An interesting link with the past, Mrs Mary Ann Clayton, aged 86, passed away on Friday last at the home of her daughter, 17, Duck-street. Deceased’s husband, Mr James Clayton, died in January 1914. Mrs Clayton, formerly a Miss Wilmott, was born in Rushden and lived here most of her life. She attended the first day-school that was started and remembered the “Penny Readings” to which we referred recently. The Round House that stood near the site of the War Memorial was also well remembered by Mrs Clayton. She often spoke of an old resident who, for unwise indulgence in the habit of inebriation, would be locked up in the Round House. The next day the sober and sorrowful prisoner would peer through the iron grating only to be met with the laughter of boys, who would invite him to come out! I do want to come out,” he would say, “but I cannot.” The only real roads or streets in Rushden in those days were High-street, Duck-street (where Mrs Clayton used to live), and Little-street. The old Tollgates were well remembered to be in use by Mrs Clayton. The brief period which she spent at school was followed by her entry to a lace-making school to learn to earn her own living. Perhaps the most interesting feature in the life of the deceased was that of her marriage. The Rev G E Downe was then (in 1859) Rector of Rushden, and for the debts incurred by his wife and daughter he suffered (under the old law) the indignity of imprisonment in the week-time, being allowed out on Sundays, until noon on Mondays, to conduct services. The young couple were to be married on a Monday morning, and the midday hour was getting near before they arrived late at St Mary’s Church. They found Mr Downe pacing to and fro, impatient lest the wedding ceremony should prevent him getting to prison by noon! By good luck the ceremony did not take too long. These and many other unusual experiences were often recalled by Mrs Clayton. In fact, to find information of certain old incidents and personalities Mrs Clayton was frequently asked to recall all she knew of the facts. It is thus very natural that a lady with such interesting recollections should be much missed.

The Funeral

took place on Tuesday, the Rev C J Keeler officiating. The arrangements were made by Mr T Swindall. The mourners were Mr A Clayton (son), Miss M and Miss N Clayton (daughters), Mr W Lack (son-in-law), Mrs A Clayton (daughter-in-law), Mr J Wilmott (brother), Mrs E Clayton (daughter-in-law), Mr and Mrs A Wilmott (brother and sister-in-law), Mr W H Darnell (brother-in-law) Mrs Caswell (niece), Mr T Wilmott (nephew), Mrs H Clayton (niece), Miss Frances Clayton, Mrs Grohman, Miss Hilda Lack (grandchildren), Miss Cowley and Mrs M Wright. Owing to illness, Mr and Mrs Stanton (son-in-law and daughter), Mr E Clayton (son), and Mrs W Lack (daughter) were unable to attend.

[a list of wreaths follows]