THE PITCHERS

Walter William and Anna Maria at No. 24 Gloucester Road

Walter and his family had moved from number 12 to their new house at number 24 by the 1891 census. It was a larger house and they now had room for other boarders.  (Click here to see details of their earlier life).

 

By the 1901 census,  Walter was calling himself a carpenter and builder.  The business which was started in a small way in the early 1880's had gradually built up until there was a staff of 18 made up of carpenters, blacksmiths, bricklayers, plasterers, labourers, stone masons, painters and decorators.  Straps and coffins were made on the premises, iron bands for the wheels of the traps were made and shaped in the yard.  Average wages were £1.00 to £3.00 per week according to the skill of the worker.  Gradually more buildings were built and more equipment was installed.  All materials had to be man handled or transported on hand cart or horse cart.  Two of his 6 sons helped him in the business.

Click on the thumbnail pictures below to see an early photos of the Pitcher family.  The one on the left was taken outside number 24 circa 1900, the one on the right is thought to be the wedding of one of the Pitchers.  (We would appreciate any confirmation of this!)

Note - the census records and electoral registers show that the Pitchers regularly took in lodgers.  They seemed to provide accommodation for ministers of the Congregational Church.

By the 1901 census, many of the children had moved away.  Walter and Anna Maria were left with only three children at home.

Walter died in 1912 aged 71 years.  Anna Maria died in 1922 aged 82 years.

Click here to see more about Leonard Pitcher who took over the business from his father.

Click here to see brief details of the other children of Walter and Anna Maria

This page was last updated: 23/03/2007