So, what do you do when you go up to the cemetery with a long list of graves to find and photograph to discover the cemetery gates are locked. Well you go to another churchyard instead!
There are few remaining headstones in the churchyard at St. Mark’s. It is unlikely there were ever many more as this was the burial place of the early residents of the railway village, most of whom were young with large families and little money.
By the end of the 1870s burial space at St Mark’s was running out and a new burial ground was urgently needed. This and the increasing demands of the large non-conformist congregations for an independent burial ground saw the establishment of Radnor Street Cemetery in 1881.
Robert Hanks was born in Bristol, the son of Thomas and Elisabeth Hanks, and baptised at St. Phillip and St Jacobs, Bristol on October 16, 1796. He married Elizabeth Phillips at St Paul’s, Portland Square, Bristol on September 10, 1820 and the couple had six surviving children.
The 1841 census finds the family living at an address at the Viaduct Foundry, Newton in Mackerfield, (Newton le Willow) Lancashire, where both Robert and his eldest son, also named Robert, are working as mechanics.
By 1851 the family had arrived in New Swindon where they lived at 13 High Street (later renamed Emlyn Square).
In 1866 Robert was killed in an accident in the Works when an iron truck on which he was working toppled over, crushing him. He was 71 years old.
It is said that after this fatal accident, Joseph Armstrong, Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Superintendent, began a series of measures designed to improve safety in the railway factory.
Despite the persistent rain of recent weeks the cemetery is boasting a profusion of primroses. You may like to read again the story of James Shopland whose grave is wreathed in the cheery little spring flower, whatever the weather.
James Shopland, a civil engineer, was born in Purton in 1873, the son of James Rew Shopland, also an engineer.
By 1900 James had moved to the Southampton area and on July 6, 1900 he was at the Southampton Sewage Works, although it was pointed out at the inquest that he had nothing to do with the works, but was assisting in the rescue.
Three labourers working in the press house at the Sewage Works had attempted to free a blockage in a lime vat, firstly by ramming a rod down from the top, which was the usual way of clearing it. However, when this didn’t work, one of them went down into the ejector chamber and tried to free the pipe by undoing it. They tried to remove the cap but this wouldn’t move either, so they proceeded to remove a flange from the bottom and then the upright pipe. This immediately set off a fast flow of sludge and released a smell that rendered the men semi-conscious.
Passing workmen attempted to rescue the three men who were all lying unconscious in the sludge. As a call went out for volunteers, James Shopland arrived on the scene. A witness at the inquest described how as Mr Shopland descended the ladder he saw him put his hand to his head.
At one point someone tried to stop any more men going into the chamber, declaring that at this rate there would soon be fifty dead at the bottom.
James was brought to the surface where artificial respiration was attempted, but he was already dead. At the subsequent post mortem the cause of death was found to be due to congestion of the lungs brought about by carbolic acid gas poising.
The jury at the inquest recorded a verdict of accidental death and commended the noble endeavour made by James Shopland and four others who had attempted to rescue the men.
James was 26 years old and had been married for just a year. He is buried in plot D100 with his wife Helena (Nellie) Elizabeth Shopland. Helena moved to Bournemouth where she lived with her widowed mother-in-law, but she eventually came back to Swindon. At the time of the 1911 census she was living at 159 Goddard Avenue with her sister Violet Blanche Brown. She died just a few weeks later, on June 16, 1911. Her funeral took place on June 20 and she is buried with her husband.
The GWR Works was a dangerous place in which to work and until the construction of the main entrance tunnel it was even a dangerous place to get inside.
The original Workmen’s East Gate Works entrance was a route that involved crossing the mainline track and was the scene of numerous fatal accidents. There were 3 deaths in a single month in 1869, the year before the tunnel opened.
Joseph Armstrong, the first Locomotive, Carriage and Wagon Superintendent ushered in a period of rapid expansion during the 1870s which included the construction of the Carriage Works and a new, safer route into the railway factory. The main entrance into the Works was built on Bristol Street, opposite the Mechanics’ Institution and consisted of a tunnel measuring approximately 100 yards [91.4m] that ran northwards beneath the mainline track.
Contemporary photographs record the hundreds of men streaming out of the tunnel at the end of the working day, however, even after the tunnel opened on February 5, 1870 accidents continued to occur as men still cut across the railway line to work.
In 1905 William Dicks was struck down and killed going back to work on Saturday January 14. The report of the inquest published in the Wiltshire Times makes for gruesome reading.
Fatal Accident
Man Killed at the Works
A shocking fatality occurred on the Great Western Railway at Swindon on Saturday. William Dicks, an employe in the locomotive works had just returned from breakfast and crossed the rails in order to reach the check office. He failed to notice the approach of an engine which was out on its trial trip, and though his workmates tried to warn him of his danger, it was without avail, and he was knocked down by the locomotive and injured so terribly that he died on his removal to the hospital. Both his legs were severed, and his head was frightfully battered. Deceased, who was 52 years of age, was well known as a clarionist. [clarinetist].
At the inquest on Monday it was stated that deceased had no business to cross the line, a tunnel being provided for the men. – Dr Swinhoe said the man was practically cut in half.
The Coroner said he thought they could only return a verdict of “Accidental death” but they might add a rider to the effect that notice boards should be fixed in prominent places to warn the men not to cross the line. The Company certainly took every precaution in protecting employes, and the men should use the tunnels which had been provided for their express use.
The jury concurred, and returned a verdict accordingly.
The Wiltshire Times, Saturday January 21, 1905.
William Dicks was buried on January 18, 1905 in grave plot C1445, a public grave, which he shares with his wife Jane who died in 1909, and one other person
Today the Grade II listed former Carriage Works is the subject of a Heritage Action Zone project. Work has included improvements to the Sheppard Street underpass, London Street and the Bristol Street tunnel has also received a makeover. New interpretation boards at the entrance tell the story of the railway factory and the railway families who made New Swindon.
Image dated c1905 published courtesy of Kevin Leakey
Image dated c1950 published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
Ghostly railway workers superimposed on a photo of the tunnel – see new interpretation boards at the tunnel entrance
This is the story of two boys born 20 years apart – William Batley Pitts, the natural son of Robert and Elizabeth Pitts, the other Archibald Kenneth Poulton, their adopted son.
Today railway safety is heavily promoted and Network Rail has a series of safety campaign videos on their website aimed at everyone from the very young to the distracted commuter.
You might expect railway safety to have been a priority in Swindon of all places, but perhaps it wasn’t so in 1893.
On September 1, 1893, a group of boys were playing on the level foot crossing close to the residence of William Dean, Chief Locomotive Superintendent at the GWR Works. The horrific accident was described in great detail during the inquest held at the Cricketer’s Arms the following day.
Shocking Accident on the GWR at New Swindon – On Friday evening, the 1st inst., about six o’clock, a shocking accident occurred on the GWR at the level foot crossing near the subway close to Major Dean’s house. The victim was a lad 12 years of age, name William Batley Pitts, son of Robert Pitts, of 19 Clifton Street, Swindon. It appears that the lad had been at play with others near the foot crossing close to the residence of Mr Dean, the chief locomotive superintendent. A goods train passed on the down line, and as soon as he thought the line was clear the boy attempted to run his hoop across the line when he was struck by the up Cornish express, of the approach of which he was not apparently aware. The poor lad was cut to pieces and the train carried his body 23 yards before throwing it off the line. When picked up the boy was terribly mutilated. A lad named Smith witnessed the sad occurrence, and rushed to Major Dean’s house, close by, for assistance. Dr. Pearman and PC Pinchen were soon on the spot, and had the scattered portions of the poor child’s body collected and conveyed to the GWR Medical Fund Hospital. The Coroner was communicated with, and the inquest was held this morning at the Cricketer’s Arms, a verdict of accidental death being returned by the jury.
Swindon Advertiser Saturday, September 2, 1893.
William was buried on September 5, 1893 in plot B2193, a privately purchased grave. Thirty years later he was joined by Archibald Kenneth Poulton, the boy his parents adopted long after William’s death.
At the beginning of the 20th century adoption was frequently an informal affair. Perhaps he was related in some way, a nephew, maybe a grandson. It is now not possible to trace how little Archibald ended up with the Pitts family. He died in 1924 and was buried with William in grave plot B2193 on April 22.
On Wednesday January 14, 1925 Sampson Birkby bought half an ounce of tobacco, a box of matches and half a pint of bitter at the Carpenter’s Arms, Gorse Hill. At 2.30 pm he left the pub and was never seen alive again.
Five days later the Advertiser published an account of his disappearance. Described as 62 years of age, 5ft 6ins tall with a pale complexion and a grey moustache, Sampson Birkby was a charge hand coach body maker at the GWR Works.
On the day of his disappearance he had returned home for lunch at 76 Dean Street where he lived with his wife Alice, his married daughter, son in law and young grandson.
Sampson called in at the Baker’s Arms near the GWR factor entrance on his way back to work. Reminded that he would be late, he hurried out, but as was later revealed, he did not clock in, but instead walked to the Carpenter’s Arms at Gorse Hill.
Later that evening one of his workmates called in on Alice Birkby to tell her Sampson had not checked in for work. The worried family immediately reported him missing.
Nearly four weeks later Sampson’s body was pulled out of the river at Buscot Weir by Samuel Kemble, a lock keeper employed by the Thames Conservancy at St. John’s Lock, Lechlade.
How did Sampson Birkby, described as being of a happy disposition and without any financial worries, end up drowned in the river at Lechlade?
Sampson was born in Hunslet, Yorkshire in 1862. By 1891 he had moved to 47 Cambria Place, Swindon and a job in the railway works. Ten years later he and Alice were living at 37 George Street with their two year old daughter Edith and 14 year old May Beswick, described as ‘adopted.’
Evidence suggested that Sampson, although not especially talkative, was a social man. A member of the High Street Workingman’s Club, he was an enthusiastic amateur photographer and a keen fisherman.
Giving evidence at the inquest, his son in law, George Bridgeman told how Sampson had been suffering from giddy fits during which he staggered and fell if someone did not support him.
Mr A.P. Ross Ormiston, the Coroner for North Berkshire, supposed that finding himself late for work, Sampson had decided to catch the bus to Lechlade and plan the fishing trip he had previously discussed with his son in law.
Summing up, the Coroner suggested that Sampson had suffered one of these giddy fits whilst walking along the tow path and had fallen into the river. He returned a verdict of ‘Found drowned’ and expressed his sympathy with the relatives of the deceased.
Houses on Dean Street
Sampson Birkby was buried on February 14, 1925 in grave plot D892. His wife Alice died just seven months later and was buried with him. The cremated remains of their son-in-law George were buried with them following his death in 1983 and their daughter Edith Annie when she died in 1986.
This Saturday you’ll find Rodbourne a busy place, as it is most Saturdays. The big attraction is the McArthur Glen Designer Outlet Village housed in the former railway works building. Rodbourne was a busy place back in the day as well and in this account of a fatal accident on the railway line you get a glimpse of the area as it was nearly 100 years ago.
Mr G. Brown, district organiser for the NUR, tried to establish if a shortage of manpower had contributed to the accident, but David Wirrell did not grasp this lifeline. You can’t help but wonder how the poor man coped in the aftermath of the accident.
Knocked Down By An Engine.
Swindon Man Dies From His Injuries.
Leg Severed
A verdict of accidental death was returned at the inquest on Tuesday attending the death of Stephen Amor, 63 of 101 Linslade Street, Swindon, a GWR employee, who was knocked down by an engine near the Rodbourne Road siding, and who died shortly afterwards in the Medical Fund Hospital.
The jury returned a rider that David Wirrell, who was with deceased at the time of the accident and who was acting as “look-out” man, committed an error of judgment in using his brook instead of devoting all his time to “looking out.”
Mr G. Brown, district organiser for the NUR watched the proceedings on behalf of the local branch of the Union, and Mr A.T. Tyrrell was present with Mr Hannington representing the GWR Co.
Mrs Isabella Amor widow of the deceased, said he had been in good health during the past 39 years.
Henry Harold Greenwood, chief surgeon at the GWR Medical Hospital at Swindon, said when admitted he found deceased was suffering from haemorrhage and compound fracture of the right ankle. Amor was taken to the hospital immediately after the accident.
In the course of his evidence, Mr Greenwood paid a very warm tribute to the St. John Ambulance Association for their valuable assistance in rendering first aid.
A Marvellous Escape
David Wirrell, switch cleaner, living at Devonshire Villas, Rodbourne Cheney, said that on Saturday morning he started work at 7.30 with Amor. He first got his tools and started cleaning switches.
“I was the look-out,” he continued, “and proceeded as far as the third compound, which is nearly opposite Rodbourne Road Signal Cabin. We were proceeding from one point to the other, and I looked up to see if anything was coming from the factory, from where most of the traffic comes in the morning.
“There was nothing close to us in that direction, and so I stepped over into the road and gave a few strokes with the broom looking out at the same time.
“When I looked round in the opposite direction to the factor I saw an engine was close upon us, within about four feet. I tried to give the alarm, but the engine pushed me down and ran over me, without causing injury.
“I got up, ran to my mate Amor and found him badly injured. I spoke to him, but he never answered.”
Witness said that he had been about 20 years in his occupation, and always worked towards Swindon Station.
The Coroner: Are you always the look-out man? – No. Every other day. It is my turn on Saturdays.
Don’t you look out both ways? Yes, I do.
Witness explained that Saturday’s incident occurred in a minute or so, and he was not quick enough in looking behind.
There were always two men on the job and sometimes three, but the third man had been ill for some weeks.
Heard No Whistle
Replying to the Coroner, he said that he heard no whistle.
The Coroner: Was a train passing? I believe one had previously passed along the main side.
As a general rule witness looked one way first, but the engine came from another and it all happened in a minute or two.
Mr Brown (who was representing the NUR): As a look-out man, shouldn’t you confine yourself to looking-out? – Yes.
Mr Brown: Is there a signal at that point? – Yes.
Did you observe the signal? No. I can’t say whether it was on or not.
Witness added that the points in question were worked by a lever, and the signals were not of much use to them.
Mr Brown: Did the fact that there were only two men cause you to do additional work?
Witness: No, that made not a bit of difference to looking out.
He heard no warning from the driver of the train.
Mr Brown: Had there been three men would the look out man have to do more work? No.
John Thomas Thorpe of 5, Deacon Street said that at about 8.15 he was standing on the engine line at the siding opposite the Rodbourne Road cabin when he saw an engine approaching the compound or double-switch. He then saw two men either knocked down or fall under the engine.
He ran to where Amor lay and found his leg severed. Hen then went to the AE Shop for the ambulance men.
In answer to the coroner, witness said the men had their backs to the engine.
A Slow Speed
Edward Price, 15 Beatrice Street, locomotive driver, said he was driving a crane engine from the subway to the loco yard in the factory sidings. About 8.15 he was informed that he had run over two men in the compound near Rodbourne Road signal box. There was a signal post with a loop signal, and that was off for him to proceed. He was going at two miles an hour, and at that pace he could have stopped instantly if he had seen anyone on the line.
The Coroner: When shunting, who gives you orders to proceed?
Witness said that he was given orders at the subway. He was also guided by the signal. He touched his whistle just before or as he passed the signals. He was in charge of the engine. When shunting he was given orders by the shunter, but in the present case he was not shunting.
There was a fireman and a shunter in the engine besides himself, but he went across the footplate and looked at the signal.
The Coroner: You did not see anybody on the line?
Witness: No, I saw no sign. He could see nothing from his side, he added.
The Coroner: When people are cleaning points you know that they are guarded – I know they are supposed to be guarded.
Mr. Brown. You were working round a curve? Yes.
Was there anything on the next set of rails? Yes, a number of tenders.
Heard People Shouting.
Herbert Arthur Nash, 173 Rodbourne Road, fireman to Driver Price, said that when they were approaching Rodbourne Road signal box they were keeping a sharp look-out for signals in case they were put at danger against them. Traffic was clear as far as he could see. The driver blew his whistle and went on to the compound. He saw no-one, and was not aware anyone had been knocked down until he heard someone shouting to them to stop. They stopped immediately.
The Coroner: Were you going slowly? – About 2 miles an hour – we were going at a slow walking pace.
Albert William Dew, 6 Spring Gardens, a shunter, said he was in charge of shunting on an engine and crane. He was riding on the left-hand footplate, and was looking out, but saw no-one in the road, as they came round the left-hand curve.
Summing up, the Coroner said that the man who had been killed was working with another man whom they had had as a witness. The man who was not run over was supposed to have been on the look-out for his mate, who was cleaning points. According to his own evidence he was not carrying a flag or horn as he should have done. The cleaners were supposed to be guarded by “look-outs” and the jury would have to determine whether the man was guilty of criminal negligence. His duty was to obey the rules.
Mr R.G. Hannington, manager of the locomotive department, expressed, on behalf of the GWR Company, his very deep sympathy with Mrs. Amor and relatives and his very great regret at the occurrence.
North Wilts Herald Friday April 30, 1926
Rodbourne and the Swindon railway works
Stephen Amor, aged 63 years, of 101 Linslade Street and killed on the GWR Line, was buried on April 29, 1926 in grave plot D819. Isabella Amor died 10 years later. She was buried with her husband on April 25, 1936.
On August 26, 1891 Frederick and Louisa Say(e) took their baby son to be baptised at the Primitive Methodist Church in Regent Street when the seven week old baby received the rather grand name of Montague Frederick William Say.
Frederick was a blacksmith’s striker in the GWR Works and Louisa had been a needlewoman before her marriage. After the christening the little family returned to their home in West End Terrace, Westcott Place but just four months later a great tragedy struck.
In December 1891 Louisa, Frederick and baby Montague Frederick William were living at 13 George Street. Before she went to bed on the night of Wednesday December 21, 1891 Louisa hung her washing up on a line in the kitchen to dry over-night. But suddenly, the line gave way and as the washing collapsed the clothes knocked over an oil filled lamp setting Louisa alight. Louisa was dreadfully burned, and died that same night.
Louisa was buried in Radnor Street cemetery on December 26 in grave plot B1675, a public grave, where she lies with three other unrelated persons. She was 29 years old.
What happened to five month old Montague Frederick William? On the 1901 census he is aged 9 years old when he was living in Trowbridge with his paternal grandparents William, a woollen cloth dresser and Martha. His father was lodging with George and Mary Taylor at 6 Theobald Street, Swindon. In 1904 Frederick married widow Ada Maria Thomas and moved into her house in 101 Dean Street. By 1905 Montague, aged 14, was back in Swindon living with his father and step-mother. That same year he began a 7 year boiler making apprenticeship in the Works.
Frederick Say died in 1929 aged 64 and was buried in grave plot D98 with his second with Ada who died in 1923.
The little boy who lost his mother at just five months old went on to marry and have his own family. Montague was living in Kent in 1916 when he married Lilian Deeks. He died in Cosham, Hampshire in 1958 aged 67.
The New Ship Hotel more usually known as the Ship Inn published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
Sad Death From Burning – Mr W.E.N. Browne, Coroner for North Wilts, held an inquest at the New Ship Hotel, New Swindon, on Thursday in last week on the body of Louisa Saye, wife of Frederick Saye, living at 13 George St., New Swindon. The evidence went to show that on Dec. 21st. about 9.30 p.m., deceased was hang some clothes on a line in the kitchen of her own house, when one of the nails to which the cord was attached gave way. The clothes in falling overturned a lamp on the table, with the result that the oil ignited, and the deceased’s wearing apparel was set on fire. Her cries for help attracted the attention of her husband, who was in bed at the time, and he ran down and with some difficulty succeeded in extinguishing the flames. Medical aid was obtained, but Dr Jones (assistant to Messrs Swinhoe, Howse and Bromley), pronounced the case hopeless, and the woman, who was dreadfully burned, expired on Wednesday night in great agony. After hearing the evidence the jury returned a verdict of “Death from shock to the system,” and, on the suggestion of the foreman, Mr. A. Webb, gave their fees to the husband.
I am grateful for a lot of things, and like most of us I sometimes need to be reminded to stop moaning and reflect upon them.
Two of my children suffered an appendicitis in their early teens. It was a painful experience for them and an anxious time for me, but thanks to modern medicine and our marvellous NHS they both recovered.
Little Ella Saunders was not so fortunate.
Ella’s father was a Pork Butcher. The family business was a shop next to the Rolleston Arms pictured in this postcard view of Commercial Road. The 1911 census tells us that William and Maria had been married for 12 years and had four children, Ethel 10, Edna 8, Ella 5 and two year old Erica. The four girls were baptised together on May 1, 1911 at St. Mark’s Church.
Obituary – Much sympathy will be felt with Mr and Mrs W.T. Saunders, of 72 Commercial Road, Swindon, in the loss which they have sustained by the death of their six years old daughter, Ella. The child was operated upon for appendicitis at the Victoria Hospital, but died after a only six days’ illness. The interment took place at Swindon Cemetery on Good Friday amid many manifestations of sorrow, a very touching feature being the presence of a number of the deceased child’s fellow scholars.
The service was conducted by the Rev. E.F. Winnington-Ingram. There were a large number of beautiful floral tributes including one “With deepest sympathy from the staff, College Street Infant School” and “In loving memory to Ella from teachers and scholars, St. Mark’s Sunday School ‘Jesus called little children to Him’”.
North Wilts Herald April 12, 1912.
Image published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library
Ella was buried on April 9, 1912 in grave plot B2938. William died in 1928 and Maria in 1953 and were both buried with her.
Harry Day had been an acrobat since childhood. Probably one of those little boys forever performing flips and somersaults. By 1899 he was working for John Leopold’s “Frivolity” Company. In 1900 the troupe appeared at the Queen’s Theatre, Swindon* but on Tuesday, September 25, tragedy struck.
The inquest later heard how the acrobats were throwing somersaults on to a spring table. Two or three others had done their turns, and then the deceased went on. In attempting to complete a double somersault he missed, and came down upon his head in the middle of the table.
Harry was transferred to the Victoria Hospital and Dr. Rattray was summoned. At the inquest Dr. Rattray said he found the patient to be suffering from a broken neck and paralysis. Harry died a few days later.
Image published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
His wife, Christiana, was said to be greatly affected when she gave evidence at the inquest. She already had a small child and later gave birth to a daughter named Henrietta in memory of her father.
Christiana remarried in 1904 and by 1911 was living in Stirchley in the West Midlands, with her second husband Richard George Holbeche and her daughter Emily Day. Little Henrietta had died in infancy.
Henry Thomas Day was buried on October 3, 1900 in Radnor Street cemetery in grave C578, a plot later purchased by the Longman family
The Late Mr Harry Day – Last Saturday’s “Era” contained a letter from Mr John Leopold, of the “Frivolity” Company and a list of subscriptions secured on behalf of the widow and children of the late Harry Day, for some time a member of the Original Leopolds’ “Frivolity” Company, and who, on Sept. 25th last, while performing at the Queen’s Theatre, Swindon met with an accident which resulted in his death a few days later at the Victoria Hospital. From the list we gather that the total sum subscribed is £91 5s, including £31 14s subscribed by the “Frivolity” Company £25 of this being given by Mr John Leopold), and also £20 collected by Mr. Ernest Carpenter, of the Queen’s Theatre, Swindon. Mr Leopold desires to thank all who have given their help in this very deserving case.
Evening Swindon Advertiser, Thursday, January 17, 1901.
*The Queen’s Theatre stood at the junction of Clarence Street and Groundwell Road and was later renamed The Empire.
All for the Empire: the History of Swindon’s Historic Theatre, by Roger Trayhurn and Mark Child
Julia Ann Barnes and Dawn Rose were best friends and next door neighbours. That day in March 1963 the two girls were excited – they had a birthday party to go to. The school bus stopped at the junction of Wolsesly Avenue and Thornbridge Avenue where the girls jumped off and ran behind the bus to cross the road. They were struck by a school bus travelling in the opposite direction.
The news of their deaths reverberated through the Park South community and 60 years later is still remembered by one of the families who lived on that road.
In 1962 a series of articles in the Evening Advertiser featured families who had made their homes here in Swindon during the town’s expansion programme. George and Violet Phillips, who had moved from Bermondsey, South London, were interviewed. They spoke about how much they enjoyed living in Swindon, however, Violet said: “My only grievance is the schooling.”
Park South was built during the 1950s but by 1962 the area was still without a designated school and children were bussed to schools outside the area. The Phillips’ young daughter Cheryl aged 7 was one of those children ‘bussed’ to King William Street School in Old Town and George was concerned for her safety. As a member of the Park South Tenants Association George campaigned for building work to begin on a school in the area – and he took his concerns higher – first to the Mayor of Swindon and the Education Committee and then to Francis Noel-Baker, Swindon MP and eventually to the Minister of Education when members of the Park South Residents Association delivered a petition to the House of Commons.
It was anticipated that Park South Infants School would be ready for use by August 1963 and the Junior School a year later – but tragedy struck before then.
In June 1963, following the deaths of Julia Ann and Dawn, George made an official request that his daughter be transferred from King William Street School to Lawn Junior. He then withdrew his daughter from school in protest. George faced a hearing held by the Child Care Sub-Committee with the threat of a possible prison sentence if he did not return his daughter to school. But the campaign waged by George Phillips and the Park South Tenants Association did see changes implemented on the schools transport service. Children were accompanied and supervised on the buses; bus stops were relocated and a warning notice ‘Caution Children Alighting’ was displayed on the back of the vehicles.
Angie Phillips writes: “Ironically, even when the Park South Infant and Junior Schools were completed, our house, being in Thornbridge Avenue was not in the catchment area and all the children in our house subsequently attended Lawn Junior School … but not by bus!”
Julia Ann aged 6 and Dawn 5 and 1/2 were buried on March 20, 1963 in a joint funeral service; their graves side by side with identical memorials.
Unfortunately, the graves had become overgrown in recent years but this week cemetery volunteers Kevin and Jonathan cleared and tidied them up. It is the wish of the Phillips’ sisters Cheryl, Gina and Angie that the story of the two young friends is remembered.
Radnor Street Cemetery 