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Langford, Walter

Charles Walter Langford was the son of Henry Charles Langford and his wife Mary Ann Langford (nee Hillidge). (Henry Charles Langford had married Mary Ann Hillidge in 1888, Qtr June, District Llanfyllin, Montgomeryshire. Vol 11b page 310).

The census of 1891 records the family living at Grangewood Farm Cottages, Netherseal, Leicestershire. Head of the household was Henry Charles Langford aged 26. He was a Coachman- a Domestic Servant. His wife Mary Ann was 24. She had been born in Criggion, Shropshire. Their child, Charles Walter Langford was 2. He had been born in Netherseal.There was a visitor Sarah Hillidge 22 from Criggion.

The next census was in 1901 and the males from the  family were recorded making a visit to Mary Ann’s former home. The address was ‘Small Farm’ Criggion Montgomeryshire. Head of the household was Mary Ann Hillidge aged 57 a widow and a Farmer (and presumably the mother of the other Mary Ann). Her sons John 25 and William 24 were listed as ‘Farmer’s sons’. The rest of the household was made up of visitors. They were Henry Langford 33 and Walter Langford 11. There was another family –  William Pass 30 (a Coachman Groom), Sarah Pass 32 and William Pass 2.

In 1911 the Langford family was in Bettisfield Shropshire/Flintshire. They were living at The Nag’s Head where 46 year old Henry Charles was the Innkeeper. His wife of 24 years Mary Ann was 44. She had given birth to 2 children both of whom were still living. Ethel Mary Langford their daughter was 6 and had been born in Bettisfield. Their son Charles Walter was not present for the census. Sarah Speakman a Lodger/Servant was listed in the household.

So where was Charles Walter Langford in 1911? I believe we have found him living at The Stables of Hardwick Hall, Ellesmere, Shropshire. This large Estate was the home of Walter Kynaston, Major of the Shropshire Yeomanry. Charles Walter Langford was 21 and a Domestic Groom. He gave his birthplace as Grangewood Leicester.

UK Soldiers who died in The Great War 1914-19 confirms the regimental details at the top of this page. It adds that he enlisted in Ellesmere, Shropshire and this source tells us he was killed in action in France/Flanders. His medal index card also on ancestry, details his two medals.

The Army’s register of Effects in which they calculated the monies owed to deceased soldiers,  names ‘Widow Mary’ as the sole legatee of Walter Langford. It seems he was married but so far I have no further evidence of this.


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