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Henry "Harry" Edward Bridgen (nee Ricketts)
Births Jun 1850 - RICKETTS Henry Edward Alverstoke 7 23
HENRY EDWARD RICKETTS
Christening: 16 JUN 1850 Alverstoke, Hampshire
Father: CHARLES RICKETTS (Probably Charles Bridgen pretending to be Amelia's husband)
Mother: AMELIAHarry's great nephew, John Bridgen, recalls that Harry possibly married 3 times to, Blanche, Frankie & Queenie. However, his first wife was Cecilia, but was probably known a Blanche. They named their daughter Blanche, and Harry refers to their mother as Blanche in a letter written in 1902.
In 1896 he married the much younger Frankie, and appears to have lowered his age, as he is shown aged 45 on the 1901 Census in Scotland.
John's notes, and a letter from Harry to his mother, can be found further down this page.
TIMELINE:
1850 - Born as Henry Edward RICKETTS at Alverstoke, Hampshire
1851 - Still named Ricketts & living at Alverstoke with grandparents, John & Amelia Ricketts
1861 - Living at Portsea with mother & probable father Amelia & Charles BRIDGEN
1871 - Writer in Royal Navy aboard the "Egmont" in Rio de Janeiro harbour, Brazil
1876 - Married Cecilia Wellington at Islington, London
1878 - Son, "Teddy", born in London
1881 - Refreshment manager at Railway Station, married to Cecilia.
1883 - Daughter, Blanche, born in London
1885 - Son, Gordon, born in London
1891 - Hotel manager in Liverpool, living with Cecilia, Charles, Blanche & Gordon
1896 - Married Frankie in London
1898 - Son, Gerald, born in district of Leeds, Yorkshire
1901 - Living in Scotland with Frankie, Blanche, Gordon & Gerald
1902 - Sent letter from Glasgow, Scotland to his mother
1921 - Living with Queenie as housekeeper
1925 - Probably died in district of Croydon, aged 76 (Mar qtr)
Marriages Dec 1896
Bridgen Henry Edward Pancras 1b 65
Cullum Frances Ellen Pancras 1b 65
Jackson Eliza Pancras 1b 65
Mather Thomas Bromley Pancras 1b 65The following marriage is another Henry, but is shown here to avoid red herrings:
Marriages Jun 1886
Bridgen Henry Edward Portsea I. 2b 811
Cooper Elizabeth Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Frederick Thomas Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Sarah Jane Portsea 2b 811
1851 Census: Dock Village, Alverstoke, Hampshire
John Ricketts, Head, Mar, 54, Greenwich pensioner, b. Gloucester
Amelia Ricketts, Daur, Un, 19, Laundress, b. Fratton, Portsmouth, Hants.
Edward Ricketts, Son, Un, 3, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Henry Ricketts, Grandson, Un, 1, b. Alverstoke, Hants.1861 Census: 24 Yorke Street, Portsea, Hampshire
Charles Bridgen, head, Mar, 30, Mechanical Dentist, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 29, b. Portsea, Hants.
Henry Bridgen, Son, 11, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Daur, 7, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Ellen Bridgen, Daur, 6, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Caroline Bridgen, Daur, 5, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Charles Bridgen, Son, 2, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
James Bridgen, Father, Mar, 80, Pensioner R.N., b. Portsea, Hants.1871 Census: Royal Navy vessel "Egmont", Harbour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - RG10/5780 Fol.148 p3
Henry E Bridgen, 22, Un, Writer 3d, b. Gosport, Hampshire1881 Census: N.L. Railway Station, Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, London, Middlesex
H.E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 31, Manager of Refreshment Rooms, b. Gosport, Hants.
C.C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 31, b. Portsea, Hants.
C.H.E. Bridgen, Son, Un, 2, b. Acton, Middlesex
+ 6 servants1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.
Notes from John Bridgen:
Harry Bridgen was born 1857/58. He was at one time manager of the conservative club in Liverpool. Subsequently he managed:
(1) the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, being dismissed "for advertising himself rather than the company"
(2) was steward of the Carlton Club, Wallbrook, London. According to Harold, Ernest Alfred Bridgen shocked Harry by being "too pally with the barmaid". By the first marriage to Blanche he had Teddy who became an architect in York, and Gordon. (The latter died early)John's notes indicate that Harry possibly had three wives. Blanche, Frankie and Queenie. Jessie considered that he had treated Frankie disgracefully. Harry had enjoyed a successful career in hotel management and by 1921 had a home with Queenie as housekeeper.
Ruby May, with husband Bernard Yorke, John's father with wife, Carry and Dinky called and were greeted by Queenie who was bent on letting them understand her premier status. Carry had intended to soften up Harry into easing the path for John's father to enter the hotel business. The atmosphere was first soured by the brush with Queenie and then by John's father evincing a degree of unacceptable left wing sympathies. That was apparently the last occasion on which John's parents visited Harry.
Letter from Harry to his mother in December 1902 (supplied from John Bridgen)
John believes he was given this letter by his uncle Harold, who was writing on 7 Dec 1902 at the age of approximately 45. The letter had been stuck together with sello-tape and in places is not legible.It is interesting in the information it gives of medical attitudes, knowledge, understanding and practice a hundred years ago and also perhaps in some evidence of sentimentality, a quality John recollects in his own father and perhaps in other older generation Bridgens in our segment of the family.
John quotes as much of it as is decipherable, and suggests that we cannot but deduce something of his unhappiness in marriage, first with Blanche’s boys and later with Frankie’s mental troubles:
11,Charing Cross Mansions
St George’s Road,
Glasgow.7 Dec 1902
My dear Mother,
It was a year ago and I was in bed on your birthday. I remember the Sunday well. I hope you are not feeling worse than you were then, but I know there has been a cold snap in London which has found its way down here, and we are daily waiting for it now. I got Frank to make you the cap herewith, the only souvenir I can manage for I am hard up and getting out of debt all the time. I know that I am only like a good number of others, but it’s not much satisfaction to me. However no-one is likely to help me so I must go as I am going.I had looked for Gordon’s return in November when he would come contributing but that hasn’t come off. The only thing in front is to try and make a move where I can get better pay. Then I have to think of age, and so if I went on with this line of thought I should want a band with slow music and the lights turned down, just to make the picture a little more melancholic.
I think indigestion has some thing to do with it, that is the mental picture, but that will pass like ships “in the night”. I have less anxiety in that Frank is quite herself and her probation is over. I hope she may never need to be looked after again in a similar way.(something indecipherable) You have had your own troubles too, but I suppose like the rest of us you have squeezed a little pleasure out of life sometimes.
If only my boys of Blanche were affectionate, I should take the future lighter I know, but they are deficient in disposition at least towards me, and that is one of the deepest troubles I have, you will know what that means, but I am glad to think that though distance has separated you and me, nothing else has really ever separated us. I often wish we were nearer, but fate wills it otherwise. However I hope you will be spared for years yet and come the summer again we will hope to meet again. Take care of cold air suddenly, and try not to worry over anyone, it only does harm and never does any good.
You will get more good wishes but none sincerer than mine that you may still live in freedom from distress and sickness, and that the memory will always be with us of the kindness and self denial you have exercised towards us all, more or less sinners and not saints, and that none can ever forget you, certainly never will
Your loving son
Harry.
Cecilia "Blanche" Charlotte Mary Wellington
Harry's great nephew, John Bridgen, recalls that Harry possibly married 3 times to, Blanche, Frankie & Queenie. However, his first wife was Cecilia, but was probably known a Blanche. They named their daughter Blanche, and Harry refers to their mother as Blanche in a letter written in 1902.
Births Mar 1847 - Wellington Cecilia Charlotte Mary Portsea 7
Deaths Mar 1896 - Bridgen Cecilia Charlotte M 46 Tunbridge 2a 414
1861 Census: 4 Elm Grove, Portsea, Hants.
Margaret Wellington, Head, Wid, Married widow R.N., b. Plymouth, Devon
Margaret E. Wellington, Daur, Un, 17, b. Southsea, Hants.
Cecilia C. Wellington, Daur, Un, 13, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Philippa Wellington, Daur, Un, 11, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Chas E. Wellington, Son, Un, 9, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Louisa I. Wellington, Daur, Un, 5, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Charlotte Maitland, Sister, Un, 46, b. Plymouth, Devon
Isabella Maitland, Sister, Un, 32, b. Portsmouth, Hants.1881 Census: N.L. Railway Station, Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, London, Middlesex
H.E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 31, Manager of Refreshment Rooms, b. Gosport, Hants.
C.C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 31, b. Portsea, Hants.
C.H.E. Bridgen, Son, Un, 2, b. Acton, Middlesex
+ 6 servants1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France
Births Jun 1883
Bridgen Blanche Julia London C 1c 1The following marriage is probably Blanche Ethel Bridgen, and connected.
Marriages Mar 1912
Bridgen Blanche E Curtis Hackney 1b 516
Curtis Robert I T Bridgen Hackney 1b 516
1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.
1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.Gordon died in 1919 aged 33, at Brighton, West Sussex
Henry "Harry" Edward Bridgen (nee Ricketts)
Births Jun 1850 - RICKETTS Henry Edward Alverstoke 7 23
HENRY EDWARD RICKETTS
Christening: 16 JUN 1850 Alverstoke, Hampshire
Father: CHARLES RICKETTS (Probably Charles Bridgen pretending to be Amelia's husband)
Mother: AMELIAHarry's great nephew, John Bridgen, recalls that Harry possibly married 3 times to, Blanche, Frankie & Queenie. However, his first wife was Cecilia, but was probably known a Blanche. They named their daughter Blanche, and Harry refers to their mother as Blanche in a letter written in 1902.
In 1896 he married the much younger Frankie, and appears to have lowered his age, as he is shown aged 45 on the 1901 Census in Scotland.
John's notes, and a letter from Harry to his mother, can be found further down this page.
TIMELINE:
1850 - Born as Henry Edward RICKETTS at Alverstoke, Hampshire
1851 - Still named Ricketts & living at Alverstoke with grandparents, John & Amelia Ricketts
1861 - Living at Portsea with mother & probable father Amelia & Charles BRIDGEN
1871 - Writer in Royal Navy aboard the "Egmont" in Rio de Janeiro harbour, Brazil
1876 - Married Cecilia Wellington at Islington, London
1878 - Son, "Teddy", born in London
1881 - Refreshment manager at Railway Station, married to Cecilia.
1883 - Daughter, Blanche, born in London
1885 - Son, Gordon, born in London
1891 - Hotel manager in Liverpool, living with Cecilia, Charles, Blanche & Gordon
1896 - Married Frankie in London
1898 - Son, Gerald, born in district of Leeds, Yorkshire
1901 - Living in Scotland with Frankie, Blanche, Gordon & Gerald
1902 - Sent letter from Glasgow, Scotland to his mother
1921 - Living with Queenie as housekeeper
1925 - Probably died in district of Croydon, aged 76 (Mar qtr)
Marriages Dec 1896
Bridgen Henry Edward Pancras 1b 65
Cullum Frances Ellen Pancras 1b 65
Jackson Eliza Pancras 1b 65
Mather Thomas Bromley Pancras 1b 65The following marriage is another Henry, but is shown here to avoid red herrings:
Marriages Jun 1886
Bridgen Henry Edward Portsea I. 2b 811
Cooper Elizabeth Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Frederick Thomas Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Sarah Jane Portsea 2b 811
1851 Census: Dock Village, Alverstoke, Hampshire
John Ricketts, Head, Mar, 54, Greenwich pensioner, b. Gloucester
Amelia Ricketts, Daur, Un, 19, Laundress, b. Fratton, Portsmouth, Hants.
Edward Ricketts, Son, Un, 3, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Henry Ricketts, Grandson, Un, 1, b. Alverstoke, Hants.1861 Census: 24 Yorke Street, Portsea, Hampshire
Charles Bridgen, head, Mar, 30, Mechanical Dentist, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 29, b. Portsea, Hants.
Henry Bridgen, Son, 11, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Daur, 7, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Ellen Bridgen, Daur, 6, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Caroline Bridgen, Daur, 5, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Charles Bridgen, Son, 2, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
James Bridgen, Father, Mar, 80, Pensioner R.N., b. Portsea, Hants.1871 Census: Royal Navy vessel "Egmont", Harbour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - RG10/5780 Fol.148 p3
Henry E Bridgen, 22, Un, Writer 3d, b. Gosport, Hampshire1881 Census: N.L. Railway Station, Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, London, Middlesex
H.E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 31, Manager of Refreshment Rooms, b. Gosport, Hants.
C.C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 31, b. Portsea, Hants.
C.H.E. Bridgen, Son, Un, 2, b. Acton, Middlesex
+ 6 servants1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.
Notes from John Bridgen:
Harry Bridgen was born 1857/58. He was at one time manager of the conservative club in Liverpool. Subsequently he managed:
(1) the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, being dismissed "for advertising himself rather than the company"
(2) was steward of the Carlton Club, Wallbrook, London. According to Harold, Ernest Alfred Bridgen shocked Harry by being "too pally with the barmaid". By the first marriage to Blanche he had Teddy who became an architect in York, and Gordon. (The latter died early)John's notes indicate that Harry possibly had three wives. Blanche, Frankie and Queenie. Jessie considered that he had treated Frankie disgracefully. Harry had enjoyed a successful career in hotel management and by 1921 had a home with Queenie as housekeeper.
Ruby May, with husband Bernard Yorke, John's father with wife, Carry and Dinky called and were greeted by Queenie who was bent on letting them understand her premier status. Carry had intended to soften up Harry into easing the path for John's father to enter the hotel business. The atmosphere was first soured by the brush with Queenie and then by John's father evincing a degree of unacceptable left wing sympathies. That was apparently the last occasion on which John's parents visited Harry.
Letter from Harry to his mother in December 1902 (supplied from John Bridgen)
John believes he was given this letter by his uncle Harold, who was writing on 7 Dec 1902 at the age of approximately 45. The letter had been stuck together with sello-tape and in places is not legible.It is interesting in the information it gives of medical attitudes, knowledge, understanding and practice a hundred years ago and also perhaps in some evidence of sentimentality, a quality John recollects in his own father and perhaps in other older generation Bridgens in our segment of the family.
John quotes as much of it as is decipherable, and suggests that we cannot but deduce something of his unhappiness in marriage, first with Blanche’s boys and later with Frankie’s mental troubles:
11,Charing Cross Mansions
St George’s Road,
Glasgow.7 Dec 1902
My dear Mother,
It was a year ago and I was in bed on your birthday. I remember the Sunday well. I hope you are not feeling worse than you were then, but I know there has been a cold snap in London which has found its way down here, and we are daily waiting for it now. I got Frank to make you the cap herewith, the only souvenir I can manage for I am hard up and getting out of debt all the time. I know that I am only like a good number of others, but it’s not much satisfaction to me. However no-one is likely to help me so I must go as I am going.I had looked for Gordon’s return in November when he would come contributing but that hasn’t come off. The only thing in front is to try and make a move where I can get better pay. Then I have to think of age, and so if I went on with this line of thought I should want a band with slow music and the lights turned down, just to make the picture a little more melancholic.
I think indigestion has some thing to do with it, that is the mental picture, but that will pass like ships “in the night”. I have less anxiety in that Frank is quite herself and her probation is over. I hope she may never need to be looked after again in a similar way.(something indecipherable) You have had your own troubles too, but I suppose like the rest of us you have squeezed a little pleasure out of life sometimes.
If only my boys of Blanche were affectionate, I should take the future lighter I know, but they are deficient in disposition at least towards me, and that is one of the deepest troubles I have, you will know what that means, but I am glad to think that though distance has separated you and me, nothing else has really ever separated us. I often wish we were nearer, but fate wills it otherwise. However I hope you will be spared for years yet and come the summer again we will hope to meet again. Take care of cold air suddenly, and try not to worry over anyone, it only does harm and never does any good.
You will get more good wishes but none sincerer than mine that you may still live in freedom from distress and sickness, and that the memory will always be with us of the kindness and self denial you have exercised towards us all, more or less sinners and not saints, and that none can ever forget you, certainly never will
Your loving son
Harry.
Frances "Frankie" Ellen Cullum
1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.
Henry "Harry" Edward Bridgen (nee Ricketts)
Births Jun 1850 - RICKETTS Henry Edward Alverstoke 7 23
HENRY EDWARD RICKETTS
Christening: 16 JUN 1850 Alverstoke, Hampshire
Father: CHARLES RICKETTS (Probably Charles Bridgen pretending to be Amelia's husband)
Mother: AMELIAHarry's great nephew, John Bridgen, recalls that Harry possibly married 3 times to, Blanche, Frankie & Queenie. However, his first wife was Cecilia, but was probably known a Blanche. They named their daughter Blanche, and Harry refers to their mother as Blanche in a letter written in 1902.
In 1896 he married the much younger Frankie, and appears to have lowered his age, as he is shown aged 45 on the 1901 Census in Scotland.
John's notes, and a letter from Harry to his mother, can be found further down this page.
TIMELINE:
1850 - Born as Henry Edward RICKETTS at Alverstoke, Hampshire
1851 - Still named Ricketts & living at Alverstoke with grandparents, John & Amelia Ricketts
1861 - Living at Portsea with mother & probable father Amelia & Charles BRIDGEN
1871 - Writer in Royal Navy aboard the "Egmont" in Rio de Janeiro harbour, Brazil
1876 - Married Cecilia Wellington at Islington, London
1878 - Son, "Teddy", born in London
1881 - Refreshment manager at Railway Station, married to Cecilia.
1883 - Daughter, Blanche, born in London
1885 - Son, Gordon, born in London
1891 - Hotel manager in Liverpool, living with Cecilia, Charles, Blanche & Gordon
1896 - Married Frankie in London
1898 - Son, Gerald, born in district of Leeds, Yorkshire
1901 - Living in Scotland with Frankie, Blanche, Gordon & Gerald
1902 - Sent letter from Glasgow, Scotland to his mother
1921 - Living with Queenie as housekeeper
1925 - Probably died in district of Croydon, aged 76 (Mar qtr)
Marriages Dec 1896
Bridgen Henry Edward Pancras 1b 65
Cullum Frances Ellen Pancras 1b 65
Jackson Eliza Pancras 1b 65
Mather Thomas Bromley Pancras 1b 65The following marriage is another Henry, but is shown here to avoid red herrings:
Marriages Jun 1886
Bridgen Henry Edward Portsea I. 2b 811
Cooper Elizabeth Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Frederick Thomas Portsea 2b 811
PUZEY Sarah Jane Portsea 2b 811
1851 Census: Dock Village, Alverstoke, Hampshire
John Ricketts, Head, Mar, 54, Greenwich pensioner, b. Gloucester
Amelia Ricketts, Daur, Un, 19, Laundress, b. Fratton, Portsmouth, Hants.
Edward Ricketts, Son, Un, 3, Scholar, b. Southsea, Hants.
Henry Ricketts, Grandson, Un, 1, b. Alverstoke, Hants.1861 Census: 24 Yorke Street, Portsea, Hampshire
Charles Bridgen, head, Mar, 30, Mechanical Dentist, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 29, b. Portsea, Hants.
Henry Bridgen, Son, 11, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Amelia Bridgen, Daur, 7, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Ellen Bridgen, Daur, 6, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Caroline Bridgen, Daur, 5, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
Charles Bridgen, Son, 2, Scholar, b. Portsea, Hants.
James Bridgen, Father, Mar, 80, Pensioner R.N., b. Portsea, Hants.1871 Census: Royal Navy vessel "Egmont", Harbour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - RG10/5780 Fol.148 p3
Henry E Bridgen, 22, Un, Writer 3d, b. Gosport, Hampshire1881 Census: N.L. Railway Station, Liverpool Street, Bishopsgate, London, Middlesex
H.E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 31, Manager of Refreshment Rooms, b. Gosport, Hants.
C.C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 31, b. Portsea, Hants.
C.H.E. Bridgen, Son, Un, 2, b. Acton, Middlesex
+ 6 servants1891 Census: ---- Railway Hotel, Lime Street, Liverpool, Lancashire (St. Simon's)
Henry E. Bridgen, Head, Mar, 41, Hotel Manager, b. Gosport, Hants.
Cecelia C. Bridgen, Wife, Mar, 35, Hotel Manageress, b. Portsmouth, Hants.
Charles H.E. Bridgen, Son, 12?, Scholar, b. Acton, Middlesex
Blanche J. Bridgen, Daur, 8, b. London City
Gordon W. Bridgen, Son, 5, b. London City
Jane King, Serv, Un, 29, Nurse domestic, b. Finningham, Suffolk
Antoinette Mandier, Serv, Un, 21, Governess school, b. Troyes, France1901 Census: Scotland (Index Only)
Henry Bridgen, 45
Frances Bridgen, 31
Blanche Bridgen, 18
Gordon Bridgen, 16
Gerald Bridgen, 3
NOTE: These are the only Bridgens on the Scottish 1901 Index.
Notes from John Bridgen:
Harry Bridgen was born 1857/58. He was at one time manager of the conservative club in Liverpool. Subsequently he managed:
(1) the Adelphi Hotel in Liverpool, being dismissed "for advertising himself rather than the company"
(2) was steward of the Carlton Club, Wallbrook, London. According to Harold, Ernest Alfred Bridgen shocked Harry by being "too pally with the barmaid". By the first marriage to Blanche he had Teddy who became an architect in York, and Gordon. (The latter died early)John's notes indicate that Harry possibly had three wives. Blanche, Frankie and Queenie. Jessie considered that he had treated Frankie disgracefully. Harry had enjoyed a successful career in hotel management and by 1921 had a home with Queenie as housekeeper.
Ruby May, with husband Bernard Yorke, John's father with wife, Carry and Dinky called and were greeted by Queenie who was bent on letting them understand her premier status. Carry had intended to soften up Harry into easing the path for John's father to enter the hotel business. The atmosphere was first soured by the brush with Queenie and then by John's father evincing a degree of unacceptable left wing sympathies. That was apparently the last occasion on which John's parents visited Harry.
Letter from Harry to his mother in December 1902 (supplied from John Bridgen)
John believes he was given this letter by his uncle Harold, who was writing on 7 Dec 1902 at the age of approximately 45. The letter had been stuck together with sello-tape and in places is not legible.It is interesting in the information it gives of medical attitudes, knowledge, understanding and practice a hundred years ago and also perhaps in some evidence of sentimentality, a quality John recollects in his own father and perhaps in other older generation Bridgens in our segment of the family.
John quotes as much of it as is decipherable, and suggests that we cannot but deduce something of his unhappiness in marriage, first with Blanche’s boys and later with Frankie’s mental troubles:
11,Charing Cross Mansions
St George’s Road,
Glasgow.7 Dec 1902
My dear Mother,
It was a year ago and I was in bed on your birthday. I remember the Sunday well. I hope you are not feeling worse than you were then, but I know there has been a cold snap in London which has found its way down here, and we are daily waiting for it now. I got Frank to make you the cap herewith, the only souvenir I can manage for I am hard up and getting out of debt all the time. I know that I am only like a good number of others, but it’s not much satisfaction to me. However no-one is likely to help me so I must go as I am going.I had looked for Gordon’s return in November when he would come contributing but that hasn’t come off. The only thing in front is to try and make a move where I can get better pay. Then I have to think of age, and so if I went on with this line of thought I should want a band with slow music and the lights turned down, just to make the picture a little more melancholic.
I think indigestion has some thing to do with it, that is the mental picture, but that will pass like ships “in the night”. I have less anxiety in that Frank is quite herself and her probation is over. I hope she may never need to be looked after again in a similar way.(something indecipherable) You have had your own troubles too, but I suppose like the rest of us you have squeezed a little pleasure out of life sometimes.
If only my boys of Blanche were affectionate, I should take the future lighter I know, but they are deficient in disposition at least towards me, and that is one of the deepest troubles I have, you will know what that means, but I am glad to think that though distance has separated you and me, nothing else has really ever separated us. I often wish we were nearer, but fate wills it otherwise. However I hope you will be spared for years yet and come the summer again we will hope to meet again. Take care of cold air suddenly, and try not to worry over anyone, it only does harm and never does any good.
You will get more good wishes but none sincerer than mine that you may still live in freedom from distress and sickness, and that the memory will always be with us of the kindness and self denial you have exercised towards us all, more or less sinners and not saints, and that none can ever forget you, certainly never will
Your loving son
Harry.
Notes from John Bridgen:
Harry's third wife Queenie had run a second hand clothes shop in Walsall and had a daughter Kathleen who in due course married Gerald. Harold referred to Gerald as having married Queenie who he said had nursed Uncle Harry. You will note that there is some confusion on this matter.
Charles' great grandson, John Bridgen, recalls that Charles and his wife were thought to have died together in a railway accident in or about 1877 and to have been buried at Liskeard, Cornwall, but his investigations drew a blank.
1841 Census: Pepper Street, St Saviour, Southwark, Surrey - HO107/1088/9/F43
Michael Smith, 45, J. Sawyer, b. Surrey
Mary Smith, 41, b. Surrey
William Smith, 15, Labourer, b. Surrey
Samuel Smith, 7, b. Surrey
Charles Smith, 5, b. Surrey
Merryal Smith, 3, b. Surrey
Thomas Smith, 10 months, b. Surrey
NOTE: Most of Charles' neighbours, in 1841, are Hat makers.1851 Census: 28 Pepper Street, St Saviour, Southwark, Surrey
Michael Smith, Head, Mar, 55, Sawyer, b. Bermondsey, Surrey
Elizabeth Smith, Wife, Mar, 52, Beaver Picker, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
Samuel Smith, Son, Un, 17, Iron Moulder, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
Charles Smith, Son, Un, 15, Hatter, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
Maria Smith, Daur, Un, 13, Scholar, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
Thomas Smith, Son, Un, 10, Scholar, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
Edward Smith, Son, Un, 4, Scholar, b. St. Saviour, Surrey
George Hubbard?, Visitor, Un, 20, Brewer's servant, b. Camberwell, Surrey1861 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Francis A. Snell, Head, Un, Female, 35, Housekeeper, b. Liskeard, Cornwall (Shoud be Frances)
Ellen H. Snell, Wife, Mar?, Female, 27, Machinist, b. Liskeard, Cornwall (Should be unmarried sister)
Charles P. Smith, Lodger, Un?, 25, Hatter body maker, b. St Saviour Southwark1871 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Charles Smith, Head, Mar, 35, Hatter, b. Southwark, Surrey
Frances A. Smith, Wife, Mar, 45, b. Cornwall
Herbert Smith, Son, Un, 4, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
William Lloyd, Nephew, Un, 7, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
Ellen H. Snell, Sister-in-law, Un, 34, Machinist, b. Liskeard, Cornwall
Possible marriage:
Marriages Dec 1866
SMITH Charles P Tisbury 5a 471
HARRIS Elizabeth A Tisbury 5a 471King Charles Tisbury 5a 471
EDWARDS Septima L Tisbury 5a 471
(Charles & Septima King are on the 1881 Census at Tilsbury)Deaths Sep 1874
SMITH Charles Pear, aged 37, St. Geo. East 1c 298Jessie (Charles' daughter in 1881)
NOTE: Commercial Road East is in Stepney
1881 Census: 3 Grafton Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Edmund Snell, Head, Mar, 56, Outdoor Officer H.M. Customs, b. Liskeard, Cornwall
Elizabeth A. Snell, Wife, 57, b. Mile End, Middlesex
Jessie Smith, Niece, Un, 16, b. Commercial Road East, MiddlesexProbable marriage of Edmund & Elizabeth:
Marriages Mar 1858
Lee Elizabeth Ann - Mile End 1c 737
Snell Edmund - Mile End 1c 737Probably no connection:
1881 census: H.M.S. Duke Of Wellington" Portsmouth Harbour
Charles P. SMITH Occ: Sun Lieutenant (no age given)
Possibly Edmund Snell in 1841
1841 Census: North Church Street, Liskeard, Cornwall - HO107/153/10 F30 p.5&6
SNELL Edmund, M, 45, Inn Keeper, b. Cornwall
SNELL Ann, F, 40, b. (Not Cornwall)
SNELL Edmund, M, 15, Tailor Aprentice, b. Cornwall
SNELL Mary, F, 11, b. Cornwall
SNELL Jane, F, 8, b. Cornwall
SNELL Ellen, F, 5, b. Cornwall
HARRIS James, M, 30, Blacksmith, b. Cornwall
MITCHELL Richard, M, 25, Copper Miner, b. Cornwall
MARTYN Thomas, M, 25, Copper Miner, b. Cornwall
OPPY John, M, 20, Copper Miner, b. Cornwall
1851 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Frances Ann Snell, Head, Un, 24, Daughter of Tide Waiter b. Liskeard, Cornwall
Jane Ann Snell, Sister, Un, 19, Daughter of Tide Waiter b. Liskeard, Cornwall
Ellen Snell, Sister, 14, Daughter of Tide Waiter b. Liskeard, Cornwall
Jas Parkins, Visitor, Un, 21, Capenter, b. Liskeard, Cornwall1861 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Francis A. Snell, Head, Un, Female, 35, Housekeeper, b. Liskeard, Cornwall (Shoud be Frances)
Ellen H. Snell, Wife, Mar?, Female, 27, Machinist, b. Liskeard, Cornwall (Should be unmarried sister)
Charles P. Smith, Lodger, Un?, 25, Hatter body maker, b. St Saviour Southwark1871 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Charles Smith, Head, Mar, 35, Hatter, b. Southwark, Surrey
Frances A. Smith, Wife, Mar, 45, b. Cornwall
Herbert Smith, Son, Un, 4, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
William Lloyd, Nephew, Un, 7, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
Ellen H. Snell, Sister-in-law, Un, 34, Machinist, b. Liskeard, Cornwall
NOTES: from John Bridgen
My paternal grandmother (Jessie) was immensely fond of her brother, Herbert Smith, who owned a drapery in Ilkeston and was grandmaster of a masonic lodge, he and his wife being most puritanical in that never a profane word was uttered in their presence and having their own pew in church.
1871 Census: 28 Havering Street, Stepney, London, Middlesex
Charles Smith, Head, Mar, 35, Hatter, b. Southwark, Surrey
Frances A. Smith, Wife, Mar, 45, b. Cornwall
Herbert Smith, Son, Un, 4, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
William Lloyd, Nephew, Un, 7, Scholar, b. Stepney, Middlesex
Ellen H. Snell, Sister-in-law, Un, 34, Machinist, b. Liskeard, Cornwall1881 Census: 133 Goldsmith Row, London, Middlesex
William GAYLER, Head, M, 29, Newport, Essex, Draper
Elizabeth Westcott GAYLER, Wife, M, 30, S Moulton, Devon
Mariah Eleanor GAYLER, Daur, U, 8, Hoxton, Scholar,
William Edward GAYLER, Son, U, 6, Newport, Essex, Scholar
Herbert Passmore GAYLER, Son, U, 1, Shoreditch
Elizabeth Mary GAYLER, Daur, U, 2 m, Shoreditch,
David GAYLER, Brother, U, 17, Newport, Essex, Assistant Draper
Florence Lucy HALLS, Servt, U, 22, Sandgate, Assistant Draper
Jane Gifford WAIT, Servt, U, 17, Bethnal Green, Assistant Draper
Elizabeth Maria MODE, Servt, U, 23, Cambridge, Servant (Dom)
Emma Isabella DOBBS, Servt, U, 17, Haggerston, (Dom) Servant
Herbert SMITH, Servt, U, 14, Stepney, Apprentice Draper
Arthur BANCUTT, Servt, 21, Tottenham, Porter
Free BMD: Jun qtr 1894 - Bridgen Harold Ernest - Portsea 2b 485
Harold was director of J.R.Martin & Co.Ltd., Merchant Shippers, 31 Budge Row,Cannon St., London EC. to 1947, and Thomson Savage Clothing (Pty) Ltd.,Durban, 1947 to 1964
NOTES: from his son Robert (Bob) June 2002.
Harold Ernest Bridgen was born 1894. He fought in the 1st world war.
Apart from Bob's sister, the family emigrated to Durban in 1948. Babs later joined them about 1950.
NOTES: from John Bridgen (nephew)
Harold served throughout WW1 in the Royal Corps of Signals. When I joined him in Durban in 1965 he gave me a session in which he got out all his old maps, photographs and papers and talked of his experiences. - going forward under sniper fire to achieve telecommunications with the front line, running out the wiring as he went, all this at that possibly worst of all hell-holes, Passchaendale.Dick, my elder brother, who likewise had talked with Harold and who himself had fought through the Italian campaign in WW2, was convinced that Harold should be rated a hero.
Harold and my father had derived from their father’s brief service career in the 12th Lancers (and also from the habits ingrained in WW1) a fetish that all males should when out for a walk keep in step. I recall walking with Harold, when he was visiting this country in his 80s, when he was constantly changing his step. It was ages before I tumbled to what it was all about. I had forgotten that my father did exactly the same although he would have imposed the burden on his sons rather than himself have to conform to their pace. I was pouring through my photograph album recently and found to my amusement that Ernest, Harold and Jack and another man were all in step with each other as they walked along the sea-front. In Whitehall when passing the cenotaph my father would insist on a smart ‘eyes right’ or ‘left’ as the case may be.
NOTES: from Tim Gray (cousin)
Tim's Mother remained in contact with her cousin Harold Bridgen and it was his influence that persuaded Tim's family to from the U.K. to Durban, after having returned from India in 1946 to very little for his Father, who had been a Tea and Rubber Plantation Manager before being called up in 1940. Harold had moved from a position in the City to become a Director of Thomson Savage, a large Clothing company in Durban.
Tim remembers him as a very fit, genial man, cheerful, friendly and sympathetic, promoting life. A prolific reader who always seemed to have a book under his arm !
1901 census: 24 Tooting Bec Road, Streatham, London (Postcard c.1895)
Ernest A. Bridgen, Head, M, 32, Engineers Asst Telephone, b. abt.1869 Southsea, Hants
Jessie Bridgen, Wife, M, 35, b. abt.1866 Commercial Road, London
Harold E. Bridgen, Son, 7, b. abt.1894 Southsea, Hants
Ruby M. Bridgen, Daur, 6, b. abt.1895 London, Lavender Hill SW
Jack Bridgen, Son, 8 mnths, b. abt.1900 Balham, London
Amelia Bridgen, Mother, Wid, 69, Living On Own Means, b. abt.1832 Gosport, Hants
Lily Burgess, Serv, S, 14, Domestic servant, Tooting, London
Births Jun 1894 - Purcell Cecelia Rose M St. Saviour 1d 29
1901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.J. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
Marriages Dec 1889
BRIGHAM Frederick Sidney T St. Olave 1d 634
LORD Mary Ann I St. Olave 1d 634
Purcell Joseph George St.Olave 1d 634
Teal Mary St. Olave 1d 6341881 Census: 15 Albion Street, Rotherhithe, Surrey
Joseph H. PURCELL, M, 33, Maidstone, Kent, Beadle Boro Market (Munic)
Emma PURCELL, M, 31, Rotherhithe, Surrey
Joseph G. PURCELL, 11, Rotherhithe, Surrey, Scholar
Frederick C. PURCELL, 5, Rotherhithe, Surrey, Scholar
Henry V. PURCELL, 1, Rotherhithe, Surrey
Emma HORNSBY, W, 62, Goudhurst, Kent, Monthly Nurse
Clara HORNSBY, U, 22, Rotherhithe, Surrey, Machinist1901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.I. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
Births Mar 1868 - Lord Mary Ann I Bermondsey 1d 63
Marriages Dec 1889
BRIGHAM Frederick Sidney T St. Olave 1d 634
LORD Mary Ann I St. Olave 1d 634
Purcell Joseph George St.Olave 1d 634
Teal Mary St. Olave 1d 6341901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.I. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
1901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.I. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
1901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.I. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
1901 Census: 47 Brockley Grove, Lewisham, London
Joseph G. Purcell, Head, Mar, 31, Journalist, b. Rotherhithe, London
Mary A.I. Purcell, Wife, Mar, 32, b. Bermondsey, London
Arthur H. Purcell, Son, Un, 10, b. St. Saviour, London
Reginald F.F. Purcell, Son, Un, 9, b. Newington, London
Cecelia R.M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 7, b. Newington, London
Stanley J. Purcell, Son, Un, 5, b. Brockley, London
Stella M. Purcell, Daur, Un, 10 months, b. Brockley, London
NOTES: from Robert Bridgen (brother)
David Eric Bridgen, born about Jan 1923, Naval officer in the war and died in the '50's. He married a Dutch girl Marianne, who now lives in Holland and has a daughter May in England who is married but has no childrenNOTES: from John Bridgen (1st cousin)
When staying in Durban with Harold and Cecelia, on my departure from colonial service in Tanganyika in December 1965, I spoke to David, in Bulawayo, on the phone and at that time we had no idea that death was imminent. He died in early 1966.His wife was a Dutch girl (as distinct from Afrikaaner). David was working in the then Rhodesia. Her name is Marike – maiden name unknown. Their daughter is Janneke May