Anyone researching the Bedwells of Fletching 1860-1900s

[jubed]

Hi, is there anyone out there with any information about the Bedwell family who lived in and around Uckfield, Selmeston and Fletching in the late 19th, early 20th century?
The family I'm looking for include Jesse Charles, b 1861 d 1904 who was a groomsman in Selmeston in 1901,wife Alice V Welfare 1873-1926 bn Fletching.Their daughter Cicely b 1891,is my husband's ggmother.We believe she had an illegitimate son, William Cecil in 1907(grandad) He was brought up in an orphanage in London, she was in a workhouse in Brighton and then married twice to James Shaw and John C Rice.We would love to know if there are still any relatives in the area.We have never had any contact with any of this side of the family.
Thanks in anticipation, Julie

[Roy G]

Five different people on Genes Reunited have Jesse Bedwell, born Maresfield 1861 in their family trees.  Three of the above also have Alice Welfare, born Fletching 1872-1873, but give the following alternative names for the daughter Cicely born Fletching 1891.  They have her as Cecillia, Cecily or Celia.

The base born child you think was hers, BEDWELL, William Cecil had his birth registered in the June quarter of 1907 (GRO ref  Steyning 2b   287) suggest if you have not done so already, you also apply for a copy of that certificate.
Roy G

[jubed]

Hi Roy,thanks for your interest.We do have a copy of William Cecil's birth certificate.It states that he was born in Chates(or Chater)Henfield on the 19th March 1907.His mother was Cicely Annie Barbara Bedwell a dressmaker,no father mentioned.He was registered on the 10th April and the registrar was A A Bowley.We have a letter from an archivist who helps the sisters of Mercy with their historical enquiries. She encloses some information about William  which states that he was taken into their orphanage in Maida vale London as a 2 month old baby and remained in their care until approx 15 years old.It also gives details of his childhood illnesses(chicken pox ,mumps, measles) and that they heard from him in 1924, 25 and 27 and again when he wrote for his particulars in Feb 1928.
We know that he was in Carlisle Cumberland in 1925 as he married grandma and fathered 2 sons.He was a soldier at Carlisle castle then but worked as a waiter in an hotel until he disappeared in 1927.After that, we know nothing until his death in Ladywell Sanatorium Salford Manchester (tb)in 1939.
 Thanks again Julie

[Roy G]

Hi, Thanks for the detailed background info.

There is a Chates Farm north of Henfield, just before the Cowfold intersection, but more probably, the birthplace you want is around Chates Cottage also in that area.  Perhaps this was a place chosen at random for the birth, but it might be worth investigating the 1901-1911 censuses to see if any distant relative lived in that locality where discrete births could be conducted.

You made no comment about those on Genes that have your Cicely on their tree, who clearly knew of her but perhaps not of her indiscretion when she was about 16.  Anyway, I highly reccommend you get onto the Genes site and try to make contact with one or all of them.

You will also find a number of Bedwell messages amongst earlier Rootschat correspondence, and a Bedwell researcher within the membership of The Sussex Family History Group. 

Having checked your other messages on the Cumberland Rootschat website I discovered an interesting side issue which may or may not add something to your research.  Although Manchester (where William died) is a large city, there was only one Bedwell entry amongst the births.  Hilda Bedwell, mothers name Williams, born 1929. With no local Bedwell-Williams marriage to back it up. I wonder whether your William's absence was because he had now committed an indiscretion of his own?

Hope this helps you further.

Roy G

[jubed]

Hi Roy.Very many thanks for all the detailed information,it's definitely given us food for thought.
Firstly, will have a look at the 1901 and 1911 census to see if there were any Bedwells round
Chates cottage area.We'll also have another look at Genes Reunited(think I'm still a member).
How do I find the Bedwell researcher in the SFHG-have just downloaded their registration form?
Also. many thanks for the info on Hilda Bedwell,that's an interesting thought as she would be hubby's aunt!
Will keep you informed .Best wishes Julie

[Roy G]

Hi:    Re Sussex Family History Group,
Google: SFHG Members interests and two categories should come up:  Public pages and Members only. 
As a non member you can only look at the search list on the public pages and that tells you a Mrs B Sanders ( bsandbed(at)tiscali.co.uk ) is researching the East Sussex Bedwells 1750-1850.  There may be other Bedwell researchers amongst the Members pages, especially as one of the senior members of the Group has the Bedwell surname.

If Hilda is also of your line, wouldn't that make her your father's half aunt, if such a status exists?   Unfortunately although the dates promote that as a scenario, it may be a false trail because I have since found an Edward Bedwell married a Williams in 1920, but their children all seem to have been born Paddington, London)

Another suggestion is that you ask if someone on Rootshat in the Manchester area (or Manchester Reference Library) to look up William Bedwell in the 1928-1939 Kelly's Street Directories. If William is there, you may find out who his partner was by then going to the Electoral rolls for that address.

Roy G

[jubed]

Hi Roy.Many thanks once more for all your help.
Have had a look at Mrs Sanders on SFHG.Will know more when we get our membership.
That would indeed make Hilda my husband's half great aunt if such a status exists!
Have also posted a message on the Manchester board for a Kelly's lookup as you suggested, so will just wait and see.Will keep you informed.
Thanks again, Julie

[tseuQ]

Wondering if this topic is still active. Interested in the family of William Cecil Bedwell. I am g-granddaughter of Cicely Bedwell, South African branch.
Thanks