Today, I'm thinking about the life and times of my great grandparents, Albert Weston and Annie Gadd, who married on this day in 1877 in Etchingham, Sussex, England. Their marriage was witnessed by Philip Goodwin and Louisa Keely, Annie's mother's sister.
In this year Anna Sewell's novel, Black Beauty, was published. Were they readers like me?
That year also witnessed the devastating Blantyre Mining disaster in Scotland, which left 92 widows and 250 fatherless children. Although the Westons were not miners, this tragic event adds to our family's historical connection to the coal industry through Frank Weston, a coalman. He was my grandfather and Albert and Annie's son. The mining disasters of the time remind us of the harsh realities faced by many working families in the 19th century.
Albert and Annie were both born in Etchingham. Between 1886 and 1891, they moved to Salehurst, living at Park Farm with their four children and Annie's parents. By 1901, they had relocated to Redlands Farm in Salehurst, where Albert worked as a carter. This move from Etchingham to Salehurst and the subsequent shifts within the village reflect the mobility and adaptability required by rural families during that period. Between 1921 and 1931, they moved once more, this time to Lodge Farm, where Albert passed away. Annie lived for another year and died at 3 Council Cottages in Robertsbridge. Their journey from one farm to another signifies the agrarian lifestyle that was their existence.
On this day in 1864, the Clifton Suspension Bridge was opened. While it is unlikely that Albert and Annie ever traveled over this iconic bridge, as they were simple country folk, it stands as a testament to the engineering marvels of their era.
Fast forward to the same day in 1980, and we find a family coincidence. Nearly fifty years after the deaths of Albert and Annie, their great great grandson was born in England, though far from Sussex. This date also marks the tragic death of John Lennon, a significant cultural figure whose influence on music and society was profound.
You can find out a little more about Albert and Annie here and see a photo of them.
One of my Cumbrian ancestors was killed in a mining accident. I have such admiration and respect for the women left behind who had to raise their children on their home with no financial aid. My oldest son was born on this day. Thank you.
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