We are confident that this is the wedding of Elsie Anna Farthing and John Lungley on 11 February 1905 (it has been professionally dated to c1901 - 1905).

Back row: William "Pud" Farthing far left; Frederick Farthing (sailor, 4th from right).
Front row: L-R Frederick, son of Travers Farthing who sits second from left, Groom John Lungley (Mersea boot-maker and chimney sweep), Elsie Anna Farthing, her mother Sophia Farthing in the dark clothes, possibly Elsie's sister Beatrice Farthing, Elsie's father William Farthing (with beard seond from left). Elsie's other sisters Minnie, Grace, Eliabeth and Violet and brothers Oliver, Allan "Many" and Jim are probably in the photograph but we cannot identify them. [ Caption from Alan Smith and Pixie Weaver ].

Used in the 2009 Wedding Display at the Museum, but was unidentified at that time. The caption used was:
All that is known is that it was a Mersea wedding. The clothes worn are not very helpful as the bride's dress looks more modern that the wonderful hats worn by some of the ladies. One man is in naval uniform which could make it any time between the first decade of the 20th century when he might have been in the naval reserve or just after WW1 before he was demobilised. The gentlemen's hats range from formal bowlers to comfortable caps. It is a picture full of contrasts.
Ron Green has a copy of this picture, named "Farthing Wedding". The sailor to the right of the bride is thought to be Fred Farthing.
Date: 11 February 1905