British Newspaper Archive - findmypast

[Mary from Italy]

Yes, I found that too; I suppose it may be just a teething problem, so I'll wait a couple of days and e-mail them if it doesnt sort itself out.

[Nell]

I've found some good snippets, with the folk with less usual names or who lived in small villages (other names/places just throw up too many hits).

My 3 x gt grandfather is mentioned as occupier of a cottage for sale in an auction. His daughter's husband's sudden death provides details of the death as well as information about his 2ndary occupation as a coal seller.

Also found an ad offering a 10s reward for return of a lost dog called "Don", owner Mr Gray,but frustratingly it doesn't indicate which Mr Gray, so not sure which of my relatives had lost his pet!

[Nell]

My gt x 3 aunt Mary Gray Rudrum, married a farmer and they had several children. He had an elaborate gravestone put up for her after her death. I've just found they were done for assault!

1867 Petty Sessions Loddon, Norfolk

"Daniel Rudrum, of Hardley, farmer and shopkeeper, and Mary, his wife, were charged by John Plow, of Hardley, wheelwright, with assaulting him on Feb. lst, and sentenced the former to pay costs 10s, and the latter a fine of 10s, and costs £1 3s." Mary was 53 at the time!

[Nell]

1863
"Daniel Rudrum, butcher, carrying on business at Hardley, for 3s. 6d., which Plow alleged he had sent by Rudrum as a Christmas box to some relative, and which had not been delivered. Rudrum denied receiving the money". Plow was found not to have a case, was ordered to pay costs and defaulted.

[Nell]

An example of how you get some detail about ancestors is that my gt x 3 grandfather John Dunt's cottage was in a lot to be auctioned - the information told me it comprised a cottage, shop, outbuildings, garden and valuable meadow land. A bit more information about his life than I'd glean from the census.

[Nell]

He drowned in July 1850 whilst on holiday in Sheerness. But it really wasn't his year - in February a man stole a watch from his shop in Bishopsgate, City of London, by causing a distraction throwing gunpowder into the gas light!

Poor James was buried at Christchurch, Spitalfields, only to be disturbed when the buried were moved during renovations.

[Nell]

I'd found x's gt x 2 grandfather in Parkhurst Prison for receiving stolen goods. I've now found he and his wife Caroline (I know its them as it gives their address of Playhouse Yard) were tried for the crime but no evidence was offered against Caroline. William was sentenced to 5 years.

[kiterunner]

Wow, you have found a lot, Nell! I haven't found anything new yet!

[Nell]

I'm so excited, on a real high at the moment. I hope you find something soon KR!

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