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Heavens to Murgatroyd

Posted by Leo Blore on May 04, 2009 at 14:39

Adding to possibility of expression 'Heavens to Murgatroyd'. It is possible this expression grew from an early marketing ploy for a funeral business. The Blore family, from 1780's - 1850's had several businesses centred around Hyde park Corner in both Mayfair and Knightsbridge including a pub, building business and funeral business. William Blore's daughter, Georgina Matilda Blore married Adams Rushworth Murgatroyd October 28, 1820 in St George Hanover Square Church. It is believed that upon the death of her father in 1832 and the death of her eldest brother, also William, in 1835, that the funeral business went to the daughter. Adam Rushworth Murgatroyd was found in the census records of 1851 as an undertaker. Does the expression/saying "Heaven's to Murgatroyd" come from their funeral business as an original slogan for advertising purposes? Given the debate on the web re the origins of this expression it is worthy of research!

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The 1851 England Census information about the family of Adam Rushworth Murgatroyd and Georgina (or Georgiana) nee Blore Murgatroyd.

1851 England Census
about Georgiana Murgatroyd
Name: Georgiana Murgatroyd
Age: 56
Estimated Birth Year: abt 1795
Relation: Wife
Spouse's Name: Adam R
Gender: Female
Where born: Knightsbridge, Middlesex, England
Civil Parish: St George Hanover Square
County/Island: Middlesex
Country: England
Street address: 18 Stafford Row

Occupation: Undertaker

Condition as to marriage:Married

Disability: View Image
Registration district: St George Hanover Square Sub-registration district: Belgrave ED, institution, or vessel: 37kk
Neighbors: View others on page
Household schedule number: 20
Household Members: Name Age
Adam Murgatroyd 17 Undertaker
Adam R Murgatroyd 59 Undertaker
Georgiana Murgatroyd 56 Undertaker
Grace Murgatroyd 28 At home
Isabella Murgatroyd 15 At home
William Murgatroyd 27 Undertaker

See: the meaning and origin of the phrase 'Heavens to Murgatroyd'.

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