In April 1881, Albert W. Shire was a baker living with his parents in the High Street.

Childhood at East Chinnock

Albert Shire was born at East Chinnock in 1858. He was the son of Walter Shire, a farm labourer, and Sarah, his wife. His birth was registered in the third quarter of 1858 under the name Albert William Andrews Shire.

In April 1871, the family lived at 13 East Street, and Albert contributed a small amount by working as an errand boy. His father, Walter, was an “Engine Driver,” which probably means he operated traction engines to perform farm work.

Life at Hardington

By April 1879, the family had moved to Hardington. In April 1881, they lived in the High Street. Walter was a “Machinist,” and Albert was a baker.

They moved to Lyatts in about 1884, and by April 1891, Walter described himself as a farmer.

Life at Freelands near Chard

Albert spent a short time away from his parents when he moved to a farm at Freelands near Chard.  In April 1891, Albert was there, sharing his home with his sisters, Lily and Polly. The census of that year describes him as a farmer and yet “employed”, which may mean that he was a farm manager.

Return to Hardington

By March 1901, Albert had returned to live with his parents and work on their farm.

Albert died on 1 November 1934, aged 76, leaving an estate valued at £310.

Albert’s will

He appointed his niece, Elsie Mildred Channing, and sister, Lily Anstey, as his executors and trustees.

He directed them to sell everything, invest the proceeds, and pay the income to his sister, Sarah Wheatley, for life, and then to his sister, Mary Sugg, for her life and then to divide the capital equally between Mary Sugg’s five children.[1]

References

[1] The will of Albert William Shire, dated 10 July 1933, proved at Bristol on 2 April 1935.