funny frank godfrey musical hall artiste

[ShaunJ]

1914 passenger list for a Frank Godfrey,48, theatrical, on the RMS Lanfrano arrived Liverpool from Manaos, Brazil on 27 December. Address 4 Morat Street, Brixton.

[ShaunJ]

In the engagements wanted section of The Era, October 1899;

Wanted, known, Nora Godfrey, Trick and Scene Act Rider and Double Act Rider, also Frank Godfrey, Tumbling Clown and Agouste, with a number of New Entrees; after five years' most comfortable Engagement with F E Fillis esq, Will be at Liberty Oct 28th to accept Engagements Home or Abroad. All letters address Frank Godfrey, 1 Jervis Road, Lillie Road, Fulham S W

[jennifer c]

Private tree on line for James George Paston 1847 - header shows Sangers Circus.

Jennifer

[ShaunJ]

The Era 6 October 1894, page 26:

"Frank and Nora Godfrey Liberty Oct 15th for Winter Season........Grand Circus, Shrewsbury"

[jennifer c]

1871 25 Eyre Street Sheffield
James Paston 25 Clown Circus born SUNDERLAND DURHAM?
Adelaide 24 no occ shown Cuirie Italy  both shown as boarders.

1881 27/29 Seymour Street St.Pancras Coffee House
Adelaide Paston 33 Equestrian Boarder born Brescia Italy

another boarder further down William Mozley or Morley 50 Equestrian born London

Jennifer

[ShaunJ]

Another ad in The Era 5 May 1894 page 22 mentions that Frank and Nora Godfrey are performing with John Henry Cooke's Royal Circus in Leith.

[jennifer c]

Franks father Henry Godfrey died 31/1/1879 aged 43 in Swansea large obituary in THe Era giving his life travelling around the world.

12 April 1856 Fort William Bengal Calcutta marriage
Henry Godfrey Equestrian father Francis Godfrey
Annabella Lackersteen under age father Seris or Leris Lackersteen by licence

1871 35 Nelson Street Gateshead
Henry Godfrey 32 Equestrian born Oldham
Annabella 26 Calcutta India East
Francis 6 Equestrian Oldham
Susan 3 Equestrian Oldham
Alfred 8 months Glasgow

Jennifer

[ShaunJ]

"In John Turners VICTORIAN ARENA, it lists Funny Frank. Clown. Born 1863, at Lees, Oldham. Real name Francis Robert Godfrey. Entered the ring at a very early age, first in a double act with his brother Harry.Soon became known as clown and auguste, later as a great vaulter. A famous trick was to vault over the backs of five elephants and a pyramid of men. An excellent rider, his comedy equestrian act "Madame Spangaletti, was well-known in England and the continent. Married in 1882 to Nora Paston, a famous trick act rider, who was then known on the ring as Nora Godfrey. In 1894 went to South Africa , taking their two children, Arthur and Lillie, remaining there for seven years. Part of the time he had his own circus in South Africa. Returned to England with Frank E. Fillis's show. Died on 2nd March 1932, at Mitcham, Surrey. Son Arthur Godfrey and daughters Mrs. Lillie Palmer and Mrs. Nora Fidler. His sister was Mrs. Humel, nee Florence Godfrey. Buried in Mitcham Cemetery, 5th March."
http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/topics.occupations.circus/827.2/mb.ashx

[paston]

"In John Turners VICTORIAN ARENA, it lists Funny Frank. Clown. Born 1863, at Lees, Oldham. Real name Francis Robert Godfrey. Entered the ring at a very early age, first in a double act with his brother Harry.Soon became known as clown and auguste, later as a great vaulter. A famous trick was to vault over the backs of five elephants and a pyramid of men. An excellent rider, his comedy equestrian act "Madame Spangaletti, was well-known in England and the continent. Married in 1882 to Nora Paston, a famous trick act rider, who was then known on the ring as Nora Godfrey. In 1894 went to South Africa , taking their two children, Arthur and Lillie, remaining there for seven years. Part of the time he had his own circus in South Africa. Returned to England with Frank E. Fillis's show. Died on 2nd March 1932, at Mitcham, Surrey. Son Arthur Godfrey and daughters Mrs. Lillie Palmer and Mrs. Nora Fidler. His sister was Mrs. Humel, nee Florence Godfrey. Buried in Mitcham Cemetery, 5th March."
http://boards.ancestry.co.uk/topics.occupations.circus/827.2/mb.ashx

thank you this is fantastic information