Exhibition: The History of Walton Hall

John King (1850-1884) and his family

Another of the King family who is buried at Walton is George and Mary’s son John (1850-1884) who died in the same year as his father. In 1871 John was living at Walnut Tree Farm and was described, aged 20, as a Farmer’s son so he was obviously working on the farm. In 1874 he married Mary Elizabeth Williamson who was from Notting Hill in London. By 1881 the couple were living in Fenny Stratford with their four children. Their youngest child, 8 month old Frederick, died later that year. John was described as a Licensed Victualler at the Rose and Crown Pub on Fenny Stratford High Street. The family had two female domestic servants and a lodger described as a commercial traveller from Jersey. John King died in May 1884 aged only 33. The inscription on his grave, recorded in 1986, reads: “In affectionate remembrance of John King who departed this life May 10, 1884, aged 33 years. Not my will, but thine be done”. Unfortunately the headstone has since fallen face down and the inscription is no longer visible.

Two months after John’s death the Rose & Crown Inn was put up for auction being described in the local newspapers as “The old-established and very convenient inn, distinguished as the Rose and Crown, freehold and fully licensed, and occupying a commanding position in the centre of the town, with large Assembly or Club Room, convenient premises, Stabling, Courtyard, large Garden, and a brick and slated House and Bakery.” In October 1884 more of John King’s possessions were auctioned: “300 lots of useful household furniture, Inn requisites, Bagatelle table, the Stock-in-Trade of wine and spirits, comprising about 24 dozens of Port, Sherry, Claret, Champagne and Cordials, 30 gallons of Brandy, Rum and Whiskey, 7 Hogsheads of Old Beer, about Cwt. of best Kent Hops, a good brewing plant (complete), 150 Gallon Brewing Copper, brown nag mare 6 years old, bay nag horse, grey pony, in-pig sow; dog cart, Battlesden Car, spring cart, part of a rick of old hay, 15 bushels potatoes and miscellaneous effects”.

Seven years later John’s widow Mary Elizabeth was still living in Fenny Stratford High Street letting apartments. Her sons, George Henry aged 13 and William James aged 12, were living with her.  Another son, Percy Thomas, was recorded at his uncle Charles King’s home in Walton – Walnut Tree Farm. Mary also had a 4 year old daughter Florence Mary who had been born illegitimately in Oxford two years after the death of her husband John. By 1901 Mary had moved to Bedford and was living ‘on own means’ with her sons George, a cabinet-maker, Percy, an electric wireman and daughter Florence, a dress-maker. A decade later in 1911, Mary had moved again and was living in Luton with two of her sons – William working as an assistant electrician, and Percy, an electrician.   

Brothers George Henry King (1877-1917) and William James King (1879-1918) are the third generation of the King family to be buried at Walton. George died aged only 39 years on 1 April 1917 at Stotfold, a village near Luton, although his address was given as 17 Manchester Street, Luton. Probate went to Mary Elizabeth King and his effects were valued at £257 18s 6d. Mary Elizabeth was described as ‘widow’, but this is the name of George’s mother. The inscription and verse on George Henry King’s headstone, recorded in 1986, are: “In affectionate remembrance of George Henry, the beloved son of John & Mary Elizabeth King, who departed this life April 1, 1917, aged 39 years. Weep not for me, the God of Love hath claimed me for his own. Fix all your thoughts and hopes above and meet me at his throne.” The headstone, which stood alongside his father’s, no longer exists. A small marker stone stands where the headstone once stood with the date 1917 and the initial G.H.K. 

In 1917 William James King married Ethel May Bartram in Bedford and the couple settled in Luton, also residing at 17 Manchester Street. Sadly, they were only married for about a year. William died on 22 June 1918 and probate went to his young wife Ethel. His effects were valued at £1279 4s. The inscription and verse on William James King’s headstone are: “Sacred to the memory of William James, the beloved husband of Ethel May King who departed this life June 22, 1918 aged 39 years. In prime of years I was cut down, no longer could I stay, because it was my saviour’s will to call me hence away”. 

William’s grave still stands near to where his brother George and father John were buried in Walton churchyard not far from the rest of their family and can be viewed here. The images on this page show the graves of John King and his sons George Henry and William James, photographed in 1986. John King's wife Mary Elizabeth King died on 22 April 1919 in Luton, Bedfordshire. She was not buried at Walton. Probate went to her sister-in-law Jane King and her surviving son Percy. Her effects were valued at £484 2s. 7d. Percy died in Luton in 1936.