I have been researching my family over the last few years and found that my Great Great Grandmother Mary Ann Brearey was the local postmistress in Rainham around the 1870’s. She had a fascinating life being born in a pub in Mersham Nr Ashford as her father was the landlord, then travelling to Australia on a ship with her sister from Gravesend, marrying a stonemason from York, having 4 children, then unfortunately her husband dying and then returning back with her 4 young children and settling in Rainham to become postmistress and Berlin wool and stationery seller, I have attached document of local directory from the time and a photo of her.

 Rainham Post Office 1870 Mary Ann Brearey

 

Her name was Mrs Mary Ann Brearey, the children names James, Elizabeth, George and my great grandad Henry, they all lived at 50 High street Rainham.

Rainham Post Office 1870 Mary Ann Brearey

 

 

 

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