Thomas Lye was born about July or August 1817 in Haselbury Plucknett, Somerset, England. He was born prior to civil registration of births, so the first known record I have for him is his baptismal register. ​- Last updated 27 May 2017

In 1841 Thomas was still living in Haselbury Plucknett with his parents, George and Ann. Thomas was 23 years old. His father, George, was 63 and his mother, Ann, was 61.

The family recorded above George and his family was William Lye, aged 30, and his family. It is possible that William was another son of George and Ann, but more research will need to be conducted to make a solid conclusion. ​- Last updated 27 May 2017

In 1851 Thomas and Rose had five children and that family was living at North Cross in Haselbury Plucknett. Thomas was 33 years old and working as a weaver. Thomas's mother, Ann Syms, was also living at the household.

North Cross was recorded on the census as their place of residence. This was likely the name of the street they lived. Modern-day maps do not show any streets in Haselbury Plucknett names this, so the street names have likely changed over time. ​- Last updated 27 May 2017

By 1861 Thomas and his family moved west to the larger town of Crewkerne. The two towns are only about 2.5 miles (a little over 4 kilometers) from each other. The family lived at Viney Bridge [Mills]. 

Thomas and Rose had nine children in the household, ranging from one year to 18 years old. Their son, Henry, who appeared in the 1851 census would have been about 14 years old, but did not appear in 1861. He likely died prior to 1861 but I need to find record of his death.

Thomas was still working as a weaver, as were many in his family and neighbors. According to the census Thomas wove linen into canvas. The family lived at or very near where they worked - at the mill. The Viney Bridge Mill was established in 1767 producing textiles until its closure in 2005. The mill was located on the south end of town. Since its closure in 2005 the mill building have remained vacant, but many of the original buildings still stand. Below is a map showing where Viney Bridge Mills was in relation to the town. The map was created in about 1880.  You can also learn more about Crewkerne here. ​- Last updated 27 May 2017

Thomas Lye died on 16 December 1869 at the age of 52. He died at Viney Bridge [Mills] in Crewkerne, Somerset, England, or a malignant disease of the stomach. His wife, Rose, was the informant on the death register. His occupation was recorded as a girth web starcher. Based on him dying at Viney Bridge Mills, he likely was still an employee there.  ​- Last updated 28 May 2017

A week after Thomas's death he was buried on 23 December 1869. His burial was recorded in the parish registers for the parish of Crewkerne. The burial yard at the church is quite small, so the town has a separate cemetery not too far out of the town center, which is likely where he was buried. ​- Last updated 28 May 2017