Tourist's complete guide to the Isle of Thanet and neighbourhood, by Spectator

Published by Alfred Brooks, 47, High Street, Ramsgate, c. 1873

"A Centenarian. Mrs. Brockman, of Hale, in the parish of St. Nicholas-at-Wade, in the Isle of Thanet, attained, on Tuesday last, the very rare age of 101 years. Many of the younger branches of the family visited the old lady during the day; also several friends looked in and drank tea with her. The members of her family continue to increase in number from year to year, several in the fifth generation having been born since her 100th birthday, and she can still boast of having a somewhat numerous progeny, there being at the present time (1873) living four children, twenty-nine grandchildren, seventy-eight great-grandchildren, and eleven great-great-grandchildren - total, 122. Besides the above she has lost children, grandchildren, &c., to the number of thirty - making a grand total of 152. The old lady is in excellent health, and still retains possession of all her faculties. The anniversary was again commemorated by the neighbouring villagers; the ringers assembled in the belfry, and (assisted by those from Quex Park) sent forth merry peals during the evening."

Keble's Gazette, Saturday, 3rd October, 1874, St. Nicholas at Wade.

"On the 15th ult., the oldest woman in Thanet, perhaps we may say Kent, passed away from us in the person of Mrs. Mary Brockman of Lower Hale Cottage. Her maiden name was King, she was born at Herne on the 30th September, 1772 and married to James Brockman, on the 6th May, 1792. She leaves children, grand children, great grand children and great great grand children 124, in addition to those there were 30 who have died, the whole numbering 154. She was a good looking old lady, and had good use of her faculties. She and her husband were for many years under Mr. White, of Hale farm, from whom they met in their later days the kindest treatment. The old lady since the death of her husband some years ago, has been well attended to by Mr. John Palmer, of Hale Farm. We are sorry to learn that no photograph has been taken of her since her 100th year, as many persons would be glad to possess one. She was deposited in mother earth at St. Nicholas, her remains being followed by a long concourse of descendants".

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[This page last updated 19 September 2009]