Ann Kenward

I still haven’t discovered Ann’s origins, other than knowing that her father was William, a harness maker of Lewes. Who her mother was I do not know, nor exactly when or where she was born. From her marriage onwards though, the trajectory of her life can be traced, but not without its little mysteries.

Perhaps the most significant thing I know about Ann is that she was only fifteen years old when she married, which is why I have chosen Millet’s portrait of a young lady as my image. It is dated 1841, when Ann would have been nineteen, . I have no photographs. Phillip Mollett’s old photographs include a couple of old ladies, who I suppose could be she, but there is no way of knowing at present.

She seems to have been somewhat confused about where she was born. The censuses variously declare, Lewes, Brighton and London, so this does not help with establishing her origins. She is also a bit vague about her age - not always consistent.

I wrote this story, having just completed her husband’s. As always the exercise of writing up a life often throws up some interesting, tantalising and ultimately frustrating questions about their lives. In Ann’s case it is the last child and her origins (and true age). Read on.

So here is what I know. If you know more do get in touch via email. We would love to hear from you.