Ralph Godfrey - from West Bromwich to Suffolk

[MargP]

Hi

Any news yet

Marg

[looking4ralph]

hi marg,
Well, yes and no. Mum received the death cert. but couldn't tell me what it said. I am leaving tomorrow for UK and it will be the first thing I do, as I am waiting anxiously. I'm not taking my lap top because it is a burden to lug around the airports but I'll update as soon as I have access to a computer. Looking forward to visiting the records office; was surprised to find out it is 30 pounds an hour for their staff to search though. Let you know as soon as possible.

[MargP]

Hi

I hope you have a good journey, and bring some warm clothes its very cold here

Marg 

[carol8353]

And about to get colder 

You should be able to use the local library's computers,you might even be able to scan the cert there,or at least tell us what it says.

We wait with baited breath 

Have a good journey.

Carol

[looking4ralph]

thanks for the tips. I'm dreading the cold weather though.
Let you know info asap.
Pauline

[looking4ralph]

sorry for the delay.

death certificate states:
1. 20th september 1934, Church Farm, Hawstead

2. Ethel Lilian Godfrey
    female, 17 years

5. occupation: St. Peters Memorial Home, Maybury Hill, Woking, Surrey, spinster, domestic servant trainee.

6. cause of death: On the 20th day of september 1934 at Hawstead did commit suicide by hanging herself while of unsound mind. (initials)

7. informant: certificate received from thomas wilson, coroner for the liberty of bury st edmunds. inquest held 21st september 1934.

8. 24th september 1934.

very interesting! Off to the newspapers archive on tuesday. currently at library so will get back asap, but may be a couple of days.

btw ... it is freezing here!!!

[carol8353]

THanks for updating us with that info Pauline.

Good luck in your search through the newspapers,hopefully the inquest will be mentioned?

So she was working in Surrey,but died in Hawstead Suffolk,is that where the rest of the family were living at the time?

I will read back over this thread and reaquaint myself with it some time tomorrow.

Carol

[looking4ralph]

great news!
Suffolk records office had the bury free press dated 29th september 1934 with the inquest. It was quite lengthy and revealed the circumstances of ethel's death, with a couple more leads. most surprising is that it appears ethel's mother was alive and may have abandoned her children at some point. i'm not sure of the protocol; is it appropriate to upload the newspaper article on this board??

not sure when i'll have access to computer again, but will be back home on friday 6th dec. will update then. thanks everyone!

[looking4ralph]

Hawstead is where she was visiting her brother who was working at church farm, hawstead, suffolk. the only relative mentioned in the inquest.