Was RICHARD SIMMONS related to JAMES SIMMONDS who died on February 24th 1874 aged 70 years and ELIZABETH who died in 1882 and are buried at Clayton ?

Did RICHARD return to Clayton and become a Miller to be near his widowed mother ? Only conjecture, but a possibility no doubt, for in 1891 RICHARD was no longer living in Mill Lane Cottage and ELIZABETH had died in 1882. Experience shows that the spelling of surnames in Census Returns can vary, which might account for SIMMONS and not SIMMONDS.

When standing in Clayton Churchyard with the magnificent southern view of the rising Down topped by the two Mills, we may remember those who worked and maintained Clayton Mills over the generations, and now appreciate those who voluntarily continue the tradition.

This article was researched and compiled by Roy Vass, Jean Poulson and Simon Potter

Click here for the story of Jesse Pumphrey, a working millwright.