The New Forest

Fred Corben(my Great Grandfather)was born in Poulner,Ringwood,Hampshire.His father's name was Willett and his mother's was Eliza Small.Willett was an Agricultural Labourer and I feel he must have been a good,hard worker as he managed to stay in work,helping build the local railway too, in the same area for many years.When Willett married Eliza at Ringwood parish church in August 1845 she signed her name with a cross.However,this did not stop her being a self-employed laundress with two staff.Edwin,their grandson,a scholar, lived with them too.I later found out that his dear mother,Julia, had died when he was just an infant.Well done Willett and Eliza!I believe they lived at the Old Laundry Cottage,No.12 Christchurch Road.This is a lovely old pink painted thatch.Willett and Eliza would have worked incredibly hard to support their growing family all living in one room.There would be no room for tantrums..As well as Fred,his siblings were Julia,Thomas,Sebina (was she beautiful with long raven hair?.....I bet she was wooed by the many labourers at Ringwood fair.) and young Willett who broke the ag.lab. mould and moved to Southwark, London and married Emma Butcher and earnt the King's shilling as a Mariner.For some reason I have deep respect and affection for old Great/Great Grandad Willett.He sadly ended his days in the workhouse in Verwood Road,Ashley at aged 79 years.He deserved to have a smile on his face.