Meet Edward Whybrew: Rippon Lea coachman

Edward Whybrew was born in Islington on 12 September, 1847. His father was a coachman; young Edward grew up around horses and in time became a coachman himself.

In 1875 Edward married North London barmaid Elizabeth Sarah Budd. He was working in a livery stable and on the look-out for a new job. He came to know of Frederick Sargood through a ‘big merchant in the city’, who told Edward:

“Ted, I know a man from Australia … a middle-aged man with nine children and two nurses, and he wants a coachman”.

Edward got the job and drove the Sargood family in London for the next two years.

When the Sargood family returned to Melbourne in 1882, Edward and Elizabeth were among the staff who sailed with them. They moved into a cottage in Willow Street, next door to Head Gardener, Adam Anderson and his family.

As head-coachman, Edward was responsible for driving Frederick Sargood into town. He also drove the children to school and drove Julia Sargood out visiting. He had another coachman reporting to him and was responsible for around ten horses and ponies.

When required, he drove the family to their holiday home “Ellerslie” at Snapper Point (now Mornington). On Mrs Sargood’s instructions he would break the journey at Mordialloc for two hours to rest the horses.

Frederick Sargood described Edward as:

“ … strictly sober, honest and attentive to his duties. He was quiet and kind with his horses and kept the harness & carriages in good condition.”