RICHARD BRADFIELD

The late Mr. Richard Bradfield, whose death we announced with much regret last week, was born at Upper Mill, Kingsclere, on May 23^rd, 1855. He was educated at Speen Hill School and was placed, on leaving school, in the wholesale drapery establishment of the late Mr. Edwards of Wolverhampton. 

While there he was smitten with a severe attack of rheumatic fever which prostrated him completely, and for a long time rendered him unfit for any close application to business. The medical man who attended him warned the family that they were afraid of vascular disease of the heart. He, however, recovered and for many years years appeared to enjoy fairly good health. Of late however there were evident signs of failing strength, accompanied by severe spasms of pain, which he tried with all his might to suppress, and make light of. 

After his mother’s death about seven weeks ago, he went on a visit to Mr. and Mrs. E.J. Bradfield, of Warminster, his friends hoping that he would be benefited by the change of scene. For three weeks he seemed better and wrote to his father cheerfully and hopefully, regretting that he could render no help in the conduct of the business at home or share with those there in the time of sorrow. A relapse then occurred, and he gradually sunk under the repeated attacks of angina pectoris. From the first Dr. Wilcox, who attended him, considered his case one of great danger, it was evident that he was too ill to be brought home, and he passed away quietly on the 17^th inst.

He was an active member of the Kingsclere Reading Room and Amateur Dramatic Society, being especially well-known for his talent in recitation. He was a great favourite with the labourers on the farm, and was on the best of terms with his parents and all members of the family. The body was brought by the Great Western Railway to Newbury Station and met there by his father, sister and six brothers, who followed it to the cemetery, where it was deposited in the family vault, the funeral service being conducted by the Rev. R. Harding. The funeral was also attended by Mr. J. Barnes, by Mr. J. C. Holding, and Mr. J.C. Corneby, who deposited wreaths on the tomb as representatives of the Reading Room and Dramatic Society.

Newbury Weekly News 26 March 1891

Mother’s death referred to - Elizabeth Jane Bradfield buried 30 January 1891

Not in Mrs. P.