The Goodliffe Family of Lambley Lodge, Rutland

William Frederic GOODLIFFE

William Frederic - apparently known as "Billy Pitt"- was born on 6 August 1835 at the family farm of Lambley Lodge at Belton in Rutland to John and Elizabeth GOODLIFFE. His birth was recorded at the Morcott and Barrowden Baptist Chapel. Note he was baptised as "William Frederic" (no K) but in many records the K has been added in error.

Baptism of William Frederic GOODLIFFE at Belton St Peter.

Birth record for William Frederic GOODLIFFE at Morcott and Barrowden.

William entered the silk hosiery trade as an apprentice in about 1850. In the 1851 census, William (hosier's Apprentice aged 15)  was living with his uncle Henry Pitt (36, married) in Melville St, Nottingham. Henry (36) was a Silk Warper. Also at this address were Ann Stokes (14, niece) and Jane Seldon (22, visitor).

1851 census

William Frederic married Eliza Ann BROWNSON in Dec qtr 1858 in Nottingham (according to one source this was on 7 October but I cannot find any record for this date). Eliza Ann BROWNSON had been born on 27 February 1837 in Melton Mowbray Leicestershire to John BROWNSON and Jane (HARRALD). Eliza was baptised at the Primitive Methodist Church Melton Mowbray on 19 March 1837, John being a Dissenting Minister.

Baptism of Eliza Ann BROWNSON at the Primitive Methodist Church, Melton Mowbray.

                

                      Thomas GOODLIFFE==v==Mary ARNOLD
                                      m:1791
                                        |               
                                  John GOODLIFFE===v===Elizabeth STOKES 

                                    1798-1864    m:1832  1808-1886 

                                                   | 

                                                   | 
                                            
William Frederic 

                                               1835-1913  

                                                   | 

                                                   |--------------------------------------------------------------------| 

                                                m1:1858                                                              m2:1876   

                                               Eliza Ann                                                          Elizabeth Hardy 

                                                BROWNSON                                                             COOPER 

                                               1837-1875                                                           1841-1923

                                                   |                                                                   | 

       |-------------------------------------------|-----------|--------------|--------------|-------------|           |

William Francis                                Frederic   Ellen Martha  Clara Isabella  Ada Margaret  John Henry  Arthur Alexander  

   1860-1936                                   1861-1920   1866-1937      1868-1941      1869-1941     1872-1922   1877-1877 
       |                                           |           |              |              |             |           | 

     m:1895                                     m:1891                                                    m:?

   Eva JESSOP                               Elizabeth YOUNG                                       Adaline STEPHENSON 
   1869-1960                                   1862-1946                                               1874-1956   

       |-----------------------------|             |---------------|                                       |  
  William (Frank)               Alan Dudley  John Brownson  Herbert Spencer 

   1897-1974                      1902-?       1893-1962       1895-1993
       |                             |             |               |----------------|

     m:1931                        m:1940        m:1924         m1:1926          m2:1951
   Nelly Ann                       Elsie        Eleanor        Caroline          Thelma 

    PRINCE                        REYNOLDS        MEEK         JEFFERIS           MAYES

   1902-1968                       1909-?      1893-1969      1904-1979         1928-2010  

       |--------|                    |             |               |----------|     |   

     Helen    Arnold                                             Sheila    Michael  

   1933-2017  1936-?                                           1927-2006  1935-1959  

       |        |                                                  |          |  

William and Eliza had six children. There is a rare portrait of the family preserved in the Nottingham Archives. Two of their daughters, Clare and Ada, were reported to have been war casualties, killed on 11 April 1941:

William Frederic Goodliffe	William Frederic's wife Eliza Ann (nee Brownson).
The six children as recorded on a page held in Nottingham Archives, taken in 1873. Clockwise from top left: William Francis, Ada, Frederick, Ellen Martha, Harry In front), Clara.

By 1861, William (25), was now a Manufacturer of Hosiery, living at Talbot St, with wife Eliza (24) and William Francis (8 months).

1861 census

In 1871 William was a "Junior Partner in Hosiery Firm", living at Carlton Rd. On census night, 2 April 1871, the occupants were William and Eliza, children William, Frederic, Ellen, Clara and Ada, Henry and Martha Pitt (Uncle & Aunt aged 56 and 57) and 2 servants.

1871 census

Death of Eliza GOODLIFFE

On 20 Feb 1875, Eliza Ann died. Her body was buried at Nottingham General Cemetery, Grave No. 8700. The headstone for Eliza is next to the grave of my Froggatt family.

Burial record for Eliza Ann in Nottingham General Cemetery.

General view of the Goodliffe headstone with the Froggatt grave in the background between the two upright stones.

The headstone for Eliza Ann in Nottingham General Cemetery.

Second Marriage

William Frederic married again on 20 January 1876 to Elizabeth Hardy COOPER, a spinster, at St James Church in the Liberties of Nottingham Castle.

1876 marriage

William and Elizabeth had a son - Arthur Alexander - born Feb 1877 but died 11 weeks later on 15 May 1877. He was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery in plot 8700 alongside William'sfirst wife Eliza.

Burial record for Arthur Alexander in Nottingham General Cemetery.

Arthur recorded on the other side of the Goodliffe stone.

In 1881 William and his second wife Elizabeth were living at Woodthorpe Rise, off Mansfield Rd.

1881 census

In the 1891 census, William was visiting his brother Simpson at Lambley Lodge. The rest of the family were still at Woodthorpe House:

1891 census

1891 census

In 1901, William and Elizabeth had moved to Norton Hall, Norton, near Sheffield, where they lived with daughters Ellen (34) and Ada (31) and 4 servants.

1901 census

A Note on Norton Hall Norton Hall is now part of Graves Park, the largest park in Sheffield. It was originally Norton Estate, with earliest references in the Last Will and Testament of Wulfic Spott in the year 1002. The Norton Estate remained with the Shores until 1843, when the then Lord of the Manor, Offley Shore, was forced to dispose of the Estate, owing to the failure of his bank. The next resident at Norton Hall was James Yates who came, not as Lord of the Manor, but as a tenant. The sale by auction of the Shore Estate in 1850, received no bid, but was eventually secured by Charles Cammell. The Cammells were followed by John Sudbury who sold the Estate to W.F. Goodliffe and in turn it was sold to Bernard Alexander Firth in 1902. - quoted from a paper on Norton Estate. Photos of Norton Hall Norton Hall, Sheffield, date unknown - ?1950 The stables before conversion The Orangery, being used as a Maternity Hospital after the Sheffield hospital was bombed in 1940. Norton Hall today. This view is of the left side in the photo above. The stables today. The stables today - taken from a real estate advert. Note the windows have been retained.

Finally to Bournemouth

Following the sale of Norton Hall in 1902, William Frederic took out a 99-year lease on Lisle House, 23 Grove Road, East Cliff, Bournemouth on 24 October 1902. This document is recorded in the Hampshire Archives as record D167/38.

In the 1911 census, William and Elizabeth were at Lisle House, Bournemouth, with 3 servants. Living in the gardener's lodge at 23 Grove Rd was George WELLS and family, gardener.

1911 census - Lisle House

1911 census - Gardener's lodge, Lisle House

Lisle House exists today as the East Cliff Hotel, overlooking the coast at Bournemouth. The building has been extended several times over the years, not always sympathetically with the original design. The original address was 23 Grove Road, but this was later renumbered to 53 Grove Road.

Lisle House in about 1927.	Lisle House in 1931. The original house was the front section only; the 4-storey accommodation block was added later.
Air photos of East Cliff in 1920.

Death of William Frederic GOODLIFFE

William Frederic died at Lisle House, Bournemouth on 15 September 1913 (Christchurch 2b/755) aged 78. He left an estate worth £93,000. Some of the estate was distributed to family and various charities, the remainder to his children (from his first wife Eliza BROWNSON) after Elizabeth had died.

Western Gazette 12 Dec 1913

Bournemouth Graphic 8 Feb 1924

Probate for William GOODLIFFE
The Will of William Frederic GOODLIFFE. You can download the original PDF version here.

Elizabeth Hardy Goodliffe remained at Lisle House in accord with William's Will. In 1921 she was alone there with 3 servants. Her sister Anne (HACK), now a retired Professor of Music lived a short distance away at 15 Landseer Rd, Bournemouth (now a council car park).Her sister Anne Stimson had married John HACK in 1893 in Nottingham. Anne was a musician, being "Professor of Music" at Nottingham St Peter by 1861 (aged 17 years). Anne and John did not have any children.

1921 census - Lisle House

1921 census for Anne HACK

Death of Elizabeth Hardy GOODLIFFE

Elizabeth Hardy GOODLIFFE died 17 January 1923 at Lisle House, Bournemouth "after a long ilness".

Bournemouth Times 20 Jan 1923. Note William has been elevated to "Lord of the Manor".

Probate notice for Elizabeth GOODLIFFE

According to the conditions of William's Will, his estate could be would up after Elizabeth died. The following year Anne HACK unveiled a stained glass memorial window at the Christ Church, Westbourne.

Bournemouth Graphic 8 Feb 1924

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The Children of William Frederic and Eliza Ann GOODLIFFE

William Francis GOODLIFFE (1860-1936)

William Francis was born 25 July 1860. He joined Lloyds Bank as a clerk and later became a cashier. The 1881 and 1891 censuses find him still livng at home in Woodthorpe Rise. But shortly after the 1891 census it appears he was sent to the banks's bramch at Great Driffield in Yorkshire. Here he met and married Eva JESSOP on 7 May 1895.He was aged 34 and she 25. The fathers were the witnesses and both were recorded as "Gentleman".

Marriage of William GOODLIFFE to Eva JESSOP, Great Driffield, Yorkshire

William did not stay long in Great Driffield. By the time their first son was baptised on 14 February 1898 they were living back in Nottingham (West Bridgford). In 1901 they were living at 3 Patrick St. By 1911 they had moved to 3 Clarement Gardens, off Sherwood Rise and a more upmarket part of Nottingham. They were still at this address in 1921.

1901 census for William Francis GOODLIFFE

1911 census for William Francis GOODLIFFE. Note Eva's mother is visiting them.

1921 census for William Francis GOODLIFFE.

William Francis and Eva had two children:

Although the family was living in Nottingham, both children were baptised at Great Driffield All Saints, presumably the hom parish of Eva's parents.

Baptism for William GOODLIFFE 1898

Baptism for Alan Dudley GOODLIFFE 1902

William Francis GOODLIFFE died on 27 January 1936 at his home, 13 Albemarle Rd, Woodthorpe Nottingham.

Probate for William GOODLIFFE 1936

Eva GOODLIFFE remained at 13 Albemarle Rd. In the 1939 Register she was alone with one young servant. Eva died at 13 Albemarle Rd on 10 June 1960.

1939 Register for Eva GOODLIFFE

Probate for Eva GOODLIFFE 1960

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The Children of William and Eva GOODLIFFE:

William Edward Francis GOODLIFFE (1897-1974) (known throughout life as "Frank") was born 28 November 1897, presumably at West Bridgford, Nottingham, but was baptised at Griffield All Saints, Yorkshire on 14 February 1898. The 1921 census records him as an "engineering student", but by 1939 he was working as "Managinf Director Incorporated Insurance Ltd". William Edward married Nelly Ann PRINCE in 1931. Nelly had been born on 25 February 1902 at Handsworth, Worcestershire to Sidney and Nelly Alice PRINCE (a jeweller). Nelly Ann was working as a laboratory assistant at Kings Norton Secondary School, in 1921. William and Nelly had two children. Their son was registered as both Arnold and Edward Arnold GOODLIFFE but appears to have been known as just Arnold.

1939 Register for William and Nelly GOODLIFFE

Frank went on to set up his own insurance brokerage company - WF Goodliffe Ltd.

Nottingham Gazette 22 July 1970

Nottingham Evening Post 18 February 1970

Frank was a prolific writer of Letters to the Editor of various Nottingham newspapers. He covered many topics from women drivers to bumpy roads but most expressed his anti-war sentiments due, in part, to his lifelong association with he Society of Friends (Quakers).

Nottingham Guardian 28 April 1972	Nottingham Guardian 13 February 1973
Nottingham Evening Guardian 1 May 1973

Nelly Ann died at 37 Newstead Ave, Mapperley on 27 November 1968. Frank GOODLIFFE died at 37 Newstead Ave, Mapperley on 5 November 1974. Both were cremated at Wilford Crematorium.

Nottingham Evening Post 28 November 1968

Nottingham Evening Post 7 November 1974

Helen Constance GOODLIFFE (1933-2017) was born 15 January 1933 to Frank and Nelly. In the 1939 Register she was a "student". Little more is known about Helen. She did not marry and appears to have lived in the family home at 37 Newstead Ave, Mapperley until her death on 2 March 2017. Her body was cremated at the Bramcote Crematorium. Her Obituary, published in the Nottingham Post on 9 March 2017 reads:

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Alan Dudley GOODLIFFE (1902) was born 6 January 1902, presumably at West Bridgford, Nottingham, but was baptised at Griffield All Saints, Yorkshire on 16 July 1902. The 1921 census recorded him as an "accountant's articled clerk". Alan became an accountant for the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China, with head office in London and branches throughout the world, including Manila in the Phillipines. Alan made several overseas trips - to Hong Kong in 1932 and Manila in 1937 and 1939. On these voyages his home address was given as either The Chartered Bank at 36 Bishopgate, London or his family home at 13 Albemarle Rd.

Just before war broke out in 1939 he indulged in a new vehicle - a new 1939 Bentley Sports Saloon, works number B67MX. The vehicle is still in use today.

Bentley B67MX first bought by Alan GOODLIFFE in 1939

War Service: On 29 June 1940 Alan was appointed as a probationary Pilot Officer in the Accountant Branch of the RAF. In 1941 he was promoted to full officer for the duration of the war.He ended the war having attained the rank of Squadron Leader. By 1942 Alan GOODLIFFE had been posted to No. 34 OTU in Pennfield Ridge, Nova Scotia, Canada to be in charge of the Accounts Section. No. 34 OTU was one of many Commonwealth Flying School locations in Canada where most Commonwealth air crews were trained. Pennfield Ridge was closed in mid-1945.

Marriage Alan GOODLIFFE married Elsie May (or Marion in some records) FULLER in early 1940, probably soon after joining the RAF. Elsie May was born Elsie REYNOLDS on 6 June 1909. She married William O'LEARY in 1928 in Portsmouith and they had one child - Ann Beverley (born 1932 in Portsmouth: registered as both FULLER and O'LEARY). She then married John FULLER in 1933 in Portsmouth. In 1939 she was still living in Portsmouth, alone at Flat 3 Clarendon Court. I cannot find her daughter Ann in the 1939 Register.

1939 Register for Elsie FULLER in Portsmouth

Elsie and her daughter Ann joined Alan at Pennfield, Canada in 1942, leaving Liverpool in July 1942 and travelling via Buenos Aires. They returned to Liverpool from Montreal on 30 Oct 1945. Note Ann travelled under the name of Ann Beverley FULLER,

1942 shipping record

1945 Shipping record

After returning from Canada Alan, Elsie and Ann moved to Ireland, residing at Richmond Park, Patrickswell, County Limerick Ireland. In 1949 they advertised for a cook.

Irish Independent 4 Feb 1949

After this date Alan and Elsie disappear from the records. Elsie was still alive in 1956 and living at Richmond Park when her daughter married Richard Dare BRYAN. Alan Dudley was still alive in 1960 as he is named on the probate record for his mother Eva.

Ann Beverley FULLER (born 1932 in Portsmouth) did not remain in Patrickswell for long. In January 1953 she was photographed at Heathrow Airport returning to Ireland to celebrate her 21st birthday. In early 1954 she was living in Hampstead where she joined the Young Conservatives, the newspapers recorded her activities. She married Richard Dare BRYAN at St Peters, Eaton Square, London on 24 March 1956. In 1960 Richard and Ann DARE-BRYAN were living at 4 Windlesham Park, Woodlands Lane, Chertsey,. Surrey.

Yorkshire Evening Post 30 Jan 1953	Hampstead News 18 Feb 1954
Daily Telegraph 18 August 1955	Hampstead News 13 Oct 1955
Daily Telegraph 27 Mar 1956

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Frederic GOODLIFFE (1861-1920)

Frederic (spleed without a "K" in most records) was born 23 November 1861 to William and Eliza. He was recorded with his father in the 1871 and 1881 censuses, by which time he was an apprentice hosier, probably in his father's business. By 1891 he was working as a hosier and boarding on a farm at Sutton Bonnington, presumably working in a nearby shop. This location explains why, later in 1891 he married here.

1891 census for Frederic GOODLIFFE in Main St Sutton Bonnington

On 22 September 1891 he married Elizabeth Mary YOUNG at Sutton Bonnington St Michael. Elizabeth had been born in Nottingham on 18 March 1862 to William and Elizabeth YOUNG, but by 1891 the family was living at Sutton Bonnington, also in Main St.

Marriage of Frederic GOODLIFFE to Elizabeth YOUNG at Sutton Bonnington St Michael

Frederic and Elizabeth had two children. Although they were living back in Nottingham, their firs child was baptised at Sutton Bonninton.

Baptism of John GOODLIFFE at Sutton Bonnington St Michael
Elizabeth GOODLIFFE with Herbert and John	Herbert and John GOODLIFFE

By 1901 Frederic and Elizabeth had moved to a large property as 12 Gorsey Rd, Mapperley Nottingham. Frederic was now a hosiery manufacturer and the Director of the company.

1901 census for Frederic and Elizabeth GOODLIFFE at 12 Gorsey Rd.

1911 census for Frederic and Elizabeth GOODLIFFE

Frederic GOODLIFFE died at Gorsey Rd on 17 April 1920, aged 58. He was buried at Church Rock Cemetery, Nottingham.

Burial record for Frederic GOODLIFFE

1923 probate for Frederic GOODLIFFE

Elizabeth remained at 12 Gorsey Rd for a while, but by 1939 she had moved to a small apartment at 1 Burns St, Nottingham, opposite the Nottingahm Arboretum..

1921 census for Elizabeth GOODLIFFE at 12 Gorsey Rd.

1939 register for Elizabeth GOODLIFFE

Elizabeth GOODLIFFE died on 7 March 1946 and was buried with Frederic at Church Rock Cemetery, Nottingham.

1946 probate for Elizabeth GOODLIFFE

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Of the children of Frederic and Elizabeth GOODLIFE:

John Brownson GOODLIFFE (1892-1962): was born in Nottingham on 23 November 1892 to Frederic and Elizabeth GOODLIFFE. He was recorded with the family in the 1901 and 1911 censuses. John enlisted in the Leicester Regiment in 1916 and was commissioned as a captain. Later he attended Oxford University, graduating with a BA from St John's College. He was then appointed as Assistant Master at Merchant Taylors Boarding School, at Crosby, Liverpool where he was also a "clerk in holy orders".

1921 census for John Brownson GOODLIFFE

Merchant Taylor School at Crosby, Liverpool

Whilst still teaching, he was ordained as deacon in 1921 and later a priest in 1922 by the Bishop of Liverpool. On 22 April 1924 he married Eleanor Frances MEEK, a school mistress from Bridlington. The witnesses included John's moter Elizabeth and his brother Herbert. In 1939 he was appointed Rector at Cheltenham.

Marriage to Eleanor MEEK

1939 register for John GOODLIFFE

John Brownson GOODIFFE died on 1 December 1962. His wife Eleanor Frances died in Cheltanham on 31 May 1969. Both are buried at St Helens Churchyard, Abbostsham, Devon.

Merseyside Daily Post 4 December 1962

Headstone for Canon John GOODLIFFE at St Helen Churchyard, Abbotsham, Devon.

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Herbert Spencer GOODLIFFE (1895-1993): was born in Nottingham on 27 March 1895 to Frederic and Elizabeth GOODLIFFE. He was recorded with the family in the 1901 and 1911 censuses. Herbert enrolled at Nottinham Univesity College to study medicine but at the oubreak of war left to enlist in the Army. He was posted to the Sherwood Foresters artillery but later was transferred to the Royal Flying Corps (that became the RAF) to train on observation balloons. He became a flying officer with the 15th Balloon Company. He left the RAF on 3 Jun 1919 and returned to the family home at 12 Gorsey St, Nottingham.

Nottingham Evening Post 27 Dec 1917

Herbert's father died in 1920, leaving the running of the company to Herbert. His mother vacated the Gorsey Rd property and by 1921 she was living with her parents in ??. Herbert was living in Edgemont House, 141-147 Derby Rd, Nottingham. On 25 May 1926 Herbert married Caroline Elizabeth JEFFERIS at Nottingham St James. Caroline had been born 19 March 1904 to Carlyle JEFFERIS (an architect) and his wife Edith (PEAT).

1921 census for Herbert GOODLIFFE at 143 Derby Rd, Nottingham.

Marriage of Herbert GOODLIFFE to Caroline JEFFERIS

Herbert and Caroline had two children:

According to the 1939 Electoral Roll Herbert and Caroline were living at 253 Limpsfield Rd, Warlingham, Surrey (south of London). A few months later at the time of the 1939 Register Caroline, Sheila and Michael were still at this address but Herbert was now living back in Nottingham.

1939 register for Caroline GOODLIFFE at 253 Limpsfield Rd, Warlingham.

1939 register for Herbert GOODLIFFE at 72 Cromwell St

Herbert rejoined the RAF at the outbreak of war serving in a command and training capacity. He and Caroline divorced in about 1950. Caroline moved to Blackburn where she died on 30 June 1979

Cremation record for Caroline GOODLIFFE

Meanwhile Herbert married Thelma Iris MAYES in 1951 in Greenwich. Thelma had been born 5 June 1928 in Lewisham so was over 30 years younger than Herbert. After marriage the couple lived at 26 Tatnell Rd Lewisham for several years then 104a Trafalgar Rd Greenwich before moving to 50 Gloucester Place, Littlehampton. Herbert died at Littlehampton in late 1993. His wife Thelma died here in 2010. In later years his wartime exploits in balloons came to light.

Littlehampton Gazette 5 Feb 1993

The Argus 23 OCt 2010.

Sheila Elizabeth GOODLIFFEwas born 27 March 1927 in Nottingham. She graduated with a B.Sc from London University in 1948. She died at Blackburn on 16 January 2006.

Lancashire Telegraph 18 Jan 2006

Michael GOODLIFFE was born 9 Sep 1935 in Nottingam. Little is kknown about his life. He died at Greenwich on 6 December 1959 aged 24 and was cremated at Elthem Cemetery.

1959 cremation record for Michael GOODLIFFE.

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Last updated: 20 August 2026