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

Thursday, 1 January 2026

William Francis and Mary Gunn

St Peter’s Church, Mattishall Burgh

William Francis and Mary Gunn, a pair of my 5th great-grandparents, were married, on 1 Jan 1771, at St Peter’s Church, Mattishall Burgh.

Records exist for the baptisms, also in Mattishall Burgh, of three children: 
  1. John Francis bap. 19 Apr 1772
  2. William Francis bap. 14 Nov 1773
  3. Mary Francis bap. 28 Mar 1779
William and Mary were buried at All Saints' Church, Mattishall. Mary was buried on 14 Apr 1816. The record states that she was 73 and born in 1743. William was buried little more than a year later, on 18 May 1817. His burial record says he was 76, born in 1741, but I haven't located their baptisms.

Churchyard at All Saints' Church, Mattishall

Thursday, 25 December 2025

John Daines and Sarah White

St Andrew, Thorpe St Andrew - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4006187

John Daines (bap. 10 Apr 1837 in Langley, Norfolk), Shoemaker, son of Isaac Daines, Wheelwright, and Maria Atmore, married Sarah White (bap. 26 Jun 1836 in Mattishall), daughter of William White and Ann Francis at Thorpe Episcopi, Norfolk (Thorpe St Andrew) on 25 Dec 1859. Witnesses were William White (Sarah's father or brother) and Rebecca Arthurton.

John and Sarah Daines had six children:

  1. Arthur George Daines b. 12 Apr 1860 (1860 J Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Vol 04B Page 188), bap. 6 May 1860 at Thorpe Episcopi
  2. Annie Laurie Daines b. 1863 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 154
  3. Maria Louisa Daines b. 1866 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 173
  4. William Henry Daines b. 9 Apr 1871 (1871 J Qtr Vol 04B Page 160)
  5. Emily Marella Daines b. 3 Jul 1873 (1873 S Qtr Vol 04B Page 148) 
  6. Edith Marina Daines b. 1875 D Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 139
In 1861, living in Plumstead Road, Thorpe, Blofield, Norfolk, were John Daynes (sic) (23) Cordwainer - a shoemaker who makes new shoes from new leather - from Langley, Norfolk; Sarah Daynes (sic) (24) from Mattishall, and Arthur G Daynes (sic) (11 months) born in Thorpe St Andrew.

In 1871, John Daynes (sic) (33) Rivetter (Shoe) was living in Derby Street, Heigham, Norwich with Sarah Daynes (sic) (34); Arthur G Daynes (10), Anna L Daynes (7) and Maria L Daynes (5).

In 1879, William Henry Daines was registered at St Stephen's Boys School, Norwich and Emily Daines was registered at St Stephen's Girls School.

In 1881, John Daines (42) Boot Operator was living in Upper Rupert Street, Heigham, Norwich, with Sarah Daines (43), Arthur G Daines (20) Rivetter (Shoe); Anna L Daines (17) Boot machinist; Marie L Daines (15) Dress maker; William H Daines (9), Emily M Daines (7) and Edith M Daines (5).

In 1891, John Daynes (sic) (53) Shoe Operator was at 70, Heigham Road, Norwich, with Sarah Daynes (54), Emily M Daynes (17) and Emily M Daynes (15). Arthur Daines (32) Shoemaker was a lodger at The Crown, 117, St Benedick Street, Norwich (This pub was destroyed by bombing in 1942).

In 1901, at 70, Heigham Road, Norwich, were John Daines (64) Boot & shoe operator; Sarah Daines (65), Arthur G Daines (38) Boot & shoe rivetter; Emily M Minns (27), Aubrey G Minns (4) and Leslie H Minns (3) Grandsons.

Sarah Daines died at 68 in 1905 D Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 92.

In 1911, John Daines (74) Boot maker, Widower, was living at 21 Connaught Road, Norwich with his son Arthur G Daines (50) Boot printer.

In 1921, John Daines (84) Wife's father, Boot repairer, was living in the household of Arthur Frederick Browne (55), along with Edith Marina Browne (45) and Arthur G Daines (61) Boot maker (Wife's brother).

Eldest son Arthur George Daines never married and died at 64 in 1924 D Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B  Page 129.

John Daines died at 89 in 1926 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 148.

Arthur Edward Copeland and Alice Jane Hurry

All Saints, Shooters Hill, Plumstead, London SE18 - West end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1955513

Arthur Edward Copeland (b. 19 Aug 1870 in Woolwich), son of Benjamin Copeland and Tamar Hockley, married Alice Jane Hurry (b. 1871 D Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 223), daughter of Samuel Hurry and Jane Moyes, at All Saints Church, Plumstead, on 25 Dec 1894

Alice was the younger sister of Mary Ann Hurry, second wife of Tamar's younger brother, Daniel Hockley, who he'd married in 1891. Or, put another way, Arthur married his uncle's second wife's sister. Maybe they met at the uncle's wedding? This probably tells us is that they were in sufficient contact, despite living in different areas, to travel and attend family events.

Arthur Edward and Alice Jane Copeland had two children:
  1. George Arthur Copeland b. 21 Aug 1896 (1896 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1270), bap. 9 Sep 1896 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich
  2. Edith Eleanor Copeland b. 1897 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 218, bap. 31 Oct 1897 at Plymouth, Crabtree Mission Church, when they were resident at 4 Gordon Terrace, Laira, Plymouth.
In 1901, Alice J Copeland (29) Daughter-in-law from Norfolk, England; George A Copeland (4) Grandson and Edith E Copeland (3) Granddaughter, were living with Arthur's parents, at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead.

Arthur Edward Copeland joined the Royal Artillery, at 16, on 19 Nov 1886, in Woolwich. He was then 5ft 6in with a pale complexion, grey eyes and red hair. He was promoted to Bombardier on 1 Mar 1896; Corporal on 23 Oct 1897; reengaged to complete 21 years service on 15 Dec 1897; and promoted to Sergeant on 24 Oct 1899. He served in South Africa and China, but died at Hong Kong Station Hospital on 18 Aug 1901, of Heat Stroke, aged 30.

In 1903, Alice Copeland married Thomas Hurry back in Depwade, Norfolk. 

One could guess that they were cousins and records confirm this: Thomas Hurry (b. 1856 D Quarter in HARTISMERE Volume 04A Page 455) was the son of Barzillai Hurry and Ann Beales. Barzillai Hurry (bap. 13 Dec 1820) and Alice's father, Samuel Hurry (bap. 21 Jul 1831), were brothers, both sons of John Hurry and Susannah Elizabeth Diggens. (Their mother, Susan Hurry, was sentenced to 14 years transportation in 1836 and died in Australia.)

On 14 Feb 1878, Thomas Hurry, barman, enlisted for General Service Infantry. He served in Nova Scotia, Gibraltar and South Africa, transferring to the Army Reserve on 12 Apr 1884. At the completion of his 12 years service in 1890, he was 5ft 7in with a dark complexion, brown eyes and black hair.

Thomas Hurry was a widower when he married his cousin Alice, having first married Charlotte Francis (14 years his senior, born 1842), daughter of William Francis and Sarah Basham, at All Saints, Dickleburgh, on 15 May 1884. Charlotte Hurry died at 58 and was buried on 23 Mar 1899.

Thomas and Alice Hurry had two further children:
  1. Ellen Hurry b. 1903 J Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 238, bap. 11 Jun 1903 in Dickleburgh with Langmere, Norfolk
  2. Samuel Jack Hurry b. 2 Aug 1906 (S Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 218), bap. 5 Sep 1906 in Dickleburgh with Langmere 
In 1911, Thomas Hurry (52) Gardener was living at Dickleburgh Scole, Dickleburgh, Norfolk, with Alice Hurry (39), Ellen Hurry (7), Jack Hurry (4), George Copeland (14) Stepson; Edith Copeland (13) step-daughter and Jane Hurry (78) Widow (Alice's mother).

Alice Jane Hurry died at 42 in 1913 D Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 185.

In 1921, Thomas Hurry (62) Jobbing Gardner was living in Dickleburgh, Norfolk with Jack Hurry (14) Labourer and Ellen Hurry (17) Household Duties. There was a George Copeland (23) Bombardier, Royal Field Artillery at 30, Thomas Street, Woolwich (although his birthplace is listed as Kings Lynn, Norfolk); not located Edith Eleanor Copeland again anywhere.

Thomas Hurry died, at 79, in 1936 M Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 311 and was buried in 26 Feb 1936, in Dickleburgh with Langmere.

Ellen Hurry died at 43 in 1946 J Quarter in DEPWADE Vol 04B Page 211.

Samuel Jack Hurry married Helen Joan Goodwin (b. 15 Dec 1908), daughter of James Goodwin, Licenced Victualler of the Kings Head Inn, Brockdish, Scole and Harriet Welton, in Depwade, Norfolk, in 1934. They had two children: Aldona Elizabeth Hurry b. 21 Apr 1935 (d. 26 Feb 2024 in Russellville, Pope, Arkansas, USA) and another in 1944. In 1939, Jack was a Licensee and Farmer in Rushall, Dickleburgh, Depwade. Jack Samuel Hurry died, in Rushall, on 9 May 1962 and is buried in St Mary Churchyard, DickleburghHelen Joan Hurry died on 3 May 2006 in Waveney, Suffolk.

Wednesday, 24 December 2025

George Woods and Maria White

St Julian's church in Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/1958118

George Woods (bap. 25 May 1834 in Rackheath, Norfolk), son of John Woods and Elizabeth Waters, married Maria White (bap. 31 Jul 1842 in Mattishall, Norfolk), daughter of William White and Ann Francis, at St Julian's Church, Norwich on Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1863. Witnesses to the marriage were listed as John Roxby and Hannah White (Maria's sister). 

George and Maria do not appear to have had any children.

In 1881, George Woods (46) Gardener and Maria Woods (38), were living at Mile Lane (Mile Cross Lane?), Eaton St Andrew, Norwich.

In 1891, living in Ipswich Road, Norwich, were George Woods (57) Market Gardener from Rackheath, Norfolk; Maria Woods (48) from Mattishall and Mary Wilson (sic) (64) Sister, Married, also from Mattishall, whose name was wrongly listed and was actually Maria's eldest sister, Mary Ann Watson.

George Woods died at 62 in 1896 J Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 83.

In 1901, Maria Wood (sic) (58) was Housekeeper to Henry Davy, Licenced Victualler at 78, St Benedict Court Street, Norwich (The Ten Bells). 

In the 4th quarter of 1905, Maria Woods married Thomas Scrivener

In 1911, Thomas Scrivener (78) Naval Pensioner from Houghton, Bedfordshire and Maria Scrivener (68) from Mattishall, Norfolk, were living in Back Lane, Banham, Attleborough, Norfolk.

Thomas Scrivener of 101 Glebe Road, Norwich died, aged 87, on 3 Apr 1920 (1920 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 149). Probate was granted on 15 Apr 1920 to Maria Scrivener, Widow, to whom he left effects of £318 16s 9d (around £18,000 in 2023).

In 1921, Maria Scrivener (78) was still living at 101, Glebe Road, Norwich, Norfolk with Theresa Wardle (43) and Murial Tuxford Wardle (8), Boarders.

Maria Scrivener died at 83 in 1926 M Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Pg 156.

Tuesday, 23 December 2025

Daniel Hockley and Sarah Skinner

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

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

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

Sarah Hockley died, aged 33 (as 'Hackley' 1890 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 398), and was buried, at St Mary's, Great Canfield, six days before her last child, on 21 Feb 1890. It probably doesn't require a medical degree to work out what contributed to her cause of death.

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

Unsurprisingly, Daniel Hockley then remarried, to Mary Ann Hurry (b. 31 Jul 1861 in Depwade, Norfolk), daughter of Samuel Hurry and Jane Moyes, also at St Mary's, Great Canfield, on 25 Jul 1891. At the time of the 1891 census (5 Apr), Mary Ann Hurry (29) had been employed as a General servant in the household of William J Peacock at Claremont, Lewisham Park, Lewisham.

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

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

Daniel George Hockley (usefully adding the middle name), of Round Bush Green, Aythorpe Roding, died aged 73 (1918 S Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 800), and was buried on 10 Sep 1918 at St Mary's, Great Canfield.

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

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

Mary Ann Hockley died, aged 81 (1942 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 828), and was buried on 27 Aug 1942 at St Mary's, Aythorpe Roding.

Former police station, Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/4309467
The police station was erected in 1842 and was claimed to be the oldest police station in Essex.

From the Essex Newsman, of 31 Oct 1903: A Policeman Summoned At Dunmow - Case Dismissed Through Lack of Corroboration

At Dunmow Petty Session on Monday, Sydney Robert Page, a police constable, stationed at Great Stambridge, and formerly at Dunmow, was summoned by Beatrice Margaret Hockley, a domestic servant of High Roding, to show cause, etc. Mr J. W. Nutt appeared for the complainant and Mr B L Ackland for the defendant. Mr Nutt said that before this fall the applicant had an unblemished character. The child, which was born on Sept 28, 1902, was now out to nurse at 5s a week. The applicant, who had a baby in her arms, said she had known defendant since the summer of 1901. During the time she was in Mrs Byatt's service, the defendant used to come round after her. On one occasion when she was standing at the shop door Page came across the road, in the evening time, and said, "I am going to kiss my girl," and did so in the presence of Mrs Byatt. He was often round there. In November, 1901, she left Mrs Byatt's and went into the service of Miss Gibbons, at Down House, Dunmow. The defendant also followed her there. On January 3, 1902, Miss May Gibbons told her not to talk so much to the policeman. On December 23, 1901, Page came between ten and eleven o'clock at night and took advantage of her. On January 3, 1902, he repeated his conduct. In April, the night before she left Dunmow, she told Page of her condition. He replied that he had a little money, but not much, and that he was going up to London to join the Metropolitan Police. She went to live with her aunt at Bromley, and from there, on August 7, 1903, she wrote: 

Dear Mr Page, I now write these few lines to you to ask if you intend to pay for your child without being made to do so? I think it cruel and shameful, the way you have treated me. I am shortly coming down to Dunmow to take out a summons against you for the maintenance of your child. Why I have not done so before is, as I have told you, because I do not wish to expose you, but why should I shield you while you treat me as you do? It is now time for me to begin to think what is to become of my poor child and of her future prospects. If you had been an ordinary man, instead of a policeman, I should have taken proceedings against you long ago, but you being a policeman I was afraid it might go against you, but I wish you no ill. You have never helped me and I think it time to help myself. I am very sorry that such a thing should ever have occurred, but everyone is apt to do wrong at times, but the least you could do now is to help keep your child, without it having to be made public. I remain, yours etc. B Hockley

A large number of other letters from the girl to the defendant were read. In one she said, "I have begun to like you rather". Again, so as to stop "the talk" she told someone in Dunmow "the talk about you and me is not true". On the day before she went into Bromley Infirmary she wrote, "I know I am not perfect, but you might have done worse than marry me." After the child was born, she wrote, "She is a sweet, pretty baby", and later, "It is no use for you to say the child does not belong to you, because it is exactly like you, and that is the proof." Letters from Page in reply were read, in one of which he wrote: "I am not in the habit of writing to anyone except my friends, and if I receive any more letters from you I shall return them unopened." Page afterwards wrote that he was surprised at the charge, which he described as unfounded. The defendant, who had been subpoenaed by the complainant, totally denied the charge, or that he had been intimate with her. Mr Nutt stated that Miss Gibbons, whom he intended to call to give evidence, was unwell, and he could not call her. Mr Acland said that never in his life had he been called upon to take part in a case where the evidence was so absolutely uncorroborated as in this. If an order were made against Page no single man in the country would be safe. After the Bench had retired, the Chairman (the Rev. G M Wilson) said The Justices fail to find any corroborative evidence in the case, and the charge against Page is dismissed.

We'll never know, but while I agree there isn't the level of evidence required by the court, Beatrice's tone is mature and reasonable and I cannot see any reason to disbelieve her story, while Page will inevitably have known or been advised to just deny everything, because it was up to her to provide proof. 

Sydney Robert Page (b. 1875 in Hoxne, Suffolk), was the son of Arthur Page and Mary Ann Flaxman. His father, Arthur Page, in 1881, was an Inspector of Police, living at Pighete, Haverhill, Risbridge, Suffolk. In 1901, Sydney Robert Page (25) Police Constable, had been a boarder in Church End, Great Dunmow. Page, by the way, had married Ethel Annie Purser, on 7 Oct 1903, in Stifford, Thurrock and in 1911, they were living at 1 The Limes, Great Stambridge, with two sons: Arthur Sydney (6) and Edward (4), as well as Sydney's sister, Millicent E Page (33) Certificated teacher.

Sydney Robert Page died, at 67, on 20 Jun 1942 in Braintree.

The child she had named Millicent Beatrice Hockley, b. 28 Sep 1902, reg. D Quarter in BROMLEY Volume 02A Page 495. 

In 1911, Beatrice Hockley (27ish) from Great Canfield, Essex, was a Parlourmaid to Anna Maria Blakemore, Widow of Private Means at 4 Devonshire Terrace, Paddington, London. There was a Millicent Hockley (8) listed as an Orphan at a school in Stone Road, Broadstairs, Kent. 

In 1921, Beatrice Margaret Hockley (38ish) born in Great Canfield, Essex, was a Parlour Maid to Ronald Malcolm, Banker, Director of Coutts & Co at Headley Grove, Epsom, Surrey. Meanwhile, Millicent Hockley (18) Domestic Servant, born in Dunmow, Essex, was a Patient at Braintree Union Workhouse, Bocking.

Millicent Beatrice Hockley married Frederick Thomas Mace (b. 10 Jul 1907) in Hendon, Middlesex in 1937.

In 1939, Frederick T Mace, Baker, and Millicent B Mace (Sewing machinist) were living at 10 Algernon Road, Hendon. Millicent's year of birth is listed as 1907, presumably to match her husband's, but her day and month were still given as 28 Sep. At 32 in 1939, Frederick will have been within the age group to be conscripted during the war, but as someone in a job such as baking, may have been exempted. The couple don't appear to have had any children. Frederick Thomas Mace died, in Hendon, in 1975. Millicent Beatrice Mace died, in Hendon, in 1987. Her supposed birth year had slipped forward a further five years to 1912. She will actually have been 85.

Sunday, 21 December 2025

James Wright and Eliza Beavis

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

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

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

James and Eliza Wright had five children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Jacob White and Rose Bunkall

St. Nicholas Church, Dereham

Jacob White and Rose Bunkall, married on 12 Nov 1805 at St. Nicholas ChurchDereham. Jacob, the son of Jacob White and Elizabeth Thompson, was baptised at All Saints ChurchShipdham, on 23 Jul 1770 (where his parents had married just two months earlier on 19 May 1770). Rose, the daughter of William and Margaret Bunkall, was born in December 1766 and baptised at St. Nicholas Church, Dereham on 1 Feb 1767. Jacob and Rose married late and were already 35 and 38, respectively, at the time of their marriage, but are described as a single man and a single woman. 

The lateness probably accounts for why they had only one child: 
  1. William White, bap. 20 Jul 1806 at St MargaretGarvestone
Rose White died, her age estimated at 62, and was buried on 6 Jul 1827, at All Saints, Mattishall. (Mattishall is where son William then lived.)

In 1841, Jacob White (70) was living South GreenMattishall

Jacob White died, his age also over-estimated by two years to 76, in 1844 M Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH Volume 13 Page 181.

Saturday, 8 November 2025

Jonas Hinds and Hannah Kett

St Gregory's church (disused) on Pottergate, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak - geograph.org.uk/p/6448081
Now disused, the church houses St Gregory's Antiques & Collectables

Jonas Hinds, widower of this parish, married Hannah Kett, Spinster of the parish of Heigham at St Gregory's Church, Norwich on 8 Nov 1790. They were married by Banns, read on 10th, 17th & 24th Oct. Jonas appears to have signed his name, while Hannah made her mark. There appear to have been three witnesses, among them Robert Martin and Elizabeth Knights. 

Jonas Hinds had previously married Ann Gooddee (sic) at All Saints' Church, Norwich, on 11 Aug 1765. The couple appear to have had six children:
  1. Thomas Hinds bap. 1 Aug 1766 at St Stephen's Church, Norwich
  2. Jonas Hinds b. 1768 (no baptism found). Buried 25 Oct 1771 at Norwich, St John Timberhill with All Saints & St Michael At Thorn
  3. William Hinds bap. 23 Jun 1771 at All Saints' Church, Norwich
  4. Sarah Hinds bap. 26 Jun 1773 at St Mary Coslany, Norwich
  5. Jonas Hinds bap. 17 Dec 1775 at St Michael Coslany, Norwich. Buried 15 Apr 1776 at St John Timberhill with All Saints & St Michael At Thorn
  6. Jonas Hinds bap. 28 May 1780 in Norwich, Norfolk
Ann Hinds was buried at St John Timberhill with All Saints & St Michael At Thorn, Norfolk (no idea which) on 2 Jun 1789. Her year of birth is suggested as 1744, probably from an estimated age at death given as 45.

Hannah Kett came to the marriage with a 'Baseborn' (illegitimate) daughter, Mary Kett, bap. 1 Oct 1780 at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. Hannah does not have any further children during her marriage to Jonas Hinds. Likewise, it hasn't been possible [as yet] to find any record of Hannah's death. 

However, there was a marriage of Jonas Hindes (sic) Widower of this Parish to an Elizabeth Watts, Widow of the Same, at St Michael At Thorn, Norfolk on 6 Dec 1804, which looks very likely to have been his third marriage.

Jonas Hinds was buried at St John Timberhill with All Saints & St Michael At Thorn, Norfolk on 20 Feb 1825. His age at death given as 86, suggests a year of birth around 1739. There was a baptism of a Jonas Hinds, son of Thomas Hinds and his wife Sarah, on 27 Dec 1741 in Wreningham, Norfolk. Requires confirmation, but I am persuaded to consider this a very likely candidate given that Jonas Hinds names his first child Thomas and his daughter Sarah.

Thursday, 6 November 2025

John Brown Durrant and Martha Francis

Mattishall, All Saints Church, Friday, 25 May, 2018
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

John Brown Durrant (b. 26 Nov 1818, bap. 29 Nov 1818 in East Tuddenham, Norfolk), son of Isaiah Durrant and Elizabeth Brown, married Martha Francis (bap. 9 May 1817 in Mattishall, Norfolk), daughter of William Francis and Sarah Holmes, at All Saints, Mattishall on 6 Nov 1842. They were married by the Reverend Thomas Paddon, who was vicar of the parish from 1821-61. Witnesses to their marriage were John Thane and Sarah Thane.

John and Martha Durrant had five children:
  1. Sarah Durrant b. 1843 S Quarter in MITFORD & LAUNDITCH UNION Volume 13 Page 211, bap. 17 Sep 1843 at All Saints, Mattishall
  2. Frances Durrant b. 1847 D Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH UNION Volume 13 Page 199, bap. 13 Aug 1854 in East Tuddenham
  3. John William Durrant b. 1850 S Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH Volume 13 Page 227, bap. 27 Jun 1850 in East Tuddenham, Norfolk. Died 1850 S Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH Volume 13 Page 163 and was buried on 5 Jul 1850, also at East Tuddenham
  4. Martha Durrant b. 1851 S Quarter in MITFORD AND LAUNDITCH Volume 13 Page 237, bap. 13 Aug 1854 in East Tuddenham, Norfolk. Died, aged 22, in 1874 J Quarter in MITFORD Volume 04B Page 187 and was buried on 17 Apr 1874 in East Tuddenham
  5. Betsy Durrant bap. 25 Dec 1855 in East Tuddenham, Norfolk
There does not appear to be a GRO registration for Betsy's birth, but the mother's maiden name on all of the other four is correct as FRANCIS.

In 1851, John Durrant (32) Ag Lab; Martha Durrant (33), Sarah Durrant (7), Frances Durrant (3) and Sarah Francis (75) Lodger, Widow, Pauper [Martha's mother], were living in High Road, East Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk.

In 1861, probably in the same place, but with their address listed as The Street, East Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk, were John Durrant (42) Agricultural Labourer; Martha Durrant (43), Frances Durant (13), Martha Durrant (9) and Betsy Durrant (5). [Sarah had married in 1865].

Martha Durrant died, aged 51, in 1868 J Quarter in MITFORD Volume 04B Page 166 and was buried on 28 May 1868 at All Saints, East Tuddenham.

In 1871, John Durrant (52) Ag Lab was living on the Norwich Road, East Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk, with daughter, Martha Durrant (19) Ag Lab. Frances Durrant (23) was a servant in the household of James Reeve, Farmer at The Hall Farm, Church Road, Snetterton, Wayland, Norfolk; while Betsey Durrant (sic) (15) was a servant in the household of Thomas Smith, Collector of Gas Rents at Faith Terrace, St Peter Per Mountergate, Norwich, Norfolk.

On 15 Sep 1871, John Durrant, 52, Widower, married Mary Ann Harvey, 41, Widow at All Saints, East Tuddenham. Witnesses were John Laws and Rebecca Laws. Born Marianne Adcock (b. 1830, bap. 14 Apr 1833 in Mattishall, Norfolk), daughter of Richard Adcock and Marianne Bowles, she had first married John Harvey in 1856, with whom she had three sons: i. John Harvey b. 1856 J Quarter in MITFORD & LAUNDITCH Volume 04B Page 275; ii. William Harvey b. 1859 D Quarter in MITFORD & LAUNDITCH Volume 04B Page 276; and iii. James Harvey b. 1863 J Quarter in ST FAITHS Volume 04B Page 94. Her first husband, John Harvey, had died, aged 33, in 1868 S Quarter in SAINT FAITHS Volume 04B Page 71. 

John and Mary Ann Durrant added a daughter:
  1. Clara Durrant b. 30 May 1877 (1877 J Quarter in MITFORD Volume 04B Page 260), bap. 5 Oct 1884 at All Saints, East Tuddenham
In 1881, John Durrant (62) Ag Lab, was living in The Street, East Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk with Mary A Durrant (50), Clara Durrant (3) with step-sons William Harvey (21) Bricklayer and James Harvey (18) Gardener unemployed. [Frances had married in Nov 1871; Martha had died in 1874] Betsey Durrant (25) was then employed as a Lady's Maid in the household of Admiral Sir Francis William Sullivan, 6th Baronet at Northcotts, Bishops Hatfield, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. (Also employed there at that time was [George] Frederick Walker (21) Footman, who Betsy married in 1883.)

In 1891, John Durrant (72) Ag Lab; Mary A Durrant (60) and Clara Durrant (13) were living at 28, The Street, East Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk.

John Brown Durrant died in 1898 D Quarter in MITFORD Vol 04B Page 175.

In 1901, Mary Ann Durrant (70) Widow was living in the household of her youngest son, James Durrant (38) Widower and his four children, in Low Street, North Tuddenham, Mitford, Norfolk.

In 1911, Mary Ann Durrant (80) Widow, was living in the household of her son-in-law, Henry Owen Neve (28) who had married her daughter, Clara Durrant, in 1909 at Clint Green Post Office, Yaxham, Norfolk

In 1921, Mary Ann Durrant (90) was still living with her son-in-law and daughter, Henry Owen and Clara Neve at Clint Green Post Office, Yaxham.

Marianne Durant died, aged 91, in 1921 S Quarter in MITFORD Volume 04B Page 231 and was buried on 20 Sep 1921 in Honingham, Norfolk.

Sunday, 19 October 2025

Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett

Ruins of St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk

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

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

Robert and Mary also wasted no time in starting a family:
  1. Robert Marsh Minns b. 1 Apr 1802, bap. 4 Apr 1802
  2. Mary Ann Minns b. 17 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805
  3. John Minns b. 19 Jul 1807 and bap. 19 Jul 1807
  4. Ann Minns b. 14 Sep 1810, bap. 16 Sep 1810
  5. Hannah Minns bap. 24 Jan 1813
  6. David Minns b. 22 Jun 1815, bap. 25 Jun 1815
  7. Elizabeth Minns b. 29 Mar 1818 and bap. 29 Mar 1818
  8. Harriet Minns b. 15 Feb 1824 and bap. 15 Feb 1824
Several of the baptism records, which all took place at St Bartholomew's, Heigham, list Robert's occupation as Husbandman. On Harriet's baptism, her father is listed as David Minns, but I'm certain this is an error. The record also clearly lists her mother, and specifies her as the former Mary Kett.

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

St Mary's churchyard Hellesdon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak
 geograph.org.uk/p/850775
Robert Marsh Minns, Widower, remarried Ann Clark, Widow (have been unable to discover her maiden name), on 13 Nov 1831, also at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. 

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

In 1851, living at Heigham Fields, Upper Heigham, were Robert M Minns (74) and Ann Minns (64) birthplace Norwich St Martins.

In 1861, Robert Minns (84) Farm Labourer and Ann Minns (74) Charwoman, were living at 22 Church Path, Heigham.

Robert Marsh Minns, of Upper Heigham, died on 25 Jan 1865, in his 89th year (1865 M Quarter in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 125), was buried on 31 Jan 1865 at St Mary, Hellesdon (where his grandparents married & mother was baptised) and was reported in the Suffolk Chronicle on 4 Feb 1865.

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

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

Tuesday, 7 October 2025

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright

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

Spire of Holy Trinity, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - 
geograph.org.uk/p/167498
James Baker (bap. on Leap Day, 29 Feb 1824 in Trowse, Norfolk) Widower, Servant, son of James Baker and Sarah Leach, married Mary Ann Wright (b. 11 Oct 1838 in Heigham, Norfolk), Spinster, daughter of James Wright and Mary Ann Minns, both then resident in Heigham, at Holy Trinity, Norwich on 7 Oct 1866. Witnesses were three of Mary Ann's 1st cousins: Samuel Blazey, Hannah Blazey (my 2x great-grandmother) and Elizabeth Blazey.

This was James Baker's third marriage.

In the first quarter of 1849, James Baker had married Virtue Dunham, also in Norwich. James and Virtue Baker had two children:
  1. James William Baker b. 1850 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 308, bap. 19 May 1850 in Heigham, Norwich
  2. Mary Baker b. 1852 J Quarter in HENSTEAD Volume 04B Page 186, bap. 23 May 1852 in Trowse, Norwich
In 1851, James Baker (28) 'Keeper of lunatic gent', from Trowse Newton, Norfolk; Virtue Baker (28) birthplace listed as Bellingham (Burlingham); J W Baker [James William] (0) and Elizabeth Dunham (8) from Lingwood, Norfolk, Niece, were living in Philadelphia, Saint Clement, Norwich.

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

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

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

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

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright then added three children:
  1. Ellen Mary Baker b. 14 Apr 1867 (1867 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 166)
  2. Eliza Harriet Baker b. 8 Aug 1869 in Nelson Street, Heigham (1869 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)
  3. Herbert Alfred Baker b. 27 Jul 1874 (1874 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)
In 1871, living in Seppings Buildings, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (32) Wife, Dressmaker with Ellen M Baker (3) and Eliza H Baker (1). James Baker (47) from Trowse, was not in the family home and was listed as a Servant, with his occupation being "Male attendant" at Heigham Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich. (Heigham Private Lunatic Asylum, which had opened in 1836, was almost opposite the Dolphin Inn. It's grounds "filled the large swathe of land between Armes Street, Nelson Street, Old Palace Road and Heigham Street." It closed in 1960. [Source]. It was an asylum for ‘patients belonging to the upper and middle classes.)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Anthony Frederick J Brady and Maggie Dorothy Howes

St Peter and St Paul's Church, Swaffham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Dixon - geograph.org.uk/p/4609546

Anthony Frederick John Brady (b. 8 May 1908, in Andover, Hampshire), son of Anthony Brady and Ethel Berry, married Maggie Dorothy Howes (b. 4 Apr 1910), daughter of William Harman Howes and Elizabeth Eliza Blazey, on 4 Oct 1936, at Holy Trinity, Norwich (where her sister Alice married in 1922). Witnesses were both William Harman Howes: the bride's father and brother

(At the time of the marriage, the bridegroom's father, Anthony Brady (b. 1882 in Belfast, County Antrim, d. 1957 in Norwich), was described as an Omnibus Driver. He had married Ethel Berry (b. 1883 in Norwich), in 1905, in Norwich. In 1911, both Anthony and Ethel Brady were both on the census in Yorkshire at the Infantry Barracks 3rd Battalion Yorkshire Regiment. Anthony Frederick John Brady was baptised at Holy Trinity, Heigham, in 1913.)

In 1939, Anthony F J Brady, Local Government Officer, Audit Secretary, his wife Maggie D and son Lawrence Cormac Brady (b. 2 Oct 1938 d. 1997), were living at "Spinney Edge", Cantley Road, Cringleford, Norfolk.

Maggie Dorothy Brady, of Coronation Grove, Swaffham, died, aged just 45 (1955 D Quarter in KING'S LYNN Volume 04B Page 465), and was buried at St Peter and St Paul's, Swaffham, on 19 Oct 1955.

Anthony Frederick J Brady died in May 1995 (DOR Q2/1995 in NORWICH (6391B) Reg B12B Entry Number 175), in the month of his 87th birthday.

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

Saturday, 27 September 2025

Francis Anthony Martyn and Anne White

St Margaret, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Keating - geograph.org.uk/p/3638192

Francis Anthony Martyn, widower, son of Frederick Martyn, Clerk, married Anne White (bap. 23 Oct 1831), spinster, daughter of William White and Ann Francis, on 27 Sep 1852 at the Parish Church of St. Margaret, Norwich.

Francis had previously married Mary Anne Jeffries on 17 Mar 1835 at St Benedict's Church, Norwich and in 1841, Francis Martyn (26) Upholsterer and Marianna Martyn (28) had lived at Ten Bell Lane, St Swithin, Norwich. 

In 1851, Francis Martin (sic) (35) Upholsterer and Marianne Martin (40) were in Three King Lane, Saint Margaret's, Norwich. Then Mary Ann Martyn died, at 38, and was buried, on 21 Oct 1851, at St Martin at Oak, Norwich.

In 1871, Francis Martyn (55) Upholsterer, Ann Martyn (39) and Sarah Watson (19) Niece (Sarah was the daughter of Ann's elder sister, Mary Ann) were living in Lothian Street, St Benedict, Norwich.

Francis Martyn died at 65-66, on 20 Dec 1880 and was buried on Boxing Day 1880 at the Rosary Cemetery, Norwich.

In 1881, Ann Martin (sic) (49) Widow, was still living in Lothian Street, Norwich St Benedict, Norwich with her widowed mother, Ann White (78).

Ann Martyn died at 52 in 1884 S Qtr in NORWICH Vol 04B Page 129 and, it appears from the inscription on the stone, was buried with her husband.

Neither of Francis Martyn's marriages had resulted in any children.