THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE DORSET MUDDLE FAMILIES THE PORTLAND MUDDLES

 

Chart of William & Harriet Muddle’s Family

 

William and Harriet’s eldest child was John Bennett Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent on 13 November 1818, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 12 March 1819. (John's date of birth of 13 November 1818 was recorded on his baptism record and has been assumed to be much more likely correct than the date of 22 November 1819 given on his second Seaman's Ticket.) John had been working in a Public House when, at the age of 15 and 5ft 1in tall, he was apprenticed for 5 years by an indenture dated 7 June 1834 to ship owner George Henderson, for whom he was to serve on the ship Tom & Jessie, which traded between London and Leghorn in Italy.[4] A crew agreement for the Tom & Jessie sailing from London to Leghorn and back to London between 31 March 1836 and 31 August 1836 records John as a 17-year-old apprentice serving under Thomas Fleming the Ship's Master.[5]

After completing his apprenticeship John continued to serve in the Merchant Navy with Seaman's Ticket number 44124.[6] He had been serving on the Francis Smith before he joined the crew of the 612 ton London at Madras in India on 11 July 1843 as an Able Seaman. The London was on her way home from New Zealand and John was discharged at London on 11 December 1843, having been paid £2 5s 0d per month.[7] The crew agreement for John's voyage on the Francis Smith has not survived but as she normally sailed from England to India and then on to Asia it seems likely that John was on an outward voyage that was due to go on to Asia but that he wanted, for some reason, to return home so transferred to the homeward bound London.

John enlisted in the Royal Navy on 26 April 1844, at the age of 25, as an Able Seaman on HMS Camperdown. He was described as being 5ft 6¼ins tall with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair and to have no marks or scars. After being on the Camperdown for just under 3 months he was discharged on 18 July 1844 and joined HMS Queen as an Able Seaman.[8] After 6 months on the Queen he was discharged on 31 January 1845 and became an Able Seaman on HMS Trafalgar. While on the Trafalgar John was issued with a new Seaman's Ticket number 314319 on 1 January 1846 and was described as being 5ft 6¼ins tall with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes, brown hair and to not be able to write.[9] After 3 years and 5 months on the Trafalgar he was discharged and paid off on 30 June 1848, having served a total of 4 years and 67 days in the Royal Navy. On all three ships his conduct was described as good.[10]

John was a mariner when, at the age of 30, he married 20-year-old Jane Cullen at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 5 October 1849. Jane was the daughter of publican Ambrose Cullen and his wife Harriet; she had been born in Dover on 26 April 1829 and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 20 May 1829.

John and Jane were living at East Cliffe in Dover when their first child, a son, was born in 1850. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Jane and her young son were visitors at the home of master baker Abraham Andrews at Radnor Street in Folkestone, and John was probably away at sea. John's Seaman's Ticket record shows that in 1851 and 1852 he was serving for six months periods on Home Waters Vessels registered in London, these were probably small fishing or local cargo ships sailing out of Dover, and John had probably been serving on similar vessels since leaving the Royal Navy in 1848.

The Post Office Directory of the Six Home Counties for 1855 listed John Bennett Muddle as being the publican at the Silver Lion, Middle Row, Dover. Then the 1858 edition of Melville & Co.'s Directory & Gazetteer of Kent listed John Bennett Muddle as a tobacconist in Snargate Street, Dover. An application from Greenwich Hospital resulted in the Navy Pay Office issuing a Certificate of Service for John on 12 April 1860.[11] It is thought that this may have been because John had applied for his son to go to Greenwich Hospital Lower School, otherwise known as the Royal Navy Asylum, or that he himself had applied to become a Trinity House pilot.

In the census of 7 April 1861 John and Jane were living in part of 23 Marine Parade in St James’ Parish in Dover with their son. John was described as being a navigator and Jane was a landlady, and they had 21-year-old Harriett Saunders as a live-in servant. Jane's brother William Carter Cullen and his wife Jane, who were also living in St James' Parish in Dover, had a son in early 1861 who they named Frederick Muddle Cullen. The 1868 Poll Book to return two Members of Parliament for Dover records that John Bennett Muddle of Marine Parade in the Parish of St James, Dover voted on polling day, 17 November 1868.

There was a gap of nearly twenty years between John and Jane's first child and their second, a daughter, who was born in 1870 when they were living in St James’ Parish at Dover and John was a mariner. The following year in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 15 Marine Parade in St James’ Parish with their young daughter and John was now described as being a retired mariner. They now had 15-year-old Mary Ottway as a live-in general servant. Their third child, another daughter, was born in 1874 while they were still living in St James’ Parish, but John was now a lodging house keeper. The 27 November 1879 edition of The Commercial Gazette recorded that on 11 November 1879 builder William Thomas Dowle of 15 Marine Parade, Dover paid John B Muddle £110 that was the balance of the purchase money on a Bill of Sale. This was presumably John selling 15 Marine Parade.

Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 13 Selbourne Terrace at Hougham near Dover with their two daughters and John was again a mariner. The 1882 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent listed John Bennett Muddle as living at 13 Selbourne Terrace, Clarendon Road, Dover. When their son William married in 1883 John was described as a retired mariner. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were back at 15 Marine Parade and all four of them, John, Jane and their two daughters were described as being lodging house proprietors, and they then had a family of three lodging with them. The 1891 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent, Surrey & Sussex listed John Bennett Muddle as having a lodging house at 15 Marine Parade, Dover.

Jane died at the age of 68, her death being registered in Dover registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 John, who now described himself as a retired marine officer, was living with the family of his daughter Ada Rose Facer at 15 Marine Parade. Eleven years after Jane’s death John was still living at 15 Marine Parade when he died on 10 July 1908 at the age of 89 (not 88 as given on his death certificate). Probate of John’s will by the Canterbury Probate Registry on 25 August 1908, which valued his effects at £1052 4s 9d, was granted to estate agent Thomas Acheê Terson and John’s daughter Ada Rose Facer.

 

Their children were:

William Henry 1850-1931  Ada Rose 1870-?  Edith Laura 1874-1932

 

John and Jane’s eldest child was William Henry Muddle who was born at East Cliffe in Dover on 30 July 1850, and baptised at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 29 September 1850. In the census of 30 April 1851 William, at the age of 8 months, was, with his mother, visiting the home of master baker Abraham Andrews at Radnor Street in Folkestone. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 William, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 23 Marine Parade in Dover, and he was going to school.

On the 20 January 1871 William, at the age of 20 (he gave his age as 19½), enlisted in the Royal Engineers for 12 years and was given the Regimental Number 11099.[12] Just over two months later William was recorded in the census of 2 April 1871 as a Sapper in the Royal Engineers at The School of Military Engineering, Brompton Barracks, Chatham, Kent. William was initially a member of the 35th Company of the Royal Engineers but was transferred to the 21st Company at Aldershot on 1 October 1872.[13] He was granted a furlough from 22 December 1872 to 21 January 1873 and then on 23 January 1873 he got his first Good Conduct Badge and was awarded 1d Good Conduct pay. By March 1873 William was with the 21st Company at St Francis Barracks in Malta where he was in hospital for 27 days in October 1873. William and the 21st Company were still in Malta when William was attached to the 46th Regiment for a month in early 1877. In late 1877 or early 1878 William and the 21st Company sailed to Bermuda where on 23 March 1878 William got his second Good Conduct Badge and his Good Conduct pay went up to 2d. William and the 21st Company remained in Bermuda until mid December 1880 when they sailed for Gibraltar.[14 ] In 1882 William was Sapper 11099 in the 21st Company of the Royal Engineers when he took part in the military action by which Britain took control of Egypt to protect its interests there, and for this he was later awarded the Egyptian War Medal 1882 without Tel-el-Kebir clasp.[15] William was on 3d Good Conduct pay on 5 February 1883, his last day at Alexandria in Egypt, before sailing for England.[16] Having served his 12 years William was discharged at Chatham on 10 March 1883.[17]

 

 

Four months after his discharge from the Royal Engineers, when he was 32 years old, William married 23-year-old Isabel Frances Withey at Salem Baptist Chapel, Biggin Street, Dover on 1 July 1883. William was then a carpenter living at 41 Clarendon Place in Hougham near Dover and Isabel was living at Nassau Street, Marylebone, London. They had four children born between 1885 and 1897. William was a carpenter and they were living at 143 Clarendon Place in Hougham near Dover when their first two children were born in 1885 and 1886. By the time of the census of 5 April 1891 they had moved next-door to 145 Clarendon Place where they had their two children living with them and also 22-year-old carpenter and joiner James Jackson as a boarder; William was now described as a carpenter and joiner. Their third child was born at 145 Clarendon Place later that year. They then moved into Dover where their fourth child was born in 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 15 Longfield Road in Dover with their four children, and William was continuing to work as a carpenter and joiner. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 15 Longfield Road with just their youngest son and William was working on his own account as a jobbing carpenter. The 1913 edition of Kelly's Directory of Kent listed William Henry Muddle as a joiner living at 15 Longfield Road, Dover.

William died at the age of 81 (not 82 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Dover registration district during the 4th quarter of 1931. Fourteen years later Isabel died at the age of 86, her death being registered in South-West Surrey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1945.

 

Their children were:

Ada Edith Mary 1885-?  Florence Laura 1886-1985  John Henry 1891-1974

Alfred Charles 1897-1929

 

William and Isabel’s eldest child was Ada Edith Mary Muddle who was born at 143 Clarendon Place in Hougham near Dover, and baptised at Christchurch in Hougham on 7 June 1885. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 145 Clarendon Place in Hougham, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ada, now aged 15, was living with her parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover, and she was now working as a dressmaker.

When she was 23 years old Ada married 23-year-old John Henry Adolphus Banger at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, London Road, Dover on 3 June 1908. John was then a Staff Sergeant in the Royal Engineers living at 5 Turquand Street, Walworth, Southwark, London, and Ada was living with her parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover. John was the son of Colour Sergeant Adolphus Henry John Banger of the Royal Marine Light Infantry, and his birth had been registered in Eastry registration district in Kent during the 4th quarter of 1884. John and Ada had two children born in Gravesend registration district in Kent in 1912 and 1917. During the 1920s John changed the family name by Deed Poll to Benger.

Ada had been living for a few years at Portslade in Sussex when she died in Brighton Hospital on 18 July 1965, at the age of 80.

 

John and Ada’s eldest child was Norman Banger whose birth was registered in Gravesend registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1912. During the 1920s Norman’s father changed the family name by Deed Poll to Benger.

 

John and Ada’s second child was David Banger who was born in Gravesend registration district in Kent on 21 September 1917. During the 1920s David’s father changed the family name by Deed Poll to Benger. When he was 24 years old David married 27-year-old Alison Stothard in Hyde registration district in Cheshire during the 2nd quarter of 1941. Alison had been born in Sunderland registration district in County Durham on 26 July 1913. David and Alison had three children born in 1944, 1949 and 1951. Alison died at Andover in Hampshire at the age of 78, her death being registered during January 1992. Four years later David died at Andover on 13 September 1996, at the age of 79.

 

William and Isabel’s second child was Florence Laura Muddle who was born at 143 Clarendon Place in Hougham near Dover on 29 April 1886, and baptised at Christchurch in Hougham on 6 June 1886 . In the census of 5 April 1891 Florence, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 145 Clarendon Place in Hougham, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Florence, now aged 14, was living with her parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover. Later Florence worked at Hamlyns Toy Shop in Regents Street, London.

It was in 1913 that Florence first met Harry Reynolds, the day before he sailed for a new life in Canada. Harry sailed 3rd class on the Cunard steamship Ascania from Southampton on 8 May 1913 bound for Quebec. On the departure passenger list Harry was described as being from Bedford and to be in the boot trade.[18] After a voyage of 11 days Harry landed at Quebec on 19 May and the arriving passenger list stated that his intended occupation in Canada was the boot trade and that his destination was Regina in Saskatchewan.[19] If he went to Regina Harry didn't stay there long as a year later he was at Mandaumin in Ontario. After he had been in Canada a few weeks Harry wrote and asked Florence to join him; she said she would if he sent the ticket, which he did. This resulted in Florence sailing 2nd class on the Cunard steamship Andania from Southampton on 9 July 1914 bound for Montreal. On the departure passenger list she was described as being a domestic from Dover.[20] After a voyage of 9 days the Andania arrived at Quebec on 18 July and the passenger list produced by the immigration officials there stated that Florence had been a shop worker in England and intended to work as a domestic in Canada; that her destination was Mandaumin in Ontario and that she was to be married to H Reynolds.[21] Florence would have then sailed on the Andania up the St Lawrence River to Montreal. Only a few days after her arrival in Canada Florence, at the age of 28, married 24-year-old Harry Reynolds at the Presbyterian Chapel in Mandaumin, Lambton County, Ontario on 25 July 1914, by a licence issued at Sarnia, Ontario on 21 July 1914. Harry was then a section-hand; he was the son of Edwin and Mary Reynolds and he had been born at Leicester in England on 27 April 1890.

Not long after their marriage Harry and Florence returned to England because Harry wanted to enlist in the British Army to fight in the First World War. Florence was then pregnant with their first child who was born in 1915 at Gravesend in Kent where Florence was living with Harry’s parents while Harry was away in the war serving as a hospital orderly and stretcher bearer in the desert. Their second child was born at Bedford in Bedfordshire in 1919. After the war they moved to Dover. Harry run the family shoe shops in Eastbourne and Bedford, then the Sub Post Office at New Malden in Surrey, and finally ended up working for an estate agents at Swanley in Kent. In about 1955 they moved from Dover to Bexleyheath, and then in about 1965 they moved to Sellindge, which lies between Ashford and Folkestone in Kent. Harry died at Sellindge on 19 March 1970, at the age of 79, of heart failure, and he was cremated at Charing. In about 1972 Florence and her daughter and son-in-law moved to Ferndown in Dorset where she died at the age of 99, her death being registered during November 1985. She was cremated at Salisbury.

 

Harry and Florence’s eldest child was Pauline Joyce Reynolds who was born at Gravesend in Kent on 22 November 1915. Pauline went to Dame Harpers School for Girls at Bedford. She then worked as a secretary until, when she was 19 years old, she married 24-year-old William John Turner at Banyan Meeting Free Church (Banyan Meeting House), Bedford, Bedfordshire on 21 February 1935. William had been born at Bedford on 24 September 1910. He was a draughtsman and then one of the early computer programmers working for Shell Mex on their overseas plants. William and Pauline first lived at Dartford in Kent where they had two children born in 1936 and 1940. In 1954 they moved from Dartford to nearby Welling in Kent, and then to Sellindge in Kent in about 1967. In about 1972 they moved with Pauline’s widowed mother to Ferndown in Dorset, and then in about 1982 they moved to Shaftesbury in Dorset. William died in Salisbury Hospital during February 1989, at the age of 78. Then in about 1990 Pauline moved to Salisbury. Pauline died at Conwy in North Wales on 24 June 1998, at the age of 82, while on holiday at her daughter’s home, and she was cremated at Llandudno.

 

 

Harry and Florence’s second child is George Maurice Reynolds who was born in Bedford registration district in Bedfordshire in 1919. When he was 23 years old George married Phyllis J A Guest, known as Anne, in Broomsgrove registration district in Worcestershire during the 3rd quarter of 1943. Phyllis was the daughter of Thomas and Martha Guest and her birth had been registered in Kings Norton registration district in Worcestershire during the 1st quarter of 1920. George and Anne have two daughters; the first born in Dartford registration district in Kent during 1947 and the second in Wednesbury registration district in Staffordshire during 1950.

 

William and Isabel’s third child was John Henry Muddle who was born at 145 Clarendon Place in Hougham near Dover on 16 November 1891, and baptised at Christchurch in Hougham on 20 December 1891. In the census of 31 March 1901 John, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover. He served an apprenticeship with Lambert, Weston and Son, who were photographers at Dover and Folkestone. In the census of 2 April 1911 John, now aged 19, was working as a photographer and boarding with widow Elizabeth Horton at 1 Costin Street in Bedford, Bedfordshire.

During the First World War John enlisted during November 1914 as Private 24282 in the Reserve Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment. Then during December 1915 he was transferred to the 3rd Battalion of the East Kent Regiment 'The Buffs' as Private 4511 and was stationed at Seaford in early 1916. Later he became Sapper 215029 in the Royal Engineers. For his war service Alfred was awarded just the one campaign medal, this was the British War Medal.[22]

The 25 February 1916 edition of the Dover Express published a photo and sort item about John, though it seems fairly certain that the regiments he served in should be in the reverse order to those reported to agree with the order on his medal card and the fact that their photo shows him in early 1916 wearing a cap with the badge of The Buffs:

JOHN HENRY MUDDLE

Who enlisted in the 3rd Battalion The Buffs in November 1914, and was stationed in Dover till December 1915, when he was transferred to the Reserve Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment, and is now stationed at Seaford. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Lambert, Weston and Son, photographers, of Dover and Folkestone. His home is at 15, Longfield Road, Dover.

When he was 28 years old John married 31-year-old Blanche Olive Mary Harris in Dover registration district during the 2nd quarter of 1920. Blanche had been born on 1 August 1888. John and Blanche lived in Surrey and had one child, a daughter, born in 1924. John was a photographer and had a shop at Godalming in Surrey. He was listed in the Telephone Directory from 1926 to 1944 as J H Muddle, Photographer, 1 Queens Street, Godalming, then from 1946 to 1970 as J H Muddle, Photographer, 1 Queens Street, Godalming, and as John H Muddle, 28 Farncombe Street, Godalming, which was presumably his home address.

John died when about 83 years old, his death being registered in South-West Surrey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1974. Four years later Blanche died at the age of 90, her death being registered in South-West Surrey registration district during the 4th quarter of 1978.

 

John and Blanche’s only child was Olive M Muddle whose birth was registered in Guildford registration district in Surrey during the 4th quarter of 1924. Olive lives at Milford near Godalming in Surrey and she has never married.

 

William and Isabel’s fourth child was Alfred Charles Muddle who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred, now aged 13, was going to school and living with his parents at 15 Longfield Road in Dover.

During the First World War Alfred served as Pioneer 139995 in the Royal Garrison Artillery, and for his war service he was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[23]

When he was 23 years old Alfred married 20-year-old Nellie Blomeley in Dover registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1920. Nellie was the daughter of Henry and Sarah Bomeley and her birth had been registered in Prestwich registration district in Lancashire during the 4th quarter of 1899. Alfred and Nellie had one child, a son, born born in Elham registration district in Kent in 1922. Seven years later Alfred died at the age of 32, his death being registered in Elham registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1929.

Three years after Alfred’s death Nellie married 25-year-old Edward Litchfield in Dover registration district during the 4th quarter of 1932. Edward was the son of Frederick and Elizabeth Litchfield and he had been born at Buckland in Dover on 30 November 1907. Edward and Nellie didn't have any children.

Nellie died at the age of 58 (not 57 as given on her death certificate), her death being registered in Dover registration district during the 1st quarter of 1958. fourty years later Edward died at the age of 90, his death being registered in Maidstone registration district in Kent during the 2nd quarter of 1998.

 

Alfred and Nellie’s only child was John Henry Muddle who was born in Elham registration district in Kent on 1 July 1922. When he was 64 years old John married 71-year-old Nancy Irene Cross in Stroud registration district in Gloucestershire during April 1987. They were much too old to have children, and four years after their marriage Nancy died when she was about 76, her death being registered in Cheltenham registration district in Gloucestershire during June 1991. Then seven years after Nancy’s death John died at the age of 75, his death being registered in Stroud registration district during June 1998.

 

John and Jane’s second child was Ada Rose Muddle who was born in St James’ Parish at Dover on 8 March 1870, and baptised at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 17 April 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ada, at the age of 1, was living with her parents at 15 Marine Parade in St James’ Parish. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ada, now aged 11, was living with her parents at 13 Selbourne Terrace in Hougham near Dover, and she was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, at the age of 21, was living with her parents back at 15 Marine Parade, and she was helping her parents run this as a lodging house. When she was 23 years old Ada married 43-year-old Edwin Facer at St Michael’s Church in Folkestone on 17 January 1894 by licence. Edwin was then an engineer living at Dover and Ada was living at Folkestone. They lived at Dover where they had six children, all daughters, born between 1894 and 1907. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 15 Marine Parade with their then three children and Edwin was working as a marine engineer. They had Ada’s widowed father living with them, and they had 20-year-old Mary Empson as a live-in general servant.

 

Edwin and Ada’s eldest child was Edith Rose J Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1894. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 15 Marine Parade in Dover.

 

Edwin and Ada’s second child was Ada Florence M Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1896. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ada, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 15 Marine Parade in Dover.

 

Edwin and Ada’s third child was Mabel Elizabeth M Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Mabel, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 15 Marine Parade in Dover.

 

Edwin and Ada’s fourth child was Evelyn Mary H Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1901.

 

Edwin and Ada’s fifth child was Dorothy Marion Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1903.

 

Edwin and Ada’s sixth child was Joan Eileen Facer who was born at Dover, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1907.

 

John and Jane’s third child was Edith Laura Muddle who was born in St James' Parish at Dover on 3 February 1874, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 8 March 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Edith, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 13 Selbourne Terrace in Hougham near Dover, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Edith, now aged 17, was living with her parents at 15 Marine Parade in St James' Parish at Dover, and she was helping her parents run this as a lodging house.

When she was 24 years old Edith married 24-year-old Alfred Ernest Andrews at the Primitive Methodist Chapel, London Road, Dover on 26 April 1898. Alfred was then a journeyman brass founder living at 19 Longfield Road in Dover, and Edith was living at 17 Longfield Road. Alfred was the son of George and Annie Andrews, and he had been born at 19 Queens Gardens in Dover on 13 June 1873. Alfred and Edith initially lived at Dover where they had one child, a daughter, born in 1899. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 28 Waverley Road, Aston, Birmingham with their young daughter, and Alfred was working as a gunsmith's barrel borer. They then had two more children, both sons, born in 1902 and 1904 while continuing to live in Aston, and then when their second daughter was born in 1906 they were living at Smethwick near Birmingham. In the census of 2 April 1911 they were living at 382 Portland Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham with their three eldest children and Alfred was now working as an engineer's brass moulder. Their youngest child was in The City Fever Hospital at the time of the census.

They moved to Essex where Edith died at the age of 58, her death being registered in Lexden registration district in Essex during the 1st quarter of 1932. Four years later Alfred died at Marks Tey in Essex on 3 August 1936, at the age of 63.

 

Alfred and Edith’s eldest child was Edith Ada Andrews who was born at Dover in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 Edith, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 28 Waverley Road, Aston, Birmingham. Then in the census of 2 April 1911 Edith, now aged 12, was going to school and living with her parents at 382 Portland Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

 

Alfred and Edith’s second child was Alfred John Andrews who was born at Aston in Birmingham, Warwickshire, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1902. In the census of 2 April 1911 Alfred, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at 382 Portland Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

 

Alfred and Edith’s third child was Ernest George Andrews who was born at Aston in Birmingham, Warwickshire, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1904. In the census of 2 April 1911 Ernest, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 382 Portland Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham.

 

Alfred and Edith’s fourth child was Violet Annie Andrews who was born at Smethwick near Birmingham, Warwickshire in 1906. In the census of 2 April 1911 Violet, at the age of 5, was a patient in The City Fever Hospital, Lodge Road, Birmingham.

 

William and Harriet’s second child was William Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 25 June 1820. William was recorded as sailing on merchant ships with Seaman's Ticket number 25023. He was a member of the crew of the London registered Hector on a voyage that ended on 23 October 1838, and then a member of the crew of the London registered Portland on a voyage that ended on 13 April 1839.[24] The crew agreements for neither of these voyages has survived, but several crew agreements for the Portland from both before and after William's voyage record her always sailing between Swansea and Cuba, so it seems likely that William's voyage on her was between the same places. As William's parents used the name William for another of their sons in 1842 it seems that William must have died sometime between 1839 and 1842, when he was 19 to 22 years old, and as there is no registration of William's death on land it seems likely that he died at sea. There is no note of William's death on his seaman's ticket record which suggests that no crew agreement was filed for the voyage on which he died, possibly because the ship and all crew were lost at sea.

 

William and Harriet’s third child was Jane Frances Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 30 June 1822. When she was 17 years old Jane married 23-year-old seaman Thomas Newson at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 4 December 1839. Thomas was the son of sailor Henry Newson and his wife Jane, and he had been baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 29 June 1816. Thomas and Jane lived at Felixstowe Ferry and had five children born between 1840 and 1851, three of whom died in infancy. In the census of 6 June 1841 they were living at Felixstowe Ferry with their then one child, and Thomas was a mariner. Then in the census of 31 March 1851 they were living next to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry with their then three surviving children; Thomas was now a pilot and they had Jane's sister Ann living with them. Jane died at the age of 30 (not 28 as given on her burial record), and she was buried in St Peter and St Paul’s Churchyard at Felixstowe on 22 January 1852. The following year Thomas married Jane’s sister Ann. See the section below on Ann Harriet Muddle for the rest of Thomas’ life.

 

Thomas and Jane’s eldest child was Elizabeth Jane Newson who was born at Felixstowe on 16 October 1840, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 2 May 1841. In the census of 6 June 1841 Elizabeth, at the age of 8 months, was living with her parents at Felixstowe Ferry. Elizabeth died at Felixstowe on 30 March 1845, when only 4 years old.

 

Thomas and Jane’s second child was Maria Newson who was born at Felixstowe on 12 August 1842, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 2 September 1842. In the census of 31 March 1851 Maria, at the age of 8, was living with her parents next to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry.

 

Thomas and Jane’s third child was Mary Jane Newson who was born at Felixstowe on 28 August 1844, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 3 November 1844. Elizabeth died at Felixstowe on 28 January 1846 when only 17 months old.

 

Thomas and Jane’s fourth child was Elizabeth Newson who was born at Felixstowe on 25 December 1846, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 4 April 1847. In the census of 31 March 1851 Elizabeth, at the age of 4, was living with her parents next to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry. Then in the census of 7 April 1861 Elizabeth, now aged 14, was living with her father and stepmother near to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry, and she was going to school.

 

Thomas and Jane’s fifth child was Robert Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1850. Robert was baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 25 March 1851. In the census of 31 March 1851 Robert, at the age of 10 months, was living with his parents next to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry. Later that year Robert died at the age of 1, and he was buried in St Peter and St Paul’s Churchyard at Felixstowe on 4 July 1851.

 

William and Harriet’s fourth child was Robert Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent on 25 November 1823, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 22 January 1826. Robert's Seaman's Ticket issued in 1846 recorded that he first went to sea as a Boy in 1832; this would have been while living with his parents at Shorncliff near Folkestone in Kent, and he presumably then moved with his parents to Lydd in Kent and then by 1839 to Felixstowe in Suffolk.

Robert was living at Woodbridge in Suffolk when he joined the Royal Navy on 11 February 1840, at the age of 16; his parents were then living at nearby Felixstowe where his father was in the Coastguards. Robert joined his first ship, the Revenue Cruiser HMS Mermaid on 6 April 1840 as a Boy Seaman 2nd Class. While serving on the Mermaid Robert was absent for three days from 1 May 1841 with influenza, which most of the other Boy Seamen on the Mermaid seem to have had at this time.[25]

 

 

On 11 May 1841 Robert was promoted to Boy Seaman 1st Class and transferred to the Revenue Cutter HMS Lapwing.[26] After serving for a year on the Lapwing Robert was discharged at his own request and he joined the crew of sloop HMS Albatross at Portsmouth on 21 May 1842 as a Boy Seaman 1st Class.[27] A sloop was a single gun deck ship of 8 to 20 guns, and the Albatross had a complement of 140 men. On 27 January 1844 Robert, at the age of 20 (not 21 as recorded in the ship’s musters), was promoted to an Ordinary Seaman while the Albatross was at anchor off the island of Sacrificias near Vera Cruz on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Robert’s description on becoming an Ordinary Seaman was: 5ft 4in tall with dark eyes, dark hair, a dark complexion and to have no distinguishing marks.[28] Soon after Robert joined the Albatross she sailed northwards up the coast of Mexico, arriving at Tampico two days later. On the 4 February she sailed east from Tampico across the Gulf of Mexico towards Florida, and by 27 March 1844 the Albatross was at Halifax, Nova Scotia.[29] Robert was promoted to Able Seaman on 10 December 1845, and then issued with his Seaman's Ticket number 296623 on 20 May 1846 while on the Albatross at Siera Leone. He was then described as being 5ft 4ins tall with a ruddy complexion, dark eyes, dark hair, a ship tattooed on his rigth arm and to be able to write.[30] After having served on the Albatross for four years, during which time his conduct was described as good, he was discharged on 3 July 1846.[31]

On 24 October 1846 Robert joined the crew of the steam sloop HMS Sphinx as an Able Seaman. He served on the Sphinx for only three months, during which time his conduct was described as fair, being discharged on 3 February 1847.

 

 

On 20 February 1847 Robert joined the crew of the first-class paddle frigate HMS Sidon as an Able Seaman. Robert’s description on joining the Sidon was: 5ft 5in tall with dark eyes, dark brown hair, a sallow complexion and tattoos of a ship on his left arm and Trafalgar on his right arm. While Robert was on the Sidon, under the command of Captain William Honeyman Henderson, she transported the plant hunter Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker to India for his 1848-49 expedition to the Himalayas. The Sidon was also involved in the rescue of the crew of the sinking Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation vessel Ariel on 28 May 1848, and she made a trip up the Nile the same year, being at Alexandria in November 1848. Robert served on the Sidon for two years, during which time his conduct was described as very good, being discharged on 30 March 1849.[32]

On 3 April 1849 Robert was nominated to join the Coastguards, and four days later he was appointed to the Coastguard Station at Seafield, Co Clare, Ireland, but for some reason on 14 April this was cancelled.[33] Robert never married and he was living at Athol Terrace, East Cliffe, Guston, Dover (presumably at No 9, his parents’ home) when he died at the age of 28 (not 27 as given on his burial record), and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard on 9 April 1852.

 

William and Harriet’s fifth child was Ann Harriet Muddle who was born at Chesil, Portland, Dorset, and baptised at Portland Church on 17 December 1826. In the census of 6 June 1841 Ann, at the age of 15, was living with her parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk. Then in the census of 31 March 1851 Ann, at the age of 24, was living with the family of her sister Jane Newson next to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry. When she was about 27 years old Ann married 37-year-old widower Thomas Newson, who had been married to her late sister Jane, at Cuttings Lane (alias Beaumont) Chapel, Woodbridge, Suffolk on 3 October 1853. They had eight children born at Felixstowe between 1854 and 1868, and Thomas was described as being a pilot at the baptisms of these children. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living near the Queen Victoria Inn at Felixstowe Ferry with three of their children and one of Thomas’s children from his first marriage. A few months after the birth of their last child Ann died at the age of 42, her death being registered in Woodbridge registration district, which includes Felixstowe, during the 4th quarter of 1868.

Just over a year after Ann’s death Thomas, at the age of 53, married Ann Ruth Cooper in Woodbridge registration district in Suffolk during the 1st quarter of 1870. Ann already had a son born in about 1866. Thomas and Ann had five children born at Felixstowe between 1870 and 1877, the first two of whom were twin sons. In the census of 2 April 1871 they were living in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry with their twin sons, together with three of Thomas’ children from his previous marriage, and Ann’s son; Thomas was working as a Trinity Pilot.

Trinity Pilots were licensed, not employed, by the Corporation of Trinity House. When a man first applied to become a licensed pilot he had to meet certain criteria. He must be a British national, have several years' experience as a watch-keeping officer of a ship, hold a foreign-going master mariner's certificate and be under 35 years of age.

Then in the census of 3 April 1881 they were living in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe with their five children and one of Thomas’ children from his previous marriage; Thomas was continuing to work as a Trinity Pilot. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe with their five children, and Thomas was now described as being a retired Trinity Pilot. Thomas died at the age of 79, his death being registered in Woodbridge registration district, which includes Felixstowe, during the 1st quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Ann and her two youngest sons, who were both seamen, were living at Deben Villa in Felixstowe. Ann died at the age of 80 (not 78 as given in her death certificate), her death being registered in Woodbridge registration district during the 1st quarter of 1918.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s eldest child (Thomas’ sixth) was George William Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 24 December 1854. In the census of 7 April 1861 George, at the age of 6, was living with his parents near to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry, and he was going to school.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s second child (Thomas’ seventh) was Edith Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 7 September 1856. In the census of 7 April 1861 Edith, at the age of 4, was living with her parents near to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry, and she was going to school.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s third child (Thomas’ eighth) was Edward Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 17 February 1858. Edward had probably died by the time of the 1861 census.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s fourth child (Thomas’ ninth) was Thomas Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 19 February 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Thomas, at the age of 1, was living with his parents near to the Queen Victoria Inn in Felixstowe Ferry. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Thomas, now aged 11, was living with his father and stepmother in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry, and he was going to school.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s fifth child (Thomas’ tenth) was Charles Henry Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 8 June 1862. Charles died when he was 7 years old, his death being registered in Woodbridge registration district, which includes Felixstowe, during the 3rd quarter of 1869.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s sixth child (Thomas’ eleventh) was Ellen Louisa Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 30 October 1864. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ellen, at the age of 6, was living with her father and stepmother in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry, and she was going to school.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s seventh child (Thomas’ twelfth) was Alice Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 3rd quarter of 1866. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, at the age of 4, was living with her father and stepmother in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, now aged 14, was living with her father and stepmother in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe.

 

Thomas and Ann Harriet’s eighth child (Thomas’ thirteenth) was Alfred Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 29 April 1868. Alfred died when he was only a few months old, his death being registered in Woodbridge registration district, which includes Felixstowe, during the 3rd quarter of 1868.

 

Thomas and Ann Ruth’s eldest child (Thomas’ fourteenth), one of twins, was Edward Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Edward, at the age of 5 months, was living with his parents in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Edward, now aged 10, was living with his parents in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Edward, at the 20, was living with his parents at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe, and he was now working as a cabman.

 

Thomas and Ann Ruth’s second child (Thomas’ fifteenth), one of twins, was Charles Henry Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 4th quarter of 1870. In the census of 2 April 1871 Charles, at the age of 5 months, was living with his parents in a private house at Felixstowe Ferry. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Charles, now aged 10, was living with his parents in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe, and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Charles, at the age 20, was living with his parents at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe, and he was now working as a sailor.

 

Thomas and Ann Ruth’s third child (Thomas’ sixteenth) was Frederick William Newson who was born at Felixstowe in about 1872. In the census of 3 April 1881 Frederick, at the age of 8, was living with his parents in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Frederick, now aged 18, was living with his parents at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe, and he was described as living on his own means. In the census of 31 March 1901 Frederick, at the age of 28, was living with his widowed mother at Deben Villa on Felixstowe and he was now a seaman.

 

Thomas and Ann Ruth’s fourth child (Thomas’ seventeenth) was Emily Kate Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1875. In the census of 3 April 1881 Emily, at the age of 6, was living with her parents in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Emily, now aged 16, was living with her parents at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe, and she was described as living on her own means.

 

Thomas and Ann Ruth’s fifth child (Thomas’ eighteenth) was Alfred Henry Newson who was born at Felixstowe, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Alfred, at the age of 4, was living with his parents in a cottage near the Ferry Boat Inn at Felixstowe. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Alfred, now aged 14, was living with his parents at Deben View, The Ferry, Felixstowe. In the census of 31 March 1901 Alfred, at the age of 24, was living with his widowed mother at Deben Villa on Felixstowe and he was now a seaman.

 

William and Harriet’s sixth child was Maria Nazer Muddle who was born at Chesil, Portland, Dorset, and baptised at Portland Church on 18 January 1829. In the census of 6 June 1841 Maria, at the age of 13, was living with her parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk. Maria never married and she was living at Athol Terrace, East Cliffe, Guston, Dover (presumably at No 9, her parents’ home) when she died at the age of 26 (not 25 as given on her burial record), and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard at Dover on 22 June 1855.

 

William and Harriet’s seventh child was Rebecca Harp Muddle who was born at Chesil, Portland, Dorset, and baptised at Portland Church on 24 July 1831. In the census of 6 June 1841 Rebecca, at the age of 10, was living with her parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Rebecca, at the age of 19, was a live-in general servant to the family of hatter John Nazer at 3 Wellesley Terrace, Dover, Kent. When she was 24 years old Rebecca married 26-year-old Richard Lushington Crosoer, who was an Officer in HM Customs, at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 25 December 1855. Richard was the son of butcher Richard Lushington Crosoer and his wife Maria; he had been born at Dover on 31 August 1829 and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 20 September 1829.

Richard and Rebecca had nine children born at Dover between 1856 and 1877. In the census of 7 April 1861 they were living at 157 Snargate Street in Dover with their then three children, and Richard was working as a shopman. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 they were living at 28 Snargate Street with their then seven children, and Richard was a shopman in a china and glass warehouse. They had 23-year-old Daniel Barnard, who was also a shopman in a china and glass warehouse, as a lodger. They were still living at 28 Snargate Street and Richard was still a shopman when their youngest child was baptised in mid-1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 14 Marine Parade in Dover with six of their children, and Richard was now a lodging house keeper. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 they were continuing to live at 14 Marine Parade, now with just their three youngest children still living at home. Richard was still a lodging house keeper and his daughter Clara was now working as his assistant; they also had 17-year-old Amy Moore as a live-in general servant. In the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 32 Marine Parade; just their youngest daughter, Flora, was still living with them; all three were lodging house keepers. Rebecca was now described as being deaf and they had 17-year-old Eugnice Gardener as a live-in general servant. Rebecca died at the age of 80, her death being registered in Dover registration district during the 4th quarter of 1911. Four years later Richard died at the age of 86, his death being registered in Dover registration district during the 1st quarter of 1916.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s eldest child was Alexander Crosoer who was born at Dover on 30 November 1856, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 14 June 1857. In the census of 7 April 1861 Alexander, at the age of 4, was living with his parents at 157 Snargate Street in Dover, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Alexander, now aged 14, was living with his parents at 28 Snargate Street, and he was now working as a clerk.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s second child was Elizabeth Maria Crosoer who was born at Dover on 27 August 1858, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 26 September 1858. In the census of 7 April 1861 Elizabeth, at the age of 2, was living with her parents at 157 Snargate Street in Dover. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Elizabeth, now aged 12, was living with her parents at 28 Snargate Street, and she was now going to school. In the census of 3 April 1881 Elizabeth, at the age of 22, was living with her parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover, and she was working as a milliner.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s third child was Joshua Crosoer who was born at Dover on 23 May 1860 , and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 17 June 1860. In the census of 7 April 1861 Joshua, at the age of 10 months, was living with his parents at 157 Snargate Street in Dover. Then in the census of 2 April 1871 Joshua, now aged 10, was living with his parents at 28 Snargate Street, and he was now working as a shop boy.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s fourth child was Alice Lucy Crosoer who was born at Dover on 8 February 1863, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 15 March 1863. In the census of 2 April 1871 Alice, at the age of 8, was living with her parents at 28 Snargate Street, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Alice, now aged 18, was living with her parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover, and she was now working as a milliner.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s fifth child was Herbert Frank Crosoer who was born at Dover on 8 September 1865, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 5 November 1865. In the census of 2 April 1871 Herbert, at the age of 5, was living with his parents at 28 Snargate Street, and he was going to school.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s sixth child was Benjamin George Crosoer who was born at Dover on 18 August 1867, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 18 October 1867. In the census of 2 April 1871 Benjamin, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at 28 Snargate Street, and he was going to school. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Benjamin, now aged 13, was living with his parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover, and he was now working as an office boy.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s seventh child was Ernest Crosoer who was born at Dover on 7 May 1869, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 7 November 1869. In the census of 2 April 1871 Ernest, at the age of 1, was living with his parents at 28 Snargate Street. Then in the census of 3 April 1881 Ernest, now aged 11, was living with his parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover and he was going to school. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ernest, at the age 21, was continuing to live with his parents at 14 Marine Parade, but he was now working as a butcher.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s eighth child was Clara Crosoer who was born at Dover on 20 January 1874, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 19 April 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 Clara, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Clara, now aged 17, was continuing to live with her parents at 14 Marine Parade and she was now assisting her father in running his lodging house.

 

Richard and Rebecca’s ninth child was Flora Crosoer who was born at Dover on 17 February 1877, and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 10 June 1877. In the census of 3 April 1881 Flora, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 14 Marine Parade in Dover, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Flora, now aged 14, was continuing to live with her parents at 14 Marine Parade, and she was still going to school. In the census of 31 March 1901 Flora, at the age of 24, was living with her parents at 32 Marine Parade, and she was helping them to run their lodging house.

 

William and Harriet’s eighth child was Charles Muddle who was born at Shorncliff in the parish of Cheriton near Folkestone in Kent on 7 March 1833, and baptised at St Martin's Church in Cheriton on 24 March 1833. (Charles' date of birth was recorded as 7 March 1834 on his Seaman's Ticket but as he was baptised the year before, in 1833, it has been assumed that the year is wrong and the date should be 7 March 1833.) In the census of 6 June 1841 Charles, at the age of 8, was living with his parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk.

When he was 15 years old Charles joined the Royal Navy on 5 August 1848 as a Boy 2nd Class on HMS Waterwitch. He was then described as being 5ft tall with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. Then on 28 May 1850 Charles was promoted to Boy 1st Class on Waterwitch.[34] Charles was serving in the Royal Navy as a Boy on HMS Waterwitch when his Seaman's Ticket number 318642 was issued on 27 June 1850; he was then described as 5ft 2½ins tall.[35] Charles was discharged from Waterwitch on 21 December 1850 and transported on HMS Cumberland to join HMS Ocean the next day. He was discharged from Ocean on 5 February 1851 when she was due to be re-commissioned.[36] He was then on HMS Bonetta from 19 February 1851, as Boy 1st Class, for 19 days before being discharged on 28 February 1851, when he was described as being 5ft 3ins tall with a ruddy complexion, hazel eyes and black hair.[37] He rejoined Ocean on 1 March 1851, only to be discharged from her again ten days later on 11 March 1851.[38]

Charles, at the age of 18, then joined HMS Rhadamanthus on 12 March 1851 as Boy 1st Class.[39] The Rhadamanthus was a wooden hulled, paddle driven, 2nd class sloop of 1086 tons displacement that carried 5 guns. Her master when Charles joined the crew was Commander John Belam and the Rhadamanthus was sent to South Africa during the 8th Kaffir War of 1850-53. On the 3 December 1851 Charles was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on the Rhadamanthus and his description was now the same as when he was on the Bonetta except he was still growing as his height was now 5ft 4ins. Then just 4 weeks later on 31 December 1851 Charles deserted the Rhadamanthus at Table Bay in South Africa.[40] The South Africa 1850-53 medal roll listed Charles Muddle as serving on the Rhadamanthus during this war but like the other crew members who deserted he was not given a medal.[41]

What happened to Charles during the next ten years is unknown but he ended up at Dover in Kent where his parents had settled, and at the age of 29 and a mariner he married 26-year-old Margaret Ellen Jones at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 30 September 1862. Margaret was the daughter of steward John Jones and his wife Eleanor, and she had been baptised at Holyhead, Anglesey, Wales on 13 October 1836. Charles and Margaret had two children, both daughters, born at Dover in 1864 and 1865 while Charles continued to work as a mariner. They were living at Russell Place in Dover when Charles died at the age of 33 (not 32 as given on his death certificate and burial record), and was buried in St Mary the Virgin Churchyard in Dover on 18 March 1866. Margaret was left with two very young children to look after, so soon after Charles’ death she returned to her native Holyhead, probably to live with her parents. But soon after arriving there her youngest daughter died.

Four years after Charles’ death Margaret, at the age of 34, married 32-year-old widower William Parry at Holyhead Parish Church on 19 August 1870. William was a carpenter, the son of carpenter John Parry, and he had been born at Caernarvon in about 1838. William and Margaret had two children born at Holyhead in 1874 and 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 they were living at 25 Thomas Street in Holyhead with their two children and Margaret’s surviving daughter from her first marriage; William was continuing to work as a carpenter. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 William was still a carpenter but they were now living at 50 Thomas Street with just their youngest child and their 15-year-old niece Ellen Hughes. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, Margaret and their niece Ellen Hughes were living at 19 Thomas Street and William now described himself as a ship’s carpenter.

 

Charles and Margaret’s eldest child was Margaret Ellen Muddle who was born at Dover on 3 March 1864, and baptised at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 18 May 1864 . After her father died in early 1866 Margaret was taken by her mother to Holyhead in Wales. In the census of 3 April 1881 Margaret, at the age of 17, was living with her mother and stepfather at 25 Thomas Street in Holyhead and she was working as a dressmaker. When she was 25 years old Margaret married 23-year-old Lewis Owen at Bethel Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, Lands End, Holyhead on 23 April 1889. Lewis was then a clerk living at 6 Hill Street in Holyhead and Margaret was living at 50 Thomas Street in Holyhead. This wedding was reported in the North Wales Chronicle of 4 May 1889 and made the typical play on the name Muddle that happens in areas where it is generally unknown:

There appears to be a "Muddle" at Lands End. Here are the particulars clipped from the matrimonial column of a Carnarvon newspaper:- "Owen - Muddle. - April 23, at Bethel, Lands End, Holyhead, by the Rev. Edward Humphreys and Rev. W. Lloyd, Lewis Owen, to Miss Margaret Muddle, both of Holyhead." Let us hope that, although Mrs Lewis Owen has reached Bethel and Lands End, she may never find herself in a muddle.

Lewis and Margaret had at least six children born between 1890 and 1901. In the census of 5 April 1891 they were living at 54 Thomas Street in Holyhead with their then one child, and Lewis was working as a railway clerk. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 they were living at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead with their six children, and Lewis was a railway goods clerk.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s eldest child was Ada Rose Owen who was born at Holyhead in about June 1890. In the census of 5 April 1891 Ada, at the age of 9 months, was living with her parents at 54 Thomas Street in Holyhead. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Ada, now aged 10, was living with her parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s second child was Lily Anora Owen who was born at Holyhead, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1893. In the census of 31 March 1901 Lily, at the age of 7, was living with her parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s third child was Laura Annie Owen who was born at Holyhead, and whose birth was registered during the 2nd quarter of 1895. In the census of 31 March 1901 Laura, at the age of 6, was living with her parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s fourth child was Eleanor Grace Owen who was born at Holyhead, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1897. In the census of 31 March 1901 Eleanor, at the age of 4, was living with her parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s fifth child was William Lewis Owen who was born at Holyhead, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1899. In the census of 31 March 1901 William, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Lewis and Margaret’s sixth child was Sarah Myfanwy Owen who was born at Holyhead in about January 1901. In the census of 31 March 1901 Sarah, at the age of 2 months, was living with her parents at 9 British Terrace in Holyhead.

 

Charles and Margaret’s second child was Eliza Harriet Muddle who was born at Dover on 9 July 1865 , and baptised at St James the Apostle Church in Dover on 17 September 1865. After her father died in early 1866 Eliza was taken by her mother to Holyhead in Wales. Eliza died soon after arriving in Holyhead when less than a year old, her death being registered in Anglesey registration district in Wales during the 2nd quarter of 1866.

 

William and Margaret’s eldest child (Margaret’s third) was William Henry Parry who was born at Holyhead in Wales, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1874. In the census of 3 April 1881 William, at the age of 7, was living with his parents at 25 Thomas Street in Holyhead, and he was going to school.

 

William and Margaret’s second child (Margaret’s fourth) was Laura Ann Parry who was born at Holyhead in Wales, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1876. In the census of 3 April 1881 Laura, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 25 Thomas Street in Holyhead, and she was going to school. Then in the census of 5 April 1891 Laura, now aged 15, was living with her parents at 50 Thomas Street, and she was now working as a dressmaker.

 

William and Harriet’s ninth child was Elizabeth Muddle who was born at Shorncliffe in the parish of Cheriton near Folkestone in Kent, and baptised at St Martin’s Church in Cheriton on 27 March 1836. Elizabeth died at Lydd in Kent when only 17 months old, and she was buried in All Saints’ Churchyard in Lydd on 5 August 1837.

 

 

William and Harriet’s tenth child was George Richard Muddle who was born at Dungeness in Lydd Parish, Kent on 30 January 1838, and baptised at All Saints' Church in Lydd on 7 March 1838. (George's date of birth is from his birth certificate, his Royal Navy Service Papers give his date of birth as 6 January 1838, and his Seaman's Ticket gives 7 February 1838.) In the census of 6 June 1841 George, at the age of 3, was living with his parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 George, at the age of 13, was living with his parents at 9 Athol Terrace, East Cliffe, Guston, Dover, Kent, and he was going to school.

Two months later, on 3 May 1851, George, still only 13 years old, joined the Royal Navy for seven years as Boy 2nd Class on HMS Boscawen. He was issued with his Seaman's Ticket number 375062 on 15 July 1851 while on the Boscawen, and was then described as 4ft 7ins tall.[42] Nine months later, on 25 February 1852, he transferred to HMS Herald. While George was serving on the Herald she sailed from Simons Bay, South Africa, on 27 December 1852, to cross the Indian Ocean to Australia arriving at Port Jackson, Sydney, New South Wales on 17 February 1853. While at Sydney the Herald was engaged in doing survey work, until on 19 April 1853 she sailed eastward across the Tasman Sea to arrive at Lord Howe Island on 29 April, where she did more surveying. Than at the beginning of June she sailed north to Middleton Reef to survey there. The Herald returned to Lord Howe Island in late June and then sailed back to Sydney, arriving on 6 July 1853. For the next six weeks the Herald was moored at Farm Cove, Sydney while being repaired and provisioned. During this time George, at the age of 15, must have misbehaved himself because on the 20 August he was incarcerated in Darlinghurst Gaol in Sydney. Four days later, on 24 August, he rejoined the Herald, which departed Sydney on 2 September for Lord Howe Island and then the Isle of Pines off New Caledonia, arriving on 25 September for more surveying. On 22 October she sailed to Matthew Rock and then Aneiteum (now Aneityum, the southern most island of Vanuatu) to continue her surveying. The Herald returned via the Isle of Pines and Lord Howe Island to arrive back at Sydney on 1 January 1854, this being the day that George volunteered to extended his enlistment in the Royal Navy to ten years continuous and general service, the time to run from the day he reached 18 years of age, which would be on 6 January 1856. The document recording this enlistment described George as being 5ft 2½ins tall with a dark complexion, dark brown hair, grey eyes and to have a tattoo of an anchor and heart on his left hand; it also showed that George was literate enough to sign his name in a clear hand. George was promoted to Boy 1st Class on 16 January 1854. The Herald remained at Sydney until 27 May 1854 when she sailed for New Zealand, arriving at Auckland Harbour on 8 June. She departed Auckland on 18 June and sailed north into the Pacific Ocean to arrive at Sunday Island, at approximately 28.30°S 180.30°E, on 3 July to do survey work. At 8am on the morning of 28 July 1854, while the Herald was still at Sunday Island, George was given 36 lashes for theft. The following day the Herald sailed north for Moala Island in the Fiji Islands, arriving on 5 September for more surveying; moving on to Angau Reef and Ovalau Island. She departed Ovalau on 24 November for Aneiteum and then sailed north-west towards Guadalcanal. George was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on 18 February 1856, and then invalided out of the service on 5 March 1857, at the age of 19, while still serving on the Herald, having been in the Royal Navy for 5 years and 10 months.[43]

Two years after his discharge from the Royal Navy George was probably living with his parents in Dover when with seventeen other men from Dover, who were mostly boatmen and fishermen, he was sued for insolvency. This seems likely to have been the result of some collective business venture by these eighteen men, probably to do with the sea and fishing, which had become bankrupt. The 29 April 1859 edition of The London Gazette reported that thirteen of these, who were then in prison, where to be dealt with before the Judge of the County Court of Kent at the Session House in Maidstone on 14 May 1859. George was one of the five not in prison, which was probably because they had absconded, most likely by going to sea as merchant seamen. George has not been found in the 1861 and 1871 censuses, probably because he was away at sea, but he was recorded as an Able Seaman on the 644 ton Roslin Castle of Glasgow, captained by James Alexander, when she arrived at Sydney in Australia on 17 May 1873 from New York. In the census of 3 April 1881 George, at the age of 43, was a seaman on the 35 ton salvage vessel SS John Bull of London captained by Samuel Bryan and then at Wellington Dock in Dover.

George was a mariner when, at the age of 47, he married 33-year-old widow Annie Winser at Dover Register Office on 10 October 1885. They were both then living at 56 East Cliffe in Dover. Annie’s maiden name was Harradine; she was the daughter of coachman George Harradine and his wife Elizabeth, and she had been baptised as Hannah at Shrivenham in Berkshire on 2 April 1852. Annie’s first marriage was to Richard Winser by whom she had at least four children.

George and Annie had three children born at Dover between 1886 and 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 George was still a mariner and they were living at 5 Athol Court, Guston, Dover with their three children and three of Annie’s children from her first marriage. George died at the age of 59 (not 54 as given on his death certificate), his death being registered in Dover registration district during the 3rd quarter of 1897.

Two years later Annie, at the age of 47, married 32-year-old bachelor Albert Smallman at Guildford Register Office in Surrey on 17 October 1899. They were both then living at Woking and Albert was a clerk. Albert was the son of Job and Naomi Smallman; he had been born at Coseley in Staffordshire and his birth registered during the 3rd quarter of 1867. In the census of 2 April 1911 Albert and Annie were living at 81 Biggin Street in Dover; Albert was an assurance agent and they had Annie's 20-year-old daughter Gertrude Muddle living with them. Annie died at the age of 76, her death being registered in Dover registration district during the 4th quarter of 1929.

 

George and Annie’s eldest child was Jessie Mary Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent, and whose birth was registered during the 1st quarter of 1886. In the census of 5 April 1891 Jessie, at the age of 5, was living with her parents at 5 Athol Court, Guston, Dover. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 Jessie, now aged 15, was a live-in general domestic servant to widow Mary Wollaston at 14 East Cliff in Dover; the other servant living there was Jessie’s half-sister Rose Winser. When she was 20 years old Jessie married 30-year-old Charles Frederick Brown at Dover Register Office on 22 February 1906 by licence. Charles was then Band Sergeant, 1st Battalion, The Buffs, stationed at Citadel Barracks in Dover, and Jessie was living at 9 Dour Street in Dover. For some reason a second marriage was held at Dover Register Office on 7 August 1906 by certificate, when all details in the marriage register were the same except Jessie’s address was now 116 Clarenden Street in Dover and there were different witnesses. They had at least two children born at Islington in London in 1913 and 1915.

 

Charles and Jessie’s eldest known child was Alexander A Brown whose birth was registered in Islington registration district in London during the 2nd quarter of 1913.

 

Charles and Jessie’s second known child was Constance L Brown whose birth was registered in Islington registration district in London during the 1st quarter of 1915.

 

George and Annie’s second child was George William Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent on 21 December 1888. In the census of 5 April 1891 George, at the age of 2, was living with his parents at 5 Athol Court, Guston, Dover. Then in the census of 31 March 1901 George, now aged 12, and his sister Gertrude were living with their half-sister, widow Annie Tee (née Winser), at 30 Sydney Cottages, East Cliff, Dover.

On 8 July 1905, when he was 16 years old, George saved the life of an 8-year-old boy, who had fallen into the sea, and for his bravery was awarded a Royal Humane Society Certificate. The presentation of this certificate by Dover Town Mayor was reported in the 30 September 1905 edition of the Dover & County Chronicle:

REWARDING BRAVERY

Before the ordinary meeting commenced Councillor W. Bradley said he had been asked by Mr. Prescott to bring the following case before the notice of the Mayor. On July 8th, George Muddle, aged 16, saved the life of a small boy, aged 8 years, on the Sea Front. It appeared that this child was walking along the woodwork in front of the Castle jetty - bearing one arm in a sling-when he slipped off and fell into the sea. The lad Muddle, without taking off his clothes, jumped into the sea and saved the boy from drowning, and the Royal Humane Society had recognised his gallant services by granting their certificate.

The Mayor in presenting Muddle - who appeared before the Council - with the certificate, said that the lad appeared to have started upon his career very early, and he thought every credit was due to him, and he was sure Mr. Muddle would be proud to have the honour of being the recipient of the certificate which he had very much pleasure in presenting (applause).

The Mayor shook hands with Muddle who thanked him and retired.

During the First World War George enlisted as Gunner 93428 in the Royal Garrison Artillery and for his service during the war he was awarded two campaign medals, the Victory Medal and the British War Medal.[44]

When he was about 37 years old George married Edith Marjorie Royston, who was about 23, in Lambeth registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1925. Edith's birth had been registered in Lambeth registration district during the 4th quarter of 1902. George and Edith had two children born in Lambeth registration district in 1926 and 1933. Edith died at the age of 65, her death being registered in Lambeth registration district during the 1st quarter of 1968. Five years later George died when he was about 84 years old, his death being registered in Camberwell registration district in London during the 4th quarter of 1973.

 

George and Annie’s third child was Gertrude Harriet Muddle who was born at Dover in Kent on 25 March 1891. In the census of 5 April 1891 Gertrude, at the age of 1 week, was living with her parents at 5 Athol Court, Guston, Dover. Gertrude's father died in 1897 and in the census of 31 March 1901 Gertrude, now aged 10, and her brother George, were living with their half-sister, widow Annie Tee (née Winser), at 30 Sydney Cottages, East Cliff, Dover. In the census of 2 April 1911 Gertrude, at the age of 20, was working as the manageress of the Receiving Office and living with her mother and stepfather, Albert Smallman, at 81 Biggin Street in Dover.

When she was 25 years old Gertrude married 29-year-old Alfred George Maynard at St Mary the Virgin Church in Dover on 13 September 1916. Alfred was then a Corporal with the 17th Reserve Battalion of the Royal Canadian Highlanders at the Machine Gun Depot in Shorncliffe near Folkestone in Kent, and Gertrude was living at 19 High Street in Dover. Alfred was the son of Alfred and Eliza Maynard and he had been born at Dover on 24 October 1886. When he was 26 years old Alfred migrated to Canada departing from London on the Sicilian on 27 March 1913 for St John, New Brunswick. On the passenger list he gave his occupation as steward and he was working as a waiter when, on 19 October 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Overseas Expeditionary Force. He was then described as 5ft 6ins tall, had a 37ins chest, weighed 136lbs, with medium complexion, blue eyes and brown hair.

Alfred and Gertrude had three children born at Dover in 1918, 1920 and 1928. Alfred worked on the railways; he died at the age of 57, his death being registered in Tonbridge registration district in Kent during the 3rd quarter of 1944. After Alfred's death Gertrude lived for many years with her daughter Grace and her husband at Rainham in Kent. Thirty-seven years after her husband's death Gertrude died at the age of 90, her death being registered in Swale registration district in Kent, which includes Rainham, during the 2nd quarter of 1981.

 

Alfred and Gertrude’s eldest child was Ellen G H Maynard whose birth was registered in Dover registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1918.

 

Alfred and Gertrude’s second child was Grace K Maynard whose birth was registered in Dover registration district in Kent during the 1st quarter of 1920.

 

Alfred and Gertrude’s third child was Edna Jessie Maynard who was born in Dover registration district in Kent on 5 August 1928.

 

William and Harriet’s eleventh child was Elizabeth Nazer Muddle who was born at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk on 4 August 1840, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 6 September 1840. In the census of 6 June 1841 Elizabeth, at the age of 10 months, was living with her parents at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk. Then in the census of 30 March 1851 Elizabeth, at the age of 10, was living with her parents at 9 Athol Terrace, East Cliffe, Guston, Dover, Kent, and she was going to school. In the census of 7 April 1861 Elizabeth was the live-in housekeeper to the Barner family at 157 Snargate Street in Dover, next-door to where the family of her sister Rebecca Crosoer were living. When she was 22 years old Elizabeth married 24-year-old Charles Pearce at Guston Church on 1 June 1862. They were both then living at East Cliffe and Charles was a grocer.

 

 

William and Harriet’s twelfth child was William Muddle who was born at Felixstowe Ferry in Suffolk, and baptised at St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Felixstowe on 10 April 1842. In the census of 30 March 1851 William, at the age of 9, was living with his parents at 9 Athol Terrace, East Cliffe, Guston, Dover, Kent, and he was going to school.

It's thought that William may have first gone to sea when he was about 13 years old, and that possibly his first service on a ship is recorded in a document dated 2 August, but unfortunately without any year, written by J Hammond the Commander of the Royal Mail Packet Vivid that states that William had sailed as a Boy under his command for one year and six months and left with a good character.[45]

On 1 January 1858 William joined the crew of HMS Melampus as Boy 2nd Class. Melampus was a sailing frigate, jury rigged for Coast Guard service, commanded by Captain Leopold George Heath, and moored off the Victoria Hospital in Southampton where she was used to train batches of Royal Naval Coast Volunteers. A few weeks after William joined the Melampus she came to the end of her commission, and on 24 February she was towed by the Pigmy to Spithead where she anchored overnight and then entered Portsmouth Harbour the next day. For the next two days the crew were employed in striping the ship before all officers and men transferred to the steam frigate HMS Arrogant on 1 March; they continued clearing the Melampus of stores and provision and coaling the Arrogant until the Arrogant steamed out of harbour and anchoring at Spithead on 30 April. At Spithead the Arrogant took on powder and was inspected by Commander in Chief Sir George Seymour before sailing to Southampton Water and mooring off Victoria Hospital to continue the training of Royal Naval Coast Volunteers. The Arrogant fired Royal Salutes to commemorate Her Majesty's birthday, ascension and coronation on 15 May, 20 June and 28 June. On 14 July she sailed to St Helens on the Isle of Wight and returned to Southampton Water the next day. Two days later, on 17 July 1858, William was discharged from the Arrogant and his certificate of service described him as 5ft 2in tall with blue eyes and a ruddy complexion.[46]

It's thought to be William who is referred to in the 4 January 1863 edition of the Supplement to Bell's Life in London when it reported the results of the Dover and Cinque Ports Regatta held on 28 August 1862, when in the race between four-oared cutters belonging to steam-packets of the Dover station, the cutter of the Empress skippered by Muddle took part but was not placed in the first four finishing. Indicating that William was presumably then one of the crew on the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company's steam-packet Empress. Soon after this William definitely served as a seaman on the London, Chatham and Dover Railway Company's mail-steamer Samphire from October 1863 to 11 May 1864.[47] The Empress and the Samphire both operated as ferries on the Dover to Calais route.

When he was 25 years old William married 23-year-old Eliza Fox at Guston Church on 14 July 1867. They were both then living at East Cliffe and William was a mariner. Eliza was the daughter of William Fox; she had been born at Ramsgate and her birth registered during the 2nd quarter of 1843. See the section headed ‘William & Eliza Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2005-2013

Last updated 7 October 2013