Samuel Williams - Village Labourer

Our meeting this month is about Samuel Williams - Village Labourer told to us by John Kay.

Samuel Williams was born in Ringmer at the start of the 19th century and lived in the same village for almost all his long life. Born in the reign of King George III, he lived through the Regency, the whole reigns of George IV and William IV, and almost enough of Queen Victoria's reign to see her Golden Jubilee. He never rose above the rank of village labourer and made his mark when signing any document. From our perspective, John says, his life looks to have been one of grinding poverty and he had inside experience of the Lewes House of Correction. Clearly a village character, he could not leave behind his own account of his life for his many descendants. So how much can we uncover today about his life? John will show us!