THE MUDDLE FAMILIESTHE LINEAGE & HISTORY OF THE MUDDLE FAMILIES OF THE WORLD INCLUDING VARIANTS MUDDEL, MUDDELL, MUDLE & MODDLE |
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Joseph & Sarah Muddle's Family
Joseph Muddle married Sarah Gaston, who was also known as Sally, at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 3 November 1823. They had fifteen children, born at High Hurstwood between 1824 and 1849, four of whom died young. In the census of 6 June 1841 Joseph was an farm labourer, he was probably working on his father's farm, and he was living with his wife and eight of their children in one part of Browns Nest at High Hurstwood; the other part of Browns Nest was occupied by Joseph's parents together with his brother William's family and Joseph's son Charles.
When Joseph's father died on 16 July 1843, his mother having died the year before, Joseph and his brother William were to have been the executors of their father's will, but William had died earlier that year which left Joseph as sole executor. The will stated that Joseph was to inherit Greystones and William was to inherit Browns Nest, but if William was dead Browns Nest was to go to William's sons, John and Charles, with the proviso that if they died without legitimate issue before the age of 21 Browns Nest was to pass to Joseph. It seems that Joseph tried to cheat his nephews out of their inheritance; they were only aged 9 and 6 when their grandfather died, and their mother was probably ill as she died in June 1844. For at the Court of the Manor of Framfield held on 19 June 1844 Joseph got himself admitted, on payment of 16s 6d, to both Greystones and Browns Nest, except for the separate tenement consisting of land of 12 perches and hop garden of 12 perches that was part of Browns Nest, by making out that the main tenement of Browns Nest was part of Greystones, and presenting the court with an extract of his father's will that stated that he was to inherit Greystones but did not mention the inheritance of Browns Nest. This deceit was probably helped by the fact that the manorial court description of Greystones gave its area as 17 acres but the will stated 20 acres, which was nearer the true area, but enabled Joseph to include the area of Browns Nest as part of what his father's will called Greystones. At the same court of the 19 June 1844 Joseph took another mortgage from Benjamin Minns the younger of £90 at 5% interest on his now combined properties of Greystones and Browns Nest, the original mortgage of £210 from Benjamin Minns having been taken out by Joseph's father on just Greystones and inherited by Joseph with this property. This mortgage of £90 was probably so that he could pay £50 to his sister Mary that was a condition of inheriting Greystones, and £40 to his sister Dorothy that was a condition of inheriting Browns Nest. Of the additional tenement that was part of Browns Nest, Dorothy Booker, Joseph's sister, at a court in 1846 was admitted to the part on which she had built a house and was her rightful inheritance, except that possibly due to the way the will was worded, she was admitted to land of 12 perches instead of a hop garden of 12 perches which was what she had actually built on. This left the manorial court still looking for someone to claim the hop garden of 12 perches, which seems to have been an oversight by Joseph in his deceit, and why he did not still claim it as part of his Greystones inheritance is not known. Then at the manorial court of the 16 June 1847 Joseph's nephews claimed it as part of their inheritance of Browns Nest, but how the court could accept the extract of the will then presented to them without querying the earlier admission by Joseph is difficult to understand. At the same court Joseph and his sister Dorothy Booker were made guardians of their nephews John and Charles. Then three years later it seems that Joseph's deceit was found out, and at the Court of the Manor of Framfield held on 14 November 1850 Joseph had to surrender Browns Nest to his nephews John and Charles Muddle, its rightful heirs, and he had to sell Greystones to Joseph Martin a farming bailiff of Buxted for £300, which enabled him to payoff the two mortgages of £210 & £90 that he had on the combined properties of Greystones and Browns Nest, now that he no longer had Browns Nest as security for the second mortgage. It has been assumed that all this was deliberate deceit on the part of Joseph, with the possible help of his sister Dorothy, but it might just be the result of illiterate people trying to deal with legal matters!
In the census of 30 March 1851 Joseph was described as a farmer of 25 acres, and he was living at Browns Nest together with his wife, seven of their children, and his late brother William's orphan son Charles. So he must have been living at Browns Nest as a tenant of his nephews and still farming that and Greystones as a tenant farmer. In the 1855 Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties and the 1859 Post Office Directory of Sussex Joseph was listed as being a farmer at High Hurstwood Farm, presumably by this he was referring to the land that went with Browns Nest. In 1859 Joseph's nephews sold Browns Nest to Albert Henry Hills of London, but Joseph continued to live there. In the census of 7 April 1861 Joseph who was now described as a farmer of only 6 acres (he could no longer have been farming Greystones) was living in part of Browns Nest with his wife, four of their sons, and their daughter Harriet's illegitimate son Henry; the other part of Browns Nest was occupied by Joseph's son James and his wife. In the 1862 Post Office Directory of Sussex Joseph was again listed as being a farmer at High Hurstwood Farm. Joseph's wife Sarah died on 6 October 1864 at the age of 59 (not aged 58 as stated on her death certificate and in her burial record) from gangrene of the hand, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 11 October 1864. Joseph's daughter Harriet and her husband Henry Wilmshurst moved into Browns Nest sometime during the 1860s, either after their marriage in November 1863; or after Sarah's death, this also being about the time that Harriet's brother James and his family, who had been living at Browns Nest, moved away from High Hurstwood. Harriet would have looked after her father until his death, and it was her husband Henry Wilmshurst who registered his death. Joseph died on 22 April 1866 at the age of 66 (not 67 as given on his death certificate and in his burial record) of heart disease, and he was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 28 April 1866. The 1866 Post Office Directory of Sussex, probably based on information collected in 1865, again listed Joseph as being a farmer at High Hurstwood Farm. Harriet and her family continued to live at Browns Nest until sometime in the 1870s when its owner Albert Henry Hills took up residence there.
Their children were: John 1824-1891 Charles 1826-1904 Caroline 1828-1829 William 1830-1885 Sophia Anne 1831-1832 Sarah 1832-1903 Harriet 1834-1879 James 1835-1918 Walter 1837-1924 Joseph Richard 1838-1929 Henry 1840-1845 Adelaide 1842-1842 George David 1844-1929 Spencer 1846-1930 Albert 1849-1933
Joseph and Sarah’s eldest child was John Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 5 September 1824. In the census of 6 June 1841 John, at the age of 16, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. When he was 26 years old John married 22-year-old Hope Matilda Pratt at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 4 November 1850. John’s cousin Ann Faith Booker also married there on the same day. Hope was the daughter of James and Hope Pratt; she had been baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 2 November 1828, and she was a second cousin of the Henry Wilmshurst who was to marry John’s sister Harriet Muddle. In the census of 30 March 1851 John and Hope were living next-door to Hope's parents and near to Browns Nest in High Hurstwood, and John was working as a farm labourer. They had four children, three daughters and a son, and by the time their first child was born in 1855 they had moved to adjacent Rotherfield Parish where their second child was born in 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Sweethaws, which is to the south of Crowborough in Rotherfield Parish, with their then two children, Elizabeth and Alfred, and John was continuing to work as a farm labourer. They had moved to Frant Parish in Sussex by the time their third child was born in 1864 when John was working as a dairyman, and their fourth child was born there in 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Little Bayham in Frant Parish with their four children, and John was still a farm labourer. They had two lodgers, one of whom was John's younger brother George, who was soon to marry at Frant Church. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at the Peacock Beer House in Iden Green near Goudhurst in Kent with their three daughters, and John was now a farm labourer and beer house keeper. It seem likely that John had become the licensee at the Peacock sometime between September 1880 and the 1881 census because he was not mentioned in the Cranbrook Petty Sessions Publican's Licences that survive up to September 1880,[1] after which they are missing until December 1889. The 1882 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent listed John Muddle as a beer retailer at Goudhurst. In about 1884 John's brother George got employment on the Glassenbury Estate and together with his family moved from Tunbridge Wells to Glassenbury in Cranbrook Parish, which is only half a mile south of the Peacock at Iden Green. The 1884-85 edition of Pike's Weald of Kent & Romney Marsh Directory listed G Muddle as a beer retailer at the Peacock, Goudhurst, this is not thought to be John's brother George but an error that should have read J Muddle. It was probably in early 1888 when Amos Mercer took over from John as the licensee at the Peacock that John and his family moved to the Weald of Kent Arms at Hawkhurst in Kent. In April 1889 when their eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married they were recorded as living at Hawkhurst and John to be a publican. The 1891 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent listed John Muddle as a beer retailer in Hawkhurst. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at the Weald of Kent Arms, which stood at the junction of Cranbrook Road and Ockley Road in the Highgate area of Hawkhurst, and John was described as being a beer retailer. They now had their two youngest daughters living with them, who were working as barmaids, presumably for their father, and they also had 86-year-old widower Thomas Martin, who was a sweet seller, as a lodger. F V Hill had been the licensee of the Weald of Kent Arms in 1884, so it was definately sometime between then and 1889 that they had moved there from Iden Green. The Weald of Kent Arms had previously (1882 and before) been known as the Flying Horse Inn. During the Muddle family's time there it's thought that their beer came from the Lamberhurst Brewery of Smith & Simpson, who probably owned the premises. A wooden hut stood in the front garden of the pub, which was used as a shoe-repair shop by Alfred Archer, and travelling troupes of actors set up their theatres in the back garden of the pub.
John died at Highgate in Hawkhurst (presumably at the Weald of Kent Arms) on 21 December 1891, at the age of 67 (not 68 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in St Laurence’s Churchyard at Hawkhurst on 24 December 1891. Probate of John’s will, which valued his effects at £126 9s 6d, was granted on 1 March 1892 by the Principal Probate Registry in London to his widow, Hope Matilda, and his son-in-law, William Rofe.
In the census of 31 March 1901 Hope and her two youngest daughters were still at the Weald of Kent Arms, Hope having taken over from her late husband as the beer retailer. They also had 68-year-old widower George Gambrill living with them as their handyman. Kelly's Directory of Kent for 1903, which would have been compiled from information gathered in 1902, listed Mrs Matilda A Muddle as a beer retailer in Hawkhurst. This seems to indicate that Hope was at this time normally known by her second name of Matilda. Hope died at the Weald of Kent Arms in Hawkhurst on 2 July 1902, at the age of 73, and she was buried with her husband in St Laurence Churchyard on 7 July 1902. John and Hope’s grave is number 33 in row 9 on the right side of the churchyard, and it is marked by an inscribed headstone, which is now broken and lies flat on the grave, this part of the churchyard having been hit by a flying bomb during the Second World War. The inscription after John’s name is ‘Gone but not forgotten’, and that after Hope’s name is ‘Do not ask us if we miss her, there is such a vacant place, shall we ever forget her footstep, and her dear familiar face.’
John and Hope’s eldest child was Elizabeth Adelaide Muddle, known as Addie, who was born in Rotherfield Parish (probably at Sweethaws) in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 29 July 1855. In the census of 7 April 1861 Addie, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Sweethaws. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Addie, now aged 15, was living with her parents at Bayham in Frant, Sussex. In the census of 3 April 1881 Addie, at the age of 25, was living with her parents at the Peacock Beer House in Iden Green near Goudhurst in Kent. It was probably Addie who was the Miss Muddle, whose parents kept the Peacock Inn, who was in partnership was a Miss Spice in a dressmaking business at Goudhurst, with a workroom in Holly Villas opposite the Chequers Inn.[2] When she was 34 years old Elizabeth married 25-year-old William Rofe, known as Will, at St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook, Kent on 20 April 1889. At the time of their marriage Will was a labourer living at Cranbrook and Addie was living with her parents at Hawkhurst. Will was the son of Samuel and Sarah Rofe; he was born on 4 November 1863 at Turnden Cottage in Cranbrook, where his parents and grandparents had lived for many years; and he was baptised at St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook on 31 January 1864. Will and his brothers, and their father Samuel, all worked as labourers on the Glassenbury Estate, and the Peacock was the nearest pub to the Glassenbury Estate for them to quench their thirst. So this was probably where Will first met Addie and ended up marrying her a year after she moved with her parents to Hawkhurst.
Will and Addie had two children; the first was a daughter born at Cranbrook in early 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Cranbrook High Street with their baby daughter; Will was working as an estate labourer and Addie was a dressmaker working on her own account. They were still living in Cranbrook when their daughter was baptised on 7 June 1891, but later that year they moved to the Peacock Beer House at Iden Green, where Addie's father had been the licensee until early 1888; the Cranbrook Petty Sessions recorded that on 3 December 1891 the application by William Rofe of Goudhurst for a temporary licence at the Peacock was granted.[3] William had taken over the licence for the Peacock from Amos Mercer, who had 3½ years earlier taken over the licence from Addie's father, John Muddle. In 1892 when Will was one of the executors of the will of his father-in-law, John Muddle, he was described as being a licensed victualler. Will and Addie's second child, a son, was born at Goudhurst, presumably at the Peacock, in 1893. While licensee at the Peacock Will would still at times work on the Glassenbury estate; the accounts of his father as estate woodreeve record that on 10 April 1896 W Rofe was one of the members of a flaying team; flaying being the striping of bark from felled oak trees for use in tanning.
Will remained the licensee of the Peacock for about 6½ years; the Cranbrook Petty Sessions recorded on 2 June 1898 that the licence for the Peacock had been transferred from William Rofe to James Russell.[4] Will and his family had probably left the Peacock a bit before June because the Tonbridge Petty Sessions recorded that the licence for The Castle at Castle Hill in Brenchley, Kent had been transferred from George Card to William Rofe on 5 April 1898. The annual licensing meetings were held in August or September and Will's licence for The Castle was officially granted in September 1898 and then renewed on 22 August 1899 and 21 August 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Will and Addie were living at 16 Castle Hill in Brenchley with their two children, and William was a licensed victualler and general carrier working at home on his own account, so The Castle must have been at 16 Castle Hill. Will's licence for The Castle was renewed again on 27 August 1901.[5] The 1903 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent lists William Rofe as a carrier and publican at The Castle in Brenchley. After seven years at The Castle in Brenchley, Will was convicted in 1905 of permitting drunkenness on licensed premises and lost his licence. Will and Addie then took a lease on The Ashes in Matfield, which was a smallholding, dairy, bakery and general store. Will did the baking and ran the dairy and Addie kept the shop. Will also continued as a carrier, the Kelly's Directory of Kent for 1906 lists Carriers for Maidstone: William Rofe, Wednesday and Saturday. In 1911 May Rofe, the 13-year-old daughter of Will's brother Joe, came to live and work for them; she continued to work for them until their son returned home at the end of the First World War.
Their lease on The Ashes came to an end in 1924 and in 1925 Will and Addie moved with their son Sid and his wife and daughter to Tidebrook in Sussex where Sid had taken the licence of the Fountain Inn. Will is thought to have done some farming nearby while they all lived at the Fountain Inn. Their stay at Tidebrook was fairly short because Sid lost his licence on 11 January 1927 and returned with his wife and daughter to Brenchley. Will and Addie now moved to Will's old home, Turnden Cottage in Cranbrook, which had just been vacated by Will's nephew Jack and his wife. Will returned to work on the Glassenbury Estate, where his younger brother Jack had taken over from their father as woodreeve. The estate wages book for the period 1935-38 shows Will still working six days a week for 6/- a day, although by then he was well into his seventies. In 1935 Addie became seriously ill and her daughter-in-law, Florrie, took her to her home in Brenchley to nurse her and Addie died there on Christmas Day 1935. Widow Maud Eaton, who was the sister of Bell the wife of Will's brother Jack, now moved into Turnden Cottage to look after Will, and they were joined at the outbreak of war in 1939 by Will's brother Joe, who was keen to get away from the bombing in London. Will continued working in the local woods during the war, doing his bit for the war effort, even though he was now approaching 80. Will saw the war out by a few months, dying at Turnden Cottage on 23 February 1946, at the age of 82. His will left everything to his housekeeper, Maud Eaton, a practical woman that Will thoroughly approved of, whereas Will thought his money would be wasted on drink by his son Sid and trivial things by his flighty daughter-in-law Florrie. For more details of the lives and family of Will and Addie as remembered by those that knew them see the appendix 'The lives & family of Will & Addie Rofe'.
William and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Ethel Rofe who was born at Cranbrook in Kent on 13 February 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ethel, at the age of 1 month, was living with her parents in Cranbrook High Street. She was baptised at St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook on 7 June 1891. Later that year she moved with her parents to the Peacock Beer House at Iden Green in Goudhurst Parish, Kent. When she was 6 years old Ethel was admitted to St Mary's National School Infants on 14 June 1897, at the same time as her brother who was then 4½ years old.[6] They must have both been at the school for about a year because in mid-1898 they moved with their parents to The Castle at Castle Hill in Brenchley. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ethel, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 16 Castle Hill, Brenchley, Kent, and she was going to school. Then in 1905 Ethel moved with her parents to The Ashes in nearby Matfield where the following year she caught scarlet fever and died at the age of 15, her death being registered during the 4th quarter of 1906, and she was buried in Matfield Churchyard.
William and Elizabeth’s second child was Sidney Rofe, known as Sid, who was born at Goudhurst in Kent on 19 December 1892, almost certainly at the Peacock Beer House. He was baptised at St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook on 12 March 1893. When he was 4½ years old Sid was admitted to St Mary's National School Infants on 14 June 1897, at the same time as his sister who was then 6 years old. They must have both been at the school for about a year because in mid-1898 they moved with their parents to The Castle at Castle Hill in Brenchley. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sid, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 16 Castle Hill, Brenchley, Kent, and he was going to school. Then in 1905 Sid moved with his parents to The Ashes in nearby Matfield where after leaving school he worked for his parents. With the outbreak of the First World War, Sid, at the age of 21, joined the army as Private GS/7621 in the Royal West Kent Regiment; he was captured and spent much of the war as a prisoner in Germany where he was set to work on a farm. Sid was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[7] On his release and return to England at the end of the war Sid returned to working for his parents at The Ashes in Matfield. When he was 27 years old Sid married 26-year-old Florence Ruth Sidney, known as Florrie, at Brenchley during the 4th quarter of 1919. Florrie was the daughter of the Brenchley postmistress and Sid and Florrie lived with her in Brenchley where their daughter Fay was born in early 1921, while Sid continued to work for his parents at The Ashes in Matfield. His parent's lease on The Ashes came to an end in 1924 and in 1925 Sid took the licence of the Fountain Inn in Tidebrook, Sussex, and they moved there with Sid's parents. Sid lost his licence on 11 January 1927 and with his wife and daughter moved back to Brenchley while his parents moved to his father's old home in Cranbrook. Sid now returned to work at The Ashes in Matfield for Mr Burt the successor to Sid's parents. Then when the recession came Sid lost his job and became one of the unemployed. Sid finally found employment again in 1933 as a cowman at Pett in Sussex and moved there with Florrie and their daughter; where the following year their second daughter, Janette, was born. It was too quiet at Pett for Florrie and she returned with her two daughters to Brenchley leaving Sid in Pett. When Florrie visited her parents-in-law in 1934 she found her mother-in-law, Addie, desperately ill and took her home to nurse her until her death on Christmas Day that year. In 1937 Sid returned to Brenchley from Pett and went back to again work at The Ashes in Matfield, where the proprietor was now Cecil Bert. At the outbreak of the Second World War Sid, now 46, re-enlisted in the army, he was sent to France with the British Expeditionary Force and after their defeat he was evacuated from Le Havre rather than Dunkirk. He was then posted to Iceland but broke a leg en-route and after convalescing at home ended up posted to Sheffield. The rest of the family were at Middleton on Sea in Sussex during part of the war, but at the end of the war all the family ended up living at their old house in Brenchley. Sid now worked making chestnut fencing, and later canning peas for Smedley's at Paddock Wood. In 1960 they had a holiday in Eastbourne, where their daughter Fay was working, after which Sid stayed on working at the Grand Hotel while Florrie returned to Brenchley. In 1968 Sid was diagnosed as having cancer and he returned to Brenchley where he died during May 1969, at the age of 76. Florrie continued to live at Brenchley, though she died at Goring on Thames, where her daughter Fay was working, at the age of 88, her death being registered during the 2nd quarter of 1981.
John and Hope’s second child was Alfred Muddle who was born in Rotherfield Parish (probably at Sweethaws) in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 10 January 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Alfred, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Sweethaws. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Alfred, now aged 13, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Bayham in Frant, Sussex. When he was 20 years old (not 23 as given on the marriage certificate) Alfred married 30-year-old (not 27 as given on the marriage certificate) Ellen Andrews at St John the Evangelist Church in Willesden, Middlesex, on 29 May 1878. At the time of their marriage Alfred was a coachman living at Frant in Sussex, and Ellen was living at Kilburn in Middlesex. Ellen was the daughter of George and Charlotte Andrews; she had been born at Cranleigh in Surrey and baptised at St Nicholas Church in Cranleigh on 4 July 1847. Alfred and Ellen first lived at Brenchley in Kent where the first of their two children was born in mid-1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Poulhurst Cottage in Brenchley with their then one child, and Alfred was working as a groom and gardener. Their other child was born at Brenchley later in 1881. Then in 1888 Alfred became coachman for Mr Henry Storr of Matfield Court, and the job came with accommodation. So they moved the short distance to Matfield where in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Matfield Green in Matfield with their two children, and Alfred was a domestic coachman. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred and Ellen were living at Matfield Court in Matfield Green and Alfred was a domestic coachman. Alfred was still a coachman when his son married in 1907. Ellen died at the age of 71, her death being registered in Tunbridge registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1919. Thirteen years later Alfred was living at Matfield Court Garage in Brenchley, Kent, when he died on 22 May 1932, at the age of 74. Probate of Alfred’s will, which valued his effects at £540 16s 5d, was granted on 30 June 1932 by London Probate Registry to grocer Thomas William Young.
Alfred and Ellen’s eldest child was Alfred Arthur Muddle who was born at Brenchley in Kent, and baptised at All Saints Church in Brenchley on 31 August 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Poulhurst Cottage in Brenchley. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, now aged 11, was living with his parents at Matfield Green, Matfield, Kent, and he was going to school. In The London Gazette of 16 February 1900 it was recorded that Alfred Arthur Muddle had been certified by the Civil Service Commissioners as a postman at Reigate in Surrey. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 21, was a postman boarding with carpenter George Hayward and his daughter at 2 Elm Villas in Dorking Road, Betchworth, near Dorking, Surrey. When he was 28 years old Alfred married 27-year-old Miriam Butcher at St Andrew's Church in Paddock Wood, Kent on 5 August 1907. Alfred was then a postman living at Matfield and Miriam was a domestic servant living at Paddock Wood. They had one child, a daughter, born in 1908 when they were living at Five Wents in Matfield and Alfred was working as a rural postman. They were living at Corsica Villa, Matfield Road, Brenchley when their daughter moved up from the infants at Brenchley School on 1 March 1916. Then a year later they presumably moved to Paddock Wood in Kent as their daughter left Brenchley School on 5 March 1917 to go to Paddock Wood School. They were living at 41 Southwood Road in Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells, Kent when Miriam died there on 6 September 1936, at the age of 56. She was buried in grave B17/88 of the consecrated section of Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery on 9 September 1936 after a funeral service at St Paul's Church in Rusthall. Miriam died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £111 19s 4d, was granted on 30 September 1936 by London Probate Registry to her husband, Alfred, who was then still a postman. Alfred was still living at 41 Southwood Road in Rusthall when died on 24 December 1959, at the age of 80. He was buried with his wife in grave B17/88 of the consecrated section of Tunbridge Wells Borough Cemetery on 29 December 1959 after a funeral service at St Paul's Church in Rusthall.
Alfred and Miriam’s only child was Gladys Mabel Muddle who was born at Five Wents in Matfield, Kent on 25 November 1908. Gladys had attended Brenchley Infants School before starting attendance at Brenchley School on 1 March 1916 when she was 7 years old and living with her parents at Corsica Villa, Matfield Road, Brenchley. After just a year at Brenchley School she left on 5 March 1917 to start attending Paddock Wood School.[8] Gladys never married. She had been living at 41 Southwood Road in Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells, Kent, which had been her parents' home, when she died in Tunbridge registration district on 17 July 1971, at the age of 62. She was cremated at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells on 23 July 1971, and her ashes were buried at the crematorium.
Alfred and Ellen’s second child was Alice Mabel Muddle who was born at Brenchley in Kent, and baptised at All Saints Church in Brenchley on 10 July 1881. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Matfield Green in Matfield, Kent, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alice, now aged 19, was a live-in domestic nurse working for medical practitioner Alan Murdock at The Oaks in the High Street at Hythe in Kent. Alice never married. She died at the age of 87, her death being registered in Tunbridge registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1969.
John and Hope’s third child was Alice Muddle who was born at Frant in Sussex, and baptised at St Alban's Church in Frant on 7 August 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Bayham in Frant. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, now aged 17, was living with her parents at the Peacock Beer House in Iden Green near Goudhurst in Kent. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alice, at the age of 27, was living with her parents at the Weald of Kent Arms in Hawkhurst, and working for them as a barmaid. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alice, at the age of 37, was living with her widowed mother at the Weald of Kent Arms; she was not recorded as having any occupation but was probably working for her mother in the pub. Alice never married. She was living at East House on Cranbrook Road in Goudhurst, Kent, when she died on 30 November 1941, at the age of 77 (not 78 as given on her death certificate and burial record). After a funeral service at St Mary's Church in Goudhurst Alice was buried in section A, row D, grave 6 of Goudhurst Cemetery on 3 December 1941. Alice's grave has no headstone or other marker and her grave space had been purchased by Ivy Harris of Maidstone. Administration of Alice's will, which valued her effects at £896 14s 4d, was granted on 4 February 1942 by Llandudno Probate Registry to Ivy Harris.
John and Hope’s fourth child was Harriet Muddle who was born at Frant in Sussex, and baptised at St Alban’s Church in Frant on 24 February 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Harriet, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Bayham in Frant. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Harriet, now aged 14, was living with her parents at the Peacock Beer House in Iden Green near Goudhurst in Kent. In the census of 5 April 1891 Harriet, at the age of 24, was living with her parents at the Weald of Kent Arms in Hawkhurst, and working for them as a barmaid. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Harriet, at the age of 34, was living with her widowed mother at the Weald of Kent Arms; she was not recorded as having any occupation but was probably working for her mother in the pub. When she was 37 years old Harriet married 41-year-old bachelor Edmund Wenham at All Saints Church in Brenchley, Kent on 28 January 1904. They were both then living at Brenchley where Edmund was working as a foreman. Edmund was the son of James and Mary Ann Wenham; he had been born at Burwash in Sussex and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Burwash on 2 November 1862.
Joseph and Sarah’s second child was Charles Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 9 April 1826. In the census of 6 June 1841 Charles, at the age of 15, was living with his grandfather, John Muddle, and the family of his father’s brother William, in part of Browns Nest at High Hurstwood, next door to his own family, and he was recorded as being a male servant. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Charles, now aged 25, was a live-in carter for farmer Alfred Dadswell at Stroods Farm in Herons Ghyll. When he was 29 years old Charles married 23-year-old Mercy Reed at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 5 May 1855. They were both living in Buxted and Charles was a farm labourer. Mercy was the daughter of John and Charlotte Reed; she had been born at Maresfield in Sussex and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 8 January 1832. In the 1851 census she had been a housemaid at the Rectory in Buxted. Charles and Mercy lived at Uckfield where they had four children born between 1856 and 1866, one of whom died in 1863 when only 5 days old. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living in the Ringles Cross area of Uckfield with their then two children, and Charles was working as a farm labourer. They had two lodgers, 27-year-old Robert Turk, and 21-year-old John Reed who was probably Mercy’s brother. Charles worked as a farm labourer until in 1866, at the baptism of his son Joshua, he was recorded as being a milkman, and the family was then living at Lawn Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield. (Lawn Cottage was an isolated cottage that has now been demolished, and stood in the area that is now West Park Nature Reserve.) In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Lawn Cottage with their two youngest children and their niece Louisa Muddle, the daughter of Charles’ brother Joseph, who was probably just visiting as she was also recorded as living with her parents at High Hurstwood. They also had a 29-year-old farm worker as a lodger, and Charles was still a milkman. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were still living at Lawn Cottage, but now with their eldest child, who was out of work, and their youngest child. Charles was now described as being a cowman. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Ivy Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield with their son Joshua, and Charles was now a labourer. (Ivy Cottage was the name of the cottage that still exists opposite the main entrance to Rocks House.) Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in The Old Workhouse in Belmont Road, Uckfield, which was part of the Rocks Estate, with their son Joshua, and Charles was a farm labourer. They were still living at The Old Workhouse when Charles died on 2 September 1904 at the age of 78 (not 76 as given on his death certificate and burial record). He was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 5 September 1904. Just two weeks after Charles’ death Mercy died on 16 September 1904 at the age of 72 (not 74 as given on her death certificate), and she was buried with her husband in Uckfield Cemetery, though no record of her burial seems to exist. An inscribed headstone marks their grave. Probate of Charles’ will, which valued his effects at £162 0s 10d, was granted on 12 October 1904 by Lewes Probate Registry to William Boniface a coachman. Probate of Mercy’s will, which valued her effects at £173 0s 3d, was granted by Lewes Probate Registry to her daughter Mercy Muddle and her son Joshua Muddle.
Charles and Mercy’s eldest child was Mercy Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 5 May 1856, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 15 June 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Mercy, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in the Ringles Cross area of Uckfield, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Mercy, now aged 14, was a live-in nursery maid for the family of Justice of the Peace and landowner Richard Streatfeild (owner of the Rocks Estate) at The Rocks in Uckfield. In the census of 3 April 1881 Mercy, at the age of 24, was an out-of-work domestic servant living with her parents at Lawn Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Mercy, at the age of 34, was a live-in cook for the household of General George Calvert Clarke at Church House in Church Street, Uckfield. General Clarke was famous for having led the Scots Greys in the Charge of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava in the Crimean War. The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Miss Mercy Muddle of Framfield Road in Uckfield as having furnished apartments to let. In the census of 31 March 1901 Mercy, at the age of 44, was living at 2 Framfield Road in Uckfield. She described herself as being a wardrobe shopkeeper working on her own account at home, and she had taken in two young carpenters, William and Luther Wren, as boarders, who would have been living in her furnished apartments. In 1904 Mercy acted as one of the executors of her mother's will. Mercy never married. She died at High View House (the council old folks' home) in Uckfield on 19 January 1932, at the age of 75, and she was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 23 January 1932. Mercy died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £77 17s 1d, was granted to her brother Joshua Muddle, who was the only person entitled to the estate, by Lewes Probate Office on 16 March 1932.
Charles and Mercy’s second child was Julia Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 23 October 1859, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 22 January 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Julia, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in the Ringles Cross area of Uckfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Julia, now aged 11, was living with her parents at Lawn Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield, and she was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Julia, at the age of 21, was a live-in housemaid for the family of dramatics author Herman Merivale at Hazardside in Arundel Road, Eastbourne. When she was 22 years old Julia married 21-year-old George Henry Trill at the Congregationalist’s Union Street Chapel in Brighton on 21 October 1882. George was then a carpenter living at East Hoathly, and Julia was living at 66 Elder Street in Brighton. George was the son of carpenter and builder Alfred Trill and his wife Mary; he had been born at East Hoathly in Sussex and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1861, but he was not baptised until he was 3 years old, at East Hoathly Parish Church on 28 August 1864.
George's father, Alfred Trill, had married Mary Holford in 1859, the same year that he started his own business in East Hoathly as a master carpenter. Alfred and Mary first lived at Ivy House that was situated just where the High Street becomes South Street and their first three children, including their eldest son, George Henry, were born while they lived there. They then moved to Rose Villa in what is now called Waldron Road, and Alfred had his carpenter's shop and builder's yard next-door. Alfred was now expanding his business into more than carpentry by employing men with other building skills, including his wife's two brothers, William and Henry Holford, as sawyers to produce the timber he required. Three of Alfred's sons, George, David and Samuel, joined him in the business, which continued to expand and by 1878 was described as builders, undertakers, contractors and wheelwrights.
George and Julia lived at East Hoathly where they had three children born between 1883 and 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in East Hoathly village with their three children. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in South Street at East Hoathly with their two youngest children, and they had 17-year-old pupil teacher Mary Brown as a boarder.
George, like his father, was a carpenter and when his father died in 1918, at the age of 83, after being in business for nearly 60 years, George took on the business side of managing the family company with his brother David being in charge of the carpenter's shop and his brother Samuel the painting and decorating; the business now being described as builders, house decorators and undertakers. George's son, George Reginald Trill, also worked for the company. By the early 1920s George and Julia were living at Rose Villa with George's widowed mother, who died in late 1925, at the age of 86. Then just 6 months later Julia died on 29 June 1926, at the age of 66, and was buried in East Hoathly Churchyard on 3 July 1926. In late 1929 George's son died, at the age of 40, as the result of a road accident.
As well as his involvement with the family business George was parish clerk for 40 years until he had to resign in the mid-1930s because of ill health, but he continued to attend parish meetings as a co-opted member. He was also the local registration officer, assistant overseer of the parish until 1929, involved with the British Legion and a sidesman at the Parish Church. Seventeen years after his wife's death George was still living at Rose Villa when he died there on 28 November 1943, at the age of 82, and was buried in East Hoathly Churchyard on 2 December 1943. The family business continued to be run for another couple of years by George's, now elderly, two brothers, until it was purchased in 1946 by local businessman Sir Percy Hunting. It continued for sometime as a building company (the undertaking business was not purchased) within the Hunting Group, celebrating its centenary in 1959, but is now no longer in existence.
George and Julia’s eldest child was Millicent Trill who was born at East Hoathly in Sussex on 19 March 1883, and baptised at East Hoathly Parish Church on 20 May 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Millicent, at the age 8, was living with her parents in East Hoathly village, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Millicent, now aged 18, was a live-in housemaid at 64 Marine Parade in Brighton. At the time of this census Millicent was living there with another housemaid, presumably the family they worked for were away at that time. When she was 39 years old Millicent married 37-year-old Charles Victor Keen, known as Vic, at East Hoathly Parish Church on 25 September 1922. Vic was then a gardener living at Wonham Manor in Betchworth, Surrey. Vic was the son of Joseph and Salome Keen; he had been born at Stow on the Wold in Gloucestershire and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1885. Vic and Millicent had one child, a son. They lived at Haywards Heath in Sussex, and Millicent’s spinster sister Edith lived with them. Vic was a head gardener and worked for Lord Rochdale for a number of years. Millicent died in Cuckfield Hospital on 17 December 1960, at the age of 77.
George and Julia’s second child was Edith Julia Trill who was born at East Hoathly in Sussex on 23 July 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, at the age 5, was living with her parents in East Hoathly village, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, now aged 15, was living with her parents in South Street at East Hoathly. Edith worked as a live-in nanny until her mother died in 1926 when she went home to look after her father. Edith was baptised, at the age of 41, at East Hoathly Parish Church on 3 May 1927. Edith never married, and after her father died in 1943 she lived with her sister Millicent Keen and her husband Vic at Haywards Heath in Sussex until they both died. She then moved to Burgess Hill in Sussex and died in Cuckfield Hospital on 13 September 1983, at the grand age of 98. She was cremated at Eastbourne Crematorium in Sussex and her ashes scattered in Eastbourne Crematorium Memorial Gardens.
George and Julia’s third child was George Reginald Trill who was born at East Hoathly in Sussex on 13 February 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age 2, was living with his parents in East Hoathly village. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 George, now aged 12, was living with his parents in South Street at East Hoathly. When he was 26 years old George married 24-year-old Blanche Eade, known as Bunt, at St Mary the Virgin Church in Buxted on 1 May 1915. Blanche was the daughter of George Edwin and Julia Eade, and she had been born at Buxted in Sussex on 16 January 1891. George and Blanche had two children born at East Hoathly in 1921 and 1926 and George worked with his father in the family building business. They were living in South Street at East Hoathly when George died in the Princess Alice Hospital in Eastbourne, Sussex on 28 December 1929, at the age of 40, as the result of a road accident, and was buried in East Hoathly Churchyard on 2 January 1930. Blanche died at 20 Knoll Road in Fleet, Hampshire on 5 January 1977, at the age of 85.
Charles and Mercy’s third child was Thomas Muddle who was born at Uckfield in Sussex on 2 October 1863, and privately baptised by Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 6 October 1863. Thomas died at Uckfield on 7 October 1863, when only five days old (burial record states 6 days old), and he was buried in Holy Cross Churchyard at Uckfield on 10 October 1863.
Charles and Mercy’s fourth child was Joshua Muddle who was born at Lawn Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield, Sussex on 23 January 1866, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 18 March 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Joshua, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Lawn Cottage, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Joshua, now aged 15, was working as a farm labourer and still living with his parents at Lawn Cottage. In the census of 5 April 1891 Joshua, at the age of 25, was a labourer living with his parents at Ivy Cottage on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Joshua, at the age of 35, was a gardener and living with his parents in The Old Workhouse, Belmont Road, Uckfield, which was on the Rocks Estate. In 1904 Joshua was described as being a gardener when he acted as one of the executors of his mother’s will. But he was back to being described as a labourer when, at the age of 39, he married 40-year-old Emma Jane Johnson at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 5 August 1905. Emma was the daughter of railway porter Albert Johnson and his wife Caroline, and she had been born at Uckfield on 19 February 1865. When Joshua and Emma’s only child was born in 1911 they were living in The Old Workhouse, and Joshua had become a labourer at Ben Ware’s Potteries at Ridgewood. When his sister Mercy died intestate in 1932, Joshua, who was described as being a sand digger, was granted administration of her estate, which was valued at £77 17s 1d, as he was the only person entitled to inherit it. When the Rocks Estate was sold in 1937 they moved to a newly built house called Cuckmere at 10 Keld Avenue in Uckfield, which Joshua had purchased for £650. Joshua was described as being a quarryman when his daughter married in 1938. He became ganger at Ben Ware’s sand pit at the top of Ridgewood Hill, where sand was quarried for making bricks; he worked there until well into old age, probably until he was at least 80. Emma died at 10 Keld Avenue on 28 August 1958, at the age of 93, and she was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 1 September 1958. The following year Joshua died at 10 Keld Avenue on 31 May 1959, also at the age of 93, from heart failure, and he was buried with his wife in Uckfield Cemetery on 4 June 1959. Their grave is number B204 and is marked by an inscribed kerb.
Joshua and Emma’s only child was Doris Muddle who was born at the Old Workhouse on the Rocks Estate in Uckfield, Sussex on 10 July 1911, and baptised at Holy Cross Church in Uckfield on 27 August 1911. When she was 26 years old Doris married 28-year-old Henry John Gearing at Uckfield Church on 2 April 1938. Doris was then living with her parents in Uckfield and Henry was a county council employee from Cooksbridge near Lewes. Henry was the son of Albert Edward Gearing, and he had been born at Cooksbridge on 2 October 1909. Henry and Doris had two children, born in 1940 and 1944. They lived at 10 Keld Avenue in Uckfield with Doris’ parents. Henry worked as a lorry driver for the county council until they pensioned him off in his early 50s because of a bad back. He then had a number of jobs including that of petrol pump attendant. Henry and Doris continued to live at 10 Keld Avenue after Doris’ parents had died. Henry died in Haywards Heath Hospital on 1 December 1987, at the age of 78, and he was cremated at Brighton. Doris continued to live at 10 Keld Avenue, and she died on 31 March 1995, at the age of 83. Doris was cremated at Brighton and both Henry and Doris’ ashes were scattered at Brighton Crematorium.
Joseph and Sarah’s third child was Caroline Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 24 August 1828. Caroline died when only 7 months old, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 15 January 1829.
Joseph and Sarah’s fourth child was William Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex during July 1830, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 29 August 1830. (Date of birth from family bible which gives the year as 1831, this must wrong as he was baptised in 1830.) In the census of 6 June 1841 William, at the age of 11, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 William, now aged 21, was working as a carter and lodging with the family of horse keeper Robert Dadswell in High Hurstwood. When he was 28 years old William married 22-year-old Sarah Anne Elizabeth Taylor, known as Elizabeth, at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 7 December 1858. Elizabeth was the daughter of Edward and Jane Taylor; she had been born at High Hurstwood on 24 August 1836, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 6 November 1836. (Date of birth from family bible which gives the year as 1835, which is considered to be wrong as she was aged 4 in the 1841 census.) See the page headed ‘William & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.
Joseph and Sarah’s fifth child was Sophia Anne Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 25 December 1831. Sophia died when only 5 months old, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 26 March 1832.
Joseph and Sarah’s sixth child was Sarah Muddle, known as Sally, who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 11 November 1832. In the census of 6 June 1841 Sally, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Sally, now aged 18, was a live-in general servant for the family of farmer and publican Richard Ray at the Chequers Inn in Maresfield. When she was 27 years old Sally married 29-year-old widower William Weller at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 27 August 1859. William was then a labourer living at Maresfield in Sussex. He was the son of Henry and Ann Weller; he had been born at Maresfield and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 25 July 1830. William and Sarah had seven children born between 1859 and 1874. Their first child was born at High Hurstwood soon after their marriage, probably at the home of Sally’s parents. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living near the Rectory in Maresfield with their young son and William was working as a farm labourer. Their second child was born at Maresfield in late 1862. They then moved to Buxted Parish where their other five children were born between 1865 and 1874. In the census of 2 April 1871 William, who now had the occupation of gamekeeper, was a patient in the Sussex County Hospital, Eastern Road, Brighton. Sarah was living at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish with their then five children. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William and Sarah were living at 1 Hendall Cottage with their four youngest children, and William was continuing to work as a gamekeeper. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Hendall Wood Cottages (presumably the same place as 1 Hendall Cottage) with their three youngest children, and William was still a gamekeeper. In the census of 31 March 1901 William and Sally were living at the Alms Houses in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) at Buxted, and William was an estate pensioner. It seems fairly certain that William had been gamekeeper on the Buxted Park Estate as Hendall Cottage belonged to this estate. Later that year William died at the age of 71, while living at the Alms Houses, and he was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 7 October 1901. (William’s burial record incorrectly gives him a second name of Henry, his father’s name.) Two years later Sally also died at the age of 71, while living at the Alms Houses, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 2 June 1903.
William and Sally’s eldest child was Aaron Weller who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 6 November 1859. In the census of 7 April 1861 Aaron, at the age of 1, was living with his parents near the Rectory in Maresfield, Sussex. Then in the census 2 April 1871 Aaron, now aged 11, was living with his mother (his father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish, and he was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Aaron, at the age of 21, was working as a farm labourer and boarding with the family of carpenter and publican Henry Parsons at North Street in West Tarring, Sussex. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Aaron, at the age of 31, was a gamekeeper lodging with William and Mary Jane Rogers in a cottage at High Hurstwood. When he was 33 years old Aaron married 24-year-old Barbara Grant in Uckfield registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1893. Barbara was the daughter of Thomas and Selina Grant; she had been born at Maresfield in Sussex and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 18 April1869, at the same time as her twin sister Eleanor. Aaron and Barbara had at least three children born at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish between 1895 and 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Five Ash Down with their three children, and Aaron was working as a bricklayer’s labourer.
Aaron and Barbara’s eldest child was Lucy Jane Weller who was born at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lucy, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down, and she was going to school.
Aaron and Barbara’s second child was Florence Barbara Weller who was born at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down.
Aaron and Barbara’s third child was Selina Weller who was born at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Selina, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down.
William and Sally’s second child was Harriet Weller who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 7 December 1862. In the census 2 April 1871 Harriet, at the age of 8, was living with her mother (her father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish, Sussex, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Harriet, now aged 18, was a live-in general servant to the family of retired Royal Navy Lieutenant Charles Broome at Castledine Road in Penge, Surrey. When she was 24 years old Harriet married 34-year-old Stephen Fuller in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1887. Stephen was the son of John and Mercy Fuller; he had been born at Ringmer in Sussex and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Ringmer on 6 February 1853. Stephen and Harriet had at least four children; their first child was born at Maresfield in 1888 and the second at Framfield in Sussex in 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living in Framfield village with their then two children; Stephen was working as a coachman and they had two lodgers, 28-year-old William Weller and 37-year-old Timothy Donovan. Their next two children were born in Buxted Parish in 1894 and 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish with their four children, and Stephen was now a farm labourer.
Stephen and Harriet’s eldest child was William Henry Fuller who was born at Maresfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 3, was living with his parents in Framfield village, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, now aged 13, was living with his parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and he was going to school.
Stephen and Harriet’s second child was Annie Fuller who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 1, was living with her parents in Framfield village, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 11, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and she was going to school.
Stephen and Harriet’s third child was Joseph Sydney Fuller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and he was going to school.
Stephen and Harriet’s fourth child was Amy Sally Fuller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Amy, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and she was going to school.
William and Sally’s third child was Sally Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 15 October 1865. In the census 2 April 1871 Sally, at the age of 5, was living with her mother (her father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Sally, now aged 15, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of chemist Benjamin Salter in the High Street next to the Maidens Head Hotel in Uckfield, Sussex. When she was 22 years old Sally married 24-year-old Albert Edward Coom in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1887. Albert was the son of Owen and Elizabeth Mary Coom; he had been born at Isfield in Sussex and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Upper Dicker, Sussex on 30 August 1863. Albert and Sally had at least four children born at Brighton in Sussex between 1888 and 1898. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 38 Lincoln Street in Brighton with their then two children, and Albert was working as a warehouseman. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 38 Stanley Road in Preston near Brighton, with their four children, and Albert was a warehouseman at the railway stores. They had 42-year-old George Walne, who was a porter at the railway stores, as a boarder.
Albert and Sally’s eldest child was Nellie Florence Coom who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Nellie, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 38 Lincoln Street in Brighton. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Nellie, now aged 12, was living with her parents at 38 Stanley Road in Preston near Brighton.
Albert and Sally’s second child was Bessie Ethel Coom who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Bessie, at the age of 7 months, was living with her parents at 38 Lincoln Street in Brighton. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Bessie, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 38 Stanley Road in Preston near Brighton.
Albert and Sally’s third child was Albert Sidney Coom who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 38 Stanley Road in Preston near Brighton.
Albert and Sally’s fourth child was Bertha Lilian Coom who was born at Brighton in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Bertha, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 38 Stanley Road in Preston near Brighton.
William and Sally’s fourth child was William Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 9 February 1868. In the census 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 3, was living with his mother (his father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 13, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at 1 Hendall Cottage. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age 23, was a farm labourer lodging in the lodging house at 6, 7, 8, 9 Chesterfield Street in Brighton, Sussex run by Emmanuel Aggaro. When he was 26 years old William married 20-year-old Ada Tester in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1894. Ada was the daughter of Matthew and Harriet Tester; she had been born at Fairwarp in Maresfield Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 5 April 1874. She was the sister of the Julia Tester who was to marry William’s brother Sydney in 1895. William and Ada had at least two children, born at Fairwarp in Sussex in 1895 and 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish with their two children, and William was working as a general labourer.
William and Ada’s eldest child was Gladys Weller who was born at Fairwarp in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Gladys, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and she was going to school.
William and Ada’s second child was Olive Rachel Weller who was born at Fairwarp in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Olive, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Five Ash Down in Buxted Parish, Sussex.
William and Sally’s fifth child was Joseph Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 3 October 1869. In the census 2 April 1871 Joseph, at the age of 1, was living with his mother (his father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Joseph, now aged 11, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at 1 Hendall Cottage. In the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, at the age of 21, was living with his parents at Hendall Wood Cottages (presumably the same place as 1 Hendall Cottage), and he was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Joseph never married. He died at the age of 24, his death being registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1894.
William and Sally’s sixth child was Fred Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 26 February 1871. In the census 2 April 1871 Fred, at the age of 3 months, was living with his mother (his father was in hospital) at Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Fred, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 1 Hendall Cottage, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Fred, at the age of 20, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Hendall Wood Cottages (presumably the same place as 1 Hendall Cottage). When he was 23 years old Fred married 20-year-old Ellen Charlotte Brooks in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1894. Ellen had been born at Speldhurst in Kent, and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1874. Fred and Ellen had at least four children born at Buxted between 1896 and 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near the Alms Houses in Buxted with their four children, and Fred was working as an estate carter, probably on the Buxted Park Estate.
Fred and Ellen’s eldest child was Mabel Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Mabel, at the age of 4, was living with her parents in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near the Alms Houses in Buxted.
Fred and Ellen’s second child was Annie Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, at the age of 3, was living with her parents in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near the Alms Houses in Buxted.
Fred and Ellen’s third child was Joseph Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, at the age of 2, was living with his parents in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near the Alms Houses in Buxted.
Fred and Ellen’s fourth child was Hilda Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Hilda, at the age of 10 months, was living with her parents in Hog House Lane (now Hurstwood Road) near the Alms Houses in Buxted.
William and Sally’s seventh child was Sydney Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 29 November 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Sydney, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at 1 Hendall Cottage in the Herons Ghyll area of Buxted Parish, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Sydney, now aged 16, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Hendall Wood Cottages (presumably the same place as 1 Hendall Cottage). When he was about 21 years old Sydney married 33-year-old Julia Tester in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1895. Julia was the daughter of Matthew and Harriet Tester; she had been born at Maresfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Bartholomew’s Church in Maresfield on 2 March 1862. She was also the sister of the Ada Tester who had married Sydney’s brother William in 1894. Sydney and Julia had at least two children born at Buxted in 1897 and 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living with Julia’s parents at Fairwarp in Sussex, and Sydney was working as a farm labourer.
Sydney and Julia’s eldest child was May Evelyn Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 May, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at her maternal grandparents’ home at Fairwarp in Sussex.
Sydney and Julia’s second child was Esther Weller who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Esther, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at her maternal grandparents’ home at Fairwarp in Sussex.
Joseph and Sarah’s seventh child was Harriet Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 13 April 1834. In the census of 6 June 1841 Harriet, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Harriet, now aged 17, was still living with her parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. In 1857, when she was 23 years old, Harriet had an illegitimate son. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 this son was living with Harriet’s parents at Browns Nest, while Harriet, at the age of 27, was a live-in cook for the family of Justice of the Peace and land proprietor William Noble at Forest Lodge in Maresfield, Sussex. When she was 29 years old Harriet married 28-year-old Henry Wilmshurst at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 28 November 1863. Henry was the son of Henry and Mary Wilmshurst; he had been born at High Hurstwood on 8 December 1834, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 1 February 1835. He was also a second cousin of the Hope Matilda Pratt who had married Harriet’s brother John in 1850. Henry and Harriet had eight children, born between 1863 and 1875, the first being born just two weeks after their marriage. They probably lived at Harriet’s parent’s home, Browns Nest in High Hurstwood, either from the time of their marriage, or from when Harriet’s mother died in October 1864, as Harriet was thought to have looked after her widowed father until his death in 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Henry was a farm labourer and they were living at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood with four of their children and also Harriet’s illegitimate son Henry Muddle; Henry’s 69-year-old widowed mother, Mary Wilmshurst; and Harriet’s 21-year-old brother Albert Muddle. Their other two children Eliza and Mary Ann were living with Henry’s married sister Eliza Tapp and her husband in a nearby cottage. Four years after the birth of their last child Harriet died at the age of 45, and she was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 3 October 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Henry, who was now a jobbing gardener, and five of his children were living in an unnamed cottage near to the vicarage in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, who was now a general labourer, and two of his children, William and Adelaide, were living in a cottage near the Vicarage in High Hurstwood. In the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, who was now a domestic gardener, and his daughter Adelaide were still living in a cottage near the Vicarage in High Hurstwood. This was probably the cottage known as Church View, where Henry’s daughter Mary Ann Moon and her family later lived. Henry died at the age of 79, and he was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 7 June 1914.
Harriet’s illegitimate son was Henry Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 1 March 1857. In the census of 7 April 1861 Henry, at the age of 4, was living with his grandparents, Joseph and Sarah Muddle, at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood; his mother then being a live-in cook at Maresfield. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Henry, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his mother and stepfather, Henry Wilmshurst, at Browns Nest.
Henry was still a farm labourer when, at the age of 20, he married 18-year-old Amelia Gates at Forest Fold Baptist Chapel in Crowborough on 17 March 1877. Amelia was the daughter of Henry and Sophia Gates; she had been born at Ringmer in Sussex and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Ringmer on 5 September 1858. Henry and Amelia’s only child was born four weeks before their marriage, but the birth was not registered by Amelia until eleven days after her marriage when she gave the father as Henry Muddle and the mother as Amelia Gates now the wife of Henry Muddle. This child only lived for 13 months and was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood in April 1878. Then just a year later Henry died, at the age of 22, while living in Rotherfield Parish, and he was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 16 April 1879. Eight months after Henry’s death Amelia married 20-year-old farm labourer Harry Boarer at St Michael & All Angels Church in Little Horsted, Sussex on 8 December 1879. Their marriage certificate is incorrect in that it states that Amelia was a spinster instead of a widow and that her father was Henry Muddle instead of Henry Gates, but one of the witnesses to the marriage was Amelia’s sister Emily Gates, who had been baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Ringmer on 1 June 1856. Harry and Amelia initially lived at Little Horsted were they had a child born in late 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 4 High Croft Cottages in Little Horsted with their daughter, and Harry was working as a farm labourer. They then moved to Laughton in Sussex where their second child was privately baptised in March 1883, but they had left Laughton before this child could be received into the church. Two years later Amelia died at the age of 26 (not 28 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Uckfield registration district during the 1st quarter of 1885. Harry then married, or possibly lived with as no marriage has been found, Selina M Mitchell, who already had a daughter. They first lived at Buxted where they had a son in 1886. They then moved to Hadlow in Kent where in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Greens Park with their son and also Harry’s two daughters and Selina’s daughter. Their son died in 1894 at the age of 7, and they had two more children, both daughters, born at Hadlow in 1894 and 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Blackmans House in Hadlow with their two daughters and one of Harry’s daughters, and Harry was continuing to work as a farm labourer.
Henry and Amelia’s only child was Louisa Muddle who was born at Gilridge in Withyham, Sussex on 19 February 1877, four weeks before her parents married, and baptised at St John’s Church in Crowborough, Sussex on 24 June 1877. Louisa died at High Hurstwood in Sussex when only 13 months old, and she was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 3 April 1878.
Harry and Amelia’s eldest child (Amelia’s second) was Frances Sophia Boarer who was born at Little Horsted in Sussex, and baptised at St Michael & All Angels Church in Little Horsted on 13 March 1881. In the census of the 3 April 1881 Frances, at the age of 4 months, was living with her parents at 4 High Croft Cottages in Little Horsted. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Frances, now aged 10, was living with her father and stepmother at Greens Park in Hadlow, Kent, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frances, at the age of 20, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of tobacconist Herbert West at 55 High Street in Tonbridge, Kent.
Harry and Amelia’s second child (Amelia’s third) was Annie Boarer who was born at Laughton in Sussex, and privately baptised by All Saints Church in Laughton on 9 March 1883. A note against the baptism entry states that the family left the parish before Annie was received into the church. In the census of 5 April 1891 Annie, at the age of 8, was living with her father and stepmother at Greens Park in Hadlow, Kent, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, now aged 18, was working as a general domestic servant and living with her father and stepmother at Blackmans House in Hadlow.
Harry and Selina’s eldest child (Harry’s third) was Thomas Henry Boarer who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Thomas, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Greens Park, Hadlow, Kent. Thomas died at the age of 7, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district, which included Hadlow, during the 2nd quarter of 1894.
Harry and Selina’s second child (Harry’s fourth) was Mary Elizabeth Boarer who was born at Hadlow in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Mary, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Blackmans House in Hadlow.
Harry and Selina’s third child (Harry’s fifth) was Nora Cissie Boarer who was born at Hadlow in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Nora, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Blackmans House in Hadlow.
Henry and Harriet’s eldest child was Eliza Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 11 December 1863, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 27 March 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Eliza, at the age of 7, and her younger sister Mary Ann were living with their father’s sister Eliza and her husband Henry Tapp at Snatts Cottage in High Hurstwood, which was close to their parents’ home at Browns Nest. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Eliza, now aged 17, was living with her widowed father and four of her brothers and sisters in an unnamed cottage near to the Vicarage in High Hurstwood. As the eldest daughter she had probably been acting as their housekeeper since her mother’s death in 1879. When she was 21 years old Eliza married 28-year-old George Wickens at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 27 October 1885. They were both then living at High Hurstwood, and George was a farmer working on his father’s farm. George was the son of Stephen and Mary Ann Wickens; he had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 8 February 1857. George and Eliza lived at Heathfield and didn’t have any children. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living with George’s parents on their farm near to Theobalds Farm in Heathfield, which George and his father were farming together. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 George and Eliza were living at 2 South Terrace in Heathfield; George was working as a general labourer and they had their niece, 9-year-old Alice Frost, staying with them.
Henry and Harriet’s second child was James Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 13 July 1865, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 20 August 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 James, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 James, now aged 15, was a live-in indoor farm servant to the Bellingham family at Newnham Park Farm near the Crow and Gate public house in High Hurstwood Parish. James is thought to have joined the army and been killed in a war.
Henry and Harriet’s third child was William Henry Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 8 February 1867, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 7 April 1867. (The baptism register is assumed to be incorrect in recording the mother’s name as Eliza.) In the census of 2 April 1871 William, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 William, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed father and four of his brothers and sisters in an unnamed cottage near to the vicarage in High Hurstwood. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 24, was a general labourer and still living with his father and one of his sisters in an unnamed cottage near the vicarage in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 34, was working as a plasterer’s labourer and lodging with the family of carrier’s carman John Bradford at 62 Waddon New Road in Croydon, Surrey. William is thought to have never married.
Henry and Harriet’s fourth child was Sally Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 3 June 1868, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 19 July 1868. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sally, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Sally, now aged 12, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of coachman William Phillips at 66 Middle Street in Brighton, Sussex. When she was 27 years old Sally married 25-year-old William Piercy Packer, who was a tailor from St Johns in Hampstead, at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 25 December 1895. William had been born at Brighton in Sussex in about 1870, and the census of 1881 he was an inmate of the Industrial School at Chailey in Sussex and then in the census of 1891 he was a tailor’s apprentice in Uckfield, Sussex. William and Sally are not thought to have had any children as less than a year after their marriage Sally died at the age of 28, her death being registered in Marylebone registration district in London during the 3rd quarter of 1896. Four years after Sally’s death William married Alice Rachel Battle in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1900. Alice had been born at Sutton in Suffolk and her birth registered during the 4th quarter of 1874. In the census of 31 March 1901 William and Alice were living at 3 Lindon Road in Stoke next Guildford, Surrey; William was a journeyman tailor and they had Alice’s brother, 19-year-old Ernest Battle, living with them.
Henry and Harriet’s fifth child was Mary Ann Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 7 February 1870, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 3 April 1870. (The baptism register is incorrect in recording the family surname as Muddle.) In the census of 2 April 1871 Mary Ann, at the age of 1, and her elder sister Eliza were living with their father’s sister Eliza and her husband Henry Tapp at Snatts Cottage in High Hurstwood, which was close to where their parents were living at Browns Nest. It’s thought that Mary Ann always lived with Henry and Eliza Tapp, who are not thought to have had any children of their own, as she was still living with them in the census of 3 April 1881, when she was 11 years old and going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Henry Tapp was a widower, his wife Eliza having died in November 1890, and Mary Ann, now aged 21, was living with him as his housekeeper, at Stone Cottage in High Hurstwood. Later that year, while she was still 21, Mary Ann married 22-year-old Amos Moon at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 27 October 1891. They were both then living at High Hurstwood and Amos was working as a labourer. Amos was the son of John and Elizabeth Moon; he had been born in the St Johns area of Crowborough, which is in Withyham Parish, on 15 June 1869. Amos and Mary Ann always lived at High Hurstwood where they had six children born between 1893 and 1911. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in an unnamed cottage near the shop in High Hurstwood with their then three children, and Amos was working as a bricklayer’s labourer. They later moved to a cottage called Church View, which is thought to be the house now called Camellia Cottage next to the vicarage, where Mary Ann’s widowed father and her sister Adelaide had probable lived. Amos worked as a building labourer until he became a bricklayer in about 1907. Amos was also parish clerk for many years. They continued to live at Church View until Amos died on 1 April 1948, at the age of 78, and was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 6 April 1948. After Amos’ death Mary Ann went to live with her daughter Dorothy Booker for about two years. Then she went to live with her daughter Nellie Barton at The Bungalow, Barnett Wood, Framfield, for about five years until her death on 31 March 1955, at the age of 85. She was buried with her husband in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 4 April 1955. Their grave is marked by an inscribed kerb.
Amos and Mary Ann’s eldest child was Dorothy Mary Moon who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 29 April 1893, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 11 June 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Dorothy, at the age of 7, was living with her parents in an unnamed cottage near the shop in High Hurstwood. When she was 19 years old Dorothy married her 3rd cousin, 22-year-old Jabez Booker, at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 17 August 1912. They were both then living at High Hurstwood, and Jabez was working as a gardener. Jabez was the son of blacksmith John Booker and his wife Margaret, and he had been born in Rotherfield Parish on 24 November 1889. Jabez and Dorothy had two children born in 1913 and 1919 and also adopted one. They first lived at Jarvis Brook where their eldest child was born in 1913. They had moved to Ivy Cottage in High Hurstwood by the time their daughter Kathleen started school in 1918, and their second child was born there in 1919. In 1927 they adopted Betty when she was 6 weeks old, and they also had Robert Smith as a foster child. Jabez worked as a gardener at Hurstwood House, and they had moved to a cottage called Hillside, which is now called White Briars, in High Hurstwood by the time Betty started school in 1932. They later moved to a council flat at Maypole Cottages in High Hurstwood. Jabez died on 7 April 1972, at the age of 82, and Dorothy died on 11 July 1979, at the age of 86, they were both cremated at Brighton.
Amos and Mary Ann’s second child was Bertram Charles George Moon who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 4 April 1896, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 21 June 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Bertram, at the age of 4, was living with his parents in an unnamed cottage near the shop in High Hurstwood. During the First World War, probably in late 1915, Bertram enlisted at High Hurstwood as a volunteer in the 5th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. He was private G/15789, and he served with the regiment in France. Shortly before the start of the Somme Offensive Bertram was transferred to the 12th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. It was on 17 October 1916, during the latter stages of the Somme Offensive, that the 12th Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment made an unsuccessful attack on a German position called Stuff Trench, which was part of the massive German fortification called the Schwaben Redoubt, and Bertram, then aged 20, was one of the 32 officers and men killed in this action. After the war Bertram was exhumed from his original place of burial, and reburied in plot 10, row B, grave 4, of the Connaught Cemetery, which lies on the edge of Thiepval Wood (called Authuille Wood by the French) and is about 4 miles north north-east of the French town of Albert. Bertram’s death is recorded on his parent’s grave in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood and on the War Memorial in Holy Trinity Church at High Hurstwood.
Amos and Mary Ann’s third child was Arthur James Moon who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 26 July 1900, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 23 September 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, at the age of 8 months, was living with his parents in an unnamed cottage near the shop in High Hurstwood. Arthur was known as Wink because he had lost an eye in an accident with a motor mower. When he was 25 years old Arthur married 18-year-old Ivy Pearl Gaston at St Mary’s Church in Newick, Sussex on 5 December 1925. Ivy was the daughter of William and Mary Ann Gaston, and she had been born at Newick on 16 February 1907. She was the sister of the George Henry Gaston who married Arthur’s 2nd cousin Elsie Louisa Williams. Arthur and Ivy had one child, a daughter, who was born in 1931, while they were living at Old Hall Cottages in High Hurstwood. Arthur was a grocer’s assistant at the village shop and the village postman. They later moved to Gordon Road in Buxted, and Arthur then worked at the Buxted Chicken Factory. Arthur died from the effects of a stroke on 30 September 1976 at the age of 76, and he was cremated at Tunbridge Wells. Twenty-six years later Ivy died at the age of 95, her death being registered in Hastings and Rother registration district in Sussex during July 2002.
Amos and Mary Ann’s fourth child was Nellie May Moon who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 6 February 1907, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 31 March 1907. When she was 24 years old Nellie married 25-year-old Albert James Barton, who was a milkman from Easons Green in Framfield, at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 20 June 1931. Albert had been born on 1 August 1905. Albert and Nellie had six children born between 1931 and 1950. By 1935 Albert had become a painter and decorator working for Nicholls and Shoosmith, and they were living at The Bungalow, Barnett Wood, Blackboys, where Nellie looked after her mother for five years until her death in 1955. They later moved to the School House at Blackboys where Nellie was the school caretaker for 23 years. Albert died on 23 February 1968, at the age of 62, and he was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield, where his grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. Nellie continued to live at Blackboys until in about 1998 she had to move to a sheltered council flat at Streatfield House in Uckfield. She became ill there at Christmas 1999 and was taken to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath where she died on 30 December 1999, at the age of 92. Her funeral was at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield.
Amos and Mary Ann’s fifth child was Walter Victor Moon, known as Dick, who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 26 November 1908, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 14 February 1909. Dick joined the RAF as an engineer when he was 18, and stayed in the RAF until he retired, having obtained the rank of warrant officer. When he was 26 years old Dick married 19-year-old Vera May Hollobon, who was a nurse at Crowborough Hospital and lived at Five Ash Down, at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 20 April 1935. Vera had been born on 10 December 1915. Walter and Vera had four children born between 1936 and 1944. When their eldest child was baptised in January 1937 they were living at 45 Brightwell Crescent in Tooting, London SW17. Then when their next two children were baptised in December 1940 they were living at Warboys in Huntington. During the Second World War Dick served in India, Burma and Canada, then after the war he served for a time in Cyprus where they also lived for a while after he retired. Dick died on 25 February 1984, at the age of 75, and he was cremated at Macclesfield in Cheshire.
Amos and Mary Ann’s sixth child was Leonard Norman Moon, known as Len, who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 29 May 1911, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 10 September 1911. Len went to High Hurstwood School, starting on 29 May 1916 at the age of 5, and leaving on 29 May 1925 at the age of 14. Len worked at Sleeches Farm on their milk round. He was killed on 2 December 1934, at the age of 23, when his motorbike crashed at night near to New House Farm in High Hurstwood. He was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 6 December 1934, in the same grave as his parents; the grave is marked by an inscribed kerb.
Henry and Harriet’s sixth child was Elizabeth Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 29 March 1871, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 7 May 1871. In the census of 2 April 1871 Elizabeth, at the age of 5 days, was living with her parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Elizabeth, now aged 10, was living with her widowed father and four of her brothers and sisters in an unnamed cottage near to the Vicarage in High Hurstwood, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Elizabeth, at the age of 20, was a live-in general domestic servant to spinster sisters Adelaide and Fanny Badcock in the New Town area of Uckfield, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth, still unmarried at the age of 30, was a live-in housemaid to widower and solicitor James Hewlett at 4 Brunswick Place in Hove, Sussex.
Henry and Harriet’s seventh child was George Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 13 January 1873, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 16 February 1873. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 8, was living with his widowed father and four of his brothers and sisters in an unnamed cottage near to the Vicarage in High Hurstwood, and he was going to school. George died at the age of 19, and he was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 19 September 1892.
Henry and Harriet’s eighth child was Adelaide Martha Wilmshurst who was born at High Hurstwood in Sussex on 1 September 1875, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in High Hurstwood on 31 October 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Adelaide, at the age of 5, was living with her widowed father and four of her brothers and sisters in an unnamed cottage near to the Vicarage in High Hurstwood, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Adelaide, now aged 15, was living with her widowed father and her brother William in an unnamed cottage near the Vicarage in High Hurstwood, and she was still going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Adelaide, at the age of 25, was continuing to live with her widowed father in an unnamed cottage near the Vicarage in High Hurstwood. Adelaide never married. She died at Sandhill in Pembury, Kent, at the age of 48, and she was buried in Holy Trinity Churchyard at High Hurstwood on 17 September 1923.
Joseph and Sarah’s eighth child was James Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 19 April 1835. In the census of 6 June 1841 James, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 James, now aged 16, was working as a carter and living with his parents at Browns Nest. James was a farm labourer when, at the age of 25, he married 17-year-old Sarah Ann Davis at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 4 August 1860. Sarah Ann was the daughter of James and Mary Davis; she had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex on 15 November 1842, but not baptised until she was 16 years old, at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 10 April 1859 just before she was confirmed at the same church on 12 April 1859. See the page headed ‘James & Sarah Ann Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.
Joseph and Sarah’s ninth child was Walter Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex in about 1837. No record of his baptism has been found. In the census of 6 June 1841 Walter, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Walter, now aged 14, was living with his parents at Browns Nest, and he was working as a carter’s boy, probably with his elder brother James who was then a carter. In the census of 7 April 1861 Walter, at the age of 24, was a farm labourer living with the family of farm bailiff Joseph Billingham at New Barn near the Crow and Gate public house in the Crowborough area of Buxted Parish. When he was 29 years old Walter married 18-year-old Eliza Baker at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 11 August 1866. Eliza was the daughter of labourer Thomas Baker and his wife Philadelphia; she had been born at Horsted Keynes in Sussex, and baptised at St Giles Church in Horsted Keynes on 6 August 1848. See the page headed ‘Walter & Eliza Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.
Joseph and Sarah’s tenth child was Joseph Richard Muddle, known as Joe or Joah, who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 28 October 1838. In the census of 6 June 1841 Joseph, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Joseph, now aged 12, was again recorded as living with his parents at Browns Nest. In the census of 7 April 1861 Joseph, at the age of 22, was working as a farm labourer and continuing to live with his parents at Browns Nest. When he was 24 years old Joseph married 17-year-old Elizabeth Kingsland at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 14 November 1862. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Maria Kingsland; she had been born at High Hurstwood and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 8 February 1846. See the page headed ‘Joseph & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.
Joseph and Sarah’s eleventh child was Henry Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1840. He was baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 6 June 1841. In the census of 6 June 1841 Henry, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Henry died when only 5 years old, and he was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 3 June 1845.
Joseph and Sarah’s twelfth child was Adelaide Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1842. She was baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 9 September 1842. Adelaide died at High Hurstwood on 11 September 1842 from cholera, when only 5 months old (age given as 1 week in burial register, which must be wrong), and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 16 September 1842. Adelaide’s death was registered by neighbour Mary Wilmshurst, who was present at the death, and had presumably been helping the family nurse Adelaide.
Joseph and Sarah’s thirteenth child was George David Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1844. He was baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 22 December 1844. In the census of 30 March 1851 George, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 George, now aged 16, was working as a farm labourer and still living with his parents at Browns Nest. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 26, was working as a farm labourer and lodging with the family of his elder brother John Muddle at Little Bayham in Frant Parish, Sussex. Seven weeks after the census, while still 26 years old, George married 21-year-old Eliza Ann Foard, also known as Ann Eliza, at St Alban’s Church in Frant on 20 May 1871. Eliza was the daughter of William and Cinderella Foard; she had been born at Waldron in Sussex and baptised at All Saints Church in Waldron on 18 November 1849. Her birth was registered as Eliza Ann, the name she used at her marriage and baptism of her child, but she was baptised as Ann Eliza, the name used at her death, burial and on her headstone. George and Eliza lived at Bayham in Frant Parish and had one child born in 1872. Eliza died on 25 January 1877, at the age of 27, and she was buried in Tunbridge Wells Cemetery on 30 January 1877 in the grave of her mother, Cinderella Foard. The grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. In the census of 3 April 1881 George was a widower living with John and Ann Foard at 52 Cromwell Road in Tunbridge Wells, and his daughter was living with widow Eliza Foard at 58 Cromwell Road in Tunbridge Wells. George was working as a labourer in the gas works, and as he was described as John’s nephew, John was probably George’s late wife’s uncle. Later that year George, at the age of 37, married 31-year-old Mary Ann Belchambers at Holy Trinity Church, the Parish Church of Tunbridge Wells, on 13 November 1881. Mary Ann was the daughter of Edwin and Jane Belchambers; she had been born at Tonbridge in Kent and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1850. George and Mary Ann where living at 50 Cromwell Road in Tunbridge Wells, Kent when their first child was baptised in early 1882, but soon after this they must have moved for about a year to Hawkhurst in Kent because George's daughter Elizabeth Ann's last school was given as Hawkhurst when she was admitted to St Mary's National School in Goudhurst, Kent on 4 June 1883. Her residence was given as Glassenbury, which is in Cranbrook Parish, but only half a mile south of Iden Green in Goudhurst Parish where George's brother John was publican at the Peacock Beer House. Her father was stated to be a labourer on an estate; this would have been the Glassenbury Estate. When George and Mary Ann's second child was born in early 1886 they were living at Glassenbury and George was a general labourer. In the census of 5 April 1891 George and Mary Ann were living at Glassenbury with their two sons, and George was working as a farm labourer. He was still working for the Glassenbury Estate as there is a photo dated about 1896 that shows George with a team of Glassenbury Estate oxen in Cranbrook. Sometime during the next five years they moved back to Tunbridge Wells where in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 11 Lower Green Road with their two sons, and George was back working as a gasworks' labourer. Mary Ann died at the age of 57 (not 56 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Tunbridge registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1907. The 1914 edition of Kelly's Directory of Tunbridge Wells, Southborough & Tonbridge listed George Muddle as living at 11 Lower Green Road. Twenty-two years after Mary Ann's death George died at the age of 85, his death being registered in Tunbridge registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1929.
George and Eliza’s only child was Elizabeth Ann Muddle who was born at Bayham in Frant Parish, Sussex on 22 February 1872, and baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on 28 April 1872. In early 1877, when Elizabeth was about five years old, her mother died. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Elizabeth, at the age of 9, was living with widow Eliza Foard at 58 Cromwell Road in Tunbridge Wells, and she was going to school. Elizabeth was described as Eliza's niece, so it is thought that Eliza was probably Elizabeth's late mother's sister-in-law. Elizabeth probably lived with Eliza Foard while her father was a widower, but when he remarried in late 1881 it seems that Elizabeth must have then gone to live with her father and stepmother, first at Tunbridge Wells and then from late 1882 to early 1883 at Hawkhurst in Kent where Elizabeth went to Hawkhurst School; attaining standard II. In mid-1883 they moved to the Glassenbury Estate, which is in Cranbrook Parish but on the border with Goudhurst Parish, and Elizabeth was admitted to St Mary's National School in Goudhurst on 4 June 1883 when she was 11 years old. The date Elizabeth left this school was not recorded but it was probably the following year when she was 12 years old, school then only being compulsory up to the age of 10.[9] In the census of 5 April 1891 Elizabeth, now aged 19, was a live-in domestic servant for the family of grocer and draper Frank Burgess in the High Street at Goudhurst in Kent. Then in 1900, when she was 28 years old and a general domestic servant, Elizabeth had an illegitimate son who was born in Cranbrook Union Workhouse at Hartley in Kent and died soon after birth. In the census of 31 March 1901 Elizabeth, still unmarried at the age of 29, was visiting her uncle and aunt, James and Sarah Ann Muddle, at Witherenden Hill in Burwash Weald, and she was now a domestic cook.
Elizabeth’s illegitimate child was an unnamed son who was born in Cranbrook Union Workhouse at Hartley in Kent on 14 April 1900. He died soon after birth, his death being registered in Cranbrook registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1900.
George and Mary Ann’s eldest child (George’s second) was Alfred Muddle whose birth was registered at Tunbridge Wells in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1882. Alfred was baptised at Holy Trinity Church in Tunbridge Wells on 30 July 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Glassenbury in Cranbrook Parish, Kent. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, now age 19, was working as a draper's assistant and living with his parents at 11 Lower Green Road in Tunbridge Wells. A few months after his father’s death, when he was 48 years old, Alfred married 29-year-old Rose Hannah Langridge at St Paul’s Church in Rusthall near Tunbridge Wells in Kent on 19 April 1930. They were both then living at 11 Lower Green Road in Rusthall and Alfred was working as a gardener. Rose already had an illegitimate son who had been born in 1925 and took the Muddle name, and after their marriage Alfred and Rose had one child born in 1931. It’s thought that they may have adopted a daughter born in about 1942 as no registration of her birth as a Muddle can be found. Alfred must have continued working as a gardener until he retired, as he was described as being a gardener when his daughter married in 1961. Alfred died at the age of 80, his death being registered in Tunbridge registration district during the 1st quarter of 1962. Twenty-six years later Rose had been living in a nursing home, Middlefield, Burdett Road, Rusthall when she died on 18 September 1988, at the age of 86. She was cremated at the Kent and Sussex Crematorium in Tunbridge Wells on 22 September 1988, and her ashes were buried at the crematorium on 11 July 1989.
George and Mary Ann’s second child (George’s third) was George Muddle who was was born at Glassenbury in Cranbrook Parish on 11 February 1886. George was baptised, at the age of two, at St Dunstan's Church in Cranbrook on 29 April 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Glassenbury in Cranbrook Parish. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 George, now age 15, was working as a draper's assistant and living with his parents at 11 Lower Green Road in Tunbridge Wells. When he was 28 years old George married 28-year-old Annie Elizabeth Cheeseman at St Gregory & St Martin Church in Wye near Ashford in Kent on 11 April 1914. George was then a french polisher living at 23 Cumberland Street in Bristol, Gloucestershire, and Annie was a dressmaker living at Buckwell Cottage in Wye. Annie was the daughter of Robert Cheeseman and her birth had been registered in West Ashford registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1886. George and Annie lived in the Bristol registration district where they had two children, who both died young. George died at the age of 61, his death being registered in Bristol registration district during the 1st quarter of 1947. Nine years later Annie had been living at 41 Broadfield Road in Folkestone, Kent, when she died in Buckland Hospital at Dover on 4 December 1956, at the age of 71.
George and Annie’s eldest child was George R Muddle whose birth was registered in Bristol registration district in Gloucestershire during the 1st quarter of 1915. George died at the age of 2, his death being registered in Bristol registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1917.
George and Annie’s second child was Frances E Muddle whose birth was registered in Bristol registration district in Gloucestershire during the 4th quarter of 1917. Frances died at the age of 3, her death being registered in Bristol registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1921.
Joseph and Sarah’s fourteenth child was Spencer Muddle, known in old age as Old Devon, who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex on 20 November 1846, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 21 March 1847. In the census of 30 March 1851 Spencer, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Spencer, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and continuing to live with his parents at Browns Nest. When he was 21 years old Spencer married 30-year-old Isabella Minns at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 10 October 1868. Isabella was the daughter of Daniel and Martha Minns; she had been born at Herons Ghyll in Buxted Parish and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 11 November 1838. Before her marriage to Spencer, Isabella had had three illegitimate children, the last being born just a month before their marriage and the only one who might have been fathered by Spencer. See the page headed ‘Spencer & Isabella Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family including Isabella’s third illegitimate child.
Joseph and Sarah’s fifteenth child was Albert Muddle who was born at High Hurstwood in Buxted Parish, Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 16 December 1849. In the census of 30 March 1851 Albert, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Browns Nest in High Hurstwood. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Albert, now aged 11, was living with his parents at Browns Nest, and he was going to school. In the census of 2 April 1871 Albert, at the age of 21, was working as a farm labourer and lodging with the family of his married sister Harriet Wilmshurst at Browns Nest. When he was 24 years old Albert married 21-year-old Lucy Stevens at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 21 March 1874. Lucy was the daughter of Samuel and Lucy Stevens; she had been born in Buxted and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 31 October 1852. She was also the sister of the Harriet Stevens who married Albert's 2nd cousin Thomas Muddle. Albert and Lucy had eight children born between 1874 and 1891, and Albert continued to work as a farm labourer. They first lived at Hadlow Down, where their first child was born in 1874. They then moved to Buxted where their next two children were born in 1875 and 1877. In about 1878 they moved back to Hadlow Down, where they had two more children in 1879 and 1880. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted with their five children. By 1883 they had moved down the road to Etchingwood in Buxted, where their sixth child was born. Their eldest child died at Buxted in mid-1886. Then when their seventh child was born in 1887 they were again living back in Hadlow Down. They then moved away from the immediate area of Buxted and Hadlow Down and when their eighth child was born at the beginning of 1891 they were living at Little Horsted in Sussex. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted with seven of their children and they had Lucy’s sister Ellen Frost as a visitor, who was described as a sick nurse and was probably looking after Lucy and her young baby. They must have soon moved back to Hadlow Down, as Lucy died, at the age of 39, while living at Hadlow Down, and was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 21 January 1892. By early 1894 Albert and probably all but his youngest child were living at Alfriston. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert and three of his unmarried children, Lucy, Samuel and Joseph, were living at 2 Market Inn Cottages in Alfriston High Street, Albert was working as a farm labourer and his daughter Lucy was acting as his housekeeper. Albert's daughter Lucy married Fred Marchant in 1906 and in the census of 2 April 1911 Albert and his now only unmarried child, son Joseph, were living with them in Alfriston High Street. Albert was still working as a farm labourer. Albert died at the age of 83, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 1st quarter of 1933.
Albert and Lucy’s eldest child was Ellen Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down on 30 August 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ellen, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted, Sussex, and she was going to school. Ellen died at Buxted, at the age of 11, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 30 June 1886.
Albert and Lucy’s second child was William Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 31 October 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 15, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex. After his mother’s death in 1892 William and his siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. When he was 24 years old William married 22-year-old Ellen Foord, who was from Lullington, at St Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 12 May 1900. Ellen was the daughter of William and Matilda Foord; she had been born at South Malling near Lewes, Sussex and her birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1878. In the census of 31 March 1901 William and Ellen were living at 1 Market Inn Cottages in Alfriston High Street, and William was working as a farm labourer. They had two children, both sons, born in 1901 and 1905, while they continued to live in the High Street at Alfriston. William was described as being a labourer when his son Albert was baptised, and as a journeyman brickmaker on the marriage certificate of his son Albert. During the First World War William, who enlisted at Eastbourne, was initially Private 53935 in the Royal West Surrey Regiment, before becoming Private 33143 in the 1st Labour Company of the Northamptonshire Regiment, and then transferred to be private 83122 in the 139th Company of the Northamptonshire Regiment Labour Corps. Soldiers who had been wounded and were no longer fit enough to serve in the trenches were often transferred to labour corps. William died from his wounds on 6 August 1918, at the age of 43, and he was buried in plot 2, row D, grave 8, of Hagle Dump Cemetery, which is 7½km west of Ypres in Belgium. He was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[10] William is recorded on Alfriston War Memorial, and also on a small brass tablet on the Communion Table in St Andrew’s Church at Alfriston, the inscription being: In loving memory of my dear husband William Muddle who was killed in the Great War near Ypres on August 6th 1918 “Till He come”. Ellen and her sons were living at 2 North Street in Alfriston when her sons married in 1925 and 1942. Ellen died at the age of 79, her death being registered in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1957.
William and Ellen’s eldest child was Albert William Muddle who was born at Alfriston in Sussex, and baptised at St Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 4 August 1901. When he was 24 years old Albert married 22-year-old Clara Walker at the Congregational Chapel in Alfriston on 5 September 1925. Albert was then a journeyman plumber living at 2 North Street in Alfriston, and Clara was a domestic servant living at Fairview in Wilmington, Sussex. Clara was the daughter of Benjamin Valentine Walker and his wife Eliza, and she had been born in Eastbourne registration district on 23 February 1903. Albert and Clara had one child born in 1929. Albert died at the age of 82 and his death was registered in Eastbourne registration district during May 1984. Clara lived at Brooklea in North Street at Alfriston. She died at the grand age of 102, her death being registered in Lewes registration district during December 2005.
Albert and Clara’s only child was Clara Jean Muddle who was born in Eastbourne registration district on 10 February 1929. Clara never married. She died at the age of 64, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during April 1993.
William and Ellen’s second child was Cyril Stanley Muddle whose birth was registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1905. When he was 37 years old Cyril married 37-year-old Frances Aucock at Hailsham Register Office on 23 May 1942. Cyril was then a plumber and fitter living at 2 North Street in Alfriston, and Frances was a domestic servant also living at 2 North Street. Frances was the daughter of Alfred and Frances Aucock, and she had been born in Eastbourne registration district on 9 April 1905. Cyril and Frances didn't have any children. Cyril had some artistic talent as there are six linocut prints of views of Alfriston and the surrounding area produced by Cyril Muddle. Cyril died at the age of 62, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during 1st quarter of 1967. Twenty-three years later Frances died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during March 1990.
Albert and Lucy’s third child was Albert Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 11 February 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Albert, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Albert, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex. After his mother’s death in 1892 Alfred and his siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. When he was 21 years old Albert married 19-year-old Elizabeth Eden at St Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 12 March 1898. Elizabeth was the daughter of James and Ann Eden; she had been born at Stretton on Fosse near Shipston on Stour in Worcestershire and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1879. Albert and Elizabeth lived in the High Street at Alfriston where they had two children, born in 1898 and 1901, the eldest dying in 1900 when only 22 months old. In the census of 31 March 1901 Albert and Elizabeth were living at Brick Kilns in Alfriston, and Albert was working as a farm labourer. Albert died at the age of 85, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1962.
Albert and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Margaret Ellen Muddle who was born at Alfriston in Sussex, and baptised at Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 17 July 1898. Margaret died at Alfriston when only 22 months old, and she was buried in Andrew’s Churchyard at Alfriston on 12 April 1900.
Albert and Elizabeth’s second child was Annie Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Alfriston in Sussex, and baptised at Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 20 October 1901. When she was 24 years old Annie married 23-year-old Frank Allen at Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 12 June 1926. At the time of their marriage Annie was living in the High Street at Alfriston and Frank was an able seaman in the Royal Navy living at the HMS Victory Royal Navy Barracks in Portsmouth.
Albert and Lucy’s fourth child was Lucy Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down on 23 February 1879. In the census of 3 April 1881 Lucy, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted, Sussex. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Lucy, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex, and she was described as being mother’s help. After her mother’s death in 1892 Lucy and her siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lucy, at the age of 22, was living with her widowed father and two of her brothers at 2 Market Inn Cottages in Alfriston High Street, and she was acting as their housekeeper. When she was 27 years old Lucy married 28-year-old Fred Marchant at Andrew's Church in Alfriston on 1 September 1906. They were both then living at Alfriston and Fred was a labourer. Fred was the son of Nathan and Anna Marchant; he had been born at Hellingly in Sussex, and baptised at St Peter & St Paul Church in Hellingly on 16 June 1878. In the census of 2 April 1911 Fred and Lucy were living in Alfriston High Street and Fred was working as a labourer at the Bone Mills Factory. They had Lucy's father and her bachelor brother Joseph living with them. Lucy died at the age of 79, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1958. Three years later Fred died at the age of 83, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 4th quarter of 1961.
Albert and Lucy’s fifth child was Samuel Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark’s Church in Hadlow Down on 27 June 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Samuel, at the age of 10 months, was living with his parents at Toll in the Pound Green area of Buxted, Sussex. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Samuel, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex, and he was going to school. After his mother’s death in 1892 Samuel and his siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. In the census of 31 March 1901 Samuel, at the age of 20, was working as a labourer at the local brickworks and living with his widowed father at 2 Market Inn Cottages in Alfriston High Street. When he was 23 years old Samuel married 27-year-old Lilian Capp at Holy Trinity Church in Guildford, Surrey on 27 February 1904. Samuel was then a farm labourer living at Alfriston, and Lilian was living at 5 Babington Place in Guildford. Lilian was the daughter of James and Mary Ann Capp; she had been born at Alfriston and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1876. Samuel and Lilian had one child, a daughter, born in Eastbourne registration district in 1905. When their daughter married in 1942 Samuel was described as being a coal porter. Lilian died at the age of 78, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 1st quarter of 1955. Nine years later Samuel died at the age of 84, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1964.
Samuel and Lilian’s only child was Elsie Ethel Winifred Muddle who was born in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 8 September 1905. When she was 36 years old Elsie married 51-year-old widower Frederick Charles Bartaby at the Baptist Church in Victoria Drive, Eastbourne on 25 February 1942. Frederick was then a motor engineer living at 19 Watts Lane in Eastbourne, and Elsie was a dressmaker living at 93 Green Street in Eastbourne. Elsie died at the age of 84, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during January 1990.
Albert and Lucy’s sixth child was Margaret Muddle who was born at Etchingwood in Buxted, Sussex on 18 April 1883, and baptised at St Margaret the Queen Church in Buxted on 20 May 1883. Margaret’s baptism record records her name as Mary Margaret, but her birth was registered as just Margaret, as was her burial, so the baptism recorded is assumed to be incorrect. In the census of 5 April 1891 Margaret, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex, and she was going to school. After her mother’s death in 1892 Margaret and her siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. Margaret died while living at Winton Street in Alfriston when not quite 11 years old, and she was buried in St Margaret the Queen Churchyard at Buxted on 21 March 1894.
Albert and Lucy’s seventh child was Joseph Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex, and baptised at St Mark's Church in Hadlow Down on 30 October 1887. In the census of 5 April 1891 Joseph, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted, Sussex. After his mother's death in 1892 Joseph and his siblings moved with their father to Alfriston in Sussex. In the census of 31 March 1901 Joseph, now aged 13, was working as a carter boy on a farm and living with his widowed father at 2 Market Inn Cottages in Alfriston High Street. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Joseph, at the age of 23, was working as a farm labourer and living with his married sister Lucy Marchant and her husband in Alfriston High Street. His father was also living there. When he was 32 years old Joseph married 31-year-old widow Ada Turrell, whose maiden name was Hilton, in Eastbourne registration district during the 1st quarter of 1920. Ada was the daughter of Arthur and Rosina Hilton, she had been born at Arlington in Sussex and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1888. She had married Walter William G Turrell in 1914 and had two sons before Walter died on 26 July 1917 while serving with The Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) during the First World War. Joseph and Ada lived at Alfriston where they had one child born in 1920, and where Joseph worked as a labourer. Then in 1926 they had another child who was born in the Eastbourne registration district, probably at Alfriston. It seems that in 1948 Joseph and Ada went on a visit to Canada as they were recorded sailing tourist class on the Aquitania of the Cunard White Star Line from Halifax, Nova Scotia and arriving at Southampton on 26 November 1948. On the passenger list Joseph gave his occupation as brickmaker and their address as 2 Deans Villas in Alfriston.[11] Joseph died at the age of 66, his death being registered in South-East Surrey registration district during the 1st quarter of 1954. Fifteen years later Ada died at the age of 80, her death being registered in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1969.
Joseph and Ada’s eldest child was Rosina Mabel Muddle who was born at Alfriston in Sussex, and baptised at Andrew’s Church in Alfriston on 26 December 1920. When she was 24 years old Rosina married Stanley J F Clark in Hailsham registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1945.
Joseph and Ada’s second child was Gwendoline R Muddle whose birth was registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1926. When she was 18 years old Gwendoline married Russell A King in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1944.
Albert and Lucy’s eighth child was Harriet Muddle who was born at Little Horsted in Sussex and baptised at St Michael & All Angels Church in Little Horsted on 12 April 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 Harriet, at the age of 3 months, was living with her parents at Hanningtons Cottage in Little Horsted where her mother’s sister Ellen Frost was nursing Harriet and her mother. In early 1892 when Harriet was only just on a year old her mother died at Hadlow Down. In the census of the 31 March 1901 Harriet, at the age of 10, was living with her mother’s sister, widow Ellen Frost, at New Road in Buxted, Sussex, and she had probably been living with Ellen since her mother’s death. Harriet seems to have later been ‘adopted’ by another of her mother’s sisters who was also called Harriet and was married to Thomas Muddle. Because when Harriet, at the age of 19, married 26-year-old Edward Thomas Knowlton at St Barnabas Church in Hove on 24 October 1910 she gave Thomas Muddle as her father, even though her natural father was still alive, and Thomas and his wife Harriet were witnesses to the marriage. Both Edward and Harriet were then living at 11 Livingstone Road in Hove and Edward was working as a wheelwright. Edward was the son of Arthur James and Agnes Knowlton; he had been born at Wilmington near Dartford in Kent and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1884. Edward and Harriet had at least one child born in Uckfield registration district in Sussex in 1916.
Edward and Harriet’s only known child was Hettie O Knowlton whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1916. [1] CKS Un-catalagued Cranbrook Petty Sessions Book 1871-1880. [2] Alfred W Tiffin The Goudhurst Coronation Book Tunbridge Wells 1937, p.637. [3] CKS Un-catalagued Cranbrook Petty Sessions Book 1889-1892. [4] CKS Un-catalagued Cranbrook Petty Sessions Book 1896-1898. [5] CKS PS/TOSL/7 Tonbridge Petty Sessions Licence Book 1896-1901. [6] CKS C/ES/157/10/10 Admissions Register, St Mary's National School Infants, Goudhurst, 1892-1919. [7] TNA WO 372/17 First World War Medal Card for Sidney Rofe. [8] CKS C/ES/45/2/3 Admission Register for Girls and Infants at Brenchley School, 1916 onwards. [9] CKS C/ES/157/10/4 Admissions Register, St Mary's National School, Goudhurst, 1872-92. [10] TNA WO 372/14 First World War Medal Card for William Muddle. [11] TNA BT 26/1243/30 Inwards Passenger Lists, Southampton RMS Aquitania 26 November 1948.
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