A Little Bit More about the Way of living in Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

The Garden

The villagers were keen gardeners, not only from a love of the soil which some of their ancestors had farmed for centuries, but from the real necessity of providing food for the family. Gardening was taken seriously, and the plot behind the house was used for growing potatoes and vegetables, though a portion of the land was reserved for the luxury of growing a few flowers. When potatoes were due for lifting, the whole family joined in, as the Schoolmaster’s Log Book shows. Children did other gardening to:

1872. 29 September. “Commenced School after Holiday. Attendance not quite so good. Many of the older children being kept at home picking up and sorting potatoes.”

1873. 8th May. “Many of the bigger boys are away assisting their parents in gardening operations.”

1875. 25th March. “Attendance this week not quite so good, many of the elder boys being away assisting their parents in the gardens.”

A number of lectures in the National School were given on the subject of gardening in the 1890’s.

Garden boundaries were zealously guarded. Damage to pailings dividing the plots, or dogs “scratin” among seedlings and especially children neighbours, with someone shouting, “Yo kape ter yer own part, and mek yor kids kape off arn!”

 Without a garden, some of the poor large families would have been in a most desperate plight.

The Coal-House                                                                                               

Every dwelling had its own “cowl-us” in the back yard, secured with a padlock. There were many grade and prices of household coal. In 1890 the advertised Leicester prices per ton, were:

Langton Picked Soft	17s 3d	Langton Picked Hard	16s 9d
Main Brights	16s 3d	Best Silkstone	16s 3d
Langton Soft	16s 3d	Langton Hard	16s 3d
Deep Hard	15s 9d	Cobbles	14s 3d

There was one shilling per ton discount for cash on delivery.

In Sileby, dealers sold a cheaper Derbyshire coal at 11s 6d per ton, which was brought to the village by rail. Israel Lovett, a principal coal dealer in Sileby, owned three coal wagons, which were shunted into the local sidings for unloading. The coal was delivered by horse and cart, at 8d per hundredweight bag. Mr Lovett had two or three shallow coal-barrows for the use of customers who collected their own supplies. Some can still remember him calling to the customers as they left, reminding them to return the barrow.

Poorer villagers who could not afford to buy much coal, were to be seen wandering along the railway lines and the banks, picking up pieces which had fallen from passing trains.

 In 1910, coke sold in the village at 1s a bag, or 11s a ton.

The Wash-House                                                                                                              

Some yards had two wash-houses shared by six families. Each house had its own day for washing, and the rules governing the use of those houses had to be strictly observed, or there was strife among the housewives. A woman with a large family would have a struggle to complete her washing on her allotted day, nevertheless, she had to be out of the wash-house when that day ended. A tug ‘o war between two women with a bath full of soapy water when one had not finished her washing, and the other was ready to begin, and was “gittin all wuked up about it.” Both women ended the contest wet through.

A brick coal-fired boiler was used to heat the water, and large wooden dolly-tubs employed to wash the clothes, with the assistance of a three-legged dolly-peg. Clothes were then so rubbed in an oval bath standing on an old wooden chair from which the back had been removed. Pink carbolic soap was favoured on washday. Some women even added sheep-dip to ensure that the clothes were washed properly.

Mangling

Women who were poor had to wring out their washing by hand. It was very hard work when there were thick woollen garments, and sheets. Those better off possessed their own mangle, built massively of iron, with heavy wooden rollers, bought from a shop in High Street. One poor Sileby woman undertook dress-making at home, carefully saving the coppers she earned, until she had the £2 necessary to buy a mangle.

There were a number of houses in the village which hired mangles. Women who could afford the 1½d fee, took their washing to the mangle in baskets. These hireable mangles were in houses on Barrow Road, Brook Street and The Banks. There were also one or two women who owned a mangle, who were willing to mangle clothes delivered to them. Sometimes in a front-room window was a piece of paper with the words “Mangling done,” scrawled in pencil.

The Day School records show that children were frequently absent on a wash day, helping with the washing and mangling. The reports of the “School Board Man” show that the absentees were always from large families.

The Cost Of Living in 1890

Butter   1s 4d per lb	Beef   6d-9d per lb	Eggs   10 for 1s
6 pairs of mohair bootlaces  1½d	Diamond Pale Soap  3d per lb	Sugar  2lbs for 3½d
Mutton   6d-10d per lb	Pork    6½d per lb	Hares   5s each
Rabbits   2s-2s 10d a couple	Fowls & Ducks  5s 6d a couple	Pigeons  6d-7d each
Pheasant  6s a brace	Geese  8d-9d per lb	Turkeys  9d-1s per lb
Potatoes  45s-52s 6d per ton	Hay  40s-70s ton	1 dozen boxes of matches  1½d
Best beer  2½d a pint	Brandy  28s per gallon	Port Wine 2s 6d pint
Sherry  2s 6d per pint	Stout  20s per barrel
Whisky  21s 6d per gallon	Pure Malt Pot Still Scotch Whisky 45s per dozen bottles

The above are Leicester prices. In the village some items of food from the farms were much cheaper. Eggs could be bought for a little as 24 for 1s.

The Good Old Days?                                                                                           

Despite the hardships and privations, older people in the village look back on these times with some affection. It was a time when the family was a close-knit unit. Unless one of the denominations in the village was providing some entertainment, there was nowhere to go – except to one of the ten public houses. Many families worked together at night, seaming gloves and stockings, or sat gossiping round the fire; there were few secrets in the village.

Perhaps memory erases the heartaches and anxieties of bygone years, and retains only the happy and homely things that took place. Memories of the past are easy to play with, because they can no longer bite us. Many believe that families were happier then, even without the attractions of television, radio, record players, glossy magazines, cinemas and annual holidays by the seaside or abroad. If some of the old framework-knitters and farm labourers who passed from this life in the 1890’s could return to spend a day in Sileby of 2013, they would imagine they were on another planet!

This public house was called ‘The Bellringers Arms’ and it was located on Brook Street before the bridge, the building is still there but it is no longer used as a public house.

(on the right side of picture) This public house was called ‘The Fountain Inn’, it was located on Brook Street after the bridge, sadly this building is no longer there it is now a block of flats.

(all writing in italics are the way the Sileby people talk.)

All information above was found in ‘Bygone Sileby’ magazine. 

Thomas Fisher's family (my 3rd great grandparent)

Thomas and Mary’s family.

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

Joseph was born on 9 November 1834 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 30 November 1834 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 he lived with his parents at King Street, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 Joseph lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; his occupation was Framework Knitter. In 1855 Joseph married Sarah White in Leicestershire, England. On 7 April 1861 they lived at Main Street, Thurmaston, Leicestershire, England; his occupation was Stocking Weaver. On 2 April 1871 they lived at Leicester Road, Thurmaston; Joseph’s occupation was Framework Knitter. On 3 April 1881 they lived at Main Road, Syston, Leicestershire, England; Joesph’s occupation was Framework Knitter. On 5 April 1891 they lived at Main Street, Thurmaston; his occupation was Railway Labourer. On 31 March 1901 they lived at 31 Law Street, Leicester; his occupation was Framework Knitter (Hosiery). On 2 April 1911 Joseph lived at 30 Cooper Street, Leicester; his occupation was Past Work.

Elizabeth was born in 1836 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Mary Ann was born on 20 November 1836 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 4 December 1836 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 she lived with her parents at King Street, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 Mary Ann lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Framework Knitter. On 4 February 1855 Mary Ann married George Clarke at Sileby, Leicestershire. On 7 April 1861 they lived at King Street, Sileby; Mary Ann’s occupation was Framework Knitter of Cott and Wollen Sox. On 2 April 1871 they lived at 46 King Street, Sileby; Mary Ann’s occupation was Framework Knitter. On 3 April 1881, 5 April 1891 and 31 March 1901 they lived at King Street, Sileby; Mary Ann’s occupation in 1881 was Framework Knitter. On 2 April 1911 Mary Ann lived at Swan Street, Sileby. On 2 December 1925 Mary Ann died at Leicestershire, England; she was 89 years old.

Hannah – my 2nd Great Grandparent - blogged on 19 March 2013

Emily was born on 25 January 1840 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 2 February 1840 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 she lived with her parents at King Street, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 Emily lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Framework Knitter. On 7 April 1861 Emily lived at King Street, Sileby; her occupation was Framework Knitter of Wool Socks. On 2 September 1861 Emily married William Underwood at Sileby, Leicestershire. On 2 April 1871 they lived at 18 Cossington Road, Sileby. On 3 April 1881 they lived at Cossington End, Sileby. On 31 March 1901 Emily lived at Cossington Road, Sileby. On 2 April 1911 Emily lived at Cossington Road, Sileby; her occupation was Aged Pensioner. In 1933 Emily died in Leicestershire, England; she was 93 years old. On 7 February 1933 Emily was buried at Sileby Cemetery, Sileby in grave plot B3 with her husband William.

William was born on 24 Aug 1843 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 6 September 1846 at St Mary, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 William lived with his parents at Barrow Road, Sileby. On 7 April 1861 William lived at King Street, Sileby; his occupation was Framework Knitter of Wool Socks. In 1869 William married Edna Oswin Taylor at Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. On 2 April 1871 they lived at 3 Back Lane, Sileby; William’s occupation was Framework Knitter. On 3 April 1881, 5 April 1891 and 31 March 1901 they lived at Swan Street, Sileby; William’s occupation in 1881 was Framework Knitter; William’s occupation in 1891 was Bricklayer Labourer and in 1901 William’s occupation was Carter & Grocer (own account). On 18 September 1902 William died in Leicestershire, England; he was 59 years old.

Thomas and Ann’s (2^nd wife) family.

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

James was born on 16 March 1857 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized 28 June 1857. On 7 April 1861 James lived with his parents at King Street, Sileby; his occupation was Scholar. In 1864 James died in Sileby, Leicestershire; he was buried on 26 May 1864 at St Mary, Sileby. James was 7 years old.

Charlotte was born on 1 March 1859 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 7 April 1861 Charlotte lived with her parents at King Street, Sileby; her occupation was Scholar. On 2 April 1871 Charlotte lived with her parents at 67 King Street, Sileby; her occupation was Winder. On 26 September 1875 Charlotte married William White in Leicestershire, England. On 5 April 1891 they lived at Underhill, Sileby. On 31 March 1901 they lived at Barrow Road, Sileby. In 1906 Charlotte and William along with their family emigrated to Canada. In 1911 they lived at 102 Helena Avenue, Ontario, Canada; Charlotte’s occupation was Nurse. On 19 March 1939 Charlotte died in Toronto, Canada; Charlotte was 80 years old.

Charles was born in 1859 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Joseph was born on 22 January 1861 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 10 February 1861 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 April 1861 he lived with his parents at King Street, Sileby. On 26 January 1862 Joseph died at Sileby, Leicestershire; Joseph was buried on 29 January 1862; he was 1 years old.

Joseph was born on 26 July 1863 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 14 December 1870 at Sileby, Leicestershire. On 2 April 1871 Joseph lived with his parents at 67 King Street, Sileby; his occupation was Scholar.

James Henry was born on 9 November 1865 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 14 December 1870 at St Mary, Sileby.

Thomas was born 9 March 1867 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 2 April 1871 he lived with his parents at 67 King Street, Sileby; his occupation was Scholar. On 3 April 1881 Thomas lived with his parents at Barrow Road, Sileby; his occupation was Servant.

Esther was born on 9 October 1870 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 14 December 1870 at Sileby, Leicestershire. On 2 April 1871 Esther lived with her parents at 67 King Street, Sileby. On 3 April 1881 Esther lived with her parents at Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Scholar. On 4 November 1889 Esther married Charles Hudson at Sileby, Leicestershire. On 5 April 1891 they lived at King Street, Sileby. On 31 March 1901 & 2 April 1911 they lived at Cossington Road, Sileby. On 30 May 1967 Esther died at Sileby, Leicestershire; she was 96 years old.

 All the above information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk, www.familysearch.org & National Burial Index for England & Wales, Third Edition cd & Sileby Cemetery Alphabetical Listing of Deceased (pdf) – which I found on the internet in 2008

Friday’s Faces From the Past - Auntie Cad?

Below is picture of a lady known by my cousins from my dad’s side (Brown) as Auntie Cad, she was last known as living in Birmingham, Warwickshire, England; sometime in the 1950's.

If you know of her, please get in touch as I would love to know how she is connected to my family.

My 3rd Great Grandparents

Thomas Fisher

Mary (nee Haywood)

Ann (nee MacDerment) – 2^nd wife

Thomas was born on 25 October 1811 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptized on 15 November 1811 at Sileby.  On 25 December 1832 he married Mary Haywood at Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. On 7 June 1841 & 30 March 1851 Thomas’ occupation was Framework Knitter. On 11 February 1856 Thomas married Ann MacDerment in Leicestershire, England. On 7 April 1861 Thomas’ occupation was Framework Knitter of Cott & Woll Socks. On 2 April 1871 & 3 April 1881 Thomas’ occupation was Framework Knitter. On 27 January 1887 Thomas died in Leicestershire, England; he was 75 years old. Thomas is buried in the graveyard of St Mary Church, Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Mary was born on 5 March 1813 at Ratby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 28 March 1813 at Ratby. On 25 December 1832 Mary married Thomas Fisher at Loughborough. On 7 June 1841 they lived at King Street, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 they lived at Barrow Road, Sileby. In May 1855 Mary died in Leicestershire; she was 43 years old. Mary is buried in the graveyard of St Mary Church, Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Ann was born on 4 June 1827 at Kendal, Westmoreland, England; she was baptized on 25 November 1827 at St George, Kendal, Westmoreland. On 11 February 1856 Ann married Thomas Fisher in Leicestershire. On 7 April 1861 they lived at King Street, Sileby; Ann’s occupation was Framework Knitter for wool socks. On 2 April 1871 they lived at 67 King Street, Sileby.  On 3 April 1881 they lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; Ann’s occupation was Seamster. On 5 April 1891 Ann lived at King Street, Sileby; her occupation was Seamstress. On 31 March 1901 Ann lived at Cossington Road, Sileby. In 1904 Ann died in Leicestershire, England; she was 77 years old. Ann is buried in grave plot C158 at Sileby Cemetery, Sileby, Leicestershire, England.

Thomas and Mary had 6 children –

Joseph                  born 1834 Sileby

Elizabeth              born 1836 Sileby

Mary Ann             born 1836 Sileby                               died 1925 Leicestershire

Hannah                born 1838 Sileby                               died 1911 Leicestershire

Emily                   born 1840 Sileby

William                 born 1843 Sileby                               died 1902

Thomas & Ann (2^nd wife) had 8 children –

James                  born 1857 Sileby

Charlotte              born 1859 Sileby                               died 1939 Canada

Charles                born 1859 Sileby

Joseph                 born 1861 Sileby                               died 1862 Sileby

Joseph                 born 1863 Sileby

James Henry        born 1865 Sileby

Thomas               born 1867 Sileby

Esther                  born 1870 Sileby                               died 1967

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk, www.familysearch.org, National Burial Index for England & Wales (Third Edition) cd & Sileby Cemetery Alphabetical Listing of Deceased (pdf) – which I found on the internet in 2008

Thomas Richard and Hannah’s family

I’m going to tell you about the children of the above, it might not be much but it’s all I have.

James – I blogged him on 19th March 2013 - My 2nd Great Grandparent

Charles was born in 1833 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; he was baptised on 31 March 1833 at St Mary, Sileby.

Matilda was born on 16 December 1834 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 19 December 1834 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 Matilda lived with her family at Church Lane, Sileby. On 12 February 1845 Matilda died; she was 10 years old.

Jane was born in 1836 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 23 October 1836 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 she lived with her parents at Church Lane, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 she lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; Jane’s occupation was Seamer. In 1856 Jane married John Lacey in Sileby. On 7 April 1861 they lived at Barrow Road, Sileby. On 2 April 1871 & 3 April 1881 they lived at 53 Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Dressmaker. On 5 April 1891 & 31 March 1901 they lived at Barrow Road, Sileby. On the 2 April 1911 Jane lived with her daughter Ada at 23 Farringdon Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, England.

Eliza was born in 1839 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 3 March 1839 at St Mary, Sileby. On 7 June 1841 Eliza lived with her parents at Church Lane, Sileby. On 30 March 1851 Eliza lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Seamer.

Louisa was born on 2 November 1843 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England; she was baptized on 19 November 1843 at St Mary, Sileby. On 22 October 1866 Louisa married Thomas William Randall at Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. On 2 April 1871 they lived at Cravens Buidlings, Unstone, Derbyshire, England. On 3 April 1881 they lived at Birmingham Row, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England. On 2 April 1911 Louisa lived at 34 Harrison Street, Leicester. In 1911 Louisa died in Leicester, Leicestershire, England; Louisa was 67 years old.

Hannah was born in 1844 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 30 March 1851 Hannah lived with her parents at Barrow Road, Sileby. On 7 April 1861 Barrow Road, Sileby; her occupation was Needlework.

Hannah Matilda was born in 1848 at Sileby, Leicestershire, England. On 30 March 1851 & 7 April 1861 Hannah Matilda lived at Barrow Road, Sileby; on 7 April 1861 Hannah Matilda’s occupation was Needlework.

All information was found on www.ancestry.co.uk