Introduction

Walter Shire spent the early part of his life at East Chinnock, where he worked as a farm labourer. During his thirties and forties, he specialised in operating farm machinery. In the late 1870s, he and his family moved to Hardington, initially residing in the High Street before relocating to Lyatts, where Walter farmed on a small scale. He and his wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Hardington Rectory and their diamond wedding anniversary at a family gathering. They had a large family, and only one of their children predeceased them, a daughter who died in infancy.

Childhood at East Chinnock

 Walter was born at East Chinnock around 1836, the third of nine children born to George and Sarah Shire.

His father initially worked as a farm labourer, but by April 1861, he was farming 41 acres. When he died in 1879, his personal estate was valued at “under £200.”[1]

Marriage

On 6 May 1858, Walter married Sarah Ann Andrews, the daughter of John Andrews, a baker and confectioner of East Chinnock. At the time of their marriage, Walter was about 23 years old, and Sarah was 21.

Married life at East Chinnock

Walter and Sarah remained at East Chinnock until the late 1870s. During this period, Walter worked as a farm labourer, while Sarah worked as a glover. The 1871 census describes Walter as an engine driver, indicating he operated farm machinery. They had nine children, though the last child died in infancy.

Move to Hardington

Walter and his family moved to Hardington between October 1875 and April 1879.[2] Their tenth and last child was born at Hardington on 3 April 1879.[3] Initially, they lived in the High Street in a house owned by Elizabeth Poole. The 1881 census describes Walter as a “machinist.” 

Inheritances

In 1879, Walter inherited one-tenth of his father’s estate, which would have been about £20.[4]

In 1882, Sarah inherited one-seventh of the residue of her mother’s estate. As this residue excluded the baking business and household furniture, she probably received only a few pounds.[5]

Move to Lyatts, Hardington

By 1885, Walter and his family lived in a five-room cottage at Lyatts owned by Lord Portman.[6]

By April 1891, Walter was a farmer, an occupation he pursued until he retired.

Royal wedding celebrations

On 6 July 1893, Sarah was among the ladies who served tea at the royal wedding celebrations in the rectory grounds.[7]

Illegal farm practice

In July 1900, Walter was fined 10s 6d for selling nine pigs at Stoford Fair without a licence.[8]

Golden wedding anniversary

In May 1908, Rev. Cleife and his wife invited Walter and Sarah, their family, and friends to the rectory to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary with high tea.[9]

First World War

Walter and Sarah’s son, George Oliver, was serving in the Royal Navy when the First World War broke out. He survived the war and left the Navy in 1920.

On 6 May 1918, Walter and Sarah celebrated their diamond anniversary with a family gathering.[10]

Four months later, on 13 September 1918, their son-in-law, William Henry Sugg, a Rifleman with the London Regiment, was drafted to France after a week’s leave. Tragically, he was exposed to a gas attack and died at a Casualty Clearing Station about a week later, on 21 October 1918.[11]

The estate sale of 18 October 1920

The Estate Sale catalogue shows Walter as the occupier of a stone and slated cottage at Lyatts (part of OS plot 341), a plot of just over an acre (OS 331), and a small orchard (OS 340). He bought these as the sitting tenant and another small orchard (OS 332). His son probably helped with the purchase by lending him £150.[12]

Retirement

By June 1921, Walter and Sarah were both old-age pensioners.

Death

Walter died on 14 June 1925 at the age of 86, leaving an estate valued at £320. Sarah Ann died on 18 May 1926 at the age of 89.[13]

Children

Walter and Sarah had five sons and four daughters:

1858 Albert William Andrews (never married; a smallholder at Lyatts; died in 1934);

1860 Louisa (married Charles Axe, a farm labourer, in 1915; resided at East Chinnock; died in about 1930:

1862 Arthur (married Alma Rogers in 1892; worked as a farm labourer in various parishes; died in 1946);

Circa 1865- Herbert (married Flora Grace Osmond in 1897; resided at Stoford, where he worked as a railway platelayer; died in 1938);

1866- Christopher (became a blacksmith at Langport; married Ellen Bowditch in 1889; died in 1949);

1869- Lily (had two illegitimate children with Edwin Mabey, a soldier; married Harold John Anstey, a house painter, in 1899; resided in London and Yeovil; died in 1948);

1871- Sarah (worked in London before marrying Leonard Wakely in 1926; died in about 1955);

1872- George Oliver (served in the Royal Navy from 1898 to 1920; married Rosina Bowditch in 1898; died in 1948);

1875- Mary (died in infancy);

1879- Mary Amelia (married William Henry Sugg, a glove cutter, in 1904; he was killed in Flanders in 1918; she died in 1947);

Walter Shire’s will

Walter appointed his son, Albert William Shire of Oil Moor, as his executor.

He left his son, Albert William, his house in Oil Moor and outdoor effects.

Walter owed his son Christopher £150. If Albert sold the house, he would have to repay Christopher.

He left his household effects equally to his son, Albert, and daughter, Sarah.

Walter signed with his mark.[14]

References

[1] The will of George Shire, dated 25 February 1875, proved at Taunton on 17 October 1879.

[2] Birth certificate of Sarah Shire.

[3] 1939 Register.

[4] The will of George Shire, dated 25 February 1875, proved at Taunton on 17 October 1879.

[5] The will of Louisa Andrews, dated 1 February 1882, proved at Taunton on 9 August 1882. Value of estate £181 13s 9d.

[6] Hardington voters’ lists; Guardian Valuation Lists.

[7] Pulman’s Weekly News and Advertiser, 11 July 1893, p.6.

[8] Western Gazette, 6 July 1900, p.6.

[9] Western Chronicle, 8 May 1908, p.6.

[10] Western Chronicle, 17 May 1918, p.7.

[11] Western Chronicle, 1 November 1918, p.6.

[12] The will of Walter Shire, dated 28 March 1921, proved at Taunton on 18 September 1925.

[13] The Civil Registration Death Index gives her age at death as 88, but this is inconsistent with her baptism entry. Her memorial inscription records her correct age of 89.

[14] The will of Walter Shire, dated 28 March 1921, proved at Taunton on 18 September 1925.