Catalogue

Interview
1067, LO/414/365
Leicester Oral History Archive Collection

Speaker: Torr, William Arthur, 1910 - , Interviewee, Male, Cobbler
Speaker: Bilton, A, Interviewer, Female

Summary of interview item: Describes family house in Wootton, Northamptonshire, father's job as lorry driver for Mex Motor Spirits, father's torture by Germans in First World War (WWI). Brief mention of poverty in Northamptonshire in 1920s. Describes work as leather sorter, violent boss, leaving before boss jailed for stealing leather. Recalls leaving good leather firm, Pearce and Co., to learn cobbling trade with grandfather in Leicester. Describes great great grandfather, first Constable of the Town and County of Nottingham, who kept wildcats; grandfather was strong Labour man. Describes business, taking over in 1932, how to repair shoes. Tells anecdotes about grandfather. Reflects on life when in Northampton, drought of 1921, father's condition [due to injury, torture in WWI]. Recalls Leicester as clean, prosperous, known as 'Queen of the Midlands' in 1930s; Wigston known as 'Holy City' due to Irish population. States that mother-in-law brought up in house once owned by George Washington's family, in Little Brington, Northamptonshire.
Place of birth:
Education: Church of England school, Wootton.
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Lorry Driver
Mother's Occupation:
Location: County: Leicestershire, Northamptonshire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester, Northampton, Wootton
Periods Covered: 1910s, 1920s, 1930s
Language: English

Recording Date: 14/9/1987
Playing time: 27 mins
Access Restrictions: Full clearance Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.