Rushden Research Group: Dr Crew

Doctor Crew

Doctor John Crew (born 1836 Tetbury GLS) came to Higham Ferrers about 1870 as a single man.

In the summer of the following year he married Agnes Dixon Frodsham (born 1845 Clapton LND) in London. They had 4 sons, Edward John 1875, Cecil 1877, Frederick Denys, Henry 1880 and a daughter Gwendoline 1883, and lived at the Manor House.

The boys attended the Grammar School, and Frederick Denys and Edward John followed their father into the medical profession.

Mr Wm Layram - coachman

Manor House

In 1881 Charles Smith was his dispensing assistant.

In 1871 he was elected Mayor of the Borough. He had been elected 8 times in 15 years up to 1886.

In 1900 the Rushden and Higham Ferrers St John Ambulance Brigades met in Dr Crew's garden, for a combined practice.

Rushden Echo, 13th September 1907, transcribed by Kay Collins

Dr Crew’s Resignation
Considerable regret was expressed at the meeting of the Wellingborough Board of Guardians on Wednesday upon receipt of a letter from Dr John Crew, resigning his position as Medical Officer for Higham Ferrers district of Wellingborough Union.
In this letter the doctor refers to the pleasant relations that existed between the Guardians and himself. Mr Spong said that Dr Crew had carried out the duties of the office in the interest both of the poor and of the ratepayers. The Clerk said the officer’s pension would have to be fixed on a basis of 34½ years service.
Dr Crew had done medical service in the Oundle and Thrapston District before he came under the Board. On the motion of Mr Palmer, a committee, consisting of Guardians from the parishes in the doctor’s district, was appointed to consider the question of filling the vacancy, and also of dividing the district.

After closure of the old grammar school, the building was bought in 1911 by Dr Crew and presented to the benefice for the use of the Vicars of Higham.

On16th June 1913 John died aged 76 and was buried in Higham Ferrers churchyard 4 days later.

In 1914 a sale was ordered by the Executors of Dr Crew of 14 houses in Spring Gardens.

Note: At NRO in the Simpson & Mason catalogue, there is a rents book for properties,
but not locations, rented out by Dr Crew 1911-1914 (not studied) Ref: Acc 1948/172, box 943

Dr F Denys Crew

In 1910 - Dr F Denys Crew was the Medical Officer of Health for the Borough.

Church Gift

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