Who was Edward Noyes?

Richard Lockwood (MdA 82-87) found this picture in an antiques shop of a CH boy. On the back of the picture was written ‘Gt Grandfather Edward Noyes’.

So… who was Edward Noyes?

Fortunately, Janet Loines (7s 71-77) has a copy of Ken Mansell’s book, Christ’s Hospital Pupils 1552-1902, which provided Edward’s dates at Christ’s Hospital as 1859-1866.  Correspondence with CH Museum provided further information about Edward.  He was born in Dalston, Hackney, on 16 June 1851 to William Noyes and his wife, Thyrza, and was one of nine children.  He was elected for his place at Christ’s Hospital by The Grocers’ Company and so Janet contacted the company historian at Grocers’ Hall.  Their historian kindly looked at their archives and advised that Noyes is a very common Grocer surname, with many appearing from at least the mid 17^th century.  Edward himself was made Free by Patrimony of the Grocers’ Company in 1881.

Helen Clifford, Historian, Grocers’ Hall said:  ‘Our well known story of Christ’s Hospital is that it took the Company to Court after the Great Fire of London, as it could no longer fund its charitable contributions – which had been funded by rental income – as all the Company’s property had been destroyed. Christ’s Hospital actually took possession of the Hall for a while, until the Company could raise the funds!’

Edward married Eliza McKenzie in 1885 in Hackney and they went on to have three children.  Edward lived in Hackney throughout his life and became a paper merchant.  He died suddenly in bed in August 1911 and the results of the inquest into his death were published in the Daily Mirror.  The summer of 1911 was extremely hot, and according to the report, it was the extreme heat that precipitated his death.

It isn’t known who painted the portrait but Janet found the same image as a photo on Ancestry which indicates it was taken at a studio in Newgate Street, so it’s likely that someone colourised.

There are six “Noyes” boys in Ken Mansell’s book and further research has shown that Thomas Noyes, Edward’s grandfather, was also at CH 1786-1793.

Janet told us ‘As soon as I saw Richard’s Facebook post I wanted to find out more about Edward’s life. It was fascinating to delve into Edward’s story, especially researching his family’s connection to the Grocers’ Company.  It brings his picture to life and also lets us remember a fellow Old Blue who would not have come to our attention had it not been for Richard’s antique shop find!’