Charles Lethbridge HOOKINS (Tree 3Q)

3 Lower Summerlands Exeter

Charles Lethbridge HOOKINS was the fourth of five children born to Henry Lethbridge HOOKINS and Mary Ann Brand HOOKINS (formerly COCKERAM). He was born on 19th January 1861 at 3 Lower Summerlands Place, Exeter although when his mother registered the birth about 6 weeks later the second Christian name was not included so perhaps this was added at his baptism which I have not yet discovered. Later that year the 1861 Census took place and Charles is living at 3 Lower Summerlands Place with his parents and 2 siblings. Before Charles' birth one brother had already died in infancy.

12 Mont le Grand Exeter

In 1868 tragedy hit the family as, after suffering for a period of 2 years with phthisis, Charles' mother died at the age of 40 leaving Henry with 4 children aged between 4 and 15. She died at 12 Mont le Grand, Exeter where Henry was still living with 3 of his children including Charles in the 1881 Census. Henry's wife's sister was also at the property having presumably stepped in to care for the family.



By 1881 the family was living at Belvoir House, Alphington, Exeter although Charles was no longer living at home. He was found living at 92 Sumner Road, Camberwell with the family of Henry HOOKINS (indexed as HOOKENS) who is stated to be Charles' brother but is in fact his cousin. Charles' brother Arthur is also there, again classed as a brother to Henry, and both Arthur and Charles are working as Clerks at a Printer's.

All Saints Hatcham

48 Hatcham Park Road Lewisham

On 26th October 1889 Charles married Amelia SWEET at All Saints Hatcham in London. Prior to their marriage Charles' address is stated to have been 48 Hatcham Park Road, Lewisham and by this time he worked as a book-keeper.

43 Hunsdon Road Greenwich

By 1891 the couple were living at 43 Hunsdon Road Greenwich and Charles was employed as a Commerce Clerk. Unfortunately the marriage ended in divorce on 26th October 1896 following frequent abuse by Charles towards his wife both verbally and physically as well as leaving Amelia without money. In additional he seems to have committed adultery with a certain woman "at divers places" in 1894.

98 Gordon Road Peckham

Charles died on 19th March 1901 at 98 Gordon Road, Peckham when he was the Assistant Secretary of a Public Company. Interestingly the informant at his death registration is stated to be his brother-in-law who had the same surname as the woman with whom he committed adultery although there appears to be no record of a marriage!