Introduction

Jane Ireland came to Hardington from Mosterton after marrying Richard Baker, a farm labourer, in 1824. They were married for 25 years but had no children. For half of that time, Richard suffered from a painful and debilitating illness. After his death in 1849, Jane lived as a widow for six years, claiming outdoor relief.

Birth

Jane, the daughter of James and Jenny Ireland, was born at Mosterton on 15 December 1797.

Marriage

On 24 December 1824, she married Richard Baker at Hardington.

Husband’s occupation

Richard was a labourer in 1841.

Residence

In 1843, Richard and Jane lived on Bridge Close Hill (plot 426 on the tithe map).

Servant

In June 1841, a twelve-year-old servant, Mary Lento, lived in their home. It was unusual for labourers to have servants, and given that Richard and Jane were childless, their relationship with Mary may have resembled de facto adoption rather than employment.

Husband’s death

From his mid-30s, Richard experienced bladder problems, possibly due to an injury or infection. This condition ultimately contributed to his death on 20 April 1849 at the age of about 47.[1]

Jane’s later life

In March 1851, Jane was living alone as a pauper at Hill End.

Death

Jane may have died in the first quarter of 1855, aged about 58.[2]

References

[1] Richard Baker’s death certificate and Hardington burial register recorded his age as 40, which is inconsistent with the 1841 census, where his age was recorded as 38. His death certificate attributed his death to stricture of the urethra, which was not certified.

[2] The Civil Registration Death Index recorded this entry with an age of 67.