Hello! I'm a pupil at St Benedict's RC High School, Alcester. I live in Badsey and I'm currently doing a project about Badsey for my GCSE coursework in geography. The website has been of great use, but I was just wondering if anyone else had any information which may help me with my studies. The title of my project is to do a comparative study between the village of Badsey and the village of Betws-y-coed in Wales. I'm looking for any information which could be of use e.g. old street maps? Although much of the information is on the wonderful Badsey website, I was just looking for extra information.
My maiden name is Knight. My father Cyril Knight was born in Badsey on November 17th, 1914, to Herbert and Annie Knight. Herbert was a market gardener. Cyril had an older brother Ronald and a younger sister Dorothy Mary.
The family had to move to Wednesbury when Herbert became ill. The children were quite young. Herbert and Annie are both buried in the churchyard in Bretforton. My father would love to hear from anyone who may have known him. He is currently living in Staffordshire.
I do have some photos of Herbert and Annie, and of Ronald and Cyril when they were young.
I have transcribed various parish records for the Badsey website. Cyril and his siblings were not baptised at Badsey, but Cyril and Ronald do feature in the School Admissions Register. Cyril started in the Infants Department on 6th January 1919, but was there for only a month and a half, leaving on 16th February, the reason given "left the village".
Meanwhile, his elder brother, Ronald (born 7th August 1912) started in the Infants Department on 8th April 1918 and then transferred to the Mixed Department on 29th April 1919. Ronald left on 6th June 1919, the reason given "left the district". It seems, therefore, that Ronald remained in Badsey for a few months longer than Cyril, probably remaining there with his mother, Annie, as when he enrolled in the Mixed Department, his parent's name is given as Annie rather than Herbert.
Lionel Knight, who still lives in Badsey, is descended from the Knights of Bretforton, and appears to have connections with your side of the family. Lionel was the son of Ernest Knight. He believes that Herbert Knight may have been the uncle of his father, Ernest. Certainly, there is some kind of family connection, because when Lionel and his family moved from Bretforton to Badsey, they moved into what is now known as 59 Bretforton Road, which is where Herbert and Annie Knight lived. Lionel recalls that the family had to move to Wednesbury because of Herbert's illness, and that initially his mother paid rent to Herbert and Annie, before eventually buying the house from them.
I have in fact met Lionel, when I went to Bretforton looking for my father's family. I subsequently took my father to meet Lionel later in the same year, when my father was 80 years old, and we visited the Inn at Bretforton for his birthday celebration. I have printed much of the contents of the web site and sent it to my father, who does not have internet access either. He was very interested. They did have to leave the village when my father was very young, due to his father being ill. His mother went to live near her family in Wednesbury. It was always their ambition to return one day to Bretforton, but sadly they have not managed to do that.
[This letter was sent to Peter Stewart about his photographic survey of the churchyard.]
This morning, I printed a number of photos from your survey of the above Church (with great delight), as I will probably never have the opportunity to see this Church in person. My interest is due to the fact that my direct ancestor (Charles Bloxham) was an Assistant Curate (1820) of this particular church, and together with his wife Mary Hope (Ouchterlony) and their 9 or 10 children (born in Badsey) have history in the area. Mary is also buried there.
Mr. Stewart, I wonder do you have a photo of the actual outside of the Church? I haven't come across one amongst this group. I would be interested in viewing one if possible.
I must congratulate you on a tremendous work in displaying all the photographs and information on this wonderful history. My research into the Bloxham Family has been long and tedious, but very rewarding. An interesting family! Many thanks in anticipation of your reply.
I would like to congratulate you on your website, and thank You for transcribing all of those records. I have been lucky enough to find my gg-grandmother on your site. Her name was Mary Ann HERBERT and you have her Christening and her parents' marriage:
HALFORD, Hannah (f) married 21 Nov 1833 to James HERBERT.
HERBERT, Mary Ann, baptised 24 Jun 1838, daughter of James and Hannah.
It's a great shame that Hannah HALFORD wasn't baptised at Badsey!
Thank you for your superb site, Michelle, Andover, Hants
I have just been looking at the most interesting webpage on Badsey School. In the school photograph "Class photo, Standard VI (1924)" on the back row, second from the left, is my father Frank Styles, well known in Wickhamford, for his piano playing, and sadly now deceased. His brother Jack, who died at Alamein was the friend mentioned by Fred Mason in his memoirs. My father lost his father with flu at the age of five, and from what I can gather Mr. Amos was a father figure to him, helping him with his natural gift of music, and discussing world affairs with him.
I would love to know if Mr. Mason has anything to add.
Congratulations on the web site, and best wishes, from Judy Cameron, nee Styles
Hello, I am a teenager of Badsey and I think that the Badsey.net website is brilliant. It lets people from all over the world know what our village is like and the beauty of the village. I have lived in Badsey for 17 years and it is all at its best.
My name is Barry Davies and as a young child I was from 19 Chapel Street, Badsey. My father Bill met Peggy of 19 Chapel Street during the war - they married during the war time years at the church in Badsey. My grandparents also lived at No 19 and most of my family.
Your Visitors Book is fascinating reading. My brother Brian has already sent a message to it.
I now live in a small village called Eastham on the Wirral.
I was thrilled to stumble across this website while. I cannot wait to share this with the rest of my family.
Showell is NOT a common name here in the States so to find a place from whence we had possibly come is very exciting. I was born in the county of Wocester; in the state of Maryland in the United States. In fact I was born directly on the coast as if a Showell from Badsey fell into the ocean off the English coast and washed up on the Maryland coast by accident!
I would very much like to visit. In what month is the weather most conducive to walking the area?
Sincerely, Sarah Elizabeth Showell, United States (born 3/26/55)
Yes, Showell is very unusual as a surname. I know nothing more than what we have in our name index but hopefully your letter will get a response from someone who knows more. Do come and visit Badsey. There are some good walks around here. No one can predict the English weather but I would say the best time for walking is from the beginning of May to the end of August. Mid May to mid June is asparagus time.
Hi Sarah I know for sure the Showell name originated in Oxford and is a derivation of Seven-wells and goes back to the doomsday book, my fathers grandfather Michael Showell known affectionately as Comic was one of 5 children all the boys went to sea and the family name is now seen in Australia Canada and USA from those brothers in that line, I believe their father was a potter.
Hello, I was searching the web for ideas for my own website when I luckily dropped on your site. It is fascinating, I was hooked! Spent hours looking at the history even though it has no relevance to me.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, have bookmarked it, and will be back....
We wondered if any of your readers had any thoughts or views, whether positive or negative, on the proposed development of a minimum of 35 dwellings within the village. Is it something that the village needs or indeed wants?
I want to tell you what an incredible website this is... I am part of the Dore family and stumbled on it as I was killing time at work and thought I might check out Badsey and see what I could find.
My name is James Aaron Rochat (formerly James Aaron Dore) and I was born in Evesham Feb 15th, 1970. We lived in Willersey until my parents chose to emigrate to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1979. The name Rochat is through my mother re-marrying about 2 years after coming to Canada.
My Grandparents were Arthur Edwin Evans Dore (Bill) and Eileen Louisa Dore. I was fortunate to see them on my Honeymoon in 1993. Grandad passed January 1995 and Nan in October 1997.
I see a picture under "Memories & Photographs" "Class Photo Standard 1" 1924. Arthur Dore is shown, middle row 2nd from the right. I guess this must be my Grandad as he would have been 8 years old in 1924.
I am truly amazed as I also found the picture of their Headstone.
I wish I was able to provide you with more photos to give you for the site but have lost touch with my Dad Jim Dore. I am going to look for my mothers family also.
Anyway congratulations on an outstanding website. It has put a big smile on my face today.
Firstly let me say that I think this web site is fabulous!
I have been tracing various Vale of Evesham families for almost 20 years and I wish the other villages in the area had similar web sites! I am currently researching the Dore family of Badsey as one of the daughters, Beata married a Mr. Gilbert of Bengeworth. The Gilbert family were nail makers and agricultural implement makers of Castle Street, Bengeworth, but also lived at sometime (1880's) in Badsey.
Well done all concerned! Sarah Minney, Twickenham.
Some of my ancestors, the Moore family, used to live at Ivy Cottage in Chapel Lane, Aldington. From your website I discovered they had children at Badsey School in the late 1800s. Do you have any additional information about this cottage? I have never ever seen it. Have you any old photos of Aldington which may show the cottage or is it still there and, do you know if it is still called Ivy Cottage?
I live in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. My parents are from Evesham and my Dad from South Littleton.
Can you tell me anything about Aldington Mill? Do you have a list of workers as one of my ancestors was a miller.
My Moore family ancestors also lived at the Old Turnpike, Aldington in the 1880s -1890s.
Yours faithfully Lee Gibson, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
A mill at Aldington is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 . There is no mill marked on the Aldington Enclosure map of 1807 but there is a mention of a Mill Lane in Aldington on the 1851 census. If you look in our Place Index you will find several other references to it. On the 1901 census I found references to three people working at the Aldington Mill including Jerry Sharp the miller.
Hi, what a great website, long may you prosper and grow! I was googling when I came across your site and I was so impressed.
I am researching the KEYTE family, which is very extensive. They came from Chipping Campden, Blockley, Ebrington,Westington,Willersley & surrounding areas, covering Gloucester,Warwick, & Worcester. The KEYTEs married into the KEEN family (on several occasions), the EMMs, the HOLMES,TAYLORS & IZODS also feature in there at various times.
I just wanted to let you know what a great site it is. I noticed your piece in the Family Tree Magazine of February 2002 and immediately went to the website. Over here in Canada we get our British magazines about 6 to 8 weeks late. My husband and I visited the area in 1994, it seems like yesterday. We were touring the UK and doing genealogy, my HUGHES and TOMB families were from Evesham and Norton. We stayed in Evesham and had a great lady, Peggy Hancock give us the tour of the area. We really enjoyed ourselves and it is great to see some of the places we visited turn up on the website. It brings back great memories. It is going to take me weeks or months to go through all the parish records and census you have on the site. Again, thank you for a great site.
I'm glad you enjoy looking at the Badsey website. Funnily enough, I met Peggy Hancock for the first time about a month ago. She was doing some research at Worcester Record Office and spent ages talking to her friend about various Badsey names. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I went over to talk to me. She has provided some photographs which can now be seen on the website.
I came across your website, when actually doing a search for an Offenham bed and breakfast. My husband and I are coming to England in November only for two weeks for a family wedding. I want to have a nostalgia overnight stay in an old English bed and breakfast close to where I lived in Offenham. However, in my search it was so exciting to read of Badsey. I live in Canberra, Australia now, where I came for a two and a half year posting back in 1969! I lived in Offenham from 1954 until 1969 and my memories of Evesham and surrounds are so nostalgic.
It was exciting to just see the words 'Littleton and Badsey Railway Station', where I pedaled my bike before catching the train from the station to Stratford-upon-Avon where I did my one year secretarial course at South Warwickshire College of Further Education.
We used to go to the South Littleton Church. My sister, Jayne, was married there. In fact the main village of South Littleton was about the same distance as the main village of Offenham. We lived on the outskirts of Offenham, on the Evesham Road, in a semi bungalow, called "Maryland" then. The bungalow was in a group of six I think, directly opposite some market gardens in an area which used to be called Newtown. I used to go to Swan Lane Primary School and then I went to Greenhill School for Girls (not sure whether they exist any more).
In the meantime can anyone recommend an Evesham, Offenham, close-by oldish bed and breakfast with a bit of character, which is not expensive? The rate of exchange is terrifying and we need somewhere charming and not expensive.
I hope you have a really good trip over here. I am afraid Littleton and Badsey station is gone but I am sure there will be a lot you will recognise. On B&B, there are a few possibilities in Badsey - see the details on the website.
In a follow up message in July 2002 Liz Fisher added: My husband, Vince, and I are coming to England for a family wedding. We are staying at Buttercups House in South Littleton for two nights on 3 and 4 December 2002. My parents left Offenham in about 1967, and I have not been back since then. I left home to work in Oxford when I was 18 (1965 I think!).
Just an offchance, but I thought I might mention, in case anyone remembers us, my name was Elizabeth Adams of "Maryland" on the Evesham Road (near Newtown) in Offenham, and my parents (now both dead) were Cyril and Margaret Adams. I have a sister, Jayne. We lived next door to the Cole family (Ray and ? (Mrs??) Cole and children, Margaret, Janet, Audrey and Alan). Audrey lives(?) in Pershore now. (I hope to contact her.) I was very friendly with Audrey and I know her grandfather when he was alive lived in Badsey (a lovely old fellow, very stooped over and went everywhere on his pushbike). Our local church was South Littleton Church which we went to, vicar, Denis Russell.
Thanks for such an interesting website. I am a granddaughter of George and Julia Moisey who owned the house called 'Bredon View'. My mother, Margaret, now 87, is the youngest of their children and the only one still surviving.
Last summer, I was in Vancouver and met up with two cousins, Bernard and Gordon Agg and their families. Their mother, Rosa Moisey was my mother's eldest sister and she emigrated to Canada shortly after WW1, having married into the Aggs, another well known Badsey family.
My mother still has amazingly clear memories of growing up in Badsey, especially of the village school, the blacksmith and many of the other families who lived in Badsey in the 1920s. My mother and I now live in Walsall, West Midlands, although she has lived in various places over the years since she left Badsey - she volunteered to join the army in 1940, I think. I occasionally take her to Evesham for the day but she scarcely recognises the place now.
We have often wondered about the origins of the name Moisey - one suggestion is that it is derived from a family of French Huguenots, possibly weavers, who came to England to escape persecution. Does anyone know?
With best wishes Alexandra Withnall, Walsall, West Midlands
Hello, My name is Roger Savory and I spent the first 19 years of my life living and growing up in Badsey. I'm now 72 years young, and have been living in the United Sates of America since 1978, when my work took me there - and I never returned. Of course, I have visted friends and relations in Badsey during these last 23 years, but it is my childhood memories, in what seems like a distant era now, that still endears me to the village where I grew up.
The reason I am writing is to ask if you would be interested in including a summary of all the "Full Peals" that have been rung on Badsey bells. You mentioned the peal of 5056 changes in the existing web section on Badsey Church bells, which was conducted by my old friend Gerald Hemming from Hampton.
So I was wondering if you might be interested in some "additions" to this section, such as the Peal List for St.James church bells. There were two or three rung on the old six bells at the back end of the 19th Century, but since their augmentation to eight bells in 1902, I would guess there have been about 100 rung. As you've probably guessed by now, I'm an avid bell ringer and manage to still do a bit, though the chances this side the pond are few and far between. When I do come back to visit the UK, it's definitely for a "fix" of (proper) beer and bells!
I was introduced to the bells in St.James Church by Mr. Charles A. Binyon, on whom you already have an excellent account, of his life and work in the Vale, and Badsey in particular. Did you know he was a bell ringer too?. I've got lots I could tell you about Mr. Binyon and the long lasting influence he had on me and many other youngsters who were fortunate enough to know him and experience his wisdom and kindness.
Well, a love of bell ringing was one of those wonderful things he gave me. And it is still my number one interest and hobby to this day - and thousands of friends later - and from here to Australia and back. By the way, I can answer the question about Canon Allsebrook's surplice going up in flames in the pulpit that not-to-be forgotten Sunday evening - (first hand!).
Very best wishes, and congratulations on a super website, Roger Savory, Chatham N.J. USA
We have replied to Roger saying we would be very interested in an article about his memories of bell ringing and Charles Binyon. Here is our page about the St James Guild of Bellringers.
I'm trying to find some information on the Hartwell family: George and Letititia Hartwell and their children, Lillie, George William, Rose and Violet. I know the history of Rose and of Violet; Violet was my grandmother whom I knew very well. My mother was Violet's daughter. I spent my childhood in Badsey; I was born in Chapel Street. The records only go up to 1909. Hope you can help me or give me a website.
You ask if I can give you a website to help you with your researches into the Hartwell family. Well, you’re on the right track already, as the Badsey website contains most of the information you require to take you back six generations. By looking at the surname index, you will be able to see all the Hartwell listings. This is what seems to be your line of descent:
George Hartwell (1760-1823) and Mary (1757-1847)
William Hartwell (1793-1878) and Mary Gray (1802-?)
William Hartwell (1823-1896) and Charlotte Sharp (c1825-1899)
George Hartwell (1866-?) and Letitia Elizabeth (c1871-?)
Violet Annie Hartwell (1899-?) and your grandfather
Violet (your mother) and Mr Davies Brian Davies
I hope people with information on the more recent Hartwells to get in touch with you. The reason that the transcriptions stop at the beginning of the 20th century is because of the need to be careful of data protection of living persons.
After I had finally discovered that my ancestor was from Badsey, I soon discovered your web site. I am descended from Simpsons & Oldakers. The site is absolutely marvelous, as are the volunteers responsible! Thank you so much!!
I have traced my family history and have come to a stop with the marriage of John Dafforne and Ann Homan in 1642 at Badsey, that is, on the Dafforne side. I have found Ann's baptism at Badsey and have been able to get back to a a marriage of Robert Hierne and Joan Groves in 1589 there.
I have found your website so very interesting and wonder if you are interested in my family tree. I was born Diana Daffurn in Hailes, Gloucestershire but moved to Elm Farm, Wickhamford (where Head teacher of Badsey School, Mrs Mason once lived). My brother, Derrick Daffurn still lives at the family home at Elm Farm. All four of us, that is Derrick, Ramona, Denise and myself all attended Badsey School under Mr. Amos. My husband, David Southern, has also found your site great interest as one of the 1933 letters was written by his father's sister, Violet Southern. He also attended Badsey School until 1943 and was Head Boy under Mr. Amos.
Hoping to hear from you, Diana M. Southern (nee Daffurn)
After exchanging emails with Maureen Spinks, Diana kindly provided these extra notes on the Dafforne family: Only one of the sons of John Dafforne and Ann Homan survived, William, who was my 6 x great grandfather. He died in 1717 at Badsey. He had married Phillipe Webb at Wickhamford in 1686. They had three sons, John, Thomas and William. John died in 1695 aged about fifteen and both Thomas and William left Badsey and made their way to Aston Somerville where they both married and had families. Thomas, my 5 x great grandfather married Hesther Wooton at Aston Somerville in 1714 and five children were baptised, but their was only one son, Thomas, my 4 x great grandfather, who was born in 1715. Thomas married Margaret Cooke at Buckland church in 1749. and they made their home in Laverton, Thomas dying in 1787, a pauper. There were five children from this marriage including my 3 x great grandfather, Edward Daffan. who was born in 1754. Edward was a yeoman farmer and owned nine horses, who were loaned to the King in times of War. Edward married Ann Bennett of Stanton in 1776, and my 2 x great grandfather, Thomas was born in 1788. He was a stonemason and lived at Laverton Meadow Farm, Laverton (built circa 1520) where today it is a thriving bed and breakfast business. Thomas married Jemima Rooke in 1811 in Childswickham and there were ten children, one being my great grandfather, William, born in 1815. William married Hannah Russell in 1852 at Buckland and made his home at Aston Somerville. My grandfather, William George, a farmer at Kemerton and Murcot, was born in 1868 at Aston Somerville. He married Susannah Harris at Worcester in 1893 and my father, Victor Frank, born in 1897 at Aston Somerville, married my mother, Ruth Brake, who was born in USA, at Kemerton in 1925, returning to Childswickham (Murcot) where he helped his father who farmed at Millbrook Farm. My father then moved to Hailes, Gloucestershire, where he farmed for some years, moving to Elm Farm, Wickhamford in 1938. An interesting fact is that name was first spelt DAFFURN in 1757 in the Buckland registers by the vicar, and since then has remained with this unique spelling with few exceptions.
I read with interest the letters you have put on the internet regarding my life as the daughter of a market gardener. My name was Dulcie Jelfs (now Cleaver) and I was so thrilled and excited to read a letter I had written at school when I was nine years old. I also recognised the names on the other letters shown. I left Badsey at 12 years of age and moved with my family to Chelmsford in Essex which is still my home. I did however marry a Cleaver from Bretforton in 1942 and we had 56 years of happy marriage with two daughters.
I would like to know if you have heard from the writers of any other of the letters printed and if they are still living locally or have moved far and wide. I would love to hear from you and will continue to read your web site with much interest.
With kind regards, Dulcie Cleaver, Chelmsford, Essex
I saw the web site advertised in Family Tree Magazine. Very good indeed. I have a passing interest in the village as I am doing a study of all the STANLEY families in the area (mainly Broadway, Snowshill & Campden) and some of them strayed across into Badsey in the nineteenth century. If anyone shares my interest in this name please pass contact me or visit my webpages.
Good luck with the web site, and the Badsey Society,
Ian Stanley, Cheshire
For anyone who might be interested in a 'stray' Knight I have the following information.
William Knight, born about 1848 in Aston Subedge, Glos, was one of my great, great grandfathers. His father, Joseph Knight, baptised in Badsey on 19th October 1817, is listed on your website as a census stray in the 1881 census (under Aston Subedge). For your information he is also listed in the 1851 census for Aston Subedge.
A further snippet of information relates to John and Mary Phipps, who were my great, great, great grandparents. Although they lived most of their lives in Bretforton they passed their later years in Badsey, appearing in the 1871 and 1881 censuses. Both are buried in Bretforton.
I live in Birmingham and have done so for over thirty years but my parents still live in the village of Mickleton, not that far as the crow flies from Badsey. My father speaks in a broad local accent, full of 'yuds' and 'yunts'. He was fascinated by the Asum Grammar article from your website.
The Knights by the way are related through my father's paternal grandmother - Harriet Amelia Knight married John Edward Moss. The Phipps family are connected through my maternal grandmother's family - her grandparents were Mary Anne Phipps and William Roper Sheppard. Mary Anne was the daughter of John and Mary Phipps.
Thanks for a brilliant website, Barry Moss, Birmingham
I am a Badsey resident and have been very excited to discover the Badsey.net website! I had been considering finding out more information about our house but didn't really know where to start.
I was wondering if you could offer me any advice please as to how I might go about tracing back the origins of my home and the history behind the surrounding plots. We live at Hollycroft on the Bretforton Road (number 23) and I understand that the owners were market gardeners and descendants built the house next to us (number 21A). They then moved into this new house and sold off ours.
I would be interested to find out the names of the original owners if possible, any subsequent owners and if there were any photographs of the house before the surrounding buildings went up.
Many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide,
Kind Regards, Mrs. Nicky Berry, Badsey
Good luck with your project to find out more about the history of your house. Our 'Index of Places in Badsey and Aldington' is a good place to start. This tells me your house has the date 1922 on the front which makes it too recent to appear on any of the published censuses. But there are several other records that may help.
The electoral register for 1924 shows 'SEARS, Frederick. Land (Abode - "Hollycroft," Aldington). Badsey'. I think this means that Frederick Sears was allowed to vote because he owned land in Badsey and his home address was Hollycroft. I am fairly sure this is your house - the boundaries between Badsey and Aldington keep changing over the years. More interesting, from the place index, you will also find a letter written in 1933 by 11 year old Ronald Sears who was living at Hollycroft. It describes in some detail life in a market gardening family.
I cannot tell you if the Sears family were the first owners of Hollycroft but it seems likely. You can find more about that family by going to our name index. I strongly suggest you get hold of the deeds of your house which should give lots of clues about its history. Sometimes solicitors or building societies hang on to the deeds but they should give you photocopies.
We would like to include more house histories on the Badsey website. When you have finished your searches, do consider writing a short article about it for us.
Hello, I wonder if you could possibly help me at all. I am looking for a web page that gives all the info about my grandfather. His name was John Keen, he had three daughters named Patricia, Elizabeth and Jaqueline and a son named Deryk Hartwell of the company Spiers and Hartwell. I am sorry that this is not much info but have been told about a web page giving the history of his life, but cannot find it anywhere. I would really appreciate any help you can give me .Some of my relatives still live in Badsey.
Thank you for your e-mail. You don't give any indication of dates, so it's a little difficult to tell which era you are interested in. If you have a look at the Badsey website, www.badsey.net, and click on the alphabetical index, you will see that there are a very large number of Keens and Hartwells. However, my transcribing of parish records basically stops 100 years ago because of Data Protection of living persons. I assume that the people you are talking about were born some time in the 20th century. If you are able to work backwards from yourself, back to your grandparents/great-grandparents, I may then be able to point you in the direction of discovering your family history going back over several centuries.
Have you looked at the section on www.badsey.net called "Children's letters describing market gardening life in 1933"? Five children by the name of Keen (there were quite a number of Keens living in the village then) wrote letters, including an 11-year-old John Keen. Is that by any chance your John Keen?
Many thanks for such a wonderful web site. I am so grateful to you for all your research as I have found many wonderful things which have assisted my own research.
I am researching my family which consists mainly of Jelfs/Cranes/Perkins/Hartwells/Halls. I have gone back to 1600s and if anyone would like to swap records or view my findings, I would be happy to share the records.
Amongst the letters from the children on the site is a letter from my great aunt Hilary who still lives in Norton. What handwriting for a 9 year old! Her husband Sid Jobson sadly died a couple of years ago and was a bell ringer. A lovely, gentle man.
I found the pictures of the Jelfs family on your site today - wonderful to think that they are linked with my family although I have to confirm where they join in to our tree. I am going to show Hilary Cranes letter as a 9 year old to her sister (my grandmother) who is now 93 - she will be amazed.
Comments
GCSE Project
Hello! I'm a pupil at St Benedict's RC High School, Alcester. I live in Badsey and I'm currently doing a project about Badsey for my GCSE coursework in geography. The website has been of great use, but I was just wondering if anyone else had any information which may help me with my studies. The title of my project is to do a comparative study between the village of Badsey and the village of Betws-y-coed in Wales. I'm looking for any information which could be of use e.g. old street maps? Although much of the information is on the wonderful Badsey website, I was just looking for extra information.
Jessica Goodman
Cyril Knight
My maiden name is Knight. My father Cyril Knight was born in Badsey on November 17th, 1914, to Herbert and Annie Knight. Herbert was a market gardener. Cyril had an older brother Ronald and a younger sister Dorothy Mary.
The family had to move to Wednesbury when Herbert became ill. The children were quite young. Herbert and Annie are both buried in the churchyard in Bretforton. My father would love to hear from anyone who may have known him. He is currently living in Staffordshire.
I do have some photos of Herbert and Annie, and of Ronald and Cyril when they were young.
Regards, Jenny Norman (nee Knight)
Re: Cyril Knight
I have transcribed various parish records for the Badsey website. Cyril and his siblings were not baptised at Badsey, but Cyril and Ronald do feature in the School Admissions Register. Cyril started in the Infants Department on 6th January 1919, but was there for only a month and a half, leaving on 16th February, the reason given "left the village".
Meanwhile, his elder brother, Ronald (born 7th August 1912) started in the Infants Department on 8th April 1918 and then transferred to the Mixed Department on 29th April 1919. Ronald left on 6th June 1919, the reason given "left the district". It seems, therefore, that Ronald remained in Badsey for a few months longer than Cyril, probably remaining there with his mother, Annie, as when he enrolled in the Mixed Department, his parent's name is given as Annie rather than Herbert.
Lionel Knight, who still lives in Badsey, is descended from the Knights of Bretforton, and appears to have connections with your side of the family. Lionel was the son of Ernest Knight. He believes that Herbert Knight may have been the uncle of his father, Ernest. Certainly, there is some kind of family connection, because when Lionel and his family moved from Bretforton to Badsey, they moved into what is now known as 59 Bretforton Road, which is where Herbert and Annie Knight lived. Lionel recalls that the family had to move to Wednesbury because of Herbert's illness, and that initially his mother paid rent to Herbert and Annie, before eventually buying the house from them.
Re: Cyril Knight
I have in fact met Lionel, when I went to Bretforton looking for my father's family. I subsequently took my father to meet Lionel later in the same year, when my father was 80 years old, and we visited the Inn at Bretforton for his birthday celebration. I have printed much of the contents of the web site and sent it to my father, who does not have internet access either. He was very interested. They did have to leave the village when my father was very young, due to his father being ill. His mother went to live near her family in Wednesbury. It was always their ambition to return one day to Bretforton, but sadly they have not managed to do that.
Churchyard photographs and the Bloxham family
[This letter was sent to Peter Stewart about his photographic survey of the churchyard.]
This morning, I printed a number of photos from your survey of the above Church (with great delight), as I will probably never have the opportunity to see this Church in person. My interest is due to the fact that my direct ancestor (Charles Bloxham) was an Assistant Curate (1820) of this particular church, and together with his wife Mary Hope (Ouchterlony) and their 9 or 10 children (born in Badsey) have history in the area. Mary is also buried there.
Mr. Stewart, I wonder do you have a photo of the actual outside of the Church? I haven't come across one amongst this group. I would be interested in viewing one if possible.
I must congratulate you on a tremendous work in displaying all the photographs and information on this wonderful history. My research into the Bloxham Family has been long and tedious, but very rewarding. An interesting family! Many thanks in anticipation of your reply.
Shirley King, Australia
October 2002
Elsewhere on the website is an article about the Bloxham family and some photographs of the exterior of the church.
Halford family
I would like to congratulate you on your website, and thank You for transcribing all of those records. I have been lucky enough to find my gg-grandmother on your site. Her name was Mary Ann HERBERT and you have her Christening and her parents' marriage:
HALFORD, Hannah (f) married 21 Nov 1833 to James HERBERT.
HERBERT, Mary Ann, baptised 24 Jun 1838, daughter of James and Hannah.
It's a great shame that Hannah HALFORD wasn't baptised at Badsey!
Thank you for your superb site, Michelle, Andover, Hants
Styles family
I have just been looking at the most interesting webpage on Badsey School. In the school photograph "Class photo, Standard VI (1924)" on the back row, second from the left, is my father Frank Styles, well known in Wickhamford, for his piano playing, and sadly now deceased. His brother Jack, who died at Alamein was the friend mentioned by Fred Mason in his memoirs. My father lost his father with flu at the age of five, and from what I can gather Mr. Amos was a father figure to him, helping him with his natural gift of music, and discussing world affairs with him.
I would love to know if Mr. Mason has anything to add.
Congratulations on the web site, and best wishes, from Judy Cameron, nee Styles
Badsey at its best
Hello, I am a teenager of Badsey and I think that the Badsey.net website is brilliant. It lets people from all over the world know what our village is like and the beauty of the village. I have lived in Badsey for 17 years and it is all at its best.
Kathy Brooks, Badsey
Chapel Street
My name is Barry Davies and as a young child I was from 19 Chapel Street, Badsey. My father Bill met Peggy of 19 Chapel Street during the war - they married during the war time years at the church in Badsey. My grandparents also lived at No 19 and most of my family.
Your Visitors Book is fascinating reading. My brother Brian has already sent a message to it.
I now live in a small village called Eastham on the Wirral.
Regards, Barry Davies, Eastham, England
Showell surname
I was thrilled to stumble across this website while. I cannot wait to share this with the rest of my family.
Showell is NOT a common name here in the States so to find a place from whence we had possibly come is very exciting. I was born in the county of Wocester; in the state of Maryland in the United States. In fact I was born directly on the coast as if a Showell from Badsey fell into the ocean off the English coast and washed up on the Maryland coast by accident!
I would very much like to visit. In what month is the weather most conducive to walking the area?
Sincerely, Sarah Elizabeth Showell, United States (born 3/26/55)
Re: Showell surname
Yes, Showell is very unusual as a surname. I know nothing more than what we have in our name index but hopefully your letter will get a response from someone who knows more. Do come and visit Badsey. There are some good walks around here. No one can predict the English weather but I would say the best time for walking is from the beginning of May to the end of August. Mid May to mid June is asparagus time.
Re: Showell surname
Hi Sarah I know for sure the Showell name originated in Oxford and is a derivation of Seven-wells and goes back to the doomsday book, my fathers grandfather Michael Showell known affectionately as Comic was one of 5 children all the boys went to sea and the family name is now seen in Australia Canada and USA from those brothers in that line, I believe their father was a potter.
Website ideas
Hello, I was searching the web for ideas for my own website when I luckily dropped on your site. It is fascinating, I was hooked! Spent hours looking at the history even though it has no relevance to me.
Thoroughly enjoyed it, have bookmarked it, and will be back....
Brian Elsey
Does Badsey need more houses?
We wondered if any of your readers had any thoughts or views, whether positive or negative, on the proposed development of a minimum of 35 dwellings within the village. Is it something that the village needs or indeed wants?
Mike Lymn, Badsey
Dore family (2)
I want to tell you what an incredible website this is... I am part of the Dore family and stumbled on it as I was killing time at work and thought I might check out Badsey and see what I could find.
My name is James Aaron Rochat (formerly James Aaron Dore) and I was born in Evesham Feb 15th, 1970. We lived in Willersey until my parents chose to emigrate to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada in 1979. The name Rochat is through my mother re-marrying about 2 years after coming to Canada.
My Grandparents were Arthur Edwin Evans Dore (Bill) and Eileen Louisa Dore. I was fortunate to see them on my Honeymoon in 1993. Grandad passed January 1995 and Nan in October 1997.
I see a picture under "Memories & Photographs" "Class Photo Standard 1" 1924. Arthur Dore is shown, middle row 2nd from the right. I guess this must be my Grandad as he would have been 8 years old in 1924.
I am truly amazed as I also found the picture of their Headstone.
I wish I was able to provide you with more photos to give you for the site but have lost touch with my Dad Jim Dore. I am going to look for my mothers family also.
Anyway congratulations on an outstanding website. It has put a big smile on my face today.
Regards, James Rochat, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Dore family (1)
Firstly let me say that I think this web site is fabulous!
I have been tracing various Vale of Evesham families for almost 20 years and I wish the other villages in the area had similar web sites! I am currently researching the Dore family of Badsey as one of the daughters, Beata married a Mr. Gilbert of Bengeworth. The Gilbert family were nail makers and agricultural implement makers of Castle Street, Bengeworth, but also lived at sometime (1880's) in Badsey.
Well done all concerned! Sarah Minney, Twickenham.
Ivy Cottage, Aldington and the Moore family
Some of my ancestors, the Moore family, used to live at Ivy Cottage in Chapel Lane, Aldington. From your website I discovered they had children at Badsey School in the late 1800s. Do you have any additional information about this cottage? I have never ever seen it. Have you any old photos of Aldington which may show the cottage or is it still there and, do you know if it is still called Ivy Cottage?
I live in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. My parents are from Evesham and my Dad from South Littleton.
Can you tell me anything about Aldington Mill? Do you have a list of workers as one of my ancestors was a miller.
My Moore family ancestors also lived at the Old Turnpike, Aldington in the 1880s -1890s.
Yours faithfully Lee Gibson, Doncaster, South Yorkshire.
Re: Ivy Cottage, Aldington and the Moore family
A mill at Aldington is mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086 . There is no mill marked on the Aldington Enclosure map of 1807 but there is a mention of a Mill Lane in Aldington on the 1851 census. If you look in our Place Index you will find several other references to it. On the 1901 census I found references to three people working at the Aldington Mill including Jerry Sharp the miller.
Keyte family
Hi, what a great website, long may you prosper and grow! I was googling when I came across your site and I was so impressed.
I am researching the KEYTE family, which is very extensive. They came from Chipping Campden, Blockley, Ebrington,Westington,Willersley & surrounding areas, covering Gloucester,Warwick, & Worcester. The KEYTEs married into the KEEN family (on several occasions), the EMMs, the HOLMES,TAYLORS & IZODS also feature in there at various times.
Good luck to all. Michelle Pekali, New Zealand.
Hughes and Tomb families
I just wanted to let you know what a great site it is. I noticed your piece in the Family Tree Magazine of February 2002 and immediately went to the website. Over here in Canada we get our British magazines about 6 to 8 weeks late. My husband and I visited the area in 1994, it seems like yesterday. We were touring the UK and doing genealogy, my HUGHES and TOMB families were from Evesham and Norton. We stayed in Evesham and had a great lady, Peggy Hancock give us the tour of the area. We really enjoyed ourselves and it is great to see some of the places we visited turn up on the website. It brings back great memories. It is going to take me weeks or months to go through all the parish records and census you have on the site. Again, thank you for a great site.
Jane Watt, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Re: Hughes and Tomb families
I'm glad you enjoy looking at the Badsey website. Funnily enough, I met Peggy Hancock for the first time about a month ago. She was doing some research at Worcester Record Office and spent ages talking to her friend about various Badsey names. Eventually, curiosity got the better of me, and I went over to talk to me. She has provided some photographs which can now be seen on the website.
A tingling feeling
I came across your website, when actually doing a search for an Offenham bed and breakfast. My husband and I are coming to England in November only for two weeks for a family wedding. I want to have a nostalgia overnight stay in an old English bed and breakfast close to where I lived in Offenham. However, in my search it was so exciting to read of Badsey. I live in Canberra, Australia now, where I came for a two and a half year posting back in 1969! I lived in Offenham from 1954 until 1969 and my memories of Evesham and surrounds are so nostalgic.
It was exciting to just see the words 'Littleton and Badsey Railway Station', where I pedaled my bike before catching the train from the station to Stratford-upon-Avon where I did my one year secretarial course at South Warwickshire College of Further Education.
We used to go to the South Littleton Church. My sister, Jayne, was married there. In fact the main village of South Littleton was about the same distance as the main village of Offenham. We lived on the outskirts of Offenham, on the Evesham Road, in a semi bungalow, called "Maryland" then. The bungalow was in a group of six I think, directly opposite some market gardens in an area which used to be called Newtown. I used to go to Swan Lane Primary School and then I went to Greenhill School for Girls (not sure whether they exist any more).
In the meantime can anyone recommend an Evesham, Offenham, close-by oldish bed and breakfast with a bit of character, which is not expensive? The rate of exchange is terrifying and we need somewhere charming and not expensive.
Elizabeth Fisher (nee Adams), Canberra, Australia
Re: A tingling feeling
I hope you have a really good trip over here. I am afraid Littleton and Badsey station is gone but I am sure there will be a lot you will recognise. On B&B, there are a few possibilities in Badsey - see the details on the website.
In a follow up message in July 2002 Liz Fisher added:
My husband, Vince, and I are coming to England for a family wedding. We are staying at Buttercups House in South Littleton for two nights on 3 and 4 December 2002. My parents left Offenham in about 1967, and I have not been back since then. I left home to work in Oxford when I was 18 (1965 I think!).
Just an offchance, but I thought I might mention, in case anyone remembers us, my name was Elizabeth Adams of "Maryland" on the Evesham Road (near Newtown) in Offenham, and my parents (now both dead) were Cyril and Margaret Adams. I have a sister, Jayne. We lived next door to the Cole family (Ray and ? (Mrs??) Cole and children, Margaret, Janet, Audrey and Alan). Audrey lives(?) in Pershore now. (I hope to contact her.) I was very friendly with Audrey and I know her grandfather when he was alive lived in Badsey (a lovely old fellow, very stooped over and went everywhere on his pushbike). Our local church was South Littleton Church which we went to, vicar, Denis Russell.
Margaret Moisey
Thanks for such an interesting website. I am a granddaughter of George and Julia Moisey who owned the house called 'Bredon View'. My mother, Margaret, now 87, is the youngest of their children and the only one still surviving.
Last summer, I was in Vancouver and met up with two cousins, Bernard and Gordon Agg and their families. Their mother, Rosa Moisey was my mother's eldest sister and she emigrated to Canada shortly after WW1, having married into the Aggs, another well known Badsey family.
My mother still has amazingly clear memories of growing up in Badsey, especially of the village school, the blacksmith and many of the other families who lived in Badsey in the 1920s. My mother and I now live in Walsall, West Midlands, although she has lived in various places over the years since she left Badsey - she volunteered to join the army in 1940, I think. I occasionally take her to Evesham for the day but she scarcely recognises the place now.
We have often wondered about the origins of the name Moisey - one suggestion is that it is derived from a family of French Huguenots, possibly weavers, who came to England to escape persecution. Does anyone know?
With best wishes Alexandra Withnall, Walsall, West Midlands
Bell ringing and Charles Binyon
Hello, My name is Roger Savory and I spent the first 19 years of my life living and growing up in Badsey. I'm now 72 years young, and have been living in the United Sates of America since 1978, when my work took me there - and I never returned. Of course, I have visted friends and relations in Badsey during these last 23 years, but it is my childhood memories, in what seems like a distant era now, that still endears me to the village where I grew up.
The reason I am writing is to ask if you would be interested in including a summary of all the "Full Peals" that have been rung on Badsey bells. You mentioned the peal of 5056 changes in the existing web section on Badsey Church bells, which was conducted by my old friend Gerald Hemming from Hampton.
So I was wondering if you might be interested in some "additions" to this section, such as the Peal List for St.James church bells. There were two or three rung on the old six bells at the back end of the 19th Century, but since their augmentation to eight bells in 1902, I would guess there have been about 100 rung. As you've probably guessed by now, I'm an avid bell ringer and manage to still do a bit, though the chances this side the pond are few and far between. When I do come back to visit the UK, it's definitely for a "fix" of (proper) beer and bells!
I was introduced to the bells in St.James Church by Mr. Charles A. Binyon, on whom you already have an excellent account, of his life and work in the Vale, and Badsey in particular. Did you know he was a bell ringer too?. I've got lots I could tell you about Mr. Binyon and the long lasting influence he had on me and many other youngsters who were fortunate enough to know him and experience his wisdom and kindness.
Well, a love of bell ringing was one of those wonderful things he gave me. And it is still my number one interest and hobby to this day - and thousands of friends later - and from here to Australia and back. By the way, I can answer the question about Canon Allsebrook's surplice going up in flames in the pulpit that not-to-be forgotten Sunday evening - (first hand!).
Very best wishes, and congratulations on a super website, Roger Savory, Chatham N.J. USA
Re: Bell ringing and Charles Binyon
We have replied to Roger saying we would be very interested in an article about his memories of bell ringing and Charles Binyon. Here is our page about the St James Guild of Bellringers.
Hartwell family
I'm trying to find some information on the Hartwell family: George and Letititia Hartwell and their children, Lillie, George William, Rose and Violet. I know the history of Rose and of Violet; Violet was my grandmother whom I knew very well. My mother was Violet's daughter. I spent my childhood in Badsey; I was born in Chapel Street. The records only go up to 1909. Hope you can help me or give me a website.
Brian Davies
Re: Hartwell family
You ask if I can give you a website to help you with your researches into the Hartwell family. Well, you’re on the right track already, as the Badsey website contains most of the information you require to take you back six generations. By looking at the surname index, you will be able to see all the Hartwell listings. This is what seems to be your line of descent:
I hope people with information on the more recent Hartwells to get in touch with you. The reason that the transcriptions stop at the beginning of the 20th century is because of the need to be careful of data protection of living persons.
Thanks from Florida
After I had finally discovered that my ancestor was from Badsey, I soon discovered your web site. I am descended from Simpsons & Oldakers. The site is absolutely marvelous, as are the volunteers responsible! Thank you so much!!
Best, Peggy Dolan, Florida, USA
Dafforne family
I have traced my family history and have come to a stop with the marriage of John Dafforne and Ann Homan in 1642 at Badsey, that is, on the Dafforne side. I have found Ann's baptism at Badsey and have been able to get back to a a marriage of Robert Hierne and Joan Groves in 1589 there.
I have found your website so very interesting and wonder if you are interested in my family tree. I was born Diana Daffurn in Hailes, Gloucestershire but moved to Elm Farm, Wickhamford (where Head teacher of Badsey School, Mrs Mason once lived). My brother, Derrick Daffurn still lives at the family home at Elm Farm. All four of us, that is Derrick, Ramona, Denise and myself all attended Badsey School under Mr. Amos. My husband, David Southern, has also found your site great interest as one of the 1933 letters was written by his father's sister, Violet Southern. He also attended Badsey School until 1943 and was Head Boy under Mr. Amos.
Hoping to hear from you, Diana M. Southern (nee Daffurn)
Re: Dafforne family
After exchanging emails with Maureen Spinks, Diana kindly provided these extra notes on the Dafforne family:
Only one of the sons of John Dafforne and Ann Homan survived, William, who was my 6 x great grandfather. He died in 1717 at Badsey. He had married Phillipe Webb at Wickhamford in 1686. They had three sons, John, Thomas and William. John died in 1695 aged about fifteen and both Thomas and William left Badsey and made their way to Aston Somerville where they both married and had families. Thomas, my 5 x great grandfather married Hesther Wooton at Aston Somerville in 1714 and five children were baptised, but their was only one son, Thomas, my 4 x great grandfather, who was born in 1715. Thomas married Margaret Cooke at Buckland church in 1749. and they made their home in Laverton, Thomas dying in 1787, a pauper. There were five children from this marriage including my 3 x great grandfather, Edward Daffan. who was born in 1754. Edward was a yeoman farmer and owned nine horses, who were loaned to the King in times of War. Edward married Ann Bennett of Stanton in 1776, and my 2 x great grandfather, Thomas was born in 1788. He was a stonemason and lived at Laverton Meadow Farm, Laverton (built circa 1520) where today it is a thriving bed and breakfast business. Thomas married Jemima Rooke in 1811 in Childswickham and there were ten children, one being my great grandfather, William, born in 1815. William married Hannah Russell in 1852 at Buckland and made his home at Aston Somerville. My grandfather, William George, a farmer at Kemerton and Murcot, was born in 1868 at Aston Somerville. He married Susannah Harris at Worcester in 1893 and my father, Victor Frank, born in 1897 at Aston Somerville, married my mother, Ruth Brake, who was born in USA, at Kemerton in 1925, returning to Childswickham (Murcot) where he helped his father who farmed at Millbrook Farm. My father then moved to Hailes, Gloucestershire, where he farmed for some years, moving to Elm Farm, Wickhamford in 1938. An interesting fact is that name was first spelt DAFFURN in 1757 in the Buckland registers by the vicar, and since then has remained with this unique spelling with few exceptions.
Market gardening letters
I read with interest the letters you have put on the internet regarding my life as the daughter of a market gardener. My name was Dulcie Jelfs (now Cleaver) and I was so thrilled and excited to read a letter I had written at school when I was nine years old. I also recognised the names on the other letters shown. I left Badsey at 12 years of age and moved with my family to Chelmsford in Essex which is still my home. I did however marry a Cleaver from Bretforton in 1942 and we had 56 years of happy marriage with two daughters.
I would like to know if you have heard from the writers of any other of the letters printed and if they are still living locally or have moved far and wide. I would love to hear from you and will continue to read your web site with much interest.
With kind regards, Dulcie Cleaver, Chelmsford, Essex
Re: Market gardening letters
Here is Dulcie's letter written in 1933.
Stanley family
I saw the web site advertised in Family Tree Magazine. Very good indeed. I have a passing interest in the village as I am doing a study of all the STANLEY families in the area (mainly Broadway, Snowshill & Campden) and some of them strayed across into Badsey in the nineteenth century. If anyone shares my interest in this name please pass contact me or visit my webpages.
Good luck with the web site, and the Badsey Society,
Ian Stanley, Cheshire
Knight and Phipps families
For anyone who might be interested in a 'stray' Knight I have the following information.
William Knight, born about 1848 in Aston Subedge, Glos, was one of my great, great grandfathers. His father, Joseph Knight, baptised in Badsey on 19th October 1817, is listed on your website as a census stray in the 1881 census (under Aston Subedge). For your information he is also listed in the 1851 census for Aston Subedge.
A further snippet of information relates to John and Mary Phipps, who were my great, great, great grandparents. Although they lived most of their lives in Bretforton they passed their later years in Badsey, appearing in the 1871 and 1881 censuses. Both are buried in Bretforton.
I live in Birmingham and have done so for over thirty years but my parents still live in the village of Mickleton, not that far as the crow flies from Badsey. My father speaks in a broad local accent, full of 'yuds' and 'yunts'. He was fascinated by the Asum Grammar article from your website.
The Knights by the way are related through my father's paternal grandmother - Harriet Amelia Knight married John Edward Moss. The Phipps family are connected through my maternal grandmother's family - her grandparents were Mary Anne Phipps and William Roper Sheppard. Mary Anne was the daughter of John and Mary Phipps.
Thanks for a brilliant website, Barry Moss, Birmingham
Tracing the history of my house
I am a Badsey resident and have been very excited to discover the Badsey.net website! I had been considering finding out more information about our house but didn't really know where to start.
I was wondering if you could offer me any advice please as to how I might go about tracing back the origins of my home and the history behind the surrounding plots. We live at Hollycroft on the Bretforton Road (number 23) and I understand that the owners were market gardeners and descendants built the house next to us (number 21A). They then moved into this new house and sold off ours.
I would be interested to find out the names of the original owners if possible, any subsequent owners and if there were any photographs of the house before the surrounding buildings went up.
Many thanks in advance for any advice you can provide,
Kind Regards, Mrs. Nicky Berry, Badsey
Re: Tracing the history of my house
Good luck with your project to find out more about the history of your house. Our 'Index of Places in Badsey and Aldington' is a good place to start. This tells me your house has the date 1922 on the front which makes it too recent to appear on any of the published censuses. But there are several other records that may help.
The electoral register for 1924 shows 'SEARS, Frederick. Land (Abode - "Hollycroft," Aldington). Badsey'. I think this means that Frederick Sears was allowed to vote because he owned land in Badsey and his home address was Hollycroft. I am fairly sure this is your house - the boundaries between Badsey and Aldington keep changing over the years. More interesting, from the place index, you will also find a letter written in 1933 by 11 year old Ronald Sears who was living at Hollycroft. It describes in some detail life in a market gardening family.
I cannot tell you if the Sears family were the first owners of Hollycroft but it seems likely. You can find more about that family by going to our name index. I strongly suggest you get hold of the deeds of your house which should give lots of clues about its history. Sometimes solicitors or building societies hang on to the deeds but they should give you photocopies.
We would like to include more house histories on the Badsey website. When you have finished your searches, do consider writing a short article about it for us.
John Keen
Hello, I wonder if you could possibly help me at all. I am looking for a web page that gives all the info about my grandfather. His name was John Keen, he had three daughters named Patricia, Elizabeth and Jaqueline and a son named Deryk Hartwell of the company Spiers and Hartwell. I am sorry that this is not much info but have been told about a web page giving the history of his life, but cannot find it anywhere. I would really appreciate any help you can give me .Some of my relatives still live in Badsey.
Many thanks, Sarah Evans
Re: John Keen
Thank you for your e-mail. You don't give any indication of dates, so it's a little difficult to tell which era you are interested in. If you have a look at the Badsey website, www.badsey.net, and click on the alphabetical index, you will see that there are a very large number of Keens and Hartwells. However, my transcribing of parish records basically stops 100 years ago because of Data Protection of living persons. I assume that the people you are talking about were born some time in the 20th century. If you are able to work backwards from yourself, back to your grandparents/great-grandparents, I may then be able to point you in the direction of discovering your family history going back over several centuries.
Have you looked at the section on www.badsey.net called "Children's letters describing market gardening life in 1933"? Five children by the name of Keen (there were quite a number of Keens living in the village then) wrote letters, including an 11-year-old John Keen. Is that by any chance your John Keen?
Jelfs/Cranes/Perkins/Hartwells/Halls
Many thanks for such a wonderful web site. I am so grateful to you for all your research as I have found many wonderful things which have assisted my own research.
I am researching my family which consists mainly of Jelfs/Cranes/Perkins/Hartwells/Halls. I have gone back to 1600s and if anyone would like to swap records or view my findings, I would be happy to share the records.
Amongst the letters from the children on the site is a letter from my great aunt Hilary who still lives in Norton. What handwriting for a 9 year old! Her husband Sid Jobson sadly died a couple of years ago and was a bell ringer. A lovely, gentle man.
I found the pictures of the Jelfs family on your site today - wonderful to think that they are linked with my family although I have to confirm where they join in to our tree. I am going to show Hilary Cranes letter as a 9 year old to her sister (my grandmother) who is now 93 - she will be amazed.
Regards, Hilary Sharp, Reading, England