In December 2010, I am finally recording some of my research for the Wilding family who originated in Suffolk. Here is my family story.
Robert Wilding (1828 - )
Robert Wilding was my great great grandfather. He was born about 1828 in Hitcham, Suffolk, the son of Mary Wilding. Mary had several children out of wedlock, but these seem to be carefully registered in the 1841 census to the name of the father. The enumerator obviously knew the area and the people; as Robert Wilding was then listed as Robert Carlo.
Mary later went on to marry the father, also named Robert Carlo.
By the 1851 census for Kettlebaston, Robert is listed as Robert Wilding, and has married by the age of 21 to Caroline Death, on the 17th November 1850. He also has his first son, William who is my great grandfather, aged 2 months. They apparently married three months before the birth of their first child. Caroline has two other sisters, who both marry into the Wilding family, the other two Wildings appear to be uncles of Robert.
In the 1861 census, Robert and Caroline are now living in Hadleigh; and now have three children. William is aged ten, John aged seven, Frederick aged five (all born in Kettlebaston); and Walter aged two, and born in Hadleigh.
By the 1871 census, they have now moved to Naughton Road, in Elmsett. Their eldest son, William has left home to find work; and is now a lodger / agricultural labourer in Raydon. John is now aged eighteen, Frederick is aged fifteen; and there are now additional children. George is aged ten, Susanna aged seven, and twins James and Edward both aged two (all born in Hadleigh). There is now no longer any sign of Walter, who would be twelve.
By the 1881 census, they are listed in Martlesham. Interestingly (incorrectly), Robert is listed as born in Felsham. They are joined by children Fred, now aged twenty four, George aged twenty, Edward aged twelve (no sign of twin James); plus Ernest aged eight and James aged six. This confirms the death of earlier twin, James. It looks like they were in Hadleigh until at least 1875 from birth places.
The 1891 census for Martlesham shows a different story. This now still lists Robert and Caroline, but also shows entries for Edward and James, the twins; plus younger son Edward; and also a grandson - Walter aged eight.
The Benhall 1901 census shows an amazing transformation of the Wilding family. Robert is now shown as a farmer at Shingle Farm, and his son Edward a horseman. This is incredible, as Robert has been an agricultural labourer all his life. Two grandsons, Frederick and Walter are with them.
The online family tree on this site was recently updated (August 2009) - it has taken me four years!