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

Friday 18 July 2014

Flashback Friday - Emma, Edward and Edward Simmonds - Mother, Father and Son




Monument to Emma Simmonds, Edward Simmonds and Edward Simmonds, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In Loving Memory Of
Emma Simmonds
Died Feb 17th 1917. 
Also of Edward
husband of the above
Died Dec 20th 1920. 
Also of Edward
son of the above
Died Jan 22nd 1917."


Emma Simmonds was born Emma Johnson in 1846 in Bray Berkshire to Frederick Johnson, a labourer and his wife Charlotte.

On the 1861 Census, Emma is listed aged fourteen living with her parents and siblings at Oakley Green.  Living a few houses away was Edward Simmonds and his family.

Edward Simmonds was born in 1849 in Bray Berkshire to William Simmonds, a wheelwright and his wife Caroline Allen.  Edward and Emma married in Cardiff in 1875.  They can be found on the 1881 Census living at 20 Topaz Street, Cardiff Wales with their three young daughters, Louisa aged four, Charlotte aged two and five month old Elizabeth.  At that time Edward was working as a carpenter, but he was soon to follow in his father's footsteps.

In 1891 Edward and Emma have moved back to Fifield in Berkshire and Edward is working as a wheelwright.  The family has expanded to include eight year old Caroline, six year old Albert, four year old George and two year old Edward.

In 1901 the family are still living in Fifield, but Emma is now listed as Louisa E.  Albert is now a domestic gardener and George is an apprentice wheelwright.  Living next door is Emma's spinster sister Sarah Johnson.

By 1911 Edward has followed his brother Albert into the gardening business, yet he is still living at home in Fifield with Edward and Emma.

After the outbreak of World War I, Edward Jr enlisted with the Devonshire Regiment.  Sadly he was to die as a result of service, either through injury or illness on 22nd January 1917 in Eton Buckinghamshire.  He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at St Peter's Churchyard in Burnham Buckinghamshire I picture of Edwards gravestone can be found here.


Tuesday 15 July 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - William John and Mary Ann Hamaton - West End Farm and the White Hart Maidenhead



Monument to William John Hamaton and Mary Ann Hamaton, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

"To The Memory Of
William John Hamaton
Died Novr 13th 1862
Aged 70 Years
Fear God And Keep His Commandments:
For This Is The Whole Duty Of Man.
 
Also Mary Ann
Reclict of the above
Departed this life March 7th 1876
Aged 82 Years."
 
 
William John Hamaton was born on 29th February 1792 to William Hamaton and his wife Elizabeth Dobbs.  William was christened on 30th March 1792 at St Michael's Church in Bray, Berkshire.  At the same church on 1st May 1817 William married Margaret Randall. 
 
I am unable to find any further information on William and Margaret.  However, some time before 1850 William marries Mary Ann Dancer and started up West End Farm in Warfield, Berkshire.
 
On the 1851 Census both William and Mary Ann appear living at West End Farm in Warfield were William is listed as farming 80 acres and employing 4 labourers.
 
On 21st July 1856 William took over the licence for the White Hart Public House, High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where they can be found on the 1861 Census.  A year later William was to pass away.
 
On the 1871 Census the widowed Mary Ann has moved to Flackwell Heath, Wycombe to live with her sisters Rosanna and Ann.  Five years later Mary Ann was to join her husband in his grave.
 
 
Linked with:
 
 
 
 
Sources
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday 13 July 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Weep Not My Husband Dear I Pray

St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire, England
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
Harriet wife of
Mr. Wm Chapman
Who Died Dec 19th 1841
Aged 30 Years.
Also their infant child
Aged 5 months
 
Weep Not my Husband dear I Pray,
It was Jesus called us both away.
With my sweet babe upon my breast
I now enjoy perpetual rest."
 
 
 
 

Friday 11 July 2014

Flashback Friday - Mary and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm Holyport




Monument to Mary Sarah Gorton and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"Sacred To The Memory Of
Mary Sarah
beloved wife of Richard Gorton
(of Chuffs Farm Holyport)
Who died August 10th 1904
Aged 76 years.

Also

Richard Gorton
Who died July 29th 1915
Aged 85 years."


Mary Sarah Gorton was born Mary Sarah Snook in 1830 in West Knoyle, Wiltshire to William Snook, a farmer, and his wife Jane Ovens.

Mary lived on her parents farm until her marriage to Richard Gorton, a farmer and baker in 1853 in Highworth Wiltshire.

Richard was born in 1831 in Highworth Wiltshire to Charles Gorton, a baker, and his wife Jane Yeats.

Richard, Mary and their family of twelve children moved around Wiltshire farming until the late 1890s when they moved to Holyport in Berkshire to run Chuffs Farm and Diary.  The 1901 Census shows Richard and Mary living at Chuffs Farms with their daughter Mary.  However Mary Sarah was to pass away three years later.

The 1911 Census shows widowed Richard living with his spinster daughter Mary at 8 Broadway, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Richard was to pass away in 1915.

Their daughter Mary was to pass away in 1929, 14 years after the death of her father.  Unfortunately I have been able to trace her place of burial.





Tuesday 24 June 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD


Monument to Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD, Longden Cemetery, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England.


"In Beloved Memory Of
Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD
Born 22 Feb 1860
The Lord Giveth And The Lord Hath Taken Away
Died 7th Feb 1914
And was interred at Rookwood
Are They Glad Because They are At Rest."
 
 
A friend of mind photographed the above monument whilst visiting a local cemetery and asked whether I would be interested in researching the life of Julia Anne Hornblower Cock.
 
Julia Anne Hornblower Cock was born on 22nd February 1860 to James Cock, a tanner, and his wife Ellen Lloyd.  Julia was christened on 19th March 1860 at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
 
Copyright David Dixon.
 
Julia first appears on the 1861 Census, aged one year and living with her parents and elder siblings at The Baths in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
 
By 1871 the family had moved to Beauchamp House on The Mount in Shrewsbury.
 
In 1877 Julia decided to embark on her career in the medical profession which at the time was a male dominated profession.  Julia was one of a few pioneering women who were determined to open up the profession to women.
 
The 1881 Census finds the twenty one year old Julia a medical student at Bedford college for girls in London.  At the time Julia is boarding at the home of Eliza A Townsend, head of the college, at 79 Gower Street, Finsbury, London. 
 
The 1891 Census finds the now qualified surgical physician Julia living at 15 Manchester Square in Marylebone, London along with her general servant Mary Jones.  Another lady physician, Jessie Crossfield is living a few houses away at 23 Manchester Square.  It is possible the Julia and Jessie attended the same college.
 
 
 
Between 1887 and 1892 Julia worked as a member of the in-patient and out-patient staff at a hospital for women.  In 1896 Julia took up the position of joint lecturer at the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.
 
By 1901 Julia had moved to 15 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London  where she lived along with her two servants Mary Walton and Clara Barnard.  In 1903 Julia became the Dean of the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.
 
By 1911 Julia had moved to Sussex where she is listed as joint head of the household with another lady doctor, Louisa Woodcock at Colesbrook, Watersfield, Pulborough, Sussex.
 
Julia never married and passed away after suffering from a long illness three years later in 1914 six months before England declared war with Germany.
 
 
 
 
Linked with:
 
 
 
Sources:
 
 


Sunday 22 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday - A Blasting Wind

 
"Fresh as the grass our bodies stand,
And flourish bright and gay.
A blasting wind sweeps o'er the earth,
And fades the grass away."
 
 

 

 




Friday 20 June 2014

Flashback Friday - William and Emily Langley - Sweet Hearts Reunited



Monument to William and Emily Langley, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Berkshire, England
 
 
"In loving memory of William Langley 1874 - 1939 also his wife Emily Langley 1876 - 1958

Sweethearts Re-united."


William Langley was born in Fifield Berkshire in 1874 to John Langley, a farm labourer and Eliza Goom.  William continued the family occupation of farm labourer throughout his life.  William first appears on the 1881 Census aged seven living in Fifield with his parents and elder siblings, John, May Jane and Louisa.  William's father was working as a farm hand at Stroud Farm in Holyport, Berkshire.  In 1890 William's mother Eliza passed away.  A year later the recently widowed John is still living and working in Fifield.  William is also living with his father, however his occupation is listed as a shoemaker.  It seems that William was working with his elder brother John, also a shoemaker.

In 1901 William is still living with his father in Fifield, but he has returned to farm work.


In 1902 William married Emily Harris.  By 1911 they had two children, Gladys aged 7 and William aged just one year.  Living with them at the time was the 85 year old widowed John Langley.

John Langley was to pass away in 1914

Emily Langley was born Emily Harris in Navestock Essex.  Unfortunately I am not able to trace Emily's birth parents.  On the 1881 Census she can be found living with her grandparents George and Mary Ann Harris and her uncle Cornell Harris.  She continued to live with her grandparents until her marriage to William Langley.



Tuesday 17 June 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Henry Higgs, Elizabeth Higgs and their son William Higgs - Veterinary Surgeon



Memorial to William Higgs, Henry Higgs and Elizabeth Higgs, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

"Sacred To The Memory Of
William Higgs
Who Died Decr 18th 1841 Aged 17 years
Also
Henry Higgs
Father Of The Above
Who Died March 31st 1854 Aged 62 Years
Also
Elizabeth
Wife Of Henry Higgs
Who Died Novr 13th 1854 Aged 63 Years."
 
 
Henry Higgs was born in Bray, Berkshire on 7th July 1792 to John Higgs and his with Mary Anderson
 
On 25th March 1821 Henry married Elizabeth McCurley.  Elizabeth was born in St Pancras, London in 1800.
 
Together they had eight children, Mary born in 1822, Elizabeth born in 1824, William born in 1825, Henry born in 1827, John in 1830, James born in 1833, Edward born in 1835 and Ellen born in 1837.
 
The family appears on the 1841 Census living in Maidenhead High Street, Berkshire where Henry Sr is working as a Veterinary Surgeon.  Sadly on 18th December that year seventeen year old William passed away, possibly from tuberculosis.
 
 On the 1851 Census, Henry and Elizabeth have moved to Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire along with Mary, John, James and Edward.  Elizabeth and Ellen are visiting the home of Charles Patfield in Sy Martin in the Fields, Middlesex.  Elizabeth is working as a milliner (hat maker).  I am unable to locate Henry Jr on the 1851 Census.
 
Sadly on 31st March 1854 Henry Snr passed away from Phthisis Pulmonalis more commonly known as tuberculosis.  Henry Snr had suffered with the condition for 12 months before his death.
 
Eight months later on 13th November 1854 Elizabeth followed her husband to the grave. 
 
After the death of their parents, Henry and Elizabeth's children emigrated to Australia where they lived out their lives.
 
 
Linked with:
 
 
 
 
Sources:
 
 
 
 

 


Sunday 15 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Mr Basil Woodhouse

 
 
"Sacred To The Memory of
Mr Basil Woodhouse
Died August 9th 1817
Aged 62 Years"
 
St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.
 
 
 
 

 




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Friday 13 June 2014

Flashback Friday - Frances Louisa Comber - Nightwatchman's Wife



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 aged one year and Lucy aged just six 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 nine, Marther [sic] aged four, Ernest aged two and baby Albert, just eleven months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

Another ten 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 eight and three year old Elizabeth.

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

Charles comber passed away in Eton, Buckinghamshire in 1929.

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






Tuesday 10 June 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Richard and Sarah Blackwell and their daughter Kate

 
 
Memorial to Sarah and Richard Blackwell, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.
 
"In Loving Memory Of
Sarah
Wife of Richard Blackwell
Died May 4th 1888 aged 69 years
They Rest From Their Labours
Also
Richard Blackwell
Died Feb ? years




 
"Sacred To The Memory Of
Kate
Youngest daughter of
Richard and Sarah Blackwell
Died July 4th 1884
Aged 26 Years."
 
 
Richard Blackwell was born in 1825 in Beaconsfield, Berkshire to Sarah Blackwell, a publican from Beaconsfield.  On the 1841 Census, fifteen year old Richard can be found living with his mother in Beaconsfield, Berkshire where he is working as a carpenter's apprentice.
 
Sarah Blackwell was born in 1819 in Woolhampton, Berkshire.  I have been unable to find out anything about Sarah's early life or located a marriage for Richard and Sarah.
 
In 1847 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son Herbert, followed by his brother William Henry in 1850.
 
On the 1851 Census, the young family can be found living at Wycombe End in Beaconsfield.  Sadly six year old Herbert passed away in 1853.  In 1854 another son, Walter Alan joined the family followed by a daughter Alice in 1856 and Kate in 1858.
 
By the 1861 Census, Richard, Sarah and their children had moved to Braywick in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Sarah has started working as a dress maker to boost the family's income.
 
By the 1871 Census the family has moved to King Street in Maidenhead where Richard is working as a carpenter along with his eldest surviving son, twenty one year old William.  Seventeen year old Walter is working as a general printer and fifteen year old Alice is helping her mother as a dress maker.
 
In 1878 William Henry Blackwell married Hannah Mariah Brown in Kensington London.
 
By the 1881 Census Richard, Sarah and their son Walter have moved to 14 Grove Road in Maidenhead.  William Henry and his wife Hannah are living at 27 Risborough Road with their young children Herbert William aged one and Gertrude aged just eight months.  Alice and Kate are boarding in the home of Mary J Rankin at 20 Conduit in Chelsea, London, where they are working as dress makers
 
in 1883 Walter Alan married Amy Goodman in Somerset.
 
Sadly just a year later in 1884 at the age of twenty six, Kate Blackwell passed away.  Her mother Sarah followed her to the grave in 1888 aged sixty nine.
 
In 1891 the widowed Richard is living with his son Walter and daughter in law Amy and their children Kate Ethel and Mary Alice at 16 Grenfell Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where he remained until his death in 1908.
 
 
 
Linked with
 
 
 
Sources
 
 
 
  
 


Sunday 8 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Mortal Dust

James and Jane Stevens
St Michel's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.

 
"All alike are Mortal Dust:
Vain is every Earthly Trust
None can see how soon they may
Be as Nothing, Watch and Pray."
 
 
 



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Friday 6 June 2014

Flashback Friday - George and Emma Hunt from Zoos to Confectionary to Domestic Service




Monument to George and Emma Hunt, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of our mother Emma Hunt who died May 13th 1925 aged 78 years
Also of
our father George Hunt who died at Aldershot December 5th 1889 aged 44 years"
 


George Hunt was born in St Pancras London in 1846 to James Hunt, principle keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Elizabeth Greenaway.  On the 1851 census, five year old George can be found living with his parents, older siblings Elizabeth and Martha as well as his grandmother Elizabeth Greenaway at the Zoological Gardens in Regent's Park, London.  By 1861 James had retired as a keeper and by 1871 had taken up accountancy.  George later became a confectioner.

On 19th April 1873 George married Emma Misselbrook at St Pancras. Emma Misselbrook was born in 1847 in Marylebone, London to Benjamin Misslebrook, a head keeper at London Zoological Gardens, and Jane Goulden.

Together George and Emma had six children; James Benjamin, Emma, Minnie, Kate Misselbrook, George James and May.  James Benjamin, Emma and George James were to all die tragically young, Emma and George both aged 30 years and James in infancy. 

In 1881 George, Emma and their children, Emma, Minnie, Kate and George James are living in Weybourne Road in Farnham, Surrey, where George is working as a confectioner.

George was to also die young, aged 44 in 1889.

 After George's death Emma went into domestic service with her daughter Kate Misselbrook Hunt. They can be found living at 61 Ifield Road, Kensington London long with seventeen year old Emma who is working as a draper's assistant and eight year old May who is attending school. Fifteen year old Minnie is working as a housekeeper for the Harris family in Lewisham.  In 1901 Emma and her daughter Kate are working as domestic housekeeper in Sturt Green, Holyport.  I have been unable to locate Minnie after the 1891 Census.

In 1904 Kate married James William Thomas, an electrical engineer.

In 1911 Emma is living with her youngest daughter May at The Lodge, Holyport, Berkshire.  Both are working as domestic housemaids.  Emma remained in Holyport until her death in 1925




Tuesday 3 June 2014

William and Sarah Compton and their sons James and William - The George on The Green Holyport

 
 
 
Memorial to Sarah and William Compton, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
Sarah Compton
The beloved wife of
William Compton
Who died November 9th 1861
In the 57th year of her age
Also
William Compton
Who Died December 2? 1885
In the 84th year of his age."
 
 
 
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
James Compton
Who died September 5th 1885
Aged 45 years
Be therefore ready also for the Son of man cometh
at an hour when ye think not
Also
William Compton
Who died December 23rd 1909
Aged 71 years
Fret not thyself else shalt thou be moved to do evil."
 
 
Sarah Compton was born Sarah Field in Cookham Berkshire in 1804.  On 25th July 1836 in New Windsor, Berkshire, Sarah married William Compton, a publican.
 
William Compton was born in 1802 in Cheetham, Hampshire.
 
In the February of 1838 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son William.  A second son James followed in 1849 and a daughter Sarah Anne was born in 1841
 
Sarah and William first appear on the 1841 Census, living in Holyport where they are running the George Inn on Holyport Green.  Living with their parents are three year old William, two year old James and six month old Sarah.
 
The George Inn, Holyport, Berkshire
as it is today.
It has changed very little since
William Compton's time.
 
 
In 1845 a second daughter Mary Anne was born.
 
On the 1851 Census Sarah and William are still working and living at The George Inn.  Living with them are their children William, James, Sarah Anne and Mary Anne as well as Charles Dadd, the ostler (stableman) for the Inn.
 
By 1861 James had left the family home to work as an errand boy for butcher John Bedborough in Castle Street, Windsor, Berkshire.  Sarah and William can still be found living and working at the George Inn in Holyport.  William Jr now also working as a butcher is still living at home.
 
Five years after the census was taken, Sarah passed away aged 57.
 
In the December of 1868 Sarah Anne married Henry William Halfacre, a farmer from Bray.
 
In 1871 the windowed William is still running the George Inn in Holyport with the help of his eldest son William and youngest daughter Mary Anne.
 
Sarah Anne, her husband Henry and their one year old son Henry are living at Braywood Side.
 
I have been unable to locate James on the 1871 Census, however by 1881 James has returned home to help his aging father run the George Inn along with his elder brother William and younger sister Mary Ann.  Just 4 years later in the September on 1885 James Compton passed away aged only 45 years.  In the December of that year his father William Compton followed him to the grave.
 
In 1891 William Jr and Mary Ann are still living and working at the George Inn in Holyport.
 
In 1901 the sixty two year old William Jr is lodging in the home of Mary Aylin in Holyport, Berkshire.  Eight years later William passed away aged 71.
 
Unfortunately I have been unable to locate Mary Ann after the 1891 Census.
 
 
 
Linked with
 
 
 
Sources
 
 
 
 

Sunday 1 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Olive Pope, Peter Pope and Three of Their Children

St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.
 
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory of
Olive, wife of
Mr. Peter Pope
of Maidenhead
who died Decr 24th 1831
Aged 46
Also
Mr. Peter Pope
who died March 11th 1841
aged 62
Also
Three of Their Children."
 
 
 
Olive Pope was born Olive Buckland in 1785 in Swallowfield, Berkshire, to Joseph Buckland and his wife Mary Bleak.  On 2nd December 1809 in Cookham, Berkshire, Olive married Peter Pope. 
 
Peter Pope was born in 1780 in Rockbourne, Hampshire, to Peter Pope and his wife Mary.  Peter was christened on 18th March 1780 in Rockbourne.  
 
Together they had ten living children, Mary, Thomas, Harriet, Eliza, Peter, Olive, John William, Joseph, James and Julia.
 
Julia Pope was christened at St Michael's Church in Bray on 24th June 1827.  Sadly Julia was to pass away aged just two years old.  She was buried in St Michaels churchyard on 31st March 1829.
 
John William Pope passed away in 1835 aged 18 and Eliza Pope passed away in 1836 aged 17.
 
 
 




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Friday 30 May 2014

Flashback Friday - Emma and George James Hunt, 30 Years.




Monument to Emma and George James Hunt, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Emma daughter of George and Emma Hunt who fell asleep March 21st 1905 aged 30 years - I came to Jesus as I was - and George James Hunt only son, who died May 31st 1910 aged 30 years - we loved them well but Jesus loved them best."
 


Emma Hunt was born in 1875 in Aldershot, Hampshire to George James Thomas Hunt, a confectioner and Emma Misselbrook.  George James Hunt was born in 1880 in Farnham, Surrey.

On the 1881 census six year old Emma and eleven month old George can be found living with their parents and thier sisters, Minnie aged five and Kate aged three, at Weybourne Lane in Farnham Surrey.  In 1889 George James Thomas Hunt passed away in Aldershot in Farnham, by 1891 the recently widowed Emma moved with her daughters to Kensington London, for some reason the eleven year old George is not with them.  It is possible that he is either staying with relatives elsewhere or at school, however I have been unable to find him from 1881 until his death in 1910.

In 1901, four years before Emma's untimely death she's listed as a parlour maid at Chuffs House, Holyport Berkshire for the Frumantte family.




The grapes and vine that adorn Emma and George's final resting place are said to represent the blood of Christ.


Tuesday 27 May 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Thomas and Martha Robinson, Market Gardeners



Memorial to Thomas and Martha Robinson, St Michael's churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

 
"In Loving Memory of
Thomas Robinson
Who Died January 28th 1885
Aged 83 Years
- Them Also Which Sleep In Jesus Will God Bring With Him -
Also of
Martha Robinson
Wife Of The Above
Who Died January 1st 1892
Aged 81 Years
-The Memory Of The Just Is Blessed-"
 
 
Thomas Robinson was born in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire in 1802 to John Robinson and his wife Elizabeth.  Thomas was christened on 21st March 1802.
 
On 8th October 1833 Thomas married Martha Abdy at St Michael's Church in Bray, Berkshire.
 
In 1835 they celebrated the birth of their son, Thomas Jr, soon followed by George in 1837 and a daughter, Elizabeth, in 1839.
 
The young family first appears in the 1841 Census living in Windsor Road, Bray, Berkshire, where Thomas is working as a gardener. 
 
1842 saw the birth of a third son, Ephraim.  A second daughter Mary followed in 1845, a third daughter Louisa in 1847 and a fourth Sarah in 1851
 
At the time of the 1851 Census, Thomas and Martha are still residing in their home in Windsor Road.  Thomas Jr is now working as a bricklayer at the age of sixteen and fourteen year old George has left home to work as a errand boy for Mr Charles Jones, a baker in Bray.  In 1854 Thomas and Martha's youngest child, a son, William, was born.
 
In 1856 George Robinson marries Mary Pearson in Windsor, Berkshire.
 
Thomas and his family are still living at their home in Windsor Road, Bray by the time of the 1861 Census.  Thomas has now become a market gardener. Market gardens were relatively small scale productions of fruits and vegetables grown on a small area of land.  The produce was often sold direct to customers or to restaurants and Inns.  Elizabeth is working as a servant whilst living at home, while Ephraim has left home to work as a baker for Mr Henry Cowdery in Cookham High Street.  Interestingly on the 1861 Census, Ephraim is living next door to Sir Stanley Spencer's paternal grandfather, Julius Spencer.
 
George, now working as a baker, and his new wife Mary are lodging at The Cricketer's Beer House on Holyport Green in Holyport, Berkshire (now a private house).

Photo of Holyport, the Green 1909 - Francis Frith. The linked photograph shows Holyport Green in 1909.  The public house furthest from the camera is the George Inn which is still in business today.
 
In 1867 Thomas Jr marries Eliza House, daughter of Ephraim House of the Wheatsheaf Inn, Grazeley, Berkshire in Salford, Lancashire.
 
By 1871 Thomas and Martha had moved to Money Row Green in Holyport Berkshire.  At the age of seventy, Thomas is still working the land as a market gardener.  Staying with them at the time is their eldest son Thomas who has unfortunately fallen on hard times and is out of employment.  Elizabeth, Mary and William are still living with their parents.  Sarah has left home to work as a general domestic servant in the home of Mrs Elizabeth Stephenson at 1 Carlton Villas, Hencroft Street, Upton-cum-Chalvey in Slough, Berkshire. Louisa has moved to Grazeley in Berkshire to work as a house keeper for Ephraim House at the Wheatsheaf Inn.

The Wheatsheaf Inn as it is today.

© Copyright Andrew Smith
and licensed for reuse
under this Creative Commons Licence
George, his wife Mary and their daughter Eliza are living and running a bakery from 23 Oxford Road, Clewer in Windsor, Berkshire.
 
1881 finds the now elderly Thomas and Martha still living at their home in Money Row Green, Holyport.  At eighty years old Thomas is still listed as working as a gardener.  Elizabeth and William are still living with their parents.
 
Thomas Jr has taken over the running of the Wheatsheaf  Inn in Grazeley, Berkshire, along with his wife Eliza.  Thomas's sister Louisa is living and working at The Inn as an assistant.  Thomas's other sister Mary is visiting at the time.

Sarah has moved to Putney in London to work as a general domestic servant in the home of tea merchant D. Bigwood at 6 Ravenna Road.
 
Four years after the 1881 Census was taken, Thomas Snr passes away aged eighty three.
 
1891 finds the eighty one year old widowed Martha still living in Money Row Green in Holyport.  Martha's youngest son, William has taken over the market garden business but it is clear Martha is still in charge as her occupation is listed as a market gardener proprietress.

A year later Martha joins her husband in enternal rest at St Michael's churchyard in Bray.

St Michael's Church, Bray, Berkshire.

© Copyright - Rob Neild
and licensed for reuse
under this Creative Commons Licence 
 
 
 
 



Sunday 25 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Annie

To The Memory Of
Annie
St Michael's Churchyard Bray, Berkshire,
England.






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Friday 23 May 2014

Flashback Friday- John and Elizabeth Day of Moor Farm, Holyport, Berkshire




Monument to John and Elizabeth Day, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of
John Day
died January 13th 1906
aged 56 years
at rest
'Thy will be done'.
And of
Elizabeth Day
died December 21st 1938
aged 85 years."
 

John Day was born  in 1849 in Shottesbrooke, Berkshire to John Day, a Farmer of 133 acres, employing 12 labourers, and Mary Ann Ashton.  John's mother Mary Ann passed away in 1874 and the family with widower John Snr can be found on the 1881 census living at Pond Wood Farm in Shottesbrooke Berkshire.  Visiting the family is Elizabeth Newport.

John married Elizabeth Newport on 13th July 1883 at st Barnabas Church in Islington Middlesex.  Together they had six children, four sons and two daughters. Sadly they were to experience the loss of their baby son Robert in 1901.

John passed away on 13th January 1906 leaving Elizabeth to take over their farm in Holyport.  Her sons John and Arthur Newport Day retrued to the family home at Moor Farm in Holyport to help their mother run the family business.  The Slough, Eton Observer reports at the time;

"Holyport.  Death of well-known local farmer.-  We regret to have to record the death on Saturday afternoon of a well-known and highly respected local farmer-Mr. John Day, of Moor farm, Holyport- after a short illness. Mr day, who formally lived at white Waltham, had farmed at Holyport for a number of years.  He was of a genial disposition, and had many friends.  He took a keen interest in local affairs, and at the time of his death he was a member of the Bray Parish Council.  Much sympathy is felt with Mrs. Day and her family in the great loss in which they have sustained."

Moor Farm is a 13th Century farm house that was first owned by John Atte More in 1270.  It is now a bed and breakfast with holiday cottages attached.





Tuesday 20 May 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Lousia Munns, Elementary School Teacher

 
 
Memorial to Louisa Munns, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"Louisa Munns
Who fell asleep in Jesus
On Sunday Sept 9th 1883
Aged 22 Years."
 
 
 
Louisa Munns was born in Maidenhead in 1860 to Stephen Munns, a tallow chandler, and his wife Phoebe Smith.
 
Louisa first appears on the 1861 Census aged only six months, she is living in Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, with her parents and elder siblings Henry Stephen and Phoebe
 
In 1871 Louisa, now aged ten, and her family have moved to 32 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

Photo of Maidenhead, King Street 1904 - Francis Frith.
 
In 1881 Louisa, now twenty years old, is lodging at Alexandra Terrace, Windsor, Berkshire.  Her occupation is listed as an elementary school teacher.
 
Sadly just two years later on 9th September 1883, Louisa Munns passes away aged just 22 years.
 
Little than a year later on Friday 30th May 1884, Louisa's father had a serious accident at his home.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on Saturday 31st May 1884:
 
"A Fall - Whilst Constable Cullen was on duty at 9:40 in King's Street, on Friday evening, he heard screams and cries for help proceeding from the house of Mr. Stephen Munns, and on going there he ascertained that Mr. Munns had fallen down a flight of 13 stairs with two buckets of whitewash.  His head was on the floor whilst his legs lay on the bottom stair.  The constable who some time since passed an Ambulance examination for First Aid to the Injured, well sponged the mans face and rendered other necessary aid, and then sent for a surgeon.  Mr. Montgomery promptly attended, and found that Munns has sustained a fracture to the base of his skull, and an injury to one of this shoulders.  His life was at first despaired of, but he rallied, and he is now going on well."
 
 
Stephen lived for a further 16 years after his accident, passing away in 1900 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.


Sources:

Ancestry
Slough Eton and Windsor Observer
Francis Frith

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Tombstone Tuesday




 



Sunday 18 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Angel - All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery

Praying Angel
All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England






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Friday 16 May 2014

Flashback Friday - Sarah Milbourne - Entered Into Rest



Monument to Sarah Milbourne, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving remembrance of
Sarah Milbourne 
 Who entered into rest  
Feb 16th 1911 aged 63 years."



Sarah Milbourne was born Sarah Morgan in 1848 in Norton St Philip, Somerset to William Morgan, a labourer, and his wife Martha Meader.

Sarah first appears aged four years on the 1851 Census, living in Ringwell, Norton St Philip, Somerset with her parents and elder sisters, Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Rebecca.  In 1861 she can be found living with her mother Martha while her father works away from home.

On the 1871 census return Sarah is listed as a cook and domestic servant for the Rev Henry Burney and his family at Vicarage House in Norton St Philip, Somerset. In 1872 Sarah married coachman Edward Milbourne. 

By 1881 they had moved from Somerset to Langley Berkshire with their three children, Edith Elizabeth, Martha and William Edward. 

Sometime between 1881 and 1899 Edward and Sarah Milbourne moved to Oakley Green in Bray, Berkshire where they made their living farming Oakley Green Farm. 

On Firday 21st January 1898 a fire broke out in a cottage at Oakley Green Farm which was attended by the Windsor fire Brigade at 4:40am.  The fire had been subdued by farm hands and was quickly extinguished.  However the two ground floor rooms of the cottage had been completely gutted.  While the cottage was insured through Sun Insurance, the furniture that was destroyed was not.

In 1899 Edward Milbourne was fined 5s for driving without a light through Eton.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 22nd April 1899:

"Lightless

Edward Milbourne, of Oakley Green, was summoned for driving (a horse and cart) without a light at Eton.  Police-constable Stevens said at nine p.m. he saw the defendant driving through Eton College without a light. Defendant said the lamp accidentally went out just as he got to Eton.  He was walking very carefully and there was no traffic about.  Fined 5s."


1901 finds the family living and farming at Oakley Green Farm in Bray Berkshire.  The family had now expanded to include Walter, Herbert, Annie and Ethel. 

Sarah was failing in health by 1908 when her husband Edward placed an advert in the Hastings and St Leonard's Observer requesting a servant to "Attend a delicate or invalid lady or assist the lady in the house".

Sadly they were to experience the loss of their eldest son William Edward at the age of 29 in 1910.

Sarah passed away on 16th February 1911 not long before the 1911 census was taken in April.  The recently widowed Edward can still be found at Oakley Green Farm along with his four younger children.  Edward was to eventually join his wife and elder son at the age of 70 in 1916.  I have yet to find where they are buried.


Sources

Ancestry
Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer
Hastings and St Leonard's Observer
British Newspaper Archive

Tuesday 13 May 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Emma Lipscombe



Monument to Emma Lipscombe, All Saints Cemetery, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead. Berkshire.

"In
fond Memory
Of
Emma Lipscombe
Who fell asleep in Jesus
March 13th 1886 . Aged 69 Years.
 
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present
time, are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us."
 
 
Emma Lispcombe was born Emma Illsley on 21st September 1817 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to John Illsley a waggoner and carrier, and his wife Mary Kay.
 
 
On 4th September 1838 at St John the Baptist church, in Hoxton, Middlesex, Emma married Issac Lipscombe, a butcher.  They celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter, Katherine Lousia Lipscombe in 1841.  The 1841 Census shows the young family living at Pitfield Street in Hoxton, Middlesex, where Issac worked as a butcher employing three assistants, one of which was Emma's younger brother Richard Illsley.  Sadly that same year little Katherine passed away.
 
In 1843 Emma and Issac celebrated the birth of their son Richard, followed by a second daughter Emma in 1844.  Sadly little Emma was to pass away two years later in 1846.  A third daughter for Emma and Issac was born in 1849, Mary Ann Lipscombe.  The 1851 Census finds the family living and working at Waymouth Terrace West in Haggerstone, Middlesex.
 
1853 saw the birth of another daughter in the Lipscombe family, Katherine Lucy Lipscombe, followed by her sister Elizabeth Emma Lipscombe in 1856.
 
The 1861 Census shows Emma Lipscombe visiting her elder brother, John Illsley, at his home in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  However she also appears on the same Census living at No.1 Bedford Cottages, Lambeth, Surrey, with her husband and three young daughters, Mary, Kathrine (Lucy) and Elizabeth.  On 24th May 1868 Richard Lipscombe marries Mary Ann Middleton at the Independent Chapel, Stamford, Lincolnshire.
 
Oddly in 1871 Issac appears as living in the common lodging house of Ann Argent at 182 Osborn Place in Tower Hamlets, London.  Issac's marital status is listed as being a widower.  Emma however is running her own boarding house in York Street, maidenhead along with her youngest daughter Elizabeth.  Issac seems to completely vanish from the records after the 1871 Census entry.  I cannot even locate a death for him.  Perhaps there was some sort of break down in their relationship.
 
In 1881 Emma can be found living at 3 Park Terrace in Maidenhead, Berkshire along with her eldest surviving daughter Mary and her youngest daughter Elizabeth.  Visiting at the time is Emma's now married daughter Katherine Lucy Bradford.  Emma's occupation is listed as being an Annuitant.
 
After Emma's death on 13th March 1886, Mary Ann Lipscombe went to live with her sister Katherine Lucy Bradford, her husband Samuel and their children in Lewisham, London.
 
Unfortunately I have been unable to trace Elizabeth Emma Lipscombe after the 1881 Census.
 
 
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Sources
 
 
 
 
 


Sunday 11 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Celtic Cross, All Saints Maidenhead, Cemetery

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England.






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Friday 9 May 2014

Flashback Friday - Seabury and Coombs - Mother, Son and Father




Monument to Mary Ann and Maurice Seabury, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Berkshire.


"In loving remeberance of Mary Ann Seabury born March 4th 1858 died January 6th 1923
Also Maurice Seabury born March 16th 1900 deid july 23rd 1904
In The Hand of God."




Mary Ann Seabury was born Mary Ann Coombs on 4th March 1858 in Fifield, Bray Berkshire to Thomas Coombs, a labourer, and Sarah Lovejoy.

Three year old Mary can be found on the 1861 Census living on her paternal grandfather's farm in Fifield, along with her parents, elder half brother Thomas Lovejoy and younger sister Caroline Coombs.  The family are still living with John Coombs at his farm in 1871, however the family had expanded to welcome a further six children, Catherine, Annie, Samuel, William, Nelson and Arthur.

On the 1881 Census Mary Ann is listed as a housemaid with the Duncombe family of 8 Ashwood Road, Chelsea.  Mary married Joseph Seabury, a coachman and groom in 1887.  Their first son Joseph Neville Seabury was born in 1889, followed eleven years later by Maurice Henry Seabury.

In 1891 Mary Ann is living at 15 Warwrick Square Mews in Belgrave, London with her husband Joseph and their son Neville.

On the 1901 census, three years before Maurice was to pass away, the one year old boy can be found living with his parents and elder brother at 88 Ebury Mews in St George Hanover Square, London.  After Murice's death on the 1911 census the family can be found living at 205 Pavillion Road, Chelsea, London.

Joseph Seabury was to live without his wife for a further eighteen years, he passed away in 1941 aged 82

The ferns carved into the top of Mary and Maurice's gravestone symbolise sorrow and sincerity.





Buried next to Mary Ann and Maurice is Mary Ann's father Thomas Coombs, who passed away on 18th March 1903.  Thomas was born in Fifield, Berkshire in 1834 to John Coombs a farmer.  Unfortunately I cannot seem to find any information on Thomas's mother.


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