First Baptisms at All Saints Church
The first baptisms in All Saints Church took place on Sunday 7th July 1872, just twelve days after the consecration of the church on Tuesday 25th June. The service was conducted by the new vicar, the Reverend Astley Roberts. He had once been the curate at St. Mary’s Church in Rickmansworth whose vicar, the Reverent Alleyne Higgs-Barker, had been a strong supporter of the move to create a new church in Croxley Green.
The children being baptised were John Woodward, aged 9 yrs, Elizabeth Jane Woodward, aged 6 yrs Samuel Woodward, aged 2yrs and Thomas King, a baby. Where there are no birth records available we have used the 1871 census for approximate dates.
They were all children of the same mother, Mary Ann King (as she was at the time of the ceremony). It was not unusual that some of the children were no longer babies – many of the baptisms recorded in the early registers of All Saints were of older children. It is very likely that as this was the first ceremony, there would have been many people there to celebrate the occasion. As it was a Sunday, everyone would have been in their ‘Sunday best’ and it was no doubt a very joyous occasion.
The children being baptised were John Woodward, aged 9 yrs, Elizabeth Jane Woodward, aged 6 yrs Samuel Woodward, aged 2yrs and Thomas King, a baby. Where there are no birth records available we have used the 1871 census for approximate dates.
They were all children of the same mother, Mary Ann King (as she was at the time of the ceremony). It was not unusual that some of the children were no longer babies – many of the baptisms recorded in the early registers of All Saints were of older children. It is very likely that as this was the first ceremony, there would have been many people there to celebrate the occasion. As it was a Sunday, everyone would have been in their ‘Sunday best’ and it was no doubt a very joyous occasion.
Early photo All Saints church 1870s
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Rev Astley Roberts 1872-99
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The font where the children were baptised
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Mary Ann (born c.1831 in nearby Sarratt village) was the daughter of James and Martha Bass. James and Martha (née Shepherd) married on 6th November 1809 in Rickmansworth and were married for 55 years. They had ten children: Mary Ann, Harriet, Charles, Sophia, Eliza Ann, Rebecca, Cyrenius, Alfred, James, William, Elizabeth and Ann.
On 1st November 1853 Mary Ann Bass married Robert Woodward in Christchurch, Chorleywood. Robert was born in 1827 and lived in Banstead Down on the old Chorleywood Road. He worked in a paper mill – of which there were many in the neighbourhood.
On 1st November 1853 Mary Ann Bass married Robert Woodward in Christchurch, Chorleywood. Robert was born in 1827 and lived in Banstead Down on the old Chorleywood Road. He worked in a paper mill – of which there were many in the neighbourhood.
Mary Ann and Robert_s marriage certificate.
After their marriage, Robert and Mary Ann lived in Sarratt, where their first two children, Harriet and William, were born. By 1859 they had lived on Scots Hill in Croxley Green, where their third child, Mary Ann, was born.
The census of 1861 (taken on 7th April) shows that the family had moved again, to Holtspur, Wooburn, Buckinghamshire, and Mary Ann is now a Dressmaker.
However, Robert is not recorded on this census as he is living with his father-in-law, James Bass as recorded on the Sarratt census. He was seriously ill with Phthisis (known now as Tuberculosis) and died on 19th April 1861.
The census of 1861 (taken on 7th April) shows that the family had moved again, to Holtspur, Wooburn, Buckinghamshire, and Mary Ann is now a Dressmaker.
However, Robert is not recorded on this census as he is living with his father-in-law, James Bass as recorded on the Sarratt census. He was seriously ill with Phthisis (known now as Tuberculosis) and died on 19th April 1861.
Robert Woodward death certificate 19th April 1861
At some time between 1861 and 1870, Mary Ann moved back to Sarratt, perhaps to be near her father. While there she had three more children, John, Elizabeth Jane and Samuel. Their father was John Woodward. To date (2022) no record has been found of a marriage between Mary Ann and John Woodward, nor any registration of the births of the children. It is interesting that the surname of the two men was the same – but there is no definite proof that they were brothers, or even related. (Mary Ann’s daughter, also Mary Ann, had died by this time.)
By the time of the census of 1871 (taken on 2nd April) Mary Ann 40 yrs was living in Croxley Green, in a cottage possibly on The Green itself. With her were four of her children – William, son of Robert Woodward, 14 yrs born in Sarratt in 1857, John, son of John Woodward, 7yrs born in Sarratt in 1863, Elizabeth Jane 4 yrs born 1867 and Samuel, aged 9 months, born in August 1870. Presumably, John Woodward was either dead by that time or at any rate no longer part of Mary Ann’s life, as she declared that she had been a widow when Samuel was born.
On 6th April 1871, Mary Ann married again, this time in Watford Registry Office. She was now 40yrs. Her husband was Samuel King, aged 54 yrs. It seems that both Samuel and Mary Ann were illiterate as their marriage certificate is signed with an ‘X’ rather than an actual signature.
By the time of the census of 1871 (taken on 2nd April) Mary Ann 40 yrs was living in Croxley Green, in a cottage possibly on The Green itself. With her were four of her children – William, son of Robert Woodward, 14 yrs born in Sarratt in 1857, John, son of John Woodward, 7yrs born in Sarratt in 1863, Elizabeth Jane 4 yrs born 1867 and Samuel, aged 9 months, born in August 1870. Presumably, John Woodward was either dead by that time or at any rate no longer part of Mary Ann’s life, as she declared that she had been a widow when Samuel was born.
On 6th April 1871, Mary Ann married again, this time in Watford Registry Office. She was now 40yrs. Her husband was Samuel King, aged 54 yrs. It seems that both Samuel and Mary Ann were illiterate as their marriage certificate is signed with an ‘X’ rather than an actual signature.
Wedding Certificate for Samuel King and Mary Ann Woodward
Samuel’s parents Samuel and Sarah were tenant farmers of approximately 24 acres that was part of a large estate on Scots Hill. They married in 1807 in Rickmansworth, and were known to have had least eight children, Thomas c1808, Ann c1810, Samuel c1812, Betsey c1814, James 1817, William c1819, Daniel c1822, Henry c1824. After the death of her husband in 1847, Sarah’s two sons Samuel and Henry continued to manage the farm for their widowed mother. When Sarah died in 1873, the farm was sold, and the tenancy was ended by the brothers. The contents of the house and farm equipment were also sold.
Scots Hill The estate and farm for sale 1844
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Lot 5 details of the estate and farm.
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Sale of Scots Hill farm 1873
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Probate for Sarah King
It would appear Samuel had retired and by 1881, as the census shows that he and Mary Ann were living just off The Green. They now have four children – Thomas, aged 9, Sarah, aged 7, Edward, aged 5, and Annie, aged 4. Samuel Woodward, aged 11, is also living with them.
As shown above, Thomas was baptised in 1872, along with his half brothers and sister.
The All Saints Baptism records Samuel and Mary Ann’s children were also baptised in All Saints church. Sarah was baptised in February 1874, Edward James in July 1876 and Annie in June 1877. Details of their childhood do not exist, but it is likely that they would have attended the new National School in Yorke Road, which had been opened in 1874.
As shown above, Thomas was baptised in 1872, along with his half brothers and sister.
The All Saints Baptism records Samuel and Mary Ann’s children were also baptised in All Saints church. Sarah was baptised in February 1874, Edward James in July 1876 and Annie in June 1877. Details of their childhood do not exist, but it is likely that they would have attended the new National School in Yorke Road, which had been opened in 1874.
Mary Ann and Samuel with thier children including William
Sometime between 1881 and 1891, the family moved to 9 Herbert Street, Watford, not far from the High Street. The 1891 census shows us Samuel Woodward, now 20 yrs, is working in a baker’s shop and has taken the surname of King. Thomas, 18 yrs, is a mill hand, Edward, 15 yrs, is a waiter and Annie, 13 yrs, is a domestic servant. Watford was a thriving, prosperous town and there were no doubt many opportunities for the younger members of the family.
9 Herbert Street on right now demolished
After their parents’ deaths – Mary Ann in 1894 and Samuel in 1896 – the children moved away and established new families.
It has been possible to trace something of the unusual story of Mary Ann’s three families through the baptismal records of All Saints Church and through the Ancestry and Findmypast Censuses.
Special thanks to Michael King and Margaret Ewer for providing personal family information and documents of the Woodward / King family which we have used to follow up Mary Ann’s children and just a few of her grand children. (information at 2022)
Harriet Woodward (father Robert Woodward)
Harriet born was in Sarratt c 1854
1871 census Harriet age 16yrs is a domestic servant in a private home in New Road.
Harriet aged 20 yrs married Joseph Foster aged 21 yrs at All Saints church 10th May 1874
It has been possible to trace something of the unusual story of Mary Ann’s three families through the baptismal records of All Saints Church and through the Ancestry and Findmypast Censuses.
Special thanks to Michael King and Margaret Ewer for providing personal family information and documents of the Woodward / King family which we have used to follow up Mary Ann’s children and just a few of her grand children. (information at 2022)
Harriet Woodward (father Robert Woodward)
Harriet born was in Sarratt c 1854
1871 census Harriet age 16yrs is a domestic servant in a private home in New Road.
Harriet aged 20 yrs married Joseph Foster aged 21 yrs at All Saints church 10th May 1874
Harriet Woodward
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Harriet_s husband Joseph Foster c1931
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William Woodward (father Robert Woodward)
William was born in Sarratt c1857, no record of birth entry to date.
1881he lived on The Green, Croxley Green with his family.
1891William lived at 9 Herbert Street, Watford and was employed as a baker.
William married, and with his wife Jessie they had 9 children. Six survived, Emily, William, Albert, Arthur and Edith Minnie, and lived 7 New Road, Watford.
By 1911census the family had moved to Daws Common, Sarratt.
Mary Ann (father Robert Woodward)
Born on Scots Hill c1859
The 1861 records when she was 2 yrs old she was living in Holtspur Heath, Wooburn nr Wycombe with her mother Mary Ann 30yrs, sister Harriet 6 yrs and brother William 4yrs.
There are no records found to date for Mary Ann after this date.
William was born in Sarratt c1857, no record of birth entry to date.
1881he lived on The Green, Croxley Green with his family.
1891William lived at 9 Herbert Street, Watford and was employed as a baker.
William married, and with his wife Jessie they had 9 children. Six survived, Emily, William, Albert, Arthur and Edith Minnie, and lived 7 New Road, Watford.
By 1911census the family had moved to Daws Common, Sarratt.
Mary Ann (father Robert Woodward)
Born on Scots Hill c1859
The 1861 records when she was 2 yrs old she was living in Holtspur Heath, Wooburn nr Wycombe with her mother Mary Ann 30yrs, sister Harriet 6 yrs and brother William 4yrs.
There are no records found to date for Mary Ann after this date.
Birth Certificate for Mary Ann
John (father John Woodward)
John was born in c1863 Sarratt and was baptised on Sunday 7th July 1872 aged 9 yrs at All Saints church by Rev Astley Roberts.
On the 5th January 1881 John enlisted in the Militia, Hertfordshire Regiment, as a volunteer. John signed his name with his ‘mark’ X instead of a signature. It would appear he was illiterate. His address was given as New Road Croxley Green age approximately 17 yrs 7 months, and 5ft 7” in height.
Elizabeth Jane (father John Woodward)
Elizabeth Jane was born in Sarratt c1866 and was baptised on 7th July 1872 aged 6 yrs by Rev Astley Roberts.
No further information currently known.
Samuel (father John Woodward)
Samuel was born in cAugust 1870. The 1871 the census taken on 2nd April records Samuel 9 months old.
His father probably died sometime between the time when he was conceived and his birth. The baptism record states his mother was widowed.
Samuel was baptised on the 7th July 1872 aged 23 months by Rev Astley Roberts.
He later took the surname of his stepfather, Samuel King.
1881 census records Samuel 11 yrs is living with his parents and siblings on The Green.
1891 census records Samuel 20 yrs has now moved and living with his parents at 9 Herbert Street, Watford and employed as a Baker’s man.
In 1896 Samuel married Sarah Warner. The 1901 census lists Samuel living with Sarah, his step-daughter Alice and daughters Ellen and Maud in 9, Lamb Yard Court, off the Lower High Street, Watford.
Samuel is now working as a bricklayers labourer.
Thomas (father Samuel King)
Born 8th April 1872, baptised Sunday 7th July 1872 aged 3 months at All Saints church by Rev Astley Roberts.
Thomas married Ellen Annie Baldwin 28th September 1895 at St Mary’s parish church Watford. Their children included sons, Thomas Edward, Sydney Albert, and daughters Ellen and Ivy. In 1901 the census shows the family are living 16 Banbury Street, Watford.
Ellen passed away in 1919.
Their son Thomas Edward married Alice Hedges in 1918. Thomas Edward enlisted at the start of WW1 and served throughout as a Driver in the Royal Field Artillery, possibly serving in France, Egypt, Salonika. During this time he became a casualty and spent some time in a Military hospital, the family believe this was in Malta. After the war they initially lived in Pretoria Road, Watford. Thomas Edward worked at the Sun Printers, in Whippendell Road and whilst working, an accidental blow from a hammer to his left hand resulted in blood poisoning. With no available modern medicines Thomas Edward died in 1926 in the Peace Memorial Hospital. Alice later remarried in 1930 William Hornsby.
Thomas King never remarried and died in 1963 age 90yrs
John was born in c1863 Sarratt and was baptised on Sunday 7th July 1872 aged 9 yrs at All Saints church by Rev Astley Roberts.
On the 5th January 1881 John enlisted in the Militia, Hertfordshire Regiment, as a volunteer. John signed his name with his ‘mark’ X instead of a signature. It would appear he was illiterate. His address was given as New Road Croxley Green age approximately 17 yrs 7 months, and 5ft 7” in height.
Elizabeth Jane (father John Woodward)
Elizabeth Jane was born in Sarratt c1866 and was baptised on 7th July 1872 aged 6 yrs by Rev Astley Roberts.
No further information currently known.
Samuel (father John Woodward)
Samuel was born in cAugust 1870. The 1871 the census taken on 2nd April records Samuel 9 months old.
His father probably died sometime between the time when he was conceived and his birth. The baptism record states his mother was widowed.
Samuel was baptised on the 7th July 1872 aged 23 months by Rev Astley Roberts.
He later took the surname of his stepfather, Samuel King.
1881 census records Samuel 11 yrs is living with his parents and siblings on The Green.
1891 census records Samuel 20 yrs has now moved and living with his parents at 9 Herbert Street, Watford and employed as a Baker’s man.
In 1896 Samuel married Sarah Warner. The 1901 census lists Samuel living with Sarah, his step-daughter Alice and daughters Ellen and Maud in 9, Lamb Yard Court, off the Lower High Street, Watford.
Samuel is now working as a bricklayers labourer.
Thomas (father Samuel King)
Born 8th April 1872, baptised Sunday 7th July 1872 aged 3 months at All Saints church by Rev Astley Roberts.
Thomas married Ellen Annie Baldwin 28th September 1895 at St Mary’s parish church Watford. Their children included sons, Thomas Edward, Sydney Albert, and daughters Ellen and Ivy. In 1901 the census shows the family are living 16 Banbury Street, Watford.
Ellen passed away in 1919.
Their son Thomas Edward married Alice Hedges in 1918. Thomas Edward enlisted at the start of WW1 and served throughout as a Driver in the Royal Field Artillery, possibly serving in France, Egypt, Salonika. During this time he became a casualty and spent some time in a Military hospital, the family believe this was in Malta. After the war they initially lived in Pretoria Road, Watford. Thomas Edward worked at the Sun Printers, in Whippendell Road and whilst working, an accidental blow from a hammer to his left hand resulted in blood poisoning. With no available modern medicines Thomas Edward died in 1926 in the Peace Memorial Hospital. Alice later remarried in 1930 William Hornsby.
Thomas King never remarried and died in 1963 age 90yrs
Thomas King Birth Cerificate 8th April 1872
Thomas in uniform (centre)
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Thomas first row on left as a WW1 casualty
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Photo of son Thomas Edward and wife Alice
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Thomas King 1946
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Sarah (father Samuel King)
Sarah was born in Croxley Green and baptised on 1st February 1874 by the Rev Astley Roberts.
1881 census records Sarah 7yrs living on The Green with her parents Samuel and Mary Ann, brothers Samuel, Thomas Edward and sister Annie.
In 1891 age 17yrs Sarah is working as a Domestic servant at Fred Oatley, Tailor and Outfitter, Lower High Street, Watford.
Sarah married Albert George Baldwin and emigrated to New Zealand and lived in Palmerston North.
Sarah was born in Croxley Green and baptised on 1st February 1874 by the Rev Astley Roberts.
1881 census records Sarah 7yrs living on The Green with her parents Samuel and Mary Ann, brothers Samuel, Thomas Edward and sister Annie.
In 1891 age 17yrs Sarah is working as a Domestic servant at Fred Oatley, Tailor and Outfitter, Lower High Street, Watford.
Sarah married Albert George Baldwin and emigrated to New Zealand and lived in Palmerston North.
Fred Oatley's shop Lower High Street Watford
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Sarah Albert and daughter Mona
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Edward James (father Samuel King)
Edward was born in Croxley Green on 24th November 1875 and baptised at All Saints church by the Rev Astley Roberts on 2nd July 1876.
Edward married Emily Mary Baldwin in 1896 and the 1911 records show at this time they had 4 children Mona, Edward, Hilda and Ruby. Edward decided at some point to call himself by his second name, James. He was a watchmaker and for many years had a shop in Rickmansworth High Street.
The family lived 12, Verulam Terrace, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth.
Edward was born in Croxley Green on 24th November 1875 and baptised at All Saints church by the Rev Astley Roberts on 2nd July 1876.
Edward married Emily Mary Baldwin in 1896 and the 1911 records show at this time they had 4 children Mona, Edward, Hilda and Ruby. Edward decided at some point to call himself by his second name, James. He was a watchmaker and for many years had a shop in Rickmansworth High Street.
The family lived 12, Verulam Terrace, Uxbridge Road, Rickmansworth.
James King birthcertificate 1875
James King Jeweller shop Rickmansworth
Annie (father Samuel King)
Annie was born in Croxley Green and baptised on the 3rd June 1877 in All Saints Church by Rev Astley Roberts.
In 1881 Annie is 4yrs old, living on The Green with her parents and older siblings.
By 1891 the census records Annie is 13yrs old and living at 9 Herbert Street, Watford. She has left school and is employed as a Domestic servant.
Annie married Augustus Wood on 16th August 1902 and emigrated to New Zealand. They had three children Augustus James, Hilda May and Nancy Elsie.
Annie was born in Croxley Green and baptised on the 3rd June 1877 in All Saints Church by Rev Astley Roberts.
In 1881 Annie is 4yrs old, living on The Green with her parents and older siblings.
By 1891 the census records Annie is 13yrs old and living at 9 Herbert Street, Watford. She has left school and is employed as a Domestic servant.
Annie married Augustus Wood on 16th August 1902 and emigrated to New Zealand. They had three children Augustus James, Hilda May and Nancy Elsie.
The wedding of Annie and Augustus 16th August 1902
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Annie, Augustus and children Hilda May (left) Augustus James (centre) Nancy Elsie (right)
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Information taken from family members records of Michael King and Margaret Ewer.
