The Berkeley Family of Stanford Rivers

As you walk through the churchyard towards St Margaret's church, just on the left hand side of the path is a tomb, with ornate ironwork surrounding it. It bears the inscription 'The Family Vault of Augustus Berkeley.' No other inscription appears on the grave and there are no other indications as to who Augustus Berkeley was. However a little research and we can discover something about him and his family.

Augustus Berkeley was born in 1822 in Stanford Rivers, the son of William Berkeley and Lucy Frederica Comyns. At the time of the 1841 Census they were living at Coopersale Hall, Theydon Garnon. Augustus married on the 3rd October 1847, Matilda Jane Owen.

They were to have 8 children, namely,

William Augustus, born 1849; Edmund Comyns, born 1851; Jessie Matilda, born 1852; Lucy Mary, born 1854; Emily Myra, bom 1858; Julia Margaret, born 1859; Thomas Rowland, born 1860 (died 1882 of meningitis) and Charles Clement, born 1865.

On the 1851 Census they are shown as living at Blakes Mansion. Augustus is described as a farmer employing 3 men. There are also 2 female servants in the houschold. Jessie's birth in 1851, is recorded as 'Balkes Mansion,' which may be a misspelling of Blakes. By the 1871 Census Augustus was living at Wayletts, Stanford Rivers, (sadly burnt down several years ago.) Matilda had died in 1870. Augustus at this time was described as a 'Coal Merchant, employing 7 men and 5 boys.' His sons William and Edmund are described as Clerks and Travellers - Coal Trade.' They had 1 servant at this time. Jessie, who was 19 years old, was described as 'a teacher to her younger brothers and sisters.'

Sometime between 1871 and the Census for 1881, the family had moved from Stanford Rivers to Hackney. Augustus at this time is described as a 'Coal Merchant and Farmer with 35 acres.' By the time of the 1891 Census, Augustus was described as 'living on his own means.' Edmund was living with him and was described as a 'Colliery Agent'. They are looked after by 1 servant.

Augustus passed away in 1901. I am sure there is much more to be discovered about the Berkeley family and my rescearches will continue.