Harold Newton

Harold was the son of Francis Newton and his wife Matilda formerly Dyke, née Shingler. His mother, Matilda, was born in Hawick, Roxburgh, Scotland, on 30 July 1856, the daughter of Job and Janet (also Jeanette) Shingler. In 1871 the famiiy was living in Nottingham. Matilda married first Henry Dikes (later Dykes) b. 1856 (O/N/D Nottingham) bap. Nottingham St John 4 January 1857, the son of George and Rebekah Dikes of Martins Yard, Nottingham. She and Henry were married at Nottingham St Mary on 20 September 1875 (J/A/S Nottingham); they had at least six children who were born in Sneinton: Janet/Jeanette b. abt. 1874, William b. 1877 (A/M/J Radford), Henry b. 1878 (J/A/S Nottingham), Herbert b. 1879 (O/N/D Radford), George b. 1881 (J/A/S Nottingham) and Ann b. abt. 1883. All the children were baptised on 14 October 1883 at Sneinton St Alban. The family was living at 24 Pierrepoint Street, Sneinton, in 1881 and was still living at that address when the children were baptised in 1883. Henry Dykes probably died in 1883 (A/M/J Nottingham) aged about 28 and his widow Matilda married Francis Newton at Nottingham St Mary on 10 August 1885 (J/A/S Nottingham). Francis and Matilda had at least five children: Flora/Florrie b. 1885 (O/N/D Nottingham, Matilda b. 1887 (A/M/J Nottingham), Harold probably b. 1891 (J/A/S Basford), Gertrude/Gertie birth registered 1893 (J/F/M Nottingham) bap. 15 September 1893 Nottingham St Mary and Francis b. abt. 1896. In 1891 Francis, a framework knitter, and Matilda, a hosiery mender, were living at 4 Gibraltar Place, Nottingham. In the home were four of Matilda's children by her first marriage - Henry (12), Herbert (11), George (9) and Ann (8) - and Francis and Matilda's two daughters, Flora (5) and Matilda (3). By 1901 Francis, a bricklayer's labourer, and Matilda, a lace clipper working from home, were living at 36 White Street, Nottingham, with their five children: Florrie (16) and Matilda (14) who were both lace clippers, Harold (10), Gertie (8) and Francis (5). By 1911 Francis ('France' on the census return), a labourer, and Matilda, who was still working from home as a lace hand, were living at 6 Needle Row, Milk Street, Nottingham. Either Francis or Matilda had completed the census return and had entered on the form that they had been married for 26 years and had had one child. They included the names of two sons who were also in the home: France (sic ie. Francis) Newton (16), who was out of work, and France (sic) Dykes (6) who was at school part-time. The latter was probably Frank Dykes b. 21 April 1905 (A/M/J Nottingham) and therefore likely to be Matilda's grandson. Harold had already joined the army and in 1911 at the age of 21 was serving in China/Hong Kong with the 1st Bn King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry. At the time of Harold's death his parents were living at 18 Hawksworth Street, Clarence Street, Carlton Road, Nottingham. Francis Newton probably died in 1916 (J/F/M Nottingham) and Matilda in 1921 (J/A/S Nottingham). Harold's half-brother, George Dykes, also served. He attested on 13 January 1916 (29557 Lincolnshire Regiment, Labour Coy) giving his next of kin as his mother, Matilda Newton, of 18 Hawkesworth Street, Nottingham. He was demobilised in January 1919 to 5 Goodall's Yard, Leenside, Nottingham. Herbert Dykes may also have served, being discharged from the army in June 1919.

No Photos