Dear Stapleford History Group
My name is Paul Rawlings & I write from Perth, Australia.
I am descended from the Rawlings family that lived in Stapleford in the late 1700’s until the mid 1800’s
My ancestor Luke Rawlings built Dormer Cottage at 5 Bar Lane & operated the local windmill. We are also descended from the Willis family (Robert Willis built several smock windmills in the area including the restored one at Fulbourn and the demolished one in Stapleford) as Luke married Rebecca Willis from next door (7 Bar Lane)!
I am hoping to visit the UK possibly next year & a visit to Stapleford will be a must.
I was hoping to find out as much as I can about the family & life in the village at that time – my mother Sylvia has visited the village in the past & has previously spoken to Alan Bullwinkle about the family. I’m sure he would remember her.
I am also interested in the 50 or so people who left the village in 1850 & travelled to Victoria (of their own free will!).
Would you be able to point me in the right direction, in particular any books on the village history?
I would also like to become a member of your group so would appreciate you sending an application form etc.
Many thanks
Paul & Christine Rawlings