• 1881 Census
  
• In 1881, my great-grandmother was listed at living at Kentwater Cottage, Cowden,  Kent, aged 7. The head of the household was her father, George Elphick aged 30 along with her mother Emma Elphick aged 30 and her siblings: Emily aged 9, George aged 2 and Alice aged 1 month.. 
• George (the father) is listed as 'labourer', although this is defined further as a 'farm servant'. His birthplace is Maresfield, Sussex.
• Emma has no occupation listed, presumably suggesting she is a housewife, and her birthplace is Uckfield, Sussex.
• Emily and Frances are both listed as 'scholars', suggesting they attend school. Both state their birthplace is Maresfield, Sussex.
• George (the son) and Alice naturally have no occupation listed as they are too young to attend school. George's birthplace is Rotherfield, Sussex, whilst Alice is Withyham, Sussex..
• 1891 Census
• In 1891, aged 17, my great-grandmother was listed as a domestic servant to Thomas and Sarah Harris at 16 Lime Hill Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Her place of birth is listed as Sussex.
• Thomas Harris was a carpenter, aged 51, and his wife Sarah was 57. He was born in Edenbridge, Kent, whilst she was born in Pampisford, Cambridgeshire.
• Two visitors were recorded at the property that day: Mary Poulton (aged 54) listed as a widow and her ladies maid, Julie Jefferson (aged 29). Mary was born in Brighton, and Julie in London.
• 1901 Census
  
• In 1901, Frances was aged 26 and now working as a one of three servants to William and Mary L Ridley at 7 London Road, East Grinstead, Sussex. Her occupation is defined as 'cook' and that she was born in Maresfield, Sussex.
• William was a Civil Engineer, aged 59, and his wife Mary was 56. He was born in Bedlington, Northumberland, whilst she was born in London, Middlesex.
• William and Mary had three daughters living at home: Mabel A (aged 23), Maud S (aged 21) and Muriel E (aged 18). Mabel was born in South Africa, Maud in Wimbledon, Surrey, and Muriel in Wandsworth.
• The other two servants were Mary Smith and Beatrice A Holder. Mary was 23 working as a parlourmaid, and was born in Chaliey, Sussex. Beatrice was 19 working as a housemaid, and was born in East Grinstead, Sussex.
• A visitor was also recorded at the property that day: Edward A Batt (aged 25) who was listed as a veterinary surgeon and born in London. Additionally, it confirms that he usually works from home.
• 1911 Census
  
• On Monday 3 April 1911, my great-grandmother was now working as a servant for James and Isabel Mary Franklin at 28 Craigmillar, Normanton Road, South Croydon. Aged 35, she is listed as the 'cook; and born in Maresfield, Sussex.
• James was an Insurance Official, aged 56, and he is listed to have three children, although only one seems to have remained at home. He was born in Stockwell, Surrey.
• Isabel Mary was born in Croydon, aged 51, and it seems she and James had been married for 26 years. She is listed as having no occupation. 
• William Hyslop, James and Isabel's son, was 22 and is listed as a student. He was also born in Croydon. 
• The household had another servant, Emily Denton aged 26, who worked as a housemaid. She was born in Bishopwearmouth, Durham.
• Also present was Charlotte McNair, aged 32 and listed as a hospital nurse. Born in Croydon, it would seem she was not there as a visitor, as she is listed as being the nurse to the head of the household, suggesting that James required medical care.  
• The property was no doubt very large, as it is listed as having 14 rooms!