Alfred Hawks left Snodland in Kent with his new bride Sarah to take up as Headmaster of the Church School, which is now the Sandcastles Nursery. This was in 1875. They lived in the school house which was on the site of Runwood House, on the corner of Common Hall Lane, and here they brought up eight children – Fred, Gus, Leslie (my Father), Kate, Elsie, Doris, Minnie and Edith. During this time he was choirmaster and organist at St James The Less Church and he was also a councillor. On his retirement in 1918, a large piece of land was purchased in Chapel Lane where Holbro House was built. [No. 40, still standing.]
Two special wedding anniversaries were celebrated on the large lawn at Holbro House – their Golden Wedding in 1925 and their Diamond Wedding in 1935. I was a grandson at the Golden Wedding, age two on mothers lap. (Photo below).
See the page ‘National Schools 1855-1924‘ for details of the School.
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I’ve Lived in Holborn House for 18 years and we are just about to sell it so if anyone has info of the history of the house please let me know!
It appears from the burial records of St James church that Alfred and Sarah had twin girls who both died soon after birth, October 1885. They were baptised Margaret and Maude. Thanks for the information Chris.
David, I remember those days at L.A.T.H.O. but unable to place you. Somewhere I have some photos taken at the oil terminal, if I find them I will send them to you. Ian {ian.hawks@googlemail.com }
I too remember Mr Hawks as Sayers Cottage was almost opposite Holboro House. I can picture him even now standing on the balcony early morning in his dressing gown enjoying the view across the Thames for at that time one could, on occasion see the end of Southend Pier. I expect Ian will remember me as I worked with him for a while at L.A.T.H.O.
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