Thomas Paling

Thomas was the sixth of the eight children of Henry and Elizabeth Paling (née Marlow). His father Henry was born in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire, in 1855. He was a joiner and wheelwright although later in his life, with the advent of the motor vehicle, he became a master builder. His mother Elizabeth Marlow was born in Blidworth, Nottinghamshire. Henry and Elizabeth were married at Blidworth St Mary of the Purification on 17 April 1877. Their children were: John b. Sheffield reg. 1878 (J/F/M), Ada b. Blidworth 1879, and six children born in Thurgarton, Albert b. 1881, Ernest b,. 1883, Agnes birth reg. 1886 (J/F/M), Thomas birth reg. 1887 (J/F/M), Fred b. 1889 and Lily birth reg. 1895 (J/F/M). Henry and Elizabeth were living in Thurgarton at the time of the 1881, 1891 and 1901 census. Henry died in 1910 and his widow was still living in the village in 1911 with five of their eight children: Ada a domestic servant, Ernest a joiner (own account), Thomas a house painter (own account), Fred a joiner (own account) and Lily. Thomas married Hilda Richards on 30th January 1915, at the New Jerusalem Church, Bluecoat Street, Nottingham. They had two children who were both born in Thurgaton: Eric b. 1915, and Marjorie b. 1917. Marjorie's birth certificate recorded her father's occupation as 353 Works Company, painter and decorator. Thomas died at the age of 33 in Thurgarton on 20th July, 1920. The cause of death was shown as tuberculosis affecting both his lungs and his right hip. His death was reported by his elder brother Albert. THe probate record (administration awarded to widow) gave his address as 'Brookside', Thurgarton, Thomas' widow, Hilda, married John E Ellis in 1922. The CWGC record gave her address as 'Brookside', Thurgarton.