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"In John Turners VICTORIAN ARENA, it lists Funny Frank. Clown. Born 1863, at Lees, Oldham. Real name Francis Robert Godfrey. Entered the ring at a very early age, first in a double act with his brother Harry.Soon became known as clown and auguste, later as a great vaulter. A famous trick was to vault over the backs of five elephants and a pyramid of men. An excellent rider, his comedy equestrian act "Madame Spangaletti, was well-known in England and the continent. Married in 1882 to Nora Paston, a famous trick act rider, who was then known on the ring as Nora Godfrey. In 1894 went to South Africa , taking their two children, Arthur and Lillie, remaining there for seven years. Part of the time he had his own circus in South Africa. Returned to England with Frank E. Fillis's show. Died on 2nd March 1932, at Mitcham, Surrey. Son Arthur Godfrey and daughters Mrs. Lillie Palmer and Mrs. Nora Fidler. His sister was Mrs. Humel, nee Florence Godfrey. Buried in Mitcham Cemetery, 5th March."Frank Robert Godfrey married Mary Nicholls in Huddersfield 1883, Mary died in 1910 and in the 1911 census reads- Francis Godfrey 45 music hall artiste - Nora Godfrey 42 (Paston) - Nora F Godfrey 9 born 17 September 1902 Lambeth holy trinity mother Mary Godfrey - Arthur henry Godfrey 24 born Geneva, Switzerland music hall artiste. b 1887 british subject by parentage.
http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/topics.occupations.circus/827.2/mb.ashx
"In John Turners VICTORIAN ARENA, it lists Funny Frank. Clown. Born 1863, at Lees, Oldham. Real name Francis Robert Godfrey. Entered the ring at a very early age, first in a double act with his brother Harry.Soon became known as clown and auguste, later as a great vaulter. A famous trick was to vault over the backs of five elephants and a pyramid of men. An excellent rider, his comedy equestrian act "Madame Spangaletti, was well-known in England and the continent. Married in 1882 to Nora Paston, a famous trick act rider, who was then known on the ring as Nora Godfrey. In 1894 went to South Africa , taking their two children, Arthur and Lillie, remaining there for seven years. Part of the time he had his own circus in South Africa. Returned to England with Frank E. Fillis's show. Died on 2nd March 1932, at Mitcham, Surrey. Son Arthur Godfrey and daughters Mrs. Lillie Palmer and Mrs. Nora Fidler. His sister was Mrs. Humel, nee Florence Godfrey. Buried in Mitcham Cemetery, 5th March."thank you this is fantastic information
http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/topics.occupations.circus/827.2/mb.ashx
