Wilkins, Emma

Singer

Collection date: Jan 1907

Area: Somerset - Bridgwater Surrounds

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Emma Wilkins of Combwich (1846-1929): age 60, 1 song 'O Once I was courted' FT1221 on 22 Jan 1907: Emma Wilkins was baptised Emma Pearse at St Mary’s Bridgwater on 8/2/1846, daughter of William Pearse, a mariner and his wife Elizabeth. In both 1851 and 1861 censuses their surname had changed to ‘Pearce’.

Emma grew up in West Street, Bridgwater and perhaps learned a song or two there. On 13/4/1869 she married William Henry Wilkins, a fisherman and moved the 4 miles to Combwich on the coast. They had 6 children (but lost 2). They lived next door to The Ship Inn at Combwich (RG13/2280 f64 p12) and moved in retirement to Otterhampton (1911). Emma died in January qr 1929.