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Philip Augustus Eagles and Mary Jane Hills (portraits & photos above) married in 1863. They had two daughters, Rose Mary (sometimes Rosa) and Marianne Blanche Eagles.
In 1871, according to the census, the family of three, with little Rose just a year old (left), were living at 17 Springfield Road, St Leonards, Sussex along with the baby's nurse, Elizabeth Edwards (17) and another servant, Charlotte Gallop (27). Philip's occupation is unclear as the record shows "(dividends)".
Marianne (below aged 7y 10m - July 1879) was born in 1871 and was just nine years old when her mother, Mary, tragically died in 1880 at the age of 36. Philip was left to bring up his daughters alone, with the help of servants.
Mary Jane had been born into the Hill family of which there were many branches and the details of her parents are not completely clear as yet. However, according to the 1851 census there was a Robert and Sarah Hills with three children, Robert (11), Mary J (4) and Ann (1) who lived at Meopham Green. As a large mansion at Meophams Bank became Philip Eagle's home through to at least 1904, it is possible that Philip inherited his mansion home through his marriage to Mary Jane Hills of Meopham Green. Unfortunately, the age of Mary J as 4 years old according to the census data, does not match my records, and would make her just 14 at marriage! My records, taken from the photo album clearly show Mary to have been 19 at marriage, somewhat more realistic.
It's possible the census data is wrong but I await more data before confirming this branch of the Hills family in the Hooke Family Tree.
In the 1891 census, Philip, described a widower, is shown living at Meophams Bank, Hollington Sussex, by his own means along with his two daughters, Rose (21) Marianne (19) and a governess, Mary Jane Brignell. (31). Two female servants, Elizabeth Alice Stuttaford (28) and Mary Ann Cloke (22) along with a couple of visitors, Ann Petman Grant (25) and Earnest Leage Smith (33) make up the household. The governess is the person of significance here, her profession being shown as "school". In the 1901 census Philip is shown as once again being married to Mary Jane Eagles, although this time it is Mary Jane Brignall not Mary Jane Hills. Philip has married the governess! By this time Rose has left home, married to Ralph Oakden, living in India with their first child Elaine but Marianne remains at Meophams Bank along with two young servants Jane Highow (22) and Emma Venner (14).
Mary Jane number 2 (right) became known as Little Grannie to the family. Reasons for this are not quite clear though she does not appear to be very big and her husband Philip was most definitely a small man, as can be seen from many photographs.
Life at Meophams Bank, a mansion situated out in the Kent countryside, with extensive grounds, must have been quite idyllic. Photographs certainly lead to that impression and below is reproduced an entire photo album featuring life at Meophams Bank in the pre-war era from 1900 on.
Meophams Bank can still be seen today, but only just, as the current owner likes his privacy and has planted a very tall hedge round out which prevents anything but very limited views of his mansion. A footpath tracks the edge of the grounds but visibility through the dense foliage is virtually impossible.
Philip was a keen gardener and entered his flower displays to various shows. The photographs include displays that won 1st and 2nd prizes at shows in Battle and St Leonards. Sadly, black and white doesn't really do them justice!
Return to: Introduction to the Eagles
Below: Eagles Photograph Album 1900 - 1914
Eagles Photo Album 1900 - 1914 The Eagles Family: Marianne, Mary Jane, Philip and Rose Eagles The Eagles Family: Marianne, Mary Jane, Philip and Rose Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/1bComp.jpg The Eagles Family: Marianne, Mary Jane, Philip and Rose Eagles The Eagles Family: Marianne, Mary Jane, Philip and Rose Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/1aComp.jpg Mary Jane (Little Grannie) Eagles, Philip's second wife Mary Jane (Little Grannie) Eagles, Philip's second wife http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/2a-Little-Grannie-EaglesComp.jpg Rose Oakden (Eagles) Rose Oakden (Eagles) http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/2bcrop-RMOComp.jpg Rose Oakden (Eagles) Rose Oakden (Eagles) http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/3a-RMOComp.jpg Marianne and her parents, Philip & Mary Jane Eagles (Little Grandpa and Little Grannie) Marianne and her parents, Philip & Mary Jane Eagles (Little Grandpa and Little Grannie) Philip Augustus Eagles and bull Philip Augustus Eagles and bull http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/4aComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/4bComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/5aComp.jpg Family dog, thought to be named Maggie Family dog, thought to be named Maggie http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/5bComp.jpg Philip Eagles in the garden at Meophams Bank Philip Eagles in the garden at Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/6a-Grandpa-Eagles-Meophams-BankComp.jpg Grandpa Philip Eagles and unknown friend at Meophams Bank Grandpa Philip Eagles and unknown friend at Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/6b-Grandpa-Eagles-Meophams-BankComp.jpg Family group ready for sporting action! Family group ready for sporting action! http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/7acropadjComp.jpg Philip, family and friends Philip, family and friends http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/7bComp.jpg Meophams Bank, Hollington Meophams Bank, Hollington http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/8a-Meophams-Bank-HollingtonComp.jpg Croquet at Meophams Bank Croquet at Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/8b-Meophams-Bank-HollingtonComp.jpg More croquet More croquet http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/9a-Meophams-BankComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/9b-MB-croquetComp.jpg Meophams Bank Dining Room taken from the Hall Meophams Bank Dining Room taken from the Hall http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/10a-MB-Dining-RFoom-from-HallComp.jpg Aunt Marianne Aunt Marianne http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/10b-Aunt-MarianneComp.jpg Aunt Marianne and Nellie Vidier (?) in fancy dress Aunt Marianne and Nellie Vidier (?) in fancy dress Aunt Marianne and Nellie Vidier (?) in fancy dress Aunt Marianne and Nellie Vidier (?) in fancy dress Aunt Mona's Wedding at Bramshall on 26th July 1900 Aunt Mona's Wedding at Bramshall on 26th July 1900 http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/12a-Monas-Wedding-Bramshall-1900Comp.jpg Aunt Mona's Wedding. Aunt Mona is Katherine Mary Hurst (ne Oakden) Aunt Mona's Wedding. Aunt Mona is Katherine Mary Hurst (ne Oakden) http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/12b-Monas-Wedding-Bramshall-1900Comp.jpg Aunt Mona's Wedding, Bramshall, 1900 http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/13a-Monas-Wedding-Bramshall-1900Comp.jpg Aunt Mona's wedding at Bramshall. She married Julius Hurst. Aunt Mona's wedding at Bramshall. She married Julius Hurst. http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/13b-Monas-Wedding-Bramshall-1900Comp.jpg Grandpa Philip Eagles Grandpa Philip Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/14a-Grandpa-EaglesComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/14b-Grandpa-EaglesComp.jpg Little Grandpa Philip Eagles Little Grandpa Philip Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/15a-P-A-EaglesComp.jpg Little Grandpa and Little Grannie - Philip and Mary Jane Oakden Little Grandpa and Little Grannie - Philip and Mary Jane Oakden Philip and family Philip and family http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/16a-P-A-Eagles-and-familyComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/16b-P-A-EaglesComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/17aComp.jpg Stableyard with flowers for a show at Battle in 1912 Stableyard with flowers for a show at Battle in 1912 The Oakden family on a visit home from India - Ralph, Rose, Dorothy, Gladys & Elaine The Oakden family on a visit home from India - Ralph, Rose, Dorothy, Gladys & Elaine http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/18b-Oakden-Family-1909Comp.jpg Ralph, Rose and Dorothy Oakden Ralph, Rose and Dorothy Oakden http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/18b-Ralph-Rose-DorothyComp.jpg Grandpa & Little Grannie with Rose, Gladys & Dorothy Oakden & Rose's sister Marianne Grandpa & Little Grannie with Rose, Gladys & Dorothy Oakden & Rose's sister Marianne The Oakdens: Dorothy, Ralph, Rose, Elaine & Gladys The Oakdens: Dorothy, Ralph, Rose, Elaine & Gladys http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/19b-Dorothy-RO-RMO-Elaine-GladysComp.jpg Daddy Ralph Oakden with Gladys, Elaine, Dorothy Daddy Ralph Oakden with Gladys, Elaine, Dorothy http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/20a-RO-Gladys-Elaine-Dorothy-MB-1906Comp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/20bComp.jpg Elaine, Aunt Marianne, Little Grannie and unknown male Elaine, Aunt Marianne, Little Grannie and unknown male http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/21a-Elaine-Aunt-Marianne-Little-GrannyComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/21bComp.jpg Elaine, Little Grannie and Maggie Elaine, Little Grannie and Maggie http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/22acrop-Little-Grannie-Elaine-MaggieComp.jpg Little Grannie and Elaine Little Grannie and Elaine http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/22bcrop-MB-Little-Grannie-ElaineComp.jpg Aunt Marianne with flower display Aunt Marianne with flower display http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/23aComp.jpg Elaine, Dorothy & Gladys Elaine, Dorothy & Gladys http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/23b-Elaine-Dorothy-GladysComp.jpg Gladys and Aunt Marianne Gladys and Aunt Marianne http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/24acrop-Gladys-Aunt-MarianneComp.jpg Dorothy, Gladys & Elaine Dorothy, Gladys & Elaine http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/24bcrop-Dorothy-Gladys-ElaineComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/25aComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/25bComp.jpg Little Grannie Little Grannie http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/26a-Little-Grannie-MBComp.jpg Little Grannie Little Grannie http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/26b-Little-Grannie-MBComp.jpg Hollington Church Fete Harvest Festival 1904 Hollington Church Fete Harvest Festival 1904 Hollington Church Fete Harvest Festival 1904 Hollington Church Fete Harvest Festival 1904 http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/28a-SnowComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/28b-SnowComp.jpg Grandfather & Grannie Eagles Grandfather & Grannie Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/29acrop-Grandfather-EaglesComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/29b-PA-EaglesComp.jpg Ladd Ladd http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/30a-Ladd-MBComp.jpg Flower Display Flower Display http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/30b-Flower-DisplayComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/31b-GrapesComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/31b-GreenhouseComp.jpg 1st Prize - Group of Flowers - Eastbourne Flower Show 1904 1st Prize - Group of Flowers - Eastbourne Flower Show 1904 2nd Prize - Group of Flowers - Battle Flower Show 1904 2nd Prize - Group of Flowers - Battle Flower Show 1904 Horse and Cart loaded with flowers Horse and Cart loaded with flowers http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/33a-Horse--Cart-with-flowersComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/33b-Plants-in-courtyardComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/34a-P-A-EaglesComp.jpg Nut Tree Hall Plaxtel Nut Tree Hall Plaxtel http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/34b-Nut-Tree-Hall-PlaxtelComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/35a-Group-at-MBComp.jpg Philip and Mary Eagles with Marianne and friends for tennis Philip and Mary Eagles with Marianne and friends for tennis http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/35bcrop-Tennis-Group-at-MB-Close-UpComp.jpg Meophams Bank Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/36a-Ladies-at-MBComp.jpg Meophams Bank Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/36b-Ladies--Small-PJE-at-MBComp.jpg Eagles & Oakdens Eagles & Oakdens http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/37acrop-Eagles--OakdensComp.jpg Eagles & Oakdens Eagles & Oakdens http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/37bcrop-Eagles--OakdensComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/38a-PJE-GardenComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/38b-PJE--Dog-in-GardenComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/39a-TreesComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/39b-Trees--CoupleComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/40a-Ladies-in-GardenComp.jpg Tea in the Garden Tea in the Garden http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/40b-Tea-in-the-GardenComp.jpg Tea in the Garden Tea in the Garden http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/41acrop-MB-1914-Tea-in-the-GardenComp.jpg Gladys, Miss Linton, Elaine & Dorothy - 1914 Gladys, Miss Linton, Elaine & Dorothy - 1914 Grandfather Philip Augustus Eagles Grandfather Philip Augustus Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/42a-PJEComp.jpg Philip and Marianne Philip and Marianne http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/42b-PJE--LadyComp.jpg Lovely photo Lovely photo http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/43a-PJE--LadyComp.jpg Philip Eagles at Meophams Bank Philip Eagles at Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/43b-PJE-at-MBComp.jpg Little Grannie outside Meophams Bank Little Grannie outside Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/44a-MBComp.jpg http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/44b-3-Chaps--Garden-DisplayComp.jpg Probably the last photo we have of Grandfather Philip Eagles Probably the last photo we have of Grandfather Philip Eagles http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/45a-PJE--GirlsComp.jpg Gladys & Aunt Marianne, 1921 Gladys & Aunt Marianne, 1921 http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/45b-Gladys--Aunt-MarianneComp.jpg Gladys and Aunt Marianne at The Chalet, St Leonards, 1921 Gladys and Aunt Marianne at The Chalet, St Leonards, 1921 Gladys and Little Grannie Gladys and Little Grannie http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/46b-Gladys-Little-GrannieComp.jpg Grandpa Eagles and trap at Meophams Bank Grandpa Eagles and trap at Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/47a-Grandpa-Eagles--Trap-Meophams-BankComp.jpg Sir Ralph and Rosa Oakden (probably 1930s) Sir Ralph and Rosa Oakden (probably 1930s) http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/47b-RO-RMO-much-laterComp.jpg Grandfather Roger Oakden, Rector of Bramshall, with Miss Thorn, Elaine, Dorothy and Gladys, 1906 Grandfather Roger Oakden, Rector of Bramshall, with Miss Thorn, Elaine, Dorothy and Gladys, 1906 Rose Oakden and Gladys, 1906 Rose Oakden and Gladys, 1906 http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/48bcrop-RMO-Gladys-1906Comp.jpg Meophams Bank, Hollington - from Hall to Dining Room Meophams Bank, Hollington - from Hall to Dining Room Meophams Bank, Hollington - Library Meophams Bank, Hollington - Library http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/49-Meophams-Bank-Hollington-Librarycomp2.jpg Meophams Bank Meophams Bank http://hooke.org.uk/images/Eagles/Eagles1900-1914/49-Meophams-Bank-Hollingtoncomp2.jpg