Genealogy Chat

in finding birth of my gt grandmother, I have her in census from 1871 to 1901 always born same place Alfrick in Worcershire and approx same age born around 1851. On my grandfathers birth certificate in 1882 she is Jane Ree formerly Godwin, couldn't find birth or marriage with this name so sent for eldest childs b.cert and she is Jane Ree formerly Bridger/Bridges found her marriage certificate to William Ree in 1873 she is Jane Bridger/Bridges and her father is listed as Edward Bozward, I have looked everywhere census, 1837on line, ancestry and freebmd and cannot find a birth for her in the name Bridger/Bridges Godwin or Bozward and all variations of that name. Do I have enough information to go to the parishes in question and search there or is there another anwser looking me in the face that I cannot see any ideas would be gratefully accepted. Thanks Sue

As you seem to have more luck finding her on censuses, have you tried looking for her on an earlier census? It might be worth posting a look up for the 1861 on the Records Board. Otherwise not sure what to suggest apart from parish records. It may be that she was illegitimate if she was known as by a different surname to her father. This may mean that her birth isn't registered. Good luck. Louise

Sounds like her mother was not married at the time of birth - so took mother's maiden name, then acquired father's name in time - and then married twice! Hmmm ... complicated family you have there! Good Luck Jane

Georgina, Thanks I missed that one it does sound like her and the name Boswell is very close to Bozward. She is Jane Ree on all the other census's. I guess its probable they were not married and hence she took her mothers name, I have found a Edward Boswell on 1971 census he is not married! Needs alot more investigating I think. Jane, Very complicated family and not just this side either! Thanks for all your help new eyes make all the difference. Regards Sue

Hi Sue, If Edward Boswell is your Jane's father then he is on the 1871 and 1881 censuses. The ref numbers are: 1871 - RG10/3046, folio 78, page 9 1881 - RG11/2912, folio 62, page 3 On both of these he is living with (but not married to!) a woman called Eliza Bradley and her children. No sign of any Bridges. The plot thickens!!! Let me know if you don't have access to Ancestry and need the images. Louise

Might be helpful, might not be 1. HARRIET BRIDGES - International Genealogical Index Gender: Female Christening: 04 JUN 1843 Alfrick And Lulsley, Worcester, England Mother named only, as Sarah Bridges. There's also this one 3. GEORGE BRIDGES - International Genealogical Index Gender: Male Christening: 22 APR 1859 Alfrick And Lulsley, Worcester, England Mother is Jane Bridges. And this one 4. JOHN BRIDGES - International Genealogical Index Gender: Male Christening: 09 MAR 1857 Alfrick And Lulsley, Worcester, England Mother is Eliza Bridges

There might be bastardy bonds in the parish which should help you in some way. The fact that he's christened her as his own suggests that he owned up to fatherhood and paid out.

On the 1871 Eliza Bradley is down as his housekeeper, innocent enough......, and on the 1881 they are all lodgers.

Hello all, Thank you all for your help, lots to think about. Louise thanks for the offer but I do have the images thank you. Chloe what is a bastardy bond? I have just had another look on 1837 in case I missed anything 1st time round but still no birth Jane Bridges for around dates she was christened quite a mystery once she married William Ree in 1873 (first child was born 1871!) I can trace her until her death in 1921. I have taken note of all the other Bridges in Alfrick as listed thank you, lots of work still I think Could they not register an event then, as I have looked on 1837 for Harriet and cannot find her either Regards Sue