Giovanni Battista Bacciarelli

Great-grandfather, Giovanni Battista Bacciarelli, born Dec 1866 in Gera, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy, was the son of Antonio Bacciarelli and Mavora Delora. The photograph of him was taken sometime in the 1900's. He had at least one sibling, an older brother called Guieseppe/Giaseppe and possibly others who may also have emigrated to England.

Called 'Battista' by the family, he travelled to England sometime during the late 1800's, although the method and date of arrival is still unclear. As a resident 'alien' he was required to report to the local authorities or constabulary on a regular basis. Giovanni's Identity Book contains a wealth of information, such as the business and residential addresses. He lived and worked at various locations in London, but the records also show him in Colchester, Ipswich, Suffolk, Sussex and Essex before moving back to London.

The 1881 census is a little confusing, there are several entries for Bacciarelli's but the most likely candidate is a London serving boy 'Bathita Bacciarelli' whose date of birth is listed as 1857, which is most likely an incorrect transcription or error as another gentleman of the same age is listed as a 'Serving Man'. Giovanni Battista Bacciarelli served in the Italian Army, 2nd District Co, Princenza, Italy between 1887 to 1890, so if the 1881 census listing refers to our 'Battista', he most likely travelled to England with older siblings or was living with close relations.

Giovanni was married in 1891 to Silvia Gardella / Gardellor at St Peter's Italian Church, Holborn, London and they resided for a while in London where they had 4 children, but Silvia died in childbirth with daughter Emma who also died shortly afterwards in September 1896. He married Leah Dunn of Staffordshire in 1900 at the Catholic Church of St Mary, Harwich, Essex and they went on to have 5 children, including twins Benjamin and Joseph who sadly died at birth in 1902.

The discovery of the 1891 census and various London Trade Directories, shows Giovanni and his brother Guiseppe running a confectionary business called Bacciarelli Bros at 395 New North Road, London until at least 1899. A marriage listing for Giaseppe Bacciarelli in Edmonton shows he married in 1906 to Winifred Clare Williams of Stroud Green, London.

In 1901 Giovanni was co-proprietor of The Criterion Restaurant, Gt Clacton, Harwich, Essex. Also listed there are his wife Leah and fellow Italian business partner Antoneo Mastaglio. His name is mis-spelled as 'Battista Baccioreli' and similar errors in documentation have made searching for his records quite a challenge! Battista and Antonio dissolved their partnership on 18th September 1901, which was recorded in the December issue of the London Gazette, but he continued to be the Proprietor of The Criterion Restaurant for several years.

Giovanni passed away in 1937 and was buried in Brockley & Ladywell Cemetary, (formerly Deptford Cemetary) Ladywell Road, Deptford, London on 16 April 1937.

Although he has gone, his story is by no means complete, and any information or pictures you can share would be welcome!