FORD family, Farmers. I.O.W

[Jennarembailey]

The Ford family were farmers at Whitecroft Farm, Sandy Lane,
Newport, I.O.W in the mid 1700s. A property of 115 acres.
This carried on for three generations, (between approx 1760s
to 1880s)
James Ford then his son John Ford finally Johns’ son Benjamin Ford then this stopped.
I would like to find out if they they were tenant farmers or owners, ( I assume the land surrounding Carisbrooke Castle was owned by “the Crown”, so more likely to be tenant farmers)
I would also like to find out why this situation could have stopped with the Ford family.
Any help anyone can offer would be appreciated.

[amondg]

1891 census Thomas John Ford 30 is the head of household address Whitcombe Farm
with sister Emily 32 and mother  Maria 69

1901 Sandy Lane Whitcombe Farm Thomas John Ford 40 with wife Minnie C age 24

1911
Whitcombe Farm
Thomas John Ford 50, wife Minnie Charlotte 34 and 5 children (they had 7 but 2 had died.)

By 1939 he is living with his son Benjamin in Oxfordshire. He is retired.

So it continued at least until 1911. I expect he continued there until he retired and moved to Oxfordshire,

You can check newspapers for advertising for sale or lease of the farm 

[Jennarembailey]

Thank you for your reply
I shall look at property sales etc in that era and let you know how I go on.
Regards Jenny

[bearkat]

The tithe awards of about 1840 should show the owner and tenant, if any.

[bearkat]

Whitecroft Farm became the site of the new Isle of Wight Lunatic Asylum in the 1890s.

http://studymore.org.uk/wight.htm

Benjamin FORD died in 1885

https://www.foncc.org.uk/burials/grave-search/burial/879

[Jennarembailey]

Thank you all for your replies.

The grave photo was very much appreciated.

The only new thing I found was a census for Benjamin Ford born 1821

In the 1861 he was “the farmer” on this farm 115 acres employing 2 men & 2 boys.
1865 electoral register, Says “house and land as occupier” White Croft Farm.
But I’m still not sure what the definition of ownership is? “Benjamin was James’ grandson.”

I couldn’t find any newspaper items for sale of the property.
I don’t know where to look for Tythe awards.
Looked at some Pigots and Kelly’s but no luck.
Regards Jenny

[bearkat]

The Tithe Maps and Apportionments can be found at the Isle of Wight Records Office

https://www.iow.gov.uk/Residents/libraries-cultural-and-heritage/Records-Office/Local-History/Maps

This is an example of the sort of information that can be found

https://www.westendlhs.co.uk/home/area-4/

[Jennarembailey]

Thank you Bearkat.
I shall go to iow records office.
Regards Jenny

[bearkat]

John Ford of Whitecroft Farm left a will dated 1863

https://calm.hants.gov.uk/Record.aspx?src=CalmView.Catalog&id=62005%2f6%2f464&pos=1

If he owned the land it may be mentioned.  I have found wills that don't mention property but which was later sold by sons who must have been given it before their father died.