Emma Banbury (1821 – 1864)

Emma Banbury was born circa 1821 probably in Speen but possibly Enborne. In the 1851 census her birthplace was recorded as Enborne but in 1861 as Speen.

In the 1841 census Emma was recorded living in Northbrook Street in Newbury with a Thomas Banbury aged 50. Emma was recorded as a housekeeper & Thomas as a postman. It seems likely that Thomas was Emma’s father but this needs to be confirmed from the parish baptism record.

In the 1851 census Emma was living with her sister Matilda Banbury at Hardings Yard in Newbury. Emma was recorded as a servant & Matilda as a milliner and dressmaker.

Ten years later in the 1861 census Emma was living as a servant in Bartholomew Street in Newbury & recorded as a house servant. The head of the house and only other occupant was George Dredge who was a blacksmith.

Emma died April 1864 in Newbury and was buried 30 April 1864 at Newtown Road Cemetery.

Emma’s sister Matilda married Andrew Powers and both were buried at Newtown Road Cemetery as well as Andrew’s second wife Harriett. Matilda was buried 19 October 1878 and Andrew on 19 February 1910.

The Thomas Banbury who was recorded with Emma in the 1841 census was probably buried at Newtown Road on 22 December 1855.

Sources:as above