Family Bloodlines
SERCOMBE FAMILY BLOODLINE
Robert SOUTHCOM or SERCOM, b. est. 1615, m. 20 Jun 1640 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, Devon, Welthen BRIDGES (bur. 4 Jun 1676 at St. Mary Steps, Exeter); bur. 22 Jun 1689 at Holy Trinity, Exeter.
In 1641/2, swore the protestation oath at Exeter St. Sidwell. At Welthen's death in 1676, of Exeter All Hallows on the Walls.
[Child of Robert SOUTHCOM and Welthen BRIDGES]:
John SOUTHCOMBE or SURCOME, chr. 17 Nov 1641 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, m. Margaret (bur. 18 Mar 1694/5 at Holy Trinity, Exeter); bur. 30 May 1680 at Holy Trinity, Exeter.
[Children of John SOUTHCOME and Margaret]:
Abraham SOUTHCOM or SIRCOMBE, chr. 24 Mar 1667/8 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, m. 3 Sep 1696 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, Honnor SIMMINGS; bur. 31 May 1722 at Holy Trinity, Exeter.
Apprenticed to William YEO, cordwainer. In 1691, a cordwainer. On 14 Sep 1691, admitted freeman of Exeter.
Isaac SOUTHCOME or SERCOME, chr. 20 Mar 1663/4 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, m. 20 Aug 1685 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, Agnes SCRISPIN; bur. 8 May 1705 at Holy Trinity, Exeter.
[Children of Isaac SOUTHCOME and Agnes SCRISPIN]:
Jacob SERCOMBE or SURCOM, chr. 26 Nov 1693 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, m. 5 Aug 1718 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, Susana COOPER (b. 1691, chr. 4 May 1691 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, daughter of William COOPER).
On 5 Mar 1722, a carpenter, admitted freeman of Exeter, having served an apprenticeship under John SEELY. In 1750, at his son Isaac's admission as a freeman, a carpenter.
[Children of Jacob SERCOMBE and Susana COOPER]:
Isaac SERCOMBE, chr. 16 Dec 1723 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, m1. 20 Aug 1749 at Holy Trinity, Exeter, by license, Sarah BINFORD (bur. 6 Jul 1761 at St. Paul, Exeter), m2. 27 Nov 1762 at St. Paul, Exeter, by license, Grace BURNETT (chr. Apr 1732 at Exeter, daughter of Thomas BURNETT, a serge-maker, and Mary; m1. 14 Sep 1749 at Combe Raleigh, Devon, Thomas FILMORE of Lympstone; wid. by 1762, d. 17 Nov 1810, bur. 29 Nov 1810 at St. Thomas, Exeter); bur. 17 Jan 1780 at St. Thomas, Exeter.
At their marriage in 1749, Isaac and Sarah were both of St. Stephen, Exeter. On 1 Jan 1750, a cooper, admitted freeman of Exeter in succession to his father. On 10 Mar 1758, a wine cooper of Exeter, when duties of £15 5s 0d were paid for his apprentice Thomas PYE. On 23 Mar 1761, his apprentice Nathaniel CROSS was admitted freeman of Exeter. On 10 May 1762, a wine cooper of Exeter, when duties of £15 5s 0d were paid for his apprentice Phillip JOHNS. At his second marriage in 1762, a wine cooper of St. Paul‘s in Exeter; Grace was of Lympstone and a widow; the witnesses were James GRANT junior and Prudence GRANT. On 26 Jun 1766, Isaac and Grace witnessed the marriage of Mary MAUNDER and Andrew GILL at St. Paul, Exeter. On 12 Dec 1767, his apprentice Thomas PYE was admitted freeman of Exeter. On 15 Dec 1771, a cooper of Exeter, when duties were paid for his apprentice John PINCE. On 23 Apr 1772, witnessed the marriage at St. Paul, Exeter, of George WESTLAKE and Grace FILMORE (stepdaughter from Grace BURNETT/FILMORE‘s first marriage; there was another stepdaughter, Jane FILMORE, who died in 1766), the other witness was Mary BURNETT. At his death in Jan 1780, of Exeter. On 9 Sep 1780, his apprentice John PINCE of St. Paul, Exeter was admitted freeman of Exeter. On 14 Sep 1810, Grace made her will, leaving bequests to her daughters Susanna and Jane and Jane's son George Sercombe LUKE; Susanna was executrix; Susanna, Jane, and Grace's nephew John BURNETT were trustees; the witnesses were Ann COOK and Philip BURNETT. At her death in Nov 1810, Grace was of Exeter; her will was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on 23 Jan 1811.
[Children of Isaac SERCOMBE and Sarah BINFORD]:
[Children of Isaac SERCOMBE and Grace BURNETT]:
Susanna or Susan SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1766, chr. 5 May 1768 at St. Paul, Exeter, d. 18 Aug 1831 at West Camel, Somerset, bur. 1831 at All Saints, West Camel, Somerset.
On 9 Jan 1792, witness to the marriage of her sister Jane. On 14 Sep 1810, named as principal legatee and sole executrix in her mother’s will, which states: “I give & bequeath unto my Daughter Susan Sercombe the use of all my household Goods & Furniture for her life or until her marriage which shall first happen” and the remainder of the estate to be converted into stocks or funds from which “to pay all Dividends thereof unto my said Daughter Susan Sercombe” - Jane Filmore LUKE (nee SERCOMBE), then her son George Secombe LUKE were named as subsequent legatees, but because Susanna remained unmarried and outlived her sister she benefited absolutely from her mother’s estate. On 13 of Jun 1831, when she made her will, a spinster; Susanna requested that she be buried “in the plainest manner possible and at the least expense to be buried in the clothes I die in be what they will to be kept ten days if possible from the dreadful fear I have of being buried alive”. Her will bequeaths money to her brother Thomas and her nephew George Sercombe LUKE, and makes bequests of many personal and household items: “to George Sercombe Luke my Silver Coffee Pot and Stand a Box of China my Chest of Drawers my Bureau with a piece of Irish to make linen Shirts my Trunks Boxes Portmanteau with one large Basket and two small I likewise give to his son Thomas Luke my Gold Watch which I request he may be put in possession of immediately on my death I likewise give to Mary Barnes Luke all my rings Broaches Bracelets Necklaces likewise my real lace white veil with my net Cape not the one trimmed with lace three pair of Black Silk Stockings my Silk Umbrella Parasol with the black Stafford Lace in my Drawers and should I have a Gown not made up I likewise give her a small Ironing Box with two Irons and Ironing Cloth all of which I give her for her attention and kindness for me and her love for George who was ever dear to me the rest of my clothes to be divided between the three Miss Westlakes except my White Veil and the Cape with lace round it which I give to Dorothea Westlake my Red Leather Work Box I give to Mary Westlake my fur Tibbet [sic] to Eliza my brother’s picture set in Gold to Dorothea Westlake with my mother’s Wedding Rings which I hope she will value for my sake my Mahogany Bed which George sleeps in at Mr Barrett’s with feather Bed Bolster and pillows and the looking Glass in the parlour which is also mine I give to Mr Barrett for his life”. The will was at first signed but not witnessed, and Susanna added beneath this signature: “all of these my requests I trust will be most religiously attended to”, after which phrase she added a second signature which was witnessed by Thomas BARRETT; consequently Philip BURNETT appeared in person to swear an oath that “he verily and in his conscience believes the whole body series and contents of the said Will … to be all of the proper handwriting and subscription of the said Susanna Sercombe Spinster deceased and of no other person or persons whom soever”. On 14 Oct 1831, administration of the will was granted to George Sercombe LUKE, who was also named executor when death duty was recorded by the court of West Camel in Somerset. The headstone to her grave bears the inscription:: “This stone is in memory of Susanna Sercombe aged 65 of West Camel, who died 18th August 1831, mourned by her friends and family”..
Jane Filmore SERCOMBE, chr. 5 May 1768 at St. Paul, Exeter, m. 9 Jan 1792 at St. Paul, Exeter, by license, Thomas Filmore LUKE (d. by 1810); bur. 25 Oct 1827 at St. Thomas, Devon.
At her marriage in 1792, Jane was of St. Paul’s, Exeter, Thomas was of St. Mary Arches, Exeter; the witnesses were Thomas F. SERCOMBE (Jane's brother), Susan SERCOMBE (her sister), and Jane Filmore WESTLAKE. On 14 Sep 1810, named as a widow and legatee in her mother’s will, but the bequest was on condition of her sister Susanna either marrying or predeceasing her (see above under Susanna SERCOMBE).
[Child of Jane Filmore SERCOMBE and Thomas Filmore LUKE:]
On 14 Sep 1810, named as a legatee in his grandmother Grace Filmore SERCOMBE’s will, to receive the balance of her estate after the deaths of his mother Jane and her sister Susanna. On 8 Mar 1811, with his mother Jane Filmore LUKE, George swore an article of clerkship to serve under Thomas TURNER, an attorney and solicitor at the King’s Bench, Westminster, for a term of 5 years; the witnesses were Susan SERCOMBE and John CHUBB. On 15 Dec 1817, matriculated to Queen’s College, Oxford University; awarded B.A. in 1822. At his marriage in 1821, of St. Sidwell’s in Exeter; the witnesses were Arthur FORREST and Frances FORREST. On 31 Jul 1824, the Oxford Journal reported that George was admitted from Oxford University into Holy Orders as a priest “on Sunday last, by the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells, in the Cathedral Church of Wells”. On 13 of Jun 1831, named as a beneficiary in the will of his aunt Susanna SERCOMBE, her money to be divided equally between himself and her brother Thomas Filmore SERCOMBE, with additional bequests of books and various household items to George alone. On 28 Nov 1833, when he made his own will, of Kingwood, Southampton. George, an Anglican clergyman, was also a Devon antiquary and author; his book “An Essay Towards an Alphabetical List of the Printed English Historians and Printed Materials for English History from the Earliest Periods to the Year 1603” was published in 1834. On 23 and 25 Apr 1835 respectively, the Exeter Flying Post and the Exeter & Plymouth Gazette reported his death: “Died. At his residence in St. Sidwell‘s, on the 15th instant, after a protracted illness, the Rev. Geo. Sercombe Luke, B.A., aged 40. He was a gentleman of high classic attainments, and will be deeply regretted by a large circle of literary friends.” His will was proved in London on 7 Apr 1836 by his wife Mary.
Thomas Filmore SERCOMBE, chr. 11 Jan 1770 at St. Paul, Exeter, m. 20 Sep 1792 at St. Sidwell, Exeter, Elizabeth OTTO-BAIJER (b. ca. 1769 in Devon, daughter of John Otto BAIJER, plantation owner in Antigua, and Sarah Bridges OTTLEY; d. 1 Jan 1848 at Heavitree, Devon); d. reg. Q4 1847 at Newington R.D., bur. 13 Dec 1847 at St. Peter, Walworth, Surrey.
On 5 Mar 1784, he was bound to serve as a clerk to Richard EALES, an attorney; the contract was made between his mother Grace SERCOMBE, widow of the city of Exeter, George WESTLAKE, leather dresser, and Jonathan BURNETT, plumber, and witnessed by Winifred EALES and John STOODLY.
[Richard EALES became Clerk of the Peace for Devon until his death aged 93 in 1852. John STOODLY, an attorney, also witnessed the will of Elizabeth‘s father, John OTTO-BAIJER, in 1790.]
On 14 Mar 1791, an attorney at law, admitted freeman of Exeter in succession to his father; also in 1791, listed in the Universal British Directory as an attorney of New Buildings, Exeter. At his marriage in 1792, a gentleman of St. Paul, Exeter; Elizabeth was of St. Sidwell, Exeter. On 27 Sep 1792, the Bath Chronicle & Weekly Gazette reported the wedding: “Mr. Thomas Sercombe of Exeter, attorney-at-law, to Miss Elizabeth Otto, daughter of the late John Bayer Otto, esq. [sic]”. On 26 Aug 1796, an attorney of the city of Exeter, when he registered his apprentice Philip BURNETT. On 9 Sep 1796, when he executed an Article of Clerkship for Philip BURNETT, a gentleman and attorney of His Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench. Shown as "Thomas Sercombe, attorney, Exeter" in the subscription list for “The Floating Ideas of Nature, Suited to the Philosopher, Farmer, and Mechanic, and Adapted to the Present Times of Scarcity, in Order to Create Plenty by Introducing Several New Crops and their Management” by Charles Varlo (published 1797). In Jan-Feb 1797, described as "Thomas Filmore Sercombe of Exeter, Money Scrivener", when his bankruptcy was reported in The Times and other newspapers, and a full report of the bankruptcy appeared in the London Gazette (see Appendix 3). In April 1798, his Civil Promotion was reported in The Gentleman’s Magazine: “Mr. Sercombe, attorney, elected a coroner for the city and county of Exeter”. In 1803, he was an attorney, of Holy Trinity, Exeter. On 26 Nov 1805 he was re-elected coroner, and on 28 Nov 1805, Trewman's Exeter Flying Post reported: "On Tuesday last the right worshipful mayor and chamber elected Mr. Thomas Filmore Sercombe, attorney-at-law, coroner for this city and county, in place of Mr. Thomas Browne Barnett, who has resigned the office". On 29 Dec 1806, an attorney aged 37, admitted to the Plymouth Dock Lodge of Freemasons. On 6 Mar 1811, a gentleman of the city of Exeter and one of the attorneys of His Majesty’s Court of King’s Bench at Westminster, when an Indenture of Assignment was made between himself and John Bray JOLL; the document was witnessed by his clerk Isaac Henry SERCOMBE (Thomas’s son). On 9 Mar 1811, he contracted that John Bray JOLL serve the “residue of his Clerkship” with him on receipt of the sum of £20 from the clerk’s father William JOLL; the indenture was sworn at Plymouth Dock, Devon. On 5 Mar 1812, in a notice in Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post, named as “Thomas Filmore Sercombe, Solicitor to the said Assignee” in another’s bankruptcy case. On 21 Sep 1825, listed in the London Gazette in Petitions of Insolvent Debtors “to be heard at the court, in Portugal Street, Lincoln’s-Inn-Fields … Sercombe, Thomas Filmore, formerly of Exeter, Devonshire, Attorney at Law, then of High-Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, Attorney’s Clerk, afterwards of Chesham, Buckinghamshire aforesaid, then of Bond-Court, Walbrook, London, then of Mile-End-Terrace, Mile-End-Road, Middlesex, and also of Broad-Street, London aforesaid …”. At his daughter Ellen's death in 1824, an attorney, "late of" Exeter. On 13 of Jun 1831, named as a beneficiary in the will of his sister Susanna SERCOMBE: her money to be divided equally between himself and his nephew George Sercombe LUKE. Susanna’s will also mentions, as a bequest to Dorothea WESTLAKE, "my brother’s picture set in Gold" which suggests that there existed a portrait, possibly a gold-framed miniature painting, of Thomas. When Elizabeth made her will on 2 Aug 1846, she was living separately from her husband at Heavitree, Devon. At his death in 1847, Thomas was of Carter Street, Newington (the home of his son Isaac). At Elizabeth's death in 1848 “at an advanced age”, she was the last surviving sister of "the late Bayer Otto Bayer [sic], Esq., of Bentinck Street, Manchester Square" (Gentleman's Magazine). Her will was proved on 4 Mar 1848.
[Children of Thomas Filmore SERCOMBE and Elizabeth OTTO-BAIJER]:
John SERCOMBE, chr. 27 Aug 1794 at St. Paul, Exeter, m. 21 Jul 1828 at St. Dunstan, Stepney, London, Mary Ann NORMAN (b. 1805 in Somerset, chr. 19 Jul 1805 at Bradford-on-Tone, Somerset, daughter of John NORMAN and Sarah, d. reg. Q1 1886 at Taunton R.D., bur. 23 Jan 1886 at Staplegrove, Somerset); d. reg. Q1 1862 at Greenwich R.D., bur. 16 Jan 1862 at Greenwich, Kent.
Served in the Royal Navy, 1807 to 1814, including four years as a midshipman, then in the East India Company's maritime service until 1828 (midshipman on the Princess Charlotte of Wales 1814-5; midshipman on the Windsor 1818-9; home from China as 5th mate of the Vansittart; 4th mate of the Vansittart 1820-1; 3rd mate of the Vansittart 1822-3; 2nd mate of the Kellie Castle 1826-7). In 1826, named as a beneficiary in the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. At his son Earnest John's baptism on 9 Oct 1829, a mariner, of Mile End Old Town. On 1 Dec 1830, his application for a pension from The Poplar Fund due to infirmity was refused: John is recorded as second mate, aged 36, with neither children nor property (presumably the application was originally made before 1830), having served with the East India Company from 1815 to 1828. In Feb 1831, his pension application was further rejected "on account of short service", but with "consideration postponed till papers complete". On 4 Apr 1834, at the joint baptism of his daughters Eleanor and Louisa Elizabeth, a mariner of Bethnal Green. In 1837, named again as a beneficiary in a codicil to the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. On 24 Nov 1837, at the baptism of his daughter Esther, a mariner of Bethnal Green (Esther died before her fifth birthday in 1842). Served on the East India Company steamer Queen, 1839 to 1841.
[The Queen was built for the Bengal Government in 1839 and was taken over by the Bombay Marine in 1841.]
In 1840, at the birth of his daughter Emily Ann, of Bethnal Green. On 16 Feb 1843, the Public Ledger & Daily Advertiser reported shipping intelligence that the ship ‘Guide’, captained by John Sercombe, had sailed for Calcutta. On 14 June 1843, the Morning Post reported the "Total loss of the East India Company’s iron ship Guide … commanded by Captain Sercombe, while on her passage outward to Calcutta, unattended with loss of human life" (see Appendix 17). In 1844, listed in Land Tax Records of London as a tenant of Hackney, Middlesex, charged the assessed sum of £0 10s 8d. On 28 Jan 1845, a master mariner of 2 Marsh Hill, Homerton, Hackney, recorded in the London Gazette as an insolvent debtor, required to make his first appearance at the Bankruptcy Court in Basinghall Street on "13th day of February next, at one of the clock in the afternoon precisely" (see Appendix 15). On 18 Feb 1845, notice given to appear again at the Bankruptcy Court on “the 5th day of March next, at eleven o’clock in the forenoon precisely, unless cause be then and there shewn to the contrary” (London Gazette). In 1845, at his daughter Mary Sophia's birth, a master mariner, of 1 Park Place, Morning Lane, Hackney. On 23 Nov 1846, appointed by the Admiralty as civilian chief officer in the Coast Guard. At his daughters' baptisms on 28 Nov 1846, a mariner, of 1 Park Place, Hackney. At his daughter Catherine's baptism in 1847 and his son Thomas Filmore’s baptism in 1848, an officer of the Coast Guard, of West Lulworth, Dorset. In 1849, listed in the Post Office Directory as a Royal Navy chief officer of the Coast Guard Station of West Lulworth, Dorset. In 1851, a Coast Guard chief officer, living at the Coast Guard Station, West Lulworth, Dorset, with his wife Mary Ann and their children Eleanor, Louisa, Emily, Mary, Catherine, and Thomas. In 1857, a Coast Guard officer, on annual pay of £146. In 1861, a captain in the Royal Navy, lodging in a hotel at 20 Charles Street, Westminster, London; Mary Ann was living at 13 Charterhouse Street, London, with their daughters Eleanor, Mary, and Catherine and three lodgers (the position of the lodgers is unclear; it is possible that the SERCOMBE family were also lodgers, rather than landlords); also in 1861 their son Thomas Filmore (b. 1848) was a pupil at Christ’s Hospital School in London. At his burial on 16 Jan 1862, his last abode was Greenwich Hospital.
[This was The Royal Hospital for Seamen. After Charles II abandoned Greenwich Palace, it remained empty and became derelict. In 1694, Mary II realized the “darling object of her life” and founded the Royal Hospital for Seamen on the site. It would be a charity for sailors from the Royal Navy who were too old, sick or badly wounded to continue service. Designed by Wren, it was described as “one of the most sublime sights English architecture affords”.]
In 1863, Mary Ann lived at 13 Charterhouse Street. In1868, at his daughter Eleanor's marriage, he was (posth.) a captain in the East India Service. In 1870, at his daughter Mary's marriage, (posth.) a lieutenant in the Royal Navy. In 1871, at his daughter Catherine's marriage, (posth.) a captain in the Royal Navy. In 1871, Mary Ann was supported by friends, living at 35 Woodpecker Road, Deptford, London, with her daughter Catherine, a millinery saleswoman. In 1881, she was an annuitant, of 2 Laburnum Place, Staplegrove, Somerset, living with her widowed daughter Mary Sophia ALLEN and granddaughter Mary Elizabeth ALLEN.
Isaac Henry SERCOMBE, chr. 27 May 1795 at St. Paul, Exeter, m1. by 1820 Sarah CORBETT, m2. 17 Dec 1828 at St. Pancras, Middlesex, Elizabeth Grace NOTTLE (b. ca. 1793 at Totnes, Devon, d. reg. Q1 1864 at Camberwell R.D., bur. 16 Jan 1864 at South London Metropolitan Cemetery, now West Norwood Cemetery, Norwood, Surrey); d. 30 Aug 1870 at Hastings, Sussex, bur 5 Sep 1870 at South London Metropolitan Cemetery.
On 17 Jan 1821, at his son Frederick's baptism, a gentleman of Kennington; Frederick died later that month and was buried on 29 Jan at St. Mary, Lambeth. On 28 Apr 1825, a gentleman of New Inn, Middlesex, when he swore an Article of Clerkship to Edward DONNE to qualify after five years as an attorney/solicitor. In 1826, named as a beneficiary in the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. At his daughter Ellen's baptism in 1827, an attorney of 57 Bartholomew Close and recorded as though already married to Elizabeth (Ellen probably died young - there was another daughter named Ellen, born ca. 1837 who died in 1881). On 17 Feb 1829, at the burial of his daughter Laura Ann (aged five), of St. James’s Walk, Clerkenwell. At his marriage to Elizabeth in 1828, recorded as a bachelor (in fact a widower), of St. Pancras; Elizabeth was also of St. Pancras (recorded as a spinster, but perhaps not?); the witnesses were Edward SERCOMBE (Isaac's brother) and Mary KAVANAGH. In 1829, at his son Edward's baptism, an attorney, of St. James's Walk, Clerkenwell, London. In 1830, at his son Isaac Henry's baptism, an attorney, of London. On 1 Apr 1835, at the burial of his daughter Elizabeth (aged 14 months), of Merrow St, Walworth. On 9 Apr 1836, the West Kent Guardian reported: “SALE OF UNSTAMPED PAPERS. - At Union-hall, on Monday, John Sharp, a printer, residing in Kent-street, was summoned on an information at the instance of the Solicitor Of Stamps, for vending two numbers of an unstamped publication called the Weekly Times. Mr. Sercombe, of the Stamp-office, attended to conduct the case, and Mr. Wooller on the behalf of the defendant. The magistrate inflicted a fine of £40 on the defendant for selling unstamped papers, and in default of payment committed him for three months to Kingston gaol.” On 8 Apr 1837, appeared before the Debtors’ Court in Portugal St. at 10am (reported in the London Morning Post), and on the same date in 1837, discharged from the Fleet Prison, London where he had been held for insolvent debt (citation: King‘s Bench & Fleet Prison Discharge Books). The London Gazette also details Isaac’s insolvent debt, and lists his various abodes before and up to the case coming to court: “… Isaac Henry Sercombe, formerly of St. James’s-place, Clerkenwell, Middlesex, then of No.2, Woodbine Cottage, Albany-road, Camberwell, Surrey, then of No.5 Merrow-street, Walworth, Surrey, and last of No.29 Ashley-crescent, Sheperdess-fields, City-road, Middlesex, during all such time Clerk in the Stamp Office, Somerset-house …” (see Appendix 11 for full transcription). In Dec 1837, at his son Benjamin's death at the age of 5yrs 6mths, a clerk in the Stamp Office, of 28 Hampton Street, Newington, Surrey. In 1837, named again as a beneficiary in a codicil to the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. In 1841, a clerk, of Carter Street, Newington, living with his wife Elizabeth, Sophia SIRCOMBE (b. ca. 1812 not in Surrey, perhaps a stepdaughter), his children Ellen and Isaac, and Sophia NOTTLE (b. ca. 1812 not in Surrey, perhaps the same person as Sophia SERCOMBE above). In 1843, listed in the Post Office Directory as of the Stamp and Tax Office, London. On 3 Apr 1843, appeared as a witness at the Old Bailey for the indictment of Susannah LAYTON for the theft of five sovereigns and a 10s. bank note from Joseph TIMM, a solicitor at Somerset House who stated that “I am solicitor for stamps and taxes - Mr Sercombe, a clerk in my office, hands over to me every day the amount he receives”; Isaac SERCOMBE gave witness with the following: “I am cashier in the office of the solicitor of stamps. On 15th March I wrote on these two 10s. notes which I have in my hand, the names of the persons I received them from, and handed them over to Mr. Timm with five sovereigns - the name of Gregory and Co. was written on the one which was taken - this is the very note I handed over - I wrote that at the time I received it” (citation: Proceedings of the Old Bailey 1674-1913). On 23 December 1844, the Morning Advertiser reported his appearance as a witness in the case MULLETT vs. LLOYD, his evidence was recorded thus: "I attend from Somerset-house, and produce the bond wherein Mr. Mullett is surety for defendant. I attested it. Last August another bond was substituted for the original one. This is it. Mr. Mullett has there withdrawn his security. Defendant’s description therein is Edward Lloyd, of Forest-hill, Camberwell, Surrey". At his son Edward's marriage in 1850, a clerk of Somerset House. In 1851, of 1 Addington Place, Camberwell, Surrey, employed in the Solicitor's Office of the Inland Revenue at Somerset House, and living with his wife Elizabeth, his sister Ann, his children Edward, Isaac, and Ellen, Edward's wife Anne, and a general servant. In 1851, listed in the Post Office Directory as a solicitor's clerk in the Stamp and Tax Branch of the Inland Revenue Office, Somerset House, the Strand. On 9 Aug 1851, the Morning Post and the London Daily News reported that he appeared as a witness at the Police Courts, Guildhall concerning a case of embezzlement by Ellice DRING or DRURY from a book publishing agent (see Appendix 14). On 13 March 1852, at the burial of his son Isaac Henry, of Addington Place, Camberwell. At his daughter Ellen's (adult) baptism in 1852, a gentleman, of Addington Place. In 1856, listed in the Post Office Directory as employed in the Solicitor’s Office, Inland Revenue, of 1 Addington Place, Camberwell Rd. In Apr 1861, a clerk in the Solicitor's Department of the Inland Revenue, Somerset House, of 1 Addington Place, Camberwell, living with his wife Elizabeth, sister Ann, children Edward and Ellen, Edward's son Henry, and Mary Ann MOBBS, a servant. In Sep 1861, of 1 Addington Place, Camberwell. On 25 Sep 1862, at his son Edward's third marriage to his cousin Elizabeth Mary Ann SERCOMBE, a gentleman; Elizabeth‘s father was William Goode SERCOMBE and one of the witnesses was William‘s wife Emma SERCOMBE. At his wife Elizabeth's death in 1864, she was of Addington Place, Camberwell. In 1867, of 11 Vaughan Road, Coldharbour Lane, Camberwell. On 10 Sep 1870, The Hastings and St. Leonard’s Herald and Observer reported his death: “August 30th, at St. Helen’s House, St. Andrew’s road, Hastings, Mr. Isaac Henry Sercombe, late of the Stamps and Taxes, Somerset House, in the 75th year of his age”. At his burial, on 5 Sep 1870, recorded as of Ellen’s House, Hastings. His will was proved on 29 Sep 1870 “by the oath of Ellen SERCOMBE of 15 Moorgate-street in the City of London, Spinster the Daughter the sole Executrix”; effects were valued at under £450.
[Isaac’s only grandchild, Henry SERCOMBE (son of Edward William SERCOMBE and his second wife Susannah OAKLEY) is buried at Hither Green Cemetery, Kent. The headstone bears the following inscription: “In loving memory of my dear devoted husband Henry Sercombe who died June 18th 1916, aged 59 years ~ Rest in Peace ~ Also of Matilda Eleanor wife of the above who died Aug. 22nd 1935 aged 77 years”.]
Edward SERCOMBE, chr. 6 Jan 1797 at St. Paul, Exeter, m. 5 Sep 1831 at St. Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, London, Caroline GIFFARD (b. 1814 at Dover, chr. 11 Dec 1814 at St. Mary The Virgin, Dover, Kent, daughter of Harry GIFFARD of the Royal Navy, and Mary Ann MARTIN; m2. 31 Aug 1851 at St. Olave, Southwark, William SMITH, son of William SMITH, a brewer); bur. 20 Jan 1837 at Pentonville, Middlesex.
In 1826, named as a beneficiary in the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. On 5 Sep 1831, at their marriage, Edward and Caroline were both of Bermondsey; the witnesses were Francis SHERLOCK, Betsy MARTIN, Emma SERCOMBE, and Mary GIFFARD. In 1833, at his daughter Emma Mary’s baptism, a gentleman, of Waterloo Place, Clerkenwell, Middlesex. On 15 Apr 1835, at the baptism of his son Edmund Baijer Giffard, a clerk of St. George's Terrace, Camberwell, Surrey. On 24 Sep 1836 Edward was admitted by his brother Baijer SERCOMBE and W. ANDREWS to Bethlem Hospital (aka Bedlam) in Lambeth; the report of his illness and eventual death were recorded thus: “Edward Sercombe, admitted Sept 24th 1836. At 40, this is a Married Man, with 3 Children, who was never insane before. This attack commenced a fortnight ago - the last 3 or 4 months beginning to fail in mind. Causes: from some quarrel with his employer. Remarkable Symptoms: flighty and full of talk, but not violent. Whether Hereditary: sister insane. State of Health: very good. Clerk in an Attorney’s Office, Philips & Co. St Swithin’s Lane. Comes from No 6 St George’s Place Albany Road Camberwell. Diseased Ideas: ‘Fancies he is in possession of vast wealth’. Medical Statement from Mr Wm Davies 6 Charlotte Row Walworth Sept 22nd 1836: ‘When called to attend E Sercombe I found him in a state of great mental excitement, restless and loquacious; and was informed that during that and the previous days, he had committed himself in various unreasonable acts, making purchases altogether inappropriate and forming plans entirely unfit for his situation. The usual means were immediately adopted to calm the mental excitement, but they were not successful. Dr Whiting also saw him who added to the strength of the means previously employed. His Lunacy however is at this time neither of a very violent or disturbing character nor is he dangerous to himself or others’. 1837 Jan 13th: Discharged Sick & Weak & Died the same night of exhaustion after chronic inflammation of the membranes of the Brain producing effusion. The body was Examined, see Surgeons Book Page 6.” - the report was signed by Alexander MORISON. (From the description of his final illness, it seems probable that Edward suffered bacterial meningitis.) On 20 Jan 1837, on registration of his death, his abode was given as St Mary, Islington. In 1837, in a codicil to the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER, Edward is named as having “departed this life leaving two or more children”, the bequest being transferred to them. In 1851, Caroline was an annuitant, of 314 Albany Road, Camberwell, living with her children Edmund, Alice, and Arthur (aged 7, apparently born ca.1844, after Edward's death but before her second marriage). At Caroline's remarriage on 31 Aug 1851, she was of Tooley Street; her husband William was an attorney's clerk, also of Tooley Street; the witnesses were Edmund SERCOMBE (presumably her son) and A.S. PALMER. On 19 Nov 1856, at his daughter Alice's marriage, (posth.) a gentleman (Alice Lees Eliza SERCOMBE was born in 1836). On 15 Jun 1857, at his son Edmund's marriage, (posth.) a gentleman (recorded as Edmund not Edward).
Ann SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1799 at Exeter, chr. 19 May 1799 at St. Paul, Exeter; d. 16 Sep 1861 at Camberwell, Surrey at the house of her brother Isaac, bur. 21 Sep 1861 at West Norwood Cemetery, Surrey.
In 1826, named as a beneficiary in the will of her uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. On 24 Sep 1836, mentioned in a report about her brother Edward’s insanity at his admission to Bethlem Hospital: “Whether Hereditary - sister insane”. In 1841, Ann and her brothers Isaac and Baijer were staying with their mother at St. Sidwell, Exeter. On 2 Aug 1846, when her mother made her will, Ann was named as sole beneficiary; an annuity from income derived from her mother’s life interest in the proceeds of estates in Antigua and England, bequeathed to Elizabeth by her brother Baijer OTTO-BAIJER, was to be held in trust for Ann’s “sole use and benefit… having regard for her unfortunate condition”. The will was proved on 4 Mar 1848. On 12 Jun 1849, of 16 Carter St, Walworth, when an inquisition by the Commission of Lunacy took place to “enquire by oath of good and lawful men … whether Ann Sercombe now residing at No.16 Carter Street is a Lunatic or enjoys lucid intervals so that she is not sufficient for the government of herself …” On 26th June 1849, it was decreed by the Commission that “… Ann Sercombe is a person of unsound mind so that she is not all sufficient for the government of herself her manors messuages lands tenements goods and chattels and that she the said Ann Sercombe hath been in the same state of unsoundness of mind from the twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty eight but how or by what means she the said Ann Sercombe so became of unsound mind the jurors aforesaid know not unless by the visitation of God” (for full transcription see Appendix 12). On 30 Jun 1849, the inquisition was reported in Woolmer’s Exeter and Plymouth Gazette: “Commission of Lunacy - On Monday, at the Horns Tavern, Kennington, an inquiry took place before Mr. Commissioner Winslow, into the state of mind of Ann Sercombe, a maiden lady aged 50, late of this city. The Commission was issued at the instance of the lady’s brothers, Messrs. S. and W. Sercombe” (probably Isaac and William). “It was proved that she had delusions, which caused her to believe that her deceased parents were still living, that she had 16 servants, that she was constantly engaged in hunting and shooting, that the sparrows in her garden were woodcocks, and that she ate nothing but game. Many other eccentricities were stated in evidence, which the examination of the lady by the Commissioner confirmed, and the Jury found that she was and had been of unsound mind since the 12th of September last”. On 10 Nov 1849, listed under Law Notices in the Public Ledger & Daily Advertiser: “Lunatic Petitions … re Sercombe, by order”. In 1851, of 1 Addington Place, Camberwell, living with her brother Isaac, his wife and children, and general servant Sophia BRISCOE. In a document dated 9 May 1853, which was a Bill of Complaint about the will of Baijer OTTO-BAIJER, Ann is mentioned thus: "By an Inquisition taken on the twenty-fifth day of June one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine under and by virtue of a commission for that purpose issued the said Ann Sercombe was found to be a person of unsound mind And by an Order of the Lord Chancellor bearing date the fourteenth day of November one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine the said Isaac Henry Sercombe was appointed to be the committee of the person and estate of the said Ann Sercombe". In 1861, of 1 Addington Place, living with her brother Isaac, his wife, children and grandson, and house servant Mary Ann MOBBS. At her death on 16 Sep 1861, of 1 Addington Place, High Road, Camberwell; the cause of death was recorded as “General Decay 2 months, Diarrhoea 1 month”; M.A. MOBBS (the house servant) was informant and present at the death. On 18 and 19 Sep 1861 respectively, The Times and Morning Chronicle reported her death: “On the 16th inst., at the residence of her brother, Mr. I.H. Sercombe, No.1 Addington-place, Camberwell, Miss Ann Sercombe, aged 62”. The administration of her estate and effects, valued at under £300, was granted to her brother Isaac Henry SERCOMBE on 5 Dec 1861.
[With regard to the Commission of Lunacy: “Many of the relevant legal records relate to attempts to establish whether or not a person was of sound mind for the purposes of administering or disposing of their property… over time the priority appears to have become the proper administration of the lunatic’s estate, an issue often of vital importance to the next of kin. The point of getting a person declared of unsound mind by a Chancery inquisition was to take away his or her power of independent legal action in the disposition of property: it had nothing to do with committal to an asylum, which was a separate medical procedure.“ (from The National Archives/Mental Health).]
Baijer Otto SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1802, m. 21 Mar 1829 at St. George, Camberwell, Surrey, by license, Eliza GIFFARD (chr. 11 Jun 1809 at St. Margaret-at-Cliffe, Kent, daughter of Harry GIFFARD of the Royal Navy and Mary Ann MARTIN; d. 21 Oct 1871 at North Adelaide, South Australia); d. reg. Q4 1847 at Newington R.D., bur. 21 Dec 1847 at St. Mary, Newington, Surrey.
In 1826, named as a beneficiary in the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. At their marriage in 1829, Baijer and Eliza were both of Camberwell; Eliza was a minor and married by consent of “Mary Ann Giffard widow the natural and lawful mother of the said minor”; the witnesses were William SERCOMBE (Baijer's brother) and Emma GIFFARD (William's future wife and Eliza's sister). On 17 Jun 1831, at the baptism of his daughter Mary Giffard SERCOMBE at Manchester Cathedral, a banker’s clerk. On 4 Sep 1836, of Albany Road, Camberwell, when he was named on his brother Edward’s admission document to Bethlem Hospital. In 1837, named again as a beneficiary in a codicil to the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER. On 24 Jun 1837, a clerk of the Bank of England of Patriot Square, Bethnal Green Rd, when Perry’s Bankrupt Gazette reported his forthcoming appearance (4 Jul 1837) at Portugal St Court House as an insolvent debtor applying for discharge. In 1839, at the birth of his son Henry Lipincott Giffard SERCOMBE, of Shoreditch. On 14 July 1839, at his son’s baptism, a merchant’s clerk of Tile Kiln Yard (Henry died within three months of his birth). In 1841, visiting his mother at St. Sidwell, Exeter. At his death in 1847, of New Street, Kennington. In 1850, Eliza sailed on the Duke of Portland to South Australia, arriving on 2 Aug. On 20 May 1851, his daughter’s marriage was reported in the London Evening Standard: “On 12th October, 1850, by the Rev. J.W. Schoales at St. John’s Church, Adelaide, South Australia, Charles John Barry, of Glenelg, Esq., to Mary Giffard, only surviving daughter of the late Baijer Otto Sercombe, Esq., of the Bank of England.” At her death in 1871, his wife Eliza was of North Adelaide, Australia.
Ellen Otto SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1805, d. 18 Mar 1824 at Chesham, Buckinghamshire, bur. 30 Mar 1824 at Chesham-Bois Cemetery.
On 1 Apr 1824, in Trewman’s Exeter Flying Post: “Died. At Chesham, Bucks, on Thursday the 18th instant, in her 19th year, after a lingering illness, borne with the most exemplary fortitude, Ellen Otto, youngest daughter of Mr. Sercombe, attorney, late of this city.” (Ellen’s death was also reported, with similar wording, on 27 March 1824 in the Windsor and Eton Express.)
William Goode SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1801 at Exeter, m. 2 Jul 1831 at St. Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, Surrey, Emma GIFFARD (b. 21 Feb1807 at Portsea, chr. 22 March 1807 at St. John, Portsea, Hampshire, daughter of Harry GIFFARD of the Royal Navy and Mary Ann MARTIN; d. 30 Jul 1853 at Stamford Hill, d. reg. Q3 1853 at Hackney R.D., bur. 4 Aug 1853 in Abney Park Cemetery, London); d. 24 Feb 1869, d. reg. Q1 1869 at Hackney R.D., bur. with Emma at Abney Park Cemetery.
At their marriage in 1831, William and Emma were both of Bermondsey; the witnesses were Betsy MARTIN and Caroline GIFFARD (Emma‘s sister). At his sons' baptisms in 1835 (William), 1836 (Walter), and 1838 (Henry), a clerk in the Bank of England, of Diddington Place, Pentonville, Middlesex. In 1837, named in a codicil to the will of his uncle Baijer OTTO-BAIJER: “William Sercombe out of the children of my sister Elizabeth Sercombe was intended to be inserted in my said Will among the names of the other children… but was by mistake omitted”. At his daughter Mary Elizabeth’s baptism on 25 Nov 1840, a gentleman of Diddington Place. In 1841, a clerk of Diddington Place, Islington, Middlesex, living with his wife Emma, their children William, Henry, and Elizabeth, and Eliza MAYNARD, a servant. At his son Stanley's baptism on 22 May 1842, a gentleman of Diddington Place. At his son Horatio's baptism on 18 August 1843, a gentleman of 2 Diddington Place. In 1846, of the Out-tellers Office of the Bank of England. On 4 Mar 1848, granted administration of his mother's will. In 1851, a clerk in the Bank of England, of 16 Shacklewell Street, West Hackney, living with his wife Emma and their children William, Elizabeth, Horatio, and Emma. In the London Electoral Registers of 1851 and 1852, of Shacklewell Lane, Parish of St. John at Hackney, his abode described as a house. At his daughter Mary Emma's baptism on 11 Apr 1852, a clerk in the Bank of England, of Shacklewell Lane, West Hackney. In Mar 1853, when he discharged his son Henry from Christ’s Hospital School, of Victoria Cottage, Victoria Grove, Stoke Newington. In Sep 1853, the Gentleman's Magazine reported his wife Emma's death: "July 30 ... At Stamford-hill, aged 46, Emma, wife of Wm. Goode Sercombe, esq. of the Bank of England, and daughter of the late Captain H. S. Giffard, R.N." In the London Electoral Register of 1854, of 4 Stamford Grove West, Upper Clapton, Parish of St. John at Hackney, his abode described as a house. On 6 Jan 1859, at his son Henry’s marriage to Mary Hannah KING on, a clerk in the Bank of England. In 1860, listed in the London City Directory as of the Bill Office at the Bank of England. In 1861, a widower and clerk at the Bank of England, of 6 Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Surrey, living with his children William H.G., Elizabeth, Horatio, and Emma. At his daughter Elizabeth's marriage in 1862, a gentleman, of Trafalgar Square, Peckham. At his daughter Mary Emma's marriage in 1878 (posth.), of the Bank of England.
[Children of William Goode SERCOMBE and Emma GIFFARD]:
William Harry Giffard SERCOMBE, b. 28 Apr 1834 at Islington, chr. 5 Apr 1835 at Pentonville, m. 27 Sep 1866 at St. Giles, Camberwell, Ellen Mary CARTWRIGHT (b. ca. 1840 at Lambeth, chr. 18 Apr 1841 at St. John The Evangelist, Lambeth, daughter of John CARTWRIGHT, a tailor, d. 18 May 1899 at Brighton, Sussex); d. 15 Feb 1875 at Sidmouth, Devon.
In 1841, of Diddington Place, Islington, Middlesex, living with his parents, his siblings Henry and Elizabeth, and Eliza MAYNARD, a servant. In 1851, a scholar of 16 Shacklewell Street, West Hackney, living with his parents and siblings Elizabeth, Horatio and Emma. In 1856 and 1860, listed in the Post Office Directory and London City Directory respectively, as of the Drawing Office for Public Accounts of the Bank of England. In 1861, a clerk at the Bank of England, of 6 Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Surrey, living with his father and siblings Elizabeth, Horatio and Emma. At his marriage in 1866, a clerk in the Bank of England, of Peckham Rye; Ellen was of Holly House, New Kent Road; the witnesses were James and Mary Margaret McINTYER. On 1 Oct 1866, the Morning Post announced the marriage: “On the 27th ult., at St. Giles, Camberwell, by the Rev. John Wallace, Mr. William Harry Giffard, eldest son of Mr. William Sercombe, of Peckham-rye, to Ellen Mary, daughter of the late Mr. John Cartwright, of Holly House, Newington.” In 1871, a clerk in the Bank of England, lodging at 2 Trinity Terrace, Ventnor, Isle of Wight, with his wife Ellen. (The 1871 census gave "Holly Cottage Peckham" as the birthplace of both William and Ellen. Perhaps this was actually their home address at the time?). At his death in 1875, of 2 Marine Place, Sidmouth. His will was proved on 25 March 1875 by his widow Ellen Mary, of Vernon House, Brixton Rd, Brixton, with effects valued at under £200. In 1881, Ellen was visiting the CECIL/JELLICOE household at The Villa, Dulverton, Somerset. In 1891, she was boarding in the WELLS household at 1 Oxford Villas, High Street, Teddington, Middlesex. At her death in 1899, Ellen was of 41 Norfolk Rd, Brighton and died at 29 St Michael’s Place, Brighton. Probate was granted on 11 July 1899 to Edith Grace CARTWRIGHT, spinster, with effects valued at £2723 10s 10d.
Walter Giffard SERCOMBE, b. 16 Jun 1836, chr. 20 Jul 1836 at Pentonville Church, Clerkenwell; d. 1839 at Islington R.D., bur. 8 Aug 1839 at Pentonville. At his death, of St. Mary, Islington.
At his baptism in 1836, of Diddington Place, Pentonville, Middlesex. His burial took place at Pentonville Chapel in Clerkenwell when he was three years old, and his abode was given as Saint Mary, Islington.
Elizabeth Mary Ann or Mary Elizabeth SERCOMBE, b. 2 Oct 1840 at Islington, chr. 25 Nov 1840 at Pentonville, m. 25 Sep 1862 at St. Giles, Camberwell, her first cousin Edward William SERCOMBE, a widower (b. 24 Dec 1825, chr. 22 Feb 1829, son of Isaac Henry SERCOMBE, a solicitor’s clerk, and Elizabeth Grace NOTTLE; d. 25 Oct 1885, d. reg. Q4 1885 at City of London); d. 31 Dec 1906 at 43 Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, d. reg. Q1 1907 at Hastings R.D.
In 1841, of Diddington Place, Islington, Middlesex, living with her parents, her brothers William and Henry, and Eliza MAYNARD, a servant. In 1851, of 16 Shacklewell Street, West Hackney, living with her parents and siblings William, Horatio and Emma. In 1861, of 6 Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Surrey, living with her father and siblings William, Horatio and Emma. At her marriage in 1862, of Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Edward was of Addington Place; the witnesses were W. SERCOMBE (probably her father or brother) and Emma SERCOMBE (her sister). On 27 Sep 1862, The Times reported the marriage: “On the 25th inst., at St. Giles, Camberwell, by the Rev. Henry Collier, M.A., Edward William Sercombe, Esq., of Palmerston Villa, Brixton, to Elizabeth Mary Ann, eldest daughter of William Sercombe, Esq., of Trafalgar-square, Peckham”. (Elizabeth was Edward’s third wife; he was previously married in 1850 to Anna Maria PAICE (1825-1853), and in 1854 to Susanna OAKLEY (1833-1857) who bore his only child Henry in 1857. On 19 March 1853, his first wife’s death had been announced in the Morning Chronicle and Illustrated London News: "On the 16th inst., at No. 1, Addington-place, Camberwell, in the 28th year of her age, Anna Maria, the wife of Mr. Edward William Sercombe.") In 1871, of Blenheim Lodge, south of London Road, Northfleet, Kent, recorded as “wife of an accountant” and living with ‘parents’ Thomas and Jane OAKLEY (actually the parents of her husband's previous wife - Edward is absent on this census), and cook and housemaid Susannah ESTER and Eliza BUTLER. In 1881, of 27 Moorgate St, City of London, living with her husband, an insurance office commercial clerk, her stepson Henry, a commercial clerk, and domestic servant Lydia SHIPMAN. At his death in 1885, Edward was of 27 Moorgate St, City of London; his will was proved on 15 Dec 1885 by Elizabeth, "relict and sole executrix". Edward’s personal estate was valued at £1166 14s 0d. In 1891, of 179 Romford Rd, Forest Gate, West Ham, living on her own means and boarding with her widowed sister Mary Emma CROWLEY (nee SERCOMBE), her sister’s children Harry CROWLEY, Ida CROWLEY, Mildred CROWLEY and general domestic servant Sarah MARSH. In 1901, living on her own means in Hazeldene boarding house at 43 Cornwallis Gardens, Hastings, Sussex. After her death in 1906, probate was granted on 8 Feb 1907 to her stepson Henry SERCOMBE, a banker’s clerk, and Walter CHAMBERS, a lodging house keeper; effects were valued at £2751 13s 0d.
Stanley Giffard SERCOMBE, b. 2 May 1842, chr. 22 May 1842 at Pentonville, Middlesex, d. reg. Q3 1842 at Islington R.D., bur. 28 Jul 1842 at Pentonville. At his death in 1842, of St. Mary, Islington.
At his baptism in 1842, of Diddington Place. When buried at Pentonville Chapel, barely three months after his birth, described as an infant, of Saint Mary, Islington.
Horatio Walter Giffard SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1843 at Islington or Battle Bridge or Caledonian Road or Clerkenwell, chr. 18 Aug 1843 at All Saints, Battle Bridge, Caledonian Road, Islington, Middlesex, m. 27 Mar 1870 at St. Mary Magdalen, Bermondsey, Ellen Mary A. ONGLEY (b. ca. 1849 at Camberwell or Lambeth, daughter of Henry ONGLEY, a gentleman; d. 2 March1939 at Lewisham, Kent, bur. Hither Green Cemetery, Kent); d. 24 Nov 1915 in London, d. reg. Q4 1915 at Lambeth R.D., bur. 29 Nov 1915 at Hither Green Cemetery, Kent.
In 1851, of 16 Shacklewell Street, West Hackney, living with his parents and siblings William, Elizabeth and Emma. In 1861, of 6 Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Surrey, living with his father and siblings William, Elizabeth and Emma. At his marriage in 1870, a clerk, of Bermondsey; Ellen was also of Bermondsey; the witnesses were Benjamin PHILLIPS and John WISE (who also witnessed the marriage of his brother Henry 11 years earlier). In 1871, of 5 Stone Street, Hastings, Sussex, a clerk at Glyn & Co. (a private bank in London, now part of the Royal Bank of Scotland), living with his wife Ellen and daughter Florence. In 1881, of 4 Stanford Villas, Lewisham, Kent, a clerk at Glyn’s, living with his wife Ellen, children Florence, Horace, and Willie, and M.J.GILLING, a lodger. At his eldest daughter's baptism in 1886 (aged 15), a gentleman, of Thomford Road, Lewisham. In 1891, of 15 Lanier Road, Lewisham, a clerk at Glyn Mills and Co., living with his wife Ellen and their children Florence, Horatio, a clerk, William, Dorothy, and Christopher. In 1901, of 112 Burnt Ash Hill, Lee, Kent, a bank clerk, living with his wife Ellen and their children Florence, a school teacher, Horatio, a commercial clerk, William, a bank clerk, Christopher, a commercial clerk, and Bernard. In 1902, listed in Kelly’s Directory as a bank clerk of 7 Northwood Rd, Forest Hill, and in the electoral register of 1906 of the same address. At his son's marriage in 1904, a clerk. On 25 Mar 1911, moved from 51 Baring Road, Lee, to 78 Burnt Ash Hill, Lee. In Apr 1911, of 78 Burnt Ash Hill, Lee, a clerk to Messrs. Glyn & Co. bankers, living with his wife Ellen and their children Flora and Bernard. In 1915 Horatio died at St. Thomas’s Hospital, London, from injuries in a road accident; at his death in he was of 78 Burnt Ash Hill, Lee. On 26 November 1915, his death was reported in The Times: “On the 24th Nov., as the result of a motor accident, Horatio Walter Giffard Sercombe, of 78, Burnt Ash-hill, Lee, youngest son of the late William Sercombe, of the Bank of England, aged 72 years. Funeral service at St. Mildred’s Church, Lee, 29th Nov., at 1 p.m., followed by the interment at Lee Cemetery. No flowers by request. Friends please accept this, the only, intimation”. On 3 Dec 1915, The Shepton Mallet Journal reported: "At an inquest at Lambeth on Saturday on Mr. Horatio Walter Giffard Sercombe (72), of Burntash Hill, Lee, Kent, who died at St. Thomas’s Hospital, after being knocked down by a motor-car in Lee, it was stated that deceased had two hour injections of carbolic acid, a new form of treatment which had been tried with great success at the University College Hospital". Probate was granted on 31 Jan 1916 to his widow Ellen Mary, with effects valued at £198 19s 6d. On 21 May 1917, named in a Memoriam notice in The Times: “SERCOMBE - To my beloved brother, Bernard Giffard, who fell at Vimy, 21 May, 1916, aged 24 years. Ever present. Also dear father, Horatio Giffard, died from injuries in motor accident, 1916 [sic: actually died 1915], youngest son of William Sercombe, Bank of England. - Doll”. At her death in 1939, Ellen was of Enmore, 78a Burnt Ash Hill, SE12, and probate was granted on 29 April 1939 to Florence Emma Elizabeth SERCOMBE, spinster, with effects valued at £564 17s 1d. Horatio and Ellen are buried with their son Bernard Giffard and daughters Ellen and Florence at Hither Green Cemetery; the headstone bears the following inscription: “My dear husband Horatio Walter Giffard Sercombe who was killed by a motor, November 24th 1915 aged 72 ~ Also of dear Bernard Giffard our youngest son who fell at Vimy Ridge, May 21st 1916 aged 24 ~ And dear Ellen Dora our younger daughter who passed away suddenly on October 14th 1917 aged 34 ~ “Thy will be done” ~ Also Ellen Mary who died March 2nd 1939 aged 89 ~ Florence Emma Elizabeth Sercombe 3.2.1871 - 21.1.1967 daughter of Horatio and Ellen Sercombe, dear aunt of Nan Olsen nee Beames” (Ellen Dora SERCOMBE had married Frank Gaynor BEAMES in 1905 and divorced in 1911 which explains her burial place and inscription; it also infers that Nan OLSEN was her daughter.)
Mary Emma or Emma Mary SERCOMBE, b. ca. 1848 at Islington, chr. 11 Apr 1852 at West Hackney, Middlesex, m. 15 Sep 1878 at St. Stephen Coleman Street, London, William Henry CROWLEY (b. ca. 1844 in London, son of William CROWLEY, a builder; d. 21 Nov 1890); d. 26 Apr 1913.
In 1851, of 16 Shacklewell Street, West Hackney, living with her parents and siblings William, Elizabeth and Horatio. On 11 Apr 1852, at her baptism, of Shaklewell Lane, West Hackney, Middlesex. In 1861, of 6 Trafalgar Square, Peckham, Surrey, living with her father and siblings William, Elizabeth and Horatio. In 1871, an assistant teacher at a small private school for girls, 13 Belsize House, Aberystwith, Cardiganshire. At her marriage in 1878, of 27 Moorgate Street, London; William was a gentleman, also of 27 Moorgate Street; the witnesses were H. SERCOMBE (probably Mary's brother Horatio), E. SERCOMBE (probably her sister Elizabeth), Henry SERCOMBE, E.W. SERCOMBE (probably her cousin and brother-in-law Edward William), and John POWELL. On 18 Sep 1878, The Times reported the marriage: “On the 15th inst. at St. Stephen’s, Coleman-street, E.C., by the Rev. J. Pratt, William Henry Crowley to Emma Mary, daughter of the late William Goode Sercombe, of the Bank of England”. In 1881, of 179 Romford Rd, West Ham, Essex, living with her husband William, an auctioneer, their son Harry, and a general servant Mary THOMAS. At his death in 1890, her husband William was of 4 Haddington Villas, Romford Rd, Stratford, Essex; his will was proved by Mary on 5 Jan 1891, and his personal estate valued at £684 7s 0d. In 1891, of 179 Romford Rd, West Ham, living on her own means, with her children Harry, Ida, and Mildred, a general domestic servant Sarah MARSH, and her boarding sister Elizabeth Mary SERCOMBE. In 1901, a music and dancing teacher, living at 10 Elm Rd, West Ham, with her children Harry, a shipping clerk, Ida ,an assistant dressmaker, and Mildred, a school teacher. At her death in 1913, Mary was of 177 New Cross Rd, Kent. Her estate was proved by Henry SERCOMBE, bank manager, with effects valued at £1823 2s 6d.
Henry Auton Giffard SERCOMBE, b. 5 Apr 1838 at Islington, Middlesex, chr. 2 May 1838 at Pentonville, m. 6 Jan 1859 at St. Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey, Mary Hannah (or Ann) KING (b. 29 Nov 1837 in Newington, Surrey, b. reg. 6 Jan 1838 at St. Mary Newington R.D., daughter of Richard KING, an accountant, and Mary HESTER, a Quaker; m2. 29 Mar 1869 at St. George Parish, Camberwell, Stephen BREED, of Old Kent Road, Surrey, son of Edward BREED; d. 21 Nov 1874 at Peckham, Surrey); d. before 1884.
On 2 May 1838, at his baptism, of Diddington Place, Islington, Middlesex. Henry’s middle names reference his mother’s ancestors the Giffards (pronounced Jiffard), Emma Giffard being a descendent of a junior branch of the family which can be traced back to 970; Auton Giffard (now Aveton Giffard) was an ancient seat of the Giffards and all five sons of William and Emma were given the name Giffard. In 1841, of Diddington Place, Islington, living with his parents, his siblings William and Elizabeth, and Eliza MAYNARD, a servant. On 17 Mar 1846, admitted to Christ’s Hospital School in London from All Saints, Islington (presented by Henry PORCHER). In 1851, a boarding scholar at Christ's Hospital, parish of Christ Church, Newgate Street, London. On 5 Mar 1853, discharged from Christ’s Hospital School - “Henry Auton Giffard Sercombe is this day discharged from this Hospital for ever by his father, who resides at Victoria Cottage, Victoria Grove, Stoke Newington and will provide him a Master [signed by his father]” (from Christ’s Hospital archives).
[Christ’s Church Hospital in Newgate Street, was popularly known as the ‘Blue Coat School’. It was founded by Edward VI and accommodated about 1000 boys who received commercial or classical education. The uniform consisted of a blue coat with a narrow red leather girdle round the waist, yellow breeches and yellow stockings, a clergyman’s band at the neck, and a worsted cap.]
On 11 Jul 1854 at the age of 16, a merchant seaman, of London, sailing out on HMS 'Hotspur' and returning home on 27 Aug 1856 on HMS 'Trafalgar'.
[HMS Trafalgar, a 120-gun sailing ship, took part in the assault of Sebastopol in the Crimean War (1854-1856).]
At his marriage in 1859, a mariner, of Bermondsey; Mary was also of Bermondsey; the witnesses were John WISE and Benjamin PHILLIPS (who also witnessed the marriage of his brother Horatio 11 years later). When his wife Mary registered their daughter's birth on 24 Mar 1860, a mariner; Mary was of 7 Nile Terrace, Trafalgar Road, Peckham, Surrey. In 1861, Mary was living with her parents at 10 Edwin Place, Park Road, Peckham, together with her daughter Mary Emma. On 29 March 1869, Mary remarried Stephen BREED, by whom she had another four children, only one of whom survived infancy; she died aged 37 in 1874 at 5 Hatcham Rd, Peckham. It must be presumed that Henry had deserted Mary by 1861 (when we find her, with their child Mary Emma, living again with her parents) and that he may have been assumed, but not actually, dead or else permanently absent during the period 1861-1869, because there is evidence of his survival in naval records during the period 1874-76.
[In mid-nineteenth century England a missing husband was often assumed to have “gone abroad”. Absence overseas was potentially marital desertion, and in 1857 the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Act made desertion a matrimonial offence, and for over a generation there existed a partial separation order that gave all the civil rights of a single woman to a wife who satisfied her local magistrates that she had not only been deserted “without reasonable cause” but was maintaining herself. Since marriage still transferred to her husband a woman’s legal rights and liabilities with regard to money and property, a deserted wife was trapped in a legal limbo, unless she secured this legal remedy - as many did. In 1859, for example, 719 magistrates’ orders giving deserted wives this statutory “feme sole” status were registered. Also, if one party to a marriage disappeared for seven years it was generally assumed that the deserted one could marry again, though if the errant one returned, the first marriage took priority. Desertion and bigamy were not infrequent, but prosecutions were rare.]
On 27 May 1874, Henry is recorded as steward on the ship “Cambay” on its return to Liverpool from Calcutta; in the ship’s logbook under columns entitled “For General Conduct” and “For Ability in Seamanship”, where all other crew members are rated VG for both, Henry is rated G for the first category and “decline” for the second; his weekly wage on this voyage was £4. In 1874, in the same logbook one may see Henry’s signature, which is a fair match to that on his marriage certificate. In May 1876, steward on the ship “Staffa” from Cape Town to Glasgow. On 29 May 1876, a patient at the Dreadnought Seamen’s Hospital with an injured hand, from where he was discharged to convalesce on 27 July 1876. In 1884, at his daughter Mary Emma SERCOMBE’s marriage, Henry is recorded as (posth.) a steward.
[Only child of Henry Auton Giffard SERCOMBE and Mary Hannah KING]:
Mary Emma SERCOMBE, b. 30 Sep 1859 at 8 Alma Terrace, Mawbey Road, Peckham, b. reg. 24 Mar 1860 at Camberwell R.D., m. 14 Jun 1884 at All Saints, Newington, Surrey, m. reg. Q2 1884 at St. Saviour Southwark R.D., George TREE (b. ca. 1857 at Southwark, son of George TREE, a basket maker, and Priscilla BAKER; d. 1942 at Foots Cray, Kent, d. reg. Dec 1942 at Bromley, Kent); d. 11 Nov 1922 at Locksbottom House, Farnborough, d. reg. 13 Nov 1922 at Bromley R.D.
At her birth on 13 Sep 1859, Mary Emma was of 8 Alma Terrace, Mawbey Rd, Peckham. When her birth was registered on 24 March 1860, the informant was her mother whose address was 7 Nile Terrace, Trafalgar Rd, Peckham. In 1861, of 10 Edwin Place, Park Rd, Peckham, living with her mother Mary H SERCOMBE, her grandparents Richard KING, an accountant, and Mary KING, and their children Richard, a tobacconist, Albert, a grocer‘s assistant, Maria, Louisa, Walter and Frederick. In 1871, "visiting" the BREED family at 7 Samuel Place, Hatcham Road, Peckham (Stephen BREED’s wife Mary is Mary Emma’s mother, deserted and remarried). By 1871, at the age of 11, Mary Emma would have already known the TREE family and her future husband George TREE, then aged 13, who were living at 9 Samuel Place, Hatcham Rd, Peckham, next door to her mother and the BREED family (source: 1871 census). On 24 Dec 1876, a witness at the marriage of her uncle Frederick KING, her mother’s youngest brother who was just 7 years older than Mary Emma. On 22 Jan 1878, at the birth of her son Walter Stanley SERCOMBE, Mary Emma was of 4 Regent Square, St. Pancras, London, a 'Home of Hope' for fallen women; by this time she was orphaned (her mother had died in 1874 of “nervous exhaustion” and it must be presumed that her father Henry SERCOMBE had deserted the marriage by 1861) and she is recorded as a domestic servant on her son’s birth certificate.
[“Home of Hope - for the Restoration of Fallen and the Protection of Friendless Young Women” was a charity established in August 1860 in order to help the “less degraded class of penitent fallen women”, according to an early flyer. It was in Regent Square, London, occupying at first no. 6 and, by 1873, nos. 4–6, connected by a corridor. No. 4 Regent Square was opened specifically to house pregnant women until they gave birth, while no. 6 was set aside for women who had been rescued "before they fell". According to an advertisement in 1881, “Special efforts are made on behalf of mothers with their first infants, who are really the most hopeful class of the fallen, and are generally greatly to be pitied” (The Times, 22 February 1881). The Home apparently endeavoured to be pleasant rather than punitive; the women’s time was their own after 5pm each day, the furnishings comfortable, and the food “a good bourgeois table of roast and boiled”; all in all, “a home of comfort such as they may some day keep over their own heads, if they will be industrious and well conducted” (William Blanchard Jerrold, Signals of Distress, 1863). The houses in Regent Square, which form part of a terrace built in 1829, still exist and became listed buildings in 1974. (citation: UCL Bloomsbury Project)]
On 20 July 1878, when her baby Walter died at 5 months old, of 64 Philip Street, Battersea; the cause of death was given as diarrhoea and the informant was C. KIMPTON who was present at the death. In 1881, a housemaid in the household of William and Martha HARTZ at 38 Guildford Road, Lambeth, Surrey. At her marriage in 1884, of 6 Aylesbury Street, Newington; George was a basket maker, of 23 Hatcham Road, Camberwell; the witnesses were George TREE and Elizabeth Louisa TREE (who signed the registry with a mark). In 1891, of 1 Jubilee Cottages, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her husband George, a basket maker, their children George, James, Ernest, and May, and her ‘stepbrother’ Stephen BREED, a basket maker's apprentice (b. 20 May 1873 in Camberwell). On 2 March 1896, at the birth of her daughter Ulundi, of 1 New Town, Chislehurst Lower Boro. In 1901 she is recorded as head of household and a basket maker, of the Mission Room, Suffolk Road, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her children George H, a basket maker aged 16, James, a domestic house boy , Ernest J, May, Olive, Ulundi, Priscilla and Norah. In 1911 of 2 Woodfall Villas, Foots Cray, Kent, living with her husband George, a basket maker, and their children George Henry, a basket maker, Ulundi, a dressmaker, Priscilla, Norah and Eva Mary. In July 1918 she suffered a stroke which left her disabled and unable to speak. In 1921 her half-brother Stephen Walter BREED died at the age of 47, while Mary Emma was in hospital. At her death in 1922, of 27 Cray Road, Foots Cray, "wife of George Tree a Basket Maker"; the cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage, coma and heart failure; the informant was her sister-in-law A.E. BREED (Annie Eliza BREED nee PLUMB, wife of Stephen Walter BREED). On 2 Dec 1942, a receipt from Francis CHAPPELL & Sons addressed to her son Ernest Jack TREE for the funeral expenses of her husband George quotes an extra fee of £1 18s for his interment in a re-opened grave, which infers that he was buried with Mary Emma, probably at Foots Cray.
[Child of Mary Emma SERCOMBE and unknown father]:
[Children of Mary Emma SERCOMBE and George TREE]: