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
St Mary Magdalen
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
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
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
My Stocking Roots 