1844 –25/04/1906
A metal brazier and later an ironmonger
Relatives
Research:
Plot 671 George Edward Rawlins (1844-1906)
George was born in about 1844 in Tring and married Elizabeth Norris in 1867 in Berkhamsted. They seem to have met as teachers at the Congregation Church Sunday School.
Son Frank C was born in 1870.
In 1871 the family were living in the High Street and George was a brazier with an apprentice.
Eleanor R was born in 1872 followed by Jessie (1875), Marion O (1878) and Herbert George (1880). The 1881 census records the family living and working in the High Street. George was a copper smith and brazier, employing two boys. They were sufficiently well off to be able to employ a live-in domestic servant.
The couple’s youngest child, Gertrude, was born in 1884.
“Lord Brownlow opened the fifth Great Berkhampstead Industrial and Art Exhibition which formed a splendid display in the Town Hall on a rainy day. It was promoted by the Mechanics’ Institute. Local gentry contributed art and other unusual items and a prize fund of £50.” Various local businessmen exhibited their products, including, “George Rawlins, tin wares including “lobster head cowls” (for chimneys?)” (Bucks Herald, May 1886).
In January 1891 newspapers reported that a boy, James Sharp, stole 5s from the till in George’s shop. He was sentenced to twelve stokes of the birch.
In 1897 George’s youngest son, Herbert George, received a scholarship of £60 for four years at Berkhamsted School following a year lost through a dangerous illness; he became a civil servant in South Africa.
In 1901 George was at 161, High Street and was an ironmonger. Son Frank was working with him.
In July 1905 their daughter Gertrude Annie died aged 21. She is buried in this plot.
George died 25 April 1906 at 163, High Street, aged 62. Elizabeth took over the business and died in 1917.
George Edward Rawlins’ ironmonger’s shop was demolished in 1960 to make way for the Barclays Bank extension.