Childe Family Genealogy & History

Henry Langdon Childe (1781–1874) was a pioneering English showman known for his significant contributions to the development of the magic lantern and dissolving views, which were precursors to modern cinematic techniques. Childe's innovative use of double and triple lanterns for theatrical effects set industry standards in the 19th century. His work in enhancing projection brightness with limelight and creating dissolving views with achromatic lenses had a lasting impact on visual entertainment. Childe's exhibitions, particularly at venues like the Royal Polytechnic Institution and the London Colosseum, attracted notable audiences, including Princess Victoria, solidifying his reputation as a mainstream performer and technological innovator.

Henry Langdon Childe was born in Poole, Dorset, as the youngest of three children. He and his wife, Elizabeth, had one daughter named Maria, who is recorded in the 1851 census as an artist in glass, residing in Lambeth with her parents.

Wilfred Rowland Childe, a distinguished British author and poet, was born on April 26, 1890, in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Renowned for his work "Dream English: A Fantastical Romance" (1917), Childe was a significant literary figure who edited Oxford Poetry in 1916 and 1917. His career in academia saw him as an Assistant Lecturer and later a Lecturer in English literature at the University of Leeds. Known for his contemplative poetry, he was admired by notable figures like Arthur Machen and Robin Skelton. His legacy includes several published works, including "The Gothic Rose" (1922) and "Selected Poems" (1936). Childe passed away at the age of 62 in Harrogate on November 10, 1952.

Wilfred Rowland Childe was the eldest son of Henry Slade Childe, who was the chairman of the Yorkshire Railway Wagon Company Ltd., and Kate France Child. He was raised in a family with strong ties to Yorkshire, where his father held a prominent business position. This familial background provided a stable foundation for his educational pursuits at Harrow School and Magdalen College, Oxford.

James Warren Childe (1780–1862) was a renowned English miniature painter noted for his portraits of prominent actors and actresses of his time. Initially exhibiting landscapes at the Royal Academy in 1798, Childe transitioned to miniature painting by 1815, consistently showcasing his work at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy and the Suffolk Street gallery until 1853. His artistic legacy remains significant within the realm of English portraiture.

Childe was born in Poole, Dorset, and shared his early life with his older brother, Elias Childe. He was also the brother of Henry Langdon Childe, a magic lantern maker. He married Ann Banfield in 1810, and among his children were the singer Ann Childe Seguin and artist Maria Louisa Childe.

Elias Childe (1778–1849) was a renowned British landscape painter celebrated for his prolific contributions to the art world, particularly in oils and watercolours. Known for his exceptional moonlight effects, Childe exhibited extensively at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy and the Society of British Artists. His work was well-received, securing a place for one of his pieces at the National Gallery of British Art. Childe's artistic endeavors earned him a fellowship at the Society of British Artists in 1825, marking a significant achievement in his career.

Born in 1788, Elias Childe was the elder brother of James Warren Childe, also an artist, and Henry Langdon Childe, known for developing the magic lantern. The Childe family resided at 29 Compton Street, Soho, where Elias lived with his brother James during his early career.