John Graves was born in Pensham, near Pershore, Worcestershire in 1729. Above is a map of Pensham from the 1880's.
St. Andrew's church in Pershore. This was the local church for John, his daughter Ann, his grandson James and his great-grandson James (Thomas Henry's father). This church was being converted into a community centre when this picture was taken on 30th August 2001.
Pershore Abbey. Directly opposite St. Andrew's church.
The last Will and Testament of John Graves signed on 19th January 1810. This Will states that James is the natural son of John's daughter Ann Greaves.
James Graves, John's Great-Grandson and Thomas Henry's father, was a gamekeeper at Drakes Broughton, Worcestershire (near Pershore) when Edwin was born in 1833; Henry, Herbert, and Frederick were also born there. The property above is shown as an example of a gamekeeper's lodge.
James then moved to Bockleton, Eastham as a gamekeeper to Rev. J. H. Newport in 1845. John and Thomas Henry were born there.
Shown above is Bockleton Church.
James then moved to Hanley Child to run The Bell public house (shown above circa 1904). Kelly directory 1855 states: James Graves, The Bell, Hanley Child, carrier to Kidderminster, Graves (omnibus) Bell, Hanley Child, Thurs. 5a.m. to Worcester, Sat 7a.m. The Bell is now known as the Tally Ho.
Hanley Childe church.
Hanley William Church (near Tenbury). James, his wife Ann, Thomas Henry, Herbert, John and William Graves are buried here. The square wooden board on the tower is a sundial. The church also has a pulpit made from a hollowed out tree trunk.
The graves of Herbert, James and William at Hanley William. Thomas Henry's grave.
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF HERBERT GRAVES WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE MAY 23RD 1875 AGED 35 YEARS + IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEATH.
IN AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES GRAVES LATE OF THE BELL INN HANLEY CHILD WHO DIED MAY 19TH 1883 IN THE 76TH YEAR OF HIS AGE.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF WILLIAM,THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF CHARLOTTE GRAVES (OF HANLEY WILLIAM) WHO DIED MARCH 11TH 1912 AGED 60 YEARS FATHER IN THY GRACIOUS KEEPING LEAVE WE NOW THY SERVANT SLEEPING
IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF THOMAS HENRY GRAVES DIED JAN 23rd 1921 IN HIS 73rd YEAR
The Crow pub in Tenbury Wells, once owned by Thomas Henry Graves.
Thomas Henry Graves is listed in the 1884 edition of the Kelly's trade directory as:
"Graves, Thomas Henry, Crow, Teme St. and lessee of the Baths and Pump Room and wholesale fruit dealer.
The Pump House, 23rd October 2001, at the rear of the Crow pub.
Press cutting from the Worcester Evening News (Feb. 2002)
Thomas Henry moved from the Crow to Pool House Farm, Bockleton Road, Oldwood, Tenbury. The above photograph dates from about 1893.
Pool House Farm 4th April 2002. Showing the current owners Mr. & Mrs. Richard Fox. Also shown are Jean Harrison (nee Graves), Jane Lawrence (nee Graves) and Richard Graves.
The building is now a grade II listed building. The Georgian front, shown, was built in three stages; firstly the bottom two floors on the right-hand side, up to the line by the door, were built. Then the two floors on the left were added. Finally the top floor was added.
The back of the building is the original 16th century cottage onto which this frontage was added.
Enlargement, from the Pool House photograph, showing Bob, Thomas, Lionel, and Bert (Victor).
A map from 1889 showing Pool House Farm in the centre.
From Pool House Farm the family moved to Crown Hill House. Gladys and Bert at Crown Hill (C1902).
Crown Hill, Tenbury. Worcs. (C1912). Dick Mountford(2)?, Maud, George Mountford (4)?,Hilda, Gladys,?,Thomas Henry. Enlargement shows Thomas Henry Graves.
Crown Hill. Worcester Road, Newnham Bridge.
Crown Hill 4th April 2002, with Jean Harrison and Jane Lawrence.
After Crown Hill Thomas Henry Graves moved to Engleton, Bromyard Road, Tenbury, shown above in 2002.
Tenbury church.
Jean Harrison at the Graves family cross.
Inscriptions on the Tenbury cross:
In Memory George Frederick Graves. Born Dec 6th 1876 Died South Africa Oct 2nd 1914.
Louisa Emily Howells. May 30th 1940 Age 66.
Katherine Grace Graves. Born Nov. 28th 1880. Died July 1st 1899.
James Henry Graves.Born Feb 11th 1873. Died Dec 6th 1874.
Arthur Clarence Graves. Born Jan 8th 1892. Died Dec 3rd 1892.
Louise Graves (nee Barnett).Born Dec 8th 1850. Died May 6th 1919.
Gertrude Alice Graves. Born 11th Oct. 1875. Died 1st March 1882.
A Princess Pippin apple tree, in the 'Tenbury Millennium Orchard', dedicated to T. H. & L. E. Graves.
According to Christina Graves, when Edward, Prince of Wales and Princess Alexandria were at Witley Court visiting the Dudley's, Thomas Henry Graves took them a basket of these apples. This led to the variety being called 'Princess Pippin' and Thomas Henry was allowed to put the Royal crest on his hampers.
Email: Lionel Graves (lionel@graf-tek.com).
Copyright ©2000-2007 L.& R.Graves. All Rights Reserved.