Reference
AU10/152/1
Title
John Walker (1871-1949), Thatcher
Date free text
1871 to 2004
Production date
From: 1871 To: 2004
Scope and Content
A file compiled by Joy Richards (nee Kathleen Joy Walker) containing her memoir (dated 2004) of her grandfather John (Jack) Walker of Turnpike, Lidlington, the third generation of the Walker family to be thatchers to the Duke of Bedford. They performed thatching work all over on the Duke's properties, but mostly in the Ampthill and Woburn districts. Joy's father George also worked with his father before the Second World War, but upon his return home, he obtained work on the railways, following a decline in the thatching industry.
As well as specific memories of Jack Walker's thatching days and methods, Joy provides some insight into the general thatching industry. There are also photocopies of newspaper articles and photographs which featured the Walkers at work and a short obituary of Jack Walker from 1949.
Level of description
sub-file