On the 1861 census Northumberland Place went up to No. 5, the next properties were known as Northumberland Square, where a distant relative of mine resided at No. 18 Northumberland Square. She was recorded as a widow by the name of Sarah Wilson Ffrance. She was also known by her maiden name of Sarah Aiston, but I have not found any evidence of a marriage. Sarah's father John was a Waterman at North Shields.
Her "husband" - Robert Wilson Ffrance, a barrister, late of Rawcliffe Hall in Lancashire, 18 Northumberland Square, North Shields and Ballochmorie House, Ayrshire died on 21 October 1859 at Woods Hotel, Furnival's Inn, London. His Will and 2 Codicils made sure Sarah and son Robert John Barton Aiston/Ffrance were well provided for
On the 1861 census she is living with her son Robert and brother William Aiston. A Sarah Symon aged 15 from Scotland was visiting. There were also servants - John Slater Batensby - coachman; Ann Scott - cook; Margaret Cummings - nursery governess and Elizabeth Paste - housemaid.
I hope this information adds some more interest to the house. As to the history of this family, it makes for fascinating reading, son Robert inheriting Rawcliffe Hall and being known as the 'Mad Squire'
No. 18 would certainly make an interesting "House through time" project discovering who else lived there.
Knotin