Mary Hitchings 1811-1889 Lewes, Sussex

[Diamond]

I need some help in tracing the life of Mary Hitchings this is what I know about her so far:

Mary Hitchings married Charles Bentick in Brighton in 1847 her father was an Edward Hitchings and by 1847 he was a pensioner. 1n 1851 they were living together in Brighton and she was born in Lewes, Sussex.
In 1852 they had their only child a son William Bentick born 9 November 1852, at 7 Margaret Street, Brighton. By 1861 Mary is living with just her 8 year old son, still in Brighton, but not with Charles although she is listed as wife rather than widow. I cannot find Mary Bentick in 1871 census but by 1881 there is a Mary Bentick aged 71 at Race Hill workhouse in Brighton.
Charles Bentick dies in 1886 with his son W. Bentick in attendance in Brighton.

Mary Bentick dies 23 December 1889 in the workhouse, her informant is Edward Sattin, Master Workhouse Brighton.
I have been to the records office in Lewes looking up parish records for Mary to trace a baptisim in one of the many Lewes churches around the 1811 expected birth time, with no luck. I have been unable to find any records about when people entered RaceHill Workhouse and for what reason, so I am now wondering what I can look up now. How do I find out more about her father Edward, and who her mother was?

Any help in pointing me in the right direction would be good. Thank you.

[Jellylegs]

Could this be her?

1871 (RG10/1076/91/25 - Record held by TNA, Crown copyright)

Bentick, Mary (Lodger) married. Age 60, Needlewoman, born Lewes, Sussex

Jellylegs

[Diamond]

Thank you "jellylegs" that is her entry for 1871. In 1881 census she was described as a milliner, and I know from census returns that her husband Charles was a tailor. I am sure that must be her.

Thank you

[olliecat]

I don't think this is going to be much help to you but..

I was looking for a baptism for Mary Hitchings on family search and came across one for a Thomas Hitchings with father Edward, baptised 1811, St Nicholas, Brighton. It's not so far from Lewes. Possibly a sibling for Mary?

Just a thought.

[Diamond]

Thank you Olliecat every little bit of help is most welcome. Thank you.

[Peter Goodey]

I have been unable to find any records about when people entered RaceHill Workhouse and for what reason

According to the Hospital Records Database, Admission & Discharge Registers (and also Clinical & Patients' records) for the Brighton Union Infirmary (now Brighton General Hospital) are held at East Sussex Record Office for 1889-1969.

[Diamond]

Thank you for that information Peter. Once my son is back at school I feel a visit to Lewes will be called for!