Genealogy Chat

Hi, this is a follow up to a thread I posted about a month ago – part of the original message is below – I now know (via the only living great aunt I have) that the ‘hermit’ was Robert Lines, b.1869 Newton Bromswold Northants, the brother of my ggrandmother Frances Mary Lines, son of John Lines and Mary York, but I still can’t find out anything else about him. PART OF ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Having sent a fan chart and some brief details of everyone on it to an elderly aunt recently I received a telephone call from her asking the following question :- ‘Have you found out anything about your grandfathers cousin, who was a hermit and lived in a hovel near Little Staughton (Beds.)?’ On further questioning it turns out that this man was a hermit living in the hovel at least in the late 1920’s and early 30’s. My aunt remembers that none of the family visited unless they had to, but she remembers cycling there from Bedford on several occasions with my grandparents (her parents) as a small child (she was born 1928) and describes him as a ‘vile, nasty old man’. If anyone has any suggestions where I might start looking for a hermit in a hovel I really would love to know – this one has me completely stumped!!!! Thanks Trudy

I remeber this - not that this is much help!! Not located which particualr hovel yet then!! Trying to be contructive, what about a death cert? Do you know when he left home and where he was up to 1901? Jess

Obviously at home in 1871 Daniel W M Layton 1863 Rushden, Northamptonshire, England Stepson Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire William G J Layton 1864 Newton Bromswold, Northamptonshire, England Stepson Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire John Lines 1834 Tilbrook, Hampshire, England Head Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire Mary Elizabeth Lines 1837 Hargrave, Northamptonshire, England Wife Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire ->Robert Henry Lines 1869 Newton Bromswold, Northamptonshire, England Son Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire William Lines 1795 Covington, Hampshire, England Father Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire Emma Starrey 1852 Upper Dean, Hampshire, England Servant Newton Bromswold

Trudy, that sounds fascinating. I would get in touch with the local paper for the area. I'm sure he must have provoked a lot of interest and publicity in the area. If you contact Bedfordshire Archives and Library together with the local museum, you should be able to find out more. Good luck.

and again in 1891- maybe...cant find in 1881 Lines, John abt 1833 Tillbrook, Bedfordshire Head Rushden Northamptonshire Lines, Martha A abt 1874 Newton, Norths Daughter Rushden Northamptonshire Lines, Robert H abt 1869 Newton, Norths Son Rushden Northamptonshire 1901 Robert Lines abt 1867 Newton Bromswold, Northamptonshire, England Head Newton Bromswold Northamptonshire address household 13 Newton Bromswold Presumably he didn't marry? Can ypou get to Newton bromswold to see if the house still stands? Do you know where he is buried?

A possability?? 1881 Name Relation Marital Status Gender Age Birthplace Occupation Disability John LINE Head M Male 39 Catworth, Huntingdon, England Farm Of 108 Acres Robert H. LINE Son Male 12 Newton Bromshold, Northampton, England Farmers Son Frances Mary LINE Daur Female 9 Newton Bromshold, Northampton, England Farmers Daur. Martha E. LINES (LINE) Daur Female 7 Newton Bromshold, Northampton, England Farmers Daur. Sophia DOBBS Housekeeper U Female 40 Bozeat, Northampton, England Housekeeper Source Information: Dwelling Lines Lodge Census Place Newton Bromshold, Northampton, England Family History Library Film 1341377 Public Records Office Reference RG11 Piece / Folio 1568 / 34 Page Number 27

Hi all - thanks for the interest - Jess, I'm not sure if the house is still standing, but as it doesn't give a road name on the census I'm not sure if I'd be able to find it anyway. I know his sister (my ggrandmother) is buried at Kimbolton churchyard along with my ggrandfather, but I'm not sure about her parents. I have tried the Beds family history society, but their contact email seems to be not working. I'll keep trying and I'll let everyone know if I find him - I am truly fascinated by this!! Trudy

So a I! it isn't so far from where i live (close by the CRO too) and might just sneek a peek at some directories for the area next time i am in there if you can positively identify where he was in 1901 jess

Thanks Jess