Joseph, Emma and Lydia Potter - Stag and Hounds, Pinkney's Green

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Joseph, Emma and Lydia Potter, St James the Less churchyard, Stubbings, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Joseph Potter the beloved husband of Emma Potter died March 23rd 1915 aged 41 years - thy will be done - Also his wife Emma died Jan 30th 1947 aged 82 years - rest in peace - Also Lydia Potter died Dec 14th 1960 aged 53 years."


Joseph Potter was born in Binfield Berkshire in 1874 to Robert Potter, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Harriet Welsh.  Joseph first appears on the 1881 Census aged 6, living with his parents in Rose Hill, Binfield, Berkshire.

In 1891 Joseph has left the family home to work as a servant for the Cureton family at Morville Hall in Morville, Shropshire.  Oddly his occupation is listed as what looks like, useful man servant.

I am unable to locate Joseph on the 1901 Census, however in 1904 Joseph marries Emma Wickens in Basingstoke Hampshire.

Emma Wickens was born in Stratfield Saye in Hampshire in 1865 to Richard Wickens, a horse groom, and his wife Sarah Foster.  Emma first appears on the 1871 Census aged 6, living with her parents and siblings, Mary Ann Foster aged 14, Sarah Wickens aged 5, Minnie Wickens aged 3 and baby Wickens aged just 2 days old.

Emma then seems to disappear from the records altogether until her marriage to Joseph.

Their first child, a son Frederick was born in 1907.  Their second son, Robert was born in 1909.

In 1911 Joseph aged 37 and Emma aged 46 are living at and running the Stag and Hounds Public House in Lee Lane, Pinkney's Green, Berkshire.  Living with them and their two sons at the time is Emma's aunt Hannah Foster aged 76 and Lily Richards a niece.

Joseph was to pass away four years after the 1911 Census was taken.  Emma followed him to the grave 32 years later in 1947.


Lydia Potters was born Lydia Nicholls in 1908 in Maidenhead to Thomas William Nicholls, a jobbing gardener, and his wife Annie Green.

Lydia first appears on the 1911 Census aged 2 years, living with her parents and siblings, Elsie aged 6, Mary aged 5 and Arthur aged 4.

In Maidenhead in 1933 Lydia Nicholls married Robert Potter.  Lydia passed away in 1960.





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