COMPLETED WITH MANY THANKS Joseph Cookson-Lambeth ?

[Captain2]

I have received a marriage cert for Joseph Cookson and Ellen Norris Lambeth Sept 1872 which poses more questions than answers!! No father is listed for Joseph (ahh).  My query is where was Joseph Cookson before the 1871 census in Lambeth?  He lists (on the 1871) birth place 'unknown'.  On the 1881 census he lists his birth place as Lambeth and then on the 1891 census he lists his birth place as Addlestones in Surrey.  He is consistent with his birth date as 1847; I have been unable to find a birth entry for Joseph, and was (hoping) for some answers with his marriage certificate - no luck.  I  am asking  if anyone can kindly offer a look-up in the Lambeth area census for 1851/1861?  Joseph's address for 1871,1881 & 1891 is William Street, Lambeth.   I don't want to assume, however is it possible, rather than Joseph not knowing who his father was, he decided to leave his name off his marriage certificate ?    Was that legal?  Thanks for any help.

[lizdb]

This could explian all

1851
HO107 1495 766 9

Foundling hospital, Pancras

Joseph Cookson 4    no birthplace or details - it says for them all "not recorded, but baptized in the hospital" under birthplace

[lizdb]

Still there in 1861 (they seem to be an orphanage for children up to about 14 ish)

Rg9 108 76 3

birthplace "unknown"

I wouls imagine he was a foundling (abandoned baby)

[Captain2]

That is wonderful thank you.  An elderly relative told me the tale of a 'foundling' placed in a home in London who was "said to be the illegitimate son of a titled family whose daughter ran away with a clergyman!" that is probably romantic fiction, however the truth was partially there in the rumour and indeed, thanks to your help, I have found 'our foundling' - my elderly aunt will be pleased!  Many many thanks once again.

Regards  Angie
PS I'm relatively new to Rootschat, have been researching on my own for years, I joined the site and have had so much help and advice - thank you all.

[Captain2]

Ps.. Do you know what date the 1851 census was taken? If Joseph was 4 then I can give him an estimated birth date.  Thanks Angie

[dawnsh]

Hi Angie

It was taken on the night of 30th March 1851

Dawn

[Captain2]

Thanks Dawn,  Joseph was registered as 4 in March 1851; gives me an idea of a possible birth 'range' for him.  I will modify post as COMPLETED now with very many thanks.

[dawnsh]

Hi Angie

I've been to the London Metropolitan Archives and looked at the Foundling Hospital collection of papers they have there.

Have a look at this info leaflet

http://217.154.230.218/NR/rdonlyres/F54A5F9A-1394-406E-B971-7AFC796BE724/0/Infono31.pdf

I'm literally packed and ready to go away for a few days but wanted to send you some info to keep you busy over the next 4 days. I'm going back to the LMA on Monday to see what else I can find in the petition papers, but am not hopeful for one of those, it seemd they don't all survive.

From the baptism register

Aug 17th 1846 Joseph Cookson (no 20343)

From the General Register

Date of Acception 17th August (no 20343), when born 29 May 1846, when apprenticed 3 June 1861

From the apprentice registers

Joseph Cookson (no 20343) to John Allen of 11 Harleyford Street in the parish of Lambeth, White & Locksmith

added in later

asssigned on the 23rd May 1864 to F.D. W Smith of 12 Harleyford St, Kennington in the Parish of Lambeth, Builder & Smith

He ended his apprenticeship in 1868.

I will send you a full transcriptionlater but there isn't much more 'real' info, just column headings.

Hope this helps and isn't too tantalising.

Dawn

[Captain2]

I don't know how to thank you enough Dawn, that is absolutely amazing. I'm thrilled! London is a bit of long trek for me and I really can't thank you enough... wow Joseph has become a real person for me now and not just a name on a certificate.. Many many thanks Angie.