I have an ancestor, Sarah Ellis (nee Hall), born in London who moved to Elstead and is recorded on the 1851 Census as a lace worker. Sarah and her husband John migrated from Elstead to Geelong Victoria Australia as free settlers.
Last September, I attended the funeral of my late Mum's first Cousin. His son held the wake (family gathering) at Elstead Mill public house and was completely unaware of the family connection.
I discreetly took a few pictures.
Elstead Mill plaque. Taken September 2014
Elstead Mill - with the wheel still working! - Taken September 2014
The original brickwork at Elstead Mill. Taken September 2014There was something very special about standing in a room, watching a wheel turn not just with the nineteenth century technology, but knowing that Sarah Ellis and had watched this exact wheel turn in this exact spot more than 160 years ago.
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What a lovely connection to have. It looks like a beautiful building. I enjoy family research too although haven't done any for a while. I did into Ancestry.com periodically and do a bit of playing occassionally. Most of my family roots are in the UK but my father's people came out from there to Australia in 1910 and my mother can trace back their history in Australia back to the early 1800s so its a bit hard to get photos of special places. Yours are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThis is a building with such a history. We don't have many places in the U.S. that can claim what this mill does. This was well worth documenting for your "E" post.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Good to see the mill is still there and you have a connection with it.
ReplyDeletehttp://spudsdailyphoto.blogspot.co.uk/
Love the pics! This looks like a great place to visit. New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge, and I look forward to visiting again!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com
Lovely post, and wondering if you're going to continue in the A to Z Challenge? Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteLisa, yes the posts have all been scheduled - will check why they have not published.
DeleteHello, fellow A-To-Z-er! Love the pictures in this one- and the fact that the arrangements for the wake had been made without knowledge of any family connection! Great!
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