Laburnum Terrace, Thornbury

The Trustees of George Hodges

George Hodges died on 22nd June 1905.  On his death, ownership of George's estate was transferred to his trustees, his four surviving daughters, Sarah Ann Hodges, Fanny Staley Hodges, Emma Jane Hodges and Laura Evelyn Balls and one of his two surviving sons, Austin Edgar Hodges.  George excluded his second son, James Albert Hodges who lived in Pullins Green and worked as a builder and wheelwright.

As these Trustees died they were replaced by other members of the family.  The last people with responsibility for managing the Estate who were known to be members of the Hodges family were John Hodges and Gladys Balls.  John (see insert), known locally as ‘Jack’ was a builder living in Bank Cottage, Castle Street, having previously lived on the other side of the road in Clematis Cottage.  “Jack” was the son of John Hodges, the eldest son of George.  Jack had a difficult life – his father had died within 5 months of his birth in 1892 and by the time of his early 20’s, he had to look after his mother.  During the First World War Jack applied for exemption from military service because of his mother’s poor health.  According to his statement, she was a “confirmed invalid” and he had to lift her into and out of bed and because she couldn't speak he had to "transact her normal business".

Gladys Balls was the daughter of Laura Evelyn Hodges, George’s youngest daughter. Gladys ran a sweet shop and hairdressers in the High Street.   Apparently she was known by some people as "hairy balls" because, when she served bull's eyes and other boiled sweets, the hairs on her hands could find their way on to the sweets!

The houses were gradually sold off until only number 8 was left.  In 1971 the then Trustees, Bridget McKearney and Kathleen Mary Jones, sold this property, finally ending any connection between the terrace and the Hodges family.
 

This page was last updated: 21/03/2012