What did the future have in store for William Henry Thomas? It could have been so different. His mother Amy died in 1903. She at least was spared the horror of the First World War. The last time Henry saw his son he was an art student.
William Henry Thomas was born in 1888, the only son of Henry William and Amy Thomas and baptised at St Paul’s Church on March 25. He grew up at The Eagle Hotel where his father was licensed victualler. The Eagle stood on the corner of Regent Street and College Street and was demolished during the redevelopment of the area.
The distressing news is to hand of the death – killed in action on May 25th – of Pte. William Henry Thomas, of the H.A.C. He was the only son of Mr H.W. Thomas, of 63 Bath Road, Swindon, and was 29 years of age. Previous to joining the Army, about 18 months ago, Pte. Thomas had been studying art in London. He had been at the front since November last.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, June 1, 1917.
Until 9 April 1917, the Allied front line ran practically through the village of St. Laurent-Blangy. The trench (known to the Germans as Mindel Trench and called in 1918 McLaren Trench) was taken by the 9th (Scottish) Division on 9 April 1917, and the cemetery was made by the side of the trench after the battle. It was used by fighting units and field ambulances until September 1918, and was at times called Stirling Camp and St. Laurent-Blangy Forward Cemetery. Mindel Trench British Cemetery contains 191 burials of the First World War, nine of which are unidentified. The cemetery was designed by N A Rew.
When John Christopher Westmacott died in 1931 the North Wilts Herald published a lengthy obituary. I visited his grave in Radnor Street Cemetery where I discovered an elegant headstone, which included an inscription dedicated to his wife who died twenty years later. When I saw that his wife included the name Morse in her name I presumed that he had married into the prominent Primitive Methodist Morse family.
Elizabeth Jane Morse Trotman was born in Stratton St. Margaret and her baptism was performed by Charles Morse. Elizabeth was the daughter of Jane Morse Austin who married Cornelius Trotman. Jane was the daughter of Robert Austin and his wife Elizabeth Morse who was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Morse of Purton, but as yet I have been unable to make that all important link with the mighty Morse family (and I bet you’re glad I’ve stopped trying!)*
John Christopher Westmacott married Elizabeth Jane Morse Trotman in 1898. The marriage was registered in the Hungerford area of Berkshire. By 1901 they were living in Kingshill before eventually moving to 133 Goddard Avenue. They had no children.
When Elizabeth died there was no fulsome obituary, just a brief death notice published in The Reading Standard on Friday March 16, 1951.
Westmacott – on March 9, 1951, at Prince of Wales Avenue, Reading, Elisabeth Jane Morse Westmacott, aged 81 years, widow of John Christopher Westmacott, formerly of Swindon, passed peacefully away. – Sadly missed.
Mr J.C. Westmacott
Death of a Swindon Local Preacher
Funeral Tributes
The funeral took place on Friday afternoon of Mr J.C. Westmacott, of 133, Goddard Avenue, Swindon.
Mr Westmacott, who was 60 years of age, was a member of an old Swindon family, and had been in the service of the GWR Company for many years. He was well known in Primitive Methodist circles, having been a local preacher for nearly 40 years. He leaves a widow, and is also survived by his widowed mother, who is now 87 years of age.
The first portion of the service was conducted at the Regent Street Primitive Methodist Church, by the Rev G. S. Hooson (supt. Minister), the Rev F.W. Harper (a former supt. minister at Regent Street Church and now at Wootton Bassett), the Rev. T. Sutcliffe, the Rev. F. Sellers, and Mr G.P. Pickard. Special hymns were sung, and the organist (Mr. A. Barrett) played the “Dead March.”
38 Years as a Preacher
The Rev. G.S. Hooson paid tribute to the good work Mr Westmacott had done as a lay preacher. He had been a faithful and loyal member of the Regent Street church and his chosen sphere of work was preaching. For 38 years he was a lay preacher, and during that period he rendered a true and complete ministry in the Methodist Church.
The interment took place in the Radnor street cemetery.
The family mourners were: Mrs J.C. Westmacott (widow), Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Westmacott, Mr and Mrs J.A. Westmacott (Stroud), Mr Wm. E. Westmacott, Mr and Mrs H.G. Westmacott (brother and sister in law), Miss F.A. Trotman (sister in law), Mr F.T. Trotman (brother in law) Mr H.C. Trotman (brother in law, of Reading), Mr R.R. Trotman (nephew, of Oxford), Miss Freda Parsons (niece), Mrs W.H. Watts, Mrs E. Austin (cousin, Highworth), Mrs T. Austin (cousin), Mr and Mrs Uzzell, Mr and Mrs Pockett, Nurse Booth.
The bearers were Messrs C. Hands, H.T. Budgell, W. Robinson, Gingell, Deaman and M. York (local preachers).
GWR Works Representatives
The representatives of the GWR Works were Messrs. F. Hyde (chief foreman), J. Bond, and B. Thorne (of J. Shop) E. Thomas (retired foreman), J. Summerhayes, R.W. Newport and F. Dennis (of the chair foundry).
Amongst the representatives of the Primitive Methodist Connexion were Messrs. W. Webb, J. Haydon. J.T. Robins, H. Martin, J.P., T. Minchin, W. Bayliss, Wheeler, Uzzell, G.H. Hunt, C.J. Iles, J.P. (Purton) H.J. Franklin, H.J. Hancock, W.T. Harding, and H. Thatcher.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Smith and Son, Gordon road, under the personal supervision of Mr. A.E. Smith.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, January 23, 1931.
*So, I returned to my research and managed to find the connection between Elizabeth Jane Morse Trotman and the prominent Primitive Baptist family by the name of Morse. Elizabeth traces her ancestry back three generations to William and Mary Morse of Purton. These were the parents of Charles Morse, leading figure in the Primitive Methodist Church in Swindon.
I think this gravestone is a particularly attractive one. Quite modest. It’s made from pink granite and the entwined ivy is a symbol of friendship, fidelity and immortality.
This is the grave of Thomas J. Stewart, a former blacksmith who was born in Scotland. But the person I’d like to draw your attention to is Robert Affleck, his son-in -law, who is buried with him.
This is a photograph of Robert Affleck published with a report in the Adver at the time of his death, which described him as tall and upright and that up until his death he was still often seen walking in Swindon and the surrounding countryside.
The Affleck family left their mark on the streets of Swindon. I’m sure you’ve all stepped over this type of drain cover (see below). Larger manhole covers also survive.
Robert Affleck was the eldest of William and Maria Affleck’s five sons, all of whom, I believe, joined the family firm.
William was born in Gateshead and served his engineering apprenticeship at Hawkes & Son before joining the prestigious Lambeth based engineering firm of Maudsley and Field. This then led to a job with the GWR in Paddington and in around 1843 William moved to 33 Exeter Street and a job in the GWR Works.
By 1853 William had struck out on his own, establishing a foundry and engineering works in Prospect. The 1861 census describes William as a machinist and coal merchant employing 17 men and 3 boys.
In accordance with William’s will his executors, who included Robert, put the business up for sale. It was bought for £3,000 by two of the sons Frederick and Theodore Affleck. There is an advertisement published in 1908 where they describe themselves as Millwrights & Machinists, Iron and Brass Founders – sole agents in the district for the “Vollmar” washing machine.
William and his wife are both buried in the churchyard at Christ Church, but Robert chose to be buried in Radnor Street with his father in law.
The Affleck sons all lived to a ripe old age. Robert was 94 when he died in 1940.
When Robert died in 1940 he left £11,541 2s 2d worth today about one and a half million.
As Swindon residents eagerly await the opening of the temporary museum and art gallery space in the Civic Offices, let’s visit the opening of the building in 1938 and the first Mayor to be invested there.
The Civic Offices in Euclid Street were designed in a Moderne style by Oxford architects Bertram, Bertram and Rice and officially opened on July 5, 1938 by the Duke of Gloucester. The North Wilts Herald reported that ‘one of the highlights of the tour was when the Duke, with the Mayor, appeared on the balcony. His Highness was loudly cheered, and he waved an acknowledgement.’
The building was given a Grade II listing in 2020 when Historic England described it in the designation details ‘as a symbolic expression of Swindon’s civic identity during the interwar period.’
Image published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library
Raymond George Cripps was born on December 18, 1877 in Kings Lynn, the son of Primitive Methodist Minister George Cripps and his wife Ursula Ellen. The family moved around the country following George’s ministry, but by 1901 George had retired and the family were living at 134 Goddard Avenue. Raymond was 23 years old and working as a railway clerk.
In 1906 Raymond married Beatrice Maud Raggett, the daughter of another prominent Primitive Methodist Henry Raggett and granddaughter of Charles Morse, one of the founders of the church in Swindon. The couple had two children, Cyril and Marjorie.
Raymond George Cripps first stood for office in the local elections of 1924 but was disqualified owing to his nomination papers not been filled in properly. He sought election the following year and continued to represent the King’s Ward.
Raymond George Cripps died aged 82 years at his home, 85 Croft Road. He was buried on January 25, 1960 in grave plot D85A which he shares with his wife Beatrice Maud who died in 1954.
Swindon’s New Mayor
Unanimous Election of Councillor R.G. Cripps
Labour’s Support
Just an ordinary man, unpretentious, not a Swindonian, but very proud of the town, in which he has lived for 40 years.
That was how Councillor Raymond George Cripps described himself on Wednesday when he was elected Mayor Swindon.
With the usual ceremonial his election was approved by the full Council, in the presence of members of his family and friends and representatives of the public life of the town.
Thirty-ninth in the list of Swindon Mayors, Mr Cripps, a retired GWR clerk, is the first Mayor to be invested in the new Civic Offices.
This year, for the first time in Swindon civic history, the members of the Council and visitors were deprived of the ceremony of robing and investiture with chain of office. This took place in an ante-room during a brief adjournment of the special Council meeting.
Mr Cripps made the customary reference to the work which lay ahead of the Council. He thought the dispute with the Wilts Standing Joint Committee over the police strength in Swindon would be settled on advantageous terms to the Council. The cattle market scheme would call for all the resources possessed by the Council in the way of financial judgment and wise planning. Mr Cripps described Swindon’s educational facilities as unequalled in the country, and he appealed for greater civic pride in the town.
Among those occupying reserved seats at the rear of the Council Chamber were the new Mayoress and members of her family the retiring Mayoress, Mrs Niblett, and Mrs L.J. Newman, a former Mayoress, the Rev. E. Banks and the Rev C.H. Cleal.
Mr Cripps election was proposed by Councillor A.E. Harding, and seconded by Ald. T.C. Newman.
In proposing Councillor Cripps as a ‘qualified person’ to be Mayor, Councillor A.E. Harding described Swindon as one of the best governed towns in the country. ‘Our offices and officials are second to none; we are proud of them.’
Then as an aside he made the suggestion to the Transport Committee that ‘bus conductors should be supplied with spectacles ‘so they might see people hurrying to catch the bus.’
Mr Harding spoke of the new Mayor’s church and Council work as providing excellent training for the exalted position he was to fill.
Tribute to Mrs Cripps and her ability to fulfil her duties was added by Mr. Harding.
Ald T.C. Newman seconded, and referred to his long association with Mr Cripps.
Labour’s Support
On behalf of the Labour group Coun. W.R. Robins supported the nomination and said the Mayor could rely on the support of his colleagues.
‘We differ in political allegiance but we are as desirous of doing the best for the town and people as any other members of the Council.’ Coun Mrs May George and Coun A.H. Wheeler also supported the nomination.
Coun. H.R. Hustings protested against the discordant note brought into the proceedings by the insult to the ‘bus conductors. He was very surprised at the remark being made on such an occasion of dignity. It was a very inopportune time.
The election of the Mayor was then approved unanimously, and the Council adjourned for a few moments while the new Mayor robed and was invested with chain of office.
When the new Mayor returned robed and took his place in the Mayoral chair he was loudly applauded.
The Mayor, speaking of Council work, said he was afraid that Swindon people did not appreciate the educational advantages of the town. He questioned whether any other town of its size could equal them.
Promising to do his work to the best of his ability he confessed that he had been tempted to withdraw after being proposed as Mayor-elect. He realised the responsibility he was assuming.
Referring to a reference in the Press in which it was suggested that he would need good humour, he said he could still see the funny side of things. ‘God help the man in public life who cannot,’ he said. He hoped to serve impartially and he knew the Mayoress would do all in her power to render service and forward any good cause in the town.
Provision had been made in current estimates for erection of a cubicle block at the isolation hospital. It was anticipated that during the coming year the Victoria road improvement would be completed, or at least substantial progress made.
The programme of educational development would, in the main, be completed and proposals for a central education and health clinic were approaching realisation.
A fatal road traffic accident and a mysterious ‘dark shadow’ on the road made front page news in the North Wilts Herald, Friday January 15, 1937.
Ada Ellen McHardy died of her injuries following the accident at the Bath Road and Goddard Avenue junction when she was struck by a car driven by Mr Edwin Bradley. Witnesses at the inquest referred to a ‘large black shadow’ seen on the road when wet, although it was not explained whether this shadow contributed to Mr Bradley’s driving or Mrs McHardy’s ability to safely navigate the road.
Ada Ellen Cave was born in Bath in 1860 the eldest of ten children. Her father Isaac W. Cave was an engine fitter and turner who moved to Swindon from Wolverton. In 1882 Ada married Robert S. McHardy, a clerk in the railway works. The couple and their two children lived at 24 Sheppard Street before moving to 53 Newhall Street, Ada’s home for many years.
Ada was a member of the Baptist Tabernacle and heavily involved with the work of the church (see newspaper report below). At her funeral the Rev. C.H. Cleal quoted – “As a writer in the Swindon Press rightly said of her. ‘She was always happy, always in a hurry, seemingly, to be about her Master’s business, possessing the helping hands of Martha, and the loving heart of Mary. She has left Swindon the poorer by her death.’”
Ada’s funeral took place on January 16, 1937. She is buried in grave plot D166 which she shares with her husband who died in 1902.
Swindon Resident Killed in Road Accident
Motor Car Driver Exonerated from Blame at the Inquest
Mrs Ada Ellen McHardy, president of the Swindon Women’s Free Church Council, was knocked down by a motor-car on Tuesday night and received injuries from which she died early on Wednesday.
The accident took place on Tuesday at about 7.45 at the junction of Bath-road and Goddard-avenue.
The car, which was driven by Mr Edwin Bradley, of 55, Okus-road, Swindon, was going along the Bath-road. Mrs McHardy was taken to the Victoria Hospital with head and leg injuries and died at 6.30 on Wednesday morning without regaining consciousness. She lived at 151 Goddard-avenue, and was 77 years of age.
For about 60 years Mrs McHardy had been a keen member and worker for the Baptist Church in Swindon, and it was only a month ago that she had a presentation made to her on her resignation of the post of secretary of the Baptist Women’s League of the church after 28 years’ service. In the year 1920 she was appointed a Deacon of the church, and for a few years occupied the office of Elder.
For 12 years she has represented the Church on the Wilts and East Somerset Association Executive Committee and was called to the presidency of the association for the year 1929. Always keenly interested in the young people, she was for many years a Sunday school teacher and was with her class last Sunday morning. She was a great help to the church in visiting the sick, while the Sewing Circle claimed her services since its formation nearly 50 years ago.
During Carnival week she was always a hard-working collector for the hospital, working for the council, and also at the stall run by the Free Church Council.
Loyal Worker
When Mrs J.F. Marquis, secretary of the Swindon Women’s Free Church Council, was informed by a “Swindon Advertiser” reporter of Mrs McHardy’s death, she expressed considerable concern. “I always found her a most conscientious and loyal worker,” said Mrs Marquis. “She was a woman of very high Christian character. She conducted our executive and general meetings most ably, and she will be greatly missed. I think I shall be expressing the general view of all the Free Church women of the town, especially those connected with the Baptist Church, when I say how sorry I am to hear the news.”
Mrs Marquis pointed out that this is the second loss that the Women’s Free Church Council has sustained during the past few months, Mrs Harrison, the vice-president, having died a short while ago. On Monday Mrs McHardy presided at a meeting of the council, when the question of filling the vacancy created by Mrs Harrison’s death was discussed.
The daughter of an engineer in the Great Western Railway Swindon Works, Mr Isaac William Cave, Mrs McHardy had lived in Swindon all her life. She was one of a family of ten, five girls and five boys, of whom two sisters and three brothers are living. She married Mr Robert Stewart McHardy, who was employed as a draughtsman in the Swindon Works of the railway and was a well-known figure in the town. Her husband died some years ago. For many years he was choirmaster at the Tabernacle. She had two children, a son and a daughter.
Before her marriage, Mrs McHardy was employed as a teacher at a College-street school. Her son is the Rev. Robert McHardy, B.Sc., of Chorley Wood, a Baptist minister, who received his education at Swindon College, and later at Aberystwyth University. Her daughter, Ethel, was also in the scholastic profession before her marriage to Mr Ernest Hughes, of Trowbridge. Her brother-in-law, Mr J. Ballinger, of 20, Goddard-avenue, is senior master at Even Swindon school.
The Inquest
A large black shadow which only appears on the road after rain, at the Bath-road and Goddard-avenue junction, in Swindon, was referred to by witnesses at the inquest at Old Town Police Station yesterday afternoon.
A verdict of “Accidental death” was returned, and the jury exonerated the driver of the car from blame.
Police Constable Worth, who was called to the scene of the accident, said he took up a position in Bath-road, over which a vehicle might normally be expected to travel. At the spot were three lights – a large green overhead lamp and two ordinary street lamps.
“Between two of the lights – the green one and a yellow,” he said, “was a large black shadow extending to Goddard-avenue in a triangular shape.
Witness went on to say that when he visited the scene on Wednesday night, the shadow was not there. Apparently it was only caused when the roads were wet.
In advising the jury, the Deputy-Coroner (Mr Harold Dale) said they should consider the question of a black patch which was caused by the green lights and the smaller ones.
Evidence of identification was given by Rev. R.S. McHardy, a son, who said his mother’s hearing was good but not perfect, while her eyesight was good.
Dr Christina Alexandra Gunn said Mrs McHardy was admitted to hospital about 8 o’clock. She was semi-conscious, and had a depressed fracture of the skull above the left eye and a fracture of the left leg. She died at 6.30 a.m. from hemorrhage of the brain as a result of the fracture of the skull.
Driver’s Story
The driver of the car. Edwin Bradley, 55 Okus-road, Swindon, said that on 12 January about 7.55 p.m. he was driving his car along Bath-road towards Okus-road.
“I passed Goddard-avenue,” witness went on “And the only person I saw was someone who stepped right in front of my car. There was no traffic about and I saw no other pedestrians.”
Answering the Deputy-Coroner, Mr Bradley said he did not see Mrs McHardy at all until she was directly in front of his car on the offside. She was then hardly more than a foot away from the front of the car.
“I pulled up as soon as I could – in the length of my car – and immediately jumped out.” The offside headlamp struck the woman and she was thrown forward.
It was a dark night and raining at the time. He had his side lights and a spot light on.
Asked by Mr Lemon if he had since visited the scene of the accident and noticed anything peculiar, witness said that in between the streets lamps was a black shadow, just where the accident happened. His speed was between 15 and 20 m.p.h.
“A Black Spot.”
Mr W.J. Colman, 77, Goddard-avenue, Swindon, said he was walking down the avenue towards Bath-road. “On reaching the junction I saw a car approaching from Bath-road. I stood on the zero (sic) to let it pass and it had gone 10 to 12 yards towards Okus-road when it pulled up with a sudden jerk.
“I walked along and found a woman on the ground lying about two feet directly in front of the car.”
Mr Colman said he noticed particularly a black spot in the road where the rays of overhead lights ended.
Mrs McHardy was lying seven or eight feet out from the kerb.
Mr Anthony Snow, foreman of the jury, expressed sympathy with the relatives, while similar sentiments were expressed by Mr H. Lemon, solicitor, Swindon, on behalf of Mr Bradley.
Mr D.C.A. Morrison, solicitor, Swindon, appeared on behalf of relatives of Mrs McHardy.
My first impressions on reading the newspaper article regarding the death of Thomas Baker was that he was an elderly gentleman. It was not until I checked the burial registers that I realised he was just 33 years old.
His wife said he had never been a healthy man and his occupation as ‘watercress seller and umbrella maker’ suggested (to me) that he was an older man, possibly retired.
This newspaper report continues that Dr LeWarren checked for ‘marks of violence’ and decided that ‘the immediate cause of death was heart disease’.
Corner of Belle Vue Roadlooking down towards Christ Church
Sudden Death – On Tuesday, Mr W.E.N. Browne, County Coroner, held an inquest at the Bellevue Inn, Victoria Street, Swindon, on the body of Thomas Baker, a watercress vendor and umbrella mender, lately residing in Bellevue Road, and who died suddenly early that morning. Mr Job Day was chosen foreman of the jury.
Emily Baker, wife of deceased, was called and said her husband had never been a healthy man. He had often complained of pains in his chest. He earned a livelihood by mending umbrellas and selling watercress.
The previous day (Monday) deceased went out and came home to dinner at one o’clock. He then went out again and returned to tea at five o’clock. Afterwards he went to the Old Town Station to see if some watercress had arrived which he was expecting. At 9 p.m. he came home. He was quite sober, and had a half pint of stout and went to bed about ten o’clock. At a quarter past five in the morning he awoke her and said “Emily, I’m going to die.” She thought he had a fit, and she called to James Major, who was lodging in the house, and he came and said deceased was in a fit. They then sent for a doctor and also called in P.C. Crook, who was on his beat in that neighbourhood.
James Major, a watercress vendor, the man referred to by the previous witness, said Mrs Baker called him up, saying that her husband was dying. When he saw deceased he said, “Mrs Baker I think he’s dead.” He then went for a doctor, but on his return Baker was dead. He (witness) went to the Old Town Station with deceased the previous evening; they were expecting some watercress from Marlborough. Deceased had two glasses of stout whilst in his company Deceased was on good terms with his wife. Witness had heard him complain of pains in his side and chest.
Dr Frank LeWarne, assistant to Dr J.C. Maclean, said he was called to deceased about twenty minutes past seven that morning, and he went immediately, but found the man was dead. He examined the body, but found no external marks of violence. In his opinion the immediate cause of death was heart disease. He knew nothing of deceased, but had heard that he was medically attended about a year ago for influenza. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.
The Swindon Advertiser, Saturday, February 29, 1896.
Thomas Baker of 21 Belle Vue Road was buried on February 29, 1896 in grave plot E7245. He was 33 years old.
Last year I was invited to take part in a project called StoryTrails. Fifteen locations across the UK were represented in this immersive storytelling project. Events in Swindon included an augmented reality trail called ‘Snapping Swindon with the Hoopers’, which involved visiting present day locations and viewing them as photographers William and Mary Hooper saw them a hundred years ago.
The other part of the project was a series of short interviews with local people talking about the places in Swindon that have a special meaning for them.
I met Lucinda in the cemetery on a beautifully sunny, but rather windy spring day. where we grappled with some unfamiliar technology (I was her first interviewee) and tried to capture the birdsong.
You can read all about the project on the StoryTrails website, which is full of futuristic phrases such as ‘3D dioramas’, ‘immersive installations’ and ’emotional geography,’ but if you don’t understand what all that actually means you can click on to this link. Here you will find not only me but a whole cast of local people talking about Swindon. My favourites include Lee who talks about growing up in The Limes, a boy’s home in Upper Stratton; Nancy, who speaks so movingly about her husband Ashley and the Prospect Hospice, and Martha who loves living in her little house in the Railway Village.
There is no doubt Florence Maddocks played an important role in the Gorse Hill community as the wife of Rev Maddocks at St Barnabas Church.
Florence was born in Manchester on January 6, 1856, the daughter of a solicitor’s clerk, William Sherratt, and his wife Sarah Jane. She married Philip Maddocks at St Mary’s Church, Birkenhead, Cheshire on July 6, 1880.
At the time of the 1881 census Philip was curate at St Peter’s Church, Burnley but for some reason Florence was boarding with her baby daughter Florence at the home of Charles Behenna and his wife Winifred at St Oswald in Cheshire.
Ten years later the Rev Maddocks was living at St Barnabas Vicarage, 268 Cricklade Road with his wife Florence and their ten year old daughter Florence Ida Louise. A son, Cyril, was born the following year but died in 1895 aged three years old. A second daughter, Philippa, was born in 1897.
It is sad and frustrating that so little can be discovered about a woman who played such an active role in the Gorse Hill community. Perhaps someone out there knows more about her.
The Late Mrs Maddocks
Funeral on Saturday
Amidst every manifestation of sorrow and regret on all sides, the funeral took place on Saturday last of Mrs Maddocks, wife of the Rev. Philip Maddocks (Vicar of St. Barnabas, Gorse Hill), who painfully sudden death was recorded in our columns last week. The mortal remains of the deceased lady were laid to rest in Swindon Cemetery, alongside the grave of her only son, Cyril, who fell asleep on Feb. 25, 1895, at the age of three years.
Holy Communion was celebrated in St. Barnabas Church, Gorse Hill, at ten o’clock, by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, curate: The organist, Mr. James Gaskell, played “No shadows yonder,” from A.R. Gaul’s “Holy City,” and also a selection from a Requiem of Anderton’s.
The funeral service took place at 12.45 in the same church, and the sacred edifice was crowded with parishioners and friends, anxious to take part in the solemn service. Canon the Hon. M. Ponsonby (Vicar of St Mark’s Church, and Rural Dean), officiated, assisted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell.
After the service at the church, the funeral procession wended its way to the Cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed at the graveside by Canon Ponsonby. Rain fell heavily during the long journey from Gorse Hill, but the sun shone out brightly as Canon Ponsonby solemnly delivered the committal sentences.
The coffin was of polished oak, with massive brass furniture, and the breast-plate born the following inscription:- “Florence Jane Maddocks, died 2nd April, 1902, aged 46 years.” The funeral arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out by Messrs Chandler Bros., of Swindon.
The floral tributes were most numerous and beautiful, and covered the space of two graves.
At St. Barnabas Church yesterday, the services were conducted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, who made fitting allusion to the great blow the Vicar and the whole parish had received.
Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Monday, April 7, 1902.
This Thursday morning you are likely to find members of the Radnor Street Cemetery volunteers busy in the cemetery. Here are a few words from Kevin explaining some of the work the volunteers undertake.
‘There are currently seven volunteers working in Radnor Street Cemetery. These include Jon, Jonathan, Brian, Pauline, Val, Jo and myself.
We are volunteering in an official capacity for the CWGC as part of their Eyes On Hands On project. The Commission is responsible for 103 plots at the cemetery, 90 WWI and 13 WWII, of these there are 101 Commonwealth and 12 private. Basically, it is up to us to look after these plots and feedback any concerns to the Commission such as illegibility, damage, unsafe leaning etc.
We are authorised to softly clean the Commonwealth headstones, using just water and brushes, and carry out light weeding, grass trimming etc. For the private memorials we should only carry out only light weeding and not clean the headstones, but feed back to the Commission.
Of the casualties at the cemetery a lot of them died from illness, but there are also those who died in accidents or more sadly those who took their own lives often following the horrors they had experienced.
We have recently been photographing all of the headstones and memorials for the Commission website. The Commission now try and include photographs on their casualty database, which people can search.
Outside of the Commission’s responsibility there are also many private family plots at the cemetery that we have come across that make reference to loved family members lost during the two wars.
The first two images show a little bit about the Eyes On Hands On project. The next photo is a private plot commemorating 2nd Lt W.S. Hunter, Royal West Kent Regiment. The second photo is a Commonwealth headstone marking the grave of Pte K.W. Scott-Browne, sadly killed in a flying accident whilst training for D Day. The last photo is a family grave for Mildred Cook, commemorating her husband Hubert James Cook, killed in action during WWI.’
Read more about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission here.
To give him his proper title, William Bonner was the Railway Station Superintendent at Swindon and the fifth person to fulfil that role.
Railway village builders Joseph D. & Charles Rigby built the railway station, known as Swindon Junction, in 1842. The building accommodated the Refreshment Rooms on the ground floor and a hotel and lounge above. In 1881 the hotel staff numbered 25 members all living on site. The Victorian building was largely demolished in 1972.
William Bonner began his railway career as a clerk before serving as station master at West Drayton, Uxbridge and Wrexham before moving to Swindon in 1873.
His accommodation as Railway Station Superintendent was Station Villa, one of the Managers Houses on Station Road, long since demolished.
Station Villa is to the right of this photograph pictured in around 1910
Sad Death of Mr Bonner,
The GWR Station Master
A long life passed in the care and preservation of other people’s lives was brought to a sad end on Tuesday last, at Swindon, when Mr W. Bonner, the highly respected but unpresuming, station master at Swindon GWR junction, met with his death whilst in the discharge of his duty. The particulars of the sad event will be found below.
The GWR authorities have been particularly happy in their choice of station masters at Swindon. Mr Holmes, the almost immediate predecessor of Mr Bonner, being as remarkable for his courteousness and urbanity as was Mr Bonner. At such a large and important station, a man of much tact and skill is an absolute necessity, not only for the safety and comfort of the travelling public but for the governance of the large staff of station hands at such a junction as Swindon.
Mr Bonner proved himself the right man in the right place – civil, courteous, and obliging to all, to such a degree that his loss is felt more than by the natural feeling experienced at the sadness of his going from amongst his family and friends.
But like so many, the deceased gentleman went through all the numerous dangers to life and limb incidental to his occupation, only to be overtaken at a time when he might pardonably have been looking forward to a period of retirement and rest after a busy life. Capt. Speke, the explorer, passed through the dangers of the African jungle to come home to shoot himself whilst getting through a hedge: Mr Bonner’s sad ending may be somewhat likened to this, and to many others of a like nature.
Deceased had been in the service of the Company about 40 years, and commenced his duties at Paddington. He had been at Swindon just a quarter of a century, having come here from Wrexham, where he was presented with a gold watch and chain by the station employes as a token of their appreciated of his kindness and consideration. When his body was discovered on Tuesday evening the watch and chain, slight damaged, were found in the six footway. The watch had stopped at 6.47 p.m.; the train reached Swindon at 6.50 p.m.
The Inquest
Was held at the Queen’s Hotel, GWR Station, on Wednesday, before Mr W.E.N. Browne, County Coroner, and a jury of whom Mr H.J. Deacon was foreman, Mr Kislingbury, Divisional Superintendent of Bristol; Inspector Wheeler, of Chippenham; and Mr W. Martin, Locomotive Shed Foreman, of Swindon, were present on behalf of the GWR Company. The following evidence was taken:
Mr Kislingbury, Divisional Superintendent of Bristol, said deceased came to Bristol to see him on Tuesday, and was engaged with him from 11 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. He was in his usual health, and witness had never seen him brighter.
William Readings, a GWR engine driver, said he was driving one of the recently constructed express trains. He left Bristol at 5.50 p.m. Deceased got on the engine at Bath. Witness asked him for his pass and he produced it. During the run from Bath they conversed together and deceased spoke of his son who was a Loco Superintendent in India. He also referred to the difference in the present day lines and the old broad guage.
When reaching Hay Lane signals witness found he had not shut off the train steam warning signal cock. When he shut it off deceased asked him what he had done and witness explained to him. That was the last word he spoke. Directly afterwards when witness shut off the steam he turned round and saw deceased falling off through the opening near the engine tender, and all witness could see was the tail of his coat. – By a juryman: Deceased might have looked over at the side to see if the signals were right, but witness did not see that. – By another juryman: He had never travelled with witness on the engine before. He had his engine pass on this occasion. – By another juryman: The train was going at the rate of 50 miles an hour. Witness had not the least chance of saving him.
George Cole, fireman on the same train, said he did not see deceased fall off the engine. The train was not stopped until it arrived at Swindon. Witness was looking for the signals on his side. Deceased fell in the six foot way.
George Rochester, platform Inspector at Swindon, said that on the arrival of the train at Swindon at 6.50 p.m., the driver Readings reported to him what had happened, telling him that Mr Bonner had fallen off the engine near Major Dean’s house. Witness immediately obtained the assistance of three men, and they took a stretcher and went on an engine down towards Rodbourne Road. They pulled up beyond Major Dean’s house, and then walked along the line in search of deceased, whom they found lying on his face with his two legs on the down line. Deceased’s head was fearfully cut about, and there was not the slightest sign of life. They placed the body on a stretcher and took the train on to Wootton Bassett in order to get on the up line. Witness had previously sent word to Swindon Station for a doctor to be there in readiness, and Dr. Swinhoe attended. There was not doubt that deceased was struck by some part of the train after he pitched on the ground.
The Coroner said Dr Swinhoe was not present, but if he were he could only corroborate what Inspector Rochester had said with regard to life being extinct. He (the Coroner) had no doubt Dr. Swinhoe, like most of them, was suffering from shock at the sad way in which the life of an old friend had been brought to a close. It was only a few days ago that deceased told him (Mr Browne) that he would be retiring shortly on a superannuation. Deceased was always kind and considerate to the staff, and the GWR Co. had lost a most valuable servant. He (Mr Browne) deeply regretted his untimely death, and had hoped he would have lived many years to enjoy a well earned rest. He was sure they all sympathised with the bereaved family in their great bereavement.
The jury concurred; they returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” and gave their fees to the Victoria Hospital.
The funeral which will be of a public character, will take place to-day (Saturday), leaving the deceased’s late residence at 1 p.m., 1.30 p.m. at St Mark’s Church, and 2 p.m. at the Cemetery.
Swindon Advertiser Saturday February 13, 1897
The Late Mr William Bonner
Funeral of Deceased
As announced in our last Saturday’s edition, the funeral of the late Mr William Bonner, for over a quarter of a century the courteous and obliging station master at the GWR Swindon station, took place on Saturday afternoon amidst every token of respect for the deceased (who met his death in such a tragic and sudden manner), and sympathy for his sorrowing children.
The funeral cortege left deceased’s late residence, Station Villa, shortly after one o’clock, and the solemn procession wended its way to St. Mark’s Church, New Swindon where the first part of the funeral rites were conducted.
The body was enclosed in an interior shell, with an exterior coffin of 1¼ inch polished elm, with raised moulded lid, brass furniture and engraved brass plate on panel bearing the following inscription: “William Bonner, died Feb. 9th, 1897, aged 59 years.”
The coffin was conveyed in a pair horse funeral car, and on arriving at the church gates it was carried into the sacred edifice by eight of deceased’s staff in uniform. The first part of the service at church was conducted by the Hon and Rev Canon Ponsonby, vicar of St. Mark’s and rural dean, whilst the lesson, taken from the first epistle to the Corinthians, 15th chapter, and starting at the 20th verse, was impressively read by the Rev. A.G. Gordon Ross, priest in charge of the district church of St. John, in which parish deceased lived. Service over, the procession was re-formed, and way was made for the cemetery, where the service was conducted by the Hon and Rev Canon Ponsonby.
The mourners numbered between 150 and 200, including over 50 of the men employed on Swindon platform, who attended in uniform.
There follows a long list of mourners and floral tributes…
Whilst at the graveside, one of the sons of the deceased, who had only just recovered from a serious illness, was taken with a fit and had to be carried away. He was immediately driven home and placed in bed. On making enquiries on Monday we were glad to find that he had recovered from the shock, and was as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Messrs Chandler Bros., Wood Street, and Mr Joseph Williams, Devizes Road, Swindon.
Swindon Advertiser, Saturday, February 20, 1897.
William was buried on February 13, 1897 in grave plot E8365 which he shares with his wife Caroline who had died the previous year.
The grave of William and Caroline Bonner
The Late Mr. Bonner – A handsome memorial to the late Mr W. Bonner, who was for nearly half-a-century superintendent of the Swindon GWR Station, has been erected in the Swindon cemetery. The memorial takes the form of a massive wheel cross, with carved face, standing on a moulded die, raised on two spacious bases, the material of the whole being white marble. The monument, which is 7 ft. in height, is enclosed with massive marble kerbs, and corner block; and its appearance is at once striking and artistic. It has been erected by the officials of the GWR Company, and Mr Bonner’s own personal staff at Swindon Station, also many other friends, to “mark the esteem in which he was held during the 24 years as station superintendent.”
The Marlborough Times and Wilts and Berks County Paper, Saturday, December 18, 1897.
Radnor Street Cemetery 