Moved from Devon to Croydon but can't figure out why?

[ojbumblebee1993]

Hi,
I was hoping to get some advice. I want to figure out as best as I can why my relatives decided to move from Thorverton Devon to Croydon Surrey between 1879 and 1881? Charles Newcombe (1838-1886) and his wife Emma 1848-1919 (maiden name Merrifield).

I know they moved during this time period as their last child Alfred was recorded as being born in Thorverton in 1879 but then their census record for 1881 places them on Pitt Road in Croydon. Charles was a Baker (journeyman) according to his death certificate (he died only 5 years later in 1886 in Croydon) so it doesn't seem entirely right that there wouldn't be enough work in Devon for a baker? The Newcombes had been in Devon for so long at this point I'm just curious as to why the decision might have been made? Particularly with such a young family at the time. Does anyone have any advice as to how I might puzzle this one out?
Thanks,
Olive

[bearkat]

The most common reason for moving was work.

It might be worth investigating the wider family to see if they followed someone to Croydon.

[rosie99]

James Coleman c1832 and James Ney c1852 were both born in Thorverton and can also be found in Croydon in 1881 

[bearkat]

The Thorveton parish council website

http://www.thorvertonparishcouncil.org.uk/History_2743.aspx

has a bit about the decline in population

In the mid-nineteenth century the population had risen to nearly 1500, but agricultural depression and later mechanization, the development of new industries elsewhere, and opportunities to emigrate led to a steady decline. By 1911 the population was less than half that of 1851 and by 1961 was only 674. Since then the numbers have risen again, with many inhabitants working in the city of Exeter. There are still around a dozen working farms in what remains essentially a rural parish.

Perhaps there were less people needing bread so he moved to a more densely populated area where demand would be higher.

[Nova67]

You have got me thinking about my baker relatives. I have brothers in that profession who moved from Bristol to different parts of London.  Could your family also have moved to follow family?

Oops, someone already said this. Modified. Mine had a very complicated family dynamic with their mother having left  the marriage when they were young and moved to West Ham.

[Ayashi]

A few of mine did the same thing, moving from Cornwall to Holborn. One member of the family started a bakery over there. A couple of brothers and a cousin migrated, although a couple of them migrated back again. Also 1860s/1870s.

[hanes teulu]

Have a look at the newspaper article in the Western Times, 1 Dec 1874 (too long to reproduce here) about a court case involving a "John Smith, butcher and baker and Charles Newcombe his journyeman" both of Stoke Canon.

Might be your "rellie"? 

[hanes teulu]

Western Times, 17 Feb 1871

[ojbumblebee1993]

Have a look at the newspaper article in the Western Times, 1 Dec 1874 (too long to reproduce here) about a court case involving a "John Smith, butcher and baker and Charles Newcombe his journyeman" both of Stoke Canon.

Might be your "rellie"?

Sorry for the delay getting back to you I hadn't noticed this comment. This is extraordinary but is more than likely my relation. Their address in the 1871 census is Stoke Canon, the only Charles Newcombe in the area at that time it seems, and he was as we know a baker/journeyman. But that is amazing turn of events as to why they had to leave Devon! The article is quite something - the judges comments are a pretty damning character assentment.

Thank you so much, this is fascinating to learn.

Best,

Olive