Life in 1930s Marlow Part Four- Style and Annual Events

Part one dealt with employment, homes and general shopping here. Part two covered sport and leisure plus transport and is available here

Part three dealt with childhood and religion and is available here

Post by Charlotte ...

Looking Swish 

Hair and cosmetics:

The hairdresser's in the town in the thirties was Maison George in the High Street. One of the hairdresser's trained there Miss Edith Neighbour ended up trading on her own account as a private hairdresser, offering the trendy permanent wave. You could write to or telephone her for an appointment. In 1935 a whole head permanent wave by Edith would set you back 15 shillings.

A 1930s permanent wave. Picture by Louis Calvete. Creative Commons Licence.CC BY-SA 3.0.

Maison George were agents for Ineco hair dye and "lady's beauty aids". 

There were at least five other hairdressers in Marlow apart from Maison George during the 1930s. Maison George gained a serious competitor in 1936 when Milady (as in "my lady") opened at 72 West Street. This was a beauty parlour which also offered high class hairdressing for women and children. It's opening "special offer" was a full head permanent wave for 15 shillings, the same price as Edith Neighbour above charged as her standard price for a full wave so Edith was good value, especially as she would come to your own home to wave your hair.

Perfumes and early cosmetics could be bought from Marlow chemists, though by no means all women routinely wore any makeup let alone a full face look. It was considered especially likely for "country" girls to go make up free. In the 1930s Marlow was still considered to be a country town. Cheap make up was not so easily available as it is today so cost constraints also played a role in determining how many cosmetics if any a woman could wear. The most commonly worn cosmetic product in the 1930s was face powder, usually in a pale shade. Eyebrows were severely plucked into a high arched shape and often darkened. Over plucking meant that a reasonable number of women lost their eyebrows and instead had to draw them on. Lip colour was available in various shades but red won out. Mascara was still applied by brush from a palette. Hollywood glamour looks encouraged fashionable women to exaggerate their lashes as much as possible. 

Recreated 1920s High Street Trade Directory Part Two.

Part two= Even number businesses. Part One dealt with the odd numbers.

Compiled from adverts, street directories, property records, letters, news stories etc.

Some properties in the High Street were still residential at this period and so not included here.

Property numbers in the 1920s were not the same as those for the same properties in the 1800s due to significant renumbering. They also do not always match those of modern properties in the same spot. Additionally bear in mind that in the 20th century it became increasingly common for the name of a shop to remain unchanged even after the business was sold out of the family so that a person's name remained connected to a business long after their actual involvement or even lifetime. In this post unless stated all people mentioned were actually running the premises bearing their name.

Looking for more historic occupiers of the High Street or any other Marlow street? See our Street Index for a list of posts about the historic people and businesses of each. For the High Street this includes 1700s and the year 1833 occupier listings. There is also on the blog Marlow wide trader compilations for the 1700s, and 1800-19. Many people mentioned in this post have mentions in multiple other posts on this blog too. To find every mention of anyone please consult the A-Z Person Index on the drop down menu.

*Updated September 2025*

4. National Deposit Friendly Society. 

6-10  James Morgan and Son / J Morgan and Son Ltd drapers, mens' and womens' outfitters, milliner's, mourning clothes supplier and house furnishers. An old Marlow business. My detailed post about this business and the Morgans here. They did not live on the premises however various of their staff were given accommodation there in this period.

14 International Stores. Opened 1901 in a building that had been converted from a house and at the time had also recently been used to accommodate boarders attending Borlase school. Modern Superdrug.

16 L.H Snow (Leonard Hardy Snow) chemists. He lived on the premises with his family. This was a chemist premises for decades. Leonard was there by 1907. Also like most chemists of the day a seller of photography supplies. The shop fittings and stock were damaged in a fire in 1933. Leonard died in 1946 aged 72 in Hastings Sussex. 

The infamous Snow's Bronchial Balsam advertised in 1927. 

18 Thomas Nichols outfitter, also given as Nicholls In 1920 but he moved to 46a High Street by 1921. Thomas was born 1876. In business in the High Street by 1907. Still going in the 30s at the second address. He lived in Claremont Road.

20 George Bailey tobacconist, newsagent, stationer. In business by 1911. Born c. 1867. George also had a bicycle shop and motor garage at no 5 West Street in the 20's managed by his son Robert. The High Street business was still going in 1942 and still described as a tobacconist, stationer and newsagent.

1929 ad

22 Sayer brothers 1920-21 / Barksfield Brothers both grocers and wine merchants. In 1920 and 1921 Sayer brothers are listed at no 22 but in 1923 the Barksfield Brothers shop was there. I am not certain who was personally managing this shop, probably Joseph Barksfield. In 1942 the Barksfield Brothers also operated from number 17 High Street. They were still at number 22 in the early 1950s. Prior to the 1920s this was Bidmead's stores.

24 Clark's butchers. William Robert Clark 1920, Lizzie Clark widow 1921+ . Her son Frank was the shop manager. Long standing family business.

26 Freeman Hardy and Willis. Boots / shoes. First opened in Marlow 1901 on the opposite side of the High Street. Moved to no 26 after 1907.

28 Newman and Chalk ironmongers. My post about the history of this business (unusually for an ironmongers managed by females for many years) is here. 

30 & 32 Frederick William Rowe jeweller, silversmith & watchmaker. Made many of the trophies awarded in local events including for the regatta. He also produced a range of exclusive Marlow souvenirs. The ironmongers next door were sub contracted to repair metal items for Rowe's customers. Frederick and his family did not live on the premises in this era. They bought the shop premises in 1905 having previously rented it. Rowe retired 1946 and the premises became F Hinds, jeweller

36 R Toomer and co coal, coke and peat merchants 1920. Here by 1910. They had moved offices to Station Approach by 1927, where their yard was. They also had a coal business at Bourne End Station and were "by appointment to H.M the King" no less. Toomer had bought the coal business of Thomas Bilson Butler in 1893. This property was later used as part of number 38.

38 Henry Bolton 1920 / Albert Charles Page 1921+ both hairdressers. Albert was also a perfumer and photo dealer. He was already a hairdresser in the High Street in 1910 when he came to Marlow from his previous premises in Cambridge. Initially he was at a different premises. Albert was born c.1890. Son of West Street greengrocer and florist Hiram Page. Albert emigrated to Canada. Neither of the 1920s proprietors of no.38 lived on the premises. 

40 William Henry Goodchild grocer and tobacconist 1920. He later in the decade worked for a grocer in Maidenhead so must have given up his own shop. He lived in Little Marlow Road Marlow.

42 Wallin's dairy (and their home). By 1932 called "Harleyford Dairy".  Sold dairy, eggs, ice cream. Listed as operated by a Thomas Wallin 1915, a William Wallin 1920 and 1921 (who lived in Station Road), a Thomas Wallin 1939 and "T Wallin" in 1942. 

44 later Leo Ryan electrician, but he was still on the other side of the street in the 1920s.

46 Martin's Chemists. Edward George Martin. -In business by 1907, when it was located on the opposite side of the High Street where Harrington's hairdressers is now. By 1938 Martin's had been taken over by Mr H.C Haley but still traded as Martin's. It was still there as such in 1942. Later the name was changed to Haley's Chemists. Looks to have incorporated the property that was technically number 48 too.

46a Thomas Nichols men's outfitter, who moved from number 18 (q.v).

50 Edmund Coster grocer (born 1856, son of Edward Joseph Coster AKA Joseph the Marlow Lockeeper). Raised a congregationalist. As a young man was a grocer's assistant. He had two family members whom he may have assisted in this respect, both in West Street. Grocer Noah Bartlett married Edmund's older sister Ellen, and Edmund also had a grocer relative called Richard Coster. More on Noah here, that post also contains a link to an image of Ellen's grave. By the 1920s Edmund also had hardware shop West Street. In business here by late 1880s. In 1911 both premises were grocers ran by Edmund. Wife Mary (nee Carter). In the 1930s the Coster's expanded into number 52 next door as well. Edmund died in 1930. By 1942 and until at least the 1950s his former High Street premises were occupied by R Brown and Son grocers. 

52 Percy James Rowe office of this architect and surveyor. Surveyor for the brewery but also worked independently. In the 1930s and for a long time thereafter these premises were Coster's tobacconist. Percy lived at the house Daintree, Claremont Gardens.

54 Misses Guttridge and Udy millinery in 1920. Miss Udy was probably Florence Udy who had earlier worked as a draper's assistant. If so she lived with her parents at Woodview, Station Road. This business not listed 1915. Later it operated solely as the business of Miss Guttridge who was styled as a costumier. Florence Udy later traded independently from 17 West Street Marlow before moving to Sussex. Some residential rooms above the premises seem to have been let separately.

58 bank 

60 W.H Smith and co bookseller, stationer.

62 Reginald Higgins 1920 / Theodore Harold Greville from late 1920 or early 1921 / Norman Greville who took over in 1929 all photographers.  Before this period was Scott and Smith photographers. Norman Greville was the younger brother of Theodore and had been running a photography shop in Maidenhead. This business was also continued and sold art supplies too. Theodore also at one point looks to have operated from no 7 High Street Maidenhead. Though raised in Britain, and with an English mother, the men had a German father Adolphus / Adulfus Julius Schwanke. You can imagine that having a German last name in England during the 1st world must have been very difficult for the family. Though Adolphus had been naturalized back in 1899 he was still an object of suspicion for many. In 1918 when the family lived in a farm near Warwick 16 year old Norman (already a photographer's assistant) was fined £5 for falsifying his endorsement signature in a French "alien's" identity book. Norman altered his last name to Swunke in an attempt to seem more English. He had been told that only natural born British householders could endorse with a signature the Frenchman's identity documentation. Norman lived at home with his family so wasn't a "householder" though he may not have understood that. His friend knew him to be a British citizen and foresaw no problems with him doing a signature. Young Norman however was obviously nervous of signing with a Germanic name, so he altered his. A suspicious police officer detected a "particularly foreign" note to the name "Swunke" nevertheless and Norman was first questioned and then arrested. During the proceedings against Norman it was realized by the court that his father was a householder as he had the vote. This they found "undesirable" in a German and it was decided that they should try to disenfranchise him. Norman and all of his siblings legally changed their name from Schwanke to Greville in 1920. Norman was already living at 62 High Street then, as was his brother Theodore, two more brothers Herbert Reginald and Cecil plus a sister Dorothy as well as their parents (who did not change their names). In 1937 Norman exhibited a selection of his own educational talking films to the Rover Scouts in Beaconsfield. He helped the Allies in WW2 by performing aerial reconnaissance photography. This meant that his wife Alice (nee Hickman, m 1929) was often managing the shop. During this period they also offered picture framing. Theodore and Herbert Reginald went on to manage, one after the other, a photography shop in Watford. Cecil became a photographer in Slough. Theodore was also a miniature painter while Norman was friends with the local artist Stanley Spencer so an artistic streak ran through the family in more ways than just photography.

64 Arthur Edward Davis dairy. He was born c.1871. "Marlow Creameries". He and family lived there too at this time. Still there in 1942. A fondly remembered business. 

1929 ad

66 William B Langston boot and shoes.  Full biography of William and historic pic of premises here. Currently The Ivy restaurant. 

84 George Kendall estate agent (established 1897), auctioneer, insurance agent, newspaper correspondent, deputy registrar, secretary to the Marlow Freemasons, collector of rates. He did not live on the premises in the 1920s. By 1942 the estate agent was being ran by Mr H Clanchy though still under the name of George Kendall. The estate agency business in name at least was later located in West Street. 

90 William Henry Badger confectioner. William was also the Parish Clerk and a music tutor. A long standing confectionery business. Biography of his father who was in the same premises before him here

92-94 Catherine Sanson / Samson (Mrs) draper. Lived on premises. Born c.1878. Husband Henry was a travelling salesman for a wholesale clothing company. Moved from Essex though Catherine was a Lincolnshire girl by birth.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are very welcome to use my research for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

Selected sources (too many to list!):

Stock Exchange Year-book. Jamaica, n.p, 1933.

Marlow Parish Magazine 1942.

Kelly's Post Office Directory of Buckingamshire etc by Kelly's and Co Limited 1911, 1915, 1920, and 1939 editions.

Programme with adverts for King George's Cinema Marlow 1927 published by S Presbury and co.

Pharmaceutical Journal: A Weekly Record of Pharmacy and Allied Sciences. United Kingdom, J. Churchill, 1930.

 Chemist and Druggist: The News Weekly for Pharmacy. United Kingdom, Benn Brothers., 1933.

The Electrical Journal. United Kingdom, D. B. Adams., 1929.

The Book of Bungalows. United Kingdom, published by Country Life, 1926.

Auto Motor Journal. United Kingdom, Pictorial Press, 1920.

Salter, John Henry, and Salter, J. A.. Salter's Guide to the Thames. United Kingdom, Alden & Company, Limited, 1921.

Holiday Haunts in England Wales and Channel Islands, 1927, Great Western Railway.

The Bankers', Insurance Managers', and Agents' Magazine. United Kingdom, Waterlow & Sons Limited., 1922.

https://www.cwgc.org/find-records/find-war-dead/casualty-details/3100345/leo-redver-ryan/

1929 Marlow Parish Magazine.

South Bucks standard clippings from Aug 10th 1900,  Jan 20th 1910 and Jan 11th 1912.

Bucks Advertiser 13th Jan 1922. This edition from the British Library Archives via the BNA. As was The Hastings and St Leonard's Observer 1st Feb 1947 and the Leamington Star Courier 23rd August 1918.

Watford Advertiser, online edition, 7th January 2010.

"England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007", database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVH8-TCVC : 2 November 2021), Edmund Coster, 1930.

1901 and 1911 England and Wales Census. Crown Copyright.

Kelly's Directory of Chemists and Druggists ...: In England & Scotland & Wales, the Channel Islands and Isle of Man. United Kingdom, n.p, 1921.

London Gazette 26th October 1920.

Recreated 1920's Marlow High Street Trade Directory with notes

Part One - odd numbers

With notes

Recreated from adverts, letters, trade directories, property transactions, newspaper stories, court cases etc.

The property numbers quoted here are not necessarily going to match up with modern numbers because of demolitions and amalgamations or other reasons and remember that the High Street had already been renumbered in the 1910s so that any 1920s property numbers will not usually be referring to the same property as their Victorian counterparts. 

Some properties on this side of the High Street were residential at this time and are not included in this post. The post office was also in the High Street, and the entrance to the brewery.

Many people mentioned here already have multiple mentions on this blog. To see all posts featuring any person looking for that person on the A-Z Person Index on the top drop down menu. More High Street history posts are indexed here, including

1-3 Lawrence and Son estate agents for domestic and commercial sales and lettings, auctioneers, valuers, insurance agents. The surveyor at the company was John Robert Laird who lived on the premises with his family. The business was later "Lawrence Son and Laird". One of the Mr Lawrences was a director of the Marlow Water Company.

5 Harold John Welch hairdresser in 1920 (bn 1879). (Sometimes given as being at 3 but was not) / The Cafe (that was the official name!) ran by Rose Owles.

7 National Provisional and Union Bank  - previous occupants of this building are listed here. The bank manager Cuthbert Raymond lived on the premises with his family. This was normal for banks at the time. More history of this premises here

9 Mrs Bonner Wellicome antique and furniture dealer 1920,21 (in business by 1911) New Branch of London County Westminster And Parr Bank mentioned as opening at no 9 1922. Head clerk on opening was Mr G. W Cousins.

11 Welbourne and Simpsons printers. Simpson was Herbert Edward Simpson born c1872. Earlier Smith & Co stationers, printers and circulating library. By 1942 was just ran by Herbert as H.E Simpson's newsagent, tobacconist and lending library. At some point in the 1920s the printers also apparently used number 15 High Street.

13 Lawrence J Smith office insurance agent, correspondence address for Great Marlow Water Company. Also in 1920 custom and excise office of James Gauld and the premises of confectioner Bert Jaynes. Lawrence at least was still there in the early 1930s. Presumably the offices  were above or behind the shop.

17  Harrell Limited grocers. Below is an ad from 1929. Possibly had moved from the other side of the High Street.

Harrell's were still at no. 17 in 1939. In the early 1930s there was an off licence at no.45 High Street called Harrell's which must have been a related business. Number 17 was later taken over by Barksfield Brothers for a second Marlow premises. 

19-21 Charles Drye "coach builder" of long standing but was already moving into the field of motor cars. Business known initially as the Marlow Motor works, then  came to be known as the "Marlow Carriage and Motor Car Company". A lot more on the early days of motoring in Marlow in this post. Now W H Smith. 

23 British and Argentine Meat Company. There by 1915. Some staff seem to have lived in. Formerly the base of royal furniture makers the Mealings

25 Phillip Brothers fishmongers from at least 1911. Some staff lived on the premises. By 1931 was Mac Fisheries. 

27 George Frederick Hill offices? Later amalgamated with number 29 into one premises.

29 Arthur George Hill upholsterer and cabinet maker. Arthur was in business with James Henry Tugwood until 1900 when they dissolved their partnership as furniture dealers, upholsters and decorators under the name Tugwood and Hill. Thereafter Arthur continued under his own name only. He witnessed his neighbour Gutteridge (below) being burgled in 1912. In the 1930s this was Hill and Son Upholsterers and in 1942 "A.G Hill and Son".

31 William Guttridge  hairdresser, perfumer, fancy goods /Harriet Guttridge toy seller on the same premises. Husband and wife. William had been in premises some years. In 1912 he was was described as a hairdresser and tobacconist when he was burgled. [Building demolished]

33 Ellen Arnold confectioner. The toy shop today. Formerly the Way family premises see here, also Kempster's. 

35 Lovell's building company offices. Edward Turner the manager lived in the premises. Their builder's yard was behind some of the neighbouring buildings along here. They also had a bit of yard in Dedmere Road. Offices still here 1942. Lovells as a whole became a national business. In Marlow they also functioned as undertakers and house decorators. History of other former builders who occupied this property here and about Young James Lovell himself here.

37 Daisy Ilsley's Prep School 1921. Her sister Emma Ilsley taught music and shorthand here too /Leo Redver Ryan electrical supplies and radio seller/electrician in 1929, probably earlier too. Moved premises to number 44 by 1938. Killed when a bomb fell near Bovingdon Green in WW2. His son was also injured. They were delivering a radio. A WW1 Navy veteran. The Imperial War Museum has a photo of Leo as a young man see here (leaves this site). The man for whom Ryan's Mount in Marlow is named. 

41 [Cromwell House] Gerald Berkeley Wills offices several businesses. Surveyor and architect by 1920. He was still in the High Street several years later but I am not certain if his premises were still at Cromwell House. Gerald designed the Marlow Cottage Hospital in 1914. He built Wolmer Cottage Bovingdon Green and lived in it with his family. Prior to his marriage to his wife Kathleen, Gerald lived at Stratton House, West Street Marlow. By 1921 also offices of Cripps and Shone solicitors. 

The building became by 1926 the offices of the Marlow Urban District Council. It housed the Post Office from December 1897.  The council clerk Llewellyn Shone had an office in the building. 

Full history of Cromwell House here

47 Alfred Davis junior journalist. Prominent in the organisation of local sports - and the Olympics! 

49 Walter Davis tailor, hosier, hatter etc. A Long standing business. 

The Chequers Hotel / pub [53] Billiards room. RAC approved. Pub also mentioned as a "masonic hall" 1927. In 1920 and 21 run by Lillian Long (bn 1888) who took over the premises in 1917, having moved from London. Her husband William was a motor engineer. Could be something to do with the below motor company. There is some reason to believe William and Lillian also rented no 55 in the early 1920s. They had moved to Aylesbury by 1932 where William worked as the manager of the Aylesbury Motor Company.

55 Marlow Motor Company. Newly formed with £500 capital in 1920, most likely involving William Long above. Also the premises of an unknown electrical engineer in the same year. / The Corner Restaurant in 1927 which also offered boarding. In 1927 proprietor was Charles J Paul. Restaurant still there late 1930s. Charles was also an insurance agent. On corner of High Street/Institute Rd. 

57 Grays' Stores. Henry Gray born c1867. Took over the Clifton grocer's and wine merchant's in 1901. Initially ran the shop with his brother James who was also a rent collector / letting agent but James had left the shop by about 1906 to concentrate on the latter business. Henry's shop was one of the fancier places in town to buy your provisions. He lived in Glade Road in this period. James lived in the Old Vicarage then later the house Thamesfield.

59 Residential address of Harry Redgrave jobbing gardener as well as the office (and possibly rooms of) T.N.W Watts who was secretary to Hambledon Council. Long term surveyor and inspector of nuisances for Marlow Urban District Council. Today is Fego.

61 William and Thomas Sellman builders, plumbers and painters. Here by 1911. William lived in. The Sellmans left these particular premises before 1939. In 1942 no.61 was Tillion's florists. 

"Palmers" Dr George Downes. Physician. His home and medical premises in one. His wife Aileen Downs was instrumental during WW1 in setting up an Infant Welfare Centre in Marlow, which suffered from high infant mortality due to poor housing and poverty at that time.

67 James Eyre Jackson artist.

73 "Quarry House" Francis Culhane doctor, surgeon, councillor. Biographical post on him here

75 William Jackson dentist 1920. This building does not exist anymore. Not in same spot as modern 75. Formerly a doctor's premises.

77 George Morton antiques. By 1939 was Kendall and Morton antiques dealers. Not in same place as modern 77 due to renumbering.

79 William Robinson pianoforte tuner and music warehouse in 1920.  Had been there for some years. He probably also gave piano lessons. In 1921 his widow Lily Robinson operated as a piano and music dealer here. Not in position of modern 79 due to renumbering. 

81 Thomas Wheeler refreshment rooms. Also tobacco seller. These premises were on the corner with Station Road. Not the same as modern 81 due to renumbering. Thomas  was not there 1915. He had previously ran a restaurant in Slough. Born c1863. 

Also Honourable mention to 

Charles Carter baker and confectioner on the Causeway which is a continuation of the High Street. (In recent times was Burgers. A  long standing bakers premises)

- Unnumbered - Currall's Garage (sales and service) plus radio agents. (Building demolished) 

Part two will contain the even numbers plus selected references.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this information for family or local history purposes with credit to this blog.

. 

1833 Parochial Assessment Great Marlow High Street East Side Part One

I am gradually transcribing onto this blog the original handwritten assessment working notebooks used to compile the official assessment. These are held by my family. They were to be used to readjust the local taxes for 1834. Our notebooks contain some information updates written in during the later 1830s and related correspondence. I will add these updates if present for any properties below. I have also included my own research notes into the people mentioned and links to posts dedicated to some of them. Parts of the assessment are uploaded by me as and when they chime with research I am doing for myself or others. Lots are already available in the blog

To see the others available already look here

Transcription by Charlotte Day.

© Marlow Ancestors. You are very welcome to use my transcription for family and local history purposes if you credit this blog.

Format for transcription:

Name

Property occupied

Annual value of property

Additional research notes by me in square brackets.

High Street [East Side]

Rolls and Son [auctioneers]

House, storehouse, cellars, yard, offices and garden

£24 10 shillings

Furniture warehouse

£5

Garden belonging to Baines

10 shillings

*****

Benjamin Baines [a confectioner and foreign fruit dealer. I have a picture of his grave and a dedicated post about him on the blog here]

House, bakehouse, yard, stable and garden

£20

*****

Frederick Wyatt [stagecoach proprietor. Post about him and his family here].

House, stable, barn, yard, garden and orchard

£20

*****

Thomas Evans Brinsden [a surgeon]

House part of barn and 2 gardens

£15

****

William Chamberlain [a hairdresser]

House and garden

£14

*****

Miss Sneath [the Miss added in pencil. This was Katherine Sneath, a much loved Marlovian. Daughter of surgeon William Sneath and Elizabeth née Webb. Her mother's will is here and more about her family property here. Please see the Person Index for all other mentions of Katherine].

House, lawns, yards, storehouses, stables and large gardens

£30

Orchard occupied by Mr Aveling

£4 

*****

Richard Aveling [a grocer. Biography here]

House, yard, shed, barn, garden, stable and orchard

£20

*****

Thomas Corby jnr [builder. Thomas lost his right to vote because he did not have a separate entrance to his part of the property. Detailed post about him and his father here]

Part of house and garden [Dad below in other half]

£11

*****

Thomas Corby [builder, see above for link to a post about him]

House, storeroom, lofts, yard and garden

£14

*****

Widow Stevens [this property no longer exists]

House, yard and sheds

£12

*****

Hone [no first name] [Building now demolished. It was empty in 1831 but owned by Hone family].

House, lawn, stables, greenhouse, pleasure garden, large kitchen garden, coach houses, orchard, large store house and other conveniences

£50

*****

Edmund Mealing [he was an upholsterer and cabinet maker. Post about him and his family here ]

House, shop and yard

£9

*****

W. H Mathew [William Henry. Son of the below]

House and yard

£10

*****

Widow Mathews [Ann Mathews. She was running a grocery shop].

House and yard

£14

*****

Edward Griffiths [A tailor. In same premises 1832]

House and yard

£10

*****

Steadman Camden [a shoemaker and clothes seller. Biographical post on him here]

House, shop and lofts

£12

*****

John Way [he was a poulterer]

House, yard, sheds etc

£10

*****

William Bond [he was a builder, carpenter. Full biography here]

House, yard, workshops, counting house and shed

£18

Chaise house etc by Mrs Ralphs [Charlotte Ralfs on other side of High Street]

£1

Part of wharf and workshops at Bankside

£3

*****

Late Palmer [no first name]

House and garden coach houses, shrubbery etc

Hard to read property value.

*****

Sir John Mortlock [This was Alfred House later known as Cromwell House. More on him and this property here]

House, lawn, greenhouse, 2 large gardens, yards, stables, barn, coach houses

£70

*****

Revd Thomas Coxwell [this the old vicarage. Thomas Tracey Coxwell]

House and garden

£26

*****

Ralph Rose [a brewer]

House and garden 

£12

*****

Morris and Son [John Morris and son, drapers. Post about this family here].

House, yard, store houses and garden

£20

*****

George Davis [Landlord of this pub since at least 1826]

Chequers house [pub], yard and garden

£14

*****

John Wade

House and garden

£14

*****

Thomas Burrell [ironmonger and blacksmith. He was still in these premises 1851. More about him and his family here].

House, shop, garden and iron house

£10

*****

John Heppard

House and garden

£8

*****

Transcription and research by Charlotte Day.

To be continued...

From Work-House to Convict Ships - The Brothers Frith

Today's subjects are three young boys who caught my eye amongst the many young residents in the Great Marlow Workhouse in 1841. Charles, Alfred and Abraham Frith aged approximately 15, 13 and 9.  The two eldest are our focus here. There were a number of other Friths resident there then.  Young Charles and Abraham were the sons of John and Maria Frith, and most likely Alfred is their brother baptised 1827. It appears the boy's mother Maria was dead. Their father was not, but he was not with them in the parish house. It was not unusual for children left without a mother to end up in such a place, but sometimes this was only a short lived experience until perhaps the father remarried or another relative could help care for the children. At other times a child or two from a large poor family might be taken in temporarily to relieve the pressure on the household budgets if the breadwinner was out of work. In the end the same reason is behind every admission to the workhouse: poverty. At this time the work house managers were the Reeves, who you can read about in a dedicated post from Charlotte here. The buildings of the former still remain in Munday Dean Lane, just beyond Berwick Road.

Some of the workhouse residents would go on to better things and never return there but unfortunately they were the minority. And none of our three young men were amongst those fortunate few. Abraham reached adulthood but seems to have died young after numerous minor brushes with the law mainly for vagrancy, and just after finishing a 6 month sentence for robbing a cottage in Rotherfield Greys. And both Charles and Alfred would end up as convicts sentenced to transportation. 

Charles goes sheep stealing

Charles received his first conviction for sheep stealing when he was around 16. I'm unsure of his sentence then but it was likely several months in gaol. A youthful age was little defence in the eyes of the authorities. 

To be caught a second time was extremely serious. Charles would have known this as several Marlow men had already been sent to Tasmania as result of the two strike rule. 

Unfortunately in December 1846 Charles and his friend 17 year old Charles Lomax decided to pay a visit to Little Marlow of an evening. While they were there they caught and killed a sheep belonging to farmer William Simmonds of Monkton Farm, butchering it near the scene (more on Monkton Farm and the occupants of it in Charlotte's post here). This was a common practice as it was easier and more discreet to cart away cut up meat than to drive sheep away through the lanes. They did not remove all of their bounty straight away but took some back to Marlow and hid the rest in a bag amongst some bushes. They probably thought it safer not to be carrying too obvious a load all at once. I have read accounts of hundreds of local poaching incidents and this gradual extraction of stolen meat seems quite common, despite the obvious risks of constantly returning to the scene! Frith took some of his share back to John Badger's beer-house in Chapel Street, Marlow where he was probably lodging. He asked the daughter of the house, Jane, to cook him some of the mutton for his dinner. Most recovered stolen meat ends up sold to the likes of butchers and beer houses prepared not to ask too many questions. Eating some yourself, except some of the offal, was less common it seems. It doesn't mean those stealing it weren't hungry but may be because the sold meat could generate more food if  the profit was then invested in cheaper ingredients. 

The two men were seen near the farm but not immediately with any sheep so although their presence was noted as somewhat unexplained, they were not instantly challenged. Later the sheep were missed. A search for them found a skin marked with "S" for owner Simmonds in a copse adjacent to the farm. Aaron Simmonds, the nephew of farmer William, was the one to make this discovery. He said the animal had been badly - that is unprofessionally - butchered,  and the mark was partially obscured so he could not positively identify it but unfortunately for the Friths, the other witnesses could. The skins, always marked, were usually left behind as they were the most incriminating evidence to be found on your person. A more thorough search uncovered the Frith's bag of stolen meat. After some consideration about the best thing to do it was decided to return the bag to its hiding place and watch, with the aid of one of the parish constables, to see who would come back to claim it and in doing so proclaim their guilt. The brothers were therefore observed as they pulled the bag out of the hedge and were known by name to those watching so escape was unlikely. They were not however arrested immediately, perhaps it was the intention to follow them a little in case they lead the way to any other accomplice. If so this was ruined when Richard Clark, engaged in hedging near the copse, was seen by the Friths during their exit. They were clearly surprised, and now carrying a suspicious bag, they panicked and immediately began to run. Richard called out for them to stop, declaring that he knew them well so fleeing  was pointless although he said the latter to their fast disappearing backs. Of course they did not stop, but ran towards Great Marlow. It was now rapidly getting dark and perhaps they hoped any identification would be vague. Then about three quarters of a mile from Little Marlow and in Marlow Fields their flight ended in the arms so to speak of Marlow Parish Constable Richard Davis. He had been alerted about the thefts earlier. He saw Lomax first, who was searched with nothing untoward found upon him. Frith, slowed down by carrying the bag, had now caught up, but on hearing Davis had tried to drop the incriminating bag. As it was now dark he might have hoped this action would not be seen, but in the quiet, it was heard. A knife and cords (for tying animal legs) was found on Frith, and Davis soon found the dropped bag as Frith had had no real opportunity to hide it. With the help of Parish Constable Thomas Walker,* the two were taken into custody. 

They appeared before the magistrates which at that time met in a hired room in the Crown hotel. They were then sent to Aylesbury Gaol to await trial at the Quarter Sessions. The verdict was inevitably one of guilty for both men. The Berkshire Chronicle described Frith as a "notorious thief and sheep stealer" on his arrest although it appears he was suspected of being involved in more offences than he was ever convicted of. Lomax did not have a previous conviction for sheep stealing and so he received a 12 month prison sentence. But things were quite different for Charles Frith. A previous conviction meant an inevitable sentence of transportation, in this case for 10 years. Of course this was the same as a life sentence in many ways. I can find no evidence that Charles Frith ever came back to Marlow. He was transported on the convict ship Eden under Captain Murdoch, which left on the 30th September 1848 and arrived in Hobart, Van Diemens Land on the 21st January 1849.

Alfred Frith Follows 

Charles may have beaten Alfred to the convict ships, but it was Alfred who had actually troubled the courts for longer. 

In 1843 the Union Workhouse at Saunderton was opened to replace the local workhouses. Before long Alfred would be only too familiar with its interior. He was there in 1844 when he was accused of damaging the stove inside, alongside another youth. The boys defence was not recorded in the sources that I found. But their efforts were rewarded with 2 weeks in prison. It appears he flitted in and out of the workhouse, presumably between periods of employment. 

In 1846, Alfred was back in the Wycombe Union house. But not I suspect very willingly! For before long he was wanted on the charge of absconding from the place. Alfred was far from alone in making his escape without obtaining official permission. He was supposed to get clearance if he wished to leave for a range of specific purposes eg to look for work or attend a funeral. Or he could give notice of his intention to leave but the authorities would want assurance that he could support himself if doing so (and legally.) The other problem was that Alfred had left wearing a set of clothes belonging to the union. This was regarded as theft. He did not remain at large for long as he was picked up on suspicion of begging (he argued that he was in fact selling combs) and so arrived before the magistrates to receive a 2 month prison sentence. On his arrest he was described by one source as "notorious" but it seems that like his brother, he was suspected of involvement in more petty crime than he was actually convicted of. Those like Alfred who spent at least some time as an itinerant seller were often treated with much suspicion. 

Alfred saw the magistrates again early in 1847 for vaguely described "misbehaviour" in the Wycombe Union Workhouse. He had a co accused, and both were sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment. It's fair to say Alfred was not going to settle quietly into life in such a place. 

Alfred's official job was as a tailor. But it does not seem he had much luck with maintaining this employment! 

In 1848, 20 year old Alfred would get into much more serious trouble. He had previously served a months sentence for a theft of turnips from a field in 1845. Now he was found guilty along with a 22 year old accomplice James West, of stealing three heifers from Benjamin Reeves of High Wycombe. Theft of livestock was not treated lightly, and although both plead not guilty, the case was regarded as an open and shut one. They were sentenced to 7 years transportation each. James West was quickly transferred to the Defence Hulk at Gosport to await a space in convict transport ship. Rebellious Alfred stayed initially in Aylesbury Gaol but his conduct there was regarded as "troublesome". It was considered that he was "unfit" to be put in solitary confinement so he was transferred to the larger and harsher Millbank prison in London in late 1849. The prison suffered a severe cholera outbreak shortly afterwards and a number of inmates were transferred to a "convict station" or temporary prison at Thorncliffe Barracks in Kent. He was still there at the time of the 1851 census. It could take some time for convicts to leave. I have not been able to trace which ship he left on (records are not complete) but I will update this post if I recover this info or any further information. 

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Other posts related to Great Marlow convicts, and law and (dis)order can be found in the index here

Life at Great Marlow Workhouse 1775-1843 - here and life at the Wycombe Union workhouse at  Saunderton for Marlow residents here

To find all posts mentioning a family or individual here, see the A-Z person index in the top drop down menu. There's over 6,000 people listed there. 

*More about parish constable Walker here

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

Sources include:

1841 census and parish register transcripts from the microfilm and originals by Jane Pullinger 1970. 

Bucks Advertiser &Aylesbury News, November 1846,  January & March 1847, February 1849 - British Library Archive and accessed via the BNA Partnership. 

Bucks Gazette February 1845 & 1847, as above

Bucks Herald September 1849 & January 1850 as above. 

Oxford Chronicle and Reading Gazette January & February 1850

Berkshire Chronicle December 1846, as above. 

The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/15, pp.333-347

Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 92, Class and Piece Number HO11/15, Page Number 333 (168)

© MarlowAncestors

Victorian Postmen Plumridge

 The Plumridges of Marlow would have been well known to our Great Marlow ancestors as builders, bricklayers, beer-sellers and brewers. But today's subjects are two of those comparatively rare few to have followed a different occupation, at least some of the time!  Both had connections to the Post Office. First up is Daniel Plumridge who was a postman in Victorian Marlow. 

There have been a large number of Plumridges in the Great Marlow Parish area from the Tudor era, if not long before. Daniel was one of those born just outside Marlow itself c1839, in Cadmore End. (Usually rendered as "Cadmer End" or "Cadmor End", Fingest Parish in the earlier days). His parents Thomas and Rebecca worked in what must be some of the most typical occupations in this area at the time. Thomas spent his working life largely as an agricultural labourer and chair maker, while mum Rebecca was a lacemaker. Cadmer End was the more populous part of Fingest Parish at this time, but it was and still is a beautiful rural area. It formerly had a number of brickworks ..bricks and Plumridges are never far apart! Daniel however began to work from a young man as a postman in Cadmer End. Despite all the travelling involved in a rural route, in the Victorian imagination the role of a rural postman stereotypically went to someone lame or not perhaps as mobile as they had once been who could not keep up as an agricultural labourer. How many of these limping postman were actually about is hard to say, but young Daniel certainly did not fit that image. Whether he filled that other stereotype of taking a good while to complete his round by stopping at each cottage door for a gossip we don't know. But as a letter was the primary means by which the inhabitants recieved personal news from afar, both good and bad, he must often have been a longed for sight hoving into view in his uniform. It was noted that into the 1890s few Marlow homes had letterboxes within their front doors, which greatly slowed down the delivery of letters, as the postman had to wait at each house for the door to be opened so he could hand over the mail. An appeal was made to install them, and not to delay the workers in their rounds too much with chit chat. But who knows if anyone took any notice! 

Although postman were usually called letter-carriers in the early days in general, I have noticed that locally "post man" was in popular use much earlier. Postman was adopted nationally as it better reflected the work of the men when they began to carry packages too. 

In 1864 Daniel married Elizabeth Hannah Davis. Elizabeth was the daughter of the Bovingdon Green beer sellers William and Hannah Davis of The Jolly Cricketers. The couple set up home in Queens Road and Cambridge Place, Marlow. Other Plumridges filled several of the homes in this area, and had indeed built some of them. The pub in the road, The Duke Of Cambridge, also had a Plumridge at the helm and indeed had been built by them. At this point Daniel was working as..a bricklayer. Was it for one of his Plumridge relatives? Very likely. Later, Daniel is referred to as chairmaker.  In any case Daniel must have liked his work for the postal service as a few years later, he is back in the role of postman, this time in Marlow. Elizabeth's paid work was as a dressmaker, and the couple also took in lodgers. 

Daniel remained a post man into the early years of the 20th century, living in and around Queens Rd for some 30 years. (At the time of his daughter Rosa's marriage in late 1901, he had moved a few minutes away to Quoiting Square.) It must have been interesting for him to see how the town expanded with new developments, especially at the hands of various Plumridge builders. Marlow's Victorian residents could enjoy more than one post delivery a day (3 in 1880) except Sundays when there was one. In the same way the boxes were emptied more than once. The exact schedule varied over time, except on Sundays. Usually the longer distance items came by train from Maidenhead and by mail cart before that. When Marlow got her own station, the post arrived in town sooner and so deliveries were moved back too. At the time that Daniel started his work in Marlow, the last letters left here on the 4.15pm train, but this was eventually moved back to just after 8pm. Deliveries were even made on Christmas Day itself (although just one usually). 

 

In 1891, the Plumridge's 14 year old son George Henry was working for the Post Office, as a telegraph messenger. This role was usually given to younger men, but it was regarded as a responsible one and a good start. Messages received at the telegraph office naturally had to be taken to the recipient and this was the messengers responsibility. 

The community had to rely on the honesty of their letter carriers, an issue in the public eye here in 1885 after Marlow man James Morgan spent a year in prison for stealing postal orders entrusted to him as a postman in Bedford. He was taking on a temporary cover role in that town - otherwise he was a chimney sweep. In total he stole 3 postal orders over two weeks. Nothing of a similar kind seems to have troubled those recieving mail within Marlow itself. Morgan received a reduced sentence because he was only a temporary relief postman so it was considered a less severe  betrayal of trust. He had not lived in Marlow long before his apprehension.**

If the postal staff had opportunities for mischief so did members of the public. Daniel sometimes arrived at post box to find that a miscreant had broken off the enamel tablets fastened to the pillar boxes. These gave the details of the the collection times. An appeal was made by the postal authorities locally in 1891 to plead with people to leave this essential information alone! 

Another annoyance for Daniel was the "cribbed, cabined and confined" conditions in the main post office in West Street, especially in terms of the space available for recieving packages. It had occupied two different sites there at various times but neither one had been designed to deal with the explosion in popularity of the post. In 1894 it was finally decided to go ahead with long debated plans to move the post office. Institute Road was the first considered site but the town was not happy with this. In the end the grand and attractive Cromwell House in the centre of the High Street was secured, although not until 1897, opening early the following year. It was converted from a house*. (Even this did not please some of the residents of West Street who lamented having a slightly longer journey to reach the main branch now it was no longer in their road. Plans were made for a sub post office there for their convenience! You could also find another sub post office within a couple of minutes of the High Street, in the grocers on the corner of Station Rd and Mill Lane as it was then. In 1897 Mr Yeoman was in charge there. See pic below.)

William Plumridge of Lane End 

Our second Plumridge connected to the post service is non conformist William Plumridge, of Lane End, son of James and Esther. William worked as a chairmaker and later as a baker, grocer and sub post master at Lane End throughout the late Victorian period. He was assisted by wife Mary nee Ellis and sons Thomas and William at times. William junior's work delivering bread for the family business made him a witness in the Moor End Common murder case which you can read about here. 

 William senior was obviously a hardworking individual but on his death as an elderly man in 1904 he had a number of debts. His estate could not cover these, to the embarrassment of his family. There is nothing especially unusual about this but the unexpected resolution of the issue was.  Three years after his death William made headlines around the country. An anonymous well wisher paid all of his debts off in full, long after his creditors had resigned themselves to writing them off.  He or she did so as a "token of esteem" for William and his family. The identity of the benefactor(s) was not seemingly revealed, at least not publicly. Perhaps they had spent the years between the death and pay off saving the necessary funds (£167) or perhaps they had been away and unaware of the problem until 1907. Either way, it was a nice thing to do. William junior succeeded his father as sub post master and grocer, also acting as a house agent. Multi tasking obviously ran in the family! There were Plumridges fulfilling the roles of sub postmasters and bakers in Lane End for long after the period our blog covers. 

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

Further information:

*History of Cromwell House can be found here

**James Morgans wife applied for parish relief for herself and her 4 children while her husband was awaiting trial at the Bedford Assizes. The Board of Guardians rule was that no "outdoor" parish relief could be given to the family of those in prison, including those waiting trial. (That is no assistance other than a ticket for admission to the workhouse could be offered.) However Marlow's Walter Lovegrove, one of the Guardians  spoke on the behalf of Mrs Morgan, and pleaded for compassion. He was seconded by Marlow's vicar and fellow board member Rev Arthur Fearon who reminded everyone the principal of innocent until proven guilty. In the end a vote to give the family 3s a week plus three loaves of bread was carried unanimously despite grumblings from 3 members about the rule bending. It was one of many examples of Walter Lovegrove speaking out firmly in the interests of Marlow's poor and unfortunate. The relief stopped when James was convicted. 

To find every mention of an individual here, use the A-Z person index in the top drop down menu. There's over 6,000 people listed there. Great Marlow itself is the focus of this blog but for other posts relating to Lane End, Cadmore End and around that we do have, see the index here

If you are interested in some of the other families who quite literally built our town, see the Men Who Built Marlow posts Lovell here Bond here   Corby here. 

SOURCES: 

Kelly's Directory for Buckinghamshire 1852, 1883, 1905, 1911,1920,1939. (Kelly's Directories Ltd) 

Notice - Changes to Postal Delivery - 1874, 1875, 1877. Thanks to James Purdsey for a view of these. 

Census, 1841-91 - Transcript from the microfilm made by Jane Pullinger. 

Oxford Journal 29 May 1847. 

South Bucks Free Press 5 May 1860

Chesham Examiner 21 January 1891. 

Boston Guardian 7 December 1907, and South Bucks Standard August 1894 - these two copies via the BNA. 

Slough, Windsor and Eton Express Oct 31 1885 - Slough Libraries. 

© MarlowAncestors

The Lives Of Owen Sawyer and Joseph Russell

Sometimes we pick a random individual from Marlow's past and decide to flesh out the bones of their life. So now is the turn of Victorian West Street and Queens Rd resident Owen Sawyer. 

Owen was born in 1847 to West Street bakers James and Charlotte Sawyer. They and their business feature in a post here which includes a photo of their premises. Charlotte had the reputation of being an accomplished businesswoman and she continued the business after her husband's early death. In this she was assisted by Owen's brothers Henry and James. Subsequently James would take over the management of the bakers from his aged mother, and indeed continued to run it after her death. 

Owen however was apprenticed to High Street cabinet maker Daniel Walker, who also ran The Hope public house later. Daniel did not just make furniture, he also engaged in more general carpentry tasks. So Owen would later recall engaging in work such as making and even erecting fencing. It was good training if hard work and Owen would later strike out on his own as a skilled carpenter. He initially moved to Dean Street after marrying wife Mary Ann and that was the setting for the event below. Subsequently he spent several decades living in Queens Road. 

Murder! 

A dramatic incident in the life of Owen occured when he was 28 and found himself in court charged with assaulting Thomas John Pattison Junior. Thomas said Owen forced himself through his front door and attacked him although it isn't clear what the motive would have been. Fortunately for Owen, the witnesses supported a quite different version of events. Owen had heard Sarah, the wife of Thomas screaming "Murder! Murder!" as he was going pass their home. He, Sarah's sister and her neighbour rushed in and found that Thomas had Sarah by the neck and was threatening her with her knife, despite the fact she was holding one of their children. He had apparently been offended by the fact Sarah expressed the wish to stay in their current home rather than move to Strong Beer Acre as Thomas had announced they would shortly be doing. Thomas was bound over for a year to keep the peace for one year, and Owen was found not guilty of the assault. 

Diving superstar

Owen was a renowned swimmer and diver, and a member of the Amateur Rowing club. In 1875 he won a regatta competition which involved diving as far as possible off Marlow Bridge. The entry point into the water was marked and whoever got furthest from the bridge was the champion. Owen's winning distance was 40 yards. It was noted that he was a hard man to beat when in form! Other events included "diving for eggs" and water polo in canoes. The Rowing club also had monthly competitions running at this time, which Owen took part in. In the 1890s he operated the telegraph system at Bourne End Regatta that transmitted the official results from the umpire. They were then announced to the crowds who couldn't all see the finish clearly. He was also a member of other sporting institutions in the town - and one of the players who made up The Royal Victoria Working Mans FC, Marlow's "other" football team which subsequently amalgamated with Marlow FC. (Read more on them here)

Another institution in the town that Owen had great involvement in was the Clayton Arms Slate Club, a friendly society.  This provided invaluable support to working men in the event of accident or illness robbing them of the opportunity to earn their living. Owen was one of the founding members, and also served on its organisational commitee. You can read more about it here. He was also a member of the Marlow Volunteer fire brigade. Even after retirement from that he sometimes lent a hand at fires, such as one at the George & Dragon during the October street fair of 1898. Civilians were often utilised in such occasions, and someone of Owen's experience was obviously all the more welcome. Owen suffered a house fire of his own that nearly cost the life of two of his children - you can read more in this post about his father in law John Langley here

Lastly we should mention Owen's role as one of the collectors of contributions for the local Transvaal Relief Fund around 1900. This dealt with cases of need in families who had a member serving in the South African wars then ongoing. Furthermore he was elected to the committee of this group. 

Owen could also be found as a member of the Bucks Rifle Volunteers. He was the oldest Volunteer when he retired after 34 years diligent service in the autumn of 1902. Owen had by then attained the rank of Corporal. He said on his retirement that the hours spent with his fellow rifle volunteers were amongst the happiest of his life. As a member of the Volunteers Social and Shooting Club, he had spent many happy days with these comrades at the rifle range and in local pubs. You can read more about the volunteers here

Two sad events - the first

In 1890, Owen was working at a house in Mill Lane. He saw a young man who he knew slightly coming along the lane. This was Joseph Lionel "Joe" Russell* age 25, who had been crippled for life in a childhood accident.  He had been born into a military family in India, but shortly after their return to England, his father had died.  His mother had worked at Bray Court, and the lady of that house and subsequently Marlow Place (Mrs Haig) had tried to support Joseph with an allowance when his mother had in turn died. She had also paid off some of his debts. It had once seemed doubtful that Joseph's physical condition would allow him to fully support himself. But he had nevertheless started work as a commercial clerk to Thomas Butler the wine and spirit merchant. And so the allowance had finally been stopped, although Mrs Haig still provided his clothing. However, Joseph was subject to fits of depression and had taken to drinking. When he passed Owen, he asked to shake his hand, and told Owen they would not see any such other again. Joseph then proceeded along Mill Lane towards the Mill and river. Owen was naturally suspicious at such ominous words, and watched the other man carefully. When he saw his destination, he ran a short distance down the lane to the Mills and called for help. Mr Wright and Owen found a muddy and wet Joseph at the bank of the Thames attempting to wade in. He could not swim and had a suicide note in his pocket. He was bought back to the Mills to receive medical attention. Suicide was a criminal offence then, and so Joseph was bought before the court and Owen had to give evidence as to what he had seen. Joseph was let off as he promised not to attempt his life again. Sadly, he did not keep this promise, and three years later he drowned after throwing himself off Marlow Bridge. 

A tragedy close to home

In 1903 Owen appeared at another inquest. This was sadly that of his brother James Sawyer the baker. For reasons that are not always easy to grasp, the Sawyer family bakers was no longer doing well in the few previous years. A severe fire in 1897 can not have helped although both the building and contents were insured. By May 1902 it had closed, and James was out of work. (The business was sold to Charles H Carter who ran the Bridge Restaurant and bakers on the Causeway, where Burgers is now. As he already had a West Street branch, the business was moved there) I believe he may have worked for another baker in town at first but this did not last. When leaving the bakery he had of course also lost his home. (He went to lodge with Jane Thornton.) He was 67, and perhaps he could not face "starting again". One evening Owen met his brother in the Carpenters Arms and noted his downcast look. He gave him some money, as the baker was significantly in arrears with his rent.  The two parted and no one saw James alive again. His person was spotted in the river near Thames Bank by labourer Thomas Munday. Thomas retrieved the body with the assistance of equipment provided by the Marlow Lock keeper, and the aid of George Budd. It was taken to the Two Brewers, where a copy of his and Owens parents' marriage certificate was found in his pocket. Deliberate entering of the river could not be proved, nor a definite  accident as there were no witnesses so the verdict of the inquest jury was the open "Found Drowned".

A happier event of that year was the marriage of daughter Ada to Edwin Meadows Madeley. Ada was a former school teacher at the national school. 

Owen's own death was less dramatic and he passed away age 78 in 1926. 

*Joseph came to Marlow from Holyport near Maidenhead shortly before his first suicide attempt. He lodged for seven years with plumber George and Louisa Davis in Cambridge Rd. George and Louisa feature with their daughter Annie in a post here - but be warned it's another sad post! Joseph was said to have been in a fearful state when Mrs Haig took him under her wing, unable to go up stairs for example. He had spent much time in Maidenhead hospital. Louisa Davis believed that his first suicide attempt had been precipitated by her threat that if he continued such heavy drinking he must leave her home. She believed the second was due to a guilty conscience, as she considered it likely that he was stealing from his employer. He had too much money to spend on drink she said, given his other expenses and level of wages. Joseph had two brothers and two sisters, whom Mrs Haig had also helped get a start in life. The boys were in the Army at the time of his death. He was buried in a paupers grave at Cookham, with no family to attend the service. His body had been found by Spade Oak ferryman Jonathan Sparks. The jump from the bridge was witnessed by carpenter Mark Creswell.

 Mrs Haig remarried and went to live at Fox Court, Maidenhead with husband Captain Masey. 

. 

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

To find all mentions of an individual or family here use the A-Z person index in the top drop down menu.

 Use the General History tab to find out more about everyday life in Joseph's and Owen's Great Marlow. 

©Marlow Ancestors.

Servants at Remnantz 1871

 On the 1871 census 62 year old Anne Wethered had 8 other members of her family living with her at Remnantz and 9 live in servants.

The head gardener had his own cottage so isn't included in the household. Under gardeners likely came in on a daily basis. There are no grooms listed. There were rooms above the stables, which if occupied by any such might have constituted a different household to the census taker or perhaps any grooms employed did not live in.  The only male servant censused at Remnantz other than the butler was 18 year old William Saunder Brook. He might have taken on a groom's role amongst other household duties. He is simply listed as "general servant." By the time of the next census William had married an Elizabeth and become a French polisher. He was recorded as having been born in nearby Hurley, Berkshire, which indeed he was.

The only servant censused as born in Great Marlow itself was 19 year old general servant Mary E Maine, who I struggled to find any later trace of.

Coming from the furthest distance away was Aberdeen born general servant 50 year old Elizabeth Polson.

Elizabeth appeared on the next census on the Isle of Wight with her widowed niece before returning to West Street Marlow on the 1891 census. In both instances she lived on her own income/ annuities so somebody left her something or gave her a pension or she made some good investments herself.

One of the two domestic nurses in the household, Louise Davis, was said to have been born in Dieppe, France. French nurses were a fashion for a time. 

The other domestic nurse present was Elizabeth Coombes, a 22 year old Oxfordshire girl. There were 3 grandchildren in Anne Wethered's household ranging in age from a baby less than a year old up to a 10 year old. The term domestic nurse on a census isn't always easy to interpret. Both nurses may have been nursemaids caring for the children, or one may have been providing care for an infirm or unwell household member. On the 1881 census Anne Wethered's married daughter Sophia Fenwick* had Remnantz and still employed a live in "domestic nurse" despite there being no children in the household. 

Elizabeth Coombes returned to Oxfordshire. Never marrying, she was eventually a housekeeper.

The only two 1871 servants still at Remnantz in 1881 were Mary Tyler aged 64 in 1871 and Caroline Bridgeman whose age varies a lot between censuses. Both had been working there 1861 too when Anne Wethered still had her husband Owen with her (he died the next year). Mary Tyler was said to be a nurse 1861, general servant 1871 and a nurse and housekeeper 1881. Caroline went from housemaid to general servant to upper housemaid across the censuses.

The most senior servant censused 1871 was the butler Alfred Crockford from Chertsey in Surrey, born 1836. He was on the 1851 census as a page boy, perfect butler training! After Remnantz he could be found living in Holborn London working as a meat carver. The precise and neat carving of meat would be a requirement of a butler so his old skills were still being put to use. Alfred married in middle age, his wife Emily.

The final servant to be mentioned 1871 is another general servant Mary A Turner originally from Norfolk but whose family moved to near Sandhurst, Berkshire when she was a little girl.

Remnantz Related Posts: 

Biography of Stephen Remnant, early occupier here

Life for the young cadets at the military college- here

Photos of items once dug up at Remnantz and adjacent properties -here

Use for a cricket match here

The barge that came over the wall (!) here

*Sophia Fenwick nee Wethered had married Lieut Col Percival Fenwick in 1861. Her father was Owen Wethered. 

Sources:

Census:

Great Marlow censuses my transcription from microfilm.

GRO Death Index.

Hurley parish registers.

Great Marlow Parish Registers, my old transcription from the original.

©Marlow Ancestors. You are welcome to use this material for family or local history research purposes providing you credit this blog and link here to make sure my sources remain credited for information provided.

The Life of Emma and Dennis Wargent

Today we are featuring former Marlow and Hurley residents Emma and Dennis Wargent. 

"Emma Price That Was"

Emma Price, the future Mrs Wargent, was born in 1827 in Great Marlow to John and Sarah Price. John worked in the most typical of Marlow occupations of the time - he was the captain of a barge or "barge master," which ran between Marlow and London. He transported goods not just originating in Marlow itself, but from a wide area around bought to one of the several Marlow wharves to move onwards. The family lived in Dean Street, or as it was often known at that time Well End (not the same as Well End, Little Marlow). This area contained the largest concentration of working class homes and especially later a (not always deserved) reputation for roughness. However much of the worse of that, with the association with poaching and skewer making, was a little in the future when Emma was born. The number of beer houses were yet to explode with the relaxed licencing of the 1830s. The occupation and income of the residents was of a mixed type than later, and some later subdivided homes were still intact with largish and pleasant gardens. The home of John Price, a cottage with garden, cost £4 a year to rent when it was up for sale in 1829. Crucially it was of sufficient value to qualify the occupier the right to vote in the Marlow elections. This was an open selling point for the property, in a time when local elections here were rarely without some claim of bought votes, corruption or indeed rioting! See the linked posts below for more on this. 

When she was  approximately 17 Emma married young tailor Thomas Davis*, of Spittal Street, son of Richard. (1843) Thomas and Emma settled in Dean Street too. While Thomas seems to have been successful in his business - he was described as a master tailor (that is one fully and professionally trained) he later chose to change occupation and became a grocer. A little obituary of Emma says this business was located at the corner of Quoiting Square - we are in the process of confirming this location. Most grocers lived on their trading premises at this point, and Emma and Thomas still lived in Dean Street at the time of the 1861 census although his occupation had changed to grocer. Prior to that change though, the young Emma worked as a satin stitch worker doing fine embroidery. This was probably the single biggest employment category for young women in Marlow outside of domestic service and lace making at this period. There were baby linen warehouses employing the women directly on the premises. Much however was done at home. It was not always well paid considering the skill and patience required but it was considered reliable employment. Amongst the bigger employers were the Flints of West Street of whom more here. Take a look at our recreated trade directories linked below to get a flavour of some of Marlow's other past industries. Some of Emma's younger unmarried sisters still residing in the Dean Street Price family home were also engaged in this work and dressmaking. 

Emma was bereaved young (1877). But she was not long a widow. In 1878 she married widower Dennis Wargent...

Dennis, gardener par excellence

Dennis Hignell (Hignall) Wargent was born in the late 1820s in Remenham near Henley. As a 14 year boy he was working as a servant at Remenham Lodge. Very probably in the garden. This was a very typical age to have begun a career as a domestic gardener. 10 years later he is specifically described as a garden labourer at Remenham. Although he as an under gardener may have had to do a considerable amount of the gardens "donkey work", he was also clearly trained in the finer art of producing superlative flowers and produce which was the point of these sometimes long "apprenticeships". Gardeners tended to move on to other positions once they were proficient unless the head gardener was perhaps likely to retire soon. 

Dennis scored a job at the significant Marlow property known in the whimsical style of the time as "The Cottage". This was in fact the 9 bedroom home later known as Quoitings/ Quoitings House/ Quoiting Place and now demolished. This had a gardener's lodge off Oxford Road, which would become home to Dennis and his then wife Hannah nee Bailey**. He was there by the time of the 1861 census. Mrs Sarah Faussett (Fawcett/Faucett) was resident in the main house. Quoitings had gardens known for their fruit as well as a small dairy - a common accessory for Marlow homes at this period including the grandest. In all around 13 acres. 

Throughout the 1860's Dennis romped home with prize after prize at the local horticultural shows and events. Balsams, roses, ferns...all grown to perfection by the hardworking gardener. Among the events he attended were the early versions of the Great Marlow horticultural society shows at Harleyford Park and Court Garden, and the charming sounding "rural fete" at Danesfield. 

One of Marlow's forgotten industries was that of wholesale fruit dealing, especially based around the Dean Street area. This meant the less scrupulous hoping to pilfer something with an easy resale value were fond of targeting fruit and nut frees in private gardens and on farms. Others of course just like to enjoy some free fruit. Whatever the motive, labourer Daniel Lovegrove of Marefield stole into the garden at The Cottage on a quiet Sunday in 1874 and made off with some prize apricots. Dennis however caught him at it, and Daniel was bought before the petty session court in Trinity Road. He received a 3s 6d fine for his trouble. 

A few years later, Hannah  Wargent died. She was buried in Remenham. 

Marriage Again

Emma and Dennis, both now widowed married each other in 1878. They lived in Hurley village a little along the river from Marlow. Dennis would continue to work as a gardener (for the Vicar Rev F T Wethered) and later a cow man there until his late 70s. He also spent many many years as the Hurley Parish clerk and also at times served as churchwarden there. 

Farewell to Emma

Emma sadly fell ill in 1892. She was advised to go to St Mary's Hospital in Paddington for more specialised care, but I am not certain what condition she had been suffering from. She died after a few weeks stay, and is buried in Hurley.  Her grave marker states her age at 70, some local death notices gave it as 68. 

The following year, Dennis would marry a third time, to Louisa. (Born Hagbourne, Berkshire). Would his senior years prove quiet? Not perfectly! As a respected local man and former parish clerk, he was invited to be the treasurer of the East Arms Slate Club in around 1896. The first 9 years were uneventful. Local men paid in a fixed sum (a shilling in 1904/5) per month to the Club, in exchange for claiming a certain amount of the pooled funds in the event of a calamity such as illness or the death of a spouse befalling them. Any unused funds were divided out between members who had kept up their subscriptions, usually just before Christmas at a special share out supper or dinner. Most were hosted by a pub, although chapels also ran them. A very large number were run locally, and there is a high chance of an ancestor belonging to one at some point. In 1905 the club secretary was Thomas Reed, a carpenter of Temple Cottages, Bisham who had held the role for 7 years. Thomas had unfortunately suffered regular periods of unemployment that year. Ahead of the December 1905 share out he went to Dennis and collected the Club funds to distribute to the expectant members. Dennis gave him a receipt and waved him off towards the East Arms. Thomas arrived about 7pm and found 40 members there ready to have a good time. He however announced that he had forgotten a few important documents and would need to go back and get them. He excused himself and the others got on with their celebration supper. The share out usually happened last and so Thomas had time to go. But come midnight, Thomas has not returned. Some of the members, initially concerned for his welfare, went to his home. There they met his puzzled wife who had not seen her husband since he had left telling her he was going to the East Arms. Some then began to feel a little doubt and recalled Thomas had seemed on edge. They went to the home of Dennis Wargent who confirmed Thomas had left him whilst carrying the club funds. The following morning Thomas had still not appeared and a warrant was issued for his arrest. He was apprehended close by and confessed to spending the funds. He admitted it had been an act of foolishness but he said the unemployment he had suffered had made him do it. He could not however account for what he had done with the money. He said his heart had failed him when he knew he would have to face the music so he had fled. He was sentenced to 2 months in Reading gaol with hard labour. The poor savers got none of their money back. Dennis testified in court during the trial. 

In 1910, Dennis passed away aged 83. He had worked as a gardener until at least the age of 79. He is buried with second wife Emma at Hurley. See grave image at bottom. 

NOTE

* There was more than one Thomas Davis in Marlow at this time. Our Thomas was the son of Richard and Mary Davis of Spittal Street. The "other" Thomas Davis was resident in Oxford Lane at this point. They were a similar age.

** Hannah and Dennis married 1856 in Kensington. She was born circa 1821 in Waltham St Lawrence.

Related Posts:

The Flint family embroiders here

Potted history and landlord listing for the East Arms, Hurley here

Other posts related to Hurley: here

Slate clubs and poverty in Victorian and Edwardian Marlow - COMING SOON 

Where your gardening ancestor worked: here

Bargemen of Marlow - here

Posts related to the election violence and everyday life in old Marlow, plus links to the recreated trade directories: here

Every mention of an individual can be found in the A-Z person index top drop down menu where you will also find listings of more detailed biographies of people and families. 

Sources include:

Kelly's Directory Berkshire 1883. 

South Bucks Standard 28 October 1892. 

Reading Mercury 12 September 1863, 08 August 1874. 

Maidenhead Advertiser 29 May 1872. 

Census 1841,1851,1861,1871,1881 and 1891 - transcribed from microfilm by Jane Pullinger and Charlotte Day. 

Horticultural show records compiled by Kathryn - ongoing project. 

Emma Wargent died 1892. 

Dennis Wargent died March 8th 1910. Born Jan 1827.

Written and researched by Kathryn Day. 

© MarlowAncestors 

Great Marlow Aliases and Nicknames

Updated by Charlotte March 2026

Here's a selection of the most distinctive aliases and nicknames used by some of our Marlow forebears. A number of these were revealed in reports of a crime. However anecdotal evidence suggests it was very common for men, including perfectly law abiding ones, in the working class Dean Street area of town in particular to bear a nickname that more or less replaced their real name in everyday life. A number of older residents remember this to be the case well within living memory. We have also gathered their recollections, although many nicknames can no longer be definitely attached to a remembered real first name. This lists gives only the older examples..

Blooming Billy - William Aldridge 1838. Broke his leg while working on the railway at Maidenhead that year.

Bon Ton - John Plumridge 1871. "Bon Ton" was usually the way the posh, urban elite mostly of London, were referred too. Often used mockingly for those whose manners and dress were very pretentious but could also be used for those who were the very much the opposite!

Born Drunk - Frederick Heath 1874. He was fined for being drunk and disorderly that year and described as an old offender in this respect.

Bosher East - William East 1868

Brassy - Alfred Edward Allum 1886 Probably the same man involved in the 1880 Election riots - see here

Bucks Poet, The - Nathaniel Gordon, vet, one time publican, and amateur poet. Used late 1860s-71.

Butcher Lloyd - George Lloyd name in use at least 1876-1884.  Frequent visitor to the magistrate courts on charges ranging from poaching and drunkenness to assault and wife beating (Wife Eliza.) 

Charlie Wonder = Charles Burns  (d 1873) stagecoach and later omnibus driver,one of whose vehicles was called "The Wonder". A biography of him will be published on the blog late in 2026.

Chickey - Thomas Meads of Bovingdon Green 1873.

Chinnum/Chin'em - Perry poaching associate Thomas Anderson, 1840's/50s. Dean Street. A "colourful" (and very violent) character - read more here and about the Perry poaching business here. Chin'em was later arrested for a savage attack on his mother Elizabeth while he was drunk. He nearly cut the nose off her face and left her with a lasting disfigurement. She begged the court on her knees to be merciful to her son, and in fact declined to give evidence against him. She said she could not now remember how the "accident" happened but she might have bumped her face on a door, a scenario the surgeon who saw her shortly after the incident said could in no way account for such an injury. This lead to the very reluctant dismissal of the case by the magistrates.  

Chit Edmunds - Charles Edmunds, childhood nickname which stuck for life due to his small stature. Died age 57 in 1903 in London. 

Cocky Billingshurst - George Billingshurst, 1898. 

Cuddle Bowles - John Bowles 1894.

Dolley Fad - James Ilsley, 1841.

Duke Sparkes - James Sparkes, who died 1898 age c 72. 

Dummy White - Alfred White. An unkind nickname, as Alfred was deaf and partially unable to speak or "dumb" as it would have been called. Died early 1900s.

Dutchman - Josiah Dean of Marlow and Wycombe. Transported for life 1824 - see here

Donkey Dean - 1824, unknown Dean wanted in connection with Webb's gang of marauders. Not the same as Dutchman above. 

The Marlow Cyclone - George Bryant, boxer 1910

Daisy Smith - Richard Smith of Bisham 1840. See the post here for more on this very wanted man!

Fatty Anderson - George Anderson 1841 "a notorious character".

Feckey - Henry Neighbour, 1868. Known for going around pubs cadging beer.

Gaib - Thomas Rose, 1840 born c 1821. A sawyer. Sentenced to 10 years transportation for stealing meat from the shop of Jason Povey. 

Ginger - William Anderson 1873.

Guinea Bean - Charles Bowles, Skewer maker 1839 Dean Street. 

Haphazard - John Edwards. Known for recklessly getting into carts that were already moving. Died in the attempt 1874.

Happy Grace - James James (yes, that was his name. There was also a William Williams in Marlow at one point!) used for him 1886-1909 (when he sent to workhouse) at least. He may also have been known as James Grace as in 1864 a "Happy Grace" alias James Grace  was charged with burglary in Marlow.

Jack Shepherd -(after the notorious 18thc thief and absconder from prison) - Joseph Muspratt who at the age of approximately 12 was sentenced to 3 months in Aylesbury gaol for stealing a loaf of bread from the cart of Patrick Fullicks in 1848.

Jigger- James Wingrove of Burroughs Grove 1907.

King of the City - John Langley senior, biography here.

Lady Stone - Henry Stone 1880.

Little Wonder - Edward Shaw, Marlow FC footballer and captain. 1890. From his youthful proficiency at football. 

Long Tom - Thomas Walker, Marlow F C player 1880s. 

Lord Paget /Mi'lord - Richard Perry. (Died age 63 in 1842 by "visitation of God" while walking in his garden. Druggist Robert Foottit pays for a "decent" burial as Richard had sometimes worked for him. Richard was very poor but had "integrity" and good humour and was "much respected". Many thought poverty precluded such qualities so Richard did very well to turn those prejudices on their head!)

Matilda Blake - Alice Willis, 1881.

Nobby Clark - James Clark. An amateur boxer locally early 1910s. Also a convicted poacher. 

Nutty Price - Frederick Price. 1919. 

Old Jockey - George Eaton. Farm labourer of Cross Roads Farm, Bisham. Died in his sleep 1888 aged "about 50"  - he routinely slept in the cart shed of the farm and so died there. He was found by farmer's son John Anderson. 

Polly Longstockings - Mary Wicks, 1860.

Poodle James - 1.) William James who froze to death on the road in 1882. 2.) Henry James presumably a relative of William, of Dean Street reprimanded for trespassing at Gyldernscroft as a youth in 1882 and involved in attempts to con someone into buying a useless dog for the purpose of rabbiting in 1913. Fined for using indecent language in the Horns pub 1917.

Potter Crewe / Primrose Crewe - William Crewe, 1884. The "Primose" bit added to his nickname after he ,when found poaching, said that he was actually in the woods innocently  gathering primroses .

Pretty Moon - William East 1862. 

Ramping Bob - Robert Taylor, 1837.

Ranji Baker - Herbert Baker who died of consumption age 24 in 1903. 

Royal Belmont - James Cooper, a gipsy 1873.

Sandy - William Anson (age 18), 1882.

Scotty - John Maxwell Banks, tailor who lodged at the Bear 1874

Shallop - George Perry 1837.

Shiner  / Shiner White - George Henry White, fisherman, 1874, 1878, 1882.

Shock East - Charles East, butcher 1839 (Transported for 14 years - see here)

Sackey East - 1867. 

Snuffy Martin  - William Hatton of Little Marlow. Sentenced to 7 years transportation in 1848 for the crime of sheep stealing as he had previous convictions. Age 41. 

Spouter Clark - Richard Clark 1839. Sentenced to 15 years transportation then for robbing a house in Dean Street. 

Stump Harris - Frederick Harris 1868. 

Tallyho - Master Croxon, 1834. A young man frequently in trouble!

Tear-Em-Up Slade - Charles Slade of Gun Lane, 1893. From his occupation as a rag and bone man. Read more here.

Tipney White - George Shaw White, fisherman 1884. 

Topper Frewin- George Frewin(g) killed in a fight at The Bear 1874. 

Tourno - Thomas Frith 1839.

Tricky Davis - William Davis 1860.

Trickey Trackey - William Davis 1835.

Truckman - Henry Creswell 1865.

William White - George Todd dealer 1903.

A few early-mid 20th century examples (all men) Halfpenny, Tonty, Hooker, Sniffer/Snifter, Polly (yes male), Tipper, Topper, Bracey. 

*To find all mentions of an individual here use the A-Z Person Index in the top drop down menu*

 List of posts about everyday life in old Great Marlow here 

Compiled by Kathryn Day, and Charlotte Day. Last updated by Charlotte Feb 2026.

© Marlow Ancestors