Persons of Interest – William Grimmett

William Grimmett, born August 2, 1853 in Summertown, was my great grandfather. William’s parents were William Tibbetts Grimmett and Elizabeth Hazell. Elizabeth was part of the family that produced chairs in Summertown. Her brother Stephen made chairs for the Bodleian Library. William Tibbetts Grimmett and his sons and daughter had a photographic studio in Banbury in the late 19th century operating from Parsons Street and South Bar.

William and his wife Clara Hopkins lived in the St Giles area of Oxford, and ran a taxi business before eventually moving to Bermondsey in London. They had fourteen children. They were proud of the achievements of their three eldest boys: William became a Detective Inspector with the Metropolitan police, Harry was a marine who was sent to hold Antwerp at the beginning of WW1 where he was killed, and Percy Vernon who was also a marine where he fought on the Yellow River. When Percy returned he also became a policeman.

The rest of the family were typical East Enders – proud of their heritage.

 

On the second and fourth Mondays of each month, we share a short story provided by a member about a person of interest in their one-name study. So whether your person is good, bad, or simply interesting or unusual, please send us your story. This post is from Guild member Sue Grimmett.

Why not submit a story (200-300 words OR a bit longer if need be) about a person of interest in your own one-name study. Email each story and image(s) to marketing@one-name.org.