The Wish Tower,Eastbourne

[omega 1]

I will go round the HOUSES to get to my question.

While at Hastings Library yesterday,i was really lucky to find OHs 2xGreatgrandfathers Obituary.It was so informative.

Henry Mitchell died May 1908(have his death cert).
We knew Henry`s parents were Eastbourne people & his Mum`s dad was a Soldier.
The info states Henry`s mum was the daughter of a Scotch Soldier & born at The Wish Tower , Eastbourne.
We know she was baptised 18th Febuary 1787,at St Mary`s Church ,Eastbourne.

I was so excited finding Henry`s obituary,it clarified all my hard work of researching.

I have " Googled" the Wish Tower,Eastbourne & can only find it under a Martello Tower.

My question is,can this be right ?

Grateful to any opinions

Omega

[toni*]

http://www.ukexpert.co.uk/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=890

http://www.francisfrith.com/search/england/east+sussex/eastbourne/photos/eastbourne_43945.htm

[omega 1]

Thank you Toni

I did find these but was`nt sure if that would have been where Jane was born.

Not far from where we live,so will be a visit  when the weather warms up !!!!!!!!!!

Omega 

[toni*]

Could he have been a solider stationed there? although i am not sure wifes would be there if he was on duty ?
the army didn't take a very fond view to wives

its not far from where i live either 

[omega 1]

When Jane`s parents married in 1782 (from SMI)Alexander Riddle was at the time at Hillsey,Southampton,in the Queens or Second Foot.
Ann Lower from Eastbourne,this is where they married.

Alexander is listed on Eastbourne Men at War census,1803,and states he was a Househusband.

It`s the info in between i dont know about.So i have no idea .
But like you,i find it strange for Jane to have been born there.

Omega.

PS,you find out one thing & it throws up more questions.

[kerryb]

Hi Omega

The other option is the Wish Tower Hotel, Eastbourne.

Kerry

[Necromancer]

wives and kids (albeit needing the Colonel's permission) often followed their men..

Wellington was a bit heavy about it tho at the end of the Peninsular campaign ....

[kerryb]

This website gives some history to tower 73. http://www.martello-towers.co.uk/south-coast/towers/73.htm

Kerry

[kerryb]

It's unlikely that Jane was actually born in the tower itself as it wasn't built till 1804 I think.  The bicentenary was 2004. http://www.martello-towers.co.uk/bicentenary/index.htm

Kerry