Sorry but I was wondering whether anyone might be able to help me.
I am doing research on history of the Holmes family from the Spalding area. In particular I wondered whether anyone knows of the Holmes family that used to have a potato farm in Spalding in the 1930s. And whether someone called Cyril Holmes (b. maybe born around 1910?) lived there.
I found an online Kelly's Directory (1919) and it says a James Holmes, farmer, lived at Clay Lake – which from the aerial map looks semi-rural. I wondered whether anyone remembers that place. I checked and there seems to be a potato farm around there even now - but owned by a different family.
I found out that in 1934 a Cyril Arthur Holmes lived in Carrington Road, Spalding and was a railway clerk (presumably at local station?). He was married to someone called Helen Garwell (there are a couple of Garwells locally - one is a corn and flour merchant at 1 High Street and the other is a publican called Banjamin Garwell at the Cross Keys Inn). They had a son called Michael Holmes (b. early 1930s) who apparently later joined the army. Think this part of the family moved away to Kettering. I’m only guessing, but I think these Holmes might be related to the Clay Lake potato farmers who lived nearby. Can anybody help? Or know who to ask?
Sorry to be so speculative. Any advice or local knowledge very much appreciated.
Many thanks.
