Second World War Commonwealth War Grave - Leading Aircraftman Frank Manders, Royal Air Force - Warwick Balloon Squadron

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".
 

Frank, known as Frankie, Manders was born on 13th June 1914 in Farnham, Surrey (his age on his gravestone is believed to be incorrect).  On 19th March 1940 at he married Beryl Cox, nee Rose at St Michael's Church in Camberley Surrey.

Frank was a professional footballer, playing for Norwich City, Crystal Palace, and Maidenhead Football Club.

Leading Aircraftman
Frank Manders

 

After the outbreak of war Frank enlisted with the Royal Auxiliary Air Force with the 911 County of Warwick Balloon Squadron. 

 

The Balloon Command, set up on 1st November 1938, was responsible for maintaining the barrage balloon defence system throughout the British Isles.  Large balloons, some containing explosives were tethered around key targets, such as industrial areas, ports and harbours to protect them from dive bombers, forcing them to fly above the balloons into the concentrated anti-aircraft fire. 

 

 

Barrage Balloons over London

Frank was to die under tragic circumstances, his body was found on 18th March 1942 in Powell's Pool, Sutton Park, Sutton Coldfield. An inquest was held into his death, The Evening Dispatch reported on Monday 23rd March 1942:

"Sutton Suicide of Football-Airman Worried By Illness.

A professional footballer, serving in the RA.F., who had always been a clean man, contracted scabies, and that so worried him that his mind became unhinged.

This was the comment of the Coroner Mr. C. W. Iliffe at an inquest at Sutton Coldfield on L.A.C., Frank Manders, aged 27, whose body was found in Powell's Pool. A verdict of "suicide while the mind was unbalanced" was returned. It was stated that Manders became so depressed about the scabies that he walked into a police station in Birmingham and intimated that he was going to commit suicide. In consequence he was sent to a hospital, where he could be under observation.

Pool Dragged

On the afternoon of 17th March, the aircraftman visited the Sutton Municipal Golf-house in Monmouth Drive, Boldmere, and borrowed a bag of clubs to play a few holes. As he had not returned by 7.30 p.m., an employee at the club-house telephoned the hospital and ascertained that he was not there. The next morning on a boggy portion of Powell's Pool a bag of golf clubs was found. Dragging operations commenced and the body of the aircraftman was found in about three feet of water 50ft from the bank."

Frank Manders was laid to rest at All saint's Maidenhead Cemetery.

Elizabeth Grubb - Laundress

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Elizabeth Grubb, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

 

"Sacred to the memory of Elizabeth Grubb who died Sept 10th 1863 aged 83 years - He that spared not his own son.  But delivered him up for us all. How shall he not with him also freely give us all things-"

 

 

Elizabeth Grubb was born Elizabeth Miles in 1780 in Heckfield Hampshire, to William Miles and his wife Prudence Stone.

 

Sometime between 1808 and 1811 Elizabeth married John Grubb in Bray, Berkshire.  Together they had five children, Sarah Ann born in 1811, Elizabeth born in 1814, William born in 1817, Mary born in 1819 and Hannah born in 1821.  Sadly John died in 1833.

 

Widowed Elizabeth and her children William and Hannah can be found on the 1851 Census living in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  Elizabeth is a laundress, along with Hannah while William is a mason's labourer.

 

I am unable to find any trace of Elizabeth or her children on the 1871 Census

 

Elizabeth was to pass away in 1863.

 

 



Cemetery Sunday - Bridget and Augusta Higgs - Ladies Of Means

 

"Sacred to the memory of

Bridget Higgs

Born March 1?th 1821

Died December 17th 1883

The souls of the righteous are in the hand of God

Also of her sister

Augusta Higgs

Died May 9th 1904."

 

 

 

Bridget and her elder sister Augusta were born in Hockliffe, Bedfordshire in 1821 and 1819 to Hervey Higgs and his wife Mary Ann Fogg.  Sometime before 1871, Bridget and  Augusta moved to Boyne Hill in Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

It seems that the Higgs family were well to do, as throughout the census returns Bridget and Augusta's occupations are listed as fundholders, living off interest from investments, dividends and mortages.  Both sisters remained spinsters, never marrying, and lived together until death seperated them.  Bridget was the first to pass away in 1883. The Slough, Windsor and Eton Observer repoted,

 

"Deaths

 

Higgs- On the 17th ult., at Boyne Hill Maidenhead, Bridget, daughter of the late Hervey Higgs, Reading Berkshire."

 

 

Augusta then moved to 50 Bath Road, Maidenhead after her sisters death, where she appears on thw 1901 Census.  Sadly Augusta was to pass away on 9th May 1904.  I wonder if Augusta died alone, or had family there to comfort her at the end.

 

Strangely I can find no further information on either Bridget, August or their late father Hervey Higgs.  Unusual for such a well to do family.

 

 



 

 

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Mary Ann and Victor Robert Bissley - Until The Day Break And The Shadows Flee Away

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Mary Ann and Victor Robert Bissley, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill Maidenhead.

 

 

"In memory of Mary Ann Bissley died Oct 2nd 1964 aged 47 years.  Also her husband Victor Robert died Nov 2nd 1968 Aged 71 years."

 

Mary Ann was born Mary Ann Belson in Maidenhead in 1917.

 

In 1947 Mary Ann married Victor Robert Bissley, 20 years her senior. 

 

 

Victory Robert Bissley was born in Maidenhead in 1897 to Frank Bissley, a general builder and his wife Elizabeth Beaumont.

 

In 1901, four year old Victor is living with his parents and elder siblings at 2 All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead.  He is still there ten years laster in 1911, where he is listed as a schoolboy.

 

 

In the decmber of 1915 Victor enlisted with the Royal Engineers.  At that time he was working as a GWR (Great Western Railway) clerk.  During his service Victor suffered greatly with I.C.T (inflamed conective tissue) Feet, due to the amount of marching soilders did at the time and the poor weather conditions in the trneches.  Victor was admitted several times to Eastbourne Military Hospital in Sussex.  Eventually Victor had to undergo an operation on his foot to extract a toenail.

 

Victor survived the war and was discharged from the Royal Engineers on 25th October 1919.

 

Sadly Victor was to lose his wife in 1864.  He soon followed her in 1968.

 



First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Horace James Wise

War grave of Private Horace J Wise.
All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

 

Horace James Wise was born in 1891 to Alfred Wise, a bricklayer, and his wife Maria Woodward, a sweet shop owner.

Horace attended the local Wesleyan Sunday school as a child and was mentioned in a report of the Anniversary Celebration commending his singing. Horace also played to the town's Football Club, The Maidenhead Magpies. 

 

On the 1901 Census, 9 year old Horace can be found living at 18 Moffatt Street (which now no longer exists), Maidenhead Berkshire, along with his elder brother George and younger sister Elizabeth.

 

1911 finds Horace, now a warehouse porter, working for Messers J and R Morley and living at 18 Charterhouse Street, London.

 

Horace first enlisted with the Royal Berkshire Regiment but was declared as unfit for service on 8th November 1915.  He later enlisted with the 184th Machine Gun Corps on 11th October 1916.  On 16th February 1917 Horace arrived at the Field Billet.  On 10th April Horace was deprived of 6 days' pay for losing by neglect his rations.  He was in trouble again on 22nd May for being absent from the Billet between 21:00 and 21:20, for this he was deprived 2 days' pay.

 

On 27th August 1917 Horace was wounded in action, he received a gunshot wound to his left buttock as well as shrapnel wounds to his back.  He was immediately transferred to Grantham Military Hospital in Sunderland where his wounds were cleaned and he underwent a Laparotomy (an exploratory operation on the abdomen), which found that the wounds had not penetrated his bowels.

 

Horace never returned to fight at the front, on 20th February 1919 he became unwell and was again admitted to the Grantham Military Hospital on 25th February and was found to be suffering from Influenza and Bronchial Pneumonia, sadly despite all efforts to save him, Horace died at 5:30am on 27th February 1919.

 

He left behind his Father Alfred, mother Maria, and siblings George, and Elizabeth. After his death, on 8th December 1919 his father Alfred wrote enquiring as to what became of his son's brand-new Camden boots. It is unclear if the boots were returned to his family.

 

 



Isabella and Isabel Mary McGregor - Mother and Daughter

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to Isabella and Isabel Mary McGregor, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

"In loving rememberance of Isabella.  Beloved wife of Edward James McGregor who died Nov 17th 1884 aged 30 years.  Also Isabel Mary daughter of the avove who died May 17th 1881 aged 3 years. - Unto Thee O Lord do I lift up my soul."

Isabella McGregor was born Isabella Shepherdson on 8th November 1854, to William Shepherdson, a butcher and his wife Isabella Grant.

 

Unfortunately I am unable to find Isabella or her family on the Census pre 1881.

 

In 1877 Isabella married Edward James McGregor.  Their daughter Isabel Mary was born in 1879, closely followed by a son Edward Charles in 1880, Reginald in 1882 and Archie William in 1883.

 

On the 1881 Census Isabella can be found living at and running The Star Inn beer house in South Street, Maidenhead with her husband Edward and their two children.  Sadly little than a month after the Census was taken Isabel Mary passed away at the age of 3.  Her mother Isabella followed her to the grave in 1884.

 

Edward soon remarried and left Maidenhead altogether, taking his sons with him.



Cemetery Sunday - Of Your Charity

 

Of your charity pray for the soul of

Emily Margaret Ward

Fell asleep Jan 1864

Jesu Mercy

All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill Maidenhead.

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James Meeks - Landlord of The Greyhound, Maidenhead King Street

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

Monument to James Meeks, Elizabeth Meeks and William Frederick Carter, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

 

 

"In loving memory of James Meeks who died April 15th 1907 aged 64 years.  Also of Elizabeth Meeks daughter of the above who died Nov. 8th 1889 aged 23 years - Rest In Peace - also of  William Frederick Carter who passed away June 17th 1932 aged 64 years - Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord for they rest from their labours. - '

 

 

James William Leigh Meeks was born in 1842 in Westerham Kent to Caroline Meeks.  There was no father's name on the records and I am unable to locate James on the census before 1871 or his mother after 1841.

 

In 1864 in Huntingdonshire James Meeks married Elizabeth Favell, daughter of Thomas Favell and Eliza Ward.  Their first child, a daughter, Elizabeth was born in 1865.  Sadly Elizabeth was to pass away in 1870, along with their newborn son James.  On the 1871 Census James and his daughter Elizabeth can be found living at The Greyhound Public House in King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Living with them is Elizabeth Snr's younger sister Eliza Favell.  Later in the year James was to marry Eliza Favell.  Together they had three children, Annie born in 1872, Phobe Eliza born in 1873 and James born in 1876  Sadly Eliza passed away along with baby James in 1876.

 

In 1877 James married Esther Elizabeth (known as Elizabeth) Berry, widow of Alexander Scott in Windsor.  In 1881 James, Esther, Annie and Phobe are living at The Greyhound in King Street, Maidenhead along with James and Esther's children, Arthur born in 1878 and Florence born in 1880.  Elizabeth Meeks Jnr is now living with her uncle and aunt Thomas and Annie Webb at 29 Pullcross Street, Lambeth London.  Sadly Elizabeth was to pass away aged only 23 years in 1886.

 

James and Esther begun to experience some marital strife after the 1881 Census was taken.  By the 1891 Census the couple had separated, with James, his children from his marriage to Eliza Favell, as well as Phobe, Arthur and Clara born in 1881, living at The Greyhound in King Street.  Esther had returned to live with her mother Esther Berry, her son from her first marriage, William A Scott and her younger sister Emily at The Globe Public House, Oxford Road, Clewer, New Windsor.

 

Esther struggled with a drinking problem, on the 20th December 1890 she was charged with being drunk and incapable outside the Globe Public House in Oxford Street, and again on 10th September 1891, she had previously been before the bench on six charges of being 'hopelessly drunk.'  On Thursday 5th December 1895 James Meeks started divorce proceeding against Esther siting an affair she had with a coal hauler named Bowley.  This affair had apparently resulted in the birth of a stillborn child in the March of 1891.  At the time of the hearing Esther was residing at Berkshire County Lunatic Asylum in Cholsey, later renamed Moulsford Asylum and then Fairmile Hospital.

 

It seems that James Meeks had a bit of a temper on him as in 1894 he was bound over to the sum of £10 to keep the peace for six months after assaulting a fellow publican.  The Slough, Windsor and Eton Observer reports -

 

'Assulted at his hotel - James Meeks, landlord of The Greyhound, King Street, was charged with having, on November the 19th, assaulted William Stanley.  He pleaded, not guilty.

 

The complainant, who lives at the Bell Hotel, and has done so for the past two years, stated that on the 19th, when standing at The Bell Hotel Bar, talking to Miss Wheeler, the barmaid, at just before closing time, the defendant came into the house and "and all at once he received a smack on the mouth," and looking round saw Mr. Meeks going out of the door.'

 

It seems the two of them had had a falling out over a horse previously, causing William to refuse to use The Greyhound Public House.  Something James took offence at.

 

'Mr. Meeks had a grievance against him, and wanted to cause a row.  Complainant, continuing, said that the reason of the little grievance Mr. Meeks had against him was that he did not use his house.  He did not go there because they had a row over a horse.  He and some friends wanted to go to Henley and the horse the defenant sent him was not, he considered, fit to do the journey, and he sent it back.'

 

 

In 1901 James Meeks is continuing to reside in and run The Greyhound in King Street, along with his daughter Florence Meeks.

 

Esther E Meeks is listed as being a patient of Berkshire County Lunatic Asylum in Cholsey on the 1901 Census.  Her marital status is given as divorced.  In 1911 Esther has returned to using the name Scott and is residing in the Somerset and Bath Lunatic Asylum.  She was to later pass away in 1927.

 

James was again in the local paper on 5th May 1906, this time for taking an unexpected dip in the River Thames.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported -

 

'Maidenhead Hotel Keeper In The Thames. - On Friday last, Mr.James Meeks, of The Greyhound, King Street, had an impromptu immersion in the Thames, and but for the fact that he is a good swimmer he might have lost his life.  It appears that he drobve to Monkey Island with some friends and successfully punted across to the island, re-crossing to fetch a lady who was waiting to get on to the island.  He landed the lady safely, and then, from the stern of the punt, proceeded to place the pole in the water to put the punt into position.  The Thames, however, had been dredged recently at the spot, and Mr. Meeks, failing to the bottom with the pole, pitched into something like 15 to 16 feet of water.  Being a good swimmer he soon reached terra firma, and as his convayence was waiting he re-crossed the water and drove home as quickly as possible.  Mr. Meeks is none the worse for his experience, and desires to thank his many friends who so kindly took such an interest in his welfare when the mishap became known.'

 

 

Less than a year later on 15th April 1907, James passed away at the age of 64.  I wonder if his dip in the Thames may have been a contributing factor.

 

 

William Frederick Carter was born in 1869 in Wiltshire to Charles Henry Carter, a farmer and his wife Ellen Carter. 

 

I am unable to find William and his family until the 1881 Census when they're living and farming at Lodge Farm in Watlington Oxfordshire.  by 1891 the family had moved to 4 Sydenham Villas, Bray Berkshire, where William's father is now working as a commission agent and William a brewers traveller.  It is quite possible that William met his future wife Phobe Eliza Meeks through his work.

 

In 1894 William married Phobe Eliza Meeks.  You can read more about William and Phobe here.

First World War Commonwealth War Grave - Private George Eaton, Royal Berkshire Regiment - Accidental Death, Struck by Train.

War Grave of Private George Eaton.
All Saint's Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

George Eaton was born in 1859 in Knowl Hill, Berkshire to Thomas, an agricultural labourer and his wife Sarah Herbert.

George first appears on the 1861 Census aged 2, living with his parents and siblings in Hurley Berkshire. Ten years later in 1871 George and his family are still living in Hurley, at 8 Lady Place, Ashley Hill.  Joining the family is George's aunt Mary Ann Herbert, who is listed as servant domestic (invalid).  In 1881 George is working with his father and elder siblings as an agricultural labourer.

In 1884 George married Harriet Pickett.  Their first child, a daughter Alice was born in 1885, closely followed by Ann in 1887.  Their first son George William was born in 1889.

In 1891 the small family can be found living at 6 Long Acre, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where George is now a bricklaying labourer.  By 1901 George and his family had moved to Tyrells Buildings in Maidenhead, where George is listed as a ground works labourer.  Catherine aged 9, Thomas aged 6, Henry Benjamin aged 4 and John aged 1 have joined the family.  George and Harriet's youngest child Robert was born in 1904.

It seems however that George was plagued with depression, which at one point caused him to attempt to take his own life, for which he served a week's imprisonment at Reading Gaol.  The Slough Windsor and Eton Observer reports on 15th September 1906 -

"The Case Of Attempted Suicide

At the Maidenhead Borough Police-court on Friday George Eaton, a resident, was charged on remand with having cut and wounded himself with a razor, intending to kill and murder himself.

The Magistrates' Clerk explained to the Bench that the Governor of Reading Gaol had written to the effect that he was of the opinion the suicidal attempt was a feint, and that there were no signs of insanity in regard to the prisoner.

Police-constable Hay said that he was stationed at Maidenhead.  On the 30th August he had received information that the prisoner had cut his throat.  In company with Police-constable Barr he went to Denmark-street and found that the prisoner had gone out.  He went in search of the prisoner and found him in a field on the other side of the Furze Platt, on the way to Cookham.  He asked him what he was doing and he said, "Nothing."  He noticed a razor sticking out of his pocket; it was in the condition in which it now was (with blood upon it).  Prisoner's throat was covered in blood.  He examined the prisoner's throat, but found no serious cut.  He eventually got him into the road, when he "turned up rough" and said he wanted to go on to the Thicket to finish the job.  They were obliged to handcuff the prisoner; they had no trouble with him after that.  Eaton said several times on the way to the station that he would "finish it off" some time, but he was in a dazed condition, and did not seem to know what he was doing.

Mr Cox:  Was he sober?- Yes, sir.
Had he been drinking
No, I think not, sir.  He was in a dazed state.

The Magistrates' Clerk (to the prisoner) What did you do this for?
Prisoner:  I do not know anything about it; I have been ill.
When you came to your senses did you know what you had done?- No.

Mrs. Eaton, mother of the prisoner, told the magistrates that on Monday when her son came home she said that he was ill, and he looked it.  He was very much depressed.  She advised him to see Dr. Montgomery.

The Magistrates' Clerk:  Do you think he will do this kind of thing again?
Mrs. Eaton:  No, sir.  He thought he was going to lose his father and it upset him.  He looked so funny when he came to me on the Monday that I thought he was "going off" like some other members of the family.  He has never threatened his wife; it was only what people had said about him.

Prisoner's wife, a most respectably-dressed woman, was in court with a baby in her arms, but was not called.

The Mayor (to Mrs. Eaton sen.):  After what you say, if you will keep an eye on your son the magistrates are disposed to dismiss the case.
Mrs. Eaton:  Thank you, sir.

Prisoner afterwards left with his wife and mother."



In 1911 the family had moved to 78 Reform Road where George is listed as a domestic gardener. 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War One, George enlisted with The Royal Berkshire Regiment.  I have been unable to locate any War Records for George.

Before his death George was treated at Netley Military Hospital in Hampshire.  Netley Hospital boasted the first purpose built military asylum where men suffering from severe psychosis and Shell Shock were treated.

On the 26th July 1915 George was accidentally killed after being struck by a train at Winchester Station in Hampshire.  On Saturday 31st July the Hampshire Advertiser reported:

"An inquest was held on Wednesday at Winchester Hospital on the body of George Eaton, aged 54, of 61, Reform-road, Maidenhead, a private. Deceased had gone on leave on Saturday to Monday, on which day he was returning from Maidenhead to Southampton. He was seen off at Reading Station by his son and then appeared to be in good health and spirits. He alighted from the train at Winchester, and met his death when attempting to board the train when in motion. He took hold of the door of one of the compartments, but his left foot slipped off the footboard, and he fell beneath the platform and train. Three coaches passed over him, but the train was pulled up. The unfortunate man was picked up and taken to the hospital, but died on the way. His injuries consisted of a compound fracture to the thigh and left arm, a crushed left hand, four fractured ribs, a broken shoulder, and minor injuries. The deceased had a good character in his regiment.

The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental Death," and gave their fees to the widow.  The deceased was identified by his son, Private H. B. Eaton, who returned home wounded from the front. He has a brother in the trenches. The Jury and Coroner expressed sympathy with the relatives, as did also an officer from the deceased's regiment." 

On the 4th August 1915 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported about the accident in greater detail:

"Death Of A Maidenhead Solider At Winchester Station.

When Boarding A Moving Train.

On Wednesday an inquest was held at The Royal Hants County Hospital, Winchester, concerning the death of a Maidenhead solider - Pte George, of 61, Reform-road, serving in the 4th. Battalion Royal Berks Regiment who died on the pervious Monday from injuries received through being crushed by a train. 

2nd Lieut. J. L, Martin, of the 4th Royal Berks Regiment (who in private life is a solicitor and Coroner for Reading) appeared on behalf of the Regiment. 

Pte. Henry Benjamin Eaton, of the 1sr Battalion Royal Berks Regiment (home from the Front wounded) identified the deceased as his father, aged 54, a private in the 4th Batt. Royal Berks Regt. He was a Reservist before he rejoined and was a gardener by occupation. Deceased was stationed at a Rest Camp, Southampton. He last saw his father alive on Monday evening at Reading Station, when he was returning to Southampton after being on leave from Saturday. He was then in good health and spirits. Witness and his sister went with the deceased to Reading and he had a friend with him.

Pte Thomas Winter, of The Kings Royal Rifles, Winchester, stated that he was on police duty at the station, and saw the 5.55 from London arrive. He also saw it start, and as it was moving deceased ran along the platform from the lavatory. He took hold of the handle of the compartment with his hand, and placed his left foot on the footboard. His foot slipped and the man released his hold, falling between the train and the platform. about three coached passed over him. The train was stopped and witness helped to get the deceased from the line to the platform. He was in a crouching position near the wall and exclaimed - "Oh! My poor arm." His left hand lying across the metals, was very badly injured. He did not see the deceased leave the train and only saw him trying to join it.

The Coroner: " There was no suggestion that there was anything improper?"
Lieut Martin: "No."

The son said that his father had with him one of the men with whom he slept in camp who was going back with him. His father was quite sober.

The Coroner: "There was no suggestion that he was otherwise."
Lieut Martin: "He bore a very good character in the Army."

A. Foster, a porter, stated he did not see the accident, but he gave the signal for the train to start and stop.

PC Gattrill said that he obtained a stretcher and took the deceased to hospital, but he was found dead on arrival. Deceased had a "pass" from Saturday to Monday in his possession. 

Dr. Montague Wallace, house surgeon at the Hospital, said that the deceased was dead when brought in. The post-mortem examination showed that the deceased had a fractured left thigh, fractured left arm and forearm, left hand crushed, four ribs on the left side fractured, left shoulder broken, and left lung injured. all internal organs and the brain were healthy. Death was due to shock from the injuries received."

Such a tragic end to poor George's life.

Harriet and Joseph Morten Gurney - Pinkneys Farm

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Harriet and Joseph Morten Gurney, St James the Less Churchyard, Stubbings Berkshire.

"Sacred to the memory of Harriet the wife of Joseph Morten Gurney who died February 8th 1882 aged 77 years.  Also of Joseph Morten Gurney who died September 17th 1895 aged 88 years - Lord Remember Me."


Joseph Morten Gurney was born in 1807 to William Gurney and his wife Mary.  In 1844 Joseph marries Harriet Wright baptism records show that Josepth and Harriet had at least one son called William Parker, who died in infancy and one daughter called Mary Elizabeth.

On the 1861 Census, Joseph, Harriet and Mary are living and working at Pinkneys Farm in Pinkney's Green, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Joseph is a farmer of 367 acres employing 11 men and 4 boys.  In 1866 their only surviving child Mary marries chemist Charles Henry Thompson and moves to Castle Hill in Maidenhead.

1871, Joseph and Harriet are still farming Pinkney' Farm.  This time only 345 acres, employing 12 men, 3 boys and 2 women.

In 1881, a year before Harriets death, both Joseph and Harriet are living at Woodley Farm in White Waltham where Joseph's occupation is listed as a retired farmer.  1891 sees the widowed Joseph still living at Woodley Farm House.  Joseph passed away in 1895.


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Cemetery Sunday - Falling Angel

'Falling' Angel at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

The precarious position of this gravestone is caused by natural ground movements in the grave below.  As the body and casket break down the grave can sink, causing many gravestones and monuments to topple.  At the moment this gravestone is considered safe, once  it becomes unsafe it will be removed from its footings and placed across the grave.  This is to prevent damage to the stone and/or injury to cemetery visitors.


Below is an example of a gravestone that has been placed across a grave for safety reasons.

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Helen Irene Collins - Dunloran Park House

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Helen Irene Collins, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.

"Helen Irene Collins.  10th February 1891.  8th October 1966."
 

The first thing that struck me about this gravestone was the simplicity of it.  Also looked and felt a lot like concrete

Helen Irene Collins was born on 10th February 1891in Chelsea London to Carteret Fitzgerald Collins, a Barrister at law and Geraldine Lucia Anne Leslie.

Helen seems to have enjoyed a privillaged childhood living at 20 Sloane Square in Chelsea, a very fashionable and affluent area of London.  At one time the family had 13 servants to take care of their every need.  As far as I can tell Helen never entered into employment as an occupation has never been listed for her.  Helen passed away on 8th October 1966 in Sussex aged 75 years.  I wonder how it is that she came to be buried in a Berkshire churchyard?

In 1874 Helen's grandfather Brenton Halliburton Collins bought Dunorlan Park in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.  On Brenton's death in 1924, ownership of Dunorlan Park passed to Carteret until his death in 1841 when the house passed to his eldest son Lieutenant Colonel Richard Leslie Halliburton Collins.  Between 1874 and 1941 the estate was opened to the public every winter so that they could skate on the frozen lake. 

Lieutenant Colonel Richard was called out of retirement to fight in the second World War, it was then that the house became vacant and was requisitioned for the war effort.  In the early years it was a billeting station for troops, who according to local tradition, were responsible for destroying the avenue of statues and the figures on the fountain by using them for target practice.  In 1943 the War Damage Commission took up residence and remained there for fourteen years.

 In November 1944, the Council purchased Dunorlan Park House, the grounds, including three farms and other various lands from Lieutent Colonel Richard at a price of £42000.

Another interesting note, Helen's father Carteret had a patent for, Improvements in or relating to dish and like washing machines.

 

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Second World War Private Monument - Ordinary Telegraphist Charles Harry Chamberlain, Royal Navy

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

Charles Harry Chamberlain was born on 16th October 1923 in Maidenhead to Charles Richard Chamberlain, a carpenter, and his wife Lilian Charlotte Lock.

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Charles Harry (known as Harry) enlisted with the Royal Navy and began his training as an Ordinary Telegraphist at the H.M.S Collingwood Training Camp.  Unfortunately, Harry was to die that the tragically young age of 18 on 24th August 1942 from illness.  

 

 

 



Beilby Eric Smith of Stubbings House Berkshire

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Beilby Eric Smith, St James the Less Churchyard, Stubbings Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Beilby Eric Smith died 31st January 1931

Remeber what he was with thankful heart.  The bright, the brave, the tender and the true.  remember what he is.  From sin apart present with God yet not apart from you."


Beilby Eric Smith was born on 26th November 1864 in Wilton, London to Eric Carrington Smith, a banker, and his wife Mary Maberly.

Seven year old Beilby appears on the 1871 Census living in Knightsbridge, London with his parents and six elder siblings.  In 1881 Beilby can be found being educated and boarding at Eton College in Windsor Berkshire.

In 1887 Beilby marries Elizabeth Mabel Cotton in Etwell Derbyshire

1891 finds Beibly and Elizabeth living in Chelsea London where Beibly is listed as a Bill Broker, a money dealer who buys, sells, discounts, or negotiates bills of exchange.  1897 sees the brith of their only child, a son, Dennis Eric Smith.

In 1901 the family are living at 12 Herbert Crescent in Chelsea London, where Beilby is listed as a banking agent.

1911 and the family has moved to Stubbings House, a large manor house in Stubbings Berkshire.

Sadly I cannot find any other information on Beilby until his death at The Wilderness Hotel, Cape Province, South Africa on 31st January 1931.  Beilby's body was returned to England were he was buried in St James the Less Churchyard in Stubbings Berkshire on 14th April 1931.





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Cemetery Sunday - Holly Wreath

I found this beautiful frost covered holly wreath resting against a stone vase at All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery.  It's lovely to think that someone remembers their absent loved ones at Christmas time.  Makes a lovely change from the many abandoned lonely graves.



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George Kenneth Vansittart Neale - Died at Eton College

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.


"In loving memory of George Kenneth only son of Henry and Florence Vansittart Neale of Bisham Abbey who died at Eton College October 1st 1904 aged 14 years - O God thou art my God.  Early I will seek thee - Those that seek Me early shall find Me."

George Kenneth Vansittart Neale was born in Marylebone London in 1890 to sir Henry James Vansittart Neale K.C.B (Knight Commander order of the Bath), a principle clerk in the admiralty, and his wife Florence Eddis.

On the 1891 Census, nine month old George can be found living at his Grandmother Frances's home along with his aunt, mother, father and elder sister Phyllis, in Bisham Abbey Estate.




(c) Nash Ford Publishing
Source: berkshirehistory.com

By 1901, ten year old George is a boarding student at Stone House College in St Peter's Kent.

Sadly just three years after the census was taken, on 1st October 1904, young George was to died after an unsuccessful operation for appendicitis.


The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 8th October 1904 -

"HEIR TO HISTORIC HOUSE DEAD

At Eton College on Tuesday the death took place, after an operation for appendicitis, of George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, only son of Sir Henry James Vansittart Neale K.C.B., of Bisham Abbey, Marlow.

The deceased was heir to the historic mansion, Bisham Abbey, and large estate in Berkshire.  A promising scholar at Eton, when he entered only a year ago he had reached the fifth form.  Deceased was fourteen years of age."


George's parents were so distraught at his sudden loss that they commissioned a marble monument to be carved by George Frederick Morris Harding and placed inside All Saints Church in Bisham, Berkshire.

The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on the occasion on December 19th 1908 -

"Memorial to an Eton Boy.

The Bishop of Oxford unveiled a memorial in Bisham Church to George Kenneth Vansittart Neale, the only son of Sir Henry James Vansittart Nelae K.C.B of Bisham Abbey, who died of appendicitis four years ago at Eton.  The memorial is the work of Mr. Morris Harding, a young sculptor, who is as yet unknown to fame, but who has here given proof of rare talent in the design as well as its execution.  The figure of the boy is seen kneeling on a cushion, his arms folding hands resting on a Pre-Dieu, the whole set in a flamboyant Gothic niche with trefoil arches."

The above picture, copyright of Robert Freidus, is reproduced curtosy of The Victorian Web.

There is also a stainedglass window in Bisham Church dedicated to George.

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Second War World Commonwealth War Grave - Private Albert Blay, Cheshire Regiment - Killed in an Air Raid

"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them".

 

 

 

Albert Blay was born on 13th October 1907 in Maidenhead Berkshire to Frederick Blay, a bricklayer and brewery clerk, and his wife Louisa Green.

 

On the 1911 Census, three-year-old Albert is living with his parents and older brother Frederick Archie George Blay at 1 Spencer's Road, Maidenhead Berkshire.

 

In 1931 Albert married Phyllis Ida Burrows in Grantham, Leicestershire

Abert appears on the 1939 Register, living in "Dunromin" Allenby Road, Maidenhead, with his wife Phyllis and their young son John Robert Keith Blay. Albert is working as a brewery clerk for Nicholson & Sons Ltd. Living next door at "Dawn" Allenby Road, is Albert's older brother Frederick George Blay and his sister-in-law Elsie Blay nee Lester. 

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War II, Albert enlisted with The Cheshire Regiment.  Unfortunately, Albert was to die as a result of war action on 10th May 1941.  The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Wednesday 14th May 1941:

"Air Raid Victim - Pte. A. R Blay of "Dawn," [sic] Allenby Road, who was serving in the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry, [sic] was killed by a bomb while on duty during an air raid on a Merseyside town last week. Before joining up he was employed by Nicholson Brewery."

The mistakes in the report were later corrected in Albert's Obituary, publish by the Maidenhead Advertiser on Wednesday 21st May 1941:

"Obituary.

Pte. Albert Blay

Killed in an Air Raid

The internment of Private Albert Blay, of the Cheshire Regiment, whose death through enemy action at a Merseyside town we reported last week, took place at Maidenhead Cemetery on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Rev. Canon C. E. M. Fry M.B.E., R.D.

Before joining the Army Pte. Blay was a travelling representative for Messrs. Nicholson & Sons, L.T.D., brewers, High-street, Maidenhead. He had been employed by the same firm since he left school, and his earlier days was on the clerical staff. A native of Maidenhead he was educated at Alwyn-road School. At one time he was a member of the choir at St Luke's Church, where he was also a server. Private Blay, whose home was at "Dunromin," Allenby-road, Maidenhead, leaves a widow and a six year old son.

Pte. Blay was buried with full military honours. The coffin was covered by the Union Jack, and the Devonshire Regiment provided the firing party and eight bearers. Three volleys were fired over the grave, and the Last Post and Reveille were sounded."

Albert was just 34 years old when he was killed. Phyllis never remarried and moved with her son John to Thanet, Kent, where she was to pass away in the August of 1994.

 

 

 



George and Harriet Lapper - Inn Keepers

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


Monument to George and Harriet Lapper, All Saints Churchyard, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In loving memory of George Lapper died Jany 2ist 1912 aged 73 years,

Also

Harriet Lapper his wife died Sept 4th 1912 aged 72 years. ~ God is our refuge and our strength ~"


George Lapper was born in Kemble Wiltshire in 1838 to William Lapper, an agricultural labourer and his wife Elizabeth.

On the 1841 Census, three year old George is living in Kemble Wiltshire with his parents and nine siblings.  1851 George is still living with his parents in Kemble, but is now listed as an agricultural labourer.  George remains with his family in Kemble until his marriage to Harriet Titchener in 1863.

1871, George and Harriet are now living in Duntisbourne Abbots, part of the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire.  They're now running the Old Inn, now known as Five Mile House as well as rasing their children, Sarah aged seven, Emma aged four and two year old John.

Old Inn (five mile house)
Duntisbourne Abbots

In 1881 the family has moved again, this time to The Bell Inn, High Street, Hurst, Wargrave in Berkshire.  Their eldest child Sarah has since gone into domestic service and is living and working at Highfield House, Bath Road, Reading Berkshire.  George and Harriet have added a daughter, Ann and a son Arthur to their family.  1891 sees the family still running The Bell Inn in Hurst High Street.  Emma Lapper had left the family to work as a Telegraphist in West Thurrock, Essex.

In 1901 only George and Harriet remain at The Bell Inn.  John married Annie Louisa Lailey in 1892 before moving to Binfield where he worked as a fish monger.  Arthur, now a mechanical engineer is broading with the Simpson family in Basingstoke.  Anne had married Walter Robert Hatfield, a publican in 1895 and was now living in Turville Buckinghamshire.

George and Harriet continued to run The Bell Inn until 1907.

In 1911 George and Harriet can be found living at 49 Portlock Road in Maidenhead Berkshire.  George is now listed as a retired publican.  Both George and Harriet were to die a year later in 1912 and within eight months of each other.


Harriet Lapper was born Harriet Titchener on 10th May 1840 in Bishopstone Wiltshire to Charles Titchener, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary Smith.

On the 1851 Census, Harriet can be found aged ten, living with her parents and four siblings.  Their address is simply give as, near the school in Bishopstone, Wiltshire.

In 1861 Harriet is working as a domestic cook for Joseph Smith, a bank manager, and his family in Cirencester in Glouscestershire.