I am seeking information about Thomas Ward, who was a builder/developer in Brighton in the mid-1800’s. I know from the following extract that in 1869, he was involved in land dealings associated with York Villas:
“On 1st May 1869 John Philipson and Elizabeth and Richard conveyed to Daniel Friend of the Highlands, Prestonville (Gent), for £3,800, a plot of land of the New England estate, containing from north to south on the east side 305ft, and on the west side 313 ft and from east to west on the north side 238 ft 4” on the south side 239 ft and which abutted Old Shoreham Road to the north, the London Brighton and South Coast railway to south, Grove Villa to the east and another part of the estate to the west.
The land was to be bisected by a new road called York Villas, and Friend agreed that not more than 16 semi-detached villas each with a minimum value of £300 excluding the value of the land would be built on the land.
On 24th May 1869, Friend conveyed to Thomas Ward (Builder), a plot measuring 108 ft from north to south and 58 ft from east to west and abutting the new road on the south together with the 2 houses being erected on it and to be known as 13 and 14 York Villas (now 19 and 20) – for £400.
Restricted covenants required Ward to maintain all part and other walls and to put down a pavement and curb and forbade the use of the premises for trade or manufacturing purposes as a public or private lunatic asylum, as an inn, public house, beer shop, warehouse or livery stables etc of for any purpose other than as a private residence without the written authority of Friend and similarly forbade any alterations to the front elevations, enclosing walls, fences etc.
On the same day Ward mortgaged the properties to Edward Stanford of the Manor House, Fishbourne, Esq., for £1,000 and the power of sale.” (from the deeds of 20 York Villas)
Thomas has been very difficult to track down. I know he married Phillis Mann in 1865, and sho continued to live in Brighton until her death in 1893, but I cannot find Thomas in any census after 1861.
Any information regarding Thomas Ward’s building business would be very helpful.
Thanks
Neal
