The Flower Family Of Chewton Mendip and Emborough

For many years the FLOWERs were one of the main 'brick walls' in my family history research. I knew that my great-great-great-grandmother was Mary FLOWER, that she was born in Chewton Mendip, Somerset in about 1823, and that she was the daughter of John and Elizabeth FLOWER. However I was unable to find a marriage for John and Elizabeth in any of the local marriage registers, and John's early death meant that he did not appear on any censuses showing his birthplace, meaning I didn't know where to look for his baptism record. However I have now found what I believe to be John and Elizabeth's marriage record, and while some doubt remains as to where John was born and who his parents were, there is evidence suggesting he belonged a FLOWER family who lived in Emborough in the late 18th century.

I would like to thank JOHN FLOWER, who - if I am correct about my FLOWERs being related to the FLOWER family from Emborough - is my fifth cousin, once removed, for providing me with a copy of an article which appeared in the September 1973 edition of "Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries" written by his grandfather Norris Langfield FLOWER. This article explored the history of the FLOWER family back to the early 16th century when they lived in Norton St Philip and was the starting point for my research into the earlier generations of the family. John has also passed on other information discovered by his grandfather as well as his own recollections about his more recent relatives. I am also grateful to RICHARD LOXTON for providing me with documents and records relating to Chewton Mendip, DAVID WALSH for information about the descendants of Henry FLOWER, and TONY POOLE, ANN WILKINS and LUCY BROWNE for carrying out research at the Somerset Records Office and Somerset Heritage Centre on my behalf. Some details about the FLOWER family come from "Emborough Perambulation" by GEOFFREY A. J. LOXTON. Much of the information on this page has no primary source and while I believe that it is accurate, I cannot take responsibility for any errors or omissions. I will be updating this page regularly as new information comes to light.

Both the "Oxford Dictionary of English Surnames" by P.H. REANEY and R.M. WILSON and "A Dictionary of American Family Names" by PATRICK HARRIS and FLAVIA HODGES suggest that the surname FLOWER may have originated as a nickname from the Middle English "flur" meaning "flower" or "blossom" which was being used as a term of endearment as early as the 13th century. The modern word "flour" also derives from the Middle English "flur", in this case meaning the "flower" or "the finest part", so the name FLOWER could be an occupational name for a miller or flour merchant, or a nickname for someone pasty-faced. Both books add that the surname could be an occupational name for an arrowsmith, deriving from the Middle English "flo" meaning "arrow", while HANKS and HODGES also suggest FLOWER could be an Anglicized form of the Welsh personal name "Llywarch", or a translation of the French "Lafleur". Early examples include William FLUR (Pipe Rolls, Yorkshire, 1203), William FLOERE and John LE FLOER (Hundred Rolls, Devonshire, 1275), Edmund FLOUR (Feet of Fines, Essex, 1313) and John FLOWER (Register of the Freemen of the City of York, 1517

According to an article published in "Somerset & Dorset Notes & Queries" in September 1973 by Norris Langfield FLOWER, the FLOWER family which later settled in Emborough and Chewton Mendip can be traced back to Norton St Philip in the early 16th century. In 1523 John FLOWER and his wife Agnes acquired a lease for the Grange in Norton St Philip from the Carthusian monks of Hinton Charterhouse. The Grange still stands today, though is now known as the Manor Farm House. In 1627 John's great-grandson Lamorock FLOWER, born c. 1579, purchased Saltford manor house and a branch of the family continued to live there until the 1940s.

Henry FLOWER, who was buried in Chewton Mendip on 14th January 1710, is believed to have been a descendant of Lamorock FLOWER of Saltford as one of his owns sons was christened Lamorock (believed to be the Lamorock FLOWER who was an early settler in West Hartford, Connecticut, USA). Between 1657 and 1670 Henry rented a property called Blandons in the Middlesex tithing of Chewton Mendip, comprising a house and five fields of 20 acres, which may have been what is now Sages Farm. He also gave evidence in a lawsuit in 1676 when he was described as a "miner". Henry is believed to have been the father of the Alexander FLOWER who was buried in Chewton on 18th May 1716. Alexander had several children, including Lamerock, baptised in Chewton 2nd October 1707. He married Jane VEALE in Chewton on 8th November 1730 and was the father of Alexander, baptised in 1733.

The name Lamorock or Lamrock is said to derive from Sir Lamorak, a knight of King Arthur's Round Table. Arthurian legend has always been popular in the West Country, nowhere more so than in Somerset which boasts a possible Camelot (Cadbury Camp), Isle of Avalon (Glastonbury Tor) and burial place for Arthur himself (Glastonbury Abbey). Sir Lamorak was a son of King Pellinore and is described as "a knight peerless" and "big and well-breathed", although he meets a rather unfortunate end when he falls for Queen Morgause. Her son Gaheris discovers the lovers in bed and beheads his mother, though he lets Lamorak go. However the Queen's other sons Gawain, Agravaine and Mordred later ambush Lamorak in the belief that it was he who killed their mother, and hack him to death. In the 16th century the grandfather of Lamorock FLOWER born c. 1579 became the tenant of a farm in Combe Hay near Bath owned by Sir Thomas STRADLING of St Donat's Castle, Glamorgan, and Sir Thomas appears to have had a nephew named Lamorock. It therefore seems likely that Lamorock was named in recognition of his grandfather's STRADLING landlords, and the name was then passed down through subsequent generations.

Alexander FLOWER was baptised in Chewton Mendip, Somerset on 3rd December 1733 and was the oldest child born to Lamerock FLOWER and Jane VEALE. Alexander married Elizabeth PERKINS in Chewton Mendip on 23rd August 1756 with whom he had at least two children, both baptised in Chewton - Mary, baptised 21st November 1756, and Jane, baptised 19th March 1762. Elizabeth FLOWER (nee PERKINS) died in about 1763 and was buried in Chewton on 23rd January. Alexander subsequently married Rachel WILSON in Chewton on 10th April 1763. Rachel was born in about 1740.

Alexander and Rachel had at least ten children together - John, baptised 19th February 1764 in Chewton Mendip; George, born 31st March 1766 and baptised 13th April 1766 in Chewton; William, born 11th December 1768 and baptised 21st December in Chewton; Betty, born 5th August 1771 and baptised 25th August in Chewton; Ann, baptised 10th April 1774 in Emborough; Alexander, baptised 7th May 1775 in Emborough, buried 14th May 1775, also in Emborough; Rachel, baptised 29th September 1776 in Emborough; Leah, baptised 19th August 1778 in Emborough , buried 18th May 1792 in Chewton; Alexander, baptised 11th June 1780 in Emborough, buried 6th January 1782 in Emborough, and Jane, baptised 20th October 1782.

On 19th June 1770 Alexander was granted a lease for two fields in Chewton Mendip owned by the WALDEGRAVE family. These were two long, thin plots in the far south of the parish adjacent to the boundary with Emborough. Curiously this lease was granted to Alexander and his sons James, aged nine, and John aged eight, but there is no trace of a baptism record for James, who presumably would have been another child of Alexander and his first wife. A document dated 15th August 1774 appears to show that Alexander was paying an annual rent of £4 to Robert KINGSMILL who owned a substantial amount of land in Chewton Mendip at the time. His father was also paying 12 shillings in rent to KINGSMILL. Unfortunately the properties Alexander and Lamerock were renting have not been identified.

The baptism records of his children suggest that Alexander moved from Chewton to Emborough in the early 1770s. The 1781 Land Tax Assessment shows him as the occupier of around 60 acres of land in Emborough and according to the "Notes & Queries" article by Norris FLOWER he resided in a farm house near Emborough Pond. This property would have been leased from the HIPPISLEY COXE family who were lords of the manor at the time. It is believed that the farm house was on the site currently occupied by Emborough Cottages and "Emborough Perambulation" suggests it was called Church House Farm as it was on or near the site of the former Church House. The Church House, which no longer exists, was an early form of church hall and later became the Emborough Inn. Alexander died in about 1784 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 23rd September. His widow continued to run the farm in Emborough after his death, increasing its size to 94 acres by 1791.

A survey of Emborough in 1792 shows that Rachel was renting properties called "Newlands", "Palmer's", "Carter's" and "part Button's". "Newlands" consisted of several plots between what is now Townsend Lane and the B3139, while "Carter's" may have referred to land previously held by George CARTER who in a 1764 survey was shown as the occupier of several fields between Swallow Pits Farm and Townsend Lane. "Button's" appears to have been a property to the west of Swallow Pits Farm on the boundary between Emborough and Chewton ("Button's Copse" is marked in this area on 19th century maps). Land Tax Assessments from the early 1790s show Rachel occupying "Palmer's", "Carter's" and "Button's" and also a property called "Allen's" which hasn't yet been identified. From 1794 through to 1797 "Button's" was occupied by Rachel's eldest son John, and by 1798 all four of these properties were held by her second son George. Rachel FLOWER (nee WILSON) died in 1815 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 9th April.

John FLOWER (b. 1764) married Mary LOXTON in Emborough on 6th June 1793. Mary was baptised in Emborough on 24th April 1773 and was the daughter of Peter LOXTON and Sarah HOSKINS. Little is known about John, though he was probably the John FLOWER who witnessed the marriage of George FLOWER and Betty LOXTON in 1790. It seems likely that he was the John FLOWER who was buried in Cameley in 9th February 1837, aged 72, as the lease mentioned above states he died "about Lady Day 1837", i.e. 25th March. The 1838 Cameley tithe apportionment survey shows John's widow Mary FLOWER as the occupier of three fields owned by the Rev. Thomas WILLIAMS. The 1841 and 1851 censuses show Mary living with her niece in Cameley:

Charles FERRIS aged 30 Farmer Born in County
Elizabeth FERRIS aged 30 Born in County
Mary FLOWER aged 65 Born in County

Charles FERRIS aged 40 Farmer of 40 Acres born Christian Malford, Wiltshire
Elizabeth FERRIS wife 42 born Emborough, Somerset
Francis Samuel FERRIS son 9 born Cameley, Somerset
Sarah Selina FERRIS daughter 9 born Cameley, Somerset
Thomas Uriah FERRIS son 6 born Cameley, Somerset
Mary FLOWER widow aunt 80 Farmer's Widow born Emborough, Somerset

William FLOWER (b. 1768) probably married Dorothy YORK in Chewton Mendip on 28th November 1796 (Alexander's brother Francis also had a son called William baptised in Chewton in July 1763 and he might have been Dorothy's husband, though Alexander's son seems the more likely candidate). Dorothy was born on 30th April 1774 and baptised in Chewton on 8th May and was the daughter of John and Elizabeth YORK. William and Dorothy had at least three children together, all baptised in Chewton - Enock, born 13th June 1803, baptised 20th June, and buried in Chewton on 2nd June 1822; Eli, born 8th May 1808, baptised 5th June, and Francis, baptised 26th December 1813.

William may have been the William FLOWER shown in the Chewton Mendip Land Tax Assessments as the occupier of land owned by Earl WALDEGRAVE in the West End tithing from 1796 up until at least 1815. The assessments show that the previous occupier was Thomas DALLIMORE and it is believed that he lived at what was later known as Eaker Hill Farm in the far west of the parish. This ties in with the 1807 manorial survey of Chewton Mendip which shows William FLOWER as the tenant of four plots in West End including what was described as a "dwelling house and garden" on the site of Eaker Hill Farm.

It seems likely that William and Dorothy moved to London sometime after 1815. Their son Francis married Lydia MOFFATT in St John the Evangelist, Lambeth on 12th May 1836, and while there is no trace of death or burial records for either William or Dorothy in Somerset, a Dorothy FLOWER died at 3 Abbey Street, Bermondsey, Surrey on 25th June 1838 aged 64. Her death certificate shows her as the wife of William FLOWER, a shoemaker, and the informant was Lydia FLOWER, who was presumably her daughter-in-law. The cause of death was recorded as erysipelas (also known as St Anthony's Fire) and mortification. Dorothy was buried in St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey on 29th June 1838. Dorothy's husband William FLOWER died on 13th July 1838 at 3 Great George Street, Bermondsey and was buried in St Mary Magdalene two days later. His cause of death was also recorded as erysipelas. The 1841 census shows Francis and Lydia FLOWER living in Abbey Street with Francis shown as a shoemaker.

Betty FLOWER (b. 1771) was probably the Elizabeth FLOWER who married Richard YORK in St Michael, Bath on 14th August 1796. Elizabeth was described as "of Emborough" on the marriage record, and one of the witnesses was William FLOWER whose signature was similar to that of the William who married Dorothy YORK. Richard YORK was Dorothy's younger brother and was born on 18th June 1775 and baptised in Chewton on 29th June. Richard and Betty had at least five children together - Alexander, baptised 19th March 1797 in Emborough; Elizabeth, baptised 12th May 1799 in Chewton; Maria, born 11th October 1803 and baptised 21st October in St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset; Clement John, born 3rd January 1808 and baptised 24th January in Chewton, and Sarah, born 9th March 1812 and baptised 19th March 1812 in Chewton. Maria may have been the mother of Eli YORK who was baptised in Chewton Mendip on 26th September 1824 and who was living with Francis and Lydia FLOWER in Bermondsey in the 1841 census.

George FLOWER was born on 31st March 1766 and was baptised in Chewton Mendip on 13th April. He was the second son of Alexander FLOWER and Rachel WILSON. George married Betty LOXTON on 17th June 1790 in Emborough, Somerset. Betty was baptised in Emborough on 9th October 1768 and was the daughter of Peter LOXTON and Sarah HOSKINS. Betty's sister Mary and brother Samuel married George's brother John and sister Ann respectively. John was one of the witnesses to George and Betty's marriage. George and Betty's first child, Mary, was baptised in Emborough on 17th April 1791, but sadly was buried in the same place on 1st January 1792. Curiously no baptisms for any more children of George and Betty have been found until 1798. It seems very unlikely that they would not have had further children during this period and one possible explanation is that they may have moved to Ston Easton, the parish records for which have been lost. A family bible states that their son George was born on 28th July 1797 and census records show his birthplace as Emborough, but there is no trace of a baptism entry for him in the Emborough registers. Was he actually baptised in Ston Easton?

If George and Betty did move to Ston Easton after Mary's burial in 1792, they had returned to Emborough by 1798 where their son John was baptised on 22nd April. Their youngest child James was baptised in Emborough on 19th December 1799. The 1798 and 1799 Land Tax Assessments show George as the occupier of four properties in Emborough called "Carter's", "Allen's", "Mrs. Button's" and "Palmer's", all of which were owned by Mrs COXE, who was presumably Elizabeth HIPPISLEY COXE, the widow of Henry HIPPISLEY COXE of Ston Easton Park. Norris FLOWER suggests that this included the farm near Emborough Pond previously occupied by George's father.

George FLOWER died in about 1799 when he was still in his early 30s and was buried in Emborough on 19th December 1799 (the same day as his youngest son James was baptised). Betty FLOWER (nee LOXTON) continued to run the farm at Emborough Grove after her husband's death and is shown in subsequent Land Tax Assessments as the occupier of the same four properties, but she died just five years later on 1st December 1804. She was buried in Emborough on 6th December. It appears that her older brother Samuel LOXTON then ran the farm at Emborough Grove until it reverted back to the FLOWER family in 1818. Betty's death meant that her three younger children, then aged around seven, six and four, became orphans and it isn't known who subsequently raised them, though they had several FLOWER and LOXTON aunts and uncles who could have taken them in.

Ann FLOWER was baptised in Emborough on 10th April 1774 and was the daughter of Alexander FLOWER and Rachel WILSON. She was probably the Ann FLOWER who married Samuel LOXTON in St Cuthbert, Wells on 6th November 1804. Samuel was baptised in Emborough on 4th February 1770 and was the son of Peter LOXTON and Sarah HOSKINS. He was the older brother of John FLOWER's wife Mary. Samuel and Ann had at least four children together, all baptised in Emborough - Peter, baptised 7th April 1805; Elizabeth, baptised 28th June 1807; Samuel, born 19th August 1811 and baptised 6th October, and John, baptised 27th June 1813. Ann LOXTON (nee FLOWER) was buried in Emborough on 12th November 1815, although her headstone in Emborough chuchyard appears to show her date of death as 12th November 1813.

Samuel subsequently married Deborah CHIVERS in Emborough on 30th September 1816. The witnesses to the marriage were John FLOWER and Richard YORK. Deborah was born in High Littleton, Somerset on 25th November 1787 and baptised in the Independent Chapel, Chelwood, Somerset on 11th December and was the daughter of William CHIVERS. Samuel and Deborah had at least six children together, all baptised in Emborough - Mary, baptised 25th November 1817, buried 8th May 1834; William, baptised 15th November 1818; Sarah, baptised 3rd June 1821, died 28th August 1822, buried 2nd September; Sarah, baptised 20th April 1823; James, baptised 26th August 1827, buried 12th December 1833, and Ann, baptised 1st April 1825.

Samuel LOXTON died in Emborough on 23rd January 1837 and was buried on 29th January. The 1841 census shows his widow Deborah living with her step-son Samuel and three of her children:

Sammuel LOXTON aged 25 Farmer Born in County
Deborah LOXTON aged 40 Born in County
William LOXTON aged 20 Born in County
Sarah LOXTON aged 15 Born in County
Ann LOXTON aged 14 Born in County
George SELWAY aged 15 Male Servant Born in County

In 1851 Deborah was living with her son-in-law at Masters Farm in Emborough:

Thomas BARRINGTON aged 29 Farmers of 102 Acres Employing 5 Labourers
Mary BARRINGTON daughter 3 born Emborough, Somerset
Deborah LOXTON mother-in-law widow 61 born High Littleton, Somerset
Sarah LOXTON visitor 6 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Maria SELWAY servant 20 House Servant born Bingear, Somerset

In 1871 Deborah was living with her sister's son George STOCK and his family in Binegar, Somerset:

George STOCK aged 40 Agricultural Labourer born Emborough, Somerset
Ann STOCK wife 44 born Ston Easton, Somerset
William George STOCK son 20 Labourer Shepherd born Emborough, Somerset
John Edward STOCK son 15 Labourer born Green Bank, Cheshire
Edwin Chas. STOCK son 13 Labourer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary Elizabeth STOCK daughter 6 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Emily Martha STOCK daughter 1 born Binegar, Somerset
Ann STOCK mother widow 85 Annuitant born High Littleton, Somerset
Deborah LOXTON aunt widow 83 Annuitant born High Littleton, Somerset

Peter LOXTON (b. 1805) married Susanna BLANNING in Emborough on 10th July 1839. Susannah was born on 26th February 1811 in Chewton Mendip and baptised there on 20th March, and was the daughter of Samuel BLANNING and Mary ROBERTS. Peter and Susanna had at least seven children together - Mary Anne, baptised 29th July 1840 in Chewton Mendip, buried 9th January 1841 in Emborough; William, baptised 14th November 1841 in Emborough; John, baptised 28th September 1843 in Binegar, buried 5th January 1844 in Emborough; Alfred Charles, baptised 28th October 1844 in Emborough, buried 11th February 1845 in Emborough; James, baptised 28th January 1846 in Emborough; Edward, baptised 23rd January 1849 in Chewton Mendip, died 13th July 1849 in Chewton, and John, baptised 5th April 1850 in Chewton Mendip, died 18th September 1850 in Chewton.

The 1839 Emborough tithe survey shows Peter's father-in-law Samuel BLANNING as the occupier of several plots of land owned by Robert BATH, including a "house, garden and outbuildings" on the site of Weaver's Farm on Whitnell Lane, and this is where Peter and Susanna were living at the time of the 1841 census:

Peter LOXTON aged 30 Farmer Born in County
Susanna LOXTON aged 30 Born in County
Samuel BLANNING aged 70 Born in County
Anne SALVIDGE aged 15 Female Servant Born in County

Peter LOXTON aged 45 Farmer 202 Acres 3 Labourers born Emborough, Somerset
Susanna LOXTON wife 41 Farmer's Wife born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William LOXTON son 9 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
James LOXTON son 5 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
William EDWARDS servant 12 Farm Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Sarah EDWARDS servant 15 House Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Peter LOXTON died on 26th May 1857 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 30th May. His widow Susanna survived him by over 40 years. The 1861 census shows her running Burges's Coombe Farm which had at one time been adjacent to Rookery Farm, however it seems that at some point after the 1839 tithe survey the farmhouse at Burges's Coombe was demolished and the remaining buildings were incorporated into Rookery Farm. The fact that Rookery Farm is not separately listed in the 1861 census suggests that Susanna was in fact still living at the farm previously run by her husband.

Susannah LOXTON widow aged 52 Farmer 204 Acres Employing 4 Men & 1 Boy born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William LOXTON son 19 born Emborough, Somerset
Ann LANE servant 17 Servant born Wells, Somerset

In the 1871 census Susanna is shown living with her older brother William BLANNING in Chewton Mendip. Although no specific address is shown in the census it is likely that they were living at the Vicarage on the High Street which William had purchased from Rev. David DRAKEFORD in 1859:

William BLANNING widower aged 73 Retired Farmer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Susanna LOXTON sister widow 60 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann SPENCER servant 14 General Servant born Wedmore, Somerset

James LOXTON widower 35 Farmer of 230 Acres Employing 4 Men born Emborough, Somerset
Susannah LOXTON mother widow 70 Mother & Housekeeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Hester GARRET servant 30 Farmer's Servant born East Harptree, Somerset

Susan LOXTON widow 80 Retired Farmer's Widow born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Lilla Blanche LOXTON granddaughter 26 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ermie LOXTON granddaughter 23 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Leopold LOXTON grandson 20 Farmer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
John WYATT servant 18 Farm Servant born West Harptree, Somerset

Susanna LOXTON (nee BLANNING) died in Queen Charlton, Somerset on 30th March 1901 aged 90 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 3rd April.

Elizabeth LOXTON (b. 1807) married Charles FERRIS in Emborough on 30th December 1839. Charles was baptised in Christian Malford, Wiltshire on 20th June 1813 and was the son of Uriah FERRIS and Hannah GOUGH. Charles and Elizabeth had at least three children together, all baptised in Cameley, Somerset - Sarah Selina and Francis Samuel, both baptised 3rd July 1841, and Thomas Uriah, baptised 4th August 1844. The 1838 Cameley tithe apportionment survey shows Charles FERRIS as the occupier of several plots of land all owned by Dame Elizabeth HIPPISLEY. These included a "house, outbuilding and garden" that was on the opposite side of Cameley Road to Lower Farm but which no longer exists. The 1841 and 1851 censuses show Charles and Elizabeth living with Elizabeth's aunt Mary FLOWER in Cameley (see above census extracts). Although no specific address is shown in the census records this was presumably the same property as they were occupying at the time of the tithe survey. This is how they appear in the 1861 census:

Charles FERRIS aged 46 Occupier of 35 Acres of Land born Christian Malford, Wiltshire
Elizabeth FERRIS wife 52 born Emborough, Somerset
Thomas Uriah FERRIS son 16 Agricultural Labourer born Cameley, Somerset

Elizabeth FERRIS (nee LOXTON) died on 26th October 1868 and was buried in Cameley on 2nd November. This is how her widowed husband Charles appears in subsequent censuses:

Charles FERRIS widower aged 58 Farmer of 30 Acres born Christian Malford, Wiltshire
Francis Samuel FERRIS son 29 Farmer's Son born Cameley, Somerset

Charles FERRIS widower aged 68 Farmer of 32 Acres born Dauntsey, Wiltshire
Francis J. FERRIS son 39 Agricultural Labourer born Cameley, Somerset
Jacob FERRIS lodger widower 57 Agricultural Labourer born Dauntsey, Wiltshire

Francis J. FERRIS aged 49 Farmer's Son born Cameley, Somerset
Charles FERRIS father widower 78 Retired Farmer born Christian Malford, Wiltshire

Charles FERRIS died on 14th January 1893 and was buried in Cameley on 20th January.

Samuel LOXTON (b. 1811) is shown in the 1839 Emborough tithe apportionment survey as the occupier of around 122 acres of land owned by Dame Elizabeth HIPPISLEY. This included a "house, gardens and outbuildings"which on later maps is shown as Paradise Farm, though modern maps show Paradise Farm to the north of the B3114 while Samuel's property was to the south of the road and appears to now be called Homefield House. There is evidence to suggest that the LOXTONs were tenants here since at least the late 1700s. Land Tax Assessments from the 1790s and the 1792 survey of Emborough show Samuel's grandfather Peter LOXTON as the occupier of properties called "Watts" and "Savages", and a survey dated 1764 shows Samuel WATTS as the tenant of Paradise Farm and several surrounding fields, while Mr. SAVAGE was occupying land between WATTS' property and what is now Townsend Lane. The 1841 census shows Samuel living with his step-mother and step-siblings at "Loxton's Farm", which presumably was Paradise Farm (see above census extract).

Samuel married Elizabeth CHARD in Emborough on 21st September 1843. Elizabeth was baptised in Emborough on 14th May 1826 and was the daughter of Robert and Mary CHARD. The Emborough tithe survey shows that the CHARD family held over 700 acres of land between them, with Samuel's father-in-law Robert CHARD at the Manor Farm, Joseph CHARD at Turner's Court Farm and Thomas CHARD at Whitnell Farm. Samuel and Elizabeth had at least six children together, all baptised in Emborough - Edwin Flower, baptised 10th April 1846; Edward Henry, baptised 21st April 1848; Henry Edward, baptised 12th May 1850; Elizabeth Anne, baptised 26th December 1852; Sydney Herbert, baptised 16th July 1854, buried 7th December 1854, and Alma Charles, baptised 6th March 1856. This is how the family appears in the 1851 census:

Samuel LOXTON aged 37 Farmer of 170 Acres Employing 4 Men born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth LOXTON wife 25 born Emborough, Somerset
Edwin LOXTON son 5 born Emborough, Somerset
Edward LOXTON son 3 born Emborough, Somerset
Henry LOXTON son 1 born Emborough, Somerset
Jane FERRIS servant 17 Housemaid born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Elizabeth LOXTON (nee CHARD) died in Emborough on 22nd July 1856 and was buried on 27th July. Samuel subsequently married Christiana Martha CHARD in St James, Bristol on 26th October 1857. Christiana was baptised in Ston Easton, Somerset on 16th August 1840 and was the daughter of Frederick William CHARD and Martha CURTIS. Christiana was the niece of Samuel's first wife. Samuel and Elizabeth had three children together, all baptised in Emborough - Elizabeth Sophia, baptised 20th June 1858; Emily Mary, baptised 11th July 1860, and Frederick Chard, baptised 14th December 1862. Emily Mary is shown as Elizabeth Mary in the Emborough parish register but she appears as Emily in all other records. The 1861 census shows the family living at "Watts Farm", which presumably was a reference to Samuel WATTS, the former occupier of Paradise Farm:

Samuel LOXTON aged 47 Farmer of 230 Acres Employing 6 Men born Emborough, Somerset
Christiana M. LOXTON wife 22 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Edward H. LOXTON son 13 born Emborough, Somerset
Henry E. LOXTON son 11 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Alma C. LOXTON son 9 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth S. LOXTON daughter 2 born Emborough, Somerset
Emily M. LOXTON daughter 1 born Emborough, Somerset
Francis FERRIS nephew 18 born Cameley, Somerset
Ann LOXTON servant 14 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Samuel LOXTON died in Emborough on 24th December 1863. In 1871 his widow Christiana was visiting her sister Sarah Ann BLANNING (nee CHARD) in Paulton:

Thomas BLANNING aged 25 Butter Factor born Paulton, Somerset
Sarah BLANNING wife 25 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Emily BLANNING daughter 2 born Paulton, Somerset
Kate BLANNING daughter 1 born Paulton, Somerset
Christiana LOXTON visitor 30 Farmer of 120 Acres born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza KINGMAN servant 19 Domestic Servant born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Jane MAGGS servant 13 Housemaid born Paulton, Somerset

Christiana married William COLES in St Swithin, Walcot, Bath on 15th April 1878. William was born in Batcombe, Somerset in about 1839 and was the son of James and Ann COLES. William and Christiana had three children together, all baptised in Emborough - William Ernest, baptised 25th December 1879; Harry Clifford, baptised 6th August 1882, and Beatrice Martha, baptised 27th July 1884. This is how the family appear in the 1881 census (Church Farm was presumably the Manor Farm next to the parish church which had previously been run by Caroline's father and grandfather):

William COLES aged 42 Farmer of 220 Acres Employing 3 Labourers & 2 Boys born Batcombe, Somerset
Christianna COLES wife 41 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Charles COLES son 13 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Edwin COLES son 12 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Ethel COLES daughter 9 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Arthur COLES son 7 born Emborough Somerset
Earnest COLES son 1 born Emborough Somerset
Mary LOXTON daughter-in-law 20 born Emborough Somerset
Arthur BENNETT servant 15 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Sadly Christiana was widowed for a second time in around 1886 when William COLES died. She didn't marry again and continued to live at the Manor Farm in Emborough, as seen here in the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses (her mother Martha was living with her in 1891):

Christianna M. COLES widow aged 50 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Rodney C. COLES son 23 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
Edwin M. COLES son 22 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
Ethel COLES daughter 19 Dairymaid born Emborough, Somerset
Ernest W. COLES son 11 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Harry C. COLES son 9 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Beatrice M. COLES daughter 7 Scholar born Emborough, Somerset
Selina BATTLE servant 16 General Servant (Domestic) born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Martha CHARD vistor widower 77 Living On Her Own Means born Litton, Somerset

Christiana M. COLES widow aged 49 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Rodney C. COLES son 32 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Edwin M. COLES son 30 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Ernest W. COLES son 21 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Beatrice M. COLES daughter 17 born Emborough, Somerset
Maud E. THAYER servant 19 Lady Help born Sandford, Somerset
Christy G. BROWN visitor 3 born Bath, Somerset

Christiana COLES widow aged 71 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Harry C. COLES son 29 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
Beatrice M. COLES daughter 27 Farmer's Daughter (Cheesemaker) born Emborough, Somerset
Rodney C. COLES stepson 44 Farmer's Son Assisting born Emborough, Somerset
Edward E. LOXTON stepson 42 Farmer's Son Assisting born Emborough, Somerset
C. G. BROWN granddaughter 13 Farrmer's Granddaughter born Bath, Somerset
Wilfred W. F. BROWN grandson 24 Electrician born Emborough, Somerset
Mabel POLE help 19 Help (Assisting) born West Pennard, Somerset

Christiana COLES (nee CHARD) died at the Manor Farm, Emborough on 12th January 1915.

John LOXTON (b. 1813) married Caroline CHARD in St James, Bath, Somerset on 10th December 1838. Caroline was baptised in Chilcompton, Somerset on 5th June 1820 and was the daughter of Robert and Mary CHARD. She was the older sister of Samuel LOXTON's first wife Elizabeth and the aunt of Samuel's second wife Christiana. John and Caroline had at least nine children together - Samuel, baptised 14th July 1839 in Emborough; Robert Chard, baptised 21st August 1842 in Whatley, Somerset, buried 25th August 1856 in Emborough; Mary Anne, baptised 5th March 1845 in Stoke St Michael, Somerset; Charles, baptised 23rd May 1847 in Stoke St Michael; Matilda, baptised 22nd July 1849 in Stoke St Michael; Seward John, born c. 1851 in Stoke St Michael; Sarah, baptised 4th June 1854 in Stoke St Michael; Elizabeth Chard, baptised 19th October 1856 in St Stoke Michael, and Robert Chard, baptised 15th May 1859 in Stoke St Michael.

In 1851 and 1861 the family was living in Stoke St Michael, also known as Stoke Lane (the ages shown for some of the children in the 1861 census are not correct):

John LOXTON aged 36 Farmer Employing 1 Labourer born Emborough, Somerset
Caroline LOXTON wife 32 born Emborough, Somerset
Samuel LOXTON son 11 Scholar born Whatley, Somerset
Robert LOXTON son 8 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Mary Ann LOXTON daughter 6 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Charles LOXTON son 3 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Matilda LOXTON daughter 1 born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Eliza SALVIDGE servant 15 General Servant born Leigh on Mendip, Somerset

John LOXTON aged 46 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Caroline LOXTON wife 42 Farmer's Wife born Emborough, Somerset
Samuel LOXTON son 21 Farmer's Son born Ashwick, Somerset
Mary Ann LOXTON daughter 16 Farmer's Daughter born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Charles LOXTON son 13 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Seyward LOXTON son 11 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Sarah LOXTON daughter 9 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Elizabeth LOXTON daughter 6 born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Matilda LOXTON daughter 4 born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Robert LOXTON son 1 born Stoke Lane, Somerset

John LOXTON died in about 1864 and was buried in Stoke St Michael on 10th October. In 1871 his widow Caroline was still running Batch Farm:

Caroline LOXTON widow 54 Farmer of 119 Acres Employing 2 Men & 1 Boy born Emborough, Somerset
Samuel LOXTON son 31 Farmer's Son born Ashwick, Somerset
Charles LOXTON son 23 Farmer's Son born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Matilda LOXTON daughter 21 Farmer's Daughter born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Seyward LOXTON son 19 Farmer's Son born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Sarah LOXTON daughter 17 Farmer's Daughter born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Elizabeth LOXTON daughter 14 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Robert C. LOXTON son 12 Scholar born Stoke Lane, Somerset

Charles LOXTON aged 33 Farmer born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Alma M. LOXTON wife 23 born Shepton Mallet, Somerset
Caroline LOXTON mother widow 63 Farmer's Widow born Emborough, Somerset
Mary SMART servant 16 General Domestic Servant born Binegar, Somerset

By 1891 Caroline was again running her own farm, this time in Evercreech near Shepton Mallet, Somerset:

Caroline LOXTON widow 73 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Annie LOXTON daughter 35 born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Robert Chard LOXTON son 31 Farmer born Stoke Lane, Somerset
Kezia KENNARD sister widow 68 Living On Her Own Means born Emborough, Somerset
Harriet DIFFORD servant 19 Domestic Servant born Baltonsborough, Somerset

Caroline LOXTON (nee CHARD) died in about 1891 and was buried in Stoke St Michael on 26th December.

According to a family bible George FLOWER was born on 28th July 1797, though his baptism record has not been traced. He was the son of George FLOWER and Betty LOXTON. George married Catherine CHARD in Emborough on 28th April 1818. Catherine was baptised in Emborough on 14th April 1799 and was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth CHARD. As previously mentioned the CHARD family occupied a considerable amount of land in Emborough and it is possible that George's marriage to Catherine contributed to the prosperity of his branch of the FLOWER family. George and Catherine had at least three children together, all baptised in Emborough - Elizabeth, born 25th July 1819, baptised 15th August, buried 7th August 1823; William, baptised 6th July 1823, and Henry, born 24th July 1824, baptised 15th August.

George is listed in the 1832 electoral register as the occupier of "late Bath's" in Emborough; this may have been a reference to John BATH who in the 1764 survey was shown as the holder of various plots of land in Emborough including some to the east of Emborough Pond. The 1839 Emborough tithe apportionment survey shows George as the occupier of 142 acres of land, all owned by Dame Elizabeth HIPPISLEY. These included the farm near Emborough Pond and a swathe of land stretching south east from Emborough Pond down to what is now Portway Lane which possibly corresponds with the property previously held by John BATH. This latter tract of land later became the site of Emborough Quarries. The area known as 'Newlands' which had previously been held by George's grandmother appears to have been occupied in 1839 by Samuel LOXTON, the son of George's aunt Ann FLOWER.

This is how the family appears in the 1841 census ("Lueza" was probably Louisa, the daughter of George's brother James):

George FLOWER aged 40 Farmer Born in County
Catherine FLOWER aged 40 Born in County
Henry FLOWER aged 15 Born in County
Lueza FLOWER aged 12 Born in County
William FLOWER aged 15 Born in County
James GAIT aged 20 Male Servant Born in County
Mary BAKER aged 15 Female Servant Born in County

While it's not possible to be certain where George was living it seems likely that it was the property that had previously been worked by his father and grandfather. George was appointed surveyor for the in-parish in 1845 and churchwarden for the curate in the following year. In 1851 he was still living at the family's farm near Emborough Pond:

George FLOWER aged 53 Farmer of 170 Acres Employing 4 Labourers born Emborough, Somerset
Catherine FLOWER wife 52 born Emborough, Somerset
Henry FLOWER son 26 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter-in-law 23 Wife born West Pennard, Somerset
Frank FLOWER grandson 7 months born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary FLOWER niece 15 born Emborough, Somerset
Ellen HOUSE servant 15 born Emborough, Somreset
Robert LEWIS servant 18 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Isaac EDWARDS servant 21 born Chewton Mendip Somerset

According to Norris FLOWER's article, George's son Henry purchased Quarrs Farm in Chewton Mendip on 25th March 1857 and this was where George was living in 1861:

George FLOWER aged 63 Farmer of 30 Acres born Emborough, Somerset
Catherine FLOWER wife 62 born Emborough, Somerset
Farnk FLOWER grandson 10 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Henry HOUSE servant 18 Agricultural Labourer born Slade, Somerset
Edmund WOOKEY servant 14 General Servant born Slade, Somerset

Catherine FLOWER (nee CHARD) died in Chewton Mendip on 15th February 1869 and was buried in Emborough on 20th February. In 1871 the widowed George was living in Chewton Mendip, perhaps still at Quarrs Farm, with his grandson Frank (who was incorrectly recorded as his son):

George FLOWER widower aged 73 Farmer of 35 Acres Employing 1 Boy born Emborough, Somerset
Frank Norris FLOWER son 20 Assistant born Emborough, Somerset
Sarah DURBIN servant widow 57 General Servant born East Harptree, Somerset

George FLOWER died on 5th October 1873 and was buried in Emborough on 11th October. The FLOWER family headstone in Emborough churchyard (see image below) states that George and Catherine had three other children who died in infancy, but no baptism or burial records have been found for them as yet.

Flower Grave, Emborough
(click image to enlarge)

John FLOWER (1798-1848)

John FLOWER was baptised in Emborough on 22nd April 1798 and was the son of George FLOWER and Betty LOXTON. He died before the 1851 census was taken which makes it difficult to be certain what became of him, however there is evidence to suggest that he married Elizabeth CHURCH in St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol on 29th September 1818. The witnesses to the marriage were Cornelius FORD and Elizabeth's sister Sarah CHURCH and this couple appear to have married in Chewton Mendip on 12th April 1819. One of the witnesses to their marriage was John FLOWER, and his signature matches that of the John who married Elizabeth CHURCH in 1818. John also witnessed the marriage of another of Elizabeth's sisters, Grace, to George HUISH in Bedminster in 1817. It is possible that John and Elizabeth chose to marry in Bristol because Elizabeth was at least six months pregnant with their first child. Elizabeth CHURCH was baptised in Chewton Mendip on 13th May 1798 and was the daughter of John CHURCH and Hester STEPHENS.

John and Elizabeth had at least seven children together, all baptised in Chewton Mendip - Eliza, baptised 7th March 1819; James, baptised 10th June 1821; Mary, baptised 10th August 1823; William, baptised 30th April 1826; George, baptised 29th June 1828; Edwin, baptised 19th June 1831, buried 17th February 1832 in Chewton, and Ann, baptised 19th January 1834. The 1839 tithe apportionment survey shows John as the occupier of a property owned by Earl WALDEGRAVE described as a "cottage and garden" situated beside the road between Bathway Farm and Nedge Lane which sadly no longer exists. This is presumably where the family was living in the 1841 census (the ages shown on the census are not accurate, even when rounded down to the nearest five years as was supposed to be done):

Nedge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

John FLOWER aged 35 Agricultural Labourer Born in County
Elizabeth FLOWER aged 30 Born in County
Eliza FLOWER aged 20 Dressmaker Born in County
Mary FLOWER aged 15 Born in County
George FLOWER aged 10 Born in County
Ann FLOWER aged 5 Born in County

John FLOWER died on 29th September 1848 at Wells Union Workhouse, Glastonbury Road, Wells. His death certficate shows his age as 54 but the informant was not a family member so this needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. The cause of death was recorded as chronic bronchitis. John was buried in Emborough on 4th October 1848 and the fact that he was buried there rather than Chewton is further evidence that he was George and Betty's son. The burial register shows his age as 49 which matches his baptism date.

In 1851 John's widow Elizabeth was living with her daughter and son-in-law Mary and Thomas CURTIS in Nedge:

Nedge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Thomas CURTIS aged 42 Farmer Of 16 Acres Employing 1 Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary CURTIS wife 27 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Henry CURTIS son 5 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth Ann CURTIS daughter 2 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Infant CURTIS daughter 1 month born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER mother-in-law widow 50 Dressmaker born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER sister-in-law 16 House Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

In 1861 she was living with her daughter and son-in-law Charles and Ann EVANS in Timsbury:

Laural Cottage, Timsbury, Somerset

Charles EVANS aged 31 Farmer of 10 Acres born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS wife 27 born Chewton, Somerset
John EVANS son 6 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Mary EVANS daughter 5 born Timsbury, Somerset
Charles EVANS son 2 born Timsbury, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER visitor widow 60 Nurse born Chewton, Somerset

In 1871 Elizabeth was working as a housekeeper for John DENMAN in Lyncombe and Widcombe near Bath, Somerset (Elizabeth's grandson William Frederick CURTIS was also working there as a servant and would go on to marry John DENMAN's daughter Emily in 1879):

Springfield Villa, Lyncombe & Widcombe, Somerset

John DENMAN widower aged 39 Baker born Bath, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER housekeeper widower 72 Housekeeper born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Charles DENMAN son 17 Baker born Bath, Somerset
John DENMAN son 15 Son of Baker born Bath, Somerset
Emily DENMAN daughter 14 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Clara DENMAN daughter 6 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Alice DENMAN daughter 4 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Ernest DENMAN son 2 born Bath, Somerset
Augusta FLOWER servant 14 General Servant born Timsbury, Somerset
Frederick CURTIS servant 16 General Servant born Chewton, Somerset
Mary BISHOP servant 16 General Servant born Camerton, Somerset

By 1881 Elizabeth had returned to Chewton Mendip:

Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Elizabeth CURTIS widow aged 82 Annuitant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Elizabeth CURTIS (nee CHURCH) died in Chewton Mendip on 22nd June 1885 having outlived her husband by more than 36 years. The cause of death was recorded as chronic rheumatism and exhaustion She was buried in Chewton on 27th June and her grave can still be seen in the churchyard - see image below.

Flower Grave, Chewton Mendip
(click image to enlarge)

Eliza FLOWER (b. 1819) married James FORD in Chewton Mendip on 15th December 1842. James was baptised in Chewton on 11th October 1818 and was the son of William FORD and Elizabeth CURTIS. James was the nephew of Cornelius FORD who married his wife's aunt Sarah CHURCH in 1819. James and Eliza had at least five children together - William James, baptised 14th January 1844 in Midsomer Norton, Somerset; Ellen Mary, baptised 19th April 1846 in Chewton Mendip; Tom Henry, baptised 5th January 1850 in Chewton; Elizabeth Curtis, baptised 18th October 1855 in Timsbury, and Alice Mary, baptised 6th February 1859 in Chilcompton, Somerset. This is how the family appears in the 1851-1901 censuses:

Norton Road, Chilcompton, Somerset (1851)

James FORD aged 32 Mason born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 32 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William FORD son 7 Scholar born Midsomer Norton, Somerset
Ellen FORD daur 5 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Tom H. FORD Son 1 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Wingles, Chilcompton, Somerset (1861)

James FORD aged 42 Mason born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 42 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William J. FORD son 17 Mason born Midsomer Norton, Somerset
Ellen M. FORD daughter 15 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Tom H. FORD son 11 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Elizabeth C. FORD daughter 5 born Chilcompton, Somerset
Alice M. FORD daughter 2 born Chilcompton, Somerset

Chilcompton, Somerset (1871)

James FORD aged 53 Mason born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 53 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Alice M. FORD daughter 12 Scholar born Chilcompton, Somerset

Prospect Cottage, Chilcompton, Somerset (1881)

James FORD aged 62 Mason born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 62 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Willie FORD grandson 11 born Chilcompton, Somerset

Wingles, Chilcompton, Somerset (1891)

James FORD aged 72 Mason born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 72 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Chilcompton, Somerset (1901)

James FORD aged 82 Living on Own Means born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FORD wife 82 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

James FORD died on 19th September 1903 at Prospect Cottage, Chilcompton. In 1911 the widowed Eliza was living with her son and daughter-in-law in Bishopston, Bristol:

31 Shadwell Road, Bishopston, Bristol

Joseph GOULD aged 67 Insurance Agent, Royal Liver Friendly born Downside, Somerset
Ellen Mary GOULD wife 65 Home Duties born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Bessie GOULD daughter 28 Home Duties born St Paul, Bristol
Miriam Ruth GOULD daughter 25 Shop Assistant, Scholastic born St Paul, Bristol
Eliza FORD mother-in-law widow 92 State Pensioner born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Eliza FORD (nee FLOWER) died in Bristol in 1912 aged 93.

Mary FLOWER (b. 1823) married Thomas CURTIS in Chewton Mendip on 12th February 1844. Thomas was born in Chewton on 28 June 1808 and was the son of Lamrock CURTIS and Ann HIPPISLEY. For more information about Thomas and Mary please visit my CURTIS Family of Chewton Mendip and Bristol, England page.

Mary CURTIS (nee FLOWER)
(click image to enlarge)

George FLOWER (b. 1828) married Matilda EVANS in 1854, though the location of their wedding is not yet known. Matilda was baptised in Timsbury on 10th October 1818 and was the daughter of Richard and Sarah EVANS. George and Matilda don't appear to have had any children together. This is how they appear in the 1861, 1871 and 1891 censuses (their whereabouts in 1881 is not known):

Grove Cottage, Timsbury, Somerset (1861)

George FLOWER aged 39 Shoe Maker born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Matilda FLOWER wife 36 born Timsbury, Somerset

13 Grove Lane, Frome, Somerset (1871)

George FLOWER aged 40 Gardener born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Matilda FLOWER wife 46 Timsbury, Somerset

West Harptree Road, East Harptree, Somerset (1891)

George FLOWER aged 61 Shoe Maker born Chewton Mendip, Somerste
Matilda FLOWER wife 72 born Timsbury, Somerset

Matilda FLOWER (nee EVANS) died in about 1895. George subsequently married Hannah CHURCH on 5th July 1896 in St Andrew, Clifton, Bristol. Hannah was baptised in Chewton on 14th July 1850 and was the daughter of Joseph CHURCH and Hester MAJOR. Hannah's grandfather William CHURCH was an older brother of George's mother Elizabeth. This is how George and Hannah appear in the 1901 census:

East End, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

George FLOWER aged 72 Boot Maker born Somerset
Hannah FLOWER wife 50 born Somerset

George and Hannah didn't have any children together. George died on 30th March 1909 in Chewton Mendip and was buried on 5th April in the same grave as his mother.

Ann FLOWER (b. 1834) married Charles EVANS in Chewton Mendip on 24th November 1853. Charles was baptised privately in Timsbury on 18th February 1829 and was then baptised publicy in the same church on 8th March 1829. He was the son of Thomas and Mary EVANS. Charles and Ann had at least ten children together, all baptised in Timsbury - John, baptised 9th April 1855; Mary Elizabeth, baptised 24th March 1856; Charles, baptised 2nd February 1861, buried 11th August 1863 in Timsbury; Annie, baptised 18th February 1863; Charles, baptised 21st December 1866; Sarah, baptised 6th January 1870; Jacob, baptised 6th January 1870; Alice, born 9th July 1872 and baptised 26th September; Edith, born about 1874, and Thomas, born 25th June 1877 and baptised 2nd December 1878. The 1861 census record for Charles and Ann is shown above, and this is how they appear in the 1871-1901 censuses (the enumerator in 1901 seems to have got in a muddle with birthplaces):

Timsbury, Somerset (1871)

Charles EVANS aged 43 Butcher born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS wife 38 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
John EVANS son 16 born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS daughter 8 born Timsbury, Somerset
Charles EVANS son 4 born Timsbury, Somerset
Sarah EVANS daughter 3 born Timsbury, Somerset
Jacob EVANS son 1 born Timsbury, Somerset

Timsbury Bottom, Timsbury, Somerset (1881)

Charles EVANS aged 50 Agricultural Labourer born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS wife 46 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie EVANS daughter 18 born Timsbury, Somerset
Sarah EVANS daughter 13 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Jacob EVANS son 11 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Alice EVANS daughter 8 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Edith EVANS daughter 6 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset
Thomas EVANS son 3 born Timsbury, Somerset

Near Rectory, Timsbury, Somerset (1891)

Charles EVANS aged 62 Agricultural Labourer born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS wife 57 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Thomas EVANS son 13 Scholar born Timsbury, Somerset

Private House, Timsbury, Somerset (1901)

Charles EVANS aged 72 Retired Farmer born Timsbury, Somerset
Ann EVANS wife 67 born Not Known
Thomas EVANS son 23 Postman born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Edith EVANS daughter 25 School Teacher born Timsbury, Somerset
Alice EVANS daughter 28 born Timsbury, Somerset

Charles EVANS died in about 1906. In 1911 his widow Ann was still living in Timsbury with two of her daughters:

Timsbury, Somerset

Ann EVANS agged 77 widow born Timsbury, Somerset
Edith EVANS daughter 30 School Teacher born Timsbury, Somerset
Annie CRANG daughter 42 born Timsbury, Somerset

Ann EVANS (nee FLOWER) passed away in about 1919.

James FLOWER (1799-1839)

James FLOWER was baptised in Emborough on 19th December 1799 and was the youngest son of George FLOWER and Betty LOXTON. His father was buried on the same day that James was baptised. James married Elizabeth CHARD in Emborough on 15th April 1822. Elizabeth was baptised in Emborough on 14th July 1803 and was the daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth CHARD and sister of George FLOWER's wife Catherine. James and Elizabeth had at least six children together - Elizabeth, born 21st July 1824, baptised 15th August 1824 in Hinton Blewett; Louisa, baptised 25th January 1829 in Emborough; Joseph, baptised 12th September 1830 in Emborough; George, baptised 23rd March 1834 in Emborough; Mary, baptised 5th July 1835 in Emborough, and Edwin, baptised 11th September 1836 in Emborough, buried 15th June 1837 in Emborough.

James FLOWER died in about 1839 and was buried in Emborough on 23rd February 1839. The 1839 Emborough tithe apportionment survey shows an Elizabeth FLOWER as the occupier of 67 acres of land around what is now Swallow Pits Farm. It is assumed that this was James FLOWER's widow, although the 1841 census shows her living at Pains Farm with her five surviving children (Swallow Pits Farm isn't mentioned by name in the census and it is possible that it had previously been held by a family called PAINS):

Pains Farm, Emborough, Somerset

Elizabeth FLOWER aged 30 Farmer Born in County
Elizabeth FLOWER aged 15 Born in County
Joseph FLOWER aged 10 Born in County
George FLOWER aged 7 Born in County
Mary FLOWER aged 5 Born in County
John MEERS aged 20 Male Servant Born in County

Elizabeth married James GANE in St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol on 27th February 1844. James was baptised in Publow, Somerset on 13th August 1797 and was the son of Thomas and Mary GANE. James was also widowed but his first wife has not yet been identified. In 1845 James was appointed as overseer for the in-parish. This is how James and Elizabeth appear in the 1851, 1861 and 1871 censuses (it seems likely that they were living at Pains Farm in each census year as the number of acres they were working remained reasonably constant):

Emborough, Somerset (1851)

James GANE aged 58 Farmer of 70 Acres Employing 1 Labourer born Pensford, Somerset
Elizabeth GANE wife 46 born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter-in-law 26 Farmer's Daughter born Emborough, Somerset
Joseph FLOWER son-in-law 20 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset
George FLOWER son-in-law 17 Farmer's Son born Emborough, Somerset

Pains Farm, Emborough, Somerset (1861)

James GANE aged 65 Farmer of 73 Acres Employing 1 Man born Publow, Somerset
Elizabeth GANE wife 54 born Emborough, Somerset
George FLOWER son-in-law 27 born Emborough, Somerset

Emborough, Somerset (1871)

James GANE aged 70 Farmer of 70 Acres Employing 1 Man born Priddy, Somerset
Elizabeth GANE wife 60 born Emborough, Somerset
George FLOWER son-in-law 30 Farmer's Son-in-Law born Emborough, Somerset
Anne THATCHER servant 18 General Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Elizabeth GANE (nee CHARD) was buried in Emborough on 4th October 1872. Her husband James possibly died in 1880 aged 83.

Louisa FLOWER (b. 1829) married James GAIT on 1st May 1848 in St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. James was born in Binegar, Somerset on 9th May 1819 and was the son of George and Martha GAIT. James and Louisa had at least eight children together - Louisa Ann, baptised 24th August 1851 in East Horrington, Somerset; Edwin, baptised 28th November 1852 in East Horrington; Elizabeth, baptised 22nd July 1857 in St Cuthbert, Wells; Martha and Mary, both baptised 13th December 1860 in St Cuthbert, Wells; Thomas, baptised 24th May 1864 in Coxley, Somerset; Leah Sophia, baptised 19th April 1867 in Emborough, and Agnes, born about 1870 in Ston Easton. The 1851 census shows James and Louisa living at the Slab House Inn near East Horrington:

Slabhouse, Horrington, Somerset

James GAIT aged 32 Innkeeper born Binegar, Somerset
Louisa GAIT wife 23 born Emborough, Somerset
Lydia LAMBERT visitor 18 born Ashwick, Somerset
Isachar SYMONS servant 13 born Wells, Somerset
John DIMOND servant 50 born Not Known
William PENNY servant 21 born Not Known
Charles TUTTON servant 45 born Not Known
Robert TOLMAN servant 26 born Not Known

The family lived at the Slab House until the mid-1850s when they moved to the Palace Farm on the outskirts of Wells. This is where they were living at the time of the 1861 census:

Palace Farm, Wells, Somerset

James GAIT aged 43 Farmer of 90 Acres, 1 Man & 1 Boy born Bingear, Somerset
Louisa GAIT wife 31 born Emborough, Somerset
Louisa GAIT daughter 9 born Wells Out Parish, Somerset
Edwin GAIT son 8 born Wells Out Parish, Somerset
Elizabeth GAIT daughter 3 born Wells Out Parish, Somerset
Martha GAIT daughter 4 months born Wells Out Parish, Somerset
Mary GAIT daughter 4 months born Wells Out Parish, Somerset
Robert COURT aged 15 Servant born Coxley, Wells, Somerset
Jane KELLEY aged 30 Servant born Walton, Somerset
Elizabeth DREW aged 16 Servant born Wookey Hole, Somerset
Mary FLOWER visitor 23 born Emborough, Somerset

By the late 1860s the family had moved again, this time to the Old Down Inn on the road from Ston Easton to Shepton Mallet. Leah GAIT's baptism record shows that James was both a farmer and publican. This is how the family appears in the 1871 census:

Old Down Inn, Ston Easton, Somerset

James GAIT aged 50 Farmer of 119 Acres Employing 3 Men & 2 Boys born Gurney Slade, Somerset
Louisa GAIT wife 42 born Emborough, Somerset
Edwin GAIT son 18 Farmer's Son born Horrington, Somerset
Louisa GAIT daughter 19 born Horrington, Somerset
Elizabeth GAIT daughter 13 born Wells, Somerset
Mary GAIT daughter 10 born Wells, Somerset
Martha GAIT daughter 10 born Wells, Somerset
Thomas GAIT son 6 Farmer's Son born Coxley, Somerset
Leah GAIT daughter 4 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Agnes GAIT daughter 8 months born Ston Easton, Somerset
Elizabeth TUCK servant 36 Domestic Servant born Bristol
Henry PERRY aged 22 Farm Servant born Binegar, Somerset

James and Mary became the tenants at Dudwell Field Farm in Chewton Mendip in around 1875 and are shown living there in the 1881 census:

Dudwell Field Farm, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

James GAIT aged 60 Farmer of 311 Acres Employing 5 Men & 1 Boy born Binegar, Somerset
Louisa GAIT wife 50 Farmer's Wife born Emborough, Somerset
Mary GAIT daughter 20 Farmer's Daughter born Wells, Somerset
Thomas GAIT son 17 Farmer's Son born Coxley, Somerset
Leah S. GAIT daughter 14 Farmer's Daughter born Ston Easton, Somerset
Agnes GAIT daughter 11 Farmer's Daughter born Ston Easton, Somerset
Lucy SYMES servant 16 General Servant (Domestic) born Litton, Somerset

James GAIT died in 1886 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 24th November aged 67. The burial register shows his abode at the time of his death as Dudwell Field Farm. This is how his widow appears in the 1891 and 1901 censuses:

Chewton Street, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1891)

Louisa GAIT widow aged 58 Living On Her Own Means born Emborough, Somerset
Agnes GAIT daughter 20 born Ston Easton, Somerset

Lower Street, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1901)

Louisa GAIT widow 68 Retired on Own Means born Emborough, Somerset

Louisa GAIT (nee FLOWER) died in 1910 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 17th November aged 82.

Joseph FLOWER (b. 1830) married Lydia LAMBERT in St Thomas, Wells on 2nd June 1859. Lydia was born in Oakhill, Somerset on 28th February 1833 and was the daughter of Elihu LAMBERT and Louisa CHARD. Lydia's mother appears to have been the younger sister of Joseph's mother Elizabeth. The 1841 census shows her living with grandparents Thomas and Elizabeth CHARD at Whitnell Farm and in 1851 she was living with her future sister-in-law Louisa GAIT at the Slab House Inn (see above census extract). Joseph and Lydia had at least six children together, the first three being baptised in Chewton Mendip - Albert James, baptised 26th August 1860; Emily, baptised 30th March 1862, died c. 1866, and Edwin, baptised 7th June 1863. The family then moved to Merthyr Tydfil in Glamorgan, Wales where three more children were born - Mary, born c. 1865; Emily, born c 1867, and George, born 22nd April 1870. This is how the family appears in the 1861, 1871 and 1881 censuses:

Red Quarr, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1861)

Joseph FLOWER aged 29 Farmer 20 Acres born Emborough, Somerset
Lydia FLOWER wife 27 born Oakhill, Somerset
Albert FLOWER son 8 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Hannah VEAL servant 14 born Wells, Somerset

161 Gibson's Row, Penydarren Road, Garth, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales (1871)

Joseph FLOWER aged 39 Hostler born Emborough, Somerset
Lydia FLOWER wife 36 born Oakhill, Somerset
Albert FLOWER son 12 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Mary FLOWER daughter 5 born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan
Emily FLOWER daughter 3 born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan
George FLOWER son 11 months born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan

28 Plantation Street, Garth, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales (1881)

Joseph FLOWER aged 47 Ostler born Emborough, Somerset
Lydia FLOWER wife 44 born Oakhill, Somerset
Emily FLOWER daughter 12 Scholar born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan
George FLOWER son 10 Scholar born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan

Joseph FLOWER died in Merthyr Tydfil in about 1888. His widow Lydia continued to live in Merthyr with her son George as seen here in the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses:

40 Plantation Street, Pennydaren, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales (1891)

Lydia FLOWER widow aged 48 Tailoress born Oakhill, Somerset
George FLOWER son 20 Coal Miner born Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan

40 Plantation Street, Pennydaren, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales (1901)

Lydia FLOWER widow aged 56 born Oakhill, Somerset
George FLOWER son 29 Coal Miner born Pennydaren, Glamorgan
in Som

40 Plantation Street, Pennydaren, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan, Wales (1911)

Lydia FLOWER widow aged 76 born Oakhill, Somerset
George FLOWER son 40 Coal Miner born Pennydaren, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgan

Lydia FLOWER (nee LAMBERT) died in Merthyr Tydfil in about 1913.

George FLOWER (b. 1834) married Ellen BENNETT in Emborough on 17th August 1875. Ellen was born in Chewton Mendip on 27th March 1852 and was the daughter of Henry BENNETT and Mary Ann WILSON. George and Ellen had at least two children together, both born in Chew Stoke, Somerset - Frederick George, born 23rd June 1876, and Francis, baptised 8th July 1878. This is how the family appears in the 1881 census:

Peartree House, Chew Stoke, Somerset

George FLOWER aged 43 Haulier born Emborough, Somerset
Ellen FLOWER wife 29 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Frederick FLOWER son 4 born Winford, Somerset
Francis FLOWER son 2 born Chew Stoke, Somerset

George FLOWER died in Marston Bigot, Somerset on 16th July 1887. This is how his widow Ellen appears in the 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses:

Trudoxhill, Nunney, Somerset (1891)

Ellen FLOWER widow aged 38 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Frederick G. FLOWER son 14 Agricultural Labourer born Winford, Somerset
Francis FLOWER son 12 Agricultural Labourer born Chew Stoke, Somerset

Red Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1901)

Ellen FLOWER widow aged 47 Farmer born Somerset
Francis FLOWER son 21 Dairyman born Somerset

Emborough, Somerset (1911)

Ellen FLOWER widow aged 58 Farmer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Ellen FLOWER (nee BENNETT) died in Bennetts Lane, Whitnell, Somerset on 11th December 1944.

Mary FLOWER (b. 1835) married Richard HARDING in St Swithin, Walcot, Somerset on 11th November 1867. Richard was baptised in East Cranmore, Somerset on 18th April 1819 and was the son of Laban HARDING and Jane CARY. Richard and Mary had at least two children together - Eva Catherine Mary, baptised 13th October 1870 in Chewton Mendip, and Amy Jane, baptised 4th July 1875. In 1871 Richard and Mary were living in Downhead, Somerset:

Hale, Downhead, Somerset

Richard HARDING aged 48 Farmer born East Cranmore, Somerset
Mary HARDING wife 33 born Emborough, Somerset
Eva C. M. HARDING daughter 6 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

By 1881 the family had moved to East Cranmore:

Wellington Farm, East Cranmore, Somerset

Richard HARDING aged 58 Farmer born East Cranmore, Somerset
Mary HARDING wife 43 born Emborough, Somerset
Eva C. HARDING daughter 10 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Amy J. HARDING daughter 5 Scholar born East Cranmore, Somerset
Amy HARDING sister 53 born East Cranmore, Somerset

Mary HARDING (nee FLOWER) died in about 1883 and was buried in West Cranmore, Somerset on 5th April. Her widowed husband died in East Cranmore on 2nd October 1884, just 18 months after Mary passed away.

Henry FLOWER (1824-1906)

Henry FLOWER was baptised in Emborough, Somerset on 15th August 1824 and was the son of George FLOWER and Catherine CHARD. Henry married Elizabeth NORRIS in Emborough on 9th July 1850. Elizabeth was born on 16th October 1827 in West Pennard, Somerset and baptised there on 21st October. She was the daughter of William NORRIS and Mary COOK. Elizabeth's brother James NORRIS married Mary Ann SALVIDGE, the granddaughter of Charles CURTIS, in St John, Bedminster on 19th November 1860. Henry and Mary had nine children together - Frank Norris, born 2nd August 1850 in Emborough; Rosalie, born 2nd September 1851 in Ston Easton, died 14th May 1855 in Ston Easton; William George, born 23rd January 1853 in Ston Easton; Henry John, baptised 17th April 1855 in Ston Easton, died 5th May 1855 in Ston Easton; Elizabeth Catherine, born 10th September 1856 in Ston Easton; John Henry, born 24th March 1858 in Ston Easton; Mary Norris, born 27th February 1859 in Ston Easton; Ernest Charles, born 26th July 1864 in Ston Easton, and Rosalie Augusta Ada, born 27th October 1868 in Ston Easton.

In 1851 Henry and Elizabeth were living with Henry's parents in Emborough (see above census extract) but soon after they became the tenants at Cliff Farm in Ston Easton and this is where they were living in 1861 and 1871 (their eldest son Frank continued to live with his grandparents):

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1861)

Henry FLOWER aged 36 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER wife 32 born West Pennard, Somerset
William George FLOWER son 8 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza Catherine FLOWER daughter 4 born Ston Easton, Somerset
John Henry FLOWER son 3 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary Norris FLOWER daughter 2 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Maria CARTER servant 18 born High Littleton, Somerset
Elizabeth CARPENTER servant 14 born Ston Easton, Somerset

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1871)

Henry FLOWER aged 46 Farmer of 45 Acres Employing 4 Men, 5 Boys & 3 Women born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER wife 42 Farmer's Wife born West Pennard, Somerset
William G. FLOWER son 18 Farmer's Son born Ston Easton, Somerset
John H. FLOWER son 13 Scholar born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary N. FLOWER daughter 12 Scholar born Ston Easton, Somerset
Ernest G. FLOWER son 6 Scholar born Ston Easton, Somerset
Ada Augs. FLOWER daughted 2 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary Ann VEALE servant 24 Domestic Servant born Stowey, Somerset
Eliza Ann ASHMAN servant 14 Domestic Servant born Farrington Gurney, Somerset

Elizabeth FLOWER (nee NORRIS) died on 4th January 1879 and was buried in Ston Easton on 9th January. By 1881 Henry FLOWER had become the tenant at Home Farm in Ston Easton, his eldest son Frank having taken over at Cliff Farm:

Home Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset

Henry FLOWER aged 57 Farmer of 400 Acres Employing 8 Labourers and 1 Boy born Emborough, Somerset
Kate FLOWER daughter 24 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Earnest FLOWER son 17 Farmer's Son born Ston Easton, Somerset
Polly FLOWER daughter 22 born Ston Easton, Somerset
William NORRIS father-in-law widower 84 born West Pennard, Somerset
Elizabeth MARTIN servant 17 General Servant born Paulton, Somerset

Henry married Elizabeth Mary RENDALL in St Luke, Bedminster on 27th May 1882. Elizabeth was baptised in Chewton Mendip on 29th June 1849 and was the daughter of George COLLINS and Christiana LANGFORD and the widow of Simon RENDALL. Henry and Elizabeth moved to Litton, Somerset and this is where they were living in 1891 and 1901 (Harriet FLOWER and Jessie FLOWER were sisters but no obvious connection has been found between the their family and Henry's):

Litton, Somerset (1891)

Henry FLOWER aged 65 Yeoman born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth Mary FLOWER wife 40 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Harriet FLOWER servant 24 Domestic born Litton, Somerset

Litton Street, Litton, Somerset (1901)

Henry FLOWER aged 75 Farmer born Emborough, Somerset
Elizabeth M. FLOWER wife 50 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
F. L. FLOWER visitor 32 born Australia
P. E. FLOWER granddaughter 7 months born Ston Easton, Somerset
Jessie J. FLOWER servant 28 General Servant born Litton, Somerset
Lucy FRANCIS servant 18 Nursemaid born Clutton, Somerset

Henry died on 22nd August 1906 at Springfield House in Gillingham, Dorset which was the home of his daughter and son-in-law Kate and Richard HODDINOTT. He was buried on 25th August in Ston Easton. His widow Elizabeth (nee COLLINS) died in Litton on 18th April 1935. On 14th May 1907 an auction was held at the Waldegrave Arms in Chewton Mendip for the property Henry had owned in the parish. This consisted of four lots, three of which were freehold pasture land which sold for between £190 and £680. The fourth lot was Quarrs Farm which sold for £1875.

Frank Norris FLOWER (b. 1850) lived with his grandfather George until the 1870s. He then took over running Cliff Farm in Ston Easton from his father and this is where he was living at the time of the 1881-1911 censuses:

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1881)

Frank FLOWER aged 28 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
John FLOWER brother 22 Farmer's Brother born Ston Easton, Somerset
Isabella SALMON servant widow 68 Housekeeper born Ston Easton, Somerset
Mary PEARCE servant 50 General Servant born Farrington Gurney, Somerset

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1891)

Frank Norris FLOWER aged 38 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Florence PICKFORD servant 58 Housekeeper born Norton St Philip, Somerset
Mary PEARCE servant 58 Domestic Servant born High Littleton, Somerset

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1901)

Frank FLOWER aged 50 Farmer born England
A. PADFIELD servant 40 Housekeeper born England

Cliff Farm, Ston Easton, Somerset (1911)

Frank N. FLOWER aged 60 Dairy Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Emily CANDY housekeeper 36 Cheese Maker born East Harptree, Somerset
Ada DERRICK servant 17 Domestic born Clapton, Somerset

Frank Norris FLOWER died unmarried on 7th May 1917 in Farrington Gurney, Somerset. Cliff Farm is now the clubhouse of Farrington Park golf club.

William George FLOWER (b. 1853) died unmarried on 3rd June 1876 and was buried in Ston Easton on 8th June.

Elizabeth Catherine FLOWER (b. 1857) married Richard HODDINOTT on 4th May 1881 in Ston Easton. Richard was born in West Cranmore, Somerset on 18th May 1854 and was the son of Sidney HODDINOTT and Eliza MULLINS. Richard and Elizabeth moved to Gillingham, Dorset and were living there at the time of the 1891 and 1901 censuses:

Springfield, Gillingham, Dorset (1891)

Richard HODDINOTT aged 36 Farmer born West Cranmore, Somerset
Elizabeth Catherine HODDINOTT wife 34 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza TRASK servant 24 Cook born Middle Chinnock, Somerset
Florence WARE servant 20 General Domestic Servant born Shirehampton, Gloucestershire

Springfield, Gillingham, Dorset (1901)

Richard HODDINOTT aged 46 Farmer born Cranmore, Somerset
Kate HODDINOTT wife 44 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Rosalie E. K. NORRIS cousin 41 born Glastonbury, Somerset
Mary CROSS servant 26 Domestic Servant born Buckhorn Weston, Dorset

By 1911 Richard and Elizabeth had moved to Woodford near Wells (Eliza HUNT was probably the Eliza TRASK who was shown working for the HODDINOTTs in 1891):

Woodford House, Wells, Somerset

Richard HODDINOTT aged 56 Farming born West Cranmore, Somerset
Elizabeth Catherine HODDINOTT wife 54 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Eliza HUNT help 42 Help in House born Middle Chinnock, Somerset

Richard and Elizabeth didn't have any children. Richard HODDINOTT died on 17th February 1920 in Woodford. His widow Elizabeth Catherine HODDINOTT (nee FLOWER) died on 22nd June 1926 in Glen View, Walton Park, Clevedon, Somerset.

John Henry FLOWER (b. 1858) was running a farm in Ston Easton with his brother Ernest at the time of the 1891 census (the ages shown for Ernest and Rosalie are incorrect, as is Rosalie's birthplace):

Main Street, Ston Easton, Somerset

John H. FLOWER aged 31 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Ernest C. FLOWER aged 22 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Rosalie A. A. FLOWER sister 26 born Kilmersdon, Somerset
Mildred A. CARTER servant 16 Domestic Servant born Kilmersdon, Somerset

Although the farm is not named it is likely that it was Home Farm as this was on Main Street and had previously been run by John's father. John married Hannah Mary Parfitt MILES in Croscombe, Somerset on 21st September 1892. Hannah was born in Chewton Mendip on 19th October 1869 and was the daughter of George MILES and Hannah PARFITT. John and Hannah had two children together, born born in Chewton Mendip - Henry George Stanley, born 10th August 1893, and Hilda Mary, born 6th June 1895. In the early 1890s the family moved to Quarrs Farm in Chewton Mendip which at the time was still owned by John's father, and this is where they were living in 1901:

Quarrs Farm, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

John Henry FLOWER aged 41 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Hannah Mary Parfitt FLOWER wife 33 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Henry George Stanley FLOWER son 7 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Hilda Mary FLOWER daughter 5 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Florence PAYNE servant 14 Domestic Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Quarrs Farm
(click image to enlarge)

John remained as the tenant at Quarrs Farm until it was put up for sale in 1907 following the death of his father. According to Richard LOXTON, John built the red brick house on Lower Street in Chewton Mendip called Woodside in the early 1900s, and this is where the family was living in 1911:

Woodside, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

John Henry FLOWER aged 50 Retired Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Hannah Mary FLOWER wife 40 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Henry Stanley FLOWER son 17 Land Agent's Office born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Bessie HILL servant 15 General Servant born Horrington, Wells, Somerset

Hannah FLOWER, known as 'Pattie', worked at Gournay Court in West Harptree during the First World War which was being used as a hospital by the Voluntary Aid Detachment, a voluntary unit of civilians providing nursing care for soldiers. Hannah served as the hospital's quartermaster but she tragically died of meningitis on 9th February 1915 aged only 45. Her death was reported in the Wells Journal on 19th February:

"It is with great regret that we record the death of Mrs J. H. Flower of 'Woodside' on the 9th inst after a brief illness. Until a few days before her death she was busy with Red Cross work at Gournay Court nursing wounded soldiers, a work in which she took a great interest. Her loss will be keenly felt not only in this work but also in many other directions, the deceased having been a Sunday School teacher and an active member of various parochial committees. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon in the parish churchyard amidst every token of esteem and respect. The chief mourners were: Mr J. H. Flower (husband), Miss Flower (only daughter), Messrs F. N. Flower and E. C. Flower (brothers-in-law), Messrs Hoddinott and J. H. Hill (brothers-in-law), Mrs Haydon (cousin), Mr and Mrs H. Miles (cousin) and Mrs J Miles (cousin).

"Amongst other mourners were: Earl and Countess Waldegrave, Miss Kathleen Young, Mrs Radford Young, Rev J. Pavey (Litton) Mr and Mrs McMurtie and many members of the local and district VA detachments. The service, which was choral, was conducted by the Rev T. I. Pocock (curate), the lesson being read by Earl Waldegrave. It was a very touching scene as the coffin, bearing a photograph of her only son, 2nd Lieut. S. Flower who is in India with his regiment, was lowered into the grave. The breast plate on the coffin bore the following inscription: 'Hannah Mary Parfitt Flower, born October 19th 1869, died February 9th 1915.' There was a large number of beautiful floral tributes from friends and relatives and included one from Earl and Countess Waldegrave and one form each VAD at Chewton, Radstock and Mid Somerset. A muffled peal was rung on the church bells at the conclusion of the service."

The 1939 Register shows John Henry FLOWER still living at Woodside with a housekeeper as the only other resident. He died on 13th July 1943 in The Cotes, Boreham, Warminster, Wiltshire, which may have been the home of his daughter Hilda.

Mary Norris FLOWER (b. 1859), known as 'Polly', married Joseph Hansford HILL in Ston Easton on 18th August 1886. Joseph was baptised in Paulton, Somerset on 4th April 1858 and was the son of Joseph HILL and Ann HANSFORD. Joseph and Mary had at least three children together - Joseph Hansford Ainslie, born 26th May 1887 in Charlton Musgrove, Somerset; Eleanor Mary, baptised 16th September 1888 in Chewton Mendip, and Henry Douglas, baptised 31st May 1890 in Chewton Mendip, buried 4th June 1890 in Chewton. Joseph Hansford HILL may have been the J. H. HILL listed as one of the members of the committee established in 1890 to raise money for repairs to Chewton Mendip's church tower.

In 1891 and 1901 Joseph and Mary were living at Waldegrave House in Chewton Mendip:

Waldegrave House, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1891)

Joseph Hansford HILL aged 33 Living On Own Means born Paulton, Somerset
Mary Norris HILL wife 32 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Joseph Hansford Ainslue HILL son 3 born Wincanton, Somerset
Eleanor Mary HILL daughter 2 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Julia Jane GARDINER servant 22 General Domestic Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Alice Mary GARDINER servant 18 General Domestic Servant born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Waldegrave House, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1901)

Joseph Hansford HILL aged 43 No Occupation born Paulton, Somerset
Mary Norris HILL wife 42 No Occupation born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Eleanor Mary HILL daughter 12 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Martha Kezia FLOWER servant 24 Domestic Servant born Litton, Somerset

Mary Norris HILL (nee FLOWER)
(click image to enlarge)

By 1911 Joseph and Mary had moved to Cheddar, Somerset (the name of their house is not recorded in the census but it is likely to have been Hobbswell House as this is in Kent Street and the family are known to have lived there):

Kent Street, Cheddar, Somerset

Joseph Hansford HILL aged 53 No Occupation born Paulton, Somerset
Mary Norris HILL wife 52 born Farrington Gurney, Somerset
Joseph Hansford Ainslie HILL son 23 Land Agent born Charlton Musgrove, Somerset
Eleanor Mary HILL daughter 22 No Occupation born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Rosalie NORRIS visitor 51 No Occupation born Glastonbury, Somerset
Beatrice Mary Berry KINGDON companion 37 born Totterdown, Bristol
Annie Mary SIMMONS servant 21 General Domestic Servant born Cranmore, Somerset

Mary Norris HILL (nee FLOWER) died on 19th March 1924 at 6 Arlington Villas, Clifton, Bristol, though her probate record shows her residence as Hobbswell House, Cheddar. Joseph Hansford HILL died on 4th March 1930 in Hobbswell House.

Ernest Charles FLOWER (b. 1864) was running a farm in Chewton Mendip with his brother John in 1891 (see above census extract). He married Fanny Langfield GARE in Shepton Mallet, Somerset on 27th April 1892. Fanny was born on 2nd November 1866 in Lawrence, New South Wales, Australia and was the daughter of Frederick GARE and Susan Elizabeth Langfield LAVER. Fanny's parents married in Long Sutton, Somerset on 2nd August 1854 before immigrating to Australia in the late 1850s where Fanny and her siblings were born. The family returned to England in 1869 aboard the Sobraon. Ernest and Fanny had at least six children together - Norris Langfield, born 25th December 1893 in Ston Easton; Ernest Geoffrey, born 28th February 1896 in Ston Easton; Harold, born 25th August 1898 in Ston Easton; Phyllis Elizabeth, born 15th September 1900 in Ston Easton; Daphne Dobin, born 4th February 1904 in Corsham, Wiltshire, and Ivy Doris, born 30th March 1908 in Corsham.

At the time of the 1901 census Fanny FLOWER and her daughter Phyllis were living with her father-in-law in Litton (see above census extract), while her older children Norris, Ernest and Harold were all living with their grandparents Frederick and Elizabeth GARE in Shepton Mallet. The whereabouts of her husband Ernest at the time is not known. Shortly after 1901 the family became the tenants at Easton Farm in Corsham, Wiltshire, and this is where they were living in 1911:

Easton Farm, Corsham, Wiltshire

Ernest Charles FLOWER aged 46 Farmer born Ston Easton, Somerset
Fanny Langfield FLOWER wife 43 born Sydney, Australia
Norris Langfield FLOWER son 17 Bank Clerk born Ston Easton, Somerset
Ernest Geoffrey FLOWER son 15 Farmer's Son born Ston Easton, Somerset
Phyllis Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 10 Scholar born Ston Easton, Somerset
Daphne Dobin FLOWER daughter 7 Scholar born Corsham Wiltshire
Ivy Doris FLOWER daughter 3 born Corsham, Wiltshire
Florence Kate BRAY servant 16 Servant born South Wraxall, Wiltshire

According to his son Norris, Ernest Charles FLOWER was "well known as having an excellent knowledge of horses, and acted as a judge of hunters at various shows in Wiltshire and Somerset." Fanny FLOWER (nee GARE) died in Corsham on 26th April 1927. The 1939 Register shows Ernest still working at Upper Easton Farm with his children Ernest and Ivy. He died on 21st August 1943 in Corsham.

Rosalie Augusta Ada FLOWER (b. 1868) was known as Ada. She married Sidney KEEN on 28th February 1895 in Litton, Somerset. He was born on 7th June 1868 in Chewton Mendip and was the son of John Reynolds KEEN and Emily JONES. The 1895 Kelly's Directory of Somerset shows Sidney as a "brick and tile maker" at Strode Road, Clevedon and he later became the manager of the Clevedon Brick and Tile Company. Ada and Sidney had two children together, both born in Walton-in-Gordano near Clevedon, Somerset - Irene Ada, born 19th March 1900, and Audrey Blanche, born 15th February 1903. The family lived in Walton-in-Gordano as shown here in the 1901 and 1911 censuses:

Glen View, Walton-in-Gordano, Somerset

Sidney KEEN aged 32 Brick Tile Manufacturer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Rosalie A. A. KEEN wife 32 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Irene A. KEEN daugter 1 born Walton, Somerset
Florence M. LEWIS servant 22 General Domestic born Cirencester, Gloucestershire

Glen View, Walton Park, Walton-in-Gordano, Somerset

Sidney KEEN aged 42 Brick Manufacturer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Rosalie Ada KEEN wife 42 born Ston Easton, Somerset
Irene Ada KEEN daugter 11 Scholar born Walton-in-Gordano, Somerset
Audrey Blance KEEN daughter 8 Scholar born Walton-in-Gordano, Somerset
Florence SELWAY servant 19 General Domestic Servant born Binegar, Somerset

Sidney KEEN served in the Royal Engineers in World War One, rising to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He was made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) in the 1917 New Year Honours and received the Médaille du Roi Albert (or King Albert Medal) in June 1920. The 1939 Register shows Sidney and Ada living at Glen View, Cambridge Road, Clevedon with their daughter Audrey. Sidney KEEN died at Glen View on 17th October 1941. His widow Ada (nee FLOWER) died at Mount Pleasant Nursing Park, Clevedon on 2nd July 1947.

William FLOWER (1826-1920)

William FLOWER was baptised in Chewton Mendip, Somerset on 30th April 1826 and was the son of John FLOWER and Elizabeth CHURCH. He married Ann GOULD in St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset on 12th June 1848. Ann was baptised in Chewton on 10th November 1828 and was the daughter of Richard GOULD and Mary Ann YORK. William and Ann had at least eight children together, all born or baptised in Chewton Mendip - Elizabeth, baptised 18th October 1850, buried September 1866 in Chewton; John James, baptised 25th February 1855; Ann, born c. 1856; Eliza, born 19th August 1860, baptised 23rd September; Edwin, born 3rd November 1862, baptised 10th December 1862; Louisa, baptised 15th February 1865; Elizabeth, born c. 1867, and Ellen, baptised 16th June 1870. This is William and Ann appear in the 1851-1891 censuses:

Nedge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1851)

William FLOWER aged 24 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER wife 22 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 6 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Bathway, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1861)

William FLOWER aged 34 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER wife 32 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 10 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
John James FLOWER son 6 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER daughter 3 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FLOWER daughter 7 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Edge, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1871)

William FLOWER aged 45 Farm Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER wife 43 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
John FLOWER son 16 Farm Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER daughter 14 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Eliza FLOWER daughter 11 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Edwin FLOWER son 9 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Rosea FLOWER daughter 6 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 4 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen FLOWER daughter 11 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Edge Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1881)

William FLOWER aged 56 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER wife 55 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen FLOWER daughter 10 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 13 Scholar born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

East End, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1891)

William FLOWER aged 68 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ann FLOWER wife 66 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Elizabeth FLOWER daughter 23 Housemaid born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Alfred FLOWER grandson 7 born Wells, Somerset

In 1901 William and Ann were living with their daughter and son-in-law Louisa and Henry BRIXEY in Wells, Somerset:

Burcott, Wells, Somerset

Henry BRIXEY aged 38 Labourer born Wincanton, Somerset
Louisa BRIXEY wife 36 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William BRIXEY son 16 Labourer born Beach, Bitton, Somerset
Albert BRIXEY son 13 Labourer born Bath, Somerset
Ann FLOWER mother 75 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William FLOWER father 76 Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Ann FLOWER (nee GOULD) died on 1st June 1901 and was buried in Chewton Mendip on 5th June. In 1911 her widowed husband was still living with their daugter Louisa and her family:

Upper Burcott, Wells, Somerset

Henry BRIXEY aged 47 Farm Labourer born Bourton, Somerset
Louisa BRIXEY wife 46 Laundress born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
William BRIXEY son 26 Farm Labourer born Beach, Bitton, Somerset
Albert BRIXEY son 23 Jobbing Gardener born Beacon Hill, Bath, Somerset
William FLOWER father-in-law 85 Farm Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

William FLOWER died on 23rd December 1920 and was buried in Chewton Mendip.

John James FLOWER (b. 1854) married Sarah BUNN in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales in 1875. Sarah was born in Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales in about 1857. John and Sarah moved to London where they had at least five children together - Harry Richard, baptised 20th November 1878 at St John the Divine, Kennington; Phoebe Mary, baptised 22nd January 1879 at St John the Divine; Annie Rachel, born 20th August 1881 in Walworth; Louisa Elizabeth, born 6th August 1884 in Walworth, and John William Carlisle, born 25th September 1887 in Streatham. Three of the children were registered with the surname FLOWERS when they were born and this is the spelling that appears in subsequent records. In 1881 John and Sarah were living in Walworth:

6 Clandon Street, Walworth, Newington, London

John FLOWERS aged 26 Brick Labourer born Chewton, Somerset
Sarah FLOWERS wife 24 born Cardiff, South Wales
Harry FLOWERS son 3 born Kennington, Surrey
Phoebe FLOWERS daughter 2 born Camberwell, Surrey

John FLOWERS died in about 1890. In 1891 his widow Sarah was living in Dagenham, Essex with her children:

Church Street, Dagenham, Essex

Sarah FLOWERS widow aged 36 Field Worker born South Wales
Richard FLOWERS son 13 Dock Labourer born Camberwell, London
Phoebe M. FLOWERS daughter 12 Scholar born Camberwell, London
Annie R. FLOWERS daughter 9 Scholar born Walworth, London
Louisa E. FLOWERS daughter 6 Scholar born Walworth, London
John W. FLOWERS son 4 born Streatham, Surrey
Elizabeth HOLLOWAY lodger widow 44 Field Worker born Pimlico, London

Sarah married Charles THOMPSON in early 1900 but he died soon afterwards and the 1901 census shows her as a widow once again, though for some reason her first name was not recorded:

Lamb Lane, Hornchuch, Essex

(Mrs) THOMPSON widow aged 45 born Cardiff, Wales
John W. FLOWERS son 14 General Labourer on Farm born Streatham, Surrey

As yet Sarah THOMPSON (nee BUNN) has not been found in any subsequent marriage, death or census records.

Eliza FLOWER (b. 1860) married John Henry PARRATT in Lyncombe & Widcombe, Somerset on 23rd April 1884. John was born in Bath, Somerset in about 1857 and was the son of Frederick PARRATT. John and Eliza had at least five children together, all born in Bath - Arthur Henry, born 26th January 1885, baptised 9th October 1887 in St Mark, Lyncombe; Edwin Francis, born 20th July 1886, baptised 9th October 1887 in St Mark, Lyncombe; Frank Frederick, baptised 2nd September 1888 in Lyncombe & Widcombe; Ada Eliza, born 18th September 1890, baptised 26th October 1890 in St Mark, Lyncombe; and Lilly Elizabeth, born 6th December 1892. This is how the family appears in the 1891 census:

11 Wells Place, Lyncombe & Widcombe, Bath, Somerset

John PARRATT aged 34 Paper Hanger born Bath, Somerset
Eliza PARRATT wife 30 born Bath, Somerset
Arthur PARRATT son 6 born Bath, Somerset
Edwin PARRATT son 4 born Bath, Somerset
Frank PARRATT son 2 born Bath, Somerset
Ada PARRATT daughter 6 month born Bath, Somerset

John PARRATT died in Bath in 1893 aged only 36. His widow Eliza subsequently married Edward SCRIVENS in Bath in 1898. Edward was born in Chaceley, Worcestshire in about 1851. This is how Edward and Eliza appear in the 1901 census:

9 Berkeley Buildings, Twerton, Somerset

Edward SCRIVENS aged 50 Butcher's Shopman born Chaceley, Worcestshire
Eliza SCRIVENS wife 39 Laundress born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Arthur H. PARRATT son 16 Stay Presser born Bath, Somerset
Edward F. PARRATT son 14 Errand Boy born Bath, Somerset
Frank F. PARRATT son 12 Errand Boy born Bath, Somerset
Lilian E. PARRATT daughter 8 born Bath, Somerset

Edward and Eliza had two children together, both born in Bath - Frederick William baptised 29th September 1901 at Ascension Church, Bath, and Henry George, born c. 1906. In 1911 Edward and Eliza were living in the hamlet of Ditteridge near Box, Wiltshire:

Ditteridge, Box, Wiltshire

Edward SCRIVENS aged 61 Farm Labourer born Chaceley, Worcestshire
Eliza SCRIVENS wife 50 born Chewton, Somerset
Frederick W. SCRIVENS son 9 born Berkeley Buildings, Bath, Somerset
Henry G. SCRIVENS son 4 born Berkeley Buildings, Bath, Somerset

Edward SCRIVENS died in about 1926. The 1939 Register shows his widow Eliza living with the RODWAY family in Coronation Avenue, Bath with her occupation shown as 'unpaid domestic duties'. Eliza SCRIVENS (nee FLOWER) died in Bath in about 1939.

Edwin FLOWER (b. 1862) married Annie BATH in Chewton Mendip on 26th March 1890. Annie was born in West Harptree, Somerset on 2nd March 1868. Her marriage certificate shows her father's name as William, however an Annie BATH was baptised in West Harptree on 20th March 1868, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth. Edwin and Annie had at least five children together - Henry, baptised 20th July 1890 in Chewton Mendip, buried 18th June 1892 in East Horrington, Somerset; Alice, baptised 14th August 1892 in East Horrington; Kate, baptised 25th July 1895 in St Cuthbert, Wells, Somerset; Emily, baptised 8th September 1901 in St Cuthbert, Wells, and William, baptised 11th March 1906 in St Cuthbert, Wells. This is how the family appear in 1891, 1901 and 1911 censuses:

Honeywell, Chewton Mendip, Somerset (1891)

Edwin FLOWER aged 29 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie FLOWER wife 23 born West Harptree, Somerset
Henry FLOWER son 11 months born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

Wellesley, Wells, Somerset (1901)

Edwin FLOWER aged 38 Carter on Farm born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie FLOWER wife 33 born West Harptree, Somerset
Alice FLOWER daughter 8 born West Horrington, Somerset
Kate FLOWER daughter 6 born Wells, Somerset

Dulcote, Wells, Somerset (1911)

Edwin FLOWER aged 48 Farm Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Annie FLOWER wife 43 born West Harptree, Somerset
Alice FLOWER daughter 18 Domestic Servant born Haddon Lodge, Somerset
Emily FLOWER daughter 9 Scholar born Wellesley, Somerset
William FLOWER son 5 Scholar born Dulcote, Somerset

The 1939 Register shows Edwin and Annie FLOWER living at 4a St Thomas Street in Wells. What became of them subsequently is not yet known.

Louisa FLOWER (b. 1865) married Henry BRIXEY in Bitton, Gloucestershire on 21st March 1884. Henry was baptised in Bourton, Dorset on 11th January 1863 and was the son of Henry BRIXEY and Sarah MORGAN. Henry and Louisa had at least two childrne together - William Henry, born c. 1885 in Beach, a hamlet near Bitton, and Albert, born c. 1888 at Beacon Hill, Bath, Somerset. In 1891 the family was living in Burcott, Wells (the village of Bourton is situated on the border between Dorset and Somerset which perhaps explains why Henry's birthplace is shown as Somerset):

Burcott, Wells, Somerset

Henry BRIXEY aged 27 Agricultural Labourer born Bourton, Somerset
Louise BRIXEY wife 26 born Chewton, Somerset
William BRIXEY son 6 Scholar born Bath, Somerset
Albert BRXIEY son 3 born Bitton, Gloucestershire

Henry and Louisa were still living in Wells at the time of the 1901 and 1911 censuses (see extracts above). Henry BRIXEY died in Wells in about 1834. The 1939 Register shows his widow as a resident at the Old Almshouses in Chamberlain Street, Wells. Louisa BRIXEY (nee FLOWER) died in about 1940.

Ellen FLOWER (b. 1870) married George William CHURCH in Chewton Mendip on 23rd October 1890. George was baptised in Chewton on 11th April 1867 and was the son of Joseph CHURCH and Hester MAJOR. George was the grandson of William CHURCH, the older brother of Ellen's grandmother Elizabeth, and his older sister Hannah married Ellen's uncle George FLOWER in 1896. This is how George and Ellen appear in the 1891 census:

Chewton Hill, Chewton Mendip, Somerset

George CHURCH aged 24 Agricultural Labourer born Chewton Mendip, Somerset
Ellen CHURCH wife 20 born Chewton Mendip, Somerset

George and Ellen had at least two children together, both born in Chewton Mendip - Minnie Louisa, born 6th April 1896, and Arthur George, born 27th October 1897. Ellen CHURCH (nee FLOWER) died on 25th August 1901 aged only 31 and was buried in Chewton on 30th August.

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