A needlework sampler is a piece of embroidery or cross-stitching produced by young girls as a demonstration of their skill. It often included the alphabet, figures, motifs, decorative borders and often included a date and the name of the creator.
So the discovery of this work set us on a hunt for more information about the school and Sarah Garrard in particular.
The physical location of the school has not been determined exactly but was probably in the Parish Room which stood at the bottom of Ravens Lane (next to Verandah Cottage). This building used to belong to the Church but evidence of when this was built is lacking and it may have been a later development. It was demolished after being damaged in the storm of 1987. A reference in the Churchwardens Accounts in 1767-68 records a glazier’s bill for 18 shillings and 3 pence for the “School House” which pre-dates George Naylor’s incumbency (1795 – 1854). Robert Hudson was vicar at this time (1760-1785).
Sarah Garrard – Biography
Sarah Garrard was born 20th March 1813 and baptised in Bramford on the 24th April 1814.
She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth Garrard.
She married Samuel Ramsey in Bramford on the 28th May 1833
1841 Census
The family is living in The Street, with two children John (7) and Thomas (5). Samuel is an agricultural labourer. Samuel was 30 and Sarah 25 (Samuel and Sarah’s ages here are rounded down to the nearest “5” as was the system used for anyone over 15 in this Census) Her actual age would have been 28.
John Garrard Ramsey was born 2 September 1833 and baptised 5 January 1834.
He married Susan Proctor 25 December 1863 in Croydon – his father was recorded as “Samuel” in the marriage register.
1871 7 Myrtle Street West, Croydon, born in Bramford, Suffolk– working as a gardener.
1881 4 New Cottages, Bensham Lane, Croydon
1891 (As above)
1851 Census
The couple are still living in The Street. Samuel is a farm labourer. Of the two children; John, 17, is now a farm labourer and Elizabeth, 8, a scholar. For the first time in the census the birthplace of individuals are recorded and in the case of Samuel and Sarah both give “Bramford”
Sarah aged 38.
Elizabeth Ramsey was born 13th October 1842 and baptised 25 December 1842 at Bramford
(It is assumed that Thomas had died)
1861 Census
Sarah (aged 51) is traced to 5 Gipping Street in Stowmarket but alone at this address – seemingly recorded as a widow? She also is stated to have been born in Earl Stonham. The variation in ages and place of birth are not unusual at this time. Her classification as a widow may have been an error. Samuel may have been working away from home at the time but has not been traced.
1871 Census
Samuel, 59, (an Agricultural Labourer) and Sarah were living at 34 Regent Street Stowmarket.
Samuel’s birthplace is given as Burstall, Suffolk.
Sarah, 41, born in Earl Stonham, Suffolk – her age is incorrect here but continues as such throughout the rest of her life.
1881 Census
Samuel and Sarah (52) living at 75 Myrtle Street East, Croydon, Surrey (See son John in 1871)
Samuel is a Gardener.
1889 Samuel died in Croydon.
1891 Census
Sarah, 61, (Widow) is a lodger living at 1 Cuffley Cottages, Bensham Lane, Croydon and working as a needlewoman (shirts).
1901 Census
Sarah Ramsey – born in Earl Stonham, Suffolk, is resident at the Almshouses, Seabrook Road, Croydon. Age is given as 71 and she is “living on the Charity”.Sarah Ramsey died in 1907 in Croydon at the recorded age of 78 (i.e. born in about 1829) – actual age 94! It’s difficult to say how Sarah’s age got to be recorded some 17 years younger than she was but we are as certain as we can be that the above records all relate to the right person. There are too many coinciding factors to think otherwise. However, any information would be gratefully received.
It’s appropriate that she finished her working life as a needlewoman given that this story started with her sampler!