In the absence of anything being found in the Compton Martin records - Looking through earlier censuses there seem to be about 4 candidates for Jane.
1) Jane Mockridge/Mogridge, wife of John, born 1798-99 Nether Stowey (widowed by 1871) (poss. died 1880 Bridgwater)
2) Jane Moggredge, wife of William, born 1797, Bicknoller (different to one above)
3) Jane Mockridge/Mackridge, wife of William, born 1794 Morebath, Devon (widowed by 1871, on same census record as Lyngford House, Taunton)
4) Jane Mockridge/ Mockeridge, wife of Thomas, born 1806, Clay Hydon / Clayhanger / Clayhidon,Devon (maiden name PIKE) (but is found elsewhere in the 1881 census)
My favourite was originally No. 4 - but she is found on the 1881 census still living with Thomas. (I had wondered whether "Clay Hydon" be misheard as "Compton Martin")
So looking at Number 3 - could "Morebath, Devon" be mis-transcribed as "Compton Martin". The age is a bit out - but that is not uncommon, she was widowed by 1871 - but was an Agricultural Labourer. In 1871 she is found on the same census record as Lyngford House - and in 1859 had won a prize for 40 years service.
Bridgwater Mercury, 30 Nov 1859, P6
There maybe a reference in the papers to why she was locked up in 1881. Another Jane MOCKRIDGE was admitted to Bristol Asylum in 1890 for attempting suicide but the reports describe her as "middle-aged" so probably a different one.
I'll have another trawl through the newspaper archives - but hopefully this may kick something off for you. |