Images sent off list Jennie JAMES Tokoroa NZ -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of John Favill Sent: Monday, 31 March 2008 9:36 a.m. To: [email protected] Subject: [BDF] Request for help. My greetings to all, This is a request for help in tracing a 1861 census entry. For many years I have been trying to piece together the history of the Royal College of Music in Manchester. Not the present day one originated by Sir Charles HALLE, but certainly the first. This organization began in 1848 by a Dr Mark who had the object of taking boy orphans of musicians and boys of poor parents who had musical ability and provide each with both a general and a musical education. Food, lodging and clothing were also provided, the age range of the children being 5 to 16 years of age. When the boy reached the age of 16 a decision was taken as to his future. Those with sufficient talent could continue at the college and were given further training to become either a professional musician or a teacher of music. Alternatively for those who did not have sufficient talent or who did not wish to continue a music based profession, they were helped to obtain an apprenticeship. My grandfather was an example of the latter and in 1865 at the age of 16 he became apprenticed to a Lithographer in Manchester. To fund his operation Dr Mark formed an orchestra which toured England and Scotland giving music concerts under the name "Dr Mark and his Little Men." My grandfather was 8 years of age when he became a little man in 1857. Many of these concerts were announced or reported in "The Era" newspaper, a weekly publication devoted to the theatre, music and concert hall from 1837 until 1939. For instance for a concert given in Aberdeen on November 25, 1860 the Era reported " The precision with which the little fellows play difficult overtures etc. says much for the training they are receiving at the hands of the worthy Doctor." An idea of the ability and the standard of playing can be judged by the fact that on February 18 , 1858 "Dr Mark and his Little Men" gave a concert at Buckingham Palace. The occasion was the celebration of the 11th Wedding anniversary of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with other members of the Royal Family in attendance. A Royal Command Performance. Dr Mark, who was born in Germany, died in January of 1868 and as I cannot trace any information that would tell me the organization continued after his death I assume that it died with him. Now to the part with which I need help. I have the census returns for Monday April 8, 1861 for 42 Bridge Street, Deansgate , Manchester, the location of the Royal College of Music, and although there are both students and staff recorded it is far from complete. Recently I have been told that on that day "Dr. Mark and his Little Men" were giving a concert in Bedford. I am hoping that a member of this group has come across the census records and could provide the information as I am also hoping that within the group in Bedford I will find my grandfather's name, William FAVILL born in Monks Coppenhall, Crewe in Cheshire. The names will, hopefully, complete my list of names of those who were members of the "Little Men" on that census day. My Grandfather, who died in 1901, played the violin in the "Little Men" orchestra. Other suggestions that might lead me to the records would be most welcome. John FAVILL, Brookfield, Wisconsin, USA The List Guidelines http://bedfordrootsweb.blogspot.com/ ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to [email protected] with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 877 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len