Herbert Septimus Lowton

Herbert Septimus was the seventh and youngest son of William and Margaret Lowton. William and Margaret had eight children all of whom were still living at the time of the 1911 census: William, John, Samuel, Arthur, George H, Ernest, Herbert Septimus and Lily. All the children were born in Nottingham. In 1881 William, a gas fitter, and his wife were living at 6 Ellis Terrace with their five children, William (10), John (8), Samuel (5), Arthur (3) and George (1). Ten years later in 1891 William was a greengrocer (own account) and living with his family at 43 Glasshouse Street. He and Margaret now had eight children; William, who was also a grocer, John, Samuel, Arthur, George, Ernest (9), Herbert (6), and their only daughter, Lily (1). Also in the household was a lodger, Hannah Vann (72) who was a widow. William died on 11 October 1895 aged 50, and by 1901 Margaret and all her children were living at 79 North Sherwood Street. It is probable that her son, William, had taken over his father's business as his occupation was greengrocer 'on own account.' All her sons were in work while Lily was still at school. Margaret was still at the same address in 1911 but she now gave her occupation as greengrocer. Her sons William, Ernest and George were not in the household on the night of the census and may have left home. Of the five children still at home, John (39) was, like his mother, a greengrocer. Also in the house was Henry Lowton (6), who was described as a relative. Herbert married Fanny Coles in 1912 (marriage registered Worksop, Jan/Feb/Mar) and at the time of his death in 1918 they were living at 90 Exeter Road, Nottingham. His brother George Henry served in the 17th Bn Sherwood Foresters (15251 Private) and was charged with cowardice and wilful defiance after an incident in the trenches on 12 June 1916. He was found guilty and executed on 30 July 1916. He is buried in Brown’s Road Military Cemetery (for further information see George's record on this Roll of Honour). Their mother, Margaret, died aged 79 on 20 March 1926; she was still living at 79 North Sherwood Street, Nottingham.

In 1901 he was an apprentice painter and by 1911 a painter and decorator.

Gunner Herbert Septimus Lowton, 11th Brigade Royal Field Artillery, was killed in action 14th April 1918. He is buried in Lindenhoek Chalet Military Cemetery (grave ref. ll.B.6).

Herbert Samuel was commemorated on the memorial in the Wesleyan Chapel, Broad Street. It is probable therefore that he is the 'H Lowton' on the memorial in Nottingham's Central Methodist Mission (Albert Hall). Inscription on family gravestone, Nottingham General Cemetery: ‘In loving memory of William Lowton who died 11th Oct. 1895 aged 60 years. Gone but not forgotten. And of Margaret, beloved wife of the above, who died March 21st (sic) 1926 aged 79 years. At rest. Also of George Henry and Herbert Septimus sons of the above who gave their lives in the Great War 1914-1918.’ Nottingham Post notice (abridged), 3 May 1918: 'Lowton. Killed in action April 14th 1918 Gunner Herbert Lowton RFA, husband of Fanny Lawton, Exeter Road. Wife. Youngest son of M Lowton, Sherwood Street. Mother, sister, brothers.' Register of Soldiers' Effects: legatee, Fanny Lowton (widow). Probate: Lowton William of 43 Glasshouse-street Nottingham greengrocer died 11 October 1895 administration Nottingham 28 October to Margaret Lowton widow. Effects £137 1s. 11d. Probate: Lowton Margaret of 79 Sherwood-street Nottingham widow died 20 March 1926 Probate Nottingham 4 May to John Lowton greengrocer. Effects £394 2s. 9d.