I have spent this week scrolling through the Radnor Street Cemetery archives in search of stories to tell on our next guided cemetery walk. And then up popped a memory on Facebook from May 2011.
Mark and I had long established a programme of cemetery walks when I suggested holding a local history exhibition in the cemetery chapel. We fixed a date, May 21 and 22, and invited the local history groups who supported our cemetery walks to bring along a display.
I look back now and I’m amazed at how supportive and enthusiastic everyone was and how hard they worked across the two days.
Members of the Swindon Society, the Rodbourne Community History Group, staff from Swindon Central Library Local Studies and Graham and Julie from the Alfred Williams Heritage Society all lugged their display boards, books and pamphlets up the steep cemetery incline to the chapel. Roger brought his Empire Theatre display and artist Andy Preston brought his ethereal artworks of the Radnor Street Cemetery angels. Mark and I conducted two guided walks across the two days.
Together we all shared our love of the cemetery and the fascinating history of Swindon and the people who made it a town of which to be proud. That weekend we met old friends and made new ones. We heard familiar stories retold and learned new ones. And we laughed – a lot!
As I look at the photos of that amazing weekend I am sad to see the faces of those we have lost in recent years. Bob, slight of stature but bold and brave, who we tried (unsuccessfully) to persuade to climb the old bell tower on a recce; and Mark, who told the stories of his First World War heroes, something those who heard him will never forget.
Join Andy and myself on Sunday June 1, 2025 for another guided cemetery walk. Meet at the chapel 1.45 pm for a 2 pm start.
My mum had a fantastic memory. She never forgot a birthday or anniversary and she could remember her Co-operative Dividend Number until the day she died.
She used to shop in the Co-op in East Street and knew Mr Hemsley, the secretary, well. George Hemsley was a railwayman from Gateshead and an influential character in the early days of New Swindon.
I began my fitter’s apprenticeship on the same day as Mr Hemsley’s son William, but while I spent 50 years in the Works, William Thompson Hemsley went on to enjoy a very different career.
I was pretty good at sketching (I’d even considered a draughtsmen’s apprenticeship at one point) so when William told me he was starting drawing classes at the Mechanics’ Institute I decided to join him. I had no idea just how good he was though, and before too long he was actually teaching the drawing classes.
He began his scenic art career at the Mechanics’ and it was my proud boast that I helped him paint the theatre scenery on one occasion. I had little to do with the design, just followed instructions, but it was an interesting project to be involved in and something to tell the grandchildren.
William kept in touch with Swindon, even after he became famous. We used to meet up for a pint in the Cricketer’s when he came back to visit family.
George Hemsley died on November 12, 1888. My mum always mentioned him on the anniversary of his death. My mum had a fantastic memory.
George Hemsley with his daughter and an unidentified man
The facts …
George Hemsley, a fitter and turner was an early arrival at the GWR Works, Swindon.
George was born on January 17, 1822 in Gateshead the son of William and Anne Hemsley. At the time of the 1851 census George was living at Quarry Field, Gateshead with his wife Mary and their 10-month-old son William. George most probably worked at The Quarry Field Works, a marine, locomotive and general engineering firm established by John Coulthard & Son in 1840.
By 1861 George and Mary were living at 6 Westcott Place with their six children, four of whom had been born in Gateshead. John Robert Hemsley, was the first to be born inSwindon in around 1858 which places the Hemsley family’s move to Swindon sometime between 1854 and 1858.
Tracking the family through the census returns we find them at 22 Reading Street in 1871. William Thompson Hemsley has followed his father into the Works where he is a fitter and younger brother John Robert’s job description is boy in foundry.
George was also co-founder of the New Swindon Industrial Co-operative Society.
George died at his home 22 Reading Street on November 12, 1888 aged 66. He was buried in Radnor Street Cemetery and his funeral arrangements were performed by Richard Skerten, a carpenter and undertaker.
Mary remained in the family home following George’s death, living with her widowed daughter Mary J. Rollins and her two granddaughters, plus Frederick Birch, a Grocer’s Assistant who boarded with the family. Mary died on December 19, 1899 and is buried with George.
‘Mr Hemsley was a staunch supporter of the local Liberal and Radical Association, frequently appearing on the platform at public assemblies and often putting his signature to the Nomination Papers of Liberal candidates at Parliamentary elections. He played a prominent part in the election campaign of Mr B.F.C. Costello in 1886, when the latter gentleman was opposed from the right by a Liberal Unionist and from the radical wing of the party by the Independent Liberal Sir John Bennett.’
A Drift of Steam by Trevor Cockbill
George Hemsley’s name appears on a list of more than 130 who formed a local committee at New Swindon to secure the election of Daniel Gooch in May 1865.
Swindon Advertiser May 22, 1865
Hemsley George
9 March 1889 Personal Estate £558 18s 11d
The Will of George Hemsley late of 22 Reading-street New Swindon in the County of Wilts Engine Fitter and Turner who died 12 November 1888 at 22 Reading-street was proved at the Principal Registry by William Thompson Hemsley of 57 Belvedere-road Lambeth in the County of Surrey Scenic Artist the Son and William Simpson of 7 Bangor terrace Jennings street New Swindon Engine Fitter two of the Executors
Probably W.T. Hemsley’s most celebrated local work was a painting of the Wiltshire Moonrakers that hung in the reading room at the Mechanics’ Institute for at least 35 years. This painting of Wiltshire yokels raking the pond to recover the contraband hidden there accompanied the Moonies Association when they met for their annual gathering in London.
Photographs published courtesy of Mike Attwell and Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
Radnor Street Cemetery 