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« on: Monday 04 October 21 11:17 BST (UK) »
I am trying to find out more about Hester Wadkin's appearance in court on a charge of bigamy.
Hester (hereafter called Esther) Wadkin was baptised on 25th July 1823 in Barkston, Lincolnshire. On the 20th January 1846 Esther's daughter, Eliza Wadkin, was baptised at Quarrington, Lincolnshire with Esther being named as the parent, no father. On the same day, in the same church Esther married John Bescoby. Eliza's birth registration looks to be Eliza Wadkin M1846 Sleaford, no mother's maiden name.
In 1851 Esther Bescoby and daughter Eliza Bescoby are with Esther's mother and sister at Haw's Yard, Grantham. Esther is described as married but John is not there.
On 7th March 1860 Esther is arrested and taken to Lincoln Gaol. She is tried on the 12th for feloniously marrying William Taylor on 16th November 1857 at Little Gonersby but acquitted.
What I am wondering is whether there were any newspaper reports at the time as I cannot find John Bescoby after the marriage, Eliza Wadkin/Bescoby after 1851 and Esther after her trial. It looks as if John was not Eliza's father or was but did not acknowledge her. Did he scarper immediately after the wedding, was the wedding for show only? Did he disappear and Esther thought herself free to marry? These are some of the questions I am hoping to answer if there is a newspaper report of the trial.
In 1881 there is a Esther Taylor, widowed, 56, housekeeper living at St Vincent Top Lodge, Somersby and in 1891, 69, widowed retired laundress, 9 Triggs Yard, Grantham. Both born Barkston. I suspect these may be my Esther. If so there is a likely death registration Grantham J1897 age 76.
However, at present I have her definitely within my sights up to the trial so am interested in any reports of that if anyone is able to help.
Brie