Modern research corroborates Sir Colin Thornton-Kemsleys hunch that Stephen Kempsley of Burham descends from Adam Kemsley of Wouldham, being born of Andrew Kemsley, baptized 25 Oct 1698.
Wendy Skliros’ (UK) and Donna Kemsley’s (USA) records reflect Wendy’s summary:
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Adam Kemsley ch. 11 Nov 1599 Wouldham m. Elizabeth Highwood -
son, Elias Kemsley circa 1620 Wouldham m. Amy Perritt
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son, Andrew Kemsley 15 Nov 1663 Wouldham m. Mary Gater
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son, Stephen Kemsley ch. 25 Oct 1698 East Malling m. Ann
I assume all the christenings were legitimately gathered, though I have accumulated the info. over the years and have not been able to verify all. The East Malling one is presumably a district rather than a village church.
However, I have not yet found within CityArk's online records any sign of a Stephen Kemsley being born to anyone in Wouldham covering the presumed birth years around 1700. The only person of the same name is Stephanus, son of Elias and Amia Kimsly, baptized 3(0) May 1656 (see above).
I have, however, found the baptism of an Andrew, son of Elya(?) on the date Donna lists as the birthdate of Stephen’s father, Andrew (see two instances of Andrew and 15 Nov 1663 above).
Nothing more is known of these early Kemsleys lives in Wouldham... yet.
Headstone of Jesse, Sarah and Friend Kemsley (1895, 1896, 1886)
1800’s
According to Census records provided by Barry Edwards, the Kemsleys lived in several places in Wouldham throughout the 1800s: Wouldham Court Farmhouse, Raven’s Knowle and a Butcher’s Shop.
Kemsleys of Wouldham Court Farmhouse
Jesse and Sarah Kemsley and later their son, William and his wife Jane owned the Wouldham Court Farmhouse just across the narrow road, north of All Saints Church. It’s now a Bed and Breakfast for weary travelers, a wonderful place for Kemsley genealogists to stay.
Kemsleys of Ravens Knowle
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William, Philip and Friend Kemsley lived in Ravens Knowle with their wives.
1841 Census
During the 1861 Census, 30 year old Jesse (an Agricultural Labourer) and 20 year old Sarah Kemsley lived on “---wham” Street, perhaps in the Wouldham Court Farmhouse. Their oldest sons William was 1 year old. Mary Kemsley (20) lived with them. Jesse’s sister?
Jesse and Sarah’s ages were not reported/recorded consistently during the censuses: compare the huge discrepancy in their reported ages and age differences between 1841, 1851 and 1861. Their ages many have been rounded during the 1841 Census.
1851 Census
The 35 year old Jesse (a Lime Labourer) and 35 year old Sarah Kemsley lived in Wouldham Court Farmhouse.
1861 Census
The 45 year old Jesse (a Lime Burner) and 43 year old Sarah Kemsley lived on Wouldham Street, presumably in the Wouldham Court Farmhouse. Their oldest sons William (22) and Philip (19) were both Agricultural Labourers. Friend was 11. Jesse Kemsley, a 78 year old “Scholar” lived with them.
1871 Census
It is unclear where William (a Grocer) and Jane Kemsley lived. Because of his profession, it is reasonable to resume they already lived at the Butchers Shop on High Street as recoded in the 1881 Census.
1881 Census
William (a Butcher) and Jane lived at the Butchers Shop, High Street, Wouldham.
Philip (a Lime Burner) and Maria Kemsley lived in Ravens Knowle.
Friend (a Labourer in cement works) and Eliza Kemsley lived in Ravens Knowle.
1891 Census
William (a Butcher and Farmer) and Jane (also a Butcher) lived at the Butchers Shop, High Street, Wouldham. Their 18 year old daughter, Emily, was a Butcher’s Assistant. They boarded 26 year old Lucy Jane Harding, a School Mistress.
The 39 year old widow, Eliza lived at 14 Ravens Knowle, Kiln Rd. with her children ages 5 to 14. Friend had died in 1886.
1901 Census
During the 1901 Census, William (a Farmer Employer) and Jane Kemsley lived at Wouldham Court. Their 22 year old Bertie was a “Farmers Son”.
Their unwed daughter, Caroline stayed in the Butcher Shop as an unwed Butcher and Grocer. (this is presumption: the 1891 Census lists Caroline Kemsley’s DOB as 1870 while the 1901 Census lists it as 1872).
Philip (a Lime Burner) and Maria Kemsley lived at 3 Providence Place, Wouldham. Their 27 year old son, Frederick was an Unwed Lime Burner living in their home. Their 23 year old son was a “Carter on Farm (Horse)” while at their home.
Philip (a Lime Burner) and Martha Kemsley lived at 10 Ravens Knowle.
Andrew (a “Cement Lab.”) and Florence Kemsley lived at 10 Castle Street, Wouldham.
By 1901, the widow Eliza Kemsley had moved her family to 12 Scarboro Terrace, Burham.
Wouldham’s All Saints Church
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![Wouldham All Saints Parish Church ca. 1830
Wouldham, Kent, England
The Wouldham Church dates back to 1058. However, it may be predated by wooden church at the same location.
Wouldham was the home of Walter Burke, who had the distinction of being the purser aboard Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and of having cradled Lord Nelson himself in his arms as the great man died. Upon his headstone is written: “Sacred to the Memory of Walter Burke, Esq, of this Parish, who died on the 12th September 1815 in the 70th year of his age. He was Purser on His Majesty's Ship Victory in the glorious Battle of Trafalgar, and in his arms the immortal Nelson died” [Source]](Wouldham_2_files/shapeimage_4.png)
