A question that has fascinated me is how Mabel Simmonds, formerly Butler, of Heston, Middlesex, wife of a market gardener and carman before WWI, could have been invited to garden parties at the spectacular Osterley House, which was so close to where the young family … Continue reading Mabel and Osterley
Category: Identity
Journeys and other defining events
Years ago I remember reading a quote which struck a chord as I reflected on the journey of my own life. I don't remember who wrote it originally, but his (or her) observation was that in a mobile world our lives are defined as much by … Continue reading Journeys and other defining events
What’s in a name?
When the First World War broke out it became unpopular in England or Australia to have a German name. Germans were seen as the enemy. But it had not always been so. Up until then the English got on pretty well with the Germans, not … Continue reading What’s in a name?
Changing names: the mystery of George Lilley
The Holford name may be a simple variation of the original German name, Holtorp, but Mum's maiden name, Simmonds, is a complete departure from the past, as far as I can work out. Mum told me before she died that her grandfather, George Simmonds, whom … Continue reading Changing names: the mystery of George Lilley
Holford: evolution of a name
Our family name has evolved over the last 300 years from Holtorp to Holford. With the help of a family tree drawn up by Victoria Reevey, publicly available on Ancestry.com, I have managed to trace the Holford family name back to the end of the … Continue reading Holford: evolution of a name
Forgotten tales 