The Mussons – 3 Burrell’s Court

(Living at 31 Foundry Road by 1916)

The Musson family lived at 3 Burrell’s Court in 1901 and were still there in 1911. Septimus Musson, the Head of the household, was one of a large family from Rippingale – as his name suggests he was the 7th son and there was an 8th and several daughters! He worked as a porter for a doctor.

He married Lizzie Robinson from Billingborough in March 1897 and they lived in Stamford. By 1911 they had had 5 children; one had died and the other 4 were living with them – William 13yrs, Robert 12yrs, Jane 10yrs & Lillian 8yrs. All the children were born in Stamford. Also living with them, and listed as a son, was Bernard Musson Sturman aged 15yrs although he was probably Lizzie’s not Septimus’ son.

William Musson

William was 13yrs old in 1911 and a milk deliverer. He was born in Stamford. The only reference found to his war service is in ‘Stamford in the Great War’ where he is listed as a Private in the 20th Hussars.

He may have joined up as soon as he was 16 years, before the War, because the 20th Hussars were moved to France in August 1914 (Ref: Long, Long Trail)

Robert Musson

Robert was 12yrs old in 1911 and still at school. His Military Records are confusing and seem to contradict each other at times – for example his birthdate is given as 24th January 1898 and 26th January 1999 however his address is always given as 31 Foundry Rd and Septimus is his next-of-kin.

He seems to have joined up in 1916, possibly as a Territorial, when he was 18yrs old. He was 5’ 6”, his fitness was ranked A and he was a baker’s assistant. From October 1917 he belonged to the 4th Reserve Battalion of the Northants Regiment. His conduct sheet records several minor misdemenours and absences then in 1918 he received gun-shot wounds to his shoulder and groin. After a short furlough he was again wounded in his left leg in October 1918. He received the British & Victory Medals.

Robert was discharged in February 1919 and received some pension payments but having completed his Territorial contract in April 1921, he enlisted with the D Force. He had been employed at Blackstones but there was a shortage of work and he was working as a barman. His character was described as very good.

In July 1921 he was discharged from the D Force and re-enlisted with the 4th Bn Lincs Regiment. He trained for 2 weeks every year until his discharge in April 1925.

In December 1927 Robert Musson married Sarah Allen in the Stamford area and Joan M Musson was born in December 1928. They may have moved away after this.

Bernard Musson Sturman

Bernard Musson Sturman was 15 years old, living with Septimus and Lizzie Musson at 3 Burrell’s Court and a labourer in an iron foundry in 1911. He was born in Billingborough, Lincs in 1895 and registered with this name (FreeBMD) however on the 1901 census he is listed as Bernard Robinson, grandson of William Musson. William was the father of Septimus but Robinson was Lizzie’s maiden name. We can only speculate that he was the son of Lizzie and someone called Sturman but that Septimus gave him his name of Musson when he married Lizzie. Certainly he seems to have grown up with the rest of the family.

We know little of his Military Record but the Stamford Guardian listed him as being mobilised with the 5th Battalion, Northants Regiment in December 1914. They also reported that he was gassed in July 1915. He received the British Medal and the 1914-15 Star.

After the War he seems to have stayed in the Stamford area marrying Daisy Buswell in 1922 and having one daughter, Kathleen. B. Musson was living at 12 West St in 1939 and this may be Bernard. He died in 1967.