Go top

What a surprise-- I stumbled across this site, so have been sitting here for ages just printing out the info for my Mum, Kathleen Pinder-nee Ellingham, born and raised in Wheathampstead, she is now 86 & lives in Melbourne

My Mother was very interested to read the news, but can't add any photos.  She was born at the Factory house at the folly in 1916, & went to school at St. Helen's where she went on to be Head Girl.  Fred Ellingham, her Dad, was the Manager at the  Factory  House (hats) at the Folly, owned by Osborne of Luton, next to the Chapel.  My grandparents actually lived there.  Kath & Mary Ellingham were both born there.  It was a big 4 bedroom home.   See pictures   My great aunts-Lill Smith & Maude Hunt were milliners, at that time too.

They later lived at "The Willows" Lower Luton Rd. - 2 houses down from the Cherry Trees.  (I can't imagine that old place being any thing but a pub!)

Mum's brother Bill still plays the organ at the Folly, he lives in Harpenden.  I've e-mailed the site to my cousin in Poole, so she can show her Dad when he goes down.  Mum's other brother Eric is aged 94.

My Great Gran was French, & she lived up the Folly fields.  My Mum married at St Helen's in 1936 to Ray Pinder, then they moved to Luton, where I was born in 1937.  My Grandad died at 92 & he rode his bike up to that time.  Gran was 88.  All French's & Ellinghams buried at St. Helens.

I can't add much more Brian at this stage, only my own memories of cycling to Gran's from Warden Hill, along the "Bottom Road, as it was called, past Lady Ludlows, & that stinkin sewerage joint --happy days! 

Carol  email -

1851 Census - 
Ellingham at Bury Green:
John Ellingham, Wid, 60, Late Gardener, b Totternhoe, Beds
Mary Ellingham, dau, Unm, 26 bonnet Sewer b Whstd

Go top

My 4x Grandfather was Thomas Ephgrave who owned Herons Farm in Gustard Wood.  He married Elizabeth Kilby 29th July 1812 in Wheathampstead.  I am trying to find out the name of his parents. If you have any information to hand I would appreciate it.  I have the Last will and Testament for Thomas and Elizabeth plus a transcript of Elizabeth's who survived her husband.   My family line is via Fredrick.

On the 1851 census via Ancestry there is a miss spelling the entry is Ephriam whereas on the CD ROM purchased from Hertfordshire County Council - "Hertfordshire Families" - it is correct for  Herons Farm.

As previously stated I have drawn a blank regarding Thomas' parents. Any information regarding this would be most welcome.

Tony Ephgrave  email                                      added June 2007

Go top

Ewer

The militia list for Wheathampstead gives Thomas Ewer as a farmer's son 1760/1762 & as a farmer 1763/5 with address at either just Wheathampstead or The Cross.

I have seen a transcription of the Wheathampstead register which gives the following baptisms (all sons of John & Mary) - 

Also 1600 -1700 3 entries and the burial of Thomas. son of John 24 Nov 1754.

John & Mary are my direct ancestors and I can't their births or marriage.

John was probably too old for militia service in 1760. Tom took over the farm (which farm?) about 1762/3.
Maybe Tom is a brother of John. Anyway Ewer is very uncommon and it seems unlikely that the 2 are not related somehow. Does anyone know any more??

I'd be delighted to pad out this Wheathampstead connection

Michael Ewer, Rugby England - email -  

1851 Census - 
Ewer – no Ewer’s listed in 1851 Whstd

Go top

1851 Census - 
James Fensom, Head, Mar, 50, Ag Lab b Kimpton
Maria Fensom, wife, 52, b Whstd
Eliza Fensom, dau, 13 straw plait, b Whstd
Charlotte Norris, dau, wid, 29, straw plait, b Kimpton
Wm Norris, grandson, 9m b Harpenden
Thomas Lawrence, son-in-law, mar, 22, Ag Lab b Harpenden
Ann Lawrence, wife, 20, b Whstd
Mary Lawrence, grandau, 1 b Whstd

Go top

My G.G.Grandfather lived (near) the Swan Inn Wheathampstead from about 1845 to 1857.  He was John Fitzjohn b.1819 in Harpenden.  He moved to Wheathampstead with his wife Eliza Woodwards b. Kimpton 1824. John was an agricultural labourer and Eliza did straw plaiting.  They had four children in their cottage near the Swann Inn:

George born 1846
Eliza born 1848
Charles born 1850
Thomas b.28-aug-1852 ,my g.grandad
Their next three children were born in Harpenden so they must have moved back there in about 1858.  Johns parents were both from Harpenden , they were Thomas Fitzjohn b 1775 and Ann Hubbins b 1782

Graham Fitzjohn  email -                                                         added Dec 2005

Go top

I have found Charles Floyd in 1881 living with his wife Harriet and two children James and William at the Horse and Jockey. Was he a publican there or else just living there.

My grandfather Charles William Floyd lived in one of the houses that were demolished near Butterfield Road, these looked directly onto the road that leads to Harpenden. He was Known as Wag, Charlie or Titch. My grandmother was Mary Woods and she lived there with my grandfather and her mother. My grandfather worked on local farms and at one time lived in a cottage behind the Crooked Chimney.

If anyone has any information or can point me in the direction of finding families from Wheathampstead I would be very grateful.
Steven Floyd   email -                                               added Oct 2008

Note from webmaster - From St Helens memorials records Charlie Floyd died July 29th 1899 aged 71; also William Floyd died Sept 20th 1902 aged 26,

I have just looked at your web site and was very interested to see the family French.  My mothers grandfather was a William French born at Kimpton in 1866 and died in1931.  Do you have any information about him? My mother never knew him.  I lived at Wheathampstead for a few years during the seventies, so am familiar with the area.

Additional family members of William French that I have are:

James ' parents were Thomas French and Mary Chambers m 1813

William enlisted in the Royal Garrison Artillery in 1885 and served for 26 years.  He married Jane Nicholls in Nasirabad  and had 2 children Charlotte Sophia and Florence Hilda.  On his return to this country  he worked for JW Green brewery in Luton and then became the licensee of the Royal Standard pub in Luton.

Hope you can help, Many thanks  Paula Dugdale  email -
submitted 19 Oct 2002

1851 Census - 
French at Brewhouse Hill
George French, Mar, 45, Carpenter b Kimpton
Elizabeth French, wife 40 b Luton, Beds
Emma, Dau un 20 Straw Plait, b Luton
Charles, son, 11 scholar b Whstd
James, son 8 scholar b Whstd

French at Gustard Wood :
William French, Mar, 29, Ag Lab, b Whstd
Hannah French, wife, 28 Straw Plait b Beds (nee Day)

French at Amwell:
William French, Head, Unm, 33, Ag Lab b Kimpton
Sarah French, Mother, Wid, 53, Straw Plait, b Kimpton

Go top

My Great grandfather Amos Gale had a pub. 

The story my grandfather, always told, was that his father Amos Gale owned either a brewery and a couple of pubs, or vise-versa. {I can't recall which] However, due to a court case of some sort, he lost the lot. My grandfather certainly had lots to say about " b...y lawers" as a result of his beliefs. Amos's wife was Mary Ann Gale [nee Brown].  They had 9 or 10 children the first born about 1878.

My Grandfather [his son] was born 'near Wheathampstead' in 1889 as was the last brother, born in 1900. 
I have a photo believed to have been taken outside the door of the pub, of Mary Ann and Bert the youngest son, who looks to be about 10 years old.  We previously thought the photo was in Luton. There is also a photo of Amos, but it is a rather poor one.

The story went, that Great grandfather Amos would go out for business, in the horse and cart, and return after many hours, having had a drink at every pub on the way home again. ["the horse knew it's way home"]
Amos died in 1936 in Wheathampstead.   Where did you find out that Amos had been the publican and have you any idea of how long he was the publican? If you follow up on the court case angle; know how I could research that from here in Australia, or have any other information, I would be very grateful as it would help my family tree research. 

I believe there are still Gale descendants still living in Wheathampstead somewhere but I don't know how to find them, and someone said they may also have owned the common/green

I look forward to receiving a reply from you soon
Regards Margaret Murray (nee Gale) email - 

Contribution 31st May 2004

Hi, have really enjoyed looking round your site, especially reading all the stories about the families from the area. I am researching my family tree and I could have links with the Gales of Wheathampstead, Especially the Ernest born 1885, anyone who knows anything about Ernest Gale in particular who he married please contact me, Thanks and keep up the good work Mandy  email -    South Yorkshire, UK               contributed 13 January 2005

Go top

I am trying to find the correct first name and the maiden name of the wife of Thomas Gathard (born about 1795 and most likely at Wheathampstead, Hertfordshire. According to the LDS IGI he married Hannah Huntley at Wheathampstead on the 15th Oct 1808.  They had five children; Ann, Charles, Charlotte, Sarah and Eliza.  When I check the LDS IGI for a birth date, place and parents of Hannah, I can only find the name Ann Hunt born at Wheathampstead in 1788, which would tie in date and place-wise.  Is there anyone out there who could you please tell me Thomas Gathard's wife's name etc please?  I know that Hannah was often substituted for Ann in the old days, but is there in fact a Hannah Huntley, or should the surname be Hunt.  In the 1851 census she is shown as Ann Gathard, Washerwoman, residing with her husband, Thomas, at the home of William and Eliza Wren and 3 children at High Street Wheathampstead (HO 107/1713)  Your help would be most appreciated.

Sincerely Colin Smith, Western Australia  email:             added 14/5/2008

_________________

Hello, I noticed that the name Gathard is shown in the list of early Wheathampstead families. I don't know much about my family history. However my father Sidney Kenneth Gathard, who was born in 1910 lived in St Albans, and went to St Albans School before the war. His father was called Sidney, but that is as much as I know. Perhaps my antecedants are from Wheathampstead, since it is in the same area.

If any of you can add to my knowledge I would be grateful.

John Gathard email -

1851 Census - 
Gathard at High St.
Thomas Gathard, Father-in-law, Mar, 68, Ag Lab, b Whstd
Hannah Gathard, Mother-in-law, wife, 60, Washerwoman, b Whstd
In-laws to William Wren, Head, Mar, 30, Ag Lab b Hatfield
Eliza Wren, wife, 28, straw plait, b Whstd
With 3 other Wren children all b Whstd

Go top

I'm trying to trace any links of the Gatward family which I noticed is listed in Wheathampstead.  I'm particularly interested in Frank Gatward (My Grandfather) who came up to Hoby Leicestershire and married into the Henson family.  I'm also aware that we have links with Gatwards that lived in Slough.

Any information gratefully received.  Kind regards

Jonathan Gatward  email - 

1851 Census -
Gathard at High St.
Thomas Gathard, Father-in-law, Mar, 68, Ag Lab, b Whstd
Hannah Gathard, Mother-in-law, wife, 60, Washerwoman, b Whstd (nee Huntley)
In-laws to William Wren, Head, Mar, 30, Ag Lab b Hatfield
Eliza Wren, wife, 28, straw plait, b Whstd (nee Gathard)
With 3 other Wren children all b Whstd

Go top

The Census of 1901 gives one of my past relatives as being the owner of  THE  WALNUT  TREE  in Church Street.  It was apparently a  Colin Houivelle Gill.  The Census also mentions his wife who was a Sarah Ann Gill and also worked in the pub.  They had a daughter called Ada Lucy Gill who in 1901 was 18 years old and lived with them.  Colin was 44yrs and Sarah Ann was 45yrs old.  It also says Colin was a Publican AND a Boot Maker !  It is Sarah Ann who is the more direct relative as her maiden name was Abraham.  She was born in Portsmouth (as I was too) along with many relatives.  She was the daughter and 7th child of my Great Great Grandfather a George Lucy.  

Sarah Ann and Colin were married in Portsmouth in May 1882 and I know they lived in Chelsea in the 1891 Census.  However, I don't know when they moved in to the pub or how long they were there.   I hope you find the above of interest and again apologise for any inconvenience of contacting you.

Best wishes  Gordon Abraham   email                             Jan 2012

I thought that you may like these pictures for your site. They are of my Great grandparents John and Charlotte (nee Summerfield ) Goodman and their sons Frank, Philip and Andrew. They lived at The Folly in Wheathampstead from 1875 until 1912 (may be longer) John was a carpenter and Charlotte was a bonnet finisher. John was born in Barbados in 1840 and Charlotte came from Dunstable where her family had lived for many years.
Hope that this will be of interest.
Yours Rebecca Fuller, nee Goodman  - email  

(Click on image below to see larger version, then click Back in your browser to return to this page.)

	John and Charlotte (nee Summerfield) Goodman with their sons Andrew Frank and Philip
	Frank Goodman and Maude Day possibly a wedding photo.

Go top

Other surnames included: Ansell, Briars, Cain, Carter, Cherry, Goodship, Henley, King, Munt, Needham, Odell, Sell, Slough, Todd, Waldock, Wells

Goodship Family (pdf format)

submitted by Anthony M. Carter    email:                         14 Dec 2008

Go top

Gray
 

Descendants of James Gray (born Abt. 1795)  .pdf file   includes Wilsher name also. Submitted by Judy Jones    email - added May 2009 Phoebe Brown (contributed by Paul Goodwin)

I am a grandson of Francis George Gray (also known as Frank) who was born in Wheathampstead around 1879 and was killed in action in World War I on 24th October 1918 near Arras, France.

From the 1881 census I have established that he was the son of George Gray (born abt 1852) and Mary S. Gray (Sophie?). He also had brothers George F. Gray (abt 1877) and Walter Gray (abt 1880). They lived at 84 Cherry Trees in Wheathampstead. All of them were born in Wheathampstead.

I met “Uncle Walter” who, I believe, lived in Southampton and was a steward on one of the ocean-going liners.

But I would like to know what relation they are to Herbert Gray who also lived in Wheathampstead but was born in Harpenden. I met “Uncle Herbert” in about 1975 in Wheathampstead and understood him to be one of my grandfather’s brothers – but that does not now appear to be the case. Herbert Gray’s father was another George Gray (married to Susan) who was born in Harpenden. The family were living at The Three Horse Shoes in Harpenden Common in 1901.

Can anyone shed any light so that I can complete work on my family tree?
Francis A. (Frank) Gray   email -                                                                   contributed 11 May 2005

(added 12/5/05)  By the way, I have just been looking at the 1861 census and find that my grandfather’s father, George Gray (1852/1853) was son of Charles Gray (born 1819.  Charles and his wife Ann lived with their 6 children in “Beer House, The Red Cow”. I also note that another Charles Gray, one of Herbert Gray’s brothers, was the proprietor of the Red Cow in 1901 (“Wheathampstead in 1901)

Go top

GROOM – FURR– WOROLD/BURRALL– SHARP – PATERNOSTER – COX

I can trace my GROOM line to Wheathampstead through repeated references in the 1851 – 1901 censuses.  George GROOM and his wife, Elizabeth FURR both hailed from Wheathampstead – were married in St. Helen’s on 28 January 1835.  But, all their children were born in Waltham Abbey between 1837 and 1849.

However, while in England (August 2003), I had a look at the 1851 Census for Wheathampstead (trying to leave no stone unturned). I found 3 GROOM entries for Wheathampstead [Reference H.O. 107/1713, Folios 12 and 55].

Then I found this site and with Melissa’s assistance, found-
George GROOM was the son of Thomas and Ann (married 1802; 64 and 65 years old in the 1851 census);
His wife, Elizabeth FURR, was the daughter of James FURR to Sarah WOROLD (BURRALL?) (married St.Helen’s on 26 February 1803);
Thomas GROOM (christened St. Helen’s on 4 July 1779) was the son of James GROOM and Mary COX (married St.Helen’s on 18 February 1778);
While, Ann SHARP (christened St. Helen’s on 22 April 1781) was the daughter of John SHARP and Susanah PATERNOSTER (married St.Helen’s on 26 June 1779).
I have also established that James (35) and Charles (29 in the 1851 census) were the younger brothers of my George (Upshire, Essex, 1851).

I can also add to my Wheathampstead families-
12 October 1802 marriage of Thomas GROOM to Ann SHARP;
In all a connection of more than 60 years back to the 1770s.

Needless to say, I will be continuing to track my Wheathampstead connections.
Regards, Peter Horler  email -
One Mile, Queensland, Australia
added Feb 2004

Go top

"Hall's Bakery" - does this sound familiar to you?  I was at a family gathering in Boston, MA and it was mentioned that my grandfathers brother owned this bakery.  Any info would be appreciated.  I know my grandfather, Harry Hall was a boxer in the UK.  

Thanks! Patti Hall  email - 

Go top

I am researching my family history and find that my gg grandfather James Halsey was born in W/h in 1830 and later married Matilda Elizabeth Moulder of Ayot/SL. Do you know of any records that I could look up to fing out more? 

Thanks. david halsey  email -

Go top

Harding

My father was Bryan Harding, he was born 24.12.1921 at The Crescent, New Marford, Wheathampstead and died at Ross on Wye, Herefordshire 17.8.2004 aged 82.  He married Jean in 1948 and they had three children, Pauline, Raymond and Louis.

Picture on right - George Fenwick Elias Harding (standing) Herts Yeomanry 1914-18.  Seated man Charles Collins. (see a conversation of these two men)

George Fenwick Elias Harding’s parents - Elias Harding b. 5.9.1850 St Marylebone, Middlesex & Mary Ann White b. 1852 Clophill
Elias Harding’s parents - Henry Harding b. 10.10.1810 possibly South Petherton, Somerset & Harriet Scadding b 28.10.1804 (or 1806) possibly at Loders, Dorset Or Harriet Scetting b abt 1810 South Petherton, Somerest Married 23.3.1830

All this information has been gathered from Family members, Family Bible, Wheathampstead Village web page (early names Carter) submitted by Arthur Holdford.  Census returns, LDS website, www.Rootsweb.com. 

I will be pleased to hear from anyone who has more information especially relating to the Harding / Scadding / Scetting families.
Pauline Masters, nee Harding. Email -                             contributed Jan 2006

See also Swain section.

Go top

Read your article with great interest, on pubs in and around Wheathampstead.

Dolly & Dave Harvey who ran the Prince of Wales were my Uncle & Aunt. Before them My Grandfather and Grandmother ran the pub.  I believe they took the pub on in 1933 moving from Gustard Wood.  My Grandmother died in 1938, but my Grandfather carried on running it until he died in 1952 which is when Dolly & Dave Harvey took over.  My Grandparents names are William & Emma Harvey. Emma was formerly a Catlin (Very much a local name).  William was originally from Stockton on Tees but arrived in Herts with the Royal flying corps during WW1, meet Emma and decided to stay south when he came back from war.  (Photo of pub on right taken of c1950)

My father was born in Gustard Wood in 1929 Robert Harvey so he was brought up in the Prince of Wales.  He has great memories of the pub.  I am trying to do my family trees at the moment both Harvey and Catlin so am glad to share my info with you.

Philip Harvey. Ware Hertfordshire. email -          (added 13 May 2005)

Go top

Thank you for your message regarding Wheathampstead. I think my ancestors' stay there was probably quite short. The name is Henry Teush HECKER and he was a clergyman who moved around a bit. I know he was at Wheathampstead for the birth of three of his children Henry Charles Teush Hecker in 1844, Frances Lily Teush Hecker in 1847, and Margaret Eliza Teush Hecker in 1849. 

From 1868 until his retirement he was near Lutterworth, Leics. I would be interested in any church records with mention of clergymen in the 1840s. I would also be interested to hear if anybody has transcribed the parish registers for that period. 

More details about the Hecker family

email Patricia Hamilton  -
Aalesund, Norway

1851 Census - 
Hecker at High St.
Henry Tousle Hecker, Mar, 44, M.A. Curate of Whstd, b Hornsey, Herts
Emma C.T. Hecker, Dau, 8, Scholar b Sevenoaks, Kent
Charles H.T., son 6 scholar b Whstd
Frances L.T., dau 3 b Whstd
Margaret E, dau 1 b Whstd
With 3 servants

Go top

I am researching my relatives that I believe lived in Wheathampstead. The family name is HERBERT and the name Sibley also comes up. Thomas Herbert married Anne Sibley 13th November 1821 in Wheathampstead.. any information would be grateful. 

Regards Dave English  e-mail -   

Also look here

Go top

With the help of 'Google', my husband, who is researching our family history, has recently happened on your website about Wheathampstead pubs.  I was very interested to see this, because James Hillen, of whom you show a picture as a former landlord of the 'Rose & Crown', was my great-grandfather. His wife was indeed called Lucy.  He died in about 1932, shortly before I was born, but my mother spoke of him as a very cultured man.

My mother, nee Doreen Hillen, lived at the Rose & Crown during her teens. I had always understood that her parents, Stanley and Sophia Hillen, were the licensees - indeed, I did not know until now that James and Lucy had lived there at all, still less that the license had been in James' name.  This does however make sense, bearing in mind that at that time Stanley would have been in the trenches. James would by then have been in his late 60s, so it may be that he started to take a back seat after Stanley returned from the war.  Stanley and Sophia Hillen also had a son Hubert.

I think my grandparents left there (for Croydon) around 1922-3.  I was taken to see the pub (from the outside) about 1947.  My recollection is that it was then still a pub, although rather a tired-looking one!  I don't really recognise it from the picture. Is that a gravestone in front of the front door?!

Please let me know if there is any further information you think I might be able to provide.
Yours sincerely,  Sheelagh Trebilcock  email   

Go top

A very interesting site.  I enjoyed browsing.  My grandmother taught at the local school and after their marriage my grandparents, Mabel and Ernest Horne ran a grocery shop until about 1920. My mother Mary and her uncle Donovan were both born in Wheathampstead so I grew up with tales of life before the great war.

My grandmother was in the village Glee Club.

Best wishes  Anne Fraser <frase66@hotmail.com>
Bristol,                                                                                                   submitted 11 June 2005

Go top

I was absolutely stunned when I stumbled across your website! I was on a genealogy list and someone was very kindly going to take a photo of The Bull and send it to me in Australia because my husband's great great great Grandparents owned it back in the 1830's onwards and I found what I wanted here!! Their names were William and Joannah HOOPER. I hope that you don't mind but I printed a copy of the picture of the pub?  

You wouldn't happen to have any more info on the pub would you?? Or its previous owners??   (Editors note - Can anyone help?)

I really must thank you for a marvelous site. It has helped me tremendously to get an idea of what Wheathampstead was/is like.

Update - 24 October 2000

Here is a brief summary of what I know about my HOOPER family!

William HOOPER and Joannah (no dates yet) owned the Bull, Wheathampstead between at least 1839 and 1852. By 1855 Mrs J HOOPER owned it in her own right. By 1881, according to the census it was owned, or at least run, by one Eliza HOOPER. As yet I have no idea how Eliza fits in to my tree, if at all.

They had children Jane (c.1813, m.1853, d.1860), Emma (c.1817), William Robert (c.1819), Lavinia (c.1820), Ann Elizabeth (c.1822) and Harriet Emily (c.1825). They were all christened in Wheathampstead as far as I know except Jane who was christened at Hatfield. I have descendents of Jane and her husband John George Fordham BLOW as they are my husband's direct line. As yet I have nothing further on the other children of William and Joannah.

Jenny (Wyong, NSW, Australia). email - 

1851 Census - 
Hooper at The Bull Inn:
Joanna Hooper, Head, Wid, 67, Innkeeper b Truro, Cornwall
Eliza, dau, un 38, Governess, b Penzance, Cornwall
Frances, dau, un 33 Governess b Ingestre, Staffs
Jane, dau, un 31 Dressmaker b Hatfield
Ann E, dau, un 25 Governess b Whstd
With 1 Lodger & 2 servants.

Also look here

Go top

Any information about The coffee shop in the High Street run by Eliza Howard (I have a picture) but would like any other info, also The Boot Photo or info around 1870-1885.

Trying to find any photo's of ancestors as I have none at the moment'
Eliza Howard born 1836 Marford run coffee shop 
William Howard 1830 Hackney
Isabel 1868/69 Wheathampstead
Louisa 1877 Wheathampstead also run coffee shop High street
Charles.w 1875 Don't know what happened to him

Harry 1862 apparently he was a gardener in Wheathampstead I know he was an apprentice with a John Watson Hatfield Road. Was this a nursery or big house any photo's would be appreciated.

Mrs. Howard who owned the Raisins in 1948, I would like some more info about her please i.e. first name .

William Henry Howard was a tailor between 1860-1885 in Wheathampstead would like any relevant information photos etc.

I have now discovered my Great Aunt Louisa Howard married Henry George Westwood the blacksmith could you add this on too please.  Louisa Maria Howard married Henry George Westwood would like a photo or information about Louisa if there is any.  I have her on Censuses but I would like to know a bit about her life if anyone knows also any children Henry and Louisa had.

Thank you, Linda  email - 

Go top

See the Humphrey web page by Matthew J Butcher BA(Hons) MA   
email - 

1851 Census - 
Humphrey at Wheathampstead Hill:
James Humphrey, Mar, 54, Ag Lab b Whstd
Jane Humphrey, wife, 54, Straw plait, b Whstd
George, son, Un, 12, Farmers boy, b Whstd
Charles, son, 10, Farmers boy, b Whstd
Mary Lewin, sister-in-law, un, 56, straw plait, b Whstd

At Grove Farm
William Humphrey, Servant, Unm, 16, Horsekeeper b Flamstead
Servant to Thomas House & family, Farmer

Go top

I am tracing the genealogy of my father's maternal line with much of the research centred on Wheathampstead. 

My grt grt grandfather Thomas Hulks was born in Wheathampstead (abt 1835). His parents were Joseph and Eliza Hulks.  Thomas married Sarah Chittenden in 1856 in Burmarsh Kent , but all of their 7 children were born in Wheathampstead.  George 1857, Harriet 1858, Henrietta 1863, Joseph 1866, Thomas 1869, Fanny 1871, Elizabeth 1874.

I have not searched the parish records yet, but have found various family members in the census 1871 - 1891 living at The Bull, Bull Yard and Bull Inn, Wheathampstead.

Would anyone have any connections or information on the HULKS family ?

Regards
Viv Buck  email -
Dorset-England

Go top

I am trying to trace any information regarding the Hunt family that used to live at the Folly Fields. My Grandad's name was George, he was married to Mary and they had three children. Any information regarding my Grandad's brothers and sisters or parents would be a great help as I trying to do our family tree.
Julie Rolt      email - 

Go top

This is a very good site PLEASE can any one help me I am looking for information on a Gladys Florence Hyde her maiden name was Welch and she came from Redbourn her address in Wheathampstead was 98 Hatfield Rd and this was 1938.  The information is required for a family tree.

Hi please can you help me I am looking for a wedding of a AARON FISHER to a MARY DAVIS in 1809 at Wheathampstead if there is any chance of a copy of this it would appreciated very much. 

Thank you M Mealey    email - 

Go top

I am looking into my Grandfather's family.  He was born Robert George French Johnson in 1879 to Mary Ann Johnson at The Folly Wheathampstead to which I think her mothers name was Louisa (1840?)

Mary Ann Johnson (My Great Grandmother) was a Straw Plaiter she was born I think 1861.  Would be pleased of any information.

Thank You
Margaret Osborne (nee Johnson)    email -                           added Jan 2010

Go top

I have been checking back to the families in Wheathampstead website every now and then over the past few year and am impressed to see how the genealogy links have developed since last popped in.  I am inspired to write given that recent UK census research shows my family history is further entwined in Wheathampstead than I had previously believed.  The surnames of Joyner / Joiner, Gray, Pinder and Phillips are all part of my family history and these names also appear on the Wheathampstead website but are tantalisingly empty.

The earliest I have managed to delve back so far is to my Great Great Great Grandfather - John Joyner (sometimes spelt Joiner) born Hitchin (or Keston or Preston) 1815 prob died December 1898. It seems that he lived in Wheathampstead for much of his life.  He married Sarah (unknown) born Preston 1814 prob died June 1873, and they had at least 7 children:
    Jana b circa 1835 Preston, Herts
    Frederic b circa 1843 Preston, Herts
    Matilda b circa 1845/9 Preston, Herts
    Edward b circa 1848 Great Gaddesden 
    Sidney b September 1853 Wheathampstead - married Mary (unknown) b circa 1859 Wheathampstead
    Henry b circa 1851 Wheathampstead prob died December 1872
    Charles b circa 1857 Wheathampstead

Finding more details on these people has proved difficult but it seems that one of the daughters married a Pinder and produced some children as the 1881 census details John (now a widower) living on Wheathampstead Hill with his Daughter Matilda and three Grandchildren:
    John Pinder b circa 1868 Antrim 
    Charles Pinder b circa 1870 Antrim
    Elizabeth Pinder b circa 1872 Antrim

Sidney Joiner, my Great Great Grandfather, married Mary and they had two sons; Percy Edward b Jan 1887 and Harry Hugh Joiner b circa 1888, both boys were born in Wheathampstead. The family left Wheathampstead at some point and moved to Roehampton where Sidney ran his own Boot makers (clearly a skill he would have gained in Wheathampstead). Percy Edward Joiner immigrated to Canada (Winnipeg) in the early 1900's. I have quite a large collection of his correspondence during this time and he was staying with or emigrated with an Aunt and Uncle of the family.  Percy returned to Europe in 1914 and died fighting with the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry on 2nd June 1916 (Battle of Mount Sorrel).  His brother Harry managed to survive the war and he married Ethel (Unknown) and they continued the Joiner line which eventually came my way. I am fairly confident that one of the wives in this history was a Gray from Wheathampstead since I have family memorabilia that relates to James Gray b 1836 Wheathampstead and Arthur Gray b 1865 Wheathampstead.  The Gray's lived next door to the Joyner's on Wheathampstead Hill in 1881.

My researches slowly move on but if these names jolt anyone I’d be grateful to hear from them. In  particular I'd like to learn:

1. Who were the Parents of John Joyner b circa 1815 Hitchin
2. The Maiden name of Sarah Joyner b circa 1814 Preston (wife of John Joyner) 
3. The Maiden name of Mary Joiner b circa 1859 Wheathampstead (wife of Sidney Joiner)
4. What happened to Jana, Frederic, Matilda, Edward, Henry and Charles Joyner
5. Who were the Mother and Father of John, Charles and Elizabeth Pinder
6. What happened to John, Charles and Elizabeth Pinder
7. Who were the relatives that Percy Joiner stayed with in Winnipeg?

Thanks and Regards, Simon Joiner        email - 

Go top