Author Topic: Unusual nicknames - Perambulator Challen (Read 3477 times)

Lewy · « **on:** Friday 15 April 05 15:55 BST (UK) »

Hi everyone

I recently discovered some information about my relative Napper Challen - a messenger who worked between Chichester and Donnington. His nickname was "Perambulator" and he was unfortunately drowned in 1855 when his hat fell into the canal and he tried to rescue it.

I was wondering if anyone had come across him in their research or if anyone else had relatives with unusual nicknames.

Lewy

Dimps · « **Reply #1 on:** Saturday 16 April 05 00:12 BST (UK) »

Who needs a nickname when they're called Napper. That's an unusual forename - I'm curious about the origin.

Best wishes
Deborah

Lewy · « **Reply #2 on:** Saturday 16 April 05 07:35 BST (UK) »

Its a maternal surname two generations back, his father was also called Napper and he was a first born son. Apparently the Nappers and Challens were quite prevalent in Sussex then .... not sure if they are now??!!

Also does anyone know what a Napper was?

Dimps · « **Reply #3 on:** Saturday 16 April 05 15:00 BST (UK) »

A quick search on google would indicate a servant responsible for the royal table linen. A prig napper was a horse thief. I wonder if it could also have something to do with cloth production.

Deborah

Lewy · « **Reply #4 on:** Sunday 17 April 05 18:24 BST (UK) »

mmm .... think I prefer the first explanation!! Anyone else have any idea?

Janine · « **Reply #5 on:** Sunday 17 April 05 18:33 BST (UK) »

I should think it has something to do with fabric ... anyone who sews knows you have to be careful when piecing fabric together that has a "nap" e.g. velvet, has to go "nap down" or "nap up" or it doesn't look right!

Janine

Lewy · « **Reply #6 on:** Sunday 17 April 05 18:42 BST (UK) »

Gosh I'm humbled - I know absolutely nothing about sewing. Well so far his family were all farm labs or tenant farmers so I'm not sure where the linen connection will come in ... still I've got another hundred years or so before I run out of parish records so you never know, I might find the connection.

I love this light hearted banter ... it makes it a pleasure to check my emails!!!

Lewy

Janine · « **Reply #7 on:** Tuesday 19 April 05 05:42 BST (UK) »

I had another stray thought while driving the freeway today ... a Knapper was someone who worked with flints ...flint knapping, something about cutting flints to start fires ?! Maybe a misspelling at some point? Who knows, no idea is silly in this game!

Dimps · « **Reply #8 on:** Thursday 26 May 05 01:31 BST (UK) »

I came across a few Nappers in the 1841 Rudgwick Census this evening, Lewy. Would they be of use?

Deborah

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