Margate People: Kate Bonny

A Life Cut Short on the Kentish Coast

Ah, Cliftonville! A seaside enclave in Margate where the houses are as grand as the history they hold. Tucked away on Albion Road stood the Bonny family’s home—Brooklyn Heights, which also served as a private synagogue housed in an extension at the back. While the world outside changed, life for Kate Cleopatra Bonny and her family buzzed with everyday joys, occasional dramas, and the ever-present salt-tinged air of the Kentish coast.

Brooklyn Heights: The Bonny Family Home

Let’s take a walk back to 19th-century Cliftonville, when Albion Road was a well-heeled street, and the Bonny family lived at Brooklyn Heights. Imagine the comings and goings in that house—Sacerdote Bonny, Kate’s father, was a respected figure in the community, known for his charitable work and involvement in local affairs. His wife, Clara Bonny, was equally engaged in the community, often hosting gatherings and contributing to various social causes.

The Bonny family were Sephardi Jews, part of a wealthy and often more affluent community of Jewish families who could trace their lineage back to Spain and Portugal before their expulsion in the 15th century. Being Sephardi meant that the Bonnys followed distinct religious customs, traditions, and even foods that were different from those of Ashkenazi Jews (Jews of Central and Eastern European descent). Their synagogue services were conducted in Ladino or Hebrew, and they followed Sephardic liturgical practices that dated back centuries. This rich heritage was an integral part of their family identity and tied them to a broader, centuries-old tradition within the Jewish diaspora.

An image of the Bonny family in the Garden of Brooklyn Heights believed to have been taken around the year of 1910. Bonny is believed to be the lady sat on the left.

While the Sephardi Jewish community in Margate held a certain level of affluence, most of the town's Jewish residents were Cockney, working-class Yiddishers, who had migrated from London's East End. These Ashkenazi Jews spoke Yiddish and brought with them traditions and lifestyles rooted in their working-class experiences. Despite this, the Sephardi Jews in nearby Ramsgate, including families like the Bonnys, remained an important part of the local Jewish fabric, adding to the diversity of the community.

The Bonny children, Kate included, filled their home with the laughter and chaos only a large family can muster. Kate’s siblings were a lively bunch: Arthur, known for his adventurous spirit; Ernest Arthur, a thoughtful and introspective young man; Albert, who had a knack for mechanical work; and Alice Sarah, celebrated for her artistic talent. Edward, an energetic child, tragically passed away young, as did another unnamed sibling who died within the first week of life. Gertrude Clara and Amelia Esther rounded out the family dynamic, each contributing in their unique ways.

Kate, with her fascinating middle name, "Cleopatra," might have fancied herself a bit like her ancient namesake—though with more seaside outings and far less royal intrigue.

Just a stone’s throw from Brooklyn Heights was the Margate synagogue, a hub of the local Jewish community. The synagogue, a place of worship for Sephardi Jews like the Bonny family, was central to their spiritual and communal life. You can picture Kate and her family walking over for services, likely stopping to chat with neighbours in the small, tight-knit town.

A Tragic Turn: The Zeppelin Raid on September 13th, 1915

But beneath the surface of their vibrant family life, the world outside was on the brink of violence. On September 13, 1915, during World War I, German forces brought terror to this sleepy coastal town. A Zeppelin raid—the first daylight attack on Thanet—unleashed ten bombs over the area. Kate, standing at the gate of Brooklyn Heights, waited for her parents to return for Yom Kippur. Tragically, she was struck by shrapnel from one of the blasts. Though she was rushed to Margate Cottage Hospital, she succumbed to her injuries four days later, on September 17th.

Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, is a time of reflection, fasting, and atonement. For Kate and her family, it was undoubtedly a day of deep spiritual significance, one that was tragically interrupted by the violence of war.

Albion Road, Cliftonville today. It is believed Brooklyn Lodge stood on the mid - left hand side of the road. The Synagogue is still in view at the top right hand of the road

Honoring Kate: A Legacy of Remembrance

Kate’s story didn’t end with her passing. Her name is inscribed on the Bevis Marks war memorial in London, a tribute to the Jewish community’s war dead. It serves as a reminder of how war’s effects ripple through even the quietest streets.

After her death, Kate was laid to rest in the Jewish Cemetery in Ramsgate, not far from her family home. It is a peaceful place, a fitting resting spot for a life cut short by the chaos of war. Today, Albion Road may no longer hum with the same energy it once did, but her story remains woven into the history of Cliftonville.

The Bevis Marks Memorial London, UK. Bonny is mentioned on the left, 6 lines down

Image Ref: Bevis Marks memorial London, UK

A Stroll Down Albion Road

So, next time you find yourself wandering through Cliftonville, along Albion Road, take a moment to remember the Bonny family. Brooklyn Heights may no longer stand, but its memory lingers, much like the sea air that clings to you long after a visit. Think of Kate Cleopatra Bonny, standing at the gate, waiting for her parents with hope in her heart.

Her name may now be a little-known part of local lore, but her story—like so many untold ones—adds depth to the rich history of this town. Kate's life, though ordinary in many ways, holds significance—a reminder that history isn’t just shaped by famous figures, but by everyday people like her, living quiet lives in places like Cliftonville

I'm thrilled to kick off my Sub series, Margate People, where I'll be diving into the everyday lives of the fascinating folks who once called this seaside town home. There’s no shortage of notable events in Margate’s history, particularly in September, but I knew the first story had to be about Kate Cleopatra Bonny. It feels especially fitting to publish this on the 109th anniversary of the Zeppelin raid that changed her family’s life forever. Her story is just the beginning of uncovering the rich tapestry of Margate’s past, one everyday person at a time.

Thanks for Reading.

Luke