Christopher William Blades – 3 Wellington Lane

Christopher William was born in 1896 and in 1911 lived at 3 Wellington Lane, a narrow passageway between High Street and Broad Street. He may have lived here all his life but certainly the family were dwelling there by 1900. His father, William Blades, was a chimney sweep working on his own account but he died in 1907.

In 1911 Christopher’s mother, Mary Ann, was a 43 year old widow still living with her 5 surviving children (2 had died) at 3 Wellington Lane. She was working as a laundress, and Lillian aged 15 years was a nursemaid. There were 3 younger girls – Evelyn Mary 11 years and Dora 9 years at school and Winifred 4 years at home.

Christopher aged 14 years, was an apprentice moulder at an iron merchant’s business.

In January 1914, Christopher’s mother re-married. Her new husband was Barnabus Worley and they continued to live at 3 Wellington Lane.

Initially Christopher joined the Lincolnshire Regiment but was transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. By 1917 he had been promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal when, aged 19 years, he was killed in action on 4th May during the Battle of Arras.

He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial, Stamford’s Town Memorial and Street John’s Memorial.

Arras Memorial