Herts Characters
An insight into the qualities and quirks of Hertfordshire's locals
By Abi Samuels
Chopper Smith, a gypsy from Colney Heath Encampment. Early 20th century
Betty Leatherland of Tring, was said to have been 112 years old when she died in 1875. This picture was taken around 1860.
Herts Archives ref D/EBi/55/95
Dan Umley, Postman at Braughing c1900
Johnny Bean Green from Bushey tied ribbons around himself on special days and in later years kept them on all year round. c1910
Mr Blee, the Postman of St Ippollitts, 1866
"Mardell" the Road Minder (or mender). Hertingfordbury Road, Hertford, c1880s
Kit Nash (left) a 6ft tall notorious poacher from Harmer Green near Welwyn. She died in Hatfield workhouse in 1932 aged 83.
Richard Simmons (1775-1862)) Parish Beadle for Broxbourne and Postman for Braughing who fought in the Battle of Waterloo, 1815
William John Fry (1825 - 1900) Bailiff known as the Hermit of Barnet. Aged 73
Billy Oliver, Shepherd. Tring c1900
Mr Day, the Muffin Man of Royston, c1910
F.Walter Taylor, Confectioner and Muffin Man was a well known character around Hertford in the early 20th century
George Lawrence, known locally as "Cock o'me Dandy" was Hatfield's last Town Crier. He died in 1910 aged 74.
Billy-No-Hat, a famous Ware character in the stocks at Great Amwell. He had a reputation for being a simple character, but when offered the choice between a sovereign and a large old penny, he said he'd take the smaller coin as not to seem greedy.
Frank Bowler, Hitchin Town Crier, c1860
Betty Leatherland of Tring
The nature of any county is sculpted by the people who inhabit it. Throughout the ages, different characters within Hertfordshire were known and loved for their individual traits. Here is a selection of some familiar faces…
This page was added on 19/08/2011.
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In 1873 Kit was sentenced to 5 years in Prison in St Albans Prison … she shot the local Constable! Interesting is the Constable was previously responsible for the imprisonment of her future husband Henry Darnell in Pentonville, They married after they had both completed their respective Sentences which would suggest the shooting was no coincidence.
Kit Nash was a relative of mine that was an alias her real name was Caroline Darnel her grave stone was paid for by Lady Cowper
Kit Nash is my Great Great Grandmother. My Nan Ruby Darnell/Nash TBC
A local historian – Marilyn Taylor – advises that Richard Simmons enlisted in 1800 as a private in the 6th Dragoons.
I have heard that Kit Nash had Albert Fox (Stevenage Poacher) living with her at some stage. Any truth in this?
This is my husbands great great grandmother Kit Nash, married Darnell had a daughter Caroline Darnell who married John Shadbolt who had two children Winifred Caroline May born in 1903 and John Shadbolt born in 1905.
Winifred had a child out of wedlock known as Peter M.R. R. Shadbolt and then she married again and had another child called Phillip Wixcey, whose father was a professional golfer
My husbands father is Peter Shadbolt, Winifreds first son,
My sources indicate that she died about 9 October 1830 in Hatfield Poor Law Institution, under her married name of Caroline Darnell. Inscription on her gave reads “In memory of Caroline Darnell (“Kitty Nash”) who died October 9th 1930 aged 81 years”. This is corroborated by her probate records.
There was no F in his name he was baptised in St Andrews Church as just Walter Taylor. The F appeared in a book I have no idea why but as his Gt Grandaughter I have researched the family and there was no F at any time!
Another bit of information he is buried in Holy Trinity Church Bengeo with his wife and elsdest daughters and 2 of his sons also have graves in the Church yard. His son Sidney Walter Taylor known as “Rocky” was the Pearly King of Hertford and did a lot of fundraising for the County Hospital. He was buried in his pearly suit!
My Great, Gt, Gt, Grandfather Joseph Blee was born in Ippollitts in 1828, I wonder if this man has any connection with my family? My Blee family tree can be viewed at Geni.com. I would be interested to find out more about them, if anyone has any knowledge I would be grateful if you would contact me through this website.
I wonder if this gentleman is a relatation of my husbands. Is his family still around here.
This is a relative of mine and would appreciate a copy of this photo if possible thank you