• Ann’s People

    Frances Penfold Walker Clarke (1803-1838) A Consequential Life

    By Caroline Maillard (updated 23/6/2022) Birth and Early Years Frances (Fanny) Esther Penfold was born 26 August 1803 in Steyning, Sussex in southern England. She was the second daughter of the Reverend John Penfold (1772-1840) and Charlotte Brooks Penfold (1770-1843).  Reverend Penfold held multiple roles with the Church of England. He was the Vicar of Steyning and the rector of the neighboring community of Pyecombe, and also served as the domestic chaplain to the Duke of Sussex in the early 1800’s.1 To this day the Steyning Parish Office is housed in Penfold Hall. Fanny was one of twelve children in her family, which may explain why she left home when…

  • Ann’s People

    Delia Priestley Edwards of Pye Nest

    By Caroline Maillard Image above from Historic EnglandDate: 1900 – 1934 Location: Pye Nest, Sowerby Bridge, CalderdaleReference: BB71/02769 Type: Photograph (Negative)https://historicengland.org.uk/images-books/photos/item/BB71/02769 Birth and early Life Delia Priestley Edwards was born in Skircoat, West Yorkshire on 25th February, 1807. She was the eldest daughter of Henry Lees Edwards, a wealthy woollens manufacturer, and Lea Priestley (cousin of William Priestley). Delia and Ann Walker were first cousins; Ann’s mother Mary was the sister of Henry Lees Edwards.1 Henry Lees Edwards’ close connection to the Walker family resulted in his being named a joint trustee, along with William Priestley, of Ann Walker’s affairs after her brother John died.2 Delia had seven brothers and…