Posted by Lut on 30/09/2012 Hi, I'm searching for more information about Francis Brian Jewell and his family. Francis was born in august 1925 in Surrey Kent and lived in Tunbridge Wells.In 19 he tried to pursuade the people to walk sideways on the pavement. He died a few years ago ( not sure were or when )and I'm searching for his family. Maybe someone can help me with this Thanks Lut Belgium
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 30/09/2012 Does anyone have any information about who Lieut. colonel George Scott is who's name is given on the monument at Carr's Corner (Calverly Park Rd and Lansdowne Rd).The inscription says In memory of Lt. Colonel George Scott erected by his brother A.D. 1890.Who is brother was might be helpful also.One or both of them must have been of some significance to T. Wells to warrant a monument
Posted by Honor Wayne on 25/09/2012 I am trying to find the marriage record of a Laura de Lisle and Ralph Wayne - their wedding was supposedly commemorated on the fly leaf of a prayerbook in 1712. She was said to be of Ashley Park, near Tunbridge Wells in Kent. I would be very grateful if anyone could help
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 17/09/2012 To Janet Hole Im trying to answer your inquiry but need more information. Need more names,dates,places of birth etc assocoated with Stephen and Henry Easter. The more you can tell me the more likely I can answer your inquiry.What time period was Stephens Freedom of London application?
Posted by Brian Dobson on 15/09/2012 To Sandra Jarvis. I checked several editions of Kellys Directory. In 1919 and 1927 Harmony House is listed in the commercial section with a Miss Holmwood offering furnished appartments. Earlier editions list Harmonny House in the address section only with the Holmwood family in residence. Holmwood House School in neighbouring Langton Green is a well-known private school and there may be some connection with the Holmwood family. Write to [email protected]. There is an informative website entitled Welcome to Rusthall at www.crescentmoonweb.co.uk/rusthall/index.htm. In the section headed About, there is a facility to email questions. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 15/09/2012 To Christine Maplesden. The county of Sussex was split into East Sussex and West Sussex. Rotherfield is in East Sussex and the official archive is The Friends of East Sussex in Lewes. You should be able to find out more information in Google to provide more details to the archive when making a request. There are so many references to the Maplesdens of Rotherfield including property ownership, a death sentence on a Samuel for horse stealing and imprisonment of Ezra as a debtor. How far did you check down the list? Because of the restriction in this website on the use various typographical characters, I cannot list some websites I have found. Send an e-mail to my personal address and I'll send you the list. Brian Dobson
Posted by Christine Maplesden on 14/09/2012 Thanks for the reply Brian. I had found the google information you mention. My great grandfather was Ezra's youngest son, Oscar, born after the 1841 census. It is Ezra's father, also Samuel Maplesden and his wife Hannah, that I have no information about apart from the will you mention.Would the contact you have given me be relevant for them? Thanks
Posted by Brian Dobson on 14/09/2012 To Christine Maplesden. If you check Ancestry, you will find that in 1841 the transcription of the family surname was misinterpreted as Maplesdler, having been previously mistranscribed as Mapleseller. It has subsequently been corrected. Samuel was living in Rotherfield village with his parents Ezra and Sarah, together with four siblings. The local library for Rotherfield is in Crowborough, which unfortunately does not hold copies of the parish records for BMD. You'll need to contact the Friends of East Sussex Record Office in Lewes at [email protected]. However, enter Samuel Maplesden Rotherfield into Google and up will come a number of interesting websites, including the will of Ezra's father. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 14/09/2012 To Janet Hole. I have found nothing in census returns 1841-1911. Are you able to supply dates and places of birth for Stephen or Henry? I'll then try local trades directories for relevant periods. Brian Dobson
Posted by sandra jarvis on 12/09/2012 I am trying to find out info about The Harmony or Harmony House in Rusthall which was inhabited by the Holmwood family circa 1900.School possibly or childrens home?
Posted by janet hole on 10/09/2012 stephen Easter applied for the Freedom of City of London stating that his father was Henry Easter Builder, Late of Tunbridge Wells. Does anyone have any information which might lead me to Henry?
Posted by Christine Maplesden on 05/09/2012 Hi, I'm from NZ, researching Maplesden family. So far have got back to my great great great grandfather Samuel Maplesden of Rotherfield, died c1836, brother called William, wife called Hannah. Am now stuck. Does anyone have any further information or know where I can find some? Thanks.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/08/2012 To jeanann. Please elaborate. It is not clear what you are trying to find out. Brian Dobson
Posted by jeanann on 26/08/2012 looking for a station james k jones
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/08/2012 To Rowyn MacLean. John Thomas Gibbs was baptised on 23rd August 1885 at St Paul's Church, Rusthall. His father Thomas is shown as a labourer. Thomas Gibbs married Charlotte Mercy Wiles at the same church on 11th November 1882. Thomas was a gardener. His father Peter was also a gardener. John Wiles, a labourer, was the father of Charlotte. The witnesses were James Wiles and Elizabeth Jane Wiles. The source is the parish records. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 21/08/2012 To Angela Littlechild. Sevenoaks is outside our area. Contact the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk. Or try the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, the county archive, at [email protected]. Sevenoaks Library may also be able to help at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Angela Littlechild on 21/08/2012 Taken into Hitch and Hatch Nursery Sevenoaks in 1955 to 1956 are there any records of that time?
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/08/2012 To Rowyn MacLean. Correction. John Thomas Gibbs was born in 1885. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/08/2012 To Rowyn Maclean. In the 1891 census John Thomas Gibbs was living at 12 Bretland Road in Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells with his parents and two sisters. In 1901 he was a boarder at 25 Lower Green Road, Rusthall and living next door to his family, which was at number 26. In 1911 his parents were living at 29 Salisbury Road, Rusthall. John Thomas could not be found. Probably he had sailed to Canada. Until 5th September there is a free offer from Ancestry Worldwide to search Canadian immigration passenger lists. His mother was Charlotte Mercy Wiles, who was born circa 1862. His father Thomas was born circa 1857. The birth registration of John Thomas is Quarter 3 1895 Tonbridge Registration area, volume 2a, page 652. On Ancestry you will find John Thomas in a tree posted by W.H. Rutherford, alias Frustration, showing John had 5 siblings. On my next library visit I'll search for a baptism. Brian Dobson
Posted by Dave Smith on 20/08/2012 Members will be saddened by the news that Colin Huggett, the Editor of the TWFHS Journal for many years, died in mid-July after a very short illness. Our thoughts are with Thelma, his widow, and other family members at this very sad time.
Posted by Rowyn MacLean on 18/08/2012 GIBBS/Morley Family Mystery John Thomas Morley was married in NS Canada year 1919.....on his death bed he said his real surname was GIBBS. At the time of his marriage ....his parents were named Thomas and Charlotte(Wilds)Morley, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England. There had been 'trouble' back home so he changed his name and ran off to Canada! Please...does anyone have this man/story in their family-tree? Thanks for your time, Rowyn MacLean, NS, Canada
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/08/2012 To Christine McEwen. You appear to have all the information, but are seeking living relatives or friends. The Tunbridge Wells FHS is a small society. If you check the members' interests page, you will see that just one is researching Wood, but then in the Hadlow and Brenchley areas. None is researching Robson. To reach a wider audience I suggest you send an email to the letters page of the Kent & Sussex Courier, which is the local newspaper for both Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells. The address is [email protected]. Tonbridge is outside our area. Try the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk. One of its members may be able to help. Brian Dobson
Posted by Christine McEwen on 17/08/2012 Hi thanks for the response. Pat wilson is my sister and so far we have not been able to find anything regarding Margaret Wood. We are hoping that there may be a relation or friend of the family who will see this and respond. We are both members of Ancestry and have been for many years.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/08/2012 To Jillian Eldridge. I must apologise for inserting a wrong email address for Colette McAlpine at the Female Convicts Research Centre in Tasmania. The correct address is [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/08/2012 To. Christine McEwen. Put Margaret Joan Wood, born 28 April 1918 in Tonbridge, Kent into the search panel of Ancestry and amongst the list of results will be a page from the tree of a subscriber PatWilson4. Everything you are seeking on Margaret and Walter is included, including birth, marriage and death certificates. If you do not personally have a subscription to Ancestry, contact your local library. Most libraries in the UK have one. Brian Dobson
Posted by Christine McEwen on 16/08/2012 Hi I am trying to find any information for Margaret J Robson nee Wood or Woods. She married Walter Stanley Robson in 1943 in Hawick, Scottish Borders. She was born in Tunbridge , her parents were Charels Leonard Wood and Gladys Elizabeth nee Quiddington. Sadly Walter (my uncle) died in 1945 and is buried in Greece. In 1960 Margaret or Peggy published the letters she recieved from him, the book is called Letters From A Soldier. another interesting fact is that Anne Michie witnessed their wedding, she was the amous artist Anne REdpath. I would be grateful for any information regarding either Margaret or Walter.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 11/08/2012 To Ed Gilbert. I followed your conversations on Rootschat. If Ada Amy Bates was born in 1883, then it looks like she is the Ada A. Bates, who was born in 1883 and died in the fourth quarter of 1940 in the Ross registration area of Herefordshire, volume 6a, page 1340. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 11/08/2012 To Ed Gilbert. Charles L. Raiswell married Margaret Watts in the second quarter of 1936 in the Bentford registration area. volume 3a page 400. I presume you are Smokey807 on Rootschat. Ordering a birth certificate from the GRO should confirm the father of the groom. The Southborough Society may know more about the riding stables at Modest Corner. The website address is www.southboroughsociety.org.uk, but place a hyphen between southborough and society, which the website restrictions will not allow me to do. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 11/08/2012 To Jillian Eldridge. For detailed information on Swing Rioters go to www.swingriotsriotersblacksheepsearch.com. TWFHS has just been asked for help by the Female Convicts Research Centre in Tasmania. It has information of convicts tried at the Kent Assizes, but only in about 15% of cases is there information on a home town. Only one convict is shown as from Tunbridge Wells. The Centre believes the way forward is to find newspaper reports of the trials. Contact Colette McAlpine on [email protected] at the Centre to find out how it sourced the assize information found to date. Try also Convicts to Australia at www.convictcentral.com. Through Ancestry you can search the registers of the convict ships. Brian Dobson
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 10/08/2012 Looking for birth and death dates and locations for Miss Ada A Bates who was the proprietor of the Norfolk Hotel in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Directories show she was at the hotel on 14 Church Road from 1908 until at least 1930. The hotel closed in 1959. Cant find any information about her after 1930.Can someone help?
Posted by Fiona Barnes on 10/08/2012 Thanks for the responses re my grandfather Sidney Barnes. Yes, he lived at Dynevor Rd from the 1940's until his death in 1968. I will check out the J Barnes shop mentioned, as he had a brother called Joea about whom I know very little. I think that (or the suggestion that the shop may have had a trade name) is more likely than the shop in Sussex, as that's maybe a bit far away - I don't think he had a car! Best wishes, FB
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 07/08/2012 Looking for information about Charles Lawrence Raiswell(1903-1981) who had a riding stable business in Southborough.I have complete info on his birth,death,parents,siblings.Need info on any marriage and children also any information about his business and also photos.
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 07/08/2012 To Jillian Eldridge. What you propose I expect will be tough. Lots of general immigration info from the Uk but finding info just for people from Tunbridge Wells will be a challenge.I live in Canada and can suggest trying Library and Archives Canada who hold immigration records 1865 to 1935 or Citizenship and Immigration Canada who have records of citizenship and naturalization 1854 onwards(this cource does have records indicating the former place of residence of the individual).Contact info is on the internet.Hope this helps.
Posted by Jillian Eldridge on 07/08/2012 I am researching for a project and wonder how I can find information about people emigrating either to Australia or Cananda from Tunbridge Wells and surrounding area during the 1800s. This was a time soon after the Swing Riots took place which related to the mechinisation of farm work. Many farm workers left from the area surrounding Rye and sailed to Australia around 1839. I'm thinking that there must have been a similar incidence of people leaving from around Tunbridge Wells but cannot find infprmation. Would very much appreciate your guidance. thank you .
Posted by Brian Dobson on 06/08/2012 To Kay Hayes. I checked the Kellys Directories for Speldhurst in the 1890s, but A.C. Garrick is not shown. Alfred died in 1904 and the probate is shown on Ancestry. He was then living in Dorking, Surrey. The full will should reveal his company for which he claimed to be a merchant. Note that below his name on the census return of 1891 for the Spa Hotel, which was shown as being in Rusthall New Town but currently it is within the boundary of Tunbridge Wells, there is another Australian. In all probability they were attending to businees affairs in the town. From 1895 to 1899 A.C. Christian is on the electoral roll for Kensington South and it is my guess that Alfred was running a company from a London base. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 06/08/2012 To Fiona Barnes. I checked Kellys Directories for the 40s and 50s. A Sidney H. Barnes was living at 48 Dynevor Road from 1948 until 1957. 1948 was the first edition issued after WWII. In the trade sections, the only grocer named Barnes I could find was J. Barnes of 83 Albion Road in the 1959 edition The shop of Sidney Barnes could of course have had a trade name. Brian Dobson
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 05/08/2012 To Fiona Barnes There isa Sydney Barnes, grocer at East Stret Selsey,Sussex in 1938. Could this be him. Couldnt find him in T. Wells in 1938(the last directory I have)
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 05/08/2012 To Kay Hayes 1891 census for A.C Garrick has him as a visitor at the Bishops Down Grove Spa Hotel in Tunbridge Wells. He is age 51, born 1840 Sydney Australia, a merchant
Posted by Kaye Hayes on 03/08/2012 Does anyone know where in Speldhurst Alfred Christian Garrick was living in 1891? I am writing a history of the Garrick family and any information would be much appeciated
Posted by Fiona Barnes on 02/08/2012 I believe my grandfather, Sidney barnes, had a grocer's shop in Tunbridge Wells in the 1940's-1950's. Do you have any idea where it was?
Posted by naomi kelsall on 31/07/2012 Thank you, Brian for looking into my Reidhaven query. A visit to TW Local Studies library and use of maps and directories shows that Reidhaven is now called Rodmell Place. It was originally called Reidhaven after Viscount Reidhaven who sponsored my ancestor Alexander Grant(a crofter's son) through school in the 1860s.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 30/07/2012 To Naomi Kelsall. According to Kellys Directory 1901, Mount Nevill Lane lay between numbers 5 and 7 Frant Road. Today those numbers are either side of Rodmell Road, so the name must have changed and the lane redeveloped into a thoroughfare. I could not find Reidhaven, so the name could have changed or the building may have been demolished. The Local History Group of the Royal Tunbridge Wells Civic Society may be able to help. Go to www.thecivicsociety.org and click on Local History Group. In the 1911 census a Jan Reidhaven Grant, a retired Royal Navy captain, was living at 4 Queens Road Tunbridge Wells. Any connection? Brian Dobson
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 30/07/2012 To Tom Sargeant Regarding Ellis Carr's Bentley you might be interested to know that Ellis moved to his retirement home in Tunbridge Wells at Yewburrow 8 Broadwater Down (an area of expensive homes occupied by wealthy stock brokers, merchants etc)by 1922,based on phone directories and that when he died June 16,1930 his sister Ada occupied the residence until at least 1938.Its possible Ellis left his Bently with his spinster sister, driven of course by the chauffer. Have you been able to trace the ownership of the Bently from 1930 onwards. If yes what have you found.
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 30/07/2012 To Tom Sargeant I have researched the Carr family and written an article about Ellis Carr etc. I also have a photo of him. I will be posting my entire article with photos on my website but not until January. If you want an advanced copy of it give me your email address and I will send it. Can you give me the address or location of Stevensons Ltd please.You can also see a detailed geneology of the Carr family on the rootsweb site
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/07/2012 To Tom Sergeant. Enter Ellis Carr Biscuit into Google and a number of books will be listed. Ask your local library to make a national search of library lists and for £4.50 each they will track down the ones you want to loan. Brian Dobson
Posted by Naomi Kelsall on 26/07/2012 Tom Sargeant. Ellis Carr was born in 1852 and died in 1930. He was a biscuit manufacturer and left over a million pounds with legacies to his chauffeur, gardeners etc. He was unmarried. Try googling Yewbarrow, Tunbridge Wells for the above. Probate details are available with an Ancestry search
Posted by Tim Sargeant on 25/07/2012 Has anyone any knowledge of Ellis Carr Esq. 8 Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells circa 1929. He bought a Bentley 4 1/2 litre motor car KP4920, from Stevensons Ltd on 5th March 1929 and I am interested in this car. What was his business or any other relevant information. Thank You.
Posted by Naomi Kelsall on 19/07/2012 Reidhaven, Frant Rd. Does anyone know if this house still exists? My ancestor Dr Grant lived here in 1901 (listed at Mt Nevill Lane)
Posted by Brian Dobson on 18/07/2012 Richard Maylam. None of our members lists Adcock as a surname of interest. We are a small society and you would have a larger audience if you asked our local newspaper, The Kent & Sussex Courier. Write to [email protected] and ask for your request to be published in the letter pages. Try the address search website at www.192.com. It shows 13 Edward Adcocks on electoral rolls in the country, but none are in Kent. Edward may well of course have moved out of the county. In the local telephone book, there is an A. Adcock listed in Tunbridge Wells at 01892 521657. Others of course may be ex directory. Brian Dobson
Posted by Richard Maylam on 15/07/2012 Dear Sirs, I have been asked by Prince Hassan who lived in Langton Green in the 1950s whether I could help him trace Edward [Teddy] Adcock who lived in Langton Green in the 50s, his brother who lived in Mt Ephraim or any of their relations. Perhaps some of your older members may remember them. Any help would be gratefully received. Richard Maylam.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 15/07/2012 To Bernard Hudson. I have been unable to find Ford Cottage. I have an excellent contact in Fordcombe and I shall forward to you a detailed email he sent to me. This may offer some clues. I checked through the Fordcombe pages of the 1901 census, but could find no record of Ford Cottage. Tunbridge Wells Library has no map of Fordcombe. I would suggest you check the electoral rolls for the time your grandmother was living there. These are available at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, [email protected]. From the order on the roll, you may be able to identify neighbouring properties. The Centre may also hold a map. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 10/07/2012 To Keith Brooker. I found the current website featuring the Swan Inn. Go to www.edenbridgetown.com, click on Business and enter Swan Inn in the search panel. A useful website is www.pubhistorysociety.co.uk. The Edenbridge & District Historical Society may be able to supply historical details at [email protected]. The Society may know if licensing registrations still exist. The same address serves the Eden Valley Museum. By coincidence the Tunbridge Wells FHS was given a lecture last month by Simon Fowler on Researching Brewery and Publican Ancestors. His book of the same title is on sale. At Edenbridge Library they probably hold editions of Kellys Directory. Contact [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 08/07/2012 To Brian Adams. My reply was over length and so trunacated. The last two sentences are Mary Ann Adams was born in Rotherfield. Rotherfield is in our area, but, situated in the county of East Sussex, the parish records are held at the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes. Contact [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 08/07/2012 To Brian Adams. The birth registration for Susannah Rosina Lancaster is Quarter 3 1878 Maidstone, volume 2a, page 643. For the marriage registration to George Adams, she is shown as Rosena Susannah and the details are Quarter 4 1901 Tonbridge, volume 2a, page 1582. On census returns both Rosina and Charles Maplesden are shown as being born in Nettlestead, near Maidstone. Bank Farm is in Tudeley in the borough of Tonbridge. These towns and villages are outside our area. For Maidstone and Nettlestead contact the Kent Family History Society at www.kfhs.org.uk: for Tonbridge and Tudeley contact the North West Kent Family History Society at [email protected]. By entering Charles Maplesden 1819 into the Ancestry subscription website, you will find a number of detailed trees, documents and other items have been posted by subscribers. Do libraries in the USA have library subscriptions, like they do in the UK? Mary Ann Adams was born in Rotherfield. Rotherfield is in our area, but, situated in
Posted by Keith Brooker on 07/07/2012 I am looking into my fathers history and found out that his Grandmother (my G.Grandmother) Caroline Brooker was living at the Swan Inn, Marlpit Hill, Edenbridge in 1891 as a Beer Retailer and her son Albert as the manager. She died in 1901.I wonder if there is anybody that can help me with the history of the Swan Inn or any other information or where I might find such information I would be most grateful.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/07/2012 To Jenny Savidge. Without christian names and an indication of the dates of birth it is not practical to make a search. A search of the electoral rolls will reveal the christian names. Those rolls before 1971 for Tunbridge Wells are held at the new Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, [email protected]
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/07/2012 To Ruth Keenan. I searched the Tunbridge Wells parish records between 1962 and 1964 for the baptism of George Albert Johnson, but could not find it. Brian Dobson
Posted by Bernard Hudson on 05/07/2012 My grandmother had letters from the mid-1930's that gives her address as Ford Cottage, Fordcombe. Please does anyone know where this property was exactly as it does not appear in current directories. Thanks very much, Bernard
Posted by jenny savidge on 04/07/2012 i am looking for information on the flynn sisters that lived at eridge road number 17 during the 20 s to 60s
Posted by Brian Adans on 04/07/2012 I am doing some family research and am trying to find information or anyone related to the Adams or Maplesden families. Hopefully someone can help me on this adventure. My great grandfather was George Adams. He was born and raised on Bank Farm in Tonbridge. He married a local girl, Rosina Susannah Lancaster, in 1901 and headed to the US in 1903 with their new born son, George. My great grandfather seems to be the only one of his many siblings to head to the US. George was a son of Mary Ann Adams (b. 1844), servant, and Charles Maplesden (b. 1819). I know that Charles had about 12 of his own children with Jane Goodwin Maplesden. But my great grandfather was one of 10, with 2 children not living past 1 year. I am trying to learn what I can about both the Adams and Maplesden families. If you can be of any help, I would appreciate it.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/07/2012 To Hilary West. As stated in my posting of the 10th May, Northfields was situated in Langton Road, Langton Green. The Kent History and Library Centre, [email protected], may have some information. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/07/2012 To Anne Pollington. By coincidence the Tunbridge Wells FHS was given a lecture last week on Researching Brewery and Publican Ancestors by Simon Fowler. He told us it can be difficult to trace brewery workers. Simon has published a book with that same title. I have found a number of webpages featuring the Kelsey Culverden Brewery, which I will have to send by email, because of the restriction on characters used. Some include letters of others seeking Kelsey workers. There are references to a terrible accident to a man named Bert. The local history feature writer at the Kent & Sussex Courier, [email protected], may be able to trace a report. According to the National Archives, The Whitbread Archives has some Kelsey documents. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/07/2012 To Gabriella McCree. Simply enter William Hutson Fry into Google and a number of interesting websites will be listed. Several contain family trees and the free to view www.records.ancestry.com has a death notice announcing his death in Tynemouth in 1863, which appeared in the New York Times. For marine apprenticeships, I would ask the National Archives at www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. It might also be worthwhile trying www.shipsnostalgia.com. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 30/06/2012 To: Ruth Keenan, The reason you cannot find George Albert in the census data is that Sarah was alone with one daughter, Sarah, at 171 Manisty Street, Poplar in 1891. In 1901 she was alone with 5 children at 13 Russell Road, Croydon. Trees posted on Ancestry suggest that George Albert was married to Sarah Hill circa 1887 at All Saints Poplar. But there is a discrepancy in that the marriage registration states Alfred Johnson, son of Roland Timothy Johnson (maybe Richard Timothy). I suggest you recheck the census data on Ancestry and contact the owners of the Johnson and Edwards trees. From the children with Sarah, you can check their birth registrations at Poplar and Croydon. You'll find a birth registration for an Albert Johnson in Quarter 1 1862 the Tonbridge registration area. Meanwhile, I'll try and find a baptism for George Albert on my next library visit. Brian Dobson
Posted by Hilary West on 29/06/2012 Hi, I too have found a birth from Northfields Langton, Speldhurst Road, has anyone managed to find out any more information about this maternity home? the baby was given up for adoption in 1948. Thanks
Posted by Anne Pollington on 29/06/2012 Hello,I am trying to find names of workers at Kelsey's Brewery/Culverden Brewery, Tunbridge Wells during the years 1940 to 1945. My grandfather,Albert Pollington worked there at sometime as did Louisa(Cissie)Pollington. I need one name in particular but I only have the name Bert. If I saw alist of surnames also I am sure I would recognise the one I am desperately searching for. My family lived in St. Johns for many years. I have contacted Kent Archives and The TW Museum but no such records have been found. Perhaps they were desyroyed in 1962 when I believe the Brewery was pulled down.If anyone has the remotest idea I should be very grateful. Perhaps there is still someone alive of that generation. Thank you, Anne Pollington
Posted by Brian Dobson on 28/06/2012 To Rita Bradley. Sorry for the typing error. The address of T. Douse is 12 Newborough Court, Northwood Road, Tonbridge TN10 3JQ. Brian Dobson
Posted by Gabriella McCree on 28/06/2012 Hello, I am trying to find out more about my 4X great grandfather William Hutson Fry, bapt 27th December 1775 and supposedly born at sea off Delaware. As he was a mariner I think it likely his father was also hence the 'born at sea'. I wonder if anyone can tell me where to look for apprenticeship indentures, I've had a look on the Kent Archives site but cannot find him. His parents were Edward Fry and Ann Hutson. William had a brother Edward bapt 1778, Tonbridge. He married Elizabeth Donald or Donaldson in North Shields, Northumberland in 1804. If anyone can point me in the right direction I would be most grateful. Thank you, Gabriella McCree, nee Smith
Posted by Ruth Keenan on 28/06/2012 Hello I am trying to find my great grandfather name is George Johnson (or George Albert Johnson) he stated in the 1911 census that he was born in Tunbridge wells kent 1863 I am trying to find out his mother/fathers name also any other brothers and sisters and his wife (Sarah) last maden name I have search the ancestry.com with no luck Please can you help.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/06/2012 To Rita Bradley. I found two possible links. In the free online 1881 census a William Henry Douse, born 1863 in Maidstone, Kent, was serving in the Royal Marines Light Infantry at the Hospital Barracks and Hospital at Walmer in Kent. Free BMD shows a William Henry Douse married Helen German Quarter 2 1905 in the Tonbridge Registration area, volume 2a, page 1576. Today there are two entries in the Tunbridge Wells area phone book: D.W. Douse, 65 Northwood Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3HJ. Tel.01732 350396 and T. Douse, 12 Northwood Court, Northwood Road, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JQ. Tel. 01732 365261. To find more Douse contacts in Kent, go to www.192.com and enter Douse and Kent in the search box. The website searches directories and electoral rolls. Brian Dobson
Posted by Rita Bradley on 25/06/2012 Hi, my grandfather was born there in kent England his last Mae was Douse. I was born Rita Douse then got married but I was trying to find out where my family comes from, my great grand fathers name was William Henry Douse but he was born there and brought my grandfather to the states when my grandfather was a boy. I am the last of the line of the Douse name here, I do have children 7 of them and I named my last son, Henry Douse of course my married name was Winkler so the Douse name has stop. I am just wondering if there are any Douse families still over there, thanks for your time, this Internet stuff is new to me.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 21/06/2012 To Richenda Shuter. Prison Reformer Elizabeth Fry and Christian writer Caroline Fry, both have pages on Wikipedia. The only vague connection I could find, apart from their lives being contemporary, is that Caroline was born in Kent, at Tunbridge Wells, and Elizabeth died there, in Ramsgate. The Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery has an enquiry form on its website, www.tunbridgewellsmuseum.org. The Ramsgate Society too has an enquiry form, www.ramsgate-society.org.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Richenda Shuter on 20/06/2012 I am interested in the family of Caroline Fry born 1787 in Tunbridge Wells. Was she any relation to Elizabeth Fry the prison reformer?
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/06/2012 To Deborah Elliott. Go the the free pages for the 1881 census at www.familysearch.org and you will find Victor James at 23 Grosvenor Road with his parents and seven siblings. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/06/2012 To James Greenidge. For this area the only reference I found to the surname Modin is the marriage of Clive Modin to Ada Ledingham in 1939 in the Tonbridge registration area on the Free BMD website. By ordering the marriage certificate from the GRO in Southport you should then know the name of his father and you can then search back one generation. The reference is Quarter 4 1939 Tonbridge 2a 4396. As you have an address of Etherton Hill, Speldhurst, you could contact the Kent History and Library Centre, [email protected], and ask if there are any Modins at the address on any electoral roll in the early 1900s. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/06/2012 To Anne Fuller. Tunbridge Wells Library holds electoral rolls only from 1971. This is because before then Tunbridge Wells was in the Tonbridge electoral district. The new Kent History and Library Centre, [email protected], holds the electoral rolls, which include Tunbridge Wells, from 1832 to date. From those you can find who lived at 17 Granville Road circa 1917. Versions of Ancestry and/or FindMyPast are now held at most local libraries. Search the census returns for 1911 and 1901 and you will find a large number of Hewitts living in Tunbridge Wells. Check the names found on the electoral roll against these and you should then be able to pinpoint earlier addresses and find more family members. In 1911 one family of Hewitts, 3 people, was living at no.1 Granville Road. The husband and wife are elderly and so are very possibly from an earlier generation of those at no.17. Brian Dobson
Posted by Sue Smith on 19/06/2012 There is a photograph of the names on the War Memorial in Tunbridge Wells and it is kept at the Tunbridge Wells library. Also there is an index of the WW1 roll of honour and these names are included along with entries from the two local newspapers of the time. Some of these had photographs. I indexed all of these as a volunteer for the library and if you contact the library they can send you copy of the index by e-mail. They may also be able to scan in the photos which are kept on sheets as well. To contact them, try [email protected] as she will know what you are talking about. Get back to me if you have problems. Sue
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 18/06/2012 To Deborah Elliot 1911 cenus taken at 15 St Johns Rd, East Grinstead,Suusex has Victor James Jones, a tailor living with wife Emma Beatrice Jones nee Kingsby and children Victor Godfrey (b1909 East Grinstead) and Dora born same place 1910.Victor's parents William Godfrey Jones(1835-1902) and Lydia Dykes(1844-1906).
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 18/06/2012 Im looking for any information about any of the men listed on the Tunbridge Wells War Memorial for both wars.Im compiling a data base about them all.
Posted by Deborah Elliot on 17/06/2012 I am looking to find out what happened to the family of Victor James Jones b. 1877 d. 1968. He married Emma Kingsbury in 1907 they had 3 sons Victor, Robert and Ronald. They also had a daughter Dora who died in 1945. I have been led to believe that Victor James Jones was a tailor and lived in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells. His father was William Godfrey Jones. Emma Kingsbury was the daughter of Thomas Jeremiah Kingsbury. Dora Jones married William Charles Hallett b.1909 he was a builder to trade and also when younger played in the High Brooms football team.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 12/06/2012 To John Down. Only a Robert DOWNE, son of Robert and Elizabeth, who was baptised on 20 March 1742, was found. There were no others. An Anne HOMEWOOD, daughter of John and Mary was baptised 10 March 1758. Robert DOWNE married Anne HOMEWOOD 12 April 1780. A Rebecca Downe was a witness. Baptisms recorded for children of Robert and Anne are Robert 16 June 1782, Elizabeth 4 July 1784, John 3 April 1786, Thomas 3 June 1787. Deaths found are Ann DOWN 25 July 1803 and Ann DOWN 4 January 1841 with a stated age of 89 years. This would have given a birth date of about 1752. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 12/06/2012 To Jean. I found the Festorazzi baptisms, both at St. John's Church in Tunbridge Wells. Charles Frederick was baptised on 24 September 1876 and Edward Arthur on 27 April 1879. Only Ellen is shown as a parent and on the entry for Charles Frederick is written boldly ILLEGITIMATE BIRTH. It could be worth your while contacting the new Kent History Centre and Library in Maidstone to find out if it holds any helpful documents were found in the parish chest, as the parish may have tried to obtain support from the father. Maybe too there may have been court proceedings recorded. You can contact the Centre at historyandlibrarycentre@kent,gov.uk. Any court proceedings may have been recorded in the Kent & Sussex Courier, our local newspaper Brian Dobson
Posted by James Greenidge on 12/06/2012 Hi, I'm trying to find details of my wife's forbears, the Modin family wbo lived at Etherton Hill, Speldhurst, in the early 1900s. I have found information on the web about Charles and Clive Modin, who were both officers in the military. I know that Modin is a Swedish name and that the family came from Sweden perhaps in the late 1800s, were fairly 'well heeled', but only have vague information on them! Any information that is out there would be gratefully received! Thanks, James
Posted by Anne Fuller on 10/06/2012 I am researching my mothers family, who lived in Tunbridge Wells in 1917. Surname Hewitt. Living at 16 Granville Road. Plese help me.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/06/2012 To Carole Huther. Continuation of reply. There is a Jacoby family tree on Ancestry, which includes Edmund Lawson Hill, born 1918 in Tunbridge Wells. Both his marriages are included, but the one in 1939 shows the bride as private. That suggests Jesse Joan is still alive. I suggest you search Ancestry for that tree in the Family Trees section and contact the publisher, who goes under the pseudonym prhill192. If you, or any of your friends, do not have Ancestry, draft a message, including your email address, to the tree owner and I will submit it on your behalf. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/06/2012 To Carole Huther. Jesse Joan Hatch was born in Quarter 2 1920 in the Sevenoaks registration district, volume 2a, page 1839. She married Edmund L. Hill in Quarter 2 1939 in the Tonbridge registration area, volume 2a, page 3102. Edmund remarried in Cleethorpes to Sylvia J.M. Brumund in 1945. I found no death registration for Jesse J. Hill, so am guessing there was a divorce. A Jesse J. Hill married a John B. Newberry in Quarter 3 1945 in the Hendon registration area, volume 3a, page 2347, which may or may not be your Jesse. With the references shown you can order certificates from the GRO in Southport. Because of system restrictions on length I will post the second part of my reply separately. Brian Dobson
Posted by John Down on 05/06/2012 I am trying to find parents of Robert Donne which is shown as this name but family name is Down.His wife was Anne Homewood.He was born at Frant in 1754.There son was also Robert born 1782.I have found this info on IGI. Thanks
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/06/2012 To Tracey Harrington. I could not find a birth for Carol Harrington in Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge in the BDM registers. I checked all the marriages listed between male James and female Harringtons in England and Wales, but Carol was not listed. But there often are omissions. If you can provide more details, especially dates, I can make another search. Brian Dobson
Posted by Jean2 on 05/06/2012 (Note from Webmaster: Due to some technical issues and limitations on the web site guestbook, the preceding message from Jean was too long and was truncated. I have pasted in the rest of her reply here. Unfortunately, her e-mail address and surname has been lost in this process, for whicih I apologise!) From Jean - continued: Is it possible that there may be some Parish Records showing details of the 'adoption', which may even include the father's name? There was no official adoption at this time. I cannot understand why the boys were not 'adopted' by one of Ellen's siblings, or her parents. I have been told that, in his will, Ellen's father left small bequests to both boys. If anyone can help with Parish Records, or if you can point me in another direction, I would be very grateful. Many thanks Jean
Posted by Jean on 05/06/2012 I am trying to find the biological father of Charles Frederick Festorazzi 1876-1953 and his brother Edward Arthur Festorazzi 1878-1950. Both the boys were born in Tunbridge Wells and their mother was Ellen Festorazzi. From the 1881 census onwards the boys are living with Benjamin and Margaret Tugwell and described as 'adopted sons'. In the 1901 census Charles is described as, Charles Tugwell, son. Edward married and emigrated to Canada and Charles married and lived in Sussex. I have the birth certificate for Edward and the father's name has a line through it. I also have Charles' marriage certificate. This also has a line through the father's name and Charles is described as, Charles Tugwell, otherwise Festorazzi. I did wonder if Benjamin was the biological father of the boys, or if the Tugwells were just lovely people who the boys really thought of as their parents. Is it possible that there may be some Parish Records showing details of the 'adoption', which m
Posted by Tracey Harrington on 04/06/2012 searching for maternal relatives of Carol Ann James aka Carol Harrington from Tunbridge Wells, England
Posted by Carole Huther on 31/05/2012 Looking for family of Joan Jesse Hatch, born Tunbridge wells, 1920
Posted by Russell Bartlett on 25/05/2012 To Brian Dobson and Ed Gilbert.Thanks for the info on Nathanial storey Bartlett. His son Charles Bartlett my great grandfather emigrated to australia about 1880.As i am visiting Tunbridge Wells about 24 June and have limited time to check his house and gravesite the info you have given is of great help.Thanks again.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 25/05/2012 To Diane Schultz. 1634 is before the days of Tunbridge Wells as a town. Tonbridge is in the area of the North West Kent FHS. Go to www.nwkfhs.org.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Diane Schultz on 24/05/2012 Looking for info on Henry Gransden or Alice Harris or John Hand and Alice Gransden who married in Tunbridge on April 24 1634
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 24/05/2012 To Russell Bartlett What specific information do you need about Nathanial Storey Bartlett and his family? There is a Tree,census,birth,death etc information readily available for them on Ancestry.UK . Nathanial was buried in the Tunbridge Wells Cemetary July 21,1897.He worked as a plaster.His father was a plaster running a plastering business employing 11 men 1851 Brighton,Sussex. Nathanial married Mary Anne Chandler(daughter of Charles)Aug 26,1865 at Reigate St Mary Magdalene,Surrey.Need more info just ask.
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 24/05/2012 To Sandy Bagnall Architect Henry Blanford born 1831 Ireland died April 1,1864 Derby,county of Derby.Left estate under 450 pounds to brother Thomas William Blandford,a farmer in Ireland.Henry never married.He worked as an architect in Maidstone,Kent 1858 to 1864.Listed in Building News April 14,1862 as architect who designed a store front in Maidstone.He was proposed by architects J.H.Stevens,J.Whichcord,A.Ashpital.Worked with John Whichcord(1823-1885)in 1858.No Thomas Ebenezer Slater listed in Directory of British Architects.Hope this helps.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/05/2012 To Deborah Elliott. You will find some of the surnames you have listed included in the Members Interests section. It is not possible to make a proper search without more information such as christian names and dates of both. Please send details of the key persons of your search and we should be able to point you in the right direction. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/05/2012 To Vicky White. In the 1970 edition of Kellys Directory I have found in the trade section under Booksellers: Louis White, high quality small antiques & general new and used bookseller at 163 High Street, Tonbridge. There was no entry in the listings of private addresses either for Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells. In the 1970 phone directory I found: Louis White Antiques, specialising in antique silver and clocks. Bought and sold. 163 High Street, Tonbridge. Tonbridge is covered by the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk, whose members may be able to assist further. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/05/2012 To Jane Williams. I've just found another website, which is currently building a new comprehensive archive on the WLA. Go to www.womenslandarmy.co.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/05/2012 To Jane Williams. The website of the National Archives states: The original service records of the Women's Land Army have not survived. The National Archives has microfiche copies of alphabetical index cards from 1939 to 1945 that contain some basic information about the women's service. Go to www.national archives.gov.uk. Tunbridge Wells Reference Library has suggested you try the new Kent History and Library Centre. The Centre may also hold information on Northfields. Go to www.kentarchives.org.uk. There is a Womens Land Army Museum in Dover. Because of the restriction on characters used, I will have to send the website address direct to your email address. If you are trying to find the name of the father, have you obtained a birth certificate and searched for a baptism registration? If she was baptised in Tunbridge Wells, I can search the parish records, or maybe the baptism was held at the parish of her grandmother. Brian Dobson
Posted by PETER KURTON on 22/05/2012 I have a record of an unmarried Land Army mother aged 21 at 22, Broadwater Down. When her baby was born it was me! She hung on to me but other girls were persuaded to have their babies adopted. One young man came down from Wales and took his girlfriend and their baby back to Wales. She had been working on a farm in Wye wher eshe met my father.
Posted by Jane Williams on 20/05/2012 Brian, Thank you so much for this information. I have passed it onto Speldhurst for their records too. There seems to be very little information about Northfields Maternity Home online. My Grandmother was in the W.L.A. We are trying to find out if she arrived in this area pregnant (for the purpose of having the baby) or became pregnant while being billeted here? Are there records of W.L.A members being billeted or can you send me in some other direction? Jane Williams
Posted by Deborah Elliot on 19/05/2012 I am interested in the following names which are connected to my family - Hallett, jones, Kingsbury, Hazeldean and Butler, Mansfield, Saxby, Ellis. A lot of them originated in the High Brooms, Pembury and Tunbridge Wells area. I would be most grateful for any information I can get.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 18/05/2012 To Russell Bartlett. I checked Kellys Directory. Nathaniel Bartlett was living at 11 John Street, which is off St. Johns Road. Most old houses, including no. 11, still stand. I presume you plan to check the parish records. Although these are held in the Reference Library in Tunbridge Wells, I would recommend you visit the new Kent History and Library Centre, which opened in Maidstone last month. All the equipment will be the latest and more records are now available there. You will need to book your place in advance. Because of the server restriction on characters, I'll send you the website address by e- mail. If you are planning to order BMD certificates from the GRO in Southport at www.gro.gov.uk, why not order now and have them delivered to your accommodation address in England. You'll then know which houses and churches to visit and photograph. By searching BMD records, you'll find the registration details. If you would like me to search further, please say. Brian Dobson
Posted by Vicky White on 18/05/2012 My Grandfather, Louis Stuart White, lived in Tunbridge Wells from about 1967 to 1988 with his wife Eileen. He owned a bookshop there which might have been named after him. I was wondering if any of your members knew of him or his bookshop? many thanks Vicky White
Posted by keith salter on 17/05/2012 Fantastic Brian,because of name changing by my Granfather its taken a long time to trace him back to Kent. If I can confirm this is the right man as some of my dates vary slightly, although the area in Kent fits,it seems there were 13 children in all, possibly 15.Once again many thanks.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/05/2012 To Keith Salter. On the 1911 census John and Susannah stated that they had given birth to eight children and all were living. William Charles 21, Lucy Margaret 12, Arthur Edwin 9 and James Frederick 7 were living with their parents at 65 Colebrook Road, High Brooms. I found the other four children living at home at 65 Colebrook Road in the 1901 census. Kelly was then aged 10, Elizabeth 8, Rose 6 and Annie 6. All eight children were born in Tunbridge Wells, either in the district of High Brooms or Southborough. Most public libraries have a subscription to Ancestry, so you should be able to view the census pages at you local branch. Both census returns indicate that Susannah Kate was born in 1872. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/05/2012 To Leroy Clifton. Fortunately there are few Clifton registrations in the Tonbridge registration area, assuming that is where your father was born. I'm guessing Robert Harry is the one listed as born in the third quarter of 1938. The mother's christian name is registered as Beaney. A Priscilla Beaney married a Harry E. Clifton in the fourth quarter of 1931 in the Tonbridge area. You can obtain certificates from the GRO in Southport quoting these registration details: Robert Harry born in Quarter 3 1938 Tonbridge, Volume 2a, Page 1692. Harry E. and Priscilla Beaney married in Quarter 4 1931 Tonbridge, Volume 2a, Page 2172. For the GRO go to www.gro.gov.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by keith salter on 16/05/2012 I wonder if you could help me find out if a Susannah Kate Salter of Tonbridge had any children by a John Charles Salter my grandfather. Susannah was born Davies in Southborough in 1863 and married John in 1888 I believe she died in Tonbridge in 1942. John was born in Culmstock in 1864 and moved to Tonbridge with his parents and brothers James and William 1881 Census.They seem to have lived in Sherwood view or Colebrooke on and off.I have been told there were 4 or 5 children by this marriage but where and when I have no idea.John was in the habit of changing his name.Any help would be really appreciated.
Posted by leroy clifton on 15/05/2012 i hope you can help me i am trying to find my grandfathers christian name his surname is clifton my dad is robert harry as my father his son has just passed away and wanted to put something about him on a card please help me t
Posted by Russell Bartlett on 13/05/2012 Hello I am visiting Tunbridge Wells in June 2012 from Australia to do further research on my Great Grandfather Nathaniel Bartlett and his father John Bartlett who lived at 11 St Johns Street Tunbridge Wells from about 1870 to 1900. Any information would be great.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 10/05/2012 To Jane Williams. I checked Kellys Directory. Northfields was a maternity home in Langton Road, Langton Green. The matron was Miss C. Heggs SRN SCM. Maybe she registered the birth. 22 Broadwater Down was listed in Kellys as a Kent County Council Emergency Maternity Home. Yours is the second enquiry received by the Guestbook recently. See Gillian Ward below. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 10/05/2012 To Sandy Bagnall. Tunbridge Wells Reference Library does not hold apprenticeships records. A librarian suggested contacting the Centre for Kentish Studies in Maidstone at [email protected] or The National Archives at Kew via www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. The Royal Institute of British Architects does have historical records, so I believe. Go to www.architecture.com. I checked the records of the Congregational Church. The only Slaters I found were Susan, Nora and Dora, who joined as members circa 1898 or 1899. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 10/05/2012 To Gillian Bull. Walter S. Mather married Ella K. Edmonds in Quarter 3 1921 in the Eastbourne registration area, volume 2b, page 201. I found a second marriage in Quarter 2 1925 in the Tynemouth registration area, volume 10b, page 529. With that information you can purchase marriage certificates from the GRO in Southport. Eastbourne is in East Sussex, so for parish information you will need to contact the East Sussex Record Office at [email protected]. For information on Frant, go to www.frant.info. Also www.sussex.villagenet.co.uk. First click on villages and then on Frant. Rev. Mather also served at St. Michaels in Crosby. Go to www.stlukecrosby.org.uk. Click on St. Lukes History and then 10 New St Michaels. Brian Dobson
Posted by Jane Williams on 08/05/2012 My mother, Angela Boast was born to Joyce Boast in 1948. She was passed to her grandmother and Joyce went on to marry and have children with her new husband. All of this was discovered when my mother went to get married and needed her birth certificate. On her birth certificate is states place of birth as Northfields, Langton, Speldhurst R.D. The Speldhurst information informed me that there was a home for unmarried mothers at 22 Broadwater Down. Is it possible to find out if my mother was born here? Jane Williams
Posted by Brian Dobson on 06/05/2012 To Lorna. Bidborough Court is a listed building. As characters, not accepted by our website server, are in the website address of British Listed Buildings, I'll have to send this direct to your e-mail address. To find Vida Pudge try the electoral roll at the British Library or Tunbridge Wells Reference Library. I found on Ancestry that Vida married William Dugay in Quarter 3 1943 in West Glamorgan, volume 11a, page 2193. Brian Dobson
Posted by lorna on 05/05/2012 looking for records for Bidborough court 1940....looking for vida pudge...can you help ?? thankyou
Posted by Brian Dobson on 03/05/2012 To Sharon Marston. I checked Kellys Directory. A Miss Burbidge and a Miss Biggs ran a school for ladies at Guildown, 1 Park Road, Tunbridge Wells. That is shown in the street directory section. In the section on schools, the school is not listed. A librarian at Tunbridge Wells Reference Library told me that there were a number of schools, which were operated in the home. Did that school teach etiquette, deportment etc. to young ladies, rather than academic subjects? Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 03/05/2012 To Darlene Bochert. Are you sure you have the correct christian name for his father. For that period, the only Parker I can find in Tunbridge Wells is Albert Parker, whose birth registration is Quarter 3 1863 in the Tonbridge registration area, volume 2a, page 450. This ties in with a baptism at St Pauls Church, Rusthall for Albert Parker, the son of Trayton Parker, a labourer, and his wife Sarah of Workhouse Lane, Rusthall, on 21 August 1964. According to Kellys Directory of 1893/4 an A. Parker at 56 Western Road, Tunbridge Wells was a coal and coke Merchant. In 1894/94 the proprietor is shown as Mrs. Parker. In 1897 Mrs. Parker had apparently changed the business to that of a greengrocer. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 03/05/2012 To Neil Russell. I was at the Salomons House yesterday on another matter. The archivist is away on holiday, so I shall return next week. Etherton Hill was renamed Chapel House, when it was taken over in 1948 for just a few years by the renowned faith healer, Dorothy Kerin. In the early to mid fifties it was demolished. At that time it is believed to have been known as Etherington Hill. In the Reference Library in Tunbridge Wells, a prospectus, detailing the features of the house for its sale in the late 1800s is held. At one time I believe it was part of the Salomons Estate. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 02/05/2012 To Doris Farrer. The parish records for Christchurch in the High Street, Tunbridge Wells are held at Tunbridge Wells Library. If you don't live nearby, send me the details of the persons you are researching and I'll see what I can find on my next visit. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 02/05/2012 To Michelle Watts. Tonbridge is outside our catchment area. You should contact the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk. However I found a detailed family tree on Ancestry posted by Julia Panter. If you don't hold a subscription to Ancestry, I'll make an initial contact for you. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/05/2012 To Bob Watson. The naval and air force records for WWI are held at the National Archives in Kew. With that information, especially the service number, you can search for the service record of F5854 Eric Vernon Whitburn. It will include the next of kin. Go to www.nationalarchives.gov.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/05/2012 To: Michael Martin. William James Martin married Ethel May Harris in the Ticehurst registration area in Quarter 1 1933, volume 2b, page 155. Order a marriage certificate from the GRO and this will reveal your grandfathers. Martin and Harris are common surnames. With dates and places of birth I should be able to find the birth registration details. Ticehurst is in East Sussex, so the parish records will be held in Lewes at the East Sussex Record Office at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/05/2012 To George Penfold. On Ancestry I found two Henry Wests born in the Tonbridge registration area. The first in Quarter 4 1842, volume 5, page 482. The second in Quarter 4 1850, volume 5, page 545. The death registration should show the date of birth to identify which. You can then order a birth certificate from the GRO in Southport and his parents will be revealed. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/05/2012 To Paula Rangecroft. The registration of the birth of Thomas Brown is Quarter 2 1878 in the Uckfield registration area, volume 2b, page 117. With that information you can purchase a certificate from the GRO in Southport. NB: there is no e in the surname of Thomas in the registration. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/05/2012 To Robert Osborne. The records for Penshurst are still held at St. John the Baptist Church in Penshurst. Enquiries are handled by John Hastings-Garrett at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Doris Farrer. 248 on 30/04/2012 Please could you tell me where i can find Christening records for Christ Church.High Street Tun Wells.For years 1939-1943. Thanks. Kind regards Doris Farrer
Posted by Bob Watson on 30/04/2012 Eric Vernon Whitburn. While going thru family medals I have come across a 1914/18 campaign medal E.V. Whitburn F5854 ac1 RNAS but do not have a family connection I can yet find. Any info on Whitburn family etc may come in handy to help trace same
Posted by Michael Martin on 30/04/2012 I was born in T/Wells 09 08 1937 to Wlliam James Martin and Ethel May Martin at 205 Upper Grosvenor Road T/Wells and left England on 22 03 1966 after marrying K L Fermor and went to Australia I live in Victoria . Do you have access to details of my relations, grandparents etc Thankyou Michael Martin
Posted by George Penfold on 30/04/2012 I am looking for any information on Henry West Birth Town: Tunbridge Wells Birth Region, Province: Kent Birth Country: England Death Town: Sydney Death State: N.S.W. Death Country: Australia Death Date: 1885
Posted by Paula Rangecroft on 30/04/2012 Hi, I would like to know where I can get any information about the brown family. Thomas Browne. He was baptised in Rotherfield church in 1878 July 14th. His birthplace was crowborough I think. I would also like to find out if his father also came from this area. Many Thanks Paula
Posted by Michele Wells on 30/04/2012 The Woolley Family: I hope I'm in the right place. I'm trying to find information about my gggg-grandparents, James Woolley born around 1800 and Caroline born about the same time. The only only information I have is the Christening of their son James on the 10th July 1825 in Tonbridge. If you could help me in any way, that would be great. Thank you. Michele Wells
Posted by Sharon Marston on 30/04/2012 Subject: Victorian/Edwardian schools for girls. Hello,My grandmother is listed as a domestic living at #1 Park Road, Tunbridge Wells in the 1901 census. Apparently it was some kind of private school for girls operated by Annie Wurbage or Murbage. Do you have any information on schools in Tunbridge Wells during this time? Thank you for your time. Sharon
Posted by Gillian Bull on 30/04/2012 I am researching my Great Aunt Kathleen EDMONDS who married WALTER S.mATHER IN 1921. I havae a photo of the Vicarage in Frant I believe where they lived. Walter was a missionary first and was a REV. W S Mather. He died some years before 1970. Would you have any record of this couple please, and of FRANT? Walter had a son and a daughter from his first marriage. Yours sincerely, Gillian (in Devon.)
Posted by Sandy Bagnall on 30/04/2012 Hello. I am researching my g.great grandfather Thomas Ebenezer Slater who was articled to an architect in Tunbridge Wells from 1856 to 1862. The census of 1861 shows him living with an architect called Blandford. Do you know if apprenticeship records exist for this man as I am thinking he must have been the employer. Is anything known of this architect. I have an address that the young Slater delivered to the Congregational church dated 1859. Would love to know if records exist from this church other than registers for this period. Thomas Slaters daughter went on to marry Ernest Arthur Rowe - a well known Tunbridge Wells water-colour painter. Thanks for any help you may have to offer. Sandy Bagnall
Posted by Robert Osborne on 30/04/2012 I am researching the family name of Cogger, and I beleive that there may well have been a Cogger in Penshurst. As far as I can see only a microfishe copy of the parish records are available. Is there anyone in your ssociety that provides a look up service ? Robert Osborne
Posted by Brian Dobson on 30/04/2012 To Virginia Parrish. One of our members is researching Colebrooke. Go to the Members Interests page, where you will find a contact e-mail address. Walter is not on the list of interests. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Doson on 29/04/2012 To Linda Sharp. Cissy Eveline Burchett was easiest to find. Born Q4 1894 in the Sevenoaks registration area, volume 2a, page 653. In the 1901 census you'll find her as Sissy living with her parents, William and Sarah, and nine siblings in Leigh, near Tonbridge. Your father was born Quarter 4 1920 in the Medway area, volume 2a, page 1350. A birth certificate from the GRO will give you an address. I could not find the marriage of Harry and Cissie. A website for the Kittos of Padstow shows Jean Edwards, daughter of Harry Edwards and Cissie Eveline Burchett of Gillingham marrying Alan Francis Kitto in 1952. The Medway Branch of the Kent Family History Society can be found at www.kfhs-medway.btck.co.uk. I'll send the website address separately. because it contains characters blocked by this website Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 29/04/2012 To Suzanne Drew. I checked for baptisms registered at the Holy Trinity, the parish church for Victoria Road. Dorothy Nellie and Arthur Edward were both baptised on 30 July 1893 to Joseph and Caroline Rose. There were no other baptisms up to 1905. Did the family become non-conformists? Such records are held at the Centre for Kentish Studies in Maidstone at [email protected]. Arthur Edward was born Quarter 2 1893 Tonbridge, volume 2a, page 679. He died Quarter 2 1894 Tonbridge volume 2a, page 357. Elsie was born in Twickenham, Middlesex. Registrations for Tonbridge also include a Rosie Gough. She was born in Quarter 1 1898, volume 2a, page 717 and died in Quarter 3 1898, volume 2a, page 471. You can now order certificates from the GRO. You do not state precisely what you want us to research. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 29/04/2012 To John Hastings-Garrett. The registers are still at Speldhurst Church. It will have to be contacted direct. The Fishers are not shown on the National Burials Index. Southborough Cemetery is probably closest to Stockland Green. I believe the registers are at the Southborough Council Offices. The graveyards at St. Peters Southborough and St. Lawrence Bidborough are also close. If your contact does not live closeby, I'll check the parish registers on my next visit to Tunbridge Wells Library. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 29/04/2012 To Caroline Grauls. Billingshurst is in West Sussex. According to FindMyPast the Billingshurst Local History Society has details of parish registers. Go to www.billingshurst- community.org.uk. Click on Local Organisations for contact details. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 28/04/2012 To Sharon Francis. Unfortunately the parish records film held at Tunbridge Wells Library is far too dark to be legible. The Centre for Kentish Studies also holds a tape. Contact [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 28/04/2012 To: Keith Ashby. I could not find a baptism for James Ashby in Tunbridge Wells. However I did find baptisms at the King Charles the Martyr Church for William of James Ashby and Mary on 19 April 1818 and Henry, also of James and Mary, on 6 February 1820. Could they be of the same family? According to IGI a James Ashby married a Mary Hart on 21 February 1813 in Tonbridge. For Tonbridge parish records contact the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/04/2012 To Val Roberts. The wedding of Abe Mitchell and Dora Deag was reported in the Kent & Sussex Courier on 7th December 1928 and it includes a photograph. I'll scan this and send it to you, but unfortunately the quality via the film reader is very substandard. Hopefully you will be able to obtain a quality photograph from the archive of the Courier. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/04/2012 To Victoria Gascoyne. Your father was seemingly born out of wedlock as the mother's maiden name is shown as Williams in the registration during Quarter 1 1928 in the Tonbridge registration area, volume 2a, page 1419. With that information you can obtain a birth certificate from the GRO in Southport. As regards searching childen in homes, I feel sure, like adoption, you will have to use an intermediary, such as the Salvation Army. Search www.salvationarmy.org.uk under Family Tracing. If your grandmother eventually married, you should find her occupation on the marriage certificate, which could of course have changed in the meantime. brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/04/2012 To Lydia Bradley. It was an Ernest Sidney Bone, who was born in Tunbridge Wells during Quarter 4 1893 in the Tonbridge registration area, volume 2a, page 655. He married Florrie M. Roberts during Quarter1 1917 in the Chester registration area, volume 8a, page 539. Daughter Prudence M. Bone was born during Quarter 1 1920 in the Chester registration area, volume 8a, page 809. Ernest died during Quarter 3 1960 in the Tonbridge registration area, volume 5b, page 830. With this information you can buy certificates from the GRO in Southport. There are too many Florrie or Florence Roberts. The marriage certificate should make it easy to identify Florrie through her father and address. In the 1911 census Ernest was an assistant carpet planer, living with his parents at 20 Calverley St., Tunbridge Wells. Brian Dobson
Posted by Shirley Oxenbury on 26/04/2012 to Allan Simmons. I am researching the name Simmons for an Australian. If you get in touch with me, I can link you together
Posted by Shirley Oxenbury on 26/04/2012 To Julie Greentree. Bidborough and Speldhurst parishes original documents are at The Centre of Kentish Studies at Maidstone which is just opening their new premises.Frent/ Rotherfield and Ticehurst will be at East Sussex Record Office at Lewes. You will need to book a place there in advance to make sure of a place as they are pretty cramped prior to their planned move.
Posted by Lydia Bradley on 26/04/2012 Hello, I am a researcher for a BBC genealogy programme and I am researching a family who used to live in Tunbridge Wells during the early to mid 1900s. They were called Florence and Ernest Bone and they had a daughter called Prudence. I believe Florence and Ernest ran a fruit shop in Tunbridge Wells. Florence and Ernest married in 1917 and lived in Tunbridge Wells until the 1960s when Ernest passed away. After that, Florence and her daughter Prudence moved to Chester. I would be grateful if anyone with any information would contact me. Kind Regards, Lydia Bradley
Posted by Julie Greentree on 25/04/2012 I am visiting Kent and Sussex in June. My ancestors who mirgrated to Aus were Robert Smith and his wife Henrietta Driver. Their families originated from Bidborough/Speldhurst/Frant/Rotherfield and Ticehurst. I have acquired quite a lot of research but other people and would like to sunstantiate this with original docs if poss. Can you please advise where is the best place to look. I am a little confused as to the location of Kent ROs. Thank you. Julie
Posted by Brian Dobson on 25/04/2012 To Gillian Ward. It could be that William was one of the Royal Engineers involved in the construction of a secret bunker in Broadwater Forest, believed to have been built for the then General Montgomery. Ironically a feature appeared in the Kent & Sussex Courier last week. I'll send you a copy to your e-mail address. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 25/04/2012 To Gillian Ward. Adoption can only be researched through a registered intermediary. The Salvation Army offers a service at www.salvationarmy.org.uk under Family Tracing. According to Kellys Directory 1948, 22 Broadwater Down was a Kent County Council Emergency Maternity Home. In 1940 it was seemingly unoccupied. In the years between the directory was apparently not published. The Centre for Kentish Studies may have more information at [email protected]. In Ancestry I found William R. Pendlebury married Victoria May New in Quarter 3 1941 in the Dover registration area, volume 2a, page 4443. Knowing his service number you can apply for the military service record of William in the Royal Engineers. Go to www.army.mod.uk. Put AGC Historical Disclosures in the search panel. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 24/04/2012 To Rhosalyn Price. For Wiltshire contact the Wiltshire Family History Society at www.wiltshirefhs.co.uk. For Bedwelty contact the Ebbw Vale and North Gwent branch of the Gwent Family History Society at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 22/04/2012 To Vivienne Maughan. On Ancestry I found an Albert Wenban married an Ellen Miller in Quarter 2 1884 in the Guildford registration area, volume 2a, page 92. He's the only Albert Wenban I found marrying an Ellen between 1881 and 1891. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 22/04/2012 To Alan Martin. It is difficult to identify those with a common surname like Martin without more information. If Henry was living in Tunbridge Wells in his sixties, he may well have died there. Deaths between 1865 and 1875 in the Tonbridge registration area found on Ancestry are Henry J. born 1865, died 1953. Henry born 1868, died 1942. Henry J. born 1869, died 1958. Henry R. born 1870, died 1940. Henry J. born 1871, died 1954. Death certificates could reveal a known relative, but at a cost. How do you know he lived in Victoria Terrace? A visit to the British Library and a search of the electoral rolls could reveal his wife, only after 1927, or other adult relatives living with him. There is a research service. What ages were his children? Did any have middle names? Any birthplaces known? What positive information do you have of your grandfather? Brian Dobson
Posted by Dave Smith on 21/04/2012 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL GUESTBOOK USERS We regret that we were unable to update our Guestbook during the last 10 weeks. Our webmaster died in mid-March after a short illness. He was unable to post messages since early February. We apologise for the delay in displaying messages but we hope that as they appear in the Guestbook in the near future enquirers will soon receive the information they are seeking.
Posted by Darlene Bochert on 21/04/2012 I am looking for information about Albert Edward Parker born in Rusthall/Tunbridge Wells August 6th, 1864 He married Elizabeth Kate Woodman d/o James Woodman and Esther/Hester Eliza Jeffreys in Kentishtown, London on June 10, 1889 and states that he is the son of James. Albert and Elizabeth resided in Tunbridge Wells until 1911 when they emigrated to Canada with their children. They owned Parker's Coal and Corn Store in Tunbridge Wells.Any information or help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Posted by Linda Sharp on 21/04/2012 I am looking for the Edwards Family who lived in Tunbridge Wells area. My late father was Frederick Donald Edwards & his Father was Harry Edwards.Harry married Cissey Eveline Burchett. There are so many Edwards in this area that I cannot sort out who belongs to my Father. He never spoke much about his family so I am searching blindly. Any information would be wonderful.
Posted by Suzanne Drew on 21/04/2012 My Grandmother was born in Tunbridge Wells Kent in 1899, Winifred Gough, she was the daughter of Caroline Rosa Savage and Joseph Gough. Winnie was the youngest of 6 girls, Frances Ethel, Lillian, Elsie, Dorothy and Eva. Eva immigrated with her husband Harry Webber to Australia in 1925, Frances immigrated to Canada in 1901 as a domestic servant...... Dorothy married a gent last name Eatwell, then Krabbendam (or visa versa).... I know they lived on Victoria Street in Tunbridge Wells at one point.
Posted by Virginia Parrish on 20/04/2012 I am seeking information on Colebrooke and Walter ancestors of mine from Tunbridge Wells. Any information would be appreciated. Thank you
Posted by Caroline Grauls on 10/04/2012 Hello , Does anyone have any information on George and Helen Gains ., please ? They lived in Billingshurst and before that on Paddyland Farm in ... ?? Thanks a lot .
Posted by John Hastings-Garrett on 06/04/2012 I wondert if any member can help. I had a request from an Alan Fisher regarding his grandfather Samson Fisher who died in 1917 and if he was buried in Penshurst. I do the lookups for the rector Tom Holme at Penshurst and Fordcombe. Samson is not buried in Penshurst. Samson lived in Stocklands Green Speldhurst with his wife Eleanor she died in 1928. Both of their deaths are recorded in the Tonbridge Registration District. Alan has not found their burials and he has asked various parishes in the area all without result. Speldhurst I thought would be the most likely place of their burial. I have not checked but I am told by Alan that they are not buried there. If any member can help I am sure Alan would be delighted. Thank you John Hastings-Garrett
Posted by Allan Simmons on 06/04/2012 I have been researching the SIMMONS family, mainly here in Australia. The following is where my family begins. Edward SIMMONS, father,William, christened 25 Jan 1735 in Tunbridge, Kent, England. He married on 13 Oct 1765 in Hadlow, Kent, England Phillis COOK. Children of Edward SIMMONS and Phillis COOK were as follows 1 Robert SIMMONS, christened 17 Apr 1766 in Penshurst, Kent, Englan, buried 1 Sep 1831 in Shoreham, Kent. He married Mary MADDOCKS. 2 Sarah SIMMONS, christened 6 Sep 1767 in Tunbridge, Kent, England. She married Thomas Langridge on 12 Oct 1787 in Shoreham, Kent,England 3 John Simmons, christened 10 Nov 1771 in Tunbridge, Kent, England. Robert Simmons is my 4th great grandfather. Does any one have anything I can add? Allan
Posted by Sharon Francis on 05/04/2012 Daniel Russell married Susan Dishop at Brenchley 24/10/1828 but cannot seem to find anything a Daniel on Family Search which may be this one-Can anyone help in knowing who Daniels father was.I have Daniel on the 1841 census and the 1851 but would like to go back another generation if I can.Many Thanks for any help.Sharon Francis
Posted by KEITH ASHBY on 05/04/2012 Hello I believe that my ancestor JAMES ASHBY was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1818 Does anyone have any info about him? thank you Keith Ashby
Posted by Neil Russell on 19/03/2012 New query: My GGrandfather's address in 1881/91 & 1901 census was ETHERTON HILL, SPELDHURST. Edwin Winton. Does anyone know this (substantial) house's location? Could it be part of the Salomons Centre ? I have a photo. I am in Edinburgh and plan a trip south this summer.
Posted by Gillian ward on 19/03/2012 Hi Brian. My mother in law was born at 22 Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells Roberta Gladys Pendlebury b. March 25, 1942. Was this address a mother/baby or soldiers home. Her father was William Robert Pendlebury, Corporal 3850594 R.E . Roberta is unsure where she lived from 42 to 47 and was adopted in Doncaster in 1947 by the Percers. Her birth mother Victoria May Pendlebury had been previously married to Frederick New and 4 or 5 children are believed to have been placed in children's home in Kent. We are wondering were she may have been placed for those years from 42 to 47 and any info on her birth father would be appreciated. Gillian Ward
Posted by Gillian Ward on 19/03/2012 Hi Brian. My mother-in-law was born at 22 Broadwater Down, Tunbridge Wells. Roberta Gladys Pendlebury b. March 25, 1942. Her father was William Robert Pendlebury Corporal 3850594 R.E. Roberta was brought up in Doncaster but not by her parents and was adopted in 1947 by the Percers in Doncaster. We are hoping to find where she was for those years 42-47 and any info about her birth father. Birth mother was Victoria May Pendlebury/New/Anstead. Older children we believe where in a children's home in Kent.
Posted by SHIRLEY on 17/03/2012 To Margaret Bramwall You might be interested in contacting the Wadhurst Local History Society which has a website They offer help with family research.The Weald website also is a possibility
Posted by .Vivienne Maughan on 14/03/2012 Wondered if you could help.I am looking for a Marriage of a Albert Wenban to an Ellen, probably between 1882 and 1891. He lived in Ticehurst then. He was married to Louisa in 1876 but she died and I cannot find a record of his second marriage to Ellen. They went on to have several children, as shown in the 1891 census. Wondered if you could help
Posted by rhosalyn price on 06/03/2012 i just found out my great grandfarther william hawkins was borne in wiltshire in 1864 i wonder of you could help myself trace his farther he married mary ann heycott in 1898 thats all the information i have i wonder if anyone can share some light on this ..thank you
Posted by rhosalyn price on 06/03/2012 hi i am looking for any information on william hawkins born in wilshire 1864. he left wiltshire and married mary ann heycott in1898 in bedwelty.i am hopeing there are records or history of his family .like his farther and mother .where they lived and what they did .any help would be so gratefully recieved many thank rhosalyn
Posted by Alan Martin on 21/02/2012 I would be very interested to know if anyone has done any research into the MARTIN family who lived in the Tunbridge Wells area in 1920 and 30s. My great grand father, Henry Martin, lived in Victoria Terrace. He was probably about 60 years old in 1930. He had at least three children living in the same area... Harry, Fred and Elsie. I am trying to find out more about his wife so that I can identify the family the Ancestry.co.uk. Regards Alan Martin
Posted by val roberts on 13/02/2012 I am researching Abe Mitchell he married Dora Deag at St Matthews Church High Brooms Tunbridge Wells on 27 November 1920 I am looking for a copy of the wedding photograph outside the church as it was well reported at the time
Posted by Val Roberts on 13/02/2012 I am researching family history. Abe Mitchell, whose effigy adorns the Ryder Cup was my Grandfather's cousin. I am trying to locate a copy of Abe Mitchell's wedding to Dora Deag, 27.11.1920 St.Matthews Church, High Broom,Tunbridge Wells, Kent. It was well reported at the time it seems.
Posted by Mrs Victoria Gascoyne on 11/02/2012 Iam trying to locate where my Grandmother Margaret Williams age +/_ 28 yrs old was working when my father Ernest Williams was born in Tunbridge Wells in 1928. I believe he was born out of wedlock and my Grandmother was sent away to give birth. I Wwould love to find out more as I have been searching my family history for about 5 years now. My father was also sent to a children's home there. He had a brother by the name of Robert Payne Williams. Many thanks Victoria
Posted by Brian Dobson on 06/02/2012 To Carolyn Verna. In the free to view 1881 census you will find a Sidney Herbert Jones, aged 9, living with his parents and seven siblings in Grosvenor Road, Tunbridge Wells. In 1891 he was a footman living at 6 Pembury Road Tunbridge Wells. In the 1901 census he was a butler at Gratwicke House in Billingshurst. There were no Sidney Jones in TW in 1901. I do not hold a subscription for 1911, but seemingly he is in the Tonbridge district in a household occupation. At www.1911census.co.uk you can purchase credits to view the entry. There is also an Alice Jenny Smith in the Tonbridge District in 1911 in a household capacity. There are a number of Alice Smiths in Tunbridge Wells in 1901. Interestingly Alice Smith, aged 13 and born in Tunbridge Wells, is an apprentice dressmaker. Smith and Jones are not easy to search. Do you have more details? Many public libraries have access to Ancestry. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 06/02/2012 To Margaret Bramwell. Hever is outside our area. It is in the area of the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk Alternatively contact the Hever Parish Council at www.hever.org. This website has a direct email contact link. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/02/2012 To Kim Jones. Try the Hastings & Rother FHS too at www.hrfhs.org.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/02/2012 To Tony Rivers. Your starting point is the 1881 census which is free on a number of websites. It shows agricultural labourer Kingnorth Phillips, aged 37 and born in Goudhurst in Kent, was living near the Farm House, presumably Reed Place Farm, at Marden in Kent with wife Isabel and six children. Isabel, aged 31, is shown as born in Hounslow, Middlesex. The marriage registration of Kingnorth to Isabella Allen is Quarter 2 1887 in Cranbrook registration district volume 2a page 887. The birth registration of Kingnorth is Quarter 1 1844 in the Cranbrook registration district, volume 5, page 82. The 1891 census shows Isabella as born in Battle, Sussex but 1901 also shows Hounslow. I found an Isabella Allen registered in Quarter 1 1848 in the Battle registration area, volume 7 page 296. Many local libraries have access online to the census returns and BMD registrations of Ancestry. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 04/02/2012 To: Kim Jones. According to Ancestry, Robert T. Jones died in quarter 2 of 1925 in the registration district of Hastings, volume 2b page 29. Alice Jones also died in the Hastings registration district in quarter 2 of 1928, volume 2b page 66. The parish records for Hastings are held at the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes. Contact [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by tony rivers on 29/01/2012 Hi my name is TONY RIVERS. I am looking for any details of my G.Granfather 'King' or KINGSNORTH PHILLIPS who came from Paddock Wood. Thanks
Posted by Kim Jones on 28/01/2012 Hi, I am trying to find information on Mr Robert T Jones and his wife Alice. They resided in Tunbridge Wells, St John Parish, in 1901 as per that years census records. He was 50 years old in 1901. I was wondering if they were perhaps buried in Tunbridge Wells or were notable people of the town. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks kindly, regards Kim Jones, Melbourne, Australia.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/01/2012 To John Hilliard. A colleague checked the National Burials Index, but Ellen Sarah is not there. There are however a large number of parishes that have still to be added. I checked the records of St. Peters Church in Southborough, but could not find Ellen Sarah. Was she born in, or lived for a long while in, another parish. She could be buried in a place dear to her heart. Brian Dobson
Posted by Margaret Bramwell on 27/01/2012 I am tracing Edward King born 1832 in Sheffield On the 1861 and 1871 he is a school master at Markbeech School in Markbeech Hever Kent.I wondered if you have any information about this school.He was married to Orpah Hilder born 1844 in Wadhurst, Kent.There is also a family story that Orpah recieved regular payments from a Talbot family.How true this is I am not sure.If you can find any information it would be much appreciated.The 1881 census tells me they moved back to Yorkshire.I am a member of Lancashire Family History (Rossendale Branch)
Posted by Carolyn (Burrows) Verna on 25/01/2012 I am seeking information regarding my paternal relatives, Jenny Smith & Sidney Jones who lived in Tunbridge Wells and were tailors there at the turn of the 20th century. I have in my possession a lovely quilt they made from swatches of riding habits that they made for the royal family. Can you help me? Thank you.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 21/01/2012 To John Hilliard. Ellen Sarah Webb was not interred in the cemetery in the churchyard at Rusthall, nor in Woodbury Park Cemetery. Last time I received an enquiry re Rusthall, the burial was in Speldhurst. The burial register for 1906 at Speldhurst is still held at St. Mary's Church, so you'll need to contact [email protected]. The main cemetery and crematorium for Tunbridge Wells at Hawkenbury was by then open and you should contact [email protected] for information. The cemetery in Southborough is also an option. Contact [email protected]. I don't hold a copy of the National Burials Index, but I'll refer your enquiry to a colleague who does. Brian Dobson
Posted by Beverley Bundy on 21/01/2012 To Brian Hobson, Thank you very much for your time and effort in helping me find the resting place of John Henry Douglas Watson. I was beginning to think I would never find it, but thanks to you I have. Thank you once again. Beverley Bundy
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/01/2012 To Beverley Bundy. I found a death notice for John Henry Douglas Watson in the Kent & Sussex Courier. He was buried in Brenchley. I'll send you a copy of the entry as an attachment to your e-mail address. I do not have an e-mail address for All Saints Church in Brenchley, but probably the Clerk to the Brenchley Parish Council can help at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/01/2012 To Karen Jackson. Nanny Williams Fry was born on 27th June 1793 and baptised on 2nd July at King Charles the Martyr Church in Tunbridge Wells according to the parish records. Her father was William Fry, but her mother is not shown. All other baptisms in the register at that time show the mother's name. so I can only assume that Nanny's mother died in childbirth. I did check the parish register for earlier births to William Fry and for a marriage, but found nothing. Nanny Williams Fry married Charles Fullbrook at St. Georges Hanover Square, London on 31st August 1818. The witnesses were Thomas Henry Prigg and Mary, or Nancy, Prigg. An image of the registration is on Ancestry. Brian Dobson
Posted by John Hilliard on 12/01/2012 Looking for burial info on Ellen Sarah Webb - married John Webb hairdresser Jan 1902 Bexhill.She died on 28 October 1906 at 20 High St, Rusthall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. There was no will.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 05/01/2012 To Beverley Bundy. In reviewing our correspondence I noted that there were errors in my message of the 1st October. Go to www.genforum.genealogy.com. Click on W, then click on Watson. Enter 9436 in Messages posted box. You will then see the page on the Watson family entered by Les Roberts. He has posted a contact address. Brian Dobson
Posted by Beverley Bundy on 31/12/2011 Posted by Beverley Bundy. To Brian yes I followed all you suggested about trying to trace where John Henry Douglas Watson is buried but to no avail. I do have a copy of his will, but nothing is mentioned about his wishes for burial.I even rang Hailsham cemetery, but had no success. I will keep trying, but I just wanted to say thank you for your help.
Posted by Karen Jackson on 29/12/2011 I am looking for information on the FRY family in particular NANCY WILLIAM FRY born abt 1793 Tunbridge Wells. She became a school mistress and married Charles Fullbrook.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 24/12/2011 To Carol Voller. I cannot be sure what information you want us to seek out. Please clarify your question. Brian Dobson
Posted by Carol Voller on 24/12/2011 DENTON 1825 to 1859 Tonbridge William SAXBY Portsmouth 1800c LEWRY GOSPORT 1900
Posted by john down on 21/12/2011 To Brian Dobson Once again many thanks for info wanted to get my family history into 1700,s u have done that info spot on had a little bit u verified it for me.All the best Thanks.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 To John Down. The TWFHS had transcribed the parish records for Frant. These show George Down was baptised on 19 May 1805 parents Robert and Sarah. There is no marriage recorded in Frant PRs for Down despite searching from 1770 There are no baptisms of Downs in Frant PRs from 1770 A Robert Down buried aged 50yrs on 3 January 1833. Labourer A Sarah Down buried aged 74yrs on 19 December 1856. A Hannah Down aged 2yrs 10m died on 1 March 1822, parents Robert and Sarah According to IGI Robert Down married Sarah Pratt on 11 February 1805 in Tunbridge. According to 1841 and 1851 census returns, a Sarah Down, born 1782 and living in Frant, was born in Rotherfield, Sussex. Records for Rotherfield are held at the Friends of East Sussex Record Office in Lewes at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 Rodney Saunders. You will find more details of Stephen Huggett's case on www.beyondtheseas.co.uk. Click on Hu. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 To Rodney Saunders. The Centre for Kentish Studies is unfortunately closed until May 2012, when it will be housed in a new building. It may well hold details of the court proceedings and local newspaper reports of the case. For the time being it is still able, I believe, to answer some enquiries. Try [email protected]. Go to Members Interests on this website and you'll find four members researching Huggett. However Colin Huggett has already told me Stephen is not on his tree. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 To Irene Newbury. For Tunbridge Wells search the Tonbridge Registration District. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 To Rodney Saunders. Is this your man? Brian Dobson Stephen Huggett, one of 210 convicts transported on the Blundell, 13 March 1844. Convicted at Kent, Maidstone Quarter Sessions for a term of 15 years. Transported to Van Diemen's Land. Boat: Blundell. Departed: 13th March 1844. Destination: Van Diemen's Land. Court: Maidstone Quarter Sessions in Kent. Sentence: 15 years. Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 91, Class and Piece Number HO11/14, Page Number 24 : This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 19/12/2011 To Beverley Bundy. Seemingly my last recommendations were unsuccessful. Have you tried looking for a will? This could include his burial wish. For such a sizable property there must have been a will. I spoke today with the Brighton District Probate Office in Sussex. A copy of a will costs £6, even including postage to Australia. Contact [email protected] Brian Dobson
Posted by Irene Newbury on 19/12/2011 If a person in 1852 gives his place of birth as Tunbridge Wells what registration district does it come under?
Posted by john down on 16/12/2011 I am trying to trace the parents of george down born 1806 his wife was called abigail born 1808.I think george,s parents were robert&sarah george was baptised at frant in sussex. Any info on parents would be most useful dates of birth marriage date death dates etc.Thanks
Posted by Beverley Bundy on 09/12/2011 Would anyone know where John Henry Douglas Watson who died on 7th August 1951 at Tinkers Hatch Cross in Hand is buried please?
Posted by Rodney Saunders on 09/12/2011 I live in Hobart, Tasmania. I am descended from Stephen Huggett who came from near Tunbridge Wells. He was sent to Norfolk Island and then Tasmania as a convict. He would have been born in 1814. I must have distant relatives who may know something about this.
Posted by Michael Baker on 06/12/2011 I'm researching my Baker/Hayward family and have come to a dead end, my grandfather Reginald Richard Baker (born 1906 at 33 wood street Tunbridge Wells) is shown on his birth certificate as Reginald Richard Smith Hayward, the mother being Alice A. Hayward (born about 1887, married a William G. Baker in 1912.) obviously because of the regulations at the time Alice Hayward was unable to put the fathers surname on the birth certificate for a child born out of wedlock but it would appear that Alice was trying to tell us something by putting Smith as a first name. Unfortunately we know no more, the Smith could be an alias or correct, there is also a story that the father was a Canadian service man although I have not been able to substantiate this in any way. Although my grandfather had several children (all alive apart from my father) they have not been able to shed more light on the subject, I have even taken a 46 marker DNA test (Ancestry.com) to try to find a possible bloodline relati
Posted by Ed Gilbert on 04/12/2011 To Amanda Todd: Saw your inquiry about Featherstone's.Im researching some of them.Henry Featherstone,son of Frederick(1867-1932)and Florence Emily Allen,was born abt 1890 in Tunbridge Wells.Henry became an electrical engineer operating his business as H.Featherstone Limited,Electical Engineers.In 1922 ran business at 22 London Rd with his works at 24a London Rd.In 1932 business at 22 and 24a London Rd and Little Mount Sion.In 1960 is a listing for H.Featherstone Ltd. at 22,23,24 London Rd,Electrical Engineers.Henry(1890) would have been age 70 at that time,too old in my opinion to still be operating the business,either he had a son Henry to take over or the new owner just kept the H. Featherstone Ltd business name.The Featherstgone Society have lots of info- do a google under their name and check out the site.
Posted by john down on 27/11/2011 To Brian Dobson Thanks for latest info will try websites Thanks Brian.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 26/11/2011 To John Down. According to Family Search, Joseph Down was born 10th May 1834 and received a Wesleyan baptism in Tunbridge Wells on 29th June. His marriage, which I cannot find, could therefore be nonconformist too. The baptism of James might also be nonconformist. Tunbridge Wells Library suggests contacting the John Rylands library at the University of Manchester via [email protected], as it holds a collection which may be of some use. The North West Kent FHS website states that records for the Wesleyan Church in Vale Road Tunbridge Wells date from 1802. Perhaps it also knows where they are housed. Go to www.nwkfhs.org.uk. The Centre for Kentish Studies in Maidstone does not hold them. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/11/2011 To Matt Needham. Birth reg of Samuel Pascall Brash Needham is Qtr 3 1847 in district of Plympton St. Mary, vol 9, page 369. In 1901 census Pascall Needham, aged 53 and born in Temerton, Devon, at the Royal Masonic School Wood Green, London, working as an assistant schoolmaster. Cannot find wife Frances. Son Pascall a visitor to John Henry Chantry and wife Milicent on Isle of Wight. Were they relatives of Frances or SPB, maybe friends, as Chantrys were living in Tunbridge Wells in 1891 census. If he already had a wife in Australia, probably SPB and Frances could not marry. Birth reg of Pascall jnr is Q4 1893 Tonbridge District vol 2a page 637. In parish records for Tunbridge Wells, could not find a baptism for Pascall jnr nor a marriage for his parents. SPB is included on a number of personal trees posted on Ancestry. Records for Wood Green are at the Bruce Castle Museum in Tottenham. see www.haringey.gov.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/11/2011 To Elizabeth Newton. The birth registration is shown at the GRO as Ruth Rabbett in Quarter 4 1841 in the district of Ticehurst in volume 7, page 44. Go to the census records for 1851 and you'll find Ruth living with widowed father Robert and a number of her siblings at Jones Cottage No. 5 at Bells Yew Green, Frant. In the 1861 census she was a domestic servant to the household of Robert Taylor at 8 Grove Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells. In the 1841 census father Robert and mother Phoebe were living in Bells Yew Green with Ruth's elder siblings. Ruth married Henry Mankelow in Quarter 2 1865 in the Tonbridge district, volume 2a page 728. Searching on Ancestry you will find family trees including Robert Rabbett or Rabbitt, born 1804, and his wife Phoebe Parker, born 1806, and their children. Many public libraries have a subscription to Ancestry. Brian Dobson
Posted by Elizabeth Newton on 22/11/2011 My son in law is related to Joseph Cook who married into a Speldhurst family who, in turn are related to the Rabbitt family. Ruth Rabbitt is the earliest and I can find nothing after her. I have been researching his family tree up until the present day. He has relatives in Speldhurst, Robert ? was a builder and his daughter married Joseph Cook of Tun Wells - they had a son and 2 daughters. The wifedied of TB and is buried in the oldd cemetary in Tun Wells. How may I go further in to his family history Elizabeth Newton
Posted by Brian Dobson on 20/11/2011 To Earby & District Local History Society. Marjorie A. Staveley is listed in the Tunbridge Wells electoral roll of 2002 according to the website www.192.com. A small fee must be paid to view the entry. Tunbridge Wells library does not hold an index of the roll by name. Marjorie is not listed in the telephone directory and so is presumably ex directory. Brian Dobson
Posted by john down on 20/11/2011 To Brian Dobson Thanks for info Mary Ann Fenwick was his wife.James father was called joseph born 1834 but died before his son was married in 1876.But dont know josephs wife name can u help Thanks John Down.
Posted by Matt Needham on 19/11/2011 I'm researching my Needham family and discovered that my G-Grandfather was a bounder and possible polygamist! Samuel Pascall Brash Needham was born in Devon in 1851 and moved with his family to South Australia and married. One of his sons is my grandfather. He abandoned his wife in WA in the 1880's and returned to England as a music teacher. In the 1891 Census he is recorded as a Prof of Music in Tunbridge Wells and married to Frances Needham (born 1864 in Paddington). I can't find a record of their marriage. His father was an Anglican Priest here in Australia so maybe he didn't marry again. SPB Needham and Frances Needham had a son, Pascal who appears as a 7 yo in the 1901 Census. He died in France in 1916. Any ideas of how I could find out more about their time in TW and more information about Frances Needham. She might have died by 1910 as my grandfather brought SPB Needham home to Australia in disgrace in 1910. Cheers, Matt Needham Sydney
Posted by Mrs Marjorie A Staveley on 18/11/2011 Earby & Dist. Local history Society were contacted by Mrs Marjorie A Staveley through their website eurebi.com do any of your members recognise the name and if so could they tell her to email photographs to [email protected] as the web contact for EDLHS. Unfortunately she left no direct contact details on our website. Many thanks
Posted by Brian Dobson on 17/11/2011 To: John Down. The parish records for Wadhurst are held at the Friends of East Sussex Record Office in Lewes at [email protected]. However I did notice that in the 1901 census for Sunderland, James gave his birthplace as Tunbridge Wells. I checked the baptism records for Tunbridge Wells and also nearby Frant without success. In the 1881 census I found James living at Seaham Harbour in County Durham, but could not find him in 1891. On Ancestry there is a Down Family tree. It gives little information on John, but it does state he was born in Tunbridge Wells. The 1881 census states that the wife of James was Mary A. Down, but the Down tree shows Mary Jane Bainbridge as his wife. I believe his wife was Mary Ann Fenwick. The confusion exists because both Marys are listed on the same page, along with James and one other groom, as having been married on the same day in Sunderland. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 09/11/2011 To Amanda. The telephone directory records at Ancestry show Eric T. Hilder as living at Rosemary since 1950. Tunbridge Wells Library hold the electoral rolls too. Call the Reference Library on 01892 522352. If you go to the Members Interests page, you will find one listing for Hilder. To reach a wider audience, try the letters page in the Kent and Sussex Courier at [email protected]. You'll need to put a hyphen in email, which the server of this website does not allow me to do. At the library I could only find one reference to Featherstones. H. Featherstone Ltd. 22, 23 and 24 London Road, Tunbridge Wells. It was a firm of electrical engineers. If you send me an email address, I can send you a copy of an advertisement from Kellys Directory of 1955. There is a nostalgia column called the Warwick Diary in the Courier. To find out more about the company, it would be worth writing to journalist, [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 09/11/2011 To Andrew Doxsey. I too could not trace George and Georgina, in particular in the census returns for 1841 and 1851. Remember that Tunbridge Wells at that time was a spa holiday resort, so they could have been visitors, perhaps from Scotland. You could try sending an email to the local newspaper, The Kent and Sussex Courier, which obviously reaches a wider audience. The address is [email protected]. You'll need to put a hyphen in email, which the server of this website does not allow me to do. There is a nostalgia column called the Warwick Diary. It would be worth copying the communication to the journalist, [email protected]. Send copies of the images to create interest. Are there any clues printed on the mounts as regards the photographer or illustrator, which could interest Tunbridge Wells Museum, whose address is [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Ian Lunt on 08/11/2011 To Amanda Todd. Unfortunately, we do not have any contact details for Victoria Parrish, so, unless Victoria sees this message and replies we cannot give you her details. Sorry. Ian (web master)
Posted by Amanda Todd on 08/11/2011 I see from your guestbook that VICTORA PARRISH was searching for info. on HILDER on 18th Aug 2010. How can I contact her to see if she has any links/info. on Eric Hilder ( as per my last note)Thank you.
Posted by Amanda Todd on 08/11/2011 I am wanting to find out about ERIC HILDER who was in T.Wells area around 1960, working at FEATHERSTONES, possibly living in a property called Rosemary, in YEW TREE ROAD.I believe Elec. Roll is at Maidstone.Any ideas how i can find out about Featherstones/ contact people who may have worked there at that time/contact people who lived in Yew tree road at that time etc. Thank you.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 07/11/2011 To Guy Lichtenstein. A difficult task. The best method I can offer is through the Old Boys or Old Girls associations of the schools attended by your father and Penny, if you know them. Ask if they will help to find friends of your father and his close friend Penny Brown. Assuming she married, hopefully her closest friends would have attended Penny's wedding. Brian Dobson
Posted by john down on 03/11/2011 re brian dobson I am trying for info about james down born 1852 came from wadhurst Thanks.
Posted by Guy Lichtenstein on 02/11/2011 I have been looking for a long time, for a youth love of my father. At first this was for him, then he passed away, and I am trying as hard as I can to get information about this woman. The chances are against me, but I hope you could somehow help me. Her name was Penny Brown and she was attending the nursing school in Tunbridge Wells. My father at the time was going to the boys school there (around 1966). Ms. Brown has probably got married in between and is most likely a Mrs. in the meanwhile. But maybe you could refer me to any index or registry which might be of help. Gratefully and Sincerely yours, Guy Lichtenstein
Posted by Brian Dobson on 27/10/2011 To Judy Hanmer. The Tunbridge Wells Library holds the electoral registers. Contact the reference section at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Andrew Doxsey on 27/10/2011 The date on my posting below is incorrect. The portraits are dated June 1840 NOT 1940. Sorry for the error.
Posted by Andrew Doxsey on 26/10/2011 I have inherited from my father 2 miniture silhouette portraits, the names on the portraits are Mr Charles Hastings Esq and Mrs Georgina Hastings of Tunbridge Wells, dated June 1940. I have tried searching the internet for reference to this couple but to no avail. I wondered if you had any record of this family still living in the Tunbridge Wells area. Before I put them up for general sale I would like to give descendents the opportunity to purchase them. I would be grateful for any information that could help in my search
Posted by amanda on 26/10/2011 I see from your guestbook that VICTORA PARRISH was searching for info. on HILDER on 18th Aug 2010. How can I contact her to see if she has any links/info. on Eric Hilder ( as permy last note)Thank you.
Posted by Amanda on 26/10/2011 I am wanting to find out about ERIC HILDER who was in T.Wells area around 1960, working at FEATHERSTONES, possibly living in a property called Rosemary, in YEW TREE ROAD.I believe Elec. Roll is at Maidstone.Any ideas how i can find out about Featherstones/ contact people who may have worked there at that time/contact people who lived in Yew tree road at that time etc. Thank you.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 25/10/2011 Fiona Hayes. Southborough Library or the reference section of Tunbridge Wells Library may well hold archive photos. The Reference Library holds old large scale Ordnance Survey maps, which contain a number of house names. The Southborough Society covers High Brooms as well as Southborough and its members are very knowledgeable. It can possibly help at www.southboroughsociety.org.uk. You'll have to insert a hyphen between southborough and society, which the website server restrictions will not allow me to do. Brian Dobson
Posted by Judy Hanmer on 25/10/2011 I am trying to trace an elderly lady called Miss Wiltshire who invited me to tea at her flat on the Pantiles in about 1947 and gave me a scent bottle. I think she might have been a school teacher. No luck via Ancestry.com. Can you help?
Posted by fiona hayes on 25/10/2011 Dear Sir, I have recently bought 21 High Brooms Rd,TN4 9DA and learnt from TW Archive Library that this house was built in 1891 and called High Brooms Cottage.I have a photograph of it then and think i can just make out a name plaque above the porch.I would like to reinstate this but it is so unclear I am unable to determine the shape or lettering on it. I was wondering if you or any of your members could shed light on this and indeed any other information about the history of High Brooms Rd and its residents. Yours Sincerely, Fiona Hayes
Posted by Brian Dobson on 23/10/2011 To John Down. On Ancestry the Strouid Family Tree includes John Down of Wadhurst. It is private and you will have to apply to gain access. If you do not have a subscription to Ancestry, your local library may well have. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 21/10/2011 To John Down. The parish records for Wadhurst are held at the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes ([email protected]). In the 1901 census, John Down is recorded as having been born in Tunbridge Wells. I checked the parish records for Tunbridge Wells from 1851 to 1853, but did not find a baptism. Brian Dobson
Posted by john down on 16/10/2011 james down born wadhurst1852 his father was called joseph down can u give any info Thanks.
Posted by Brian Dobson on 13/10/2011 To Karen Barry. You are looking for Penshurst Place. Go to www.penshurstplace.com. Brian Dobson
Posted by karen barry on 10/10/2011 family story has it that my great great grandmother livd at penthurst castle her name was louisa king where would i find if this was correct
Posted by Brian Dobson on 10/10/2011 To Jenny Blunt. The reference section of Tunbridge Wells Library ([email protected]) holds a weath of information on old locations in the town. It would help if you give them the name of your grandfather and the census reference. Brian Dobson
Posted by Jenny Blunt on 08/10/2011 I am trying to find where an estate called Ferras estate was in Tunbridge Wells my grandfather is mentioned as having worked there in 1911 census
Posted by Brian Dobson on 04/10/2011 To Beverley Bundy. Since 1984 Tinkers Hatch has been a residential care home. Go to www.tinkershatch,co.uk. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 04/10/2011 Fay Warwick. Tonbridge is covered by the North West Kent FHS at www.nwkfhs.org.uk. However under Members Interests you will find several of our members researching Martin. Brian Dobson
Posted by Fay Warwick on 03/10/2011 Roger Martin born abt 1773 in Tonbridge, Kent and married Elizabeth Hearn in Canterbury, Kent. Any information on Roger Martin i.e. christened in Tonbridge, parents, etc. Many Thanks. Fay NZ
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/10/2011 Beverley Bundy. Under Members Interests you will find one of our members is researching the name Watson. Insert John Henry Douglas Watson into Google Search and up will come an entry on the website www.jenforum.com. A Les Roberts has posted details of the family. Click on Les Roberts to find his email address. St. Bartholomews is the church at Cross in Hand. You will find it on the website www.achurchnearyou.com There is an email facility for you to send a request for information. Parish records are held at the East Sussex Record Office in Lewes at [email protected]. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/10/2011 To Eileen Kirby. I searched the filmed parish records at Tunbridge Wells library. Christopher Samuel Vickers was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Tunbridge Wells on 27th December 1896. His parents are shown as Charles Henry and Alice Ann Vickers of The Dell Lodge. I put a magnifying glass on the census page to find that the surname is not Rabans, but a poorly written Vickers. Brian Dobson
Posted by Brian Dobson on 01/10/2011 To Edward Gates. According to IGI George Mitchell Gates was born on 22 July 1803. He died in Port Elizabeth on 23rd October 1920 in Port Elizabeth. He married Lydia Sterley in 1826 in South Africa. Six children are listed Elizabeth Amelia, Ann Phillis Maria, George Mitchell, Joshua Mitchell, Mary Ann and Samuel Joseph. Places and dates are shown, but presumably you hold these details. The information was posted by a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, but he or she is not identified. None of our members has listed Gates as an interest. I could find no baptism for George Mitchell Gates in Tunbridge Wells, but an Ann Gates, the daughter of James and Ann was baptised at King Charles the Martyr Church on 21 June 1805 (born 8 April). Unfortunately none of our members lists Gates as a surname interest. Brian Dobson