Showing posts with label Northamptonshire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Northamptonshire. Show all posts

Monday, 3 August 2026

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), of 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, so 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.

Thursday, 2 July 2026

Joseph Tiff and Eliza Blazey

Church of St James Norlands, Sunday, 29 April, 2007
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Joseph Tiff (bap. 6 Dec 1846, in Badby, Northamptonshire) (29) Bachelor, Greengrocer, son of John Daniel Tift and Ann Watkins married Eliza Blazey (b. 16 Feb 1851 in Heigham, Norwich) (25) Spinster, daughter of Francis Stephen Blazey and Hannah Minns, on 2 Jul 1876, at St James' Church, Norlands. (Eliza's sisters, Elizabeth Blazey and Alice Blazey and brother, Francis Robert Blazey also married in this church.) Both gave their address as 9 Union Terrace. One of the witnesses was Eliza's sister, Alice Blazey.

In 1861, Joseph (14), one of 7 siblings still at home in Badby, like his father was employed as an Agricultural Labourer. His elder brother, Thomas, was a blacksmith. But by 1871, Joseph (24) servant unemployed, was lodging with a William Potter from Suffolk, in Adam St, Marylebone, London.

In 1881, Joseph Tiff (32) Green grocer and his wife Eliza (31) were living at 9, Union Terrace, Kensington, London with Francis Blazey (13) - Eliza's bother Samuel's eldest son - employed as their Shop boy.

And in 1891, still at Union Terrace, Kensington, were Joseph Tiff (42) Green grocer, Eliza (40), with four of their nephews: Francis Blazey (25) Dock Labourer; Walter White (21) Shop Porter (Hannah's son); Alfred Blazey (21) (Samuel's younger son) also a Dock Labourer and Joseph Tiff (11) from Badby, Northamptonshire (son of one of Joseph's brothers).

This couple don't appear to have had children of their own, but look to have played an important role in the lives of their nephews.

Joseph Tiff died, at 46, in 1894 J Qtr in KENSINGTON Vol 01A 74. 

In 1901, Eliza was presumably employed somewhere as a Housekeeper, but [so far] I've not found the relevant record. 

In 1911, Eliza Tiff (~56) Widow, was a Visitor in the household of George Hiscock (50) Coachman (married to Eliza's youngest sister, Alice) at Tichborne Stables, Tichborne, Alresford, Hampshire (undoubtedly Tichborne Park). 

In 1921, transcribed as Eliza Tift (sic) (70 years and 3 months) Widow from Norwich, Norfolk, Housekeeper retired, was visiting Percy Reginald Pocock at 124, High Street, Berkhamsted. She was originally listed as his Aunt, which was correct as Percy was the son of Eliza's sister Elizabeth

In 1939, with her date of birth correctly listed as 16 Feb 1851, Eliza Tift (sic) Domestic Servant Retired, was living with George Hiscock, Widower of her youngest sister, Alice, at 15 Heathfield South, Twickenham, Middlesex.

As yet, I can find no record of Eliza's death anywhere in the UK.

Friday, 5 June 2026

James Adcock and Mary Hill

Former Church of St Michael the Greater, Stamford, Lincolnshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Robinson - geograph.org.uk/p/6208532

James Adcock (bap. 31 Dec 1812), son of Joseph Adcock and Sarah Cook, married Mary Hill, listed as the daughter of William Hill, at All Saints Church, Pytchley, Northamptonshire, on 5 Jun 1838. James' profession was listed as Carpenter and Joiner and he was already living in Stamford, Lincolnshire at the time of their marriage. Witnesses were Edward Bryan and Louisa Cox.

James and Mary had five children, all born in in Stamford, Lincolnshire and baptised at the [former] church of St Michaels, Stamford:

  1. John Adcock b. 1839 J Quarter in THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 553, bap. 14 Apr 1839
  2. William Hill Adcock b. 1840 D Quarter in OF THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 556, bap. 11 Dec 1840
  3. Joseph Hill Adcock b. 1842 M Quarter in THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 582, bap. 20 Feb 1842
  4. Mary Elizabeth Adcock b. 1844 M Quarter in OF THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 605, bap. 6 Jun 1847 
  5. James Adcock b. 1845 S Quarter in OF THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 576, bap. 27 Feb 1847 (Died 1847 M Quarter in OF THE STAMFORD UNION Volume 14 Page 507)
In 1841, James Adcock (25), wife Mary (30), John (2) and William (0) were all living in the parish of St Michael, Stamford, Lincolnshire.

In 1851, in the parish of All Saints, Stamford, we find James Adcock (38), Joiner, wife Mary (43) - birthplace listed as Denford, Northamptonshire - John (12), William (10), Joseph (9) and Mary (7).

In 1861, in the parish of St George, Stamford, were James Adcock (48), Carpenter, Mary (50), and daughter Mary (17), Dressmaker. John had married that year and gone to live in Peterborough; William Hill Adcock was in London visiting his cousins, John and Maria Blackett; Joseph Adcock (19), Gardener, was a visitor in the household of Edwin Wright in Northampton. 

Mary Adcock died, aged 62, in 1867 M Quarter in STAMFORD UNION Volume 07A Page 210 and was buried on 18 Mar 1867.

In 1871, James Adcock (60), Carpenter, widower, was living with daughter Mary E Adcock (27), Schoolmistress and Jane Gilbert (13), Domestic Servant.

James Adcock died, aged 63, in 1876 S Quarter in STAMFORD Volume 07A Page 221 and was buried on 17 Aug 1876.

In 1881, Mary E Adcock (37) was living at 17, Belton Street, Stamford, Lincolnshire - which may well have been the address she had lived at with her parents - by this time she is described as "Invalid Formerly Teacher". 

Still in Belton Street in 1891, Mary E Adcock (47) was an Annuitant

In 1901, Mary Elizabeth Adcock (57), "Living on own means", address Milner's Row, Stamford. From the description it looks like this may well have still been the same place, "Part of this terrace remains although the houses nearest Belton Street have been demolished and replaced with a modern garage." 

Mary Elizabeth Adcock died, aged 63, in 1906 J Quarter in STAMFORD Volume 07A Page 188. She had never married.

Wednesday, 3 June 2026

William Naseby and Eliza Thompson

St. Andrew's Church, Cransley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Thacker - geograph.org.uk/p/6663331

Mrs Eliza Naseby (née Thompson)
Reproduced from the
“Our Warwickshire” website

© Rugby Library
Reference: T, B NAS, img: 7688
William Naseby (bap. 16 Apr 1815 in West Haddon), son of William Naseby and Charlotte Wood, married, Eliza Thompson (bap. 8 Feb 1824 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), then a minor at 17, daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St Andrew's Church, Cransley on 3 Jun 1841. Witnesses were George Naseby and Ann Naseby.

They had a baker's dozen of children:

  1. Emma Naseby b. 1842 S Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 222, bap. 18 Dec 1842 in West Haddon
  2. William Naseby b. 1844 J Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 245
  3. Clara Ann Naseby b. 1846 J Qtr in DAVENTRY UNION Vol 15 268
  4. James Naseby b. 1848 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 500, bap. 6 Aug 1848 at Saint Andrew, Rugby. (Died, aged 1, in 1849 M Quarter in RUGBY Vol 16 Page 354)
  5. Martha Naseby b. 1850 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 523, bap. 2 Sep 1853 at Saint Andrew, Rugby
  6. Eliza Naseby b. 1851 D Quarter in RUGBY Volume 16 Page 536, bap. 5 Dec 1851 at St Matthew's Church, Rugby
  7. Ruth Naseby b. 1853 S Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 356, bap. Kate Ruth, 2 Sep 1853 at Saint Andrew, Rugby
  8. Maria Naseby b. 1855 D Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 365, bap. 16 Oct 1855 at Saint Matthews, Rugby. (Died at 2 days 1855 D Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 219, buried 19 Oct 1855)
  9. Edith Naseby b. 1857 J Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D 396, bap. 9 Jun 1857 at Saint Andrew, Rugby (Died, aged 1, in 1859 S Qtr Vol 06D 268)
  10. Owen William Thompson Naseby b. 1859 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 429, bap. 3 May 1859 at Saint Andrew, Rugby (Died 1859 J Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 253 and buried on 14 May 1859)
  11. Naomi Naseby b. 1860 J Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 425
  12. Amy Maria Naseby b. 1862 D Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 411, bap. 28 Oct 1868 in Rugby, Warwickshire
  13. Rebecca Naseby b. 1865 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Pag, bap. 9 Jan 1865 Privately
Mother's maiden name on birth registrations is THOMPSON - with the H.

In 1841, William Naseby (20ish) and Eliza Naseby (17) were living in West Haddon. (Two of Eliza's sisters also lived in West Haddon at that time, Mary Botterill, then of The Bell Inn and the infamous jailbird Lucy Smith.)

By 1851, William and Eliza had moved to 5, Riley's Court, Rugby, Warwickshire, with William Naseby (31ish) Ag Lab; Eliza Naseby (25); Emma Naseby (9), Clara A Naseby (5) and Martha Naseby (1).

In 1861, at 58, North Street, Rugby, were William Naseby (46) Fruiterer; with Eliza Naseby (37); Emma Naseby (18) and Martha Naseby (11), Eliza Naseby (9) and Kate Naseby (9) Scholars and Naomi Naseby (1). Clara A Naseby (15) that year was a pupil, boarding at an industrial school in Rugby under the care of matron, Mary Potton (50) widow.

In 1871, in North Street, Rugby, were William Naseby (55) Gardener; Eliza Naseby (49), Eliza Naseby (19), Naomi Naseby (10), Amy M Naseby (8), Rebecca Naseby (6) and Eliza's brother, William Thompson (47) Visitor.

In 1881, in Hillmorton Road, Rugby, there were just William Naseby (65) Market Gardener; Eliza (60) and John Brand (16) Garden Labourer. Rebekah Naseby (sic) (16) was a Housemaid domestic servant in the household of William Collins, Schoolmaster at Alma House & School, Rugby, Warwickshire.

In 1891, with address at Naseby House, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, were William Naseby (75) Market Gardener; Eliza Naseby (67) and Eliza'a brother, William Thompson (64) listed as a Gardener Domestic Servant and six of their grandchildren, offspring of Charles Johnson and Eliza Naseby, Elizabeth A Johnson (16), Clara A Johnson (15), Ellen E Johnson (12), Charles Hy Johnson (9), George Wm Johnson (7) and Frederick Johnson (6). Rebecca Naseby (26) Nurse was a visitor in the household of Joseph Wood in Charlotte Street, Rugby, Warwickshire.

In 1901, William Naseby (85) Market Gardener and Eliza Naseby (77) were living at 86, Hillmorton Road, Rugby, Warwickshire. Rebecca Naseby (36) Monthly Nurse was a boarder in the household of Martin O'Malley, Beerhouse Keeper from Ireland at 46, Chapel Street, Rugby, Warwickshire (it became O'Malleys, was the former Australian Arms now a Listed Building)

William Naseby
Reproduced from the
“Our Warwickshire” website

© Rugby Library
Reference: T, B NAS, img: 7687
From Our Warwickshire:

"William Naseby, green-grocer and market gardener, born in West Haddon in 1818 (sic), lived with his wife at Naseby Cottage, Hillmorton Road 1854-1905. Worked a large market garden on land developed by the Land Society, which became known as the "Naseby Estate". Lived for three years in a Lawrence Sheriff Almshouse prior to his death at 91 in 1907." William Naseby died on 16 Mar 1907 (1907 M Quarter in RUGBY Vol 06D Page 386).

Eliza Naseby (née Thompson) died on 19 Feb 1908 (1908 M Quarter in RUGBY Volume 06D Page 395), aged 84.

In 1911, Rebecca Naseby (46) Maternity Nurse was living in the household of brother-in-law Thomas Wright at 67 Oxford Street, Rugby, Warwickshire.

Rebecca Naseby of 88 Railway Terrace, Rugby, Warwickshire, died on 30 Jan 1915, aged 50, at 19 The Drive, Phippsville, Northampton (presumably her place of employment). Probate was granted on 8 Apr 1915 to her sister Naomi Wright (wife of Thomas Wright). Rebecca is buried at Clifton Road Cemetery, along with her niece Clara Johnson (daughter of Charles Johnson and Eliza Naseby), who had died aged 31 on 21 Sep 1906.

Post card of Lawrence Sheriff Almshouses in Church St Rugby ca. 1900s
Reproduced from the “Our Warwickshire” website under Creative Commons Licence CC BY NC
© Warwickshire County Record office: PH352/152/128

Monday, 25 May 2026

Daniel Botterill and Sarah Elizabeth Thompson

The "skull & crossbones" entrance to St. Nicholas' Church, Deptford Green Photo © Mike Quinn (cc-by-sa/2.0)

Daniel Botterill (bap. 20 Dec 1831 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Stephen Botterill and Mary Thompson, married Sarah Elizabeth Thompson (bap. 15 Dec 1833 in Broughton, Northamptonshire), daughter of Daniel Thompson and Mary Adcock, at Christ Church Watney Street, St George in the East in on 25 May 1856. Witnesses were Edward Taylor and Ann Taylor. Ann was both of the couple's aunt. Mary Botterill (née Thompson) - Daniel Botterill's mother - was the elder sister of Daniel Thompson - Sarah Elizabeth Thompson's father - and Ann Taylor (née Thompson) was their younger sister. Daniel Botterill and Sarah Thompson, therefore, were 1st Cousins.

Daniel and Sarah had five children:
  1. Dan Stephen Thompson Botterill, b. 1857 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 590, bap. 13 Sep 1857 at West Haddon
  2. Benjamin Adcock Botterill b. 1861 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 614, bap. 6 May 1861 at West Haddon. (Died, aged 1, in 1862 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 367.)
  3. John Benjamin Botterill b. 25 Aug 1864 (1864 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 643), bap. 27 Jan 1867 at Saint Nicholas, Deptford.
  4. Elizabeth Cox Botterill b. 1867 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 754, bap. 27 Jan 1867 at Saint Nicholas, Deptford. (Died, aged 4, in 1871 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 525.)
  5. Mary Louisa Adcock Botterill b. 19 Apr 1870 (1870 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 773), bap. at Saint Nicholas, Deptford on 8 May 1870. 
In 1841, Daniel Botterill (10) was living with his parents in West Haddon, Northamptonshire, with his father, Stephen, then listed as a Publican.

Flagon Row 1880
In 1861, Daniel was living at 3, Wellington Street (formerly Flagon Row), St Nicholas, Deptford, listed as a "Boiler Maker Tobaconist" - between a Butcher and a Shoe Shop on one side and a Baker, a Greengrocer, a Chemist and a Clothes Dealer on the other. Emma Thompson (16) was listed as a Servant in his household, while his wife, Sarah, was visiting her brother George and their widowed mother, in Northamptonshire, along with sons Daniel (4) and Benjamin (0).

A report in The Era of 17 Nov 1867 lists the transfer of the licence for The White Hart, Deptford Green to Daniel Botterill. Situated at 33 Deptford Green, the pub closed c.1896 and has now been demolished. We find Daniel and Sarah Botterill there in 1869 and again on the 1871 census, where Daniel Botterill (39) is listed as a Licensed Victualler and living with him are his wife, Sarah E (37), sons; Daniel Stephen (14) and John (6), daughters; Elizabeth (4) and Mary (0), as well as Sarah's sister, Louisa Thompson (26), listed as "Barmaid" and Sarah's widowed mother, Mary Thompson (61).

(1) Houses In Old Flagon Row, North Side (2) Corner of Flagon Row (3) Deptford Green c.1897

In 1874, D Botterill was listed as the licencee of The Old Centurion Pub on Deptford Broadway. Given the two following reports in the newspapers of the time, it would seem that this was probably a pretty rough establishment.

Kentish Mercury 9 May 1874: 
STEALING A DRINKING GLASS Jane Bartlett, about 70 years of age, a hawker, residing in Hales Street, Deptford, was charged with stealing a drinking glass, value 6½d., the property of Daniel Botterill, landlord of The Centurion, public house, Deptford Broadway. It appeared from the evidence of the barman that the prisoner came into the house on the previous evening, and remained there some time drinking with a navvy. After he had gone witness saw the prisoner place the glass under her arm, and upon speaking to her about it she dropped it. The prisoner, who denied any intention of stealing the glass, was sent to Maidstone gaol for seven days.

Kentish Mercury 6 Mar 1875: 
KICKING A LICENSED VICTUALLER James Chapman, of Wood's lodging-house, Mill Lane, Deptford, was charged with being drunk, and assaulting the landlord of the Centurion public house, Deptford Broadway. Daniel Botterill, the landlord, said the prisoner came into his house on Saturday night and annoyed the customers. He was ejected, but got in again, and commenced another row. Witness put him outside, when the prisoner ran at him, and kicked him several times. Mr. Patterson sentenced the prisoner to 14 days' hard labour, refusing his application for the imposition of a fine.

The Old Centurion Pub closed in 2004 and was converted into flats. 

(Top left) The White Hart, Deptford Green, (Top right) The Old Centurion Pub on Deptford Boadway, (Bottom left) Clock House, Leather Lane, (Bottom right) Holly Tree Arms, Lewisham

On the 1881 census and in 1882, Daniel Botterill was listed as landlord of the Clock House (formerly Coach & Horses), in Leather Lane, Holborn. Sarah's sister, Louisa, who married John Soppit in 1875, was living there, but Sarah was not on census day. Instead, she was lodging in the household of John Snell, a Lodging House Keeper, in Torquay in Devon. The transcription of that record describes her as "Sister to wife". That doesn't make sense and I believe the original actually says "Licensed Victualler's Wife" which is what she was. Was this a relative, a business contact, a holiday or perhaps a health break?

By 1891, the Botterills were back south of the river at the Holly Tree Arms, then in Holly Tree Terrace, between Hither Green and Lewisham. Staying there at that time were Daniel (59), Licensed Victualler, wife Sarah E (57), daughter Mary L (20), grandson John (11), granddaughter Alice (6), Alice J Pretty (28) Domestic Servant General, niece Catherine S Soppett (15), Edmund Allen (16) Pot Boy and Catherine Hancock (59) Laundress. 

A report in the Woolwich Gazette on 16 Feb 1894, showed Daniel Botterill as the outgoing licensee in the transfer of the licence of the Holly Tree.

Given they only seem to stay in one place for a couple of years at a time, there may well be even more pubs in the years between these various records. 

In 1901, Sarah, 'Wife of occupier (away)', is living at 49, Wisteria Road, Lewisham along with daughter Mary L A (30) a Teacher of Dressmaking and grandson John (21) a Sign Writer, while Daniel Botterill (69), "Living on own means", was away in the household of his son, John Benjamin Botterill, in Croydon, where Daniel was listed as a 'Widower'. Clearly he wasn't. 

Daniel Botterill died, aged 76, on 12 Feb 1908 (1908 M Quarter in LEWISHAM Volume 01D Page 724). 

Sarah Botterill died a month later, on 11 Mar 1908 (1908 M Quarter in LEWISHAM Volume 01D Page 737), aged 74. Probate shows she left £2449 1s 3d (~£300,000 today) to her three surviving children. 

In 1911, Mary L A Botterill (40) was living at 49 Wisteria Road, Lewisham. Living with her was her nephew, John Botterill (31) Sign Writer.

In 1921, Mary L A Botterill was living at 69 Old Road, Lee, Lewisham. Her nephew, John Botterill (41) Sign Writer was still living with her, as well as an Evelyn L R Wadsworth (54) Working Companion, Boarder.

In 1939, and still living at 69 Old Road, Lee, Lewisham, were Mary L A Botterill and with her this time, Lucy E N Wadsworth (b. 1 Apr 1917). 

The Probate record for Mary Louisa Adcock Botterill, who never married, shows that at the time of her death on 4 Feb 1947 (1947 M Quarter in WATFORD Volume 04B Page 399), she was a resident at Leavesden Hospital (The Imbeciles Asylum). Leavesden Hospital was a mental health facility, which was called Leavesden Asylum for Idiots and Imbeciles when it opened. Looking at the circumstances, I suspect there's a good chance Mary was born with Learning Difficulties. Mary Louisa Adcock Botterill was buried, on 11 Feb 1947, with her parents and brother.

Friday, 15 May 2026

Archdeacon Henry Kaye Bonney and Charlotte Perry

St Marylebone Parish Church, York Gate, Marylebone, NW1, Sunday, 25 May, 2014
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Henry Kaye Bonney (b. 22 May 1780, bap. 23 May 1780 at St Mary, Tansor, Northamptonshire), son of Henry Kaye Bonney and Bridget Morgan, married Charlotte Perry (b. 28 Oct 1783, bap. 30 Oct 1783 at St Dunstan's, Stepney), daughter of John Perry and Elizabeth Brown, at St Marylebone Parish Church, Marylebone Road, London on 15 May 1827. They were married by the Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, John Kaye. A newspaper announcement of the time read, "On the 15th Inst., the Venerable Henry Kay Bonney D.D. [Doctor of Divinity] Archdeacon of Bedford, to Charlotte, second [actually 4th] daughter of the late John Perry, Esq., of Moor Hall, Essex." While the Parish record says that "The Reverend Henry Kaye Bonney Clerk [in Holy Orders], of the Parish of King's Cliffe in the County of Northamptonshire, a Batchelor, and Charlotte Perry of this Parish, a Spinster, were married by Licence ...". Witnesses were Phil Perry and Thomas Perry, who were Charlotte's older brothers and Richard Perry, her half-brother.

Henry Kaye Bonney was 46 and Charlotte Perry was 43 at the time of their marriage, so it's no surprise that the couple did not have children. Using the misogynistic terminology of the time, Bonney's biography refers to Charlotte's death as "after a childless union of nearly twenty-four years", which takes no account of their age and seems to infer personal failing on her part. 

Henry Bonney had succeeded as rector of All Saints Church, Kings Cliffe, Northamptonshire after his father's death in 1810, a position he held until his own death in 1862. King's Cliffe Heritage tells us that the church's "carved wooden font cover was carved in the 1820s by the Rector, Revd H K Bonney using mediaeval timbers he had brought from Fotheringhay. Bonney used other timbers from Fotheringhay to make pew ends in the choir stalls and to build a three-tier pulpit-cum- reading desk (see sketch by Bonney)."

Bonney has been described as indefatigable and when he wasn't attending to his various ecclesiastical duties, writing books, drawing, carving, he also sat as a Magistrate, on the bench with John Spencer, 3rd Earl Spencer.

In 1841, H K Bonney (60) Clerk D.D. was listed in *West Street, Kings Cliffe, Oundle, Northamptonshire with Charlotte Bonney (~55). The household had four servants, two female and two male, living in: Jane Dixon (40), Elizabeth Palmer (25), John Broughton (20) and Thomas Dawson (15). *The Old Rectory in King’s Cliffe, is located on West Street (now No. 21).

Charlotte Bonney died at Kings' Cliffe, aged 67, on 26 Dec 1850 (1851 M Quarter in OUNDLE Volume 15 Page 233). The Stamford Mercury of 3 Jan 1851, reported, "DIED: At King's Cliffe, on the 26th ult., Charlotte wife of the Ven. H. K. Bonney, D.D., Rector of that parish, and Archdeacon of Lincoln, aged 67." Charlotte Bonney was buried on 3 Jan 1851, in All Saints Churchyard, Kings' Cliffe. Charlotte Bonney's Will with three Codicils was proved in London on 27 Mar 1851, on the oaths of Richard Perry, her half-brother and Richard Green, her nephew, two of the executors. 

In 1851, Henry K Bonney (70) Widower, Archdeacon & Canon of Lincoln and Rector of Cliffe Regis, birthplace Tansor, Northamptonshire, was listed at 9, James Street, St Mary Magdalene, Lincoln. Staying with him was Henrietta Bonney (66), his unmarried sister. They had five servants listed in the household, two footmen, a cook and two female house servants. (One of the footmen was George Grey (27) from Holwell, Dorset. George Grey had been a witness to the last Codicil to Charlotte Bonney's Wills, in 1845.)

Henry Kaye Bonney
In 1861, Henry K Bonney (80) Widower, D. D. Archdeacon of Lincoln, Rector of King's Cliffe, was again at 9, James Street, St Mary Magdalen, Lincoln. He still employed five servants, two male including George Gray (36) House Servant from Holwell, Somerset, and three female.

Archdeacon Henry Kaye Bonney died at King's Cliffe on 24 Dec 1862, aged 82 (1862 D Quarter in OUNDLE Volume 3B Page 119). The Cambridge Chronicle and Journal of 27 Dec 1862 reported "Dec 24, at King's Cliffe, the Venerable Henry Jaye Bonney D.D. [B.A. 1802], Christ's College, Rector of King's Cliffe, Archdeacon of Lincoln, and Cannon Residentiary, in his 83rd year." Henry Kaye Bonney was buried on 1 Jan 1863, also in King's Cliffe Churchyard, with his late wife.

The Leicester Guardian of 31 Dec 1862 wasted no time in announcing that the Archdeaconry of Lincoln had become vacant upon Henry Kaye Bonney's death. The position was filled in 1863 by William Frederick John Kaye, only son of the late Bishop of Lincoln, John Kaye (who married Henry Kaye Bonney and Charlotte Perry). It was said that John Kaye was Henry Kaye Bonney's friend. However, the Kaye middle name being the surname of Bonney's grandmother, Grace Kaye, one wonders if they were also relatives.

On 28 Jan 1863, the Will with three Codicils of the Venerable Henry Kaye Bonney late of King's Cliffe in the County of Northampton and the Close of Lincoln in the City of Lincoln Clerk D.D. Archdeacon of Lincoln and Cannon Residentiary of the Cathedral Church of Lincoln deceased who died 24 December 1862 at Kings' Cliffe aforesaid was proved at Lincoln by the oath of George Henry Nevinson of Leicester in the County of Leicester Gentleman the Nephew one of the Executors. Henry Kaye Bonney left an estate valued at 'under £14,000', which would, sadly, only be about £2.2M today.

Speaking of relatives ... George Henry Nevinson was the son of Henry Kaye Bonney's youngest sister, Charlotte Sarah Bonney and her husband Edward Henry Nevinson. Charlotte Bonney (née Perry)'s brother Thomas Perry had married Maria Jane Watlington (and Watlington is also a family name), whose mother was Charlotte Nevinson. Nevinson is hardly a common name, so there's another familial connection to be researched one day.

East window, Archdeacon Henry Kaye Bonney memorial, 1863 

"The East window [of King's Cliffe Church] has 15th Century stonework in a style called ‘Perpendicular’. It was re-glazed in 1864 to a design by William Wailes as a memorial to the Revd Archdeacon Henry Kaye Bonney, Rector of King’s Cliffe from 1810 until his death in December 1862. Mediaeval stained glass removed to make way for this window was re-used in 1897 in the windows in the North and South aisles." [Source]

After Bonney's death, I wondered what became of his faithful man servant, George Gray. In 1871 and again in 1881, I found him employed as Butler to the Bankes family at Winstanley Hall, Winstanley, Wigan, Lancashire.

Photo © Tom Presland (cc-by-sa/2.0)
King's Cliffe from Willow Brook, Wednesday, 8 September, 2010
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.
The 17th-century house with three gable windows was The Rectory

Sunday, 26 April 2026

William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson

Deptford Green, SE8
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Mike Quinn - geograph.org.uk/p/1499434

William Wykes (b. 29 Aug 1829 in Spratton, Northamptonshire, bap. 7 Jun 1830 at Great Creaton), son of Edward Wykes and Mary Davies, married Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, at St Andrew's, Cransley, Northamptonshire, on 26 Apr 1852. Witnesses to their marriage were Elizabeth's niece, Sarah Elizabeth Thompson and her nephew, Daniel Botterill, first cousins who married four years later.

William and Elizabeth's family consisted:
  1. Anne Thompson b. 1846 in Spratton, Northamptonshire
  2. Martha Wykes b. 1853 M Quarter in BRIXWORTH Volume 03B Page 106, bap. 22 May 1853 in Spratton, Northampton
  3. Mary Ann Wykes b. 27 Mar 1855 J Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 520, bap. 27 May 1855 at St Paul, Deptford, Kent
  4. Eliza Wykes b. 22 Mar 1857 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 533
  5. Edward William Wykes b. 30 Jun 1859, reg. S Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 550, bap. 19 Oct 1862 in Deptford, Kent
  6. Elizabeth Wykes b. 10 Jun 1861 in Cransley, reg. S Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 569, bap. 19 Oct 1862 in Deptford, Kent
  7. John Thomas Wykes b. 24 Oct 1864 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 648, bap. 23 Feb 1868 at St Nicholas, Deptford
  8. Maria Sarah Elizabeth Wykes b. 1868, bap. 23 Feb 1868 at Deptford. Died, aged 1, in 1869 S Quarter in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 493
  9. William Thompson Wykes b. 1869 D Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 782
The GRO birth registrations give the mother's maiden name as THOMPSON.

By 1861 William Wykes (29), Elizabeth Wykes (32), Anne Wykes (15), Martha (8), Mary Ann (6), Eliza (4) and Edward W (1), Edward Dodd (21) Lodger and John Wykes (21), were living in Deptford (as were Daniel and Sarah Botterill). Anne Wykes (15) is certainly the Ann Thompson (5) who was staying with her grandmother, Maria Thompson, in 1851. It's clear she is Elizabeth's child, but not clear if William Wykes is her biological father, even though she is using his surname (no GRO registration under either).

In 1871, William Wykes (45) Labourer, Elizabeth (42), Martha (18), Mary Ann (16), Edward (11), [Sarah] Elizabeth (9), John Thomas (6) and William (0), were in Deptford, with Mary Thompson (85), Elizabeth's widowed mother. Eliza Wikes (sic) (14) was a Domestic Servant in the employ of Edward Allwright (40) Upholsterer, in New Cross Road, Deptford.

In 1881, William Wykes (51) with no employment, and son Edward William (21) Labourer, were living at 38, Deptford Green, while Elizabeth (52) was at 249, Evelyn Street, Deptford, with her occupation listed as Midwife. With her were married daughter Martha Buzzacott (28), Elizabeth Wykes (19) Assistant Nurse; John T (16) Apprentice Moulder and William T (11) Scholar.

In 1891, living in Evelyn Street, Deptford are William Wykes (63) Labourer, Elizabeth (62) Midwife and just William (21) Boiler Maker. 

William Wykes died, in Greenwich in 1892 M Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 831, aged 62. Elizabeth Wykes died, in Greenwich, in 1894 S Quarter in GREENWICH Volume 01D Page 493, aged 65.

The Tigers Head, Bromley
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Chris Whippet - geograph.org.uk/p/2523288

William Houseden Wood, son of George Wood and Harriet Goddard, (bap. 7 Jan 1855 at St Michael's ChurchEast Peckham where his father was Parish Clerk and Sexton) married Eliza Wykes (b. 22 Mar 1857), daughter of William Wykes and Elizabeth Thompson, in Bromley, Kent in 1885.

William and Eliza had eight children:
  1. William Thompson Wood b. 1886 J Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A Page 404. Died, aged 5, in 1892 M Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 901
  2. Frank Houseden Wood b. 25 May 1888 S Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A 388
  3. George Frederick Wood b. 1890 M Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 1125. Died 1890 S Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 607
  4. Harriet Elizabeth Wood b. 23 Jun 1893 S Qtr KENSINGTON 01A 104
  5. Eliza Kathleen Wood b. 4 Jul 1895 S Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A Page 436, bap. 21 Jul 1895 in Bromley, Kent
  6. Edith Mary Wood b. 30 Nov 1896, bap. 27 Dec 1896, reg. 1897 M Quarter in BROMLEY Volume 02A Page 440
  7. William Tompson Wood b. 1898 D Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A Page 433, bap. 6 Nov 1898. Died 1899 M Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A Page 303
  8. William Jeffrey Wood b. 23 Jan 1901 M Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A 472
In 1891, William H Wood (30) was at the Duke of Kent, 9, Point Hill, Greenwich with Eliza Wood (33), William Wood (5) and Frank Wood (3).

In 1901, William Wood (47) Licenced Victualler, was at the Tigers Head P H, Masons Hill, Bromley, Kent. (The Post Office Directory also places him here in 1903 and 1913.) Also listed there were Eliza Wood (44), Frank Wood (12), Harriet Wood (7), Kathleen [Eliza Kathleen] Wood (5), Edith Wood (4), William Wood (0) and Eva Bryant (20) Servant, Barmaid. 

In 1911, William Houseden Wood (56) Licenced Victualler was still at the Tiger's Head, 14 Masons Hill Bromley (More historyMore images. Now the Crown of Bromley) with Frank Houseden Wood (22) Quantity Surveyor; William Geoffrey (sic) Wood (10), Eliza Wood (55), Harriet Elizabeth Wood (17) Telephone operator; Eliza Kathleen Wood (15) and Edith Mary Wood (14) - note the sexist order. The 1911 census also confirms that the couple had eight children during their 26 year marriage, with five still living.

In 1921, William Houston Wood (sic) (66) Retired was at 14, Queen Road, Bromley, with Eliza Wood (64), Harriet Elizabeth Wood (27) Civil Service Telephone Asst Supervisor; Eliza Kathleen Wood (25) Teacher; Edith Mary Wood (24) Civil Service Clerk and William Jeffrey Wood (20) Bank Clerk.

William Houseden Wood died, at 77, in 1930 D Quarter in BROMLEY.

In 1939, Eliza Wood (b. 22 Mar 1857), Widow, Retired, Incapacitated, of Private Means, was living at 10 Hawes Lane, Bromley, Beckenham with Sarah M A Wise, Domestic Servant, who I assume was looking after Eliza.

Eliza Wood died, aged 82, in 1939 J Qtr in BROMLEY Vol 02A Page 828.

  • Frank Houseden Wood married Hilda Pyrke, in Bromley, in 1915. In 1918, he was listed as an Absent Voter from 97 Masons Hill, Bromley, being A/sgt Major in the 1st London (City of London) San Co. Hilda Wood died, aged 36, in 1926, in Bromley. Frank H Wood then married Annie Stella Gould (b. 6 Jan 1898), daughter of Hugh Tyler Gould and Isabel Barker, at St. Martin, London (which I take to mean St Martin-in-the-Fields), in 1929. In 1939, Frank H Wood, Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Annie S Wood were living at Whiteleaf, Edward Road, Bromley. Frank Houseden Wood died, in Bromley in 1970 and Annie Stella Wood also died, in Bromley in the last quarter of 1970. Neither marriage produced issue.
  • Alan Roy Taylor (b. 30 Sep 1893), son of Frederick George Taylor and Phoebe Harrison Player, married Harriet Elizabeth Wood, in Bromley, Kent in 1921. In 1939, Alan R Taylor, Banker's Clerk and Harriett E Taylor were living at 14 Hawes Lane, Bromley. Alan Roy Taylor of Bourne CottageHigh Halden, Kent, died at Ashford Hospital, on 26 Oct 1959, aged 66. There is a death of a Harriet Taylor, aged 70, in Maidstone, Kent, in 1964, which may relate.
  • Maurice Edward Taylor (b. 14 May 1897), also son of Frederick George Taylor and Phoebe Harrison Player, married Eliza Kathleen Wood in Bromley, Kent, in 1922. In 1939, Maurice E Taylor, Bank Clerk, was living alone at 11 Links Road, Bromley, while Eliza K Taylor was in the household of John Westacott, Farmer, at Pleystowe Farm, Capel, Dorking, Surrey. Maurice Edward Taylor of 37 Wordsworth Road, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, died on 3 Apr 1972. Eliza Kathleen Taylor of Lynton, Totteridge Common, High Wycombe, died on 22 July 1986.
  • Henry Robert Turnock (b. 31 Jul 1898 in Bromley, Kent), son of Frederick Thomas Turnock and Isabel Harlow, married Edith Mary Wood, in Bromley, Kent, in 1922. In 1939, Henry R Turnock, Insurance Company Clerk and Air Raid Warden, was alone at 2 Tudor Gardens, Bromley, while Edith M Turnock was a Patient at the Royal Free Hospital, Camden. Both Edith Mary Turnock and Henry Robert Turnock died in the 2nd quarter of 1983, Henry died on 26 Jun 1983, in the district of Hastings & Rother.
  • William Jeffrey Wood married Elsie Buxton Phillips (b. 19 Jan 1888 in St Pancras), thirteen years his senior, daughter of James Raper Phillips and Louisa Buxton, in Camberwell, London in 1927. In 1939, William J Wood, Chief Bank Clerk and Elsie B Wood were living at 177 Crofton Road, Locksbottom, Orpington, Kent. Elsie Wood died in 1972, in Tonbridge, Kent and William Jeffrey Wood died the following year, 1973, in Southwark, London.

Monday, 30 March 2026

John Cook and Sarah Burdett

Broughton church, Saturday, 9 August, 2014
Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

John Cook (bap. 25 Apr 1742 at All Saints’ Church, Pytchley), son of William and Mary Cook, married Sarah Burdett (bap. 21 May 1744 at St Andrew's Church, Broughton), daughter of Henry Burdett and Mary Baker, at St Andrew's Church, Broughton on 30 Mar 1772.

John and Sarah Cook appear to have had seven children:
  1. Mary Cook bap. 11 Oct 1772 at St Andrew's Church, Broughton
  2. William Cook bap. 2 Aug 1773 at All Saints’ Church, Pytchley
  3. Elizabeth Cook bap. 24 Jan 1775 at All Saints’ Church, Pytchley
  4. John Cook bap. 16 May 1776 [1]. Buried 9 Jan 1777, in Pytchley
  5. Sarah Cook b. ~1779. Buried 16 Aug 1779, in Pytchley [2]
  6. John Cook bap. 26 Dec 1781 at All Saints’ Church, Pytchley
  7. Sarah Cook b. ~1783 in Pytchley, Northamptonshire [3]
[1] Yet to see baptism record for John Cook in 1776.
[2] Allegedly, church records state 1780. Transcript at FMP says 1779.
[3] Yet to see baptism record for Sarah Cook in 1783.

John Cook died on 26 Aug 1813, aged 70-71, in Pytchley, Northamptonshire and was buried, on 29 Aug 1813 in All Saints Churchyard, Pytchley. It is clear from the fact that there's a headstone, that he must have been a cut above the average labourer. Listed in the Northamptonshire And Rutland Probate Index, John Cook's will lists his occupation as a farmer. 


Thursday, 26 February 2026

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson

Northampton: St Giles
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Sutton - geograph.org.uk/p/4127502

Thomas Smith and Lucy Thompson (bap. 18 Dec 1815), daughter of Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis, married, on 26 Feb 1838, at St Giles Church, Northampton. Thomas Smith, Brickmaker, listed his father as Thomas Smith, Labourer. Both gave their address as "Butcher's Yard". One of the witnesses was Catherine Willis, who may have been related to Lucy's mother.

There is only one confirmed record of a child of this couple:
  1. Ann Smith b. 1841 D Quarter in DAVENTRY UNION Volume 15 Page 230, with mother's maiden name listed as TOMPSON
In 1841, Thomas (29) and Lucy (25), lived in West Haddon. Staying with them was Elizabeth Tompson (10) - actually 12 - who was Lucy's sister.

The Northampton Mercury of Saturday 13 April 1844, reported on the Northampton Borough Sessions of Tuesday 9 Apr 1844:

LUCY SMITH, wife of Thomas Smith, was indicted for stealing a quantity of ribbon, the property of Mr. T. S. Wright. Mr. Scriven appeared for the prosecution. Charles Goosey, one of Mr. Wright's assistants, saw the prisoner come in and out of the shop quite as many as twelve times on Saturday last. Some persons were looking at some ribbons, when the prisoner put her hand over the shoulders of the parties, took a piece of ribbon up, concealed it under her shawl, and ultimately put it in her basket. She had previously asked to be shown some net. Witness was engaged with a customer when she took the ribbon, and upon observing what had occurred, he went to the prisoner, and served her with some net, for which she tendered a shilling. Witness went under pretence of getting change and sent for a policeman, and she was given into custody. The ribbon was found in her basket.

Sessions House, Northampton
StJaBe, CC BY 3.0,
via Wikimedia Commons
Prisoner comes from West Haddon, and a Mrs. Hoole of that place, said she had an excellent character. Her sister, Mrs. Bottrill, a respectably dressed person, who cried bitterly, also said she had always borne a good character. The distress of her sister affected the prisoner who had hitherto exhibited no signs of emotion.

The jury found the prisoner Guilty.

There were two other indictments against her, one for stealing a pair of shoes, the property of Henry Freeman, and the other for stealing 14 yards of cotton print, the property of J. Phipps, both on the same day. At the suggestion, however, of the Recorder, no evidence was offered in either of these cases. After a feeling address, the Recorder sentenced the prisoner to Six Months' Imprisonment.

The Cast of Characters:
  1. Thomas Wright (35) was a Draper at Waterloo House, 21 Market Square, Northampton in 1841 and had a Charles Goosey (15), Draper's Apprentice, listed in his considerable household (employ) of 27 people.
  2. Mr. Thos. Scriven, of the Town of Northampton, Solicitor, according to the 1841 census, when he was aged 40, lived in St Giles Square.
  3. Mrs. Hoole: Ann Hoole, wife of Thomas Hoole, Brazier, in 1841 lived next door to Stephen and Mary Bottrill, of The Bell Inn, West Haddon.
  4. Henry Freeman (35), Shoemaker, in 1841, resided at Great Russell Street, Northampton. (Great Russell Street, Northampton, in 1974 waiting to be demolished.) Perhaps he sold his wares in the market?
  5. In 1841 there was a John Phipps (40), Draper, in Albion Place, Northampton and a John Phipps (15), Draper, in Gold Street, Northampton. We can assume it was one of these.
  6. The Recorder was N. R. Clarke, Esq., Sergeant-at-Law.
Presumably, Lucy will have served her sentence at the Northampton Borough Gaol and House of Correction, at that time located at Fish Lane (now Fish Street), Northampton. Built in 1792–4 this gaol and bridewell were erected to the south of the County Hall and held 120 prisoners. She was lucky that her punishment wasn't transportation, still very much in use at that time.

In 1851, we find them in Matildia Place, Foleshill, Warwickshire - literally 'Sent to Coventry', it would seem after Lucy's stint behind bars. Well, Thomas Smith was listed as James Smith (40) - this could be an error or it might be deliberate - Brickmaker and it's clearly Lucy Smith (36), birthplace Cransley, Northamptonshire. Listed with them was Lucy's older brother, Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter and Ann Smith (9), born in West Haddon.

So far, I've found no further evidence of this family.

Monday, 19 January 2026

Solomon Thompson Jnr and Maria Willis

All Saints' Church, Thorpe Malsor
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Jonathan Thacker - geograph.org.uk/p/6620224

Solomon Thompson Jnr (bap. 15 Jun 1786 in Cransley, Northamptonshire), son of Solomon Thompson Sr and Ann Rawson, married Maria Willis (bap. 24 May 1789 in Thorpe Malsor, Northamptonshire), daughter of Thomas Willis and Mary Essex, at All Saints ChurchThorpe Malsor on 19 Jan 1807

Their 12 children, all baptised at St Andrew's Church, Cransley were:
  1. Mary Thompson bap. 14 Dec 1807
  2. Daniel Thompson bap. 30 Jul 1809
  3. Thomas Thompson bap. 14 Apr 1811
  4. Maria Thompson bap. 19 Dec 1814
  5. Lucy Thompson bap. 18 Dec 1815
  6. Anne Thompson bap. 20 Oct 1817
  7. Eliza Thompson bap. 9 Jul 1820 (buried 14 Oct 1821)
  8. Solomon Thompson bap. 4 Apr 1822
  9. Eliza Thompson bap. 8 Feb 1824
  10. William Thompson bap. 31 Dec 1825 
  11. Martha Thompson, b. 1826, bap. 20 Dec 1831
  12. Elizabeth Thompson b. 1828, bap. 20 Dec 1831 (at 3y 3m) 
Solomon Thompson Jnr, carpenter, died, aged 54 in 1839 D Quarter in KETTERING UNION Volume 15 Page 198 and was buried on 9 Dec 1839 at St Andrew's Church, Little Cransley.

By 1841, Maria Thompson (55), Pauper, was in the Hamlet of Cransley, as the head of the family with younger sons Solomon (20), Carpenter's Apprentice and William (15), and daughter Martha (14), as well as a John James (20) - presumably a boarder/lodger - also a Carpenter's Apprentice. 

In 1851, in Little Cransley, were Maria Thompson (66), Pauper, Carpenter's Widow, with son William (25) Mason's Labourer and Anne Thompson (5) (Elizabeth's child). Thomas Thompson (40), Carpenter, was staying as a visitor with his sister, Lucy Smith and her husband in Foleshill, Warwickshire. 

In 1861, Maria Thompson (74) widow, was still living in Little Cransley, with just her son William Thompson (31, actually 36) living with her. Thomas Thompson (50) Carpenter was living alone in Cransley.

By 1871, Maria (listed as Mary) Thompson (85) was living with her youngest daughter, Elizabeth Wykes, in Deptford. Thomas Thompson (60), was still a carpenter in Broughton. William Thompson (47) Farm Servant, was visiting his sister and brother-in-law, William Naseby and Eliza Thompson, in Rugby. 

Maria Thompson died, in 1873 J Qtr in GREENWICH Vol 01D Page 461.

(In 1881, Thomas Thompson (70), carpenter, may have become too old or infirm to work or manage on his own, because he was listed as an inmate at Kettering Union Workhouse (later St Mary's Hospital, Kettering). His brother William Thompson (55), was also an inmate in Kettering Union Workhouse that year. Could he have admitted himself to take care of his brother? It appears that Thomas Thompson died, in Kettering, in 1886 S Quarter in KETTERING Volume 03B Page 103. Neither Thomas nor William ever married. In 1891, William Thompson (66), single, Gardener Domestic Servant, was back living with his sister and brother-in-law in Rugby. William Thompson died, at 76, in 1901 J Qtr in RUGBY Vol 06D 346.)