The Diary of Nathaniel Bryceson (Part 7)

[Paul Caswell]

Here's the fragment:

OLD ST. PANCRAS CHURCH. It is hoped
the appeal for funds to restore this much-
mutilated church will be successful, as it is
possible some of the harm done in previous
restorations by incongruous additions may
be made good.

The greatest harm was done in 1848, when
it was largely rebuilt. The following ex-
cerpt from Nathaniel Bryceson's Diary
indicates, however, that some work for its
preservation was necessary :
" Sunday, 2 JarCry, 1848.

" .... before coming home I walk'd round to
see old St. Pancras Church, or rather what is left
of it. The Tower is now totally removed, and
some of the Church and the Vestry room too
have disappeared, about the foundation of which
[sic ? the church] and near to some brick vaults
as I was prowling I discovered a Human Skull
in pretty fair preservation, which I hurriedly
wrapped in my handkerchief and made off as
precipitately as an hungry Cat possessed of its
meat, but not without some feeling of fear of
discovery which might have caused a little un-
pleasantness, but which I evaded [sic] and [arrived]
back home with my prize under my arm, and
deposited it in my box unbeknown to poor old
Dame Granny Shepard. It is in rather a filthy
state and will want cleaning. My object in
possessing this is to view myself [in] time to
come. It may be beneficial in checking any
feelings of pride which at times may arise."

ALECK ABRAHAMS.

[Mongibello]

Yes it was that Thomas Hardy.  He was an assistant architect at the time ... sounds like an interesting job:

throughout the late autumn and early winter ... Hardy attended at the churchyard — each evening between five and six, as well as sometimes at other hours. There after nightfall, within a high hoarding that could not be overlooked, and by the light of flare-lamps, the exhumation went on continuously of the coffins that had been uncovered during the day, new coffins being provided for those that came apart in lifting, and for loose skeletons; and those that held together being carried to the new ground on board merely; Hardy supervised these mournful processions when present, with what thoughts may be imagined.

It seems he wrote a few poems which may have been influenced by this experience.

My grandfather (aged about 12) took part in those exhumations.   There have been more in recent times due to the work for the new Channel Tunnel rail link to St Pancras.
I am afraid there does not seem to be a decent route to Edgware.  Nathaniel would have walked straight up the Edgware Road from Tyburn (Marble Arch)  The alternative would be to walk to Hendon and continue to Edgware, about another three & a half miles.

[Ruskie]

Yes it was that Thomas Hardy.  He was an assistant architect at the time ... sounds like an interesting job:

throughout the late autumn and early winter ... Hardy attended at the churchyard — each evening between five and six, as well as sometimes at other hours. There after nightfall, within a high hoarding that could not be overlooked, and by the light of flare-lamps, the exhumation went on continuously of the coffins that had been uncovered during the day, new coffins being provided for those that came apart in lifting, and for loose skeletons; and those that held together being carried to the new ground on board merely; Hardy supervised these mournful processions when present, with what thoughts may be imagined.

It seems he wrote a few poems which may have been influenced by this experience.

My grandfather (aged about 12) took part in those exhumations.   There have been more in recent times due to the work for the new Channel Tunnel rail link to St Pancras.

How interesting.  Do you know how your grandfather came to be involved in this? Did he meet Thomas Hardy?

[Ruskie]

I've just been looking over some books which have been in my possession for some years. They belonged to my great grandfather, Leo Bryceson, NB's grandson via his youngest son Henry. There is a completer set of Charles Dickins' works, a seperate book by Charles Dickins called "The Life of our Lord" given by Henry Bryceson to my Nan in 1934 and with a lovely inscription from HB and also a book called Wonders of Phycisal Science given by HB to Leo. This was in 1911 when NB was still alive. The inscription reads: "To H L Bryceson from Dad 5th January 1911 - Wishing you many happy returns of the day and trusting the perusal will add to your knowledge". As you can see, a love of books runs in the family!

I  don't suppose you have any that may have been owned by Nathaniel? 

I was a bit cynical after watching many episodes of Who Do You Think You Are where celebrities are trying desperately to match up a profession, an interest or a personality trait with one of their ancestors, but maybe I was wrong. There seem to be an uncanny amount of parallels/similarities between Nataniel and his descendants,even generations later (as in your case Steven). 

[nestagj]

Hello all - just a quick bookmark as my notifications seem to have stopped and if I click notify it ask me if I want to cancel.
Goodnight
Nesta

[Daisy Loo]

I've just been looking over some books which have been in my possession for some years. They belonged to my great grandfather, Leo Bryceson, NB's grandson via his youngest son Henry. There is a completer set of Charles Dickins' works, a seperate book by Charles Dickins called "The Life of our Lord" given by Henry Bryceson to my Nan in 1934 and with a lovely inscription from HB and also a book called Wonders of Phycisal Science given by HB to Leo. This was in 1911 when NB was still alive. The inscription reads: "To H L Bryceson from Dad 5th January 1911 - Wishing you many happy returns of the day and trusting the perusal will add to your knowledge". As you can see, a love of books runs in the family!

That's a lovely find Steven   I remember finding a book gifted to my grandfather, when he was just 5 years old, and that was in 1920, and I felt amazed to be handling such a book.  I have it now (my mother kindly gave it to me) and I read the same book to my own children. (Also with an inscription)

[waiteohman]

William & Sarah Vandicom's daughter born in 1846 would be Emma and in  1861 she is showing as born Pimlico. Lots of name variations.

1841 Census - Market Cumberland, St. Pancras, Mdx.
Wm Vandican 30 carman
Sarah Vandican 30
both born in county

William Vandecomb age 46 of Lower Sloane St. buried Feb 18th, 1851
1851 St. Lukes, Chelsea

1851 Census - 67 George St., Chelsea, Mdx
Sarah Vandecomb widow 40
William Vandecomb 12
Emma Vandecomb 4
Ann Vandecomb 7  (there's Ann born 1844 you found Deb to help clinche the family. Think R.P. = Regent's Park)
Mary Rutland 45
(all born Chelsea)

1861 Census has sarah & Emma lodging with the Taylor family at 78 Queens Rd <---?>, Chelsea, Mdx
Sarah Vandicomb widow 52 born St. Pancras charwoman
Emma Vandicomb 16 born Pimlico house servant

Linda

[deb usa]

Thanks for all that,  Linda 

I had seen Sarah with children in 1851 but could not fit William age 12. Surely William should have been with William and Sarah in 1841.

Or is William actually Joseph who was bpt 1841. 

deb

[waiteohman]

Your welcome Deb, putting it together with yours helped.

Age is off for William being Joseph, but still a possibility. Maybe William's with another family member at time of census. I've had this happen more than once and also had the first born going by the second name.

Linda