Most Haunted - Henry Attreal - the wonders of late night TV repeats!

[Emsworthy]

Hi all,

I have to honest and confess that I do often tune in and watch Most Haunted - sometimes I'm convinced and other times I'm not...!

The episode I saw last night though (for the first time - it used to clash with pub nights!!) really did intrigue me.

Spitbank Fort.  One mile off-shore from Portsmouth Harbour.  Apparently only one man ever died there and he haunts it to this day. Seemingly he's angry because his death was accidental and he knows it was preventable.  They seemed to get all the details 'correct' on the show - whether it was previously researched is something to be proven or not - so, I decided I'd have a look for him in the records this morning.  Which has really started me off!!

Henry Attreal
Birth
Q June 1874
Lewes
Sussex, East Sussex
Vol 2b
Pg 186



1881
17 Farm House, Rodmell, Sussex

Thomas Attreal, Head, 35, Ag Lab, Lewes
Jane Attreal, Wife, 29, Rodmell
Henry Attreal, Son, 6, Scholar, Rodmell
James Attreal, Son, 5, Scholar, Rodmell
Ellen Attreal, Daughter, 3, Rodmell
Edgar Attreal, Son, 1, Rodmell
James Attreal, Brother, 29, Ag Lab, Lewes

RG11/1075 F 70 P 3


Henry Attreal
Death
Age 36
Q Sept 1910
Portsmouth
Hampshire
Vol 2b
Pg 289


So, what is this posting for exactly? (I'm not sure myself!)  This man has really intrigued me - I suppose I just want to find out as much about him as possible - what was his military history (they say he was a Sergeant)? Did he have a family?  Are there any Attreal decendents out there?  We're not connected so why has he bothered me this much?  Again, I'm not sure...but he's stuck in my mind!!  I really must get out more...

Regards, Emma

[CarolBurns]

I know what you mean Emma. I have often seen a name and date on a programme and decided to have a look and see what I can find, especially to check facts

It takes my mind off my brick walls for a while and puts a bit of interest back into the researching

Carol

[Wendi]

I agree Carol,

Emsworthy, I didn't see the program, but he does not seem to jump out of the the 1891 or '01 Census so perhaps he was a serving soldier   I guess Attreal could be mis-transcribed in all too many ways but I could only seem to find brother James?

Wendi

[Emsworthy]

Thanks for your reply Carol - it sure does make a difference to be looking at someone like Henry - noone in my tree has lived anywhere as exciting as that, yet!

Typical!  Thanks for taking the time to look though Wendi!

He's still playing on my mind (now, I'm either psychic all of a sudden and he's there or I need to get out more - I know which one I'm going with!)  As the accident was in 1910 and in peacetime, would there have been any newspaper reports or photos of him anywhere?

Regards, Emma

[Emsworthy]

He's here in 1891

Rodmell, Sussex

Thomas Altrell, Head, 43, Ag Lab
Jane Altrell, Wife, 39
Henry Altrell, Son, 16, Ag Lab
James Altrell, Son, 15, Ag Lab
Ellen Altrell, Daughter, 13
Edgar Altrell, Son, 11, Ag Lab
Frank Altrell, Son, 9, Scholar
Frederick Altrell, Son, 7, Scholar
Albert Altrell, Son, 4
Elizabeth Altrell, Daughter, 2
Annie Altrell, Daughter, 2wks

All born Rodmell

RG12/801 F 63 P 5 & 6

Regards, Emma

[Wendi]

Well hunted out 

Guess Portsmouth Library might have something on it.  The local history dept. accept email enquiries via reference.library[at]portsmouthcc.gov.uk

Wendi

[liverpool annie]

Here's his brother Em !

In Memory of
Corporal ALBERT ATTREALL

L/8032, "A" Coy. 2nd Bn., Royal Sussex Regiment
who died age 29
on 09 May 1915
Son of the late Thomas and Jane Attreall, of Rodmill, Lewes, Sussex.
Remembered with honour
LE TOURET MEMORIAL

Annie 

[liverpool annie]

I think this is his brother James !! 

1901
   
James Attreal    58   Head Lewes Sussex Coachman
Julia Attreal   39
 
RG13 Piece 942 Folio 15 Page 21

Annie 

[Emsworthy]

Hi Annie,

Thanks for taking the time to look!  I believe that was his Uncle James...

According to the telly (I must learn to take things with a pinch of salt!), Henry had that 'Victorian look - curly hair and the large sideburns' - so you see, I have a mental picture!  Just a shame we can't know for certain!

Regards, Emma