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I am the granddaughter of Charlotte Ridley and James Matthews. My father was also named James Matthews.  My mother was a "flattie" but travelled for a short time with my father. We kept in touch with my aunts - Susie, Polly, Netta and Rhoda. They all married into show families (Hill, Proctor, Ravenscroft and Sedgwick). My parents split up but my mother still helped out the Ravenscrofts at local fairs. I remember operating a juvenile, pitch a penny, hook a duck and spinning candy floss with both hands by the time I was nine years old!  I have very little information about the Matthews family. I don't think they were showmen. I have found information regarding the Ridley family on the census.  I know my grandfather James Matthews married Mary Ann Ridley (mother of Susie, Tommy and Grace). Grace died when she was 9 years old.  Tommy was killed in the war 1917.  After she died, my grandfather married her sister Charlotte Ridley. My father was the only surviving male Matthews as two of his brothers died in infancy (William and John).  My grandfather died in 1916, the same year as my father was born.  Charlotte Ridley later married George Hodson.  She died in 1936 but is buried with James Matthews Snr at Arnos Vale in Bristol. Along with my two brothers, James and Colin, I have visited the graves of John and Selina Ridley and Grace Matthews in Manor Park cemetery in London. I am so pleased to hear from you!  I had no idea the Ridley family were still travelling.  Looking forward to hearing from you.  Kind regards Grace

Does anyone have any info on James Matthews, Travelling Photographer married to Charlotte Ridley?  Ridley family were circus showmen (John & Selina Ridley)  I have info on Ridley family but very little on Matthews.  I know my Matthews family were not originally fairground people and are not related to the Matthews family in Fairfield Folk. James Matthews (son of James Matthews) originated from London, possibly Lambeth or Bethnal Green and he died in Bristol in 1916.  I am unable to find the mother of James or his birth certificate.  Any help much appreciated

do you have any info on Richard J W Burrows died in Gloucester 1936 aged 33 yrs?  I know he had two sons - Keith and Richard.  I am trying to find out his wife's name.  Thanks

Hi
I am new to this forum and have read with interest the thread for John and Selina Ridley.  They were my paternal great grandparents.  My grandfather, James Matthews married Mary Ridley.  They had 3 children - Susan, Thomas and Grace. Thomas was killed in France in Feb 1917.  Grace died of a heart condition when she was 9 years old.  John, Selina and Grace are all buried in Manor Park cemetery in London ( I have visited their graves).  Susan married Linwood Hill (showman).
Mary died when the children were young.  James then married Mary's sister, Charlotte Ridley who was my grandmother. I have copies of both wedding certificates.  James and Charlotte's children were: Mary Ann, Annette, Rhoda and my father James. Two sons, John and William died in infancy. James died in Dec 1916 when my father was 8 months old. My brother is also named James and I was named after my aunt Grace. My grandfather, James Matthews was a travelling photographer and I have a picture of his "booth".
If anyone has any more information on this family, I would be very pleased to hear from them.