Person:Martha Smith (216)

Martha Smith's origins have yet to be established. Her first confirmed sighting is on 15th December 1646 at Benington in Hertfordshire, when she married a butcher named George Walby. After their marriage they settled in the neighbouring village of Aston, where they had six children between 1648 and 1661, spanning the period from the English Civil Wars, through the Commonwealth and Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell and the restoration of the monarchy.

George died in 1661, leaving Martha looking after the children, who ranged in age from thirteen down to seven months.

Martha appears to have survived George by over thirty years. Her first known grandchild was born in 1676.

Martha was buried at Benington, just east of Aston, on 9th January 1693.

1. ↑ Church of England. Parish Registers of Benington. (Hertford: Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies).

   1692 / Martha Walby de Aston Sepulta - Jan. 9
   Martha Walby of Aston buried January 9 [i.e. 9 Jan 1692/3]