The First Borough Council, 1886-7
Fri, 07/11/2008 - 14:57 — seyhall
This photo of the first Borough Council, 1886-7 is taken from the book "Fifty Years a Borough: The Story of West Ham", published by the council in 1936.
It is a personally interesting photo because it contains the only known image of my great great great grandfather, Simon Vinicombe (third row up). The family were particularly proud of his achievement and a copy of this image hung on my great grandmother's wall, although his face was almost worn away because of the number of times he had been pointed out.
Other images in this book include various views, illustrations, companies and persons connected with West Ham.
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Comments
Vnicombe Surname
There may well be a connection. Vinicombe is mainly a west country name and Simon originally came from Fareham in Hampshire. In the 1880s I only found one or two families living in the East End with that name, so the family was easy to trace and follow through the various census that are available online.
If you are able to confirm any information about the material in your collection I would be interested to know more. I do not live in London and can not just drop by, but maybe if you could tell me his name and his parents' names, I could then apply and pay for copies to be sent.
Thanks
Richard
First Borough Council, 1886-7
I have listed all the names on the photo so that they can be searched by someone looking at this board.
Top Row: Councillors W. Crow, T. Knight, T. Anderson, A. Govier, J. H. Pavitt, W. Lewis, C. Mansfield, H. Wagstaff, J. Cook
2nd Row: Councillors H. Young, J. Maw, E. Fulcher, R. Fielder, E. Jex, S. Vinicombe, E. E. Barnett, J. H. Bethell, F. Hammersley
3rd Row: Councillors G. H. Courtney, W. Hands, G. W. Kidd, R. Wortley, H. Callaghan, R. White, W. H. Metcalf, M. Adamson, F. Smith
Seated: Aldermen H. Phillips, J. Scully, W. Deason, G. Hay, J. Meeson (Mayor), G. Rivett, H. Worland, C. Stoner, H. Barry, R. L. Curtis
First Borough Council, 1886-7
I see that the list includes J. H. Bethell (second row). Is this Lord Bethell?
Are any of the other names famous in West Ham, or the East End generally?
Vinicombe surname
You mention your g.g.grandfather whose name surname was Vinicombe. This is not a common name an I am wondering if there is any connection to some documents from the Vinicombe family that we have in our collection at Newham Heritage Service. We have a school certificate or testimonial, copies of letters he sent home whilst serving in WW2, a letter from his C.O informing his parents of his death and some photos. I think they refer to an Arthur Vinicombe but I'll have to check.
Kathy