From the 1840s census Edward (age 56) and Charlette (age 38) Webb are living along Main Road in  {possibly newly built) Myrtle Cottages. They are next door to Sadler and family.

By 1851 the Webb’s have 4 children: Frances (12), Jonathan (9), Susannah (7) and Walter (5).

By 1861 Edward has died, and the newspapers of the date start to carry reports of various misdeeds committed by Francis. In the run up to Christmas 1864 Francis and a friend hide out on Soham where they have set up a small business stealing poultry to send plucked birds by train to London markets. They are tracked down and apprehended by local police in a stake out. Francis is given 7 years penal servitude.