Combe Down, Avon

A 19th century marriage at Widcombe Church

James Cholmeley Russell, the barrister, financier, property developer and Welsh railway entrepreneur married Eleanor Catherine Broome at Widcombe parish church on April 26th 1893. She was the daughter of the late Rev Frederick Broome, formerly rector of Kenley, Shropshire and Catherine Elizabeth Broome. The ceremony was conducted by the Reverend Canon C H Cholmeley, rector of Beaconsfield church from... [more]

Southstoke House

I was a patient at the Southstoke Hospital in approx 1950 and again in 1952/53. I recently visited the village and was sad to find that the beautiful house appears to be 'run down' and the hospital/convalescent home long since gone. I would be interested in any books, photos or memories of Southstoke House. As a small child I spent many... [more]

St Swithin's Parish Church, Walcot, Bath

This is the parish church of my ancestor, William Ennever, who was baptised here on July 28, 1793. William was a carman and moved to London in 1816 where he married Elizabeth Wade in 1839. William's brother Joseph was involved in a forgery gang from Birmingham and was captured in 1807 whilst trying to pass off forged £1 notes at a... [more]

Southgate Hotel

My Great Great Grandparents were William and Elizabeth Pratt.
In the 1880s William and his family had lived and worked on the Longleat Estate, William was the Head Gardener at that time.
In 1891 they moved to Bath, and sadly William died there in 1892, and on his death certificate it stated that he died at 24 Southgate Street.
Further sadness... [more]

Where have the trees gone?

Does anyone know when the trees were felled? I have found a slightly later photo around the turn of the century and this has the trees still. Today there are none, although I think those on Laura Place are still there. If anyone knows about this, I'd love to hear from you: moretrees@live.co.uk

Architectural notes

As a former resident of Bath I recall that this building was not particularly liked. In 1959 the hotel was demolished and a block of 33 flats at 1st, 2nd and 3rd floor level with shops at the ground floor was built. The quality of building work and the amenities of the building was exceptional and included... [more]

New Inn

My grandfather and his family lived at the Inn and he is shown in the census of 1901. In the 1923 directory he is shown as being at the Golden Lion Public House at Sharpstone with his name mis-spelt as 'Reid'. I believe he moved to Holt and died around 1930, which was 11 years before I was born so my... [more]