William Taylor
- Family History
- Military history
- Extra information
- Photographs
William was the son of Francis (Frank) Joseph and Kate Taylor (née Smith).
His father Francis Joseph was born in Radford, Nottingham, in 1864 and his mother Kate (reg. Katey) Smith was born in Witney, Oxfordshire, birth reg. 1865 (JFM, mother's maiden name Viner).
Frank and Kate were married in Nottingham in 1886 (AMJ) and had five children, Sarah b. 1886 (OND), Mabel b. 1888 (AMJ), Florence, William birth reg. 1890 (JFM) and Mary (k/a Polly) b. 1901 (OND). The ages of Mabel and Florence (also Flora/Florry) given on the 1891 and 1901 census are inconsistent and it is likely that they were twins as there is a record of the registration of the birth of a Florence Taylor (mother's maiden name Smith) in 1888 (AMJ). The 1939 Register (Bradwell) gives Florence's date of birth as 10 May 1888.
Frank, an engine driver (stationary), Kate, and their four children, Sarah (4), Mabel (2), and Flora (sic) and William, whose ages were given as one year, were living on Denman Street (?175), Radford, in 1891.
By 1901 Frank was a shop keeper/beer off-licence (own account) at 275 Denman Street. Also in the household was his wife Kate and their children, Sarah (14), Mabel and Florry (sic), who were 12 years old, and William (11). Their daughter, Mary, was born later that year.
Kate Taylor died on 20 October 1906, aged 41.
Frank married Lizzie Smith (née Bugg) in 1908 (JFM). Lizzie had married George Smith at Nottingham St Saviour on 6 June 1892 and they had at least one child, Edwin Sydney (b. November 1892). In 1901, Lizzie (32, married), a lace hand, and her son Edwin were living with her parents, John and Susan Bugg, at 60 Kirkewhite Street, Meadows, Nottingham.
Frank was still the licensee (own account) of the Royal Oak, 275 Denman Street in 1911. His wife Lizzie, her son Edwin, an assistant drapery, and his daughters Mabel and Polly [Mary], together with a servant (hotel waiter), Thomas Ravanagh, were in the home on the night of the census. William has not yet been traced on the 1911 Census and his sister Sarah has not yet been identified on any record after 1901.
Frank Taylor and his wife were still at the Royal Oak in 1921; only one of his children, Mary, whose occupation was given as 'home duties', was at home on the night of the census.
Frank died on 4 September 1928.
An 'In memoriam' notice was placed in the local paper in 1929 by his widow Lizzie, daughter Polly and 'grandson Leslie'; there is a registration of the birth of a Leslie GL Taylor (mother's surname Taylor) in 1925 (JFM Nottingham). No other records have yet been identified for either Polly or Leslie.
Lizzie Taylor was recorded on the 1939 England & Wales Register as the 'licenced victualler' of the Royal Oak. Also in the household was Annie Elson (b. 1869), a widow, whose occupation was given as domestic duties. Lizzie died on 16 February 1947 at 34 Cottesmore Road; the notice of her death included the information 'late Royal Oak, Carlton-road'.
Edwin Smith married Lucy Rebecca Tuckwood (b. 1891) in 1913; they had two children, Leonara (b. 1914) and Frank (b. 1920). In 1939 Sydney, a beer retailer and ARP warden Casualty Service, his wife Lucy, daughter Leonara (later Pond), a shorthand typist, and Frank, a fitter (tobacco factory), who was also in the ARP service, were living at 141 Radford Road, Nottingham. Edwin died in April 1955 (home address 141 Radford Road).
Florence Taylor married Charles Frederick Bardwell on 24 February 1914. They had three children, John (Jack) W. b. 1916, Kathleen Sadie b. 1919 and Kenneth b 1920. In 1939 Charles was innkeeper of The Running Horse public house, 16 Alfreton Road. Also in the household were his wife, a daily help, Florence M Bardwell (b. 1923), and a cook-general, Lily Robinson, who had probably responded to an advertisement for a (domestic) cook in the Evening Post in August. Charles and Florence's daughter, Kathleen, was a special duties clerk in the WAAF and stationed at RAF Hucknall, Nottingham. Her brothers were probably already serving in the Army but were taken prisoner in 1942 (see 'Extra information'). Charles Frederick died on 6 October 1939 and the licence of the public house was transferred to his widow on November 1939. Florence died in 1965.
Her sister Mabel married Fred Arnold Sleath in 1915 (reg. Grantham). They had four children whose births were registered in Grantham: Winifred birth reg. 1916 (JFM), Fred birth reg. 1917 (JFM), William b. December 1918 (reg. 1919 JFM) and Frank b. 1920 (AMJ) d. 13 December 1925. Mabel died on 13 February 1934 aged 45. In 1939 her widower was living at 1 Hyson Passage, Nottingham. Also in the household were his son William, a 'monotype carter attendant' and Alice Hutchinson (b. 1898), a barmaid. Fred Arnold died on 21 February 1951. According to a notice of his death in a local paper, his son Fred had emigrated to America. There is a record of Fred's name (birth 1 February 1917, single, nationality US) on an incoming passenger list, New York-Southampton, in September 1956; address in UK 35 Hadbury Road, Nottingham.
William Taylor enlisted in Doncaster although his home was in Nottingham.
He served initially with the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (20464 Private), but later transferred to the 9th Battalion Royal Scots (Lothian Regiment).
He was killed in action on 23 April 1917 and is buried in Level Crossing Cemetery, Fampoux, France (grave ref. I.B.75). The history of the Cemetery, which was begun in June 1917, indicates that his grave was brought in from a battlefield burial.
CWGC history of Level Crossing Cemetery (extract): the village of Fampoux is about 8km from the town of Arras. 'The village was taken by the 4th Division (passing through the 9th (Scottish) Division) on 9 April 1917. It remained close behind the Allied front line, but part of it was lost on 28 March 1918 during the German advance. The village was cleared by the 51st (Highland) Division on 26 August 1918. The cemetery was begun in June 1917 when a numbers of graves of April and May were brought in from the battlefield. It was used until March 1918 and two further burials were made in October 1918. In addition to the 9th and 51st Division, the 15th (Scottish) Division fought in the area, and over half the graves are those of soldiers of Scottish regiments.
CWGC Additional information: Son of Mr. F. Taylor, of 'Royal Oak', Carlton Rd., Nottingham.
Nottingham General Cemetery family grave, headstone inscription: 'In loving memory of Kate the beloved wife of Frank Taylor who departed this life October 20th 1906, aged 41 years. In the midst of life we are in death. Also of William Taylor, Royal Scots, the beloved son of the above, killed in action April 23rd 1917, aged 27 years. A noble life laid down. Also Frank Taylor Sleath, grandson of the above Kate Taylor who died Decr. 13th 1925 aged 5½ years. Also Mabel wife of Fred Arnold Sleath died Feby. 13th 1934 aged 45 years. Kind memories.'
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Marriages’, 24 February 1914: ‘Bardwell-Taylor. On the 24th inst. at Bulwell Church (by licence), Charles, second son of Mr and Mrs Bardwell (Trowell), to Florence, second (sic) daughter of Frank Taylor, Carlton-road (late of Denman-street).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk
Nottingham Evening Post, 'In Memoriam', 25 April 1918:
'Taylor. Killed in action, April 23rd, 1917, Private W. Taylor, Royal Scots, Royal Oak, Carlton-road, aged 27. In the bloom of life death claimed him, in the pride of his manhood days; none knew him but to love him, none mentioned his name but with praise. From his loving father, mam, and sister Polly.'
'Taylor. In affectionate remembrance of our dear brother, William Taylor, late Royal Oak, Carlton-road, killed in action April 23rd, 1917. Cherished memories. Sisters.'
Above courtesy Jim Grundy facebook pages Small Town Great War Hucknall 1914-1918.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 5&6 September 1928: ‘Taylor. On Sept. 4th, Frank, the dearly beloved husband of Lizzie, of the Royal Oak, Carlton-road, aged 65. At rest. Funeral Friday, 3.30, Church Cemetery.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘In Memoriam’, 4 September 1929: Frank Taylor. Notices from Lizzie; Polly [Mary] and grandson Leslie; Eddie and Lucy and children [Edwin & Lucy Smith]; Chis (sic) and Harry; Dolly (niece).
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 17 February 1947: ‘Taylor. On February 16th, at 34 Cottesmore-road, Lizzie, beloved wife of the late Frank Taylor, late ‘Royal Oak’, Carlton-road, and dearly beloved mother of Eddie [Edwin Smith] and Lucy, darling grandma of Nora [Leonora], Frank and Kathleen, great-grandma of Christine. Peace after much suffering aged 78. Good-night and God bless. Funeral arrangements later.’
Nottingham Evening Post, 19 February 1947. Lizzie Taylor. Notice as 17 February but with details of funeral, ‘12.45 Thursday, Church Cemetery.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 7 October 1939: ‘Bardwell. October 6th at the Runing Horse, Alfreton-road, Charles Frederick, the beloved husband of Florence, aged 55 years. Interment, Staplefor Cemetery, 3.45 Monday.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, 24 November 1939. ‘Eight Transfers in Nottingham. The following licence transfers were approved at the Nottingham Guildhall today: Alehouses: Running Horse, Alfreton-road, from Charles F Bradwell (deceased) to Florence Bardwell (widow).’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 22 January 1951: 'Sleath. January 21st. Fred, aged 62. Dad of Ida [Winifred] and Fred (America). Too tired for this world.' (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Also notice from ‘Ethel’. Notice 24 January 1951 about funeral arrangements: cremation Wilford Hill, Thursday ‘his 61st birthday. (Fred and Ida)
Nottingham Evening Post, 15 April 1955: ‘Hyson Green Motorist’s Death. Found Collapsed By Car. A man was found collapsed beside his car at Stoke Bardolph yesterday. He was taken to the Nottingham General Hospital and was found to be dead on arrival. The man was Mr Edwin Sidney (sic) Smith, 62, of 141, Radford-road, Hyson Green, Nottingham. He is believed to have been mending a puncture in the wheel of his car.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) The probate record gave the place of death as the Ferry Boat Inn, Stoke Bardolph.
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Deaths’, 16&18 April 1955: ‘Smith. Edwin S. (Eddie), 141 Radford-road. Passsed away suddenly April 14th. Funeral Tuesday, April 19th, service St Paul’s Church, Hyson Green, 11.15 am. Cremation Wilford Hill, 1200 noon. Sorrowing wife Lucy,’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Notice 18 April from children Frank and Nora [Leonora], daughter-in-law Kath, son-in-law Eric and grandchildren Christine and Michael.
WW2: 890732 W.S/Sjt Jack William Bardwell, 107 RHA and 1436110 Bdr. Kenneth Bardwell, 277/68 Heavy A.A. who were both taken prisoner in the Middle East in 1942. Their sister, Kathleen, served in the WAAF (Special Duties Clerk).
Multiple casualty lists: Jack appears to have been initially reported missing believed POW (6 June 1942), region Western Desert, then reported missing (20 June). However, a newspaper report in December 1942 said that he had been captured in the May. Kenneth was also initially reported missing (20 June), region Cyrenaica, then later reported believed POW. Both brothers then appear on POW lists at Camp 54, Italy, before being transferred to Prison Camp 4B, Muhiberge (Elbe), camp type 'STALAG'. They returned home in May 1945.
Nottingham Evening Post, 16 February 1942. Report with photographs: ‘Two Nottingham Brothers. Mrs CF Bardwell, of the Running Horse Inn, Alfreton-road, Nottingham, to-day receive a cable from her two sons, L/Sergt. Jack Bardwell and L/Bdr. Kenneth Bardwell, saying that they had met in Cairo. L/Sergt Bardwell who is 24, was one of the defenders of Tobruk, and is now enjoying a well-earned leave in Cairo. His brother went to the Middle East about 12 months ago. Mrs Bardwell’s daughter, Kathleen Sadie Bardwell, is a sergeant in the W.A.A.F. and was mentioned in the new Year Honours List for devotion and long-standing duty.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, 9 September 1942: ‘Mrs C Bardwell, of the Running Horse Inn, Alfreton-road, has been notified that her two sons, Sgt Jack W Bardell SNH, and Bdr. Kenneth Bardwell, Heavy A.A., who were reported missing in June, are prisoners of war in Italian hands.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, 17 December 1942 (extract): ‘Nottingham brothers in Italian Camp. The two sons of Mrs F Bardwell, of the Running Horse, Alfreton-road, Nottingham, Sergt. Jack Bardwell, and Bmdr. Kenneth Bardwell are prisoners of war in the same camp in Italy. Jack was captured in May, and Kenneth in June, and they were each serving in different regiments.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, 27 April 1945: Photograph of ‘Nottingham men in the Forces, who were together as prisoners in Stalag IVB, Germany, the photograph being taken last month.’ One of the prisoners was Sgt. J Bardwell.
Nottingham Evening Post, 16 May 1945: ‘Free From P.O.W. Camps: ‘Sgt J Bardwell, SNH, of the Running Horse, Alfreton-road, Nottingham, and Bdr. Kenneth Bardwell RA. Brothers, both of whom were captured in Libya in 1942, are expected home today.’ (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk)
Nottingham Evening Post, ‘Engagements’, 29 December 1945: Jack, eldest son of Mrs C Bardwell, and the late Charles Bardwell, of the Running Horse, Alfreton-road, to Billie Temple of Cromwell Street, Nottingham. (www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk) Married Radford All Saints, 20 March 1946 (NEP 21 March)
Additional research/record updated (RF, May 2026)
William Taylor
Level Crossing Cemetery, Fampoux, France (cwgc.org.uk)
Photo of William Taylor
Nottingham General Cemetery, family grave/headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (May 2026)
Photo of William Taylor
Nottingham General Cemetery, family grave/headstone. Photograph Rachel Farrand (May 2026)