Were they Chatfields or were they Smiths?

Doreen's memoirs mention that her grandmother on her mother's side, who would have been Bridget Dempsey, lived with Aunt Rose in Warren Street. In the 1911 census Bridget (who is still calling herself Frances) is living with 2 of her children, and 2 of her grandchildren at Wichling, Lenham. George is not there, though she states she is married and not widowed. She also says she has been married 39 years, has had 11 children, 3 of whom have died. Where is George? Unfortunately as he is calling himself George Smith he has proved impossible to find so far but I am still looking! Maybe the 1921 census, when it becomes available, will shed some light. As for her living with Aunt Rose later in life, I am presuming Rose is one of her other children, Rosina who married Walter Neaves in 1901.

I am positive that Annie's mum's real name is Bridget. I am also certain that George Smith never actually existed and that his real name was George Chatfield. I don't know why he started using Smith, unless for some reason he was hiding from someone.

My research leads me to believe that the below newspaper article taken from the Maidstone Telegraph dated 27th March 1869 refers to George. He has been referred to as George Oliver (his mother's maiden name) alias George Chatfield, and he appears to be in some trouble.

George has been accused of burglary, and seems to have given a fake name; probably because he was absent without leave from his regiment. Unfortunately they appear to have found out who he is anyway and his fate has been left to the military. I don't know what happens, though I need to try and find out, so watch this space. Two years later in 1871 he is living with his parents at Lyne House Cottage, Lingfield, Surrey and is listed as a lodger though he is actually their son. He is using the name George Chatfield and is married to an Elizabeth (though again I am pretty sure this is Bridget and she has used yet another name). Also, they don't actually marry until 1874 when they are George Chatfield (bachelor) and Bridget Dempsey (spinster). From their children's birth certificates they continue to be George and Bridget Chatfield until sometime between 1879 and 1881 when they suddenly become George and Frances Smith! Their children then use either Chatfield or Chatfield Smith as their surnames on their marriage certificates. It's a mystery but I have a possibly theory that can probably never be proved.........

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