Harry Martin and Mabel Grace Tompson

St Giles, Cripplegate, London EC2
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/1209117

Harry Martin (b. Jan 1883 in Westbourne, Emsworth, Hants, son of William Henry Martin and Mercy King, married Mabel Grace Tompson (b. 6 Aug 1878), daughter of Dan Tompson and Sarah Jane Baker, at St Giles-without-Cripplegate, on 25 Dec 1913. Witnesses were Daisy Kritzer (Mabel's sister, Sarah Sophia) and Job Sweeney (husband of Mabel and Sarah's elder half-sister, Eliza Louisa, who lived in Fore Street, close to this church).

In 1911, Mabel Grace was Lady's Maid in the household of Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow, 2nd Baronet, one of the Waterlow baronets, then Chairman of Waterlow and Sons, at 24 Carlton House Terrace, St Martin in the Fields. Listed as 29, she was actually in her 30s and presumably maid to Lady Waterlow, Sir Phillip's second wife, Laura Marie (née Jones). Meanwhile, Harry Martin, then 26, was a Motor Car Driver, residing at The Stables, Trosley Towers Near Wrotham, Stansted, Kent. Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow had inherited the Trosley Towers (more images) estate from his father (part is now the Trosley Country Park), which confirms that both Mabel and Harry worked for the Waterlows, which is undoubtedly how they met.

The couple had one daughter:

1. Laura May Martin b. 27 May 1920, registered in Malling, Kent (J Quarter, Volume 02A Page 1800, with mother's maiden name THOMPSON), was baptised on 22 Jun 1920, at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Westminster.

That Mabel may have named her daughter after Lady Waterlow might indicate that there had been a particular friendship between employer and employee.

Harry Martin served as a Motor Driver & Mechanic during the First World War, having enlisted on 22 May 1916 at Whitehall, aged 31, in the Army Service Corps (M.T.) At that time he was 5 ft 9¼ in, weighed 140 lbs.

In 1921, Harry Martin (37) Motor Car and Electric Light Attendant; Mabel Grace Martin (40) and Laura May Martin (1) were living at Dairy Cottage, Fairseat, Nr Wrotham, Stansted, Kent.

Harry Martin died, at 37, on 20 December 1921 and was buried, on Christmas Eve, at Stansted (Saint Mary the Virgin) Churchyard (Kent). His military record states that he had developed valvular heart disease after suffering pneumonia - for which he was admitted to Stourbridge Military Hospital in 1919 - and gives his cause of death as "Pulmonary Tuberculosis. Mitral Stenosis." 

One cannot help noticing a great similarity in the style of Harry's grave site and that of the later grave of Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow (who died at Trosley Towers, Wrotham in 1931 and is also buried in Stansted Churchyard), which leads me to speculate that the Waterlows may have arranged their employee's burial. There is a note on the burial record, which says, "ex soldier died at Grosvenor Sanatorium, Kennington nr Ashford". It was used to treat Imperial soldiers & sailors suffering from tuberculosis during WW1.

Canadian Pacific Lines SS Montrose

On 30 Jun 1922, 'Grace Mabel Martin', Widow (43) and her daughter, Laura May Martin (2), sailed, 2nd Class, to Toronto on the SS Montrose. Mabel Grace said she was going to Canada "to join parents", listed as Dan and Sarah Tompson of 131 Morrison Avenue, Toronto, and that she intended to remain permanently in Canada. She listed her nearest relative back in the UK as her sister, Daisy Christie [Sarah Sophia Kritzer] of Trosley Towers, Withham, Kent (country home of Sir Philip Hickson Waterlow, Mabel's former employer, so presumably Daisy [Sarah] was then employed there.) Mabel responded "NO" to the question as to whether any of her family were Tubercular, which I suppose may have then been technically correct as Harry was deceased. Clearly Mabel and Laura didn't stay in Canada, however, because ...

Mabel Grace Martin (47) married Arthur John Stedman (51) in the parish of St James, Piccadilly, on 31 Jul 1926. Arthur John Stedman, bap. 7 Apr 1872 in Cobham, Surrey, was the son of John Stedman and Mary Ann (Marianne) Elvina Silvester (m. 1867 in Kingston, Surrey). Arthur's first wife, Harriet Jane Judge, who he married in Epsom, Surrey in 1909, had died on 18 Aug 1925 and is buried in Cobham Cemetery. Arthur John Stedman was a bricklayer.

Arthur John Stedman died, aged 66, on 5 July 1938 (1938 S Qtr in SURREY NORTH-EASTERN Vol 02A Page 57), leaving his estate to Mabel Grace.

In 1939, Mabel Grace Stedman, widowed, housekeeper, was living at 1 Pemry Villas, Elm Grove Road, Cobham, Surrey, with daughter, Laura May Martin, Ladies Hairdresser; Gerald Owen Weston (mechanic and lorry driver) and Mabel's sister, Sarah Sophia, 'Daisy' S S Kritzer, housekeeper.

Mabel Grace Stedman, formerly Martin, née Tompson, died in the 1st quarter of 1967, in the district of Surrey North Western, in her 89th year.

George James Hockley and Emily Jane Jiggins

St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts, Essex
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © terry joyce - geograph.org.uk/p/2135721
Former church, now a private residence.

George James Hockley (b. 21 May 1871 in Great Dunmow), son of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton, married Emily Jane Jiggins (b. 30 Apr 1876 in Rainham), daughter of David Jiggins and Eliza Ann Turner on 25 Dec 1895, in Rainham, Essex, presumably at the Church of St Helen and St Giles.

George James and Emily Jane Hockley had eight children:

1. Emily Florence Louisa Hockley b. 2 Aug 1896 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 476, bap. 30 Aug 1896 at St Helen & St Giles, Rainham
2. Sarah Elizabeth Hockley b. 1898 M Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 519, bap. 2 Jan 1898 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
3. James George Hockley b. 24 Jan 1899 M Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 551, bap. 1 Mar 1899 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
4. William Hockley b. 7 Apr 1900 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 556, bap. 6 May 1900 a St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
5. Frederick John Hockley b. 16 Aug 1903 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 620, bap. 4 Oct 1903 at St Helen And St Giles' Church, Rainham
6. George Hockley b. 18 Nov 1909, reg. 1910 M Qtr in ROMFORD
7. Alfred Hockley b. 1913 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 1245. Died 1913 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 549, buried 1914 in Wennington
8. Rose Hockley b. 1913 J Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P 1245

All of the GRO birth registrations show the mother's maiden name JIGGINS. The last two, clearly were fraternal twins, though only Rose survived.

In 1901, we find George J Hockley (26ish) Agricultural Labourer at 1, Spring Cottages, High Street, Rainham with Emily J Hockley (23), Florence Hockley (4), Elizabeth Hockley (3), James Hockley (2) and William Hockley (0).

In 1911, with their address listed as Sparrow Hall, Wennington, were George Hockley (36) Farm Labourer; Emily Hockley (34), Florrie (14), Lizzie (13), James (12), William (11), Frederick (4) and George (1).

In 1921, George James Hockley (50) Farm Bailiff for Mr J Randall, Market Gardener, was living at Gerfin Cottages, Upminster Road, Rainham, with Emily Jane Hockley (45), James George Hockley (22), William Hockley (21), Fredrick John Hockley (17) - those three sons then also working for Mr J Randall, Market Gardner - George Hockley (11) and Rose Hockley (8). 

In 1939, George J Hockley (68) Farm Labourer Retired; Emily Hockley (63) and Emily F L (Florence) Hockley were listed at Rose Cottage, Billericay.

Emily Jane Hockley of Rose Cottage, Dunton Waylett, died on 1 Jan 1950 (1950 M Quarter in BRENTWOOD Volume 04A Page 451) and was buried on 6 Jan 1950 at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts.

George James Hockley died on 19 Jul 1950 (1950 S Quarter in BRENTWOOD Vol 04A Page 307) at Rose Cottage and was buried, on 24 Jul 1950, also at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton Wayletts, with his late wife.

The church was sold in 1985. "Following the sale the church was restored for use as a private residence which it remains to this day. There are still a few gravestones remaining from the former churchyard adjacent to the house." Theirs appears to be one of the surviving gravestones, albeit in a damaged state (pictured left). The inscription reads, "In Loving Memory of A dear mother EMILY JANE HOCKLEY who fell asleep 1st January 1950 aged 78 years. Also a dear father GEORGE JAMES HOCKLEY who fell asleep 19th July 1950 aged 79 years. Gone but not forgotten."

• Emily Florence Louisa Hockley married Leonard George Dice (b. 26 March 1901 in Tolleshunt D'Arcy, Essex), son of Frederick John Dice and Fanny Vince, in 1947. Florence Emily Dice died in Haywards Heath, in 1981. Leonard George Dice in 1994.
• Sarah Elizabeth Hockley married Percy Albert Peckham (bap. 25 Sep 1892 in Ringmer, Sussex), son of Ernest James Peckham and Rose Alice Buckwell, at Holy Saviour Church, Croydon in 1917. Percy Albert Peckham died in 1952 and Sarah remarried to widower, Harry Sherwin in 1958. Harry Sherwin died in 1971 and Sarah Elizabeth Sherwin died in 1981, both in Brighton, Sussex.
• James George Hockley married Ada May Rust (b. 1898) daughter of George William Rust and Rhoda Jane Clark, in Romford, Essex in 1922. Ada May Hockley died in 1975 and James George Hockley in 1977. They had eight children, one girl and seven boys.
• William Hockley married Florence May Berryman (bap. 28 Sep 1902), daughter of Herbert William Berryman and Jessie Cornell, in Romford, Essex, on 26 Oct 1935. William Hockley died at 64, on 28 Jan 1965, and was buried at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton on 5 Feb 1965. Florence May Hockley died in Brentwood in 1973.
• Frederick John Hockley married Mary Ann Elizabeth Hearn (b. 6 Feb 1905 in Hornchurch), daughter of Horace Edward Hearn and Mary Ann Elizabeth Turner, in Romford, on 2 Apr 1923. They had one daughter, Dorothy Mary Hockley (1929-2012). Frederick John Hockley died, at 41, on 15 Oct 1944 in Waltham Cross. Mary Ann Elizabeth Hockley died on 15 Feb 1963, in Romford.
• George Hockley died on 16 Dec 1979 in Dunton Waylett, Essex.
• Rose Hockley, daughter of George James Hockley, Poultry Keeper married Edward John Norman Arnold Walker (22), Guardsman, who's residence at the time of marriage was Aldershot, purportedly son of George Walker, Labourer (although I have found no birth or baptism), on 29 Sep 1934 at St Mary the Virgin, Dunton. One of the witnesses to this marriage was F M [Florence May] Berryman, who married William Hockley the following year. 

George Fuller and Elsie Elizabeth Sear

St Helen & St Giles, Rainham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4530059

George Fuller (b. 12 Jun 1896), eldest son of George Fuller and Eliza Ellen Hockley, married, widow, Elsie Elizabeth Fretwell on Christmas Day, 25 Dec 1919, at the Church of St Helen and St Giles, Rainham, Essex. 

Born Elsie Elizabeth Sear in 1896 D Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 98, her mother's maiden name was listed as MORLEY. The only marriage that could be her parents, was that of George Sear to Sarah Ellen Morley on 20 Dec 1874, at Plaistow, St Mary the Virgin. Her father died in 1898. 

In 1901, however, Elsie Sear (5) her birth place listed as 'Not Known', appears among a long list of children as a scholar inmate of the West Ham Union Workhouse in Low Leyton, West Ham, London. In 1911, Elsie Sear (14) from Plaistow, was a General Domestic Servant in the household of Montague J Allward (33) Electrical and mechanical engineer station superintendent electricity wks, at 123 Seven Sisters Road, Finsbury Park, London.

In 1915, in Islington, Elsie E Sear married George R F Fretwell (registered as Robert George Frederick Fretwell in 1894 M Quarter in ISLINGTON Volume 01B Page 222), son of Frederick Fretwell and Elizabeth Maria Whines.

George and Elsie Fretwell had two children:

1. Lilian Ellen Fretwell b. 10 Aug 1915 S Qtr in ISLINGTON Vol 01B P316
2. George Walter Fretwell b. 1917 M Quarter in ISLINGTON Volume 01B Page 299. Died 1917 S Quarter in HOLBORN Volume 01B Page 458.

Both birth registrations show the mother's maiden name as SEAR.

Marked Wounded & Missing on 23 Mar 1918, Rifleman G R F Fretwell, 9th Battalion Rifle Brigade (The Rifle Brigade, 1914-1918) died of wounds, aged 25, on 28 Mar 1918, after being shot, and is buried at Guise (La Desolation) Cemetery, Flavigny-Le-Petit, France, in the Allied Sect. 1153. The record lists his widow as living at 21 Athelstane Road, Finsbury Park, London N4.

The Desolation cemetery in Guise

George Fuller, Agricultural Labourer, then 18, joined the Royal Navy on 23 Nov 1915, for the hostilities. At that time he was 5ft 8¼in with a 36½ chest, brown hair, blue eyes and a fresh complexion and was taken on as a Stoker. (The life of a stoker in the Royal Navy). Until 9 Mar 1916 he was assigned to HMS Pembroke II - Royal Naval Air Station at Eastchurch, Isle of Sheppey. 

Then he was assigned to HMS Victory II. "Once they had completed their initial training, parade drill, naval history, housekeeping and rifle drill, they were assigned to His Majesty's Ship (HMS) Victory II. Victory was a land based training establishment for stokers and engine artificers, based in Portsmouth", where he remained until 31 Jul 1917. 

On 1 Aug 1917, George was sent to HMS Wallington, which was an ex-Grimsby Trawler, operating as an (Auxiliary Patrol) Base on the Humber. 

George was back at Victory in Portsmouth between 15 Jan 1918 and 20 Dec 1918 and finally, from 21 Dec 1918 until 20 Feb 1919 with HMS Hecla, which had been a torpedo boat carrier/depot ship purchased in 1878, modernised in 1912 and sold in 1926. By 1919, she was at Chatham.

After their marriage in 1919, George and Elsie Fuller added four children:

1. Elsie May Fuller b. 6 Aug 1920 S Qtr in ISLINGTON Vol 01B P422
2. George Frederick Fuller b. 1922 M Qtr in ISLINGTON Vol 01B P346
3. James Walter Fuller b. 26 Oct 1924 D Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P900
4. John Ernest Fuller b. 13 Jul 1926 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A P963

On the registrations for Elsie and John, the mother's maiden name was correctly listed as SEAR. On George's it has been mis-transcribed as SCAR and on James' an S has been added to make it SEARS. Close enough.

In 1921, George Fuller (25) Labourer for C J Wills & Sons Contractor; Elsie Elizabeth Fuller (24) from Plaistow, Elsie May Fuller (0) and step-daughter, Lilian Ellen Fretwell (5), were living at 21, Athelstane Road, Islington.

Elsie Elizabeth Fuller died, aged 30, in 1927 S Qtr in ROMFORD Vol 04A Page 327, leaving George with a 12 yr old stepdaughter and four infants.

Lilian Ellen Fretwell married George Frederick Grant (b. 6 Apr 1915), in 1936, in Romford. (George and Lilian had two sons, in 1939 and 1942. George Frederick Grant died in 1972 and Lilian Ellen Grant on 18 July 2002.)

And George Fuller remarried to Grace Elizabeth Phillips in Romford, in 1939. Born 23 Dec 1910, she was registered as Grace Elizabeth Dimond in 1911 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 328, the daughter of Susan Amelia Dimond, who later married Thomas J Phillips in 1915, whose surname she clearly adopted (whether he was her biological father on not.)

In 1939, George Fuller, Cable Laying Labourer; Grace E Fuller, with George, James and John, were living at 6 East Close, Rainham. George F Grant, General Labourer; Lilian E Grant; their eldest (record still closed) and Elsie May Fuller, Farm Worker, were living at 111 Melville Road, Rainham.

George and Grace had three further children in 1940, 1941 and 1953.

George Fuller died at 82, in the 1st quarter of 1979.

Grace Elizabeth Fuller died in 1985.

George Fuller and Eliza Ellen Hockley

St. Helens and St. Giles Church, Rainham
Max Naylor, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

George Fuller, son of James William Fuller and Maria Phillips, married Eliza Ellen Hockley, daughter of James Hockley and Elizabeth Wilton at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham on 25 Dec 1894. (Eliza's parents married on Christmas Day, 24 years previously, in Great Dunmow.) Rather than being a romantic tradition, it was probably the only day that labourers had free and, churches often offered their services free or at reduced rates on Christmas.

They had a baker's dozen of children, all registered in ROMFORD: 

1. Annie Elizabeth Fuller b. 17 Feb 1895 (J Quarter Volume 04A Page 451), bap. 28 Mar 1895. (Died aged 16 months, in 1896 J Quarter Volume 04A Page 209 and was buried, on 1 Jul 1896, at Rainham.)
2. George Fuller b. 12 Jun 1896 (S Qtr Vol 04A 473), bap. 17 Jul 1896
3. Ada Fuller b. 27 Oct 1897 (D Qtr Vol 04A 506), bap. 7 Jan 1898
4. Emily Fuller b. 31 Dec 1899 (1900 M Qtr 04A 590), bap. 4 Feb 1900
5. Elizabeth Fuller b. 22 Mar 1901 (J Qtr Vol 04A 576), bap. 5 May 1901
6. Daisy Fuller b. 15 Jan 1903 (M Qtr Vol 04A 645), bap. 19 Apr 1903
7. Eliza Fuller b. 18 Sep 1905 (D Qtr Vol 04A 602), bap. 23 Nov 1911
8. May Fuller b. 2 Nov 1906 (D Qtr Vol 04A 635), bap. 23 Nov 1911
9. John Fuller b. 9 Jan 1908 (M Qtr Vol 04A 652), bap. 23 Nov 1911
10. James Fuller b. 2 Feb 1910 (M Qtr Vol 04A 608), bap. 23 Nov 1911
11. Florence Fuller b. 15 Oct 1911 (D Qtr Vol 04A 1148), bap. 23 Nov 1911
12. Ellen Fuller b. 21 Nov 1914 (1915 M Qtr Vol 04A Page 1192)
13. Rose Fuller b. 24 May 1917 (1917 J Qtr Vol 04A Page 936)

The mother's maiden name on the birth registrations is shown as HOCKLEY. The baptisms were all at at St Helen and St Giles, Rainham, but after the bother of the catch up in 1911, didn't find baptisms for Ellen or Rose. 

Back row (L-R): May, John (Jack), James (Jim), Florence (Flo) and Eliza (Lili)
Front row: Rose, Ellen, Ada, Elizabeth (Bet) and Daisy.

In 1901, in Cowper Road, Rainham, we find, George Fuller (34) Wharfe Labourer, Eliza (25), George (4), Ada (3), Emily (1) and Baby Fuller (0) - later Elizabeth. Also staying with them was Emily Hockley (17), Eliza's sister.

In 1911 at White Cottages, Rainham (a.k.a. Whitepost Cottages), were George Fuller (44) Farm Labourer, Eliza (35), George (14), Ada (13), Emily (11), Elizabeth (10), Daisy (8), Eliza (5), May (4), John (3) and James (1). On this census, they listed that they'd been married 16 years, but only listed nine children, all of whom then living, omitting to count Annie who had died.

In 1921, George Fuller (55) General Labourer was working for Canning & Co Inland Wharf Contractor, Horchchurch and still living at Whitepost Cottages, Rainham with Eliza E Fuller (46), Emily Kendal (21), Daisy Fuller (18) Farm Hand; May Fuller (14) Farm Hand; John Fuller (13) Farm Labourer; James Fuller (11), Florence Fuller (9), Ellen Fuller (6) and Rose Fuller (4). Ada Fuller (23) and Elizabeth Fuller (20) were both Barmaids at The Ship, 1 Wormwood Street, London Wall EC2 (The pub was damaged by a flying bomb on 15 Jul 1944 but was repaired and survived until at least 1960.) And Eliza Fuller (15) was a Servant in the household of Herbert John Gladstone (1854-1930) at Dane End House, Little Munden, Hertfordshire. (Herbert Gladstone, 1st Viscount Gladstone, British Liberal politician, was the youngest son of former Prime Minister, William Gladstone. He was a popular figure in the village, loved by everyone, and known to all as 'Lordy').

Eliza Ellen Fuller (née Hockley)

George Fuller, of 150 Upminser Road, Rainham, died, aged 65, on 12 Nov 1931 (1931 D Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 04A Page 441) at 1 Oldchurch Road, Romford, which was, of course, the address of the former Oldchurch Hospital (and before that Romford Union Workhouse). Cause of death was listed as, "(1) a Haemorrhage & Rupture of Aneurysm of left Iliac Artery. (2) Atheroma." G. Fuller, son, of 6 East Close, Rainham was present. 

In 1939, Eliza Ellen Fuller was living with daughter, Flo Wilson, at 1 Pinewood Avenue, Rainham. Eliza Ellen Fuller died on 30 May 1953, aged 77 (1953 J Quarter in ROMFORD Volume 05A Page 455) and is interred in Rainham Cemetery, Grave 491 Section B.

Sidney George Burt and Fanny Jerwood

Tiverton : St Peter's Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/1654824

George Burt (b. 4 Nov 1863 actually registered as Sidney George Burt), his father was listed on the marriage record as William Burt, but he was the son of Edward Burt and Mary Ann Prescott, married Fanny Jerwood (bap. 8 Nov 1865), daughter of John Jerwood and Sarah Davey, on 25 Dec 1884 at St Peter's Church, Tiverton. George Burt's Rank or Profession was listed as Sailor. Witnesses were Edwin Reed and Jessie Hemmett.

George and Fanny Burt's only child:

1. Charles Edward Burt b. 4 Dec 1887 (1888 M Quarter in TIVERTON Volume 05B Page 409)

George Burt, b. 4 Nov 1863, had enlisted in the Royal Navy, at 15, as a Boy 2nd Class on 8 Apr 1879. He served until 1 Nov 1901 and joined the Royal Fleet Reserve on 18 Aug 1902. He was brought back into service on 2 Aug 1914 until 18 Jul 1917, at shore establishments HMS Vivid (II and III). 

In 1881, George Burt (17) Boy 1st Class was with the 1st Class Iron Screw Ship HMS Superb (1875), moored in Valletta (Grand Harbour), Malta.

In 1891, Fanny Burt (27) and Charlie (3), were living at 150 Pembroke Street, Devonport. George was with HMS Amphion (1883) in the Pacific.

Young Charlie was then enrolled at Heathcote School in 1894, when his mother's address was Melbourne Street, Tiverton, even though George was predominantly in Devonport in 1894, first with HMS Himalaya (1854) and then at HMS Vivid II, joining HMS Grafton (1892) on 23 Oct 1894.

In 1901, George Burt (38), now a Leading Stoker, was again at HMS Vivid II, before being pensioned on 1 Nov that year. Fanny (37) was living at 2, Wellbrook Street, Prospect Place, Tiverton, with Charles (13) now a Silk lace maker and Sarah Jerwood (70) Widow, Boarder (Fanny's mother.)

In 1911, George Burt (48) Grocer and dealer, wife Fanny (47) Assisting in the business and son Charles Edward Burt (23) Lace machine hand, were living at 24 Wellbrook St, Tiverton.

In 1921, Sidney George Burt (75) Stoker R N (Retired), H M Navy, was living at 3 Prospect Place, Wellbrook Street, Tiverton, with Fanny Burt (57) and Charles Edward Burt (33) Silk Lace Machinist at J Heathcoat & Co.

George Burt died, aged 73, in 1937 M Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 624.

Fanny Burt died, aged 74, in 1938 S Qtr in TIVERTON Vol 05B Page 400.

Charles Albert Gardner and Susannah Sweney

St Anne, Limehouse - Entrance
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/4559397

Charles Albert Gardner (b. 31 Mar 1859, bap. 7 May 1859 at St George's, Hanover Square), son of Thomas Henry Richards Gardner and Mary Ann Watkins, married Susan Sweney (sic) (b. 5 Jun 1862 in Mile End), daughter of John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey, at St Matthew, Salmon Lane, Limehouse Fields (the church was gutted by an incendiary bomb in 1941 and demolished) on 25 Dec 1884. Both gave their address as 1 Condor Street. Witnesses were John Sweney and Mary Ann Gardner.

Charles and Susannah had eight children:

1. John Charles Gardner b. 1885 D Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 420
2. Henry Gardner b. 1888 J Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 420
3. Florence Rose Gardner b. 1890 J Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 412
4. Thomas Albert Gardner b. 1892 J Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 440
5. James Gardner b. 1894 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 439
6. Arthur Gardner b. 1896 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 431
7. Rose Lily Gardner b. 1898 S Qtr in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 411
8. May Matilda Louisa Gardner b. 1901 J Qtr Vol 01C Page 420

The mother's maiden name on all the birth records is SWENEY.

In 1891, the family living at 13, Maroon Street, Limehouse, Stepney, were Charles Gardner (32) Slater; Susannah Gardner (29), John Charles Gardner (5), Henry Gardner (2) and Florence Rose Gardner (1).

In 1901, at 34, Maroon Street, Limehouse, were Charles Gardner (41) Slater and tiler; Susan Gardner (39), John C Gardner (15) Credit draper's assistant (Tallymen and ‘Perambulating Scotchmen’ to Credit Drapers' Associations, c.1840–1914); Henry Gardner (12), Florence R Gardner (11), Thomas A Gardner (9), James Gardner (7), Arthur Gardner (5) and Rose L Gardner (3).

Charles Gardner died, aged 42, in Q4 1901, in Whitechapel (Vol 1C 192).

In 1911, Susan Gardner (47) Charwoman at the London Hospital, Widow, was living at 37 St Thomas's Road, Mile End Old Town, London with Thomas Gardner (19) Printer's cutter; James Gardner (17) Clerk; Arthur Gardner (15) Errand Boy; Rose Gardner (13) and May Gardner (10). The census confirms that Susannah had eight children, all then living. Also living at 37 St Thomas's Road, Mile End Old Town in 1911 were Archibald Campbell (39) Slater and tiler, Widower, along with his four surviving daughters: Jessie Campbell (16), Lizzie Campbell (14), Millie [Amelia] Campbell (12) and Esther Campbell (10). Seemingly, at least at this time, these were two separate households.

Susan Gardner (47) Widow, daughter of John Sweney, Dock Labourer, then remarried to the aforesaid Archibald Campbell (39), Widower, son of Archibald Campbell and Elizabeth Desmond, at St Anne, Limehouse, on her birthday, 5 Jun 1911. (Archibald Campbell had previously married Ellen Keating in Mile End, in 1893, with whom, according to the 1911 Census, he'd had ten children (only found records for nine), six of whom had already died. Archibald's first wife, Ellen Campbell, had died, at 38, in 1909.)

Archibald's daughter, Esther Campbell also died, aged 10, in 1912.

In 1921, still at 37, St Thomas Road, Mile End Old Town were Archibald Campbell (49) General Labourer for Stepney Borough Council; Susan Campbell (56), Thomas Gardner (29) Step-son, Disabled General Labourer "Under Young Treatment Hospital"; May Gardner (20) Step-daughter; Amelia Campbell (21) daughter; Violet Gardner (11) Adopted Daughter (Violet was purportedly born in Stepney in 1910, but I've no idea if that was her birth name); plus Elizabeth Bryant (20) and Kate Bryant (15) both Visitors.

In 1939, Arch Campbell (b. 2 Sep 1872) Retired (Boro Council) and Susan Campbell (b. 5 Jun 1862) Retired, were living at 37 Apostle Road, Mile End, Stepney.

Archibald Campbell died, at 71, in 1944 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C 184.

Susannah Campbell, pictured, clearly lived "to an age", but I've so far been unable to confirm exactly when she died (possibly later in 1944).

Arthur Woodham and Mary Matilda Sweeney

St Dunstan's Church, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Marathon - geograph.org.uk/p/6294631

Arthur Woodham (b. 30 Nov 1878 in Limehouse), son of William Wesley Woodham and Mary Ann Poole, married Mary Matilda Sweeney (b. 11 Mar 1878), daughter of John Henry Charles Sweeney and Susannah Harvey, at the Parish Church of Stepney - St Dunstan's, Stepney - on 25 Dec 1904. Witnesses to their marriage were J Sweney (looks like the signature of the bride's father) and Alfred Woodham, the bridegroom's twin brother.

Arthur and Mary Matilda had four children:

1. Arthur Alfred Wesley Woodham b. 1906 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 409. Died 1906 M Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 267
2. Elsie Woodham b. 1907 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 380. Died 1907 J Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 237
3. Lilian Susannah Woodham b. 21 Sep 1908 Vol 01C Page 318
4. Ivy Maud Woodham b. 20 Jul 1910 S Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 01C 339

All four birth registrations have the mother's maiden name SWEENEY.

In 1911, Arthur Woodham (32) French Polisher; Mary Matilda Woodham (33), Lilian Susannah Woodham (2 yrs 6 mths) and Ivy Maud Woodham (8 mths), were living at 58 Conder Street, Limehouse, London. The information they provide on this census return confirms that they had four children, two who were living and two had died, during their then six year marriage.

In 1921, and still at 58, Conder Street, Limehouse, London, were Arthur Woodham (42) Labourer working for Messrs Stein Ltd, Wharfingers at Grosvenor Wharf, Newcastle Street, Cubitt Town; Mary Matilda Woodham (43), Lilian Susannah Woodham (12) and Ivy Maud Woodham (10).

In 1939, Arthur Woodham, General Labourer; Mary M Woodham, Lilian S Woodham and Henry Thomas Morris, Lead Smelter, were living at 11 Maroon Street, Limehouse. Ivy Maud Morris, Married, Evacuee, was staying in the household of Cuthbert Templeman, Retired Grocer, at Kingswood New Bristol Road, Worle, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, with their daughter b. 1938.

Arthur Woodham died, at 70, in 1949 M Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 05D 757.

Mary Matilda Woodham died, at 78, in 1956 S Qtr in STEPNEY Vol 05D 522.

• Lilian Susannah Woodham died, in Tower Hamlets, in 2004
• Henry Thomas Morris (b. 19 Jan 1909) married Ivy Maud Woodham, in 1937. Henry Thomas Morris died, in Tower Hamlets, in 1983. Ivy Maud Morris died, in Tower Hamlets, in 2005

Arthur Edward Copeland and Alice Jane Hurry

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

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

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

Arthur Edward and Alice Jane Copeland had two children:

1. George Arthur Copeland b. 21 Aug 1896 (1896 S Quarter in WOOLWICH Volume 01D Page 1270), bap. 9 Sep 1896 at St George's Garrison Church, Woolwich
2. Edith Eleanor Copeland b. 1897 D Quarter in PLYMOUTH Volume 05B Page 218, bap. 31 Oct 1897 at Plymouth, Crabtree Mission Church, when they were resident at 4 Gordon Terrace, Laira, Plymouth.

In 1901, Alice J Copeland (29) Daughter-in-law from Norfolk, England; George A Copeland (4) Grandson and Edith E Copeland (3) Granddaughter, were living with Arthur's parents, at 27, Llanover Road, Plumstead.

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

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

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

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

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

Thomas and Alice Hurry had two further children:

1. Ellen Hurry b. 1903 J Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 238, bap. 11 Jun 1903 in Dickleburgh with Langmere, Norfolk
2. Samuel Jack Hurry b. 2 Aug 1906 (S Quarter in DEPWADE Volume 04B Page 218), bap. 5 Sep 1906 in Dickleburgh with Langmere 

In 1911, Thomas Hurry (52) Gardener was living at Dickleburgh Scole, Dickleburgh, Norfolk, with Alice Hurry (39), Ellen Hurry (7), Jack Hurry (4), George Copeland (14) Stepson; Edith Copeland (13) step-daughter and Jane Hurry (78) Widow (Alice's mother).

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

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

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

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

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

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