Leicester Chronicler- Research Requests 3

Leicester Chronicler

Tempus omnia revelat
Time reveals all

Listening to the historic heartbeat of the City of Leicester and its environs in the English East Midlands

A reflection of past and present thoughts and aspirations

Research Requests - Past

Many visitors to this site have valuable knowledge and information relating to Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland which could help others in their research.

We now have FOUR pages of Research Requests

The most recent are at the top of these links:

Current

Immediate past
(this page)

Past

Early

Contact us here if you have a query

All research requests emailed here will be transferred to
this page within 48 hours with your email address

Contact us here if you can help with a query

Hi, I hope somebody out there can help in my family research history, as I have come to a dead end.

The family were as follows:- William Drewery/Drury b.1826 in Boston,Lincs. His wife Reservoir nee Smith b.1825 but died 1859 in Melton Mowbray The children were Robert b.1842, Thomas Wrangland b.1843 Stonesby, Selina b.1846 in Woodsthorpe, Lincs, Reservoir b. 1851 Greetham, Rutland,Amelia b,1854 in Branston, Lincs, William b.1856 in Lanighan, Rutland and Hezekiah b. 1858 in Melton Mowbray. Reservoir, Thomas and Hezekiah all according to the 1881 census lived/had businesses in King St. Melton Mowbray.

Selina, my great grandmother , as we were all brought up to believe, was a gypsy girl who ran off to the north of England with a well educated man, who could read and write!! The story goes that both families disowned them. He was called Stephen Johnson: his death certificate in 1888 showed him being called Stephen Henry Johnson. Of him there is no trace whatsover. I would be extremely pleased if there is anyone out there who could add some more info on Reservoir Smith/William Drewery/Stephen Johnson.

Thanks a million.

Jackie

Hi, I am researching my Family tree. I am looking for any information on George Gristwood born 1850. George Married Eliza Cook in 1890. Their son George Harry Gristwood was born 1892 and lost his life on Sept 15 1916 when he died of wounds on the Somme whilst serving as a 2/Lt in the 1st Bn Leicestershire Regt. The family lived at 189 Uppingham Rd, and I know that George senior was a Court Clerk.

I am aware that George and Eliza may be buried in Welford Rd Cemetery but do not know where within. There is a memorial to George Harry on the grave. I believe George Harry attended Wigston Grammar School. I would appreciate any information anyone has on the above. Does Wigston Grammar School still exist? Does anyone know of any obituaries? At present I have visited the Grave of George Harry in France and have a copy of his army record. But any info on both George and his father (and the condition of the grave in Welford Rd) would be gratefully received. Many thanks Lee Gristwood

My grandfather was a apprentice at Great Barkby in 1886-1893. He lodged in School Lane, and I am trying to find out if the brick company is still there and also Barkby Hall.

Can you help? If not, is there a historian in the area who can help?

Regards

Maggie Goswell

My grandfather Luke Thorpe was five years old when he arrived in South Africa with his parents (1820 - 1860). I unfortunately do not know the first name of my great-great-great grandfather, but it could have been William. My mother is Lillian Frances Thorpe the daughter of Luke Thorpe. All I know is that my great-great-great grandfather left England in the 18th century to settle in South Africa. He came here by ship, and the families Moore and Giles were with him and his family on the same ship I don't know what date and when exactly they left England but would like anyone that may have any information to forward that to me.

Thank you kindly

I am researching an ancestor, William Bown, who sailed with Captain Bligh on HMS Bounty to Pitairn Island and who became part of the mutiny on board the ship. The stating point is his birth in 1761 and death in 1793. His birthplace stated as Leicestershire. Has anyone come across this person?

Terence Hotston

Hi Stephen,

I was wondering if you would add an appeal for information to your website. As you may remember, when I was submitting information regarding the Magic Polish Co that I told you that on leaving the company I commenced work with British Rail at Leicester Central Station, employment that was to last for 22 years.

What I would like to know is, does anyone have any photos of that station when it was operating, particularly of the activities “Downstairs”, i.e. as regards the parcel distribution road fleet, as, if any are in existence, they may contain images of some of the men that I worked with.

There were about 12 parcel vans (one of which I drove) and also an articulated vehicle that was used for early morning work to and from the Wholesale Market, and also for fish deliveries.

Although I have been an enthusiastic photographer for 50 years or so, the thought of taking photos “at work” so to speak, never occurred to me, as, like most people, all I wanted to do at the end of the day was to go home and forget the job until the next day. I do know now though, that had I done so, they would have been in demand today, as all photos of stations and lines axed by Beeching are eagerly sought after.

Yours truly,

Brian Rowe.

I am looking for any information on, or photos of, Mill House in Glenfield. I believe the house is no longer standing. My father, James Burgess and his family lived there in the late 30's early 40's.

My father joined the Territorial Army locally before volunteering for the army. I believe he joined the Royal Artillery based somewhere in Leicestershire.

Again, any information gratefully received.

Wonderful to find a site referencing Elmer Keene. I purchased an 'original' watercolour in Australia around four years ago by him called 'An Encroaching Sea'. I adore the picture but have since discovered after removing the ancient original masking tape and handmade nails that it is a print.

I would be very interested if anyone has any knowledge as to the original and if it may be for sale.

Good to see recognition on your site of this wonderful artist.

Many Thanks

(Ex Pat)

Arlene Joyce

Hi Stephen,

Has any member of the Blunt family that originate from Walton on the Wolds area got a Mary Peach in their tree? The date would be 1658 she married Samuel Blunt who was the "Minister of the Parish". She was a widow at the time of the wedding, her late husband being Henry Peach.

Thank you.

I have two works by Elmer Keene which were given to me in South Africa by the two Konigkramer sisters who are direct descendants of the original Konigkramer family which settled in Kwa Zulu, Natal, South Africa in the 1800s.

One is titled `The Raging Sea' and the other is `The Haunted Castle'. Both are in oak frames with Elmer Keene's name on ivory plaques at the bottom. I have been told that they are prints from charcoal drawings by Elmer Keene but that they had been copied in the 1800s.

Can you give me any further information please?

Bob Lerche

Dear Stephen,

My cousin is researching the Rowe family tree, and when completed it will be placed on the Internet as a book.

At the moment it seems, like “Topsy”, to have acquired a life of its own and is growing by the day, and what had originally been visualised as a quite modest affair now looks as though it will run into a hundred pages or more.

What I was wondering is, when he gets to my life story, as it is going to be released as a series of biographies, (only by the living family members, of course), would you have any objection to him including a link to your website when he gets to the bit about my various places of employment, so that anyone accessing the tree can read about my time at the Magic Polish Company.

Yours truly,

Brian.

Brian. I would be delighted to link mutually between our two sites. Best wishes, Stephen.

We are looking for proof that Asa Woodford was the father of James Woodford. Asa was born in 1762 in Avon, CT and married Phebe Moses in about 1782 in New York. Their child was James Woodford who was born in 1786 in New York and who married Urania Robinson in 1803, also in New York.

Proof is needed for DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) membership. We need a deed, will or probate that shows relationship.

Thank you for any help.

Betsy

I'm trying to determine which family held the nearby manor of Swepstone late 14th c. early 15th c.

Thank you so much.

I have just come across your site and hoped someone could help me find some missing links in my family research.

My great-grandparents were John Henry Measures, and Lily Clarke (nee Tow). John was married once, as was Lily before they had four more children, one of which was my Grandmother Ivy Lilian Measures.

I haven't been able to find a marriage for them, and no record of them in Leicester in the latter part of the 19th Century. They went out to India (Cawnpore) sometime between 1896 to 1914 where John Henry took up a post as Manager of a knitting Mill. Lily died whilst out there and her sister Rose Tow went out to India, to look after the girls. She had 2 children by John but couldn't marry him by law, so they returned sometime after 1914 to Blackpool. They finally emigrated to Australia sailing on the SS Benalla in 1924, and set up home in Blackrock near to Melbourne, where they married in 1926.

I would be most grateful if anyone can help fill in the gaps!

Hi We have recently started to take down a very decrepit dry stone wall in Plymouth. We have found several bottles one being a stone bottle 90mm high with a diameter of 45mm with a small pouring spout. there is writing on the bottle as follows: Jet Stain for staining all kinds of leather jet black sole makers The Magic Polish Co Ltd Leicester Eng.

If anyone knows anything regards to dates of manufacture when the company ceased trading etc we would be very interested to find out. With Regards Paula

We have found the Magic Polish Company Ltd listed in Kelly's Directories of Leicester until 1963, based in Western Road off Braunstone Gate in the city. This is a small factory industrial location by the side of the River Soar and the canal. Any further information, particularly from former employees, would be most welcome.

With reference to your request for information about the Magic Polish Co. Indeed it was situated in Western Road, next to the railway arches, and the single storey building is still in existence.

I became an employee of the company in 1959, on my demobilisation from the army, and was a “Van Driver/Packer”, and my Austin van was garaged in one of the railway arches adjacent to the building, the arch next to it being the store for sacks of wax etc.

The company not only made high quality wax polishes, but also black enamel paint, and were, also one of the first to use aerosol cans for their polish.

They produced a quite extensive range of polishes, which included, Black lead polish for fire grates, DDT polish (Which was unique to them), Lavender perfumed polish, Red wax polish for floor tiles.

They also marketed a system of shoe stretchers, which went out to private purchasers, but the bulk of their output was to Woolworths, with whom they had a large contract, and without which, they would probably not have been able to continue for as long as they did. Their other brand name was “Quickshine”

They also had a contract with the local Education Authority, and part of my job was to deliver polish in large tubs to schools in and around the county.

It was a small family business run by a family named Potter, the boss being an ex RAF man, and his spinster sister.

It was eventually merged with, I believe Goddard’s, a rival polish company in Leicester, shortly after I left in 1960, to commence work with BR at the old Leicester Central Station.

It was a small family business run by a family named Potter, the boss being an ex RAF man, and his spinster sister.

It was a very friendly place to work for, although the wages were poor. All the pouring was by hand, into the tins, and I can remember, even now, the speed with which the two women poured the hot polish, straight out of the melting vats, and the all pervasive, though not unpleasant, smell of lavender essence

Brian Rowe.

Dear Sir,

I was among the first intake of John Wycliffe Secondary Modern School in Leicester, in, I think, 1951.

I am interested in trying to trace whether there are any surviving copies of a recording that was made by the school of the song "John Wycliffe Lived in Leicestershire", the school song.

There was also at least one other recording made during the session (possibly in 1952), but of what song, I cannot remember.

My grandmother was born in Junction Road Wigston in 1887. Does anybody know if there are any photographs of it?

I do agree with you on your view of history. I am an American and a Baptist and your website has given me a wonderful sense of where I have come from. I have known all my life that my forefathers came from England in 1632, and we have always been Baptist. How exciting to now know more about the past.

Thank you for what you have done

the name and make a connection.

While we were in Leicester, we lived at 2 Halifax Drive and also 156 Argyle Sreet.

My mother' family comprised of sisters Madge and Kit, brothers Gilbert and Dennis, my mother's husband Albert and children Eileen, John, Allan and Peter.

At a later date, I would like to tell you of my life in Leicester during the war years, probably a very hard time

for my mother bringing up four children on her own.

If anyone can help I would be very grateful.

Yours faithfully,

I am looking for any information on St Johns School, possibly somewhere in or near Oadby as that was where my Father lived in 1930's.

Also looking for info on a house called Sunnyside which was also in Oadby I believe. Any info much appreciated.

Looking for information about the Tivoli Music Hall Belgian Gate, Leicester. In 1901 Census Frederick Baugh is listed in adjoining house and his occupation is given as Theatrical Proprietor.

Enid Mayrs

I suspect Enid means BELGRAVE gate.

Hi There!

I'm trying to find information on a Joseph Freeman (born in Leicester in about 1819). He married Sarah Ann Wilson in St Margaret's Church in the city in 1840. I'd be most grateful for any information on the Freeman family of Leicester at all!

Kind regards

Pat Borg

Does anyone know how I can find out who lived in a certain house in Thorpe Arnold, Leics, in 1834? They would be my GGGG Grandfather and my GGG Uncle. In those days they was very wealthy and no doubt had a big house each, plus the other uncles who was also wealthy.

Any information most welcome,

Thanks.

John PeachHornby

Would you be able to tell me the date when my great great granddad was married to Jane e ? And what was her maiden name Harry Bray was born in 1874 according to the 1901 census as he was 27 yrs on that date? Could you tell me the parish at which they were married in. I am under the impression that his dad was Allen Bray?

Thanks for your help

Stephen Cooney

My great grandparents lived in Kensington Street around the turn of 1900's. I have never seen the street other than from photographs. There are a number of plaques on the walls of this terraced housed street, one is Jessamine Houses (or something like that). Does anyone know who the plaques are commemorating?

The area looks very spruced up and well kept, has there been a determined effort to regenerate the area?

Do any of your readers have these in their tree: George and Mary Whalley c.1800. Their daughter married at Melton Mowbray 2-5-1813 to a Thomas Hornby. The Whalleys are thought to have come from Sysonby. Does any person by the surname of Cave still live in the Melton area who had relatives living at 51 Leicester Street, Melton Mowbray about 1851.

Last but not least, any relative of a Thomas Scott c1859 Thorpe End Melton Mowbray.

Thanks once again Stephen.

All the best,

Thank you

Jennifer Quilter

Does anyone have any information about NEWCOMBE / LILL / HARROTT/ GAMMAGE connections. I am Tim Newcombe, born 1950 in Leicester. My father, Kenneth Newcombe (b. 1916) lived at 53 Haddenham Road. His father was Isaac who married a Lily Harrott. There were five children: Kenneth, Madge , Peggy, Sheila and Jack. Kenneth, (my father), married Betty Gammage from Northampton. Peggy married George Lill. They also lived in Haddenham Road and had two children, Sheila and Michael. My parents moved to London, and so we lost contact. Does anyone know the Lills?

Does anyone remember the Imperial Silver Band that played at Bond Street Working Man's Club in the 1930's?

My Great Uncles were members. Their name was Beardmore.

Together with their father ,William Beardmore (early 1900's), I believe they played for the Salvation Army.

I wonder if any records exist for WMC or the Salvation Army.

Margaret

Brass bands are alive and well in Leicestershire. I think the Imperial Silver Band became the City of Leicester Club & Institute Band, but no doubt someone can confirm this. The two Salvation Army citadels in Leicester will, I am sure, have records and memories too.

What a cool site!

I am looking for information on the Bell family that lived at 93 Oban Street Leicester in 1900, I know the lived there in 1900 because my Aunt Fran was born there on that date. Her Father was George Bell but that's about as far as I have got. Can anyone help?

Edgar Bell

I am trying to research a box purchased from a local Salvation Army shop. On the inside is a plaque stating "supplied by WALTER ROWE Ltd, 97 London Road, LEICESTER". Another plaque says "not to be used when in bath" (I suspect electricity is involved with the missing parts). Do you have any information on the company, dates etc, or what they manufactured or research tips for my new interest?

Yours faithfully,

Lorraine Ward

A quick look at a few street directories has found Walter Rowe trading as a Chemist at 82 Granby Street in Kelly's Directory for 1891. He is not to be found at 97 London Road either in the 1891 directory, nor the same directory for 1916 or 1955 (selected at random). Any suggestions, please?

My ancestor, John Frith, was sentenced to 7 yrs transportation to Australia in the Nottingham Assizes in the early 1830's and arrived here approx. 1832.- 1834

The shipping records show he was from Leicester, a shoemaker and I have found out that he was married at the time of his sentencing, with 2 children.

I have searched what records I have been able to access but have come up with a big fat zero.

I found a John Frith had married a Thirza Seymour who had 3 children- the third child born after he had been sent to the colony- it may be the family I am looking for as the date sort of fit- but I would like to know if anyone using your site can shed any light on my search.

Many thanks

Rod Faulkner

I've just found your site and read the contributions with interest. I wonder if anyone knowing the area could help me with my query. Researching my family tree, I sent away for the death certificate of my g-g-grandfather John Jarman, a confectioner from Leicester. I was totally shocked when it arrived and I found he had died in 1881 in Leicestershire Prison in the Parish of St Mary. The cause of death is given as "destroyed himself by cutting his throat when in a state of temporary insanity". The date of death was 31st October 1881, there was a coroner's inquest the following day. I still feel very shocked by the information, but desperately wish to know why he was in gaol - what could have driven him to such lengths? So far I've had no luck with my enquiries. I do know John was living at home with his wife in Harding St, All Saints in the 1881 census earlier that year, so he can't have been incarcerated for long. Can anyone help?

Lesley Hannah

Hello Stephen,

I am researching my BREWARD roots and so far have found that the Brewards have mainly lived in the Leicestershire area, Thanks to the census information that is online I have been able to come up with addresses for many of my ancestors. It is over this I have a question. My grandfather lived at Hardy's Yard, Cosby according to the 1901 census. I have been in touch with a relative in Cosby who says he still lives in the old Breward homestead and his address is on Portland Street in Cosby. Would you know if what was Hardy's Yard in Cosby and Portland Street, Cosby are one in the same?

If anyone reading this has any information regarding Brewards, Sleaths, Adcocks, Herberts of the Leicestershire area I would greatly appreciate hearing from them. The areas in Leicestershire that keep popping up in my research regarding them are Hinckley, Blaby, Barwell, Cosby, Wigston, I am also looking for Wardles who hail from Derby, Derbyshire; Sutton, Bonnington Nottinghamshire and Bradford, Yorkshire and I am looking for any info on Fanny Springthorpe of Thringstone, Leicestershire.

In regards to the Brewards, I can tell you that the family were shoemakers and they had their own business in either Hinckley or Blaby or Cosby. My grandfathers' father (Charles William) and possibly his brothers owned the business. My grandfather inherited his share when his father passed on but he sold his share to his other siblings and an Uncle when he emigrated to Canada in 1911. I am most interested in trying to piece together this family and their story and would appreciate any help I can get.

Thanking you in advance for an assistance you can give,

Sincerely,

Judith Campbell (nee Breward )

I am looking for information on my family as I have a really huge family and would like to investigate more into it.

My granddad Walter Reginald Potter who was born in the Charnwood area of Leicester, or so I believe, on December 27th 1909 had 26 brothers and sisters some of which were only half brothers and sisters.

There seems at some point to have been a big family argument pre 1950 and I have never known that part of the family. I would be really interested to find out more information. Here is what I know:

My granddad had a half brother named Walter (the same as him) so my granddad became known as Reginald, his middle name.

When my granddad was just a baby he fell into the fire burning and disfiguring his right hand.

He had a brother who emigrated to Australia and married an aborigine.

Anybody who can give me more information it would be much appreciated

Thanks

Darren

Where can I find information about Leicester Corn Exchange? My father was a well known Leicester Baritone in the 30's and performed regularly at the Corn Exchange. (according to Leic.Mercury reports). His name was Harry Smith.

Ann Coley

You probably know that the present Corn Exchange was built in 1855 to a design by F.W.Ordish. A writer in an edition of `The Builder' for 1897 described it "a stucco building of no great interest, within or without, although the clock turret is picturesque at a little distance. The finely conceived double stone stairway to the Corn Exchange, designed by Mr Ordish, is, however a very excellent piece of work, well worthy of the town and of its prominence." In the 1960s it was used as a night club and was gutted by fire in the 1970s although the upper dance floor survived. The City Council had various plans to use it for additional market stalls in the 1990s, but it is now leased to a pub chain and is again a busy and lively building. For further information about its more recent history I would suggest contacting the Markets Office of the Council on 0116 254 9922.

Hi Stephen, Has any of your readers got a Fanny Hornby in their family tree? Her christening was on the 20th August 1845 at Melton Mowbray. Her mother was Alice Hornby and her father was William Peach, both of Melton. Fanny had a brother by the name of William Peach Hornby.

Thank you. John Peach Hornby

What a wonderful website.

I have been desperately trying to find a photograph of my paternal grandparents, for family history reasons. Sadly I never new them and they died very young. Robert was the widower of Annie Jarram, 1879-1917. he was not married to my grandmother, someone must have a photograph, please. Looking for:

ROBERT MARSTON 1879-1933 born Thorpe Acre, son of Joseph Marston and Hannah Sanders.

EMILY HARDY 1895-1939 born Loughborough, daughter of William Joel Hardy and Clara Lockwood
The last known address as given on my father's birth certificate, dated 1922, was 33 Shakespeare Street Loughborough, Leicester.

Thank you

Julia Emery

27 Firstore Drive,
Lexden
Colchester
Essex CO3 9EA

Hi there!!

Wondering if you could help me? I'm trying to find out the history of a building on Humberstone Gate in Leicester.. Number 51. It used to be a pub many years ago (way before my time!!) and what I've been told was called the Cask and Bottle? I've heard many rumours about the building so now would like to find out more. If anyone can help please please let me know, or even if you have an idea where I can get help!! Tim sent me here from leicesterandleicestershire.com!!

The building is still in existence. As late as the 1950s it was called the `Horse and Groom'.

Hi there!!

Thank you very much for that information. Gives me somewhere to start! Yup the buildings are still there. I work there! It's called Remploy now, which is an employment agency for the disabled.

The stables and the court yard runs behind my building and leads on to Yeoman street. Also behind a newsagents, clothes shop and a coffee shop! What I would really like to do is find a copy of the deeds for the building, as I have heard someone hung themselves upstairs there (gruesome I know, but I'm really interested in ghosts etc) and we have been hearing strange noises, but can't find anything!! So if you know how I would go about finding them even better!!

Thanx again!!

Marie

Is anyone researching Edward John Toone and Sarah Ward who married in Markfield in 1829? They had a son Thomas Adnutt Toone born about 1840 who came to Australia. Would love to hear from descendants of his siblings or other family members.

Rosemary

Before he died in the early 1980s, my grandfather, Richard Henry Hincks, compiled a partial family history, erudite and accurate in most ways, but with the strong opinions and occasional diversions attendant upon old age.

I am seeking any information as to other members of the family extant in Leicester, and information as to the location and fate of the family business. Briefly, my grandfather was born in Leicester in 1895 and left in 1909, emigrating to Alberta, Canada, to join his father, who had left a year or two before (just ahead of his creditors, according to family lore).

My grandfather's father's name was also Richard Hincks, and he had played country cricket for Leicester. Apparently, my grandfather's grandfather (another Richard, I believe--my family seems to have shown a remarkable resistance to change and creativity) ran a hay and grain business on Rutland Street. One of my grandfather's uncles or great-uncles ("Jimmy") was a solicitor in Leicester at the time. Does anyone know where the business was located on Rutland Street? Does the existing building still stand? If so, what is its current purpose in life? Does anyone know any remaining members of the Hincks family? I am currently working in India, and have occasion to visit Europe, so might be interested in visiting with any distant
relatives that may be identified.

Thanks.

Richard (yes, another in a long line) WEBB ("Hincks" was my mother's name)

I'm trying to find out about my father who was born approx 1906. His name was George Smith and married my mum Constance Wells. I am aware that he was a wrestler before he met my mum and often fought at the Granby Halls in Leicester under the name of Sugar Smith. I would be grateful of any information that you could supply.

Kind regards,

Kathryn Daniels nee Smith

Hi.

Hope you can in some way help me, I was born at General Hospital Gwendolen Road, Evington on 3rd December 1938 to Margery Britten Brooks and Samuel Thomas Limmage, my father died before I was born he died in August 1938 have details of the inquest he was working for the council at the time. Margery and Samuel never married I have a full sister and brother also other half brothers and sisters. My mother had to give me up for adoption, not married etc., no real help given, its a very long sad story.

I am trying to get the Brooks side of family history together, have traced the Limmage side back to early 1700 now its grandfathers turn. Grandfather was William BRITTEN Robert Manders Brooks he married Alice Hastings in about 1913/14 they had Margery my mother in 1915 one of twins or triplets. Alice left grandfather and went to Canada with another man, I have traced William to 1939 living at 6 Fourth Albion Crescent Leicester, on the map I have here in Australia I can find an Albion Street in the centre of Leicester. When Alice and William first married they lived at Chatham Street, Leicester that was where mother was born. I have a feeling that William remarried I would love to trace what happened to him and where he is buried I know his parents where Willliam BRITTEN Brooks and Hannah Manders who lived at Cavendish Road Rutland Villas, has anyone any idea how I can trace where William is buried and what did happen to him. Another query is how do I go about tracing Alice Hastings/Brooks to Canada.

History is very important, I was in Leicester and lived at Caroline Street so they tell me which is another street no longer there. Today I have spent yet another day looking around new and old Leicester learning of "MY" past, but for a site like this I could not learn of these things. I live in Australia and from here have found my family the one's that are alive and now I am tracing the ones that are gone. History yes we all need to know it in one way or another, I am now 66years of age and I am intending to get all I can on paper before it is to late.

PS. If anyone knows anything of William Britten Robert Manders Brooks or his father William Britten Brooks or Alice Hastings who I know left my grandfather to go to Canada I would be very grateful of that information, thank you.

Thanks for any help you can give,

Dorothy Lawrence

Yes this site is loads better than the other one, I enjoy reading everything that is in it, it's brill.

Could anyone tell me where Thorpe End was in Melton Mowbray round about 1859 because that is where my GG Grandfather died and what would be the nearest burial grounds to this Thorpe End,

Thank you.

John Peach Hornby

We are trying to trace our family tree - we know we have some roots in both Leicestershire and Derbyshire. If anyone could help with any evidence that can trace a John Tivey born 1790(c) who married Ann Edwards and had numerous children - any help would be appreciated.

I was wondering if anyone knows of a BRIAN COLEMAN who may live in Leicester. He was believed to have studied at the Leicester technical university/college probably in late 1940s -1950s, and is thought to have married a French girl, and gone to live in Leicester.

He may have been known by a different name as his mother was remarried after his father 'ALBERT'S' death in 1944. Any information at all would be very gratefully received.

Trevor

I did not come across this story when I was researching the abbey for my page on the Reformatory. My own feeling is that the boys did not stay very long at Mount St Bernard, and although the regime was harsh and strict, it was quite closely scrutinised by the authorities. I would be very interested to hear further views and information on this.

Trevor has lately added that a wooden cross still stands in the vicinity of the abbey where, it is claimed, there were burials.

I have also tried to find "Oak's Church, Charnwood Forest, but so far to no avail. Is this ancestor (who wrote the family story) dreaming? Any help anyone can give me would be most gratefully received.

Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada.

There IS a village, not far from Shepshed, which is called Oaks-in-Charnwood, and it DOES have a parish church. So Eileen's ancestor was not dreaming! There is some correspondence about the church on Rootsweb here which might help you.

Saw your website for the first time tonight. We are currently tracing paternal family tree. We know that George Edward HUNT married Annie WADE of Wymondham, and had a son, Frederick George HUNT. He is deceased father to my husband, Robert. We believe that Frederick Hunt had shops (stalls?) in the Corn Exchange before it burnt down? Do you have any information on the Corn Exchange, or any family links?

Jacquie Hunt

I have also found Samuel St does not appear in the street index for 1851 ?? He left England in 1860 so the 61 census may not help.

Steve Goodwin
Steve's Locksmith Shop LLC

sgoodwin@cox.net

For Wexton, I suggest Steve needs to consider Wigston. Samuel Street does exist, as a small lane by the side of the railway embankment just north-west of London Road Railway Station. Samuel Street was certainly within the parish of St George. The route from Samuel Street to the church would have been via Southampton Street and St George Street. The present St George's Way (Central Ring) cuts across this route today.

I am after any information on my Grandad FRANK MOORE. I was told that he used to play for Leicester City Football Club in the 1920's after the first world war in which he fought. Do you have any information or pictures?

Jane Hallsworth (nee MOORE)