I wrote to the Royal Archives intrigued by occupations and addresses given in various censuses. The response was speedy and generous, bringing to light two previously unknown Ealeys, Richard and Abraham. Click on the thumbnail images below to access each item.
Details of Abraham, Richard, James (Snr), James (Jnr) and George Ealey extracted from The Royal Archives by Pamela Clark, Registrar.
Photocopy of a letter from Richard Ealey dated 22 March 1837, requesting assistance in finding employment, effectively his c.v. Someone has written it for him, but the signature seems to be in his own hand. He claims to have saved the life of the Duke of Kent in 1816. This would have been before Queen Victoria was even a twinkle in the royal eye and, if true, prompts the question of what our monarchy would be like today had the Duke succumbed to the mysterious mishap.
Richard is in a sad situation but, for me, the ghost of Baldrick haunts this letter ("Your Highness Your Highness...").
Four Pages. Transcript of letter here.
Photocopy of pension application for James Ealey Jnr dated 27 November 1875. His pension was calculated at 52% of final salary and allowances plus an extra £14 18s 2d for "very meritorious service".
Three Pages. Transcript of application here.
Letter from George Ealey dated 31 December 1853, expressing gratitude for Queen Victoria's donation of £2, apparently written by himself. I've checked the signature against the one on George's marriage entry, eleven years before, and it's evident that the same hand held both pens. In particular, the 'y' at the end of Ealey, formed like a dropped 'z', is a match. George's emotions are apparent from the sometimes disconnected train of thought. This is my favourite document of the three.
Two Pages. Transcript of letter here.
