Taphophile Trgaics: Edward John Norsworthy - Plasterer

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Overgrown

All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.

 

 

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

 

 

 

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - John Shaw, Town Surgeon of Marlow

 

"Sacred

to the Memory of

JOHN SHAW

 late of this Town Surgeon

who died 9th October 1823

Aged 31 Years."

 

 

All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire England.


 

 

 

 



Taphophile Tragics - Thomas and Sarah Gibbons of Marlow Buckinghamshire

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


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


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

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

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

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


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Sacred

All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghmashire, England.

 

 

 

 



War Grave Wednesday - Harry deSwart

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

 

 

"Of your charity pray for the soul of Harry deSwart who was killed in France Sept 30 1916 aged 29 R.I.P"

 

 

Harry deSwart is a bit of a mystery.  I have been unable to find out much about his family as he appears as a boarder in various schools and with various families on the Census returns.  He was born in 1887 in Pancras, London.

 

Sometime after the outbreak of World War I Harry deSwart joined the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry.   Sadly he died of wounds he received in battle on 30th September 1816.

 

Harry's sister, Florence deSwart requested that she receive his medals after the war.  Her address at the time was Rio-de-Janeiro.

 

 

 

Please note that Harry is not buried at the grave site pictured above as he is buried where he fell in France.

 

 

 

 



Taphophile Tragics - Martha, William and Henry East of Marlow Buckinghamshire

Monument to Martha, William and Henry Eats, All Saints Churchyard, Marlow, Buckinghamshire, England.


"To the Memory of Martha East who died Sept 12th 1838 aged 59 years - Also of - William East Butcher of this town who died August 19th 1852 aged 70 years - Also of Henry East son of the above who died July 19th 1857 aged 37 years."



Martha East was born Martha Grey around 1785 in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  On 5th June 1804 Martha married William East, a butcher from Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Sadly Martha was to pass away on 12th September 1838.

The recently widowed William appears on the 1841 Census, aged sixty, living in Spittal Street in Marlow Buckinghamshire.  Living with William at the time is twenty five year old Amelia, twenty year old Henry, six year old William and two year old Eliza, William Snr's grand-daughter.

Later that year Amelia East marries Thomas Fry, a butcher, in Chelsea, London.  They later moved to live in Cookham, Berkshire, leaving Amelia's illegitimate daughter, Eliza, to live with her grandfather and uncle.



1851 finds the family still living at Spittal Street in Marlow, Buckinghamshire.  Henry now aged thirty, is working with his father as a butcher.  Eliza, now aged thirteen is currently attending a local school.

Sadly William was to pass away just over a year later on 19th August 1852.  Sadly Henry was to follow his farther on 19th July.  Leaving Eliza alone.

Eliza moved to Kent to find work in a paper factory, where she met her future husband Alfred Eldridge, a fellow paper mill labourer.  In 1861 Eliza can be found lodging at her boyfriend's parents house, in Paul's Cray, Kent, along with her son William Eldridge who was born in 1858.  Alfred and Eliza married in Orpington, Kent in 1862.  Sadly young William Eldridge was to pass away in 1866 aged just eight years old.

By 1871 Eliza and her family had moved to Lower Road in Orpington, Kent.  Living with them, their children - seven year old Esther, four year old Georgina and five month old William.

1881 finds the family in Field Place in Orpington, Kent.  Joining the family is seven year old Alfred, three year old John and nine month old Joseph.

1891 and the family has moved again to Ford Croft Road.  Joining the family is eight year old Hannah.

1901 and the family has moved to Poverest Road. 

Sadly Eliza was to pass away to be reunited with her lost loved ones, in 1909 aged seventy one years old.


Taphophile Tragics

Cemetery Sunday - Butterfly

Butterfly grave decoration
All Saints, Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

Cemetery Sunday - Her Charm and Loving Ways

Memorial to Elsie May Dean, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.


"Elsie May Dean 1913 - 1956 - Beloved wife of John and Mother of Adrian and Deirdre - Her charm and loving ways endeared her to all"


I have found very little out about Elsie May, but the verse on the gravestone intrigues me.  I wonder what kind of wife and mother she was.  Happy?  Always ready to a cuddle and a smile?  Did she always have a kind word for those around and was nothing too much trouble when it came to helping others. 

She was only 43 when she passed away.  Was she ill?  Did she have an accident?  Was her passing sudden and did she get to say goodbye to those that loved her so well.  How many mourned her passing and came to her funeral.

These are the question and many more that lie behind every gravestone in every churchyard and cemetery.  This is what keeps me interested in those that lie beneath our feet.

Taphophile Tragics - Joseph and Sarah Hammerton - Grocers

Memorial to Joseph and Sarah Hammerton, All saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.

"In Memory Of - Joseph Hammerton - Born April 14 1810 - Died June 30 1861 - Thou art with me;  Thy rod and they staff comfort me.  Also Sarah - wife of the above - Born March 1 1814 - Died January ?? 1875 - Rest illegible."


Joseph Hammerton was born on 14th April 1810 in White Waltham, Berkshire.

Sarah Hammerton was born Sarah Harbut on 1st March 1814 to George Harbut and his wife Ann Smith.

On 14th April 1846 Joseph Hammerton and Sarah Harbut married in the parish of Bryanston Square in Middlesex

Joseph first appears on the 1841 Census as a grocer living with his wife Sarah, born in Chilworth, Hampshire and their children , Sarah born in 1848 and Joseph born in 1850, in Pope's Lane in Maidenhead Berkshire.  Sadly Pope's Lane no longer exists, but at the time is was a small cramped alley way full of shops and houses.

In 1861, just a few months before Joseph's death, the family have moved to the High street in Maidenhead.  Lucy Ann had been born in 1853 and George Andrew in 1853.  Sadly Joseph Snr passed away on 30th June 1861.

1871 finds the widowed Sarah and her children, Joseph, Sarah and Lucy still living and working at the grocer's shop in Maidenhead High Street.  Unfortunately I am unable to trace George Andrew on the 1871 Census, but he does appear on the 1881 Census as a valet for the Byles family in London.

Sadly Sarah was to join her husband in the grave as she passed away in the January of 1875

Just a year after her mother's death, Lucy Ann Hammerton marries Samuel Rudd in Brighton.  In 1881 Lucy, her husband Samuel, their daughter Sarah Lucy and son Samuel are living at 4 Cambridge Gate Mews in London.  Visiting them at the time is Lucy's elder brother Joseph, who is currently an unemployed messenger.

In 1881 Sarah Jnr is working as a domestic servant for Doctor Alfred Playne working from the High Street in Maidenhead. 



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Wednesday's Child - Herbert Victor Penford

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Gravestone monument to Herbert Victor Penford, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving remeberance of Herbert Victor Penford born 25th December 1880.  Died 7th July 1881 - Asleep in Jesus."


Little Herbert Victor was born on 25th December 1880 to Edward Penford, a general labourer and Fanny Harrington, a laundress.

Herbert or Hubert as he appears on all records, except his gravestone, appears on the 1881 Census aged only 3 months old, living with his parents and elder brother Edward Henry at his maternal grandmother, Mary Harrington's house at 6 Princes Street in Maidenhead Berkshire.

Sadly little Herbert passes away on 7th Jul 1881 aged just 6 months old.



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Cemetery Sunday - Hearts and Angels

Grave decorations found at All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire UK.




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Wednesday's Child - Caroline Cannon

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Caroline Cannon, All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.



" In loving memory of Caroline Cannon who died November 1878 aged 5 years and 4 months - She is <rest illegible>."


Little Caroline Cannon was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire in 1873 and sadly passes away in the November of 1878 aged 5 years and 4 months old.

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Frances Mitchell - Baby Farmer and Almswoman

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Broken monument to Frances Mitchell, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"Frances Mitchell died June 22 1878 aged 90 years."


Frances Mitchell is a bit of a mystery woman, she was born Frances Stevens sometime arouns 1788 - 1791 in White Waltham, Berkshire, but I am unable to find any record of her birth.  In 1815 she marries Thomas Mitchell, an agricultural labourer, in Beenham, Berkshire.

She first appears on the 1841 Census aged 45 and living in Bray, Berkshire.  However her husband Thomas appears on the Census living in Foxley Green, Holyport, Berkshire.

In 1851 both Frances and Thomas are living in Holypport, Berkshire where Thomas is a garderner.  Frances has become a baby farmer to make ends meet.  Baby farmers were woman who took in illegitimate and unwanted children for a fee.  Some of the most infamous baby farmers, such as Amelia Dyer, found that it was far more profitable to simply murder their charge and pocket the fee.

Frances had two nurse children children living with her in 1851, Ruth Naomi White, aged 3 from Southampton, Hampshire and Emily Mary Halfarce aged 4 months from Bray, Berkshire.  I am unable to trace Ruth after 1851, but in 1861 Emily is living with the Adam family in Middlesex, where she is listed as an orphan.

In 1861 Frances and Thomas have moved to Boyne Hill Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Lodging with them at the time is James Hicks, and agricultural labourer.

Thomas Mitchell passes away in 1863.

In 1871 Frances, then aged 83, is living in the Almshouses at All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire

"In 1858 through donation by Misses Lamotte, an almshouse designed by Street was built on the boundary of the site for 6 needy ladies of the parish over the age of 60. (In 1980’s converted to 4 flats)."

© Copyright Derek Harper

and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

According to Frances's gravestone, she died on 22nd June 1878, however I have been unable to find any record of her death.

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Sidney Farnell Vidler - Sad Death After War Service

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

Monument to Sidney Farnell Vidler, All Saints Church, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Sidney Farnell Vidler youngest son of Harriet and the late Thomas Vidler.  Who entered into rest July 2nd 1902 Aged 32.

Served in the Field Hospital on Her late Magesty's Royal Army Medical Staff Corps in the South African War. "


Sidney (sometimes Sydney) Farnell Vidler was born in Hounslow Middlesex in 1869 to Thomas William Vidler, a Cabinet maker, and his wife Harriet Death.  He was christened on 25th June 1869 at the Holy Trinity church in Hounslow, Middlesex.

For some strange reason I am unable to locate Sidney on the 1871 Census when he would have been around 2 years of age.  His parents Thomas and Harriet along with their sons Stephen aged 21 and Frank aged 11 are living at Cannalls Cottage in Salehurst, Sussex.

In 1881 Sidney is living with his parents and siblings, Alfred, a joiner aged 22, Frank, now Frederick, a decorator aged 20, Henry, a silversmiths assistant aged 18, Kate (born Harriet Kate) aged 15 and Alice aged 10 at Isleworth Villa in Maidenhead Berkshire.  Also living with the family is Thomas' brother William Vidler, an investor in houses and land.

In 1888 Thomas Vidler was to pass away

1891 finds the widowed Harriet still living at Isleworth Villa with her brother-in-law William Vidler and daughter Harriet Kate.  Sidney is currently visiting the house on leave from the 19th Royal Hussars stationed at Aldershot.  At some point Sidney joined the Royal Army Medical Corps and served as a nurse in the field hospital during the Second Boer War 1899 - 1902 (also known as the South African War).

In 1901, just a year before his death, Sidney is in Croyden, Surrey, visiting his sister Mary Ann and her husband Edward Bridges.  Sidney's occupation is listed as male nurse.

Sidney was to pass away from heart disease at his sister Mary Ann's house in Croyden on July 2nd 1902. 

On Saturday 12th July 1902 the Reading Mercury reported

"Sad Death After War Service

Mr. Sydney Vilder, son of Mrs. Vidler, of "The Castle," Castle Hill, Maidenhead, died suddenly at the age of 32.  He served during the South African War in the army Medical Corps, and contracted heart disease as a result of hardships with General Buller's column at Colenso and at the Modder River, during the early part of the campaign.  He was subsequently invalided home and suffered a great deal.  He fell down dead of Wednesday morning last week at his sister's house in A Thornton Heath, having arrived there only the day before to spend a few days with her.

The deceased was present when Lord Robert's son was mortally wounded in his heroic attempt to save the guns at Calenso.  He assisted to carry the officer to the hospital tent, and rendered assistance, with others, while Mr. Treves (now Sir Frederick Treves) operated on Lord Robert's son, who, however, succumbed to his wounds.  Mr. Vilder's funeral took place at All Saints churchyard, Boyne Hill on Saturday afternoon, the Rev. E. J. G. Forse officiating.  The mourners were members of the family of  the deceased, and there were many beautiful wreaths, including one to represent the badge of the Medical Corps."


Sidney left his entire estate consisting of £400 to his sister Harriet Kate Vidler.

Emily Ducibella Dickinson, Florence Selina Eden, Maria Harriet Eden - Daughters of Baron Auckland

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


Monument to Emily Ducibella Dickinson, Florence Selina Eden and Maria Harriet Eden, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead Berkshire.


"In affectionate rememberance of  Emily Ducibella wife of Edmund Dickinson.  Formerly of Berkley House Frome. And daughter of Lord Auckland.  Late Bishop of Bath & Wells. Died 27th January 1893 aged 60

Also to the memory of Florence Selina Eden 4th daughter of 3rd Baron Auckland.  Born Jaunray 6th 1835.  Died June 5th 1909.

Also to the memory of Maria Harriet Eden.  5th daughter of 3rd Baron Aucklanc.  Born September 14th 1836.  Died Jaunuary 11th 1909."


Emily Ducibella Dickinson was born Emily Ducibella Eden in Hertingbury, Hertfordshire in 1833 to Robert John L Eden, 3rd Baron of Auckland and Bishop of Bath & Wells, and his wife Mary Hurt.

Emily first appears on the 1841 Census living in the parish of Brixton, Surrey at The Vicarage with her parents and siblings Eleanor, Emma, Florence, Maria and Robert.  In 1851 the family had moved to the Isle of Mann in  Bishop's Court.  In 1861 the family had again moved, this time to Somerset.  Visiting the family at the time was Edmund Henry Dickinson, a banker from Somerset.

That same year Emily married Edmund Henry Dickinson, related to the Plantagenets through Lady Isabella Plantagenet.  In 1863 they celebrated the birth of their first son, Robert Edmund.  1864 saw the arrival of Philip Francis, 1866 saw the birth of their first daughter Violet Mary and in 1870 their son Oswald Eden was born.

1871 finds Emily and Edmund living in Berkley House, Frome, Somerset.

1881 Emily and Edmund have moved again, this time to 17 Berkley Street in Middlesex, London.  Living with them at the time is their daughter Violet.  Robery Edmund is a pupil at Trinity College in Cambridge.  I am unable to trace Philip Francis on the 1881 Census.  Oswald Eden is a boarding pupil at Pembroke Lodge School in Somerset.

In 1891 both Emily and Violet are visiting the Nelthrope family in Lincolnshire.  Joining them are Emily's sisters Florence Selina and Maria Harriet.  Edmund can be found in the 1891 Census living in Westbury in Wiltshire.  I am unable to trace both Robert Edmund and Oswald Eden on the 1891 Census, however Robert Edmund Dickinson becomes mayor of Bath in 1899 until 1900.  Philip Francis can be found visiting the Mc Call family at Little Barwick House in Somerset.

Sadly two years later in 1893 Emily passed away and was buried at All Saints Churchyard in Maidenhead.  Edmund was to follow her four years later in 1897.

In 1901 Violet Mary is living with her younger brother Oswald Eden, now a secretary of a building society, at 21 Manchester Street in Marylebone, London.  I am unable to find either Robert or Philip on the 1901 Census.

Interestingly Violet Mary Dickinson complied her aunt Emily Eden's letters and published them into a book called Miss Eden's letters, which is available to preview through Google Books.


Both Florence Selina and Maria Harriet lived together from 1881 in Maidenhead.  In 1901 they were both living at 27 Boyn Hill Avenue, living on own means.  Eight years later they both passed away within five months of each other.  Maria Harriet was the first to die in January 1909, followed by Florence in the June.

Isabella and Isabel Mary McGregor - Mother and Daughter

 

 

 

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.

 

 

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

 

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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



Helen Irene Collins - Dunloran Park House

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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George Kenneth Vansittart Neale - Died at Eton College

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries.


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


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

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

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




(c) Nash Ford Publishing
Source: berkshirehistory.com

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

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


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

"HEIR TO HISTORIC HOUSE DEAD

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

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


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

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

"Memorial to an Eton Boy.

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

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

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

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