Arthur Wray

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-Smith of Gosmore House. His family lived at Gapin’ Row (aka Letter Box Row) Gosmore.

Whilst there, he suffered an appendicitis and his employer paid for him to go to London for a ground-breaking operation that had been performed on King George V. He then went to Bognor to recuperate.

Fron 1920 -30 Arthur was head gardener at Biddlesden Park, Bucks. When he retired, he and Ella lived at Ickleford

Arthur died in the summer of 1971, aged 88.

Arthur Wray (right) with Charles Langham 1915c

Above, l to r: Charles Langham, Lilla and Arthur Wray

Right, Arthur and Ella in 1966 celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary