Keymer Parish baptisms (c1907)

[Liz_in_Sussex]

Hi,

I have received my Great Aunt's birth certificate which gives her father as Henry ISTED (my G Grandfather) but I know he died 13 months before her birth!

We have various theories but I am wondering if perhaps the birth was registered late and my G Grandmother fudged the dates to avoid a fine.  If I could find her baptism it might help confirm my hunch - or leave the options wide open!

St Cosmas and St Damian, Keymer is the closest Church, although she was born in Hassocks.  If she is Henry's daughter, the date I suspect she was born was 27th July 1907 - she certainly couldn't have been born after late August that year.  Her birth certificate has 27th December on it.

Her name is Grace Doris ISTED, but she was "adopted" at birth by Grace and George BROWN (Henry Isted's Aunt).  I would expect her baptism to be in the name of Isted though. 

According to A2A the Keymer parish registers for this period are at Chichester and I was wondering whether anyone has access to them or is visiting Chichester and could have a look for Grace for me?  I would be very grateful! 

Thank you,

Liz

PS It might be worth adding that we had no idea that this Great Aunt existed because of the "adoption" until I came across her quite by chance and so don't know what birthday she celebrated.

[swebby]

Hi Liz,

Just looking at the 1911 census where she is listed as Grace Doris Isted (Adopted) in the household of George and Grace Brown in Parkands Road Hassocks. She is listed as 3 years old so date of birth around about when you said. Might be able to get you a photo of the house next time I am down to see my Dad.

Regards
Sean

[Liz_in_Sussex]

Thank Sean - yes, Grace Brown was nee King, the sister of Henry Isted's late mother Rhoda.  All very complicated!

Re the photo - that's very kind of you, but we already have one actually - my Mum went straight round this morning after hearing of her "new" Aunt to take a photo!  Mum lives a short walk away! 

This family have never moved far from Mid-Sussex (and can you blame them?!) 

Thanks again,

Liz 

[swebby]

You might have the following info about the Browns.

Grace and George were buried in St Cosmas & St Damien with Leonard King.

In Memory of
George Brown
Died 7th August 1929
Aged 73
Also Grace Brown
Died 18th October 1943
Also Leonard King
Died 5th June 1922
Aged 44

[Liz_in_Sussex]

  No I didn't!  I knew when Grace Brown died and guessed she may be buried at Keymer but haven't visited the Churchyard yet.  Leonard King was her son from before she married George.

I expect poor little Grace Isted was buried at Keymer too without a headstone - she certainly isn't with her biological mother and siblings in Southwick.

Thank you - that is really helpful!

Liz