Sad Boating Accident - Seth Charles Ward - Drowned at Boulter's Weir

All Saint's Churchyard,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Holy Memory of

Seath Charles Ward

For 19 Years A Chorister in This Church

Called To His rest June 4th 1878 Aged 69

His mercy is on them that fear Him throughout all generations."

Seth Charles Ward was born on 15th May 1809 in Camberwell, Surrey, England, to parents Seth Stephen Ward, and Maria Black.  On the 26th September 1840 Seth married Rose Barraud at Saint Giles, Camberwell Church Street, Southwark.  Seth is listed on his marriage certificate as being a Clerk in court in Chancery. 

On the 1841 Census Seth and Rose can be found living in Queen's Row, Grove Lane, Camberwell, Southwark. On the 22nd August 1841 they celebrated the birth of their son Percival Seth Ward. Their daughter Marion Rose Ward followed in 1843 and another son, Bernard Stephen Ward on 5th August 1846. The family is still living in Queen's Row in Grove Lane, Camberwell in 1851. In 1854 another daughter Dora May ward was born but sadly she was to pass away in 1855.

By 1861 the family had moved to Maidenhead and were living in Castle Hill. Seth is listed as a clerk of records and writs in the High Court of Chancery. Percival is now an undergraduate of the College of Oxford (Oxford University). 

In 1871 Seth, his wife Rose, and their daughter Marion are still living in Castle Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire. Percival has married Annie Trueman and moved away to Farnborough, Warwickshire, where he is training to become a vicar. Bernard, now and organist and pianist, had moved out to Dresden, Germany, where he met and married Susan Theresa Davey Holdich. 

Seth Charles Ward was to pass away on 4th June 1878, by drowning in the Thames at Taplow, Buckinghamshire. The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the accident: 

"Serious Occurrence

We regret to have to have to announce a shocking accident which occurred yesterday (Tuesday) morning to a boating party who were out on the river under Taplow woods. Mr. P. S. Ward [sic], an aged gentleman, residing on Castle Hill, (this is a mistake in the reporting as P. S. Ward was Seth Charles's son, and lived until 1925) and was well known and generally respected in this neighbourhood, (so well known and respected in fact, they go his name wrong in the report), took with him yesterday morning, on an excursion on the river, his daughter and two nieces. They engaged a boat at Mr. Rose's, and went down the river and spent some time in enjoyment of the beauty of the scenery. They then appear to have gone to the weir to examine the sluices, and to have got out there. Returning to the boat, they turned into the backwater, and the boat, getting clear of the point, was carried broadside on to the sluice nearest the Bucks shore. The danger became manifest in a moment, and one of the ladies jumping ashore, dragged the second after her, and the third, having hold of the dress of the second, the three escaped, just as the boat capsized. Mr. Ward, however, was carried under and lost to view. A man on the shore saw the accident, and ran to Lord Dangan's and set to the lock for aid, and the ladies promptly rescued. A search was also made for the body of Mr. Ward, but without avail. All the afternoon and evening parties were out dragging for the unfortunate gentleman, but up to the time of our going to press the body had not been recovered. 

The man who witnessed the occurrence is named Charles Tuckwell, and he gives the following account:- at about 12 o'clock, I was sitting on the bank of the river and I saw a gentleman and two ladies near the weir. I saw them go near the centre sluice and land on it and look around. They then go into the boat again, and rowed around the backwater between the sluices. As soon as the boat got clear of the point, it was drawn broadside onto the sluice nearest the land on the Bucks side of the river. I saw one of the ladies jump ashore and pull another, the third having hold of the second one's dress. I also saw the gentleman's feet up out of the water, as though he was being drawn under. The ladies signalled to me that he had gone under, and I ran to Lord Dangan's (Henry Arthur Mornington Wellesley, 3rd earl Cowley J.P.) for assistance, and sent a boy to the lock to tell the man there.

The boat was broken into fragments, and these have been recovered in various places at a considerable distance from the scene of the accident. Lord Dangan rendered prompt assistance to the ladies, and conveyed them to his residence, and he afterwards placed a carriage at their disposal to return homeward.

Mr. Ward was an active member to the choir and the congregation of All Saint's. His sad and sudden death is a subject of deep and general sorrow, and the sincere sympathy of many friends is given to the bereaved and mourning relatives."  Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 5th June 1878.

Maidenhead (Boulter's) Weir
where Seth Charles Ward drowned
on 4th June 1878

Seth's body wasn't recovered from the river until the 10th of June, his inquest was held at the Ray Mead Hotel near the river.  The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on the discovery of the body and the inquest as follows:

"Sad Boating Accident - The Inquest.

We gave last week an account of the sad boating accident at the weir above Boulter's Lock, by which Mr Seth Charles Ward, and aged gentleman, residing at Boyn Hill, was unfortunately drowned. The search for the body of the deceased commenced shortly after the accident, was continued without success until Monday morning. A reward was offered, and several punts were out each day, and the river was carefully dragged for a considerable distance; but no trace could be found of the body, and the general opinion was that it had been sucked down and retained in one of the holes or ledges underneath the bank near the weir. On Saturday morning, by the permission of Captain Etheridge, superintendent of the Thames Conservancy, the water was drawn off to a depth of nearly two feet, but the body still remained undiscovered. At about four o'clock Monday morning, however, a man named Harmand was out with a punt in the back stream near the gas works, and saw a dark object near the bank in the vicinity of the fish baskets, nearly facing Mr. Rose's boathouse. He put down his punt pole to it, and found it was the body of the unfortunate gentleman; it was thereupon lifted into the punt, and being conveyed therein to the gas works, where Mr. Harmand is employed, it was removed to the Ray Mead Hotel, and subsequently by the coroner's permission, to the deceased residence, near Boyn Hill Church.

Here an inquest was held at 3 o'clock, before W. Weedon, Esq., coroner, and a respectable jury, of whom Mr. F. Hillersdon was foreman. The first witness was Marian [sic] Rose Ward, who said: I am the daughter of the deceased. He was 69 years of age, and engaged in the Record and Writ Office. On the 4th of this month the deceased, I, and my two cousins were out boating. Mt father and I were rowing. He was accustomed to rowing, and I was fond of it, he knew the river quite well. We got out of the boat to look at the weir above Boulter's Lock, and he stood in the boat holding it. We got in again, and he sat down to his oar, but missed his stroke, and fell back into the boat. Instantly, he got up again, saying that it was all right; but by this time the boat was drifting close to the weir. As we came quite close to it we all caught hold of the beam there. I knew the danger, and my father told me to get out. My cousins stepped out on to the land, and I followed them. I saw the boat filling with water and quite on one side : at that moment he went down, feet foremost, as I just landed. 

"Do you, " asked the Coroner, "attribute the accident to his losing the stroke?" - "Yes," was the reply, "I attribute a good deal to losing control of the boat in that way; or I think he would have prevented it, he had just time to say 'Sit still.'"

"Was it by his wish that you went to the weir?" - "It was : I ought to say, we had been to the weir more than a dozen times before, I should think."

"He did not rise again?" - "No ; I thought I at first saw a hand and arm, but it must have been the oar; the oars were very white."

"You and your cousins didn't get into the water?" - "No."

"What happened next?" - "We called for help. There was a little boy on the opposite side of the river, and I think he ran to the lock. In about a quarter of an hour several men came, and a gentleman and a lady in a sort of canoe. The boat went into three pieces as he sank."

Charles Tuckwell, the next witness, said: "I am a labourer. On Tuesday I was standing on the bank of the river just above the weir, and I saw a gentleman and three ladies past in a boat. I did not know who they were. I saw them go near the pier, and the three ladies got out. They got in again, and the gentleman began pulling. It appeared that he wanted to go down the dead water; instead of that, the stream caught the head of the boat, and as he pulled it brought the boat right across the stream, which took him down to the weir. The stream was too strong for him, and took him the contrary way to what he wished. When he got to the sluice, as far as I could see, one side of the boat tipped up, and the ladies saw the danger and stepped out onto the brickwork. I heard the boat crush, but I did not see where the gentleman went. I fancied I saw his legs as he went down, and I called to the ladies a dozen times, I should think; to know if he had gone down. I then sent a boy to the lock, and went myself to Lord Dangan's for assistance. The gentleman seems to row very well. I helped search for the body, but could not find it.

By the Jury: If the ladies had been one minute later, they would have been swamped altogether.

Henry Harmand said: "I am a stoker at the Gas Works. About four o'clock this morning I found the body. I started away from the Gas Works at about three o'clock, and found it in about an hour, against the old bucks, near Mr. Rose's. It was over quarter of a mile from the weir. I saw the deceased's coat first, and lifted the body into the punt and took it down to the Gas Works. It was taken to the Ray Mead Hotel."

The Coroner said this appears to be all the evidence needful. No doubt, he added, the occurrence was an accident, for which no-one was to blame. At this point Rev. Percy Ward, son of the deceased gentleman, asked leave to say a few words to the jury. The Coroner acquiesced, and Mr. Ward observed: "Of course, in cases of accident of this kind there may be suspicions of carelessness or want of skill, and I should like to say of my dear father that there never was a man more careful than he was; and I assure you, as to the skill, that 40 years ago he was considered to be one of the best oarsmen on the Thames. And he was especially careful when he had ladies with him. He had become accustomed to go to that very spot when the sluices were shut, and when the water had not such a head on."

The Coroner said that the family of the deceased had his sympathy under these sad circumstances.  The Foreman added to this that the jury sincerely sympathised, as did indeed, the whole neighbourhood, with the deceased's relatives in their said bereavement. The Jury at once returned a verdict that the deceased was accidentally drowned by the upsetting of a boat at the weir near Boulter's Lock; on the Thames; and at their request, the Coroner promised to write to the Conservancy, suggesting that "Danger" boards should be put up at either end of the weir. They handed their fees (13s) to the Editor of the Maidenhead Advertiser for presentation to the funds of the Cottage Hospital.

The remains of the deceased were interred yesterday afternoon in the churchyard of All Saint's, Boyn Hill, amid great expressions of sorrow." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 12th June 1878.

Ray Mead Hotel, Maidenhead, Berkshire. 

Seth's widow Rose would continue to live in Maidenhead until her death in 1905.

Musical Genius, Church Organist and Builder - Joseph Love Silver and Elizabeth Silver

 

All saint's Cemetery,
Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

"Sacred 

to the Memory

of

Joseph Love silver

Who Entered Into Rest

On September 16th 1911

In His 72nd Year.

'There Remaineth Therefore A Rest To The People Of God'. Heb. IV 9

Also In Loving Remembrance of 

Eliza

Widow Of The Above

Who Fell Asleep On Oct 7th 1919

In Her 81st Year.

'The Night Is Passed. And Lo, It Is Day'."

Joseph Love Silver was born in Tittle Row, Maidenhead, Berkshire om 29th January 1840 to parents Richard Silver, a carpenter and builder, later Alderman and Justice of the Peace for Maidenhead, and Mary Kay. 

Joseph's mother and two sisters are buried at St James the Less, Stubbings. You can read about them here: Silver - Believeth.

Joseph can first be found on the 1841 Census living with his parents in Tittle Row, Berkshire. The family ran a building business called Silver and Sons. In 1844 Silver and Sons built the St John the Baptist Church in Cookham Dean

In 1851 the family is still living in Tittle Row, but has expanded to include Augusta born in 1842, Kate born in 1846 (living with her aunt and uncle Sarah and James Silver in 1851), Agness born in 1848, and Annette born in 1850. Sadly, Augusta was to pass away in 1860, and Annette in 1861. Visiting the family at the time of the 1851 Census is Maria Ashwell King.

In 1856 Silver and Sons manufactured the bricks used in the construction of All Saint's Church, Boyn Hill Maidenhead. Silver and Sons owned a brick and tile works in believed to have been in Bisham.

1861 Jospeh, now a builder working for his father, is still living with his family, now including James Edward born in 1852, in Tittle Row. In 1862 in Bray Berkshire Joseph married Eliza Susannah Mills. 

Elizabeth Susannah Mills was born in 1839 in Stepney, Middlesex to parents Robert Mills, a grocer, and Martha Fletcher. In 1841 the family can be found living in Great Titchfield Street, Marylebone, London. 

By 1851 Eliza has moved with her family to Maidenhead High Street where they run a grocery shop. Eliza's mother Martha would pass away in 1856. In 1861 Eliza is still living with her widowed father and younger brother in Maidenhead High Street.

In 1871 Joseph and Eliza can be found living in Maidenhead High Street, where Joseph is listed as a builder and organist. Joseph had since taken over the family business of Silver and Sons. Living with them are their children, Alice Augusta 1865, Helen Annette born 1868, Eva Mary born 1869, and Amy Martha born in 1871. Joseph was the organist and choir master for St Luke's Church, Maidenhead. In 1874 resigned as choirmaster and organist for St Luke's. The Musical Times and Singing Circular reported:

"Maidenhead - In a meeting in the National Schools on the 19th ult., the choir of St. Luke's Church presented Mr. J. L. Silver, organist and choirmaster, on his resignation, with a very elegant Album (in which is to be placed a portrait of each member) in appreciation of his professional ability and kindness of manner to them on all occasions."  - The Musical Times and Singing Circular, Vol 16, No. 375, May 1st 1874. - A History of the Parish.

In 1879 Joseph's business Silver &Sons was contracted to build St Joseph's Church in Cookham Road, Maidenhead.

"In 1879 Canon John Scannell acquired a 'finely situate' acre of land as the site a Parish Church and set about raising funds at erect a building to accommodate the town's growing Catholic population. The eminent architect Leonard Stokes was appointed and the builders were Messrs Silver and Sons and Filewood." 

By 1881 Joseph and his family have moved back to Tittle Row, including Arthur Richard born in 1874, and Kate born in 1877. 1891 and the family remain in Tittle Row, the address of the house given as Fountain Cottage where Joseph remained living until his death in 1911. in 1894 Silver and Sons erected the Bath Stone spire of St Luke's Church, Maidenhead.

In 1904 Joseph was involved in a serious accident. The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on 22nd October 1904:

"Serious Accident At Maidenhead

On Friday morning last a somewhat serious trap accident occurred on Castle Hill, Maidenhead. Mr. T. A. Durrant's son Colin was returning from delivering meat in the Castle Hill district and when about halfway down the hill, between the railway bridge and Messrs Cooper and Son's, the band of the harness gave way, and the startled horse, in breaking free from the harness and cart swerved the latter round and overturned a trap coming in the opposite direction, and in which was Mr. Joseph Silver, of Altwood-road, and his man Marsh who was driving. Mr. Silver was badly shaken, while Marsh sustained an injury to one of his shoulders, and was incapacitated for work. Mr. Silver had only recently recovered from a severe illness, and he had to take his bed again on his arrival home in a cab. The trap was badly damaged, Mr. Durrant's horse, getting free bolted down the High-street and Bridge-street, and proceeding by the riverside returned to the High-street via North Town and Market street. It was stopped at the Saracen's Head, after a quarter of an hour's good gallop, during which it kicked off a couple of shoes and injured its legs. Fortunately, no further personal injury was sustained. It was lucky that the animal did not drag the cart with it as it careered down the High street, as a good deal of traffic was about, and a serious collision would have been inevitable. Mr. Silver, we are glad to say, is progressing satisfactorily." - Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer, 22nd October 1904.

Joseph was to pass away on 16th September 1911 aged 71 years old. Elizabeth was to follow Joseph later on the 7th October 1919. 

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on 20th September 1911 as follows:

"Death of Mr. Joseph Silver

We much regret to have to record the death of one of the oldest and most esteemed residents of Maidenhead, Mr. Joseph Love Silver, A.R.C.O. (associate of the Royal College of Organists), eldest son of the late Alderman R. Silver J.P., of Tittle Row, Maidenhead. Mr. Joseph Silver had been unwell for some years, but it was only a few days before his death that his condition gave any cause for anxiety. He had been addended some years by Dr. Moore, who did all that medical skill could suggest to prolong his patient's life. Mr Silver was able to transact business up to within a short time of his death, but ominous developments ultimately rendered it necessary for him to keep his bed. Unfortunately, his condition did not improve, and he passed away peacefully on Saturday last, at the age of 71.

Mr. Silver was born on 29th January 1840, at Tittle Row. Early in life he was seen to be possessed of considerable musical talent, and his parents encouraged him all they possibly could in his musical studies. Subsequently, he became associated with the Royal College of Organists, and took the degree of A.R.C.O. in 1872. He was organist at St. Luke's Chruch, Maidenhead, for ten years, resigning through stress of business in 1877. He served as organist under two Vicars of St. Luke's - the late Rev. W. B. Hole and the Rev. W. G. Sawyer. Previous to this he was an organist at Maidenhead Congressional Church. West-street, during the pastorate of the eat Rev. John Mcfarlane. On resigning his post at St. Luke's, presentations were made to Mr. Silver by the clergy and congregation in recognition of his valuable services and as a mark of esteem and goodwill.

He was quite an enthusiast in musical matters and a recognised authority on organ-building, in connection with work he was frequently consulted and prepared plans and specifications. Mr. Silver was a college-friend of Dr. Bridge of Westminster Abbey, and was well known by all the leading organists of the time. He was also a composer of organ-music, and some of his compositions are still favourites in local churches. These include chants and settings to the Te Deum Kyrie, Venite, and other portions of the Church Service. Mr. Silver was very gifted in extempore playing and many of our readers will recall with pleasure recitals given by him in various churches, more especially at St. Lukes, St. Pauls, and St. Peter's. It is not too much to say that he was a musical genius; his whole soul entered into his playing, and the service of praise was always marked by the truest reverence and devotion and real sympathy when he was seated at the keyboard of the organ. To the musical world, Mr. Silver's death is a great loss. He was a Christian gentleman in the highest sense of the term, and was greatly loved by all who were privileged to enjoy his friendship. The deceased was throughout the greater part of his life a valued member of the well-known firm of Messrs. Silver and Sons builders, etc., Altwood Works, and at the time of his death was one of the firm Messrs. Silver and Sons Ltd.

The deepest sympathy is felt with Mrs. Joseph Silver - who we regret to say is an invalid - and family in their great bereavement. The funeral with take place this (Wednesday) afternoon, at 3.30, at Maidenhead Cemetery." Maidenhead Advertiser, 20th September 1911. 

To Memory Ever Dear, Friend of the Sick and Suffering - Jennie (Keziah) Wilton the Fishmonger's Wife

All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead,
Berkshire, UK.

All Saints Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

 

"In Memoriam

Jennie

The Beloved Wife of David Wilton

Who Died December 1st 1899

Aged 50 Years

To Memory Ever Dear."

Jennie was born Keziah Ann Brown in 1847 in Worplesdon, Surrey to Frederick Brown, a Labourer, and Mary Calligan.

Jennie first appears on the 1851 Census as Keziah living with her parents, elder sister Mary, and two younger brothers, Frederick and James in Worplesdon, Surrey. Sadly, Jennie's father Frederick was to pass away in 1858.

1861 finds Jennie listed as Ann Brown living in Wood Street, Worplesdon, Surrey with her mother Mary and stepfather James Lemon, however I have been unable to locate a marriage record.

Worplesdon, Surrey, UK.

In 1871 Jennie has moved to Maidenhead where she is living and working as a Cook at Vicarage House, Boyn Hill for the Vicar of Boyn Hill Chruch, William Gresley. Jennie married David Wilton, a Fishmonger and Poulterer in 1873 in St Saviour, Southwark, London.

Boyn Hill Vicarage House and Alms Houses,
Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, UK.

By 1881 Jennie and David have moved to 99 High Street Maidenhead, where they live with their young daughter Lizzie, and their Domestic Servant, Susan Hunt.

1891, Jennie and David have moved to 93 High Street, Maidenhead, Lizzie does not appear to be living with her parents and I am unable to find any record of her on the 1891 Census. Living with the family however is David's cousin Edward Randell, a Fishmongers Assistant, Fanny Maher a Bookkeeper, and Sarah Keely a Domestic Servant.  Visiting on the night of the Census are Kate Marshall, and her daughter Katie Marshall.

Jennie was to pass away on 1st December 1899 aged 52 not 50 as her gravestone states, if her Baptism record of 1847 is correct.

The Maidenhead Advertiser reported on Jennie's death as follows:

"Death of Mrs Wilton. The Sick and Suffering Poor Lose Another Friend.

It is with feelings of profound regret that we record the death of Mrs. Wilton, the wife of our esteemed townsman, Mr. d. Wilton (Deputy-Mayor), which occurred suddenly Friday afternoon at her residence, High-street. For some considerable time past Mrs. Wilton had suffered from occasional attacks of asthma and congestion of the lungs, and was subsequently much confined to her house. She was in a very fair state of health on Tuesday and spent a little time out of doors. Not feeling so well on Wednesday, she remained in-doors and went to bed early in the evening. On Thursday she seemed much worse, and in the afternoon her condition was such as to give rise to feelings of alarm, and Dr. Moore regarded the case as one of very serious character. 

The deceased breathed her last in the presence of her sorrowing husband and daughter. The primary cause of death was failure of the heart's action, contributed to by asthma and congestion of the lungs. By the death of Mrs. Wilton the sick poor have lost a practical friend, and she will be greatly missed by very many.

The funeral of the late Mrs. Wilton took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon, and was one of the largest private funerals every known int he town and neighbourhood, and the enormous collection of wreaths, no less than the numerous attendance of people of all classes, testified of the love and respect for the deceased lady, the great regret at her death, and the heart-felt sympathy for Mr. Wilton and his daughter (Mrs Markham) in the bereavement they have sustained." - Maidenhead Advertiser, Wednesday 6th December 1899.

On the 1901 Census, the widowed David can be found still living at 93 High Street, Maidenhead, along with Annie Hester a Bookkeeper, Annie Mines, a Domestic Servant, and Ellen Butler, a Cook.  David got remarried in Wandsworth in 1910 to Freda De La Mare. By the 1911 Census they had moved to 8 Comyn Road, Clapham Junction, London.

Clapham Junction, London, UK.

In the October of 1911 David and Freda welcomed their only child, David. in 1939 the family had moved to 38 Richmond Street in Bournemouth, where David Senior is listed as being a Retired Steward of Club, Fredia listed as Winifred is a Stewardess, and David Jr is a Architect and Civil Air Guard.

David Snr was to pass away in 1940 aged 89 years old.

Jesus Hospital - Thomas, Amelia and Edward Prince

 

 

 

Monument to Thomas Prince, Amelia Prince and Edward Prince, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"In Loving Memory Of

Thomas Prince

Who departed this life Feby 20th 1907

Aged 81 Years

Also

Amelia Prince

Wife of the above who died Feby 5th 1912

Aged 88 years

-They Rest From Their Labours-

And Of

Edward Prince."

 

 

 

Thomas Prince was born in 1823 in Winterbourne, Berkshire to Thomas Prince, a Farm Labourer, and his wife Letitia Head.

 

Thomas first appears on the 1841 Census as a Labourer working on Charles Roby's farm in the village of East Hendred in Berkshire.

 

East Hendred, Wantage, Berkshire.

I am unable to locate Thomas in the 1851 Census, however, on 30th April 1854 in Wantage, Berkshire, Thomas married Amelia Cullimore.

 

Amelia Cullimore was born in 1831 in Peasemore, Berkshire to Thomas Cullimore, a farm labourer and his wife Amelia.

 

Amelia first appears on the 1841 Census aged 10, living with her parents and younger siblings in the village of Peasemore.  However, in 1851 Amelia can be found lodging in the home of James and Hannah Brewer in Peasemore.

 

Peasemore Village, Newbury,
Berkshire.

Thomas and Amiela had two children prior to their marriage in 1855, William born in 1851, and Elizabeth born in 1852. Later in 1855 they welcomed a son they named Edward George, and Henry followed in 1858.

On the 1861 Census the family had moved next door to Thomas's parents in Winterbourne, Berkshire.  Thomas is listed as being and Agricultural Labourer. 

 

In 1871 Thomas and his family were still living near his farther Thomas Snr in Winterbourne. Letita doesn't appear to be living with the 75-year-old Thomas Snr, sharing his home are his daughter Sarah Gaddes and her 2-year-old son Charles Hill. Thomas Jr, now a Coachman, and Amelia had welcomed three further children, Mary Jane born in 1864, John born in 1866, and Charles born in 1869. Sadly, Elizabeth was to pass away in 1877 aged just 25.

 

William has left the family to work as a Journeyman Baker, for William Hughes at 102 Northbrook Street, Newbury Berkshire.

In 1879 Henry Prince marries Eunice Wallis Head in Newbury, Berkshire.

By 1881 Thomas and his family have moved to Tittle Row, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, where Thomas is listed as being a Domestic Servant Coachman. Edward now aged 24 is listed as a Builder's Labourer, and John aged just 16, a Gardener.  Henry is now living at Englemere Farm in Sunninghill, Berkshire, with his wife Eunice and their baby daughter Rose Lousie.  Henry is listed as being a Farm Servant. Mary Jane is working as a housemaid at Heywood Lodge, White Waltham, Berkshire.

In 1887, Edward married Annie Maria Holloway in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire

1891 finds Thomas and Ameila now living at 1 Flint Cottages, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead. Thomas has become a Gardener. Living with the family after the breakdown of his marriage is their son Henry, also a Gardener. Eunice has moved to Harmondsworth, Staines, along with the couple's children, Rose, Walter born in 1882, and little Eunice born in 1884. Eunice has listed herself as a widow, which was perhaps wishful thinking on her part. Henry on the other hand has listed himself as merely single.

Edward and his young family, Annie his wife and baby daughter Ethel May Maria, have moved to Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, where Edward is listed as a Farm Labourer.

Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire

By 1901 Edward and Annie had moved to 5 St Mark's Road, Maidenhead, where Edward is now listed as a Builder's Labourer. Two further children have joined the family, Rose Emily born in 1895, and Albert Edward William. Boarding with the family is Edward Godfrey, a House Painter and Decorator.

Just six years before his passing, Thomas and Ameila can be found as inmates of the Jesus Hospital (Almshouses), Bray, Berkshire in 1901. Henry has since married Emily Jane Holmes and has moved to 109 Edgehill Street, Reading, Berkshire, with his new family.

Jesus Hospital, Bray, Berkshire, UK

Amelia is still a resident of the Jesus Hospital in Bray in 1911 aged 88, just before her passing in 1912. Edward can be found lodging in the home of John and Emma Gomme, Farm Cottages, Bray, Berkshire where Edward is now a Jobbing Gardener. Annie has moved with her children, Rose, Albert, Lillian born 1901, Jessica born, 1902, Cecil born 1905 and interestingly the lodger Edward Godfrey, to 66 Mount Street, Reading, Berkshire.

Edward was to pass away in Maidenhead in 1938 at the age of 84. Annie remained in Mount Street, Reading, until her death in 1967.

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




 





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.

 

 

Linked with

 

Tombstone Tuesday

 

 

Sources

 

Ancestry

 

 

 

 



Tombstone Tuesday - The Britten Family - Queen Street Dairy, Maidenhead

Memorial to Thomas Britten, Mary Charlotte Britten (nee Ginders) and Thomas Ginders Britten, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory Of 

Thomas Britten

Born June 19th 1829 Died April 8th 1883. 

Also of

Mary Charlotte Britten

wife of the above

Born March 6th 1840 Died 28th Dec 1914

'her children rise up and call her blessed'

Also of

Thomas Ginders Britten

son of the above

Born Jan 6th 1870 died Feb 2nd 1913

Buried At Sea"

 

"The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge. And Underneath Are The Everlasting Arms"

 

 

 

Thomas Britten was born in Stoke Bliss, Herefordshire on 19th June 1829 to John Britten, a farmer of 250 Acres, and his wife Sarah.

 

In 1851, fifteen year old Thomas is working as an assistant draper whilst living with his parents and older brothers Edward and John at the family's farm in Laysters, Herefordshire.

 

By 1861, Thomas Britten was working as a draper's assistant in Liverpool for Woolright's Silk Mercer and Carpet Dealer, 18-22 Bond Street.  However in 1865 Thomas Britten set up his own drapery shop at 54 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, Ginders and Britten, having married Mary Charlotte Ginders that same year on 9th August.

 

Mary Charlotte Ginder was born in Ingestre, Staffordshire in 1840 to Jeremiah Ginders II, a brick works industrialist, and his wife Ellen Marsh.  Mary's father passed away when she was only 3 years old in 1843, leaving her mother Ellen and her siblings well provided for.  Mary lived with her widowed mother and siblings at 13 Church Street in Birkenhead until her marriage to Thomas Britten in 1865.  There are some accounts that the Ginder family were not happy with the arrangement and felt Thomas was not a good match for Mary as he was 'socially inferior' being 'trade'.

 

In 1866 Thomas and Mary celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter,  Charlotte Thomasine Britten, followed closely by a son, Thomas John Britten in 1867.  Sadly baby Thomas was to pass away that same year.  Another daughter Julianne Britten was born in 1868, followed by a son Thomas Ginder in 1870 and a third daughter, Ellen Elizabeth in 1871.  That same year, the Britten family were living above their drapery shop in Argyle Street, Birkenhead

Argyle Street, Birkenhead
Ginders and Britten was located opposite
the Argyle Theatre.
Source: Wirral History.net

 

 

In 1873 another daughter, Mary Louise was born, followed by another daughter, Jessie in 1875, followed by Florence in 1876.  1877 saw the birth of a son, Robert Victor and 1879 saw the birth of Thomas and Mary's youngest child, a son, Edward.  Sadly 1879 also saw the passing of Thomas and Mary's eldest child, 12 year old Charlotte Thomasine.

 

However, it seems that perhaps the Ginder family had a greater reason for their disapproval in Thomas Britten other than his social standing, as the drapery business soon failed.

 

By 1881 Thomas had moved his family to Maidenhead in Berkshire where they ran a small dairy shop from 9 Queen Street.  Sadly Thomas was to pass away two years later in 1883, leaving Mary penniless with eight surviving children to support.  Mary had no choice but to take over the running of the Dairy shop in Queen Street.

9 Queen Street, Maidenhead
As it is today 2014

 

 

The 1891 Census shows Mary as running the dairy business from 9 Queen Street, her daughter Ellen is working as a governess while Jessie, Florence, Robert and Edward are all attending school.  Thomas Ginder Britten, now working as a drapers assistant, is visiting the family of William Hutchinson in Croydon, London.  Soon after Thomas Ginder enrolled in the army and served as a Private during the Second Boer War with the 7th Royal Dragoon Guards.  Thomas soon became a hard drinker.

 

On the 1901 Census Mary Charlotte Britten can be found visiting her sisters Elizabeth Pike and Julia Nicholson in Malvern, Worcestershire, along with her daughters Julianne, Mary Louise and Florence.  Mary's daughter remained in Malvern to run a private school for girls.  The venture was sort lived.

 

Mary was still running the dairy business in 1905 when she was summoned to court for "selling milk being 13 per cent deficient in fat",  as reported in the Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer on January 14th 1905.  The case was dismissed due to the summons being wrongly served.

 

By 1911 Edward, Mary's youngest son Edward had taken over the running of the dairy business.  Unfrotunately Edward was feckless and the business soon began to decline under his control.  After his wife Sarah's death in 1925, Edward emigrated to Canada and his eldest son, also Edward to Australia.  There is a rumour that Edward's younger children were simply packed off to an orphanage, but I haven't been able to find any evidence.

Mary Charlotte has moved to Killarney, 4 The Crescent, Maidenhead.  At the age of 71 her occupation is listed as a director in a dairy business.  Living with Mary are her three daughters, Mary, Jessie and Florence, all who which have varying roles in the dairy business.  Visiting Mary at the time is her elder sister, Julia Marbella Nicholson.

The Creamery
A similar dairy located at
76 Queen Street, Maidenhead
c1908 Source: Maidenhead Advertiser

 

 

Private Thomas Ginder stayed on in South Africa after the Second Boer War, however his heavy drinking was soon to catch up with him.  Sadly, Thomas Ginder passed away on 2nd February 1913, after suffering from Delirium Tremens due to acute alcohol withdrawal on his passage back to England on The Edinburgh Castle.  He was subsequently buried at sea.

The Edinburgh Castle, leaving Cape Town, 
South Africa.

 

Mary Charlotte passed away a little less than a year later on 28th December 1914.

 

 

Linked with

 

Tombstone Tuesday

 



Sources

Ancestry
Free BMD
Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer
Maidenhead Advertiser
Wirral History.Net
Family Search
My Brother Benjamin by Beth Britten

Jack Clayton - Flim Director - "You Walked Tallest Amongst Men My Love"

Memorial to Jack Clayton, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham, Berkshire.

"Jack Clayton 1921 - 1995 film director

You walked tallest amongst men my love."

Jack Clayton was born on 1st March 1921 in Brighton.  He started his career in film as a child actor in 1929 on the film Dark Red Roses.  Later aged fifteen he started work at Denham Film Studios, working his way up from tea boy to assistant director.

 During World War II in 1944 whilst serving as a photographer with the Royal Air Force Film Unit, Clayton shot his first film, the documentary, Naples is a Battlefield.  His first feature was the internationally acclaimed Room at the Top in 1959, a harsh indictment of the British class system, which won two Oscars and earned Clayton a Best Director nomination.

Other films directed by Jack Clayton include, The Innocents (1961),  The Pumpkin Eater (1964), Our Mother's House (1967), The Great Gatsby (1974), Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983), The Lonely Passion of Judith Hearne (1988), starring the late Bob Hoskins.  In 1993 he produced and directed a Film for the BBC, Memento Mori.

Jack married actress Christine Norden (born Mary Lydia Thornton) in 1947, they divorced in 1953, later that same year he married Katherine Kath (born Lily Faess) who he was to divorce also.  Finally in August 1984 he married actress Haya Harareet, who he remained married to until his death on 26th February 1995 in Slough, Berkshire, after suffering heart and liver problems.

 

 

 

Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams MP and Edith Countess of Aylesford

 

 

 

Monument to Lieutenant General Lewis Cope Williams MP and Edith Countess of Aylesford, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham, Berkshire.

 

"Vault of the Williams Family of Temple House Berkshire - In Loving Memory of Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams born 13th July 1836 died Oct 2nd 1904.  This monument was erected by his widow in grateful remembrance of 22 happy years spent together.

Edith Countess of Aylesford Widow of Heneage 7th Earl and daughter of Col Thomas Peers Williams of Temple House.  Born April 12th 1842 died June 24th 1897."

 

 

Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams was born on 13th July 1836 at 41 Berkley Square, London, eldest son of Colonel Thomas Peers Williams, who sat in the House of Commons for Great Marlow from 1820 to 1868, and his wife Emily Bacon, youngest daughter of Anthony Bushby Bacon, an industrialist of Benham Park, Berkshire.

 

Countess Edith Finch was born Edith Williams on 12th April 1842 to Colonel Thomas Peers Williams and Emily Bacon.

 

 

Lieutenant General Williams first appears on the 1841 Census aged four years old, living with his parents and younger sisters Margaret and Emily at 41 Berkeley Square, Westminster, London.

 

In 1851, however, fourteen year old Lieutenant General Williams can be found studying at Eton College in Eton, Berkshire.  In 1854 Lieutenant General Williams entered the Royal Horse Guards, he became Lieutenant in 1856 and Captain in 1858.

 

 

Countess Edith first appears on the 1851 Census, aged nine years, living with her parents, elder sisters Margaret Elizabeth and Emily Gwendolyn, younger sisters Blanche, and Nina Janet Bronwyn, younger brother Thomas Anthony Hwfa, Uncle George Bacon and cousin Kate Bacon.

 

By 1861 Lieutenant General Williams has returned to Temple House where he is now listed as being Captain of Royal Horse Guards.  His parents and sister Countess Edith have moved to Craig-y-don in Anglesey, Wales.

 

In 1862 Lieutenant General Williams married Fanny Florence Caulfield, in 1865 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Owen Gywnydd St George Williams, followed closely by his brother Ivor Henry Williams in 1867.  In 1866 Lieutenant General Williams became Lieutenant Colonel.

 

In 1871 Lieutenant General Williams, now made a Colonel, his wife and two young sons can be found living at 24 Hill Street in Westminster, London.  That same year countess Edith married Henaege Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford.  In 1872 they celebrated the birth of their first child, Lady Hilda Joanna Gwendoline Finch, followed by her sister Lady Alexandra Louise Minna Finch in 1875.  However in 1877 the Earl of Aylesford and Countess Edith separated.  After their separation, on November 4th 1881 at 8 Avenue Friedland, Paris, France, a son, Guy Bertrand Spencer Aylesford was born to Edith.  However there was some question as to his legitimacy.  After the Earl's death in 1885, Countess Edith petitioned the House of Lords to have her son Guy acknowledged as the son and heir of her late husband.  However the petition was unsuccessful with the title of 8th Earl of Aylesford being passed to Henaege's brother Charles Wightwick Finch.  The real father of Guy Bertrand was George Charles Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, 8th Duke of Marlborough.  Before the 7th Earl of Aylesford's death Countess Edith and the Duke's younger brother, Lord Randolph Churchill, tried to get the petition dropped by threatening the Princess of wales that they would subpoena the Prince of Wales as a witness. The 7th Earl of Aylesford died before the divorce could be finalised.

 

In 1881 Countess Edith can be found living alone at 11 Portugal Street in Chelsea London.  Later in 1891 Countess Edith and nine year old Guy Bertrand Spencer are living at Bear Place, Hare Hatch, wargrave, Berkshire.  Her daughters can be found living with their paternal grandmother Lady Augusta Sophia, Dowager Countess of Aylesford.

 

In 1876 Fanny Florence passes away. 

 

In 1880 until 1885 Lieutenant General Williams becomes the Conservative MP for Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire as well as the justice of the Peace for Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Anglesey and Carnarvon.  In 1882 he is promoted to Major General.  He also held the office of Silver Stick in Waiting to Her Majesty Queen Victoria.

 

I am unable to locate the widowed Lieutenant General Williams on the 1881 Census, but his eldest son Owen Gywnydd can be found studying at Eton College in Eton Berkshire.  .

 

In 1882 Lieutenant General Williams married Nina Mary Adelaide Sinclair, who was twenty years his junior.  He retires from the army in 1887 with the honourary rank of Lieutenant General.

 

By 1891 Lieutenant General Williams had returned to Temple House in Bisham Berkshire, where he is living with his second wife Nina and eldest son Captain Owen Gywnydd (Captain of the Royal Horse Guards).  Living with the family is 5 month old Archibald Henry Macdonald Sinclair, Nina's nephew.  In 1901 Lieutenant General Williams, his wife Nina and Archibald Sinclair are still residing at Temple House in Bisham Berkshire.  Sometime before 1904 Ivor Henry Williams passes away.

 

In 1892 the George Charles Spencer-Churchill, 8th duke of Marlborough passes

 

On June 24th 1897 Countess Edith Aylesford passes away at 51 Welbeck Street, London

 

On 2nd October 1904 Lieutenant General Williams passes away at his home in Temple House, Bisham.

 

The widowed Nina Williams leaves Temple House in Bisham and takes up residence at the family home at 24 Hill Street, Westminster, London, where she can be found on the 1911 Census.  Young Lieutenant Archibald Sinclair has become a commissioned officer in the 2nd Life Guards At St George, Hanover Square in London.

 

In 1910 Guy Bertrand Spencer married Lily Blanche Saville.  In 1911 Guy Bertrand Spencer and his wife Lily can be found living at New Road, Dinton, Aylesbury.  Guy Bertrand Spencer's occupation is listed as a brewer.

 

 

Linked with

 

Taphophile Tragics

Tombstone Tuesday

 

 



Annie Harriet Lowndes - Lady Superintendent of St John's National School, Winchester

 

 

 

Monument to Annie Harriet Lowndes, All Saints Churchyard, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

"Annie Harriet Lowndes.  Born 2nd February 1855.  Died 15th January 1914."

 

 

Annie Harriet Lowndes was born on 2nd February 1855 in Belgravia, London to Samuel Lowndes, a stock broker and magistrate, and his wife Letitia Baden.

 

Annie first appears the 1861 Census, aged six, living at Esher House, Cobham, Surrey, with her parents and her six year old cousin Edith Phillips.

 

In 1870 Annie's mother, Letitia passed away.

 

At the age of sixteen on the 1871 Census, Annie can be found boarding at Sussex House School for Girls in Clifton, Bristol.

 

In 1881 Annie is living with her Grandmother Eliza Lowndes, father Samuel and Aunt Rebe at 84 Oxford Terrace, in London Paddington.

 

In 1882 Annie's father, Samuel, married his second wife, Isabel Gore Browne in Christchurch, Hampshire.

 

By the 1891 Census, Annie had moved again, this time to live at 71 Oxford Terrace in the home of her Uncle Thomas, a retired Army Major General, Along with her father Samuel, his second wife Isabel and her elderly Aunt Rebe Lowndes.

 

annie had moved again by the 1901 Census, where she is now recorded as the lady superintendent of St John's National School for Girls and Infants at 4 and 4a St John's Street, Winchester, Hampshire.  The building still stands to this day and is now called St John's Hall.

 

© Copyright Chris Talbot and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

 

By the 1911 Census Annie had moved again, this time to St Helen's, Altwood Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Living with Annie at the time is Margaret Ann Kempe, who worked at St John's National School for Girls and Infants as a matron along side Annie.  Both ladies are now recorded as living by 'private means'.

Annie Harriet Lowndes passed away on 15th January 1914 at her home, 87 Dorset Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex.

Linked with

Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday