Flashback Friday Colonel David J C E Sherlock - His Lovely Life Ended

**Originally posted 18th September 2012**

 

Monument to Colonel David John Christopher Eustace Sherlock, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead, Berkshire.


"In devoted memory of Colonel David J. C. E. Sherlock D.S.O (distingished service order) Royal Artillery the beloved husband of Constance Nash Sherlock   Born June 6th 1879  His lovely life ended February 18th 1938  Constance Nash Sherlock 1900 - 1959."

David John Christopher Eustace Sherlock was born 6th June 1879 in Dublin Ireland to David Joseph Sherlock and Mary Zeena Elizabeth Murphy.  In 1900 David joined the army, serving in the Great War, first with the Royal Horse Artillery and then later with the Royal Field Artillery.  In 1930 David married Constance Nash.

The Catholic Herald printed a small notice of death for David on 28th February 1938 -

"Gallant service during the European War, in which campaign he was wounded and was six times mentioned in despatches. brought high honour, both from Britain and from France, to Colonel David John Christopher Eustace Sherlock, who died on the 18th inst. at his home at Burnham, Buckinghamshire. The Royal Honours List awarded him the D.S.O., while France made him a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour and gave him also the Croix de Guerre.

Colonel Sherlock was in his fifty-ninth year. The son of Mr. David Sherlock, D.L., of Tullamore, he was educated first of all in Ireland, at Clongowes Wood College, and afterwards at Beaumont. He joined the Army in 1900. In the Great War he served with the R.H.A. and the R.F.A. He retired about eight years ago."

Sadly for such a well decorated man I can find very little information on his life or that of his wife Constance.

Quo Fas et Gloria Ducunt
Where Right and Glory Lead

Taphophile Tragics - Mary Ann and Henry Hance

Monument to Mary Ann and Henry Hance, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of Mary Ann Hance beloved wife of Henry Hance of Cox Green.  Died February 6th 1900 aged 80 years.  Also of Henry Hance.  Died January 8th 1914 aged 85 years - Rest In Peace-"

Mary Ann Hance was born Mary Ann Kimble  in 1820 in Hare Hatch, Berkshire.  I have been unable to find any information on Mart's parents or her early life.

Henry Hance was born in 1823 in White Waltham, Berkshire .

In 1846 Mary married Henry Hance, a gardener, in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  The 1851 Census finds both Mary and Henry are living with and working for Isaac Wills, a retired publican at Folly Hill, Henry as a gardener and Mary as a general domestic servant.

1861 and Henry and Mary Ann are living with and working for Charles Harence, a barrister, at Bath Villa, Castle Hill, Maidenhead.  Henry is working as a gardener and Mary Ann as a cook.

In 1871 Henry is unemployed as a gardener, however Mary Ann is still working as a housekeeper.  On the census return both Henry and Mary can be found visiting Mary Aldridge at the home of Annie Druce, in London.

I am unable to locate either Henry or Mary Ann on the 1881 Census.

1891 and Henry has had a change of occupations from gardener to wheelwright.  Both he and Mary are now living at 12 Farm Villas, Cox Green, Maidenhead.  Sadly on 6th February 1900, Mary passes away.

Henry then seems to vanish from the records, until his death in 1914.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - All Saints Churchyard

 

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

 

 

 

Flashback Friday - Edith Marion Rosse - Murder Mystery

**Originally posted on 14th September 2012**

 

 

Memorial to Edith Marion Rosse (Milady), All Saints Church, Bisham, Berkshire.

"In love ever remember Edith Marion Rosse [Milday] who peacefully fell asleep in London on the 14th day of September 1932"

Unfortunately I cannot find out much about Edith's early life, but the end of her life is embroiled in mystery. 

In 1932 Edith was living with a fellow stage actor Arthur Maundy Gregory.  Arthur was experiencing financial difficulties. He was under pressure to repay to the executors of Sir George Watson £30,000 advanced for a barony he never received.  At the time Edith had £18,000 in her bank account.  She refused Arthur's requests for a loan, saying that the money was for her old age.

On 14th September 1932, Edith slipped into a coma and died and left all her money to Arthur, in a will scrawled on the back of a menu card from the Carlton Hotel. Arthur supervised her burial, specifying a riverside plot in the churchyard at Bisham. He ordered the coffin lid to be left unsealed and the grave to be dug unusually shallow, only 18 inches from the surface.

Edith's niece, who expected to inherit from her aunt's will made a complain and the police exhumed Edith's body on 28th April 1933.  The coffin was found to be waterlogged.   Bernard Spilsbury, a forensic scientist used by the police, was in little doubt that the burial arrangements Arthur had made were intentional since, "the effect of water on decaying remains would make it impossible to detect the presence of certain poisons."

Arthur was arrested in Germany, but never tried for the suspected murder of Edith.  Arthur died in a German Camp in on 28th September 1941.

Taphophile tragics - Mary and Martha Aldridge - Spinster Sisters

Monument to Mary and Martha Aldridge, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"Sacred to the memory of Mary Aldridge who departed this life August 28th 1896 aged 58 years - Thy Will Be Done - Also Martha Aldridge who died Novr 29th 1907 aged 60 years - And God Shall Wipe Away All Tears From Their Eyes - "


Mary Aldridge was born in 1838 and Martha in 1847 in Maidenhead, Berkshire to James Aldridge, a grocer, and his wife Mary Ann. 

In 1841, three year old Mary is living with her parents and siblings, James, Charlotte, Ellen and baby Edwards in Folly Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

By 1851, thirteen year old Mary is working as a housemaid and barmaid for Charles Druce, in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  Four year old Martha is living with her parents and siblings, Ellen, Edward and Thomas in Folly Hill, Maidenhead.

In 1861 Mary is working as a housemaid for the Robeson family in Fifield, Berkshire.  Thirteen year old Martha is working as a general servant for Julius and Ann Neve, drapers of Maidenhead.

1871 and Mary is working as a general domestic servant for the Druce family in London.  Martha has returned home to Castle Hill in Maidenhead to live with her widowed mother Mary Ann and her elder brother Edward, where she is making a living as a dress maker.

1881 and Mary is working as a parlour maid for the Stenning family in Marylebone, London.  Martha is still living with her mother and elder brother in Castle Hill, Maidenhead.  Living with the family at that time is Mary and Martha's widowed sister Ellen.

1891, Mary is boarding at the home of Peter Mortlock, Fern Cottage, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  Martha is helping to look after her elderly mother Mary Ann and run the sweet shop her mother keeps, along with her elder brother, Edward.  Sadly Mary Ann was to pass away in 1894, closely followed by her daughter Mary in 1896.

1901 finds Martha living with her elder brother Edward at South Cottage, Alwyn Road, Maidenhead Berkshire.  Sadly six years later Martha was to pass away.

Edward can be found on the 1911 census, still living at South Cottage in Alwyn Road.  He was to pass away later that year aged 70.

Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - IHS Cross

 

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

 

 

 

 



Flashback Friday - May Peabody Osborne - Dig The Grave And Let Me Lie

**Originally posted 11th September 2012**

 

 

Memorial to May Peabody Osborne, All Saints Church, Bisham, Berkshire.

"In Memory of May Peabody Osborne beloved wife of Charles Glidden Osborne.  April 14th 1936.

Under the wide and starry sky, dig the grave and let me lie, glad did I live and gladly die.  And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you grave for me, here he lies where he longed to be.  Home is the sailor from sea and the hunter home from the hill."

May Peabody Osborne was born May Henderson Peabody on 28th April 1891 at Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, USA to Francis Stuyvesant Peabody and May Henderson.   May first married Addison H Stillwell on 2nd January 1914 at St James Episcopal Church, Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, USA.  They were to divorce 1922.

On 1st September 1923 May married her second husband Charles Glidden Osborne and sailed with him and her children from her first marriage,  May Henderson Stillwell, Elizabeth Allison Stillwell and Frances Peabody Stillwell, on the Leviathan to England in the October of 1923.  In 1928 May and Charles had their only child together, Mahmea Enid Lolita Osborne.

May Peabody Obsborne died on 14th April 1936 in Marlow,  Buckinghamshire aged just 44 years old.

It was the verse on May's gravestone that caught my eye first.  The line, 'under the wide and starry sky, dig the grave and let me lie', struck a cord with me.




 

Taphophile Tragics - The John who became a Jane - Jane Neighbour

Monument to Jane Neighbour, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill. Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.


"John Neighbour who died Sept 2nd 1898 aged 54 years."


I had to admit that this particular grave stone had me stumped, until I discovered I was researching the wrong person.  This is not the gravestone of John Neighbour, but his wife Jane.  The top portion of the gravestone with her dedication is missing.

Jane Neighbour was born Jane Willis in Hambledon, Berkshire (now Hampshire) in 1844.  I have been unable to locate Jane before her marriage to John H Neighbour, a gardener, in Henley in 1862.  In 1863 their first son Joseph is born in Henley, a second son Walter is born in 1867 in Aldershot, Hampshire, followed by a third son Henry in 1870.

In 1871 John and Jane are living in Aldershot, Hampshire along with their sons, Joseph, Walter and Henry and Ann, John's widowed mother.

On the 1881 Census, John and Jane can be found living in Boyne Hill Lane, Maidenhead, Berkshire, with their two sons and John's elderly mother, Ann Neighbour.  At that time Jane's occupation is listed as a laundress.

In 1884 a daughter, Lucy was born in Maidenhead, Berkshire, followed by a sister Emily in 1886.

1891 not only sees the family moved to Bridge street in Maidenhead, but an occupation change for John, who is now the licenced victullar of the Albion Inn.  However young Henry seems to have followed in his father's previous occupation as he is now listed as a gardener.

Sadly on 2nd September 1898, Jane passed away.

In 1900 John married Harriet Brown in Maidenhead Berkshire.  They continued to run the Albion Inn together, where they can be found on the 1901 Census.  Sadly after nine years of marriage, Harriet passes away, leaving the now twice widowed John alone.

On the 1911 Census, John is listed as a retired publican lodging at 21 Bell Street in Maidenhead Berkshire.  John Neighbour passes away in 1913 in Maidenhead.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Headless Angel

 

Headless Angel, All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery, Maidenhead. Berkshire, England.

 

 

 



 



Flashback Friday - Adeline Blanche and Thomas Young

Monument to Adeline Blanche Young and Thomas Young, All Saints Church, Bisham, Berkshire.

"In Loving Memory of Adeline Blanche wife of Thomas Young who Died November 14. 1922.  Aged 52 years.  Also of Thomas Young who Died May 18th 1932 in his 70th year."

Adeline Blanche Young was born Adeline Blanche Strafford on 3rd February 1870 in Middlesex to Thomas William Strafford, an insurance clerk at Westminster Fire Office and Eliza Rutland.  Adeline remained with her family until she married Thomas Young on 2nd June 1904 at the age of 41.  On the 1911 census Adeline can be found living with her husband Thomas at Warren House, Bisham, Berkshire.  Eleven years later Adeline was to pass away at the age of 52.

Thomas Young was born in Hackney, London in 1863 to Thomas Young and his wife Margaret.  On the 1911 census Thomas's occupation is listed as surveyor of insurance.  Maybe Thomas Young worked at the same company as Adeline's father.  Unfortunately I was unable to find out much more about Adeline and Thomas.

Taphophile Tragics - George and ElizaTaylor

Monument to George and Eliza Taylor, All saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.

"In Loving Memory of George Taylor who entered into rest Oct 22nd 1904 Aged 73 Years - Looking Unto Jesus - Also Eliza the beloved wife of the above Died Feby 24th 1912 Aged 84 Years."

George Taylor was born in White Waltham, Berkshire in 1931 to John Taylor and agricultural labourer and his wife Margaret, a day school mistress.

Eliza Taylor was born Eliza Duckett in 1828 in Maidenhead Berkshire to John Duckett and his wife Martha Hamilton.  I have been unable to locate Eliza on the 1841 Census, but in 1851 she is working as housemaid for Samuel Cooper and his family in Henley, Oxfordshire.

George first appears on the 1841 Census aged ten living with his parents in Waltham Lane, White Waltham.  He is still there ten years later aged twenty, now working as a carpenter.  In 1853 George marries Eliza Duckett.  Their first child, a daughter, Margaret was born in 1854 in Waltham.  Followed by Agnes in 1857, Gertrude Eliza in 1859, Augusta Eliza in 1860, George in 1862, Gertrude Alice in 1864, Kate in 1867 and John in 1868.

In 1861 George and his family are living in Victoria Street in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  Sadly Gertrude Eliza was to pass away a few months after the 1861 Census was taken.

In 1871 the family had moved to West Street in Maidenhead.  Sixteen year old Margaret has left the family to work as a nursery maid for Rev William B Hole, vicar of St Luke's church in Maidenhead, and his family.   Fourteen year old Agnes is working as a nursemaid for the Smith Family in Boyne Hill, Maidenhead.  In 1873 Margaret marries Augustus Samuel Cole, a gardener from Hurley, Berkshire.

1881 and the family is still living in West Street.  George Jr is now an apprentice carpenter, working with his father, George.  Joining the family is four year old Morris William Cole, George and Eliza's grandson, son of Margaret and her husband Augustus Samuel Cole.

Agnes has moved to Sonning in Berkshire to work as a domestic servant for the Fuller family on their farm.

In 1883 Gertrude Alice marries Herbert William Nicholls, a carpenter from Oxfordshire.

In 1891 George, Eliza, Augusta, Kate and John are still living in West Street, Maidenhead.  Eliza is taking in work as a laundress, probably to help ends meet as George is now 60 years old.  Kate is working as a dress maker and John as a groom and cab driver.  George Jr and his wife Violet have moved to 6 Arthur street in St Pancras, London.  I have been unable to find anything on George and Violet's marriage, but in 1899 George marries Annie Louisa Payne in St Pancras, London.  That same year Kate marries John William Styles, an agricultural machinist.  Later in 1891 John marries Emily Gray.

1901 and George, Eliz and Augusta are still in West Street.  Living with them at the time is their nineteen year old grand-daughter Eliza A Cole.  John and his wife Emily are living at 34 College Road, Maidenhead, where John's occupation is listed as an ironmonger's porter.

Sadly, just three years later George Snr passes away aged 73 years.  George's death was reported in the Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer on 28th October 1904 -

"Death Of An Old Cricketer

The death took place on Saturday evening last of  Mr. George Taylor, at his residence, 54, West Street, Maidenhead, where he and his family had resided some 38 years.  Mr. Taylor was 73 years of age and was born in Maidenhead (all official records state White Waltham). From his youth he proved himself a most excellent cricketer, and played in many of the best matched of the Maidenhead Cricket Club and also assisted many of the neighbouring clubs.  He was founder of the late Maidenhead Grosvenor Cricket Club, and owned several prize bats, balls and caps, awarded to him for distinguished service.  He played cricket up to within a few years ago, and at the Coronation Sports won a race for men over 60 the prize being a salad bowl. 

Mr. Taylor had been in failing health for some time and his death was no unexpected.  He was greatly respected throughout the town and district, and his demise will be heard of by many of his old cricketing friends with great regret.  He leaves a widow and a grown up family of two sons and four daughters.  The funeral took place on Thursday at 2 o'clock."


1911 and the widowed Eliza is still working as a laundress at the age of 83.  Living with and helping her is her daughter Augusta Eliza and her grand-daughters Edith Alice Cole and Kate Augusta Nicholls.  Eliza was to pass away almost a year later in 1912 aged 84.

Augusta Eliza Taylor never married and died in  Maidenhead in 1941 aged 80.


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Flashback Friday - Ann Green 106 Years Young

**Originally posted 28th August 2012**

 



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

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

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

Temple House, Bisham

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

War Grave Wednesday: ATA First Officer David Russell Hayward

 

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

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

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

We will remember them.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

 

 

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

**Originally posted on 21st August 2012**

 

 

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

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

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

"Christoper, A favourite pony"

"Flossie"

"Missie"

"Chono"

"Laddie"

"Trixie"

"Baloo"

"Doushky"

"Dixie"

"Daphne"

"Midget"

"Blennie"

"Pugsy, dear pug"

"Tommy"

"Wallace"

"Snuff"

"Traffic Light"

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

Wednesday's Child - Keith Slater Allen

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


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


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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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


Taphophile Tragics
Tombstone Tuesday

Cemetery Sunday - Stanley's Angel

Holy Trinity, Cookham

 

Holy Trinity, Cookham

 

 

 

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

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

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

You can see Sarah Beesleys grave just behind

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

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

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

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

Charles West Cope

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

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

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

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

Notice of Charles West Cope's death

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

"Funeral of Mr. C. W. Cope, R.A. -

On Monday at mid-day, the remains of the late, Mr. Charles West Cope, R.A. were interred at Maidenhead Cemetery, the first part of the service being read at St. Luke's Church, in the parish of which Mr. Cope had resided for the last ten years.  The Rev. W. G. Sawyer, the late Vicar, conducted the service.  The funeral was of a private character, being attended only by the nearest relatives and friends.  Owing to the time of year, when nearly everybody is away, none of the members of the Royal Academy were able to be present, and tokens of sympathy and regret for unavoidable absence were received from Sir F. Leighton, President Royal Academy, and from Messers. Richmond, Alma, Tadema, Horsley, Wells, and others.

The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Mr. J. C. Webber, High Street.  Mr. Cope, who had resided in Maidenhead for some considerable time, died at Bournemouth, after a short illness, with comparatively little suffering, and in full possession of his intellectual powers till the last day of his life.  He had just entered his 80th year, his birthday being the 28th of July and the day of his death  the 21st of August."

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