We know little about James’s life before 1851. Though from various historical resources we have been able to start building some information on James’s career.
These historical resources have highlighted that his family may have influenced him to develop a career in Horticulture. In turn his passion for horticulture and due to his connections that some of his children married men working in horticulture.
From the 1861 census records, we know that James’s father Richard Lye (aged 65) lived at Clyffe Hall Cottage (future residence of James) and was Gardener to the Hon. Mrs. Hay and that Richard’s sister (Elizabeth Lye, aged 63) was also working in Garden.
James Lye’s Career History
| Year | Occupation | Age | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1851 | Gardener | 20 | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1851. HO 107/1839, Folio 257. Page 21. | |
| 1861 | Gardener, to the Hon. Mrs Hay | 30 | The first reference to James being employed by Hon. Mrs. Hay, which links him to Clyffe Hall | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1861. RG 9/1291, Folio: 96. Page 8. |
| 1871 | Gardener and Bailiff | 40 | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1871. RG 10/1911, Folio 31. Page 21. | |
| 1881 | Gardener | 50 | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1881. RG 11/2042, Folio 86. Page 1. | |
| 1891 | Gardener and Bailiff | 60 | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1891. RG 12/1601, Folio 63. Page 8. | |
| 1901 | Retired Gardener | 70 | The National Archives (TNA): Census Returns of England, 1901. RG 13/1928, Folio 28. Page 8. |
We would welcome any further information on James’s career, so if you have any information please contact us.