Newspaper reports of June-August 1903 show that my 2xgreat granduncle was summonsed by local magistrates for 'over-crowding' his home at The Mint, Godalming, Surrey. In April 1903, an inspector found the improbably named Prince Arthur Stocking (1869-1940) and his wife Eleanor Annie Young (1871-1953) squeezed into four rooms with five children. With another baby born … Continue reading The ‘put out’ children of Prince Arthur Stocking
Policeman
Penniston Topper: Footman who saved the life of George III
My research so far shows that the menfolk in my Topper line were all very much on the right side of the law and weren’t afraid of putting themselves in the way of danger to prevent or prosecute crime. Penniston Topper was to achieve fame for foiling an assassination attempt on George III in 1786, although … Continue reading Penniston Topper: Footman who saved the life of George III
Finding Victorian police records
My 3xgreat grandfather James Stocking is described as a policeman on the 1861 census, and his son Arthur's marriage certificate of 1891. On all other records, he is described as a Hawker, Carpet Stool Hawker, Rope Mat Maker or Labourer. How can I find out if he really was a policeman? What sources are available? … Continue reading Finding Victorian police records
James Stocking (1829-1883): A Hawker or Policeman?!
On just two records, my 3xgreat grandfather James Stocking is shown as a Policeman. How can that be? He was born around 1829 in Southwark, South London, the son of Thomas Stocking and Susan Brown. Various records, including censuses and family birth, baptism, marriage and death records, show him to have had fairly lowly occupations, … Continue reading James Stocking (1829-1883): A Hawker or Policeman?!
They who served: Stockings in WW1
At the outbreak of WW1, my 2xgreat grandparents had had 19 children, born between 1874 and 1902. By 1914, seven of their eight sons were still alive, and five joined the army. Two were awarded the Military Medal, and one was killed in action. I have found many records about their service online, but there … Continue reading They who served: Stockings in WW1
My Stocking Roots 