Mr. Eli Wright, who died on Thursday at the age of 97, was Rushden’s oldest inhabitant. He leaves three sons, two daughters, 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

A native of Dean, he came to Rushden with his five brothers about 75 years ago.

Until a few days before his death Mr. Wright was able to go out for walks. He had lived at 46 Harborough Road, with his daughter, Mrs. Fred Robinson since losing his wife 20 years ago.