My Stocking great grandparents had over 127 direct descendents, so it is no surprise that many of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were affected by the two world wars. The children of their fifth child, Robert Matthew Stocking (1859-1945) and his wife Martha Silverlock were no exception. The parents' story is told in this … Continue reading The children of Robert Matthew Stocking in WW1
Soldier
Richard Daniel Stocking: The loss of six children
My 2xgreat grand uncle Richard Daniel Stocking was born in 1857 and worked for a Tripe Dresser in Bermondsey. He married in 1880, but by 1895, he had been widowed. He lived until at least his 80s. Sadly, the same cannot be said of his children: of the eight born between 1880-1894, six had died … Continue reading Richard Daniel Stocking: The loss of six children
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
The Hills of London in World War I
My great grandmother was born Susan Caroline Hill in London in 1875. Two of her brothers, William and John, were wounded in action in WW1. One of her Stocking brothers-in-law was killed, and two were awarded the Military Medal. How did the conflict impact on their lives? She married in 1900, and while her husband … Continue reading The Hills of London in World War I
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 