Robert Marsh Minns and Mary Kett

Ruins of St Bartholomew, Heigham, Norwich, Norfolk

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

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

Robert and Mary also wasted no time in starting a family:

1. Robert Marsh Minns b. 1 Apr 1802, bap. 4 Apr 1802
2. Mary Ann Minns b. 17 Jan 1805, bap. 20 Jan 1805
3. John Minns b. 19 Jul 1807 and bap. 19 Jul 1807
4. Ann Minns b. 14 Sep 1810, bap. 16 Sep 1810
5. Hannah Minns bap. 24 Jan 1813
6. David Minns b. 22 Jun 1815, bap. 25 Jun 1815
7. Elizabeth Minns b. 29 Mar 1818 and bap. 29 Mar 1818
8. Harriet Minns b. 15 Feb 1824 and bap. 15 Feb 1824

Several of the baptism records, which all took place at St Bartholomew's, Heigham, list Robert's occupation as Husbandman. On Harriet's baptism, her father is listed as David Minns, but I'm certain this is an error. The record also clearly lists her mother, and specifies her as the former Mary Kett.

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

St Mary's churchyard Hellesdon
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Evelyn Simak
 geograph.org.uk/p/850775

Robert Marsh Minns, Widower, remarried Ann Clark, Widow (have been unable to discover her maiden name), on 13 Nov 1831, also at St Bartholomew's, Heigham. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

William Byatt and Ann Poole

All Saints, Little Canfield

William Byatt (bap. 6 Mar 1814) son of John Byatt and Jane Stokes, married Ann Poole (b. 1817) on 18 Oct 1834, in Great Dunmow, Essex. 

William Byatt and Ann Poole had ten children, all baptised in Little Canfield:

1. George Byatt bap. 3 Apr 1836 
2. Walter Byatt bap. 11 Mar 1838
3. Charlotte Byatt bap. 31 May 1840
4. Alfred Byatt bap. 25 Sep 1842
5. Henry Byatt b. 1845 M Quarter Volume 12 Page 81, bap. 2 Mar 1845
6. Emma Byatt b. 1847 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 78, bap. 18 Apr 1847
7. Charles Byatt b. 1849 J Quarter Volume 12 Page 22, bap. 10 Jun 1849
8. Mary Byatt b. 1852 M Quarter Volume 04A Page 318, bap. 21 Mar 1852
9. John Byatt b. 1854 J Quarter Volume 04A Page 321, bap. 2 Apr 1854
10. Rebecca Byatt b. 1856 M Quarter Vol 04A Page 343, bap. 27 Apr 1856

All of the baptisms list William's occupation as Labourer and the registrations, in DUNMOW UNION, list the mother's maiden name as POOLE or POOL.

In 1841, William Byatt (26) was living in Hickey's Lane, Little Canfield with Ann Byatt (24), George (5), Walter (3) and Charlotte (1).

The 1851 Census returns for both Great and Little Dunmow are missing.

Ann Byatt died, aged 42, in 1859 D Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 224 and was buried in Little Canfield on 6 Jan 1860.

In 1861, living in High Canfield Lane, Little Canfield were William Byatt (48) Agricultural Labourer, Widowed; George Byatt (25), Alfred Byatt (18), Charles Byatt (11), Mary (9), John (7) and Rebecca (5). George, Alfred and Charles were all working as Agricultural Labourers too, while Mary, John and Rebecca were at school. Living with them was William's sister, Catherine Wilton (35) Widow and George Wilton (1) Nephew. Henry Byatt (16) was a Carter on the farm of Thomas Bernard (59) at Little Hoddens, Little Canfield. Emma Byatt (14) Visitors Nurse Maid, was among a large number of staff at Gardeners Cottage, Little Easton (on the Easton Lodge estate).

William Byatt then remarried to Ann Vail (sic) on 18 Oct 1862. 

William shouldn't have been able to forget his wedding anniversary. 

Baptised Mary Ann Vale on 3 Nov 1833 in Little Canfield, daughter of Robert Vale and Mary Dubry, she was listed as Ann Vale when living with her parents at Frogs Hall, Takeley, Essex (presumably, her father was working there on the farm), in 1841. In 1861, she had been listed as Mary Vale (28) House Servant to Joseph Sweeting (64) at Beelfords, Great Dunmow.

William Byatt and Ann Vale had two sons, but neither survived:

1. William Byatt bap. 20 Apr 1864 in Little Canfield. Died in 1864 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 236
2. David Byatt b. 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 349, mother's maiden name VALE, bap. 17 Aug 1865, in Little Canfield. Died in 1865 S Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 226.

In 1871, William Byatt (58) Ag Lab and Ann Byatt (40) were living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1881, William Byatt (68) and Ann Byatt (50) were still living in High Cross Lane, Little Canfield.

In 1891, William Byatt (81) Agricultural Labourer Retired, had accelerated time, while Ann Byatt (50) had succeeded in making time stand still.

William Byatt, with age 81 (actually 77), died in 1891 S Quarter in DUNMOW Volume 04A Page 296 and was buried in Little Canfield on 19 Aug 1891.

Ann Byatt died, at 68, in 1897 M Qtr in DUNMOW Vol 04A Page 385.

Herbert Edward Southwell and Emma Elizabeth Adcock

St. Mark's Church, Peterborough
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/4306299

Herbert Edward Southwell (b. 3 Mar 1863 in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire), son of Alfred Southwell and Louisa Boyden, married Emma Elizabeth Adcock (b. 20 Sep 1864 in Peterborough), daughter of John Adcock and Sarah Ann Richards, at St Mark's Church, Peterborough on 17 Oct 1892. Witnesses to the marriage were John Adcock, bride's father, and Sarah Wright.

The couple do not appear to have had any children.

In 1901, living at 14 Belvoir Road, Bottesford, Leicestershire, were Herbert E Southwell (38) Assurance Agent and wife, Emma Southwell (36).

In 1911, they were living back in Werrington, Peterborough with Herbert (48) Insurance Agent, Emma (46) and mother-in-law, Sarah Ann Adcock (68).

Herbert Edward Southwell died on 19 Aug 1919, aged 56 (1919 S Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Volume 03B Page 191). Probate was granted to Emma.

In 1921, Emma Elizabeth Southwell (56) was living at Lincoln Road, Werrington, Gunthorpe, with her mother, Sarah Ann Adcock (78).

In 1939, Emma Elizabeth Southwell, Widow, was living at 199 Lincoln Road, Werrington. Living with her were Walter E Johnson, Automobile Engineer & Garage Proprietor and his wife, Ethel G Johnson (née Linley). 

Emma Elizabeth Southwell died on 26 Feb 1943 (1943 M Quarter in PETERBOROUGH Vol 03B Page 309). Probate was granted, on 3 Jun 1943; beneficiaries were Walter Ernest Johnson and Ethel Gertrude Johnson.

There is a post script to this couple's story. The Peterborough Standard of 3 Jul 1953 reports: New Pulpit Dedicated. "For the first time in its 800 year history, Werrington Church has a pulpit worthy of the beautiful surroundings. The dedication of the pulpit was performed on Saturday evening by Dr Spencer Leeson, Bishop of Peterborough. Other clergy in attendance were the Rev. F H Stallard, RD; the Rev. A Butterworth, the Rev. F Wesley Clifford and the Rev. G Murray Beard. The last pulpit installed in the late 19th century, is far surpassed in beauty by Leslie Moore's design in carved light oak."

On the inside of the pulpit are the words:

"To the Glory of God and in memory of Herbert Edward Southwell, died 19th August, 1919 and Emma Elizabeth Southwell, died 26th February, 1943. Dedicated by the Right Rev. Spencer Leeson, Lord Bishop of Peterborough, 27th June, 1953."

"Among the large congregation were several members of the Methodist Church, who had received a special invitation to attend. After the service the Bishop attended a reception in the Parish Hall."

Church of St. John The Baptist, Werrington
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Paul Bryan - geograph.org.uk/p/7123383

William Hockley and Mary Ann Day

The George, E14
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Robin Webster - geograph.org.uk/p/2294862
Corner of the former East Ferry Road and Glengall Road, both now renamed Glengall Grove.

William Hockley (bap. 17 Nov 1842 at St Mary the Virgin, Great Dunmow), as William Crow, son of Eliza Crow, Single Woman, married Mary Ann Day (bap. 21 Jul 1844 at All Saints, Writtle, Chelmsford), daughter of Thomas Day and Rose Knight, at St Matthias, Bethnal Green, on 16 Oct 1865. William Hockley made his mark with an X, while Mary Ann was able to sign her name. Witnesses were Sarah Burton and Tamar Hockley. The marriage is the first time William had used the surname Hockley on official records and lists his father as George Hockley. Whilst it is certainly true that George Hockley is who brought him up, I don't think this is conclusive proof of paternity. At 19 in 1861, William was still listed as William Crow, and it was only finding Mary Ann looking after his brother Daniel's son, that led me to locate him. 

William and Mary Ann had twelve children:

1. Tamar Rose Eliza Hockley b. 1866 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 524. (All three being family given names.) Died, aged 15, in 1881 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 446
2. Frederick William Hockley b. 1868 M Qtr in MILE END OLD TOWN Vol 01C Page 624. Died, at 5, in 1873 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 409
3. Alice Jane Hockley b. 1869 D Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 714
4. Laura Lucy Hockley b. 1871 D Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 675
5. Charles John Hockley b. 31 Mar 1873 J Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 668
6. Hannah Elizabeth Hockley b. 1875 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C 746
7. Edith Caroline Hockley b. 1877 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 756, bap. 25 Feb 1877 at Christ Church Isle Of Dogs, Manchester Road
8. Ben Albert Hockley b. 1878 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 715. Died 1878 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 504
9. Maud Day Hockley b. 1879 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 757. Died, aged 1, in 1881 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 526
10. Daniel Hockley b. 1882 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 742
11. Arthur Hockley b. 27 Oct 1883 D Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 704, bap. 9 Dec 1883 at Christ Church Isle Of Dogs
12. William Hockley b. 13 Apr 1886 J Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C 688

In 1881, William Hockley (37) Labourer and M A Hockley (36) were at 55, Glengall Road, Poplar with Tama (sic) Hockley (14), Alice Hockley (11), Laura Hockley (10), Charles Hockley (8), Hannah Hockley (6) and Edith Hockley (4).

In 1891, at 75, Glengall Road, Poplar, London, we find Mary Ann Hockley (49) with Laura Hockley (19) Domestic servant; Charles John Hockley (18) Dock labourer; Daniel Hockley (10), Arthur Hockley (8), William Hockley (5), Christopher Hockley (2) Nephew - son of William's younger brother, Daniel - and John Parker (21) Dock labourer, Boarder. William is not listed in the household and [so far] I've found no explanation for his absence.

In 1901, at 77, Glengall Road, Poplar, were William Hockley (59) General labourer, Mary A Hockley (58), Hannah E Hockley (26) Housemaid, Daniel Hockley (19) General labourer and William Hockley (14).

In 1911, still at 77 Glengall Road, Cubitt Town, Poplar, were William Hockley (68) Boro council pensioner - now we know who he had been labouring for - and Mary Ann Hockley (66). All of the kids had flown the nest, but they stated on this census that they'd had 12 children in total, of whom seven were then still living and five had died, during their 45 year marriage. (I'm sure they knew their own family, but I can only find four deaths by that point.)

In 1921, William Hockley (78) and Mary Ann Hockley (77), both retired, were still living at 77, Glengall Road, Poplar.

William Hockley died, at 82, in 1925 M Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 511.

Mary Ann Hockley died in 1926 S Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 324, also 82.

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)