There can be no denying the contribution and the influence of members of the non-conformist congregations to the development and prosperity of Swindon.
The necessity for a new burial ground in Swindon in the last quarter of the 19th century was driven by two factors. The continuing expansion of the Great Western Railway Works and the growth of the town had created a dire need for more burial space. Furthermore, the growth of non-conformity in Swindon saw a demand for a burial ground where members could bury their loved ones independent of the rites of the Church of England.
The Primitive Methodist movement began in Swindon with the establishment of ‘the Wiltshire Mission’ in 1824. The Primitive Methodists were a breakaway group from the main Methodist Church. Led by a preacher called Hugh Bourne, members stressed simplicity in their chapels and their form of worship and gave new focus to the role of lay people in their church. Among those mentioned in the Official Handbook of the Brinkworth & Swindon Centenary District Synod 1910 were the Eatwell brothers.
Maurice Eatwell was born in 1830 in Winterbourne Bassett, the second of five sons. His parents William and Mary both worked as agricultural labours, as did all five boys.
Maurice married Ameilia Hibberd in Melksham in 1851 and the couple had six daughters (Emily born in 1859 died in 1860). By 1871 the family had moved to Swindon and were living at 20 Havelock Street. In 1881 Maurice, Amelia and their two youngest daughters were living at 12 Brunel Street where Maurice, then aged 50, is described as Railway Labourer Prim[itive] Methodist Local Preacher.
The couple’s home at the time of the 1901 census was 7 Ashford Terrace where they lived with their married daughter Elizabeth, her husband James Hart and their 6 year old granddaughter Madeline Hart.
The Radnor Street Cemetery burial registers record that Maurice Eatwell Retired Insurance Agent aged 74 years living at 79 Ashford Road, was buried on October 8, 1904 in grave plot D26, a public grave. He is buried with his wife Amelia who died in 1906.
Death of Mr Maurice Eatwell
A well known Swindon Methodist
On Tuesday last, after a long and painful illness, Mr Maurice Eatwell, of 79 Ashford Road, Swindon, quietly passed to his rest. Until a few years ago, when he had a physical breakdown, his life had been a strenuous one. Although denied even the rudiments of an education during his boyhood, yet later he succeeded in acquiring sufficient information to qualify him for much acceptable service in the Primitive Methodist Church, of which he was for 56 years an enthusiastic member and official.
He was also greatly interested in politics, and for many years gave much time to canvassing, and in various ways sought the promulgation of the principles of Liberalism.
Mr Eatwell was born on May 3, 1830, at Winterbourne Bassett. At the age of 18 years he was converted, and soon after authorised to accompany Mr George James to his preaching appointments. In 1851 Mr Eatwell married Amelia Hibberd, who survives him. After a residence of eight years at Clack, he removed to Swindon, where he remained until his death.
He has represented the Brinkworth District of Primitive Methodist Churches in the annual Conference once, and his Circuit in the District Assembly three times. He has also filled the office of Circuit Steward, [succeeding Charles Morse, head of the influential Primitive Methodist Morse family] and has been a class leader for more than 50 years.
Mr and Mrs Eatwell celebrated their golden wedding three years ago.
The interment takes place at the Swindon Cemetery to-morrow (Saturday) at 2.30 p.m.
Swindon Advertiser, Friday, October 7, 1904.
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Radnor Street Cemetery 
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