THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

THE LINEAGE & HISTORY OF THE MUDDLE FAMILIES OF THE WORLD

INCLUDING VARIANTS MUDDEL, MUDDELL, MUDLE & MODDLE

 

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THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES

THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Introduction

John & Margary/Dorothy Muddle’s Family

John & Sarah Muddle’s Family

Isaac & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family

John & Mary Muddle’s Family

Joseph & Sarah Muddle’s Family

William & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family

James & Sarah Ann Muddle’s Family

Walter & Eliza Muddle’s Family

Joseph & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family

Spencer & Isabella Muddle’s Family

Charles & Sarah Muddle’s Family

John & Mary Jane Muddle’s Family

Charles & Annie Muddle’s Family

Isaac & Mary/Amelia Muddle’s Family

George & Elizabeth Muddle’s Family

Henry & Mary Muddle’s Family

John & Sarah Ann Muddle’s Family

Luke & Eliza Muddle’s Family

William & Elizabeth Muddell’s Family

John & Barbara Muddle’s Family

David & Sarah Muddle’s Family

Richard & Mary/Catherine Muddle’s Family

Index of Family Members

Charts

 

 

Charles & Sarah Muddle's Family

 

Chart of Charles & Sarah Muddle's Family

 

Charles Muddle married his second cousin Sarah Charity Muddle at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down, Sussex on 28 August 1858. At the Court of the Manor of Framfield held on 23 June 1859 it was recorded that earlier that year Charles and his brother John had sold Browns Nest at High Hurstwood to Albert Henry Hills of London for £50. Charles presumably got £25 as a half share of the sale.

Charles and Sarah had nine children, two of whom died at the ages of 2 and 15. They first lived at Hadlow Down, where their eldest child was born in 1859. Then in about 1860 they moved to the next-door parish of Buxted where their other eight children were born between 1861 and 1877. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at Bailey Pits in Buxted with their then two children, and Charles was continuing to work as a farm labourer. Their third child was born at Bailey Pits in 1863. By early 1867, when their fifth child was baptised, they had moved to Half Acre Hill (now Nan Tuck's Lane) in Buxted. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at Half Acre Hill with their then five youngest children, and Charles was still a farm labourer.

Their eighth child died in 1876 when only 2 years old and their last child was born in 1877. Then Charles, who had been a carter and farm labourer, died at Buxted on 18 May 1878, at the age of 41, from phthisis (another name for consumption or tuberculosis), and he was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 24 May 1878. Charles' death was registered by his eldest son, John Muddle.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Sarah was living at New Road in Buxted with six of her children and her 73-year-old bachelor uncle, William Muddle. Sarah's youngest surviving daughter, Louisa, died in 1887, at the age of 15. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Sarah was working as a charwoman and living at Pound Green in Buxted with just her youngest child, 14-year-old son William. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sarah was living at Yew Tree Cottage in the Pound Green area of Buxted. Her son William was still living with her, and she now also had her grandson, 14-year-old Charles Booth, staying with her. Sarah didn't now have any occupation, and was presumably living on the earnings of her son and grandson, who were both working.

Sarah died at the age of 63, while living at Pound Green, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Quee at Buxted on 18 April 1903.

 

Their children were:

Sarah Ann 1859-1924  John 1861-1938  Charles 1863-1959

George Owen 1864-1917  Richard 1867-1946  Kate 1869-1933

Louisa 1871-1887  Catherine 1874-1876  William 1877-1934

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s eldest child was Sarah Ann Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex on 29 August 1859, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in Hadlow Down on 23 October 1859. In the census of 7 April 1861 Sarah Ann, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Bailey Pits in Buxted, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Sarah Ann, now aged 11, was staying with her maternal grandparents, Richard and Philadelphia Muddle, at Old Shoe in Hadlow Down, and she was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Sarah Ann, at the age of 21, was an out-of-work domestic servant living with her widowed mother at New Road in Buxted.

Later that month Sarah Ann, at the age of 21, married 23-year-old farm labourer Alfred Booth at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 23 April 1881. Alfred was the son of George and Mary Booth, and he had been born at Heathfield in Sussex on 24 January 1858. Just before their marriage, in the census of 3 April 1881, Alfred had been a carter lodging at Maresfield in Sussex. After their marriage Alfred and Sarah Ann first lived in Maresfield, where their eldest child was born in 1882, while Alfred was still working as a farm labourer. Alfred then joined the police and they lived in turn at, Battle in Sussex where their second child was born in 1884, and then Brede in Sussex where their third child was born in 1886. Alfred then left the police and returned to being a farm labourer, and they moved to Framfield in Sussex where their fourth child was born in 1889.

Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Lower Lulhams in the Mark Cross area of Ripe in Sussex with their then four children, and Alfred was working as a stockman, possibly for farmer Philip Starr at nearby Lulhams Farm. Also living with them as boarders were 1-year-olds Jane Badecock and Albert Nicholas, who was from Brighton, and probably two of the Barnardo's children that they looked after. They then moved to the Mark Cross area of Laughton in Sussex, which is on the parish boundary with Ripe, where their fifth child was born in 1892. Their next move was to Church Terrace in Laughton, which was opposite Laughton Church, where their last four children were born between 1894 and 1902.

In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Church Terrace with six of their children and Alfred was a woodman on an estate. Also living with them as a boarder was 1-year-old Grace Wright, who was from London, and probably another one of the Barnardo's children that they looked after. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Church Cottages (probably the same place as Church Terrace) in Laughton with their four youngest children and Alfred was now the estate carpenter. Also living with them as a boarders were 6-year-old Edward Cooper and 4-year-old Edwin Charles Finsley, who were probably another two of the Barnardo's children that they looked after. Alfred also worked two fields that he rented, and he was sexton at the church and a bell-ringer.

They then moved to a cottage near Averys Oak Farm in Laughton, before in 1916 they moved to Averys Oak Farm, which they leased from the Earl of Chichester. Alfred farmed there for the rest of his life with the help of his two youngest sons. Alfred and Sarah Ann looked after several Barnardo's children while they were at Averys Oak.

Sarah Ann died at Averys Oak on 24 August 1924, at the age of 64, and she was buried in the Churchyard of All Saints at Laughton. Alfred's son Fred married Dolly Tulley later that year and they lived at Averys Oak with Alfred. Fred and his brother Bob continued to work the farm with their father until Alfred died at Averys Oak on 22 October 1945, at the age of 87. Alfred was buried with his wife in the Churchyard of All Saints at Laughton where an inscribed stone marks their grave.

 

 

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s eldest child was Ernest Alfred Booth who was born at Maresfield in Sussex on 20 February 1882, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 16 April 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Lower Lulhams in Ripe, Sussex, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 April 1901 Ernest, now aged 19, was living with his parents at Church Terrace in Laughton, Sussex, and he was working as a milkman on a farm.

When he was 23 years old Ernest married 19-year-old Mary Elizabeth Sands, known as Polly, in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1905. Polly was the daughter of Edward and Dorcas Sands, and she had been born at Magham Down near Hailsham on 2 May 1886. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ernest and Polly were living in Peel Cottages at Polegate in Sussex; Ernest was a farm labourer and they had Polly's 14-year-old sister Emily Frances Sands staying with them. Ernest and Polly had two children; the first born in Hailsham registration district in 1912 and the second born Ticehurst registration district in Sussex in 1919. Ernest was a policeman at Battle in Sussex before they settled at Robertsbridge in Sussex where Ernest returned to farm work and then later worked at the flourmill.

Polly died at the age of 57, her death being registered in Battle registration district during the 4th quarter of 1943. Twenty-four years later Ernest died in Hastings registration district in Sussex on 9 July 1967, at the age of 85.

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s second child was Daisy Elizabeth Booth who was born at Battle in Sussex on 7 August 1884, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Battle on 14 September 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Daisy, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Lower Lulhams in Ripe, Sussex, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Daisy, now aged 16, was a live-in kitchen maid to the family of house proprietor William Nottingham at 10 Grand Parade in Eastbourne, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1911 Daisy, now aged 26, was a live-in housemaid to the family of widower John Charles James at Waldron Thorns in Cross-in-Hand, Sussex.

When she was 29 years old Daisy married 33-year-old Arthur Ernest Reed at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton, Sussex on 15 November 1913. Arthur was then a farmer from Waldron in Sussex. He was the son of George and Julia Reed; he had been born at Laughton and his birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1880. Arthur and Daisy were living at Danns Farm in Waldron, when Daisy died at the age of 34 while giving birth to their only child, who died when only one hour old. Daisy and her baby were buried in the Churchyard of All Saints at Waldron on 25 January 1919.

The death of his wife and child badly affected Arthur mentally, and he ended up going into the East Sussex County Asylum at Hellingly, where he died at the age of 42 (not 43 as given on his death certificate and burial record). It is thought that he committed suicide by drowning himself. He was buried in the Churchyard of All Saints at Waldron on 28 March 1922, and it was recorded that he was given a non-conformist funeral; this is thought to have been because he killed himself, not that he was a member of a non-conformist religion.

 

 

 

Arthur and Daisy’s only child was Ronald Arthur Reed who was born in January 1919, probably at Waldron in Sussex, and only lived for one hour. Ronald was buried with his mother, who had died giving birth to him, in the Churchyard of All Saints in Waldron on 25 January 1919.

 

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s third child was Charles Thomas Booth who was born at Brede in Sussex on 29 July 1886, and baptised at the Parish Church of St George in Brede on 26 September 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charles, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Lower Lulhams in Ripe, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Charles, now aged 14, was working as a houseboy and living with his widowed grandmother, Sarah Muddle, at Yew Tree Cottage in the Pound Green area of Buxted, Sussex. Charles' parents were then living at Laughton, so it seems likely that Charles living with his grandmother because he was working as a houseboy for Lord Portman at Buxted Park. In the census of 2 April 1911 Charles, at the age of 24, was a groom living with fellow groom James Simpson in rooms over the stables at Buxted Park. He would have been working for Lord Portman under coachman Robert Scott, who lived in the Stables House. Charles was also a huntsman for Lord Portman

When he was 28 years old Charles married 24-year-old Eliza Ann Sturt, known as Nancy, at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 21 April 1915. They both then lived in Buxted; Charles was a groom and Nancy would have been living at the White Hart Pub where her widowed father was the publican. Nancy was the daughter of John and Rosanna Sturt, and she had been born at Brighton in Sussex on 22 March 1891. Charles and Nancy had two children born at Buxted in 1916 and 1919, the second of whom died when only 4 years old. They first lived in New Road at Buxted, but by 1916 they were living at the White Hart Pub in Buxted, which Nancy's father owned.

In mid-1916 during the First World War Charles joined the army. He was wounded in action and spent time in Epsom and East Grinstead hospitals. After his discharge from the army Charles returned to work for Lord Portman, but as he could no longer handle horses because of the effects of his wounds, he became a gardener. They moved from the White Hart to No 1 Buxted Common in 1919, and after their young daughter died in 1923 they looked after several Barnardo's children. Charles left Lord Portman's employment and became head garden for Mr Lee, a Brighton draper, at his house in Buxted. Later he worked as head gardener for Mr Nind, a London businessman, at his weekend home in Buxted.

Charles and Nancy moved to Framfield Road in Buxted where they first lived at Fairview, and then from 1935 at Star Coombe a newly built house next-door to Charlie Muddle, who was Charles' first cousin. Then in December 1944 they moved to Brighton, where Charles worked as a landscape gardener. They then moved to Hove, where they were living when Nancy died on 27 August 1964, at the age of 73. Charles only gave up work in 1968 at the age of 80. He was still living at Hove when he died on 11 October 1976, at the age of 90.

 

 

Charles and Nancy’s eldest child was John Charles Benjamin Booth, known as Jack, who was born at The White Hart Pub in Buxted, Sussex on 14 March 1916. Jack worked as a sales rep for wholesale catering companies, first at the Ashford branch of Isaac Beer of London, and then Eversheds of Shoreham.

When he was 31 years old Jack married 22-year-old Annie Hilder Pitcher at the Parish Church of St Peter & St Paul in Hellingly, Sussex on 4 June 1947. Annie was the daughter of Charles and Edith Pitcher and she had been born in Hailsham registration district in Sussex on 22 October 1924. Jack and Annie had two children; the first born in Worthing registration district in Sussex in 1948 and the second in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex in 1951. They had first lived at Hove in Sussex for a short time before moving to Hailsham, where they lived in Station Road until they moved to Hawkswood Drive in 1964.

Annie died in Eastbourne registration district on 23 March 1994, at the age of 69. Eight years later Jack died at the age of 85, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during February 2002.

 

Charles and Nancy’s second child was Stella Dorien Booth who was born at Buxted in Sussex on 28 July 1919. Stella died on 22 August 1923, when only 4 years old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Mary the Virgin at Buxted.

 

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s fourth child was Clifford Booth who was born at Framfield in Sussex on 22 April 1889, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted, Sussex on 26 May 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Clifford, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at Lower Lulhams in Ripe, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 April 1901 Clifford, now aged 11, was living with his parents at Church Terrace in Laughton, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1911 Clifford, at the age of 21, was working as a carter on a farm and boarding with widow Mary Ann Blanks at 5 Artizans Dwellings, Station Road, Hampden Park near Eastbourne, Sussex.

When he was 26 years old Clifford married 31-year-old widow Mary Cook, whose maiden name was Hern. in Edmonton registration district in Middlesex on 31 January 1916. Mary was the daughter of James and Martha Hern; she had been born at Cholsey in Berkshire on 23 March 1884 and she had married Frederick Charles Cook in 1909. Clifford and Mary lived at Hailsham where they had two children, both daughters, born in 1917 and 1919. Clifford worked as a nurse at Hellingly Mental Hospital.

Clifford died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 7 February 1976, at the age of 86. Eight years later Mary died in South East Hampshire registration district on 19 April 1984, having just passed her 100th birthday.

 

 

Clifford and Mary’s eldest child was Marjorie Joyce Booth, known as Madge, who was born at Hailsham in Sussex on 14 April 1917. When she was 23 years old Madge married 28-year-old Gilbert Rycroft Hunnisett in Hailsham registration district in Sussex on 2 March 1941. Gilbert had been born in Hailsham registration district on 19 August 1912. Gilbert and Madge lived in Hailsham and had one child, a daughter, born in Portsmouth registration district in Hampshire in 1944. Gilbert had a building business in Hailsham. Madge died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 14 May 1978, at the age of 61. Fifteen years later Gilbert died in Eastbourne registration district on 11 February 1993, at the age of 80.

 

Clifford and Mary’s second child was Joan Booth who was born at Hailsham in Sussex on 8 May 1919. When she was 35 years old Joan married 33-year-old Leslie Esmond Frederick Beadle in Hailsham registration district in Sussex on 20 November 1954. Leslie was the son of Frederick and Nellie Beadle and he had been born in Reigate registration district in Surrey on 22 December 1920. Leslie and Joan lived at Cowplain in Hampshire, because Leslie was in the Royal Marines and based at Portsmouth. They didn’t have any children. Leslie died in Gosport registration district in Hampshire on 7 November 1965, at the age of 44. Forty years later Joan died at the age of 85, her death being registered in Portsmouth registration district during March 2005.

 

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s fifth child was Louisa Kate Booth, known as Kate, was born in the Mark Cross area of Laughton in Sussex on 20 February 1892, and baptised at the Parish Church of St John the Baptist in Ripe, Sussex on 3 April 1892. In the census of 31 April 1901 Kate, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Church Terrace in Laughton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Kate, now aged 19, was a live-in housemaid to the family of widow Lily Martin at Orchard Leigh, 35 Orchard Road, Eastbourne, Sussex.

When she was 25 years old Kate married 22-year-old Stephen John Tasker, known as Jack, at the Parish Church of St Margaret in Rottingdean, Sussex on 17 March 1917. Jack was the son of Philemon and Agnes Tasker, and he had been born at Ringmer in Sussex on 3 September 1894. Jack had been in the Navy during the First World War. He then worked for his brother at the Newmarket Garage, which is just outside Lewes on the Brighton Road. Jack work for Allan West in Brighton during the Second World War and then after the war returned to the garage.

Jack and Kate first lived in Lewes where they had their three children born in 1920, 1923 and 1934. Then in 1936 they moved to Woodingdean in Brighton, where they stayed until Jack died at Brighton on 10 February 1971, at the age of 76. Eleven years later Kate died in Exeter registration district in Devon on 14 March 1982, at the age of 90. She had presumably been living with her daughter Vera, who lived in Devon.

 

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s sixth child was Albert Booth who was born at Laughton in Sussex on 10 May 1894, and baptised at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 24 June 1894. In the census of 31 April 1901 Albert, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Church Terrace in Laughton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Albert, now aged 16, was working on a farm and living with his parents at Church Cottages in Laughton.

When he was 23 years old Albert married 32-year-old Mary Ellis at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 15 September 1917. Mary was the daughter of Charles and Ellen Ellis; she had been born at Laughton on 15 March 1885 and baptised at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 14 June 1885. Albert and Mary lived in Laughton where Albert farmed White Gates Farm, and where they had two children born in 1918 and 1921.

Albert died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 26 November 1965, at the age of 71. Then nine years later Mary died in Lewes registration district in Sussex on 11 March 1975, at the age of 89.

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s seventh child was Martin Booth who was born at Laughton in Sussex on 30 September 1897, and baptised at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 14 November 1897. In the census of 31 April 1901 Martin, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Church Terrace in Laughton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Martin, now aged 13, was working in a domestic garden and living with his parents at Church Cottages in Laughton.

When he was 24 years old Martin married 23-year-old Dorothy Ruth Foord, known as Dolly, at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 8 October 1921. Dolly was the daughter of James and Ruth Foord, and she had been born at Ringmer in Sussex on 24 October 1897. Martin and Dolly had two sons born in Lewes registration district in Sussex in 1922 and 1927. They had a farm in Barcombe in Sussex until they retired and went to live with their son Douglas at Sidlesham near Chichester in Sussex.

Martin died in Chichester registration district on 1 March 1965, at the age of 67. Then twenty years later Dolly died in Chichester registration district on 9 February 1985, at the age of 87.

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s eighth child was Fred Redvers Pretoria Booth who was born at Laughton in Sussex on 4 September 1900, and baptised at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 4 November 1900. In the census of 31 April 1901 Fred, at the age of 6 months, was living with his parents at Church Terrace in Laughton. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Fred, now aged 10, was going to school and living with his parents at Church Cottages in Laughton. After leaving school Fred worked with his father on Averys Oak Farm at Laughton.

Then a few months after his mother’s death, when he was 24 years old, Fred married 24-year-old Edith Winifred Tulley, known as Dolly, who was a land girl from Brighton, at St Peter's Church in Brighton on 20 December 1924. Dolly was the daughter of Arthur and Bertha Tulley, and she had been born at Brighton in Sussex on 31 January 1900. Fred and Dolly lived at Averys Oak Farm with Fred's father, and their only child was born there in 1926. Fred and his brother Bob continued to work the farm for their father until his death in 1945. They then took over the farm and bought it from the Earl of Chichester. Fred and Bob worked the farm until they retired, when they sold the farmland to a neighbouring farmer. Fred bought Bob's share of the farmhouse, and Fred and Dolly continued to live there until Fred's death on 12 July 1976, at the age of 75.

After Fred's death Dolly continued to live at the farmhouse for a time, and had her daughter's family living there with her. Then she sold the farmhouse and moved for a time into part of another house she owned in Laughton before moving to a flat at Polegate in Sussex. Then in about 2002 Dolly had to go into Avalon Nursing Home at Eastbourne in Sussex where she died on 21 January 2005, just ten days before her 105th birthday. Dolly's funeral was at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 8 February 2005, followed by cremation at Eastbourne Crematorium.

 

Alfred and Sarah Ann’s ninth child was Bob Booth who was born at Laughton in Sussex on 9 November 1902, and baptised at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 1 February 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Bob, at the age of 8, was going to school and living with his parents at Church Cottages in Laughton. After leaving school Bob worked with his father on Averys Oak Farm at Laughton.

When he was 26 years old Fred married 19-year-old Amelia Alice Wilkins, known as Alice or Curly, at the Parish Church of All Saints in Laughton on 26 October 1929. Alice was the daughter of wheelwright Albert Edward Wilkins and she had been born on 16 December 1909. Bob and Alice lived at Woodside Villa in Laughton and they had five children born between 1930 and 1952, the second, daughter Anne, dying when only 22 months old. Bob and his brother Fred continued to work Averys Oak Farm for their father until his death in 1945. They then took over the farm and bought it from the Earl of Chichester. Bob and Fred worked the farm until they retired, when they sold the farm.

Bob died in Hailsham registration district in Sussex on 23 May 1968, at the age of 65, and he was buried in the Churchyard of All Saints at Laughton in the same grave as his daughter Anne. Twenty-six years later Alice died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 24 January 1995, at the age of 85.

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s second child was John Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex on 26 January 1861, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 7 April 1861. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, at the age of 2 months, was living with his parents at Bailey Pits in Buxted. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 John, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Half Acre Hill in Buxted, and he was going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 John, at the age of 20, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at New Road in Buxted.

The following year, when he was 21 years old, John was a farm labourer living at Hadlow Down in Sussex when married 24-year-old Mary Jane Billes at the Parish Church of St Dunstan in Mayfield, Sussex on 14 October 1882. Mary Jane was the daughter of Joseph Henry and Mary Jane Billes, and she had been born at Lambeth in London on 31 January 1858. Though her family was originally from London in the census of 3 April 1881 Mary Jane had been living with her parents on their 156-acre farm called Stockland in Mayfield Parish. See the page headed ‘John & Mary Jane Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s third child was Charles Muddle who was born at Bailey Pitts in Buxted, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 13 September 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charles, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Half Acre Hill in Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, now aged 17, was a live-in indoor farm servant for farmer George Saunders at Blackboys in Sussex.

When he was 19 years old Charles married 26-year-old Frances Anne Histed/Eastwood, known as Annie, at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 20 February 1884. Annie had been baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 5 July 1857 as Frances Anne Histed the daughter of Edmund and Harriett Elizabeth Histed, but some time during the late 1870s the family changed its name from Histed to Eastwood, and at her marriage Annie was recorded as being Annie Eastwood daughter of Edmund Eastwood, she had by now started to use the name Annie instead of Anne. Annie was a younger sister of the Elizabeth Frances Histed who married Obed Muddle, who was a member of the ‘Framfield Muddles’ and not related to Charles. See the page headed ‘Charles & Annie Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

Charles and Sarah’s fourth child was George Owen Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 4 December 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 George, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Half Acre Hill in Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 George, now aged 16, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at New Road in Buxted. By the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age of 26, had become a butcher's assistant and was lodging with the family of Charles Colbran at New Road in Crowborough, Sussex.

When he was 35 years old George married 25-year-old Johanna Smith at Tynemouth Register Office in Northumberland on 28 February 1900. At the time of their marriage George was a marine fisherman living at 25 Bull Ring in North Shields, and Johanna was living at 19 Church Way in North Shields. Johanna was the daughter of musician Daniel Smith and his wife Ann, and she had been born at 85 Bell Street in North Shields on 26 October 1874. In the census of 31 March 1901 Johanna was living in one room at 13 Linskill Street in North Shields. George was presumably away at sea even though Johanna was to give birth to their only child, a daughter, eight days later. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 George and Johanna were living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields with their daughter, and George was working as an engineman on trawlers.

During the First World War George was working under the alias Reuben Morley as First Engineer on the 113 gross tons steam trawler John M Smart out of North Shields when he was killed by enemy action on 12 December 1917, at the age of 53. The John M Smart was 10 miles east of the Tyne when she was sunk by gunfire from a German torpedo boat destroyer, and four lives were lost.[1] The other crewmen who lost their lives along with George were 28-year-old Second Engineer William John Kenny, 41-year-old Cook Alfred Walkington and 43-year-old Deck Hand George Wharton Coulter. The John M Smart had been launched in 1891 and was registered at North Shields as SN111. During the war she was a Fishery Trawler in the Royal Naval Reserve Fishing Fleet that fished in 20 boat groups with one fourth being armed. The boats were used under their owner’s control, whilst technically HM Ships, and the men were paid by Royal Naval Reserve Trawler Section one shilling per month plus a 5% bonus from the fishing income. At this time the family was living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields. George is commemorated on the Tower Hill Memorial in London, which is for men of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who have no known grave.

After her husband's death Johanna continued to live at 35 Coburg Street with her daughter Dorothy, who married on 16 June 1921. Just six days after their marriage Dorothy's husband migrated to Canada leaving Dorothy living with her mother, and in early 1922 Dorothy gave birth to a son. A few months later Johanna, her daughter and her grandson all emigrated from England to Canada to join Dorothy's husband, sailing 2nd class on the Minnedosa of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 26 May 1922 bound for Montreal. The passenger list described both Johanna and Dorothy as housewives, who had been living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields.[2] After arrival in Montreal they all travelled on to joined Johanna's son-in-law at Regina in Saskatchewan.

After two years in Canada Johanna returned to England for a visit, sailing as a cabin class passenger on the Regina of the White Star Line from Montreal and arriving at Liverpool on 16 November 1924. On the passenger list she stated that she would be staying at 7 Northcote Street in South Shields.[3] Then after a stay in England of nearly six months she sailed cabin class on the Doric of the White Star Line from Liverpool on 8 May 1925 bound for Montreal. The passenger list described her as a 50-year-old domestic, resident in Canada, who had been staying at 14 Church Street in North Shields.[4] She arrived at the port of Quebec on the Doric on 17 May 1925. On the passenger list Johanna state that she would be living with her daughter Mrs L Arkinstall at 2311 Reynolds Street, Regina and that her closest relative in England was her brother Benjamin Smith of 14 Church Street, North Shields.[5] Johanna continued to live near her daughter's family in Regina and in the 1940 and 1945 Canadian voters lists she was living at 2225 Reynolds Street in Regina, while her daughter was still at 2311 Reynolds Street. Johanna is thought to have died later in the 1940s.

 

 

 

George and Johanna’s only child was Dorothy Kate Muddle who was born at 13 Linskill Street in North Shields, Northumberland on 8 April 1901. In the census of 2 April 1911 Dorothy, at the age of almost 10, was living with her parents at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields and she was going to school. When she was 20 years old Dorothy married 28-year-old Leonard Henry Arkinstall at Tynemouth Register Office on 16 June 1921. Leonard was the son of artist George Evans Arkinstall and his wife Sarah; he had been born at Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1893. At the time of their marriage both Leonard and Dorothy were living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields, which was the home of Dorothy's mother, and Leonard was working as a glass and china packer.

Just six days after their marriage Leonard emigrated from England to Canada sailing 3rd class on the Empress of Britain of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 22 June 1921 bound for Quebec. The passenger list described him as a 28-year-old farmer who had been living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields.[6] After arriving in Quebec Leonard travelled on to settle in Regina, Saskatchewan.

After her marriage Dorothy continued to live with her mother at 35 Coburg Street and she gave birth to a son in early 1922. Then Dorothy, her mother and her young son all emigrated from England to Canada sailing 2nd class on the Minnedosa of the Canadian Pacific Line from Liverpool on 26 May 1922 bound for Montreal. The passenger list described both Dorothy and her mother as housewives who had been living at 35 Coburg Street in North Shields. They all then travelled on to join Leonard at Regina. Leonard and Dorothy then had three more children; two sons born in 1924 and 1926, and a daughter in 1933.

In the 1940 Canadian voters list Leonard and Dorothy were living at 2311 Reynolds Street in Regina, and Leonard was a china packer. In the 1945 voters list Leonard was in the army, and then in the 1953 voters list he was a watchman and Dorothy was a stenographer. In the 1957 voters list they were still at 2311 Reynolds Street, Leonard was a commissioner and Dorothy was a stenographer. Dorothy died on 4 January 1958, at the age of 56.

 

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s fifth child was Richard Muddle who was born at Half Acre Hill in Buxted, Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in nearby Hadlow Down, Sussex on 17 February 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Richard, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Half Acre Hill in Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Richard, now aged 14, was working as a farm labourer and living with his widowed mother at New Road in Buxted.

When he was 21 years old Richard married 19-year-old Alice Sophia Farnes at St Mary the Virgin Church in Buxted on 12 February 1888. Alice was the daughter of George and Hannah Farnes; she had been born at Buxted and her birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1868. Richard and Alice had five children; the first of whom was born just 6 weeks after their marriage and the last in 1900.

In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Coes Farm in Rotherfield Parish, Sussex with their then one child, and Richard was working as a farm labourer for the Hoath family who were the farmers at Coes. When their second child was baptised in August 1892 they were living at Five Ashes in Sussex and Richard was working as a carter. They were still at Five Ashes when their third child was born in 1893, but had moved to nearby Hadlow Down when their fourth child was born in 1896.

Richard then took the tenancy of Oakhurst Farm at Hellingly, and the 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Richard Muddle as a farmer at Oakhurst in Hellingly. Their fifth child was born at Hellingly in early 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Oakhurst in Hellingly with their four youngest children, and Richard was a farmer working on his own account. The 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed Richard Muddle as a farmer at Oakhurst, Horsham Road, Hellingly. In the census of 2 April 1911 Richard and Alice were living at Oakhurst Farm, Horsham Road with their three sons and Alice's widowed father, George Farnes; Richard was a farmer working on his own account and his two eldest sons were working for him on his farm. The 1911 and 1915 editions of Kelly's Directory of Sussex both listed Richard Muddle as a farmer at Oakhurst, Horsham Road, Hellingly. Richard was the tenant of this small farm until, sometime around the start of the First World War, he became the tenant of Manor Farm in Horam, Sussex, which later became the site of the Merrydown Wine Company. After the war Richard gave up the tenancy of Manor Farm and purchased Willowhurst Farm near Golden Cross at Lower Dicker in Sussex, which he farmed together with his youngest son.

Richard and Alice were strict members of the Wesleyan Methodist Church. When Richard retired they moved to a small farm at Chiddingly in Sussex, which their youngest son worked. Later they and their son moved to a bungalow called Greenway in Grovelands Road at Hailsham, Sussex. Richard died at the age of 79, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1946. Alice died two years later at the age of 79 (not 78 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Hailsham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1948.

 

 

Richard and Alice’s eldest child was Louisa Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex on 29 March 1888, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 29 April 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Louisa, at the age of 3, was living with her parents at Coes Farm in Rotherfield Parish, Sussex. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Louisa, now age 13, was a live-in general domestic servant to the family of farmer Percy Fraser at 10 Marl Green in Heathfield, Sussex. In the census of 2 April 1911 Louisa, at the age of 23, was a live-in domestic servant to the family of butcher Arthur James O'Hara at 6 Dalton Terrace, Meads, Eastbourne, Sussex.

When she was 30 years old Louisa married 34-year-old George Albion Putland at the Parish Church of All Saints in Waldron, Sussex on 17 July 1918. George was then a baker living at Chiddingly in Sussex and Louisa was living at Waldron. George was the son of Richard and Harriet Putland, and he had been born at Chiddingly during February 1884. George and Louisa had one child, a daughter, born in Hailsham registration district in 1919. George worked as a baker at Wickens' Bakery at Golden Cross near Hailsham.

Louisa died in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during November 1929, at the age of 41, from what is thought to have been meningitis. George then married Louisa's sister Alice Jane Muddle, known as Tiny, in Hailsham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1931. See the section below on Tiny for the rest of George’s life.

 

 

George and Louisa’s only child was Doris Louisa Putland who was born in Hailsham registration district in Sussex on 3 August 1919, and baptised at Christ Church in Horam, Sussex on 21 September 1919.

When she was 21 years old Doris married 30-year-old Horace Fysh in Norwich registration district in Norfolk on 12 May 1941. Horace, who had been born on 24 May 1910, was a civil servant, and they had to move with his work, living at King's Lynn in Norfolk where their only child, a daughter, was born in 1942. Then Sheringham in Norfolk, and finally at Harrow in North-West London, where Horace died on 4 February 1965, at the age of 54.

Doris, at the age of 47, then married 46-year-old Walter Joseph Ford, known as Trevor, in Harrow registration district in Middlesex on 14 April 1967. Trevor, who had been born in Greenwich registration district in London on 17 June 1920, was a chief technician in the RAF. They lived at Southend-on-Sea in Essex where Trevor died on 14 February 1976, at the age of 55. Doris then lived in Wiltshire. She died at the age of 80, her death being registered in Chippenham registration district in Wiltshire during August 1999.

 

 

Richard and Alice’s second child was Alice Jane Muddle, known as Tiny, who was born at Five Ashes in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in nearby Hadlow Down, Sussex on 7 August 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Tiny, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Oakhurst Farm, Horsham Road, Hellingly, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Tiny, now aged 19, was a live-in kitchen maid to the family of barrister Harold Sands at Bernersmede, Upper Carlisle Road, Eastbourne, Sussex.

When she was 38 years old Tiny married 47-year-old widower George Albion Putland in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1931. George had been the husband of Tiny's late elder sister Louisa. They didn't have any children. George died in Hailsham registration district on 22 February 1942, at the age of 57. Then six years later Tiny died at the age of 56, her death being registered in Hailsham registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1948.

 

Richard and Alice’s third child was Richard Charles Muddle, known as Charles, who was born at Five Ashes in Sussex on 14 December 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Charles, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm, Horsham Road, Hellingly, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Charles, now aged 17, was living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm and working as a waggoner on his father's farm.

When he was 25 years old Charles married 22-year-old Alice Cosham in Ticehurst registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1919. Alice was the daughter of Charles and Mary Cosham and she had been at Mayfield in Sussex on 22 June 1896. Charles and Alice had two children born in Hailsham registration district in Sussex; the first born in 1920 and dying when only a few weeks old, and the second born in 1925. They lived at Stonehill Farm, which is to the south of Horam village on the road to Chiddingly in Sussex. Charles' father had bought it for them, and Charles farmed there until he retired. They then moved to a bungalow on the farm.

Charles died when just on 78 years old, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1971. Their daughter's family then came to live with Alice at the bungalow, until they all moved to Hailsham in Sussex. Alice died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during December 1986. Charles and Alice were buried in Hellingly Cemetery.

 

 

Charles and Alice’s eldest child was Edward C Muddle, known as Eddie, whose birth was registered in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 1st quarter of 1920. Eddie died when only a few weeks old, his death being registered in Hailsham registration district during the 1st quarter of 1920.

 

Charles and Alice’s second child is Mary Patricia Muddle who was born in Hailsham registration district on 17 March 1925. When she was 20 years old Mary married 23-year-old Frederick James Holdstock at Hailsham Register Office on 2 June 1945. Frederick was the son of Frederick and Louisa Holdstock and he had been born in Tenterden registration district in Kent on 18 November 1921. Frederick and Mary had two children, both daughters, born in 1946 and 1950. Fred worked for Mr Green an agricultural contractor based at Lower Dicker near Hailsham. They lived in a cottage at Lower Dicker, until, when Mary’s father died, they went to live with Mary’s mother at the bungalow on Stonehill Farm in Horam, Sussex. They all later moved to Hailsham where Mary’s mother died in 1986. Fred died in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex on 11 September 1995 at the age of 73, and he was buried in Hellingly Cemetery. Nine years later Mary died at the age of 79, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during February 2005.

 

 

Richard and Alice’s fourth child was Harry Muddle who was born at Hadlow Down in Sussex on 16 April 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Harry, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm, Horsham Road, Hellingly, Sussex. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Harry, now aged 14, was living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm and working as a cowman on his father's farm.

During the First World War Harry was a 19-year-old farm hand when he enlisted as Private 1145 in the Royal Marine Artillery at Brighton on 27 October 1915. He was then described as 5ft 9½ins tall with fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair. He was first based at the Royal Marine Artillery Head Quarters where initially he was in Q Company, and he was found to be able to swim when he was tested on 20 January 1916. On 17 February 1916 he was transferred to K Company and promoted to Gunner 2nd Class and then on 7 April 1916 he was promoted to Gunner. He was transferred to P Company and became a Motor Driver on 20 April 1916 and then started service with the Royal Marine Artillery Home Brigades on 29 June 1916. After just over a year he returned to the Royal Marine Artillery Head Quarters on 8 August 1918 and was discharged as unfit on 28 August 1918. He had been invalided out at the Royal Navy Hospital at Chatham with tuberculosis of the right knee joint. For his service Harry received a War Gratuity of £16 10s, and on 17 August 1918 he had been issued with a Silver War Badge that was awarded to those military personnel who were discharged as a result of sickness or wounds contracted or received during the war. On discharge Harry's home address was to be Manor Farm, Horam, Sussex, which was where his parents were then living.[7]

When he was 29 years old Harry married 24-year-old Dorothy Chapman in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1925. Dorothy was the daughter of Caroline Chapman and she had been born at Eastbourne on 22 August 1901. Harry and Dorothy didn't have any children, and they lived at Lavender Cottage in Horam, Sussex, which Harry had had built on land that was part of Manor Farm. Harry was a hay merchant, who also did some building work, and managed farmland. He owned a number of houses, mostly at Hailsham in Sussex.

Dorothy died at the age of 83, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during October 1984. Seven years later Harry died at the age of 95, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during September 1991.

 

Richard and Alice’s fifth child was Arthur Muddle who was born at Hellingly in Sussex on 8 May 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Arthur, at the age of 10 months, was living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm, Horsham Road, Hellingly. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Arthur, now aged 10, was going to school and living with his parents at Oakhurst Farm. Arthur lived with his parents, and worked on their farms, until he moved with them to Greenway, a bungalow in Grovelands Road at Hailsham, Sussex.

When he was 43 years old Arthur married Ethel Hudson, who was about 38 years old, in Worthing registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1943. Ethel had been born on 6 September 1905. They had one child, a son, born in Worthing registration district during 1947. They lived for a short time in one of the two houses that Arthur owned at Lower Dicker near Hailsham in Sussex. Then when Arthur's mother died they went to live at Greenway, where they lived for the rest of their lives. Arthur had a small farm called Tilehurst in Hempstead Lane, Hailsham, and also did farm work and gardening.

Arthur died at the age of 80, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1980. Seven years later Ethel died at the age of 81, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during July 1987.

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s sixth child was Kate Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex on 10 February 1869, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Mark in nearby Hadlow Down, Sussex on 25 April 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Kate, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Half Acre Hill in Buxted. Then in the census of 3 April 1881, after the death of her father, Kate, at the age of 12 was going to school and living with her widowed maternal grandmother, Philadelphia Muddle, at Hadlow Down. In the census of 5 April 1891 Kate, at the age of 22, was a live-in domestic servant to the Deacon family at 13 St Catherines Terrace in Brighton, Sussex. Later in the 1890s Kate became cook for Lord Portman at Buxted Park, where she met her future husband, who was a coachman there.

When she was 29 years old Kate married 32-year-old Charles Thorpe at St Mary the Virgin Church in Buxted on 15 June 1898, Charles was then a coachman living at Eastbourne in Sussex. He was the son of John and Matilda Thorpe; he had been born at Nutley in Sussex on 7 January 1866 and baptised at the Parish Church of St James the Less in Nutley on 28 January 1866. Charles and Kate lived in Eastbourne after their marriage, and in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living in two rooms at 90 Susans Street in Eastbourne and Charles was a non-domestic coachman. They had three children born in Eastbourne in 1905, 1910 and 1913. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 180 Ashford Road in Eastbourne with their then two children and Charles was a domestic coachman. Later on Charles became a driver for Chapman's Coaches, who did coaching holidays. Then later he worked for Eastbourne Corporation on a road repair gang.

Charles died at Eastbourne on 11 June 1925, at the age of 59 (not 57 as given on his death certificate), and then eight years later Kate died at Eastbourne on 14 September 1933, at the age of 64.

 

 

 

Charles and Kate’s eldest child was Mildred Jenny Thorpe who was born at Eastbourne in Sussex on 1 June 1905. In the census of 2 April 1911 Mildred, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 180 Ashford Road in Eastbourne. Mildred continued to live with her parents in Eastbourne until their deaths. She never married, and remained living in Eastbourne until her own death there on 2 October 1964, at the age of 59.

 

Charles and Kate’s second child was Frank Charles Thorpe who was born at Eastbourne in Sussex on 23 May 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 Frank, at the age of 10 months, was living with his parents at 180 Ashford Road in Eastbourne. Frank did a carpenter's apprenticeship, and worked at the gasworks. He got an honours pass in the London City & Guilds examination.

When he was 36 years old Frank married 33-year-old Pamela Rachel Allix in Eastbourne registration district during the 1st quarter of 1947. Pamela was the daughter of Charles and Hilda Allix and she had been born in St Germans registration district in Cornwall on 1 July 1913. Frank worked as a leader of youth groups. They moved to Worcester in Worcestershire where they had two children, both sons, born in 1952 and 1955. Frank became a teacher at the Technical College in Worcester.

Frank died in Birmingham registration district on 26 November 1969, at the age of 59. Thirty-three years later Pamela died at the age of 89, her death being registered in Worcester registration district during March 2003.

 

Charles and Kate’s third child is Kathleen Matilda Thorpe, known as Kath, who was born at Eastbourne in Sussex on 25 July 1913. Kath lived at Eastbourne until she went to Canada to marry. When she was 46 years old Kath married 47-year-old widower Robert Aberdeen Hall at Peterborough in Ontario on 22 November 1959. Robert, who had been born on 5 December 1911, had been one of the Barnardo's children fostered by Kath's uncle and aunt, Alfred and Sarah Ann Booth, at Averys Oak in Laughton, Sussex, and while there he had become very fond of their niece Kath Thorpe. But when he was 16 years old Barnardo's sent him to Canada where he married and had a son. Then during the Second World War he joined the Canadian Army and was posted to England, where he found Kath and they renewed their friendship. Robert contracted a serious chest infection and was sent back to Canada and invalided out of the army. Robert's wife later died and Kath then went to Canada to marry him. Robert and Kath lived at Paudash in Faraday Township, which is 9 miles south of Bancroft in Ontario. Robert was a mechanic and worked for the fire service and the Paudash mine. He died on 27 January 1979, at the age of 67. Kath continues to live at Paudash.

 

 

Charles and Sarah’s seventh child was Louisa Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1871. In the census of 3 April 1881 Louisa, at the age of 9, was living with her widowed mother at New Road in Buxted, and she was going to school. Louisa died at the age of 15 while living at Pound Green in Buxted, possibly from TB, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 7 February 1887.

 

Charles and Sarah’s eighth child was Catherine Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 8 March 1874. Catherine died when only 2 years old, and she was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 18 May 1876.

 

Charles and Sarah’s ninth child was William Muddlewho was born at Buxted in Sussex on 5 November 1876, and baptised at the Parish Church of St Margaret the Queen in Buxted on 25 February 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 4, was living with his widowed mother at New Road in Buxted, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William, now aged 14, was working as a general labourer and living with his mother at Pound Green in Buxted. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 24, was working as a plumber's labourer and living with his mother at Yew Tree Cottage in the Pound Green area of Buxted.

William's mother died in April 1903 and the following year, when he was 27 years old, William married 28-year-old Sarah Coward at St Mary the Virgin Church in Motcombe, Dorset on 9 January 1904. William was then living in Buxted and working as a houseman, and Sarah was from Motcombe. Sarah was the daughter of Edward and Jane Coward; she had been born at Motcombe and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Motcombe on 15 August 1875. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sarah and her elder sister Mary Ann Coward were both working as housemaids at Buxted Park for Lady Ashburton, who had also been born in Dorset. As a houseman the most likely place in Buxted that William would have been working was also at Buxted Park so that was presumably where William and Sarah had met.

In the census of 2 April 1911 William and Sarah were living in the northern end of Hogg House Cottages, Hurstwood Road, Buxted that was number 42 on the census schedule and was later called 42 Hurstwood Road; William was working as an odd man and they had 24-year-old farm foreman George Stanley Buss as a boarder. Hogg House Cottages were part of Buxted Park Estate so all three occupants were almost certainly working for the estate.

During the First World War William, at the age of 39, was working as an odd man for Lord Portman at Buxted Park and living at 48 Hurstwood Road (possibly New House Cottage, which was number 48 in the 1911 census schedule and was in Hurstwood Road) when he enlisted at Uckfield on 30 November 1915 as Private G13001 in the Royal Sussex Regiment. He was then described as 5ft 7ins tall, weighed 127lbs, had a 34½ins fully expanded chest and very fair physical development, though his right foot was rather flat and he had a stiff left thumb joint. He didn't start actively serving until he joined the 23rd Training Reserve Battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment as Private TR/10/9128 at Chichester on 19 June 1916. A year later, on 23 June 1917, he was transferred to the 16th Battalion of the Essex Regiment. Then he was transferred to the 681st Agricultural Company of the Labour Corps as Private 434881 and posted to the 696th Agricultural Company at Hounslow on 19 March 1918. William was discharged on 8 March 1919. He put in a claim for a pension on the grounds that while he was serving he had contracted bronchitis for which he was hospitalised in St Albans in early 1917, but his claim was rejected as his lungs were now clear. As he had only served in England William was not entitled to any campain medals.[8]

William and Sarah always lived in Buxted and didn't have any children. William continued working as an odd man (general handyman) for Lord Portman at Buxted Park, and he was always getting into trouble because of his drinking and gambling. Sarah died on 9 February 1926, at the age of 50, while living at the Coopers Green Lodge, Buxted Park. An inquest into her death was held by the Western (Lewes) District Coroner on 10 February 1926, which gave a verdict of death from natural causes, heart failure.[9] She was buried in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 13 February 1926.

William was still living at Coopers Green Lodge when on 12 January 1931 he purchased, for the sum of £180, 48 Coopers Green Cottages from builder George Thomas Durrant, who had bought it in the sale of Buxted Park Estate properties the year before. This cottage, the centre one of a terrace of three, is now called Muddle Cottage. William was living at 48 Coopers Green Cottages when he died in the Royal County Hospital at Brighton on 5 March 1934, at the age of 57. He was buried with his wife in the Churchyard of St Margaret the Queen at Buxted on 7 March 1934; an inscribed kerb marks their grave. William died intestate and administration of his estate, which was valued at £247 5s 11d, was granted on 16 June 1934 by Lewes Probate Registry to his brother Charles Muddle.

 

 


[1] British Vessels Lost at Sea 1914-1918 HMSO 1919.

[2] TNA BT 27/971 Outwards Passenger Lists, Liverpool April-May 1922.

[3] TNA BT 26/762/2 Inwards Passenger Lists, SS Regina Liverpool 16 November 1924.

[4] TNA BT 27/1080 Outwards Passenger Lists, Liverpool May 1925.

[5] LAC RG 76 Ships' Passenger Lists, microfilm T-14715.

[6] TNA BT 27/943 Outwards Passenger Lists, Liverpool June 1921.

[7] TNA ADM 159/97/111 Royal Marines Register of Service for Harry Muddle &

      TNA ADM 171/177 & ADM 171/185 Royal Navy Silver War Badge Medal Rolls.

[8] TNA WO 364/2618 First World War Army Pension Documents for William Muddle.

[9] ESRO COR/1/3/2175 Inquest papers on the death of Sarah Muddle, 10 Feb 1926.

 

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 22 May 2016

 

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