What Does One Do?

 

I have a little book, a Ready Reckoner, dated 1807 which I bought for a few shillings some time ago and realise that I should really sell it on as it is part of someone's tree. The name inside is George WILES, Louth, and at the time of his acquiring it I feel that he was about 13 years of age. My reason for thinking this is that there is a date inside for the year 1823 and on the inside at the back there is written July 28^th 1810. He also wrote, as one does at that age, on the inside. "The Rose is Read, the Grass is green, the days is past That I have seen and when I am dead Go toul the bell and Take This Book and use it well." This has been written several times. Other items of interest are the name Francis SPENCER on the same line as is written Horkstow and another name that might be, although it is difficult to say for sure as it is mixed in with other writings, Martha HOED or HOOD or HOCKNEY. A quick search has turned up George, I think, in the 1881 census. He is aged 71 and born in 1810 which links in to the date in the book and lives with his wife Jane, born Bigby. He was born in Little Carlton and farmed in Ludborough and both of these places are in the Louth Registration District. The name WILES is thought to come from an occupation such as a trapper of fish or especially eels. The Middle English wyle was a wicker trap.

Jayne SUMMERS lives in Telford and has a Lincolnshire ancestry. Her maiden name is ELDRED and through her research has managed to get back to a James at around 1762 in Thurlby. The name ELDRED goes right back to at least 1066 and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The origin of the name is as a counsel either Ealdræd as the old counsel or Ǽoelræd and a noble counsel. If this family is one on your tree then get in touch with Jayne at jasummers@btconnect.com who is waiting with bated keyboard for your email.

 

Bits and Bobs

4th November 1882 - Louth Advertisers - Mr Editor: The object of this letter is to inform you of a curious fact which I think will be interesting to many of your readers. The Sexton of our Church was engaged a day, or two ago, digging a grave in the Churchyard. When at a depth of four feet his spade struck something which repelled it. He at first thought it was a stone, but he discovered the object was round and had a rim of dark colour; in shape something like that of a pudding basin. The Sexton carefully dug around the object and at last succeeded in disclosing a large round vase, of ancient design, more than two inches thick and of a very brown earthy colour. Around the vase were a great many cabalistic signs picturing men in armour etc. The vase must be Roman, from the following inscription in half-worn letters around the rim: ´ITI SAPIS SPOTANDITIS AB IGONE´. The vase has been sent to a Gentleman in Louth interested in antiquarian relics for his opinion. I am, etc J.B., Laceby, 30 Oct 1882.

Where is it now and what was it?