Reverend Astley Roberts 1825-1906
All Saints’ Church 1872-1899
All Saints’ Church 1872-1899
Reverend Astley Roberts
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Reverend Astley Roberts
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Astley Roberts, the son of John Roberts and Maria nee Coleby, was born on the 11th August 1825 in the parish of St Margaret, Lothbury, in the City of London. The family were living in Finsbury Circus where Astley’s father was a General Practitioner and Surgeon. Astley’s parents had been married on 13th Dec 1811 in Stoke Holy Cross near Norwich, Norfolk. At the time of the marriage John Roberts was living in the Parish of St Michael, Cornhill, London.
Maria Coleby was born on 23rd August 1787 and was one of eight children living in Poringland, Norfolk. Maria and her family were Quakers. According to the Ancestry family history records for the Coleby family they could be traced to the late 1600’s. Her grandparents John and Sarah Coleby were listed as Quakers and mentioned in the Society of Friends monthly meeting, requesting permission to marry as were her parents John and Sarah; both were approved.
However, following Maria’s marriage to John Roberts on 13th December 1811, a special meeting of the Society of Friends recorded the following:-
Maria Coleby was born on 23rd August 1787 and was one of eight children living in Poringland, Norfolk. Maria and her family were Quakers. According to the Ancestry family history records for the Coleby family they could be traced to the late 1600’s. Her grandparents John and Sarah Coleby were listed as Quakers and mentioned in the Society of Friends monthly meeting, requesting permission to marry as were her parents John and Sarah; both were approved.
However, following Maria’s marriage to John Roberts on 13th December 1811, a special meeting of the Society of Friends recorded the following:-
1812
From the Monthly Meeting of Tivetshall held at Tasborough (now Tasburgh) the 13th of 2nd Month of 1812
Maria Coleby a member of this Meeting having contrary to the rules of our Society and to the advice and admonition of Friends appointed by this meeting, on due consideration thereof, conceive it can do no otherwise than declare that it can no longer consider her a member of our Religious Society.
Nevertheless, affectionately desirous that she may be favoured to experience a reunion with friends through life and conversation consistent with our Christian profession.
Maria Coleby a member of this Meeting having contrary to the rules of our Society and to the advice and admonition of Friends appointed by this meeting, on due consideration thereof, conceive it can do no otherwise than declare that it can no longer consider her a member of our Religious Society.
Nevertheless, affectionately desirous that she may be favoured to experience a reunion with friends through life and conversation consistent with our Christian profession.
Copy Thomas Wagstaffe
Following her removal from the Quakers Society John and Maria had eight sons (including Astley) and one daughter. They were John Henry b1813, Charles Coleby b1815, Frederick William b1817, Frederick William b1818, Maria Hannah b1821, Alfred b1823, Astley b1825, William b1828, Bransby b1830.
The children were registered in the baptismal records for St. Margaret, Lothbury, except William and Bransby, who were baptised in St Stephen in The Jewry, Coleman Street, in the City of London.
The children were registered in the baptismal records for St. Margaret, Lothbury, except William and Bransby, who were baptised in St Stephen in The Jewry, Coleman Street, in the City of London.
It would appear John Roberts encouraged his sons to pursue a medical profession or an ecclesiastical career. His only daughter remained unmarried.
Astley’s mother Maria, after being unwell for just two days, died on 27th October 1844.
Astley’s early education began at St Paul’s School. From there he went on to Trinity College, Cambridge, gaining a B.A. in 1848. The same year in December he was ordained deacon at Chichester Cathedral by the Bishop. He was also nominated by the Rev. W. E. Lord, M.A., vicar of St Mary’s, Northiam, Sussex, as his curate, and remained there between 1848-52.
Astley had lodgings with the Rev William Lord, his wife Elizabeth and family at the Rectory. This area, close to the Romney Marshes, would have been quite a dramatic change for Astley from living in the crowded city of London or even Cambridge. Astley gained his M. A. in 1849.
Astley’s mother Maria, after being unwell for just two days, died on 27th October 1844.
Astley’s early education began at St Paul’s School. From there he went on to Trinity College, Cambridge, gaining a B.A. in 1848. The same year in December he was ordained deacon at Chichester Cathedral by the Bishop. He was also nominated by the Rev. W. E. Lord, M.A., vicar of St Mary’s, Northiam, Sussex, as his curate, and remained there between 1848-52.
Astley had lodgings with the Rev William Lord, his wife Elizabeth and family at the Rectory. This area, close to the Romney Marshes, would have been quite a dramatic change for Astley from living in the crowded city of London or even Cambridge. Astley gained his M. A. in 1849.
St Mary’s church Northiam, East Sussex where Rev. Astley Roberts was curate.
The 1851 census shows us that the Enumerator recorded the occupants at the Northiam Rectory as Rev. William Lord, his wife Elizabeth, their son William, Elizabeth’s sister Fanny and also Astley Roberts.
Elizabeth and Fanny’s father as well as Fanny’s husband were surgeons, so perhaps there was some connection within the medical profession with Astley’s father, giving him an opportunity to start his clerical career in Northiam.
Elizabeth and Fanny’s father as well as Fanny’s husband were surgeons, so perhaps there was some connection within the medical profession with Astley’s father, giving him an opportunity to start his clerical career in Northiam.
(© National Archives - #D827) 1851 census from Northiam
The Rev Astley Roberts’ time there was comparatively short. In 1852 he moved to the parish of Rickmansworth as curate to the Rev Alleyne Higgs Barker, incumbent of St. Mary the Virgin. He remained at St. Mary’s until 1868. Whilst there, he would often officiate at other churches in the district on a temporary basis, as well as further afield for his own family occasions. For example: Astley Roberts travelled to Rye to officiate at the wedding of his younger brother Bransby. He was assisted by his brother Rev. William Roberts.
Bransby Roberts, a Surgeon and Practitioner lived in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and married Miss Emily Bellingham the youngest daughter of John Bellingham, a Banker, on the 14th May 1857, in the parish church of Rye, East Sussex.
At a marriage service held on 10th May 1860 at St Thomas’ church, West Hyde, Astley officiated at the ceremony for the marriage of Catherine Jane, the daughter of Rev. Henry Johnson Wilson the incumbent of the church, to Thomas Fish Marson, the 2nd son of Thomas Frederick Marson, residing at Rickmansworth Park for this celebration.
Bransby Roberts, a Surgeon and Practitioner lived in Eastbourne, East Sussex, and married Miss Emily Bellingham the youngest daughter of John Bellingham, a Banker, on the 14th May 1857, in the parish church of Rye, East Sussex.
At a marriage service held on 10th May 1860 at St Thomas’ church, West Hyde, Astley officiated at the ceremony for the marriage of Catherine Jane, the daughter of Rev. Henry Johnson Wilson the incumbent of the church, to Thomas Fish Marson, the 2nd son of Thomas Frederick Marson, residing at Rickmansworth Park for this celebration.
Marriage service held on 10th May
St Thomas’ church West Hyde, Hertfordshire
A report in the Watford Observer newspaper for 18th August 1866, disclosed that following the concerns that Cholera in the area was ‘extensively circulating in the neighbourhood’. Since the beginning of the month, there had been moves locally to take action to prevent any spread in the district. Influential residents and parishioners held a meeting on 6th August in the Rickmansworth school room, led by Rev Alleyne Higgs Barker. At the meeting Lord Ebury proposed a motion to place the large and extensive Rickmansworth area in a proper sanitary state. This was seconded by both the Rev. H. J. Wilson and Rev. Astley Roberts.
It was further agreed to divided the area into six districts with a sub-committee appointed to each district. They would visit every house in which they could gain access and ascertain where the inhabitants obtained their water, how they made use of it, as well as how they managed their privies (toilets). They would also note the number of persons living in each dwelling. Volunteers were called for each of the six committees. Rev Astley Roberts, Mr. John Proctor, Mr Thomas Pearson and Mr John Whitehall were appointed for Mill End, and for Croxley Green, Mr W Smith, Mr W A Cudworth, Mr W Stone and Mr I Warwick. The other four areas also formed committees.
It was suggested that the town Market Hall (Rickmansworth High Street) be used as a hospital but this was considered unsuitable, and other locations outside the town should be sought to isolate any possible patients. Croxley Green at this time had an isolation house called The Pest House high up on the banks of the River Chess that was used for isolating cases of an extreme contagious nature.
It would appear these plans were successful, as no reports of major incidents could be found in subsequent newspapers.
It was further agreed to divided the area into six districts with a sub-committee appointed to each district. They would visit every house in which they could gain access and ascertain where the inhabitants obtained their water, how they made use of it, as well as how they managed their privies (toilets). They would also note the number of persons living in each dwelling. Volunteers were called for each of the six committees. Rev Astley Roberts, Mr. John Proctor, Mr Thomas Pearson and Mr John Whitehall were appointed for Mill End, and for Croxley Green, Mr W Smith, Mr W A Cudworth, Mr W Stone and Mr I Warwick. The other four areas also formed committees.
It was suggested that the town Market Hall (Rickmansworth High Street) be used as a hospital but this was considered unsuitable, and other locations outside the town should be sought to isolate any possible patients. Croxley Green at this time had an isolation house called The Pest House high up on the banks of the River Chess that was used for isolating cases of an extreme contagious nature.
It would appear these plans were successful, as no reports of major incidents could be found in subsequent newspapers.
The Fishery Cottage. At the side of the cottage, the chimney remains as part of the
original Pest House. The cottage is believed to have been built from the bricks of
the original building. It once stood on the boundary of Croxley Green and
Rickmansworth just above the River Chess.
The following year in February 1867, at a crowded St Mary’s church in Rickmansworth, Thomas Legh Claughton, appointed that year as the Lord Bishop of Rochester, was assisted by his chaplain and local clergy, including Rev Astley Roberts, to perform the sacrament of confirmation for 200 local church worshippers at a special ceremony. A newspaper reported the Bishop gave a most earnest and eloquent address.
A year later in 1868, Rev Astley Roberts was nominated curate and sole charge of ‘Altham’ chapel in Oxhey. He was able to lodge with widow Ann Manley in Chalk Hill, Bushey (now in Oxhey).
It was at this time Croxley Green was experiencing the first of many changes that would transform the rural aspect of its open countryside. Housing, and a community had built up on Scots Hill. It was a time when opportunities to buy land through the new mortgage societies was increasing, and farmland around Hollow Tree farm was sold. Cottages were built along an existing track called Cow Lane that was upgraded, and renamed the Croxley Green New Road.
John Dickinson’s paper mill at the lower end of the village was also implementing changes, bringing employees to the area for the mill’s production progress. As the numbers were rising it was now considered necessary for Croxley Green to have its own parish church. (Rickmansworth or Sarratt were the nearest two churches where many of the villagers could travel to worship. Both meant an unpleasant journey when the weather was inclement.)
Meetings were held, and plans were agreed that led to building a church at the southern end of The Green close by to the Watford Road and Scots Hill. Grants existed for building new churches, but local residents were also called upon to subscribe. At least 117 individuals did so, including Astley Roberts, who gave £2 2s (£150 in 2023). The foundation stone was laid in 1870.
A year later in 1868, Rev Astley Roberts was nominated curate and sole charge of ‘Altham’ chapel in Oxhey. He was able to lodge with widow Ann Manley in Chalk Hill, Bushey (now in Oxhey).
It was at this time Croxley Green was experiencing the first of many changes that would transform the rural aspect of its open countryside. Housing, and a community had built up on Scots Hill. It was a time when opportunities to buy land through the new mortgage societies was increasing, and farmland around Hollow Tree farm was sold. Cottages were built along an existing track called Cow Lane that was upgraded, and renamed the Croxley Green New Road.
John Dickinson’s paper mill at the lower end of the village was also implementing changes, bringing employees to the area for the mill’s production progress. As the numbers were rising it was now considered necessary for Croxley Green to have its own parish church. (Rickmansworth or Sarratt were the nearest two churches where many of the villagers could travel to worship. Both meant an unpleasant journey when the weather was inclement.)
Meetings were held, and plans were agreed that led to building a church at the southern end of The Green close by to the Watford Road and Scots Hill. Grants existed for building new churches, but local residents were also called upon to subscribe. At least 117 individuals did so, including Astley Roberts, who gave £2 2s (£150 in 2023). The foundation stone was laid in 1870.
All Saints’ church. This image is considered to be one of the earliest photographs after the church was built.
The new church was consecrated by the Bishop of Rochester on Tuesday 25th June 1872. The service was attended by many influential leading church members, as well as prominent guests from the district.
The Herts and St Albans Advisor described it as ‘a handsome little church erected to meet the spiritual requirements of the inhabitants of Croxley Green’. The number of seating to accommodate a full congregation was 250. The Rev Astley Roberts was appointed as the first vicar of All Saints’ church. A large vicarage had been built close by in the Watford Road, giving him his first personal home and this would require furnishing. Astley was unmarried, and was supported with a housekeeper and housemaid who also lived at the vicarage.
The Herts and St Albans Advisor described it as ‘a handsome little church erected to meet the spiritual requirements of the inhabitants of Croxley Green’. The number of seating to accommodate a full congregation was 250. The Rev Astley Roberts was appointed as the first vicar of All Saints’ church. A large vicarage had been built close by in the Watford Road, giving him his first personal home and this would require furnishing. Astley was unmarried, and was supported with a housekeeper and housemaid who also lived at the vicarage.
The Vicarage. Date unknown, but after Rev Astley Roberts retired the house was extended, possibly to accommodate future residents and their families.
Baptisms at All Saints’ church
The first baptisms occurred on 7th July 1872, for John, Elizabeth and Samuel Woodward, and Thomas King.
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-first-baptisms.html
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-first-baptisms.html
The font at All Saints Church
It wasn’t uncommon for the more wealthy and influential residents to ask for their ceremony to be held in private, although the All Saints’ baptism records show that this could be requested by the working classes from the village too.
With a convenient church available in the village, opposed to Rickmansworth or Sarratt in the past, the birth of a child in a family might prompt the parents to ask Rev Astley Roberts to baptise other children during a service for their newly born infant. On at least one occasion, adults were also baptised.
The earlier register of baptisms showed only the date of baptism, but from 13th March 1880 the date of birth was added as well. The Rev Astley Roberts signed himself as Incumbent until 1st June 1884 and thereafter from 6th July 1884 as Vicar. There was a six month period from March to August 1886 when other clergy were named taking these services. Presumably for some reason Astley Roberts had taken leave.
In many parishes, a clergyman often refused to baptise an unmarried mother’s child, but All Saints’ entries do show Rev Astley Roberts did baptise many infants born to single mothers, entering her as ‘Single’. It was also a time when many unmarried expectant mothers were encouraged to leave the parish for another parish, so as not to be a burden and expect financial help from the church, especially if they were also abandoned by their families.
On special occasions the baptismal ceremony at all Saints’ might be taken by a visiting clergy, often because they were related to the child. In such cases the Rev Astley Roberts might assist in the ceremony.
Many notable baptisms are recorded in the church records including Beryl Little, the daughter of Charles Hope and Mildred Dora Little. Charles was the manager of the John Dickinson Croxley paper mill at the time. Dora’s father, Percival Seth Ward, vicar of St Mary’s Apsley End, performed the ceremony for his granddaughter Beryl, on 30th May 1892,
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/charles_hope_little.html
With a convenient church available in the village, opposed to Rickmansworth or Sarratt in the past, the birth of a child in a family might prompt the parents to ask Rev Astley Roberts to baptise other children during a service for their newly born infant. On at least one occasion, adults were also baptised.
The earlier register of baptisms showed only the date of baptism, but from 13th March 1880 the date of birth was added as well. The Rev Astley Roberts signed himself as Incumbent until 1st June 1884 and thereafter from 6th July 1884 as Vicar. There was a six month period from March to August 1886 when other clergy were named taking these services. Presumably for some reason Astley Roberts had taken leave.
In many parishes, a clergyman often refused to baptise an unmarried mother’s child, but All Saints’ entries do show Rev Astley Roberts did baptise many infants born to single mothers, entering her as ‘Single’. It was also a time when many unmarried expectant mothers were encouraged to leave the parish for another parish, so as not to be a burden and expect financial help from the church, especially if they were also abandoned by their families.
On special occasions the baptismal ceremony at all Saints’ might be taken by a visiting clergy, often because they were related to the child. In such cases the Rev Astley Roberts might assist in the ceremony.
Many notable baptisms are recorded in the church records including Beryl Little, the daughter of Charles Hope and Mildred Dora Little. Charles was the manager of the John Dickinson Croxley paper mill at the time. Dora’s father, Percival Seth Ward, vicar of St Mary’s Apsley End, performed the ceremony for his granddaughter Beryl, on 30th May 1892,
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/charles_hope_little.html
On another occasion Rev. Percival S Ward, having left Apsley End and Rector of Spetchley, Worcestershire, returned to All Saints’ on 1st November 1897, for the baptism of his granddaughter Gwyneth Beryl, the daughter of his son Charles Melville Seth and his wife Elsie Violet Ward.
Charles Melville Seth Ward was the architect for the boys school opened in 1894 in the Watford Road. Charles offices were in Apsley as well as Bedford Row, London, however, the baptismal entry indicates the family were living in Croxley Green at the time of the ceremony but not the actual address.
Charles Melville Seth Ward was the architect for the boys school opened in 1894 in the Watford Road. Charles offices were in Apsley as well as Bedford Row, London, however, the baptismal entry indicates the family were living in Croxley Green at the time of the ceremony but not the actual address.
The last baptism entry made by Rev. Astley Roberts was for 3rd September 1899 when he was succeeded as Vicar of Croxley Green by the Rev Charles Ernest Havelock Donnell.
Marriages
The first marriage Astley Roberts conducted in All Saints’ church was on New Year’s Day, Wednesday 1st January 1873 between George Thomas Bunce, coachman, aged 24 and Eliza Ann Ewington, spinster, aged 27. Even though he had performed this ceremony many times before elsewhere, this marriage would surely have been very special to him as well as to both families.
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-first-wedding.html
The first of many grander ceremonies to take place was just over a year later, when the sixth marriage in the church took place on 7th April 1874, between Margaret Emma White and Captain George Hibbert Anchitel Kinloch. The bride was the daughter of John Thomas White, a solicitor and his wife Emma, who lived at Cassiobridge House. The bridegroom was an army officer of the 13th Prince Albert Light Infantry and son of James John Kinloch. The marriage was no doubt also a special occasion as John Thomas White had been a subscriber to the church building fund. The groom’s uncle, Rev. Thomas Anchitel Anson, rector of Longford Derbyshire, officiated at the ceremony with Rev. Astley Roberts assisting.
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-first-wedding.html
The first of many grander ceremonies to take place was just over a year later, when the sixth marriage in the church took place on 7th April 1874, between Margaret Emma White and Captain George Hibbert Anchitel Kinloch. The bride was the daughter of John Thomas White, a solicitor and his wife Emma, who lived at Cassiobridge House. The bridegroom was an army officer of the 13th Prince Albert Light Infantry and son of James John Kinloch. The marriage was no doubt also a special occasion as John Thomas White had been a subscriber to the church building fund. The groom’s uncle, Rev. Thomas Anchitel Anson, rector of Longford Derbyshire, officiated at the ceremony with Rev. Astley Roberts assisting.
Another marriage that would have meant a great deal to all those in attendance was that of Mary Warwick on 4th July 1876. She was youngest surviving daughter of the late Isaac Warwick of Highfield House, Scots Hill. Her father Isaac had played a significant role in the early stages of arranging for Croxley Green to have its own village church. Indeed, the first meeting to discuss this was held in 1868 at his home on Scots Hill. The list of subscriptions towards the building costs for the church shows that Isaac had given £100 and his second wife Mary and daughter Mary £5 each.
Mary Warwick’s bridegroom was Edward Treves, a surgeon at the time of the marriage. He was an assistant to Mr George Codd, a local surgeon and practitioner in the High Street, Rickmansworth.
Edward’s brother Frederick, also a surgeon and practitioner, went on to become an expert in anatomy and appendectomy, serving both Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. He was credited with saving the life of King Edward VII in 1902 prior to his coronation. He also befriended Joseph Merrick, known as the ‘Elephant Man’ and was awarded a baronetcy as well as many other accolades.
Mary Warwick’s bridegroom was Edward Treves, a surgeon at the time of the marriage. He was an assistant to Mr George Codd, a local surgeon and practitioner in the High Street, Rickmansworth.
Edward’s brother Frederick, also a surgeon and practitioner, went on to become an expert in anatomy and appendectomy, serving both Queen Victoria and King Edward VII. He was credited with saving the life of King Edward VII in 1902 prior to his coronation. He also befriended Joseph Merrick, known as the ‘Elephant Man’ and was awarded a baronetcy as well as many other accolades.
Many other distinguished weddings were to follow as well as simple village events. One in particular that was extensively documented was the marriage of Susan, the daughter of the late Rev. Alleyne Higgs Barker with whom Rev. Astley Roberts had served as curate for sixteen years. It was Higgs Barker who had overseen the building of All Saints church. Following the death of Rev. Alleyne Higgs Barker in 1884, the family had moved from the vicarage in Rickmansworth to a detached home in Briery Close, Croxley Green, opposite the church.
Susan married Richard Tesdale Dewé, , a widower and Councillor for the Borough of Chesterfield, on Thursday 3rd July 1890.
The ceremony was officiated by the Bishop of Richmond, Susan’s cousin, who was assisted by Rev. Astley Roberts. Many newspapers reported it was to be a very grand occasion for a village church. The chancel was lavishly decorated by Mrs. Warwick of Highfield House, Scots Hill, and Mrs. Schäfer of Little Gillions, The Green.
Just a short walk from their home to the church, Susan’s three sisters Fanny and Emma (twins), her younger sister Augusta and Miss Katie Woods, the bridegroom’s niece, wore lemon-coloured pongee silk dresses trimmed with guipure lace, bonnets and carried bouquets.
Robert Barker, Susan’s brother, gave her away. The bride wore a silver- grey corded silk dress with a long train of grey gaze de soire, she wore a tiny capote of ostrich feathers with real orange blossom and a large tulle veil reaching to the hem of the dress She carried a handsome bouquet of flowers.
The invited congregation was made up of many local gentry from the area including family and friends taking up all the available seats. Guests seated in the church included, Lord and Lady Ebury, of Moor Park Mansion; Mrs Panmure Gordon, Loudwater House; Mr & Mrs Schäfer, Little Gillions; Mr & Mrs Birch, Rickmansworth Park; Mr Thomas Hoade Woods, Durrants House; Mr & Mrs Woolrych, Croxley House.
The weather was described as delightfully fine. During the wedding ceremony Victoria Charlotte Grosvenor, the daughter of Lord Ebury of Moor Park, played the appropriate wedding music throughout the ceremony on the church organ, concluding with the Wedding March as the bride and bridegroom left the church.
The wedding reception was held in the Barkers’ home in Briery Close.
Among the guests were at least eleven clergy, as both families had friends and/or family that were connected with the church. Richard’s late father had also served as a clergyman. Gifts to the couple, laid out in the Barker home, were many and listed in the papers. The couple left for their honeymoon in Folkestone, Kent.
Susan married Richard Tesdale Dewé, , a widower and Councillor for the Borough of Chesterfield, on Thursday 3rd July 1890.
The ceremony was officiated by the Bishop of Richmond, Susan’s cousin, who was assisted by Rev. Astley Roberts. Many newspapers reported it was to be a very grand occasion for a village church. The chancel was lavishly decorated by Mrs. Warwick of Highfield House, Scots Hill, and Mrs. Schäfer of Little Gillions, The Green.
Just a short walk from their home to the church, Susan’s three sisters Fanny and Emma (twins), her younger sister Augusta and Miss Katie Woods, the bridegroom’s niece, wore lemon-coloured pongee silk dresses trimmed with guipure lace, bonnets and carried bouquets.
Robert Barker, Susan’s brother, gave her away. The bride wore a silver- grey corded silk dress with a long train of grey gaze de soire, she wore a tiny capote of ostrich feathers with real orange blossom and a large tulle veil reaching to the hem of the dress She carried a handsome bouquet of flowers.
The invited congregation was made up of many local gentry from the area including family and friends taking up all the available seats. Guests seated in the church included, Lord and Lady Ebury, of Moor Park Mansion; Mrs Panmure Gordon, Loudwater House; Mr & Mrs Schäfer, Little Gillions; Mr & Mrs Birch, Rickmansworth Park; Mr Thomas Hoade Woods, Durrants House; Mr & Mrs Woolrych, Croxley House.
The weather was described as delightfully fine. During the wedding ceremony Victoria Charlotte Grosvenor, the daughter of Lord Ebury of Moor Park, played the appropriate wedding music throughout the ceremony on the church organ, concluding with the Wedding March as the bride and bridegroom left the church.
The wedding reception was held in the Barkers’ home in Briery Close.
Among the guests were at least eleven clergy, as both families had friends and/or family that were connected with the church. Richard’s late father had also served as a clergyman. Gifts to the couple, laid out in the Barker home, were many and listed in the papers. The couple left for their honeymoon in Folkestone, Kent.
In 1889 Astley Roberts assisted at the marriage of a second brother – the Rev William Roberts, then vicar of Wigginton, near Tring, Hertfordshire. He married Miss Helen Brooke of Northchurch, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The brides’ brother- in- law Rev. J F Stulkely Vavasour, vicar of Snelland, Lincolnshire officiated at the ceremony.
Deaths / Burials
When land for the church was originally proposed, it is unclear if there were any discussions or thoughts regarding the consecration for a graveyard within the church grounds. Perhaps because of the opening of a cemetery in 1856 in the nearby Chorleywood Road, Rickmansworth, it was felt this was not necessary.
When a death occurred, the family would be offered an opportunity to have a memorial service conducted by Rev. Astley Roberts in the church. This could be followed by the internment in the Chorleywood Road cemetery or the family’s choice for the location for the burial. Rev. Astley Roberts often accompanied the coffin to its final resting place.
In October 1896 the death occurred of Mrs Maud Schäfer of Little Gillions, The Green, just 37 years old, leaving her husband Edward with their young family
When a death occurred, the family would be offered an opportunity to have a memorial service conducted by Rev. Astley Roberts in the church. This could be followed by the internment in the Chorleywood Road cemetery or the family’s choice for the location for the burial. Rev. Astley Roberts often accompanied the coffin to its final resting place.
In October 1896 the death occurred of Mrs Maud Schäfer of Little Gillions, The Green, just 37 years old, leaving her husband Edward with their young family
Little Gillions, The Green, (left)
Edward Albert Sharpey- Schäfer
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Maud Schäfer
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As with other services Astley Roberts was often asked to officiate or assist at a burial service in other parishes. Having been closely involved with Alleyne Higgs Barker and his wife Marianne and family in Rickmansworth, it is not surprising he would wish to be present at the family services held in St Mary the Virgin church, Rickmansworth when they passed away.
It was not uncommon for a family living in Croxley Green and originally from neighbouring Sarratt, to have the deceased buried in Holy Cross churchyard. It was also known the deceased might be taken long distances too. Samuel Ingleby Oddie, a leading coroner living at Chess Side, Croxley Green was buried in the family grave, St Mary’s churchyard Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire.
It was not uncommon for a family living in Croxley Green and originally from neighbouring Sarratt, to have the deceased buried in Holy Cross churchyard. It was also known the deceased might be taken long distances too. Samuel Ingleby Oddie, a leading coroner living at Chess Side, Croxley Green was buried in the family grave, St Mary’s churchyard Pateley Bridge, Yorkshire.
Church Schools
Following the decision for a church, arrangements for a church-related school were also being discussed, especially as Queen Victoria was encouraging and promoting educational opportunities for all classes.
Funding was always a problem with such schemes, and an initial application to the National Society for a grant towards the costs shows it was signed by the Rev. Alleyne Barker of Rickmansworth, and Rev. Astley Roberts, as the Incumbent of All Saints’, Croxley Green. A grant was secured, but the bulk of the funds came from local subscribers in the parish. The school was built in Garden Road, (now Yorke Road) close to the church. It was opened on 4th January 1875. The Trustees were the vicar and churchwardens of St Mary’s church Rickmansworth and it was intended to be run as a church school in line with other established schools in the district.
Miss Harriette Lawrence headmistress, recorded in the school log book that regular visits were made by the Rev. Astley Roberts. He would sometimes make entries himself in the log book expressing his views on the progress of the children's education as well as the religious teaching in the school. Mondays appeared to have been a regular day for his visits, when he would take the children for Bible studies, although it was noted he took prayers on other days too.
The school was also regulated by visits from the Education Authorities and their reports were copied and signed into the logbook by Rev. Astley Roberts.
The school was renamed Yorke Road School, in line with the renaming of the road, and was transferred in trust in 1886 from the Vicar and Churchwardens of Rickmansworth to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Croxley Green.
Just over a decade after the school first opened, Astley Roberts became very concerned that the size of the school was now inadequate for the increasing population and numbers of children attending. This was mainly due to the expansion of the John Dickinson paper mill with employees joining from Apsley, as well as from other areas seeking work at the mill.
Rev. Astley Roberts contacted the National Society, detailing the school’s urgent need for enlargement. He felt that as the school was also monitored by visits from the Education Authorities, concerns were growing that if this impacted on the progress of the children's education, control could be withdrawn from the church.
However, despite an agreed extension, it was noted in May 1891, twenty of the older boys were having to be transferred to the school in Rickmansworth due to limited spaces in Yorke Road. This was an unsatisfactory situation, many of the boys having to travel a much longer distance on foot up and down a steep Scots Hill, especially in winter.
In 1893, Astley Roberts was again in correspondence with the National Society asking for more support for Croxley Green. He wrote, ‘this is the third time I have had to enlarge my Schools’ he adds ‘several of the large Ratepayers decline to contribute on the ground that they are in favour of a School Board, it would be a lamentable thing, if after all our efforts of past years on behalf of our Church Schools, we should now be forced to come under a School Board.’
Permission was given for another extension to be added. The managers asked for a front entrance to the school room for the managers to use and also for the purpose of access if public meetings were held.
Overcrowding now became critical and land was purchased on the Watford Road, in the immediate vicinity of Yorke Road school by the John Dickinson Company and a new school was eventually built.
The two schools were now restructured, with the original school separating girls over 7yrs into the extended schoolrooms and boys over 7yrs to the new school in the Watford Road, referred to as the ‘Old Boys School’.
Funding was always a problem with such schemes, and an initial application to the National Society for a grant towards the costs shows it was signed by the Rev. Alleyne Barker of Rickmansworth, and Rev. Astley Roberts, as the Incumbent of All Saints’, Croxley Green. A grant was secured, but the bulk of the funds came from local subscribers in the parish. The school was built in Garden Road, (now Yorke Road) close to the church. It was opened on 4th January 1875. The Trustees were the vicar and churchwardens of St Mary’s church Rickmansworth and it was intended to be run as a church school in line with other established schools in the district.
Miss Harriette Lawrence headmistress, recorded in the school log book that regular visits were made by the Rev. Astley Roberts. He would sometimes make entries himself in the log book expressing his views on the progress of the children's education as well as the religious teaching in the school. Mondays appeared to have been a regular day for his visits, when he would take the children for Bible studies, although it was noted he took prayers on other days too.
The school was also regulated by visits from the Education Authorities and their reports were copied and signed into the logbook by Rev. Astley Roberts.
The school was renamed Yorke Road School, in line with the renaming of the road, and was transferred in trust in 1886 from the Vicar and Churchwardens of Rickmansworth to the Vicar and Churchwardens of Croxley Green.
Just over a decade after the school first opened, Astley Roberts became very concerned that the size of the school was now inadequate for the increasing population and numbers of children attending. This was mainly due to the expansion of the John Dickinson paper mill with employees joining from Apsley, as well as from other areas seeking work at the mill.
Rev. Astley Roberts contacted the National Society, detailing the school’s urgent need for enlargement. He felt that as the school was also monitored by visits from the Education Authorities, concerns were growing that if this impacted on the progress of the children's education, control could be withdrawn from the church.
However, despite an agreed extension, it was noted in May 1891, twenty of the older boys were having to be transferred to the school in Rickmansworth due to limited spaces in Yorke Road. This was an unsatisfactory situation, many of the boys having to travel a much longer distance on foot up and down a steep Scots Hill, especially in winter.
In 1893, Astley Roberts was again in correspondence with the National Society asking for more support for Croxley Green. He wrote, ‘this is the third time I have had to enlarge my Schools’ he adds ‘several of the large Ratepayers decline to contribute on the ground that they are in favour of a School Board, it would be a lamentable thing, if after all our efforts of past years on behalf of our Church Schools, we should now be forced to come under a School Board.’
Permission was given for another extension to be added. The managers asked for a front entrance to the school room for the managers to use and also for the purpose of access if public meetings were held.
Overcrowding now became critical and land was purchased on the Watford Road, in the immediate vicinity of Yorke Road school by the John Dickinson Company and a new school was eventually built.
The two schools were now restructured, with the original school separating girls over 7yrs into the extended schoolrooms and boys over 7yrs to the new school in the Watford Road, referred to as the ‘Old Boys School’.
The first page for the opening of the Old Boys’ school 15th October 1894.
Interestingly, all the boys present were given a ‘bun’ !
As well as monitoring the children during their school day, Astley Roberts would preside over and be involved in promoting occasions for the children to entertain parents and local dignitaries outside of the learning day, sometimes in the Dickinson Institute
Social Life and Social Working
As the first vicar for All Saints’ church, the Rev. Astley Roberts’ name appears in many newspaper articles detailing his involvement in a range of social events. This would indicate he was engaged in supporting many local groups of which he was a member, whilst also providing ministerial support to the community.
Horticultural Show
In August 1875 the 12th annual event of the Rickmansworth Cottager’s Horticultural Show was held in the Pleasure Grounds of Moor Park Mansion, home to Lord Ebury its President.
Among the illustrious invited guests to the exhibition included the Duchess of Westminster, the Earl and Countess of Essex, as well as many local residents from Croxley Green, including Mr Finch of Redheath and Mrs Warwick of Highfield House. The judging of the ‘fine specimens’ of vegetables, fruit and flowers was held in several large marquees and the Rev. Astley Roberts was invited to read out the names of the successful winners.
Beekeepers Association
In 1883, the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Hertfordshire Beekeepers’ Association was held at the Town Hall, St Albans. During the course of the meeting the elections for the President and vice- presidents were held, followed by the election of the committee. Among those named on the committee was Rev. Astley Roberts. As he was presumably an active member of the association might this indicate there may have been at least one beehive in the vicarage garden?
Church of England Temperance Society (C.E.T.S.)
The St Albans Diocesan decided to hold a festival in 1883 with the intention to invite as many as possible of its parochial branches to attend, and form local C.E.T.S. The event began with a service in the abbey where the Bishop of Bedford preached the sermon. A list of all attendees from the churches was published, and Rev. Astley Roberts name was included as being present.
The All Saints’ church branch was successfully started, as was reported in 1894 when the newspapers gave an account of the 11thmeeting, presided over by Rev. Astley Roberts, which was held in the schoolroom. Medals were presented to the members of the junior section, founded in 1886, who had faithfully kept up their abstinence for a full one year. An interesting talk followed as well as entertainment with conjuring and a ventriloquial act.
Is it possible that when Rev Astley Roberts attended the meeting in 1883, he was concerned there could be an alcohol problem in Croxley Green? The village was expanding as John Dickinson paper mill took on more employees and there were now nine Beer houses/Public Houses available in the village, at least six of which were close to the church!
Working Men’s Club
In1886 following general enquires and a desire from several men in the village to have a working men’s club, a meeting was held in the schoolroom to take the idea forward. It was decided to start such a club which would be held in one of the Cherry Cottages on Scots Hill. The cottage was acquired by Mr W R Woolrych and Mr R Warwick, provisionally, at least until the summer.
The joining fees were listed as: Honorary membership £1 1s; Others 10s 6d per annum. Several ladies and gentlemen would provide the food. Ordinary members would pay 6d per year and 2d per visit. Beer, tea and coffee would be provided to members as well as games such as bagatelle and dominoes etc. A selection of London newspapers as well as magazines would also be available, in addition to a small library. There were initially 40 members who took up this opportunity.
The President was Mr W R Woolrych, vice -president Rev Astley Roberts, treasurer Mr Richard Warwick. The initial idea for promoting the club came from Mr. W Ludlow. Some years earlier in 1877 a similar club had been provided in Rickmansworth.
Football
A lengthy report in the Watford Observer for 1897 regarding a meeting held by the Watford Football Association in the Malden Hotel, (Station Road, Watford Junction) described the events of the past year. A long list of names of the local clubs who were currently members of the association were listed, as well as the names of individuals who were congratulated on their support for the association. Charles Hope Little (Dickinson paper mill manager) the Honorary Secretary, was given credit for showing proof of his support for football as well as being an enthusiast cricketer.
As the meeting progressed to the elections for the following year, the Earl of Clarendon, was elected President, and included in the many vice- presidents were the Earl of Essex, Lord Ebury, Charles Hope Little, and Rev. Astley Roberts.
The Vicarage
As well as spending time out and about, Astley made time to use his home for socialising too. The Young Men’s Friendly Society were invited annually to take tea with him as were the junior members of the church choir with an annual invitation every New Year.
The main choir would be invited to a sumptuous supper and several influential ladies of the village who were involved in a range of activities in the community would also be present. Music was also included and enjoyed, making for a pleasant social evening.
All Saints’ church Celebrations
As well as wedding celebrations, when the church would be transformed with appropriate floral decorations, usually provided by the families, there would be times when decorating the church would be left to the discretion of Rev. Astley Roberts and his parishioners.
Easter
Newspaper reports mention that the decorations in All Saints church were never more beautiful than at Easter. The decorations were not actually described but one could speculate that at that the time of year there could be an abundance of spring flowers these might be included in the display.
Harvest Festival
Reporting of the forthcoming Harvest Festival service at All Saints’ church regularly commented how the charming little church had been decorated with seasonal fruit and berries along with flowers and ferns.
At this service the collection proceeds were dedicated to a specific cause: the Watford Infirmary, the West Herts Infirmary as well as the National Society for the Education of the Poor were included.
Christmas
The church was always described as tastefully and cheerfully decorated by ladies in the village.
Retirement
When the Rev Astley Roberts first came to the area of Rickmansworth in 1852, and passed through Croxley Green, he would have encountered a village mainly consisting of a scattering of small farms and cottages. Influential wealthy families were now discovering that the area offered a new and tranquil life away from busy towns and cities yet within easy reach of London and large houses with extensive grounds were developing.
Twenty years later, the Rev. Astley Roberts when he was given the incumbency of All Saints’ church, this would have come with a huge responsibility. He would be called on to guide and influence the new church and its congregation and to develop Christian leadership and fellowship with his parishioners. He became a popular and well respected member of the village, participating as has been shown in so many aspects of village life.
The information that has been found, and currently available regarding Rev. Astley Roberts is made up from census records, newspaper reports etc, from online websites.
One small anecdote shows something of his character. Taken from the Middlesex and Buckinghamshire Advertiser, Uxbridge, Harrow and Watford Journal 3rd September 1898.
The newspaper reported that on a visit to his brother Bransby in Eastbourne he had been the victim of an ingenious fraud. On his way home he was approached by a respectably dressed young man who said ‘I’m William, don’t you know me?’ Taken off guard Astley, assumed him to be his nephew, Bransby’s son, whom he had not seen in ages. He entered into a conversation with his ‘nephew William’ who said he had a job in Cardiff but did not have enough money to get there. It seemed natural to Astley for his nephew to ask for help. He asked for 7s 6d. Not having the exact amount, Astley offered him 8 shillings plus an extra one shilling which was accepted and the young man went away with 9 shillings.
The following morning Astley appeared in Court, and identified the ‘nephew’ now in custody on a charge of begging. This had been the result of a detective hearing the prisoner begging from other gentlemen as well as Astley Roberts, and taking him into custody. The prisoner was found guilty and was committed for seven days’ hard labour on the charge of begging.
Horticultural Show
In August 1875 the 12th annual event of the Rickmansworth Cottager’s Horticultural Show was held in the Pleasure Grounds of Moor Park Mansion, home to Lord Ebury its President.
Among the illustrious invited guests to the exhibition included the Duchess of Westminster, the Earl and Countess of Essex, as well as many local residents from Croxley Green, including Mr Finch of Redheath and Mrs Warwick of Highfield House. The judging of the ‘fine specimens’ of vegetables, fruit and flowers was held in several large marquees and the Rev. Astley Roberts was invited to read out the names of the successful winners.
Beekeepers Association
In 1883, the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Hertfordshire Beekeepers’ Association was held at the Town Hall, St Albans. During the course of the meeting the elections for the President and vice- presidents were held, followed by the election of the committee. Among those named on the committee was Rev. Astley Roberts. As he was presumably an active member of the association might this indicate there may have been at least one beehive in the vicarage garden?
Church of England Temperance Society (C.E.T.S.)
The St Albans Diocesan decided to hold a festival in 1883 with the intention to invite as many as possible of its parochial branches to attend, and form local C.E.T.S. The event began with a service in the abbey where the Bishop of Bedford preached the sermon. A list of all attendees from the churches was published, and Rev. Astley Roberts name was included as being present.
The All Saints’ church branch was successfully started, as was reported in 1894 when the newspapers gave an account of the 11thmeeting, presided over by Rev. Astley Roberts, which was held in the schoolroom. Medals were presented to the members of the junior section, founded in 1886, who had faithfully kept up their abstinence for a full one year. An interesting talk followed as well as entertainment with conjuring and a ventriloquial act.
Is it possible that when Rev Astley Roberts attended the meeting in 1883, he was concerned there could be an alcohol problem in Croxley Green? The village was expanding as John Dickinson paper mill took on more employees and there were now nine Beer houses/Public Houses available in the village, at least six of which were close to the church!
Working Men’s Club
In1886 following general enquires and a desire from several men in the village to have a working men’s club, a meeting was held in the schoolroom to take the idea forward. It was decided to start such a club which would be held in one of the Cherry Cottages on Scots Hill. The cottage was acquired by Mr W R Woolrych and Mr R Warwick, provisionally, at least until the summer.
The joining fees were listed as: Honorary membership £1 1s; Others 10s 6d per annum. Several ladies and gentlemen would provide the food. Ordinary members would pay 6d per year and 2d per visit. Beer, tea and coffee would be provided to members as well as games such as bagatelle and dominoes etc. A selection of London newspapers as well as magazines would also be available, in addition to a small library. There were initially 40 members who took up this opportunity.
The President was Mr W R Woolrych, vice -president Rev Astley Roberts, treasurer Mr Richard Warwick. The initial idea for promoting the club came from Mr. W Ludlow. Some years earlier in 1877 a similar club had been provided in Rickmansworth.
Football
A lengthy report in the Watford Observer for 1897 regarding a meeting held by the Watford Football Association in the Malden Hotel, (Station Road, Watford Junction) described the events of the past year. A long list of names of the local clubs who were currently members of the association were listed, as well as the names of individuals who were congratulated on their support for the association. Charles Hope Little (Dickinson paper mill manager) the Honorary Secretary, was given credit for showing proof of his support for football as well as being an enthusiast cricketer.
As the meeting progressed to the elections for the following year, the Earl of Clarendon, was elected President, and included in the many vice- presidents were the Earl of Essex, Lord Ebury, Charles Hope Little, and Rev. Astley Roberts.
The Vicarage
As well as spending time out and about, Astley made time to use his home for socialising too. The Young Men’s Friendly Society were invited annually to take tea with him as were the junior members of the church choir with an annual invitation every New Year.
The main choir would be invited to a sumptuous supper and several influential ladies of the village who were involved in a range of activities in the community would also be present. Music was also included and enjoyed, making for a pleasant social evening.
All Saints’ church Celebrations
As well as wedding celebrations, when the church would be transformed with appropriate floral decorations, usually provided by the families, there would be times when decorating the church would be left to the discretion of Rev. Astley Roberts and his parishioners.
Easter
Newspaper reports mention that the decorations in All Saints church were never more beautiful than at Easter. The decorations were not actually described but one could speculate that at that the time of year there could be an abundance of spring flowers these might be included in the display.
Harvest Festival
Reporting of the forthcoming Harvest Festival service at All Saints’ church regularly commented how the charming little church had been decorated with seasonal fruit and berries along with flowers and ferns.
At this service the collection proceeds were dedicated to a specific cause: the Watford Infirmary, the West Herts Infirmary as well as the National Society for the Education of the Poor were included.
Christmas
The church was always described as tastefully and cheerfully decorated by ladies in the village.
Retirement
When the Rev Astley Roberts first came to the area of Rickmansworth in 1852, and passed through Croxley Green, he would have encountered a village mainly consisting of a scattering of small farms and cottages. Influential wealthy families were now discovering that the area offered a new and tranquil life away from busy towns and cities yet within easy reach of London and large houses with extensive grounds were developing.
Twenty years later, the Rev. Astley Roberts when he was given the incumbency of All Saints’ church, this would have come with a huge responsibility. He would be called on to guide and influence the new church and its congregation and to develop Christian leadership and fellowship with his parishioners. He became a popular and well respected member of the village, participating as has been shown in so many aspects of village life.
The information that has been found, and currently available regarding Rev. Astley Roberts is made up from census records, newspaper reports etc, from online websites.
One small anecdote shows something of his character. Taken from the Middlesex and Buckinghamshire Advertiser, Uxbridge, Harrow and Watford Journal 3rd September 1898.
The newspaper reported that on a visit to his brother Bransby in Eastbourne he had been the victim of an ingenious fraud. On his way home he was approached by a respectably dressed young man who said ‘I’m William, don’t you know me?’ Taken off guard Astley, assumed him to be his nephew, Bransby’s son, whom he had not seen in ages. He entered into a conversation with his ‘nephew William’ who said he had a job in Cardiff but did not have enough money to get there. It seemed natural to Astley for his nephew to ask for help. He asked for 7s 6d. Not having the exact amount, Astley offered him 8 shillings plus an extra one shilling which was accepted and the young man went away with 9 shillings.
The following morning Astley appeared in Court, and identified the ‘nephew’ now in custody on a charge of begging. This had been the result of a detective hearing the prisoner begging from other gentlemen as well as Astley Roberts, and taking him into custody. The prisoner was found guilty and was committed for seven days’ hard labour on the charge of begging.
After almost three decades and at the age of 74, the Rev Astley Roberts gave his last sermon on Sunday 22nd September 1899 at All Saints’ church, Croxley Green.
He retired to The Burrs, 13 Stanley Road, Watford Fields, opposite the local school.
This was a quiet community, just off the Lower High Street, Watford, and different in many respects from the vicarage in Watford Road, The Burrs was a smaller house, so Astley had to ‘downsize’ and there was a need to dispose of much of his household furniture as well as a selection of garden furnishing. The contents were advertised for sale as ‘surplus’, and included iron and brass French bedsteads and bedding, chest of drawers, night commode, walnut dining table and 6 dining chairs, a John Broadwood and Sons Cottage Pianoforte. A viewing was available preceding the sale, which was held in the vicarage. A catalogue was available from Mr. W H Swannell’s offices in Rickmansworth, Chesham, and Northwood prior to his conducting of the sale, which took place on Monday 9th October 1899.
Rev. Astley Roberts family
Astley remained unmarried, and therefore had no family of his own. However, he was born into a family where he had six adult brothers and one sister, with whom he kept in contact, as much as was possible in a time when travel was more difficult that it is today. Communication within the family has shown that when there were special family occasions Astley would often be present. (These events have been reliant on researching and discovering them through the online newspaper archives. These are constantly being added too, and obviously all Astley’s movements would not necessarily be widely available and news worthy.) Postal services were now frequent and this would have enabled regular contacts too.
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Astley Roberts’ brother, sister and niece with a connection with Croxley Green
Dr. John Henry Roberts c1813-1900, Astley’s older brother, at some time after 1891 moved to Croxley Green as a widower with one daughter, Ethel Maude. A probate entry for John Henry records he died on 12th January 1900 at The Hawthorns, New Road, Croxley Green.
Ethel Maude Roberts, his daughter, married Edward Schafer, Professor of Physiology, a widower, living at Little Gillions, whose first wife had died in 1895. They were married by her uncle Rev. Astley Roberts on 10th October 1900, at St Andrews Wells Street, in the Parish of St Marylebone, London. At the time of the marriage Ethel had left Croxley Green and was living at 71 Wells Street just of Oxford Street, London. The couple moved to Berwick on Tweed where Professor Schäfer became distinguished in his work and was knighted in 1913, and known as Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schäfer. Edward died in 1935 and Ethel in 1942.
He retired to The Burrs, 13 Stanley Road, Watford Fields, opposite the local school.
This was a quiet community, just off the Lower High Street, Watford, and different in many respects from the vicarage in Watford Road, The Burrs was a smaller house, so Astley had to ‘downsize’ and there was a need to dispose of much of his household furniture as well as a selection of garden furnishing. The contents were advertised for sale as ‘surplus’, and included iron and brass French bedsteads and bedding, chest of drawers, night commode, walnut dining table and 6 dining chairs, a John Broadwood and Sons Cottage Pianoforte. A viewing was available preceding the sale, which was held in the vicarage. A catalogue was available from Mr. W H Swannell’s offices in Rickmansworth, Chesham, and Northwood prior to his conducting of the sale, which took place on Monday 9th October 1899.
Rev. Astley Roberts family
Astley remained unmarried, and therefore had no family of his own. However, he was born into a family where he had six adult brothers and one sister, with whom he kept in contact, as much as was possible in a time when travel was more difficult that it is today. Communication within the family has shown that when there were special family occasions Astley would often be present. (These events have been reliant on researching and discovering them through the online newspaper archives. These are constantly being added too, and obviously all Astley’s movements would not necessarily be widely available and news worthy.) Postal services were now frequent and this would have enabled regular contacts too.
=======================================================================================
Astley Roberts’ brother, sister and niece with a connection with Croxley Green
Dr. John Henry Roberts c1813-1900, Astley’s older brother, at some time after 1891 moved to Croxley Green as a widower with one daughter, Ethel Maude. A probate entry for John Henry records he died on 12th January 1900 at The Hawthorns, New Road, Croxley Green.
Ethel Maude Roberts, his daughter, married Edward Schafer, Professor of Physiology, a widower, living at Little Gillions, whose first wife had died in 1895. They were married by her uncle Rev. Astley Roberts on 10th October 1900, at St Andrews Wells Street, in the Parish of St Marylebone, London. At the time of the marriage Ethel had left Croxley Green and was living at 71 Wells Street just of Oxford Street, London. The couple moved to Berwick on Tweed where Professor Schäfer became distinguished in his work and was knighted in 1913, and known as Sir Edward Albert Sharpey-Schäfer. Edward died in 1935 and Ethel in 1942.
Ethel Maude Sharpey-Schäfer nee Roberts. Rev. Astley Roberts niece.
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Maria Hannah b1821, Maria remained unmarried and lived with her bachelor brother Rev William Roberts after her parents died. William served in Gravesend, Kent, and Northall, near Edlesborough Buckinghamshire, before he was given the incumbency of St. Bartholomew, church Wigginton, near Tring, Hertfordshire.
William married Helen Brooke in 1889 and the1891 census for William, Helen and Maria shows a nurse living with them. Sometime after this, Maria went to live with her brother Rev. Astley Roberts, at the Vicarage, Croxley Green. Maria died in 1897.
Information gathered from
Genealogy websites
Find my past
Ancestry.com
Family Search
My Heritatge
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-church.html
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-consecrated.html
Maria Hannah b1821, Maria remained unmarried and lived with her bachelor brother Rev William Roberts after her parents died. William served in Gravesend, Kent, and Northall, near Edlesborough Buckinghamshire, before he was given the incumbency of St. Bartholomew, church Wigginton, near Tring, Hertfordshire.
William married Helen Brooke in 1889 and the1891 census for William, Helen and Maria shows a nurse living with them. Sometime after this, Maria went to live with her brother Rev. Astley Roberts, at the Vicarage, Croxley Green. Maria died in 1897.
Information gathered from
Genealogy websites
Find my past
Ancestry.com
Family Search
My Heritatge
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-church.html
https://www.croxleygreenhistory.co.uk/all-saints-consecrated.html
