Volume 2 – Kent: The Alchins of Meopham, Leybourne and the Mallings

Part 3 – Alchins of Leybourne and the Mallings, Kent 1680 – 1901

Introduction –  A Theoretical Ancestry of the Alchins of Leybourne and the Mallings

The family appears to have originated as Alchornes (although occasionally they are recorded as Alchins) in the town of Rotherfield in East Sussex. As the family moved north to Tonbridge in Kent the local dialect may have subtly altered their surname to Alchin. In the 16th and 17th centuries there are records of many families of Alchorne / Allchorne at Rotherfield and the nearby villages of Buxted and Isted.

Similarly from the late 16th century the family of Alchin appears at Tonbridge on the border of Kent and East Sussex. Interestingly Tonbridge is on the main road between Rotherfield and West Malling. In the mid 1700's descendants of Thomas Alchin were living, and owned property, at Tonbridge.

The following chart is a conjectured genealogy for our branch of the family from the mid 16th century until their appearance at Leybourne in the mid 17th century. Further research is needed to support this theory as at this stage there is absolutely no proof available until the will of Thomas Alchi of Leybourne in 1701:

Left: St Botolph's church, Chevening; Right: The church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne

1  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was born in the 1620's or 1630's, possibly (but unlikely) at Leybourne or Meopham. The family may however be traceable to the hamlet of Chevening near Sevenoaks. Chevening is only about 12 miles from the Mallings. Thomas Alchin may have been baptised at St Botolph's church, Chevening on 24th June 1620, the son of Henry Alchin and an unknown mother (there is a record of Henry Alchin marrying Mary Atkins at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Tonbridge on 21st June 1613).

Henry had at least one other son, Richard, who was baptised at Chevening on 4th October 1624 and a daughter Elizabeth who was buried at Chevening on 22nd April 1623. Did Henry have another son John who married Elizabeth Death at Meopham in 1643? Thomas Alchin baptised a daughter Ann at Chevening on 12th May 1644.

It would be interesting to know the occupations of Henry and Thomas Alchin of Chevening. Unfortunately like so many other parishes in England, the record keeping during and immediately after the Civil War fell away almost to nothing. There are very few entries in the parish register for the period 1645 to 1651 and none at all between 1651 and 1680.

A typical Kentish yeoman's house dating from the 15th or 16th century – Thomas Alchin may have lived in a similar house

We do know that Thomas married Elizabeth (West?) and from his will we also know that they had at least four children over the period 1645 - 1660. There is no surviving record of the marriage of Thomas and Elizabeth and further research is required. Elizabeth Alchin was buried at Leybourne on 5th September 1682, probably aged about 60 years.

From his will dated 1701 we know the names of Thomas and Elizabeth's sons - Richard, Thomas, Henry and Anthony. Thomas Alchin senior was a miller of Leybourne and he seems to have become quite prosperous (the mill was quite possibly a paper mill located at Ditton or East Malling). Thomas died at Leybourne and he was probably aged in his 80's. He was buried at Leybourne on 30th June 1702.

Thomas left a considerable estate to his (eldest?) son Richard Alchin and legacies totalling 125 pounds to his other sons and several of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. An inventory of his estate was taken on 17th July 1702 and it was valued at 215 pounds and 8 shillings – probably equivalent to several hundred thousand dollars in today's value.

The last Will and Testament of Thomas Alchin, Miller of Leybourne reads as follows:

"In the Name of God Amen I Thomas Alchin of Layborne in the County of Kent Miller being somewhat indisposed and weake in Body but of good sound and perfect Minde Memory and Understanding praised be Almighty God - therefore Doe this present Seaventeenth - Day of January in the Yeare of our Lord One thousand Seaven hundred and One make and ordaine this my last Will and Testament in manner and forme following (that is to say) First and principally I recomend my Soule into the hands of Almighty God my Creatour who gave it hopeing through the meritorious Death and passion of Jesus Christ my blessed Redeemer to obtaine full pardon and remission of all my Sins, and my Body I Comitt to the Earth to be decently buryed according to the discretion of my Executor hereinafter named And as for my worldly goods and Estate it hath pleased Almighty God to blesse me withall I give and dispose thereof as followeth (that is to say)

Imprimis I give and bequeath unto my Sonn Thomas Alchin the Sume of Forty pounds to be paid unto him by my Executor hereinafter named within one Yeare next after my decease

Item I give and bequeath unto my Grandsonn Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Thomas Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him within one Yeare next after my Decease by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my greate grandchild Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Grandsonn Thomas Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him att his Age of One and twenty Yeares by my Executor if he shall live to attaine that Age but if he dye before he attaine his Said Age of One and twenty Yeares then I give and bequeath the Same Sume of five pounds unto my greate grandaughter Mary - the daughter of my sd. grandSonn Thomas Alchin to be paid att her Age of one and Twenty Yeares

Item I give and bequeath unto my GrandSonn Henry Alchin Sonn of my said Sonn Thomas Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him within one Yeare next after my decease by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my grandaughter Elizabeth the wife of William Tong the Sum of five pounds to be paid unto her within one Yeare next after my decease by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my Sonn Henry Alchin the Sume of Forty pounds to be paid unto him within one Yeare next after my decease by my Executor hereinafter named

Item I give and bequeath unto my GrandSonn Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Henry Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him att his Age of one and Twenty Yeares by my Executor if he shall live to attaine that Age but if he shall happen to dye before he shall attaine his Said Age of one and twenty Yeares then I give and bequeath the Same Sume of five pounds unto my Grandchild John Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Henry Alchin To be paid unto him att his Age of one and Twenty Yeares by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my Grandsonn Anthony Alchin Sonn of my Sonn Anthony Alchin decd. the Sume of Tenn pounds to be paid unto him att his Age of One and twenty Yeares by my Executor if he shall live to attaine that Age But if he shall happen to dye before he shall attaine his Said Age of One and twenty Yeares then I give and bequeath the Said Sume of Tenn pounds unto my Executor hereinafter named

Item I give and bequeath unto my grandsonn Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Said Sonn Anthony Alchin decd. the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him within one yeare next after my decease by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter in Law Alchin widow late wife of my Said Sonn Anthony Alchin deceased the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto her within one Years next after my decease by my Executor

Item I give and bequeath unto my grandsonn Thomas Alchin Sonn of my Sonn Richard Alchin the Sume of five pounds to be paid unto him by my Executor att his Age of one and twenty Yeares

All the rest and residue of my goods Chattells ready Money Debts Securityes household stuffe stock and personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever my debts Legacyes and funerall Expences being thereout first paid and discharged I give and bequeath unto my Said Sonn Richard Alchin whome I make and ordairne full and sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament and doe hereby revoke all former Wills by me made And doe declare this present Writeing Conteined in three Sheetes of papyr to be my last Will and Testament In witnesse whereof I have to the two first sheetes hereof sett my hand and to this last my hand and seale the day and yeare in the first sheet first mentioned
The Mark of Thomas Alchin T - signed sealed published and declared by the said Thomas Alchin the testator to be his last will and testament in the presence of us whose names are hereunto subscribed who alsoe subscribed our names in the presence of the said testator John Hooker, John Bamford, Rob't Taylor

Probate in Latin 18 July 1702 to Richard Alchin, son and executor, Inventory taken 17 July 1702 by John Tomini? and James Walter, total £215 8s"

Source: Archdeaconry? Court of Rochester 1702 (Transcribed by Maureen Rawson)

1.1  ~~  Richard Alchin

Richard was probably born in the 1650's and he must have been his father's favourite and / or eldest son. Richard married Rachel (no other details of her are known) and they had at least five children – Thomas (1684), Elizabeth (1686), Richard (1690), Henry (1694) and Anthony (1697). Richard was the executor of his father's will for which probate was granted in July 1702.

There seems to be little doubt that Richard was a miller like his father and owing to his father's advanced age, he would have been running it for quite some years prior to his father's death. Richard's descendants were still in possession of the mill at Ditton in the first half of the 19th century.

Rachel died on 24th April 1720 aged 62 years and she was buried at West Malling on 28th April 1720. Richard died at Rays on 3rd May 1739. Like his father, Richard lived to a great age, over 80 years, as the West Malling burial register records the interment on 7th May 1739 of "Richard Alchin senior". A memorial to Richard and his wife still exists.

1.1.1  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was baptised at the church of St Peter and St Paul, Leybourne on 26th October 1684. He is mentioned in his grandfather's will of 1701, which bequeathed him the sum of 5 pounds. Thomas may have married Ann Keble at St James' church, East Malling on 3rd January 1702.

Thomas and Ann had at least four children – Ann (1705), John (1707), Thomas (1712) and Mary (1714). Thomas was the clerk of the parish of East Malling at the time of his death aged only 31 years. He was buried at East Malling on 23rd September 1715. His youngest daughter Mary died the following week.

(Alternatively Thomas may have married Elizabeth Downard at Halling on 12th November 1708.)

1.1.1.1  ~~  Ann Alchin

Ann was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 20th May 1705. Ann appears not to have married and she was probably buried at East Malling on 11th March 1720 aged about 15 years.

1.1.1.2  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 26th November 1707. He may have married twice as the burial register for East Malling records the burial of "the wife of John Alchin" at East Malling on 8th November 1732. There is some evidence that his first wife's name was Sarah.

John subsequently married Ann Taylor of West Malling at St Mary's church, West Malling by banns on 26th December 1733. John and Ann had at least two children - both of whom were baptised at St James' church, East Malling – John (1734) and Ann (1736).

Both John and Ann appear to have met premature deaths leaving behind two infant children. Ann was probably buried at East Malling on 19th January 1737. John himself was probably buried at East Malling on 6th June 1737 aged only 29 years. Their infant daughter followed them to the grave soon afterwards.

1.1.1.2.1  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at St James' church, East Malling on 1st November 1734. John's parents both died when he was very young. He was almost certainly taken in by relatives as he had probably moved to Meopham at sometime before 1755. John was a carpenter according to the Meopham parish records.

John married Ann Terry at St John the Baptist's church, Meopham on 1st September 1755. Ann was from Stockbury in Kent. The service was performed by Rev'd Charles Whitehead and the witnesses were Thomas Couchman and Henry Alchin, both of whom were related to John. The banns for the wedding of John and Ann were published at Meopham on the 10th, 18th and 24th of August 1755.

(Henry Alchin was a regular witness in the Meopham marriage registers and he was an overseer of the parish for many years. Henry Alchin owned land at Priestwood in the East Borough of the parish and it is possible also that he raised John after the death of his parents.)

John and Ann had four children – John (1756), William (1758), and twins Ann and Mary (1760) and in each case John's occupation of carpenter is written in the parish register. Ann Alchin was buried at Meopham on 13th January 1761 and William subsequently married Esther Loader later the same year (10th September 1761) at Holy Trinity church, Dartford in Kent.

John and Esther had at least eleven children – Hester (1763), Francis (1764), William (1766), Henry (1767), Hester (1769), Thomas (1771), Susanna (1773), Catherine (1775), George (1777), Rachel (1779) and Casina (1780). Again all the entries in the parish register include the fact that John was a carpenter. The church wardens accounts also show that John was employed by the parish council on a regular basis, for instance on 15th April 1754 he was paid 1 pound 19 shillings to construct a new pair of stocks for the parish.

John and Esther were witnesses at the marriage of Susannah Alchin, daughter of Henry Alchin, and John Jewiss at Meopham in 1766. This adds to the evidence linking John and Henry Alchin. From about 1771 John appears in the parish assessments as having property worth 6 pounds per year. John died before the birth of his youngest child and he was buried at Meopham on 6th October 1780.

John left a will leaving everything to his wife Esther who he also appointed as his Executrix. John must have had a larger estate than at first supposed – his descendants later came to own several freehold properties in the city of London. At least one of his sons emigrated to Canada and another to the United States of America.

John Alchin's will is reproduced below:

"In the name of God Amen The first day of October in the twentieth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain and Ireland King Defender of the Faith etc Anno Domini 1780 I John Allchin of Meopham in the County of Kent Carpenter being weak in body but of sound and disposing mind and memory praised be God do make and ordain this my last Will and Testament in manner following (that is to say) first and principally I surrender up my soul in to the hands of Almighty my Creator hoping to be saved by and through the only merits and satisfaction of Jesus Christ my Saviour and Redeemer and my body I commit to the ground to be decently interred and buried by and at the discretion of my Executrix hereinafter named  And as for my worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me I give and dispose thereof as follows First I do order and direct that all my just debts shall in the first place be paid and satisfied Item all and every my ready money securities for money household goods working utensils and implements of household debts chattels and stock together with all other my personal estate whatsoever and wheresoever and of what nature or kind soever my debts and funeral expenses being first paid and satisfied I give and bequeath unto my dear and loving wife Esther Allchin her Executors Administrators and Assigns And lastly I do hereby make nominate and appoint my said wife Esther full and sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking and making void all former Wills by me at any time heretofore made In witness whereof I the said John Allchin the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand and seal Dated the day and year first above written The mark X of John Allchin Signed sealed published and declared by the said John Allchin the Testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses thereunto The mark of Sarah Reed William Mungoam (?)

This Will was proved at London the twentieth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty before the Worshipful Andrew ….. Durand Doctor of Laws Surrogate of the Right Worshipful Peter Calvert Doctor of Laws Master ……. Of Commissary of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury lawfully constituted by the oath of Esther Allchin widow the relict of the deceased and sole Executrix named in the said Will to whom Administration was granted of all and singular the goods chattels and credits of the said deceased she having been first sworn to duly administer."

The parish assessments show that John's widow owned kept his lands for only a short time after his death. The 1780 assessments show that "Esther Alchin, widow" held the land but the following year the land had come into the possession of John's cousin (and the author's ancestor) Anthony Alchin. Hester remarried several years later. She married William Palmer, a widower of East Malling, at St James' church, East Malling on 10th December 1786. The banns for the wedding were published on 19th and 26th November and 3rd December 1786 and the witness was John Goodhew.

1.1.1.2.1.1  ~~  John Alchin

John was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 10th July 1756.

1.1.1.2.1.2  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 26th March 1758. He may have died sometime before 1766 when a half-brother was given the same name although it was not unusual for half-brothers to be given the same name. William may have married Margaret Shadwell at East Malling in 1779.

1.1.1.2.1.3  ~~  Ann Alchin

Ann was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham with her twin sister Mary on 9th March 1760. It was quite unusual for twins to survive for long at that time and they probably both died in infancy.

1.1.1.2.1.4  ~~  Mary Alchin

Mary was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham with her twin sister Ann on 9th March 1760. It was quite unusual for twins to survive for long at that time (due to low birth weight) and they probably both died in infancy.

1.1.1.2.1.5  ~~  Hester Alchin

Hester was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 9th October 1763. Hester only survived for a couple of months as she was buried at Meopham on 22nd December 1763. Her name was re-used by her parents six years later.

1.1.1.2.1.6  ~~  Francis Alchin

Francis was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 4th November 1764. There is some mystery to this man. Was he the man who left his estate to his brother's family (see below) or was he the bookbinder (see Part 5) who married Catherine Dove in the church of St Andrew by the Wardrobe, London on 22nd May 1788.

It should be noted that Francis' younger brother George who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 1790's was a bookbinder by trade. To complicate matters there is a Francis Alchin recorded in the US census of 1820 at Oxford, Philadelphia. He was the head of a household comprising  2 adult males and 3 adult females.

Francis Alchin and Catherine Dove had at least four children – Thomas (1789), Sarah (1792), John (1794) and William (1795). However when this Francis Alchin wrote his will in 1832 there is no mention of a wife or any children. He left his considerable estate to the wife and children of his brother Thomas (nothing was left to Thomas as he was a Bankrupt). In a codicil to his will shortly before his death, Francis bequeathed 1000 pounds sterling to his sister Cassandra Alchin of Gill Street, Limehouse. Extracts from his will are reproduced below:

"This is the last Will and Testament of me Francis Allchin of King Street in the parish of St Giles in the Fields in the county of Middlesex Gentleman I desire to be buried in the church yard in the parish of Hendon in the said county of Middlesex with as little expense as decency will permit and that no tombstone be placed over my grave I do hereby give and bequeath unto Edmund Haversham (?) of Tyson Stone (?) Kingsland ……… in the county of Middlesex Gentleman and Francis Burton the elder of King Street aforesaid grocer the sum of ten pounds apiece as a acknowledgement for the trouble they have in the execution of the Trusts of this my Will I give and devise unto the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton and their heirs all that my freehold house and premises with the appurts situate in King Street aforesaid known by the name of the Two Spurs in the occupation of Mrs Ann Alchin the title deeds of which said house and premises are in the custody of Messrs Boyd and Co of Change Alley London to have and to hold the ……… unto the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton the elder their heirs and assigns to the uses upon and for the Trusts …….. and purposes and with under and subject to the powers provisoes and declarations hereinafter expressed and declared concerning the same And I give and bequeath all my stock of the United States of America and of the United States Bank and all and every my goods chattels moneys and securities for money debts and other personal estate and effects of what kind soever of in or to which I or any person or persons in Trust for me shall be ………. at the time of my decease unto the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton their Executors Admons and Assigns upon the Trusts and for the intents and purposes hereinafter expressed and contained of and concerning the same And I do hereby declare my Will and mind to be that my said real and personal estate hereinbefore devised and bequeathed to the said Edmund Haversham and Francis Burton their heirs executors admons and assigns respectively as aforesaid so devised and bequeathed upon Trust that they the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton and the survivor of them and the heirs executors admons and assigns respectively of such survivor ("The Survivor") do and shall with all convenient speed after my decease call in and convert into money my said personal estate or such part thereof as shall not consist of money or securities for money and do and shall absolutely sell or dispose of my said freehold house and premises by public auction or private contract to any person or persons willing to become the purchaser or purchasers thereof for such price or prices or sum or sums of money as to the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton or "The Survivor" ……… and for promoting and facilitating such sale or sales do and shall enter into make and execute all such contracts covenants ……….. conveyances assurances acts deeds matters and things which to my said Trustees or "The Survivor" shall seem reasonable ……… And upon further Trust to levy out and invest the same in Parliamentary stocks or public funds or on real or government securities at interest and from time to time alter change and vary the securities as he or shall think fit and do and from time to time pay the interest dividends and produce thereof of the stocks funds or securities in which the same shall be invested to my brother Thomas Alchin of Merton in the County of Surrey Silk Thrower (?) or otherwise permit and suffer him to receive and take the same until the time of his decease or of a commission of Bankruptcy issuing against him or of his taking the benefit of any Act of Parliament for the relief of insolvent debtors whichever shall first happen ("A Commission of Bankruptcy") and after the decease of the said Thomas Alchin or "A Commission of Bankruptcy" upon this further Trust that they the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton or "The Survivor" shall and do from time to time pay such interest and produce unto the wife of my said brother Thomas Alchin during the term of her natural life or so long as she shall continue the widow of my said brother the same to be free and independent of her husband and not to be subject to his debts control or engagements and for which her receipt alone shall be a good and effective discharge and from and after her decease or intermarriage with any other person upon Trust to pay transfer and set over the said stocks funds or securities upon which the produce of my aforesaid real and personal estate shall be then invested and all interest dividends and produce thereupon due or to become due unto and amongst all and every the child and children of the said Thomas Alchin who shall be then living equally to be divided between or amongst them if more than one and if but one then the whole to such one and to belong to and be an interest vested in such child or children being a son or sons at his or their age or respective ages of twenty one years or being a daughter or daughters at her or their age or respective ages of twenty one years or day or respective days of marriage which shall first happen and to be paid transferred and assigned on such ages days or times to such child or children respectively not attaining the said ages days or times till after the decease of the said Thomas Alchin or after "A Commission of Bankruptcy" but the share or shares of such child or children attaining the said ages days or times before the decease of the said Thomas Alchin or before "A Commission of Bankruptcy" if he shall at any time take the benefit of any such Act to be paid and payable and to be transferred to him her or them respectively immediately after the decease of the said Thomas Alchin or "A Commission of Bankruptcy" with the interest dividends produce thereupon due or to become due from and after the times of such decease commission of Bankruptcy or taking the benefit of any Act for the relief of insolvent debtors whichever shall first happen and upon further Trust that they the said Edward Haversham and Francis Burton and "The Survivor" shall and do in the meantime and after the decease of the said Thomas Alchin or "A Commission of Bankruptcy" pay apply dispose of the clear yearly interest dividends and produce of the share of every such child whose share shall not then be vested or payable as and when the same shall from time to time become due and be received for the maintenance and education of such child respectively until his or her respective share or shares shall become vested or payable if he or they so shall long live provided always it is my Will And I do hereby direct that if any such child or children shall depart this life before the share hereby intended or provided for him her or them shall become vested then the share or shares hereby intended or provided for every such child so dying shall from time to time ………… and belong unto the survivors or survivor and other or others of the said children and shall be equally divided or amongst them if more than one but if but one the whole to that one and to become vested and be paid and payable to him her or them at such ages or days and times and in the same…….. as is or are hereinbefore directed provided and declared concerning his or her or their original shares respectively Provided always and I do hereby further declare that it shall and may be lawful to and for my said Trustees and "The Survivor" notwithstanding the bankruptcy or insolvency………….

This is a codicil to be added to and taken as part of the last Will and Testament of me the within named Francis Alchin whereby I give and bequeath unto my sister Cassandra Alchin of Gill Street, Limehouse in the county of Middlesex Spinster the sum of one thousand pounds stock in the three pounds per centum or consolidated bank annuities or a sum of sterling money equal to the value thereof to be paid or transferred to her within one month next after my decease In witness thereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the sixth day of February one thousand eight hundred and thirty two Francis Alchin Esq signed sealed published and declared by the said Francis Alchin as and for a codicil to his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses Wm Hodson Wm Giles his clerk

Proved at London with a codicil 4th July 1832 before the worshipful John McNicholl Doctor of Laws and Surrogate by the oaths of Edward Haversham and Francis Burton the elder the executors to whom Admon was granted having been first sworn duly to administer"

1.1.1.2.1.7  ~~  William Alchin

William was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 6th April 1766. This William was initially also a candidate to be the ancestor of the Sydney and South Australian branches of the Alchins (see Part 4 on the descendants of William Alchin and Ann Knock) but a genealogy dated 1886 seems to make this unlikely.

1.1.1.2.1.8  ~~  Henry Alchin

Henry was baptised at the church of St John the Baptist, Meopham on 15th November 1767. Henry married Ann (possibly Ann Cottrell at St George Hanover Square, Westminster on 23rd July 1797). Ann was born outside of London in about 1770.

The 1841 census records that like his father, Henry was a carpenter and he and his wife Ann were living at Gill Street, Limehouse. Also living with them was Henry's spinster sister Cassandra Alchin. Henry and Ann had at least two children – Thomas and William (1798?).

Henry died at his house at Gill Street, Limehouse on 23rd December 1841 (Stepney 1841 December qtr Volume 2 Page 424) aged about 74 years. The death certificate records that Henry was a carpenter and he died from chronic catarrh. The informant for his death was Sophia Gurney of Five Bell Alley, Limehouse.

Ann died at 14 Gill Street, Limehouse on 22nd January 1848 (Stepney 1848 March qtr Volume 2 Page 424) aged about 77 years. She had been ill with influenza for 14 days prior to her death. Elizabeth Adam of 18 Gill Street, Limehouse was present at her death.

Both their sons were left small legacies when their aunt Cassandra Alchin died in 1856:

1.1.1.2.1.8.1  ~~  Thomas Alchin

Thomas was probably born in London in the mid 1790's. We only know for sure that Henry and Ann Alchin had two sons as they were named in Cassandra Alchin's will of 1856 (Thomas and William Alchin). Thomas was still alive in 1856 when he was left a small bequest by his aunt Cassandra Alchin:

"I bequeath to William Allchin son of Henry and Ann Allchin one pair of silver table spoons to Thomas Allchin brother of the said William Allchin the eight day clock"

1.1.1.2.1.8.2  ~~  William Loader Allchin

William was born at Whitechapel in London (according to the 1851 and 1861 census) in about 1798 but information provided by his grandson Henry Alchin to Leonard Alchin (an early Alchin researcher) in 1925 states that he was born at Meopham in 1797. There is however no record of any baptism for him there.

William was probably the son of Henry Alchin as we know that he was not a son of Thomas Couchman Alchin, and Francis Alchin's will makes it abundantly clear that he had no surviving children. William's descent from Thomas and Esther Alchin of Meopham is almost certainly confirmed by his middle name that comes from his paternal grandmother Esther Loader.

William married Sarah Bowyer at the Old Church, St Pancras in London on 8th July 1821; she was born at Wimbledon (or possibly Merton) in about 1797. William and Sarah had at least seven (and probably many more) children – William (1822), Sarah (1825), Rebecca and Sarah (1833), Henry (1834), John (1838) and Mary (1839).

The two eldest children were born at Merton, Surrey before William moved north to the midlands. William was probably left a small bequest by his aunt Cassandra Alchin in 1856. The 1841 census records that William was an engineer and he and his wife and their five children were living at St James Street, Northampton in the parish of All Saints.

William moved his family to Northampton (probably in the early 1830s and certainly before 1833) where he later established a factory to manufacture machinery such as steam engines, traction engines and road rollers. The company was established in 1847 under the name William Allchin Limited, Northampton.

The 1851 census records that William was an engineer and he and his wife and four of their children were living at Setter Street, Northampton. The 1861 census records that William was an engineer and iron founder employing 13 men and 8 boys. He and his wife and their two unmarried daughters were living at 2 Arigish (?) Street, Northampton.

Sarah died at Northampton in 1869 aged 72 years (Northampton 1869 June qtr Volume 3b Page 46). The 1871 census records that William was a widowed engineer of Northampton. William died at Northampton in 1876 aged 78 years (Northampton 1876 March qtr Volume 3b Page *3).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1  ~~  William Alchin

William was born at Merton, Surrey on 23rd April 1822 (the Thomas Alchin who was referred to in Francis Alchin's will [see above] was also living at Merton at this time). William and his younger sister Sarah were baptised at Spitalfields Christ Church, Stepney on 22nd April 1825.

William moved to Northampton with his parents in the 1830's. The 1841 census records that William was an engineer and he was living with his parents at St James Street, Northampton. William married Martha in the late 1840's; she was born at Northampton in 1825.

William and Martha had at least twelve children – Emma (1850), Elizabeth (1851), Frank (1852), Harry (1854), Sarah (1855), Ann (1856), Ebenezer (1858), Mary (1859), Sarah (1860), Rebecca (1864), Samuel (1866) and Florence (1867). They probably had one other child – Arthur (1863).

The 1851 census records that William was a 'last' (?) maker and he and his wife and their eldest daughter were living at Kingswell Street, Northampton. The 1861 census records that William was a master engineer and he and his wife and their seven eldest surviving children were living at 4 Weston Street, Northampton.

The 1871 census records that William was a master engineer and he and his wife and their nine surviving children were living at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1881 census records that William was a mechanical engineer employing 47 men and 8 boys. He and his family were still living at 27 Newland Street, Northampton (Parish of St Sepulchre).

The 1891 census records that William was a mechanical engineer and he and his wife and their four unmarried children were living at 18 St Giles Street, Northampton. By this time he would have inheriited the business from his father. Martha died in 1894 aged 69 years (Northampton 1894 September qtr Volume 3b Page 36).

The 1901 census records that William was a widowed mechanical engineer. He was living with his two unmarried children at 21 East Park Road, Northampton St Giles. Despite having fathered twelve or thirteen children it seems that William had very few grandchildren. He certainly did not have any grandsons to carry on the Alchin name.

Willim probably died in 1905 aged 83 years (Northampton 1905 September qtr Volume 3b Page 29) – the age of his death in the index is recorded incorrectly as 33 years.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.1  ~~  Emma Martha Alchin

Emma was born at Northampton in early 1850 (Northampton 1850 March qtr Volume 15 Page **). The 1851 census records that the toddler was living with her family at Kingswell Street, Northampton. The 1861 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton.

The 1871 census records that Emma was a governess. She was unmarried and she was living with her parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. There is a record of an Ellen Martha Alchin marrying George Walsh van Denson in 1877 (Northampton 1877 September qtr Volume 3b Page 118). This was probably in fact Emma Martha Alchin and this seems to be confirmed in the 1891 census when George' wife is recorded as Emma M Van Denson. George was born in the United States of America in 1847.

George and Emma had at least four children – Mabel (1878), Edgar (1884), Elsa (1885) and Katharine (1888). The 1891 census records that George was a 'managing cashier – fashion publisher'. He and his wife and their four children were living at 10 Bramshill Road, Willesden in London. Also living with them was their 21 year old servant, Caroline L. Tiney of Northampton (a poor cousin perhaps?).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.1.1  ~~  Mabel Van Denson

Mabel was born at Acton, Middlesex in 1878. The 1891 census records that Mabel was a school girl and she was living with her family at 10 Bramshill Road, Willesden.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.1.2  ~~  Edgar Alchin Van Denson

Edgar was born at Acton in 1884 (Brentford 1884 March qtr Volume 3a Page 140B). The 1891 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 10 Bramshill Road, Willesden.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.1.3  ~~  Elsa M. Van Denson

Elsa was born at Acton in 1885. The 1891 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 10 Bramshill Road, Willesden.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.1.4  ~~  Katharine Van Denson

Katharine was born at Northampton in 1888. The 1891 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 10 Bramshill Road, Willesden.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.2  ~~  Elizabeth Alchin

Elizabeth was born at Northampton, some time after the census in April 1851. The 1861 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. The 1871 census records that Elizabeth was a governess and she was living with her parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

The 1881 census records that she was unmarried and she was still living with her parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1891 census records that Elizath was a spinster and she was living with her parents at 18 St Giles Street, Northampton. The 1901 census records that Elizabeth was living with her widowed father at 21 East Park Road, Northampton.

Elizabeth never married and she died in 1924 aged 73 years (Northampton 1924 December qtr Volume 3b Page 73).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.3  ~~  Frank William Alchin

Frank was born at Northampton in 1852 (Northampton 1852 December qtr Volume 3b Page 60). The 1861 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. The 1871 census records that Frank was working as a clerk's engineer and he was living with his parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

Frank married Hannah Haynes or Hannah Drakeford in 1876 (Northampton 1876 September qtr Volume 3b Page 108); she was born at Leicester in 1851. The 1881 census records that Frank was a mechanical engineer and he and his wife were living at 50 York Road, Northampton. Hannah probably died in 1889 aged 38 years (Mt Harbro 1889 June qtr Volume 7a Page 7).

The 1891 census records that Frank was a widowed manufacturing engineer. He was staying at the Sherwood Hotel, 19 Adam Street, St Martin in the Fields. Frank subsequently married Florence in 1891 (Fulham 1891 June qtr Volume 1a Page 515); she was born in London in 1867.

The 1901 census records that Frank was a metal and machinery broker. He and his wife were living alone at 19 Park Road, Sittingbourne. Florence probably died in 1917 aged 51 years (Milton 1917 September qtr Volume 2a Page 1030). Frank may have died in 1929 aged 76 years – the index incorrectly shows him as 26 years old (Milton 1929 September qtr Volume 2a Page 1049).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.4  ~~  Harry John Alchin

Harry was born at Northampton in 1854 (Northampton 1854 September qtr Volume 3b Page 47). Harry probably died as an infant or a young boy (Northampton 1854 June qtr Volume 3b Page 45). Note – it is possible that the baby did not live very long and his birth registration was processed after his death registration.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.5  ~~  Sarah Jane Alchin

Sarah was born at Northampton in 1855 (Northampton 1855 September qtr Volume 3b Page 68). Sarah died soon afterwards (Northampton 1855 September qtr Volume 3b Page 43).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.6  ~~  Ann Maria Alchin

Ann was born at Northampton in 1856 (Northampton 1856 December qtr Volume 3b Page 69). The 1861 census records that Ann was living with her family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. The 1871 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

Ann probably married either William Tyler or Leonard Worrall in 1880 (Northampton 1880 September qtr Volume 3b Page 170).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.7  ~~  Ebenezer John Alchin

Ebenezer was born at Northampton in 1858 (Northampton 1858 March qtr Volume 3b Page 71). The 1861 census records that the young boy was living with his family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. The 1871 census records that Ebenezer was a school boy was living with his family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

The 1881 census records no occupation for him but he was probably working for his father. Ebenezer was unmarried and he was still living with his parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1891 census records that Ebenezer was a manager (of his father's engine works?). He was unmarried and he was living with his parents at 18 St Giles Street, Northampton.

Ebenezer married Harriett Elizabeth Smith in 1894 (Newport Pagnell 1894 March qtr Volume 3a Page 952a); she was born at Stoke Goldington, Buckinghamshire in 1860. The 1901 census records that Ebenezer was a mechanical engineer. He and his wife (they do not appear to have had any children) were living at 7 St Leonards Road, Far Cotton in Northamptonshire.

Ebenezer died in 1940 aged 82 years (Northampton 1940 March qtr Volume 3b Page 182). Harriett may have died in 1946 aged '90' years (Northampton 1946 December qtr Volume 3b Page 539).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.8  ~~  Mary Louisa Alchin

Mary was born at Southampton in 1859 (Southampton 1859 March qtr Volume 2c Page 77). The 1861 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. Mary died in 1862 aged 3 years (Northampton 1862 March qtr Volume 3b Page 52).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.9  ~~  Sarah Lydia Alchin

Sarah was born at Northampton in 1860 (Northampton 1860 March qtr Volume 3b Page 81). The 1861 census records that the toddler was living with her family at 4 Weston Street, Northampton. The 1871 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

The 1881 census records that Sarah was unmarried and she was living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. Sarah married either Ernest Hubert Derham or Lovell Warren in 1888 (Northampton 1888 December qtr Volume 3b Page 148). She is not recorded under either surname in the 1901 English census.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.10  ~~  Arthur Charles Alchin

Arthur was born at Northampton in 1863 (Northampton 1863 June qtr Volume 3b Page 97). Arthur was dead shortly thereafter (Northampton 1863 June qtr Volume 3b Page 45).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.11  ~~  Rebecca Edith Alchin

Rebecca was born at Northampton in 1864 (Northampton 1864 September qtr Volume 3b Page 78). The 1871 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1881 census records that Rebecca (under the name of Edith) was still living with her parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

Rebecca married Henry John Kingston in 1890 (Northampton 1890 September qtr Volume 3b Page 138); he was born at Northampton in 1862. Henry and Rebecca had at least two children – Philip (1892) and Walter (1894). The 1891 census records that Henry was a brewer's clerk and he and his wife were living alone at Bretly Street, Kingsthorpe.

The 1901 census records that Henry was employed as a brewer's clerk and he and his wife and their two sons were living at 5 Adams Avenue, Northampton St Giles.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.11.1  ~~  Philip Herbert Kingston

Philip was born at Northampton in 1892 (Northampton 1892 December qtr Volume 3b Page 43). The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 5 Adams Avenue, Northampton.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.11.2  ~~  Walter John Kingston

Walter was born at Northampton in 1894 (Northampton 1894 March qtr Volume 3b Page 59). The 1901 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 5 Adams Avenue, Northampton.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.12  ~~  Samuel James Loader Alchin

Samuel was born at Northampton in 1866 (Northampton 1866 March qtr Volume 3b Page 80). The 1871 census records that the school boy was living with his family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1881 census records that Samuel (under the name of Loader) was still living with his parents at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

The 1891 census record that Samuel (again named as Loader) was an unmarried draftsman and he was living with his parents at 18 St Giles Street, Northampton. The 1901 census records that Samuel was a mechanical engineer. He was unmarried and he was living with his widowed father at 21 East Park Road, Northampton.

Samuel married a presently unkown person in 1904 (Northampton 1904 September qtr Volume 3b Page 160). Samuel died in 1907 aged 41 years (Northampton 1907 March qtr Volume 3b Page 30).

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.13  ~~  Florence Gertrude Alchin

Florence was born at Northampton in 1867 (Northampton 1867 June qtr Volume 3b Page 88). The 1871 census records that the young girl was living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton. The 1881 census records that the school girl was still living with her family at 27 Newland Street, Northampton.

The 1891 census records that Florence was living with her parents at 18 St Giles Street, Northampton. Florence married Thomas Gascoigne Beale shortly afterwards in mid 1891 (Northampton 1891 June qtr Volume 3b page 114); he was born at Northampton in 1861.

Thomas and Florence had at least three children – Florence (1892), Charles (1896) and Hilda (1900). The 1901 census records that Thomas was a shoe manufacturer and he and his young family were living at 11 Holly Road, Northampton St Giles.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.13.1  ~~  Florence Winifred Beale

Florence was born at Northampton in 1892 (Northampton 1892 June qtr Volume 3b Page 48). The 1901 census records that the school girl was living with her family at 11 Holly Road, Northampton.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.13.2  ~~  Charles Stuart G. Beale

Charles was born at Northampton in 1896 (Northampton 1896 September qtr Volume 3b Page 69) – his birth was registered as Norman Stuart Charles G Beale. The 1901 census records that the school boy (listed as Charles S.G. Beale) was living with his family at 11 Holly Road, Northampton.

1.1.1.2.1.8.2.1.13.3  ~~  Hilda Bowyer Beale

Hilda was born at Northampton in 1900 (Northampton 1900 March qtr Volume 3b Page 49). The 1901 census records that the infant was living with her family at 11 Holly Road, Northampton.

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