I do not have any Brett's connected to Little Hadham, but will let you know if I find any.

Lyndsey

Hi

I’ve just begun to trace the family history of my Gt Grandmother. Her name was Ann Brett and she was born in Brent Pelham in 1866.

Her parents were Thomas Brett, born in BP in about 1831 and Jane (maiden name unknown) born in F.P in about 1840. She had four brothers – Charles b.1864, William & George (twins) b.1869 and Robert b.1878, all born in BP.

On the 1881 census Ann is a general servant at the home of James Haywood, a watch maker and jeweller in Fore Street. By 1891 she had married my Gt. Grandfather Benjamin Freeman (born Meesden 1869) and moved to Edmonton.

I’ve been told there are lots of Brett’s buried in the local churchyard and I’m looking forward to coming to look at the parish registers but as I will be coming by public transport, it will have to wait for better weather and longer daylight hours!

Meanwhile I would love to hear about any Brett’s past or present. Also, if any one knows about the Meesden Freeman’s I would be equally delighted to hear from them!

Many thanks

Lyndsey Besemer

Lyndsey

I think we have a connection. I have just sent you and email regarding John and Mary Bayford.

Their son William's (I refrred to in my previous email), daughter married Robert Brett. In 1881 they all lived at Harolds Hall, Brent Pelham. Robert was born in BP.

My Bayford family all originated (as far as I can see) from FP and lived in Barley Croft End.

I would like to hear from you.

Regards

Genia

Hi Genia

Thank you for getting in touch.

Unfortunately I haven't received your message about John and Mary Bayford - can you send it again?

Yes, I can confirm that the Robert Brett you speak of was my 3xGreat uncle. He married Abigail Bayford, daughter of William Bayford and Hannah Clarke. You do not say how you are related to them?

Did you know that Robert's older brother Thomas Brett (b.1833 B.Pelham) married Abigail's younger sister Jane Bayford(b.1844 F.Pelham)?

Do you know the Pelhams at all? Where are/were Harolds Hall and Barley Croft End?(Harolds Hall sounds very posh!). I hope to visit B & F Pelham later this year and it would be nice to see where these places were (or are, if they are still there!).

Regards

Lyndsey

I have not heard of a Harrold`s Hall in Brent Pelham. The nearest I can get is Howlett Hall .I am afraid that this was not very posh as it was demolished c. 1900 and replaced by Laundry Cottage. This has now been extended and renamed Pelham House.
There is , however a Harrolds just over the border in Essex in the parish of Berden. I think that this is the more likely contender. It is only 100 yards or so from the parish boundary with Brent Pelham with which it is well conected by public footpath Which indicates that there was frequent free passage between the two places.
Barleycroft End is part of Furneux Pelham running roughly from the Brewery Tap south towards Albury past what was the Barley Mow. I think this is correct but a resident of Furneux may have a more accurate description.


Ted.

Thanks for that Ted. I look forward to seeing all these places when I visit.

Regards

Lyndsey

Ted

Thanks for the information - on looking at the census again with a better magnifying glass - it is Howlets Hall.

Genia

Catherine

Not sure if this is your John

John Brett born Brent Pelham 1797 died 1861. His 2 brothers David and George linked to the Bayford family. There were numerous siblings, if you know of any names I will see if they are linked in. This John's parents were Joseph Brett and Amelia Drage.

Genia

I have my great grandfather Walter Charles Brett born in Meesden 1865 died 1942. Parent Joseph and Anne and a sister Ada. He was landlord of The George and Dragon in Graveley, Herts.

Pete

Come along on Bayford Day, Saturday 13 th September The Three Horse Shioes Spellbrook Lane East Spellbrook Bishops Stortford CM 22 7SE. Lyndsey and I will both be there. The Brett family is closely linked to us.
Genia