Friends of Hastings Cemetery

Thomas Elworthy was born in Southwark in 1825, his father being an architect and surveyor.  His principal education he received at Maryon's Grammar School, Bermondsey.  He was not quite thirteen years old when he was put into a situation, where his chief duty was the taking of warrants from merchants clearing goods out of bond at docks, and seeing that such goods were properly delivered, his employer being Wharfingers in Tooley-street.  Here he stayed about twelve months.  He liked the work ;it brought him into the timber trade, and gave him a special knowledge of foreign timber and methods of measurement, which served him to good purpose in after life.

It was about the year 1849 that he first came to Hastings, he sought while here to get something to do.  As a stranger he had some difficulty in securing employment, but after a time he was taken on by Matthew Scott, who erected a part of Carlisle-parade.

Subsequently he kept the books and superintended the work of Messrs. Winter and Son, of White Bock-place, who erected a portion of Robertson - terrace.  Afterwards he was employed by Mr. Hughes, father of the present Mr. Charles Hughes, of St. Leonards.  In 1860 he opened an office in North-street, went from there into Norman-road, and thence, about a quarter of a century ago, to 101, London-road, where he has been ever since professionally located.

Hastings News 1 february 1850
ELWORTHY Thomas. Marriage. On January 29th at St Leonards Church, by the Revd G D St Quintin. To Miss Louisa Fisher Phipps, of St Leonards.

Thomas Elworthy was an accountant in 1851, an engraver in 1861 and an architect by 1871. He practised in Hastings, where he was a town councillor and alderman. He was joined in Elworthy & Son with his son Henri Cornelius, was also an FRIA

 

Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 05 February 1870
A very interesting meeting, being the annual meeting of the St Leonards Band of Hope was held on Tuesday evening, in the London-road Congregational Lecture Hall.  The occasion was the more noteworthy from the fact that Mr. Elworthy, the energetic superintendent, was there presented with a handsome drawing-room clock. The presentation was made by a deputation of boys.

Hastings & St. Leonards Advertiser - Thursday 21 April 1870 – Bazaar
...Six stalls had been fitted up in the room, according to a design b{ Mr. Thomas Elworthy, who invariably renders valuable service to any cause he espouses …

Hastings and St Leonards Observer - Saturday 27 October 1900
IN MEMORIAM. THOMAS ELWORTHY. (October 28th, 1898.)
 The late Alderman Thomas Elworthy was one of the most prominent figures in local Municipal life. He was well known as a leading architect of the town. Many public buildings were erected under his supervision, and their plans prepared in his office. The School Board often gave him important commissions.

He first entered the Council in 1891, having been successful in the St. Mary Magdalen Ward contest against Mr. William Slade, jun.  When the enlargement of the Borough and Council took place stood for St. Peter's, and was again returned.    He is generally admitted to have been one of the most independent members which the Council has ever possessed.

His skill and efforts on the Water Committee resulted in most signally settling the difficult question of water-supply.  It was mainly owing to him that the Brede Valley scheme was undertaken, with what great measure of success we now know.  Unfortunately, he who may be called the originator of the idea did not live to see beneficial results of his labours.

Another lasting monument to his work is the development of the Filsham Estate, which was commenced in the days of Mr. Wast Brisco.

Alderman Elworthy was a great upholder of temperance principles, himself being a total abstainer.  He was a Congregationalist, and enthusiastic Sunday school teacher.  The old St. Leonards Mechanics' Institute has reason to remember him as most useful member.  He died at the age of 73 years, deeply regretted.

See also Hastings and St Leonards Observer, Saturday 17 November 1894
LOCAL PEN PORTRAITS. SECOND SERIES.—No. XXII. MR. COUNCILLOR ELWORTHY.

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