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I am struggling to trace an William Edward Bench, Licensed Victualler as there appear to be more than one, and this may help a little.
We have William Edward Bench, Licensed Victualler (1836 to 1898) at the Spelthorne Inn, Ashford in Middlesex from about 1883. He is a Licensed Victualler of thirty one years according to his epitaph.
In 1855 is the marriage at St Stephen the Martyr, Marylebone, of William Edward Bench, aged 20 years and Elizabeth Green, of full age.
The American civil war is about 1862, with Charlestown being in 1864.
This William Edward Bench is at the Three Pigeons, 12 Stratford green in 1871.
By August 1874, he is at the Devonshire Arms, 20 Duke Street, Manchester Square (later 7 Duke street); for about two years; and then the Gipsy Tavern, Norwood in 1881. This is also confirmed with an electoral register of 1882 of William E Bench of Gipsy road, Lower Norwood.
In 1881 a relation of mine was Licensed Victualler of the Gipsey Tavern in Norwood and can be found on the Census. His name was William Edward Bench. His mother was Emma Banfield. *
Middlesex County Times 15 January 1898
Death of Mr Bench.
We regret to record the death of Mr William Edward Bench, landlord of the Spelthorne Inn, Ashford Common, which took place on Monday afternoon. Mr Bench had been suffering from heart disease for some years past, but he appeared as hearty as many men of his age, he being sixty two at the time of his death.
His last illness was of a months duration. In addition to heart disease, he had diabetes for some years past, but he appeared as hearty as many men of his age, he being sixty two at the time of his death. His last illness was of a months duration. In addition to heart disease, he had diabetes, and despite the best of treatment, he passed pacefully away on the day above mentioned.
Altogether, he had been a licensed victualler thirty one years, of which just on fifteen were spent at the "Spelthorne". During this residence in Ashford parish he had gained a host of friends. He was one of the oversers of the parish, a highway surveyor, and a trustee of the parish coal charity and Reeves' charity. He was also associated with the "Upton" Lodge of Freemasons.
In the earlier part of his life he went to sea in the merchant service, being connected with it ten years. His friends have often had the pleasure of hearing him relate some of his interesting experiences, especially in connection with the American civil war, in which he served as chief engineer on board the "The Don, under Captain Roberts (afterwards known as Hobart Pasha), and ran the blockade of Charlestown by the Federal cruisers. The funeral took place yesterday (Friday) afternoon in the Ashford churchyard.
William Edward Bench, Licensed Victualler -(1858 to 1904)
At the Princess Royal, 30 Johnson street E1 in 1903, another William Edward Bench, married to Alice Maud Maria exists.
The 1901 census confirms he is born in Millwall, and she is born in Rotherhithe, Surrey. Their children are born in Bermondsey, East Molesey and latterly in Clapham.
This William Edward Bench marries at Barnes, in Surrey in August, 1883 to Alice Maud Maria Crump. He is an engineer, son of William Edward Bench, engineer at this time.
In October 1885, William Edward John Bench is baptised at St James, Bermondsey, address is 35 Yalding road, and father is an engineer.
In November 1890, Alfred Reginald Bench is baptised at East Molesey to William Edward Bench.
But in February, 1907, we have also have an William Edward Bench (1858 - ), Licensed Victualler at 283 Euston road, father of Sarah Elizabeth Lilian Bench, aged 19, at her marriage in Marylebone to Charles Frederick Kain.
* Provided By Graham Banfield