Wandsworth is a workhouse and at this time they took in people who were sick or broke.

~ Wilfred Gayleard

William Gayleard was born in Portsmouth was married twice and moved to the London area and had 1 daughter. At this point I cannot find records for either of his marriages.

This is William Gayleard and his first wife Mahala in the 1841 census found in Portsea in the are of Rudmore. He is 37 years of age and Mahala is 38 which put William being born 1804. He is also listed as being a painter by trade.

The 1851 census had William and his wife Mahala still living in Portsea and this time William has his name clearly written as Gayleard. And he is identified as a Journyman Painter.

Unfortunately Mahala passes away in 1859 in Newington, London. So at some point between 1851 and 1859 both William and Mahala move to the London area.

Mahala Gayleard passes away on July 10th, 1859 of heart issues. Her age is listed as 57.

In the 1861 census William Gayleard is still living in the London area, Newington, Lambeth. However he is now remarried to Harriett and this is both their second marriages as Harriett has 4 children; Mary Ann, Sarah, Elizabeth and Daniel Peachey. William is listed as a Painter and having been born in Portsmouth. It has him down as being 55 in age so born around 1806. At this point I have not found any marriage information for William and Harriett, however from research I have found that Harriett’s maiden name is Hallett.

In the 1871 census William Gaylead is still living in the London are with his wife Harriett and his daughter of Clara Jessie who is 9 years old. Although they are together at the beginning of the year, it appears that William Gayleard by June ends up at the Workhouse in Wandsworth.

Continue Reading: 2. William Gayleard 1804 to 1871