David Mead

Male, b. 9 September 1809, d. 7 October 1896
     David Mead, son of Robert Mead and Susanna Mickelburgh, was born at The Grange, Great Burstead, Essex, on 9 September 1809 and was baptized on 2 October 1809 at the The Independent Meeting House, Billericay, Essex, by John Thornton, the Dissenting Protestant Minister. David was the youngest child of Robert, who was a farmer, and his second wife.1,2

David was named as a beneficiary in the will of his father Robert Mead written on 22 January 1818. The Executors of the will were to manage Robert's property and the farm at The Grange, Great Burstead, Essex, after his death for the benefit of his family until the lease expired. Then Robert's estate would be divided among the family. David was to receive the round mahogany dining table and single mahogany chest of drawers which was Robert’s sister Stonard’s, the bed and bedstead with the crimson furniture from Robert’s bedroom, his silver pint mug, the secretary bought from Mr. Eaton, the looking glass two feet five inches by one foot two inches, the bureau lately purchased at Hammond’s sale and a share of Robert’s plate, linen and china. He would also receive £100 when he reached the age of 21 but all of David’s monies were to be invested until he reached the age of 21 and whatever was required for him to be educated until he reached the age of 14 and then placed out as an apprentice would be paid from these monies. David's mother Susanna was to be his guardian, along with the executors of the will: Mr. William Flack of Ware, his Son Mr. William Flack Junior of Waters Place farm and his Robert's friend Mr. Thomas Richardson of Downham.3

When David was 9 years old his father, Robert, died at the age of 66. Robert was buried in the Independent Meeting House Burial Ground in Billericay.4,5 David was bequeathed a considerable amount of furniture, plate, linen and china. A sum of £100 was to be set aside for his education until he reached the age of 14 and at that age he was to be placed as an Apprentice to learn some trade; he would receive any residue when he reached his 21st birthday. Robert's Executors were to take the rents and profits from copyhold and freehold lands and cottages in Great Burstead and Billericay, and manage and conduct the business of the farm "called the Grainge," for the benefit of Robert's widow and their three children, William, Sally and David. They would be allowed to live at the Grange until the lease expired. After this, his widow was to receive rents and profits of land at South Green for the term of her life; she was to "clothe" David until he reached the age of 21.6,7

A house, stable and barn at South Green, mentioned in Robert's will, were occupied by David's mother Susanna on 25 May 1820. It seems that this property (known in the 20th century as Poplars Farm) had been built by Robert with the intention of retiring there. Robert Mead's estate was sold by auction at the Crown Inn, Billericay on 2 May 1820 by Messrs. Jackson and was described as: "A very compact Estate, upon South Green. --- five acres of land, now in the occupation of Mrs Mead, adapted in every respect as a residence for a small genteel family --- with garden, farm-yard, barn, stable, chaise-house, piggery, cowhouse, poultry-houses and sheds --- but a short distance from London Road, leading from Billericay to Southend, where coaches pass daily." It seems that David's mother and her father Henry Mickelburgh bought this property as it was surrendered to her and her father for £580 on 14 May 1821 and she was admitted to it on 20 May 1822. It surely would also have been David's home.8

As requested in his father's will, David was placed as an apprentice at the age of 14. A copy of his indentures, dated 20 May 1824, shows: "--- David Mead son of Robert Mead late of Great Burstead Essex Farmer deceased doth put himself Apprentice to James Brand Citizen and Fishmonger of London by trade a Brushmaker and living in Blackman Street Southwark ---". The Reverend George Clayton was a frequent visitor to Billericay, often preaching at the Independent Meeting House as he and the Reverend John Thornton were in the habit of exchanging pulpits. Clayton was the pastor at the Congregational Chapel in York Street, Walworth, and perhaps it was through him that a position as an apprentice in Southwark was identified.9,10,11,12 James Brand's brush making business was at this time carried out at 50, Blackman Street (today known as Borough High Street).13

David's apprenticeship was completed and the Court Ledger of the Fishmongers' Guild records: "At General Court of Assistants holden at No.15 Aldermanbury on Thursday 9th day of June in the first year of the reign of His Majesty William the fourth King of Great Britain &c and in the year of our Lord 1831 --- David Mead of Blackman Street Southwark Brushmaker late the apprentice of James Brand freeman, --- claiming --- freedom of this Company by Service --- on paying the usual fees for such freedom, respectively admitted and sworn ---. He was now a Freeman of the City of London and entitled to trade in his own right.14,15,16,17

At 21 years of age and out of his apprenticeship, David now also became a man of property as Manor Court Books show that he was admitted to South Green. Sarah was four years older than David. Although the name of her father was not given in the Parish register, it would seem likely that he was William Livard, a grocer, with at least two other daughters, Susan and Henrietta, who were also married married at St. Mark's.18,19

David and Sarah lived in Bland Street, Newington, not more than half a mile from where David had served his apprenticeship and this remained their home until at least 1835 by which time three children had been born to the couple: David Augustus (17 Oct 1832), Sarah Susannah (05 Oct 1834) and George (07 Oct 1835). Each of these children was christened at St. George the Martyr, Southwark, where Dickens' "Little Dorrit" was also welcomed into the christian faith.20,21 Some time between October 1835 and April 1837 the family moved just a few roads away to Theobald Street, their home at the time of the birth of Robert (14 Apr 1837), and death of George (28 Jul 1837).22,23,24,25 Yet another move, by 1839, took them to White Hart Court, Newington, close to the Elephant & Castle. Here young Robert, not quite two years old, died (28 Feb 1839), the cause being "Water on the Brain". This infection was relatively common in poor areas where children were malnourished and sanitary conditions were bad.26,27 Their first daughter Sarah Susannah had also failed to survive beyond her early years for a second daughter, also christened Sarah Susannah, was born (01 Apr 1839).28,29 This daughter too survived for barely one year, dying from pneumonia.30,31 When the next child, a boy, was born (18 Sep 1840) he was named after David's uncle Henry Mickelburgh who was still farming back in Great Baddow, Essex. Henry was in the process of drawing up his will at this time and it may have seemed prudent to remind Uncle of the presence of his nephew and young family in Southwark.32,33,34,35

The Census Return for 1841 showed that David and Sarah continued to live in White Hart Court. Sarah's occupation was "Scholastic". There were nine other families living in the court - a dairyman, a tailor, a cooper, a milliner, a baker and two porters. Next door was the Brown family, including Alice who had reported the death of young Robert two years earlier.36,27

As with each of the four children that had gone before him, Henry Mickleburgh also died in infancy (7 Apr 1842); he was 17 months old and his death was due to whooping cough.37,38 It wasn't long before the house in White Hart Court was filled with the cries of an infant once more as Sarah gave birth to her seventh child - William (19 Aug 1842) - but he too succumbed to pneumonia, dying within eleven weeks.39,40,41,42

By the summer of 1844 David's wife Sarah's health was also failing. Nevertheless, she was again expecting a child - and gave birth to George, the second son they had so named (3 Apr 1844).43,44 Sickness had taken a firm grip on the household, however. Before he reached his first year, George died (the doctor putting the cause of death down to "Teething" and within another 12 months Sarah too had passed away. She had borne eight children of whom only the eldest, David Augustus, had survived childhood. Sarah died on 21 Feb 1846 having suffered from tuberculosis for two years; neighbour Mary Fulbrook was present at her death.45,46,47,43 David Mead (an unknown value) on 25 January 1848.48 He (an unknown value) on 11 February 1848.49

In 1851 David and his second wife lived in the Parish of St. Botolph, Aldgate, at 92 Lower East Smithfield. He is shown as a Journeyman Brushmaker with his relation to the head of household (not present at the census) as servant. He may have forsaken his trade for a while but more likely he was working as a brushmaker for another person. Sarah is described as a general servant. Lower East Smithfield ran from the foot of Tower Hill eastwards towards Wapping and was squeezed in between the River Thames and St. Catherine's Docks (completed 23 years earlier).50,51,52,53

David's mother died at the age of 87 in the Mile End Workhouse. How she came to be here when she had previously been living in Essex is not known - perhaps she had recently been living with or near David who had been was working in the East End in 1851.54,55 Following the death of his mother, David, now living at 23 William Street, New Kent Road, Surrey, became the copyholder of the property at South Green.56 They were still at William Street in 1861.57 But ten years later were at 15 Arnott Street, Southwark. Living in the same house was Henry Marshall, also a Brushmaker, with his wife Ellen, daughter Sarah and son Louis.58

In February 1873, the Fishmongers' Company allowed David Mead, who was now 63 and already receiving a weekly pension of 9/-, to be admitted to Jesus Hospital, Bray in Berkshire. A grant of £6 was made to the Beadle for David's removal there. Jesus Hospital was founded by William Goddard and his wife in 1609 and was built to house thirty-four of the aged poor of Bray and six of the Fishmongers' Company to which he belonged. Perhaps David had fallen on hard times or maybe his or his wife's health was poor.59,60,61,62 David and Sarah remained at Jesus Hospital for at least eight years because they were still in residence at the time of the census of 1881.63

By 1891 David, now aged 81, was back in London and described as a Retired Brushmaker on the census return. He and Sarah were living at 18 Love Lane, Rotherhithe. This had been the home of Sarah's mother and sister in 1851.64,65 He died on 7 October 1896 at 20 Vansittart Street, Deptford, London, at age 87. David's niece, Emily Law, was present at his death.66,67 His widow, Sarah, lived on until she was 94, dying in 1910.68,69

Citations

  1. [S1] Microfilm of the Dissenters Register of The Protestant Independant Congregation of Billericay, Essex, 1778-1837, content: Baptisms and Burials, (Public Record Office (PRO), Kew, Surrey, England. Reference: RG4 1499). p. 50. " ... David son of Robert & Susannah Mead born Sepr 9 1809 in the parish of Gt Burstead Baptized Octr 2 1809 ... ". [PRO0001].
    The entry was made by J. Thornton, Dissenting Protestant Minister. Researched at the Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, 20 Apr 1989.
  2. [S36] history of the Billericay Congregational Church (unknown repository reference : accessed p. 36). William Taylor. Calling The Generations: A History of the Independant Protestant Dissenters of Billericay (1672-1972), The Billericay Congregational Church, Billericay, (5 Oct 1972). A copy is held at The City of London Guildhall Library, Aldermanbury, London, England EC2P 2EJ. [GEN0012].
    Chapter 8 New Approach (1800-1820) describes the Independant Meeting House and its congregation at this time. The book was published at the time the Billericay Congregational Church, along with many others, became part of the newly formed United Reformed Church.
  3. [S3] Will of Robert Mead, farmer of Great Burstead Grange, dated 22 January 1818, proved 22 September 1819 in the Commissary Court of the Bishop of London. (Essex County Record Office, Wharf Road, Chelmsford, Essex, England. Reference: D/ABW 122/2/63). [WIL0012/DOC0005].
  4. [S22] Monumental inscription on the grave headstone of Robert Mead, 1819 (The Old Meeting House Burial Ground, Billericay, Essex), photographed and transcribed by A.R. Mead 16 March 1991. [PER0003].

    Researched at Old Meeting Burial Ground, Billericay, 16 Mar 1991. [PER0003].
    --- In memory of Mr. Robert Mead of Gt. Burstead Grange who died August 29th 1819 aged 66 years ---
    Facing the burial ground from Chapel Street, the grave stone is to the left of the gate towards the perimeter fence and about four metres back from the road. It also marks the burial of Susanna, Robert's wife, and Sally Cave, their daughter..
  5. [S1] Microfilm of the Dissenters Register of The Protestant Independant Congregation of Billericay, Essex, 1778-1837.

    Researched at the Public Record Office, Chancery Lane, 20 Apr 1989. [PRO0001].
    ---Robert Mead of the Grange interred September 5th 1819 ---
    J.Thornton was the Minister..
  6. [S4] (unknown repository reference : accessed pages 220-221). F.G Emmison. Index to wills 1721-1858 now preserved in the Essex Record Office, British Record Society, volume 84. [BRS84].
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, Jan 1989 to 22 Mar 1989. [BRS84]. Essex Record Office reference 526 BR 31..
  7. [S3] Will of Robert Mead of Great Burstead Grange, Essex, farmer, 1819.

    Photocopy obtained from Essex Record Office (their ref D/ABR 31/526) before 1989 [DOC0005]. Transcript [WIL0012].
    --- This is the last Will and Testament of me Robert Mead of Great Burstead Grainge in the County of Essex Farmer First I give and bequeath unto my dear Wife Susannah the Bed Bedstead and ffurniture which I bought at Mr. Bannester's sale six Chamber black frame rush bottom Chairs Chest of Drawers ---.
  8. [S37] Unknown database (unknown url : accessed 2003), household of unknown household. [COR55/8-9].
    refers to a letter dated 11 Mar 1965 from Miss Dorah Best, great-great granddaughter of Robert Mead, writing to Harry Richman from Norfolk.

    Received 14 Aug 2003. [COR55/8-9].
    Miss Dorah Best, states that --- while living at Burstead Grange Robert Mead built "The Poplars" hoping to retire there. ---.
  9. [S6] Apprenticeship Indentures, 1681-1915, indexed by Alphabet of Freedoms. (Corporation of London Records Office, Aldermanbury, City of London, England. Reference: CF1/1594). "... This Indenture Witnesseth that David Mead son of Robert Mead late of Great Burstead Essex Farmer deceased doth put himself Apprentice to James Brand Citizen and Fishmonger of London by trade a Brushmaker and living in Blackman Street Southwark To learn his Art; and with him (after the manner of an Apprentice) to serve from the Day of the Date hereon unto the full end and term of Seven Years ...". [CLR001].
    The indenture was bundled tightly with many others and permission to photocopy was not granted (14 January 1993).
  10. [S7] Fishmongers' Company: Register of Apprentice Bindings (1694-1860), first volume of two (1694-1828), City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 22 Jun 1977. [GHL003].
    --- David Mead 1824 2s.6d. ---.
  11. [S24] Fishmongers' Company: Court Ledger of The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Volume 13 (1824-1828), indexed by Ms 5572/11, page 28, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 22 Jun 1977. [GHL003].
    --- At a General Court of Assistants holden at Fishmongers Hall on Thursday the 20th of May in the fifth year of the reign of His Majesty George the 4th King of Great Britain and Ireland &c and in the year of our Lord 1824 --- David Mead Son of Robert Mead late of Great Burstead Essex Farmer deceased doth put himself Apprentice to James Brand Citizen and Fishmonger of London by trade a Brushmaker and living in Blackman Street Southwark. The conson being £49.19.-. ---.
  12. [S36] William Taylor. Calling The Generations.

    Researched 11 Oct 2006. [GEN0012].
    Reference to Rev. George Clayton of Walworth, South East London, preaching in Billericay..
  13. [S44] Robin H. Brand (unknown url : accessed February 1988), household of unknown household. [GEN0031].
    pages 20-21, 28.

    Researched 6 Oct 2006.[GEN0031].
    --- Blackman Street --- James started business at number 51, and ended up in 1823 at number 50 ---.
    A page from an unidentified directory of 1817, included in this publication, shows James at No. 50. A description of Blackman Street is also to be found.
  14. [S6] Apprenticeship Indentures, 1681-1915.

    Researched at the City of London Record Office 14 Jan 1993. [CLR001]
    --- Fishmongers London At a Court holden on Thursday the 9th June 1831 The within named David Mead made ffree by service ---
    The above is on the reverse of David's apprenticeship indentures. The original was examined, bundled tightly and attached to many other indentures. Permission to photocopy was not granted..
  15. [S8] Fishmongers' Company: Register of Freedom Admissions 1614-1865, Volume 5 1815-1865,, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 16 Jun 1977. [GHL003].
    --- 9th Jun 1831 David Mead, admission by service ---.
  16. [S5] Fishmongers' Company: Court Ledger of The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Volume 14 (1828-1833), indexed by Volume 12 Ms 5572, Indexed by Volume 12 Ms5572, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 27 Jun 1977.[GHL003].
    --- At General Court of Assistants holden at No.15 Aldermanbury on Thursday 9th day of June in the first year of the reign of His Majesty William the fourth King of Great Britain &c and in the year of our Lord 1831 --- David Mead of Blackman Street Southwark Brushmaker late the apprentice of James Brand freeman, --- severally claiming their freedom of this Company by Service are on paying the usual fees for such freedom, respectively admitted and sworn. ---.
  17. [S23] Fishmongers' Company: Quarterage Books - Volume 2, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 16 Jun 1977.[GHL003].
    --- David Mead, admission through service 9th Jun 1831, paid quarterage dues Ladyday 1854 ---.
  18. [S29] Parish Registers of St Mark, Kennington - Marriages 1837-1951, page 9, Greater London Record Office.
    Researched at the Greater London Record Office,05 Feb 1992. [LONPAR07].
    Sarah's father's name is surmised from the marriage at the same church of two daughters of William Livard in 1837.
  19. [S20] Census return for 1841, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 6th/7th June 1841, HO107/1063/9. f.17., A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 03 May 1991, Feb 1993 at Southwark Local Studies Library and 22 Sep 2006 using The Genealogist. [CENS1841].
    --- Sarah Mead, 35, scholastic, N ---
    Sarah's age at marriage is derived from her age given at the Census of 1841.
  20. [S26] Parish Registers of St George the Martyr, Southwark Nov 1830 - Mar 1834, Baptisms, Greater London Record Office.
    Researched at the Greater London Record Office, 13 Dec 1991 and 26 Jan 1994. [LONPAR02]
    --- 10 Nov 1833 David Augustus, son of David and Sarah Mead, Bland St., Brushmaker. Born 17 Oct 1832. ---.
  21. [S25] Parish Clerk's notebook containing details of baptisms at St George the Martyr, Borough High Street. 1833-1833, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 12 May to 23 May 1977 and 24 Jan 1994. [GHL005].
    --- 10 Nov 1833 David Augustus, son of David and Sarah Mead, born 17 Oct 1833, Bland St., brushmaker. ---
    This looks like an error in the Parish Clerk's notes. The original register shows that David Augustus was born in 1832 and as David and Sarah’s second child was born in February 1834, a birth date of 1833 can not be correct.
  22. [S27] Parish Registers of St George the Martyr, Southwark, Baptisms, Mar 1834 - Jun 1837, Greater London Record Office.
    Researched at the Greater London Record Office 13 Dec 1991 and 26 Jan 1994. [LONPAR02].
    --- 30 Jun 1837 Robert, son of David and Sarah Mead, Theobald Street, Brushmaker. Born 14 Apr 1837. ---.
  23. [S30] Parish Clerk's notebook containing details of baptisms at St George the Martyr, Borough High Street. 1836-1837, City of London Guildhall Library.
    Researched 12 May to 23 May 1977 and 24 Jan 1994. [GHL005].
    ---30 Jun 1837 Robert son of David and Sarah Mead, born 14 Apr 1837, Theobald St., brushmaker. ---.
  24. [S39] Unknown name of person, unknown record type unknown number, unknown repository, unknown repository address, quarter ending Sep 1837, St. Mary Newington, vol.IV, p.264. Hereinafter cited as GRO Index of Deaths.
  25. [S65] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, George (b 1835), (29 Jul 1837), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead,George (b 1835).
  26. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Mar 1839, Newington, vol.IV, p.265.
  27. [S33] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Robert (b 1837), (28 Feb 1839), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead, Robert (b 1837).
  28. [S34] Unknown volume, Birth Certificate for Mead, Sarah Susannah Mead (b 1839), (01 Apr 1839), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Birth Certificate for Mead, Sarah Susannah Mead (b 1839).
  29. [S31] General Register Office Index of Births , quarter ending Jun 1839, Newington, vol.IV, p.306.
    Researched 14 Oct 2006 using S&N Genealogy - The Genealogist Web Site, www.thegenealogist.co.uk. [GROINDEXB].
    --- Mead, Sarah Susannah ---.
  30. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Jun 1840, Newington, vol.IV, p.228.
  31. [S54] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Sarah Susannah (b 1839), (15 May 1840), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead,Sarah Susannah (b 1839).
  32. [S35] Unknown volume, Birth Certificate for Mead, Henry Mickelburgh (b 1840), (18 Sep 1840), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Birth Certificate for Mead, Henry Mickelburgh (b 1840).
  33. [S31] Unknown volume, GRO Index of Births: quarter ending Dec 1840, Newington, vol.XV, p.285, unknown repository.
  34. [S45] Census return for 1841, household of Mickleburgh, Henry (b c1760), 6th/7th June 1841, HO107/325/1. f.30, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 23 Oct 2006 using S&N Genealogy - The Genealogist Web Site, www.thegenealogist.co.uk. [CENS1841].
    --- Slades or Gravel Pit Lane, Great Baddow. Henry Mickelburgh, 80, Farmer, N, -. ---.
  35. [S46] Unknown volume, Will of Henry Mickelburgh 1846, Yeoman, of Great Baddow, (18 May 1846), Public Record Office (PRO), Kew, Surrey, England. Hereinafter cited as Will of Henry Mickelburgh 1846.
  36. [S20] Census for 1841, household of Mead, David (b 1809), HO107/1063/9. f.17.
  37. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Jun 1842, Newington, vol.4, p.211.
  38. [S40] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Henry Mickelburgh (b 1840), (02 Apr 1842), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead, Henry Mickelburgh (b 1840).
  39. [S31] Unknown volume, GRO Index of Births: quarter ending Sep 1842, Newington, vol.XV, p.306, unknown repository.
  40. [S41] Unknown volume, Birth Certificate for Mead, William (b 1842), (19 Aug 1842), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Birth Certificate for Mead, William (b 1842).
  41. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Dec 1842, Newington, vol.4, p.216.
  42. [S53] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, William (b 1842), (11 Nov 1842), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead,William (b 1842).
  43. [S47] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Sarah (b 1805), (21 Feb 1846), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead, Sarah (b 1805).
  44. [S31] Unknown volume, GRO Index of Births: quarter ending Jun 1844, Newington, vol.XV, p.323, unknown repository.
  45. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Mar 1845, Newington, vol.4, p.256.
  46. [S55] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, George (b 1844), (12 Mar 1845), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead,George (b 1844).
  47. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Mar 1846, Newington vol.4, p.239.
  48. [S92] The Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors, The London Gazette Issue No. 20818, 25 January 1848, p277, The London Gazette Digital Archive. Digital images. http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk : 2008. Hereinafter cited as The London Gazette.
  49. [S93] 'The Court for Relief of Insolvent Debtors', The London Gazette Issue No. 20824, 11 February 1848 ().
  50. [S49] Census return for 1851, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 30th/31st March 1851, HO/107/1546 f.626, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 26 Oct 2006 using S&N Genealogy - The Genealogist Web Site, www.thegenealogist.co.uk. [CENS1851].
    --- Mead, David, 45, Serv, Journeyman Brushmaker, Essex Billericay, -; Mead, Sarah, 34, Serv, General Serv, Surrey Rotherhithe, -. ---
    As David is not shown as the head of the household it is possible that he was servant to the victualler Joseph Hayward next door (although there is a different number in the schedule column indicating that it really was a different household) or David’s master was away at the time of the census.
  51. [S50] Unknown database (unknown url : accessed 1987), household of unknown household.
    page 44.
  52. [S51] Thomas Miller (http://www.mernick.co.uk/thhol/docks.html : accessed unknown access date), household of unknown household. [MISC0006].

    Researched 26 Oct 2006. [MISC0006].
    --- there are places in the neighbourhood of St. Katherine and the London Docks which present almost the same features as they did a century or two ago, and such may be found within five minutes’ walk of the Docks we are describing. No contrast can be greater than that between the west and the east end of London; the very houses, dresses, and language of the inhabitants are different; for in the latter their talk is "all of ships." Here, at the shop-doors dangle oil-case nor’-westers, with long fantails behind, telling that, unlike the hats in Bond-street, these are made to keep a billow that breaks over the head out of the nape of the neck; while the rough pilot-coats that hang like skins about the tent of a Russian bear-hunter, proclaim that they were never made to be worn in "a lady’s chamber," but to be donned where the winds whistle, and the sea-gulls scream, and the big waves come roaring after each other like a thousand unchained hungry lions. There you see the gaudy handkerchief which Jack loves to leave a little out, that it may be seen from his blue jacket-pocket; those slops, in the whiteness of which he prides himself; and the checked shirt that he delights to throw open about his sun-browned throat, while he leaves the fringed corners of his black neckerchief to flutter like a pennon in the breeze. There is a forecastle-smell about the streets, a minglement of junk and rum, tar and biscuit, casks, ropes, and tobacco, not unpleasant to one who is proud of the wave - washed island on which he was born. ---.
  53. [S52] Walter Thornbury (http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=340 : accessed 1878), household of unknown household. [MISC0007].

    Researched 26 Oct 2006 using British History Online http://www.british-history.ac.uk/source.asp?pubid=340. [MISC0007].
    Covers the east of the City around the Tower, and areas to the north and east, including Holborn, Islington, Clerkenwell, Stepney and Bethnal Green. Includes an image of St. Katherine's Docks dated about 1852.
  54. [S56] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Susanna (b 1771), (22 May 1858), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead, Susanna (b 1771).
  55. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Jun 1858, Mile End, vol.1c, p.351.
  56. [S37] Unknown database, household of unknown household .

    Received 14 Aug 2003, [COR55/9].
    Writing about Poplars, South Green, Essex, Mary Mayger states --- Following the death of Susanna in 1858, her son David, brushmaker, of 23 William Street, New Kent Road, Surrey, became the copyholder ---.
  57. [S60] Census return for 1861, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 7th/8th April 1861, RG9/337/f.44.
    Researched 9 Nov 2006 using Ancestry.com. [CENS1861].
    --- David Mead, head, mar., 51, Brushmaker, Essex Bilrick; Sarah Mead, wife, mar., -, Surrey Rotherhithe. ---
    David is shown on the transcript as age 27 and Sarah's as 61. Close examination of the original shows that David is 51, while for Sarah's age is possibly 42. Bilrick is obviously Billericay.
  58. [S21] Census return for 1871, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 2nd/3rd April 1871, RG10/0612/f.90, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 07 Nov 2006 using S&N Genealogy - The Genealogist Web Site, www.thegenealogist.co.uk. [CENS1871].
    --- David Mead, head, mar., 61, Brushmaker, Essex Billericay, -; Sarah Mead, wife, mar., 55, -, Surrey Rotherhithe, -. ---
    Sharing the same home are Henry Machell's family, Henry also being a Brushmaker.
  59. [S32] Fishmongers' Company: Court Ledger of The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers Volume 27 (1872-1874), indexed by Ms 5572/25, page 210, City of London Guildhall Library. Researched at the Guildhall Library, 03 Mar 2006.[GHL003].
    --- At a General Court of Assistants for administering relief holden at Fishmongers Hall on Thursday 20th February in the thirtysixth year of the reign of Her Majesty Victoria, Queen of Gt.Britain &c &c and in the year of our Lord 1873 --- The Court proceeding to elect as directed by the Court the 14th November a person free of the Company to have the house No. 3 Jesus Hospital in the room of Sarah Spencer deceased, Notice having been given on the summons and petitions from the undermentioned candidates. viz. David Mead aged 63 and pensioner of 9/- per week John James Frisby aged 54 free by P. being read and the ballot being had, it appearing that all the ballots are for David Mead. It is ordered that the said David Mead be admitted to the house of No. 3 Jesus Hospital, with the usual pension and allowances thereunto belonging, to hold the same subject to the Rules and Orders of the Govenors and during the pleasure of the Court and it is also ordered that a grant of £6 be made to the Beadle towards the expenses of his removal there ---.
  60. [S57] Unknown database (unknown url : accessed unknown access date), household of unknown household. [MISC0009].
    pages 93, 101, 111.
    Researched at the Guildhall Library, City of London, 2 Feb 2000. [MISC0009]
    --- William Goddard, who died in 1609, by his will (exact date unknown) devised to the wardens and commonalty of the mystery of Fishmongers of London, after the decease of his wife Joyce, lands in London and his lands in Bray, to be called ‘Jesus Hospital in Bray of the foundation of William Goddard.’ The hospital was completed by the company in 1628. ---
    The Victoria History also includes a detailed description of the almshouses.
  61. [S58] Unknown compiler, compiler, "Royal Berkshire History - Bray"; Ancestral File (2001), Royal Berkshire History Web Site, unknown repository address. Hereinafter cited as "Royal Berkshire History - Bray."
  62. [S59] Unknown compiler, compiler, "English Heritage Web Site"; Ancestral File English Heritage Web Site, unknown repository address. Hereinafter cited as "English Heritage."
  63. [S61] Census return for 1881, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 3rd/4th April 1881, RG11/1314/f. 99, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 09 Nov 2006 using Ancestry.com. [CENS1881].
    --- David Mead, head, mar., 71, Brushmaker, Essex Billericay, -; Sarah Mead, wife, mar., 64, -, Surrey Rotherhithe, -. ---.
  64. [S62] Census return for 1891, household of Mead, David (b 1809), 5th/6th April 1891, RG12/0384/F119b, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 14 Nov 2006 using Ancestry.com. [CENS1891].
    --- David Mead, head, mar., 81, Retired Brushmaker, Essex Gt Burstead; Sarah Mead, wife, mar., 74, -, London Rotherhithe. ---.
  65. [S67] Census return for 1851, household of Beckett, Sarah (b c1783), 30th/31st March 1851, HO107/1583 f.275, A.R. Mead's records.
    Researched 21 Nov 2006 using Ancestry.co.uk. [CENS1851].
    --- Sarah Beckett, Widow, 68, Flowerfolder?, Surrey Rotherhithe; James Beckett, Son, Unm., 38, Sailmaker, Surrey Rotherhithe; Susannah Law, Dau., Mar., 36, Mariner’s Wife, Surrey Rotherhithe; James Law, Gd Son, Unm., 7, Surrey Rotherhithe; Edward Law, Son ?, 3, Surrey Rotherhithe.. ---
    It's not obvious from the entry but James Law and Edward Law must have been Sarah's grandsons.
  66. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Dec 1896, Greenwich, vol.1d, p.600.
  67. [S63] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, David (b 1809), (09 Oct 1896), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead,David (b 1809).
  68. [S39] Unknown name of person, GRO Index of Deaths, quarter ending Dec 1910, Greenwich, vol.1d, p.571.
  69. [S64] Unknown volume, Death Certificate for Mead, Sarah, formerly Beckett (b 1816), (06 Dec 1910), A.R. Mead's records, Epsom, Surrey. Hereinafter cited as Death Certificate for Mead, Sarah, formerly Beckett (b 1816).