My home 100 years ago - 1921 Census results

 

 

Yesterday I was able to download copies of the 1921 census return for my home Woodford Road, Forest Gate, West Ham, London. It is a typical London "railway terrace" house which was split up into 2 flats in the late 1980s. The property was built in the 1870s. I think it was originally a "two up, two down". At some stage a two storey extension was built to the rear for the whole terrace row.

Some of the details I think have been misread by the scanners at "Findmypast.com" since the handwriting is very hard to read.

Interestingly in 1921 there was also 2 families living at my home.

The Baker/"Hanguharson" (or possibly "Farquharson") family. Widow mother Susannah (69), daughter “Florence?” (35), son in law William (35 who was a "LCC tram driver") and William the 14 year grandson. All born locally.

The other family were called Fox. Charles (56) was a "Coach builder Lawrence Bignold Road Forest Gate", his wife Emma (48) and son Charles (25) a "Messrs Ward Silvertown Engineers". Fox senior was from Birmingham while his wife and son were born locally.

I have no idea if both families rented or one was the lodger of the other. There was a number of multiple and intergenerational households in Woodford Road at this time. Some things have not changed over the years!

Census records are kept confidential for 100 years. It cost £3.50 download a scan of the actual census entry and £2.50 to download a written interpretation of the entry. You can get this information for free if you go physically to National Archive sites https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59879470

I am not at all superstitious (touch wood) and do not believe in ghosts but I do wonder about the lives of all the families who have lived in my home in the past. Watch this space for details of 1881, 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses.

Police, Camera, Action! Forest Gate Style

Off message but possibly a Citizen Journalist (blogging) post.

Yesterday evening at about 10.30pm I was at home in Forest Gate, London, when I heard a mass of Police sirens and looked outside of the window to count 17 Police cars and vans drive past along Woodford Road toward Wanstead chasing a car. I could hear a helicopter as well.

I thought this seemed a little excessive but thought well, I don't know the facts, but there is probably a good reason.

To my surprise a few minutes later the noise and flashing lights returned and I looked out again and saw that the Police had managed to stop the vehicle they had been chasing. The chase must have gone in a complete circle and the suspect vehicle appeared to have been boxed in by a Police Car while trying to drive along Woodford Road again (see photo to the right).

The Police taped off the road and later officers searched the roadway and I saw evidence bags being filled near the stopped car. I went to bed shortly afterwards. In the morning everything had gone and it was like nothing had ever happened.

I still don't know what was going on. Will check Newham Recorder next week.

London Marathon 2012 Week 22: Cattle in the City

Only 4 Sunday's to go before the London Marathon 2012 (22 April)! Run of the week was on Sunday when I did a double circuit of Wanstead flats and Wanstead Park for 2

hours. During which I did intermittent interval (or fartlek) training.

Due to work commitments I haven't been out as often as I should (only 4 times last week rather than 6) but I have kept all the endurance and sprint sessions. My left Achilles tender is much better (thanks to a brace and the
wobble board) but I still have a "niggle" in my left knee.

The training must have had some effect since people I meet ask if I have been on holiday lately? Since I apparently look "tanned and healthy". I tell them that I am training for a marathon and actually feel knackered and in pain for most of the time.

On my second circuit I ran past this "Warning Cattle" road sign Woodford Road. It is just a little bit out of date. When I first moved her in 1988 there use to be cattle roaming the flats since it was "common land". They also use to turn up in the front garden eating plants and hedges. Occasionally you had to rescue them from the local kids who would chase them down the street. It was amazing that in the midst of a great city you would see herds of cattle wondering around regardless of traffic. Sadly BSE and "foot and mouth" disease put an end to this. There are "plans" to reintroduce cattle (and sheep) which I hope one day will come to fruition.

 I am running the London Marathon for a charity set up to prevent young people becoming homeless and helping them if they do. Check out "Alone in London". Click here to sponsor me on the Justgiving website.