Please note: Family pages are organised by surname; however, this does not mean that all those people featured are related to each other. Where possible we will try to be clear about any connections there may be.

More can be found on the following buttons:

Most references to the Burnett family in Hickling relate to the family of Thomas Burnett (born 1826) who came to Hickling from Hose and established a successful building and woodyard business – Burnetts.

Dr Burnett:

However, there is at least one other individual who doesn’t seem to be linked to them and this is Dr Burnett, a female doctor, whose name appears in news articles and seems to have been viewed very fondly:

Grantham Journal August 3^rd 1935. “Presentation. An interesting event took place at The Rectory on Tuesday when Mrs Foster and Miss Pinchbeck who had canvassed the village and the pastures for subscriptions, presented to Dr Burnett, the lady assistant to Dr Woolward, who is leaving the district, a cheque in appreciation of her services. Dr Burnett is highly respected and her departure is regretted.”

(Maggie’s Memories p.59) After Dr. Windley retired at Colston Bassett, Dr. Woolward took the practise, he was a younger man and a favourite with everybody, he was tall and very good looking, he took as Partner Dr. Burnett a lady, well that put the cat among the pigeons, it was the first time anyone local had anything to do with a Lady Doctor, but after a while she became a welcome visitor, she was a tiny slip of a thing she rode a motor cycle and her little dog rode on a special carrier always barking its head off. Dr. Burnett also had a fast sports car, I remember Slater Shelton fetching her when his eldest son was born, there had been a heavy storm and the roads were flooded, so Slater went along to Colston Bassett on his horse called Daisy and Dr. Burnett joined him on Daisy’s back to come back to Hickling through the floods and deliver young John Shelton. When Dr. Woolward and his family left Colston Bassett, Dr. Burnett went along with them and Dr. Roche came, he was older, a good Doctor, and he stayed until his retirement.

(Maggie’s Memories p.39) The Welfare Clinic has been held in the Sunday school since it first started (and still is) and that is forty one year’s this year of 1976, and why I know, it was the year when Keith was born and he was only a few weeks old when the opening clinic took place, and I always say the Clinic, Cow & Gate Food, and Dr. Burnett (lady Dr. from Colston B.) saved his life, he was a poor little mite.

Lineage & notes (the family of Burnett’s Builders, Joiners and Wheelwrights):

The occupation of joiner and carpenter runs steadily through the Burnett family – often expanded to include; wheelwright, ploughmaker and coffin maker. It is thought that Thomas Burnett (born Hose 1826) set up his business on the corner of Long Lane in Hickling in the 1860s (although it is recorded in the Wadkin archives that he may have come to Hickling in the 1840s) – his was a workshop and a woodyard employing joiners, carpenters and also blacksmiths. In due course, his son William joined the business – expanding operations in to building and the associated professions. His son, Thomas Harold (known as Harold) succeeded him but he was the last to work in the business and the business wound down gradually until he retired in 1958. Harold’s son, Howard, and possible successor had served in the RAF in India during WWII and was left in very poor health and he was unable to continue the family business.

• An invoice surviving from 1912 (repairs to buildings for Mr JW Collishaw at Elm Farm) is headed; W Burnett, joiner, builder, wheelwright, painter and paperhanger (W0026&7).

We are hoping to build a record of the work undertaken by Burnett & Sons including a list of buildings and projects; Please contact us if you can help add to these records.

We know, for example, that Burnetts worked on:

• Hickling Board School; originally built in the 1830s, it was expanded by Burnetts to become a Board School in the 1870s.
• Hickling Chapel woodwork: in October 1899 the new schoolroom attached to the Chapel was opened; “The woodwork of the new building has been executed by Mr Wm Burnett and the brickwork by Mr Geo Squires of Cropwell Bishop.”
• Boulder Causeway/concrete pavement: in 1912, to commemorate the Coronation, W Burnett was the chosen contractor to remove the boulder causeway and lay a concrete pavement from the Plough Inn to the Nether Broughton end of the village – ‘a distance of 1,050 yards or thereabouts’.
• Hickling Chapel War Memorial: designed by Edgar Burnett (first volunteer from hickling to join up) and made by his father, William Burnett.
• Cropwell Bishop Memorial Hall; (insert news article & photo) the Memorial Hall was opened in 1929 – the builders were W Burnett & Sons and the architects, Messrs Sutton & Burnett, Nottm. The total cost was £1,220 and the land had been given by Mr JN Derbyshire who also opened the building. It was dedicated in memory of the men of Cropwell Bishop who were killed in WWI.
• For updates to this list; click here

Before Hickling:

(see also census records, below) There is a reference in the Wadkin Archive to the family having come from Sheffield; research shows that the family can be traced back from Hickling to Hose and, before that, to Hathern. However, so far, we don’t have birth or baptismal records for John Burnett who is placed in Hathern in the 1790s and in Hose before his death in 1812. William Burnett married Eliza Jane Woolley (both ‘of Hickling’) in Sheffield in 1887 which may be the origin of this mention.

Hose – Generation 1. John Burnett of Hathern (born 17??):

• John Burnett of Hathern married Frances Marriott on 9th December 1793 at Hose (both signed).
• They had 2 known children:
• Thomas (bap. 26^th October 1794, Hathern)
  • John (bap. 3^rd June 1795, Hathern)
  • John Burnett was buried at Hose, 6th July 1812
• 1812 Administration Bond: “Bond, bound Frances Burnett widow of Hose and Joseph Shilcock grazier of Hose and James Huckerby, mason of Hose £346 10s, 10th August 1812 condition bound Frances Burnett widow of John Burnett late of Hose farmer and Plowright intestate to produce inventory and administer estate. Signed; Frances Burnett, Joseph Shilcock, James Huckerby 10th August 1812. Let Administration be granted and committed under Seal to the within bound Frances Burnett, Widow, the lawful Relict of the within named John Burnett who died intestate on the 12th July last. She being duly sworn as well to the faithful Administration of all and singular the Goods, Chattels and Credits of the said deceased as that the said Goods, Chattels and Credits as they were at his death without deducting any debts owing to the deceased therefrom do not amount in value to the sum of two hundred pounds. Before me William Greenwood Surrogate.
• Frances Burnett (nee Marriott) was buried at Hose on 7th July 1844 aged 80yrs.

Hose – Generation 2:

(1) Thomas Burnett (bap. 26th October 1794, Hathern):

• Parents: John Burnett (of Hathern) and Frances (Marriott) Burnett (originally of Hose)
• Thomas Burnett married Ann Hourd 8th November 1820, Hose – witness, John Burnett
• Thomas and Ann Burnett had 4 known children:
  • John born c.1822 (in Seagrave) – carpenter/joiner/ploughmaker (Hose 1851) and later a farmer (Hose 1861). John Burnett married Mary Stocks Q1 1844 (born Kirton Lincs). John and Mary had 4 known children; Richard Stocks Burnett (1845), Thomas Burnett (1847), Mary Elizabeth Burnett (1850) and Fanny Burnett (1852). The family are recorded in Hose in 1851 and 1861. In 1858 his father’s estate (apart from a half share of his money and chattels after his wife’s death) is left to John’s younger brother, Thomas – which may have led to the family moving away. In 1871 and 1881 they are living in Salford, Lancs (John Burnett, joiner). In 1891 John and Mary are living in Hulme, Chorlton, Lancs. No trace found in 1901. (see, also; possible connection to sister-in-law Joanna Burnett listed at the Vicarage, below)
  • Thomas born 24^th April 1826 (Hose) – see Hickling generation 1.
  • William bap. 22^nd April 1828 (non conformist Upper Broughton). William was alive in the 1851 census but it would seem that he had died before his father made his will in 1858 when Thomas is described as the “youngest son”. Probable death record – Q2 1858, Melton District. No known marriage or children.
  • Mary bap. 22nd January 1834 (non conformist Upper Broughton). Sadly, it appears that Mary died as a child – possible death record; Mary Burnett Q3 1840 Melton District (further checking needed).
• Census records: see section, below
• Thomas Burnett died Q4 1858 Melton Mowbray
  • Thomas Burnett Will: This is the last Will and Testament of me Thomas Burnett of Hose in the County of Leicester, Cottager I give and devise all my three Messuages Land and real Estate situate at Hickling in the County of Nottingham unto my wife, Ann Burnett during her life she paying the interest on the mortgage of my said real Estate during her life and after her death I give and devise all my said real Estate to my youngest son, Thomas Burnett his heirs and assigns for ever but subject to the payment of the Mortgage charged thereon. I direct my Executrix to pay my Debts [except the said Mortgage debt] funeral and Testamentary Expenses out of my personal Estate and to stand possessed of the residue of my personal Estate [viz] my money Household Furniture Linen Stock and implements for her own benefit during her life and after her death I direct my household furniture Linen and Money to be divided equally between my two sons John and Thomas Burnett share and share alike and I appoint my said Wife Sole Executrix of this my Will In witness whereof I the said Thomas Burnett the Testator have to this my last Will and Testament set my hand this twenty fourth day of April One thousand eight hundred and fifty eight.          Thomas Burnett The Testator Signed published and declared by the said Thomas Burnett the testator as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as Witnesses the words ‘The Testator’ having been first interlined Catherine Burnett Mary Blount Proved 20th April 1859 by the Oath of Ann Burnett Widow the Relict of the said deceased the sole Executrix to whom was granted execution Sworn under £450 and that the Testator died on or about the 6th day of November 1858.
• Ann Burnett died Q2 1872 Bingham; she was buried at Hose; census records show Ann living in Hickling with her son Thomas in 1861 and 1871.

(2) John Burnett (bap. 3rd June 1795, Hathern):

• Parents: John Burnett (of Hathern) and Frances (Marriott) Burnett (originally of Hose)
• John Burnett married Catherine Hoe, 12th February 1835 at Hose
• John and Catherine Burnett do not appear to have had any children of their own.
• UK Poll Book – Hose 1841; John Burnett owned freehold house and land occupied by Thomas Burnett.
• John Burnett died 15th July 1857 Hose Leics, Q3 1857 Melton Mowbray
  • This is the last Will and Testament of me John Burnett of Hose in the County of Leicester, Yeoman as follows; First I direct that all my just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses be fully paid. Then I give and devise all those my Messuages or Tenements, Shops, Yards, Gardens and outbuildings with the appurtenances thereto belonging situated in the said Parish of Hose aforesaid unto my dear wife Catherine Burnett her executors administrators and assigns forever. I give and bequeath all my household goods, other goods, stock cattle Chattels rights credits ready money Railway shares or stock securities for money and all other my personal Estate whatsoever the same may be unto my said dear wife Catherine Burnett. And I do appoint my said wife Catherine Burnett sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament hereby revoking all others by me made In Witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this first day of July one thousand eight hundred and fifty seven John Burnett Signed sealed published and declared by the said Testator John Burnett as and for his last Will and Testament in the presence of us who Have at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other set our hands as Witnesses to the due execution thereof Henry Mantle Senior John Stubbs Proved 30th January 1858 by the oath of Catherine Burnett the sole Executrix to whom was granted execution Sworn under £800 and that the Testator died on or about the 15th of July 1857.

Hickling Generation 1: Thomas Burnett (born 1826)

• Parents Thomas and Ann (Hourd) Burnett (Hose Generation 2, above).
• Thomas Burnett was born in 1826 in Hose and baptised at the General Baptist, Broughton Sulney (Uper Broughton) on 24^th April 1826.
• (Family anecdotes/Wadkin) A gentleman from Hose ordered a plough to be made by Mr Burnett. On completion of the work Mr Burnett, who was a very tall man, carried the plough on his shoulders to the customer in Hose. Each Saturday he walked to Nottingham to visit the bank and also purchase the week’s groceries which he carried home in a large basket. (…). Thomas’s son, William, joined the business, followed in later years by his son, Thomas Harold, known to everyone as Harold. On the death of his grandfather Thomas in 1921, Harold and his wife Hilda moved from their home on the corner of Mill Lane back to the family home on the corner of Long Lane. (…) Shortly before his death in 1921 Mr Burnett regularly walked round by Long Clawson and Nether Broughton.
• Thomas married Prudence Smith from Ab Kettleby; Q2 1853 Melton Mowbray (no record in Ab Kettleby Church registers)
  • Prudence Smith was baptised in Ab Kettleby, Leics. 23^rd Oct 1828 – parents, Richard and Mary Smith.
  • In 1841, Prudence is living with her family in Hose and in 1851 she is working as a house servant in the household of Ann Hardy and her unmarried son and daughter; they farmed 120 acres. Ann Hardy was born in Hose.
  • Thomas and Prudence Burnett had 4 children; Mary (Q4 1854, Bingham), Ann (Q3 1857, Bingham), Catherine/Kate (Q3 1859, Bingham) and William (Q4 1861, Bingham).
  • Prudence Burnett died 14^th June 1865 aged 36 years and she was buried in Hose.
  • Prudence is named on Thomas Burnett’s headstone in Hickling churchyard.
  • Census records seem to indicate that Thomas & Prudence’ four children didn’t settle in Hickling following their mother’s death; each of them is listed considerable distances from Hickling as they reached an independent age. Only William returned to settle in Hickling when he married Eliza Jane Woolley in 1887.
• Thomas married Joanna Cooke (widow) in 1866 – Q3 1866, Bingham District;
  • Joanna was born Joanna Merriman on Brook Street, Wymeswold on 18^th December 1830 (daughter of William and Charlotte (Beeby Wail) Merriman). Joanna married William Cook in Q2 1858 but was widowed the following year when in he died Q2 1859. In 1861 Joanna is living with her mother (farmer’s widow) and unmarried siblings at Wymeswold Lodge, Wymeswold.
  • Thomas and Joanna had one son; John, born Q2 1867, Bingham District. John is not listed in Thomas Burnett’s (widower) household in the 1871 census although he is in the household in 1881 following Thomas’ third marriage.
  • Joanna died on 11^th February 1869 aged 38 years and she was buried in Upper Broughton. Joanna is named on Thomas Burnett’s headstone in Hickling churchyard.
  • Perhaps coincidentally; Joanna’s brother, William Merriman, is living in Hulme, Manchester in 1871 and he stays in this area until at least 1901. He is married to Mary (Watson) Merriman and is a baker – see John Burnett (Thomas’ brother), above. There are further possible connections through the family names; Watson and Nixon (ref. Hickling Graveyard Census – for further checking).
• Thomas married his third wife, Mary Gibson (widow) Q2 1871, Bingham District. She had been born Mary Street and married her first husband, John Gibson, in 1853. John Gibson died shortly after their marriage in 1854.
  • Mary Street was baptised in Kinoulton on 28^th March 1830, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Brown) Street. She appears in Kinoulton with her family in census records for 1841 and 1851. No trace found in 1861 census.
  • The Street family appear to have come from Keyworth, Wysall and Ruddington, arriving in Kinoulton in the 1750s when they married into the Doubleday and later the Bonser families (ref. Hickling Graveyard Census).
  • Mary Street married John Gibson in Q3 1853 Bingham District. This was a short marriage as John died in Q4 1854 leaving Mary Gibson, a widow. She doesn’t appear to have had any children and lived as a widow until 1871 when she married Thomas Burnett.
  • In an undated photograph (W0034) of Thomas and Mary Burnett in front of the workshop, Thomas and Mary stand together and Thomas is holding a cat – Mary has labelled it, ‘Baldy and I and Pussy’.
  • Mary died on 27th October 1904 aged 72yrs. She was buried in Hickling Churchyard.
• Thomas remained a widower for the rest of his life and continued to live in Hickling; although he is said to have proposed marriage to Miss Chamberlain of Yew Tree House but he was refused. This may be Lucy Chamberlain (age 59) who is listed as his housekeeper in the 1911 Census.
• Thomas Burnett died on 6^th December 1921, aged 95 years. He was buried in Hickling Churchyard with his wife, Mary. His first two wives are mentioned on the headstone.
  • Notes From Grantham Journal Report -17th December 1921: ‘Death of oldest inhabitant Thomas Burnett. Born Hose, to Hickling aged 21 years, establishing wheelwrights and joiner’s business. In early days in summer at work at 4am and leave off work at bedtime. Used to walk to and from markets carrying his shopping. Trustee Old Friendly Society at Hose and their oldest member. Three times married, 1853, 1866 and 1871, his last wife dying 1904. Commanding appearance and highly respected for integrity and liberality. Retired about 30 years ago. Leaves two sons and two daughters, one son died 1894 [this is an error, it was his daughter Kate who died in 1894], 14 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren living. Funeral Friday week Miss Corner organist’
  • Nottingham Journal 6th December 1922: ‘in memory of father, Thomas Burnett died 6th December 1921, Annie and Fred’

Hickling Generation 2 – children of Thomas Burnett (born Hose 1826):

(1) Mary (born Hickling Q4 1854, Bingham) – mother, Prudence.

• Census 1871; age 16 (not in household in Hickling)
  • Likely record: Mary Burnet (age 16, born Hickling, Notts) is recorded as a visitor in the Household of Samuel and Mary Henson living on Nottingham Rd, Eastwood.
  • She is recorded as a dressmaker.
  • Samuel Henson is an engine driver, his wife Mary A Henson is a dressmaker and was born in Hose, Leics (suggesting a possible family connection to the Burnett family)
  • her location may explain how she met Holland Taylor?
• Mary Burnett married Holland Taylor; Q2 1874 Nottm District
  • Holland Taylor [1852- 22nd Dec 1934, born Sutton-in-Ashfied] son of Gervase (census 1861 Sutton-in-Ashfield; farmer of 14 acres, born South Normanton, Derbys) & Ann (nee Bingham, also born South Normanton) Taylor.
  • Census 1871; Holland Taylor, age 18, in his parents’ household – joiner
  • Census records in 1891, 1901 and 1911 give Holland Taylor’s occupation as joiner or joiner and carpenter. In 1921 his occupation (age 69) is joiner and undertaker, employer.
  • His birthplace is variously given as Fulwood, Notts and Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.
• Children: Prudence Ann [1875-1956] Albert [born Hucknall Torkard, 1877-1965] Rate E [born Skegness, 1879-1962] Florence [born Skegness, 1881-1939] Percy Vaughan [born Skegness, 1883-1947] Mary Esther [born Hyson Gree, Nottm, 1884 m Thomas M Archer] Thomas Holland [born Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts, 1890-1979] Gervase [born, Fulwood, Notts, 1892-1970]
• 1881 census: the family are living at Lumley Terrace, Skegness, Spilsby, Lincs.
• 1891 census: the family are living on Hallindine’s Lane, Fulwood Rd, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Notts.
• 1911 census: the family are living on Manor St, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
• Percy and Thomas appear to follow their father as joiners but there are also references to siblings (Albert & Gervase) working in the coal mines.
• Mary died on 16th March 1929 at Sutton in Ashfield.

(2) Ann (born Hickling Q3 1857, Bingham District) – mother Prudence

• 1861 Census – living with parents aged 3yrs in Hickling
• 1871 Census – living with widowed father in Hickling
• 1881 Census – in household of Henry Phelps & family in Hucknall, Notts; Annie Burnett – 23yrs – general servant – born Hickling
• 1891 Census – Walter St, Nottingham; in household of Robert W Bailey (35yrs, a tobacconist & fine art dealer) – Annie Burnett – 33yrs – unmarried – housekeeper and shop assistant – born Hickling.
• 1901 Census – Stratford Square, Nottingham ;
  • Annie Burnett – 45yrs – head – boarding house keeper – born Hickling
  • Frederick B Wallis – 17yrs – nephew – joiner’s apprentice – born Long Eaton
  • Frederick E Harris – 33yrs – boarder – lace warehouseman – born Milton, Berkshire
• Married in July 1901 to Elijah Harris [notes from report in Nottingham Journal of 22 July]
  • Wedding Wesley Chapel, Broad Street, Annie Burnett of Stratford Square, Shakespeare Street and FE Harris some time of Birmingham, now Nottingham. Annie well-known at Wesley having taken deep interest in the social work there since came from Hickling “a picturesque little village in the delightful hunting country”.  Her dress expressed excellent taste, given away by brother W Burnett of Hickling and attended by little niece Edith Burnett.  Reception after photographs, then to Isle of Wight.
  • This is likely to be the same FE Harris who is listed as a boarder in Annie’s household in 1901.
• 1911 Census – 16 Gill Street, Nottingham [8 rooms]:
  • Frederick Harris – 43yrs – lace manufacturer – born Milton, Berkshire
  • Annie – 53yrs – married 9 years, no children – born Hickling
  • Henry Gardner – 56yrs – commercial traveller – born London
• 1921 Census – 16, Gill Street, Nottingham
  • Frederick Elizabeth Harris – Head – Male – 1868 – 53 – Milton, Berkshire – Lace Manufacturer employed by J H Clarke Nottm Ltd, 5, Church Gate, Nottm.
  • Annie Harris – Wife – Female – 1857 – 63 – Hickling – Home Duties        –
• Probable death & probate record: Annie Harris died 24^th January 1940, probate date 13^th March 1940.
  • Annie Harris of The Hollies Sherwood Rise Nottingham widow died 24 January 1940 at 13 Redcliffe road Nottingham. Probate Nottingham 13 March to John Burnett retired farmer. Effects £399 18s.

(3) Catherine known as Kate (born Q3 1859, Bingham) – mother Prudence.

• 1881 Census – Almack Road, Hackney, London
  • in household of John Lockton 41yrs a clerk born Long Clawson, & his family
  • Kate Burnett – 21yrs – single – Governess – born Hickling, Notts
• Married George Wallis, 27, 1 January 1883, Kirk Ireton, Derbyshire
• 1891 Census Radford, Nottingham
  • George Wallis – 35yrs – Lace Maker – born Long Eaton, Derby
  • Kate – 31yrs – born Hickling
  • Frederick B – 7yrs – Scholar – born Long Eaton
  • Mary – 26yrs – Sister – Overlocker lever lace mending – born Long Eaton
  • [Frederick was presumably listed because he was a family member but he would seem not to have been in the household on the night of the census because he was also shown as a visitor in the household of Kate’s brother William, see below.]
• Wallis George: Probate. Personal Estate £50. 15^th July 1891. The Will of George Wallis formerly of 36 Beeston-rd Dunkirk in the Parish of Lenton but late of 6 Sullivan-street Radford both in the Borough of Nottinghm Lacemaker who died 29^th June 1891 at 6, Sullivan-street was proved at Nottingham by Catherine Wallis of 6 Sullivan-street Widow the Relict the sole Executrix.
• Catherine Wallis: died age 34 1894 Q1 1894 Nottingham
  • Probate: Wallis Catherine of 14 Stratford-square Nottingham widow died 22 March 1894. Probate Nottingham 18 April to Thomas Burnett and William Burnett joiners and Annie Burnett spinster Effects £69 10s.

(4) William (born 16th September 1861 Hickling/Q4 1861 Bingham) – mother Prudence

• 1881 Census-Ashley Terrace, Ventor, Isle of Wight in household of Robert Vince
  • William Burnett – 19yrs – single – boarder – joiner – born Hickling Notts
  • Household consisted of Robert Vince (age 38, stoker at Hospital); his wife, Fanny Vince (keeper of boarding house); his daughter, Idona (age 9) plus 3 widowed-ladies (all in their 40s) and William Burnett.
• William married Eliza Jane Woolley (born Hickling) in 1887 (Wadkin labelling on W0035&6 names Eliza Jane as ‘Jane’ and ‘Ginny’). William and Eliza Jane were married at St Mathias Church, Sheffield (no explanation why this location was chosen):
  • (FMP) Yorkshire Marriages; St Matthias, Summerfield Street, Sheffield. William Burnett – age 26 – bachelor – residence Hickling – joiner – born 1861 – marriage date 24^th Dec 1887 – Anglican – father Thomas (joiner). Eliza Jane Woolley – age 25 – spinster – born 1862 – father, Edwon Woolley (farmer).
  • (W0036) c. 1894 William and Eliza Jane are living at The Yews (on Main Street, close to Long Lane in the Nether Broughton direction).
• Census records: see section, below
  • William and Eliza Jane (1921 – see, below) are listed continuously in Hickling; 1891, 1901, 1911 and 1921.
• Eliza Jane Burnett: Census 1921 – visitor at 19, Trafalgar Square, Scarborough, Yorks:
  • Ann Howard – Head – Female – 1851 – 70 – Moray, Scotland – Lodging House Keeper
  • Ethel Gertrude Howard – Daughter – Female – 1887 – 33         Scarborough, Yorks
  • 5 visitors who appear to be linked to each other (surnames Newey, Page and Scholy)
  • John Burnett – Visitor – Male – married – 1867 – 54 – born Hickling – Retired Farmer – place of work Bradmore Notts (crossed through)
  • Mary Elizabeth Burnett – Visitor – Female – single – 1901 – 20 – born Widmerpool
  • Phoebe Burnett – Visitor – Female – married – 1873 – 47 – born [Bradmore/Keyworth] – place of work Bradmore Notts (crossed through)
  • Eliza Jane Burnett – Visitor – Female – married – 1862 – 58 – born Hickling
• William may have started as a wheelwright and joiner, like his father, but he then diversified into wider building work and also funerals. Before moving to The Yews, they lived in a thatched cottage on Faulks Lane.
• Children of William & Eliza Jane Burnett:             
  • Edith Annie born 25th July 1890; Edith Annie didn’t marry and had no children; census 1911 and 1921 she is living with her parents at Weir House and she is working as a teacher in Long Clawson. She is said to be the first woman to have owned a motorbike in the village. W0037 states that ‘in adult life she lived in Upper Broughton then at Bramble Cottage on Long Lane (in the 1940s?), from there she moved in to a nursing home where she died in 1979 aged 89 years’.
  • Thomas Harold born Q1 1892 Bingham – known as Harold. He married Hilda Brooks (who was a teacher at the Hickling village school) in May 1919 at St. Mary’s, Ilkeston which was Hilda’s home town. They had two children; Olga (11^th March 1920) and Howard (19^th August 1922). Harold Burnett was captain of the cricket team until 1932 when he was succeeded by Fred Parkes. He retired from the Burnetts family business in May 1958, age 66 years and moved to live with his daughter Olga (Wilford) in County Durham. Harold Burnett died in April 1965, 2 days before his 99^th birthday.
  • Edgar born 25th October 1894, Q4 1894 Bingham. (Wadkin notes) “July 1916. Pte Edgar Burnett, King’s Royal Rifles who has been on active service in France during the last ten months has been home on ten days leave. Pte. Burnett has been invalided home with jaundice and was for a time in Norwich Military Hospital, followed by a rest at the Yarmouth Convalescent Home. Thirty-six lads from Hickling have joined HM Forces since the commencement of the war.” Edgar was the first volunteer from Hickling to join up and he designed the memorial scroll and tablet for the Chapel which made by his father, William. A postcard/photograph (W0028a&b) shows Rifleman Edgar Burnett with his motorbike when the family were living at Dell farm, Green Lane. He later became Major Edgar Burnett MBE and he died in 1949.
  • Horace born Q4 1897 Bingham. (Wadkin notes) “Horace Burnett joined the AASC (Motor Transport) bringing the total enlisted from the village to forty.” (W0231) Horace and Edgar are pictured making a punt in the woodyard in the early 1930s.
• 1939 population census – High Cliff, Upper Broughton:
  • William Burnett – born 16 September 1861 – retired builder
  • Eliza J – born 10 July 1862 – unpaid domestic duties
  • Edith A – single – born 25 July 1889 – domestic duties, poultry & gardening
  • Edgar – single – born 25 Oct 1894 – chartered accountant
• Eliza Jane Burnett died [Q1 1943 Bingham] aged 80yrs
  • Probate: Burnett Eliza Jane of High Cliffe Upper Broughton Melton Mowbray Leics (wife of William Burnett) died 22 January 1943 Probate Llandudno 10 June to Thomas Harold Burnett joiner and wheelwright and Edith Annie Burnett spinster. Effects £742 9s7d.
• William Burnett also died Q1 1943, Bingham District (no probate record found).

(5) John (born 14th June 1867 Q2 1867 Bingham) – mother Joanna

• 1891 Census living with his father and step-mother (Mary) in Hickling – aged 23yrs, single, joiner & wheelwright
• John Burnett married Frances Mary Clarke (Q2 1896 Loughborough District)
• 1901 Widmerpool Notts
  • John Burnett – 33yrs – Farmer – born Hickling
  • Frances – 25yrs – wife – born Willoughby
  • Phillis – 1week – daug – born Widmerpool (Phillis was only a week old at the time of the census and it appears that she was subsequently renamed Mary – this may simply have been the parents changing their mind or the census recorder could have entered a random name because the child hadn’t been named yet).
  • Harriett Simpson – 56yrs – visitor – born Basford
  • Samuel Palmer – 19yrs – servant – waggoner
• 1911 Census Widmerpool, Notts
  • John Burnett – 43yrs – farmer – born Hickling
  • Frances Mary – 35yrs – wife – married 14yrs 1 child – born Willoughby
  • Mary Elizabeth – 10yrs – daug – born Widmerpool
  • + 5 servants
• Frances died (Q2 1910 Basford) aged 43yrs
• John married Phoebe Holmes (Q2 1919 Bingham)
• Census 1921 – the family are staying in lodgings at 19, Trafalgar Square, Scarborough, Yorks (see William & Eliza Jane, above):
  • Ann Howard – Head – Female – 1851 – 70 – Moray, Scotland – Lodging House Keeper
  • Ethel Gertrude Howard – Daughter – Female – 1887 – 33         Scarborough, Yorks
  • 5 visitors who appear to be linked to each other (surnames Newey, Page and Scholy)
  • John Burnett – Visitor – Male – married – 1867 – 54 – born Hickling – Retired Farmer – place of work Bradmore Notts (crossed through)
  • Mary Elizabeth Burnett – Visitor – Female – single – 1901 – 20 – born Widmerpool
  • Phoebe Burnett – Visitor – Female – married – 1873 – 47 – born [Bradmore/Keyworth] – place of work Bradmore Notts (crossed through)
  • Eliza Jane Burnett – Visitor – Female – married – 1862 – 58 – born Hickling (wife of John’s half-brother, William).
• 1939 population survey Rancliffe House, Loughborough Rd, Bradmore
  • John Burnett – born 14th June 1867 – retired farmer
  • Phoebe – born 8 August 1874 – unpaid domestic duties
  • Mary E. – born 28 March 1901 – single – unpaid domestic duties (child of John & Frances Mary Burnett)
  • Polly Wood – born 15 August – 1891 – single – private nurse

Burnett family – Wills:

• Burnett Francis 1782 of Hathern inventory and bond
• Burnett John 1812 of Hose administration
• Burnett John 1858 of Hose will
• Burnett Thomas 1859 of Hose will
• Burnett Thomas 1922 of Hickling will

Burnett Family – Census Records

Census 1841

Household 1 (Hose):

• Thomas Burnett – Male – 45 – 1796 – Ploughman – Leics
• Ann Burnett – Female – 50 – 1791 – Leics
• John Burnett – Male – 15 – 1826 – Leics
• Thomas Burnett – Male – 15 – 1826 – Leics

Household 2 (Hose) – in the household of Catherine Hoe, Farmer, Hose Lodge:

• John Burnett – Male – 40 – 1801 – Farming Bailiff – Leics
• Catherine Burnett (nee Hoe) – Female – 30 – 1811 – Leics

Household 3 (Hose) (this record is listed above Thomas & Ann implying the households are neighbours – household 1)

• Frances Burnett – Female – 75 – 1766 – Cottager – Leics
• William Burnett – Male – 13 – 1828 – Leics
• Elizabeth Gibson – Female – 14 – 1827 – Leics

Household 4 (Hickling) – in the household of Abigail Hives (publican) age 40.

• Samuel Burnett – Male – 20 – 1821 – Notts
• (also in household; Thomas Hives, age 20, Miller – this is likely to refer to the Mill at the top of Mill Lane, Hickling)

Census 1851.

Household 1 (Hose Grange, Hose)

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 56 – 1795 – Farmer of 32 acres – Hathern, Leics
• Ann Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 61 – 1790 – Farmer wife – Hose, Leics
• Thomas Burnett – Son – Unmarried – Male – 24 – 1827 – Carpenter & joiner – Hose, Leics
• William Burnett – Son – Unmarried – Male – 22 – 1829 – Farmers son – Hose, Leics
• Sarah Smith – Servant – Unmarried – Female – 15 – 1836 – House serv – Barnston, Notts

Household 2 (Hose) Brockills Hill House, Hose

• John Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 54 – 1797 – Ironmonger grocer &c – Walton, Leics
• Catherine Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 42 – 1809 – Wife – Leics
• Mary Hoe – Niece – Unmarried – Female – 13 – 1838 – Spalding, Lincs

Household 3 (Hose) Church Lane, Hose

• John Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 29 – 1822 – Carpenter joiner plough maker & timber draper employ 1 journeyman & 1 apprentice – Seagrave, Leics
• Mary Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 27 – 1824 – Kirton, Lincs
• Richard Stocks Burnett – Son – Male – 6 – 1845 – Hose, Leics
• Mary Elizabeth Burnett – Daughter – Female – 1 – 1850 – Hose, Leics
• Charles Wileman – Apprentice – Unmarried – Male – 18 – 1833 – Leics

Census 1861.

Household 1; Farm House, East End, Hose

• John Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 39 – 1822 – Farmer of 57 acre & carpenter employing 2 lab – Seagrave, Leics
• Mary Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 37 – 1824 – Kirton in Lindsey, Lincs
• Richard S Burnett – Son – Unmarried – Male – 16 – 1845 – Works on the land – Hose, Leics
• Thomas Burnett – Son – Male – 14 – 1847 – Agricultural labourer – Hose, Leics
• Mary E Burnett – Daughter – Female – 11 – 1850 – Scholar – Hose, Leics
• Fanny Burnett – Daughter – Female – 9 – 1852 – Scholar – Hose, Leics
• William Littler – Apprentice – Unmarried – Male – 20 – 1841 – Apprentice to carpenter – Leics
• Joseph Smith – Servant – Unmarried – Male – 20 – 1841 – Farm servant – Hose, Leics
• Martha Padmore – Servant – Unmarried – Female – 17 – 1844 – House servant – Leics

Household 2; Hickling Village

• Ann Burnett – Widow – Female – 71 – 1790 – Cottager – Hose, Leics
• (Ann was living in Hose in the previous Census – she is now widowed and appears to have moved to Hickling at the same time as her son, Thomas – household 3, below)

Household 3; Hickling Village

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 34 – 1827 – Joiner employing 2 men 1 boy – Hose, Leics
• Prudence Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 32 – 1829 – Leics
• Mary Burnett – Daughter – Female – 6 – 1855 – Scholar – Hickling
• Ann Burnett – Daughter – Female – 3 – 1858 – Scholar – Hickling
• Kate Burnett – Daughter – Female – 1 – 1860 – Hickling

Census 1871.

• No records in Hose

Household 1; street, Hickling

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Male – 44 – 1827 – widower – joiner – Leics
• Anne Burnett – Daughter – Female – 13 – 1858 – Hickling, Notts
• Kate Burnett – Daughter – Female – 11 – 1860 – Hickling, Notts
• William Burnett – Son – Male – 9 – 1862 – Hickling, Notts
• John Burnett – Son – Male – 3 – 1868 – Hickling, Notts
• Ann Burnett – Mother – Female – 81 – 1790 – Hose, Leics
• Thomas Bailey Musson – Apprentice – Male – 19 – 1852 – joiner – Hose, Leics

Census 1881.

Household 1; Hickling

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 56 – 1825 – Joiner wheelwright – Hose, Leics
• Mary Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 50 – 1831 – Kinoulton, Notts
• John Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 13 – 1868 – Scholar – Hickling

Census 1891.

Household 1; Main Street, Hickling

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 64 – 1827 – Joiner and wheelwright – Hose, Leics
• Mary Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 60 – 1831 – Kinoulton, Notts
• John Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 23 – 1868 – Joiner and wheelwright – Hickling

Household 2; Faulks Lane, Hickling

• William Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 28 – 1863 – Joiner – Hickling
• Eliza J Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 27 – 1864 – Hickling
• Edith A Burnett – Daughter – Single – Female – 1 – 1890 – Hickling
• Frederick B Wallis – Visitor – Single – Male – 7 – 1884 – Scholar – Long Eaton, Derbys

Census 1901.

Household 1; Hickling Village

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 74 – 1827 – Retired joiner – Hose, Leics
• Mary Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 70 – 1831 – Kinoulton, Notts

Household 2; Hickling Village

• (William Burnett has been wrongly recorded as Burnett, William affecting the entries for Eliza and Edith but corrected on the next sheet for Thomas, Edgar and Horace)
• Burnett William – Head – Married – Male – 39 – 1862 – Builder joiner & wheelwright – Hickling
• Eliza J William – Wife – Married – Female – 38 – 1863 – Hickling
• Edith A William – Daughter – Single – Female – 11 – 1890 – Hickling
• Thomas H Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 9 – 1892 – Hickling
• Edgar Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 5 – 1896 –               Hickling
• Horace Burnett – Son – Male – 3 – 1898 – Hickling

In addition;

• A Burnett family is listed at The Vicarage in Hose; wife (Julia) is listed as born in Harby, her husband is born in London and their children are born in Salford, Lancs.
• John Burnett (Farmer, born Hickling 1868) is listed in Widmerpool with his wife (Frances M, born Willoughby) and daughter, Phillis (age under one and born Widmerpool) plus 2 servants.

Census 1911:

Household 1; Hickling

• Thomas Burnett – Head – Widower – Male – 84 – 1827 – Retired joiner – Hose, Leics
• Lucy Chamberlain – Servant – Single – Female – 53 – 1858 – Housekeeper domestic – […]thorpe Leics

Household 2; Weir House, Hickling

• William Burnett – Head – Married – Male – 48 – 1863 – Joiner and builder – Hickling
• Eliza Jane Burnett – Wife – Married – Female – 47 – 1864 – Hickling (she has been married for 23 years and has had 4 children born alive, 4 children still living)
• Edith Annie Burnett – Daughter – Single – Female – 21 – 1890 – Assistant teacher – Hickling
• Thomas Harold Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 19 – 1892 – Builder’s apprentice – Hickling
• Edgar Burnett – Son – Single – Male – 16 – 1895 – Architect’s pupil – Hickling
• Horace Burnett – Son – Male – 13 – 1898 – School – Hickling

In addition;

• There is a confusing record in Long Clawson for Eustace Burnett (farmer, born 1879 Salford) and his wife Edith Annie Burnett (born 1884, Hose, Leics) – ‘Edith Annie’ is likely to be coincidentally similar to the Hickling Edith Annie Burnett (who taught in Long Clawson at this time) and Eustace is likely to be a member of the Hose Rectory family (census 1901).
• Julia Burnett and two of her adult children (William Stocks Burnett (joiner & cowkeeper) and Kate Freck Burnett)  continue to be listed in Hose; she is listed as married but there is a different clergyman resident in the village.
  • Note: Grantham Journal 6th September 1913. “Hose. Will of the late Mr Thos. Burnett. Mr Thos. Burnett of Hose, farmer, who died on March 18th, left estate of the gross value of £6,161 9s.4d. of which £99 14s. 1d. is net personalty; and probate has been granted to his wife, his sons, Mr ER Burnett, of Hose, and Mr WS Burnett of Long Clawson, and Mr J Buck, Pendleton. The testator left his estate upon trust for his wife, for life, and, subject to her interest, he left his real estate at Salford upon trust to pay £50 per annum of the income to his daughter, Kate. Should the total income amount to more than £190 per annum, then in addition one-sixth of the surplus; and subject thereto he left his property at Salford to his children, Louisa Eleanor Smith, Alice Hourd, Edith Hourd, Eustace Rushworth Burnett and William Stocks Burnett; his real estate at Hose to his two sons, and the ultimate residue to all of his children in equal shares.”
• John and Frances Burnett continue to live in Widmerpool – they are listed at Near Barnet, Widmerpool with their daughter (Mary, age 10). John is a farmer with farmworkers and domestic servants.

Census 1921:

Household 1; Weir House, Hickling

• William Burnett – Head – Male – 1862 – 58 – Hickling – Builders Joiner & Wheelwright – Employer
• Edith Annie Burnett – Daughter – Female – 1890 – 30 – Hickling – Home Duties
• Edgar Burnett – Son – Male – 1894 – 26 – Hickling – Architect & Surveyor employed by Ea Sutton/Nottm School of Art
• Horace Burnett – Son – Male – 1897 – 23 – Hickling – Engineering Student/University College, Nottm.

Parish Registers (to 1905):

(The Burnett family were Chapel-goers which inevitably means that Parish Registers aren’t a comprehensive record of the family’s life events in Hickling)

• Baptisms – no records
• Marriages – no records
• Burials – no records

Graveyard Census:

There is only one Burnett family headstone in the churchyard of St. Luke’s, Hickling. This is the grave of Thomas Burnett and his wives:

‘In loving memory of Thomas Burnett who died Decr 6th 1921 aged 95 years

Also Prudence his first wife who died June 14th 1865 aged 36 years (interred at Hose)

And Joanna, his second wife who died February 11th 1869 aged 38 years (interred at Upper Broughton)

Also Mary, his third wife who died October 27th 1904, aged 72 years

“He giveth his beloved sleep”

S.Drake Derby Road Nottm’

From the Wadkin Archives:

From the Wadkin books:

Scrapbook of Hickling:

• (p.43) Woodyard  Mr. W. Burnett owned the woodyard and had horse drawn timber drugs. Tree trunks would be sawn by a steam driven engine. His business also employed joiners, builders, painters and decorators, a wheelwright, undertakers and blacksmiths. He lived in the house on the corner of Long Lane and part of his yard can be seen on the extreme right of the photograph of ‘The Homestead’.
• (p.45) Blacksmith Mr. Alwyn Shelton was at one time the blacksmith with the W. Burnett firm. The building still stands and runs along the path side just south of Long Lane. During the 1920’s Mr. Shelton built himself a shop on a piece of land opposite the Manor gate. In May 1966 the shop and orchard in which it stands, the plot being approximately 1,175 sq. yds. was offered for sale at a price of £1,100. It was bought by the builders Hills and Little of Cropwell and converted to a bungalow. At the present time ‘The Old Forge’ is owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. D. Sallis. There was at one time another forge opposite the ‘Little Green’ the building end on to the road which has a large brick horseshoe built into the wall (next to the post box). The house is now called ‘ Forge Cottage’ and is owned and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. M. Turner.
• (p.48) 1912 Village Improvement The old boulder causeway is to be removed and a new concrete one laid to extend from the ‘Plough Inn’ to the end of the village a length of 1,050 yards thereabouts. Contractor for the work Mr. W. Burnett, cost £100. Work to commemorate the coronation of George V.
• (p.48) Shire horses The shire horses were a wonderful sight to be seen working in the fields or pulling the timber drugs belonging to Mr. Burnett.
• (p.56) Methodism arrived in Hickling in 1799 and services were held in private houses. The first chapel was a small comfortable building built in 1804 at a cost of £150 largely given by residents. The present day chapel replaced this in 1848 and when land became available at the back a schoolroom was added in celebration of the 50th anniversary in 1899. In later years the porch was moved from the side of the building to the front facing the road. During 1909 an estimate was given by Mr. Burnett for replacing the seats in the chapel with modern ones at a cost of £170- £180.
• (p.71) Minutes 11th March,1875. It was agreed to accept Mr. Burnetts contract for altering and fitting up the school and fencing around but he was requested to specify more particularly what was to be done. It was also agreed that the clerk should make application to the Educational Department for the borrowing of £300 to complete the work.
• (p.72) Minutes 7th February,1876. It was unanimously resolved to accept Mr. Burnett’s tender for enlarging and completing the school subject to approval of Education Department ••••• £442 fittings etc. to be £30 extra.
• (p.73) Mr. & Mrs. Wilkinson stayed until their retirement in 1902. Mr. Harry Sleighthome of London was then appointed headmaster but he only stayed 15 months and left in 1903. The school then became a Council School. Mr. & Mrs. J.L. Laws followed as headmaster and mistress in July 1903 until 1911. Mr. Charles Taborn of Carlton came in November 1911 until 1913, he was followed by Mr. John G. Pepper who joined the army in 1917, was discharged and moved away in January 1918. Mrs. Scott came as a temporary headmistress for a few weeks and lodged with Mrs. Albert Burnett at Yew Tree House until the arrival of Miss. Violet Lydia Hilliard in March 1918 who stayed until January 1921. Her friend Miss. Francis Jane Hinge was then appointed headmistress until leaving in 1924. Next in line was Miss. Hart who came in June 1924 until 1926 when a supply teacher took charge until the arrival of Miss. E.A.Proudman in September 1926 who stayed until her retirement in 1963. Miss. Halford – a relief teacher – followed for a short while then came Miss.B.E. Hatton who stayed until the closure of the school in 1966.
• (p.73) Over the years there were a number of assistant teachers some of whom are listed below:- Miss. Hilda Mary Brooks who came from Ilkeston (and later married Mr. Harold Burnett) was mainly an infant teacher during the period 1911 – 1919 along with Miss. Maud Camm from Widnerpool. Miss. Amy Croft – February 1923 until August 1924 when she left to get married. Miss. Hart lodged at Mrs. Harriman’s at ‘The Wharf’ – 1924. Miss. Dorothy Power – October 1924 until April 1935 – lived at ‘The Wheel’. Miss. D. Wakerly from Willoughby came in 1935.
• (p.91) Lot 6.  5 Cottages situated at the back of the Council School, out-offices, gardens, orchard adjoining, 2 in occupation of Messrs. Jeffrey (chimney sweep) and Lester the remaining unoccupied. Bought by Mr. Wm. Burnett for £245. Now owned by Mr. H. Hartshorn.
• (p.94) September, 1925. “To be sold by Auction at ‘The Plough Inn’ at 6 p.m. prompt. Dwelling house in Main Street in the occupation of Mr. T.Stubbs. Dairy, scullery, kitchen, 2 large front rooms, 4 bedrooms and attic. One of the front rooms was formally the village post office. Also two brick and slated cottages with good gardens at the rear of the above in the occupation of Messrs. Squires and Daft”. Bought by Mr. W. Burnett for £440.
• (p.98) February 1906 Offered for sale by Auction at ‘The Plough Inn’ two brick and tiled cottages with gardens and outbuildings in the centre of the village in the respective occupation of Mr. Thos. Brewin and Mrs. Lamb together with two old cottages. The whole containing an area of 580 sq. yds. Bought by Mr. W. Burnett of Hickling for £150. (1980 only April Cottage owned and occupied by Mr. & Mrs. Grove still standing).
• (p.98) July 1908 To be sold by Auction at ‘The Wheel Inn’ all that piece of Freehold Grass Land situate at Hickling known as ‘Benson Wong Close’ comprising 4a 1r 35p or thereabouts now in occupation of Mrs. Eliza Parkffiat a yearly rent of £15 . Sold to Mr. Burnett for £65 an acre.

Reflections of Yesteryear:

• (p.3) Photo Bridge House 1914 – 1918 Dora Collyer, Winnie Collyer, Annie Marson, Crutchy, Elsie Copley, Arch Copley. The heap of gravel belonged to Burnetts and would have been brought along the canal by barge.
• (p.18) . Mr. Alwyn Shelton ran a choral society which he conducted with Miss Hilda Brooks (later Mrs. Harold Burnett) playing either the organ or piano. Selections from ‘The Messiah’ and ‘The Crucification’ amongst others were sung in both Church and Chapel. The Society also sung at Nether Broughton, Kinoulton, Long Clawson and Willoughby Churches. A Band of Hope, again run by Mr. Shelton, met in the Chapel schoolroom. Children joining signed ‘The Pledge’ which meant no drinking of alcohol during one’s lifetime. Recitations and dialogues were given by the children.
• (p.57) 1928 Diamond wedding of Mr & Mrs Thomas Nixon Mr. & Mrs. Nixon lived down The Green in one of the cottages now occupied by Mr. H. Hartshorn. Mr. Nixon was a chimney sweep, who as a child climbed up inside the chimneys. In adult life Mr. Nixon became a heavy drinker. One night when Mr. Nixon was in ‘The Plough’ someone took his pony and trap, put the shafts through a fence and the pony back in. On another occasion Mr. Nixon was found lying in the churchyard at Long Clawson. He was told ‘come on Mr. Nixon, you can’t stay here all night’ to which he replied ‘move some of those other •****•’s they’ve been here longer than me’. Mrs. Nixon died aged 77 years and her husband 86 years. Their son Billy was a waggoner at Burnetts and later in his life, during the 1940’s, the school caretaker. On wet mornings he would not let the children in school until 9 a.m. on account of their feet paddling on his clean floor. Mr. Billy Nixon lived in the roadside cottage of what is now one house, ‘White Cottage ‘ on Clawson Lane.
• (p.76) Thomas Burnett, son of Thomas, was born in 1826. He came from Sheffield to Hose and walked daily to Hickling where he started his business. A gentleman from Hose ordered a plough to be made by Mr. Burnett. On the completion of the work Mr. Burnett (a very tall man) carried the plough on his shoulders to the customer at Hose. Each Saturday he walked to Nottingham to visit the bank and also purchase the weeks groceries which he carried home in a large basket. Thomas was married three times, in 1853, 1866 and 1871. He would have then married Miss Chamber lain who lived in Yew Tree House but she wouldn’t agree to this. Thomas’s son William, born in 1861, joined the business and later his son Thomas Harold, born in 1891 followed. On the death of his grandfather Thomas in 1921 aged 95 years, Harold moved from his home at the corner of Mill Lane to the house on the business premises at the corner of Long Lane. (Note: this is the only reference found to Sheffield and there is no source available for this information – further checks needed.)

Maggie’s Memories:

• (p.9) The Anniversary always took place on the last Sunday in June (Hickling Feast) they were happy days. I remember so vividly at one S.S.A. Norah Shelton (now Norah Woolley) and myself singing a duet. I took the alto part, it was by special request of Mr. Warner of Sheffield, whose wife (Nellie Grundy) had passed away and he wished it sung in her memory, she was a Hickling girl and been through the Chapel Sunday School. Mr. Warner promised 10/- (ten shillings) to the collection if this duet was sung, and 10/- in those days was a lot of money. It was a difficult piece and neither Norah or myself can remember the exact title, but it was something about a garden. Mrs. Harold Burnett organist for the Anniversary had tutored us, and put us through our paces in her front room with the piano, and we also practised with the Chapel organ, we were both terribly nervous, and I could not eat any tea and we knew the Chapel would be packed. Mr. Alwyn Shelton our conductor tapped his music stand, we stood up and sang this sacred duet, one could have heard a pin drop and we were congratulated over and over again and poor Mr. Warner sat with tears running down his face and Mr. Fred Doubleday of Long Clawson (Butcher) he couldn’t help but cry, but Norah and I felt so much better when it was over.
• (p.18) Many trees during the war 1914-18 were sawn down and W. Burnett of Hickling would buy them, but the “tree tops” would be sold to anyone for 10/- or even less, no one in those days need ever be short of wood for their fire.
• (p.23) The infants and girls used one of the porches and the boys the other one, the boys also had their own playground. The porch had rows of pegs for coats etc. and in the centre of the porch was a wooden cross bar. If it was raining at playtime we stayed in the porch and would swing on the bar. Miss Brooks (from Ilkeston) was the first infant teacher I remember (she married Mr. Harold Burnett of Hickling and died several years ago).
• (p.31) The Highlight of the Sunday School was most certainly the Sunday School Anniversary and always held on the last Sunday in June (which traditionally was Hickling Feast weekend) I don’t know officially how old the anniversary platform is, but was in use before I went to school and is still used and in as good condition, the platform was made by the local joiner at the firm of Burnett & Son, and sadly no longer in existence, it is stored in the loft over the Classroom. The platform was always filled with children, the young ones sitting on the bottom row and my goodness how proud we felt when at last we reached the top row, we never had recitations in those days, just special anniversary hymns, and we each had to open our mouths and sing. Mr. Shelton was our conductor and Mrs. Burnett nee Brooks organist, the girls each had a new dress and white socks with a wide hair ribbon tied in a large bow on our hair, the boys had new suits, and always their would be solos and duets by some of the boys and girls. I am told the very first year myself and Katie Spencer sat on the platform, we fidgeted around until we both fell off.
• (p.39) The Welfare Clinic has been held in the Sunday school since it first started (and still is) and that is forty one year’s this year of 1976, and why I know, it was the year when Keith was born and he was only a few weeks old when the opening clinic took place, and I always say the Clinic, Cow & Gate Food, and Dr. Burnett (lady Dr. from Colston B.) saved his life, he was a poor little mite.
• (p.45) When I was a girl Hickling had almost all their own tradesmen, W. Bumett & Son, I also remember W. Burnetts father a devoted Methodist and attended service until a great age, the Firm of Burnett were Joiners. Builders. Painters and Decorators Wheelwright. Blacksmith. Woodmen. and Undertakers and has been folded up a number of years, a great pity.
• (p.46) BLACKSMITHS The first blacksmiths shop I recall was Mr. Alwyn Sheltons and situated on the Main St. with the W. Burnett Firm, until recently was used as garage by Mr. Norman Marriott. Mr. Shelton after a while built a new Shop in an orchard still on the main street and worked there until ill health forced him to retire. We school children were fascinated seeing something new being built and would stop to watch for just a short time whenever we passed. We also loved watching the horses being shod, and two Hickling boys were taught this trade but did not continue, they were Harold Marson or Cox, he did not work as a blacksmith until after he married, and the other Wilfred Parr, they have both now passed away. After Mr. Shelton died the Forge was sold and made into such a lovely Bungalow and called ‘The Old Forge’. Before my time there was yet another Forge and the Blacksmiths shop and that is now used as a garage it is now called ‘Forge Cottage’ and is opposite the Village Hall.
• (p.47) Another fascinating craft of long ago was THE WHEELRIGHT. The shop was next to the Burnett forge and is still to be seen but so dilapidated, let’s hope one day someone will build something decent to look at, we kids would crowd round the window until we were a nuisance. Mr. Harry Trayford of Nether Broughton was the one wheelwright I remember working in this shop, and Mr. Bert East was a joiner there, he was from Cropwell Bishop. We children used to love watching when the men were ‘Hooping’ that was fixing hoops on cart wheels, the fire for hooping would be lit outside the blacksmiths shop and it was a fascinating process, no doubt this craft has gone mores the pity. Mr. Trayford now over 80 still cycles from Nether Broughton in the summer, as he remarked “To see what Hickling has been up to”
• (p.47) WOODMEN Often early in the morning’s one would hear the heavy horses pulling the long “trugg” (from W. Burnetts wood yard) going to collect the felled trees all around Hickling, the tree trunks would be piled on to the trug and the horses would pull the heavy load back to the wood yard, when needed they would be sawn by a steam driven engine and saw, the noise could be heard over the whole village. We kids loved to watch, if we had the chance, the men working the saw always seeing we stood well back. One of the trug men was Mr. Willie Nixon (Nicko) every one called him) he lived in a cottage in Clawson Lane, in fact there were two cottages and have now been modernised and made into one house, (Mr. & Mrs. Wilcox living last their). Mr. Nixon loved his horses and although being fond of drink he never missed last thing at night to ‘Supper Up’ he talked to his horses as though they were children. On Christmas Eve he always requested the Carol Singers to sing the tune ‘Sovereignity’ to the words ‘Would Jesus have the sinner die’ and he would put one shilling 1/- (5p in this money), and from his wages was a good contribution. Another man with the trugg was Mr. Charlie Munks (his Grandson still lives in Hickling), we children dare not say much to him, but he was a good skater, when the canal was frozen it was always Charlie Munks who made the figure eight 8 on the basin, and it always looked so easy to we kids watching. The strength of the horses when pulling sometimes a double trugg over the Canal bridge was marvellous, now the bridge has gone and the horses, and all we see are lorries piled high.
• (p.59) After Dr. Windley retired at Colston Bassett, Dr. Woolward took the practise, he was a younger man and a favourite with everybody, he was tall and very good looking, he took as Partner Dr. Burnett a lady, well that put the cat among the pigeons, it was the first time anyone local had anything to do with a Lady Doctor, but after a while she became a welcome visitor, she was a tiny slip of a thing she rode a motor cycle and her little dog rode on a special carrier always barking its head off. Dr. Burnett also had a fast sports car, I remember Slater Shelton fetching her when his eldest son was born, their had been a heavy storm and the roads were flooded, so Slater went along to Colston Bassett on his horse called Daisy and Dr. Burnett joined him on Daisy’s back to come back to Hickling through the floods and deliver young John Shelton. When Dr. Woolward and his family left Colston Bassett, Dr. Burnett went along with them and Dr. Roche came, he was older, a good Doctor, and he stayed until his retirement.
• (p.61) GENERAL ELECTIONS I have written earlier that the Liberal Party Committee Room was at Rose Cottage in Granny Simpson’s time, so naturally I was brought up with the firm belief to always vote Liberal, and in these times there was only the two parties in this constituency to vote for, and I have never known the M.P. to be other than a Conservative, and when I was a child this was the Newark Division. Voting took place in the village school (now the V. Hall) we children had a holiday, and electors had to come from Kinoulton and I think Upper Broughton as well. Anyone owning land in another parish were allowed two votes, for example Granny Simpson owned fields in Kinoulton Parish and she was able to vote twice, this practise has been ended a long while. When the result of the poll came through for this Division W. Burnett blew their Engine Whistle, (I wonder if the other side were elected if the whistle would have been heard. Doubtful). This was the days before radio and TV. Mr. F. Carte of Hickling was the residing Officer, Mr. John Frederick Shelton Poll Clerk and also Mr. Edgar Burnett Poll Clerk for one election and Mr. Fred. Granville Woolley for one election their fee £1.7s.6d, Mr. H. Swanwick acted as Policeman; he had retired from the service.
• (p.89) Mr. & Mrs. George Squires. Lived in Chapel Lane (now Bridegate) in the house where Mr. Temperton lives. He had a family of two sons, Mr. Squires was a bricklayer and worked for the firm of Wm. Burnett, he was a member of the Methodist Church Choir. Loved children. At all social evenings George Squires would at the close of the proceedings go to the centre of the room and stand on his head, and he was bald on top. One August Bank Holiday Monday, the Canal Basin was packed with fishermen and lots of people around watching, when Mr. George Squires and friends were out walking, and he decided to climb on the bridge parapet and stand on his head, every one gasped. Mrs. Squires was a big jolly woman, but suffered a great deal in later years before she died. After a few years Mr. Squires married again to Miss Jessie Burton and lived down the Green until he died. The last of the family, the youngest son Arch died 1974.
• (p.89) Mr. & Mrs. J. Squires Also a bricklayer, with own business, was brother to George and lived at Canal View, where his daughter Hilda and Husband still live. Mrs. Squires was daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Robert Parr, she was tall and her husband short, they had five daughters, Gladys, Olive, Miriam, Hilda, Evelyn, the two youngest left. Mr. Squires served in the 1914-18 War and was a staunch member of the British Legion, and Mrs. Squires was a founder member of the Women’s Section.
• (p.93) Burnett family The firm of Burnett in Hickling I remember all my life, until the business ended. Builders, Bricklayers, P. & Decorators, Undertakers etc. Mr. T. Burnett I remember first, old man with white hair and very deaf, Methodists. William Burnett his son, married a Woolley, they had a family of Edith, in her 80’s and in old peoples home at Radcliffe. Harold over 80 in Darlington with Daughter, Edgar and Horace both died. All the family suffered from deafness. No Burnetts left in Hickling today.
• (p.93) Mrs. William Burnett was Jenny Woolley.

In the News (Wadkin clippings archive):

• GRANTHAM JOURNAL – 13^th May 1882 ‘Wanted immediately a good wheelwright, accustomed to country work. Apply Thomas Burnett, Hickling’
• GRANTHAM JOURNAL -26 May 1883 ‘Wanted at once, a wheelwright or carpenter and joiner, accustomed to country work – apply Thos. Burnett, Hickling’
• At an entertainment in Feb 21^st 1895 in the Board School Messrs Burnett, Pick and Woolley were encored when they sang, “A Little Farm Well Tilled”.
• Aug 21^st 1897: Mr W Burnett was an official at the Hickling Horticultural Show & Sports. W>Burnett was third for round white potatoes; third for potatoes 4 varieties; second for dwarf beans. T Burnett was 1^st for dwarf beans.
• Feb 5^th 1898: “On Thursday evening, the 27^th ult. Under the auspices of the Hickling Glee Class, a very successful and well-patronised concert was given in the Board School; the proceeds were in aid of the Church choir fund, the amount realised being £4.10s.6d. The contributions of Miss Carter to the programme merit special mention, as also do the efforts of the Misses Burnett and Whittle: indeed, it is only fair to say that Miss Burnett could scarcely do herself justice, having been for some days previous confined to her room by illness … Painoforte duet, “The Bohemian Girl” (Balfe), Miss A Burnett and Miss Whittle … Song, “The Better Land” (Jude), Miss E Burnett … Overture, “William Tell” (Rossini), Miss A Burnett and Miss Whittle … Song, “The Lost Chord” (Sullivan), Miss E Burnett … Quartet, “The Children’s Home”
• Feb 19^th 1898: Meat Tea & Entertainment – (…) reading, “Mrs Candle’s Button lecture” Mr Burnett … Reading, “Parental Ode to my Son”, Mr Burnett …
• Aug 20^th 1898: Hickling Horticultural Society … A refreshment stall was also provided in the field under the management of Misses Annie Hariman and Ethel Wiles and Mr W Burnett, and proved a great boon to the public. … Six roses first prize W Burnett … 12 kidney beans – 2^nd W Burnett … 3 white table turnips – 3^rd T Burnett … 2 cucumbers – 1^st W Burnett … W Burnett is listed as one of the officials of the Show.
• April 8^th 1899: Easter Monday Sale of Work at the Board School – vote of thanks seconded by Miss Burnett on behalf of the Ladies’ Sewing Meeting Committee. An entertainment was held in the evening; Piano solo, “Sabbath Evening Chimes”, Miss A Burnett; song, “Flights of Ages”, Miss Edith Burnett … song, “Twickenham Ferry” Miss E Burnett … song, “The Valley by the Sea”, Miss E Burnett … song, “Love’s Golden Dream”, Miss E Burnett … piano solo, Miss A Burnett … song, “The Valley of the Sea”, Miss E Burnett … song, “Nobody at all”, Miss Burnett … piano solo, Miss A Burnett. Business was brisk throughout the day, the greater part of the goods being sold, the results exceeding the expectations of all. The proceedings were a thorough success in every way. Despite the showers which fell during the afternoon, there were many vissitors from neighbouring villages. The amount realised after payment of expenses was £40.2s.3d.

read more

• December 1978: Old Timers Go Back in Time. Two of the last of the Vale of Belvoir craftsmen met again to see one o the few surviving moffreys returned to the old wheelwright’s and blacksmith’s shop where they made it many years ago. The buildings included a saw-mill and paintshop so that the newly-felled trees brought in by their own timber drugs, eventually left as the finished vehicle or implement. The word moffrey derives from hermaphrodite, meaning having the characteristics of both sexes, for the vehicle used with four wheels and raves and gormers to contain the harvest loads of hay or straw is a farm wagon, but by the simple removal of a coupling, the front axle and wheels can be removed to leave the rear as a complete farm cart for everyday use. Mr Harry Trayford, 85, right, of Nether Broughton and Mr Slater Shelton, 75, of Old Dalby, also pictured, made this moffrey when they worked for the now defunct firm of Burnetts, of Hickling. Mr Trayford, born at Saltby, learned his craft at Upper Broughton. His terms of service for a five years apprenticeship were that he paid 50s to start and 50s at mid-term, and in return received his training and full board, but no wages. When in 1913 he went to Burnetts, Hickling, fully trained and 20 years old, his wage for a 52-hour week was 25s, and a new moffrey cost about £20. Mr Slater Shelton, 75, still plies his craft in the mornings for Mr Spence, shoeing-smith of Hose, making shoes for thoroughbred hunters to follow the Belvoir and Quorn Hunts.
• June 1979: A lifelong Methodist who had been a Sunday school teacher, a choir member and a trustee, Miss Edith Annie Burnett has died at Radcliffe-on-Trent in her 90^th year. Born at Hickling, she was the first female in the village to own and ride a motor-cycle, on which she travelled daily to Long Clawson to teach in the village school. A founder-member of the local WI she was also a keen gardener. The funeral service at Wilford Hill crematorium was conducted by the Supt. Methodist minister, the Rev. E Nicholson, and mourners included Mr and Mrs Peter Burnett, Mr and Mrs Howard Burnett, Mrs Olga Wilford, Mr D Wilford, nephews and nieces; Mrs D Lovett, Misses M and G Woolley, Mrs M Nichols, cousins; Mr E Laws, Mr FJ Dickman, Mrs V Haynes, with Mr and Mrs S Walker, Mrs A Sulley and Mrs J Wadkin representing the Methodist church. One surviving brother, Mr Harold Burnett was unable to attend. Instead of flowers there were donations to the Rheumatism and Arthritis Association.
• May 29^th 1981: Various articles relating to a controversial playing fields proposal. In one letter from Mrs Margaret Walker (The Elms, Hickling) she writes; “… the footpath … which runs from long lane to Upper Broughton was also used by workmen going to and fro to earn their living some working at Burnett’s woodyard in the village and some on the farms around.”

Please note: this is a large gallery and may take a little while to load to your screen.