Charles Henry Brown
Mayor of Oxford 1932/3
Charles Henry Brown (1858–1946) was born at Finchley in London. His parents were George Brown, a Farm Bailiff born at Beddingham in Norfolk, and Sarah, born at Chediston in Suffolk.
Brown' parents had evidently moved around, as their daughter Katherine was born in Suffolk in 1852; Charles himself was then born in London in 1858; and his younger siblings Herbert, Walter, and Arthur were born respectiviely in Berkhampstead, Hertfordshire in 1859, Alvenham, Hertfordshire in 1863, and Edgeware, Middlesex in 1866. His baby brother, Frank Donald, was born in Cassington early in 1871.
Charles attended the Bluecoat School at Cassington, and his first job was with a wheelwright at Enstone, working from 6am to 8pm. He was then apprenticed to a harness-maker at Bicester for five years. His wife Mary was born in Bicester, and he probably met her there. He went on to work at Eynsham, then in London: his eldest son George was born at Bethnel Green in 1880, and second son, Charles, at Shoreditch in 1882.
After a period as a journeyman at Faringdon in Oxfordshire, Brown moved to the city of Oxford, where he set up his own business. The 1891 census shows him described as saddler and harness-maker at the age of 32 living at 20 Albert Street, Jericho with his wife and four children: George H. (10), Charles (8), Sarah (5), Hilda (3), and Arthur (1). Kelly’s Directory for 1891 lists him thus: "Brown Charles Henry, 12 St Aldate’s st & 20 Albert st, Jericho, Oxford".
By 1901, the family had moved to 13 St Aldate’s. Still living at home were Sarah (15 and now a dressmaker), Hilda (13), Arthur (11), and three more children: Edith (5), Elsie (3), and Frank (18 days).
Brown came on to the City Council as the Liberal representative for the South Ward in 1916. He was elected Sheriff of Oxford in 1923, an Alderman in 1930, and Mayor in 1932. He took an interest in the launching of the Hinksey swimming pools and the allotment movement. He was a Governor of the Radcliffe Infirmary, and a Member of the Board of Guardians (and later of the Public Assistance Committee).
By this time Brown had moved his business to Oxford’s indoor market: Kelly’s Directory for 1935 lists "Brown C.H. & Son, saddlers, Market bldgs, Market st".
Brown was for many years a sidesman at St Aldate’s Church, and was also a member of the Diocesan Guild of Bell Ringers. He was an honorary member of Hannington Rowing Club. He belonged to the Sons of Temperance Friendly Society, and was an Honorary Member of the Ancient Order of Foresters and Manchester Unity of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of Britons, and the Buffaloes. He was also a member of the Alfred Lodge of Freemasons.
Brown retired to 45 St John Street. He resigned from the council in 1941, and died at the age of 88 on 24 August 1946. His funeral was at St Aldate’s Church on 27 August, and was attended by his sons George H. Brown, Charles H. W. Brown, and Arthur W. Brown, and his daughters Miss E. M. Brown, Mrs E. Mills, and Miss H. L. Brown. He was buried at Wolvercote Cemetery.
See also:
- Oxford Monthly, July 1933, pp. 26–7
- Oxford Monthly, November 1933, p. 27
- Oxford Times, 30 August 1946, p. 8c (obituary)
- 1871 Census: Oxford (Cassington), 1448/30
- 1891 Census: Oxford (St Thomas 6), 1169/120
- 1901 Census: Oxford (St Aldate), 1384/27