A Summary of Information in the Royal Archives* written by Pamela Clark, Registrar (Transcript)
Abraham Ealey
Postillion to Queen Charlotte from 10 April 1771 until his death on 7 March 1793 (though described by his son Richard as Coachman to King George III for 33 years - no evidence of that in the King's records)
Richard Ealey
Son of Abraham. Shown in a list of the servants of the Duke of Kent (father of Queen Victoria) in January 1820 as Head Groom, with a note that he had worked for the Duke "since a boy". Also states (see enclosed photocopy) that his brother worked for the Duke of Sussex, but we have no records for the Duke's Household, so cannot confirm this.
James Ealey Senior
Postillion to the Duchess of Kent, 3 November 1829 - 31 December 1835. Began work in the Royal Mews, in an unspecified capacity, on 28 October 1838 and appointed Established Helper (i.e. on the established, salaried and pensionable staff, and carrying out general duties) 1 October 1847. No reference in the Royal Mews records to his leaving or dying in service, but a pension book records that Mary Ann Ealey, "Widow of the late Keeper of the Gate at the top of Constitution Hill", was granted a pension from 1 January 1855, following her husband's death, and I presume, from the census information in your first letter, this refers to James senior. Mary Ann died 29 June 1872. I suspect the gate concerned is the one into Buckingham Palace Gardens by Hyde Park Corner.
James Ealey Junior
Not clear when he first joined royal service, but he is listed as an Assistant Coachman in a salary list for March 1856 and in 1859 is listed as having an apartment in the South Gallery in the Royal Mews. Promoted to Coachman 1 April 1866. Retired with a pension 1 June 1876 (see enclosed photocopy). Thereafter lived first at 4 Waterloo Terrace, Wellington Road, Slough, later at 1 Hoxton Villa, Church Street, and finally at 11 Hencroft Street. Died 7 October 1884.
George Ealey
Postillion to the Duchess of Kent, 29 May 1826 - 7 December 1833. Began work in the Royal Mews, in an unspecified capacity, 28 May 1839, and left 19 October 1844. In 1853 received a donation of £2 from Queen Victoria (see enclosed photocopy).
