Mary Hill (1793 — 1883) 

Mary Hill was born in 1793 in Oxfordshire, probably in Kingston Blount which is where her place of birth was recorded in the censuses from 1851 onwards. She was baptized on 26 January 1793 at St Peter and St Paul in Aston Rowant in Oxfordshire, parents John and Elizabeth. Aston Rowant is only one mile from Kingston Blount. 
Unfortunately, it is impossible to identify Mary in the 1841 census.

In the 1851 census Mary was living at 9 Newgate Market in the City of London and recorded as a nurse. The head of the house was George Lee and two of his sisters were living there as well as a domestic servant. 

Mary had moved to Newbury by the time of the 1861 census and was recorded as a visitor at 127 Bartholomew Street with an occupation of fundholder. The head of the house was a widow Sarah Matilda Kimber aged 69 and born in London who was also a fundholder. There was also a general servant living in the house. 


Ten years later in the 1881 census Mary was still recorded as a visitor at 127 Bartholomew Street with Sarah Kimber still being head of the house. Mary's occupation was recorded as an annuitant. There was also a general domestic servant living in the house, Fanny Kimber aged 23, possibly related to Sarah Kimber. 

She was still living at 127 Bartholomew Street in the 1891 census with William Fountain and his family and also one domestic servant and again Mary was recorded as an annuitant. 
Mary died on 23 September 1883 aged 90 and was buried at Newtown Road Cemetery on 28 September 1883. An announcement appeared in the Newbury Weekly News dated 27 September 1883 as below. 

HILL Sept. 23, at 127 Bartholomew Street, Newbury, Mary Hill, in her 91st year. 

Mary left a will and probate was granted on 22 December 1883 at Oxford to the executors John Kimber and Charles Kimber, both gentlemen of Enbome. The value of the estate was £2,184 1 ls 6d. 

Author: soper
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