WILLIAM GEORGE ADEY

Death of Alderman W, G. Adey.

A telegram from Dr Thomson, of East Woodhay, early yesterday (Friday) morning, conveyed the sad intelligence to Mr Charles Adey, that his father, the above well-known and estimable townsman, died a few hours' previously. The lamented news soon spread throughout the town, and much regret was expressed at the bereavement, which after all has somewhat suddenly visited the family. The deceased gentleman's health has been a precarious state for a considerable time, and for the space of about two years he had ceased necessarily to attend to any public duties, or to give personal attention to his extensive business, which is one of the oldest and the best building trades in the county, having been established for generations.

The alderman was a Justice of the Peace for the borough and one the senior members of the corporate body. His steady and well balanced judgment was relied on his colleagues. He served the office of mayor for two years, 1874 and 1875 (and his father before him also occupied the civic chair in 1846). The deceased alderman was a staunch Churchman, and held the office of parishioners' warden for many years, in conjunction with his colleagues, Watson and Mr W. Money, and whilst in office, on the festival of All Saints', 1893, he erected the beautifully carved oak screen—which divides the Lady Chapel from the south aisle—at the parish church, as a memorial of deceased members of the family. He resigned his churchwardenship in 1895.

In politics Adey was a thorough Conservative, One of his home delights was horticulture, and he was one of the early pioneers of the Newbury Horticultural Society, and for a long period officiated as Hon. Secretary to the Society. The Union Jack was hoisted half-mast at the Municipal buildings yesterday morning. Adey died at Westridge Cottage, Highclere, where he has resided some time. He leaves a widow—who is his second wife—and a large grown up family, for whom every sympathy is manifested on their sad loss. The family vault is at the south-west corner of the parish churchyard*. The funeral is fixed for Wednesday next. The deceased was in his 68th year * But the interment took place "in the family grave, within a few yards of the Cemetery Chapel, where the deceased's first wife was buried." See below.

WILLIAM GEORGE ADEY

We much regret to record the death of Alderman William George Adey, by which Newbury loses one of its most esteemed and useful inhabitants. The deceased was member of one of the oldest families in the town, and his late father was a member of the Corporate body and filled an Aldermanic chair. Mr. W. G. Adey succeeded his father as builder and timber merchant at West Mills, and successfully carried out a considerable amount of Church work and other descriptions of building in this district.

For many years he held a seat in the Town Council, where he rendered good service, especially in the capacity of Chairman of the Estate Committee, where his practical knowledge was impartially used for town improvements. He was man of good, sound common sense, of courteous bearing, and with kind and genial disposition. His opinions on business matters were valued both inside and outside the Council, and his career was honourable and unblemished. He was unanimously chosen Chief Magistrate in 1874, and he discharged the duties of the mayoralty with befitting dignity and hospitality, proof of which the Council elected him for second year, during which—on August 30th, 1876—he had the honour of laying the foundation stone of the new Municipal Buildings, of which his old friend, Mr. James H. Money, was the architect. A record of this interesting event is engraved upon the stone just within the main entrance to the Town Hall. Mr. Adey was afterwards elected an Alderman, and also appointed a Justice of the Peace for the borough. Apart from his municipal life, Mr. Adey was ever active in promoting anything for the good of his native town. He was zealous Churchman, and for some years filled the position of warden of Newbury Parish Church, which through his generosity was beautified few years since by the erection of a beautiful oaken screen for the Lady Chapel. Mr. Adey was one of the oldest members of the committee the Newbury Horticultural Society, in the affairs of which he took a keen interest for many years. He was a trustee of Cowslade's Charity, and identified with several of the institutions of the town. He was also for some time a Director of the Lambourn Valley Railway Company, but unfortunately his health became somewhat seriously affected two or three years since, and he found himself compelled to withdraw from the more active work, and retire to the quietude of the country. Consequently he took up his residence at Highclere, where he passed peacefully away on Thursday night, to the great grief of his widow and family, and numerous relatives and friends in the town and neighbourhood. In politics the deceased was staunch Conservative, and manifested much interest in the success of the Working Men's Conservative Club, to which in the Queen's Jubilee year —1887—he presented a handsome mantel-front for the large room at this institution, a beautifully carved profile of her Majesty forming an appropriate centre to the mantelpiece. The club premises were also re-modeled by him in a most satisfactory manner some years since.

Altogether the Alderman's death is a distinct loss to the borough. He was large-minded man of liberal spirit and views, contrasting strongly with the narrow-mindedness which is now unfortunately too apparent in some men who hold public positions such as Mr. Adey filled with credit to himself and advantage to the town.

He was 67 years of age. The funeral will take place on Wednesday. As a token of respect for the memory of the departed Alderman and Magistrate, the flags at the Municipal Buildings and the Working Men's Conservative Club were hoisted half-mast high yesterday (Friday).

WILLIAM GEORGE ADEY

THE LATE ALDERMAN W.G. ADEY, J.P., OF NEWBURY.

At the close cf his sermon on Sunday evening, at the Parish Church, Newbury, he Rector (Rev. E. I. Gardner) made special reference to the death of Alderman Adey. He observed that all had been reminded during the week that had just passed of the narrowness of the stream of death by the removal of their old friend and fellow-townsman William George Adey. His name and family had been so long connected with the history and traditions of the ancient Borough, and he himself, that familiar presence, had been so recently among them, that he need not recall to them that night the many offices of honour he had filled, and the many services he had rendered both to the Church and the town. Nor would it, he thought, be fitting in that House of God, where Mr. Adey was so constant and devout a worshipper, to dwell upon his character and personal qualities.

Mere words of human praise or blame were felt to be altogether unmeaning and out of place at such a moment. He had passed into that presence-chamber of God where their judgment could not follow him –

There the tears of earth are dried,

There the hidden things are clear,

There the work of life is tried

By a juster Judge than here.

But this, at least, without irreverence, they might be allowed to say—that as an honourable man of business, as a worthy citizen, a loyal and consistent Churchman, he had earned for himself a good report, had left behind him, as a precious heritage to family, children, and friends, a name and character that would long be remembered in the town with affection and esteem, " Requiescat in pace." Might his soul rest in peace until the great Resurrection morning, when they with him, and all who were asleep in Christ might have (God grant it) perfect consummation and bliss in body and soul in the eternal kingdom.

The organist (Mr. J. S. Liddle, Mus. Bac.) played Handel's "Dead March" as a token of respect, while the congregation remained standing.

 THE FUNERAL

The high esteem in which the deceased Magistrate and Alderman was held by his fellow-townsmen found public expression by the influential and numerous attendance at the funeral service on Wednesday afternoon. In the morning shutters were put up and blinds drawn at many of the business and private houses. The funeral knell was heard, and the flags at the Parish Church, the Municipal Buildings, and the Working Men's Conservative Club were hoisted half-mast. As usual on Wednesday, nearly the whole of the shops were closed at two o'clock, which was the hour appointed for the obsequies, and as muffled peals were subsequently rung, a peculiar gloom seemed to hang over the town.

The Borough Magistrates, the Mayor and Corporation, and the principal town officials having assembled in the Council Cliamber, walked in procession from the Municipal Buildings to the Parish Church, attended by the macebearers (Messrs. Monday and Andrews), the civic insignia, like the Mayor's chain, and the crosses on the Churchwardens' wands, being covered with crape. The officiating clergy were the Rev. E. I. Gardiner (Rector Newbury) and the Rev. E. H. Rycroft (Rector of Highclere), who, with the surpliced choir, and the Churchwardens (Councillor Stephen Knight and Mr. Henry Davis), assembled at the great west door, and met the corpse, which had been brought from Highclere in an open funeral car, being enclosed in panelled coffin of polished oak with brass fittings, the simple inscription being—William George Adey, died March 26th, 1897; aged 67 years.

The coffin was literally covered with a number of most beautiful floral tributes of affection and respect from the bereaved widow and family, the Mayor and Corporation, the Horticultural Society, the Working Men's Conservative Club, the Churchwardens of St. Nicolas, the deceased's employees, Mr. Charles Adey and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Adey, Mr. Rupert Adey, the Rev. J. H. and Mrs. Robinson, Mr., Mrs., and Miss Arman, Mrs. Beall and family, Mr. and Miss Aston, Mr. Davis and family, Mrs. E. Harrison and family, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Church, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, Mr. and Miss Count, Miss Simmons, Mr. and Mrs. William Hickman (Bridgewater), Misses A. and F. Low, Mrs. Roake, Mrs. Rolfe, Elizabeth Hopkins, John Preston, and others.

The mourners included: Mrs. Adey (the widow), Mr. C. W. Atley, (eldest son), and his brothers, William George. R lytnond, and Henry; Miss Adey, Mrs. Beall, and ss Margaret Adey (daughters), Mr. Charles (brothers), Miss Carnell (step-daughter), Mr. George Beall (son-in-law), Mrs. C. W. Adey (daughter-in-law), Messrs. Joseph and Rupert Adey (cousins), Messrs. D. R. Jones, John Parker, H. Wilder (deceased's old and faithful foreman), Mr. Walter Money, Dr. Watson, etc.

The Borough Justices present included Aldermen Jackson and Absalom, Councillors Joseph Elliott and Joseph Hopson, and Mr. John Rankin, the members of the Corporation, in addition to those already mentioned as attending, being the Mayor (Councillor Long), Alderman Lucas, and Councillors Harris (Ex-Mayor), C. Lucas, R. Ravenor, A. Jackson, A. C. Bazett, Colonel W. H. Cunliffe, W. Hall, E. Gould, and W. Edmonds.

Among the Borough officials were noticed Mr. Louch (Town Clerk), Mr. Pettifer (Assistant Town Clerk), Mr. J. Mason (Auditor), and Messrs. Stickland, Pratt, Guyer, Bravant, etc. The Working Men's Conservative Club was represented by Mr. Joseph Smith (the Secretary), Mr. Povey (the Treasurer), and several of the members (the Chairman of the Club, Mr. Henry Wilder, being among the mourners, as already mentioned). The congregation also included the Rev. J. Atkins (Head Master of the Grammar School), Mrs. Joseph Adey, Miss Adey, Mrs. H. Seymour, Miss Westmacott, Miss Simmons, Mrs. and Miss Harrison, K. Long, Miss A. Boyer, Mr. L. Martin, Miss Draper, Mrs. J. Parker, Mrs. F. Davis, Mrs. Mathews, Mr. G. J. Cosburn and Miss B. Cosburn, Messrs. James H. Money, J. Flint, G. Boyer, J. E. Westcombe, F. J. Coldicutt, R. Hickman, H. Count, H. J. Godding, W. Edwards, G. Miles, T. H. Twissell, Albert Bailey, W. Church, C. W. Burns, E. James, A. Cox, G. Purdue, F. H. Stillman, A. W. Barrett, G. Paulin, S. Green, D. Geater, J. Pyke, C. Pearce, G. Bolton, L. Cleeves, E. Stilwell, S. Burton, W. Boyer, W. Digby, W. Mills, C. Boyer, C. Higgs, C. Hattatt, Edgar Stillman, T. Thorn, A. Lipscombe, W. RyaII, F. Fullbrook, C. Baylis, Pocock, H. Wilder, junr., etc.

The coffin was borne by men in the employ of the deceased representing the various departments of the business—George Mills, William Titchener, Joseph Lewis (carpenters), Wm. Wilder, Charles New (bricklayers), and James Harrison (plumber), and was deposited upon a bier in the nave, the mace-bearers taking up their positions at the head and foot during the service, which was of a solemn and impressive character. The opening sentences were read by the Rector Newbury, after which hymn 481 was sung, followed by the chanting of the 90th Psalm. The Rector of Highclere read the Lesson, which was succeeded by the singing of hymn 499. The clergy and choir then moved down the aisle, chanting the "Nunc Dimittis," and at its conclusion Mr. Hawker, who presided the organ in the unavoidable absence of Mr Liddle, performed the " Dead March," during which the corpse was carried from the church, and drawn to the Cemetery, most of those mentioned above following in procession.

The interment took place in the family grave, within a few yards of the Cemetery Chapel, when the deceased's first wife was buried. The obsequies drew a good many spectators into the line of the route, and there was a numerous assemblage around the grave. The funeral cortege from the Parish Church to the Cemetery was preceded by a detachment of the Berks Constabulary, under Supt. Robotham. The funeral arrangements were entrusted to Councillor Harman S. Hanington, an old friend of the deceased Alderman, by whom they were admirably carried out.

WILLIAM GEORGE ADEY

THE LATE MR. ALDERMAN ADEY, J.P.

We alluded at length in our last issue to the death of this gentleman and the public offices which he held so worthily. The rector and rural dean, the Rev E. I. Gardiner, made allusion to the sad event at the close of his sermon on Sunday evening last, but, prefacing his remarks, may here state that the Alderman was parishioners' warden from 1883 to 1895. The rector, who for his Lenten course of sermons is preaching on the verses of the 51st Psalm, touched on the question of death. Quoting the well-known words" Though now divided by the stream, The narrow stream of death," He went on to say how narrow that stream was they had all been reminded in the latter days of the week just passed, in the death of their old friend and fellow townsman, William George Adey. His name and family had been so long connected with the history and traditions of their ancient borough, and his familiar presence had been so recently amongst them, that he would not recall the many offices of honour which he had filled, or the many services which he had rendered both to the church and the town. Nor would it, he thought, be a fitting time that night, in that house of God, where be was so constant and devout a worshipper, that he should dwell at any length upon the character and personal qualities of the man. In the presence of death, that awful fact, they took refuge in silence. It was instinctive that words of praise or blame were all unmeaning and out of place at such moment. He, of whom they were thinking, had passed into the presence chamber where their judgment could not follow him –

"Where the tears of earth are dried,

Where the work of life is tried

By a juster Judge than here."

But this at least they might be allowed to say, as once more they thought of him and remembered him—as honourable man in business, a worthy citizen, a loyal and consistent Churchman, he bad earned for himself a good report, and had left behind him, as a precious heritage to his family and children and friends, name and a character which would long be remembered in the town with affection and esteem. RequeUcat in pace. May his soul rest in peace until the jfreat resurrection morning when they, with him, and all those who were sleeping in Christ, might God Almighty of His great mercy grant them their perfect consummation and bliss, both in body and soul, in His eternal kingdom, through Jesus Christ their Lord and Saviour. He would ask them as a mark of respect, after the blessing, to stand while the Dead March in Saul was played.—This was rendered in a masterful manner by the organist, Mr J. S. Liddle, M. 8., and it was followed Beethoven's Funeral March.

THE FUNERAL

The funeral, which was quite of a public character, took place on Wednesday afternoon at two o'clock. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Robert Long) met his colleagues of the Corporation at the Council Chamber shortly before that hour. The cortigt arrived the West door of tho parish church punctually and was met by the churchwardens, clergy and choir. The coffin was borne in an open hearse and was perfectly hidden with its coverlet of floral tributes from friends and relatives. The officiating clergy were the Rector and Rural Dean, the Rev. E. I. Gardiner, and the Rev. C. H. Rycroft, rector of Highclere. The Rural Dean commenced the opening sentences of the burial service and the solemn procession moved slowly up the aisle, the coffin being borne by the employees of the deceased. Next followed the chief mourners, who were Mrs Adey (widow), Mr Chas. W. Adey, Mr Wm. G. Adey, Mr Raymond Adey and Mr Henry Adey (sons), Mrs Beall, Miss Adey, Miss Margaret Adey (daughters), Miss Cornell (step-daughter), Mr G. Beall (son-in-law), Mrs Chas. W. Adey (daughter-in-law), Mr Jos. Adey, Mr Rupert Adey (cousins), and Dr Henry Watson. Next came the local detachment of the Berks Constabulary, headed by Superintendent Robotham and Inspector Weeks. Behind these followed the mace bearers in official uniform carrying the borough insignia draped in crape. His Worship the Mayor wore the chain of office which was also covered in crape. Among the Corporation who attended were the ex-Mayor, Mr Councillor Harris, Aldermen J. P. Jackson, Jas. Absalom, J. H. Lucas, and Councillors H. S. Hanington, J. Hopson, C. Lucas, R. Ravenor, W. Hall, A. Jackson, Jos. Elliott, W. H. Cunliffe, A. C. Bazett, E. Gould, Edmonds ; also Mr F. Q. Louch (Town Clerk), Mr W. R. Pettifer (assistant), Messrs Henry Davis and S. Knight (churchwardens). Next followed large number of personal friends, including Mr W. Money, F.S.A., Mr D. R. Jones, Mr John Parker, Mr H. Wilder (foreman to the firm), Mr J. Rankin, J.P., Mr E. A. Stickland (borough surveyor), Mr J. H. Money (architect), Mr John Flint, Mr F. J. Harrold, Mr G. Boyer, Rev J. Atkins (Grammar School), and numerous other friends. There was a large congregation present.

The processionists being duly seated, the service began with the hymn 481 (A. and M.), after which Psalm 90 was sung to Turle's beautiful double chant. The Rector of Highclere read the lesson, after which the strains of the Easter hymn, the resurrection morning," (499 A. and M.), lifted the sad scene to one of hopeful joy, singing,

"On that happy Easter morning,

All the graves their dead restore,

Father, sister, child, and mother,

Meet once more."

The Nunc. Dimittis was also sung, and as the organ pealed out the Gloria the choir and clergy passed down the aisle again and lined the tower, while the coffin was carried out, with the procession in its rear. The police headed the hearse and carriages, and the long procession followed behind to the Cemetery. All along the route business houses were closed, blinds were drawn and some hundreds of well-dressed people followed to the graveside (just to the south of the chapel). Here the service was continued by the rector and rural dean, and the Bendiction closed the final earthly duty over one of Newbury's modern worthies. As we have before stated, the coffin was covered with floral tributes of affection, and these were received from the following: —The widow, the children, the Mayor and Corporation, the Newbury Horticultural Society, the employees, the Working Men's Conservative Club, the Churchwardens of St. Nicholas, Mr Charles Adey and family, Mr and Mrs J. Adey, Mr R. Adey, Rev J. H. and Mrs Robinson, Mr, Mrs, and Miss Arman. Mrs Beall and family, Mr and Miss Aston, Mr and Mrs Parker, Mrs E. Harrison and family, Mrs F Davis and family, Mr and Mrs Albert Church, Mr and Miss Count, Misses A. and F. Low, Miss Simmons, Mr and Mrs Hickman, Mrs Roake, Mrs Rolfe and Elizabeth Hopkins, and Mr John Preston. After the funeral a half-muffled peal was rung.

WILLIAM GEORGE ADEY

MAYOR 1874,1875

William George Adey (1831-97). Conservative. Son of George Adey, Mayor in 1846. Builder and timber supplier at West Mills, inheriting his father's business. Elected to the Council 1867. Alderman 1878. Borough Magistrate 1879. Chairman of the Estate Committee. Promoted the idea of the present Town Hall and in 1876 laid the foundation stone, the Town Hall being opened in 1878 (His initals "W.G.A." are on the limestone block to the right of the main entrance.)

Promoted the idea that the Marsh (now Victoria Park) should be a people's park, an objective not realised until later.

St Nicolas Parish warden 1883-95. Promoted the Lambourn Valley Railway, eventually completed in 1898. Erected in 1893 the oak screen between St Nicolas Lady Chapel and the South Aisle as a memorial to his family (which had a vault at St Nicolas), and restored the church's woodwork (Newbury Weekly News 1/4/1897. The screen is inscribed with his name).

He also constructed Newbury Church Almshouses and Porchester Villas in Newtown Road.

Further buildings:

Chancel to Shaw Church (1875-8). Architect, William Butterfield.

Church & Childs Almshouses, Newtown Road, 1879; architect, James H. Money.

Combe Church restoration. 1881. West Woodhay Church, (built) 1882-3.

St Nicolas Parish Room, West Mills, 1884; architect, James H. Money.

Ecchinswell Church, (built) 1886.

Newbury Working Men's Conservative Club, Northbrook St., rebuilt 1887; architect, James H. Money.

Other church restorations in which he was involved include: Aldermaston, Burghclere, Compton, Hermitage, East Ilsley, Padworth, Peasemore, Shaw and Wasing.