2.

Edward Maitland was born to Edward and Mary Lauderdale on 8 Jul 1883 in Great Grimsby, Lincolshire at Abbey Road.^40,41,42 Edward Maitland Lauderdale's,⁴³ son of Edward Lauderdale and Mary Jane Brown, birth was reported to the Registrar H M Steppington by Edward's father Edward Lauderdale on 18 Oct 1883 at the the Register Office for Great Grimsby. His father seems to left it rather late as nearly 3 months elapsed between his son's birth and registration.^44,45

Edward was recorded in the 1891 Census taken on 5 Apr 1891 for Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire as living with his parents Edward and Mary Lauderdale at Abbey Road. The household consisted of Edward, his wife Mary, their two children Edward age 7 and Alice age 4. They also had a general servant Alice Williamson. The size of the house is unknown but it must have been fairly substantial and in an affluent area as most properties had at least one servant. Both the children are attending school.⁴⁶

Edward was baptised on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The service was conducted by Edward, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite. His parents Edward and Mary Lauderdale would have been present. His parents would have been present and his sisters Maggie and Alice were baptised on the same occasion. The reason for the 'group' baptism was that their father had resigned as minister of the Baptist Tabernacle in Grimbsy, had moved to Lincoln and been ordained as a Church of England minister.⁴⁷

Edward was a present at the Baptism of his sister Maggie Maitland on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire.⁴⁸

Edward was a present at the Baptism of his sister Alice Maitland on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire.⁴⁹

Edward was recorded in the 1901 Census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Lincoln, Lincolnshire as living with his parents Edward and Mary Lauderdale at 13 West Parade. The household consisted of Edward, his wife Mary and their children Margaret, Edward and Alice They also had two 'live in' two servants Kate Singleton who is described as a ladies (sic) help and Alice Hannah who is a housemaid. The size of the house is unknown but it must have been large and in a fairly affluent area as all the households along the street had at least one servant.⁵⁰

Frm 1909 to 1960 Edward was a medical practitioner in London. After obtaining a B.A. at Cambridge it is thought that he finished his training at St Thomas' Hospital in London. He was made a M.R.C.S. and a L.R.C.P. in 1909 and in the 1911 Census is shown as working at St Thomas' where he became Senior House Physician and Senior Obstetric House Physician. Sometime prior to 1925 he started or acquired a general practice at 211 Lower Rd, S.W.16 in Bermondsey. In 1970 the practice moved to 51 Hawkstone Road and in 1975 he retired although it seems almost inconceivable that he worked until he was 92. At some time during all those years he was Assistant Resident Medical Officer at the Brompton Consumption Hospital. When this was is not known.^51,52,53,54

Edward was a beneficiary of the will of Edward Lauderdale after the granting of probate on 26 Jul 1910 in Lincoln. Mary was his wife and the other beneficiaries were his children. His effects were valued at £3,571 1s. 2d. which was a considerable sum for those days. How it was divided between the beneficiaries is not known.⁵⁵

Edward was recorded in the 1911 census taken on 2 Apr 1911 for St Thomas's Hospital, Albert Embankment, Lambeth, London aged 27. He is described as a medical practitioner and presumably finishing his training as a houseman.⁵⁶

Edward witnessed the marriage of Sherod Henry Greenfield and Maggie Maitland Lauderdale on 5 Jul 1911 in St Martin's Church Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Unusually there were four witness. Two from the groom's family C. Greenfield and M. A. Greenfield who were probably siblings and two from the bride's family - her brother Edward and her sister Ann. The bride's mother Mary was almost certainly there but who else is not known.^57,58

Frm 1914 to 1818 Edward served in the Royal Navy as a Surgeon Lieutenant. His medal record shows that he earned the 1914-15 Star, Victory and British War Medals and claimed them for himself. The fact that was awarded the 1914-15 Star indicates that he saw active service between 5 Aug 1914 and 31 Dec 1915. Recipients of the 1914-15 Star automatically qualified for the British War and Victory Medals. His record is annotated Hawke Battalion 1915. The Hawke Battalion which was composed of naval officers and ratings who fought as soldiers as opposed to serving in ships saw action at Gallipoli from 30 May 1915 to January 1916 and Mudros & Imbros January to May 1916. In May 1916 Hawke Battalion joined the British Expeditionary Force as part of 189th Brigade 63rd (RN) Division seeing action in France and Belgium until May 1919. As a Surgeon Lieutenant Edward would not have been involved directly in the fighting but in tending the wounded.⁵⁹

Edward's mother Mary was buried on 9 Nov 1915 in Canwick Road Cemetary at Lincoln, Lincolnshire. It is assumed that the service took place in the Church of England Chapel at the cemetery. Her children Maggie and Alice were probably present. Her son Edward was in the Navy so may not have been able to attend. Who else was there and who took the service is not known.⁶⁰

Edward was a beneficiary of the will of his mother Mary Jane Lauderdale on 6 Jan 1916 in Lincoln.⁶¹

He was executor for estate of Mary Jane Brown.⁶¹

Edward was recorded in the 1921 census taken on 19 Jun 1921 for London living at 25 Rodney Court, Maida Vale. Edward has a visitor Bertha Porter. The relationship is unknown.⁶²

Edward was recorded in the 1939 Register taken on 29 Sep 1939 in Bermondsey, London living at 211 Lower Road. This was the address of his medical practice and he is shown as an ARP (Air Raid Precautions) Medical Service for B.B.C. (Bermonsy Borough Council?). He had a housekeeper Florence Featherstone who, as she is shown in the register, must have lived there. However, she is shown as being married but where her husband was is not known (he would have been too old to be in the forces).⁶³ Edward made a will on 13 Aug 1973 when living in 25 Rodney Court, Maida Vale, London,. The will was drawn up by his solicitor, John Simon Gold who was also appoined executor together with niece Phyllis Walker. After various small bequests he left the residue of his estate to his sister Alice or if she had predeceased him or died within one month of his death to be divided equally between his nieces Phyllis Walker and Dorothy Young. The will was witnessed by Mr and Mrs Magnus who were his neighbours at Rodney Court.⁶⁴

Edward died on 3 Aug 1977 in Bromley Hospital Bromley, Kent from bronchopneumonia and senility. Finding the date of Edward's death was not easy. A search of the death registrations gave an Edward Lauderdale who died in 1977 and was born on 28 July 1881. However, it was known from his birth certificate that he was born on 8 July 1883 and of his full name was Edward Maitland Lauderdale. His last entry in the Medical Directory was in 1977 which gave his home address which was in Maida Vale (by which time he would have been retired as he would have been 94!) whereas the 1964 entry gave his practice address which was in Bermondsey. However, the Medical Directory may be a bit 'historical' - probably at least a year out of date - but did serve to confirm that he had died in 1976 or 7. I asked the GRO to carry out a manual search for the death of Edward Maitland Lauderdale and they couldn't find it neither was his death registered in Scotland, Northern Ireland or abroad but at his age it is unlikely that he would have travelled very far.

A search for a birth registration for an Edward Lauderdale born in 1883 proved negative so it is assumed that an error had been made in Edward Maitland Lauderdale's death registration -- probably because the person registering death was not aware of his full name or his date of birth. Although his death certificate was issued in the name of Edward Lauderdale it gave his occupation as a doctor of medicine (retired) which indicated that the correct certificate had been obtained especially as there was no medical registration for an Edward Lauderdale. As a contributory cause of his death was senility it is assumed that he was in a nursing home before he was taken to hospital and that the person who registered his death (David Gareth Jones) was either the owner of the home or a member of staff although his occupation is shown as the occupier -- a term which is not understood. The death was certified by Anthony G Loss who was the deputy coroner for London Southern district after a post-mortem without inquest which means he had not seen a doctor in the 14 days prior to his death.⁶⁵ Edward's death was reported to the Registrar Eileen R. Dedman on 4 Aug 1977 by David Gareth Jones at the the Register Office for for Bromley District. Probate on the estate of Edward Maitland Lauderdale of was granted on 1 Dec 1977 at the the High Court of Justice Probate Registry. Probate was granted to his solicitor John Simon Gold and his niece Phyllis Mary Walker. After various small bequests the residue of his estate went to his sister Alice. The gross value of his estate was £31, 585 with a nett value of £30,753.⁶⁴ Edward had a relationship with Alice Eleanor Dowell.

3.

Alice Eleanor was born to Thomas and Rebecca Dowell on 31 May 1896 in Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, London at 43 Felton Street. Although her Birth Certificate gives her birth date as 13th May she always celebrated her birthday on the 31st May as did her twin William. They had always done so as long as she could remember and she thought that the Registrar had accidentally reversed the two figures when her mother registered her birth. Her mother was illiterate so she would not have been aware of the mistake. The probability that it was a mistake is reinforced by her baptismal record which give the date of her birth as 30th May. Her Birth Certificate shows that she was born at 5 p.m., half an hour before her twin brother William. She was very much taller than her brother and in her latter years put on weight which her brother didn't. He always looked very wiry. Alice always said when asked about their disparity in size that their sizes should have been reversed!^66,67,68

Alice Eleanor Dowell⁶⁹ (known as Alice, and also as Alice Eleanor Richmond and Alice Eleanor Ward), daughter of Thomas Frederick Dowell and Rebecca Thornton, was baptised on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite. Her parents Thomas and Rebecca Dowell would have been present. Her twin brother William was baptised immediately after her. As well as her parents her siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa and Harriet would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷⁰

Alice was a member of the Church of England frm 21 Jun 1896 to 17 Jun 1987 by virtue of her baptism at,. Christian She was a firm believer in God and within the memory of her son Jack attended church whenever she could. She had brief flirtations with Spiritualism and Christian Science. The former because her first husband Horace Richmond was a Spiritualist and the second because her son Jack was sent to a Christian Science Sunday School when he was evacuated to Brighton and became a Christian Scientist until about the age of 16 or 17.

Alice was a present at the Baptism of her brother William John on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. William was Alice's twin and was biptised immediately before him.⁷¹ Alice's birth was reported to the Registrar E. J. Pearce by her mother on 23 Jun 1896 at the Register Office for Shoreditch, Middlesex. Her mother registered her twin brother William's birth at the same time.⁶⁶

Alice was a present at the Baptism of her brother Arthur Herbert on 16 Oct 1898 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London.⁷²

Alice was recorded in the 1901 Census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Shoreditch as living with her parents Thomas and Rebecca Dowell at 91, Phillip Street. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Rebecca (nee Thornton), and their children Caroline (age 19), Thomas (age 17), Charles (age 14), Louisa (age 11), Harriett (age 8), William (age 4), his twin sister Alice (age 4) and Arthur (age 2). The family had the whole house to themselves although there is no indication as to its size. However, nearby houses in Phillip Street occupied by more than 1 family appear to have 4 rooms so it is assumed that there were 4 rooms probably split up as a living room, the parents bedroom, a bedroom for the boys and a bedroom for the girls. In addition there was probably a scullery with a copper for use on washdays which may also have served as a kitchen and a privy in the yard.⁷³

Alice was probably present at the marriage of her sister Caroline to Thomas Fippen on 2 Nov 1902 at St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The witnesses were Thomas Frederick Dowell and Louisa Alice Dowell. Louisa was her younger sister of the bride; the other witness Thomas Dowell was the bride's father. Why a member of the groom's family did not act as a witness is not known. However, the groom's oldest child from his previous marriage, Thomas Fippen, would have been too young at 11 and his parents although still alive were living in Shoreditch Workhouse so probably did not attend the wedding. From the date of birth of their first child, Caroline (10 April 1903), it seems that the bride may have been pregnant when she went to the altar. As the couple were living at the same address at the time of their marriage there may have been opportunity for this to happen. Who else was at the wedding is not known but Thomas' wife Rebecca who was the Bride's mother would almost certainly have been present and probably her siblings.^74,75

Alice was probably present at the marriage of her brother Thomas to Elizabeth Alice Anderson on 18 Apr 1903 at St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The witnesses were John James Horsman and Louisa Alice Dowell. Louisa was a sister of the groom; the other witness John Horsman was probably a friend of the groom and possibly his best man. The high church service was conducted by the Rev. Sidney L Sarel. Other members of the groom's and bride's families and their friends were almost certainly present. There may have been some sort of party at the bride's home . At the time of the marriage Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant.⁷⁶

Alice was probably present at the marriage of her brother Charles to Jane Elizabeth Cox on 24 Jul 1904 at St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The witnesses were Thomas Dowell and Louisa Alice Dowell. Louisa was the groom's sister; the other witness Thomas Dowell was the Groom's brother. Why a member of the Bride's family did not act as a witness is not known. However, it may have had something to do with the fact that Jane was pregnant (their first child was born the following October). Other members of the couple's families almost certainly attended and there may have been some form of party after the wedding at one of the parents' houses. Whether they went on a honeymoon is not known.^77,78

Alice was probably present at the marriage of her sister Louisa to Edward Charles Kelly on 14 Apr 1907 at St Anne's Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch, London. The witnesses were William Duggan and Harriet Ethel Dowell. The relationship of the first witness, William Duggan, to the couple is unknown. He was probably a friend of the Groom. The second witness, Harriett Dowell, was the younger sister of the Bride and would have been just 14 at the time. On the marriage certificate the groom gave the same address as the bride. As he was a soldier he may have been staying there temporarily whilst on leave. Who else attended the ceremony is not known - probably the Bride's and the Groom's parents and their siblings who were living at home at the time. There was probably some sort of party at the Bride's home afterwards but whether the couple had a honeymoon is not known,^79,80

Btw 1911 and 1912 Alice was a cracker maker in Bethnal Green, London. She probably started as soon as she left school at 14. It seems strange that should she should be working at an unskilled job when her mother apprenticed all her other children to skilled jobs. Perhaps she was showing already showing a religious inclination and was only filling in time until she could enter St Margaret's convent at the age of 16. Although the return does not say so she was almost certainly working at Tom Smiths at 67 Watson Street, Finsbury which is where she was working at the time of the 1921 Census. There is an interesting film on cracker making from the BFI archive on YouTube. Making Christmas Crackers (1910) although it is not from the Tom Smith factory.

In her reminiscences she never mentioned working as a cracker maker.⁸¹

Alice was recorded in the 1911 Census taken on 2 Apr 1911 for Bethnal Green as living with her parents Thomas and Rebecca Dowell at 26 Baroness Road. The household consisted of Thomas and his wife Rebecca, their children Harriett, Alice, William, and Arthur, and Herbert Dowell, and their granddaughter Louise Fippen. Thomas, Harriett, Alice and William were all working whilst Arthur and Louise were at school.

Although Louise Fippen is shown as the granddaughter of Thomas Dowell technically she was his step-granddaughter. Louise was the daughter of Thomas Fippen and Louise Jane Dorsett who died on 19 July 1901 of tuberculosis of the brain. Thomas Fippen then married Caroline Emma Dowell a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca on 2 Nov 1902, and they went on to have five children of their own. When Louise came to live with the Dowells is not known - probably shortly before or after Louise Dorset's death because Rebecca had promised to take Louise in if anything happened to her mother. Louise never married and continued to live with Rebecca or after she died Alice. As children Louise and Alice shared a bedroom and had to turn the mangle together on washdays.

The return was probably filled in by Thomas' daughter Harriet as both Thomas and his wife Rebecca were illiterate. Thomas added his mark X after his name in the signature box. She was working as a cracker maker. Why she had nor been apprenticed like her siblings is not known. Perhaps she was already showing an inclination towards the religious life.^82,83,84

Frm 1914 to 1918 Alice was a novice nun in in St Margaret's Convent East Grinstead, Kent. The reason for her entry are unclear but she would have had to be very religious and felt she had a vocation to do so. Almost certainly the arrangements would have been made through her parish priest. In the early 1900s the family attended St Saviour’s Church in Hoxton and several members of the family were baptised, presumably were confirmed and were married there. St Saviour was very High Church and was associated with the Catholic Revival within the Church of England, despite opposition from the Bishop of London, which resulted in an episcopal ban on the parish following a Corpus Christi procession in August 1917. St Saviour's became the focus for the movement for reunion with Rome known as the Confraternity of Unity when its secretariat was established at St Saviour's in 1929. The Church was badly damaged during the 2nd World War and never reopened. It is possible that the High Church ritual may have turned her thoughts towards entering a convent which was no doubt encouraged by her parish priest who almost certainly made the arrangements for her to do so. Later he became a Minor Canon at St Paul’s Cathedral. Alice's son Jack cannot remember his name but remembers meeting him when he was about 12 after a commemoration service at St Paul’s. To Jack he appeared to be very old.

Alice rarely spoke about her life in the convent but Jack had the impression that it was regimented, strict and hard. As she was not able to bring a dowry she was employed on domestic duties. Those who could bring a dowry undertook more gentile tasks such as needlework. Alice told Jack that she slept in a cell which in winter was bitterly cold; if she woke up feeling snug and warm in bed she was supposed to get out, kneel on the cold floor and say a prayer. When he asked her if she did, she replied “Of course.”

When her sister Louisa became ill with the Spanish ‘flu her father insisted that she left the Convent to help with the care of her sister’s children. Jack gathers there was an argument between her father and the Mother Superior over her leaving. She never returned to the convent and eventually trained as a midwife. Jack has been unable the determine the exact dates of her entering and leaving the Convent. He wrote to the Mother Superior on two separate occasions asking for information but never received a reply so he has had to estimate the dates from other sources. Her sister Louisa died on 28th October 1918 so she must have left the Convent around this time (she was 22 at the time). When she entered is more difficult. According to the 1911 Census (taken when she was 14) she was employed as a cracker maker. It is unlikely that the Convent would have accepted her before she was 18 and then only on the recommendation of her parish priest and with her parents’ permission; it could have been as late as when she was 21 if she entered against her parents’ wishes.⁸⁵

Alice was recorded in the 1921 census taken on 19 Jun 1921 for Shoreditch, London as living with her mother Rebecca at 23 Halms Street, Shoreditch. The household consisted of Rebecca, her son William, her daughters Harriet and Alice, her grandson Thomas Fippen, and her granddaughters Louisa Fippen and Louisa Kelly. Rebecca was illiterate and had signed all previous documents (e.g. marriage register, children's birth registrations, her husband's death registration with her mark X) so one of her children or a neighbour must have filled in and signed the form on her behalf. William is shown as a French Polisher which is an error. He was an upholsterer and his older brother Tom (who had married the previous year and moved away) had been trained as a French Polisher. Thomas and Louisa Fippen although shown as Rebecca's grandchildren were actually her step-grandchildren. They were the children of Thomas Fippen and his first wife Louisa Jane Dorset who died on 19 July 1901 and had asked Rebecca to "look after her children". Thomas subsequently married Rebecca's daughter Caroline on 2 November 1902. Louisa Kelly was the daughter of Edward Kelly and Rebecca's daughter Louisa who died on 28 October 1918 of Spanish 'Flu. Edward did not die prior to the 1921 Census (as shown in the census return) but must have abandoned his children and so was dead as far as Rebecca was concerned. He married Martha Watts in 1922 and was alive at the time of the 1939 Register. Alice is working as cracker maker for the firm of Tom Smith.⁸⁶

Frm 1922 to 1950 Alice was a midwife in both London and Ramsgate. She was registered with the Central Midwives Board on 9 April 1925 after sitting the CMB examination. It is thought that she trained at St Thomas' Hospital in London and on the assumption that training took 3 years she probably started in 1922.^{87,88,89,90,91} Alice qualified as a midwife in 1925 probably at the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Hospital, Lower Rd, London, S.E.16. Alice’s Registration Number was 65746 and she qualified by CMB Examination. However, it is not known where she trained. She talked a lot about St Thomas’ Hospital and initially it was thought that she trained there. However, she also talked about her experiences as a midwife working in Rotherhithe. As none of the residential addresses given in the rolls put her within cycling distance of Rotherhithe it is more likely that she trained at the Bermondsey & Rotherhithe Hospital and her experiences related to her final year of training or shortly after she was trained when she was still resident at the hospital or its staff accommodation. The National Archives do not hold information on where individual midwives trained.⁹²

Alice was probably present at the marriage of her sister Harriet to Edward William Mackellow on 29 Jul 1933 at St Luke's Church, Ramsgate, Kent. The witnesses were William John Dowell and Ethel Maud Kelly. William was the bride's brother and Ethel was her niece. Who else was at the wedding is not known but Harriet's sister Alice who was a domiciliary midwife in Ramsgate would have made every effort to attend as the sisters were close. How Edward and Harriet met is a matter of speculation as before their marriage Edward was living in Ramsgate and Harriet was living in London. It can only be assumed that they met when Harriet was on holiday in Ramsgate.^93,94,95

Alice's son Jack Peter William was born on 29 Mar 1934 in Ramsgate, Kent at 119 Newington Road. His mother was not married and for his birth she went to stay with her sister Harriett (Ett) Mackellow and Ett's husband Will.^96,97

Alice was present at the baptism of her child Jack at St Lawrence's Church Thanet, Kent. The service was performed according to the Church of England rite. The service was attended by his mother, his Aunt Ett and her husband Will. Ett and Will were the Godparents. His mother chose the names Jack Peter because she liked them and in his early years frequently called him "Jack-Peter". The name Edward was added to link him to his father Edward Lauderdale.⁹⁸ She reported her son Jack's birth to the Registrar on 9 May 1934 at the Register Office for the district of for the Sub-District of Ramsgate. Why she left it so long after his birth is not known. It is possible that she contacted his father in the hope that he would be present at the registration to have his name recorded as the father. However, as he had a practice in Rotherhide and was also a consultant at he may have decided that Ramsgate was too far to come. He definitely knew of his son's existence as Jack remembers being taken to see him and he would occasionally phone Alice to enquire after Jack. He also offered to pay Jack's school fees but that was unnecessary as he obtained a place at Westminster City School.⁹⁶

Alice was probably present at the marriage of Edward Charles Kelly and Joyce Snowden on 18 Aug 1934 in St John's Church Woolwich. The witnesses were A. B. Snowden and J. Fahey. A. B. Snowden was probably the brother of the bride. The relationship of the other witness to the couple is unknown but he was probably a friend of the groom and may have been his best man. Other people who may have been there were the groom's father Edward and step-mother Martha, the bride's parents and his Aunt Alice who helped to bring him up after his mother died.⁹⁹

Alice may have been present at the marriage of Stanley Pritchard and her niece Ethel Maud Kelly on 8 Sep 1934 in the Register Office Shoreditch, London. The witnesses were L. F. Poole and William John Dowell. The relationship of L. F. Poole to the couple is not known - he was probably a friend of the groom. The other witnessl could have been either her second cousin William or her Uncle William - probably the latter. Apart from the witnesses it is not known for certain who attended the wedding but it is almost certain that her Aunt Alice Dowell who brought her up would have made an effort to do so despite the fact that she was living in Ramsgate and working as a midwife at the time. As she was instrumental in bringing Ethel up she would have alsmost certainly been invited and would have made every effort to attend despite living in Ramsgate.^100,101,102 Btw Dec 1938 and Feb 1947 Alice lived in three different houses, Lambeth, London. Before their marriage Horace was living in rented house at 3, Hassocks Road, Mitcham. Alice and her son Jack were living in a rented house at 8 Allen Edwards Road, Lambeth which she shared with her sister Harriett (Ett), Ett's husband Edward (Will) Mackellow, her brother William (Will) and her sister by adoption Louisa (Lou) Fippen.

After their marriage Horace moved to Allen Edwards Road because Alice, who was domicilary midwife, needed to stay in the area.

The whole family moved to 25, Rhodesia Road just before the house in Allen Edwards Road was destroyed by a direct hit in the Blitz.

They moved once again to 55 Binfield Road just before the house at 25 Rhodesia Road was destroyed in a bombing raid - just as the house in Allen Edwards Road had been.

On each occasion the reason for moving was that Horace, who was a Spiritualist, had a premonition that the houses would be destroyed.

Horace died in February 1947 at Binfield Road but Alice continued the tenancy.^90,103 After marriage on 14 Dec 1938, the name Alice used was Alice Eleanor Richmond on 14 Dec 1938.

Alice married Horace Richmond on 14 Dec 1938 in the Register Office, Lambeth, London. The ceremony was performed by the Registrar R. Hargeaves and the witnesses were Edward William Mackellow and Harriet Ethel Dowell. Harriet (Ett) was Alice's sister and Edward (Will) Ett's husband. Whether anyone else was present is not known.The marriage was one of convenience undertaken by Alice to 'give her son (Jack) a name'. It was certainly not for financial reasons. Alice was financially secure by reason of her job with the London County Council as a domiciliary midwife. Her marriage to Horace Richmond brought no financial advantage. Indeed Alice supported Horace who became, to use a modern term, a househusband and also created a wonderful garden. Horace was much older than Alice. Although he gives his age as 59 he was in fact 13 years older having been born in 1866.

How they met is not known - probably though an introduction agency. Although Alice had hoped to marry when Jack was sufficiently young not to remember his entry into their lives and so to accept him as his real father he does remember their first meeting. As he was only 4 he would probably not have remembered the visit except that Jack remembers Horace upsetting the teapot – probably due to nervousness – and trying to scrape up the tealeaves from the tablecloth with a knife. Whether this was also Horace's and Alice's first meeting is not known - it probably was.

After they were married Horace came to live at the house which Alice rented at 8 Allen Edwards Road. It must have been winter because Jack remembers that it was dark and he was still up. How much Horace brought with him is not known but Jack remembers a fireside chair with curved wooden arms and a backrest which could be adjusted by moving a round bar into one of three slots. Jack thought it was a new toy as it was possible, when the back was not in place, to roll the bar down the arms to where it could lodge in one of the three slots or, if it was pushed it hard enough, roll off the end of the arms – rather like a simple game of bagatelle.^95,104

Alice and her husband adopted Jack Peter William Ward on 31 Jan 1939 in Croydon County Juvenile Court. after they had married on 14 December 1938. Alice was Jack's mother and she said that she only married him to "give Jack a name". After the adoption his name became Jack Peter Edward Dowell Richmond. The Christian name Edward pointed to his natural father and the name Dowell to his mother.¹⁰⁵

The household of Edward and Caroline Lauderdale was recorded in the 1939 Register taken on 29 Sep 1939 in London, S.W.8 living at 8 Allen Edwards Road. The household consisted of Horace and his wife Alice, Alice's brother William and her adopted sister Louise Fippen. Just before the register was compiled 3 other members of the household – William and Harriet Mackellow, and Jack Richmond (Harriet was Alice's sister and Jack was her son) moved to Brighton to live with William’s brother and his wife (Harry & Francis Mackellow) as part of the voluntary evacuation from London.¹⁰⁶

Alice's husband Horace died from cancer of the small intestine on 7 Mar 1947 in Lambeth, London at 55 Binfield Road. During his final illness he was nursed by his wife Alice and her sister Ett who lived in the same house. His step-son Jack remembers that he was confined to his bed and was eating bread and milk because his tongue was so swollen. Until he saw the Death Certificate he thought that his step-father had died from cancer of the throat.^107,108

On 10 Mar 1947 she reported the death of her husband Horace to the Registrar E. G. Davies at the the Register Office for Lambeth.^109,110 After marriage on 28 Oct 1948, the name Alice used was Alice Eleanor Ward on 28 Oct 1948.

Alice married William Charles John Ward on 28 Oct 1948 in St Peter's Church, Selsey, Sussex. The service was taken by the Rev. Canon Handysyde and the witnesses were Louise Mary Fippen and William John Dowell. The best man, Jack Richmond, was the bride's son and the two witnesses were related to the bride; Louisa Fippen was the bride's adopted sister and William Dowell was the bride's twin brother and he also gave his sister away. It is thought that the ceremony was also attended by the Groom's only sister Gertrude Arnold and possibly by the Groom's friends and next door neighbours Fred and Pim Wilson. There was small reception afterwards at the Selsey Hotel and the honeymoon was spent at the groom's bungalow, Greenwood, East Beach, Selsey.^111,112

Alice was a guest at the marriage of Jack Peter William Ward and Joan Elizabeth Hodge on 24 Dec 1957 in The Parish Church of St Peter's Church Selsey, Sussex. It was attended by members of the immediate family and a few of Jack's colleagues. The best man was Jack's great friend, Tony Daw, and the two brides maids were Joan's Godmother's daughters. The reason for the wedding taking place in the groom's parish rather than the bride's parish was that the Joan did not wish her parents who were not well off to have to invite all her relatives who lived in the Plymouth area; she also preferred the intimacy of St Peter's Church to the rather barn like Baptist Church on Mutley Plain which she had attended as a teenager and where she had been baptised into the Baptist Church. As Jack only had a small number of relatives living in Selsey this served to limit the guest list but it was necessary to obtain a licence for the marriage from the Diocese of Chichester. Joan made her own dress and her Godmother made the bridesmaids' dresses.

The bride's parents travelled from Plymouth by car a day or so before the wedding day and stayed in a holiday bungalow on East Beach which was a few doors from 'Greenwood' (149 East Beach Road) where the groom's parents lived. Joan who had travelled down from London to stay with the groom's parents and make the final arrangements for the wedding and reception joined her parents when they arrived. Joan's mother had a bad cold and the heating in the bungalow they were renting was inadequate to say the least. Jack who was on leave from the Navy was staying with his parents carried kindling and buckets of coal along the road to light a fire in the only fireplace. Hot water was provided by an immersion heater but the electricity meter accepted only 1/- coins which rapidly ran out. On the morning of the wedding after the bride's mother had had a bath there was no hot water left and Joan had a cold bath!

The guests includes the groom's parents Will and Alice Ward and Will's sister Gertie who had a flat at 'Greenwood'; the bride's parents Wallace and Doris Hodge; the bride's godmother and her husband and their two daughters who were the bridesmaids; Lieutenant Tony Daw who was the best man, and some members of the groom's Ordnance Engineering Specialisation Course who were all Lieutenants and formed the Guard of Honour after the wedding. Althought there were either 6 or 7 Jack only remembers the names of Tony Wheatley and John Mahony neither of whom were married at the time. People who may have attended were Tony Daw's wife Dorna; the groom's Uncle Will and Aunt Lou; and the bride's friend Joan. Jack has no recollection of any of them being there. Joan's friend Pat Boyle was unable to attend because she had 'flu and had been ordered to bed by her doctor who forbade her to attend the wedding; she was bitterly disappointed. Pat's husband Don who was in the Royal Marines was away at sea and also could not attend.

As it was a Naval Wedding all the Naval Officers were in uniform. The Vicar has asked them to leave their swords at the back of the Church as 'they made a clatter' if they were dropped during the service. Jack has little recollection of the marrige service itself except Joan saying "Sing up!" in the first hymn, the fact that the front of the priest's surplice was creased and soiled (he was obviously saving his clean surplice for Christmas Day which was the following day), and being told to "Slow up" as he set off down the aisle with his new bride on his arm after the register had been signed.

The reception was held at the Selsey Hotel.

The honeymoon was spent at the Priory Hotel, Thame in Oxfordshire where the couple were given the 'Priest's Room' in the attic which contained two single beds of different heights! The other guests were relatively elderly and Jack and Joan were embarrassed to receive an L-plate through the post which was propped up on the mantelpiece in the sitting room for all to see. At least the food was good as they had chosen the venue from The Good Food Guide.^113,114,115

Alice assisted at Alison Mary Ward's birth on 7 Feb 1965 in home at 25 Manadon Drive, Plymouth, Devon. Labour was very short and she was born before the midwife and doctor arrived. Fortunately her mother-in-law, Alice Ward, who was retired midwife was there as was her husband, Jack, and they were able to help. Jack was able to tell both the midwife and the doctor that they were too late. The doctor had been at a party and smelt of alcohol.^116,117,118

Alice's husband William was buried c. 25 Apr 1985 in St Mary's Churchyard at Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire. William's stepson Jack who always thought of him as his father arranged with the Funeral Director for William to be dressed in his sports jacket with one of his shirts and a tie that he would have normally worn and for his glasses to be put on the end of his nose. He looked just as if he had fallen asleep in his armchair. Jack took his mother Alice to see her husband and make her final farewells at the undertaker's Chapel of Rest. The Chapel was dimly lit, and although the coffin was open a veil had been draped over it. Alice whose eyesight was very poor bent over to kiss her husband and encountered the veil which distressed her greatly. The undertaker removed the veil which allowed Alice to kiss her husband on the forehead saying as she did, “Oh Will, you're so cold.”

There were few mourners at the funeral service; as far as Jack can recollect it was just him, his wife Heather, his former wide Joan, Jack's son Richard and his wife Ruth, Jack's daughter Alison and a few of the staff from Waterhouse where William and Alice had lived for the last few years. When the coffin had been placed in the aisle (the church was so small it couldn't be taken up to the Chancel) Mum stepped out of her pew, held onto the coffin and kept saying, “Oh Will, Oh Will, …” and it was with some difficulty that Jack persuaded her to return to her seat. After the service Alison was rather scathing about her grandmother's conduct but Jack thinks it was genuine expression of her overwhelming grief. The service was taken by a Reader and Jack gave an address on the life of his (step)father. There is no record of the address Jack and can't remember any of the details but William had been a good husband, a great schoolmaster and a wonderful father to Jack, but he is certain that he owed his career to his (step)father's influence, and Jack probably touched on all these matters. After Jack's address the Reader said he had obviously been a fine man but Heather was absolutely furious and after the burial was over castigated Jack for saying what he did about his step father.

Alice made a will on 4 Aug 1985 when living in Waterhouse, Monkton Combe, Bath, Avon. The executor was Jack Peter William Ward. Jack Peter William Ward was a beneficiary. Her husband had died intestate and although his estate was very simple obtaining probate would have been simpler had he made a will. Her son Jack who had helped his mother to obtain probate on her husband's estate suggested that she should make a will. To avoid the expense of a solicitor Jack wrote out a simple holographic will (he probably obtained the wording from a book on making a will borrowed from the library) which he read out to his mother and she signed. Because she was virtually blind she would have been unable to read the document for herself but she trusted her son.¹¹⁹

Alice died on 17 Jun 1987 in Waterhouse at her home Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire from broncho-pneumonia, cerebral haemorrhage and diabetes mellitis. Her son, Jack, had visited her the day before and found that she had been moved to her old room and was sleeping peacefully having suffered a stroke a few days before. During the visit he talked to her doctor who told him that his mother was seriously ill with pneumonia; he explained that he could administer antibiotics to cure the pneumonia but the prognosis after her stroke was not good and on his advice Jack agreed that antibiotics should not be given. In arriving at this decision he took into account her probable quality of life. After her husband's death she had expressed a wish to join him on a number of occasions. She had a strong faith and was convinced that they would be reunited in heaven. In addition her almost total blindness (as a result of taking the heart drug Eraldin) meant that she could not read or watch television and, as her mind was still active, this was a source of frustration. Virtually her only contact with the outside world were her son's visits and her only source of entertainment was her radio; most of the time she listened to Radio 4 and occasionally complained about programme repeats but more often she would want to discuss something which she had heard on the radio. I think that her son's first wife, Joan, visited her occasionally but his second wife, Heather, would not accompany him on visits because she said that his mother smelt of ‘old people’.^120,121 Alice's death was reported on 19 Jun 1987 by her son Jack to the Registrar D. R. Hollis at the Register Office Trowbridge.

Alice was buried on 24 Jun 1987 in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire according to the Church of England rite. The mourners included Jack Peter William Ward, Heather Ann O'Dare, Joan Elizabeth Hodge, Richard Mark William Ward, Ruth Davies, Alison Mary Ward and a few of the staff from Waterhouse. Her burial service was held at the church of St Mary the Virgin in the village of Limpley Stoke and she was buried with her husband William. There were few mourners; just her son Jack, his wife Heather,and his ex-wife Joan; her grandson Richard (Jack & Joan's son) and his wife Ruth; her granddaughter Alison (Jack & Joan's daughter) and a few of the staff from Waterhouse. Jack wanted to give an address on the life of his mother but Heather forbade it presumably because of the address he had given after Dad’s funeral had made it obvious that he had a good relationship with his parents whereas Heather had a poor relationship with hers. The fact that Jack was unable to give an address was a source of internal sadness as he thought so much of his mother who had been through so much for him. It was just another example of the relationship between Heather and Jack, and the extent to which he would go to keep the peace.

A few years later after jack and Heather had been divorced and Jack had married Pat, Pat encouraged him to have an inscription referring to his mother added to the headstone. The added inscription reads:

Also his wife Alice Eleanor

Born 13th May 1896

Died 17th June 1987

Her life a precious memory

Too dearly loved

to be forgotten¹²¹

Probate on the estate of Alice Eleanor Dowell of was granted to Jack Peter William Ward on 30 Jul 1987 at the District Probate Registry, Bristol Probate Registry. Jack Peter William Ward was a beneficiary. Her will left everything to her only son, Jack Peter William Ward. However, as she only had her state retirement pension and a small pension from the London County Council all her capital had been exhausted by topping up the rest home fees.^119,122 She and Edward Maitland Lauderdale had the following children:

Horace was born to Joseph and Mary Richmond on 18 Jul 1866 in Arlesey, Bedfordshire. There are two official documents which give his age - the Marriage Certificate for his marriage to Alice Dowell in 1938 which gives his age as 59, i.e. born in 1879, and his Death Registration which in 1947 gives his age as 80, i.e. born in 1867. Fortunately Horace Richmond is a relatively unusual name and a search of death registrations between January 1860 and December 1880 produced a record of a Horace Richmond born in the quarter ending September 1866. From this it was possible to obtain a copy of his Birth Certificate.^{123,124,125,126,127} Horace Richmond's, son of Joseph Richmond (1837-1886) and Mary Anne Shepherd (1837-1867), birth was reported to the Registrar Alfred Self by Horace's mother Mary Anne Shepherd on 15 Aug 1866 at the the Register Office for the district of Biggleswade, Bedford. She signed with he mark which indicates that she was illiterate.

Horace was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Haddenham, Buckinghamshire living at Church Way aged 4 as a member of the household of John Richmond who was his Uncle. Judging from the fact that John is described as landowner and the house was on the edge of the village it may have been a farm. The other members of the household were John's nieces Elizabeth who was the housekeeper and Ann E. Richmond who was going to school. It is not known whether they had the same father or were cousins. Judging from the Elizabeth's age (35) and Horace's age it is more likely that they were cousins. Ann who was 10 may have been Horace's sister but they were born about 40 miles apart.¹²⁸

Horace was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 for Pottern, Devizes living at Devizes Road. He was a boarder with Charles and Elizabeth Smith. He had moved from Haddenham, a distance of some 70 miles, to be near to his father Joseph Richmond who was the Chief Male Attendant at the Wiltshire County Lunatic Asylum in Devizes and lived in. Although Joseph is shown as married it is not know where his wife was living as the list of asylum staff does not include a woman with the surname Richmond. Horace probably attended the village school. Sometime he played truant!

^129,130

Frm 1882 to 1931 Horace was a horticulturist and Post Office worker. There are a number of conflicting sources for his occupation. In the 1901 Census he is shown as a parcel sorter for the Post Office; in the 1911 Census he is shown as a civil servant working for the Post Office but it does not say in what capacity; the 1921 Census says he is a postman; and his Death Certificate confirms that he had a Post Office pension which means that he must have worked for the Post Office for at least 30 years presumably retiring at the age of 65, i.e. in 1931. However on his Marriage Certificate for his marriage to Alice Dowell in December 1938 he is described as a retired horticulturist and he certainly grew magnificent flowers and vegetables. Alice also told her son Jack that at some stage in his career he had, in a fit of temper, destroyed a tomato which he was hybridising and left his employer. Where he had learned his skills and at what stage of his life he was a horticulturist and for who he worked for is not known. The best explanation is that he was apprenticed after leaving school probably at the age of 16 (according to the 1881 Census he was still at school and there is no record of him in the 1891 Census) as a gardener and worked his way up to the position of a head gardener but that after he fell out with with his employer could not get a reference and so was forced to join the Post Office. He also told his adopted son Jack that he had been in the army and that the marks on his nose were powder burns from firing a rifle. On reflection this seems bit far fetched and there is no record of him being in the army.^{131,132,133,134,135,136}

Horace married Caroline Walker in 1895. A search for the marriage of Horace Richmond to a Caroline was fruitless so either the marriage was omitted from the registration index (which is unlikely) or it not take place. On the assumption that the marriage did take place the probable year has been estimated from the age of their son (4) given in the 1901 Census and the number of years they had been married (16) given in the 1911 Census.^137,138

Frm 1895 to 1921 Horace and Caroline Richmond lived in Croydon, Surrey at “Uptons” 28 Bungalow Road frm 1895 to 1921. It is assumed that they moved there after their marriage in 1895 until Caroline's death in 1921.^134,139,140

Horace and Caroline Richmond's son Joseph Charles was born btw Sep 1896 and Dec 1896 in home at "Uptons", Bungalow Road, Croydon, Surrey. A search on Free BMD based on his age given on his death registration produced only one result which fits with information given in the 1901 Census. As his birth was registered in the last quarter of 1896 he was born between September and December that year. As the registration was in Croydon it is probable that he was born the address given in the 1901 Census.^141,142

The household of Horace and Caroline Richmond was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 in Croydon living at “Uptons”, Bungalow Road when he was 34. The family consisted of Horace, his wife Caroline and their son Joseph. They were also looking after a 6 month old baby - Frank Etherington. The family occupied what is assumed from the street name to be a bungalow. From the 1911 Census it had six rooms. There were similar properties with only names in the road. Whether they were all the same is not known.¹³⁹

Horace was a Spiritualist frm 1903 to 1947 by virtue of his baptism at Spirituralist Church, Clapham,. When he became a Spiritualist is not known. Perhaps it was the death of his son Joseph in 1903 at the age of six followed by the death of his first wife Caroline in 1921. After moving to the Stockwell area on his marriage to Alice in December 1938 he attended the Clapham Spiritualist Church which was near Clapham North Underground Station. His step son Jack accompanied him with his mother to some of the services and remembers the medium conveying messages from the dead.

Although Horace was not a medium he would sometimes have a premonition about the future and undoubtedly saved his own life and the lives of those who were living in the same house by insisting on the family moving - see entry on residences between 1939 and 1947. His wife would consult him over important decisions and he would go into a trance before giving an answer.⁹⁰

Horace and Caroline Richmond's son Joseph died in 1903 in his home at “Uptons”, Bungalow Road, Croydon, Surrey. According to the 1901 Census Joseph Richmond was born in 1897 and in 1901 he was living in Croydon . A search of Free BMD between Jan 1901 and Dec 1901 produced only one result which fitted these conditions.¹⁴³

The household of Horace and Caroline Richmond was recorded in the 1911 census taken on 2 Apr 1911 in Croydon living at 28 Bungalow Road, South Norwood, S.E. when he was 43. They were living by themselves in a six roomed property.¹⁴⁰

The household of Horace and Caroline Richmond was recorded in the 1921 census taken on 19 Jun 1921 in South Norwood, Surrey living at 28 Bungalow Road when he was 53 years 11 months. The household consisted of Horace, his wife Caroline and two visitors Charlotte and Vera Trench.¹³⁴

Horace's wife Caroline died in 1921 in South Norwood, Croydon, Surrey at 28 Bungalow Road aged 61.¹⁴⁴ Bef 14 Dec 1938 Horace lived in 3 Hassocks Road, Mitcham, Surrey. which was shown as his residence on the Certificate for his marriage to Alice Dowell. After their marriage he moved to Alice's house. How long he had lived at Hassocks Road is not known. Alice's son, Jack, who he later adopted remembers being taken to tea there.^145,146 Btw 15 Dec 1938 and Feb 1947 Horace lived in three different houses. Before their marriage Horace was living in rented house at 3, Hassocks Road, Mitcham. Alice and her son Jack were living in a rented house at 8 Allen Edwards Road, Lambeth which she shared with her sister Harriett (Ett), Ett's husband Edward (Will) Mackellow, her brother William (Will) and her sister by adoption Louisa (Lou) Fippen.

After their marriage Horace moved to Allen Edwards Road because Alice, who was domicilary midwife, needed to stay in the area.

The whole family moved to 25, Rhodesia Road just before the house in Allen Edwards Road was destroyed by a direct hit in the Blitz.

They moved once again to 55 Binfield Road just before the house at 25 Rhodesia Road was destroyed in a bombing raid - just as the house in Allen Edwards Road had been.

On each occasion the reason for moving was that Horace, who was a Spiritualist, had a premonition that the houses would be destroyed.

Horace died in February 1947 at Binfield Road but Alice continued the tenancy.^90,103

Horace and his wife adopted Jack Peter William Ward on 31 Jan 1939 in Croydon County Juvenile Court. after they had married on 14 December 1938. Alice was Jack's mother and she said that she only married him to "give Jack a name". After the adoption his name became Jack Peter Edward Dowell Richmond. The Christian name Edward pointed to his natural father and the name Dowell to his mother.¹⁰⁵

Horace died on 7 Mar 1947 in Lambeth at his home 55 Binfield Road from cancer of the small intestine. The death was certified by George Stoddard M.B.. During his final illness he was nursed by his wife Alice and her sister Ett who lived in the same house. His step-son Jack remembers that he was confined to his bed and was eating bread and milk because his tongue was so swollen. Until he saw the Death Certificate he thought that his step-father had died from cancer of the throat.^107,108 Horace's death was reported to the Registrar E. G. Davies on 10 Mar 1947 by his wife Alice Eleanor Dowell at the the Register Office for Lambeth.^109,110

William Charles John was born to William and Gertrude Ward on 25 Apr 1897 in Wood Green, Middlesex at 114 Myddelton Road. His death certificate gives his date of birth and his baptismal record the place where his parents were living. It is assumed that he was born there.^147,148

William Charles John Ward, son of William Charles Ward (1862-1948) and Gertrude Botten (1862-1948), was baptised on 27 Jun 1897 in St Michael-at-Bowes Church, Palmeston Road, Wood Green, Middlesex. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. C. Almack according to the Church of England rite. His parents William and Gertrude Ward would have been present and they would have taken his older sister Gertie but who else was there is not known. The church in which William was baptised was built on the estate of Bowes Manor, home of Alderman Thomas Sidney (Lord Mayor of London), who financed practically the whole enterprise. The foundation stone was laid on 28th October 1872, and the building consecrated on 21st April 1874. It was a fine church, designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in the Gothic Revival style but fell into disrepair. It was closed on 29 September 1986 and demolished the following year and has ben replaced by a modern church.¹⁴⁹

William was recorded in the 1901 Census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Tottenham, Middlesex as living with his parents William and Gertrude Ward at 3 Cecil Terrace, Park Road. The household consisted of Charles, his wife Gertrude and their children Gertrude (Gertie) and William (Will).¹⁵⁰

William was recorded in the 1911 Census taken on 2 Apr 1911 for Edmonton, Middlesex as living with his parents William and Gertrude Ward at 81 Bowes Road, Palmers Green. The household consisted of William, his wife Gertrude, and their children Gertrude and William. The house had 6 rooms and was probably rented.¹⁵¹

William was probably present at the marriage of his sister Gertrude to Arthur Ernest Arnold on 23 May 1921 at St Michael-at-Bowes Church, Palmeston Road, Wood Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were William Charles Ward, C. S, Arnold and Gertrude Botten. The groom's mother (his father was dead) and the bride's brother William were probably there but who else is not known.^152,153

William was recorded in the 1921 Census taken on 19 Jun 1921 for Southgate, Edmonton, Middlesex as living with his parents William and Gertrude Ward at 81 Bowers Road. The household consisted of William, his wife Gertrude, their son William (age 24), their son-in-law Arthur Arnold and their daughter Gertrude who was Arthur's wife. They had the house which had six rooms to themselves.¹⁵⁴

Frm 1922 to 1957 William was a schoolmaster in London. He started teaching in a day continuation school where the pupils were 'rough' and tough to say the least. He then got a post at Westminster City School which was a grammar school where he remained until he retired in 1957. He taught physics and chemistry at both ordinary and advanced levels and mathematics at ordinary level.^155,156,157

William married Florence Mabel Schroder in 1922 in Hampstead,.. They had no children although they wanted a child and did discuss adoption.¹⁵⁸

William's wife Florence was buried on 23 Feb 1945 in Pinner New Cemetery at Pinner Road, Harrow, Middlesex. It is certain that her husband Will was there but who else is not known.¹⁵⁹

William and his wife adopted Jack Peter William Ward on 24 Feb 1949 in Lambeth County Court, County of London. William and Alice Ward after they married on 28 October 1948. Alice was Jack's mother. After the adoption his name became Jack Peter William Ward. The Christian names Edward which pointed to his natural father and Dowell which pointed to his mother were dropped, and William which was a family name of the Wards included.¹⁶⁰

William was executor for estate of his mother-in-law Arabella Ann Schroder. Probate was granted to William James John Ward who is described as a schoolmaster. This is thought to be William Charles John Ward who was a schoolmaster and was Arabella's son-in-law having married Arabella's daughter Florence in 1922. Florence died in 1945. The estate was worth £676 13s. 8d. and William was probably the beneficiary.¹⁶¹

William witnessed the marriage of Jack Peter William Ward and Joan Elizabeth Hodge on 24 Dec 1957 in The Parish Church of St Peter's Church Selsey, Sussex. It was attended by members of the immediate family and a few of Jack's colleagues. The best man was Jack's great friend, Tony Daw, and the two brides maids were Joan's Godmother's daughters. The reason for the wedding taking place in the groom's parish rather than the bride's parish was that the Joan did not wish her parents who were not well off to have to invite all her relatives who lived in the Plymouth area; she also preferred the intimacy of St Peter's Church to the rather barn like Baptist Church on Mutley Plain which she had attended as a teenager and where she had been baptised into the Baptist Church. As Jack only had a small number of relatives living in Selsey this served to limit the guest list but it was necessary to obtain a licence for the marriage from the Diocese of Chichester. Joan made her own dress and her Godmother made the bridesmaids' dresses.

The bride's parents travelled from Plymouth by car a day or so before the wedding day and stayed in a holiday bungalow on East Beach which was a few doors from 'Greenwood' (149 East Beach Road) where the groom's parents lived. Joan who had travelled down from London to stay with the groom's parents and make the final arrangements for the wedding and reception joined her parents when they arrived. Joan's mother had a bad cold and the heating in the bungalow they were renting was inadequate to say the least. Jack who was on leave from the Navy was staying with his parents carried kindling and buckets of coal along the road to light a fire in the only fireplace. Hot water was provided by an immersion heater but the electricity meter accepted only 1/- coins which rapidly ran out. On the morning of the wedding after the bride's mother had had a bath there was no hot water left and Joan had a cold bath!

The guests includes the groom's parents Will and Alice Ward and Will's sister Gertie who had a flat at 'Greenwood'; the bride's parents Wallace and Doris Hodge; the bride's godmother and her husband and their two daughters who were the bridesmaids; Lieutenant Tony Daw who was the best man, and some members of the groom's Ordnance Engineering Specialisation Course who were all Lieutenants and formed the Guard of Honour after the wedding. Althought there were either 6 or 7 Jack only remembers the names of Tony Wheatley and John Mahony neither of whom were married at the time. People who may have attended were Tony Daw's wife Dorna; the groom's Uncle Will and Aunt Lou; and the bride's friend Joan. Jack has no recollection of any of them being there. Joan's friend Pat Boyle was unable to attend because she had 'flu and had been ordered to bed by her doctor who forbade her to attend the wedding; she was bitterly disappointed. Pat's husband Don who was in the Royal Marines was away at sea and also could not attend.

As it was a Naval Wedding all the Naval Officers were in uniform. The Vicar has asked them to leave their swords at the back of the Church as 'they made a clatter' if they were dropped during the service. Jack has little recollection of the marrige service itself except Joan saying "Sing up!" in the first hymn, the fact that the front of the priest's surplice was creased and soiled (he was obviously saving his clean surplice for Christmas Day which was the following day), and being told to "Slow up" as he set off down the aisle with his new bride on his arm after the register had been signed.

The reception was held at the Selsey Hotel.

The honeymoon was spent at the Priory Hotel, Thame in Oxfordshire where the couple were given the 'Priest's Room' in the attic which contained two single beds of different heights! The other guests were relatively elderly and Jack and Joan were embarrassed to receive an L-plate through the post which was propped up on the mantelpiece in the sitting room for all to see. At least the food was good as they had chosen the venue from The Good Food Guide.^113,114,115

William died on 11 Apr 1985 in St George's Hospital at his home Semington, Wiltshire from Bronchopneumonia and Whipples Disease. The death was certified by Dr. S. A. Szweda M.B.. William (Will) had suffered from Whipple's Disease for many years and it was well controlled. It is therefore surprising that it is mentioned as a contributory cause of death. He had been taken into St Martin's Hospital in Bath a few weeks previously suffering from pneumonia and from there was moved to St George's Hospital. Apart from deafness for which he needed a hearing aid he was in full possession of his faculties before entering hospital but whilst in hospital he became very confused. His stepson Jack who was very close to him visited him regularly and it became evident a few days before his death that he had 'given up'. The day before he died he would not talk and just sat and smiled at Jack occasionally shaking his head. He was in the day room which was full of old people sitting in chairs ranged round the room. Most appeared to be completely withdrawn. In the centre was a TV set blaring away with no one watching. It was an awful environment. Jack was informed of his death on the morning of the 11 April and had to break the news to his mother (Will's wife). She didn't seem surprised and simply said, "Earth is the poorer and heaven the richer for his passing." It was so heartfelt and moving that Jack had the words inscribed on his headstone.^162,163 William's death was reported to the Registrar J. Bowden on 12 Apr 1985 by Jack Peter William Ward at the the Register Office for Trowbridge, Wiltshire. Jack had been informed of his death on the morning of the 11 April.^162,164

William was buried c. 25 Apr 1985 in St Mary's Churchyard, Limpley Stoke, Wiltshire according to the Church of England rite. The burial was attended by Heather Ann O'Dare, Alison Mary Ward and Richard Mark William Ward. The mourners included Joan Elizabeth Hodge. William's stepson Jack who always thought of him as his father arranged with the Funeral Director for William to be dressed in his sports jacket with one of his shirts and a tie that he would have normally worn and for his glasses to be put on the end of his nose. He looked just as if he had fallen asleep in his armchair. Jack took his mother Alice to see her husband and make her final farewells at the undertaker's Chapel of Rest. The Chapel was dimly lit, and although the coffin was open a veil had been draped over it. Alice whose eyesight was very poor bent over to kiss her husband and encountered the veil which distressed her greatly. The undertaker removed the veil which allowed Alice to kiss her husband on the forehead saying as she did, “Oh Will, you're so cold.”

There were few mourners at the funeral service; as far as Jack can recollect it was just him, his wife Heather, his former wide Joan, Jack's son Richard and his wife Ruth, Jack's daughter Alison and a few of the staff from Waterhouse where William and Alice had lived for the last few years. When the coffin had been placed in the aisle (the church was so small it couldn't be taken up to the Chancel) Mum stepped out of her pew, held onto the coffin and kept saying, “Oh Will, Oh Will, …” and it was with some difficulty that Jack persuaded her to return to her seat. After the service Alison was rather scathing about her grandmother's conduct but Jack thinks it was genuine expression of her overwhelming grief. The service was taken by a Reader and Jack gave an address on the life of his (step)father. There is no record of the address Jack and can't remember any of the details but William had been a good husband, a great schoolmaster and a wonderful father to Jack, but he is certain that he owed his career to his (step)father's influence, and Jack probably touched on all these matters. After Jack's address the Reader said he had obviously been a fine man but Heather was absolutely furious and after the burial was over castigated Jack for saying what he did about his step father.

4.

Edward was born to William and Jane Lauderdale in Sep 1840 in Wark, Northumberland. As it was normal practice to baptise children within a few weeks of their birth it is assumed that he was born in late September or early October. As the date of his baptism (25 October 1840) was the same as his brother Edward's and according to the 1861 Census that were the same age it is assumed that they were twins.^165,166,167

Edward Lauderdale, son of William Lauderdale and Jane Sharp, was baptised on 25 Oct 1840 in St Michael, Wark on Tyne, Northumberland. His parents William and Jane Lauderdale would have been present. As both parents names were recorded in the Baptismal Register it is assumed that they attended the service. Edward's twin brother Thomas was baptised on the same occasion. However, Jane was probably ill after the birth of her twin sons as she died the day after the baptism so she may have been too ill to attend.¹⁶⁶

Edward was recorded in the 1841 Census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Wark as living with his grandparents William and Mary Lauderdale at Wark Village. The household consisted of William, his wife Mary, their children Margaret, William and John, Margaret's daughter Mary and William & Mary's Grandson Edward who was William junior's son. William's twin brother Thomas was living with his other grandparents Thomas and Ann Sharp who lived in the same village.¹⁶⁸

Edward was recorded in the 1851 Census taken on 30 Mar 1851 for Wark as living with his grandparents William and Mary Lauderdale at 4 Main Street. The household consisted of William, his wife Mary, their children Margaret and John, and their grandson Edward who was the son of their other son William and his wife Jane (Sharp). The family had the property to themselves but there is no indication of the size.¹⁶⁹

Edward was recorded in the 1861 Census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland as living with his father William Lauderdale and stepmother Eleanor Hall at 40 Churchill Street, Westgate. The household consisted of William, his wife Eleanor and William's twin sons Edward and Thomas by a previous marriage.¹⁷⁰

Frm 1863 to 1866 Edward underwent theological training at London College of Divinity, Mortimer Road, Kilburn, London. What prompted him to abandon engineering (he is shown as an apprentice engineer in the 1861 Census) and undertake theological training is not known. Also he appears to have changed from being a member of the Church of England to Baptist. Perhaps he was influenced by an evangelical preacher.

The London College of Divinity was established in 1863, with the financial support of the Rev. Alfred Peache and his sister Miss Kezia Peache, as an evangelical theology college to train men who wished to be clergy but who could not go to university, generally because they lacked the required educational background. The principal was the Rev Thomas P Boultbee. The 1908 Crockford's Clerical Directory indicated that he graduated in 1866. It has not been possible to find out how long the courses were but assuming a three year course means that he entered the college in 1863 when it opened or shortly afterwards.^171,172

Frm 1866 to 1868 Edward was a Baptist Minister in London. During his theological training he almost certainly went to hear the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon preach at the Baptist Metropolitan Temple. It may have even been part of the course. Edward was obviously inspired by him to become a Baptist Minister. After finishing his training he probably did supply work in the London area and came to the notice of the Rev. Spurgeon who recommended him as a supply minister to the Great Grimsby Baptist community.¹⁷³

Btw 17 May 1868 and 29 Oct 1893 Edward was the Baptist Minister in the Baptist Church Grimsby, Lincolnshire. Baptist witness and worship in Grimsby began in 1822 with the first chapel and schoolroom being built and opened in 1824 in Burgess Street. By 1826 a small group covenanting together became the first Baptist Church and called their first minister in that same year. From March 7th to 22nd inclusive the services were conducted by Ministers from Hull.

The Church then applied to the Rev C. H. Spurgeon (of the Metropolitan Tabernacle) for a suitable supply with a view to the pastorate, when Mr Edward Lauderdale was sent to supply four sabbaths; at the end of his engagement he received the unanimous invitation of the Church. Agreed at this meeting convened April 16th 1868. After due consideration & much prayer by the Church and himself he accepted the invitation on May 8th 1868 and commenced his labours on Lord's Day May 17th 1868 (signed) W.H.

During his tenure the church thrived and the growth in the congregation eventually led to the building of the Baptist Tabernacle in 1876-1877 which could seat 1,000.^{174,175,176,177,178}

His resignation was put forward at a meeting on 16th October 1893. He had intimated his decision to the deacons two months previously but there is no hint of a reason in the minutes. He had returned to work in April 1893 after being ill. During his illness a Mr Judd had been engaged to serve as pastor and it would appear that after the Rev. Lauderdale's return Mr Judd has set up a Mission in New Clee (contrary to the vote of the church) and had taken some of the congregation with him. Mr Orby Bradley took the opportunity at the October meeting to say that "if Mr Lauderdale had asked only his own friends to attend he would have had a much smaller meeting" (!). The meeting unanimously condemned his remarks but Mr Bradley's comments together with the setting up of the New Clee Mission were indicative that the Rev. Lauderdale had fallen out of favour with some of the congregation.

The church then unanimously requested the pastor to reconsider his resignation to take six months to consider it or a month at least if he preferred. He then said he would think it over and let the deacons know before Sunday.

It was proposed by Mr Burgess and seconded by Mr Harmin and unanimously agreed that if the pastor remain the church pledge herself to heartily and earnestly support the pastor in every good word and work.

It was then agreed to empower the deacons to deal with the Mission in New Clee and three fifths of the deacons be a quorum.

It was also agreed to empower the Deacons to close the (school?) in New Clee when they considered it advisable.

Meeting closed with prayer.

On the following Lords day the pastor having intimated to the deacons he had adhered to his determination to close his ministry among them the following Lords day Oct 29th Mr Wilson at the close of the service by the pastors request announced to the congregation the pastor would preach the annual sermons on Lords day Oct 29th and preach his farewell sermon in the evening.

^{173,174,175,176,177,178,179,180,181,182,183}

Edward was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire living at 2 Pasture Street. He is a lodger in the household of John Foster.¹⁸⁴

Edward married Mary Jane Brown in 1876 in Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire.. The marrige date was originally estimated from the date of birth of Edward and Mary's eldest child, Maggie. As she was born in Great Grimsby which is in the Registration District of Caistor it is assumed they were married there.¹⁸⁵

The household of Edward and Mary Lauderdale was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 in Great Grimsby living at Abbey Road. The household consisted of Edward, his wife Mary, their children Maggie age 2 and Lucy age 11 months. They also had two 'live in' servants Jane Turner who was a general servant and and Jessie Heyhoe who was a nursemaid. The size of the house is unknown but it must have been fairly large and in an affluent neighbourhood as all the households had at least one servant.¹⁸⁶

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the burial of their child Lucy on 3 Jan 1883 in Old Cemetary, Ainsley Street, Great Grimsby. Surprisingly the burial took place the day after her death. The reason for such a short space of time is not known. Her parents and older sister Maggie would have been there and probably members of Edward's congregation. The service which was taken by a Wesleyan minster would have been held in the Dissenters Chapel and followed by a short committal.¹⁸⁷ He reported his son Edward's birth to the Registrar H M Steppington on 18 Oct 1883 at the Register Office for Great Grimsby. His father seems to left it rather late as nearly 3 months elapsed between his son's birth and registration.^44,45

The household of Edward and Mary Lauderdale was recorded in the 1891 census taken on 5 Apr 1891 in Great Grimsby living at Abbey Road. The household consisted of Edward, his wife Mary, their two children Edward age 7 and Alice age 4. They also had a general servant Alice Williamson. The size of the house is unknown but it must have been fairly substantial and in an affluent area as most properties had at least one servant. Both the children are attending school.⁴⁶

In Nov 1893 Edward and Mary Lauderdale moved from Great Grimsby to Lincoln, Lincolnshire. with their children Maggie, Edward and Alice. The exact reason for the move is unclear but seems to be associated with Edwards resignation as minister of the Great Grimsby Baptist Tabernacle where there appears to have been some scission in the congregation and him becoming an ordained Church of England priest. It is quite understandable that they should wish to move from Great Grimsby but why Edward chose Lincoln is not so clear. Perhaps he had already made up his mind about changing sects and had put out feelers. He dad been baptised into the Church of England in 1840 and presumably confirmed and had received his theological training at the London College of Divinity which was evangelical in outlook.¹⁸³

Btw 1894 and 1910 Edward was a Church of England priest in Lincoln. In 1894 he was ordained as a Deacon in the Diocese of Lincoln. What prompted the transition from being a Baptist Minister to being a Church of England Priest is not known. As he took his wife and three children with him when he moved from Grimsby to Lincoln it can only be assumed that they became members of the Church of England as well, especially as wives played an important supporting role in church life. After being ordained he was appointed Curate of St Swithin, Lincoln. He became a priest in 1895 and remained at St Swithin as a Curate. St Swithin was large church seating a 1,000 and serving a population of 10,000. The incumbent was E. Wanstal who was installed in 1895 and there was another Curate, T. E. Swanzy who has also been appointed in 1894. In 1889 he was installed as the Vicar of St Mark, City and Diocese of Lincoln under the patronage of the Bishop of Lincoln. The population of this parish was rather smaller at 909.^188,189,190

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Edward Maitland by the Rev. Edward, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. His parents would have been present and his sisters Maggie and Alice were baptised on the same occasion. The reason for the 'group' baptism was that their father had resigned as minister of the Baptist Tabernacle in Grimbsy, had moved to Lincoln and been ordained as a Church of England minister.⁴⁷

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Maggie Maitland by the Rev. Edward, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Her parents would have been present and her brother Edward and sister Alice were baptised on the same occasion.⁴⁸

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Alice Maitland by the Rev. Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Her parents would have been present and her sister Maggie and brother Edward were baptised on the same occasion.⁴⁹ Edward performed the baptism of Clara Brown on 19 Dec 1895 in St Swithin's Church Lincoln, Lincolnshire.¹⁹¹

The household of Edward and Mary Lauderdale was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 in Lincoln living at 13 West Parade. The household consisted of Edward, his wife Mary and their children Margaret, Edward and Alice They also had two 'live in' two servants Kate Singleton who is described as a ladies (sic) help and Alice Hannah who is a housemaid. The size of the house is unknown but it must have been large and in a fairly affluent area as all the households along the street had at least one servant.⁵⁰

Edward died on 29 May 1910 aged 69 in Lincoln at his home Maitland House, West Parade. The Grant of Probate on his estate gives the place and date of his death.^192,193

Edward was buried aged 69 on 2 Jun 1910 in Canwick Road Cemetary, Lincoln, Lincolnshire according to the Church of England rite. The minister at the burial was the Rev. W. Wanstall, Incumbent at St Swithin where Edward was a curate.. His wife Mary would have attended the service which probably look place in the cemetery's Church of England's chapel.^194,195 Probate on the estate of Edward Lauderdale of Maitland House, West Parade was granted on 26 Jul 1910 at the Lincoln Probate Registry. Mary Jane Brown, Edward Maitland Lauderdale, Maggie Maitland Lauderdale and Alice Maitland Lauderdale were beneficiaries. Mary was his wife and the other beneficiaries were his children. His effects were valued at £3,571 1s. 2d. which was a considerable sum for those days. How it was divided between the beneficiaries is not known.⁵⁵

5.

Mary Jane was born to John and Mary Brown in 1848 in Great Grimsby. The 1881 Census gives her age (32) and place of birth. The CRI(E&W) defines the year.^196,197

Mary was recorded in the 1851 Census taken on 30 Mar 1851 for Great Grimsby as living with her parents John and Mary Brown at River Head. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their three children George (age 6), Lucy (age 4) and (age 2). In addition they had a visitor Anne Leonard whose relationship to the family is unknown and servant Sarah Webster.¹⁹⁸

Mary was recorded in the 1861 Census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Grimsby, Lincolnshire as living with her parents John and Mary Brown at 11 Victoria Street West. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their five children George (age 16), Lucy (age 14), Mary (age 12), Anne (age 9) and Clara (age 2). They also had a servant Betsy Rose.¹⁹⁹

Mary was recorded in the 1871 Census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Great Grimsby as living with her parents John and Mary Brown at Deans Gate. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their four children George (age 26), Lucy (age 24), Mary (age 22) and Anne (age 19). They also had a servant Sarah Marshall.²⁰⁰

Mary's mother Mary was buried on 23 Apr 1878 in the Great Grimsby Old Cemetary at Ainsley Street. Her husband John and her children George, Lucy, Mary, Ann and Clara would have been there. Also Mary's husband Edward Lauderdale who was the minister of the Grimsby Baptist Chapel. The service would have been held in the cemetery's Dissenters Chapel and followed by a short committal. Who else was there is not known.²⁰¹

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the burial of their child Lucy on 3 Jan 1883 in Old Cemetary, Ainsley Street, Great Grimsby. Surprisingly the burial took place the day after her death. The reason for such a short space of time is not known. Her parents and older sister Maggie would have been there and probably members of Edward's congregation. The service which was taken by a Wesleyan minster would have been held in the Dissenters Chapel and followed by a short committal.¹⁸⁷ Mary Jane Brown²⁰² (also known as Mary Jane Lauderdale), daughter of John Brown and Mary Jane Marriott, was a mourner at the burial of her father John Brown on 27 May 1891 in the Great Grimsby Old Cemetery, Ainsley Street. It is noted from the register page that E. Lauderdale was the Officiating Minister at some of of the burials. As Edward Lauderdale was John Brown's son-in-law it is surprising that the service was not taken by him. Who else was there is not known although although a number of friends and business acquaintances were almost certainly present.²⁰³

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Edward Maitland by the Rev. Edward, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. His parents would have been present and his sisters Maggie and Alice were baptised on the same occasion. The reason for the 'group' baptism was that their father had resigned as minister of the Baptist Tabernacle in Grimbsy, had moved to Lincoln and been ordained as a Church of England minister.⁴⁷

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Maggie Maitland by the Rev. Edward, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Her parents would have been present and her brother Edward and sister Alice were baptised on the same occasion.⁴⁸

Edward and Mary Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Alice Maitland by the Rev. Edward King, Bishop of Lincoln according to the Church of England rite on 29 Jul 1894 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. Her parents would have been present and her sister Maggie and brother Edward were baptised on the same occasion.⁴⁹

Mary was a present at the Baptism of her sister Clara on 19 Dec 1895 in St Swithin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire.¹⁹¹

Mary's husband Edward died on 29 May 1910 in Lincoln at Maitland House, West Parade aged 69. The Grant of Probate on his estate gives the place and date of his death.^192,193

Mary's husband Edward was buried on 2 Jun 1910 in Canwick Road Cemetary at Lincoln, Lincolnshire aged 69. His wife Mary would have attended the service which probably look place in the cemetery's Church of England's chapel.^194,195

Mary was a beneficiary of the will of Edward Lauderdale after the granting of probate on 26 Jul 1910 in Lincoln. Mary was his wife and the other beneficiaries were his children. His effects were valued at £3,571 1s. 2d. which was a considerable sum for those days. How it was divided between the beneficiaries is not known.⁵⁵

Mary was recorded in the 1911 census taken on 2 Apr 1911 for Lincoln living at 21 West Parade. The household consisted of Mary and her two daughters Maggie and Alice. They also had a cook and a housemaid. The house had 10 rooms.²⁰⁴

Mary was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Maggie to Sherod Henry Greenfield on 5 Jul 1911 at St Martin's Church, Lincoln, Lincolnshire. The witnesses were C. Greenfield, M. A. Greenfield, Edward Maitland Lauderdale and Alice Maitland Lauderdale. Unusually there were four witness. Two from the groom's family C. Greenfield and M. A. Greenfield who were probably siblings and two from the bride's family - her brother Edward and her sister Ann. The bride's mother Mary was almost certainly there but who else is not known.^57,58

Mary died on 6 Nov 1915 (est) in Lincoln at her home. As it was normal practice to bury a person within a few days of their death and she was buried on 9 November she probably died between the 5th and 7th of November.^60,205

Mary was buried on 9 Nov 1915 in Canwick Road Cemetary, Lincoln, Lincolnshire according to the Church of England rite. It is assumed that the service took place in the Church of England Chapel at the cemetery. Her children Maggie and Alice were probably present. Her son Edward was in the Navy so may not have been able to attend. Who else was there and who took the service is not known.⁶⁰ Probate on the estate of Mary Jane Brown of 21 West Parade, Lincoln was granted to Edward Maitland Lauderdale, Maggie Maitland Lauderdale and Alice Maitland Lauderdale on 6 Jan 1916 at the Lincoln Probate Registry. Edward Maitland Lauderdale, Maggie Maitland Lauderdale and Alice Maitland Lauderdale were beneficiaries.⁶¹ She and Edward Lauderdale had the following children:

6.

Thomas Frederick was born to Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell on 23 Jul 1855 in Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex at 3 Kingsnorth Place.^216,217,218

Thomas Frederick Dowell²¹⁹ (also known as Thomas Dowell), son of Hezekiah Dowell and Hannah Drew, was baptised on 5 Aug 1855 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch. The service was conducted by the Rev. A. M. Kelly according to the Church of England rite. His parents Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell would have been present. They probably took Thomas' older siblings Harriett, Charles and Harry but who else was there is not known.²²⁰ Thomas's birth was reported to the Registrar George Pearce by Thomas's mother Hannah Drew on 1 Sep 1855 at the Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch for the district of the Register Office. She signed with her mark.²¹⁶ Thomas's birth was reported to the Registrar George Pearce, Junior Registrar by Thomas's mother Hannah Drew on 1 Sep 1855 at the the Register Office for the district of Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex. She signed the declaration with her mark.

Btw 1860 and 1869 Thomas underwent elementary education at board schools in, Shoreditch. However, what sort of education he received is probablematical as he was certainly could not write as he signed his daughter Caroline's marriage certificate and the 1911 Census return with his mark X.^82,221

Thomas was recorded in the 1861 Census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Shoreditch, Middlesex as living with his father Hezekiah Dowell at 3 Kingsnorth Place. The household consisted of Hezekiah, who is now a widower, and his six children Harriett (age 19), Charles (age 14), Harry (age 11), Hezekiah (age 8), Thomas (age 5) and Frederick (age 3). The three eldest children were working as fancy box makers almost certainly at home. As Hezekiah is working as a sawyer Harriett must have been cooking and cleaning as well as working as a fancy box maker. They shared the house with another family of 6. The size is unknown. They shared the house with another family. In all there were 13 people living in the house. The size is unknown.²²²

Thomas was a present at the Baptism of his half-sister Sarah on 20 Jul 1862 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex.

Thomas was a present at the Baptism of his half-brother William on 17 Aug 1864 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex.²²³

Frm 1869 to 1919 Thomas was a carman in Bethnal Green and Shoreditch. In the 1871 Census he is shown as an errand boy and all subsequent Censuses (up to 1911) as a carman (i.e. a person who drove a horse drawn delivery vehicle). It is assumed that he started work at 12 as an errand boy perhaps working for a firm of carriers as the van boy and graduated to a carman. He is described as a jouneyman carman on his daughter Alice's birth certificate and Alice remembers being taken to see the shire horses in their stable which was probably near where they lived. In the 1911 Census and on his wife Rebecca's Death Certificate he is describes as a contractor's carman. It is therefore certain that he worked for someone else and not on his own account. Whether he worked for the same employer all the time is not known. The family moved frequently within the Bethnal Green and Shoreditch area but this was not uncommon as families grew and dwindled and is not necessarily indicative of a change in employer. However, he must have lost his job sometime after the 1911 census as his Death Certificate describes him as a tailor's assistant. His daughter Alice was married twice. On the marriage certificate to her first husband, Horace Richmond, which took place in 1938 Thomas is described as a caterer's traveller and on the marriage certificate to her second husband, William Ward, which took place in 1948 Thomas is described as a caterer. Alice remembers as a small girl preparing vegetables for banquets at London hotels to earn a little pocket money presumably after he became a caterer's traveller. Why he changed jobs toward the end of his life is not known; being a traveller was almost certainly a better job than a carman. On the other hand the use of horse drawn vehicles was certainly diminishing as motor vehicles became more numerous and it is possible that he could not, or didn't wish to, learn to drive. The reason for the subsequent change to a tailor's assistant is not clear. Perhaps he lost his job or illness forced him to make the change but at least he kept on working to the end of his life. In what way he assisted the tailor is not known; given his previous occupation as a carman it may have been in a warehouseman and/or delivery role.^{73,82,218,224,225,226,227,228,229,230}

Thomas was recorded in the 1871 Census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Shoreditch as living with his father Hezekiah Dowell and stepmother Elizabeth Sparks at 2b Queen Street, Pitfield Street. The household consisted of Hezekiah, his second wife Elizabeth and their son William Dowell; Hezekiah's two sons from his previous marriage to Hanna Drew, Fredrick and Thomas Dowell; Thomas English who was Elizabeth's son by her previous marriage to Joseph English; and a grandchild Elizabeth Quince who was the daughter of Elizabeth English (d/o Joseph English and Elizabeth Gill) and Henry Quince. Although Hezekiah was working as a sawyer, Elizabeth as a seamstress (almost certainly at home), Thomas English as a wire worker, and Frederick and Thomas as errand boys the total family income was probably very small. They shared the house with 2 other families and in all there were 18 people in the house. The size of the house is unknown.²²⁴

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Rebecca Harriet was born on 22 Feb 1880 in Hoxton Old Town at 22 Constable Alley. At the time her parents were not married (they married a few weeks later on 8 April 1880) but the birth was registered as if they had been. Her mother's parents were living in 2 New Street, Bethnal Green and her mother got married from there. After her parents married they shared a house with Rebecca's sister Harriett and her husband at 25 Hobbs Place.^231,232,233

Thomas married Rebecca Thornton on 15 Mar 1880 in St Thomas' Church, Baroness Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex when he was 26. The service was taken by the Rev. H. Fawcett and the witnesses were Thomas Thornton and Harriett Dowell. Thomas could have been either the father (although this is unlikely as he was an inmate of the Bethnal Green Workhouse at the time) or the younger brother of the bride. However, as Harriett was the eldest sister of the groom Thomas was almost certainly the bride's sibling. Who the other guests were is not known but the wedding would almost have certainly been attended by the groom's and bride's families although it is unlikely that the groom's parents attended in view of his father's situation. After the marriage the couple shared a house with John & Harriett Pope at 25 Hobbs Place, Shoreditch. The groom, the bride and the both witnesses signed with their marks indicating that they were illiterate. This confirms Rebecca's daughter Alice's recollection that her mother could neither read or write (but was very good at mental arithmetic). Thomas must have learnt to read and write to some extent as towards the end of his life he was a caterer's traveller and a tailor's assistant.

St Thomas' Church was damaged by German bombing during the 1939-45 war and demolished in 1954.^234,235,236

The household of Thomas and Rebecca Dowell was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 in Shoreditch living at 25 Hobbs Place. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Rebekah and their daughter Rebekah (age 1). They shared the house with John Pope's family whose wife Harriett was Rebecca's older sister. Harriett's and Rebecca's brother Hezekiah was also lodging with the Popes.^237,238

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Caroline Emma was born on 5 Mar 1882 in her parents' home at 24 Newing Broadway, Bethnal Green, Middlesex.^239,240

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Caroline Emma by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 26 Mar 1882 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. They probably brought her sister Rebecca but who else was there is not known.²⁴¹

Thomas witnessed the marriage of Thomas Thornton and Elizabeth Ann Darby on 23 Dec 1883 in St Jude's Church Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Rebecca was the groom's sister and Thomas was her husband. The groom's parents, siblings and their spouses were probably at the service. The bride's father was dead but her mother and other relatives may have been there. His wife Rebecca who was the other witness was the groom's sister.²⁴²

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 2 Mar 1884 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and his sisters Rebecca and Caroline but who else was there is not known.²⁴³

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Charles Hezekiah by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 23 May 1886 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. His parents would have attended the service and they almost certainly took his older siblings Rebecca, Caroline and Thomas. Who else was present and whether there were any God-parents is not known.²⁴⁴

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Louisa Alice by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 1 Dec 1889 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents and siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas and Charles would have been present but who else is not known.²⁴⁵

The household of Thomas and Rebecca Dowell was recorded in the 1891 census taken on 5 Apr 1891 in Bethnal Green, Middlesex living at 17 Fuller Street. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Rebecca, and their children Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles and Louisa. They occupied three rooms in a house which they shared with two other families. How a family of seven fitted into three rooms is not known. It is assumed that each of the three families cooked for themselves in their own living rooms but probably shared a sculley and a toilet in the yard. Thomas and Rebecca probably slept in the living room with the boys in one room and the girls in the remaining room.²¹⁸

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Harriet Ethel by the Rev. W.H. Davies according to the Church of England rite on 8 Mar 1893 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have been at the service together with her siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas and Louisa. Who else as present is not known.²⁴⁶ On 13 May 1896 Thomas lived in 43 Felton Street, Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, London. The family now consisted of Thomas and Rebecca, and their eight children Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa, Harriet and the latest additions the twins Alice and William.^247,248

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Alice Eleanor was born on 31 May 1896 Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, London, 43 Felton Street. Although her Birth Certificate gives her birth date as 13th May she always celebrated her birthday on the 31st May as did her twin William. They had always done so as long as she could remember and she thought that the Registrar had accidentally reversed the two figures when her mother registered her birth. Her mother was illiterate so she would not have been aware of the mistake. The probability that it was a mistake is reinforced by her baptismal record which give the date of her birth as 30th May. Her Birth Certificate shows that she was born at 5 p.m., half an hour before her twin brother William. She was very much taller than her brother and in her latter years put on weight which her brother didn't. He always looked very wiry. Alice always said when asked about their disparity in size that their sizes should have been reversed!^66,67,68

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Alice Eleanor by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. Her twin brother William was baptised immediately after her. As well as her parents her siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa and Harriet would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷⁰

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child William John by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. His twin sister Alice was baptised immediately before him. As well as his parents his siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa and Harriet would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷¹

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Arthur Herbert by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 16 Oct 1898 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. His parents and siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa, Harriet, Alice and William would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷²

Thomas witnessed the marriage of Charles Leonard Maskall and Rebecca Harriet Dowell on 8 Apr 1900 in St Andrew's Church Hoxton, London. Thomas was the bride's father and Caroline was her sister. It is known that Thomas was her father (as opposed to her brother Thomas who was only 16 at the time) because he signed the register with his mark X whereas her brother was literate. It was slightly unusual to have the bride's father as a witness but perhaps it was because she was pregnant (her daughter Rebecca's was born the day after the marriage). Why the Groom did not have a relative or friend as a witness is not known. Perhaps his parents did not approve of the bride and the marriage was a 'forced' one. Never the less it is highly likely that other members of both families were present.²⁴⁹

The household of Thomas and Rebecca Dowell was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 in Shoreditch living at 91, Phillip Street. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Rebecca (nee Thornton), and their children Caroline (age 19), Thomas (age 17), Charles (age 14), Louisa (age 11), Harriett (age 8), William (age 4), his twin sister Alice (age 4) and Arthur (age 2). The family had the whole house to themselves although there is no indication as to its size. However, nearby houses in Phillip Street occupied by more than 1 family appear to have 4 rooms so it is assumed that there were 4 rooms probably split up as a living room, the parents bedroom, a bedroom for the boys and a bedroom for the girls. In addition there was probably a scullery with a copper for use on washdays which may also have served as a kitchen and a privy in the yard.⁷³

Thomas and his wife adopted Louise Mary Fippen in Jun 1901. At that time adoption was an informal process and Louise's mother had asked Rebecca to look after her daughter should anything happen to her. As she was living with her mother at the time of the 1901 Census on 31 March 1901 and her mother died in hospital on 19 July 1901 she probably went to live with the Dowells in June 1901. Where her brother Thomas went is not known as a search of the 1911 Census failed to find him. Her other brother Henry's death was registered in the quarter ending Jun 1901 and the shock may have contributed to the death of her mother.^84,250,251

Thomas witnessed the marriage of Thomas Fippen and Caroline Emma Dowell on 2 Nov 1902 in St Saviour's Church Hoxton, London. Louisa was her younger sister of the bride; the other witness Thomas Dowell was the bride's father. Why a member of the groom's family did not act as a witness is not known. However, the groom's oldest child from his previous marriage, Thomas Fippen, would have been too young at 11 and his parents although still alive were living in Shoreditch Workhouse so probably did not attend the wedding. From the date of birth of their first child, Caroline (10 April 1903), it seems that the bride may have been pregnant when she went to the altar. As the couple were living at the same address at the time of their marriage there may have been opportunity for this to happen. Who else was at the wedding is not known but Thomas' wife Rebecca who was the Bride's mother would almost certainly have been present and probably her siblings.^74,75

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his son Thomas to Elizabeth Alice Anderson on 18 Apr 1903 at St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The witnesses were John James Horsman and Louisa Alice Dowell. Louisa was a sister of the groom; the other witness John Horsman was probably a friend of the groom and possibly his best man. The high church service was conducted by the Rev. Sidney L Sarel. Other members of the groom's and bride's families and their friends were almost certainly present. There may have been some sort of party at the bride's home . At the time of the marriage Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant.⁷⁶ On 14 Apr 1907 Thomas lived in 126, St John's Street, Hoxton, Bethnal Green, London. It is assumed that the address given on the Marriage Certificate of their daughter Louisa was the family home.²⁵²

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Louisa to Edward Charles Kelly on 14 Apr 1907 at St Anne's Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch, London. The witnesses were William Duggan and Harriet Ethel Dowell. The relationship of the first witness, William Duggan, to the couple is unknown. He was probably a friend of the Groom. The second witness, Harriett Dowell, was the younger sister of the Bride and would have been just 14 at the time. On the marriage certificate the groom gave the same address as the bride. As he was a soldier he may have been staying there temporarily whilst on leave. Who else attended the ceremony is not known - probably the Bride's and the Groom's parents and their siblings who were living at home at the time. There was probably some sort of party at the Bride's home afterwards but whether the couple had a honeymoon is not known,^79,80

The household of Thomas and Rebecca Dowell was recorded in the 1911 census taken on 2 Apr 1911 in Bethnal Green, London living at 26 Baroness Road. The household consisted of Thomas and his wife Rebecca, their children Harriett, Alice, William, and Arthur, and Herbert Dowell, and their granddaughter Louise Fippen. Thomas, Harriett, Alice and William were all working whilst Arthur and Louise were at school.

Although Louise Fippen is shown as the granddaughter of Thomas Dowell technically she was his step-granddaughter. Louise was the daughter of Thomas Fippen and Louise Jane Dorsett who died on 19 July 1901 of tuberculosis of the brain. Thomas Fippen then married Caroline Emma Dowell a daughter of Thomas and Rebecca on 2 Nov 1902, and they went on to have five children of their own. When Louise came to live with the Dowells is not known - probably shortly before or after Louise Dorset's death because Rebecca had promised to take Louise in if anything happened to her mother. Louise never married and continued to live with Rebecca or after she died Alice. As children Louise and Alice shared a bedroom and had to turn the mangle together on washdays.

The return was probably filled in by Thomas' daughter Harriet as both Thomas and his wife Rebecca were illiterate. Thomas added his mark X after his name in the signature box.^82,83,84

Thomas died on 23 Apr 1919 aged 63 in Shoreditch, London at his home 23 Holms Street, Great Cambridge Street from valvular disease of the heart, chronic bronchitis and syncope. The death certificate says that Rebecca Thornton was present. The death was certified by Kharshed Rouroje Khory L.R.C.P.. Syncope is the medical term for fainting which can arise from several causes. However, the most like cause was the decrease in the amount of blood flowing back to the heart due to straining during the coughing associated with bronchitis. His wife Rebecca was with him when he died.^253,254 Thomas's death was reported to the Registrar Ernest J Sibley on 24 Apr 1919 by Rebecca Thornton at the the Register Office for Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch for.²⁵⁵

7.

Rebecca was born to Thomas and Caroline Thornton on 15 Jun 1861 in Bethnal Green at 1 Octagon Place.^256,257

Rebecca Thornton²⁵⁸ (also known as Rebekah Thornton and Rebecca Dowell), daughter of Thomas Thornton and Caroline Wood, was baptised on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents Thomas and Caroline Thornton would have been present. Her birth was reported to the Registrar Thomas Frederick Bradbrook by her mother Caroline Wood on 27 Jul 1861 at the the Register Office for the district of Bethnal Green, Middlesex. She signed the papers with her mark, indicating that she could not write.²⁵⁹

Frm 1866 to 1873 Rebecca was a scholar in Bethnal Green. Although she is shown as a Scholar in the 1871 Census, which was taken when she was 9, she could not not read or write and signed documents (her Marriage Certificate, the Birth Certificates for her children, and the Death Certificate for her husband) with her mark. According to her daughter Alice although she could not read or write she was extremely good at mental arithmetic and could add up her grocery bill quicker than the assistant. If the two sums did not agree she would make the assistant add it up again. This may have been an indication that she was dyslexic. She probably left school at 12.^{260,261,262,263,264,265}

Rebecca was a present at the Baptism of her sister Louisa on 17 Mar 1867 in St James the Great Church, Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex.²⁶⁶

Rebecca was a present at the Baptism of her sister Emma on 18 Jul 1869 in St James the Great Church, Bethnel Green Road, Bethnel Green, Middlesex.²⁶⁷

Rebecca was recorded in the 1871 Census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Bethnal Green as living with her parents Thomas and Caroline Thornton at 2 New Street. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Caroline, their 8 children Caroline, Mary, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Thomas, Louise, and Emma. The family occupied the whole house albeit at a different address from the previous census. They also had two lodgers James Robinson and William Perrin. James had also lodged with them at their previous address (see 1861 Census for Thomas Thornton). Both of them worked in the furniture making trade as did Thomas and his two oldest children Caroline and Mary. The area abounded with small furniture workshops and many of their neighbours were also employed in the furniture trade. Perhaps they all walked to work together. Thomas' wife Caroline is shown as a house domestic but does not indicate whether this just meant that she stayed at home looking after the family or went out to work cleaning. In the census return the wife of the next door family is not shown as having an occupation so perhaps she went out to work but then who looked after the children? Apart from the two who went out to work, three were at school leaving three at home. Perhaps the eldest of these, Thomas, looked after the other two but a more likely expalanation is that a neighbour minded them.²⁶⁵

Frm 1873 to 1882 Rebecca was a chair carver in Shoreditch. In the 1881 Census she is shown as a chair carver and it is assumed that she started work as soon as she was able to leave work on her 13th birthday. As her father was a chair maker it is quite likely that he got her a job at the place where he worked. She continued to work after he marriage to Thomas Dowell; how she managed with a small baby and her husband working as a carman is not known. However, they shared a house with John and Harriett Pope and their five children. Harriett was Rebecca's older sister and worked as a boxmaker which was probably a home workers job so she could well have minded Rebecca's baby as well as looking after her own one year old. When Rebecca gave up work is not known but is is assumed it was around the time of the birth of her second child in 1882.^268,269

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Rebecca Harriet was born on 22 Feb 1880 in Hoxton Old Town at 22 Constable Alley. At the time her parents were not married (they married a few weeks later on 8 April 1880) but the birth was registered as if they had been. Her mother's parents were living in 2 New Street, Bethnal Green and her mother got married from there. After her parents married they shared a house with Rebecca's sister Harriett and her husband at 25 Hobbs Place.^231,232,233 She reported her daughter Rebecca's birth to the Registrar George Pearce on 2 Apr 1880 at the Register Office for the district of Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex.²³¹

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Caroline Emma was born on 5 Mar 1882 in her parents' home at 24 Newing Broadway, Bethnal Green, Middlesex.^239,240

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Caroline Emma by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 26 Mar 1882 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. They probably brought her sister Rebecca but who else was there is not known.²⁴¹

Rebecca witnessed the marriage of Thomas Thornton and Elizabeth Ann Darby on 23 Dec 1883 in St Jude's Church Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Rebecca was the groom's sister and Thomas was her husband. The groom's parents, siblings and their spouses were probably at the service. The bride's father was dead but her mother and other relatives may have been there. She was the sister of the groom and the other witness Thomas Dowell was her husband.²⁴²

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 2 Mar 1884 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and his sisters Rebecca and Caroline but who else was there is not known.²⁴³

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Charles Hezekiah by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 23 May 1886 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. His parents would have attended the service and they almost certainly took his older siblings Rebecca, Caroline and Thomas. Who else was present and whether there were any God-parents is not known.²⁴⁴

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Louisa Alice by the Rev. Sidney G H Sargent according to the Church of England rite on 1 Dec 1889 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents and siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas and Charles would have been present but who else is not known.²⁴⁵ She reported her daughter Louisa's birth to the Registrar Henry Ashford on 18 Dec 1889 at the Register Office for the district of Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Rebecca signed the declaration with her mark X.²⁷⁰

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Harriet Ethel by the Rev. W.H. Davies according to the Church of England rite on 8 Mar 1893 in St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have been at the service together with her siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas and Louisa. Who else as present is not known.²⁴⁶ On 13 May 1896 Rebecca lived in 43 Felton Street. The family now consisted of Thomas and Rebecca, and their eight children Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa, Harriet and the latest additions the twins Alice and William.^247,248

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell's daughter Alice Eleanor was born on 31 May 1896 in Hoxton Old Town at 43 Felton Street. Although her Birth Certificate gives her birth date as 13th May she always celebrated her birthday on the 31st May as did her twin William. They had always done so as long as she could remember and she thought that the Registrar had accidentally reversed the two figures when her mother registered her birth. Her mother was illiterate so she would not have been aware of the mistake. The probability that it was a mistake is reinforced by her baptismal record which give the date of her birth as 30th May. Her Birth Certificate shows that she was born at 5 p.m., half an hour before her twin brother William. She was very much taller than her brother and in her latter years put on weight which her brother didn't. He always looked very wiry. Alice always said when asked about their disparity in size that their sizes should have been reversed!^66,67,68

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Alice Eleanor by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. Her twin brother William was baptised immediately after her. As well as her parents her siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa and Harriet would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷⁰

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child William John by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 21 Jun 1896 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. His twin sister Alice was baptised immediately before him. As well as his parents his siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa and Harriet would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷¹ She reported her daughter Alice's birth to the Registrar E. J. Pearce on 23 Jun 1896 at the Register Office for the district of Shoreditch, Middlesex. Her mother registered her twin brother William's birth at the same time.⁶⁶ She reported her son William's birth to the Registrar on 23 Jun 1896 at the Register Office for the district of Shoreditch. His mother registered his twin sister Alice's birth at the same time. As Will and Alice always celebrated their birthdays on 31 May (as opposed to the registered date of 13 May) it is thought that the Registrar had accidentally reversed the two figures. Her mother would not have noticed as she was illiterate (she signed the registration with her mark).²⁷¹

Thomas and Rebecca Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Arthur Herbert by the Rev. A. G. Evans according to the Church of England rite on 16 Oct 1898 in St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. His parents and siblings Rebecca, Caroline, Thomas, Charles, Louisa, Harriet, Alice and William would have been at the service but the names of the God Parents (if any) are not known.⁷²

Rebecca and her husband adopted Louise Mary Fippen in Jun 1901. At that time adoption was an informal process and Louise's mother had asked Rebecca to look after her daughter should anything happen to her. As she was living with her mother at the time of the 1901 Census on 31 March 1901 and her mother died in hospital on 19 July 1901 she probably went to live with the Dowells in June 1901. Where her brother Thomas went is not known as a search of the 1911 Census failed to find him. Her other brother Henry's death was registered in the quarter ending Jun 1901 and the shock may have contributed to the death of her mother.^84,250,251

Rebecca was a guest at the marriage of Thomas Fippen and Caroline Emma Dowell on 2 Nov 1902 in St Saviour's Church Hoxton, London. Louisa was her younger sister of the bride; the other witness Thomas Dowell was the bride's father. Why a member of the groom's family did not act as a witness is not known. However, the groom's oldest child from his previous marriage, Thomas Fippen, would have been too young at 11 and his parents although still alive were living in Shoreditch Workhouse so probably did not attend the wedding. From the date of birth of their first child, Caroline (10 April 1903), it seems that the bride may have been pregnant when she went to the altar. As the couple were living at the same address at the time of their marriage there may have been opportunity for this to happen. Who else was at the wedding is not known but Thomas' wife Rebecca who was the Bride's mother would almost certainly have been present and probably her siblings.^74,75

Rebecca was probably present at the marriage of her son Thomas to Elizabeth Alice Anderson on 18 Apr 1903 at St Saviour's Church, Hoxton, London. The witnesses were John James Horsman and Louisa Alice Dowell. Louisa was a sister of the groom; the other witness John Horsman was probably a friend of the groom and possibly his best man. The high church service was conducted by the Rev. Sidney L Sarel. Other members of the groom's and bride's families and their friends were almost certainly present. There may have been some sort of party at the bride's home . At the time of the marriage Elizabeth was 6 months pregnant.⁷⁶ On 14 Apr 1907 Rebecca lived in 126. It is assumed that the address given on the Marriage Certificate of their daughter Louisa was the family home.²⁷²

Rebecca was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Louisa to Edward Charles Kelly on 14 Apr 1907 at St Anne's Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch, London. The witnesses were William Duggan and Harriet Ethel Dowell. The relationship of the first witness, William Duggan, to the couple is unknown. He was probably a friend of the Groom. The second witness, Harriett Dowell, was the younger sister of the Bride and would have been just 14 at the time. On the marriage certificate the groom gave the same address as the bride. As he was a soldier he may have been staying there temporarily whilst on leave. Who else attended the ceremony is not known - probably the Bride's and the Groom's parents and their siblings who were living at home at the time. There was probably some sort of party at the Bride's home afterwards but whether the couple had a honeymoon is not known,^79,80

Rebecca was probably present at the marriage of her sister Louisa to Thomas Gillett on 25 Sep 1910 at Holy Trinity Church, Hackney, London. The witnesses were Thomas Dowell and Ethel Maud Tomlinson. Thomas was the husband of the bride's sister Rebecca. Ethel was the sister of the bride's late husband William Tomlinson. Why there were no witnesses from the groom's side is not known. However, his father was dead so it is possible that he had no immediate family in the area.^273,274 Rebecca survived her husband Tom who died on on 23 Apr 1919 in Shorditch Old Town at their home in 23 Holms Street, Great Cambridge Street. She was with him when he died and reported his death to the Registrar the following day.²⁵³

Rebecca was present when her husband Thomas Frederick Dowell died on 23 Apr 1919 at 23 Holms Street, Great Cambridge Street, Shoreditch of valvular disease of the heart, chronic bronchitis and syncope. Syncope is the medical term for fainting which can arise from several causes. However, the most like cause was the decrease in the amount of blood flowing back to the heart due to straining during the coughing associated with bronchitis. His wife Rebecca was with him when he died.^253,254

On 24 Apr 1919 Rebecca reported the death of Thomas Frederick Dowell to the Registrar Ernest J Sibley at the the Register Office for Hoxton Old Town for.²⁵⁵

Rebecca was probably present at the marriage of her son Arthur to Susan Ethel Hutton on 25 Sep 1920 at St Augustine's Church, Haggerstone, London. The witnesses were Charles Leonard Maskall and Harriet Ethel Dowell. Charles was the groom's brother-in-law (he was married to Arthur's oldest sister Rebecca) and Harriet was the groom's sister. Why a relative or friend of the bride did not act as a witness is not known. Other members of both families were almost certainly present but who is not known.^275,276

Rebecca's household was recorded in the 1921 census taken on 19 Jun 1921 for Shoreditch living at 23 Halms Street. The household consisted of Rebecca, her son William, her daughters Harriet and Alice, her grandson Thomas Fippen, and her granddaughters Louisa Fippen and Louisa Kelly. Rebecca was illiterate and had signed all previous documents (e.g. marriage register, children's birth registrations, her husband's death registration with her mark X) so one of her children or a neighbour must have filled in and signed the form on her behalf. William is shown as a French Polisher which is an error. He was an upholsterer and his older brother Tom (who had married the previous year and moved away) had been trained as a French Polisher. Thomas and Louisa Fippen although shown as Rebecca's grandchildren were actually her step-grandchildren. They were the children of Thomas Fippen and his first wife Louisa Jane Dorset who died on 19 July 1901 and had asked Rebecca to "look after her children". Thomas subsequently married Rebecca's daughter Caroline on 2 November 1902. Louisa Kelly was the daughter of Edward Kelly and Rebecca's daughter Louisa who died on 28 October 1918 of Spanish 'Flu. Edward did not die prior to the 1921 Census (as shown in the census return) but must have abandoned his children and so was dead as far as Rebecca was concerned. He married Martha Watts in 1922 and was alive at the time of the 1939 Register.⁸⁶

Rebecca died on 25 Dec 1936 at her son William's home, 8 Devonshire Road, Lambeth from cerebral haemorrhage. The death certificate says that he (William John Dowell) was present. The death was certified by G. Stoddart M.B. who was the family doctor. William had never married and at the time of her death she was living with him. Her grandson Jack who was 2 years 9 months old at the time can just remember her death. At the time he was living at 55 Binfield Road which was nearby and must have been taken by his mother Alice to see her. She was lying unconscious on a chaise lounge in her usual long black dress and apparently he kept saying "Wake up Grandma". Later Jack was told by his mother that Rebecca had been in a coma for three day between the stroke and her death.^277,278,279 Rebecca's death was reported on 29 Dec 1936 by her son William to the Registrar G. C. Davies at the Register Office for Lambeth.²⁸⁰ She and Thomas Frederick Dowell had the following children:

8.

William was born to William and Mary Lauderdale in 1818 (cal) in Wark, Northumberland.³⁷²

William was a present at the Baptism of his brother John on 8 Apr 1827 in St Michael's Parish Church, Wark-on-Tyne, Northumberland.³⁷³

William married Jane Sharp on 29 Aug 1840 in St Michael's Parish Church, Wark-on-Tyne, Nothumberland..^374,375,376

William and Jane Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Edward on 25 Oct 1840 in St Michael, Wark on Tyne, Northumberland. As both parents names were recorded in the Baptismal Register it is assumed that they attended the service. Edward's twin brother Thomas was baptised on the same occasion. However, Jane was probably ill after the birth of her twin sons as she died the day after the baptism so she may have been too ill to attend.¹⁶⁶

William and Jane Lauderdale were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas on 25 Oct 1840 in St Michael's Parish Church, Wark-on-Tyne, Northumberland. As both parents names were recorded in the Baptismal Register it is assumed that they attended the service. Thomas' twin brother Edward was baptised on the same occasion. However, Jane was probably ill after the birth of her twin sons as she died the day after the baptism so she may have been too ill to attend.³⁷⁷

William was recorded in the 1841 Census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Wark as living with his parents William and Mary Lauderdale at Wark Village. The household consisted of William, his wife Mary, their children Margaret, William and John, Margaret's daughter Mary and William & Mary's Grandson Edward who was William junior's son. William's twin brother Thomas was living with his other grandparents Thomas and Ann Sharp who lived in the same village.¹⁶⁸

Frm 1842 to 1868 William was a police officer in Newcastle-on-Tyne, Northumberland. After the death of his first wife Jane in 1841 he moved from Wark to Newcastle Upon Tyne where he joined the police. The 1851, 1861 and 1871 Censuses all record him as being in the police and it is probable that he remained a constable for the entire period of his service. He probably retired from the police at the age of 60 and became a rate collector for the local authority.^378,379,380

William married Eleanor Hall in 1851 in Newcastle-on-Tyne,.. In the 1861 Census Eleanor is shown as the wife of William Lauderdale. He also has two sons Edward and Thomas both aged 20. However, Eleanor cannot be their mother as she would have been only 14 when they were born. Also the baptismal records for Edward and Thomas show that their mother was called Jane and that they were baptised in 1840.Thus Eleanor was William's second marriage. A search of marriage registrations showed that their marriage was registered in the quarter ending March 1851 in Newcastle-on-Tyne.^{375,381,382,383}

The household of William and Eleanor Lauderdale was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in Newcastle-on-Tyne living at 2 Duke Street, Westgate when he was 32 and she was 25. The household consisted of William and his wife Eleanor. The census return is not entirely clear but it would appear that they were sharing the house with 4 other families and that a total of 23 people lived at the address.³⁸⁴

The household of William and Eleanor Lauderdale was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 in Newcastle-on-Tyne living at 40 Churchill Street, Westgate when he was 43 and she was 34. The household consisted of William, his wife Eleanor and William's twin sons Edward and Thomas by a previous marriage.¹⁷⁰

Frm 1869 to 1873 William was a municipal rate collector in Newcastle-on-Tyne. After retiring from the police - probably at the age of 60 - he became a rate collector for the local authority probably retiring at the age of 65 when he and his wife Eleanor returned to Wark where he spent the remainder of his life.³⁸⁵

The household of William and Eleanor Lauderdale was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 in Newcastle-on-Tyne living at 15 Elswick East Terrace when he was 52 and she was 44. They are living by themselves.³⁸⁰

The household of William and Eleanor Lauderdale was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 in Newcastle-on-Tyne living at 29 Gloucester Road when he was 63 and she was 54. They have the house to themselves. The size is unknown. William has retired from the police - probably at the age of 60 - and is now working as a rate collector for the local authority.³⁸⁵

The household of William and Eleanor Lauderdale was recorded in the 1891 census taken on 5 Apr 1891 in Wark living at Great Bavington when he was 73 and she was 65. They are living on William's police pension and have a 4 roomed house to themselves.³⁸⁶

William died in 1891 aged 73 in Wark at his home. As he had lived in Wark all his life it is assumed that he died there.³⁸⁷

Eleanor was born to Matthew and Eleanor Hall in 1827 (cal) in Lowick, Northumberland.³⁸⁸

Eleanor was recorded in the 1841 Census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Lowick as living with her parents Matthew and Eleanor Hall at Bowsden. The household consisted of Matthew, his wife Eleanor and their children Eleanor, Richard, Margaret, Thomas, Matthew, Mary Ann and John.³⁸⁹

Eleanor was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Wark living at Hexham Road aged 74. She has the house to herself so is reasonably well off. She may have a police widow's pension arising from her late husband William's police service.³⁹⁰

Eleanor died in 1905 aged 78 in Wark at her home. Although the registration is for Ellen Lauderdale this is believed to be Eleanor Lauderdale as her age and the registration district fit. The mistake was probably made when her death was reported to the Registrar.³⁹¹

10.

John was born to Moses and Mary Brown in Mar 1816 at Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire. As children were normally baptised within a few weeks of birth it is assumed that he was born in early April of late March.^200,406

John Brown,⁴⁰⁷ son of Moses Brown and Mary, was baptised on 30 Apr 1816 in St Mary and St James Parish Church, Grimsby, Lincolnshire. The service was conducted by the Rev. George Oliver, Curate according to the Church of England rite. His parents Moses and Mary Brown would have been present. It is assumed that his parents were present but who else was there is not known.⁴⁰⁶

John was a building contractor and timber merchant in Grimsby, Lincolnshire. The 1851, 1861 and 1871 Censuses gives his occupation as a builder and timber merchant employing up to contractor employing 28 men and 15 boys. From 1876 to 1878 he was contracted to build the Batist Tabernacle in Grimsby where his son-in-law Edward Lauderdale was the minister.^{176,191,198,199,200}

John married Mary Jane Marriott in 1844 (est) in..⁴⁰⁸

The household of John and Mary Brown was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in Great Grimsby, Lincolnshire living at River Head. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their three children George (age 6), Lucy (age 4) and (age 2). In addition they had a visitor Anne Leonard whose relationship to the family is unknown and servant Sarah Webster.¹⁹⁸

The household of John and Mary Brown was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 in Grimsby living at 11 Victoria Street West. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their five children George (age 16), Lucy (age 14), Mary (age 12), Anne (age 9) and Clara (age 2). They also had a servant Betsy Rose.¹⁹⁹

The household of John and Mary Brown was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 in Great Grimsby living at Deans Gate. The household consisted of John, his wife Mary and their four children George (age 26), Lucy (age 24), Mary (age 22) and Anne (age 19). They also had a servant Sarah Marshall.²⁰⁰

John's wife Mary died from fever & congestion of the lungs on 20 Apr 1878 in Great Grimsby at 10 St James Terrace, Bar Gate. Her burial record gives the date and cause of her death.^201,409

John's wife Mary was buried on 23 Apr 1878 in the Great Grimsby Old Cemetary at Ainsley Street. Her husband John and her children George, Lucy, Mary, Ann and Clara would have been there. Also Mary's husband Edward Lauderdale who was the minister of the Grimsby Baptist Chapel. The service would have been held in the cemetery's Dissenters Chapel and followed by a short committal. Who else was there is not known.²⁰¹

John was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 for Great Grimbsy living at 10 St James Terrace, Bargate. The household consisted of John and his children George, Ann and Alice. There were also two servants - Lucy Clark who was the cook and Alice Moore who was a housemaid. Although Alice (age 25) is shown as John's daughter she has not been recorded in previous Censuses for John.⁴¹⁰

John died on 24 May 1891 in Great Grimsby at his home St James Terrace, Bargate. The cemetery register for his burial gives the date and place of his death.^203,411

John was buried on 27 May 1891 in the Great Grimsby Old Cemetery, Ainsley Street. The mourners included his children George Brown, Lucy Brown, Mary Jane Brown, Ann Marie Brown and Clara Brown. George Brown's wife Ellen probably accompanied her husband.The minister at the burial was the Rev. George Warren. The service would have been held in the Disscenters Chapel at the cemetery. It is noted from the register page that E. Lauderdale was the Officiating Minister at some of of the burials. As Edward Lauderdale was John Brown's son-in-law it is surprising that the service was not taken by him. Who else was there is not known although although a number of friends and business acquaintances were almost certainly present.²⁰³

11.

Mary Jane was born to and in 1816 (est) in North Killingholm, Lincolshire.²⁰⁰

Mary died on 20 Apr 1878 in Great Grimsby at her home 10 St James Terrace, Bar Gate from fever & congestion of the lungs. Her burial record gives the date and cause of her death.^201,409

Mary was buried on 23 Apr 1878 in the Great Grimsby Old Cemetary, Ainsley Street The minister at the burial was the Rev. William D Williams. Her husband John and her children George, Lucy, Mary, Ann and Clara would have been there. Also Mary's husband Edward Lauderdale who was the minister of the Grimsby Baptist Chapel. The service would have been held in the cemetery's Dissenters Chapel and followed by a short committal. Who else was there is not known.²⁰¹ She and John Brown had the following children:

12.

Hezekiah was born to Thomas and Esther Dowell in Sep 1816 in Warwick, Warwickshire at The Pound, St Nicholas. The exact date of his birth is uncertain. A year of birth calculated from the census returns for 1851-81 indicate that he was born between 1818 and 1820. However, as the censuses are taken in the early part of the year and if he had been born in the latter part of the year the calculated date would have been one year earlier. They all give his birthplace as Warwick. A search for his baptism produced only one baptism of a Hezekiah Dowell around that date, i.e. at St Nicholas' Church, Warwick on 27 October 1816. The name of his father is given as Thomas and on his Marriage Certificate his father's name is also given as Thomas. In addition his father's occupation is given as a sawyer and as Hezekiah was also a sawyer he may have well have followed in his father's footsteps. Thus on balance it is considered that the baptismal record is the correct one and as children were normally born within a few weeks of birth he was probably born in late September or early October 1816.^{222,224,419,420,421,422}

Hezekiah Dowell,⁴²³ son of Thomas Dowell and Esther Reynolds, was baptised on 27 Oct 1816 in Parish Church of St Nicholas, Warwick, Warwickshire. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. W. Burnyard, Curate according to the Church of England rite. His parents Thomas and Esther Dowell would have been present. Who else was there is not known.⁴¹⁹

Hezekiah was a member of the Church of England frm 27 Oct 1816 to 14 May 1881 by virtue of his baptism at St Nicholas Church, Warwick. He was baptised.⁴¹⁹

Hezekiah was a present at the burial of his brother Charles on 31 Dec 1818 in the churchyard of St Nicholas, Warwick. Charles was only three months old when he died. The cause of his death is unknown. His parents probably attended the service and may have brought his elder brother Hezekiah but who else was there is not known.⁴²⁴

Btw 1832 and 1879 Hezekiah was a sawyer in Islington, Middlesex. The earliest record of his occupation comes from the Marriage Certificate for his marriage to Hannah Drew in 1839. After that every Census between 1841, when he was 20, and 1881, the year that he died, gives his occupation as a sawyer. Therefore it is assumed that he started working in a sawmill at an early age (nominally 12 in lieu of any other information) probably where his father worked as a sawyer in Warwick. What brought him to Shoreditch and when he moved is not known but it was before his marriage in 1839. He continued to work as a sawyer at least until just before he is forced into the workhouse in 1879.^{224,420,421,425,426,427,428}

Hezekiah was a present at the Baptism of his brother Thomas on 31 Jan 1836 in St Nicholas Church, Warwick.⁴²⁹

Hezekiah's mother Esther was buried on 14 Feb 1836 in St Nicholas churchyard at Warwick. Her husband Thomas was almost certainly present and probably her surviving children Hezekiah, Frances and Harriet but who else was there is not known. The cause of her death is not known but it may have been childbirth related as her son Thomas who was born in early January died a week after Esther.⁴³⁰ Hezekiah attended the burial of his brother Thomas Dowell on 21 Feb 1836 in St Nicholas Churchyard,Warwick.⁴³¹

Hezekiah married Hannah Drew on 2 Sep 1839 in St Leonard's Parish Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. H. Hughes, Curate and the witnesses were Matthew Drew and Maria Coombes. Matthew who signed with his mark was the bride's father. The relationship of Maria Coombs to the couple is unknown but was probably a friend. It is almost certain that Mathew's wife Susan (née Harrison) also attended, but who else was there is not known. Hezekiah's mother was dead and it is unlikely that his father who lived in Warwick would have made the journey to Shoreditch.^422,432

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's daughter Harriett was born in May 1841 in Islington at City Gardens. The 1841 Census recorded her age as 3 weeks so, as the census was taken on the 6th June, she was born in May. Her birth registration confirms the quarter and the registration district.^222,426,433

The household of Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 in Islington living at City Gardens. The family consisted of Hezekiah, his wife Hannah and their three week old daughter Harriett. They shared the house with another family of three and two single men. Hannah's parents Matthew and Susan Drew also lived in City Gardens just 4 houses away.⁴²⁶

Hezekiah witnessed the marriage of Edward Drew and Hannah Newsom on 2 Sep 1844 in St Leonard's Church Shoreditch, Middlesex. Hannah was the groom's sister and Hezekiah was her husband. The couples parents were probably there but who else is not known.^434,435

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Charles Edward was born in 1846 in Islington. The 1851 Census gives his age as 5 and his birthplace as Islington. His birth registration confirms his birth year.^436,437,438

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Harry was born in 1848 in Islington at City Gardens. The 1851 Census for Islington records a Harry Dowell age 2 the son of Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell. A search of birth records failed to find an entry in either the CRI(E&W) or a baptismal register for a Harry Dowell. However, there was a registration for a Henry Albert Dowell in Islington in the last quarter of 1848 and it is assumed this is the entry for Harry - a name which was used for the rest of his life. Without a birth certificate this cannot be confirmed that Henry Albert was the son of Hezekiah and Hannah. Both the 1841 Census and the 1851 Census show that his parents were living at City Gardens in Islington so it is assumed that he was born there.^439,440

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas was born in Jan 1851 in Islington at 4 City Gardens. As his birth was registered in the first quarter of 1851 and his age in the 1851 Census is give as 2 months it is fairly certain that he was born in January 1851.^441,442

The household of Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in Islington living at 4 City Gardens. The family consisted of Hezekiah, his wife Hannah, and their children Harriet (age 10), Charles (age 5), Harry (age 2) and Thomas (age 2 months). They shared the house with another family of 8 making 14 in all. The Census gives no indication of the size of the house.⁴²⁰

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas died in 1851 in Islington aged 10 months.⁴⁴³

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Hezekiah was born in 1852 in Shoreditch, London.^444,445

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas Frederick was born on 23 Jul 1855 in Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex at 3 Kingsnorth Place.^216,217,218

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas Frederick by the Rev. A. M. Kelly according to the Church of England rite on 5 Aug 1855 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch. They probably took Thomas' older siblings Harriett, Charles and Harry but who else was there is not known.²²⁰

Hezekiah may have been present at the marriage of Henry Young and Frances Dowell on 21 Mar 1856 in the Parish Church of St Mary Stoke Newington, Middlesex. The witnesses were Edward Milton and Mary Young. The relationship of Edward Milton to the couple is not known - probably he was a friend of the groom. Mary Young was probably a sister of the groom. Who else was at the service is not known but it is possible that it was attended by the groom's family and bride's brother Hezekiah and his family who were living in Islington. It is unlikely that the Bride's father who lived in Warwick would have made the journey to attend and it is thought that her mother was dead.⁴⁴⁶

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Frederick was born on 16 Nov 1857 in Hoxton, Middlesex at Kingsnorth Place.^447,448,449

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Frederick by the Rev. H. P. Kelly according to the Church of England rite on 2 Dec 1857 in St John the Baptist Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. Who else was there is not known but they probably took Frederick's older siblings.⁴⁴⁷

Hezekiah's wife Hannah died from phthisis and ascites on 9 Sep 1860 in the home of her son Frederick at 3 Kingsworth Place, Hoxton Old Town aged 41. Phthisis is tuberculosis and ascities is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and can be caused by tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity. According to Merck it causes discomfort due to swelling of the abdomen and may also cause swelling of the ankles.

Susan Wailing was a neighbour who lived at 6 Kingsworth Place and it is assumed that she nursed Hannah during the last stages of her illness. Although the cause of death is entered as Certified who certified it is not shown.^450,451

Hezekiah was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Shoreditch, Middlesex living at 3 Kingsnorth Place. The household consisted of Hezekiah, who is now a widower, and his six children Harriett (age 19), Charles (age 14), Harry (age 11), Hezekiah (age 8), Thomas (age 5) and Frederick (age 3). The three eldest children were working as fancy box makers almost certainly at home. As Hezekiah is working as a sawyer Harriett must have been cooking and cleaning as well as working as a fancy box maker. They shared the house with another family of 6. The size is unknown.²²²

Hezekiah married Elizabeth Sparks on 1 Dec 1861 in St James District Church, in the Parish of Shoreditch, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. Thomas Pugh and the witnesses were Edward Drew and Jane Goddard. Edward Drew was the brother of Hezekiah’s first wife Hannah Drew. The relationship of Jane Goddard to the couple is unknown. Hezekiah's father may have been present but his mother had died in 1836. Elizabeth's parents may also have been there but who else attended the wedding is not known. Elizabeth was nearly seven monthe pregnant with their first child whn she went to the altar.^452,453

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Sarah by the Rev. W. W. Mills according to the Church of England rite on 20 Jul 1862 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex. They would have taken Hezekiah's younger children by his previous marriage Charles, Harry, Hezekiah, Thomas and Frederick but who else was there is not known.

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell's son William was born on 30 Jul 1864 in Hoxton. Although his birth was registered in Shoreditch, the 1871 Census give his place of birth as Hoxton which became a separate parish when the church of St. John the Baptist was built to the design of Francis Edwards in 1822-6.^449,454

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child William by the Rev. George Barnes according to the Church of England rite on 17 Aug 1864 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex. They would have also taken their daughter Sarah and the younger children of Hezekiah's previous marriage Charles, Harry, Hezekiah, Thomas and Frederick but who else was there is not known.²²³

Hezekiah witnessed the marriage of Henry Quince and Elizabeth Mary Ann English on 15 Nov 1869 in St Mary Magdalene Bermondsey, Surrey. Hezekiah was Elizabeth's stepfather, i.e. her mother's husband who she had married in 1861 after the death of Elizabeth's father in 1851. Elizabeth's mother would have accompanied her husband. The relationship of the other witness John Wise to the couple is not known. The wedding was almost certainly attended by the groom's father but his mother was dead having died in 1864. Who else was there is not known.^455,456

Hezekiah was a guest at the marriage of Charles Edward Dowell and Emma Day on 25 Dec 1870 in the Parish Church of St Jude Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Samuel Day is thought to be the bride's father and Harriett Pope was the groom's sister. Who else was present is not known but as it was Christmas Day it is probable that most of their families were present. This would almost certainly have included John Pope (Harriett's husband), the groom's father Hezekiah Dowell and his second wife Elizabeth, and the bride's parents.

As at the time of their marriage they were living within a few doors of each other in Old Bethnal Green Road probably with their parents so they almost certainly met though being neighbours. After their marriage they lived in a single room sharing a house with John and Harriett Pope in the same street (see 1871 Census).^457,458

The household of Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 in Shoreditch living at 2b Queen Street, Pitfield Street when she was 49. The household consisted of Hezekiah, his second wife Elizabeth and their son William Dowell; Hezekiah's two sons from his previous marriage to Hanna Drew, Fredrick and Thomas Dowell; Thomas English who was Elizabeth's son by her previous marriage to Joseph English; and a grandchild Elizabeth Quince who was the daughter of Elizabeth English (d/o Joseph English and Elizabeth Gill) and Henry Quince. Although Hezekiah was working as a sawyer, Elizabeth as a seamstress (almost certainly at home), Thomas English as a wire worker, and Frederick and Thomas as errand boys the total family income was probably very small. They shared the house with 2 other families and in all there were 18 people in the house. The size of the house is unknown.²²⁴

Frm 18 Jun 1879 to 14 May 1881 Hezekiah was an inmate in the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. In the 1881 Census he is described as a pauper which indicates that he was not working so he almost certainly entered the workhouse because he lost his job as a sawyer. There was a sawmill on the Regents Canal within a short distance of where he and his wife lived at 17½ Turk Street. Why he lost his job is not known. His death within two years of entering the workhouse at the age of 62 was due to chronic bronchitis. Possibly he has suffered from bronchitis for a number of years and this had affected his ability to work at what must have been a physically demanding job. However, he entered the workhouse in June 1879 when bronchitis would have been in remission so perhaps he lost his job the previous winter and his meager savings had been used up by June.^421,428,459

Hezekiah was probably present at the marriage of his son Thomas to Rebecca Thornton on 15 Mar 1880 at St Thomas' Church, Baroness Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas Thornton and Harriett Dowell. Thomas could have been either the father (although this is unlikely as he was an inmate of the Bethnal Green Workhouse at the time) or the younger brother of the bride. However, as Harriett was the eldest sister of the groom Thomas was almost certainly the bride's sibling. Who the other guests were is not known but the wedding would almost have certainly been attended by the groom's and bride's families although it is unlikely that the groom's parents attended in view of his father's situation. After the marriage the couple shared a house with John & Harriett Pope at 25 Hobbs Place, Shoreditch. The groom, the bride and the both witnesses signed with their marks indicating that they were illiterate. This confirms Rebecca's daughter Alice's recollection that her mother could neither read or write (but was very good at mental arithmetic). Thomas must have learnt to read and write to some extent as towards the end of his life he was a caterer's traveller and a tailor's assistant.

St Thomas' Church was damaged by German bombing during the 1939-45 war and demolished in 1954.^234,235,236

Hezekiah was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 for Bethnal Green as an inmate of the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green. Although the census return shows his occupation as a sawyer he is also shown as a pauper as were all the other inmates. He is also shown as being married which means that he was separated from his wife. The whereabouts of his wife is not known as she was not recorded in the 1881 Census although she was still alive. She may have been living at 17½ Turk Street which is where Hezekiah was shown as living before entering the workhouse.⁴²¹

Hezekiah died on 14 May 1881 aged 62 in the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex from Chronic Bronchitis. The death was certified by P. C. Boyd M.R.C.P..^460,461 Hezekiah's death was reported to the Registrar Mathew Frederick Brudlork on 16 May 1881 by W. L. Sturlevant at the Register Office for the Bethnal Green district. W. L. Sturlevant was the Master of Bethnal Green Workhouse.⁴⁶²

Elizabeth was born to Edmund and Sarah Sparks on 17 Oct 1824 in Borough, Southwark, Surrey at Red Cross Court. The 1871 Census gives her age as 49 and place of birth.^463,464

Elizabeth Sparks⁴⁶⁵ (also known as Elizabeth Dowell and Elizabeth English), daughter of Edmund Sparks ( - ) and Sarah ( - ), was baptised on 7 Nov 1824 in St Saviour's Church, Southwark, Surrey. The service was conducted by the Rev. Dr Harrison according to the Church of England rite. Her parents Edmund and Sarah Sparks would have been present. Her parents would have been present but who else is not known.⁴⁶³

Elizabeth and Thomas English had marriage banns published on 8 Feb 1846 and the two successive Sundays in St Mary's Church, Islington, Middlesex. The Rev. Thomas Bilby called the banns. Thomas and Elizabeth and possibly members of their families would have been present to hear the Banns read.⁴⁶⁶

Elizabeth married Thomas English on 15 Mar 1846 in St Mary's Church, Islington, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. Edward Boers, Officiating Minister and the witnesses were J Price and Thomas English. The relationship of the witnesses to the couple is not known. J Price was probably a friend of the groom. Thomas English may have been the bride's father or brother. Probably members of the groom's and bride's families were also present.

(It had been deduced from the 1871 Census record for Hezekiah Dowell that his wife Elizabeth had been married previously to an English. Their Marriage Register entry showed that her maiden surname was Sparks.).^467,468,469

Thomas and Elizabeth English's daughter Elizabeth Mary Ann was born on 8 Feb 1848 at St Luke, Middlesex in Terpolh? Place. Elizabeth seemed a bit unsure about her age. The 1861, 1881 and 1901 Censuses give a calculated year of birth of 1848; the 1871 Census gives 1845; and the 1901 Census 1848. The 1871 and 1901 Censuses give her birthplace as St Luke which was a registration district until 1869 when it was absorbed into Holborn. A search of the CRI(E&W) produced a birth registration in the quarter ending Jan 1848 in the district of St Luke. Her baptismal record gives a birth date which fits the birth registration in so far as the date is concerned but the church of St Leonard is in the adjacent parish of Shoreditch. This is perfectly reasonable as they may just have attended the nearest church. Unfortunately the Abode entry in the register is indecipherable so it is not possible to check.^{470,471,472,473,474,475,476}

Elizabeth's husband Thomas was buried on 16 Nov 1851 in St Luke's churchyard at Finsbury, Islington, Middlesex aged 26. His wife would have been present but who else is not known.⁴⁷⁷

Btw 1853 and Sep 1861 Elizabeth was a laundress in Shoreditch. At the time of the 1861 Census taken after she had been widowed she is working as a laundress. It is assumed that she had to start working shortly after her husband's death and that she continued work as a laundress until she married Hezekiah Dowell.⁴⁷⁸

Elizabeth was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Shoreditch living at 20 Rinlice Place. The family consisted of Elizabeth, who is now a widow and working as a laundress, and her two children, Thomas 9 who is at school and Elizabeth 13 who is employed as a paper box maker. She probably worked at home.⁴⁷⁹

Btw 1862 and 1881 Elizabeth was a seamstress working at home in Shoreditch, London. She probably worked to supplement the family income especially as her husband's job as a sawyer was probably not well paid and took whatever work she could get. The available evidence (she worked as a laundress before her marriage to Hezekiah Dowell and after his death) indicates that she had not been formally trained as a seamstress and her level of skill was based on what she had been taught by her mother and practice. The dates are somewhat speculative and are based on the date of her marriage to Hezekiah and of his death.⁴⁸⁰

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell's son William was born on 30 Jul 1864 at Hoxton. Although his birth was registered in Shoreditch, the 1871 Census give his place of birth as Hoxton which became a separate parish when the church of St. John the Baptist was built to the design of Francis Edwards in 1822-6.^449,454

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child William by the Rev. George Barnes according to the Church of England rite on 17 Aug 1864 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex. They would have also taken their daughter Sarah and the younger children of Hezekiah's previous marriage Charles, Harry, Hezekiah, Thomas and Frederick but who else was there is not known.²²³

Elizabeth was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Elizabeth to Henry Quince on 15 Nov 1869 at St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, Surrey. The witnesses were Hezekiah Dowell and John Wise. Hezekiah was Elizabeth's stepfather, i.e. her mother's husband who she had married in 1861 after the death of Elizabeth's father in 1851. Elizabeth's mother would have accompanied her husband. The relationship of the other witness John Wise to the couple is not known. The wedding was almost certainly attended by the groom's father but his mother was dead having died in 1864. Who else was there is not known.^455,456

Elizabeth was a guest at the marriage of Charles Edward Dowell and Emma Day on 25 Dec 1870 in the Parish Church of St Jude Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Samuel Day is thought to be the bride's father and Harriett Pope was the groom's sister. Who else was present is not known but as it was Christmas Day it is probable that most of their families were present. This would almost certainly have included John Pope (Harriett's husband), the groom's father Hezekiah Dowell and his second wife Elizabeth, and the bride's parents.

As at the time of their marriage they were living within a few doors of each other in Old Bethnal Green Road probably with their parents so they almost certainly met though being neighbours. After their marriage they lived in a single room sharing a house with John and Harriett Pope in the same street (see 1871 Census).^457,458

Elizabeth was probably present at the marriage of her son Thomas to Julia Lipscomb on 22 Dec 1873 at St James' Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. The witnesses were Henry Tyzack and Emma Tyzack. The relationship of the witnesses to the couple is not known - probably friends. The bride's parents and the groom's mother (his father was dead) probably attended but who else was there is not known,^481,482

Elizabeth was not recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881.

Elizabeth's husband Hezekiah died from Chronic Bronchitis on 14 May 1881 in Bethnal Green Workhouse at Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex aged 62.^460,461

Elizabeth was recorded in the 1891 census taken on 5 Apr 1891 for Bethnal Green, London living at 3 Ducal Street aged 69. She is living by herself in one room in a house occupied by two other families who, judging from their names are not related to her. There are a total of 8 people in the house sharing facilities such as a toilet. How she cooked or made a hot drink is a matter for speculation.⁴⁸³

Elizabeth was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Bethnal Green as an inmate of Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green aged 76. She is one of about 300 inmates and there is a staff of 26. Althoug her recorded age is 76 she is shown as working as a laundress. Whether she worked in the workhouse laundry or went out to work is not known.⁴⁸⁴

Elizabeth died aft Mar 1901 probably in the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Bethnal Green, London. She was not recorded in the 1911 Census. A trawl through the the Death Registration Index for her death between 1901 and 1911 produced only one possible match in Q4 1907 aged 83. However, it is not registered in Bethnal Green which it would have been had she died in the workhouse, but in Wandsworth. At first it was thought that one of her children had taken her in but as it is not known where they lived it is not possible to connect them to Elizabeth. However, when the Death Certificate associated with the death registration was obtained it was found to refer to a different Elizabeth Dowell. Extending the search produced no credible 'hits', neither did a search on the General Register Office website. It would appear that Ancestry does not have digitised records for the Bethnal Green Workhouse which are held by the London Metropolitan Archives. Thus a visit to the LMA would be needed to search the Admission and Discharge Registers and Creed Registers for Elizabeth.

At this stage all that can be said is that Elizabeth died after 1901.⁴⁸⁵ She and Hezekiah Dowell had the following children:

13.

Hannah was born to Matthew and Susan Drew on 5 Mar 1820 in Jews' Lane at Lynn, Norfolk.^420,488

Hannah Drew (also known as Hannah Dowell), daughter of Matthew Drew and Susan Harrison, was baptised on 9 Mar 1820 in St Margaret's Church, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. Her parents Matthew and Susan Drew would have been present. The baptism was performed according to the Church of England rite by the Rev. S. Allen, jnr who was the Curate and may have been the son of the Minister Stephen Allen. As the Baptismal Register records the names of her parents it is assumed that they were present at the service. The Rev. Allen had married Hannah's parents at St Nicholas' Chapel, Kings Lynn in December 1818.^488,489

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's daughter Harriett was born in May 1841 in Islington at City Gardens. The 1841 Census recorded her age as 3 weeks so, as the census was taken on the 6th June, she was born in May. Her birth registration confirms the quarter and the registration district.^222,426,433

Hannah witnessed the marriage of Edward Drew and Hannah Newsom on 2 Sep 1844 in St Leonard's Church Shoreditch, Middlesex. Hannah was the groom's sister and Hezekiah was her husband. The couples parents were probably there but who else is not known.^434,435

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Charles Edward was born in 1846 in Islington. The 1851 Census gives his age as 5 and his birthplace as Islington. His birth registration confirms his birth year.^436,437,438

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Harry was born in 1848 in Islington at City Gardens. The 1851 Census for Islington records a Harry Dowell age 2 the son of Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell. A search of birth records failed to find an entry in either the CRI(E&W) or a baptismal register for a Harry Dowell. However, there was a registration for a Henry Albert Dowell in Islington in the last quarter of 1848 and it is assumed this is the entry for Harry - a name which was used for the rest of his life. Without a birth certificate this cannot be confirmed that Henry Albert was the son of Hezekiah and Hannah. Both the 1841 Census and the 1851 Census show that his parents were living at City Gardens in Islington so it is assumed that he was born there.^439,440

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas was born in Jan 1851 in Islington at 4 City Gardens. As his birth was registered in the first quarter of 1851 and his age in the 1851 Census is give as 2 months it is fairly certain that he was born in January 1851.^441,442

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas died in 1851 in Islington aged 10 months.⁴⁴³

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Hezekiah was born in 1852 in Shoreditch.^444,445

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Thomas Frederick was born on 23 Jul 1855 in Hoxton Old Town at 3 Kingsnorth Place.^216,217,218

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas Frederick by the Rev. A. M. Kelly according to the Church of England rite on 5 Aug 1855 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Shoreditch. They probably took Thomas' older siblings Harriett, Charles and Harry but who else was there is not known.²²⁰ She reported her son Thomas's birth to the Registrar George Pearce on 1 Sep 1855 at Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch for the district of the Register Office. She signed with her mark.²¹⁶ She reported her son Thomas's birth to the Registrar George Pearce, Junior Registrar on 1 Sep 1855 at the Register Office for the district of Hoxton Old Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex. She signed the declaration with her mark.

Hannah may have been present at the marriage of Henry Young and Frances Dowell on 21 Mar 1856 in the Parish Church of St Mary Stoke Newington, Middlesex. The witnesses were Edward Milton and Mary Young. The relationship of Edward Milton to the couple is not known - probably he was a friend of the groom. Mary Young was probably a sister of the groom. Who else was at the service is not known but it is possible that it was attended by the groom's family and bride's brother Hezekiah and his family who were living in Islington. It is unlikely that the Bride's father who lived in Warwick would have made the journey to attend and it is thought that her mother was dead.⁴⁴⁶

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell's son Frederick was born on 16 Nov 1857 in Hoxton at Kingsnorth Place.^447,448,449

Hezekiah and Hannah Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Frederick by the Rev. H. P. Kelly according to the Church of England rite on 2 Dec 1857 in St John the Baptist Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. Who else was there is not known but they probably took Frederick's older siblings.⁴⁴⁷

Hannah died on 9 Sep 1860 aged 41 in the home of her son Frederick 3 Kingsworth Place, Hoxton Old Town from phthisis and ascites. The death certificate says that Susan Wailing was present. Phthisis is tuberculosis and ascities is an accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity and can be caused by tuberculosis affecting the lining of the abdominal cavity. According to Merck it causes discomfort due to swelling of the abdomen and may also cause swelling of the ankles.

Susan Wailing was a neighbour who lived at 6 Kingsworth Place and it is assumed that she nursed Hannah during the last stages of her illness. Although the cause of death is entered as Certified who certified it is not shown.^450,451 Hannah's death was reported to the Registrar on 13 Sep 1860 by Susan Wailing at the the Register Office for Shorditch. Susan Wailing was a neighbour who lived at 6 Kingsnorth Place.⁴⁵⁰

Hezekiah and Elizabeth Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Sarah by the Rev. W. W. Mills according to the Church of England rite on 20 Jul 1862 in St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, Middlesex. They would have taken Hezekiah's younger children by his previous marriage Charles, Harry, Hezekiah, Thomas and Frederick but who else was there is not known. She and Hezekiah Dowell had the following children:

14.

Thomas was born to Abraham and Mary Thornton in Nov 1830 in Spitalfields, Middlesex at Crown Court, Little Pearl Street. The 1861, 1871 & 1881 Censuses all give his birthplace as Spitalfields. This, together with his parents' Christian names from the 1841 Census, allowed his baptismal record to be traced. As it was normal for children to be baptised a few weeks after their birth it is assumed that he was born in late November.^542,543,544

Thomas Thornton, son of Abraham George Thornton and Mary Priscilla Harman, was baptised on 20 Dec 1830 in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Middlesex. The service was conducted by the Rev. William Stone according to the Church of England rite. His parents Abraham and Mary Thornton would have been present. His parents would have been present and probably his older siblings Abraham, George and Clement.⁵⁴⁵

Thomas was recorded in the 1841 Census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex as living with his parents Abraham and Mary Thornton at Bell Court, Christ Church. The household consisted of Abram, his wife Mary and their children Abram, George and Thomas aged 18, 14 and 10 respectively. There was also a William Thornton living in the house who, at the age or 24, is the oldest child but is listed last. As children are normally listed eldest first and the first born boy was normally named after his father this makes the relationship to Abram uncertain (the 1841 Census does not give relationship information). However, for lack of any other evidence he has been treated as Abraham's and Mary's son. Abram's trade is given as a weaver and he probably worked in the silk making industry which was centred on Spitalfields. Many of his neighbours had occupations connected with weaving. Mary is shown as a blacksmith which seems incredible for a woman. There is no corroborating evidence.⁵⁴⁶

Frm 1845 to 1900 Thomas was a chair maker in Bethnal Green. In every census and on official documents such as his Marriage Certificate, the Birth Certificates of his children and his Death Certificate Thomas' trade is given as a chair maker so it is almost certain that he was apprenticed at the age of 14. Furniture making was one of the industries which was replacing silk weaving in the Spitalfields and Bethnal Green area (Thomas father, Abraham, had been a weaver) and the area where he lived abounded with small workshops specialising in one type of furniture. The Birth Certificate of his daughter Rebecca describes him as a Master Chairmaker which presumable means that he had risen to the top of his trade and could supervise apprentices although there is no evidence that he had his own business. The only document which bears his signature is his Marriage Certificate which he signed with his mark indicating that he could not write but presumably he could understand a drawing and use the marking out tools which were necessary to make a chair.^{547,548,549,550,551} Frm 1850 to 1900 Thomas lived in Bethnal Green. During this time the area was undergoing considerable change with old buildings being demolished and new houses being built. It is assumed that they set up home together as soon as they were married. Where this was is not known as the only evidence of where they lived comes from 1861, '71, '81 and '91 censuses, the birth certificates of their children and Thomas' death certificate. They do not appear in the 1851 and 1891 censuses.

They certainly moved around.

By the time of 1861 census on 7 April they had 4 children and were living at 37 Barnsley Road which they shared with another family. However, by June they had moved to 1 Octagon Place where their daughter Rebecca was born. The 1861 census shows 1 Octagon Place being occupied by a widow and two other families - a total of 7 people. Given the size of Thomas' and Caroline's family they probably needed the house to themselves so the other families must have moved out although it is possible that the widow who was a dressmaker stayed. The longest they appear to have been in one place was 2 New Street where they are shown as occupying the whole house in the 1871 and 1881 censuses. By the time of the 1871 census they had 8 children and 2 lodgers. The census shows that there were 29 houses in New Street but they may not have all been identical. Whilst most accommodated one to two families with an average occupancy of approximately 7 people, No.1 accommodated six families with a total of 36 people and No. 14 had four families with a total of 20 people. By the 1881 census the only 4 children were living at home and they no longer had any lodgers. However they still had the house to themselves. By the 1891census New Street has only 6 houses so it may have been in the process of being re-developed and the family had moved to 16 Wolverly Street which they shared with another family. Whether it was because of the re-development is not known but by this time the family had reduced in size to Thomas, Caroline and their youngest daughter Alice. The family's total income has obviously been reduced and they no longer required a large house.^{552,553,554,555,556}

Thomas married Caroline Wood on 13 Mar 1850 in St Philip's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. James Proctor M.A. and the witnesses were James Wood and Caroline Wood. The witnesses were almost certainly related to the bride but the relationship has not been established. The groom's father may have been present but his mother had died some three years before. It is thought that both the bride's parents may have been dead. Who else may have been present is not known.

The Church was comparatively new when they married having been formed out of the parish of St Mathew, Bethnal Green in 1842/3 which itself had been split out of Stephney in 1746. This reflected the rapid expansion of the area with people flooding in to work in the new factories (see notes on Thomas' and Caroline's residence and Thomas' occupation). The parish was reunited with St Mathew in 1951 and the church closed in 1952. It became a furniture store and now no longer exists.

Thomas' address is given as 1 Collingwood Place. Collingwood Place no longer exists. There is a Collingwood Street but this is nearly a mile east south east of the church and in the parish of St Mathew. It is conceivable that Thomas lived in the vicinity and walked to the church.

Caroline's address is given as 15 West Street where she probably lived with her parents. The only West Street shown on modern maps lies about a mile east north east of the church connecting Clare Street and Cambridge Heath Street and is little more than a bridge spanning a railway line and is in the parish of St Mathew. The street did not exist in 1893 and so was not there in 1850. It is therefore probable that Caroline and possibly Thomas lived in the area known as the 'Nicholl' which lay immediately to the west of St Philip's Church and which was demolished by the London County Council in the early 1890s.^557,558

The household of Thomas and Caroline Thornton was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 in Bethnal Green living at 37 Barnsley Road. The household consisted of Thomas who is working as a chairmaker, his wife Caroline, and their children Caroline (age 9), Mary Ann (age 7), Martha (age 4) & Elizabeth (age 2). They also had two lodgers, William Bosby, an apprentice chairmaker, and James Robinson, a jouneyman (i.e. employed) chairmaker. The family and their lodgers occupied the whole house. Although both Thomas and James were chairmakers Thomas is not described as a jouneyman. However, judging from the address and the other censuses in which he appeared it is unlikely that Thomas had his own business. The area abounded with small furniture workshops and many of their neighbours were also employed in the furniture trade.⁵⁵⁹

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Rebecca on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex.

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Caroline Ann on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Mary Ann, Martha and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶⁰

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Mary Ann on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Martha and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶¹

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Martha on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶²

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Elizabeth on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, and Martha were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶³

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Louisa on 17 Mar 1867 in St James the Great Church, Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have attended the service and almost certainly have brought her older siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Thomas.²⁶⁶

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Emma on 18 Jul 1869 in St James the Great Church, Bethnel Green Road, Bethnel Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present and they would have brought her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Tomas and Louisa to the service.²⁶⁷

The household of Thomas and Caroline Thornton was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 in Bethnal Green living at 2 New Street. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Caroline, their 8 children Caroline, Mary, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Thomas, Louise, and Emma. The family occupied the whole house albeit at a different address from the previous census. They also had two lodgers James Robinson and William Perrin. James had also lodged with them at their previous address (see 1861 Census for Thomas Thornton). Both of them worked in the furniture making trade as did Thomas and his two oldest children Caroline and Mary. The area abounded with small furniture workshops and many of their neighbours were also employed in the furniture trade. Perhaps they all walked to work together. Thomas' wife Caroline is shown as a house domestic but does not indicate whether this just meant that she stayed at home looking after the family or went out to work cleaning. In the census return the wife of the next door family is not shown as having an occupation so perhaps she went out to work but then who looked after the children? Apart from the two who went out to work, three were at school leaving three at home. Perhaps the eldest of these, Thomas, looked after the other two but a more likely expalanation is that a neighbour minded them.²⁶⁵

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Mary to George Thurston on 15 Apr 1872 at the District Church of St Peter, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas Thornton and M. Gaisford. Thomas was the bride's brother. The relationship of the other witness to the couple is unknown. The wedding was probably attended by the couples parents and their siblings.⁵⁶⁴

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Caroline to George Gregory on 12 May 1872 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Samuel Gregory and Martha Thornton. Samuel could have been either the groom's father or brother - the latter is more likely. Martha was the bride's younger sister. The couple's parents and siblings probably attended the wedding but who else was there is not known.⁵⁶⁵

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Martha to John Salmon on 18 May 1874 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were James Salmon and Elizabeth Salmon. Judging from the surnames the witness were the groom's siblings, Why there were no witnesses from the bride's side is not known although it imay have been because she was underage (17) when she married although her age in the register is given as 18.⁵⁶⁶

The household of Thomas and Caroline Thornton was recorded in the 1881 census taken on 3 Apr 1881 in Bethnal Green living at 2 New Street. The family consisted of Thomas, his wife Caroline and their children Thomas, Louisa, Emma and Alice. Although the family had reduced in size as the older children moved out it still occupied the whole house. Thomas continues to be employed in the furniture trade as was his only son Thomas, and many of their neighbours. Louisa is working as a cigar box paperer (probably at home) and the two youngest children are attending school.⁵⁶⁷

Thomas and his wife Caroline were probably present at the marriage of their son Thomas to Elizabeth Ann Darby on 23 Dec 1883 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas and Rebecca Dowell. Rebecca was the groom's sister and Thomas was her husband. The groom's parents, siblings and their spouses were probably at the service. The bride's father was dead but her mother and other relatives may have been there. Rebecca was their daughter and Thomas was Rebecca's husband.²⁴²

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Emma to William Henry Dulieu on 18 Sep 1887 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were J Thornton and Sarah Dulieu. Judging from their surnames the witnesses were related to the couple however the relationship is not known. The couples parents and some or all of their siblings were probably there but who else is not known.⁵⁶⁸

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Louisa to William John Tomlinson on 17 Jul 1888 at St Peter's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Samuel Tomlinson and Alice Tomlinson. Judging from his surname Samuel was probably the grooms brother. Alice was the bride's youngest sister. The wedding was probably attended by the couple's parents and possibly their siblings but who else was there is not known.⁵⁶⁹

The household of Thomas and Caroline Thornton was recorded in the 1891 census taken on 5 Apr 1891 in Bethnal Green living at 16 Wolverley Street. All the children except Alice have now left home and the family have moved to two rooms in a small house which was was shared with another family, a widower and his daughter, who occupied one room. Thomas now gives his birthplace as Whitechapel as opposed to Spitalfields given in the previous censuses. Alice's occupation (Sog Maker) is not understood.⁵⁷⁰

Thomas died on 8 Feb 1900 in the Bethnal Green Workhouse, Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, London from Bronchitis. The death was certified by W. J. McCoy M.R.C.S.. His age given on his Death Certificate was 67. Thomas' occupation is given as 'Chairmaker of 57 Gossett Street'. It would appear that when someone died in the workhouse their address immediately prior to entering the workhouse is recorded in the Occupation box of the Death Certificate. However, when Thomas' wife Caroline died 5 years later this address is given as the address of the informant who was their daughter Louise. The probable explanation is that Thomas and his wife were living with their daughter and Thomas became too ill to nurse at home and was transferred to Bethnal Green Workhouse which also acted as the local infirmary. This can only be clarified by examination of the Workhouse records.

Thomas's wife, Caroline, also died of chronic bronchitis almost exactly five years later which is probably indicative of the damp conditions and the industrial fogs which occurred in winter.⁵⁷¹ Thomas's death was reported to the Registrar Joseph Jacobs on 10 Feb 1900 by Richard Bushell Master of Bethnal Green Workhouse at the the Register Office for Bethnal Green, London.^572,573

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his daughter Louisa to Thomas Gillett on 25 Sep 1910 at Holy Trinity Church, Hackney, London. The witnesses were Thomas Dowell and Ethel Maud Tomlinson. Thomas was the husband of the bride's sister Rebecca. Ethel was the sister of the bride's late husband William Tomlinson. Why there were no witnesses from the groom's side is not known. However, his father was dead so it is possible that he had no immediate family in the area.^273,274

15.

Caroline was born to William and Mary Wood on 6 Feb 1832 in Bethnal Green. The register entry for her baptism in St Leonard's Parish Church, Shoreditch gives her date of birth. However her parent's abode except for Bethnal Green is indecipherable. The 1871, '81 and '91 censuses all give her place of birth as Bethnal Green which is on the eastern border of Shoreditch. The maps of Shoreditch and Bethnal Green parishes show that that St Leonard's Church was very close to the parish boundary with Bethnal Green but that the parish church of St Mathew (which was the only church in Bethnal Green at the time of her baptism) was in the middle of the parish. Thus if the family had lived close to the border between the parishes Caroline's parents may have just gone to the nearest church to have her baptised.^{574,575,576,577}

Caroline Wood (also known as Caroline Thornton), daughter of William Wood and Mary Rucker, was baptised on 5 Mar 1832 in St Leonard's Parish Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. The service was conducted by the Rev. A P Kelly according to the Church of England rite. Her parents William and Mary Wood would have been present.⁵⁷⁸

Caroline was recorded in the 1841 Census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Bethnal Green as living with her parents William and Mary Wood at Cheshire Street. The household consisted William, his wife Mary and their children Ann (Age 18), John (Age 14), Daniel (Age 8), Caroline (Age 8) and Eliza (Age 6) shared the house with another family. In all 12 people lived in the house. The number of rooms is unknown. Williams's trade is shown as a weaver. He was almost certainly a silk weaver as the trade was centred on Spitalfields.⁵⁷⁹ Frm 1850 to 1900 Caroline lived in Bethnal Green. During this time the area was undergoing considerable change with old buildings being demolished and new houses being built. It is assumed that they set up home together as soon as they were married. Where this was is not known as the only evidence of where they lived comes from 1861, '71, '81 and '91 censuses, the birth certificates of their children and Thomas' death certificate. They do not appear in the 1851 and 1891 censuses.

They certainly moved around.

By the time of 1861 census on 7 April they had 4 children and were living at 37 Barnsley Road which they shared with another family. However, by June they had moved to 1 Octagon Place where their daughter Rebecca was born. The 1861 census shows 1 Octagon Place being occupied by a widow and two other families - a total of 7 people. Given the size of Thomas' and Caroline's family they probably needed the house to themselves so the other families must have moved out although it is possible that the widow who was a dressmaker stayed. The longest they appear to have been in one place was 2 New Street where they are shown as occupying the whole house in the 1871 and 1881 censuses. By the time of the 1871 census they had 8 children and 2 lodgers. The census shows that there were 29 houses in New Street but they may not have all been identical. Whilst most accommodated one to two families with an average occupancy of approximately 7 people, No.1 accommodated six families with a total of 36 people and No. 14 had four families with a total of 20 people. By the 1881 census the only 4 children were living at home and they no longer had any lodgers. However they still had the house to themselves. By the 1891census New Street has only 6 houses so it may have been in the process of being re-developed and the family had moved to 16 Wolverly Street which they shared with another family. Whether it was because of the re-development is not known but by this time the family had reduced in size to Thomas, Caroline and their youngest daughter Alice. The family's total income has obviously been reduced and they no longer required a large house.^{552,553,554,555,556}

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Rebecca on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex.

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Caroline Ann on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Mary Ann, Martha and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶⁰

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Mary Ann on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Martha and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶¹

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Martha on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann and Elizabeth were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶²

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Elizabeth on 25 Jul 1861 in St Bartholomew's Church, Coventry Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, and Martha were baptised on the same occasion, which would have been attended by their parents, presumably after the incumbent had persuaded their parents that they should have all their children baptised.⁵⁶³ She reported her daughter Rebecca's birth to the Registrar Thomas Frederick Bradbrook on 27 Jul 1861 at the Register Office for the district of Bethnal Green, Middlesex. She signed the papers with her mark, indicating that she could not write.²⁵⁹

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Louisa on 17 Mar 1867 in St James the Great Church, Bethnal Green Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have attended the service and almost certainly have brought her older siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Thomas.²⁶⁶

Thomas and Caroline Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Emma on 18 Jul 1869 in St James the Great Church, Bethnel Green Road, Bethnel Green, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present and they would have brought her siblings Caroline, Mary Ann, Martha, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Tomas and Louisa to the service.²⁶⁷

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Mary to George Thurston on 15 Apr 1872 at the District Church of St Peter, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas Thornton and M. Gaisford. Thomas was the bride's brother. The relationship of the other witness to the couple is unknown. The wedding was probably attended by the couples parents and their siblings.⁵⁶⁴

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Caroline to George Gregory on 12 May 1872 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Samuel Gregory and Martha Thornton. Samuel could have been either the groom's father or brother - the latter is more likely. Martha was the bride's younger sister. The couple's parents and siblings probably attended the wedding but who else was there is not known.⁵⁶⁵

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Martha to John Salmon on 18 May 1874 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were James Salmon and Elizabeth Salmon. Judging from the surnames the witness were the groom's siblings, Why there were no witnesses from the bride's side is not known although it imay have been because she was underage (17) when she married although her age in the register is given as 18.⁵⁶⁶

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Rebecca to Thomas Frederick Dowell on 15 Mar 1880 at St Thomas' Church, Baroness Road, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas Thornton and Harriett Dowell. Thomas could have been either the father (although this is unlikely as he was an inmate of the Bethnal Green Workhouse at the time) or the younger brother of the bride. However, as Harriett was the eldest sister of the groom Thomas was almost certainly the bride's sibling. Who the other guests were is not known but the wedding would almost have certainly been attended by the groom's and bride's families although it is unlikely that the groom's parents attended in view of his father's situation. After the marriage the couple shared a house with John & Harriett Pope at 25 Hobbs Place, Shoreditch. The groom, the bride and the both witnesses signed with their marks indicating that they were illiterate. This confirms Rebecca's daughter Alice's recollection that her mother could neither read or write (but was very good at mental arithmetic). Thomas must have learnt to read and write to some extent as towards the end of his life he was a caterer's traveller and a tailor's assistant.

St Thomas' Church was damaged by German bombing during the 1939-45 war and demolished in 1954.^234,235,236

Caroline and her husband Thomas were probably present at the marriage of their son Thomas to Elizabeth Ann Darby on 23 Dec 1883 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Thomas and Rebecca Dowell. Rebecca was the groom's sister and Thomas was her husband. The groom's parents, siblings and their spouses were probably at the service. The bride's father was dead but her mother and other relatives may have been there. Rebecca was their daughter and Thomas was Rebecca's husband.²⁴²

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Emma to William Henry Dulieu on 18 Sep 1887 at St Jude's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were J Thornton and Sarah Dulieu. Judging from their surnames the witnesses were related to the couple however the relationship is not known. The couples parents and some or all of their siblings were probably there but who else is not known.⁵⁶⁸

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Louisa to William John Tomlinson on 17 Jul 1888 at St Peter's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were Samuel Tomlinson and Alice Tomlinson. Judging from his surname Samuel was probably the grooms brother. Alice was the bride's youngest sister. The wedding was probably attended by the couple's parents and possibly their siblings but who else was there is not known.⁵⁶⁹

Caroline's husband Thomas died from Bronchitis on 8 Feb 1900 in Bethnal Green Workhouse at Waterloo Road, Bethnal Green, London. His age given on his Death Certificate was 67. Thomas' occupation is given as 'Chairmaker of 57 Gossett Street'. It would appear that when someone died in the workhouse their address immediately prior to entering the workhouse is recorded in the Occupation box of the Death Certificate. However, when Thomas' wife Caroline died 5 years later this address is given as the address of the informant who was their daughter Louise. The probable explanation is that Thomas and his wife were living with their daughter and Thomas became too ill to nurse at home and was transferred to Bethnal Green Workhouse which also acted as the local infirmary. This can only be clarified by examination of the Workhouse records.

Thomas's wife, Caroline, also died of chronic bronchitis almost exactly five years later which is probably indicative of the damp conditions and the industrial fogs which occurred in winter.⁵⁷¹

Caroline was recorded in the 1901 census taken on 31 Mar 1901 for Bethnal Green living at 3 Daniel Street. As a widow (her husband Thomas had died in 1901) she was living in a single room - sharing the house with three other families Her source of income is not known as there is no indication that she was either working or receiving aid from the Parish. Her family may have helped. Daniel Street was a turning off Gosset Street where Caroline's daughter Louise lived at number 57.⁵⁸⁰

Caroline died on 14 Jan 1905 in her home at her home 90 Gibraltar Walk, Bethnal Green, London from chronic bronchitis and syncope. The death was certified by W. Cahill M.B.. Syncope is the medical term for fainting which can arise from several causes. However, the most like cause was the decrease in the amount of blood flowing back to the heart due to straining during the coughing associated with bronchitis. Her daughter Louise was present at her death and may have helped to nurse her though her final illness. Caroline's husband, Thomas, had also died of bronchitis almost exactly five years earlier which is probably indicative of the damp conditions and the industrial fogs which occurred in winter.⁵⁸¹ Caroline's death was reported to the Registrar Charles William Winter on 16 Jan 1905 by at the the Register Office for for Bethnal Green.^581,582

Caroline was probably present at the marriage of her daughter Louisa to Thomas Gillett on 25 Sep 1910 at Holy Trinity Church, Hackney, London. The witnesses were Thomas Dowell and Ethel Maud Tomlinson. Thomas was the husband of the bride's sister Rebecca. Ethel was the sister of the bride's late husband William Tomlinson. Why there were no witnesses from the groom's side is not known. However, his father was dead so it is possible that he had no immediate family in the area.^273,274 She and Thomas Thornton had the following children:

18.

Thomas was born to and in 1787 (cal) in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. The 1851 Census gives his age (64) and place of his birth.³⁹⁹

Frm 1800 to 1860 Thomas was a mason in Wark. It is assumed that he was apprenticed around the age of 12 and worked for as long as he could.^399,662

Thomas married Ann Elliot on 25 Jun 1809 in The parish Church of St Giles, Birtley, Northumberland..⁶⁶³

Thomas and Ann Sharp were present at the Baptism of their child Jane on 25 Jul 1819 in St Cuthbert's Church, Elsdon, Northumberland. It is assumed that her parents were present but who else was there is not known.³⁹²

Thomas and Ann Sharp were present at the Baptism of their child Ann on 14 Sep 1823 in St Cuthbert's Church, Elsdon, Nothumberland. Her parents would have been present but who else is not known.⁶⁶⁴

The household of Thomas and Ann Sharp was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 in Wark living at Wark Village. The household consisted of Thomas and his wife Ann, their daughter Ann, Elliot and Matthew Weighmen whose relationship to the Sharps is unknown, and Thomas Lauderdale who is grandson of Thomas and Ann. His father William and his twin brother Edward are living with Thomas' other grandparents William and Mary Lauderdale in the same village.³⁹⁸

The household of Thomas and Ann Sharp was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in Wark living at Church Lane when he was 64 and she was 63. The household consisted of Thomas, his wife Ann, their daughter Ann (age 27), and their grandsons Thomas Lauderdale (age 10) and Thomas Sharp (age 1).³⁹⁹

Thomas died aft Apr 1851 at his home in Wark. The last record that can be forund for Thomas is the 1851 Census.

Thomas's wife Ann died from paralysis which she had had for 6 months on 22 Aug 1855 in Wark aged 68. It is probable that she had had a stroke which left her paralysed. Her death was registered by Mary Hedley who is described as being in attendance which means that she probably looked after Ann as her husband Thomas needed to continue working. The fact that the cause of death was certified although it does not say by who means that she was under the care of a doctor.^665,666

19.

Ann was born to and in 1788 (cal) in Thockrington, Northumberland. The 1851 Census gives her age (63) and place of birth.³⁹⁹

Thomas and Ann Sharp were present at the Baptism of their child Jane on 25 Jul 1819 in St Cuthbert's Church, Elsdon, Northumberland. It is assumed that her parents were present but who else was there is not known.³⁹²

Thomas and Ann Sharp were present at the Baptism of their child Ann on 14 Sep 1823 in St Cuthbert's Church, Elsdon, Nothumberland. Her parents would have been present but who else is not known.⁶⁶⁴

Ann died on 22 Aug 1855 aged 68 in Wark at her home from paralysis which she had had for 6 months. It is probable that she had had a stroke which left her paralysed. Her death was registered by Mary Hedley who is described as being in attendance which means that she probably looked after Ann as her husband Thomas needed to continue working. The fact that the cause of death was certified although it does not say by who means that she was under the care of a doctor.^665,666 Ann's death was reported to the Registrar Joseph Short on 13 Sep 1855 by Mary Hedley at the the Register Office for Kirkwhelpington district. Mary signed with her mark X. The relationship of Mary to Ann is not known although it is thought she looked after Ann,⁶⁶⁵ She and Thomas Sharp had the following children:

22.

Thomas was born to Thomas and Sarah Dowell in 1791 (cal) in Warwick, Warwickshire. His place of birth and age is given in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 Censuses. They all agree that he was born in Warwick and all give a calculated year of birth of 1791. However, the year of birth calculated from his age give on his Death Certificate is 1788. Where his daughter Harriet got his age from is not known but it is thought that Thomas would have been more aware of his own age as recorded in the censuses. A search for his baptismal record in Warwick was fruitless, but a register entry for the marriage of a Thomas Dowell and Sarah Wamsley in 1786 was found. Given the facts that their marriage was a few years before Thomas' birth, it was in Warwick and the Christian names are the same it is reasonable to suppose that Thomas and Sarah were Thomas' parents.^669,670

Frm 1804 to 1855 Thomas was a sawyer in Warwick. The Marriage Certificate for his son's marriage in 1839 and the 1851 Census give his occupation as a sawyer and it is assumed that he started work in 1800 when he was 12. The 1861 and 1871 Censuses record him as being blind and formerly a general labourer. In addition the 1881 Census states that his blindness was due to an accident. There is no indication as how the accident occurred or why he became a labourer. It may just be possible because of failing eyesight due to diabetes (his Death Certificate indicates that he died of gangrene which can be caused by diabetes) he had to give up as a sawyer which is a dangerous occupation and take up labouring until he had his accident. Whether it was due to an accident or disease is not known but in any case a sawyer is a dangerous occupation and not being able to see properly was almost certainly the reason for him becoming a labourer until total blindness forced him to give up that as well. Certainly it must have occurred between 1851 and 1861.

There is no indication in the 1861 or 1871 Censuses as to the source of his income after he gave up working. If he had been living 'on the parish' this information is generally given and he does not appear to be related to Elizabeth Ward.^{670,671,672,673,674}

Thomas Dowell,⁶⁷⁵ son of Thomas Dowell and Sarah Wamsley, and Esther Reynolds had marriage banns published on 3 Dec 1815 and the two successive Sundays in St Nicholas Church, Warwick. The Rev. A. S. Wade called the banns.⁶⁷⁶

Thomas married her on 24 Dec 1815 in St Nicholas Church, Warwick. The service was taken by the Rev. Rev. J Burnyeat and the witnesses were Edward Freadyold and James Lapworth. The relationship of Edward Freadyold, who signed with his mark indicating that he was illiterate, to the couple is not known. It would appear from other register entries that James Lapworth signed as witness for marriages where the other witness signed with a mark X so he was probably the Clerk. Who else was at the wedding is not known - probably the groom's family who lived in Warwick. The bride's family may not have known about the marriage because firstly, it is thought they lived at Barford which was just over 3 miles from Warwick and Esther who was illiterate would have had to walked there to tell them and secondly, Esther was underage (she was only 19 and needed to be 21 to marry without he parents' consent) and the "with Consent of" entry in the register is blank.⁶⁷⁷

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Hezekiah by the Rev. J. W. Burnyard, Curate according to the Church of England rite on 27 Oct 1816 in Parish Church of St Nicholas, Warwick, Warwickshire. Who else was there is not known.⁴¹⁹

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Charles by the Rev. A. H. C. Morrison according to the Church of England rite on 25 Oct 1818 in St Mary's Church, Warwick. His parents probably brought his elder brother Hezekiah who was 2 years old at the time but who else was there is not known.⁶⁷⁸

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the burial of their child Charles on 31 Dec 1818 in the churchyard of St Nicholas, Warwick. Charles was only three months old when he died. The cause of his death is unknown. His parents probably attended the service and may have brought his elder brother Hezekiah but who else was there is not known.⁴²⁴

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Frances by the Rev. C. E. Carles according to the Church of England rite on 17 Sep 1826 in St Mary's Church, Warwick. As her parents names are recorded in the Baptismal Register it is assumed that they were present. Her older siblings Hezekiah was probably there but who else was present is not known. Their other children were probably present.⁶⁷⁹

Thomas was present at the baptism of his child Thomas at St Nicholas Church Warwick. His parents name are recorded in the Baptismal Register which would normally indicate that they were present. However, it is thought that his mother Esther was ill from childbirth related problems as she died less than a fortnight later followed within a week by her son, so she may not have been there. Probably Thomas' father and his surviivng siblings Hezekiah, Frances and Harriet were there. Who else was present is not known.⁴²⁹

Thomas's wife Esther was buried on 14 Feb 1836 in St Nicholas churchyard at Warwick. Her husband Thomas was almost certainly present and probably her surviving children Hezekiah, Frances and Harriet but who else was there is not known. The cause of her death is not known but it may have been childbirth related as her son Thomas who was born in early January died a week after Esther. He was almost certainly present at the interment service.⁴³⁰

Thomas Dowell was present at the burial of his child Thomas on 21 Feb 1836 in St Nicholas Churchyard, Warwick. His father and his surviving siblings Hezekiah, Frances and Harriet were probably there. The cause of his death is unknown but was probably childbirth related as his mother had died the week before.⁴³¹

Thomas was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 for Warwick living at Bridge Row. The household consisted of Thomas and his daughter Harriett (age 10). His wife Esther was dead and all their other children had either died in infancy or had left home — Hezekiah and Frances for London. Thomas is shown as a labourer although all subsequent Censuses and official documents record him as a sawyer,⁶⁸⁰

Thomas was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 for Warwick living at Bridge Row. He is described as the head of the household and a family of eight (John and Sarah Bench and their six children) shared the house as lodgers. The size of the house is unknown. Whether there was a blood relationship between Thomas and Sarah Bench (e.g. his daughter) is not known but as she was born in the same parish as Thomas there may well have been.⁶⁷⁰

Thomas was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Warwick living at Wharf Street. He is lodging with the family of Reuben Ward and is described as being blind. This almost certainly accounts for the fact that his occupation is now given as formerly a general labourer as opposed to a sawyer where losing ones sight would be extremely dangerous.⁶⁷²

Thomas was probably present at the marriage of his son Hezekiah to Elizabeth Sparks on 1 Dec 1861 at St James District Church, in the Parish of Shoreditch, Middlesex. The witnesses were Edward Drew and Jane Goddard. Edward Drew was the brother of Hezekiah’s first wife Hannah Drew. The relationship of Jane Goddard to the couple is unknown. Hezekiah's father may have been present but his mother had died in 1836. Elizabeth's parents may also have been there but who else attended the wedding is not known. Elizabeth was nearly seven monthe pregnant with their first child whn she went to the altar.^452,453

Thomas was recorded in the 1871 census taken on 2 Apr 1871 for Warwick living at 7 Wharf Street. He is still lodging with the family of Reuben Ward whose family consisted of Ruben, his wife Elizabeth and their daughters Emily and Catherine. There is a note against Thomas' entry that his blindness which had been recorded in the 1861 Census was due to an accident.⁶⁷³ Thomas died of gangrene and senilis on 26 Jan 1874 in Warwick at Wharf Street aged 86. His Death Certificate adds the phrase "about 4 months" to the cause. It is assumed that the 4 months refers to duration of the gangrene as senilis means old age. The 1861 and 1871 Censuses record him as being blind although the 1871 says it was attributable to an accident. Both blindness and gangrene can be caused by diabetes (almost certainly type 2) which was not diagnosable during his lifetime. Gangrene can also emanate from open wounds such as those caused by an ulcerated varicose vein.

His daughter, Harriett Wimblett, who was a widow and worked as a general servant for a solicitor in Shirley Heath, Solihull was with him when he died and presumably had been given leave of absence by her employer to look after him in the final stages of his illness.^681,682,683 Thomas's death was reported on 26 Jan 1874 by his daughter Harriett Wimblett to the Registrar at Register Office for the Warwick Registration District.⁶⁸⁴

Thomas was buried on 29 Jan 1874 in St Nicholas churchyard, Warwick according to the Church of England rite. The mourners included Harriet Dowell and probably Reuben and Elizabeth Ward who he had lodged with for many years. The minister at the burial was the Rev. Digby Preedy, Curate of All Saints.⁶⁸⁵

23.

Esther was born to William and Margaret Reynolds in Mar 1796 in Barford, Warwickshire. As children were normally baptised within a few weeks of birth it is assumed that she was born in March. The baptismal register entry does not include her parents' abode.⁶⁸⁶

Esther Reynolds⁶⁸⁷ (also known as Esther Dowell), daughter of William Reynolds and Margaret, was baptised on 8 Apr 1796 in St Peter's Church, Barford, Warwickshire. The service was conducted by the Rev. Francis Mills, Rector according to the Church of England rite. Her parents William and Margaret Reynolds would have been present. Her parents would have been present but who else was there is not known.⁶⁸⁶

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Hezekiah by the Rev. J. W. Burnyard, Curate according to the Church of England rite on 27 Oct 1816 in Parish Church of St Nicholas, Warwick, Warwickshire. Who else was there is not known.⁴¹⁹

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Charles by the Rev. A. H. C. Morrison according to the Church of England rite on 25 Oct 1818 in St Mary's Church, Warwick. His parents probably brought his elder brother Hezekiah who was 2 years old at the time but who else was there is not known.⁶⁷⁸

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the burial of their child Charles on 31 Dec 1818 in the churchyard of St Nicholas, Warwick. Charles was only three months old when he died. The cause of his death is unknown. His parents probably attended the service and may have brought his elder brother Hezekiah but who else was there is not known.⁴²⁴

Thomas and Esther Dowell were present at the Baptism of their child Frances by the Rev. C. E. Carles according to the Church of England rite on 17 Sep 1826 in St Mary's Church, Warwick. As her parents names are recorded in the Baptismal Register it is assumed that they were present. Her older siblings Hezekiah was probably there but who else was present is not known. Their other children were probably present.⁶⁷⁹

Esther was buried on 14 Feb 1836 in St Nicholas churchyard, Warwick according to the Church of England rite. The minister at the burial was the Rev. Thomas Hope, Curate. Her husband Thomas was almost certainly present and probably her surviving children Hezekiah, Frances and Harriet but who else was there is not known. The cause of her death is not known but it may have been childbirth related as her son Thomas who was born in early January died a week after Esther.⁴³⁰ She and Thomas Dowell had the following children:

24.

Matthew was born to and in 1793 (est) in Lynn, Norfolk. The 1841 Census give his age as 50 and the 1851 Census as 58. As ages in the 1841 Census were rounded to the nearest 5 years the age given in the 1851 has been used to calculate his year of birth. This was confirmed as being the more accuate by the age given on his Death Certificate.

A search of the IGI and FreeReg failed to produce a baptimal record which may have given a more accuate date of birth. Also a search by the Norfolk Record Office of the main Kings Lynn parishes for a baptismal record c. 1793 failed to find a record which means that he was either not baptised (a most unusual occurance) or he was baptised in one of the surrounding parishes.^695,696

Frm 1805 to 1854 Matthew was a sawyer in first in Lynn then London. The Baptismal Register entries for all his children (except for Edward where a full record is not yet available), the 1841 and 1851 Censuses and his Death Certificate all give his occupation as a sawyer so it is assumed that he started work at the age of 12 (i.e. in 1805) and worked until illness just before his death in 1854 prevented him from doing so. He started work in Lynn as he was married and his first child Hannah was born there. At the time of his daughter's birth the family were living in Jews' Lane and Matthew probably worked for Willim Capps who had a business at 23 Jews' Lane.

Sometime between the birth of his daughter Hannah in 1820 and the birth his son Edward in 1825 he moved to Chelsea in Middlesex. Why he moved is a matter of speculation but it was probably because of the building boom which was taking place in Chelsea in the late 18th century and early part of the 18th century. Whether he worked on house construction of in one of the timber yards along the River Thames is not known.

From Chelsea he moved to Islington probably in 1825 and remined there until his wife's death in 1842 probably working at one of the sawmills on the Regents Canal. Whether he remained with the same employer all the time is not known; probably not as he moved around within the area. After his wife's death he appears to have moved to Shoreditch.^{697,698,699,700,701}

Matthew Drew^702,703 and Susan Harrison had marriage banns published on 15 Nov 1818 and the two successive Sundays in St Nicholas Chapel, Lynn, Norfolk. The Rev. Rev. S. Allen called the banns. Both Matthew and Susan lived in the parish.⁷⁰⁴

Matthew married Susan Harrison on 3 Dec 1818 in St Nicholas Chapel, Lynn, Norfolk. The service was taken by the Rev. the Rev. S. Allen who was the Curate. The witnesses were George Goddard, Mary Abraham and John Vine who signed with his mark. Having three witnesses is slightly unusual and their relationship to the couple is not known - probably friends. Who else attended the wedding is not known.

St Nicholas was a chapel of ease and served the relatively affluent northern part of the parish of St Margaret's, Kings Lynn.^705,706,707

Matthew and Susan Drew's daughter Hannah was born on 5 Mar 1820 in Jews' Lane at Lynn, Norfolk.^420,488

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the Baptism of their child Hannah on 9 Mar 1820 in St Margaret's Church, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The baptism was performed according to the Church of England rite by the Rev. S. Allen, jnr who was the Curate and may have been the son of the Minister Stephen Allen. As the Baptismal Register records the names of her parents it is assumed that they were present at the service. The Rev. Allen had married Hannah's parents at St Nicholas' Chapel, Kings Lynn in December 1818.^488,489

Matthew and Susan Drew's son Edward was born on 4 Sep 1824 in Chelsea, Middlesex at Paradise Row. The 1851 Census gives his birth place as Chelsea and the baptismal record confirms this and also gives his date of birth and where his parents were living.

In 1824 Chelsea was an 'up market' village favoured by the well to do and artists does not fit the usual pattern associated with the Drew family. However, the baptismal records for his parents other children show that they moved from Kings Lynn in Norfolk to Islington sometime between the birth of their daughter Hannah in March 1820 and the birth of their son Henry in September 1826 so it is possible that his father Edward who was a sawyer moved to Chelsea because of the speculative building which took place in the late 1700s and early 1800s.^708,709,710

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the Baptism of their child Edward on 24 Oct 1824 in St Luke's Church, Chelsea, Middlesex. It is assumed that as both his parents were shown in theregister they were present. The church obviously served a wide range of social classes. The occupations shown in the register included various trades, gentlemen, a soldier from the Life Guards and a Chinaman!⁷¹¹

Matthew and Susan Drew's son Henry was born on 25 Sep 1826 in at home at 23 Britannia Row, Islington, Finsbury, Middlesex. The address where he was born is given in the register recording his baptism.^695,712

Matthew and Susan Drew's son John Loyal was born on 11 Mar 1829 in home at 30 Howards Green, City Road, Islington, Finsbury, Middlesex. The date and place are included in the register entry for his baptism.⁷¹³

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child John on 23 May 1830 in Spar Fields Burial Grounds, in the parish of St James, Clerkenwell. Spa Fields Burial Grounds was privately owned but nearby there was a Duchess of Huntington non-conformist chapel. It is probable that the burial service was conducted by by a minister from the chapel. Whether there was service in the chapel is not known. His parents would have been present at the burial. The cause of his death is not known but as his twin brother Matthew was buried 6 days later on 29 May it was almost certainly some infectious childhood disease.⁷¹⁴

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child Mary on 6 Nov 1832 in Spa Fields Burial Grounds, in the parish of St James, Clerkenwell. Spa Fields Burial Grounds was privately owned but nearby there was a Duchess of Huntington non-conformist chapel. It is probable that the burial service was conducted by by a minister from the chapel. Whether there was service in the chapel is not known. Her parents would have been present at the burial. The cause of her death is not known.⁷¹⁵ Matthew witnessed the marriage of Hezekiah Dowell and Hannah Drew on 2 Sep 1839 in St Leonard's Parish Church. Mathew was the bride's father.^422,432

The household of Matthew and Susan Drew was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 in St Mary Islington, Finsbury, Middlesex living at City Gardens. The household consisted of Mathew & Susan Drew and their children Edward age 15, Henry age 14 and Charlotte age 5. They shared the house with another family of 5 and two single men. The size of the house is unknown.

Their daughter Hannah and her husband Hezekiah Dowell also lived in City Gardens just 4 houses away.⁶⁹⁵

Matthew was probably present at the marriage of his son Edward to Hannah Newsom on 2 Sep 1844 at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. The witnesses were Hezekiah Dowell and Hannah Drew. Hannah was the groom's sister and Hezekiah was her husband. The couples parents were probably there but who else is not known.^434,435

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child Henry on 21 Feb 1847 in St Mary's Churchyard, Islington, Middlesex. His parents were almost certainly present and probably his sister Charlotte but who else was there is not known. What he died of is not known.⁷¹⁶

The household of Matthew and Susan Drew was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in St Lukes, Finsbury, Middlesex living at 8 Howards Green. The household consisted of Matthew, his wife Susan and their daughter Charlotte who was 18. Three families shared the house. In all there were 12 people. There is no indication as to the size of the house.⁷¹⁷

Matthew's wife Susan died from phthisis and diarrhoea on 23 Jun 1852 in St Luke's Workhouse at City Road, Hoxton New Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex aged 61. Phthisis is the term for a progressive wasting disease nowadays usually referring to pulmonary tuberculosis. However, as it was coupled with diarrhoea it could have been a stomach or bowel cancer although tuberculosis was probably rife in the area area where she had been living and her husband Matthew died of complications arising from the disease two years later. On her death certificate she is described as a charwoman which may indicate that she was working and was hospitalised because of her illness. A search of the workhouse records is necessary to establish the reason for her admission. Mary Burnett who is recorded as being present at her death also lived in the workhouse and may have been an attendant as she reported Susan's death to the Registrar. She is unlikely to have been either a fellow inmate to have been entrusted with such an important job or the Mistress as she was illiterate.^718,719,720

Matthew died on 22 May 1854 aged 61 in the Shoreditch Workhouse, Kingsland Road of hemoptysis. Hemoptysis is coughing up blood from the respiratory tract and was almost certainly due to tuberculosis probably brought about by the conditions in which he had lived. Acute hemoptysis causes asphyxiation due to blockage of the airways. Although the cause of his death was certified the Death Certificate does not say by who. On his death certificate he is described as a sawyer which may indicate that he was working and was hospitalised because of his illness rather than because he was destitiute. A search of the workhouse records is necessary to establish the reason for his admission.^721,722 Matthew's death was reported to the Registrar on 26 May 1854 by John Rose at the the Register Office for Haggerstone West, Shoreditch for. John Rose was probably the Superintendent of Shoreditch Workhouse.⁷²¹

Matthew was buried on 26 May 1854 in a pauper's grave at St John the Baptist Church, Hoxton, London according to the Church of England rite. The minister at the burial was the Rev. the Re, D Shaboe, Curate. Two Registers were kept. The standard Burial Register with a printed ‘box’ for each burial and a Fees Register recording the cost of each burial. The Abode of workhouse inmates in the Burial Register is not give as the workhouse but as the road in which the workhouse was situated. In the fees register it is evident that burials of workhouse inmates are not charged for and the abode is shown as the workhouse. Entries in the Fees Register were initialled (D S for Matthew’s entry) and it was determined from the Burials Register that D S stood for D Shaboe who was one of the curates.

Was not showing the workhouse as the Abode in the Burials Register an attempt to keep it ‘respectable’ or give inmates a degree of dignity in death?⁷²³

25.

Susan was born to and btw Apr 1791 and May 1791 in Lynn. The 1841 Census give her age as 50 and the 1851 Census as 59. If these ages are accurate then as the Censuses were held on 30 March 1841 and 6 June 1851 she would have been born between 1 April and 5 June 1791. Her age of 61 given on her death certificate confirms this assumption.

A search of the IGI and FreeReg failed to produce a baptimal record which may have given a more accuate date of birth. Without a baptismal record it is not possible to trace her parents.^724,725,726

Susan's daughter Hannah was born on 5 Mar 1820 at Lynn, Norfolk, Jews' Lane.^420,488

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the Baptism of their child Hannah on 9 Mar 1820 in St Margaret's Church, Kings Lynn, Norfolk. The baptism was performed according to the Church of England rite by the Rev. S. Allen, jnr who was the Curate and may have been the son of the Minister Stephen Allen. As the Baptismal Register records the names of her parents it is assumed that they were present at the service. The Rev. Allen had married Hannah's parents at St Nicholas' Chapel, Kings Lynn in December 1818.^488,489

Matthew and Susan Drew's son Edward was born on 4 Sep 1824 in Chelsea at Paradise Row. The 1851 Census gives his birth place as Chelsea and the baptismal record confirms this and also gives his date of birth and where his parents were living.

In 1824 Chelsea was an 'up market' village favoured by the well to do and artists does not fit the usual pattern associated with the Drew family. However, the baptismal records for his parents other children show that they moved from Kings Lynn in Norfolk to Islington sometime between the birth of their daughter Hannah in March 1820 and the birth of their son Henry in September 1826 so it is possible that his father Edward who was a sawyer moved to Chelsea because of the speculative building which took place in the late 1700s and early 1800s.^708,709,710

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the Baptism of their child Edward on 24 Oct 1824 in St Luke's Church, Chelsea, Middlesex. It is assumed that as both his parents were shown in theregister they were present. The church obviously served a wide range of social classes. The occupations shown in the register included various trades, gentlemen, a soldier from the Life Guards and a Chinaman!⁷¹¹

Matthew and Susan Drew's son Henry was born on 25 Sep 1826 in at home at 23 Britannia Row, Islington, Finsbury, Middlesex. The address where he was born is given in the register recording his baptism.^695,712

Matthew and Susan Drew's son John Loyal was born on 11 Mar 1829 in home at 30 Howards Green, City Road, Islington, Finsbury, Middlesex. The date and place are included in the register entry for his baptism.⁷¹³

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child John on 23 May 1830 in Spar Fields Burial Grounds, in the parish of St James, Clerkenwell. Spa Fields Burial Grounds was privately owned but nearby there was a Duchess of Huntington non-conformist chapel. It is probable that the burial service was conducted by by a minister from the chapel. Whether there was service in the chapel is not known. His parents would have been present at the burial. The cause of his death is not known but as his twin brother Matthew was buried 6 days later on 29 May it was almost certainly some infectious childhood disease.⁷¹⁴

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child Mary on 6 Nov 1832 in Spa Fields Burial Grounds, in the parish of St James, Clerkenwell. Spa Fields Burial Grounds was privately owned but nearby there was a Duchess of Huntington non-conformist chapel. It is probable that the burial service was conducted by by a minister from the chapel. Whether there was service in the chapel is not known. Her parents would have been present at the burial. The cause of her death is not known.⁷¹⁵ Susan Harrison⁷²⁷ (also known as Susanna Harrison and Susan Drew) was a Guest at Marriage of Hezekiah Dowell and Hannah Drew on 2 Sep 1839 in St Leonard's Parish Church. Her husband Mathew was a witness.^422,432

Susan was probably present at the marriage of her son Edward to Hannah Newsom on 2 Sep 1844 at St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex. The witnesses were Hezekiah Dowell and Hannah Drew. Hannah was the groom's sister and Hezekiah was her husband. The couples parents were probably there but who else is not known.^434,435

Matthew and Susan Drew were present at the burial of their child Henry on 21 Feb 1847 in St Mary's Churchyard, Islington, Middlesex. His parents were almost certainly present and probably his sister Charlotte but who else was there is not known. What he died of is not known.⁷¹⁶

Susan died on 23 Jun 1852 aged 61 in St Luke's Workhouse at her home City Road, Hoxton New Town, Shoreditch, Middlesex from phthisis and diarrhoea. The death certificate says that Mary Burnett was present. Phthisis is the term for a progressive wasting disease nowadays usually referring to pulmonary tuberculosis. However, as it was coupled with diarrhoea it could have been a stomach or bowel cancer although tuberculosis was probably rife in the area area where she had been living and her husband Matthew died of complications arising from the disease two years later. On her death certificate she is described as a charwoman which may indicate that she was working and was hospitalised because of her illness. A search of the workhouse records is necessary to establish the reason for her admission. Mary Burnett who is recorded as being present at her death also lived in the workhouse and may have been an attendant as she reported Susan's death to the Registrar. She is unlikely to have been either a fellow inmate to have been entrusted with such an important job or the Mistress as she was illiterate.^718,719,720 Susan's death was reported to the Registrar W. H. Skegg on 24 Jun 1882 by Mary Burnett at the the Register Office for Hoxton New Town, Middlesex.⁷¹⁸ She and Matthew Drew had the following children:

26.

Abraham George was born to Abraham and Ann Thornton on 13 Sep 1791 in Whitechapel, Middlesex. Although the parents' address for most baptisms were recorded that of Abraham and Ann was not. However, unlike most other entries the date of birth was given.^758,759

Abraham George Thornton,⁷⁶⁰ son of Abraham Thornton and Ann Flower, was baptised on 27 Jun 1792 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel High Street, Middlesex. His parents Abraham and Ann Thornton would have been present. His parents would have been present and they probably took his siblings William and Sarah but who else was there is not known.

⁷⁶¹

Abraham was a present at the Baptism of his sister Hannah on 11 Oct 1795 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex.⁷⁶²

Abraham was a present at the Baptism of his brother Samuel on 12 Nov 1797 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex.⁷⁶³

Abraham was a present at the Baptism of his sister Elizabeth on 21 Aug 1801 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex.⁷⁶⁴

Frm 1802 to 1863 Abraham was a silk weaver Spitalfields, Middlesex. He is shown as a weaver in the Baptismal Register of St Mary's Church, Whitechapel for his sons George and Thomas and in the 1841 and 1861Censuses, and as a silk weaver on his Death Certificate. (He does not appear in the 1851 Census and his occupation is not recorded in the Parish Registers covering his marriage to Mary and the baptism of his youngest son Abraham.)

The records also show that although he lived in a number of different places he remained in the Bethnal Green and Spitalfields area. As Spitalfields was the centre of the silk weaving industry and was often taken by contemporaries, particularly in connexion with silk weaving, to include the adjoining built up area to the north in what after 1743 was Bethnal Green parish so it is reasonable to assume that he was a silk weaver. The way in which he moved around (see notes on residence) would indicate that he was an employee rather than working on his own account. Where and who he worked for cannot be determined. It is possible that he may have worked in a garret workshops in one of the silk-weavers’ houses in and around Spital Square, Fournier Street and Elder Street as towards the end of his working life he lived close by. As the silk making industry was in decline towards to the end of his working life he must have been a skilled weaver to have remained in employment.^{765,766,767,768,769,770,771} Frm Dec 1815 to Apr 1847 Abraham lived in various addresses, Spitalfields area, Middlesex. where [PF] worked as a silk weaver. The first indication of where they lived after their marriage in Bethnal Green in Dec 1815 is from the baptism of their first son Abraham George in Apr 1825 which took place in St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch, just to the north of Spitalfields. Their address is not recorded but they must have lived in the parish. The first specific address comes from the baptism of their sons George and Clement Harman in September 1828 when they are shown as living in Montague Street in Whitechapel. By December 1830 they had moved to Crown Court, Little Pearl Street, Spitalfields, which is the address recorded in the Baptismal Register for the baptism of their son Thomas at Christ Church. In the 1841 Census they are shown as living in Bell Court which was one of the courts off Wheler Street in Spitalfields. They were still living there when Mary died in April 1847.

The way in which they moved around has been plotted on a map of the area.^772,773,774

Abraham married Mary Priscilla Harman on 13 Dec 1815 in St Matthew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. Joshua King, Rector and the witnesses were Francis Rooney and J P Nilk. The marriage register entry shows that Mary was a widow although she was only 23 at the time. The two witnesses, Francis Rooney and J P Nilk, do not appear to be related to the couple although it is remotely possible that one of them may have been related to Mary. A search of the FamilySearch (LDS) website and the 1841 census indicates that a few Rooneys of Irish origin were living in the Whitechapel area which borders Bethnal Green where they were married. So it is possible that Francis Rooney was a friend. A search on the name Nilk produced a blank.⁷⁷⁵

Abraham and Mary Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Abraham George by the Rev. Robert Saxby according to the Church of England rite on 4 Apr 1825 in St. Leonard's Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex,. His parents would have been present but who else is not known.⁷⁷⁶

Abraham and Mary Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child George by the Rev. D. Mathias, Rector according to the Church of England rite on 28 Sep 1828 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents and younger brother Clement who was also baptised on the same day were present. Why George's baptism had been delayed by over three years is not known.⁷⁷⁷

Abraham and Mary Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Clement Harman by the Rev. D. Mathias, Rector according to the Church of England rite on 28 Sep 1828 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. The baptism of his brother George who was over three years older also took place on the same occasion. Why George had not been baptised a few months after his birth is not known.⁷⁷⁸

Abraham and Mary Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Thomas by the Rev. William Stone according to the Church of England rite on 20 Dec 1830 in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and probably his older siblings Abraham, George and Clement.⁵⁴⁵

The household of Abraham and Mary Thornton was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 in Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex living at Bell Court, Christ Church. The household consisted of Abram, his wife Mary and their children Abram, George and Thomas aged 18, 14 and 10 respectively. There was also a William Thornton living in the house who, at the age or 24, is the oldest child but is listed last. As children are normally listed eldest first and the first born boy was normally named after his father this makes the relationship to Abram uncertain (the 1841 Census does not give relationship information). However, for lack of any other evidence he has been treated as Abraham's and Mary's son. Abram's trade is given as a weaver and he probably worked in the silk making industry which was centred on Spitalfields. Many of his neighbours had occupations connected with weaving. Mary is shown as a blacksmith which seems incredible for a woman. There is no corroborating evidence.⁵⁴⁶ Frm Apr 1847 to Dec 1863 Abraham lived in Spitalfields, Middlesex. Some time after Mary's death Abraham moved to Grey Eagle Street in Spitalfields. In the 1861 Census he is shown as living at number 34 and on his death certificate at number 61.^779,780

Abraham's wife Mary died from asthma which she had had for 10 years and dropsy which she had had for 9 months on 7 Apr 1847 in her home at 19 Bell Court, Wheler Street, Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Middlesex aged 57. Dropsy is an old term for the swelling of soft tissues due to the accumulation of excess water. There are many causes; one cause is congestive heart failure in which the heart's function as a pump to deliver oxygen rich blood to the body is inadequate to meet the body's needs and it is just possible that her asthma and consequent shortage of breath may have brought about this condition.

Jean Garvie was present at her death. She lived in Oxford Street, Stepney which was just over half a mile away. A search of the 1841 Census produced a Jane Garvey who was 17 at the time so would have been 23 when Mary died. However it has not been possible to establish a relationship between Mary and Jean (Jane) but it is possible that they were related.⁷⁸¹

Abraham was probably present at the marriage of his son Thomas to Caroline Wood on 13 Mar 1850 at St Philip's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The witnesses were James Wood and Caroline Wood. The witnesses were almost certainly related to the bride but the relationship has not been established. The groom's father may have been present but his mother had died some three years before. It is thought that both the bride's parents may have been dead. Who else may have been present is not known.

The Church was comparatively new when they married having been formed out of the parish of St Mathew, Bethnal Green in 1842/3 which itself had been split out of Stephney in 1746. This reflected the rapid expansion of the area with people flooding in to work in the new factories (see notes on Thomas' and Caroline's residence and Thomas' occupation). The parish was reunited with St Mathew in 1951 and the church closed in 1952. It became a furniture store and now no longer exists.

Thomas' address is given as 1 Collingwood Place. Collingwood Place no longer exists. There is a Collingwood Street but this is nearly a mile east south east of the church and in the parish of St Mathew. It is conceivable that Thomas lived in the vicinity and walked to the church.

Caroline's address is given as 15 West Street where she probably lived with her parents. The only West Street shown on modern maps lies about a mile east north east of the church connecting Clare Street and Cambridge Heath Street and is little more than a bridge spanning a railway line and is in the parish of St Mathew. The street did not exist in 1893 and so was not there in 1850. It is therefore probable that Caroline and possibly Thomas lived in the area known as the 'Nicholl' which lay immediately to the west of St Philip's Church and which was demolished by the London County Council in the early 1890s.^557,558

Abraham was recorded in the 1861 census taken on 7 Apr 1861 for Spitalfields living at 34 Grey Eagle Street. There is no census record for Abraham for 1851 and it is not possible to be absolutely certain that this is Abraham, as the age of 75 is a poor match for his birth date of 13 Sep 1791 which would make him 69 at the time of this Census. However, no record can be found of an Abraham Thornton born in or around 1786, neither is one recorded in the either the 1841, 1851 or 1861 Censuses. Since he was illiterate (he signed the Marriage Register on the occasion of his marriage to Mary Bolitho with his mark) it is quite likely that he was uncertain about his exact age. Also, Abraham was born in Whitechapel whereas this census gives his birth place as Spitalfields. However, Spitalfields is a sub-district of Whitechapel and he lived there for most of his life so it could have been a genuine mistake to give his birthplace as Spitalfields as opposed to Whitechapel. His occupation of weaver accords with all other records of his occupation so on balance it considered that this record refers to Abraham.

On the assumption that it does he is now a widower. This is quite likely as it is believed that his wife died in 1847 or 1848. It would appear that Abraham rented the house and sub-let rooms to fellow workers. In all there were 4 occupants including Abraham. The size of the house is not known, however, the next house (No. 35) housed two families totalling 14 people.⁷⁸²

Abraham died on 13 Dec 1863 in Spitalfields, Whitechapel, Middlesex at his home 61 Grey Eagle Street from age and general debility. The cause of his death is given as age and general debility; in other words he was worn out by a life of work as a silk weaver. As there was no form of pension the only alternative to working was either to be supported by his children or the workhouse. Although he had children living in the area his death was registered by his lodger.⁷⁸³ Abraham's death was reported to the Registrar Jno R Goode Jun on 17 Dec 1863 by John Poyton at the the Register Office for Whitechapel. Although Abraham's second given name is omitted this is almost certainly because the informant who was his lodger at the time of his death did not know it. This was almost certainly the John Peeyton (Snr) who was shown as his lodger in the 1861 Census. The age given on his Death Certificate is 75 although it would appear (from his birth date) that he was only 72. However, in the 1861 Census he had given his age as 75 and it is quite likely that he and those around him were uncertain of his exact age. The only evidence of his birth would have been his Baptismal Certificate presumably given to his parents which may or may not have been passed on to him and, even if it had been, it is extremely unlikely that it had survived.^784,785,786

28.

William was born to Richard and Mary Wood in 1789 in Bethnal Green. The date was recorded in the Baptismal Register for St Mathew's Church.^813,814,815

William Wood,⁸¹⁶ son of Richard Wood and Mary Newman, was baptised on 4 May 1800 in St Mathew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. His parents Richard and Mary Wood would have been present.⁸¹⁷

William married Mary Rucker on 8 Feb 1817 in St Matthew's Church, Bethnal Green, Middlesex. The service was taken by the Rev. Joshua King, Rector and the witnesses were Mary Sackkett and Edward Wood. Both William and Mary were widowed. Mary Sackkett was probably a friend of the bride and Edward Wood was probably related to the groom but the relationship is not known. Who else was present is not known. As William is shown as being from the parish of Badow (Baddow) in Essex how they came to meet is a matter od some speculation.⁸¹⁸

William and Mary Wood were present at the Baptism of their child Ann by the Rev. Thomas Gregory according to the Church of England rite on 1 Jun 1823 in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Middlesex. Who else was there is not known.⁸¹⁹

William and Mary Wood were present at the Baptism of their child John on 2 Jun 1826 in Christ Church, Spitalfields, Middlesex.⁸²⁰

William and Mary Wood were present at the Baptism of their child Daniel Robert on 20 Sep 1829 in St Leonard's Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex.⁸²¹

William and Mary Wood were present at the Baptism of their child Caroline by the Rev. A P Kelly according to the Church of England rite on 5 Mar 1832 in St Leonard's Parish Church, Shoreditch, Middlesex.⁵⁷⁸

The household of William and Mary Wood was recorded in the 1841 census taken on 6 Jun 1841 in Bethnal Green living at Cheshire Street when she was 40. The household consisted William, his wife Mary and their children Ann (Age 18), John (Age 14), Daniel (Age 8), Caroline (Age 8) and Eliza (Age 6) shared the house with another family. In all 12 people lived in the house. The number of rooms is unknown. Williams's trade is shown as a weaver. He was almost certainly a silk weaver as the trade was centred on Spitalfields.⁵⁷⁹

The household of William and Mary Wood was recorded in the 1851 census taken on 30 Mar 1851 in Bethnal Green living at 15 West Street when he was 62 and she was 57. The household consisted of William, his wife Mary and their children John (age 25), Daniel (age 22), Ann (age 15) and Robert (age 9). They had the house to themselves but the number of rooms is not known.⁸¹⁵

William died btw Sep 1852 and Mar 1855 at Bethnal Green. William was not recorded in the 1861 or 1871 census. It is therefore safe to assume that he died sometime between 1851 and 1861. There were three death registrations in Bethnal Green during this time – September 1852, September 1853 and March 1855. However, as the ages are not given it is impossible to determine which is applicable.⁸²²

34.

Abraham was born to and in 1762 (cal) in Whitechapel, Middlesex. The Allegation for his marriage to Ann Flower in 1787 gives his age as 25.⁸³⁹ Frm Sep 1787 to 1806 Abraham Thornton⁸⁴⁰ lived in Thomas's Street, Whitechapel, Middlesex. The evidence comes from the Baptismal Register entries for their children William (b. 1788), Sarah (b.1789).^{841,842,843,844,845}

Abraham married Ann Flower on 23 Sep 1787 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex when he was 25 and she was 18. The service was taken by the Rev. Edward Robson, Curate. Ann was underage at the time and married with her father's consent. The witnesses were the bride's father and a Samuel Gioton whose relationship to either the groom or the bride is unknown. Ann's mother was probably there. Also Abraham's parents whose names are not known. Who else was there is not known.

As Ann was a minor and the marriage was by licence she may have been pregnant. Their first child William, presumably named after Ann's father, was baptised on 30 July 1788 (his date of birth is not recorded) so she was either pregnant or the child was conceived very shortly after they were married.⁸⁴⁶

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child William on 27 Jul 1788 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents would have been present but who else is not known. However, as there were nine other baptisms on the same day the congregation would have been fairly large. The name of the celebrant is not given.⁸⁴⁷

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Sarah on 30 Nov 1789 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents and older brother William would have been present but who else was there is not known. It is evident from the number of baptisms that the church had a very large congregation.⁸⁴⁸

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the burial of their child Sarah on 4 May 1792 in St Mary's Churchyard, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present and they probably took Sarah's older brother Wiliam with them. Who else was present is not known.⁸⁴⁹

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Abraham George on 27 Jun 1792 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel High Street, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and they probably took his siblings William and Sarah but who else was there is not known.

⁷⁶¹

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Hannah on 11 Oct 1795 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents and her two surviving siblings William and Abraham would have been present. Who else is not known but judging from the number of baptisms (14 on the day that Hannah was baptised) the congregation was large.⁷⁶²

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Samuel on 12 Nov 1797 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and probably his older siblings. Who else was present is not known but judging from the number of baptisms on the same day there was a large congregation.⁷⁶³

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Catherine on 4 Apr 1800 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present but who else was there is not known. The name of the celebrant is not given.⁸⁵⁰

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Elizabeth on 21 Aug 1801 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents and older surviving siblings William, Abraham, Hannah and Catherine would have been present but who else is not known. Judging from the number of baptisms the church had a large congregation.⁷⁶⁴

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Joseph on 18 Jan 1807 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex.⁸⁵¹

Abraham's wife Ann died on 1 Mar 1823 in Thraiol Street, Spitalfields, Middlesex. As deaths were not registered at the time there is no way of knowing exactly when she died but it is assumed that a few days elapsed between her death and her burial, the date of which is known.⁸⁵²

Abraham's wife Ann was buried on 5 Mar 1823 in Christ Church graveyard at Spitalfields, Middlesex aged 54. She was almost certaily buried in a common grave. Her husband Abraham was probably present and maybe some of her children.⁸⁵³

Abraham died on 9 Aug 1834 in Spitalfields Parish Workhouse which was at corner of Charles Street and Thomas Street. When and why he had entered the workhouse is not known. By the time of his death the silk industry had entered a long decline and the old merchant dwellings had degenerated into multi-occupied slums. Spitalfields became a by-word for urban deprivation, and, by 1832, concern about a London cholera epidemic led The Poor Man's Guardian (18 February 1832) to write of Spitalfields, "The low houses are all huddled together in close and dark lanes and alleys, presenting at first sight an appearance of non-habitation, so dilapidated are the doors and windows. In every room of the houses, whole families, parents, children and aged grandfathers swarm together.".

Abraham was buried aged 72 on 11 Aug 1834 in Christ Church graveyard, Spitalfields, Middlesex according to the Church of England rite. The minister at the burial was the Rev. P. Sturmer. As he died in the workhouse he was almost certainly buried in a common grave. Who was present is not known - perhaps some of his children.⁸⁵⁴

35.

Ann was born to William and Anny Flower in Sep 1769 in Stepney, Middlesex. The Baptismal Register does not give her date of birth but it assumed that she was born a few weeks before she was baptised as this was the normal practice at the time.⁸⁵⁵

Ann Flower⁸⁴⁰ (also known as Ann Thornton and Anny Flower), daughter of William Flower and Anny, was baptised on 8 Oct 1769 in St Dunstan and All Saints's Church, Stephney, Middlesex. Her parents William and Anny Flower would have been present. Ann was a minor when she married in Sep 1787. The Allegation for her marriage gives her age as 18 which means she was born in 1769. The Allegation and the Marriage Register gives her father's name as William. A search of the FamilySearch (LDS) website for the baptism of an Ann Flower with her father's name William produced 7 matches. All except this one took place in counties some way from London. The selection of Stepney is reinforced by the fact that her father was a witness at her marriage which took place in the adjacent parish of Whitechapel.^856,857 Frm Sep 1787 to 1806 Ann lived in Thomas's Street. The evidence comes from the Baptismal Register entries for their children William (b. 1788), Sarah (b.1789).^{841,842,843,844,845}

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child William on 27 Jul 1788 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents would have been present but who else is not known. However, as there were nine other baptisms on the same day the congregation would have been fairly large. The name of the celebrant is not given.⁸⁴⁷

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Sarah on 30 Nov 1789 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents and older brother William would have been present but who else was there is not known. It is evident from the number of baptisms that the church had a very large congregation.⁸⁴⁸

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the burial of their child Sarah on 4 May 1792 in St Mary's Churchyard, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present and they probably took Sarah's older brother Wiliam with them. Who else was present is not known.⁸⁴⁹

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Abraham George on 27 Jun 1792 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel High Street, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and they probably took his siblings William and Sarah but who else was there is not known.

⁷⁶¹

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Hannah on 11 Oct 1795 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents and her two surviving siblings William and Abraham would have been present. Who else is not known but judging from the number of baptisms (14 on the day that Hannah was baptised) the congregation was large.⁷⁶²

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Samuel on 12 Nov 1797 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. His parents would have been present and probably his older siblings. Who else was present is not known but judging from the number of baptisms on the same day there was a large congregation.⁷⁶³

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Catherine on 4 Apr 1800 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents would have been present but who else was there is not known. The name of the celebrant is not given.⁸⁵⁰

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Elizabeth on 21 Aug 1801 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex. Her parents and older surviving siblings William, Abraham, Hannah and Catherine would have been present but who else is not known. Judging from the number of baptisms the church had a large congregation.⁷⁶⁴

Abraham and Ann Thornton were present at the Baptism of their child Joseph on 18 Jan 1807 in St Mary's Church, Whitechapel, Middlesex.⁸⁵¹

Ann died on 1 Mar 1823 in Thraiol Street at her home. As deaths were not registered at the time there is no way of knowing exactly when she died but it is assumed that a few days elapsed between her death and her burial, the date of which is known.⁸⁵²

Ann was buried aged 54 on 5 Mar 1823 in Christ Church graveyard, Spitalfields, Middlesex according to the Church of England rite. The minister at the burial was the Rev. Thomas Gregory. She was almost certaily buried in a common grave. Her husband Abraham was probably present and maybe some of her children.⁸⁵³ She and Abraham Thornton had the following children: