James Spackman was born in Wootton Bassett in 1844 the son of Richard and Mary Ann Spackman. He was born into a ready made family firm where he began work as a plasterer alongside his father and uncle.
However, following his marriage to Margaretta Pozzi, the daughter of Italian born jeweller (and sometime innkeeper) James set about building his own dynasty.
By 1881 James and his family had moved into Swindon and were living at 2 Merton Street. At the time of the 1891 census they were living at 1 Clifton Street where James described himself as a builder. Working alongside him were his two sons Hubert (sometimes called Herbert) and Charles who were both carpenter’s apprentices.
The Spackman family business went from strength to strength as the firm built properties in Broad Street, Volta Road and Ponting Street. They began work on St Augustine’s Church in Rodbourne in 1907 and in 1931 they built the sacristy at Holy Rood R.C. Church. They built villas in Bath Road and Okus Road, which became Spackman family homes.
James Spackman died in 1930 at the age of 87 and was described as a well-known builder and contractor in the obituary (see below) published in the North Wilts Herald. He was buried in grave plot E8540 with his wife Margaretta who had died in 1918. They were joined by their unmarried daughter Florence Alice who died in 1961.
The Radnor Street Cemetery burial registers list the grave of James’s son Charles Mortimer Spackman who died in 1945 aged 72 years. He is buried in grave plot C1192 with his wife Annie and their infant son Herbert who died in September 1899 just days old.
New Church, Swindon – The foundation stone of a new church, to be dedicated to St. Augustine, was laid recently at Swindon. The plans have been prepared by Mr W.A. Masters, architect, of Swindon, and the contract let to Messrs. H. & C. Spackman, builders, Swindon, at 3,100l (£3,100). The plan is of the Basilican type and the first portion to be erected at once will be the nave to accommodate 500 persons. It will be constructed of brick throughout.
The Builder May 4, 1907.
Death of a Swindon J.P.
Former Member of Town Council
The death took place at his residence, 8, Okus road, Swindon, on Thursday in last week, of Mr James Spackman, J.P., at the age of 87 years.
Mr Spackman was a native of Wootton Bassett, but had lived the greater part of his life in Swindon and was a well-known builder and contractor.
For a number of years he was a member of the Swindon Town Council, but retired from municipal life about ten years ago.
Mrs Spackman died in 1918.
There are four sons and two daughters, two of the sons being Messrs. H. and C. Spackman, builders and contractors of Hunt street.
Mr Spackman was one of the founders of Sanford street Congregational Church, and had held the office of deacon since it was founded.
The funeral took place at Radnor Street Cemetery, Swindon, on Saturday.
The service was conducted at the house and graveside by the Rev. A.R. Smart. The chief mourners were: Messrs. H.J. Spackman, C.M. Spackman and E.A. Spackman (sons), Mrs Fulton and Miss F. Spackman (daughters), Messrs R. Spackman, H. Spackman, A. Spackman, and R. Spackman (grandsons).
North Wilts Herald, Friday, December 12, 1930.
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Radnor Street Cemetery 
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