THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE ARDINGLY MUDDLES

 

Chart of John & Mary Ann Muddle’s Family

 

John and Mary Ann’s eldest child was George Muddle who was born at Worth in Sussex, and baptised at St Nicholas’ Church in Worth on 31 January 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Bucklands in Cuckfield parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 17, was living with his parents at 3 Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe, and he was working as a farm labourer.

George was a brickmaker, and had formerly been in the 2nd Sussex Rifle Volunteers, when, at the age of 23 years and 10 months, he enlisted in the Scots Guards at Horse Guards in London on 25 October 1887 as Private 7830. He enlisted for 12 years; the first 3 years in Army Service and the following 9 years in the Army Reserve. His army records describe him as being 5ft 10in tall, weighing 144lbs, with a fresh complexion, grey eyes, light brown hair, and a chest measurement of 33¾in, which was below standard by 1¼in for his height, but he was otherwise fit. His only distinguishing mark was a mole above his left nipple. He had three vaccination marks on his left arm from being vaccinated as an infant, and he was re-vaccinated on the left arm with two vaccinations on 1st November.

George was stationed at Caterham from 27 October 1887; then at Windsor from 20 March 1888; and finally at London from 6 September 1888. While at London George was in hospital twice; the first time was for 12 days during May 1889 for a large contusion on his thigh sustained when he was knocked down whilst drunk; and the second time was for 9 days during December 1889 for a scalp wound sustained whilst off duty, which had to be sown-up. After having served for 2 years George was awarded 1d Good Conduct pay on 25 October 1889, and then after having served his 3 years in Army Service George was transferred to the Army Reserve on 25 October 1890. George went home and served his 9 years in the Army Reserve there; never being recalled for Army Service and being finally discharged on 24 October 1899.[1]

In the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age of 27, was living with his parents at Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe, and back working as a farm labourer. Then twenty months after returning home from army service George, at the age of 28, married 37-year-old widow and domestic servant Ellen Gander, whose maiden name was Malthouse, at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 25 June 1892. Ellen was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Malthouse; she had been born at Cuckfield in Sussex and her birth registered under the name Helen during the 3rd quarter of 1854. She had married William Gander in Cuckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1878 and William's death had been registered in Lewes registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1886. William and Ellen are thought to have probably been childless.

George and Ellen lived at Balcombe where they had two children, both sons, born in 1893 and 1898. George was finally discharged from the army on 24 October 1899 on termination of his 12-year period of engagement. In the census of 31 March 1901 George and Ellen were living at 13 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe with their two sons, and George was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 17 London Road in Balcombe with their two sons and George was now a general labourer. When his son Frederick married in 1920 George was described as being a gardener. George died on 13 July 1933 at the age of 69 (not 70 as given on his death certificate or 72 as given on his headstone), and he was buried in St Mary's Churchyard at Balcombe. Six years later Ellen died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Battle registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1939.

 

George and Ellen’s eldest child was George William Henry Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 29 October 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 George, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 13 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 George, now aged 17, was working as a general labourer and living with his parents at 17 London Road in Balcombe.

During the First World War George, at the age of 21, enlisted on 16 December 1914 as Private SD/2740 in the Royal Sussex Regiment. He was in the 13th Battalion of the regiment when he was discharged 3½ years later, on 19 July 1918, because he was unfit for further service due to the wounds he had received. For his service during the war George was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and British War Medal, and he also received the Silver War Badge that was issued to those soldiers who were discharge due to wounds or illness. There is a note on his medal card that Mr A J Hammer of Rockwood, Luton had written to the War Office on 18 July 1922 requesting George's address because he had found George's British War Medal; presumably he then returned it to George.[2]

When he was about 36 years old George married 30-year-old Grace Robinson/Robson Anderson in Cuckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1929. They lived at Balcombe where they had two children. They were living at Hope Cottage in Balcombe and George was a greengrocer until at least 1935 and probably until he died on 7 September 1947, at the age of 53. George was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe. Grace and her daughters moved to 2 Symonds Flats in Balcombe, where they are known to have been living when the daughters married in 1954 and 1955. Grace died when she was about 77 years old, her death being registered in Cuckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1976.

 

George and Ellen’s second child was Frederick John Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex on 10 March 1898, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 1 May 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 13 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Frederick, now aged 13, was living with his parents at 17 London Road in Balcombe and he was going to school.

During the First World War Frederick, eight days before his 18th birthday, enlisted on 2 March 1916 as Private 42873 in the Manchester Regiment. He served for just over two years and was discharged because of either wounds or sickness on 18 April 1918. For his service during the war Frederick was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal, and also the Silver War Badge that was issued to those soldiers who were discharged because of either wounds or sickness.[3]

Two years later Frederick was working as a painter when, at the age of 22, he married 22-year-old domestic servant Mary Victoria Squires at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 21 April 1920. They lived at Balcombe where they had two children born in 1921 and 1930. In 1921 Frederick was a poultry farmer, in 1930 he was a fitter and in 1941 he was a general labourer. Mary died at the age of 48, her death being registered in Cuckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1945. When his son William married in 1946 Frederick was described as being a master plumber.

Six years after Mary’s death Frederick, at the age of about 53, married 45-year-old Winifred Ada Cox in Cuckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1951. Winifred had been born on 29 May 1905. Winifred died at the age of 71, her death being registered in Southwark registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1976. Two years later Frederick died at the age of 80, his death being registered in Chichester registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1978.

 

John and Mary Ann’s second child was William Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex on 17 September 1866, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 28 October 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Bucklands in Cuckfield parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 14, was living with his parents at 3 Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe, and he was working as a farm labourer.

William was a gamekeeper when, at the age of 23, he married 25-year-old Eliza Constable at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 8 February 1890. Eliza was the daughter of Francis and Mary Constable; she had been born at Balcombe on 5 August 1864, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 25 September 1864. In the census of 5 April 1891 William and Eliza were living at Therlock Cottage in Balcombe and William was a gamekeeper. They then moved to White Waltham in Berkshire, where William was continuing to work as a gamekeeper, and where their first two children were born in 1896 and 1897. Their next move was to Marsh Baldon in Oxfordshire where their third child was born at about the end of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Dagland’s Lane in Marsh Baldon with their three children. William was continuing to work as a domestic gamekeeper, and they had 18-year-old gamekeeper Ashby Cuttell as a boarder.

The 1908 edition of Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire listed William Muddle as gamekeeper to Thomas Fenwick Harrison at Putteridge Park near Luton. In the census of 2 April 1911 William, Eliza and their three children were living at White Hall, Kings Walden, which is about 2½ miles east of Putteridge Park, and William was a gamekeeper on an estate. The 1914 edition of Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire listed William Muddle as gamekeeper to Thomas Fenwick Harrison at Kings Walden; William was probably gamekeeper at Thomas Fenwick Harrison's home, The Bury at Kings Walden, with its 290 acres of parkland.

They presumably later moved back to Balcombe as Eliza died in Cuckfield registration district on 16 January 1947, at the age of 82, and she was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe. Eight years later William died on 3 March 1955 in South-East Surrey registration district, at the age of 88, and he was buried with his wife in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

William and Eliza’s eldest child was Francis William John Muddle who was born at White Waltham in Berkshire, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe in Sussex on 26 April 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Francis, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Dagland’s Lane, Marsh Baldon, Oxfordshire. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Francis, now aged 15, was working as a domestic gardener and living with his parents at White Hall, Kings Walden, Hertfordshire.

During the First World War Francis served as Private 20705 in the Bedfordshire Regiment. For his war service Francis was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[4]

When he was 26 years old Francis married 26-year-old Mary Ann Darton in Hitchin registration district in Hertfordshire during the 4th quarter of 1922. Mary's birth had been registered in Royston registration district in Hertfordshire during the 2nd quarter of 1896. Francis and Mary had one child born in Hitchin registration district in 1925. The Kelly's Directory of Hertfordshire for 1933 listed Mrs Mary Ann Muddle as a farmer at Wellbury Farm in Offley near Hitchin in Hertfordshire.

Mary died at the age of 67, her death being registered in Luton registration district in Bedfordshire during the 4th quarter of 1963. Two years later Francis died at the age of 69, his death being registered in Luton registration district in Bedfordshire during the 4th quarter of 1965.

 

William and Eliza’s second child was Edith Mary Muddle who was born at White Waltham in Berkshire, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1897 In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Dagland’s Lane, Marsh Baldon, Oxfordshire. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, now aged 13, was going to school and living with her parents at White Hall, Kings Walden, Hertfordshire.

When she was 25 years old Edith married 30-year-old Charles David Cumper in Hitchin registration district in Hertfordshire during the 1st quarter of 1923. Charles was the son of Abraham and Mary Ann Cumper; he had been born at Albury in Surrey and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1892. Charles and Edith had two children born in Hitchin registration district in 1923 and 1926.

Charles died at the age of 74, his death being registered in Hitchin registration district during the 1st quarter of 1967. Three years later Edith died at the age of 73, her death being registered in Kidderminster registration district in Worcestershire during the 4th quarter of 1970.

 

William and Eliza’s third child was Ivy Constable Muddle who was born at Marsh Baldon in Oxfordshire on 17 December 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ivy, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents at Dagland's Lane, Marsh Baldon, Oxfordshire. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Ivy, now aged 10, was going to school and living with her parents at White Hall, Kings Walden, Hertfordshire.

When she was about 27 years old Ivy married Frederick Harry Bennett, who was about 31, in Dartford registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1928. Frederick had been born in Marylebone registration district in London on 12 March 1897. Frederick and Ivy had one child born in Dartford registration district later in 1928.

Frederick died when he was just on 91 years old, his death being registered in Wolverhampton registration district in Staffordshire during January 1988. Later that year Ivy died when she was just on 88 years old, her death being registered in Wolverhampton registration district during December 1988.

 

John and Mary Ann’s third child was John Muddle who was born at Worth in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 28 February 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 John, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Bucklands in Cuckfield Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 John, now aged 12, was living with his parents at 3 Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 John, at the age of 22, was still living with his parents at Gibbs Cottages, but now working as a farm labourer.

John was a stockman when, at the age of 25, he married 21-year-old domestic servant Harriet Mary Rapley at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 24 November 1894. Harriet was the daughter of Henry and Rosina Rapley, and she had been baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 31 August 1873. John and Harriet lived at Balcombe where they had five children born between 1895 and 1908, and where by 1900 John had changed from being a farm labourer to being a gardener. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 11 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe with their then three children; John was working as a domestic gardener and they had 16-year-old bricklayer's labourer Jasper Streeter as a boarder. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe with their five children and John was continuing to work as a domestic gardener. The 1911 and 1915 editions of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed John Muddle of Balcombe as head gardener to Lieut. Col. Lord F J FitzRoy J.P. John was still working as a head gardener when his daughter Amy married in 1920.

John died at the age of 69, his death being registered in Horsham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1938. Twenty-nine years later Harriet died at the age of 94, her death being registered in Horsham registration district during the 4th quarter of 1967.

 

John and Harriet’s eldest child was Amy Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex on 25 August 1895, and baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 29 September 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Amy, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 11 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Amy, now aged 15, was living with her parents at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe.

When she was 25 years old Amy married 23-year-old police constable Robert Edward Trickey at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 28 August 1920. Robert was the son of John James and Hannah Trickey; he had been born at Fulham in London and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1897. Robert and Amy had three children; the first was born in Edmonton registration district in London in 1923, the second in Petworth registration district in Sussex in 1926 and the third in Farnham registration district in Surrey in 1928. Robert died at the age of 35, his death being registered in Aldershot registration district in Hampshire during the 4th quarter of 1932.

Twelve years after Robert's death Amy, at the age of 49, married Alfred C West in Aldershot registration district during the 4th quarter of 1944. Amy died when she was just on 78 years old, her death being registered in South-Western Surrey registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1973.

 

John and Harriet’s second child was Edith Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 31 October 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at 11 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, now aged 13, was living with her parents at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe.

When she was 27 years old Edith married 25-year-old sailor Bertie Charles Keen at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 11 April 1925. Bertie was the son of William George and Edith Keen; he had been Balcombe on 7 September 1899. Bertie and Edith had two children born in Cuckfield registration district in Sussex in 1926 and 1928.

Edith died when she was just on 57 years old, her death being registered in Horsham registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1954. Sixteen years later Bertie died at the age of 70, his death being registered in Horsham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1970.

 

John and Harriet’s third child was Lily Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex on 11 April 1900, and baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 27 May 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lily, at the age of 11 months, was living with her parents at 11 Balcombe Lane in Balcombe. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Lily, now aged 10, was living with her parents at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe and she was going to school.

When she was 22 years old Lily married 25-year-old James Charles Tomlins in Cuckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1922. James was the son of John and Katherine Tomlins and he had been born at Chelsea in London on 5 August 1897. James and Lily had one child born in Cuckfield registration district in 1923.

James died at the age of 77, his death being registered in Cuckfield registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1975. Eleven years later Lily died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Haywards Heath registration district in Sussex during January 1986.

 

John and Harriet’s fourth child was John Henry Muddle, known as Jack, who was born at Balcombe in Sussex on 11 October 1903, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 29 November 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 John, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe and he was going to school. When he was 46 years old John married 37-year-old widow Agnes Miller McLeod Tullett, whose maiden name was Slaven, in Horsham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1950. Agnes had been born on 23 October 1912. John and Agnes were living at 172 Ifield Road in Crawley when their only child was born in 1951, and John was then working as a labourer. John died at the age of 65, his death being registered in South-West Surrey registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1969. Twenty-seven years later Agnes died at the age of 83, her death being registered in Crawley registration district in Sussex during April 1996.

 

John and Harriet’s fifth child was Charles Ernest Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 23 February 1908. In the census of 2 April 1911 Charles, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Brickyard Cottage, Forest Farm, Balcombe. When he was 30 years old Charles married 28-year-old Edith May Luner in Hailsham registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1938. Edith had been born on 5 May 1910. They had three children, the first was born in Brighton registration district in 1943 and the other two were born in Horsham registration district in 1945 and 1947. When their first child was baptised in 1943 they were living at 36 East Park in Crawley and Charles was a steward at the golf club, and then when their second child was baptised in 1945 they were living at 47 East Park in Crawley and Charles was in the RAF. After the war in February 1947 Charles was appointed a postman at Crawley.[5] Edith died at the age of 92, her death being registered in West Surrey registration district during October 2002.

 

John and Mary Ann’s fourth child was Harry Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 27 August 1871. Harry died at Balcombe when only seven months old, and he was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe on 12 March 1872.

 

John and Mary Ann’s fifth child was Edwin James Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 18 May 1873. Edwin died at Balcombe when only a year old, and he was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe on 6 March 1874.

 

John and Mary Ann’s sixth child was Alfred Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 23 January 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at 3 Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, now aged 16, was still living with his parents at Gibbs Cottages, but now working as a farm labourer.

Alfred was working as a porter for tobacconists Newton and Tuck at 114 London Road in Brighton, Sussex and living at 26 Scarborough Road in Brighton when he enlisted at London on 12 February 1897 as Private 1473 in the Militia Medical Staff Corps for a term of six years. He was then 22 years old but gave his age as 18½. Alfred was then described as 5ft 6¼ins tall, weighed 126lbs, had a 35ins fully expanded chest, fair complexion, grey eyes, black hair, a red birth mark on his right thigh, and a mole on the left of his neck. On enlisting Alfred did 49 days drill and was present for annual training in 1897, 1898 and 1899. During this time he received 63 days instruction, was attested for the Militia Reserve on 28 July 1898 and promoted to Corporal on 4 July 1899.

Alfred was embodied (called up for active service) on 13 November 1899 and joined the Special Service Section for service abroad with the Regular Forces on 1 January 1900. He arrived in South Africa during February 1900 to serve in the Boer War but was later invalided home and on 31 December 1900 he was released from engagement with the Special Service Section and reverted to ordinary engagement. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 26, was a Corporal in the R.A.M.C. (Royal Army Medical Corps) and a visitor at Cuffs Cottages in Worth where his widowed mother was housekeeper for Henry Baker. Then on 14 May 1901 Alfred was transferred to the R.A.M.C. Depot for service aboard with the Regular Forces and arrived at Port Elizabeth in South Africa on 29 June 1901.

Alfred was at No 5 Stationary Hospital in Bloemfontein from 4 to 16 July 1901 and then at No 3 Stationary Hospital at Middelburg from 18 July 1901. He later served with No 20 Stationary Hospital and then at The General Hospital in Pretoria. He was reduced to the ranks as a Private on 11 September 1901 and then on 31 July 1902 he was given a War Gratuity of £5. For his service during the Boer War Alfred was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal. This medal with its three clasps was issued on 4 March 1902 and a subsequent medal roll of 26 January 1903 recorded that Alfred was also entitled to clasps for South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902. He was disembodied (discharged from active service) on 6 January 1903 and then on 11 February 1903, having completed his six year term of service, he was discharged from the militia.[6]

Then just ten days after his discharge, when he was 28 years old, Alfred married 18-year-old Louisa Matilda Manuel at St Michael’s Church, Bromley, London, on 21 February 1903. They were both then living at 11 St Leonard’s Avenue in Bromley and Alfred was working as a groom. Louisa was the daughter of Frederick Elisha and Louisa Manuel; she had been born at Poplar in London and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1884.

Alfred and Louisa first lived at Romford in Essex where they had at two children born in 1904 and 1905. Then they moved to West Ham in Essex where they had three more children born in 1908, 1910 and 1916. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 171 Grange Road, Plaistow, West Ham with their then four children; Alfred was working as a loader on the London and North Western Railway, and they had Louisa's mother living with them. During the First World War Alfred served as Sergeant 27 in the R.A.M.C., and for his war service he was awarded one campaign medal, the British War Medal.[7]

When his five children married between 1927 and 1939, Alfred was described as being a checker. Louisa died at the age of 47, her death being registered in West Ham registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1932. Thirteen years later Alfred died at the age of 70, his death being registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 3rd quarter of 1945.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s eldest child was Gladys Ada Muddle who was at Romford in Essex and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1904. In the census of 2 April 1911 Gladys, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 171 Grange Road, Plaistow, West Ham, Essex and she was going to school.

When she was 22 years old Gladys married 22-year-old George David Norman at St Matthew's Church in Canning Town, West Ham, Essex (now part of London) on 19 February 1927. They were both then living with Gladys' parents at 171 Grange Road, George was a salesman and Gladys was a cashier. George was the son of William and Mary Norman; he had been born at Hornsey, Edmonton, London and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1904.

George and Gladys had two children born in West Ham registration district in 1929 and 1933. George died at the age of 54, his death being registered in Romford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1959. Eight years later Gladys died at the age of 62, her death being registered in Havering registration district in Essex during the 1st quarter of 1967.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s second child was Alfred Charles Elisha Muddle who was born at Romford in Essex on 16 June 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 171 Grange Road, Plaistow, West Ham, Essex.

When he was 24 years old Alfred married 23-year-old Doris Annie Clarke at St John’s Church, Stratford, Essex, on 6 July 1929. Alfred was then an accountant living at 111 Grange Road, Plaistow, Essex, and Doris was living at 42 Vernon Road, Stratford. Doris was the daughter of Ernest and Annie Clarke; she had been born at Plaistow, West Ham, Essex on 1 February 1906. The 13 September 1929 edition of The Essex Chronicle reported on the Labour Party's flower show held at Porte Belle Meadow in Harold Wood, Essex on Saturday 7 September 1929, where music was provided by the Romford Silver Band, one of whose members was A C Muddle. Alfred and Doris had one child born West Ham registration district in Essex during 1934. They were listed in the London Telephone Directory of 1953 as living at 65 Colvin Gardens, Barkingside, Essex.

Alfred died when about 72 years old, his death being registered in Chelmsford registration district in Essex during the 2nd quarter of 1977. Fifteen years later Doris died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Brentwood registration district in Essex during January 1992.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s third child was William Ernest Muddle who was born on 16 January 1908 in West Ham registration district in Essex.

When he was 31 years old William married 30-year-old Olive Isabella Monk at St Chad's Church in Chadwell Heath near Romford in Essex on 5 August 1939. They were both then living at 15 Creighton Gardens, Crow Lane, Chadwell Heath, and William was working as an insurance agent. Olive was the daughter of Albert and Catherine Monk; she had been born at Plaistow, West Ham, Essex on 13 July 1909. William and Olive had two children born in about 1939 and 1941, these children were not registered in England and Wales, so they may have been born in Scotland or they were adopted. William was still an insurance agent when his daughters married in 1961 and 1964.

William died at the age of 69, his death being registered in Southend-on-Sea registration district in Essex during the 3rd quarter of 1977. Seventeen years later Olive died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Southend-on-Sea registration district during August 1994.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s fourth child was Herbert Elisha Muddle who was born at Plaistow, West Ham, Essex and his birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 Herbert, at the age of 3 months, was living with his parents at 171 Grange Road, Plaistow, West Ham, Essex. On 10 July 1928 Herbert was appointed a postman for the GPO's London Postal Service East Central Section, and then two years later in July 1931 Herbert was appointed a sorter for the London Postal Service Eastern Section.[8]

When he was 27 years old Herbert married 24-year-old Rosina Charlotte Jessup at Holy Trinity Church in Stepney, London, on 20 November 1937. Herbert was then a Post Office sorter living at 9 Maidman Street in Stepney, and Rosina was a cigarette packer living at 16 Emmott Street in Stepney. Rosina was the daughter of William Joseph Jessup and she had been born in Mile End Old Town in London on 1 March 1913. Herbert and Rosina had two children born in West Ham registration district in 1939 and 1952.

Herbert died at the age of 47, his death being registered in South-West Essex registration district during the 4th quarter of 1957. Thirty-five years later Rosina died at the age of 79, her death being registered in Waltham Forest registration district in Essex during October 1992.

 

Alfred and Louisa’s fifth child was Violet Louisa Muddle who was born in West Ham registration district in Essex on 24 June 1916.

When she was 23 years old Violet married 23-year-old George Frederick Stoner at St John's Church in Havering-atte-Bower near Romford in Essex on 30 September 1939. Violet was then living at 6 Victoria Avenue in Havering-atte-Bower and George, who was a laundry worker, was living at 143 Clock House Lane in Havering-atte-Bower. George was the son of William Stoner and he had been born in West Ham registration district on 5 May 1916. George and Violet had two children born in Romford registration district in 1944 and 1949.

Violet died at the age of 75, her death being registered in Havering registration district in Essex during December 1991. Four years later George died at the age of 79, his death being registered in Havering registration district during February 1996.

 

John and Mary Ann’s seventh child was Ernest Edward Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary's Church in Balcombe on 27 May 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ernest, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 3 Gibbs Cottages in Balcombe. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, now aged 13, was working as a farm labourer and still living with his parents at Gibbs Cottages.

Ernest had been working as a porter and living at 52 Jarvis Road, South Croydon, Surrey when, at the age of 22, he enlisted at Croydon on 1 March 1899 for 7 years army service followed by 5 years in the army reserve, as Private 4397 in the 1st Dragoon Guards. He was then described as 5ft 8¾ins tall, weighed 142lbs, with a 36½ins fully expanded chest, fresh complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He joined the 1st Dragoon Guards at Dublin on 3 March 1899 and was appointed a Lance Corporal on 24 December 1900. The Boer War resulted in him embarking for South Africa on 8 January 1901 where he was granted 1d Good Conduct pay on 1 March 1901 and then reverted to Private on 16 June 1901. He was appointed am unpaid Lance Corporal on 25 April 1903 and after 2 years and 10 months in South Africa he arrived back in Britain on 15 November 1903. For his service during the Boer War Ernest was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.[9] Two days after arriving in Britain, on 17 November 1903, Ernest was appointed a paid Lance Corporal and on 1 March 1904 he was granted his 2nd Good Conduct Badge. He was promoted to Corporal on 11 March 1905 and then after completing his 7 years army service he was transferred to the army reserve on 1 March 1906.

When he was 31 years old Ernest married 33-year-old Frances Jane Allen at Christ Church in Layton, Essex on 29 April 1908. They were both then living at 167 Ashville Road in Layton and Ernest was a police constable. Frances was the daughter of Henry Thomas and Mary Allen; she had been born at Stratford in Essex and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1874. On the 30 September 1910 Ernest applied to serve an additional five years in the army reserve, to run from 1 March 1911. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ernest and Frances were living at 182 Ash Road in Saltley, Birmingham, Warwickshire and Ernest was a detective on the London and North Western Railway. Ernest and Frances had three children born in Aston near Birmingham in 1911, 1913 and 1915.

The First World War resulted in Ernest, at the age of 37, being mobilised from the reserve on 5 August 1914. He was posted as a Corporal in the 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment on 22 August 1914 and appointed an Acting Sergeant on 4 September 1914. Then on 22 October 1915 he was drafted as an Acting Sergeant in the 1st King's Dragoon Guards of the Indian Expeditionary Force and embarked for France the same day. He returned to England on 16 February 1916 and was posted to the Scottish Cavalry Depot where he was discharged on 29 February 1916, having completed the 17 years for which he had applied to serve.

Ernest was living at 77 Farndon Road in Saltley, Birmingham when he was called up on 7 February 1917 for further service during the First World War as Private GS/22289 in the Cavalry, and for some reason he was deemed to have enlisted on 24 June 1916. He was posted as a Sergeant in the 1st Reserve Cavalry Regiment at the Scottish Cavalry Depot in Dunbar on 11 February 1917. Then on 27 February 1917 he was attached as a Sergeant to the Machine Gun Corps at Uckfield in Sussex and on 12 May 1917 transferred to the Machine Gun Corps. He was posted as a Sergeant to the Lothian & Border Horse on 23 July 1917 and then discharged to the reserve on 21 April 1919, when his home address was still 77 Farndon Road, Saltley. For his service during the war Ernest was awarded three campaign medals, the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1915 Star. Ernest was awarded an army pension of 15d per day from 1 December 1919 that was increased to £31 19s 4d per year on 1 December 1946.[10]

When his son Arthur married in 1937 Ernest was described as being a timekeeper, and then when his other two sons married in 1939 and 1940 he was described as being a commissionaire. Ernest died at the age of 72, his death being registered in Birmingham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1949. Thirteen years later Frances died at the age of 87, her death being registered in Birmingham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1962.

 

Ernest and Frances’ eldest child was Ernest William Muddle who was born on 9 May 1911 in Aston registration district in Warwickshire. When he was 28 years old Ernest married 30-year-old Lily Clarke at Emmanuel Parish Church, Birmingham, Warwickshire, on 29 July 1939. Ernest was then an engineer living at 13 Anoell Road, Sparkhill, Birmingham, and Lily was an upholsteress living at 31 Braithwaite Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham. Lily was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Clarke, and she had been born at Birmingham on 10 January 1909. Ernest and Lily didn't have any children.

Ernest died at the age of 68, his death being registered in Sandwell registration district in Staffordshire during the 4th quarter of 1979. Five years later Lily died at the age of 75, her death being registered in Sandwell registration district in Staffordshire during August 1984.

 

Ernest and Frances’ second child was Henry John Muddle who was born on 26 March 1913 in Aston registration district in Birmingham, Warwickshire. When he was 27 years old Henry married 19-year-old Edna Elizabeth Goodall at Bloxwich Parish Church in Walsall, Staffordshire, on 21 December 1940. Henry was then an assistant dispatch manager living at 551 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham, and Edna was a clerk living at 728 Reeves Street, Bloxwich. Edna was the daughter of James Goodall and she had been born in Cannock registration district in Staffordshire on 21 December 1921. Henry and Edna had three children born in Walsall registration district in 1947, 1948 and 1953.

Henry died at the age of 76, his death being registered in Birmingham registration district in Warwickshire during January 1990. Twenty-two years later Edna died when she was about 81 years old, her death being registered in Walsall registration district during December 2002.

 

Ernest and Frances’ third child was Arthur Vernon Muddle whose birth was registered in Aston registration district in Birmingham, Warwickshire during the 4th quarter of 1915. When he was 22 years old Arthur married 21-year-old Alice Louisa Newman at St Peter & St Paul Church in Aston on 11 December 1937. Ernest was then working as a selector and living at 136 Miristed Road, Erdington, Birmingham, and Alice was living at 150 Brantley Road, Aston. Alice was the daughter of Arthur Edwin Newman and she had been born in Aston registration district in Warwickshire on 7 October 1916. Arthur and Alice had one child born in Birmingham registration district in 1943.

Arthur died at the age of 52, his death being registered in Birmingham registration district in Warwickshire during the 2nd quarter of 1968. Eleven years later Alice died at the age of 62, her death being registered in Birmingham registration district in Warwickshire during the 3rd quarter of 1979.

 

John and Mary Ann’s eighth child was Charles Albert Muddle who was born at Balcombe in Sussex, and baptised at St Mary’s Church in Balcombe on 27 April 1884. Charles died at Balcombe when only three years old, and he was buried in St Mary’s Churchyard at Balcombe on 25 February 1888.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2005-2013

Last updated 4 February 2013