RootsChat.Com

Essex Records Office have the Grays registers on microfiche.  See this link
http://seax.essexcc.gov.uk/displayParishContents.asp?selAlphabet=G&selParish=6547&selChurch=6571

If searching the SEAX catalogue for parish records it is much quicker and simpler to go to their 'Essex Ancestors' section.

Barry

I started working outwards, Rachel, but soon realized the magnitude of the task.  I then tried to find a better starting point than just Clerkenwell.  I had an address in c1841 of Theobalds Rd and 1923 Chelsea Pension army record giving St George Martyr as a place of birth.  St George Martyr drew a blank but a guess at St Andrew's proved lucky, even though two census record the place of birth as Clerkenwell.   I also had his marriage in the City of London Reg D so naturally homed in on St Andrew's but eventually found them on the other side of The City in St Michael's Bassetslaw. I cannot remember how I got there! 

I think the moral is search for clues no matter how remote they may seem, then cross your fingers for good luck but if it is London, be prepared for a long haul.

Barry

If there are no takers, you could register them with one of these sites

http://www.certificate-exchange.co.uk/
http://bmd-cert-exch-site.ourwardfamily.com/

Barry1936

Hi Quasar, I think I can help you a little.  Firstly, have you looked at the 1901 census?  There it is referred to as Lissimores Yard rather than Lissamore's Cottages.  I think the 1901 spelling is correct because the Lissimore's are an old Colchester family (still around) and in 1901 they occupied No 31 & 32 East Stockwell Street.  The next entry on the enumerator's return is Lissimore's Yard with 4 families living there.  31 & 32 Stockwell St is a 14th-16th century building well known as Peakes House.  Then there is a little confusion because the enumerator's next entry is 33 Stockwell St (In old Colchester the numbers run sequentially up one side of a road and down the other) and now there isn't a 33.  I walked down East Stockwell today and the next building to No 30/32 is No 36 which used to be an Inn (Royal Oak) but is now offices and certainly existed in 1901 - perhaps there has been some tinkering with the numbers.  Between 32 and 36 is a gap which could well have led to Lissimores Yard but it does not exist now as the whole area at the back is a relatively modern redevelopment.  The 1901 census reference is RG13/709 folio73 pp 6 and it was District 6 in Colchester's 2nd Ward.

You asked why your grandmother might have gone to Colchester.  There might be a clue in the 1901 census because in West Stockwell Street was a Griffin family, which you said was your grandmother's maiden name.  May be just a coincidence but they would have been close neighbours and if your explore that link it might lead you to your grandmother's heritage.  You could always look further in the 1911 census if you are prepared to take out a second mortgage!!!  I would certainly go back to 1891 census and also search BMD for Colchester Griffin's.

Barry