Another Accrington lad who went to the old Grammar School

Atarah · 29-01-2004, 10:24

Hi, anyone ever heard of Walter Marsden? No? Anyone ever seen the lovely war memorial in Gatty Park? Well, Walter was the scupltor!

Walter was born in Church in 1882, the son of a blacksmith. He worked in the terracotta department of the Accrington Brick and Tile Company. The then owners, the McAlpine family, saw his talent, and encouraged him to study at what was then the Accrington Technical School along Blackburn Road (we knew it as the Grammar School, now demolished and houses built on the site!). He eventually went to the Royal College of Art in London He enlisted in the first world war and afterwards, resumed his career. Probably because of his own war experiences, his turned his skills to the design of war memorials. All but two of his memorials are in his native Lancashire. For his home town of Church, he designed two memorials, both unveiled in Sept 1923.

The memorial in Gatty Park is a classically robed figure of "Peace" carved from Portland stone. In Elmfield Hall there is a bronze plaque naming 132 Church lads who died in the war.

He died in July 1968 aged 85 years. Towards the end of his life he was awarded a civil pension by the Queen for his services to sculpture.

Unfortunately his life and achievements have gone unrecognised in his home town. Maybe someone on this site is related to him?

Gatty Park is now, I believe, some sort of Community Centre. Maybe someone knows for sure?

(some of these notes kindly supplied by Mr William Turner, local historian)

Weary Tourist · 18-04-2004, 18:40

Atarah - You may know this already, but from 1901 Census, Walter Marsden was living at 31 Russia Street Accrington.

He was born Church and was Apprentice Terra Cotta/Brick.

His father John was a Blacksmith born about 1852 Sykes, Yorks.
His mother was called Betty born about 1849 Helmshore, Lancs.

His siblings were :-
Betty A born about 1869 Rossendale, Lancashire, Cotton Weaver.
John J born about 1871 Church, Lancs, Joiners labourer in Printworks.
Jane born abt 1887 Helmshore, Lancashire , Cotton weaver

I have not been able to establish a connection to my John William Marsden, living Church but I may get lucky.

There is a reference on the Marsden One Name Study here, to a Walter Marsden Soldier Sculptor (Issue 24)
http://www.marsden-ons.co.uk/MFHN/Articles.htm

Further link here with picture of Heywood war memorial
http://pmsa.courtauld.ac.uk/pmsa/MR/MR-ROC20.htm

I am sure there is more about his lovely work.

Atarah · 18-04-2004, 22:37

Hi, thanks, no.... I didn't know the information you gave. All new to me. Thanks, will add to the details I already have.

Weary Tourist · 19-04-2004, 07:42

The original TIFF file is available, except this forum doesn't appear to recognise that extension, so not sure how to deliver it.

I mention this as seeing the original record is always better than a transcript.

Roy · 19-04-2004, 08:23

i will enable tiff file format - it would be nice if it could be posted here. I don't know if it will thumbnail it though...

**edit - tiff is now enabled **

Weary Tourist · 19-04-2004, 19:17

Unfortunately I have discovered that I would be infringing copyright by uploading an image, and worse I suspect it could encourage others to do the same.
Thanks anyway...

Weary Tourist · 19-04-2004, 19:28

1881 Census has following information
John Marsden age 29 born Benland Blacksmith
Betty Marsden age 32 born Musbury Housekeeper

Betty Ann Marsden age 2 born Rossendale
John James Marsden age 3m born Church
Living 55 Blackburn Rd Church
RG11 Piece 4200 folio 33 page 1

Atarah · 20-04-2004, 09:54

I've kept meaning to ask ... why are you WEARY Tourist. Have you travelled afar and are now glad to be home?

Tealeaf · 20-04-2004, 11:29

Weary's in London..can't you see....anyone in London must be weary..believe me, I know.

Mick · 20-04-2004, 13:06

is this the place ?

mez · 21-04-2004, 00:32

yup thats accy grammer alright /// ooo wot a shame //