Genealogy Chat

Linda I hope you have as successful a result as I did. It was lovely to read my gt gt gt grandfather's evidence - his actual words from 1819! He stayed in Stoke Poges and was obviously very healthy. After his wife died, he was in an almshouse which was built for 6 people (3 men and 3 women). They grew their own vegetables and had an allowance for meat as well as having a private chapel for morning prayers. He lived there for over 20 years, dying at the ripe old age of 93 in 1872. nell

Thanks Nell I will definitely do that, sound very interesting. Luckily the records are held at the Centre for Kentish Studies which is, as you can see, where I now live. I am very fortunate as most of my ancestors were born, and lived in, Sussex, Kent and London, all very accessible to me. Thanks again Linda

Linda The a2a site will tell you where the original document is held - probably a record office. You will need to go there to see it. It sounds as though your gggparents were made to leave Hawkhurst as they were a drain on the parish. They would have to return to their previous parish or place of settlement. People needed a settlement parish as this is where they could claim financial support if they needed it, or even enter the workhouse. Usually children took their parents' settlement etc. My own gt gt gt grandfather was the subject of a settlement dispute which I found thanks to A2A. He and his wife and 3 daughters were removed to Aston Rowant, his birthplace, and Aston Rowant wanted to send him to Stoke Poges. The matter was decided and he was allowed to stay. I strongly advise you to see the original documents if you can - I had a HUGE leatherbound book with metal clasps, which had the judgement of the court written in very florid writing, rather like an illuminated manuscript. But in a much less flashy book there was the evidence my gt gt gt grandfather had given to the court - written down in a rush, just as he had spoken it, without the original questions. This told me that he kept 2 or 3 pigs, sold fruit from his orchard, had shared his home with his father-in-law and had to move because the roof fell in, how much rent he paid and lots of detail about his life. nell

Just been on to A2A site and found my GGGgrandad and GGGgrandma subject of a removal order by Hawkhurst, Kent Parish Church. Anyone know what that means and how can I find out more? Thanks Linda