Richard Thorpe

Richard was the son of Charles Thomas and Rose Thorpe (nee Emery). Charles Thorpe was born in 1862 (A/M/J Basford) and Rose Emery in 1871 (J/A/S Nottingham) and they were married in 1889 (O/N/D Nottingham). According to the information provided by Rose on the 1911 Census she had had ten children of whom only eight were still living at the time of the census. Eight children were named on the census of 1901 and 1911: John W [probably 'William'] b. 1889 (J/A/S Basford), Emma (birth registered 1891 J/F/M Basford), Clara b. 1892 (J/A/S Basford), Mary Ann b. 1893 (O/N/D Basford), Richard (birth registered 1895 J/F/M Basford), Herbert b. 1898 (birth registered J/F/M Nottingham), John (b. 1900) and Charles b. 1904 (A/M/J Nottingham). In 1901 the family was living at 8 Front Row, Nottingham, in the ecclesiastical parish of St Philip. Charles (39) was a wood sawyer and was in the home with his wife, Rose (30) and children John W (sic) (12), Emma (10), Clara (9), Mary A. (7) Richard (6), Herbert (2) and John (8 months). In 1911 Rose completed the census as head of household; she was working as a lace hand. Also in the home on the night of the census were her children Richard (15) a 'rap scraper' for a hide and skin works, Herbert (12), John (10) and the youngest child Charles (7). Also in the household was her married daughter, Mary Ann Shepherd (17), and her husband Percy (20), a cabinet maker, who had married the previous year (O/N/D Nottingham). Charles Thomas Thorpe has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census. Richard married Fanny Styles in 1914 (J/A/S Basford) and another researcher has found evidence of son, George. Rose Thorpe married Christopher Newton in 1917 (marriage registered J/F/M Nottingham) and later lived at 29 Northcote Street, Kirke White Street, Meadows, Nottingham. There is a record of a Rose Newton who died in 1952 (March Nottingham) aged 80. Richard's brother, Herbert, also served in the war in the Army Service Corps, Mechanised Transport (M/351085). He was deemed to have enlisted on 29 December 1916 but was not called up until 22 November 1917. He served in France and was discharged on 27 May 1919. It appears from his army record that after his discharge, when he returned to live with his mother at 29 Northcote Street, that he applied for a free passage to South Africa and was due to sail to Durban in October 1919. However, he wrote to the Army around July 1919 cancelling this arrangement, 'owing to a forced marriage I have decided to remain in England with my parents (sic)'. Richard's widow, Fanny, married John H Nutt in 1921 and they lived at 11 Sherwood Cottages, Goodhead Street, Meadows.

In 1911 he worked in the hide and skin trade.

Richard was killed in action in France on 18 August 1915; according to an 'in memoriam' notice in the local paper he died on his mother's birthday. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial.

Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', Friday 18 August 1916: ‘Thorpe. In loving memory of Private R Thorpe, killed in action August 13th (sic), 1915 aged 20. One long sad year has passed away, since one we loved was called away. Sorrowing mother, sisters, and brothers.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', Friday 18 August 1916: ‘Thorpe. In loving memory of Richard Thorpe, 1/7th Robin Hoods, killed in action in France, August 18th (sic), 1915, aged 20. Killed on his mother’s birthday. Sleep on dear nephew and take thy rest, God has willed it for the best. Fondly remembered. Aunt Ada, Uncle Matt.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) His widow, Fanny, was his sole legatee. CWGC 'Son of Mrs. Rose Newton of 29, Northcote Terrace, Kirkwhite St., Nottingham; husband of Fanny Nutt (formerly Thorpe), of 11, Sherwood Cottages, Goodhead St., Nottingham.'