Early Families of Wheathampstead - Page 4

Sapwell

I am looking for information on the SAPWELL families of WHEATHAMPSTEAD as I am doing a family tree and any information no matter how small will help thank you.

Mary Mealey  email - 

07 March 2005

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Saunders

contributed 2 Feb 2003

I am currently researching my Saunders family tree. I know of a lot of my Saunders family that lived in Wheathampstead.

The earliest member of my family that I have living in Wheathampstead is John Saunders, His wife Sarah and their 11 Children.  John is mentioned on the 1855 census as being a widow and living with his daughter Rachael Vaughan and her family at the time.  John is also mentioned as being a labourer at the time.  He died in Gustard Wood in 1883. 

I would be extremely grateful if you could give me any (however small) information or any links to any information on My Saunders family.

Regards
Barbara Saunders email  

updated 5 Feb 2003

Hello and thank you for the Wheathampstead page which I have found today from Barbara Saunders. It is wonderful.  I think that Max Saunders from New Zealand (provider of Historic Pics 2) is the grandson of Alfred Saunders who in turn was the brother of George Frederick Saunders. My grandfather.

Our family were from Wheathampstead from a very long time back.  I have quite a lot of Saunders records. The G. Saunders is in the 1902/3 football team could be George Frederick Saunders, my grandfather born 5 Mar 1882 in the Village, Wheathampstead. He later died in the first world war and is the G Saunders on the memorial in St. Helen's.

For any members of the Saunders family who are interested in sharing information and extending our knowledge of our history they are welcome to join us in a Saunders forum at: http://groups.msn.com/SaundersofHertfordshire 

Best regards, Malcolm Saunders email 

1851 Census
Saunders at Gustard Wood:
John Saunders, Mar, 38, Ag Lab b Ippollitts
Sarah Saunders, wife, 41, b Offley (nee Pearman)
Alfred, son 14, Farm Lab, children all b Whstd
Abraham, son 12, Farm Lab
George son 10, Farm Lab
Mary, dau 8 scholar
Mark, son 6 scholar
Emily, dau, 4, scholar
Henry, son 1

At Harpenden Common:
George Saunders, Mar 25, Ag Lab b Harpenden
Sarah Saunders, wife 34, b Bovington 

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Shambrook

My grandmother was born Martha SHAMBROOK at Gustard Wood in 1874.  Her parents were Joshua and Sarah (nee HALE) who married at the parish church Wheathampstead in 1872.  Joshua SHAMBROOK was born at Wheathampstead in 1848. He was the son of Daniel and Mary (nee MALES).  Daniel SHAMBROOK was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth PARSONS who married at Ayot St Lawrence in 1800.  It is thought that this Joseph was the son of Joseph SHAMBROOK and Sarah (nee TEMPSON).

I would like to make contact with anyone with any knowledge of these or other Wheathampstead SHAMBROOK families.

Ray VALENTINE 
email 
Melbourne, Australia

1851 Census
Shambrook at Gustard Wood:
Daniel Shambrook, Mar, 46, Ag Lab, b Whstd
Mary Shambrook, wife, 40, Straw Plait, b Codicote (nee Males)
Elizabeth, dau unm 20 straw plait b Codicote
Caroline, dau, unm 13, straw plait b Whstd
Eliza dau 10 scholar, b Whstd
Joshua son 7 scholar, b Whstd
Hester dau 4 scholar b Whstd
Martha, dau 1 b Whstd

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Sibley

I have been researching my family history, and believe that I am descended from John Sibley and Mary Sibley (nee Brown).  John Sibley was born circa 1780 in Wheathampstead. They had a son Henry Sibley born 1805 in Wheathampstead who married Mary Brackstone in Fulham, London in 1840.

If anyone has any data re the Sibley ancestry prior to John and Mary I would be extremely grateful if they could email me with the information.  As I now live in Australia, I am unable to research parish history, and have used all the relevant internet sites that are available, which have led me to the above info.

Thank you, Regards Ann Wheatland (nee Sibley)  email:                               20 Feb 2005

(Added 29 Oct 2005) Hi, I am researching my relatives that I believe lived in Wheathampstead. The family name is HERBERT and the name Sibley also comes up. Thomas Herbert married Anne Sibley 13th November 1821 in Wheathampstead.. any information would be grateful. 
Regards Dave English  e-mail -   

Also look here

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Slough

I am tracing my family tree.  My paternal grandmother Clara Ann or Clara Jane was born in Wheathampstead, 18th Feb. 1867, she had a sister Harriet & brothers Fred, John & Arthur.  Her father John (b.1847) mother Ann (nee Archer).  Her Grandfather also John ( b.1816) & Grandmother Sarah.  I believe her her family were farm Labourers.

Any info to Derek Hollis  email - 

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Smith

The 'SMITH FAMILY' lived at the Folly, Lower Luton Road Wheathampstead.  Is there anyone who remembers Albert Smith? Who worked for SMITH BROS BUILDERS. Was wed to Millie Arnold, also Henry Charles who wed Sarah Mayles. 
I would like any info on this family!!
SYLVIA CASTLEMAN       email -

Anyone remember the names who played in the football team at the folly fields, Lower Luton Rd, in the 50s and 60s,apparently they were a good team.
Any info, photos, not getting much luck with my family search name SMITH, is there anyone out there can help me?
Wishfull thinking!

Regards sylvia castleman entry Nov 2004

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Spacey

Detailed page here

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Sparrow

These are family photographs contributed by Ann Henderson (nee Sparrow) in 2002

Thomas Sparrow (seated),  Alfred Sparrow (died in First World War)	Florence Sparrow with Amy and Alfred
	Thomas & Florence Sparrow  with Robert and Ann

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Steed

STEED FAMILY Generation No. 1

1. ELISHA ¹ STEED was born 1779 in Luton, and died 1854 in Saint Albans ¹. He married MARY CRAWLEY 29 January 1802 in Wheathampstead. She was born 1771, and died October 1848 in Wheathampstead ².

Notes for ELISHA STEED:
Despite marrying in Wheathampstead he spent the first years of his marriage in St Pauls Walden before moving back at some point between 1810 and 1816. Some Ratepayers accounts survive for him in Wheathampstead showing that he lived in a property owned by James Mardell during the years 1837 to 1841. In 1841 the census shows him living on the East Lane in Wheathampstead and working as an Agricultural Labourer. He and his wife shared the house with his daughter Eliza and her husband Henry Mondin and their 3 year old daughter Rebecca. It is not known at what point he entered the Saint Albans Union Workhouse, although it may tie in with his wife’s death in 1848, but he was a resident Pauper at that institution in 1851.

Children of ELISHA STEED and MARY CRAWLEY are:

1. MARY ² STEED, b. 1802, Saint Pauls Walden.

2. THOMAS STEED, b. 1802, Saint Pauls Walden; d. February 1803, Saint Pauls Walden.

3. SARAH STEED, b. 1804, Saint Pauls Walden.

4. GEORGE STEED, b. 1806, Saint Pauls Walden; m. MARY WOOD, 23 December 1826, Wheathampstead; b. 1801.

5. JOHN STEED, b. 1809, Saint Pauls Walden; d. 1887; m. REBECCA CATLINE, 24 December 1832, Wheathampstead; b. 1809, Codicote; d. 1853, Kimpton.  
   Notes for JOHN STEED:  In 1881 he was living with his son William on the High Street in Kimpton and marked as an invalid.

6. MATILDA STEED, b. 1814, Wheathampstead; d. December 1872, Wheathampstead; m. WILLIAM SLOUGH, 13 October 1828, Wheathampstead; b. 1794, Wheathampstead; d. October 1874, Wheathampstead.  
   Notes for MATILDA STEED:In 1871 they lived in Gustard Wood in Wheathampstead with their sons Edmund and Arthur and his wife Margaret.

7. ELIZA STEED, b. 18 January 1816, Wheathampstead; d. December 1890, Wheathampstead ³; m. HENRY MONDIN, 15 October 1836, Wheathampstead; b. 1812, Wheathampstead; d. December 1893, The Hill, Wheathampstead ⁴.  
   Notes for ELIZA STEED: In 1841 Eliza was living with her husband and first daughter Rebecca on the East Lane in Wheathampstead. During the next 10 years she had 4 children of which 1, Charles, must have died as he was not recorded with the family on East lane in 1851. At that time Eliza and her daughters Rebecca and Emma were all employed as Straw Plaiters. Neither Eliza or her children George and Emma were working in 1861. Her husband Henry was an Agricultural Labourer and they all lived at Orchard Cottages in Wheathampstead where they were also recorded in 1871. By 1881 Eliza had moved to Necton Road where the property was shared with her daughter Elizabeth, her husband William Crawley and their daughter Elizabeth. 
   Notes for HENRY MONDIN: In 1841 Henry was living in Wheathampstead on the East Lane next door to his wife's parents. In 1851 he still lived in the same place in Wheathampstead and was employed as an Agricultural Labourer. His wife and daughters Rebecca and Emma were all working as Straw Plaiters. By 1861 he had moved his family to Orchard Cottages in Wheathampstead and was supporting his wife and children Emma and George. He lived in the same house in 1871 and both he and his son George were Agricultural Labourers. His daughter Elizabeth was at school. By 1881 his daughter Elizabeth, a Straw Bonnet Sewer, had moved into his house in Necton Road with her husband William Crawley and her daughter Elizabeth. William was not working so Henry may have been supporting them all from his wages as a Labourer. This act of kindness may be the reason why after the death of his wife he was living with Elizabeth and William at Wheathampstead Hill in 1891.
   Marriage Notes for ELIZA STEED and HENRY MONDIN: Witnessed by Samuel Churchill and Rebecca Mondin.

8. WILLIAM STEED, b. 26 April 1818, Wheathampstead; m. CHARLOTTE; b. 1835, Walthamstow.  Notes for WILLIAM STEED: 
   In 1881 William was living at 32 Summerfield Street in Lee in Kent with his wife Charlotte, a Washer, and son Elisha, an Errand Boy. William was not working.

9. JAMES STEED, b. 17 September 1820, Wheathampstead; d. November 1821, Wheathampstead.

Endnotes
1. St Albans Volume 3a Page 147 December 1854, Death Certificate for Elisha Steed.
2. St Albans Volume 6 Page 335 December 1848, Death Certificate for Mary Crawley.
3. St Albans Volume 3a Page 326 December 1890, Death Certificate for Eliza Steed.
4. St Albans Volume 3a Page 358 December 1893, Death Certificate for Henry Mondin.

Contributed by Matthew Butcher email -                            September 2006

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Steel

The relatives I've found were Charles Denton STEEL (retired from Indian Civil Service) and his wife Fanny Sophia STEEL (nee TROUGHTAN) who both died at 'Red House, Wheathampstead' (I don't know if they lived there) according to two obituaries from The Times newspaper (online archive).  The dates for Charles and Fanny STEEL: Fanny died aged about 75 in 1930 and Charles died in 1942 aged 88. Charles and Fanny had three children including a Frank Steel, who was in the RAF; he married a Ms BRADLY and they had a son Laurence F STEEL, who married a Ms LUCAS. (most address related to these are in India etc, not Herts)

I also read a note that was a bit faded on a hand- written family tree that said: 'Beryl JACOBS d. (died) Wheathampstead, Harpenden,' (date of death not written) Beryl was a niece of Charles D STEEL, daughter of his sister, Dorothy STEEL. 

Also another STEEL relative, I think called Beryl, I think daughter of Charles Theodore JACOB, also died at 'Red House' but I'm not sure of any details/dates.

A booklet on the monuments in the St Helen's churchyard in Wheathampstead (1994) shows:- 

Dorothy JACOB (nee STEEL) 17Oct1887 - 11Aug1960 and her husband Charles Theodore JACOB 16Feb1881 - 14Dec1965

Fanny Sophie wife of G D STEEL July1856 2Dec1930 / Charles Denton STEEL Feb 25 1854 Jan17 1942

Another way to show some of this is:-

Charles Edward Steel = Frances Bedford# 
   #Charles Denton Steel = Fanny Sophia Troughton* (Both died in Wheathampstead)
      *John Steel 
      *Dorothy Steel=Charles Theodore Jacob~ 
         ~Beryl Jacob ((Possibly died in Wheathampstead, like Charles, Fanny & Dorothy))
         ~Bridget Jacob
      *Frank Steel = Isabel May Bradley^
         ^Laurence Frank Steel = Muriel Edith Lucas
   #Edwin Bedford Steel = Ethel Mary Robinson
      Christopher Bedford Steel = Ivy Topham
      Alison Joyce Steel = Peter Steer
      My Mum
      Me (Jessica Stella Fox)

Jessica Stella Fox.  email -                                   updated  10th Aug 2006

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Swain

Found the history of 1901 very interesting. My grandfather George Edward SWAIN was born that year in Ellsville? The family moved to Wheathampstead soon afterwards.   His parents were George Thomas and Ada SWAIN. Both are buried in St Helens. He died in 1931 and she in 1946. Does anybody remember them or their family?  I believe there were about 10 children in all.
sharon truby   email  
stroud, Glos, England - Thursday 12 February 2004

We am looking for information on Batford old boys football club my great grandfather George Thomas Swain was club chairman sometime in early 1900s.  Can anyone help.?

1851 Census
Swain at Bower Heath:
Elizabeth Swain, Wid, 71 Charwoman, b Norfolk
Edward Reed, son-in-law, 48, Ag lab b Whstd
Susannah Reed, dau, mar, 45, b Norfolk
John Reed, grandson,10 b Whstd
George Reed, grandson 4 b Whstd

Swain at Causewell Farm:
Emma Swain, unm 19, House Servant b Colney, Herts
Employed by William A. & Ellen Grigg, Farmer of 150 acres employing 7 labourers.

Swain at Mackery End Farm:
Thomas Swain, unm 31, Shepherd, b Kimpton
Employed by Elizabeth Wilmott, Wid, & family, Farmer of 300 acres employing 12 labs.

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Swain

My grandmother was Louie Marcia Swain, born 13.7.1899 at the Folly.  George Fenwick Elias Harding, (always know as Fen) my grandfather, born 6.11.1894 East Lane, Wheathampstead married. 8.9.1915.died 19.11.1977.  Together they developed a property business, building, painting, decorating and signwriting. Fen also did some undertaking.   See also Harding details.

Louie Swain’s parents - Walter Swain, born 10.10.1865, died 1.5.1949 & Annie Wright born 11.11.1870.died 8.9.1915
Walter Swain’s Parents - William Swain,  born, 1840 died 3.1.1914 Kimptom & Sarah Carter.b 1842 died 24.8.1914 
Annie Wright’s parents - James (Jimmy) Wright, born 1850, died 20.3.1941 & Eliza Crawley born ? 1850.
William Swain’s parents - John Swain, born 1812 Kimptom & Susan Carter born 1820 Kimpton
James Wright’s parents -  George Wright, born 1819 &  Sarah, born 1817
Sarah Carter’s parents - George Carter, born 1817 W’hampstead & Mary Cobb born 1815 Kimptom.  Lived in Gustard Wood
Eliza Crawley’s parents - Samuel Crawley, born, 1820, Married 2.12.1839 Elizabeth born, 1825 Whitwell
George Carter’s parents - William Carter born 9.12.1776 died 29.11.1857 & Mary Olds. Also known as Mary Olles born1780, died 4.3 .1848

All this information has been gathered from Family members, Family Bible, Wheathampstead Village web page (early names Carter) submitted by Arthur Holdford.  Census returns, LDS website, www.Rootsweb.com. 

I will be pleased to hear from anyone who has more information especially relating to the Harding / Scadding / Scetting families.
Pauline Masters, nee Harding. Email -                                  contributed Jan 2006

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Sygrove

My name is Jane Lockley. my maiden name was SYGROVE and the pub I mentioned being the Cross Keys was my grandparents pub many years ago.  My Grandfather died late 1969, and Nan continued to run it for a while by herself but unfortunately had to sell.   

I'll be interested to find out your interest in the pub.  Have you any info on this topic as I'm doing a family tree. Any info. would be great.  I spent a lot of my childhood in that pub - so upset when it went. Good memories I have. 

Thanks Jane. email: 

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Thompson

I became interested in ‘Nomansland’ after I found that one of my own ancestors- Charles Thompson, was listed on his birth certificate as having been born there in 1865 (parents William John Thompson and Mary nee Trevethick). I’m not sure when the family moved to Nomansland, although it was sometime after 1862 (their previous child was born at Halliloo Farm in Chelsham, Surrey). They then moved to London sometime between October 1865 and April 1866, and then on to Australia sometime around 1874. 

I realise that it’s probably a long-shot, but I was wondering if perhaps anyone might have any information regarding Nomansland for this period or even if you might have some suggestions for how I might go about finding such information?  Forgive the naivety of my questions, I’m fairly new to genealogy and being from Australia, even newer to English genealogy!

Any advice or suggestions that you might be able to provide would be enormously appreciated,

Thanks for your time,  Best wishes, Nichole Taske   email -         

added Feb 2006

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Thrale

You can find useful information at this web site http://www.thrale.com/ 

1851 Census
Thrale at The Boot, High Street:
Thomas Thrale, Mar, 25, Baker & Beer Seller b Luton, Beds
Eliza Thrale, wife, 24 b Whstd
Sarah Thrale dau, 2 b Whstd
Thomas R. Thrale, son 1m b Whstd
James Peacock, relative, unm 26 Ag Lab b Whstd
Henry O'Dell, lodger unm 22, Fishmonger, b Whstd

Thrale at High Street
William Thrale, Unm, 23, Baker Master, b Luton, Beds

Thrale at Cross Keys, Gustard Wood:
Norman Thrale, Nephew, unm 19 Miller journeyman b Luton, Beds
Working for John & Mary Sibley, Shoemaker & Victualler

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Tidd / Tydd

Looking for anyone interested in the TIDD family name?  My three times great grandfather George TIDD was born in Wheathampstead in 1801 to Daniel TIDD and Sarah ROBERTS/ROBARDS. Daniel was a carpenter and after George's birth they moved to Deptford. I'm having trouble finding out who Daniel's parents were; too many TIDDs, not enough information!! Daniel and Sarah were married in King's Walden 29 April 1799. I'd love to hear from anyone with information on this family. Visit my website to see my TIDD family connections at: www.tribalpages.com/tribes/tiddly 

 Melissa Zimmerman  email   

An list of Parish Records (1604 - 1839) for the name TIDD and its' derivatives has been provided by Melissa here

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Titmuss

See the Titmuss page

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Tomalin

We are interested if there are still Tomalin's living in the area.  It is an unusual surname in New Zealand where we live.

Nigel and Deirdre Tomalin email  

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Vass

I am looking for any one who has the name VASS.  JAMES THOMAS VASS was a policeman in St Albans and in 1881 moved to Wheathampstead.  I am willing to exchange any information.  Also SARAH ANN VASS married a JAMES WELCH in Wheathampstead 1890 he came from Sandridge any help thank you

m.mealey  email -  

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Warren

Jenny Wise at e.mail                           added June 2006

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Welch

Hi.  Just looking at your web site and found the name of Welch I am very interested in this name as I am doing a family tree and I am stuck.  All the Welch family I am researching come from Flamstead which is not very far from Wheathampstead.  I am stuck in 1767 a William Welch I just don't know were he came from if you know any one with an interest in this name please let me know.

Update April 2002 - I am a bit further in my family tree I am now looking for a James Knot from Wheathampstead  who married Ann Welch by licence in 1787 -  witnesses to the marriage were  George Burchmore and George  Andrews.  I do not know where the witnesses came from.

Update July 2002 - I am hoping you can help me, in April 2002 some one answered my e-mail I put on your site but they never left any address to contact them is there any way I can trace them as this is my direct line. If that person reads this, please make contact again.

Mrs Mary Mealey  email -

Webmasters note: Some members of a Welch family were resident and born in Wheathampstead as evidenced by the 1881 Census.

1851 Census
Welch at Leasy Bridge Farm:
Benjamin Welch, Mar 36 Ag Lab b Whstd 
Mary Welch, wife, 44 b Boddington, Northants (nee Needham)
Emma Welch dau 12 straw plait, children all b Whstd
Benajmin, son, 10 ag lab 
William, son 7 scholar
Mary dau 5
Helen dau 2
Joseph Munt, Serv, Unm, 18, Shepherd b Sandridge
Henry George, Serv, Unm 18, Horsekeeper b Whstd.

Welch at Holly Bush Hall:
Mary Welch, Wid, 65, Charwoman b Whstd (wid of Edward) (nee Collins)
Edward Welch, son, unm 19, Ag Lab b Whstd
Francis Collins, son, Mar, 26, Ag Lab b Whstd
Ann Collins, wife, 31 b Kimpton
William Collins, grandson 3 b Whstd
George Collins, grandson 0 b Whstd

Welsh at High Street:
Sarah Welsh, house servant, unm 15, b Whstd
Servant to George & Sarah Nash, Grocer & Draper.

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Welch

Hello I have just been directed to this site by a fellow researcher and I think its a great site.  I am researching the Welch family and have corresponded with Mary who too is researching Welch.  My Welch family also originated from Hertfordshire.  I am stuck on a William Welch too but not the same one as Mary. My William was shown to be born in the Ware area  in 1836 his father was Joseph he was a General Labourer but can't find details of Williams birth or his mother name.  William Married an Ellen Sadler in Hackney London in 23.12.1866. Any info would be gratefully received and if I can help anyone else with their research I would be only to happy to do so. Many thanks.

Carole Welch email  

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Welch

This is a very good site PLEASE can any one help me I am looking for information on a Gladys Florence Hyde her maiden name was Welch and she came from Redbourn her address in Wheathampstead was 98 Hatfield Rd and this was 1938.  The information is required for a family tree

Please is there any way you can help i have just come across a WILLIAM SAPWELL  who married a ELENOR WELCH  any information on the SAPWELL family will help    

Thank you M Mealey    email -

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Westwood  

My father was Ted Westwood, the village blacksmith until his death in 1980.  His father was also Wheathampstead's village Blacksmith.  I'm not sure whether the tradition goes back further generations but if anyone out there knows please tell me.  I'd like to know more of my families history and ties to the village.   

My grandfather, Harry George Westwood had a forge (H G Westwood & Son) behind the Bull public house, in what is now the car park.  My father took this over with his brother Alf on the death of their father.  The forge then moved down to the end of East Lane, by the river (and sewage works).   

My father, Ted, married Joyce Pearce, who lived next door to him in Necton Road.  They had 3 children.  We lived in Brewhouse Hill, moving to Ceasars Road later on.  We have all moved out of the area now.  I live in North Norfolk and have no reason now to come back to Wheathampstead.  The last Westwood of my family still living there died last year.

I know my father had ties with the Titmuss family and my mother also worked for them.    If anyone can help me fill in my family history please send me an e-mail   

Sandi Westwood.

My Mother by Barry Euinton                                                            Added 30/09/2007

1851 Census
No Westwood's in 1851

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Wilsher

Thomas George Wilsher was born 12 May 1864 in Wheathampstead, married Mary Brock Billows 10 Nov 1885 in Melbourne, Australia, and died 4 June 1953 in Brisbane, Australia.  Thomas was a confectioner and later a salesman for a biscuit company in Brisbane. Incidentally the mother of Mary Brock Billows was Ann Billows who died in Wheathampstead aged 62 in first quarter of 1884.  Ann Billows (her mother was Ann Charmbury nee Joyce) was born 23 Jan 1822 in Poole, and married 25 Sep1841 in Blandford Forum.

11 September 2002

1881 Census for The Folly, Wheathampstead, gives
Thomas WILSHER Marr age 41 born Wheathampstead - Master Baker
Sarah C. WILSHER his wife age 32 born Hatfield
Thomas G. WILSHER age16  Son - Baker

Contribution from Judy Jones email     (September 2003) Hello!  Just making a comment that William Wishere who donated the land to Richard Kilby was my ancestor. I was very interested to read the article about the house (Guelders). I knew that Mary Ann Wilsher had married John Kilby WILLIAM WILSHER, was baptised 22nd October,1767 with his brother, George in Sandridge. Parents were William Wilsher and Mary Goodman who married 1766 Sandridge. William was a single man of Ayot St. Lawrence when he married Susan George, single woman of Sandridge 26th November,1792 in Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. Susan GEORGE was baptised February, 1773 in Ayot St. Lawrence, the 5th child of John George and Elizabeth Harrison who married 27th April,1761 in Hatfield. William Wilsher was a farmer who died in 1836, aged 68 years. Susan Wilsher nee George lived to be 90 years old when she died in Wheathampstead in 1862. A son, William was born in 1793, but he died in 1803. MARY ANN WILSHER, their first daughter was baptised 14th February,1796 in Sandridge. She married John Kilby 22nd November,1821 in Wheathampstead.  John Kilby was a carpenter of Gustard Wood, Wheathampstead. Mary Ann and John Kilby had several children in Wheathampstead:- Henry (born26 Dec, 1822); Elizabeth (born 11 Sept1826); Sarah ( born16 July 1834); Alfred (born 25 June 1837) William's son, John Wilsher (sister to Mary Ann above) married Sarah Thrale in 1833 Wheathampstead. Their son, Thomas George Wilsher (Master Baker) married Eliza Jane Tindall 1863 Islington and their son, Thomas George Wilsher (Jr) (Confectioner and Baker) immigrated to Australia when he was only 20yrs old and married his sweetheart, Mary Brock Billows in 1885 Melbourne. T G Wilsher Jr sang in the choir at St Alban's Cathedral. I'm sure that he met his future wife there. Mary Brock Billows was Dorset born, but after her father died of cholera in Calcutta, India, installing gas lighting for the city, the family moved to Southampton and eventually London. As an aside, my aunt, Grace Thiele, has a locket containing a sample of hair which belonged to Sarah George, Susan George's sister.  Susan's sister, Sarah GEORGE married George Reeve 11 Feb 1793 in Wheathampstead. She had a son George, in 1794 at Watford where they were living. Sarah died 14 Jan, 1796 at the age of 26 years and was buried in Sandridge on the 18th Jan, 1796. Aunt Grace Thiele has a locket of braided hair with the inscription Sarah Reeve 14 Jan 1796, 26 years. Hope you can use some of this information to add to the interest of the house, Guelders.

If you have any information related to these families please contact us Brian Joyce

1851 Census
Wilsher at Wheathampstead Village
John Wilsher, Mar, 40, Carpenter b Sandridge
Sarah Wilsher, wife, 35 b Whstd (nee Thrale)
William, son, unm 16, Apr Grocer, all children b Whstd
Sarah dau 14, Appr Bonnet Sewer
Thomas, son, 11 scholar
John, son, 8 scholar

Wilshire at Gustard Wood:
William Wilshire, Mar, 42 Cow Man b St. Pauls Walden
Frances Wilshire, wife, 47, b Beds (nee Bailey)

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Wren

Joseph WREN was born in 1747-48 in Hertfordshire, possibly in Wheathampstead as youngest child of John WREN and Sarah GODMAN, who married in Wheathampstead in 1723. Their known children were John (1724), Elizabeth (1729), Sarah (1736) and William (1742).  Joseph Wren was a wheelwright. He was buried in 1824 in Kimpton aged 76.

Joseph Wren married Sarah Hawkins in 1769 in Redbourne. Sarah HAWKINS (daughter of Francis HAWKINS and Mary WOODSTOCK) was born in 1749 in Wheathampstead. Her parents married there in 1742 and their other children were Francis (1743), Mary (1747) and Thomas (1752).  Sarah was buried in 1816 in Kimpton, aged 64, J.Douton, Curate of Wheathampstead, officiating.

Joseph Wren and his wife Sarah moved to Kimpton where they had the following children: Ann (1770), Sarah (1772), Joseph (1773), William (1776), Sarah (1778) and possibly Sarah (1801).

Next Generation - Joseph Wren (wheelwright) moved to Luton, married Sarah Smart in 1795, and had the following children in Luton: William (1795), Ann (1797), Thomas 1799), Henrietta (1803), John 1805, George (1807), Frederick (1809), James (1811), Amos (1816) and Mary (1818).

Next Generation - William Wren married Mary Currant in 1815 in Luton, moved to Kimpton and had the following children in Kimpton: Elizabeth, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John and Emma.

Next Generation - Matthew Wren (wheelwright/coachbuilder) married Ann Clark in 1839 in Kimpton and had the following children in Kimpton: William, Anne, John and Thomas.

Next Generation - Thomas Wren married Louisa Emily Coleman in 1873 in Kimpton, moved to Wheathampstead and had the following children in Wheathampstead: Rose E (1876), Ella Augusta (1878), William Matthew (1880), Maud May (1884), Harold Hugh (1885), Cyril Vivian (1886), Hubert Oscar (1889) and Eric Victor (1890).

Thomas Wren was a wheelwright and coachbuilder next to The Bull in High Street, Wheathampstead. He was still there in 1901 with his second wife Adela.

Thomas was born in 1849 in Kimpton, the son of Matthew Wren (wheelwright and coachbuilder) and Ann Clark, and g-g-grandson of Joseph Wren (wheelwright) and Sarah Hawkins, and seems to have been the only one of all the relations to move [back] to Wheathampstead. His wife Louisa Emily was born in 1852 in Kimpton, the daughter of William Coleman, brewer.  Haven't yet traced the known children of John Wren and Sarah Godman who were born in Wheathampstead, but I have traced some of my Kimpton and Luton Wren descendants if there are any interested connections out there.

Judith Wren Waterer,    email 
Sydney, Australia (descended from James Wren, b.1811, Luton)
contributed Dec 2003

1851 Census
Wren/Ren at High St.
William Ren, Mar 30 Ag Lab b Hatfield
Eliza Ren, wife, 28, straw plait b Whstd (nee Gathard)
Isabella, dau 6 scholar b Whstd
George, son, 5 scholar b Whstd
Betsy, dau, 1 b Whstd
Thomas Gathard, Father-in-law, Mar, 68, Ag Lab, b Whstd
Hannah Gathard, Mother-in-law, wife, 60, Washerwoman, b Whstd (nee Huntley)

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Wright  

I must say how intrigued I was to find that Wheathampstead has it's own website!  My Late father William James Wright was born there in 1920 and my grandparents kept the Walnut Tree pub from the late 1930`s until they retired in about the 1950`s The pub which was in Church Street opposite St Helen's  and the school is now a private house.  I have done lots of research into the Wright family whom I have traced back to the 17th century.  I believe that most of the Wrights still living in the village are of the same family but sadly I have never met any of them!  

John Wright, my great great great great grandfather was born in the village in 1734 but moved to Kimpton where he farmed at Barleybeans farm where he died in 1797.  Barleybeans still exists near Peter`s Green just north of Kimpton.  His son James moved to Gustard Wood and his youngest son George was my great great grandfather. James was pardoned in 1839 after being sentenced to 15 years transportation for assaulting the curate of Wheathampstead: he was pardoned because of his age (72 years!) and health.  George was caught poaching in Brocket Park in 1870 for which he received a severe sentence.  He died at Gustard Wood in 1875 aged only 57 after falling off a ladder!   His  middle son James, my great-grandfather lived all his adult life on Wheathampstead Hill where he died in 1941 aged 91.  I would love to know what became of his elder brother Daniel who was also brought up at Gustard Wood but disappeared between 1861 and 1871 - maybe he emigrated.  His eldest brother Frederick ran the nurseries opposite the Cross Keys at Gustard Wood and I believe was  a member of the first parish council in 1895.   

[paragraph added 2/2/2002]  My great grandfather was actually buried on 22 March 1941 aged 91. His monument is in St Helen`s churchyard about half way along and on the left of the footpath from Church Street. There are of course many other Wrights there, including Fred the `cucumber king` and Fred jnr.  I have recently, also purchased a copy of the book on Gustard Wood. This mainly consists of letters from Bert Russell to Amy Coburn. Bert was the son of my great grandfather`s sister who married into the Russell family.  Her husband farmed at Astridge Farm at Gustard Wood and his brother ran the Cross Keys; his father, The Old Plough (closed long ago).

My grandfather Albert Wright who kept the Walnut Tree was fortunate to survive the First World War.  He was wounded in France and taken prisoner.  His two brothers Leonard and George also survived.  I would love to hear from any members of my family or anyone that knows them. 

[paragraph added 11/2/2003]  Does anyone in the village know what became of Sheila Wright? She married a Dennis Pawley, printer from St Albans, so she may have gone to live there.  Also I wonder if Lorna Rowe is still about. She ran the greengrocers in the High Street. I remember her well, as my father and I often used to see her if we called into the Bell and Crown where she enjoyed a lunchtime tipple.  I believe she ended up in sheltered housing in Brewhouse Hill (- Sparrow House?)

My detailed family history

Keith Wright, Poole Dorset.  email       

Memories of Hazel Wright

1851 Census
Wright at Gustard Wood:
Robert Wright, Mar, 42, Ag Lab b Whstd
Ann Wright, wife, 51, plait, b Whstd (nee Parkins)
With Benjamin & Martha Reed and son

Wright at Marshalls Heath:
William Wright, Mar, 59, Ag Lab b Kimpton
Sophia Wright, wife 52 b Flamstead
Charles, son unm 22, Ab lab bWhstd
David, son unm 19, Ag lab b Whstd
George, son 9 b Whstd

Wright at Cold Arbour:
Page 209

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Parish Council 1895

The first Wheathampstead Parish Council met on 2nd January 1895 and comprised:
John Chennells, Owen William Davys, John Nash, George Titmuss, Frederick Wright, Owen Odell, Robert Smith, Apsley Cherry Garrard, William Pearce, George Clark, Albert Howard and Henry Smith.

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1893 Cricket Team  

(match held 22 July on Nomansland.  Wheathampstead vs. Welwyn)

Players for Wheathampstead were :
J Titmuss, W Clark, J Bangs, C Wykes, F Wykes, J Collins, B Smith, G Temple, F hulks, W Batchelor, and A Warren.

Some of the family associations may have been Wykes (Station Master), Hulks (Grocer?), Batchelor (Baker's brother), Warren (Tailor), Bangs (Grocer at Marford).

Information provided by Win Deans.

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