Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Sarah Beatrice Simmonds was born on 27th January 1877, in Aldbury,  the second illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Simmonds. Older sister Sophia was born in 1870. Elizabeth, baptized Ann Elizabeth, was born in Aldbury in 1846, the youngest child of James and Sarah. Sarah’s grandfather James died in 1877, and her grandmother goes to live with her son James in Harrow. Elizabeth is fending for herself, living in lodgings with both small daughters, at the Black Horse beer and lodging house in Aldbury. In 1890, sister Sophia marries John Miller, and settles in Berkhamsted. The 1891 census return finds Sarah and her mother visiting the home of George Austin, widower, and his son William. In 1901 Sarah is working as a kitchen maid at Crossoak in Berkhamsted, but calling herself Annie Beatrice. In 1907 she marries Sidney Potter. They have no children, but make their home in Holliday Street. Sarah died 16th April 1949.