I didn’t know my great-grandpa on my mum’s paternal side of the family, but I know his name was William Henry and was always known as Billy. I know he lived in Littlehampton and worked at the timber yards by the docks.
Looking at the 1881 census, I see he was living in Pier Road, with his father, William and mother Fanny. His father was born in 1838 and his mother a year later in 1839.His father supported his family by being a Foreman To A Firm Of Timber Merchants, the timber merchants now are Travis and Perkins. They had a large family; as well as William Henry they had baby Edith, born the same year as the census, Emmeline who was 6, George Charles 12, Mary Ann 10. Billy was a carpenter and joiner, and was born 1852. Billy also married a woman called Fanny, a very popular name at the time, but unlike other nineteenth century names which have become popular, I don’t think Fanny will be revived!
Lois Elsden 