Christopher Dengate

Christopher Dengate

Christopher Dengate

BIOGRAPHY PREVIEW:

Christopher Dengate was born on the 23 November 1846 to John and Harriet Dengate in Buxted, East Sussex. His father John was working as a journeyman miller, which meant he was paid by the day, and, therefore not attached to any one mill, meaning the family travelled frequently to various mills. At the time of Christopher's birth, John was working at Buxted Watermill.

Buxted Watermill, 2004

The Mill (left) and the original waterwheel (right)

Christopher was baptised 31 January 1847 in St Margaret's Church, Buxted, East Sussex. Around 1849, the family moved on to Frant, where Christopher's brother James was born. The family did not stay there long, however, before moving to Fairlight, East Sussex.

St Margaret's Church, Buxted, East Sussex, 2004

The 1851 census shows Christopher living with his parents, brother James and twin sisters Emily Mary and Susannah Dengate. His father John was working as a journeyman miller at Fairlight Windmill. Also living with the family is Christopher's cousin, Frances Dengate - daughter of his uncle Charles Dengate. Soon after the census was taken his twin sisters died of hooping cough...

This is a preview - to read the full story see the September Dengate eJournal 2007