Bedford - The Broket Archive

Brokets of 19-20th C Bedford town

Before the 19th C only one Broket record has been found in Bedford town1—the marriage of a Dunton widower in 1640 who went with his bride back to Dunton. Since then 9 individuals or families can be listed:

  1. James 1801-11
  2. Sarah buried 1815
  3. John and Maria DARLING recorded 1821-?57
  4. Andrew buried 1828
  5. Hannah and Ruth 1831-44
  6. John 1820-78 and Eliza LARKINS
  7. George 1828-1914 and Ann BETTLES
  8. Charles 1829-97 and Mary Ann WESTON
  9. Ann 1835-42

These 19th C Bedfordshire Brokets near Bedford weren’t dissimilar to the 14-15th C Yorkshire Brokets—a hinterland stock, not originally from the main centre, but with individuals, couples or families now and then immigrating. The first known were John and Maria DARLING recorded 1821-?57, followed by about 9 others over the rest of the 19th C.

James buried 1811 Bedford St Mary

Bedford St Mary Parish Register recorded the burial of James son of John and Mary Brocket on 24 Mar 1811, aged 10. No baptism record c 1801 has been found, and the only John and Mary known at the time were John and Mary KENDAL of Biddenham. They had a son James b 1791 who married Oct 1811, but this James b c 1801 could have been a second son named James, as they had a large family and baptised a daughter as recently as 1799. The only other known John and Mary were John and Maria DARLING of Bedford St Cuthbert who didn’t marry till 1821. It isn’t likely that there was another John and Mary Brocket in Bedford at the very beginning of the 19th C and who left no other trace.

Sarah buried 1815 Bedford St Mary

Sarah of Bedford St Mary’s was buried 29 Jul 1815, aged 24,2 ie b c 1791. Andrew, who had moved to Bedford St Mary by 1828, had married a Sarah KNIGHT in 1806, but this Sarah buried 1815 wouldn’t have been much more than 15 then, and he 52. So, like Hannah and Ruth who were in Bedford St Mary by 1831, Sarah was probably a daughter of Andrew and his previous wife Ann, but her baptism wasn’t recorded. There was no other Broket family in the parish, except John and Mary parents of James.

John b c 1798 Colworth

Married Maria DARLING. Recorded in Bedford 1821-?57 Further details here.

Andrew bur 1828 Bedford St Mary

Andrew of St Mary’s was buried 26 Sep 1828, aged 64,3 ie b c 1764. He had moved to Bedford St Mary from Sharnbrook. His daughters Hannah and Ruth were in Bedford St Mary by 1831, and probable other daughter Sarah by 1815.

Hannah and Ruth Brocket 1831-44

In the ‘Town of Bedford, Saint Mary Parish, Population Enquiry 1831’ Hannah was the only Brocket.4

Hannah and Ruth, d/o of Andrew and Ann LAWSON of Sharnbrook, b c 1792 and 1796, were recipients of Bedford St John Parish Charity on 1 Jan 1837-40 as unmarried lodgers in St Johns Street:5

  1. 1837 ‘poor infirm women, 44 and 39 years, 4s’
  2. 1838 ‘very sickly, singlewomen, 2s’
  3. 1839 singlewomen, 2s
  4. 1840 singlewomen, 2s.

In 1841 the Spinster sisters were recorded in London Rd, Bedford St John, Hannah aged 45, born in the County, Ruth aged 40, not born in the County, both Lacemakers.6 Ruth died 1844 Bedford District,7 bur Bedford St John 8 May, aged 49.8 In 1851 Hannah was a Lodger in Pilcroft St, Bedford, aged 61, unm, Lace Maker and Pauper, b Sharnbrook, with another 8 year old Lodger Harriet SMITH.9 Hannah died of diarrhoeia and dysentry, 20 Oct 1854 in the Union Workhouse, Bedford, aged 64, Spinster, Lacemaker.10

John 1820-78

Second s/o James and Frances CURTIS was born 28 Jul 1820 in Cardington.11 To be distinguished from John s/o James and Lucy BATES of Bromham who also married an Elizabeth. This John was Footman to Sir Samuel Whitbread12—recorded 1865 as ‘Gentleman’s Servant’.13 In 1842 when he married Eliza LARKINS 7 Dec in Cardington, her occupation Lace Maker, he was described more simply ‘Servant’,14 as also at the births of his sons in 1844 and 1853—with Eliza making her mark. In 1851 his occupation was given as Groom.15 By 1873 and 75 it was Labourer.16 By 185317 John and Eliza were living at Gravel Lane, Bedford St Paul. Eliza probably died Bedford District 1867 aged 46, ie b c 1821.18

Both spent time in Bedford County Gaol, John on 4 occasions,19 Eliza on 620:
John:    Read more


Eliza:    Read more

Census records for John and family:    Read more


Children:

  1. Henry Larkins, b 2 Aug 1844 Cardington, Beds;23 married Mary PERKS 1865 in London, where the family stayed.
  2. Emma, b 1847 Bedford District,24 Cardington.25 She may have married Thomas BARRICH 10 Sep1871 Bedford St John,26 unless this was the Emma, bap Blunham 1835, d/o Thomas and Mary. Emma did hard labour in Bedford County Gaol on 2 occasions:27    Read more
  3. Fanny, b 1848 Bedford District,30 Cardington.31 Probably the Frances, aged 24, unm, b Cardington, Servant, Visitor at the house of John ABRAHAMS, Agricultural Labourer, the Bank, Clapham, Beds32 and who married 1871 Bedford District.33
  4. Sarah Ann, b 21 Apr 1851 Cardington.34 Possibly died 1856 Bedford District.35
  5. John William, b 23 May 1853 Gravel Lane, Bedford St Paul.36 Married Mary KEEP 2 Jun 1873 in Cardington, he a Shoe-maker, she a Lace-maker, both residing Cardington.37+Census records for John William and Mary:    Read more
    John was a witness to his father’s second marriage in 1875. He died 11 Feb 1915 of malignant disease of the liver at 26 Great Butt’s St, Bedford St Mary, aged 59, Boot Repairer, informant daughter E M MILLS.38 Mary died 1933 Bedford District, aged 81.39 Children:

    1. Elizabeth Mary, b 1874 Bedford District.40 Married 1897, Bedford District.41 In 1915 she resided 18 Edward Rd, Bedford, surname MILLS.42
    2. Albert Edward, b 1886 Bedford District.43 Married … GRACE 1918, Bedford District.44 Died 1944 Bedford District.45 Child: William Victor, b 11 May 1919 Bedford District.46 Married 1941, Bedford District.47 Died 2 Jan 2001 at 10 Ellison Close, Raunds, Northants, will pr Ipswich 20 Feb, estate not exceeding £70,000.48 I daughter.

John senior married 2nd Elizabeth KEECH 29 Mar 1875 at the Bedford Register Office, he a Labourer and Widower aged 53—corrected to 52, but actually 54—she aged 38, Widow, making her mark, d/o Thomas BROWN, deceased Labourer, both residing 7 Tower Court, Bedford, one witness John Brockett, probably his son.49 Granddaughter Florence said Elizabeth was called ‘Betsey’ formerly HYDE. Did she marry three times? John died of bronchitis, 18 Feb 1878 at 20 Gravel Lane, Bedford St Paul, aged 55, Labourer in Iron Works.50 Elizabeth was recorded in the 1901 census in the household of her daughter Emily Cox in York, see below, but died 1904 at 40 Russell St, Bedford, aged 67, ie b c 1837.51 Children—the births of the first 3 aren’t recorded in GRO as Brockett, as they were born KEECH, taking on the name Brockett after Elizabeth married John, when they were aged c 10, 8 and 7:

  1. Alfred Henry, b c 1865. Occupation Postman—for 38 years. He married Amelia Sarah WOOLLARD 1891 in Dovercourt, Essex.52 Awarded Imperial Service Medal on retirement. Died Feb 1931, Bedford District.53 + Census records for Alfred Henry and Amelia Sarah:    Read more
    Children:

    1. Henry Edwin, b 1892 Bedford District.54 Occupation LCC (44 years). War papers: no 530157 1643; b Bedford St Paul; aged 20 y 7 m on 21 Apr 1913; Clerk in London Co Council, residing YMCA Tottenham Ct Rd; unm; height 5ft 8in; Private, later L/Cpl; in 1920 residing 40 Russell St Bedford; discharged for demobilisation 2 Apr 1919.55 He married 1922 Edith STEMP Sevenoaks Kent.56 He died 18 Sep 1976 Bromley, Kent, aged 84, ie b c 1892.57 Did she die d 12 Sep 1991, residing Nettlestead Retirement Home, 19 Sundridge Ave, Bromley, will pr London 3 Oct, estate valued at £132,287?
    2. ChildJohn Harold, b 1924, m 1948 Bedford District,58 resided 1960s Orpington, Kent. d 22 Oct 1989 residing 72 Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent, will pr Brighton 7 Dec, estate valued at £180,281.59 1 dau, 1 son.
    3. Florence Annie, b 1896 Bedford District.60 Born at 40 Russell St, Bedford. Never married. Her grandfather had died 18 years before she was born, so her information about him and his first family was second-hand—either from her grandmother, who died when Florence was 8, or from her father—and at times incorrect.
  2. Annie M, b c 1868. Married Alfred DEAR probably 1888 Bedford.61
  3. Samuel, b c 1872; d 1948 Bedford District.62 Occupation Postman. He married Ada JUFFS 1892 in Bedford District.63 Birth not recorded in GRO. He was probably born with surname KEECH. Ada E died 1958 Bedford District Beds, aged 83.64 + Census records for Samuel and Ada:    Read more
    Child: William John F, b 1892 Sleaford, Lincs;65 d 1950, Bedford District;66 m Daisy THEOBOLD, 1916, Bedford District.67 No issue. A Daisy Augusta of 3 Hawthorne Ave, Bedford is recorded dying 19 Oct 1986, will pr Birmingham 21 Nov, estate not exceeding £40,000.68
  4. Emily, b 1877 Bedford District.69 Married 1896, Albert Charles H COX, Bedford.70 The 1901 census recorded the couple in Walmgate, York City, with 2 sons Arthur A, aged 3, and Reginald, 2, and Emily’s mother Elizabeth Brockett, aged 64, b Yorkshire Bradford.71 The 1911 census recorded the couple in 44 Elmwood Street York, York City, with the same 2 sons and 2 daughters.72

George 1828-1914

Third and youngest s/o James and Frances CURTIS was born 12 Oct 1828 in Cardington.73

Census records for George and family:    Read more


‘Labourer’,74 ‘Farm Labourer’ 1863, 1865 and 1870,75 ‘Gardener’ 1887.76 But he could write—he signed both marriage certificates. Resided Well St, Bedford St Paul 1855-777 and 7 Tower Court, Gravel Lane, Bedford St Paul 1863-70.78 He married 1st Ann BETTLES 10 Feb 1854 in Cardington, aged 24.79 She was a spinster aged 20, Lacemaker 185480 and signed with an X, as in 1865.81 In 1851 she had been living next door to George’s older brother John in Cardington. She probably d 1877.82 Children:

  1. William James, b 25 Jul 1855 Well St, Bedford St Paul.83 William did 9 months hard labour in Bedford County Gaol:    Read more
    Further information has not been found about him. The William who died 10 Mar 1913 in the Workhouse Infirmary, Barnet, aged 59, ie b c 1854, a Bricklayer,85 was s/o Edward, Bricklayer, and Margaret NOTARI of London, b 1857. The same William was recorded in 1911 in Barnet, Middlesex.86 Otherwise no obvious further record of this William under William or James in GRO.
  2. George Henry, b 22 Aug 1857 Bedford District.87 George Henry did hard labour—as a juvenile—in Bedford County Gaol on 2 occasions and then 5 years in Bradwall Reformatory:   Read more
    He married Jane REDMAN 1886 in Bedford District.91 Was she related to Elizabeth, 2nd wife of George’s father? Resided 1890-4 Spring Road, Kempston.92 Labourer 1890, 1892,93 Jobbing Gardener 1894.94 Said to have been killed on the railway in Kempston, probably 1894 Bedford District, aged 36.95

    Census records for George Henry and family:    Read more


    No obvious further record of Jane in the GRO. Children:

    1. Annie Elizabeth, b 1887 Bedford District.96 Married 25 Jun 1911 Leonard Wilfred SEARS in the Moravian Chapel of St Peter’s Street, Bedford, she aged 24, Spinster, residing 36 College St, Kempston, he 23, Bachelor, Baker Journeyman, residing 18 St Loyes St, Bedford, one witness brother George Henry.97
    2. Martha Jane / Ellen, b 1889 Bedford District;98 d 1973, Kempston. Martha was 4 when her father died. Recorded in 1911 as Martha Ellen Jane, aged 22, Single, b Kempston, a General Servant Domestic at the Yews, 16 St Johns St, Kempston, home of Annie LAMB, Widow, aged 76.99 Children:
      1. William George Alexander Augustus, b 1911 Bedford.100 Occupation Millwright. He married Bridget Theresa McATARSNEY 1943 in Bedford.101 They resided 7 Hastings Rd, Kempston. Bridget Theresa died 1970 Bedford District, aged 50, ie b c 1920.102 William George [Augustus Denton] died 23 Aug 1990 at 111 The Boundary, Putnoe, Bedford, Administration Oxford 2 Mar 1993, estate not exceeding £125,000.103. Children:
        1. Peter William, born 26 Feb 1949 Bedford District.104 Occupation Thatcher. Married 1976.105 Died 1997. 2 daus, 2 sons.
        2. 3 others living.
      2. Herbert Alfred, b 25 Dec 1925 at 3 Kimbolton Rd, Bedford.106 First registered 29 Dec, he was reregistered 24 Feb 1926 after Martha E had married Alfred Victor CHAMBERS in Bedford District,107 and mother’s name was given as ‘Martha Ellen BROCKETT, now the wife of Alfred Victor CHAMBERS’. Herbert Alfred would have taken the surname CHAMBERS, as he is not again recorded in GRO under BROCKETT. 3 Kimbolton Rd was also where Isobel was born in 1939.
    3. William Joseph, b 23 Apr 1890 New Spring Rd, Kempston.108 His discharge papers from World War II have: ‘William Joseph Brockett, no.524401, born Kempston, Beds. 18 years 10 months on 1 Mar 1911, resided 26 College St, Kempston, unmarried, height 5ft 3in, chest expanded 32½in, range 2½, Sapper, demobilised 19 Mar 1919.’109 No further record. Married 2 Nov 1929 Eliza Jane WILDMAN in St Cuthbert’s Bedford, he aged 39, Bachelor, Sheet Metal Worker, residing 36 College St, Kempston, she aged 30, Spinster, Milliner, residing 14 Newnham St, Bedford.110 He ‘Died 24 May 1988 at Seagrove Nursing Home, Overstrand, aged 98 years, of Cromer, Norfolk, formerly of Southville Road, Bedford; devoted husband of the late Eliza Jane and much loved uncle of William Brockett and family’.111 Previously of Corinda, St Martins Close, Cromer, Norfolk, will pr Ipswich 28 Jul 1988, estate not exceeding £70,000.112 It appears that they had no issue.
    4. George Henry, b 2 Apr 1892 Spring Rd, Kempston.113 Witness to sister Annie’s marriage 1911. Died 1912 Bedford District aged 20114 by suicide—there were 4 depositions at the Coroner’s Inquest.
    5. Alexander Augustus Victor, b 3 Jun 1894, Bedford District;115 d c 1976. Occupation Foundry Worker. He married Ellen BULLOCK “Nellie” 1922 in Bedford District.116 His father died one month after Alexander was born. Some of his World War I army papers are in Kew in WO 363/B1717. They say: His number was 522023. Born 1894 Kempston, Beds. Height 5ft 6¼in. Enlisted for 4 years in the Territorial on 31 May 1912 aged 18 yrs. Rank: Sapper. Occupation Moulder. Next of kin or alias: Arthur of 3 College St, Kempston. (If next of kin, was Arthur a brother? The only Bedford Arthur in GRO was Alexander’s 3rd cousin Arthur Charles b 1885, who was in Somerset by 1913). He died 1976 Bedford District, aged 82117 after falling and breaking his leg; he was perfectly healthy otherwise. Children:
      1. Horace George, b 1922, Kempston, Bedford;118 d 11 Dec 2013, Spixworth, Norwich, buried there 6 Jan 2014.119 Joined the Befordshire Motor Company aged 14, starting in the stores and moving up the ranks to running the workshop and becoming foreman. During WW2 he was in the 4th Reconnaissance Regiment of the Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment. Married Nancy GREEN 25 Oct 1952, St Martins Church, Overstrand, N Norfolk, and lived at Rockland St Mary, S Norfolk. In later years they lived at Spixworth, c 5 m N of Norwich. Nancy died there 18 Jun 2009 from cancer of the oesophagus and Alzheimer’s. 2 sons.
  3. Elizabeth Ann, b c 1860. Known only from the 1861 and 71 censuses and marriage on 22 May 1883 to Edward DARLOW in St James’s Parish Church, KIdbrook, Woolwich, both of full age, she a Spinster, residing Kidbrook [c 2 m SW of Woolwich], he a Groom, residing St Cuthberts, Bedford.120 No apparent record in the GRO under Elizabeth or Ann.
  4. John, b 8 Apr 1863, Bedford District,121 and probably died 1933.122 With father and stepmother for the 1881 census. John married 1stly Elizabeth Emma West CLARK in Goldington—on the SE tip of Bedford—20 Feb 1882, he Labourer aged 20, she Spinster aged 26, he signing with X.123 Elizabeth died 1892 Bedford District.124 Children:
    1. Jane, b 1883 Bedford District.125 Jane was at 3 Derby St, Bedford, aged 28; with [sister] Emily Caroline, 26; both Daily Worker (Domestic), Single, b Goldington; Visitor Clara Susan TURNER, 41, Single. 5 rooms in the dwelling; entry written and signed by Jane.126
      Jane probably died unm 1957 Ampthill Beds, aged 74, ie b c 1883.127
    2. Emily Caroline, b 1885 Bedford District;128 married 1928 Bedford District Albert MYERS.129 She was at home with her parents for the 1891 census, aged 6, and in the 1901 census “Emily C Brockett, aged 16, Single, born Beds Goldington, was a Housemaid in the household of Mary L Newbould, Widow, aged 74, in 43 Conduit Rd, Bedford St Paul”.130 In 1911, Emily was with sister Jane, see above. In 1939 “Emily C Myers, born 10 Feb 1885, Married, in Unpaid Domestic Duties, was recorded living with Albert Myers, born 29 Mar 1889, Married, Iron Foundry Furnaceman at present Stoking, at 91 Winchester Rd, Bedford”, no one else in the home.131 Emily C Myers died 1967, aged 82, in Wellingborough District, Northamptonshire.132

    John married 2nd Celia STAPLETON of Turvey, 2 Jan 1899 in St Cuthbert, Bedford, he Widower and Labourer aged 36, she Spinster aged 26, both residing 10 The Grove, he signing with X.133

    Census records for John’s household:    Read more


    In 1902 they resided 10 Beckett St, Bedford, his occupation: Corporation Labourer.134 Children:

    1. John William, b 1899, Bedford District.135 William John in the 1911 census. His discharge papers from World War I have: ‘John Brockett, no.474589, born Bedford, residing 10 Beckett St, Bedford, Chemical Assistant, unmarried, father John living at same address, 18 yrs 30 days on 9 Nov 1917 (so b c 1899), height 5ft 11in, 158 lbs, discharged 30 Nov 1919.’136 The only John recorded in GRO born in Bedford District 1869-1929, was b 1899.137 Died unmarried.
    2. Clara May, b 1901, Bedford District.138 Married 1925, George MILLARD, Bedford District.139 Issue one daughter.
    3. George Henry, b 19 Jul 1902, 10 Beckett St, Bedford St Paul.140 He married Elizabeth Alice WOODS 1923 in Bedford District.141 George Henry of Bedford d 11 Jan 1957 Marylebone London, aged 54, estate valued at £1852 to Elizabeth Alice Brockett widow.142 Did Elizabeth A marry 1958 … SIMMS Bedford District?143 Children:
      1. Dennis George, born 1924 Bedford District;144 m 1947 Bedford District;145 d 9 Dec 1999, of 25 Bury Court, Bedford, will pr Birmingham 13 Mar 2000, value of estate net not exceeding £100,000.146 2 daus.
    4. Archibald, b 13 Dec 1904, Bedford District;147 died 1974 Bedford District, aged 70.148 He married Charlotte DAWSON 1922 in Bedford District.149 No record of her death before 1983. They resided Beckett St, Bedford. One of Archibald’s descendants participated in the Broket DNA project. His results and those of 3 other participants revealed that although they came from 4 different Broket clans, they actually belonged to a single Genetic Group—called no.2. This had been suspected but no documentary evidence had been—nor probably will be—found to prove it. But now as a result of this DNA evidence we know for certain that they all descend from a common late 16th C ancestor, and no further evidence is needed. Children:
      1. Stanley George, b 14 Oct 1922 Bedford District.150 He married … BOND 1943 in Staines.151 He died 1976 Bedford District, aged 53.152 Children:
        1. Brian J, born 1951 Bedford District;153 died in a motorcycle accident 1968 Bedford District, aged 17.154
        2. others still living.
      2. Albert E, b 1930 Bedford District,155 d 1980s.
      3. others still living
    5. Bertha, b 1905 Bedford District.156 Married 1928 George CULLIP, Bedford District.157
    6. Gertrude, b 1907 Bedford District.158 Married 1929 … PARROTT, Bedford District.159
    7. Florence May, b 1910 Bedford District.160 Married 1936 to … STEVENSON, Bedford District.161 Another source said she married … THODY.
    8. Mary H, b 1912 Bedford District.162 Married 1938 … CARTER, Bedford District.163
  5. Sarah Ann, b 17 Nov 1865, 7 Tower Court, Gravel Lane, Bedford St Paul.164 Probably unm in 1881, aged 17, b Bedford, General Servant in household of Henry WOOD, aged 32, Student of Theology, 213 Cornwall Rd, Kensington, Middlesex.165 For the 1911 census she was aged 45 and had been married to Samuel CHAMBERS for 20 years, and had 1 dau aged 17, 1 son 15. The only possible GRO record is a a marriage in 1884 in Bedford District.166
  6. Joseph Frederick b 21 Feb 1870 at 7 Tower Court, Bedford St Paul;167 d 1872 Bedford District.168

George married 2nd Elizabeth REDMAN 21 Sep 1879 in Bedford St Cuthberts.169 She was a spinster aged 43 in 1879, no profession and signed with an X.170 A Sarah Bettles was a witness. Described in the 1881 census for Bedford St Cuthberts as Elizabeth Brocket, aged 44, Farm Labourer, born in Cotton End. Elizabeth died 1886 Bedford District, aged 50.171 No issue. George married 3rd Elizabeth CRUMP 15 Jun 1887 in Bedford Register Office, he aged 58, Widower, Gardener, s/o James, Labourer, deceased, she aged 57, Widow, Charwoman, both residing 6 Tower Court, Bedford, witness son George Henry.172 George died 1914.173 Elizabeth probably died 1895 Bedford District, aged 67.174 No issue.

Charles 1829-97

Youngest s/o Joseph and Anne WRENCH was bap 27 Sep 1829, Biddenham.175 He married Mary Ann WESTON 24 Dec 1850 in Biddenham.176 Charles and Mary began their family in Biddenham, then moved to Bedford 1857-8. In 1865 they lived at 21 Hawes St, Bedford St Paul, although Charles was termed a Farm Labourer; Mary Ann signed with X.177

Census records for Charles and Mary Ann:    Read more


Charles did time in Bedford County Gaol on 2 occasions:178    Read more
Charles died 1897 Bedford District, aged 66.181 Mary Ann died 24 Jan 1910 of bronchitis and senile decay, aged 78, at 25 Union St, Bedford St Paul, Widow of Charles, Jobbing Gardener.182 Baptisms of 2 of their children are not recorded in the IGI. Children:

  1. Ann, b 1851,183 bap 7 Sep 1851 Biddenham.184 Child:
    1. George, b 27 Dec 1871, 9 Grindlow St, Chorlton upon Medlock, Lancashire, father’s name blank.185 Bap 4 Aug 1872 Holy Trinity, Bedford.186 Married 11 Nov 1893 Louisa DAY Register Office, Bedford, he aged 21, Bachelor, Labourer on the Midland Railway, residing 25 Union St, Bedford, father—that is, grandfather—Charles, Labourer, she 23, Spinster, Laundress, of 3 Little Thurlow St, Bedford.187 The 1881 census listed George as son of Charles and Mary Ann, b Bedford, but the 1891 census as grandson, born Manhester. Hammerman in Iron Works 1904.188 George probably died 1954 Bedford District.189Census records for George and Louisa:    Read more
      Children:

      1. Gertrude Annie, b 1894 Bedford District.190 Married … KEMP 1928 Edmonton London.191
      2. Elsie May, b 1899 Bedford District.192 Died 1914 Ampthill.193 Probable twin of William John, but no further GRO record.
      3. ?William John, b 1899 Bedford District.194 No further GRO record, and not in 1901 or 1911 censuses.
      4. Sidney George, b 19 Jan 1904 at 3 Little Thurlow St, Bedford St Paul.195 Married … WIGGINS 1928 Bedford District.196 1 daughter. Did he marry again 1961 to … PURSLOW in Bedford District?197
      5. Florence L A, b 1912 Bedford;198 d 1913 Bedford.199
      6. Gladys M A, b 1914 Bedford.200 Was she the Gladys May or May Gladys of Brighton and Hove 1934-6? Her daughter, , was born 13 Dec 1934 at 350 Elm Grove, Brighton Central, d/o Gladys May, General Servant Domestic, of 11 Little Western St, Brighton, informant mother, 29 Bread St, Brighton.201. On 3 Oct 1936 May Gladys married Victor Albert COUSSENS at Hove Register Office, E Sussex, she aged 22, Spinster, Domestic Servant, of 80 New Church Rd, Hove, father’s name box struck through [was she not daughter of George?], he 21, Bachelor, House Painter Journeyman, of 78 Marmion Rd, Hove.202

In 1881 Ann was a Cook in a girl’s school in Dunstable, aged 28, unm.203 Married 8 Dec 1884 Jesse STEVENS St Saviours Church, St Pancras, Middx, she aged 32, Spinster, of 43 Warren St, he 33, Bachelor, Soldier, of 64 Warren St.204

    1. Benjamin, b 1854,205 bap 8 Apr 1855, Biddenham,206 and died 1929 in Steyning, Sussex.207 He married Sarah Ann LOWE 1881 in Stratford, Warwickshire.208 His occupation: 1881 Gardener,209 1896 Gardener Domestic,footnote ref=”Birth certificate of son.”] 1913 Gardener.210 He died 1929, Steyning, Sussex. +Census records for Benjamin and Sarah:    Read more
      Children:

      1. Edwin Benjamin, b 1882, Bedford District;211 m 1910, Steyning, Sussex.212 Edwin died 8 Jul 1954, Cuckfield, Sussex,213 ‘of Hove’, estate to Mabel Brockett, widow £866 0 1d,214 Mabel died 1973 Brighton Sussex, aged 86, ie b c 1887.215 +Census records for Edwin Benjamin and Mabel:    Read more
        Children:

        1. Gladys Mabel, born 1910 Steyning Sussex,216 twin. Died at Steyning 30 Sep 1934, aged 24217 at 12 Monmouth St, Hove, Sussex, Spinster, Administration Lewes 10 Nov to Mabel, wife of Edwin Benjamin Brockett.218
        2. Kathleen Edith, born 1910 Steyning Sussex,219 twin. Died 1912 Brighton Sussex, aged 2220
      2. Arthur Charles, b 1885, Bedford District,221 married Elizabeth Winifred TRESIDDER 14 Oct 1913 in Emmanuel Baptist Chapel, Falmouth, Cornwall,222 and died 1955 in Exeter.223 Occupation 1913, Evangelist, living at the Manse, Milverton, Somerset,224 Congregational Minister at Bovey Tracey, Devon 1942.225 Elizabeth Winifred died 15 Feb 1979 Exeter, Devon, aged 94, ie b c 1885,226 residing 6 Purcell Close, “Broadfields”, Exeter, will pr Bristol 20 Mar £2,766.227 +Census records for Arthur Charles:    Read more
        Children:

        1. Arthur Allan, b 14 Apr 1920 Bridgewater, Somerset;229 died a month after his mother on 18 Mar 1979 Exeter, Devon, aged 59,230 residing 6 Purcell Close, Exeter, will pr Bristol 8 May £31,622.231 A book by him is in Exeter University Library.
      3. Caroline Mary/May, b 9 Sep 1886 Bedford District.232 Died unmarried 21 Feb 1983, aged 97, at Beechfields, Langley Rd, Watford, London, will pr Oxford 1 Jun 1983, estate not exceeding £25,000.233 + Census records for Caroline:    Read more
      4. Alice Elizabeth, b 1888 Bedford District.234 Married 25 Dec 1919 Lewis Edmund DOWN in Burgess Hill Parish Church, Cuckfield, Sussex, she aged 31, Spinster, residing Croft Cottage, Ferndale Rd, he 36, Bachelor, Plumber, residing Ivordene, Cromwell Rd, one witness ?father B.235
      5. Albert William, b 31 Dec 1895, 5 Trevor St, Bedford St Paul.236 Married … COLLINS 1921 Uxbridge London.237 Occupation Salesman 1942.238 1 daughter. Died 24 Mar 1970, 2 The Crescent, Shaftesbury Ave, Harrow, Middx, aged 75, will pr Ipswich 5 May £7,039.239
    2. Caroline, b 1857,240 bap 4 Oct 1857, Biddenham.241 Married 1878, Bedford242—if to Charles BROWN, had Caroline died before 1881?243
    3. William Joseph, b 1859, Bedford District;244 bap 30 Mar 1859, Bedford St Paul.245. Occupation Landscape Gardener.246 He married Sarah Elizabeth RAWLINS 13 Jan 1884 in Bedford Holy Trinity.247 In 1888 his occupation was Gardener/Domestic Servant248. A William J died 1920 Wandsworth, London, aged 62, ie b c 1858.249 +Census records for William and Sarah:    Read more
      Children:

      1. Frederick William, b 1884 in Bedford District.250 Occupation House Decorator, he married Julia LACEY 8 Jun 1905 in Bloomsbury Baptist Chapel, Kilburn Rise, Hampstead, both residing 22 Kylemore Rd, West Hampstead.251 Julia was older sister of Frederick’s younger brother’s wife. Julia died 1925 Watford, London, aged 49, ie b c 1876.252 Frederick William married again 5 Sep 1927 Louisa DYTON at the Register Office, Edmonton, he aged 43, Widower, Master Builder and Decorator, she 45, Widow, both of 4 Ewart Grove, Wood Green.253 No apparent further GRO record of Louisa. Frederick William, House Decorator (Journeyman) was father of a daughter born 1936 at 88 Richmond Hill, Luton, mother Muriel Elizabeth Brockett, formerly CLIFFORD, she signing herself M J Cliff… [crossed through] Brockett, residing 13 Richmond Hill, Luton.254 No GRO record of a marriage. Frederick William died 25 Nov 1941 at 53 Verulam Rd, St Albans, Herts, aged 57, ie b c 1884, estate £49 10s to Irene CLIFFORD spinster and [brother] William Amos Brockett, Warehouseman.255 + Census records for Frederick William:    Read more
      2. Florence Elizabeth, b 1886 Bedford District.256 Witness to brother William’s marriage 1907. Married Wallace Edgar DAWE 26 Dec 1910, Wimbledon St Mary, Surrey.257 I daughter, 3 sons. Wallace served in the RAF in WW1. Florence died 1938.258 Wallace died 1970.
      3. William Amos, b 23 Feb 1888, 25 Queen St, Bedford District.259. Occupation Railway Parcels Porter, he married Emma Birdsey LACEY 1 Jun 1907 in the Baptist Chapel, Leavesdon Rd, Watford, he residing 22 Kylemore Rd, West Hampstead, she 10 Market St, Watford.260 Emma was a younger sister of Julia, who married William’s elder brother Frederick. Both couples appear to have lived in Watford in the first decades of the 20th C, where five children were recorded born to a LACEY mother. Since the first, Florence in 1909, was d/o William and Emma, it may be that the other 4, b 1912-21, were also. William’s occupation: Motor Omnibus Conductor 1909;261 Laundry Transport Manager.262 William died 1953 Watford, aged 65.263 Emma died 26 Dec 1970 St Albans, aged 86, ie b c 1885.264 + Census records for William Amos and Emma:    Read more
        Children:

        1. Florence Mary, b 26 Jan 1909 at 133 Leavesden Rd, Watford.265 Probably married… MILTON 1932 Watford London.266
        2. Harold William, b 1914 Watford London.267 m 1946 and 1972. Died in Cornwall?268 1 dau, 1 son. ?3 other daus b 1912-21.
    4. Elizabeth, b 1861, Bedford District.269 Aged 20, unmarried, unemployed and living at home in 1881270 Surname STOKES, residing Great Banford, St Neots 1910.271
    5. Emma, b 1863 Bedford District.272
    6. Sarah Jane, b 10 Jun 1865, 21 Hawes St, Bedford St Paul,273 bap 1 Jul 1866, Bedford Holy Trinity.274 Probably the Sarah who died 1867 Bedford District, aged 2.275

Ann 1835-42

Bap 24 Jun 1835 Bedford St Paul, the only recorded d/o William, Labourer, and Elizabeth,276 who probably married 9 Apr 1832 Leintwardine, Hereford, her maiden name HODGKISS.277 In 1841 William was 45—ie b c 1796—recorded in Margaret PUGH’s Lodging House, Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury St Alkmond, Shropshire, Traveller, with Ann, aged 6, Traveller, neither born in the county.278 St Alkmond is c 22 m N of Leintwardine. Elizabeth had probably died 1840 Sadlow, Gloucestershire.279 Why did they baptise Ann in Bedford? Was it William’s home town? There was a William, resident of Bedford, who was sentenced to 2 years hard labour in 1806, aged 17, ie b c 1789, but the only William baptisms in the IGI 1776-1816 were:   Read more


The IGI records no Elizabeth HODGKISS baptised in Beds, but 13 between 1790-1810 in Shropshire. Ann died of smallpox—”without previous Vaccination”—14 Apr 1842 in New Street, Mold, Flint, N Wales, c 11 m W of Chester, aged 7, father William, Labourer, present.283

Page Last Updated: April 26, 2021

Footnotes

For full bibliographical details please see the sections Publications or Glossary.

Expand

[1] The 5 Bedford Parish Registers have all been searched.

[2] Parish Register.

[3] Parish Register.

[4] BARS P81/18/1.

[5] BARS P88/25/4/1837, 1838, 1839, 1840.

[6] Census.

[7] GRO qtr 2.

[8] NBI.

[9] Census.

[10] Death certificate.

[11] IGI.

[12] According to grandaughter Florence Annie (letter to Adrian Brockett 16 Jan 1962), and family tradition from other lines (email from Dave Boston to Adrian Brockett 4 Sep 2020).

[13] Marriage certificate of son Henry.

[14] Marriage certificate.

[15] Birth certificate of daughter.

[16] Birth certificate of son Marriage certificate.

[17] Birth certificate of son John.

[18] GRO qtr 3.

[19] BARS QGV15/1 ID 37786, 37828, and QGV12/1 ID 4996, 5268.

[20] BARS QGV12/1 ID 4689, 5755, 6473, 6670, 7857, 8862.

[21] Borough.

[22] Borough.

[23] Birth certificate.

[24] GRO qtr 1.

[25] 1851 census—aged 4.

[26] GRO qtr 3; IGI.

[27] BARS QGV12/1 ID 7262, 9288.

[28] Borough.

[29] Borough.

[30] GRO qtr 3.

[31] 1851 census—aged 2.

[32] 1871 census.

[33] GRO qtr 2.

[34] Birth certificate.

[35] GRO qtr 4.

[36] Birth certificate.

[37] Marriage certificate.

[38] Death certificate.

[39] GRO qtr 1.

[40] GRO qtr 3.

[41] GRO qtr 3.

[42] Death certificate of father.

[43] GRO qtr 3.

[44] GRO qtr 2.

[45] GRO qtr 2, aged 57.

[46] GRO qtr 2.

[47] GRO qtr 2.

[48] London Probate Registry.

[49] Marriage certificate.

[50] Death certificate.

[51] GRO qtr 2.

[52] GRO qtr 3 Tendring District.

[53] GRO qtr 1, aged 65.

[54] GRO qtr 4.

[55] TNA WO B1718.

[56] GRO qtr 3.

[57] GRO qtr 1.

[58] GRO qtr 3.

[59] London Probate Registry.

[60] GRO qtr 4.

[61] GRO qtr 1.

[62] GRO qtr 2, aged 76.

[63] GRO qtr 2.

[64] GRO qtr 1.

[65] GRO qtr 3.

[66] GRO qtr 2, aged 57).

[67] GRO qtr 2.

[68] London Probate Registry.

[69] GRO qtr 1.

[70] GRO qtr 3.

[71] 1901 census, Class: RG13; Piece: 4447; Folio: 93; Page: 43, accessed on Ancestry.com 22 Apr 2021, who indexed as 'Eliz Brickell'--- the ts weren't crossed.

[72] 1911 census, image accessed on Ancestry.com 22 Apr 2021.

[73] IGI.

[74] Marriage certificates 1854 and 1879, marriage certificates of son John 1882 and 1899, marriage certificate of dau 1883.

[75] Birth certificate of sons and daughter.

[76] Marriage certificate.

[77] Birth certificate of sons.

[78] Birth certificate of sons and daughter.

[79] Marriage certificate.

[80] Marriage certificate.

[81] Birth certificate of daughter.

[82] GRO qtr 2, aged 43.

[83] Birth certificate.

[84] BARS QGV12/2 ID 47.

[85] Death certificate.

[86] Census.

[87] Birth certificate.

[88] Borough.

[89] Borough.

[90] BARS QGV12/2 ID 12461, 12627.

[91] GRO qtr 2.

[92] Birth certificate of sons

[93] Birth certificate of sons.

[94] Birth certificate of son.

[95] GRO qtr 3.

[96] GRO qtr 1.

[97] Marriage certificate.

[98] GRO qtr 1.

[99] Census.

[100] GRO qtr 4.

[101] GRO qtr 2.

[102] GRO qtr 4.

[103] London Probate Registry.

[104] GRO qtr 1.

[105] GRO qtr .

[106] Birth certificate.

[107] GRO qtr 1.

[108] Birth certificate.

[109] TNA WO B1718.

[110] Marriage certificate.

[111] Bedfordshire newspaper cutting 29 May 1988.

[112] London Probate Registry.

[113] Birth certificate

[114] GRO qtr 4

[115] GRO qtr 3.

[116] GRO qtr 1.

[117] GRO qtr 1.

[118] GRO qtr 4.

[119] Email from son.

[120] Marriage certificate.

[121] Birth certificate.

[122] GRO qtr 4, aged 70.

[123] Marriage certificate.

[124] GRO qtr 1, aged 35.

[125] GRO qtr 1.

[126] 1911 Census, ref RG14-08-8-45-08845_0585_03, image accessed on Ancestry.com 26 Apr 2021.

[127] GRO qtr 1.

[128] GRO qtr 1, vol 3b p 351.

[129] GRO qtr 3, vol 3b p 858.

[130] 1891 Census, Class: RG13; Piece: 1493; Folio: 6; Page: 3, image accessed on Ancestry.com 26 Apr 2021.

[131] 1939 England and Wales Register, Ref: RG 101/1961A, image accessed on Ancestry.com, 26 Apr 2021.

[132] GRO qtr 1, vol 3b p 768.

[133] Marriage certificate.

[134] Birth certificate of son George.

[135] GRO qtr 1.

[136] TNA WO B1718.

[137] GRO qtr 1.

[138] GRO qtr 1.

[139] GRO qtr 2.

[140] Birth certificate.

[141] GRO qtr 3.

[142] London Probate Registry; GRO qtr 1.

[143] GRO qtr 1.

[144] GRO qtr 2.

[145] GRO qtr 2.

[146] London Probate Registry.

[147] GRO qtr 1 — recorded as Archie in all GRO records

[148] GRO qtr 3.

[149] GRO qtr 3

[150] GRO qtr 4.

[151] GRO qtr 2.

[152] GRO qtr 1.

[153] GRO qtr 4.

[154] GRO qtr 4.

[155] GRO qtr 3.

[156] GRO qtr 4.

[157] GRO qtr 1.

[158] GRO qtr 4.

[159] GRO qtr 4.

[160] GRO qtr 3.

[161] GRO qtr 2.

[162] GRO qtr 2.

[163] GRO qtr 4.

[164] GRO qtr 4.

[165] Census.

[166] GRO qtr 4.

[167] Birth certificate.

[168] GRO qtr 1.

[169] Marriage certificate—his age given as 62 in error for 52.

[170] Marriage certificate.

[171] GRO qtr 4.

[172] Marriage certificate.

[173] GRO qtr 2, Bedford District, aged 87.

[174] GRO qtr 4.

[175] IGI.

[176] IGI; GRO qtr 4.

[177] Birth certificate of daughter.

[178] BARS QGV12/1 ID 7152, 7815.

[179] Borough.

[180] Borough.

[181] GRO qtr 1.

[182] Death certificate.

[183] GRO qtr 4.

[184] IGI: Terry Rooke.

[185] Birth certificate.

[186] IGI.

[187] Marriage certificate.

[188] 1901 census; Birth certificate of son Sidney.

[189] GRO qtr 3, aged 82.

[190] GRO qtr 2.

[191] GRO qtr 3.

[192] GRO qtr 4.

[193] GRO qtr 2, aged 14.

[194] GRO qtr 4.

[195] Birth certificate.

[196] GRO qtr 3.

[197] GRO qtr 2.

[198] GRO qtr 4.

[199] GRO qtr 3.

[200] GRO qtr 4.

[201] Birth certificate.

[202] Marriage certificate.

[203] Census.

[204] Marriage certificate.

[205] GRO qtr 2.

[206] IGI; Terry Rooke.

[207] GRO qtr 4, aged 75, ie b c 1854.

[208] GRO qtr 1.

[209] Census.

[210] Marriage certificate of son Arthur.

[211] GRO qtr 2.

[212] GRO qtr 1.

[213] GRO qtr 3.

[214] London Probate Registry.

[215] GRO qtr 2.

[216] GRO qtr 2.

[217] GRO qtr 4.

[218] London Probate Registry.

[219] GRO qtr 2.

[220] GRO qtr 1.

[221] GRO qtr 2.

[222] Marriage certificate.

[223] GRO qtr 4, aged 70.

[224] Marriage certificate.

[225] Marriage certificate of daughter.

[226] GRO qtr 1.

[227] London Probate Registry.

[228] A Peddlar, esp. one selling religious tracts and books (Chambers Dictionary).

[229] GRO qtr 2.

[230] GRO qtr 1.

[231] London Probate Registry.

[232] GRO qtr 4.

[233] GRO qtr 1; London Probate Registry.

[234] GRO qtr 2.

[235] Marriage certificate.

[236] Birth certificate.

[237] GRO qtr 3.

[238] Marriage certificate of daughter.

[239] GRO qtr 1; London Probate Registry.

[240] GRO qtr 4.

[241] IGI; Terry Rooke.

[242] GRO qtr 4.

[243] Census.

[244] 1881 census; GRO qtr 1.

[245] IGI.

[246] Marriage certificate of son 1927.

[247] IGI.

[248] Birth certificate of son.

[249] GRO qtr 4.

[250] GRO qtr 2; marriage certificate - aged 21.

[251] Marriage certificate.

[252] GRO qtr 2.

[253] Marriage certificate.

[254] Birth certificate.

[255] GRO qtr 4; London Probate Registry.

[256] GRO qtr 1.

[257] GRO Kingston District qtr 4; Wikitree Brockett-734, with thanks to Ian Acworth 27 Feb 2021.

[258] Wikitree Brockett-734.

[259] Birth certificate.

[260] Marriage certificate.

[261] Birth certificate of daughter.

[262] Marriage certificate of son 1972.

[263] GRO qtr 1.

[264] GRO 1971 qtr 1.

[265] Birth certificate.

[266] GRO qtr 2.

[267] GRO qtr 4.

[268] Ancestry.com death index.

[269] GRO qtr 1.

[270] Census.

[271] Informant on death certificate of mother.

[272] GRO qtr 2.

[273] Birth certificate.

[274] IGI.

[275] GRO qtr 4.

[276] Parish Register.

[277] IGI.

[278] Census.

[279] GRO qtr 2.

[280] Patron submission.

[281] Patron submission.

[282] Patron submission — otherwise unaccounted-for.

[283] Birth certificate.