Blacksmith to the Duke of Westminster, Built Ironwork for Chesters
Eastgate Clock, Lived at The Forge Eccleston until about 1895 then moved
to the Forge 24 Overleigh Road, Handbridge.
Birth and Death Certificate held
Death Cert records occ as Master Art Metal Worker
Family moved to Handbridge after an alledged incident in the Village. It would seem that two of the sons of James were caught carving their names on a wall in Eccleston by the Duke of Westminster's Agent. He it would seem set about the two with a whip. When James Swindley heard of this it would seem he threatened the Duke's agent with a certain amount of physical violence.
On hearing this it seems the Duke not wanting to lose his Blacksmith said he would build a new Forge for him in Handbridge.
No firm evidence to prove or disprove this is available at present.Cheshire Observer June 30th 1917
"Death
SWINDLEY On 28th June 1917 at 24 Overleigh Road, Chester James
Swindley aged 69 yearsTaken from obituary of Emma Amelia Bennion November 1924
"Messrs Swindley are noted iron workers and their name has been known in the industry for two centuries, the firm having been founded over 200 years ago. Messrs Swindley's activities cover ornamental ironwork of every possible kind and they have been responsible for important works all over the country. Messrs Swindley were responsible for the very fine ironwork on the well known Eastgate clock and another contract which brought the firm praise was the restoration of the church gattes at wrexham. The entrance gates to the park of the Duke of Westminster's grounds at Eaton Hall, and the entrance gates at Lord Lever Hulme's Hampstead estate were also constructed in the Overleigh Road workshops."
See DOC 117
Cheshire Observer 2/6/1923
"Death of Mrs Swindley
It is with regret that we record the death of Mrs Mary Swindley, which took place at her residence, 24, Overleigh Road, Chester on thursday last week, at the age of seventy three. Mrs Swindley was not a native of Chester, but came to this district when a young girl, with her father, Mr William Davidson, who will be well remembered by the older generation as having carried on the business of Joiner in Frodsham Street. Fifty Three years ago she married Mr James Swindley who for many years carried on the old established business of art metal worker, at Eccleston and Overleigh Road, Chester. Mr Swindley who died some six years ago, wrought most of the ironwork on the Eaton Estate, including the well known gates in front of the Hall. During the War Mrs Swindley was bereaved by the death, in action of one of her sons C.S.M. C Swindley, and she never recovered from the tragic blow. For a long time she had been in failing health, but was taken seriously ill only a week prior to her death. She leaves a family of six sons and four daughters, to whom sympathy will be extended by a large circle of friends.
The Funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Handbridge where she had worshiped for many years and the internment afterwards took place in Chester Cemetary. The Chief Mourners were: Mr John Swindley (Son), Mr & Mrs James Swindley, Mr & Mrs William Swindley, Mr & Mrs Tom Swindley,Mr & Mrs Douglas Swindley, Mr & Mrs Norman Swindley (Sons & Daughter-in-law), Miss Swindley, Mrs Grant, and Mrs Atherton (daughters), Misses May, Nellie, Amy, and Marjorie (Granddaughters), Percy and Harold (Grandsons), Mr & Mrs Davies (brother-in law- and sister-in-law), Mr G H Grant (son-in-law), Mr W P Atherton (son-in-law)Mr & Mrs D Davies, Saltney (nephew and niece), Mr W Coathup (nephew), Mr T Grant, Mrs R Atherton, Mrs J Davies,Mrs Holland, Mrs Swainson, Miss Humphries, Mrs Cheers, Miss Johnson, and Mr George Jones."
See Doc/048
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register |Page 67 Entry 536
'Aunt Doll'
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register Page 73 Entry 583
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register Page 76 Entry 604
Traced in Probate Registry
Year: 1929 Surname: Swindley
Date of Death: Forname: Douglas
21st May 1929
Status:Address:
Probate Registered: 19 Oakleigh Grove
25th June 1929 Bebington
Cheshire
Probate Office:
Chester Place of Death if different;
The Hospital
Effects: Port Sunlight
£424 0s 4d CheshireExecutors:
Alice Mary Swindley Widow
Notes:Source Winchester CRO 19th July 1997
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register Page 88 Entry 703 could be 5/May/1889 ?
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register Page 91 Entry 724 (Bap.)
54. Constance (Connie) Mary Swindley
Lived and died in Bath, spent her life as Companion to Miss Elliot
Sister of Admiral Elliot.
Traced in Eccleston Parish Register Page 78 Entry 621
Probate Register Extracts (National Probate Register)Year: 1930 Surname: Swindley
Date of Death: Forname: Constance Mary
27th April 1930
Status: SpinsterAddress:
Probate Registered: 24 Overleigh Road
17th June 1930 Handbridge
Chester
Probate Office:
London Place of Death if different;
112 Tarvin Road
Effects: Chester
£7784 15s 0dExecutors:
George Henry Grant Tobacco Manufacturer and
Norman Swindley BlacksmithNotes:
Source Winchester CRO 19th July 1997