d.28/02/1936
Wife of William Kibble
Relatives
Research:
There are three members of the Kibble family buried, in one grave (Plot 981) at Rectory Lane Cemetery: Mary Ann Kibble, died 28th February 1936, aged 87; William Kibble, died 21st July 1923 aged 76; Edna, daughter of the above, died 25th May 1922 aged 38
Don Kibble, grandson of Edna (see below) who still resides at 37 Victoria Road, Berkhamsted, kindly provided information on the family in August 2016 – particularly interesting were bills from HG Matthews for the burials, and one from the Chapel Street stone masons.
Mary Ann and William Kibble are the first of the Kibble family to appear in Berkhamsted. As the Census shows, they were still in Stewkley (William’s birthplace) in 1876/7 but were in Berkhamsted temporarily in 1879, then in Kentish town in c 1882, before settling in Highfield Street c.1884 and staying there as a married couple to the ends of their respective lives. Mary Ann gave birth to 13 children, 10 of which were still alive in 1911.
In 1891 they are in Highfield Road, he aged 43 and a general labourer, she aged 42 with 7 children: John aged 14, born Stewkley; Louisa, 12 b. Berkhamsted; Florence, 9, b. Middlesex, Kentish town; Edna aged 7, b. Berkhamsted, and Annie (5), William (3), and Elizabeth (1) – all born in Berkhamsted. His birthplace is Stewkley (as 1911), but hers is Ivinghoe (Horton in 1911). John is a General Labourer, all the other children are scholars.
Funeral bill from HG Matthews:
Mary Kibble
In 1893, Emily Kibble of Highfield Road was buried aged 4 months on 24th March by the Assist Curate TM Burnett (Register transcript 1866-1905)
In 1903, Life Assurance was taken out with the Refuge Assurance on William Kibble, Labourer, then aged 16 years, for £4.13.6 by Mary Ann Kibble of Highfield Road
In 1911, the family are recorded as living at 47 Highfield Road, with 5 rooms – (assumed to be kitchen, living room, 3 beds):
- William Kibble, Head, aged 64 m General Labourer, b. Stewkley, Bucks
- Mary Ann Kibble, Wife aged 62, m. 43 years married, a total of 13 children born alive, 10 still living, 3 died. Born at Horton, Bucks
- Edna Kibble, d. age 28 Single, b. Berkhamsted
- William Kibble, son age 23 single, Bricklayer, Berkhamsted
- Lenard (sic) Kibble, grandson age 2 b. Berkhamsted
- Donald Kibble, grandson, age 6 mon, Berkhamsted
- Annie Warren, daughter, age 26 Married, clothing factory hand, Berkhamsted
- Norman Warren, Grandson, age 5, Berkhamsted
The Census entry was (curiously) filled in by Elizabeth Kibble of 47 Highfield , yet she is not included on the form?
Last Will of Mary Ann Kibble 28th September 1923 M.A is illiterate
All real and personal estate to daughter Elizabeth Kibble absolutely. ‘it being my wish that she should care and provide a home for my two grandsons Leonard Kibble and Donald Kibble she sole executrix
Witnesses
Edward Baker, Clerk to Messrs Penny & Son, Solicitors
Florence Baker, 20 Swing Gate Lane, wife of Edward Baker
Mary Kibble was living at 21 Highfield Road (but see below) in September 1936. In this month, two lapsed policies under the Refuge Assurance Company Ltd became free paid-up policies, one for £2.9.0, the other for £2.17.0, both on the life of William Kibble (who had passed in July 1923)
Mary Ann’s burial 1936 47 Highfield Road buried 2 March 1936 aged 86 by RJ May
Mary Ann Kibble’s Funeral
In February 1936, H & J Matthews, Funeral Directors (Motor & Horse Hearses) (Cremations and Embalming) Sent a bill to the executors:
Funeral of the late Mary Ann Kibble
Feb 28th: Elm coffin with Capping & plinth polished trimmed with Brass furniture. Nameplate with Inscription & lid ornaments lined with Swansdown Side sheets & pillow.
Paid men as Bearers & attendance Hire of wheeled Bier Hire of 3 Funeral Cars Paid Grave & Burial Fees at Berkhamsted
Total £13.3.0d Wright on stamp pd Mar 7th 1936
Mrs Holliday – 23rd September 1936
Dr to F. Martin & Son (The National Association of Master Monumental Masons)
Estimates & Designs forwarded on application
Monumental, Cemetery & General Masons
Chapel Street, Berkhamsted
Monumental work executed and reinstated in the best manner
To Marble Memorial Head-piece & Kerbing to approved design fixed complete in Cemetery, including inscriptions cut & Leaded to the late M.A & W. Kibble, and Rector’s and Sexton’s Fees for erection £18.0.0
To Marble Vase and Container £1.2.6
Total £19.2.6
The combined cost of the funeral and providing a headstone for Mary was therefore £32 5sh 6d – a considerable sum