Henry and Ann Timpson · Cheltenham · 1883-1886

Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Cheltenham, also known as Cheltenham Spa, is a large spa town and borough in Gloucestershire, England, located on the edge of the Cotswolds.

The beginnings of Cheltenham’s famous tree-lined promenades and gardens surrounding its spas were first designed by Captain Skillicorne with the help of “wealthy and travelled” friends who understood the value of relaxing avenues.

The beautiful walkways and gardens were naturally adorned with sweeping vistas of the countryside. Soon the gentry and nobility from across the county were enticed to come and investigate the beneficial waters of Cheltenham’s market town spa.

Arriving in Cheltenham

The family arrived on time at the Cheltenham Spa Railway Station Malvern Road having come south through Birmingham.

They were met by Harry William and Edward Wheelband.  After a quick greeting they travelled by carriage to Edward’s house where the rest of the family had gathered for a proper greeting and meal.

Then Harry William and Edward took Henry and Ann to look at houses for rent. They decided on a house at 5 Union Street where they quickly moved in.

Family Life

From contacts given to him by Edward and Alfred Wheelband (Ann’s brothers) Henry quickly established himself as a Jobbing Gardener sometimes working in with them and with Harry William on larger jobs. The money was good and life settled into a pattern.

Henry and Ann’s Child Born at Cheltenham

Maud Lois Timpson (TW13)

Their thirteenth child was born on 13 February 1884 at 5 Union Street, Cheltenham and registered in civil registration records by her (then 43 year old) mother on 25 March 1884. Henry’s occupation was given as Gardener.

Maud Lois was baptised as Maude Lois by the Rev G C Martin at St James Church, Cheltenham on 30 March 1884. Henry’s occupation was given as Gardener.

Sadly Maud Lois passed away on 30 March 1884 (being the same day as her baptism) at 5 Union Street, Cheltenham aged 6 weeks. Her name was spelled correctly in the civil records.

Interestingly Ada Fanny must have been visiting and she registered the death on 31 March 1884 stating that her name was Ada Timpson and she was her sister and had been present at the death.

Henry’s occupation was given as Gardener. Her burial conducted by the Rev W P Johns took place at the Cheltenham Cemetery on 2 April 1884 and surprisingly since she had been baptised was in unconsecrated ground.

Letters from New Zealand

Letters kept arriving from Ann’s brother, William Wheelband who had emigrated to New Zealand with his wife Sarah. William told of a country with many opportunities and much less class structure. William has started his own business as a Nurseryman in Temuka and the business was growing fast.

He kept suggesting they emigrate.

They gave this a lot of thought but thought that they would really like to run a hotel like “The Wheel Inn” back in Kings Cliffe. Would that be possible in New Zealand they wondered.

They felt that if they were to emigrate perhaps they should have portrait photographs taken.