The Hampshire
Family Celebrating our Historian 40th year Volume 40 No.1 June 2013 Volume 40 No.1
Winchester School of Art sketching class (see page 48)
Inside this Issue New technology and an old headstone • My Brown family • Historical hogs – John Arlott PLUS: Around the groups • Book Reviews • Your Letters • Members Interests • Research Room
Journal of the Hampshire Genealogical Society Hampshire Genealogical Society Registered Charity 284744 HGS OFFICE , 52 Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3DP Telephone: 023 9238 7000 Email: [email protected] Websites: www.hgs-online.org.uk and www.hgs-familyhistory.com
PRESIDENT Miss Judy Kimber
CHAIRMAN PROJECTS Dolina Clarke Eileen Davies, 22 Portobello Grove, Email: [email protected] Portchester, Fareham, Hants PO16 8HU BOOKSTALL Tel: (023) 9237 3925 Chris Pavey Email: Email: [email protected] [email protected] MEMBERS’ INTERESTS SECRETARY Pam Thacker Mrs Sheila Brine Email: [email protected] 25 Willowside, Lovedean, Waterlooville, Hants PO8 9AQ EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND TRUSTEES: Tel: ( 023) 9257 0642 Sheila Brine Email: Dolina Clarke [email protected] Gordon Clem TREASURER Eileen Davies Ann-Marie Shearer Jim Duncan 64 Sovereign Crescent Chris Pavey Fareham, Paul Pinhorne Hants PO14 4LU Ann-Marie Shearer Email: Ken Smallbone [email protected] Keith Turner Angela Winteridge MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY – See Group Reports Pages Gordon Clem GROUP ORGANISERS 52 Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3DP Tel: (023) 9238 7000 Email: SUBSCRIPTION RATES: [email protected] ALL MEMBERS £15 Members may now pay by Credit Card EDITOR at our website. Ken Smallbone 110 St Peter’s Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG22 6TG This journal is designed and laid out by Tel: (01256) 355590 Email: Acadia PR & Design Southampton [email protected] Telephone 023 8052 8254 Email: [email protected] The Contents Hampshire
Editorial – Ken Smallbone 2 Family Feature article – The new website 3 Searchers compiled by Lesley Bull 4 Historian Finders compiled by Lesley Bull 7 June 2013 Surnames appearing in this issue 8 Local history group websites 9 Memories of 40 years ago by Mary Talbot 11 In days of yore – Census – Part 3 by Ken Smallbone 12 Book reviews 16 New technology and an old headstone by Tracy Dunne 20 Which is the right Ann Dimes? by Wendy Cope 22 Dear Editor – Your Letters 24 My Brown family by Ken Smallbone 27 Page 54 HGS News 30 Diary dates out of county 33 Deadline William Inwood Material for possible inclusion in the September 2013 by Jane Hurst 34 Family Historian should be received strictly by 5 July We are the chosen 2013. All contributions are, however, appreciated as early by Peter Elliot 37 as possible. Members’ surname interests 38 Disclaimer Historical hogs – John Arlott The Hampshire Family Historian is the official publication by Ken Smallbone 42 of the Hampshire Genealogical Society. Page 42 Material is copyright of the Society and may not be reproduced without written permission. The Hampshire Genealogical Society does not accept responsibility for personal views expressed in this publication, or in any articles. Submission of material The editor welcomes articles, family trees (typed in black, A4 with 1” margins) letters, items, comments, and especially family photographs or illustrations to accompany them. Please enclose SAE for photo return. News from Record Offices/Libraries 46 Items can be submitted by e-mail to [email protected] with your Surname and “New Southampton Quaker burial grounds HFH Article” on the subject line or by post (letter or CD in by Ben Cowdrey 54 Word format). The HGS reserve the right to reproduce Local Group Programmes 55 submissions in publicity materials and on the society My ancestor came from Hampshire website. by Sue Dennis 72 Please, ALWAYS include a telephone contact — Important matters 74 (it will not be printed if you clearly state this) and your HGS Publications/Postal price increases 75 membership number PLUS full postal home address - particularly when sending Emails.
1 Editorial Welcome…
With this coming year, 2013-14, Hampshire Genealogical Society (HGS) will be celebrating its 40th year. The South East Hampshire Genealogical Society was formed back in 1973-74, and you can read Mary Talbot’s remarkably detailed memories of its early days on p 10. In 1977 it was transformed into the county- wide HGS, and in the following year I became a member (left in 1991 and rejoined in 2004). Throughout the coming year I hope to be able to include the memories of other original members to complement Mary’s very interesting account of the early days. To round off this eventful year, we shall be celebrating family of Brown’s Farm, Baughurst, appears the 40th anniversary at our AGM in May 2014. on pp 27-29; Ben Cowdrey’s account of the It will be a special occasion, and we hope it Friends’ Burial Ground in Southampton is on p will be very well attended. 54; Jane Hurst mentions that the Inwoods As if to enhance this special anniversary still were early Quakers on p 34. further, we have had the good fortune to be Problems concerning identification are the able to introduce our new website, which was themes for two articles (pp 22-23 and 34-36), launched at Who Do You Think You Are (Live)? while there is a tribute to family historians in at Olympia, London, in February. This is general on p 37. A lecture on Hampshire discussed on pp 3 and 73, along with the new ancestors is discussed on p 72. The article on logo, which you can see dotted around censuses is continued on p 12, while John throughout this current journal. Please read Arlott the cricket commentator is our present these articles, for they explain the situation “Historical Hog”. There must be plenty here more fully. for most members to find something of Another modern technological advancement is interest to entertain them. also revealed in Tracy Dunne’s article on p 20. I wish to thank everybody who has contributed It makes interesting reading, and may provide something to this current journal and for a helpful idea for some of our members to material that has not yet been included to date adopt. because of lack of space. Have a joyful Another theme - although not so modern - summer. running through this current journal is Ken Smallbone Quakerism. A brief summary of my Brown Editor
2 Feature article The New Website
Our IT team had worked all hours to bring occasional training meetings - as well as this complex task to fruition for HGS in assistance from people at the end of the time to launch at Who Do You Think You phone/email, etc. Are (Live). There is certainly no way we Alongside the website, work on other aspects could have contemplated this task of the project has also been progressing. We without their knowledge, expertise, and have a new logo. Opinions vary, but the generously giving freely their time. majority seemed to favour keeping the rose, The site is now 'work-in-progress' as we strive but updating its image. We have retained the to add more informative and interesting HGS name. The new address www.hgs- content, as well as consolidate and update familyhistory.com will run current pages and fix 'bugs' as needed. As alongside www.hgs-online.org.uk for a few with any new website, there have been months, and then replace it. Our tag-line technical difficulties, but our IT team is is 'Helping you explore and research your working hard to put them right as soon as family history'. Even if you google 'Hampshire they can. We have added forms to enable Family History', the HGS site should appear people to contact us online, as well as to join near the top of the first page. HGS or renew their membership. Visitors can We will also be working towards making an e- also buy HGS products online and access journal available through the website for those downloads. In addition, there are pages for who want it. New HGS members will now each local group to make their own automatically receive an e-journal, unless contributions. The content reflects the hard there are compelling reasons for them not work of many contributors, although not all to. The paper journal will continue as normal the information provided is currently on the for current members, and they can also opt-in site, but will be added as we progress. to have an e-journal at any time, if they so It is essential to have a strategy within HGS to wish. The Members’ Area is also being run and maintain the website to a high developed. standard, to keep it vibrant and regularly As already mentioned, there is still work to updated. We are therefore asking for more do, and much more to come on the website, volunteers to become involved with these with changes, corrections and fixes on-going. essential tasks. We urgently need:- As always, we are pleased to receive Volunteers with some technical IT knowledge constructive comments and ideas. Your to help and support our webmaster in voluntary help in implementing these and our administering and maintaining the site other works will always be welcomed. Our Content writers to write for the website eventual aim is to ensure that the website is Editorial team to work on the submitted the flagship of HGS, as it continues to be a articles, proof-reading, editing and posting vibrant and outward-looking family history onto the site society, offering worthwhile and interesting Training and support will be given for all the benefits to its members. above tasks, with the use of guidance notes, Chris Pavey and The Way Forward Project some distance learning, and (where relevant) Team
3 Searchers
Searche Compiled by Lesley Bull If you would like your request to be included in reply will not be made except through this this section, please submit a b rief, but journal. Photographs and illustrations are specific, email or letter of enquiry or send a gladly accepted: - (300 dpi resolution jpegs by 'Word' based article with relevant names (and email attachment or on CD are welcome) or particularly your own name and address) laser colour photocopies (never ordinary ones) detailed in B LOCK CAPITALS to Mrs L. Bull, or black and white original pictures. All can 'Wychwynd', Cove Road, Fleet, Hampshire, be returned if you request it and supply an GU51 2RT. SAE. If sending original photographs through the post, please use a protective board Kindly a lways advise a telephone number envelope. E MAIL: for any possible contact, and unless you state [email protected] and please clearly that you object, any e-mail or always quote a f ull postal address for those telephone number given will be printed. without computers. If this is not done, your Please be patient as acknowledgement or request may well be disregarded.
Abbreviations used: b = born, b ap = baptised, b d = buried, c . = circa, C = Century, d. = died, m rd = married. Members are reminded that these pages are compiled from letters etc. that may have been written months beforehand, so postal addresses should always be checked for up to date changes.
Betty Hiscock, 4 Blanchard Road, Bishops COOK family: Waltham, Hants SO32 1RH Email: [email protected] Tel: 01489 Market gardeners at Curdridge 894807 (Member 8378)
Elsie COOK married John Henry ARTON 15 Elsie's parents were Thomas Cook, born 24 May 1920. They lived in Swanmore, moved to December 1851, and Harriet HOUGHTON . 1 Northcote Villas, Forest Road, Waltham They lived in Curdridge Lane and were Market Chase, and moved again in the 1960s to Gardeners. Thomas and Harriet had 8 Shedfield. Their son, Margaret's father, also children: Emily b 1872, Frederick b 1875, John Henry Arton, was born 12 October 1920. Henry b 1879, Leonard born 1881, Lily b 1885, He was in the Royal Navy for many years. Edward b 1888, Elsie b 1891 and Annie b 1894.
4 Searchers
Thomas's parents were Charles Cook b 1807 sent in her query she gave the bare minimum who married Lydia PARVIN . They also lived in of details about the family. This is sometimes Curdridge Lane and Charles was a hawker. the case with queries received and I try to They had 6 children: Ann b 1831, William b contact the sender for more information. It is 1834, Sarah b 1841, John b 1843, Thomas b easier for HGS members to identify a family 1851. they may be able to help with if as many LB: HGS member Betty, is helping her cousin names and dates are given as are known and Margaret to research the Cook and Arton the enquirer usually gets a better response. families. Margaret’s address is 32 Andrews Please send in as much as you know about a Walk, Woodhall Spa, Lincs, LN10 6PF. Her e- family you are looking for, within reason! If it’s mail is [email protected]. Please too much I can always edit it to fit the space contact either Betty or Margaret if you can available. Remember that a photograph always help them with their research. When Betty first makes the query more interesting.
Heather Stanberry, Chailey House, Oakhanger, Bordon, Hants GU35 9JJ Email: Lost PHARO and STACEY ancestors [email protected] Tel: 01420 489762 (8135)
I am looking for any STACEY/STACY/STACIE John Stacie/Mary SMYTH 1655 – 1715 in ancestors in the Bourne, Wrecclesham and Froyle, Alton. Farnham areas of Surrey and the Binsted, William Stacy/Elizabeth ARCHER 1625 – Bentley, Holybourne, Froyle, Alton, South 1690 in Froyle, Alton, South Warnborough. Warnborough, East Tisted and Odiham areas I am also looking for any PHARO ancestors in of Hampshire. the Farnham, Hale and Wandsworth areas of My direct line is as follows: Surrey and the Aldershot or Portsmouth areas Edward Stacey/Pansy MOCKETT 1906 – 1995 of Hampshire. Many went abroad to USA, in Wrecclesham, Bourne, Farnham. South Africa and Australia. John Stacey/Fanny MANSEY 1869 – 1939 in William James Pharo was born in Hale, Wrecclesham, Alton, Farnham. Farnham, and married Hannah HEALY . I William Stacey/Hannah NASH 1837 – 1893 in believe he was a constable in Portsmouth, Wrecclesham, Farnham. possibly connected to Navy, but I am unable to John Stacey/Anne POULTER 1791 – 1864 in find him there. Binsted, Wrecclesham. Does anyone know of a John Pharo and his Thomas Stacey/Sarah HOOPER 1763 – 1823 wife Mary? John was born about 1739 in in East Tisted, Binsted. Hampshire or Surrey, married Mary about John Stacey/Lydia NORMAN 1737 – 1799 in 1759, possibly in Wandsworth, and died 1781 Holybourne, East Tisted. in Hale, Surrey. I have an article saying that he Robert Stacey/Anne 1706 – 1790 in did his apprenticeship as a Holybourne. carpenter/wheelwright in Farnham then went William Stacie/Saraye KNIGHT 1671 – 1762 to Wandsworth where he met and married in Froyle, Holybourne. Mary. They fell on hard times after John
5 Searchers
worked for a carpenter in Wandsworth who sent this response to Robert Toomer’s died and they were removed to Farnham in Searchers enquiry about the Dolphin Hotel November 1763 to the poor house in Church (HFH Vol 39, No 3, Page 166):- Lane. Their children were Susannah, possibly The Dolphin Hotel, Southampton, is a premier born in Wandsworth, who died in Farnham as hotel situated in the High Street below the young child from smallpox; Thomas born in Bargate. It is greatly renowned for the fact Wandsworth, died in Farnham; Mary born in that Jane Austen, Hampshire lass and poorhouse 1763/64 Farnham. Thomas had a somewhat famous author, danced in the family living on Hale Common/Hoghatch area ballroom there when she resided in the town and a David Pharo was born there, a relative before moving elsewhere. of this Thomas. I can’t find him, as he doesn’t Looking at the hotel website, modern seem to be the one mentioned above who photographs show a beautifully refurbished married Hannah Healy. interior - a great improvement on the place My direct line is as follows: compared to my last visit there a few years Mary Ann Pharo/Elias Gaines PARRATT 1854 ago for dinner. However, one thing that can be – 1925 in Selborne, Hale, Farnham. seen clearly is apparently the same fireplace in Samuel Pharo/Ann WHITE 1825 – 1899 in existence there today; certainly one would Hale, Farnham. expect an original feature like that to be Thomas Pharo/Charlotte STOVOLD 1796 – retained from 1936 provided it survived the 1869 in Hoghatch, Hale. destructive WW2 Blitz, so perhaps it is a James Thomas Pharo/Mary GIBBS 1771 – replacement copy? 1836 in Hale, Farnham. I don't know which area of Hampshire Mr Thomas Pharo /Bethia LONGHURST 1740 – Toomer most associates with his surname, but 1799 in Farnham, Aldershot for me 'Toomers Sports House Ltd', a sports Who are Thomas’s parents and siblings? I shop at 19 London Road I always walked past have other lines that I am unable to connect. I in the 1960s is immediately brought to mind. need to fit in - but am hitting a brick wall - My 1968 Kelly's Directory also records 14 John Pharo, Mary and the family mentioned Southampton private residents so named. above. I have an article which links them to Wendy Hobbs of Southampton researches Samuel and Thomas 1796 but then I’m stuck! Toomers, I believe. If anyone has information about the Stacey or LB: Rachael Hellberg (see the letters pages Pharo families, or places, or any branch lines I ‘Dear Editor’ this issue) had great success would like to hear from you. Other Stacey following the publication in the September families were in Binsted at same time as those 2012 Hampshire Family Historian of her above but I haven’t been able to connect them. surname interests and her query in Searchers. Any help would be appreciated. It really does work: members are very LB: HGS Member Sandra Naish, who is very generous with their time and expertise, so knowledgeable about the Southampton area, please keep the queries coming.
6 Finders Finders s Finders searching for keepers Occasionally, members have in their Searching for Keepers’ is part of the possession items that have no connection to ‘Searchers’ section, so please send in material their own family history, but might be of for inclusion in the same way, as per the interest to another researcher. ‘Finders instructions on the ‘Searchers’ title page.
Portswood School John Littlefield, 29 Middlemead, Hook, Hants RG27 9TE Photographs Email: [email protected]
John has sent two photographs of members. If anyone would like a copy of either schoolchildren attending Portswood schools in photo please contact John. the 1930s that may be of interest to other
A class photograph from Portswood Infants School, Southampton, c1931. My father Ken Littlefield, now aged 87, is pictured third from right, second row down beneath the window.
7 Finders
A class photograph from Portswood Boys School Annexe c1934 which was located at the bottom of Sirdar Road, Portswood, Southampton. Ken Littlefield is pictured seated on extreme left of picture wearing a striped tie and a big grin!
Some of the surnames featured in this issue
ARCHER GRAY McINTYRE RICHARDS TAYLOR ARTON HARRISON MILES ROGERS THOMAS BROWN HEALY MOCKETT ROPER BURRETT HOAR NASH RUFFELL THOMPSON COOK HOBBS NEWNHAM SILLENCE STOVOLD COWARD HOOPER NORMAN SMALLBONE DIMES HOUGHTON PARK SMOKER WADDLETONS EMBREE INWOOD PARRATT SMYTH WHITE EMMS KNIGHT PARVIN STACEY FAITHFUL LEAVER PIERCE STACIE WILLIAMS FARROW LONGHURST PHARO STACY WINDEBANK FREEMAN MANSEY POTTER STINGEMAN GIBBS MAYNARD POULTER TAPLIN WITT
8 Local history group websites
Hampshire family & local history groups
Background information on the area in which an ancestor lived is always useful, particularly when writing up the family history. Contact with a local group will often be advantageous. Let them know you are a member of HGS, and you could persuade them that you may both be helpful to each other. Important Hampshire groups are:- Hampshire Field Club & Archaeological Society http://www.fieldclub.hants.org.uk/ Hampshire Genealogical Society http://www.hgs-online.org.uk/ Hampshire Industrial Archaeology Society http://www.hias.org.uk/ Hampshire Mills Group http://www.hampshiremills.org/ Alresford Historical & Literary Society http://www.histandlit.alresford.org/ Andover History & Archaeology Society http://www.andover-history.org.uk Basingstoke Archaeological & Historical Society http://www.bahsoc.org.uk/ Bitterne Local History Society http://www.bitterne.net/ City of Winchester Trust http://www.cwt.hampshire.org.uk/ Emsworth Maritime & Historical Trust http://www.emsworthmuseum.co.uk/ Fareham Local History Group http://www.local-history.co.uk/Groups/hants.html Fleet & Crookham LH Group http://www.local-history.co.uk/Groups/hants.html Friends of Curtis Museum & Allen Gallery http://www.altonpapers.org.uk/ Friends of Royal Naval Museum & HMS Victory http://www.local-history.co.uk/Groups/hants.html Gosport Society http://www.thegosportsociety.com/ Gosport St Vincent Local History Club http://www.gosport.info/History/history Headley Society http://www.johnowensmith.co.uk/headsoc/ Historical Association, Portsmouth Branch http://www.history.org.uk/resources/ Lower Test Valley Archaeological Studies http://www.romseynet.org.uk/ltvas.htm North East Hants Historical & Archaeological Soc. http://www.hants.org.uk/nehhas/ Portsmouth Royal Dockyard Historical Trust http://www.portsmouthdockyard.org.uk/ Somborne & District Society http://www.communigate.co.uk/hants/somsoc/ Southampton Local History Forum http://www.communigate.co.uk/hants/southamptonlocalhistoryforum/ Tadley & District History Society http://www.tadshistory.com/ Titchfield History Society http://www.communigate.co.uk/hants/ths/ West End Local History Society http://www.westendlhs.hampshire.org.uk/ Winchester Archaeological Rescue Group http://www.warg.hampshire.org.uk/ Woolmer Forest Heritage Society http://www.woolmerforest.org.uk/ Yateley Society http://yateleylocalhistory.pbworks.com/ Other local history groups (those without websites) can be viewed on http://www.local-history.co.uk/Groups/hants.html And don’t forget the HGS groups at Alton, Andover, Basingstoke, Computer Group, Fair Oak, Fareham, Fleet & Farnborough, Gosport, New Forest, New Milton & Christchurch, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Romsey, Southampton, and Waltham Chase. A great deal of local information can be gleaned from the group members.
9 Member’s article Memories of 40 years ago
We have noted that next year marks the Society in the Friends’ Meeting House, Hilsea, 40th anniversary of the Society, and Portsmouth, in January 1974. There must thought you might be interested in our have been over 50 founder members because recollections as founder members our membership numbers were 47 and 48, because they also demonstrate how the and they were given out alphabetically. George Society has changed in the last 40 years. Wakelin became the Chairman, Betty Edwards Mike and I met in August 1973, whilst on the Secretary, and Fred Edwards the holiday in Yugoslavia. I was a primary school Treasurer. Other founder members I recall teacher, originally from Nottinghamshire, but were Frank and Mollie Tazwell, Peter Christie, living in London, and Mike was a butcher, Clive Colpus and Muriel Allen. Sadly, some of living with his parents in Gosport. Our them are no longer with us. romance was a whirlwind one, and by the end Mike and I duly filled in our forms to join the of October we were engaged, planning a Society, and thought it would be easier to both wedding for the following April, and looking give the same address. One Saturday for a house to buy. I had also obtained a afternoon while Mike was at work, I was deputy headship in Gosport, starting in called to the phone in his parents’ house - January 1974. Michael Walcot was calling. Before I could Mike had a long-time interest in family history, speak to him, the doorbell rang and I had to and was a member of the Society of ask him to hang on whilst a bed was being Genealogists. Around that time, Michael delivered. Returning to the phone, I apologised Walcot - with a group of like-minded friends in and explained the cause of the delay, Portsmouth, including George Wakelin, and whereupon a rather embarrassed Michael Fred and Betty Edwards - was looking to queried whether we had made a mistake by found the South East Hampshire Genealogical putting down the same address!! In those days Society, and in the autumn of 1973 contacted living together before marriage was definitely Mike to ask if he would join the proposed new frowned on. society. We married on 15 April 1974 (Holy Trinity, I moved to Gosport on New Year's Day, 1974. Bulcote, Nottinghamshire), and must surely be We had bought a house, and our original plan the only members to have received a wedding was that I should live in it, but it needed such congratulations telegram from the Society. a lot of work that my father made Mike The birth of our son in May 1975 was noted in promise I wouldn't live there until it had all the journal as a new twig on our tree! been completed. So, instead, it was arranged The first journal in A4 format was produced that I would lodge with Mike's next-door on a hand-operated duplicator. We saved large neighbour, who had recently been widowed. envelopes to put the journals in, and as many However, in practice I ate my meals and spent as possible were delivered by hand. We most of my time with Mike and his parents. continued to meet at the Friends’ Meeting Every spare minute was spent working on the House. Michael Walcot was not involved for house, and we began to acquire furniture. very long, as he moved away from We attended the inaugural meeting of the Portsmouth, but the Society continued to flourish.
10 Member’s article
Other members I remember from this time were Jon and Joyce Baker, who administered the IGI from their home, and Joy Hobbs. Clive Colpus was Director of Fieldwork, and we helped him to record MIs both in Portsmouth and in Gosport. Mike became the Publicity Officer, and we travelled around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, putting on displays, mainly in libraries, but also in building society windows. One display in Portsmouth Central Library in the summer of 1977 caused an uproar. We had used a photo of my great-grandparents, who had lived in Lyndhurst, and a very irate lady had demanded to know why there was a photo of HER grandparents on display. She turned out to be a long-lost cousin of my mother. About this time there was an explosion of interest in family history, and county societies were being formed all over the country. It was Wedding day, 15 April 1974 realised that, if we didn't move quickly, someone else might decide to form a Mike and I have remained members for the Hampshire society - so the South East entire 40 years, and we have a full run of all Hampshire Genealogical Society became the the journals. These days we are not very Hampshire Genealogical Society. Members active members, although we do attend the from Southampton took over some of the Gosport meetings occasionally. But we have administration, and for several months there enjoyed a fascinating hobby, which has given were no meetings in Portsmouth. When Betty us numerous amazing experiences and taught Haughey offered to organise the Portsmouth us a great deal about history and life in the Group I became her assistant - a post I past. Perhaps the most amazing discovery of continued for several years until I returned to all was that in the 17th century we both had full-time teaching. ancestors living in Minstead in the New Forest, Mike was also instrumental in the formation of even though I was born and brought up in the Gosport Group. He was working as the Nottinghamshire and Mike in Gosport. Mike's butchery manager of a Co-op shop in Gosport ancestors were gamekeepers and mine were when one of his customers, Fran Powis, poachers! bemoaned the fact that she found it very Mary Talbot (Member # 47) difficult to attend the Portsmouth meetings. 142 Albemarle Avenue, Gosport PO12 4HY Mike suggested she start a Gosport group, which she did - initially in her living room! [email protected]
11 In days of yore Census – Part 3, 1851-1901
For the family historian – and also for the by the district registrar - and confirmed by the local historian and sociologist – the superintendent registrar - before being sent to censuses from the middle of the 19th the General Register Office in London. There century are extremely valuable tools. they were again checked, and (with few Although the first census to record names exceptions) the householders’ schedules were was in 1841, its failure to document destroyed. accurate ages and places or parishes of Certain questions were asked about the birth has often caused it to be neglected occupants in the schedules. In 1851 they by many – the main reason, of course, comprised: name, relationship to the being that it is quite difficult to identify householder, condition (married, unmarried, one from another person of the same widowed), exact age (if known) and sex, name without more vital data. A fairly occupation (if any), place and county of birth correct age and birthplace would make all (or country only if born outside where the difference in such a case. currently settled). It was also asked whether We must remember, though, that census the person was deaf, dumb or blind. A more records were not created for the benefit of the accurate current address was included, if general public at all, but merely to contain possible. Uninhabited dwellings, however, factors to be used as statistics by local and were not counted, although included in the national government for planning and policy, previous census. In terms of personal etc. It was obviously not considered in the information to be later extracted by family early days that researching ancestors would historians, it was a vast improvement upon become such a popular pastime as it now is the 1841 Census. among the general populace. Covering the night of 30/31 March 1851, the Forms or “schedules”, with written census that year stood as the template for all instructions, were delivered to each household subsequent censuses, often with additional before census night, to be filled in by the questions. Occupations were recorded in more householder or a literate occupant, friend or detail, with even master craftsmen, being neighbour – anybody who could basically read acknowledged as such, having to provide and write. Special forms were supplied for numbers of employees, as did farmers. asylums, hospitals, schools and similar Schoolchildren were denoted as “scholars”, as institutions with over 100 occupants. The a kind of occupation. census enumerator returned after census The additional information on ages and night to collect the forms. He checked the occupations permitted considerable analyses contents for discrepancies and clarified of census data for England and Wales. Not anything he did not understand, or even only were 332 different occupations analysed helped the householder to complete the by age group, but they were also correlated schedule. Once all the householders’ with death records from civil registration, schedules were collected, the enumerator allowing statisticians to determine the then entered the particulars into his census influence of employment on health and life. It enumerator’s book (CEB). Both CEB and was concluded that “Miners die in undue schedules were then submitted for checking proportions, particularly at the advanced
12 In days of yore
Example from 1871 Census
ages, when their strength begins to decline ... the censuses progressed, although ages Tailors die in considerable numbers at the possibly became less accurate as the person younger ages (25–45) ... Labourers’ mortality grew older. is as nearly the same rate as that of the whole There had been 2,943,787 inhabited houses in population, except in the very advanced ages, England and Wales in 1841, and in 1851 these when the Poor Law apparently affords had increased to 3,281,024. Residents of inadequate relief to the worn-out workman”. institutions, such as workhouses and Occasionally, it was revealed that there were hospitals, and crews of river, canal and sea- discrepancies in birthplaces that would be going vessels were included in the population corrected in later censuses. A person’s count of 1851. In addition to the secular birthplace could have differed from where he census that year, the separate “religious or she was baptised; the subject might have census” recorded worshippers congregated in believed that they were born in the same church and chapel throughout the realm. This, however, was not repeated for later censuses. place where currently living; the informant could have even assumed incorrectly where During the 1970s and 1980s several family an occupant was born. Such could explain why history societies, including HGS, began to information on later censuses differed in transcribe the 1851 Census, so as to provide places of origin, probably due to the subject books of indexes for their individual counties, now being asked personal questions that normally produced parish by parish. Such data generally included names, ages and inspired further investigation. Birthplaces birthplaces in order to assist would sometimes become more accurate as
13 In days of yore
researchers, plus references to the relevant suffered extreme damage, thus some of the census book, but little more. information is missing. There were The 1861 Census took place on the night of 32,000,000 people and 6,000,000 houses in 7/8 April. The questions asked were the same England and Wales at that time. as in 1851, but with additional ones on aliens Following the success of the LDS’s venture and naturalised subjects. Uninhabited with the 1881 Census, the census data for buildings were again indicated. 1901 was published online in 2003 on a site In 1871 the census was prepared for the night run by The National Archives, wherein users of 2/3 April. The information required had to pay per view to access the data. repeated that of 1861, but in addition there Although the original census schedules were was a question regarding an “imbecile or destroyed many years ago, the CEBs were idiot” or a “lunatic” or more within the kept by the Registrar General, and eventually household. moved to the Public Record Office (now The National Archives, Kew). The CEBs were The 1881 Census covered the night of 3/4 filmed in 1970 to prevent increased usage April, and was similar to that of 1871. This from destroying these fragile records. Since was the first UK census to be made available then they have been made available on online. Initially, it was transcribed by commercial CD-ROMs and also, by licence, on volunteers for The Church of Jesus Christ of various family history websites. Latter-Day Saints, and first made available on CD-ROM. Free access to the online index is The 1851 Census for England and Wales was available from several sources. opened for public inspection as early as in 1912. None of the Victorian censuses gave any In 1891 the census took place on 5/6 April. In assurance to the general public that such addition to the questions of 1881, the information they had provided would not be householder was also required to state revealed publicly during their lifetimes. The whether an occupant was an employer or first census to include an assurance of employed. The number of occupied rooms, if confidentiality was that of 1911. Yet, an less than five, was now added to the schedule, implied guarantee of privacy would not appear as was also the language spoken in Welsh until in the Census Act of 1920, where Section households. HGS has produced a CD-ROM, 8 listed penalty clauses for early disclosure of comprising an index of individuals on the census data. Hampshire 1891 Census, along with their The 1920 Act is still in force, albeit expanded ages, birthplaces and corresponding entries. with later provisions. Yet, it was not until 46 The census returns for 1901 were dated 31 years afterwards that an actually defined March/1 April. Similar questions to that of limitation period was granted whereby such 1891 were asked, although now “idiot” had personal data should remain undisclosed. been withdrawn and replaced with “feeble- Public access to individual census returns in minded”. Instead of “employer or employed”, England and Wales is now normally restricted the question was rephrased to give “employer, under the terms of “the 100-year closure rule” worker or on one’s own account”. – the Lord Chancellor’s Instrument # 12, Unfortunately, certain parts of the census had issued in 1966 under S.5 (1) of the Public
14 In days of yore
Records Act, 1958. This non-statutory rule returns from Ireland exist. Those of 1861 and was applied retrospectively. 1871 were not retained; those of 1881 and The first census to contain an explicit promise 1891 were accidentally pulped before being of closure for 100 years was that of 1981. transferred into books. Thus, the 1901 Census However, in exceptional circumstances, the is the first complete surviving Irish Registrar General for England and Wales will census, having been open to the public since release specific information from 70-, 80-, or 1960, and now available online. 90-year-old closed censuses. Following the Ken Smallbone (Editor) release of the 1871 and 1881 censuses, if one References: was able to provide an exact address for a confirmed direct ancestor, there was a fee- Souces include: Terrick FitzHugh, The paying option that allowed information on that Dictionary of Genealogy (5th Edition, revised person to be extracted from the following by Susan Lumas, A & C Black, London, 1998), census. This option was subsequently pp 60-64; John Richardson, The Local withdrawn. Historian’s Encyclopedia (2nd Edition, The 1851 and later censuses for Scotland are Historical Publications, New Barnet, 1986), p available at the General Register Office for 72; Scotland, and those up to and including 1891 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_ were available for public inspection after 50 Census ; http://www.1851census.com ; to 80 years. An 1851 Census was taken in http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk ; Ireland, but most of the records have been http://www.familytreeresources.co.uk ; destroyed; those that remain are held by the http://www.historyhouse.co.uk ; Public Record Office of Northern Ireland or the http://www.1911census.org.uk/1921.htm ; National Archives of Ireland. Unfortunately, http://www.royalgenes.biz/soc.genealogy.brita none of the remaining 19th-century census in/
A selection of genealogical websites More and more online genealogical services are being posted on the internet week by week and month by month. Here is just a small selection to try out if you have not already done so.. None are listed through recommendation, but merely because they exist. They are listed in alphabetical order. www.ancestry.co.uk (or .com) www.genesreunited.co.uk www.archives.com www.genuki.org.uk www.cyndislist.com www.hgs-online.org.uk www.familysearch.org www.myfamily.com www.findmypast.co.uk www.myheritage.com www.forces-war-records.co.uk www.thegenealogist.co.uk http://freebmd.rootsweb.com www.ukcensusonline.com
15 Book review Bound for Australia A Guide to the Records of Transported Convicts and Early Settlers David T. Hawkings The History Press 978-0-7524-6018-5 Paperback £20.00 From the departure of the First Fleet from Portsmouth in 1787 to the end of transportation in 1868, a staggering 165,000 criminals were sent to Australia for a range of crimes. Alongside those transported, hundreds of thousands of free people emigrated from Britain and Ireland to the Australian colonies. Because of the vast distance, few immense returned. volume. For example, Marking the 225th anniversary of the sailing between 1 October and 4 December 1790 of these eleven vessels from Portsmouth, eight convicts died on board the hulk Ceres in Bound For Australia traces those ancestors in Langstone Harbour, namely, John Haggar, the most in-depth and comprehensive way to William Green, Richard Goodwin, William date, utilising new research from The National Norley, Richard Clemson, Benjamin Penn. John Archives. By directing the reader straight to Morris and John Porter. the relevant files, and providing a case study “If a man’s chains were hard to rattle he was to follow the stages necessary to research flogged and if he muffled them to prevent Antipodean relatives, David Hawkings makes noise he was likewise flogged for disobedience locating Australian ancestors more achievable of orders. After the 17th April they were not than ever before. allowed knives to cut their meat with and Having browsed through this book, it even some of the convicts broke off the tin handles makes one wish that they actually had of their mugs to use as knives for this they Australian roots, so that they could physically were flogged” … “I hereby declare that I undertake research of the numerous records consider the conduct of the Captain, his in the sources quoted in this extremely Officers and the Surgeon Superintendent and illuminating book. We are taken through many of the crew, inhuman, barbarous and criminal registers and court proceedings, cruel beyond all reason …” (p 148) prisons and prison hulks, petitions, A must for those with Australian ancestors transportation, crew lists and ships’ details, and good reading for those without them. the voyages, guards and regiments, military Published by and available from The History convicts, early settlers and pardoned convicts, Press, The Mill, Brinscombe Port, Stroud GL5 free passage for families, and numerous other 2QG (01453 883300; facets of this history, providing us with www.thehistorypress.co.uk) detailed examples along the way. There are even medical and death records in this Review by the Editor
16 Book review My ancestor was a …. bastard
Ruth Paley (Society of Genealogists Enterprises, 2004) Available through the National Archives and Amazon, priced £7.99.
This soft covered book is part of the “My Ancester Was A …..” series of (at the last count) 20 books in the same vein, but each written by a different author. It is subtitled “A Guide to sources for illegitimacy in England and Wales”. The book is divided into four parts, each part being divided into numbered sections. For instance, Part I covers ‘Illegitimacy in Context’. Section 2 of this part covers ‘Illegitimacy and Inheritance’, and Section 11 deals with ‘Child Maintenance – the Poor Law before 1834’. In all parts, with whatever subject under discussion, where the Poor Law before 1834 is mentioned, the number of the section containing that information [11] will be given. Hence, you don’t have to endlessly covering search for what that subject is all about when Affiliation Orders; Bastardy Returns; Criminal you come across it. and Census Records; Emigration Schemes and Adoption Societies; Divorce and Wills. A sentence early on in the book reminds us that a good number of illegitimate children The book does not just concern itself with were not baptised, and , search as we might, illegitimacy. It talks of the laws and how they we won’t find them; and also that a changed over the years, and covers social disproportionate number of illegitimate history and details what was acceptable, even children died as very young babies. encouraged, before marriage! Part 1 discusses inheritance; marriage; 89 pages, 9 illustrations, index and a full becoming an unmarried mother; abortion and listing of synonyms for bastardy, such as, infanticide; foundlings; baby farming and “misbegotten” and “son of no certain man”. It adoption. Part 2 (headed ‘Preparing for a also includes Guides to Records and Research, Search’) asks how can you be sure that your a Select List of Useful Websites and a ancestor was a bastard? It does make you simplified Research Plan. question what you know and what you have A good, in-depth and wide study of the subject assumed! Section 3 on ‘Finding and Using the with a great deal of helpful information. Sources’ has, for instance, information Review by Lin Penny
17 Book review The Southampton Book of Days
Dr Mary L. South Published by The History Press, Stroud GL5 2QG ISBN 978 0 7524 6534 0; Priced £9.99 (hardback)
I came to this book with no idea what to The two examples also show the width of expect, as I had not read any of the other items covered from the day-to-day similarly titled books for other cities. I misdemeanours to the historically important. was therefore disappointed to open the The book also mentions Southampton’s links book to be faced with January the first, with many famous people, including royalty, and to find no introduction. and the more mundane subjects like the The book is a snapshot of random happenings plague and drains. Taken as a whole, it gives a that were recorded at some time in pretty good snapshot of social history. It is Southampton’s history on the calendar date well researched and written and Mary South chosen. It does not in any way read as a gives all of her sources, which is not only a history through time. reminder that our local archives are larger than we think, but could be very useful, as For example the May 13 entry is from 1228, well. The mention of The Piepowder Courts when Nicholas of the Manor of Shirley was intrigued me! ‘persuaded’ to sell the Common to Southampton , but the May 15 entry is dated A fascinating book to dip into, but do not 1576, when a Robert Crewe was fined for expect a reference book with chronological throwing a dead horse into a water pit on the history and an index. Saltmarsh. Review by Mike Lawrence
Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003
With effect from 6 April 2013 new regulations brought into effect the outstanding provisions of the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003. It has been recognised for several years that a mass of information has been published in formats other than the printed word in books. These regulations allow for the first time the Deposit Libraries in the UK and Ireland to archive UK and Irish websites, along with e- journals, e-books and other digital formats, including blogs and offline (or handheld ) formats like CD-ROMs. The trawl over the web will now start and obviously take many years. However, it is intended that by the end of the year tens of thousands of e-journal articles, e-books and other materials will be available for online searching in reading rooms provided at the Deposit Libraries for the purpose.
18 Book review The spy beside the sea
Adrian Searle The History Press, 2012: ISBN 978 0 7524 7963 7 www.thehistorypress.co.uk Soft covered, with photos, notes & bibliography, £12.99
A seemingly ordinary, reserved woman, Dorothy O’Grady moved to the Isle of Wight and led a quiet, respectable life at Sandown until 1940, when her peculiar behaviour and repeated confrontations with the Army led to her arrest and conviction as a spy - and the sentence of death by hanging. This well researched book not only chronicles subsequent events, but sets the scene as a jittery nation is embroiled in war, and the island’s defences become crucial to the safety of Britain, detailing many of the installations erected by the military to defend the area. Dorothy’s bizarre behaviour before, during and after her trial has led to a difference of opinion as to her guilt, or innocence, and documents which might have clarified matters and which recently became declassified, have disturbingly been ‘lost’ from Dorothy O’Grady is uniquely placed in the various Government archives. Research into annals of espionage. She was the first Briton her background has brought much to light that condemned to death under the Treachery Act dispels any idea of her being the of 1940 after frequently being spotted on the unremarkable, if slightly odd, middle-aged outskirts of Sandown (a prohibited area), seaside landlady that her neighbours had insisting time and again that her dog had thought her to be. strayed. Had her appeal not saved her from The author has made up his mind about the gallows, she would have become the only Dorothy’s culpability, but the reader may well woman to suffer death under that Act during disagree! the Second World War. Following her appeal she served nine years in prison for her Review by Ann Long wartime crimes.
19 Member’s article New technology and an old headstone
I have recently had the exciting vandals struck in Southampton Old Cemetery, opportunity to mix new technology with and the plaque to Harry was removed and an old grave, in the form of discarded. So, in time for the a QR Code (quick official commemoration, I had response). This is a small a replacement steel plaque square made up of little engraved and added to a dots, which works in a granite flower vase to be similar way to a barcode, placed on the burial plot, and is the latest in new rather than have it reattached technology, as far as to the original kerbstones, as headstones are concerned. they are quite fragile now. When the code is scanned by The QR code was provided by a mobile telephone, it will link Chester-Pearce, funeral up with a web page that gives directors of Poole, Dorset. It further details. These codes is around two inches square are used in all manners of businesses - for and is engraved onto a small steel plaque. It is advertising, extended information, etc - and quite discrete, but when scanned it takes you can be seen every day on the High Street and to a web page providing further information in national and local newspapers. Just look for on Henry’s life and ultimate death on Titanic. a small black and white square with dots Obviously, with a whole page dedicated to his inside it! Anyone with a modern mobile phone life, there is potential here to give so much can download a free “app” to scan the codes more information than is possible to fit on to a and link up to the associated web page. gravestone or plaque, and the scope for family I have had the code fitted to a simple granite historians to give and to gain lots of flower vase on the family grave of the WITT information is infinite! and WHITE families of Southampton, I thought readers may be interested in such Hampshire. The grave contains the bodies of possibilities that may occur by having one of Ellen WITT (née SILLENCE ), died 1911, and these codes fitted to a loved one’s headstone. one of her daughters – Nellie Elizabeth Mary It can be fitted either as a tiny plaque or WHITE (née WITT ), died 1929 - and Nellie’s engraved directly onto the headstone and husband James Albert WHITE , died 1928. On could, of course, be used for an ancestral the original kerbstones the family had also burial plot without harm or damage to the placed a small steel plaque to commemorate headstone itself. It may equally form part of a the loss of Ellen’s son Henry (“Harry”) Dennis new burial stone or marker for a more recent WITT on RMS Titanic. He was a crew member, bereavement. It can also be fitted to a grave a fireman/stoker, and his body was never even where no headstone exists - in the form recovered after the vessel sank on 15 April of a small plaque on a grave plot marker peg, 1912. etc. Some time before the centennial in 2012, In terms of family history research, finding a
20 Member’s article
QR code on a family headstone can not only provide a great deal of information via its web page, but can also offer the option of reaching other people who are researching the same family, simply by adding contact details to the web page, etc. The person commissioning the QR code will have full control of their own page, amending the information as they see fit. They could, for example, provide not only In memory of Henry Dennis Witt information on the deceased, but perhaps a family tree, old PS. The code will also work from the photos, etc, as well. photograph if anyone fancies trying it out! I am excited to be a part of helping the Tracy Dunne (Mrs) (Member # 12751) memory of an otherwise forgotten Titanic 40 Egmont Road, Hamworthy, Poole, Dorset victim to remain alive, and this new BH16 5BZ. technology has helped me to do this in the [email protected] most modern of ways! ([email protected])
Thank you, Tracy, for your very interesting article. If members have a smart phone and would like to try connecting to the HGS website using the QR Code pictured here they will just need to install a 'QR Code Reader/scanner'. Various versions of these can be found as free downloads at Apple's App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone.
21 Member’s article Which is the right Ann Dimes?
On 19 March 1760 Ann, daughter of married Thomas TAPLIN of Dogmersfield, an Nathaniel DIMES and his wife Elizabeth adjoining parish, in February 1803, at the (née FAITHFUL), was baptised in Crondall same time as he enrolled in the North church. Then on 31 August that year an Hampshire militia. infant of that name was buried. In 1763 In March 1803 Taplin was questioned by the Nathaniel’s brother John and his wife Crondall Overseers about his parish of Sarah (née MAYNARD) also had a daughter settlement, as the family of a man sent for named Ann, who was baptised on 8 July at militia duty from his parish could expect Crondall. Although one of these children maintenance from that parish, this being at died, there were later two of that name in the time of the Napoleonic Wars. Thomas was the parish and both could lay claim to about to be posted elsewhere, and Crondall being Ann, daughter of John, baptised in needed to be sure that he was of 1763. Dogmersfield. Ann continued to live in One of these married John HOAR on Crondall, and in April she received her first 27 February 1783 at Crondall. The Hoars were maintenance payment. From May 1804 to also a Crondall family, and this couple stayed September 1806 she received 6s per in the parish and raised six boys. Ann Hoar month. In August 1806 she gave birth to their died in 1831, and her burial entry in May gives only child, a daughter Jane. In that year it is her age as 67, which would be correct for clear that her money came from John’s Ann. I think she is more likely to be the Dogmersfield. In April 1807, when she was ill, right one, but the other Ann’s claim was she had two extra payments of 2s 6d and 3s. interestingly staked on her tombstone. In September 1807 Thomas transferred from The second Ann was recorded as coming to the militia to the 77th Regiment of Foot. He Crondall in May 1792, bringing with her a was a substitute for a man from Bentley, certificate from the parish of Greywell, stating another neighbouring parish. That parish paid that it to be her parish of settlement. If John’s Ann £4 13s each year for the next two daughter Ann had been working at Greywell years. At the same time she was getting 3s a for over a year then her settlement parish week from Dogmersfield, although still living could have changed. This Ann seemed to have in Crondall and getting her rent paid. The had a more colourful life than the other. She Dogmersfield Overseers recorded ‘Paid Mr was the mother of two illegitimate boys: John Snuggs of Crondal for forty weeks rent for Godfrey, born July 1792, and Thomas, born Sarah [sic] Taplin from 11th July last. Paid at 1798, but nothing more is known about 9d per week £1 10s’. In 1809 Ann was not them. She also had banns of marriage called managing on her allowance, and on August in 1795, with William PIERCE named as the 19 they recorded ‘Paid Taplin’s wife two weeks groom, but no marriage followed. She finally pay at 2s 6d per week, per order of Mr Salmon
22 Member’s article
to pay off Bartholomew’s bill’. 5s 6d per week her born in 1769, but was that her true was deducted from her money until the age? In 1841 the census shows that she was beginning of November, when Ann was living with William and Jane and their six removed to Dogmersfield from Crondall under children at Bayley’s Bridge, Dogmersfield. Ten a settlement order. In the winter of 1809/10 years later the family were at the same Dogmersfield allowed her 3s 6d per week, and address and the census enumerator noted that in February she received ‘a quarter hundred of Ann had formerly been employed in a silk bavins’, sticks for the fire. With the arrival of manufactory, but was now a pauper - recorded spring, her allowance returned to 3s per as being 85 (born 1766?). In 1861 she was still week. Between 1810 and 1814 she living with her son-in-law, but her daughter occasionally got an extra 1s when ill. In 1816 had died. She was cared for by her eldest there is the first mention in the Dogmersfield granddaughter, another Jane, and her age was records of daughter Jane - ‘21st July, Ann 97 (born 1764?). Ann died in March 1865, and Taplin and child 2s 6d’. has a fine tombstone just inside the gate of Ann was widowed at some time between 1810 Dogmersfield churchyard that states she died and 1820. The first mention of Widow Taplin in her 102nd year and had been baptised in was in July 1810, but it is not clear whether July 1763 at Crondall. this refers to Ann or to her mother-in-law, Was this true or did her daughter, born in Elizabeth Taplin. In 1820 they are referred to Crondall, assume her mother was also born as Widow Taplin and Old Widow Taplin, and in there - and did the grandchildren ask to see 1822 as ‘Widow Taplin and girl 4s per week’ the Crondall parish register? Who knows? and ‘Widow E. Taplin 3s per week’. In the I have to thank Eileen and Graham Davies for following year Ann’s regular allowance was the information generated by Hartley stopped and she was given 1s 6d a week if Wintney Union, as they kindly looked it up for there was no work available, a state of affairs me after a mention of the list in a Hampshire which lasted from October to March, but she Record Office report in the Hampshire Family was given 2s 6d for a pair of shoes in Historian. This information has made me February. In June 1824 Jane, then 18, married believe even more strongly that Ann Hoar is William FREEMAN at Dogmersfield. the sister of my 3x great-grandfather. Other The next mention of Ann was after the Poor information was gathered by me from the Law Reform Act. It is on a list of paupers from registers and parish chest documents of the parish of Dogmersfield relieved by the Crondall and Dogmersfield many years ago. Hartley Wintney Union in 1837. She was given Wendy Cope (Member # 1933) outdoor relief of roughly £1 12s a quarter, of 15 Highmead Avenue, Newton, Swansea which about a half was in goods. This SA3 4TY document records her age as 68, changing to [email protected] 69 between April and July. This would make
23 Letters Dear Editor… Dear Ken I notice that most of the family history takes place pre 1900, but I thought that there might be some thing of interest in post war history. My point is that when I was submitting items to the Trident paper in the Dockyard that nowhere was there any lists of Dockyard apprentices within my own Department. I started to compile such a list and placed them on line at www.medfactory.webs.com. Unfortunately I was not able to locate many years worth, but those listed may help some one looking for more recent ancestors. At the same time I also put online a history of Portsdown Archery Club compiled by the late Bill Gilbert and myself, this can be found at www.pachistory.webs.com. Hoping this will help someone Yours Ronald Brett (Member # 2399) 32 The Yews, Horndean, Waterlooville PO8 0BH ([email protected])
Dear HGS, You are no doubt aware that the Family History Centre run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and located opposite the police station in Kingston Crescent, North End, Portsmouth PO2 8AQ, temporarily closed down about two years ago. We are pleased to advise you that the FHC has now reopened: opening hours are Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am-1pm. There is at present no need to book to use the Centre, which is as always free of charge to the public. The Centre's telephone number is 02392-696243, and outside opening hours there is an ansaphone for messages. We can provide free access to the Library Editions of Ancestry and FindMyPast, although our 4 computers are not of the fastest. We have 6 microfilm/fiche viewers: patrons wishing to order films now need to do so themselves online, paying by card (currently £7.50 for 3 months, via the Catalogue and Film Ordering sections of www.familysearch.org). A map and directions to the Centre can also be found in the FamilySearch Centers section of the same website. Patrons coming by car should use the car park (labelled "Biscoes") to the rear of the building, where the intercom door to the FHC is located. We look forward to seeing HGS members at the FHC. Best wishes, Francine (FHC Director) and Andy Andrew (HGS member # 8000)
24 Letters
Dear Ken Following the publication of our Interests and an appeal for help in the Searchers section of the September 2012 Journal, I thought that it was high time that I wrote to tell you that the response was great. One member spotted the names LOOSE and RINGSTEAD and wrote to say she had been researching these names for many years, it being her husband's family line, and we were able to make a connection. Another lady contacted us and assisted me with the BURT problem which was much appreciated. And I have recently met a third lady, (who only lives six miles away from us here), who has very extensively researched the HORN s but we did not find any common ground. This excellent response has now inspired me to advertise my Interests with several other Societies.Best wishes Rachael Hellberg (Member # 13433) Lon-Maigh, Shobdon, Leominster, Herefordshire HR6 9NF ([email protected])
Dear Ken Not wishing to confuse matters more, but I feel I should comment about the letter from Linda Atkins on page 269 of the March 2013 journal. Having been born in Portsmouth and lived in the area all my life, I wish to point out the difference between "The Hard" in Portsmouth and "Hardway" in Gosport. As Linda quite rightly mentions "The Hard" in Portsmouth is the triangle between the Dockyard wall, Harbour Station and the road along the front up to the Dockyard gates, I can't really comment on the original Mudlarks, other than I believe this to be true, but possibly much earlier than the 50s and 60s Mudlarks as witnessed personally by my husband. Hardway in Gosport, which is the other side of Portsmouth Harbour, is the area covering Priory Road, St Thomas's Road, Chapel Street, Green Lane and Quay Lane approximately, where in the 1950s they used wooden boards to go out onto the mud flats for bait digging etc., this type of wooden board having been used by previous generations of Hardway people, as described in Ken Grubb's article page 200 December 2012 HGS journal. Also just for added interest, I would like to mention that anybody born within the few roads of Hardway, Gosport, as described above were known locally as "Hardway Kingers". Best Wishes, Sue Johnson (Member # 1535) 17 James Grieve Avenue, Locks Heath, Southampton SO31 6UB ([email protected])
25 Letters
Dear Tony [sic]. Peartree church (St. Mary's Extra), Bitterne, Southampton, has been left as a legacy part of the house of Arthur John COWARD and his wife Marjorie Isabel (nee THOMAS ). We have had to clear the house and there is a lot of memorabilia, photos, paintings, postcards and letters. There is no immediate family so the church will keep these things for a while but then will dispose of them. As a genealogist I am sure there is some extended family out there that would be so grateful for all this information about their family and it would be such a shame to destroy them. Arthur John (known as John) and Marjorie Isabel Thomas were married in Southampton in 1936. John was in Kuala Lumpar during World War 2 (1945) and there are sketches of him by J. Davies. Marjorie was born in Southampton about 1906. She passed many music exams in her teens at the Trinity School of Music and belonged to the Underwood School of Shorthand and Typing at Bridge St, Southampton. I am enclosing a painting we believe is of Marjorie and maybe someone will recognise it. Hoping you can help. Jean Inglis (former member # 7527) ([email protected])
Need help with your research? All requests for research assistance to the HGS Research Room. Tel: 023 9238 7000 or Email: [email protected]
26 Member’s article My Brown Family
My paternal grandmother was the last the Hants & Berks Gazette announcing the Brown to have been born at Brown’s Farm auction of the farming stock at Brown’s Farm. in Baughurst. The Brown family initially moved to the New Mary BROWN was born on Wednesday 11 Forest, but had returned to Baughurst by April 1883, the youngest of the six children of 1901. Mary married Henry George Thomas and Maria Thirza Brown. Her father SMALLBONE , a crippled ex-soldier, in the was the farmer, and his ancestors had been register office at Basingstoke in 1910. living and farming at that same property for (1) Mary’s father Thomas BROWN was born well over 300 years when his youngest child on 15 January 1843 at 1 Putney Hill, arrived on the scene. Unfortunately, nine years Roehampton, Surrey. His father (Thomas afterwards the link was permanently broken Brown senior) inherited the tenure of Brown’s when the family was forced to leave their Farm, Baughurst, in 1865, and father and son ancestral home. jointly farmed it. Thomas junior married Maria Brown’s Farm was copyhold premises of the Thirza RICHARDS , a Londoner, in St Giles’s Manor of Manydown, belonging to the church, Reading, in 1867, and, after his Ecclesiastical Commissioners, formerly the father’s death in 1872, he became the sole property of the Dean and Chapter of farmer at Brown’s, remaining there for twenty Winchester Cathedral. On 12 December 1891 years. His wife died at Charter Alley, Monk the Reverend Edward Hutton Hensley, who Sherborne, in 1915, but Thomas’s death has had purchased Baughurst House in 1888, thus not been located because of his common becoming the Browns’ nearest neighbour, name. He was known to be living in 1921. wrote to the Commissioners on Thomas Unfortunately, this author had failed to ask his Brown’s behalf to say that the latter was grandmother, who died in 1970, about her desirous to purchase the freehold of his farm. family. Following a survey of the estate, it was (2) Thomas’s father, Thomas BROWN senior, reported that “owing to the ill health and was born at Putney in 1804. He married Mercy impecunious state of Mr Thomas Brown the MILES in St Mary’s church, Marylebone, copyholder and occupier, both the land and Middlesex (now London), in 1836, and the premises were in a very bad condition …” The couple had five children. They initially lived at Commissioners offered Mr Brown a price for Putney, and then Roehampton, where Thomas the reversionary interests in the premises was employed as a carman – his elder brother amounting to £914, which included the value John had a farm there. By 1855 Thomas was of timber. This was naturally beyond the farming at Roehampton for his brother, but by farmer’s means. Instead, Mr Hensley bought 1861 the family were living at Padworth, the enfranchisement of the farm for £950, Berkshire, where Thomas was a labourer on intending to allow Mr Brown to remain in his brother’s farm. Mercy died there in 1862. occupation as his own tenant at a nominal Thomas inherited Brown’s Farm on his rent. brother’s death in 1865, and died of heart Unfortunately, Brown’s ill health continued, disease in the fields there on 22 July 1872. and in September 1892 an advert appeared in (3) Thomas’s father, John BROWN , was
27 Member’s article
born at Brown’s Farm in 1774. Having no prospects of inheriting the farm, he left home and eventually ended up in Putney, employed as a gardener to Mr Andrew Drummond of Gifford House. By 1801 he was married to Sarah, whose name is not known, and the couple had eight children. It was likely that they had married at some place before even settling down in Putney. Sarah died in 1831, and John in 1832, both being buried in the Old Burial Ground in Richmond Road. (4) John’s father, John BROWN senior, was born at Baughurst in 1737 as a Quaker. at Wantage, Berkshire, in 1736. The couple However, by the time that he married, by had a son and daughter. In 1742 Richard was licence, in St Stephen’s church, Baughurst, in the miller at Baughurst. In 1747 he inherited 1771, he had probably converted to the the tenure of the premises that afterwards Anglican religion. His wife was Mary TAYLOR , became known as Brown’s Farm, following the who was possibly related to the former rector death of his uncle Richard Potter *. Jane, John Taylor. The couple had six children. The Richard Brown’s wife, died in 1770, and, as an senior Quaker families in Baughurst were Anglican, was buried in St Stephen’s converting to Anglicanism in the early 1770s, churchyard. Although her children were probably to remove severe limitations because recorded as Quakers, obviously her influence of their adherence to a dissenting faith. John eventually caused their conversions by 1771. succeeded to Brown’s Farm on his father’s Richard, nevertheless, remained a Quaker to death in 1779. He died in 1801, and his wife the end, and was buried in the Friends’ old followed in 1822. The farm then passed to burial ground in his garden in 1779. their eldest son, Richard, who was a bachelor. * The Potters had held this farm since before Richard purchased the rights to Loveday’s 1582, and were the original Quakers there, Farm nearby in 1828, and thus farmed both with their farmhouse becoming the first lands together. He died at Silchester in 1849. Friends’ meeting house in the district. The Two of his nieces were bequeathed Loveday’s Baughurst Meeting was actually the second and the house at Silchester, while his next of largest Quaker meeting in Hampshire during kin – John, son of his brother John of Putney – the severe oppression of nonconformists known inherited Brown’s Farm. as “The Clarendon Code”, 1661-89, and the (5) John senior’s father, Richard BROWN , was Potters were at the head of such “rebellion”, born at Basingstoke in 1703. He was a Quaker with James Potter as the Clerk and Treasurer for life. However, against their principles (and of the Hampshire Quarterly Meeting and the obviously unknown to the majority of Friends), leading advocate for Friends at the Assizes. he married Jane LEAVER in the parish church (6) Richard’s father, John BROWN , was born a
28 Member’s article
Quaker at Whitchurch in 1674. He was a however, he and fellow townspeople were now labourer and lived in Basingstoke. He married permitted to open up their own meeting Mary POTTER in her father’s farmhouse – the houses in Basingstoke. John married again in Quaker meeting house – at Baughurst in 1697. 1699 at the Friends’ meeting house in The couple had two sons, of whom only one Hampton Wick, Surrey, Elizabeth PARK , a survived. They continued to live in widow, but had no further issue. John Brown Basingstoke. Mary died in 1741, and was died in 1722, and was buried at Norn Hill, buried in the Friends’ burial ground at Norn Basingstoke. Hill in that town. Her husband continued to (8) John’s father, John BROWN , is an obscure represent Baughurst at the Alton Monthly figure. His name only appears in the Meeting and Hampshire Quarterly Meeting, Basingstoke parish register twice, on the and was last recorded in 1744. There is no occasions of the baptisms of his two sons. record of his death, and it is assumed that he I am eternally grateful to my grandmother for was buried at Brown’s Farm, known then as bringing such an extremely interesting family “Potter’s garden” – which, by this time, was no into my pedigree, despite them having a very longer in use as the official Quaker community common surname. I am extremely lucky that cemetery, being now reserved for family many of them were Quakers and also tenants members only. of the Manor of Manydown, for these records (7) John’s father, John BROWN senior, was are exemplary for sorting “the wheat from the born at Basingstoke in 1646, and was chaff” and ensuring that I have travelled down christened in St Michael’s church there. He the right road to their origins. The information was a labourer, and in 1673 married Mary above is merely a summary of the history of BURRETT in All Hallows’ church, Whitchurch. this family. There are enough records of them Soon afterwards the couple converted to in my possession to be able to fill a book. Quakerism, and spent several years moving Indeed, they have already formed parts of a back and forth between Basingstoke and few books. Whitchurch, so as to avoid persecution from Ken Smallbone, Editor the Anglican authorities, especially after References include: nonconformity had been outlawed in the boroughs through the Five-Mile and Certificates of birth, marriage & death; parish Conventicle Acts. The couple had seven registers; tithe maps & apportionments; Dean children. Mary died in 1695, and was buried at & Chapter Court Books & Court Rolls, 1582- Norn Hill. Her husband was a firm friend and 1863; Manydown records (Church of England associate of the Potters of Baughurst, whose Records Centre); Quaker records. Most of the meetings he constantly attended, while the documents consulted here are in the boroughs were out of limits for dissenting Hampshire Record Office. More data can be worship. He was very active, and attended found in Ken Smallbone, James Potter, Quaker, meetings at Andover, Basingstoke and A History of Dissent in the 17th & 18th Whitchurch, and also suffered imprisonment Centuries (Sessions Book Trust, York, for his beliefs. After the Toleration Act 1689, 1992: ISBN 1 85072 097 5).
29 HGS News
John Manning (1949-2013)
It was with great sadness that we learned year. He also introduced the HGS Family of the death of John Manning on 26 History Training Days in Portsmouth two years February 2013. ago. Although he had to cancel the courses John had been a member of the Society for last year, he was yet able to hand over to Tony several years, and had been involved as one of Trice, who will be running them this year. our volunteers at the HGS Research Centre for John was well liked by those who came into a considerable length of time. He then took contact with him, and will be sadly missed. over the role of Portsmouth Group Organiser Our condolences go to his wife Betty and their in 2010. He proved to be a popular leader and, despite increasing ill health, he continued family. looking after that group until January this Dolina Clarke The New chairman
At the AGM, 26 May 2013, Ken Smallbone Dolina Clarke has now taken over that post to stood down as Chairman of HGS, after become our current Chairman. Ken remains having served in this capacity for a year, as Editor of the HFH journal for the time in which time he had overseen several being, and Dolina continues to serve as the changes. Manager of the HGS Research Centre. AGM and Open Day 2013-14
This year’s AGM was held at Winchester interesting items for family history Discovery Centre on Sunday 22 May 2013. enthusiasts, along with research help facilities As this event took place after the date and bookstall. For further details visit the HGS when this current journal went to print website (see inside front cover) or email then further details of the AGM will be [email protected]. found in the next (September 2013) issue. Next year’s AGM (2014) will be a very special Hampshire Genealogical Society’s Open Day will take place at Horndean Technology College event, as it will be celebrating HGS’s 40th (its venue for many years) on Sunday 29 anniversary. Therefore, it is hoped that it will September (Michaelmas Day) 2013 from 10 be very well attended, and that members will am to 4 pm. Admission is free. There will be come up with helpful ideas to make it stand several stands available, containing a range of out. A new venue is being sought.
30 HGS News Credit Card Membership Payments Numbers Reminder
GENfair and PayPal and Subscriptions In order to clarify the situation concerning credit card payments, particularly online, it is noted here for your information that HGS at Renewal present supports two facilities for such payments: GENfair and PayPal. Although Is your Membership Number between PayPal is generally the more popular option, it 13,253 and 13,291, inclusive, or between has been found that some people would still 13,446 and 13,471, inclusive? prefer to use GENfair. If so, then you need to be aware that at some GENfair has been HGS’s long-term agent for time between June 1 and August 31 this year accepting credit card payments from overseas members - and from October 2012 this facility your membership will expire - unless you was also extended to UK members. However, renew your subscription before the due date such usage carries with it a 50p of the anniversary when you joined HGS. It is administrative fee. Please note this surcharge. up to you to discover when your subscription According to the new HGS website, one can renewal will be imminent by contacting the still use GENfair for online card payments at Membership Secretary (contact details are on that site. Yet, if you have difficulty in accessing the inside of both covers). If it expires then the relevant page, then please visit you will no longer receive the benefits that www.genfair.co.uk instead and enter membership provides, which is now much “hampshire genealogical society” for more valuable due to advent of our new subscriptions, etc, or merely “hampshire” for website. publications. PayPal is the main facility adopted on our new website, and is relatively easy to use for credit card payments. No separate account is required. You are taken to a secure page where you can make payments for subscriptions, publications or any other New Trustees services or products supplied by HGS. PayPal is used universally. It is accepted as one of the From the date of the AGM, Colin Daniels had most popular, secure, and reliable methods of resigned as Trustee, and Gordon Clem and online payments. Currency exchange is also Keith Turner have joined the Executive made easier and much cheaper than through Committee as new Trustees. one’s own bank.
31 HGS News Who Do You Think You Are? (Live) Olympia, 22-24 February 2013
We had a very successful event, the successful. We were able to demonstrate our takings were £1,875 in cash and cheques. new website. This was well received and We also had new members join us - about prompted many questions and enquiries, and 7 or 8 using the paper method, about the we were able to help quite a few people with same using the new online facility via the their 'brickwalls' via the look-ups. Friday and website. We also made some sales via the Saturday were manic days and we were all website and PayPal. stretched; Sunday was quieter. So, we probably took about £2,000 in all, and Many people said that our stand was the most in the following week we had £700-worth of helpful, professional, knowledgeable and orders through website and PayPal, as well as friendly of all the stands they visited. There more new members’ sign-ups. In addition to was also a lot of interest from other exhibitors sales, we must not forget that a large part of as to what we were doing with our website our time was spent talking to attendees and and the items we have on it. Everyone helping them with their queries. We know that contributed to this with their willingness to actual contact like this with our members is of help and talk, etc, so such comments are very the utmost importance, so thanks to everyone well deserved for everyone who had taken who helped out at the event, and also for all part. So, thanks once again to you all. their knowledge and expertise in answering Chris Pavey, HGS Bookstall Manager questions. Thanks also to the technical team, who not only got the website up and running in time for WDYTYA, but also for being there, as well, Bookstall Dates fielding the hundreds of questions that were 15 June Wiltshire FHS Southern FH Day, asked and constant requests for help, while Wilton keeping the website up and running 1 July Portsmouth HGS Meeting, throughout the whole show. That is certainly Cosham something no-one else could have done! 20 July Portsmouth Central Library The 'tech corner' of our stand, with its large TV 29 Sept HGS Open Day, Horndean screen displaying the website, and the computer area for 'look-ups' were extremely
YOUR stories and features to: [email protected]
32 HGS News
Diary Dates out of County Devon FHS, Summer Special Bideford College, Abbotsham Road, Bideford EX39 3AR Saturday 15 June 2013 – 10.00 am to 4.00 pm £7 / £13 Booking essential: www.devonfhs.org.uk/summerspecial Wiltshire FHS, Southern FH Day Wilton Community Centre, Wilton SP2 0DG Saturday 15 June 2013 – 10.00 am to 3.30 pm (free) HGS Research Centre Reading FH Centre Open Day 280 The Meadway, Tilehurst, Reading RG30 52 Northern Road, Cosham, 4PE Portsmouth PO6 3DB Saturday 6 July 2013 – 9.30 am to 6.30 pm (free) Open Tuesdays & Thursdays Jewish Genealogical Society, First FH 9.30 a.m. - 12.30 & 1.30 - 4.30 p.m. Fair De Vere Village Urban Resort, Elstree WD6 Booking in advance is essential - 3SB Maximum of 4 people per session Sunday 7 July 2013 – [email protected] for details Please telephone Dolina Clarke, Buckinghamshire FHS Open Day & Fair Manager on 02392.387000 (Tuesday Grange School, Wendover Way, Aylesbury or Thursday) For more details see the HP21 7NH HGS website www.hgs-online.org.uk Saturday 27 July 2013 – 10.00 am to 4.00 pm (free)
FAREWELL With the deepest regret we wish to inform readers of the deaths of the following HGS members:- Mr Peter C. Gawn (Member # 5951), PO Box 1572, Sechelt, British Columbia, Canada Mr John Manning (Member # 11995), 14 Widley Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire, who passed away on 26 February 2013: See Obituary Mr Robert J. Thomas (Member # 5382), 50 Falcon Road, Guildford, Surrey
33 Member’s article
William Inwood
It is a very fortunate family historian who indication in the registers as to the name of never comes across a ‘brickwall’ in their the father. work. By this time Charlotte’s grandfather had died One such block has long been known in the and her father had acquired the cottages. history of the three illegitimate children of James built some small dwellings at the back Charlotte INWOOD , who emigrated to New of his property, and Charlotte moved into one Zealand, arriving at Nelson in 1842. Who were of them. Then, at the age of about 29, she the fathers of these children? married! Charlotte was the daughter of James Inwood, The groom was John WINDEBANK , who was carpenter, of Alton, Hampshire. The Inwood six years younger than his bride. Many family had come from Surrey to the Binsted versions of the family history appearing on the area in the 1500s, and settled in Neatham by web state that John was the father of the early 1600s. They became yeoman- Charlotte’s three babies - but there is no proof farmers and leased Neatham Manor Farm for found of this. In fact, John was only 15 when several generations. Interestingly, although William was baptised and, although not farm and manor were owned by Roman impossible, it seems very unlikely that he was Catholics, the Inwoods became Quakers in the the father. If he had been - then why did they early days of the movement around Alton, not wed: the legal ages for marriage, with some remaining Friends for about 100 years. consent, were 12 years for girls and 14 for One branch of the Inwoods moved to boys? So here is the ‘brickwall’ - who could Holybourne, and a few descendants emigrated William’s father have been? - some to America - and one, Daniel, to Whenever one meets such a problem, then Canterbury, New Zealand, in 1850. Another looking for other sources is always the next Daniel Inwood was a wealthy farmer and left best move – yet, many are not on the internet money to Alton’s hospital on the and probably never will be. Not all survive for understanding that it was named after him – a particular place or period, but, in this case, hence, Inwood Cottage Hospital. the accounts of the Overseers of the Poor for One of the other lines came from Thomas the parish prove most interesting. Inwood (c1746-1821), who moved into Alton The account book has been badly damaged by itself and acquired four cottages on the edge damp and can only be viewed on film at the of the town. Here he settled and his sons, Hampshire Archives in Winchester or at any Thomas and James, married and produced Family History Centre (it may have to be large families. James had two wives and, in ordered first). In it is a list of the payments December 1808, his daughter Charlotte was being made to the Overseers including:- baptised. Her mother had two other daughters ‘William Newnham on account of bastard child to look after, as well as four stepchildren! by Charlotte Inwood’. When she was aged about 21, Charlotte The date appears to have been 1830, so this Inwood, spinster, gave birth to a boy who was could only have been for baby William Inwood, baptised William. In 1832 a baby girl, and it is apparent from the other entries that Elizabeth, was baptised, and three years later this was a list of fathers paying towards the a boy named Henry. In each case there is no
34 Member’s article
– one problem solved but more questions left!
Lansdowne House upkeep of their illegitimate offspring. Most of ‘I’ve a pain in my head the other men given were paying 1s 6d or 2s a Said the suffering Beckford, week for their children, but William To her Doctor so dread, NEWNHAM was paying a lump sum that would probably have been invested to give a Oh! What shall I take for’t? similar regular amount. For a wealthy family, Said her Doctor so dread this would have met their obligation without Whose name it was Newnham the need for weekly or monthly contact with the Overseers. For this pain in your head So who was William Newnham? This is where Ah! What can you do Ma’am? knowledge of the local history of an area can Said Miss Beckford, suppose be a great help. I had already come across one If you think there’s no risk, of the Newnham family when writing a book I take a good Dose about Jane Austen and Alton. In February 1811 Jane visited Mr.Newnham, an Alton Of calomel brisk. apothecary and surgeon, with Miss Beckford What a praiseworthy notion, (sister-in-law of Mr.Middleton, who had a 5- Replied Mr. Newnham. year lease on Chawton House). Jane turned You shall have such a potion the conversation into verse (‘Lines to Maria Beckford’):- And so will I too Ma’am.’
35 Member’s article
Swarthmore
Interestingly, Jane did not use him as her Alton fairs? We shall probably never know. doctor when she was ill - she used Dr.Curtis! And what happened to William Henry This Mr Newnham was called Charles, but he Newnham? He was still unmarried and at had a son William Henry, who was baptised in home at the 1841 census. While Charlotte was Alton on 27 September 1805 - so the latter in her cottage with her children waiting to set would have been about 24 when baby William off and join her husband John in New Zealand, Inwood was born. Was it a coincidence that William was recorded as a surgeon living with his son was named after him? his parents and sister Agnes in Alton High William Henry’s father and family came to Street. By the next census, he was married, Alton from the nearby town of Odiham, and had children Georgiana and William Henry, took out a lease on a large house called and was living at Southwark, Surrey - south of Swarthmore in the High Street. In about 1801 the River Thames. the family moved across the road to One is left with more questions than answers. Lansdowne House, a very impressive Did William Inwood ever know who his father Georgian building. This was where William was? Did his father know what happened to Henry Newnham was born. him? Who were the fathers of Charlotte’s What is not recorded is how William Henry other two illegitimate children? and Charlotte met. They lived at opposite ends Jane Hurst (Member # 6392) of the town and social scale - so was Charlotte 82 The Butts, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1RD in service here? Did they meet at one of the [email protected]
36 Member’s article We are the chosen
"We are the chosen. In each family there is are today. It goes to respecting their hardships one who seems called to find the and losses, their never giving in or giving up, ancestors. To put flesh on their bones and their resoluteness to go on and build a life for make them live again. To tell the family their family. It goes to deep pride that the story and to feel that somehow they know fathers fought, and some died, to make and and approve. keep us a nation. It goes to a deep and Doing genealogy is not a cold gathering of immense understanding that they were doing facts but, instead, breathing life into all who it for us. have gone before. We are the story tellers of It is of equal pride and love that our mothers the tribe. All tribes have one. We have been struggled to give us birth, without them we called, as it were, by our genes. Those who could not exist, and so we love each one, as have gone before cry out to us: "Tell our far back as we can reach. That we might be story". So, we do. born who we are. That we might remember In finding them, we somehow find ourselves. them. So we do. With love and caring and How many graves have I stood before now and scribing each fact of their existence, because cried? I have lost count. How many times have we are they and they are the sum of who we I told the ancestors, "You have a wonderful are. family; you would be proud of us." How many So, as a scribe called, I tell the story of my times have I walked up to a grave and felt family. It is up to that one called in the next somehow there was love there for me? I generation to answer the call and take my cannot say. place in the long line of family storytellers. It goes beyond just documenting facts. It goes That is why I do my family genealogy, and that to who am I and why do I do the things I do. It is what calls those young and old to step up goes to seeing a cemetery about to be lost and restore the memory or greet those who forever to weeds and indifference and saying I we had never known before." can't let this happen. The bones here are Author: Unknown bones of my bone and flesh of my flesh. It goes to doing something about it. It goes to Contributed by Peter Elliott pride in what our ancestors were able to (Member # 10435) accomplish. How they contributed to what we ([email protected])
Have your Query published in the journal? Send to [email protected]
37 Members’ Surname Interests Database Members’ Surname Interests Database Progress has been made for placing members’ interests on the HGS website. See p40 for further details of the new service being provided. Members’ interests and updates to the catalogue are published quarterly in the Society's journal. There is a restriction of a Maintained by Pam Thacker Email: maximum of 15 entries per person whenever [email protected] submitting interests (new or updates), so Telephone: 023 9238 7000 (HGS Office) required to keep entries published quarterly in the journal to a manageable size. Such constraint does not apply to the database, N. B. Changes to Email will no longer be noted however, so it is possible to add further in the journal as many are already obsolete interests quarterly - within reason! It is also when published. Please contact the HGS Office possible to remove redundant entries, and this for a member's current details if you encounter is encouraged - deletions are not notified in problems. the journal; they simply won't appear in the But please inform the Membership database. Updates should be BLOCK printed secretary (membership@hgs- and submitted in the format used in the online.org.uk) of your current address. following section. The county Chapman Codes The section on the following pages is arranged are published at least once in any yearly HFH alphabetically by surname, then area and volume and should be used when submitting place name. Once you have located an entry in interests, e.g. HAM for Hampshire etc. which you are interested, note the number on the right hand side of the column and turn to Please note that addresses published in this the end of the section. section refer only to members who have Look up the number, which will give the name submitted their interests. Data held on the and address of the person who submitted the database can be amended, added to, deleted information. etc. at any time by contacting Pam Thacker (see above). All queries concerning this Notes: section should also be sent to her. Please note date + = post that date; that this HFH article has to be with the editor by the deadline noted on the first page, so pre date = before that date; please don't leave it until the last minute to cdate = circa (about) that date; submit a change. The Society reserves the Cxx = xx th. Century; right to restrict the number of entries parish a = area around parish submitted to (or retained on) the database by any member if these are considered excessive Remember that your addresses are your and would have an impact on any publication. contact point, so keep them up to date.
38 Members’ Surname Interests Database
Attwooll Dor Portland pre1840 13557 Lewis Hrt Batchworth C19 13387 Baker Sfk Hitchin C19 13387 Lewis Mdx Isleworth C19 13387 Barnesby Ham Bishopstoke pre1710 13557 Lillens Ham Michelmarsh a Any 13558 Best Lnd Clerkenwell c1830 13573 Lillens Ham Nursling Any 13558 Boswell Ham Droxford 1825-1854 13564 Lillens Ham Romsey Any 13558 Boswell Ham Droxford pre1825 13564 Maynard Ham Fareham 1810+ 13557 Broadley Yks Halifax 1740+ 13573 Maynard Ham Gosport 1890+ 13557 Bulbeck Ssx East Dean 1700+ 13557 Maynard Ssx New Shoreham 1850+ 13557 Canning Ess Saffron Walden pre1841 13573 Miles Ham Crondall pre1792 13564 Carter Ham Southwick 1750+ 13557 Paice Ham Droxford 1840-1860 13564 Cawte Ham Bishopstoke pre1799 13564 Paice Ham Portsmouth 1824-1840 13564 Cheater Ham Any 1800+ 13177 Paice Ham Portsmouth pre1824 13564 Clascey Ham Eversley pre1809 13564 Paice Ham Upham 1871 13564 Colborne Ham Ringwood 1800+ 13177 Perfect Lnd any C19 13387 Crocker Ham Nately Scures pre1802 13564 Pigott Mdx Islington pre1851 13573 Crutch Oxf Watlington C19 13387 Prior Sry Southwark pre1840 13573 Daniel Ssx New Shoreham 1700-1800 13557 Rednap Mdx Twickenham C19 13387 De La Roche Dev Barnstaple Any 13558 Rendell Ham Alton Any 13558 De La Roche Ham Alton Any 13558 Rendell Ham Holybourne Any 13558 De La Roche Ham Southampton Any 13558 Rendell Ham Nursling Any 13558 De La Roche Ham Winchester Any 13558 Rendell Ham Southampton Any 13558 Dimes Ham Crondall 1784+ 13564 Rendell Ham Winchester Any 13558 Dimes Ham Hartley Witney 1850+ 13564 Stockwell Ham Porchester 1750+ 13557 England Ham Any 1868+ 13177 Street Ham Gosport 1865+ 13557 England Ken Sheerness 1800+ 13177 Strugnell Ham Fareham a pre1740 13557 England Mal Any 1872+ 13177 Timbury Ham Portsmouth 1865-1920 13557 George Ken Dover C19 13387 Toogood Dor Bourton C19 13387 Glanville Irl Dublin C19 13387 Toogood Wil Stourton C19 13387 Harbor Mdx Twickenham C19 13387 Way Dor Portland pre1840 13557 Hayles Sfk Bury St Edmunds pre1860 13573 West Mdx Islington a pre1920 13573 Healey Sry Any c1816 13573 Westerman Ham Any 1870+ 13177 Higgins Irl Any c1821 13573 Wilkins Ham Wickham 1790-1840 13557 Hill Irl Dublin C19 13387 Wilkinson Mdx Limehouse c1830 13573 Hill Lnd Ealing C19 13387 Yetman Dev Plymouth C19 13387 Horn Ham Fareham a 1810-1840 13557 Yetman Dor Bourton C19 13387
39 Members’ Surname Interests Database Contributors’ addresses Please note that the addresses listed here relate only to the member numbers in the preceding sections. Addresses of members who have published interests previously will not be published here but can be found on the interests CD or in previous Journals.
13177 Mr G Middlehurst, 20 St Matthews Road, WORTHING, West Sussex, BN11 4AU, [email protected] 13387 Mrs M Clarke, 25 Greenbirch Close, KEMPSHOTT, Hampshire, RG22 5JL, [email protected] 13557 Mrs. J. Nelson, 17 Beech Road, Clanfield, WATERLOOVILLE, Hants, PO8 0LH, [email protected] 13558 Mrs. A. Chisnall, Little Orchard, 10 Pear Tree Lane, Rowledge, FARNHAM, Surrey, GU10 4DW, [email protected] 13564 Mrs. I. Gilder, 4 Clifton Road, WOKINGHAM, Berks, RG41 1NB, [email protected] 13573 Mr. C. Broadley, 61 Farm View, YATELEY, Hants, GU46 6JA, [email protected] Members’ Interests on the HGS Website
HGS is to offer, in the future, an online visit www.hgs-online.org.uk/signup and enter search service, making its Members’ your membership number, surname, Interests accessible via its website. postcode and email address. These will Within that site the Members’ Area would identify you to the Society. permit searches to be made of the Members’ The Society’s responsibilities under the Data Interests list. A link there would allow contact Protection Act have been fully considered to be made with the member via a form. The and your contact details will not be available individual member’s email address would from the search service. Searches requested not be made available, only their name and contact link. Alternatively, those not wishing from the HGS Research Centre, etc, will not to be contacted by email will be able to have change. enquiries forwarded to them by post by the Please opt in if you haven’t already done so. Members’ Interests coordinator. At present only 15 names can be submitted If you would like your interests to be made at any one time, but the database itself has available on the website, then you need to no restrictions. Membership renewal If your subscription is due for renewal please see "Renewal Instructions" on the inside back cover
40 Chapman codes
These are the abbreviations used Chapman Codes in the members interests database
Abd Aberdeenshire Dow Down Lnd London RI Rhode Island Agy Anglesey Dub Co.Dublin Log Co.Longford Roc Ross & Cromarty Ald Alderney Dur Co.Durham Lou Co.Louth Ros Co.Rosscommon Ans Angus Egy Egypt Ltn Lothian Rox Roxburghshire Ant Antrim Eln East Lothian Mad Madeira RSA Republic S.Africa Arg Argentina Eng England Mal Malta Rus Russia Arl Argyllshire ERY East Riding Yks. Man Manitoba Rut Rutland Arm Co.Armargh Esp Spain Mau Mauritius Aus Australia Ess Essex May Mayo SA South Africa Avn Avon Fer Fermanagh MD Maryland Sal Shropshire Ayr Ayrshire Fif Fifeshire Mdx Middlesex Sas Saskatchewan Ban Banffshire Fij Fiji Mea Meath ScI Scilly Isles Bdf Bedfordshire Fin Finland Mek Meklenburgh Sct Scotland BEA British East Africa Fln Flintshire Mer Merioneth Sea At sea Bel Belgium Fra France Mgy Montgomery Sel Selkirk Bew Berwickshire Gal Galway MI Michigan Sfk Suffolk Bkm Buckinghamshire Ger Germany Mln Midlothian ShI Shetland Isles Bre Breconshire Gib Gibraltar Mo Missouri Sli Co.Sligo Brk Berkshire Gla Glamorgan Mog Co.Monaghan Som Somerset But Bute Gls Gloucestershire Mon Monmouthshire Bzl Brazil Gnt Gwent Mor Moray Sri Sri Lanka Cae Caernarvon Gsy Guernsey Nai Nairnshire Srk Sark Cai Caithness Gyn Gwynedd Nbl Northumberland Sry Surrey Cam Cambridgeshire Ham Hampshire Nfd Newfoundland Ssx Sussex Can Canada Hef Herefordshire Nfk Norfolk Sti Stirlingshire Car Caribbean Hrt Hertfordshire Nic Nicaragua Sts Staffordshire Cav Co.Cavan Hu Hungary NIr Northern Ireland Sut Sutherland Cey Ceylon Hum Humberside NL Netherlands Swe Sweden Cgn Cardigan Hun Huntingdonshire Nor Norway Tas Tasmania CH Switzerland Ind India NRY North Riding Yks. Tip Co.Tipperary ChI Channel Islands Inv Inverness-shire NS Nova Scotia Tx Texas Chn China IOM Isle of Man NSW New South Wales Tyr Tyrone Chs Cheshire IOW Isle of Wight Nth Northamptonshire Cla Clare Irl Ireland Ntt Nottinghamshire UK United Kingdom Clk Clackmannan Itl Italy NY New York Uru Uruguay Cma Cumbria Jma Jamaica NZ New Zealand USA U.S. of America Cmn Carmarthen Jsy Jersey OES Austria Va Virginia Co. County Kcd Kincardine Off Co.Offaly (Kings) War Warwickshire Con Cornwall Ken Kent Oh Ohio Wat Co.Waterford Cor Co.Cork Ker Kerry OkI Orkney Islands Wes Westmorland CS Czechoslovakia Kid Co.Kildare Oxf Oxfordshire Wex Co.Wexford Cul Cumberland Kik Co.Kilkenny Pa Pennsylvania Wi Wisconsin Cwd Clwyd Kkd Kirkcudbright Pee Peebles Wic Co.Wicklow Dby Derbyshire Krs Kinross Pem Pembrokeshire Wig Wigtownshire Den Denbighshire Lan Lancashire Per Perthshire Wil Wiltshire Dev Devon Ldy Co.Londonderry Pol Poland Dfd Dyfed Lei Leicestershire PRE Prussia Win West Indies Dfs Dumfrieshire Let Leitrim Pt Portugal Wln West Lothian Dmk Denmark Lex Leix (Queens) Qld Queensland Wls Wales Dnb Dunbarton Lim Co.Limerick Rad Radnorshire Wor Worcestershire Don Co.Donegal Lin Lincolnshire Rfw Renfrewshire WRY West Riding Yks. Dor Dorset Lks Lanarkshire Rho Rhodesia Yks Yorkshire
41 Historical Hogs
John Arlott (1914-1991) – our Celebrated Cricket Commentator
Leslie Thomas John Arlott was level, but would spend most of his not only a journalist, free summer time following the author and cricket Hampshire County Cricket commentator for the Club team both at home and BBC, but also a poet away. As a result of his and wine connoisseur. regular support, this led With his poetic to his one and only brief phraseology, he was playing exposure to the an iconic first class game, when commentator noted he was co-opted as a for his “wonderful substitute to play gift for evoking against Worcestershire cricketing in 1938. The game moments”. fizzled out into a tame Arlott was born on draw, with Arlott being Wednesday 25 February recorded as “Harlott” in 1914 at Cemetery the Western Daily News. Lodge, Chapel Hill, On 18 May 1940 he Basingstoke, the only son married Dawn Rees, a of William John and Nellie hospital nurse, and they had Arlott. His father was the two sons: James Andrew cemetery registrar. Young John (1944) and Timothy Mark (1950). was educated at Fairfields Primary In 1940 Arlott also discovered his School and Queen Mary’s Grammar School love for poetic verse, and, encouraged by in the town, and expressed an early interest in John Betjeman and Andrew Young, began to local cricket matches. In 1926 he write his own poetry, finding an outlet in watched England and Australia play at The several literary magazines. A collection of his Oval. work first appeared in book form in 1944, Of Having left school of his own volition after a Period and Place. During the war years he was dispute with his headmaster, Arlott worked for corresponding constantly with significant a while at the local town-planning office writers, poets and artists, such as T.S. Eliot, before spending three and a half years as a Osbert Lancaster and Vita Sackville-West, diet clerk, calculating food allocations, at Park which stimulated an enthusiasm for collecting Prewett Mental Hospital. In August 1934 he and the building of an enviable library. joined Southampton County Borough Police Pursuing other interests, Arlott also gave Force (which became part of Hampshire lectures in Russian history up to the Bolshevik Constabulary in 1939), and, during the next Revolution to service officers and Workers’ eleven years, progressed from being on the Educational Association classes. Yet, it was beat to screening aliens with Special Branch Betjeman who recommended the young during the Second World War. detective’s poetry to Geoffrey Grigson, a BBC west of England producer, and from there it While a policeman, he played cricket at club
42 Historical Hogs
The famous, not-so-famous & downright infamous - Hampshire Celebrities of Yesteryear was a short step to broadcasting on various radio programmes until, in the summer of 1945, he was selected for the post of literary programme producer in BBC’s overseas service. One of his last engagements for the police was to represent the force in the broadcast Tribute to the King on VE Day. From September 1945 to January 1951 Arlott’s production career was based on the series Book of Verse, ranging widely from 17th- century ditties, through Rosetti, translations from Chinese, and Shakespeare, to modern runes. It Cemetery Lodge, Birthplace of John Arlott O.B.E. enabled him to engage with people like Dylan Thomas and Cecil Day- voice of cricket broadcasting, and the longest- Lewis. In 1951 he moved to another serving commentator on Test Match Special, department within the corporation as an 1957-1980. instructor in the staff training unit, a position He brought his distinctive Hampshire burr to he held for two years. Meanwhile, in 1952 - the microphone, and it became his passport to with great difficulty - he wrote his last poem, immediate recognition. Allied to acute powers The Master, in honour of Jack Hobbs, his of observation, finely honed during his time in cricketing idol. Arlott’s output had amounted the police, and a gift for striking metaphorical to between 40 and 50 poems. phraseology, was also an innate sense of In 1946, however, he had been asked to timing: his silences complemented his speech. commentate on the warm-up games of the Moreover, he had the art of encapsulating the India cricket team’s tour of England, which spirit of a cricket match, for here was a commentary “went down very well in India”. natural broadcaster who was never more ‘at Thus, he was invited to commentate on home’ with his audience than when having to further matches, including the Test, thereby fill in time while rain stopped play. He also initiating a 34-year career for the BBC. undertook some BBC television cricket Initially, he encountered some resentment commentaries in the 1970s. His aphorisms from colleagues in the commentary box, but were legion and his character judgements he soon rapidly established his own particular pithy. His wit was outstanding. On England’s niche. From 1946 until he retired in 1980, 1948–49 tour to South Africa, the England John Arlott covered every single home Test captain George Mann was bowled by his match, and went on three overseas England namesake Tufty Mann - Arlott memorably tours (South Africa, 1948-49; Australia, 1954- described it as “a case of Mann's 55 and 1977), becoming the quintessential inhumanity to Mann”.
43 Historical Hogs
Arlott commentated, as well, on football, although not with such great success, and also broadcast frequently in fields other than sport. As a journalist, he had a column in the Evening News and, at different times during the 1950s and 1960s, wrote for the Daily Mail, News Chronicle, The Observer, The Times and The Guardian. Most of his output in books concentrated on cricket—the game's history, studies of play and players, and accounts of tours. He had many books published over the years, and was considered to be a stylish writer. Arguably, his most compelling work was a biography of Freddie Trueman (1971). Arlott espoused strong liberal and humanitarian political views, and stood as the Liberal Party candidate for Epping in the 1955 and 1959 general elections, coming third in both years. He appeared frequently on the radio programme Any Questions. His first marriage ended in divorce in 1958. John Arlott married again in 1959 to Valerie France (who died in 1976), and the couple had a son named Robert (1963). Tragically, his eldest son Jim was killed in a car accident on however, was to be elected as the inaugural New Year’s Eve 1965, driving home late at President of the Cricketers’ Association in night from Southampton in a sports car that 1967, a position he held until his death. Yet, his father had helped him acquire. This the deed that gave him the most fulfilment tragedy led to Arlott always wearing a black was to be instrumental with John Kay in tie in remembrance of his dead son and in finding an opening in England for Basil penance for his own role in the tragedy. D’Oliveira, a designated ‘Cape coloured’ under John Arlott was appointed OBE in 1970 and South Africa’s race laws. In 1970 Arlott was received honorary doctorates of the University vocal in his support of that player in what of Southampton and the Open University in came to be known as ‘the D’Oliveira affair’, 1973 and 1981, respectively. He was also and refused to commentate on the “Sports Journalist of the Year” at the British forthcoming South African tour, which was press awards in 1979 and “Sports Presenter later cancelled. This probably reminded him of of the Year” chosen by the Television and when he was asked to mark his race (“white, Radio Industries’ Club in 1981. Furthermore, Indian, coloured, black”) on an immigration he was made a life member of the Marylebone form to enter South Africa back in 1948. Arlott Cricket Club in 1980. His greatest honour, wrote “human”.
44 Historical Hogs
His final Test commentary was on the several calls for him to return to commentary, Centenary Test between England and Australia although, wisely, he refrained from doing so. at Lord’s in 1980. “The decision was freely John Arlott died in his sleep at his home, The taken; and although it was not easy to go, was Vines, Longis Road, Alderney, in the early a better choice than, one day, being told to morning on Saturday 14 December 1991, aged go”. The game stopped while players and 77. Essentially, he was what could be termed public gave him an ovation, an overt demonstration of the affection in which he ‘a people person’ and the most human of was held. At the end of the match he came human beings. The inscription on his onto the Lord’s balcony to present the Man of gravestone in St Ann’s churchyard, Alderney, the Match award. The crowd again burst into a is a quotation from his poem to Andrew spontaneous ovation that lasted for several Young: “So clear you see these timeless things, minutes before he was finally able to speak That, like a bird, the vision sings”. and make the presentation. Ken Smallbone, Editor Having sold the bulk of his cricket collection, References: Arlott moved from New Alresford to Alderney in the Channel Islands with his wife, Beryl [David Rayvern Allen, Arlott, (Leslie Thomas) Patricia Hoare, whom he had married on 6 John (Oxford Dictionary of National April 1977. His health was fragile, now Biography) (OUP, Oxford, 2004); Leslie Thomas suffering from chronic bronchitis, as he was a John Arlott, OBE (en.wikipedia.org/ heavy smoker. In Alderney he continued to wiki/John_Arlott); The Cambridge write, notably his autobiography Basingstoke Biographical Encyclopedia, ed. David Crystal Boy (1990). Since retiring there were even (2nd Edition, CUP, Cambridge, 1998), p 42]
Credit card payments HGS now accepts credit card payments for all transactions (PayPal, GENfair). You can renew your membership and purchase CDs or other publications online with your credit card. Visit our website at www.hgs-online.org.uk / www.hgs-familyhistory.com Please note that there will be an administration charge of 50p per item when using this facility via GENfair.
45 News from the archives Hampshire Record Office
Sussex Street, Winchester, New opening hours are: - Hampshire SO23 8TH Monday to Wednesday, 9am-5pm Telephone: (01962) 846154 Thursday, 9am-7pm Fax: (01962) 878681 Email: [email protected] Friday, 9am-5pm www.hants.gov.uk/archives Saturday, 9am-4pm Records offices surrounding Hampshire
Berkshire Record Office 9 Coley Avenue, Reading RG1 6AF (0118 901 5132; [email protected]; http://www.berkshirerecordoffice.org.uk Tue, Wed 9 am – 5 pm; Thu 9 am – 9 pm; Fri 9 am – 4.30 pm
Dorset History Centre Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RP (01305 250550; [email protected]; http://www.dorsetforyou.com/archives) Tue to Fri 9 am – 5 pm; Sat 9 am – 4.30 pm.
Isle of Wight Record Office 26 Hillside, Newport PO30 2EB (01983 823820; [email protected]) Mon, Wed to Fri 9 am - 12.15 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm.
Surrey History Centre 130 Goldsworth Road, Woking GU21 1ND (01483 518737; [email protected]; http://www.surreycc.gov.uk/surreyhistoryservice) Tue, Fri 9.30 am – 5 pm; Wed 10.15 am – 5 pm; Thu 9.30 pm – 7.30 pm; Sat 9.30 am – 4 pm.
West Sussex Record Office 3 Orchard Street, Chichester PO19 1DD (01243 753602; [email protected]; http://www.westsussex.gov.uk) Mon to Wed & Fri 9.15 am – 4.45 pm; Thu 9.15 am – 7.30 pm; Sat 9.15 am – 4.30 pm.
Wiltshire & Swindon History Centre Cocklebury Road, Chippenham SN15 3QN (01249-705500; [email protected]; http://www.wshc.eu) Tue to Fri 9.30 am – 5.30 pm; Sat 9.30 am – 5.00 pm.
46 News from the archives The National Archives (TNA)
The National Archives Bourne Ave, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 4DU. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8876 3444. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk Opening Hours: Tuesday/Thursday 9am to 7pm Wednesday/Friday/Saturday 9am to 5pm Free parking Portsmouth History Centre
Portsmouth History Centre Opening Hours: Norrish Central Library, Guildhall Square Monday and Friday: 9.30am to 5pm Portsmouth Tuesday, Wednesday and Hampshire PO1 2DX Thursday: 9.30am to 6pm Telephone number: 023 9268 8046 Saturday: 10am to 3.30pm Fax number: 023 9283 9855
Southampton City Archives
Southampton City Archives Civic Centre, Southampton SO14 7LY Phone: 023-8083-2251 Fax: 023-8085-2156 Email: [email protected] Opening Hours: Tuesday to Thursday, 10 am to 4 pm
47 News from the Hampshire Record Office
News from Archives and Local Studies at Hampshire
Forthcoming events group – an archive film presentation Exhibitions Family History for Beginners The Foyer, Hampshire Record Office £10 per person each session. Booking essential (01962 846154) Maddhat Shamuha: the Nepalese people of Hampshire, 6 June – 27 July Practical advice and help in starting your family history research. Tuesday 11 June, The Showpeople of Hampshire, 8 October – 6-8 pm 12 December Local and family history The Foyer and Top Floor Gallery, Hampshire workshops Record Office £10 per person each session. Booking essential Wellow then & now, 3 August – 3 October. (01962 846154) Victorian times to the present day (presented by Wellow History Society), together with a Tuesday 4 June (2-4 pm). House History for display of artwork from pupils of Wellow beginners Primary School, inspired by the 1840s Wellow Tuesday 18 June (10 am-12 noon). Title deeds Album as a source for local and family history: how Mainly in Top Floor Gallery, Hampshire Record to read and understand them Office Tuesday 9 July (2-4 pm). Paupers and 200 Years of Pride & Prejudice, 6 June – 27 workhouses: explore records that reveal the July. Presented by Jane Austen’s House hardships faced by past generations, and find Museum out the background to documents, such as settlement certificates and removal orders Lunchtime lectures (Note: the cost of this session is £12) (Free, but donations in the region of £2 welcomed; no need to book) An evening with the Barings Last Thursday of each month, 1.15-1.45pm. Did you miss our over-subscribed event marking the 250th anniversary of Barings 27 June. Jane Austen’s Hampshire, the county Bank and celebrating Hampshire’s links with background of the author of Pride and the Baring family, at Stratton Park, Prejudice – by Louise West, Jane Austen’s Northington Grange and Norman Court? We House Museum are repeating it on Monday 23 September, 25 July. Improving Herriard House: George 5.00 for 5.30 pm. Once again, this will include and Eliza Jervoise’s public image, 1794-1821 talks by Lara Webb on The Barings at Work – by Nicola Pink and by Stuart Bridges on The Barings at home 29 August. The early Victorian Wellow Album and abroad, plus a special display of original and its artist: finding clues in the drawings – Baring family archives, and light by Professor Michael Sleigh refreshments. Booking essential; please ring for details. 26 September. Woodfidley: 40 years of a folk For more information about events, visit
48 News from the Hampshire Record Office
Record Office
The green lane to Farmer Maury's - George Russell's cottage - from the 1840s Wellow album. HRO 124A11/1 www3.hants.gov.uk/archives/whatson-hro or the child of the ‘eldest son of a peer’, while ring 01962 846154 the third entry, for Eliza Light, has the more Recent additions to the typical father’s occupation of ‘labourer’. holdings Basket-making at Houghton At the font One of the earliest Women’s Institutes in Hampshire, Houghton, has recently deposited A welcome early register of baptisms from records including minute books from 1918 Upham, 1862-2008, has recently been onwards (74A12). The first year’s activities received (74M78/PR14). The second page of included talks or demonstrations about ‘What the register catches the eye, for the three to do in the Garden in March’, bread-making baptisms that all took place on 19th July and boot-mending, and competitions for ‘the 1863: both Geraldine Mary O’Brien and best dish made from potatoes’ and ‘the Leonard Holmes a Court were listed as being
49 News from the Hampshire Record Office
A Winchester School of Art sketching class on a visit to The Malms, Shawford, in June 1899: HRO 4M94/C17 best and most economical cake’. Basket- containing photographs, cuttings and notes of making afternoons held in the coach house at events hosted by Mr Bowker, ranging from Houghton Lodge were successful despite ‘the large receptions and parties to small ‘At difficulty of taming osiers’, and a jam-making Homes’. Among the photographs are views of group produced over 600 lbs. A social meeting a garden party which he hosted for Winchester was hosted by the President, Mrs Mansel- schoolchildren on 25th May 1897 for Queen Jones of Bossington House; an entertainment Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee, one of the in the schools raised funds for poorer Winchester School of Art sketching class on a institutes; and needlecraft items were sent to visit in June 1899, and the 1898 Winchester a fete in Winchester. Corporation staff outing of 1898. At home in Shawford Spinning and fishing at Titchfield Some additional papers of the Bowker Family We have received the archive of the Earl of (4M94) include visitors’ books for The Malms, Southampton Trust (152A12), a Titchfield Shawford, the home of Alfred Bowker, charity that continues to provide housing,
50 News from the Hampshire Record Office
welfare grants and day rooms - a natural Suatt could learn midwifery, and also about progression from its traditional provision of policy, such as a decision in 1824 that 12 boys almshouses, apprenticeships, etc. We have would be provided with a jacket and also received a copy of Four Centuries of the waistcoat, and taught to read, in lieu of Earl of Southampton Trust, written by a distributing coals. former Clerk to the Trustees, David G Smith; There is also material relating to various this includes a schedule of the records, which Titchfield properties associated with the has formed the basis of our online catalogue charities, perhaps most interestingly a 1960s entries. The book was published in 1997, the file about Titchfield Market Hall and Cage, also 100th anniversary of the amalgamation of the referred to as Titchfield Prison and Titchfield charity founded by the 3rd Earl of Old Gaol or Jail, and its transfer to the Weald Southampton in 1620 with two other local and Downland Museum in West Sussex where charities, and also the 400th anniversary of it is now a prominent exhibit. the establishment of Robert Godfrey’s Charity, Local Studies Collection: the oldest of the constituent charities. some new books and pamphlets The archive contains original documents from Some particularly interesting local the mid-18th century onwards, with copies of publications about natural history have been earlier items. Of particular interest are the transferred from the library service, to which minutes and accounts of the Charity of the they had been bequeathed by the Revd J E Earl of Southampton from 1752 onwards and Kelsall, co-author of ‘Birds of Hampshire and of Robert Godfrey’s Charity from 1830 the Isle of Wight’ (1905). Among them are onwards. The accounts include the names of bound volumes of The Sussex and Hants those who received grants from the former Naturalist for 1893-94 , including articles charity, often indicating the cause (such as ‘in about birds of the Test Valley, insects of north- great distress’, ‘wife and children now in the east Hampshire, and a natural history ramble smallpox’, ‘to enable him/her to carry on the at Weyhill, with articles about birds and trade of a…’, ‘to buy fishing nets’), and also mammals of Hampshire by Kelsall himself refer to expenditure on the charity’s property. (590.5), and A Supplement to Frederick In 1752-55 they give details of expenditure on Townsend’s Flora of Hampshire and the Isle of arrangements for the establishment of the Wight (the original of which appears in the trade of spinning and weaving worsted at Victoria County History) by J F Rayner, 1929 Titchfield, first by William Milligan of Alton, (581.94227), with numerous manuscript and then by John Greenvill or Grenville of annotations, presumably by Kelsall). Alton; from June 1764 Mary Hart was to Other older books transferred from the library receive three shillings a week for teaching service include Memoranda of the Parishes of poor children to spin and knit worsted and Hursley and North Baddesley by John Marsh, yarn. The memoranda and minutes include 1808 (942.2732) and The English Village: decisions about specific cases, such as a Sketches of Local History by T Press , payment of 10 guineas in 1757 so that a Mrs
51 News from the Hampshire Record Office
1938-39 (942.27) which gives short histories moving with them when they bought Penton of various properties on the Hampshire-Surrey Lodge, to be dairyman there. The Sutton borders, such as Chiltlee and Greatham family is also mentioned, as Lionel Tatton Manors, with contemporary comments on the Sutton, a lance corporal in the Grenadier houses and their owners, including Dr Herbert Guards, survived the crash of a plane that he Godwin of Greatham Moor, a former army had built at Penton, and being gassed in surgeon, and the racehorse owner Edward France, only to die in an accident in 1920. Mrs Mason of Pophole Farm, Liss. Whitby’s Locket: The story of Captain John Books about railways feature prominently Whitby – England’s youngest ever naval among recent local titles, including Treacle captain – and his redoubtable wife by Barry Mines, Tragedies and Triumph: The Building of Jolly (Milford-on-Sea Historical Record the Bournemouth Direct Line by Jude James Society, 2011) tells the intriguing story of how (Natula Publications, 2012), the substantial the Newlands estate at Milford passed from and well-illustrated The Longmoor Military Admiral Sir William Cornwallis to the Railway: A New History: Vol 1: 1903-1939 by descendants of Captain Whitby and of his wife Col David Ronald and Mike Christensen, and Theresa Symonds. Marie Panter’s Hampshire’s Lost Railways ‘A Serche in Oure Evidences’: cataloguing (Stenlake Publishing, 2005), which includes the Winchester bishopric archives photographs of long-closed stations ranging It will soon be much easier to trace ancestors from Fullerton Junction to Hayling Island. who are named in one of the largest and most One of Hampshire’s more famous residents of significant collections in our care, thanks to the 16th century is featured in Tudor Survivor: grant funding that we have secured to The Life and Times of William Paulet by catalogue the estate archive of the Bishopric Margaret Scard (The History Press, 2011), of Winchester, opening up these under-used which combines biography, historical context records to researchers of all kinds. The project and imaginative reconstruction. Some less will be funded through the National well-known names are introduced in Penton’s Cataloguing Grants programme, and Heroes: The Story of a Hampshire Village in Hampshire Archives Trust is also making a the Great War, written and published by Rod donation towards the project. The estate at its Eggington (2010), which covers Penton height comprised 60 manors across seven Mewsey and Penton Grafton. As well as giving southern counties. The archive comprises 515 information about their time in uniform, this boxes and 16 metres of volumes, from the shows how they had fitted into the local 13th to the 20th century, as well as the community. Many were connected with the celebrated Pipe Rolls recently recognised by Penton Lodge Estate: Charles Soule, for UNESCO. It has long been seen as a rich instance, who was killed at Ypres in 1917, was resource for economic and social history: the the son of John Soule, who had came from records contain a wealth of names, and have Coates in Gloucestershire and had probably informed studies of medieval agriculture, worked for the Sutton family there before demography, labour, wages, peasant
52 News from the Hampshire Record Office
landholding, and the history of rural and urban repackaging programme involving volunteers – buildings. a vitally important task so these unique The grant means that the catalogue – the records are kept safe for future generations. researcher’s key to using the collection – can Adrienne Allen, one of the long-serving be upgraded. More descriptive and contextual archivists at HRO (and my predecessor in detail will be added to help users of the online contributing these updates) has been catalogue worldwide. Fascinating series, such seconded to undertake the cataloguing project. as the court papers, giving vivid accounts of We will keep you informed of Adrienne’s misdemeanours such as dumping waste in the progress once work is under way. streets and allowing animals to roam, and David Rymill including many lists of tenants’ names, will Contact details: Hampshire Record Office, also be described more fully. Sussex Street, Winchester, Hants SO23 8TH The archive has had many homes over the Telephone: (01962) 846154; Fax: (01962) centuries, and some records are covered in 878681 soot and grime from previous poor storage, so Email: [email protected] the project will also include a cleaning and www.hants.gov.uk/archives Just a word… or three Farmer, Husbandman, Yeoman Farmer, A renter who cultivates fields; An agriculturist; A husbandman. It came from Anglo-Saxon feormian , ‘to supply with food’ ( farma, fearm, feorm = ‘food, meal, supper’), and the meaning of ‘farm’ arose from the original practice of letting lands on condition that the tenant should supply his lord’s household with so many nights’ entertainment. It was constantly mentioned as such in Domesday Book (as Late Latin firma ), later developing into a lease on rent reserved. Also, the term was applied to one appointed to collect taxes, customs, excise, or other duties for a certain rate per cent. Husbandman, A tenant farmer; A cultivator or tiller of the ground; One engaged in agriculture (from Anglo-Saxon hûsbonda , ‘master of the house, householder’). A husbandman would have farmed the lord of the manor’s demesne lands. Yeoman, A free tenant; A man of small estate in land, not ranking as one of the gentry, but whose status was above that of most other copyhold tenants; An owner-occupier; A gentleman-farmer; A person living in the country between the rank of gentleman and hind or labourer (from Old English yeman, yoman , a word of unknown meaning, possibly ‘a villager’ or ‘protector’). A yeoman might have also rented lands belonging to others, thus becoming a yeoman-farmer. He normally served on juries. [Based on John Olgilvie, LL.D, The Imperial Dictionary, 1850-83 (New Edition, Blackie & Son, London, 1883, edited by Charles Annandale, MA)]
53 Member’s article Southampton Quaker Burial Ground
On Saturday 29 September 2012 my wife and I visited the Quaker Burial Ground, situated on the western side of the Inner Avenue in Southampton. This was an Open Day organised by the Southampton Friends to mark the 350th anniversary of its purchase. As expected, we received a very warm welcome from the friendly group who had arranged the day, and were informed of the interesting history connected with the Ground. To give you some background: in 1662 when growing, and cholera epidemics were taking George Fox, the founder of the Quaker their toll. In 1841 the Quakers bought an movement, visited Southampton, 22 local additional plot of land to the west, thereby Quakers were languishing in prison for holding doubling the size of the Burial Ground. illegal assemblies and for refusing to take the Oath of Abjuration. Failing to doff their hats to Burials have continued up to the present day, those in authority (another offence) was and some of the inscriptions on the footstones punishable by a hefty fine. The Quakers maintain the old Quaker custom of referring to (Society of Friends) were dissenters from the the months and days of the week by numbers Established Church religion, and consequently to avoid reference to pagan gods and declined an Anglican burial. Thus, Captain emperors. Nowadays, many Friends choose to George EMBREE bought “a plot of pasture be cremated and have their ashes interred or land alongside the road from Southton to scattered here. Winton” to be a burying place for Friends. This Burial Ground is so peaceful and quiet, Embree died in 1678 and was buried here, but and the Quakers are anxious to preserve it his grave and those of about sixty other 17th- that way. It is now part of a conservation area and 18th-century Quakers were not marked and is frequented by birds and other animals with stones. In the 19th century headstones that take advantage of the many trees and (or rather footstones) began to be permitted. shrubs. There are no urns or vases of flowers The earliest one visible marks the grave of on the graves, but some have primroses or Anna THOMPSON , who died in 1817. All the snowdrops growing in the grass. Native plants stones are similar in size and shape, and are are grown wherever possible, thus enhancing simply inscribed with name, age and date of the environment and encouraging biodiversity. death. This exemplifies the principles of We left the Ground in a very peaceful state of equality and simplicity that are part of Quaker mind - an enjoyable experience. beliefs. Ben Cowdrey (Member # 11708) During the early part of the 19th century the Flat 4, The Malthouse, Brewery Lane, Romsey, Burial Ground was becoming overcrowded Hampshire SO51 8JX and some plots had to be used more than [email protected] once. The population of Southampton was Tel.: 01794 518285
54 Local groups
HGS Groups 2013
7 3
2 1
4
13 5 15 14 6 11 12 8 9 10
1. Alton 9. New Forest (Brockenhurst) 2. Andover (Weyhill) 10. New Milton & Christchurch 3. Basingstoke (Highcliffe) 4. Computer Group (Twyford) 11. Portsmouth (Cosham) 5. Fair Oak 12. Ringwood 6. Fareham 13. Romsey 7. Fleet & Farnborough (Fleet) 14. Southampton (Bitterne) 8. Gosport 15. Waltham Chase
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Contact: Alton Jane Hurst – 82, The Butts, Alton, Hants GU34 1RD Meetings are held monthly on the second Monday at Tel 01420 86701 7.30 p.m. in All Saints Church Hall, Queens Road, Email: [email protected] Alton. If anyone attending our evenings wishes to take advantage of the fully operational hearing loop installed in the hall would they let Jane Hurst know beforehand so that it can be switched on.
Marilyn Rix reports:- (January) Members’ Evening: Come & share your problems & successes. Various websites and institutions were offered to assist research. We also reviewed some local newspapers. Of great interest was a demonstration of a battery mobile scanner (Flip Pal): equipment consists of scanner, SD card, memory stick and software. The scanner is small and lightweight, about A5 in size. It is very good for scanning ordinary sized photographs, and very useful for even larger photos and documents by making overlapping scans. When uploading to the computer via the memory stick the software stitches the overlapped scans together to form one complete image. A nice piece of kit to take to a relative’s home to copy precious family photos that they will not let out of their sight - just make sure you have spare batteries. (March) Les Mitchinson - Tracing nonconformist ancestors. The February meeting was cancelled due to inclement weather. Les introduced himself as a Northern lad, former long- serving in the Royal Navy, who had retrained to become a qualified genealogist, teacher and lecturer. The talk covered the historical timeline, various Acts of Parliament and detailed groups of all aspects of religious nonconformity. Some records can be found at The National Archives in the RG1-9 range of documents, and there are also transcripts of the 1851 religious census locally in Petersfield Library and The Curtis Museum, Alton. This was a very detailed talk with handouts at the end. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
10 June Members’ Evening: Looking at 17th century documents together 8 July Members’ Evening: Problems & successes 10 September TBA – See website for details
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Contact: Andover Jim Duncan , 14 Witan Close Andover Meetings are held on the second Thursday, Hampshire, SP10 5NL. September to July, commencing 7.30p.m. at The Tel 01264 356238, Email: Fairground Hall, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN [email protected]
Jim Duncan reports:- (January) Open Forum / Members’ research & displays. “What do we know about each other?” “What areas are you researching?” “Where did your ancestors live?” A family myth was dispelled: ‘they came from Cambridge and the Fenlands – no, they came from Thatcham’. One member assisted in finding a missing cousin for another member’s Scottish husband. What happened to Leonard Webber, RN, HMS Repulse, holder of both the Atlantic and Pacific Stars, after Singapore fell? These and many other matters were discussed. (February) Gordon Young – Maps an aid to family historians. Gordon was part of the team at Ordnance Survey (OS). He took us back in time to see how maps had developed from their military use. After the Battle of Culloden (1746), the Duke of Cumberland made note in his report: “The army had found themselves greatly embarrassed for want of a proper survey of the country”. William Roy, an excellent surveyor and map maker, was given the task of mapping Scotland, and later, during the Seven Years’ War (1757-63), the success of British victories was due in part to his maps. He had even proposed a national survey at one inch to a mile. The first one-inch map covered part of Sussex, and the first county to be completed was Kent in 1801. In 1841 a survey of parish boundaries in the UK was carried out, and finally published as OS maps. Maps of 25 inches to a mile came in 1858. The First World War saw the need to produce more mapping for the military. The Davidson Committee reviewed mapping procedures with the aim to complete a new national survey by 1980, with the result of the country being divided into kilometre squares. This is the current system. (March) Open Forum / Discussion on asylums. Prior to 1828 only eight public asylums were available to cater for the growing numbers of people categorised as “insane”, and six others followed the introduction of the Act. In the early days, because of a lack of understanding, various types of mechanical restraints were widely used to control the patients. They were treated like animals, and became a source of entertainment: charging visitors to look at inmates at play was common at Bethlehem (Bedlam) in London. It was not until the mid-19th century that it came under government inspection and saw vast changes to the way it cared for its patients. Criminal patients were removed to Broadmoor in 1864. The presentation was concluded by looking at rapid advancements in diagnoses and treatment. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
13 June Adoption & fostering 1850-1930 Louise Taylor 11 July Open Forum / Discussion on rural ancestors 12 September London labyrinth (London records) Kathy Chater
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Contact: Basingstoke Lin Penny, 39 Barn Lane, Oakley RG23 7HT Meetings commence at 7. 30 p.m. and are held on the Telephone: 01256 780947 fourth Wednesday every month (except August and e-mail: December) at St Michael’s Church Cottage Hall, [email protected] Church Street.
Peter McNulty reports:- (January) Members’ Evening: Death certificates, inquests, post mortems & burial records. Members giving 10-minute talks on their own researches make a very popular evening. It’s an opportunity for them to show their own findings, on nominated subjects, while often bringing a different slant on family history. Jane Hussey illustrated a case of sudden death with a photograph of the deceased and the related memoriam card. Memorial cards can contain vital statistics: dates of birth and death and/or age. Jane followed with a newspaper item reporting the death, funeral and the grave – all excellent sources to discover or confirm data. Judy Melluish talked about common causes of death. She pointed out that the lady present at the start of life - the midwife - was also of service at the end, often being responsible for the laying-out of the corpse. She also listed unusual causes of death in North Waltham, including the deceased shot himself; burned to death; chalk fell on him; dead drunk. Peter McNulty told a cautionary tale beginning with the story of a young cousin losing his life after a road accident in 1938. Newspaper reports, death certificate, the headstone of the grave and a photo of the modern family were used as examples to show the investigation of the story. Malcolm Bottrill illustrated his talk with examples of unusual deaths in the family, including a suspicious suicide in a Middlesex river. Another suicide was documented by Lucy Hamilton with certificates, newspaper report and photographs of the family home and gravesite. An unusual list showed the low survival rate of children in her family between 1841 and 1864: over 55% died aged under 12 weeks. (February) Ken Smallbone – Original documents. Ken gave an overview of original documents available to the family historian, with the recommendation to visit the archives so as to derive the benefit from them. They included a variety of interesting and unusual documents, and he gave information about, and sources for, each one. This was a comprehensive look at some documents that would hopefully help even experienced family historians in their various types of research. (March) John B Hurley – The oldest profession (The history & records of prostitution). John explained that prostitution was one of the oldest professions, quoting the Old Testament as proof. Since then prostitution was openly admitted to in church returns and censuses, as well as on official tax returns for prostitutes and brothel keepers. While our modern society regards the profession as unsavoury, it has always been with us, and, as family historians, we should be aware of it in our own research.
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April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
26 June Members’ Evening: Our ancestors in the workhouse 24 July Inebriate women in Victorian Britain Jane Fox -- August An outside event (to be decided) 25 September Members’ Evening: Having another bash at our brick walls
Contact Computer Group Colin Daniels Email: Meetings are held in the Gilbert Room of the Twyford [email protected] Parish Hall (car park and entrance off Hazeley Road) on Mondays of alternate months (not Bank Holidays). Doors are open for 7.30 p.m. start. Meetings are open to all members, with or without computers. New members & visitors are welcome.
Rod Clayburn reports:- (January) Colin Daniels - London online resources. It is said that every family history will have, at some time, a person living in London. Colin has compiled a listing of many sources that cover records on London available for family historians to view or download. Of course, the old favourites (Ancestry, Find My Past, The Genealogist, Origins) head the table. But then we arrived at a few more that are not so well known: Historic Hospital Admission Records Project (HHARP), The British Postal Museum and Archive, Charles Booth Online Archive, Columbia University Archives. Using one of his low frequency names, Colin explained how he could trace the location of a person through the ages. He has a list of URLs used in this talk and, if you ask him nicely, he may send you a copy of his PowerPoint display as well. The March meeting was cancelled because of ill health. There are no further Computer Group meetings until November.
Contact: Fair Oak Keith Turner, 13 Archers Rd, Eastleigh, Hants SO50 9AQ. Meetings are held at 8pm on the second Tuesday monthly at St Thomas’ Church Hall (attached to the Tel 02380 327314 church) Mortimers Lane. Doors open approx 7.30pm email: [email protected] Sandra Naish reports:- January) Mike Hobbs – Crimea to Korea: A family at war. Mike’s great-great-grandfather, William GRAY , was a soldier in the 81st Regiment in 1859. Muster and pay list records were consulted on Alaby HOBBS ’s career in the military, 1845-65, until discharged to Chelsea pension. The Casualty Roll for the Crimea (Southampton Library) names every individual killed or wounded in that war. Alaby was a Jerseyman involved in the Battle of Sevastopol, and in
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1860 at Taku Forts and Peking, China. His son served in World War I, and then Mike’s father (Reginald Albert Hobbs) was a World War II RNVR petty officer, who took part in the evacuation of Tobruk, being called up for the Korean War whilst in the Royal Naval Emergency Reserve, 1949-55. Mike has also extensively researched Jersey WW2 civilians taken to Germany who died as prisoners-of-war, and British ships hit by German U-boats. (February) Members’ Evening: A favourite ancestor. Sandra talked about her Wiltshire farm labourer ancestor, Thomas STINGEMAN of Tisbury, who, with exceptional bravery, took part in the Battle of Pythouse during the November 1830 Swing Riots, having incurred severe head wounds fighting desperately against five Yeomanry Cavalrymen. He avoided transportation (see Jill Chambers’ Wiltshire Machine Breakers books). Maureen brought a 1909 photo of her Lancaster-born grandmother, Sarah ROPER , which had always hung over her bed as a child. The lady had been a mill-worker who produced eight children. Mike Hobbs brought an account of the 1894 suicide of Charles RICHARDS , an Essex mariner, whose death on the railway line was recorded in gruesome detail in the local newspaper under the heading ‘Yacht Captain Decapitated’. Peter Gardener related how a Shoreham, Sussex, ancestor was a shipwright who progressed to being a prosperous timber merchant. (March) Steve Rogers – The War Graves Photographic Project. Steve served in the Royal Navy, and, while on trips abroad, visited war cemeteries, and this led to the restoration of War Graves. He returned home one year from a family trip via the Somme, and came up with his idea to photograph each grave on behalf of relatives who had never been able to visit. A grave located on one trip for B. J. ROGERS of the Hants Regiment turned up a previously unknown relative. In 2007, with a group of like-minded recruits, he set out to record in photographs all the Commonwealth graves across the world with permission from the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Steve’s website (www.twgpp.org) contains 1,759,722 searchable names (For £3.50 one can order a digital photo, or £5.50 for a 7 x 5 glossy photo). The 900 dedicated volunteers take their holidays across the world just to photograph distant graves, the majority of which are in peaceful, beautiful, well-maintained cemeteries - although some illustrations show unkempt, damaged graves in obscure places. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
11 June A guided walk of Fair Oak Eric Reed 9 July Pubs, inns, taverns & their signs Tony Cross 13 August The Great Plague of 1665 Anne Baxendall 10 September Members’ Evening
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Contact: Fareham Keith Hayward, 25 Middleton Close, Fareham, Hants Meetings are normally held from 7.30 p.m. to 9.30 PO14 1QN p.m. on the second Thursday of each month at the Tel 01329 284471 Wallington Village Hall, Broadcut, Fareham. Email: [email protected]
Carol Russell reports:- (January) Members’ Evening: A problem shared. Problems included one from a member trying to help an elderly friend find her birth mother, while three other members had come to an impasse trying to decide which of the same named people, in the same location, was actually the one related to them. Another was trying to trace an ancestor with such a common surname as WILLIAMS , when families tended to use the same Christian names repeatedly: which is the correct Thomas/William/Mary Williams born in the same year in the same parish? Children born in France with British parents were puzzling another member, who was unable to discover a birth or death of a great-great-grandmother, because the family were often on the move - and it was difficult to choose between a birth in Boulogne or one in Lille two years later. Two members had great difficulty tracing movements in the years after the 1911 census. Joan Dickson reports:- (February) Dennis Bill – A royal tale. We were all intrigued to know which king or queen was going to be the subject of Dennis’s talk. It wasn’t until we were some way into the talk that we realised it was actually a place in Wiltshire called Tollard Royal, which was named after a king who once had a house there. Whilst tracing his family, Dennis also found himself researching the history of the 8th Lord Wardour and his spectacular bankruptcy, and Lt-General Augustus Lane Pitt Rivers and his obsession with the past. Eventually, in the estate records Dennis found his ancestors living at Higher Farm, Tollard Royal, which General Pitt Rivers later discovered was King John’s House. (March) Jane Fox – Dating old photographs. We learned how women’s costumes play a large role in dating a photograph, but that female fashions were likely not to be so up-to-date in rural areas. Men’s styles didn’t change as frequently, and are not such a good indicator. However, the presence or absence of facial hair on a man could place the photo quite accurately in a time frame. The same applies to the presence or absence of rounded corners (introduced when photo albums became popular as it made it easier to insert the photos into the album). We were encouraged to look at the back of photos, as the design can also place a photo between certain years. We finished the evening by using the timeline of photographs which Jane had set out and the books and charts she had brought along to help date the photos we had brought with us.
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April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
13 June Visit to the Hampshire Record Office (7 pm start) 11 July Upstairs, downstairs Ian Waller 8 August Members’ Evening: Letters in the family 12 September (Topic to be announced) Colin Chapman
Contact: Fleet & Farnborough David Broomfield, I Burghead Close, College Town, Sandhurst, The group meets at the United Reform Church Hall, Berks GU47 0XL Tel: 01344 Kings Rd, Fleet GU51 3AF second Thursday of every 761375. Email david.c.broomfield month except August at 7.30pm. @btinternet.com
Lesley Bull reports:- (January) Adrian Bunting – Finding Granddad. This was a personal story of Adrian’s grandfather, Arthur Bunting, a coach painter who lived at Ardwick, Manchester. He became batman to Captain Charles May of the 22nd Battalion, Manchester Regiment, during World War One. Captain May was killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, and was previously a journalist and writer of short stories. After he enlisted, May kept a fascinating and evocative diary. The transcriptions of his well-written diaries, 7 November 1915 to 1 July 1916, recording his service, are now deposited in the Regimental Museum. His last entry was written just before he died. On 17 June 1916 he wrote a final letter to his wife: “I do not want to die … If it be that I am to go, I am ready. But the thought that I may never see you or our darling baby again turns my bowels to water. I cannot think of it with even the semblance of equanimity”. Arthur Bunting was taken prisoner and held in Kleipeda, Lithuania, but did not survive the war - he died, aged 33, of Spanish flu, and is the only British soldier buried in Vittener Cemetery. He left behind a wife, Effie. Adrian told Arthur’s story, inextricably linked to Captain May’s, using historical documents and artefacts to illustrate his on-screen presentation. (February) John B Hurley – Happily ever after. John’s Valentine’s Day talk concerned interesting facts and customs to do with marriage, and had been researched and prepared by his late wife Beryl. Lord Hardwicke’s Marriage Act of 1753 put a stop to irregular and clandestine marriages. John told us of some customs that remain, and those that have since died out, for example, a woman being married wearing just a simple shift meant that she came into the marriage free of debt. Bells are often still rung to keep evil spirits away. When
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life expectancy was shorter than today, it was necessary for a working man to remarry as soon as possible after his wife’s death, so that his children would be cared for, and for women to marry again if they were widowed so that she and her children would have financial support. John mentioned a few cases of wife-selling; one man was prosecuted for selling his wife for 2/6 (now 12 ½p)! (March) John Owen Smith – Flora Thompson: Beyond Candleford Green. This excellent talk has been given to several HGS groups and reviewed before, so I will just say here that it was much enjoyed by us all. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
13 June Aldershot Camp in 1910 Paul Vickers 11 July Diseases of English town & country Heather Sheeley 8 August Social Event: Behind the scenes, Hampshire Record Office 12 September Members’ Evening: Ask the Panel
Contact: Gosport Graham Annells, 18 Abbey Road, Fareham PO15 5HJ. Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each Tel 01329 843828. Email month in the Parish Centre, Green Road, Alverstoke, [email protected] Gosport at 7.30pm.
Pauline Powell reports:- (February) David Maber – The death of Flying Officer J A Clandillon. David stepped into the breach to replace the advertised speaker, who was ill. He recalled the day (18 February 1943), when, aged 12, he saw a plane on fire en route to the Grange wartime airfield. He later found out that it had landed safely, but another crashed there at 10 pm and the pilot was killed, while his navigator had baled out and survived. David and a friend went along to the site. In 1995 David decided to pay tribute to the crew of the Beaufighter, and put a wreath at the crash site. He then decided to research the incident. The crew members were pilot James Albert Clandillon and navigator Anthony Griffiths. The pilot had married in 1941, and his widow had remarried. Both she and Mr Griffiths provided David with photographs and other valuable information - in particular, the dead pilot’s war grave in Littlehampton. David put it all together with details from the archives and produced a limited edition booklet about the tragedy. He also arranged for a permanent memorial to be made. A ceremony on 18 February 1996 was performed to dedicate the memorial, and was attended by the pilot’s widow and Anthony Griffiths in the presence of the Mayor of Gosport and Gosport air cadets. A video made of the ceremony concluded David’s presentation. The memorial at Fort Brockhurst has been registered by the War Graves Commission.
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(March) Len Ruffell – Hooked on family history. Len told us that he had been “hooked” on family history for 40 years, and then proceeded to regale us with tales of why that was. He told us about the many fascinating things he had discovered in his research that kept him interested and dedicated to the family tree. Having heard various family tales of where the Ruffells originated, he discovered that they were not all from Suffolk, Hampshire or France, and they were not Huguenots, after all. For starters, his father was a policeman in Dorset, his grandfather – a fellmonger treating animal hides - was born in Sussex, and his grandmother in London. There were also a chauffeur and cordwainers (top of the range shoemakers). A black sheep in the family is always interesting, and Len found his: George RUFFELL , who was in the Army around 1900. His medical records proved particularly interesting. Len’s many anecdotes were extremely interesting. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
12 June St Mark’s, Alverstoke – cemetery renovation Roy Harris 10 July Waterboatmen on the Thames Pat Hilbert 11 September Portsmouth’s World War 1 heroes James Daly
Contact: New Forest Mike Hobbs, 124, Winchester Rd, Southampton Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the SO16 6US month in the Oak Room of the Brockenhurst Village Tel: 023 8032 7952 Hall, Highwood Road, Brockenhurst and commence Email: at 7.30 p.m. [email protected] Allison Shelley reports:- (February) Elizabeth Green – Mortality & morbidity. Fellow member Elizabeth had researched her Yorkshire family, with particular interest in burial records. She explained that morbidity was the cause of death and mortality was all about the numbers. There were many certificates to see, with interesting details and accompanying stories. Elizabeth talked about the first years of registration and of the history of parish records. Mention was made of the poor law system, of body snatchers, and baby farming, and how the first attempts were made of counting the population in the parish - the forerunner of the census. A paper, entitled Bill of Mortality, dated August 1665, showed some interesting and rather puzzling references to 'Diseases or Afflictions', such as 'griping in the guts' (74 died), 'stopping of the stomach' (16 succumbed), and 'teeth' (13 deaths), while 'wormes' claimed another 18, and 'rising of the lights' 19. These descriptions were used on papers written after death, thus early death certificates. In the times when Richard HARRISON the registrar made a 7-mile journey on horseback, and the joiner had arrived to measure up for the coffin, the first thing the registrar would announce on arrival would be the terrible punishments for supplying false information - imprisonment with hard labour and even transportation amongst them.
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(March) Members’ Evening: What I have discovered lately. Members were able to discuss recent information they had discovered in their research. It was satisfying that some visitors were also present as prospective members, and help was given to them on where to find suitable websites, archives and libraries to start them on their search for information. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
5 June New Forest remembers: Do you? Gareth Owen 3 July Salt, sea & smugglers (A visit & walk around Lymington) 12 July Walk to Lyndhurst church - with New Milton & Christchurch Group (to be confirmed) 4 September ‘The Flying Enterprise’ & the Tug ‘Turmoil’ John Avery
Contact: New Milton & Christchurch John Heighes, 7 Wharncliffe Rd, Highcliffe on Meetings are held in the Library of St. Mark’s Church, Sea, Christchurch Highcliffe, on the second Friday of each month at 7.30 Dorset BH23 5DA p.m. The church is about 100 yards off Lymington Tel 01425 275800 Email: [email protected] Road on Hinton Wood Avenue, the turning opposite The Galleon Daphne Austin reports:- (January) Members’ Evening: Between more lines. This was a continuation of an earlier meeting in January 2012, when members were asked to talk about interpretations of their family history that were hidden or probable, but unproven. We heard about the marriage of a widow who claimed to be single, although left with six daughters; a man who married his deceased wife’s sister in 1874 in New Zealand; a death certificate with an address in Winchester that turned out to be the workhouse; about Petters of Yeovil, the oil engine- makers that went into aircraft production in WW1, which developed into Westland Aircraft - the speaker’s connection being that his father is believed to have built a model of the first passenger aircraft produced by the company; a maiden aunt who became nanny to a grandson of Henry Ford; and a 19th-century Hampshire man who somehow managed to play cricket for Lancashire. (February) Daphne Austin – Milford-on-Sea & the East India Company. Daphne’s research into the large houses of Milford and the intermarrying of their wealthy occupants kept throwing up connections with Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight, and also with the East India Company. This came about because Yarmouth in the days of sail was the departure port for spice ships to the Far East. Milford, just across The Solent, was where those merchants, who were making very considerable profits, enjoyed their wealth and watched for their returning ships. It was the coming of steam that produced ships too large for Yarmouth, hence their
65 Local Group Programmes move to Southampton, while railways also opened up the option of using ports further west. (March) Alan Brown – The life & times of William Stanley Prince. William Stanley Prince was born in Clovelly, and came from a well-established family of seamen from that village. He joined the navy as a boy, and signed on for 12 years, but actually served a longer period of time due to the Great War. This was the story of his service, told via postcards and photos that had come down through the family. They included pictures of battleships and cruisers on which he served. As well as being connected to the sea, family members were also keen photographers and there are surviving pictures of relatives born just after 1800. The men served in the Merchant Navy, as well as the Royal Navy, some were fishermen, and there were often crew members of the local RNLI, using rowing boats in the early days. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
14 June Titanic’s people John Avery 12 July Visit to St Michael & All Angels’ church, Lyndhurst Angela Trend 9 August Members’ Evening: A book that aided my family history 13 September Peterson’s Sway Tower: The use of concrete Paul Freeland
Contact: Portsmouth Sue Decicco. Tel. Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month Email: portsmouth@ (except January and August Bank Holidays) at 7 p.m. hgs-online.org.uk for 7.30 p.m. in the Baptist Church Hall, Havant Road, Cosham.
Dolina Clarke reports:- As many of you now know, the Portsmouth Group leader for the past few years, John Manning, died suddenly in February. Although he had been very ill, he continued to run the group, but in January he informed the Secretary that he could no longer continue. John had already arranged the talks for 2013, and so in February Sheila Brine and myself ran the pre- arranged meeting. At the end of the talk I asked for any volunteers to take over the group leader position, and we were fortunate to have Sue Decicco step forward and offer her services. She will be picking up the reins from the April meeting. (February) Steve Rogers – The War Graves Photographic Project. We had a very interesting talk by Steve on the project with which he is very much involved. He has given the talk to other groups, so I will not go into details here except to say we found it most informative. (March) Jane Fox – Tracing your London ancestors . This was an informative general talk on how to pursue London ancestors, being illustrated by Jane’s own experiences with her family.
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April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
3 June Historical navy / army uniforms Roger Glancefield 1 July How the HGS Research Centre & Bookstall can help you 2 September Sources for family history at the Hampshire Record Office Sarah Farley
Contact: Ringwood Paul Pinhorne, 84 Fontmell Road Broadstone BH18 8NP We meet at 7.30 p.m. on the third Wednesday of every Tel: 01202 383736 month at Greyfriars Community Centre, Christchurch Email: Road, Ringwood. Visitors and new members are most [email protected] welcome. Paul Pinhorne reports:- (January) Members’ Evening: Which great- or great-great-grandfather would you most like to meet & why? Paul Pinhorne’s great-grandfather was Lewis FLINT, aka Albert WARD. According to family legend, Lewis had deserted from the Army and then rejoined. After searching for over 25 years, it was only in the last couple that Flint’s original army record became available. Although year and place of birth did not tie up with family stories, it was definitely him - as his marriage, child and addresses could be confirmed with other records. He had changed his name to Albert Ward, although his original name was shown on his marriage certificate, and that of his daughter’s birth. He had an impeccable long service record, being pensioned after 21 years. His original military record confirmed where we thought he was born. However, the record was poor - with “confined to barracks” a frequent entry. Legend suggests he punched an officer or his horse, and went missing afterwards. Finding the entry ‘Deserted at Dover’ was brilliant. But what caused him to desert the Royal Artillery after three years, then rejoin the Royal Garrison Artillery four months later with a completely different conduct record? Pat Hilbert’s soldier ancestor EMMS could not be found in the 1841 census, although in subsequent ones. Angela Kimber’s Emanuel POTTER was living in Cumbria in 1741. She used the will of Mary Potter to prove a connection between Cumbria and Newcastle, and a number of her ancestors were vicars or married professional people. Val George’s Margaret McINTYRE was thought to have gone to Melbourne, Australia, in 1851, at a time when people were paid to leave Scotland. In 1859 she returned with three sons and a daughter. Pat Hodges’s William FARROW was a coal merchant in 1900. Why did he become estranged from his father? Why did he come south and start a business in Stroud? George Hilbert’s Sophia WADDLETONS was in Downham in 1841. Was she a Baptist? John Dymott spoke of William SMOKER from Kent, a schoolmaster, who married about three times. Sheila Williams
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mentioned her daughter’s school project about her great-grandfather, a miner who always sat quietly minding his business when all those around were talking. Her father said he would pick up comments and say ‘I can mind the time’. (February) Len Ruffell – Brotherly love. I was not present, but understand the talk was up to Len’s usual brilliant standard. (March) Geoff Green – Wartime in the Forest. Geoff spent 42 years working for the Forestry Commission, plus another 15 in the New Forest Museum. The talk derived from a project, created for Minstead Local History Group, about memories of people who were children during the war. We were fortunate to have a visitor with first-hand experience of Ashley Walk, which was used as a bombing range. Frank Myerscough was part of Churchill’s committee designing bombs. He was actually Barnes Wallis’s boss, and involved in the development of Grand Slam and Tall Boy, the largest bombs ever built. He mentioned how the RAF would not drop the bomb, yet he said he would do it. It caused quite a chuckle when he described aiming the bomb and releasing it over Fordingbridge. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
19 June Wills & administrations Mary, Lady Teviot 17 July Letters across the Atlantic Mary Baldwin (at Ringwood Meeting House) 21 August Skittles Evening 18 September Enumerators Tale Meryl Catty & Audrey Gillett
Contact: Romsey Kay Lovell E-mail [email protected] Meetings take place on the first Monday of the month Telephone 07905 798136 at Crosfield Hall, Romsey, at 7.30 pm. Newcomers are welcome. Val Dawe reports:- (February) Stan Waight – Timber-framed houses, dendrochronology & great rebuilding. Stan showed drawings and photos of different types of timber-framed houses, which included open-hall houses that had a fire in the centre of the house, but no chimney.
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Gradually, chimneys were developed, but fire was always a hazard in these buildings. Photos included some houses in Overton and Mapledurwell. Most were from the 16th and 17th centuries, with the earliest dated back to the 15th. Stan explained that the house frames were held together with intricate joints and pegs, the panels infilled with wattle and daub. The roofs would have been thatched, usually with straw, sometimes with reeds, and the windows had shutters, but no glass. Oak, in its green state, was the principal timber used. (March) Vicky Green – Enumerators of Southampton. Censuses provide us with a useful aid in tracing our ancestors. Vicky gave us an insight into how, and by whom, census information was collated. Through her work at Southampton Central Library and the associated Family History Club, Vicky became the co-ordinator of a project to index Southampton censuses. A total of 158 enumerators were identified, covering the years 1871, 1881 and 1891. Seven or eight months before each census an Act of Parliament would set the census date - in March/April - and the questions to be asked. Enumerators would then be recruited who ‘would be aged between 18 and 65, able to read and write well and have a knowledge of arithmetic, not of weak health and to be orderly and respectable’. Letter carriers and sorters from the Post Office made ideal recruits, as they would be familiar with Southampton addresses. Other ideal occupations included schoolmasters, workers from the Ordnance Survey and Gas Board, and a variety of clerks. A ‘kit’ was issued to each enumerator, containing schedule, enumerator’s book, instruction book and a memorandum book for notes. The enumerator would leave a schedule at each dwelling, for completion by the occupants. When completed the schedules would be collected and the information copied into the enumerator’s books. The enumerator would sign a declaration that all was correct, and the books would be handed back to the Registrar, finally being sent to London. There was much scope for error in the completion of the enumerator’s books, due to poor handwriting and misheard names; many householders were illiterate and would need to get someone else to complete the schedule for them. In Southampton there was often confusion over the number of houses to be visited; poor numbering of houses in some roads, a lot of new buildings, and many alleyways and passages that were easily missed. The job of enumerator was not paid well and few did it for more than one census. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
3 June Romsey Workhouse Phoebe Merrick 2 July Two VCs from Capstone Road, Bournemouth Roger Coleman 2 September Using newspapers for family history Jane Hurst
69 Local Group Programmes
Contact: Southampton Mike Lawrence, 84 Missenden Acres, Hedge End, Southampton Monthly meetings are held on the third Monday of SO30 2RE. Tel 01489 790505. each month EXCEPT BANK HOLIDAYS at the Roman Email southampton@ Catholic Church Hall, Commercial Street, Bitterne, hgs-online.org.uk Southampton, at 7.30 p.m. Car park is adjacent.
Anne Lawrence reports:- (February) Gerald Ponting – Among my mother’s souvenirs. January’s meeting was cancelled due to adverse weather conditions. When his mother died, Gerald had to clear the family home at Breamore. He found many photographs and objects capturing all aspects of a vanished way of life in rural Dorset. His mother was a great hoarder, and many of the objects and photos dated back over 180 years. She had worked as a lady’s maid in the ‘20s and ‘30s, and then, after her marriage, she shared the work of running a smallholding and milk round with her husband. She loved growing flowers, and her husband grew many vegetables which they sold. They both won many competitions for the best flowers and vegetables. (March) Ken Smallbone – The Manor, its records & your ancestors. Ken started by giving the historical background to the manorial system. From Norman times the King assumed title to all the land in England. He then divided it up between his followers, who became tenants- in-chief. The land was then subdivided into smaller units, becoming the basis of manors. The lord of the manor then let out his land. At each level the tenant owed service or rent, or both, to the person above him. The land was held either by freehold, leasehold or, at the bottom level, copyhold. The affairs were usually dealt with at manorial level under Courts Leet and/or Courts Baron. The former dealt with the monarch’s interests and the latter the local affairs of the manor. The court rolls for the court baron are of most interest to us, as they show changes of use of land, fines paid, etc, and name many of the local inhabitants. Manorial records – where they survive - can be traced through various means, including an index at Kew, at local record offices or elsewhere. Manors should not be confused with parishes, as they are frequently not coterminous. April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
17 June Probate records Beverley Walker 16 July Outside visit or Members’ Meeting 19 August Winchester: Castles, civil war, history Don Robertson 15 September T.B.C.
70 Local Group Programmes
Contact: Waltham Chase Chris Pavey, E-Mail: Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month [email protected] at Waltham Chase Village Hall, Winchester Road, Waltham Chase, and commence at 7.30 p.m. Car parking at the Hall. Newcomers welcome.
Iris Forsdyke reports:- (February) Members’ Evening. Because of unsettled weather our speakers were unable to attend the January meeting. Members brought forth many interesting aspects of the way they investigate and create their family trees. Some examples were of handwritten records in history books and photograph albums. One member even recorded her family history in a Canadian magazine. On a light-hearted note, one lady mentioned her carrier bag system kept in a chest of drawers, and containing various items of literature that she intends to sort out and develop in due course. A table was displayed with various pamphlets, etc. (March) Meryl Catty – ‘To coin a phrase’. Meryl explained the origins and meanings of well- known phrases and sayings covering several various subjects. For example, from naval and military records and other sources at the time of sail in the early 19th century, she gave some very interesting descriptions, such as: How men were punished by being pulled under the keel of a ship, and if there was insufficient water, they were “between the Devil and the deep blue sea”; When feigning illness, a man was simply “not pulling his weight”; With insufficient water beneath the keel, a plumb line was used “to plumb the depths”. The list was practically endless, with far too many interesting examples to be related here. Master cabinet-makers in the City of London Livery Company would produce miniature furniture, being exquisite and brilliant pieces of work known as “master-pieces”. In market towns, sometimes a pig could be substituted for a cat, hence the phrases “A pig in a poke” and “Let the cat out of the bag”. “A cock and bull story” developed from two stagecoach drivers who had a dispute over two taverns with similar names. And so on … April & May meetings to be reported in the next journal. Future dates are:-
25 June Heir hunters Beverley Walker 23 July World War I Marc Thompson 27 August Members’ Evening: My most exciting family history find 24 September Using manorial records for family history Ken Smallbone
71 Local Group Programmes/Members’ article
Executive Committee and Development Forum Meetings
Executive Meetings are held at the HGS Office in Cosham on the last Wednesday of alternate months, beginning at 7.15 pm. Development Forum Meetings are held in the Gilbert Room at Twyford Village Hall three times a year on Sunday at 2.30 pm. Attendees must inform the secretary if they are unable to attend. They are however able to send a substitute on their behalf.
Dates for 2012 Committee Meetings: 9 June Development Forum 25 September Executive Meeting 24 July Executive Meeting 29 September Open Day (Horndean) My Ancestor Came From Hampshire Notes from a lecture that I attended at the discussion were internet sources, probate Society of Genealogists (SOG):- records and wills, and court and Assize I have been researching my family history for records. about 12 years, and have, of course, managed The venues themselves came under the to do a lot online, with verification from GRO spotlight next. Details were given of the certificates and copies of parish records. I holdings, opening times, and making visits to have also visited the Winchester and the Hampshire Record Office, Southampton Portsmouth record offices on a number of Record Office and Portsmouth History Centre. occasions, and once ventured into the maze There were very useful tips on planning a visit that is the National Archives at Kew. Most of and making the most of one’s time at these the attendees at this lecture seem to have had record centres. We also learned why some a similar level of experience. Hampshire records may even be found outside We were encouraged to join a family history the county. society - HGS was given sound endorsement! The lecture had cost £17.50 to non-members There was a brief history of the county - as of SOG, and lasted for three hours. I would late as 1959 Hampshire was referred to as the recommend it, as it was very good value. The County of Southampton. lecturer was helpful, and covered both basic We were told about reference books for county and more advanced topics. It would be maps, parish boundaries and local history. particularly useful for family historians who do Available sources were mentioned for that not live within easy reach of Hampshire, but “brick wall” - that is, as alternatives to the who can more easily get to London. main GRO indices. Concerning parish registers and parish records, it was detailed what might Sue Dennis (Member # 11113) be included and where these documents can 4 Grange Road, Crawley Down, West Sussex be located in Hampshire. Other items under RH10 4ST
72 Important matters The new website and logo
See also Feature Article on page 3. Unfortunately, there is a very tiny minority The new website is undoubtedly a vast who tend to criticise destructively, even to the improvement on the old one, but there is still point of being quite hostile and abusive. Such a long way to go in order to make it more or should not be tolerated, particularly as the less ‘perfect’ or, at least, how most of us workforce gives their time freely to try to would want to envisage it to be. As stated, it accommodate members’ wishes. Absolute is “work in progress”, and would naturally rudeness offends, and merely antagonises the improve bit by bit as time goes by. Therefore, recipient, leading understandably to non- some patience is required on the part of the cooperation. A more subtle conciliatory member/visitor, as it must be remembered approach should normally reap positive that those who are actively creating and results. It must be remembered – at all times adding to it are volunteers, with other lives to – to treat our volunteers with respect, lead, as well as providing a service to HGS courtesy and friendliness, as fellow human members. beings, or otherwise there will eventually be Crucially, we require many more hands to no volunteers at all. It seems to be a sorry make the load lighter , and, in particular, state of affairs in which it is necessary to have those with sufficient valuable IT expertise to point this out. and/or experience to be able to assist our The prospective e-journal – a possible overworked webmaster in his many tasks to misconception about lack of choice be achieved within his limited free time. Unfortunately, it has been brought to my Because this is website work, most of it can notice that there has been a popular surely be achieved from a distance. So, even misconception going the rounds concerning our overseas members can participate in the the new website and the proposed electronic exciting world of the HGS website. Indeed, we journal (e-journal), despite all the assurances now have the facilities to interact with our being given to the contrary. The proposed e- worldwide fraternity in much better ways than journal will not supplant the current printed ever before. So, let’s develop this new version of the journal (hard-copy) for existing capability still further. Let’s create a members – unless a member specifically worldwide HGS community that helps and requests it. However, for a new member the supports one another, both academically and opposite will be offered: an e-journal unless actively. there is a specific request for the hard-copy Since the launch of the website many version. comments have naturally been made about it. The whole concept of ‘The Way Forward’ is to Several have thankfully expressed provide options for the member – to offer a constructive suggestions, and these have been choice where there had previously been no implemented as far as possible. Some have choice. There is no insistence at all that a made complaints that have now been member has to go in a certain direction. It is rectified, wherever possible. The website accepted that some may not even have a provides a form for such complaints or for computer, so an e-journal for them is simply ideas that ought to be considered. Please use out of the question and visiting a website an this. impossible task.
73 Important matters
Yet, we need to recruit new members, and we the Great Hall in Winchester, believed to have must be able to appeal to all kinds and to offer originally been the golden rose of Henry III various attractions, which are more readily (who was born in the Castle there). Such made available online. Above all, we need to debates will persist because there is nothing be able to appeal to the younger generations, at all to disprove them, in the same way that for they will continue from where we have left the evidence to substantiate the rose’s origin off. So, although we are generally dealing with does not exist. the past, we are here in the present with a Other devices were even put forward as the wary eye on the future. We have to move on, Society’s new logo, but it appears that the and in so doing, need to provide the necessary rose emblem won the day. However, as the options for all who may come after us, as well new website’s “figurehead”, it had to be as attempting to safeguard the ideals of our modified to give the impression of a new current supporters. beginning. The new logo – My decision as editor of representative of the this journal is to retain society? the old design and To enhance the status display it alongside the of a new “beginning” of new one for this sorts, a new logo has volume, denoting our been created and 40th anniversary, in a adopted for the new sense of continuity website. Naturally, it between the past and has attracted its critics, the future – the old and as new ventures would, the new – because that for it is quite is what we are actually impossible to please trying to do. This may everybody at the same be a kind of symbolism, time. However, given and perhaps for a few time the issue may there is something probably settle down quite reassuring about peacefully one way or it – in the same way another. that the Round Table, Another version of the rose emblem was stretching back about 900 years, was adopted for obvious reasons: this flower has renovated in the 16th century, but not been regarded as the badge of Hampshire for replaced, merely given a lick of new paint and almost the last 500 years, at least. change of device, thus still remaining what it Unfortunately, its origin is unknown, and there originally was and what it stood for. In other have been numerous theories put forward: words, it showed that it had changed, Tudor rose, Lancastrian red rose, and also the although in reality it hadn’t. rose device in the centre of the Round Table in Ken Smallbone, Editor
74 HGS Publications postal charges Increased postal charges for publications
Despite the extraordinarily huge increase Bookstall at fairs, while the postage for in postal charges imposed by Royal Mail microfiche has not suffered any increase. in April 2012, HGS had nevertheless Thus, you see that such a change would only refrained from passing this on for mail affect prices for CDs/DVDs and books. Please orders of our publications during the year. refer back to Hampshire Family Historian Vol Unfortunately, though, we cannot possibly 39 No 3 (December 2012) for the prices of the sustain such a loss any longer, and regret that a small increase has to be applied to some of various publications before postage or visit our products being ordered by post. There is our website (address is on the inside front no extra charge for those items collected cover). The following prices indicate mailed personally from the HGS office or from the orders only:-
Reference Title Post UK Post Overseas (£) (£) CDs / DVDs HCD 002 1891 Census Isle of Wight 5.50 6.80 HCD 003 1891 Census Hampshire 7.50 8.80 HCD 004 Baptisms 1813-1841 (£10 when Collected) 12.00 13.00 HCD 005 Marriages 1813-1837 9.00 10.80 HCD 007 Marriages 1754-1837 22.50 23.30 HCD 009 Marriages 1660-1753 17.50 18.30 HCD 011 Burials 1400-1841 27.50 28.30 HCD 012, Baptisms 1752-1812; 25.50 26.30 014, 015 1660-1751; 1537-1659 HCD 013 Marriages 1538-1659 25.50 26.30 HFH 01 Hampshire Family Historian 1974-84 9.00 10.80 HMI series Monumental Inscriptions on CD (01, 07, 08, 10, 15, 22, 26, 28, 37, 39, 51) 6.50 7.80 Books 1851 Census Surnames Indexes / 1851 Census Index 2.50 4.30 Hampshire Village Series 2.50 4.50 WEA Publications As the prices of these books vary considerably, please refer back to HFH Vol 39/3, and add the following to the “Collect in Person” price:- 50p for UK postage, and £1.30 for postage to addresses overseas
The prices of all other items in the HGS Publications Catalogue are not affected.
75 HGS Publications
HGS Publications A full list of currently available HGS Publications was featured in the December 2012 and March 2013 Hampshire Family Historian journals (Vol 39, Nos 3 & 4). To view a full current list please visit www.hgs-online.org.uk / www.hgs-familyhistory.com, and you can now purchase such items online. You can also refer back to your back copies of HFH 39/3-4, and note the following amendments:-
Additions Hampshire Village Series (Roy Montgomery): Chalton (58); Ibsley (59) – £2 (collected); £3.00 (post, UK); £4.50 (post, overseas). Deletions HCD 010: Hampshire Burial Index 1838-1841 Limited Stock (enquire for availability) WEA Publications: Highbury Memories – £2 (collected); £3.20 (post, UK): £5.50 (post, overseas) New publication (Launched at ‘Who Do You Think You Are?’ Live exhibition) HCD 015: Hampshire Baptism Index 1537-1659 Searchable index to Anglican (Church of England) baptisms in mainland Hampshire for the period 1537 to 1659. Excludes the Isle of Wight. Requires Windows XP or later. Includes PDF version for Mac users or for earlier versions of Windows. Cost of each CD: Collect in Person £23 By Post: UK, £25.50; Overseas, £26.30
76 HGS News Renewal Instructions All members £15. Renewal by credit card on our website may carry an extra administrative fee of 50p. Payment by Sterling Cash, British Bank Cheque, Foreign Bank Cheque in Sterling, CAF Cheque or Postal Order, please send your payment, with membership number on reverse of cheque, to the Membership Secretary at the HGS office address (see below). If you wish to change to payment by Direct Debit, please download the Direct Debit form from the Hampshire Genealogical Society website (see inside front cover). This form should be completed by the person making the payment if it is not the member themselves. The reference number is your membership number with leading zeroes added. The Direct Debit form should be returned to The Membership Secretary at HGS office address, and NOT to Eazipay. Please cancel previous method of payment by any other method as HGS cannot do it for you. Your membership will be recorded as paid on receipt of the form by the Membership Secretary. Direct Debit until cancelled will ensure continuing membership without action from you. All members may now find it easier to renew on-line with a credit card via our website www.hgs-online.org.uk or www.hgs-familyhistory.com , where they can pay by PayPal (no account is required for payment), or, alternatively, visit www.genfair.co.uk and type in “hampshire genealogical society”. If you are a UK income tax payer and wish to gift aid your payment, please download the Gift Aid form from the Hampshire Genealogical Society website. Gift Aid helps the Society’s funds, with no extra cost to you. If you are unable to download any form you require, please contact the Membership Secretary by e-mail, post or telephone at the HGS office, and the relevant form will be sent to you. Please include your membership number in all communications.
Address to:- The Membership Secretary, Hampshire Genealogical Society 52 Northern Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, Hampshire PO6 3DP UK Volume 39 (2012-2013) No. 1 (June) The future of the HFH journal ( Ken Smallbone) ...... 3 Great granddad’s diary Part 2 (Ian Shepherd) ...... 6 In days of yore –Last will & testament: 5 (Ken Smallbone) ...... 14 Postcard puzzle (Jane Hurst) ...... 17 Jewish records project (Terry Bridger) ...... 31 George Parsons of Bursledon, shipbuilder (Frank Wagstaff) ...... 35 Flora Thompson in Hampshire (John Owen Smith) ...... 22 Historical Hogs – Donald Osborn Finlay (Jeff White) ...... 40 Stranger than fiction (Becca Kinneison) ...... 43 Railway fatality at Landport (Brenda Horwill) ...... 53 Peter Wells of Selborne – born where? (Ray Wells) ...... 55 New Zealand bound (Neville Andrews) ...... 77 No. 2 (September) The future of the HFH journal (continued) (Ken Smallbone) ...... 83 Trooper Thomas Cole (Rosemary Temple) ...... 88 In days of yore –Last will & testament: 6 (Ken Smallbone) ...... 92 The book is now closed (Ken Smallbone) ...... 94 Portsmouth Naval Dockyard (Frank Wagstaff) ...... 98 Greetings from ‘Down Under’ (Rev Neil Harvey) ...... 119 Historical Hogs – William of Wykeham (John Heighes) ...... 120 In honour of our ancestors (Ken Smallbone) ...... 123 Southampton Workhouse scandal (Roy Montgomery) ...... 135 Lovesey sisters (Len Ruffell) ...... 157 Hopes and aspirations (Ken Smallbone) ...... 158 No. 3 (December) The Way Forward (Ken Smallbone) ...... 163 From the Titanic to a negro slave (Allison Shelley) ...... 169 In days of yore – Census, Part 1 (Ken Smallbone) ...... 172 Trooper Thomas Cole, Part 2 (Rosemary Temple) ...... 174 Family history: My plans for the future (John Smith) ...... 181 George Parsons: His Hamble built ships (Frank Wagstaff) ...... 186 Christmas in the trenches, 1914 (Ken Smallbone) ...... 188 Original Mudlarks (Ken Grubb) ...... 200 Christmas family get-togethers (Ken Smallbone) ...... 201 Historical Hogs – King Henry III Ken Smallbone ...... 202 Smith & Terliven (Mrs C Voller) ...... 204 One of Nelson’s best ship masters (James Tilmouth) ...... 232 No. 4 (March) The Way Forward (Chris Pavey) ...... 247 Some Puzzling Graffiti Revisited (Tim Wilson) ...... 252 In days of yore – Census Part 2 (Ken Smallbone) ...... 256 Hide or Pocock? (Peggy Radford) ...... 265 Ahead of her time? (Deborah Patterson) ...... 271 Fair Oak Group Celebration (Sandra Naish) ...... 272 Murder or not? (Roy Montgomery) ...... 280 Historical Hogs – Lord Denning (Ken Smallbone) ...... 286
Hampshire Genealogical Society