Rushden Research Group: William Edward Lockie 1890

William Edward Lockie

born 1890 died 1965

William Lockie seated front left played double bass and cello

William Lawrence Lockie and Emma (nee Ellwood) came to Rushden in 1890. They had a son William Edward Lockie born in 1890 and a second son, John Harold born in 1899.

The family first lived in Pemberton Street, but moved to 11 Grove Road before 1901. About 1903 they moved again to No. 8 Ebenezer Terrace. A workshop was behind the house.



Outside No 8 c1910	Sign and William


William Lawrence Lockie with his double bass	William Edward Lockie c1908 taken by Sam Powell

William senior often played the double bass, and William Edward played the cello, but they could both play either instrument. They played with the Rushden String Band. In 1901 William senior played for a Japanese Carnival at Higham Ferrers, and was also playing with the 'Patriotic Orchestra'.

William Edward Lockie studied Machine Construction and Drawing and gained a Second Class in Stage I in 1908 and a First Class Stage I certificate in 1909.

William E Lockie's certificate 1908

Regimental Badge

'Ted' enlisted in WWI and became a Petty Officer, and then was posted to the Armoured Car Section of the Royal Naval Air Service.

RushdenEcho, 20th November, 1914

Motor Driving - Some Rushden Recruits

Mr Ted Lockie, Mr Charles Ette, Mr Ernest Catlin, and Mr P Scott (Rushden) have joined the forces. Each has to qualify in motor driving in order to be able to use a motor cycle and side car bearing a Maxim gun. The pay is at the rate of £3 a week.

More of his War Service

On several occasions he wrote of his experiences to the local newspaper, the Rushden Echo, who published them.

William Edward 'Ted' senior married Doris (nee Ette, daughter of Joseph) in 1915 in Fulham. They had two children, Lawrence Edward 'Ted' junior in 1919 and Marion in 1923.

Note: Joseph Ette was first cousin to Charles Ette, baker of 8 Ebenezer Terrace. Joseph's parents were John and Anne, and Charles's James and Mary Ann. John and James were brothers with a 20 year difference in their age. Charles Ette junior joined up with Wm Edw Lockie in 1914, and he served in the Royal Flying Corps.


1920 William Edward Lockie with his wife Doris and son Lawrence Edward 'Ted junior'	Doris in the 1920s - found with a bundle of postcards sent from Russia.

After WWI 'Ted' built a bungalow in Robinson Road where the family lived, and he also had a workshop there. A workshop at 6 Fitzwilliam Street was also being used in the business, from 1947, but the house was converted into flats that were rented out. Doris died in 1954 aged 61. In 1956 he passed the business to his son, Lawrence Edward (Ted).

Lawrence Edward 'Ted' Lockie was born in 1919. He joined his father in the business and also trained as a Drawing and Design Engineer and in 1935 gained a Grade 1 First Class certificate. He began working alongside his father and grandfather. In 1944 his grandfather died.


1935 certificate	1940 Ministry of Labour Letter

In 1940 his father received a letter confirming his son was to return to the business from his National Service, but was to return if required for war service. Their work was considered essential in keeping the boot and shoe trade supported. Ted junior took over the running of the business in 1956.

Doris Mary Lockie died in 1953, and Wm Edw Lockie died in 1965.

It was a Lanchester Saloon like this that his Ted junior was restoring at the time of his death.

Marion Lockie married John Weaver of Higham Ferrers, and they had two children. These children inherited Ted's estate in 1997, and so a sale was held in 1998, when Derek Savory bought a bundle of photographs taken in Russia in 1916/17.

William L Lockie obituary 1944

'Ted Lockie' junior died in 1997, following a tragic accident.