Hard Times

For many, times were hard in the East End of London in the 19th century and early 20th century. Disease, overcrowding and poor incomes caused real hardship; the Brechts did not escape:

Heinrich (Henry) Brecht

Heinrich married Mary Somes in 1808 and the couple lived in Fashion Street near Christ Church, Spitalfields. He was a colour manufacturer.

Parish Records show that Henry, as he bacame known, lost his wife and her children at a young age:

First Wife

*Mary Brecht buried 3.1.1819 (age 35)

Her Children

*Maria Catharine Brecht buried 16.11.1814 (age 2)
*Charlotte Brecht of Fashion Street buried 15.1.1819 (age 9)
*Elisabeth Catharine Brecht buried 17.6.1821 (age 5)

After his wife died, he lost a further child, by another woman (?Harriet Piper):
*Eleanor Brecht of Fashion Street buried 24.10.1824 (age 17 months)

After Henry died, his son Henry also died young:
*Henry Brecht buried 2.8.1855 (age 22)

*All burials with asterick at Christ Church, Spitalfields

Colin Bower
22June 2023

Main Index to Brecht One-Name Study