Do you have any knowledge of Bagshot families?

This is one several pages provided as a vehicle for posting questions related to Bagshot people and families that other readers might be able to answer. The index to these is here. Please scroll down to the message pad to ask a question or provide an answer.

If you are seeking genealogical information about your ancestors then look at the page entitled "Tracing Your Family Tree" where I tell you where the old church records are archived, and offer some further suggestions and information sources to help your search. I am not able to provide any information from such old records or to conduct research on your behalf.

I have another page for general questions about Bagshot.

Rapley

Rapley is the name of a lake and farm in Bagshot Park, but Linda Stubbington writes : "My maiden name was Rapley, family in Chobham, Bagshot and Windlesham. I am interested in how Rapley Farm acquired it's name and contacting other Rapleys interested in the same subject."

Papworth

It was with sorrow that I learned that Ed Papworth had died in March 2010 aged 89. After 62 years living in Bagshot, over 40 of them running the Papworths electrical shop, Ed emigrated to Australia when he was 62. He spent the last 28 years retired in Perth where his health went from strength to strength and he built a wide circle of friends and lived in close proximity to his two children. His family are happy that he had a good life in Bagshot and later in Australia, due to his many friends. They are also pleased that his death came swiftly and without too much pain. They give thanks for having such a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

Several members of the Papworth family have contributed to the family memoirs recorded here

Philbrook

From Leo : My mother, Marion Farrow, recounts that her great grandfather Mr Philbrook went to Russia with Mr Kemp probably before the turn of the century (20th) to do building work out there. All she remembers is that he was a coal merchant in Guildford Road, Bagshot. Mr Philbrook's daughter Annie Philbrook (my mother's grandmother) was born and christened in Moscow. If anyone knows any further details of the Kemp family, or knew my mother's family, we would love to hear from them. 8055.508

I understand that it was Kemp's who owned a Gas Works - it is shown on late 1800's maps - and he was invited to Russia to build a gas works there. This would probably be the occasion of Mr Philbrook's visit to Russia. I think that as a result of Kemp's involvement with Russia the gas works at Bagshot became known as Moscow Works, and the family home on Guildford Road as Moscow Villa

Bob Philbrook has written in to say that he has some family history regarding George Philbrook who travelled to Russia for a while. i9

Philippa Walker writes: I would be very interested in any information regarding George Philbrook and the Philbrook family. George was the father of my grandmother May Philbrook. I understand the family were from Bagshot. She emigrated to Australia with my grandfather Herbert George Patching in 1913. I have a photo of George Philbrook, but know very little about him, although I had been told that he travelled to Russia. Jun10

From Susan Philbrook: I think Leo is referring to my great grandfather George Philbrook, and that Phillippa is referring to my great aunty May Patching (nee Philbrook). I new her quite well. She was the sister of my grandfather Arthur Ernest Philbrook - who also emigrated to Autralia in circa 1910- and actually stayed with her for a while. We visited her a number of times - including in her last years at Brunswick Heads, NSW.

I'm also keen for more information about their father and other predecessors. Family legend (from my grandfather) was that his dad, George, was married twice - and there were tales of him running away to Russia (leaving either his first or second wife). I think May and Arthur were from his 2nd marriage (after he returns). Arthur was the only boy form this family; but told me the children by the first wife were all boys and one girl (his step siblings).

Family legend was also that George was an engineer and the first in his Philbrook line to get a university degree; and also that there was gypsy blood in his family..... (Mar11)

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George Richardson

Sarah asks: Does anyone know anything about George Richardson (born mid 1930's), the son of the local butcher in Lightwater, or his family. (rev Nov 09)

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Rickards

Al asks if anyone has any knowledge of Frederick Rickards a coachmaster, Robert Harrison an innkeeper, James Varndell a cooper and John Mears gentlelman , all of Bagshot and who, in 1829, were involved in a mortgage and, perhaps, the running of a coaching business. Jul10

Robins

Kate asks if anyone has any knowledge of her grandmother Hilda Robins (nee Morris) or her great grandmother Charlotte Robins who later married Jack Page. Kate has photos of the wedding party in front of some houses at Bagshot Park [Aug 11]

Rose

Rose is a long-standing local surname and Helen has written to tell me that she is developing her family tree at www.helenrose.org

Rudwick

Ruth Waller recounts that there are family claims that George Rudwick born London 1874 was Chaplain to the Duke of Connaught and at some time lived in Bagshot. Can anyone confirm this, or knows of any travels with the Duke. 7089.1208

Searle

Nicky is researching ancestor Charles William Searle, born 1873, but cannot decypher the Bagshot birthplace address given on the Birth Registration. Seven years later at the 1881 census the family were living in the High Street. 8069.908
No sooner had this enquiry been posted than Ian provided the answer "I don't think it is a place but a time. 1 o'clock pm" 410.1008

Then, by sheer coincidence, this came up in a Family History group I attend. It was said that there were two likely reasons for adding a time, one that it was a multiple birth and this distinguished who was the elder, or that the mother died in childbirth in which case her death registration was likely to also show a time. But in my own family history research I have found a Registrar in Norfolk who obviously thought it a good idea to add times to all entries !

Tony Searle wrote in saying "Charles William Searle was my grandfather. My sister has photos of the house in Bagshot and other material concerning the family. I know much of the family history and would be happy to share it with other family members." I have been able to put Tony and Nicky in contact. Dec09

Skeats

Suzan asks "I'm looking for anyone who knows of the Skeats Clan who were in Bagshot 1700 - 1800 +. Anything would help if anyone knows the name." [Sep 12]

Simmonds

From Jennifer Thurmer

Anyone remembering or knowing about the Simmonds family who lived at 'Sunnyside' Bagshot or Lightwater, and later relocated to 'Cranbourne', 48 Ambleside Road, Lightwater, would they please contact me? These relatives were there from at least 1915 right up until 1930s (as the Simmonds family) then as the Soan family, when one daughter married and became Marjory Kate Soan. Marjory Soan continued living there until a few years ago (passing away last year aged 102.) Ellen Elizabeth Thurmer married John Simmonds in 1902. Their four children (Thomas William; Marjory Kate, Betty Marion and John David) all went to Bagshot School. Any help would be very much appreciated. Thank you. 556.607

Smerdon

From David I would like to receive any information about the Smerdon family who lived in Bagshot circa 1890 onwards. William Smerdon was the stationmaster at Bagshot around this time, and is my great grandfather, but I can find no trace of the family. [Apr 12]
Steven Bray has been able to tell David about the family's entries in virtually all the censuses from 1841 to 1911. [Oct 12] And Norma has found him in railway records. [Oct 12]

Smith

Shirley writes "I was born in Bagshot and I am trying to find information of my Grandmother. My Mums name was Betty Smith and my Gran (maiden name Amy Smith) was refered to as Granny Smith. I was told that she worked at Bagshot Park as a maid. One of three sisters, I would love to find any information about her." The period of interest is late 1800's and early 1900's, she lived no 5 High Street and an Aunt Ivy in Half Moon Street. 8075.908

Smithers

Leo asks "Does anyone have any information about the Smithers family who lived in Waverley Road during the war years? My mother was evacuated to Bagshot during the war and remembers camping in their garden with their three daughters. May11

Styles

Elaine writes: I am related to a family that lived in Bagshot and Windlesham area for many years throughout the 1700s and early 1800's, the Styles family. James Styles born in Windlesham abt 1777 married Elizabeth (date and place unknown) their children were all born and baptised at St John the Baptist. James was a publican died in Bagshot 1827 buried St John the Baptist Church. Eliza lived in Bagshot until her death 1852. She ran a shop there. Any information on this family would be extremely helpful. Thank you. {Apr10}

Peter Styles added : I to am related to James Styles of Windlesham, he was my gt,gt,gt,gt grandfather. His son Thomas was my gt,gt,gt grandfather. Any information on the Styles family would be welcome. {Oct 11}

Hungarian Refugee - Joseph (Jozef ?)

Richard asks Can anyone remind me of a surname? During the uprising in Hungary (1952-53-54?) we took in a Hungarian refugee who lived with us on Vicarage Road. He went to work at Warterers Nurseries. We moved away and I joined the Forces but I understand that he stayed in Bagshot, and at Waterers, and became quite a senior member of the staff there. Does anyone who worked there, perhaps, remember him or know of his whereabouts now?

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Taylor

Yvonne would like to find out about the Taylor Family, in particular Thomas Taylor described in the Times 1868 as deceased in the wedding announcement of his daughter Elizabeth to Benjamin Riches as late of Surrey House Bagshot and Sydney NSW Australia. 8059.708

From Russell : "I am interested in the Taylor family of Surrey House Bagshot mentioned by Yvonne. A Robert Taylor of this address was bankrupt in 1865. Eliabeth Taylor mentioned by Yvonne was born in Compton, Glos 1839. Where is/was Surrey House? [Oct 12]

From Darcy: I was looking at two old local maps,1898 second edition and 1938 Provisional Edition and Surrey House is featured on both. It is located at the junction of the Maultway, "Jolly Farmer", Portsmouth Road area, next door to Collingwood Grange. I realise that this location is not strictly Bagshot but it may be of interest to the researchers. Feb13

George Henry Taylor

Margaret writes from Nottinghamshire: [211 Feb02 Jan04]

I have found out (1891 Census) that my great grandfather George Henry TAYLOR (journeyman bricklayer) was born in Bagshot about 1841 (I am having difficulty in finding his exact date of birth as none of my information tallys - Census, marriage dates - he gives various ages). He states his father was William TAYLOR, a Bailiff, but I know little else about his parentage.
George married for the second time in East Grinstead, Sussex, to Alice HIDER in 1886. There may be children from his first marriage. There were five boys and one girl to his second marriage. One of the boys was my grandfather Albert Thomas TAYLOR born in E Grinstead. Sadly George died in the Union workhouse in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, in 1902.
I would love to hear from anyone who may be a long lost relative or any information or suggestions where else I might search for information.

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Davina was able to provide some information from the 1881 census:

The only person that fits the bill is the following. There is a George Henry Taylor born at the right time but in Camberwell, Surrey.
Colonels Lane, Chertsey, Surrey

George Taylor, Married, aged 35, Male, Bagshot, Surrey, England
Head (of the household), Gardener Domestic Servant
Elizabeth Taylor, Married, aged 44, Female, Horsell, Surrey, England
Wife
Robert Pantling, Unmarried, aged 33, Male, Reigate, Surrey, England
Boarder, General Labourer

Just down the road from their house it looks as though there was a big house called Abbey House where it might be possible that George was working.

John found the following

George Henry Taylor Bapt. 12 September 1841 St Lawrence, Chobham, Surrey. Parents William & Lucy Sarah. (From IGI online).
Also 1881 Census.
Burrow Hill, Chobham, Surrey
George Taylor (40) Born Chobham, Farmer 12 acres.
Elizabeth Taylor (nee Roberts) (35) wife
No children listed.

Peter Baggs has also been able to provide some information about what may be more than one George H Taylor and a link to his family tree on rootsweb [Sep10]

Terry

From Pat Anderson (nee Terry) [Oct 12]

I too was born in the nursing home on the A30 in l945. I remember it very well as My Grandparents lived just down from there in Bell Vue Flats, corner of the A30 and what is now Lambourne Drive I believe. My Aunt lived in bottom left hand side and up above my Grandparents lived in number three and above them their other daughter. Aunts names Jackie Mather who married Gordon Houchen who lived in the end terrace house right opposite School Lane. My other Aunt who lived upstairs was Win and Gordon Evans. My husband Alvar Anderson lived up School Lane with just a brick wall seperating his garden from the cemetary. I too remember vividly Dr Issbister at the bottom of school lane. He was so nice as I recall as a little girl. I lived in West End and I remember many times he came to visit me and my brother (Tony Terry) when we would get poorly. I have seen the picture of what you are recalling the Nursing home but although it looks very much like what I remember I am not absolutely sure it is that exact building.
My Grandfather was the projectionist at the cinema on the High Street and my Grandmother was a supervisor at the Huntley and Palmers Biscuit factory just behind the cinema. I went to Bagshot School until l960 and still have kept in touch with some of my friends from then. I come home often and always visit Bagshot...just love the place have such great memories too of my Grandma very often walking me and my brother to Fortuna's for the best ice cream EVER!!!
Always visit what was The Hero of Inkerman - I had my 21st Birthday Party in there. Memories of Johnson and Spooners , The Fish and Chip shop, little post office, the bakery and yes the Pantiles. My Aunty Jackie and uncle Gordon (HOUCHEN) were married in Bagshot Church and the reception was at The Pantiles. I still have pictures and many wonderful memories of that day as I was the only Bridesmaid 11years old. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me or any of my family
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Thurmer & Wheeler

From Jennifer Thurmer 556x07

It seems that quite a few of my THURMER and WHEELER ancestors lived in Bagshot. I am particularly interested to know more about a Mr Wheeler. He worked as gamekeeper, groundsman and or gardener at Bagshot Park for many years. He lived in Bagshot (perhaps Bagshot Park) in Red Lodge. He had a daughter named Daisy, and Arthur Thurmer (b. 1905, in Winkfield, Bracknell ) married her. Arthur had at some stage worked with Mr Wheeler.

Lionel Parr (whose father, John Parr, was Head Gardener at Bagshot Park) recalls that Mr Wheeler (sometimes referred to as "Old George") was the Head Gamekeeper from at least the 1920s until his retirement in 1942/3 (around the time of the death of the Duke of Connaught). He lived at Keeper's Cottage, near Rapley Farm. After his retirement he went to live with his married daughter in Berkshire. There were two gamekeepers Mr Wheeler and his assistant Mr Rice. xi08

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