John Charles Stone and Elsie Alberta Wright

Blackchurch rock looking across Mouthmill beach.
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Andrew Bolton - geograph.org.uk/p/1701554

John Charles Stone (Jack) (b. 18 Jun 1890) Police Constable, son of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, married Elsie Alberta Wright (bap. 11 Dec 1892 in Bickleigh, Devon), daughter of Albert Henry Wright and Elizabeth Baker, at the church of St Thomas, Exeter on 20 Nov 1911. Witnesses to their marriage were Sarah Ann Wright and Walter Hurford.

Jack and Elsie had three sons, all of whom pre-deceased them:

1. Frederick Charles Stone b. 1911 D Qtr in ST THOMAS Vol 05B 109
2. Kenneth John Stone b. 23 Mar 1915 (1915 J Qtr in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Vol 05B Page 292), bap. 28 Apr 1915 in Revelstoke, Plympton (Died, aged 17, in 1932 S Qtr in BIDEFORD Vol 05B Page 500)
3. Burgess William Stone b. 29 Jan 1918 (1918 M Quarter in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Volume 05B Page 223), bap. 2 Feb 1918 in Newton Ferrers. (Died 1918 M Qtr in PLYMPTON ST. MARY Vol 05B Page 306)

In 1921, John Charles Stone (31) Police Constable was at Sticklepath, Northleigh, Devon. (In Sticklepath village Mill House was used as a bakehouse, then as the Police Station in the early 1900's until the 1930's). Frederick Stone (9) and Kenneth Stone (6) were then living in the household of Walter Hurford (34) at Sickerleigh Cottage, Halberton, Devon, described as his nephews. (Walter Hurford married Florence Wright, Elsie Alberta's older sister, in 1909). There's no sign anywhere of Elsie Alberta Stone.

We get a wealth of information on this family - and confirm some of the other family marriages - from the very detailed newspaper reports of the time.

The Devon and Exeter Gazette of Friday, 16 Sep, 1932, reported:

BATHING FATALITY

Clovelly Youth's Cries for Help

Companion Goes to Aid But is Exhausted

CLERGYMAN HELPS IN RESCUE

INQUEST VERDICT

    A youth was drowned while bathing at Clovelly on Friday afternoon and a companion was only saved by the help of visitors after he had become exhausted by his effort to save his colleague.

    The lad who was drowned was Kenneth John Stone, aged 17, son of P.C. Stone, stationed at Clovelly and his companion, Walter James Wheaton. Both are employed at Clovelly Court. They were bathing at Mouth Mill near Clovelly, and had been swimming for about five minutes when Wheaton heard calls for help. Looking round he saw his companion was in difficulties. He swam to him and tried to keep him up, but Stone pulled him under the water and then released his hold.

    When Wheaton came up again assistance was forthcoming from some visitors on the beach, who had noticed them struggling in the water. They were Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, Mr Lionel Bruce Taylor, of Purley, Surrey, his brother Mr Christopher Douglas Taylor, and their brother-in-law, the Rev Henry Bunny, of the Vicarage, Cullompton. They rescued Wheaton, who by that time was in an exhausted condition, and afterwards swam about in an endeavour to locate Stone, but failed to find any trace of him.

    The search was continued until dark and resumed on Saturday morning, when the body was recovered near the spot where the young man drowned.

THE INQUEST

    At the inquest a verdict of "Accidental drowning" was returned by the North Devon Coroner (Dr Ellis Pearson).

    P.C. Stone said his son, who was 17, was a footman employed at the Clovelly Court, and was only a beginner at swimming. Witness heard during the afternoon of Friday that his son had go into difficulties while bathing in the sea and had been drowned. A search was made until dark that night, but it was not until Saturday morning that William Braund, a Clovelly fisherman, found the body.

    Wilfred John Wheaton, also an employee at Clovelly Court, stated that on Friday he went to bathe with Stone at Mouth Mill. He could swim, but Stone was not much of a swimmer. There was a strong under-current, and the water was rather rough. The tide was going out. Witness swam out towards the rocks, and Stone then appeared to be about ten yards from the shore.

    Hearing someone shouting for help, witness turned around, and, realising that Stone was in difficulties, swam back to him. He reached him in an exhausted condition, and put his arm around him as he sank. It was a dead weight, and witness was pulled down as well.

    Stone slipped free, and a man named Stephen S. Gill, of Barnstaple, helped witness ashore.

    Lionel Bruce Taylor, or Purley, Surrey, a visitor, said he was at Mouth Mill that day with his brother and brother-in-law. They were paddling when he heard calls, but could not distinguish whether it was one bather calling to another or not. His brother, who was on the hill behind, came down to the beach and said a man was calling for help, and another man in a bathing costume asked them to help him in reaching the swimmers. They went into the water and witness was surprised to see only one swimmer - the other had disappeared.

    Wheaton was got to the shore in an exhausted condition, and witness and the others swam to the spot where Stone had disappeared, and dived two or three times, but failed to find him.

    Constable Stone thanked the visitors who had attempted to save his son, and the local fishermen who helped in recovering the body.

The Western Times, Friday, September 23, 1932

Clovelly Fatality

MR KENNETH STONE LAID TO REST

Parish Loses a Popular Young Man

    The funeral of Mr Kenneth Stone, younger son of Police Constable J C Stone and Mrs Stone, who was drowned while bathing at Mouth Mill, took place at All Saints' Church on Wednesday week. The Rector (Rev. Somers Cocks) officiated.

    Deceased was a quiet, unassuming, courteous young man of sterling character, and he was very popular in the parish, having a host of friends, His sad death cast a great gloom over the district, and there was a large number of sympathising friends and parishioners present in the church and at the graveside. The utmost sympathy is felt for Mr and Mrs Stone, Mr Frederick Stone and the relatives in the loss they have sustained.

    The family mourners were:- Police Constable J C and Mrs Stone (father and mother); Frederick C Stone (brother); Mrs L J Stone, Cruwys Morchard (grandmother); Mrs R Southwood, West Anstey, Mrs F Hitchcock, Bishops Lydeard, Mrs L Baker, Coombe Florey and Mrs F Harford, Chevithorne (aunts); Mr Phillip Stone, Coombe Florey (uncle); Mr W Southwood junr, West Anstey, Mrs L Baker, West Anstey, Mr W and Mrs R Watts (cousins), Mrs R Anstey, Messrs. W Bale, E Martin, R Arnold, E Moore, S Leach, A Ackland, B Bridgeman, Mesdames L Stacey, R Blight, W Bale, C Ayres, T Vanstone, T Martin, L Ackland, Misses C Ackland, M Blight and E Ackland (friends from Shebbear), and Wilfred John Wheaton (fellow employee at Clovelly Court.)

    The bearers were officers of the "A" Division, Devon Constabulary, in charge of Seargeant Stuart (Hoops) and Inspector Rendell (Bideford). They were Police Constables Butt (Instow), Morcombe (Hartland), Hooper (Horns Cross), Beavis (Bideford). The coffin was of unpolished oak with brass fittings, and the breastplate was inscribed: "Kenneth Stone, aged 17 years, died 9th September, 1932."

    The following were among the general public:- Messrs A E Bushell, T Bale, J Crase, R Anstey, J T Moss, H Braund, E Braund, A Holloway, W Elliott, H Patton, S Williams, F Cleave, J Heal, H Tuke, J Stuart, O May, G Reilly, G Prince, F Robbins, J Headon, W Gist, L Gist, W Jewell, F Littlejohn, W Pengilly, J Whitefield, W Hamlyn, W Cruse, H Carpenter, H Taylor, C Braund, W Braund, G Lamey, J Johns, J Dunn, P Dunn, C Badcock, T Squire, A Dayman, A Beer, J Beer, F Found, E Found, C Prouse, C Pennington, E Rowe, S Wilson, G Attwood, T Jennings, W Jennings, M Beer, G Dark, F Pickett, F Day, W Thomas, J Jennings, L Symons, G Wonnacott, D Cook, W Cook, Capt. Burnard, Capt. H Jenn and Police Constable Cole (Bovey Tracey). Mesdames Hillsdon, D Hilton, E Moss, C Jenn, A May, H Taylor, L Cook, D Cook, J Babb, S Beer, Clements, F Johns, M Johns, M Lamey, A Dunn, N Colwill, M Badcock, E Shackson, F Badcock, H Braund, J Parsons, E Bragg, E Pengilly. Misses Doughton, Falconer, Anstey, F Gist, G Beer, E Johns and H Cook. There was a large number of floral tributes.

Kenneth John Stone (1915-1932)

(Though I did chuckle to see a Beavis and Butt among the bearers.)

Witheridge, Trafalgar Square And Hare And Hounds Inn

The Western Times, Friday, June 5, 1936

WITHERIDGE HOTEL: PROTECTION ORDER GRANTED. "A protection order in respect of the Hare and Hounds Hotel, Witheridge, was granted at South Molton Petty Sessions on Tuesday to Mr John Charles Stone, now a police constable at Clovelly, who is retiring from the force on June 24th. The order will not take effect until the constable's retirement, Supt. E C Parr pointing out that a police officer could not be the holder of a licence."

Jack Stone did retire from the police in 1936 and became landlord of the Hare and Hounds (see image - undoubtedly Jack behind the bar, as the family resemblance is glaring), which was in the then pretentiously named Trafalgar Square in Witheridge, Devon. Nowadays it's just the junction of Fore Street and Church Street, where the B3137 is intersected by North Street and West Street. The pub has been turned into a residential cottage, so if you drive past, you'd have no idea of it's previous use, as we have on several occasions.

This is confirmed in the 1939 Register, where John Charles Stone (b. 18 Jun 1890) Police Pensioner Now Licenced Victualler and wife Elsie A Stone (b. 28 Oct 1892) were listed at the Hare & Hounds Public House, Witheridge.

John Charles (Jack) Stone died in 1960, aged 70.

Elsie Alberta Stone died in 1973, at 81.

George Norman and Ellen Stone

St Peter's Church, Tiverton

Ellen Stone (b. Ellen Stone Snow on 27 Feb 1879 in Tiverton), daughter of Henry William Stone and Sarah Snow, married George Norman (b. 19 Mar 1882), of 92 Bampton Street, Tiverton, son of James Norman and Harriet Woodland, on 11 Nov 1901, at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. The bride gave her address at the time of her marriage as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, the home of her aunt, Lucy Jane Bridle, who Ellen was brought up with. (Ellen Stone was a witness, bridesmaid perhaps, at Lucy's wedding in 1895.)

George and Ellen Norman had three sons:

1. Frank Norman b. 7 Apr 1903 (1903 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 371)
2. George James Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 250 and buried 22 May 1909 at Uplowman.
3. William Henry Norman b. 16 May 1909 (1909 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 17 May 1909 at the Tiverton, Wesleyan Methodist Church, St Peter's Street. Died 1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 225 and buried 5 Aug 1909 at Uplowman.

The mother's maiden name on all three births was listed as Stone.

In 1911, George Norman (29) Waggoner on Farm, wife Ellen Norman (31) and Frank Norman (8) were living at Wallflower Cottage, Halberton.

In 1921, George Norman (39) Farmer was living at Cott Daisy, Uplowman, Devon with Ellen Norman (40) and Frank Norman (18) Agricultural Worker, who was employed by Herbert Pearce at Whitnage Farm.

In 1939, at Cott Farm, Uplowman, were G Norman, Dairy Farming (with DOB listed as 29 Mar 1882) and E Norman (with DOB listed as 27 Feb 1880).

Ellen Norman died on 18 Mar 1952, aged 73 (1952 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 870). She is buried in Uplowman Churchyard.

George Norman died on 6 Apr 1953, aged 71 (1953 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 07A Page 718). He is buried in Uplowman with his late wife.

• Frank Norman married Amy Cleeve (b. 7 Jul 1901 in Bampton, Devon), daughter of William Cleeve and Mary Kingdom, in 1924. In 1939, they were living at No 3 Council House, Uplowman, Devon with their two children: i. William George Norman (b. 4 Apr 1924, d. 5 Mar 2000) and ii. Doris Elizabeth Norman (b. 26 Oct 1926, d. 2003, in Exeter), who m. Leslie Lewis Hutchings (b. 30 Dec 1922 d. 2005), in 1953. Frank Norman died on 9 Jun 1976, aged 73 and is buried in St. Peter's Churchyard, Uplowman. Amy Norman died on 8 Jan 1992, aged 89 and is buried with her late husband.

James Shopland and Loveday Jane Stone

Bridge and Uplowman church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Smith - geograph.org.uk/p/4097757

James Shopland (b. 1885), son of James Shopland and Caroline Sydenham, married Loveday Jane Stone (b. 6 Apr 1884), daughter of Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land, at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 2 Nov 1904. Witnesses were Mary Ann Stone and Frederick James Stone. 

James Shopland's father, James Shopland (1850-1908), was a Wheelwright and Carpenter of Chevithorne Village. In 1901, James Shopland (16) had been employed as a Dairyman's Labourer to Samuel B Thornton, residing at The Island Cottage, Lowman Green, Tiverton. Then, on 8 Jun 1901, adding two years to his age and claiming to be 18 years and 3 months, James Shopland, enlisted for Short Service in the Devonshire Regiment and served until 7 Jun 1913, when he was discharged at the end of his first period of engagement. James' record says he passed classes as Mounted infantry, Certified. From 23 Jul 1902 until 21 May 1903, James served in South Africa, in the aftermath of the Second Boer War. From 22 May 1903, until his discharge, he was assigned to Home, presumably actual home, as a reservist.

James and Loveday had five children:

1. Frederick James Shopland b. 19 Nov 1905 (1905 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 368), bap. 17 Dec 1905 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton, as the family's address then was 3 Adam's Court, Barrington Street, Tiverton. 
2. Loveday Jane Shopland b. 14 Feb 1907 (1907 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 373), bap. 17 Feb 1907 at Cove. 
   
3. Albert Geoffrey Shopland b. 21 Jul 1908 (1908 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 357). 
4. Sidney Arthur Shopland bap. 27 Feb 1910 at Bickleigh (1910 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 337)
5. John James Shopland b. 1911 J Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 226. 

In 1911, living at New Cottages, Seckerleigh Farm, Halberton, were James Shopland (27) Farm Labourer, Loveday Jane (27), Frederick James (6), Loveday Jane (4), Albert Geoffrey (3), Sidney Arthur (1) and boarder, Robert Charles Harris (38) Farm Labourer, from Penzance, Cornwall. 

In 1921, James Shopland (35) was working for the Great Western Railway at Temple Meads Station, Bristol, and was living at 34, Pylle Hill Crescent, Totterdown, Bristol, with Loveday J Shopland (37), Frederick J Shopland (15) Machanist (Printing); Loveday J Shopland (14) Out of work; Albert J Shopland (12) and Sidney A Shopland (11).

In 1939, Loveday Jane Shopland was still at 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol, with daughter, Loveday Jane Southcott. James was not listed. 

Loveday Jane Shopland died, aged 56, in 1941 M Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 912. 

James Shopland died, at 69, in 1955 S Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 07B Page 68.

• Frederick James Shopland married Elizabeth A P Cox (b. 1 Mar 1906) in Bristol, in 1927. In 1939, were at 131 Eden Grove, Bristol, with three other people in the household. Frederick James Shopland died in 1971, in Weston-super-Mare.
• Loveday Jane Shopland married Leonard Southcott in Bristol in 1928. Their address in 1939 was 34 Pylle Hill Crescent, Bristol. Leonard Southcott died, aged 47, in 1950 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 07B Page 49. In 1952, Loveday Jane Southcott remarried to a James John Basten Rank (b. 1898 in Wandsworth), son of James Rank and Rose Basten. James J B Rank died, aged 68, in 1966, in Weston-super-Mare. Loveday Jane Rank died in Q1/1995 in TAUNTON (7241B) Reg B62B Entry Number 168. There's also a record of her death listed as Loveday Jane Southcott. 
• Albert Geoffrey Shopland married Annie Richards (b. 30 Sep 1911) in Bristol in 1930 and in 1939 they were living at 3 Chessington Avenue, Bristol. Albert G Shopland died, at 35, in 1944 S Quarter in BRISTOL Volume 06A Page 48.
• On 13 Jun 1929, Sidney Arthur Shopland enlisted in the Royal Artillery. Sidney A Shopland died, aged 58, in 1968, in Bristol.

Charles Stone and Emma Middleton

Interior of St Peter's Church, Tiverton, Devon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Voller - geograph.org.uk/p/3683165
This church is famous (or infamous depending on your point of view) in that upon its organ, seen left of picture, was played for the very first time, the tune that was destined to send shivers up the spine of many a strong man. It was of course ... (intake of breath) "The Wedding March". On June 2nd 1847, at a wedding ceremony here, Felix Mendelssohn's composition ushered the bride and groom out of the church as man and wife. The couple were, I believe, friends of the composer.

Charles Stone (b. 8 Apr 1869 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married Emma Middleton (b. 6 Aug 1862 in West Anstey, Devon), daughter of Jane Middleton, on 29 Oct 1896 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton and were my great-grandparents. They both gave their address as 111 Chapel Street, Tiverton, which was that of Charles' younger sister, Lucy Jane and her husband, William Bridle, who were their witnesses.

In 1891, Emma Middleton (26) was a Domestic Servant to William Heywood (27), Farmer (son of Robert Heywood of Spurway Barton), at West Spurway Farm, Oakford, Devon. (Emma's illegitimate son, William Henry Middleton, b. 4 Nov 1888 (1889 M Quarter in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 435), was then living with his grandmother, Jane Howe, in Stoodleigh.) Charles Stone (20), was Farm Servant to William Gale (69), at Courtney Farm, Washfield.

No idea why she later chose to change her name from Emma to Emily (fashion perhaps?), but she didn't seem to be trying to hide her son William Henry's illegitimate status, but might have been trying to play down her own, because Emma (Emily) "invented" a father called William Middleton for the marriage certificate. As we now know Middleton was not only hers, but also her mother's maiden name, so that couldn't be her father's name. Emma (Emily) had an older brother and an uncle William Middleton, both of whom she never met as they died as infants, whose name she was clearly borrowing.

Well, I say she wasn't trying to hide William Henry's true origins, but clearly someone came up with a story later, because my father was always under the mistaken impression that William Henry Middleton, his "Uncle Bill", was the product of Emily's "first marriage". Of course there was no such alliance.

1 Silver Street, Tiverton where my grandfather was born on 6 Jun 1898

Charles and Emma (Emily) Stone added four more children:

1. Charley Stone b. 6 Jun 1898 at 1 Silver Street, Tiverton (1898 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 401), bap. 20 Jul 1898 at St Peter’s Church Tiverton, clearly listed as son of Charles and Emma.
2. Albert Stone b. 18 Jan 1900 (1900 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 399)
3. Emily Stone b. 2 May 1901 (1901 J Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 387)
4. Henry Stone b. 17 Nov 1902 (1902 D Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B 375)

All of the GRO registrations list the mother's maiden name as MIDDLETON.

Only Charley was baptised, most probably because they moved out to Lower Washfield, which would have been a very long walk to any church.

Woodgates, Lower Washfield, Tiverton, their address in 1901

In 1901, Charles (30), Agricultural Labourer, and Emily (33 - really 39 - the gap between fiction and reality getting bigger) were living at Woodgates, Lower Washfield, with their two sons, Charley (2) and Albert (Bert) (1). William Henry Middleton (13) Agricultural Labourer was working for John Hussey (38) Farmer at Wood & Honeyland, Tiverton. 

The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette 7 Sep 1904 reported that: "A summons against Frank Raymond, farmer's son, of Washfield, for assaulting Emma Stone, a married woman, of Washfield, on August 30th, was dismissed at the Tiverton Sessions yesterday. From the evidence it appeared that there was a family quarrel, brought about by a son aged 17 years, going back home to reside. The father objected to the lad staying at home, and asked Raymond to assist him to remove the youth's box from the house, which he did. Mrs Stone attempted to stop the father from removing the box, and, in consequence, Raymond held her while he was doing so." (The age of the 'youth' mentioned corresponds with that of Charles' step-son, William Henry Middleton.)

Charles and Emma with their children:
Charley (rear right), Albert (rear left),
Emily, (front right) and Harry (front left)

In 1911, in Hayne Lane, Bolham, were Charles Stone (40) Carter on Farm; Emily Stone who had lost another couple of years to reach 41 (actually 49); Charley Stone (12) School half-timer; Albert Stone (10), Emily Stone (9) and Harry Stone (8). The information on this census confirms that they had four children and said they had been married 12 years (closer to 15). The photo (right) was taken around this time, at the side of the house at 4 Hayne Lane, Bolham. These cottages were originally built for the workers on the Knightshayes Estate - Home Farm, Knightshayes is at the end of Hayne Lane - for whom Charles presumably then worked. William Henry Middleton (21) Private Royal Marines, was then at the Royal Marine Barracks, Durnford Street, East Stonehouse, Devon.

In 1921, Charles Stone (51) General Farm Labourer was living in West Manley, Tiverton, Devon, working for Mr A Farrant, Farmer of West Manley Farm. Emily Stone was claiming to be 31 - she was actually 59 - with just Harry Stone (18) General Roadman For District Council, still at home. William Henry Middleton had married in 1918 and was living in Ash Thomas, Devon; Charley Stone (24) [i.e. still maintaining he was a year older than he really was], Corporal RMLI, was with the Royal Navy, Armed Forces Overseas (he was in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland); Albert Stone (21) Private RMLI was with H.M.S. Ramillies in Cawsand Bay, Plymouth and Emily Stone (20) was a General Domestic Servant in the household of the Managing Secretary of the Cooperative Society Ltd, at 27, St Andrew Street, Tiverton. 

Charles Stone died on 13 Jun 1930, aged 61 (1930 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 467). So far found no record of burial.

Emily Stone died on 2 Jun 1936 (1936 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 492), age again under-estimated at 68 - actually in her 74th year.

4 Hayne Lane, Bolham in 2016

Charles John Northcott and Emily Stone

Tiverton : The Barley Mow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1601875

Charles John Northcott (b. 23 Feb 1902 in Cullompton, Devon), son of William Northcott and Emma Jane Wood, married Emily Stone (b. 2 May 1901 in Lower Washfield, Devon), the only daughter of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, in Tiverton, on 26 Oct 1929. 

The couple had one daughter, Beryl Emily Northcott, b. 19 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 528).

In 1939, Charles John Northcott, Coal & General Carter, wife Emily and Beryl, were living at 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, Devon (next-door-but-one to The Barley Mow, partly over the entrance to Martin's Lane).

Emily Northcott of 93 Barrington Street, Tiverton, died, aged 66, on 22 Dec 1967. Beryl Emily Northcott died, aged 44, in 1974, leaving a daughter. I've not found a record of Charles John Northcott's death, which I don't find surprising as just his vulnerable granddaughter was left then. 

William Bridle and Lucy Jane Stone

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

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

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

William and Lucy Jane had just one child:

1. Nellie Bridle, b. 20 Feb 1898 (1898 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 396), bap. 7 Apr 1898 at St George's Church, Tiverton. 

In 1901, William Bridle (29), Coal Yard Labourer, Lucy Jane (28) and Nellie (3) were living at School Board House, 111, Chapel Street, Tiverton. (111 Chapel Street was also the address given by Lucy's brother Charles at the time of his marriage to Emma Middleton in 1896.) There was a school, where there is a green bush, just beyond these houses, on the map of the area in 1890.

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

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

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

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

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

(How am I related? Lucy Jane Stone was my Great-Grand Aunt, younger sister of my Great-Grandfather, Charles Stone.)

111 Chapel Street, Tiverton (with the white door)

Frederick James Stone and Loveday Jane Land

Bampton (Devon), Church of St Michael & All Angels
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/5006885

Frederick James Stone (b. 1854 in Stawley, Somerset), son of Henry Stone and Mary Ridgeway, married the delightfully-named, Loveday Jane Land (b. 1864), daughter of James Land and Rose Anna Smith. Frederick (26) and Loveday (17) married on 10 Oct 1881 at St Michael & All Angels, Bampton, Devon. Witnesses were James Webber and Loveday's father, James Land (and despite his daughter's young age, it was already a bit late for the shotgun).

 Frederick and Loveday went on to have twelve children: 

1. Rose Anna Land Stone b. 2 Aug 1880, bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
2. Bessie Ann Stone b. 18 Jul 1882 (1882 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 427), bap. 13 Aug 1882 in Uplowman
3. Loveday Jane Stone b. 6 Apr 1884 (1884 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436), bap. 27 Apr 1884 in Uplowman
4. Mary Ann Stone b. 1886 in Uffculme (1886 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 418) Not found baptism
5. Frederick James Stone b. 27 Mar 1888 (1888 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409), bap. 27 May 1888 in Uplowman
6. John Charles Stone b. 18 Jun 1890 (1890 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 416), bap. 27 Jul 1890 in Uplowman
7. Albert Henry Stone b. 1892 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409. (Died 1893 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 310).
8. Florence May Stone b. 26 Sep 1894 (1894 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 382), bap. 18 Oct 1894 in Halberton
9. Laura Alice Stone b. 9 Apr 1898 (1898 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 392), bap. 22 May 1898 in Uplowman
10. Irene Venetta Stone b. 15 Jul 1900 (1900 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 364), bap. 19 Aug 1900 in Uplowman
11. Stanley William Stone b. 7 Jan 1903 (1903 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 365), bap. 15 Feb 1903 in Uplowman
12. Phillip Alfred Stone b. 14 Jun 1909 (1909 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 360), bap. 11 Jul 1909 in Uplowman

In 1891, Frederick James Stone (36) and Loveday Stone (27) were at Noblelimdrance, Rock, Halberton with Rosanna (10), Bessy Ann (8), Lovdy Jane (6), Mary Ann (4), Frederick James (3) and John Charles (0).

In 1901, Frederick (46), Carter on Farm, and Loveday (37) with John Charles (10), Florence May (6), Laura Alice (2) and Irene Venetta (0) were living at Stagg Mill, Uplowman. It's from here their older daughters marry.

By 1911, they'd gone full circle to Berry, Chevithorne, with Frederick (56), Farm Labourer, and Loveday (47), Frederick James (23), Florence May (16), Irene Venetta (Minnie) (10), Stanley William (8) and Phillip Alfred (1). They confirm on this census return that they'd had 12 children, of whom 11 were living and one had died, during their then 29 years of marriage. John Stone (20) Police Constable, was at the Devon County Constabulary Exeter.

Frederick James Stone died on 21 Sep 1916 (1916 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 425), aged 62. 

In 1921, Loveday Jane Stone (55) Widow, Dairy Farm was living at Lugsland Cottage, Cruwys Morchard, Devon, with Frederick James Stone (33) Roadman for Tiverton District Council and Philip Alfred Stone (12). Stanley William Stone (18) was a Horse Man on the farm of Ernest John Hill (husband of Irene Venetta Stone) at Wilson Farm, Witheridge, Devon.

Loveday Jane Stone died, on 21 Apr 1938, aged 74, in Bishops Lydeard (1938 J Quarter in TAUNTON Volume 05C Page 297).

Thomas Chilcott and Elizabeth Stone

Photo © Derek Harper (cc-by-sa/2.0)

St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Wednesday, 14 October, 2009

Photo available for reuse under this Creative Commons licence.

Thomas Chilcott (b. 4 Jul 1803, bap. 29 Sep 1803 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton), son of Joseph Chilcott and Miriam Carrick (née Perkins), married Elizabeth Stone (bap. 7 Sep 1806 at St Mary’s Church, Kentisbeare), daughter of Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter, at Cove Chapel, Cove, Devon on 9 Sep 1827. Witnesses were Thomas Venting and Philip Chave.

Their marriage will have taken place in the old Cove Chapel that was demolished in the 1850s, as An Act for legalizing certain Marriages solemnized in Cove (PDF) dated 13 Mar 1873, explains that, "in or about the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty-six the ancient consecrated chapel called Cove Chapel, situate in Pitt Portion in the parish of Tiverton in the county of Devon [...] was wholly taken down, in consequence of its dilapidated condition, and rebuilt on different site within the ancient chapel yard belonging thereto, but such new chapel was not consecrated or licensed for the solemnization of marriages ..." The oversight left this clarification.

Thomas and Elizabeth Chilcott had nine children:

1. Henry Chilcott b. 16 Nov 1828, bap. 30 Nov 1828 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 6 mts, and was buried 30 April 1829, at St Peter's.
2. Love Chilcott b. 18 Apr 1830, bap. 2 May 1830 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
3. James Chilcott b. 1 Oct 1831, bap. 23 Oct 1831 at St Peter's, Tiverton. Died at 5 weeks and was buried on 6 Nov 1831 at St Peter's.
4. William Chilcott b. 27 Feb 1834, bap. 13 Apr 1834 at St Peter's.
5. John Chilcott b. 27 Oct 1835, bap. 11 Nov 1835 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
6. Maria Chilcott b. 1 May 1837, bap. 29 Jun 1837 at St Peter's, Tiverton.
7. Emma Chilcott b. 19 Jun 1839 (1839 S Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 243), bap 8 Feb 1840 at St Peter's.
8. Thomas Chilcott b. 30 Dec 1841 (1842 M Quarter in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Volume 10 Page 291), bap. 27 May 1844 at St Peter's
9. Elizabeth Chilcott b. 5 Feb 1844, bap. 28 May 1844 at St Peter's

On Henry and Love's baptisms, Thomas Chillcott's occupation is listed as Labourer. On James, William, John and Maria's baptisms, it's Cordwainer (a skilled artisan who makes new shoes from new leather, distinct from a cobbler who traditionally repairs existing footwear.) And on Emma's, Thomas' and Elizabeth's baptisms, Thomas' occupation is listed as Shoemaker.

In 1841, living in Bridewell Lane, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (~35) Ag Lab; Elizabeth Chilcott (35); Love Chilcott (10); William Chilcott (7); John Chilcott (4); Maria Chilcott (3) and Emma Chilcott (1). (There's no Bridewell Lane in Tiverton now, but I assume it was off St Andrew's Street, because The Tiverton Town Bridewell, House of Correction, was situated on St Andrew's Street. Bridewell House, St Andrew Street, Tiverton, a former police station, built in 1846, is now converted to flats Bridewell Court.)

In 1851, living in St Andrew Street, Tiverton, Devon, were Thomas Chilcott (48) Pauper; Elizabeth Chilcott (44) born in Kentisbeare; William Chilcott (17) Lace hand; John Chilcott (15) Lace hand; Maria Chilcott (13) Lace hand; Emma Chilcott (10); Thomas Chilcott (8) and Elizabeth Chilcott (6).

The family do not appear to be listed anywhere on the 1861 Census.

By 1871, Thomas Chilcott (~71); Elizabeth Chilcott (~69) and son Thomas (27) Mason's Labourer, were living at Little Silver, Tiverton, Devon.

Elizabeth Chilcott (née Stone) died on 24 Mar 1875 (1875 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B 8Page 371). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette read: "CHILCOTT: - March 24, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Elizabeth Chilcott, aged 72." Though this was over-estimated as she was only 69. 

Thomas Chilcott died on 19 Oct 1878 (1878 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 318). The announcement in the Tiverton Gazette, read: "CHILCOTT: - October 19, at Little Silver, Tiverton, Thomas Chilcott, aged 77." Again, there was a slight over-estimation in his age, as he will have been 75.

Charles Francis Stone and Ivy Elizabeth Sweeney

Hand coloured photo of the wedding of Frank Stone & Ivy Sweeney

Charles Francis Stone (Frank) (b. 17 Jul 1923 in Devonport, Plymouth), 22, Batchelor, RAF, of 117 Corisande Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham, only son of Charley Stone and Ellen Jones, married Ivy Elizabeth Sweeney (b. 5 Mar 1924 in Shoreditch, East London), 21, Spinster, War Worker, of 47 Glanville Drive, Hornchurch, Essex, only daughter of Job Thomas Sweeney and Elizabeth Fuller at St Andrew's Church, Hornchurch, 80 years ago, on 8 Sep 1945.

Witnesses were W J [William Joseph] Wilson, the bride's uncle (pictured), who was best man, and P [Peggy] Kinchin, one of the bridesmaids. The other bridesmaid I only know as 'Lily from Louth' and I don't know which one was which. My mother often mentioned that her bouquet was of Piccadilly roses, described as "Bright, bold and just a teeny bit brassy, Piccadilly is a cheerful hybrid tea rose". (She wouldn't have liked even a "teeny bit brassy".)

St Andrew, High Street, Hornchurch - East end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/2825789

Hornchurch church, with the famous horned bull's head on the east end of the chancel, was designated as a Grade I listed building by Historic England in 1955. The huge East window behind the altar wouldn't have been there at the time of their marriage, as it dates from 1954. It replaced the original medieval window which was destroyed during the second world war. [Source]

The bridal party with the addition of both sets of parents

The couple had one daughter, myself, so I'll leave out the details, except to mention that I was christened at St Luke’s Church, Kingstanding, Birmingham, which hails its "modern Catholic tradition of the Church of England". Those who know, will understand why I find that slightly amusing. Safe to say, my mother cannot have known that the church uses the word 'Catholic'.

After their marriage, they went to live with Frank's parents at 117 Corisande Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham for the next 5 years. My mother hated that.

In 1950 they bought their first home at 68 Delhurst Road, Great Barr, Birmingham. The house apparently came complete with the previous owners' black cat, who my mother gave the indignity of the same name as that of Dambuster Guy Gibson's dog (a racial slur). Every day, the cat would know exactly when to go down the garden and along the back lane, which gave access to the garages, to meet my father coming home from work; the cat was infamous for launching himself across the lino to catch a ball and for wrapping himself around my father's shoulders and stealing food off his fork on the way from plate to mouth - although, I'm sure my father simply let him. My infant school, which was directly opposite, has been demolished, but you can still see the outline of the grassed area around which was the semi-circular driveway to the main entrance (forbidden to us kids) that provided a wonderful 'racetrack' around which I rode my tricycle.

In the mid 1960's - around the same time as Birmingham's first Bull Ring Centre opened - we left the city and moved to 41 Pinewood Road, Hordle, Hampshire and around 18 months later to 11 Claremont Avenue, Sunbury-on-Thames. In 1985, my parents retired to 7 Blair Close, New Milton.

Charles Francis Stone, Chartered Electrical Engineer (retired), died on 21 Feb 2001 (DOR Q1/2001 in NEW FOREST (4941A) Reg 4A Entry Number 250) at 7 Blair Close, New Milton, the cause of death given as Bile Duct Carcinoma. And it was only today, while researching for this post that I learned that this condtion, "Cholangiocarcinoma is rare in the Western world."

My mother was admitted to Royal Bournemouth Hospital on 17 Aug 2011, suffering from 'a virus' (we both caught this severe 'tummy bug' that the GP said was 'going around', but were never given a name for it). Ivy Elizabeth Stone died on 6 Sep 2011 (DOR Q3/2011 in BOURNEMOUTH (427-1D) Entry Number 505484751) at Royal Bournemouth Hospital from I (a) Sepsis - Unknown Origin; (b) Immune Compromise Secondary to Chemotherapy (chemotherapy that she was ADAMANT she wasn't having) and II CLL (Chronic lymphocytic leukemia), diagnosed a decade or so earlier. Shortly afterwards, while it was fresh, I wrote about the Funerary Fiascos that had ensued. It's not pleasant reading, but it's what happened. The relationship I had with my mother was, at best, strained, but we have her to thank for this research, mainly because she had strenuously attempted to deter me from doing it and would get angry and really quite nasty at the suggestion. I still haven't completely worked out why, because I've encountered a lot of incredibly interesting ancestors who I'm proud to have discovered. 

Thomas Stone and Dorothy Carpenter

Fore Street, Kentisbeare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2793712

Thomas Stone (b. ~1766) married Dorothy (Dolly) Carpenter (bap. 15 Jul 1764), daughter of Edward Carpenter and Mary Winter, at St Mary's, Kentisbeare, Devon, on 5 Sep 1787. 

There are records for nine children, all baptised in Kentisbeare: 

1. Sally Stone bap. 20 Apr 1788
2. John Stone, b. 6 Jan 1790, bap. 22 Jan 1792
3. Henry Stone bap. 22 Jan 1792
4. Hugh Stone bap. 25 Jul 1793 (buried 19 Nov 1802)
5. William Stone bap. 26 Apr 1795 (buried 4 Apr 1796)
6. Mary Stone bap. 2 Apr 1797 (buried 11 Apr 1813)
7. William Stone bap. 3 Nov 1799
8. Hugh Stone bap. 15 Feb 1803 (buried 13 Jan 1804)
9. Elizabeth Stone bap. 7 Sep 1806

Dorothy Stone died, aged 49, and was buried at Kentisbeare on 9 May 1813. 

Thomas Stone remarried, also in Kentisbeare, on 17 Apr 1814 to Mary Hill (probably born around 1773-6). Witnesses to this marriage were Thomas Farnell and Elizabeth Hill. Thomas and Mary had three more children.

1. Robert Stone bap. 16 Oct 1814
2. John Stone bap. 10 Mar 1816
3. Thomas Stone bap. 13 Sep 1818

Thomas Stone died at 72 in 1838 M Qtr in TIVERTON AND DULVERTON Vol 10 Page 207 and was buried in Kentisbeare on 26 Jan 1838.

In 1841, Mary Stone (65) was living in "Kentisbeer Village" with her sons Robert Stone (30), John Stone (26) and Thomas Stone (23). 

In 1851, Mary Stone (78), Widow, Pauper, was still living in the village.

Mary Stone, with age estimated to be 84, died in 1857 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 294 and was buried in Kentisbeare.

In 1799, the year my 3rd great-grandfather, William Stone, was born in the village, Betty Limpany was executed in Exeter for burning down the house of her master, William Leech of Kentisbeare. According to Trewman's Exeter Flying Post of April 11th 1799, "She acknowledged her guilt, was very penitent, and behaved in a manner becoming her unhappy situation." 

But the film, Betty Limpany (1997), claims "Betty was said to be pregnant with the master's child and framed for a crime she didn't commit ..." It's also said that she was the last girl (at around 17) to be hanged in England.

It's a small enough village, so the Stones must have known about the house fire. Could they even have known Betty Limpany? Was she seduced by her master? Was she framed, or was she guilty? We'll never know, but for the people of Kentisbeare, it must have been the talk of village for a long time.

The film of the story apparently has a character named "Village Idiot". Gotta wonder which family member was the inspiration for that role?😀

Robert Stone (bap. 1814), son of Thomas Stone and his second wife, Mary Hill, married Jane Farnel (sic) at St Mary, Kentisbeare, on 3 Oct 1844. A Thomas Farnell had been a witness to Robert's parents' marriage, so it's a possibility that these families had known to each other for many years. Robert and Jane had a daughter, Marianne, bap. 15 Jun 1845 in Kentisbeare. Then Robert Stone died, aged 31, and was buried on 27 Dec 1846.

Albert Stone and Agnes Jones

Tiverton : King's Crescent
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3053842
On Bert's Marines record, Agnes' address is given as King's Crescent, Tiverton.

Albert Stone (Bert) (b. 18 Jan 1900 in Washfield, Devon), son of Charles Stone and Emma Middleton, married Agnes Jones (Daisy) (b. 27 Feb 1907 in Rushbrooke, Cork, Ireland), daughter of David Jones and Laura Elizabeth White, on 7 Aug 1926 at Saint Matthew's church, Clarence Place (opposite the former Royal Naval Hospital at East Stonehouse, in Plymouth). 

Bert was the younger brother of Charley Stone and Daisy was the sister of Ellen Jones, who had married in 1922. As you may have deduced, the two brothers married two sisters. The story I was told was that when Daisy saw their wedding photos that had been sent back to the family in Ireland, she spotted Bert in the picture and decided she would marry him.

On 27 July 1914, at the age of 14½, Albert Stone enlisted as a Bugler in the Royal Marines and from 7 Dec 1914 until 29 May 1917, was assigned to his first ship, HMS Hilary (1914), a former passenger steamship, converted to an armed merchant cruiser for service during the First World War. She was commissioned into the Royal Navy at Liverpool on 6 Dec 1914 and patrolled between the British Isles and the Denmark Strait, often in the area between the Outer Hebrides and Faroe Islands and also to the Shetland Islands. 

On 25 May 1917, HMS Hilary was torpedoed and sunk west of the Shetlands, by German submarine, SM U-88, captained by Kapitänleutnant Walther Schwieger. Schwieger was infamous for sinking RMS Lusitania two years earlier, an event Agnes (Daisy) remembered as a child, living in Queenstown (Cobh), Ireland, where both survivors and dead were brought ashore. 

Bert was one of the survivors in the seven lifeboats from HMS Hilary, picked up by the naval drifter Maggie Bruce or the destroyer HMS Sarpedon.

After that, Bert was transferred to Plymouth Division and was at Deal from Sep 17 to Apr 18, becoming a Private in Dec 17, shortly before he was 18.

From 25 June 1919 to 21 Aug 1919, Bert embarked on HMS Cornwall (1902), presumably for her return journey from Bermuda to Devonport.

In Oct-Nov of that year, he was at HMS Impregnable training establishment (at that point the former HMS Black Prince (1861) in Devonport. And then at the HMS Vivid shore establishment from Dec 1919 until Dec 1920. 

His subsequent excursions were with: 

• HMS Ramillies 15 Jan - 1 Sep 1921 with the Atlantic Fleet. 
• HMS Cairo 19 Nov 1921 - 7 Mar 1924 on the East Indies Station
• HMS Thunderer cadet training ship, 4 Jun 1924 - 30 Jun 1925
• HMS Adventure minelaying cruiser, 6 May 1927 - 16 Apr 1928
• HMS Hood 24 Apr 1928 - 16 May 1929, Mediterranean Fleet
• HMS Comus 10 Jan 1930 - 13 Apr 1930 in Devonport
• HMS Rodney 7 Jan 1933 - 30 Aug 1934 when Rodney became the temporary fleet flagship, for a winter cruise to British West Indies.
• HMS Leander 30 Apr 1935 - 25 Apr 1937 

Bert, who had been promoted to Corporal in July 1927, was discharged at the end of his second period of engagement in Jan 1939. But, on 27 Sep 1939, he was back for service during World War II, until 1 Jan 1942.

Bert & Daisy had two sons: Albert Henry Stone (1927 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 372) and another in 1930.

In 1939, Albert Stone, Postman, wife Agnes, son Albert H (Harry) and two other occupants were living at 9 Falconhurst Road, Birmingham.

Albert Stone died in Birmingham, on 14 Jul 1974. Agnes Stone died on 19 Jul 2000 (DOR Q3/2000 in BIRMINGHAM (0611D) Reg D17B Entry 108).

Frederick Thomas Stone and Kathleen Mullarkey

St Paul Street, Plymouth (number 9 is the darkest caramel coloured one)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper - geograph.org.uk/p/2333440

Frederick Thomas Stone (b. 20 Jan 1892 in Stonehouse, Devon), Leading Signalman, H.M.S. Sandhurst, of 9 St Paul's Street, East Stonehouse, son of Tom Stone and Margaret Knapman, married Kathleen Mullarkey (b. 17 Jan 1896 in Stonehouse, Devon), tailoress, of 8 Admiralty Street, East Stonehouse, Plymouth, daughter of Anthony Mullarkey and Maria Gloyne, at the King Street Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, on 4 Aug 1923. Witnesses were Frederick's first cousin, Charley Stone (best man); Rosina Kathleen Stone, the bridegroom's younger sister (bridesmaid?), and Anthony Charles Mullarkey, the bride's elder brother who probably gave her away. The couple's fathers, Tom Stone and Anthony Mullarkey (both deceased), had both been Royal Marines, as were Charley Stone and Anthony Charles Mullarkey. 

Frederick and Kathleen had two sons: 

1. Frederick Anthony Stone b. 25 July 1924 (1924 S Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 417)
2. Douglas John Stone b. 27 Sep 1927 (1927 J Quarter in EAST STONEHOUSE Volume 05B Page 404)

Frederick Thomas Stone had enlisted in the Royal Navy as a boy of 15, on 6 Jul 1907 and served for 21 years until 25 Nov 1928, by which time he was a Yeoman of Signals. He re-entered service with the Royal Navy Shore Signal Service (RNSSS) on 30 May 1932 as a Signalman. As he was still living at Royal Naval Shore Signal Station Cottages at the time of his death, at 65, in 1957, he must have remained with the service through both World Wars.

At 18, Frederick Thomas Stone was 5ft 5½in with dark brown hair, brown eyes and a fresh complexion. Among his numerous tattoos were an anchor, two female figures and a bird on his right forearm; Eagle, snake, Ensign, rose and thistle. Clasped hands and heart and 8 dots on left forearm.

In 1939, son Frederick Anthony Stone was a boarder at the Royal Hospital School (historically nicknamed "The Cradle of the Navy"). Frederick Thomas and Douglas John do not appear anywhere on the 1939 Register. The only entry for a Kathleen Stone of the right age is that detailed below.

On 11 Aug 1943, Douglas J Stone appears on a "List or Manifest of Aliens Employed on the Vessel as Members of the Crew" of the Marquesa, as an apprentice on his 1st trip to New York. He was 16, 5' 4" and 123lbs.

Frederick Thomas Stone of 5 Royal Naval Shore Signal Station Cottages, Old Folkstone Road, Dover, died on 11 Nov 1957, aged 65 (1957 D Quarter in DOVER Volume 05B Page 594), at Buckland Hospital, Dover, leaving effects of £960 12s 5d to Frederick Anthony Stone, Chief Electrician R.N. and Douglas John Stone, Laboratory Assistant. 

As she wasn't a beneficiary to Frederick's will, it would be easy to assume that Kathleen had pre-deceased her husband, but there was no death record in the relevant period and there looks to be another possibility: There are only two records (that I could find) of deaths of someone named Kathleen Stone, born 1896. One was in St Albans and there are other records in that area to prove that is a distinct person, so that death can certainly be discounted. 

The other is of a Kathleen Stone, born 1896, listed as married, who in 1939 was patient at the East Riding Mental Hospital, Beverley, Yorkshire. 

The later Probate record shows that this Kathleen Stone died there, at Broadgate Hospital, on 4 Feb 1968. My research hasn't discovered any other Kathleen Stone locally, for example, who this might have been. 

The East Riding Archives, searched the records they hold and were unable to link her to Frederick Thomas Stone, nor discount it either; there's no mention of family members, but they were able to tell me that this person "was admitted on the 31 Aug 1937, her care was being charged to Bridlington." Further searches produced no local person in the Bridlington area either. 

There was, however, a signal station at Flamborough Head, which is only around six miles from Bridlington. There is nothing on Frederick's records to suggest that he went there, but it would follow the usual pattern in the Royal Navy Shore Signal Service to be posted and move from station to station, so he might well have done, which might account for her presence in the area if this is her. This could be casting aspersions, but sadly, all of the circumstantial evidence does persuade me that it is still possible it was and, hopefully this information might lead to something that either confirms or refutes it.

• Douglas John Stone died, at 58, in DOR Q1/1985 in KINGSBRIDGE (4111) Volume 21 Page 1587.
• Frederick Anthony Stone married Barbara Matthews (1927-1999), in Newport, Wales, in 1950. Frederick Anthony Stone died, on 19 Mar 1985, in Newport, Wales (DOR Q1/1985 in NEWPORT (8362C) Volume 28 Page 994). He will have been 60.