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Hi Sue,

The entry was very difficult to read, witness one looks like Jno (unreadable surname) and witness two James ABLETT.  It is entry number 87 on page 27 (located on Framsden fiche 4) in case anyone likes the challenge of reading impossible writing!

ABLETT doesn't mean anything to me, how about you?  Is it the COLTHORPE line you are connected to?

Best wishes,

Nick

Jack,

I have a possible distant link to Frederick NEWBY - his wife Rachel was a SPANTON from Norfolk, but I've not yet confirmed the link between her and my own SPANTON ancestors.  Happy to share the information I've collected, but it sounds like you've already got it.

As for ironmongers in Aldeburgh, I remember (as a child in the 1970's) there was a 'old' traditional ironmongers on the High Street - very similar in atmosphere to the Ipswich Martin & Newby shop (I spent many happy hours in both!).  I think it was called 'Constance Hardware' or possibly just 'Constance', but closed down, I'd guess some time in the 1980's.

This shop was next door to the Victoria pub and the building can just be seen on the left hand side of Linn's photo number 93 on the link Pat gave.

The shop can also be seen on Google Street View and seems to be 144 High Street.  On here the shop is now called 'Moo Moos' and a sign on the front says 'Slaughden House', so unless this is a later rename, it might not be the one you were looking for.  I've got a feeling the hardware shop extended through into the building next door (140-142).

There was another Ironmongers further up the High Street towards the fish and chip shop, but I remember this being a fairly modern building.

As I said, this is all remembered from childhood, so apologies if any of it turns out to be nonsense.

Kind regards,

Nick

Hi Kathy,

I have several family connections to Smallburgh, and have collected some information on various PRATT families... no Charlotte, but probably only because my stuff is generally earlier.

One of the families moved to Chester Le Street, so that might be the connection with Gateshead?

Do you know who Charlotte's parents were?

Nick

Hi Kate,

I've got BELLs from the Hickling area of Norfolk going to Durham, generally involved in coal mining.  I can't claim any definite knowledge on the subject, but it does seem to be a trend.  A common link seems to be ports on the East coast, which makes me wonder if such moves were facilitated by shipping involved in the coal and grain trades.

Best wishes,

Nick

Hi Laura,

Are you still researching these people?  If so I think I might have some info on Herbert STROFTON.

Best wishes,

Nick