Snapshots of the Mapeys from 1880
 
Below is an image of a letter written by Minnie Charlotte Webb (nee Mapey) who was the wife of Richard Webb and sister of Ernest Mapey. A typed version (a literal copy) is available below the image. Also below are a number of photographs of Ernest Mapey and family.
 

The above is copied literally as follows:

My Dear Sister,
Just a few lines in answer to yours we had a little snow yesterday Tuesday but not a lot today it has been snowing all the morning and still snowing soon be a deep snow if it goes on like it is going and just lately we have had such a lot off rain and bitter cold winds I hope you wont get the rain to spoil the fruit I am sorry to hear that they are all out of work but trust that something will soon turn up for them as it makes it bad did not say anything to Mother about it as she only worries about it terrible isnt it the lives that was lost in the air crash we have had quite a lot deaths several men in Alton have died and 4 people at Holybourne Mother is much about the same she has been in bed 3 days now has it so bitterly cold fortnight tomorrow Thursday we have had a party in the Village Hall the womens institute got it up. they had a Bazar to get the money for it £10 12s. 6d. very good wasnt it invitations were sent out for Widows and Pensioners and those that were over 60 years about an hundred invited those that were unable to come teas were sent out so Mother had hers sent we had a lovely tea Ham sandwiches Mince pies different kinds of cakes bread and butter and fruit and Bonbons to pull and an entertainments I went in style they came and fetched me I went in a car an old Lady lives close by us took her and there were others to take I am going to my stepdaughters to tea on Saturday if all is well as it is her birthday she will be 38 years old Ethel is not up to much I think a good change away would do her good perhaps

I remain your loving sister
Minnie Webb Goodbye God Bless you

 

The next photo is of Ernest James Mapey, born in Holybourne 1880, and Matilda Ann (nee Hopkins) whom he married in 1905. Minnie, who was born in Holybourne in 1875 and was the sister of Ernest, wrote the above letter to Maltida in 1938 and who was now living in Australia.

 

Next we have Ernest and Matilda with their small children, Annie born in 1905 and Ernest born in 1908. The photo shows them hop picking around 1910. The family emigrated to Australia around 1912 and had 5 more children.

 

Ernest and Annie Mapey taken around 1910.

 

Is this Mary Ann Mapey (nee Barnard 1845-1939) or Mrs Oakley? The Oakleys also lived in Mapeys and this picture was taken opposite the village shop next to the old thatched cottages.

 

Now why not have a look and see what Mapeys looked like then and now. Just click here for some photos of Mapeys.