A History of Preston
in Hertfordshire
Arthur was the firstborn son of Alfred and Emily Wray born in the first quarter of 1883 at Preston, Herts.
In 1901 he was described as a cowman and domestic gardener. He married Lilla Maud Langham, the daughter of horse keeper/ploughman, Charles Langham at the parish church of Kings Walden on 1 December 1906. Arthur’s occupation was given as a gardener. Florence Smart (who was probably his cousin) was a witness.
Arthur and Lilla had two sons, Arthur William (Bill) (born 1907) and Charlie (born 1910).
Arthur was employed as a gardener all of his working life and worked for Mrs Murray-
Whilst there, he suffered an appendicitis and his employer paid for him to go to
London for a ground-
In the 1920s Arthur was head gardener at Biddlesden Park, Bucks. In 1929/30 the family were living at 59 Towns End Place, Ippollitts. Arthur’s brother, Dick was a near neighbour. When Arthur retired, he and Ella lived at Ickleford.
Arthur died in the summer of 1971, aged 88.
Arthur Wray (right) with Charles Langham 1915c
Above left, l to r:Charles Langham, Lilla and Arthur Wray. Above right: l to r Charlie,: Arthur, Lilla and Bill Wray
Arthur and Lilla with their son, Charlie Wray
L to r, Lilla, Rodney, Elaine, Charlie, Judith and Arthur Wray -
Arthur and Lilla celebrating their sixtieth wedding anniversary
