Cemeteries and graveyards, full of love, betrayal, tragic deaths, murder, and suicide. What will you find?

Friday 30 August 2013

Flashback Friday - Ann Green 106 Years Young

**Originally posted 28th August 2012**
 





Monument to Ann Green, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham Berkshire.


"In Memory of Ann Green.  For many years the faithful housekepper at Temple House.  Who departed this life the 4th of February 1862 aged 106 years."




Ann Green was born in Ireland around 1756 which makes researching her ealry life very difficult.  She appears on the 1861 Bisham cenus aged 105 as a widow boarding with Thomas and Maragret Smith near Temple Lodge, Bisham Berkshire.  As I don't have a maiden name for Ann and I haven't been able to find her on the 1841 and 1851 census returns, my research has hit a brick wall.


Temple House, Bisham

Temple house was a large manor house built by Samuel Wyatt for the mill owner Thomas Williams in the late 18th century.  The Williams were a very important family in Bisham with many of the men entering into politics.  It seems that they were very fond of Ann, making sure she had a beautiful marker for her final resting place.

Wednesday 28 August 2013

War Grave Wednesday: ATA First Officer David Russell Hayward

 
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.


First Officer David Russell Hayward was born on 7th June 1920 to Edwyn Walton (Jim) Hayward and his wife Eileen Frances Russell.

On 22n March 1941 David married Peggy Alice Georgina Farmer.  David and Peggy had a son together in 1943.

After the outbreak of World War Two, David joined the Air Transport Auxiliary Service, an Air Force service that ferried aircraft between airfields.

On the 21st April 1945 David Russell was in command of an Argus II HB595 at Lasham Airfield, Hampshire in what was to be a moonlight take off.  The Argus's engines cut soon after take off and the aircraft crashed and burned not far from Lasham Hill Farm.  A later investigation found that the petrol cocks were only half on at the point of impact.

David was an avid cricket player during his time at Oxford University.  He also played for Middlesex.







Tuesday 27 August 2013

Taphophile Trgaics: Edward John Norsworthy - Plasterer



Monument to Edward John Norsworthy, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"In Loving Memory of My Dear Husband, Edward John Norsworthy who entered into rest January 1st 1895 Aged 26 Years."


Edward John Norsworthy was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1868 to Edwards Norsworthy, a plasterer, and his wife Emma.

In 1871 Edward appears on the Census aged three years old, living with his parents, elder sister Jessey and younger brother William at 21 Victoria Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire. 

By 1881 the family had moved to 7 Victoria Street in Maidenhead.  Edward's younger sisters Emily had been born in 1872 and Clara in 1874.  Sadly in 1882, 10 year old Emily was to pass away.  In 1889 Edward's mother Emma passed away.

Edward was an avid football play and played several matches for Boyne Hill Football Club.

Two years after the death of Emma the family are still together in Victoria street.  William is working as a house painter, while Edward has followed his father in becoming a plasterer.  Living with the family  at the time is their cousin Emily Edwards.

In 1892 in Eton, near Windsor, Edward John married Charlotte Sarah Jefferys.  Sadly Edward was to die just three years later in 1895.

In 1900 the widowed Charlotte married William Henry Pillar, a police constable.  They remained together until William's death in 1939.  Charlotte followed William to the grave in 1956.  They had no children.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday








Sunday 25 August 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Overgrown

All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.
 
 
There us a reason that this particular churchyard is overgrown.  During the summer the grass in this section is left to grow wild.  This is due to some rare wildflowers and insects that have been found inhabiting the churchyard.  Once summer is over and it is safe to do so, the grass is cut.
 
 
 




Friday 23 August 2013

Flashback Friday - Pet Cemetery, Cliveden House, Taplow, Berkshire

**Originally posted on 21st August 2012**
 
 



The 'burials' date from 1874 - 1956 and contain mainly dogs and a few horses or ponies, unfortunately I can find no information on the history of the pet cemetery, or whether all the animals belonged to the same family, the Astors of Cliveden House.  It's in the Ilex Grove part of the grounds and sadly is not very well maintained or even sign posted.  We just happened across it.

There has been a house on the site at Cliveden, meaning - valley among cliffs, in Taplow Buckinghamshire since 1666.  The present house was built in 1851 and is a Grade I listed Italianate mansion.  In 1893 the estate was purchased by William Waldolf Astor, 1st Viscount Astor.  He became a virtual recluse after the death of his wife Mary Dahlgren Paul in 1894.  In 1906 Viscount Astor gave Cliveden and its ground to his son Waldorf on his marriage to Nancy Langhorne. The Astor family remained at Cliveden until 1969 when the house and grounds were leased by Stanford University.  The house is now owned by The National Trust and is a Luxuary Hotel.

It seems that most of the pet 'burials' took place during the time the Astor family resided at Cliveden.  It is such a shame that no more is known of this peaceful resting place for man and woman's best friends.


"Christoper, A favourite pony"


"Flossie"


"Missie"


"Chono"


"Laddie"


"Trixie"


"Baloo"

"Doushky"


"Dixie"


"Daphne"


"Midget"


"Blennie"


"Pugsy, dear pug"


"Tommy"


"Wallace"


"Snuff"


"Traffic Light"


There is another more famous pet cemetery in Hyde Park, London.  To read more about it, click here.

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Wednesday's Child - Keith Slater Allen



Memorial to Keith Slater Allen, All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"In Sweet Memory of Keith Slater Allen Died Dec 29th 1930 Aged I Month."


Keith Slater Allen was born in the November of 1930 in Maidenhead,Berkshire to William S Allen and Rose S Allum.

Sadly little Keith was to pass away on 29th December 1930 aged just one month old.





Tuesday 20 August 2013

Taphophile Tragics - Mary Jane and Mildred Edith Neal, Mother and Daughter



Monument to Mary Jane and Mildred Edith Neal, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"In ever Loving Memory of Mildred Edith The Dearly Loved Daughter of G. and M. Neal.  Died January 14th 1932 aged 24 years. Thy Will Be Done.  Also In Affectionate Remembrance. A Devoted Mother.  Mary Jane Neal.  Died May 3rd 1851 Aged 83 Years."


Mary Jane Neal was born Mary Jane Bennett in Tetbury, Gloucestershire in 1868.  Unfortunately I have been unable to locate Mary on the Census returns pre 1901.  Mary Jane Bennett is a very popular name.

In 1892 in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, Mary Jane married George Neal, a gardener.  A some point between 1896 and 1899 Mary and George moved to 62 St Mark's Road, Maidenhead.  They had seven children together, Ellen born in 1894, Gertrude born in 1896, Herbert born in 1899, Albert born in 1901, Elise born 1903, Marjorie born 1905 and Mildred born in 1907.  Sadly baby Albert was to die in infancy.

In 1911 Mary's family were still living at 62 St Mark's Road.  Mary Jane is working as a house keeper.  Ellen's occupation is listed as dressmaker and Gertrude as a cashier and book keeper.

Sadly Mildred was to pass away in 1932 aged only 24 years old.  George Neal was to pass away in 1945 aged 76 years and Mary Jane in 1851 aged 83. 


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday




Sunday 18 August 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Stanley's Angel

Holy Trinity, Cookham
 

Holy Trinity, Cookham
 
 
 





Friday 16 August 2013

Flashback Friday - Charles West Cope R.A. Artist to The House of Lords




Monument to Charles West Cope and his second wife Eleanor Mary, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory of Charles West Cope. R.A   Born July 28th 1811 - Died August 21st 1890.  Thine eyes shall see the King in all his beauty."


You can see Sarah Beesleys grave just behind



"Also of Eleanor Mary Cope his second wife who died 20th October 1918 aged 87"




Charles West Cope was born on 28th July 1811 in Leeds Yorkshire to Charles Cope, a water colour painter and art teacher and Ellyn Hill.  He was given the middle name West after the celebrated artist and friend of his father, Benjamin West.  As a child Charles was sent to a boarding school in Camberwell London and later attended school in Great Marlow Buckinghamshire where he suffered a broken elbow in a bullying incident.  In 1827 Charles father died in a stage coach accident, that same year Charles entered the Sass's Academy before becoming a student of the Royal Academy of Arts.

On the 1st September 1840 Charles married Ann Charlotte Benning daughter of Henry Benning, a surgeon and Ann Stockdale.

Charles submitted designs for a competition to decorate the interior of the Houses of Parliament. In 1843, his drawing 'The First Trial by Jury' earned him a prize of £300. In 1844 he submitted a further design called 'Meeting of Jacob and Rachel,' and was one of the six painters commissioned in July of that year to prepare preliminary drawings, coloured sketches, and specimens of fresco painting for the decoration of the House of Lords. He also received 400 pounds for his design of 'Prince Henry Acknowledging the Authority of Judge Gascoigne'. Charles received a commission to execute this design in fresco, and also another of 'Edward the Black Prince receiving the Order of the Garter'.

Charles West Cope

In 1865 and 1866 Charles finished his best frescoes in the House of Lords - 'Meeting of Train Bands to relieve the Siege of Gloucester' and 'Speaker Lenthall asserting the Privileges of the Commons.' In 1867 he was appointed professor of painting at the Royal Academy, and delivered six lectures a year till 1875. In 1867 also he painted a third scene Moonlight from 'Othello' exhibited 1868.

Sadly in 1868 Charles wife Ann was to pass away aged 50.

In 1879 Charles married his second wife Eleanor Mary Smart.  They moved to 11 Craufaud Rise, Maidenhead Berkshire where Charles continued to exhibit his paintings at the Royal Academy of Art until 1882.   In 1883 he retired as a professional artist though he continued to paint for his own enjoyment and also took up boating and cycling. He wrote his autobiography, "Reminiscences", which was completed in October 1889.

Charles died in Bournemouth on 21 August 1890, after a brief illness.


Notice of Charles West Cope's death

The Slough, Eton & Windsor Observer reported on Charles's funeral;

"Funeral of Mr. C. W. Cope, R.A. -
On Monday at mid-day, the remains of the late, Mr. Charles West Cope, R.A. were interred at Maidenhead Cemetery, the first part of the service being read at St. Luke's Church, in the parish of which Mr. Cope had resided for the last ten years.  The Rev. W. G. Sawyer, the late Vicar, conducted the service.  The funeral was of a private character, being attended only by the nearest relatives and friends.  Owing to the time of year, when nearly everybody is away, none of the members of the Royal Academy were able to be present, and tokens of sympathy and regret for unavoidable absence were received from Sir F. Leighton, President Royal Academy, and from Messers. Richmond, Alma, Tadema, Horsley, Wells, and others.
The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Mr. J. C. Webber, High Street.  Mr. Cope, who had resided in Maidenhead for some considerable time, died at Bournemouth, after a short illness, with comparatively little suffering, and in full possession of his intellectual powers till the last day of his life.  He had just entered his 80th year, his birthday being the 28th of July and the day of his death  the 21st of August."

Eleanor moved to Henlow, Kidwells Park, Maidenhead, where she remained, alone apart from her cook and parlour maid until her death on 20th October 1918


Wednesday 14 August 2013

War Grave Wednesday - First Officer Wilbur washington "Bee" Acton ATA


 
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.



Wilbur Washington "Bee" Acton was born in the USA to William Acton and his wife Irene in 1916.

On 8th July 1944 First Officer Wilbur Acton was flying an Anson I NK773, when an Oxford X7134 plane descended below the cloud cover and collided with Wilbur's Anson.  Both planes crashed just five miles north of Hullavington, Robourne, Wiltshire.

RAF Pilot Bernard Norman Philips of the Oxford was killed, along with Squadron Leader William Alfred Law.

On July 20th 1944 Flight Magazine reported -

"Air Transport Auxiliary

First Officer Wilbur Washington (Bee) Acton, U.S.A., A.T.A., killed in the course of ferrying duties in England."


It seems at odds that the sacrifice these brave men and women made could simply be summed up in one sentence.

I have no idea why Wilbur had the name Bee associated with him.  Records of this particular accident are difficult to find.


Restored Anson Mk I Bomber in flight
Source - Wikipeadia



 

Tuesday 13 August 2013

Taphophile Tragics - Marmaduke and Eliza Mary Hitchcox, Saddlers of Marlow Buckingamshire


Memorial to Eliza Mary and Marmaduke Hitchcox, All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.


"Sacred to the memory of Eliza Mary Hitchcox who died Sept.er 10th 1834 aged 30 years - Also of  Marmaduke Hitchcox, Husband of the above who died Feb.ry 13th 1845 aged 47 years."


Eliza Mary Hitchcox was born illegitimately Eliza Mary Heine to George Albert Heine and Elizabeth Chapman in 1803.

In 1825 Eliza married Marmaduke Hitchcox on 19th September in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. 

Marmaduke Hitchcox was born in Chadlington, Oxford in 1796 to Samuel Hitchcox and his wife Sarah.

Together they had six children, Mary born in 1826 who sadly died in 1827 and was buried on 14th January, Maria born 1827, George Albert born in 1829, Martha born in 1831, Samuel Sands born in 1832 and Menella Chapman born 1834.

Eliza Mary was to die soon after Menella's birth.  It is possible that her death was due to complications following the birth of her daughter.  Eliza Mary was buried at All Saints Churchyard on 14th September 1834.

On the 1841 Census the widowed Marmaduke appears, living on Spittal Street, Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  Marmaduke's occupation is given as a saddler, someone who makes saddles and harnesses for horses.  Living with Marmaduke are his children Maria, George, Martha, Samuel (listed as Sands) and Menella.  Also living with the family is Eliza Mary's mother, Elizabeth Heine.

Marmaduke was to pass away on 13th February 1845 aged just 47 years old. 


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday





Sunday 11 August 2013

Cemetery Sunday - John Shaw, Town Surgeon of Marlow


 
"Sacred
to the Memory of
JOHN SHAW
 late of this Town Surgeon
who died 9th October 1823
Aged 31 Years."
 
 
All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire England.


 
 
 
 





Friday 9 August 2013

Flashback Friday - Fading Sarah Beesley

**Originally posted 7th August 2012**
(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012


Memorial to Sarah Beesley, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory Of Sarah Beesley widow of the late David Beesley who entered into rest 3rd April 1894 aged 89 years."

(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012


I noticed this stone in the background whilst taking a picture of a far fancier monument.  The colour, beautiful craving and the fact the words are slowly fading drew me to it.  How long before all trace of Sarah is wiped from the stone forever?

Sarah Beesley was born Sarah West in Great Marlow Buckinghamshire in 1804 to James, an agricultural labourer and Sarah West.  Sarah West and David Beesley married in 1840 in Upton cum Chalvey, ten years after their first daughter Sarah was born in 1830.

Sarah lived with her husband, a fruitier and their children in Littlewick Green, White Waltham.  When David died in 1870 Sarah took over the business.  The 1871 Census finds Sarah recently widowed living with her Son Henry and daughter Annie.  Her occupation is listed as fruitier and baker.  In 1881 Sarah had moved to 1 Jasmine Cottage Craufaud Rise, Maidenhead to live with her daughter Annie, now married to Alfred T Taylor a bank clerk.  Sarah was still living at 1 Jasmine Cottage along with her daughter's family when she died in 1894.


(c) Nicola Carpenter 2012


Wednesday 7 August 2013

Wednesday's Child - Jane Gibbons



Monument to Jane Gibbons, All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.


"To the Memory of Jane daughter of Thomas and Sarah Gibbons who departed this life April ye 19th 1794 aged 6 years."

Jane Gibbons was born in Marlow Buckinghamshire in 1788 to Thomas Gibbons, a gentleman, and Sarah Tubbs.  Jane was christened on 14th February 1788 at All Saints Church in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Sadly Jane was to pass away on 19th April 1794 aged just six years old.  She was buried at All Saints Churchyard on 22nd April 1794.





Tuesday 6 August 2013

Taphophile Tragics - Thomas and Sarah Gibbons of Marlow Buckinghamshire




Monument to Thomas and Sarah Gibbons, All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.


"To the Memory of  Mr Thomas Gibbons who departed this life March 27th 1824, Aged 79 years - Also Of Sarah his Wife who died 23rd January 1810 Aged 58 years - Peacefull sleep out the Sabbath of the tomb.  And wake to raptures in a Life to come."


Sarah Gibbons was born Sarah Tubb in 1752.  On 27th July 1779 Sarah married Thomas Gibbons, gentleman of Marlow Buckinghamshire.  Thomas was born in Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire in 1744 to John Gibbons and his wife Elizabeth.

Sarah was to pass away on 23rd January 1810.  She was buried at All Saints Churchyard on 29th January 1810.  Thomas was to pass away on 27th March 1824 and was reunited with Sarah on 3rd April 1824.

Thomas and Sarah had three children that survived them, Thomas, Richard and Elizabeth Gibbons, who were well provided for after Thomas's death.

He left his sons, Thomas and Richard, the considerable amounts of five hundred pounds and six thousand pounds in Government Bounds as well as several properties in St Peter's Street, Marlow and several 'outbuildings'.  He requested  that an annual fund from the profits of the six thousand pounds be set up in a trust for Elizabeth, with the instruction that should she marry and have children then the trust would pass on to them after her death.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday










Sunday 4 August 2013

Cemetery Sunday - Sacred


All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghmashire, England.
 
 
 
 




Friday 2 August 2013

Flashback Friday - Fanny Brewer of Burchett's Green

** Originally posted 31st July 2012**





Monument to Fanny Brewer, St James the Less, Stubbings.

"Scared to the memory of Fanny.  Loved and loving wife of Frederick Brewer of Woodlands, Burchetts Green.  Who died Nov 5th 1894 aged 46 years.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes
He giveth his beloved sleep."


Fanny Brewer was born Fanny Hawkins at St George the Martyr, Surrey 1848 to Charles, a clerk in a paper mill and Esther Hawkins.  On 12th January 1876 Fanny married Frederick Brewer, an accountant, and became saddled with a name that would make many of us titter today.  Fanny Brewer.

Fanny and Frederick had no (living) children despite their 18 year marriage.  Fanny passed away in 1894 aged just 46 years.  Throughout their lives together Fanny's sister Jessie Ann lived with them.

Sadly I cannot find what happened to Frederick or Jessie after Fanny's death, as they seem to vanish from the records.



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