Last year I was invited to take part in a project called StoryTrails. Fifteen locations across the UK were represented in this immersive storytelling project. Events in Swindon included an augmented reality trail called ‘Snapping Swindon with the Hoopers’, which involved visiting present day locations and viewing them as photographers William and Mary Hooper saw them a hundred years ago.
The other part of the project was a series of short interviews with local people talking about the places in Swindon that have a special meaning for them.
I met Lucinda in the cemetery on a beautifully sunny, but rather windy spring day. where we grappled with some unfamiliar technology (I was her first interviewee) and tried to capture the birdsong.
You can read all about the project on the StoryTrails website, which is full of futuristic phrases such as ‘3D dioramas’, ‘immersive installations’ and ’emotional geography,’ but if you don’t understand what all that actually means you can click on to this link. Here you will find not only me but a whole cast of local people talking about Swindon. My favourites include Lee who talks about growing up in The Limes, a boy’s home in Upper Stratton; Nancy, who speaks so movingly about her husband Ashley and the Prospect Hospice, and Martha who loves living in her little house in the Railway Village.
There is no doubt Florence Maddocks played an important role in the Gorse Hill community as the wife of Rev Maddocks at St Barnabas Church.
Florence was born in Manchester on January 6, 1856, the daughter of a solicitor’s clerk, William Sherratt, and his wife Sarah Jane. She married Philip Maddocks at St Mary’s Church, Birkenhead, Cheshire on July 6, 1880.
At the time of the 1881 census Philip was curate at St Peter’s Church, Burnley but for some reason Florence was boarding with her baby daughter Florence at the home of Charles Behenna and his wife Winifred at St Oswald in Cheshire.
Ten years later the Rev Maddocks was living at St Barnabas Vicarage, 268 Cricklade Road with his wife Florence and their ten year old daughter Florence Ida Louise. A son, Cyril, was born the following year but died in 1895 aged three years old. A second daughter, Philippa, was born in 1897.
It is sad and frustrating that so little can be discovered about a woman who played such an active role in the Gorse Hill community. Perhaps someone out there knows more about her.
The Late Mrs Maddocks
Funeral on Saturday
Amidst every manifestation of sorrow and regret on all sides, the funeral took place on Saturday last of Mrs Maddocks, wife of the Rev. Philip Maddocks (Vicar of St. Barnabas, Gorse Hill), who painfully sudden death was recorded in our columns last week. The mortal remains of the deceased lady were laid to rest in Swindon Cemetery, alongside the grave of her only son, Cyril, who fell asleep on Feb. 25, 1895, at the age of three years.
Holy Communion was celebrated in St. Barnabas Church, Gorse Hill, at ten o’clock, by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, curate: The organist, Mr. James Gaskell, played “No shadows yonder,” from A.R. Gaul’s “Holy City,” and also a selection from a Requiem of Anderton’s.
The funeral service took place at 12.45 in the same church, and the sacred edifice was crowded with parishioners and friends, anxious to take part in the solemn service. Canon the Hon. M. Ponsonby (Vicar of St Mark’s Church, and Rural Dean), officiated, assisted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell.
After the service at the church, the funeral procession wended its way to the Cemetery, where the last sad rites were performed at the graveside by Canon Ponsonby. Rain fell heavily during the long journey from Gorse Hill, but the sun shone out brightly as Canon Ponsonby solemnly delivered the committal sentences.
The coffin was of polished oak, with massive brass furniture, and the breast-plate born the following inscription:- “Florence Jane Maddocks, died 2nd April, 1902, aged 46 years.” The funeral arrangements were most satisfactorily carried out by Messrs Chandler Bros., of Swindon.
The floral tributes were most numerous and beautiful, and covered the space of two graves.
At St. Barnabas Church yesterday, the services were conducted by the Rev. G.J. Saywell, who made fitting allusion to the great blow the Vicar and the whole parish had received.
Extracts from the Swindon Advertiser, Monday, April 7, 1902.
This Thursday morning you are likely to find members of the Radnor Street Cemetery volunteers busy in the cemetery. Here are a few words from Kevin explaining some of the work the volunteers undertake.
‘There are currently seven volunteers working in Radnor Street Cemetery. These include Jon, Jonathan, Brian, Pauline, Val, Jo and myself.
We are volunteering in an official capacity for the CWGC as part of their Eyes On Hands On project. The Commission is responsible for 103 plots at the cemetery, 90 WWI and 13 WWII, of these there are 101 Commonwealth and 12 private. Basically, it is up to us to look after these plots and feedback any concerns to the Commission such as illegibility, damage, unsafe leaning etc.
We are authorised to softly clean the Commonwealth headstones, using just water and brushes, and carry out light weeding, grass trimming etc. For the private memorials we should only carry out only light weeding and not clean the headstones, but feed back to the Commission.
Of the casualties at the cemetery a lot of them died from illness, but there are also those who died in accidents or more sadly those who took their own lives often following the horrors they had experienced.
We have recently been photographing all of the headstones and memorials for the Commission website. The Commission now try and include photographs on their casualty database, which people can search.
Outside of the Commission’s responsibility there are also many private family plots at the cemetery that we have come across that make reference to loved family members lost during the two wars.
The first two images show a little bit about the Eyes On Hands On project. The next photo is a private plot commemorating 2nd Lt W.S. Hunter, Royal West Kent Regiment. The second photo is a Commonwealth headstone marking the grave of Pte K.W. Scott-Browne, sadly killed in a flying accident whilst training for D Day. The last photo is a family grave for Mildred Cook, commemorating her husband Hubert James Cook, killed in action during WWI.’
Read more about the work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission here.
To give him his proper title, William Bonner was the Railway Station Superintendent at Swindon and the fifth person to fulfil that role.
Railway village builders Joseph D. & Charles Rigby built the railway station, known as Swindon Junction, in 1842. The building accommodated the Refreshment Rooms on the ground floor and a hotel and lounge above. In 1881 the hotel staff numbered 25 members all living on site. The Victorian building was largely demolished in 1972.
William Bonner began his railway career as a clerk before serving as station master at West Drayton, Uxbridge and Wrexham before moving to Swindon in 1873.
His accommodation as Railway Station Superintendent was Station Villa, one of the Managers Houses on Station Road, long since demolished.
Station Villa is to the right of this photograph pictured in around 1910
Sad Death of Mr Bonner,
The GWR Station Master
A long life passed in the care and preservation of other people’s lives was brought to a sad end on Tuesday last, at Swindon, when Mr W. Bonner, the highly respected but unpresuming, station master at Swindon GWR junction, met with his death whilst in the discharge of his duty. The particulars of the sad event will be found below.
The GWR authorities have been particularly happy in their choice of station masters at Swindon. Mr Holmes, the almost immediate predecessor of Mr Bonner, being as remarkable for his courteousness and urbanity as was Mr Bonner. At such a large and important station, a man of much tact and skill is an absolute necessity, not only for the safety and comfort of the travelling public but for the governance of the large staff of station hands at such a junction as Swindon.
Mr Bonner proved himself the right man in the right place – civil, courteous, and obliging to all, to such a degree that his loss is felt more than by the natural feeling experienced at the sadness of his going from amongst his family and friends.
But like so many, the deceased gentleman went through all the numerous dangers to life and limb incidental to his occupation, only to be overtaken at a time when he might pardonably have been looking forward to a period of retirement and rest after a busy life. Capt. Speke, the explorer, passed through the dangers of the African jungle to come home to shoot himself whilst getting through a hedge: Mr Bonner’s sad ending may be somewhat likened to this, and to many others of a like nature.
Deceased had been in the service of the Company about 40 years, and commenced his duties at Paddington. He had been at Swindon just a quarter of a century, having come here from Wrexham, where he was presented with a gold watch and chain by the station employes as a token of their appreciated of his kindness and consideration. When his body was discovered on Tuesday evening the watch and chain, slight damaged, were found in the six footway. The watch had stopped at 6.47 p.m.; the train reached Swindon at 6.50 p.m.
The Inquest
Was held at the Queen’s Hotel, GWR Station, on Wednesday, before Mr W.E.N. Browne, County Coroner, and a jury of whom Mr H.J. Deacon was foreman, Mr Kislingbury, Divisional Superintendent of Bristol; Inspector Wheeler, of Chippenham; and Mr W. Martin, Locomotive Shed Foreman, of Swindon, were present on behalf of the GWR Company. The following evidence was taken:
Mr Kislingbury, Divisional Superintendent of Bristol, said deceased came to Bristol to see him on Tuesday, and was engaged with him from 11 a.m. till 1.30 p.m. He was in his usual health, and witness had never seen him brighter.
William Readings, a GWR engine driver, said he was driving one of the recently constructed express trains. He left Bristol at 5.50 p.m. Deceased got on the engine at Bath. Witness asked him for his pass and he produced it. During the run from Bath they conversed together and deceased spoke of his son who was a Loco Superintendent in India. He also referred to the difference in the present day lines and the old broad guage.
When reaching Hay Lane signals witness found he had not shut off the train steam warning signal cock. When he shut it off deceased asked him what he had done and witness explained to him. That was the last word he spoke. Directly afterwards when witness shut off the steam he turned round and saw deceased falling off through the opening near the engine tender, and all witness could see was the tail of his coat. – By a juryman: Deceased might have looked over at the side to see if the signals were right, but witness did not see that. – By another juryman: He had never travelled with witness on the engine before. He had his engine pass on this occasion. – By another juryman: The train was going at the rate of 50 miles an hour. Witness had not the least chance of saving him.
George Cole, fireman on the same train, said he did not see deceased fall off the engine. The train was not stopped until it arrived at Swindon. Witness was looking for the signals on his side. Deceased fell in the six foot way.
George Rochester, platform Inspector at Swindon, said that on the arrival of the train at Swindon at 6.50 p.m., the driver Readings reported to him what had happened, telling him that Mr Bonner had fallen off the engine near Major Dean’s house. Witness immediately obtained the assistance of three men, and they took a stretcher and went on an engine down towards Rodbourne Road. They pulled up beyond Major Dean’s house, and then walked along the line in search of deceased, whom they found lying on his face with his two legs on the down line. Deceased’s head was fearfully cut about, and there was not the slightest sign of life. They placed the body on a stretcher and took the train on to Wootton Bassett in order to get on the up line. Witness had previously sent word to Swindon Station for a doctor to be there in readiness, and Dr. Swinhoe attended. There was not doubt that deceased was struck by some part of the train after he pitched on the ground.
The Coroner said Dr Swinhoe was not present, but if he were he could only corroborate what Inspector Rochester had said with regard to life being extinct. He (the Coroner) had no doubt Dr. Swinhoe, like most of them, was suffering from shock at the sad way in which the life of an old friend had been brought to a close. It was only a few days ago that deceased told him (Mr Browne) that he would be retiring shortly on a superannuation. Deceased was always kind and considerate to the staff, and the GWR Co. had lost a most valuable servant. He (Mr Browne) deeply regretted his untimely death, and had hoped he would have lived many years to enjoy a well earned rest. He was sure they all sympathised with the bereaved family in their great bereavement.
The jury concurred; they returned a verdict of “Accidental death,” and gave their fees to the Victoria Hospital.
The funeral which will be of a public character, will take place to-day (Saturday), leaving the deceased’s late residence at 1 p.m., 1.30 p.m. at St Mark’s Church, and 2 p.m. at the Cemetery.
Swindon Advertiser Saturday February 13, 1897
The Late Mr William Bonner
Funeral of Deceased
As announced in our last Saturday’s edition, the funeral of the late Mr William Bonner, for over a quarter of a century the courteous and obliging station master at the GWR Swindon station, took place on Saturday afternoon amidst every token of respect for the deceased (who met his death in such a tragic and sudden manner), and sympathy for his sorrowing children.
The funeral cortege left deceased’s late residence, Station Villa, shortly after one o’clock, and the solemn procession wended its way to St. Mark’s Church, New Swindon where the first part of the funeral rites were conducted.
The body was enclosed in an interior shell, with an exterior coffin of 1¼ inch polished elm, with raised moulded lid, brass furniture and engraved brass plate on panel bearing the following inscription: “William Bonner, died Feb. 9th, 1897, aged 59 years.”
The coffin was conveyed in a pair horse funeral car, and on arriving at the church gates it was carried into the sacred edifice by eight of deceased’s staff in uniform. The first part of the service at church was conducted by the Hon and Rev Canon Ponsonby, vicar of St. Mark’s and rural dean, whilst the lesson, taken from the first epistle to the Corinthians, 15th chapter, and starting at the 20th verse, was impressively read by the Rev. A.G. Gordon Ross, priest in charge of the district church of St. John, in which parish deceased lived. Service over, the procession was re-formed, and way was made for the cemetery, where the service was conducted by the Hon and Rev Canon Ponsonby.
The mourners numbered between 150 and 200, including over 50 of the men employed on Swindon platform, who attended in uniform.
There follows a long list of mourners and floral tributes…
Whilst at the graveside, one of the sons of the deceased, who had only just recovered from a serious illness, was taken with a fit and had to be carried away. He was immediately driven home and placed in bed. On making enquiries on Monday we were glad to find that he had recovered from the shock, and was as well as could be expected under the circumstances.
The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Messrs Chandler Bros., Wood Street, and Mr Joseph Williams, Devizes Road, Swindon.
Swindon Advertiser, Saturday, February 20, 1897.
William was buried on February 13, 1897 in grave plot E8365 which he shares with his wife Caroline who had died the previous year.
The grave of William and Caroline Bonner
The Late Mr. Bonner – A handsome memorial to the late Mr W. Bonner, who was for nearly half-a-century superintendent of the Swindon GWR Station, has been erected in the Swindon cemetery. The memorial takes the form of a massive wheel cross, with carved face, standing on a moulded die, raised on two spacious bases, the material of the whole being white marble. The monument, which is 7 ft. in height, is enclosed with massive marble kerbs, and corner block; and its appearance is at once striking and artistic. It has been erected by the officials of the GWR Company, and Mr Bonner’s own personal staff at Swindon Station, also many other friends, to “mark the esteem in which he was held during the 24 years as station superintendent.”
The Marlborough Times and Wilts and Berks County Paper, Saturday, December 18, 1897.
Arranging this evening had been an organisational nightmare, I can tell you. I had to persuade Daisy to come out with me in the first place, then I had to wait until she had a Saturday evening off work. Probably the most difficult task was getting my father to allow me the use of the pony and trap. I couldn’t tell him I planned to take a young lady for an evening drive, he already thought I was irresponsible and not to be trusted. In the end I told him a lie. I said a friend had to make an emergency trip into the Medical Fund Hospital. I could hardly have guessed how prophetic this would be.
I managed to drive the pony and trap out of the yard without him glimpsing me. He would surely have seen through my deception had he caught me wearing a new collar and my Sunday best jacket.
I pulled up outside the manor house and waited for Daisy. I didn’t really know what we could do or where we could go, I hadn’t planned that far ahead. But it was a beautiful evening so I suggested we go for a walk through the copse to the stream.
I parked the pony and cart at the road’s edge along Church Hill. Mol was a placid old horse, I knew she would stay where she was left. I never thought of the bend in the road or that the light might soon be fading. I never imagined there would be any other traffic at that time of the evening, quite forgetting the shopper’s bus from Moredon to Swindon.
All I could think about was Daisy and how beautiful she looked that summer’s evening and whether she would let me kiss her as we walked down by the stream.
We had hardly walked into the copse before we heard the sound of galloping horses and raised voices and the Moredon bus travelling down the hill at a furious speed. Suddenly there were shouts and screams and a splintering crash.
Daisy had already begun to run back to the roadside. The pony and trap still stood where I had left them, but all around was a scene of mayhem. The bus had crashed into the bank, throwing several passengers out of the vehicle and onto the road. The driver must have climbed out, or perhaps was thrown out, as he stood between the two horses holding their bridles, attempting to calm them.
Everything was in chaos. A woman lay on the ground beneath the bus while others were trapped inside. I saw one poor man so covered in blood I could hardly see his features.
Daisy rushed forward to be of assistance while I stood rooted to the spot. “What will I tell my dad?” I pleaded. Could the trap I had left unattended just beyond the bend in the road be the cause of this disaster? I could tell by the expression on Daisy’s face that she thought so.
The facts …
Road Car Accident at New Swindon
Several Persons Injured
One Man Dies
As already reported, an accident occurred on Saturday evening that to the 8.40 pm car from Moredon to Swindon, by which several persons received injuries, and unfortunately in one case a fatal result has followed. It appears that on Friday and Saturdays special cars are run to Moredon by the Swindon Road Car Company to enable persons to visit Swindon for shopping purposes, etc.
On Saturday last this car left Moredon as usual. On arriving at the Church Hill, Rodbourne, we are informed (and we give it with all reserve) that the driver did not put the brake full on, but allowed the horses to keep up the pace whilst descending the hill. The car was running on the right side of the road, and on turning the corner just below the churchyard a baker’s cart belonging to Mr H. Robins, baker, of Moredon, was seen. The driver immediately pulled to the left side, and ran into the bank, the swing turned the car over on its side. The occupants of the front seats were thrown out, and those inside were violently thrown about.
Assistance was soon to hand, and everything was done on the spot that was possible. Just after a waggonette belonging to Mr Hall, of New Swindon, and conveying a party of cricketers to Swindon, arrived. This party quitted the conveyance, and the injured were conveyed to the GWR Medical Fund Hospital therein. There were five adults and three children brought to the Hospital. After they had been attended to by Dr. G. Rodway Swinhoe, they were sent home with the exception of a man named Harry Marshall, a married man with a family, and residing at 17 Morse Street. He was suffering from a nasty scalp sound and an injury to his back. On enquiring this morning, we find he is progressing favourably.
Another man, named Herbert Newsome, a cripple, living with his parents in Spring Gardens, was found to be suffering from a cut on the forehead and chin. After receiving attention he was driven home. It appears however, that he suffers from bleeding, and on Tuesday it became so serious that he was removed to the Hospital about 2 am. Under the careful treatment of the staff the haemorrhage was stopped. He died, however, last evening and the cause of death will be the subject of an inquiry this afternoon. Deceased who was quite a young man had been a cripple for some seven years He was a member of the Wesleyan Chapel in Princes street and on the day of the accident was returning from the anniversary tea in connection with the Moredon Wesleyan Chapel in company with friends.
The Matron told us that the people presented an awful sight on their arrival at the Hospital on Saturday evening last ….
Extract from the Swindon Advertiser Friday June 9 1899
At the inquest the bus driver told how he had worked around horses all his life and was an experienced coachman who had until recently lived in London. He said he had never had an accident before in his life.
A number of contributory factors to the accident were revealed – the bus was overloaded, braking equipment had failed and passengers said the driver was travelling too fast.
‘The Doctor’s Evidence
Dr G.R. Swinhoe said he was called to the cases at about 11 o’clock on Saturday night, and found two women and three men at the GWR Hospital, suffering from injuries received in the accident. They were all brought there in a carriage. Amongst them was the deceased, and when witness saw him he was told that he (deceased) was a “bleeder,” or a person who would bleed at the slightest scratch. Witness therefore attended him first. They did what they could for the man and put on such pressure as he could stand, and they apparently stopped all bleeding. He went home, but haemorrhage started again, and on Tuesday he was taken worse, and sent back to the Hospital. He (witness) would not have sent him out, but he had a little doubt as to whether he should or not, because he was not a factory hand. He eventually died from the effects of bleeding as a result of the accident. There were two cuts – one on the scalp and a very tiny one on the chin. It was this latter which caused the most trouble, for they could not get any pressure on it to stop the bleeding. Deceased must have lost a tremendous amount of blood before he came to the Hospital.
The Coroner said he thought they could all understand how the accident happened, and from the evidence no blame rested on the driver of the car.
The jury then returned a verdict of “Accidental death.”’
Extract from the Swindon Advertiser published Friday, June 16th 1899
Herbert Newsome was born in Twerton on Avon, the eldest son of Joshua and Lydia Newsome. At the time of the 1891 census the family were living at 6 Spring Gardens. Joshua was a general labourer in the GWR Works while Herbert worked as a Clothier’s Assistant. Herbert was buried in plot C934 on June 13, 1899.
You might also like to read a story I wrote some years ago about a local Valentine card (see above) that appeared on the Antiques Roadshow in 2008.
This headstone is decorated with numerous symbols, clearly indicating that Edwin Browne, who is buried here, was a Freemason.
Edwin was born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1833. By 1851 he was living with his widowed mother Mary at No. 2 Kimbers Alms Houses in Newbury where his mother is described as an ‘Almswoman’. Seventeen-year-old Edwin was working as a Postmaster’s Assistant but a year later he had left Newbury and was in Swindon where in October 1852 he began work as a clerk in the GWR Works stores.
But he was soon on the move again. In 1860 he married Anna Maria Heathcote at St. Peter & St Paul’s Church, in Aston and at the time of the 1861 census they were living in Coleman Street, Wolverhampton with their daughter Emily Vine Browne.
They remained in Wolverhampton for at least six years where two more daughters were born, Annie Amelia and Florence Lucy. Their first-born daughter Emily died in 1867 and is buried in Merridale Cemetery, Wolverhampton.
By the time of the 1871 census the family were living at 24 Prospect, Swindon before moving to 3 Church Place where Edwin died on June 2, 1885.
Research has revealed that Edwin was initiated into the Gooch Lodge on July 4, 1870 when the Lodge was only recently established. He would serve as Past Master of Gooch Lodge and PPSGO of Wiltshire.
Edwin died at his home 3 Church Place on June 2, 1885 and was buried in plot E8435 on June 5. He was 51 years old. The headstone leaves plenty of space for more inscriptions, but Edwin lies here alone.
Edwin’s second daughter Annie Amelia married Henry Simpson, a Steam Engine Fireman, in Wolverhampton in 1891. She died in Newport, Monmouthshire in 1961.
Youngest daughter Florence Lucy married Sidney Herbert Webber and remained living in Swindon. She is buried with her husband, two daughters and a son in Christ Church Burial Ground.
Edwin’s wife Annie Maria Browne remarried in 1900 in Cirencester and died there in 1913.
Mr Edwin Browne, deputy chief store-keeper to the Great Western Railway Company, died in a sudden manner on Tuesday, from heart disease, at his residence in Church Place, New Swindon. Mr Browne, who has been many years in Swindon, was generally liked by all with whom he came in contact. He was an enthusiastic Mason, being P.M. of 1295 and 355, and a P.P.S.G.O. of Wilts. The Masonic brethren of the deceased attended the funeral yester (Friday) afternoon at the Cemetery.
The Swindon Advertiser, Saturday, June 6, 1885.
Consecration of the Gooch Lodge, No. 1295
The interesting ceremony of the consecration and dedication of the Gooch Lodge, No. 1295, which had been looked forward to by the brethren in the province with a considerable degree of interest, took place at the Queen’s Royal Hotel, Swindon, on Saturday last. A very considerable number of brethren attended from London, Bath, Bristol, Gloucestershire, and several lodges in the province. Brother H. Muggeridge, as presiding officer on the occasion of the consecration, took the chair, and at once proceeded with the ceremony of consecration and dedication, which he most effectively and impressively performed. His opening address was a great treat and was listed to with much attention. The oration by the P.G.C. Brother the Rev. C. Raikes Davy also received great attention, being an exhortation to adhere to and promote the well-known objects of the Masonic Order – Charity, Benevolence, Good Will, etc.
The Lodge was afterwards formally dedicated and consecrated.
The installation of Brother Kinneir was then performed by Brother Sir D. Gooch, and the following officers were installed and invested:- Bros. J.J. New, S.W.; H.C. Tombs, Treasurer; F.J. New, S.D.; C. Lidsley, I.G.; H.J. Birch, J.W.; T. Coall, Secretary; W. Hall, J.D.; J. Burrows, Tyler.
The Banquet, to which upwards of 60 brethren sat down, was presided over by Brother Henry Kinneir, now W.M. 1295, supported on his right by the V.W. the D.P.G.M., and Brother Muggeridge, and on his left by the R.W. the P.G.M. of Berks and Bucks (Bro. Sir D. Gooch), Brother Rev. C.R. Davy, P.C.G., etc. the repast was served by Brother Westmacott, at the Goddard Arms, the resources of whose establishment were fully equal to doing honour to such an auspicious event. After the cloth was removed, the usual loyal and Masonic toasts were eloquently proposed and heartily responded to, song and glees most pleasantly alternating with the toasts.
The whole ceremony passed off with great eclat, and many brethren who came from a distance and had witnessed the consecration ceremony congratulated the members of the Gooch Lodge most warmly on a successfully inauguration.
Extracts from a much longer report published in the North Wilts Herald, Monday February 14, 1870.
“For someone who clearly loved the limelight, Alfred James seems to have been quite camera shy,” said Rhoda Murray who kindly supplied this story of her ancestor. The grainy, black and white photograph (see below) is all that Rhoda has been able to find.
Alfred was a colourful character, changing his name to James Allington Charsley and somewhat creative when applying his age to official documents. Born in Leicester in 1867, the fourth of Joseph and Lucy Charsley’s five sons, Alfred took to the stage performing a song and step-dance routine in pantomime aged 11-13. however on leaving school he worked in the boot making industry as did the rest of his family.
In 1892 Alfred briefly joined the London Metropolitan Police Force, but by the time of the 1901 census he was living in Northampton, once again working in the shoe and boot making industry, while continuing to pursue his theatrical career. By the time of his marriage to Emily Beatrice Wheeler in 1910, Alfred described his occupation as ‘Theatrical Manager.’
Alfred and Emily arrived in Swindon in 1934 when he took on the lease of the Playhouse Theatre in the Mechanics’ Institution.
He died on October 17, 1940 at Roundway Hospital, Devizes. His cause of death was recorded as broncho-pneumonia.
Emily took over the lease of the Playhouse and continued to live at the home she had shared with Alfred at 94 Croft Road. In April 1950 she married Arthur William Thraves and moved to Stratton St Margaret. She died in January 1962 and was buried with Alfred in grave plot C1750.
The Mechanics’ Institution Theatre c1931
Death of Mr J.A. Charsley
Swindon Playhouse Lessee
One of the best known personalities in the provincial theatrical world, Mr J. Allington Charsley, lessee of the Playhouse, Swindon, died last night after a short illness. He was 69 years of age.
Mr Charsley was taken seriously ill less than a fortnight ago.
A native of Staffordshire, Mr Charsley had been associated with the theatre from his early days, filling with distinction the roles of actor, producer and lessee. He was particularly interested in opera, and for many years toured the biggest company that has ever been assembled to play in provincial towns and cities. Many men and women, who have since gained world wide fame, were first brought to public notice as members of Mr Charsley’s companies.
He had a remarkable memory for names and dates, and would often recall how some of the stars-to-be were discovered in the back row of his choruses.
Mr Charsley has made a host of friends during his six years at the Playhouse, and in face of great difficulties has succeeded in bringing to his theatre – the only one in Wiltshire presenting flesh and blood shows – many of the best known variety and revue stars of the present day.
A fine sportsman, he was particular interested in racing and football, and his generosity, when approached to assist any deserving cause, was widely appreciated.
He leaves a widow, who is carrying on the Playhouse.
A brother of Mr Charsley, Mr, Chris Charsley, who is now living in retirement at Weston-super-Mare, was formerly Chief Constable of Coventry.
North Wilts Herald, Friday, 18 October, 1940.
Many thanks to family historian Rhoda Murray for providing the story of Alfred James Charsley – theatrical impresario.
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. 7th, 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.
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.
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.
Radnor Street Cemetery 