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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Flashback Friday - War Grave - Pilot Offcier Gerard Hamilton Maffett

**Originally posted 5th December 2012**

 

 

"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".

 

Gerard Hamilton Maffett was born 11th June 1916 in Murree, India to Lieutenant-Colonel Reginald Ernest Maffett and his wife Gwendoline Mary de Rutzen.

Gerard was educated at Imperial Service College in Windsor, Berkshire.  In 1934 he finished his education and took a job with the Daily Mail in London.  Four years later Gerard enlisted with the Royal air Force Volunteer Reserve (RAFVR) as a U/T Pilot.  He started out flying Tiger Moths from White Waltham airfield near Maidenhead, Berkshire.  On 22nd June 1940 Gerard converted from Tiger Moths to Hurricane aircraft and joined 257 Squadron at Northolt on 7th July 1940.

Gerard flew on his first operation on 18th August 1940 where he is credited for destroying a Dornier Do17 aircraft and damaging a Heinkel He111.

On 31st August 1940, nine Hurricanes took off from Martlesham Heath at 8:25am ordered to patrol Debden at 15,000 feet.  The Squadron climbed towards Debden, but encountered two large formations of Junkers Ju88 aircraft at 14,000 feet with several formations of Messerschmitt Bf110s at 16,000 feet.  Unable to catch up with the Junkers Ju88s the squadron pursued the Messerschmitt formations.  At least six Messerschmitt Bf110s were destroyed, however the squadron suffered the loss of two Hurricanes.  One of those was Gerard's P3175, which crashed into the foreshore at Stone Point, Walton-on-the-Naxe, Essex at around 8:50am.  Gerard was able to bail out of his stricken aircraft but his parachute failed to open due to the low altitude.  Gerard was killed on impact.

Gerard's elder brother John Francis Maffett, Wing commander with the RAF was also killed in action on 12th February 1942.  He is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial, Egham, Surrey.

Reginald Ernest Maffett passed away in 1949 and Gwendoline Mary in 1975 aged 100 years.

Between 1972 and 1973 the remains of Gerard's crashed Hurricane, including the instrument panel and windscreen, together with an almost complete engine and the remains of the three wooden propeller blades were recovered.  They're now displayed in The Battle of Britain Museum in Hendon, London.


They gave their tomorrows for our todays.

Taphophile Tragics - Ellen and Henry Knight

Monument to Ellen and Henry Knight, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"In Loving Memory of Ellen the beloved wife of Henry Knight who passed away Jan 14th 1922 aged 77 years - At Rest - Also of Henry Knight who passed away Feb 1st 1928 aged 84 years."


Ellen Knight was born Ellen Davis in Wokingham, Berkshire in 1845 to Henry Davis, a shoe maker and his wife Ellen. 

Henry Knight was born in 1844, however his place of birth changes on every record I have found of him and Ellen and I have been unable to locate Henry pre 1871.

Ellen first appears on the 1851 Census aged seven years, living in Braywick, Bray, Berkshire with her parents and siblings, George, Mary Ann, Henry, James, and Emma.

I am having difficulty locating Ellen on the 1861 when she would have been around seventeen years of age, so it is possible that she was in service and her details were recorded incorrectly.

In 1867 Ellen marries Henry Knight, a gardener, in Windsor, Berkshire.

1869 sees the birth of their first child, a daughter, Emma.  Closely followed by a son, Henry in 1870.

1871 Census and the small family is living at Ray Park Cottages in Maidenhead Berkshire.

1872 saw the birth of a second daughter, Ellen and 1878 a third daughter Edith.  A month before the 1881 Census was taken, Ellen gave birth to her fourth daughter, Clara.  The Census records the family as living at 8 North Cottages in North Town, Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Ellen's occupation is now listed as a laundress, possibly taking in washing to help support her growing family.

1884 sees the birth of a fifth daughter, Alice, followed by a second son, Edwin in 1888 and a third son, Joseph in 1889.

In 1891 the family has moved to Builders Villa in Bray, Berkshire.  Henry Snr's occupation is now listed as a market gardener.  The elder daughters Emma and Ellen are listed as assisting their mother in her laundress business, where as Henry Jr is working as a gardener with his father. 

Five years later, in 1896, Emma left the family to marry William Swain Norsworthy, a painter and decorator from Maidenhead.

1901 the family has moved to The Briars in Bray, Berkshire.  Living next door at 5 Builders Cottages is Henry Jr, now a green grocer, and his sister  elder Ellen. 

Five years later, in 1906, Clara married Henry Arthur Collins, a dairyman from Fifeld, Berkshire.

In 1908 Henry Jr married his wife Emma, unfortunately I haven't been able to locate a marriage index for Henry and Emma.

1911 and Ellen and Henry have moved to Spencer's Farm in Fifield Berkshire.  Living with them are their youngest daughter and son, Alice and Joseph.  Joseph is now working as a domestic chauffer.

Edith is now a dress maker is lodging at the house of George Lovegrove at 4 Woodlands Villas, Datchet, Windsor, Berkshire.  Edwin is a domestic gardener for a large house in Hawthorn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

I have been unable to locate Ellen Jr post 1901.

Sadly in 1922 Ellen passed away.  Henry followed Ellen to the grave in 1928.

Taphophile Tragics - Annabella Atkinson - Gardener's Wife

Monument to Annabella Atkinson, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of Annabella the beloved wife of Joseph Atkinson who died October 6th 1911 aged 50 years."

Annabella Atkinson was born Annabella Douglass in 1861 in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland to Stephen Douglass, an iron founder, and Mary Jane Carr.

Annabella first appears on the 1861 Census aged just five months, living at 53 Railway Street in Newcastle, Northumberland with her parents and elder siblings, Mary aged five and Anna aged four

Annabella next appears on the 1871 Census, aged ten years, living at 31 Albert Street in Gateshead, County Durham, with her parents, maternal grandmother Elizabeth Douglass and her younger siblings, Thomas aged seven, Catherine aged five and Jane aged two.

By 1881 the twenty year old Annabella is working as a live in servant for the Laig family At Thornhill House in Bishop Wearmouth, Sunderland.

1891 and Annabella has moved to the small household of Albert Palmer at 14 Windsor Terrace, Newcastle upon Tyne, where she's working as a cook.

Just a year later, Annabella married Joseph Atkinson, a gardener from County Durham, in Morpeth.  The first child, a daughter Nora arrives in 1894, followed by a son John Ernest in 1896.

1901 finds the little family living at 2 Primrose Place, Gateshead, County Durham.  Living with the family at the time is Joseph's widowed mother Ann Marshall.

In 1904 a second daughter Violet Hilda was born and in 1906 a second son Douglass followed.

1911 and Annabella and her family have moved to The Gardener's Cottage at Oakley Court, Bray, Berkshire.  Nora Atkinson, now aged seventeen is working as a school teacher and fifteen year old John Ernest is a learning electrical worker.

Sadly just six months after the 1911 Census was taken, Annabella passed away.



Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Prince George Mountbatten and Countess Nadejda de Torby - Marquess and Marchioness of Milford Haven

Monuments to Captain George Louis Victor Henry Serge Mountbatten, 2nd Marquess of Milford Haven and Countess Nadejda Mikhailovna de Torby.

"In grateful and loving memory of my beloved husband George, Marquess of Milford Haven, Captain R. N.  November 6th 1892 - April 8th 1936."

"In loving memory of  our beloved mama Nada Marchioness of Milford Haven.  March 28th 1896 - January 22nd 1963."

Captain George Louis Victor Henry Serge Mountbatten was born 6th December 1892 to Louis Mountbatten, Prince of Battenberg and 1st Marquess of Milford Haven, and Princess Viktoria von Hesse and by Rhine, in Dramstadt, Hesse, Germany.  He was later to become the uncle of Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh.

Interestingly all official records puts Captain Mountbatten's birth date as 6th December 1892, yet his gravestone gives the date of 6th November.

On 15th November 1915 in London, Captain George married Countess Nadejda Mikhailovna de Torby, daughter of the Grand Duke Michael Mikhailovich Romanov of Russia and Sophie von Merenberg.  Countess de Torby was born on 28th March 1896 in the Russian Empire.

Captain Mountbatten and Countess de Torby lived together in Lynden Manor in Holyport, Berkshire, where they raised their two children, Lady Tatiana Elizabeth Mountbatten and David Mountbateen, 3rd Marquess of Milford Haven.

Captain Mountbatten died on 8th April 1936 of bone marrow cancer in Westminster, London.

Shortly after Captain George's death, Marchioness Lady Mountbatten left to live in the United States.

Marchioness Lady Mountbatten died on 22nd January 22 1963 in Cannes, France.

Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Small Angel

 

Small Angel, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport, Maidenhead, England.

 

 

 

 

Cemetery Sunday - IHS Cross

 

IHS Cross, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

 

 

 

 



Frederick Wolff and Ida May - Steamship Business

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Angel monument to Frederick Wolff May and Ida May, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In affectionate rememberance of my dear husband Frederick Wolff May died 16 August 1924 aged 51 - Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.

Also in memory of Ida his wife died ? December ?"


Frederick Wolff May and his twin sister Clara Fanny May were born on 10th October 1872 in Hanburg Germany to Frederick Albert May, a colonial merchant and his wife Clara Matilda Wolff.

Frederick first appears aged 8 on the 1881 Census living with his sister and parents at The Birches, Lawrie Park Gardens, Lewisham London.  I cannot find the family on the 1891 Census and I can only imagine that they were out of the country due to Fredrick's work as a colonial merchant.

Clara Mathilda May passes away in Kensington on 25th March 1896 aged only 47 years.  She is buried in Brompton Cemetery, London  In 1901 the widowed Frederick is now living at 10 The Boltons, Kensington London along with Frederick Jr, now a steamship manager with his uncle Gustav Wilhelm Wolff's shipbuilding company Harland and Wolff (manufactorers of the Titanic), and Clara.  In 1903 Frederick Snr marries Louise Spencer Smith, however five years later in 1908 Fredrick Snr dies of typhoid fever and heart disease in Dorest.

I am unable to find a marriage for Frederick or Ida, or indeed any information on Ida's birth other than 1879 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

In 1911 Frederick and Ida have moved to Woodmancote, Cliveden near Maidenhead.  The census retur states that Frederick and Ida have had one child, but they're not living with them at the time the census was taken and I have been unable to trace a birth.

Clara, Frederick's twin sister never married and died aged 76 in September 1949, leaving large sums of money to those who had been in service at her home.  To view some of Clara's family pictures, please click here.



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Lady Eleanor Margaret Barry - Expired Suddenly in a Train

Monument to Eleanor Margaret Barry, Bray Parish cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In the memory of Eleanor Margaret dearly loved wife of Sir Edward Barry. B. 11th February 1916."


Eleanor Margaret Barry was born Eleanor Margaret Scott in 1866 in India to Colonel Courtenay Harvey Saltron Scott and his wife Margaret Julia Colquhoun.  She was the elder sister of Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson.

The earliest record of  Eleanor in the United Kingdom is the 1881 Census, where Eleanor is living with her parents and siblings at 17 Eccleston Square in Westmister area of London.

On 10th February 1891 married Sir Edward Albert Barry, second Baronet of st Leonard's Hill and Keiss Castle. In 1893 their first child Cicely Eleanor Barry was born

In 1901 Eleanor can be found on the census living at Ockwells Manor in Bray Berkshire with her children Margaret Colquhoun and Edward Courtenay Tress.  Unfortunately I am unable to locate either Cicely or Edward Albert on the 1901 Census.

In 1911 Edward and Cecily are back in the family home along with Rosamunde who was born in 1901.

Sadly Eleanor was to pass away suddenly on 11th February 1916.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on the 19th February 1916,

"WINDSOR.  Death of Lady Barry. Expires suddenly in a train.

We regret to record the death of Lady Barry, wife of Sir Edward Barry. Bart, of Ockwells Manor, near Windsor, which occurred with painful sadness whilst travelling on the Great Eastern Railway between King's Lynn and London, on Friday afternoon, 11th February.  Sir Edward, who had retired from the Royal Berks Yeomanry Regiment with the rank of Lieut-Colonel, took a temporary commission as Major or second-in-command on the outbreak of the war, and he has recently been quartered at King;s Lynn with the 2/1st Regiment of the Berks Yeomanry, together with his son Lieut Courtenay Barry

In celebration of their silver wedding anniversary on Wednesday in last week, Lady Barry travelled to Lynn to spend a few days with her husband and son, and was returning with Sir Edward when she had a fatal seizure, the rupture of a large blood vessel internally causing failure of the heart's action and almost instant death.  On arrival and Liverpool-street terminus, the railway officials lent every assistance, a doctor being summoned and the body conveyed to the mortuary in close proximity.

The inquest held by the Deputy-Coroner for the City on Monday, when the evidence of identification was given by Sir Edward Barry, and the medical testimony showed that her deceased Ladyship passed away practically without pain and instantaneously.

The jury returned a verdict of Death by Natural Causes."



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Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson of Quarwood House

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.

Monument to Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson born 20th June 1868 died 21st May 1948 daughter of Colonel and Mrs C.H.S. Scott and wife of James Gray Flowerdew Lowson J.P. Ph.D  Member:  King's Bodyguard for Scotland (Royal Company of Archers) of Quarwood House Stow-on-the-Wold. Gloucestershire and Mother of Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson, Bart.. M. A.. L. C. C Lord Mayor of London 1950-1951."


Adelaide Louisa Flowerdew Lowson was born Adelaide Louisa Scott in India on 20th June 1868 to Colonel Courtenay Harvey Saltron Scott and his wife Margaret J Colquhoun

On the 1881 Census Adelaide can be found living at 17 Eccleston Square in the Westminster area of London with her parents and elder sister Eleanor Margaret.

On 19th July 1890 Adelaide married James Gray Flowerdew Lowson, son of William Lowson and Helen Flowerdew.  James Gray Flowerdew Lowson was a Justice of the Peace, Captain of 9th Battalion Royal Scots (The Royal Regiment), Member of the Royal County Archers and 1st District Commissioner of the Boy Scouts Stratforn-on-Avon and Stow-on the-Wold as well as being the Life Governor of U College Dundee. 

Together Adelaide and James had three children Eleanor Margaret Flowerdew Lowson born 1892, Courtenay Patrick Flowerdew Lowson born 1897 and Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson born 1906.

On the 1901 Scottish Census Adelaide can be found living at 18 Coates Gardens, Edinburgh, with her husband and two elder children, Eleanor and Courtenay.

1911 and the family has moved to Smithfield House in Stratford-on-Avon.

Eleanor married Major General William Revell Revell Smith and served as an Officer in the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry in World War I

Courtenay Patrick served in the during the First World War as an Observer with the Royal Flying Corps.  In March 1916 he became a flying instructor, but was sadly killed in a flying accident on 3rd November 1917 when his plane collided mid-air with the plane of Lieutenant Owen Ellis Augustus Allen.

Sir Denys Colquhoun Flowerdew Lowson became Lord Mayor of London on 30th September 1950 on 27th June 1851 the Lowson Baronetcy was created for Denys Lowson.  Presently the title is held by his son Sir Ian Patrick Lowson, 2nd Baronet.

Quarwood House

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John and Susanna Burdett

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to John and Susanna Burdett, Bray Parish Cemetery, Holyport Berkshire.


"In loving memory of John Burdett.  Who fell asleep May 2nd 1905.  Aged 78 years - His End Was Peace.

Also of

Susanna Burdett.  Wife of the above died Decr 27th 1917.  Aged 90 years - Thy Will Be Done."


John Burdett was born in Chilton Berkshire in 1827.  Unfortunately I am unable to trace John's parents.  In 1851 John is living on his own and working as a gardener in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey.  In that same year John married Susanna Taylor Lee.

1861 see John and Susanna (listed as Susan) living at Bray Weir in Berkshire.  John is still a gardener and the family has expanded to include four children, Susanna aged 8, John aged 6, William aged 3 and 1 year old Emma.

By 1871 John and Susanna have moved to Bridge Street in Maidenhead.  John is now a Nursery Man.  1881 sees John's business expand and he is now employing 2 men.  The family has also expanded to include Ellen Alice aged 12 and Frances aged 8.  Living with the family is their daughter Emma, her husband Frank Burnham and their son Frank aged 1.  In 1891 John is listed as a Florist.

By 1901, now elderly and infirm John and Susanna are inmates of The Jesus Hospital in Bray Village, Berkshire.  The Jesus Hospital is a red-brick group of almshouses, founded in 1627 by William Goddard, whose full-size effigy stands over the entrance, to house thirty-four of the aged poor of Bray and six of the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers. 

Sadly John was to pass away four years later.  However Susannah remained at The Jesus Hospital until her death in 1917.

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Emma and Edward Simmonds - Mother, Father and Son

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


Monument to Emma 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 14 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 E aged 4, Charlotte aged 2 and 5 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 Berkshire and Edward is working as a wheelwright.  The family has expanded to include 8 year old Caroline, 6 year old Albert, 4 year old George and 2 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 thrpugh injury or illness in Eton Buckinghamshire.  He is buried in a Commonwealth War Grave at St Peter's Churchyard in Burnham Buckinghamshire


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Mary Sarah and Richard Gorton of Chuffs Farm, Holyport Berkshire

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


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.



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William and Emily Langley - Sweethearts Re-United

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


"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.

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.



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Frances Louisa Comber - Night Watchman's Wife

Taphophilia is a passion for and enjoyment of cemeteries. The singular term is a taphophile.


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 J aged 1 year and Lucy aged just 6 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 9, Marther [sic] aged 4, Ernest aged 2 and baby Albert, just 11 months old.  Frances is now using the name Frances Lou.

Another 10 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 8 and 3 year old Elizabeth.

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

After 1907 I cannot find a trace of Charles and I am unable to find a death that fits him either.

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

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