THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE FRAMFIELD MUDDLES

 

Chart of David & Susan Muddle’s Family

 

David and Susan’s eldest child was Michael Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 6 June 1841. In the census of same day, 6 June 1841, Michael, at the age of one month, was with his mother at her parents’ cottage on Palehouse Common in Framfield. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Michael, now aged 9, was living with his parents at Muddles Cottage near the Blackboys Inn, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Michael, at the age of 19, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage). When he was 26 years old Michael married 19-year-old Alice Burt at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 11 April 1868. Alice was the daughter of Edward and Barbara Burt; she had been born at Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 1 October 1848. See the section headed ‘Michael and Alice Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

David and Susan’s second child was James Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 5 March 1843. In the census of 30 March 1851 James, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Muddles Cottage near the Blackboys Inn, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 James, now aged 18, was a live-in carter for farmer George Feldwick at Little Streele Farm in Framfield. When he was 21 years old James married 21-year-old Ann Drawbridge at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 22 October 1864. Ann was the daughter of labourer Samuel Drawbridge; she had been born at Northiam in Sussex and her birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1843. James and Ann lived at Framfield where they had five children, all daughters, born between 1866 and 1878, the first of whom died at the age of 7 and the last two of whom were twins.

In the census of 2 April 1871 James and Ann were living at Palehouse Common in Framfield with their then two daughters and Ann's widowed father, Samuel Drawbridge; James was working as a farm labourer. Their eldest daughter died in 1873, at the age of 7. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at Wheeler Street in Blackboys within Framfield Parish with their four surviving daughters, and James was now a farmer of 50 acres, employing one man and one boy. Living next-door were James and Elizabeth Jeffrey; James was a farmer of 50 acres employing 2 men, and Elizabeth was the sister of Ann, her maiden name being Drawbridge. Both these families were living next-door to Brownings Grove, and as the 1890 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex and the 1891 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent, Surrey & Sussex both listed James Muddle and James Jeffrey as together being the farmers of Browings Grove Farm it seems that they must have been farming Browings Grove in partnership back in 1881. In the census of 5 April 1891 James and Ann were still living at Wheeler Street; three of their daughters were still living with them, and James was continuing to be a farmer. James and Elizabeth Jeffrey were now living at Lowlands Farm in Framfield and had James and Ann's daughter Emily living with them as their domestic servant.

The 1899 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed James Muddle as a farmer at Brookhurst in Blackboys. In the census of 31 March 1901 James and Ann were living at Blackboys (this would be at Brookhurst) with just their twin daughters still living at home, and James was described as a farmer working on his own account. The 1905 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed James Muddle as a farmer at Brookhurst in Blackboys.

Ann died on 1 February 1910, at the age of 66, and she was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield. There is a headstone in the churchyard for her together with her husband but there is no entry for her in the burial register. The 1911 edition of Kelly's Directory of Sussex listed James Muddle as a farmer at Brookhurst in Blackboys, but he was not in the 1915 edition of this directory. Seven years after Ann's death James had been living at Pretoria Cottage in Heathfield when he died in the Workhouse Infirmary at Hellingly on 9 November 1917, at the age of 74. He was buried with his wife in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 14 November 1917. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. Probate of James' will, which valued his effects at £469 18s 0d, was granted on 5 December 1917 by Lewes Probate Registry to his daughter Anne Hook and his son-in-law farmer Frederick Knight.

 

James and Ann’s eldest child was Mary Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 March 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Mary, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Palehouse Common in Framfield. Mary died at Framfield on 7 August 1873, at the age of 7, from phthisis (tuberculosis of the lungs and wasting of the body), and she was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 11 August 1873.

 

James and Ann’s second child was Sarah Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex on 23 December 1869, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 30 January 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Sarah, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Palehouse Common in Framfield. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Sarah, now aged 11, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street in Framfield. In the census of 5 April 1891 Sarah, at the age of 21, was still living with her parents at Wheeler Street, and she was described as having no occupation or income.

When she was 23 years old Sarah married 23-year-old farm labourer Aaron Barton at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 April 1893. They were both then living at Blackboys in Framfield Parish. Aaron and Sarah had four children born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish between 1894 and 1910. In the census of the 31 March 1901 they were living at Tickerage Cottage in Blackboys with their then two children, and Aaron was a farmer and chicken fattener working at home on his own account. At the baptisms of their last two children in 1905 and 1910 Aaron described himself as a farmer.

 

Aaron and Sarah’s eldest child was Harry Barton who was born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 30 December 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Harry, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Tickerage Cottage in Blackboys.

 

Aaron and Sarah’s second child was Annie Barton who was born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 22 July 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Annie, at the age of 10 months, was living with her parents at Tickerage Cottage in Blackboys.

 

Aaron and Sarah’s third child was Frank Barton who was born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 2 April 1905.

 

Aaron and Sarah’s fourth child was Bessie Barton who was born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish in Sussex on 5 August 1910, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 18 September 1910.

 

James and Ann’s third child was Emily Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex on 26 July 1875, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 August 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street in Framfield. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Emily, now aged 15, was staying with uncle and aunt, James and Elizabeth Jeffrey, at Lowland Farm in Framfield, and she was working as a domestic servant. Elizabeth Jeffrey was a sister of Emily's mother.

When she was 24 years old Emily married 24-year-old miller Ernest Victor Cottington, known as Victor, at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 14 October 1899. They were both then living at Blackboys in Framfield Parish. Victor was the son of William and Lois Cottington; he had been born at Framfield and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1875. Victor and Emily had at least one child, a daughter, born in Framfield Parish in 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living near Tickerage Mill in Blackboys with their young daughter, and Victor was working as a flour miller, probably for whoever then owned Tickerage Mill.

 

Victor and Emily’s only known child was Mildred Cottington who was born in Framfield Parish in about 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 Mildred, at the age of 1, was living with her parents near Tickerage Mill in the Blackboys area of Framfield Parish.

 

James and Ann’s fourth child, one of twins, was Anne Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 September 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Anne, at the age 2, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street in Blackboys in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Anne, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Anne, at the age of 22, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at Brookhurst in Blackboys.

When she was 31 years old Anne married 28-year-old Lewis Robert Hook at the Wesleyan Church at Cross-in-Hand in Sussex on 27 October 1909. Lewes was then a farmer’s son living at Yew Tree Farm, Shortgate, Laughton, and Anne was a farmer’s daughter living at Brookhurst Farm in Blackboys. Lewis was the son of Moses and Frances Hook; he had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex and his birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1881. Lewis and Anne had at least two children, the first born in Hailsham registration district in 1912 and the second in Uckfield registration district in 1913. In 1917 Anne acted as one of the executors of her father’s will.

 

Lewis and Anne’s eldest known child was Bertram Hook whose birth was registered in Hailsham registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1912.

 

Lewis and Anne’s second known child was Alfred F Hook whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1913.

 

James and Ann’s fifth child, one of twins, was Kate Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 September 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Kate, at the age 2, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street in Blackboys in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Kate, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Wheeler Street, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Kate, at the age of 22, was working as a dressmaker and living with her parents at Brookhurst in Blackboys.

When she was 25 years old Kate married 26-year-old Frederick Knight at the Wesleyan Church at Cross-in-Hand in Sussex on 11 November 1903. Frederick was then a farm labourer living at Pounsley Farm in Blackboys, and Kate was a dressmaker living at Pankhurst (probably an error for Brookhurst) in Blackboys. Frederick was the son of John George and Mary Ann Knight; he had been born at Mayfield in Sussex and his birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1876. In 1917 Frederick was a farmer when he acted as one of the executors of the will of his father-in-law, James Muddle. They had at least one child born in Uckfield registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1920.

 

Frederick and Kate’s only known child was Hubert F Knight whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1920.

 

David and Susan’s third child was Ruth Muddle who was born at Buxted in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 2 March 1845. In the census of 30 March 1851 Ruth, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Muddles Cottage near the Blackboys Inn in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Ruth, now aged 16, was living with her parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage). In the census of 2 April 1871 Ruth, at the age of 26, was living with her parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage), and she was described as having been an invalid from birth and an annuitant. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ruth, now aged 36, was living with her parents at Blackboys (probably in Muddles Cottage), and she was continuing to be described as an invalid from birth. Ruth never married. She died at Blackboys, at the age of 43, and was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 13 May 1888.

 

David and Susan’s fourth child was Mary Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 April 1847. In the census of 30 March 1851 Mary, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at Muddles Cottage near the Blackboys Inn in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Mary, now aged 14, was living with her parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage). In the census of 2 April 1871 Mary, at the age of 24, was a live-in housemaid to the family of barrister Cecil Austin at 7 Marine Square in Brighton.

When she was 32 years old Mary married 26-year-old farm labourer Stephen William Bassett Simmonds at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 29 November 1879. Stephen was the son of labourer William Bassett Simmonds and his wife Louisa; he had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex on 23 January 1853, and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 6 March 1853. Stephen was the brother of the Kate Bassett who was to marry Mary's brother David in 1896; this family used the names Bassett Simmonds, Simmonds and Bassett in a fairly arbitrary manner.

Stephen and Mary lived at Waldron in Sussex where they had three children born between 1880 and 1884. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 2 Firgrove Cottage in Waldron with their then one child, and Stephen was working as a farm labourer. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living near Selwins in Waldron with their three children, and Stephen was continuing to work as a farm labourer. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Duffalls in Waldron with two of their children, and Stephen was still working as a farm labourer.

 

Stephen and Mary’s eldest child was Susanna Mary Simmonds who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints’ Church in Waldron on 19 December 1880. In the census of 3 April 1881 Susanna, at the age of 4 months, was living with her parents at 2 Firgrove Cottage in Waldron. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Susanna, now aged 10, was living with her parents near Selwins in Waldron, and she was going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Susanna, at the age of 20, was living with her parents at Duffalls in Waldron, and working as a dressmaker at home on her own account.

 

Stephen and Mary’s second child was Stephen William Simmonds, known as William, who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints’ Church in Waldron on 2 April 1882. In the census of 5 April 1891 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents near Selwins in Waldron, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 William, now aged 19, was working as a miller and living with the family of miller William Handley at the Mill House in Isfield, Sussex.

 

Stephen and Mary’s third child was Samuel David Simmonds who was born at Waldron in Sussex, and baptised at All Saints’ Church in Waldron on 24 August 1884. In the census of 5 April 1891 Samuel, at the age of 6, was living with his parents near Selwins in Waldron, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Samuel, now aged 16, was working as a farm labourer and living with his parents at Duffalls in Waldron.

 

David and Susan’s fifth child was Obed Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 3 November 1850. In the census of 30 March 1851 Obed, at the age of 7 months, was living with his parents at Muddles Cottage near the Blackboys Inn in Framfield Parish. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Obed, now aged 10, was living with his parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage), and he was going to school. In the census of 2 April 1871 Obed, at the age of 20, was a journeyman carpenter and living with his parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage).

Obed was a farm labourer living at Buxted in Sussex when, at the age of 23, he married 21-year-old Elizabeth Frances Histed at St Margaret’s Church in Buxted on 24 July 1874. Elizabeth was the daughter of Edmund and Harriett Frances Histed, and she had been baptised at St Margaret's Church in Buxted on 14 November 1852. Elizabeth’s younger sister Frances Anne Eastwood (the Histed family changed its name to Eastwood in the late 1870s) married Charles Muddle, who was a member of the ‘Buxted Muddles’ and not related to Obed. See the section headed ‘Obed and Elizabeth Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

David and Susan’s sixth child was Samuel Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 2 April 1854. In the census of 7 April 1861 Samuel, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage) near the Blackboys Inn in Framfield Parish, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Samuel, now aged 17, was working as an under gardener and living with his parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage). In the census of 3 April 1881 Samuel, at the age of 27, was working as a valet and living at 12 Raphael Street, Westminster, London; he had two older men lodging with him who were a cook and a butler, so it’s possible that they all worked for the same employer who provided this accommodation for them.

When he was 30 years old Samuel married 23-year-old Mary Ann Huntley at Kensington Parish Church in London on 10 June 1884. Samuel was then living at 34 Hyde Park Gate in Kensington and still working as a servant, and Mary Ann was living at 31 Hyde Park Gate. Mary Ann was the daughter of Henry and Mary Huntley; she had been born at Manningford Bruce in Wiltshire and her birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1860. Samuel and Mary Ann had seven children. Their first child was born at Brompton in Kensington in 1885 before they moved to Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire where their other six children were born between 1888 and 1906. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Manningford Abbotts with their then two children, and Samuel was a farmer. The 1895 and 1898 editions of Kelly’s Directory of Wiltshire and the 1897 edition of Lucy's Marlborough & District Directory all listed Samuel Muddle as a farmer of Manningford Abbotts. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Manningford Abbotts with their then six children, and Samuel was working as a farmer on his own account. The 1903 and 1907 editions of Kelly's Directory of Wiltshire both listed Samuel Muddle as a farmer of Manningford Abbotts.

Samuel was described as being a gardener when his son Henry married in 1913, and they were living at Manningford Bruce in Wiltshire during the First World War. Samuel was described as being a gentleman when his daughter Fanny married in 1921. They were still living at Manningford Bruce when Samuel died on 4 July 1929, at the age of 75. Samuel died intestate and administration of his estate, which was valued at £419 8s 8d, was granted on 26 August 1929 to his widow Mary Ann. Four years later Mary Ann died at the age of 73, her death being registered in Pewsey registration district, which includes Manningford Bruce, during the 3rd quarter of 1933.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s eldest child was Henry George Muddle who was born at Brompton, Kensington, London, on 26 March 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Henry, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Henry, now aged 16, was still living with his parents at Manningford Abbotts. When he was 28 years old Henry married 24-year-old Daisy Hiscock at Manningford Bruce Church in Wiltshire on 2 August 1913. They were both then living at Manningford Bruce, and Henry was working as a labourer. They had two children born in Pewsey registration district in 1915 and 1921.

During the First World War Henry was initially Private 32661 in the Wiltshire Regiment before being transferred to become Private 27822 in the Somerset Light Infantry. He was Private 27822 in the 8th Battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry when the King approved the awarded of the Distinguished Conduct Medal to H G Muddle.[1] The act of gallantry for which this award had been made was that:[2]

During the attack on the high ground east of Briastre, on the 12th October, 1918, when his section met with heavy machine-gun fire, he led his men on and rushed the machine-gun which was causing the trouble, and turned it on the gun team who were running away, causing several casualties. By his personal courage and determined advance he forced the enemy to vacate their position. He did fine work.

Henry also received two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[3]

Daisy died on 2 August 1964 at the age of 74, and she was buried in Woodborough Churchyard in Wiltshire. Fourteen years later Henry died on 25 March 1978, the day before his 93rd birthday, and he was buried with his wife in Woodborough Churchyard.

 

Henry and Daisy’s eldest child was Ivy W Muddle whose birth was registered in Pewsey registration district in Wiltshire during the 3rd quarter of 1915. When she was 27 years old Ivy married Archibald Wiltshire in Devizes registration district in Wiltshire during the 4th quarter 1942.

 

Henry and Daisy’s second child was Doris I Muddle whose birth was registered in Pewsey registration district in Wiltshire during the 2nd quarter of 1921. When she was 22 years old Doris married Elises C Biasissi in Devizes registration district in Wiltshire during the 3rd quarter 1943.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s second child was Agnes Mary Muddle who was born at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 Agnes, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Manningford Abbotts. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Agnes, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Manningford Abbotts. When she was 31 years old Agnes married Walter J Lovelock in Pewsey registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1920.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s third child was Fanny Muddle who was born at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1892. In the census of 31 March 1901 Fanny, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Manningford Abbotts. When she was 29 years old Fanny married 35-year-old Samuel George Broomham at Islington Parish Church in London during on 30 November 1921. Samuel was then an under groom living at Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire, and Fanny was living at the Fire Station, Upper Street, Islington.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s fourth child was Frank Muddle who was born at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frank, at the age of 6, was living with his parents at Manningford Abbotts. During the First World War Frank was living at Pewsey when he enlisted at Pewsey. He was private 22730 in the 1st Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment when on 29 August 1916 at the age of 21 he died from his wounds. Frank was buried in plot 3, row B, grave 10, of the Forceville Communal Cemetery, Somme, France. Forceville is a village about 10km northwest of the town of Albert.

 

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s fifth child was Louise Muddle who was born at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1898. In the census of 31 March 1901 Louise, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Manningford Abbotts. When she was 27 years old Louise married Ralph Vincent in Pewsey registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1925.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s sixth child was Olive Muddle who was born at Manningford Abbotts in Wiltshire on 20 March 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 Olive, at the age of 11 days, was living with her parents at Manningford Abbotts. When she was 32 years old Olive married Alfred L Beaven in Pewsey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1933.

 

Samuel and Mary Ann’s seventh child was Sydney Huntley Muddle who was born in Pewsey registration district in Wiltshire on 1 March 1906. When he was 27 years old Sydney married 27-year-old Hilda Kate White at St John the Baptist Church in Pewsey on 3 June 1933. Sydney was then a gardener living at Manningford Bruce in Wiltshire, and Hilda was living at Pewsey. Hilda had been born on 27 April 1906. In 1933 Sydney submitted plans to Pewsey Rural District Council for a bungalow near the station in Manningford Abbotts.[4] Sydney and Hilda didn’t have any children. Sydney died when about 65 years old, his death being registered in Marlborough registration district in Wiltshire during the 1st quarter of 1971. Twenty-nine years later Hilda died at the age of 93, her death being registered in Devizes and Marlborough registration district in Wiltshire during January 2000.

 

David and Susan’s seventh child was John Muddle who was born in Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 May 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 John, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage). John died at Framfield at the age of 9 and he was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 10 April 1865.

 

David and Susan’s eighth child was Martha Muddle who was born at Blackboys in Framfield Parish in Sussex, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 1 August 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Martha, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at Muddleslane Cottage (probably the same house as Muddles Cottage) in Blackboys. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Martha, now aged 12, was living with her parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage), and she was going to school.

When she was about 20 years old Martha had an illegitimate daughter, who was born in Framfield Parish, probably at her parents' home in Blackboys, on Sunday 2 June 1878. Seventeen days after giving birth Martha registered the birth with the Uckfield Registrar on 20 June. Then just on six weeks after the birth Martha placed and advert in The Times of Saturday 13 July 1878, advertising herself as a wet nurse:

WET NURSE. Single, respectable, aged 21. Good recommendations. Address Martha Muddle, post-office, Blackboys, Hawkhurst, Sussex.

The address includes the town of Hawkhurst, which is actually in Kent, because it's thought that Hawkhurst was then the local Post Town; Blackboys then being on the main road from Hawkhurst to Uckfield, which was a main postal route. The address of Blackboys does indicate that Martha was almost certainly living with her parents. Then two weeks later on Sunday 28 July 1878 Martha had her daughter baptised at her Parish Church of St Thomas à Becket in Framfield.

In the census of 3 April 1881 Martha, at the age of 22, was a live-in housemaid for the family of Henry Leach, the Vicar of Framfield, in Framfield Village; her parents were looking after her daughter. Then the following year, when she was 23 years old, Martha married 22-year-old Spencer Farrant at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 18 February 1882. Spencer was then a carter from Maresfield. He had been baptised at East Hoathly Church on 9 October 1859, the son of carter Abraham Farrant and his wife Anne.

Spencer and Martha were living in the Blackboys area of Framfield Parish while they had their four children between 1883 and 1895. Their second child died when only 9 months old. From at least 1889 to 1895 they were living at Possingworth Cottages in Blackboys, and in the census of 5 April 1891 they were living there with Martha's illegitimate daughter and their then two surviving children. Spencer had continued to be recorded as a carter up until 1886, but from 1889 he was recorded as simply being a farm labourer.

They then moved to the parish of West Firle in Sussex where in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Polecat Firle with their two youngest children, and Spencer was now a farm foreman. They had 52-year-old widower Harry Neeves, who was a traction engine driver, as a boarder. Eight years later they were living at Heronsdale Manor in the parish of Waldron when their youngest daughter died in early 1909 at the age of 14. The Kelly's Directory of Sussex for 1909 records that Spencer was then bailiff for Mr G M Freeman at Heronsdale Manor. The following year they were still living at Waldron when Spencer died at the age of 51, and was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 17 August 1910. In the census of 2 April 1911 Martha was housekeeper at Heronsdale Manor in Waldron, the owners were away at the time of the census and Martha was there with two other servants looking after the house. Thirty-six years after Spencer's death Martha died at the age of 88, her death being registered in Eastbourne registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1946.

 

Martha’s illegitimate child was Ada Muddle who was born at Framfield in Sussex, probably at her mother's parents' home in Blackboys, on 2 June 1878, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 28 July 1878. In the census of 3 April 1881 Ada, at the age of 2, was living with her mother's parents, David and Susan Muddle, at Blackboys (probably in Muddles Cottage). Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, now aged 12, was living with her mother and stepfather at Possingworth Cottages in Blackboys, and she was going to school.

When she was 20 years old Ada married 25-year-old James William Stamp at Brighton Register Office on 18 February 1899. James was then a journeyman tailor living at 1 York Grove in Brighton, and Ada was a domestic cook living at 10 Montpelier Villas in Brighton. James was the son of James and Emily Stamp; he had been born at Budleigh Salterton in Devon and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1873. James and Ada had four children, the first born at Brighton in 1899, and the last at Eastbourne in 1914. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 128 Waldegrave Road in Preston near Brighton with their then one child, and James was working at home as a tailor. The issues of Kelly’s Directory of Sussex for 1920 to 1923 record that Ada was then running a hotel called St Winifred’s Boarding Establishment on Eastbourne seafront, which is now the Waterfront Bar.

James died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1949. Fourteen years later Ada died at Eastbourne on 27 December 1963, at the age of 85.

 

James and Ada’s eldest child was Emily Margaret Stamp, known as May, who was born at Brighton on 5 May 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 May, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 128 Waldegrave Road in Preston. May married Harry Wheeler and they had three children born between 1920 and 1925. May died on 2 December 1929 at the age of 30, and she was buried in Fulham Cemetery. Then the following year their second child died at the age of 8.

 

James and Ada’s second child was Doris Stamp who was born on 18 September 1904. Doris married Ernest John Smith, known as John, who had been born on 2 January 1902. They had one child born at Eastbourne in 1929. Doris died at Eastbourne on the 4 June 1986, at the age of 81. Two years later John died at the age of 86, his death being registered in Eastbourne registration district during November 1988.

 

James and Ada’s third child was Herbert Stamp, known as Bobs, who was born in about 1910. Bobs married Violet Millet, known as Renee, and they had four children. Bobs died in 1983.

 

James and Ada’s fourth child was Winifred Florence Stamp, known as Win, who was born at Eastbourne on 14 February 1914. Win married Sidney Frank Hollands in 1937 and they had one child born at Eastbourne in 1939 before Sidney was killed in 1942 during the Second World War. Sidney was Lance Bombardier 1737684 in the 44 Battery of the 61 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment of the Royal Artillery serving in North Africa when he was killed on 23 January 1942 at the age of 33. Sidney was buried in plot 2, row B, grave 21, of the Benghazi War Cemetery in Libya. Three years later Win, at the age of 31, married 27-year-old George Jones at Eastbourne on 4 November 1945. George had been born in Hull on 16 April 1918. They had one child born at Hull in 1948. George died at Eastbourne on 27 October 1986 at the age of 68. Win died at Eastbourne on 10 May 1996 at the age of 82.

 

Spencer and Martha’s eldest child (Martha’s second) was Samuel Spencer Farrant who was born in Framfield Parish, probably at Blackboys, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 28 January 1883. In the census of 5 April 1891 Samuel, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Possingworth Cottages in Blackboys, and he was going to school.

When he was about 17 years old Samuel married Rose Green in Steyning registration district during the 4th quarter of 1900. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living with Rose's parents, Albert and Mercy Green, at 141 Waldegrave Road in Preston, the same road in which the family of Samuel's half sister, Ada Stamp, was living, and Samuel was working as a building contractor's carter. Samuel and Rose had seven children; their first child was born at Hove in Sussex in 1903, they then moved to Nottinghamshire where their next two children were born at Chilwell and Beeston in 1903 and 1906. They then moved back to Sussex where their fourth child was born at East Hoathly in 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at Waldron in Sussex with their four children and Samuel was working as a farm waggoner. Their other three children were born in Uckfield registration district in Sussex in 1913, 1919 and 1920. Rose died at the age of 50, her death being registered in Steyning registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1932.

Four years after Rose's death Samuel, at the age of 54, married 38-year-old spinster Evelyn Harvey in Brighton registration district during the 1st quarter of 1937. Evelyn was the daughter of Henry and Amy Harvey and she had been born at Norton Canes in Staffordshire on 5 September 1898. Spencer and Evelyn had one child born at Shoreham by Sea in mid-1938. Later that year Samuel died at the age of 56, his death being registered in Worthing registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1938. Thirty-four years later Evelyn died when she was just on 74 years old, her death being registered in Hove registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1972.

 

Samuel and Rose’s eldest child was Edith Lilian A Farrant who was born at Hove in Sussex and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1902. In the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, at the age of 9, was living with her parents at Waldron in Sussex and she was going to school.

 

Samuel and Rose’s second child was Florence Mercy Farrant who was born at Chilwell in Nottinghamshire and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1903. In the census of 2 April 1911 Florence, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at Waldron in Sussex and she was going to school.

 

Samuel and Rose’s third child was Ruth May Farrant who was born at Beeston in Nottinghamshire and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ruth, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at Waldron in Sussex and she was going to school.

 

Samuel and Rose’s fourth child was Albert Frederick Frank Farrant who was born at East Hoathly in Sussex and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1909. In the census of 2 April 1911 Albert, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at Waldron in Sussex.

 

Samuel and Rose’s fifth child was Mildred Farrant whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 4th quarter of 1913

 

Samuel and Rose’s sixth child was Rose Farrant whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 2nd quarter of 1919

 

Samuel and Rose’s seventh child was Doris Farrant whose birth was registered in Uckfield registration district in Sussex during the 3rd quarter of 1920

 

Spencer and Martha’s second child (Martha’s third) was Ruth Farrant who was born at Blackboys, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 28 February 1886. Ruth died when only 9 months old, and she was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 18 August 1886.

 

Spencer and Martha’s third child (Martha’s fourth) was Frederick Farrant who was born at Blackboys, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 26 May 1889. In the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at Possingworth Cottages in Blackboys. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, now aged 12, was living with his parents at Polecat Firle in the parish of West Firle.

 

Spencer and Martha’s fourth child (Martha’s fifth) was Florence Farrant who was born at Blackboys, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 31 March 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at Polecat Firle in the parish of West Firle. Florence was living with her parents at Heronsdale Manor in Waldron when she died of appendicitis on 11 February 1909 at the age of 14; she was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 14 February 1909.

 

David and Susan’s ninth child was Reuben Muddle who was born in Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 7 July 1861. In the census of 2 April 1871 Reuben, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage), and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Reuben, now aged 19, was living with his parents at Blackboys (probably in Muddles Cottage) and he was working as a bricklayer’s labourer.

Reuben was a bricklayer when at the age of 23 he married 18-year-old Mary Huggett at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 21 March 1885. Mary was the daughter of James and Jane Huggett, her birth had been registered during the 4th quarter of 1866 and she had been baptised at Wilmington Church on 20 January 1867. Reuben and Mary didn’t have any children. In the census of 5 April 1891 Reuben was working as a carpenter and boarding with the family of William Brown at 27 Southover High Street in Lewes. Mary was then visiting the family of blacksmith William Tuppenny at Blackboys and she was described as being a nurse. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Reuben and Mary were living at 42 South Street in Lewes; Reuben was continuing to work as a carpenter and they had Mary’s niece, Clara E Huggett, living with them. It’s possible that they had ‘adopted’ this niece as she was shown as their daughter with the surname Muddle on this census, but there are no later records of her marrying or dying as a Muddle so she probably retained the Huggett name.

They were living at 67 Annwier Avenue in Lancing when Reuben died on 26 September 1943 at the age of 82; he was buried in St James the Less Churchyard at Lancing on 28 September 1943. Probate of Reuben’s will, which valued his effects at £387 15s 5d, was granted on 24 November 1943 by Lewes Probate Registry to gardener Frederick William Martin. Two years later Mary was still living at 67 Annwier Avenue when she died on 13 September 1945 at the age of 79; she was buried with her husband in St James the Less Churchyard at Lancing on 18 September 1945. Their grave is marked by a small headstone and kerb.

 

David and Susan’s tenth child was David Muddle who was born in Framfield and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 4 October 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 David, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at Blackboys Common (probably still in Muddles Cottage), and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 David, now aged 17, was living with his parents at Blackboys (probably in Muddles Cottage) and he was working as a nurseryman. In the census of 5 April 1891 David, still unmarried at the age of 27, was living with his parents at Terminus Road in Blackboys and he was still working as a nurseryman.

When he was 32 years old David married 33-year-old Kate Bassett at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 17 February 1896. Kate was the daughter of labourer William Bassett, alias William Bassett Simmonds, and his wife Louisa; she had been born at Rotherfield in Sussex on 24 August 1862 and baptised at St Denys Church in Rotherfield on 14 December 1862. Kate was the sister of the Stephen William Bassett Simmonds who had married David's sister Mary in 1879; this family used the names Bassett Simmonds, Simmonds and Bassett in a fairly arbitrary manner.

David and Kate lived at Blackboys where they had two children born in 1897 and 1903, and David continued to work as a gardener. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at Blackboys with their then one child, and David was working as a domestic gardener. Living with them was Kate’s widowed father, William Bassett.

David died at Blackboys at the age of 55 (not 56 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and he was buried in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 15 March 1919. Kate was living at 2 Rose Cottages in Blackboys when she died on 17 January 1937 at the age of 74. She was buried in grave 79 in St Thomas à Becket Churchyard at Framfield on 20 January 1937. Her grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. Kate died intestate and administration of her estate, which was valued at £112 12s 0d, was granted on 22 February 1937 by Lewes Probate Registry to her son, Ernest, and her daughter, Daisy.

 

David and Kate’s eldest child was Ernest Henry Muddle who was born at Blackboys on 8 May 1897, and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 9 July 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ernest, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Blackboys. In 1937 Ernest was described as being a gardener when he was one of the administrators of his mother’s estate. When he was 44 years old Ernest married Florence Mary Leach in Uckfield registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1941. They didn’t have any children. They were living at 3 Ringles Cross in Uckfield when Florence died in Eastbourne registration district at the age of 80, and was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 20 April 1978 after a service in Holy Cross Church in Uckfield. Four years later Ernest was still living at 3 Ringles Cross when he died in Crawley registration district at the age of 85, and was buried in Uckfield Cemetery on 4 August 1982 after a service in Holy Cross Church in Uckfield.

 

David and Kate’s second child was Daisy Evelyn Muddle who was born at Blackboys on 15 October 1903 and baptised at St Thomas à Becket Church in Framfield on 6 December 1903. When she was 31 years old Daisy married Charles Stanley Moulds in Uckfield registration district during the 4th quarter of 1934. In 1937 Daisy was one of the administrators of her mother’s estate.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2006-2010

Last updated 25 May 2010