Albert William Fletcher
Born: 12th June 1900
Baptised: 18th December 1901 (Same date as Charles John Fletcher B: 1897)
Father’s name: Not given
Mother’s Name: Georgina Fletcher
Father’s Occupation: Not given
Residence: 85 Cricklade Street
No sponsors listed at Baptism
The 1901 census shows Albert aged 1 living with his widowed Grandmother Margaret (nee Hulbert) at 85 Cricklade Street along with his mother Georgina and his older brother Charles aged 3. Also living at the premises was a Boarder, Caroline Iles (also a Widow) aged 67, who was listed as a “Washerwoman”.
Albert W aged 10 and his older brother Charles John aged 12 must have been in care (probably in London) as both boys were transported from London to Montreal in Canada on the 30th September 1910 as part of a group of Barnardo children all listed as “Farmhands”. Children who were transported in this way were known as “Home Children” (i.e. residents of Barnardo homes).
Edwin Charles Fletcher
Born: Quarter 3 1901 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume 6a / Page 415)
Edwin died aged one in Cirencester in Quarter 3 1902 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume 6a / Page 248)
Frank Fletcher
Birth Registered: 1st Quarter 1902 (GRO Ref Cirencester/ Volume 6a /Page 395)
Baptism: 15th March 1902 – Baptised as Francis Fletcher
Father’s Name: Not given
Mother’s Name: Georgina Fletcher
Father’s Occupation: Not given
Residence: Workhouse
Sponsors not listed on baptism record….his mother Georgina is pointedly recorded a “single woman” on the baptismal records along with two other young women also residing at the Workhouse who had their children baptised on the same day.
Frank died in 1902. Death Registered: 2nd Quarter 1902 (GRO Ref Cirencester/ Volume 6a /Page 253)
Louisa Jane Fletcher
Birth Registered: 2nd Quarter 1902 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 414)
Baptised: 15th June 1902 Baunton Parish (Wiggold)
Dorothy May Fletcher
Born: 27th May 1902
Baptised: 17th August 1902
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 5 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record.
In the 1911 census Dorothy was aged 9 and living with her Parents (James and Alice Fletcher) and Grandparents (William and Mary Jane Fletcher) and younger brother Harold William at 1 School Lane. Dorothy’s father James is listed as a Journeyman Painter.
1921 census shows us that Dorothy May Fletcher was aged 19 and working as an Errand Girl. Dorothy was living at 10 School Lane with her parents James (who was aged 41 and a Painter and Plumber) and Alice (aged 41). Also at this address at the time of the census were her sister Lilian Irene and 10 month old Violet Maud Fletcher who is listed as a Granddaughter of James and Alice.
Dorothy married William James Freeman of 22 School Hill Stratton on the 4th October 1924 in Cirencester Parish Church. William’s occupation is given as Labourer and it records that his father Charles Robert Freeman was deceased. Dorothy was living at 10 School Lane when she married – no occupation given on the marriage banns.
By the time the 1939 register was created Dorothy and William were living at 19 School Lane and the family had grown significantly. The record shows that living with them were Doreen, Cynthia, Stella, and Brian. One other record is not visible on the register I believe this to be Dennis.
The 1946 Electoral Roll shows Dorothy and William still living at 19 School Lane
In 1955 they were living at 8 Saxon Road on the Beeches Estate.
William died in Cirencester in the 2nd Quarter 1962 aged 61 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Vol 7b/Page 352)
Dorothy died in Cirencester in the 4th Quarter 1982 aged 80. (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Vol 22/Page 1695)
Fanny Emily Fletcher
Born: 2nd February 1903
Father’s Name: Harry Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Mary J Fletcher (Nee Baker)
Fanny was born in Weston-Super- Mare (Axbridge) in 1903 to Cirencester born Harry Fletcher (B:1864) and Somerset born Mary Jane Fletcher (Nee Baker)
Her birth was registered in the first quarter of 1903 in Axbridge (GRO Ref: Axbridge / Vol 5c / Page 436)
Sometime following the death of her mother in 1904 Fanny moved to her dad’s hometown of Cirencester with most of his family and in the 1911 census he is shown aged 9 living in 180 Gloucester Street with her widower dad Harry and four older siblings: Ellen aged 19; Harry aged 17; Gilbert John aged 13 and Thomas Charles aged 12.
In the 1921 census Fanny is recorded as living with her father Harry and his wife Sophia in 2 Cromwell Road Swindon. Harry is recorded as a Restaurant Keeper.
Fanny married James Harrin in Swindon in Quarter 3 in 1927 (GRO Ref: Swindon / Vol 5a / Page 89)
The 1939 Wartime register tells us that Fanny and James are living at 66 Yorke Road Swindon. Fanny’s date of birth is given as 2nd February 1903 and James’s as 10th November 1902. James is recorded as being a Builders General Clerk whilst Fanny is recorded as undertaking “Unpaid Domestic Duties”
Fanny’s death is recorded in Devizes in January 1980 (DRO Ref: Devizes / Volume 23/ Page 2120)
James died in Swindon in February 1985 (GRO Ref: Swindon/ Volume 23 /Page 2735)
Eileen Glencoe Fletcher
Born: 11th June 1903
Baptised: 22nd March 1905 (Same date as her twin Raymond Owen Fletcher)
Father’s Name: George Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Emily Fletcher (Nee Harding)
Father’s Occupation: Labourer
Residence: 8 Cecily Hill
No sponsors listed on baptism record
In 1909 Eileen’s twin brother Raymond died aged 5.
The 1911 census shows Eileen aged 7 living with her parents George (52 and a Builders Labourer) and Emily aged 47 at 8 Cecily Hill along with 4 siblings still living at home: Emily Kate (23) a General Servant ;William Chester (17) an Out Porter ;and Gertrude Lilian (14)
Eileen is still living at 8 Cecily Hill in the 1921
Eileen married Raymond William Richings in Cirencester on the 23rd August 1932.Eileen and Raymond were near neighbours as Eileen lived at 8 Cecily Hill while Raymond lived at 18 Cecily Hill. Raymond’s Occupation was Blacksmith.
In Q4 1932 Eileen and Ray’s daughter Margaret was born.
The Electoral Roll for 1936 show Eileen and Ray living at 3 Laurel Cottages in Siddington
In early 1937 (Quarter 1) Eileen gave birth to a son Derek.
The 1939 War Time Register shows Eileen and Ray had now moved to 40 Chester Street and Ray was working for the council as a Labourer and was an ARP Decontaminator. Two other records on the register for that address have been redacted (this is usually because the person listed may still be living at the time of the last register review) and these are likely to be their children Margaret and Derek
The 1961 Electoral Roll shows that Eileen and Raymond were living at 30 Cecily Hill a few doors away from Eileen’s sister Mabel at number 20.
Raymond died in Cirencester aged 81 in the 2nd Quarter of 1981 (GRO Ref Cirencester/ Vol 22/ Page 1590)
Eileen died in Cirencester in March 1992 aged 89 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 22/ Page 1892)
Raymond Owen Fletcher
Born: 11th June 1903
Baptised: 22nd March 1905 (Same date as his twin Eileen Glencoe Fletcher)
Father’s Name: George Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Emily Fletcher (Nee Harding)
Father’s Occupation: Labourer
Residence: 8 Cecily Hill
No sponsors listed on baptism record
Raymond Owen died Cirencester on 16th March 1909 aged 5.
James Michael Fletcher
Born: 4th November 1904 (In Bristol)
Baptism: 13th November 1904 at St Mary on the Quay RC Church, Colston Avenue Bristol. James was baptised as Jacobus Michaelus.
Fathers Name: Robert Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Fletcher (Nee Colgan)
Father’s Occupation: Carter
Residence: 22 Victoria Buildings, St George’s Road, Bristol
James’ maternal grandparents are listed on the baptism record as Michael Colgan and Maria Colgan (Nee Phelan)
The copy of James’s Birth Certificate confirms the above. His birth was registered on the 9th January 1905 by his father Robert.
James’s mother Alice (Nee Colgan) died in Bristol in 1906 and sometime after her death James and his sister Margaret moved with their father to Robert’s home town of Cirencester.
The 1911 census shows James living with his father Robert, at 57 Watermoor Road. His sister Margaret (Maggie) was living with her cousin Adora Hicks (nee Luce) in Portsmouth at the time of the census.
In the 1921 census James is not listed at home with his father Robert and his new family. (Where was he? -The 1921 census records a James Fletcher in Bristol aged 18 years and 7 months. This maybe James Michael Fletcher but this cannot be confirmed at this stage. The entry shows Private James Fletcher based at Number 5 Cavalry Depot Gloucestershire Regiment. If it is James Michael Fletcher he must have given a false date of birth to sign up)
James moved to London (date unknown) and lived in Woolwich? (More details required – information below indicates he was a Policeman in Woolwich … was he in the Army before this?
James married Alice Annie Sharpe in the Parish Church of St Nicholas Deptford, London on 16th April 1927.James is recorded on the Marriage Certificate as aged 23 and a Policeman residing at 29 Upper Market Street Woolwich. His father Robert’s occupation is shown as “Engineer”. Alice is recorded as aged 19 living at 8 Deptford Bridge and the daughter of William Sharpe a “Restaurant Keeper”. Witnesses at the wedding were Christopher Moir, Ada Bartlett, W Sharpe, and Isabel Sharpe.
James and Alice (known as Ann or Annie) had three daughters (Joan born 1928; Pamela born 1931 and Barbara born 1937)
The 1934 electoral roll shows James and Ann living at 23 Queen Street Cirencester.
The 1939 register shows James working as a clerk at the Royal Ordnance Depot in Didcot and living in 102 Wessex Road in Wallingford with an older couple Mr & Mrs Bennett as well as his daughter Joan aged 11 and one other person whose record is redacted …this is probably Joan’s sister Pamela….as Barbara is recorded as living at 59 Mill Road, Wantage.
James and Annie’s’ daughter Joan died in a road accident in 1942 aged 14.
Jim and Annie divorced.
0n the 5th January 1946 39 year old James married 22 year old Kathleen Valentine Magnus (born in East Ham in 1923) in Mansfield Registry Office Nottinghamshire. The marriage certificate confirms James’s status as “The divorced husband of Alice Annie Fletcher formerly Sharpe (Spinster)”. His address at the time of this marriage was given as 5 Abbot Road Mansfield and his occupation recorded as Dairy Foreman. His father’s name is recorded as Robert Joseph* Fletcher who according to the certificate was a Retired Craneman (Iron Foundry). Kathleen is recorded as a Spinster with no occupation listed and living at 6 Lord Street Mansfield. Kathleen’s father Walter Magnus is recorded as a Tailor. Witnesses to the marriage were Norman Hill and K M Smith.
James (Jim) and Kathleen had two sons and a daughter.
James died aged 75 in Notley Hospital Braintree Essex on 23rd January 1980 with Bronchopneumonia. His death was registered by his widow Kathleen on the day he died and his full name is listed as James Michael Bernard** Fletcher. (Although James died in Braintree his usual address was listed as Bidworth, Mansfield. Nottinghamshire). His occupation is listed as “Forestry Worker”.
Kathleen died in Sutton in Ashfield Nottinghamshire on the 18th June 2016 aged 82.
(*Not sure where the additional name “Joseph” has come from as it does not appear anywhere else in the records)
(**Not sure where the additional name “Bernard” has come from as it does not appear anywhere else in the records)
[Picture: James Michael Fletcher – Date unknown – sourced from Ancestry.co.uk]
Eileen Francis Fletcher
Born: 8th November 1904
Baptised: 4th January 1905
Mother’s Name: Ada Fletcher
Father’s Name not given.
Eileen is shown as age 6 in the 1911 census and living with her Grandparents John and Frances Fletcher in 11 School Lane. Living there at the time was also her sister Joyce aged 2 and her Uncle Bert Fletcher.
Eileen married Arthur W O Gobey in Cirencester in Q3 1931 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a/Page 1097)
Arthur died in Cirencester in the 4th Quarter of 1956 aged 58 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 7b/ Page 380)
Eileen died in Cirencester aged 78 in the second quarter of 1983 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Vol 22/ Page 1705)
Arthur Edward James Fletcher
Born: 5th October 1905
Baptised: 20th December 1905
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 5 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record
Arthur’s death was registered in the 2nd Quarter of 1906 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a / Page 265). According to the Parish Burial Records Baby Arthur was buried on the 1st January 1906.
Nellie Irene Fletcher
Birth Registered: 4th Quarter 1906 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Vol 6a/ Page 386)
Father’s Name: Edwin Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Emily Alice Fletcher (Nee Lambert)
In the 1911 census Nellie (entered on the register as Kellie) is aged 4 and living at 40 Ashcroft Road with her parents Edwin aged 62 and Emily Alice aged 36. Edwin was originally from Abingdon (then in Berkshire) and Emily was born in 1874 and was originally from Standish Stroud.
The 1921 census shows that Nellie aged 14 is still living at 40 Ashcroft Road with her parents Edwin now aged 72 and Emily Alice aged 46. Her father Edwin was working as a Clothiers Assistant for Samuel Clappen at 7 Cricklade Street. Also on the census as a Boarder is 18 year old Constance Gertrude Ellen Brice originally from Cheddar Somerset who was a Draper’s Assistant at Orchard and Sons 3 & 4 Castle Street.
Nellie married Herbert Williams (born 1898) in Weston-Super-Mare in the 2nd Quarter of 1939 (GRO Ref: Weston-Super-Mare/ Volume 5c / Page 1323)
The wartime register taken in September 1939 shows Nellie and Herbert living in Clevedon Somerset at 1 St Winnon, West Croft with Nellie’s widowed mother Emily A Fletcher (B:1874) who is recorded as Head of the household. Nellie’s date of birth is given as 19th October 1906. Herbert’s date of birth is given as 5th May 1898 and his occupation as Grocery Manager. There are three others listed at the address one of which is redacted. The two still available to review are: Herbert Ward born 1891 a Civil Servant and Victoria Ward born 1887.
Herbert died in Bridgewater Somerset on 20th November 1971.
Nellie Williams died in Bath on the 18th May1985. Her burial or Cremation was on the 24th May 1985.
Edward James Fletcher
Birth Registered: 1st Quarter 1907 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 373)
Baptism: 15th May 1907
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 1 School Lane
No sponsors listed on Baptism record.
Edward died at 4 months old in the 3rd Quarter of 1907 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 189) and was buried on the 5th July 1907.
Cyril Fletcher
Birth Registered: 4th April 1908 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 386)
Baptised: 24th April 1908
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Labourer
Residence: 1 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record
Cyril died at eleven days old in Quarter 2 1908 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 218) and was buried on the 30th April 1908.
Kathleen Elizabeth Fletcher
Birth Registered: 2nd Quarter 1908 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume 6a/ Page 395)
Barnsley Parish
1911 the census shows us that Kathleen Elizabeth was living with her parents and two siblings in Barnsley. We can tell from the census that the family are originally from Chinnor in Oxfordshire.
Joyce Fletcher
Born: 8th January 1909 (Date of Birth as recorded on her Baptism entry)
Baptised: 25th July 1909
Father’s Name: Not given
Mother’s Name: Ada Fletcher
Residence: 11 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record
Joyce is shown as age 2 in the 1911 census and living with her Grandparents John and Frances Fletcher in 11 School Lane. Living there at the time was also her sister Eileen aged 6 and her Uncle Bert Fletcher aged 21.
In 1921 Joyce is aged 12 and living at 95 Watermoor Road with her mother Ada Curtis and her stepfather George Curtis. George works on the railways (M & SW Junctn) and Ada is a School Cleaner at Watermoor School. Also at the residence are her two step siblings:- Queenie A Carter aged 6 and George E Carter aged 4.
When Joyce was 25 she married Frederick G Pottinger (who was originally from Poulton) aged 24 in Cirencester during the 2nd Quarter of 1934 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 902)
Joyce and Frederick had one son, Gordon William Pottinger, born in Cirencester in 1936.
The 1939 register shows Joyce and Fred living in Sodbury Rural District at 6 Yate Rocks Joyce’s date of birth is given as 8th February 1909 and Fred’s as 20th September 1910. Fred’s occupation is given as Groom. There is one other entry on the register for that address and although it is redacted, we can safely assume this was their son Gordon.
Gordon was in the Royal Engineers and died in Egypt in 1955.
Joyce died aged 70 in Cambridge in 1979 (GRO Ref: Cambridge/Volume 9 / Page 0904) Note: Her date of birth on this register is shown as 8th February 1909
Frederick died 85 in Cambridge in 1995 (GRO Ref: Cambridge/D41C/ Page 247)
Harold William Fletcher
(Also known in the family as “Chike”)
Born: 17th December 1909
Birth Registered: 28th January 1910 by his father
Father’s Name James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Journeyman Painter
Residence: School Lane
The 1911 Census shows Harold was age 1 and had an older sister Dorothy May Fletcher. They were living with their parents (James and Alice) and Grandparents William and Mary Jane Fletcher at 1 School Lane
In the 1921 census William is aged 11 and living with his grandparents William (73) and Mary Jane (70) at 1 School Lane.
According to the 1931 Electoral Register Harold was living at 10 School Lane with his parents James and Alice. (Bert and Frances Henrietta Fletcher and their Daughter Eileen Frances lived next door at Number 11)
Harold married Florence Louis Mabberley in Quarter 3 1938 (GRO Ref Cirencester/Volume 6a/ Page 1612).
(The records show Florence Louise Mabberley was born in Northleach on 11th December 1914.)
It looks like Harold and Louise were living in Cricklade in 1939. (Malmesbury Road) [Not totally sure about this record as the birth date is a mismatch]
Harold and Florence had two sons
The Electoral Roll of 1954 shows Harold and Louise living at 21 Gordon Place Cirencester.
Harold William Fletcher died in Cirencester aged 52 in Q2 1962 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Volume 7b/ Page 350)
Florence Louise Fletcher died in 2nd Quarter 2001 in Cirencester aged 86 (GRO Ref Cirencester/Register No.40D/District 4801/Entry No.201)
[Harold Fletcher also known as “Chike”]
Arthur Edward Fletcher
Born: 5th December 1910
Baptised: 5th December 1910 (Holy Trinity, Watermoor – same date as his twin Mary Jane Fletcher)
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 1 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record (private baptism)
Baby Arthur died in Cirencester in December 1910 (GRO Ref: Cirencester /Volume 6a /Page 239) and was buried in Chesterton Cemetery on the 12th December 1910 two days after his sister Mary Jane.
Mary Jane Fletcher
Born: 5th December 1910
Baptised: 5th December 1910 (Holy Trinity, Watermoor – same date as her twin Arthur Edward Fletcher)
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 1 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record (private baptism)
Baby Mary died in Cirencester in December 1910 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume 6a /Page 23) and was buried on the 10th December
Frederick Charles Gardner
Born: 17th February 1911 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Mother: Alice Mary Gardner (later becoming Alice Mary Fletcher)
Father: Not recorded
In the 1911 census Frederick is less than a year old and is living at 55 Watermoor Road Cirencester with his mother Alice aged 28 who was a Domestic Servant. Also living at that address was his grandmother Emma Gardner aged 58 and his uncle Frederick A Hawke aged 24 who was a Journeyman Baker.
The 1921 census shows us that Fred was aged 10 and was at school. The record states that both his parents were alive at the time of the census. Also living at 13 Midland Road in Cirencester was his mother Alice; his step-father Robert Fletcher; his step-sister Margaret aka Maggie (aged 23); his half-brother Arthur Fletcher (aged 8) and two half-sisters) – Mary Fletcher (aged 5) and Elsie Fletcher (aged 4).
Frederick married Rose Eileen Dixon on the 24th February 1937 in St Peter’s Church Woolwich London. Frederick was aged 26 and his occupation is given as Butler/Chauffeur and at the time of his marriage his home address was 40 Eastbourne Terrace, Paddington. His father’s name and occupation is left blank on the Marriage Certificate. Rose is shown as aged 17 (B: July 1919) and her occupation given as “Coil Winder”. Her address is given as 66 Bloomfield Road Plumstead which was close to the church in which they were married. Her father’s details are entered as Charles John Dixon who was an Engine Driver and witnesses at the wedding were G Glass and C J Dixon. Rose may have been known as Rosie.
The 1939 Electoral Roll has Frederick Charles and Rose Eileen listed as living at Poulton House in the Parish of Poulton near Cirencester.
The 1939 Register shows us that Rose and her mother Lily (Lilian) were living at 24 Midland Road with Fred’s mother Alice Fletcher (nee Gardner) and his step-father Robert Fletcher. Fred is not listed on this record.
The 1945 Electoral Roll tells us that Frederick and Rose were back living in London with her parents in Burrage Place Plumstead and this is also confirmed in the 1949 Electoral Roll. The 1950 Electoral Roll also confirms that Rose is still living with her parents at Burrage Place however it does not include Frederick and it would seem that 1949/50 is when Frederick and Rose separated.
Neither Frederick nor Rose ever divorced or remarried.
Frederick died in Westminster in 1974 aged 63 (GRO Ref: Westminster/ Volume 15/ Page 2203) and Rose died in Woolwich in 1985 aged 66 (GRO Ref: not known)
[Picture: Frederick Gardner – date unknown – probably 1950’s – picture provided by Veronica Turner]
James Alexander Fletcher
Born: 4th Quarter 1911(GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 630)
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
James died in Cirencester in Quarter 4 in 1911 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 448) and was buried on the 2nd November 1911 when he was one day old.
Gladys Clara Fletcher
Born: 13th January 1913
Baptised: 23rd August 1913 (Holy Trinity, Watermoor)
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (nee Biggs)
Father’s Occupation: Painter
Residence: 1 School Lane
No sponsors listed on baptism record (private baptism)
Gladys died on the 25th August 1913 in Cirencester (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 390)
Her burial is recorded as being on the 28th August 1913
Arthur Bernard Robert Fletcher
Born: 13th May 1913
Father: Robert Fletcher
Mother: Alice Mary Fletcher (Nee Gardner)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: 31 Midland Road.
Arthur’s birth was registered by his mother Alice on the 16th June 1913.
The first reference to Arthur in the official records after his birth in 1913 is in the 1921 census where he is recorded as living at 13 Midland Road (believed to be the same house as his birthplace – 31 Midland Road) with his Father and Mother Robert and Alice as well as his sisters Mary aged 5 and Elsie aged 4. Also at this address are his half-sister Margaret (Maggie) – his father’s eldest daughter, and his half-brother Fred (Frederick) his mother’s son (Fred is listed on this record as Fred Fletcher rather than Frederick Gardner) Arthur’s other half-brother 16 year old James (Jim) was not listed on this census entry indicating he was almost certainly working/living elsewhere.
Arthur left Lewis Lane School at 14 and worked firstly in a Bakery.
Later he started a Horticultural Traineeship/Apprenticeship at John Jeffries’ Nurseries
Arthur became a member of the Territorial Army in Cirencester in his teens (about 1930)
After he completed his training at John Jeffries’s Nursery in the early 1930’s he moved to South East London and worked in Danson Park in Welling. He continued his membership of the TA on moving to London.
Later he moved to the East End of London where he worked in a sweet factory as a “Panner” and where he met his future wife Winifred Rose Hawkins (known as Win or Winnie)
The 1939 Register shows him lodging with Walter and Ellen Shave (Nee Hill) at 13 Newman Road Plaistow E13. (Ellen was known as “Aunt Nell” to Arthur…. but was not a relative… it is thought Nell was an old friend of Arthur’s Mother Alice)
Arthur was called up for War Service in the early summer of 1940 and was stationed in Canterbury as a soldier in the Royal East Kent Regiment (The Buffs)
On the 3rd February 1941 27 year old Arthur married 21 year old Winnifred Rose Hawkins in St Mathias Church, Canning Town E16. Witnesses at the wedding were the Groom’s father Robert Fletcher and the Bride’s brother Sidney Daniel Hawkins.
Arthur and Winnie went on to have six children between 1942 and 1967. Four boys and two girls. (Five are still living while their third son Keith died aged 50 weeks. Three of their six children were born in Cirencester)
Arthur was medically discharged from the Army in 1943 and he worked initially in ship repair in the London Docks following his discharge.
In 1944 shortly after the birth of their second son, Arthur and Winnie moved with their two eldest children (both boys born in 1942 and 1944) to Cirencester and lived initially with Arthur’s parents in Midland Road.
Arthur worked initially at the Mycalex factory which had relocated to Cirencester from London supplying vital equipment for the war effort. As the war effort work declined Arthur became a Milkman for Weskett’s Dairies of Chesterton Lane before taking a post at Johnson’s engineering factory in the Brewery Car Park.
By the beginning of 1945 Arthur, Winnie and their two eldest children were living in Apsley Road Chesterton which is where they stayed until 1957 when they moved to Lawrence Road still on the Chesterton Estate.
While living in Apsley Road Arthur and Winnie had three more children (two boys and one girl) in 1947, 1948 and 1954. Sadly Keith born in January 1947 died in the following January 1948.
Arthur was active in the Cirencester Branch of the Royal British Legion and in the early/mid 1950’s was Honorary Secretary of the Branch.
By 1962 Arthur and his two eldest sons were working at Pressed Steel Co in Swindon (now known as BMW Pressings) and the family moved to Shaftesbury Avenue Swindon. Their youngest daughter was born in Swindon in 1967.
Arthur died aged 62 in the Princess Margaret Hospital Swindon on the 6th August 1975 from cancer. His death was registered by his son Alan Fletcher on the day Arthur died.
Winnie died in Wroughton, Swindon on the 9th April 2013 aged 93.
[Winnie & Arthur -picture taken early to mid 1950’s]
Mary Alice Fletcher
Born: 31st January 1916
Father: Robert Fletcher
Mother: Alice Mary Fletcher (Nee Gardner)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: 31 Midland Road
Mary’s birth at 31 Midland Road was registered by her mother Alice on the 4th March 1916.
The 1921 census shows Mary is 5 years old and living at 13 Midland Road with her Father and Mother Robert and Alice. Also living there at the time of the census was her older brother Arthur (aged 8) and younger sister Elsie (aged 4). Mary’s half-sister Margaret (Maggie) Fletcher was aged 23 and at work as a Cook and undertaking Laundry work. Her half-brother Fred Fletcher (registered as Frederick Charles Gardner) was aged 10 and also living at this address. There is no mention on the census of this address of her 16 year old half-brother Jim (James Michael Bernard Fletcher) who must have been working/living elsewhere.
In the 1939 register Mary is shown working in service as a Housekeeper at the home of Hubert Daryington an Eccliastical Commissioner and his wife in Onslow Gardens Kensington London. Mary was the third servant named along with a Butler (Ernest Alberry) and his wife (Florence) a Cook/Housekeeper.
The 1948 Electoral Roll shows Mary living in 34 Rodney Road Chertsey; the other name on the roll for that address is Emily M Clarke.
Mary married Thomas Henry Morris (born 12 July 1914) on the 19th November 1949 in the Surrey North Western Registry Office. 33 year old Mary is described as a Housemaid (Domestic) living at 29 Brampton Gardens, Hersham, Walton on Thames and her father is given as Robert a retired Iron Foundry Worker. Tom is aged 35 and described as a Fitter (Motor Body Builders) living at 7 Cambridge Road Walton on Thames. His father is given as Arthur Morris, Factory Labourer. Witnesses at the wedding were A C Morris and C A Morris.
Mary and Tom lived in 116 Terrace Road Walton on Thames for many years until their deaths.
Mary died on 11th December 1996 in St Peter’s Hospital Chertsey Surrey aged 81. Her death was registered on the 2nd January 1997 following an inquest held on that day.
Tom died in February 1997 in Surrey (GRO Ref: Surrey/ NSC2 /7571C /159)
Elsie May Agnes Fletcher
Born: 6th April 1917
Father: Robert Fletcher (B: 1868)
Mother: Alice Mary Fletcher (Nee Gardner) (B: 1883)
Father’s Occupation: Iron Foundry Labourer
Residence: 13 Midland Road
Elsie’s birth at 13 Midland Road was registered by her mother Alice on the 15th May 1917.
Elsie was 4 years and 2 months old when the 1921 census was taken in June of that year. She is recorded of as the youngest of Robert and Alice Fletcher’s children at that time. Others recorded in the census as being at 13 Midland Road Watermoor were her parents Robert and Alice (Robert is shown as age 52 and a Labourer at Jakes Iron Foundry) ; her half-sister Margaret (aka Maggie) aged 23; her half-brother Fred (Frederick) aged 10 ; her brother Arthur aged 8 and her sister Mary aged 5
(Picture below: A very young Elsie is standing on the left in front of her mother Alice Fletcher (Nee Gardner). The picture also includes her sister Mary Fletcher (B: 1915) and her half-brother Frederick Gardner(B:1911). Picture kindly provided by Veronica Turner.)
In the 1939 register Elsie is recorded as aged 22 and working and living in White Cottage, Rodborough Common as a House Parlourmaid. Also registered in the premises is an 18 year old General Cook named Alfreda Hurd and two spinsters with “private means” – Esme Yeo (45) and Dorothy Towner (54) who were members if the WVS and presumably Elsie and Alfreda’s employers.
Elsie married Ernest B Drewett in the Parish Church in Cirencester on 25th October 1942 and they went on to have five children…. Three boys and two girls.
The electoral rolls for 1950 and 1953 show Elsie living at 24 Siddington Road before moving to 3 Querns Road later in the 1950’s.
Ernie died in 1970 aged 71.
Elsie later married Alan Hodgkinson 4th Quarter 1971 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 7b/ Page 851)
Elsie and Alan lived in 14 Ashcroft Gardens.
Alan died in Cirencester on 2nd May 1978 aged 77
The 2003 Electoral Roll shows Elsie living in an apartment at Hanover Court Watermoor Road.
Elsie died aged 94 in Cirencester on the 20th August 2011
Jessie Fletcher
Born: 26th March 1918
Birth Registered by her father Raymond on the 27th March 1918
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Labourer at Iron Foundry
Residence: 31 Midland Road
Baby Jessie died in Quarter 1 1918 (GRO Ref Cirencester/ Vol 6a/ Page 482)
Evelyn Florence Kathleen Fletcher
Born: 20th April 1918
Father: Robert Fletcher (1868)
Mother: Alice Mary Fletcher (Nee Gardner)
Residence: 13 Midland Road
Father’s Occupation: Iron Foundry Labourer
Evelyn’s birth was registered by her mother Alice on the 18th May 1918
Evelyn died just 5 months old on the 11th October 1918 at 13 Midland Road. Cause of death is given as “Probably Influenza”. Her death was registered by her mother Alice on the 15th October 1918
Lilah Irene Fletcher
(Also Known as Lilian)
Born: 26th October 1918
Father’s Name: James Alexander Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Alice Elizabeth Fletcher (Nee Biggs)
The 1921 census shows Lilian aged 2 years and 6 months living at 10 School Lane with her parents James aged 41 and Alice also aged 41. Also living at this address at the time of the census was her 19 year old sister Dorothy May and her ten year old niece Violet Maud. Her dad James is listed as a Plumber and Painter working for Mr J Gardner of Cirencester.
Lilah married Cecil John Patrick Dennis (Born 1914) in 1st Quarter 1938 (GRO Ref: Cirencester /Volume 6a / Page 787)
The 1939 register shows Lilah and Cecil living at 73 Lewis Lane with their son Michael. Cecil’s occupation is given as Baker’s Roundsman.
The 1947 Electoral Roll gives their address as 15 Whitelands Road on the Beeches estate and they were still living there in 1960 according to the Electoral Roll for that year.
The Electoral Roll for 2005 shows Lilah living in Swindon at 75 Pinehurst Road SN2 1QF
Cecil died aged 86 in Swindon in September 2000. (GRO Ref: Swindon/ Reg No: B57B/ Sub District 7961B/ Entry no.69)
Lilah died in Swindon in May 2006 (GRO Ref: Swindon/ Reg No: A71B/ Sub District 796/1A /Entry no.272)
Raymond Fletcher
Born: 8th February 1919
Birth Registered: 13th February 1919 by baby Raymond’s father
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Iron Foundry Labourer
Residence: 31 Midland Road
Baby Raymond died in the 1st Quarter 1919 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Volume 6a / Page 678)
Arthur S Fletcher
Born: 14th November 1919
Father’s Name: Arthur Frank Lionel Thomas Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Ethel May Fletcher (Nee Taylor)
Daglingworth Parish
Raymond Frank Fletcher
Born: 3rd March 1920
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: Midland Road
Raymond (also known as Ray) enlisted in the Gloucestershire Regiment in 194?
Ray married Ethel Winifred M Knight (Born in 1922 in Chelmsford Essex) during the 2nd Quarter 1942 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a / Page 1544)
The electoral roll of 1949 shows Raymond and Ethel living at 12 Parkland Square Chesterton
Raymond died in Cirencester aged 47 on the 1st January 1968 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 7b/ Page 457)
Ethel died in Cheltenham on the 25th October 1985 aged 63 and was buried in Chesterton Cemetery on the 30th October 1985.
Kenneth A Fletcher
Birth Registered: 3rd Quarter 1920 (GRO ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 767)
Nailsworth Parish
Mother’s Name: Jane Fletcher (nee Jones)
Violet M Fletcher
Birth Registered: 3rd Quarter 1920 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 785)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Fletcher
Violet died aged 3 in 2nd Quarter 1924 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume 6a/ Page 408)
Frederick Arthur Fletcher
Born: 6th February 1923
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: Midland Road
In 1939 Frederick (also known as Fred) is shown as being 16 years old and working as an errand boy for Grocery & Provisions. He was living with his parents and siblings at 21 Querns Road along with his siblings William (B: 1924); Joan (B: 1926) and Eric (B: 1930). One other entry for this address is redacted.
Fred enlisted with ???
Frederick married Evelyn Mabel Paget (B: 1929) in Cirencester during Quarter 4 of 1950. (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 7b / Page 628)
Frederick and Evelyn had one son Michael John Fletcher who was born in 1951 and died in 1953.
The electoral roll of 1952 has Frederick A Fletcher and Evelyn M Fletcher living at 16 Queens Street. Also at this address was Florence Olive Giles.
Frederick’s death was registered in Cheltenham in Quarter 2 1978 (GRO Ref: Cheltenham/ Volume 22/ Page 1563)
Evelyn died aged 77 on the 5th November 2006. Her death was registered in Gloucester in Quarter 4 2006 (GRO Ref: Gloucester/ register number D1D/ Entry number 139)
Norman Leslie Joseph Fletcher
Born: 23rd June 1923
Father: Robert Fletcher
Mother: Alice Mary Fletcher (Nee Gardner)
Father’s Occupation: Iron Founders Labourer
Residence: 13 Midland Road
Norman’s birth was registered on the 31st July 1923 by his mother Alice.
Norman was the youngest child of Robert and Alice Fletcher. He had one older brother Arthur, and three older sisters Mary; Elsie and Evelyn who died as an infant. Norman also had two older half-brothers (James Fletcher and Frederick Gardner) and one older half-sister (Margaret ‘Maggie’ Fletcher)
Norman attended the Council School in Lewis Lane and when he left school he worked for Harmans in Sheep Street where he learned to drive.
His entry in the 1939 Register is redacted.
Norman joined the local Home Guard in his frustration at not being old enough to join the regular army (which he had tried to join at 16!)
Norman was living at 24 Midland Road when married 18 year old Mabel Florence Emily Taylor of School House, Watermoor Road (originally from South Cerney) on the 24th June 1944 in Holy Trinity Church Watermoor which happened to be the day after his 21st birthday. Norman’s occupation is given as a Lorry Driver and Mabel a Shop Assistant. Norman’s father is given as Robert Fletcher, Labourer and Mabel’s father is recorded as Joseph Thomas Taylor (deceased) who had been a Shoe Maker. Witnesses at the wedding were Sydney Carl August Biddle and Gastons Camelia.
Later in 1944 Norman was called up and was enlisted in Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) serving in Norway and Palestine where he was witnessed the aftermath of the bombing, during the Jewish insurgency, of Jerusalem’s King David Hotel in Mandatory Palestine on the 22nd July 1946.
Norman and Mabel had two daughters and one son and they lived for many years at Archery Road on the Beeches Estate
Later in life Norman was a Coach and organiser for Stratton United Football Club.
Norman died in Cirencester on the 8th June 1987 aged 63.
Mabel died in Cirencester on the 15th January 2018 aged 91
William Henry Fletcher
Born: 31st May 1924
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: Midland Road
In the September 1939 wartime register William (also known as Bill) was 15 and a Grocery and Provisions errand boy living at home at 21 Querns Road along with his siblings :- Fredrick aged 16; Joan aged 13 and 9 year old Eric. One entry is redacted on the register. Bill’s father Raymond is a General Labourer for Cirencester Council and was engaged in Decontamination activities for the war period. His mother Jesse is listed as undertaking “Unpaid Domestic Duties”
Bill enlisted in the Royal Artillery in 194?
The records show William married Sheila Baugh (B: 18th September 1924 in North Bierley West Yorkshire) in Cirencester during the 4th Quarter of 1947. (GRO Ref: Cirencester /Volume 7b /Page 762)
The electoral roll for 1951 shows William and Sheila were living at 4 Austin Road on the Beeches Estate. Also listed at that address was Frank Goscombe.
William died aged 70 in Cirencester on 17th May 1995 (GRO Ref; Cirencester/ Dist No: 4801/ Register No: 31D/ Entry Number 207) and was buried in Chesterton Cemetery.
Sheila died aged 93 in Cirencester on the 17th February 2017
Joan Fletcher
Born: 22nd April 1926
Fathers Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Foundry Labourer
Residence: Midland Road
In the 1939 Register Joan is listed as aged 13 and at school living at 21 Querns Road with her parents Raymond and Jesse and four siblings :- Frederick (B:1923); William (B:1924); Eric (B:1930); the last entry is currently redacted but is almost certainly Ruby (B:1933)
Joan married Raymond A Haines (B: 1926) in Cirencester during the 3rd Quarter of 1950 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 7b / Page 948)
The 1953 Electoral Roll shows Joan and Raymond living in Daglingworth at 23 Farm Court.
The Electoral Roll for 2002 indicate that Joan and Raymond were living at 57 Arnolds Way in Cirencester.
Joan died in Cirencester in 2007 (Details)
John Anthony Fletcher
Born: 7th April 1925
Fairford Parish
Died: Quarter 3 2001 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Dist No: 4801/ Register No:40D/ Entry Number: 279
Eric James Fletcher
Born: 17th December 1929
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Coal Merchant’s Carter
Residence: 9 Midland Road
Eric’s birth was registered by his father Raymond on the 27th January 1930.
The 1939 Register shows Eric is aged 9 and still at school. The family home is 21 Querns Road MORE
Eric served in the Signals Regiment
The 1951 Electoral Roll indicates Eric is still registered at 21 Querns Road with his parents Raymond and Jesse but is noted as a “Service Voter” indicating he was serving in the Armed Forces at the time.
Eric married Elizabeth (Bette) Mary Alcorn Maxwell (B: 1928) in Edinburgh on the 21st October 1951.
The Electoral Roll of 2002 shows Eric and Bette living at 8 Lawrence Road Chesterton.
Eric died in Cirencester on 23rd March 2008 aged 78 and was buried in Chesterton Cemetery in Cirencester.
Bette died in Gloucester on the 4th April 2019 aged 90 and was buried in Chesterton Cemetery in Cirencester alongside Eric on the 26th April 2019 following a funeral service at Holy Trinity, Watermoor.
Male Fletcher
Birth Registered: 1931
Death Registered: 4th Quarter 1931 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a/ Page 440)
Male Fletcher
Born; 3rd December 1931
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Coal Porter
Residence of parents: 9 Midland Road.
Baby Fletcher’s birth was registered on the 1st January 1932 by his father Raymond.
Beryl A Fletcher
16th April 1932 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/Page 562)
Father’s Name: William C Fletcher
Mothers Name: Florence E Fletcher (Nee Godsell)
The 1939 Register records school girl Beryl aged 7 living at 25 Bowling Green Avenue with her parents William and Florence.
An article in the Gloucestershire Echo in February 1939 indicates that Beryl went to Powell’s School and took part in a production of a comic opera called Ali Ba-Ba.
Beryl married David T Launchbury in the 2nd Quarter of 1960 in Cirencester (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 7b/ Page 595)
Beryl died in the Princess Margaret Hospital Swindon in March 1988 (GRO Ref: Swindon / Volume 23 / Page 2343)
Sheila Fletcher
Birth Registered: Q2 1932 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Volume 6a/ Page 560)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Strange
Sheila married Ivor K Hill during the 1st Quarter of 1955 (GRO Ref: Cirencester /Volume 7b/ Page786)
25 City Bank Road?
Ruby Fletcher
Born: 13th March 1934
Birth Registered by her father Raymond on the 23rd March 1934
Father’s Name: Raymond Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Jesse Fletcher (Nee Goscombe)
Father’s Occupation: Coal Merchants Porter
Residence: 9 Midland Road
Ruby married Maurice P Bishop (B:1925) in the 4th Quarter of 1953 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Volume7b / Page531)
The electoral roll for 1959 show Ruby and Maurice living at 23 Querns Hill.
In the 1964 electoral roll Ruby and Maurice were shown as living at 69b Watermoor Road.
Maurice died in Cirencester on the 15th October 1970
Ruby Bishop married again in Cirencester in Quarter 3 1972 to Brian Callaway (B:1939) (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 7b/ Page 1237)
Ruby Callaway died in Cirencester in Quarter 1998 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ 36D / Entry No: 025)
Brian Callaway died in Cirencester in 2002
John Neil/ Fletcher
Born 20th January 1935
Father’s Name: Mervyn Fletcher
Mother’s Name: Ida Fletcher
Father’s Occupation: Builders Labourer
The 1939 register shows John is a schoolboy aged 4 living at 6 City Bank View in 1939 with his parents Mervyn and Ida. Their dates of birth are given as 11th April 1913 and 23rd September 1908 respectively.
Confusingly a separate entry in the 1939 register shows two other people residing at 6 City Bank View:- James Fletcher (date of birth 16th December 1905) a Nursery Rose Grower and Alice E Fletcher (date of birth 27th March 1903)
Anthony R Fletcher
Birth Registered: Q3 1938 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a / Page 690)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Cole
Tetbury Parish
Rozanne Fletcher
Birth Registered: First Quarter 1938 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a/ Page 645)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Strange
Rozanne married Joseph Moroney during the 2nd Quarter of 1960 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 7b/ Page 854)
Harold Augustus John Fletcher
Born: 15th December 1938
Birth Registered in Swindon: First Quarter 1939 (GRO Ref: Swindon/ Volume 5a/ Page 59)
Harold was also known as “Chike” like his father (B: 1909)
The 1965 Electoral Roll shows Harold living at 67 Shepherds Way Cirencester with his mother Florence.
Harold married in Cirencester during the second quarter of 1973 (GRO Reference Cirencester/ Volume 7b / Page 910) [ Details of Harry’s wife not included – private information]
Harold and his wife had two children – a boy and a girl
Chesterton Cemetery picture kindly provided by Lynn Preston
Janet C Fletcher
Birth Registered: Q4 1939 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 6a/ Page 1254)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Cole
Janet married Charles A Mander during the 3rd Quarter of 1963 (GRO Ref: Cirencester / Vol 7b / Page 972)
Elizabeth A Fletcher
Birth Registered; Q1 1940 (GRO Ref: Cirencester/Vol 6a/ Page 1281)
Mother’s Maiden Name: Baker In Q1 1963 Elizabeth married Ronald A Russell in Cirencester (GRO Ref: Cirencester/ Vol 7b /Page 857)
