Elinor is now a single parent, widowed at the age of just 30. Of how she got by there is no record. There is no evidence that she was supported by the parish church of St Helen’s. Elinor did not have to struggle on as a single mother for too long though, as in 1728 she re-married.
Tag Archives: Hidden Stories
Elinor had married Nicholas Ley in 1723 a man at least ten years older than her and by trade a “victualler”. Last week we suggested he might have taken over the running of the Cross Keys Tavern after the death of Elinor’s father, George
No evidence of Elinor’s childhood on Friar Street exists. Girls did not go to school, they were expected to stay at home and help out. The first recorded event after her baptism is her marriage in 1723 to Nicholas Ley
Elinor Shipway (née Bird) was the owner of number 40 Friar Street from 1731 until her death in 1760. During her lifetime she outlived two husbands and two sons. This is her story as it relates to Tudor House Museum.