Frederick Peter Stratfield

Frederick Peter Stratfield born 14 August 1861 in Wilstone, Tring, Herts.

Frederick Peter Stratfield was also known as Frederick Stratfull. He was first noted as a boatman on 17 November 1883 at Cowley Peachey, Hillingdon, Middx. on the birth registration of his first child, Mary Jane Stratfull. However, he had been recorded with the occupation as "Mate" in the census of 1881 - so his life on the canal probably began before then.

Frederick Stratfull was the 9th child of William Stratford and Ann Brooks. He had followed his father (William Stratford) and brothers (George Brooks, Charles Prince Stratfield, William Murray Stratfield & Daniel Stratfull) on to the canals.

Frederick Stratfull married Ann Halford on 16 October 1882 at St. Mary Magdelan Church, Paddington. Ann Halford seems to have come from a canal family as well, her parents were John and Jane Halford (nee Kendall), both the Halford and Kendall surnames seem to have canal associations. Ann Halford is noted as a "Barge woman" in the census of 1881.

Frederick and Ann Stratfull had a total of eleven children, four of which died in infancy and one as a teenager. Three of the infancy deaths took place whilst they were working the canals.

Frederick Stratfull has been noted as a canal worker through to 1903 (last reference 8 May 1903). He then has occupation as a Carman in Watford, Herts. So, he probably spent about 22 years working the canals.

Ann Stratfull died of heart failure, aorta incompetence and arteric sclerosis on 14 April 1929 at 13 Sidney Road, Watford, Herts. and Frederick Stratfull followed her on 29 April 1932 when he passed away at 25 Woodside, Watford, Herts.

Frederick Stratfull died of myocardial degeneration and anemia sub acute combined with degeneration of the cord on 22 April 1932 at 25 Woodside, Watford, Herts.