Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Unmarked grave Edwin Rance (1850-1908)

Edwin was born in 1849 in Frithsden, the eldest child of Henry and Mary Ann Rance. His father was an agricultural labourer. Edwin was baptised in St Mary’s, Northchurch, 21 October 1849.

 In 1861 the family lived in Bedfords Cottages on Berkhamsted Common and Edwin, aged 11, was a “farmer’s boy”. In 1871 he was a labourer in a brick kiln and was still living with his parents and six siblings in Potton End.

On Christmas Day 1871 Edwin married Sarah Jeffs in St Mary’s, Hemel Hempstead.

Daughter Rose was born in 1869 followed by Charles (1873), Anne (1876), James (1879), Kate (1874) and Jessica (1881)

In 1881 the family lived in Bourne End Lane and Edwin was employed as a watercress grower.

Lily was born in 1887 and Nellie in 1890.

In 1901 the family lived at 46, Highfield Road. Edwin was still a watercress gatherer. James was employed as a timber yard labourer, Kate as a domestic servant and Lily as a confectioner’s assistant.

Edwin died in July 1908 aged 58 at West Herts infirmary .

His brother Charles (1856-1927) is also buried in this cemetery