Shep's Place Family Tree

Thomas and Martha, both aged about 40 years, were living at Bishops Hatfield in Hertfordshire in 1841. Thomas, a carpenter, had five children to provide for: Augusta 15, Ann 13, Thomas six, George four and Susan six weeks. Martha's mother, Sarah Gutteridge, a schoolmistress aged 68, lived with them.

In 1851 when the English census was taken, Thomas ‎(52)‎ and Martha ‎(51)‎ Champion were still living in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, but Thomas's occupation had changed from carpenter to "clerk of works." Their children were Augusta 25, a school mistress; Ann 23, an upholstress; Thomas 15, a carpenter apprentice; George 13 and Susannah nine both scholars. It sounds as if the Champions were a hardworking and well-organized family.

Still clerk of works in 1861, Thomas and Martha are living in the Keeper's Lodge at Hatfield Park with George 23, carpenter; Susannah 19, needlewoman; Elizabeth Morton, one year granddaughter; and Amelia Hurrell, also one year and a granddaughter. To what do the Champions owe the pleasure of two baby girls? I hope that it wasn't something sad.

Thomas was not listed in the 1871 census in Hatfield, so I assume that he had died; however, Martha was there aged 69 and an annuitant. Living with her were Susannah 24, a governess; Augusta G. Morton ten, granddaughter; and William H. Pritchard, a lodger aged 26. William was an excise officer.