Robert Clifton Davy M.S.A., Architect of Residential Maidenhead, and His Wife Susannah Sarah Davy

Monument to Robert Clifton Davy and Susannah Sarah Davy, All Saints Church, Boyn Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

"Whatsoever thy hand find to do. Do it with thy might. To the beloved memory of Robert Clifton Davy who fell asleep May 6 1908 aged 57 years.

For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come.  To the beloved memory of Susannah Sarah Davy his wife who feel asleep July 14 1913 aged 69 years."

Robert Clifton Davy was born in Maidenhead on 2nd July 1851 to Clifton Davy, a tailor and lock keeper, and his wife Mary Ann Lucas.  He first appears on the 1861 Census living with his parents at Boulter's Lock, Ray Mill Island, Maidenhead, Berkshire.

In 1871 the family is still living at Ray Mill Island, but Clifton is no longer the lock keeper.  Robert's occupation is listed as an architect and surveyor.  Sadly in 1873 Robert's mother Mary Ann passed away.

Susannah Sarah Davy was born Susannah Sarah Gunn in 1843 in Great Dunmow, Essex to John Perry Gunn, a hairdresser, and his wife Sarah Cross.  The first Census I can find Susannah on is the 1861 Census.  She's living with her parents and siblings John Cross, Henrietta, Henry, Edwin, George and Ellen Edith at West Street in Great Dunmow, Essex. In 1866 Susannah's mother Sarah was to pass away, followed later by her father John Perry in 1869.  In 1871 Susannah, listed as Sarah, is working as a governess for the Ricardo family at Ray Mead Cottage, Maidenhead.

In 1878 Robert marries Susannah Sarah Gunn and in 1879 they celebrate the birth of their son Clifton Robert Davy.  In 1881 the young family can be found living at 3 York Villas, York Road, Maidenhead.  Living with the family at the time were the widowed Clifton Davy and Susannah's sister Ellen Edith Gunn.  By 1891 the family, along with Robert's father Clifton, had moved to The Chestnuts, All Saints Avenue, Maidenhead where the family and Clifton Snr are still living in 1901.  Clifton Robert's occupation is listed as architect's assistant.  Sadly, Clifton Snr was to die later that year aged 86.  Robert Clifton was to follow his father in 1908. On 13th May 1908 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

" The Death Of Mr. R Clifton Davy

It is with profound regret that we record the death of Mr. Robert Clifton Davy, M.S.A., of 'The Chestnuts,' All Saints'-avenue, Maidenhead, a gentleman held in the highest esteem throughout the town and district. Mr. Davy, who practised in Maidenhead as an architect, and had been very successful in his profession, he had not been in good health for some time; he was susceptible to influenza, and whenever the malady was rife in the town he was almost a certain victim. The attacks had, of course a prejudicial effect on his hitherto robust constitution. In March a combination of aliments compelled him to take to his bed; his condition, however, was such ass to give not the slightest cause for apprehension, and when just before Easter he was able to get about again and resume work, it was thought that he had practically recovered. On Easter Tuesday, however, he was proceeding to the Easter Vestry at St Mary's Church, as one of the Churchwardens, he had a paralytic seizure in his office, and had to be conveyed to his home. He did not lose consciousness, and after a couple of weeks had expired it was thought he would recover. Unfortunately, Mr. Davy had another seizure on Wednesday morning last. This, alas! proved fatal, as he gradually sank and died at about 8 o'clock the same evening. He was attended throughout his illness by Dr. Wethered, who did all that was possible to save his patient's life.   

Mr. Davy was a native of Maidenhead. He was the only son of the late Mr. Clifton Davy, and was born on July, 2nd, 1851, being thus in his 57th year at the time of his death. He was educated privately, and was articled to the late Mr. Charles Cooper, architect, &c., of Maidenhead, subsequently joining him in partnership; upon Mr. Cooper decease, Mr. Davy too the entire control of the business. In 1893 Mr. Davy took into partnership Mr. Stephen Salter, but in 1905 there was a dissolution of the partnership, from which time his son had been associated with him in his practice. His architectural work throughout had been chiefly of a domestic character, and he has been responsible for the designing of a large number of the modern attractive residences in Berks, and to some extent in Surrey, notable amongst his designed residences in Berks being that of Bray Lodge (formerly the home of Mrs. Brown-Potter), probably the most-photographed residence of recent times. Many of the best and most picturesque dwellings in developed Maidenhead are from plans prepared in Mr. Davy's office, and it is to his artistic ability that Maidenhead owes much of its success from the point of view of its architecture. At the time of his death, Mr. Davy had in business with him his only son, Mr. Clifton Robert Davy.

The deceased gentleman was for nearly 25 years People's Churchwarden of St Mary's, Maidenhead, and he discharged the duties of the office with conspicuous ability, and enjoyed the fullest confidence of the vicars and parishioners whom he served in his responsible position. He was greatly interested in Freemasonry, and was a Past Master of the 'Ellington' lodge and a Past Junior Warden of the Province. As hon. secretary of the Maidenhead Auxiliary of the British and Foreign Bible Society, Mr. Davy rendered a world-famed society valuable service, and it was a matter of much regret to him that, owing to illness, he was unable to attend the last annual meeting of the local branch.

Mr. Davy, like most other folk, had his hobbies. These took the form of photography, bee-keeping, and floriculture. As an amateur photographer, he was very successful, and few professional artists could produce better work. On the occasion of any public bazaar in behalf of St Mary's Church, a corner was always reserved for Mr. Davy's photographs, which had a ready sale and now adorn the walls of many a home.

Mr. Davy married Susan Sarah, daughter of Mr. John Gunn, of Great Dunmow, Essex, who, with one son, mourn his loss.

Mr. Davy's courteous, unassuming demeanour and kindliness of heart, combined with his sterling Christian character, commanded respect and won affection, and his death is a distinct loss to the community. Mrs. Davy has been the recipient of many much-appreciated letters of condolence, and every reader of the Advertiser who was acquainted with Mr. Davy will join in expressing the deepest sympathy with the widow in her irreparable loss."   

In 1906 Clifton Jr married Ethel Rose Cooper in Maidenhead, Berkshire

In 1911 the widowed Susannah is still living at The Chestnuts, All Saints Avenue.  Visiting her at the time of the Census is her niece Ellen Florence Gunn.  Clifton and Ethel Rose, along with their daughter Evelyn Beatrice are living at the Boarding house of Myra Wood and Alice Cook, 50-51 Eversfield Place in Hastings, Sussex.


Susannah was to pass away on 14th July 1913. On 16th July 1913 the Maidenhead Advertiser carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Davy- On Jul 14th, Susannah Sarah, relict of Robert Clifton Davy, M.S.A."