Annie Collins (buried 1926)

Annie was born in West Dean near Chichester, Sussex, the daughter of George and Elizabeth. She was baptised at West Dean on 29th October 1847. Annie's father was the innkeeper at the Selsey Arms in the village. When he died in 1850, her mother took over the running of the inn. As a young woman, Annie went to London to find work. Here she met and married Walter William Collins at St Gabriel's Church, Pimlico on 1st February 1870. Walter was a master butcher and lived with his widowed mother Mary in Gravesend. By 1881, the couple were living in Northfleet with three of Annie's nieces. They had no children of their own. In July 1882, Walter was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to four months hard labour. He had been involved in an accident when his butcher's cart collided with a carriage. A young lady was thrown from the carriage and died at the scene. Walter was drunk and swerving from side to side on the road. (for details see the Gravesend Reporter 8th July 1882). After his release from prison, Walter carried on his business in Northfleet but by 1895, the family had moved to Sussex, living at 125 Oving Road, Portfield. Walter was by now behaving oddly. He was spotted around the area wearing women's petticoats and behaving in a strange way. He was certified insane and sent to Fisherton House, Salisbury on 24th May 1895. On 24th August 1897, Walter was transferred to Sussex County Asylum (Graylingwell). He died there on 14th November 1903. Annie moved to Brighton, running a lodging house. By 1911 she had returned to Chichester, living in Appuldram. In the 1920's, Annie lived in Worthing at 20 Gratwicke Road. She died on 14th October 1926 at 39 Rowlands Road. Probate was granted on 18th November to Hugh Humphrey commercial traveller. Hugh was Annie's nephew and lived in Chichester. Effects £360.