Here is the original birth certificate of my grandfather which I received from my father William Sneath Readman all those years ago.
Transcription of text in document
Registration District: Grimsby in Great Grimsby in the county of Lincoln.
Register Number 110: 30 October 1886, at 3, Clyde Street, Grimsby, George William, son of Arthur Readman & Annie Aylward Readman formerly Belding. Arthur was employed as a railway porter. Informant: A. Readman, 3, Clyde Street, Grimsby on 23rd November 1886, registrar: H M Leppington.
He lived in a terraced house, along with his parents and siblings.
In 2019, Clyde Street is still in existence, off Freeman Street, Grimsby between Eleanor Street & Cobden Street.
According to Family Search, my grandfather's parents married at St Andrew's Parish Church in Grimsby.
This is their record:, Name: Arthur Readman, Birth Date:1862, aged 21, &
Annie Aylwood Belding, born 1860, Spouse's Age:, 23
married in the year of 1883, at St. Andrew, Great Grimsby, Lincoln, England
According to a CD I own called Grimsby Marriages this is their marriage, which comes from the certificate.
St. Andrew's Grimsby, on 03/06/1883, READMAN, ARTHUR aged,21 employed as a goods porter, living at 44 Garibaldi St, Grimsby-that too was off Freeman Street, son of THOMAS Readman a deceased engine driver married BELDING, ANNIE AYLWOOD, aged 23 living at 92, Freeman Street, Grimsby son of JOHN Belding a deceased tailor-the marriage was witnessed by JOHN LONG LEAFE & JESSIE LEAFE.
Arthur Readman, my great grandfather, was born in New Holland, the youngest son of Thomas Tatterson Readman & his wife Elizabeth Readman nee Dufton. Having been born in New Holland the census entries from 1861 to 1901, show that he lived at these places:-
December 28, 1861, 34, Railway Square, New Holland, Barrow.
1871: 26, Railway Street, Grimsby
1881: 33, Wood Street, Grimsby, 1882: 24, Garibaldi Street: 1886: 3, Clyde Street, Grimsby
1891: 96, Heneage Road, Grimsby 1901: 17, Rowlandson St, Grimsby, Lincolnshire
So this relationship was quite local. So the railway industry in Grimsby had a lot to do with this Readman family in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Clyde Street was situated quite near the goods sidings. I had a look at a map of Grimsby in the late 1890's and saw that Clyde Street was close to Railway Street, and near to the goods sidings.
The above map is available using NLS Maps, which is online.
Annie Aylward BELDING was born on the 21st November 1859, at Tidd St Giles, Cambridgeshire, the daughter of John Walker BELDING and his wife Mary Belding formerly Aylward.
Her birth record is below:
In 1881, according to the census of that year, Annie Elizabeth Belding is living in Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby with her sister Mary Elizabeth who was married to a John Leng Leafe a grocer. Annie Elizabeth in the census is shown as a servant.
Anyway sometime between 1881 & 1884, she met Arthur Readman and they married in 1884.
Arthur & Annie had at least 5 children between them, their first child, was a son called Harry. he was born in the March quarter of 1884, according to Free BMD, so born sometime between January & March 1884.
Clearly Harry wasn't a very fit child, because, he died & the burial service took place at St Andrew's Parish Church, Freeman Street, Grimsby on the 23rd August 1884. According to the Lincolnshire Family History Society, Parish Register Burials, Volume 1, Number 11840823, Harry Readman of 3, Clyde Street, Grimsby, aged 4 months, went through the burial service at Grimsby, St Andrew on 23 August 1884.aged 4 months. he was buried at Doughty Road Cemetery. So that was the burial record of Harry Readman, Arthur & Annie's first child. I have received a word document showing the burial places at Doughty Road Cemetery, a grave place that was closed down eventually.
Looking at this document this is its introduction which gives the history of this cemetery also called Ainslie Street, Cemetery.
INTRODUCTION,
The burial ground at Ainslie Street was opened by the Grimsby Burial Board in 1855 and closed in 1943.In that period, it accommodated 14,821 burials, of which 14,5OO took place before 1911.
Burials were registered in four volumes. Besides the name of the deceased, they also contained details of grave locations, Dates of death, Dates of burial, next of kin, occupations, age at death, cause of death, names of informants (often relatives or undertakers), and of officiating ministers, and addresses of the deceased and of informants.
This is an index of the names of the deceased only. The index is arranged as follows:-
Name of the deceased; Age (years & months);register and number of entry ; date of burial.
The registers are numbered 8/1/1-4.
Where persons are not named and are not obviously identifiable infants, they have been indexed as Unnamed, or Unknown.
So looking up the surname Readman, this is what I found:
READMAN, Elizabeth, 84 4/14459 26 Mar 1909
READMAN, Harry, 0.4 3/10969 23 Aug 1884
READMAN, Sarah, 34 2/6554 20 Sep 1875
READMAN, Thomas Tatterson, 60 2/8420 7 Jul 1879
So Harry's burial record was 3/10969 which took place on 23rd August, 1884, for Harry who was 4 months old.
The other Readman burials in this list are as follows:
Elizabeth Readman, aged 84 at the time of her death, buried on 26 March, 1909, record number 4/14459. Her husband also buried there was called Thomas Tattterson Readman, aged 60 when he died and was buried on 7 July 1879-they were the parents of Arthur Readman, our grandfather's father. The other Readman burial there was a Sarah Readman, wife of John James Readman, who was Arthur Readman's elder brother.
His parents registered his death as well, as recorded on Free BMD as Deaths Sep 1884
Readman, Harry, aged 0 years, Caistor Registration area, 7a, 444
So if Harry was 4 months old when he died he was born in April, 1884, so this record on Free BMD, may well be his: Births Jun 1884,Readman , Harry, Caistor Registration Area, number 7a, 662.
So clearly in 1884, Arthur & his wife Annie were living at 3, Clyde Street, Grimsby, so that was their other children were born. Clearly, judging on the number of houses these people lived in, they paid rent on their living accommodation, only the very well off bought houses in those days.
So with their first child Harry now died, Arthur & Annie had a second child, a daughter called Lizzie, who was born in the September quarter of 1885-according to Free BMD, they registered her birth in September 1885 as this record shows: Births Sep 1885, Readman, Lizzie, Caistor Registration Area, number, 7a, 629.
So then a year later my grandfather George William Readman was born on 30th October 1886, also at number 3, Clyde Street.
Their next child was born in the June quarter of 1889, she was named Amy. So by the census of 1891, which would have been in April of that year, the family certainly in that census the family have moved from 3, Clyde Street to 96, Heneage Road, Grimsby. George's father Arthur was now a Railway Goods Checker, and they were now living in a terraced house which on Google maps is shown as a very new house now. So this means that their home in 1891 was probably demolished after a bomb hit in World War 2.
96 Heneage Road was between Sixhills Street & Pasture Street.
So by the census day of 1891, on April 5, my grandfather George William was aged about 5, with 2 sisters, Lizzie & Amy and a young baby brother called Arthur who had been born earlier in that year, in the March quarter of 1891.
I have tried to discover their christening records without success.
In the next 10 years, between 1891 & 1901, quite a lot happened to this family.
George went to school at Home Hill, near where he lived. He left school when he was 14 on August 27th, 1900, according the Pay Records of the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway Company, he was employed as a messenger at Grimsby Docks Station Goods Department at a rate of 6 shillings a week!
Arthur, his father became a part-time fireman on the docks, and also a railway goods checker.
The Census entry above for the Readman family stated this:
17, Rowlandson Street, Grimsby
Arthur Readman, Head, Married, aged 39, Railway Goods Checker, a worker, born in New Holland, Lincolnshire
Annie Readman, Wife, Married, aged 41, born Tidd St Giles, Cambridgeshire
George W Readman, son, single, 14 years, a messenger at the port, a worker, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Arthur Readman, Son, single, 10 years, not working, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Elizabeth Readman, daughter, single, 15 years, Drapers Shop assisitant, worker, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire
Amy Readman, daughter, single, 12 years, not working, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Walker Leaf, Boarder, 23, Marine Surveyor’s Clerk, a worker, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire. He would have been staying with his Aunie Annie.
According to the Electoral Roll of 1901, Arthur is living at 17, Rowlandson Street, Grimsby.This is near to the dock, between Cleethorpes Road and Fish Dock crossing. By this time he had a job as an engineer on the horse drawn fire engine that was kept on Fish Dock Road. There was a great bell that was hung in this 3 storied house which was sounded when Arthur was needed for duty. (Our father William, learnt about this bell from his father & our grandfather about the house and bell in it). Arthur his great grandfather lived in Rowlandson Street with his four children, George, Elizabeth, Arthur and Amy, until 1908. He is shown as living there on 20th October 1908, but not there in 1909. It was Arthur's job to maintain the steam engine.
You can see from the map above how close Rowlandson Street was to the Fish Docks.
So in that year of 1901, George William is working on the docks as a messenger, his sister, Elizabeth or Lizzie, is working as a draper's assisitant, with his sister Amy & his brother Arthur not working at all.
From those Pay Records, obtained from the National Archives, RAIL 226/200/237229, this his work record up to 1918, when he was supervised by the District Estates Agents in Manchester.
He went to work at the Dock Offices as a railway clerk for the then Manchester & Sheffield, Lincolnshire Railway, soon to become The Great Central Railway.
This is his pay record
George William Readman
George William Readman
Date of Appointment August 27th 1900 aged 14, Appointed as Messenger at Grimsby Docks Station on 6 shillings a week.
Date Occupation Where employed Wages per week Wages per Annum
July 1 1901 8 shillings
July 3 1902 10 shillings
August 30 1902 Clerk Goods ? Office, Grimsby Docks 10 shillings £26
July 1 1903 Advanced to 11shillings & 6d £30
July 1 1904 Ditto Ditto 15 shillings & 4d £48
July 1 1905 Ditto Ditto 19 shillings & 3d. £50
Date Occupation Where Employed Wages per week Wages per Annum
July 1 1906 Advanced to 1061 £1 31 shillings £60
July 1 1908 4652 £1 7shillings £70
July 1 1910 7908 £1 10 shillings & 9d £80
January 1 1912 758 £ 1 14 shillings & 7d £90
January 1 1914 5750 £1 18 shillings & 6d £100
January 1 1916 789 £2 2shillings & 4d £110
August 15 1916 Joined the Colours 2794
January 1 1918 Advanced to 6478 £2 6shillings & 2d £120
So from the above information we can see that at the end of the war George was earning £120 a year.
According to the 1911 census, George William & his father & mother and younger brother Arthur are living at 194, Roberts Street, Grimsby.
READMAN ARTHUR (RG14PN19967 RG 78PN1197A RD 422 SD1 ED20 SN471)
197, Roberts Street, Grimsby, in the County of Lincolnshire and in the Parish of Clee.
Arthur Readman, Head, Married, male, aged 48, Railway Clerk, born New Holland. Lincolnshire.
Annie Readman, wife, Married, Female, aged 50, born at Tidd St Giles, Cambridgeshire.
George William Readman, Son, Single, Male, aged 24, Railway Clerk, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Arthur Readman, Son, Single, Male, aged 20, Fish Merchants Clerk, born Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Their sisters Amy Readman & Lizzie Readman certainly were not living at the home address in 1911, but at 4, Mulgrave St, Crosby, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, England, working as milliners and living in "digs" together, working at a haberdashers in Scunthorpe.
George William went to Duncombe Street Methodist Church(now Central Hall), a Wesleyan Church. This was then the centre of social life for the area. Here he met Florence Sneath, whose father was a chemist and had a shop on the corner of Hainton Square. At the age of 26, he married Florence(29 years) at Duncombe Street Wesleyan Chapel. George at the time was living at 199, Roberts Street, and Florence at 14, Hainton Avenue, (over the shop) The marriage was witnessed by Thomas Dixon Sneath(father)
and Ernest W Bailey. The marriage certificate shows George as a Railway Collector, his father Arthur as a railway clerk. This was on July 9th 1913.
7/13 Marriage solemnized at Duncombe Street Wesleyan Chapel in the District of Grimsby in the County of Lincoln.
On Ninth July, 1913, George William READMAN, 26 years, Bachelor, Railway Collector, living at 199, Roberts Street, son of Arthur Readman, a Railway Clerk & Florence SNEATH, 29 years, Spinster, of 14, Hainton Avenue, Grimsby, daughter of Thomas Dixon SNEATH, a chemist & optician, took place in Wesleyan Methodist Chapel according to the
Rites and Ceremonies of the Wesleyan Methodist by Certificate.
The marriage was solemnised By George William Readman & Florence Sneath, witnessed by Ernest W. Bailey & Thomas D. Sneath.
Florence was born 26 June 1884 in Newark, Nottinghamshire, the fourth daughter of Thomas Dixon Sneath and his wife Clara Sneath nee Rowbotham. She was one of five sisters as this photograph shows:
This is a photograph of her parents, Thomas Dixon Sneath & his wife Clara Sneath, nee Rowbotham.
The Sneath family in 1892: Thomas Dixon Sneath in the centre, his wife Clara on the left. Florence is sat to thje right of her mother.
She came to live in Grimsby sometime around 1894, because she went to school at Welholme Infants school the day that it opened.
She attended Duncombe Street Wesleyan Chapel, where her father Thomas had a lot to do with this chapel.
Whilst at school she passed examinations & qualified to be a school teacher-the enclosed photo scan show these documents.
She passed an Arithmetic examination in 1906.
Teachers certificate dated 1st January 1908
At first she and her family lived at 10a, New Street, Grimsby, as this photograph which I took whilst we lived in Cleethorpes from 1973 to 2004.
Evidence for this comes from an advertisement in the Grimsby News, a local Grimsby Newspaper-in the edition dated 18 December 1906.
"THOS. D. SNEATH, CERTIFIED OPTICIAN AND CHEMIST,
is showing some excellent designs in gold filled eyeglasses, they are made for comfort, and certainly are a great improvement on what was formerly used. He also has a good supply of gold filled spectacles for reading and constant use in all the latest patterns. Alumine, nickel, and stell spectacles and folders in every pattern. In another window he has an assortment of all choicest perfumes in caskets, cut-glass bottles, from 6d to 12s. 6d ; fancy boxes of toilet soap, from 8 and half d to 2s. 6d; and many other toilet preparations of the very best quality. His address is Hainton-square, where he has been now for nearly 16 years, and will be pleased to see all old and new friends."
She later moved to Holme Hill School where she became a pupil teacher, using her new qualification as shown above.
At the time of her marriage to George William Readman on 9th July 1913 she is not shown as having any occupation.
After her marriage they lived for some time at 6, Albion Terrace.
This address of 6, Albion Terrace, Cartergate, Grimsby I found on a sheet of paper entitled "George William Readman Service Record that I received from our father & typed out on another sheet of paper the entries on the Service Record.
This is that war service Record and the entries I typed out.
George's War record
G W Readman. 6, Albion Terrace, Cartergate, Grimsby, Lincolnshire.
Army Veterinary Corp No 19990
Attached at Grimsby 08 11 1915
Joined up at Lincoln 15 08 1916
Reached Woolwich 22 08 1916
Landed in France 29 08 1916
Reached Abbeville 01 09 1916
Started work in Office 01 11 1916
Transferred to D D V S 3rd Army (St Pol) 26 04 1917
Returned to 22 Vet'y Hospital 28 04 1917
Promoted to Lance Corporal 01 04 1917
Promoted to Corporal 18 07 1917
Leave to England November 18/20 1917
Dad thought this would be true because of course he was born on August 9 1918.
Transferred to Italy 11/12 1917
Grandpa wrote out his journey to Cremona in Italy.
On 13th August,1916, George joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps as a clerk. He remained there in the army until he was demobbed in
Scotland on 29th September 1919. George later typed out the journey he made to the Italian front, typing the journey on a typewriter onto some paper. Those pieces of paper with the typing on them is shown above.
I have copied the items from the entries onto a word document and copied them on to this blog.
Journey From Abbeville, France, to Cremona, Italy.
This is the map of Italy that George William took with him:
It would be good one day to see if I too could do this journey this way.
Abbeville. Depart 5.50am 11th December, 1917
Longeau. 8.45am
La Fauce. 9.15am
Breteuil Embankment. (oise) 9.37am
St. Just. 10. 3am
Avrechy 10.12am
Clermont 10.20am
Leingville 10.35am
Creil Arrived 10.45am
Creil Departed 11.50am
Chantilly 12.13pm
Survilliers 12.38pm
Bouvres ?
Paris. (outskirts) Arrived 2.50pm
Paris Departed 3.20pm
Verneuil l'Etang 5.45pm
Dijon 9.00am 12th December, 1917
Vogeot 9.15am
Nuits St. George 9.30am
Corgolon 9.40am
Serrigny 9.43am
Beaune 10.9am
Meursault 10.23am
Chagny 10.45am
Fontaines 10.55am
Chalons 11.40am
Varennes-le-Grand 11.55am
Sennecy-le-Grand 12.5pm
Tournus 12.15pm
Fleurville. (Pont-de-Vaux) 12.50pm
Senozan 1.17pm
Macon Arrive 1.55pm
Macon Depart 3.15pm
Creches. S/Saone 3.24pm
Pontaneveux 3.30pm
Romanche/Thorins 3.36pm
Ville Franche 4.5pm
Anse 4.10pm
Quincieux -Trevieur 4.21pm
St. Germains 4.40pm
Lyons Arrive 5.15pm
Lyons depart 6.0pm
Segonnaux 9.40am 13th December, 1917
Arles arrive 9.58. am
Arles depart 12.18 pm
Raphele 1235 pm
St. Martin-le-Gran 1247 pm.
Mirimas 1;47pm
St. Chamas 2.0.pm
Berre arrive 2.28pm
Berre depart 3. 7.pm
Rognac 3.32 pm
Vitrolles 3.42. pm
Pas de Lanciers. Arrive 3.50pm
Pas de Lanciers Depart 4.20pm.
Marseilles arrive 5.0pm
Marseilles depart 5.45pm
Aubagne arrive 6.45 pm
Aubagne depart 7 12pm
Nice 8.0 am 14th December, 1917
Eze ?
Cap D’ail le Turbie 8.25 am.
Monaco 8.30 am. 14th December 1917
Monte Carlo 0835. Am.
Cable Roquebroue 0848. Am
Menton 9. 5.am
Menton-Garavon. 915am.
Crossed Italian Frontier 9. 40.am.
Vintimille, arrive 9.45.am.
Vintimille. Depart 11.5.am
Bordighera 11.20.am.
Ozpedaletto 11.40.am.
San Remo. 12.00. noon.
Sto. Stefano de Riva 12.27. pm.
Port Maurice ?
Oneglia 12.58.pm
Dianao Marina. 1.15.pm.
Cervo D’ Bartolomeo. 1.30pm.
Andora. 1.45.pm.
Laigueglia. 2.17.pm
Alassio 2.21.pm
Albenca 2.35.pm.
Ceriale 3. 1.pm.
Loano 3. 7.pm.
Pietra Ligure 3.22.pm.
Borgio Verezza. 3.30.pm
Final-Marina. 3.42.pm.
Varigotti. 3. 50. pm
Noli. 3.55.pm
Spotorno.
Vado. 4. 12. pm.
Savona arrive 4. 25. Pm
Savona. Depart. 7.0.pm
Sampierdarena 9.0.pm. 14th December, 1917.
Arquata Scrivia. Arrive 2.0.am. 15th December 1917.
Spent an extremely wretched week in a “Rest Camp”
Arquata Scrivia depart 6.0.pm. 22nd December, 1917.
CREMONA arrive 2.0. am 23rd December, 1917.
He was Promoted Substantive Corporal as from 18/07/1917 RAVC ? APO 488
Leave to WK 2/3 /1919
Report at depot Woolwich 22/03/1919
Promoted L/Sgt whilst on leave (about 1/3/19)
Posted to Lowland Drive VSP Stirling as Pay Sergeant
Appoints P/A/Sgt 16/05/1919 Corp Order 498 31/05/1919
Demobbed November 1919.
When he was demobbed he was issued with this certificate of employment during the war so he could show it to a prospective employer.
Certificate of Employment during the War
Regiment No. 19990 Rank Sergt.
Surname: READMAN
Christian Names in Full GEORGE WILLIAM
Regt. RAVC Unit L D V Hospital
Regimental Employment:
Nature of
a. RAVC from 13 08 16 to 1-4-17
b. App. NCO 1-4-17 to 21-2-19
c. Pay Sergt. 21-2-19 - 29-9-19
Courses of Instruction in Active Service Army Schools, and certificates, if any
c Nil
5. Special Remarks as to qualifications, work done, or skill acquired during service with the Colours. This is required as a help finding civil employment.
Pay and Orderly Room Sergt Excellent
Soldier's Signature: GWReadman JJ Danlop Capt. AVC Lowland Division Veterinary Hospital
This was his demobilisation certificate.
Certificate of Transfer to Reserve on Demobilization Class Z
Regimental Number: G. E. 19990 Rank Sergeant
Name in Full: Readman, George William
Unit and Regiment or Corps from which transferred to Reserve : ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS
29th November 1915:
Called up for Service on 13th August, 1916.
For ROYAL ARMY VETERINARY CORPS
Medals and Decorations awarded during engagement NIL
Place of Rejoining in case of emergency: York: Medical Category: B. I.
Specialist Military qualifications: Nil- Year of birth 1886
He is transferred to Army reserve on 9th November, 1919.
In consequence of Demobilization
J. Taylor: Lieut for Wc Records R.A.V.C. Woolwich.
This a photograph of George William Readman & his wife Florence Readman nee Sneath The photo of George was taken in 1916.
I am quite sure that George went home to 6, Albion Terrace, Cartergate, a house that he rented. It is the house where our father was born on August 9th, 1918.
09/08/1918 • Grimsby, Lincolnshire, England
6, Albion Terrace, Cartergate, Grimsby, son of George William Readman & Florence Readman nee Sneath. Father, George William was a Corporal in AMC, and a Railway Clerk.
So after the war, George came back to Grimsby and went back to work at the Docks Office on Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby. This would have been after 1919.
This was the address shown dad's birth certificate but it is not born out on the electoral roll, so perhaps as dad seemed to think, this was rented by George & Florence and the owner is shown rather than them. Albion Terrace was off Cartergate, Grimsby and this was a flat.
6, Albion Terrace, Cartergate, Grimsby, son of George William Readman & Florence Readman nee Sneath. Father, George William was a Corporal in AMC, and a Railway Clerk.
So after the war, George came back to Grimsby and went back to work at the Docks Office on Cleethorpes Road, Grimsby. This would have been after 1919.
This was the address shown dad's birth certificate but it is not born out on the electoral roll, so perhaps as dad seemed to think, this was rented by George & Florence and the owner is shown rather than them. Albion Terrace was off Cartergate, Grimsby and this was a flat.
On he 8th June 1919, his former commanding officer, Major Frederick Hobday as seen here in the following photograph, send our grandfather a letter, from his new veterinary practice in London, near Nottinghill Gate station.
Kensington, W
London
08 June 1919
Fredk. Hobday, F. R. C. V. S.
F. H. Ridler M. R. C. V. S.
Guy Sutton, F. R. C. V. S.
Telephone 1007 Park Station, Notting Hill Gate.
My dear Readman,
I hope you wont think I have forgotten you because I have been so long in replying. Far from it-I often think of you & how much your loyalty to your duty helped to make our hospital the success it was. Never once did you give me the slightest anxiety & I always knew that whatever I asked you to do would be done if it was within the power of mortal man to do it. I hope Readman, that the friendship we convinced in Italy will always continue throughout our lives.
Now that I am back (I have only been back a fortnight as I was sent into Albania to clear up the horses there). I want to hear whether you have a prospect of being demobilised & what you have in view as your future-whether you intend to go back to Hull or whether, if chance occurred you would come to London. Let me have a line re this at your earliest convenience. Capt. Little is still serving at York and will be demobbed in London.
Clearly in late May 1920, Grandpa sent a parcel of fish from his brother Arthur who had a company called "The Reef Fish Company", a fish merchants, based on Grimsby Fish Docks, to his former commanding officer Captain Frederick Hobday to his address at Berkeley Gardens, in Kensington, London because his former commanding officer, Captain Frederick Hobday sent him a letter thanking him for the fish parcel-Grandpa kept this letter and my father gave it to me.
6, Berkeley Gardens,
Kensington, W.
2. June 1920
F. M. Hobday C.M.G. F.R.C.V.S. F. R. S. E. Late R.A. V. C.
Telephone Park 100
Station, Notting Hill Gate
My dear Readman,
It was a kind thought of you to send us the fish. The wife & I thank you very much-but alas (although the postmark shows the despatch date May 31), it did not arrive until 11.00 today (June 2nd) & the postman had the greatest difficulty in keeping pace with it as it walked up the steps to the house!!! Presumably the Louth accident had something to do with the railway delay. I enclose the label of Reef Fish Co, should enquire at the P. Office-as the same thing may have happened to their containers before. All the same, old fellow, we appreciate the kind thought on your part.
I shall try to look you up again some day for I enjoyed our little chat very much, short as it was. You have had stirring times near you lately-a terrible thing for Louth, was it not?
I heard from the Staff Sgt. Paul lately-unluckily he has had a nervous breakdown & has had to give up his post as assistant school master on the “Mosquito” & take charge of it.
His present address is Westgate, Bramhope, Leeds.
All kind regards to you good Luck.
Yours sincerely
Fred Hobday
PS: Lord you give the Hospital card to Private Hands?
I think the terrible thing that his former commanding officer mentioned that happened in Louth was reported in the Hull Daily Mail newspaper on 31st May 1920:
Hull Daily Mail - Monday 31 May 1920
Devastating Flood at Louth.
200 YARDS' WIDE TORRENT SWEEPS THROUGH TOWN HOUSES, PEOPLE, BRIDGES, CARS, AND CATTLE SWEPT AWAY BY WATERS. RESIDENTS' FICHT FOR LIFE: UNPARALLELED SCENES
Between one and two score people lost their lives in a great flood which raged in Louth, following a cloud burst on Saturday on the North Lincolnshire Wolds. The damage is estimated at £100,000. Extraordinary scenes were witnessed in the town and district, houses, pedestrians, and cattle being swept away by the enormous rush of water.' The latest reports show that houses were torn down, bridges smashed, and motor cars, pianos, furniture, and heavy vehicles carried away. The disaster is attributed to the bursting of a waterspout. The river Lud—usually small stream—burst its banks and spread destruction with amazing rapidity. Walls, bridges and houses were swept away by the force of the rushing torrent.
Four firemen proceeding on rescue work, were swept from the engine, and one lost his life. A mother was rescued, but her three young children were drowned, and in another house three members of one family lost their lives.
There are many stories of narrow escapes. One woman saved her life by climbing up a chimney, and many took refuge in trees. Enormous damage was done, and many traders are faced with ruin. Measures have been taken to relieve the distressed people. When the storm was at its height a furniture factory and two houses were swept away by the avalanche of water, the whole of a motor garage was destroyed, and a drill hall was demolished. ' The casualty list includes three children of one family, a father, mother, and daughter, and a mother and daughter.
The inquest will opened to-day.
So clearly such a disaster menat that parcel of fish took a lot longer than intended so when it got to its destination it had gone a bit bad.
So clearly Grandpa got on well withhis commanding officer, and together they did well at that hospital in Cremona, Italy.
I still have those letters if you want a photocopy of them.
In 1921, in the spring the electoral roll shows them living at 137, Humberston Road, Grimsby. Opposite them is Joseph Readman and his wife Maria at 138, Humberston Road. This would have been Dad's great,great uncle and George's great uncle.
Not far away from the Readman family lived George William's father Arthur Readman at 209, Cooper Road, Grimsby.
In Spring 1919, Arthur is shown in the Electoral roll to be living at 209, Cooper Road, Grimsby. Also living there is Nellie Readman ( maybe short for Annie Aylwood). By late1921, Arthur is not shown in the Electoral roll at that address. He is dead, having died on the 31st January 1921.
On the map below you can see both Humberstone Road & Cooper Road
Arthur died on 31st January 1921 aged 59, at 209 Cooper Road, Grimsby. He was buried in Scartho Road Cemetery A photograph of his gravestone and that of his wife Annie as well in available online at https://sites.rootsweb.com/~engggfhg/scarthordcem/Indexes/r%20index.htm
H Readman + Arthur 59 31 January 1921
Whilst we are on the subject of Grandpa's father Arthur Readman, I will now explore some history about his sister Amy, who as we know already was born in the April quarter of 1889, so April, May or June, 1889 at 3 Clyde Street, Grimsby.
Earlier I had said that Amy in the 1911 was working in Scunthorpe with her sister Lizzie, at a haberdashers shop as milliners.
In the January quarter of 1912 she met & married Carl Cobley at St Andrews Parish Church, Freeman Street, Grimsby-that means she got married in January, February or March 1912.
Clearly the link between both Amy and Carl, was Duncombe Street, Methodist Church.
My grandmother, Florence Readman, born Florence Sneath, would often boast to her friends that she travelled first class on the train. What she didn't tell them was that her husband, my grandfather George William Readman worked for the railway company as a clerk, and whenever he travelled by train, was allowed free travel so went first class. Florence was from a family of 5 daughters, Elizabeth, Eleanor, Clara & Maud all born to Thomas & Clara. Her husband, George, was from a family 5 children, Harry, Lizzie, Amy & Arthur, all born to Arthur & Ann Aylward Readman. My grandmother would always refer to her sister in law Amy Readman as "231", as opposed to Amy. Amy was married to Carl Cobley, and lived at 231, Freeman Street, Grimsby, where his father George Quibell Cobley had a house furniture business. Just recently I have been doing some more work on George Quibell Cobley-my first port of call was the Lincolnshire Echo where I found this entry which gives nice summary of his life.
SURFLEET Man’s Death:-Lincolnshire Echo - Tuesday 13 August 1940
The death has occurred at his home in Farebrother-street, Grimsby, of Mr. George Quibell Cobley, aged 81, a native of Surfleet. He went to Grimsby in 1878, where he established a house furnishing business in Freeman-street, now carried on by his eldest son. His widow, is a native of Pinchbeck West, being the daughter of the late Mr. W. Wiles, a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Cobley celebrated their golden wedding in 1932. Mr. Cobley was an energetic worker of Duncombe-street Methodist Church, was in the choir for 52 years and a Sunday School teacher for 35 years.
A different newspaper report-sounds more local-Grimsby Telegraph.
SURFLEET NATIVE's DEATH
AT GRIMSBY
Mr. G. Q. COBLEY
The death is announced at the age of 81, after a short illness of a native of Surfleet in the person of Mr. George Quibell Cobley, at his home in Farebrother-street, Grimsby. The deceased gentleman, whose father was a shoemaker in the village went to Grimsby in 1878 where he established a house furnishing business in Freeman-street which is now one of the oldest and best known in the Borough. For the past 15 years it has been carried on by his eldest son, Mr. C. Cobley.
On his retirement, Mr. Cobley built a house in Farebrother-street naming it Glen Side after the stream which runs through his birthplace and that of his wife (West Pinchbeck), who is the daughter of the late Mr. William Wiles, farmer.
Although he did not take an active part in public life, both he and his wife were energetic workers in connection with Duncombe-street Methodist Church, and where at one time or another he held every office open to laymen. He was in the choir for 52 years and a Sunday School teacher for 35 years.
Mr. and Mrs. Cobley celebrated their golden wedding on December 27th 1932, having been married at the Money Bridge Independent Chapel, Pinchbeck, in 1882 by the Rev. Linton Bell.
Florence Lois Readman or Lois as she was known was born in 1922. She was born when they were living at 137, Humbertson Road. A copy of Lois's birth certificate I will try to get from my cousin Mark Orchard and it would show the occupation of George in 1922, and the address that they were living at when Lois was born.
Registration District Grimsby
1922 Birth in the Sub District of Great Grimsby in the Counties of Grimsby County Borough etc.
Number 465: First March 1922 at Caerleon Nursing Home, Grimsby, Florence Lois, a girl, daughter of George William Readman a Railway Estate Clerk & Florence Readman formerly Sneath. Both parents living at 137, Humberston Road, Grimsby. Birth was registered by G. W. Readman, (father on 6th March 1922. Registrar M. S. Hills.
So Lois's birth certificate proves that her family were living at 137, Humberston Road, Grimsby with her father employed as a Railway Estate Clerk.
They stayed at that address all year but the Electoral roll of Spring 1923, George and Florence are shown living at 14, Hainton Avenue with Thomas Dixon Sneath who is a juror. When Grandfather Sneath was ill and they went there to look after him. When he died, in 1924, they remained at his house. He by now had given up his chemist shop and moved into an opticals business in Hainton Avenue. This was a large, 5 bedroomed- house. The business was taken over by Frank Musson, his son-in-law, married to Maud Sneath. Again the electoral roll of Autumn 1925 shows that 14, Hainton Avenue has new tenants.
Also sometime in 1923, probably the summertime George & his wife Florence spent a holiday in Scarborough, Yorkshire as this photograph shows.
To get to Scarborough, they would have gone on the train from Grimsby to New Holland, with George not paying for the fare and travelling First class, and then they would have used the ferry to cross the Humber, then gone to the railway station in Hull, and taken the train to Scarborough station.
Also sometime in 1923, probably the summertime George & his wife Florence spent a holiday in Scarborough, Yorkshire as this photograph shows.
On June 14, 1924, Florence's father, Thomas Dixon Sneath, wrote a letter to his brother Edwin Cartwright Sneath. The address on the letter proves that he was still living at 14, Hainton Avenue.
Looking at the letter, I read the name of the park as Stanborough Park, near Watford, & looking on the net there is such a place in Hertfordshire, so Thomas would have done some travelling to get there.
Tel. No. 2046 Established 1891
THOS D. SNEATH
M.P.S.
Certified Optician (London Exam)
14, HAINTON AVENUE
GRIMSBY.
June 14, 1924
My dear Brother,
I was pleased to receive your nice long letter on the Anniversary of my birthday-also your good wishes. You are having good times now ours are in store-Sunday 15th is our Sunday School Anniversary, we are having Rev.-G. Owers-an old friend-and the following Sunday, we are having Rev. G. Naylor B. A., Chairman of the Lincoln District. He is coming to stay with us-. On Monday the 23rd, I have made arrangements to go to Standborough Park-near Watford-where I went two years ago-I feel that I ought to go as it did me so much good before. I have arranged to stay a fortnight & if I think a month will do me more good I shall stay on-it is a lovely spot, 200 acres of Park-lovely walks, good vegetarian diet-healthy conditions, Electric Baths, & all other kinds of Baths-massage to where they do all they can to get you physically fit. What do you say about joining me? I leave here early Monday morning, 23rd -We shall be pleased for any of you to come over for next Sunday. Just drop us a line-I am sure you will enjoy it-Love from us all.
Yours affectionate Brother
T D Sneath
P. S.
I am feeling a little better.
This is the record I have of the death of Florence Readman's father Thomas Dixon Sneath in whose house they were staying in 1924 to look after him.
Death & Funeral of Thomas Dixon Sneath as published in the Grimsby News
Friday September 5th, 1924.
The death of Mr. Thomas Dixon SNEATH which took place at his residence, 14, Hainton Avenue, on Thursday last, and which was briefly recorded in our last issue, has removed one of Grimsby’s best known and highly esteemed business men. Mr. SNEATH was born in the Newark district and came to Grimsby some 30 years ago from Lincoln. Almost immediately he commenced business as a chemist in the premises in Hainton Square. There he continued until he gave up that business a few years ago. Latterly however, he practised as an optician at his address in Hainton Avenue. Apart from his business his main interest lay in the activities of the Duncombe Street Wesleyan Church. In public life generally he took no active part, but the Duncombe Street Church found in him a ready and energetic worker. He held every office in connection with the church that it is possible for a layman to hold, and was a trustee of the Heneage Road Wesleyan Church. He was we believe, one of the leading spirits in the formation of the Institute at Duncombe Street, one of the most progressive moves on the part of that church for many years. A man of retiring but kindly disposition he won friendship and esteem of a wide and varied circle of people amongst whom his loss will be keenly felt.
He leaves five daughters to mourn his loss. Mrs. SNEATH having predeceased him just over three years ago.
Funeral:
The funeral took place on Monday, there being a short service at the deceased gentleman’s home prior to the interment at the Scartho Road cemetery. The Rev. W. Arthur Jones conducted this service and also performed the last sad rites at the graveside.
The principal mourners present at the funeral were Mr. & Mrs J. Penistan, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Wilson, Mr. and Mrs. E. R. Benton, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Readman, Mr. and Mrs. F. Musson (Louth), Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Sneath (Collingham), Mr. W. Sneath, (Lincoln), Mr. and Mrs. A. Mort, (Nottingham), and Mr. J. Rowbotham. The trustees and congregation of Duncombe Street Church were represented by Messrs A. J. Western, W. T. Fyfe, B. Woodliffe and Mr. J. Tuplin.
A large number of beautiful wreaths included those from the family.
Thomas Dixon Sneath left in his will £3, 161.
My dad told me that in 1925, after the death of his grandfather Thomas Dixon Sneath, his mother bought a house in Algernon Street, and the family moved there. He remembered it having a small garden at the front of the house. Dad in 1925, would have been 7 years old.
Certainly, George William & his family were living at 80, Algernon Street on 10 April, 1929, as this will of Florence's uncle William Charles Sneath shows.
This is the last will and testament of me William Charles Sneath of Brant House, St Catherines, Lincoln in the County of Lincolnshire made this tenth day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and 29. I hereby revoke all wills and testamentary instruments heretofore made by me. I appoint Hugh Murfyn Rees of 47, Yarborough Road, Lincoln and ----of----to be the executors of this my will. I direct my executors to pay my just debts and funeral and testamentary expenses. I give and bequeath after disposing of part of my property all the rest of my property both real and personal after all outstanding debts are paid be disposed has mentioned in this testament notice that my property bounding from Brayford-north to Newland-south is leasehold from June 24 1844 to June 24 1943, a term of 99 years. Note I leave Mrs Lizzie Cope, my housekeeper, the sum of £100 (one hundred pounds) free of duty. Also to son and daughter of Mrs William Arthur Dunn, 24, Westbourn Road, Forest Hill, London, the sum of £100, (one hundred pounds). Each remainder of property in equal parts as follows. Three one parts to children of E. C. Sneath and one each to children of T. D. Sneath. Also Hugh Murfyn Rees £20 (twenty pounds). Addresses E. C. Sneath 177, West Parade, Lincoln (5 children) (also as above)
Mrs. Penniston (Lizzie) 13, Mill Road, Cleethorpes.
Mrs. Wilson (Nellie), 41, Park Avenue, Grimsby.
Mrs. Benton (Clara) 186, Welholme Road, Grimsby.
Mrs. Readman (Flo) 80, Algernon Street, Grimsby.
Mrs. Musson (Maud), 17, Market Place, Louth.
Brant House, 17, St Catherines Lincoln to be sold with all its effects both inside and outside every room furnished (see lists). Brayford property warehouses and offices including R. E. Brett, also Mess Close & Sons and two private houses 26 & 28 Newland.
I was told by my father, that George William & Florence & family moved to a house Welholme Avenue, when Florence inherited some money in the will of her uncle William Charles Sneath who died in 1934. I did obtain a copy of this will. William died on the 13th March, 1934, but his will, as shown above was made on 10th April 1929. This advertisment shows his death date:
Lincolnshire Echo - Tuesday 20 March 1934
RE WILLIAM CHARLES SNEATH, deceased. ALL PERSONS having claims against the estate of WILLIAM CHARLES SNEATH, late of Brant House, St. Catherin' s. in the City of Lincoln, who died on the 13th day of March, 1934, are requested to send particulars to us on behalf the executors of the deceased; and all persons indebted to the estate are required to pay their debts to us on behalf of the Executors .forthwith. ANDREW, RACE, MIDGLEY and HILL. Solicitors. St. Swithin’s-square. . Solicitors. Lincoln. March, 1934. 85850
In order to discover about his will, whilst I was living in Cleethorpes, I went to see a lady called Ann Elizabeth WILSON, nee Mackie, born 1922, in Perthshire, Scotland, who had been married to Brian Wilson. She lived in Grimsby, off Yarborough Road. Her husband had died when I went to see her after the year 2000; he was the cousin of our father William Readman. His brother Raymond Wilson was my godfather when I was born in 1946. Raymond ended up in Leeds, West Yorkshire as a bank manger at Adel, near Leeds. Brian & Raymond's parents were John Arthur WILSON born 1876 in Grimsby, and his wife Eleanor SNEATH, born 9 January 1882, in Newark, Nottinghamshire, sister of our grandmother Florence SNEATH. Eleanor was known as Nellie. They married on August 18th 1904 at Duncome Street Methodist Church, Grimsby, just like her sister Florence & George William Readman.
Ann Elizabeth showed me original documents of the will of William Charles Sneath kept by her mother, so I took photographs of them and kept them at home before saving them on my computer. I have been using these photographs to record details of the will, so I can see how much each beneficary received and when they did so. Ann Elizabeth told me her mum had told her that our granny Florence also received the same letters that her mother Nellie did. She did also show me a letter that was written to our grandma from the solicitor who was explaining to her about the will. Florence clearly took the letter to her sister Nellie and left it with her, because Nellie then left it to her son Brian and his wife Ann Elizabeth.
So the letters about her uncle William Charles would have come to Florence & George William after the 13th March 1934, when William Charles died at his home address called "Brant House", St Catherines, Lincoln.
A description of the house I found in a newspaper record of an advertisement for its sale:
Lincolnshire Echo - Thursday 12 April 1934
The Following FREEHOLD and LEASEHOLD PROPERTIES. LOT I.—Freehold Residence with Vacant Possession, being" BRANT HOUSE", No. 17, ST CATHERINE'S, LINCOLN, late in the occupation of William Charles Sneath. Deceased. Semi-Detached, containing Entrance Hall, 2 Reception Rooms, 4 Bedrooms, Box Room, Bath Room (h and c), W.C., Kitchen, Scullery, Cellar. Pantry, W. C., all under cover. Electric Light. Coalhouse. Nice Garden. Site for Garage with entrance from Colegrave-street. Pleasantly situated, facing South Common.
The first letter was sent to Florence & her siblings on 20th March 1934 offering her some items of furniture she might like to inherit, the price of which would be taken off her inheritance.
47, Yarborough Road,
Lincoln
20th March, 1934
RE THE LATE MR. SNEATH
The following is a list of articles of furniture, etc. which the executors are asked to earmark for Residuary Legatees.
Probate value of each article are added
MR. SNEATH
1. Carved Oak Stand in Drawing Room. £1. 10s. 0d.
2. Barometer (taken at £1.0s. 0d.)
3. Picture of Broughton House (taken at 1/-)
Miss SNEATH
2-Coffee Pots 10/-
China Cabinet in Dining Room. £4.0s. 0d.
2-Hassacks in Drawing Room. Shin Rug 1/6d
MRS MELLOR
Desk in Dining Room. £2 10s 0d.
Carved Book-Case in Dining Room £8. 0s. 0d.
Coal Box in Drawing room 5/-
4- Large Plush Chairs in Drawing room 6 small chairs to match £5 10s.0d
Front Bedroom bedstead and mattress & Feather Bed £3.0s.0d
Back Bedroom chest of drawers £2. 0.0d.
Back bedroom dressing-table. £1 5. 0d.
Long Mirror on landing. 5/-
Stair Carpet. £1. 0s. 0d.
Dining Room Carpet & Rug £1. 10. 0d.
2-Plates in cabinet & teapot 5/-
1-silver tray in cabinet & 1 Toast Rack in cabinet Butter Dish, 2 Peppers, Bread knife & Fork £2
1 Octagonal table in Drawing Room. £1.0s. 0d
Overmantle in Dining Room 10/-
Mrs BENTON (Sister of Florence-Clara SNEATH married to Edward Rawson BENTON)
2-Garden Chairs & Garden Table 2/6
1- Inlaid table in drawing room £2.0s.0d.
MRS MUSSON (Sister of Florence Maud Sneath, married to Francis or Frank Musson)
Antique low chair in Drawing Room. 4/-
2- Hassacks in Dining Room. 1/6
1. Dressing Gown. 5/-
MRS. READMAN (Florence Sneath married to George William Readman)
1- 1 Cigar Case (taken at 3/6d)
2- 1 Music Cabinet in Dining Room. 10/-
3- 1-Landing Carpet in 3 pieces. 5/-
4- 1 pair of opera glasses (taken at 15/-)
5- 1 Drawing Room carpet with felt. £2.0s 0d.
MRS. WILSON (sister of Florence, Eleanor Sneath married to John Arthur Wilson)
1- Low Chair in bedroom. 1/6
2- 1 Smokers cabinet in Dining Room. With Book & Contents 2/6
3- 1. Gong in Hall. 5/-
4- 1. Ebony silver mounted walking stick 1/-
MRS. PENISTAN (sister of Florence Elizabeth Sneath married to John Penistan)
1- Small inlaid box in Drawing Room 2/6
2- 1 Pink Jug ex Dining Room cabinet. 5/-
The next letter was sent to Nellie & Florence on 26th March 1934:
47, Yarborough Road,
Lincoln.
26th March, 1934.
Dear Mrs. Wilson,
Re: The Late Mr. W. C. Sneath
The following is a list of the household effects belonging to the late Mr. W. C. Sneath which are allocated to you, together with the values of the same:-
1- Wall Cabinet with books and contents. 2. 6d.
2- Brass Gong. 5. 0d.
3- Fireside Chair ex bedroom 7. 6d.
4- Ebony silver mounted Walking Stick. 1. 0d.
5- Sundry Jewellery ex Mrs. Sneath. 7. 6d.
6- Sundry Table Silver. 14. 0d.
Total: £1 17s. 6d.
Unless I hear from you to the contrary, I shall take it you agree to this list, and these will be debited to you in due course.
With kind regards
Yours sincerely
H. M. Rees
The next letter was sent to Nellie & Florence on 12th June 1934 with a cheque of £200 minus what ever the furniture they had gone for would have cost.
Andrew, Race Midgely & Hill,
St. Swithin’s Square,
Lincoln.
12th June, 1934
Dear Madam,
W. C. Sneath deceased
The Executors are proceeding with the winding up of this estate and you will receive a full statement of account in due course. In the meantime, however, as there is some cash in hand, the Executors propose to make an interim distribution. We therefore have the pleasure in enclosing a cheque for £200 less the value of the household effects which you agreed to take in kind.
We shall be glad if you will sign the enclosed form of receipt and return it to us at your early convenience.
Yours faithfully
Andrew Rees & Co
Mrs. Nellie Wilson £200 .00.
41, Park Avenue, £1 17shillings 6d.
Grimsby. -----------------------
Cheque £198 2. 6d.
Then on 12th September 1934, a cheque for £100 was sent to the beneficiaries like Nellie & Florence.
Then on the 8th November 1934 a cheque for £50 was sent to the beneficiaries like Florence & Nellie.
So in 1934, Florence would have received, £350, less a small amount for that furniture £2 13 & 6d.
Certainly George William & family moved to Harrow in either late 1934 or early 1935, certainly I know they were there between 6th & 12th May 1935 as this photograph shows them in Ruislip Park on George 5th's Jubilee Day.
Certainly George & family were in Harrow in 1934, because, our dad was at the age of 16 then, and had left school, and became a quantity surveyor in Harrow in 1934.
When George & Florence moved back from Harrow after May 1935, my dad told me that they went back to Algernon Street, and later went to live at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby, probably because by then Florence would have received enough money for them to buy a new house.
Then in 1935, two cheques were sent Florence & Nellie & Co one for £5 on 15th April, and one for £10 on 23rd December.
Then 2 more cheques were sent in 1936, one for £10 on 6 July and the other for £10 on 21st December.
Then in 1937 a cheque for £10 was sent out, and then in 1938 on 8th March, a statement of Account was sent to all the beneficiaries like Florence & Nellie. Florence clearly didn't understand waht was going on so wrote a letter to the solicitor and he replied to her, which she took to give to her sister Nellie.
Muston & Hornsby Ltd
OFFICE COPY:
47, Yarborough Road,
Lincoln.
21st March, 1938
Dear Mrs. Readman
Thank you for your letter of March 20th. I have had a letter from Mrs. Wilson also, which seems to indicate that you are not quite clear in regard to the assets of Mr. Sneath’s Estate.
Mr. Sneath bought the lease of certain leasehold properties for a number of years, which means that he draws rent from these properties for that period, and that period only, after which the lease goes back to the original owners, who in this case, are the Ecclesiastical Commissioners.
All the Newland property comes under this heading, and at the time Mr. Sneath died, the lease had about another eight years to run, so that in about four year’s time that property will have to be handed over to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, but before it is handed over, the Trustees will be responsible for putting it back into such condition as will be acceptable to them. This means of course, that at the end of about four years the income from the Newland property will cease, and we will be faced with a certain amount of expenditure before handing it back. This necessitates the Trustees building up a certain reserve against the liability mentioned.
Brant House, however, was the absolute property of Mr. Sneath. This is let at a rental of £38 per annum.
We had a tentative offer of £625 for the house, and we were prepared to sell at that price. The prospective buyer, however, changed his mind, and as the tenants of Brant House are very good tenants, we have decided to let them rent the house for a period of three years with the option of extending it to four years.
When the lease of the Newland Property terminates, we shall probably sell Brant House by auction, accepting what whatever bid is made, and thus wind up the Estate.
I trust this will make the situation clear.
On the 19th July 1938 a further cheque of £10 was sent to Florence & Nellie.
It's possible they were living at the same address that William Sneath Readman lived when he joined the army in 1939. That was at 28, Bedford Road, Harrow, he signed up on the 28th April, 1939 into the Royal Engineers, with the Territorial Army-he gave his father's address on that date as 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby.
So by 21st March 1938, George & Florence were back in Grimsby, living either at 80, Algernon Street or at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby. Information would be at the Land Registry, and at the voters register at the Grimsby Central Library.
So definitely, Granda & Grandma Readman are living at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby-the address is on my parent's marriage certificate, showing where my dad was living at the time. Grandpa on the certificate is shown as a Railway Official.
1941 Marriage, solemnized at the Parish Church, in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Humberston, in the County of Lincoln:
Number 287: On June, 7, 1941, William Sneath Readman, aged 22, Bachelor, soldier, living at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby, son of George William Readman, a Railway Official & Freda Doughty, 26, Spinster, living at “Baildon”, 36, The Avenue, Humberston, daughter of Stanley Doughty, (Deceased), were married at the Parish Church in the presence of Charlie Cole & T. E. J. Martindale.
So Florence seems to living off the account of her uncle William Charles Sneath for quite a while, and maybe later when her uncle's house was finally sold. I think that during the second world war Grandpa Readman acted as a, air raid warden, whilst his wife, our granny Florence, did a lot of work for the British Red Cross. I know that we always had photographs of our grandma in the Red Cross Uniform.
Grandpa & Grandma Readman then went to my father's wedding at the parish church in Humberston, on June 7, 1941.
So by 21st March 1938, George & Florence were back in Grimsby, living either at 80, Algernon Street or at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby. Information would be at the Land Registry, and at the voters register at the Grimsby Central Library.
So definitely, Granda & Grandma Readman are living at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby-the address is on my parent's marriage certificate, showing where my dad was living at the time. Grandpa on the certificate is shown as a Railway Official.
Number 287: On June, 7, 1941, William Sneath Readman, aged 22, Bachelor, soldier, living at 129, Welholme Avenue, Grimsby, son of George William Readman, a Railway Official & Freda Doughty, 26, Spinster, living at “Baildon”, 36, The Avenue, Humberston, daughter of Stanley Doughty, (Deceased), were married at the Parish Church in the presence of Charlie Cole & T. E. J. Martindale.
So Florence seems to living off the account of her uncle William Charles Sneath for quite a while, and maybe later when her uncle's house was finally sold. I think that during the second world war Grandpa Readman acted as a, air raid warden, whilst his wife, our granny Florence, did a lot of work for the British Red Cross. I know that we always had photographs of our grandma in the Red Cross Uniform.
They are on the left of the photograph, Grandpa next to Charlie Cole, Dad's best man, Grandma next to Grandpa and Lois next to her mother.
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