Clara Catherine Cradduck

Recently I found a collection of forty old postcards all addressed to Miss C Cradduck at various addresses in Kent and Sussex, they are all dated from 1903 to 1912. It seems she was a postcard collector and her friends posted them to her from various places in England, Europe and Australia. They are a delightful snapshot of the era so I was interested to find out a bit more about Miss C Cradduck.

One or two of the postcards are addressed to Cath or Miss C C so I searched the 1901 census for her. One of the postcards was addressed to her at 'New House, Biddenden, Kent' and that is where I found her living at home with her parents and siblings. Although her name turned out to be Clara Catherine Cradduck it looks like she was known as Cath or Catherine. She was born 1885 in Biddenden, Kent, daughter of James Thomas CRADDUCK and Emma nee DEAN. Clara was the 11th child of 12 children, 7 girls 5 boys - Frederick Dean, James Charles, Lilian Emily, Annie Elizabeth, Eva, Hilda Emma, Tom George, Edgar, Benjamin Sidney, Alice Susannah, Clara Catherine & Eunice.

On the 8 Nov 1911 two of Cath's sisters, Hilda and Eva, boarded the vessel "Arawa" at London bound for Wellington, New Zealand:-

Name: Hilda CRADDOCK
Date of departure: 8 November 1911
Port of departure: London
Passenger destination port: Wellington, New Zealand
Passenger destination: Wellington, New Zealand
Date of Birth:
Age:
Marital status: Single
Sex: Female
Occupation: Housekeeper
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The following people with the same last name travelled on this voyage: -
Eva CRADDOCK
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Ship: ARAWA
Steamship Line: Shaw Savill & Albion Co Ltd
Where bound: New Zealand
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On 18 Jul 1913 they were followed by three more sisters, Alice Susannah, Clara Catherine & Eunice on the vessel "Ionic".

Name: Alice CRADDOCK
Date of departure: 18 July 1913
Port of departure: London
Passenger destination port: Wellington, New Zealand
Passenger destination: Wellington, New Zealand
Date of Birth: 1885 (calculated from age)
Age: 28
Marital status:
Sex: Female
Occupation: Domestic
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The following people with the same last name travelled on this voyage: -
Clara CRADDOCK (born 1886)
Eunice CRADDOCK (born 1888)
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Ship: IONIC
Steamship Line: Shaw Savill & Albion Co Ltd
Where bound: New Zealand

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I don't know if they were emigrating to NZ or whether they were just on a holiday. It seems likely that at least Clara Catherine stayed in NZ because she brought her postcard collection with her and it must have been disposed of in NZ at some time after her death.

1) East Hill, Ashford

Postcard No.599

Dear C, I got this PC when I went to Ashford the other Tuesday, only I've neglected posting it. Hope Mrs A is quite well, from June.
Posted on 26 Oct 1903 from Cranbrook to Cath in White Hill, Crowborough, Sussex.

2) Tappington Manor (Ingoldsby Legends)
Now a Bed & Breakfast Farm

Dear Miss C, I hope you are getting on alright don't forget to ... .. Stevens will see you when I get back tomorrow Tuesday. Love from all G Austen.
Posted on 8 Feb 1904 from Canterbury to Cath at the Post Office in White Hill.

3) Beautiful Clovelly (Devon)

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons "View" Series 782.

Add this to your collection: from Arthur.
Posted on 13 Feb 1904 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in White Hill, Crowborough.

1) Mr Chamberlain's Residence - The Grounds

Postcard printed by Delittle, Fenwick & Co, York.

No message or sender, posted on 15 Mar 1904 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in White Hill.

2) Court Lodge Rd, Appledore

Postcard published by A H De'Ath, Ashford.

Dear Cath, Thanks very much for all you have sent me. Have you ever been here? It is very like it! With Love from Carrie. C M Avery.
Posted on 19 Mar 1904 from Cranbrook to Cath in White Hill.

3) Sauchiehall Street (Looking East) (Glasgow, Scotland)

Postcard from The National Series.

Dearest Cath, very many happy returns of the 20th. Please forgive card in place of letter, but I am just off to Madam Tusauds, so can't stop to write more. Please give my love to Mrs A & thank her for cards. Much love from your affec Mab. Posted 19 May 1904 to Cath in White Hill.

1) Marseille - 53 - La Place Des Capucines

Postcard: Phototvbie E. Lacour.

Dear Cath, a foreign one in return for yours, isn't it pretty. Please thank Mrs A for hers of this morning. Yesterday & today has been lovely quite a treat to see the sun, am just going for a walk, love, your affec Mabel. Posted 9 Mar 1904, to Cath in White Hill.

2) Stone St, Cranbrook

Dear Cath, I noticed that you had not got any P.C's of Cranbrook so have sent you one. Love Eunie. Posted on 17 Jun 1904 from Cranbrook to Cath at home in New House Farm, Biddenden, Kent.

3) Rabbit Shooting: In the Spinney.

Postcard by Raphael Tuck & Sons. "British Sports." Series 1409. Chromotyped in Saxony. Art Publishers to their Majesties The King & Queen.

Arrived home safely at ½ past ten. Mr C came to meet me. Am longing to hear how the photoes will turn out, love S C. Posted on 18 Aug 1904 to Cath at 7 Market Square, Dover.

1) On Hayes Common, Kent

After the original painting by S Johnson. Published by Raphael Tuck & Sons. "Oilette" Series 1532. Chromotyped in Bavaria.

Dear Miss Craddock, I hope you enoyed yourself at Folkstone yesterday...E.T. Posted 12 Sep 1904 from Dover to Cath c/o Egglesden & Graves, Market Square, Dover.

2) Royal Parade, Ramsgate

Postcard published by Woolstone Bros, London. The Milton "Artlette" Series No 160.

Dear Cath, do I owe you a letter? Hope you are having good times. Suppose Nance is having a holiday at New House & Will too I think. Have you nearly filled your album, I am getting on slowly, with love Eva. Posted 19 Sep 1904 to Cath in Dover.

3) Fountain's Abbey - Near Ripon, North Yorkshire

Dear C, Hope I shall have an L from you on Thur shall be down as soon as you let me know. I can stay at Mrs B again. Love Prize. Posted 11 Oct 1904 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.

1) The Avenue, Warkton - Near Kettering, Northamptonshire

Postcard: Valentine's Series

Well my dear little Peach Bloss how are you getting on I am having lovely weather so warm too. I went for a walk through here this morning from your Pear bloss.
Posted 25 Oct 1904 from Kettering to Cath in Dover.

2) General View, Ramsgate

Postcard: Pictorial Stationery Co Ltd, London. "Autochrom" (Colour Photo). Printed in Saxony.

I have not forgotten it is my turn to write, will do so soon. Went to Ramsgate Thursday had a jolly time. Love from Susie. Posted 5 Nov 1904 from Canterbury to Cath in Dover.

3) Ventnor (Isle of Wight)

Postcard: Valentine's Series.

Dear C, some of Mr A - PCs what do you think of them Love from Prize. Posted 8 Nov 1904 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.

1) Steephill Cove (Isle of Wight)

Postcard: Valentine's Series.

Posted Nov 8 1904 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.

2) Abend im Spreewald (Evening in Spreewald - Germany)

Postcard: No 1974.

Dear C, Thanks for P.C of this morn, had a very wet day Sunday but a beautiful day today very warm again. Love - Howard. Posted 22 Jul 1905 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.

3) Eastwell Church (St Mary's near Ashford)

Postcard: By A H De'Ath, Ashford. Printed by Headley Bros, Ashford.

Dear C, Will write in a day or two & tell you all news. Hav'nt seen another exhibition in Shipping lately, have you? Love from "Hild". Posted 21 Mar 1905 from Cranbrook to Cath in Dover.

Martyrs' Memorial, Oxford

Dear Cath, have had rather excited times here today Wilmshurts Flour Mill at the station caught fire has done a lot of damage. I went down early in the morning & stopped till 1-30 then I wanted my dinner. Love from Howard.
Posted 16 Apr 1905 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.


2) The Llangollen Bridge (Wales) - As it looks today

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons "Chromette" postcard No 9404

Dear C, we have had two glorious days here proper Spring weather have you heard the cuckoo down your way it is quite gay up here with him now letter to follow Sunday. Love from Howard.
Posted 4 May 1905 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.


3) Ville de Paris. Notre Dame.

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons "Oilette". The "Wide Wide World" series, postcard No 7169.

Wishing you many happy returns of the Day. A D. Posted 20 May 1905 from Dover to Cath in Dover.

1) National Schools, Faversham.

Postcard: by A N Filmer, Faversham.

Dear Cath, just to wish you "many happy returns of the day". Will write soon. Dick is coming tonight, & going to stay tomorrow. Love from Hild. Posted 20 May 1905 from Faversham to Cath in Dover.

2) Fairlight Glen near Hastings

Postcard: by H Salmon, White Rock Library, Hastings.

We're having a very nice day at Hastings. It is a lovely place. I would like to spend a month here (that is all). How would you like a walk in F.G. How lovely? S.W.A.K. FB
Posted 29 Jul 1905 from Hastings to Cath in Dover.

3) Near Keston, Kent

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons "Oilette". Series 1532. Picturesque England. Chromotyped in Bavaria. Painting by S Johnson.

Dear Cath, Thanks for letter & P.C. will send Fred's back when I write. No doubt you will see Hild soon. Isn't this glorious weather, hope it lasts. Love from June. Posted 18 Aug 1905 from Cranbrook to Cath in 7 Market Square, Dover.

1) Near Ben Lomond

Postcard: Series 121/5

Dear C, shall write to you tomorrow have not had time today been busy since 6 o'c in morning. Love Howard.
Posted 26 Aug 1905 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath c/0 Mrs Barwill, 48 St James St, Dover.

2) Buckland Church, Dover

Postcard: No 6558

64 Odo Rd, Dover. My Dear Craddy, Just a line hoping you are well & also to thank your for your card. I am pleased to hear you are enjoying yourself & also having lovely weather it is very cold hear today I am sorry to tell you my Father has been very ill this last week with Rhuematics but I am glad to say he seems a little better today & able to set up but will not be able to work for another week.(Never mind it will all come right in the future). With fond Love E.W. Hope to hear from you one day next week. Posted 14 Oct 1905 from Dover to Cath, New House Farm, Biddenden.

3) Ullswater, St Sunday Crag (Lake District, Cumbria)

Postcard: Davidson Bros Pictorial, Series No 7000 "Photo Color"

Jan 24th, Dear C, Thanks very much for letter & pretty P.C. Am sorry you have heard nothing from Deal. It would be nice if you get to Folkstone. Will write soon. Love from Cl.... Posted 24 Jan 1906 to Cath at home in Biddenden.

1) The Yarra at Melbourne, Australia

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons, postcard 7292 "Oilette". The "Wide Wide World" series.

22 March, Dear C, What do you think of this for holiday weather. I hav'nt had one fine day yet but it is a change to be at home. I went to a Concert last night. Write soon. Love from "Cherub." Posted 22 Mar 1906 to Cath at 3 Kings Rd, St Leonards on Sea, Sussex.

2) High St, Netheravon

Postcard: Woodwards' Series, Devizes.

We are having a good time just going to have tea on the Tennis Court driving to Salisbury tomorrow will tell you all news next week. K.
Posted 4 Jul 1906 from Netheravon to Cath in St Leonards on Sea.

3) Kennington Lane, Nr. Ashford

Postcard: The British Mirror Series. 19/6 317.

Kennington. I have been wondering how you have been getting on. Hope to hear from you soon. Give little Alice a kiss for me. Love from Bess. Posted 21 Sep 1906 from Ashford to Cath in St Leonards on Sea.

1) Madeira Walk, Ramsgate

Postcard: Ross Series

Dear Peggy, So pleased to hear from you again, yes my cold is much better now, I shall soon be back. I am glad you had a nice time on Sunday last. Hope you are keeping well. L.E.
Posted 9 Feb 1907 to Miss "Peggy" Cradduck c/o Mrs Cramere, 16&17 Middle Row, Maidstone.

2) White Hill (North) Crowborough

Postcard: A H Homewood, Burgess Hill, Sussex

Dearest C, many thanks for your card. I went home on Wed, Mr C came in & said he quite expected to see you as well, wished to be remembered to you. Do you recognise this, a bit familiar "eh". Mother & M were disappointed not seeing you on G.F. M a little better again, still waiting for operation. Very cold here & some thunder today. Fond love Mab. Posted 12 Apr 1907 to Cath in Middle Row, Maidstone.

3) Hastings Castle

Postcard: Dainty Series. No 2081

Dear Miss C, I thought you would like a P.C of Hastings do you know this place we are enjoying it very much we went to the Pier at Hastings this afternoon and got caught in the rain. With love Fan. Still looking for a new Topping man. Posted 26 Feb 1908 from St Leonards on Sea to Cath in Maidstone.

1) St Clements Church, Sandwich

Postcard: The Rapid Photo Printing Co. Ltd. London

Dr C, was pleased to hear from you [untidy handwriting illegible] love from S.
Posted on 20 Aug 1910 to Cath at 67 Terminus Rd, Eastbourne, Sussex.

2) ?

[Somewhere foreign, illegible]

Posted 27 Aug 1910 to Cath in Eastbourne.

3) Victoria Square, Hull

Postcard: T W & Co.

170 Blenheim St, Hull. Dear C, pleased to get your letter which arrived this morning.You had put wrong number on, am having nice weather wish you were here we are all A1. Expect is wise be late when I get to E.B. but will go to F.W Wunday if fine. Hope you are keeping A1 went to the Palace last night with Sid. Love from Sa... Posted 5 Oct 1910 from Hull to Cath in Eastbourne.

Left) A Corner of Leicester Square, Penshurst, Kent.

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons. "Oilette" Series 7116. "Picturesque Counties".

Dear C, thanks for postcards, will write in a day or two. Hild(a) isn't home yet so Ifield plenty to do. There is a concert at Biddenden Wed wish you were at home to go, with love Eunie.
Posted 4 Nov 1904 from Cranbrook to Cath in Dover.

Right) Clifford Inn Hall. Painting by Charles E Flower.

Postcard: Raphael Tuck & Sons. "Inns of Court and Chancery" Series 1537.

Dear C, have sent you another card for your collection had a nice layer of snow today Sunday, Love from Howard. Posted 1 Jan 1905 from Crowborough-Tunbridge Wells to Cath in Dover.

1) Quayside Station, Hull

Postcard: Valentine's Series

Dr C, arrived here quite safe soon after six. We are all first rate & send their love to you. With love from Sam. Posted from Hull 12 Oct 1911 to Cath at 53 High St, Maidstone.

2) The Old House, Sandwich - Where Queen Elizabeth stayed in 1572.

Postcard: The Chain Studio, Sandwich

Dear Miss C, I am on my holidays at Deal, sorry I couldn't get home to see you, I came on by train owing to the wet. I return next Sunday, hope to see you Saturday or Sunday week. I am having a look round Sandwich, hope you are well. Kind regards & love, yours etc T.T. Posted 29 Aug 1912 from Sandwich to Cath in Maidstone.
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If anyone is interested in the Cradduck Family or the Postcards please get in touch with me.