The LEE family history is linked to the Romany Lee's emerging in Hampshire in about 1760 and is documented in a booklet entitled "The Family Trees of Damon and Thomas Lee" by Eric Trudgill; Romany and Traveller Family History Society's Famous Romany Families Series Volume 2 - 2007.
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Caleb Lee (1750 - c 1810) 5 x great grandfather to the author was aged just ten at the death of the English Monarch King George the second. In these times, eighteenth-century England, gypsies were generally lumped together with Irish travellers and vagrants. Whilst it is known that the primary winter home for gypsies, travellers and seasonal labourers was in London after they returned from their hop-picking, market gardening, touring fairs and tramping in search of work, many others stayed out in the countryside.
Caleb was one such gypsy for he favoured the Hampshire countryside. Here he meets his wife Mary Osborn and they have two children Damon b Wymering, Hampshire 16 January 1770 - died Hillingdon Workhouse 9 February 1847 and James b New Forest, Hampshire 1776 - death unknown. There is no record of Caleb's or of Mary's death.
James Lee (1776 - c 1836) The second born to Caleb and Mary. James' travelling gypsy life can be seen from the documentation that records his christening on 21 January 1776 at St John's Horsleydown, the Anglican parish church of Bermondsey, South London and following his marriage to Clevansi, the travelling continues with the baptisms of their five children Carnation in Sussex c1784, Camilla in Ewhurst, Sussex 24 October 1788, Britannia in Holnest, Dorset 5 June 1794, Richard in Prestwold, Leicestershire 6 March 1796 and Charles in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 2 February 1800.
Records thereafter are scarce and none have been found for James or Ann deaths.
Charles Lee (1800 - 1853) As the youngest child born to James and Clevansi, Charles was baptised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on the 2 February 1800 and when he married Ann they had eight known children Mercy baptised Eversley, Hampshire 1891 - died Eversley, Hampshire 23 January 1867 and married to Hezekiah Scott, Henry baptised Hampshire c1821 - died Hampshire 1895 and married to his cousin Clevansi Smith, Damon baptised Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire 15 December 1822 - died 11 January 1887 Reading, married to Mizelli Carey, Diana baptised Hampshire c1825 - died unknown, married to John Gregory, Martha baptised Cowley, Middlesex 17 May 1829 - died unknown married to her cousin John Smith, Emily baptised Didcot, Berkshire c1832 - died unknown, married Thomas Boswell and later Arkles Smith, Charles (Baghus) baptised Farley Hill, Berkshire c1839 - died unknown and married Elizabeth Skerry and Britannia baptised in Buckinghamshire 1840 - died 1914 Wokingham, Berkshire and married Thomas Gregory.
These birth locations show the continual travelling the family undertook.
At this point in time, the mid 1800's, the village of Eversley in Hampshire (home to the author for many years) becomes integral to the life of the Lee's. The village had a well known vicar the Reverend Charles Kingsley who arrived as Rector in 1842 at the age of 24 and following his marriage to Frances Grenfell (Fanny) in that same year, remained in Eversley until his death 33 years later on 23 January 1875. Everyone across Hampshire, Berkshire and Sussex knew Charles Kingsley always welcomed the gypsy families to his Church.
As stated above two of Charles' children were married here, daughter Diana and after his death, daughter Mercy on 23 January 1867. Many of the subsequent grandchildren were also baptised here. Sadly when he was aged only 53, it is said that Charles fell ill and died whilst travelling in Berkshire.
Damon Lee (1822 - 1887) Damon was the second son of Charles Lee and his wife Ann and was born in 1831 in Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire. He marries Mizelli Carey, and again, it is under the care of Reverend Kingsley in 1856. Their first child Bythia Batthias born September 1856 - died June 1949, married James Dorrington-Oakley. After Bythia, a son Belcher is born in June 1859 in East Moseley - died 5 April 1939 married Lucy Ostler. Other children follow; Alice Maud born 1861 Reading - died March 1945 Swindon, married James Ostler. Leah Ann(a) born March 1864 Barkham - died June 1935 Windsor, married Samuel Thick. Agnes Maud born September 1866 Crondall - died December 1943 Camberley and Absolom born February 1869 Shinfield - died December 1942 Brentford, married Mazella Deighton.
The baptism of Absalom is a turning point for it seems from then on, Damon and Mizelli stop their travelling to settle into a semi-permanent purpose built location at Clay's Lane, Shinfield, Reading. The 1871 census confirms this address and the fact that Shinfield is still their home when their next two children arrive; Henry born November 1871 - died unknown and Louisa Edith born June 1874 - died 1950 Toronto, married George Childs. Their last and ninth child, Charles born June 1876 - died December 1940, married Celia Green. and although he was born in Whitley Wood, Reading this was just 2 miles from their original Shinfield Camp.
The 1881 census lists Damon's occupation as Tinker (Mizelli his wife, a Hawker). Again, travelling it seems is well behind them now over for they are all still in Whitley Wood, Reading. In September 1885, Damon loses his 52 year old wife Mizelli. Damon himself then becomes unwell and is seen many times as a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. He dies there of peritonitis on 11 January 1887 aged 56 - although that given age could be disputed.
Belcher Lee (1859 - 1939) Born and raised in traditional gypsy family style starting with his baptism in East Molesey on 4 July 1859, Belcher was the son of Damon and Mizelli Lee (nee Carey) and as many traveller's children before him, was born "on the road" whilst the family were based at the annual Molesey Fair & Race Meeting.
In late 1885 Belcher's mother Mizelli dies aged just 52 and so may not have seen him marry on 11 October 1885 to the 20 year old Lucy Ostler, the daughter of William Ostler. The Ostler family meanwhile had a long association with East Coker, Somerset and where in previous census returns, they, as with the Lee's, were listed as Hawkers. Their new home in Reading was alongside the Lee's in The Cottages, Whitley Wood, known at the time as being a place where only " the Gypsy's live".
On his marriage certificate Belcher claims his age as 22 years - it is assumed though he was actually 25. Whilst his 20 year old bride Lucy could sign the wedding registry, he could not - he needed to make "his mark", just as many people before him had done.
Just eighteen months after the marriage Belcher's Father Damon dies on 11 January 1887. When the census of 1891 is taken, Belcher and Lucy are found living in the Shinfield Gypsy Camp at Ryeish Green, Three Mile Cross, Reading. The census confirms the residency but also the recent birth of their first child and daughter Jessie, born 4 months earlier on 22 November 1890.
In about 1894 or so Belcher and his wife Lucy (pictured left) have moved again, just a couple of miles down the road to the village of Swallowfield in what is known as The Street. Here their son Belcher junior is born in January 1894 - but tragically dies at 5 years old in March 1899. The next born is Charles b September 1895 - 3 July 1916 followed by Leonard b 28 August 1897 - 1980, married Mabel Morton and then by Frederick b 30 August 1900 - September 1960, married Beatrice Fulker. Youngest daughter Lucy Florence b 15 March 1904 - May 1978, married Frank Gale and later Arthur Reynolds.
Yet another house move is undertaken when Belcher secures work as a Carter at Reading's (new) Sewage Farm in Whitley Wood - his 15 year old son Charles works as his assistant. All the family move into the tenanted Manor Farm Cottage except eldest child Jessie who has left home and found domestic work in Camberley.
Belcher proudly becomes "father of the bride" at Christmas 1912 when he returns to Swallowfield Church with the family to celebrate Jessie's marriage to her army sweetheart Sidney Bateman from East Bridgford.
Just four years later, in July 1916 (as with so many other parents), Belcher and Lucy receive devastating news that their eldest son, the 21 years old Charles has died of his wounds whilst in action in France with the Berkshire Regiment. He was never repatriated being buried in France at the Puchevillers Cemetery, Flanders. Better news is that although son Leonard was also in the Royal Berkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion and originally posted as missing, he returns home safe and well.
Upon Belcher's retirement in the early 1920's, he and Lucy move into Reading town centre at 19 Brook Street, although it will be one more address, 6 Mount Place, Southampton Street that later, becomes the family home. When Lucy passes away on 25 April 1933, Belcher goes to live with daughter Lucy until, in his 80th year, he dies in Reading's Battle Hospital on 5 April 1940.
Jessie Lee (1890 - 1951) In the 5 April 1891 census, Jessie is reported as being the first child to Belcher and Lucy Lee (nee Ostler), who live in the village of Ryeish Green or Three Mile Cross at Shinfield, 5 miles from Reading. She was born on 22 November 1890.
On the next census, 31 March 1901, Jessie, now 10 years old is living in The Street, Swallowfield.
In the 2 April 1911 census, 20 year old Jessie is a house parlour maid for Colonel Sir Arthur George Hammond VC (who, following his long military career had retired to Camberley). At this same time her husband to be, Sidney Bateman, is an Army Butcher based at Bordon Camp, Hampshire. It has always be said that they met when he came to the Colonel's house to working on a dinner function.
Jessie and Sidney were married in Swallowfield Church on Boxing Day, Wednesday 25th December 1912. The first child born was Charles Christopher, a "honeymoon baby" b 16 September 1913 - 17 April 1986, married Doris Eaglestone and later Frances Jarrett. Charles' birthplace, Petersfield, Hampshire is clearly linked to husband Sidney's time serving in the Royal Army Service Corps at nearby Bordon Camp. Other children now follow; Jessie (Peggy) b 12 February 1915 - February 2009, married Albert Lloyd Stone, Nora Victorine b 14 June 1919 - January 2002, married Reginald Dudman and Lucy b 18 April 1921 - 11 February 1998, married James Airey and later Albert Vass.
Jesse visited or travelled with Sidney on his active duty in Hong Kong in 1921/22 - surely a major commitment in those days - and on Tuesday 22 July 1924 shipping lists record the fact that Jessie returns to London alone arriving in the Port of London on the passenger vessel SS Kashgar accompanied by the four children. Jessie gives their address as 19 Brook Street Reading which was her parents Belcher & Lucy's house.
Jessie's husband Sydney is demobbed two years later on 20 August 1926 and the family move to 57 Sycamore Road, Reading. Another son arrives, Albert Noel Bateman b 26 December 1926 - 27 March 1956, married Annie Macdonald Wood. Four years later, yet another son arrives, they name him Sidney (Ralph) b 12 February 1930 - 1 September 1998, married Jean Green. The family move to Donnington Road, Reading before once again, moving to their final home, 8 Bulmershe Road, Reading.
After some 30 years of marriage, Jessie's husband Sidney dies in hospital on 2 January 1942. Some comfort to Jessie is that the Bulmershe Road house has by then become the real "family home" with many of the children living there with spouses and their children. Surviving Sidney by 9 years, Jessie dies at home on 27 September 1951, surrounded by her family.
Caleb was one such gypsy for he favoured the Hampshire countryside. Here he meets his wife Mary Osborn and they have two children Damon b Wymering, Hampshire 16 January 1770 - died Hillingdon Workhouse 9 February 1847 and James b New Forest, Hampshire 1776 - death unknown. There is no record of Caleb's or of Mary's death.
James Lee (1776 - c 1836) The second born to Caleb and Mary. James' travelling gypsy life can be seen from the documentation that records his christening on 21 January 1776 at St John's Horsleydown, the Anglican parish church of Bermondsey, South London and following his marriage to Clevansi, the travelling continues with the baptisms of their five children Carnation in Sussex c1784, Camilla in Ewhurst, Sussex 24 October 1788, Britannia in Holnest, Dorset 5 June 1794, Richard in Prestwold, Leicestershire 6 March 1796 and Charles in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire 2 February 1800.
Records thereafter are scarce and none have been found for James or Ann deaths.
Charles Lee (1800 - 1853) As the youngest child born to James and Clevansi, Charles was baptised in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire on the 2 February 1800 and when he married Ann they had eight known children Mercy baptised Eversley, Hampshire 1891 - died Eversley, Hampshire 23 January 1867 and married to Hezekiah Scott, Henry baptised Hampshire c1821 - died Hampshire 1895 and married to his cousin Clevansi Smith, Damon baptised Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire 15 December 1822 - died 11 January 1887 Reading, married to Mizelli Carey, Diana baptised Hampshire c1825 - died unknown, married to John Gregory, Martha baptised Cowley, Middlesex 17 May 1829 - died unknown married to her cousin John Smith, Emily baptised Didcot, Berkshire c1832 - died unknown, married Thomas Boswell and later Arkles Smith, Charles (Baghus) baptised Farley Hill, Berkshire c1839 - died unknown and married Elizabeth Skerry and Britannia baptised in Buckinghamshire 1840 - died 1914 Wokingham, Berkshire and married Thomas Gregory.
These birth locations show the continual travelling the family undertook.
At this point in time, the mid 1800's, the village of Eversley in Hampshire (home to the author for many years) becomes integral to the life of the Lee's. The village had a well known vicar the Reverend Charles Kingsley who arrived as Rector in 1842 at the age of 24 and following his marriage to Frances Grenfell (Fanny) in that same year, remained in Eversley until his death 33 years later on 23 January 1875. Everyone across Hampshire, Berkshire and Sussex knew Charles Kingsley always welcomed the gypsy families to his Church.
As stated above two of Charles' children were married here, daughter Diana and after his death, daughter Mercy on 23 January 1867. Many of the subsequent grandchildren were also baptised here. Sadly when he was aged only 53, it is said that Charles fell ill and died whilst travelling in Berkshire.
Damon Lee (1822 - 1887) Damon was the second son of Charles Lee and his wife Ann and was born in 1831 in Waltham St Lawrence, Berkshire. He marries Mizelli Carey, and again, it is under the care of Reverend Kingsley in 1856. Their first child Bythia Batthias born September 1856 - died June 1949, married James Dorrington-Oakley. After Bythia, a son Belcher is born in June 1859 in East Moseley - died 5 April 1939 married Lucy Ostler. Other children follow; Alice Maud born 1861 Reading - died March 1945 Swindon, married James Ostler. Leah Ann(a) born March 1864 Barkham - died June 1935 Windsor, married Samuel Thick. Agnes Maud born September 1866 Crondall - died December 1943 Camberley and Absolom born February 1869 Shinfield - died December 1942 Brentford, married Mazella Deighton.
The baptism of Absalom is a turning point for it seems from then on, Damon and Mizelli stop their travelling to settle into a semi-permanent purpose built location at Clay's Lane, Shinfield, Reading. The 1871 census confirms this address and the fact that Shinfield is still their home when their next two children arrive; Henry born November 1871 - died unknown and Louisa Edith born June 1874 - died 1950 Toronto, married George Childs. Their last and ninth child, Charles born June 1876 - died December 1940, married Celia Green. and although he was born in Whitley Wood, Reading this was just 2 miles from their original Shinfield Camp.
The 1881 census lists Damon's occupation as Tinker (Mizelli his wife, a Hawker). Again, travelling it seems is well behind them now over for they are all still in Whitley Wood, Reading. In September 1885, Damon loses his 52 year old wife Mizelli. Damon himself then becomes unwell and is seen many times as a patient at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. He dies there of peritonitis on 11 January 1887 aged 56 - although that given age could be disputed.
Belcher Lee (1859 - 1939) Born and raised in traditional gypsy family style starting with his baptism in East Molesey on 4 July 1859, Belcher was the son of Damon and Mizelli Lee (nee Carey) and as many traveller's children before him, was born "on the road" whilst the family were based at the annual Molesey Fair & Race Meeting.
In late 1885 Belcher's mother Mizelli dies aged just 52 and so may not have seen him marry on 11 October 1885 to the 20 year old Lucy Ostler, the daughter of William Ostler. The Ostler family meanwhile had a long association with East Coker, Somerset and where in previous census returns, they, as with the Lee's, were listed as Hawkers. Their new home in Reading was alongside the Lee's in The Cottages, Whitley Wood, known at the time as being a place where only " the Gypsy's live".
On his marriage certificate Belcher claims his age as 22 years - it is assumed though he was actually 25. Whilst his 20 year old bride Lucy could sign the wedding registry, he could not - he needed to make "his mark", just as many people before him had done.
Just eighteen months after the marriage Belcher's Father Damon dies on 11 January 1887. When the census of 1891 is taken, Belcher and Lucy are found living in the Shinfield Gypsy Camp at Ryeish Green, Three Mile Cross, Reading. The census confirms the residency but also the recent birth of their first child and daughter Jessie, born 4 months earlier on 22 November 1890.
In about 1894 or so Belcher and his wife Lucy (pictured left) have moved again, just a couple of miles down the road to the village of Swallowfield in what is known as The Street. Here their son Belcher junior is born in January 1894 - but tragically dies at 5 years old in March 1899. The next born is Charles b September 1895 - 3 July 1916 followed by Leonard b 28 August 1897 - 1980, married Mabel Morton and then by Frederick b 30 August 1900 - September 1960, married Beatrice Fulker. Youngest daughter Lucy Florence b 15 March 1904 - May 1978, married Frank Gale and later Arthur Reynolds.
Yet another house move is undertaken when Belcher secures work as a Carter at Reading's (new) Sewage Farm in Whitley Wood - his 15 year old son Charles works as his assistant. All the family move into the tenanted Manor Farm Cottage except eldest child Jessie who has left home and found domestic work in Camberley.
Belcher proudly becomes "father of the bride" at Christmas 1912 when he returns to Swallowfield Church with the family to celebrate Jessie's marriage to her army sweetheart Sidney Bateman from East Bridgford.
Just four years later, in July 1916 (as with so many other parents), Belcher and Lucy receive devastating news that their eldest son, the 21 years old Charles has died of his wounds whilst in action in France with the Berkshire Regiment. He was never repatriated being buried in France at the Puchevillers Cemetery, Flanders. Better news is that although son Leonard was also in the Royal Berkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion and originally posted as missing, he returns home safe and well.
Upon Belcher's retirement in the early 1920's, he and Lucy move into Reading town centre at 19 Brook Street, although it will be one more address, 6 Mount Place, Southampton Street that later, becomes the family home. When Lucy passes away on 25 April 1933, Belcher goes to live with daughter Lucy until, in his 80th year, he dies in Reading's Battle Hospital on 5 April 1940.
Jessie Lee (1890 - 1951) In the 5 April 1891 census, Jessie is reported as being the first child to Belcher and Lucy Lee (nee Ostler), who live in the village of Ryeish Green or Three Mile Cross at Shinfield, 5 miles from Reading. She was born on 22 November 1890.
On the next census, 31 March 1901, Jessie, now 10 years old is living in The Street, Swallowfield.
In the 2 April 1911 census, 20 year old Jessie is a house parlour maid for Colonel Sir Arthur George Hammond VC (who, following his long military career had retired to Camberley). At this same time her husband to be, Sidney Bateman, is an Army Butcher based at Bordon Camp, Hampshire. It has always be said that they met when he came to the Colonel's house to working on a dinner function.
Jessie and Sidney were married in Swallowfield Church on Boxing Day, Wednesday 25th December 1912. The first child born was Charles Christopher, a "honeymoon baby" b 16 September 1913 - 17 April 1986, married Doris Eaglestone and later Frances Jarrett. Charles' birthplace, Petersfield, Hampshire is clearly linked to husband Sidney's time serving in the Royal Army Service Corps at nearby Bordon Camp. Other children now follow; Jessie (Peggy) b 12 February 1915 - February 2009, married Albert Lloyd Stone, Nora Victorine b 14 June 1919 - January 2002, married Reginald Dudman and Lucy b 18 April 1921 - 11 February 1998, married James Airey and later Albert Vass.
Jesse visited or travelled with Sidney on his active duty in Hong Kong in 1921/22 - surely a major commitment in those days - and on Tuesday 22 July 1924 shipping lists record the fact that Jessie returns to London alone arriving in the Port of London on the passenger vessel SS Kashgar accompanied by the four children. Jessie gives their address as 19 Brook Street Reading which was her parents Belcher & Lucy's house.
Jessie's husband Sydney is demobbed two years later on 20 August 1926 and the family move to 57 Sycamore Road, Reading. Another son arrives, Albert Noel Bateman b 26 December 1926 - 27 March 1956, married Annie Macdonald Wood. Four years later, yet another son arrives, they name him Sidney (Ralph) b 12 February 1930 - 1 September 1998, married Jean Green. The family move to Donnington Road, Reading before once again, moving to their final home, 8 Bulmershe Road, Reading.
After some 30 years of marriage, Jessie's husband Sidney dies in hospital on 2 January 1942. Some comfort to Jessie is that the Bulmershe Road house has by then become the real "family home" with many of the children living there with spouses and their children. Surviving Sidney by 9 years, Jessie dies at home on 27 September 1951, surrounded by her family.