Basil Aldridge buried 10^th June 1878 Aged 1

Berks Burial Index – confirms death and cemetery as NRC

FMP -England and Wales Births 1837 – 2006 states he was born in Bristol which was a long way away from Newbury in 1878

His death certificate states his mother was Ellen Aldridge a domestic servant and that he died of Liver disease and exhaustion his grandmother Mary Aldridge is recorded as being present at the death.

Basil’s mother was Helen(ELLEN) Aldridge daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (nee Cogan) born in Great Bedwyn in 1846. She would have been 31 when Basil was born, he was illegitimate.

 Jeremiah, Helen’s father was a boatman. The 1851 and 1861 census record Mary as living alone with the children. He was a labourer in Bristol Docks in 1861.

The 1871 census shows Jeremiah and Mary and youngest daughter Fanny (a pupil teacher) living in Newbury. Jeremiah is employed as a lock keeper. They live in Lock Shutters Cottage, West Street, Newbury.

It seems Jeremiah moved and was employed around the Kennet canal throughout his life – so obviously had connections along the canal – which could be why Helen had her illegitimate baby in Bristol. The last time Helen (Ellen) is recorded as living with her mother is in 1861 Census when she was 14 and living in Gt Bedwyn – it’s very likely that she went into domestic service shortly after this date.  

The 1871 census has her working as a servant for the Champion family in Demark Hill, Lambeth London. (7 years before Basil was born)

Basil was born in Bristol but came to live with his grandmother in Newbury. We cannot tell if his mother Helen was there too. I suspect she had to go back to work. He became ill and died aged one. It is very possible that Helen didn’t learn of her baby’s death until it was all over. 

Both Mary and Jeremiah died in 1880. Jeremiah in March, Mary in August (two years after Basil) They have a grave with a headstone in NRC that reads (In loving Memory of Jeremiah Aldridge who died March 19^th 1880 aged 71 and also Mary his wife who died August 30^th 1880 aged 68.

The 1881 Census finds Basil’s Aunt Fanny aged 30 , (Helen’s younger sister) no longer in Newbury – she qualified as a teacher and was working and living in St Stephens School House in Lewisham London. Aunt Jane (Helen’s older sister) aged 35 is listed as friend and housekeeper also living in Lewisham.

Author: Mary Fitzpatrick
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