I have had an understanding since my childhood schooling days that the City of London England was at one time the largest city in population, and economic value in the world; and that it was a place brimming with historical value that reaches back to the distant past, as does the whole of the United Kingdom.
In fact, from here on, I have found myself in as much a general historical journey, as a family history journey; mostly at times an enriching blending of both.
To become aware that my ancestors would have been living in London at the time of the Great Fire, through the years of the Black Plague, and at the time Jack the Ripper was active in the dark dingy laneways of the city; is provoking in itself.
But then consider London as we know it today, and how our ancestors knew it, and we can revel in the fact that some city icons as they knew them in decades gone are still here for us to visit today as they may have done decades ago.
The Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, and of course the River Thames, served an enormous part in people's lives down through the centuries. In the year 2000. I was visiting London before I had commenced my family history research with any real effort, and I knew little at the time of my family ancestors as I now do.
I can share that one day when walking along the River Thames, from the Tower Bridge to the London Eye and the London Aquarium, and returned; to a considerable distance.
I found myself in silent contemplation of the possibility that I was maybe walking in the footsteps of an Ancestor or two, and that thought gave me tremendous warmth and comfort as I strolled along.
A visit to Westminster Abbey proved to be an interesting experience; viewing the resting places of all those Royal and Noble people from history. I had the pleasure of having the Westminster Boys Choir rehearse as I moved around the Abbey. Blissfully at the time, I was unaware that my Great Grandfather William Henry Wise was, in fact, a Choir member as a boy and that his voice had also echoed through Westminster many years before if I had known at the time; could I have pulled myself away from those sweet sounds of rehearsal?
Execution Dock in Wapping on the banks of the Thames was the place of the execution of pirate Captain William Kidd on 23rd May 1701. Execution Dock's last victims were executed for murder and mutiny in 1830. The Bonds and extended Families have a long Ancestral history going back beyond 1830-1700 in this area and London as a whole, working as Clerks, Merchants, Watermen and Lightermen, Lord Mayors of London, and a Wharfinger on the river.
I mention this to draw light on the fact that the ancestors may have taken an interest in the proceedings, going on at Execution Dock. I haven't known about this place pre-commencing my research, it’s on my list of places to go to when I’m next in London.
A gruesome part of history that our past families may have witnessed.
Furthermore, those Royal and Noble resting places I viewed that day, are another story that will be revealed as we continue.
My Paternal Bond family's ancestral heritage is English/Norman/Viking and my Maternal ancestral heritage was Scottish/Irish, I have known more about my mother's Maternal family line than my father's Paternal Bond family. My principal intentions have been from the first instance of beginning my journey; to discover more of my Bond family Paternal line and the thought of having the task of finding my English ancestry past my grandfather Harry made my head spin, I can admit this here and now.
I was having some exciting success, finding record information for my paternal grandmother Kate’s, Wise family but nothing of significance for my Bond family line.
To go forward I needed to go back and find something that gave me a hint as to Harry Bond’s parents, I had the Vivian name and nothing more. With my thinking cap on for a week or so, I finally remembered a document that my mother had given me. I went hunting through the filing cabinet and I finally rediscovered the document that was handed to me, years before.
It was Harry and Kate’s marriage record, and I was now this time, looking at it and taking in the full facts that were there for me to see. The fact is, I was searching for the names of Harry’s parents, and there it was for the first time. I was now taking in the fact that his father's name was James Robert Bond, and he was Deceased at the time of Harry and Kate’s marriage in 1894.
If we are using the Ancestry platform for our family tree building this is where it comes in as a fantastic tree-building tool, simply enter what we know of our ancestral line and the shaky leaves start popping up; giving us helpful information for our approval. Moving on in the weeks–Months that followed I discovered more about James and his family.
James Robert Bond was born on 4th March 1831 in Bermondsey Surrey, Middlesex, England, and his death was on 3rd Dec 1884 in Middlesex, England. He was the son of William Robert Bond and Elizabeth Pepper. His Baptism took place on 27th Mar 1831 in Saint Mary, Rotherhithe Middlesex.
James and Annie’s Marriage was on 31st Dec 1853, At St Mary, Newington, Southwark, England. Annie Maria Vivian is the Daughter of David Vivian 1794 – 1844 and Jane Troke 1796 – 1871.
Children of James Robert and Annie Maria Bond
1. Charles Bond, 26 OCT 1852 • Willesden, Middlesex, England.
2. James Vivian Bond, b 21 MAY 1855 • Bermondsey Surrey England, d FEB 1934 • San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, United States.
3. Vivian William Bond, b 6 APRIL 1858 • Westminster, Middlesex, England, d OCTOBER 1860 • Kensington, London.
4. Robert Vivian Bond, b 1862 • London, Middlesex, England, d 1934 • San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, m Clara Kate Traice 1867-1934.
1.. Violet Vivian Bond, b 1st May 1887, • San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA, d 24th Jan 1956, • Bexar, Texas USA, m Charles Cleaver Smith 1885-1978.
2.. Mary (may) Vivian Bond, b 22nd APL 1889 • Bexar, Texas USA, d 26th Jun 1966, • San Antonio, Bexar, Texas, USA, m Harvey Moses 1893-1932.
3.. Katie Vivian Bond, b APL 1891 • Bexar, Texas USA, d 18th Sep 1930, m Edward Christian Hucker 1887-1972.
4.. Lilian Bond, b Jul 1893 • Bexar, Texas USA, d– m Hampton.
5.. Agnes Rose Bond, b 1900 • Bexar, Texas USA, d 1905 • Bexar, Texas USA.
5. Harry Bond, b 06/APRIL/1864 • Kilburn, London England, d 16/09/1950 • Bunbury, Western Australia, m Kate Elizabeth Wise 1847-1966.
1.. Lilian Bertha Bond, b Nov 1894 • PERTH, Western Australia, d 2nd Dec 1985 • Bentley, Perth Western Australia, m Arthur Fitzgerald Chapman 1893-1960.
2.. Robert Vivian Bond, b 28/4/1896 • Smith Lake, Perth Western Australia, d 27-4-1968 • Salters Point Perth Western Australia, m Eva May Cordelia Pitt 1894-1991.
3.. Frank Bond, b 1897 • BUNBURY, Western Australia, d 15-1-1899 • Bunbury Western Australia.
4.. Violet Bond, b 1900 • BUNBURY, Western Australia, d 21-3-1993 • Australind, Western Australia, m Spencer Albert Tate 1899-1987.
5.. Lena Rose Bond, b 1902 • BUNBURY, Western Australia, d–, m James John Pitts 1899-1932.
6.. Leonard Cyril Bond, b 8-5-1904 • Balingup, Western Australia, d 20 DEC 1983 • Perth, Western Australia, m Margaret Smith Lavery 1913-2006
6. Frederick Bond, b 1866 • Kilburn Park, Middlesex, England, d 13 MAY 1915, m Alice Northover 1868 -.
1.. Vivian Frederick James Bond, b 24th JUN 1890 • Kensington, London, England, d 1985-11-26 • Newbury Park, Ventura, California, USA m Susie May Moss 1897-1991.
2.. Ivy Alice Rose Bond, b ABT 1893 • Kensington, London, England, d-.
3.. Frederick Edger Bond, b 1895•Lambeth, Clapham, London, England, d JUL 1978 • Colchester, Essex, England, m Nellie Kate Rose 1877 - 1952
4.. Mirabell Bond, b ABT 1898 • Enfield, Middlesex, England,
d-,
5.. Cicely Bond, b ABT 1900 • London England, d-.
6 Cecil Bond, b ABT 1909 • London England, d-.
7.. Winnifred May Bond, b DEC 1910, d 1911 • London England.
8.. Rose Vivian Bond, b 1868 • Kilburn, Middlesex, England, d JAN 1932 • Braintree, Essex, England, m Edgar Arthur Huggins 1864 -1944.
1.. Charles Bond Huggins, b 1895 • Weston, England, d MAY 1984.
2.. Cecil Edgar Huggins, b 1898 • Enfield, Middlesex, England, d 27 NOV 1964 • Braintree, Essex, England.
8. Lilian Bond, b 1871 • London, Middlesex, England.
There is an 1881 English Census record (as previously mentioned) that I found at Ancestry that has my Grandfather Harry, his father James R. as Head, his mother Annie M and his siblings all correctly listed and living at 135 Iverson Rd Hampstead, Kilburn London.
Harry’s age is 17 years and his occupation is Carpenter, I was a little surprised that he was working as a Carpenter so early in his life, but then I was more taken up with the actual confirmation that he indeed had carpentry skills as his first calling, after finding gardening and baking in his Western Australian census and army records.
The same census record tells me that Jame Robert Bond was a Corn Dealer and Robert Vivian Bond was employed as a Corn Dealers Assistant working for his father probably.
But now I find myself asking why didn’t Harry take up employment in the Corn Dealer trade. Of all the occupations I have found in the family, there has only been one Carpenter, Harry Bond.
James's occupation is well documented as Corn Dealer/Merchant in various records, and I have been able to ascertain that he owned a warehouse in London, and he employed four men according to details found in one census record I discovered. Corn merchants imported stored and distributed not only corn but also wheat, oats, and barley. They stored the grains in their warehouses before delivery to customers. Back-breaking work for the men he employed as they would have the task of lugging heavy sacks of corn/grain into and out of storage each day. We can discover the roles of our ancestor's occupations through Old English Census Occupations lists, they are readily available by internet search.
By this point in my research experience, I have discovered that records of confirmation of correctness, come in many forms; and this Probate record that I found is such a record.
Probate records can be an invaluable sauce of information; correct names, correct dates, correct addresses, and the value of an Estate can be found documented in such records, and we should all look forward to the discovery of Probate to add to our ancestor's verification. But most importantly to add and give evidence to the accuracy of our research.
BOND James Robert.
Personal Estate £718 10s. 7d.
2 February. The will of James Robert Bond formerly of 4 Pickering - terrace Paddington but late of 14 the Promenade in the parish of Acton both in the County of Middlesex who died 3 December 1884 at 14 the Promenade was proved at the Principal Registry by Annie Maria Bond of 34 Gascony-avenue in the Parish of St. John Hampstead in the said County Widow the Relic the sole Executrix.
Newspaper Notice, Kilburn Times 13th February 1885, James Robert Bond, Deceased.
Pursuant to Statute 22nd and 23rd Victoria Chapter 35.
Notice Is Hereby Given that all Creditors having any Claim or Demands upon or against the estate of James Robert Bond, formerly of No.4 Pickering- Terrace Paddington, but late of No. 14 The Promenade in the parish of Acton, and No. 203 High Road, Kilburn, all in the County of Middlesex (Died on the 3rd day of December 1884 and whose will was proved in the Principal Registry of the Probate Division of Her Majesty’s High Court of justice, on the 2nd day of February 1885, by Annie Maria Bond, the executive therein named), are hereby requested to send in particulars of their claims and demands to me, the undersigned, on or before 25th day of March next, after which date the said Annie Maria Bond will proceed to distribute the assets of the deceased, having regard only to the claims and demands of which she shall then have had notice.
Dated this Tenth Day of February 1885.
John W. Tilley.
203 High, Road, Kilburn, London, N.W.
Solicitor to the said Executive.
So we see in a Probate record we may find additional information that may not be found in a census record.
A Baptism record should give us good news at the beginning of life but in the case of,
3. Vivian William Bond, b 6 APRIL 1858 • Westminster, Middlesex, England, d OCTOBER 1860 • Kensington, London.
His baptism record tells us a sad story, he is baptized in the parish of St Stephens Paddington Middlesex on the 9th November 1860, Reg No 599. Privately Baptised.
It becomes apparent that Vivian William was baptized after his passing at the age of 2 years, in a private service, the family address is Pickering Terrace and his father's (James Robert Bond) profession is Corn Merchant.
Some insight discovered in this brief Baptism record gives me more information to add to my understanding of my ancestors' lives. In our family research, we can often discover such confronting facts and circumstances, we need to document these findings as a part of our family history accurately.
For me, this record brings my Great Grandparents closer as I contemplate their feelings and emotions as they attended this private baptism of their son Vivian William Bond.
I look forward to my next visit to London armed with the new knowledge of my great grandparents James Robert and Annie Maria Bond and their families.
William Robert Bond, father to James Robert Bond was born on 22nd Jan 1801 in St Paul, Deptford, Kent, England. He was the son of William Bond 1763-1841 and Sarah Acton 1766-1841. William Robert's Baptism took place on 8th Nov 1801, St. Mary’s, Portsea, Hampshire, England. William's death Mar 1876 Surrey, London England. His marriage to Elizabeth Pepper 1803-1888, 26th May 1825 St Swithins Church, London. The original medieval Swithins was Destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. During the 2nd World War, the new St Swithins was damaged by a bombing raid and the pulpit was salvaged from the rubble and now takes pride in place at All Hollows by the Tower, London.
Children and Grandchildren of William Robert and Elizabeth Bond.
1. William Thomas Bond, b 29th AUG 1827 • Rotherhithe, London, England. d 6th JUL 1883 • Oberon House Bexley Heath Kent, England. m Jane Ellen Cole 1829-1913.
1.. William Groves Bond, 1849-1917.
2.. Elizabeth Sarah Ann Bond, 1854-1943.
3.. Marian Caroline Bond, 1858-1897.
4.. Rosa Jane Bond, 1860-1942.
5.. Arthur Charles Bond, 1862-1931.
6.. Alice Adelaide Bond, 1863-1953.
7.. Edward James Bond, 1865-1903.
8.. Caroline Annie Bond, 1876-.
9.. Jessy Minnie Bond, 1868-1970.
10.. George William Thomas Bond, 1871-1959.
2. John George Bond, b ABT 1829 • Bermondsey, Surrey, England. d 1932. m May Anne Cooper 1832-.
1.. Sarah E Bond, 155-.
2.. George Cooper Bond, 1858-1863.
3.. William Bond 1872-.
3. James Robert Bond, b 4th MAR 1831 • Bermondsey Surrey, Middlesex, England. d 3 DEC 1884 • Middlesex, England. m Annie Maria Vivian 1834-1911.
1.. Charles Bond, 1852-.
2.. James Vivian Bond, 1855-1934.
3.. Robert Vivian Bond, 2862-1934
4.. Harry Bond, 1864-1950.
5.. Frederic Bond, 1866-1915.
6.. Rose Vivian Bond, 1868-1932.
7.. Lilian Bond, 171-.
4. George Bond, b ABT 1833 • Newington, London, England. d JULY 1904 • Lambeth, London. m Sarah Lambert Dannell 1834-1928.
1.. Sarah Susannah Bond, 1858-1922.
2.. George Dannell Bond, 1859-1899.
3.. Florence Elizabeth Bond, 1861-1943.
4.. Clarence Edgar Bond, 1866-1937.
5.. Selina Jane Bond, 1867-1924.
6.. Oswald Herbert Bond, 1869-1937.
7.. Claudia Augusta Bond, 1873-1947.
8.. Hilda Gertrude Bond, 1875-1960.
5. Charles Acton Bond, b 24 FEB 1839 • Bermondsey, Surrey, England, 44 Richmond Rd. d 7 DEC 1913 • Southwark, England. m Sarah Bonnick 1841-1888.
1.. William Joseph Acton Bond, 1861-194.
2.. Annie Acton Bond, 1864-1933.
3.. Clara Acton Bond, 1866-1948.
4.. Charlotte Elizabeth Bond, 1868-.
5.. Charles Herbert Acton Bond, 1869-1924.
6.. Eva Florence Acton Bond, 1872-1955.
7.. Herbert Acton Bond, 1876-1936.
8.. Albert Acton Bond, 1879-1966.
6. Elizabeth Bond, b 4th OCT 1843 • Bermondsey, Surrey, England. d 1928 • Croyden, Surrey, England. m Edward Tate Fitter 1843-1879.
1.. Henry Edward Fitter, 1867-1934.
2.. Elizabeth Sarah Fitter, 1869-.
3.. Alice Bond Fitter, 1871-1948.
4.. William Joseph Fitter, 1873-.
5.. Jessy Bond Fitter, 1875-1967.
6.. Lidia Mary Fitter, 1877-.
7.. Edith Bond Fitter, 1881-1967.
7. Henry William Bond, b ABT 1847 • Bermondsey, Surrey, England. d MAR 1924 • Camberwell, London, England. m 1st Charlotte Emma Riches, 1848-1898.
1.. William Henry Bond, 1874-1949.
2.. Grace Riches Bond, 1879-1937.
3.. Horace Riches Bond, 1889-1964.
m 2nd Annie Maul Cheshire, 1861-1921.
1.. Beatrice Blanch Bond, 1902-1982.
Elizabeth Pepper, wife to William Robert Bond and my 3rd Great Grandmother has the distinction of leading me to my 1st Brick Wall. Since my early research days back in 2009, I haven't been able to confirm her parentage with factual certainty. I have not allowed this to bother me to any extent and I have simply continued with my Bond family research. Ancestry is suggesting that I have DNA matches associated with Elizabeth Pepper, so DNA may serve to solve this Brick Wall eventually. For now, we move on with my Bond family line.
William Robert's occupation is listed as Lightermen in the 1841 census, 1851 his occupation is Watermen and Lightermen along with his son John George Watermen and Lightermen, son James Robert is an apprentice Watermen. 1851 census states that William Robert's occupation is Lightermen/Corn-dealer and he and his wife Elizabeth are living at 50 Parkers Row, Southwark London England with their 17-year-old daughter Elizabeth.
The occupations of Watermen and Lightermen:
Lightermen were workers who transferred goods between ships and quays, aboard flat-bottomed barges called lighters, as cargo is removed from ships they rise higher in the water due to becoming lighter. The Lightermen were one of the most characteristic groups of workers in London’s docks during the heyday of the Port of London, but their trade was eventually rendered largely obsolete by changes in shipping technology. They were closely associated with the Watermen, who carried passengers, and in 1700 joined the Company of Watermen to form The Company of Watermen and Lightermen, an amalgamation of two trades. Throughout London’s history, the Thames has been the highway that enabled its citizens to travel easily from place to place along the river and to carry goods where they were needed. For centuries, Thames Watermen provided a vital service in transporting passengers to their places of work and leisure or simply carrying them across to the other riverbank. London Bridge, first built by the Romans, was the only bridge spanning the Thames in London until Westminster Bridge was built in 1750. The Watermen did all they could to ensure that their boats remained the only practical means of getting about.
William Thomas Bond, son to William and Elizabeth held the position of Master of the Company Lightermen and Waterman in the year 1873, masters-of-the-company.
There are many book titles written about the subject of Watermen and Lightermen and the history of workers on the River Thames. Titles can be resourced at the Guildhall Library and London Library.
The Watermen and Lightermen in the family:
JAMES ROBERT BOND,
John White,
Henry James White, Dogget Coat and Badge 1855.
Thomas Caffin White, Dogget Coat and Badge 1857.
John Acton White,
WILLIAM ROBERT BOND,
John George Bond,
William Thomas Bond, Master of the Company of Lightermen and Watermen 1873.
George Bond,
Edward John Horstead,
Henry Thomas Trumble,
George Thurston Trumble,
George Dannell Bond,
Clarence Edgar Bond,
Oswald Herbert Bond,
William Thomas Mackridge,
Samuel Bond,
Steers James Bond
Richard James Bond
JOHN ACTON,
John Cook Acton.
The earliest record of employment I have found for William Thomas Bond is an Indenture, Apprenticeship record 7th Oct 1840, he is 13 years of age, and he is Apprentice to George H Carter, Citizen and Gold Smith of London to learn his art of an Ironmonger. There is no further record of him working in this trade.
In an 1861 census, William Thomas, his wife Jane Ellen, and 3 of their children William Groves, Rosa Jane, and Marian Caroline Bond are living at No3 Savage Garden London City. William's occupation is now listed as Wharfinger employing 10 men. This occupation carries through to 1869.
A Warfinger is an old term for a person who owned or was the keeper of a Wharf (dock). The Wharfinger took custody of and was responsible for goods delivered to the wharf, typically they had an office on the wharf or dock and were responsible for the day-to-day activities including slipways, keeping tide tables, and resolving disputes. I871 Census At the age of 44 years William is a Granary/Corn keeper employing 12 men, he and Jane Ellen are living at Oberon House. I now have the task of deciding, is he flitting between occupations, or is he actually in control of the wharf where the grain is arriving and then storing it before distribution? Tracing our family history is as much about fitting a puzzle together most of the time.
Bond William Thomas.
Personal Estate £876. 14s. 1d.
11 August. Administration (with the Will) of the Personal Estate of William Thomas Bond formerly of Oberon House Bexley Heath in the County of Kent but late of 134 Abbey-street Bermondsey in the County of Surry Lightermen and Granary Keeper who died 6th July 1883 at 134 Abbey-street was granted at the Principal Registry to Jane Ellen Bond of 134 Abbey-street Widow the Relic the Residuary Legatee for Life.
25th November 1868 This is the last will of me William Thomas Bond of Obesin Home Benley Heath Kent. After payment of all my just debts, funeral, and Testamentary expenses, I give device and bequeath unto my dear wife Jane Ellen, all my Freehold Property and all my other real and personal estates of whatever kind ---, for her sole use, during her life, and at her death to be divided among all our children born to us during our Lifetime in the way she thinks best.
Signed and acknowledged by the said William Thomas Bond the testator, as and for his last will in the presence of us being present at the same time, who at his request in his presence and the presence of each other have herewith subscribed our names as Witnesses.
W.T. Bond, W.G. Downing, George Bond.
Bond Jane Ellen of 61 East Dulwich-road Surry Widow died 2nd December 1917 Administration London 20th July to Arthur Charles Bond salesmen. Effects £5.
Charles Acton Bond is the 5th child of William Robert and Elizabeth Bond and brother to William Thomas and my 1st great grandfather James Robert Bond. Though Charles is not the 1st Bond to be given the Acton name, in fact, the 2nd. His children and his descendants have permanently taken up the Acton Bond name. This Bond family line is more than needy of its dedicated chapter, I will commence writing shortly.
It is indeed my opinion that this is, if not the 1st point, it is the 2nd point of the adoption of the Acton Bond name.
1881 Charles and his wife Sarah are living with their children at 67 The Grove Hammersmith London, Charles is a Corn Merchant employing 10 men. His 1st son William Joseph Acton Bond is working as a Corn Merchant's Clerk.
William Joseph moves on to a very successful acting career in London by the year 1891, as do many other members of this family line. In the year 1925, he adopted the Acton name by Deed Pole becoming William Joseph Acton Bond.
Bond Charles Acton of 71 The Grove Hammersmith Middlesex died 7th December 1913 Probate London 19 February to Charlotte Maudsley Bond widow.
Effects £293 6s. 5d.
Their 5th child and son Charles Acton and Sarah Bond, move to Canada, and he achieves notoriety working as an Architect, he has many buildings attributed to his design skills.
7th child and son Herbert Acton Bond continues in the trade of Corn Dealer Merchant in London and his son Stanley Bertram Bond does not carry on the Acton name.
8th son Albert Acton Bond is a Photo Engraver in London, and he and his wife Marguerite Minett have a son Guy Acton Bond who in turn has 3 sons who carry on the Acton Bond name by way of sons Barry James Acton Bond, Robin David Acton Bond and Timothy Guy Acton Bond. There is a good number of Acton Bonds descended from Charles Acton Bond the 5th child of William- Robert and Elizabeth Bond, but let’s now move on to William Bond and his wife Sarah Acton.
William Bond was born on 23rd Aug 1763 in Whitechapel, Middlesex, England. He was the son of John Bond 1728-1789 and Sarah Cowley 1739-1819. His death is recorded as, Jan 1841 Bermondsey, London. William's baptism took place on 12th May 1765 at St Mary, Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex, England. Marriage to Sarah Acton 1766-1841, 2nd May 1786 Deptford St Paul Lewisham London.
St Mary, Whitechapel also known as St Mary, Matfelon and the place of William Bonds Baptism was mostly destroyed during an enemy fire raid on the 29th Dec 1940. The site of the church became St Mays Garden and is now known as Altab Ali Park, the foundation footprint of the church is all that remains.
No 177 Regifter, B.
These are to certify, That William Bond and Son - of John Bond – Sarah his Wife, who was Daughter of John Cowley – was Born in Crutched Friars – in the Parifth of St Olave Hart Street in the County of Middlesex this Twenty Third Day of August - in the Year of our Lord 1763 at whof birth we were prefent. (sic)
Sarah Lindegren
Eliz Jones Registered at Dr William’s Library, in Redcrofs – Street, near Cripplegate, London.
William Bond and Sarah Acton
St Paul Deptford Lewisham London, the marriage place of William Bond and Sarah Acton is most certainly number one on my list of places to visit and take full advantage of a sit-down and contemplation of William and Sarah Bond and their wedding day when I’m next in London. I will be keeping an eye out for the unique cylindrical bell tower as I approach the church.
William Bond Bachelor and Sarah Acton Spinster
Both of this Parish were Married in this Church by Banns
This second Day of May 1706.
By me Peter Lievre Quate
This Marriage was
Solemnised between us } Wlm Bond, Sarah Acton
In the Presence of } Thomas Jones, Jn Harley
As stated previously I believe the marriage of William and Sarah to be the beginning of the Acton Bond name we know today, or a good number of Acton Bonds can attribute their names to their Ancestral relationship to William and Sarah.
Children of William and Sarah Acton /Bond
1. John Acton Bond, b 20th APR 1787 • St Paul, Deptford, Kent, England. d JUL 1870 • England. m 26th Nov 1810. Phoebe Harris 1785 -. No issue, record.
2. Sarah Jane Bond, b 1792 • Rotherhithe, Surrey, England. d 13 AUG 1854 • Southwark, Surrey, England. m 21st Aug 1814, John White 1784 -1862.
1.. William White 1817 -.
2.. Sarah Elizabeth White 1817 -.
3.. Harriet Louisa White 1818 -1914.
4.. Mary Jane White 1824 -1888.
5.. William Robert White 1827 -.
6.. John Acton White 1829 -1879,
7.. Henry James White 1832-1876.
8.. Thomas Caffon White 1835-1884.
3. Louisa Charlotte Bond, b ABT 1799 • Portsea, Hampshire, England. d ABT 1873 • London, United Kingdom. m 7th Jun 1818, Henry Thomas Trumble 1784 -1847.
1.. Mary Ann Trumble 1811 -.
2.. Nancy Eliza Trumble 1814 -.
3.. Henry William Trumble 1819 -1830.
4.. Sarah Louisa Trumble 1821-1859.
5.. John Thomas Trumble 1824 -1874.
6.. Thomas William Trumble 1827-1896.
7.. William Henry Trumble 1829 -1829.
8.. William Acton Trumble 1831-1921.
9.. Henry Alfred Trumble 1833 -1861.
10.. James Isaac Trumble 1835 -1865.
11.. Charles George Trumble 1838 -1914.
12.. George Thurston Trumble 1841 -1911.
Second Marriage 2nd Aug 1852, William James West 1802-1872.
4. William Robert Bond, b 22 JAN 1801 • St Paul, Deptford, Kent, England. d MAR 1876 • London, Surrey, United Kingdom. m 26th May 1825, Elizabeth Pepper 1803-1888.
1.. William Thomas Bond 1827-1883.
2.. John George Bond 1829-1932.
3.. James Robert Bond 1831 -1884.
4.. George Bond 1833 -1904.
5.. Charles Acton Bond 1839 -1913.
6.. Elizabeth Bond 1843 -1928.
7.. Henry William Bond 1847 -1924.
5. Elizabeth Mary Bond, b ABT 1803 • Deptford, London, England. d OCT 1875 • London, United Kingdom. m 14th Mar 1830, William Skewer 1802 -1846.
1.. Sarah Elizabeth Skewer 1835 -1837.
2.. Harriet Louisa Skewer 1837 -1919.
Sarah Acton's Family line is in itself a huge complex line of common people and Baronet's and one of the pinnacle achievers in this family line, whom I admire for his work would have to be Lord Acton (John Dalberg - Acton), my 6th Cousin 3x removed.
9th Great Grandfather, Sir Edward Acton, 1st Baronet. Sir Edward Acton, 1st Baronet (20 July 1600 - c. June 1659) was the son of Walter Acton, Sheriff of Shropshire. He was created 1st Baronet Acton, of Aldenham, Aldenham Hall, in Morville, Shropshire England on 17 January 1643/44.
Sir Edward was a Royalist during the English Civil War and fought at the Battle of Edgehill and the Siege of Bridgnorth. At the Battle of Worcester, he was wounded in the thigh.
Sir Edward was MP for Bridgnorth during the Long and Short Parliaments and also sat in King Charles I's Parliament at Oxford.
He married Sarah Mytton, and they had the following children:
Sir Walter Acton, 2nd Baronet (1621-1665) Edward Acton (1623-1654) Thomas Acton (1623-1677) Frances Acton (1625-1626) William Acton (c. 1627-1659) Robert Acton (1628-1654) Richard Acton (1630-1674)
8th greatgrandfather. Sir Walter Acton, 2nd Baronet (1621 – 1665) was the son of Sir Edward Acton, 1st Baronet, he succeeded to the baronetage upon the death of his father. Sir Walter was elected MP for Bridgnorth at the Convention Parliament of 1660.
He married Catherine Cresset, and they had the following children:
Sir Edward Acton, 3rd Baronet (1649-1716) Walter Acton (1651-11 Mar 1718) Richard Acton (b. c. 1652-Mar 1705) Thomas Acton William Acton Robert Acton (b. 1655) Francis Acton (1657-24 Aug 1733) Catherine Acton Elizabeth Acton Sarah Acton
7th Great Grand Uncle. Sir Edward Acton, 3rd Baronet(c. 1650 - 28 September 1716) was the son of Sir Walter Acton, 2nd Baronet, he succeeded to the baronetage upon the death of his father. He was Tory Member of Parliament for Bridgnorth from 1689 until 1705, and was a barrister, being a member of the Inner Temple.
He married Mary Walter, and they had the following children:
Sir Whitmore Acton, 4th Bt. (1678 - January 1732) Mary Acton (born 1678) Edward Acton (1681-1741) John Acton (born bef. 1716) Sarah Acton Elizabeth Acton Frances Acton (died 29 October 1718) Catherine Acton He held the office of High Sheriff of Shropshire from 1684 to 1685. He held the office of Recorder of Bridgnorth in 1701.
1st Cousin 8x Removed. Sir Whitmore Acton, 4th Baronet (c. 1677 - 17 January 1731/32) was the son of Sir Edward Acton, 3rd Baronet, he succeeded to the baronetcy upon the death of his father.
He married Lady Elizabeth Gibbon, and they had the following children:
Sir Richard Acton, 5th Baronet (1 January 1712-20 November 1791) Elizabeth Acton (b. bef 1730) Jane Acton (b. bef 1732) Mary Acton (b. bef 1732) He held the office of High Sheriff of Shropshire from 1727 to 1728.
2nd Cousin7x removed Sir Richard Acton, 5th Baronet (1 January 1712 - 20 November 1791) was an English baronet. The son of Sir Whitmore Acton, 4th Bt., he succeeded to the baronetcy upon the death of his father.
He married Lady Anne Grey, Daughter of Henry Grey, 3rd Earl of Stamford on 21 September 1744, and they had the following children:
Elizabeth Acton (b. 1746) Frances Acton (1749-1762) He held the office of High Sheriff of Shropshire from 1751 to 1752. As he had no surviving male issue, the title went to his distant cousin, Sir John Acton.
Sir John Francis Edward Acton, 6th Baronet (3 June 1736 – 12 August 1811) was commander of the naval forces of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and prime minister of Naples under Ferdinand IV.
He was the son of Edward Acton, a physician at Besançon, and was born there in 1736, succeeding to the title and estates in 1791, on the death of his second cousin once removed, Sir Richard Acton of Aldenham Hall, Shropshire. He served in the navy of Tuscany, and 1775 commanded a frigate in the joint expedition of Spain and Tuscany against Algiers, in which he displayed such courage and resource that he was promoted to high command.
In 1779 Queen Maria Carolina of Naples persuaded her brother the Grand-Duke Leopold of Tuscany to allow Acton, who had been recommended to her by Prince Caramenico, to undertake the reorganisation of the Neapolitan navy. The ability displayed by him in this led to his rapid advancement. He became commander-in-chief of both the army and the navy of the Kingdom of Naples, minister of finance, and finally prime minister.
His policy was devised in concert with the English ambassador, Sir William Hamilton, and aimed at substituting the influence of Austria and Great Britain for that of Spain at Naples. Such policy consequently involved open opposition to France and the French party in Italy. The financial and administrative measures resulting from a policy that necessitated a great increase of armaments made him intensely unpopular, and in December 1798 he shared the flight of the king and queen.
For the reign of terror which followed the downfall of the Parthenopean Republic, five months later, Acton has been held responsible. In 1804 he was for a short time deprived of the reins of government at the demand of France; but he was speedily restored to his former position, which he held till, in February 1806, on the entry of the French into Naples, he had to flee with the royal family into Sicily. He died at Palermo.
He had married, by papal dispensation (13 January 1799) Mary Anne, the eldest daughter of his brother, General Joseph Edward Acton (1 Oct 1737-12 Jan 1830), who was in the Neapolitan service, and had three children:
Sir Ferdinand Richard Edward Acton (later Dalberg-Acton) (1801-1837) Cardinal Acton (1803-1847) Elizabeth Acton (1806-1850) married Sir Robert Throckmorton, 8th Bt and had issue. The elder son, Sir Ferdinand, was the father of the first Baron Acton.
Recommended reading:
London, a Fourteenth-Century City and its People, by Kathrine Warner.
Secret London, by Andrew Duncan.
London's Docklands, by Rule.
The City on the Thames, by Simon Jenkins.
The History of the Port of London, by Peter Stone.
Copyright © Noel Bond. Researched and written by Noel Bond, No written part of this Blog may be reproduced in any form, by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.
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