Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

“KING’S CLIFFE PERSONALITIES”

Obituaries typed from ms transcriptions made by Canon John Bryan from the original newspapers. These include some notable people from the surrounding area. [In a few cases, photographs of the individuals have been inserted from the archives. Several are to be found in the photograph at the end of the document showing the first Parish Council of King’s Cliffe in 1895].

Stamford Mercury, 11 th March, 1864

STAFFORD O’BRIEN

The remains of the late Stafford O’Brien, Esq., were deposited in the family vault in Blatherwycke church yesterday, enclosed in three coffins, the outer one being covered with rich Genoa velvet and handsome brass fittings and brass plate with the following inscription:

“Stafford O’Brien, born Nov. 15, 1783; Died March 3, 1864 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us. Romans 7.37”

The procession left the Hall at 1 o’clock and passed through the lawn to the church yard in the following order:- The Rev. S Blacker and the Rev. Concanon Thomas Tryon, Esq., Hon Wm. Freke, Rev. Wm. Hatton, Capt. Ed Hatton, Arthur Grantham, Esq., the Rev. M Berkeley, the Rev. J Cautley, the Rev. R Hurt, Wm. Burdett and W A Skinner, Esqs., R Thompson, Esq. and Captain Rickett; tenants Mr Hatton and Mr E Cave, undertaker, mason, carpenter and plumber. H.O’Brien, Esq was chief mourner, after whom came Horace O’Brien, Esq., Augustus O’Brien, Esq., G N Hoare, Esq., the Rev. Ernest Hoare, the Rev. Wm Hoare, Hon. H. Noel, Hon. G Noel, Esq., the Rev. J H Holdich, the Rev. W Bagshaw, the Rev. Ed Bagshaw, Geo. Nevile, Esq., A Farfield, Esq., R Humfrey, Esq., Ernest Fitzroy, Esq., the Rev. Wm Herrick Dyott, Chas Harrison, Esq. The funeral arrangements were under the charge of Messrs Hopkins, undertakers of Uppingham. It is a somewhat singular coincidence that on the day of his death the remains of the Hon Mrs Grantham, who had acted as one of the bridesmaids at the “Squire’s” marriage in 1808, were interred in Ketton churchyard. She was present at the festivities held at Blatherwycke on the 7 th June 1858 on the occasion of the celebration of the 50 th anniversary of the wedding, which anniversary had been similarly celebrated till 1863, a festival that will be much missed by rich and poor. Mr O’Brien completed his 80 th year on the 15 th November last.

Peterborough Advertiser, 12 th March, 1864

King’s Cliffe – Funeral of Stafford O’Brien Esq.

The remains of this lamented gentleman were interred in the family vault at Blatherwycke on Thursday last. The pall bearers were: Thomas Tryon, Esq., The Hon W Freke, Capt. Hatton, the Rev. Wm Hatton, the Rev. Robert Hatton, the Rev. C Cautley, A Grantham, Esq and the Rev. M. Berkeley. The deceased was a noble specimen of the old English Squire. His extensive hospitality and his considerate kindness to his poorer neighbours will be remembered for many years to come and will long serve to “keep his memory clean”.

Peterborough Advertiser, 14 th January, 1865

King’s Cliffe – The Squire of Blatherwycke Hall will henceforth be known as De Stafford O’Brien, the first Christian name of Henry having been dropped. It will be remembered that Mr de Stafford O’Brien’s eldest brother (deceased) ignored the surname and was known to Parliament as Mr Augustus Stafford. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Stamford Mercury of 5 th August 1898

“King’s Cliffe

An old and highly-respected inhabitant, Mr Thomas James Law , died on the 29 th ult [ie July] after a short illness, in his 84 th year. He was a large farmer, had held at one time or other all the parochial offices, and has been the parishioners’ Churchwarden about 28 years. It is calculated that during the years he was a Guardian, in going to and from Oundle to the meetings, he must have ridden about ten thousand.

At the time of his death he was Churchwarden, Parish Councillor, a member of the School Board, and overseer. He was ever ready with a subscription to meet a poor neighbour’s loss, and in church or parish matters generally he was a liberal subscriber. He gave a portion of the site on which two cottages stand, to make a better approach and appearance to the church from the Cross, which cottages his men were pulling down at the time of his death. ……. [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

Peterborough Advertiser, 25 th January, 1908

FUNERAL OF MR H JELLEY Nearly 90 years of a Notable Life, and much work for Religion, Commerce and Politics

On Saturday afternoon the remains of Mr Henry Jelley, sen., who died at his residence, Park Road, Peterborough, in his 89th year, were interred in Nassington Cemetery. Our Nassington correspondent adds: It will be remembered that Mr Jelley, when residing at the Yarwell Mills House, was one of the foremost workers and supporters of the Nassington Congregational Chapel. He was a man of fine intellectual powers which, together with his largeness of heart, endeared him to all. He was one of whom it may be said “those who knew him best loved him most”. Outside the work of the church, Mr Jelley deeply interested himself in all Forward movements. A staunch liberal in politics, he fought nobly and untiringly for the cause he had at heart. His name will ever live in the memories of the people for “he being dead yet speaketh”….. He had attained the ripe old age of 88 years and retained all his faculties. Death was due to senile decay.

The last obsequies were carried through in the presence of a great concourse of people who attended to pay a last tribute to one whom they beloved (sic). The Rev. G W Elliott, Pastor of Harris Street Baptist Church, Peterborough, was the officiating minister and the service at the graveside was beautifully impressive. The inscription on the breast plate was:

HENRY JELLEY Born December 21 st , 1819 Died January 14 th , 1908

BIOGRAPHICAL

Born at King’s Cliffe on December 21 st , 1819, Henry Jelley was the son of Mr Thos. Jelley of the Mill House, farmer and miller. His father occupied the Old Sulehay Farm, of about 390 acres and the mill and farm of 50 acres. The mill and farm he took over in 1807. A bright and intelligent lad, Henry received his education at the village private school and a certain Macdonald was his tutor. His father was a member of the Church of England and his earliest impressions of religion were received under THE CARE OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH, and from youth was a devoted Biblical student. He was brought up in the farming and milling and at the age of 22 he left home for Barrow-on-Soar in Leicestershire, returning in a year or two to claim as his bride Miss Georgian Mobbs, a daughter of Mr John Mobbs of Surfleet. On the death of his father in 1847 he returned to King’s Cliffe and took Old Sulehay Farm and Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers subsequently the King’s Cliffe Mill. In 1853 his devoted wife died leaving him a son, Mr Henry Jelley, now of Yarwell and Misses Emily and Elizabeth Jelley of Peterborough, the burial taking place at King’s Cliffe, where two little sons who had predeceased her lay. In 1857 he gave up the mill at King’s Cliffe and went to a steam flour mill at Loughborough, which he soon turned into an elastic web factory, which he worked at with much success. During that period he married Miss Emma Balm of Quorndon, Loughborough, who survived him, but who in her 86 th years is now a confirmed invalid……….In the year 1867 Mr Jelley returned to Northamptonshire and took over the Yarwell Mill from his brother Tom and there he remained until he retired from business in 1888 when he took up his residence in Peterborough. His son, Henry, followed him and carried on the business until 1892 when he retired, but subsequently he purchased the Yarwell Mill from Mr Leonard Brassey, who had come into possession by purchase of the Westmorland Estate in that neighbourhood, and it is now occupied by Mr Robinson.

It was during his occupancy of the Yarwell Mill that Mr Jelley reached the height of his commercial success. In addition to the milling he farmed in Nassington and Yarwell occupying the farms now held by Mr B Lock and Mr Nottingham……Mr Jelley was sixty nine when he retired from business after a successful career, when he purchased “Charnwood”, Peterborough, and settled there with his wife and two daughters.

Additional obituary from another source

Nurtured under the influence of the clergy of his native parish and in an Anglican home young Henry might well have been expected to have grown up a staunch supporter of the established religion, but comparatively early in life he revolted. With his young wife he became a church worker at Barrow, and they both became teachers in the Church of England Sunday School. It was not long, however, before they both felt they could not continue to teach some of the doctrines of the church and leaving the establishment they WENT OVER TO THE BAPTIST denomination and both became members of the Baptist Church at Quorn. From that time onward Mr Jelley came to the front rank of Nonconformist laymen, and throughout his long life he was the revered and fearless leader and exponent of Free Church principles in the district in which he lived.

Returning to Yarwell with a wonderful religious zeal he roused the local Nonconformist churches in a remarkable manner, and spent not only his elocutionary gifts but his money and time in furthering the work. He strenuously fought the clergy of the district contrary to the best interests of the people and their religious freedom. Never once did he pay the Church Rate demanded of him and, strange to relate, the authorities never proceeded against him to recover it. This was somewhat singular because at Barrow, before he returned to Yarwell, he was once mobbed for being a resister to the Church Rate there.

For years he prosecuted an unrelenting campaign and was a pamphleteer of wonderful force and argumentative skill. At one time he carried on a controversy with the clergy of his parish upon “Disestablishment” and the doctrines of the church, replying to the articles in the Parish Magazine by ISSUING PAMPHLET AFTER PAMPHLET which he distributed broadcast to the people of Nassington and Yarwell and the district around in which he advanced his case with singular force and erudition.

His removal from Yarwell to Peterborough nineteen years ago was received with intense regret by the people of that district and especially by the Nonconformist Churches. Upon taking up his residence in the city he joined the Queen Street Baptist Church, but subsequently transferred this membership to the Harris Street Church. He was a most assiduous attendant and up to within a comparatively short time ago he was often seen in the Nonconformist pulpits of the district.

He was one of the most strenuous passive resisters to the sectarian provisions of the Education Act of 1904 and only a few days before his death again declined to pay the sectarian portion of the City rate. By his passing Nonconformity indeed loses one of its MOST WORTHY AND NOBLE SONS. In addition to the extensive claims which his business imposed upon him and Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers the time he devoted to his religious work, Mr Jelley was also able, until his removal to Peterborough, to serve his fellows by sitting upon the Oundle Board of Guardians. He was also a member of the Old Highway Board.

Politically he was an ardent Liberal and took prominent parts in the contests in Northamptonshire before and after the extension of the Franchise to the labourers. He was a conspicuous supporter of Sir James Carmichael when he all but wrested the seat from Lord Burghley and he was also in the noted contest previous to that. When “Bobby” Spencer, now Lord Althorp, won Northamptonshire in a contest with the then Lord Burghley.

O0O

13 TH July, 1934 from Peterborough Standard

DEATH OF MR JOHN ELLIS, J.P. OF KING’S CLIFFE

A FULL AND USEFUL LIFE A KEEN CONSERVATIVE

Added to other sad news to hand on Friday, that of the death of Mr John Alfred Ellis, J.P., of King’s Cliffe, was received in Peterborough Unionist circles and other local centres with especial poignancy.

Mr Ellis was a pretty regular attendant at Peterborough, particularly on Saturday, and he was about his business as usual on June 30 th though some felt he was not quite “up to the mark”. On Tuesday evening he played with success in a bowls match at King’s Cliffe against a Peterborough team and he was about his village and magisterial duties up to the day before his death. On Thursday night he went to play bowls at Medbourne, but unhappily he had already sent down his last wood. He complained, for the first time it should be noted, of being unwell and was quickly taken home. Medical aid was ineffective to check the trouble and Mr Ellis died on Friday morning.

A personal tribute

One who has known him for many years writes: “Mr Ellis was a man of singularly pleasing disposition and had a host of friends and probably not an enemy. Full of humour and good nature he was a welcome figure in all circles. Generous and hospitable, he would help any cause up to, and probably beyond, his means. He was ever kind and courteous with those from whom he differed, while he would never speak a disagreeable word of any who would try (and there were triers) to impose on his good nature and take advantage of his kindness. One could venture to say that with those who have left King’s Cliffe in the last two or three decades the happy smiling face of John Elis is among their pleasantest memories of the village”. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Of Peterborough Origin

For nearly 40 years Mr Ellis had been a resident of King’s Cliffe and from the first to the last day he had been the friend of everyone and the guide and philosopher of most. Though not a native of Peterborough, he was of Peterborough origin, for his parents Mr & Mrs Robert Loving Ellis, lived in the city and the former’s father, another John Ellis, built the Wentworth Hotel, since rebuilt as the Grand Hotel. Mr J A Ellis was born in London in 1868. He left there when quite young but two facts of his boyhood may be recalled. He was a chorister at St Peter’s Cranley Gardens of which the Rev. R M Gibson, late of Peterborough, is now a vicar. Mr Ellis would recall how, in those days, its congregations were mainly composed of the fashionable and wealthy folk and the church never wanted for money and the choir was a well paid body. Mr Ellis has told the write that about this period he and other boys played cricket on the site now occupied by the White City.

Apprenticed at Wisbech

His parents died when Mr Ellis was young and he went to live with an aunt at Wisbech. He was further educated at Wisbech Barton School and Wisbech Grammar School and on leaving was apprenticed with a Mr William Boor, a chemist of that town. He himself qualified as a chemist in 1894 and during part of the time intervening before going to King’s Cliffe practised at Reading.

He went to King’s Cliffe in 1895. Just before he had been married to Miss Edith Annie Whitehead of Wisbech.

He established the business of a chemist and also became a newsagent and added other activities, all of which he carried out with marked activity and conscientiousness.

For 25 years Mr Ellis had been Clerk to the King’s Cliffe Parish Council, an office not invariably an easy one. Indeed there have been times when it required infinite tact and no mean knowledge of the law to play the part. Mr Ellis had both qualifications and more than once his courtesy – very firm and definite courtesy sometimes relieved a difficult situation. He was tax and water rate collector for the district for many years, though some parts of these duties he relinquished when the area was extended. He was a Governor of Law and Hutchinson’s Charity and Trustee of Thorpe’s Charity and Clerk to the Cornforth Homes Charity and also a School Governor and Clerk to the Burial Board.

Other Activities

A crowd of voluntary and unofficial or non-statutory duties came his way, and with his usual good nature he tackled most of them. He was all the time, or sometime, Treasurer of the Fire Brigade, Treasurer of the Bowling Club, Secretary or Treasurer of the Cricket Club, Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer of the Conservative Association, a member of the Village Hall Committee. He also showed his interest in the Nursing Association, of which Mrs Ellis is Treasurer.

We have referred to Mr Ellis’ official assistance to sports clubs, but it must be told that he was a lifelong practical sportsman. In his younger days a keen footballer and cricketer, he played for his team both at Wisbech and King’s Cliffe. Bowls was his favourite game and sadly enough his last seizure was, as stated, while he was following this game. He was an able exponent of the art and only a day or two before his end, took no mean part in soundly defeating a redoubtable Peterborough team. He had done much to get the King’s Cliffe club in its prosperous state, and only a week or two ago we reported the presentation to him of a set of “woods” to mark the members’ appreciation.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Life-Long Conservative

Mr Ellis was a convinced and sincere Conservative and his services to the cause were life-long. We have referred to some local associations, but in addition he represented his parish on the central Association for the Division, and successive Members and Agents have relied upon him, and not in vain, to help to keep the flag flying in ‘Cliffe.

In another sphere, Mr Ellis was a very keen musician, both vocally and instrumentally. We have referred to his earliest vocal efforts, but they have never been relaxed since. In a wide circle his humorous songs have been a by-word, and there was always the pleasurable anticipation when his name was “on the bill”. His services in this direction were gladly given and often at great personal sacrifice. Especially was he helpful in this direction at political gatherings far and near.

“Jimmy Law” was his most notable “turn”. He had sung this quaint “anthem” many, many times and confessed to us that he disliked “Jimmy Law” as much as Chirgwin is reported to have hated the “Blind Boy”. However, he always gave it on demand and it never failed to secure an encore.

On the more serious side of music, he was a member of the church choir; indeed it should be stated that he was not a mere comedian but a very capable and melodious singer.

Made a Magistrate

The honour of which Mr Ellis was perhaps the most proud was that of being a Magistrate. In the first week of January, 1932, he was sworn in at Northampton Quarter Sessions as a Justice of the Peace on the recommendation of the Lord Lieutenant. He performed his duties regularly and well, sitting either at Oundle or Stamford (St Martin’s) Petty Sessions, or at Northampton Quarter Sessions. On the Friday before his end he was on the bench at Stamford and on the day before his death at Oundle. He was deeply and sincerely interested in the office, and took infinite pains to master the cases, both from the legal and human point of view. Mr Ellis leaves a devoted family to mourn. Mrs Ellis shared his interest in local events and always showed loyal helpfulness. There are three daughters, Miss Maud Edith, who is in London, Miss Gladys Mary, who has helped her father at home and Miss Laura Winifred, who is a school teacher at Nassington.

The Funeral

The great concourse of people of all grades of life who attended the funeral service at the village church on Monday was an outward and visible sign of the esteem in which Mr Ellis was held.

As the procession made its way from the house to the church, the schoolchildren lined the streets, the girls standing on one side of the road and the boys on the other. A beautiful service was conducted by the Rector (the Rev. C James), the robed choir leading the singing of the hymns “Jesu, Lover of my Soul” and “My God, my Father while I stray” and the psalm “The Lord is my Shepherd”. Mr B P. Brice, organist of Woodnewton deputised for the church organist, Mr S F Brice and played “O Rest in the Lord” as the cortege entered the church. At the close of the service the choir sang “Nunc Dimittis”, and Mr Brice played the “Dead March” in “Saul” and “I know that my Redeemer liveth”, from “Elijah”. The interment followed in the King’s Cliffe cemetery, where another large concourse had assembled. The cortege was preceded by the choir. Dumb peals were rung on the church bells at both services on Sunday. A memorial service has been arranged for Sunday evening.

Those Present The immediate mourners were: Mrs Ellis (the widower), the Misses Maud, Mary and Laura Ellis (daughters), Mrs Hasnip (sister in law), Mr G Hasnip, Mr A Hasnip (nephews), Mrs Shippey, Mrs Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Rose, Miss Shippey, Mr N Burrows, Nurse Hunt, Nurse Norman, Miss Hawkes, Mrs Duckmanton, Mr & Mrs Marshall (friends). The public present included: Sir Leonard Brassey, Bart, Mr W Braddock, Mr B W Warner and Mr G Neale (representing the North Northants Divisional Conservative and Unionist Association), Major H H Staton (the Chairman, representing the Peterborough Unionist Club), Mr H E Dixon, Mr A G Dann (King’s Cliffe Fire Brigade), Mr T A Bailey, Mr P H Wootton, Mr A Gregory (King’s Cliffe Bowling Club), Mr H H Beasley (the Village Hall Committee), Mr P Gurney Coombs (Clerk to the Oundle Magistrate), Mr C A Pulley (Asst. Clerk to the Magistrate), Ps Cherry (Oundle Division of the Northamptonshire Police), Mr T S Duncomb, Mr T Middleton and Mr D G Turner (Stamford Infirmary Bowling Competition), Mr T Smith, Mr A C Papworth, Mr W Davey (Stamford Bowls Club), Mr A Lucas and Mr O T Pryor (representing H M Inspector of Taxes, Peterborough Centre), Mr Scott Duncan and Mr J Lowe (rep. Messrs Stapleton & Sons, Stamford), Mr J Blackman (rep. British Legion). Dr & Mrs E Whitehead, Mr N Goddard Jackson JP, the Mesdames Hill, L Roberts, Mrs J Green, Mrs Dicks, Mr H Jelley, JP (Nassington), Mr A J utt, CC and Mrs Nutt (Peterborough, Mrs James, Mrs Salt, Miss Salt, Mrs Bembridge, Mrs Porter, Mrs Gore, Mrs E Anderson, Mrs S A Anderson, Mrs J Shelton, Miss M A Green, Mrs Culpin, Mrs Amps, Mrs Tate, Miss Monk, Mrs Woods, Miss Blake, Mr L A Cooke, Mrs Giddings, Mrs Smith, Mrs John Green, Mr J Skelton, Mr & Mrs G Close, Miss E Sharpe, Mrs W Skinner, Mrs Bearley, Mrs Gallantry, Mrs Gordon Green, Mr A Smith, Mrs J Kingston, Mr & Mrs F Payne, Mrs Birkett, Miss Bailey, Mrs E Bollans, Mr W Cox, Mrs Heys. Mr J Barfield (Woodnewton), Mrs A Blake, Mrs Harper, Miss Robbin, Mrs Beasley, Mrs Bould, Mrs Charles Bollans, Mrs Birdett, Mr S J R Bullock, Mrs A Walker, Mrs A W Bailey, Mrs W Wright, Mrs Dawson, Mrs A Giddings, Mrs K Wooding, Mrs Giddings, Mrs Jim Green, Mr E Elliott, Mrs Maddison, Miss Palmer, Mrs James, Miss Longbottom, Miss Hill, Mrs Mason, Mrs Birkett, Mrs F Giddings, Mrs Compton, Mr J Compton, Mrs G James, Mrs Fenn, Mr C E Burge. Mr & Mrs H J Fryer, Mrs H E Dixon, Mr E Streather (Oundle), Mrs Burnham, Mr H Dolby (Oundle), Mrs B Chappell, Mrs R Hill, Mrs C H Scotney, Mr T Ireland, Mr A Blackman, Miss Bollans, Mr G R Adams, Mrs Tyers, Mrs Blake.

Floral Tributes The beautiful floral tributes from: To dearest Daddy with best love and happy memories from his sorrowing wife, and daughters Maud, Mary and Laura, In deepest sympathy and regret from Norman. With loving memory from Alwyne, Geoffrey, Jack, Kathleen (Leicester) With kind thoughts and affectionate memories Laura and Bert (Leicester.) With deepest sympathy from Sir Leonard Brassey. In affectionate remembrance of a loyal and devoted worker with deepest sympathy from the officers, committee and members of the Peterborough and North Northants Division Conservative and Unionist Association. With deepest sympathy from members of the Unionist Club, Park Rd., Peterborough. With deepest sympathy from the schools. With deepest sympathy from Major Sanders, East Farndon, Market Harborough. “The best of pals” from Grace with love (Market Harborough) With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs W Walker. With deepest sympathy from the King’s Cliffe Fire Brigade. With kindest thoughts and remembrances of an old friend and heartfelt sympathy Mr & Mrs Gordon Green. With deep regret from Colonel and Mrs Burns Lindow. With deepest sympathy from the members of the King’s Cliffe branch of the British Legion. With deepest sympathy from Mrs Raymond and Dolby. In kind remembrance from Mr & Mrs A R Brown and the boys. In memory of an old friend and with sincere sympathy from Mr & Mrs Edgson, Gladys and Ted. With deepest sympathy from Mr A G Dann and Mr & Mrs R Dann. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs J W Giddings and family. With deepest sympathy from Commander and Mrs Ritter, Rose Lodge. With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs N Sharman and George. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

In memory from Dr and Mrs J J Ross Mackenzie, Clapham Common SW. With deepest sympathy Mrs Richardson and Clara. With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs Brice, Fergus, Dorothy and Shearhod (Apethorpe). In deepest sympathy from the members of the King’s Cliffe Tennis Club. With deepest sympathy from the members of the King’s Cliffe Conservative Club. With deepest sympathy from Nurse Hunt. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs F W Wilson and family, Clarkson Av, Wisbech. In remembrance of a good friend from Mr & Mrs C Chapman. In remembrance and deepest sympathy from the King’s Cliffe Nursing Association. With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs T Broughton. With deepest sympathy from all at Bridge House. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs Garratt, Apethorpe. With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs Shelton. In memory from Mr & Mrs Charlie Bollans. With deepest sympathy and regrets from his colleagues the Governors of the King’s Cliffe School Foundation and Almshouse Charity. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs Hartley and family. In memory of dear Mr Ellis from young Georgie Bollans. In loving memory from Mr & Mrs S Shippey and family, the Orchards, Newton, Wisbech. With kind remembrance and deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs Portess and family. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs H J Fryer. With deepest sympathy and regret from Mr & Mrs Walter Skinner, West Street, King’s Cliffe. With deepest sympathy Mary Wilson (Market Harborough). With deepest sympathy Mr & Mrs Brothers (Woodnewton). In affectionate and loving memory of their dear old friend, Annie and Nellie Hawkes (King’s Cliffe). With deepest sympathy from the Rector and Mrs James. In loving memory of a dear friend from Mr & Mrs Marshall and the girls (Market Harborough). With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs F A Broughton. With sincere sympathy and regret, Mr & Mrs Frank Bould and Mr F Bould, Snr. With deepest sympathy Mrs Maslin, (Drayton House). With sincere sympathy from Dr and Mrs Eugene Whitehead. With deepest sympathy from the King’s Cliffe Village Hall Committee. With deepest sympathy from Stapleton & Sons, Stamford. With deepest sympathy from the members of the King’s Cliffe Bowling Club. With deepest sympathy and with kind remembrance from the Oakham Bowls Club. With deepest sympathy and esteem from the office of H M Inspector of Taxes, Peterborough. A token of respect and esteem in memory of our dear friend and with sympathy from the members of the Parish Council. With sympathy from the members of the choir and bell ringers. In affectionate remembrance and with deepest sympathy of a good sportsman from the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club.

O0O

Stamford & Rutland News, 10 th July 1934 (Sat)

HEAVY LOSS TO KING’S CLIFFE DEATH OF MR J A ELLIS, JP

After a brief illness, Mr John Alfred Ellis, JP, Chemist, of King’s Cliffe, died on Friday at the age of 65. Mr Ellis was a member of St Martin’s Stamford, Bench of Magistrates. An excellent bowls player he was known and respected in a wide area and quite recently he took part in the Stamford Infirmary Bowling Tournament when he appeared to be in good health.

The funeral took place at King’s Cliffe on Monday and there was a large congregation at the impressive service. The Marquis of Exeter was represented by Mr R H Smith, Sir Leonard Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Brassey, Bart, of Apethorpe Hall, was present and amongst local bowlers in attendance were Messrs. T S Duncomb, T Middleton, T Smith, G H Turner, A C Papworth and W Davy. There were about 60 choice wreaths.

Stamford & Rutland News, 17 th July, 1934.

Leaves from my Notebook by H B Comments of the Week The late Mr J A Ellis

King’s Cliffe will not be same without John Alfred Ellis, Justice of the Peace, Chemist, Singer, Bowls Player, whose death at the age of 65 was recorded in last week’s News.

He was the most versatile and gifted man in the parish and perhaps the busiest too. Everybody liked him and looked up to him as he had such a delightful personality. And how faithfully he served the community. Born at Kensington, Mr Ellis came to King’s Cliffe after his marriage about thirty nine years ago. He was apprenticed to Mr William Boor, a chemist and qualified in 1895.

Many public offices

The numerous public offices which he held in ‘Cliffe included those of Collector of Rates & Taxes, Clerk to the Parish Council, Clerk and Trustee to Thorpe’s Charity, Clerk to the Cornforth Homes Charity, Governor of King’s Cliffe Almshouse Charity and School Foundation, Treasurer of the King’s Cliffe Fire Brigade and of the Cricket Club and secretary of the Bowling Club until the end of last season. Of a jovial disposition, Mr Ellis has been a fine cricketer and rugby footballer in his younger days. He will be especially remembered for his excellent contributions to concerts. His greatest number was perhaps “Jimmy Law”. To his widow and family deepest sympathy is extended. As recently as last month, Mr Ellis took part in Mr T S Duncomb’s annual bowling tournament at Stamford for Stamford Infirmary, and he then appeared to be in good health. Chatting with a News representative he expressed his personal pleasure at being present at the tournament and said he was looking forward to coming to Stamford again in the near future to play bowls. Alas, death has intervened and last Monday week several of his bowling associates, including Mr Duncomb had the sorrow of following his remains to the grave.

O0O

THE PETERBOROUGH ADVERTISER SATURDAY, JANUARY 4 TH , 1913.

WILLIAM GEORGE MILES DIED DECEMBER 31 ST , 1912 AGED 74.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

King’s Cliff Philanthropist: Record of a self-made man

King’s Cliffe is in double sorrow. In one week she has lost the two generous men who vied with each other in their goodness. Mr Nibloe Hare died suddenly at Arundel on Boxing Day, Mr George Miles the “Mayor” of ‘Cliffe one of the kindliest souls that ever breathed died after only a short illness just before mid-day on Tuesday.

The sorrow in the village is universal. Everyone feels that a man of Mr Miles temper and standing cannot be replaced; every institution on the village has suffered the loss of an officer; every person – and especially every poor person – has lost a friend. He absolutely could not say “no” – and mean it. If he uttered the word when a deputation invited him to make a donation, the deputation merely waited, well knowing that in another minute a coin or cheque would be placed in their hand. He was a large-hearted man who really enjoyed life, because he loved to give, and toilsome days, and a ready seizure of opportunities had given him the power to give.

No man could figure more largely in the public and social life of the place in which he dwelt. He held pretty well every office possible to one man. He succeeded Mr Law as parish church warden many years ago; he was president and captain of the King’s Cliffe Fire Brigade, president of the Conservative Club, vice-president of the North Northants Unionist Association, president of the Cricket Club, of the Football Club, vice-president of the Tennis Club, chairman of the Parish Council from its formation, we believe; Rural District Councillor, chairman of the District Education Sub-Committee, Governor of the Cornforth Homes, Governor of Law’s Charity, manager of the Endowed School, president of the Pig Club and a member of the Old Age Pension Committee. Even that formidable list of public and social offices hardly represents all that Mr Miles meant to the village of King’s Cliffe. His timber yard employed something less than a score of men; he farmed a considerable quantity of his own land, and no men ever had a more considerate master. He did not treat them merely like cogs in the wheels of his money- making machinery, but had regard for their common humanity. At all times ready, indeed, anxious to relieve distress, his charity did not glow spasmodically at Christmas only. But at that season his gifts of coal and meat were generous and it was his horses and carts which delivered free the purchases of the members of the Coal Club. In very fact he was the father of the village. His life seemed a singular example of practical Christianity.

“So many guides, so many creeds, So many paths that wind and wind, While all the help this sad world needs Is just the art of being kind”

Mr Miles would have celebrated his 75 th birthday next month had he lived, with the usual party of his friends to whom it was his delight to speak frankly of his early life and his struggles toward success. Although for some considerable time it was known that his heart was weak, occasionally causing sudden indisposition, he apparently enjoyed robust and cheery health until about a fortnight ago. He was a cheery presence at the recent Nursing Association Social. With his unexpected breakdown in bodily health, there was also a mental aberration. But the end, which came about half past eleven on Tuesday morning, was very peaceful.

The Late Mr William George Miles of King’s Cliffe, one of the finest timber experts in the County. Died on Tuesday .

Mr Geo. Miles was born at Dunsfold in Surrey on the 19 th February 1838 and used to say that “What bit of schooling I got, I got at Godalming”. He left school when he was twelve and his father, being a sawyer, the lad earned his early living by peeling bark off timber trees. Later he Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers worked with his father and brothers in the timber yards of Messrs. Langton of Lambeth and in 1854, when the Crimea War began, he was at Nuneaton as a sawyer. He was a fine strapping young man and was frequently invited to enlist, and was even taunted with want of pluck because he preferred to continue earning good wages as a sawyer.

He came to Wansford in 1856, where he recalled the celebrations of peace. Every man was given a quart of beer, a quartern loaf (which then cost ls.ld.) and a pound of beef. He married in 1858 and went to live in a cottage near the gas works at King’s Cliffe. He was now a master sawyer and had a pit in the cemetery field. What really gave him a start as a timber merchant was his contract to clear a tract of woodland belonging to the Marquis of Exeter which is now agricultural land. He bought a large amount of timber in the Bedford Purlieus also. He paid almost fabulous prices for some red oak giants in Rockingham Forest, some trees costing about £200. Such valuable timber was merely trimmed and then exported to America where it was reduced to shavings and used for veneering. There was no keener buyer or more shrewd judge of English timber in the kingdom. “It’s no use bidding against Miles” was often the remark made at timber auctions. He always knew what he wanted and got it. The business naturally outgrew the King’s Cliffe yard and many years ago a branch was established at Stamford. The Stamford yard is now one of the best known in England. It is fitted with the most modern sawing and plaining machinery and is visited by Government buyers. Mr Miles’ brother, Charles, has managed the Stamford business for more than fifteen years and it is feared in King’s Cliffe that with Mr George Miles’ death the ‘Cliffe timber yard may be closed.

Mr Miles built his very beautiful house “Rockbourne” in 1900 and he grudged no cost in make it both comfortable and stately. It is really a conjunction of his former house with a neighbouring residence. Mr Miles was especially proud of a black oak staircase which adorns the hall. Mr Miles’ third wife predeceased him some years ago. There are four surviving daughters who mourn the loss of a kind and affectionate father: Mrs Geo. Dixon of King’s Cliffe, Mrs Hart of London, Mrs H H Markham of Oundle and Mrs Lucas of Easton. The funeral is to take place at ‘Cliffe on Saturday afternoon at two o’clock.

Stamford & Rutland News 5 th March, 1913

WILL OF THE LATE MR G MILES (Interesting bequests)

Mr George Miles of King’s Cliffe, Timber Merchant, who died in December last left estate of the gross value of £15,426 3s. 5d. Probate of his will, dated 6 th August, 1909, with a codicil of the 6th January, 1912, has been granted to Mr Valentine George Stapleton of Stamford, Solicitor, and Mr William Reedman, of Nassington, Merchant.

The testator left £200 each to eight grandchildren, £100 to his son in law George Dixon, £400 to his daughter Mary Ann Hart, £1,000 to his daughter Emma Elizabeth Lucas, £500 to his daughter Letitia Dixon, £100 to his daughter in law Ellen Lyman, £500 to his daughter Catherine Markham, £100 each to his brothers James and Henry Miles, £200 each to five nephews and nieces, £100 each to five grandchildren, £250 to his Clerk Albert Bassendale and £200 to Elizabeth Pratt “who nursed my late wife”; one half each of the legacies to be paid as soon as possible after his death and one half at the expiration of three months after the sale of his business interests or the conversion of his business into a limited liability company. The residue of his estate be left to his brother Charles or in the event of his predecease then to his sons Frederick, George and Charles.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough Advertiser, 18th February 1927

A SAD LOSS TO KING’S CLIFFE

MR LIBBEUS DIXON 1858 - 1927 [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr Libbeus Dixon, a man who has for many years taken an active part in the affairs of the parish of King’s Cliffe. He had a serious illness some time ago which left him with a weak heart. He had an attack of influenza last week which gradually grew worse and he passed peacefully away on Monday morning. He was 67 years of age. He leaves one son and two daughters and a large number of relatives to mourn his loss.

Mr Dixon took over the licence of the Golden Ball Inn upon the death of his father, the late Mr Reuben Dixon, and he resided there for many years. He was treasurer of the Pig Club since it was first formed thirty years ago until the time of his death. He took a keen interest in and was an ardent supporter of the Conservative cause. After the death of Mr George Miles he was appointed chairman and hon. Treasurer of the club. These positions he also held until his decease. He worked hard for the respective Conservative candidates at all the elections. He was treasurer of the Horticultural Society for many years and contributed much to its success. He was formerly chairman of the Parish Council, indeed, he only retired about a year ago. He also gave up the captaincy of the Fire Brigade only last year but retained positions of hon. Treasurer and president.

He was a devoted church warden and took a deep and practical part in the affairs of the church. He was one of the overseers of the parish and his good judgement in these matters could always be depended upon. He was a governor of the King’s Cliffe Almshouse Charity and School Foundation, and hon. Secretary and treasurer and a governor of the Cornforth Homes.

A man who has devoted a great part of his time to the welfare of his fellow men, his loss will deeply and sorrowfully be felt for many years to come.

The Funeral

There were many touching scenes in the graveyard and at the church when the funeral took place yesterday, providing ample evidence of the esteem in which deceased was held. The church was full of sympathizers and the long, winding road up the hill to the cemetery was lined with villagers. The Rev. J W Marsh, the last Rector of King’s Cliffe, who now resides in retirement at Ludlow, Salop, officiated.

The full choir was present and Mr B P Brice of Apethorpe presided at the organ. As the cortege entered the church “O rest in the Lord” (Mendelssohn) was played followed by the singing of the hymns, “Peace, perfect peace” and “On the Resurrection Morning”. At the conclusion of the service the organist played the “Dead March” in “Saul”.

The family mourners were: Mr Sidney Dixon (son), Mrs Todman and Mrs Duckmanton (daughters), Messrs R & J Dixon (brothers), Mrs H Dixon (sister in law), Mr & Mrs Bolton and Mr & Mrs M Guy (brothers in law and sisters), Messrs. P J W and A Guy (brothers in law), Messrs A Guy, junior and H Dixon (nephews), Miss Guy (niece), Miss King, Mr & Mrs W E Marshall and Mr W E Marshall, senior (Market Harborough), Mrs Lyman and Mrs Green.

Amongst those also present at the church and graveyard were: Messrs G James, J Shelton, G R Love and J Ward (Church Council), Messrs J Kingston, J A Ellis, A R Brown and D Roberts (Parish Council), Messrs S Fenn and A R Bailey (Fire Brigade), Messrs W Fitzhugh, W Ingle and R Gregory (Kings’ Cliffe Bowling Club), Mr C C Lowe (representing Messrs Stapleton & Son, Solicitors, Stamford), Mr & Mrs T F Richardson, Mr A W Baillie, Nurse Norman, Mr J T Edgson (Morcott), Mrs F Edgson, Mr T T Gann (Oundle), the Rev. W P. Blakeney, Mr C W Green (Oundle), Mrs H Parker (Oundle), Miss Gaudern, Miss Collis, Dr Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

& Mrs J J Ross Mackenzie, Mr D G Mackenzie, Mr C Burge, Mr Burnham, Mrs G Law, Mr C F Law, Mrs & Miss Normanton, Mr & Mrs C Chapman, Mr E Dolby, Mr C Saddington, Mrs A Amps, Mrs Culpin, Mr & Mrs W Shrive, Mrs Rust, Mrs Fitzhugh, Mrs Goodwin, Mrs Dicks, Mrs Montgomery, Miss Stanyon, Mrs F Gore, Mr & Mrs Elliott, Mrs Scotney, Mrs Henson, Mrs C Harper, Miss E Harper, Mrs Blake, Mr C F Hull, Miss Hawkes, Mrs Shelton, Mr & Mrs Burdett, Mrs J Kingston, Mrs B Chapman, Miss Beasley, Mrs Bosett, Mrs S Fenn, Miss Gale, Mrs Porter, the Misses M & L Ellis, Mrs Heys, Mrs T Broughton, Mrs H Broughton, Miss B Broughton, Mr & Mrs Close, Mrs G Green, Mrs Walker, Miss Chapman, Mrs Bailey, Mrs J V Skinner, Mrs Abbott, Mrs Baird, Mr & Mrs Ryall, Mrs Wooding, Mrs W Wright, Mrs F Giddings, Mrs Langley, Mr J R Roberts, Mr Bould, Mrs F Bould, Mr Bullimore, Mrs Masslin, Mrs Elsam, Mrs Henson, Mrs T H Roberts and Mrs Love.

The coffin which was of plain oak with brass furniture was inscribed on the breast plate: “Libbeus Dixon, died February 14 th , 1927, aged 69 years.” The grave was lined with ivy. The bearers were Messrs C Bollans, E Bollans, A Robins and H Chapman.

The Flowers

The numerous floral tributes bore cards inscribed:- To the sweetest and dearest of fathers from his loving Grace. In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother in law and uncle from all at Manea and St. Ives. With loving sympathy from Rose and George. In loving memory of a dear uncle from his niece and nephews Lizzie, Tom, Norman and Ernest. In affectionate remembrance of dear Lib. From John, Will, Pearson and Arthur (March and Chatteris). To dearest dad from Sidney, Linda and Gerald. In loving sympathy of dear dad Mabel, Will and family. With deepest sympathy from Jack and Georgina. With deepest sympathy from all at the Golden Ball, the house where he was born. With loving sympathy from Tat, Rue and Harry. With deepest sympathy from Mary. With deepest sympathy and kind remembrance from Mr & Mrs W E Marshall, Florrie and Joan. With sincerest sympathy from Dr & Mrs J J Ross Mackenzie. With deepest sympathy from Col & Mrs H S Hodgkin. In loving memory from two old friends Grace and Willie (Chichester). With deepest sympathy from members of the Conservative Club. With deepest sympathy from the employees of St Mary’s Motor Co., Market Harborough. With deepest sympathy from the church workers and friends. With deepest sympathy from his old friends of the King’s Cliffe Bowling Club. In memory of a sincere friend and with loving sympathy for all from Mr H E Green. With deepest sympathy from Elizabeth Askew. In loving memory of dear Lib from Bessie (Mrs J N Hare). With deepest sympathy and regret from Mr & Mrs H J Fryer. In affectionate sympathy from L King. In kind remembrance from ll at 15 Heygate road, Market Harborough. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs Love (School House). With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs Broughton and family. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs J A Ellis and family.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

PAINFULLY SUDDEN DEATH OF MR THOMAS MILES 1850 – 1895

Great gloom was cast over this place on Saturday morning when it became known that Mr Thomas Miles, son of Mr George Miles, Timber Merchant, had expired. Deceased had a serious illness some time back, but under great attention and careful treatment he was thought to be greatly improving and it was the heartfelt wish of the whole of the inhabitants, with whom he was a general favourite, that he would have been spared for a number of years, if not to have taken active part, to have given advice in parochial matters, as when in full health he was a most prominent and willing worker in all parish affairs. He was secretary for the Cricket Club for over thirteen years and it was to the deep regret of the members that he resigned the post at the beginning of this season. For several years he was overseer and also treasurer for the Eagle United Benefit Society, and last, but not least, deputy secretary for the Conservatives. By all these bodies he will be greatly missed. At a united meeting held on Monday of these Clubs it was unanimously agreed that letters of condolence be sent to the widow and Mr George Miles and family, expressing the heartfelt sorrow of all. They also agreed to purchase an everlasting wreath with globe in token of respect and esteem and deep sympathy from the united Clubs. Deceased on the Sunday previous to his death caught a slight cold and was confined to his bed on Thursday, but was about on the Friday and as late as seven o’clock on Saturday was conversing freely with his wife when, during a fit of coughing, he expired. He leaves a widow and four children. The interment took place on Tuesday amid many tokens of respect and sympathy. The coffin, which was made of oak, with brass furniture bore the following inscription:-

“Thomas Miles died June the 8th , 1895, aged 35 years” and was carried by six workmen. The chief mourners were: Mrs T Miles and Mr George Miles, the children, Mrs Stokes, Miss L Miles, Misses C & E Miles and Mr & Mrs C Miles, Mr & Mrs E Dixon, Mrs Compton, Miss Whyles, Mrs Wilson, Mr H E Dixon, Mrs Chapman, Mr T F Richardson, M & Mrs T Edgson, Mr & Mrs L Dixon, Mrs H Taylor, Mr W Reedman, Mr W Bullimore, Mr A Eudall and Mr H Markham. The following also fell in from the Conservative Club where the flag was floating half mast high (Conservative Members) Dr Lewis, Mr Smith Mr J Bailey, Senior, Mr J Chapman, Messrs J T Bailey, W H Fane, H Gist, R Brown, R Wright, C Sharpe, J Wakelin (Cricket Club), Messrs J J Bailey, H Bailey, W Palmer, T Royce, C Compton, F Edgson (Eagle United Benefit Society), Messrs J L Blake, E J Hawkes, J T Dixon, J Scotney, H Dixon, G Weatherington, W Gimber, R Dixon, J Nicholls, W C Dixon, C Eudall, J Fox, F Blake, T Scotney and independent of the Clubs, Mr E Edgson, Mr T Walker and Mr & Mrs F Green.

The funeral procession, which was of considerable length, was headed by Mr A Brown, undertaker Stamford, and Mr Miles’s foreman and was met at the churchyard by the Rev E E Law and the choir boys in surplices. A large number of inhabitants were present. The funeral march was played on the organ by Mr Brookes and the choir sang hymn 399 “When our heads are bow’d with woe” with great feeling. A very large number of floral wreaths were sent by relatives and friends, the grave being one mass of flowers.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Stamford & Rutland News, 21 st March, 1923

MR THOMAS HENRY CLEAVE “THE MYSTERY MAN”

Romance of a King’s Cliffe Man Thought to be poor Died worth £26,000

Known because of his reticence as “The Mystery Man” in his native village of King’s Cliffe, Mr Thomas Henry Cleave, formerly a wood turner , who had spent 30 years as head porter at the Lord Warden Hotel, Dover, has left a fortune of £26, 027 (as was briefly recorded in last week’s “News”). By his death several legacies are left to King’s Cliffe people and his cousin, Mr Libbeus Dixon, with whom he had lived since the outbreak of the war, benefits to the extent of over £3,000 and a proportionate share in the residuary estate.

Mr Cleave was the son of the late Mr Thomas Cleave of King’s Cliffe. His mother was a Belgian woman, Jeanette Warvegue, who was present at the famous ball at Brussels the night before the Battle of Waterloo. When his father died his mother was married again to Mr William Sharpe, an eccentric inhabitant of ‘Cliffe, who had his tombstone erected before he died, leaving only the date of his decease to be inserted. It was in the same grave that Thomas Henry Cleave, his step-son was buried on the last day of 1922 at the age of 79 years.

In early manhood Mr Cleave, then a wood turner, went from King’s Cliffe to seek his fortune. He settled in Dover and for 30 years was engaged at the Lord Warden Hotel. Every year he used to come to ‘Cliffe to spend his holiday with his cousin, Mr Libbeus Dixon, and although he spoke of having waited upon Royalty and other notable personages he gave no idea that he was amassing a fortune. He retired at the age of 54 in 1896 and for some years spent his time alternatively with Mr Dixon at ‘Cliffe and with the late Mr John Nibloe Hare at Arundel, another cousin. The latter who left ‘Cliffe when he was 15 and went to London as a clerk was four times Mayor of Arundel and when he died he left £17,000. Just before the war broke out, Mr Cleave came to King’s Cliffe for his usual six months visit, but on this occasion, he decided not to return and he had lived there for the last eight or nine years.

It was believed by the villagers that he had retired on a small income based mainly on his tips as a porter. In fact Mr Cleave had shrewdly bought house property while at Dover, afterwards transferring investments into industrial securities. He also owned houses at King’s Cliffe (these being offered for sale by auction a few weeks ago by Messrs Richardson, auctioneers of Stamford and Bourne.

In Dover it is said he had a quiet partnership with a “bookie” with whom he made big gains. But he never spent a penny at the hotel where he was employed.

Rich, but lived frugally

Cleave lived frugally at King’s Cliffe during the past seven years, being careful over money matters and reserved in manner. He is described as having been “something of a hermit” and this strengthened the local impression that his means were limited.

Though he never let it be known that this was an erroneous idea, he was always practical in his kindness to relatives, to many of whom he made bequests. The legatees include some of the village people at ‘Cliffe.

He never spoke about his affairs, except to grumble about the income tax he had to pay. The amount of this was never divulged because his income coming from investments it was nearly all deducted before he received his dividends. These he would receive about monthly and his host, Mr Dixon, always knew what was meant when Mr Cleave said he was going over to Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough to “get his hair cut and beard trimmed”. He did go for this purpose but the primary cause of his monthly visits to the City was to place his dividends in the bank.

The will and codicil are proved by Libbeus Dixon, retired licensed victualler of School View, King’s Cliffe, and George William Favonius Hare of the Norfolk Hotel, Arundel, Sussex.

The testator, who was never married, made the following bequests:-

£3,250 and property at King’s Cliffe to Libbeus Dixon and £250 each to his children, Sidney, Mabel Todman and Grace Duckmanton. £200 to Bessie Hare and the property known as the Butts. £800 each to George Hare, John Hare and Clara Hare. £400 each to Georgiana Jefferies and Frederick Couch. £500 each to Grave Bareham and James Bareham. £800 to Mary Fowler.

Amongst his legacies, apart from that to Mr Dixon, which includes cottage property in King’s Cliffe, Mr Cleave left his step-father’s relatives, Mrs H Sharpe and Mrs C Sharpe, who reside in the ‘Cliffe almshouses, £100 each; £100 each to Mr & Mrs Ernest Green; £100 to Mr E Hawkes and £100 each to his godchildren, Miss Annie Hawkes and Miss Nellie Hawkes. He made other bequests. The residue of the estate is divided between all the legatees.

------

(From an unidentified paper)

EX-HOTEL PORTER LEAVES FORTUNE OF £26,000 “THE MYSTERY MAN”

Known because of his reticence as “The Mystery Man” in his native village of King’s Cliffe, near Peterborough, Mr Thomas Henry Cleave, who had spent 30 years as head porter at the Lord Warden Hotel, Dover, has left a fortune of £26,027.

It was believed by the village that he had retired on a small income based mainly on his tips as a porter. In fact Cleave had shrewdly bought house property while at Dover, afterwards transferring investments into industrial securities. He also owned houses at King’s Cliffe.

Big gains

In Dover, it is said, he had a quiet partnership with a “bookie” with whom he made big gains. But he never spent a penny at the hotel where he was employed. Cleave lived frugally at King’s Cliffe during the past seven years being careful over money matters and reserved in manner. He is described as having been “something of a hermit” and this strengthened the local impression that his means were limited.

“Though he never let it be known that this was an erroneous idea, he was always practical in his kindness to relatives to whom he has made bequests”, said an intimate friend yesterday. “The legatees include some of the village people”.

In early manhood Mr Cleave, then a wood turner, went from King’s Cliffe to seek his fortune. He settled in Dover relinquishing his employment there in 1896.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough Advertiser, 25 th October, 1890

DR DAIN’S INDISPOSITION

We regret to have to report the serious indisposition of R Dain, the illness of the working gentleman being attributed to a cold contracted while attending the death and funeral of his brother some short time ago. Dr Paley has been in attendance but we are sorry to state that from our latest inquiry the reply was not of a very reassuring nature. The gentleman is an old inhabitant and universally respected and it is the devout wish of everyone that he may be quickly restored to convalescence.

Peterborough Advertiser, lst November, 1890

OBITUARY

In reporting the indisposition of Dr Dain in our last issue the wish that he might be quickly restored to convalescence has not been verified, as he succumbed after a very short illness on Saturday evening. The announcement of his death cast a gloom over the entire village and it was the unanimous opinion that he would be greatly missed and the loss of his genial presence in the village will be perceptibly felt. The deceased was in his 75 th year and had been a resident of the village for upwards of 50 years. He was liberal minded and supported most of the projects promoted for the benefit of the parish and his loss will cause a vacancy that will be difficult to fill up. Great sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement.

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Peterborough Advertiser, Saturday, 1 st October, 1892

DEATH OF THE PARISH CLERK

We regret to announce the death of Mr Gamble Dixon , who has held the office of Parish Clerk and sexton for nearly 44 years. During his tenure of office there have been 1,637 baptisms, 1,068 burials and 276 marriages. In olden times when reed instruments supplied the music of our churches the deceased took and active part in the orchestra with his bassoon, which he retained up to his death.

Peterborough Advertiser, Saturday, 8 th October, 1892

FUNERAL OF MR GAMBLE DIXON

The funeral of this venerable parishioner (an account of whose death appeared in our last issue) took place on Friday last. The churchyard was crowded by the inhabitants who, by their presence, testified their high appreciation of the deceased and their sincere sympathy for the members of his family on their bereavement. Special hymns were sung on Sunday last and the Dead March was played by the organist, Mr W Brooks. The Rev. R I Gould made a very impressive sermon on the death of the deceased parish officer.

Peterborough Advertiser, Saturday, 6 th December, 1919

DEATH OF MR W BROOKES [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

The death took place after a brief illness on Sunday morning of Mr W Brookes, retired Schoolmaster, at his residence in West Street, at the advanced age of 83 years. Deceased came to King’s Cliffe in 1872 and was Headmaster of the Endowed Schools for 28 years, his wife being Headmistress for 26 years. Mr & Mrs Brookes retired in 1900 from school work and took up their residence in West Street. Mrs Brookes passed away two years after and since that time the deceased master lived quite alone and enjoyed wonderful health until the last few months. His chief recreation has been gardening, cycling and music. He was organist at the Parish Church for many years and a skilful violinist. He took a great interest in educational matters and was correspondent manager and a Governor of the schools until his death. His greatest pleasure was to hear of the success in life of his “old boys”. He was admitted to be one of the best Masters in the county. He leaves one son and three daughters to mourn their loss. (Photo appeared in paper but not copied).

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough Advertiser, 11th February, 1911

OBITUARY

We regret to record the death, at the age of 57 years, of Mr James Moisey , farm labourer, of Malting Terrace. Mr Moisey had not a strong constitution and succumbed to an attack of pneumonia. Mr Moisey who was highly respected came under the influence of the Salvation Army during their brief stay in the village many years ago, and although he had scarcely any education, his open-air addresses will long be remembered by the villagers. He afterwards joined the Wesleyans and was a useful and consistent member until his death. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved widow. The burial took place on Thursday afternoon, a service being conducted in the Wesleyan Chapel by the Rev. W B Lowther, of Oundle, who also officiated at the service in the churchyard.

Peterborough Advertiser, 4 th January, 1913

FUNERAL OF MR NIBLOE HARE FORMERLY OF KING’S CLIFFE

The many friends in the village of Mr J N Hare, of Arundel, heard with regret the sad news of his death which occurred on Boxing Day. Mr Hare was born in King’s Cliffe and has been a constant visitor to his native place and a generous supporter of the Cricket Club and many other institutions in the village. He has been the proprietor of the Norfolk Hotel at Arundel for nearly twenty years and was extremely popular in the district, being elected Mayor four times. Deceased was 65 years old. The funeral took place at Fulham Cemetery on Monday, amongst the many floral tributes being a lovely wreath “With deepest sympathy from the parishioners at King’s Cliffe”. Mr Hare started as a lad in the office of the London General Omnibus Company and gradually rose to be manager of the South Western District of the Company, which office he held for 28 years. He resigned in 1893 when he became proprietor of the Norfolk Hotel at Arundel.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Stamford Mercury, Friday, 11 th October, 1850

DIED

At King’s Cliffe on Friday last, Mr Wm. Cunnington , in his 74 th year.

Stamford Mercury, 18 th October, 1850

ADVERT MR WILLIAM CUNNINGTON, SENIOR, DECEASED

All persons having any claims or demands upon the estate and effects of WILLIAM CUNNINGTON, late of King’s Cliffe, in the county of Northampton, maltster, deceased, are requested forthwith to send an account and particular thereof to Mrs Emma Cunnington and Mr William Cunnington, both of King’s Cliffe aforesaid, the Executors of the deceased, in order that the same may be examined and (if found to be correct) discharged; and all persons who stood indebted to the said William Cunnington, deceased, at the time of his death, are requested to pay the amount of their respective debts immediately to the Executors, By Order.

Stamford, 15 th October, 1850. JOHN DABBS, Solicitor

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Stamford Mercury, Friday, 6 th January, 1933

KING’S CLIFFE WOOD TURNER

PASSING OF MR JOHN VENTROSS GREEN

The death took place on Sunday morning of Mr John Ventross Green, a wood turner and carver of Park Street, King’s Cliffe, at the age of 76 years. Deceased was the third son of the late Mr Ventross Green, a wood turner, and was with Mr W Bailey of West Street, the last remaining of the once flourishing wood turning industry. He was an excellent workman and was noted especially for making pump buckets, wooden spoons, egg cups and taps. He was also an excellent carver but retired from business about 18 months ago owing to failing health. He took a great interest in public work and was a Parish Councillor, having served for 23 years. He was also a member of the committee of management of the Cornforth Homes, a trustee of Thorpe’s Charity, a member of the Fire Brigade for over 40 years, a bell ringer for a very long period and secretary of the Old Amicable Friendly Society for over 30 years. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

He leaves a widow and one daughter, his two sons have lost their lives in the war.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, the Rev. C James (Rector) officiating. Amongst those present at the church were Mr F Edgson and Mr J Kingston, Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council), Mr H J Fryer, Mr R Gregory, Mr Sanson, Mr & Mrs Gore, Mr J A Ellis, JP, Mrs J Kingston, Mrs G Green and Mrs Hill.

The chief mourners were Mrs Green (widow), Mrs Wyson (daughter), Mrs Beesley (sister), Mr C Green (brother), Mrs T Green (daughter in law), Ronald Green (grandson), Miss May Beasley (niece), Miss G Robins and Mr Hakes.

There were wreaths from his sorrowing wife, daughter and son in law and family; Col. & Mrs Burns-Lindow, Miss Pallin, Mr & Mrs Hakes, Mr & Mrs Robins, Harry and Grace, Rosemary Donald and Gerald, Nelly Ronald and Margaret.

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25 th February, 1927

A MOURNFUL WEEK AT KING’S CLIFFE

Mortality amongst Septuagenarians and Octogenarians

A very sad number of deaths have occurred at King’s Cliffe during the last few days and a person who had outrun the allotted span of three score years and ten. On Tuesday five residents, alas, were awaiting burial – four over 70 years of age and one youth of 19 years and in eleven days the total number of deaths has been seven, although the first victim was Mr G Dixon who passed away on February 2 nd . Thus (excepting the youth) seven persons have died in three weeks whose ages totalled 547 years, the youngest Mr Libbeus Dixon , whose death we reported last week being 69 years of age. The names and ages of the five persons who passed away most recently are:-

Mr George Robinson , Wisteria House, Park Street, aged 80 years. Mrs Catherine Hakes , School Hill, aged 80 years. Mrs Elizabeth Roberts , aged 79 years. Mrs Fanny Roberts , Park Street, aged 79 years. Mr John Frederick Munford , Smalley’s Lodge Farm, aged 19 years.

The last occasion when a large number of residents had succumbed in the village was on CHRISTMAS DAY 1885 .

If the same number per 1,000 of the population of Peterborough died in one week there would be nearly 200 deaths.

We also regret to announce that four other octogenarians of the village are very ill. They are Miss H Sauntson, Mr J Clarke (who is nearly 95), Mr G Rate and Mr G Saddington.

MR GEORGE ROBINSON

Mr George Robinson passed away rather suddenly on Friday at the age of 80 years. He was highly respected in the village and became a victim of influenza after an illness of a few days. He was well known over a wide district and for twenty-five years resided at Yarwell Mill, where he carried on the business of miller with considerable success. He was a keen business man and retired about eleven years ago, when he removed to King’s Cliffe. Shortly afterwards he purchased the residence of the late D R E Pink who passed away at Lyddington about a year Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers ago, where he had since resided. He was a sidesman at All Saints Church. Mr Robinson was twice married.

MRS CATHERINE HAKES

Mrs Catherine Hakes passed to her rest on Saturday from bronchitis and heart failure also at the age of 80 years. She was a native of Stamford but had lived in ‘Cliffe for the past fifty years. Her husband predeceased her some twenty five years and she leaves three sons and a daughter to mourn their loss. Her father was Mr Robert Holmes of Stamford and Mrs Hakes often told of how he used to drive one of the old state coaches from Stamford to Essendine and other place. The funeral was yesterday (Thurs) the first portion of the service being at the church where the Rev. W P Blakeney officiated. The chief mourners were as follows: Mr & Mrs C Hakes (Wellingborough), son and daughter in law, Mr & Mrs Sauntson, (son in law), Mr A Hakes, Mr W Hakes (sons), Mrs R Green (granddaughter), Mr Cyril Sauntson and Mr Norman Sauntson (grandsons).

MRS ELIZABETH ROBERTS & MRS FANNY ROBERTS

Mrs Elizabeth Roberts and Mrs Fanny Roberts were sisters in law, the former passed away on Thursday and the latter a day later. Both were 79 years of age. Mrs E Roberts was about twenty years old when she came to reside at ‘Cliffe and was born at Derby. She had been in poor health for several years past. Her husband, who predeceased her some years was a carrier of Stamford and the business is still carried on by a son and a daughter, Mr G A Roberts and Miss Lydia Roberts. Mrs E Roberts had 19 children, 12 girls and 7 boys, eight of whom are left to mourn their loss. She had 46 grandchildren, of whom 40 are living and 26 great grandchildren. The funeral was on Tuesday, at King’s Cliffe where the Rev. W P Blakeney officiated. The chief mourners were: Tom & Ellen (son and daughter in law), Harry & Hannah (son & daughter), George & Lydia (son & daughter), Harry & Alice (son in law & daughter), Harriet & Nat (son & daughter in law), Bill & Violet, Tom , Lizzie, George and Sam (grandchildren), Tom & Grace (grandson & niece), William & Mary Ann (uncle & niece), Dan & Rebecca (uncle & niece), Mrs Barrett and Mr H Broughton, Mr H E Dixon.

Mrs Fanny Roberts , who was buried on the same day was very well known and respected in the village. She was the mother of 9 children (5 girls & 4 boys) and had 26 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Her husband died about 26 years ago. He was a native of King’s Cliffe but Mrs Roberts was born at Deenethorpe and was the daughter of Mr & Mrs J Cunnington. She broke her leg about six years ago and had been in failing health since. The funeral also took place on Tuesday at King’s Cliffe church where the Rev. W P Blakeney officiated . The family mourners were: Mr C Roberts, Mrs Wheatland, Mr J Roberts, Mrs Dixon, Mrs Gutteridge, Mrs Williams, Mr W Roberts, Miss R Roberts (sons and daughters), Mr Dixon (son in law), Mr & Mrs S Roberts (son and daughter in law), Mrs W Roberts (daughter in law), Mr Williams (son in law). Mr J Cunnington (brother), Miss Dixon (granddaughter) Mr W Roberts, Mr D Roberts (brother in law), Mrs Walpole, Mrs Reid, Mrs Tebbutt (nieces), Mrs H Broughton (cousin), Miss V William (great granddaughter).

O0O

March 4 th , 1927

OBITUARY

Mr George Saddington 29.2.1852 – 1.3.1927

We regret to record the death of another esteemed resident of the village in the person of Mr George Saddington who passed away on Tuesday. Although that day was March 1 st it may be regarded as Mr Saddington’s birthday as he was born on February 29 th , 1852. He was a son of the late Mr Daniel Saddington, Blacksmith, and carried on the business up to a few weeks ago. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

He had been married for 49 years and would have celebrated his golden wedding in November. He leaves a widow, five sons and four daughters. Mr Saddington was very well known in the district. Possessing a very fine bass voice he was for many years a member of the church choir and was a Chairman at Deene when the Rev. Sylvester held the living. He was a great favourite of Lady Cardigan and very often sang at Deene Hall and also at Apethorpe Hall during the time of the late Lord Westmorland. For a long time he was a cornet player in the King’s Cliffe Brass Band, which used to be conducted by Mr T Cleeve. The funeral takes place tomorrow (Sat) a 3 o’clock.

O0O

Stamford Mercury 19 th June, 1914

THE LATE MR J T BAILEY

Amid many signs of sympathy and respect the remains of the late Mr J T Bailey, ex postmaster, whose death was recorded last week at the age of 77, were laid to rest on Friday in the new cemetery. A preliminary service was held in the church, where for over half a century deceased had been a most regular worshipper, a useful chorister and a church warden and sidesman. The chief mourners were Mrs Bailey (widow), Miss Ethel Bailey (daughter), Mr J H Bailey and Mrs A W Bailey (sons) and other close relatives. In addition there were representatives of the Parish Council, Fire Brigade, Conservative Club, Cornforth Homes committee and the choir, the latter being the seven surpliced boys who sang sweetly Mr Bailey’s favourite hymn “Peace, perfect peace”. The coffin was covered with beautiful wreaths.

O0O

Peterborough Advertiser, 16 th January, 1904

FUNERAL OF MR J G HOWES AT KING’S CLIFFE IMPRESSIVE OBSEQUIES

In a burst of winter sunshine, which imparted no warmth and only seemed to mock chilled humanity and in the presence of silent sorrow stamped on every face and on nearly every home in King’s Cliffe on Saturday, that which is mortal of Mr John Groome Howes was brought from the Metropolis to the deceased gentleman’s peaceful country home and to the solemn stillness of the country churchyard, there to rest in the yew lined grave under the sound of the bells which heralded his birth nearly seventy years ago. To see the village in its gloom was striking testimony to the beneficial influence of Mr Howes’s life. Business was suspended, blinds were everywhere drawn and it would seem a village of the dead were it not for the groups of inhabitants who, in their sombre attire, more or less lined the streets, and to see their leading townsman, whom many had seen collecting in the church on the previous Sunday and whom others had noticed driving to the station on the Tuesday before, borne back to them for the last time.

The relatives and friends, with the remains, left King’s Cross station at 10.35 on Saturday morning and arrived at Peterborough at 12.12. A special train brought them to King’s Cliffe leaving the Cathedral city at 12.24 and reaching its destination at 12.48. There were only a few people on the station – most were waiting outside.. The relatives kept their seats while the representatives of the undertakers, Messrs James Schoolbred & Co., of Tottenham Court Road, and the bearers, who also travelled from London, took the coffin from the train and carried it to the area in front of the station where the hearse and half a dozen carriages, all furnished by Mr T F Richardson of “The Cross Keys Hotel”, were waiting.

The occupants of the carriages, all of whom had come in with the special train, were: the widow, Messrs Arthur, Percy, Walter and Sidney Howes and the Misses Nellie and May Howes (children), Mr H D Howes (nephew), Sir Frederick Cork, Bart, MP, Mr George Gribble, Mr Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Herbert Cook (members of the firm of Messrs Cook Son & Co), Mr John Thorpe of Market Deeping (brother in law), Mr Valentine Stapleton and Mr G Stapleton of Stamford, Mr Alfred James, Mr R Hardy and Messrs G Pregnale, G Wigley, H Haydon and J Whittome, representing Messrs Cook’s staff. Other who followed and were present at the service were: Mr G K Papillon, Mr C McKee, Dr Lewis, Dr & Mrs Pink, Mr G Miles, Mr W Dainty, the Rev. R F Gould of Peterborough (formerly curate in charge at King’s Cliffe, the Rev. E E Law of Raunds, Mr P A Jolly (representing Mr A Jolly and the Apethorpe estate), Mr F Edgson, Mr E Edgson, Mr E E Sibley, Mr W Dean, Mr J Truman of Crowland, Mr Brooks, Messrs W Kingston, J Johnson, J Featherstone, T Featherstone, C Green and Mrs S Smith (tenants), Messrs Todd, Crisp, Holmes, Woolley, G Cowen and Smalldone (of the house staff), Messrs J Green, H E Dixon, R Little, A Jefferson, J House, Dixon, W Coleman, A Hawkes, F Skinner, J Rate, H Fryer, J L Blake, W H Gist, etc.

Each of the vehicles was drawn by a pair of fine horses and as they paced slowly through the village which, in its Sabbath-like stillness, appeared to be stunned with the suddenness of the blow which had fallen upon it, the inhabitants stood in little groups and almost without exception mourning was worn. At the church gates, quite a crowd had foregathered and the furtive brushing away of a tear here and there told its own story. Not only were all the shops closed but where it was possible – as in the case of the “Golden Ball”, which is owned by Mr L Dixon, the public house doors were locked too, and altogether the village went into mourning.

The Rector, the Rev. T F Williams, met the cortege at the west gate and preceded the coffin into the church reciting the opening sentences of the Burial Service. A touching spectacle was that of the school children forming an avenue along the church walk, the boys, who stood bare- headed as the coffin and mourners passed, on one side and the girls on the other. It was the thoughtful action of the master, Mr Sibley, who stood at the head of one of the lines.

As the coffin was borne into the church the sweet soothing strains of Mendelssohn’s “Blessed are the departed” flowed gently from the organ at which Mr W Jones of Rugby was seated. The service was taken by the Rector and as the remains were taken to their final resting place in the south western corner of the churchyard in which, strangely enough two graves were made and the tombstones erected in the lifetime of the occupants – Mr Jones played “O Rest in the Lord” (Mendelssohn). The handsome oak and brass fitted coffin which was lowered into the yew lined grave had the inscription:

John Groome Howes Died 6 th January, 1904 Age 69 Years

The graveside service was also taken by the Rector. The special train conveyed the London visitors back at 3.35 p.m. Inspector Scotney and Pc Cross saw to the public arrangement. At the same time at which the funeral took place a memorial service was held in the Church of St Andrew by the Wardrobe, Queen Victoria Street, which is near Messrs Cook’s establishment and of which Mr Howes was, at one time, Church Warden. Some 500 of the firm’s employees attended it and the vicar, the Rev. Clemant Smith was assisted by the Rev. J N B Woodroffe of Forest Gate, who was at one time Rector of King’s Cliffe, and who exchanged livings a few years ago with the present Rector. ------

Mr Howe’s death, as we announced last week, was tragically sudden. He assisted with his family in the New Year festivities at King’s Cliffe and on Tuesday week travelled back to London to business with the 11.35 a.m. train. He was a member of the well known firm of Cook, Son & Co. of 22 St Paul’s Churchyard, and on the following day, Wednesday, he was transacting business until 4 o’clock in the afternoon, when he was suddenly taken ill. Luckily his brougham was waiting and accompanied by his son he was driven to his London residence, 48 Porchester Terrace, Hyde Park. Medical aid was summoned with all haste and a fateful message “Come at once, urgently wanted, Mr Howes very ill” was telegraphed to Mrs Howes at King’s Cliffe. Mrs Howes and the Misses Howes were assisting Mrs Dainty to entertain a Mothers’ Union when Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers the telegram arrived and Mrs Howes caught the 5.19 train for London. An hour after she left the heartbreaking news that their father died at 5.30 reached the sons and daughters. Miss Howes, with one of her brothers, drove to Peterborough in the evening and travelled to London with the 8.40 p.m. train, leaving the other members of the family to follow next morning. Late on Wednesday evening the “passing bell” breaking ominously on the stillness of the night, conveyed to the inhabitants of ‘Cliffe the first news of the saddening event. The end came in the way Mr Howes would have wished – in fact, did wish. A short time before the father of a friend of his died while at work and Mr Howes remarked to his friend that that was how he would like to die. Specially sad is the occurrence as far as Miss Howes is concerned, she was in the midst of wedding arrangements and was to have been married to Mr R Hardy, a member of the Stock Exchange, on January 26 th .

Heart trouble was the cause of death but for some time the state of Mr Howes’ health had caused anxiety to his friends. In the summer, an attack of bronchitis confined him to his bed and house in London for several weeks and he only returned to business in October.

It is difficult to say which section of the local community will miss the deceased gentleman most, because his benevolence was restricted to no particular class of the community in those midst he and his ancestors had resided. Wherever there was need he gave and the poor and the church benefited largely by his generosity and ability to give. No one had to appeal to him twice and he was one of those men to whom giving seemed to afford genuine pleasure, especially when he felt that the need was great and the cause deserving.

He subscribed to every charity and headed every local subscription list and the extent to which he privately gave to those less fortunate will never be known because he took care as far as possible to see that it was not known. He was deeply interested in all church as well as parochial matters and for some years was Church Warden but feeling that his absence from the parish prevented him from giving the time to the duties that their proper discharge necessitated he resigned the position. His donation of £50 towards the erection of the church clock and his subsequent gift of £25 to the same object is only an instance of his generous attitude towards ‘Cliffe institutions. Politically he was a Liberal but consistently with his quiet and unobtrusive disposition, he never took a prominent part in politics. Bright and active he was a keen man of business and was the oldest member of the firm of Cook, Son & Co. in which he succeeded his father, joining it when quite a young man, over half a century ago. His father and the late Mr Cook – the father of the late Sir Francis Cook, Bart, who built the Alexandra Institute and handed it over to Queen Alexandra, then the Princess of Wales, and who was the father of the present head of the firm, Sir Frederick Cook, Bart, MP – established the business which has been well engineered that at the present time between 700 and 800 people are employed in its great warehouses, a hundred of them being porters.

Memorial Service

At the Memorial Service on Sunday the church was crowded and the touching reference made by the Rev. T F Williams to the sad occurrence in their parish was listened to with deep and sympathetic interest. The text was “Surely I come quickly. Even so, come Lord Jesus” (Rev. xxii.20). After speaking on the subject of death and the necessity of dwelling upon it in their thoughts during life as a means of preparing for the great change that must sooner or later come over them all, the Rev. gentleman proceeded. You will readily understand why I am speaking to you now on this solemn subject. It is because we are met together here in our parish church today under the shadow of a deep and heavy gloom. Two or three weeks ago when I was writing to you in the Parish Magazine I remarked in contrasting this Christmastide with its predecessor, that it bore no comparison to it in the amount of sick and domestic affliction in our parish. That was true at the time of writing but in the light of subsequent events, it would seem that there is abundant reason for retracting these words. The week that hs just gone has been, indeed, a sad one for our village, for it has witnessed the laying to their final rest of no less than three of our parishioners. In the case of two of them, death came almost as a merciful release, as the climax of bodily illness and suffering, borne with patience and resignation, whilst in that of the third, it came with the startling horror of an appalling Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers suddenness. My friends, in face of these sorrowful visitations of God’s hand, we can but bow the head in meek submission and say “God’s will be done”. He whose body we laid to rest yesterday amid such simple manifestations of real and genuine sorrow, was well known to you all as a most liberal, kind hearted man. He was always ready to do all in his power to promote the welfare of the church and everything for the benefit of the parish and was unfailing in responding, with no sparing hand, to the calls made upon him from time to time; while he was ever careful to set a wholesome example to his family and neighbours of moral rectitude, justice and Christianity. A faithful and devoted husband, an affectionate father and a true, kind and sympathetic friend, as I can testify from my own happy experience. We in King’s Cliffe are, indeed, the poorer for his loss. Whilst the memory of his removal from us in this painfully sudden way is still fresh in our minds we shall not, I am sure, be unmindful of those on whom the heavy burden of sorrow and bereavement is now lying, and shall expend a heartfelt sympathy towards them and pray to Him who is the Father of the fatherless and God of the widow, they they may be strengthened to bear their great trial with Christian fortitude.

After the sermon, the beautiful hymn “Now the labourer’s task is o’er”, was sung and the “Dead March” in “Saul” was played out of respect to the deceased – the large congregation remaining standing until it was finished.

O0O

Stamford Mercury, 15 th November, 1929

DEATH OF MRS ELLEN HOWES

The whole village heard with regret of the death of Mrs J E G Howes, which took place on Wednesday at her residence in Porchester Terrace, London. The family had resided in the village for a very long period until a few years ago when Mrs Howes decided to dispose of her residence and live at here London home. The deceased lady took a great interest in every good work in the village and was beloved by the residents, the poor always finding in her a friend. She was for over 20 years president of the Nursing Association and was a generous subscriber to its funds. She was also president for a long period of the Women’s Unionist Association, and was also a generous supporter of the parish church. The school children have lost in her a friend, for she had provided them for many years with a Christmas tea and entertainment. Her last subscription to the village was a donation of 20s. last week for the clothing club.

Stamford Mercury, 22 nd November, 1929

MRS E HOWES Funeral of former King’s Cliff Benefactress

Although 81 years of age, Mrs Ellen Howes, widow of Mr J E G Howes, formerly of King’s Cliffe, continued to make her kind personality felt in this Northamptonshire parish.

It has been said that no one appealed to her generosity in vain, and she was beloved by all with whom she came in contact. Her death at her London residence, details of which appeared in the last issue of the Mercury, caused great sorrow.

Bell Ringers’ Tribute

Manifesting this, there were no fewer than 66 wreaths bearing inscriptions and several without identifying cards surrounding an ivy and evergreen lined grave in the churchyard of All Saints, King’s Cliffe, on Saturday afternoon, where the funeral took place. The coffin which was of plain Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers oak and bore a single silver furnishing - a breastplate with the inscription “Ellen Howes, aged 81 years” , was brought by road from London the same morning. It was laid to rest in the grave of her husband and son.

The Rev. W P Blakeney, Rector of King’s Cliffe and the Rev. E E Law, Rector of Daventry and formerly of King’s Cliffe, officiated and prior to the committal and after the coffin had been lowered into the graveside a muffled peal of bells was rung by Messrs. A Cottenham, F Blake, L Cooke, J Hill and T Smith.

The altar of the church had been adorned with Harrisii lilies and white carnations, while in the chancel were palms and ferns and clumps of Harrisii lilies.

Mr G W F Cockayne, A.L.C.M. of Stamford, presided at the organ and there was a surpliced choir. The service comprised the psalm “The Lord is my Shepherd”, a lesson from the Corinthians (read by the Rev. E E Law) and the hymns “Peace, perfect peace”, and “Abide with me” at the conclusion. Mr Cockayne also played Chopin’s “Marche Funebre” as a voluntary.

The immediate mourners were Mrs Adams and Mrs Goad (daughters), Mr Walter Howes and Col. Sidney Howes (sons), Mrs Sidney Howes and Mrs Christopher Heseltine (daughters in law), Mr Wilfred Thorpe (nephew) and Mr Tony Howes (grandson).

Among those who assembled to pay a final tribute of respect were Sir Leonard and (Lady) Violet Brassey, Mr & Mrs Stanley Brotherhood, Mr Lionel Trower, Mr Peregrine Birch and Mr R K Merrylees (Haddon Manor), Col. H S Hodkin, Mr C F McKee, Mr C C Lowe (Stamford), Mrs E E Law (Daventry), the Rev. A E Grinstead, Mr W Ingle (rep. The King’s Cliffe Memorial Hall Committee), Miss Elsom (rep. The Nursing Association, Miss Normanton (rep. King’s Cliffe school). Mr & Mrs W Skinner, Mrs W S Abbott (Thornhaugh), Miss Normanton, Mrs Maslin, Mrs W Wright, Mrs Gregory, Mrs E Roberts, Mrs C Chapman, Mrs A E Bailey, Mrs W Bailey, Miss Kingston (Wansford), the Misses Thorpe (Ketton), Miss Gregory, Mrs Hawkes, Miss Carrington, Miss Gandern, Miss K Bailey, Miss J Roberts, Miss Harker, Miss Hill, Messrs A Robins, R Gregory, W Hakes, F Portess, J A Ellis, F Edgson, A Brown and W Sharpe.

Stamford Mercury, 28 th November, 1879

DIED AT KING’S CLIFFE on November 22 nd , Mr Robert Holmes in the 86 th years of his age, formerly landlord for 37 years of the Cross Keys Inn, King’s Cliffe.

DIED AT KING’S CLIFE on the 23 rd inst., Thos. Dixon , aged 73 years.

Stamford Mercury, 7 th September, 1906

King’s Cliffe – The death took place on Saturday of Mr Wm. Dainty who was widely known and whose family were for generations connected with Easton. The deceased came from Apethorpe where he had been bailiff for the Earl of Westmoreland in 1861 when he entered upon the very large West Hay farm under the Marquis of Exeter, and he successfully farmed it for 38 years . He was a large employer of labour and had a thorough knowledge of all farm work. The deceased was Guardian and District Councillor for 23 years, he was president of the Parish Fire Brigade, vice-chairman of the Parish Council, vice-chairman of the Conservative Club and vice-chairman of the Cricket Club. He relinquished agricultural pursuits seven years ago when he came to reside in the town and took an active interest in all matters connected with the parish. In the funeral cortege were Mr R Brown and Mr C G Lawrence Law, personal friends; Mr G Miles and Mr G K Papillon, District Councillors Mr J T Bailey, Mr T F Richardson, Mr L Dixon, Mr J Chapman, Mr J A Ellis, Mr F Edgson, Parish Councillors and Mr H Bailey Clerk to the Parish Council; Engineer E J Hawkes, Sub-Engineer J Green, H Green and S Blake (Fire Brigade), Messrs F Blake, C Bollans, W Walker (Cricket Club), Mr A G Weigall, Mr P A Jolly, Mr T Minta (Apethorpe), Mr R Knight (Clerk to District Council) and Mr Carley Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

(Oundle), Mr T Bonser and Mr Southam (Fotheringhay), Mr R Preston (Bulwick), Messrs E Edgson, W Brookes, W Dean, C Bollans, H Fryer, W Peak, Warner, F Skinner, A G Dann. The service was conducted by the Rector (Rev. H A Orlebar), assisted by the late Rector Rev. T F F Williams), Hymn 537 “Peace perfect peace” was sung by the choir in the church and hymn 401 “Now the labourer’s task is o’er,” over the grave, Mr E E Sibley, organist, conducting. Splendid wreaths were sent including one from the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club and one from King’s Cliffe Parish Council. The grave was lined with ivy and the coffin bore the inscription “William Dainty, died September 1 st , 1906, aged 75 years.” [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

O0O Peterborough Advertiser

FUNERAL OF MR WILLIAM DAINTY OF KING’S CLIFFE DIED 1 ST SEPTEMBER, 1906

There passed peacefully to rest at the ripe age of 75 on Saturday night a fine specimen of the sturdy agriculturist of the last generation in Mr Wm Dainty. The farmer ’s strenuous life closed quietly in West Street, King’s Cliffe, practically without illness. Feeling the failure of his strength, Mr Dainty sought a change of air for two or three weeks but he gradually sank after his return.

The name of Dainty is almost a synonym for agriculturist in the district to the west of Peterborough. Mr Dainty came from a long line of farmers and to farm well was to him as natural as eating – he could not help it. He was born in 1831 at Easton Lodge Farm and after being thoroughly grounded in his business by his father, Mr Dainty took up the position of bailiff to the Earl of Westmorland at Apethorpe. After showing the Earl’s tenants what model farming was for several years and finding a wife in a member of the household staff he took in 1861 West Hay Farm and carried it on for 38 years. Seven years ago, on the brink of the allotted span, he retired on his well earned competence and spent his leisure with Mrs Dainty in King’s Cliffe. He was succeeded at West Hay by Mr J Emerton. There are no children.

Mr Dainty made an excellent public man and was usefully prominent in almost every organisation in the place. For 23 years he served his day and generation and served it well, as a Guardian of the Poor and on the Oundle District Council his knowledge was invaluable. He was president of the King’s Cliffe Fire Brigade, vice president of the Parish Council, vice president of the Conservative Club and vice president of the Cricket Club.

There was naturally a large attendance at the funeral at King’s Cliffe on Wednesday. The hearse left the house at three o’clock covered with a wealth of flowers. The mourners who followed the carriages were: The widow,, Mr Paul Dainty (cousin), Mr & Mrs J House (brother in law and sister), Mr Lewin (nephew), Miss Dainty (sister), Mr & Mrs Callus (nephew and niece), Mrs W Charter of Ailsworth (niece), Miss Callis (niece) and Mr W Carter (grant nephew). Among the public were: Mr A G Weigall and Mr P A Jolly (rep. Mr Leonard Brassey), Mr & Mrs G K Papillon, Messrs G Miles, C G Lawrence Law, W Brooks, F Edgson, R Brown, L Dixon, J A Ellis and J Chapman (Parish Council), Engineer E J Hawkes, Sub Engineer J Green, Messrs C Bollans, F Blake, W Walker, H Green and S Blake (Fire Brigade), Mr R Knight (clerk to the Guardians), Mr & Mrs T F Richardson, Mr E Edgson, Mr Southam (Fotheringhay), Mr T Bonser (Fotheringhay), Mr R Preston (Bulwick), Mr T A Minta (Apethorpe), Mr T Carley (Oundle), Mr Warner, Mr W Dean, Mr J Lyman, Mr Dann, Mr F Skinner, Mr H Fryer, Mr H W Gist, Mrs Gregory, Mr Peake, etc.

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Stamford Mercury, 9 th March, 1901

King’s Cliffe – DEATH OF A PENSIONER. On Friday last there passed away, after a lingering painful illness Mr Libbeus Dixon, aged 69 years . The deceased has served his country for twenty-one years as a soldier he was of a fine military appearance and the latter part of his time Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers he was a recruiting sergeant. At the end of his service he retired on a pension. He was for many years secretary to the Old Club, a benefit society, and was very highly respected.

O0O

Peterborough Advertiser, 26 th January, 1901

Queen Victoria died 6.30 p.m. January 22 nd , 1901

King’s Cliffe – The message was received here late on Tuesday night and although the sad event had been contemplated it caused quite a shock. The big bell of the parish church was tolled from half past nine until half past ten.

O0O

Mr Chas Green passed away on Tuesday evening in his 68 th year. He was a greatly respected inhabitant of the town.

Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd February, 1901

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR QUEEN VICTORIA KING’S CLIFFE

On Sunday the parish church was put in mourning on account of the death of the Queen. At each service morning and evening the Rev. J N B Woodroffe made references to the exemplary life led by the Queen. After the morning service all standing the Dead March was played and in the evening the National Anthem. Owing to the indisposition of Mr Brookes, organist, his daughter Mrs Charles G Lawrence-Law, presided at the organ. A special service is to be held on Saturday to commence at 12 Noon and the houses of business will be closed for part of the day.

Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd February, 1901

King’s Cliffe – PARISH COUNCIL – At a meeting held on the 29 th inst. The following resolution was passed; “That we, the Parish Council, unanimously resolve that a vote of condolence be accorded to His Majesty, King Edward VII, and the rest of the Royal Family for the loss they and the nation have sustained on the death of their beloved, mother, Queen Victoria”. The following notice was ordered to be posted: “That we, the King’s Cliffe Parish Council, ask the parishioners, trades people and licensed victuallers to close their establishment on Saturday next, February 2 nd , from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the funeral of our late and beloved Queen Victoria.”

O0O

Peterborough Advertiser, 16 th November, 1907

A STAUNCH CALVINIST – On Tuesday was laid to rest James Elderkin, aged 86, shoemaker, one of the congregation of two at the Calvinist Chapel in the little town. The deceased was an excellent nonconformist and so enthused with his religious belief that after the one Sunday service at King’s Cliffe in the morning he would, up to two years’ ago, walk seven miles to Stamford for a second service there. Robert Little, aged 65, the sole surviving worshipper is inconsolable at the loss of his friend in religion, for he and Elderkin used to enjoy the little service together and sing hymns as well as they could. The last resident pastor of the chapel died in 1860 and his tombstone in the Parish Churchyard bears “O’er heaven’s gate a motto stands engraved. Let sin alone be damned but sinners saved.” Mr Robt. Green, the sole trustee, says that the chapel will now be closed until the congregation be increased.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

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Peterborough Advertiser, 14 th May, 1910

King’s Cliffe – We regret to record the death, at the advanced age of 89 years, of Mr W Raven, the oldest inhabitant of this village .

Mr Raven has had unusually good health throughout his life having led a most temperate and even life. The loss of his beloved wife in November last was a great blow to him and his loneliness has probably hastened his end. He came to King’s Cliffe about 55 years ago and carried out his duties as Excise Officer in a most exemplary manner for over 30 years when he retired on his pension. Although Mr Raven took no active part in public matters he will be missed by a large circle of friends, he being very highly esteemed and respected in the village. Mr Raven had the misfortune to fracture his leg about five years ago, but made a complete recovery and was able to take his walks as usual. The end came peacefully and painlessly. Mr Raven took to his bed only on Sunday last and gradually became weaker. His son in law was wired for and arrived on Tuesday afternoon and half an hour after the end came. The funeral takes place on Saturday at 1 o’clock.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 5 th January, 1923

OBITUARY – At the age of 77 years, Mary Harlock, more familiarly known as “Blind Mary” passed away on Sunday, 31 st December, 1922 . Deceased, who had been blind almost from birth, had been an inmate of Law’s Almshouse Charity for over 23 years. She was educated at a blind school and had a wonderful memory and could repeat the Psalms throughout. She was a devoted church woman and very rarely missed a service at the Parish Church, until her health began to fail a few years ago. She also possessed a beautiful voice and this with her most cheerful disposition made her a welcome visitor to many homes in the village, children being always delighted with her quaint nursery songs.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough Advertiser, 5 th January, 1923

DEATH OF MR T H CLEAVE – The death took place on Tuesday at his residence, “School View”, in Park Street of Mr Thomas Henry Cleave at the age of 79 years. Deceased was born at ‘Cliffe, where he was educated at the National School and early in life he went to Dover and took up a good position at the “Lord Warden” Hotel, and remained there for over 30 years. He was a cousin of the late Mr John Nibloe Hare, a native of this village and for many years proprietor of the “Norfolk Hotel”, Arundel, and four times Mayor of the town. After leaving Dover deceased spent his time at Arundel and King’s Cliffe, but for the last seven years he has resided with Mr L Dixon at “School View.” He had good health until about a month ago, when he had a slight stroke and he gradually became weaker and passed peacefully away on the day preceding his eightieth year. The burial took place in the Parish Churchyard on Saturday, the Rev. H Brown of Allexton officiating. The chief mourners were Mr L Dixon, Mrs Hare (Barnes), Mr G Hare (Major of Arundel), Mrs Duckmanton, Mr & Mrs Boulton (Alford), Mr S Dixon and Mr & Mrs H Dixon. There were many beautiful floral tributes. The coffin was of oak with brass fittings and bore the inscription “ Henry Cleave, Died December 26 th , 1922. Aged 79 years.” Mr Portess was the undertaker.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 12 th January, 1907

HENRY WESTENRA GIST

OBITUARY – With deep sorrow and regret we announce the death of Mr H W Gist, which sad event took place on Saturday morning. In the early part of this winter he suffered from bronchitis and had been much better lately and was in the village the evening before his death. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon when every token of respect was shown. The coffin was of oak with massive brass fittings and bore the following inscription:- “Henry W Gist, died 5 th January, 1907, aged 69 years.” The chief mourners were Mr H W S Gist (son), Mrs Gist (daughter in law), Mr W Eudall and Miss Eudall (brother and sister in laaw), Mr V G Stapleton and Mr Pond, Dr Lewis, Mr C G Lawrence Law and Mr Sibley represented the Freemasons and the following tradesmen also followed: Messrs Ellis, H E Dixon, F Edgson, T Cleave and L Dixon. The grave was lined with ivy and white chrysanthemums. (List of wreathes). Messrs Stokes & Son were the undertakers).

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Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd February, 1907

THE LATE LEVI DIXON, WOOD TURNER, KING’S CLIFFE (By one who knew him)

There was recently laid to rest in the churchyard of King’s Cliffe, his native village, a familiar figure from that centre of wood turning, the oldest of his craft and possibly the last of his race as turners. He boasted of a long line of ancestors all more or less connected with the same trade. His great, great grandfather, a turner, died an old man as far back as 1780, and his grandfather introduced the more intricate art of cutting in the year 1790, and died 1819, aged 88 years. His own father continued the business in connection with this uncle (also named Levi Dixon, at whose shop the subject of this memorial learnt his trade. They were men who worked hard and perhaps sometimes played hard and this last one recently passed away was no exception. But with all their working and their playing they appear to have lived long and healthy lives. As a young man he travelled in Scotland in connection with a business that catered, amongst other things, for the supply of the product of his native place and while there picked up the dialect. From that it was but a short to Scotland’s poet, whose works he nearly knew by heart. He Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers taught many of them to his children and as little ones they could recite “The Cotters Saturday Night” and the “Brig o’ Ayr” as well as a native.

After a two years wandering life he became a clerk to a railway contractor who constructed the railway tunnel near Wansford station and probably the North-Western line to Northampton in the year. Shortly afterwards he settled down in King’s Cliffe as a wood turner and carver.

He had many admirers at Peterborough and has been in more than one exhibition promoted by the students of the School of Art; on one occasion he was honoured by being asked to lunch at the Palace. To see him “on show” at an exhibition was always interesting but to visit him at his little workshop in Park Street, King’s Cliffe, unfettered from any outside influence was even more so. His affection for his lathe and tools – some of the latter of inconceivable shapes and made by his own hands – was refreshing to see. He had pet names for many of them, probably a reflection of the work they had done in a previous generation. Nothing hurt his feelings so much if a visitor was unwise enough to ask him to sell him some of his darlings, the chief reason they were so choice being that as they had done the same work so many years, the tools knew just which way to go. He had his jocular side, which at times, asserted itself to the discomfiture of his friends, and the following is one of many instances.

A neighbour was deploring the breakage of a lid of a choice teapot, and upon it coming to his ears he gallantly offered to turn a lid of rosewood in its place which, when completed, proved an unknown solace to the lady though, sad to say, it was only of a short duration as the action of the water caused it to swell and it had to be broken before it could be released. Levi considered the joke was worth the labour and loss of that piece of rosewood. Egg cups, rolling pins, the wood balls for the shies at cocoanuts are not looked upon by the ‘Cliffe turners as being anything remarkable to manufacture and probably may be found in several of the workshops today in the village, though each workman appears to have his own speciality, the same as in other trades.

But lathe work must give way altogether to the delicate wood carving (indented) from the old stock patters of the butter-pat designs showing swans swimming among the rushes, wheat ears, flowers etc. etc., to the more intricate heraldic devices and ready to made coats of arms. All these and much more came in the way of Levi Dixon’s business. Many a scion of the great houses in the neighbourhood have watched him in his little cutting room, and at times have been taken to task on matters political as he was a Radical of the first water. On his cutting board was generally to be found one or two books of his favourite authors – Shakespeare by preference with Burns or Kirk which as a good second. These three, with a smattering of classical lore he had acquired in his schooldays at the Endowed School, founded at the time of the Rev. William Law during the first half of the Eighteenth Century, comprised of a great extent all he required by way of books, though he enjoyed a magazine and newspapers of a certain political colour, preferably the “Tizer” (Peterborough Advertiser).

His wife predeceased him rather more than a year ago and his declining days have been spent with this son in a neighbouring village who, with his wife, have gently nursed him to the last. So passes away a personality almost unique in himself, a character at times so rugged as to amount almost to harshness and full of determination as to the value of his own ideas and at other times making toys for the first child that came along, at one time working hard and fast for weeks together, all through the long summer days and then carelessly allowing matters to drift for a time.

‘Cliffe has lost of late years many of its accomplished sons, not a few by death, while several more have left for more profitable surroundings but none will be missed more than Levi Dixon.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 26 th January, 1907

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

News Item, King’s Cliffe.

OBITUARY – We this week record the death of Mr Levi Dixon, a native of this village, who died on Wednesday morning at the residence of his son Mr James Dixon of Warmington. He was a highly respectable tradesman and a first class wood turner and carver . He was 74 years of age.

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Stamford Mercury, 11 th September, 1863

DIED. At King’s Cliffe on the 8 th inst. after a long illness, Mr Mathew Bailey , butcher, aged 60.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 1 st September, 1863.

DIED. At King’s Cliffe on the 26 th ult, Farmery Law, Esq., aged 82 years. At King’s Cliffe on the 29 th ult., Mrs Mary Stanyon, aged 78 years.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 8 th September, 1866

King’s Cliffe . THE LATE MR FARMERY LAW . Mr F Law, whose death was announced on Saturday was, a correspondent informs us, lineally descended from George Law, eldest brother of William Law , the celebrated “Nonjuror”, author of “The Serious Call”. It is also worth observing that his grandfather, as the nearest relation of William Law, inherited property from Mrs Hester Gibbon, sister of the historian, with whom William Law had resided as her almoner and friend.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 9 th January, 1909

OBITUARY. King’s Cliffe. Mr C.G. Lawrence Law , who had been staying at Bournemouth on account of ill-health, died on Monday morning, after a somewhat long illness. Deceased held the offices of Rural District Councillor, Parish Councillor, Overseer, President of the Fire Brigade and was the owner of a good deal of property. Some ten years ago he married one of the daughters of Mr W Brookes and great sympathy is expressed for his widow and her five children. The body was brought from Bournemouth on Thursday afternoon and the funeral takes place this (Friday) afternoon. Deceased was only 43 years old.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 9 th May, 1891

OBITUARY. We regret to publish in our obituary columns this week the death of Mr Reuben Dixon, which took place on Friday evening, May lst. The best medical advice that it was possible to obtain was procured and, at the hands of Dr Phipps he received every attention, but owing to a complication of complaints under which he suffered, he succumbed after being confined to his bed for ten days. His loss will be universally felt owing to his liberal, sympathetic and general disposition and he will be deeply mourned by a large circle of relatives. Deceased has been owner and occupier of the Golden Ball Inn for over 30 years and leaves a widow and large family to mourn his loss.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

(Age believed to be 68).

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Stamford Mercury, 15 th February, 1918

OBITUARY. The death took place on Sunday morning of Mrs Anne Bailey at the advanced age of 85 years. Deceased was the widow of the late Mr J T Bailey, grocer , of West Street, and sister of Mr Wm. Brown, Leamingham, and Mr Jas Brown, Wothorpe, Stamford. Mrs Bailey had been a remarkable business woman and had assisted until a week before her death when she gradually fell painlessly asleep. The burial service was arranged to be taken by the Rev. A E Grinstead at the Congregational church of which deceased was the oldest member, on Thursday (Feb. 14) and afterwards at the cemetery.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 6 th February, 1892

OBITUARY. It is with regret that we announce the death of John Nicholls , who has greatly suffered for a lengthened period. He was a martyr to rheumatism which greatly crippled his hands and feet. He would be better known as the Town Crier, which office he has held for over 40 years; he was an excellent Crier, having a ready delivery and a distinct pronunciation. He was a sound Liberal. He enjoyed a good joke and was very witty in replying to questions. He quietly passed away on January 30 th at the ripe old age of 81 years.

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Stamford Guardian, 1 st December, 1904

A STAMFORD NONAGENARIAN. The last descendent of the famous Law family, associated for many generations with Stamford and King’s Cliffe, in the person of Miss Sarah Law , at the age of 91 years was laid to rest on Saturday (26 Nov. 1904). The time-honoured name of Law has been respected for centuries past in the Stamford district, having been associated with all philanthropic work, particularly in the parish of King’s Cliffe, the needy poor of which benefit at the present time by many valuable bequests from several members of this ancient line. King’s Cliffe library includes a large number of theological volumes left by the Rev. Wm Law. The lately deceased lady was a sister of the late Mr William Law, ex Mayor of Stamford, who was the oldest practicing solicitor in England and was widely known in the Eastern and Midland Counties.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 7 th February, 1914

DEATH OF A ‘CLIFFE OCTOGENARIAN. The death took place of one of the oldest tradesmen in the village, Mr Geo Coleman , passing away at the age of 84 years. Mr Coleman enjoyed excellent health throughout his life, and until a few weeks ago was able to take short walks out. His health gradually failed and for about a fortnight he was confined to his bed. Mr Coleman was born in Castor, but early in life moved to ‘Cliffe with his parents. He was employed on the land for a few years, then enlisted in the army but being bought off a few months after for the sum of £21. Returning to ‘Cliffe he took to wood turning and up to a year ago he might be seen daily at his lathe making taps for which he was widely noted. He had been assisted for many years by his son, Mr R Pell, who is one of the few remaining wood turners of the village. Mr Coleman was highly respected in the village, was a sound Liberal in politics and a regular attendant at the Parish Church. He leaves two sons and two daughters to mourn his loss.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Stamford Guardian, 31 st October, 1890

DEATH OF DR. F R DAIN. We have to record this week the death of Dr Frederick Robert Dain, M.R.C.S., Eng., L.S.A., in his 75 th year. Dr Dain had only been ill about a fortnight, he having caught a chill at his brother’s funeral, who died suddenly in a train in London, and Dr. Dain caught cold in superintending his funeral arrangements. He died suddenly on Saturday last about half past five o’clock. Dr Paley, Sen., of Peterborough, attended him in his short illness. Dr Dain will be greatly missed as he used to make a practice of giving soup and other things away to the poor of the neighbourhood, besides supporting the coal club. Great sympathy is felt for Mrs Dain and her two daughters in the heavy bereavement which has fallen upon them. The funeral is arranged for today (Friday).

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Peterborough & Hunts Standard, 12 October 1928 The Law family and King’s Cliffe – breaking of an association of centuries

“With the departure, which took place on Monday, of Mr C L Farmery Lawrence-Law and his mother, the name of the great King’s Cliffe divine is now non-existent in the village in which it has held for so many years an honoured place.

“The line of wealthy farmers who bore the name of Law were the descendants of Mr George Law, a brother of the Rev. William Law, the great Non-juror who made the name so illustrious. The direct line ended thirty years ago with the death of Mr Thomas James Law , who was childless and left his estate to his nephew, Mr Charles Green Lawrence. Mr Lawrence was twice removed from the direct line, his connection with it coming through his mother of the Dafforn family. Mr Law’s will stipulated that he should attach the name of Law to his own surname; this he did by deed poll. His son, C L Farmery Lawrence-Law, has now let the farm to Mr A R Tarry and moved to Worth, while Mrs C G Lawrence-Law, his mother has gone to her Bradford home.

“There are still people in the village who remember Mr Thomas Law’s reign. He was a gentleman-farmer of the old-fashioned type, whose harvests and shooting parties were the solace of labourers and farmers for several miles round. His favourite song was ‘Here’s a health to good, honest John Bull’ and he himself was often compared with that mythical hero. There were always many stacks in his yard, some of them two years old.

“In public service he was assiduous. Mr F Blades, who remembers him, can describe how he used to preside at dinners and suppers of all sorts ‘never leaving his chair, with a cigar stuck all the time right in the corner of his mouth’. As stated, he died childless in 1898 at the age of 85, his one remaining close relation being an unmarried sister, Miss Sarah Law, who survived him six years, dying at the age of 91. She lived in a separate house in the village and was a great favourite with everyone. She and her brother are buried in the far south-west corner of the churchyard beneath long low tombstones covered with moss and brambles.

“In Mr Thomas Law’s will the property was left to Mr Charles Green Lawrence under the conditions we have mentioned, it being entailed for one generation. Mr Lawrence-Law has brothers in Peterborough. He farmed at Cliffe until 1905, when he left for a farm at Herefordshire. He died in 1909 at the age of 41. After his death his son, the present owner, was a minor for four years and Messrs W Southam and Robert Knight were appointed trustees.

“A month ago, as we reported, Mr Lawrence-Law married Miss Gwendoline May Shingles of Purley. The sale of the farm stock last week drew a large company; it is reported from a technical point of view in our agricultural page. Mr A R Tarry, of Glebe Farm, Blatherwycke, has rented the farm.

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

“There still remain descendants of the brother of the author of the “Serious Call” [ie William Law], but they are only distantly related to the late Mr Thomas Law. Among them is the Rev Ernest E Law, formerly the very popular vicar of St Mary’s Peterborough, now vicar of Daventry.” O0O

Stamford & Rutland News 26 th June, 1928

Miss Elizabeth Sarah Dennis (born 1842) King’s Cliffe

LIFE LIVED IN ‘CLIFFE. Miss Elizabeth Sarah Dennis who had resided in the village all her life, passed peacefully away on Thursday week at the age of 86 years. Deceased, who had resided at Park Villa for a very long period, took an active part in church work during the incumbency of the Rev. G Du Pre from 1863. Her health had been failing for some time and her death had not been unexpected. The funeral took place on Monday, amidst many tokens of respect. The Rev. W P Blakeney officiated, and Mr F Portess carried out the funeral arrangements. Wreaths were sent from Mrs W Dainty and Miss E L Collis, Mrs W S Abbott, Thornhaugh, R Gregory and sister, Mary Ann and John Broughton, Mr & Mrs A Chapman and T C Broughton.

(Note: Last of the two Misses Dennis, members of the old King’s Cliffe Howes’ family).

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Stamford & Rutland News, 16 th April, 1913

EXTRAORDINARY RECORD OF DOMESTIC SERVICE Seventy years with one family Miss E S Dennis / Miss Elizabeth Barfoot

Elizabeth Barfoot, a native of London, first saw the light on 28 th February, 1825, and eighteen years later entered the service as a nursemaid of Mr & Mrs Dennis of London and King’s Cliff. She remained in her situation up to Saturday last, when she died at King’s Cliffe at the ripe old age of 88, establishing, surely, a marvellous record of unbroken service in the same household.

Mr & Mrs Dennis have long since gone to their last home, but the faithful servant remained with the two daughters right up to the last. The relationship between Elizabeth and her employers was one of true friendship, she being looked upon with as much affection as though she had been a member of the family.

Shortly before 2 o’clock on Saturday morning the aged servant felt anxious about her mistresses, being afraid that they would be ill on her account, and she said “I should like to go to sleep now, I am afraid you will never get to bed, good night.” And so saying, she fell into her last sleep surrounded by two members of the family she had served so well and by whom she had been so kindly treated for seventy years.

In the old church yard (now closed save for a few reserved spaces) Mrs Dennis lies buried and in her grave there is room for one more interment, so the Misses Dennis have resolved to bury Elizabeth with a member of the family, even though it means that when they pass away they will have to rest in the cemetery.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Stamford & Rutland News, 26 th December, 1923

DEATH OF MR E J HAWKES – We regret to record the death, which occurred on Wednesday morning, after a lingering illness, of a well known and highly respected resident, Mr E J Hawkes of Park Street. His health failed in the early part of the year and for nine months he had been gradually sinking, passing peacefully away at the age of 83 years. Deceased was born at Kettering but his early life was spent at Hallaton. He moved to ‘Cliffe at the age of 18 years and was employed by the late Mr R Royce, plumber and decorator . A few years later he married his employer’s only daughter and seven years later took over the business. He had two sons, both now deceased, and two daughters who, with his widow, survive. Mr Hawkes took a great interest in parish affairs and his first position was as member of the church choir over fifty years ago. He was a Guardian and District Councillor for many years, also a Parish Councillor, Captain of the Fire Brigade, Chairman of the Conservative Club and a member of the Old Age Pensions Committee. He had won the respect of the whole village and a wide district around. The funeral took place at the cemetery on Saturday afternoon. [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

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Stamford & Rutland News, 27 th September, 1922

VETERAN BUSINESSMAN’S DEMISE – A link with the past has been snapped by the death of Mr Joseph Chapman , of the firm of Messrs J & R Chapman , Agricultural Cart and Wagon Builders, King’s Cliffe , who died last week at the age of 75. Twenty six years ago he and his brother Robert, who is still in the business, settled in King’s Cliffe from Apethorpe, his native place, transferring the business works to Bridge Street, converting old maltings for the purpose. Mr Chapman was esteemed by all who knew him. Deceased’s wife predeceased him ten years ago, and he leaves two sons and two daughters. Deceased was a member of the Parish Council from 1901 until his death and Overseer of the Poor since 1902. He had attended the audit at Oundle for nearly forty years. He was a sidesman of the church, a manager of the Cornforth Homes and a member of the committee of the Fire Brigade. As an overseer his intimate knowledge of land value made him an authority in the district. Amid many manifestations of sorrow and respect the funeral took place in the cemetery on Thursday afternoon, the Rector (Rev. J W Marsh) officiating. Amongst those who followed the body to the graveside were members of the Parish Council and the Fire Brigade. The family mourners were Mr H Chapman (son), Miss I Chapman (daughter), Mr B Chapman (son), Mr W Miles (son in law), Miss E B Pasley, Mr J Paine (nephew), Miss F Paine (niece), Mr W Chapman, Peterborough (nephew), Miss M Chapman (niece), Miss A Chapman (niece), Mr F Lucas, Fotheringhay and Mr J A Ellis.

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Stamford & Rutland News, 17 th July, 1928

PICTURE OF A CENTENARIAN INTERESTING GIFT TO BROWN’S HOSPITAL WILLIAM BALL OF ‘CLIFFE

Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Brown’s Hospital, Stamford, has lately received an interesting gift from the Rev. T K B Nevinson, Rector of Medbourne, a son of a former Warden.

It is a picture on glass of William Ball, a centenarian inmate of the Hospital. To the back of the frame is affixed a certified copy of the registration of his baptism at Brigstock which took place in 1757. He died at Brown’s Hospital in 1861.

His was a very interesting personality and he must have been a man of great vitality. Never of a particularly patient temperament, on one occasion after he had passed his ninetieth birthday, growing tired of waiting for the carrier’s cart to take him to King’s Cliffe, he started walking – and got there before it. His only comment on the feat was “I got there first, missus; that cart were too slow for me.”

Considerable difficulty was experienced in persuading him to have his portrait taken, because he said he constantly heard the Warden say in the Chapel “Thou shalt not make to thyself the likeness of anything.”

In his early days Ball had been a deer-stalker in King’s Cliffe forest and long before his death he had his tombstone erected in the Churchyard of that village, with the necessary inscription on it, lacking only his age and the date of his passing, which he welcomed with the words “Goodbye, missus, going Home at last.” It took place March 12 th , 1861, when William Ball was 104 years old.

Stamford Mercury, 15 th March, 1861

Under “Stamford News” –

Wm. Ball , who had been an inmate of Browne’s Hospital, Stamford, for 30 years, died in that institution on Tuesday last in his 104 th year, having been born on the 1 st August, 1757. His remains were interred yesterday (Thursday) afternoon at King’s Cliffe, by the side of those of his wife, who died on the 14 th February, 1830, aged 71. Several years ago he had two slabs erected in the churchyard there, one recording the death of his wife, and the other the death of his only child (Sophia, who died September 18 th , 1785), the last named slab containing also an inscription to himself, blank spaces being left to be filled in after his death, showing when that event took place and his age. He was a native of the village of Brigstock, and when a boy was employed by Thomas Nichols, stonemason, of King’s Cliffe, whose daughter he married and continued a resident of that town until he became a bedesman at Stamford. In early manhood he was a notorious inebriate, poacher, deer-stalker, pugilist, wrestler and he associated with abandoned characters; he on various occasions, in speaking of his early profligacy, had been heard to declare that he had been guilty of every crime except murder. Many anecdotes are extant with reference to his antecedents during his residence at ‘Cliffe, which should not be recorded here, and are best buried in oblivion. It is needless to say that he, on all occasions, complied with the rules of the establishment in which he was so long an inmate, and often amused his brother bedesmen by narrating to them his early exploits.

Peterorough Advertiser, 27 th September, 1913

A KING’S CLIFFE CENTENARIAN WILLIAM BALL

A former resident of King’s Cliffe mentioned to me the following facts. I see my note is dated December 1890. He said: I cannot say whether King’s Cliffe air is conducive to longevity or not but it has often been remarked that the gravestones in the churchyard record some advanced ages. I remember one man living to be over 100 years of age. William Ball, whose gravestone is to be seen in the churchyard now, died at the advanced age of 104. He was a remarkable old man in many respects. I can see him now in my mind’s eye, nothing being very noticeable about him in his build, being neither very fat nor very thin, and of medium height. All though his Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers life he devoted himself to athletic exercises. His chief delight was wrestling, and he was always to be found at such pastimes as boxing matches, racing and he had a particular penchant for cock-fighting. After a time he left ‘Cliffe and became an occupant of the Bede House at Stamford, but he frequently walked over to ‘Cliffe. On one occasion, after he had passed his 100 th years, he decided to visit his native place and he left Stamford and sat beside the road at Wothorpe to await Mrs Kingston’s carrier’s cart. But that conveyance being late he decided to walk on and had reached Easton on the Hill before the cart overtook him. He however declined to ride then and walked the remaining five miles, doing the whole journey of seven miles in excellent style. I should be surprised if there is another instance of a centenarian walking a distance of seven miles. I have heard it stated that he was 103 years of age when he performed this feat and some say he died a few days afterwards.” W.H.B.S.

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Stamford & Rutland News, 8 th December, 1926

FOUR SCORE AND TWELVE KING’S CLIFFE VETERAN’S QUAINT REMINISCENCES

Mr George Rate , the oldest native of King’s Cliffe, attained his 92 nd birthday on November 22 nd . He has a splendid memory, and can relate numerous events that happened in his young days. He can also see to read and write without spectacles.

In his young days Mr Rate was a very active and business-like man and was in turn a baker, coal merchant and farmer . When he was a lad the family had brown bread on week days and white bread on Sundays. Strong boys drove the horses at plough for sixpence a day and the women worked in the hay field for the same wages. All the farmers brewed their own beer and gave their employees a liberal supply. Men worked on the farms for 10 to 12 shillings a week but the cost of living was very low in those days. Mr Rate states that he could brew good beer then for two pence a quart. He then had 5 or 6 barrels that would hold 60 gallons each. He went to school in Telegraph Street. They first learned to write in sand in a box with their fingers. Mr Tom Dixon was the school master. Dr Hogg lived in Telegraph Street – that was why it was, at one time, called Hogg Lane.

Mr Rate remembers ‘Cliffe Fair very well. This lasted for three days, commencing on October 29 th . Any householder was granted a free licence to brew and sell beer during the three days . One of the last residents who did this was Mr Sam Roberts, and the sign of the house during those few days was “The Bill and Mittens”, these being placed above the door. When he was in the coal trade there was not a railway running through King’s Cliffe and he had to fetch the coal from Ketton Station. A great deal of wood was burnt in those days, and not very much coal. The winters then were very severe – so deep that one could walk over the hedges.

He remembers this remarkable inscription on the headstone of an Irishman’s grave:-

“Here lies poor Patrick O’Blages, With the end of his nose and the tips of his toes, Turned up to the roots of the daisies.”

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Stamford & Rutland News, 26 th February, 1929

DEATH OF MR H CUNNINGTON - The death took place on Monday in last week of Mr Henry Cunnington of West Street at the age of 81 years. Deceased, who had been ill for a long period, was for many years in the employ of Mr Smalley of the Lodge Farm. He was a skilful driver of horses during the making of the railway line here and many have watched him in Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers the dangerous work of “running tip” on the huge embankments in the “Old Warren”. He leaves a widow and four daughters. The funeral took place on Saturday.

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Stamford & Rutland News, 15 th March, 1916

DEATH OF MISS M H DENNIS – The death took place at Apethorpe Road Villa on Saturday in last week (4 th March) of Miss Mary Howes Dennis at the age of 75 years. Deceased was an artist of exceptional ability, and many of her portrait and landscape paintings have been exhibited in London . She had been a resident of ‘Cliffe over 50 years and was highly respected. She leaves a sister, who has ever been a constant and devoted companion, to mourn her loss, and for whom much sympathy is felt. Her father, who was a leather merchant in London, was buried here forty years ago.

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Stamford & Rutland News, 7 th February, 1917

KING’S CLIFFE – OLD INHABITANT’S DEATH

By the death of Athanasius Carrington at the age of 89 years, ‘Cliffe has lost its oldest male inhabitant. Deceased was one of the old time wood turners , his special work being the making of taps. He leaves four daughters and one son, sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great grandchildren, all the generations being represented at the funeral.

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Stamford Mercury, Friday, 30 th March, 1900

Under “Stamford”

DEATH OF MR W F LAW – We regret to have to record the death of a venerable townsman, Mr William Farmery Law, Solicitor , which took place at this residence in St Mary’s place last Sunday at the ripe age of 88 years. The deceased gentleman had been ill with bronchitis and had only taken to his bed about nine or ten days, though as recently as the 7th inst. he pleaded Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers a case at County Court. He had been attended by Dr Elliott but the feeble state of his health consequent upon his advanced age could not combat the severe strain of the bronchitis attack, and he gradually sank, passing peacefully away about nine o’clock on Sunday morning. The deceased was a son of the late Mr Farmery Law, farmer of King’s Cliffe, uncle to Mr Lawrence Law of ‘Cliffe and a descendant of the Rev. Wm Law, a well known divine of his time. He was born on the 15 th November, 1811, and after leaving school was articled for the legal profession with the late Mr Bonner, solicitor, of Spalding. In 1835 he was placed on the roll of solicitors and then commenced practice for himself, taking offices in St Mary’s Street in this town, where he continued his professional business until 1872 and then removed to the offices which he has occupied ever since in St Mary’s Place.

As a solicitor, Mr Law was widely known in the Midland and Eastern Counties, and at the time of his demise there were few practising lawyers in the country who could claim to be his senior. The business, which has for over sixty years been carried on by the deceased is to be continued in the name of Messrs Law and Worsam, and the services of Mr C Peasgood, so long associated with Mr Law, will be retained. Of the public life of deceased there is a record of long and devoted service. At the age of 37 he became alive to the duties of citizenship in a practical way by entering the Town Council, to which body he was elected without opposition to represent St Mary’s ward and he remained a Councillor up to 1865, being returned unopened each time his three years’ term of office expired. In the year named he was elevated to the aldermanic bench. Ten years later his connection with the Council was temporarily severed and after a lapse of two years he headed the poll at the November elections for All Saints’ Ward while in 1880 he regained his old position as Alderman and kept it until 1888, when age began to tell its tale and he retired in favour of younger blood. He was twice Mayor and his name appears with the long list of honoured townsmen in the town hall, the dates of his election being 1848 and 1872. A Liberal in politics, Mr Law acted as agent for Mr Buzzard at the memorable election when that gentleman won the seat for his party after it had for a long period been held by the Conservatives. In a neighbouring division on the opposite side of the Welland he also acted as political agent for the Hon C R Spencer. For a number of years he had held the post of secretary for the Stamford and St Martin’s Association for the Prosecution of Felons, and was solicitor to the local Court of Foresters. At the monthly meeting of the last named, on Monday, a vote of condolence was passed. Mr Law was known to be a keen sportsman. Kindly disposed, he frequently assisted the poor in a quiet and unobtrusive way. He was a liberal subscriber to the Soup Kitchen Society and helped other good causes in the town. Before giving up his residence in St Mary’s street, he was one of the church wardens at St John’s, but upon removing he attended St Mary’s church, though latterly he became a follower of the North street Baptists. Out of respect for the deceased a muffled peal wa rung on St Mary’s bells before the evening service on Sunday. He leaves a widow to mourn his loss, but no children. The funeral took place at the cemetery this afternoon, the body being placed in a vault where deceased’s first wife was buried. Mr Law was formerly a member of the Stamford Lodge of Freemasons.

Stamford Mercury, 6 th April, 1900

FUNERAL OF MR W F LAW – The mortal remains of Mr William Farmery Law, solicitor, whose death was recorded last week, were interred in a vault at the cemetery on Thursday afternoon. It was the wish of the deceased gentleman that the obsequies should be as quietly carried out as possible, and by his request there were no flowers. The chief mourners were Mrs Law, the widow, Mr & Mrs Charles G Lawrence Law, King’s Cliffe, Mr William Exton Lawrence, Easton, Mr Arthur Lawrence, Peterborough, Mr Austin Lawrence, Peterborough, Miss Lawrence, Easton, Mr Geo E Peasgood and Mr T Blades. Mr M J Tryon of the North Street Baptist chapel, read the burial service. Among those present at the cemetery were Mr Joseph Phillips, Mr J S Loweth, Mr T Hart, Mr H Norton, Mr H Dalton (the last four named representing the Stamford & St Martin’s Association for the Prosecution of Felons), Mr E A Sheff (on behalf of Mr G Edmonds and Mr E H George), Mr T E Simpson, Mr B P Clon and the following members of the local lodge of Foresters: Bros J Crowson, A D Wright, Amos Johnson, L Broughton, A Chambers, J Everard, A Bonsor and H Lounds.

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Peterborough Advertiser, Saturday, 8 th October, 1898

OBITUARY – King’s Cliffe. It is with deep regret that we record the death of Mr William Bollans, which took place on Thursday morning. The deceased gentleman had been ill for some considerable time and attributed his illness to indigestion. He struggled on until his case was past all medical aid. Dr Newman (Stamford) was called in and held a consultation with Dr Lewis, his medical attendant, when it was found that cancer had formed inwardly, which was over twelve months growth and the result was fatal. In the death of Mr William Bollans we lose one of our woodwork manufacturers who years ago employed a number of workmen at his steam factory, where every kind of wood turning and wood carving was turned out, from a wooden spoon to a gentleman’s crest. He was a Liberal in politics and contested the Parish Council election and ran the Conservatives very tightly at their last election. He has taken the Peterborough Advertiser ever since it has been established. His death will create a blank that it will be very difficult to fill. He was honoured and revered by all whom he came into contact.

Peterborough Advertiser, Sat. 15 th October, 1898

FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR W BOLLANS – The remains of Mr Wm Bollans were interred in the Parish Churchyard on Saturday afternoon. The corpse was borne to the grave by six wood turners, viz: Mr W Coleman, Mr G Dixon, Mr H Dixon, Mr C Sharpe, Mr R Pell and Mr Wm Wade. The following tradesmen, as a last token of respect, attended the grave side: Mr Elijah Dixon, Mr Ventross Green, Mr C Stanyon, Mr J Bailey, Snr., Mr J T Bailey, Mr J J Bailey, Mr G Rator, Mr Elliott, Mr R Green and Mr Geo. Close. Messrs Stokes & Son were the undertakers.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd September, 1927

KING’S CLIFFE, DEATH OF AN OLD RESIDENT

After a rather long illness the death took place on Thursday of Mr James Binder Skinner at the age of 78 years. Deceased was a well known figure in the village having resided here all his lifetime. He had been an employee as stone mason for the L N W Railway Co. for over 32 years and retired about eight years ago. He was for many years a bell ringer and as a token of respect a dumb peal was rung at his funeral. He leaves a widow, two songs and four daughters. The burial took place on Tuesday afternoon, the Rev. W P Blakeney officiating. The chief mourners were Mr H Skinner, Mr Alfred Skinner (sons), Mrs Mee, Mrs Birrell, Mrs Nicholls and Mrs Scotney (daughters), Mr F Skinner (brother), Mr Scotney, Mr Mee, Mr A Mee, Miss V Mee, Mrs T Broughton and Mr J Little (grandchildren). There were many floral tributes from the family and friends. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

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Peterborough Advertiser, 3 rd August, 1901

On Tuesday the remains of Mr Joseph Slingsby were interred in our parish churchyard. He was a generous employer of labour and he was most highly esteemed by his workmen. He was at one time a very large corn merchant and upon all sides he is spoken of with the greatest respect. This notice of his death and funeral will be received with deep regret by people throughout the whole of the district by whom he was well known and universally respected.

(Note by Canon Bryan: This Joseph Slingsby, who died 20th July, 1901, aged 60 was the son of Joseph Slingsby, Snr, who died 25 th July, 1877, aged 69. Details taken from their respective gravestones in King’s Cliffe churchyard).

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Peterborough Advertiser, 18 th March, 1899

DEATH OF MANUFACTURER – One of our oldest and most highly respected woodware manufacturers, Mr John Bailey , passed quietly away after a lingering illness on Friday night. Following the death of Mr Bollans, also a woodware manufacturer, death has removed two worthy representatives of the trade for which this town has been for so many years famous. Mr Bailey, however, leaves three sons and two brothers to carry on the business. The deceased was a member of the Parish Council and was in the 70 th year of his age. His remains were interred amidst many tokens of respect on Wednesday afternoon. The following tradesmen and gentlemen followed the deceased to the grave: Messrs E J Hawkes, J T Bailey, V Green, W Brookes, Dr Lewis, G Miles, L Dixon, W Dainty, A Bullimore, T Royce, H Davison, T Clarke and J Chapman. The body was borne to the grave upon the shoulders of six wood turners. [See photograph of 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

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Peterborough Advertiser, 3 rd December, 1887

A REMARKABLE INSTANCE OF LONGEVITY – It is with sincere respect that we announced the death of Mr Richard Brown , one of the oldest of the inhabitants of this village, who succumbed to the infirmities of old age on Saturday last at the advanced age of 93. Deceased carried on an extensive business as Nurseryman at Wothorpe, and was well known throughout that district, but for many years had lived a retired life in this village. He was universally respected, his old age being crowned with honour, he having lived a quiet pious life and will be greatly missed by the poor on account of his liberality.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 13 th June, 1914

DEATH OF MR J T BAILEY – It is with much regret we have to record the death of Mr J T Bailey, one of the very few old tradesmen of the village. He had been more or less an invalid since a seizure about three years ago and had not been able to take any active part in his business, his son, Mr Albert William and Miss Ethel (partners), having the management. It was noticed he was failing a few weeks ago and has been attended by Dr Horton Kramer, who held out no hope of recovery, his heart being very weak. He passed peacefully away on Monday night being conscious almost to the end. Mr Bailey, who was 77 years of age, was married 49 years ago, and both he and Mrs Bailey were looking forward to celebrating their golden wedding next year. He had carried on a successful business as grocer for over 50 years and had also Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers taken an active part in the public life of the village. He was for over 30 years postmaster carrying out the duties in connection with his business. He was also well known in Peterborough as an enthusiastic member of the H Company of volunteers, being connected with the force for about 20 years, of which he was a sergeant. He had been a member of the Parish Council since its formation until the last election, when he retired through failing health; was also for many years sub-captain of the Fire Brigade and also Overseer of the Poor. The widow and family have the sympathy of the whole village. The funeral will take place on Friday afternoon at the Cemetery.

(Note by Canon Bryan: John Thomas Bailey, born 1837, married Anne, second daughter of Richard Brown, Nurseryman of Wothorpe, at the Independent Chapel at Stamford on 1 st May, 1865. He died 8 th June, 1914).

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Peterborough Advertiser, 6 th January, 1906

OBITUARY – It is with regret that we record the death of a highly respected inhabitant in Mr John Lucas Blake , at the age of 61 years, who had been a great sufferer for the past two years. He carried on the business of Saddler, etc . for 43 years and took a keen and lively interest in the welfare of the Parish. He was a member of the Cricket Club for 41 years, being a playing member as long as he was able to walk and then took on the duties of umpire, which he carried on until the end of this season. He also acted as sub-captain to Mr John Hare for a great many years. For nineteen years he was a very valuable member of the Church Choir and 19 years verger of the same place of worship. For 29 years he carried on in an excellent way the duties of secretary of the Eagle United Benefit Society. He was School Board inspector for 21 years, until the Education Act came into force, when he retired on his pension. He was also a Parish Councillor and a member of the Fire Brigade. He was seen taking a lively interest in the concerts for the benefit of the various parish institutions . He took a great interest in the promotion of the Coronation scheme for a new lamp erected at the Cross . The funeral took place on Wednesday, amid many signs of respect by many members of the various bodies he was connected with, paying the last tribute of respect to the memory of one who had done so many things for the village. The widow and family have the sympathy of one and all.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd May, 1908

DEATH OF THE OLDEST INHABITANT (Abbreviated) Mr Charles Stanyon died on his 94 th birthday on Saturday last. “Mr Stanyon came from Uppingham to King’s Cliffe in 1852 and for many years carried on business in Bridge Street as Ironmonger and Tinman , subsequently relinquishing work for a well earned retirement. He was a sturdy Radical and prominent Congregationalist, having been Superintendent of the Sunday School for over forty years and a Deacon of the Chapel almost continuously for half a century, working side by side with Mr E Edgson, who is still with us.” A local preacher for nearly 50 years. Chief mourners: The Misses Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth Stanyon (daughters), Mr T Stanyon of Chertsey, son, Mr & Mrs Chas. Stanyon and Mr & Mrs Richard Stanyon of Ketton. O0O Peterborough Advertiser, 2 nd May, 1908

MR CHARLES STANYON (complete copy) DEATH OF THE OLDEST INHABITANT – The 94 th birthday of Mr Charles Stanyon of King’s Cliffe, was also his death day and could he speak he would call it his lucky day, for after a strenuous and useful life of ninety-three years duration he was ready to “depart in peace”. The whole history of the deceased would prove interesting and instructive reading for his life was Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers most thoroughly successful and good, affording an example well worthy of imitation. The immediate cause of death was a severe cold which, on account of failing health and old age, he was unable to throw off and the peaceful end came on Saturday. Mr Stanyon came from Uppingham to King’s Cliffe in 1852 and for many years carried on business in Bridge Street as ironmonger and tinman, subsequently relinquishing work for well earned retirement. He was a sturdy Radical and prominent Congregationalist, having been Superintendent of the Sunday School for over forty years and a Deacon of the Chapel almost continuously for half a century, working side by side with Mr E Edgson who is still with us. For close upon fifty years deceased did noble work as a local preacher and if in his younger days his discourses were stern in their fiery denunciation of wrong-doing, as time went on his addresses were more moderate and the Gospel of Love and Mercy was eloquently spoken of. At the close of services held in the Chapel on Sunday reference was made to the loss sustained by the death of Mr Stanyon, and it was unanimously decided to send a message of condolence to the bereaved family. Mr J Elliott (present Superintendent of the Sunday School) spoke of the great work done by the deceased in his capacity as superintendent, the work only being given up when ill health manifestly made it impossible to go on. Very eloquent too was the eulogy of Mr F Edgson who spoke of Mr Stanyon being the pillar of the Congregational cause in King’s Cliffe and how extremely difficult it would be to fill his place. In every possible way the late Mr Stanyon had assisted the cause by his preaching, his Sunday School work and his ready financial aid. He felt sure that it was the wish of every member of the chapel that a letter of condolence be sent to the three daughters and son now left fatherless. The funeral on Thursday (yesterday) afternoon was well attended and the drawn blinds and other signs testified to the esteem and respect in which the “oldest inhabitant” was held. The chief mourners were the Misses Mary, Sarah and Elizabeth Stanyon (daughters) and Mr J T Stanyon (son) of Chertsey and the numerous followers included the majority of the members of the congregational congregation of King’s Cliffe, together with other friends and relations, among whom we notice Mr & Mrs Charles Stanyon and Mr & Mrs Richard Stanyon (Ketton), Mr & Mrs Iveston (Peterborough), Mr & Mrs J T Edgson (Morcott), Mr H Edgson (Peterborough), Mr & Mrs F Edgson (King’s Cliffe). Mr E Edgson (fellow deacon) was absent on account of illness. The funeral service was ably conducted by the Rev. J W Upton of Burwell.

Peterborough Advertiser, 6 th November, 1909 MR J T STANYON, KING’S CLIFFE PERSONAL – Mr J T Stanyon, late of Chertsey, only son of the late Mr C Stanyon of this village has retired from business and has now taken up his residence at Western Cottage, King’s Cliffe, with his sisters the Misses M and S A Stanyon. In memory of their parents, Mr and Misses Stanyon have presented to the Congregational Church a beautiful Individual Communion Cup Outfit with suitable inscription.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 13 th April, 1907

DEATH OF DR LEWIS OF KING’S CLIFFE [See photograph of the 1st King’s Cliffe Parish Council at the end of this document]

Widespread Regret – Funeral in Ireland A PATHETIC FAREWELL TO THE REMAINS ------

Although for many years Dr Lewis has not been in good health, the news of his untimely death on Monday night, at the age of 52, came as a great shock to everyone in the neighbourhood, many of whom had seen the doctor at his work as recently as the previous Wednesday. On Thursday last week complicated symptoms set in and despite the best efforts of Dr Walker of Peterborough and Dr Browne (the late doctor’s devoted assistant), deceased breathed his last at 8 o’clock, pneumonia being the immediate cause. Loyal Irishman as he was, the fact that he had been living and working in King’s Cliffe for nearly 20 years made many look upon him as Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers one of ‘Cliffe’s most estimable sons, and he certainly did a very great deal both as a medical man and a citizen to earn that title.

Dr Lewis was a member of the King’s Cliffe Parish Council since its formation and for some years vice-chairman of that body. For many years he was President of the Cricket Club and at the time of his death a vice-president. He always took the keenest interest in the affairs of the Club, attending many of its matches and liberally supporting it in other ways, whilst he was invariably present when any concert or social gathering was given in aid of its funds.

In matters Conservative, Dr Lewis ever took a most keen interest being President of the Local Conservative Club and was moreover a prominent Freemason, belonging to the “Chicheley” Lodge (No. 607) and also to the “Irish Constitution” (No. 25). Living in the country of spires and squires he had attended professionally the leading County people and was ever welcome, whether as a Doctor or a guest. His last attendance at any social function of note was at Lady Cardigan’s famous Balaclava Ball. The office of Medical Officer to the Oundle Union (King’s Cliffe District), Public Vaccination Officer, Governor of Law and Hutcheson’s Charity, Manager of the End School and sidesman of the Parish Church were held and most worthily filled by the late Doctor. He was also Medical Officer to the “Eagle United”, the Wheel Inn and the Old Amicable Friendly Societies and the Apethorpe Club and in every way he will be greatly missed from ‘Cliffe.

Before he came into Northamptonshire, Dr Lewis, who was the second son of the late Mr J M Aylward Lewis of Ballinagar, Co Galway, had a distinguished career in Trinity College, where he graduated in 1877 as a gold medallist in History and Political Science. He was a member of the Senate of Dublin University and was also a member of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland to whose proceedings he not infrequently contributed.

As a token of respect, the school flag was hoist at half mast and messages of condolence were sent from the members of the evening school and day school, who deeply deplore the removal of so excellent a Governor.

At the request of a number of Dr Lewis’ closest friends his body lay at his late residence during Wednesday and Thursday, when many who wished to do so, paid him a last tribute of love and took a parting glance at the face they knew so well.

Amid remarkable scenes of universal regret the remains were removed for the funeral in Ireland from King’s Cliffe on Thursday afternoon, leaving the deceased gentleman’s residence at four o’clock. The body was laid in an elm shell, enclosed in a massive coffin of polished oak with brass furniture, bearing the inscription:

THOMAS WHITE LEWIS Born January 8 th , 1855 Died April 8 th , 1907

Beautiful floral tributes bearing the following inscriptions were placed upon the coffin:-

In loving memory from Mr & Mrs Pink, Lyddington House, Uppingham. Miss Jessie Trustram, with sincere sympathy. To the memory of a very dear and valued friend from Mr & Mrs Raven, King’s Cliffe With sincere sympathy from Mr & Mrs O G Lawrence Law. From Mr & Mrs E Edward Sibley, with sincere sympathy. With sincere sympathy from King’s Cliffe Parish Council. With sincere sympathy from the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club. The chief mourners were the deceased gentleman’s brothers, Mr J M Aylward Lewis, JP, and Mr H H Lewis of Ballinagar, Co. Galway, Lieut. Col Lewis and Dr & Mrs Pink; while among those who also followed the coffin were: Miss Trustram, Nurse Norman, Mr H L C Brassey, Dr Browne, Rev H A Orlebar, Mr Arthur Howes, Mr G Miles (Chairman of the Parish Council), Messrs P A Jolly, C G Lawrence Law, E E Sibley and C A Minta (of the Freemasons), Messrs E Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

H Hawkes, J T Bailey, J A Ellis, T F Richardson, F Edgson, W Dean, W Lyman, Lib Dixon, H E Dixon, H Bailey, A Fletcher, H J Fryer, W Brooks, J Chapman, W Peak, W Coupland, Messrs Henry Dixon and F Blake (Eagle United Friendly Society), Messrs John Venters Green and Arthur Bullimore (Old Amicable Friendly Society) and Mr C Bollans (King’s Cliffe CC).

As the mournful cortege passed along the way to the station, the blinds at all the private residences and business houses were drawn. The flags over the school and the Conservative Club were at half mast. Pathetic little incident in the sad ceremony was enacted by the school children who were drawn up in line on each side of the road outside the school and stood, the boys with their heads reverently bared to pay a last silent farewell to one who they had grown to love and respect . At the station the coffin was placed in a special mourning coach which was afterwards attached to the 4.50 L & N W train to be borne away to Holyhead, crossing to Ireland by the night boat and thence on to Maryborough, Queen’s County, where the deceased gentleman’s family have lived and where the funeral takes place today (Friday).

It was with sad hearts and a sense of a great void that the residents of ‘Cliffe witnessed the passage of the body of one whom they honoured and esteemed From their midst to a far distant God’s acre. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs Stokes & Sons, Mr T F Richardson supplying the hearse and carriages. Mr Dean, the Station Master, made the arrangements for the conveyance of the body and mourners to Holyhead.

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Kettering Leader, 23 rd August, 1889

DEATH OF THE REVD. M J BERKELEY

Many of our readers in this neighbourhood will regret the death of the Revd. M J Berkeley, M.A., F.R.S., F.L.S., which took place at Sibbertoft, where he had been Vicar since 1868. He was an eminent scientific botanist, being the author of many works on that subject .

He was born at Biggin Hall, Northants, on April 1 st 1803. Having received the earliest portion of his education at Oundle Grammar School and Rugby, he entered Christ’s College, Cambridge, in 1821. Of this College he was a scholar and in 1825 he graduated as fifth senior optime. At an early period he displayed that natural taste for botany and zoology which was to bear such fruit at a later period. On leaving Cambridge he was ordained and after a short period spent as a curate in the country, he was appointed to the curacy of Margate. In 1833 he was presented to the two small perpetual curacies of Apethorpe and Woodnewton, where he was highly respected by all who knew him. During the long period in which he was engaged with the parochial duties of these small parishes he devoted much of his time to the study of fungi and their relation to the diseases of plants, especially the potato and vine diseases. In 1859 he published his well known book “Introduction to Cryptogamic Fungi” and in 1860 the “Outlines of Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

British Fungology”. In 1864 the Royal Society awarded him their gold medal for the excellence of his botanical works, and especially his scientific papers in the Gardener’s Chronicle. He was examiner in Botany on several occasions to the Universities of Cambridge and London. He was elected in 1836 a Fellow of the Linnaean Society, and at a later period a member of the Academy of Sciences of Sweden and of various other European societies. The latest honour conferred upon him was the Honorary Fellowship of Christ’s College, Cambridge. The illustrated papers last week contained an admirable likeness of the deceased which was speedily recognised by the inhabitants of King’s Cliffe, amongst whom he so long resided.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 19 th December, 1896

DEATH OF THE REV. E DU PRE – On Tuesday afternoon information was received here of the death of our late Rector, which caused quite a sensation, the telegram stated that death took place at 1.15, the bell was tolled and much sympathy felt for the daughters of the deceased who are held in very high esteem by the whole of the inhabitants. Death must have been unexpected as on the occasion of his birthday, which was announced quite recently, we were informed that he was in good health. A more generous man never lived and had he had double the amount of money at his command he would have spent it. He did not patronise the London stores but spent his money among his parishioners. He death took place at Wormington Grange, Gloucestershire, in the 75 th year of his age.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 5 th October, 1912

DEATH OF MR R BROWN II – The death of Mr Brown has removed from the village another of the few old trademen. Mr Brown retired from business about 3 years ago, having carried on business very successfully as a butcher for nearly 50 years. Since his retirement he has not enjoyed good health suffering from heart weakness, but was able to get about his home until the end, which came in his sleep on Friday morning last. Mr Brown was widely known in the district. He is succeeded by his youngest son, Mr F Brown, who took over the business at his father’s retirement. The funeral took place on Wednesday last at the Cemetery and was largely attended by relatives and friends. A short service was held in the Parish Church, the Rev. A G Bagshaw officiating, the hymn “Peace, perfect peace” being sung by the choir. The hearse and mourning coaches were supplied by Mr T Richardson, the chief mourners being: Mrs Brown (widow), Mr Arthur Brown (son), Mr & Mrs Harry Brown, Mr & Mrs Walter Brown, Mr & Mrs Fred Brown, Mr Rose and Mrs Rose (daughter), Mr W Brown and Mr J Brown (brothers), Mr A W Bailey and Miss E Bailey, Mr & Mrs Kent (Wansford), Mr Pretty (Bulwick) and many local friends and tradesmen. The floral tributes were especially beautiful and numerous and included a beautiful wreath from Mr & Lady Violet Brassey.

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Stamford & Rutland Guardian, 18 th March, 1916

DEATH – One of the oldest and most respected inhabitants has passed away in the person of Mr Chas Catlin . The deceased came here from Ketton in July 1880 so that he had been resident for 36 years and had occupied the Windmill Inn close on 30 years. He joined the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows when 18 years of age and had therefore been a member for 59 years. He was 77 years of age and leaves a widow, a son and a daughter to mourn their loss.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Peterborough Advertiser, 3 rd September, 1904

THE DEATH occurred on Friday morning of Mr Samuel Gist-Gist of Warmington Grange. The deceased gentleman had been in failing health for a considerable time. He was the son of the late Samuel Gist-Gist and the Hon. Mary Anne Westenra Gist, daughter of Lord Rossmore of Monoghan, Ireland. He inherited the property on the death of his father in 1845 and is succeeded by his brother, Mr Henry Westenra Gist of King’s Cliffe . The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Warmington Church. The service was conducted by the Rev. E J C Whithington Juce. The funeral was largely attended, many of the deceased’s tenants, being present. Among those who followed were Mr Henry Westenra Gist of King’s Cliffe (brother), Mr Hy Westenra Samuel Gist (nephew), Misses Du Pre (nieces), Mr G V Stapleton, Mr E G Roughton, Mr J Bryan, Mr Andrews, the servants. Died August 19 th , 1904, aged 72 years.

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Peterborough Advertiser, 29 th September, 1906

FUNERAL OF MR A E HAWKES, AT KING’S CLIFFE ------REMARKABLE EXPRESSIONS OF SYMPATHY ------In the death of Mr Albert Edward Hawkes , which it was our painful duty to record last week, King’s Cliffe lost one of its most universally liked and respected residents and the funeral on Friday was attended with a remarkable expression of public sympathy and regret. The eldest son of Mr & Mrs E J Hawkes and a partner with his father in the extensive business of Hawkes & Son, Plumbers, Glaziers, etc . Mr A E Hawkes was a native of the village and everyone who knew him held him in the highest possible regard and his death came as a severe blow to the whole parish. It was not generally known that he was seriously ill, although some years ago he was a patient at a Ventnor hospital. From that illness, however, he recovered and had since been reinstated as a leader in the life of the village. He had an ill word for no-one and no-one thought ill of him and his jovial and kindly nature had won all hearts. No local concert or theatrical performance, whatever its object, was complete without his inclusion and his ability as a comic singer and entertainer was recognised not only in the village but in the surrounding neighbourhood. Whatever his troubles it was said of him that “he always came up smiling” and was always ready to laugh and joke with one and all, or to sympathise with whosoever needed the sympathy. Although he was heard at times to say he was not well, no one seemed to take him seriously. Only as recently as the beginning of this month he was the best man at the marriage of Miss Dean and he also added his quota to the festal proceedings later. A few days afterwards, however, he was confined to his bed and after a week of terrible suffering he died of exhaustion last Monday, his sudden end casting a gloom over the village. As a workman he was clever and industrious and as an example of his ability he had fitted up a capital acetylene gas plant at his father’s house. At one time, too, he was the joint secretary with Mr Ellis of the Cricket Club and previously secretary of the Apethorpe Friendly Society. He was recently appointed a Director of the Gas Company and at the early age of 36 years he appeared to have a successful future before him. He was to have been married, we understand, early in the coming year.

The funeral took place on Friday, the solemn service being conducted by the Rector (Rev. H A Orlebar) and attended by a very large number of those who wished to show a last token of respect to the memory of the deceased and to express their deep sympathy with the bereaved parents and relatives. The first portion of the obsequies was taken in the church and Mr Hawkes having been a prominent chorister, the choir was present and sang the hymn “On the Resurrection Morning”. The organist (Mr Sibley) also played suitable funeral music. At the graveside the choir sang “Peace, perfect peace”. The coffin which was of polished oak with Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers massive brass furniture was covered with beautiful floral tokens, whilst a separate conveyance was requisitioned to carry the other wreaths from the deceased’s house to the grave. The bearers were six of Messrs Hawkes’ workmen: Messrs Skinner, John Bozeat, Joseph Bellamy, Charles Green and Sanderson. The chief mourners were Mr & Mrs E J Hawkes (deceased’s father and mother), Mr William Hawkes (brother), Misses Annie and Nellie Hawkes (sisters). Mr & Mrs Fred Hawkes, Hallerton (cousins). Miss Heatley (deceased’s fiancee), Neville Holt, Mr Edward Hawkes and Mr Harry Hawkes (cousins), Mrs George Hawkes, Hallerton (aunt), Mrs Cooper, Barnsley (aunt), Mr & Mrs Harry Bailey, Mr & Mrs Albert Bailey. Mrs Walker, Mr Cockle (Hallerton), Mr J A Ellis, Mr Dean and Mr Hudson (Bradford). Among those also present were Mr Weigall, Mr Minta and Mr Jolly (Apethorpe), Mr Fred Blake and Mr C Bollans (representing the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club), Mr Wm Bailey (representing the Apethorpe Friendly Society). Mr J T Bailey, Mr F Edgson, Mr T F Richardson, Mr H E Dixon, Mr Bert Bailey, Mr Jos Chapman, Mr Wm Brooks, Mr F Gore, Mr Arthur Robins, Mr Sibley (choirmaster), Mr Libeus Dixon, Mr Dann, Mr & Mrs Lyman, Mrs Dean, Mrs Hudson and many other residents of King’s Cliffe, Mr Robert Johnson and Mr T Wells (Woodnewton) and others. The large number of beautiful floral tributes placed upon the grave included the following:- In tender loving memory of our dear one, from the sorrowing family. In tender memory from his sorrowing sweetheart. From the Rector and Mr & Mrs H Amherst Orlebar, with much sympathy. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs C Hawkes and family and Mrs G Hawkes and family. With deepest sympathy and love from Prissie and Aunt. In affectionate remembrance and deepest sympathy from Mrs T Walker and family. In loving memory from Annie and Fred. With deep sympathy from Uncle John and Aunt and family. With love and deep sympathy from Mr & Mrs Ellis, Maud and Mary. To dear cousin Albert from little Tom. With love from Jess. With love and deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs H Hasnip, Market Harborough. With deepest sympathy from E Evans, Neville Holt. With deepest sympathy from J W Harlock. With deepest sympathy and regret from the Workmen. The last token of love and respect to Albert from Mr & Mrs Alexander Jolly and family. From Charlie and Mr & Mrs Cockle with deepest sympathy. With deep sympathy from Mr & Mrs Lyman. With deep regret from Mr A G Weigall, Apethorpe. In affectionate remembrance from his fellow choristers. With sincere sympathy from Mr & Mrs Lawrence Law. With deep sympathy from the members of the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club. With deepest sympathy from Mabel Jackson, London. A token of sincere regret, Pearson and Jack Jolly. With deepest sympathy from Harry, Albert, Any and Andrew Bailey. With sincere sympathy Mrs J G Howes. With deepest sympathy and sorrow from Gert and Gay. With deepest sympathy from Mr & Mrs W Dean. Messrs Stokes & Sons were the undertakers.

Preaching at the Parish Church on Sunday morning the Rector feelingly alluded to the loss the parish had sustained in the death of Mr Hawkes. There had been a gloom cast over their harvest festival that day, he said, by the passing of one of the members of the choir, whose illness no one in the parish anticipated would terminate fatally. From a boy he had been a chorister and one who had been so general a favourite in the parish would be greatly missed. His death came as a great blow to the whole parish. Everyone regretted it and wished to show their deep sympathy with the bereaved family.

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Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

Cutting of 1914 date

OBITUARY – After close on 40 suffering the “happy release” came to Mrs Mary Blake, aged 76 , on Thursday at Noon. Deceased was the widow of Mr John Lucas Blake, a former well- known saddler of King’s Cliffe. Prior to her marriage, Mrs Blake was the headmistress of the old National School in Telegraph Street. When that institution was closed, Miss Wright, conducted a private school most successfully for some years. (Mary Blake was buried on 1st August 1914.)

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Cutting of 1930 date (February)

King’s Cliffe Funeral of Mr F Blake

It was with deep regret that the news was received of the death at King’s Cliffe on Saturday from pneumonia of Mr Frederic Blake , the well known and much esteemed saddler and harness maker . Mr Blake, who was 58, had only been ill a few days and the news of his demise came as a great shock to all his friends.

The deceased gentleman was born at ‘Cliffe on May 6th , 1871, and upon the death of his father, Mr John Lucas Blake, took over the business of saddler, which he held to the time of his death – a period of twenty four years. He was Parish Clerk for eight years and had been a bell ringer from his teens, ringing the bells only a week before his death.

Besides being a member of the Fire Brigade and the Town Crier for many years, he was a keen sportsman, being a member of the King’s Cliffe Cricket Club for forty one years, hon. Secretary and captain for twelve years. He took a great interest in football and was a good billiards player at the Conservative Club of which he was a member. He leaves a widow, a son and a daughter to mourn their loss. The Funeral The funeral took place at King’s Cliffe on Wednesday, the Rev W James (Blatherwycke) officiating. The mourners were Mrs F Blake (Widow), Mr R Blake (son), Miss C Blake (daughter), Mr C A Blake (brother), Mrs J Mason (sister in law) and Mr A Bayley (friend). The coffin bore the inscription: “Frederick Blake, died February 22 nd , 1930, aged 58 years.”

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Peterborough Advertiser, 16 th December, 1899

DEATH OF AN OLD TRADESMAN – On Friday night there passed away, by the death of Mr Morris Skinner , one of the oldest tradesmen. Mr Skinner was by profession a cordwainer and employed, at one time, several men. He coupled with this business that of baker , in which capacity he was by the present generation better known. On hearing of his death there was general regret as he was universally respected. Deceased was 71 years of age. Item 3094 Obituaries from 1850 to 1934, copied from local newspapers

[Note: Cordwainer is a shoemaker].

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Peterborough Advertiser, 27 th November, 1909

DEATH OF MRS RAVEN – We regret to record the death on Wednesday night of Mrs W Raven , at the age of 76, one of the well known residents of King’s Cliffe. She was the daughter of Mr Thomas Henson, the well known Northamptonshire clock maker, whose clocks are today eagerly sought after by collectors and she celebrated her golden wedding about five months ago. Her husband, Mr William Raven, was the officer of Inland Revenue for the district but retired about thirty years ago and is the oldest inhabitant in the village. She was a staunch churchwoman and for many years took a great interest in the British and Foreign Bible Society, the Clothing Club, and other Societies and her work will be greatly missed by the villagers. The end was sudden but half an hour before her death her nephew, Mr William Le Queux arrived from the South of England, where he was motoring, as well as her brother-in-law Mr John Sutton. The funeral takes place on Saturday at one o’clock at King’s Cliffe churchyard.

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Peterborough & Hunts Standard, 11 th January, 1913

OBITUARY – Old Thomas Cole , a faithful and well known roadman , died on Thursday afternoon after a short illness at the age of 80.

Early on Thursday morning there died “Marter” George Goodwin aged 83 who for 70 years had been a renowned mole-catcher holding, among other posts, that of Apethorpe estate mole catcher. Deceased was also the “Pinder” or keeper of the “Pound” for straying beasts and was a very well known parishioner. There was always a keen demand from all parts of the United Kingdom for Goodwin’s well prepared skins and these today, in the form of waistcoats, cover the chests of hundreds of society folk.

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Stamford & Rutland News, Wednesday, 20 th June, 1923

PASSING OF TWO VETERANS – The village has lost two respected septuagenarians during the past week. Both of them lived in West Street. At the age of 73 years Mr Charles Green died on Sunday after a lingering illness extending over two years. He was the second son of the late Mr William Green of West Street, for many years minister of the old Calvinistic Chapel. He had been in the employ of the Oundle District Council for over forty years as road foreman . He leaves a widow, one son and one daughter to mourn their loss. The funeral took place in the cemetery on Wednesday.

At the age of 77 Mr John Thomas Roberts of West Street passed away suddenly on Tuesday morning. His health had been failing as the result of a fall, but he had been at work on his allotment on Monday. His daughter took him a cup of tea at seven o’clock on Tuesday morning. Miss Roberts noticed he was unwell. The doctor was sent for as it was evident he was sinking rapidly and shortly afterwards he died in his sleep. Deceased was hard working and industrious man and devoted to his wife and nineteen children, twelve daughters and seven sons, of whom five daughters and four sons survive. He was a native of ‘Cliffe and was married at Leeds 56 years ago and he and his wife were hoping to have had a family gather Sunday 17 th June to celebrate the 56 th anniversary of the wedding day. He had 38 grand children living and fifteen great grandchildren. Deceased was a carrier to Stamford for nearly 40 years and his daughter now undertakes the journey weekly. Deep sympathy is felt for the bereaved wife and members of the family.

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Members of the first Parish Council for King’s Cliffe, elected on 17th December 1894, and the Clerk to the council.

Back row, left to right:

William Henry Fane (‘”Jockey”), proprietor of the Cross Keys Inn. He came from Toddington in Bedfordshire.

John Bailey, High Street, manager of the wood turners’ business of J Bailey & Sons.

Libbeus Dixon, proprietor of the Golden Ball Inn, Bridge Street.

William Brookes (“Teddy”), first Headmaster of King’s Cliffe Endowed School in Park Street.

Charles Sharpe, Foreman at Huskisson’s Farm, tenant of the Marquis of Exeter; also proprietor of the Wheatsheaf Inn, Park Street.

Harry Nicholls (“Buzz”), engine driver in George Miles’ timber yard in Park Street.

Edwin J Hawkes, plumber and decorator, with premises in Park Street.

Dr Lewis, M.D., Irish.

John James Bailey (“J.J.”), Clerk to the Parish Council. Wood carver and stone mason: parish rate collector.

Front row, left to right:

William Dainty, farmer, West Hay Lodge.

George Miles, timber merchant. Timber yard in Park Street; farmer of his own land; also proprietor of former Stokes & Son coachbuilding business in Park Street.

Thomas James Law, farmer, Hall Farm.