The purpose of this blog is to record the lives of the ordinary people of Swindon, and that is exactly what Walter was.
Born in 1884 Walter makes an appearance on the 1891 census when he lived at 20 Vilett Street. His father Joseph, born in Banbury, was an Iron Moulder in the Works. His mother Elizabeth, born in Stratton, was busy having babies – five by 1891. She had 9 in total with 7 surviving childhood.
By 1901 the family were living at 21 Farnsby Street. Walter 17, and his younger brother Hubert 14, had already begun their Fitting apprenticeships in the Works.
In 1911 Walter was one of 6 children still living at home with Joseph and Elizabeth at 63 Curtis Street. He was the eldest at 27, William John Perkins, his youngest brother, was 9.
Walter married Florence M. Farr in the June quarter of 1919. He died on May 18, 1933 aged just 49 years. He was buried in grave plot C88 where he was later joined by his sister-in-law Frances Annie Hardiman who died in 1959.
There are so many facts about Walter’s life that remain unknown. Did he serve in WWI? Did he and Florence have any children?
Walter Perkins, one of the ordinary people of Swindon.
In Cherished Memory of
My dear Husband
Walter Perkins
Who passed within the veil
May 18th 1933
Resting where no shadows fall
Peacefully sleeping he waits us all
Radnor Street Cemetery 
I have visited this beautiful place so many times and taken some photos, I often wonder about the people’s lives . I am not from Swindon but have lived here for almost ten years . Thank you for the background it’s very interesting to hear .
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Thank you for commenting Michelle.
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