Introduction
The life of William Edward George Purchase illustrates how a labourer adapted to the changing economic conditions of early twentieth-century rural Somerset. His military service between 1914 and 1918 interrupted his working life and may have had lasting consequences.
Childhood
William Edward George Purchase was born on 23 December 1884 at Hardington, the seventh of eleven children born to George and Sarah Ann Purchase.[1] His father was a labourer. At the time of William’s birth, the family lived in Barry Lane, but around 1891, they moved to a four-room house on the east side of Hardington Moor.[2] After leaving school, William began working in service at 59 Hendford, Yeovil, for a baker and confectioner.[3]
Marriage
After his time in Yeovil, William moved to Weymouth, where he married Gertrude May Eason in 1906.[4] She was born at Mudford Sock in 1885, the daughter of Benjamin and Isabella Eason. Her father was a farm labourer. Before she met William, Gertrude worked as a general servant for a Church of England clergyman at 26 Lilymead Avenue, Bristol.[5]
Gertrude gave birth to her first child, William George, at 35 Clements Lane, Portland, on 24 January 1907.[6] At that time, William was employed as a general labourer.
Return to Hardington
Within the next few years, William returned to Hardington with his family. By April 1911, they were living in a four-room house at Eastfield, and William was working in a twine factory, most likely one of the Coker twine works, as a twine twister.[7] Between 1909 and 1914, Gertrude gave birth to three more sons: Cecil Charles, Harold Leslie and Reginald Edward.[8]
First World War
William enlisted as a private in the Somerset Light Infantry on 22 August 1914 and served until 9 July 1915. He served in the 12th Army Cycle Corps from 26 October 1915 to 11 November 1918, and at some point transferred to the Military Foot Police, achieving the rank of Lance Corporal.[9] The 1939 Register described him as disabled, though it is unclear if this condition resulted from his wartime service. The gap in his service between July and October 1915 may indicate illness or injury, but the surviving records does not specify the cause.
Postwar
After the war, the family lived at Barry Lane. The 1921 census recorded William as a bricklayer’s labourer for Bird & Pippard Ltd of Yeovil, while his eldest son was employed by Thomas Voizey at Marsh Farm.[10] The 1939 Register recorded William as a builder’s labourer and Gertrude as a daily domestic servant.
During the early 1920s, William served on the parish council, and in the 1925 election, he came fourth, securing his position with 80 votes.[11]
Death
William died intestate on 27 November 1949 at the age of 67, leaving an estate valued at £210 4s 6d, which was administered by Gertrude.[12] She died in late 1958 or early 1959 at the age of 74.[13]
Conclusion
William’s life reflects the limited but real adjustments available to rural labourers in the early twentieth century. His employment in the factory and subsequent commuting work in Yeovil allowed him to remain in Hardington, despite the decline in local agricultural jobs.
References
[1] Civil Registration Birth Index; Hardington baptism register; RG12, Hardington, enumeration district 10, piece 1895, folio 108, p.10; 1939 Register.
[2] Voters’ Lists; RG12, Hardington, enumeration district 10, piece 1895, folio 108, p.10.
[3] RG13, Yeovil, enumeration district 17, piece 2302, folio 29, p.5.
[4] Civil Registration Marriage Index.
[5] RG13, Bristol, enumeration district 13, piece 2387, folio 118, p.29.
[6] Birth certificate of William George Purchase.
[7] RG14, Hardington, enumeration district 4 piece 14381.
[8] Civil Registration Birth Index.
[9] World War I Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920.
[10] RG15, Hardington, enumeration district 5, schedule 64.
[11] Western Chronicle, 10 April 1925, p.6.
[12] National Probate Calendar.
[13] Civil Registration Death Index
