From Norfolk Roots to Bombay’s Medical Pioneer Dandeson Coates Bell, born on 23 March 1793, emerged from the humble Norfolk origins of his father, Dr. William Bell, to become a prominent figure in the medical history of Bombay (now Mumbai). His journey from a small English county to the bustling streets of Bombay is a…

Alan Robinson Hillen (1893-1979) Gramps looks a little fierce in this photograph, but appearances can be deceiving. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word. Gramps was born in Windsor Place (a little mews halfway down Gloucester Place, marked in red on the old map below) the Mumbles, Swansea on March 29th 1893…

Early Years in Catford Richard was born in Catford, south-east London, on 20 October 1925. A robust baby, he weighed in at over 10 pounds. His birth was not without its challenges, leading to a dramatic change in his mother’s appearance – her hair reportedly turned white. Growing up, Richard often felt like he had…

The Life and Legacy of James Thomas Hillen James Thomas Hillen’s story is not just one of identity and survival during a time of social rigidity, but it is also a tale of resilience and adaptability. His youngest son, Alan, revered him as a true gentleman, an epitome of wisdom and grace. His advice to…

The Ancestral Roots of the Bell Family in the Scottish Borders Since the early 12th century, the Bells, a prominent clan of the old West Marche, stood as one of the eight influential riding families of the Scottish Borders. They were interlinked with the foremost border families, not only through marriage and kinship but also…

A Surgeon’s Tale from Norfolk to Malvern In the annals of medical history, the story of Frederic Bell, often recorded as Frederick, is one of quiet dedication and personal tragedy. Born in 1812 in Tilney St Lawrence, Norfolk, England, he was christened on the 29th of December that year in the neighbouring Terrington St. Johns.…

Country Doctor In the heart of Norfolk, nestled in the quaint village of Terrington St. John, lies a rich tapestry of history, woven with stories of notable individuals who have shaped its past. Among these figures stands William Bell, a surgeon and apothecary whose life and work left an indelible mark on the community in…

Surveyor, Publican, Brewer: The Multifaceted Life of Christopher Bell In the picturesque village of Snettisham, nestled within the county of Norfolk, lived Christopher Bell, a man whose varied talents and occupations painted a vivid picture of life in the 18th century. As a surveyor, publican, and brewer, Bell was an integral figure in his community,…

18th Century Family Values and Legacy A Testament to Diligence and Prudence In the quiet parish of West Newton, nestled between the quaint villages of Appleton and Sandringham, the testament of William Bell, a farmer of considerable repute, was proven on May 12th, 1748. This document, penned with the careful hand of a man cognizant…

The Legacy of Thomas Bell: From Dumfriesshire to Norfolk A Story of Love, Migration, and Entrepreneurship The life of Thomas Bell, intertwined with that of his wife Elizabeth Paine, is a narrative that not only chronicles the movement of a family from Scotland to England but also encapsulates the spirit of enterprise and adaptation that…