Frances Louisa Comber - Night Watchman's Wife

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Frances Louisa Comber, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.

"In loving memory of Frances Louisa beloved wife of Charles Comber who fell asleep April 28th 1907 aged 52 years.  Her end was peace."


Frances Louisa Comber was born Frances/Louisa Gardner in Clapham London around 1855.  I have been unable to track down her birth records or any early census information as Frances continually swapped her first names throughout her life.

In 1878 Frances married Charles Comber, a police constable, in Wandsworth Surrey.  In 1881 the newlyweds can be found living at 35 Union Street in Clapham London with their two young daughters Louisa J aged 1 year and Lucy aged just 6 days.  At that time Frances was using the name Louisa.

1891 finds the family have moved to Oakley Green in Bray.  Charles in now a Night Watchman and the family has expanded to include Charles William aged 9, Marther [sic] aged 4, Ernest aged 2 and baby Albert, just 11 months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

Another 10 years pass (1901) and the family have moved to Braywood Cottages in Bray.  Charles is still a Night Watchman, but Frances has now gone back to using the name Louisa.  Their family has expanded again to include Amelia aged 8 and 3 year old Elizabeth.

Sadly Frances was to pass away on 28th April 1907, the death index has her name listed as Louisa Frances.

After 1907 I cannot find a trace of Charles and I am unable to find a death that fits him either.

He must have loved Frances very much to have such a beautiful monument made in her memory.

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