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Gay Family
of Mattishall

The Gay family can be traced back many centuries in Norfolk as being land owners and farmers. From what has been found from records this branch originated from the Oulton and Wood Dalling area. They appeared to have moved to Mattishall about 1883 when Alfred John Gay married Florence Sparke at St Peter's Church Mattishall Burgh. From all accounts Alfred took over Hall Farm at Mattishall Burgh which later became Grove Farm. Alfred's son Reginald Sparks Gay later took over Malt House Farm on All Saints Church Square Mattishall.

Many thanks to Katrina Webb granddaughter of Reginald Sparke Gay for all her help regarding this research into her family.
Katrina is the daughter of Irene Muriel Webb, B.E.M., nee Gay.

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Quick Links to named persons
First Generation Second Third Fourth Fifth Sixth
1777 - Robert 1803 - Harriet 1834 - Charles How 1883 - Mabel 1914 - Nora Violet  Empty
 Empty 1805 - William 1836 - William Ireland 1884 - Olive Maude 1916 - Kathleen Sparks  Empty
 Empty 1807 - Thomas Augustus 1837 - Robert 1886 - Reginald Sparks 1918 - Irene Muriel  Empty
 Empty 1808 - George 1838 - Walter 1887 - Marguerite/Daisy 1921 - William Reginald Sparks  Empty
 Empty 1811 - Elizabeth 1839 - Alfred John 1887 - Mildred Violet  Empty  Empty
 Empty 1816 - Emily 1840 - Sarah Emily Ireland 1888 - Beatrice Alice  Empty  Empty
 Empty 1817 - Robert  Empty 1889 - Winifred Muriel Florence  Empty  Empty
 Empty 1819 - Samuel Frederick  Empty 1890 - Alfred John Noel  Empty  Empty
 Empty  Empty  Empty 1892 - Frank Owen  Empty  Empty
 Empty  Empty  Empty 1893 - Beatrix Ivy  Empty  Empty
 Empty  Empty  Empty 1896 - Philip Gordon  Empty  Empty
 
 Empty  Empty Florence Sparke Williamson Family  Empty  Empty
ROBERT GAY born about 1777
Parents unknown

1802: Dec 3 – Marriage at St Lawrence Church Ingworth
Robert Gay a Bachelor married Elizabeth Dix a Spinster by Banns
Robert and Elizabeth had children:

[1] 1803: Nov 6 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Ingworth
Harriot Gay daughter of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth formerly Dix - more HERE

[2] 1805: Jul 7 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Ingworth.
William Gay son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth formerly Dix
William is our ANCESTRAL LINE - more
HERE

[3] 1807: Jan 6 - Baptism at St Lawrence Church Ingworth
Thomas Gay born January 6th 1807 son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth - more HERE

[4] 1808: Jul 3 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton
George Gay born June 28th 1808 son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth - more HERE

[5] 1811: Jul 28 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton
Elizabeth Gay born July 14th 1811 daughter of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth Dix - more HERE

[6] 1816: Apr 28 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 39
Emily Gay daughter of Robert Gay a farmer and his wife Elizabeth - more HERE

[7] 1817: Aug 24 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 56
Robert Gay son of Robert Gay a Farmer and his wife Elizabeth - more HERE

[8] 1819: Sep 19 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 77
Samuel Frederick Gay son of Robert Gay a Farmer and his wife Elizabeth - more HERE

1815: Mar 1 - Norfolk Annals by Charles Mackie - A match was decided at Blickling Park between three horses belonging respectively to Mr. Sheppard and Mr. Roper, of Coleby, and Mr. Wright, of Aylsham. The best of three one mile heats was won by Mr. Sheppard’s horse. A second race between two horses, the property of Mr. Gay, of Oulton, and Mr. Smith, of Aylsham, was won by the former.

1841: Census - Cross Keys Inn. Turnpike Road, Horsham St Faith, Norfolk
James Rice - 30 - Butcher - Norfolk
Sarah Rice - 30 - Norfolk
Amelia Rice - 15- Norfolk
Ann Rice - 13 - Norfolk
William Rice - 10 - Norfolk
Richd Rice - 7 - Norfolk
James Rice - 3 - Norfolk
Joshua Stowers - 20 - Horse Breaker - Norfolk
Martha King - 15 - Servant - Norfolk
Robert Gay - 60 - Farmer - Norfolk
George Gay - 25 - Drover - Norfolk - Robert's son

Meanwhile Elizaberth was here
1841: Census – Manor House
Elizabeth Gay – age 60 - Farmers Wife
Eliza Gay – age 25
Samuel Gay – age 20
Rebecca Wilkinson - age 20 - Farm Servant
Mary Wright - age 15 - Farm Servant

1845: William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk 1845 - Oulton Norfolk
A parish of scattered houses, 3½ miles N.W. of Aylsham, has 409 souls, and 1849 acres, but only 1675 acres are assessable. The Dowager Lady Suffield, the Rev. S. Pitman, of Oulton Hall, (a neat mansion, sheltered by woody acclivities,) and W.E.L. Bulwer, Esq., own most of the soil. The latter is lord of the manor, but Lady Suffield is impropriator of the great tithes - Robert Gay - Farmer

1851: Cawston Road Oulton Aylsham, Norfolk
Robert Gay – Head – age 74 1777 - Farmer Of 566 Acres 17 Lab - Ingworth-NFK
Elizabeth Gay – Wife – age 73 1778 - Farmers Wife - Oulton-NFK
Harriett Gay – Dau – single – age 46 – 1805 - Farmers Daur - Ingworth-NFK
Emily Gay – Dau – single – age 33 1818 - Farmers Daur - Oulton-NFK
William I Gay – Gson – age 15 - Farmers Son - Erpingham-NFK - William is the son of William Gay 1805 (below)
Mary Dack – Servant – single – age 22 - House Serv - Hackford-NFK
Robert Dewing – Servant – single – age 43 - Ag Lab - Booton-NFK

1855: Death record – Robert Gay at Aylsham – Mar quarter (4b 66) age 78 - (1777)
Robert was buried on February 10th at Oulton Churchyard - Entry 357

1859: Death record – Elizabeth Gay at Aylsham – Mar quarter (4b 63) age 81 - (1778)

This could be Robert's brother
1851: Census - Erpingham
William Gay - Head - age 72 1779 - Owner & Farmer of 10 Acres, Employing 1 boy - Ingworth Norolk
Sarah A Gay - Wife - age 66 - Owner and Farmer wife - Burnham Norfolk

MORE ON CHILDREN:

Child 01
HARRIET GAY born 1803
Daughter of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1803: Nov 6 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Ingworth
Harriot Gay daughter of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth formerly Dix

1851: Court Road Oulton Aylsham, Norfolk
Robert Gay – Head – age 74 1777 - Farmer Of 566 Acres 17 Lab - Ingworth-NFK
Elizabeth Gay – Wife – age 73 1778 - Farmers Wife - Oulton-NFK
Harriett Gay – Dau – single – age 46 – 1805 - Farmers Daur - Ingworth-NFK
Emily Gay – Dau – single – age 33 1818 - Farmers Daur - Oulton-NFK
William I Gay – Gson – age 15 - Farmers Son - Erpingham-NFK
Mary Dack – Servant – single – age 22 - House Serv - Hackford-NFK
Robert Dewing – Servant – single – age 43 - Ag Lab - Booton-NFK

Harriet was staying with her younger sister
1861:
Census - Suffield Lodge Tottenham
James Le Neve - Head - age 38 - Cattle Salesman - Suffield Norfolk
Emily Le Neve - Wife - age 44 - Oulton Norfolk
Charles G Le Neve - Son - age 6 - Paddington Middlesex
Harriet Gay - Boarder - Single - age 56 - Land Proprietor - Oulton Norfolk
Robert Le Neve - Visitor - Single - age 20 - Farmer - Suffield Norfolk
Edward Carter - Servant - Married - age 40 - House Servant - Drayton Norfolk
Emma Carter - Servant - Edward's Wife - - age 41 - House Servant - East Tuddenham Norfolk

1871: Census - Harriett appears to be in St Pancras London - No record found so the below seems more likely

However this could be her
1870: Death record - Harriet Gay at Islington - Sep quarter (1b 203) age 66

 

Child 02
WILLIAM GAY born 1805
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1805: Jul 7 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Ingworth.
William Gay son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth formerly Dix

William is the ANCESTRAL LINE to Mattishall for more information click HERE

 

Child 03
THOMAS AUGUSTUS GAY born 1807
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1807: Jan 6 - Baptism at St Lawrence Church Ingworth
Thomas Gay born January 6th 1807 son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth

Thomas went to London and married Ann Worth
1830: May 28 - Marriage at St Dunstan Church Stepney Middlesex - Entry 1100
Thomas Augustus Gay a Bachelor married Anne Worth a spinster of this parish by licence.
Wintness: Thomas Brook and George Hicks
Thomas and Anne had children:

[1] Emma Maria Gay born about 1831 at St Andrews Middlesex
Emma married Alfred George Jeremy in the Dec quarter of 1854 at West London
[2] Eliza Susan Gay born about 1833 at St Andrews Middlesex
Eliza married Charles Benedict Williams in the Sept quarter of 1857 at West London
[2] Walter Samuel Gay born 1833 at St Andrews Middlesex
Walter married Margaret Esther Vallance in the Sep quarter of 1833 at Holborn - Walter was a Law Clerk
Walter died in 1907 age 74 at Holborn

1833: Dec 20 - The Bankrupt Directory - Thomas Augusta Gay, Staioner of Southampton Buildings Chancery Lane London

Thomas Gay was a founder director of 'The Prudential Investment, Loan and Assurance Association' which was started on May 30th 1848 at 12 Hatton Gardens. All directors commited themselves to purchasing five shares. for more information click HERE - then click on page 19 to open up.

1851: Census - 16 Southampton Buildings Holborn St Andrews Middlsex
Thomas A Gay - Head - age 44 - Law Staioner - Ingworth Norfolk
Anne Gay - Wife - age 43 - Hackney London
Emma M Gay - Dau - age 20 - St Andrews Middlesex
Walter S Gay - Son - age 18 - St Andrews Middlesex
Eliza S Gay - Dau - age 17 - St Andrews Middlesex
Frances A Wood - Visitor - age 2 - St George in the East, Middlesex
Mary A I Flemming - Servant - single - age 22 - House Servant - St Mary Islington Middlesex

1861: Census - 16 Southampton Buildings Holborn St Andrew Middlesex
Thomas A Gay - Head - age 54 - Law Stationer - Ingworth, Norfolk
Ann Gay - Wife - age 54 - Hackney Middlesex
Walter Samuel Gay - Son - single - age 22 - Law Staioner - St Andrews Middlesex
Eliza Susan Williams - Dau - Married - age 28 - Commercial Travelers Wife - St Andrews Middlesex
Ernest Alfred Jeremy - Gson - age 4 - Scholar - St Pancras Middlesex - son of Emma Maria

Thomas A Gay died in the June quarter of 1866 at Holborn age 59.

1871: Census - 28 Allmond Square Stratford Westham Essex
Annie Gay - Head - Widow - age 63 - Annuitant - Hackney London
Emma M Jermy - Dau - Married - age 40 - Schoolmistress - Holburn - Annie's daughter
Ernest A Jermy - Gson - age 15 - St Pancras
Louisa E Jermy - Gdau - age 12 - Scholar - Clerkenwell, Middlesex
Walter G Jermy - Gson - age 5 - Scholar - Clerkenwell, Middlesex

1881: Census - 28 Montem Rd Lewisham
William Pratt - Head - age 52 - Retired Hosier - Limehouse Middlesex
Eliza S Pratt - Wife - age 47 - Holburn - Annie's daughter
Annie Gay - Visitor - Widow - age 73 - Hackney
Elizabeth Wheatley - Servant - single - age 22 - General Servant - Surry

 

Child 04
GEORGE GAY born 1808
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1808: Jul 3 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton
George Gay born June 28th 1808 son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth

1837: Nov 1 - Marriage at St Anges Church Cawston - Entry 1
George Gay a Bachelor, Farmer of Erpingham married Jane Easton a Spinster - By Licence
Fathers: Robert Gay a Farmer and Isaac Easton a Farmer
Witness: Isaac Easton and Martha Ann
Notes: Duplicate record as the bride signs as EASTON and the clerk entered EASON. AEL Bulwer, Rector of this Parish. This entry was also in the previous register as number 140

1851: Alby Hill, Aylsham
George Gay - Head - age 42 - Farmer (Of 200 Ac Employing 6 Labs) - Oulton-NFK
Jane Gay - Wife - age 40 - Farmers Wife - Cawston-NFK
Robert E Gay - Son - age 11 - Erpingham-NFK
George I Gay - Son - age 9 - Scholar - Erpingham-NFK
William Gay - Son - age 8 - Scholar - Erpingham-NFK
John Gay - Son - age 7 - Scholar - Alby-NFK
Jane E Gay - Dau - age 5 - Alby-NFK
Richard Gay - Son - age 2 - Alby-NFK
Harriet E Gay - Son - age 4 months - Alby-NFK
Elizabeth Tice - Servant - age 15 - Dairy Maid - Aldborough-NFK
Jemima Bacon - Servant - age 15 - House Maid - Sheringham-NFK
Elizabeth Bishop - Servant - age *9 - Nurse Maid - Foulsham-NFK
John Temple - Servant - age 16 - Groom (Ft) Thwaite-NFK

Things appeared to have gone wrong for George
1861: Census - Town Lane Buxton Norfolk
Robert Wells - Head - age 41 - Carpenter Journeyman - Norfolk - Bawdeswell
Lydia Wells - Wife - age 39 - Norfolk - Hockham
Robert J Wells - Son - age 7 - Scholar - Norfolk - Blickling
Sarah E Wells - Dau - age 5 - Scholar - Blickling
George Gay - Visitor - Married - age 52 - Retired Farmer Norfolk - Oulton

Meanwhile Jane was here
1861:
Census - Holt Road Cawston
William Ash Easton - Head - single - age 40 - Farmer 400ac Emp 18m 3b Norfolk - Cawston
Elizabeth Easton - Mother - Widow - age 78 - Norfolk - Cawston
Jane Gay - Sister - Married - age 46 - Housekeeper - Norfolk - Cawston
John Gay - Nephew - age 16 - Visitor Norfolk - Alby With Thwaite(Originally: Norfolk - Alby)
Frederick Gay - Nephew - age 7 - Visitor - Norfolk - Alby With Thwaite(Originally: Norfolk - Alby)
Benjamin Russell - Servant - single - age 23 - Groom Norfolk - Cawston
Mary Ann Sparrow - Servant - age 20 - Dairy Maid - Norfolk - Itteringham(Originally: Norfolk - Ittringham)

1865: Death record - George Gay at Aylsham - Mar quarter (4b 61) age 57

Jane now a 59 year old widow was living with her nephew
1871: Census - Southgate Cawston
James Riddell - Head - single - age 24 - Farmer 300a Emp 5m 3b 1g - Norfolk - Corpusty
Jane Gay - Aunt - Widow - age 59 - Norfolk - Cawston

1881: Census - Green Farm Oulton, Norfolk
Sarah Seaman - Head - Widow - age 61 - Farmer Of 330 A 8 Men & 4 Boys - Cawston, Norfolk
George Seaman - Son - age 18 - Farmers Son - Oulton, Norfolk
Jane Gay - Sister - Widow - age 71 - Cawston, Norfolk
Elizabeth Hipperson - Servant - single - age 22 - Dairy Domestic - Saxthorpe, Norfolk
Emmaline Bartle - Servant - age 14 - General Domestic - Oulton, Norfolk

1887: Death record - Jane Gay at Aylsham - Mar quarter (4b 56) age 77

 

Child 05
ELIZABETH GAY born 1811
Daughter of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1811: Jul 28 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton
Elizabeth Gay born July 14th 1811 daughter of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth Dix

1849: Marriage record - Elizabeth Gay married James Le Neve at Aylsham - Mar quarter (13 21)

1851: Census - 1 Richmond Road Paddington Kensington
James Le Neve - Head - age 28 1823 - Butcher Master employing 2 men, 1 boy - Suffield, Norfolk
Elizabeth Le Neve - Wife - age 37 - Oulton
Charles Le Neve - Visitor - Married - age 62 - Farmer of 112 acres employing 4 lab - Suffield Norfolk
Thomas Cubitt - Apprentice - age 18 - Butchers Apprentice - Bacton Norfolk
William Cordwell - Apprentice - age 18 - Butchers Apprentice -
George Edwards - Groom - age 17 - Groom - Paddington
Ellen Wall - Servant - age 21 - House Servant - Corpussy Norfolk

Elizabeth Le Neve died age 40 in 1851
1851:
Death record - Elizabeth Le Neve at Kensington - Sep quarter (3 290) age 40 - No further information

James remarried his late wife's sister Emily Gay - More see Emily Gay 1816 (below)
1852: - Marriage record - James Le Neve married Emily Gay at Kensington - Dec quater (1a 184)

Child 06
EMILY GAY born 1816
Daughter of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1816: Apr 28 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 39
Emily Gay daughter of Robert Gay a farmer and his wife Elizabeth

1851: Court Road Oulton Aylsham, Norfolk
Robert Gay – Head – age 74 1777 - Farmer Of 566 Acres 17 Lab - Ingworth-NFK
Elizabeth Gay – Wife – age 73 1778 - Farmers Wife - Oulton-NFK
Harriett Gay – Dau – single – age 46 – 1805 - Farmers Daur - Ingworth-NFK
Emily Gay – Dau – single – age 33 1818 - Farmers Daur - Oulton-NFK
William I Gay – Gson – age 15 - Farmers Son - Erpingham-NFK
Mary Dack – Servant – single – age 22 - House Serv - Hackford-NFK
Robert Dewing – Servant – single – age 43 - Ag Lab - Booton-NFK

Emily married her late sister's widower James Le Neve in the Dec quarter of 1852 at Kensington
1852: - Marriage record - James Le Neve married Emily Gay at Kensington - Dec quater (1a 184)
1852: Dec 31 - Marriage at Saints Mary's Church Paddington - Entry 37
James Le Neve a widower and Butcher of this parish married Emily Gay a Spinster of the parish Oulton Norfolk
Fathers: Charles Le Neve Farmer and Robert Gay Farmer
Witness: ?

1861: Census - Suffield Lodge Tottenham
James Le Neve - Head - age 38 - Cattle Salesman - Suffield Norfolk
Emily Le Neve - Wife - age 44 - Oulton Norfolk
Charles G Le Neve - Son - age 6 - Paddington Middlesex
Harriet Gay - Boarder - Single - age 56 - Land Proprietor - Oulton Norfolk - Emily's sister
Robert Le Neve - Visitor - Single - age 20 - Farmer - Suffield Norfolk
Edward Carter - Servant - Married - age 40 - House Servant - Drayton Norfolk
Emma Carter - Servant - Edward's Wife - - age 41 - House Servant - East Tuddenham Norfolk

1871: Census - 74 Hungerford Road Islington London
James Le Neve - Head - age 48 - Cattle Saleman - Suffield Norfolk
Emily Gay Le Neve - Wife - age 53 - Oulton Norfolk
Charles Gay Le Neve - Son - age 17 - Bayswater London
Lynn Le Neve - Mother - Widow - age 70 - Farmers Wife - Suffield Norfolk
Elizabeth Le Neve - Sister inlaw - Married - age 36 - Farmers Wife - Stalham Norfolk
Harriet Field - Servant - Single - age 25 - General Servant - Oulton Norfolk

1881: Census - 17 Hungerford Rd Islington, London, Middlesex
James Le Neve - Head - age 60 - Cattle Salesman - Suffield, Norfolk
Emily Le Neve - Wife - age 63 - Oulton Norfolk
Charles G Le Neve - Son - Married - age 27 - Cattle Salesman - Bayswater, Middlesex
Mary Le Neve - Sons Wife - age 28 - Wheatacre, Norfolk
Anna Seago - Vistor - sibgle - age 26 - Stoke, Norfolk
Hannah Wilton - Servant - sigel - age 21 - General Servant - Newport, Monmouth
Albert Simpson - Servant - age 17 - General Servant - Norwich, Norfolk

James Le Neve died age 67 in the Dec quarter of 1889 at Islington
Emily returned to Norfolk

1891: - Census - Hungate Street Aylsham
Emily Le Neve - Head - Widow - age 74 - Living On Own Means - Norfolk - Oulton
Charles G Le Neve - Son - Married - age 36 - Living On Own Means London - Bayswater
Mary Le Neve - Daulaw - Married age 37 - Norfolk - Forncett St Mary
Oliver J Le Neve - Gson - age 8 - Scholar - London - Islington
Helen Le Neve - Gdau - age 8 - Scholar - London - Islington
Mary A Davidson - Servant - age 14 - General Servnt - Norfolk - Aylsham

1901: Census - Hungate Street Aylsham Norfolk
Emily Le Neve - Head - Widow - age 84 - Living on own means - Oulton
Charles G Le Neve - Son - Married - age 46 - Living on own means - Bayswater London
Mary Le Neve - Dlaw - Married - age 47 - Forncett Norfolk
Olive J Le Neve - Gson - age 19 - Issington London
Helen Le Neve - Gdau - age 18 - Isslington London

1911: Census - School House, Hungate Street, Aylsham Norfolk
Emily Le Neve - Head - Widow - age 96 - Living on own means - Oulton Norfolk - Deaf
Charles Gay Le Neve - Son - Widower - age 56 - Market Gardener at Home - London
Oilver James Le Neve - Gson - married - age 27 - Gardener - London
Maude Le Neve - Sons Dlaw - married - age 23 - Norfolk

1912: Death record - Emily Gay Le Neve at Aylsham - Mar quarter (4b 133) age 96

 

Child 07
ROBERT GAY born 1817
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1817: Apr 24 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 56
Robert Gay son of Robert Gay a Farmer and his wife Elizabeth

1835: The register of admissions to Gray's inn, 1521-1889, together with the register of marriages in Gray's inn chapel London.
Robert Gay, aged 17, fourth son of Robert Gay, of Oulton, Norfolk, gent.

Newspaper entry - Robert Gay a wine merchant, FOURTH son of Mr Robert Gay of Oulton married Anne Clarke (date unknown) the eldest daughter of Mr Charles Clarke, at St. Paul's, Bunbill-row London. In 1851 Robert and Anne were living at Ramesgate Kent and Robert was recored as a 33 year old Wine Mercant

1851: Census - London Hotel, Kings Street Ramsgate Kent
Robert Gay - Head - age 33 - Victualler - Oulton Norfolk
Anne Gay - Wife - age 32 - Bourne, Lincolnshire
Henry Bellingham - Servant - single - age 37 - Barman - Dover Kent
Robert had taken over the London Hotel in 1847

Anne died in 1851
1851: Death record - Anne Gay at Thanet I - Sep quater [35] [6] [79]

1851: Aug 21 - Morning Advertiser
On the 12th inst, Anne Gay, in her 32d year of her age, the beloved wife of Mr Robert Gay, of the London Hotel, Ramsgate, Kent.

Not sure what happened to Robert after this as no other records have been found.

 

Child 08
SAMUEL FREDERICK GAY born 1819
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix

1819: Sep 19 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Oulton - Entry 77
Samuel Frederick Gay son of Robert Gay a Farmer and his wife Elizabeth

1843: Marriage record - Samuel Frederick Gay married Dorcas Tipple at Aylsham - Dec quarter (13 35)
Dorcas was the daughter of James Tipple a farmer of Oulton and Maria Booty.

1851: Census - Erpingham Aylsham, Norfolk
Samuel Gay - Head - age 31 - Farmer Of 100 Acrers Employing 3 Labourers - Oulton-Nfk
Dorcas Gay - Wife - age 33 - Saxthorpe-Nfk
George Tipple - Visitor - age 20 - Miller - Saxthorpe-Nfk
Hannah Wall - Servant - age 20 - House Servant - Corpusty-Nfk
James Brett - Servant - age 18 - House Servant - Erpingham-Nfk

Samuel died age 37
1856:
Death record - Samuel Gay at Aylsham - Sep quarter (4b **) age 37

Dorcas now a widow and a shopkeeper remarried to Samuel Bunting
1859: Oct 21 - Marriage at St George Church Hindolveston - Entry 95
Dorcas Gay a Widow and shopkeeper married Samuel Bunting a Bachelor and Shopkeeper of Guestwick - By Licence
Fathers: James Tipple a Farmer and Henry Bunting a Farmer.
Witness: Benjamin Cooper and Sarah Cooper

1881: Census - Church Farm Little Barningham, Norfolk
Golden Cubitt - Head - age 57 - Farmer of 420 Acres Employ 12 Lab 3 Boys - Aldborough, Norfolk
Bathsheba Cubitt - Wife - age 59 - Tivetshall St Mary, Norfolk
Dorcas Bunting - Relative - Widow - age 63 - Saxthorpe, Norfolk
Standly Slipper - Relative - age 6 - Scholar - Watterton, Norfolk
Eliza Baxter - Servant - age 14 - General Sev - Itteringham, Norfolk

 

 

WILLIAM GAY born about 1805
Son of Robert Gay (1777) and Elizabeth Dix above

1805: Jul 7 - Baptism at St Peter and St Paul Church Ingworth.
William Gay son of Robert Gay and his wife Elizabeth formerly Dix

1833: Nov 12 – Marriage at St Peter & St Paul Church at Heydon – Entry 52
William Gay a Bachelor of Elsingham married Sarah Ireland a Spinster of this parish
Witness: John Ireland and Ann Goldsmith
Although Sarah Ireland claimed to have been born about 1804 at Heydon there are no baptism entry in the parish records for her or any of her siblings. Although there were other baptisms being recorded at that time, so we have to assume her parents did not attend the church.
It is highly likely that Sarah was related to Benjamin Ierland of Heydon born about 1813. Benjamin's son (Benjamin Smith Ireland) married Williams and Sarah's daughter Sarah Emily Ireland Gay 1840 (below)
William and Sarah had children:

[1] 1834: Dec 31 – Baptism at St Mary Church Erpingham – Entry 254 - more HERE
Charles How Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

[2] 1836: Mar 09 – Baptism at St Mary Church Erpingham – Entry 270 - more HERE
William Ireland Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

[3] 1837: Mar 05 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 408 - more HERE
Robert Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

[4] 1838: Mar 22 – Basptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 428 - more HERE
Walter Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

[5] 1839: Sep 29 – Baptism at St Andrew Chaurh Wood Dalling – Entry 461
Alfred John Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah - ANCESTRAL LINE - more HERE

[6] 1840: Nov 15 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 480 - more HERE
Sarah Emily Ireland Gay daughter of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1845: - William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk - Wood Dalling
William Gay - Tyby?

1851: Census - Wood Dalling Aylsham, Norfolk
Sarah Gay – Head – married - age 47 - Farming 250 Acres Employ 6 Men And 2 Boys - Heydon-Nfk
Charles Stow Gay – Son – age 16 - At Home - Eassingham-Nfk
Walter Gay – Son – age 13 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 11 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sarah Edward – Servant – single – age 29 - House Servant - Edgfield-Nfk
Eliza Hindry – Servant – single age 18 - House Servant - Brandiston-Nfk
Paul Ward – Servant – age 18 - Farm Labourer - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sam Cottrell – Servant – age 17 - Farm Labourer - Heydon-Nfk

Meanwhile William was at Smithfield Market area of London – some of the other boarders were also from Norfolk
1851: Census – Lock & Key Inn 62 West Smithfield Saint Bartholomew London
Henry Keeble – Head – single - age 37 – Victualler – Middlesex
William Gay – Visitor – Married – Farmer – Norfolk
John B Hammond – Visitor – age 21 – Salesman - Norfolk
Charles Chamberlain – Visitor – age 25 – Drover - Norfolk
Christopher Wendon – Visitor – age 28 – Butcher - Norfolk
Charles Cockerill – Visitor – age 31 – Salesman - Norfolk

1851: Meanwhile William's other children were here:
William Ireland Gay
(1836) was staying with his grandparents (Robert Gay and Elizabeth Dix)
Robert Gay
(1837) was a pupil at Hungate Street School at Aylsham.
Sarah Emily Gay (1840) was a pupil at a girls school in Red Lion Street Aylsham.

1854: - Francis White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory, of Norfolk - Wood Dalling
William Gay - Crabgate

1861: Manor House – Oulton
Sarah Gay – Head – Married – age 58 – Farmer of 470 Acres Employing 14 men and 4 Boys – Heydon
John Gay – Son – single – age 21 – Wood Dalling
Sarah Gay – Dau – single – age 20 – Wood Dalling
Hannah Palmer – Servant – age 16 – House Servant – Oulton
John Cottrell – Servant – age 19 – Groom – Heydon

Meanwhile William was again in London
1861: Census – The Loin Hotel James Road St Islington - Next to: Metropolitan Meat & Poultry Market in 1869; address also Metropolitan Cattle Market
Henry Keeble – Head – single – age 48 – Inn Keeper – Middlesex
William Gay – Lodger – Married – age 57 – Farmer & Salesman – Ingworth Norfolk
William I Gay – Lodger – Married – age 25 - Farmer & Salesman – Norfolk – Is this Williams son? (William Ireland Gay)
Anthony Hacey – Lodger – Married – age 32 - Cattle Dealer – Norfolk
John Greenman – Lodger – Married – age 25 - Cattle Salesman - Plumstead, Norfolk
George Strangleman – Lodger – Married – age 31 - Cattle Dealer - Fakenham, Norfolk
James Syder – Lodger – Married – age 45 - Cattle Salesman - Fakenham, Norfolk
Francis Syder – Lodger – Unmarried – age 17 - Cattle Salesman - Fakenham, Norfolk
John Frost – Lodger – Married – age 49 - Farmer Salesman – Norfolk
Henry Rudland – Lodger – Married – age 35 – Butcher - Fakenham, Norfolk
Edward Newman – Lodger – Married – age 58 - Cattle Salesman - Tacolneston, Norfolk
Chas Edward Newman – Lodger – Married – age 22 - Cattle Salesman - Stradsett, Norfolk
Edgar Chamberlain – Lodger – Married – age 29 – Farmer - Hassingham, Norfolk
Isaac Hasey – Lodger – Married – age 34 - Farmer Salesman – Norfolk

Meanwhile Wiliam and Sarah's sons were here:
1861: Census - 3 Market Place, The Haymarket, Norwich
Robert Gay - Asstnt - single - age 23 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Walter Gay - Asstnt - single - 24 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman - Norfolk - Wood Dalling

1871: Census – Manor House Oulton Norfolk
William Gay – Head – age 65 1806 - Farmer 445a Emp15m&5b - Norfolk – Ingworth
Sarah Gay – Wife – age 67 - Norfolk – Heydon
Alfred J Gay – Son – age single – 31 - Farmers Son - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Sarah T Gay – Dau – single – age 30 - Farmers Daughter - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Hannah H Fuller – Servant – single – age 23 - Dairymaid - Norfolk – Itteringham
Jouisa Bell – Servant – age 19 – Housemaid - Norfolk – Colby

1872: Death record – William Gay at Aylsham – Dec quarter – (4b 56) age 67 (1805)
1873: Death record – Sarah Gay at Aylsham – Dec quarter (4b 51) age 70 (1803)

From all accounts the farm/land/estate was taken over by a James Gay - not sure where he fits in
1883:
- William White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory of Norfolk - Wood Dalling
The parish lies partly in a fertile dale. It was anciently called Dallinga, and was long held by the Dalling family, one of whom built the Hall (now a farmhouse) about 1582. Colonel W.E.G.L. Bulwer is lord of the manors of Wood-Dalling, Monceaux, Halwood-Noijons, and Crabgate; but James Gay, Robert Ives, and J.P. and E.C. Francis, Esqs., and some smaller owners, have estates here.

MORE ON CHILDREN:

Child 01
CHARLES HOW GAY born 1834
Son of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1834: Dec 31 – Baptism at St Mary Church Erpingham – Entry 254
Charles How Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1851: Census - Wood Dalling Aylsham, Norfolk
Sarah Gay – Head – married - age 47 - Farming 250 Acres Employ 6 Men And 2 Boys - Heydon-Nfk
Charles Stow Gay – Son – age 16 - At Home - Eassingham-Nfk
Walter Gay – Son – age 13 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 11 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sarah Edward – Servant – single – age 29 - House Servant - Edgfield-Nfk
Eliza Hindry – Servant – single age 18 - House Servant - Brandiston-Nfk
Paul Ward – Servant – age 18 - Farm Labourer - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sam Cottrell – Servant – age 17 - Farm Labourer - Heydon-Nfk

Charles died in 1856 age 22 at Aylsham
1856: Death record - Charles How Gay at Aylsham - Jun quarter (4b 45) - What was the cause of death?

 

Child 02
WILLIAM IRELAND GAY born 1836
Son of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1836: Mar 09 – Baptism at St Mary Church Erpingham – Entry 270
William Ireland Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

In 1851 William was staying with his grandparents, age 15 and recorded as Farmer's Son
1851: Court Road Oulton Aylsham, Norfolk
Robert Gay – Head – age 74 1777 - Farmer Of 566 Acres 17 Lab - Ingworth-NFK
Elizabeth Gay – Wife – age 73 1778 - Farmers Wife - Oulton-NFK
Harriett Gay – Dau – single – age 46 – 1805 - Farmers Daur - Ingworth-NFK
Emily Gay – Dau – single – age 33 1818 - Farmers Daur - Oulton-NFK
William I Gay – Gson – age 15 - Farmers Son - Erpingham-NFK - William is the son of William Gay 1805 (below)
Mary Dack – Servant – single – age 22 - House Serv - Hackford-NFK
Robert Dewing – Servant – single – age 43 - Ag Lab - Booton-NFK

In 1861 he was with his father in the Smithfield Market area of London.
1861: Census – The Loin Hotel James Road St Islington - Next to:
Metropolitan Meat & Poultry Market in 1869; address also Metropolitan Cattle Market
Henry Keeble – Head – single – age 48 – Inn Keeper – Middlesex
William Gay – Lodger – Married – age 57 – Farmer & Salesman – Ingworth Norfolk - William's father
William I Gay – Lodger – Married – age 25 - Farmer & Salesman – Norfolk
Anthony Hacey – Lodger – Married – age 32 - Cattle Dealer – Norfolk
John Greenman – Lodger – Married – age 25 - Cattle Salesman - Plumstead, Norfolk
George Strangleman – Lodger – Married – age 31 - Cattle Dealer - Fakenham, Norfolk
James Syder – Lodger – Married – age 45 - Cattle Salesman - Fakenham, Norfolk
Francis Syder – Lodger – Unmarried – age 17 - Cattle Salesman - Fakenham, Norfolk
John Frost – Lodger – Married – age 49 - Farmer Salesman – Norfolk
Henry Rudland – Lodger – Married – age 35 – Butcher - Fakenham, Norfolk
Edward Newman – Lodger – Married – age 58 - Cattle Salesman - Tacolneston, Norfolk
Chas Edward Newman – Lodger – Married – age 22 - Cattle Salesman - Stradsett, Norfolk
Edgar Chamberlain – Lodger – Married – age 29 – Farmer - Hassingham, Norfolk
Isaac Hasey – Lodger – Married – age 34 - Farmer Salesman – Norfolk

1865: May 3 - Marriage at St Michael Church Aylsham - Entry 322
William Ireland Gay a Singleman and Farmer of Oulton married Mary Soame a Spinster of Aylsham
Fathers: William Gay a Farmer and Harry Edward Soame a Farmer
Witness: Sarah Grimby and Nathannell Gay - WHO is Nathannell?

Mary was the daughter of Henry Edward Soame a Farmer and Mary Sly formerly Puncher - Henry married Mary the widow of Stephen Sly on June 16th 1830 at Aylsham

MORE of Mary and her family
1851: Census - Cawston Road, Aylsham
Henry Edward Soame - Head - age 49 - Farmer 800 Ac Emp 24 Labs & 14 Lads Calthorpe-NFK
Mary Soame - Wife - age 44 - Aylsham-NFK
Sarah Soame - Dau - age 18 - Aylsham-NFK
John Soame - Son - age 17 - Aylsham-NFK
Mary Soame - Dau - age 15 - Aylsham-NFK
Eleanor Soame - Dau - age 14 - Scholar - Aylsham-NFK
Susanna Soame - Dau - age 13 - Scholar - Aylsham-NFK
Katherine Soame - Dau - age 12 - Scholar - Aylsham-NFK
Elizabeth Soame - age 9 - Scholar - Aylsham-NFK
Elizabeth Puncher - MaLaw - widow - age 73 - Gunton-NFK
Hannah Coomer - Servant - single - age 24 - House Servant - Hevingham-NFK
Emily Purday - Servant - age 16 - House Servant - Aylsham-NFK
Mary Rivett - Servant - widow - age 59 - Wash Woman - Aylsham-NFK
John Rudd - Servant - age 17 - Ag Lab - Aylsham-NFK

William and Mary had no children.

1871: Census - Wood Farm Oulton Norfolk
William I Gay - Head - age 35 - Farmer 204 Ac Emp 6m1b&1w - Norfolk - Erpingham
Mary Gay - Wife - age 35 - Norfolk - Aylsham
Caroline Pinchin - Servant - age 17 - General Servant Norfolk - Corpusty

1881: Census- Manor House Oulton, Norfolk
William Gay - Head - age 44 - Farmer Of 500 Acres 14 Men & 6 Boys - Erpingham, Norfolk
Mary Gay - Wife - age 44 - Aylsham, Norfolk
Rachel Blogg - Servant - age 19 - Dairy Domestic - Blickling, Norfolk
Anna Blogg - Servant - age 14 - Domestic - Blickling, Norfolk
William Ives - Servant - single - age 23 - Groom - Calthorpe, Norfolk

1883: Kelley's Directory - Oulton
William Ireland Gay farmer, Manor farm & Wood farm

1891: Census - Manor Farm Oulton Norfolk
William I Gay - Head - age 54 - Farmer(Em'er) - Norfolk - Erpingham
Mary Gay - Wife - age 54 - Norfolk - Aylsham
Alfred Geater - Visitor - age 46 - Agent(Em'er) - Suffolk - Preston
Arthur Olley - Servant - single - age 25 - Farm Serv(Em'ee) Norfolk - Runhall
Rachel Rowe - Servant - age 18 - Dom Serv(Em'ee) - Norfolk - Edgefield
Eliza Sampson - Servant - age 18 - Dom Serv(Em'ee) - Norfolk - Oulton

1901: Manor Farm - Oulton Norfolk
William I Gay - Head - age 65 - Farmer employer at home - Erpingham
Mary Gay - Wife - age 65 - Aylsham Norfolk
Arthur J Gay - Nephew - age 32 - Bailiff on Farm - London - Arthur is the son of Robert Gay (1837) below
Sarah Middleton - Servant - age 18 - Housemaid Domestic - Corpusty Norfolk

Mary died
1906: Death record - Mary Gay at Aylsham - Jun quarter (4b 49) age 70

1911: Census - Stinton Hall Sall Reepham Norfolk
William Irleand Gay - Head - Widower - age 75 - Farmer employer - Erpingham Norfolk
Sarah Emily Ireland Ireland - Sister - Widow - 70 - Wood Dalling
Arthur Jordain Gay - Nephew - single - age 42 - Farmer employer - Hackney London - Arthur is the son of Robert Gay (1837) below
Anna Elizabeth Sutton - Servant - single - age 22 - General Domistic Servant - Cawston Norfolk
The property has 9 rooms

1911: Apr 30 - William died
1911: Death record - William Ireland Gay at Aylsham - Jun quarter (4b 44) age 75

1912: Woolsey and Thorold, 5 Opie Street Norwich, Solictors for the said Executors.
Notice is hereby given, that all creditors and other persons, having any claims of demands against the estate of William Ireland Gay, late of Stinton Hall Salle, in the county of Norfolk, formerly of the Manor House, Oulton, in the said county, Farmer, deceased (who died on 30th day of April, 1911, and whose will was proved in the District Probate Registry, at Norwich, in His Majesty's High Court of Justice, on the 10th day of July 1911, by Edwin Benjamin Ireland and George Durant Harman, the executors therein named), are hereby required to send the particulars, in writing, of their claims or demand to us, the undersigned, the Solicitors for the said executors, on or before the 30th day of April 1912, after which date the said executors will proceed to distribute the assets of the said deceased amongst the persons entitled thereto, having regard only to the claims and demands of which of which they shall then shall have had notice; and they will not be liable fro the assets of the said deceased, or any part thereof, so distributed, to any person or persons of whose claims or demands they shall not then have had notice - Dated this 16th day of February 1912

 

Child 03
ROBERT GAY born 1837
Son of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1837: Mar 05 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 408
Robert Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1851: Census - Hungate Street School, Aylsham
William Poulton - Head - age 40 - Schoolmaster - Isleworth Mid
Mary Ann Poulton - Wife - age 35 - Egham Surry
There then follows 5 children of the Schoolmaster and his wife and 2 house servants
Robert Gay - Pupil - age 14 - Scholar - Wood Dalling
Followed by another 22 pupils

For whatever reason farming life was not for Robert and his brother Walter or maybe it was clear their older brother William was to inherit things which pushed them into a totally different career for in 1861 we find them employed at a large Drapery establishment/property/store on Gentleman's Walk Norwich. At this time we don't know who owned the business or its name but from the Norwich City history records (date not clear) At No 4 was P J Knights’ warehouse which was renowned for the finest Norwich shawls, woven from fine wool and silk (4 yards square without a seam). These shawls were later to be provided to Queen Victoria and the Princesses. (ref. collection in the Norwich Castle Museum).
As the property numbers were ever changing at this time another likely store to consider would be 'Chamberlin & Son' which was a large corner store where Tesco's is now on Guild Hall Hill. They were known to have live-in staff. for more click HERE.

1861: Census - 3&4 Market Place (Gentleman's Walk) Haymarket Norwich
Thomas Gibbon - Head - Widower - age 42 - Slk Mrcr Wooln Lnen Drpry Supt - Essex - Stratford
Robert Gay - Assistant - single - age 23 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Walter Gay - Assistant - single - age 24 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman Norfolk - Wood Dalling
This property must have had living accommodation/dormitory for as as well as Robert and Walter there was also recorded at the property 23 other male assistance, 23 female assistance's and 5 female house servants.

A little bit of history and background
By the end of the 17th century many of the strict regulations regarding trade in Norwich were lifted or relaxed, and Norwich became a fashionable shopping town. Shops catering for the growing wealthy classes, such as booksellers, vintners and gunsmiths, grew around the market plain, especially in the large buildings along the eastern side of the market, the Nethererowe, which became so popular with the gentry it became known as Gentleman's Walk. Gentleman's Walk acquired a number of luxury shops, including John Toll's drapers from which Elizabeth Gurney (later Elizabeth Fry) watched the election of 1796, the wine and spirit dealership of Thomas Bignold who in company with other local shopkeepers founded a mutual association to provide fire insurance for the area's shops which became Norwich Union, and Saunders Coffee House, patronised by the young Horatio and William Nelson.
In 1863 Gentleman's Walk was paved properly with York stone. More can be found HERE

From Norwich Robert moved to London for we then find a record of his marriage to Mary Jordain at Hackney.
1867: Marriage record - Robert Gay married Mary Jordain at Hackney - Sep quarter (1b 692)
Mary appears to be the daughter of John Jordain a Yeoman and his wife Elizabeth unknown who in 1851 were living at Church Street Dodbrooke Kingsbridge, Devonshire, which was her mother's birth place.
Robert and Mary had children:

[01] Arthur Jordain Gay born 1868 at Hackney - Sep quater (1b 397)
Arthur married Katie Mable Page in the Dec quarter of 1913 at Norwich - He was a farmer in the Oulton, Alysham area of Norfolk
He died in the Jun quarter of 1946, Norwich Outer age 77

[02] Florence Mary Gay born 1869 at Hackney - Sep quater (1b 428)
[03] Blanche Bignel Gay born 1871 at Hackney - Mar quarter (1b 445)
Blanche never married, she died in the Sep quarter of 1956 at Norwich Outer age 85
[04] Alice Gay born 1873 at Hackney - Dec quarter (1b 445)
[05] Herbert Gay born 1876 at West Bromwich - Dec quarter (6b 760 or 761)
Herbert married Ellen E Myhill in the Jun quarter of 1919 at Norwich - He was a farmer in the Alysham area
Herbert died in the Mar quarter of 1948 at Norwich age 71

[06] Ethel Maud Gay born 1881 at Hackney - Mar quarter (1b 504)
[07] Beatrice Annie Gay born 1882 at Croydon - Dec quarter (2a 201)
Beatrice died on May 18th 1908 age 25 at Briston from tuberculosis - she had won much fame on the concert platform.
Beatrice left £431.17s 5d - Administration was to her brother Arthur Jordian Gay, Farmer
[08] Charles Gay born 1885 at Erpingham - Jun quarter (4b 72)
[09] Elizabeth Victoria Gay born 1887 at Erpingham - June quarter (4b 83)
Elizabeth married Walter Hubert Marcon (junior), a farmer and miller, in the June quarter of 1912 at Aylsham, Norfolk. Walter was born in the September quarter of 1887 at Erpingham, the eldest son of the Revd. Cannon Walter Hubert Marcon, and Sarah Hatherall. Walter, Senior was Rector of Edgefield from 1876 - 1936. Rev Walter, was reasonable for literally demolishing his church (St Peter and St Paul) and moving it stone by stone (often by the rectors own hands) a whole half mile closer to his parish. The village had moved to higher ground following the The Black Death. All that was left was the tower and a porch. The work took 10 years and was
completed in 1883, at a cost of £2000.
Walter and Elizabeth took over Interingham Mill in Norfolk in 1918, he was miller and farmer at the mill till the autumn of 1934 when he then took over a larger farm at North Barningham. There is a very nice account of their life at the mill as children written by their eldest son Robert A J Marcon, (Alex) who immigrated to New Zealand when he was 16, it can be found HERE - you will need to scroll down a bit.
Walter had a younger sister Grace Marcon, who was born in 1889, Grace is now on record as being a Suffragette - She was arrested three times in 1913 and 1914 in London. At the time of her arrests Grace went by the alias of Freida/Freda Graham. She was imprisoned in Holloway women’s prison in 1913 and 1914 for taking action – once by attacking paintings in the National Gallery – to fight for all women to have the right to vote. There were also newspaper reports of Grace’s arrests and court appearances found in a case belonging to Grace and a suffragette medal awarded to women activists who had been imprisoned for the cause.
Elizabeth and Walter had three sons and two daughters - Elizabeth died in 1942, aged just 55 years. Walter died whilst visiting New Zealand in 1977 age 90.
[10] Kathleen Gay born 1888 at Erpingham - Sep quarter (4b 74)
[11] Frederick Gordon Gay born 1891 at Erpingham - Dec quarter (4b 79)
Frederick was killed in action at Egypt on Nov 6th 1917, age 26 - Rank, Sergeant, 320082, Suffolk Regiment, 15th Bn.
Son of Robert and Mary Gay of 18 Stracey Road, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, Native of Oulton, Norfolk
Frederick left £475 1s 1d - Administration was to his brother Arthur Jordian Gay, Farmer

NOTE: The 1911 census reveals Mary had given birth to 14 children and 4 had died so there are 3 missing names from this list

1871: Census - 2 Felix Terrace - Rendelsham Road Hackney
Robert Gay - Head - age 34 - Commercial Traveler - Wood Dalling
Mary Gay - Wife - age 25 - Draper - Charlton Devon
Arthur J Gay - Son - age 2 - West Hackney
Florence M Gay daughter - age 1 - West Hackney
Blanche B Gay - Dau - age 2 months - West Hackney
Emily J Edmunds - Servant - age 15 - Domestic Servant - West Hackney

From all accounts by 1881 thing were going quite well for Robert as he is recorded as being a retired Draper at the age of 44 and living at in an affluent area of London. Although being retired at the age of 44 could have also meant Robert had health issues or he had sold his business.

1881: Census - 10 St Marks Sqr London
Robert Gay - Head - age 44 - Retired Draper - Wood Dalling, Norfolk
Mary Gay - Wife - age 35 - Charleton, Devon
Arthur Gay - Son - age 12 - Scholar - Dalston, Middlesex
Florence Gay - Dau - age 11 - Scholar - Dalston, Middlesex
Blanch B Gay - Dau - age 10 - Scholar - Clapton, Middlesex
Alice Gay - Dau - age 7 - Scholar - Clapton, Middlesex
Herbert Gay - Son - age 4 - Scholar - Birmingham, Warwick
Ethel M Gay - Dau - age 3 months - Dalston, Middlesex
Mary Ann Flux - Servant - single - age 22 - General Servant - Longford, Gloucester
Alice E Mulley - Servant - age 18 - Nurse - Heybridge, Essex

Robert was back in Norfolk and changed his occupation again
1891: Census - Holly Farm Briston Norfolk
Robert Gay - Head - age 54 - Farmer employer - Dalling, Norfolk
Mary Gay - Wife - age 45 - Chalton Devon
Arthur Gay - Son - single - age 22 - Hackney London
Ethel Gay - Dau - age 10 - Hackney London
Beatrice Gay - Dau - age 8 - Anerley Kent
Charles Gay - Son - age 5 - Briston
Elizabeth Gay - Dau - age 3 - Briston
Kathleen Gay -Dau - age 2 - Briston
Emma Todd - Govness - single - age 20 - Governess(Em'ee) - Norwich
Alice Edmunds - Servant - age 17 - Cook Dom Servant(Em'ee) - Edgefield
Georgina Howeman - Servant - age 17 - Housemaid Servant(Em'ee) - Saxthorpe
William Pitcher - Servant - single - age 21 - Groom - Weyborne

1901: Census - Holly Farm, Briston Norfolk
Robert Gay - Head - age 64 - Farmer and Employer - Wood Dalling
Mary Gay - Wife - age 54 - Charlton Devon
Herbert Gay - Son - single - age 24 - Farmers Son - Birmingham
Beatrice Gay - Dau - age 18 - Surry
Elizabeth Gay - Dau - age 13 - Briston Norfolk
Kathleen Gay - Dau - age 12 - Briston
Frederick G Gay - Son - age 9 - Briston
Edith Beuson - Goveness - single - age 21 - Teacher Domestic - Chelsford Essex
Anna M Jacobs - Servant - age 19 - Cook Domestic - Edgefield Norfolk
Alice Jacobs - Servant - age 15 - Housemaid - Saxthorpe Norfolk

1911: Census - Manor Farm Oulton Aylsham
Robert Gay - Head - age 74 - Farmer and Employer - Wood Dalling
Mary Gay - Wife - age 65 - Charlton Devon
Herbert Gay - Son - single - age 34 - Farm Bailiff - Birmingham
Ethel Maud Gay - Dau - single - age 30 - Farmers daughter dairy work - London
Kathleen Gay - Dau - single - age 22 - assistant in the home - Briston
Frederick Gordon Gay - Son - single - age 19 - Traveller in Chemical Measures - Briston
Edith Maud Howden - Servant - age 19 - Domestic - Aldbourgh Norfolk
Mary had given birth to 14 children 4 of which had died
The property had 12 rooms

1915: Death record - Robert Gay at Aylsham - Mar quarter (4b 151) age 78

1926: Death record - Mary Gay at Aylsham - Mar quarter (4b 179) age 80
Mary who died on Jan 29th gave her home address was Heathcote, Unthank Road, Norwich.
She left £1451 11s - Administration was to her son's Arthur Jordian Gay and Herbert Gay, Farmers

 

Child 04
WALTER GAY born 1838
Son of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1838: Mar 22 – Basptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 428
Walter Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1851: Census - Wood Dalling Aylsham, Norfolk
Sarah Gay – Head – married - age 47 - Farming 250 Acres Employ 6 Men And 2 Boys - Heydon-Nfk
Charles Stow Gay – Son – age 16 - At Home - Eassingham-Nfk
Walter Gay – Son – age 13 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 11 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sarah Edward – Servant – single – age 29 - House Servant - Edgfield-Nfk
Eliza Hindry – Servant – single age 18 - House Servant - Brandiston-Nfk
Paul Ward – Servant – age 18 - Farm Labourer - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sam Cottrell – Servant – age 17 - Farm Labourer - Heydon-Nfk

1861: Census - 3&4 Market Place (Gentleman's Walk) Haymarket Norwich
Thomas Gibbon - Head - Widower - age 42 - Slk Mrcr Wooln Lnen Drpry Supt - Essex - Stratford
Robert Gay - Assistant - single - age 23 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Walter Gay - Assistant - single - age 24 - Silk Wooln Linen Drprs Shopman Norfolk - Wood Dalling
This property must have had living accommodation/dormitory for as as well as Robert and Walter there was also recorded at the property 23 other male assistance, 23 female assistance's and 5 female house servants.

For whatever reason farming life was not for Robert and his brother Walter or maybe it was clear their older brother William was to inherit things which pushed them into a totally different career for in 1861 we find them employed at a large Drapery establishment/property/store on Gentleman's Walk Norwich. At this time we don't know who owned the business or its name but from the Norwich City history records (date not clear) At No 4 was P J Knights’ warehouse which was renowned for the finest Norwich shawls, woven from fine wool and silk (4 yards square without a seam). These shawls were later to be provided to Queen Victoria and the Princesses. (ref. collection in the Norwich Castle Museum).
As the property numbers were ever changing at this time another likely store to consider would be 'Chamberlin & Son' which was a large corner store where Tesco's is now on Guild Hall Hill. They were known to have live-in staff. for more click HERE.

A little bit of history and background
By the end of the 17th century many of the strict regulations regarding trade in Norwich were lifted or relaxed, and Norwich became a fashionable shopping town. Shops catering for the growing wealthy classes, such as booksellers, vintners and gunsmiths, grew around the market plain, especially in the large buildings along the eastern side of the market, the Nethererowe, which became so popular with the gentry it became known as Gentleman's Walk. Gentleman's Walk acquired a number of luxury shops, including John Toll's drapers from which Elizabeth Gurney (later Elizabeth Fry) watched the election of 1796, the wine and spirit dealership of Thomas Bignold who in company with other local shopkeepers founded a mutual association to provide fire insurance for the area's shops which became Norwich Union, and Saunders Coffee House, patronised by the young Horatio and William Nelson.
In 1863 Gentleman's Walk was paved properly with York stone. More can be found HERE

In the Dec quarter of 1864 Walter married Mary Martin at Lambeth London.
1864: Marriage record - Walter Gay married Mary Martin at Lambeth - Dec quarter (1d 767)

1871: Census - 56 Portland Street St Marylebone
Walter Gay - Head - age 33 - Hosier and Outfitter - Wood Dalling Norfolk
Mary Gay - Wife - age 30 - Beccles Suffolk
Walter M Gay - Son - age 4 - Marylebone, Middlesex
William Gay - Son - age 3 - Marylebone, Middlesex
Kate M Gay - Dau - age 2 - Marylebone, Middlesex
Anne M Lusher - Sevant - single - age 22 - Servant - Harling Norfolk Anne E Wilson
- Servant - age 16 - Servant - Stathern Norfolk

Like his brother Robert at this time things were going well for Walter as in 1881 he had a large corner store in London and several children.

1881: Census - 56 Great Portland Street St Marylebone, London
Walter Gay - Head - age 43 - Hosier - Wood Dalling, Norfolk
Mary Gay - Wife - age 46 - ((Manageress Domestic Offices)) - Beccles, Suffolk
Walter M Gay - Son - age 14 - Scholar - Marylebone, Middlesex
William Gay - Son - age 13 - Scholar - Marylebone, Middlesex
Kate M Gay - Dau - age 12 - Scholar - Marylebone, Middlesex
Nellie Gay - Dau - age 8 - Scholar - Marylebone, Middlesex
Rowland Gay - Son - age 5 - Scholar - Marylebone, Middlesex
John H Gay - Son - age 2 - Marylebone, Middlesex
Sleasy Martin - Mother In Law - Widow - age 73 - Holton, Suffolk
John A Blake - Apprentice - age 18 - Apprentice Hosiers - Bermuda, West Indies
Jessie Poll - Servant - age 18 - General Servant - Sutton, Norfolk
Caroline M Poll - Servant - age 13 -Nursemaid - Sutton, Norfolk
Lizzie Raymer - Vistor - single - age 26 - Saleswoman - Sudbourne, Suffolk

1891: Census 41 Cambon Square - St Pancras
Walter Gay - Head - age 53 - Hosier and Silk Seller - Wood Dalling
Mary Gay - Wife - age 52 - Beccles Suffolk
Walter Martin Gay - Son - single - age 24 - Hosiers Assistant - Marylebone
Kate Mary Gay - Dau - single - age 22 - Marylebone
William Gay - Son - single - age 21 - Hosiers Assistant - Marylebone
Nellie Gay - Dau - age 18 - Milliners Apprentice - Marylebone
Rowland Gay - Son - age 15 - Marylebone
John Henry Gay - Son - age 12 - Marylebone
Pleasy Martin - MaLaw - Widow - age 83 - Halton Suffolk
Hannah Miran Golly - Servant - single - age 22 - General Domestic Servant - Monagissey, Comwall
John James Woodford - Servant - age 17 - Hosiers Apprentice - St Peter, Northamptonshire

Walter's wife Mary died - Not sure of date

Walter remarried
1896: Marriage record - Walter Gay married Charlotte Elizabeth Harvey at Marylebone - Dec quarter (1a 1135)
1896: Dec 26 - Marriage at All Saints Church - Maryleborne London - Entry 101
Walter Gay Widower and Hosier of 39 Great Portland Street married Charlotte Elizabeth Harvey a Spinster of Colne House, Common Side, Mitcham
Fathers: William Gay a Farmer (Deceased) and George Harvey a Dairy Farmer (Decceased)
Witness: James Edward Smyth, Charles Baxter and Augusta Sparke - who is Augusta?

1901: Census - 6 Broadway Parade
Walter Gay - Head - age 63 - Hosier Employer - Wood Dalling Norfolk
Charlotte E Gay - Wife - age 39 - Mitcham Surry
Nellie Gay - Dau - single - age 27 - Milliner - Maryleborne London
John H Gay - Son - single - age 22 - Tailor - Maryleborne London
Mildred B Gay - Dau - age 4months - Honsey London - Twin
Harrold G Gay - Son - age 4months - Honsey London - Twin
Charlotte Abslett - Servant - age 18 - Cook Demstic - unknown
Lydia Hayward - Servant - age 18 - Nurse Maid - Maryleborne London

1911: Census - 6 Broadway Parade Tottenham Lane Hornsey
Walter Gay - Head - age 73 - Hosier Shop - Wood Dalling
Charlotte Elizabeth Gay - Wife - age 50 - Assistant in Business - Mitcham Surry
Mildred Bessie Gay - Dau - age 10 - Twin
Harrold George Gay - Son - age 10 - Twin

1919: Death record - Walter Gay at Edmonton - Jun quarter (3a 395) age 81

 

Child 05
ALFRED JOHN GAY born
Son of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1839: Sep 29 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 461
Alfred John Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

Alfred is the ANCESTRAL LINE to Mattishall for more information click HERE

 

Child 06
SARAH EMILY IRELAND GAY born 1840
Daughter of William Gay 1805 and Sarah Ireland

1840: Nov 15 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 480
Sarah Emily Ireland Gay daughter of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1851: Census - Red Lion Street, Aylsham
Emily Breese - Head - single - age 24 - School Mistress - Aylsham-NFK
Elana Breese - Sister - age 11 - Scholar - Scotto-NFK
Ann M Mitcheley - age 15 - Teacher - Lynn-NFK
Harriet Clarke - Scholar - Ludham-NFK
Sarah E Gay - age 10 - Scholar - Dalling-NFK
Emma Cobb - age 10 - Scholar Norwich-NFK
Martha Ducker - Servant - age 17 - House Serv - Aylsham-NFK

1861: Manor House – Oulton
Sarah Gay – Head – Married – age 58 – Farmer of 470 Acres Employing 14 men and 4 Boys – Heydon
John Gay – Son – single – age 21 – Wood Dalling
Sarah Gay – Dau – single – age 20 – Wood Dalling
Hannah Palmer – Servant – age 16 – House Servant – Oulton
John Cottrell – Servant – age 19 – Groom – Heydon

1871: Census – Manor House Oulton Norfolk
William Gay – Head – age 65 1806 - Farmer 445a Emp15m&5b - Norfolk – Ingworth
Sarah Gay – Wife – age 67 - Norfolk – Heydon
Alfred J Gay – Son – age single – 31 - Farmers Son - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Sarah T Gay – Dau – single – age 30 - Farmers Daughter - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Hannah H Fuller – Servant – single – age 23 - Dairymaid - Norfolk – Itteringham
Jouisa Bell – Servant – age 19 – Housemaid - Norfolk – Colby

Sarah lost both her parents quite soon after the 1871 census. She married in 1874.

1874: Apr 8 - Marriage at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling - Entry 124
Sarah Emily Ireland Gay a Spinster of Wood Dalling married Benjamin Smith Ieland a Bachelor and Farmer of Wood Dalling
Father's: William Gay a Farmer and Benjamin Ireland a Farmer
Witness: George Smith and William Ireland
It is highly likely that Sarah and Benjamin were related in some way - need checking!

Benjamin was the son of Benjamin Ireland born about 1813 at Heydon. A Farmer of Lime Kiln Farm House Heydon and Mary Smith born Hockering. In 1851 Benjamin's father was a farmer of 560 acres, employing 17 men at Heydon. Benjamin (jnr) age 11 was staying with his grandmother, Mary also living a Heydon. Benjamin's mother died in 1855 and his father remarried on February 22 1855 to Lousia Rouse Curson, 22 years his junior. In 1861 they were living at Lime Kiln Farm, a property of 900 acres and Benjamin (Jnr) at the young age of 21 was farming 320 acres independently at Manor Farm Wood Dalling and employing 12 men, 2 boys and 5 women. With him was his 17 year old brother William. Benjamin (jnr) was still at Wood Dalling in 1871 see below. Brother William had moved back to farm at Heydon.

1871: Census - Farm House Wood Dalling
Bejamin Ireland - Head - single - age 31 - Farmer 400ac Emp 8men 3boy 2wo Norfolk - Heydon
Eliza Pretty - Servant - Widow - age 56 - Housekeeper - Suffolk - Mellis
Anna English - Servant - age 17 - General Servant - Norfolk - Wood Dalling

1881: Census - Near The Church, Wood Dalling, Norfolk
Benjamin S Ireland - Head - age 41 1840 - Retired Farmer - Heydon, Norfolk
Sarah Emily Ireland - Wife - age 40 - Wood Dalling, Norfolk
Frances Risborough - Servant - age 14 - General Domestic - Wood Dalling, Norfolk

1891: Census - Park Farm Heydon
Benjamin Ireland - Head - age 51 - Tea Dealer(Notem) Norfolk - Heydon
Sarah E Ireland - Wife - age 50 - Norfolk - Wood Dalling

Benjamin died on December 9th 1898
1898: Death record - Benjamin Smith Ireland at Aylsham - Dec quarter (4b 57) age 58

1901: Census - Grove Farm Grove Road Booton Norfolk
Alfred Everett - Head - age 55 - Farm Bailiff - Sprowston Norfolk
Caroline Everett - Wife - age 53 - Salehouse Norfolk
George E Everett - Son - age 15 - Work on Farm - Rougham Norfolk
Hilda K Everett - Dau - age 13 - Thorpe Hamlet Norfolk
Sarah E Ireland - Visitor - Widow - age 60 - Own Account - Wood Dalling

1911: Census - Hinton Hall Sall Norfolk
William Ireland Gay - Head - Widower - age 75 - Farmer and Employer - Erpingham Norfolk
Sarah Emily Ireland Ireland - Sister - Widow - age 70 - Wood Dalling
Arthur Jordain Gay - Nephew - single - age 44 - Farmer and Employer - Hackney London
Anna Elizabeth Sutton - Servant - single - age 22 - General Servant (Domestic) - Cawston Norfolk
The property has 9 rooms

Sarah died on June 8th 1928
1928:
Death record - Sarah Emily Irleland Ireland at Erpingham - Jun quarter (4b 80) age 86

Sarah is buried with Benjamin at St Peter and St Paul Churchyard Heydon Norfolk

In Loving Memory Of
BENJAMIN SMITH IRELAND
Who Died Dec. 9th 1898
Aged 58 Years
Also SARAH IRELAND
Beloved Wife Of The Above
Who Died June 8th 1928
Aged 86 Years

 

 

 

ALFRED JOHN GAY born 1839 - Married FLORENCE SPARKE
Son of William Gay and Sarah Ireland

1839: Sep 29 – Baptism at St Andrew Church Wood Dalling – Entry 461
Alfred John Gay son of William Gay a Farmer and his wife Sarah

1841: Census - Crabgate Wood Dalling Norfolk
William Gay - age 35 - Farmer
Sarah Gay - age 36
Charles Gay - age 6
William Gay - age 5
Robert Gay - age 4
Walter Gay -age 3
Alfred Gay - age 1
Sarah Gay - age 7 months
William Searlet - age 20 - House Servant
Eliz Gaskin - age 21 - House Servant
Hannah Owen - age 14 - House Servant
William Springal - age 15 - Man Servant

1851: Census - Wood Dalling Aylsham, Norfolk
Sarah Gay – Head – age 47 - Farming 250 Acres Employ 6 Men And 2 Boys - Heydon-Nfk
Charles Stow Gay – Son – age 16 - At Home - Eassingham-Nfk
Walter Gay – Son – age 13 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 11 – Scholar - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sarah Edward – Servant – single – age 29 - House Servant - Edgfield-Nfk
Eliza Hindry – Servant – single age 18 - House Servant - Brandiston-Nfk
Paul Ward – Servant – age 18 - Farm Labourer - Wood Dalling-Nfk
Sam Cottrell – Servant – age 17 - Farm Labourer - Heydon-Nfk

1861: Manor House – Oulton
Sarah Gay – Head – Married – age 58 – Farmer of 470 Acres Employing 14 men and 4 Boys – Heydon
John Gay – Son – single – age 21 – Wood Dalling
Sarah Gay – Dau – single – age 20 – Wood Dalling
Hannah Palmer – Servant – age 16 – House Servant – Oulton
John Cottrell – Servant – age 19 – Groom – Heydon

1871: Census – Manor House Oulton Norfolk
William Gay – Head – age 65 1806 - Farmer 445a Emp15m&5b - Norfolk – Ingworth
Sarah Gay – Wife – age 67 - Norfolk – Heydon
Alfred J Gay – Son – age single – 31 - Farmers Son - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Sarah T Gay – Dau – single – age 30 - Farmers Daughter - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Hannah H Fuller – Servant – single – age 23 - Dairymaid - Norfolk – Itteringham
Jouisa Bell – Servant – age 19 – Housemaid - Norfolk – Colby

1881: Census - Aylsham Rd Oulton, Norfolk
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 41 - single - Farmer Of 207 Acres 7 Men & 2 Boys - Wood Dalling, Norfolk
Mary Aggs – Servant – single – age 62 - Housekeeper - Alby, Norfolk
Ellen Roberts – Servant – age 14 - Domestic Ser - Corpusty, Norfolk
George Broadwater – Servant – single – age 26 - Farm Serv (Indoor) - Bramerton, Norfolk
Edward Broadwater – Servant – age 17 - Farm Serv Indoor - Rockland St Mary, Norfolk

1883: - St Nicholas Church East Dereham - Banns of Marriage between
Alfred John Gay a Bachelor of the parish of Mattishall Burgh and Florence Sparke, Spinster of this Parish - Entry 323
Sunday June 7 - Benjamin John Armstrong
Sunday June 14 - John Armstrong
Sunday June 21 - Benjamin John Armstrong - Armstrong is renowned for his Norfolk Diary's

1883: Marriage record – Alfred John Gay married Florence Sparke at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 443)
1883: Jan 24 – Marriage at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 41 - by Banns
Alfred John Gay age 43 Bachelor Farmer married Florence Sparke age 26 Spinster of East Dereham
Fathers: William Gay Farmer and Alfred Sparke Engineer
Witness: Alice Maude Sparke and JHK France
Alfred was aged about 44 years at this time and Florence 26

1883: Feb 3 - Norfolk Chronicle - On the 24th ult, at Mattishall Burgh, in this county, Alfred John Gay, youngest son of the late Mr William Gay, of Oulton, to Florence, third daughter of the late Alfred Sparke, Newton Lodge, Trowse.

Florence was the daughter of Alfred Sparke and Iron Maufacture and Engineer of Norwich and Harriet Howe who married in the Sep quarter of 1849 in the Depwade district of Norfolk. For more information on Florence Sparke and her family click HERE

How did Florence come to be in Mattishall and why did she marry here instead of her home town, Norwich?
From all accounts she was living/working in East Dereham for this is where the Banns for her marriage were read.
It appears shortly after the census in April 1881 Alfred Gay had moved to Mattishall and taken over Hall/Grove Farm Mattishall Burgh.

Alfred and Florence had children:

[01] 1884: Jan 6 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 460
Mabel Gay born October 22 1883 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE
Notes: Month of birth overwritten may not be October

[02] 1884: Dec 28 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 466
Olive Maude Gay born November 26th 1884 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE

[03] 1886: May 9 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burg – Entry – 471
Reginald Sparkes Gay born February 17th 1886 son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE

[04] 1887: Jan 10 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 476 – Twin with Mildred (below)
Marguerite Gay born Jan 6th 1887 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE

[05] 1887: Jan 10 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burg – Entry 477 – Twin with Marguerite (above)
Mildred Violet Gay – born Jan 6th 1887 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE

[06] 1888: Jun 3 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 483
Beatrice Alice Gay – daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE
1889: Beatrice died as an infant in the Mar quarter of 1889 at Mitford - Buried at St Peter's Churchyard Mattishall Burgh

[07] 1890: Sep 22 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 494
Wilfred Muriel Florence Gay born Dec 9th 1889 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence - more HERE

[08] 1891: Apr 22 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 496
Alfred John Noel Gay born Dec 26th 1890 son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke - more HERE

[09] 1892: May 29 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 497
Frank Owen Gay son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke - more HERE
Born: Mar 4th 1892

[10] 1893: Nov 25 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 498
Beatrix Ivy Gay daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke - more HERE
Born: April 17th 1893

[11] 1897: Jan 5 – Baptism at St Pater Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 503
Philip Gordon Gay son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke - more HERE
Born: Nov 28th 1896

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1900: Sep 20 - Thetford & Watton Times and People's Weekly Journal Norfolk
TEAMMAN wanted at Michaelmas; good cottage and garden on the farm.
Also Single Manas GROOM and GARDENER: must understand milking; good wages.
Apply Mr. A. J. Gay, Mattishall.

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh
Married for 28 years – 11 children 1 had died
12 room property

1920: Death record – Florence S Gay at Erpingham – Mar quarter (4b 82) age 62
Florence Gay of Morris Street Sheringham was buried 12th February, aged 62 years - Entry 311

1923: Death record – Alfred John Gay at Erpingham – Dec quarter (4b 85) age 84
Alfred John Gay of Morris Street, Sheringham, was buried 23rd November, aged 84 years - Entry 320

Both are buried in St Peter’s Churchyard Mattishall Burgh

In loving memory of
FLORENCE SPARKE GAY
Who died February 9th 1920 aged 62 years
Also of ALFRED JOHN GAY who died November 20th 1923
aged 84 years

MORE ON CHILDREN:

Child 01
MABEL GAY born 1883
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1884: Jan 6 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 460
Mabel Gay born October 22 1883 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence
Notes: Month of birth overwritten may not be October

Mattishall School Nuber: 915
Admitted to Mattishall School 12/10/1891
Previous Education: Private
Left School: No date
Cause of Leaving: Left
Recorded Name: Mabel Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census - Eaton Villa Unthank Road Norwich
Henry Manning Vyall - Head - age 68 - Life Insurance Agent, own account, at home - Norwich - Agent fot Commercial Union
Hannah Anne Vyall - Wife -age 61 - Norwich - formally Chittock
Stella L Vyall - Dau - age 20 - School Mistress, at home - Diss
Sharlotte Cattermount - Visitor - Married - age 70 - South Walsham
Fanny Back - Boarder - Single - age 73 - Norwich
Louisa Creary - Boarder - Single - age 48 - Soham Suffolk
Mabel Gay - Boarder - age 17 - School Teacher Worker - Mattishall
Edith Stubbs - Servant - age 17 - Domestic Servant - Attleborough Norfolk

Mabel Gay attended a Finishing School in Switzerland - The following advert has been found.

1901: Sep 6 - Kent & Sussex Courier
Young Lady (18) seeks engagement as Superior Mother's Help or Nursery Governess. English, French, German (acquired abroad), Music, Singing, Drawing, Needlework, Salary, £18-20. Address, M Gay, Mattishall, Norfolk.

1909: Marriage record - Mabel Gay married John Edwards at Norwich - Mar quarter (4b 226)
John was born in 1877 at Thurning, Norfolk the son of Edward Edwards 1839 a Farmer and Maria Nelson Edwards (same surname)
Born in 1837 at Eye, Suffolk, Maria was the seventh child of George Edwards a Surgeon and Frances Fisher Nelson's 12 children. Frances Fisher Nelson was born at Sparham, Norfolk. George died age 41 in 1843 leaving Frances a widow with 11 young children with another on the way, the oldest being only 13 and the two younger ones, being twins, still in arms. George was held in the highest esteem, when news of his sudden and melancholy death was heard and that it had left his young family in deep distress an appeal was set-up. Sir Edward Karrison, Lord Bayning and Lord Henniker acted as trustees. All their children carried Nelson as their middle name. For more on the EDWARDS family click
HERE
Mabel and John had children:

[1] 1909: Birth record – William Nelson Edwards at Forehoe – Sep quarter (4b 173)
William, known as Nelson Edwards was born on June 20th 1909
William Nelson Edwards married Violet Doreen Preious in 1940 at Wayland - Jun quarter (4b 887)
Violet was born on March 28th 1915 at Swaffham - she died in the March quarter of 1979 - They had no children.
William Nelson Edwards died in the March quarter of 1986

[2] 1911: Birth record – Cyril J Edwards at Forehoe – Mar quarter (4b 161)
Cyril J Edwards married Patricia M Copsey in 1946 at East Dereham - Jun quarter (4b 747)

[3] 1915: Birth record – Philip G Edwards at Forehoe – Mar quarter (4b 321)
Philip G Edwards married Hilda M Pyman in 1946 at East Dereham Dec quarter (4b 951)

1911: Census - Welborne Dereham
Edward Edwards - Head - widower - age 73 - Mattishall
John Edwards - Son - Married - age 32 - Farmer - North Tuddenham
Mabel Edwards - Dlaw - Married - age 27 - Sons Wife - Mattishall Burgh
Nelson Edwards - Gson - age 18months - Welborne
Cyril Edwards - Gson - age 2months - Welborne
Martha Rix - Servant - age 17 - Servant - Elsing

John appeared to have died in 1935 at Swanton Morley - need checking

After John's death Mabel lived in some cottages on Cemetery Road, now Burgh Lane, Mattishall, they were set back from the road in a field with a long path leading up to them. The field was bought by developer David Potter and were demolished, it is now a housing estate. Mabel was known to have a very caring nature, she was the lady who was called on when someone died to prepare and lay the body out for the undertaker.

1941: Marriage record - Mabel Edwards married widower Lionel Edward Borrett at North Walsham - Dec quarter (4b 217)
Lionel was born in the June quarter of 1882 in the district of Smallburgh, Norfolk, the son of Arthur Borrett a farmer of 275 acres at Hickling Hall, Norfolk and Augusta Fleming Fisher. John and Augusta were married in the Sep quarter of 1878 at Pancras, London.
Lionel Edward Borrett, of Hickling, Norfolk was baptised on July 2nd 1882 at Little Downham. Revd Frederick Fisher (Lionel's Grandfather) took the service. Revd Fisher was also Godfather to Lionel, for which the Revd presented Lionel with an inscribed Bible, this is still in existence today.

More on Augusta Fleming Fisher
Augusta was born in the June quarter of 1852 at Little Downham, the daughter of Revd Frederick Fisher, Curate of Downham, Cambridgeshire (1850 – 1884) and Mary Hayes, daughter of William Hayes

Augusta’s brother was William Hayes Fisher, born in the June quarter of 1853 also at Little Downham. He was to become 1st Baron Downham of Fulham, London. He was a British Conservative Party politician. He held office as President of the Local Government Board and Minister of Information in David Lloyd George's First World War coalition government. He married Florence Fisher, daughter of H. Fisher, in 1895. He died on 2 July 1920 at Buckingham Palace Gardens, London, without male issue. The barony became extinct. Lady Downham died in August 1923 - More can be found HERE

Lionel's first marriage had been to Charlotte Mary Clarke in the September quarter of 1912. They had just one son, Arthur John Clarke Borrett who was born in the December quater of 1913 - On February 11th 1931 Charlotte died (reasons unknown) whilst visting Lambeth, London, aged 55

1915: Lionel and Charlotte, together with their young son were sharing part of a property known as EastField, Hickling - Discribed in the 1915 Lodgers List as Bedroon on first floor, entrance with front staircase, and funished sitting-room, entrance from front door - They were paying rent to Mrs Clarke (Charlottes Mother) of Eastfield, Hickling

1958: Death record - Lionel Edward Borrett at Acle - Dec quarter (4b 402) age 76

1974: Death record - Mabel Borrett at North Walsham - Dec quarter - (10 1576) born Oct 22nd 1883 (age 91)

Child 02
OLIVE MAUDE GAY born 1884
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1884: Dec 28 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 466
Olive Maude Gay born November 26th 1884 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence

Mattishall School Nuber: 916
Admitted to Mattishall School 12/10/1891
Previous Education: Private
Left School: No date
Cause of Leaving: Left
Recorded Name: Olive Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census - Hotel ? - Wind Street Swansea
Edward Thornton Tuck - Head - age 39 - Hotel Manager and Sectary - London
Ellen Tuck - Wife - age 53 - Liverpool Lancs
Reginald Rayner High - Stepson - Visitor - single - age 31 - Farming Employer - Southport Lancs
Olive Maude Gay - Bar Attendant - single - age 23 - Bar Attendant - Mattishall Burgh
There then follows a list of 49 staff and 56 guests.

1919: Marriage record - Olive Maude Gay married Alfred Berns at Hammersmith - Sep quarter (1a 792)

This appears to be Alfred
1911:
Census - 78 Richford St Bramley Hammersmith West Surrey
Elizabeth Mary Smith - Head - Widow - age 57 - Balgravia London
Amelia Susan Baker - Sister - single - age 47 - Shop Assistant, Perfumes - Dalkieth Arniston Resident
John Wilfred Le Brocq - Baorder - single - age 25 - Clerk Abstractor (Civil Service) A- Jersey St Helier
Alfred Berns - Boarder single - age 19 1892 - Clerk Abstractor (Civil Service) - Bramley Surrey

Olive and Alfred appear to have had 3 children:

Vivien J Berns born 1921 at Hammersmith
Vivien married Maximillian Waseleaky in the Dec quater of 1944 at Hendon
Maximillian was an American Solider - Vivien now a War Bride went to live in America as seen below.
It is not clear if they had children

Jack G Berns born 1924 at Brentwood
There is wa record of a Jack Berns with a birth date of 1924 sailing from London to Melborne Australia on August 26th 1948 - more below
There is a death record of a Jack Gordon Berns having died in 1978 age 54 in Western Austrlia
There is no record that he married or had children.

Robert H Berns born 1926 - at Hendon
Robert married Sylvia C Berns in the Mar quarter of 1972 at Norwich - Robert would have been about 46 at the time
There is no record that Robert and Sylvia had children.

1923: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns

1924: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns - living with them were....
Rolla Edgar & Rose Amelia Butler

1925: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns- living with them were....
Rolla Edgar & Rose Amelia Butler - Philip Gordon Gay - Olive's younger brother

1926: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns - living with them were....
Rolla Edgar & Rose Amelia Butler - Philip Gordon Gay - Olive's younger brother

1927: Electoral Roll - 99 Thurlby Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns
1928: Electoral Roll - 99 Thurlby Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns
1929: Electoral Roll - 99 Thurlby Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns
1930: Electoral Roll - 99 Thurlby Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns
1931: Electoral Roll - 99 Thurlby Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns

The end of the war was difficult for everyone in England and it appears the family saw no future here, and with Vivien marrying an American Soldier and moving to live in the USA seemed to have motivated the rest of the family to look at improving their future. Below is what we have of their travel.

1946: Mar 2 - Record of a Vivien J Waselesky age 25 born 1921 of 99 Thurlby Road Wemby, sailing from Southampton to America on the 'Brazil'
Dependant of: Private Maximillian Waseleaky ASN 33055561 US Army of 35 Chapel Street Pittston Pa.

1948: Mar 4 - There is a record of a Robert H Berns age 21 and a Clerk sailing from Liverpool to Sydney Australia on the Blue Star Line ship 'Australia'. Ships master T Williams.

1948: Aug 21 - Record of Olive Maude Berns age 56? a Housewife of 99 Thurlby Road Wembly sailing from Southampton to New York on the S S Veenday. Master C Van Beek. - Maybe this was to help with new grandchildren - Olive did return to England as there is another record of her then going to Australia in 1951.

1948: Aug 26 - There is wa record of a Jack Berns with a birth date of 1924 and a single man departing from London on the P&O Ship 'Mooltan' for Melborne Australia on August 26th 1948. Offical number 79866. Master of the Ship C H Baxter

1951: Jun 6 - There is a record of an Alfred Berns age 60 and retired and Olive Maude Berns age 58* Housewife Itravellering to Freemantle Western Australia on Strathmore on June 6th 1951 from London - Captain C E Pollitt.
If these are the right people, Olive was born in 1884 which would have made her 67

It appears Olive and Alfred went to be with their sons Jack and Robert who had prevoiusly gone to Australia and from all accounts they stayed there until at least 1964 as there is a record of an Alfred Berns who died in Western Australia that year. What is not clear is when Olive and her son Robert returned to England but from what records we have it appears they were back home in Norwich before 1971 as Olive died there age 87. Robert went on to marry in 1972 as seen below.

1964: - There is a death record of an Alfred Berns that died in 1964 at Western Austrlia - from records he was born about 1892 - is this Alfred?

1971: Death record - Olive Maude Berns at Norwich - Mar quarter (4b 2183) age 87

 

Child 03
REGINALD SPARKES GAY born 1886
Son of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1886: May 9 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burg – Entry – 471
Reginald Sparkes Gay born February 17th 1886 son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence

Reginald is the Mattishall ANCESTRAL LINE - more in formation click HERE

 

Child 04
MARGUERITE GAY born 1887
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1887: Jan 10 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 476 – Twin with Mildred (below)
Marguerite Gay born Jan 6th 1887 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence

Mattishall School Nuber: 952
Admitted to Mattishall School 18/07/1892
Previous Education: None
Left School: Feb 1891
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Daisy Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

No further information

 

Child 05
MILDRED VIOLET GAY born 1887
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1887: Jan 10 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burg – Entry 477 – Twin with Marguerite (above)
Mildred Violet Gay – born Jan 6th 1887 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence

Mattishall School Nuber: 951
Admitted to Mattishall School 18/07/1892
Previous Education: None
Left School: Feb 1891
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Violet M Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

These records could be her - Need checking!
1924: Marriage record - Violet M Gay married Harry R Perry at Erpingham - Mar quarter (4b 122)
1934: Death record - Violet M Perry at Camberwell - Mar quarter (1d 1016) age 47 (1887)

No further information

 

Child 06
BEATRICE ALICE GAY born 1888
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1888: Jun 3 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 483
Beatrice Alice Gay – daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence
1889: Beatrice died as an infant in the Mar quarter of 1889 at Mitford
Buried at St Peter's Churchyard Mattishall Burgh

Headstone
BEATRIX ALICE GAY
Who fell asleep Feb 20th 1889 aged 11 months
Jesus called a little child unto him

 

Child 07
WINIFRED MURIEL FLORENCE GAY born 1889
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1890: Sep 22 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 494
Wilfred Muriel Florence Gay born Dec 9th 1889 daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence

Mattishall School Nuber: 1005
Admitted to Mattishall School 15/07/1895
Previous Education: None
Left School: No date
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Winifred Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

1913: Marriage record - Winifred M Gay married Ernest Cross at Norwich - Dec quarter (4b 423)

1958: Aug 31 - Winifred Murial Florence Cross died at Marin County (Marin), California, USA

 

Child 08
ALFRED JOHN NOEL GAY born 1890
Son of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1891: Apr 22 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 496
Alfred John Noel Gay born Dec 26th 1890 son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke

Mattishall School Nuber: 1088
Admitted to Mattishall School 15/04/1996
Previous Education: None
Left School: No date
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Jack Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

1923: Marriage record - Alfred J N Gay married Muriel A Bonnick at St Faiths - Sep quarter (4b 199)
Muriel was born Annie Muriel Bonnick in 1891at St Faiths the daughter of Joseph Richard Bonnick landlord of the Black Swan Inn at Horsham St Faiths and his wife Sarah Jane Orange Packham. Joseph and his father Richard had been landlords of the Swan Inn since 1872, previous to that the Grown Inn at Woolpit near Bury St Edmunds Suffolk.
Miss Bonnick taught the 4- 6 year olds at the Mattishall School. She was liked by the children who used to sit on little chairs alongside folding tables about four or five to each table. She and the headmaster Mr Brayley used to have a few cross words as he kept scribbling on her register.

From school log:
1918: Sep 23 - Miss Bonnick started as infant teacher
1923: Oct 22 - Referred to as Mrs Gay
1928: Nov 30 - Mrs Gay left for three months leave of absence
1919: Mar 8 - Mrs Gay returned

Alfred and Muriel had twins

John J Bonnick Gay born in the Mar quarter of 1929 at Mitford (4b 323)
Patrica O Bonnick Gay born in the Mar quarter of 1929 at Mitford (4b 324)

Alfred died
1942: Death record - Alfred J N Gay at Gipping Suffolk - Mar quarter - (4a 1972) age 52

Did Muriel remarry?

 

 

Child 09
FRANK OWEN GAY born 1892
Son of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1892: May 29 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 497
Frank Owen Gay born March 16th 1892, son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke
Born: Mar 4th 1892

Mattishall School Nuber: 1089
Admitted to Mattishall School 15/04/1896
Previous Education: None
Left School: No Date
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C
Recorded Name: Frank Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

1914: Sep 8th - Frank Owen Gay enlisted into Army - Norfolk Regiment - Service number 240508
1918: Nov 28th - L/Cpl Frank Owen Gay - Discharged due to Wounds - age 26 years 8 months - Badge/certificate no B532 73

Frank married
1924: Marriage record - Frank O Gay married Judith K Bird at Erpingham - Mar quarter (4b 125)
Judith was born Judith King Bird on Oct 11th 1895 at Erpingham. Judith was the daughter of Samuel Wells Bird a Farmer at West Beckham near Cromer Norfolk and his wife Kate Hobbs King. Samuel died in 1900 and Kate died on Aug 27th 1947 at the North Walsham district.
Judith had a brother Arthur Cook Bird born in 1888, he married Jessie Maria Tedder on Sep 10th 1911. Arthur died of burns on May 5th 1918 - There is a plaque in his memory in St Peter Church Sherringham “In ever loving memory of my dear husband, Pte Arthur Cook Bird M.T. ASC who died at Baghdad , May 5th 1918" Judith has another brother on the war memorial, Owen Wells Bird but there is no further information.

It is not clear if Frank and Judith had children as there are a few children over the country born with the mother's maiden name 'Bird'

1939: Census - Cromer, Norfolk
Frank O Gay - Head - born Mar 16th 1892 - Stationery and Fancy Goods Manager
Judith K Gay - Wife - born Oct 10th 1895 - Unpaid Household duties-

Judith died
1973: Death record - Judith King Gay at North Walsham - Mar quarter (4b 2104) age 78

Frank died
1976: Death record - Frank Owen Gay at North Walsham - Dec quarter (10 1565) age 84

 

Child 10
BEATRIX IVY GAY born 1893
Daughter of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1893: Nov 25 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 498
Beatrix Ivy Gay daughter of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke
Born: April 17th 1893

Mattishall School Nuber: 2048
Admitted to Mattishall School 16/10/1897
Previous Education: None
Left School: No Date
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Ivy Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh
Re Admitted 07/01/1902
Previous Education: North Tuddenham
Left School: Blank
Parent or Guardian: John Gay

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm - formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Violet Gay - Dau - single - age 24 - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh

Ivy married - she would have been aged about 60
1953: Marriage record - Ivy B G Gay married Dennis Hollings at Lambeth - Mar quarter (5c 2910)

Ivy died
1972: Death record - Ivy Beatrice Hollings at Lambeth - Mar quarter (5d 238) age 79

Dennis died
1975: Death record - Dennis Hollings at Lambeth - Jun quarter (14 193) age 80 - born Aug 19th 1895

 

Child 11
PHILIP GORDON GAY born 1896
Son of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1897: Jan 5 – Baptism at St Pater Church Mattishall Burgh – Entry 503
Philip Gordon Gay son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke
Born: Nov 28th 1896

Mattishall School Nuber: 3090
Admitted to Mattishall School 07/01/1902
Previous Education: None
Left School: Jan 1905
Cause of Leaving: Clause 'C'
Recorded Name: Philip Gordan
Parent or Guardian: John Gay

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh – Grove Farm – formerly Old Hall
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census - The Grammar School, Grammar School Road, North Walsham
Philip Gordon Gay - Boarder - age 14 - School Pupil - Mattishall Burgh

1914: LATE HOURS AT THE "SWAN INN," MATTISHALL. - Philip was involved in a court case where the landlord of the Swan was charged for selling alcohol out of hours - for more information click HERE

1914: Philip fought in the First World War in the Norfolk Regiment from 30/08/1914 – 12/03/1919
Service number 240336

1925: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns - living with them were....
Rolla Edgar & Rose Amelia Butler - Philip Gordon Gay - Olive's younger brother
1926: Electoral Roll - 62 Eagle Road Wembly - Alfred John and Olive Maude Berns - living with them were....
Rolla Edgar & Rose Amelia Butler - Philip Gordon Gay - Olive's younger brother

Philip married Ida Florence Brooke August 26th 1926 at Bradford
Philip and Ida had twin girls Sylvia Joan Gay and Doris O Gay born April 15th 1928 at Bradford

Is this Ida? - Ida Florence Brooke, Sister, Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1919_New_Year_Honours

Philip served in the RAF for 10 years
It appears Phillip and Ida's marriage did not las

1939: Census - 7 Town Wall Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk
Phillip G Gay - Head - Married - born Nov 28th 1896 - Police Force
Closed Record - likely to be Sylvia Joan Gay born April 15th 1928
Doris/Doreen Gay - born April 15th 1928 - At School
Betty L High - single - born March 8th 1915 - Unpaid Domestic Duties

Philip married Betty L High in the Dec quarter of 1942 at Great Yarmouth
Philip and Betty had twin girls Donna A Gay, and Irene W Gay born Sep quarter 1951 at Great Yarmouth.

Ida Florence Gay married Arthur Bridgewater at Fulham in the June quarter of 1943 - (1a 578)

Philip died in the Dec quarter of 1974 at Great Yarmouth age 77

 

REGINALD SPARKS GAY born 1886
Son of Alfred John Gay 1839 and Florence Sparke

1886: May 9 – Baptism at St Peters Church Mattishall Burg – Entry – 471
Reginald Sparks Gay born February 17th 1886 son of Alfred John Gay a Farmer and his wife Florence Sparke

Reginald Sparks Gay
Violet May Gay, nee Williamson
Courtesy of
Katrina Webb
©

Reginald Sparks Gay - Born: February 17th 1886
1886: Birth record - Reginald Sparks Gay at Mitford - Jun quarter (4b 287)

Mattishall School Nuber: 914
Admitted to Mattishall School 28/09/1891
Previous Education: None
Left School: June 1898
Cause of Leaving: Cause 'C'
Recorded Name: John Reginald Gay
Parent or Guardian: John Gay - Mattishall Burgh

'C' appears to be private school which all the children seemed to had.

1891: Census – Mattishall Road Mattishall Burgh
Alfred J Gay – Head – age 51 – Farmer (Em'er) - Norfolk - Wood Dalling
Florence Gay – Wife – age 33 1858 - Norfolk – Norwich
Mabel Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Olive M Gay – Dau – age 7 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Reginald S Gay – Son – age 5 – Scholar - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Violet M Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Margurite Gay – Dau – age 4 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Winifred M Gay – Dau – age 1 - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Edith Allenden – Govnss – single – age 22 - Private Governess - Norfolk - Great Dunham
Alfred J Gay – Son – age 3months - Norfolk - Mattishall Burgh
Ellen Paeace – Cooke – single – age 22 - Cook Dom Serv - Norfolk – Shotesham
Alvina Dack – Nurse – age 17 - Nurse Dom Serv - Norfolk - Dereham

1901: Census – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred Gay – Head – age 61 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 43 – Trowse
Olive Maud – Dau – age 16 – Mattishall Burgh
Reginald Spark Gay – Son – age 15 – Mattishall Burgh
Mildred Violet Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Marquerite Gay – Dau – age 14 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Muriel Florence Gay – Dau – age 11 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Noel Gay – Son – age 10 – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Owen Gay – Son – age 9 – Mattishall Burgh
Beatrix Ivy Gay – Dau – age 7 – Mattishall Burgh
Phillip Gordon Gay – age 4 – Mattishall Burgh
Emily Harvey – Servant – single – age 26 – General Servant – Norwich

1911: Census – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred Gay – Head – age 71 – Farmer Employer – Wood Dailing
Florence Gay – Wife – age 54 – Trowse
Reginald Gay – Son – single – age 24 – Work on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Daisy Gay – Dau – single - age 24 – Mattishall Burgh
Winifred Gay – Dau – single – age 21 – Mattishall Burgh
Alfred John Gay – Son – age 20 – Worker on Farm – Mattishall Burgh
Frank Gay – Son – age 19 – Apprentice Ironmonger – Mattishall Burgh
Ivy Gay – Dau – age 18 – Mattishall Burgh
Married for 28 years – 11 children 1 had died
12 room property

1912: Marriage record – Reginald S Gay married Violet M Williamson at Mitford – Dec quarter (4b 777)
1912: Nov 14 - Marriage at St Peter Church Yaxham - Entry 210
Reginald Sparke Gay, aged 26, Bachelor, Farmer of Mattishall Burgh married Violet May Williamson, aged 28, Spinster of Yaxham by Banns
Fathers: Alfred John Gay, Farmer and Robert Williamson (deceased)
Witness: Alfred John Gay, Frederick Gordon Gay, Florence Maria Williamson, Violet Mildred Gay
Rector: William Cowper Johnson,

 

MORE on Violet May Williamson

Violet's Father
1836: Jan 16 - Baprism at All Saints Church Briston - Entry 651
Robert Williamson born November 2nd 1835 son of John Williamson a Farmer and his wife Elizabeth

1851: Census - Tithe Barn Lane Briston
John Williamson - Head - Widower - age 54 - Farmer 20 Acres - Briston, Norfolk
John Williamson - Son - Single - age 20 - Ag Lab - Briston, Norfolk
Robert Williamson - Son - age 15 - Ag Lab - Briston, Norfolk - Violet's Father
Eliza Hudson - Servant - Single - age 30 - House Keeper - Briston, Norfolk

Violet' parents
1856:
Marriage record Robert Williamson married Ann Stimpson at Erpingham - Mar quarter (4b 125)

MORE on Anne Stimpson

There are a few Anne Stimpson's born about 1838 but as Ann gives her birth place as Stody and Edgfield this appears to be her

1851: Stody Erpingham, Norfolk
Thomas Stimpson - Head - Widower - age 74 - Farmer of 130 Acres Employ 4 Labourers - Thornage-Norfolk
John Stimpson - Son - Married - age 50 Farmers Son - Hunworth-Norfolk
Elizabeth Stimpson - Son's Wife - age 50 - Briston-Norfolk
Mary Stimpson - GDau - single - age 23 - Stody-Norfolk
Kezia Stimpson - GDau - age 18 - Briston-Norfolk
Anne Stimpson - GDau - age 13 - Edgefield-Norfolk
Maria Stimpson - GDau - age 10 - Scholar - Stody-Norfolk
Rosette Stimpson - GDau - age 8 - Scholar - Stody-Norfolk
Elizabeth Stimpson - GDau - age 6 - Scholar - Stody-Norfolk

 

Violet's parents
1861:
Census - South Common Briston
Robert Williamson - Head -age 25 - Agricultural Labourer - Briston, Norfolk
Ann Williamson - Wife - age 23 - Stody, Norfolk
Sabina Williamson - Dau - age 5 - Briston, Norfolk

Violet's parents
1871:
Census - Dereham Road Yaxham
Robert Williamson - Head - age 35 - Farm Baliff 20 acres - Briston Norfolk
Ann Williamson - Wife - age 33 1838 - Edgfield Norfolk
Robert Jo Williamson - Son - age 8 - Briston Norfolk
Mendham Thos Williamson - Son - age 4 - Yaxham Norfolk
Anna Eliz Williamson - Dau - age 2 - Yaxham Norfolk
Laura Ann Williamson - Dau - age 8months - Briston Norfolk
George Brand - Servant - single - age 33 - Ag Lab - Yaxham Norfolk
Sabina Marthur - Servant - age 15 - Domestic Servant - Briston Norfolk

Violet's parents
1881:
Census - Station Road Yaxham
Robert Williamson - Head - age 45 - Farmer Of 45 Acres Employing 1 Man - Briston, Norfolk
Anna Williamson - Wife - age 43 - Stody, Norfolk
Robert Williamson - Son - age 17 - Farmers Son - Briston, Norfolk
Thomas M Williamson - Son - age 14 - Farmers Son - Yaxham, Norfolk
Anna Elizabeth Williamson - Dau - age 12 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
Laura Ann Williamson - Dau - age 8 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
Herbert William Williamson - Son - age 6 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
Alfred Henry Williamson - Son - age 2 - Yaxham, Norfolk

1884: May 25 - Baptism at St Peter Church Yaxham
Violet May Williamson born March 28th 1884 daughter of Robert Williamson a Farmer and his wife Ann

1891: Census - Norwich Road Yaxham
Robert Williamson - Head - age 55 - Farmer & Coal Merchant - Briston, Norfolk
Anna Williamson - Wife - age 53 - Edgefield, Norfolk
Robert John Williamson - Son - Single - age 27 - Farmers Son - Briston, Norfolk
Laura Ann Williamson - Dau - age 19 - Yaxham, Norfolk
Herbert William Williamson - Son - age 16 1875 - Farmers Son - Yaxham, Norfolk
Alfred Thomas Williamson - Son - age 12 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
Florence Maria Williamson - Dau - age 9 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
Voilet May Williamson - Dau - age 7 - Scholar - Yaxham, Norfolk
James Nelthorpe - Boarder - Single - age 24 - Wheelwright And Carpenter - Great Cressingham, Norfolk

1901: Census - Norwich Road Yaxham
Robert Williamson - Head - age 65 - Farmer & Coal Merchant - Briston, Norfolk
Anna Williamson - Wife - age 63 - Edgefield, Norfolk
* Herbert Williamson - Son - Single - age 26 - Farmers Son - Yaxham, Norfolk
Alfred Williamson - Son - Single - age 22 - Farmers Son - Yaxham, Norfolk
Florence Williamson - Dau - age 19 - Yaxham, Norfolk
Violet Williamson - Dau - age 17 - Yaxham, Norfolk

* Herbert William Williamson married Eveland Frances Coe in the Sept quarter of 1904 - Herbert and Eveland where living at Heath Farm, The Heath Mattishall in 1911 and recorded as a Farmer. At that time they had no children.

Eveline Frances Coe was born on June 3rd 1879 the daughter of Edward Albert Coe a Farmer of Mattishall Burgh and his wife Francis Elizabeth Patience Norton who were married in Mar quarter of 1879 - Francis Elizabeth Patience Norton was the daughter of Robert Norton who family can be found HERE

In 1919 Herbert and Eveline had a daughter:
Doris Eveline Williamson. In later life Doris was a stalwarts of St Peter's Church Yaxham as well as being Churchwarden, on the Parochial Council plus also she served on the Deanery Sonod. She finally stepped down from her church duties in 1995. She lived at Lyndhurst which is now 157 Dereham Road Mattishall. Doris died in 2005 age 86.

Robert died
1907:
death record - Robert Williamson at Mitford - Dec quarter (4b 151) age 72

1911: Census - Williow Farm Yaxham
Anne Williamson - Head - Widow - age 73 Farmer - Edgefield Norfolk
Alfred Williamson - Wife - Single - age 32 - Farmer's Son - Work On Farm - Yaxham Norfolk
Florence M Williamson - Dau - Single - age 28 - Farmers Daughter Help At Home - Yaxham Norfolk
Violet M Williamson - Dau - Single - age 26 - Farmers Daughter Help At Home - Yaxham Norfolk
William R King - Gson - age 16 - Do Odd Jobs On Farm - Yaxham Norfolk

Violet married
1912:
Marriage record – Reginald S Gay married Violet M Williamson at Mitford – Dec quarter (4b 777)

1918: Death record - Ann Williamson at Mitford - Dec quarter (4b 502) age 80

 

Reginald and Violet had children:

[1] Nora Violet Gay - Born: February 7th 1914 - a little more HERE
1914: Apr 5 - Baptised at All Saints Church Mattishall
1914: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 395)

[2] Kathleen Sparks Gay - Born: December 5th 1916 - a little more HERE
1917: Mar 11 - Baptised at All Saints Church Mattishall
1917: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 356)

[3] Irene Muriel Gay - Born: October 26th 1918 - a little more HERE
1919: Jan 19 - Baptised at All Saints Church Mattishall
1918: Birth record – at Mitford – Dec quarter (4b 348)

[4] William Reginald Sparks Gay - Born: December 28th 1921 - a little more HERE
1922: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 415)

 
A delightful picture of the three sisters
Courtesy of
Katrina Webb
©
 
A later picture showing young William who died age 19, with two of his sister's
Kathleen and Irene
Courtesy of
Katrina Webb
©

Sometime after their marriage Reginald and Violet lived at Malt House Farm House on Church Plain Mattishall
Previous to that in 1911 it was owned/tenanted by Fred Cricks and his wife Bessie nee Edwards. With them was their son 2 year old Edward Gricks and a domestic servant 15 year old Alice Mead.


Malt House Farm building about late 1960's
Picture is a bit blurred as it has been taken from an old movie film

Courtesy of
The Late John Hill
©

It has been said that, what we now call Malt House Farm House was originally built to be a Public House -
Mr Charles Pearce, owner of Cooper Brown applied at the Brewster Sessions 02.02.1898 seeking to move the licence to new premises. The previous owner of the CROWN & ANCHOR, a Mr Sparke (transcibed as Clarke) had built the new house which was said by `virtually all' to be more suitable - The request was refused - More infromation can be found on the 'Norfolk Pubs' website by clicking HERE

What we now know as 'Anchor House' was opened as the 'Crown & Anchor' sometime before 1882, the owner/landlord was Edward Sparke. Following Edward's death in 1898 the Landlord was John Stibbard Edwards. It remained a public house till 1922 and the house was sold for private residence in 1923

1916: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – Reginald Sparke Gay, farmer, Malthouse Farm

1922: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – Reginald Sparke Gay, farmer, Malthouse Farm

1923: Death record – Reginald S Gay at Mitford – Jun quarter (4b 256) age 37
Reginald Sparke Gay of Mattishall, was buried 12th April, aged 37 years at St Peters Churchyard Mattishall Burgh - Entry 318

1923: Reginald Sparke Gay of Mattishall Norfolk died April 9th 1923. Probate June 9th to Violet May Gay widow and Hubert William Williamson retired farmer. Effects £1983. 13s. 6d.

Following the sudden death of Reginald in 1923 at the early age of 37 Violet continued with the farm and living a Malt House Farm on Church Plain but Violet was having health issues so about 1928 it was decided to hand the running of the farm to her brother Hubert Williamson. Violet and her children moved to Common Road, East Tuddenham, the property was then called 'White Rods' now known as Vassar's.

Sometime after leaving Mattishall School both Kathleen and Irene went on to train and work as Nurses. - Katrina

1937: Death record – Violet M Gay at Mitford – Jun quarter (4b 269) age 53
Violet May Gay of Mattishall, was buried 23rd June, aged 53 years at St Peter's Churchyard Mattishall Burgh - Entry 349

Niether Reginald or Violet have a headstone/ memorial to mark their graves.

Violet May Gay, nee Williamson - was the organist at All Saints for a long period of time, and my mother (Irene Muriel Gay) would often follow her into the Church and play the organ at a tender age. A gift she inherited from her mother, who I also understand taught music privately - Katrina Webb

After 1928, as mentioned above, Violet remained the owner of Malt House Farm and from all accounts it was run and worked by her brother Herbert Williamson who occupied the house. After Violets death in 1937 it is not clear if the property was willed or sold but Violet's son died in 1941 at the age of 19 and ownership was known to have been in the hands of a lady thought to one of Violet's daughters who lived away. The property and farm was then rented to Charles Faircloth of Old Hall Farm , now known as Grove Farm and it is thought at sometime his son Frederick Charles Faircloth and his wife Juliet Elizabeth Norton who had married in 1935 took it over. It is not known of the precise date but the opportunity arose and Frederick and Juliet purchased the property. The Faircloth's remain owners today. Juliet died in 2003 and Fred in 2004 and it is now run by their two sons.

Malthouse Farm was once quite a large enterprise which included the Maltings, Crown & Anchor public house, farm buildings and many acres of farm land.
The earliest records we have of the Malthouse is the 1740 survey which included the building known as the Crown & Anchor. We do know that a William Lindsey (farmer and Gent) owned the property sometime after 1802. Little is known of William's early years but from all accounts he was born about 1768. He married Elizabeth Clarke at Saham Toney in 1802 and move to Mattishall where he either extended or re-built what was there already. After William's death in 1825 at the age of 57 there is a period of uncertainty until in the 1851 census when a John Lodge Farmer and Maltster of Church Plain was on record also in the same census was a James Richman/Richmond recorded as (Working Maltster). This would indicate James Richman was employed by John Lodge. In 1861 John Lodge was still living at Church Plain as a Farmer and James Richmand/Richmond as a Malstster. John Lodge died on April 7th 1866 age 78 and in the 1871 census James Richmond was recorded as a labourer and still living on Church Plain which seems to confirm John Lodge own/worked the property and James Richmond was in his employ.

Sometime after 1861, although it could have been as late as 1866 on the death of John Lodge the property was acquired by Edward Sparke, Gent, Wine Merchant, Miller and Farmer who previously had owned Pockthorpe Mill situated just outside Magdalen Gates Norwich and was also a Wine and Spirit Dealer on Magdalen Street Norwich with warehouses close by around the Elm Hill area.

The building now known as Malthouse Farm House was built by Edward Sparke sometime in the 1880's

1806: The Poll of Knights for the County of Norfolk, Mattishall - William Lindsey - Malster
1836: William Whites History, Gazetteer - Francis Lewin, Malster & Thomas Wise, Working Malster
1854: Francis White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory Mattishall - John Lodge, Farmer and Maltster
1888: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – Edward Sparke, farmer, landowner, wine & spirit merchant, & maltster
1892: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – Edward Sparke, farmer, landowner & maltster, Malthouse Farm
1896: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall - Edward Sparke, farmer, Landowner & Maltster, Malthouse Farm

Edward Sparke died age 81 on June 16th 1898 and it appears the Maltings, Grown & Anchor (Anchor House) was then split up.
The Crown and Anchor was then taken over by John Stibbard Edwards - for more on Mattishall's Pubs click HERE
It remained a public house till 1922 and the house was then sold for a private residence in 1923.

1904: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall - John & Frank Cricks, Farmers Malthouse Farm
1912: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall - Reginald Sparke Gay, Farmer, Malthouse Farm
1925: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – William Herbert Williamson, farmer, Malthouse Farm
1929: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – William Herbert Williamson, farmer, Malthouse Farm
1933: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – William Herbert Williamson, farmer, Malthouse Farm
1937: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – Charles Faircloth, farmer, Malthouse Farm

1854: Francis White's History, Gazetteer, and Directory Mattishall - Matthew Yull, Farmer, Old Hall Farm
1883: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall Burgh - Alfred John Gay, farmer
1937: Kelly’s Directory of Norfolk – Mattishall – under Mattishall Burgh – Charles Faircloth, farmer, Old Hall (Grove Farm) Farm

MORE ON CHILDREN:

Child 01
NORA VIOLET GAY born 1914
Daughter of Reginald Sparks Gay 1886 and Violet May Williamson

Nora Violet Gay - Born: February 7th 1914
1914: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 395)

Mattishall School Number: 3729
Admitted to Mattishall School 28/04/1919
Previous Education: None
Left School: 07/08/1925
Cause of Leaving: Scholarship East Dereham
Recorded Name: Violet Gay
Parent or Guardian: Reggi Gay

No further information

 

Child 02
KATHLEEN SPARKS GAY born 1916
Daughter of Reginald Sparks Gay 1886 and Violet May Williamson

Kathleen Sparks Gay - Born: December 5th 1916
1917: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 356)

Mattishall School Number: 3834
Admitted to Mattishall School 23/01/1922
Previous Education: None
Left School: 09/10/1928
Cause of Leaving: Left District
Recorded Name: Kathleen Gay
Parent or Guardian: Reggi Gay

No further information

 

Child 03
IRENE MURIEL GAY born 1918
Daughter of Reginald Sparks Gay 1886 and Violet May Williamson

Irene Muriel Gay - Born: October 26th 1918
1918: Birth record – at Mitford – Dec quarter (4b 348)

Mattishall School Number: 3868
Admitted to Mattishall School 02/07/1923
Previous Education: None
Left School: 09/10/1928
Cause of Leaving: Left District
Recorded Name: Irene Gay
Parent or Guardian: Mrs R Gay
 

Below image is of poor quality
Irene Muriel Gay married Roy Webb in August 1946 at St. Peter's Church, Ipsley, Redditch.
To the right of my parents is Irene's sister Kathleen Sparke Cox, nee Gay and to her side (a tall slender lady) is Nora Violet Birkett, nee Gay.
Courtesy of
Katrina Webb
©

No further information

 

Child 4
WILLIAM REGINALD SPARKS GAY born 1921
Son of Reginald Sparks Gay 1886 and Violet May Williamson

William Reginald Sparks Gay - Born: December 28th 1921
1922: Birth record – at Mitford – Mar quarter (4b 415)

Mattishall School Number: 3964
Admitted to Mattishall School 03/01/1927
Previous Education: None
Left School: 09/10/1928
Cause of Leaving: Left District
Recorded Name: William Reg Gay
Parent or Guardian: Mrs Reg Gay

William died age 19
1941: Death record - Reginald William Sparks Gay at Solihull, West Midlands - Mar quarter (6d 1596) age 19
It appears William changed his name round to Reginald William Sparks Gay
cause of death unknown.
Reginald was buried on March 3rd 1941 at St Peter's Churchyard Mattishall Burgh.

 

 

 

 

 
MORE on Florence Sparke & her family

Re: Spark, Sparks, Sparke, Sparkes.

Trying to trace the Sparke family back into the 1700' has been quite tricky for two reasons. Records and their content are very patchy and then we have the permutations of the surname as above. However there is the middle name 'Bird' which does helps to give a marker to follow back. It is not unusual for the mother's surname to be used somewhere in her childrens names. This could be the case in this family.
From the records available the below appears to be how the relationship between our two main characters Edward Sparke and Florence Sparke could possibly work out.

ROBERT SPARKE born unknown

Robert Sparke married Martha unknown - no record found

Robert's wife died
1763:
Mar 24 - Burial at St Mary The Virgin Church North Elmham
Martha Sparke wife of Robert Sparke

Robert appears to remarry
1764:
Apr 30 - Marriage at St Mary The Virgin Church North Elmham
Robert Sparke a Widower married Elizabeth Ashley a Spinster

Is this Elizabeth Ashley?
1768:
Aug 4 - Burial at St Mary's Church North Tuddenham
Elizabeth Sparke wife of Robert Sparke

Could this be Robert and did he remarry - is this where the middle name 'Bird' came from?
1771:
Jul 18 - Marriage at St Peter and St Paul Church Wendling
Grooms name illegable (page damaged) married Elizabeth Bird a Spinster - by Licence
[Archdeacon's Transcripts]

Robert and Elizabeth had children:

1764: Apr 15 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless
Frans Spark daughter of Robert Spark and his wife Elizabeth
Is Frans the daughter of Elizabeth Ashly the new wife of Robert Sparke

No baptism record for James (below) but there is a burial
1776:
Jul 14 - Burial at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 49
James Sparks son of Robert Sparks and Elizabeth

1766: Jul 20 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless
Meriah Spark daughter of Robert Spark and his with Elizabeth - possibly Elizabeth Ashley
Meriah died in 1767 and was buried on July 12th - Entry 13

1768: Nov 20 - Baptism at St Margaret's Church Stratton Strawless - ANCESTRAL LINE to Edward
Britton Spark born November 9th 1768 son of Robert Spark and his wife Elizabeth
Could this be the last child of Elizabeth Ashley as she died only a few weeks earlier

1776: Apr 21 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 65
Joseph Sparks daughter of Robert Sparks and his wife Elizabeth
Could this be a son of Elizabeth Bird if the marriage in 1771 was to Robert Sparke!!

1778: May 17 - Baptism at St Margaret Church Stratton Strawless - Entry 79
James Sparks son of Robert Sparks and his wife Elizabeth - ANCESTRAL LINE to Florence
From all acounts this could be the son of Elizabeth Bird although the child was not baptised James Bird Sparke he seemed to have adopted it sometime after his baptism and kept it for the remainder of his life.

1808: Jun 9 - Marriage at St Nicholas Church Great Yarmouth - Entry 368
James Sparke a Bachelor married Mary Cooper a Spinster by Licence
Witness: William Rudham and Jane Clarke
1808: James Bird Sparke married Mary Cooper at Yarmouth - The Monthly Mazazine - HERE
James and Mary had children:

1814: May 15 - Baptism at St Peter Parmentergate Church Norwich - Entry 49
James Bird Sparke son of James Bird Sparke a Mechcanic and his wife Mary
James must have died as another is baptised in 1818 - no record found

1818: Mar 17 - Baptism at St Peter Parmentergate Church Norwich - Entry 267
James Bird Sparke son of James Bird Sparke an Iron Dealer and his wife Mary
James became an Attorney At Law and in 1841 at the age of 22 was living with his widowed mother Mary Sparke at Mountergate, Norwich. In 1851 James B Sparke, aged 30 was living at St Giles Norwich
In the 1861 census we find James Bird Sparke, now a 42-year-old Independent Gentleman, still living in Norfolk. In 1866, he married Mary E. Knapman at Clerkenwell, London, and the 1871 census shows him working as a solicitor and living with his wife in Islington. In 1891, the couple are still together, now living in Paddington with their daughter Ellen. James is described as no longer practicing. Death records reveal that James Bird Sparke, born 1818, died in 1892 age 74 in Paddington, London.

1821: Dec 23 - Baptism at St Peter Parmentergate Church Norwich - Entry 500
Mary Ann Sparke daughter of James Bird Sparke an Iron Founder and his wife Mary

1823: Oct 3 - Baptism at St Peter Parmentergate Church Norwich - Entry 620
Eliza Sparke born September 8th 1823 daughter of James Bird Sparke an Iron Founder and his wife Mary
Eliza married March 16th 1843 to Thomas Thomson of Chancery Lane Norwich, solicitor, third son of the late Richard Thompson of Clapham Road - The Court Magazine

Florance's father
1820:
Jan 30 - Baptism at St Peter Parmentergate Church Norwich - Entry 380
Alfred Sparke son of James Bird Sparke an Iron Dealer and his wife Mary - ANCESTRAL LINE to Florence

Not realy sure how this fits in as it seems a long time till 1843 to sort the business out or was there another James Bird Sparks?
1824: Sep 19 - Burial at St Peter Church Easton - Entry 47
James Bird Sparks of Norwich age 42

After the death of James Bird Sparke, Sparke's Foundry, based at Thorne-Lane, Norwich, was sold off by court order in 1843 below.

1843: The London Gazette - Advert
Of the goodwill of the business of the late James Bird Sparke, deceased, and the stock in trade, fixtures, utensils, and apparatus, horses, carts, and implements of husbandry, at Sparke's foundry, Thorne-Lane, Norwich (Sparke v Mann)

1845: National Archives - Sparke v Sparke - click HERE
Defendant James Bird Sparke and others - Defendant: John Mann - no further details

Florence's parents
1849:
Marriage record - Alfred Sparke married Harriet Howe at Depwade - Sep quarter (13 69)
Alfred and Harriet had children

1851: Birth record - Alfred Howes Sparke at Norwich - Jun quarter (13 281)
1852: Birth record - Mary Sparke at Norwich - Dec quarter (4b 120)
1853: Birth record - Annie Elizabeth Sparke at Norwich - Dec quarter (4b 106)
1855: Birth record – Florence Sparke at Norwich – Mar quarter (4b 140)
1856: Birth record - Alice Sparke at Norwich - Sep quarter (4b 112)
1857: Birth record - Clara Isabella Sparke at Henstead - Dec quarter (4b 179)
Clara died in 1865 age 8 years at Norwich

1851: Census - Scoles Green St Michael At Thorn Norwich, Norfolk
Alfred Sparke - Head - age 29 1822 - Engineer - Norwich
Harriett Sparke - Wife - age 28 - Tacolnstone - Norfolk
Hannah Cunningham - Servant - single - age 24 - Genl Serv - Eaton-Norfolk

1860: Jul 24 - The London Gazette - List of recent Patents:
Register No: 987 - Date of Patent: April 8th 1857 - Name & Address: James Bird Sparke and Alfred Sparke of the firm of Sparke and Company of Thorne-Lane Foundry Norwich in the county of Norfolk, Engineers and Iron founders - Title of Invention: Improvements to sawing machinery.

1861: Census – Trowse Street Trowse
Alfred Sparke – Head – age 40 1820 - Civil Engineer Emp 20men 5boys - Norfolk – Norwich
Harriot Sparke – Wife – age 35 - Norfolk – Tacolneston
Alfred Howes Sparke – Son – age 9 – Scholar – Norwich
Annie Sparke – Dau – age 7 – Scholar – Norwich
Florence Sparke – Dau – age 6 – Scholar – Norwich
Alice Sparke – Dau – age 4 – Scholar – Norwich
Clara Isabella Sparke – Dau – age 3 – Scholar – Trowes Newton
Maria Webster Hammond – Teacher – age 19 – Teacher – Lynn Norfolk
Jane Aldous – Servant – age 19 – Housemaid – Denham Suffolk
Jane Maria Baxter – Servant – age 20 – Cook – East Calton

Florence's father died
1863: Death record - Alfred Sparkes at Norwich - Dec quarter (4b 99)

1871: Census - Scoles Green Conisford -Norfolk
Harriott Sparke – Head – Widow - age 40 - Income From Property - Norfolk – Tacolneston
Florence Sparke – Dau – age 15 – Scholar – Norwich
Alice Sparke – Dau – age 13 – Scholar – Norwich
Mary Ann Bunting – Servant – age 16 – General Servant – Catton Norfolk
Joseph Thompson – Baorder – single – age 28 - Engineer Thom Lane Foundry - Norfolk – Martham

1881: Census - Mildenhall, Suffolk
Frederick Gittus - Head - age 31 - Farmer - Mildenhall West Row
Elizabeth Gittus - Wife - age 31 - Saxham, Suffolk
Frederic Gittus - Son - age 6 - Mildenhall West Row
Nora Gittus - Dau - age 4 - Mildenhall West Row
Mabel Gittus - Dau - age 3 - Mildenhall West Row
Florence Sparke - Mother's Help - single - age 24 - Mother's Help - Norfolk
Eliza Horn - Servant - age 17 - Domestic Servant - Lakenheath, Suffolk
Hannah Hood - Servant - age 17 - Dairy Maid (Ag Lab) - West Row, Suffolk

Meanwhile Florence's mother was here - they appear to be related but how?
1881: Census - 4 Newmarket Road Eaton Norwich
Elizabeth R Howes - Head - Widow - age 74 - Annuitant - Lopham, Norfolk
Elizabeth Howes - Dau - Widow - age 50 - Annuitant - Fundenhall, Norfolk
Harriot Sparke - Visitor - Widow - age 55 - Annuitant - Tacolneston, Norfolk
Julia Bolton - Servant - single - age 29 - Housemaid - Carlton Rode
Mary A Leest - Servant - single - age 50 - Cook - Norwich

Florence's fathers business
Newspaper cutting lived at Newton Lodge Trowse
Sparke and Co
of Thorne Lane Foundry, Norwich
1845 First mention of the company as 'General engineers and Iron and Brass Founders and Agricultural Implement Makers'
Made portable steam engines

1868: J. G. Harrod & Co's Postal & Communication Directory for Norfolk & Norwich.
An advert for Sparke & Co - it states they have been in business since the early 1800's

THORN LANE FOUNDRY
NORWICH
----------------------------------
SPARKE & CO
Engineers Millwrights, Machinists

BRASS AND IRON FOUNDERS,
Manufactures of Every Description of Agricultural Machinery
----------------------------------
S & Co having been extensively engaged in the Manufacture of
CORN, SEED, TURNIP, AND MANURE DRILLS,
for the past Fifty Years, every real practical improvement that has suggested
itself has been introduced into their manufacture. S & Co can
with confidence recommend them as being all that can be desired, and as second to none.
S & Co call particular attention to their Much Improved.
CHAFF CUTTERS AND HORSE GEARS,
they being made entirely of Iron, with the exception of the box and
lever. All the spindles and wears are accurately turned and fitted with
as great care as the parts of a steam engine, and are case hardened, so as
to render them much more durable. Wrought iron is freely introduced,
and the very small pinions that are liable to breakage are made of the
Best Cast Malleable Iron.
---------------------------------------------
As S. & Co do not do trade with agents, they can make a better class Machine
as they can make them at a smaller profit.

----------------------------------------------
S & Co also call particular attention to their Patient.
SELF-ACTING, PLAIN, and RACK CIRCULAR SAW-BENCHES
As being the simplest, best, and cheapest manufactured. Also their Patent
IMPROVED TIMBER AND DEAL FRAMES,
With Steam direct or otherwise.
IMPROVED BAND-SAWS &c. Every description of Casting made in BRASS
ZINC, and IRON, up to Two Tones weight, for their County Trade, at Low Prices.
Boreing, Turning, Screw Cutting, and Planing, in all their Branches.
S & Co also calls particular attention to their Improved
PORTABLE STEAM ENGINES
Which are fitted with every improvement to render them durable and economical in
fuel. The workmanship and materials are of the best description. These are made
from Two to Twenty-Horse Power. Upwards of Two Hundred of these have been
sent out and are giving unqualified satisfaction.
HORIZONTAL and VIRTICAL - FIXED STEAM ENGINES
Either High-Pressure or Condensing, up to Forty-Horse Power Nominal. First Class
References can be given were these are at work.
-----------------------------------------------
Price and Particulars forwarded upon application to the above address.

 

 

 

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