Raymond French

Elma

Elma

Well-Known Member
I have an ancestor Raymond Josiah French born c 1868 in Hackney who we thought worked as a barman. On his marriage certificate he is recorded as a professional singer. Thinking it was grandiose we had dismissed it but I have just seen the baptism of two of his children and that records comedian. Looking at newspaper reports of the time there is a Raymond French comedian/singer so I think we underestimated him. He appears to have worked in the music halls around the country for a couple of years. I have tried looking at music hall history and websites but I have not found anything easy to use. Has anyone got any tips on where I might look?
With thanks AMLE
 
Hello Amle,

Have you found Raymond in the censuses at all? If so, what does it say and whereabouts is he?
 
Hi Jan
Yes in the census of 1891 he was living in Westminster, a waiter and later the same year at his marriage a professional singer.
In 1896 at his son's baptism he was recorded a comedian.
In 1901 he lived in St George's Hanover Square and was a waiter
In 1911 he still lived in St George's Hanover Square, still a waiter.
I am not sure the newspaper articles are our Raymond but the time is right and it seems quite a coincidence.
Thanks Jan for your interest
Amle
 
Have you checked to see if there is another chap with the same name in those censuses? His age might well be a few years different, but could help to establish of there are two Raymonds.

What dates are the newspaper reports? Which newspapers?

If it is the same chap, maybe he undertook positions as a waiter if stage work was in short supply.

(By the way, I have moved this thread over to Stage & Screen ;) )
 
Thanks for moving the thread.I should have realised that.
The newspaper reports are 1889-1894 and are all in the London Paper the Era.
 
Have you checked out the British Music Hall Society website?

britishmusichallsociety.com/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top