Esther Charlotte Fry [f.3.1.3]

Esther Charlotte Fry was the third child of Anne Fry & William Fry born May 17th, 1852 at Lingfield, Surrey.

Esther's birth certificate

In 1861 Esther was living with her parents & brothers & sisters at Dennetts Rd, Deptford, Greenwich.

In 1871 Esther was a kitchen maid for Julie & Thomas Sampson, a land owner & farmer of 700 acres at Moor Hall, Ninfield, Sussex.

By 1881 Esther had become a housemaid at Sackville College in Church St, East Grinstead. The College which dates from 1609 provides sheltered accommodation for the elderly.

Esther married Thomas Knight in July-September 1882, the marriage being registered at East Grinstead, Sussex. Thomas was christened July 15th, 1838 at Lingfield, Surrey, the son of Jane & John Knight. Thomas had previously been married to Amy Skinner, the daughter of Susannah Skinner. Thomas & Amy had several children before Amy died at the age of 28 in April-June 1874.

In 1891 Esther & Thomas were living at Tilkhurst Farm, East Grinstead & Thomas was a bailiff. The master of Tilkhurst Farm was W. R. Price, ship owner of Manchester, who was also at the farm at the time of the census. Esther & Thomas had 3 children – Thomas (6), Edith (4) & Gilbert (3 months). There was also a general servant.

In 1901 Thomas had become an inn keeper & he & Esther were living at the Gate Inn at Ifield, Horsham, Sussex. Their 3 children were still at home, eldest son Thomas being a groom. Living with them was 46 year old Catherine Fry, Esther’s younger sister, who was a laundry maid. There was also a boarder, George Browning, a farm worker.

Thomas died Oct-December 1910, aged 72, the death being registered at Horsham, Sussex.

In 1911 widowed Esther was living at 2 Waterloo Villas, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham with her son Gilbert who was a farm labourer. There was also a boarder, 45 year old Florence Howle.

Esther died on May 12th, 1914, aged 62, at Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, Sussex. Administration of her will was granted on July 21st, 1914 to son Thomas Charles Knight, carman. Her effects amounted to £95.2s.5d.

The children of Esther Charlotte Fry & Thomas Knight were:

f.3.1.3.1 Thomas Charles Knight born July-September 1884 at East Grinstead, Sussex
f.3.1.3.2 Edith Esther Knight born July-September 1886 at East Grinstead, Sussex
f.3.1.3.3 Gilbert John Knight born Jan-March 1891 at East Grinstead, Sussex