27th July 1917 lydia upcott nee platt to alice mcevoy nee platt

chichester, sussex to wandsworth, london sw18

49.8 miles

the message

“Dear Ally

This is the entrance to Mrs Bird’s abode, she lives inside a chapel. We are having a fine time here, its a pretty place but I’m sorry to say we cannot get a cup of tea at Mrs A. I think I shall return next weekend. I’ve had enough .

Fondest love to you from all

Lydia”

the sender

Lydia Upcott nee Platt (1882-1976) was the daughter of Henry William Platt (1851-1905) and Esther Walker (1852-1933). Henry was a Paint Brush Maker by trade.

In 1901 Lydia is listed as a Paper Book Maker. In 1911 she is a Manageress at a China Store. In 1913 Lydia married Arthur George Upcott (1889-1958). Arthur was a Shop Assistant in a Boot Store in 1911 but by 1939 he was a House Decorator and Carpenter.

the recipient

Alice McEvoy nee Platt (1883-1973) was the younger sister of Lydia. In 1901 Alice was in service.

In 1915 Alice married Walter McEvoy (1891-1968). In 1911 Walter was a Junior Drapery Clerk in Liverpool. He then served in WWI. In 1939 he was a Clerk for a Coal Merchant in Liverpool.

the tree

the places

Chichester, Sussex to Wandsworth, London SW18

Chichester, Sussex

Wandsworth, London SW18

what the card says to us

The picture shows St Mary’s Hospital and Chapel in Chichester which is where the card was posted. (https://www.chichestercathedral.org.uk/about-us/st-marys-hospital). It provided independent residential accomodation for elderly. From the message a Mrs Bird is living there. It is not clear what relationship there is between Mrs Bird and the Platt sisters, but an additional piece of information is that in 1939 there is a Esther L Bird, widowed retired nurse, born about 1873, who is living with Alice and Walter McEvoy in Liverpool. Esther’s maiden name is probably Clare from a marriage to William Joseph Bird in 1891.

The other person referenced in the message is Mrs A. And she cannot provide a cup of tea. Is she a landlady? Is that where Lydia is staying? Presumably Lydia is visiting Chichester to see Mrs Bird.