Berkshire Local History Association

Swinley brick pits

"Could anyone tell me anything about the history of Swinley brick pits (and any associated industry) in the forest just west of South Ascot?"

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5 June 2006

Godwin family of Cold Ash

"I am researching the Godwin family of Cold Ash and would be interested in any information relating to them."

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29 May 2006

Edward James of Newbury

"My wife and I were at the Newbury Museum yesterday looking for information relating to ancestors who were living in Newbury during the period 1850 - 1920 and ran a business there. The family name is James and the main ancestor is Edward James who ran a building company in Pound Street. The museum was very helpful in getting what information they had together and this showed some interesting results. It would seem that Edward James was a Councillor during his time and that he ran a business in Pound Street from 2 Lynmouth Villas. We have gained a lot of information from the census and obituary details from the newspapers of the time at the British Newspaper Library, Colindale.

What we would like to discover now is more about Edward James' life, he is reported to have built rows of houses in Craven Street (are these the same ones in Craven Road, and villas in Enborne Road and Pound Street, are they still there. Are there photographs of the buildings, are there photographs of the building works, are there details of his term of office as a councillor.

I wondered whether this is anything that your association could have or know of that could assist in my research "

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8 March 2006

Miss Mary Sharp, Ufton Court

"I am an Australian post-graduate student seeking information about Miss Mary Sharp, tenant of Ufton Court in the 1890s and early 1900s, author of two books of local history and one about types of lace. In 1891 and on several occasions after this Miss Sharp had contact with the artist Bernard Hall, who left England in 1892 to become Director of the National Gallery of Victoria. I am particularly interested in the circumstances of this contact, but would be most grateful for anything that may be known of her life and work during these years."

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20 February 2006

Brewery in Bracknell

"We have been told that there was a brewery in Bracknell around the 1920s - apparently this why there was a tall chimney (the sort Fred Dibnah would have knocked down!) which appeared to be behind the grocery store on Station Road in Bracknell town centre. The actual photograph which depicts this can be seen in the Old Manor Wetherspoons pub in Bracknell on the wall opposite the main bar.

Is the Brewery explanation for the tall chimney true and if not what was the chimney for?"

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8 February 2006

Newbury Hiring Fairs

"I am tracing my family history, and in particular a John Talbot who was born about 1760 and who married in Hurstbourne Priors, Hampshire.

The only John Talbot I have been able to locate who might fit the bill, is a John Talbot born in 1760 in Chilton, Berks. I have his baptism record at Harwell, but I can find no other reference to him in that area.

What I want to know is:-
Is it possible that he travelled from Chilton to Hurstbourne Priors in search of work, possibly via a hiring fair at Newbury?
Have you or your members any knowledge of the Newbury Hiring Fairs? From what distance might they have attracted customers?"

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6 February 2006

Henry Bowman

"Henry Bowman 61 new wife Ellen 28 married at Reading 1903 lived at 31 Vachel Road Reading for how long any children where did they go to, he was a contrator[sinker of wells] had two sons living at Cliddesden [Basingstoke] at the same time, one was not married [Edward]the other had atleast 2 sons born there his name was Benjamin [Inkerman] Bowman. It's Henry Bowman I'm after."

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21 January 2006

Reading Establishment

"I am currently writing a dissertation on the Reading Establishment set up by Nicolaas Henneman which still exists on Baker Street. I have seen the Pencil of Nature held at Reading University which was very useful and have read all that is available at the Reading Central Library including examining two articles in the Reading Mercury but I am starting to run low on sources. I would be very grateful for any information about this photographic studio however insignificant it may seem. I am particularly interested in the iconic panoramic view of the rear of the studio taken by Talbot and Henneman and if anyone knows anything about what and/or who is depicted in the photograph I would be very grateful."

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29 December 2005

Oppenheim Estate

"I am trying to find out if anyone knows the whereabouts of the Oppenheim Estate which I believe one of relatives worked on in the early 1900s. It may possibly have in the Great Shefford/Shefford Woodlands area."

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6 November 2005

Longdown Lodge, Crowthorne Road, Sandhurst

"We live in Longdown Lodge on the Crowthorne Road in Sandhurst. Since we moved in we have been trying to find out the history of the lodge and have been told many different stories from it being an old hunting lodge to a hotel. Does anyone know the history of the lodge? We would love to know for personal interest but also we are building a website about the lodge."

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29 October 2005

Wilder Family, Sulham

"Any information of the Wilder Family in Sulham or Berkshire will be gratefully received. I've found my way back to Thomas and Martha Wilder in the 1630s."

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17 October 2005

Response

I'm trying to research my grandathers relatives and ive come upon your request, my great great grandfather was Petus Wilder, a farmer who, in 1891 lived in 'The Hermitage' a farm in Lambourne, Eastbury, Hungerford with his wife Harriet and their son William (my great grandfather) does this ring any bells and can you help me tract back any further? i have found other Wilders from thew East Garston area but they all seem to live in the same vilage and i cant differentiate between them all, can you help?

26 March 2006

Snuggs Lane, East Hanney

"I am trying to trace the history of "Snuggs Lane" in East Hanney. I am trying to find out how the lane got its name and if it is linked to the surname of Snuggs in Wantage."

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17 October 2005

Response

I grew up in East Hanney lived there from 1939-51
Just where is or was Snuggs lane? The only lanes I knew of in East Hanney were The 'Little lane" or "berry Lane" Entrance opposite the Black horse pub.... The "Big lane" entrance opposite the chapel....."Wilkinsons lane" ran off to the left in a line with the road left of East Hanney church, more or less opposite wher Hedleys shop was in 1945... Then there was a lane that was short! that ran between the church and the PO in 1950 came out facing the village green... this had no name that I knew of...Ebbs lane was more of a road back then and cannot recall anybody calling it "Ebbs lane".

2 March 2006

Prospect Park, Reading

"I am a mature student undertaking some historical research of Prospect Park in Reading. I have made contact with the 'Friends of Prospect Park' who formed a very active preservation/volunteer group in 1990. I am seeking information on the park prior to this date on its owners and the people who lived and worked in the mansion and grounds. I would be particularly interested in any old photographs appertaining to the park. I would very much like to hear from anyone, whose ancester may have perhaps been a gardener or domestic servant to the families who lived and owned the park, or indeed from any decendant of the owners of the estate. Benjamin Child, husband of Frances Kendrick is said to have had the pond dug in a heart shape in his wifes memory. I would very much like any information that could collaborate this. John Liebenrood built the Mansion House in 1790 supposedly on the site of a previous dwelling, if anyone has any information as to the previous dwelling and park that too would be gratefully received."

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17 October 2005

Response

"I would love to know anything you have discovered re Propsect Park and the Liebenrood family. I'm afraid I can't help you except that my grandfather, on my mother's side, was called Fitzhardinge Hancock (1885-1969). I'm pretty sure that this was his name at birth but his name was changed in 1902 to Liebenrood. As far as I can remember from my mother this was because he was going to inherit Propspect Park from an uncle. This never came about because they sold it and he later changed back to Hancock.My mother, who was born in 1914, remembers saying 'I used to be Daphne Liebenrood but now I'm Daphne Hancock'. I think she told me it was because Liebenrood was a German name and they were not popular after the First World War. That is really all I know but I have just sat down to start investigating it more because I was at Wellington College last w/e and on the boards in the Pavillion, my grandfather is mentioned in 1901 in the 1st rugby team as Hancock and in 1902 in! the 1st Cricket team as Liebenrood! One always gets interested in these things when it is too late to ask!
I would be very grateful of any info you have."

3 May 2006

William Sim, architect

"I'm writing from Australia. My great-great grandfather, William Sim, was an architect who lived in Berskhire from about 1860 to 1880. I know that he and his family lived at Queens Villas in Osborne Road; at The Nook in Alma Road, and at Osborne Villas in Osborne Road. It seems an odd co-incidence that he called his youngest son Osborne. Does anyone know if any of these villas still survive, and how I could find out if he had designed them?. Because he was born in Aberdeen, I'd also be interested in any information about Aberdeen Lodge in Osborne Road."

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17 October 2005

Underwood family, Warfield

"I am looking into my family tree. Daniel Underwood Born 1851 & Eliza Underwood (Spanner) born 1851, lived at Brock Hill Cottage in Warfield. Daniel was a Head Gardener on an Estate in the area. They had 4 children William Born 1874, Eva Born 1876, Annie Born 1878 who was my Great Grandmother and Albert born 1880. Annie's married name was Summerbee. Does this cottage still exist and which Estate would he of worked at. Does anybody know of any Underwoods still living in the area."

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17 October 2005

Henry Crenshawe, Vicar in Bray

"I am looking for information on a Vicar in Bray. His name was Henry Crenshawe about 1588 as he is mentioned in a will at that time. I do not know if he was from St. Mary's the Virgin or St. Michael. Any information about him or confirmation of his service to a specific church is most helpful."

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17 October 2005

Castle Houses, Speen

"I am trying to find out about the origins, history and present existence of (St Mary's) Castle Houses in Speen. One of my ancestors lived there in 1925 and I have a photo dating from 1943. Can anyone assist with any info. at all, or perhaps direct me to where I can find out more?"

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17 October 2005

Forest Gate Keeper's Lodge, Windsor Great Park

"I am researching the history of the Gate Lodge at Government House (Sydney) for the purposes of its restoration by the Royal Botanic Gardens Trust. This building was built in 1846-8 to a design by the Colonial Government Architect Mortimer Lewis. It is, however, thought to be identical to the Forest Gate Keeper's Lodge at Windsor Great Park. What I am trying to establish is, if this building is still standing and if there is any information relating to it."

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17 October 2005

Leonard William Gylby

"I am researching my grand uncle Leonard William Gylby who died in WW1 and whose name appears on the Lambourne War Memorial. I was wondering if your association had any information regarding his life in Lambourne before he went off to fight or could you point me in the right direction to find out more about my grand uncle?"

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17 October 2005

Unfinished architecture

"I am doing a photography project on works of architecture that were started but never finished. What I am looking for are buildings/structures that still exist in some sort of unfinished form. Are you aware of any examples in your locality? Or any suggested reading/sources of information? Any input would be greatly appreciated."

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17 October 2005

A. Wragge, Artist

"I have in my possession a watercolour by A.Wragge, entitled Streatley on Thames. I have no other information, but wondered if he was a locally renowned artist. The painting came from my father's estate, but how it reached Aberdeen, I have no idea. It is a riverbank scene showing a young woman carrying a bunch of flowers,standing by a countryside ford. If you could help with any provenance on this I would be most grateful."

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17 October 2005

George and Walter Warwick/Warrick Cycle Manufacturers

"My 3x and 2x great-grandfathers lived in Reading (George and Walter) in and around the St Mary's area. I suspect that they may have had an involvement with the Warrick cycle manufacturers in St Mary's Butts. Does anyone out there have any information for me, either about the family or the factory? My particular ancestor, Walter, left Reading to act as a solicitor's clerk in Liverpool and to marry a lady in Wallasey, returned briefly prior to her death and then went to London as a Law Stationer, so that I suspect that one of his brothers must have have been involved."

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21 June 2005

Response

Walter Warwick was my great grandfather - do you want to get in touch - I do have some information?

28 March 2006

Corporation of Reading

"Could anyone give some information about the 19th century Corporation of Reading? I am trying to trace some land they owned in Berkshire."

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21 June 2005

Response

The records of the corporation can be found in the Berkshire Record Office. We have several general histories of Reading which deal with the corporation in the 19th century but it sounds to me you will need to consult the full records. The council and commitee minutes will discuss council rents and land holdings and any land sales. We hold council minutes in the Local Studies section of the central library for 1903 onwards.

17 October 2005

Response

This is actually what is now Reading Borough Council.

17 October 2005

Jubliee Cottage, Sandhurst

"Looking for Jubliee Cottage in Sandhurst as an ancestor was born there in 1899. She was Florence Ethel Netherclift, her parents were Alice Annie Peppercorn and Henry George Netherclift (also used Draycott in surname as a double barrel or as a different surname!) Henry worked as a mess waiter a Sandhurst Military College. Any info appreciated."

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21 June 2005

Response

"I have Henry George Nethercliffe b. Wokinham, Berkshire age 39 as her father source Eng. cens. 1901 p. 11 RG 13 1164. Living at the cottage in 1901 and described as a Servant Governer.
His wife Alice A. age 30 b. Cambs Lolworth. Florence Ethel Nethercliffe was one year old at the time of the census and had three siblings."

23 January 2006

Rising Sun Public House, 18 Oxford Road, Wokingham

"Great Uncle George SANDY was a licensed victualler at the Rising Sun which no longer appears to exist! It appears that he died in February 1960 leaving behind his widow, Johanna. As a seemingly jolly fellow, ex-Army Pay Corps, I think he might have been remembered by local people - or at least the pub might have been.

I would like to discover more about his time in Wokingham - when he arrived there/how long he stayed, as well as wishing to know if he had any children. Prior to 1960, the last evidence I have of him is in late 1931 when he married for the second time, in Farnham RD. Naturally, the Rising Sun - and its apparent fate - is also of interest.

Any information, advice or suggestions would be gratefully received."

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9 April 2005

Foxcote, Finchamstead

"When my partner lived in 105 Foxcote when she was a child, she had an "imaginary" Friend who visited her.

The strange thing was that he was in Sepia and had a dog and horse with him and went by the name of Garran and has dressed in old style clothes. This was strange for a 6 year old girl to retain or even describe these details. I don't really believe in ghost etc but as I understand there was an old farm behind the house which had disappeared by the time the family moved there.

I realise this is a strange request but does anyone know of this farm and the people that lived there."

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20 February 2005

Longdown Cottages, Sandhurst

"I'm looking for information about my family who originally came from Sandhurst. They lived at Longdown Cottages in Sandhurst. Do you know if Longdown Cottages still exist ?"

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25 November 2004

White's club, Caversham

"I am researching a Col. Colin Harding (d3Jan 1939) who had spent some time in Barotseland (NW Rhodesia/Zambia) at the turn of the 1900s. He lived at Gaye House, Highmoor Road, Caversham, Reading and was a member of a club called White's which I can only guess was based in the area. Can you advise if this was the case and whether it exists in any form to this day ?"

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25 November 2004

The Gutter, Tilehurst

"I have some ancestors from Tilehurst. In 1881, the Abery family were resident in 'The Gutter', Tilehurst. The Berkshire Records Office couldn't trace this address. Is it as grim as it sounds ? Can anyone help in identifying this location ?"

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25 November 2004

Responses

The gutter is the area in Tilehurst covering Downing Road and the part of School Road that the Prince of Wales Public House is on. My mother in law was an Abrey who has lived in Dowing Road all her life. Her father Albert Noakes lived at number 23, he married Olive Charlotte Noakes nee Abrey, We believe her father was George Appleford Abrey, he lived in various locations all in Tilehurst.

3 January 2006

My husbands family is related to the Abrey's of Tilehurst. The Gutter is a general area which covers Downing Road Tilehurst (which at one time was know as School Terrace), and the surrounding area. Our family have at times discribed them selves at living in the Gutter, near the Red Barn and in Dowing Road. As far as I understand they were in Dowing Road. George Appleford Abrey, bn 1844 lived at the following locatins in Tilehurst. 1851 Little Heath, 1861 Near Blacksmiths Shop Chapple Hill, 1871 Kentwood Hill, 1881 Red Barn, 1891 Harmour (this is Armour Road Tilehurst. Hope this helps.

11 February 2006

School House in Water Lane, Hampstead Norris

"Can anyone assist with information of a school house in Water Lane Hampstead Norris in the years 1900-1920. With particular reference to the teachers, my interest mainly to confirm that a Mary Bartlett listed in 1901 Census belongs in my Family Tree. But would also be interested in the owner or principal ofwhat I believe was a private school. Grateful thanks in advance."

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25 November 2004

Response

It was the village school erected in 1845 enlarged 1899, with an average attendance of 150 pupils. Miss Isabel Furmage mistress, Miss Mary Bartlett Infants mistress. This is according to Berkshire Kelly’s Directory 1899.

17 October 2005

Hickie and Hickie Piano Merchants, Reading

"I have recently bought a victorian banjo that has a tag on it marked "Hickie and Hickie Piano Merchants, Reading". Any information about the location of this shop and dates it did business would be greatly appreciated."

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17 October 2004

Responses

No doubt someone has already answered this - but Hickies are still trading in Friar Street in Reading. It is a great shop too!

21 June 2005

Hickies is still run by decendants of the originator. There is a whole lot of information on the history of the shop on their website www.hickies.co.uk/. I am a personal friend of the current Managing Director.

17 April 2006

Sunninghill Lodge, in new Mile Road, Ascot

"Does anyone know how old Sunninghill Lodge, in new Mile Road, Ascot is? and any of its history. All I know is it is owned by crown estate since the 1840's and Percy Crutchley lived there till 1950. I also know it is owned by Ascot Authority and was converted into flats, but still remains as a derelict Mansion. The reason I'm interested in it is because my partner used to live in one of the flats in the lodge and a lot of spooky goings on occured. There have also been rumours of tragic deaths occurring there."

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17 October 2004

Miniature railways, Reading, and Lorenzo Quelch

"I am researching the history of two miniature railways that ran on, or near, the Thames Side Promenade in Reading at the end of war and the early 1950's. The railways were owned by Harold Judd from Spencers Wood. Any information or photographs of these railways or Harold Judd would be very welcome.

Also, does anyone know the actual date Lorenzo Quelch died (it was in 1937). He was a well-known Socialist and was the first Socialist Town Councillor in Reading and apparently encouraged the setting out of the Promenade as a public place. Again any information would be welcome."

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29 August 2004

Response

Lorenzo Quelch died on 19 May 1937.

17 October 2005

Mayfield Villas, Compton

"A relative lives at Mayfield Villas at Compton in Berkshire. In its present form it is 3 adjoining properties, but looks as if it was one large property, but may have been communal. We would be interested to know it's original function, and if anyone has any info on when it was built, and any old photos."

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22 August 2004

Railings on Victorian houses in Caversham

"I am currently attempting to restore my front garden in Westfield Road in Caversham to its original state. I am pretty sure that it would have originally had railings and chequered tiled pathway. I was wondering if anyone had any old pictures of Westfield Road or whether anyone knows what type and design of railings the house would originally have been built with. I have had a look at surrounding properties but there doesn't appear to be one overall design/guide."

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24 July 2004

The White House, Sunninghill

"I have found "The White House, Sunning Hill, Berks" as an address where a family called Skinner lived in 1870 . I've also found, on the web, that a firm called PGR (pressure gauge manufacturers) is now located at White House, London Road, Sunninghill. Is this the same location, I wonder? I've combed right through all the households listed in the 1881 census online as living in Sunninghill, and couldn't find any mention of The White House. I'm hoping to discover what sort of a neighbourhood the Skinners were living in.

If anyone can tell me whether it's likely that today's White House stands where the 1870 White House stood, I'll be most grateful."

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20 June 2004

Response

According to Berkshire Kelly’s Directory 1899 a building named The White house was occupied by Mrs Heale, and was in the Cheapside area of Sunninghill. There is still a Cheapside school and road in the area. This was listed in the Private residents section so we are probably considering discussing at least a middle class property.

17 October 2005

Westaway Family, Knowl Hill

"I am the grandson of John Mark Westaway who was born 1881 in 'Pyford' and who resided in the village of Knowl Hill at 'Loft Farm' (1891 census) with his father, my great-grandfather, born in Sampford Cortnay, Devon. I am seeking information regarding the movements of my grandfather after the death of his father in 1892. This information is of vital interest to me as my father's birth certificate, (John Mark Westaway Junior) has mysteriously gone missing from Maidenhead. He was allegedly born on the 8th March 1911. His mother was Maria Elizabeth Westway, my grandfather's first cousin and daughter of Mark Alpheus Westway of Wraysbury Farm, also known as Hythe End Farm. Maria Elizabeth Westway had married Alfred Reffell in Eton in 1892 and bore him four daughters and a son."

Here the family tree becomes more tangled as it seems that Mark Alpheus Westway was living with Jenny, nee Wilson, in Maidenhead in 1907 and when the second child (Irene Blanche) of this marriage was born, the resulting scandal caused the family of John Mark Westaway to emigrate to Australia. Grandfather, John Mark Westaway, must have been been at the centre of this and Maria was forced to leave her children behind with Alfred Reffell with the exception of Robert Westaway's father who was probably still a small child.

The last three generations of this family were taken into care at a young age.

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8 June 2004

Mason Family, Railway Inn/Hotel, Mortimer

"I am presently tracing my family line in Mortimer, Berkshire. I know that my grandparents, George Mason and Ellen Thackham Mason, owned the Railway Inn/Hotel presently The Fox and Horn and that my grandmother, Ellen Charlotte Mason, and brother, Kennett Mason, inherited the hotel from them. Kennett Mason passed away in 1935 and we presume he left the hotel to one of his children, Richard Kennett Mason or Rosemary Mason. Any inforamtion with respect to my family history, past and present and history of the hotel/inn would be greatly appreciated."

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8 June 2004