  2. Emily Elizabeth Fuller b. 1862 M Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 44, bap. 4 Apr 1862 at St Mary the Virgin, Leyton
  3. Ann Jane Barton b. 1864 M Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 61, bap. 7 Feb 1864 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  4. Eliza Barton b. 1868 D Quarter in EPPING UNION Volume 04A Page 92, bap. 15 Jan 1869 at St John the Baptist Church, Buckhurst Hill and then again on 5 May 1872 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  5. Thomas Frederick Barton b. 1872 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 96, bap. 5 May 1872 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  6. Frederick William Barton b. 1875 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 114. Died 1875 J Qtr in WEST HAM UNION Vol 04A Page 55. 
  7. Elizabeth Ann Barton b. 1878 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 154, bap. 4 May 1878 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge. Died 1878 J Quarter in WEST HAM UNION Volume 04A Page 76 and was buried at Woodford Bridge, Essex.
  8. John Barton b. 1880 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 179, bap. 7 Mar 1880 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  9. George Barton b. 1882 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 219, bap. 8 Aug 1882 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  10. Beatrice Barton b. 1883 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 215, bap. 7 Aug 1887 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford
  11. Joshua Barton b. 1886 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 262, bap. 3 Jul 1886 at St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge
  12. Elizabeth Barton b. 1887 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 261, bap. 7 Aug 1887 at Holy Trinity, Hermon Hill, South Woodford. Died 1887 S Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 132 and was buried at Woodford Bridge, Essex
In 1871, Thomas Barton (29) Labourer was living in Woodford Bridge, Essex with wife, Elizabeth Ann Barton (28), Jane Ann Barton (10) born in Leytonstone; Emily Barton (9) born Leytonstone; Ann Jane Barton (7) born in Woodford and Eliza Barton born in Buckhurst Hill.

In 1881, Thomas Barton (37) Labourer was living in Victoria Road, Woodford, West Ham with Elizabeth Barton (37), Ann J Barton (17), Eliza Barton (12), Thomas Barton (9), John Barton (1) and James Mead (21) Lodger. (Eliza Barton married Alfred Mead in 1888, James Mead's younger brother.) Jane Ann Barton (21) was a Domestic Servant in the household of Augustus Harper (35) Member of stock exchange, at Louise Heim House, Cleveland Road, Wanstead. Couldn't find Emily Elizabeth under either Fuller or Barton.

In 1891, Thomas Barton (49) General labourer was living in Lower Road, Woodford with Elizabeth Barton (49), John Barton (11) and George Barton (9), Beatrice Barton (7), Joshua Barton (4) and William Fuller (46) Lodger.

In 1901, Thomas Barton (59) General labourer was living in Oxford Terrace, Chigwell Road, Woodford, with Elizabeth Barton (58) and John Barton (21) and Joshua Barton (14). (George had married that year at just 19.)

Elizabeth Ann Barton died at 65 in 1908 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A 227.

In 1911, Thomas Barton (69) Widowed, was still living in Woodford with Joseph Barton (29) [George] (Meanwhile, Annie Barton (27), George's wife, was Housekeeper to William Patience (34) Widower), Joshua Barton (24), Beatrice Saggers (28), Charles Saggers (28), Beatrice Saggers (8), Emily Saggers (6), Mary Saggers (3) and John Saggers (2). Although Thomas was a widower and the question was meant for married women, he helpfully filled in the details on this census saying he was married 49 years (it will have been 46 by the time Elizabeth Ann died in 1908, so 49 years ago then) and had 9 children living and 4 who had died, making a total of 13 - so there's still potentially one missing for whom I haven't [yet] found a record.

Thomas Barton died at 69, in 1911 J Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 161 and was buried on 8 Apr 1911 at Woodford Bridge.

Thursday, 17 July 2025

Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason

St Mary, Broxted - Chancel
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3374402

Daniel Hockley, Labourer, married Sophia Mason (b. 3 Dec 1796, bap. 1 Jan 1797 in Great Easton, Essex), daughter of Richard Mason and Millicent Butcher, on 17 Jul 1815 at the parish church in Broxted, Essex. Witnesses were Sophia's brother Samuel Mason and Amelia Baker, his intended. 

For now Daniel is the earliest of my Hockley ancestors that I can follow a trail of records to and be fully confident are correct. He was reputedly the son of Daniel Hockley and Sarah Turner - and thus brother of Sally Hockley - but I've found no record of a birth (or baptism) to prove this. There is, however, a listing of a Daniel Hockley, baptised in Broxted on 21 Feb 1790, son of John and Mary Hockley, which looks to be a far more likely candidate. 

Daniel and Sophia had nine children:
  1. George Hockley bap. 1 Oct 1815 in Broxted
  2. Lucy Hockley bap. 26 Oct 1817 
  3. Eliza Hockley bap. 23 Jul 1820 (died, aged 25, and was buried on 7 Jul 1845 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.)
  4. Mary Hockley bap. 9 May 1824
  5. Tamar Hockley bap. 8 Oct 1826. Tamar as a name: There are three characters in the Bible with this name. 
  6. Sarah Hockley bap. 10 Aug 1828 (buried 14 Sep 1828)
  7. Sophia Hockley bap. 14 Aug 1831
  8. William Hockley bap. 15 Sep 1833
  9. James Hockley bap. 5 Aug 1838
From Lucy onwards, they were baptised at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

Youngest child, James, falls within Civil Registration and, the General Register Office record confirms the mother's maiden name as MASON.

In 1841, at Halfway House, Great Dunmow, were Daniel Hockley (50), Sophia (45), George (25), Eliza (20), Tamar (15), Sophia (10), William (8), James (2) and Lucy (0), daughter of Eliza Hockley, Single Woman [1]. Mary Hockley (18ish) was working as a Female Servant in the household of William Piper (30) Chemist & Druggist in High Street, Great Dunmow, Dunmow.

Sophia Hockley died, aged 46 - which agrees with a year of birth of 1796 - in 1842 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 55 and was buried, on 23 Oct 1842, at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow.

In 1861, the widowed Daniel Hockley - age estimated to 62 - was living in the household of son William Hockley (27), married to Charlotte (née Cock) (27), their daughter Sarah C (1) and William's brother, James (23).

Daniel Hockley died, his age estimated to 81, in 1868 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 267 and was buried on 8 Jul 1868.

[1] Lucy Hockley (b. 1841 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 77), bap. 5 Mar 1841 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow, daughter of Eliza Hockley, Single Woman. In 1861, Lucy Hockley (20) Domestic Servant was an Inmate of Great Dunmow Union Workhouse. In 1871, Lucy Hockley (30) Domestic Servant was an Inmate of Dunmow Union Workhouse, but, in 1881 Lucy Hockley (36ish) was employed as a Domestic Servant by Charles Cook (70) in Chelmsford Road, Barnston, Dunmow. Lucy Hockley of Dunmow Union Workhouse died, aged 49, and was buried on 22 Nov 1890.