Richard James Spiers, Mayor of Oxford

Richard James Spiers

Mayor of Oxford 1853/4

Richard James Spiers (1806–1877) was the eldest son of Richard Spiers and Catherine Sirman, who had married at St Peter-le-Bailey Church in Oxford on 17 September 1805. His father was already described as a hairdresser and perfumer of High Street, Oxford at the time of his marriage.

Richard junior was born on 16 June 1806 and baptised at St Mary the Virgin Church two days later. His three younger siblings were also baptised there: Ann (b. 1 September 1807, later (1) Mrs Samuel Patey and (2) Mrs Richard Mallam), James (b. 15 April 1809), and Catherine Sirman Spiers (b. 16 April 1811, later (1) Mrs Edward Standen and (2) Mrs John Wilkins).

Spiers shop at 102 High Street

The Spiers family shop (above) was at 102 High Street. By 1835 it was described in directories as a stationery and fancy-goods shop, and later as a china and glass warehouse. The above picture was drawn by Cuthbert Bede for his book The Adventures of Mr Verdant Green, published in 1853. Verdant is taken in by the joke that Wordsworth wrote "Oh ye Spires of Oxford" in praise of the shop, which shows how the name Spiers was pronounced. Mr Green ended up buying the following "remembrances of Oxford": a fire-screen to be prepared with the family coat of arms for his father; another with a view of the High for his aunt; a netting-box, card-case, and a model of the Martyrs' Memorial for his three sisters; and a paper-knife for himself.

On 13 July 1837 Spiers, then a bachelor of 31, married Elizabeth Phené Joy, aged 19 (the daughter of the late Thomas Joy, a tailor) at Holywell Church. The couple baptised two children at the Church of St Mary the Virgin: Richard Phené Spiers (born on 19 May and baptised on 17 June 1838) and Samuel Patey Spiers (born on 27 March and baptised on 26 April 1840).

At the time of the 1841 census the family was living in St John Street with two servants, and Spiers is described as a perfumier. His third child, Frank Edward, was born in St John Street and was baptised at St Giles' Church on 1 September 1841. Meanwhile in the 1841 and 1851 censuses Spiers’s father and mother can be found in retirement at Iffley. Richard senior, who is described in the latter census as a "landed proprietor", had himself been on the council from 1838 to 1847, and died at the age of 79 on 6 January 1856.

14 St Giles Street

Richard junior and his wife moved to 14 St Giles' Street (left) in about 1842, and the family was to live there for over thirty years. They had six more children in the next seven years: Elizabeth Joy (baptised at St Giles' Church on 9 August 1843), Charlotte Horn (6 January 1845), Alice Jane Mary (15 April 1846), Agnes Ellen (7 June 1847), Walter Lewis (1 October 1848), and Florence Ellen Pigott Spiers (8 November 1850). The 1851 census shows all except the oldest boys (who were probably away at school) living in St Giles, looked after by three servants. Four more were baptised in the next five years, bringing the total to twelve: Agnes Decima (29 October 1851), Arthur Hood (25 September 1853), Ernest George (15 September 1854), and Hubert William (12 November 1856).

Spiers became Mayor in November 1853, and near the end of his year of office was made an Alderman. The above picture taken from the Illustrated London News of 1 July 1854 shows Spiers and his wife presiding over a banquet in the old Town Hall. The text in the newspaper reads:

Renowned as the city of Oxford has ever been for its hospitality, and for the liberal spirit which has characterised those who have filled the office of Chief Magistrate, it has been the particular study of the present Mayor (R.J. Spiers, Esq.) to please his native city in a still prouder position in those respects. On Tuesday, the 22nd ult., a banquet was given at the town hall, which, in point of elegance and splendour, far surpassed the ordinary style of corporation entertainments. On this occasion, in addition to his corporate friends and fellow-citizens, the Mayor had invited the leading members of the University and county gentry — including Sir H. Peyton, Bart.; the High Sheriff; the Right Hon. J.W. Henley, M.P., Mr J.H. Langston, M.P.; the Right Hon. E. Cardwell, M.P.; Mr G. Harcourt, M.P., &c….

The Reception by the Mayor and Mayoress in the Town-hall on Thursday evening was brilliantly attended. The invitations were extended to 1000. The object of this gathering was to bring again together the most distinguished members of the University, the county gentry, and the citizens, and to place before their notice works of art, rare literary works, and other objects calculated to gratify intelligent curiosity, and afford intellectual enjoyment. In this object the Mayor and Mayoress most eminently succeeded.

The town-hall presented a most brilliant appearance, for around its walls were hung some of the choicest works of Millais, Hunt, Collins, Ansdell, Allom, Prout, D. Cox, and others illustrious in art; while on stands in many parts of the room were ranged a collection of water colour drawings, by some of the most distinguished artists of the present day. In the various recesses and in the centre of the room were models of the most finished pieces of sculpture, by Calder Marshall, Macdowall, and others, imparting a degree of grace and beauty to the scene which could not be surpassed.

Soon after eight o'clock the company began to assemble. The list of guests included many of the most distinguished names in literature, science, and art. As they arrived they were introduced by Stewards to the Mayor, who then introduced them to the Mayoress, and she, as well as the Mayor, gave to each a cordial welcome. About ten o'clock the whole of the company had arrived, and, notwithstanding that upwards of 1000 persons were congregated together, there was an entire absence of confusion and pressure, owing to the excellent arrangements laid down and the admirable manner in which they were carried out by the Stewards, who undertook, as a labour of love, the duties which were assigned to them….

The Town-hall-yard was covered with a spacious tent, in which refreshments were dispensed. The Public Library was crowded during the night with parties examining the beautifully illustrated works, lent for the occasion by the Architectural Society, other public bodies, and private individuals….

By 1861 Spiers’s wife Catherine had died. In that year his shop expanded to include 103 High Street, and in the census he is described as a "China & Glass Merchant, Fancy Manufacturer, Stationer & Perfumier & Alderman & Magistrate". His second son, Samuel (now 21) is described as "Assistant and superintendent of my business". By 1871 Samuel (31) managed the stationery side while younger brother Frank (29) was in charge of the china. Both sons were unmarried and living at home, with their sisters Elizabeth (27) and Florence (20) managing the house with two servants.

In 1875 Spiers moved from St Giles' Street, taking a lease on 9 Blackhall Road. He died in his new house two years later, at the age of 71, and was buried at St Giles' Church on 2 October 1877.

Spiers & Son closed in 1890, and the next year Spiers’s eldest son and manager, Samuel Patey Spiers, died in Bournemouth at the age of 61, and was buried at St Giles' Church on 2 December 1891.