Frederick Charlton - Assistant Master Somercotes Boys School 1913-1926
by Judith Fitzhugh on
Wednesday 30 January 2019
Frederick Charlton originated from Durham where he was one of ten children born to his parents, James and Elizabeth. His father was a Coal Miner in Easington. In 1901 Frederick (18) lived in Vine Cottage, Chilton, with his parents and siblings and was employed as a Board School teacher. In 1910 he married Rosemary Kathleen Hinett at Riddings Church and the couple lived in Lower Somercotes. Mr. Charlton saw service in World War 1 and survived. His wife, Rose died at the young age of 34 in 1921, leaving him widowed with two children, Bernard and Madge. Sadly, Frederick Charlton survived his wife by only five years, dying in 1926. His death was reported in the local papers as follows;
“SOMERCOTES LOSS: POPULAR SPORTING SCHOOL MASTER’S DEATH. DECEMBER 17th 1926
The sad death of Mr. Frederick Charlton of Quarry Road, Somercotes, on Friday last, cast a gloom over Somercotes District, many of his friends being quite unaware of his serious illness before the end came. For over seventeen years Mr Charlton had been assistant master at Somercotes Boys’ School, and during that time had made himself a place in the life of the district, which will indeed be hard to fill. Left a widower six years ago, Mr. Charlton leaves a son and daughter, aged 16 and 14 respectively, both of whom are being educated at Swanwick School, and to whom the sympathy of the whole neighbourhood is extended.
Born at Ferry Hill, County Durham 44 years ago, the deceased was one of an unbroken family of ten when he saw active service in the Great War, and his interest and work on behalf of the British Legion has been unabated. Much of his leisure was given up to his activities in connection with sport, but he also did much excellent work on behalf of the Teachers’ Benevolent and Orphans Fund, a project in which he was deeply interested.
Of a generous and friendly frame of mind, the late Mr. Charlton was always ready to assist in any good cause, and quite how much he has done for others will never be revealed, for he was unostentatious and kindly. He was exceedingly popular with both boys and staff at Somercotes School pain staking, thorough and willing, a competent teacher and one who enjoyed the respect of both pupils and parents. His passing is a distinct loss to the educational life of Somercotes.”
“SHEFFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH December 13TH 1926
SOMERCOTES SPORTING SCHOOL MASTER.
The internment will take place at Somercotes to-day of Mr. Fred Charlton of Somercotes, for seventeen years assistant school master at Somercotes Boys’ School. He was a well-known sportsman, Secretary of the Alfreton and District Sports Association, Secretary of Somercotes Cricket Club and Chairman of the Somercotes Football League. He will be buried at Somercotes Church. Mr Charlton caught a chill while watching the boys play in a football match and then deteriorated.”
The photograph of Somercotes Boys School Football Team shows Mr Charlton on the extreme right on the back row. Next to him is Mr Walker while the other two men are Mr Hicking, the headmaster, and Mr Naylor.