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Army Valet c. 1870 ?

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Susan

Susan Report 8 Jun 2008 21:56

Have been told that a relative (Richard Purkess b. 1826, Minstead, New Forest) was valet to Lord William Paulet (b. 1804) who fought in the Crimean War, was Adjutant-General (Durham Light Infantry) and later was made Field Marshall. There may (or not !) be some truth in this. Certainly, they were both living in the same quarters (18 St. James' Square) in 1891, in separate apartments (building was an ex. army residence).

Richard Purkess was in service for his whole life and I've tracked him down at various houses (usually as butler) in 1851, 1861 and 1881. There is no evidence he was ever in the army. So, could he still have been a valet to someone in the army, at one of the highest ranks ?

I'm now hoping to research at TNA next week to see if I can find out any more. Can anyone offer advice ? If Richard was a valet, would he feature in separate records there or would I find details under Lord William Paulet ? Trying to get one step ahead before I actually go to TNA.