The earliest maps that depict the Shillingford Brewery show that it was built on the land of the house now known as Greenacres. An assumption has been made, therefore, that the “Master Brewer” lived in that house rather than the much smaller Vintner’s Cottage. This latter building is clearly shown as previously being part of a much bigger L-shaped building and was probably an office rather than a dwelling house until the Works were demolished.
1878 OS 1:2,500
The deeds of Morlands Brewery state:-
“These comprise three separate properties, The Brewery, The George, both at Shillingford, and the Malthouse at Warborough. It appears that at some time both the Brewery and The George (formerly known as the Sun) belonged to a John Gleed, but were separated not later than 1736.
The Brewery site was acquired by William Crowley in 1746 from Benjamin Costard. Costard had paid off a pre-existing mortgage and the mortgage term was transferred to Richard Costard in trust, and then, in 1746, to Edward Crowley in trust for William Crowley.
In 1747 William Crowley built a wall, apparently on an adjoining property, and entered into a deed with his neighbours James Lambeth and Anthony Clackson, under which he, Crowley, would be responsible for the maintenance of the wall, and the ground on which it was built would belong to him.
In 1749 William Crowley married Katharine Stiles and the property was transferred to a Marriage Settlement, as was the mortgage term. He died in 1783 and his wife was entitled to a life interest in the property. Under his Will it was to be sold after her death and, after payment of a small legacy to his daughter Elizabeth (who had married Thomas Saunders I), the proceeds were to be divided amongst his 7 remaining daughters on attaining the age of 25.
In 1789 Thomas Saunders I agreed to buy the property from the Crowleys by paying Mrs Crowley an annuity during her life and paying £600 after her death to the Trustees of the Will for division amongst the daughters. Mrs Crowley died in 1795 and the property was accordingly conveyed to Midford Young (of Doctors Commons) in trust for Thomas
Saunders I…….and it passed first to his son-in-law Thomas Saunders I, then to his grandson Thomas Saunders II (who converted it into a Common Brewery), then to his great-grandson Thomas Saunders III, who left it to his (Thomas III’s) brother Robert. Robert sold to his uncle, John Ashby, in 1842.
The George was acquired by Thomas Read in 1760 and passed first to his son and then to his granddaughter, who sold it in 1838 to Martha Saunders, the widow of Thomas Saunders II. She sold it to her brother John Ashby in 1842, so The Brewery and The George were once again in one ownership, though the Saunders’s remained in occupation.
When John Ashby died in 1844 he left all his property, which now included all three sites, to his nephew Robert Saunders. Robert sold to the partnership of Payne & Field in 1851, and on Payne’s death in 1859, Field bought his share.
The properties were sold to Morland & Co. Ltd. In 1889”.
By kind permission of Wallingford Museum
The Saunders family of Staffordshire and London were relatively well-to-do Quakers and Thomas Saunders I, was born on 5th September 1750 in London, the son of Richard Saunders.
He married Elizabeth Crowley, daughter of William, and moved to Shillingford, Oxfordshire, where they lived until he died on 12th March 1801. He was buried in the Quaker Burial Ground which is to the west and behind the Six Bells pub. The Quakers did not use the normal names for months as they were named after pagan gods. Additionally they regarded the year as starting in March so the twelfth day of the first month was 12th March.
“From the later 17th century there was a strong and varied Nonconformist presence in the parish. The Quakers were among the earliest groups, and in 1668 Warborough gave its name to the monthly meeting of Friends in south Oxfordshire. The most influential early Quaker was Thomas Gilpin (1622 – 1703), a mercer and former Cromwellian soldier who settled in the parish, and was ‘convinced’ c.1654 while on a trip to London. By the 1660s he was keeping a conventicle in his house, for which he was fined and twice imprisoned, and in 1670 a permanent meeting house with a burial ground was built on the south-west side of the Green.
Nonconformity remained strong throughout the 18th century, with Quakers remaining the
dominant group. Twenty Nonconformists were reported in 1676, and in 1719 Thomas Hearne alleged that many parishioners were ‘Dissenters’. Thirty-seven Quakers were listed in 1781, of whom 30 lived in Shillingford: they included the young Ann Crowley (1765 – 1826), a maltster’s daughter who went on to become a travelling minister. By 1808 there were Methodists as well as Quakers, but the size of the Quaker meeting may have been declining, and in 1810 it was amalgamated with that of Reading.”
Victorian County History VCH Oxfordshire – © University of London
Thomas & Elizabeth Saunders had nine children, the eldest also being called Thomas, who was born on 23rd September 1773 and died on 28th June 1818 in Shillingford. He married Martha Ashby in 1802. She was born in 1788 in Radford Semele, Warwickshire, the daughter of James & Mary Ashby.
www.saundersfamilyhistory.com
So Thomas II (1773 – 1818) left the Brewery to his son Thomas III (1803 – 1841) who passed it on to Robert (1817 – 1893). Robert sold it to his uncle, John Ashby, brother of Martha in 1842.
Robert was born on 13th September 1817 in Shillingford and he married Jane Bealby in 1838. She had been born on 6th October 1807 in Leith, Edinburgh, the daughter of Varley Bealby and Jane Steel.
www.saundersfamilyhistory.com
The 1841 Census for Shillingford shows that there was only one brewer in the village:-
Robert Saunders 20 Brewer Oxfordshire
Jane Saunders 3(sic) Scotland
Robert Saunders 1 Oxfordshire
Sarah Worster (?) 15 Female Servant Oxfordshire
Mary Wilder 13 Female Servant Oxfordshire
It is clear from later censuses that Jane was his wife, not a child of 3 and that this was an error by the Census Enumerator. Note that in the 1841 census, ages of adults were usually rounded down to the nearest 5 so he was actually 24 and Jane was 34. No specific addresses are shown, however, the next but one entry is John Coles, 30, occupation Wheelwright, and we can see from the following newspaper cutting that he also ran the George Inn on the corner of Warborough Lane (Road) and the Oxford to Reading turnpike. Between the two were Timothy West, 75, and Rachel West, 65, occupation “Independent”. They may have lived in Vintner’s Cottage but more likely in the cottage shown on the other side of the road, now demolished.
“SHILLINGFORD. – Sparrow Shooting.
During the past few months, several excellent meetings of this kind have taken place here. Amongst others, a match which excited considerable interest in the neighbourhood, recently came off between Messrs Foul, Shalluce, Richmond, F.Saunders, and R.Saunders, and Messrs Coles, Webb, Wiggins, Grimes, and J.Webb, where the latter gentlemen came off successful: some first rate shooting was displayed, several of the number killing nine out of ten birds. Two or three other matches followed, in which Messrs Calley and Saweyor gave us ocular demonstrations of their killing powers. The party, with a few select friends, afterwards assembled at the George Inn, to partake of a splendid supper, which was served up in a style reflecting the highest credit on the provisionary abilities of our worthily respected host Mr. Coles. The glass, with the sentimental and comic song, passed merrily round, perfect harmony reigning. The closing match for this season, between R.Richmond, R.Saunders Esqrs., and F.Saunders and J.Grimes, Esqrs., for a barrel of Shillingford “Old Best”, will take place in the course of a few days, when the practised eye and steady aim of these gentlemen will render life very uncertain amongst the “feathered small””
Reading Mercury 28th March 1840
Also in the 1841 census of Warborough & Shillingford are the following household heads:-
Warborough Henry Saunders 70 Farmer
Warborough Richard Saunders 70 Farmer
Warborough Thomas Saunders 65 Agricultural Labourer
Warborough William Saunders 65 Independent
Shillingford James Saunders 65 Publican (as this was recorded close to the toll house, which was by the bridge, it is assumed that he ran the Old Bell that was close to the present day roundabout)
Shillingford Martha Saunders 60 (indecipherable)
“SHILLINGFORD, OXON. – COPYHOLD ESTATE of INHERITANCE, equal to Freehold, with a Vote, for the County, late the Property of Mr Abraham Biesley, deceased, – by JAMES CHAMPION, at the George Inn, Shillingford, on Wednesday, the 31st day of May, 1843, at Four o’clock precisely.
THE ESTATE consists of a Neat Substantial DWELLING – HOUSE, Brick, Stone, and Tiled; numerous convenient offices attached and detached, replete with fixtures; well of excellent water with lead pumps, large yard with stables, cow house and piggeries, extensive and productive walled-in garden, and Close of rich MEADOW and ORCHARD LAND adjoining, together about Two Acres, all enclosed and unconnected with other property; it has a very extensive Frontage to the Turnpike Road from Benson to Oxford, and every convenience for a Private Residence or for Trade or Manufacture of every description. The present tenant (Mr. Robt. Saunders), whose term expires at Michaelmas, will give possession on the purchase being completed, and the Fixtures (of which an inventory will appear at the sale) being paid for; – May be viewed by leave of the under tenant, and further particulars of Samuel Cooper, Esq, Henley, Steward of the Manor, and of James Champion, Estate Agent and Appraiser, Nettlebed.”
Reading Mercury 27th May 1843
“ACCIDENT. – On Monday last, as Mr.W.Saunders, brewer, of Shillingford, and a friend, were driving through the Market at a moderate pace, they came into contact with a cart, and by the concussion both shafts were broken short off, and Mr. Saunders was thrown out sustaining a slight scalp wound and a few bruises, but we are happy to add he is not likely to experience any serious results. Mr. Saunders’s friend escaped unhurt.”
Reading Mercury 9th January 1847
“On Saturday night last, at about half past 11, this town was disturbed by the cry of “Fire” which was found to have broken out in the rick yard of Mr.Joseph Ashby, of Shillingford. It appears from the testimony of some persons who first saw the fire that several of the ricks were in a blaze at the same time, and soon afterwards all the ricks were on fire together; they consisted of 4 wheat ricks, 5 hay ricks, 1 bean rick, and 1 straw rick, all of which were totally destroyed. The Shillingford Brewery, the Dorchester, and the Wallingford engines, were very effectively worked or the destruction of property would have been enormous. There is no doubt but that the fire was caused by the wicked act of incendiary. The property destroyed was insured in the Sun Fire Office”
Jackson’s Oxford Journal 18th September 1847
WALLINGFORD
“ALARMING FIRE AT SHILLINGFORD. – On Saturday night week, soon after eleven o’clock, the rick yard of Mr.Joseph Ashby was observed to be on fire, and the whole of the corn and hay ricks, ten in number, were soon in a blaze, and for some time threatened destruction to that village, but the wind was blowing south-west, and the fire was confined to the ricks – four wheat ricks, a bean rick, and supposed to be about one hundred tons of hay, of very superior quality. The two engines, one belonging to the parish, and the other to Mr. Alfred Saunders, of Shillingford ,were soon on the spot, and but for their timely arrival, the farm buildings and two very extensive malthouses, one belonging to Mr.Morrell, of Oxford, and the other to Mr.Alfred Saunders, must have been consumed . Five minutes later could not have saved the whole of these buildings. The barn, (which is thatched and full of wheat) was only six feet from the hay ricks and a very large wheat rick; and however, the farm buildings were preserved seems to astonish everyone who witnessed the fire. It is another proof of the value of these two engines kept in the parish, as within the last twenty years thousands of pounds worth of property have been saved by the engines in this and the adjoining parishes.
The value of the stock is stated to be nearly £1,000. Mr.Ashby is an excellent farmer, and spares no expense in labour and in improving his land. .The property was insured in the Sun Office, but at present it remains a mystery how the fire originated; it can only be attributed to the act of an incendiary, and there is no doubt it will soon be brought to light. The engines from Dorchester, Benson, and Wallingford were there, and did great service. We regret to hear Mrs. Ashby has since suffered serious indisposition from the effects of fright. “
Bucks Herald 25th September 1847
“Joseph Ashby, a farmer living at Shillingford in the County of Oxford, said that on the 11th of September last he had four hay ricks, four wheat ricks, one bean rick and one stock of straw; saw them all safe about half past eight that evening; went to bed about half past nine; believed all was safe then. About half past eleven he was alarmed by the neighbours; got up and went downstairs, when he saw nearly all his ricks burning, and they appeared to have been burning above a quarter of an hour. Valued the property at about £300.
John Greenaway, who keeps the Six Bells in Warborough, said that on the night of the fire, the prisoner was at his house in the evening, and he left about nine o’clock. Witness lives about three quarters of a mile from the prosecutor’s. About 11 o’clock the prisoner came back and appeared to have been running and was out of breath. He said the brew house, or all Shillingford, was on fire. He was in the tap room and Lucifer matches are generally kept on the shelf; did not know if any were there that night .The prisoner did not appear to be in liquor.
William Reid lives at Warborough, and is a maltster; was at Greenaways on the night of the fire; went about 10 o’clock, and about 11 saw the prisoner when he came and gave the alarm of fire; he appeared to be very much out of breath.
William Wilder said that on Saturday the 23rd of May the prisoner came to witness to have his hair cut about eight o’clock in the morning, when he said he set Mr.Ashby’s ricks on fire. Asked him which he set on fire first, when he said the big wheat rick. Asked him how he did it, and where he got the matches from, when he told from John Greenaway’s. He said he went down the road there. Asked him which way he came back, when he said athwart the field by the Old Bell, and up the back way to the Six Bells and that he went in there and told them there was a fire. Witness told his master of it and about 11 o’clock they took the prisoner into custody. On the Monday was present in an out-house belonging to the George Inn, and the prisoner and Saunders, a drayman, were there. The prisoner was not quite fresh when he came to have his hair cut.
Martha Smith, the mother of the prisoner, stated that he was infirm in mind, and had been so from birth; that he was not at all of sound mind, at times not knowing what he was about, and at spring and fall being much worse.
The sister-in- law of the prisoner, who has known him for seven years, also stated that he was of very weak mind.
Verdict, Not Guilty”
Oxford Journal 22nd July 1848
In the 1851 census, Robert was still at the Brewery.
| Age | Occupation | Born | |
| Robert Saunders | 33 | Master Brewer emp 13 men | Shillingford |
| Ann Saunders – Wife | 42 | Edinburgh | |
| Martha Saunders – Dau | 6 | Shillingford | |
| Fanny Saunders – Dau | 4 | Shillingford | |
| Thomas B Saunders – Son | 2 | Shillingford | |
| Ashby V Saunders – Son | 1 mo | Shillingford | |
| Mary Bealby – Sister in law | Durham |
It may come as a surprise that Quakers were involved in brewing, but before the 19th century most Quakers drank alcohol in moderation and a number were brewers. However by the late 1840’s it seems that total abstinence was increasingly being accepted as the norm among members of the Society of Friends.
Info from Quaker.org.uk
Robert must have been under pressure therefore to give up the occupation and in the following census years we can trace him all around the country:-
1861 Lillings Ambo, Yorkshire Farmer of 200 acres employing 7 men & 1 boy
1871 Darlington, Co Durham Agent for Colliery Owner
1881 Harrogate, Yorkshire Retired Farmer income from Land & Investments
1891 Newbold, Derbyshire Living on own means
—————————————————–
John Field of Wallingford, Berks, draper (described as Gentleman on his death certificate and on his son John’s marriage certificate) was in business with another son, Thomas Edward, as “Field & Son” in Market Place, Wallingford.
The son, Thomas Edward Field, was born on 18th Apr 1816 at Wallingford, and was living at Market Place until the 1850s when he moved to the Paddock House in Benson, Oxfordshire, at about the same time as opening the “Field & Sons” brewery at Shillingford in the buildings vacated by Robert Saunders.
A large stoneware flagon was auctioned by Philips in 1992, impressed “Field & Sons, Brewers Wine and Spirit Merchants, Shillingford Brewery and Market Place, Wallingford”.
The 1851-1871 censuses all show him as an Alderman of Wallingford and described him as a draper (1841), a mercer (1851), brewer and draper employing 20 hands and 2 boys (1861), a brewer and maltster employing 22 men at Shillingford, a land owner and mercer (1871), and a brewer employing 18 men (1881). He retired to Woodspring House, Clevedon, Somerset where he died on 30th Jan 1909, aged 82, and is buried at All Saints, Clevedon. Probate of his will was granted at London on 17th Feb 1909 to Charles Gyningham Field, solicitor, Edgar Field, accountant (his sons) and Hubert Field, gentleman, his effects valued at £14,375 6s 1d. He married twice and had thirteen children.
Although Thomas Edward was part owner of the Shillingford Brewery with W.T.Payne from the early 1850’s until the late 1880’s he never lived at the brewery, preferring to reside at Benson.
Reading Mercury 5th April 1856
“DEATHS:- On the 3rd. inst., at Shillingford Brewery, near Wallingford, Mr.W.T.Payne, aged 34.”
London Standard 7th May 1857
In the 1861 census there do not appear to be any brewers living on site. Again it is difficult to identify Greenacres exactly but living somewhere close to The George were two unmarried sisters, Emma Saunders, 41, and Ellen Saunders, 39. They were Robert Saunders first cousins, daughters of William and Ann Saunders, so could well have been the occupants.
Berkshire Chronicle 7th June 1862
Berkshire Chronicle 30th July 1864
Oxford Journal 10th October 1868
The 1871 census, unfortunately, has the entry “Brewery (family temporarily absent); employing 20 men & one boy.”
PALE ALE
Upon Receipt of Post Office Order for 18s.
Messrs. Field & Son will forward a Sample Cask of 18
Gallons of their celebrated Pale Ale, carriage paid, to any
Railway Station, or delivered by Dray within 20 miles of the Brewery.
Superior quality 23s. per 18 Gallons. Terms of Contract
For a regular supply of the above entered into with large Consumers. Apply to
SHILLINGFORD BREWERY, Oxon
Near Wallingford, Berks
Reading Mercury 31st August 1872
Thomas Edward Field’s son, Henry William Field (1842 – 1893) had been brought up in the brewing trade including a spell in Christchurch, Hants and then returned between 1871 and 1881 to run the Shillingford Brewery and presumably lived at the house now called Greenacres.
The censuses show Henry William Field’s movements over the years :-
1851 17 Russell St. Reading 8 Scholar, Boarder
1861 Paddock House, Benson 18 Brewer’s Assistant
1871 Old Christchurch Rd, Christchurch 28 Brewer
1881 Shillingford 38 Brewer
1891 Shillingford 48 Living on own means
“ACCIDENT – On Saturday evening last a rather serious accident happened here. It appears that a horse and dray belonging to Messrs. Field, of Shillingford Brewery, was passing along St. Martin’s Street, and when near the “Lion” gateway the horse took fright and bolted off towards the Market Place, and in its course smashed a projecting window at the shop of Mr. Stamland, grocer, and a poor woman named Wilkins, residing at Sotwell, sustained a fracture of one of her legs. It seems that seeing the horse coming towards her she did her best to get out of the way and had got into a doorway, but a portion of the dray struck her as it passed along. She was directly taken to the surgery of Messrs. Barret and Greene, and after having received proper attention she was conveyed to her home. The horse was stopped in the Market place before further serious injury was done.”
Oxford Chronicle 25th October 1876
In 1889 Morland Brewery of Abingdon bought Shillingford Brewery then promptly shut it down.
PLANT, UTENSILS, & EFFECTS OF
THE SHILLINGFORD BREWERY,
SHILLINGFORD, OXON
AND A PORTION OF THE PLANT OF
THE STERT STREET BREWERY,
ABINGDON, BERKS
Messrs. COLLIER and BOWDICH
HAVE received instructions from Messrs. Morland and Co. (Limited), of the United Breweries, Abingdon (in consequence of the amalgamation with the above Concerns) to SELL by AUCTION, at the Shillingford Brewery, near Wallingford, Berks, on Wednesday the 27th of May 1889, at Eleven for Twelve o’clock, in lots, – The PLANT and EFFECTS, comprising boiling backs with copper coils, two sets of malt rolls, 2-quarter and 5-quarter mash tuns, 47-barrel steam jacketed copper, 28-barrel open copper, Lawrence and Bartlet’s refrigerators, 20-barrel fermenting round, racking backs, about 20-horse-power Cornish and Lancashire boilers, 8-horse-power steam engine, vats, cleaning butts, stillions, drays, harnesses and miscellaneous effects.
May be viewed two days prior and morning of sale, and catalogues had at the place of sale; also of the Auctioneers, 25, Moorgate-street, London.
A Brake will be provided by the Vendors to meet the 12.05 Train at Wallingford on the day of the Sale, and will return for the 4.55 and 7.15 Trains after the Sale.
Oxford Journal 18th May 1889
In the 1891 census there is an Alfred Edward Howard Field, Mechanical Engineer, a first cousin of Henry, staying with him at Shillingford. It may well have been him that decided that the old brewery buildings would be a good place to start an engineering works.
Henry died in 1893.
“DEATH OF MR. H. FIELD. – We regret to record the death, on the 22nd inst., of Mr. H.Field, brother of the Rev. J.E.Field. Mr.Field was taken ill on Wednesday, last week, but was not considered to be in any immediate danger; however, he was taken worse on Saturday, and died on the Monday following. He was one of the firm of the late Shillingford Brewery.”
Reading Mercury 27th May 1893
1898 O.S. 1:2,500
The Engineering Works viewed from Warborough Road
In the 1901 census for Shillingford, next to the George Inn, there is the following entry;-
| Age | Occupation | Born | |
| William Tom Goold | 41 | Mechanical Engr & Man Dir Public Co | Clapham |
| Marian Goold | 35 | Brixton | |
| Emma M M Goold | 16 | Broxbourne | |
| William H Goold | 11 | Broxbourne | |
| Gertrude A Goold | 9 | Finchley | |
| John A Goold | 6 | Wandsworth |
From ancestry.co.uk
Photo courtesy of Julie Kimpton
From ancestry.co.uk
According to a living relative of the Goold’s they were friendly with the author of “Three Men in a Boat”, Jerome K. Jerome, who lived at one time in Ewelme. Reportedly he once crashed his car into the gateposts of Greenacres.
Reading Mercury 3rd August 1895
This would imply that the works had been in operation since at least 1889.
“PASTORAL FETE AT SHILLINGFORD. – A Pastoral Fete was held at Shillingford Farm on Wednesday in aid of the Village Library Fund, Warborough. Both in the afternoon and evening there was a series of outdoor sports and a musical and dramatic performance in a commodious barn, which was lighted by electricity from the Shillingford Works, under the supervision of Mr. Hitchman, the manager. The Rev. A. E. Suffren, with a committee, in which several ladies lent active assistance, contributed to the success of the affair, the weather being most favourable. The indoor programme comprised imitations of popular actors by Mr. Arthur Playfair, and costume recitals by Mr. A. Fry, both of the Lyric Theatre; a ventriloquial entertainment by Mr. John Le Hay, of the Royal English Opera; songs by Mrs. W. Greet and Mr. A. Bannister, and a song and pianoforte solo by Mr. M. Rubenstein.”
Reading Mercury 20th August 1892
“ACCIDENTS. – Two accidents occurred here last week – one to a man named Strange, in the employ of Mr. Lester, butcher, who broke his leg through the fall of a floor plank in a loft; and the other to a man employed at the Shillingford Works, who sustained a similar injury in very bravely saving a child from being run over. Both men were conveyed to the Cottage Hospital. The child in the latter case escaped unhurt.”
Reading Mercury 1st July 1899
“There are also foundries in the course of erection in Shillingford and Abingdon”
Oxford Journal 18th March 1899
“SHILLINGFORD
We are informed that the announcement in our last issue in respect to the removal of the Shillingford Works was premature, inasmuch that such a project has not yet been laid before the shareholders for their consideration. We understand that in order to deal with the largely increasing demand for the articles manufactured by this firm, it has become necessary that some such change should take place or that extensive additions to their buildings, including the provision of an iron foundry, should be made. In any case, we are told, some time must elapse before either plan can take definite shape.”
Berks and Oxon Advertiser 19th May 1899
“COMMERCIAL NOTES
We are informed that arrangements have been completed for the amalgamation of the business of the Trusty Engine Works Limited, Cheltenham with that of the Shillingford Works Co Limited, Wallingford, Berks. The title of the combined firms will be the Shillingford Engineering Co., Limited, Trusty Engine Works, Cheltenham. The new company will discharge all the liabilities of the amalgamated companies. Mr. W.T.Goold and Mr. A.G.Halstead, the former managing directors, will act as joint managing directors of the new enterprise.”
Western Daily Press 19th January 1900
The 1901 census also shows that staying as a guest at the New Inn (now the Kingfisher) was:-
Frederick C Biesley 25 A Mechanical Engineer, Brass Foundry. Born in Woodcote, Oxon
At another house, also close to the George Inn was:-
| Age | Occupation | Born | |
| Henry Goddard | 47 | Wine Merchant | Brompton, London |
| Rebecca Goddard | 42 | Stepney, London | |
| Florence Goddard | 19 | Strand, London |
Maybe these were the first occupants of Vintner’s Cottage after the rest of the works were demolished.
“Auction Friday October 30th
Boiler, Steam engine etc., Shillingford Engineering Works, Shillingford. – P. Huddleston & Co.”
Reading Mercury 24th October 1903
Reading Mercury 24th October 1903
“Goold, William Tom, of 2 Mabsfield-terrace, Budleigh Salterton, Devonshire, died 8th November 1926. Probate Gloucester 1st December to Marian Louisa Goold, widow. Effects £1,191 14s. 7d.”
In the 1911 census the number of rooms in each house is given. There is one large house close to the George Inn with 13 rooms.
| Age | Occupation | Born | |
| Sarah Ann Green | 74 | Private Means | Crowmarsh, Oxfordshire |
| Evelyn Mary Cumberland | 48 | Newcastle, Northumberland | |
| Rupert Leslie Cumberland | 20 | Assistant Clerk | Bath, Somerset |
Frederick C Beisley was still at the New Inn, occupation Job Master, married for 10 years to Eliza nee Bailey, sister of the publican Joshua Bailey.
By the time the 1912 O.S. map had been produced all signs of the Works had gone.
The following letter gives us an interesting insight into the recollections of Emma and William junior, the children of William Tom & Marian Goold.
59 Great Berry Road
Plymouth
7.8.62
Dear Mrs Durrell
It was very kind of you to show me over our old house at my recent visit, to see one’s old home which I left in 1899 at age 10 was most interesting, not only to myself but to my mother who is now 99 1/2 years and my sister age 78, to whom I made a full report, at the same time asked them to give me the benefit of their longer memories.
The following are extractions from my sister’s letter –
The Old Works – employed several hundred which included a large number of apprentices which included two Armenian Princes.
They undertook Admiralty work, making team traps for use on ships and other work for ships. There was a FOUNDRY and sundry lathes etc. We also made the first of Lord Dundonald’s Gun Carriages for the Boer War. Lord Dundonald paid visits to the works, one I well remember when I was out riding the TINKER’s donkey and passed Father and Lord Dundonald on the road by the now “Old People’s Home” calling after my father who refused to recognise his son “don’t be so stuck up because you have Lord Dundonald with you”. I received a good hiding from father in front on my village pals at the front door, this I remember too!
The house next to the New Inn was used as a Hostel for the apprentices, with an ex-Sgt. Major and wife in charge.
The Fields were a large family of brewers, who once used the works as a Brewery before father took it over, in the name of The Shillingford Engineering Works. Mr Field who lived in your house died before we took it over but his brother was a Director of the Engineering Works of which father was the Managing Director.
The New Inn was run by two brothers and two sisters “The Baileys” and were highly thought of in the district – their fowl run was the road leading to the river. There were stables opposite the New Inn Yard (that now is) and a number of cottages on the left leading to the little shop. The Belsons lived in one, where I used to visit Alec Belson being one of my playmates. Mr. Wild, our electrician, still alive at the age of 90 odd, lived in the little
cottage on the way to the river on the right – Mr. Shrubb in the large farm house (he was a very kind man to us children). Miss Forty lived in one of the nice houses below the shop and ran a Kindergarten School which we attended. She died at about 85 at Newton Abbott (Mr. Wild married her sister). I remember there was a large QUINCE TREE in her garden.
The large house by the wharf was built about 1896 whilst we were in your house by a Mr. Mortimer, a West End Tailor. Tom Gallon the novelist used to live close by.
Mr. Engelbach built the house (now Old People’s Home) and Mr. William Greet the house on left going to bridge (alongside river). These two owned the Lyric Theatre, London, and many theatrical celebrities visited them for week-ends.
The Reynolds owned the Hotel and there were many WALNUT TREES overhanging the road coming down the hill. They were so large they used to be made into purses.
Our works made electric lights for the large houses but the village was lit by oil lamps. We also ran an electric launch on the river from the batteries charged at the works. We also had a steam launch, punt, skiffs and other boats. The river was used by many of the ‘locals’ in rowing boats and much fishing was done.
There was a floating landing stage at wharf, also a stationary one in the paddock adjoining the Warborough Ditch, which was a clear quick running ditch.
A Mr. Bennett, a retired Indian Judge, lived on the Warborough Road with his crippled brother who was a R.A.
On May Day the children came and danced round the Maypole opposite the big houses, when a collection was taken. At Christmas the MUMMERS came and gave shows, were invited in and given mince pies etc.
The Vicar (Mr. Caldicott) on coming to Warborough with his new bride was met at Shillingford Bridge by the village men who took out the horses and dragged him to Warborough. I remember at the Church our pew was opposite the pulpit with a large coke stove in front of it. One day there was a loud explosion and it was thought the Goold boys had put a firework in the stove. I assure you this was not true!
When we first went to Shillingford there was a picturesque old man who wore a lovely smocked overall. His first job was to carry buckets of water to fill the water trough for the horses outside the New Inn. He wore a wooden yoke, as did most of the farm workers to feed the cattle, pigs etc.
There was quite a lot of social life, a magazine Club, and one of the excitements of the day was when the mail van with three horses galloped through the village at 7p.m. and the man next to the driver would blow a horn on reaching the village.
Opposite your house (where the car park now is) was very large elm tree where about twice a year a tinker came for a day or two to mend all the kettles, pans etc. and sharpen knives. He brought a donkey to drag his cart and it was a great privilege to take his donkey to graze. I used to be given the privilege generally, followed by all the village boys and girls. My brothers and sisters were rather aristocrats (in their own ideas). I was NOT but just a mixer and could not live up to the standard of the so-called Squire of the village! In those days I am afraid there was a bit of “snobbery” about – Master Harold (as I was known) did not approve!
On your house grew ivy very thickly and each year men would come with large net to catch the birds which lived in the ivy. In all my life I have never known a district with such a large variety of birds. I had a most wonderful collection of birds’ eggs – also it was a grand district for poaching.
I have very happy memories of my early boyhood at Shillingford and am so glad it still retains its natural attractions. May you all have very happy memories like we all have and may you live as long as mother, also retain the same happy memories she still has and thrives on.
No children could have had a happier and freer life than we all had at Shillingford. We went to school in Wallingford and walked each way daily, sometimes cadging a lift from the baker from Dorchester (after we left Miss Forty).
Mr Morgan was the Headmaster at the Grammar School. He used to say “Sound your h’s boy because I cannot” and he did not! He was a grand old man I thought.
I am afraid this is all very sketchy but it may be of some interest to you.
Mother was most pleased to know you had shown me over the house and to get my report. I could not tell her much about the part of the house overlooking the George Inn yard, it having been cut off from your part of the house as a flat. She did NOT approve it having been cut off.
I wish I could give you the area of the works but it took off most of the garden by your side door, but I think my explanation is correct.
Good luck to you and your family always
Yours sincerely
(signed) W. H. GOOLD
According to this letter this was made at the Engineering Works for use in the Boer War.
Although William says he left in 1899 he was recorded in the 1901 Census aged 11.
The Mr Bennett referred to is shown in the 1901 Census as William C Bennett, 57, Bengal Civil Service, Retired who lived at Oatlands on Thame Road with his brother Newton, 46, Artist Painter.
Researched by Ray Thackrah 2013
Revised 2022