Harriet Wellbelove

Claygate - Villager Pass On

Death of Mrs. H. E. Wellbelove - 1939

Death has robbed Claygate this week of one of its best known old villagers. She is Mrs. Harriet Emily Wellbelove, wife of Charles Wellbelove, of Black Cottages, the Common, Claygate, who died on Sunday at the age of 78 years.

Mrs. Wellbelove, who was of very small stature and frail appearance, was known everywhere in Claygate as the "Little White Lady". Until a short time before her death she was always about the village and her friendly smile endeared her to all.

The cottage in which she lived - one of three - is one of the oldest in Claygate, and it is stated that neighbours living in those three cottages have never been known to quarrel over anything.

Mrs. Wellbelove was born in Surbiton and had lived in Claygate for over 40 years. Mr. Wellbelove is a retired brickmaker and there are three sons and two daughters.

The funeral took place at Claygate Parish Church on Thursday, the service being conducted by the Vicar (the Rev. R. G. B. Bailey). The interment followed in the churchyard. The family mourners were Mr. Wellbelove (husband), Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Wellbelove, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wellbelove and Mr. and Mrs. E. Wellbelove (sons and daughters-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. A. Long and Mr. and Mrs. W. Beachamp (sons-in-law and daughters), Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, H. Wellbelove and A. Wellbelove (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mr. and Mrs. C. Long (cousins) and the Misses B. and J. Long (grand-daughters).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. A. Staples, of Esher.

June 1939 newspaper cutting (slightly amended to exclude an obituary of an unrelated villager).