George Henry Barefoot – like father, like son.

There is nothing I can add to the history of George Henry Barefoot that isn’t already mentioned in this detailed obituary (see below). Born in 1850 he was the first generation of Swindon-born railwaymen. Like his father he entered fully into the life of the railway town, supporting and working with the Mechanics’ Institution.

Published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

Death of Mr G.H. Barefoot

A Sudden End

A well-known resident of Swindon passed away on Saturday night, when Mr George Henry Barefoot, foreman of the coppersmiths in the GWR Works, expired with painful suddenness after having pursued his daily avocation throughout the morning. Deceased went home to dinner in the ordinary way and partook of a meal. He then suggested to his niece, who had been keeping house for him at 19, William Street, since the death of his wife 11 months ago, that they should go to the football match together. He washed and changed, but on coming downstairs he complained of pains in the head and commenced vomiting. His condition grew worse, and Drs. Gilmore and Mason, of the GWR Medical Fund staff, bestowed upon him constant attention, but the end came at 10.45 p.m. The late Mr Barefoot had suffered from diabetes for two years, but he appeared to have completely recovered from this malady, and his death arose from an unexpected and a tragic relapse.

Born at Swindon in October, 1850, Mr Barefoot had attained the age of 61 years and his is a rare case of a man of advanced years predeceasing his father. Mr George Barefoot, who, at the great age of 83 years, is still hale and hearty and vigorous.

In January, 1864, deceased entered the locomotive department of the Great Western Railway at Gloucester – whither he went as a child for a few months – as an apprentice to the trade of a copper and tin-smith. He was transferred to the Swindon Works whilst still an apprentice in 1868, and continued to remain there up to his death. Being a workman of exceptional ability, he was promoted to a foremanship in 1900 in succession to Mr Laxon, and enjoyed the esteem of everyone with whom he was associated.

Mr Barefoot was a Forester and an Odd-Fellow, but, apart from his Works career, he was during his long residence in Swindon chiefly identified with the evolution of the GWR Mechanics’ Institute, which he had been instrumental in helping forward for a considerable period. He was a member of the Council for no less than 26 years, and when he had to retire upon his preferment to the status of a foreman 11 years ago it was realised that his services were so valuable that he quickly returned to take part in the deliberations of that body as a foremen’s representative.

He acted as secretary to the Juvenile Fete for about 13 years and at the time when the Institute were prominently concerned in conducting the education of the town Mr Barefoot was much to the fore.

In his young days he was more fortunate than most lads, for he received a good foundation of knowledge at Sir Thomas Rich’s Grammar School at Gloucester, and this advantage was of practical use to him throughout his career.

For many years he acted as MC of the Institute dancing class, acting in that capacity before the time of Mr A. Warburton, at whose death he again undertook the work, and it is interesting that he is the immediate predecessor of Mr F.H. Howard in conducting the class.

The late Mr Barefoot married Miss Mary Ann Berry, a native of Swindon, who, as stated above, died nearly twelve months ago. A family of four remains – one son and three daughters. All are married, and the former – Mr A.G. Barefoot resides at Birmingham, whilst the three daughters are Mrs G.F. Randell (Swindon), Mrs H. Moody (Australia), and Mrs H. Bryant (Swindon). The greatest sympathy will be extended to them in their unexpected bereavement.

Funeral

The funeral, which took place on Wednesday, was an impressive tribute to one who enjoyed high esteem. Leaving deceased’s late residence in William Street promptly at 2.20, the long procession was headed by a hand bier bearing beautiful floral offerings, and then followed the shillibier and eight carriages, while the followers on foot, who walked in double file, numbered quite 140.

The cortege wended its way to St. Mark’s Church, where deceased had been a worshipper, and which was almost filled with mourners. The service here was taken by the Rev K.M.S. Graeme (curate), who also performed the last rites at the Cemetery, where in spite of the miserable weather, a good number, apart from the followers were present. Deceased was buried with his wife and adjacent to the grave containing his mother’s remains.

Long list of mourners…

Mr A Tyler represented the Stores Department clerical staff. K Shop of the Works, of which deceased had charge, was specially closed for the occasion, and considerably more than 100 men took a respectful part in the sad ceremony.

The coffin was of polished elm with brass fittings, and it bore the following inscription:

George Henry Barefoot

Died Jan. 7^th, 1911

Aged 61 years.

A long list of floral tributes, including:-

A token of sympathy and esteem from the men and boys of K. Shop.

A token of respect from the GWR Foremen’s Association.

The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs H. Smith & Son, Gordon Road.

Extracts from North Wilts Herald, Friday, January 13, 1911.

George Henry Barefoot was buried in Radnor Street Cemetery on January 11, 1911 in grave plot E7793 which he shares with his wife Mary Ann and in the neighbouring plot to his mother Mary Elizabeth Barefoot and later his father, George Barefoot.

Mabel Maria Edith Summers Morris

On January 18, 1905 Mabel Plaister married William Summers Morris at St. Mark’s Church. William was the grandson of William Morris, founder of the Swindon Advertiser. Their son was born on March 22, 1906. Two months after the birth of their baby William Summers Morris was found drowned in the Thames at Molesey Lock near Hampton Court. He had been missing from his Swindon home for a week.

Mabel Maria Edith Catherine Harriett was the fourth child and eldest daughter of James Plaister and his wife Symper Rosa. The couple’s first three children were born in Wolverhampton. By the time of Mabel’s birth they were living in Swindon, although Mabel was baptised at St Barnabas’ Church, Bristol on June 1, 1879.

At the time of the 1881 census the family were living at 20 Read Street, alongside the canal. Ten years later James and Symper Rosa had moved to 1 Park Terrace with their nine children, Sarah Terry who was Symper Rosa’s niece and a boarder William Preston, a Steam Engine Fitter and Turner. James was employed as a railway clerk in the Works where five of his sons would follow him. Daughters Rosa and Lilian both became schoolteachers but the census returns make no record of Mabel’s occupation. Perhaps as the eldest daughter she was consigned to a domestic role helping her mother.

Following the discovery of his brother-in-law, Charles A. Plaister travelled to Surrey where he identified the body and appeared as a witness at the inquest. Here he read a very long statement written by William before his death in which he expressed sorrow and regret for the action he had taken. He referred to his financial difficulties and said he had been pressed by his creditors, which led him to take the step he did.

Mr F.A. Morris, William’s uncle, said his nephew had never spoken of any financial difficulties and that family members would have helped in any way they could had they known. William’s stationery, newsagents and book seller’s business appeared to be doing well.

The coroner suggested a verdict of “found drowned” which the jury duly returned.

But what happened to Mabel? Well, first she buried her husband. William’s funeral took place on June 2 at St. Mark’s, the church where they had been married less than 18 months previously. Two weeks later she had her three month old baby son baptised William James George Summers Morris at the same church. Then like other women in her position, she got on with the job of living and raising her young child.

In 1911 Mabel and her five year old son were living with the large Plaister family at 26 The Mall, Swindon. She never remarried and at the time of her death in 1936 she was still living at 26 The Mall with her two unmarried sisters, Lilian and Rosa. She was buried with her husband and her parents in a large double plot D105/6. Her sisters joined them when Rosa died in 1962 and Lilian in 1963.

Mabel’s will was proved at Winchester on May 4 with probate going to her brother Charles Anthony Plaister, a retired stores superintendent, who had served as Mayor of Swindon in 1918/1919. Her effects were valued at £274 5s 10d.

Jason Johnson – a homegrown railwayman

Here we have Jason Johnson who served alongside Robert Laxon on the Medical Fund Committee from 1853-1859.

Jason was a homegrown railway man, and in the early days there weren’t too many of them around.

Jason was born in nearby Baydon in 1819. Jason married Emma Adams in 1846 and by 1851 they were among the early residents to move into Taunton Street. According to the 1851 census returns Emma was 21, which would have made her just 17 when they married. You have to be a bit flexible when reading census returns – until civil registration was introduced in 1837 people were not always certain of their birthdate, and of course people told fibs for all manner of reasons. A wife older than her husband might shave off a few years. A child born out of wedlock might have a year added to their age and a boy out at work might also add a year to qualify for a higher rate of pay.

Jason’s job ‘Inside,’ which was the local term for the railway works, was that of blacksmith.

In 1861 the couple lived at 30 Taunton Street with their six children. Ten years later and they had moved to 27 Gloucester Street. During the intervening 10 years Emma had five more babies with one last one born in 1874.

The boys all went into the Works; Arthur and Alfred worked as blacksmiths; John and Daniel as coach body makers while Thomas worked as a railway clerk.

Jason died at his home 19 Gloucester Street on December 2, 1891 and left effects to the value of £404.

William Henry Bennett – Press Reader

We tend to think that back in the day people remained pretty much where they were born, growing up, marrying and dying in the same village or somewhere very close. But it has always been a fact of life that people went where the work was and Swindon is a perfect example. Take William Henry Bennett and his wife Edith, buried in Radnor Street Cemetery.

William and Edith married at St Michael’s Church, Wood Green on April, 8, 1888. William was a 32-year-old widower and Edith was just 20 years old. At the time of their marriage they both lived in Wood Green. William worked as a Press Reader and the couple lived at various addresses in Kentish Town and Camden for most of their married life.

But by the time of her death in 1931 Edith was living at 43 Stafford Street, Swindon. William died less than three years later when he was also living at 43 Stafford Street. Their eldest daughter Elizabeth Mary Sophia is buried with them and at the time of her death in 1952 she was living at 14 Prospect Hill.

So, what had brought the family to Swindon? Not a job in the Works, which is what invariably was once the attraction. The clue comes with Elizabeth Mary Sophia’s home in Prospect Hill in 1952.

Prospect Hill begins at the Beehive pub on the corner of Western Street with the Rehoboth Chapel opposite and climbs up to the junction with North Street. Prospect Hill doesn’t appear to come within any of the Swindon Borough Council’s Conservation Areas, which is a bit of a shame as it is one of the streets that links the history of the two towns, Old and New Swindon.

When the railway settlement at the bottom of the hill was first built in the 1840s the amenities were pretty poor. The only shops were in Old Swindon, which constituted a long, muddy walk for the housewives across fields and up Prospect Hill. Development of this area began in 1869 when the Berkshire Estates Company laid out Dover Street, Western Street, North Street and Prospect Hill with part of Cross Street, although building was not completed until after 1885.

The 1911 census records George Smith living at No. 14 Prospect Hill with his son Arthur. George worked as a groom, most probably for one of the wealthy Old Swindon families, while Arthur was an Engine Fitter’s labourer in the GWR Works; a family embracing both halves of Swindon’s history. But George and Arthur were only tenants at No 14, the house belonged to our William Henry Bennett. In 1881, twenty years earlier, William was working as a jobbing printer and lived at No. 14 with his first wife Margaret Elizabeth.

Sadly, Margaret died in January 1882 aged just 29 years old, shortly after giving birth to a baby boy. Her son, George Maskell Bennett, died later that same month. They are buried together in Radnor Street Cemetery in plot E8212.

When did William decide to move to London? Perhaps he could not face living at No. 14 where he and Margaret had excitedly prepared to welcome their baby?

When he eventually returned to Swindon with his second wife Edith, more than 20 years later, they made their home in Stafford Street. However, he had obviously held on to the house in Prospect Hill during the time he lived in London as this is where his daughter Elizabeth Mary Sophia ended her days in 1952.

Edith died on September 10, 1931 at 43 Stafford Street. William died on May 2, 1934 at the Stratton Infirmary and was buried with Edith in plot C2A close to the cemetery chapel. Their daughter Elizabeth Mary Sophia was buried with them in 1952.

Margaret and her baby are buried not too far away.

Prospect Hill

The grave of William, Edith and Elizabeth Bennett

Helene Celine Sawyer – distinguished public servant

Helene Celine Sawyer is buried in a dark and overgrown area of the cemetery and when I first wrote about her I thought she had no headstone or memorial. I bemoaned the fact that often the people who worked the hardest for others during their lifetime leave no lasting memorial following their death, but since then one of our cemetery volunteers has been able to find Helene’s grave.

Helene Celine was born in Stroud, Gloucestershire in 1877, the eldest child in a family of eleven. Her father Thomas Hobbs was a butcher, her mother Elizabeth was born in Switzerland. Following the death of her husband in 1896, Elizabeth became Sub Post Mistress at the Post Office in Westcott Place where Helene was working at the time of her marriage to Albert Sawyer, a brass finisher in the railway works. The couple were married at St Mark’s Church, Swindon on September 21, 1902 and moved into 72 Dean Street where they would live together for the next 31 years.

Helene and her husband Albert were both members of the Swindon Labour Party and Helene was involved with other local organisations such as the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) and the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA).

Helene began her lifetime of public service as a member of the Swindon and Highworth Board of Guardians where she was described as an energetic member of that committee. She continued to work with the Wiltshire Public Assistance Committee, which replaced the Board of Guardians following the Local Government Act 1929.

In 1920 Helene was appointed a Justice of the Peace, one of 234 women magistrates created nationwide, and was the first to serve on the Swindon Bench. The long list of names was published in the Women’s Freedom League newspaper, The Vote, where the women were described as having “rendered themselves conspicuous by distinguished public service.”

Helene had been suffering from failing health for some months during 1933 and died at her home on December 11. She was 56 years old. The obituary published in the North Wilts Herald on December 15 noted that Helene “had always carried out her duties very rigorously and with a great deal of judgement and sagacity” and that her work with the Children’s Court would always been remembered.

The funeral took place on Friday, December 15 with the service at St Mark’s Church followed by interment in Radnor Street Cemetery. Helene lies in plot B2647 where her husband was also buried in 1948. The cremated ashes of their only daughter, Kathleen were interred with them following her death in 1986.

James and Elizabeth Murgatroyd – two of Swindon’s ordinary people

Swindon Borough Council have been busy at Radnor Street Cemetery in recent weeks and have cleared a great swathe of brambles from Section E, a particularly difficult area to navigate. Section E has probably the greatest collection of headstones and memorials in the cemetery and as Noel, Andy and I took a walk, Andy’s eye was drawn to the grave of James and Elizabeth Murgatroyd.

Joyce Murgatroyd was a great friend of Andy’s for many years. Teacher, artist, poet, musician and repository of Swindon’s history, Joyce died in 2017 aged 100 years.

I have written about Joyce’s family, including her great grandmother Sarah Peaple and cousin Elsie Morse but have never looked into the history of her husband Henry Murgatroyd’s, family.

The headstone we discovered was that of Joseph Murgatroyd, born in Bradford in 1823. He married Elizabeth Dewhirst at St. Peter’s Church, Bradford on August 26, 1844. At the time of the 1851 census Joseph and Elizabeth were living in Okehampton Street, Exeter where Joseph’s occupation was engineer. They had two children Alfred, 5 and Priscilla, 3. It seems as if they may have already lived in Swindon at some point as this is where Priscilla was born.

By 1861 they were living at No 7, Alliance Terrace, Bridge Road, Swindon where Joseph was a Fitter & Turner at the Engine Factory. Their eldest son had died by that time – now their family comprised three children, Priscilla 13, Alfred Edwin 3 and one year old Sarah.

In 1871 they were living at 8 York Place before moving to 12 Sheppard Street, which would remain Joseph’s home until he died. His funeral took place on September 21, 1904 when he was buried in plot E7809. Elizabeth died in 1907 at her son’s home, 54 Eastcott Hill. Her funeral took place on October 15 when she was buried with Joseph. Their son Alfred Edwin, his wife Ellen and their daughter Annie Irene are buried in E7810, the neighbouring plot.

Joyce and Andy pictured together getting ready for a Swindon Society presentation in 2012.

Sadly, I did not establish a link to Joyce and Henry Murgatroyd, but I have been able to add another account to the Radnor Street Cemetery archives remembering Swindon’s ordinary people.

William Henry Selby – honourable in all his dealings

Many of the men who built Swindon were incomers to the town, but William Henry Selby was homegrown.

William Henry Selby was baptised at Holy Rood, the old Swindon parish church in the Lawn, on April 27, 1834, the son of Thomas Selby, bricklayer and his wife Mary. On the 1841 census the 7 year old boy is living in Dammas Lane with his parents and four siblings, Daniel 8, John 5, Jane 4 and 3 months old George.

William followed his father into the building trade, working as a stonemason. In 1863 he married Mary Ann Saddington, a domestic servant working for the Goddard family at the Lawn at the time of her marriage. In 1871 the census reveals the couple were living at William’s boyhood home with his widowed mother and their own three children. William would live his whole life in the house where he was born.

William’s name first appears in trade directories in the 1870s and across the years his sons Albert Henry and George Alexander Selby would join him in the business. Between 1896 and 1900 the family business built more than 50 houses across both Old and New Swindon from St. Margaret’s Road and Goddard Avenue to Graham Street and Rosebery Street.

Image of St Margaret’s Road published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.

William died April 14, 1899 aged 66 years. He was buried in plot E8088 on April 19, which he shares with his son George Alexander who died in 1923 and Julia Barnett, possibly a family member, who died in 1953 aged 91 years.

Death of Mr W.H. Selby

Another link between the Swindon of the past and that of the present has been snapped by the painfully sudden death of Mr W.H. Selby, builder. Mr Selby had not enjoyed the best of health of late, but he moved about with his wonted activity, and his friends did not entertain any forebodings. About 9.30 on Friday night, however, Mr. Selby was taken ill in Victoria Street, and within a few minutes he had breathed his last. He was assisted in the direction of his home as far as the Goddard Arms Hotel, where, in view of his condition, it was thought advisable to complete the journey in a cab. Mr Selby was accordingly driven home, where he expired in the course of half an hour, his death having been brought about by a paralytic stroke. The deceased’s figure was very familiar in Swindon, and the news of his death will be heard with great regret. Three generations of Mr Selby’s ancestors have been associated with Swindon, and have carried on successful businesses as builders in the town; and Mr Selby himself well perpetuated the tradition, winning much respect as a tradesman of the best type, upright, faithful, and honorable in all his dealings. Deceased was an enthusiastic horticulturist, and did a lot of hard work as a member of the Swindon Horticultural Society. His chief hobby was fruit and flower growing, and the success of his efforts in this direction may be gauged by the fact that he has won numerous prizes at the Crystal Palace shows against the strongest opposition. His local triumphs have been almost innumerable.

The interment took place on Wednesday at the Cemetery amid many tokens of sorrow and regret. The cortege left deceased’s residence at three o’clock, and proceeded to Christ Church, where the service was read by the Rev N.E. Howe (vicar). The procession then wended its way to the Cemetery, where the last solemn rites were performed by Mr. Howe. The principal mourners were Mr. T. Selby (brother) and Mrs T. Selby, Miss Annie Selby (sister). Messrs Albert, George and Lewis Selby (sons), Miss Louisa Selby (daughter), and Mr and Mrs Smith (cousins). A large number of friends followed. Wreaths were sent by the family, Mr Wheeler, Mr and Mrs F. Williams, Mr and Mrs Fenton, Mr and Mrs Day, Mr and Mrs White, Mr and Mrs Croad, Mr and Mrs D. Lane, Mr and Mrs Cockbill, Miss Kinneir, and the Committee of the Swindon Horticultural Society. The coffin was of polished panelled elm, with massive brass fittings, bearing the inscription, “William Henry Selby, died April 14^th, aged 65 years.” The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Mr F.J. Williams, acting for Mr. J. Williams.

North Wilts Herald, Friday, April 21, 1899.

*Whitworth Road and the Broadway pictured during the 1930s when William Henry Selby’s firm was building a house for N.L. Selby in 1937. Published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.*

Daniel Skinner – Florence Street Mission Hall

In 1903 baker Daniel Skinner decided to “build a place of worship free for the unfettered preaching of the gospel.” He engaged architect George Davis and local builders Colborne to build his Mission Hall in Florence Street, Gorse Hill. He also built several houses in the same street and moved into No 27, next to the Mission Hall.

Daniel Skinner was born in Whelford, Kempsford, Gloucestershire in 1861 the son of William and Mary Skinner. In 1889 he was working as a baker in Stratton St Margaret when he married Jemima Day Clack in the parish church in Lechlade. The couple had four children who survived to adulthood, William born in 1890, Lilian Mary in 1892, Frank Edward in 1893 and Ethel May in 1896. Jemima died in the summer of 1897. At the time of the 1901 census the Skinner family were living at 198 Cricklade Road, Gorse Hill. Jemima’s sister Fanny Evans Clack was living with them, caring for the young children aged 5-10 years old.

Daniel and Fanny were married in 1907 and the 1911 census finds them living at 27 Florence Street, next door to the Mission Hall. The four surviving children still live at home. William George is 20 and working as a railway clerk, Lilian May is 19 and a dressmaker, Frank Edward 18, works as a shop assistant and 15 year old Ethel May is still at school.

New Mission Hall – The Florence Street Mission Hall was opened on Saturday last. The proceedings commenced with a tea meeting, when about 180 sat down to an excellent repast, the following ladies and gentlemen waiting upon their visitors:- Mesdames Clack, Wakefield, Norton, Rouse, Williams, Elliott, Powell, Flowers, Willis and Harrison. Misses Clack, F.E. Clack, and Richens, the fair sex being ably assisted by Messrs Clack, Beasant, and Norton. After tea a public meeting was held, Mr G. Davis, of Swindon, presiding, supported by the Rev. J. Sprunt (Mission Preacher, of London), Mr J. Stranger (Evangelisation Society, London), Mr J. Stanger (Evangelisation Society, London), Mr Daniel Skinner, and others.

The meeting opened with the hymn, “All hail the power of Jesu’s name,” followed by an address from the Chairman extending a hearty welcome to all present. At the same time he informed his hearers that that Hall was the third it had been his pleasure to assist at the opening ceremony. The Rev Sprunt then offered the dedicatory prayer, and also later in the evening gave an interesting address. Mr J. Stanger also delivered a very interesting address. Mr. Daniel Skinner, of Crichdale [Cricklade] Road, then said it afforded him great pleasure in returning his hearty thanks to so many friends who had so generously responded to his appeal for assistance at the opening ceremony, more particularly those ladies and gentlemen who so kindly got up and waited upon the tea table. He had no doubt many of those present would like to know what induced him to build this hall. (Mr Skinner built the hall at his own expense). Some three years ago mission services were held in a small room at Gorse Hill. Then, at a later period, tent services and camp meetings were held. He believed that on this side of the railway bridge there were about 10,000 souls, and only church and chapel accommodation for 2,000. Consequently, he felt inspired to do what he could in his power. He added that the building cost £500.

The hall was built for all denominations, and members of all churches were cordially invited, and a hearty invitation would be given to all-comers. In conclusion, Mr Skinner said he felt it his duty to express his entire satisfaction in which the building had been carried out by Mr. Thos. Colborne, of Swindon.

During the evening Miss Clack gave a solo. Master Willie ably presided at the organ. The new edifice is built of red pressed brick, with bath stone dressings. In the interior of the building the walls are plastered, with yellow deal at the sides, and with ornamental dado, the ceiling being of the same. There is a large rostrum and boarded floor. The building is well lighted with twelve incandescent burners. The dimensions of the building are 40 feet by 24 feet, by 20 feet high. The building was designed by Mr George Davis, of Swindon.

Swindon Advertiser, Friday, October 30, 1903.

Jemima is buried in Radnor Street Cemetery, grave plot C477. Fanny died in 1928 and Daniel in 1934 and both were buried with Jemima. Daniel and Jemima’s third son, Ernest Alfred, is remembered on the headstone. He died in 1897 aged 3 years and four months and is buried in a neighbouring grave.

John and Alice Hayes

This story was submitted by their great-granddaughter.

‘John Henry Hayes was born 2 Nov 1872 to parents William (ox carter) and Mary of 27 The Street, Broad Hinton. He was the 7th of 8 children, having 3 brothers and 4 sisters.

Living in a rural community he initially trained as a blacksmith before entering the Great Western Railway as a springsmith. (1911 census gives his occupation as Blacksmith Striker GW Railway).

Circa 1898 John Henry, aka Jack, married Alice Maude Mary (nee Pyke born 1879 Wroughton).

They moved to 50 Summers St. Swindon and he became a churchwarden at the Rodbourne Road Methodist Chapel. My father remembers having to play quietly on Sundays whilst his stern granny read her bible. He also remembers she didn’t cook on a Sunday so there were only ‘cold cuts’ for lunch.

I understand he taught other railway employees in his front room. I don’t know whether this was religious studies or reading/writing.

Their family expanded and by the 1911 census they had 3 living and 2 deceased children. To my knowledge there were a further 2 girls and a boy, 6 in all surviving to adulthood.

My grandfather, imaginatively named Thistle Ewart aka Tom, was his second child. He, together with his only child my father Barrie John, and myself all in our turn ‘went inside’ GWR/BREL. We have a 4 generation plaque on the wall at Steam.

John Henry lost his wife in 1939 and passed away 11 Feb 1951. He was buried at Radnor Street Cemetery Swindon, plot C4160′

The attached photo is of John Henry and Alice taken in approx. 1934.

*The couple share their grave with Alice’s mother Jane who died in November 1926. Her last address was given as 50 Summers Street.

Tag: Radnor Street Cemetery