It's grand to be an Englishman in 1910, King Edward's on the throne, it's the age of men. (George Banks, in the film, Mary Poppins) My grandfather's birth seemed to have marked the beginning of his family. On his birth certificate the space under "father" … Continue reading An Edwardian family
Category: Origins
George Simmonds, market gardener and grocer of Heston, Middlesex
I was named David for my grandfather, George Simmonds, whose birth certificate decidedly lists three names - George Frederick David. But who was he named for? His birth certificate lists no father - his mother is listed as Mabel Butler of Redhill, Surrey. Grandpa George … Continue reading George Simmonds, market gardener and grocer of Heston, Middlesex
Growing up in Victorian England
My great grandmother, Mabel Butler, and her sister Sarah were orphans. Sarah was 11 years older than Mabel. They lost their parents in unclear circumstances when Sarah was about 14 and Mabel was 3. Their parents, Ephraim and Jane Butler, lived in Bristol when they … Continue reading Growing up in Victorian England
The Butlers of Summerhill House, Bristol
In 1881 my great grandmother Mabel Butler was 5 years old and an orphan. Her father Ephraim Butler appears to have died in 1879 when Mabel was only 3, and what happened to her mother is uncertain. Mabel was born in South Africa, but I … Continue reading The Butlers of Summerhill House, Bristol
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
Forgotten tales 