Baileys Piece Highworth - any idea?

[Milliepede]

I have info from the 1861 census Highworth that shows address as Baileys Piece. 
I am sure I have seen this on a road sign at Highworth itself but I can't find it again.
Note the family did live in Highworth itself not just the district of.

By chance does anyone local know where it is/was?

Many thanks 

[moggygems]

Hi

I have found Baileys Piece on a map. Go to http://www.old-maps.co.uk/index.htm type in Highworth, Berkshire and the co-ordinates 420400.192300. Then click GO next to the co-ordinates. Zoom in using the zoom in slider to the 2nd from top notch and you should see Bailey's Piece Cottages.

I do not know if they are still about today.

Hope that helps.

[Milliepede]

Brilliant!  Thank you so much moggygems 

I will be sure and have a look round that area next time I'm out that way.

[leshigginsq1]

Hi,

I've only just started on this site but I know a little about Baileys Piece - and Baileys Piece Cottages. My family (Higgins) lived in some of these cottages during much of the 19th century.

Baileys Piece is actually a plot of land nestled up against Westrop and Redhouse. It is shown on very early maps circa 1600.

The cottages were a row running from Brewery Street down to the top of Baileys Piece.

There are no extant records or photographs that I know of. I have tried the land registry and the local authority.

The cottages were demolished right after WWII (I think) and a council estate (Kings Avenue) was constructed there in about 1952 or so. There is no trace of the original cottages, except that the council estate streets were built parallel to the line of the cottages.

Baileys Piece itself is still recognisable from teh OS map outline. It hasn't changed since the 1600s.

I hope this information finds you after such a long time since your original posting, and I hope it might be useful.

I would be interested to know the name of your family associated with Baileys Piece.

[nogsy]

Thank you for the information on Baileys Piece Cottages in Highworth.
I have found your information most useful and have since visited the current site as part of a family history trail. I had been trying to locate their origin for some time as I have an interest in the Lay family who are shown as resident in the 1861 and 1871 census.

[Milliepede]

Hi that's great information thank you for posting.  What a shame no trace of the cottages remain 

My family is the Lay family too specifically Benjamin Lay senior.  His daughter Mary Lay who married John Moore in 1885 was my great grandmother. 

[nogsy]

I believe Mary is one of 12 children of Benjamin (b.circa 1814) and Elizabeth Lay, Benjamin was the son of Charles (b.circa 1791) and Jane Lay. Charles brother Richard (b.circa 1795) is the branch of the family I descend from. Do you have any information on John and Mary's children you could share?

[Milliepede]

Yes that's right Elizabeth Ackling.  Benjamin had children with his first wife too Mary Brown if I recall.  I think he had at least 15 children in total and lived to a ripe old age.  I have his death certificate and have found where he is buried in Highworth.

Am happy to share information on the Moore family

If you make one more post I can send you a personal message. 

[nogsy]

I didn't know Benjamin was married before his marriage to Elizabeth, I have his youngest child as Sarah born 1849 and the oldest Fanny born 1877. I have Benjamin age 88 in Highworth in the 1901 census.