Introduction

The Snailham name as far as I can determine thus far, stems from five main locations. In order of the largest numbers:-

1.Lancashire. 2.Co Durham. 3. Avon. 4. Wales. 5.Gloucestershire.

It is interesting to note there are two Snailham farms which date back to the middle of AD1600, both in a small Sussex village called Guestling. The farms are called Upper Snaylam (As far as I can discover it was originally spelt Snailham and was changed to Snaylam by the current owners) and Lower Snailham Farm. The land to both these farms was split by the arrival of the railway. “FILE - 'Plan and Section of an Intended line of railway from the Brighton, Lewes and Hastings Railway at Bulverhythe... to the South-Eastern Railway at Ashford in Kent with a Branch from the Main Line near Shordon Barn to Hastings, surveyed under the direction of John U Rastrick FRS FAS CC.' - ref. QDP/202/1 - date: Deposited 30 Nov 1844”

Snailham Halt Railway station 1959

The above picture of the Snailham Halt railway station, kindly provided by Gavin Roy Fellows, was taken on 7th June 1959. Gavin tells me the station opened as Snailham Crossing Halt in 1903, but was closed by the time he took the picture and all trace of the station and platforms were gone by 1964, no doubt part of the Beacham rationalization of the railways. My father told me of getting off at the platform when he was a young man. I have recently spoken to a (George) Richard Snailham who in his teens slept in the derelict building which must have been some time between 1959 and 1964. The station stood at the bottom of a bridleway that leads down from Upper Snaylam Farm to the railway tracks. The views from both farms over the adjoining valley are spectacularly beautiful and well worth a visit. Upper Snailham farm is now a guest house.

My wife Jan and I visited the farms and spoke with both owners and other very friendly people who were most helpful, the farms in the early days used to grow hops for the beer industry and in the latter years the workers and the crops, were able to use the railway for transport, but now the farms grow a variety of mixed crops.

Strange to say there are no Snailham’s listed as being buried in any of local churches. This information came from a local family historian who has researched all the burials from these churches.

A notable firm in Blackburn which made soda in the late 1800’s was owned and run by a George Snailham, they used the trade mark of the Prince of Wales Feathers and had a place called Albion Works Blackburn (would love to hear form anyone who knows more about the firm and their owners, did they have the Royal Seal of Approval?) George was born on 29th May 1848 to William Snailham & Elizabeth Walmsley in Blackburn, he springs from my 5th Great Grandparents Richard Snailom and Ann Bishop. George died sometime in 1891. Would love to know the date? The soda firm appears to have been taken over by a Leeming as the latter bottle reads Leeming -late-Snailham. The pictures of Snailham bottles were kindly provided to me by Colin Pritt, who collects old bottles.

Reverse & Front of 1st Medal

Front & Reverse of 2nd Medal

These documents were secured privately in 2005 after failing to secure them at auction; they are two beautifully written documents on waxed vellum paper. The first picture of a 142 year old mortgage document between Thomas Snailham of Bretherton and Mrs Elizabeth Forshaw of Preston. The mortgage was for a sum of £500 plus Interest it is dated 10th October 1863. It has one wax seal and one blue stamp to the value of 12 Shillings & 6 Pence. Sixpence was my favorite of the old coinage, probably due to the fact my Grandfather Thomas Snailham always gave one to me when we visited him at Little Ashwellthorp. The next picture is of a document also acquired in 2005, it is of equal quality to the above and also hand written on waxed vellum paper. It is a 104 year old Conveyance between Thomas Snailham and Hugh Snaylam dated 16th March 1901 for a Wheelwrights Shop in Bretherton.

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There is a village in Lancashire called Bretherton, this village seems to have been particularly marked by the Snailam’s, indeed in the mid 1800's - early 1900's when they virtually owned and ran Bretherton. Strange to say but there is not one Snaylam left in Bretherton today, however, some rather magnificent headstones in the local parish church of St John Baptist attest their presence. There is also a row of houses called Snailham’s Row having been built for family members of the time; also several grand houses for their day are still to be found. For further information and a well documented history by Margaret O’Hanlon and Glenys Ball, whose family come from this pretty village. Their Snaylam web page can also be found on www.heskethbank.com click on local history then click on local genealogy, it is well worth reading.

Glenys Ball (now deceased) was most helpful to me in my research, it was of some surprise to me that our family lines (Thus far) are separate, We both have ancestors named Robert Snailham both born within 6 months of each other and both died in the same year aged sixty six. As if that is not amazing coincidence enough; both Robert’s had fathers named Thomas and mothers named Jane, their births were about 10 miles apart. Glenys relative Robert was born in Bretherton and my first Great Grandfather Robert was born in Broughton, Preston. My second Great Grandfather moved at some stage during 1852 to Co Durham in Yorkshire, there has been quite a presence in Co Durham since that time and unlike the Bretherton Snailham’s there are still Snailham’s to be found there today. I am actively trying to link them all together!

Other websites worth a visit with regard to notable Snailham's are at:-
www.geocities.com/MadisonAvenue/Boardroom/3020/sfh.html
This site offers a message board hosted by Scott Snailham and the history of his grandfather William Snailham, who was a radio operator on a tragic flight with one of the discoverers of insulin Sir Frederick Banting. They were bringing the insulin to Britain when their plane crashed, both were killed, a regular memorial is now held for Sir Banting, William Snailham and others killed in the crash.

www.cartoonbuddy.com/war.history.htm
This is a story of a John Snailham who was saved in world war two by the American actor Jackie Coogan. A heart warming story or courage

Expanding the family line beyond my fourth Great Grandfather Henry Snailham proved very difficult, due to the Penwortham church records of the time being destroyed by a fire. The only records I have so far found are the Bishops Transcripts, these are not thought to be very accurate, but have turned out thankfully to record the marriage of Henry and Alice.

Richard Snaylom 1660 - 1714
Richard is my seventh Great Grandfather and born around 1660 in Much Hoole. Richard married Jane Tuson on 3rd September 1882 in Much Hoole. They had three children, Jennet born 14 October 1683, second Thomas born 29 March 1685 who was my sixth Great Grandfather and lastly that I am aware of at least was Henry born 22 May 1687.

Thomas Snaylum 1685 - 1729
Thomas my sixth Great Grandfather was born in Much Hoole which is a few miles south west of Penwortham, along with Longton these three villages seem to be a main source of the Snailham families. Thomas married Margaret Carr in 1706 she died 14 Oct 1729. They had five children I know of, first was Richard my fifth Great Grandfather born 1707 second was Margaret 1708, then a large gap to John 1712 which makes me believe there are possibly other children. Fourth child is Jems this sounds like a girls name but could be short for James, the IGI has this child listed as a male?. Fifth child is James 1716 who obviously died young as the sixth child also James was born in 1717. All the children were born in Much Hoole. There is much more research work required for this whole family.

Richard Snailom 1707 - 1789
Richard my fifth Great Grandfather was also was born in Much Hoole. He married Ann Bishop on 3rd January 1732 at Manchester Cathedral a grand venue, I have no idea what took them there for this a special occasion, I have heard stories that once a year families would gather at the Mother Church, maybe this was such an occasion? Richard and Ann had four children that I am aware of, Thomas born 17 2 1733 from his line springs the family of Glenys Ball and Margaret O'Hanlon co authors of the Snaylam Family, they too have their family history listed on the Hesketh Bank web site (Click Here). Anne born the 19 March 1737, Robert is the third child born 9 June 1741, Lastly is Henry Snailham my fourth Great Grandfather born 17 May 1749 a large gap from Thomas, which again leads me to believe there would have been other children.

Henry Snailham 1749 - 1808
Henry Snailham my fourth Great Grandfather was born in Much Hoole, still a small village today. His first child was born in Penwortham and he went on to father a further ten siblings all born in Longton. The first child Jane was born in 1771. Henry did not marry Alice (Woodstock) the mother of Jane until eight years later on 11 May 1779; this was prior to their second daughter Rachel being born on 30 April 1780. From a recent documentary on channel 4 TV it would appear this was common at that time, if betrothed it would be acceptable. However I have not discovered whether work or family pressure prevented them tying the knot sooner, clearly there would have been some reason preventing the family from increasing until eight years later. The order of birth of the family is:-

Jane 1771. Rachel 1780. Roger 1781. John 1783. Thomas 1784. Dolly 1787. Margaret 1789. Alice 1792. Nicholas 1794. Henry 1798. Lastly my third Great Grandfather Christopher 1800.

So far I have discovered seven of the children were married, several having families of their own. Henry is listed in the Bishops Transcripts as dying at Longton; thus far I have not discovered a grave for him or any of the family.

Christopher Snailham 1800 - 1837
Christopher the youngest son of Henry & Alice (Woodstock) died quite young at the age of 36. He married Nancy Moss on 26 June 1820 they had five children, the first three were born in Longton, the last two were born in Penwortham, interesting to note the movement between the two villages! Their first child Thomas my second Great Grandfather was born in 1820. Christopher’s occupation is noted on his son Thomas’s marriage certificate as a weaver. The order of their children is: - Thomas 1820. Alice 1826. John 1829. Henry 1832 and Christopher 1837. It is quite tragic to find Christopher senior died on the same day as Christopher junior was born. I have only discovered Thomas and John getting married and having families of their own. Nancy is shown on the 1881 census living with her son John.

Thomas Snailham 1820 – 1897
Thomas the oldest son of Christopher and Nancy (Moss) was born in Longton; he is described as a market gardener on the 1881 census. He married Eleanor (Jolly) from Woodplumpton on 24 October 1842. They had eight children to my knowledge born in the following order: - James 1843 born in Preston. Christopher 1845 born in Preston. Robert 1847 was born Fulwood Broughton in Preston, he was my first Great Grandfather. Mary A 1856 was born in Gainford Co Durham. Sarah E 1859 was also born in Gainford. Thomas A 1860 was born in Teesdale Co Durham. Mary L 1862 was born Gainford. John J 1866 was their last child also born in Gainford. From a newspaper cutting of an obituary for his son Christopher (thought to be dated 27/5/1934) it states “ It was about the year 1852 his father Mr Thomas snailham came to the village (Gainford) from Lancashire, in connection with the construction of the railway from Darlington to Barnard Castle through Gainford with Mr Anderson a contractor for the works” So at some time it must have been more profitable to work on the railways than in market gardening, hence his moving around and having children in different locations. This would seem to be verified from my extractions of the Snailham births, from when the central records began in sep of 1837 until 1984. Mary Anne daughter of Thomas is the first I have found listed for the area. It would appear as if Thomas founded the Snailham’s in this region. It may well be there are other children as there is a large gap of nine years between their children Robert (1847) and Mary (1856) As they were moving about it is quite possible there are others.

Robert Snailham 1847 - 1913
Robert was the third child and son born to Thomas and his wife Eleanor. Robert married Jane (Wilson) from Croft on 20/4/1871. They had seven children to my knowledge in the following order: - Margaret E 1872. Robert 1874. Mary A 1877. Francis J 1879. Thomas my Grandfather 1881. John 1885 and Louisa May 1888.

Oak Tree Pub at Hutton Magna

At some stage Robert and his wife purchased the Oak Tree public house in the small hamlet of Hutton Magna. The building is still standing, however, when I visited Hutton Magna with my daughter Laura some years ago it was closed and there was no one present. It does not resemble an Old English pub it is more like a small cottage with the front room used as bar.

Robert is buried in the adjoining church yard with his wife and son John. The picture of Robert & Jane appear to be outside the pub, on close inspection of the stone wall behind them it looks the same as in the picture of the pub. I must be learning a thing or two about detective work in this fascinating family history search. The head stone is on the right-hand side of the gate that leads into the church which can be clearly seen in the picture of the pub.

Thomas Snailham 1881 - 1961
Thomas, my Grandfather, was the fifth child of Robert and Jane (Wilson) he married Elizabeth (Hill) (See photo below left) They met in domestic service in London where they were both working for the Knevitt family, who also had a home called Ashwellthorpe in Clarendon Road, Watford. This large house became the YWCA before being demolished in the late sixties to make way for the ever growing office development in the road which, today, is totally taken over by such development. Mr & Mrs Knevitt must have been very pleased with the service of his Butler Thomas Snailham as he had a house built which still stands today on the corner of Little Shady Lane opposite the Police Station (Not such and apt name for a police station to be sited) and Westland Road This house was called Little Ashwellthorpe after the big house and was later given to my Grandfather on retirement in recognition for his and my Grandmothers service. Thomas and Elizabeth were married in 1907, their first child a daughter Nancy, named presumably after her Great Grandmother Nancy (Moss). The arrival five years later of my father William Thomas and his twin brother Robert Reginald had a tragic ending, as Bessie as she was fondly called, died a month after giving birth, she never got to live in the home the Knevitt's had built for them. He remarried Clara Heslop from his old home town in Teesdale,Durham 20 years later in 1927, they had a son Cyril Seymour. In the photo below right, Thomas Snailham with his second wife Clara are in deck chairs soaking up the sun at Little Ashwellthorp, 23 Westland Road, Watford, Herts.

Thomas & Elizabeth Snailham

Thomas and Clara

William Thomas Snailham 1912 - 1999
The family was divided when Grandma Bessie died; Granddad was not able to take care of such a young family on his own. Both the boys were raised by their mother's family; my father was raised by his aunt Ellen Hill who married Thomas Markwick. They took my Father to live in Switzerland where he was raised until his aunt died when he was about twelve. Thomas Markwick bought my Father back to live in England where he finished his schooling at Harrow. He met my Mother Winifred Maud Tulett who was from Sussex; they married in Worthing in 1942 and had seven children. My older brother and sister were both born in Worthing, later the family moved to Watford; I was born there in 1951 and became the middle child, after twins born in 1952 died a day after birth. My younger brother and sister were both born in Radlett; our family lived and grew up just a mile from Radlett village, which straddles Watling Street, the old Roman Road. The Snailham name carries on in the area of Hertfordshire through my uncle, brothers and I, all of whom have sons of our own.

Garry at Little Ashwellthorp

Picture of the house at 4 Franklin Road Watford Herts, where the twins were born and where their mother Bessie died. Thomas with non identical twin Robert who is on the left hand side of Clara their step mother (see photo or Robert & Jane their grandparents, for me it answers the likeness that each took from them and why their great difference, clearly it is all in the genes), This picture was taken on the doorstep of Little Ashwellthorp, 23 Westland Road Watford Herts and the picture of myself Garry P Snailham some 70 years later on the same doorstep.

If any one would like to contact me with regard to the Snailham’s whatever the locality, I will be happy to correspond and share information. I can be contacted in the first instance by snail mail (excuse the pun, but after all we of all people have the right to it) Please write to me at:-

GARRY P SNAILHAM
1 Goldcroft
Leverstock Green
Hemel Hempstead
Herts
HP3 8ET

Click Here to Email Garry

Please drop me a line with as much or as little info as you have and want to share, I will see if I can help link you to your past amazing heritage. I do not charge for this service only asks you share with me as much information as you can.

I have been researching the Snailham’s and all who link into it by marriage, for the past ten years. I now have a considerable database; it currently holds and boast:-

Births 2,200
Deaths 1,000
Marriages 1,250
1841 Census 100
1851 Census 100
1861 Census 90
1871 Census 53
1881 Census 270
1891 Census 8
1901 Census 400+

Some of the entries on the BM& Deaths date back to the middle of 1600AD. I have also included and listed as many of the derivative spellings of the Snailham’s as I can find.

I would like to pay tribute, for the privilege of being in contact with some wonderful, helpful and interesting people during my research this past ten years, all who have been a mine of information in my continued quest and desire to link all the Snailham’s I have housed on the above databases.

This work, hobby call it what you may, has allowed me to grow my own family tree and help others make links to theirs. It is particularly exciting when you make the welding links and join together with others.

I am now in contact with a number of wonderful and amazing people, from several countries many of whom by sharing their information with me, have helped us make links between our respective family trees.

Please note I do not put living relatives in touch with each other, unless requested and agreed by both parties.

Following surnames linked to my Snailham line:-

• BALL - Canterbury Kent
• BOLSTER - Co Cavan Ireland
• BONIFACE - Thakeham Sussex
• CLAPHAM - Carlbury
• COX - Newfoundland Canada
• CROSBIE - Co Cavan Ireland
• DALE - Warnham Sussex
• FLOATE - Washington Sussex
• FULLER - Sussex
• GEORGE - London
• HARVEY - Ramsgate Kent
• HILL - Harberton Devon
• HOSKING - Charleston Devon
• JENKINS - Marylebone London
• JOHNSON - Marylebone London
• JOLLY - Woodplumpton Lancashire
• LAKER - West Grinstead Sussex
• MADDICK - Churston Ferrers Devon
• MEAD - Warminster Wiltshire
• MOSS - Longton Lancashire
• PEARSON - Piercebridge Mill Co Durham
• PUCKETT - Churston Ferrers Devon
• SEAWOOD - Marylebone London
• STYLES - Marylebone London
• TOZER - Churston Ferrers Devon
• TULETT - Nuthurst Sussex
• WILSON - Manfield Co Durham
• WOOD - Marylebone London
• WOODSTOCK - Lancashire

Derivatives of the Snailham name on my files:-

• SNAELHAM
• SNAILAM
• SNAILEM
• SNAILHAM
• SNAILOM
• SNAILUM
• SNALAM
• SNALEAM
• SNALEHAM
• SNALEM
• SNALLEM
• SNALOM
• SNALUM
• SNALUNE
• SNAYLAM
• SNAYLEM
• SNAYLHAM
• SNAYLOM
• SNAYLUM
• SNELAM
• SNELHAM
• SNELUM