MR ROBERT ATKINSON RYOTT
The late Mr Robert Atkinson Ryott- the decease of this gentleman, which has occurred during the past week, has been an event to awaken feelings of a more than usually painful nature on account of the very brief illness by which it was preceded. Mr Ryott was in the enjoyment of good health last Wednesday, although it had been remarked that his general health has of late been somewhat less robust than formerly, as might indeed be expected from his advancing years. Last Wednesday evening he was present at the Bowling Green, and was engaged in the game, having however, unhappily as it proved, divested himself of his coat, notwithstanding the keen evening air. On the following day a severe attack of acute inflammation of the throat set in, and the medical advice of his son, Mr F.E.Ryott, was at once sought, who finding the serious nature of the case, consulted Dr Bunny. The medical treatment was successful in alleviating the unfavourable symptoms in the throat; but the heart, which was previously diseased, had received such a shock that it could not carry on its function, and a fatal termination of the case speedily ensued, the sad event occurring at half past three o'clock on Sunday morning. It is stated that the deceased gentleman had a presentiment that he would not recover.

Mr Ryott was a native of Newcastle-on -Tyne, and first came to Newbury as an assistant in the establishment of the late Mr T.W. Fielder. In 1841 he commenced business as a chemist in Speenhamland, and shortly afterwards he removed to Northbrook Street, to the house now inhabited by Miss Curr; thence to premises (now pulled down) adjacent to the Wesleyan Chapel, subsequently transfer his business to the opposite side of the street.

During the course of the lengthened residence in Newbury he has filled most of the municipal and parochial offices of the borough, more particularly those of Town Counsellor and Poor Law Guardian, the former he had held nearly 13 years, having been elected in November 1861, and the latter for the longer period of 14 years. In 1869 he was chosen as Mayor of Newbury, and again in 1870 was re-elected to the post of Chief Magistrates. During the period he occupied this distinguished position his official conduct was marked by careful attention to its duties and by a courteous affability on all occasions towards those with whom he was brought into contact. As a Poor Law Guardian we believe that he has been uniformly a kind friend to the poor and mindful of the interests of the rate payers.

Mr Ryott was also one of the earliest Oddfellows in the town, and though for years he had withdrawn from the Order he was ready to the last to give it his active support. In private life he succeeded in maintaining friendly relations with his fellow townsmen of all parties, by whom he was held in high esteem, and his removal in a sudden and painful a manner has elicited deep and sincere regret from all classes. Mr Ryott would, we believe, had he lived till next month, have attained his 66th year. The funeral is fixed for tomorrow afternoon at 3 o’clock, and the cortège on its way to the Cemetery will be joined at the Town Hall by the Mayor and Corporation.

THE LATE MR R. A. RYOTT - The remains of this much respected gentleman were laid in their last resting place at the Cemetery on Friday last, the burial service being read by the Rector of Newbury.

The hearse and carriages containing the relatives and family of the deceased were preceded by a procession of tradesmen, together with the Mayor and Corporation and the mace bearers, the insignia which they carried being dressed with crape.

The respectful bearing of the numbers who were present in the streets, and the closed shutters and drawn blinds which prevailed throughout the course, were expressive of the esteem in which the memory of the deceased was held by the townspeople of all classes. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Mr Hanington.

Robert Atkinson Ryott (1808-74).

Born in Newcastle-on-Tyne. Pharmacist at 38 Northbrook Street.10 Elected to the Council in 1861. Oddfellow. Mason. (Portrait from an oil painting.)

His grandson Septimus Ryott (1886-1965) achieved fame as a film actor during the period of silent films under the stage name Stewart Rome. After the introduction of talkies in 1929, he continued film acting until 1950. He was born in and retired to Newbury.

The late Mr. Councillor Ryott.—The death of Mr. Robert Atkinson Ryott, who for many years had taken an active part in our municipal and parochial affairs, has excited a very painful feeling in the town and neighbourhood, and much sympathy with the bereaved family. 

Mr. Ryott was an old inhabitant, and commanded the high esteem of his fellow-townsmen. He was a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and on his removal to Newbury, filled a situation under the late Mr. T.W. Fielder. He began business as a chemist in 1831, and in the course of time was chosen as a member of the Town Council, and also as one of the guardians of the poor for this parish. 

The deceased was elected Mayor in 1869 and in November, 1870, was re-elected to that office and on all occasions discharged his public duties with courtesy and zeal, and manifested desire to promote any movement calculated to advance the prosperity of the town and district. In private life Mr. Ryott was marked by kindness and affability, and genial disposition. 

Unfortunately he took cold while on the Bowling-green on the Wednesday evening preceding his decease; acute internal inflammation ensued, and despite the careful attention of his son (Mr. F. E. Ryott) and Dr. Bunny, he died on Sunday morning. 

The deceased, who generally enjoyed robust health, had nearly reached his 66th year. It should be added that the deceased had been until late years attendant at the Masonic Lodge, and he was also an Odd Fellow. As a Guardian for this parish, he was unremitting in his attention to his duties. 

The Funeral took place yesterday afternoon, when the inhabitants evinced the greatest respect for the memory of the deceased. At nearly every house in the main thoroughfares, shutters were put up and blinds drawn. The mournful cortége left the residence of the deceased, in Northbrook-street, at three o'clock, and on its arrival at the Town Hall, the Mayor and Corporation, and borough officials, attended by the mace-bearers - each insignia being covered with crape —preceded the hearse, which was followed by three mourning coaches. In this order they moved very slowly up Bartholomew Street to the Cemetery, where the corpse was received by the Rector (the Rev. J. L. Randall), by whom the Burial Service was impressively read. 

A number of tradesmen were present, and a large concourse of persons assembled in the Cemetery. The mourners consisted of the sons and daughters of the deceased, and other relatives. Mr. Hanington was the undertaker. 

READING MERCURY 16th MAY, 1874

Our obituary of to-day contains the names of two gentlemen who have been known in Newbury for the past half a century. We refer to the deaths of Mr. R. A. Ryott and Mr. Joseph Vines. 

The almost sudden demise of the former created a general feeling of regret when it became known on Sunday morning last. Mr. Ryott, who was person of good health generally, was on the Thursday before his death taken suddenly ill with violent inflammation of the throat. Notwithstanding the best attention that medical skill could devise he died on Sunday night. 

On the previous Wednesday Mr. Ryott was in full health and vigour, and was playing at'bowls with some of his fellow tradesmen on the Newbury Green. It seems that he took off his coat during the play and no doubt he caught a severe chill therefrom. 

The deceased was highly respected in the town, and during his official career as chief magistrate of the Borough, in the years ’69-70, he displayed great energy and attention to the duties of the office. It was during his mayoralty that the Prince and Princess of Wales visited Reading, and as representing the borough he attended the festivities on that occasion. 

At the time of his death was member of the Board of Guardians and a town councillor. His death therefore causes a vacancy in each of these public bodies. 

Deceased was buried yesterday (Friday) and the Mayor and Corporation attended the funeral. 

BERKSHIRE CHRONICLE 16th MAY 1874