Born: 23 July 1871; Camberwell, Surrey
Parents: Samuel Beckwith
Elizabeth Ellen Kemsley
Christened: 3 September 1871; St Dunstan's church, Stepney
Married: Ellen Jane Seager
3 May 1891
Children: Nathaniel
Albert William
Lily
George Frederick
Margaret Louisa
Frank Wilfred
James Edward
William
Died: 1 March 1944; Lewisham Hospital
Nathaniel Beckwith was born on 23 July 1871, the sixth of Samuel and Elizabeth Beckwith's ten children. He was christened on 3 September 1871 at St Dunstan's church, Stepney. His father, Samuel, was a blacksmith. The home address was 34 Warrior Road, Camberwell.
He went to Leipsic Road School, Camberwell from 2 July 1877. The admissions register gives his birthday as 23 June 1871. His younger sister, Amy, was also in the same register. Their home address was still 34 Warrior Road.
Having missed the 1871 census by a whisker, Nathaniel appears in the 1881 census as a scholar living at 2 Hollington Street, Camberwell with his parents and six siblings, including a two week old sister yet to be named.
By the age of 14, Nathaniel's life was heading in the wrong direction. He was caught stealing from a house in Beresford Street, Walworth.
The South London Press reported the incident on 2 January 1886:
YESTERDAY
A BOY HOUSEBREAKER
Nathaniel Beckwith (14), living in Westmacott-street, was charged before Mr. Chance with being concerned, with another not in custody, in breaking and entering the house 153, Beresford-street, Walworth, between the 28th and 29th December, and stealing six ulsters, a coat, tea-pot, and other articles, the property of Richard John Hayward.
The prosecutor stated that he left the house locked up, and afterwards, from certain information received, he returned, and found that it had been broken open, and property mentioned in the charge stolen.
Detective Thick, of the P Division, said he examined the premises, and found that an entry had been effected by the back door being forced off the hinges. He made inquiries, and from what he ascertained he went to the house where the prisoner was living, in Westmacott-street, Camberwell. He told the prisoner he would be charged with breaking into the house and stealing property. He replied, "I admit breaking into the house between 9 and 10 o'clock, but I only stole five ulsters, a teapot, and spoons." He asked him what had become of the property, and he replied, "I decline to tell you, or who my pals are. I'd rather be hanged by the neck than round on my pals." At the station he said a man named "Jim" had the property, but he did not know where he lived.
Mr. Chance (to prisoner) : Are you willing to give any information?
Prisoner : No, I don't wish.
Mr. Chance remanded the prisoner.
A couple of days later, the Western Mail ran the same story on 4 January 1886 under the headline "A BOY HOUSEBREAKER. A HARDENED RASCAL"
An ulster was a Victorian working daytime overcoat, with a cape and sleeves.
Nathaniel was sentenced to "one calendar month hard labour and five years in a Reformatory" at the General Quarter Session at St Mary Newington on 18 January 1886.
The Surrey, England, Calendar of Prisoners shows that Nathaniel's partner in crime, 19 year old Alfred Richard Groves, had been caught and also stood trial with him. Nathaniel served his initial, one month sentence in Wandsworth Prison.
Reformatory schools were set up in 1854 for offenders under 16 years old. These were very tough places, with stiff discipline enforced by frequent beatings. Young people were sent there for long sentences - usually several years. However, a young offender normally still began their sentence with a brief spell in an adult prison. [Source: The National Archives]. Further detailed information on reformatory schools can be seen at Peter Higginbotham's Children's Homes website.
On 18 October 1888, well within his five year period in a reformatory school, Nathaniel enlisted in the Royal Engineers. His profession was noted to be a "plumber's labourer". Question 9 on the Attestation paper is interesting. It reads: Have you ever been sentenced to Imprisonment by the Civil Power? Nathaniel answered "No". Had he been shipped out of the reformatory school into the army in order to learn some discipline, it could surely be assumed that they knew where he had come from. The opposite scenario then comes to mind, that Nathaniel was running away. It has to be noted though that the form was filled in by the recruiting officer, who could have just rattled through the questions and wrote automatic answers without waiting to hear the actual reply. Nathaniel just had to sign his name, which he did in a somewhat shaky hand.
On enlistment, the following description of him was recorded:
Age physically equivalent to: 18 years (in October 1888, he was really 17)
Height: 5 feet 5 inches
Weight: 124 lbs
Chest Measurement: 34 inches
Complexion: Fair
Eyes: Grey
Hair: Dark brown
Religious Denomination: C of England
He was covered in distinctive marks:
"Jack ashore". G Collier. Dog. "To my love" Bird left forearm. "Jack ashore with sailor playing a fiddle on barrel of rum". H Parsons. F Hart. R Groves, Flowers, Flags. Heart & arrow ?? right forearm.
How did he find time to have all those tattoos inked on his arms, considering he had been in the reformatory school for the previous four years? This adds credence to the thought he managed to escape and had been living low for a while. The inclusion of "R Groves" is worth noting, seeing as his fellow convict during the 1885 robbery was Alfred Richard Groves. When he said "I'd rather be hanged by the neck than round on my pals", perhaps all the authorities had to do was read his arms to find out his pals names, so maybe his tattoos were there by the time he reached the age of 14. Or possibly, the names were of past loves, added over the passing of time. R Groves may have been related to Alfred.
Attested as a Driver on 10 October 1888, Nathaniel was initially posted to Aldershot on 18 October 1888. The following year, he transferred to Shorncliffe Barracks in Kent. While there, he spent six days in hospital from 13 January 1890 with influenza, a mild attack in a larger epidemic. Later in the year, he returned to the hospital for a ten day stay from 29 October 1890 to be treated for an (or the) 'itch' and he returned with the same complaint for a further 16 days from 25 February 1891. This could have been connected to the Army Itch that blighted soldiers in the American Civil War of the 1860s, possibly the term crossing the Atlantic during the intervening years, if not the actual disease itself.
Nathaniel remained at Shorncliffe on 5 April 1891, the night of the census. Still a Driver in the Royal Engineers, he was shown to be single. Within a month, his status had changed.
Shorncliffe Barracks are situated close to Cheriton, Kent, where Nathaniel married Ellen Jane Seager at the local parish church on 3 May 1891, as evidenced in later army records.
After his marriage, Nathaniel's army life started to unravel. Just over two weeks after the wedding, he forfeited one penny (1d) of pay on 20 May 1891. Two months later it was noted that he had deserted on 20 July 1891. The next the army hears of him is on 15 May 1893, when he had been taken into civil custody.
It took a while for the records to catch up with events, as the Woolwich Gazette had already published details of Nathaniel's arrest on Friday 21 April 1893.
BURGLARY AT A BROCKLEY RAILWAY STATION.
At the Greenwich Police-court on Saturday, Nathaniel Beckwith, 22, labourer, of 44, Kneller-road, Brockley, and Walter Thomas, 22, well sinker, of 12, Brookbank-road, Lewisham, were charged with being concerned in a burglary at Crofton Park Railway Station, L.C.&D. Railway, Brockley, at 3.45 that morning, and stealing 14s. 4d. the money of the Railway Company.
P.-c. 572 P, stated that that morning he was passing the Crofton Park Railway Station, Brockley, when he noticed a light flickering in the booking office window, and in company with another constable, 303 P, went to the front of the station. They heard sounds of scuffling in the booking office. Witness went round to the back of the station, and the other constable remained at the front. Presently he saw two men come out of the window to the water closet, get on to the roof and jump down into the Brockley-road. He heard a police whistle blown from the upline, and on running there found Beckwith in custody of P.-c. 303, and took him to Lewisham Police Station. Witness afterwards found a screw driver on the railway line close to the spot where Beckwith was caught, and on going back to the railways station he found the booking office and clerks' office doors had been forced, the marks corresponding with the screw driver produced. Two drawers in the clerks' office had been forced open, and a safe had been tampered with but not opened. The station had been entered by the water closet window by which the men got out. The prisoner Thomas was arrested at Beckwith's house, where he was found with Beckwith's wife. Witness could not swear to Thomas being one of the men, but he was dressed like one of the men who ran out of the station.
P.-c. Williamson, 303 P, gave evidence as to seeing two men get out of a window at the railway station. He followed them for about a mile across some ploughed fields in the direction of the Brighton Railway, and caught Beckwith, who fell, witness falling on top of him. If Beckwith had not stumbled, he would have been run over by a goods train which was approaching on the railway. When searched 14s. 4d. was found on Beckwith. Witness was not sure about Thomas being the second man.
The prisoner Beckwith said that Thomas had no hand in the robbery, and was quite innocent.
Mr. Marsham remanded the prisoners.
The Woolwich Gazette of Friday 19 May 1893 picks up the next episode.
THE BROCKLEY RAILWAY ROBBERY
At the County of London Sessions on Tuesday, before Sir Peter Edlin, Nathaniel Beckwith, 22, labourer, of 44, Kneller-road, Brockley, and Walter Thomas, 22, well-sinker, of 12 Brookbank-road, Lewisham, were indicted for burglariously breaking into the Crofton Park railway station, at Brockley, on the L.C.&D. Railway, and stealing 14s. 4d., the money of the Company. The robbery was committed on the night of the 14th April. It will be remembered that two police-constables discovered the thieves at work, that the latter jumped from a window and made off, that Beckwith was caught after being chased for a mile, and that Thomas was subsequently arrested at Beckwith's house. At the magisterial hearing Thomas denied that he was one of the men concerned in the robbery, and Beckwith supported him in this statement. Now, at the trial, Beckwith pleaded guilty, and went into the witness box to give evidence on Thomas's behalf, swearing that Thomas was not with him. The jury were, however, fully satisfied with the evidence for the prosecution, and found both prisoners guilty. Three previous convictions were found against Thomas, one being for house-breaking, and he was sent to prison for three years. Beckwith, who was a deserter from the Royal Engineers, was committed for seven months. Sir Peter Edlin complimented Detective-sergeant Pollard (Lewisham), P.-c. Williamson, 303, and P.-c. Baxter, 372, all of the P division, upon the energy and skill they had shown in the case.
Around the time of Nathaniel's arrest, he and Ellen became parents for the first time. The birth of their son, Nathaniel, was registered during the months of April, May or June 1893. His death was registered a year later, before he reached his first birthday.
Nathaniel was to miss most of his son's short life, as, once his prison term of seven months had ended, he was returned to the army at Aldershot. Their records continued after noting on 15 May 1893 that he was in civil custody.
To be imprisoned with H.L. [hard labour] for 7 months for Theft - 16 May 1893 to 15.12.93
Undergoing sentence - 16 May 1893
Rejoined from desertion and Awaiting trial * - Rank: Driver - 15 Dec 1893
* Handed over by civil power
Tried by D.C.M. and sentenced to 56 days ???? for desertion - Rank: Driver - 21 Dec 1893
All prior service forfeited on conviction of desertion
Service towards limited engagement reckons from 21.12.93
[The entry "Returned to duty - Rank: Driver - 15 Feb 93" has been struck through. The year '93' must be an error and should have been '94']
Discharged - Rank: Driver - 14 Feb 94
Nathaniel's Military History Sheet paints a slightly better story, stating his service ran from 10.10.88 to 14.2.94, a total of 5 years and 128 days. Unfortunately, further down the page the Cause of Discharge is summed up as "being incorrigible and worthless". Curiously, his next of kin was noted to be his father, Samuel Beckwith of 55 Westmacott Street, Camberwell, not his wife Ellen.
Back in civvy street, Nathaniel and Ellen continued to have more babies. Another son, Albert William, was born in 1895, his birth being registered in the June quarter. (His mother's maiden name has a slight typo).
Lily was born on 10 August 1897 (date taken from the registration of her death)
and the two children were christened together at St John the Divine church, Kennington on 3 November 1897. The church seems to be affiliated with St Michael and All Angels, Camberwell. Nathaniel was working as a Labourer again and the family were living at 11 Victoria Mansions, which was in Camberwell.
Incidentally, long after Nathaniel and his family had moved out, brothers Charlie and Eddie Richardson were born in Victoria Mansions (in 1934 and 1936 respectively), founder members of the Richardson Gang, who terrorised 1960s London in opposition to the Krays.
Nathaniel's brother, George Thomas Beckwith, died in St. Thomas's hospital, London on Friday 12 August 1898. This death was splashed across the national newspapers, as the story of the man accused of George's manslaughter was reported as far north as Durham.
An inquest held on Tuesday 16 August 1898 established that George had been drinking in the Beresford Arm's in Farmers Road, Camberwell with Henry Howe and some other men, on Saturday 6 August 1898. A whip-maker came into the pub, carrying a bundle of rushes. He offered to “earn an honest penny” by making a whip from a rush in a quarter of an hour. George, who had been sitting on a table, swung his legs round and kicked over the basket containing the rushes. Henry Howe tried to reason with George, saying, “Now then, George, why don't you let the man earn an honest penny for a living? You have earned yours.” George, who was not sober, punched Henry on the jaw, who hit back. As the fight escalated, the landlord threw them out. On the street outside, George persisted with continuing the fight. There were several witnesses called to the inquest, so a crowd must have gathered around, probably having followed them out from the pub. The two men took off their coats, sparred for a bit then closed in on each other, both falling to the ground. As Henry picked himself up, a voice from the crowd shouted to him to walk away, which he attempted to do. George was having none of it and, having pulled himself up, launched himself at Henry again and the fight continued. Again, they fell down. Henry detached himself and walked away. George didn't follow this time though, as he lay unconscious on the ground.
A man picked him up, carried him home and laid him on the couch. George's wife, Mary Ann, left him there to sleep, as she thought he was drunk. At 7.30 the following morning, she woke him and, after she bathed a cut over his left eye, he went upstairs to bed. He stayed at home the next day, but attempted to return to work on Tuesday 9 August 1898. After a couple of hours, he had such a bad pain in his head he had to go home, where he remained until seeking medical help on Thursday 11 August 1898 at St Thomas's Hospital. He was admitted and died there the next day, on his 29th birthday, Friday 12 August 1898 from a haemorrhage on the brain, following a fracture of the skull. Dr Hall, the house surgeon at St Thomas's, thought this could have been caused by a blow or a fall, most probably the fall.
Henry Howe stood trial for George's manslaughter in September 1898. No evidence was offered and the charge was discharged.
George was often noted to be a bricklayer's labourer in the newspaper reports. Three years later, Nathaniel (who has nearly always been referred to as a labourer) was also called a bricklayer's labourer in the 1901 census. The brothers seem to have lived in the same area and it is very feasible that they may have worked together. Nathaniel may even have been present when George attempted to return to work just days before his death.
The death of his brother in such violent circumstances must have had an impact on Nathaniel, who was less than 24 months younger than George. He could have attended the inquest and even the trial of Henry Howe. Luckily, there are no newspaper reports, or other documents, indicating that Nathaniel and/or any other members of the family, attempted to harm Henry after his acquittal. In fact, Henry was living at an address in Wyndham Road in the 1901 census, just along the road from Nathaniel, so it is possible they would have moved in the same circles.
The electoral register of 1899 shows Nathaniel still living at 11 Victoria Mansions, Wyndham Road.
The next baby born to the family after Nathaniel's brother George Thomas's death was named George Frederick Beckwith, born on 23 December 1899 (date taken from the registration of his death). The registration of George's birth is a classic example of a registration taking place in the month following the birth and, where a December birthday is concerned, tipping over into the next year
The electoral register of 1900 still showed Nathaniel at 11 Victoria Mansions, Wyndham Road.
George was christened in Doddington, Kent on 15 April 1900. Doddington is the parish where Ellen's father was born and where he and his family were living in the 1901 census.
The three surviving children of Nathaniel and Ellen were living with their parents in the 1901 census in number 11 of 12 tenements in Victoria Mansions, Camberwell.
Six months later, Margaret Louisa was born on 2 October 1901 in Camberwell and was christened on 17 April 1902 at St John the Divine, Kennington.
Frank Wilfred was Nathaniel and Ellen's next son, born in 1903.
Frank was christened on 26 August 1903 at St John the Divine, Kennington. The family continued to live at 11 Victoria Mansions, Camberwell.
The next baby was another son, James Edward born on 19 September 1905. Within the next six months, his two year old brother Frank Wilfred's death was registered.
Nathaniel and Ellen's eighth and last child, William, was born on 13 January 1908. He was christened on 8 April 1908 at St John the Divine, Kennington. The full address reminds us again that Victoria Mansions were situated in Wyndham Road.
In the 13 years since Nathaniel left the army, it looks as if he settled into family life, with the 1901 census and each child's christening endorsing the thought that he had settled down to an honest working routine as a labourer. Maybe he had learnt his lesson and ceased thieving, but he hadn't matured with age. Nathaniel made the papers again on Friday 30 April 1909.
The SOUTH LONDON PRESS, Friday, April 30, 1909
WALWORTH CONSTABLE INJURED.
Nathaniel Beckwith, a Camberwell labourer, was charged with being drunk and disorderly, and causing bodily harm to P.C. Burden, a Walworth police officer.-Samuel Henry Beckwith, a plumber, said to be a brother of the other prisoner, was charged with being concerned with him in the assault upon the constable, and Ellen Beckwith, the wife of the first-named prisoner, was charged with obstructing the police in the execution of their duty.-P.C. Henderson stated that at 10 minutes past one o'clock on Sunday morning he found a large crowd in Royal-road, Kennington Park. P.C. Burden was holding Nathaniel Beckwith. Samuel Beckwith was endeavouring to pull Nathaniel Beckwith away from the constable, and the woman had her arms locked around the officer's throat. He pulled Samuel and Ellen Beckwith away, and arrested them, but in the struggle Samuel Beckwith got away. Afterwards Samuel Beckwith came to the police station to inquire what the woman was charged with, and he was then also charged. Both the woman and Samuel Beckwith were sober, but Nathaniel Beckwith was drunk.-Dr. G. N. Henry, divisional surgeon, said he was called to the Carter-street police station, and saw P.C. Burden, who was suffering with pain in the abdomen, where he said he had been kicked. The officer complained of feeling sick, and was shaky and pale. There were two superficial abrasions on the index and middle fingers of the right hand, where the officer said he had been bitten. The constable was unable to attend the court that morning.-Mr. Hopkins directed a remand. The woman was released on her own recognisances, and the magistrate accepted bail for the male prisoners-one surety in £20 for each.
The South London Press follows up the story two weeks later (where Ellen is indicated to be Samuel's wife in error).
Friday, May 7,1909
ROYAL-ROAD ROW.
Nathaniel Beckwith, labourer, was charged on remand with being disorderly and causing bodily harm to P.C. Burder, L 140; Samuel Henry Beckwith, said to be a brother, was charged with being concerned in the assault, and Ellen Beckwith, wife of the latter, was charged with obstructing the officer in the execution of his duty.-P.C. Burder stated that at one o'clock on the morning of April 25 he saw a crowd in Royal-road, Kennington Park. Nathaniel Beckwith was behaving in a disorderly manner, and when asked to go away he made use of an obscene expression. Someone in the crowd shouted out, "He's only a youngster; go for him," and Nathaniel Beckwith made a blow at him. He closed with Nathaniel, and they both fell to the ground. Nathaniel then kicked him in the stomach, and bit him on the hand. They got up, and Samuel Beckwith tried to pull his brother away, and struck the witness in the chest with his fist. Ellen Beckwith put her arms around his throat, and pulled him backwards. He blew his whistle, and P.C.Henderson came up and pulled Ellen and Samuel Beckwith away. On the way to the station Nathaniel Beckwith threw P.C. Stone and witness to the ground, and again kicked the witness in the stomach.-Mr. Danger, who defended, cross-examined the officer with the view of showing that his injuries were accidentally sustained in the struggle.-Mr. Sanders, who prosecuted, in asking that Nathaniel Beckwith should be sent for trial, and assaults on the police were increasing both in number and severity.-Mr. Hopkins committed Nathaniel Beckwith for trial, offering to accept bail, fined Samuel Beckwith £5, and discharged Ellen Beckwith.
Nathaniel appeared in Court on 13 May 1909, having surrendered himself ten days after the issue of a warrant on 3 May 1909. He was accused of "Assulting John Burden, a Metropolitian police constable, in the execution of his duty, and assulting him and thereby occasioning him actual bodily harm." His case was postponed until the next Session.
We next pick up the family two years later in the 1911 census, where we learn that the 19 year marriage of Nathaniel and Ellen had resulted in a family of eight children, six of whom were still living, two having died.
The next document Nathaniel appears on is his son Albert's marriage certificate. Albert married Isabella Emma Tudor (the widow of Albert John Eacott) on 25 December 1919. No occupation is recorded for Nathaniel, so it may be that he was still unfit for work. Albert was living at 112 Vassall Road, the same road in which the church, St John the Divine, Kennington, was located. One of the witnesses was the groom's uncle, Robert Edward Beckwith, Nathaniel's youngest brother.
Nathaniel remained at 17 Mostyn Terrace after Albert moved to Vassall Road, as he was living there in 1920, with his married sister, Sarah Worton and her husband Henry. Also in residence with them was Harriett Mason. Ellen was almost definitely out of Nathaniel's life, although no registration of her death has been found.
Nathaniel's son, James Edward, turned 21 in 1926, rendering him eligible to vote and therefore to appear in the electoral register, but he is not registered at home with his father.
Nathaniel's sister Sarah Worton moved with her husband and their niece, Grace Lilian to 12 Loughborough Park, Norwood in 1933. The Oxlade's had also moved out, with their son Peter who was born in 1929, leaving Nathaniel at 17 Mostyn Terrace with his children. Two couples, the McGregor's and the Pass's had moved in. It looks as if Nathaniel was taking in lodgers to make up for the lack of paying relatives. As the years passed by, lodgers with different names appeared annually.
Nathaniel's son William had moved out of the family home by 1935. Although why he left is not known, it was not to get married as his wedding was not until 1939.
Margaret Louisa married in 1935 and had also moved out of Mostyn Terrace.
Five of their six surviving children were living with Nathaniel and Ellen at 21 Elfine Road, Camberwell. Lily was with her Seager grandparents in Kent. After living at Victoria Mansions for a good 14 years, the family of five males and two females were now in a three roomed dwelling (excluding the bathroom, if there was one). Elfin (minus the final 'e') Road runs north off of Wyndham Road, parallel to Farmers Road, where Nathaniel's brother George fought with Henry Howe.
From approximately 1911 to 1914, Nathaniel worked for T Coulthard in Eaton Terrace, Pimlico, in the General Clothing industry.
Nathaniel stood in line on 6 September 1914 at the local recruiting office in Camberwell and enlisted back into the army. His records are badly scorched and are difficult to read, but there are some useful snippets of information. The damage was inflicted due to fire caused by an incendiary bomb in September 1940 at the War Office Record Store in Arnside Street, London. Approximately two thirds of 6.5 million soldiers documents from the First World War were destroyed. Those records which survived were mostly charred or water damaged and became known as the 'burnt documents'. The surviving records were the subject of a large microfilming programme designed to capture as much information as possible from these fragile documents. Luckily Nathaniel's were amongst those that escaped the worst of the fire.
The papers show that he was a 'labourer' and was recorded to be 34 years and 44 days old. He was actually 43 years old, but the 44 days are consistent with his birthday being on 23 July. Nathaniel answered that 'yes', he was married and 'yes', he was willing to be vaccinated or re-vaccinated, but when it came to his past history, the answers were 'no', he had not been imprisoned and 'no', he had not served in the army before. And 'yes', he had truly stated the whole, if any, of his [previous] service!
Another surprise is revealed on the next page. It can just be read at the top of the page that he was posted in September 1914. It didn't take him long to get into trouble and on 16 February 1915 he forfeited '6 days pay for absence'. From November 1915 until 17 February 1917, he was a part of the newly formed 179th Tunnelling Co in the Royal Engineers. Nathaniel was 'discharged-no longer physically fit for War Service' on 18 July 1917.
The third page records that Nathaniel was in France from 28 July 1915 - 17 February 1917 and was 'Home' until his discharge. His next of kin are also listed on this page, who are named as "Wife, Ellen. Boys James, William 2. Girls Marie 1" As noted further down, where his children's names, dates and places of birth are written, the one girl was not Marie, but Margaret. This list probably represents only the children who were still living at home, as Lily, Alfred William and George Frederick have been completely omitted. Margaret Louisa was born on 2 October 1901 in Camberwell St George; James Edward was born on 19 September 1905 at Camberwell North and; William was born on 13 January 1908 also at Camberwell North.
The fourth page expands on his time in England in 1917. He spent the period previously described as 'Home' in Military Hospitals in Sheffield and Hull.
Whilst in France, he was admitted to hospital once, on 14 November 1916 for 29 days. A partially burned page suggests on "admission he was depressed emotional & ......... there was tremor of both arms, he [compl]ained of headache, giddiness and disturbed ...... His condition improved with rest......"
Nathaniel's transfer is better detailed on the next page, which shows he originally joined the 10th battalion of the Essex regiment. He was "desirous of being transferred from [unreadable but presumed to say '10th Bn Essex'] ..... In the Field for the purpose of being mustered as a Tunneller's mate for the Duration of the War." He was finally recognised as being 44 years old.
A document relating to Nathaniel's discharge shows he was assigned to the Royal Engineers 179th Tunnelling Company. They were responsible for digging the Lochnagar mine, an underground explosive charge that was detonated on 1 July 1916, the first day of the Battle of the Somme. The sound from the Lochnagar mine blast was considered the loudest man made noise in history (to that point), with some reports suggesting it had been heard in London. Captain Stanley Bullock described the conditions of the work:
The address Nathaniel was discharged to was 17 Moyston [also written as W Moston, below] Terrace, Brixton, London, the home of his son, A[lbert William] Beckwith, who, having been omitted from the previous list of family, was now named as his next of kin. In fact, 17 Mostyn Terrace, Brixton was Nathaniel's mother's home in the 1911 census, when her sons John Albert and Robert Edward and daughter Sarah Emily were living with her with their families. Any mention of Ellen has fallen away from Nathaniel's army records.
Nathaniel continued to live at 17 Mostyn Terrace until 1937. In 1938 his address changed to 125 Lothian Road.
His daughter Margaret Louisa and son, William, appear in the 1929 electoral register due to them being over 21 (i.e. old enough to vote). Also appearing in 1929 was Nathaniel's 22 year old niece, Grace Lilian Beckwith. Her father was Nathaniel's brother, John Albert, who lived at 17 Mostyn Terrace in the 1911 census. John died in France in 1918, Grace's mother having died in 1916. Harry Oxlade was the husband of Gladys Sarah Oxlade, Sarah and Henry Worton's daughter.
(Incidentially, James Edward surfaces in the electoral registers in 1932, living at 195c Albion Road, Stoke Newington with Charles Edward and Ellen Aylward. Was he living with his mum?)
Finally, it was Nathaniel's turn to move out of 17 Mostyn Terrace. At the age of 67 he moved alone to 125 Lothian Road, Brixton. The abundance of individual names in the 1938 electoral register (with the exception of just one couple, the Waghorn's, who had two children aged about 9 and 10) suggests this was a house of multiple occupancy.
Nathaniel died on 1 March 1944 in Lewisham Hospital. The cause of death was "1(a) Secondary deposits (b) Carcinoma of larynx". His son, Albert William, was the informant, who registered the death on the same day. Albert was by now living about 20 miles away from the hospital at 7 Locarno Road, Greenford, Middlesex, so probably attended to the registration before returning home. Nathaniel's home address had been at 24 Blagdon Road, Lewisham. To the very end, he was a General Labourer.
Carcinoma of the larynx, also referred to as laryngeal cancer, can be caused by exposure to wood dust, soot or coal dust, coal as a fuel source or paint fumes. From looking at Nathaniel's life, his labouring occupations could have placed him in the vicinity of many of these and his tunnelling in the First World War surely would not have helped. The combination of heavy drinking and smoking places a person at risk as well, especially men over 40. We already know that Nathaniel was arrested whilst he was drunk and it can well be imagined that he was fond of a drink. Although none of the records can help to confirm or deny whether Nathaniel was a heavy smoker, it is thought-provoking to read on the Cancer Research UK website that the "risk of cancer increases the longer you smoke and the more cigarettes smoked per day. One study shows that people who smoke more than 25 cigarettes a day or for more than 40 years have about 40 times the risk of laryngeal cancer than a non smoker". Finally, a poor diet can also contribute to the causes.
The green pointer on this map shows the middle of Wyndham Road. Running north just left of the 'W' is Elfin Road, moving further west is Farmers Road (under the 'D' of the word Divine) and joining these two roads together at the top of Elfin Road is Warrior Road. All of these locations are mentioned in the narrative above. This map is taken from Charles Booth's poverty maps. The blue enveloping Elfin Road denotes a poor area, '18s. to 21s. a week for a moderate family'. The inhabitants of the burgundy coloured areas fared better with the legend describing them as 'mixed. Some comfortable others poor'. Finally, the red/white shading describes living conditions that were 'fairly comfortable. Good ordinary earnings'.
No comments:
Post a Comment