
LETTERS TO THE SOUTHERY SITE
Arthur - my hope is for help - especially with the surname SMITH and first being Tom. In 1851 Census Tom and wife Margaret are at Downham Market. Tom was born Southery, Norfolk about 1795 (ish). If you can lead me to sites where I can discover more - i.e. their complete family, marriages of children, deaths, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Their children were born at Southery, too. Our connection is with son John Beavan Smith born 1823-25. Hope to hear soon...... Cheryl Toomer, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada e-mail: toomer@hotmail.com
Hi Arthur My name is Bonnie my g-g-g-g-grandmother Elizabeth Porter was born 1783 in Southery, she married William Carnell. Her sister Jane married Stephen Rogers, her other sister Ann married William Bell. I have litterley found hundreds of Porters in Southery. I would love to hear from someone else with the same interests.. Thanks
Hi Arthur I wonder if you could tell me any infomation about the following family. They were all born in Norfolk Southery. Daniel Bowers born about 1833. Mary maiden name unknown born about 1839. Robert Bowers born about 1860 / 61. Fred Bowers born about 1874. Porter Bowers born about 1877. At the time of the 1901 census they were living in Sheffield. Also listed on the 1901 living in Norfolk Southery the following could be connected. John Bowers born about 1865. Mary Bowers born about 1888. Also could you tell me where i need to send for a birth certificate for someone who was born in Norfolk Southery. I know you place e-mails you have recieved on your site. Please could you not put my e-mail on as the junk mail people may get hold of it. The site about Southery is really good i will visit it again. Thanks Mark mark_bowers@btopenworld.com
Dear Mr. Feltwell: I first became aware of Southery in an 1876 family letter. It led me to the 1881 UK census where I was able to learn that my great grandmother's cousin, Julia Ann Smith Wright and Husband George Wright, owned 186 acres of farmland located West Of River Ouse in Southery circa 1875 - 1882 or longer. It would be great to hear from anyone who might have had family connections with the Wrights. Two of their farm workers were Grayson Levit (from Friskney, Lincolnshire) and William Cursan (from Dereham, Norfolk). I've bookmarked your website so I can come back easily from time to time. It's quite informative. Thank you. Kathy McCullough, USA puppymac@worldnet.att.net.
Hi Arthur, I came across the letters page of your website whist searching on Southery. But I can't get to the home page for some reason. I would like to be able to because of research I am doing into my family history I am new ( 2 weeks standing so far ) to this whole family history thing. I know have relations called Attlesey( not sure exactly where they fit except they are on my maternal grandmothers side. I think they came from Southery, but if not pretty sure from Norfolk. I know the following -- George & Clara Attlesey born I would guess around 1850 / 1860. daughter called Clara born 1870 - 1880ish daughter ( or in law )called Beatrice born 1910ish & son called Harry I am probably not accurate with dates as I am guessing them from approximate ages in photos I have. Is this too sketchy to be able to find out anything? Thanks Russell russell.saunders@e-imc.com
Hi! I read the Southery site some time ago, as my family came from Southery, then later Downham Market (where my grandfather was born) I think it is an excellent site, incidentally. I have just looked again, and either I missed something the first time or you have updated it. My Great Great Grandfather was Larman Register, who was the champion skater from 1850-1854, and who is referred to in "Skaters of the Fens" by Alan Bloom. Bloom also refers to a skating match against a train in 1870, and says that the skater is named as Larman Register again. My Larman would by then have been about 40 years old - possible? There were other Larmans in the family ( the Larman bit came from an old family surname) but they were not the correct age I do not think, also the only Larman who is known to have been a skater was my Larman. (I have, incidentally, a copy of something my grandfather wrote about his memories of his grandfather Larman iff you would be interested) I note that the site now refers to this skating match. Do you know anything more about this match against the train, who it was or any more details? There must be info somewhere but I do not know where to look - and you presumably got your info from somewhere. I would be interested to know more if possible. I have some old photos, but unfortunately do not know who they are of, so do not know if I have any of Larman himself, but I do have photos of his daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who married Thomas Page. After her mother died (when Mary Elizabeth was only 9 months old), Larman married again in 1956 and moved to Downham, where I found his grave. I would be very grateful for any info you may have or info as to where else to look. Many thanks Carol Page - carolpn5@hotmail.com
24/07/2001 Dear Sir - What a pleasure to visit you site. I lived on Bank Farm, Brandon Creek in the early 1970s. Lived in the main house on the banks of the Little Ouse. Mr. Smith, owner, had his office in the home. I was hoping that the Harley family would be mentioned and when I saw the name happy tears were quick to come. I knew Horace Harley, foreman, and his wife Annie. My brothers, sister and I called Mr. Harley, "Granddad". I also was acquainted with his son David; though at the time I do not believe he was farming and was married with 2 small children. We were told about the Witch of Brandon Creek and spent a harvest moon night looking for her near the bridge by Ships Inn. Is it true that the road from Ships Inn to Southery was built over a graveyard? The time spent on the Farm and the memories that were made have always stayed vivid in my mind. The day my family left was a very sad day. I missed Granddad Harley and Annie. Missed the farm, the animals, the river and the surrounding country side. I have several pictures of Bank Farm and surrounding area. I would be more than happy to share them with you and your web site. I sign with my maiden name in case any of the Smith children read this - Alice Thomas, member of the American family that spent 3 years on the farm hanna_clan@msn.com
27/06/2001 Dear Mr. Feltwell: Very much enjoyed your web site. My great great grandfather John Porter was born in Southery in the late eighteenth century. He moved to Brandon where he and his wife, Sara had several children, one of which was Henry Porter who came to America in the mid nineteenth century and settled in Ohio where I was born in l939. I am a retired administrator and have lived in Washington DC since l965, having been educated in Ohio and having served on active sea duty in the United States Navy. John Porter fought with Lord Nelson at Trafalgar as a young man and is buried in Sandusky, Ohio where he died at the age of ninety three. My biography appears in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who In America. Thanks again for the outstanding work you have done in design of the web site. Cordially John Weston Porter
20/06/2001 Dear Arthur, Congratulations on your web site,it has really kicked ahead since my last visit to your site,the aerial shots and maps are of great interest,as I have never been to that part of England. I have an interest in Southery because of my ancestry and hope you would be kind enough to publish the following lines. I would be interested to hear from anyone with information about the family name of "Pikett" My G-G-Gran Parents were George Pikett(b.abt1814 Cottonham,Cambridgeshire) and Sarah Cater(b.abt 1818 Fincham)Seem to spend most of their married life in Southery. My G-Gran Father was their last child,Fountain Pikett(b.1858 Sedge Fen Drove) and his wife was Alice Rebecca Fuller (b.1858 Ten mile Bank,Hilgay). It seems Fountain, Alice and 3 young children followed his eldest sister,Rebecca(b.1840 Fincham) and her husband William Stubbins to Australia on the ship "Chyebassa" in 1883. Fountain was a carpenter,and I was recently given one of his wood planes.I wonder if it came out from Southery or it was one he purchased here later. I see in the British Census records where some of his elder brothers were married with children and working in different trades in London. Wrote to 3 Piketts in the London telephone directory and got 1 reply. Looking forward to any information, (if you are kind enough to publish these few lines,Arthur) and congratulations once again on a really great site. Regards. Bob Kirkwood. rgkirkwood@bigpond.com
05/04/2001 I am in the process of tracing my family and have just found out that a George Buckenham came from Southery. He moved away to live in Brampton, Cambs but I don't know when. He was in the Home Guard in the last war. His brothers and sisters were: Charlie (my grandad's dad) Robert William (who was killed in the 1914 war) George Herbie Annie Lillian There are some mentions of certain buckenhams on your website which seem to tie up. Is there any other information. Best regards, Gary Buckenham (George's Great Great Grandson) Huntingdon Cambs
01/01/2001 My son Stewart Attlesey has just discovered the Southery Web site much to my delight. I am John William Attlesey now living in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. I was born in Southery in 1922. It appears that you are a distant relative of mine. My grand father the same name as myself lived next door to the Robertsons whose wife Beatrice was my grandfathers cousin, we always called her Aunt Beatie. Her son Jim, who was a school teacher, taught me in school, he is still alive to the best of my knowledge last time I was down there as we always go over to Southery. I have a cousin living there with his family. I spent many happy hours within what used to be the shop. My grandfather also was blacksmith at the rear of the public house and also was the registered dealer for the Raleigh Cycle company also part farmer. My father owned a garage in Uppergate street. You must remember Jim's sisters Pip, Anne, and Ella. Pip was about my age if I remember correctly, she died at an early age. The White Bridge House was Uncle G eorge Henry Attlesey's house. My son is sending this to you for me. We shall be eager to get a reply from you. Forgive me for asking , what age group are you? John William Attlesey "My name is Kim Hills, and I grew up in the fens and loved every minute of it. I am part of the Robertson/Attelsey clan, my great grandmother owned the shop on westgate street, opposite the butchers, this is where I grew up. I believe the Robertsons owned White Bridge House, which was washed away in 1947. My uncle Jim Robertson lived in Parsley House on Lynn Road for many years. My mum still lives where the old shop was. I so love the fens and this web site was a great find. I now live in Australia and get back to the UK every 2-3 years and everytime I go back to Southery I find out a little more about the village. I have so many fond memories and the fens are just magical. if anyone knows of me or can tell me more about my family I would love to hear from them."
Hello Arthur; My complements on your efforts with your web page. The information is most interesting. I am a neophyte in the exciting effort of genealogical research. I am seeking information about my roots that go through Southery. My great great grandfather and grandmother were George Feltwell and Sarah Bell. He was born in 1815 in Denver and she was born in 1836 in Southery. George's father was John Feltwell. I have no further information about him. I am searching for someone who has information about the Southery area in this time frame. If anyone could respond with leads, I would be most appreciative. Regards, Jeffrey Feltwell jfeltwell@infowest.com
Dear Arthur Feltwell, I pulled up your webbsite on Southery England. You did an excellant job!! Very informative. My 3X great grandfather, John Porter was born in Southery in 1794 he then moved to Brandon England, became a waterman, married and died there, we think. One of his son's Henry moved to the United States. My cousin, John Weston Porter, has visited Southery in hopes of finding John Porter's family at one of the churchs but with not much luck. There were too many Porters in Southery in the 1700's. This is a wonderfull webb site I'll be visiting it again. Regards, Hugh Weston Porter Morehead City, N.C., USA
18/08/2000 Hi Mr Feltwell Your site is wonderful! I came across it whilst researching my family on the internet and recognised many of the surnames on the site as being connected to my ancestors - yours included. Mary Buckenham married George Feltwell. He was born in 1815 but alas Mary died & George then married a Sarah Bell. Other names recognised are John Buckenham who married Mary Reeve both were born in 1838. These are my Great Great Grandparents who moved to Clenchwarton and he was a thresher/grinder and later kept the Victory Inn in Clenchwarton (current landlady is called Reeve. Is this coincidence or did the couple move to Clenchwarton because Mary had relatives there) Other names married into the family include Hall, Browne, Attlesey, Rowell, Barratt, Lloyd, Rogers, Hamment. If anyone would like info or has info for me on any Buckenhams out there, please get in touch - email williamsa@eleven1.freeserve.co.uk Anne Williams
04/07/2000 Hi. It is wonderful that you have made a beautiful Southery site. My mother and all her family lived in Southery from as far back as I have traced , (the late 1700s) until 1916 when they came to America. I remember my mother telling me about the floods when she was young and about fetching things for their little shop with a pony and cart. Our family names are BENNETT, WARD, PORTER, SKELTON, EASTER, SHORTEN, BUDD, and SAVAGE all from Southery. It was wonderful to find Rod Bell on the Internet. He is a descendant of my grandmother's sister. It is fun to find relatives we did not know before the Internet. Anyone who would like to share the genealogy I have please E-mail me at Granwright@aol.com Joan Wright in California
06/05/2000 From Clare Gallaway (Manchester) I see my brother Philip has already written to you. We always enjoyed the trips in the 50s and 60s to visit our grandparents, uncles aunts and cousins. In the early days of family car travel, the trip from the other side of Norfolk seemed like the other side of the world. Like him I particularly remember the Manor House and the ghost story - and I remember being quite scared to walk down the garden at Holt House in case the ghost wandered across the road! Thank you for putting so much work into this enjoyable website - I keep dipping into it again and again. with best wishes CG
04/05/2000 I found your website fascinating, and enjoyed looking at the old photos. My grandmother, Florence Buckenham appears in the school photo of 1916 and I think I recognise my Uncle John Gallaway in the picture of the home guard. My grandparents lived in Holt House and I remember the rather sinister Manor House opposite, which was reputedly visited from time to time by the ghost of a gipsy girl, I believe. Best wishes, Philip Gallaway
23/04/2000 Dear Arthur, Staggered and delighted to hear about and find the Southery Web site and the refresh memories of the pantos. Oh, happy days, Need any more photos? Just knew the site would be good in your hands, you were always so good with the lights. Best Wishes Jean and Geoff Preston (Hosts of Ship Inn, Brandon Creek 1981 to 1988 and originators of the Southery All Star Pantos )
12/04/2000 It was with great excitement that I came across your web site. Until now my Porters of Ferry Bank were just names on a piece of paper but now they have come alive with the aid of the many photographs of Southery and all the history included on your site. Can't wait to disconnect now and tell all my family about your web site so they can visit too. We have heard all the stories of our ancestor Edward and what he got up to after he left Southery but now we can imagine that cheeky boy running through the streets and causing mayhem which he undoubltbly did! Thanks again. Lesley Harrison
02/03/2000 Dear Mr Feltwell I am enjoying browsing your site! you have obviously worked hard on it. I was interested in the letter from Paula Englebert (nee Feltwell). We were friends at school and continued to keep in touch even after she had gone to the states to live. I have since lost touch with her and would like to renew correspondance with her. Unfortunately I do not have her e-mail address. If you have it I would appreciate if you could let me know so that I can get in touch. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated. Yours faithfully Diane Grantham staff@upwellprimary.norfolk.sch.uk
17/02/2000 Dear Mr and Mrs Feltwell I found your site while researching my family tree. My connection with Southery is this: My Great Grandad was the publican of the Crown and Anchor pub for how long I can't find out but this much I know his name was William WA Washington he was born in Lynn raised in Littleport Cambs. My Grandfather's named the pub as his address on the 4th of July 1918 when he married my Grandmother Dorothy May Washington. My father was born in the pub as was his sister later on. My Grandmother also had another sister and a son who was killed in the first world war he was Stanley William Washington. My dream is to get there so all this can become reality for me. I was always told that after my fathers birth his mother returned to help behind the bar, Dad would be upstairs in his cradle he never cried they told me because the ghost of the pub would rock his cradle. So I think your site is one of the best that I have come across keep up the good work. Ann MacKinnon
Dear Arthur I was surprised and delighted to find your Web page and all its contents about Southery. I have been researching my Osler (Southery) and Brundle (Hilgay) ancestry since I retired recently. My connections with Southery go back to my early years: I was born in Hackney, London but baptised in St Mary's in 1933 and in 1939 was with my sister Margaret collected by our Uncle Don to go and live with our Grandparents, Ada and Alfred Brundle at 3 Avenue Row. We spent most of the war years in Southery, going to the village school and attending the Methodist Chapel. I also remember falling into the Wareing one school dinner time when trying to catch newts! Much has changed since I lived there but it still holds very happy memories for me. Regards John Patey
6/01/2000 Dear Mr Feltwell, I have for the first time, discovered your website on Southery. It is excellent and very well composed. Back in the early 1960's my parents (Fred & Joan Alderman & family ) moved from Middlesex to Southery (my mother was a native of Norfolk). They bought the house, General Store & Fish & Chip shop next to the the "Anchor Pub". My dad ran the Fish & Chip shop with Peter Flack (I don't know if you know Peter but I hope he & family are well). I took a while for us to be accepted into the community and just as Dad was loving being there, the council put sewerage pipes along the main road and Dad was unable to keep the passing trade and he reluctantly moved back to London. In 1963 we sailed from Southampton to Melbourne, and have been very happy in Australia. My parents passed away several years ago, but my Dad never forgot Southery and how much he loved the shop and your village ! (As a matter of interest, one of my sisters Rosemary courted David Feltwell for a while), and I remember Dolly Goodenough who often came into the shop. I remember spending my two weeks holiday off work from Cambridge working on the land pulling sugar beets from early till dusk. There were a couple of older ladies in their seventies, working nearby and they ran rings around me ! My name is Pat and I would really like to hear from you, or anyone who may remember the Aldermans. in the happy but short time we lived in Southery. Best Regards, Pat Stuut
Congratulations. I've been researching this part of the Fens for several years but found lots of new information here. My interest was sparked off by a children's novel called "The Luck of Sallowby" written by Malcolm Saville in 1953. It concerns the theft of an axe belonging to Hereward but the real story is that of the 1947 floods especially in Hilgay Fen. Readers of your site might be interested in spotting the locations used in the book ( many of the illustrations were taken from "Battle of the Banks"). "Carter's Farm" in the book is the famous cottage which was deluged when the culvert blew and Wood Hall at Hilgay also features as do several characters taken from real life. In particular I'd be very interested in views as to which pub Saville based his "Anglers Rest" on? I've written an article about this book and its background. If anyone would like a copy just e-mail me your address and I'll post it. Peter Oates, 10 Fishers Way, Godmanchester, Cambs PE18 8XE tel 01480-380836
My name is Kim Hills, and I grew up in the fens and loved every minute of it. I am part of the Robertson/Attelsey clan, my great grandmother owned the shop on westgate street, opposite the butchers, this is where I grew up. I believe the Robertsons owned White Bridge House, which was washed away in 1947. My uncle Jim Robertson lived in Parsley House on Lynn Road for many years. My mum still lives where the old shop was. I so love the fens and this web site was a great find. I now live in Australia and get back to the UK every 2-3 years and everytime I go back to Southery I find out a little more about the village. I have so many fond memories and the fens are just magical. If anyone knows of me or can tell me more about my family I would love to hear from them. Kim Hills kimh@deni.net.au
Dear Feltwells: A most impressive web site , can`t tell you how surprised I was when I typed Feltwell into 'infoseek' and your site came up. I lived down Feltwell road from 1961 to 1969 (born there) on what was weasenham farms.Cudge Spencer , Dennis Hart ,George Turner and Teddy Copsey were some of the other families that lived there. We used to call the road from Southery to Feltwell 'poppylot road' I don`t know how old you are but I have a brother called Peter Waites who is 46 My name is Paul Waites 38 I also have younger brothers and sisters Zolton , Zoe and Kirsty , my father Sid Waites still works in the fens for British field products at what is called 'middle farm'. My father in law Con Langley used to work Bourne farm on Feltwell road , the farm is on the right hand side of the road heading towards Feltwell with a couple of black sheds at the top of the road just past the wissy turn off. Possible suggestion for the site is Shrub Hill ,technicly not in Southery but probably as close to it as anywhere , interesting place , do you know of it ?. Anyway all the best for the new year.Paul Waites Paul Waites
We are tracing my wife's family and have found that Robert Kemp, from whom she is descended married Ann Veal in Southery on 5th April 1853. We know from the census that she was the daughter of Joseph Veal and his wife Sarah. We also know that they had a son John but are unaware of any other siblings. Do you know whether Joseph and Sarah are buried in Southery? and whether a transcription of the parish records have taken place? If parish records are available who do we contact with regard to a little research? We are quite willing to share the information we have on our side of the family. Regards John Garwood E-Mail john@garwood48.freeserve.co.uk
I'm doing family research on the BELL, WARD and PORTER families of Southery and I'm wondering if there are good web links to help with Southery history (my grandfather George Bell can to the U.S. in 1909) or a local historian I can write to. rbell@winternet.com (Rod Bell)
Hi,� Hello A. W. Feltwell Sorry, I can't find your first name on your site anywhere. Just found your site and particularly liked your history of Southery. Take a look at my website at.. http://www.fenprint.demon.co.uk/oldphoto/norfolk/noridx.htm Perhaps you would care to exchange a link to each other's site? My regards Nic Whittell
� My name is Paula, and I used to live in Southery, almost outside the village on Feltwell Road.� In fact my Dad and brother still live there!� I was very excited to find this site on the internet as I live in San Antonio, Texas now with my husband and two children.� This site gives me a more interactive environment to show them where I used to call home, with links to some of the places I used to work and hang out.� I appreciate the effort that has gone into putting the site together - and have a request.� Any chance or a virtual tour, showing some of the roads, stores, pubs, park and houses?� I know this is maybe a lot to ask because of space limits you may have, but for me they would really complete this sitel � Thanks � � Paula M Englebert
Dear Mr Feltwell I very much enjoyed your site, now I am in Texas but lived in Southery for many years. I know more about the village now from your website than I did when I lived there! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to do this, it is much appreciated. PS I think we met once at Smack Everitts.
Happy New Year Arthur As a lad I spent an evening or two in southery. Have been home for christmas, plenty of water on the wash. Lets hope for the frost. Unfortunately i am based in central london now, however no doubt i will be down if there is a frost. All the best
Hi Arthur Received your E-Mail and checked your site. It is very nice and I am very happy that you put our web site on your web site. We are going to put a link on our web site to your web site. We are very interested in information about Southery as my wife's father came from Southery. Keep up the good work. Charles Mayo 1003 2nd Ave NW
Tottenhill calling.. Nice to hear from you. I will link to your site asap. It is a nice thing to see all these local villages getting on line. I did Tottenhill as a bit of fun and as a way to pull the p**s out of a few people without doing any real harm. keep up the good work. michael
Hi Arthur. Many thanks for adding a link from your site to ours as site of the week, we consider it an honour for our site to be chosen by you.
May we take this opportunity in congratulating you on the design and upkeep of an impressive web site that is both informative and pleasing on the eye. On behalf of AgrEvo angling club. Keith
Your new site is enjoyable, hope it continues to grow. We spent some years in Huntingdon, the USAF base at Alconbury. Some relatives have recently moved to a village named Wimblington, would you have any info' regarding the village? Best wishes, Alex.
Dear Feltwells! (I am sorry i do not know your first name) I am impressed with your site and links. Our next update is at the end of this month and I will include a link to your site. I will send separately a list of other local links for you to include if you so wish. Regards Robert Parker Mapus Smith & Lemmon

LETTERS TO THE SOUTHERY SITE

Arthur - my hope is for help - especially with the surname SMITH and first being Tom.

In 1851 Census Tom and wife Margaret are at Downham Market. Tom was born Southery, Norfolk about 1795 (ish). If you can lead me to sites where I can discover more - i.e. their complete family, marriages of children, deaths, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Their children were born at Southery, too. Our connection is with son John Beavan Smith born 1823-25.

Hope to hear soon......

Cheryl Toomer, Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada

e-mail: toomer@hotmail.com

Hi Arthur

My name is Bonnie my g-g-g-g-grandmother Elizabeth Porter was born 1783 in Southery, she married William Carnell. Her sister Jane married Stephen Rogers, her other sister Ann married William Bell. I have litterley found hundreds of Porters in Southery. I would love to hear from someone else with the same interests..
Thanks

Hi Arthur I wonder if you could tell me any infomation about the following family. They were all born in Norfolk Southery. Daniel Bowers born about 1833. Mary maiden name unknown born about 1839. Robert Bowers born about 1860 / 61. Fred Bowers born about 1874. Porter Bowers born about 1877. At the time of the 1901 census they were living in Sheffield. Also listed on the 1901 living in Norfolk Southery the following could be connected. John Bowers born about 1865. Mary Bowers born about 1888. Also could you tell me where i need to send for a birth certificate for someone who was born in Norfolk Southery. I know you place e-mails you have recieved on your site. Please could you not put my e-mail on as the junk mail people may get hold of it. The site about Southery is really good i will visit it again. Thanks Mark mark_bowers@btopenworld.com

Dear Mr. Feltwell:

I first became aware of Southery in an 1876 family letter. It led me to the 1881 UK census where I was able to learn that my great grandmother's cousin, Julia Ann Smith Wright and Husband George Wright, owned 186 acres of farmland located West Of River Ouse in Southery circa 1875 - 1882 or longer. It would be great to hear from anyone who might have had family connections with the Wrights. Two of their farm workers were Grayson Levit (from Friskney, Lincolnshire) and William Cursan (from Dereham, Norfolk). I've bookmarked your website so I can come back easily from time to time. It's quite informative. Thank you. Kathy McCullough, USA puppymac@worldnet.att.net.

Hi Arthur,

I came across the letters page of your website whist searching on Southery. But I can't get to the home page for some reason. I would like to be able to because of research I am doing into my family history

I am new ( 2 weeks standing so far ) to this whole family history thing.

I know have relations called Attlesey( not sure exactly where they fit except they are on my maternal grandmothers side.

I think they came from Southery, but if not pretty sure from Norfolk.

I know the following --

George & Clara Attlesey born I would guess around 1850 / 1860.

daughter called Clara born 1870 - 1880ish

daughter ( or in law )called Beatrice born 1910ish & son called Harry

I am probably not accurate with dates as I am guessing them from approximate ages in photos I have.

Is this too sketchy to be able to find out anything?

Thanks

Russell

russell.saunders@e-imc.com

Hi! I read the Southery site some time ago, as my family came from Southery, then later Downham Market (where my grandfather was born) I think it is an excellent site, incidentally. I have just looked again, and either I missed something the first time or you have updated it.

My Great Great Grandfather was Larman Register, who was the champion skater from 1850-1854, and who is referred to in "Skaters of the Fens" by Alan Bloom. Bloom also refers to a skating match against a train in 1870, and says that the skater is named as Larman Register again. My Larman would by then have been about 40 years old - possible? There were other Larmans in the family ( the Larman bit came from an old family surname) but they were not the correct age I do not think, also the only Larman who is known to have been a skater was my Larman. (I have, incidentally, a copy of something my grandfather wrote about his memories of his grandfather Larman iff you would be interested) I note that the site now refers to this skating match.

Do you know anything more about this match against the train, who it was or any more details? There must be info somewhere but I do not know where to look - and you presumably got your info from somewhere. I would be interested to know more if possible. I have some old photos, but unfortunately do not know who they are of, so do not know if I have any of Larman himself, but I do have photos of his daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who married Thomas Page. After her mother died (when Mary Elizabeth was only 9 months old), Larman married again in 1956 and moved to Downham, where I found his grave.

I would be very grateful for any info you may have or info as to where else to look. Many thanks

Carol Page - carolpn5@hotmail.com

24/07/2001
Dear Sir -
What a pleasure to visit you site. I lived on Bank Farm, Brandon Creek in the early 1970s. Lived in the main house on the banks of the Little Ouse. Mr. Smith, owner, had his office in the home.

I was hoping that the Harley family would be mentioned and when I saw the name happy tears were quick to come. I knew Horace Harley, foreman, and his wife Annie. My brothers, sister and I called Mr. Harley, "Granddad". I also was acquainted with his son David; though at the time I do not believe he was farming and was married with 2 small children.

We were told about the Witch of Brandon Creek and spent a harvest moon night looking for her near the bridge by Ships Inn. Is it true that the road from Ships Inn to Southery was built over a graveyard?

The time spent on the Farm and the memories that were made have always stayed vivid in my mind. The day my family left was a very sad day. I missed Granddad Harley and Annie. Missed the farm, the animals, the river and the surrounding country side.

I have several pictures of Bank Farm and surrounding area. I would be more than happy to share them with you and your web site.

I sign with my maiden name in case any of the Smith children read this -

Alice Thomas, member of the American family that spent 3 years on the farm

hanna_clan@msn.com

27/06/2001
Dear Mr. Feltwell:

Very much enjoyed your web site. My great great grandfather John Porter was born in Southery in the late eighteenth century. He moved to Brandon where he and his wife, Sara had several children, one of which was Henry Porter who came to America in the mid nineteenth century and settled in Ohio where I was born in l939. I am a retired administrator and have lived in Washington DC since l965, having been educated in Ohio and having served on active sea duty in the United States Navy. John Porter fought with Lord Nelson at Trafalgar as a young man and is buried in Sandusky, Ohio where he died at the age of ninety three.

My biography appears in Who's Who in the World and Who's Who In America. Thanks again for the outstanding work you have done in design of the web site.

Cordially

John Weston Porter

20/06/2001
Dear Arthur,
Congratulations on your web site,it has really kicked ahead since my last visit to your site,the aerial shots and maps are of great interest,as I have never been to that part of England. I have an interest in Southery because of my ancestry and hope you would be kind enough to publish the following lines. I would be interested to hear from anyone with information about the family name of "Pikett" My G-G-Gran Parents were George Pikett(b.abt1814 Cottonham,Cambridgeshire) and Sarah Cater(b.abt 1818 Fincham)Seem to spend most of their married life in Southery. My G-Gran Father was their last child,Fountain Pikett(b.1858 Sedge Fen Drove) and his wife was Alice Rebecca Fuller (b.1858 Ten mile Bank,Hilgay). It seems Fountain, Alice and 3 young children followed his eldest sister,Rebecca(b.1840 Fincham) and her husband William Stubbins to Australia on the ship "Chyebassa" in 1883. Fountain was a carpenter,and I was recently given one of his wood planes.I wonder if it came out from Southery or it was one he purchased here later. I see in the British Census records where some of his elder brothers were married with children and working in different trades in London. Wrote to 3 Piketts in the London telephone directory and got 1 reply. Looking forward to any information, (if you are kind enough to publish these few lines,Arthur) and congratulations once again on a really great site. Regards.
Bob Kirkwood.
rgkirkwood@bigpond.com

05/04/2001
I am in the process of tracing my family and have just found out that a George Buckenham came from Southery. He moved away to live in Brampton, Cambs but I don't know when. He was in the Home Guard in the last war.

His brothers and sisters were:

Charlie (my grandad's dad)
Robert
William (who was killed in the 1914 war)
George
Herbie
Annie
Lillian

There are some mentions of certain buckenhams on your website which seem to tie up. Is there any other information.

Best regards,
Gary Buckenham (George's Great Great Grandson)
Huntingdon
Cambs

01/01/2001
My son Stewart Attlesey has just discovered the Southery Web site much to my delight. I am John William Attlesey now living in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. I was born in Southery in 1922. It appears that you are a distant relative of mine. My grand father the same name as myself lived next door to the Robertsons whose wife Beatrice was my grandfathers cousin, we always called her Aunt Beatie. Her son Jim, who was a school teacher, taught me in school, he is still alive to the best of my knowledge last time I was down there as we always go over to Southery. I have a cousin living there with his family. I spent many happy hours within what used to be the shop.

My grandfather also was blacksmith at the rear of the public house and also was the registered dealer for the Raleigh Cycle company also part farmer. My father owned a garage in Uppergate street. You must remember Jim's sisters Pip, Anne, and Ella. Pip was about my age if I remember correctly, she died at an early age. The White Bridge House was Uncle G eorge Henry Attlesey's house. My son is sending this to you for me. We shall be eager to get a reply from you. Forgive me for asking , what age group are you?

John William Attlesey

"My name is Kim Hills, and I grew up in the fens and loved every minute of it. I am part of the Robertson/Attelsey clan, my great grandmother owned the shop on westgate street, opposite the butchers, this is where I grew up. I believe the Robertsons owned White Bridge House, which was washed away in 1947. My uncle Jim Robertson lived in Parsley House on Lynn Road for many years. My mum still lives where the old shop was. I so love the fens and this web site was a great find. I now live in Australia and get back to the UK every 2-3 years and everytime I go back to Southery I find out a little more about the village. I have so many fond memories and the fens are just magical. if anyone knows of me or can tell me more about my family I would love to hear from them."

Hello Arthur;
My complements on your efforts with your web page. The information is most interesting. I am a neophyte in the exciting effort of genealogical research. I am seeking information about my roots that go through Southery. My great great grandfather and grandmother were George Feltwell and Sarah Bell. He was born in 1815 in Denver and she was born in 1836 in Southery. George's father was John Feltwell. I have no further information about him. I am searching for someone who has information about the Southery area in this time frame. If anyone could respond with leads, I would be most appreciative.
Regards,

Jeffrey Feltwell

jfeltwell@infowest.com

Dear Arthur Feltwell,

I pulled up your webbsite on Southery England. You did an excellant job!! Very informative. My 3X great grandfather, John Porter was born in Southery in 1794 he then moved to Brandon England, became a waterman, married and died there, we think. One of his son's Henry moved to the United States. My cousin, John Weston Porter, has visited Southery in hopes of finding John Porter's family at one of the churchs but with not much luck. There were too many Porters in Southery in the 1700's. This is a wonderfull webb site I'll be visiting it again.

Regards,

Hugh Weston Porter
Morehead City, N.C., USA

18/08/2000
Hi Mr Feltwell

Your site is wonderful! I came across it whilst researching my family on the internet and recognised many of the surnames on the site as being connected to my ancestors - yours included. Mary Buckenham married George Feltwell. He was born in 1815 but alas Mary died & George then married a Sarah Bell.

Other names recognised are John Buckenham who married Mary Reeve both were born in 1838. These are my Great Great Grandparents who moved to Clenchwarton and he was a thresher/grinder and later kept the Victory Inn in Clenchwarton (current landlady is called Reeve. Is this coincidence or did the couple move to Clenchwarton because Mary had relatives there)

Other names married into the family include Hall, Browne, Attlesey, Rowell, Barratt, Lloyd, Rogers, Hamment.

If anyone would like info or has info for me on any Buckenhams out there, please get in touch - email williamsa@eleven1.freeserve.co.uk

Anne Williams

04/07/2000
Hi. It is wonderful that you have made a beautiful Southery site. My mother and all her family lived in Southery from as far back as I have traced , (the late 1700s) until 1916 when they came to America. I remember my mother telling me about the floods when she was young and about fetching things for their little shop with a pony and cart. Our family names are BENNETT, WARD, PORTER, SKELTON, EASTER, SHORTEN, BUDD, and SAVAGE all from Southery.

It was wonderful to find Rod Bell on the Internet. He is a descendant of my grandmother's sister. It is fun to find relatives we did not know before the Internet.

Anyone who would like to share the genealogy I have please E-mail me at

Granwright@aol.com
Joan Wright in California

06/05/2000
From Clare Gallaway (Manchester)

I see my brother Philip has already written to you. We always enjoyed the trips in the 50s and 60s to visit our grandparents, uncles aunts and cousins. In the early days of family car travel, the trip from the other side of Norfolk seemed like the other side of the world. Like him I particularly remember the Manor House and the ghost story - and I remember being quite scared to walk down the garden at Holt House in case the ghost wandered across the road!

Thank you for putting so much work into this enjoyable website - I keep dipping into it again and again.
with best wishes
CG

04/05/2000
I found your website fascinating, and enjoyed looking at the old photos. My grandmother, Florence Buckenham appears in the school photo of 1916 and I think I recognise my Uncle John Gallaway in the picture of the home guard. My grandparents lived in Holt House and I remember the rather sinister Manor House opposite, which was reputedly visited from time to time by the ghost of a gipsy girl, I believe.

Best wishes,

Philip Gallaway

23/04/2000
Dear Arthur,

Staggered and delighted to hear about and find the Southery Web site and the refresh memories of the pantos.

Oh, happy days, Need any more photos? Just knew the site would be good in your hands, you were always so good with the lights.

Best Wishes

Jean and Geoff Preston (Hosts of Ship Inn, Brandon Creek 1981 to 1988 and originators of the Southery All Star Pantos )

12/04/2000
It was with great excitement that I came across your web site. Until now my Porters of Ferry Bank were just names on a piece of paper but now they have come alive with the aid of the many photographs of Southery and all the history included on your site. Can't wait to disconnect now and tell all my family about your web site so they can visit too. We have heard all the stories of our ancestor Edward and what he got up to after he left Southery but now we can imagine that cheeky boy running through the streets and causing mayhem which he undoubltbly did! Thanks again.

Lesley Harrison

02/03/2000

Dear Mr Feltwell
I am enjoying browsing your site! you have obviously worked hard on it. I was interested in the letter from Paula Englebert (nee Feltwell). We were friends at school and continued to keep in touch even after she had gone to the states to live. I have since lost touch with her and would like to renew correspondance with her. Unfortunately I do not have her e-mail address. If you have it I would appreciate if you could let me know so that I can get in touch. Your co-operation would be greatly appreciated.
Yours faithfully
Diane Grantham
staff@upwellprimary.norfolk.sch.uk

17/02/2000
Dear Mr and Mrs Feltwell I found your site while researching my family tree. My connection with Southery is this: My Great Grandad was the publican of the Crown and Anchor pub for how long I can't find out but this much I know his name was William WA Washington he was born in Lynn raised in Littleport Cambs. My Grandfather's named the pub as his address on the 4th of July 1918 when he married my Grandmother Dorothy May Washington. My father was born in the pub as was his sister later on. My Grandmother also had another sister and a son who was killed in the first world war he was Stanley William Washington. My dream is to get there so all this can become reality for me. I was always told that after my fathers birth his mother returned to help behind the bar, Dad would be upstairs in his cradle he never cried they told me because the ghost of the pub would rock his cradle. So I think your site is one of the best that I have come across keep up the good work. Ann MacKinnon

Dear Arthur
I was surprised and delighted to find your Web page and all its contents about Southery. I have been researching my Osler (Southery) and Brundle (Hilgay) ancestry since I retired recently. My connections with Southery go back to my early years: I was born in Hackney, London but baptised in St Mary's in 1933 and in 1939 was with my sister Margaret collected by our Uncle Don to go and live with our Grandparents, Ada and Alfred Brundle at 3 Avenue Row. We spent most of the war years in Southery, going to the village school and attending the Methodist Chapel. I also remember falling into the Wareing one school dinner time when trying to catch newts! Much has changed since I lived there but it still holds very happy memories for me.
Regards
John Patey

6/01/2000
Dear Mr Feltwell,
I have for the first time, discovered your website on Southery. It is excellent and very well composed.
Back in the early 1960's my parents (Fred & Joan Alderman & family ) moved from Middlesex to Southery (my mother was a native of Norfolk). They bought the house, General Store & Fish & Chip shop next to the the "Anchor Pub". My dad ran the Fish & Chip shop with Peter Flack (I don't know if you know Peter but I hope he & family are well). I took a while for us to be accepted into the community and just as Dad was loving being there, the council put sewerage pipes along the main road and Dad was unable to keep the passing trade and he reluctantly moved back to London. In 1963 we sailed from Southampton to Melbourne, and have been very happy in Australia. My parents passed away several years ago, but my Dad never forgot Southery and how much he loved the shop and your village ! (As a matter of interest, one of my sisters Rosemary courted David Feltwell for a while), and I remember Dolly Goodenough who often came into the shop. I remember spending my two weeks holiday off work from Cambridge working on the land pulling sugar beets from early till dusk. There were a couple of older ladies in their seventies, working nearby and they ran rings around me ! My name is Pat and I would really like to hear from you, or anyone who may remember the Aldermans. in the happy but short time we lived in Southery.

Best Regards, Pat Stuut

Congratulations. I've been researching this part of the Fens for several years but found lots of new information here. My interest was sparked off by a children's novel called "The Luck of Sallowby" written by Malcolm Saville in 1953. It concerns the theft of an axe belonging to Hereward but the real story is that of the 1947 floods especially in Hilgay Fen. Readers of your site might be interested in spotting the locations used in the book ( many of the illustrations were taken from "Battle of the Banks"). "Carter's Farm" in the book is the famous cottage which was deluged when the culvert blew and Wood Hall at Hilgay also features as do several characters taken from real life. In particular I'd be very interested in views as to which pub Saville based his "Anglers Rest" on? I've written an article about this book and its background. If anyone would like a copy just e-mail me your address and I'll post it.

Peter Oates, 10 Fishers Way, Godmanchester, Cambs PE18 8XE tel 01480-380836

My name is Kim Hills, and I grew up in the fens and loved every minute of it. I am part of the Robertson/Attelsey clan, my great grandmother owned the shop on westgate street, opposite the butchers, this is where I grew up. I believe the Robertsons owned White Bridge House, which was washed away in 1947. My uncle Jim Robertson lived in Parsley House on Lynn Road for many years. My mum still lives where the old shop was. I so love the fens and this web site was a great find. I now live in Australia and get back to the UK every 2-3 years and everytime I go back to Southery I find out a little more about the village. I have so many fond memories and the fens are just magical. If anyone knows of me or can tell me more about my family I would love to hear from them.

Kim Hills
kimh@deni.net.au

Dear Feltwells:

A most impressive web site , can`t tell you how surprised I was when I typed Feltwell into 'infoseek' and your site came up.
I lived down Feltwell road from 1961 to 1969 (born there) on what was weasenham farms.Cudge Spencer , Dennis Hart ,George Turner and Teddy Copsey were some of the other families that lived there.
We used to call the road from Southery to Feltwell 'poppylot road'
I don`t know how old you are but I have a brother called Peter Waites who is 46 My name is Paul Waites 38 I also have younger brothers and sisters Zolton , Zoe and Kirsty , my father Sid Waites still works in the fens for British field products at what is called 'middle farm'.
My father in law Con Langley used to work Bourne farm on Feltwell road , the farm is on the right hand side of the road heading towards Feltwell with a couple of black sheds at the top of the road just past the wissy turn off.
Possible suggestion for the site is Shrub Hill ,technicly not in Southery but probably as close to it as anywhere , interesting place , do you know of it ?.
Anyway all the best for the new year.Paul Waites

Paul Waites

We are tracing my wife's family and have found that Robert Kemp, from whom she is descended married Ann Veal in Southery on 5th April 1853. We know from the census that she was the daughter of Joseph Veal and his wife Sarah. We also know that they had a son John but are unaware of any other siblings. Do you know whether Joseph and Sarah are buried in Southery? and whether a transcription of the parish records have taken place? If parish records are available who do we contact with regard to a little research? We are quite willing to share the information we have on our side of the family.

Regards

John Garwood E-Mail john@garwood48.freeserve.co.uk

I'm doing family research on the BELL, WARD and PORTER families of
Southery and I'm wondering if there are good web links to help with
Southery history (my grandfather George Bell can to the U.S. in 1909) or
a local historian I can write to.
rbell@winternet.com (Rod Bell)

Hi,� Hello A. W. Feltwell Sorry, I can't find your first name on your site anywhere. Just found your site and particularly liked your history of Southery. Take a look at my website at.. http://www.fenprint.demon.co.uk/oldphoto/norfolk/noridx.htm Perhaps you would care to exchange a link to each other's site? My regards Nic Whittell

� My name is Paula, and I used to live in Southery, almost outside the village on Feltwell Road.� In fact my Dad and brother still live there!� I was very excited to find this site on the internet as I live in San Antonio, Texas now with my husband and two children.� This site gives me a more interactive environment to show them where I used to call home, with links to some of the places I used to work and hang out.� I appreciate the effort that has gone into putting the site together - and have a request.� Any chance or a virtual tour, showing some of the roads, stores, pubs, park and houses?� I know this is maybe a lot to ask because of space limits you may have, but for me they would really complete this sitel �
Thanks �
� Paula M Englebert

Dear Mr Feltwell I very much enjoyed your site, now I am in Texas but lived in Southery for many years. I know more about the village now from your website than I did when I lived there! Thanks for taking the time and trouble to do this, it is much appreciated.

PS I think we met once at Smack Everitts.

Happy New Year Arthur As a lad I spent an evening or two in southery. Have been home for christmas, plenty of water on the wash. Lets hope for the frost. Unfortunately i am based in central london now, however no doubt i will be down if there is a frost. All the best

Hi Arthur Received your E-Mail and checked your site. It is very nice and I am very happy that you put our web site on your web site. We are going to put a link on our web site to your web site. We are very interested in information about Southery as my wife's father came from Southery. Keep up the good work. Charles Mayo 1003 2nd Ave NW

Tottenhill calling..
Nice to hear from you. I will link to your site asap.

It is a nice thing to see all these local villages getting on line. I did Tottenhill as a bit of fun and as a way to pull the p**s out of a few people without doing any real harm. keep up the good work.

michael

Hi Arthur.

Many thanks for adding a link from your site to ours as site of the week, we consider it an honour for our site to be chosen by you.

May we take this opportunity in congratulating you on the design and upkeep of an impressive web site that is both informative and pleasing on the eye.

On behalf of AgrEvo angling club.

Keith

Your new site is enjoyable, hope it continues to grow. We spent some years in Huntingdon, the USAF base at Alconbury. Some relatives have recently moved to a village named Wimblington, would you have any info' regarding the village?

Best wishes,

Alex.

Dear Feltwells! (I am sorry i do not know your first name) I am impressed with your site and links. Our next update is at the end of this month and I will include a link to your site. I will send separately a list of other local links for you to include if you so wish.

Regards Robert Parker Mapus Smith & Lemmon