Introduction

Ellen Leach was one of Hardington’s lifelong spinsters. She lived in North Lane, initially with her parents and later with her unmarried siblings. She taught at the chapel Sunday School and occasionally participated in church events.

Early childhood at West Coker and East Chinnock

Ellen was born at Coker Hill, West Coker, in 1849, the daughter of Robert and Ann Leach. Her father was a farmer. By March 1851, the family had moved to East Chinnock, where Robert farmed 11 acres.

Life at Hardington

Between late 1855 and December 1857, the family moved to North Lane, Hardington. Her father died on 8 November 1883, leaving an estate valued at £713-2s-1d. Ellen inherited £20 and a one-eleventh share of the residue.[1] Her mother died on 25 July 1885.

Ellen was active in the religious life of the village. She was a Sunday School Teacher at the chapel and occasionally participated in church events. On 6 July 1893, she served tea at the royal wedding celebrations held at Hardington Rectory.[2] On 26 September 1893, she gave a recitation at a Church of England Temperance Society meeting at Hardington.[3] Ellen may also have engaged in charity or nursing work as in March 1901, she was an invalid attendant in Mary Eastment’s household in Swins Lane.

In April 1911, Ellen lived with her two brothers, John and Albert, in their home in North Lane.

Ellen died on 1 August 1919, aged 69.

References

[1] The will of Robert Leach, dated 22 May 1879, proved at Taunton on 27 May 1884.

[2] Pulman’s Weekly News and Advertiser, 11 July 1893 p.6. The article refers to “Miss Leach.”

[3] Pulman’s Weekly News and Advertiser, 3 October 1893 p.5. The article refers to “Miss Leach.”