FROST, Tring, 1940s

September, 2003

Darryl McCarthy (darryl.mccarthy @t virgin.net) of  Sevenoaks asks: I am trying to trace details of an ancestor who was a music hall and British movie comedy actor, working under the stage name Jack Frost. Among a number of brothers born in the Covent Garden area, I believe he was Edward William Frost who married a Lydia Taylor in c1903. Lydia died in 1941 when the couple's address was 39 Frogmore Street, Tring and Edward's occupation was given as a manufacturing jeweller. Do you have any suggestions on how to use this latest information to discover if this Frost was an actor in a former life (on his marriage certificate his profession was given as 'theatrical worker', but most of his siblings also worked behind the scenes at West End theatres).

I am afraid my own files have turned up a blank. There is no Frost listed for Tring in the 1937 Kelly's Hertfordshire Directory, and I found none when I wrote Tring in 1947. This does not mean that Edward Frost was not there - but he may have worked in London and commuted by train, or only there for a short time. It is possible that Lydia is buried in Tring cemetery and the Dacorum Council should be able to say whether she is and also the location of the plot. They may also tell you if anyone else is buried in the same plot. (I will be visiting the cemetery later in the year to plant new bulbs round Lucy's gravestone and will have a quick look - but if you have already got details from the council, and let me know, this would help.) 

So what might you do next? I have no knowledge of the records for the cinema and music hall and cannot advise on these. (Can any other reader help?) If Jack/Edward was your direct ancestor (rather than a great? uncle or cousin) you will know something about their children and the birth certificates will have information about his occupation at the time they were born. Otherwise I would start by checking to see if they left any wills - as this should contain information on any family. I would also (if you haven't done so) try to locate Edward and Lydia in the 1901 census.

 

Kind regards and thanks,
Darryl McCarthy.

XXXX

Where was 39 frogmore street

Ask Mike Bass

Not 1937 trade directory

Try Tring Cemetery

No Frost in Tring in 1881 censusHertfordshire Genealogy: FROST, Tring, early 20th century

Check my booklet

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