Newton Longville in Buckinghamshire

Home to this branch of the Line Family until 1855

The earliest record of a member of the Line family living at Newton Longville is 1715. Prior to this date and especially during the course of the English Civil War (1642 - 1646) many records would have been lost. It is however more than likely that Line ancestors would have lived in and around the village for many countless generations. It is recorded that in 1377 there were 90 inhabited houses in the village and 95 families with a total population of 459. By 1841 there were 110 inhabited houses with 107 families and a total population of 565.

The parish church of St Faith stands in the centre of the village and is surrounded by an ancient cemetery. Here countless generations of the Line family would have been christened, married and buried. The church is dedicated to St Faith of Aquitaine, a child matyr who suffered for her faith under Dacian the Roman governor of Spain around 300 AD. The church on its present site dates back to around 1150.

Only one headstone exists to a member of the Line family in the churchyard. This commemorates Richard Line, the youngest son of William Line, who died on the 17th April 1899 at the age of 68. His wife Elizabeth and daughter are buried in the same grave. The layout of graves around the church appear to be established in large family plots. There are numerous graves adjacent to Richard`s but none are marked. It can only be assumed they belong to members of the family.

The ornate font cover dates from the 17th century and covers a font dating back to the 12th Century. Located in the south Aisle of the church, this would have been the place of baptism for scores of Line family members.

The village features dozens of period cottages many dating back to the 15th century. It is impossible to locate the homes of any of the Line family members because the census of 1841 merely indicates the village of residence  with no indication of  house or street name  if, indeed, there were any. At one time the village boasted seven public houses. Now only one exists and that is largely converted to a Thai restaurant.

The present day butcher`s shop was until 1923 the Three Horseshoes public house. Built in 1865 it would not have been frequented by Robert Emerson Line Snr who, by this time, was living in London. However it is possible some of his siblings, uncles and  cousins drank there.