Nestling beneath the shade of a tree is this attractive memorial to Dora and William Grainger, a restful place to lie during the current heatwave.

The report of William Grainger’s death (see below) includes an account of his business career, but a rather vague version.

William Grainger was born in about 1865, the second son of Edward Grainger and his wife Sarah. He grew up in Quenington, Gloucestershire and followed his father into the building trade working as a plasterer. By 1887 William was living at 35a Cheltenham Street when he married Dora Ockwell at St. Mark’s Church. The couple had four children but sadly only two daughters survived to adulthood – Emily born in 1891 and Helen in 1893.

George’s business premises were first located at 60 Dryden Street before moving to 141 Manchester Road and spanned the years 1891-1907. During this time he did indeed build a great many properties. In 1897 alone he built a stable and traphouse in Dryden Street; 12 houses numbered 15-26 on the east side of Gladstone Street; 12 houses numbered 107-118 on the west side of Salisbury Street and 12 houses numbered 1-12 on the south side of Elmina Road.

In 1898 he was even busier. The Eastcott Hotel in Manchester Road was built in this year by Strong & Co Brewery of Romsey, most probably with the work sub contracted out to William. In 1898 William built 147 properties in Salisbury Street; Manchester Road (which included his own home); Edinburgh Street, Elmina Road, Graham Street and Rosebery Street.

He appears to have finished work in around 1907 when he was about 41 years old. At the time of the 1911 census he states his occupation as ‘builder with nothing to do.’

Dora died at the family home at 141 Manchester Road and was buried on this spot on June 7, 1922. Perhaps William planted this tree to shade her grave during the hot summers to come. William died five years later and was buried with his wife on May 18, 1927.

Death of Mr W. Grainger – The death took place on Saturday at 141, Manchester Road, at the age of 62 years, of Mr William Grainger. The deceased formerly carried on an extensive business as a builder, and was responsible for the erection of between 400 and 500 houses in Swindon. Among his large contracts was the building of the Eastcott Hotel in Manchester Road. He retired from business at an early age. He was a keen sportsman and was a popular member of the Swindon Town Bowling Club and was also a member of the North Wilts Constitutional Club. He leaves two daughters, who are living in Swindon, and two brothers and two sisters, who reside out of the town. His wife predeceased him some years ago.

North Wilts Herald, Friday, May 20, 1927