Wow, Hannah! It's like we've opened a dam; so much information is pouring out.
The cottage belonged to the Pearson family, who had been in the village of Spratton as farmers, landowners and minor squires since the 15th. century. It was part of a group of thatched cottages, which were demolished in the 1950s, probably because they were declared as "unfit" for human habitation, i.e. they had no inside toilets or specious reasons like that....typical bureaucratic vandalism. Today they would be restored by rich commuters and command £250000 (nearly $400000) each,
Can i just add a little to your father's memories? Hannah was described in the census of 1901 as a " nurse"; not the same meaning as today. A "nurse" or nursery governess would look after the young children of the family before they went to school. Hannah's father was Edward, who had a variety of jobs over his life, which included brewing beer for local farmers and publicans.
Edward was married twice: first to Clara Masters, from Flore, near Daventry in Northamptonshire, by whom he had four children: Leonard, Matilda, Lawrence and David. Leonard died, aged only 16, as the result of a shooting incident.The two younger brothers, who were so alike they were mistaken as twins, were footmen at Goodwood House in West Sussex and later both settled in London. Matilda's great-granddaughter Gaynor was one of the first members of Ancestry to contact me; she had been looking for other Blakesleys for 20 years!
Edward's second wife, Mary Pearson, bore him five children: Hannah, Harry and Willie(twins, but Willie died after only three days), Frank (died aged 3 years) and Walter.
Seeing all the lovely photos of you and your family( and the brilliant one of your Dad!), I can see the family resemblances.
My father was Harry's son, christened Douglas Arthur, but always. known as Peter, for reasons even he couldn't tell me.
Early afternoons actually are ideal for me, being retired with all the time I need.I am usually checking e-mails around midday.
I must finish off now, as it is nearly 0100 GMT and I need my beauty sleep. I'd like to attach one more photo, one of my father ( who I lost in 1993).
Hannah, thanks so much for getting in contact; this is the one reason I started this whole family research: to connect with my cousins in North America. Take care all of you: we'll keep in contact.
Warmest regards and best wishes
Ian Blakesley
