FamilySearch recently added marriages from Natal to their datasets. When I learn of new postings, I tend to do a quick search, just in case something turns up. And did something turn up?

According to the transcripts, Stafford Northcote Micklethwaite (who is originally from Skelmanthorpe in Yorkshire according to my information) married Norah Honey Bardner on 5th June 1907, in Ladysmith.

Could these folks be the parents of young Mary Evelyn whose grave I mentioned in a recent post? I think it highly likely.

Stafford emigrated again, from South Africa to Australia, where he had 2 sons, and where descendants still live.

We recently visited the National Railway Museum in York for The Great Gathering of the 6 remaining A4 “Pacific” class steam locomotives – a family history blog is not the place to say how wonderful the event was, but I’m going to! If you have an interest, they are gathering again in October in York, and finally in February 2014 in Shildon. On the way back from York, we took the scenic route to Great Heck.

It was from here in 1831 that Willoughby Micklethwaite and his family left for America, founding the Mickelwait and Micklethwait branches in that country. Willoughby had been landlord there for 9 years. The Inn was built in 1791 we were told.

Nowadays, the food they serve is very good, although the menu choice is a little limited. They also have locally brewed beers, including “Blonde Bombshell” – the only one I’m likely to get hands on these days!

If you’re related, pay them a visit if you can. We were made very welcome.