I visited Minchinhampton this month, first time in 40 years. I didn't remember the town, but I recognised the graves of my relatives from a photo my father took those years ago. If I can find the original photo, I will try and reconstruct what it said on the tombs. One is Anne Sheppard, the one on the left. I think that my father's aunts, Minnie and Bobo (probably not their real names) were buried there too.
There is still a Sheppard Way in Minchinhampton (but I didn't find that). There used to be lots of plaques in the church, but they were taken down many years ago. I didn't get to go in, but it was still interesting and strangely moving to see the graves of these long-ago relatives.
More info on Minchinhampton on their Parish website: http://community.stroud.gov.uk/general.asp?pgid=122&pid=5
Hi
ReplyDeleteI'm researching a First World War group photograph and part of what I'm doing is tracing where all 46 men in the photograph came from, in particular in terms of their ancestors. One of the men pictured was George Bertrand Coote (1896-1918). He was the grandson of Philip Charles Sheppard (1812-1878) and the great-grandson of Philip Sheppard (1766-1838) who was forced to sell Gatcombe Park as a result of his extravagant life-style. From my research I have found that the latter Philip Sheppard married Elizabeth Lee in Bristol in 1799 and had two sons, Edward (1801-1894) and Philip Charles, as above. I'm trying to find out more about the story of Philip Sheppard (1766-1838) and his wife Elizabeth - in particular where and when she died. Do you have anything about them in your collection of material about the family? I'd be very grateful for any help you can give me. Further background about my project can be found at www.groupphoto.co.uk, and you can email me direct at andrew@groupphoto.co.uk.
Looking forward to hearing from you,
Andrew
My mother's grandfather was George Sheppard who was mayor of Tewkesbury according to family tradition. I have found a reference to a George Sheppard who was mayor of Tewkesbury for one day in 1841. He was, apparently 25 at the time, so this would make him possibly son of Philip. (I'll have to get hold of a birth certificate for George, 1816) Someone told us that the family came from Minchinhampton. This George when he died told his wife that he was leaving her plenty of money and she would never want for anything. In fact it all disappeared and 3 lawyers who were supposed to be investigating it 'committed suicide', or were killed. There is even a ghost story about one of the lawyers coming back. My mother is not sure if it was George or his father but one of them married a very young wife when he was an old man and she left him and the baby, and went back to 'Stroud area'. We think it must have been George's father, but we are not sure about this. It explains why there are so few generations though.
ReplyDeletePS. Carrie, I'm doing this on a Blackberry so am not able to take everything in but I see that you are a writer and musician. I am also a professional writer. The link with theatre is interesting too, as, amongst other things, I am writing scripts. Dying to talk to you!
ReplyDeleteCarrie, I'm slightly worried that you may have misconstrued my comment about the money and the lawyers. I hope you didn't think I was out to try and recover money! My motivation is to meet anyone related to me, and to find out more about the history. I'd love to see those two 19th century volumes written about the family for instance, and I'd be most interested to meet you. Pippa :)
ReplyDeleteMy 3rd great grandmother was Anne Sheppard born about 1700 in Frome, Somerset, England. Died Apr 12 1861 in Rode Somersef, England. She married Thomas Whitaker Ledyard June 12, 1800 in From. I was wondering if you knew anything on that part of the Sheppard family. Looking for stories, pics, etc. She was the daughter of William Sheppard and Ann Hulbert. Willia, was from Selwood and Ann from Salisbury.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Mark Dias
mark24609@aol.com