Why was Regina Mary in South Africa?

[3sillydogs]

This is certainly an interesting hunt.......

It does look as though there may be a potential "skeleton"

[groom]

The thing that puzzles me most is who was this Burgess man? He must have played some part in Adrian George Freshney Bell's life for him to change his name to Burgess. He only seems to have done that after his mother's marriage in 1911 to Frederick Hopewell. Why didn't he stay as Bell or change it to Hopewell? All very odd.

[3sillydogs]

Makes the search interesting though, even though it is frustrating.

Still digging around for Nielsen and Burgess as and when this internet connection allows.  I should be happy I can at least reply to posts....

added

Pity there is no indication as to Burgess first name, would make it a little easier, not an uncommon name.

[Christine53]

Why didn't he stay as Bell or change it to Hopewell? All very odd.

Although Regina and Frederick were together in 1939, Regina was in court in December 1912 obtaining a legal separation from him because of his drunken behaviour and because he refused to work after she had come in to some money from her mother. . The report says that they had lived together for 6 years and finally married " through the efforts of some well meaning parties ". Hopewell had also been in court in 1909 for drunkenness . Perhaps it's not surprising that Adrian didn't chose to change his name to Hopewell. I notice that Elsie' marriage is indexed as Joseph H Worton and Burgess or Hopewell. I wonder who she named as her father ?

[groom]

Thanks CB53, this story gets better every day! What a pity they aren't my family, nothing as interesting there!

[nestagj]

Could Elsie Maud be a step daughter ? or niece described incorrectly ?
Nesta

[groom]

Possible, but in 1946, when Regina dies, probate is granted to Joseph Whorton, who is Elsie Maud Burgess's husband.

[nestagj]

If she had brought her up since she met / lived with / married Burgess then she would be regarded as a daughter.   In my experience an executorship is normally given to  the person most equipped to deal with or the sole beneficiary.

Did she ever go to SA or did she meet Burgess and daughter in the UK on their return  and then  / lived with / married him who then subsequently died or ran off leaving her with the young child to bring up ?

[nestagj]

Just throwing the info in the air and seeing how it falls ?

I have just checked the 1911 census - something a bit off here -  she only has 2 living children out of 4 born which to me means Adrian and Phyllis.  Have just given the new GRO Index a try and have matched Adrian and Phyllis; but no other children.   

What proof do we have that Elsie Maud is Regina's child other than the name; she is down as visitor in the census.......