Mary Eleanor Bonnycastle1

#3847, (circa 1835 - 21 May 1923)
FatherHumphrey Bonnycastle2 b. 15 Mar 1795, d. b 14 Mar 1866
MotherJane Cottrell2 b. c 1796, d. 1867
Mary Eleanor Bonnycastle|b. c 1835\nd. 21 May 1923|p3847.htm|Humphrey Bonnycastle|b. 15 Mar 1795\nd. b 14 Mar 1866|p51.htm|Jane Cottrell|b. c 1796\nd. 1867|p289.htm|John Bonnycastle|b. 29 Dec 1751\nd. 15 May 1821|p10.htm|Bridget Newell|b. 10 Apr 1754\nd. 19 Oct 1825|p11.htm|||||||
RelationshipGranddaughter of John Bonnycastle.
BirthMary Eleanor Bonnycastle was born circa 1835 in Kent.2
 
(Witness) Note.Humphrey and Jane were married in 1837 but on the 1841 census they had four children with them (relationships were not indicated on the 1841): Jane (age 10), Mary (6), Harry (8), and Emily (4 months), recorded in that order.
So, Emily was their child together but the first three were likely Humphrey's or Jane's from a previous marriage. It would not be unusual for a stepchild to use the stepfather's surname. Oddly, at their marriage, it was recorded that neither had been married before. Civil registration began in 1837, so there will not be birth certificates for the older chidlren. Baptism records would help - but where to look? 
(with Parents) 1841 CensusMary Bonicastle appeared on the 1841 Census of Lewisham, Kent in the household of Humphrey and Jane Bonicastle. She was 6 years old and born in Kent.2 
(Witness) Marriage Mary Eleanor Bonnycastle witnessed the marriage of George Pearse and her sister Jane Bonnycastle on 14 Mar 1866 in Register Office, Saint Luke RD, Middlesex.1 
1881 CensusMary E Bonnycastle appeared on the 1881 Census of Weston super Mare, Somerset, at 15 Park Place, enumerated 3 Apr 1881. She was unmarried, age 42, born in London, and had no occupation. Mary was a visitor in the household of Fanny Quarrell (widow, 58, born Dorking Surrey), her daughters Fanny C & Jane E, aunt Harriet Critchett (91, born London, blind) and four house servants.3 
1911 CensusMary E Bonnycastle appeared on the 1911 Census of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, at Haldon House, Painswick Road. She 73, single, living on private means, and was born in London, Middlesex. Mary was a visitor in the Quarrell household which included Fanny B W (76, widow, Oxford), Frances C (58, sister-in-law, single, Weston super mare), Eliza B Looker (75, sister, single, Oxford), all living on private means, a manservant and a cook.4 
Research Note A Catherine Quarrell was a witness at Mary's sister Jane's wedding in 1866 and Mary was with the Quarrells in 1881 and 1911 so the families must have been close. 
DeathMary died on 21 May 1923 in Gloucestershire, England.5,6
 
ProbateHer estate was proved on 5 Jul 1923. Entry from the calendar:

Bonnycastle Mary Eleanor of Haldon House Painswick-road Cheltenham Gloucestershire spinster died 21 May 1923 Probate London 5 July to Henry Brown Curwen solicitor. Effects £3251 3s 4d.6
 
Last Edited4 Oct 2011

Citations:

  1. Copy marriage certificate of George Pearse and Jane Bonnycastle, married 14 March 1866 in the Registration District of St Luke, transcribed by John Gould.
  2. Online image of the 1841 Census for England & Wales (Ancestry.com, www.ancestry.co.uk), HO107/484 Book 4 Folio 35.
  3. Online image of the 1881 Census for England & Wales (Ancestry.com, www.ancestry.co.uk), RG11/ 2420 folio 31 page 56.
  4. Online image of the 1911 Census for England & Wales. Image viewed at Ancestry.com. RD 333 SD 2 ED 28 Schedule 89.
  5. Website FreeBMD (http://freebmd.rootsweb.com/), "Mary E Bonnycastle, age 85, Jun Q 1923, Cheltenham RD."
  6. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations),1861-1941. Images viewed at Ancestry.com, Mary Eleanor Bonnycastle, 1923.
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