NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

Nuneaton & North Family History Society Journal July 2013

A Warm Welcome to Willey See page 8

WWI Centenary project See page 15

Using newspapers for family history research See page 16

Plus lots more inside ...

www.nnwfhs.org.uk Price £2 (firsti copy free to members)

NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

The opinions expressed in articles in the Journal are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily Contents represent the views of the editor or of NNWFHS. Willey church Front cover Editors little box Page 1 Copyright notice. Chairman’s jottings Page 2 Transcription titbits Page 3 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be Palaeography Page 4 reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any Emails to the editor Page 5 form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, Marriage Law for Genealogists Page 6 recorded or otherwise without the prior written permission of the The weather! Page 7 & Family History Society. What’s new on the Members’ Pages Page 7 The case for Willey Page 8 Personal data. Visiting churches Page 8 Archie Thornton of Mancetter & Guilford Slingsby of Nuneaton Page 9 The Society holds personal data on our members – identity and Sixty years ago ... Page 11 contact details provided on application and renewal forms. AGM & New Constitution Page 12 Under the Data Protection Act 1998 we can hold sufficient data to Snippets from the archives – missing relatives? Page 13 run the Society, but no more. The data must also be accurate, FFHS Education survey request Page 13 kept up to date and not held for longer than necessary. Requests for help Page 14 To comply with the Act we will hold documents supporting current Centenary of the start of WWI Page 15 membership. This will usually be the last completed application The North Warwickshire Pages Page 16 or renewal form. Earlier documentation will be destroyed. In the Using newspapers for FH research Page 16 event of a member not renewing by the due date, previous Reminiscences of Baddesley Page 18 documents will be held for a further four months in case of late Researchers beware! Page 20 renewal. New webmaster Page 20 For ease of administration, an up to date copy of your personal New members & their interests Page 21 data will be held on an electronic database with your consent. It Membership renewal Page 21 will be assumed that you agree to this unless you tell us Our SE corner Back cover otherwise. If you do not agree to us holding such data electronically please contact the Membership Secretary. Data Submissions to the Journal are always welcome. These should (preferably) be in held electronically will be subject to the same retention policy as plain text with no fancy formatting. (You might think that formatting it nicely saves me clerical data. work, but it doesn’t!) Submit pictures as jpegs. If in doubt email me or send it in anyway! I can usually sort it out. Please do not send me Publisher files. Files with the suffix .doc or .docx or .txt or .rtf are fine. ii

NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

Committee members and their contact details

Chairman: Jacqui Simkins, Langley Mill Farm, , , B75 7HR email: [email protected]

Vice Chair: John Parton

Secretary: Celia Parton and Val Pickard

Hon. Treasurer: Bernadette Evans, 60 Kingsbridge Road, Weddington, Nuneaton, CV10 0BZ Email: [email protected]

Journal Editor: John Parton 6 Windmill Road, , Warks, CV9 1HP email: [email protected]

Publications Sales & Help desks: Val Pickard, 108 Lister Road, Atherstone, Warks, CV9 3DF email: [email protected]

North Warwickshire Co-ordinator: Celia Parton, 6 Windmill Road, Atherstone, Warks, CV9 1HP email: [email protected]

Membership officer & Marriages / Burials co-ordinator: Dr Carole Eales, 5 Jay Lane, Aston, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S26 2GP Email: [email protected]

Committee: Hilary Hodgkins

Co-opted Website manager: Ian Shuter

The editors little box.

Firstly, an apology. A photograph submitted by Pauline Morbey in the hope someone could identify the subjects was inadvertently linked in the last Journal to an article on The Fox & Crane. Please see page 14 for what I should have printed. Moral: ‘I don’t need to make a note, I will remember what to do with that’ does not work!!

Next year marks 100 years since the start of the Great War, the War to End Wars. There will be many publications coming out in the next 12 months featuring the human side of the war, (the BBC has one out already) but most of these will be of a general nature. We would like to produce something of lasting local value and we need your help. If you have a family story to tell or can help by ‘adopting’ a memorial see page 15 for details.

As you will read on page 20 we have a new webmaster and I would like to thank Ian Shuter for volunteering for what can be a challenging job. I would also like to thank Pat and Tony Boucher for the long hours, sweat and tears they have put into developing and maintaining our website.

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Chairman’s Jottings

Summer: time to mooch around those places our forebears frequented. Do pick a nice day or take your brolly! Please write about your exploits! But what has NNWFHS been up to since our last Journal went to print?

In April we had a behind- the-scenes tour of the local history collection recently moved from Warwick Library. This is largely published works – and not just about all of Warwickshire! They have all the published volumes of the Victoria County History around the country, plus printed version of the Owners of Land Returns which are Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre event much more interesting Top: NNWFHS display Left: Jacqui Simkins and Pat Boucher when viewed on paper compare notes instead of on commercial Above: Victorian schoolmaster caught websites! Plus a huge texting in class! amount of “other stuff”. In May, John Burton Well worth a visit if you gave an enthralling In June Andrew George, can get to Nuneaton illustrated talk about Principal Archivist from Library. Alison Evans – great Lichfield Record Office niece of George Eliot. It proved the value of their Later in the month we was based on a diary holdings for those with exhibited at the Chilvers Alison kept. Diaries are north Warwickshire roots Coton Heritage Centre’s wonderful for family – and those with roots event – and were kept historians and Alison’s throughout the huge “old” busy with family history gave insights into life in diocese of Lichfield & enquiries. The Centre the rectory, attitudes to Coventry. He brought a had a successful day too the local population (and veritable collection of real and we thank them for the poor curate having to documents for everyone inviting us to attend. It is go out in the snow while to browse – including good to join with other the vicar didn’t!) and the some created by non- organisations for events, area in general. Always conformists. The RO is a as visitors have a wider check library shelves and most pleasant place to range of interests…and charity shops for visit – car parking is some then embarked on published diaries that nearby (be early, it gets their family research after include the occupations full). There are cafes meeting NNWFHS! of your forebears, or the within a few yards too – areas where they lived. so everything you need Fascinating!

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for a day out is there! from GRO…and the but just a clodhopper Phone and book money, though from Suffolk, or Devon, or beforehand. excessive, does stay in Durham – the man who the British economy (if obeyed orders and stuck The programme is only we could purchase it out? Of this man little confirmed through to the non-certified copies of was heard, possibly end of the year - you can historical certificates in because he had a habit of print a pocket one from and Wales as going into places a the website. If you can you can in Scotland!). thousand strong and get to Chilvers Coton, do coming out a remnant of PLEASE come along as The committee continues a hundred and fifty or so. we have some superb to work on the new Dead men tell no tales of presentations lined up. It constitution and, all being their own glory.” would be superb if well, by time you receive members with a story to this journal the draft Let us remember not just tell would let us know!! document will be on the those who made the website – please provide ultimate sacrifice for their Roy Flavel kindly spoke feedback! country on the battlefields at the EGM about life as of WW1, but also those a lad – and how he put In addition, we’ve been who came home often his book together. considering how to best injured or damaged – Articles are always remember the outbreak of many of whom died welcome for the Journal, WW1 – it cannot go young or struggled but we also want unmarked. The throughout the rest of members to participate expression “Tommy lives with ill health and following the AGM in Atkins” was in use by the mental trauma. How you November – “Bring 1880s but by WW1 can take part is Something Ancestral” is “Tommy” was ruled out of elsewhere in this edition – basically show-and-tell for order by the Army: it tell the story of your family historians. Please remained widely used by “Tommy Atkins”. Celia bring that photo, medal, all. Kipling’s poem Parton leads the WW1 piece of embroidery – “Tommy” is well known, memorials project. whatever – and say a few but the following words about its relevance declaration by Sgt Happy hunting! to you: this is not public Charles Arnold, a man speaking, but a “chat described by the late Jacqui Simkins amongst friends” so don’t Prof. Richard Holmes be shy. (see “Tommy – The

British Soldier on the The cost of copy Western Front”) as the Transcription titbits certificates has raised its quintessential Tommy, head again. A new reflects the “ordinary” recruit was horrified to be fighting man’s feelings: While recently asked for £26! This is the transcribing part of the kind of fee charged by “Tommy Atkins – full burial register for some third-party agencies private – is, when all is Kingsbury (Burials Series that then order the said and done, the one 2 – 1852-1865) it was a certificates from GRO… who won the war. He joy to have more than just though they don’t tell you won it by sheer dogged the parish name given as this. NEVER buy through pluck… When is the abode of the another agency. The something going to be deceased. In extensive “next day” priority service done for the man who parishes, frequently there is around £25 with isn’t a general or a is no way of sorting out standard fees of £10 from guardsman or an Anzac, two of the same name if local registrars, or £9.25 nor even a London Scot they are simply of

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“Kingsbury”, but this Warwickshire, as they are Price, Charcoal Burner register gave the name of now all on CD as full from Bewdley, the hamlet and transcriptions of the Worcestershire – this occasionally even a farm. church registers. child was burnt in Cliffe, Halloughton, Weddington Woods Whateley, Hockley, In the Kingsbury register which caused his death”. Hurley, Hurley Common, there is a clear indication No Health & Safety Bodymoor Heath, of gypsies in the area: a enquiries back then!! Dosthill, Wood End…to burial in 1853 of name a few – Kingsbury Woodfine SMITH from Enough of burials!! was a very extensive “Camp, Brook End” – an Projects Co-ordinator Dr parish! The new Burials infant. A sad item Carole Eales and her Series 2 covers 1852 to appears in the volunteers are now the end of 1865 after Weddington burials – and working on marriages which the GRO it would seem that from 1754 – and no doubt introduced age at death charcoal burners roamed more gems will be onto the index. Prior to further around their appearing from the 1866, to establish the age rotational coppices than I registers! at death you need to had imagined. Six-year either purchase a death old Thomas Price was certificate or use the buried in 1854 and the Or from memorial burial records - we hope incumbent helpfully inscriptions – see below. the latter for northern added “son of Thomas Ed.

Dr Eales found this one in St. Mary’s St. Editha, Polesworth MI…. Church, Newton Regis; Section E, grave 10. Gravestone carved…. bird with My EILEEN; My EILEEN 1939 – 1989 berries in its mouth, a burning torch and a crossed pick and We both remember our first kiss shovel – this may be the last We walked hand in hand through the meadow green woman collier. By brook and the flowing stream We heard the lark in the heavens sing To the memory of Elizabeth, We knew then that it was spring wife of Thomas WARD. You picked the cowslip and the wild bluebell The buttercup which did show a fairy glow She departed this life April 15th The thrush it sang on the garden wall 1772, aged 75 years. We heard the plover and the curlew call I saw the flush on your face I held you in a warm embrace I knew you were my EILEEN then PALAEOGRAPHY On Primrose Hill we used to sit Struggling to read old writing? Visit You girl me boy www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/palaeogra You turned away I stole a kiss on that lovely day phy/ for a free tutorial from The National And you told me that you were my EILEEN Archives. My EILEEN I love I love you There are also books available. One When evening comes and all is still handy paperback, with a most useful We will kiss again on Primrose Hill alphabet (you can make extra copies of it to carry with you!), is “Examples of Who was “My EILEEN” …… she was obviously English Handwriting 1150-1750” by dearly loved, but who was she? Can anyone tell Hilda E.P. Grieve. You may even find a us ? cheap second-hand copy.

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Emails to the editor From Jim Lee member 2012_40. Coventry colliery in those Re: Photograph of days long before the Vicarage Street School The April issue of the advent of the mass Class in 1938:- January NNWFHS Journal mechanisation that the 2013 brought back many industry adopted after memories for me 1958 had steam winding My father was at particularly Celia’s notes engines, a power house Vicarage Street School about coal mining in her with steam driven during the time the North Warwickshire 2750kva generators and photograph was taken. notes. a boiler house consisting Although, he was not on of 16 Lancashire boilers the photograph, he was I began my working life at all of which provided the wondering if Miss. 15 years of age in 1953 steam using our own coal Woodfield was still alive. when i started at to maintain the mine in Coventry Colliery, full working order 24 Her full name was Keresley as an hours per day. The Kathleen Woodfield. She apprentice electrical Coventry mine was in fact lived with my father's engineer. From June 15th area workshops for the parents, whilst she taught 1953 until October 3rd whole of the at Vicarage Street School 1953 I took a course of Warwickshire mines, - May and Herbert underground training at although this later was Parker. May and Herbert Wood End, which was transferred to Ansley Hall Parker lived in King then part of Birch Colliery as Ansley Hall Edward Road until my Coppice Colliery, on the coal reserves were father was 2 years old, A5 now just south of the worked out. and then moved to M42 junction. Wood End Brookdale Road. shaft was a return air Within a radius of some shaft and today is a 20 miles around My father is curious to mobile home park but in Nuneaton I remember know what happened to 1953 the workings below collieries at Arley, Miss. Woodfield. He also ground were an Haunchwood, knew the daughter of Mr. underground training area Newdegate, Binley, Griff Cox (Headteacher). consisting of a static coal no4, Griff Clara, Ansley Although, he can't face, single rope, endless Hall, all still working remember her name, my rope haulages, where during my time in the father is also wondering one was trained to work industry and I well what happened to her. in a coal mine safely as remember Daw Mill being My father is wondering if required by the Coal sunk. Today the Daw Mill you or anyone else Mines (Training) mine, the last in may know what has Regulations 1945, the Warwickshire has been become of them. certificate for which I still closed due to have. underground fires caused I hope you can help. by spontaneous Miss. H. Parker After this I returned to combustion an "excuse" I [email protected]. Coventry Colliery to find very difficult to uk continue my training as believe. Spontaneous an electrical engineer combustion always was a Pauline Wright, who both above and below problem in coal mines provided the picture says ground whilst at the same indeed I remember quite Miss Woodfield is dead but has no further information. time attending Nuneaton a few at Coventry, one of Can anyone else help? Ed. Technical College and which resulted in an the mining school in explosion in the south Bracebridge Street side of the pit just off the Nuneaton. Million Dollar turn and

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being called out from fire was the way fires is enough coal reserves South 5&6 district to were dealt with in those stretching from repair a broken magneto days. Mining language Warwickshire through telephone which was such as stanking off and Oxfordshire as far south preventing Boojeeing working on the as Berkshire to provide communication with the tag or haulage are us with fuel for the next surface and medical help expressions amongst 1000 years. Meanwhile for the injured men, who many others which today we are still held to were burnt as a result of are lost in the mist of ransom by the oil barons. methane or firedamp time. I left the National Coal igniting as they were Board and joined the trying to put the fire out. With all the health and motorcycle industry and Boojeeing or pumping safety issues we find my book 60 Years on liquid cement and or ourselves encumbered Two Wheels tells the stonedust along pipes with the demise of Daw story of my working life. drilled into the fire was Mill was no doubt Available from me at the method used inevitable plus the fact £9.60 inc p&p whereupon the area was that Ratcliffe power stanked off in order to cut station can be powered [email protected] off the air supply and by cheap coal from effectively suffocate the Poland. Meanwhile there

Essential reading Carole Eales reviews -

Marriage Law for Genealogists; the definitive guide. PROBERT, Rebecca [2012] Takeaway (Publishing), 33 New Street, Kenilworth, CV8 2EY. £9.99.

Professor Probert presents an easily read, well referenced account of the history of marriage law in England and Wales between 1600 and 2000. It is written specifically for the family historian, and addresses many of the problems which, from time to time, we all face when searching for elusive marriages.

Whilst it presents what could be very dull, factual material, it is accomplished in such a way that it is eminently readable and never confusing. The various chapters deal with the basic questions of Whether and Why?, Who?, How?, When? and Where? our ancestors married.

Chapter by chapter, Rebecca presents the reader with many of the common myths and misunderstandings which surround marriage law, and which are accepted as fact; she then systematically destroys each by reference to the law operant at the time. In each case we are provided with detailed wording of the relevant Act, the date of its inception and subsequent revisions, such that it supports her claims and demonstrates how flawed many of the ‘authoritative’ statements, we read or hear about via the media, are.

The Table of Contents and the comprehensive Index make it a very easy reference book for general use. I just wish this book had been available to me when I started researching my ancestors thirty years ago !

CAE

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The Weather! of cold experienced in Coventry… 1795! Frequently, an entry Conferences are includes the date and convened to pontificate On June 5th the same area affected along with on our climate and its year he noted a the type of ‘extreme’ “changes”. We are “tremendous storm of weather. An earthquake regaled with explanations thunder, lightning, hail is recorded, too. – based on data collected and rain” damaging over the last century or Tamworth church, and Family historians will less. But have you ever mentions cattle killed by occasionally encounter heard one of these lightning in Shropshire comments detailing the weather “experts” refer to and Cheshire.” The weather in parish a contemporary diary (as thunderstorms of early registers, for dates long mentioned in a recent June 2013 are mild before formal weather Journal) or a parish compared to this! recording began: do send register? in details! Perhaps the Another example was for weather “experts” should The Staffordshire Parish 25th October 1797 when conduct research in Registers Society has just he wrote: historical parish registers published another of its and diaries: they may find excellent transcriptions. In consequence of the that weather patterns This latest edition covers late heavy rains the have always been the later 1790s to mid- floods upon the Rivers “variable” in our country - 1800s for Alrewas All Trent and Tame in this and recent “severe Saints: not far off neighbourhood have winters” are mild NNWFHS territory. This been very great…and compared to such as that particular transcription likewise in the above! has many interesting neighbourhood of extra comments by the incumbent. What’s New on the Members’ Pages of the website ? Following an entry on 4 February 1795, the Since April we have uploaded: Certificate Database more items incumbent wrote: Monumental Inscriptions Index more items War Memorial Index & Roll of Honour WW1 & WW2 entries NB A very severe winter. Staffordshire Names Index to be uploaded shortly A great frost and snow began Decr. 22nd 1794 What’ll be in the Shop soon ? * which with some intermissions, continued Burial CD Austrey; Baddesley Ensor; Baxterley; Grendon; until Feb. 9th 1795…the Series 2 : 1 Kingsbury; Merevale; Newton Regis; Polesworth; rivers Trent and Tame [1838 - 1865] Seckington; Shuttington; Warton were frozen over, and the Burial CD Bentley; Coleshill; Curdworth; Great Packington; Lea corn mills unable to Series 2 : 2 Marston; Little Packington; Maxstoke; Middleton; Nether grind… A great flood [1838 - 1865] Whitacre; Over Whitacre; Shustoke; Wishaw Burial CD Ansley; Arley; Astley; Atherstone; Caldecote; Corley; succeeded upon the Series 2 : 3 Fillongley; Hartshill; Mancetter; Water Orton; Weddington Thaw, and on Tuesday th [1838 - 1865] February 10 great Burial CD Attleborough; Bedworth; Chilvers Coton; Nuneaton; damage was done by the Series 2 : 4 Stockingford ice and waters to many [1838 - 1865] bridges in this Kingdom. Burial CD Ansty; Bulkington; Burton Hastings; Monks Kirby; Shilton; The snow and frost of Series 2 : 5 Willey; Withybrook; Wolvey recent years bears no [1838 - 1865] resemblance to the depth * When the editor puts on his other hat and converts them to CD, - aiming for September

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review? Probably by the NNWFHS area that The Case for Willey… accident! are outside the working area: No Man’s Heath – Recently the committee The ancient parish of its ecclesiastical records has been considering the Willey, with its church are at Stafford RO as the Society’s constitution so it dedicated to St. Leonard, church is now closed and also reviewed the has always been civilly the parish aligned with Society’s working area. Warwickshire. It was also Chilcote; Hydes Pastures The working area has in the old diocese of – it was part of Hinckley been considered Lichfield & Coventry – as parish; and Wibtoft - a periodically with was all the NNWFHS chapelry of Claybrook, occasional changes. area - although the Leicestershire, which was parishes have had in the diocese of The committee decided to diocesan changes since Peterborough before the make no radical changes. the 1850s. The parish creation of Leicester. The focus will remain on registers for Willey, Wibtoft’s church records the northern starting from 1661, are at are at the Leicestershire Warwickshire area as per Warwick Record Office Record Office in Wigston. the map reproduced in with microform copies at Wibtoft therefore remains the journal, the website Rugby Library; the BTs outside the NNWFHS and elsewhere. and pre-1858 wills are at working area and However, one parish had Lichfield Record Office. probably explains how become “stranded” The burials at St Willey, to its south-east between the NNWFHS Leonard’s are included in was overlooked on the area and the county the Burials Series 1 and last review. boundary – Willey - it is Series 2 CDs but not in not geographically large the previous booklet The Committee and has a small series. population. Why was it See revised map inside front cover Ed. left out on the last There are three places along the eastern flank of

Visiting churches Many churches remain locked except for services. A sad state of affairs brought about by thefts and damage done. Incumbents nowadays often cover a clutch of parishes and “family history” is way down the list when it comes to having time to assist in enquiries. The vicar is not the place to start… Church records – historical ones – are not normally held by the incumbent, although a few very tiny parishes may still hold Victorian registers. In the main you will find the registers are filmed and available in local libraries and the relevant county record office. Some are transcribed and available in various formats. This applies to most of England. In Wales start at the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, and in Scotland much is available online (by purchase of credits) or take a holiday in Edinburgh and plunder!

Memorial inscriptions for many English areas have been published – the first place to look for these is the website for the local family history society. There is a name index on the NNWFHS website for MIs of northern Warwickshire which are largely produced by BMSGH.

Visiting the church is best accomplished when there is an open day or flower festival. These events frequently mean knowledgeable locals are on hand. A recent visit included a tour – wonderful local historical information!! And of course you get to not just see the church, but to view the interior and sit where your forebears sat.

[Churchwardens may also be useful for gaining admission to a parish church. They usually live nearby, often know more than the incumbent and are often more amenable! Ed]

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Archie Thornton of Mancetter and Guilford Slingsby of Nuneaton

The first official mention of great-uncle Archie Thornton that I can find – apart from his birth record in Northampton in 1886 – is when he appears before Atherstone Petty Sessions in 1898.

It’s a bizarre case – an agricultural student was accused of wilfully damaging a hedge to the amount of 3d. His excuse, somewhat curiously, was that he was looking for a missing ferret. ‘A youth called manor to escape those remained best chums. Archie Thornton gave anguished memories. Archie was quite bright evidence on his behalf,’ academically, because he reported the Tamworth Archie would have known went up to Cambridge in Herald. It didn’t do the Mancetter as his only 1904. The following term student much good – he home, whilst the others he had disappeared – the was ordered to pay would have had academic life was not for 19/6d. memories of life in him. Northampton as well. Archie was the baby of He didn’t have Mancetter the family. Dad – the At various times they Manor to return to any magnificently named Rev were each packed off to more and, although he Canon Frederick Wellington College but for probably stayed with the Ferdinand Martin Archie it must have been Slingsby family from time Schleicher Thornton - more difficult – he arrived to time, both Archie and was the vicar of St at the school gates in Guilford were hankering Sepulchre’s, 1900, the same year his after a new life. In 1910 Northampton. Mum – home of 13 years was the two of them Harriet Emily – had sold. Soon afterwards the emigrated to Canada and inherited a portion of the canon and his wife washed up in Caledonia, £140,000 left by her moved to Downham near the banks of Lake father in 1878 and seems Rectory in the Isle of Ely. Erie. They seem to have likely to have stumped up found jobs working in the money when the Archie had made a great both the milling and canon bought Mancetter friend while living in North mining businesses. Manor in 1887. Warwickshire. Guilford Slingsby was the son of When WW1 broke out, The Thorntons had three Gertrude and Henry, a the two vowed to enlist. other sons. Archie had prominent Nuneaton silk Archie is quoted as been born two years after ribbon manufacturer and, saying he wouldn’t take a the sudden death of the despite Archie’s public commission because ‘he couple’s only daughter school education didn’t know enough about and it could well have meaning that he was out soldiering to be over been that they bought the of touch geographically, others’. Two days before they seem to have they embarked for

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training with the 20th what happened to the Canadian Battalion in Thornton clan, Archie was England in May 1915, not the only one to die in Guilford married Ethel battle. Eldest brother, Major May Hooley in Toronto. F.E.Thornton, a professional soldier, died leading his Indian regiment against the Meanwhile, having found Turks in Mesopotamia in themselves fighting on 1917. Harriet Emily, while the French-Belgian laying flowers in the local border, Guilford was church in memory of her two rushed from the sons, had a stroke and died battlefield to have his two weeks before the end of appendix removed. While the war. It’s always been he was incapacitated, imagined that she died of a Archie suffered grave broken heart. The Thornton’s second son, my injuries on 17 November grandfather, Major 1915 in the French B.M.Thornton, fought on the trenches. He spoke fluent Somme, at Ypres and in German and was posted Italy – he won the MC and as a ‘listener’ at the very survived to tell the tale. front to overhear what the But what happened to Sadly, he died before I was Germans were planning. Guilford Slingsby? He is a born, but not before re- A mortar landed near him bit of a mystery – I can enlisting in WW2. Very little and, despite having a leg find out very little of his is known about brother amputated, Archie died in early life in Nuneaton – number three except that he and why should he have outlived his three siblings. a British clearing station not one, but two, on 21 November. He was And Rev Canon Thornton? 29. He is buried in Attestation Papers when He lived to be 92 and died Bailleaul Cemetery he enlisted with the as the clouds of WW2 were alongside dozens of other Canadian Army? I can gathering. Canadian soldiers. find no record of his death in WW1 and no record of his return to England. There is an Ethel May Hooley who died in Liverpool in 1943 but was that his wife? And – most importantly to me - what more is there is to be found out about the Rev Canon and Mrs Thornton’s 13-year stay in Mancetter?

I’d love to hear from you

robin.thornton@btinternet .com - if you can help.

Postscript – just in case Photograph of the Rev Canon Thornton courtesy anyone is interested about of the Cambridge Collection, Cambridge Central Library

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Sixty years ago …

… at Nuneaton High School for Girls.

1953 - On 2nd June the country had celebrated the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. For those of us in junior schools it had been a time of partying and dressing up as we joined the festivities taking place across the country. Then in September it was time to move on and that Smiths using a permit when she arrived and this particular year will be issued by the school. Our we continued to do, remembered for another bottle green blazers throughout our time in the reason. For about 100 sported a badge with the school, whenever she girls, having passed the school’s motto, “The entered the room. She 11+, it was time to begin Utmost for the Highest.” made it quite clear to us their secondary education that on no account were at Nuneaton High School Most of we 1st years wore we to walk across the for Girls. felt hats, which had on holy ground just inside them the same badge as the gates. We were never The catchment area was the one on the blazer. sure why this piece of vast and girls arrived Apart from our satchels ground was so named but from, not only the town, we carried home -made all sorts of tales went but from Coleshill, P.E bags holding not around! We were sent Maxstoke, Shustoke and only our pumps and off into 3 classes, whose from villages close to hockey boots but also our teachers were Miss Coventry and Leicester. I (never to be forgotten) Adams, Miss de Ryn and left my home in Ansley on apple green romper suits Mr Beynon the 7.30 bus which which we wore for gym dropped me off by the lessons. Many of us had We were put into Co-Op Hall . I then had to spent hours during the houses, Aston (red), trek to the other side of summer holiday Arden (blue), de Montfort the town to get to school. embroidering our names (green) and Tudor across the front of the (yellow). Some years On that first day in early rompers for purposes of later another house Elliot September we must have identification! (white) was added. The looked like an army of houses competed with green ants as we jostled On arrival in the hall we each other to be the top our way over the railway sat on the floor to await house in weekly points bridge into Hinckley Road the arrival of the and sporting success. I and then in through the headmistress, Miss was not happy with my gates of the High School. Talbot, a formidable lady house from day one as I Most of us were wearing who never seemed to didn’t like the colour summer dresses made smile and who was yellow and, of course , from exactly the same accompanied everywhere found myself in Tudor! material, which could only by her two Samoyed be bought from J C dogs. We rose to our feet

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Most of us had to get she’d cause us to giggle offered to us, to our used to having different and we might end up in advantage. I wouldn’t teachers for different late prep. have missed those years lessons and very quickly for the world. had to find our way Joy of joys we were able around an enormous to buy an iced bun during Those of us who joined building. Who could morning break ,so NHS in 1953 have forget Mr Holland who following the bell there enjoyed a number of taught Latin and always was a great rush to be reunions and it’s been said grace, in that first in the queue. Despite wonderful to meet up with language, when he was the mid-morning snack those “girls” with whom on dinner duty? Mr we were always ready for we grew up and, after all Wake, with a very strong lunch and I loved the food the intervening years, we Yorkshire accent, who except the date sponge! were still able to made science so recognise each other and interesting and amusing On reflection those days chat and laugh together with his funny stories. at “the High” were happy , as we us did all that time Miss Lewis, who was despite the emphasis on ago. extremely tall, and taught academic subjects and French. Music was taught the exams which we had Joan Stocker by Miss Ensell whose so regularly. We were [email protected] lessons we dreaded there because we had the because we were afraid ability to use all that was

IMPORTANT NOTICE – AGM & NEW CONSTITUTION

At the EGM, held on 12 February 2013, the membership charged the Committee with the following task:

 That the committee be instructed to review and revise the constitution in order to prove a document which serves this Society correctly, is approved by FFHS and meets legal requirements, and to place this document before the membership for the AGM in 2013.

The Committee has now completed a revision of the Constitution and has produced the draft document suitable for members to consider.

A copy of this draft document will be placed on the Society’s website for consideration by members, within the next few days. I would ask that you read the document and send any comments or suggested amendments to me, [email protected], by the 14 September 2013, so that Committee may consider them and, if considered appropriate, incorporate them into the final document.

When completed, a copy of the final document will made available on the website, and members will then be invited to vote upon its the adoption, the results of the ballot being placed before the AGM, which will take place on Tuesday, 12 November 2013, at the Chilvers Coton Heritage Centre, Avenue Road, Nuneaton.

Any member who would prefer to have a paper copy of the document and / or wish to cast their vote by postal mail, rather than access the website, should send a stamped, self addressed envelope to Dr Carole Eales, 5 Jay Lane, Aston, Sheffield, S26 2GP.

The AGM is also the time to elect new committee members. If you would like to help the society by joining the committee please get in touch. No experience or expertise is needed, just a willingness to muck in and help out.

Carole Eales For and on behalf of the Committee of NNWFHS.

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

Snippets from the for 28 years and was then ‘bounty’ money. The Archives – missing discharged. He returned remainder of the ‘bounty’ relatives ? to Bedworth and money John kept, but he remained there for 2 was taken prisoner at the From : Collection of years, during which time battle of Albuera Bedworth Settlement he married Mary [no [Peninsular War, 16 May marriage yet identified]. 1811], and lost his Examinations and st Removal Orders: He then enlisted in the 1 money. Battalion Rifle Brigade [1] 17 November 1835 and stayed with them 7 The order for removal request from the years, after which he was was cancelled on 24 Overseers of the Poor of discharged with a December 1835, due to Bedworth to those of pension of 9 pence per his wife’s sickness, but Hinckley, LEI regarding day. re-instated on 03 Feb John DARLISON, his wife 1836. and child who had He had two children: Eli become chargeable on DARLISON aged 19 [2] 26 November 1834 the Parish. years [born c1815] who in request from the 1836 was a private in the Overseers of the Poor of Details of the 82nd Regiment of Foot, Manningham, Bradford, Examination of John and Sarah aged 7 years WRY to those of DARLISON: [bp. All Saints, Bedworth, Bedworth regarding Aged 48 years, born in 25 May 1828 ]. Edward CHAPLIN and his Bedworth. [Bp. All wife Ann who had Saints, 12 Jun 1794, He stated that he had become chargeable on aged 6 years, son of received relief from the the Parish. Robert DARLISON & Parish Officers of Sarah (Warrant)]. Hinckley whilst he was Aged 22, Edward living in Bedworth c1828, CHAPLIN was born in At age 11 or 12 years, the and his wife, Mary, Bedworth. [bp. All Saints, Bedworth Parish Officers received relief when she Bedworth 30 Aug 1812, apprenticed him to broke her leg, whilst John son of John CHAPLIN & Thomas RICHMAN, of was a soldier and away Martha]. He had been Hinckley, LEI, framework from Bedworth. apprenticed as a hired knitter. John stayed with servant, but was now a Thomas Richman for 3 ½ When John enlisted in the pauper and too sick to years and then he ran Tower Hamlets Militia, the travel from Manningham away. He enlisted in the Sergeant who had to Bedworth. Removal 1st Tower Hamlets Militia enlisted him paid Thomas does not appear to have and thereafter joined the RICHMAN three guineas, taken place. 3rd Regiment of Buffs. He which was subsequently remained with the Buffs stopped out of his

Federation of Family History Societies - Education Survey Request

The newly appointed Education Officers are seeking your help to identify the topics that are most relevant to us and our members, and have drawn up a short survey giving some ideas and asking for further suggestions.

They are hoping for as many responses as possible, so please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FMBNXCW to complete the survey.

If you have any questions, or would like hard copies, contact Elizabeth Owen or Karin Thompson at [email protected]

We hope you can find a few moments to complete the survey. The closing date is Friday August 2nd.

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

A request for help from Alf Dewis

My grandfather John Dewis (1863 – 1946) married Hannah Pickard (1863 – 1921) in 1884 and was landlord of the Hare and Hounds Pub in Heath End Road, Nuneaton from about 1910 – 1920. I have no photographs of my grandfather apart from possibly the one attached where I believe he and Hannah to be sitting on the right (as viewed) in the front row. I would appreciate any comments from members about the photograph and especially the following; can anyone identify the date? It appears that it is a photograph that celebrates some event as the soldier sitting next to my grandfather is holding a cup; can anyone identify any member on the photograph? Can anyone identify the uniform displayed as there appears to be at least two different regiments in the picture? Any help at all would be most welcome.

Can you identify these people?

I have these pictures that are from the Askill or the Arnold family, it could be from the Millingtons side. I would love to see if anyone can help me to identify them for me.

Pauline Morbey.

[The picture at right was linked erroneously with the item on the Fox & Crane in the last issue of the Journal. Apologies to Pauline. And smacked wrist to the editor.] 14

NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

CENTENARY OF THE START OF WORLD WAR 1

Next year is the 100th anniversary of the start of World War One and to commemorate this we are planning to produce a special edition of the journal devoted to stories from the First World War. This edition will be in addition to our normal quarterly journals.

We are appealing to you to send in your stories. If you had a relative who fought in that conflict whether he was killed, wounded, was a survivor or was involved in any way we want to hear their stories. It doesn’t have to be a long article; one or two paragraphs will be fine, and if you have a photograph to go with it so much the better.

To inspire you here is a story I found when researching the British Newspaper archive concerning two brothers who were simultaneously killed. I can’t imagine how a mother must feel to lose not just one son but two at the same time. Here is the transcription taken from the Tamworth Herald dated March 13th 1915.

“Two brothers both of Ansley, Atherstone have fallen side by side on the field of battle. Their names are Richard and Arthur Follows, aged 24 and 22 respectively, and they enlisted in the 1st Coldstream Guards last September for the period of the war only. They were evidently killed together, and, by a singular coincidence one of the men who helped to bury them was also an Ansley miner, who had worked at the same pit, and also belonged to the Coldstream Guards. Richard Follows was an old Grammar School boy and was not only a clever lad at his studies, but was also an excellent shot with a rifle. Both brothers had written cheerful letters home and Arthur in one of them said “Cheer up Mother, and keep the flag flying”.

The parents have received the following letter from Captain G Vaughan, of the 3rd Coldstream Guards –“I am writing to tell you I buried your two sons today. They were killed about 25th January, but it was impossible to get at them before. We relieved the 1st Battalion on the 30th January and as today (February 22nd) was very foggy. I was able to send some men out and to bury any of our men. Your two sons were found side by side, close together, and, from their wounds must have been killed instantaneously. I thought you would like to know what had happened to them, and that they had properly buried by men of their own regiment, and their graves marked with a cross. You will, of course, be officially informed by the War Office, but it may take several days for the information to go through. Please accept my sincere sympathy”. Send your stories to the Journal Editor.

Shot at Dawn This is a most emotive topic. There were over 300 British service men ‘shot at dawn’ during World War 1 many for transgressions such as “quitting post”, “cowardice” or “desertion” – military offences. Many were suffering injury, shell shock, and mental disorders caused by seeing their mates blown to pieces…let alone the relentless bombardment of shell-fire and effects of chemical warfare. Some had served on the front with long and distinguished records – only a handful of individuals had committed serious crimes: most received less than a fair hearing.

A long campaign involving the Royal British Legion, Judge Babington’s published report of 1983 into the courts martial, and publication of “Shot at Dawn” by Julian Putkowski and Julian Sykes - who petitioned to the highest level - resulted in all being pardoned in 2006. This gave a little late comfort to families that had suffered humiliation; many had air-brushed from their history the sons lost in this way.

In 2009 at the Ansley memorial a gentleman commented that the plaques had only recently been installed as the final name had been added – one of those ‘shot at dawn’. However, having carefully crossed-referenced the names from the memorial to the published lists, I have been unable to identify the man involved.

If you can identify the soldier who met his end being ‘shot at dawn’ – or you know of any other northern Warwickshire man subjected to the same fate – please get in touch. If you know their story, all the better – but if not, we will attempt to put it together. These men gave their lives for their country, too.

Perhaps you would prefer to do a little research. We are also inviting members to “adopt” a War Memorial and to find out more information about the men named on that memorial. For more information please contact Celia Parton, War memorial research co-ordinator.

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

The North Warwickshire Pages

By Celia Parton

Wedding Reports Using Newspapers for All local papers had birth Deaths and burials family history research marriage and death If your ancestor was well columns which give basic known in the local area The first newspapers information. They also then you may find an started in London in the carried reports of obituary for him which 16th century and later weddings which have gives lots of valuable other regional newspaper more information. In information about his life. in Manchester, Leeds addition to the names of I found this when Edinburgh, Belfast, and the bride and groom and reaching my great uncle others followed. their parents, when and George. He lived at These early newspapers where the wedding took Cannock and I checked are of no help to the place, there are also the local paper around family historian unless details of the the time of his death. your ancestor was very bridesmaids, who are Here I found an obituary famous or a notorious usually related to the complete with photograph criminal: probably not. bride and groom. Then and information about his Local newspapers started you get little extra details life from when he first towards the end of the such as what the bride moved to Cannock as a 19th century, the exact and bridesmaids were young man. It confirmed date depends on the wearing, who the best the family story that he locality. The first ones man was, and he again had been once been followed the same format was usually a relative. mayor of Cannock. of four pages; page one, Even if there is no advertisements, page Wedding anniversaries obituary there may well two, international news, Old newspapers also be a report of the funeral. page three, national news carried reports of special Here again you will find and page four had the wedding anniversaries personal details, name local news. Obviously such as silver (25 years) age and address and they developed as time or golden (50 years) name of wife/husband. went on and increased in weddings. Here you can There was nearly always size and photographs learn when and where the a list of mourners with appeared in the 20th wedding took place, how their relationship to the century. Local many children and deceased and these newspapers can be a grandchildren the couple details can be very useful great source of had and usually a little bit for the family historian. information for family about their lives such as historians. where they lived and their occupations.

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

Accidental events throughout the including Mrs deaths/inquests year, usually seasonal. Bracebridge of If your ancestor was There were concerts, Atherstone Hall, were unfortunate enough to be plays, special services at fined for showing a light accidentally killed this churches and chapels, during the blackout. was more newsworthy summer fairs and and there was usually a horticultural shows. Here Advertisements report of the accident, you can find out if your The front page of the when, where, and how. ancestor was musical, did early local papers was As all accidental deaths they play a musical devoted to local have to be reported to the instrument or have a advertisements where coroner and an inquest good singing voice? local tradesman would held there would also Maybe they had green advertise, so here is follow a full report of the fingers and won prizes for another place you could inquest. I also have an their flowers or find mention of an instance of this in my own vegetables. ancestor. family history. My grandfather was knocked Football/cricket teams I hope you will see from down by a car while Most towns and villages this that there is much crossing the road on a had their own football information to be gained foggy morning. He was team in winter and cricket from local newspapers taken to hospital but died team in summer. Local and it can be fascinating. five days later without papers usually had a Most local libraries have regaining consciousness. sports page where local copies of newspapers I found a report of the matches were covered local to their area on accident on the front and the teams listed in microfilm and these can page of the Atherstone full. Other sports were be viewed during normal News together with also covered such as library opening hours, so reports of other accidents billiards, bowls and it’s best to check opening which had occurred on pigeon racing. Was your hours before you visit. the same day. In the ancestor into sport in any The British Newspaper edition for the following way? archive has now gone on week I found a report of line(subscription only) the inquest. Inquests in Court Coverage but it is still a work in these early newspapers There were also several progress and not all were reported in full with columns devoted to Petty newspapers are yet on the names of the Session hearings where there, there are no witnesses and their magistrates decided all Nuneaton or Atherstone evidence. the minor misdemeanors. papers for instance but Many people (women as there are Coventry Village news and events well as men) were fined papers and the Tamworth There was usually a page for being drunk and Herald which I find very or at least part of a page disorderly, using bad useful as it covers the dedicated to events language or fighting. You whole of north happening around the might find (as I did) that Warwickshire including area listed under each one of your ancestors Nuneaton. It’s best to town and village. We was fined for riding his check on the site which learn from this how our bicycle at night without a papers are available ancestors lived in the light. Another common before you decide to days before computers, one was not having a subscribe. television or foreign licence for their dog. travel. There were many During war time people,

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

An example of what can be found in newspapers

This piece was found in He had a leather school front gate and run into the Tamworth Herald bag tied to his saddle; the pantry to finish off dated September 4th from this he fetched a any remnants of “roly- 1909. missionary collecting poly” pudding that may card, for all the world have been left from REMINISCENCES OF like old Henry Pickering dinner, while I jump into BADDESLEY used to give us in the the trap and drive the old days at Baddesley, Rev Gonge up to the By Mr Noah Wood and said “I want you to old chapel where I take please give me the horse out and put The following letter, something towards this. him in the old brick received by Mr and Mrs I’ve got 4s 11d and stable that stood on the T Whittaker of Grendon another penny will right as we went down Common from Mr Noah make 5s and then to the chapel. Wood of Auckland, they’ll give me a nice New Zealand may be of book at Sunday I see father and mother interest to many of our school”. So I gave him come down. The old readers containing as it sixpence, and said “My place is full. As I sit does some interesting word you do it fine. here, 16,000 miles reminiscences of the When I used to go away memory conjures writer’s early days in collecting, I didn’t ride a up the past, and I see Baddesley. fine horse like that; I the old people sitting in used to go on shank’s their pews. There is pony.” But the incident grandfather Wood in set me thinking of old his seat and uncle times. Josiah in his, William Albrighton and Joseph Shall I try to give you a Blower just below; pen and ink picture of a William Smith of Sunday afternoon of Baxterley , in the corner about 56 years ago. seat. On the other Mr & Mrs Whittaker Here goes! side, I see father in the pulpit pew; Michael Auckland, Mount It is Sunday afternoon Atkins and Bessie Albert 5th July 1909 and nearly time Mr Michael (his wife) in the Gonge was here. It is next; further up, Mr My dear Sister and spring time – the gilly Duan of Baxterley. Brother, - the other day, flowers, old man, Mother sits in Luke Rex Hoyes, a grandson daisies, and spring Lakin’s pew and so on. of brother Enoch, about flowers in the front Upstairs in the gallery ten years old – rode garden fill the air with sit the musicians and into the yard on a white their sweet fragrance – singers – Elizabeth and horse and said ”Good and I have a fine Annie Atkins in the morning uncle Noah”. I collection in my middle of the front seat; said “Well, Rex lad buttonhole when- “Here sister ‘Cilla, Mary what’s your business? they are!” I run out as Blower and other girls “Ebb” pulls up at the fill up the seat; we boys

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

sit behind. There are Miss Hodges and old while pigs grow fat John and Tom Joseph Wilner down at under the fruit trees, Pickering with fiddles, the “Boot” but I don’t go fowls too, with plenty of uncle Joe with single on horseback like our fish for the catching. bass, and Uncle Eli Auckland boys do. The women sit about with his big double under their shady bass. They are tuning The old church is gone, verandahs all day – up. John Pickering and not many of those don’t believe in work, touches the seat with I’ve mentioned are left. no occasion for it. his tuning fork; Tom Some who were They have no regular Pickering gives another present that afternoon meal times – very little turn to the screw; now lie here in New cooking – just eat when they are ready. It is Zealand, waiting “the they are hungry, and Missionary Sunday resurrection of the just”. drink when they are Father gives out. Others have ended dry. If that isn’t having “From all that dwell their pilgrimage in the best end of the stick below the skies”, to the England, and we who I don’t know what is. Old Hundreth. How are left are fast nearing Where do the benefits they do sing! – old the end of the journey. of civilisation come in? Henry Pickering’s When we come to think Compare the condition leading. Next hymn is of it how small a space of thousands in “From Greenland’s icy we hold and when we England, half starved mountains”, next, “O’er are called away, how and half-clothed, living the gloomy hills of soon we are forgotten, and dying in misery- darkness” and as they and the world jogs on, with these dusky lords touch the high notes, almost as though we and ladies of creation, Uncle Joe drowns had never existed. We whose bread is everything with his scrape and toil for our provided daily without powerful tenor voice. daily bread or to amass any effort almost, and The service closes with wealth, which, almost whose is sure. How “Lo. He comes with before we realise or different to the worry of angels descending”. I enjoy it, we are called a business life in don’t remember much to leave. Auckland! I think we of the sermon, for it were born in the wrong was very warm up in Talking of Foreign place- we ought to the gallery, and I Missions, how we were have been born believe I leaned my taught to pity the Where the feathery head on my hands and natives of Samoa, palm tree waves fell asleep. Rarotonga, Tahiti etc. Its graceful fronds in My son Harry, who the summer time I said it was married a chieftainess ”Missionary Sunday”, of Niue, one of the Noah Wood together with and Henry Pickering Friendly Islands, writes some of his siblings emigrated to New Zealand gives me a collecting me that the natives in the 1860s. He married card. I am such a nice have right royal times twice and had a total of 12 mannered little “chap” of it – always summer- children 8 of whom the people like to give can get all the food survived to adulthood. He me a penny, so I can they want without any died on 11 September 1920 in New Zealand. run off as hard as I can cultivation – it grows go to get first show with wild in abundance,

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

Austrey, Newton Regis, Seckington, Shuttington and Warton:

Researchers Beware!! Dedications” recorded only registration services marriages, twenty churches in England and that will mean no two As if we don’t have enough dedicated to All Souls – none in pieces of evidence found by confusion between “place” and northern Warwickshire family historians match for “parish” in our historical although there are plenty of All them to have their ‘reasonable research, there is now further Saints. proof’. misunderstanding on the scene. While it is common practice in And on a more historic the 21st century for contiguous note…Austrey’s burial register, On a recent use of the website parishes to be grouped into a although continuous, has the “A Church Near You” (a quick single benefice, each parish in years from 1848-1874 source of information on the group normally retains its unrecorded! Do you know of churches and their websites), a individuality. This new “parish” any document recording the link to the Austrey church of All Souls does not seem to burials for this extended website took me to “All Souls”. be recognised by the diocese period? Plus the holding at My initial thought was “another as, at time of writing, its Warwick RO for Warton has Austrey”. A few more clicks website lists each traditional only a few years of burials – confirmed it was “our” Austrey parish. A reliable source at our taken from a copy of the BTs. – incumbent’s address was local registration services Should you know of anyone right. advises that they regularly holding any copy registers do have to query the quarterly please get in touch! My first reaction was “oh marriage returns – the returns bother, they’ve rededicated the are not showing in which It would seem this particular church”. However, a spot of church the ceremony was corner of our area is getting Googling showed that the performed: this is key very messy!! grouped churches in the information both legally and for benefice: Austrey - St Nicholas, posterity. For full details of the historical Newton Regis - St Mary the registers for the parishes in our Virgin, Seckington - All Saints, While this apparent re-naming area see the most helpful Shuttington - St Matthew and is unlikely to affect seasoned booklet “Baptism, Marriage and Warton - Holy Trinity now researchers, it will utterly Burial Records: What is Where operate as a single parish confuse new ones seeking for the North Warwickshire entitled “All Souls, North historic records for “All Souls” Church of England Parishes”. Warwickshire”. In 1899 Arnold- and will probably cause utter Forster’s “Studies in Church mayhem in future releases of

STOP PRESS – NEW WEBMASTER

As we go to print, we are pleased to announce that member Ian Shuter, who currently lives in USA and works "in computers" has accepted an invitation to take on the role of webmaster. As many of you know, Pat and her husband Tony, have devoted much time, effort and ingenuity to developing what is now regarded as a highly "content rich" website for NNWFHS. But Pat and Tony have expanding family commitments and were keen for "this baby" to move into new hands before their next grandchild arrives!

The committee is exceedingly grateful to Pat and Tony for all their work, support and commitment. We are very pleased to hear Pat say it is a "big relief" to have a willing volunteer - and she has offered to be on the end of an email for those queries that always occur when any job changes hands.

We thank Pat and Tony on behalf of all members - and wish them a happy retirement from "web matters"! We welcome Ian to the role and thank him for generously making a commitment to NNWFHS in this way.

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NNWFHS JOURNAL July 2013

New members and their contact details – table

at left

New members’ surname interests – table below

No. Interest Name Parish/ Town County Period

2012-61 ALBRIGHTON Atherstone WAR 1800+ 2012-66 ARMSON Attleborough WAR ALL 2012-66 ARMSON Birmingham WAR ALL 2012-66 ARMSON Nuneaton WAR ALL 2012-62 BIDDLE Atherstone WAR ALL

2012-61 BIRCHER Atherstone WAR 1800+ mail

- 2012-62 CARTER Mancetter WAR 1590 - 1600 [email protected] e [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

2012-61 FOX Ulveston LAN 1800+

2012-66 GRICE Attleborough WAR ALL 2012-68 HANCOX Atherstone WAR ALL

2012-68 HANCOX Mancetter WAR ALL 2012-58 JACQUES Bedworth WAR 1800s Telephone No Telephone 316814 07794 4156120441 01455633510 07765283431 447751100810 758632 01233 01216281458 02476 383018 02476 2012-61 LEY Ulveston LAN 1800+ 0064211313794 09 4245779 370064 01827 [email protected] 307856 01529

2012-59 NEWCOMB Nuneaton WAR 1700 - 2000 2012-69 PAWLEY ALL ALL ALL

2012-66 PEGG Attleborough WAR ALL

- 2012-65 ROWLEY Mancetter WAR ALL

2012-65 ROWLEY Nuneaton WAR ALL

2012-59 SHEPPERD Nuneaton WAR 1700 - 2000

2012-59 SHUTER Leicester LEI 1600 - 2000

2012-59 SUTER Preston RUT 1600 - 2000 2012-64 SLINGSBY Nuneaton WAR 1887 - 1920

2012-67 STEVENS Nuneaton WAR ALL 2012-59 THOMAS Nuneaton WAR 1700 - 2000

2012-64 THORNTON Mancetter WAR 1887 - 1901 2012-61 WATSON Ulveston LAN 1800+ 2012-63 WHATELEY ALL WAR ALL 2012-69 WILKINSON Arley WAR 1680 - 1750 2012-69 WILKINSON Chilvers Coton WAR 1680 - 1750 2012-69 WILKINSON Mancetter WAR 1680 - 1750 Gardens, Flat 2/2, Glasgow, G13 1BX Glasgow, Flat 2/2, Gardens,

2012-69 WILKINSON Weddington WAR 1680 - 1750 2012-67 WILSON Nuneaton WAR ALL

wthorne Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham, B30 1EE B30 Birmingham, Norton, Kings Road, wthorne * IMPORTANT NOTICE – MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL * A Melmore Terrace, Cromwell, Central Otago, 9310, New Zealand New 9310, Otago, Central Cromwell, Terrace, Melmore A

6JG CV11 Nuneaton Longshoot, 81 The 2 Cross Street, Manly, Whangaparaoa, Rodney 0930, New Zealand Zealand New 0930, Rodney Whangaparaoa, Manly, Street, 2 Cross 6QU EX4 Exeter, Road, Oxford 10 Flat, Garden The - Address 5UZ WV12 Wolverhampton Willenhall, Grove, 6 Nevis USA 94949 California, Novato, Turner Drive, 1114 3EF LE10 Hinckley, Wykin, Road, Wykin Penlan, 60 Strathblane 21 1EB CV9 Atherstone, Street, 33 Arden 13 Ha 13 2DB TN26 Ashford, Nr. Appledore, Way House, Old

st The renewal date for membership is 1 September 2013. You can

renew using the enclosed form or you can renew quickly and easily

online using PayPal via the NNWFHS website. [You do not have to

be a member of PayPal to renew in this way; it is simply a convenient and secure way to pay using your credit card.]

Renew now, before you forget!

Name Mason Mrs Joanne Mr Ian Shuter M Beckley Mr & Mrs Owen Mr Mark Albrighton Mrs Cynthia Biddle Beverley Miss Tony Whateley Dr Thornton Mr Robin Bridgman Mr Michael Fitzpatrick Mrs Wendy McKay Mrs Edith To log onto the website your password is your membership number 58 59 09 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 Hancox Mr Ray 68 7BD NG34 Sleaford, Court, 7 Lafford Pawley Simon Dr 69 ------

which can be found on the mailing label of your Journal. No. 2012 2012 2005 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012 2012

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Nuneaton and North WarwickshireNNWFHS JOURNAL Family HistoryJuly 2013 Society Journal July 2013

Our South Eastern c Our South-Eastern Corner ... WITHYBROOK The village is about eight miles north east of Coventry. Hopsford is within the parish. Hopsford was called Apleford in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was deserted in mediaeval times and modern buildings obscure much of what remains of the old village of Withybrook although there are extensive earthworks (see panorama at foot of page). MONKS KIRBY The village is 7 miles south-east of Bedworth. The Saxon village was called Cyricbrig and it was recorded as Chircheberie in the Domesday Book. A Benedictine Priory was founded in 1077 from which the village gets its name. The church, dedicated to St Edith, was the priory church and originally dedicated to St Denis until the beginning of the 15th century. The spire collapsed in a gale on Christmas Day 1701. Monks Kirby is the mother church to Copston Magna, Pailton & Easenhall. Elizabeth Mott, of Monks Kirby, died in 1720 having given birth to 42 children. (Not all at once.) WILLEY The village is situated adjacent to the ancient Watling Street (now the A5). The church, dedicated to St. Leonard, is ancient, but was almost entirely rebuilt in 1884. The tower and nave probably date from the late 14th or early 15th century. The register dates from 1661. Willey is entered in the Domesday Book with Wibtoft as part of the estates of the Count of Meulan.

OS maps © Crown copyright 1925-45

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Mediaeval earthworks at Withybrook