Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Sarah Ann Bedford (967)

1855 –28/03/1935

Orphaned by age of 15 years; a housemaid at Lockers Park school

Relatives

William Edmund Costin — other

Emily Costin — other

• Jane Dickson

SARAH ANN REBECCA BEDFORD

Sarah Ann Rebecca Bedford, daughter of George Bedford & Elizabeth née Hunt, was born in July 1855 and baptised at St Mary’s Church, Northchurch on 5^th Aug that year. Her parents had married the year before and records indicate that her father George died. aged only 26. when she was a baby. It is not known when Sarah Ann’s mother died but, in 1871, she is recorded as a 15-year-old orphan, a Scholar living in No 1. New Orphan Houses, Ashley Down, Bristol.

The Orphan Houses were built as the result of the vision and efforts of George Müller and, by 1871, Ashley Down was home to 2050 orphaned children plus staff. Education was of a high standard; pupils left with the skills to go into service (girls) or begin an apprenticeship (boys). Excellent healthcare was also provided and there was insistence on fresh air, exercise and a balanced diet. The children did chores, such as growing vegetables, laundry, cooking and cleaning but also enjoyed time for play and celebration. They were taken on outings and special occasions were marked. *1

By 1881, 25 year old Sarah Ann had returned to West Hertfordshire and was working as a Housemaid at Lockers Park School, Hemel Hempstead. This was run by Mr Henry Montagu Draper, who lived there with his wife and 3 young children. The school had 50 Boarders. and Sarah Ann was one of 11 servants working for the Draper family and the school.

Sarah Ann did not marry. By 1891 she had moved to Bridge Street, Berkhamsted, living with her aunt Emily and uncle William Edmund Costin. She was aged 35 and had no occupation stated. By 1901 they had moved to 4 Station Road, her uncle was Managing Director of a Boat and Barge Building Works and her aunt Mary Ann Bedford, aged 55 and living on her own means, had moved in with them. Mary Ann died on 9^th January 1902 and is buried in this plot. William Costin died on 12^th September 1910 and is buried in Plot FHS 680. Emily lived until 31^st July 1913 and was buried with William. After that, Sarah Ann remained at 4 Station Road alone.

Sarah Ann of 4 Station Road died aged 79 on 28^th March 1935 at West Herts Hospital, Hemel Hempstead.  On 1^st April 1935, her funeral service was taken by H H Thompson, Baptist Minister and she was buried in the same plot in Rectory Lane Cemetery as her aunt Mary Ann Bedford.

*1 The story of the Mülle https://visitbristol.co.uk/blog/post/the-story-of-the-mller-orphan-homes-in-bristol/r Orphan Homes in Bristol

Mary Ann Bedford (967)

1845 –09/01/1902

A housemaid

Relatives

Sarah Jane Bedford (968) — other

Emily Costin — sister

• Jane Dickson

MARY ANN BEDFORD

Mary Ann, the youngest child of Jonas and Johanna (Joanna) Bedford, was born in Northchurch in 1845. The 1851 Census shows Jonas (45), Joanna (46) and their six children living in Gossom’s End, Northchurch where Jonas was a gardener. Mary Ann’s siblings were George (b.1829), a gardener, Charles (b. 1831), Fanny (b. 1834) a straw plaiter, Emily (b. 1839) and Kate (b. 1843)

Mary Ann’s mother Joanna died in 1856, when Mary Ann was 11 years old. By the age of 16, she was living and working as a general servant in the household of Miss Nancy Loader in Berkhamsted High Street.

Ten years later, she was recorded as a visitor in the household of Thomas and Mary Read, in Berkhamsted High Street. Thomas was a Timber Merchant and their house was at the junction with Highfield Road, just opposite the old Queen’s Arms.

Mary Ann did not marry and remained living in the Reads’ household. By 1881 Thomas Read was a widower, and their address was Holly House, Northchurch. Thomas’ son Alfred (22) and daughter Alice (25) were also resident. Mary Ann remained in that household, living on her own means, until at least 1891, by which time they had moved to The Gables, next door to Holly House.

Thomas Read died on 16^th March 1897 and, by1901, Mary Ann was living on own means at 4 Station Road, Berkhamsted with her sister Emily Costin and brother-in-law William Edmund Costin, who was Managing Director of a Boat and Barge Building Works. Sara A R Bedford, aged 45 and with no occupation, who is recorded as William and Emily’s niece, also lived there. Sarah Ann was the daughter of Mary Ann and Emily’s eldest brother George.

Mary Ann remained at 4 Station Road until her death aged 56 on 9^th January 1902. She was buried in Rectory Lane Cemetery on 13^th January. The Burial Register entry was certified by Frederick Young under the Burials Act 1880, which indicates that Mary Ann was not a member of the Church of England. 33 years later her niece Sarah Ann would be buried in the same grave, her funeral taken by H H Thompson, Baptist Minister. It is possible, therefore, that Mary Ann was also a Baptist.

Probate was granted on 1^st March to William Edward (sic) Costin, Boatbuilder. Mary Ann’s effects totalled £537 8s. 7d.