Some families of Westwood Heath crop up frequently in our research, often associated with the area for generations. The Lenton family is just one example of this.
Charles Lenton was born, married and died in Westwood Heath and it appears he lived most of his life here. Born on September 15, 1872 to Elizabeth and Henry - a gardener - he was baptised at St John’s Church, Westwood. Elizabeth and Henry had a large family: the 1881 Census shows them living at Kirby Corner with their seven children. Henry Lenton is listed as Parish Clerk of Canley in the Kelly’s Trade Directory of 1896. By 1891, the family still reside at Kirby Corner, but the household must be much quieter, as Charles is the only child living at home, aged 18 and working as a gardener.
Charles married Sarah Annie Buss on February 25, 1895 at St John’s, Westwood. The couple made their home in Westwood Heath. They welcomed three daughters: Elsie born in 1896, Alice in 1898 and Doris in 1901. All the girls were baptised at Westwood Church. Both Charles and his father, Henry, are listed as florists and market gardeners in the Kelly’s Trade Directory of 1896.
Fortunes have taken something of a turn in 1911, as the family are now at 66, Poplar Road, Earlsdon, with Charles working as a milkman. However, by 1921 they have returned to Kirby Corner; Charles’ occupation is market gardener. The girls are now in their twenties; two are working as blouse machinists and the youngest is her father’s assistant.
The final glimpse of the family is in the 1939 Register, living at “Little Holme”, Kirby Corner. Charles, now aged 66, is engaged as the church verger and sexton; this is apt given the central role St John’s has played in the Lenton family’s life events. He and Sarah are living with daughter, Alice and her husband, a plumber – named Frank Drane!
In the St John’s Church centenary booklet, the Lenton family is mentioned as having been closely associated with the church since its opening in 1844.
Charles Lenton died on March 20, 1958 aged 85. His funeral service took place at St John’s with following cremation at Canley.
If you have any further information about the Lenton family or their home please get in touch. As always, if you have any old photos of the area or memories you would like to share, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please email: westwoodheathhistory@gmail.com
Ian Harrop: The Electoral Register has Charles living with Sarah, Alice and Frank up until 1948 when Alice and Frank move out. Charles and Sarah continue to live at Littleholme until 1958 when the house becomes empty. Sarah then goes to live with Frank and Alice in one of the houses close to the church until 1964.
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