George Samuel Knights – cycling fatality at Hannington

Untangling the Knights family history has proved to be a bit confusing. My research began with the account of George Samuel Knights death in 1908.

The report in the Swindon Advertiser states – For many years Mr Knights acted as local and district agent for Messrs Brown and Plummer, wine and spirit merchants, and he was in charge of the branch shop in Faringdon Street. In fact, Mr Knights and his late father had been sole agents in New Swindon and District for some forty years, and they were both held in the highest esteem by the firm, and by all with whom they had business transactions. However, at the end of the account a disclaimer is added We are asked to state, in order to correct a misapprehension which has apparently got about, that Messrs Brown and Plummer were in no way connected with the late Mr. G.S. Knights as a wine and spirit merchant.

All very confusing. So, what do we actually know about George? Well, we know about the circumstances of his death.

Swindonian’s Tragic Death

Cycling Fatality at Hannington

Mr Geo. S. Knights killed by a Fall

General regret will be felt in Swindon and district at the news of the tragic death of Mr. George S. Knights of Faringdon Street, Swindon.

For many years Mr Knights acted as local and district agent for Messrs Brown and Plummer, wine and spirit merchants, and he was in charge of the branch shop in Faringdon Street. In fact, Mr Knights and his late father had been sole agents in New Swindon and District for some forty years, and they were both held in the highest esteem by the firm, and by all with whom they had business transactions.

It was while out cycling near Hannington last Tuesday afternoon that the accident, which so suddenly terminated his life, happened. He was riding a bicycle to Hannington, and as far as can be ascertained in Swindon, had arrived at the top of what is known as Nell Hill, just outside Hannington. While on the brow of the hill, and on the point of descending, a sudden gust of wind blew off Mr Knights’ hat. In attempting to catch the hat, Mr Knights lost control of his machine, and overbalanced, with the result that he fell heavily to the ground. How long he lay by the roadside is not definitely known, but it is clear that he was so severely hurt that he was unable to help himself, and it was not until a little boy passed along and saw him that assistance was procured. A doctor was as soon as possible summoned, but in the meantime Mr Knights had succumbed to his injuries, which, it is stated, were chiefly confined to the spine. The body was removed to the “Jolly Tar” Inn, Hannington.

Mr Knights’ untimely end will be deeply deplored by his many friends in Swindon. The deceased was a highly respected townsman. For some time he has been Churchwarden at St. Mark’s Church, where he was held in the warmest esteem, and had been for many years a devoted worker. He was 49 years of age, and leaves a wife and a grown up family of three – two sons and one daughter, for whom the keenest sympathy will be felt.

The funeral will probably take place on Saturday.

The Jolly Tar, Hannington published courtesy of Arkells and Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

Inquest at Hannington

On Wednesday afternoon, Mr. A.L. Forrester, Coroner for North Wilts, held an inquiry at the “Jolly Tar” Inn, Hannington, into the circumstances of the death of the late Mr. George S. Knights, wine and spirit merchant, of 39 Faringdon Street, Swindon.

Mr E. Tytherleigh was chosen foreman of the jury, and the following evidence was taken:-

George Robert Knights, of 84 Dixon Street, Swindon, son of the deceased, identified the deceased as his father, George Samuel Knights, aged 49 years, wine and spirit dealer, lately residing at 39 Faringdon Street, Swindon. Witness last saw his father alive on Saturday night.

The Coroner: Then you know nothing about the accident. We are all very sorry for you and desire to express our sympathy with you.

John Henry Payne, a lad of 13 years, residing at Hannington, said that at the time of the accident he was at work on the Hannington Wick Road, between Hannington and Kempsford. He saw a bicycle coming down the hill (Nell Hill) in the afternoon.

The Coroner: What did you see?

Witness: I saw him fall off his bicycle. It was nearly at the bottom of the hill.

The Coroner: Did you watch him go down the hill?

Witness: Yes.

The Coroner: Did you see a straw hat or something?

Witness: No. He was wearing a black bowler hat, and it would have fallen off if he had not put his hand to it.

The Coroner: Was that at the bottom of the hill?

Witness: Nearly at the bottom. The bicycle got shaky, and he fell off sideways. Witness added that he told the man he was with and they went down to the man’s assistance.

Joseph Hedges, of Hannington, the man who accompanied the previous witness, deposed to going up Nell Hill about 3.50 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon. He saw the gentleman going down the hill on a bicycle. He was waring a bowler hat. Witness saw nothing amiss until the boy Payne told him the man had fallen off his machine. Witness went to his assistance, and found him lying on his face, bleeding, and in an unconscious condition. The bicycle was on the other side of the road. There was a rim brake on the front wheel.

Dr. J. Powell (Highworth) said that about 5.30 p.m. he received a telegraphic message, in response to which he proceeded to Hannington Wick Hill, and there saw the man now identified as George Knights, lying dead by the side of the road. Witness examined him and found he was bleeding freely from the nose and ears, evidently caused by a fracture of the base of the skull. The injury was probably caused by the deceased falling off the bicycle.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical testimony, and expressed their sympathy with deceased’s relatives.

Extracts from The Swindon Advertiser Friday July 24, 1908.

The Late Mr G.S. Knights

Impressive Funeral

On Saturday afternoon the remains of the late Mr George S. Knights, whose tragic death as the result of an accident whilst cycling was reported in these columns, were laid to rest in the Swindon Cemetery amid very many manifestations of sincere sympathy and unfeigned regret.

The funeral cortege left the residence of the deceased gentleman, 39 Faringdon Street, Swindon, Shortly before half past twelve, and proceeded to St. Mark’s Church, where Mr. Knights was an esteemed churchwarden.

Other organisations associated with the Church represented in the procession were the General Purposes Committee of St Mark’s parish, the Sunday School teachers and among the representatives of the CFTS was Mr A. Cross, the Secretary.

Several of the deceased’s old shopmates in the GWR Works also followed. Mr Knights being formerly in the Carpenters’ Shop under Mr Abell. Among those who followed were Mr G. Hutchings, foreman of the Wagon Shop; Mr Smith, foreman of the Carpenters’ Shop; Mr Nevill, under-foreman of the Carpenters’ Shop; Mr Hayward, under-foreman of the Saw Mills and others.

The large congregation in the Church included many others to whom Mr Knights was known, and by whom he was warmly respected. The service, though short, was of a most impressive character, and was fully choral. Among the clergy present were the Vicar, the Rev. A.G.G. Ross, M.A., the Rev. H.R.B. Morgan, B.A., in charge of St. Luke’s’ Rev. H.C. Brocklehurst, M.A., in charge of St. Saviour’s; Rev. K.M.S. Graeme, M.A. , Rev. C.E. Prior, and the Rev. E.F. Winnington-Ingram.

As the solemn procession entered the Church they hymn, “Brief life is here our portion,” was sung, after which the 90^th Psalm was chanted. The Rev. H.R.B. Morgan read the lesson from I. Corinthians, 15^th chapter, and then the hymn. “On the Resurrection Morn,” was sung. As the procession left the Church, the organist, Mr. John Newton, played the “Dead March” in Saul, the congregation standing meanwhile.

The mournful procession was added to by many sympathizing friends as it proceeded to the Cemetery, where it was joined by a further assembly, and where the second portion of the solemn rite at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. A.G.G. Ross.

The remains were enclosed in an elm shell within an elm coffin with brass furnishings, the breastplate bearing the following inscription: “George Samuel Knights died July 21^st 1908, aged 49 years.”

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. H. Smith and Son, Gordon Road, Swindon.

We are asked to state, in order to correct a misapprehension which has apparently got about, that Messrs Brown and Plummer were in no way connected with the late Mr. G.S. Knights as a wine and spirit merchant.

The Swindon Advertiser Friday July 31, 1908

George was baptised at Holy Trinity Church, Mile End Road and consistently states on census returns that his birth place was Tower Hamlets. Some family historians researching the Knights family make a link to Haddiscoe in Norfolk. However, at the time of his marriage to Marion Emily Ellen Timpson in 1884 George was living in Swindon where he was employed as a carpenter. The couple were married at St. Stephen’s Church, Paddington on February 23, 1884 and at the time of the 1891 census they were living at 48 Radnor Street with their two young sons George and Arthur. A daughter Gertrude was born the following year.

George was buried on July 25, 1908 in grave plot C1997. His wife Marion Emily Ellen died in 1932 and was buried with him on January 26. Their son George Robert died in 1941 and was buried with them on April 2. On July 13, 1946 Joan Lloyd Wyndham Rawlings was buried in the Knights family grave. Whether Joan had any connection to George and his family has yet to be established.

Edwin Harvey – builder

Clifton Street published courtesy of Mr P. Williams and Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

It’s surprising that there is no road named after the entrepreneurial Edwin Harvey.

Edwin Harvey was born in Keynsham in 1843 one of William and Mary’s large family of 12 children. Edwin began his apprenticeship in the building trade working as a plasterer, most probably alongside his father, a plasterer journeyman. By 1871 aged 28 Edwin describes himself as a painter.

He married Alice Elizabeth Baker at St. Paul’s Church, Bath on November 26, 1878. Edwin, aged 36, then described his profession as Builder and his place of residence as New Swindon where he had already begun to make his mark!

In 1877 he was building a hotel and cottages on the Kingshill estate and in 1878 he built 4 houses and shops on Cambria Bridge Road with business partner William Crombey.

In 1879 he describes himself as builder and beerseller when he makes an application for a license to “Sell by Retail Beer and Cider, to be consumed on the House and Premises thereunto belonging, situate at William Street.” This beerhouse was most probably built by Edwin and occupied the corner plot of William Street and Cambria Bridge Road. It was owned by his deceased brother William and in 1879 by his widow Ann.

William Street and Park Hotel

Edwin was a busy man during the 1880s building houses in Albion Street, William Street, Clifton Street and Exmouth Street where he would eventually make his home. In addition to his building work he was elected a member of the New Swindon Local Board in 1885 and in 1887 a member of the Swindon Hospital Committee, acting on behalf of the Building Committee.

In 1881 he lived at William Street with his wife Alice and their baby daughter Ethel. By 1891 they had moved to 50 Exmouth Street where the family had grown considerably and then numbered 6 children. Edwin’s brother John lodged with them. By 1911 No 50 Exmouth Street (now named Glenthorne) was still a busy household with 4 twenty something children still living at home with Alice and Edwin, now aged 68 and retired.

Edwin Harvey died at his home in 50 Exmouth Street on October 21, 1925. He was 82 years old. The funeral took place on October 24 when he was buried in grave plot D1525 with his wife Alice who died in 1917.

With no street named in his honour, I’m hoping there will be a headstone on his grave when I find it.

William Edwin Morris – a man of inexhaustible energy

Newspaper proprietor William Edwin Morris, eldest son of Advertiser founder William Morris, lived at Frampton Villa, home to this branch of the Morris family for more than twenty years.

Like his father William Edwin was at the forefront of Swindon society involved in various commercial and public duties. William had worked on his father’s newspaper for more than twenty years before becoming Town Surveyor, a position he held for another twenty years.

A man of apparently inexhaustible energy, William served on both the New and Old Swindon Local Boards. He was a member of the School Board for Rodbourne Cheney and a member of the Highway Board until its abolition in 1894. One of the first members of the Swindon Volunteer Fire Brigade, William served as Captain of the Brigade for more than twenty years. A Freemason, a Forester and an Oddfellow, William was also a member of the Wilts Rifle Volunteers and a life governor of Swindon Victoria Hospital.

Death of Mr W.E. Morris, of Swindon

The death took place on Tuesday, in last week at his residence, at Frampton Villa, Devizes road, Swindon, after a prolonged and painful illness, of Mr. William Edwin Morris. The deceased gentleman, who was born on March 28^th, 1848, in Swindon, was the eldest son of the late Mr William Morris, and at an early age entered the printing business carried on by his father, in which he took a part until 1880, when he was appointed surveyor to the Old Swindon Urban District Council. He was for several years a member of that Council, and resigned in order to undertake the duties of the surveyorship. He was also a member of the New Swindon Local Board up to the time that its place was taken by the Urban District Council. He was a member of the Rodbourne School Board previous to the absorption of Rodbourne into the Swindon School Board district, and held a seat on the old Highway Board.

Together with the late Mr William Affleck, Mr Morris was instrumental in forming the Swindon Fire Brigade, he was captain for a number of years, and in that capacity took part in many Lord Mayors’ Shows. An ardent Volunteer, the deceased gentleman for a long time held the rank of Sergeant in the Old Swindon Corps, and was one of the best and most successful shots in the detachment.

He was one of the early members of the Gooch Lodge of Freemasons, and held the post of first Grand Master of the “Castle” Lodge of Odd Fellows, being also Secretary of the Lodge for some time. He was a liberal subscriber to the Victoria Hospital, the Horticultural Society, and many other organisations, and took a warm interest in everything that affected the welfare of the town of Swindon, with which he had been so closely identified all his life.

He married in 1876 a daughter of Mr George Summers, of Romsey, and has had 13 children, of whom ten survive, with the widow, to mourn his loss. Mr Morris’ health has been a serious cause for solicitude to his family for a considerable time past, and some months ago he took a trip to Morocco and the Canaries. He returned very little if anything the better for the holiday, and a visit to Scotland was similarly disappointing in its results. His condition gradually grew worse, and he had been confined to his room practically since Christmas. On Tuesday he passed suddenly, but peacefully away.

The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon amidst every sign of respect. At the parish church the first portion of the service was conducted by the Rev. Prebendary W.B. Pitt, rector of Lydington, Wilts, who officiated at the graveside in the cemetery. The mourners included Messrs. W. Summers Morris, M.F. Morris, G.S. Morris, and S.H. Morris (sons), S.P. Morris, E.J. Morris, and F.A. Morris (brothers), John Morris, Dover, (uncle), Sydney Watmore (Hampton Hill), F.W. Watmore (Portsmouth), S.E.C. Price (Teddington), and W. Willes (cousins), E.E. Morris (nephew), W.E. Smith, and A.H. Walters (brothers-in-law). Besides these, there were some 20 members of the Fire Brigade in full-dress uniform. Deceased had been captain of the Brigade for over 20 years, and had only recently resigned. A large number of the “Swindon Advertiser” employes, of which firm deceased was senior partner, and a goodly number of the tradesmen of the town, also attended. The floral tributes included many beautiful wreaths from sympathising friends.

The Wiltshire Advertiser Thursday, May 1, 1902.

William Edwin Morris died on April 22, 1902 at the aged of 54. He was buried on April 24, in grave plot E7951. He is buried with his wife Bessie who died in 1939 and their daughter Nellie who died in 1958.

William’s modest, somewhat neglected, kerbstone grave marker is in stark contrast to that of his father’s in the churchyard at Christ Church.

Zacharias Peskett – Medical Fund Society Treasurer

Saturday July 8 sees Swindon celebrate the 75th anniversary of the NHS with the Mechanics’ Institution Trust. Events in the Emlyn Square area include an exhibition in the Central Community Centre with a talk on the GWR Medical Fund by Adam Busby at 4 pm. Visit the Railway Village Museum open 11-3 and join a walking tour of the Railway Village focussing on ‘Health.’ The Bakers Café will be open for refreshments.

And read below about one of those pioneering members of the GWR Medical Fund Society.

Swindon

Obituary

The death occurred on Thursday morning at his residence, 6, Milton Road, Swindon, of Mr Zacharias Peskett, an old and highly respected resident of Swindon. For the long period of 44 years he had been in the service of the GWR Company, and for over 30 years he had uninterruptedly held office as treasurer of the GWR Medical Fund Society. He was generally esteemed as an upright and honourable man, and was a valued servant of the company. He was in his 70^th year.

Western Daily Press, Bristol, Friday, May 29, 1914.

The Late Mr Z. Peskett,

Funeral

The esteem in which the late Mr Zacharias Peskett, of 6, Milton Road, Swindon, was held by his former colleagues in the GWR Works and by the officials of the GWR Medical Fund Society – an organisation with which his name had been prominently associated for more than 30 years – was exemplified on Tuesday afternoon, when the funeral took place at Swindon Cemetery amid every manifestation of sorrow and respect.

The cortege left Milton Road at 3.15 and proceeded to St. Mark’s Church, where a short but impressive service was conducted by the Rev. Lionel Calway.

The coffin, on which was a large cross of white flowers from the family and other beautiful floral tributes, was conveyed on a four-wheel bier, Messrs J. Lawrence, E. Griffiths, W. Sansum, T. Jackson. R.A. Zebedee and Humphries (representatives of the Medical Fund Society) acting as bearers.

Then followed a hand-bier on which were placed the wreaths, and in charge of Mr Peskett’s personal staff – Messrs. T.H. Westbury, C.E. Knapp, J. Clark and Angle. Behind the mourning coaches walked the Rev. H.J. Parker (pastor of South Street Baptist Chapel, where deceased formerly worshipped), representatives of the Medical Fund Society and the Sick Fund Society and many old friends and former colleagues of the late Mr. Peskett.

Long list of mourners …

From St. Mark’s Church the coffin was borne to the Cemetery, the route chosen being Cambria Bridge Road, Radnor Street and Clifton Street. The Blinds at many of the houses on the way to the Cemetery were drawn as a mark of respect to the deceased.

At the graveside the cortege was joined by a large number of sympathisers, and the service was impressively conducted by the Rev. L. Calway. The coffin was of polished elm, with heavy brass furnishings, and the breast plate was inscribed as follows:-

Zacharias Peskett,

Died May 28^th, 1914.

Aged 69 years.

Many beautiful floral tributes were sent by relatives and friends…

The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Messrs. H. Smith & Sons.

Extracts from the North Wilts Herald, Friday, June 5, 1914.

Zacharias Peskett was buried on June 2, 1914 in plot D1297, a grave he shares with his wife Annie who died in December 1924.

Ann Elizabeth Harvey – Inn Keeper

Image of William Street with Park Hotel on the corner published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

The licensing trade was a close knit community in Swindon during the late 19^th and early 20^th century. You might even say it was something of a family affair. However, running a pub probably didn’t feature in Ann Harvey’s plans for the future when she moved here in the 1860s.

Ann Elizabeth Ford married engine fitter William Harvey in the parish church of St Philip & St Jacob, Bristol on October 6, 1856. In 1861 the young couple lived at 4 Regent Terrace, Bristol with their three year old son William John. By 1871 they had moved to Swindon and were living at 20 Gloucester Street when William died in 1877 leaving Ann with five young children to raise.

That same year Edwin Harvey, builder and beerseller, was landlord at a beerhouse, a property he most probably built himself, and which later became known as Park Hotel. According to an application for a beer and cider license made by Edwin in 1879, the beerhouse had previously been owned by his deceased brother William, Ann’s husband. In 1879 Edwin applied for the license. He states “of which premises the trustees of the will of the late William Harvey, deceased, are the owners …” Presumably he was unsuccessful as he tried again in 1880 when it was reported in the Swindon Advertiser “Removal of the license of the King of Prussia Inn in High Street, Swindon, from the premises now occupied, to premises now occupied by Edwin Harvey, at present with an out-door license, and known as the Park Tavern, in William Street, Kingshill.“

By the time of the 1881 census Ann Elizabeth Harvey was in charge and Inn Keeper at 1 Cambria Bridge Road. Living with her were her sons, Ozias 19, a carpenter and George 17, a riveter’s apprentice. Her daughters were Emma Mary 15 who worked in the business as a barmaid and Isabella Ann 12 and Elizabeth Alice 10 who were both still at school. Lodging with them was William Crombey.

In due course Ann’s son Ozias would briefly take over the Park Hotel/Inn and in 1901 Ann, aged 64, was living with her daughter Isabella Groves who was the landlady at the Ship Hotel, Westcott Place.

Ann died later that year and was buried on October 23 in grave plot D17a alongside the cemetery chapel. Her eldest daughter Emma Mary Linsell was buried with her following her death in 1921.

Ann’s three daughters married men who all worked in the licensing trade while her sons Ozias and George worked alongside her at Park Hotel. A family affair.

Sergeant Thomas Fletcher of the New Brunswick Regiment

Thomas Fletcher was born in Stratton St Margaret on February 2, 1885, the son of George and Martha Fletcher. On August 2, 1899 he began a 6 and a half year Blacksmithing apprenticeship in the Works.

By 1901 George and Martha had moved to 85 Redcliffe Street in Rodbourne. Here George worked as a carpenter in the Works and Thomas was employed as blacksmith, although not yet out of his apprenticeship.

The last time we see Thomas in Swindon is on the 1911 census when he is 26 years old and living with his parents in Redcliffe Street. When his father completed the census returns that year he stated that he and Martha had been married for 35 years and that they had 6 children, all of whom were still living. Sadly, that would all change.

Mark Sutton continues to be the most knowledgeable historian of Swindon’s sons who served in the First World War and wrote a book entitled Tell Them of Us. If you went to one of Mark’s talks or followed one of his walks here at Radnor Street Cemetery you left feeling you had met the men he talked about, that he had known them himself – and of course Mark has been able to fill in the details of what happened to Thomas Fletcher. He writes:

“He had served an apprenticeship in the Loco and Carriage Dept GWR before leaving for Canada in 1912. He worked then for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company Workshops at Montreal. He joined the army in November 1914.”

Tell Them of Us.

Sergeant Thomas Fletcher was killed in action on August 28, 1918 during fighting to retake the village of Cherisy. He was 33 years old. He is buried in the Sun Quarry Cemetery, Cherisy, France.

Mark made frequent visits to the Western Front battlefield cemeteries, visiting the graves of the Swindon men buried there. I wonder if he ever visited Thomas Fletcher? I bet he did.

Thomas’s father George died in 1923 and is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery in grave plot C1880 with his wife Martha who died in 1937 and their youngest daughter Catherine Shakespeare who died in 1954.

Mary Ridge – from Kentisbury to Swindon

The barely discernible inscription on this headstone reads Mary Ridge died June 1, 1891 aged 87 years – Thy will be done.

Mary Parcells/Parsells was born in Kentisbury, Devon is around 1809. She married William Ridge in 1846 in the Barnstaple registration district. At the time of their marriage Mary was about 37 years old and considerably older than her husband. She also had a three year old son, Arthur Parcells and had given birth to twin daughters Emily and Mary Ridge. She had a third daughter Elizabeth in 1850.

Mary raised her family in this beautiful area on the North Devon coast. In 1861 the family were living at Hele Cottage in the Village of Heal where William worked as a Sawyer but sadly, by 1871 William had died. Mary continued to live at Hele Cottage with her daughter Mary and a young domestic servant called Mary Annie along with two lodgers, Emma Spratt, a schoolmistress and William Vincent Bowen Hewett, a Lieutenant in the Royal Marines (on half pay).

In 1881 Mary can be found on the census of that year living with her daughter Elizabeth and son-in-law Edwin Sims at 59 Wellington Street, Swindon. Edwin worked as a Coach Painter in the Works and the couple had a family of five children. (It would seem that the census enumerator mis-transcribed Mary’s age, stating that she was 51 years old when she was closer to 71).

Eventually all Mary’s daughters made their way to Swindon. Emily was the last to marry in 1906 at the age of 59. After a lifetime working in domestic service with a period as a lodging house keeper, Emily married widower William Henry Lawrence, a checker in the GWR Works.

By the time of the 1891 census Edwin Sims had been promoted to Foreman of the Painters Shop and the family were living at 4 Temple Street where Mary died a few weeks later.

Mary was buried on June 5, 1891 in grave plot B2024. Her daughter Elizabeth Sims, wife of Edwin Sims, died in 1899 and was buried with her mother. Another daughter, Mary Small, wife of John Small, died in 1903 and was buried with her mother and sister.

The burial registers indicate that this plot was originally a public grave. Perhaps the two brothers-in-law ultimately bought the grave to memorialise their two wives, sisters Mary and Elizabeth, and their mother-in-law Mary Ridge.

Robert Martin – Grenadier Guard and Crimean Veteran

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert with their sons inspect the wounded Grenadier Guards at Buckingham Palace February 20, 1855.

In 1861 Robert Martin, Grenadier Guard, was part of the District Foot Guards Detachment based at North Camp Aldershot. The Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards had served with distinction during the Crimea War, seeing action at the Alma (1854), Inkerman (1854) and Sebastopol (1854-1855). His military career was drawing to a close.

Robert Martin was born in 1834 in Lolworth, Cambridgeshire, the son of agricultural labourer William Martin and his wife Sarah. At the time of the 1851 census Robert was also working on the land. Was he restless? Did he see his future as just more of the same? Was he looking for an adventure when he decided to join the army?

Robert was no doubt grateful to have survived the horror of the Crimea War. On Christmas Day 1863 he married Harriett Kimberely at St Andrew’s Church, Bordesley, Birmingham. She was 20 years old, the daughter of John Kimberley, a victualler from Small Heath. Robert was 29 and working as a railway servant.

The couple moved around a fair bit and lived in Birmingham and Aberdare before rocking up at Swindon in the late 1870s. In 1881 they were living at 25 Carfax Street – Robert worked as a Railway Guard and his two sons, Alfred 14 and William 11 were Telegraph Messengers.

Harriett died in 1882 and the following year Robert married Fanny Maria Roberts at St. Mark’s Church. They went on to have a daughter, Daisy Harriett Gertrude Maude.

In addition to serving in the military for eight years, Robert Martin worked for the GWR for 43 years. It was said that his ‘familiar figure will be greatly missed on Swindon GWR platform.’

Death of a Crimean Veteran

An old GWR Guard

Mr R. Martin, of Swindon

The Funeral

There was laid to rest in Swindon Cemetery on Sunday afternoon the mortal remains of the late Mr Robert Martin, who passed away in his 72^nd year at his residence, 25, Carfax Street, Swindon, last week, after a very short illness.

Mr Martin, whose familiar figure will be greatly missed on Swindon GWR platform, had been in the service of the Co. for the long period of 43 years, during 39 of which he was a passenger guard. During his extended period of service, he gained the entire confidence of all the officials of the line, and he was very popular with regular passengers. His upright soldierly bearing and his pleasant manner made him one of the most familiar figures on the line.

On reaching the allotted span, in January, 1904, he retired from the Company’s service, and his colleagues then, to show their esteem and appreciation, presented him with a silver teapot.

Deceased, who was twice married, leaves a widow and family of five grown-up children – three sons and two daughters.

In his younger days, Mr Martin served for eight years in the Grenadier Guards. He saw active service in the Crimea, and was proud of his possession of Crimean and Turkish medals, with the Sebastopol clasp.

The Funeral

Was very numerously attended, there being an exceptionally large crowd assembled in the Cemetery. The first portion of the burial service was conducted at St. John’s Church, by the Rev A.G. Gordon Ross, Vicar of St. Mark’s, who also officiated at the graveside. In addition to the family mourners, there was a large attendance of railway men and local Volunteers…

Following the family mourners came Mr John Brewer (GWR Stationmaster), and Inspector Rochester, and about forty guards, ex-guards, porters, and other officials on the line. Then came about thirty Volunteers, under Sergt. Ellwood. The coffin, which was covered with beautiful wreaths, was of polished oak, with brass fittings, and on the breast plate was the following inscription:- “Robert Martin, died Sept. 18^th, 1905, aged 71 years.”

Mrs Martin and family desire to tender their sincere thanks to numerous friends for all kind expressions of sympathy with them in their bereavement.

Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Friday, September 29, 1905.

Robert Martin aged 71 years, died at his home in 25 Carfax Street and was buried in grave plot C1694. He is buried with his second wife, Fanny Maria ‘who died on her way to hospital’ July 1911. Robert’s first wife, Harriett died in January 1882 at the age of 38 years and is buried alone in grave plot E7001.

Death of Mrs R. Brunsden

By 1911 the population of Swindon was more than 50,000 with the Great Western Railway the largest employer by a country mile. You might think that the Radnor Street Cemetery residents would probably have a history of employment in the Works, and of course you would be correct. But just occasionally I discover a family with a history seeped in Swindon’s agricultural past.

Rachel Hancock was baptised at the parish church Chiseldon on April 24, 1836, the daughter of William Hancock, an agricultural labourer, and his wife Mary.

By 1851 Rachel aged 15 was working as a house maid for Thomas Choules 60, a farmer at Badbury. Choules farmed 326 acres and employed 13 labourers. Living with him was his wife Mary 68 and his nephew Robert 24, a farm bailiff.

An entry in the Chiseldon parish registers record the baptism of Alfred Thomas the son of Rachel Hancock Single woman on April 25, 1851. (Could this be our Rachel?) At the time of the 1861 census Thomas is living with William and Mary Hancock in Badbury (Rachel’s parents). In the 1871 census I discovered Robert Choules living with his family in Swindon where he worked as a Railway Watchman. Boarding with him was Thomas Hancock 19, (is this our Alfred Thomas?)

Rachel married close neighbour Henry Brunsden on October 14, 1858. The couple married at St. James’s Church, Paddington, perhaps because they didn’t want a big, local wedding, perhaps because their first child (John) Henry Brunsden had been born the previous year.

I can’t discover the whereabouts of Rachel on the 1861 census (possibly a mis-transcription) but by 1871 the family are at Snodshill Farm where Henry employs 5 men and a boy, along with two live in servants – Mary Cox 17, a general domestic and Elizabeth Cook 15, a nursemaid. Henry and Rachel have seven children and Henry’s brother John also lives with them.

And Rachel’s life continues to be mis-recorded, right up to the very end.

Inquest at Coate

On Wednesday morning, with painful suddenness, the death occurred of Mrs Rachel Brunsden, widow of Mr Henry Brunsden* of Lane Farm Coate.

Deceased had not been ill for quite three years although she was 75 years of age, and therefore it was found necessary for an enquiry into the circumstances to be held.

Mr Brunsden and his wife have been well known and respected in the neighborhood for many years, and there are a number of grown up sons. Prior to their retirement for their active agricultural pursuits they tenanted the land adjoining the homestead in which they have resided for so many years.

An inquest was held the same evening by Mr A.L. Forrester at the farmhouse.

Ernest Brunsden (son) said his mother went to bed the previous night apparently in her usual health. She rose at 7 o’clock that morning and went downstairs, where she prepared breakfast.

She then took it upstairs on a tray for her husband, who was in bed. Afterwards, when she brought the tray down subsequent to partaking of her own breakfast, she complained of a pain round her heart, and almost immediately after fell down dead.

Dr Beatty said he was sent for, but could only pronounce life extinct. Death was due to heart failure.

A verdict was returned in accordance with the medical evidence.

North Wilts Herald April 12, 1912.

*Henry Brunsden was still alive at the time of Rachel’s death.

Lower Snodshill Farm where Rachel lived for most of her married life

Rachel was buried on April 13, 1912 (when the burial registers record her home address as Love’s Farm) in grave plot C1856. Henry died the following year, aged 88, and was buried with Rachel on October 25, 1913.

Henry James Fortune – Assistant Secretary to the Medical Fund Society

Henry James Fortune was 82 years old when he died in 1943. He had lived an eventful life but was there anyone still around who remembered him as a young man? His wife Nellie had died 20 years previously.

So, let’s go back to the beginning.

Henry James Fortune was born on July 5, 1861, in Mells, Somerset, the son of John Fortune, a policeman, and his wife Mary.

As a young man, a little older than 15 when boys these days are still in school, Henry joined the navy. His service records describe him as 5ft 1½ ins, light brown hair, blue eyes, fair complexion. The first ship he served on was HMS Impregnable. On census night 1881 Henry, aged 19, was serving on the HMS Temeraire in the Grand Harbour, Malta. His last service date was April 22, 1886 and the last ship he served on was the HMS Hercules.

By 1886 Henry was settled in Swindon, employed as a Stores Clerk in the GWR Works. The following year he married Ellen Louisa House at Holy Trinity Church, Frome. At the time of the 1891 census he was living at 26 Taunton Street aged 29 years when he describes himself as a Fitters Labourer (another change of occupation?) – Ellen and their two children are visiting her parents in Frome.

Henry was nominated for election to the Management Committee of the GWR Medical Fund Society in 1904 and in 1907 is pictured on a formal photograph seated next to Zacharias Peskett, the long serving treasurer.

On the 1911 census returns the Fortune family are living at 20 Oxford Street where 49 year old Henry works as a railway clerk. The couple have been married 23 years during which time they had 12 children of whom sadly 4 have already died.

In 1939 he was at 246 Ferndale Road, a widowed retired Railway Clerk living with Leonard and Edith Brain (daughter and son-in-law) and their family.

The GWR Medical Fund Society, like many other similar organisations across the country, provided a blueprint for the National Health Service established in 1948. Henry had been gone nearly five years by then. For those who remained on the Medical Fund Committee it must have been a time of mixed feelings. Free health care for all but with that came the eventual dismantling of the Medical Fund and 100 years of endeavour in Swindon.

Henry James Fortune died in St. Margaret’s Hospital aged 82 years. His funeral took place on December 30, 1943 when he was buried in grave plot C3868 with his wife Ellen who had died in 1923.