Image of Milton Road published courtesy of P.A. Williams and Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

The re-imagined story …

My wife says she sees less of me now I’ve retired than she did when I was working – not that I think she’s complaining, mind you.

I like to take a brisk walk around the park each morning and I get down to the allotments most days. There’s always some of my pals down there. We have a brew and a natter and put the world to rights. I’ve recently taken up swimming again after more than twenty years. I go to the Medical Fund Baths a couple of times a week and swim a leisurely length or two.

It’s important to look after yourself, no matter what age you are –  I learnt how precious and how fragile life is when my friend Bill passed away.

Bill and I grew up as neighbours in Farnsby Street. We went to the same school, joined the same clubs, played football in the winter and cricket in the summer. We started work together as clerks in Works. Then in March 1904 he left – too ill to continue work. Six months later he was gone, aged just 21 years old.

I’ve never taken my life for granted, the Great War taught me that, and losing Bill. I’ve had a good life, a smashing wife and four healthy children and a family that grows and grows, fifteen grandchildren and now the great grandchildren are coming along.  I count my blessings every day and I remember my pal Bill.

The facts …

This impressive memorial surrounds two plots D152 and D153. Buried in plot D152 are Walter George Stock and his wife Mary Anne. In the second plot D153 lies their eldest son William Y. Stock.

Walter George Stock and Mary Ann Thomas were married on July 24, 1882 at St. Luke’s Church, Paddington. By the time of the birth of their first child they were living at 4 High Street, New Swindon (later renamed Emlyn Square). By 1891 the couple were living at 48 Farnsby Street and ten years later they were living at No 5 Milton Road with their three sons, a boarder by the name of Francis Shebbeare who was an Engineer’s Pupil, and Elizabeth Williams, a general servant.

The 1911 census provides more information about the Stock family’s circumstances.

5 Milton Road

Walter George Stock 54 Engineer in Testing House born London, Bayswater.

Mary Anne Stock 56 married 28 years 3 children 2 living 1 had previously died Tobacconist Shopkeeper born Coatbridge, Lanark.

Walter Harry Stock 26 Civil Engineer Rly construction born Swindon

Victor Arthur Stock 15 School born Swindon.

Eldest son William Youri was born on September 17, 1883. The UK, Railway Employment Records 1833-1956 state that he entered employment in the Stores Dept at Swindon Works on October 23, 1899. He is recorded as being ‘absent ill’ from March 1904 and died September 19, 1904. A further addition is made that he was previously employed from July 12, 1897.

Walter Harry Stock trained as a draughtsman in the Loco & Carr Drawing Office. He left the Swindon Works in 1909 and died in Belfast, Northern Ireland in April, 1944.

Youngest son Victor Arthur Stock followed his father into the Works. He later trained as an Analytical Chemist and worked for the Buenos Aires Western Railway. He died in La Pampa, Argentine on June 5, 1929.

Walter George Stock of 5 Milton Road died on January 15, 1922. He left effects valued at £610 to his wife Mary Ann. Mary Ann died on October 5, 1930. Her last home was 11 Stourcliffe Street, St Marylebone, Middx. Mary Ann left administration of her estate to Lloyds Bank Limited. Her funeral in Radnor Street Cemetery took place on October 8.