Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Bowerman

Holcombe Rogus, All Saints Church: Eastern aspect
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Michael Garlick - geograph.org.uk/p/6642104

Thomas Cotterell (bap. 27 Mar 1785 in Holcombe Rogus, Devon), son of Thomas and Agnes Cotterell, married Sarah Bowerman (bap. 21 Jun 1789 in Ashbrittle, Somerset), daughter of William and Susanna Bowerman, in Holcombe Rogus, on 24 Dec 1813.

Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Bowerman had four children:

1. William Cotterell bap. 17 Sep 1814
2. Susanna Cotterell bap. 18 Aug 1816
3. Sarah Cotterell bap. 28 Mar 1819
4. Thomas Cotterell bap. 18 Mar 1821

All four baptisms, in Holcombe Rogus, list their father as a Chairmaker.

Then there is a record of the burial of Sarah Cotterell, in Holcombe Rogus, in 1822, her age then estimated as 35. With potentially four young children to bring up, it's no wonder Thomas married again quickly. 

Thomas Cotterell, widower, married Sarah Tooze (bap. 19 Sep 1802 in Holcombe Rogus) daughter of Thomas Tooze and Jane Burton, on 11 Dec 1822 at the Church of All Saints, Holcombe Rogus. The record says 22, but Sarah was 20, still a minor. One of the witnesses was John Tooze.

Before marriage, Sarah Tooze had given birth to Elizabeth Tooze, bap. 14 Oct 1821, specifying that the child was the daughter of Sarah Tooze, Spinster. 

Thomas Cotterell and Sarah Tooze then added a further eight children:

1. James Cotterell bap. 21 Sep 1823
2. Jane Cotterell bap. 24 Dec 1826
3. Mary Ann Cotterell bap. 7 Dec 1828
4. John Cotterell bap. 25 Dec 1831
5. Caroline Cotterell bap. 16 Feb 1834
6. Robert Cotterell bap. 5 Jan 1837
7. Charles Cotterell bap. 7 Jul 1839
8. Richard Cotterell bap. 11 Apr 1847

On the baptisms for James, Mary Ann, John and Caroline, Thomas' occupation is listed as Labourer. On that of Jane's it was listed as Mason, but there is a note on that record that it had been copied, which gives the opportunity for error. On Robert's, Charles' and Richard's baptisms, Thomas Cotterell is once more described as a Chairmaker. The different occupations might suggest two different families, but as most of these children do appear with this family on census returns, that cannot be the case. Probably more likely that Thomas' first wife's death caused the temporary change in his circumstances.

In 1841, Thomas Cotterell (listed as 45) Chairmaker was living at Twitchen, Holcombe Rogus with Sarah Cotterell (35), Mary (12), John (9), Caroline (7), Robert (5) and Charles (2), as well as Elizabeth Tooze (20) Female Servant. Jane Cotterell (15) was a Female Servant at Widhays Farm, Uplowman.

In 1851, and still at Twitchen, we find Thomas Cotterell (62) Chairmaker, Sarah Cotterell (54 - she was only 49), Richard Cotterell (4) and John Cotterell (2) Grandson. Caroline Cotterell (17) was a House Servant in Sampford Peverell, Devon. Meanwhile, Robert Cotterell (14) was a House Servant to John Cork, Farmer of 132 Acres, in Holcombe Rogus.

In 1861, at Twitchen Cottage, were Thomas Cotterell (75) Chairmaker, Sarah Cotterell (64) and Richard Cotterell (14) Chairmaker. Charles Cotterell (21) Chairmaker was a visitor in the household of James Tristram (63) Gardener, at Lower Greenham, Ashbrittle. Charles married Emma Tristram that year.

Sarah Cotterell died, at 63, in 1866 S Quarter in WELLINGTON SOMERSET AND DEVON Volume 05C Page 227 and was buried in Ashbrittle, Somerset. This did not make sense. However, the first Sarah Cotterell (née Bowerman), had come from Ashbrittle. This, the second Sarah Cotterell (née Tooze) was born in Holcombe Rogus. Thomas Cotterell was 81 when his second wife died. Had he confused them and is this suggestive, perhaps, of dementia?

In 1871, Thomas Cotterell (84) Pauper, Widower, was living in the household of his son-in-law, Thomas Tooze - married to daughter Caroline [1].

Thomas Cotterell died at 93, in 1878 D Quarter in WELLINGTON Volume 05C Page 240 and was buried in Holcombe Rogus.

[1] Sarah Tooze (b. 1802) was the elder sister of Thomas Tooze (b. 1805). Her daughter, Caroline Cottrell, later married Thomas Tooze, son of William Tooze the younger brother of Thomas Tooze (b. 1801).

Charles Prior and Mary Wilton

Shops in Great Dunmow
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/6483373

Charles Prior (b. 1812 in Great Dunmow), son of John Prior and Elizabeth Suckling, married Mary Wilton, daughter of Stephen Wilton and Elizabeth Hankin, at an unknown venue, in Great Dunmow on Christmas Eve, 24 Dec 1833. 

Charles and Mary Prior had four children: 

1. Henry Prior b. 1835
2. Mary Prior b. 1838 M Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 71 (Mother's maiden name listed as WILSON.)
3. Elizabeth Prior b. 1840 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION  Volume 12 Page 73 (Mother's maiden name listed as HILTON.)
4. Ann Prior b. 1842 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 12 Page 77 (Mother's maiden name, finally, listed correctly as WILTON.)

In 1841, Charles Prior (29) Basket Maker, Mary Prior (33), Henry Prior (6), Mary Prior (3) and Elizabeth Prior (1) were in the High Street, Great Dunmow. The census record reveals that the family monopolised this part of the High Street with Charles and Mary Prior being next door to John and Elizabeth Prior, Charles' parents, who in turn, were next door to Mary's brother, Henry Wilton (who had Henry Wilton Pryor in his household, apprentice tailor). The other side of them was their uncle Henry Wilton. The other side of Charles and Mary Prior was another of Mary's brothers, Richard Wilton. 

Charles Prior (and his father, John Prior) were listed as Basket Makers and Mary Prior as a Straw Hat Maker in White's Directory of Essex 1848.

In 1861, still in High Street, Great Dunmow, were Charles Prior (49) Basket Maker from Great Dunmow; Mary Prior (58) Bonnet Maker; Mary Prior (23) Bonnet Maker and Elizabeth Prior (21) Dressmaker.

In 1871, in New Street, Great Dunmow were Charles Prior (59) Basket Maker, Mary Prior (66) and Elizabeth Prior (30) Straw Bonnet Maker. 

In 1881, with address as High Street New Street, Great Dunmow (were they on the corner?), were Charles Prior (69) Basket Maker; Mary Prior (75) Basket Maker's Wife and Elizabeth Prior (40) Straw Bonnet Maker.

Mary Prior (née Wilton) died, aged 83, in 1887 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 319.

In 1891, in the High Street, Great Dunmow, were Charles Prior (79) Widower, Basket Maker and daughter, Elizabeth Prior (50) Bonnet Maker.

Charles Prior died, aged 79, in 1891 D Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 343.

(Elizabeth Prior died, aged 59, in 1899 D Quarter in RISBRIDGE Volume 04A Page 483. Ann Prior had married Charles Probart Keeble in 1865 and they had been living in Queen Street, Haverhill, Risbridge, Suffolk.)

Now, I realise they're hardly the Bennet Sisters (also from Hertfordshire), but the Wilton girls - who were born between 1804 and 1819 - will have come of age between 1825 and 1840 and it helps to look at the styles of their age.

Getting Dressed in the 1830s

George Woods and Maria White

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Henry George Case and Amelia Elizabeth Baker

Disused railway bridge over Rotherhithe New Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/2426607

Henry George Case (b. 1851 on Alderney, Channel Islands) son of Henry Case and Elizabeth Symes married Amelia Elizabeth Baker (b. 1854), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, on 23 Dec 1877, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East. Henry's address was 23 Cowley Street and his profession was Stone Mason. Witnesses were Amelia's older brother Charles Richard Baker and Sophia Baker, her younger sister.

Henry and Amelia had seven children:

1. Henry Charles Case b. 1879 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 567
2. Elizabeth Amelia Case b. 1880 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 518
3. Frederick John Case b. 1882 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 561. Died in 1883 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 374
4. Frederick William Case b. 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 878. Died in 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 493
5. Ellen Rosina Case b. 1887 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 989
6. John Frederick Case b. 1889 S Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 1D Page 895. Died 1891 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 673
7. George Alfred Case b. 1891 S Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 959

In 1881, Henry George Case (30) Oil & colorman (shop) from Alderney, Guernsey, Channel Islands, was living at 107, Ernest Street, Mile End Old Town with Emelia Eliz (sic) (26), Henry C Case (2) and Elizabeth A Case (1), as well as Matilda Pearson (29) Sewing Machinist, Lodger.

In 1891, Henry George Case (39) Oil & General Stores, from Guernsey, Channel Islands was in Bramcote Road, Camberwell, Southwark with Amelia E Case (36), Henry C Case (12), Elizabeth A Case (10) and Ellen R Case (4).

In 1901, Henry George Case (50) General Shop Keeper from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 80 Bramcote Road, Camberwell with Amelia E Case (47), Henry C Case (22), Elizabeth A Case (22), Ellen R Case (14), George A Case (9) and Christopher F Barden (sic) (13) Visitor. (Christopher Frederick Burden, b. 1888, was son of Amelia's sister, Sophia.)

In 1911, Henry George Case (60) Painter and Paperhanger from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 331 Rotherhithe New Road, Bermondsey with Amelia Elizabeth Case (58), George Alfred Case (19) Engineering Clerk; Elizabeth Amelia Case (30), Ellen Rosina Case (24) both Shirt Machinists; Edward M Leslie Mead (21) Boarder and Peter Washington (78) Widower, Retired Ship's Carpenter from Guernsey, Channel Islands, Visitor.

In 1921, George Henry Case (70) Stone Mason retired, was living at 23, Balham Hill, Wandsworth with Amelia Elizabeth Case (68), Elizabeth Amelia Case (41) and Elsie Whitford (34) Dressmaker from Guernsey, Boarder.

Amelia Elizabeth Case died, at 69, in 1922 J Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 666.

Henry George Case of 13 Lynette Avenue, Clapham, died, aged 79, on 28 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 581) and was buried on 6 Mar 1930 at Streatham Cemetery. Probate was granted on 1 Apr 1930 to his eldest son, Henry Charles Case, Law Stationer.

Daniel Hockley and Sarah Skinner

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

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

Daniel and Sarah Hockley had nine children:

1. George Arthur Hockley b. 1 Dec 1877, reg. 1878 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 453, bap. 30 Dec 1877 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
2. Beatrice Margaret Hockley b. 1879 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 466, bap. 31 Aug 1879 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
3. Samuel Frederick Hockley b. 1880 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 488, bap. Frederick Samuel Hockley (which he was known by thereafter) on 26 Sep 1880 at St Mary's, Great Canfield
4. Rose Hockley b. 1882 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 523
5. Herbert Hockley b. 1884 J Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 558
6. Ernest Hockley b. 1885 S Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 559
7. Amy Hockley b. 1886 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 594
8. Christopher Hockley b. 1888 D Quarter in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 596
9. Margaret Hockley b. 1890 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 657, but who died in the same quarter, 1890 M Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 398 and was buried on 27 Feb 1890 at St Mary's, Great Canfield with the burial record giving her age as 17 days.

In 1881, calling himself Daniel George Hockley (32) Coachman was living at Fitzjohns, Great Canfield, Dunmow. He didn't have that middle name, but it was his father's name and this is the 2nd time this week I've found someone adding their father's name as a middle name, so I wonder if it was a 'thing'? And it was useful later on. Fitzjohns, it appears from the census schedules, is next door to the cottage he lived in ten years previously, so may have been with the same employer. With him were Sarah Hockley (25), George Arthur Hockley (3), Beatrice Margaret (1) and Samuel Frederick Hockley (0).

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

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

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

Daniel and Mary Ann added a further three children:

10. Daniel Samuel Hockley b. 14 Feb 1894 M Quarter Vol 04A 700
11. Alice Jane Hockley b. 7 Jan 1898 M Quarter Vol 04A Page 750
12. Stanley Hockley b. 24 Dec 1902, reg. 1903 M Quarter Vol 04A 893

In 1901, Daniel Hockley (49) had moved to Near Pennyfeathers, High Roding, where he was employed as a Coachman gardener, living with Mary A Hockley (39), Ernest Hockley (15) Farmer's servant; Amy Hockley (14), Christopher Hockley (12), Daniel S Hockley (7) and Alice J Hockley (3).

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Arthur Wilton Day and Louisa Jane James

South Beach, Weston-super-Mare
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ian Capper - geograph.org.uk/p/6392467
South Beach at Weston-super-Mare with Birnbeck Pier

Arthur Wilton Day (b. 29 Dec 1879 in Chipping Ongar, Essex), son of Arthur Stephen Day and Mary Ann Ray, married Louisa Jane James (b. 31 Jan 1880 in Highbridge, Somerset), daughter of Joseph James and Emily Young, at St Faith's Church, Wandsworth (Ebner Street), on 23 Dec 1900.

Ebner Street, Wandsworth
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Derek Harper
geograph.org.uk/p/3069437

This couple did not have any children.

In 1901, they were living at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, with Arthur Day (21) Gas Fitter, Louisa Day (21) Lilian James (17) - Louisa's sister - an Incandescent Mantle Packer and Henry White (22) Window Cleaner, from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, Boarder. 

In 1911, still at the same address at 23, Ebner Street, Wandsworth, we find Arthur W Day (31) Gas Fitter, Louisa J Day (31), Cecil A Day (24) Clerk Columbia Phono Corp - Arthur's brother - and his sister, Daisy R Heckman (30) described as "Married Deserted 7 Yrs".

In 1921, Arthur Wilton Day (42) Electrician and Louisa Day (42) were living at 69, Richmond Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire.

Arthur Wilton Day died, at 58, on 18 Jun 1938 (1938 J Qtr in BRISTOL Vol 06A Page 233) and is buried at Greenbank Cemetery, Eastville, Bristol.

In 1939, Louisa Jane Day, widowed, was a Paid Companion, living in the household of Charles and Julia Burnett at 141 Richmond Road, Bristol.

Louisa Jane Day returned to her Somerset roots in her retirement, it seems, as she died, aged 79, in 1959, in Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset.

James Wright and Eliza Beavis

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

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

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

James and Eliza Wright had five children:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

George Wilton and Susan Robinson

The 'Blind Beggar', Whitechapel Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Dr Neil Clifton - geograph.org.uk/p/594557
If one must have a stereotypical image from Bethnal Green.

George Wilton (b. 3 Feb 1860) illegitimate son of Catherine Wilton (but who 'invented' a father, George Wilton, Carman, for the certificate), married Susan Robinson (b. 1860), who listed her father as William Robinson, Carpenter, at St Thomas, Bethnal Green, on 21 Dec 1884. (Undoubtedly, she'll have been the same Susan Robinson, Match Maker, born in Bromley, Middlesex, who had been a boarder in George's mother's household in Poplar, in 1881.) Witnesses were William Campling and Maria Campling, George's step-sister. 

George and Susan Wilton had three daughters:

1. Catherine Wilton b. 10 Dec 1886 (1887 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 632), bap. 20 Jan 1887 at St Mary's Church, Bromley St Leonard's
2. Elizabeth Wilton b. 1888 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 600
3. Margaret Wilton b. 21 Jul 1891 (1891 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 588), bap. 5 Dec 1909, at 18, at St Mark's, Battersea Rise

The birth registrations all have the mother's maiden name ROBINSON and both of the baptisms found list their parents as George and Susan Wilton.

In 1891, living at 6, Tibbatts Road, Bromley-by-Bow (Poplar) were George Wilton (29) Carman (as had been his mother's brother, his Uncle John Byatt), with his wife (wrongly) listed as Catherine Wilton (30) from Essex, with Elizabeth Wilton (4) and Catherine Wilton (2), whose ages have been transposed. Nevertheless, I have no doubt that this is the correct family, but with that many mistakes, I'm wondering if they'd been on the sauce.

George Wilton died at 30, in 1892 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 356. 

In 1901, all three girls, Catherine (14), Elizabeth (12) and Margaret (9), were listed as Inmates of Forest Gate District School, which functioned as an industrial school, orphanage or workhouse for children, in West Ham. 

There's a record of a Susan Wilton, birth year listed as 1865, from the parish of Bromley-By-Bow, being discharged from Poplar Workhouse at her own request on 24 Aug 1901. There is then an entry on the Register of Deaths in Poplar Workhouse of a Susan Wilton (37), again from Bromley, who died there on 15 Jul 1902 and was buried in the East London Cemetery. There's no corresponding civil record of the death at the GRO. Susan Wilton was not a common name at the time, so, sadly, I believe these records relate.

In 1911, Caroline Kathleen Wilton (24) from Bromley-by-Bow was a General Domestic Servant in Tooting Bec Gardens, Streatham. (Margaret Wilton married in Streatham, in 1919, which places the girls in that area and there are several instances, in various different parts of the tree, where Catherine and Caroline are used interchangeably, including that the girls' grandmother was listed as Caroline on their father's birth certificate); In 1921, again as Caroline Wilton (34) was a Domestic Servant at 68, Herne Hill, Lambeth; In 1939, Caroline Wilton, who gave her date of birth as 10 Dec 1887 - one year out - was a Housemaid at 75 Ashburnham Road, Southend-On-Sea. Catherine Wilton died, at 85, in Southend-on-Sea in 1971.

[So far] I've been unable to isolate further records for Elizabeth Wilton.

Henry Caddy and Selina Mary Ann Harcus

St Mary, Dock Road, Chatham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © David Kemp - geograph.org.uk/p/4674626
The church, now closed, is mainly late C19 but a few Norman features still remain.

Henry Caddy (24), Shipwright, son of John Henry Caddy and Sarah Orren, married, Selina Mary Ann Harcus (20), daughter of John Harcus and Selina Patrick, on 18 Dec 1870 at St Mary's Church, Chatham. Witnesses were her brother Henry George Harcus and Sarah Caddy, Henry's sister.

In 1871, Selina Caddy (21), Henry Caddy (24) Shipwright, were living with Selina's widowed mother, Selina Harcus (47) Licensed Victualler at the Chest Arms, 55 High Street, Chatham.

Henry and Selina Caddy then had one daughter: 

1. Selina Sarah Caddy, b. 15 Jan 1872 (1872 M Qtr in MEDWAY Vol 02A Page 470), bap. 11 Feb 1872 at St Mary's Church, Chatham.

Selina Mary Ann Caddy was one of the witnesses to the marriage of her brother Henry George Harcus and Susan Alice Tubb, on 29 Dec 1872.

Then on 18 Dec 1874, at All Saints Church, Haggerston, Selina Mary Ann Caddy (24), 'Widow' (no she wasn't, unless her father-in-law listed a ghost in 1881 - see below), who, nevertheless, listed her father (correctly) as John Harcus, Tailor, married Lewis Betjemann (31) Bachelor (nope), Sergeant in the Army, who named his father as John Jacob Betjemann, Gunsmith. 

John Jacob Betjemann, Gunmaker, had married Elizabeth Bull in 1825 and was in Whitechapel in 1841 and Bethnal Green in 1851. He died in 1853. Baptised Ernst Luy Ficktohr Betjeman (sic) on 3 Mar 1844 at Christ Church, Spitalfields, he was their youngest child, listed as Ernst (7) in his parents' household in 1851 and as Lewis Betjemann (17) Cabinet Maker, when living with his widowed mother, Elizabeth, in Haggerston, in 1861. 

As 'Herns' Lewis Betjemann, Cabinet Maker, he had previously married Mary Sarah Jane Blumson, daughter of Benjamin Blumson, Dyer, at St James', Shoreditch, on 5 Nov 1863. This couple had at least two daughters: Mary Ann Betjemann b. 1 Dec 1863 (1864 M Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 204), bap. 20 Dec 1963 at St Matthew's, Bethnal Green; and Caroline Betjemann b. 1866 M Quarter in SHOREDITCH Volume 01C Page 182. When daughter Mary Betjemann (20) married on 2 Feb 1884, she listed her father as Lewis Betjemann, Cabinet Maker and George Christian Betjemann, who was Lewis' brother, was one of the witnesses at her marriage. Reverting back to Bachelor in 1874 was well fishy and lead me be certain they were both committing bigamy. That Mary Sarah Jane Blumson went on to have another four children with Henry Thomas Comte and lived until 1924, confirms it.

Selina claiming to be a Widow, one might assume Henry Caddy had died ... However, in 1881, we find Henry Caddy (34) Shipwright, alive, listed as married, living in the home of his father, John Henry Caddy (59) Joiner (he had been a Joiner at the Dockyard) and his second wife Elizabeth Caddy (61) at 50, Church Road, Gillingham, Medway, Kent, with no mention of Henry's wife or child. (Henry's mother, Sarah Caddy, had died in 1866 and John Henry Caddy had married widow, Elizabeth Fowler, on 26 Mar 1874).

After that I can find no more records for Henry Caddy, not even a death. Instinct makes me suspect he may have jumped on a ship and emigrated.

Selina Sarah Caddy doesn't appear on a census either, until 1891, when we find George Lewis (47) Caretaker from Mile End, Middlesex at James Allen's School, Townley Road, Camberwell (James Allen's Girls' School), with wife Selina Lewis (41) Housekeeper from Chatham, Kent; daughter listed as Selina Lewis (19) also from Chatham, Kent, with two Assistant caretakers. It's clear that Lewis Betjemann has Anglicised himself to George Lewis. Subsequent records, which I found first, show that these are the right people however.

On 13 May 1894, Selina Sarah Caddy (22) married William Slate (24) at the church of St Michael, Burleigh Street, Westminster (Initially a chapel within the parish of St. Martin in the Fields, closed 1905 and was demolished.)

William and Selina Sarah Slate had at least eight children:

1. Victor Alfred William Slate b. 30 Nov 1895 in HOLBORN 01B 683
2. Eleanor Selina Slate b. 11 Nov 1897 in HOLBORN 01B 687
3. Alfred John Slate b. 10 Aug 1900 in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 469, bap 2 Sep 1900 at St. James' Church, Walthamstow
4. Doris Margaret Slate b. 13 Oct 1904 in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 458, bap. 13 Nov 1904 at St. James' Church, Walthamstow
5. Wilmet Geraldine Slate b. 24 Mar 1908 J Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 455, bap. 19 Apr 1908 at Walthamstow St. James the Greater. Died at 16 months in 1909 S Quarter in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 170 and buried on 21 Aug 1909 at Queen's Road Cemetery, Walthamstow.
6. Lily Slate b. 12 Aug 1910 in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 474, bap. 9 Sep 1910 at St. James' Church, Walthamstow
7. William Leonard Slate b. 1913 D Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 929
8. Philip Albert Slate b. 1917 M Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 724

'George Lewis' was buried at Queen's Road Cemetery, Walthamstow, Grave 656A, on 14 July 1898 (there was a death of a George Lewis, aged 54, in 1898 S Quarter in LONDON CITY Volume 01C Page 8, which I'm sure relates), however the burial record shows that the purchaser of the plot was Selina Sarah Slate, confirming that this certainly was the correct burial.

In 1901, Selina Lewis (51) Widow, General shop dealer, from Chatham, Kent, was living at 52, Gladstone Road, Walthamstow, West Ham. William Slate (32) Bookbinder, was living at 81, Gladstone Road, Walthamstow, West Ham with Selina Slate (29) from Chatham; Victor (5), Selina (3) and Alfred (0).

In 1911, at 23 Camden Road, Walthamstow, were William Slate (41) Bookbinder, Selina Slate (39) from Chatham, Kent; Victor Slate (15) Junior clerk; Eleanor (13), Alfred (10), Doris (6), Lily (0) and Selina Lewis (61) Mother (mother-in-law), Widow, Dressmaker from Chatham, Kent.

In 1921, William Slate (51) Book Binder; Selina Slate (49), Violet Slate (25), Eleanor Slate (23), Alfred Slate (20), Doris Slate (16), Lily Slate (10), William Slate (7), Philip Slate (4) and Frederick Crisp (30) Visitor were all at 13 Forster Road, Walthamstow. (Frederick Crisp later married Eleanor Slate.) Selina Ana Lewis (71) was a boarder at 89, Hartington Road, Walthamstow.

Selina M A Lewis died, aged 88, at 13 Forster Road, Walthamstow and was buried at Queen's Road Cemetery, Walthamstow on 26 Sep 1938.

In 1939, William Slate (b. 1 Jul 1869), Groundsman and Sarah Selina Slate (b. 15 Jan 1872) were at 13 Forster Road, Walthamstow. William Slate died, at 89, in 1958 and Selina S Slate died, at 95, in 1966, in Waltham Forest.

Samuel Webber and Harriet Lock

Uplowman : The Redwoods Inn
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/7503704

Samuel Webber (b. ~1815 in Wiveliscombe, Somerset), who was listed as the son of William Webber, Farmer, married Harriet Lock (bap. 19 Jun 1814 in Ashbrittle), daughter of John Lock and Mary Nott at St Peter’s Church, Uplowman on 17 Dec 1850. Witnesses were Richard Frankpitt and Jane Parr.

In 1841, Harriet Lock (25) had been a Female Servant in the household of Edward Chave (35) at Burrow Farm, Ashbrittle [the same Edward Chave who was at Widhayes Farm, Uplowman in 1861 and 1871] and at the same time Samuel Webber (20) had been a Male Servant on Burrow farm.

In 1851, Samuel Webber (33) Victualler from Wiveliscombe, Somerset and Harriet Webber (37) Victualler's Wife from Ashbrittle, Somerset were living at, and clearly running, the Redwoods Inn, Uplowman (confirmed there).

Samuel and Harriet had one daughter:

1. Elizabeth Webber b. 1851 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 273, mother's maiden name confirmed as LOCK, but can identify no further records for this child and fear she most likely died as an infant.

However, Harriet Webber died, at just 38, in 1853 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 283 and was buried in Uplowman on 9 Apr 1853.

Samuel Webber (36), Widower, again listed as son of William Webber, Farmer, wasted no time in remarrying, also at St Peter’s, Uplowman, on 14 Jul 1853 to Jane Cruze (40), Widow, listed as daughter of John Lake, Sawyer.

In 1861, Samuel Webber (46) Farmer of 16 acres was at Lowman Cross Way, Uplowman, Tiverton, in a property next door to Hugh Redwood, Wheelwright and Innkeeper, who then ran the Redwoods Inn. Living with Samuel were Jane Webber (48), Sarah Cruze (23) Bonnet Maker from Bampton, Devon; Sarah Jane Cruze (6) and Ann Elizabeth Cruze (0) - Jane's granddaughters.

Jane appears to have been 'massaging' her age: In 1851, Jane Cruse (sic) (46) Annuitant and Sarah Cruse (sic) (14) had been living in Barrington Street, Tiverton. It hasn't been possible to find a record of Jane's previous marriage, however, there was a baptism of an Ann Cruze in Bampton, Devon on 12 Sep 1830, the daughter of James and Jane and the death of a James Cruze, aged 32, in 1837 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 10 Page 177 and buried on 10 Sep 1837 in Bampton, who, I feel, was almost certainly her first husband. (There was also a burial of a Caroline Cruze, aged 4, in Bampton on 31 Dec 1837, and fear this may well have been this couple's child also.)

No birth or baptism records come up for either Jane Lake or her daughter, Sarah Cruze, however, Sarah Jane b. 1856 D Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 395, bap. 12 Aug 1856 in Uplowman, the daughter of Sarah Cruze, Single woman and Ann Elizabeth b. 1859 S Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 378, were both Jane's daughter Sarah's illegitimate daughters.

Samuel Webber died, aged 55, in 1869 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 323 and was buried on 20 Mar 1869, in Uplowman. (In sad irony, the very next burial record was for Samuel's best man, and presumably friend, Richard Frankpitt, on 17 Apr 1869, who died, at 60, on 11 Apr 1869.)

In 1871, Jane Webber (60) Widow, Dairy Keeper, was living at Lowman Cross Farm Houses, Uplowman with Sarah Short (28) Dressmaker and Milliner; Sarah J Carew (14), Ann E Carew (11) and a then unnamed 2 day old Female Infant - later registered Edith Margaretta Hannah Short b. 1871 J Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 436 and bap. Edith Margaret Hannah Short on 1 May 1871 in Uplowman. You might think that Carew was an error, however, Jane's daughter, Sarah had married as Sarah Jane Carew in 1869 to Thomas Short (bap. 25 Jan 1843 in Northam, Devon), son of Thomas Short and Margaret Webb, in Bristol, so it seems to have been intentional. The mother's maiden name on Edith's birth registration was also listed as CAREW. On Edith's baptism, Thomas Short is described as a Railway Clerk.

As yet, I've been unable to identify any further records for Jane Webber.

In 1881, Thomas Short (39) [Profession infuriatingly unreadable] from Northam, North Devon was living at a fancy sounding address, Kennett Villa, [Royal] Albert Road, Westbury upon Trym, Barton Regis, Gloucestershire with wife Sarah J Short (39) - she must have been 44 - Edith Short (10) born in Uplowman, Devon; William H Short (6) born in the United States and Thomas Short (3) born in Clifton, Gloucestershire. (Thomas Short b. 1877 J Quarter in BARTON REGIS Volume 06A Page 79, mother's maiden name CREW.)

Annie Elizabeth Cruise (sic), it appears, married John Lake Fry in 1887.