Essex Society for Family History

RECENT MEETINGS AT HARLOW

ASPECTS OF RURAL LIFE IN VICTORIAN CAMBRIDGE with Mike Petty

Welcome to Mike, an authority on Cambridge & Fenland, researcher, author of many books and newspaper columns, retired Librarian.  In fact Mike has been so busy he was awarded the MBE and Honorary Degree from Cambridge University for his work.

We were treated to a wonderful afternoon crammed full of facts and information on life, (based in Cambridgeshire, but relevant to most areas of England) from the early 1800’s when life was hard and most people lived off what they were able to grow near their homes.  Through all the changes, from stagecoach and the trade they created to the rioters, use of rivers, cholera, new machinery, religion, Acts of Parliament, railways, newspapers, schools, Mike fast tracked us through to the turn of the twentieth century.  Many thanks for an entertaining afternoon.  We can hardly wait for your return trip to hear more.

Barbara Harpin

NOVEMBER 2009 - NONE AS QUEER AS FOLK with Ian Waller
Nice to see Ian again, this time talking us through traditions, customs, superstitions and dialects from times gone by.  Customs are usually based on myth, while traditions passed down through the generations, have an element of truth. 

Pantomimes - had men playing women’s roles, as females were not on stage in the 17^th century, and men have continued to act in such roles in pantomimes since.

High or Afternoon Teas – from mid 18^th century when friends were invited to visit.

Traditions of Cheese Rolling, Military traditions like Beating the Retreat, rhymes such as Ring a Ring o’ Roses were all delightfully explained.

Dialects, often called regional speak, are what make us different and are hopefully not likely to die out.    Thank you, Ian for explaining all.

 Barbara Harpin

OCTOBER 2009 - The Charles Booth Archive - Sue Donnelly, Archivist at LSE  

Sue started by telling us about the life of Charles Booth, born in 1840 in Liverpool.  He was a wealthy businessman with a profound social conscience.  He spent a lot of his money in funding a 17 year independent study into life in London between 1886 and 1903.

With a team of associates, he split the study into three, poverty, industry and religion. He used school board officers, rent collectors and police notebooks to plot the 13,000 streets of London, using social classifications demonstrated by colour coding. Using over 500 notebooks or 17 volumes of notes he produced maps showing the different areas of social classes of London inhabitants: 

A) (black)        representing the lowest area                                           
B) (blue)          for labourers with less than 3 days work per week     
C) (light blue)  being the general poor                                                    
D) (purple)      families living on small regular earnings of between 22-30 shillings a week
E) (pink)         described families living comfortably                              
F)  (red)          showing the middle classes depicted
G) (yellow)     depicted the upper middle classes

These unique surviving records have enabled much investigation into the studies through the years. The impact was the Pension Act of 1906 as Booth desperately wanted to improve life for the old, infirm and poor.

Sue finished this very interesting talk by demonstrating the site and how to search for certain streets, adding a valuable insight into the social history at the end of the Victorian era, enabling the family historian to fill in gaps between the ten year censuses.

 Barbara Harpin

SEPTEMBER 2009  - Branch AGM followed by 10 minutes to noon by Peter Dalton

 Peter entertained member present to a pictorial history of Copped Hall, Epping.

From the first records in 1150 (hence the title) and 1258, through the history of its owners, being demolished and rebuilt, extended, being destroyed by fire in 1917 and through to the Friends of Copped Hall acquiring the ruined estate in 1990’s.  We were able to see the hard work that has been carried out on the house showing the restoration of this wonderful building.  There is still much work to be done, but the Hall is open at certain times by arrangement for visitors to enjoy this amazing estate.  Thanks to Peter for an interesting presentation

AUGUST 2009 - Men of Bad Character by Jeffery Page

 Our speaker gave a very interesting lecture while showing well known paintings to illustrate his talk using powerpoint.  His interest in history, combined with his work at the National Gallery made for a fascinating talk.  From famous pictures as The Reapers, Haymakers, and The Haywain, painters from John Constable to Van Gogh, even a bit of poetry from John Clare, we were all kept entertained for the afternoon.

 Jeffery brought the pictures to life with explanations of what life was like for the painted figures.  While many men were away during the Napoleonic wars, food was plentiful and thus cheap.  When the men returned, many agricultural labourers were in considerable distress as wages were reduced.

 Generally “Ag Labs” lived on the farms they worked and had a hard life, but things were even worse for such as The Bread Watcher (human scare crow) and when The Rent man called, absolutely desperate when the Merciless Bailiff paid a visit.

 Then the Machine Breakers made their stand over the revolutionisation of farming, putting even more people out of work.  Captain Swing ……recounting the tale of the threatening letters sent to farmers in an effort to reverse the trend of laying men off work.

 Thank you Jeffery. 

June 2009 - Essex Convicts by Ken Griffin

 Almost an Essex lad, Ken has undertaken extensive research into convicts between 1770 and 1870 and prepared many facts and figures on our Essex ancestors who got themselves into trouble.

 Starting with explaining the difference between local prisoners - those sentenced to up to 2 years imprisonment by Quarter Session, and Government Prisoners committing more serious crimes resulting in harsher sentences of 7 years or more.   Ken gave a brief history for the penal system.  How approx 1000 prisoners a year were sent off to America until 1775 and the War of Independence left us with full gaols until convicts were shipped to Bermuda, Gibraltar, Van Diemans land and Australia.

 Ken gave many figures and percentages of types of crimes, endings, escapes and those pardoned, and comparisons between counties, giving other interesting facts along the way, such as London was the lowest county with violent crime.

5462 persons, (5.7% men, 4.3% women) were transported from Essex.

Animal Larceny 14.8%, Monetary Crimes 2.5%, Violence 2.3%, Property 26%, Robbery 15.5%, Larceny 37.2%.   70% of those transported were listed as single, 25% married with the rest unrecorded.   Popular and unique names of felons, and finally our speaker enlightened us on the Australian native names, like Arlow Bush, Adam, Bilrickey, Horsitt and Rayley among but a few.

Ken then assisted several members with checks of his database for Convicts details.

He was thanked for imparting some of his enormous research to the meeting

May 2009 – The Library at the Society of Genealogists by Sue Gibbons, Librarian

 Talking on sources in the SOG in London, Librarian Sue gave a long list of what is available for members.  Visitors also welcome for a small hourly or daily fee.

 Items such as

Army & Militia,
Emigration and Immigration,
Land Owners & Manorial Documents,  & Maps,
Gentry and Aristocracy, Trees
Newspapers &Gazettes,Schools, Colleges & Universities
Probate & Wills & Administrations
Local & County History
BMD & some Census & National Indexes
Directories, Journals, Poll Books
Booth Survey   
and more

Formed in 1911, colleagues have amassed and indexed many of the wonderful pieces of information kept for the benefit of members and visitors.  Membership offers a quarterly magazine, help and advice, discounts on books and more.

More information from www.sog.org.uk

APRIL2009  -  The Life and Hard Times of John Harknett by Ron Castle

One of our members recounted his family tale of Great Grand Uncle, John Harknett.

On the night of 20/21 April 1831 John and two friends assaulted a man in Shoreditch. Ron had found Assize records, resulting in John being sentenced to death.  Amazingly, investigations turned up the Licence for John to be transported, (more amazingly, the first signature being that of the man assaulted, George Davies), and a letter written by John’s mother appealing for leniency.  Using other references, John explained what life would have been like waiting on the prison hulk Retribution at Sheerness, then his 3-4 month journey to Australia.  Ron had been fortunate to access the “prison” record showing a ten year life of drunkenness and non co-operation in Hobart, Tasmania.  Sadly, there was a sudden end to the story, as no further records of John had been found.  Thanks for a fascinating story taking us back to mid-nineteenth century England and the policy of shipping convicts to the new world.

Footnote:  I have an ancestor (2^nd Great Grand Uncle) who was in Springfield Prison, Chelmsford in 1851 and, after checking Process Books of Indictment (Seax online) found entries for several family members. Following Ron’s talk I requested the Transportation Orders (Seax online) to view at ERO, and found orders for two members.  Further online searches unearthed details of arrival at Hobart in 1845. The ancestor in Springfield in 1851 seems to have escaped transportation, but his brother did not.    Thank you Ron for inspiring my research.  Barbara Harpin

 MARCH 2009 "TO THE MANOR BORN" - Eve McLoughlin –

 Welcome to Eve who gallantly talked us through the early days of Barons, Knights, Villeins and Serfs in England.

 Serfdom was the enforced labour of poor workers on the fields of landowners, held down socially & economically, in return for protection and the right to work on their leased fields.

 Eve explained how the manorial system, copyhold tenancy, right of common, and other court procedures were the way of life.   The Black Death broke the established system reducing the rural population and increasing the bargaining power of workers.

 Deeds, leases, copyholds, wills and maps held valuable information.  Even early documents in latin would be easy to read once getting to grips with a few words.

 We were encouraged to explore the many sources of old records usually available at local County Record Offices, with a reminder to check A2A website as sometimes material is stored at College/Universities, or a different record office to the area of the material.  Many wealthy owners of various pockets of land around the country usually had a “head office” storing information for all land held at one office.

FEBRUARY 2009 

Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather our speaker was unable to attend.

A “help desk”  with various members laptops and internet links was set up to assist members with any queries they raised and a chance to natter informally was enjoyed by those who braved the cold weather.

JANUARY 2009  – "To Coin a Phrase" -  Meryl Catty

Lovely to welcome Meryl back once again and listen to her delightful journey through what could be described as a 19^th century book.  The origins of sayings from :Best Bib & Tucker, 3 sheets to the wind, going at it hammer & tongs, red tape, half cock, white elephant to lower crust.  A delightful and entertaining look and explanation of well used, everyday phrases used today without realizing what they really mean.

December 2008 - My Ancestor The Brothel Keeper by Margaret Ward

Margaret used powerpoint to tell the story of her family research.  She uncovered the ORCHIN line back to mid nineteenth century, living in London and running a Coffee House.  She had tried to follow through the details on their marriage certificate but was unable to prove the details therein.  The census gave two children who were born before the marriage.

Research into the area of London where they lived, known as Temple Bar - between Fleet Street and The Strand, found it to be a rather seedy part of the capital.  When Margaret searched  A2A she came across some assize sessions and unearthed the fact Edward and Maria has been charged with keeping a bawdy house.   Deeper digging through media such as The Times newspapers pointed to Sgt Weston, a policeman who probably accepted bribes to keep the ORCHIN’s from legal justice.

Maria died in 1863 and, mysteriously rather than all her worldly goods belonging to her husband, Edward applied for Letters of Administration for an estate valued at approx £100

Thank you Margaret for such an interesting and comprehensive talk.

November 2008 - The Gunpowder Plot – Richard Thomas

 Richard had very thoroughly studied the infamous Plot for the 400^th anniversary back in 2005.  We were reminded of the constant battle between religion and the throne.

 The group of men, some wealthy, some wise, some not so clever, plotted to overthrow the protestants, but they clearly would never have succeeded.

 Guy Fawkes, using the name of John Johnson, was caretaker for the storeroom under the House of Lords, and succeeded in unloading more than enough barrels of gunpowder to cause chaos.  However, he was spotted and seized, tortured for three days until he informed on the other members of the “gang”.  They had heard of the failure, and left London on their 180 mile, three day journey north, Catesby trying to gather continued support.  But due to them seizing arms and supplies, word spread of their whereabouts and they were surrounded at Holbeach House, Staffordshire and ambushed.  There was a large trial in Westminster Hall in 1606 the outcome being those members found guilty and hung, drawn and quartered, the penalty for treason.

October 2008 - Skeletons in the Cupboard- Various members recounted tales from their family history.

 John opened by asking if anyone had any suggestions as to how to dispose of a skeleton that had belonged to his father-in-law.

 Ann told us of the “other” gunpowder plot, Catholic home owners Littletons, Rookwoods and Wintour brothers from Worcestershire / Staffordshire area planning to protest to government in 1604 and how they were captured.

 Chris used powerpoint to talk us through his CLACK ancestors, 1) coprolite miners/farmers in Cambridgshire, 2) the Great Fire of Burwell 1729 when the barn holding a puppet show caught fire killing 78 at the time, 2 others dying the following day. 3) Turf cutters and 4) TB.

 Joan described her great grandfather’s large Cowne family from Devon which go back to the 14^th Century and were involved in the new world.

 Elizabeth told us of her Keziah Tuddenham ancestor who left England in mid 19^th century for Australia, gave birth to a illegitimate daughter on board ship during the journey. An Australian member, Jim Beard who visited us 18 months back managed to send a picture of a house in the road where mother and daughter lived and she continued in the profession as a teacher.

 Ted shared with us his uncertainty as to whether he was related to James ROOSE the first person to have land granted in Australia.

 Many thanks to our six members who entertained us for the afternoon.

Sept 2008 - The Victorian Way of Death – Tom Doig 

Tom, a social historian and teacher, opened by recommending a book everyone used to read The Etiquette of Death and complete the tear off section when death was imminent.  In the nineteenth century, every family experienced death at close hand and it was a subject talked much about, not like the stigma it has today. A big fear was being buried alive (taphephobia), the difference between a good death and a bad death, a pair of shrouds being made and kept in the bottom drawer, and the lack of flowers.  Tom showed us a selection of pictures of carriages.  

 Aug 2008 -  The Life and Times of the Hangman of Baddow – Fred Feather

Nice to have a return visit by our Editor and ex-policeman who was questioned about his time as founding curator of the Police Museum in Chelmsford.    He informed us of the life of William Ong Calcraft (hangman for all the UK except Yorkshire) born in Great Baddow in 1800.  It was expensive to keep prisons and transportation was a solution, sending thousands of people to America, until 1783 independence then to Australia until 1852.  Criminals needed to be dealt with.  Calcraft applied for the job of Hangman and spent 45 years traveling up and down the country carrying out the sentences of the courts. These hangings attracted vast crowds. From 1868 executions took place inside prisons. Fred delighted his audience with explanations of sayings such as “on the wagon, gone west, sweet Fanny Adams.” Thanks Fred, hope to see you again soon. 

 July 2008 - You Know What Sailors Are – Jeanne Bunting

Jeanne, a regular visitor, and an avid genealogist for more than 20 years, returned with a talk on her seafaring ancestors. A West Mersea poacher, a ship-owning Harbour Master, and the Merchant Navy, we were informed of the various places for finding details of our ancestors at sea.  Ships Lists, Crew Lists, Registers of Certificates of Competency, Sea Fencibles, local county records offices and of course, The National Archive at Kew hold a wealth of information waiting to be discovered. 

June 2008 - The Musical Gardener – Frances Francis

Frances took us all on an extensive journey to trace her maternal grandfather.

She had very little information to work on, mainly that he was a Gardener and played the flute. Her sister had passed on an old photo album belonging to her mother, covering only a few years with brief captions underneath.  Frances pointed out how important it was to study the whole photograph, including backgrounds. 

With few clues, hard work, perseverance and luck, Frances traced her grandfather to Hertfordshire and Surrey, and told her audience of the many different resources she used.

A packed presentation well received by all.

May 2008 - Workhouses in Essex -  John Drury

A very pictorial and informative view of many of the workhouses in our county. 
The sad tale of how needy people were housed and cared for by the parish before the advent of Union Workhouses. These were built to the same design throughout the UK.  With details of the budget and conditions, the lecture brought home to us how shocking life was in these institutions, but for the old and sick, the infirmary wing in the workhouse became the only place to receive a level care which left a lot to be desired. 

April 2008- London and the Mile End in the 18^th Century - Derek Morris

With little information readily available on the Mile End in the 18^th Century Derek had undertaken lots of research for a better understanding of the area in this period.  Derek enjoys passing on the results of his efforts and tells of the famous residents and companies who began in the East End of London, including the wealthy merchants, Courtaulds, the East India Company.  Also the wonderful information that is available through the records of Sun Insurance Company.

* See Article in Family Tree Magazine Summer 2008 issue on page 24

March 2008 - "WILLS AND PROBATE"  by  Eric Probert

Information on a much underused tool to family historians was explained by Eric Probert

Many useful web sites were given and ideas of what sort of information can be gained from the simplest of Wills.  If you are lucky, you might have numerous pages of information on descendents names, marital state, where they lived, occupations, and what chattels they had to pass on.  This all gives a good picture of how they lived.

Don’t forget the Death Duty Registers.

February 2008 - "CLAIMS TO FAME"   by  Audrey Gillett & Meryl Catty

Audrey and Meryl talked us through their various claims of connections with the famous. Maybe just someone’s friend who know someone famous, but further into the talk, such connections as Scarlet Pimpernel, Wheatstone Bridge, Shelly, Leeds Castle, and various US Presidents were explained.  Links with the Titanic disaster, Matthew Hopkins, Witchfinder General, and Mary Toft the lady in the eighteenth century who took many people in with her hoax claim that she bore rabbits, gave us an entertaining afternoon. 

January 2008 - The original talk about Dick Turpin planned for January had to be cancelled as sadly, just before the event, the speaker, Stuart Bale, was taken ill and died.  We send our condolences to his family..

We were fortunate that Stan Sutherland from Saffron Walden Group was able to step in at short notice with a Quiz. Before he commenced, he kindly gave us some facts about Dick Turpin so that we would not be disappointed.  There is much fact/fiction about our local villain. Generally portrayed as a lovable rogue, but quite the contrary.  Finally, sentenced to death in York in 1739

Then began our Quiz. Not your usual quiz.  Stan gave us a statement of facts and we had to decide whether it was true or a bluff.  We learnt several things, some of use, some unusual facts, but none the less informative.

Three teams tied with the winners being decided on a tie-breaker question.

Overall a very enjoyable afternoon.  Many thanks to Stan.

Stan ended the meeting by telling us that the Saffron Walden Local History Access Point was in danger of being closed.  Most unfortunate.

December 2007 -= Speaker :  Peter Lawrence – Villages of East London

Before Peter began his talk, we had a brief question and answer session.

It appeared many of us had the wrong idea of villages of east London, and Peter put us right on several things.  There were more than 20 but they were nearer to the City than we realized and did not include Walthamstow, Leyton and Chingford which are and always have been in Essex. Peter gave a very interesting narrative to a collection of slides, commencing with a 1745 map of Bow, the first village from the city, which was the main thoroughfare from London to Essex.  This used to be a wide Greenland area used by traders travelling to and from London to feed their animals.  Mile End was as implied, a mile from the city.   

Various facts were pointed out

Sadly World War II destroyed many buildings, and the new Greater London Council devised new borders and many area were lost forever.  A few handsome buildings have been restored.  More recently the Docklands, although not strictly in the docks area, have been developed. 

Overall, Peter gave us a very interesting and informative afternoon.  We do hope he returns for another talk on the other villages of London. Our thanks to Peter.

Barbara Harpin

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