HAMSON-LANE Family History

Elizabeth was the youngest of two daughters born to her parents in Clyst Hydon, east Devon, a rural village located 187 miles (301 kilometers) south west of London. Since her father worked in the poorly paid profession of cordwaining (boot and shoe making), her family was likely to have been impoverished.

Elizabeth married Joseph Lane at the parish church of St. Michael the Archangel in Honiton-on-Otter, east Devon. Honiton was the largest market town in the immediate area, situated half-way between Clyst Hydon where Elizabeth was born, and Colyton where Joseph was born. It's probable that their joining was celebrated by the people of both villages, with singing, dancing, drinking and feasting lasting long into the night.

Following her marriage, Elizabeth lived a nomadic existence for 37 years as she accompanied Joseph from village-to-village in search of work. This austere lifestyle probably hastened her daughter’s death in mid-winter at the mournfully young age of 30 days. It’s difficult to imagine just how gruelling life on the road must have been, particularly through the winter months.

At the time of Joseph's death, the court of the Archdeaconry of Barnstaple, issued an Admon (letter of administration) to Elizabeth, so that she could dispose of Joseph's estate in the absence of a will. In order for an Admon to be issued, the administrators of Joseph's estate must have valued it at £5 or more (£370 today). It seems that Elizabeth may not have been left entirely destitute, despite the underprivileged life she had shared with Joseph.

Elizabeth outlived Joseph by 17 years and died at the workhouse in Tiverton, east Devon, 11 miles (17 kilometers) north west of the village in which she was born.

Note: If you would like to know more, or have information that improves this history, we would love to hear from you.

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