Richard Bellwood Pattinson was born in Heighton in Durham on November 28, 1841 and moved to Swindon as a child. His father, Richard Renwick Pattison, was one of a large contingent of railway workers from the north east who moved down to Swindon in the early years.
In 1861 Richard married Alice Grandison, the daughter of another early incomer David Grandison, and the couple had three daughters.
Richard jnr followed his father into the Works, as most sons did. The UK Railway Employment Records provide a resume of the various roles he filled in his working career.
His service with the GWR began as an Office Boy in the Goods Department in April 1854 when he was 12 years old. He worked there until he was older enough to begin an apprenticeship. He then worked as a draughtsman, then a valve setter. He became an Assistant Foreman and then a Foreman. He resigned on June 2, 1897 aged 56 after approximately 43 years of service. Perhaps he was secure enough financially to retire early. Richard died on December 2, 1900, just three years after his retirement. His effects were valued at £10,884 11s 2d, a fortune in 1900.
Death of Mr R.B. Pattison – Mr Richard Bellwood Pattison, who for 23 years was foreman of the B1 and C sheds (erectors’) in the GWR Works at Swindon, died at his residence, No. 7 Sheppard street on Sunday, at the age of 59. The deceased gentleman succeeded his father as foreman in 1874, after a previous experience of 20 years in the workshops, and retired in 1897. He leaves a widow and two married daughters.
The Citizen, Tuesday, December 4, 1900
Richard Bellwood Pattison was buried on December 2, 1900 in grave plot E8497. He is buried with his daughter Sarah Bellwood Jones who died in 1926. His wife Alice and their two other daughters are buried in the neighbouring grave plot E8496
Radnor Street Cemetery 