Introduction
In April 1871, Charles Hyde was a bailiff at Bridge Close Farm. He embodied a fluid component of rural society, frequently moving from one farm to another to fulfill temporary contracts or meet short-term needs.
Birth
Charles Hyde was born on August 14, 1842, at Nether Compton, the sixth child of Charles and Elizabeth Hyde. His father was the innkeeper of the Griffin’s Head.
Marriage
When he was fifteen, Charles made Emma Cross pregnant. Emma, who was two years older than Charles, was the daughter of Joseph Cross, a stone merchant of Axmouth, Devon. Charles and Emma married at Axmouth in the fourth quarter of 1858, probably shortly before the baby was born. Unfortunately, the child only lived a few months.[1]
Separation
Following the child’s death, Charles and Emma may have lived apart for a time. In April 1861, Charles lived with his blind grandfather, William Hyde, a retired malster, at Nether Compton, while Emma lived with her uncle, William Dampier, a butcher, at Axminster. At this time, Charles probably helped his father, while Emma worked as a schoolmistress.[2]
Charles and Emma may have been separated for several years, as their second child was not born until 16 August 1863.
The semi-nomadic years
From 1863 to 1875, Charles and Emma constantly moved around Somerset and Dorset, never staying in one place for more than a year or two. In 1863, Charles worked as a dairyman and from 1868 onwards, he served as a bailiff. In April 1871, he was a bailiff at Bridge Close Farm, Hardington.
1863 Chilthorne Domer, Somerset
1865 Chardstock, Dorset
1866 Pendomer, Somerset
1868/69 Milton Abbas, Dorset
1870 Compton Deverill, Somerset
1871 Hardington, Somerset
1872 Winterbourne Steepleton, Dorset
1874/75 Yeovilton, Somerset
Broadmayne
Charles eventually found stability in his early thirties, remaining in one village for nearly two decades in one village. From about 1875 until 1893, he worked as a bailiff at Glebe Farm, Broadmayne.[3] Between 1885 and 1893, he even ran the village inn, “the Compasses.”[4]
Martinstown
In 1893, Charles moved to Brewery Farm at Martinstown.
Retirement
After retiring from farming, Charles bought a property called the Bungalow.
Death
Emma died on 5 February 1910 at the age of 70. Charles died on 6 December 1917, at the age of 74, leaving an estate valued at £572-18s-1d gross and £64 0s 4d net, which he bequeathed entirely to his daughter, Letitia Emma.[5]
Children
Charles and Emma had six sons and four daughters. Their daughter, Letitia Emma, lived at Martinstown until she died in 1956.
References
[1] The birth of the child, Charles William Hyde, was registered in the Axminster district in Q4 1858. His death was registered in the same district in Q2 1859.
[2] The 1861 census lists Charles as an “innkeeper’s son.”
[3] Bridport News, 29 September 1893, p.8. This newspaper report states that Charles Hyde lived at Broadmayne for over twenty years; however, stronger evidence indicates a shorter period.
[4] Bridport News, 18 December 1885, p.4; 15 December 1893, p.3.
[5] The will of Charles Hyde, dated 20 November 1917, proved in London on 7 May 1918.
