There is something delightfully peculiar about the Victorian Christmas, an enchantment woven from equal parts propriety and pandemonium. We often picture the era as a snow globe of gentility, wrapped in lace and candlelight, all polite smiles, sentimental cards, and holly-decked parlours smelling faintly of nutmeg. Yet beneath those velvet trimmings, and under the well-behaved … Continue reading Odd Victorian Christmas Traditions We Don’t Do Anymore. – A Tale of Firelit Parlours, Ghostly Whispers, and Raisins Ablaze.
Remembering Forgotten Lives
The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.
With the turning of a page, we step into the second chapter of Frank Whitlock’s story, a story no longer just of boyhood and the steady beat of rural life, but of love, commitment, and the quiet, sacred promise of “until death do us part.” As Part One traced the tender, often painful path of … Continue reading The Life of Frank Whitlock/Whitelock 1846–1922 Until Death Do Us Part.
The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
In the quiet corners of history, where ink fades and parchment crumbles, lies the tale of John Withers, a man whose life unfolds amidst the shadows of uncertain dates and scant documentation. Born in the year 1797, before the days of standardized birth records, John's early years are a mosaic of parish whispers and faded … Continue reading The Life of John Withers 1797–1865 The Early Years Through Documentation.”
The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.
In the quiet corners of family attics and the faded pages of dusty albums, lies the essence of a life once lived. The Life of Emily Kate Southwell, 1892–1947, is not just a chronicle of dates and events, but a testament to the enduring power of family history. It is in these fragments of the … Continue reading The Life Of Emily Kate Southwell 1892–1947 Through Documentation.
The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.
When Elizabeth Wren stepped into the church on that cool, spring morning in 1850, the air was thick with the quiet promise of forever. Her heart fluttered with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty as she stood before her groom, the man who would become her world. His eyes, warm and full of quiet devotion, … Continue reading The Life Of Elizabeth Wren 1831–1900 Until Death Do Us Part.
“The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”
On the 113th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, we remember not just a ship lost to the depths of the North Atlantic, but the thousands of lives taken with her, each one carrying hopes, struggles, and stories that still echo through time. Among those lost was a young fireman from Southampton named Samuel … Continue reading “The Life Of Samuel Solomon Williams 1884–1912 Through Documentation.”
The Life Of Eliza Mary Willats, 1867-1902, Through Documentation.
In the serene confines of Number 37, Charlotte Street, All Paul’s, Marylebone, a the illustrious Willats family welcomed a new member into their embrace. Within the walls of this residence, amidst the genteel air of Middlesex, a child was born, a child that would illuminate the lineage of our family with grace, poise, and an … Continue reading The Life Of Eliza Mary Willats, 1867-1902, Through Documentation.
The Life Of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 – Until Death Do Us Part.
In the hallowed pages of history, there are chapters that demand to be revisited, stories that beckon us back for another glimpse into a life lived with purpose and heart. As we turn the page to Part 2 of "The Life of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 - Until Death Do Us Part," we step … Continue reading The Life Of Francis Montague Allen Willats, 1857-1920 – Until Death Do Us Part.
In fields of poppies, crimson and bold, A tale of valor and sacrifice, untold.
In fields of poppies, crimson and bold,A tale of valor and sacrifice, untold.Remembrance Day, a solemn grace,A day to honour, in a hallowed space. Silent whispers echo in the breeze,Of heroes standing 'neath tall trees.In Flanders' fields, where poppies sway,A tribute to those who paved the way. They marched through trenches, cold and deep,Where tears … Continue reading In fields of poppies, crimson and bold, A tale of valor and sacrifice, untold.
The Life Of, Henry Richard Willats, 1856-1922, Through Documentation.
In the dimly lit corners of history, where memories fade and stories are left untold, there exists an extraordinary life that has been hidden from the world for far too long. Today, I invite you to step back in time and embark on a poignant journey through the life of my 3rd Great-Granduncle, Henry Richard … Continue reading The Life Of, Henry Richard Willats, 1856-1922, Through Documentation.
The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897, The Early Years, Through Documentation.
In the annuals of our family history lies a tale, a story that resonates across time, traversing generations to touch our hearts today. As I continue to embark on my journey of discovery, I find myself drawn to the life of a remarkable individual, my third great-grandfather William George Willats, aka Biggun. He was more … Continue reading The Life Of William George Willats (Biggun), 1853-1897, The Early Years, Through Documentation.
The Life of Susan Mary Lagden 1858-1937 – Life Goes On Regardless.
We live a world where change is constant, the unexpected lurks around every corner, and life never fails to surprise us. Throughout our lives, we often find ourselves entangled in the ebb and flow of circumstances beyond our control. As human beings, we strive for stability, seeking solace in the familiar and predictable. But deep … Continue reading The Life of Susan Mary Lagden 1858-1937 – Life Goes On Regardless.
The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Life As Mrs Susan Mary Kirby.
Welcome back, to the captivating journey through time and heritage as we continue to unravel the intricate puzzle of my ancestral legacy. In this second instalment, we delve deeper into the remarkable life of my third great-grandmother Susan Mary Kirby nee Lagden, and explore the documents and challenges she faced as a married women. As … Continue reading The Life of Susan Mary Lagden, 1858-1937, Life As Mrs Susan Mary Kirby.
Intwined 