Kingston (near Corfe Castle)

Part of the Dorset Online Parish Clerk network

DORSET OPC

Families of Kingston

This section is especially for stories and photographs of the families who have lived in Kingston over the years.

 

If you have any information about Kingston which you would like to share, be it stories or old photographs etc., please email us at info@kingstonopc.org.uk

The Sansom Family

Henry Sansom ‘Senior’ (1857-?)

 

Henry was born at Dewlish (near Milborne St. Andrew) in Dorset to Charles and Mary Ann Sansom (nee Warren) and christened at Dewlish on 3 January 1857. [Charles was born at Owermoigne in 1821, Mary Ann at Tincleton in 1828, they married on 16 November 1852 at Tincleton Church and moved to Dewlish c. 1856.]

 

Henry, who was a shepherd, had at least one brother and four sisters. Although the family were still living at Dewlish in 1861, by 1871 they had moved to Warmwell (Dorset) and by 1881 they were living in East Stoke (Dorset).

 

Henry married Eliza Ann Vye who was born at Turners Puddle (Dorset) in about 1862. Their daughter, Rosa was born around 1881. By 1885 the family were living at Kingston, in one of the cottages that looks out on the panoramic view of the Purbeck Hills and Corfe Castle. In 1885 Henry Sansom Snr made a little bit of history when he was the first shepherd in the area to transport a flock of sheep on the newly opened railway. Henry Charles Sansom was born at Kingston in 1886.

 

For reasons we do not know, the family left Kingston for several years with Henry working as a shepherd at Bere Down.  In 1891, Henry, Eliza and the two children were living at Lytchett Minster (Dorset). By that time, Henry’s father Charles was a widower and was ‘lodging’ with them. The Sansom family later returned to Kingston.

 

Information and photographs provided by Claire Hawker nee Sansom,

grand-daughter of Henry Ernest ‘Ern’ Sansom and Hilda Nellie Sansom

Henry Charles Sansom  ‘Junior’ (1886-1966)

 

Henry was born at Kingston but by 1891 was living at Lytchett Minster (Dorset) and recorded as ‘Harry’.

 

Henry married Sarah Hannah ‘Hannah’ Bartlett who was born around 1884 in Wareham, Dorset. Their son Henry Ernest Sansom was born in Upper Parkstone, near Poole in 1906. By 1911, the ‘Sansom’ family were once again living in Kingston. Caroline Bartlett, Hannah’s step-mother, was living with them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Henry Ernest (‘Ern’) Sansom (1906-1991)

 

Ern was born 11 Jun 1906 at Upper Parkstone near Poole and was living in Kingston in 1911. The following year he was photographed with the rest of his class at Kingston School. He is pictured on the far left in the third row back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ern married Hilda Nellie Heath (1905-1991) at Holwell on 30 June 1934. She was born at Sherborne (Dorset) on 23 January 1905. They had one son, Colin Henry Sansom, born at The Lane, Kingston in 1937.

 

Ern served in Burma during the second world war and he is pictured below in uniform with mini portrait photos of his son and wife superimposed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At various stages during the war, 870,000 children and their teachers were evacuated from the cities to more rural areas including Kingston. The Sansom family hosted one such evacuee called Norton. Norton’s father visited his son at Kingston in the Spring of 1943 and then wrote to Ern in Burma. The letter is reproduced below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Claire Hawker

London

28th April 1943

Dear Ern,

 

I can imagine the look of surprise on your face when you open this letter and wonder who the H---- has written, so I had better introduce myself before I go further, I am Norton's father. I have just come back from a weekend at Kingston and I feel that I must write and let you know how much we appreciate what your wife is doing for Norton. They are all well and in the very best of health including your father (Henry Sansom Jnr) and Winkle.

 

By the way I had a try at drinking the Scott Arms dry but they still had some wallop left when I came away but I regret to say that it is now a shilling a pint (what a price for food) although I believe it is much dearer where you are, and I suppose much more appreciated. Winkle and I took on all comers at darts on Friday night and beat them until about 9.45pm when we got knocked off the board.

 

The whole crowd of us went to Wareham on Saturday (including Colin) and we went to that super cinema of yours, the only seats available were at 8d so we got in at bargain price, six for four bob, but a good time was had by all. The film was one of Will Hay's and Colin told me afterwards that it was different from the way he carried on at school, I expect it was. Norton and John are in the choir at Church and believe me they look as though butter wouldn't melt in their mouths when are dressed up in surplices and cassocks. The church bells were rung on Sunday and I wandered into the belfry to watch the ringers at work, of which your Dad (Henry Sansom Jnr) was one, but I believe the effort gave him a thirst as we walked down to Corfe afterwards and didn't do too badly. Mr Swan at the Scott Arms has a notice prohibiting singing in the bar but I believe Arthur had some singing beer as he gave us some delightful renderings during the course of the evening on Easter Monday and he finished with "Abide with me" very touching?

 

I am looking forward to seeing you after the war so that we may join in the celebrations. We fully intend to spend holiday in Kingston. You would hardly know Colin now as he is quite grown up, he had me building winches, etc, with his "Trix" set, I am not sure whether I finished one or not.

 

By the way when I went down my wife, who had gone down to Kingston the day before came to Wareham to meet me and at Corfe she had the three boys and when asking for tickets she pointed to Colin and said "Have I to pay for him, he's only 4" but Colin pushed himself forward and said "I'se five Auntie" and he was quite indignant about it with the result that he had to be paid for - we tried to teach him afterwards that he was four when he had to get on a bus or train and five any other time but he wouldn't have it at any price.

 

Winkle and his wife came down to your place on Sunday after tea, we taught your wife and those two how to play Newmarket with the result that they skinned us so they hadn't much to learn but did enjoy it. Mrs Sansom developed quite a technique of playing the last card and scooping the"kitty" all in one movement.

 

Well I am afraid I cannot think of anymore to say at present so must close, my wife joins in with me in wishing you a safe and speedy return.

 

I am

Yours sincerely

..........................

 

 

Hilda died at the Elmwood Grove retirement home in Swanage (Dorset) on 16 February 1991 and is buried at Kingston New Church. Ern died a few months later at Poole Hospital on 1 May 1991 and is buried with Hilda.

 

Note from Claire Hawker: I can't make out the signature on the end of the letter but Norton still keeps in touch. The Colin referred to is my Dad - Colin Henry Sansom. Winkle is my Great Uncle Winkle - he was always called that - his real name was William Arthur Sansom and he lived in the house on the corner opposite the Scott Arms. I never knew until my Grandad's funeral that his first name was Henry as he was always called "Ern".

IN LOVING MEMORY

OF

HILDA NELLIE SANSOM

DIED 16-2-91

AGED 86 YEARS

 

ALSO OF HER HUSBAND

HENRY ERNEST

DIED 1-5-91

AGED 84 YEARS

Colin Henry Sansom (1937-)

 

Colin was born at The Lane, Kingston and attended Kingston School.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colin married Elaine Fowler on 1 September 1962. Colin and Elaine had two daughters, Karen born 1963 and Claire born 1967. The families now live in Somerset.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marriage of Mr Colin Henry Sansom to Miss Elaine Fowler -  September 1962

 

Members of St James' Church, Kingston, Miss Elaine Fowler, daughter of Mr and Mrs C Fowler of Enfield Crescent, Oakdale and Mr Colin Henry Sansom son of Mr and Mrs E Sansom of The Lane, Kingston, Dorset, were married at the church. They are also associated with the Swanage Cricket Club.

 

The bride made all the dresses. Given away by her father the bride wore a full length bridal gown of Swiss white satin and carried a bouquet of apricot roses. Three bridesmaids attended her, Margaret Hawkins, bride's cousin, wearing a blue duchess satin dress with head-dress to match; Rosemary Heath and Jeanette Heath, bridegroom's nieces wearing lemon floral nylon over taffeta dresses with matching head-dresses and carrying floral baskets. Miss Hawkins carried lemon carnations.

 

The service was conducted by the Rev James Lloyd and Mr Pond was at the organ. Mr Michael Garos of Perranporth, Cornwall, was the best man. One hundred guests attended a reception at the Church Hall, Kingston and the couple then left for their honeymoon at St Queens Bay, Jersey. The bride travelled in a lemon Courtelle outfit.

 

During his childhood days, Colin kept a diary and some of the entries, which are quite amusing, are shown below

 

22.7.1947 - A SHOPPING EXPEDITION

One day in the summer holidays I went to Corfe. The weather was boiling hot. Mummy told me to get the remainder of the sweet ration which was three quarters of a pound. I went by the 2.15 pm bus. When I got out at the square at Corfe it was only a few yards to Mr Hollands where I had to get the sweets. Mr Holland served me himself. I choose liquorish, clear gums and chocolate. I paid for the sweets and Mr Holland took my sweet coupons. When I was half way across the square Mr Holland called me back I had left the ration book behind. I thanked Mr Holland and caught the next bus home.

 

22.6.1948 - THE SCHOOL DENTISTS VISIT KINGSTON

Last Wednesday the dentist Mr Bradley paid us a visit. He brought a nurse with him. On the first day of the dentists visit my cousin who is three had to have his teeth done but wouldn’t have them done. I thought he was naughty. Most of the children in the School and their teeth done so did I but not until the next day. In the afternoon of Thursday the dentist called me sat me in a chair he numbed my gum and took a double tooth out.

 

30.6.1948 - THE HAYMAKING SEASON

The haymaking season is here again so where ever you go is the smell of the hay. Most of the farmers have started rather later than usual. Mr Palmer who started earlier than most farmers has made two or three ricks. I haven’t been to watch the hay making but I expect I soon will. Generally I go to the fields after school. Mummy packs me some thing to eat and a flask of tea or a bottle of lemonade so I can watch the men work overtime. Sometimes I go to watch the men after tea.

 

12.7.1948 - OUR SCRIPTURE EXAMINATION KINGSTON SCHOOL

Last Friday morning we had our Scripture Exam. The man who was to take it arrived at 9.00 am the vicar arrived soon after. First of all he took the smaller ones then he took us he took catechism but not for very long. Then we showed him our scripture books. The inspector thought they were all nice. When the inspector had finished we had our lunch. The we tidied up and went home. Before I had my dinner I took my dog for a walk. My cousin Janet came with me so did another girl whose name is Julie Dennis. When I got home I listened to the Test Match. After dinner Mummy went to Wareham while I listened to the Test Match again. After tea I played cricket with Daddy my Uncle, my cousin and friend. We had lots of fun.

 

 

 

Hilda  & Ern Sansom, with son Colin

Colin Sansom with some friends

 

Can you help name any of the other children?

Lesson time in the classroom at Kingston School.

Colin Sansom is at the back, second from left.

 

Can you help name any of the other children?

Fancy dress parade outside the

Scott Arms in 1953 to commemorate   Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation.

Colin Sansom is pictured 2nd from left

 

 

Colin & Elaine’s first daughter

Karen pictured, on the day of her christening in October 1963, with her great-grandfather Henry Charles Sansom at The Lane, Kingston

 

Colin Sansom & Elaine Fowler on their Wedding Day

at Kingston New Church

1 September 1962

 

Henry was shown as a ‘traction

engine steerman’ in 1911. He is pictured a year earlier with a traction engine leaning at quite an angle after the earth beneath it had apparently given way.

 

In 1915 the Encombe Estate bought a new steam traction engine, and Henry Sansom Jnr and another man were to drive it. This engine was one of the first of its kind in the area - it was built by Richard Garrett’s of Leiston and we think when new it cost about £800. It was used for threshing and hauling timber and especially for driving the huge saw in the Estate Yard at Kingston. It was called the ‘Earl of Eldon’, after the owner of the Encombe Estate at that time, and to our great pleasure it was rescued from a scrap yard in 1947 and loving restored by its new owner to good working order. The photographs show the ‘Earl of Eldon’ in 2000 at the Netley Marsh Steam Rally. Its present whereabouts are not known. Henry Sansom Jnr would recollect using it at Christmas time to collect coal from Corfe Castle Railway Station and the coal was then distributed among the tenants and workers on the Estate.

The church at Kingston played a significant part in the lives of our family during the 20th century. Here they came for marriages and christenings. It was dedicated to St James and consecrated in 1880 but for the first 30 years was for the private use of Lord Eldon. Henry Sansom Jnr was christened there when Henry Sansom Snr lived at Kingston - as a special privilege . Henry Sansom Jnr later became a bell ringer at the church and helped with the removal of the bells in the 1920's when they were taken on the steam engine truck to Corfe Station and from there to Loughborough to be re-cast.

 

Hannah died in June 1939 aged 56 and is buried at Kingston New Church. Henry continued living in The Lane at Kingston until his death in 1966 aged 80. He is also buried at Kingston New Church just close to his wife.

 

 

We are indebted to David Sansom and his mother Cynthia Sansom (nee Jeans) for this photograph taken in the mid-1930s.

 

The photograph shows three generations of the Sansom family at Kingston. From left to right are Frederick George Sansom* (1911-1994),

Henry Ernest Sansom (1906-1991), William Alfred Sansom (1913-1997),

Sarah Hannah Sansom (nee Bartlett) (1883-1939),

Henry Charles Sansom (1886-1966), Henry Sansom (1857-?)   *David’s father

)