November 25, 2003

my ggg. grandads will

I have recently discovered my ggg. grandads will. He was publican and builder in Wichenford, died in 1876.
He leaves to his family cottages in "Rosses Green" "Wants Green" and "Willow Green". I can find no trace of these names and wonder whether they were spelled correctly.
They were in or around Wichenford and Martley according to the document. Two built around 1875.
I hope someone could perhaps help identify these places.
Regards
Helena

Posted by webmaster at 05:16 PM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2003

Hicken Relatives

I have been researching my Hicken relatives for some years.

Although from Wichenford I now understand that they originally settled in Martley in about 1802.

William Hicken was a stonemason. According to documents held by County Hall he leased land in "Upper Moore" in 1802. Do you have any idea where this could be?

His son, another William Hicken, was also a stonemason and Jack of all trades. I believe that he carved some of the Hicken headstones in the St Peters as they are of a similar design to the Hicken ones in St Laurence.

I am trying to locate the cottages (or place where they stood) that he leaves to his family in his will in 1876.

He leaves two cottages, land and premises to my g.grandmother Jane Hicken. They are in Willow Green. Now I think I have a reference to them in the book "Story of Wichenford". It states that a Stonemason repairing the church took some headstones and that five of them were built into two cottages in Willow Lane, Martley. Two other stones were found forming the pigsty at the Masons Arms. As William Hicken owned the Masons Arms and Two cottages in Willow Green I guess he must have been the culprit.

He also leaves my g.grandmother and aunt "my double cottage in Wants Green in the parishes of Martley and Wichenford or one of them in the said county of Worcester"

I am slightly puzzled by his words. Was there some question as to where they stood.

He also leaves them two newly built cottages with piggery, coalhouse and garden at Rosses Green recently purchased from the late William Surman.

I lose track of the Hickens in the area after 1901 except for Martin Hicken, who I believe died in Martley in 1935.

Is it possible to see the parish records at all?

Thank you for reading this and I hope to hear from you.

Regards

Helena Lubkowski.

Posted by webmaster at 12:33 PM | Comments (1)

November 17, 2003

Round Glazed Tile


I am writing from Thailand where I am now based and it is a little warmer than Martley right now I am sure !

Question : From the late 70's to mid 80's I lived in Martley and am now getting curious about a round glazed tile I found in my garden and wondered if anyone could shed any light upon it's origin or infomation on the source, since many people who see it are always asking the question.

It is circular and about 3/8ths of an inch thick in beige / brown with a leaf pattern in the middle. Around the outside is the name "John Stanhope Arkwright" . In the very middle is the following : " AET 21 July 10 1893 " . It seems it was made for his 21st birthday. Anyone know about this person or who could have made this tile ? No brand name on the unglazed back unfortunately.

I chance upon your web site and it was good to see a beautiful place I get homesick for.

Best Regards graham.jones

Posted by webmaster at 03:04 PM | Comments (2)

November 15, 2003

Reel to Reel

Email Address: jft@tisdel.com


I have an old Bell & Howell reel to reel, four speed recorder model 2297. It has a hum that prevents me from transfering material from tapes to Harddrive. I can't fihd anyone who will attempt to fix it or tell me how.

James

Posted by webmaster at 03:25 PM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2003

Where's my Photos

Someone borrowed the photos of Newtown chapel some years ago & promised to return them to me, but never did. Are you the culprit?
As dad has now passed on I would dearly love to see them again. If you have them please let me know. My Email is sharongwin@aol.com

Posted by Lynne at 09:29 PM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2003

McBain or Bray family

I live in Londonderry, N.Ireland and I am beginning to research my family tree. I have come across a small photo which shows where one of my aunts is buried in Martley. (see attachment)View image

Her name was Mary Jane McBain, nee McQuilkin, born Jan.1st 1895, died May 13th.1942.
Her daughter Patricia married an Arthur Bray who was a Major during WW2.

My questions are,
(1) have you a written record of her burial in church records.
(2) are there any McBain or Bray family members still living in the area.

I realise that you have many other things to do but I would appreciate any help at all.
By the way, there are other photos which have the address 'Knightwick' on them, is that in your locality?.
Thank you for your time.
I remain
yours Danny McQuilkin