Thomas Ingram Snr
Ursula's father, Thomas Frederick Ingram, 1824-1895, was a successful royal gardener, trained from a young age by his father, Thomas Ingram Snr., Head Gardener at Frogmore Royal Gardens, Windsor Castle, who intended his son to eventually succeed him.
Ursula’s grandfather, Thomas Ingram Senr, however, was the star of this family, having been appointed to the royal gardens at Frogmore by William IV in 1816 and continuing his service into the reign of Queen Victoria.
Thomas eventually became Head Gardener at the castle, earning the respect of Prince Albert who redesigned the castle gardens, relying on Thomas to achieve his plans. In later life, Thomas formed a genuine friendship with the widowed Queen Victoria.
In 1868, Thomas retired due to failing health, he was awarded a generous pension by Queen Victoria who visited him regularly, her last visit being the day before he died in 1872, aged 71yrs.
When the Queen had been a guest of the Duke of Roxburghe, at Floors Castle, she had been so impressed by the gardens that she requested his head gardener, Hector Rose, to take over from Thomas at Windsor Castle. This came as a huge shock and disappointment to Ursula’s father and the Windsor community, who had all assumed the job would be given to him, and when, after just four years, Hector Rose died suddenly, Thomas was again overlooked and the head gardener from Petworth House was appointed over him.
Thomas was by now approaching 50 years and he left his royal employment, retiring to Burbage, Wiltshire, with his family, living on private means until his death in 1895, aged 71yrs.
Photograph of Thomas Ingram's house (the Head Gardener's residence) or Victoria House in the Royal Kitchen Gardens at Frogmore in the Home Park, Windsor. The Rose Walk is situated in front of the house with a two-tiered fountain partially obscuring the house.
Extract from The Berkshire Chronicle – 20th May 1843.
His Royal Highness walked through the orangery into the slope, and from thence into the Home Park, and there inspected the numerous new walks and drives, and also the newly planted shrubberies. His Royal Highness was attended through Home Park by Mr. Thomas Ingram, Her Majesty’s head gardener, under whose capable superintendence the picturesque plans of the Prince are now being carried into effect.
1841 Census.
Living at Maestricht Garden House, New Windsor, Berkshire. Thomas Ingram, Hd. 40yrs, Gardener, wife, Elizabeth, 45yrs, son, Thomas F., 17yrs, Gardener, daughters, Elizabeth, 19yrs, and Susanna, 14yrs.
1881 Census.
Living at Goldenland Farm House, Burbage, Wiltshire. Thomas Frederick Ingram, Hd. 57yrs, Annuitant, wife, Ursula, 56yrs, son, James, 26yrs, Assayer, daughters, Alice, 21yrs, Isabella, 16yrs, mother-in-law, Ursula Strachan, 80yrs, widow, Annuitant.
1891 Census.
Living at Goldenland Farm House, Burbage, Wiltshire. Thomas Frederick Ingram, Hd. 67yrs, Annuitant, wife, Ursula, 66yrs, daughters, Alice, 31yrs, Isabella, 26yrs,