After their marriage in 1849 in Waterloo, South London, Aaron and Catherine Wales lived out their lives in Bermondsey and Southwark, close to the Leather Market South of the Thames. They raised nine children there, including my 2xgreat grandmother Alice Mary Wales. Aaron was originally from rural Norfolk, but married a girl from Newington. Were … Continue reading London Waleses: Aaron & Catherine’s family
1800s
Aaron Wales: A Norfolk lad
When I started researching my family history over 40 years ago, I thought my ancestry would be firmly rooted in London. A DNA test with Ancestry confirmed my years of paper-based and online research: London and the East of England were originally the lands of my fathers (and mothers). In the first half of the … Continue reading Aaron Wales: A Norfolk lad
Catherine Alice Stoney: A gent’s daughter?
My 3xgreat grandmother was born around 1829 in Newington, South London. When she married Saddler Aaron Wales in Waterloo, London, in 1849, her father is named as William Moorhouse Stoney, 'Gentleman'. Intriguing. Did she come from an aristocratic family? If so, they must have fallen on hard times, as their address, Waterloo Road, was not … Continue reading Catherine Alice Stoney: A gent’s daughter?
James & Mary Ann Stocking: 325+ descendants
My 3xgreat grandparents James Stocking (1829-1883) and his wife Mary Ann Collins (1828-1881) had eleven children between 1851-1869 who in turn produced 121 children of their own, although not all survived infancy. I believe I have found records for: 11 children; 121 grandchildren; 174 great grandchildren and 21 great-great grandchildren (although I have not researched … Continue reading James & Mary Ann Stocking: 325+ descendants
What’s in a name? Prince Arthur Stocking
I was a bit perplexed when I came across a 2xgreat grand uncle with a seemingly Royal title. Prince Arthur Stocking (1869-1940) was given the first name Prince when his birth was registered in the Jan-Mar quarter of 1870, but it was used sparingly in most other official documents until he married. He called his … Continue reading What’s in a name? Prince Arthur Stocking
Albert Stocking: Leather market horse keeper
My 2xgreat grand uncle Albert Stocking spent his life as a Leather Dresser until, perhaps, the labour became too hard, or he needed a more lucrative trade to support his growing family. In his late 30s/40s he became a Carman and Horse Keeper, roles still closely associated with the leather trades. Like his many siblings, … Continue reading Albert Stocking: Leather market horse keeper
Henry John Stocking: Tripe Dresser of Bermondsey
My 3xgreat grandparents James Stocking and his wife Mary Ann Collins had over 127 descendents in two generations (their children and grandchildren). Their ninth child - my 2xgreat grand uncle Henry John Stocking (1866-1938) - and his wife Alice Matilda Vidler had ten children, although four died in infancy. He otherwise had a fairly uneventful … Continue reading Henry John Stocking: Tripe Dresser of Bermondsey
The lost family of William Thomas Stocking
My 2xgreat grand uncle William Thomas Stocking (1864-1923) had 13 children with his wife Elizabeth Ellen Smith. By the time he died in 1923, aged 58, they had been married 38 years. Four of their children died in infancy. World War I also took its toll, on a son, daughters and sons-in-law. Their stories are … Continue reading The lost family of William Thomas Stocking
William Thomas Stocking: Life near the Thames
For several generations my Stocking ancestors lived and worked just South of the Thames, finding work in the building and decorating trades, London's Leather Market, Bermondsey's food and packaging works and in and around the docks and the areas South of Tower Bridge. Following the various jobs of my 2xgreat grand uncle William Thomas Stocking … Continue reading William Thomas Stocking: Life near the Thames
George Thomas Stocking: A long-stayer
My 2xgreat grand uncle George Thomas Stocking (1862-1947) was a Bermondsey Leather Dresser/Finisher. He and his wife had 17 children, but are said to have lost seven of them in infancy. He was also the first of his siblings to be able to sign his name. After marriage, he raised his growing family, staying put … Continue reading George Thomas Stocking: A long-stayer
My Stocking Roots 