From Brightwaltham to Elmley Castle

[RobinC]

I have a sister of my 3 x great grandmother who was named Emma Collins and was born in Brightwaltham, Berkshire in 1851.

On the 1861 census, she is with her family at "Green, Brightwaltham" but on the 1871 census she is a dairy maid at "Elmley Park, Elmley Castle" near Pershore, Worcestershire.

I have two questions now:

1. Why did she travel over 60 miles to work there when her family were still living in Brightwaltham? (I can't find a marriage for her).

2. Where does she go after 1871?

[Jan1954]

Just to give an idea for an answer to question 1).

Many "domestic" positions were filled through word of mouth. It may be that the person for whom she was working was friends with someone who also employed a girl from Brightwaltham, and asked if they were aware of any other suitable girls.

That is how my grandparents met. Grandmother was living in Ashdon, Essex and was recommended by a girl from the village who worked in St Albans, over 50 miles away. Grandfather worked for his parents, who ran a laundry. He used to collect the laundry from the house where Grandmother worked and they met. The rest, as they say, is history!

[RobinC]

That could be the answer but Emma appears to be the only Berkshire born employee from what I can see.

Piece: 3062 Folio: 32 Page: 13

Census copyright of TNA

The other answer which may be similar is there could be someone working nearby who recommended her!

[RobinC]

I've just looked at the images either side of the one Emma is on and there is no sign of anyone else from Brightwaltham or Berkshire.

[birdlip]

I have a sister of my 3 x great grandmother who was named Emma Collins and was born in Brightwaltham, Berkshire in 1851.

On the 1861 census, she is with her family at "Green, Brightwaltham" but on the 1871 census she is a dairy maid at "Elmley Park, Elmley Castle" near Pershore, Worcestershire.

I have two questions now:

1. Why did she travel over 60 miles to work there when her family were still living in Brightwaltham? (I can't find a marriage for her).

2. Where does she go after 1871?

Hi there,

I can't find a marriage for her either. Have you ruled out this death:

Mar 1875 COLLINS Emma 23 Droitwich 6c 314

She is the correct age, and Droitwich is a neighbouring Registration District to Pershore (which includes Elmley Castle)

[RobinC]

I hadn't considered that death registration but as you say it fits her age and last known location.

Thank you.