General Chat

To A Party!!!

It is 1891 and I am here at The Workhouse where you are all at a New Years Eve Party, your favourite ancestor is invited. This party is on the wrong date because the Rich Folk are having their own bash tomorrow evening. There is free ale provided and turkey broth. You will need to put on your best party rags and tell me your name, age, place you were born, occupation and other family members. I have a job to do, and hopefully will not make too many mistakes in the info, which you give me, after guzzling too much of this free ale! Most mistakes will be caused in future centuries by the ancestry transcribers methinks! LET THE PARTY BEGIN!!!!!!

I would love to come to a party, but what with four children so young, and the youngest a babe in arms, I may have to decline the offer. In the workhouse where I live you would never believe the conditions here. :(

Thanks for your invite. I spent years in the workhouse & am now trying to make a life for myself - miles away! My mum was a single mum & so was her mum - so my childhood was not much fun. Glad to be out of that place! Hope you enjoy yourself though. Charlie

But, sir, I shall give you the information that you require: I was born Mary Ann Sadd, in Little Glemham, Suffolk, 28th October 1821. Do you want to know my parents' names or just mine and my children's? I am a poor widow, sir. May I sup some ale?

Nice to meet you Mary Ann and Charlie I didnt ever get married - and that is why my future GtGt Grandaughter will never be able to find my marriage! My missus has the same surname as me so we never bothered! Oh and forgot to register a few of the kids as well! Times are hard in Cornwall and the mine has just closed down so got meself a nice little job on Falmouth Docks! Should be out of here by tomorrow! Happy New Year! Eddy

Well thank you don't mind if I do. I left my husband to bring up the children....... I live just round the corner from them though above my dress making shop in Brum, so I'm foot loose and fancy free at present The men in our families do such a good job of bringing up their families....... so us ladies can dance the night away!! Happy New Year

Can the children come and play sir? What games may they play?

whoops!! 1891!!! sorry - wrong name. I am widowed, I was formerly Mary Ann Fletcher (nee Sadd), and reside in Deptford.

Ooooh Mistress Deborah - May I have the pleasure of a dance? Will try not to step on yer toes wiv me hob nail boots! Listen......Thay are playing 'Greensleeves' Anyone know the words? Eddy

A bit close to home I'm afraid - my grandmother gave birth to my Dad in South Stoneham workhouse in 1916!

Alas, my love you do me wrong to cast me off discourteously for I have loved you so long delighting in your company. I have been ready at your hand to grant whatever your would crave and I have waged both life and land, your love and good will for to have. Greensleeves was all my joy. Greensleeves was my delight. Greensleeves was my heart of gold and who but my lady Greensleeves. Thou couldst desire no earthly thing but still thou hast it readily. Thy music for to play and sing and yet thou would not love me. Greensleeves was all my joy. Greensleeves was my delight. Greensleeves was my heart of gold and who but my lady Greensleeves. I would my love entreat you still that thou my constancy may see. For I remain thy lover true come once again and love me Greensleeves was all my joy. Greensleeves was my delight. Greensleeves was my heart of gold and who but my lady Greensleeves.

Why edwin how very nice of you ........thankyou I'll put your name on my card lol

Mary Ann - Your children may play with this caterpault (I be a lowly miner and cannot spell) here get them to flick this stale bread at the Workhouse Master - hims a fat greedy miserable ole trout

Thank you sir, (Doffing cap) My name is Thomas Palmer and I was born in Liverpool in 1841. I lost my wife in 1881 and life is unbearable ever since. I need a little stimulane to get me through the day. Thank you for the ale, sir. I have 2 sons and 6 daughters. 2 daughters live in USA, the rest of the family are married and live nearby. My gt-granddaughter tells me that I will live int he workhouse for over 20 years until I die there in 1922. But I have a trade as a blacksmith, so I'm sure my stay will be short. Don't mid if have a drink, thank you sir, Thomas Palmer and gt-granddaughter anne

Lovely to meet you Thomas - have you brought yer tools? Could praps make summut nice fer the young ens? Mistress Deborah yer so nimble on yer feet my maid!

My name is Philip Sadd and I was born in Marlesford, Suffolk in 1814. My wife Elizabeth was born in 1818 in Marlesford. I have been a labourer, and at times a carpenter, all my life. Living with us we have our grandchildren Susan Sadd, age 21, Philip Price, age 15, William Price, age 11, and little Mabel Sadd, age 4. We are living in the Street, Little Glemham.. I usually drink in The Lion, a pub in Little Glemham, but I'll happily drink a beer with you..... if you are paying, sir!

I hope you don't all drink too much ale. My brother was conceived in the workhouse & his father was............. Well I don't know who mine was either! Charlie

Jacqueline Im sorry to hear that I hope you will join us in a Tankard of Fine Ale and toast 'Our Ancestors' Bless Them All

Cheers Philip - The ale be free my friend! Charlie - I too dont know who my father be - but I have my suspicions!Ma always was friendly wi that Landlord down Penzance way!