The Parish Magazine March 2021

The Parish Magazine - March 2021 19
feature — 6
Victorian reminiscences from Claude's loft
The Great Exhibition of 1851
Pictures above: Public domain
Even 120 years on I can boast a link to the Victorian era as my father was a
Victorian — just! He was born a fortnight before Queen Victoria died on 21
January 1901, writes Claude Masters from his loft.
His mother was, of course, a true Victorian and was still wearing a long black
mourning dress 40 years later. I can remember her looking rather severe
despite being very kindly.
About 25 years ago my daughter-in-law researched the family trees and I
have a copy of her results. All are on the maternal side and all called ‘Horwood’.
During lockdown I spent some time tidying the roof space of my home and
sorting out a large collection of photographs which includes an album that is
over 100 years old. In this album is one of an elderly couple (the small picture
above right with the daffodils) who were my great great grandparents, William
and June. They were born in 1808 and 1807 and had five boys and three girls.
The soldier (above) is probably one of their sons and the couple with the baby
(left) could be my great grandfather and grandmother. The two ladies (above)
were twins, Blanche and Rose — maiden aunts of my childhood — and were my
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