18th august 1912 sarah lydia wood nee wells to rosa wells

towyn, conwy, north wales to catford, london

196 miles

the message

“Teg Annedd

Towyn

N Wales

Dear Rose

This is a lovely place most picturesque. I cannot describe the scenery. We have had lots of rain & it has been very cold but it is better today Sunday every one here is very good & go to Chapel. Harry counted 3 chapels in a square all together.

Fondest love to all

Lydia”

the sender

Sarah Lydia Wood nee Wells (1861-1921) was born in Bermondsey, London. Her parents were Edward Henry Wells (1833-1890) and Sarah Beddoes (1847-1912). Edward was a Bookbinder and several of the family followed him into that profession.

In 1871 and 1881 Sarah was living with her parents in Bermondsey. In 1881 she is recorded as being a Music Teacher. In 1885 she married Ebenezer Wood (1854-1929), an Assurance Clerk. In 1891 Sarah, although she has dropped that name in favour of Lydia, was living with Ebenezer in Deptford, London. In 1901 they were in Lewisham, London. In 1911 they were in Catford, London. In 1912 Lydia was on holiday in Towyn where she posted this card.

Sarah Lydia’s death was recorded in Greenwich in February 1921 although she was still living in Catford with Ebenezer. Ebenezer went on to marry again, to Amy Alice Maria Fyfe nee Ravn (1869-1947) and they continued to live in Catford.

the recipient

Rosa Wells (1868-1954) was the younger sister of Sarah Lydia, the sender. Like her sister she was living with her parents in 1871 and 1881. She continued to live with them in 1891 in Deptford, and in 1901 with her widowed mother in Lewisham, and in 1911 in Catford. She does not seem to have an occupation and she did not appear to marry.

There is a listing in the 1939 which probably Rosa living in Croydon, but this cannot be confirmed. There is a corresponding death recorded in Croydon in 1954.

the tree

the places

Towyn, Conwy, North Wales to Catford, London

Towyn, Conwy, North Wales showing Warwick Place where Teg Annedd was located

Catford, London including Catford Hill

what the card says to us

The picture shows Brynglas, Towyn. There is a Brynglas station about 3 miles North East of Towyn. How many of these buildings survive is not clear. The card was posted in Towyn.

Sarah Lydia is on holiday with her family. Her son, Henry Wood (1899-?) is mentioned. She has included the address at which they are staying in the message, presumably hoping for a reply. It is in the 1911 census as a Boarding House.

She remarks on the weather and the fact that the residents are church goers. And she admires the scenery.