Thomas was a Jack of all trades

Thomas was born in 1860 and died in 1943 when Tony was five.

“My grandad was a smallholder” explains Tony. “He produced eggs, milk and butter and his best customer was the Rectory.

“He was a grave digger as well as being a bell ringer, , receiving between two and six and a shilling each time. Occasionally, he would dig up old bones in which case the Rector would make him fill the hole in again.

“He would also light the oil lamps in the church before services and bring warm water up to the font for christenings.”

The Rectors in question were Mr Howlett who was St Mary’s Church Rector from 1855 to 1896 and Mr Isherwood who was Rector from 1900 to 1937. It is believed that the Rector in the photograph is Isherwood.

Also in the picture are Mr Dilley, Mr Boughton who once rescued a woman from the baker’s well, Will Taylor, and James Primett (Tony’s great uncle).

Tony believes Mr Harris is standing to the Rector’s right.