Tag Archives: Margate

Maria Harcour born in Bombay 1811

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So! Summer has been busy and I haven’t posted for a while. It’s been 6 months since I made a start with the blog and I’ve already made contact with a couple of awesome cousins! Turns out I’m not the only one puzzled by Maria Harcour!

Maria was born in Bombay in 1811 and married a shrimper from Margate in 1829. We haven’t been able to find a birth certificate for Maria and know nothing of her siblings or parents.

There’s an  entry in the 1841 census for Marias 10 year old daughter Mary Christina Edwards (sometimes just known as Christiana) which might hold clues or false leads!:
At the top of the census page is:

1. Ann Peg(d?)ine age 50, Independent means, born in the county. b 1791
2. Mary Gibson, age 75, Independent means, born in foreign parts. b1766
3. Christiana Edwards, age 10, female, born in the county. I think the mark in the employment column is F.S meaning (female servant).

Mary Christianna Edwards 1841 Census, Bullers Court, Margate
I wonder if Mary Gibson could be Marias widowed mother seeing as Maria named her first born Mary and Mary Gibson was also noted as born in foreign parts on the census?
Perhaps Ann Peg(d?)ine is Marias older widowed sister? Maria gave 3 of her girls the middle name of Ann so the name must have been important to her.

Or perhaps its just a coincidence and Mary Christiana is the servant not a family member?

Double strokes // are used to indicate the end of the list of people living in a dwelling, single / ones are used to divide different households sharing the dwelling. It looks like Ann and Mary are living in one dwelling and Christiana is noted as same dwelling different household? So I think this would suggest she is not part of the family?

The house is ‘Bullers Court’ Margate.
Family Search says the address is ‘High St Buller’s Court’ and is an institution.

I think this is a picture of it: Margate History, Facebook
In 1793, John Lewis (a historian) stated that Buller’s Court was often referred to as the ‘Parish Yard’ and was used as a refuge for old ladies.

A forum post on Curious Fox references Bullers Court as: alms houses at 99 high street margate for needy widows

…..off to do some more research!

Hotels & Boarding Houses listed in Keebles East Kent Advertiser 1888

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Keeble’s Margate & Ramsgate, Broadstairs, S. Peters, Minster, Westgate-On-Sea, Birchington Gazette and East Kent Advertiser. Vol 19 no 971, Friday for Saturday 6th Oct 1888:

Margate, The White Hart Hotel: Special Express Train leaves Victoria Stat on at 3.15, Holborn Viaduct, 3.10, Ludgate Hill, 3.12, arriving at Margate at 5 o’clock; thence to Ramsgate. the Royal Albion Hotel, Ramsgate, in conjunction with the White Hart Hotel, Margate. Vide the Medical Officer’s report of the health of Margate 28th Feb, 1878, giving the death-rate 11.85 per 1,000.

Bidston Boarding House, 7 & 8 Marine Terrace, Margate, facing the sea, and close to  two Railway Stations. Dinner hour 6 o’clock. Wines a la carte. Winter terms as per arrangement. Proprietress Mrs. Gate.

High Cliff, Cliftonville, Private Hotel and Boarding Establishment, Is situated in the best part facing the sea. Excellent Cuisine. Wines a la carte. Special terms for families. Lawn Tennis Ground facing the sea. Table d’ Hote, 6.30. Proprietress Mrs Campion.

Huntly House Boarding Establishment, 33 & 34, Dalby Square, Cliftonville, Margate. The house is pleasantly situated, close to baths and promenade. Special arrangements by the year, or for the winter months. Terms on application to Mrs. Hubbard, Proprietress.

Carlisle House, Westgate-on-Sea Boarding Establishment, 4 & 5 Adrian Square. Special Arrangements made for Families, with private sitting room, if required. Terms moderate, Address, Mrs. Wilkinson.

“Helston House” Boarding Establishment, 11 Dalby Square, Cliftonville, Margate. Good sea view. Close to promenade, tennis courts, baths, and usual places of worship. table d’Hote 6.30. terms moderate. Proprietress, Miss Millington.    

Magdala Boarding House, Margate. Noted for cheapness, home comforts, good cooking, and liberal table. Close to Church, Sea, Hall, and Promenade. Moderate terms. Saturday till Monday, 10/6. Proprietress Miss Meade, Magdalla Villas, Cliftonville.

Severn House, 3, 4, & 5, Dalby Square, Cliftonville. Private Hotel and Boarding Establishment. Good sea view close to promenade and baths. Superior cuisine Table de hote, Wines a la carte. Special arrangements by the year, or for the winter months. Terms moderate. Apply, Proprietress.

Raglan Boarding House, 18 Dalby Square, Cliftonville, Margate. Facing the sea, position unequalled, close to chief Promenade, Sands and Baths. Every home comfort. Liberal table. Special low terms for permanency, or winter months. Alfred Richards, Proprietor.

Belgrave Boarding House. 14 marine Terrace, Margate. Facing the Sea and near Railway Station. terms moderate on application to Mrs. Crooks, Proprietress.

Lady Boarders can be received in a high class Girls’ School. Moderate Terms. Libera table:- West, Miss Bayly’s Library, Margate.

Home for Delicate Children, every care and comfort guaranteed; medical and parental reference. 1 Queen’s Terrace, Westbrook, Margate near railway.

Margate ward election public notices in Keebles 1888

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From: Keeble’s Margate & Ramsgate, Broadstairs, S. Peters, Minster, Westgate-On-Sea, Birchington Gazette and East Kent Advertiser. Vol 19 no 971, Friday for Saturday 6th Oct 1888:

Municipal Election 1888
Pier Ward
To Mr. George. F. Brown.
Sir, We the undersigned Burgesses, respectfully request that you will allow yourself to be nominated for the office of Councillor for the above Ward at the ensuing Election, and in the event of your complying with our request, we will use our best endeavours to secure your return.
Cobb, Francis Marsden
Pittock, George Mayris
Crawford, John
Smith, James Wellard
Atkey, Fredk. Walter
Travers, H.C.
Brown, J. Hunter
Crawford, William
Stevens, Julia Ann
Satchell, William
Fagg, Alfred
Hutchings, Julia
Maycock, H.E.
Lane, W. Jones
Rowlinson, W.E.
Grant, Alfred Henry
Keble, Harman
Kennett, William J.
Swallow, J.C.
Young, Henry William
Kemp, George Arthur
Cutlack, Alfred
Hume, James
Mussared, James Valentine
Wastall, Edward George
Willett, Francis William
Spencer, Benjamin
Torriano, Constantine
Chancellor, S.S., jun
Tookey, Herbert
Carpenter, Rebecca
Crofts, John
Lashmar, Richard Wood
Feakins, Thomas
Gore, Thomas
Jephcott, Thomas
Akhurst, George Henry
Young, Frank
Ray, Herbert
Harvey, William Sutton
Coombes, George H.T
Woodruff, William C.
Fairman, Issac
Stanley, Mary C
Bayley, Elizabeth W.
Darby, William
Lewis, William
Cleveland, Samuel George
Rayner, E.H.
Sanderson, Charles
Scott, James
Foreman, Herbert
Moore, Alfred
Grainger, Alfred
Cleveland, George A
Wood, Henry
Green, Charles
Laurence, Shrubsole
Crump, William Henry
Carpenter, Elizabeth
Flowers, Victor
Kennett, Bishop
Grant, Walter
Wallis, Charles
Tennent, Agnes
Lilley, Frederick A.
Field, Edward Thomas
Wallworth, Elizabeth
Reynolds, Joseph
Knighton, T.R.
Smith, Valentine
Cook, James M
Smith, Henry
Randall, Edmund
Corley, George
Philpot, H.
Watson, Horatio Gilmore
Upton, Henry
Deal, George
Beerling, T.
Tremaine, R.
Pearce, Thomas
White, Henry Edwards
Rice, Elizabeth F.
Duckett, James William
Ogden, F.
Long, William
Harris, William Henry
Rolfe, Betsey
Hamilton, John A.
Foat, Joseph
Gurney, James
Mussard, George G.
Gibbons, Thomas
Rumbold, James
Hutchings, George
Wright, Walter John
Lewis, Samuel
Brockman, George
Dunn, Thomas
Metali, Antonio
Hewitt, James
Stabback, Maria
Macdiarmid, Duncan O.
Pierce, George
Greenwood, Thomas
Riddle, Sarah
Williams, John R.
Joscelyne, J.
Admans, William
Clarke, James
Crickett, Charles
Thornton, Ann
Eastland, James
Strannack, E.A
Jones, James
Malpas, John
Mapas, David
Hewitt, George
Smith, William
Catt, F.
Quelch, Edward
Sandwell, John
Cowell, H
Beerling, A.F.
Hurst, Charles S.
Thompson, S.
Pealle, Robert.
Bushall, John G.
Harlow, Edward J.
Moore, John
West, Thomas
Aubrey, Alfred
Brenchley, John William
Jones, William
Foat, John
Prebble, James
Schofield, M.J.
Holness, Emily
Baker, Hannah
Stephens, Walter
Scott, Louisa
Wanstall, Sarah
Webster, Jane
Wooder, James
Ladd, Elizabeth
Beleher, H. Taswell
Harman, Mary
Hobby, Edward
Bourne, Alfred
Dignan? (Hard to read as newspaper is creased here), Thomas

Ladies and Gentlemen, After receiving so large and influential a requisition from my fellow-ratepayers, I feel bound to accept the invitation, and therefore offer myself as a Candidate a the forthcoming Election of a Councillor for the above Ward. My great desire is to see our town of Margate prosper; and if you think my business qualifications as a tradesman would promote your interests, I freely place my services at your disposal.

With reference to the Pier Dues no one would be better pleased than myself to see this vexed question fairly faced and settled by an impartial tribunal. The Drainage problem is now to the front, and must sooner or later be finally settled. The necessity of a general scheme, to be wholly or partially carried out, is, I think, admitted. I, however, cannot approve of the way in which the emphatic protests of the Burgesses against the action of the Council were disregarded. When it was asked that an eminent engineer be appointed, it was only reasonable to suppose that such an appointment should have been made only after his plan had been selected from various others; and I still think this is an advantage we ought to demand before pledging ourselves to so serious an undertaking.

Trusting to be favoured with your support at the coming Election. I am, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours Faithfully, George F Brown.

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To the Burgesses of the Cliftonville Ward,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In compliance with the very flattering invitation conveyed to me by more than three hundred of your number, I venture to place my services at your disposal, and to offer myself for a seat in the Town Council as one of your Representative.

I believe that I posses a thorough knowledge of those essentials which are necessary to maintain and increase the reputation of Margate as a health resort as well as an intimate acquaintance with the wants and wishes both of the visitors and inhabitants.

I am of the opinion that the drainings of Margate should be carried out without necessary delay; at the same time I am not prepared to adopt the first plan which is offered, nor to enter into such a serious matter without a comparison between two or more plans showing different methods, both of sewerage and sewage disposal. In holding this view I am following the opinion of the burgesses expressed at their various meetings, and it is on these lines that I intend, if elected, to set.

In the matter of the Pier dues I will join to say measure or proposal that may tend to settle this question to the profit and satisfaction of the burgesses.

Soliciting the honour of your support. I remain, yours faithfully, W.M Knight Treves. Margate Oct 1st 1888

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To the Burgesses of the Cliftonville Ward.

Election of Councillor 1888

Ladies and Gentlemen,

On the First of November next my term of office as Councillor of this Ward will expire, having had the honour of being your representative in the Council for nearly seven years; and, I believe, to your satisfaction generally.

I therefore solicit the renewal of your confidence by again re-electing me, and should you again honour me, my constant endeavour will be to faithfully fulfil my duty as Councillor. Yours truly, W.H Woodward. 2 Elms Villas, Cliftonville, Sept 26th 1888

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To the Burgesses of the Marine Ward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In response to a numerously signed Requisition, I have much pleasure in offering myself as a Candidate for the Town Council, to represent the Marine Ward.

It would be unwise of me to go fully into matters which have for some time been so irritating to the Burgesses, but that a stop should be put to the expenditure of money, which I fear will make but a sorry return. I think the ratepayers will generally agree, more particularly with regard to the extravagant outlay in the Dane.

In these days of bad seasons and heavy taxations, the working expenses of our Borough should be reduced to a minimum, and every care taken that no new offices be created, and such offices as can be prudently dispensed with should at once be removed from the pay sheet.

With regard to Drainage, my views upon that subject are fully known, having been openly expressed at public meetings during the early part of the present year.

I trust the constituents of the Marine Ward will excuse me making a personal canvas, as I should much prefer placing my services at their disposal without doing so. Should the majority be in my favour, I will endeavour to carry out the duties with credit to myself and general benefit to the Borough at large.

I am Ladies and Gentlemen, Your obedient servant, John Reeve. Rose Lawn, Eaton Rd, Margate, October, 1888.

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Borough of Margate,

Municipal Election, 1888,

To the Burgesses of the Marine Ward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having served as your representative in the Town Council for the three years expiring on the 1st of next month, and feeling that I have conscientiously done my duty to my fellow Burgesses by attending with regularity at all the meetings to which I have been summoned. I offer myself as a Candidate for the same position at the ensuing Election.

Upon each question which has arisen I have given my vote in the way which appeared to me most desirable in the interests of the town generally, and of my own ward in particular; and as I am not a party man, I have observed with pleasure the general desire in the present Council to avoid the formation of cliques, such as have in former times acted so prejudicially to our welfare.

I would remind you that one of the most important questions which will arise in the coming year is the promotion of a Bill in Parliament with a view to make some reasonable arrangement for the adjustment of the Coal Dues; and consequently, it is of the utmost importance that the vote of the Council should not be overweighted by the majority of those whose interest are likely to be affected by such readjustment for the common weal.

Should there be a Public Meeting called, I shall of course be pleased to attend and state my views upon any subject which may be thought desirable.

In conclusion, I take leave to express my warmest thanks to the many Ladies and Gentlemen who have already promised to vote for me, and to say that I shall, if honoured by re-election, continue to devote my best abilities to the discharge of the duties devolving upon me.

I remain, Ladies and Gentlemen, Yours faithfully,

Gustave Masu

‘Belle Vue House’ Canterbury Rd, Margate. 2nd Oct 1888.

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To the Burgesses of the Cecil Ward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having been requested by a large and influential number of Burgesses to come forward as a Candidate at the ensuing Election for Cecil Ward, I am happy to place my services at the disposal of my fellow townsmen.

It is notorious that the wishes of the Burgesses, as expressed at several important public meetings, have been slighted by the majority of the members of the Town Council, who, instead of representing the Burgesses, openly defy them. I adhere to the principle that no representative of the people has a right to ignore their urgently expressed wishes, and it is on these grounds that I place my services at your disposal.

The question of the Coal Dues, the Drainage Scheme, and other important matters likely to be brought forward, are subjects to which I have already given my earnest attention, and I shall endeavour to carry out my duties as your representative in a straightforward and efficient manner.

Trusting that my principles will meet with your approval, and that you will give me your hearty support on the day of Election.

I remain Ladies and Gentlemen,

Yours faithfully,

Bertram Thornton, 14 Cecil Square, Margate, Oct 3rd 1888.

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To the Burgesses of Cecil Ward.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With the close of the current municipal year my second period of office (six years) terminates, as one of your representatives in the Town Council of the Borough of Margate.

Permit me, once again, to record my gratitude for the kindness and forbearance at all times shown towards me, as well as for the cordial expressions of satisfaction at my conduct-expressions always acceptable to one striving to do his duty.

I beg to intimate, in reply to several enquiries, that it is my intention to solicit the honour of a renewal of your confidences in November next. The burning question now demanding settlement require mature experience, and the most earnest attention of the Council, so that these important and difficult problems may be solved in a manner best suited to the vital interests and permanent prosperity of this town, with which we are so deeply involved.

My views are known to you, but at a later period I shall be happy to enter more in detail in regard to the great questions of the hour. Meanwhile, I beg to subscribe myself,
Your most obedient servant, WM. Leach Lewis. Margate College, September 27th, 1888.

Education listings in Keebles East Kent Advertiser 1888 Part 2

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Keeble’s Margate & Ramsgate, Broadstairs, S. Peters, Minster, Westgate-On-Sea, Birchington Gazette and East Kent Advertiser. Vol 19 no 971, Friday for Saturday 6th Oct 1888:

Education/teaching Listings: Part 2

Claremont, Margate. (Near the Flagstaff). Lady Principal… … … … Mrs Webster (nee Clara M Searles). This old-established and well – known Ladies School is situated on the High Cliffs, in the best position in Cliftonville. The premises are large and commodious, and were built for the Lady Principal in 1869, and have since from time to time been fitted with every modern appliance for guaranteeing the health and comfort of the pupils. There are extensive Recreation Grounds adjoining the School premises, extending in the direction of the Flagstaff, and strictly private, yet facing the sea and open to the invigorating breezes for which Margate enjoys a world-wide fame. The Education given is liberal and artistic, and is fully equal to that of any High School, with the additional advantages of lady-like training, home culture, and good living. The general studies as well as accomplishments are carried on under the superintendence of the Lady Principal, assisted by resident English and Foreign Governesses, and visiting Professors, University Graduates, and Artists. References exchanged.

Sultan House, Warrior Crescent, Dalby Square, Cliftonville, Margate. Ladies School. The Misses Hoskins receive into their Establishment young ladies to board and educate, under their personal and careful supervision, assisted by Resident Governesses and Visiting Masters. A thorough English Education and Accomplishments, combined with the comforts and advantages of a well-appointed home. The House is large (facing the sea), containing 18 lofty rooms, bath-room and lavatory, with hot and cold water. Sanitary arrangements in perfect order. Prospectus on application. Highest references, medical and parental.

Margate Ladies’ College and High School. For Boarders only. This is essentially a Finishing School for Middle-Class Pupils, with a Preparatory Department for young girls. There are 6 Resident Governesses, trained and experienced, the Head Mistress holding a Governess Certificate of the First Class. Masters attend for Holy Scripture, French, German, Latin, Book-keeping, Mathematics and Calisthenics. The educational system adopted generally coincides with that of the London High Schools for Girls. The estate, extending for several acres, is strictly private; contains extensive tennis grounds, lawns, shrubberies and gardens, and is entirely reserved for the use and recreation of the pupils. The accommodation is unsurpassed, the School and Class Rooms with Dining Hall being heated with hot water, well lit, and airy. For further particulars apply to the Lady Principal, Lausanne House, Margate.

Cliftonville, Margate. Collegiate Establishment for Young Ladies. Principals- Mrs Ward (Trained, Certified) and Miss Wootten. A thorough, sound, and efficient Education, including all branches, combined with every care, attention, and home-like comfort. Close to sea, situation high, very healthy and bracing. Tennis and Croquet grounds. Very successful in all Examinations. References to parents. Moderate terms.

Cumberland House School For Girls. (Boarders only) Principal … … Miss Hickson.

Branscombe House, Cliftonville, Margate. Middle-Class Day School for Girls. Principal. Miss Wright (certified) assisted by her sister. (Late Principal, Mrs. G. Berenger, who is giving up on account of ill-health). Pupils are thoroughly instructed in English, Music, French and Drawing. Also Plain and Fancy Needlework. Private Lessons given. Prospectuses on application.

Margate, Beauvoir House, St Peter’s Rd, School for Girls. Terms moderate. Prospectus on application to Principal.

Cambridge House, Cliftonville, Margate:- Day School for Young Ladies, conducted by the Misses Williams. References to parents of pupils. Terms on application.

Good Day School for Girls in Cliftonville. Terms moderate. Pupils successfully prepared for Examinations. – P.C.M. Gahan’s Cliftonville Library.

Ethandene, Westgate-on-Sea. High-class Education, for Girls. Prospectus on application to the Misses Perkins.

Highland House School for Girls, and School of Music. 11 Adrian Square, Westgate-on-Sea. Prospectus on application to the Misses Duffy.

Sunny Bank, The Vale, Broadstairs. High-class Preparatory School for Boys. Large fruit and vegetable garden, with playground attached. Delicate and Indian Children receive special care. Kindergarten for Young Children. References and prospectus on application to the Misses Henson. A Dancing Class is conducted every Thursday at 3, by Miss Bolttler, of London.

Dancing, Calisthenics, & Deportment. – Miss Bolttler (from London) begs to announce that she is now making arrangements with Schools and Families. Minuet, Pavane, La National, &c, Private Waltzing Lessons. -Address, 11 Mansel Rd. Acton Vale, London: or Miss Henson, Sunny Bank, The Vale, Broadstairs.

Pianoforte Lesson given by Miss Cowdell, R.A.M Cert. Terms moderate. Musical evenings attended. Beresford House, Eaton Rd, Margate.

Miss Plummer, 2 Gordon Villas, Godwin Rd, Cliftonville. Pianoforte and singing taught.

French.-A lady (a Parisian) holding a Diploma, is open to Engagements. Schools and Families attended in Margate and the neighbourhood. Pupils prepared for examination. For particulars, apply to Z..P., 33 Athelstan Rd, Margate.

Hirsch, Ph.D (Bonn), care of F.E Derwick, Esq. Westgate, wishes to give private or visiting lessons in German, French, Italian, Music in Westgate and neighbourhood.

Daily Pupils desired, or daily Engagment at pupil’s residence. Preparation for Examinations if desired. H., 5 St Paul’s Rd, Margate.

Studies of Vocalisation for improving the Voice (by best Italian Masters) taught by Mrs. Payne Harold Rd, Margate.

Aux Anglais, – Conversation Francais (Universite de Paris) facilment acquise. German and Shorthand indispensible, 1s per lesson- Messrs. Payne, Dove’s Nest, Harold Rd, Margate.

A Young Lady, R.A.M, desires to give lessons on Music or singing, at pupil’s residence in Ramsgate, Broadstairs, or Margate. Apply, Miss Rogers, Park View, Ellington Rd, Ramsgate. Terms Moderate.

German and French Lessons given by a German Lady. Westgate and Margate. Apply, Fraulein, Keble’s Gazette Office, Margate.

Mr. R.E Parker, Organist and Music Master to St. Michael’s School, Westgate-on-Sea, gives Organ, Piano, and Harmony Lessons. Terms on application. Address, The School.

Mr. C. Miller, B.A. Lond; French Honorman, nine years visiting master in neighbourhood, gives lessons in Classics, English, French (Parisian), German, Mathematics. 3 Albany Villas, Ramsgate.

Lessons in Music, English, French, German, given by Miss Hilder, cert. R.C.P and Trinity College (Honors). Pupi desired to study with another daily (morning). Rockleigh, Westgate-on-Sea.

Dancing- Plymton House, Collegiate School, The Vicarage Crescent, Margate; 7s. 6d. per quarter.

Trinity College, London, For Musical Education and Examination. Instituted 1872.

Ramsgate Centre.The Date of next Local Examination in Instrumental and Vocal Music is fixed for the Last Day of Entry, October 15th. Local Secretary- J. Chapman, A Mus. 1 Rose Villas, Picton Rd, Ramsgate.

Education listings in Keebles East Kent Advertiser 1888 Part 1

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Keeble’s Margate & Ramsgate, Broadstairs, S. Peters, Minster, Westgate-On-Sea, Birchington Gazette and East Kent Advertiser. Vol 19 no 971, Friday for Saturday 6th Oct 1888:

Education/teaching Listings: Part 1

Tuition by J. Burnett B.A (London) in Classics (Including Composition), Mathematics, English Subjects, French and German. Excellent local references and testimonials. 6 Wrotham Rd, Broadstairs.

J.M Walton, Teacher of Dancing. 1 Booth Place, Dane Hill, Margate. Schools and private families visited or received as above. Classes now in formation.

The Violin. Mr. Thornton Moys, Teacher of the Violin. Elm Rd, Camden Sq, London. N.W Fifteen years’ successful teaching experience. Visits Herne Bay, Margate and Ramsgate. Special arrangements for Schools.

Pianoforte, Organ, Singing, Harmony. Mrs. Oscar Skey (Nee Maud E. Morine) Certified Pianist, Trin Coll London. And for more than five years Musical Governess, at Montrose House, Cliftonville. Receoves and attends pupils. Special arrangements for Schools. Rose Villas, 7 St Peter’s Rd, Margate.

Violin Lessons. Given by Miss E. Foster, 7 Westbrook Terrace, Margate.

Miss Foster. Attends and receives pupils for the Pianoforte, Harmony, Singing (Solo and Class). Schoold attended. Terms on application. 7 Westbrook Terrace, Margate.

Miss Norton. Professor of Dancing, Calisthenics, and Gymnastics. Classes and Private Lessons carried on as usual at the Dancing Academy and Gymnasium, Fernleigh, Arthur Rd, Cliftonville, Margate. Westgate, Broadstairs, Ramsgate, and neighbourhood attended. The new Watzes and Fashionable Dances.

Mr Wallace Pringle, Musical Director of the Theatre Royal, and Organist (pro. tem) of the Catholic Church of SS Austen and Gregory, Margate, gives Lessons in Pianoforte and Singing. – Apply, 25 Dane Hill Row, Margate.

French-German-Classics-Mathematics. F.W. Garston (Over six years at Chatham House, Ramsgate), 1, St Paul’s Rd, Cliftonville, Margate.

Margate and Westgate Government School of Art. Drawing, Painting, Modelling. 10 Union Crescent, Margate.

Dover Court, Arthur Rd, Cliftonville, Margate. Educational and Nursing Home for Delicate Children. Principals… … Mrs. & Miss Natali (Certificates from College of Preceptors) Ladies wishing to place their children at Margate for two or three weeks to recruit their health may safely do so by leaving them at Dover Court. Mrs Natali is thoroughly competent to take into her charge delicate children, having nursed her own son for six and a half years with hip disease. Excellent table kept. A high-class Education may be obtained by permanent Boarders strong enough to study. Visiting professors. Terms and references on application.

Educational Home for Young Girls, Grosvenor House School, 1 Grosvenor Place, Margate. Principals, The Misses Monk. References and terms on application.

Royal Crescent College, Margate. Principal, Mrs. C. Lord (Honors Cert, R.A.M) Pupils prepared (when desired) for the various Competitive Examinations, including Trinity College and the Royal Academy. The house faces the sea, and its sanitary arrangements are entirely new. Home comforts. Tennis. For references and prospectus apply to principal.

St Alban’s House School, Hawley Square, Margate. Conducted by Miss Masters assisted by Certified and experienced Teachers. Young Ladies received on moderate terms, and prepared (if desired) for University Examinations. References to parents.

Athelstan House, Cliftonville, Margate. School for Young Ladies. Pupils prepared for the following Examinations:- Cambridge and Oxford Local, College of Preceptors, Trinity College and Royal Academy of Music. Certified Governesses and Visiting Masters. Home comforts. For prospectus apply to the Principals, Mrs. Horne and Mrs. Pope.

Lorne House, Harold Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, School for Girls. Principal… … … Miss James. The House is pleasantly situated near the sea. The number of Boarders is limited to twelve, in order to insure the personal care of the Principal. Pupils prepared for the Local Examinations if desired. Special attention given to delicate children. References and terms on application.

Edgbaston House, 23 Addington Rd, Margate. Ladies School (for Daily Pupils only) Principal… … … Miss Smart. May be seen at home after 3 o’clock on Saturdays.

Montrose School, Godwin Rd, Cliftonville, Margate, Boarding School for young ladies. principals… … The Misses Bailey. Montrose House is situated near the sea, contains twenty-five well-ventilated bedrooms, commodious bathroom fitted with every modern convenience, and spacious dining-room. Playground and garden are attached to the house. A liberal tale is kept, and every effort is made to render school-life as cheerful and home-like as possible. Education is conducted on the German system. Pupils are well grounded in all branches of English, and special attention is paid to foreign languages. Pupils are prepared for the University and College of Preceptors’ Examinations. A report of the progress and conduct of pupils is sent to parents periodically.

Educational Home for Young Gentlemen, Hornby House, 34, Athelstan Rd, Cliftonville, Margate. Principals… … Mr & Mrs Stedman. References and terms on application.

Leo School House, Addington Square, Margate. Principals … … … … The Misses Ablett, Trained and Certified Teachers, Assisted by a Resident and Visiting Masters. Thorough Education and every home comfort. A cricket field and playground.-References to the Rev. Dr Abbot (Head Master of the City of London School), and to parents. Day pupils also received.

Clare House School, Northdown Rd, Cliftonville, Margate. Establishment for young gentlemen. Thorough preparation for all Public Schools and Higher Commercial Life. The extensive Premises are situated in the healthiest part of Cliftonville. The House contains 22 spacious rooms, and the dormitories (2 of which are 38ft. by 16ft.) are lofty and well ventilated. The Schoolroom, play rooms, and lavatories were built by the present Principal with all modern improvements, and the sanitary arrangements are perfect. Large play ground and field adjacent. Terms moderate and inclusive. For prospectus, references, &c, apply to the Principal.

Alresford House, Eaton Rd (extending from the Grosvenor), Margate. Situated within five minutes’ walk from the sea. Special and successful preparation for University Locals, College of Preceptors, and Public School Examinations. Gymnastics and Swimming taught. Playground and Cricket field. – For list of references and prospectus, address the Principal.

Cliftonville, Stanley House. The Principal (A. E Cozens, M.C.P) assisted by a University Graduate, seeks by careful and individual attention to secure the well-being of each pupil. Drilling, dumb-bells, class singing, conversational French, German, &c,  are included in the School Course. Preparation for all examinations. Terms moderate.

Cliftonville College: Arthur Rd, Cliftonville, Margate. Conducted by Mr. T. Everard Healey, F.S.sc. Mr Everard Healey (Intermed. B.A. Lon.) Cliftonville College contains lofty and well-ventilated rooms and a commodious school room has been built expressly for Educational purposes. The system of Instruction adopted is that of the High Schools. Book-keeping and Shorthand form part of the General Curriculum and boys are carefully prepared for Local Examinations and Commercial Life. The matters and personal habits of the pupils receive great attention. Good and unlimited diet is provided, and school-life rendered as much as possible like home. Special provisions may be made for Young or Delicate Children. For prospectus and references apply, until 29th September to 20, Addington-Square, Margate.

Grongar House School: Canterbury Rd, Margate. Principal: Mr. D.R Parry. Pupils are prepared for the Oxford and Cambridge Local and College of Preceptors Examinations. Terms on application.

New College, Cliftonville, Margate:
Head Master, Rev. G Hugh Jones, F.A.S
New College is decided on Christian Principles. The regular Courses of Instruction embraces the subjects usually comprised in the curriculum of a First-grade school. On the Classical side, though instruction is given in Latin, French, and either Greek or German. On the Modern side, Latin and Greek are excluded from the time table of the Upper Form for very young boys.The extensive premises were erected expressly for scholastic purposes. Parents are cordially invited to inspect the commodious schoolroom (40ft. by 20ft.); class rooms; reading rooms; dining hall (33ft. by 20ft.); the lofty and wide dormitories unequalled in Margate, for cubic space afforded each being 39ft. by 37ft. by 11ft; workshop; lavatory (34ft. long); bathroom, playground, &c. &c. (N.B ‘&c’. means etcetera) The Cricket Field is only a short distance away from the School. The domestic arrangements are under the immediate direction of Mrs Jones. A healthy and happy Christian home is ensured to every boy. Terms Moderate and Inclusive. Prospectus, Honours’ List, References on application.

Thomas Fuller and Mary Ann Overton

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Thomas Fuller was born 3rd Sept 1795 to Robert Fuller and Jane Ann Bachell and baptised 4th Oct 1795 at St John’s, Margate.

Thomas was a Mariner in the Merchant Navy and first went to sea as an apprentice in 1811. His Merchant Seaman Record gives the following info:
No of: 76052.
Register Ticket: 50.
Age when Ticketed: 49.
Name: Thomas Fuller,
Born at: Margate, County of Kent, 4th day of Sept 1795.
Capacity: Seaman.
Height: 5ft 4 3/4 inches.
Hair: Dk Brown.
Eyes: Dark Brown.
Complexion: Dark.
Marks: Not any.
First went to sea as: Apprentice.
In the Year: 1811.
Can Write: Yes.
Has served in the Royal Navy: No.
Has been in Foreign Service: No.
When unemployed, resides at: Margate.
Issued at: Ramsgate, 21st day of Dec 1844.

On the 27th Nov 1819, Thomas married Mary Ann Overton at St John the Baptist Church in Margate.

On the marriage record; Thomas is noted as a batchelor and Mary Ann as a spinster. They were married by banns, Thomas signed his name and Mary signed by her mark. The marriage witnesses were:
Stephen Cook and Richard Mummery. I think Richard Mummery must have been a Parish Clerk as his name appears a lot in the records as a marriage witness.

Mary Ann Overton was born in Hoo nr Chatham, Kent c1797. Mary was baptised on the 3rd Sept 1797 at Saint Werburgh, Hoo, Kent and her parents were given as Charles Overton and Mary.

Thomas and Mary had the following children:

  1. Elizabeth Ann Fuller, born c1820, Margate, Kent, bp 2nd July 1820, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’
  2. Charles Francis Fuller, born 9th Sept 1822, Margate, Kent, bp 13th Oct 1822, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’ He died 6th Jan 1857.
  3. Thomas Fuller, born 21st Dec 1824, Margate bp 30th Jan 1825, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’
  4. Richard Robert Fuller, born c1827, Margate, bp 11th Feb 1827, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’
  5. James William Fuller, born c1829, Margate, bp 2nd Nov 1829, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’
  6. Robert William Fuller, born c1832, Margate, bp 26th Feb 1832, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’ he died 1847, Margate.
  7. William Francis Fuller, born c1834, Margate, bp 23rd Nov 1834,
  8. George Fuller, born 7th Jan, 1842, Margate, bp 25th Sept 1842, father’s profession given as ‘Mariner’

Around 1835-1836 Thomas Fuller’s Merchant Navy record gives the following info:
Source: www.findmypast.com
First name(s):    THOMAS
Last name:    Fuller
Age:    40
Birth year:    1795
Birth place:    Margate
Birth county:    Kent
Place:    MARGATE
Date range:    1835-1836
Series:    BT120
Piece number:    2
Record set:    Merchant Navy Seamen
Category:    Education & work
Record collection:    Merchant navy & maritime
Collections from:    Great Britain
No: 6655
Quality: Mariner
Ship belonging to: Magnet of London

In 1841 the family was shown living at White Hart Court, Margate which was on the High St:
White Hart Court, Margate 1841 census

  1. Thomas Fuller, age 45, Mariner, born Kent.
  2. Mary Fuller, age 40, born Kent.
  3. Elizabeth Fuller, age 20, born Kent.
  4. Charles Fuller, age 15, born Kent
  5. Thomas Fuller, age 15, born Kent.
  6. Richard Fuller, age 14, born Kent.
  7. James Fuller, age 12, born Kent.
  8. Robert Fuller, age 9, born Kent.
  9. William Fuller, age 6, born Kent.

Thomas died in 1848 and was buried 1st Nov 1848 in St John’s, Margate.

Mary, now widowed continued to live at White Hart Court, the 1851 census gives the following info:

1 White Hart Court Margate 1851 census:
Source Citation: Class: HO107; Piece: 1629; Folio: 200; Page: 10; GSU roll: 193530.
1. Mary Fuller, Head, Widow, age 54, Charwoman, born Rochester, Kent.
2. Elizabeth Ann Fuller, Daughter, unmarried, age 30, Shoebinder, born Margate, Kent.
3. Richard Fuller, Son, unmarried, age 24, Porter, born Margate, Kent.
4. James Fuller, Son, unmarried, age 31, ‘?’ born Margate, Kent.
5. William Fuller, Son, unmarried, age 17, Baker, born Margate, Kent.
6. George Fuller, Son, age 9, Scholar, born Margate, Kent.

1 and 2 White Hart Court margate 1861 census:
Source Citation: Class: RG 9; Piece: 534; Folio: 62; Page: 3; GSU roll: 542656.
No 1 White Hart Court, Margate:
1. Mary Fuller, Head, Widow, age 65, Laundress, born Hoo – nr Chatham
2. John Fuller, Son, unmarried, age 30, Porter, born Margate, Kent

Mary’s son Richard lived next door with his family:
No 2 White Hart Court, Margate:

  1. Richard Fuller, Head, Married, age 33, Labourer,  born Margate, Kent
  2. Ann Fuller, Wife, age 29, born Margate, Kent
  3. Thomas Fuller, Son, age 5, Scholar, born Margate.
  4. Eliza Fuller, Daughter, age 3, Scholar, born Margate
  5. William Fuller, Son, age 8 months, born Margate

1 and 2 White Hart Court margate 1871 census:
Source Citation: Class: RG10; Piece: 991; Folio: 94; Page: 23; GSU roll: 838723.
1 White Hart Court:

  1. Mary Fuller, Head, Widow, age 74, Former Laundress, born Kent.
  2. George Fuller, Son, married, age 28, Upholsterer, born Margate, Kent.
  3. Eliza Fuller, Daughter-in-law, married, age 27,  born Romford, Essex.
  4. George Fuller, Grandson, age 7 months, born Margate, Kent.

2 White Hart Court:

  1. Richard Fuller, Head, married, age 44, Bath Chair Driver, born Margate, Kent.
  2. Ann Fuller, Wife, age 40, Laundress, born Margate, Kent.
  3. Thomas R Fuller, Son, age 15, Linen Drapers Porter, born Margate, Kent.
  4. Eliza Fuller, Daughter, age 14, Scholar, born Margate, Kent.
  5. William H Fuller, Son, age 10, Scholar, born Margate, Kent.
  6. George Fuller, Son, age 7, Scholar, born Margate, Kent.
  7. James Fuller, Son, age 5, Scholar, born Margate, Kent.
  8. Caroline Fuller, Daughter, age 2, born Margate, Kent.
  9. Charles H Fuller, Son, age 1 month, born Margate, Kent.

Mary Ann Fuller nee Overton died in 1877 and was buried in the  Parish of St John, Thanet age 82 years on the 3rd March 1877.

Links:
Research guide C13: The Merchant Navy: Tracing merchant seamen.
British Mercantile, Whaling and Fishing Records of the 19th & 20th Centuries by Len Barnett.
Merchant Navy – Registers of Seamen/Service (Seamen)
Margate, Kent genealogy, local and family history resources

Charles Francis Fuller, Mariner from Margate and the Lugger the Victory

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Charles Francis Fuller was born 9th Sept 1822 in Margate, Kent (according to his Merchant Seamans record). He was baptised in the Parish of St Johns, Margate 13th Oct 1822. His parents were given as Thomas and Mary Fuller of Margate and his fathers profession was listed as ‘Mariner’.

In 1841 the census shows the family at White Hart Court in Margate:
1. Thomas Fuller, age 45, Mariner
2. Mary Fuller, age 40
3. Elizabeth Fuller, age 20
4. Charles Fuller, age 15
5. Thomas Fuller, age 15
6. Richard Fuller, age 14
7. James Fuller, age 12
8. Robert Fuller, age 9
9. William Fuller, age 6

On October 22nd 1843 banns of Marriage were called at the Parish Church of Ash, Kent between “Charles Francis Fuller of this Parish, Bachelor and Mary Jane Spratt of this Parish, Spinster.”

I think Mary was from Ash and I found the following baptism in the Parish of Ash nr Sandwich, Kent:
June 7th 1818:  Mary Jane, daughter of John and Mary Spratt, Abode: Ash, Fathers Profession: Labourer.

Charles and Mary went on to have the following children:
1. Henry Thomas Fuller, born 1843, Ash, Kent.
2. Mary Jane Fuller, born 1847, Thanet, Kent.
3. Thomas Charles Fuller, born 1850, Medway, Kent. Died 1896, buried in the Parish of St John, Thanet, October 6th 1896, age 46 years, abode: Thanet Union.
4. John C Fuller, born Margate c1850-1854 (according to census records).
5. Thomas Robert Fuller, born Margate c1852.
6.  Robert J Fuller, born Margate c1852-1861 (I think 1856).
7. Charles Fuller, born Margate, c1857

In 1844 Charles Merchant Navy Record gave the following details:
No of 115,425
Charles Francis Fuller
Age in 1845: 23
Age when Ticketed: 22
Can write: Yes
Born at: Margate, Kent 9th Sept 1822
Height: 5ft 4
Complexion: Fair
Marks: Pock Marked
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Dark Blue
First went to sea as: a boy in the year 1834
Has served in the Royal Navy: No
Has been in Foreign Service: No
When unemployed resides at: Margate
Issued at: Ramsgate, 28th day of Dec 1844

(Date range 1845-1854, Series BT113, Piece number 58, Record set Merchant Navy Seamen, Category Education & work, Record collection Merchant navy & maritime, Collections from Great Britain.)

In the 1851 census the family were living at Princes Court, King St, Margate:
1. Chs Fns Fuller, Head, married, age 28, Mariner, born Margate, Kent.
2. Mary June Fuller, Wife, Married, age 28, Mariners Wife, born Ash, Kent. (NB I think her middle name was misspelled)
3. Henry Thoms Fuller, Son, age 7, Scholar, born Ash, Kent
4. Mary June Fuller, Daugh, age 4, at home, born Margate, Kent
5. Thomas Charles Fuller, Son, age 1, born Margate, Kent.
(1851 Census: HO 107/1629, Folio 359, Page 7, Parish of St John the Baptist, Margate, Kent.)

On the 6th January 1857 Charles was killed in the English Channel whilst on the Lugger the Victory, which went to save the American ship the Northern Belle. Nine men were lost when the Victory capsized:

From the Standard, Monday 12th Jan 1857:
The Victory Lugger, a well known boat to many Margate visitors, which was lost last Monday night, was worth from 300/. to 400/. The following is a list of the names of a portion of the crew: Issac Solly, aged 46; John Smith, aged 63; George Smith, aged 29 (father and son); William Emptage, aged 52; John Emptage, aged 29 (father and son); Charles Fuller, aged 34; Henry Paramor, aged 27; Frederick Batt, aged 22; Abraham Busbridge aged 35.

Subscriptions in aid of these poor men’s widows ad orphans are urgently solicited.

From the Kentish Gazette:
American ship ‘Northern Belle’ of 1,100 tons burthen, from New York, seen to be in eminent peril, and which afterwards stranded on the Foreness Rock, was caught in a fearful sea, and plunged down in an instant with all her crew. the suferers were:
John Smith, aged 63 years.
George Smith, aged 29
William Emptage, aged 52
John Emptage, aged 29
Issac Solly, aged 46
Abraham Bashbridge, aged 35
Charles Fuller, aged 34
Henry Paramor, aged 27
Frederick Batt, aged 22

“Such a calamity as this is not known to have occurred here before; may such never occur again. This tablet is also intended as a grateful tribute to the benevolence of persons, not only in this town and neighborhood, but in London and other distant places, who have so generously responded to the public appeal made in behalf of the widows and orphans, and have, by subscriptions, amounting to two thousand one hundred pounds, declared their sympathy with a class of men engaged in a most important but adventurous avocation. “Whoso is wise will ponder these things.”

Links:
The shipwreck of the Northern Belle and the loss of the Victory.
The Wrecking of the Northern Belle, an article by Mick Twyman published by the Margate Historical Society in December 2001.
A new plaque unveiled in tribute to the men who died on the Victory.
Article from the Isle of Thanet Gazette.
Dedication Service of the Victory Lugger Memorial Stone at Margate.
A letter regarding subscriptions to the widows and orphans affected by the sinking.
A Boatmans Tales, article about the sinking of the Northern Belle.
Newspaper article from The Perth Gazette and Independent Journal of Politics and News (WA : 1848 – 1864).
Margate, Kent genealogy and family history resources

 

Henry Thomas Fuller – General dealer or just a general rogue?

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Henry Thomas Fuller was born in 1843 in Ash, Kent to Charles Francis Fuller and Mary Jane Spratt. His birth was registered in the Eastry registration district  (which Ash was a part of between 1837-1941.)

At the time of the 1851 census Henry lived in Princes Court, King St, Margate:

1. Chs Fns Fuller, Head, married, age 28, Mariner, born Margate, Kent.
2. Mary June Fuller, Wife, Married, age 28, Mariners Wife, born Ash, Kent. (NB I think her middle name was misspelled)
3. Henry Thoms Fuller, Son, age 7, Scholar, born Ash, Kent
4. Mary June Fuller, Daugh, age 4, at home, born Margate, Kent
5. Thomas Charles Fuller, Son, age 1, born Margate, Kent.
(1851 Census: HO 107/1629, Folio 359, Page 7, Parish of St John the Baptist, Margate, Kent.)

In 1853 when Henry was 14 he lost his father who died on the Lugger the Victory, which went to save the American ship the Northern Belle. This left Henry as the the eldest child of 7 siblings. See blog post.

The 1861 census lists Henry at Church St, Margate:

1. Jane Fuller, Widow, age 40, Laundress, born Margate, Kent.
2. Henry Fuller, Son, unmarried, age 18, Labourer, born Margate, Kent.
3. Mary Fuller, Daugh, unmarried, age 14, born Margate.
4. John Fuller, Son, age 9, born Margate.
5. Thomas Fuller, Son, age 9 born Margate.
6. Robert Fuller, Son, age 9, born Margate.
7. Charles Fuller, Son, age 4, born Margate.
(RG9, Piece: 534, Folio: 41, Page: 6, Parish of St Johns, Margate.)

In 1868 he married Elizabeth Ann Edwards in Thanet. I believe Elizabeth already had an illegitimate daughter called Sarah Jane Edwards born 1866 in Thanet and baptised 15.7.1866 at St John the Baptist Church, Margate.

Sarah Jane can be seen staying with Elizabeth’s sister Mary Christiana Edwards (who had then married and was known as ‘Christiana Batchelor’) in 1871. Sarah Jane Edwards was listed as her niece age 4.

Henry and Elizabeth had the following children:

  1. William Henry Thomas Fuller, bp 3.3.1869 St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession: Labourer, abode: Margate; buried 9.3.1869 aged 2 1/2 months. NB The baptism was a private baptism which often meant the baptism of a person  (adult or infant) who might die before being able to attend the church for a public baptism.
  2. Sarah Ann Fuller, b. 25.6.1875  bp 3.10.1875 St John the Baptist Church, Margate.
  3. Elizabeth Maria Fuller, b. 21.11.1877 Thanet, bp. 4.11.1881 St John the Baptist Church. Margate, fathers profession: Labourer, abode: Victoria Rd, Margate (Elizabeth was baptised at same time as her sister Bertha).
  4. Bertha Agnes Fuller, b. 1881 Thanet, bp. 4.11.1881 St John the Baptist Church, Margate
  5. Frederick George Fuller b. 1887 Thanet. (staying with Christiana Batchelor in 1891- This child may or may not belong to Henry as he was in prison for 5 years from 1883)

    Christiana Batchelor, Sarah A Fuller and Frederick Fuller 1871 census, Margate

    (Click to expand)

I found the following in the Kentish Gazette 26 April 1870 referring to Henry and his mother Mary Jane Fuller (also known by her middle name):

Margate:
Assaulting a Constable-At the Borough Magistrates sitting on Wednesday; a widow named Jane Fuller was charged before George E Hannam; T Blackburn and J.B Flint Esqrs with assaulting Police Constable Chas. Harlow in the executing of his duty, on the 16th inst. Fined 10s and 8s 6d costs, or 14 days hard labour.

The son, Henry Fuller, had been brought up on the previous Monday on charges of being drunk and assaulting police constables Millgate and Harlow in the execution of their duty, and sentenced to 7 days for the first and 21 days for the 2nd offence.

So I guess his mother set an example then!

In 1871 Henry and Elizabeth Ann were living at 4 Journeymans Court, Church Alley, Margate. Source: Class: RG10; Piece: 991; Folio: 69; Page: 30; GSU roll: 838723:

  1. Jesse Fox (Head), Widower, age 74, Mariner, born Margate
  2. Henrietta Lewis (House keeper) Widow, age 63, Charwoman, born Margate
  3. Henry Fuller (Lodger) Married, age 27, General Labourer, born Ash nr Sandwich
  4. Elizabeth A Fuller, (Lodgers wife), married, age 26, Charwoman born Margate

April 7th 1880: Henry in trouble again!
Henry was tried in court before F.J Smith Esq, Recorder. The committing magistrate was R. Wood Esq. Margate:
Henry Fuller, age 38 Labourer, once before convicted of Felony and 5 times summarily convicted.
Offence: Obtaining by false pretences 17s. 6d. the money of John Francis Brown at St John the Baptist on March 1st 1880.
Verdict: Guilty of obtaining money by false pretenses.
Sentence of the court: 3 calendar months hard labour HM Prison Canterbury.
Degree of Instruction: N (cannot read or write).
Date of warrant: 1880 March 2nd; Received into custody March 3rd 1880.
Tried April 7th 1880.
Particulars of previous convictions charged in the indictment and proved in court:
Margate;
Dec 28th 1872 stealing 10s. (C.J.A) 3 months
Source: A Calendar Of Prisoners Tried At The General Quarter Sessions Of The Peace Series: HO140; Piece number: 50; Record set: Crime, Prisons & Punishment; Category: Institutions & organisations; Record collection: Prison registers; Collections from Great Britain.

Census 1881: 37 Victoria Rd, Margate, Kent:

  1. Henry Fuller (Head) married, age 38, General Labourer, born Ash, Kent
  2. Elizabeth Fuller (Wife) age 37, born Margate, Kent
  3. Sarah A Fuller (Daughter) age 5, born Margate, Kent
  4. Elizabeth Fuller (Daughter) age 3, born Margate, Kent

22nd Oct 1888: Henry can’t keep out of mischief….
Tried before the Recorder. The committing magistrate: HF Hermitage Esq,  Margate:
Henry Fuller age 46, Labourer.
Offence: Stealing a silver watch and chain and other articles value: 2. 8s. the property of Sarah Jane Edwards at Saint John the Baptist Margate. (N.B Sarah Jane Edwards being his step-daughter! Or perhaps his illegitimate child.)
Verdict: Guilty
Sentence: 6 Calender months: HM Prison Canterbury.
Degree of Instruction: N (Cannot read or write.)
2nd August 1888 (Date of warrant and received into custody.)
Tried 22nd Oct 1888 found guilty of Larceny after a previous conviction.
Previous:
28 days; 19th April 1870 (drunk and assaulting police) Margate.
7 days 8th Feb 1872 (unlawfully depositing soil) Margate. (NB I wonder if soil meant garden soil or perhaps human soil?!)
3 calender months 31st December 1872 (stealing 10s.) Margate.
21 days 4th Oct 1876 (assault) Margate.
1 month 30th Oct 1879 (want of Sureties) Margate.
3 calender Months 7th Apri; 1880 (obtaining 7s. 6d. by false pretences) Margate sessions.
5 years Penal servitude 4th April 1883 (House breaking) Margate Sessions.
Source: A Calendar Of Prisoners Tried At The General Quarter Sessions Of The Peace, Series: HO140, Piece number: 104, Record set: Crime, Prisons & Punishment, Category: Institutions & organisations, Record collection: Prison registers, Collections from Great Britain.

Margate, 1891 census, 2 Sollys Cottages, Margate, Kent. Source: Class: RG12; Piece: 727; Folio: 78; Page: 11; GSU Roll: 6095837:

  1. Henry Fuller (Head) married, age 46, General Labourer (employed), born Margate, Kent
  2. Elizabeth Fuller (Wife), age 42, Charwoman, born Margate, Kent
  3. Elizabeth Fuller (Daughter) age 13, Scholar, born Margate, Kent
  4. Bertha Fuller (Daughter) age 7, scholar, born Margate, Kent

In 1897 his daughter Sarah Ann Fuller married and gave her fathers profession as ‘General Dealer’ A euphemism perhaps?! Her husband’s fathers profession was given as ‘horse dealer’

Sarah Ann Fuller and George Harris marriage cert 1897 Margate

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Jan 5th 1904: Henry still up to mischief age 66:
Tried before A.J.Tassell, and others. Committing Magistrate: H.B. Hammond, Esq, Ramsgate.
Henry Fuller, age 66, labourer.
Offence as charged in the Indictment: Feloniously stealing one sheet and four waistbands, together value 4s., the goods of the Guardians of the Poor of the Isle of Thanet Union, on the 5th December 1903, at Minster, Thanet.
Jury’s verdict: Guilty.
Sentence or Order of the Court: Three months hard labour.
When tried: Jan 5th 1904.
Degree of Instruction: Imp (can read and write imperfectly) .
Date of Warrant: 8th Dec 1903.
When received into custody: 8th Dec 1903.
Particulars of previous convictions charged in the Indictment and proved in court:
Borough of Margate Petty Sessions, 31st March, 1896, two months hard labour. 

Previous:
3 months hard labour, Margate Petty Sessions, 28th December, 1872 (stealing money).
3 Month hard labour, Margate Quarter Sessions, 7th April, 1880, (obtaining money by false pretences).
5 years penal servitude, Margate Quarter Sessions, 4th April, 1883 (house breaking).
6 calendar months hard labour, Margate Petty Sessions, 22nd Oct, 1888 (stealing a watch and chain).
1 Month hard labour, Margate Petty Sessions, 9th December, 1800 (stealing a coat).
1 Day, Margate Petty Sessions, 11th March 1906 (Stealing theatrical articles).
2 Months hard labour, Margate Petty Sessions, 31st March 1896 (stealing a meat safe).
And 15 summary convictions for drunk and disorderly, assault, using obscene language and threats.
Source:  Henry Fuller Age 66,  Labourer, Birth year: 1838, Year: 1904 5th Jan, Place: Kent Court St Augustine’s. A Calendar Of Prisoners Tried At The General Quarter Sessions Of The Peace Series: HO140 Piece number: 232, Record set: Crime, Prisons & Punishment Category: Institutions & organisations Record collection: Prison registers Collections from Great Britain.

1901 census for Henry Fuller and Elizabeth (both in the Workhouse at Minster.)

Ash, Kent genealogy and family history resources
Margate, Kent genealogy and family history resources
Life in Kent Gaols before 1877
The Session House and Gaol, Canterbury

William Edwards and Maria Harcour’s children and census records

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William Edwards and Maria Harcour had the following children:

  1. Mary Christiana Edwards bp. 12.9.1830 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Labourer’; Abode: Margate).
  2. Thomas Edwards bp. 9.6.1833 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Fisherman’; Abode: Margate) d. 1874 (Margate).
  3. Henry William Edwards bp. 10.4.1836 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Mariner’; Abode: Margate) d. 1913 NB. He was also known as William Henry Edwards.
  4. Elizabeth Ann Edwards bp. 24.6.1838  (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Fisherman’; Abode: Margate) d. 7.11.1838
  5. Richard William Edwards bp. 12.7.1840 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Shrimper’; Abode: Margate) 
  6. Elizabeth Ann Edwards b. 1843 (Thanet) bp. 12.3.1843 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate, fathers profession given as ‘Mariner’; Abode: Margate)
  7. Sarah Ann Edwards bp. 23.12.1849 (St John the Baptist Church, Margate; fathers profession given as ‘Labourer’; Abode: Margate) d. 1872

Census Records:
1841 census: HO107; Piece: 468; HO107; Piece number 468; Book: 6; Folio: 6; Page no: 5
St John’s College Cottages, St John Baptist, Margate, Isle of Thanet:

  1.  William Edwards, age 30. Labourer, born Kent
  2.  Maria Edwards, age 30, born in foreign parts
  3.  Thomas Edwards, age 8, born in Kent
  4.  Henry Edwards, age 5, born in Kent
  5.  Richard Edwards, age 1, born in Kent

1851 Census: Source Citation: Class: HO107; Piece: 1629; Folio: 256; Page: 4; GSU roll: 193530.
1 Kidman Row, Margate, Kent:

  1. William Edwards, (Head) age 46, Shrimper, born: St Lawrence, Kent.
  2. Maria Edwards, (Wife) age 40, born: Bombay East Indies.
  3. Mary C Edwards, (Daughter) age 21, Servant, born: Margate, Kent.
  4. William H Edwards, (Son) age 15, Shrimper, born: Margate, Kent.
  5. Elizabeth A Edwards, (Daughter) age 2, Scholar, born: Margate, Kent.
  6. Sarah Edwards, (Daughter) age 1, born: Margate, Kent.
    Kidman Row
    Rule by Margate Board of Health 1851-1858 (discusses Kidman Row).
    1852 Map of Kidman Row, Margate.
William Edwards and Maria Harcour census 1851

(Click to expand)

1861 census:  Class: RG 9; Piece: 535; Folio: 107; Page: 10; GSU roll: 542657.
4 Cuthills Cottages, Margate, Kent:

  1. Maria Edwards, Head, Widowed, age 52, Laundress, born: Margate, Kent.
  2. Henry Edwards, Son, unmarried, age 25, Labourer, born: Margate, Kent.
  3. Elizabeth Edwards, Daughter, unmarried, age 17, born: Margate, Kent.
  4. Sarah Edwards, Daughter, age 11, born: Margate, Kent
    (Living next door is Thomas Edwards, Head, married, age 26, Labourer, born Margate, Kent and his wife Sarah Jane, age 25, Laundress, born Hampshire.

1871 census: Class: RG10; Piece: 991; Folio: 109; Page: 7; GSU roll: 838723.
2 Ventnor Lane, Margate, Kent: (all the below are sharing the same house)

  1. Thomas Edwards (Head) married, age 36, Labourer out of employment, born Margate, Kent.
  2. Sarah Edwards (Wife) married, age 25, Laundress, born Southsea, Hants.
  3. Ann Bow (Head), Widow, age 59, Laundress, born Margate, Kent.
  4. Eliza Bow, Daughter, unmarried, age 30, Domestic Servant, born Margate, Kent.
  5. Alfred Bow, Son, unmarried, age 20, Painter, born Margate, Kent.
  6. Thomas Bow, Son, unmarried, age 18, Waiter, born Margate, Kent.
  7. Maria Edwards (Head), Widow, age 61, Charwoman, born Margate, Kent.
  8. James Brandell (Head) married, age 76, Pensioner, born Woolwich, Kent.
  9. Ann Brandell (Wife) age 65, born Margate, Kent.

Note that in the 1861 and 1871 census Maria gives her birth as Margate, Kent. 

Maria died in 1877 (buried in St John the Baptist churchyard, Margate) and William died in 1858 in Thanet.

Margate genealogy, local and family history resources

William Edwards, a shrimper from Margate and Maria Harcour from Bombay

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William Edwards was a fisherman, shrimper and labourer and lived in Margate, Kent. He was born 22nd October 1804 in St Laurence, Kent and baptised in the local church 18.11.1804.

William Edwards baptism 1804 St Laurence, Kent

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He married  (by banns) Maria Harcour, 26th August 1829 at the Parish Church of
St John’s in Margate. The wedding was witnessed by the Parish Clerks rather than family or friends. Perhaps this indicates an opposition to the marriage?  Or perhaps the Parish Clerks were the only people that day who could write and were therefore the only people allowed to sign as witness to a marriage where two people signed by their mark?

Maria Harcour and William Edwards marriage cert

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According to the 1851 census, Maria was born in Bombay, East Indies c.1811 (the 1841 census notes her as ‘Foreign born’).

I’d like to know who Maria’s parents were? Was Maria British? How did she end up married to a shrimper in Margate?

I searched the IGI for a birth and found no reference for a ‘Maria Harcour’ born in India. Maria signed her mark on her marriage certificate so I have to assume she was illiterate (or perhaps pretending to be in order not to show up her illiterate husband..?!) and so her surname may have be misspelt or misheard by the writer.

Perhaps her name was Har Kaur?

Her daughter’s birth certificate (Sarah Ann Edwards) gives Maria’s surname as ‘Hacker’. I’ll need to order her other children’s birth certificates to gain a consensus but in the meantime, I searched the IGI for anyone called ‘Maria’ or ‘Marie’ (omitting a surname) born in India between 1800-1815.

I found the following with surnames similar to ‘Harcour’ or ‘Hacker’:

  1. Maria Hawker, Birth Date: 05 Aug 1815 Christening Place: Quilon, Madras, India, Christening Date: 30 Sep 1815, Father’s Name: Frederick Hawker, Mother’s Name: Mary.
  2. Maria Margaret Harcourt, Birth Date: 24 Apr 1806, Christening Place: Bellary, Madras, India, Christening Date: 13 May 1806, Father’s Name: Hillary Harcourt, Mother’s Name: Margaret Torriano.
  3. Maria Hasker, Birth Date: 12 Mar 1816, Christening Date: 27 Nov 1825, Christening Place: Vizagapatam, Madras, India, Father’s Name: William Hasker, Mother’s Name: Cawder Bee.

None of them show birth dates in Bombay but perhaps Maria was born in Bombay and christened in Madras (a trading post and naval base). These are the closest references I could find in both name, place and date. 

I don’t think ‘Maria Margaret Harcourt’ is our Maria as Maria Margaret was married in 1832 to a John Stow and her father was given as Capt Hillary Harcourt Torriano of the East India Company Madras Engineers. I’ve as yet been unable to find further info on Maria Hawker and Maria Hasker. If one of these two are Maria Harcour then she would have wed age either 14, or 13 respectively. William wed age 24.

It was possible for a girl to marry at 12 and a boy at 14. Even if the parents disagreed with the decision, there were legal ways in which the marriage could take place such as calling banns in a different parish to that which they belonged.

Perhaps Maria had been married before and wed in her married name? The marriage entry says she was a spinster but it’s known that sometimes info given at time of marriage may be incorrect for any number of reasons. 

At the time of Maria’s birth The East India Company held rule in India. Her father could have been any among civil servants, military personnel (most regiments served in India at some point), mariners, medical staff, chaplains, railway workers, law officers, merchants, planters, free mariners, and missionaries.

Only a small number of British military men stationed in India could bring their wives and many men would marry in India (both English and local women) though marriage with Indian women became less common after 1830.

Some young British women would travel the 5 months to India to try and bag themselves a husband amongst the East India Company men. Perhaps Maria’s mother was one of these hopefuls. 

I guess it’s possible Maria may have been Indian as some British took Indian servants back to Britain where many Indians laboured under European names. She may have been a ‘ayah’ ( domestic servant) or a nanny. According to the National Archives:

“This arrangement was attractive for many Asian women, as ayahs were not generally paid a wage, whereas travel of this kind involved a fee. However, although they were promised their passage back home, often they were left stranded, especially in London.”

 Domestic slavery continued in India into the 1840’s:

I think I’ll have to do a bit more digging before I can come to any conclusions. If anyone has any further suggestions I’d be interested to hear them.

William Edwards and Maria Harcour’s children and census records

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