Mary Collins (circa 1805 – 1893)

Mary Hall was born circa 1805 in Alvaston, a village 3 miles from Derby. Her implied date of birth varied based on her given age from census to census, but based on her age at death it was 1805. She might be Mary Hall who was baptized on 7 April 1810 at Alvaston, the daughter of George Hill and Ann Sherwin.

Mary married Richard Collins on 6 October 1830 at St Werburgh in Derby. Richard was born circa 1809 in Derby.

In the 1841 census Richard and Mary along with children William, Henry and Robert were living in Wright Street in Derby with Richard recorded as a labourer.  Ten years later in the 1851 census Richard and Mary along with children William aged 21, Henry aged 17, Robert aged 15 and Richard aged 7 were still living in Wright Street (at number 2). Richard was recorded as a fishmonger journeyman, Mary silk throwing, William a warehouseman, Henry silk throwing and Robert a labourer.

Richard died on 25 August 1859 still living at Wright Street in Derby.

Two years later in the 1861 census Mary was recorded living with her son William and his wife and children at 28 Bridge Street in Derby. William was a tea dealer, his wife Sarah a dressmaker and Mary was recorded as formerly being a laundress.

At present no trace of Mary in the 1871 census, she was no longer living with her son William.

By the time of the 1881 census Mary had moved to Berkshire and she was recorded as living in a cottage on Greenham Common and a laundress. There was also a boarder living in the house, Edward Greene aged 13 and a scholar.

In the 1891 census Mary was recorded in Newbury Union Workhouse, her occupation was recorded as a laundress, although it was unlikely she was still working.

Ann died on 16 November 1883 in Newbury Union Workhouse aged 88 She was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 18 November. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 23 November as below.

COLLINS – Nov. 16, at the Workhouse, Newbury, Mary Collins, aged 88, late of Greenham.

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