Ernest and Bertha Kenyon

Research by Marjorie Gregson

Donors of an Italian Marble Figural Group

Ernest Kenyon was born in 1877 in Dukinfield, Ashton under Lyne, Cheshire, to George, a rope manufacturer, and his wife, Elizabeth. His grandfather, William, had founded William Kenyon and Sons Limited, Rope Manufacturers in 1866.

Bertha Stringer was born in 1873 in Ashton under Lyne to Edward Stringer and his wife Anne, nee Wych. Her father was a headteacher at a primary school and Bertha herself became qualified as a teacher. Ernest and Bertha were married in 1904 in Ashton and their son, Frank, was born in 1906.

The 1911 census describes Ernest as a “rope and twine maker.” At this time they were living in Preston.

Ernest came from a well-known Liberal family and he became Chairman of Preston Liberals. He was a Member of the Executive National Council of the Liberal Party and also Hon. Treasurer of Blackpool Parliamentary Borough Liberal Association.

In 1921 he was part of Preston’s Mayoral Party which visited the devastated regions of France and Belgium, in particular the town of La Bassee. This was a town “adopted” by Preston in order to help it rebuild after the war. A civic reception was held for them.

Ernest moved to the Fylde, living at 97 St Annes Road East, and became a councillor representing Heyhouses Ward. He was also a JP and in 1950-1951 was Mayor of Lytham St Annes. On Saturday 15 July 1950, as Mayor, he opened the 30th exhibition of work by members of the Lytham St Annes Art Society, mentioning his 'visits to continental galleries'
during his address. Bertha died in 1939, aged 66, whilst still residing at the above address.

The following year Ernest married Gertrude Bassil. He died in 1962. His last address was 225 Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Annes.

King Edward VII School Boy Scouts march past the
Mayor & Mayoress (Coun E Kenyon JP & Mrs Kenyon).
Mrs P Langton Birley CBE, JP took the salute.

REFERENCES

www.findmypast.co.uk- censuses, newspapers and periodicals
www.freebmd.org.uk
www.amounderness.co.uk
www.lancashirebmd.org.uk
https://probatesearch.service.gov.uk
Lytham Times and St Annes on the Sea Gazette