Marion Elizabeth Chignell was the first-born child, arriving on the 16th February 1867 to parents Robert Chignell and Marion Chignell (nee Street). They were both married in Pancras, London, 1863. 4 years after Marion's birth.
in 1881, we can place the family in Dover, Kent. Robert was the principal of a private school and Marion (mother) had no occupation. Marion E was only 4 years of age and had a little sister, Ethel Agnes, who was just 2 years old. There is another sister, Mildred Eleanor, who was born post-1871 census documentation.
Castlemount private school
Four years later, Robert had a private school built by Mr W J Adcock in 1876 which was known as 'Castlemount', and prior to moving to this new build, Robert acquired 'Mount Ellis' to use as a private school until Castlemount was completed. Eventually, the family left Dover and the school was being run by Rev. Thomas Chirol by 1891.
There is no census information available for the year 1881 available for any of the family.
The 1891 census places the family at 'Stoneleigh, Grinstead Lane, East Grinstead' where Robert is now a 'barrister-at-law, living on own means', and no occupation for the rest of the household. The children were presumably in education either privately or publicly and with the youngest, Mildred, now 19 years of age, it is assumable that they are all living on their own means with their parents. The household also contains a visiting niece, Isabell E Cole, and two others, a housemaid and a cook.
10 years later, in 1901, Marion (34) is living at 'Stoneleigh, College Lane, East Grinstead' with her mother, and younger sister Mildred (29). As for the road name change, either the road was renamed or the family moved and re-named the house after their old one. Robert also appears to be missing from the 1901 census, however, so is Ethel Agnes. Ethel moved down to Brighton in the 1890s and married a Thomas Horatio Fowler in 1898 and on the 1901 census for the Fowler's residence, Robert is visiting. The year of 1908, on December 10th, Marion Chignell, Marion's mother, sadly dies. She is buried in Heene Cemetery on the 14th December. Prior to 1908, the family moved to 'St Martin's, Bath Road, West Worthing' which would explain the connection to Heene Cemetery.
The final census of 1911 tells us that the family are living at St Martin's, minus the mother. All that remains is Robert (retired barrister), Marion (no occupation) and Mildred (no occupation). There are also 3 domestic servants serving the household. Robert dies 14 years later on the 10th February 1925 at his home and is buried 4 days later in the same plot as his wife, Marion.
Probate was granted on the 15th May 1925 to Marion Elizabeth Chignell, spinster, George Street Chignell, professor of music, and Reginald George Vicat Cole, artist. Effects: £19373. 17s. 5d.
The Last Will and Testament for Marion Chignell was dated 27th September 1926.
At some time between 1925 and 1927, Marion moves to 33 Winchester Road where she later dies on the 21st September 1927, cause of death unknown. Her sisters later die in 1949 and 1962, Ethel aged 81 and Mildred aged 91, respectively. Marion never married and remained a spinster until her death.