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b.1882-d.1918
William’s parents and siblings
William’s parents were William James Clarke and Emma née Tilley. They were married on 26 March 1882 at St. Pancras, Camden. Both were of “full age” i.e. over 21.
William was born on 9 July 1882. His birth was registered in the September quarter of 1882, reference Pancras 1b 83.
His baptism took place on 23 May 1885 at Christchurch Camden. His parents were William James, a labourer, and Emma. They lived at 34 Aldenham Road Camden.
William’s future wife, Constance Louisa Challis, was baptised on 17 March 1889 at St. John’s Church, Hampstead. Her parents were James William Challis and Louisa Constance.
In the Census of 1891 at 27 Aldenham Road Camden present were, William Clarke, head, age 33, cabinet maker, Emma, his wife, age 30, and their children,
• William age 8, scholar
• Alfred age 5, scholar
• James age 2 and
• Emily age 1
There were 19 people living in the house.
The 1901 Census
In the 1901 Census at 33 Cathcart Street Kentish Town were William Clarke, head, 43 cabinetmaker, Emma, his wife, age 40, ,and their children
• William age 18 pianoforte maker,
• Alfred age 15, pianoforte maker,
• James age 12, and
• Emily age 11
All were born in Pancras. There were 13 people living in the house. Camden Town and Kentish Town were centres of piano manufacture.
One mile from Cathcart Street at 117 Mansfield Road present were James W. Challis, head,, age 42, clerk, Louisa C., his wife, age 38, and their children,
• Francis J. age 16, pianoforte maker
• William F. age 13, office boy
• Constance L. age 12
• James M. age 9
• Roland age 2
All were born in Hampstead apart from Roland who was born in Kentish Town. There were 15 people living in the house.
William’s marriage to Constance
William married Constance Louisa Challis in the June quarter of 1908, reference Hampstead 1a 1328.
In the 1911 Census at Dale Road Kentish Town were William Robert Clarke, head, age 28, married, a pianoforte maker, born St. Pancras, Constance Louisa, his wife, age 22, born
Hampstead. They had been married for 3 years and had 2 children still living. Their children were Cecil William age 2, born Hampstead, and Ivy Constance age 10 months, born St. Pancras.
The Workhouse
On 18 April 1912 William was admitted to the St. Pancras Workhouse. He was a piano maker age 29, born in 1883. He was married, living at 17 Dale Road. He was discharged on 29 April at his own request. William was re-admitted to the Workhouse on 3 May and discharged on 3 June.
Long Grove and death
On 15 June 1912 he was admitted to Long Grove Asylum. He died there on 21 January 1918 age 36, and was buried in Horton cemetery on 28 January.
In the 1939 Register at 11 Heming Road Hendon were Constance L. (mis transcribed as “T”) Clarke, born 23 January 1889, widow, a shopkeeper, and her father James W. Challis,, born 31August 1858, a widower, retired. Constance died in the April Quarter of 1975 age 86, registration Cuckfield 18 1955.
