Having spent last weekend at the Brecon Jazz Festival I decided to return
home via Abergavenny to find out as much as I could about my great
grandfather, Joseph CLARE who traded as a Watchmaker & Jeweller in the High
Street between 1873 and 1896/97. I came away from the Museum, where the
Curator was most helpful, armed with a variety of information. Checking
various dates against information I already have I came up with some major
discrepancies.
Information already in my possession:-
Jul 1843 - Joseph CLARE was born in Kimbolton, Hunts., son of Watch &
Clockmaker, Joseph CLARE and Ann.
Aug 1867 - aged 24, Joseph, married Elisabeth Ann CARTER at Higham Ferrers,
Northants. and moved to Sandy, Beds. to start his own business.
1 Dec 1871 - I'm assuming he was still in Sandy, Beds. when his daughter,
Annie, was born.
Jul 1873 - moved to Abergavenny, Mon., just one month before his daughter,
Louisa, was born.
The following was information obtained from a Town Centre Survey made by the
Abergavenny Local History Society 1979-1980:-
21 High Street, Abergavenny
1851 - John Watkins, Chemist (residence) - Census
- J. Clare, Goldsmith
1858 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Slater
1862 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Morris & Co
1865 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Webster
1871 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Kelly
1875 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Mer & Croc.
1877 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Owen
* 1879 - J. Clare, Watchmaker & Jeweller - Thacker
1884 - J Tutt, Grocer - Kelly
* J. Clare moved across the road to No. 6 High Street in 1884
I can't believe the data prior to 1871 and have severe doubts about that for
1871. He would only have been 15 years old in 1858; 19 in 1862
Has anyone on the List access to any of the Directories for 1858; 1862;
1865; and 1871 to see if J CLARE was listed? (What is Mer & Croc. short
for?)
I have details from the 1881 and 1891 Censuses but was Joseph CLARE in
Abergavenny for the 1871 Census?
The CLARE family moved to Porthcawl 1896/97.
In anticipation of solving a nagging problem.
Brian Beeche Comley
Porthcawl, Glamorgan (South Wales - UK)
email - brian(a)bcomley.freeserve.co.uk
FHS Member: Glam (#1433); Gwent (#1318); Wilts (#2186)