Family of John 3 Bridge of Smarden, ca.1735-1771

The families of John 3 and his son John 4 are easily reconstructed from the parish records since, unlike their supposed relatives in Smarden, their children were baptised in church. Subsequent descendants can mostly be traced through the census records, though there are some dead ends where individuals just disappear without trace.

By contrast, there is no baptismal record for John 3 himself - as would be expected for a child born into a Baptist family. However, the church Poor Law records do make clear that there is a link between John 3 and Stephen 2: they briefly had a joint tenancy and Stephen was later given money for house rents for John's family.

It seems very probable that John 3 and Robert 3 were brothers but there is no documentary evidence so the only course is to find a male patrilineal descendant of John 3 and test his Y-DNA to see if it matches that of Greg Bridge and myself. I have explored all the possible lines as far as the 1901 census, which is as far as I can go at present. It seems that no-one has put a Bridge family tree on the web so all I can do now is publish these results and hope somebody finds them!

So, if you think your family hooks on somewhere, please get in touch.
date location record name description note
10 Apr 1762 Rolvenden Marriage John Bridge & Margaret Hywood  
30 Jul 1762 Smarden Poor Rate Stephen & John Bridge tenants of Mr. Russell rent £10½
This seems to be Stephen 2 and his son John 3; Stephen 2 subsequently looks after John 3's family
31 Dec 1762 on Smarden Poor Rate John Bridge tenant of Mr. Russell rent £10½
4 Mar 1763 Smarden Baptism Phoebe Bridge dau. of John & Margaret  
8 Mar 1765 Smarden Baptism Sarah Bridge dau. of John & Margaret  
9 Aug 1767 Smarden Baptism Peggy Bridge dau. of John & Margaret  
9 Jul 1769 Smarden Baptism John Bridge son of John & Margaret (John 4)
28 Jun 1771 Smarden Poor Law Widow Bridge received 3 gall "flower"
26 Jul 1771 Smarden Poor Law John Bridge's 4 children start of regular payments (6s each)
26 Jul 1771 Smarden Poor Rate --- no tenant of Mr. Russell rent £10½
26 Jul 1771 Smarden Poor Law "agreed to give S. Bridge £1 for house rents for Jno Bridge's family"
Clearly John 3 is dead; he could have been buried in the Baptist burial ground. Presumably Margaret was the church-goer but Stephen 2 may have decided where to bury his son.
24 Nov 1775 Smarden Poor Law John Bridge's eldest dau. 4s (age 12) other 3 children, 6s each
11 Apr 1782 Smarden Marriage Phoebe Bridge & Henry Munns both of Smarden
3 Jun 1788 Smarden Marriage Margaret Bridge, widow & Henry Ottaway, widower both of Smarden
12 Dec 1788 Smarden Marriage Margaret Bridge & John Lengley "Peggy", presumably
13 Jan 1803 Bethersden Marriage Sarah Bridge & John Shilling by licence


Family of John 4 Bridge of Smarden and Bethersden, ca.1769-1855
date location record name description note
9 Jul 1769 Smarden Baptism John Bridge son of John & Margaret  
5 Sep 1791 Smarden Marriage John Bridge & Susannah Hinty both of Smarden
18 Mar 1792 Smarden Baptism Felix Bridge son of John & Susannah  
26 Jul 1793 Smarden settlement John Bridge Suzunah his wife and their child to Bethersden
A settlement was a legal agreement between two parishes whereby one accepted any future liabilities which might arise under the poor law to care for the newcomers, so releasing the other parish from its responsibilities.
The wording of the order suggests that Felix had died, leaving just the newborn and so far unbaptised baby.
11 Aug 1793 Smarden Baptism John Henry Bridge son of John & Susannah  
John after his grandfather and Henry for his step-grandfather, Henry Ottaway.
29 May 1794 Smarden Burial Phoebe Bridge dau. of John & Susannah infant
30 Aug 1795 Bethersden Baptism Sarah Bridge dau. of John & Susannah  
4 Feb 1798 Bethersden Baptism Peggy Bridge dau. of John & Susannah  
6 Nov 1799 Bethersden Baptism James Bridge son of John & Susannah in a small block of deleted entries
2 Mar 1800 Bethersden Baptism George Bridge son of John & Susannah b. 28/8/1799
21 Sep 1800 Bethersden Burial George Bridge    
22 Nov 1801 Bethersden Baptism Stephen Bridge son of John & Susannah b. 3/4/1801
21 Nov 1802 Bethersden Baptism Edward Bridge son of John & Susannah b. 25/10/1802
1807 Barkley Hundred Land Tax John Bridges Stephurst borough, tenant of Mr. Curtis tax 11s
1808 Barkley Hundred Land Tax John Bridge Stephurst borough, tenant of Mr. Coleman tax 5s
6 Jun 1841 Brissenden Green, Bethersden Census
HO107 471.6/8		 John Bridge Ag. lab. 70, b. Kent
30 Mar 1851 Bethersden Census
HO107 1621/217 #25		 Henry Kingsnorth head, farmer (100 ac) 55, b. Kent, Bethersden
Peggy Kingsnorth wife 52, b. Kent, Bethersden
Henry Kingsnorth son 19, b. Kent, Bethersden
Alfred Kingsnorth son 13, b. Kent, Bethersden
Emer Kingsnorth daughter 10, b. Kent, Bethersden
John Bridge wife's father, widower, pauper 82, b. Kent, Smarden
Frank Skinner farmer's servant 19, b. Kent, Bethersden
Jan-Mar 1855 West Ashford Death Index John Bridge vol 2a/388
Children of John 4
22 Oct 1825 Ashford Marriage Stephen Bridge & Mary Blackman of Woodchurch & Ashford, witness James Bridge
30 Mar 1851 East Malling, Kent Census HO107 1612/147 #87 Stephen Bridge Agr. labourer 50, b. Kent, Bethersden
Charlottee Bridge wife, employed at paper mill by cutting 50, b. Kent, East Malling
7 Apr 1861 Newhithe Lane, East Malling, Kent Census RG 484/172 #91 Stephen Bridge Agr. labourer 58, b. Kent, Bethersden
Charlotte Simes unmarried, servant 60, b. Kent, East Malling
plus two other lodgers
The discrepancies between these records are intriguing. It is possible that Mary died and in that case Stephen would probably have married again. Perhaps Charlotte Simes was a "common law" wife.

Family of John Henry Bridge of Bethersden and Maidstone, 1793-1872
date location record name description note
11 Aug 1793 Smarden Baptism John Henry Bridge son of John & Susannah  
17 Oct 1815BiddendenMarriage John Bridge& Anne Osbourneboth of Biddenden
12 Jan 1817BiddendenBaptism John Bridgeson of John & Annebricklayer
Ann(e) could not sign her name in the register so the extra "e" is not significant. Baby John must have died young since the last child, born about 1837, was also called John.
6 Jun 1841 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
HO107 490.5/24 p7		 John Bridge bricklayer 49, b. Kent
Ann Bridge 45, b. Kent
Henry Bridge 15, b. Kent
Ann Bridge 9, b. Kent
Susannah Bridge 7, b. Kent
George Bridge 5, b. Kent
30 Mar 1851 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
HO107 1617/579 #33		 John Bridge head, bricklayer (Master) 57, b. Kent, Smarden
Ann Bridge wife 55, b. Kent, Biddenden
Ann Bridge daughter 19, b. Kent, Maidstone
John Bridge son, scholar 14, b. Kent, Maidstone
Joseph Bennett apprentice bricklayer 20, b. Kent, Maidstone
William Amos servant 17, b. Kent, Maidstone
7 Apr 1861 1 Holland Terrace, Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG9 503/64 #28		 John Bridge head, bricklayer and builder, 13 men & boy 67, b. Kent, Smarden
Ann Bridge wife 65, b. Kent, Biddenden
2 Apr 1871 81 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG10 945/12 #105		 John H Bridge head, retired bricklayer 77, b. Kent, Smarden
Ann Bridge wife 74, b. Kent, Biddenden
Jan-Mar 1872 Maidstone Death Index John Henry Bridge age 79 vol 2a/369
I cannot find any further records for the two younger sons, George and John.
Oct-Dec 1880 Maidstone Death Index Ann Bridge age 85 vol 2a/379

Family of Henry Bridge of Maidstone, 1826-1881...
date location record name description note
30 Mar 1851 Sandling Rd., Maidstone Census HO107 1617/601 #28 Henry Bridge visitor, bricklayer (employing 3 men) 25, b. Kent, Maidstone
Apr-Jun 1851 Maidstone Marriage Index Henry Bridge & Jane Marshall vol 5/433
Apr-Jun 1852 Malling Birth Index John Henry Bridge vol 2a/301
Jul-Sep 1856 Malling Birth Index George Edward Bridge vol 2a/311
7 Apr 1861 4 Holland Terrace, Wheeler St., Maidstone, Kent Census
RG9 503/64 #25		 Henry Bridge head, bricklayer and builder 34, b. Kent, Maidstone
Jane Bridge wife 33, b. Kent, Hunton
Henry Bridge son, scholar 8, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Anne Bridge dau., scholar 7, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Jane Bridge dau., scholar 5, b. Kent, Wateringbury
George Bridge son 4, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Susannah Bridge daughter 2, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Sarah Bridge daughter 1, b. Kent, Maidstone
Alice Pettfield servant 15, b. Kent, Maidstone
Oct-Dec 1870MaidstoneDeath index Jane Bridgeage 44vol 2a/357
2 Apr 1871 83 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG10 945/12 #104		 Henry Bridge head, widower, builder (13 men) 44, b. Kent, Maidstone
John H Bridge son, builder, assistant 18, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Ann Bridge daughter 17, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Jane Bridge daughter 16, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Susannah Bridge daughter 14, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Sarah Bridge daughter, scholar 12, b. Kent, Maidstone
William P Bridge son, scholar 10, b. Kent, Maidstone
Frederick E Bridge son, scholar 8, b. Kent, Maidstone
21 Aug 1875LondonMarriageHenry Bridge & Ellen MoonJWN

Since 1871, Henry's eldest son John Henry (Harry) had been courting Amelia, the daughter of J H Newham (then assistant Governor of Maidstone prison), though they did not marry until 1877. Harry's sister Annie also married JHN's son William in 1874. JWN kept a diary* which includes various letters and is a useful source of information about relations between the families: Henry was "Awful Old Bridge" and his marriage described thus:

Old Bridge jumped the broomstick at some meeting house in London to the young shopwoman Ellen Moon
Soon afterwards Harry moved out of his father's house to live with his grandmother.

* The Diary of a Prison Governor edited by Paul Coltman and published by the Kent County Library in 1984. No longer in print but available secondhand and well worth seeking out for its commentary on social conditions.

In 1877, Harry and Amelia were married; Henry and his wife stayed away, replying to their invitation:

Your kind invitation to hand but neither myself nor Mrs. B intend to be present at the marriage ceremony on Tuesday and therefore not at the breakfast. I think it must have been evident to all that I have never approved of union of my son and yr daughter. There are many reasons why which is needless for me to put to paper — but as the matter has reached to its present position it would have been very much better had it taken place without any branch of my family being asked to take part in the same, as I feel quite sure that for the happiness of all the less connection the terms of intimacy that is possible to exist the better. Wishing all happiness to all parties concerned.

20 Nov 1877MaidstoneTown CouncilHenry Bridge elected a memberJWN
12 Jul 1879
J. H. Bridge has at last left his father and set up in business on his own account, after seriously and plainly pointing out to his father his inconsiderate conduct for many years past.
JWN
10 Nov 1880
Letter from Amy. She said that 'Old Bridge' looked 'quite grand' draped in black, with tall hat and gold eyeglass, but he could not see his own son, Harry, when they met in the street.
JWN
5 Jan 1881
Letter from Amy. 'Old Bridge' was about setting up in asphalt-path-making in opposition to J. H. B. The old man would not wear mourning for grandmother Bridge.
JWN
3 Apr 1881 83 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG11 931/126 #102		 Henry Bridge head, builder and valuer (30 men) 54, b. Kent, Maidstone
Ellen Bridge wife 34, b. Essex, Colchester
Ellen Bridge daughter 4, b. Kent, Maidstone
Anne McWilliams domestic servant 19, b. Kent, Catford
27 Sep 1884
In a letter from Amy she said that Old Bridge had sold all his furniture and gone to live with his wife at Eastbourne. Harry bought his grandfather clock at the sale.
JWN
30 Apr 1888
Letter from Amy in which she said her husband's father had been to Maidstone and Harry had settled his affairs by taking his policies, but had to borrow money to do so.
JWN
25 Apr 1889
J. H. B. has received a telegram from his father that 'bums' were in his house.
JWN
13 May 1889
Letter from Amy. Harry had been to Eastbourne last Thursday and had bought in all his father's furniture, except piano and a duchess dressing table, and had given them to his father; others had given him some money and he was cleared to start afresh.
JWN
5 Apr 1891 29 Lower Addincombe Rd., Croydon,Surrey Census
RG12 593/39 #471		 Henry Bridge architect and surveyor 64, b. Kent, Maidstone
Helen Bridge wife, tea dealer and grocer 44, b. Essex, Colchester
Helen A Bridge daughter, scholar 14, b. Kent, Maidstone
James M Bridge son, grocer's assistant 25, b. Kent, Maidstone
Jul-Sep 1899 Lewisham Death Index Henry Bridge age 72 vol 1d/794
31 Mar 1901 141 High Rd., Lewisham, Kent Census
RG13 546/119 #144		 Ellen Bridge widow, dressmaker (at home) 54, b. Essex, Colchester
Ellen Annie Bridge dau., elocutionist (at home) 24, b. Kent, Maidstone
Sons of Henry Bridge
3 Apr 1881 Chesnut Walk, Worcester Census RG11 2932/85 #85 William P Bridge lodger, Ironmonger's asst. 19, b. Kent, Maidstone
In 1891 William was living with his elder brother but I can find no later records for him. According to a descendant of his brother Frederick (see below), he may have emigrated to Vancouver, Canada.
31 Mar 1901 13 Albany St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG13 766/133 #99		 James M Bridge head, oil and colour maker 36, b. Kent, Maidstone
Sarah Bridge wife 34, b. Kent, Bromley

Family of John Henry Bridge of Maidstone, 1853-1905
date location record name description note
Apr-Jun 1852 Malling Birth Index John Henry Bridge vol 2a/301
25 Sep 1877 Maidstone Marriage John Henry Bridge & Amelia Newham JWN; Mar. index 2a/937
3 Apr 1881 85 Wheeler St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG11 931/126 #101		 John H Bridge head, builder, master (6 men & 2 boys) 28, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Amelia Bridge wife 26, b. Kent, Maidstone
Emma Newham visitor 33, b. London
5 Apr 1891 6 Brewer St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG12 690/8 #50		 John H Bridge head, builder, master 39, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Amelia Bridge wife 37, b. Kent, Maidstone
John W Bridge son, Scholar 9, b. Kent, Maidstone
Margaret A Bridge daughter 1, b. Kent, Maidstone
Emma S Newham wife's sister, visitor, living on own means 43, London, St Pancras
William P Bridge brother, unm., living on own means 30, b. Kent, Maidstone
Rose Tippell general servant 15, b. Kent, Thurnham
31 Mar 1901 6 Brewer St, Maidstone, Kent Census
RG13 766/55 #64		 John H Bridge head, builder, employer 48, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Amelia Bridge wife 46, b. Kent, Maidstone
John W Bridge son, builder's son, worker 19, b. Kent, Maidstone
Margaret A Bridge daughter 11, b. Kent, Maidstone
Emma Newham sister-in-law, retired matron 52, London
Apr-Jun 1905 Maidstone Death Index John Henry Bridge age 52 vol 2a/452
John W married and had one daughter who in turn had a son, whom I met around 1997. He did not know of any Bridge relatives still living in the Maidstone area.

Family of George Edward Bridge of Maidstone, 1856-1911
date location record name description note
Jul-Sep 1856 Malling Birth Index George Edward Bridge vol 2a/311
2 Apr 1871 6 High St., Maidstone, Kent Census RG10 940/62 #17 George Edward Bridge apprentice, Chemist & Druggist 14, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Jul-Sep 1880 London City Marriage Index George E Bridge & Jane Beall Walker vol 1c/137
3 Apr 1881 2 Osborne Terrace, Portsmouth, Hampshire Census
RG11 1159/122 #48		 George E Bridge head, chemist 24, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Janie B Bridge wife 31, b. Middx., Poplar
Mary A Francis servant 20, b. Wilts., Westbury
5 Apr 1891 Firs Pharmacy, 103 Old Christchurch Rd., Bournemouth, Hampshire Census
RG12 902/8 #32		 George E Bridge head, chemist pharmaceutical 35, b. Kent, Wateringbury
Jane B Bridge wife 40, b. London, Poplar
George E Bridge son 9, b. Hants., Southsea
Douglas E Bridge son 2, b. Hants., Bournemouth
also an assistant, 2 apprentices, a cook, a housemaid and a nursemaid.
31 Mar 1901 6 Millfield Terrace, Gateshead, Durham Census RG13 4752/79 #131 George E W Bridge boarder, mechanical engineer, worker 19, b. Hants, Southsea
31 Mar 1901 Aldenham Sch., Herts Census RG13 1314/156 p5 Douglas E Bridge scholar 12, b. Hants, Bournemouth
I cannot find either of the boys' parents in this census. The premises occupied in 1891 had become an upholsterer's in 1901. However the next record implies that George senior must have been living in the same district when he died in 1911.
Jan-Mar 1911 Christchurch, Hants. Death Index George E Bridge age 54 vol 2b/489

Family of Frederick E Bridge of New Zealand, 1863-1945

In Dec 2008 I was put in touch with a lady living in Australia who is the grand-daughter of a Fredrick Edmund Bridge, b. 1863, supposedly in Maidstone, Kent. She sent a photograph of him and another of his mother (left); this same picture is also in a collection belonging to the grandson of John H Bridge, leaving little doubt that Fredrick was the young brother of John. The following is a summary of the information supplied about his family.
date location record name description note
1863 Maidstone birth Frederick E Bridge from 1881 UK Census
3 Apr 1881 Cutmore St., Gravesend, Kent Census RG11 874/78 #274 Frederick E Bridge lodger, clothier 18, b. Kent, Maidstone
1883 Marriage Fredrick E Bridge & Emily Christina Wells
1880-85? emigration Fredrick E Bridge to New Zealand
son Sydney William Bridge m. Louisa Evans: 3 dau and 1 son, Max Rowan
son Charles Henry Bridge m.1 Daisy Curry: 1 dau and 3 sons, Royce, Tristram and Clarance;
m.2 Emily: 1 son, Andrew;
m.3 Margaret: 1 dau and 1 son, Basil Bruce.
Both Daisy and Emily died in childbirth.
daughter Amy Christina Bridge m. David M Ainsworth: 4 sons and 2 dau., including my informant.