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NETLEY ABBEY MATTERS!
SHARED VILLAGE STORIES ll
This Page is dedicated to the Families, past and present, of Netley Abbey Village.
The stories reproduced here are their family stories, told in their own words.
Photos are invaluable but as these are personal stories, not everyone wants to share them.
If you have a story to tell and are happy to share it here, then please
let me know via Contact Me Thank you.
Index of Family Surnames
The featured surnames appear below in this order -
Chambers Cherrington Clarke Cox Dicker Foyle Garrick Lodge Greenwood Henshall
Hillman Lane/Orman Morris/Lowbridge Osborne Perry Robertson/Salter Ross/Dunnings/Ruthen
Willoughby Wilson
Angela R contacted me back in January 2020 to share the story of her family in Netley Village. I have since found an earlier post she had done in July 2010.
Chambers Family
My Dad, Ernest Benjamin Chambers, was admitted to Netley Hospital sometime during World War 2
after he was blown off his motorcycle. He had a head injury which necessitated a plate being inserted into his skull.
He later met and married my Mum, Miss Lilian Annie Isobel Rowe at St Edward the Confessor Church, Netley Abbey on 18 October 1947. Dad's address is shown as B Company, Convalescent Wing, Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
My Mum's address at the time was 25 Pound Road, Old Netley.
I was born in 1962 in Denzil Avenue.
Dad co-ran Netley Boys' Club FC and together with my Uncle, Lou Jones built a changing room in
the playing field down by the water. The building had a tree coming out of it. If I remember rightly, it was because they weren't allowed to cut it down.
I was only 11 when my uncle died and 12 years old when Dad died so the memories I have are very few and far between. I do remember that when we had football matches, I used to run on the pitch at half-time with the orange quarters and that I used to stand there and cheer them on with my wooden rattle, religiously.
At the end of the matches, we usually congregated in the Red Lion public house
along Victoria Road.
There was also a time when one of our players broke his leg in a tackle and as there were no
mobile phones then, we had to run across the road to knock on someone's door to ask
them to telephone an ambulance.
I have found these photos.
The one on the left is of my Dad calling for everyone as the coach was arriving
to pick up at the bottom of Denzil Avenue, I think in the 1960s, for an away match.
The one on the right is of some members of the Netley Boys Club football team and partners
along with my Dad and my Uncle after a sponsored walk.
My Dad died in 1974 at Denzil Avenue, Netley Abbey
Thank you Angela!
Adrian C contacted me in August 2022 to share his memories of growing up in Netley Village ...
Cherrington Family
In May 1949. my family moved to Netley Abbey. My Dad, Richard (known as either Dick or Cherry) was a police constable and got moved from Nether Wallop, near Stockbridge to Netley.
Our family consisted of Dad, Mum Vera, my brother Derek who was 7 at the time and myself,
Adrian, nearly 5. We moved into 46 Hound Road Gardens which was one of two semi-detached
houses on the edge of a small estate of prefabs.
My first friend was Michael Munnings who lived with his family in the next door semi.
Derek and I both attended Butlocks Heath Primary School which I gather has since been
demolished and replaced with houses.
One of my other friends at that time was Nigel Williamson who lived at the top of the hill in
Butlocks Heath. I particularly remember the fun we had in the Brickyard, known as the "Brickey"
which was at the back of our house and also in Hodders woods across the road.
These areas were all ideal for children with vivid imaginations for playing War and Cowboys and Indians!
We used to get into the RVH grounds by going through a hole in the fence and would get up to all
sorts of things which I couldn't possibly describe here!
The only teachers I remember at Butlocks Heath were Miss Padwick who was a friend of my Mum and Dad and Mr Huxford who was our class teacher in my last year there. I remember him with some fondness as he was a great teacher and I am sure had a lot to do with me passing the 11+ in 1954, even though I was only 10 at the time.
Having passed the 11+, I followed my brother Derek to Price's Grammar School in Fareham.
There were a number of boys from the village who attended Price's and we all travelled
by train from Netley Station to Fareham.
The boys I particularly remember are Clive Storey, Richard Donohue and Clive Herring - these were
Derek's friends, being several years older than me. Boys of my age who attended Price's School from Netley were John Smith, Ian Rankin and his cousin, Howard.
There may have been others but names escape me.
I particularly remember Clive Herring - he lived with his parents on the Sea View Estate.
In fact, his family already have a mention elsewhere in the Netley pages.
I remember that in 1956 at the time of the Suez Crisis practically all the Army vehicles being shipped to Egypt had to drive past our house to get into the Royal Victoria Hospital where there was a weighbridge, the nearest one to Southampton Docks.
My Mum and Mrs Munnings were kept busy for days making endless pots of tea for the
soldiers as their vehicles queued past our house.
Meanwhile Dad was on duty on Hamble Lane directing all the Army traffic.
In 1957, Dad was promoted and made the Section Sergeant with responsibility for the whole Netley area which covered not only the Village but also Hamble (as it was called then), Hedge End and West End. This promotion meant that we had to move into the Police Station in the village
at 33 - 35 New Road.
I remember the St George's Day parades when Dad led the parade of Boy Scouts, Girl Guides etc
through the village to the grounds of the Abbey for the church service.
Dad looked most impressive - he was not a small man!
On leaving Price's, Derek joined the Hampshire Constabulary as a Police Cadet.
In January 1960 he was called up for National Service in the RAF. He signed on for an extra year
so that he would be treated and paid as a regular and not as a conscript. It made a huge
difference to his life in the RAF.
He trained as a RAF Police Dog Handler patrolling RAF Nuclear Bases.
In August 1960, I left Price's and started work for an animal by-product company in Portchester
so still had the same train journey every day. However, this did not last for long and in 1961,
I again followed my brother and joined Hampshire Constabulary as a Police Cadet.
After completing training, I was posted to Fareham - a town I knew well by then! -
and yes, it was that same old train journey!
In 1960/61, I became friendly with Stuart Howard who lived in Woolston. We became inseparable.
We went everywhere together, even dated the same girlfriend whom we had met when we
joined Harry Brown's Dance School in Portsmouth Road, Woolston. We both joined the Army,
going our different ways and I have always regretted losing contact with Stuart.
I have tried to find him without success.
In October 1962, Dad retired from the Police and we moved from the Police Station to a flat at Brookvale Road, Portswood. It was at this time I left the Police too and joined the Army, ostensibly for 3 years but stayed for 26 years having been promoted from Trooper all the way up to Warrant Officer Class 1 and commissioned, eventually leaving as a Captain in 1989.
Thank you Adrian
In August 2023, Dorothy C contacted me about her Great Aunt and Uncle whom she visited many times as a child at their home at 18 New Road, Netley Abbey. Here's what she recalls -
"I used to visit for holidays 2 - 3 times a year from being very young in the late 1950s until
my Uncle’s death in 1972-ish. My Aunt then sold up and came to live with us in Manchester.
My Uncle, George Webster, was a serviceman and I’m certain he worked at the RVH as a male nurse.
[see Shared Hospital Stories V - Y for more info on George]
My Aunt’s name was Florence Webster; they lived at 18 New Road, Netley right at the top end near
Grange Road. She used to go to the chapel on the corner of New Road and Grange Road.
The photo below is of my Auntie Florrie standing to the left of Uncle George, who is
holding me. The other two are my Auntie Florrie's brother, Uncle Fred and his wife Mona Hill.
Auntie Florrie and Uncle George lived in a row of terraced houses and I think she owned 3 or 4 of them. She used to be a lady’s companion years ago to a Miss West and was left the houses in her will, I think.
I was only very young when told all this so bits of information may not be quite accurate
but it’s how I remember them.
They were friendly with a family called the Chethams who had a large home with tennis courts
on Station Road I think and also a man called Arthur Bright. Uncle Fred and Auntie Mona lived
for a time in a bungalow in New Road down nearer to the bottom on the opposite side of the
road, near the church I think.
There used to be so many of us came down to Netley Abbey for holidays and stayed at 18 New Road and number 12 and 14 New Road, which belonged to Auntie Florrie. We had some really special times.
The house with the tennis courts was on Station Road as you went up towards Netley
Station. It was on the right. It belonged to the Cheetham Family and was sold and quite a few houses
built on it in the late 1960s/early 1970s I think. It was just before you reached the British Legion building.
[Rimpton House?]
Lionel Phipps, the taxi driver, would take us back to Southampton to catch the
Royal Blue coach back to Manchester.
I remember Miss Almond's shop on Victoria Road where I would spend all my holiday
money and the Chip Shop, also on Victoria Road, where I had my first ever pea fritter.
Priceless memories!
Thank you Dorothy
My records show -
Private George Francis Webster
Service No 19578
Labour Corps Depot - Royal Army Medical Corps
Living at 5 Arthur Terrace (aka 18 New Road) from about 1920.
The 1939 Register shows
I found this on the same website as above - another tribute to Angela's Dad and Uncle!
Dave Cox writes ...
Netley Boys Club FC - a Memory of Netley
I remember playing for Netley Boys' Club - the team was run by Ernie Chambers and Lou Jones, RIP both of you.
They were amazing and we had a good team - Chris Queen in goal, he had trials with Newcastle United; his big brother, Bob, George Jones, Lou's son was Captain, Kevin Crotty, Arthur Chambers, Roy Kinge who married my sister-in-law, Chippy Woods.
Our Resident photographer was Ken Skinner (still best friends).
We played on Saturday afternoon on the castle grounds. I also remember our supporters who
followed us every week. I wish we could go back to those days, we had fun and played
for each other.
Originally posted online on 24 June 2013
Elizabeth, the GG Granddaughter of George + Cicilia contacted me in October 2020.
She lives in New Jersey, USA and looked out some photos of her family to share with us.
I've combined Elizabeth's info with what I had on the Netley Dicker family
For many years, George Dicker was the Butler for Miss Lydia Jane Cumming Rashleigh
but on her death in 1909, he retired.
Cissy had been a Housemaid in the Rashleigh household for a number of years.
George and Cicilia (nee Coles) Dicker
The 1891 Census has the family living at 9 Arthur Terrace, New Road, Netley Abbey.
www.Ancestry.co.uk
They had 2 sons - Edward, born 19/09/1884 and John William, born 17/01/1886
By 1894, the family had moved to 8 Grange Lane, Netley Abbey.
Their daughter, Mabel, was born on 28/09/1894.
She married Corporal L Fox, RAMC, on 06/12/1926
John William Dicker married Adeline Ellis
He passed away on 12 October 1953, aged 67; his wife on 2 May 1945, aged 55.
Both are buried at St Mary's Churchyard, Hound
George was a keen exhibitor at the flower shows. He was never tired of giving an interesting talk on the friendly rivalry shown at these exhibitions, and also on the village in former days.
A shame the newspaper couldn't get his name right!
Cicilia passed away at the age of 81, at their home. She had been ill for five weeks previously.
She was a staunch member of St Edward’s Church and the Mothers’ Union.
She leaves a husband, two sons and one daughter (who is in Malta).
Hampshire Telegraph 28/06/1935
George passed away in February 1943, aged 92. He was a lifelong member of the Oddfellows and a sidesman at St Edward's Church for 40 years.
He had had the honour of waiting on Queen Victoria when she visited Sir Charles Pearson, Commanding Officer, at the Royal Victoria Hospital.
Hampshire Telegraph 19/02/1943
Elizabeth's Connections ...
Behind is Grandfather Leslie
Front row L to R:
Great Grandmother Adeline, Leslie's younger brother, George and Great Grandfather, John
Above - John's brother, Edward.
Thank you Elizabeth!
Foyle Family in Netley Abbey
Jim contacted me in December 2022 with his memories of Netley Abbey.
I presented him with a list of "Foyles" and addresses from my Netley Abbey Residents' Register
and what follows is his and his brother, Michael's reply.
1946 - 1964 John Alfred Foyle lived at "Endymion" 103 Station Road.
He is my Uncle Jack. He and his wife Aunty Queenie did indeed live at "Endymion", next door
to Andrews, the butcher's shop.
1964 P Foyle is at 9 Castle Road; J T Foyle is at 36 Monks Road
Peter and John are my cousins; sons of Jack and Queenie. Both played soccer for Netley.
Peter was a long time goalkeeper.
1964 Stanley Foyle is at 21 Hunt Avenue
Stanley is another Uncle, Jack and Dad's brother. He and his wife Mabel/Aunty May did live there.
They kept chickens and I recall Aunty May giving my mother Dorothy Foyle (nee Munnings) eggs in exchange for the kitchen scraps from my family home at 44 The Crescent.
In the late 1940s and well into the 1950s, one of my siblings or I would take a bucket of potato peelings, bits of cabbage leaf and the like to Aunty May and carefully carry home freshly laid eggs.
1964 S W Foyle is at 24 Monks Road
Stan is another cousin, Stanley and Mabel's son. I can recall he served in the British Army's
Parachute Regiment. They also had a daughter Theresa.
1964 C Foyle is at 44 The Crescent
C Foyle, is my father Christopher and he and my mother Dorothy successfully raised seven children;
in descending order of birth, they are Beryl, Michael, Jill, Mary, Jim, David and Stella.
Prior to WWII, we lived at 42 Hunt Avenue where I was born but the family moved to Devon
in 1940 where David and Stella were born.
We returned to Netley in April 1947 to live at 44 The Crescent but I can recall few occasions
when all nine of us were at home at the same time.
The most recent image below was taken at 44 The Crescent and from the left they are Christopher,
Michael, Dorothy, Jim, Stella, Jill, Beryl, David and Mary.
Stella, Michael, and me are the three surviving.
I lived at 44 The Crescent until 14 June 1960 when I was required for National Service.
Life in the Royal Air Force appealed to me - I had been both a Sea Scout and an Air Cadet in my teens - and I continued to serve until resigning and returning to civilian life on 1 January 1983.
I met my wife Caroline in Cyprus on 14 February 1962, Valentines Day, and she is still my Valentine.
Both in Cyprus and in Sardinia we were lucky to have lived a short walk from the Mediterranean's sandy shore. In the 1960s and early 1970s neither island had much of a tourism industry and their beautiful beaches were only lightly used.
I spent most of my service overseas living in Cyprus, Belgium, Sardinia and The Netherlands,
the latter three accompanied by my wife and our two daughters. During my time in Cyprus visitors were impractical but my parents and one or more of my siblings visited us for a holiday in the other three.
Michael, Jim's only surviving brother adds his memories ...
"In 1939 I went to Netley Infants school aged 5-7, under the Headmistress Miss or Mrs Trott, and
distinctly remember filing into the brick shelter during air raids, where we sang.
I suppose Beryl must also have been there before the war.
We also had shelters at home of course, Morrison indoors, and Anderson outdoors, but these must have been in Devon. Mum crouched in the Morrison with five of us under its steel table-top, and Dad
would be outdoors with tin hat joining other male members of the ARP.
We liked it when we had to use the outdoor one, as there was a special big tin of sweets.
During the 1960s, my work took Margaret and me to live in France and Italy, and later to Moscow in Brezhnev’s time for two years.
I wasn’t around much after Devon, of course, but did play cricket a few times on the Rec.
For cricket, the name Lysandrides comes to mind, also living in the Crescent.
Doing National Service postwar, I recall feeling a bit awkward, walking home from the Station to
44 in uniform, as I had a commission in the Int Corps.
Pre-war, in Hunt Avenue I recall Dougie Chiverton lived next door, and the chap who ran the
Sea Scouts next but one. Other members of ‘our gang’ in Hunt Avenue were Brian Sandham (?)
and Tommy Turner who used to bully me. I was quite a wimp at the time, I regret to say.
--oo0oo--
On the day in December 2022 I first heard from Jim, I also received a website enquiry about
another "Foyle", this time Police Sergeant William Foyle, from a guy called John Greenfield.
I asked John to give me more info but all he did was direct me to a new book he had just published
about his Great Grandfather. I replied that I wasn't going to buy the book. I heard nothing more.
Well, it turns out that Police Sergeant William Foyle is Jim's Grandfather!
Here's what Jim could tell me ...
"He lived in a house in Hound Road not far from the Royal Victoria Hospital's back gate.
This was before my time and I doubt I ever knew the house number but I can recall my father showing
me the house. It was between the main Southampton to Portsmouth rail line and the branch line from Netley leading into the Royal Victoria Hospital.
My Grandfather also served in the police on the Isle of Wight.
I believe my paternal grandparents were living in Stockbridge when my family returned to Netley in 1947. At that time in my life Stockbridge was beyond my walking distance horizon!
I also believe that following my Grandmother's death, my Grandfather lived with one or other of his
children in Hamble and Netley. I can recall him being at 44 The Crescent for a spell.
It was very much an earlier era - 'little children should be seen but not heard' lingered on at the time and my Grandfather was a subscriber, hence my memory of him is at best hazy."
Thank you Jim and Mike!
And just to finish off "joining those dots" - Mike above mentions the name
"Lysandrides" who was one of his fellow cricket players (and also played football
with Jim's Cousin Peter. I have the photos on the website as proof!)
Anne contacted me in June 2023 looking for confirmation that her Grandfather, Herbert Huckle and
her adopted father, Lysandros were in Netley Hospital, Herbert in WW1 and her Dad in WW2.
It turns out that Lysandros's cousin is Jim Lysandrides ...
Herbert's story is now on Shared Hospital Stories D - H; Lysandros's is work-in-progress
Following on from a post on our Netley Abbey Matters Facebook Page in December 2021, David Henshall shared the following story about Garrick Lodge where his Grandparents lived -
Garrick Lodge
"At the end of the war, with my Grandfather in increasingly poor health, my Grandparents sub-let
the top of their house, Garrick Lodge, at the end of York Road (opposite the Red Lion pub) to
a Dr Archibald Henderson and his wife, Rose. The Doctor had been working at the Royal Victoria
Hospital which made sense as, during the war my Grandparents had taken other lodgers,
all of whom had worked there.
The Hendersons then moved and promptly vanished but it would not be long until it
became clear that they had suffered a grisly fate.
In 1947, they had fallen in with John Haigh who was showing interest in buying their
house. Instead he murdered them both with Dr Henderson's wartime revolver and
then disposed of their bodies in barrels of acid - giving Haigh the media title of the
"Acid Bath Murderer"
Once he had been caught, his trial was held at Lewes Assizes and my Grandfather
was to be called as a prosecution witness. Sadly his health was not up to the task
so my Grandmother went in his place and gave evidence - a fact that we found
amazing as she was hardly a 'worldly woman' - but she was made of
stronger stuff!
Haigh was convicted and hung and for a while, there had been some media interest in the
Hendersons and their life but that would soon fade.
Garrick Lodge would continue as our family home until the mid 1980s when it
was knocked down to make way for a block of flats."
Thanks, David!
Greenwood Family
The Pines, Station Road, Netley Abbey
1889 - 1953
In November 2022, Anne-Marie contacted Julie and me to share her family's connections to Netley Abbey Village and Hospital. Anne-Marie is pulling together some information about the
family to be shared here but this is what we have so far ...
Samuel Greenwood was born in London in 1844.
In 1873, he was employed as a Messman to the Army Medical Staff at the
Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley
Sadly on 24 November 1874, Samuel and Ann's 5 week old son, Frank Leslie Greenwood, passed
away. He is buried in Netley Military Cemetery.
The inscription reads - "Fell asleep in Jesus"
The 1881 Census shows Samuel, Ann and their family are living at the Hospital:
Samuel Greenwood and his wife Ann leased several plots of land from the Chamberlayne family,
including -
By the time of the 1891 Census, the family has moved out of the Hospital and is now living
at Elgin Cottage, Butlocks Heath
By 1901, Ann has passed away and Samuel, Widower and his extended family have moved into
The Pines on Station Road, Netley Abbey
The 1911 census gives details of Samuel and his daughter, Alice Arabella Louisa and 3 Nephews named Rice.
On the 1911 Census, Samuel's daughter Kitty aka Catherine, 29 is employed as a Governess with
the Paisley Family living at "Northlands", Northwood Park, Baring Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight.
The photograph below is believed to have been taken in the rear garden of The Pines.
The young boys in the front row are the Rice children.
The handsome chap with the moustache is Samuel Greenwood.
Anne-Marie is unsure which girl is which but believes that the lady at the centre front
is Edith Ada, her Great Grandmother.
Throughout the Great War, Kitty worked at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
Samuel passed away on 14 December 1915 at "Homelands", Station Road, Netley Abbey
On the 1921 Census, Great Aunt Bella is now Head of the family.
She was born in 1869 at Preston.
Also on the Census is -
her Niece, Ada Elizabeth Rice, born at Greenwich in 1893;
her Nephew, Gordon Rice, born at Netley in 1900 and
her Nephew, Edward Cecil Rice, born at Swaythling in 1903.
Great Aunt Bella died in 1925.
Her sister, Kitty, aka Katherine, returned to The Pines for the remainder of her life.
She passed away at Moorgreen Hospital on 16 January 1953, aged 71.
Thank you Anne-Marie!
Dick and Jackie Henshall
Dick and Jackie Henshall gave me some of their childhood memories relating to H G Ross's Builders premises on Victoria Road, Netley where their Grandfather, Phil Hampton was in charge of the Workshop.
I've moved their story to here as Past Lives and Times of Netley Village l (where it was)
has disappeared as a result of this website's makeover.
Dick's words -
"The building itself was amazing and I can still walk through it in my mind.
You went in the front door and there were offices left and right. Beyond that were the staircases to the upper floor. Next on the left was the plumbing and machine repair room (As a lad I used to call the mechanic Uncle Stan and the truck driver Uncle Alec although they were no relative) and on the other side of the main corridor was the Paint room. I can't remember the painter (Len comes to mind) but I remember him teaching me how to paint and hold a brush correctly.
Ross's had a 3 ton truck and the corridor was wide enough to easily park and load the truck inside.
The back of the building was closed off with fire doors and in the left of the Woodshop was the main machine area and to the right was a closed off area with work benches. All the machines were belt driven from a big electric motor in the corner which I used to be allowed to start. I still remember the 'clack clack clack' of the belts under the floor as they were only covered by wooden panels for easy access.
The upstairs front windows had stained glass and the rest of the floor was just rooms used for storage. Above that was the water tank and access to the clock and the roof."
Jackie's memories -
"I too used to climb over the garden wall to play in the builders yard at the back of Ross's.
Uncle Stan and Uncle Alec moved some of the frames covered in corrugated sheets to make me a den and I remember eating an easter egg there tucked out of sight.
Thank goodness there was no health and safety then!
I remember the smell and the huge - and I mean huge - spider that lived under the sink on the left
as you went through the door. He was like a pet and the guys there used to feed him.
I'm sure that I was told that he ate young children!"
Dick and Jackie's Grandparents lived in No 3 Woodland Terrace, New Road, Netley Abbey but after Phil retired, they moved into the Cottage located in the rear of H G Ross.
"To get to the cottage, you had to go through the black gates at the side of the building."
The Cottage is visible in the above photo.
Thank you, Dick and Jackie for your memories, most appreciated!
David Hillman recounts his memories of playing football at Netley sometime in the early 1960s. He is replying to Angela's 2010 post!
A number of "well-kent" names!
Originally posted online on 29 January 2012
In January 2020, John and Tim Lane contacted me to share their memories of growing up in Netley Village
and their -
Lane/Orman Family
Our Great Grandfather, ie our mother's Grandfather was Walter Orman.
He and his wife, Harriet had 5 sons - Bert, Fred, Frank, Les and Harold - and 2 daughters -
Gertie and Milsie.
I found the Original of this in a box in the History Room at Netley Station a year or two ago!
In 1907, Walter and his family were living at 65 Victoria Road, Netley
Frank Reginald Orman owned the garage on Station Road, opposite the Lankester + Crook store.
He became a JP and Parish Councillor. His brother Bert was also a Councillor.
Fred ran the Hairdressers a few doors away, down Station Road. He had something wrong with one of his legs. John recollects he wore a leg brace and was cruelly called "Oppy", or similar.
His sister, Milsie ran the Sweet Shop in Victoria Road, next to where the Cinema was.
The two maiden aunts, Gertie and Milsie Orman lived in a house directly opposite Netley Court
Care Home. Their new home was built in the garden of the old house, the front rooms of which were letout to a Bank - Union of London and Smiths Bank, at 54 Victoria Road.
Tim recalls the garden of the old house had an Anderson shelter.
Our Grandfather Frank R Orman and his wife, Lena lived at Milton Lodge on the corner of Station Road and Gashouse Hill. It was quite a large house with a bowling green in the garden.
[Milton Lodge, 104 Station Road, has been replaced by two bungalows]
John says he was a pupil at Netley Infants around 1952.
Whilst he was there, the school suffered a minor burglary - a fountain pen was stolen!
Tim and John's Parents are Ted and Phyllis Lane, nee Orman.
Their father Ted ended up as Director and General Manager of Folland Aircraft, based
on the Earl of Harwood's Estate just the other side of the Hospital.
Tim and John were in the Sea Scouts at Netley. Tim remembers the St George's Day parades
to the Abbey Ruins where there would be a massed service - all the uniformed services - for
which Grandfather Frank R provided the PA system.
John says "that these days, it is nice to get into the Royal Victoria Country Park legally as when I was young, we had to cycle through and hope we could avoid the guards on the gate when it was
still an active hospital to get to/from Hamble cliffs."
John and Tim's Mum, Phyllis, was a resident in Netley Court Care Home when the guys first
shared the above memories in January/February 2020.
Sorry it's taken so long to add it here! Thank you.
Morris, Lowbridge Family
Sue H contacted me in March 2023 to tell me the story of her family's connection to both Netley Abbey Village and the Hospital -
"My family were Bricklayers who moved from Berkshire to help build the Royal Victoria Hospital at Netley.
My Great Great Grandfather was George Arthur Morris. He was born in 1845 at Binley, Berkshire.
He married Miss Ruth Emily Judd, 20, on 8 February 1864 at Hound Parish Church.
Ruth's family were Carpenters by trade and had also come to Netley to work on the Hospital.
Ruth passed away in late July 1874. She was buried on 28 July 1874.
(Burial Note says she was 26 years old).
The 1881 Census shows George, his second wife Emily and their family - Rose Humby 17, Lucy Jane 15, Emily 11, Ruth 9, Eliza 7, Daisy 4 and Louise 1 - living at 21 Victoria Terrace, Netley.
George's only son Walter Jess Morris is a Chimney Sweep Boy on the 1881 Census, living a
few houses along, still in Victoria Road, Netley with the Lee Family, Head of which is a Chimney Sweep.
Fireworks at Netley
Walter Morris, a young man of the labouring class, summoned for having on the 30th October discharged fireworks in Victoria Road, Netley, was fined 1s and 4s 6d costs.
Portsmouth Evening News 12/11/1886
By 1911, the Morris Family were living at 15 Victoria Road (Nos 1 - 15 were known locally as Ellis's Rows).
Walter married Miss Annie Bedford on 2 June 1900 at St Edward's Church, Netley.
Annie's Grandparents, William and Sarah Bedford were in Netley Abbey on the 1841 and 1851 Censuses but moved to Hamble after that.
Their son Thomas, born in 1829, is my Ancestor.
He married Charlotte Spencer on 8 July 1855 at Hound Parish Church.
Thomas and Charlotte had 5 children.
My Great Nan Annie returns to Netley when she marries Walter Morris. Her brother, John and 3 sisters,
Sarah Jane, Rosina Harriet and Emma live together in New Road, Netley, the last sister dying in 1935.
Walter and Annie lived at 3 Victoria Terrace, Netley in 1901 and were still there in 1911 except
now the address had become 3 Chamberlayne Road, Netley.
The 1911 Census shows they had 4 children - Thomas 10, Beatrice 5, Ruth 4 and Baby Rosina 2.
Beatrice married William Lowbridge in 1924 and they lived at 13 Denzil Avenue, Netley
(My Nan and Grandad)
My Nan was always upset that after the renumbering of Denzil Avenue they ended up being No 13 which was considered unlucky. I think they had been No 20 before and there had been no Number 13
as no-one liked it.
William Lowbridge was born on 27 March 1903. He was from Wolverhampton and was in the Royal Army Medical Corps working as an Orderly at Netley Hospital which is how he met my Nan.
Grand-Dad William was recorded at the Odiham army camp in 1921.
He served on the hospital ships during the Second World War as an Orderly as he had
no formal medical training or qualifications.
Without Netley Hospital I would never have been born as it featured many times in my family story.
Thank you Sue for sharing!
Back in January 2019, Miles Osborne contacted me to share the story of his Great Grand-Dad, John Charles Osborne, who was discharged at Netley Hospital. That can be found in Shared Hospital Stories N - P.
In February 2021, Miles posted details of his family's connections to Netley Abbey Village on Facebook including further information about Annie, John's second wife and Yvonne Castino shared the following info about one of John and Annie's sons, Lawrence and his family.
Annie and John were living in one of the cottages on Gashouse Hill when John passed away in 1908.
He is believed to have died falling out of a tree!
The 1911 Census has Annie still living on Gashouse Hill.
Lawrence (aka Lawrie) Osborne married Miss Marjorie Buckmaster in 1926.
They lived in Hound Road, next door to Marjorie's Parents, Captain Harry and
Mrs Emily Buckmaster at "Orston Villa", no 32.
Lawrie and Marjorie's sons were Leslie, Donald, Bernard and Kenny.
Donald had a daughter called Sheila. Both, according to Yvonne, had red hair. Miles thinks this
must have come through from Buckmaster side as there are no red-haired Osbornes!
David Osborne then entered the Facebook dialogue -
Donald is his Grand-dad and Sheila his Auntie. She still lives in Netley Village (in 2021).
David's Dad, his Uncle and another Auntie, all unnamed and
David and his own family and his sister still live in Netley Village.
A few last words from Yvonne ...
"I used to take Sheila and her brother who I think was either called David or Kevin, out in their prams when I was a little girl. I wonder if Don remembers me?
We were the Moorman Family, Richie was my brother. We lived at 38 Hound Road.
Lawrie used to wink at me and taught me how to wink back. I was thrilled with my new skill!
How strange the things you remember - I must have been about 5 or 6 at the time."
Thank you everyone for contributing to this story.
Karen Perry in November 2013 shared on the Francis Firth website that her Dad, real name Patrick Perry, was born in 1941 and grew up in Netley Abbey. He was known as "Slim Jim".
Her Mum was Lily Bundy.
I have a number of folk named Perry and/or Bundy on my Netley Abbey Residents' Register
If you are connected to Karen, she would love to hear from you.
Complete
Contact Me and I will pass the information on and hopefully be allowed to share it here!
The Robertson Family
Sergeant John McDonald Robertson,
Service No 3177,
2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)
was a veteran soldier having served 17 years. He was the proud possessor of
the Queen Victoria Medal and that of the King with six bars gained in the South African War.
When the war was over, he was transferred from his Regiment to the permanent staff at
Hamilton Barracks. Pre-enlistment he was a Butcher.
He was born on 3 January 1869 in Govan, Lanarkshire.
His Parents are John and Margaret Robertson, nee McDonald.
He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Gasson on 17 January 1898 at South Stoneham, Hampshire.
Mary was born in 1880 at Aldershot S Camp. Her Parents are Edward and Elizabeth Gasson
Her Dad was a Corporal in the Army Service Corps.
John and Mary had 4 children - Ivy, Willie, Peggy, and Teddy - all born in Netley Abbey.
Ivy Winifred on 14 July 1898
Willie (John William) in October 1899
Peggy (Margaret) on 1 May 1903
Teddy (Edward Edwin) in the 3rd quarter of 1905
Netley Infants School Register shows that -
Ivy started school on 15 July 1901
Willie started school on 6 July 1903; and
Peggy started school on 25 June 1906.
The Grantham Rail Crash 19 September 1906
Sergeant Robertson, his wife Mary and three of their children had been spending time with
friends in Netley Abbey, Mary's home village. Sergeant Robertson had just been discharged from
Netley Hospital. They were returning home to Hamilton and were
very sadly on the Scotch Express King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley which crashed at
just after 2300h on 19 September 1906 at Grantham North.
Folk waiting to get on the train at Grantham Station reported that the train failed to pull up at the
station and on running over the Harlaxton Road Bridge, the engine, with several coaches,
left the rails and rolled down the steep embankment.
Fire immediately broke out in the wrecked wooden coaches and 14 folk lost their lives.
Western Times 21/09/1906
Mrs Robertson was found unconscious with extensive bodily injuries. Her daughter, Peggy had escaped with a few minor injuries. Both were transported immediately to Grantham Hospital.
Mary remained unconscious all night but in the morning, when she came to, she asked after her
husband and three children. A search of the wreckage took place immediately and crushed, almost beyond recognition, Sergeant Robertson was found dead with a rug wrapped round his legs.
Near him lay his little son, Teddy, and his daughter, Ivy, both terribly mutilated.
Sorrowful Scene at Netley
The final chapter in the grim tragedy of death, which seems to have enveloped the historic village of Netley in a cloud of sorrow, was enacted on Monday, when the bodies of Sergeant John Robertson and his little baby son and daughter were committed to their last rest.
During the early part of the afternoon groups of people were to be seen wending
their way towards the station, and by 2.25 pm when the train carrying the bodies pulled in, the large open square, which immediately fronts the station, the station itself and every available spot of vantage, was occupied by a large crowd, whose presence was itself an eloquent tribute to the memory of the dead.
In the centre of the square were drawn up 40 men of the RAMC under the command of Lieutenant Payne and Sergeant Major Jont, both of the RAMC, also
Quarter Master-Sergeant Turner of the 4th Scottish Rifles and three men, two
from 2nd Scottish Rifles and one from the Regimental Depot and Police Constables French, Barker and Bothwell of the Southampton Borough Police Force, who were at one time members of the 2nd Scottish Rifles to which Sergeant Robertson
originally belonged. The gun carriage and team was provided by the Army Service Corps, the men being under the command of Corporal Frial ASC. There was also a detachment of eight men of the ASC under the command of Staff Sergeant Norman.
After the train had pulled into the station, the carriage containing the bodies was detached and shunted into the sidings. The coffin containing the body of Sergeant Robertson was first removed and reverently replaced upon the waiting gun carriage. An open carriage laden with floral tributes was then drawn up. A number of the wreaths were removed and soon the coffin was almost hidden under its beautiful burden. Following this, eight boys from the village, under the charge of Mr. Thomas, marched up in military formation and bore away the coffins containing the bodies of Sergeant Robertson’s little boy and girl to the Hearse which stood in readiness at a little distance. The Cortege was then formed and moved slowly away.
Throughout all these operations the silence was almost pathetic in its intensity.
The order of the Cortege was as follows -
First the gun carriage with its Mounted Corps, draped with the Union Jack, and upon which lay the flower-covered coffin containing the body of Sergeant Robertson, his military headgear and side arms. This was followed by the village hearse, in which
were the coffins of the two little children, Teddy and Ivy. Next the eight village boys marching four on each side of the Cortege, two coaches containing the principal mourners, and finally the detachment of 40 men of the RAMC with whom was the
Rev F G Wright, Chaplain of Netley Hospital.
After the Cortege had formed, some little delay was occasioned, as Mr. C. Logan, brother-in-law of Sergeant Robertson, who identified the bodies at Grantham, was arriving by train.
Numbers of people lined the route between the Station and Hound Parish Church and in the Churchyard itself a large concourse of people had gathered.
The Service was conducted by the Rev W A C Chevalier, Vicar of Netley, with that beautiful dignity and simplicity by which he is justly noted.
The first part of the Service was held within the Church and at the conclusion at the graveside, the Vicar gave a brief address with so beautiful an eloquence as to bring tears to the numbers of people who listened to it.
All their hearts went out that day to the sorrowing and the bereaved relatives of the Robertson family in deepest sympathy and sorrow. At the conclusion of the Service the “Last Post” was blown over the open grave by the Bugler of the RAMC.
The principal mourners included Mr C Day (Father-in-law), Mrs Salter (Sister-in-law), Mr C Logan (Brother-in-law), Mrs Hardie, Mr and Mrs Green, and Mr and Mrs Thomas.
Amongst the numerous wreaths, crosses, etc were -
In Loving Memory of a dear Ivy from her loving mother.
From Grandma and Grandpa
From sorrowing relations.
With fondest love from Willie for a dear Daddy, Teddy and Ivy.
To Ivy with deepest sympathy from Daisy
From the Officers of Regimental Districts (Hamilton N.B.)
With deepest sympathy from Captain C Young, 3rd Scottish Rifles
With deepest sympathy from Depot, Highland Light Infantry (Hamilton)
With deepest sympathy from the Sergeant Major and staff of the 4th Lincolns (Grantham)
With sincere sympathy from Freemason’s Lodge 568, Scottish Constitution.
In affectionate memory of Ivy and Edward from the Rector and Sunday School Teachers of St Mary’s, Hamilton.
With deepest sympathy from Colour Sergeant Alexander (Hamilton).
With deepest sympathy from old comrades - A French, C Bothwell and J Barker.
With much sympathy from Colonel the Hon H G L and Lady Emma Crichton.
With deep sympathy from the Sergeants' Mess, Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley.
With deepest sympathy from Mrs Tucker.
With deepest sympathy from the officers of the 3rd Battalion Scottish Rifles.
In Loving Memory of wee Teddy from his loving mother.
In Loving Memory of Sergeant Robertson from his devoted wife.
With deepest sympathy from members of the Netley Abbey United Football Club (Many of whom attended the Funeral).
The inscription on the coffin, which was of English Oak with Brass mountings read -
“John Robertson, died Sept. 19th 1906 aged 37 years”
Hampshire Chronicle Saturday 29/09/1906
Peggy had quickly recovered at the Hospital but for sometime, Mary lingered on the brink of death.
Becoming convalescent, although by no means physically recovered, she and Peggy were finally discharged from Grantham Hospital on Wednesday 7 November 1906 and both returned to Netley Abbey.
Peggy, however, became seriously ill on her return and she was removed to Southampton Infirmary where an operation for diphtheria was performed. Sadly Peggy passed away on 10 November 1906.
Primary cause of death was diphtheria, secondary cardiac failure. She was 3.5 years old.
Peggy's coffin was taken on Tuesday afternoon, 13 November from Mrs Robertson’s home at
8 Victoria Road, Netley to the Church by several choir boys who wore their cassocks and surplices.
There was a large gathering of relatives and friends at the Graveside and many
beautiful floral tributes were sent.
The coffin was of polished oak with handsome brass mountings.
She was laid to rest in a grave adjoining her Daddy in the Churchyard of St Mary, Hound.
Hampshire Chronicle 17/11/1906
Robertson Memorial Stone
Section C, Row 11, Grave 4
This stone is erected by the Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants of Hamilton Garrison in Loving Memory of our comrade, Sergeant John ROBERTSON of
Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), husband of Mary Robertson, killed in
Grantham Railway Disaster, 19th September 1906.
Also, in memory of their two children Ivy and Teddy killed in the same accident and their daughter, Peggy who died 10th November 1906, from injuries and shock sustained at the same time.
Mary had one child remaining, Willie.
On 6 April 1907 at St Denys, Southampton, Mary married Lionel Henry Logan (a relation of
the Logans of Netley Abbey). Mary and Lionel relocated to Princes Town Hotel, Grouville,
Jersey, Channel Islands where their two children were born - Reginald Henry on 13 May 1908 and
Sydney George on 17 September 1909. Lionel was the Hotel Chef.
Lionel was born in July 1881 in Kingston-upon-Hull, East Yorkshire.
His Parents are Henry and Eden S M Logan
He enrolled in No 8th Training Battalion, RAMC on 8 March 1918. His Service No was 128339.
He was posted for duty with the Army School of Cooking at Portslade Camp.
Sadly, tragedy struck the family again when Willie, a Private with the 4th Battalion Royal Fusiliers,
was killed in action in France on 31 August 1918, aged just 19.
Then on 18 February 1919 at Portslade, Mary's husband Lionel died from Pneumonia/influenza and
cardiac failure, leaving her a widow once more, with two young children.
Serjeant Lionel Henry Logan is buried at Kensal Green (All Souls) Cemetery, Kensington,
Square 115 Grave 18247.
[There is a note on cwgc.org that the Commission is working to erect a headstone on his grave]
Mary Elizabeth Logan remarried. She died in 1984 aged 104!
Much of the above information came via Tony from Ann J - thank you!
The Salter Family
Tony's Great Great Grandfather, John Salter lived in Ivy Cottage in Butlock's Heath.
He was born in 1830. He was a soldier and after he was discharged in 1877, he worked at
Netley Hospital with the Army Service Corps. He died in June 1891, aged 60.
He and his daughters, Elizabeth Jane and Amelia, are buried in the Churchyard of St Mary's, Hound.
Tony's Uncle Gordon and Doug also lived in Butlock's Heath whilst Uncle John lived in
Denzil Avenue, Netley. Tony's Dad is Maurice. They too are all buried in Hound Churchyard.
Thank you Tony!
In June 2022, Nicky E contacted me from South Africa to share the story of her Netley Abbey family
Ross, Ruthen, Dunnings Family
My maternal Grandmother was Phyllis Marion Dunnings, nee Ruthen.
She was born on 2 January 1911.
Her Parents are Philip and Elizabeth Ruthen.
The 1911 Census has the family living at No 2 Dart Villas, Station Road, Netley Abbey
Phyllis married John W Dunnings in 1934
John passed away in 1941 when their daughter, Valerie Ann was only 5.
In 1964, Phyllis was living at 58A Grange Road, Netley Abbey.
My Mum was Valerie Ann Dunnings, an only child. She was born on 9 August 1936.
My Dad was Anthony John Edward Ross.
His Parents are Robin David Genge Ross and Violet Estelle Ross, nee Budd.
They were married in August 1929. He was born on 21 July 1933
His Grandparents were Henry Genge and Francesca Henrietta Cecilia Ross
My Parents, Valerie Ann and Anthony John Edward became engaged
They were married at St Edward the Confessor Church, Netley Abbey on 27 July 1957
I, Nicola Ann, was born on 7 August 1958
We lived at Penshurst on Abbey Hill until we emigrated to South Africa in 1959.
After her retirement, my Grandmother, Phyllis Dunnings also emigrated to South Africa
Anthony and Valerie resided in Pietermaritzburg, Natal (now known at KwaZulu-Natal)
the greater majority of their lives.
I married Duonne Matthew Erasmus on 21 May 1988.
He was born on 7 March 1959.
We have 2 children -
Matthew John, born 7 June 1991, married Christen Renee Lahner on 12 June 2020; and
Emma Jane, born 17 January 1994.
My Sister, Sally-Ann Jane and my brother, Jonathan Anthony Genge, aka Jonty, were both born in South Africa.
Sally-Ann, born 27/01/1967, first married Guy Brandon King in 1993. They had two daughters -
Laurie Jane and Tayla Joan - and divorced in the early 2000s.
Sally-Ann then married Brett Miller in October 2003. They have a son, Liam.
Guy passed away in 2021.
Jonty, born 17/04/1970, married Dana Allanson in March 1997.
They have a son, Callum Andrews Ross and a daughter, Grace Isabella Ross.
Being the avid sportsman that he was, Dad quickly joined a local football club named Savages.
There are newspaper cuttings about him joining the club. There was quite a bit of hoo-ha about this Englishman joining their club!!
Below - the Savages Football Club win
the Winners' Cup in 1959
My maternal Grandmother, Mrs Phyllis Marion Dunnings passed away on 29 March 2001,
aged 90 years. Later that same year, my Mum, Valerie Ann Ross passed away on
23 October 2001 at 65 years of age.
My Dad, Anthony John Edward Ross passed away on 26 March 2017, aged 83.
My paternal Grandparents are Robin David Genge and Violette Estelle Ross.
They had 4 children. They later divorced after which my Grandmother, Violette,
left the UK for the USA.
David Robin Genge Ross
He emigrated, I think in the 1950s, to Vancouver, British Columbia. I have recently linked
with his daughter via Facebook but I don't know much about the family yet.
Anne Estelle Ross
She sadly passed away in the UK quite young. I don't know too much about her; she has 2 sons.
Elizabeth Mary Ross - aka "Boo"
Elizabeth emigrated to the USA. She has 2 children from her first marriage.
I am often in touch with Amy Markland who is Elizabeth's daughter from her second marriage.
Amy is in constant contact with her half-siblings.
and of course, my Dad - Anthony John Edward Ross - whom you've already met!
Thank you, Nicky and Duonne, for sharing both the photos and stories of your family!
Dear Reader - I heard from both Nicky Ann and Simon on the same day in early June 2022 via this website. Neither knew about each other despite both being the Great Grandchildren of Henry and Francesca Ross.
Simon's Dad, Malcolm, has fond memories of his cousin, Elizabeth.
As kids, they used to play together in Netley Village.
One time when she was feeling poorly, he wrote her a story to cheer her up.
The story was eventually made into a book called "Boo's Goose".
Malcolm very kindly sent me and Amy (Markland) a copy.
Thank you Malcolm
The Willoughby Family at The Abbey
1905 - 1939
By 1905, Mr Edward and Mrs Matilda Willoughby are living in the grounds of The Abbey.
He is employed as the Gatekeeper.
By kind permission of Mrs. Willoughby, the Netley Social Club held sports in the
Abbey grounds on Whit-Monday.
The perfect weather contributed in no small measure to the enjoyment of about 300 people who attended, and amongst those present were Sir Harry and Lady Emma Crichton, who presented the prizes, while the Rev. W. E. Summers, the Misses Downie, and Mr. Grossmith acted as judges.
Thornycroft’s Band played during the afternoon and evening, and there was dancing at the
conclusion of the sports.
Hampshire Advertiser 14/06/1919
Sadly Mr Charles Edward Willoughby, age 65, passed away at the Royal South Hants Hospital on 3 August 1935.
He resided at
The Abbey, Netley Abbey where he was Custodian for about 30 Years.
The funeral took place on Wednesday 7 August at the Church of St Mary's Hound. Amongst the mourners were his widow, brother-in-law Mr Smith, sisters Mrs White + Mrs Arnold, nephews and nieces Mr + Mrs H Reynolds, Mr + Mrs F Hessell
and Mr + Mrs E March.
Hampshire Telegraph 09/08/1935
Mrs Matilda Willoughby's Obituary
Hampshire Telegraph 01/09/1939
A New Custodian for the Abbey Ruins
A new custodian has been appointed at the Netley Abbey Ruins by the Office of Works, in the place of Mr. Willoughby, who recently passed away, after over 35 years' service.
He is Mr. W. G. Mould, who filled a similar post at the " White Horse," Westbury, Wiltshire.
Mr. Mould started his new duties on Monday, September 2.
Hampshire Advertiser 06/09/1935
The Wilson Family at Netley Cliff
"Tug" Wilson contacted me in January 2022 to share his memories of Netley Abbey -
"We lived at Netley Cliff house in Victoria Road from 1958 to 1960 maybe 1961.
My Dad - 7265181 E W M Wilson - was RSM at the Hospital. After that he was posted to Solihull.
I had 5 sisters and 1 brother. I am the oldest brother. Hazel was the eldest.
She is the one wearing the beret below
At the time I worked at Herbert Ferryman & Edwin Jones in Kitchen furniture.
One of Dad's jobs was replenishing stores on the Hospital Ships "Nevasa", "Dilwara"
and "Oxfordshire" that I remember.
The Hospital was busy with shell shock cases caused by the Eoka terrorists in Cyprus.
Terry Dene was there as a patient he was a Pop star and got a medical discharge.
The last film I saw in Netley was Debbie Reynolds in Tammy with a supporting film Bambi.
Still remember the girl [I think he means his 'date'] She worked in the Coop in Station Road Netley.
My Mum was a bit of an Author and wrote an article entitled
"The Esso Fawley Fairy Tale" - all about the Fawley flame and the refinery.
Two of my sisters were in the Hospital church choir as was my brother.
The Oak Tree in the grounds of Netley Cliff house we called our Family Tree."
Nigel's sister, Hazel has recently contacted me to share her memories of living at the house and her
childhood, growing up in Netley -
I remember Netley Cliff house; its gardens were an amazing playground for us kids. It had loads of bushes to hide in by the road and a garden that went down to the beach but the track through the shrubs was best. We used to slide down on our bums to the beach and sea.
Mum taught us five to swim then said I was in charge of all the little ones.
We used to find all sorts of rubbish on the beach from the boats. My brother and I got told off
for blowing up all the "balloons" we found ... Mum said they were dirty but didn't tell us why.
Once we grew up, we found out why.
Mum would sometimes have a sandwich ready for lunch when got home from school which we would eat it on the way down the track for a swim before going back to school. I once swam in winter when there was ice in the sea. Once my Mum decided she would swim across the Solent but she got picked up in the shipping lane, warmed up and sent back! She hadn't realise it wasn't allowed.
We had an old shelter with a massive heavy lid on the roof with a ladder going down; there was also a walkway to the underground. It was, of course, forbidden but inviting territory. It wasn't until I was grown up that I realise that the big heavy door could have killed us kids if we got trapped if it fell.
The whole place was an amazing happy playground for us kids. Sometimes I went to school on the
steam train to Hamble Secondary. The hospital was huge and we used to get into its massive corridors and play. We used to see the Queen Elizabeth and Mary coming in and out.
I still love the sea. I used to collect jelly fish in a bucket and bring them back home; they amazed me.
Thank you Tug and Hazel!
