Dear Tricia,
Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.
Yes Lucy Ann did remarry a John Sedgwick Lambert - September quarter 1862 - in Knaresborough. They moved to Tyneside where their son Walter Hibbert Lambert was born in 1868. Walter seems to have spent more time with his grandparents the Paulden's than at home, but compairing Jarrow to Knaresborough you can probably see why!
The Lambert's ran a cafe in Ellison Street, Jarrow in 1871, and by 1881 had moved to the other side of the Tyne to take over the Jerusalem Coffee House, in Clive Street, North Shields, moving back again by 1891.
Walter Lambert grew up to be a Music Hall artist and worked under the professional name of Lydia Dreams. Part of his act was as a ventriloquist and he travelled across to America to perform as well as in the UK. He was obviously very talented because he was also a painter and received a Royal Commision to paint a picture depicting all the musical artists of the period, and this painting called 'Popularity' can be seen at the London Museum today.
Now this is where I fit into the picture because my grandfather was a very good friend of Walter Lambert, so much so that although my grandfather was not a music hall artist he too is in the picture, coming down the stairs of an open top bus. Walter also included his wife and children although none of them have their names on the diagram which tells you who is who in the picture. My father could recall the picture as it was being painted in the 1930's as both families lived in Kenbury Street, Camberwell, and sometimes my Dad and his brother were privileged to a private performance where Walter had a little stage with curtains.
Through the power of the internet I have managed to find one of Walters descendent's who now lives in Australia, and it is for her (and of course myself) that I am trying to discover the family history.
This family searching lark really is time consuming but Oh so interesting, because you never know where it leads, and I have made contact with some really lovely people.
Thank you for all your help, and wishing you continued success in all your searching.
Best Wishes, Patsy
