Thomas (Francis) Godding

c1796-1870

Francis Godding had been mistakenly recorded as Thomas Godding in the burial records. Francis was born in Boxford Berkshire the son of John.

Francis married Caroline Coward (born c1814 in Somerset) on the 25^th August 1838 in the parish church of St Mary the Virgin Speen. Both were from Speen, Caroline was single and was recorded as a Paper Maker. Francis was a widower and was recorded as a Shoemaker.

Francis was recorded in the 1839 Robeson’s Directory as a Shoemaker in Stockcross

Francis and Caroline had the following children;

Sarah Ann born 1840 in Speen

Louisa born c1842 in Speen

James born 1844 in Boxford

Clara born 1848 in Speen

Thomas born 1851 in Speen

In 1841 Francis (45), a Shoemaker, Caroline (25) and their daughter Sarah Ann (1), were living in Lambourn Road Speen Berkshire.

The 1851 census records Francis (56), as a Shoemaker living in Stockcross Berkshire with Caroline (37), Sarah (10), Louisa (8), James (6) and Clara (2). Caroline died aged 39 two years later in Stockcross

Clara died aged 12 in 1859 she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 19^th July

The 1861 census records Francis (65), as a Leather Shoe Lace Maker, living in Jack of Newbury Street Newbury with his sons, James (16), a Leather Boot Lace Maker and Thomas (9).

The following article appeared in the Berkshire Chronicle dated 18^th August 1866

BOROUGH POLICE – Monday

Before J H Mason and T Fidler Esqs.,

Francis Godding, Shoe-lace Manufacturer, Staples’ Yard, was charged with being drunk. The defendant was in charge of a horse and gig, and by his conduct endangered the lives of the public. Mr H R Eyre attended to prove the case, but upon the defendant apologising for his conduct, and promising never to offend again, the case was dismissed upon the costs, 6s 6d being paid

Francis died aged 74 on the 3^rd February 1870 he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 7^th February

His son Thomas died aged 32 in 1881 he was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 17^th December.

Sources: as above