Sutton New Town’s Sub Postmistress
Elizabeth Fewell (nee Newman) was born in Croydon in 1839. She married James Fewell in Upper Norwood in 1862. By 1865 they had moved to Sutton. By the time of the 1871 census Elizabeth and James had settled at Lind Road, Sutton. James worked as a postman and they ran the stationers/sub post office at their home, The Broadway, Lind Road. In total the couple had 9 children; 5 daughters and 4 sons.
Photo of Elizabeth Fewell, 1908 (The Past on Glass at Sutton Archives)
Sadly, James Fewell died in 1888, aged 58. He was buried at All Saints Church, Benhilton by Rev. Boden of St. Barnabas Church. Elizabeth continued the family business, becoming the sub postmistress and running a successful stationery shop. This was a remarkable achievement, especially considering she was also raising a large family alone. All the children grew up to lead successful lives with many working in the post office service.
By 1911 Elizabeth had left the Sutton New Town area and was living with two of her grown up children in Wood Green. Elizabeth died in Bowes Park, Wood Green, Middlesex in 1929, aged 89.
Junction of the Broadway/Lind Road/Lower Road. In later years the Post Office was the building on the right of the photo.
Sutton New Town 