James Baverstock was born in 1870 & died in 1944. As a child he lived in Old Road, later Old Newtown Road, and when his family was young he built 93 Old Newtown Road and lived there until his death. His son and wife and a spinster daughter lived there until their deaths in 1966 and 1978 by which time the house was quite dilapidated and gas lamps were still used. The Deeds of the house show how long it took to raise the money to buy extra land and build. The family was living in the house by the time of the 1911 census. Help with the mortgage came from Stephen North of 3, Priory Road & the Independent Order of Rechabites, a Temperance Movement which grew from Methodism and encouraged thrift and the habit of regular saving in its members. The picture shows James in the regalia of the District Chief Ruler of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon branch in 1936.

His house overlooks the south western end of the cemetery where he and Members of his family are buried. In the Directories he is variously described as a scrap metal merchant or marine dealer.

He ran the business from his house and evidence of his trade is often dug up in the garden.

People still living in Newbury who are related to the Baverstocks often tell the current house owners that they spent many happy hours in the house and helping make the cream in the dairy house behind. The Baverstocks owned land around, including the site of St John’s Infants School.

James & Sarah were said to be lovely people. Their names and work are remembered in an inscription on a brass salver in the Methodist Church in Northbrook St: To the memory of James Baverstock, Local Preacher, 1894-1944 and his devoted wife Sarah Jane.

One of the Friends of NRC, Pam Dean, is the widow of Tony Dean, grandson of James & Sarah’s through their daughter, Winifred Elsie.

Related Links:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Order_of_Rechabites

Author: Elizabeth Capewell
© Elizabeth Capewell

JAMES BAVERSTOCK 1870 – 1944

James Baverstock was born in Newbury and listed as a “general dealer” in a census.  He owned three acres of land which was run as a smallholding.  It is not known if this was inherited from his father.  The land was used to produce a wide variety of food, milk, cream, butter, eggs, chicken, rabbits and pork.  There was also a large orchard.  All the extended family lived nearby and they shared the produce.  Granny made butter in a wooden barrel which she turned round and round for sometime.  We all drank milk straight from the cow.

Grampy bought and sold furniture all transported in his horse and cart.  He spent his time going round large old houses and often persuaded the housekeeper to sell him something.  When his home was sold up there were several pieces of valuable furniture including Sheraton chairs and Cromwellian tables.  None of it was sold properly.

Grampy was also known as the “rag and bone” man.  One shed contained barrels of maggots which he sold to local fishermen.  It was a strange way to earn a living.

Grampy always liked children and Betty has such happy memories of being entertained by him with his squeeze box and flute.  He also had a pet parrot which was never friendly.  He made a terrible noise when anyone came to the house.  Grampy was a very keen gardener and won many prizes for his roses and violets.

Author: Betty
© FNRC