We have been in Surrey. We flew into Gatwick airport the other night and stayed at a B and B in Horley. We caught a train the next day into London, passing through Redhill, Merstham, Norwood Junction and New Cross before finally getting off at … Continue reading By train through George and Mabel’s world
Tag: mabel butler
“Married 10 years”
The 1911 census is fascinating as it pertains to George and Mabel Simmonds, of Heston, Middlesex. As can be seen from this document, George and Mabel had been married 10 years and lived in Hounslow. Their address, recorded elsewhere on the document, was 10 Courtney Place, … Continue reading “Married 10 years”
Mabel and Osterley
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
Uncle Jack remembers Osterley
The only one of the Simmonds boys that I ever knew was John (Jack), my grandfather's brother, who must have been in his 70s when I met him one sunny day in Brisbane - could it have been in the 80s?. I can't remember how … Continue reading Uncle Jack remembers Osterley
An Edwardian family
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
Forgotten tales 