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The Mystery of Stockwell Villaby Webmaster - 09:50 on 11 October 2007This is a postcard, found by Patrick Currie, among a collection of around 80 cards owned by Eliza Maggie Ingram. Maggie, as she was known, became Mrs Fuller in 1914 and was for some years a travelling companion to a ‘wealthy’ American, Mrs Emily Chadbourne. The connection here is that she was also the mother in law of Patrick’s aunt who has recently died.
Although Maggie, who was born in Berkshire in 1882, lived in London, there is intrigue as to why she would in particular have an interest in  the property seen here. Patrick feels if some light could be shed upon who lived in this property in the years from 1900 to 1920, he might be some way to resolving the mystery. John Barnes ‘History of Caston’ tells us that the property was actually built in 1911 by Amos Davey, a builder from south London who came to live in Caston in 1905. The house, originally called Stockwell Villa, was later known as The Villa and was bought by Norfolk Constabulary in the 1920’s as a home for the village constable. This lasted until 1936 when a police house was built at Stow Bedon. The property is now known as Wardles.
So, the question is, if you have any information regarding the occupancy of this property from 1911 to the 1920’s, do please let me know. You can post your entry below.
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So, the box of postcards is potentially the tip of the iceberg! We haven't ventured into the loft yet in the house (in Hammersmith) so who knows what we'll find! We'll keep you and your contacts posted!
It may be that Ellen was a sister in law of Eliza and may indeed have lived at Stockwell Villa but at the moment that is conjecture. Ralph was a war hero and is pictured in John Barnes book alongside King George VI unveiling a memorial to King George V at Westminster.
If you believe these are relatives of yours you may want to contact John Barnes in order to purchase copies of his books. His contact details are on the web site. The books are fascinating and from memory he charges very little for them.
Jane, who I mention above, knows personally an older resident in the village and is going to have words with him over the next week or so to see if any additional information can be gleaned. She will also check church records to obtain Ellen's date of death.
In return she is very interested in anyone within the village who served in the armed forces at any time and wonders if there are any armed forces personnel within your postcard collection that might have a connection here.