Cemeteries and graveyards, full of love, betrayal, tragic deaths, murder, and suicide. What will you find?

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

William John Hamaton, Landlord of the White Horse Inn, High Street, Maidenhead, and his second wife Mary Ann Hamaton



Monument to William John Hamaton and Mary Ann Hamaton, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

"To The Memory Of
William John Hamaton
Died Novr 13th 1862
Aged 70 Years
Fear God And Keep His Commandments:
For This Is The Whole Duty Of Man.
 
Also Mary Ann
Reclict of the above
Departed this life March 7th 1876
Aged 82 Years."
 
 
William John Hamaton was born on 29th February 1792 in Bray,Berkshire, to William Hamaton and his wife Elizabeth Dibbs.  William was christened on 30th March 1792 at St Michael's Church in Bray, Berkshire.  At the same church on 1st May 1817 William married Margaret Randall. In 1818 their son William Frederick Hamaton was born. William in partnership with Francis Hamaton (his brother) in Hedsor, Buckinghamshire, ran a Barge carting business from Hedsor Wharf. This partnership was dissolved by mutual consent on 29th September 1825.
 
I am unable to find any further information on William and Margaret.  However, on 25th June 1836 at Taplow, Buckinghamshire, William marries Mary Ann Dancer and started up West End Farm in Warfield, Berkshire.
 
On the 1851 Census both William and Mary Ann appear living at West End Farm in Warfield were William is listed as farming 80 acres and employing 4 labourers.
 
On 21st July 1856 William took over the licence for the White Horse Inn, High Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where they can be found on the 1861 Census, Living with them at the time is Mary Ann's sister Rosanna.  A year later William on 13th November 1862 was to pass away at the White Horse Inn. On 22nd November 1862 the Reading Mercury carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

On the 13th inst., Mr. William John Hamaton, of the White Horse Inn, Maidenhead, aged 70."
 
On the 1871 Census the widowed Mary Ann has moved to Flackwell Heath, Wycombe to live with her sisters Rosanna, and Ann.  Five years later on 17th March 1876, Mary Ann was to join her husband in his grave. On the 8th April 1876 the Reading Mercury carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Hamaton.—On the 7th ult.. at Flackwell Heath, Mary Ann, widow of William John Hamaton, late of Maidenhead, aged 82 years."
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Weep Not My Husband Dear I Pray

St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire, England
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
Harriet wife of
Mr. Wm Chapman
Who Died Dec 19th 1841
Aged 30 Years.
Also their infant child
Aged 5 months
 
Weep Not my Husband dear I Pray,
It was Jesus called us both away.
With my sweet babe upon my breast
I now enjoy perpetual rest."
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, 24 June 2014

Tombstone Tuesday - Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD


Monument to Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD, Longden Cemetery, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England.


"In Beloved Memory Of
Julia Anne Hornblower Cock MD
Born 22 Feb 1860
The Lord Giveth And The Lord Hath Taken Away
Died 7th Feb 1914
And was interred at Rookwood
Are They Glad Because They are At Rest."
 
 
A friend of mind photographed the above monument whilst visiting a local cemetery and asked whether I would be interested in researching the life of Julia Anne Hornblower Cock.
 
Julia Anne Hornblower Cock was born on 22nd February 1860 to James Cock, a tanner, and his wife Ellen Lloyd.  Julia was christened on 19th March 1860 at St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
 
Copyright David Dixon.
 
Julia first appears on the 1861 Census, aged one year and living with her parents and elder siblings at The Baths in Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
 
By 1871 the family had moved to Beauchamp House on The Mount in Shrewsbury.
 
In 1877 Julia decided to embark on her career in the medical profession which at the time was a male dominated profession.  Julia was one of a few pioneering women who were determined to open up the profession to women.
 
The 1881 Census finds the twenty one year old Julia a medical student at Bedford college for girls in London.  At the time Julia is boarding at the home of Eliza A Townsend, head of the college, at 79 Gower Street, Finsbury, London. 
 
The 1891 Census finds the now qualified surgical physician Julia living at 15 Manchester Square in Marylebone, London along with her general servant Mary Jones.  Another lady physician, Jessie Crossfield is living a few houses away at 23 Manchester Square.  It is possible the Julia and Jessie attended the same college.
 
 
 
Between 1887 and 1892 Julia worked as a member of the in-patient and out-patient staff at a hospital for women.  In 1896 Julia took up the position of joint lecturer at the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.
 
By 1901 Julia had moved to 15 Nottingham Place, Marylebone, London  where she lived along with her two servants Mary Walton and Clara Barnard.  In 1903 Julia became the Dean of the London (Royal Free Hospital) School of Medicine for Women.
 
By 1911 Julia had moved to Sussex where she is listed as joint head of the household with another lady doctor, Louisa Woodcock at Colesbrook, Watersfield, Pulborough, Sussex.
 
Julia never married and passed away after suffering from a long illness three years later in 1914 six months before England declared war with Germany.
 
 
 
 
Linked with:
 
 
 
Sources:
 
 


Sunday, 22 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday - A Blasting Wind

 
"Fresh as the grass our bodies stand,
And flourish bright and gay.
A blasting wind sweeps o'er the earth,
And fades the grass away."
 
 

 

 




Tuesday, 17 June 2014

Henry Higgs, Veterinary Surgeon of Bray, Berkshire, his wife Elizabeth Higgs, and their son William Higgs



Memorial to William Higgs, Henry Higgs and Elizabeth Higgs, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

"Sacred To The Memory Of
William Higgs
Who Died Decr 18th 1841 Aged 17 years
Also
Henry Higgs
Father Of The Above
Who Died March 31st 1854 Aged 62 Years
Also
Elizabeth
Wife Of Henry Higgs
Who Died Novr 13th 1854 Aged 63 Years."
 
 
Henry Higgs was born in Bray, Berkshire on 7th July 1792 to John Higgs and his with Mary Anderson
 
On 25th March 1821 Henry married Elizabeth McCurley.  Elizabeth was born in St Pancras, London in 1794 to Henry McCurley and his Sarah Benfield.
 
Together they had eight children, Mary born in 1822, Elizabeth born in 1824, William born in 1825, Henry born in 1827, John in 1830, James born in 1833, Edward born in 1835 and Ellen born in 1837.
 
The family appears on the 1841 Census living in Maidenhead High Street, Berkshire where Henry Sr is working as a Veterinary Surgeon.  Sadly on 18th December that year 17 year old William passed away, possibly from tuberculosis.
 
On the 1851 Census, Henry and Elizabeth had moved to Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire along with Mary, John, James and Edward.  Elizabeth and Ellen are visiting the home of Charles Patfield in St Martin in the Fields, Middlesex.  Elizabeth is working as a milliner (hat maker).  I am unable to locate Henry Jr on the 1851 Census.
 
Sadly on 31st March 1854 Henry Snr passed away from Phthisis Pulmonalis more commonly known as tuberculosis.  Henry Sr had suffered with the condition for 12 months before his death.
 
Eight months later on 13th November 1854 Elizabeth followed her husband to the grave. 
 
After the death of their parents, Henry and Elizabeth's remaining children emigrated to Australia where they lived out their lives.
 
 
 
 

 


Sunday, 15 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Mr Basil Woodhouse

 
 
"Sacred To The Memory of
Mr Basil Woodhouse
Died August 9th 1817
Aged 62 Years"
 
St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.
 
 
 
 

 




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Tuesday, 10 June 2014

Richard Blackwell, Carpenter, his wife Sarah Blackwell, and their youngest daughter Kate Blackwell

 
 
Memorial to Sarah and Richard Blackwell, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.
 
"In Loving Memory Of
Sarah
Wife of Richard Blackwell
Died May 4th 1888 aged 69 years
They Rest From Their Labours
Also
Richard Blackwell
Died Feb 19th 1908 aged 83 years




 
"Sacred To The Memory Of
Kate
Youngest daughter of
Richard and Sarah Blackwell
Died July 4th 1884
Aged 26 Years."
 
 
Richard Blackwell was born in 1825 in Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire to Richard Blackwell, and his wife Sarah, a publican from Beaconsfield.  

Richard first appears on the 1841 Census, aged 15, living with his mother Sarah, and younger sister Eliza, in Aylesbury End, Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire where he is working as a carpenter's apprentice.
 
Sarah Blackwell was born in 1819 in Woolhampton, Berkshire.  I have been unable to locate anything about Sarah's early life or marriage to Richard.
 
In 1847 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son Herbert, followed by his brother William Henry in 1850.
 
On the 1851 Census, the young family can be found living at Wycombe End, Beaconsfield.  Sadly 6 year old Herbert passed away in 1853.  In 1854 another son, Walter Alan joined the family, followed by a daughter Alice in 1856, and Kate in 1858.
 
By the 1861 Census, Richard, Sarah, and their children had moved to Braywick in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Sarah has started working as a dress maker to boost the family's income.
 
1871 Census finds the family living in King Street, Maidenhead, where Richard is working as a carpenter along with his eldest surviving son, 21 year old William. Walter is working as a general printer, and Alice is helping her mother as a dress maker.
 
In 1878 William Henry Blackwell married Hannah Mariah Brown in Kensington, London.
 
By the 1881 Census Richard, Sarah, and their son Walter had moved to 14 Grove Road, Maidenhead.  William Henry and his wife Hannah are living at 27 Risborough Road with their young children Herbert William aged one, and Gertrude aged just 8 months.  Alice and Kate are boarding in the home of Mary J Rankin at 20 Conduit, Chelsea, London, where they are working as dress makers.
 
In 1883 Walter Alan married Amy Goodman in Somerset.
 
Sadly just a year later in 1884 at the age of 26 Kate Blackwell passed away.  Her mother Sarah followed her to the grave in 1888 aged 69.
 
In 1891 the widowed Richard is living with his son Walter, and daughter-in -aw Amy, and their children Kate Ethel and Mary Alice at 16 Grenfell Avenue, Maidenhead, Berkshire, where he remained until his death in 1908, aged 83.

  
 


Sunday, 8 June 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Mortal Dust

James and Jane Stevens
St Michel's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.

 
"All alike are Mortal Dust:
Vain is every Earthly Trust
None can see how soon they may
Be as Nothing, Watch and Pray."
 
 
 



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Friday, 6 June 2014

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.  

George first appears on the 1851 Census, aged 5, 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.

Eamma first appears int he 1851 Census, aged 3, living with her parents and siblings at 13 Cochrane Terrance, Marylebone, Middlesex.  I am unable to locate emma on the 1861 Census, but in 1871 she is back living with her parents and siblings at the Head Keeper's House, Zoological Gardens, Regent's Park/

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. 15 year old Minnie is working as a housekeeper for the Harris family in Lewisham.  

In 1898 Minnie married Thomas Pattenden, in Brighton, Sussex

In 1901 Emma and her daughter Kate were working as domestic housekeepers in Sturt Green, Holyport.  

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.  She was still there in 1921, only living alone. Emma remained in Holyport until her death in 1925

Family Connections: Their Children George James and Emma Hunt


Tuesday, 3 June 2014

William Compton of the George on the Green, Holyport, his wife Sarah Compton, and their sons James and William Compton

 
 
 
Memorial to Sarah and William Compton, St Michael's Churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
Sarah Compton
The beloved wife of
William Compton
Who died November 9th 1861
In the 57th year of her age
Also
William Compton
Who Died December 24 1885
In the 84th year of his age."
 
 
 
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory Of
James Compton
Who died September 5th 1885
Aged 45 years
Be therefore ready also for the Son of man cometh
at an hour when ye think not
Also
William Compton
Who died December 23rd 1909
Aged 71 years
Fret not thyself else shalt thou be moved to do evil."
 
 
Sarah Compton was born Sarah Field in Cookham, Berkshire, in 1804 to William Field, and his wife Elizabeth.  On 25th July 1836 in New Windsor, Berkshire, Sarah married William Compton, a publican.
 
William Compton was born in 1802 in Cheetham, Hampshire.
 
In the February of 1838 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son William.  A second son James followed in 1849, and a daughter Sarah Anne was born in 1841
 
Sarah and William first appear on the 1841 Census, living in Holyport, Berkshire, where they are running the George Inn on Holyport Green.  Living with their parents are 3 year old William, 2 year old James, and 6 month old Sarah.
 
The George Inn, Holyport, Berkshire
as it is today.
It has changed very little since
William Compton's time.
 
 
In 1845 a second daughter Mary Anne was born.
 
On the 1851 Census Sarah and William are still working and living at The George Inn.  Living with them are their children William, James, Sarah Anne, and Mary Anne as well as Charles Dadd, the ostler (stableman) for the Inn.
 
By 1861 James had left the family home to work as an errand boy for butcher John Bedborough in Castle Street, Windsor, Berkshire.  Sarah and William can still be found living and working at the George Inn in Holyport.  William Jr now also working as a butcher is still living at home.
 
Five years after the census was taken, Sarah passed away aged 57.
 
In the December of 1868 Sarah Anne married Henry William Halfacre, a farmer from Bray.
 
In 1871 the widowed William was still running the George Inn in Holyport, with the help of his eldest son William, and youngest daughter Mary Anne. James was still working for John Bedborough in Windsor, Berkshire.
 
By 1881 James had returned home to help his ageing father run the George Inn, along with his elder brother William, and younger sister Mary Ann.  Just 4 years later on 3rd September 1885 James Compton passed away aged only 45 years.  On 12th September 1885, the Reading Mercury carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Compton.—On the 3rd inst., at the George Inn, Holvport James Compton, aged 45 years."

On 24th December of that year his father William Compton followed him to the grave. On 2nd January 1886, the Reading Mercury carried the following announcement:

"Deaths

Compton- On the 24th ult., at the George Inn, Holyport, William Compton, senr., aged 83 years."
 
In 1891 William Jr and Mary Ann are still living and working at the George Inn in Holyport.
 
In 1901 the 62 year old William Jr was lodging in the home of Mary Aylin in Holyport, Berkshire.  Eight years later on 23rd December 1909 William Jr passed away aged 71.
 
In 1897 Mary Ann married Thomas Wakins, a farmer from  Sheepcote Lane, White Waltham. The 1901 Census finds the couple living in Sturt Green, Holyport Berkshire. Saldy Thomas was to pass away on 20th October 1910. On the 1911 Census widowed Mary Ann can be found living in the home of Thomas's brother-in-law George William Lawford, who married Jane Emily Wakins.

Mary Ann Wakins would pass away on 16th December 1917. She is buried in the churchyard of St John the Baptist, Crowthorne, Bracknell, Berkshire.
 
 
 

 
 
 

Sunday, 1 June 2014

Peter Pope, Victullar of Bray Parish, his wife Olive Pope, and their children, Julia Pope, John William Pope, and Eliza Pope - Secretly Buried Without Pomp

St Michael's Churchyard
Bray, Berkshire
England.
 
 
 
"Sacred
To The Memory of
Olive, wife of
Mr. Peter Pope
of Maidenhead
who died Decr 24th 1831
Aged 46
Also
Mr. Peter Pope
who died March 11th 1841
aged 62
Also
Three of Their Children."
 
 
 
Olive Pope was born Olive Buckland in 1785 in Swallowfield, Berkshire, to Joseph Buckland and his wife Mary Bleak.  On 2nd December 1809 in Cookham, Berkshire, Olive married Peter Pope. 
 
Peter Pope was born in 1780 in Rockbourne, Hampshire, to Peter Pope, and his wife Mary.  Peter was christened on 18th March 1780 in Rockbourne.  
 
Together they had ten living children, Mary, Thomas, Harriet, Eliza, Peter, Olive, John William, Joseph, James, and Julia.

Peter was a victualler in the parish of Bray, Berkshire.
 
Julia Pope was christened at St Michael's Church in Bray on 24th June 1827.  Sadly Julia was to pass away aged just two years old.  She was buried in St Michael's churchyard on 31st March 1829.
 
John William Pope passed away in 1835 aged 18, and Eliza Pope passed away in 1836 aged 17.

Peter Sr was to pass away on 11th March 1841. His last will and testament  dated 31st May 1834, states that:

"I desire to be secretly buried in the church yard of the parish of Bray without pomp and with as little exposure as may be."

Peter provided for all his living children in his will
 
 
 






Tuesday, 27 May 2014

Thomas Robinson, Market Gardener of Moneyrow Green, Holyport, and his wife Martha Robinson



Memorial to Thomas and Martha Robinson, St Michael's churchyard, Bray, Berkshire, England.

 
"In Loving Memory of
Thomas Robinson
Who Died January 28th 1885
Aged 83 Years
- Them Also Which Sleep In Jesus Will God Bring With Him -
Also of
Martha Robinson
Wife Of The Above
Who Died January 1st 1892
Aged 81 Years
-The Memory Of The Just Is Blessed-"
 
 
Thomas Robinson was born in Hambleden, Buckinghamshire in 1802 to John Robinson and his wife Elizabeth.  Thomas was christened on 21st March 1802.
 
On 8th October 1833 Thomas married Martha Abdy at St Michael's Church in Bray, Berkshire.
 
In 1835 they celebrated the birth of their son, Thomas Jr, soon followed by George in 1837, and a daughter, Elizabeth, in 1839.
 
The young family first appears in the 1841 Census living in Windsor Road, Bray, Berkshire, where Thomas is working as a gardener. 
 
1842 saw the birth of a third son, Ephraim.  A second daughter Mary followed in 1845, a third daughter Louisa in 1847, and a fourth Sarah in 1851
 
At the time of the 1851 Census, Thomas and Martha are still residing in their home in Windsor Road.  Thomas Jr is now working as a bricklayer at the age of 16, and 14 year old George has left home to work as an errand boy for Mr Charles Jones, a baker in Bray.  In 1854 Thomas and Martha's youngest child, a son, William, was born.
 
In 1856 George Robinson marries Mary Pearson in Windsor, Berkshire.
 
Thomas and his family are still living at their home in Windsor Road, Bray by the time of the 1861 Census.  Thomas has now become a market gardener. Market gardeners were relatively small scale producers of fruits and vegetables grown on a small area of land.  The produce was often sold direct to customers or to restaurants and Inns.  Elizabeth is working as a servant whilst living at home, while Ephraim has left home to work as a baker for Mr Henry Cowdery in Cookham High Street.  Interestingly on the 1861 Census, Ephraim is living next door to Sir Stanley Spencer's paternal grandfather, Julius Spencer.
 
George, now working as a baker, and his new wife Mary are lodging at The Cricketer's Beer House on Holyport Green, Holyport, Berkshire (now a private house).
 
In 1867 Thomas Jr marries Eliza House, daughter of Ephraim House of the Wheatsheaf Inn, Grazeley, Berkshire, in Salford, Lancashire.
 
By 1871 Thomas and Martha had moved to Money Row Green, Holyport Berkshire.  At the age of 70, Thomas is still working the land as a market gardener.  Staying with them at the time is their eldest son Thomas who has unfortunately fallen on hard times and is out of employment.  Elizabeth, Mary, and William are still living with their parents.  Sarah has left home to work as a general domestic servant in the home of Mrs Elizabeth Stephenson at 1 Carlton Villas, Hencroft Street, Upton-cum-Chalvey in Slough, Berkshire. Louisa has moved to Grazeley, Berkshire to work as a house keeper for Ephraim House at the Wheatsheaf Inn.

George, his wife Mary, and their daughter Eliza are living and running a bakery from 23 Oxford Road, Clewer, Windsor, Berkshire.
 
1881 finds the now elderly Thomas and Martha still living at their home in Money Row Green, Holyport.  At 80 years old Thomas is still listed as working as a gardener.  Elizabeth and William are still living with their parents.
 
Thomas Jr has taken over the running of the Wheatsheaf  Inn in Grazeley, Berkshire, along with his wife Eliza.  Thomas's sister Louisa is living and working at The Inn as an assistant.  Thomas's other sister Mary is visiting at the time.

Sarah has moved to Putney, London to work as a general domestic servant in the home of tea merchant D. Bigwood at 6 Ravenna Road.
 
Four years after the 1881 Census was taken, Thomas Snr passed away aged 83.
 
1891 finds the eighty one year old widowed Martha still living in Money Row Green, Holyport.  Martha's youngest son, William has taken over the market garden business but it is clear Martha is still in charge as her occupation is listed as a market gardener proprietress.

A year later Martha joins her husband in eternal rest at St Michael's churchyard in Bray.

St Michael's Church, Bray, Berkshire.

© Copyright - Rob Neild
and licensed for reuse
under this Creative Commons Licence 
 
 
 
.


 
 



Sunday, 25 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Annie

To The Memory Of
Annie
St Michael's Churchyard Bray, Berkshire,
England.






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Tuesday, 20 May 2014

Lousia Munns, Headmistress of Spital Infant School, Clewer, Windsor

 
 
Memorial to Louisa Munns, All Saints Churchyard, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead, Berkshire, England.
 
 
"Louisa Munns
Who fell asleep in Jesus
On Sunday Sept 9th 1883
Aged 22 Years."
 
 
 
Louisa Munns was born in Maidenhead in 1860 to Stephen Munns, a painter, and his wife Phoebe Smith.
 
Louisa first appears on the 1861 Census aged only 6 months, she is living in Braywick Road, Maidenhead, Berkshire, with her parents and elder siblings Henry Stephen, and Phoebe
 
In 1871 Louisa, now aged 10, and her family had moved to 32 King Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire.
 
In 1881 Louisa, now 20 years old, is lodging at Alexandra Terrace, Windsor, Berkshire.  Her occupation is listed as an elementary school teacher.
 
Sadly just two years later on 9th September 1883, Louisa Munns passed away aged just 22 years. On 19th September 1883 the Maidenhead Advertiser reported:

"The remains were interred in All Saints' churchyard on Saturday afternoon last of Miss Louisa Munns, daughter of Stephen and Munns, of this Town. For a considerable time the deceased was a teacher at the Wesleyan Sunday and Day Schools. and subsequently accepted the position of mistress of the Spital Infant School, near Windsor. Illness, however. compelled her a few months ago to return to Maidenhead, and she succumbed to the insidious disease, consumption. on the 9th inst. She was much beloved by a wide circle of friends in Maidenhead and Windsor, and the interment was witnessed by a large number of persons from both towns, and the sorrow shown was genuine. By request. the Rev. Dr. Gee. Vicar of St. John the Baptist Parish Church, Clewer, readily attended to officiate at the burial. Two crosses and several wreaths were placed upon the coffin by friends, and as a token of their respect for the deceased, Captain and Mrs. Denham (Windsor) sent an everlasting wreath. She was 22 years of age."
 
Little than a year later on Friday 30th May 1884, Louisa's father had a serious accident at his home.  The Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer reported on Saturday 31st May 1884:
 
"A Fall - Whilst Constable Cullen was on duty at 9:40 in King's Street, on Friday evening, he heard screams and cries for help proceeding from the house of Mr. Stephen Munns, and on going there he ascertained that Mr. Munns had fallen down a flight of 13 stairs with two buckets of whitewash.  His head was on the floor whilst his legs lay on the bottom stair.  The constable who some time since passed an Ambulance examination for First Aid to the Injured, well sponged the mans face and rendered other necessary aid, and then sent for a surgeon.  Mr. Montgomery promptly attended, and found that Munns has sustained a fracture to the base of his skull, and an injury to one of this shoulders.  His life was at first despaired of, but he rallied, and he is now going on well."
 
 
Stephen lived for a further 16 years after his accident, passing away in 1900 in Maidenhead, Berkshire.




 



Sunday, 18 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Angel - All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery

Praying Angel
All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England






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Tuesday, 13 May 2014

Emma Lipscombe and the Tragic Death of her Grand-daughter Mildred Ethel Aplin - "Dead With Her Cats"



Monument to Emma Lipscombe, All Saints Cemetery, Boyne Hill, Maidenhead. Berkshire.

"In
fond Memory
Of
Emma Lipscombe
Who fell asleep in Jesus
March 13th 1886 . Aged 69 Years.
 
For I reckon that the sufferings of the present
time, are not worthy to be compared with the
glory which shall be revealed in us."
 
 
Emma Lispcombe was born Emma Illsley on 21st September 1817 in Maidenhead, Berkshire, to John Illsley, a waggoner and carrier, and his wife Mary Kay.
 
 
On 4th September 1838 at St John the Baptist church, in Hoxton, Middlesex, Emma married Issac Lipscombe, a butcher.  They celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter, Katherine Lousia Lipscombe in 1841.  The 1841 Census shows the young family living at Pitfield Street, Hoxton, Middlesex, where Issac worked as a butcher employing three assistants, one of which was Emma's younger brother Richard Illsley.  Sadly that same year little Katherine passed away.
 
In 1843 Emma and Issac celebrated the birth of their son Richard, followed by a second daughter Emma in 1844.  Sadly little Emma was to pass away two years later in 1846.  A third daughter for Emma and Issac was born in 1849, Mary Ann Lipscombe.  The 1851 Census finds the family living and working at Waymouth Terrace West, Haggerstone, Middlesex.
 
1853 saw the birth of another daughter in the Lipscombe family, Katherine Lucy Lipscombe, followed by her sister Elizabeth Emma Lipscombe in 1856.
 
The 1861 Census shows Emma Lipscombe visiting her elder brother, John Illsley, at his home in Maidenhead, Berkshire.  However she also appears on the same Census living at No.1 Bedford Cottages, Lambeth, Surrey, with her husband and three young daughters, Mary, Kathrine (Lucy) and Elizabeth.  On 24th May 1868 Richard Lipscombe marries Mary Ann Middleton at the Independent Chapel, Stamford, Lincolnshire.
 
Oddly in 1871 Issac appears as living in the common lodging house of Ann Argent at 182 Osborn Place in Tower Hamlets, London.  Issac's marital status is listed as being a widower.  Emma however is running her own boarding house in York Street, Maidenhead along with her youngest daughter Elizabeth.  Issac seems to completely vanish from the records after the 1871 Census entry.  I cannot even locate a death for him.  Perhaps there was some sort of break down in their relationship.
 
In 1881 Emma can be found living at 3 Park Terrace, Maidenhead, Berkshire, along with her eldest surviving daughter Mary, and her youngest daughter Elizabeth.  Visiting at the time is Emma's now married daughter Katherine Lucy Bradford.  Emma's occupation is listed as being an Annuitant.

That same year Elizabeth Emma Lipscombe married William Robert Alpin, an ironmonger's assistant, in Maidenhead. They celebrated the birth of their only child, a daughter Mildred Ethel in 1888. After the death of William in 1911 and before the 1921 Census Mildred moved to 4 Laleham Road, Margate, Kent. Mildred never married and remained at 4 Laleham Road until her tragic death in 1939. On 29th November 1939 the East Kent Times and Mail reported:

"DEAD WITH HER CATS. 

Tragic Discovery at Margate. 

Lonely Woman's "Disappearance." 

The body of a woman whose death occurred several days ago was found by police officers in a house at Cliftonville on Monday evening. The woman was Miss Aplin, of 4. Lateham-road. Cliftonville. who had been living alone at that address since the death of her mother eleven weeks previously. She had not been seen for several days. and when neighbours reported this fact to the police, inquiries were made. When police officers entered the house they found Miss Aplin's body. Medical opinion was that death had taken place about ten days before. Miss Aplin was well known in the neighbourhood. She was passionately fond of cats, and over a dozen of these pets were found in the house with the dead body. It is understood that there will not be an inquest."

 
After Emma's death on 13th March 1886, Mary Ann Lipscombe went to live with her sister Katherine Lucy Bradford, her husband Samuel, and their children in Lewisham, London.
 


Sunday, 11 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday Blog Hop - Celtic Cross, All Saints Maidenhead, Cemetery

All Saints Maidenhead Cemetery
Maidenhead, Berkshire
England.






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Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Thomas Britten of the Queen Street Dairy, Maidenhead, his wife Charlotte Britten, and their son Thomas Ginders Britten - Buried At Sea



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


"In Loving Memory Of 
Thomas Britten
Born June 19th 1829 Died April 8th 1883. 
Also of
Mary Charlotte Britten
wife of the above
Born March 6th 1840 Died 28th Dec 1914
'her children rise up and call her blessed'
Also of
Thomas Ginder Britten
son of the above
Born Jan 6th 1870 died Feb 2nd 1913
Buried At Sea"
 
"The Eternal God Is Thy Refuge. And Underneath Are The Everlasting Arms"
 
 
 
Thomas Britten was born in Stoke Bliss, Herefordshire on 19th June 1829 to John Britten, a farmer of 250 Acres, and his wife Sarah Hay.
 
In 1851, 15 year old Thomas was working as an assistant draper whilst living with his parents and older brothers Edward and John at the family's farm in Laysters, Herefordshire.
 
By 1861, Thomas Britten was working as a draper's assistant in Liverpool for Woolright's Silk Mercer and Carpet Dealer, 18-22 Bond Street.  However in 1865 Thomas Britten set up his own drapery shop at 54 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, Ginders and Britten, having married Mary Charlotte Ginder sthat same year on 9th August.
 
Mary Charlotte Ginders was born in Ingestre, Staffordshire in 1840 to Jeremiah Ginders II, a brick works industrialist, and his wife Ellen Marsh.  Mary's father passed away when she was only 3 years old in 1843, leaving her mother Ellen and her siblings well provided for.  Mary lived with her widowed mother and siblings at 13 Church Street in Birkenhead until her marriage to Thomas Britten in 1865.  There are some accounts that the Ginders family were not happy with the arrangement and felt Thomas was not a good match for Mary as he was 'socially inferior' being 'trade'.
 
In 1866 Thomas and Mary celebrated the birth of their first child, a daughter,  Charlotte Thomasine Britten, followed closely by a son, Thomas John Britten in 1867.  Sadly baby Thomas was to pass away that same year.  Another daughter Julianne Britten was born in 1868, followed by a son Thomas Ginders in 1870 and a third daughter, Ellen Elizabeth in 1871.  That same year, the Britten family were living above their drapery shop in Argyle Street, Birkenhead

Argyle Street, Birkenhead
Ginders and Britten was located opposite
the Argyle Theatre.
Source: Wirral History.net
 
 
In 1873 another daughter, Mary Louise was born, followed by another daughter, Jessie in 1875, followed by Florence in 1876.  1877 saw the birth of a son, Robert Victor, and 1879 saw the birth of Thomas and Mary's youngest child, a son, Edward.  Sadly 1879 also saw the passing of Thomas and Mary's eldest child, 12 year old Charlotte Thomasine.
 
However, it seems that perhaps the Ginders family had a greater reason for their disapproval in Thomas Britten other than his social standing, as the drapery business soon failed. On 26th April 1879 the Liverpool Mail ran the following notice:

"IN LIQUIDATION. 
THE ENTIRE STOCK-IN-TRADE - OF MR. THOMAS BRITTEN 
(Late Britten and Ginders) 
DRAPER AND SILK MERCER, 54, ARGYLE STREET, BIRKENHEAD, 
AMOUNTING AT COST PRICE TO £839 158.11 D. 

OWEN OWEN has been declared the Purchaser, by public tender, by the Accountant to the Estate, Mr. J. ' Mawson, 44, Hamilton-square, Birkenhead, at a discount of 48 3/4per cent from cost or stock-book prices of the entire STOCK-IN-TRADE of Mr. Thomas Britten, Draper, Silk Mercer, and Mantle Manufacturer, 54, Argyle Street, Birkenhead."
 
By 1881 Thomas had moved his family to Maidenhead, Berkshire where they ran a small dairy shop from 9 Queen Street.  Sadly Thomas was to pass away two years later in 1883, leaving Mary penniless with eight surviving children to support.  Mary had no choice but to take over the running of the dairy shop in Queen Street.


9 Queen Street, Maidenhead
As it is today 2014
 
 
The 1891 Census shows Mary as running the dairy business from 9 Queen Street, her daughter Ellen is working as a governess, while Jessie, Florence, Robert, and Edward are all attending school.  Thomas Ginders Britten, now working as a drapers assistant, is visiting the family of William Hutchinson in Croydon, London.  Soon after Thomas Ginders enrolled in the army and served as a Private during the Second Boer War with the 7th Royal Dragoon Guards.  Thomas soon became a hard drinker.
 
On the 1901 Census Mary Charlotte Britten can be found visiting her sisters Elizabeth Pike, and Julia Nicholson in Malvern, Worcestershire, along with her daughters Julianne, Mary Louise, and Florence.  Mary's daughter remained in Malvern to run a private school for girls.  The venture was sort lived.
 
Mary was still running the dairy business in 1905 when she was summoned to court for "selling milk being 13 per cent deficient in fat",  as reported in the Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer on January 14th 1905.  The case was dismissed due to the summons being wrongly served.
 
By 1911 Edward, Mary's youngest son Edward had taken over the running of the dairy business.  Unfortunately Edward was feckless and the business soon began to decline under his control.  After his wife Sarah's death in 1925, Edward emigrated to Canada and his eldest son, also Edward to Australia.  There is a rumour that Edward's younger children were simply packed off to an orphanage, but I haven't been able to find any evidence.

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


The Creamery
A similar dairy located at
76 Queen Street, Maidenhead
c1908 Source: Maidenhead Advertiser
 
 
Private Thomas Ginders stayed on in South Africa after the Second Boer War.  Sadly, Thomas Ginders passed away on 2nd February 1913, from a sarcoma and exhaustion on his passage back to England on The Edinburgh Castle.  He was subsequently buried at sea.


The Edinburgh Castle, leaving Cape Town, 
South Africa.


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



Sunday, 4 May 2014

Cemetery Sunday - Mr. James May of Bath


 
"In Affectionate Memory Of
Mr. James May
of Bath
Who departed this life
February 7th 1870 Aged 26 years
 
I am the resurrection and the life
whosoever believeth in me shall not
perish but have everlasting life"
 


Tuesday, 4 March 2014

Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams MP on Temple House, Bisham, Berkshire and his sister Edith Finch, Countess of Aylesford


 
 
 
Monument to Lieutenant General Lewis Cope Williams MP and Edith Countess of Aylesford, All Saints Churchyard, Bisham, Berkshire.
 
"Vault of the Williams Family of Temple House Berkshire - In Loving Memory of Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams born 13th July 1836 died Oct 2nd 1904.  This monument was erected by his widow in grateful remembrance of 22 happy years spent together.

Edith Countess of Aylesford Widow of Heneage 7th Earl and daughter of Col Thomas Peers Williams of Temple House.  Born April 12th 1842 died June 24th 1897."
 
 
Lieutenant General Owen Lewis Cope Williams was born on 13th July 1836 at 41 Berkley Square, London, eldest son of Colonel Thomas Peers Williams, who sat in the House of Commons for Great Marlow from 1820 to 1868, and his wife Emily Bacon, youngest daughter of Anthony Bushby Bacon, an industrialist of Benham Park, Berkshire.
 
Countess Edith Finch was born Edith Williams on 12th April 1842 to Colonel Thomas Peers Williams and Emily Bacon.
 
 
Lieutenant General Williams first appears on the 1841 Census aged four years old, living with his parents and younger sisters Margaret, and Emily at 41 Berkeley Square, Westminster, London.
 
In 1851, however, 14 year old Lieutenant General Williams can be found studying at Eton College in Eton, Berkshire.  In 1854 Lieutenant General Williams entered the Royal Horse Guards, he became Lieutenant in 1856 and Captain in 1858.
 
 
Countess Edith first appears on the 1851 Census, aged 9 years, living with her parents, elder sisters Margaret Elizabeth, and Emily Gwendolyn, younger sisters Blanche, and Nina Janet Bronwyn, younger brother Thomas Anthony Hwfa, Uncle George Bacon, and cousin Kate Bacon.
 
By 1861 Lieutenant General Williams has returned to Temple House where he is now listed as being Captain of Royal Horse Guards.  His parents and sister Countess Edith have moved to Craig-y-don in Anglesey, Wales.
 
In 1862 Lieutenant General Williams married Fanny Florence Caulfield, in 1865 they celebrated the birth of their first child, a son, Owen Gywnydd St George Williams, followed closely by his brother Ivor Henry Williams in 1867.  In 1866 Lieutenant General Williams became Lieutenant Colonel.
 
In 1871 Lieutenant General Williams, now made a Colonel, his wife, and two young sons can be found living at 24 Hill Street in Westminster, London.  

That same year countess Edith married Henaege Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford.  In 1872 they celebrated the birth of their first child, Lady Hilda Joanna Gwendoline Finch, followed by her sister Lady Alexandra Louise Minna Finch in 1875.  However in 1877 the Earl of Aylesford and Countess Edith had separated.  After their separation, on November 4th 1881 at 8 Avenue Friedland, Paris, France, a son, Guy Bertrand Spencer Aylesford was born to Edith.  However there was some question as to his legitimacy.  After the Earl's death in 1885, Countess Edith petitioned the House of Lords to have her son Guy acknowledged as the son and heir of her late husband.  However the petition was unsuccessful with the title of 8th Earl of Aylesford being passed to Henaege's brother Charles Wightwick Finch.  

The real father of Guy Bertrand was George Charles Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford, 8th Duke of Marlborough.  Before the 7th Earl of Aylesford's death Countess Edith and the Duke's younger brother, Lord Randolph Churchill, tried to get the petition dropped by threatening the Princess of wales that they would subpoena the Prince of Wales as a witness. Henaege Finch, 7th Earl of Aylesford died before the divorce could be finalised.
 
In 1881 Countess Edith can be found living alone at 11 Portugal Street in Chelsea, London.  Later in 1891 Countess Edith and 9 year old Guy Bertrand Spencer were living at Bear Place, Hare Hatch, Wargrave, Berkshire.  Her daughters can be found living with their paternal grandmother Lady Augusta Sophia, Dowager Countess of Aylesford.
 
In 1876 Fanny Florence Williams passed away. 
 
In 1880 until 1885 Lieutenant General Williams becomes the Conservative MP for Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire as well as the justice of the Peace for Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Anglesey and Carnarvon.  In 1882 he is promoted to Major General.  He also held the office of Silver Stick in Waiting to Her Majesty Queen Victoria.
 
I am unable to locate the widowed Lieutenant General Williams on the 1881 Census, but his eldest son Owen Gywnydd can be found studying at Eton College in Eton, Berkshire.  .
 
In 1882 Lieutenant General Williams married Nina Mary Adelaide Sinclair, who was twenty years his junior.  He retires from the army in 1887 with the honourary rank of Lieutenant General.
 
By 1891 Lieutenant General Williams had returned to Temple House in Bisham, Berkshire, where he is living with his second wife Nina, and eldest son Captain Owen Gywnydd (Captain of the Royal Horse Guards).  Living with the family is 5 month old Archibald Henry Macdonald Sinclair, Nina's nephew.  In 1901 Lieutenant General Williams, his wife Nina and Archibald Sinclair are still residing at Temple House in Bisham, Berkshire.  Sometime before 1904 Ivor Henry Williams passes away.
 
In 1892 the George Charles Spencer-Churchill, 8th duke of Marlborough passes
 
On June 24th 1897 Countess Edith Aylesford passes away at 61 Welbeck Street, London. On 3rd July 1897 the Reading Mercury reported:

"Funeral of the Countess of Aylesford.— 

The funeral of Edith, Countess of Aylesford. who died last week after a short illness, took place on Monday at Bisham Church. The mourners included General and Mrs. Owen Williams, Mr. Hwfa Williams, Colonel Wellesley, and other relatives and friends. The Rev. T. E. Powell, vicar of Bisham, was the officiating clergyman. Amongst large number of wreaths was one sent by the Prince and Princess of Wales."

That same day the The Warwick and Warickshire Advertiser reported:

"DEATH OF THE COUNTESS OF AYLESFOED. 

Edith, Countem of Aylesford, died on Thursday pn last week, at 61, Welbeck-etreet, London, after a short illness. It Is some years, says the London Daily Mail, since Lady Aylesford was much seen in London. She was a daughter of the late Colonel Piere Williams, of Temple House, Bucks. She married, in 1871, the late Lord Aylesford. Their later married life was a very unhappy one, and their divorce proceedings caused much talk at the time, but neither gained their case. 

At his father’s death Lady Aylesford tried to prove that her son was entitled to the earldom, but in this also she unsuccessful. Lord and Lady Aylesford had two daughters, Lady Hilda and Lady Alexandra Finch. Many families are placed in mourning Lady Aylesford's death, noteably Mr. and Mrs. Hwfs Williams and her sisters, the Duchess of Wellington, Dowager Lady Cowley, Lady Charles Ker, and Lady Bulkeley. By this sad event, Mrs. Hwfa Williams was prevented attending the fancy ball at Devonshire House on Friday. The funeral took place on Monday at Bisham Church, near Marlow." 
 
On 2nd October 1904 Lieutenant General Williams passed away at his home in Temple House, Bisham. On 8th October 1904 the Newmarket Journal reported:

"DEATH OF GENERAL OWEN WILLIAMS. 

Lieutenant-General Owen Williams died at his residence, Temple House, Great Marlow, Bucks. at half-past four on Sunday morning. The general's health had been failing for the last few years and three weeks ago a serious attack developed. Though the patient rallied at times the worst was feared, and on Saturday night his condition became critical, and he passed peacefully away in the presence of Mrs. Williams and his only surviving son. 

Lieutenant-General Owen Lewis Cope Williams had a long family connection with Marlow, Temple House having been purchased by his great-grandfather in the eighteenth century. His great-grandfather, grandfather, and father had all represented the Borough of Marlow in Parliament. General Williams was returned in the Conservative interest in 1880. The Redistribution Act of 1885 disfranchised Marlow, and General Williams did not seek Parliamentary honours elsewhere. 

General Owen Williams was born in London in 1838, and was the eldest son of the late Colonel Thomas Peers Williams. M.P. Leaving Eton. he entered the Royal Horse Guards in  1854 and attained the rank of lieutenant-general in 1887 He as. Equerry to the King (then Prince of Wales) during his Indian tour in 1875-76. General Williams took a great interest in coaching and horse-racing and was made a member of the Jockey Club in 1881. 

He was twice married, firstly  to Fanny Florence, youngest daughter of the late Mr. St. George Caulfield. of Donamon (she died in 1876), and secondly to Nina Mary Adelaide, youngest daughter of Sir Tollemache Sinclair, Bart. He was J.P. for Anglesey and Buekinghanishire." 
 
The widowed Nina Williams leaves Temple House in Bisham and takes up residence at the family home at 24 Hill Street, Westminster, London, where she can be found on the 1911 Census.  Young Lieutenant Archibald Sinclair has become a commissioned officer in the 2nd Life Guards At St George, Hanover Square in London.
 
In 1910 Guy Bertrand Spencer married Lily Blanche Saville.  In 1911 Guy Bertrand Spencer and his wife Lily can be found living at New Road, Dinton, Aylesbury.  Guy Bertrand Spencer's occupation is listed as a brewer.
 
 

 


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