Introduction

Charles Hodges lived at Lyatts for over twenty years, initially at Lyatts Farm with his sister and brother-in-law and later with Mary Partridge, a widow. According to the 1871 census, he had previously worked as a ship‘s carpenter. The 1881 census describes him as an annuitant.

Early life

Charles was born at North Perrott on 31 January 1804, the son of Samuel and Mary Hodges. In 1826, his sister, Charlotte, married Joseph Bishop. Charles moved away and became a ship’s carpenter.[1]

After his father, Samuel, died in 1838, Charles inherited £7.[2]

Hardington

By April 1861, Charles was a carpenter living at Lyatts Farm in the household of Joseph and Charlotte Bishop. After Charlotte died in 1869, Charles continued to live at the farm until at least 1871 and probably until 1875, when Joseph retired and left the farm. Charles then resided with Mary Partridge, the widow of Moses Partridge, at Lyatts.

Death

Charles died on 29 November 1881 at the age of 77, leaving an estate valued at £420-9s-10d. He bequeathed £20 each to his nephews, William and Hubert Hodges of Milborne Port, and left the remainder to Mary Partridge “for her care & trouble of me,” appointing her his sole executrix.

References

[1] 1871 census.

[2] The will of Samuel Hodges of North Perrott, dated 8 August 1837, proved in London on 26 October 1838.