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Author Topic: Gamekeepers Index  (Read 4244 times)

Offline jcsturgis

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Gamekeepers Index
« on: Tuesday 07 February 06 15:49 GMT (UK) »
Does anyone know if a list of gamekeepers exist for Leicestershire (and surrounding counties).

I am interested in the name STURGIS (and variants i.e. STURGESS), especially any that are recorded in or around Gumley, Leicestershire.  There is a story  ???   that one of my ancestors (either from or in Gumley) was a gamekeeper who was murdered by a poacher !!

Grateful for any bright ideas anyone might have.
Sturgis (and variants - Leicestershire/Northamptonshire
Sear - Leicestershire/Buckinghamshire
Webb - Leicestershire/Northamptonshire
Kilbourn - Northamptonshire
Bullen - Norfolk
Lines - Norfolk

Offline suttontrust

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Re: Gamekeepers Index
« Reply #1 on: Tuesday 07 February 06 19:39 GMT (UK) »
Gamekeepers were employed by an estate, so you're unlikely to find any sort of central register.  Have you tried the Leicestershire record office?  If there was a murder, they would surely have some record.
Godden in East Sussex, mainly Hastings area.
Richards in Lea, Gloucestershire, then London.
Williamson in Leith, Vickers in Nottingham.
Webb in Bildeston and Colchester.
Wesbroom in Kirby le Soken.
Ellington in Harwich.
Park, Palmer, Segar and Peartree in Kersey.

Offline janetgeo

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Re: Gamekeepers Index
« Reply #2 on: Saturday 21 August 21 09:41 BST (UK) »
I am researching two incidents of GameKeepers shot in Lincolnshire.  One was William Dadley, Gamekeeper murdered in Well, Nr Alford, Lincolnshire, on his Wedding Day.  No one was brought to justice for this murder. 

The other one is in the same area George Middleton, poacher, shot Charles Pollard, gamekeeper, in 1876.  He was shot but I don't know how badly injured or if it went to court, I think it may have been.  Any info would be appreciate.  Thanks

Offline Stephen J F Plowman

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Re: Gamekeepers Index
« Reply #3 on: Saturday 09 July 22 17:20 BST (UK) »
I think the term "gamekeeper" might have changed over time.  The modern understanding is a someone employed by an estate to manage the game.  A steward of sorts. 
In 1731 the Dorset Quarter Sessions Book shows that my ggggg grandfather was appointed by Sir Robert Long Bt to be his gamekeeper for the Manors of Burleston & Southover.  These two manors were adjacent to Tolpuddle in Dorset where my ancestor was the Vicar.
Plowman - Dorset
Gollop - Dorset
Taunton - Dorset
Carver - Norfolk
Oyns - all
Tweedy - all
Also British Heraldry (www.heraldry-online.org.uk)

Offline maddys52

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Re: Gamekeepers Index
« Reply #4 on: Sunday 10 July 22 05:47 BST (UK) »
I realise the original query on this thread was from 2006. A list of gamekeepers was often included in newspapers.  :)

janetgoe - There are a number of newspaper articles relating to the murder of William DADLEY (who was shot on the 10th, though married on the 6th - so not quite his wedding day). Though I see that it is referred to as such in an item about the shooting of Charles POLLARD.
Saturday,  July 7, 1877, Publication: Sheffield Daily Telegraph

The shooting occurred on 4 Jan 1876, though MIDDLETON was not apprehended until July 1877. It would appear POLLARD was uninjured "the charge passed between my arm and body, carrying away a portion of my clothing and setting fire to my sleeve and the waist of my coat". MIDDLETON was committed to trial.

Offline maddys52

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Re: Gamekeepers Index
« Reply #5 on: Sunday 10 July 22 05:58 BST (UK) »
MIDDLETON was tried on 26 July 1877 at the Lincolnshire Assizes where he was found guilty of attempting to do grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 7 years penal servitude. A detailed report of the trial here:
   Friday,  July 27, 1877
Publication: Nottinghamshire Guardian
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