>Archie had one son, who was too young to serve in the war. Archie himself did not serve (at least, I have found no record of his doing so) - I presume he would not have been in the first round of enlistments due to his age (in 1914, 32) and/or more likely his work as, effectively, estate manager running the sawmill was considered a protected occupation producing timber for the war effort (anyone any ideas on how to check for that? I haven't yet looked, but was there a list of protected professions and who was one it, or was this done as an ad hoc, case by case decision?). There is no service record of his joining the forces nor mention in family letters or photos. A 32 year old would have been accepted (if fit) had they volunteered at any time. Many of that age and older volunteered in 1914/15. Conscription came along later, when his occupation may have saved him (his age means he would not be called up until fairly late in the war, possibly too late to do anything more than some training). There were local tribunals that heard appeals against conscription, perhaps he featured in one of these - reports in the local paper. >I have a copy of the probate calendar record, from the web, but given his untimely and relatively sudden death I had presumed this was granted intestate. Now you make me wonder: is the presence of a probate record an indication that there *must* be a will? I've not located one. A calendar entry does not mean there must be a will - only that probate was granted - ie someone was given control of the estate. If there was a will the Probate Registry will have a copy, if not they will have the grant of administration which should be of some interest. Costs £5 or £6. If you want to be certain where he was living follow Eve's advice - the Lloyd George domesday will have details of the house, ownership and occupiers linked to an OS map showing the location. Most detail is in the Field Books at the National Archives (catalogued in IR58), the locally held version is less detailed though it is quicker to find an individual as the data is tabulated, many properties per page whereas the field books have four pages per property.

I have to say thanks to the many people who offered great ideas on identifying the house in Hanborough. I was heading towards a long term wait to check the valuations at the National Archives, but I have a solid answer now ... My thanks to Wendy (and others) who suggested Google street view. I'd already been through the village, then again when the search started to narrow down using the census. Now, on a return due to Wendy's suggestion, I have the house across the road from the Swan. It's two cottages today, as it once would have been though in between it was one in Archie's time. There is plenty of ground around it to once have had a tennis court, lawns and all sorts. But the clincher ... I have a photo of Archie driving a truck. Behind his head there are two windows in a house - could have been anywhere. But, from Google Street View it is clear that the brickwork is identical and this is the house. Not only do I now know where he lived, I have an ID for where a photo was taken. Thanks to all for your help. I suspect it won't be long before I'm back with another question! Chris Howes