This blog prompt “Strong Women” is all about Ann Isabella Guy, a formidable looking women. I have always admired Ann, she had to turn her hand to running a business at the passing of her husband, whilst raising 6 children. She then moved on to allow her son to take over as cheesemonger and started running a printers and booksellers with her sister, living in a full household of family, and employees.
Ann Isabella Guy was born around 1814, the daughter of John Guy and Jane Glover, the eldest daughter and one of nine children. Ann was baptised on 9th November 1814 in Kendal at Westmorland, which is in what we now call the “Lake District”. Her father John was a school master and wrote books later in life. The Guy family of Westmorland
By 1836 we find Ann in London getting married to Thomas Wright (a cheesemonger) on 21st August 1836 at St Georges in Bloomsbury, the witness were Jane Guy (possibly Ann’s mother or sister) and Henry Wright ( no idea who this was, imagine family because of name).
Ann is recorded on the first full census in 1841, living at 9 Blackmoor Street, with her husband Thomas and 3 children: William aged 4 (my 3x great grandfather), Jane aged 2 and Anne aged 1. Also living with them was John Wright (b. 1823) might be Thomas’ brother and Jane Guy (b. 1822) Ann’s sister and two others, George Eater (b. 1822) and Sam Benning (b. 1823) who probably worked for Thomas selling cheese!
Ann and Thomas had another 3 children Thomas Henry in 1843 (died in 1844), Isabella in 1844, and Martha in 1845. That is a lot of children in a very short amount of time, but not unusual for the times.
Ann had 6 children under 10 when Thomas’ financial troubles began, he was declared bankrupt and went to debtor prison for around a month, he owed money to a Henry Billingham. Then sadly Thomas died on 22nd October 1850, of Delirium tremors (also referred to as “DTs”, “the horrors” is an acute episode of delirium that is usually caused by withdrawal from alcohol). He died at home and the death was registered by Jane Guy, Ann Isabella’s sister, who was now living close by at 8 Stanhope Street. Thomas was just 42 years old and his probate states Ann got £300….worth around £30,000 today (2015) not bad for someone who went to prison for not being able to pay his debts !
On the 1851 census, Ann is now head of the household and occupation is cheesemonger (rare to have a women’s occupation stated). She is still living at 9 Blackmoor Street with her four of her children, William, who is already working as a clerk aged 13, Jane, Anne and Isabella, but Martha is not listed. Also living with her is her sister Martha Guy (b. 1825) her companion and two assistants John Foulke & James Bishop.
By the 1861 census Ann and family are still living in Blackmoor Street, running the cheesemongers, but there are only 3 of her children living with her, Martha has returned but Anne & Jane are not listed. She still has one assistant recorded as a shopman William Thomas also John Foulke is listed as a visitor (assistant on 1851 census).
In 1871 things have changed for Ann, she is no longer living at Blackmoor Street, but has moved to 29 Newcastle Street (a few roads away) and occupation says bookseller, Ann’s father was a writer, John Guy. Ann’s son William has married and is running the cheesemongers in Blackmoor Street.
Living with Ann at Newcastle Street are Jane Johnson, married (Jane Wright) daughter, visitor William Johnson, b. 1864, grandson Isabella Johnson b. 1867, granddaughter Isabella Wright, single, daughter Martha Guy, single, sister, bookseller Jane Simpkin, Ann’s married sister, and a visitor Clara Wigg b. 1865. (who is actually Ann’s granddaughter).
1881 census finds Ann still living at 29 Newcastle Street, she is publisher, living with Matilda Wright, daughter (think she is the same as Martha in other records, same D.O.B.) Harriett Boxall, domestic servant William King, Boarder, Gentleman, Edward Parry, Boarder, warehouseman, J. W. Sprang, Boarder, Author (female) Clara J. Wigg, granddaughter, scholar.
On 3 November 1887 Ann died her old house in Blackmore Street, aged 73, of “senectus morbus cordis” old age heart disease. Death notified by Jane Johnson (nee Wright) her daughter.
Ann is buried at Kensal Green Cemetary, (the same place as both of her parents), and one day I hope to visit and find her grave.
not just any family 