Created by Julie Goucher, 2023

Our Genealogical pursuits are underpinned with the history relevant to the country where our ancestors hailed from, and also by wider current affairs. Our people, much like us today did not live in isolation. They, as we are, were affected by social, economic, political and religious facts. Impacted by decisions made by politicians, either those in office, or those that were part of a previous government. It is those elements that underpinned the life factors of our ancestors. 

I am reminded of my great aunt who was born in 1900, telling me that she remembered her grandmother, Caroline Ellis who was born in 1844, qualifying for a pension from the government of 10 shillings a week.

I knew that my great Grandmother had looked after her mother, so my grandfather, my aunt and the rest of the siblings were used to, and aware of the extended family approach to society. Without that family support there was only one other viable option and that was the workhouse.

The ‘Old Age Pension’ was introduced in the UK in January 1909. A pension of 5 shillings per week, or 7 shillings and sixpence for a married couple, was payable to a person with an income below £21 a year. The original state pension qualifying age was 70, and was subject to a means test.

There is a discrepancy of how much the pension was, but whatever the amount I am sure that it was a welcomed addition to the family coffers. The family “home” comprised of:

• my great grandparents – Annie (Harris) & Charles Butcher
• my great great grandparents – Caroline (Ellis) and Henry Harris
  • Caroline born 1844 – died 1935
  • Henry born 1843 – died 1929
  • In 1911 Caroline and Henry are living next door to Annie & Charles. Also living with them is Caroline’s brother, Edward who is now a widower.
• my grandfather – George Butcher plus 11 siblings born between 1900 & 1917. Three sadly died as infants, 1902, 1903 and 1912.

Two additional points of reference:

1. The extended family was an important of my family. Of the row of six cottages, at least half was occupied by family.
2. Edward Ellis had spent a little over four years in the Army, as part of the 67th Regiment of Foot (Royal Hampshire). He contracted chronic Hepatitis whilst serving in Thyetmoo in what was noted as British Burmah, (Burma), where he had spent two years. His condition was recorded as significantly impaired, resulting in an enlargement of his liver. He was found unfit for further service.

Edward returned back to Surrey where he married in 1882. His wife died in 1907 and by 1911 he was living with his brother in law and sister Caroline. He died in 1921 at the workhouse in Guildford, likely because he was unable to receive the care he needed from the family at home.