Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Amelia Elizabeth Davies (353)

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Plot X 354

Amelia Elizabeth DAVIES, died 15^th September 1885, aged 73

Very little is known of Amelia Davies. She was born in 1812/1813 in Chelsea.

In 1851, aged 38 Amelia was recorded as being a visitor in the household of Caroline BERKENHEAD at 22 Manchester Street, Marylebone. Judging by the occupations of the neighbours, this was a smart location and both the ladies are described as “gentlewomen” and are in the house with a servant.

Amelia is first seen in Berkhamsted only four years before she died, living as a lodger at 4, Manor Street in the household of Mary Ann Brackley, a widow and retired schoolmistress. Amelia is registered as unmarried, and with “no occupation”.

The only clue we have to her life is that she may have been involved with a religious community called the Sisters of Bethany. This is because her burial service, three days after she died, was conducted by George Seymour HOLLINGS, Chaplain General, Sisters of Bethany.

The Sisters of Bethany are an Anglican community founded in London in 1866, when Amelia was 54. The aim was to provide women with opportunities for retreat and prayer, the first community to have done this for women. Initially they worked in London but as their popularity rose, they founded retreat houses throughout the south-east and helped at various Anglican parishes. Their activities diversified as they built a convent in Bournemouth and ran an adjoining orphanage. They opened a School of Embroidery to produce church vestments and a bakery for altar breads. After Amelia’s death the work flourished and expanded but has now reduced to a much smaller community based in Hampshire.

Amelia was living at 4 Manor Street when she died and left a will which was proved by Thomas STEPHENS of Milton House, Lindfield, Sussex one of the Executors. Her personal estate amounted to £1,264 10/8d.