What is especially wonderful about this row of houses on the left is that my ancestor, John Butcher (1795 – 1877) inherited one of them on the death of his father, James Butcher.

John was born illegitimately in 1795 to Sarah Woolgar and James Butcher. We know that is the case because of other documents that have been located. In 1801 Sarah and James married. In 1802 they had another son Thomas who because he was the legitimate heir inherited his father’s estate, which included Tangley Manor. John was acknowledged by his father, in life and death, inheriting one of these houses and some cash.