Charles Edward Solly 1864 - 1898
by Lynne Burlingham
This article was originally published in the May 2006 edition of Soul Search, the journal of The Sole Society
Solly Memorial Seat, Cressbrook, Derbyshire
The inscription on this unusual memorial reads as follows:
Charles Edward Solly for 8 years in charge of Cressbrook Mill.
Died 5th January 1898 aged 33 years
I came across the above as a result of doing a search on Google for anything on the names Solly or Solley. By a strange coincidence, many years ago now, my husband and I together with a friend had a holiday in Derbyshire staying in a flat in Cressbrook Hall, built about 1835 for the Mill owner. I remember seeing Cressbrook Mill, a very impressive building, dominating the valley but have no recollection of this seat. At the time, although I knew there were family connections on my mother’s side (Vaughan and Spencer) with Derbyshire, I was not that interested in the family history and had no inkling that there might be a Solly/Solley connection with the area, even one not closely connected with my own Solley family. If we ever go back that way, I shall make a point of looking out for this memorial!
Out of curiosity, I did a little bit of research on Charles Edward Solly the fruits of which follow. I also found a picture of Cressbrook Mill in a rather derelict state. It has now been restored and converted in to luxury homes.
Birth: 1864 September Quarter, SOLLY, Charles Edward, Congleton 8a 262
Death: 1898 March Quarter, SOLLY, Charles Edward, 33, Bakewell, 7b 513
1881 Census:
SOLLY, Charles E, Boarding House, Rugby School, Boarder, 16, Scholar, Unmarried, Male, [born] Congleton, Cheshire
1891 Census:
Cressbrook, Rock Cottages
SOLLY, Charles E, Head, Single, 26, Manager (Cotton Mill) [E], [born] CHS: Congleton
SUTTON, Harriet, Servant, Single, 33, Housemaid & Cook [Dom], [born] NTH, Werrington (??)
[1891 Census Derbyshire, RG12/2777, F155/P13/569