Nancy was baptised when she was a few months old, wearing the gown which her father had worn. She was baptised at home and her mother was not very impressed to find a pudding basin being used as the christening font. Victorian christening gowns were very elaborate, long with lots of embroidery, and long tight sleeves with a frill at the shoulder. Nancy was Above: Nancy at about 15 months either older than her father when baptised or a chubbier baby as the sleeves were too tight for her and had to be taken out, which probably made life a lot easier for those of us who manouevered our babies into this gown in later years. Apparently the gown wouldn't meet at the back either and she kept trying to sit up and exposing the gap so had to wear a cardigan. There aren't any photos of Nancy's christening day but the gown features in lots of other photos later on.
Barbara was born almost 2 years after Nancy, just before Christmas 1916. She was named Matys Buddle as her father was determined to get Buddle in even though it wasn't another son and her mother had read Matys in a book and liked it. However, they soon got sick of people saying "Matys! Don't you mean Clematis?" and began calling her Barbara. They didn't change it legally so Matys Buddle remained her real name.Barbara with her mother aged 12 months
Below: Nancy 4 1/2 and Barbara 2 1/2 yrs
2 comments:
I think this blog is a great idea. How nice to remember those who left us. Do you stil own the gown in the photos ???? Dana
http"//uniquechristeninggowns.blogspot.com
Hi I am Janiece the granddaugther of Frank Aruther. what a great thing to do, I sit here with tears sreaming down my face in love. Thank you Helen. I'm not sure if you are aware that Mum Jenny passed over in July 08. If you want to contact me please do so. Love Janiece
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