Thomas Watson, furniture broker, c1804 - 20 November 1876

 

Thomas seems to have done very well for himself.  Hengate looks like the posh end of town being peopled by several ‘proprietors of houses’ a justice of the peace, bankers, article clerks and tradesmen such as jewellers and butlers.  Several households have domestic servants.  I wonder how Thomas felt about his daughter marrying an Irish immigrant who worked as a labourer!  After Thomas died his wife, Ann, moved to Providence Cottage in Norwood across the junction from Hengate where she lived with one of her grandsons, Walter, a general labourer.

 

The 1857 Post Office Directory of North and East Riding Yorkshire lists “Thomas Watson, furniture dealer, Hengate” on page 1184.  The Pigot’s 1822 directory lists John Watson, Fleming-gate” under Joiners on page 593, I wonder if this is Thomas’ dad.

 

The White Horse pub was there during the 1861 census run by Francis Burwell who was also a saddler.  But it is several listings away from the Watson household, which itself is the last household in Hengate before the census moves on to Norwood.  Today the White Horse is at the end of Hengate at the rather large junction with Manor Road, New Walkergate and Norwood, so perhaps some houses, including the Watsons, have been knocked down to enlarge the junction. 

 

 

South Side of Hengate with White Horse pub,

December 2007

Coach house, north side of Hengate

December 2007

 

Thomas died 20th November 1876 and was buried in Coronation Gardens Cemetery on North Bar Within in Beverley on 23 November.  Ann died on 27th February 1898 and was buried in her husbands grave.  The rather grand grave is undisturbed at the back of the gardens. 

 

This one

 

 

The inscription on the headstone reads:

“In affectionate remembrance of Thomas Watson who died November 20th 1876 aged 72 years

also Ann wife of the above who died Feb 27th 1898 aged 92 years.  Her end was peace.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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