The Wilson Family (William & Henrietta) |
The Wilson name has been a familiar one on British fairground for more than 150 years. The following attempts to piece together some of the history of William and Henrietta who began travelling as early as the 1850s. See also JamesWilson's Family History |
| 1849 Henrietta Saunders (1831-1905) and William Wilson (1829-1893) married at the Parish Church, Millbrook, Southampton in 1849. Their children included: Thomas born 1850:
married Eliza Burrell (Eliza married Thomas Clarke after Thomas died).
Children included William, Frank and Maud
(married John Chipperfield).
Ellen, born 1852
Frederick born 1853: married Martha Southall. Children included: Fred, Arthur, Lily, Henrietta, Minnie and William. Arthur married Phillis Duffy (Duffy's Circus) and ran his own circus in Ireland for a number of years Alfred born 1856 Emily born 1857: married photographer George Harrison Minnie born 1859: married showman Charles Bailey Frank born 1863: the "Great Lorenzo": married Ellen Sedgewick (daughter of menagerie proprietor William Sedgewick) then Caroline Matthews. Children included: Emily (married showman Jack Barron of Great Yarmouth), Daisy, William and Reuben. Arthur born 1866: married Florence James. Children included Nellie, Henrietta, Minnie and Lily William born 1871: married Louisa Purchase. Children: Louise and Eileen Henrietta Wilson born 1874: married John Cooper Lily born 1874: married showman James Edwards (Note: This Wilson family doesn't appear to be related to William Wilson, the circus proprietor or to Frank (Pudding) Wilson, the Lancashire (Preston) showman.) |
| 1861 Census, Caravan, Market Place, Great Yarmouth Fair, Norfolk, 1861 William Wilson, head, 33, Canterbury, showman Henrietta Wilson, wife, 29, Spaxton, Somerset Thomas Wilson, son, 12, Steeple Ashton, Wiltshire Ellen Wilson, daughter, 10, Christchurch, Hampshire Frederick Wilson, son, 8, Hampton Emily Wilson, daughter, 4, Southampton William Wilson, 6 weeks, Haddington, Berkshire |
| 1871 Census: Caravan, Burrough Hills, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, 1871 William Wilson, 42, Caistor, head, travelling photographer Henrietta Wilson, wife, 39, Spaxton Thomas Wilson, 21, son, Steeple Ashton Ellen Wilson, 19, daughter, Christchurch Fred Wilson, 17, son, Cirencester Emily Wilson, 14, daughter, Southampton Arthur Wilson, 5, son, Loughborough William Wilson, 3 months, son, Barston Minnie Wilson, 2, daughter, Banbury Antonio Richards, 33, unmarried, servant, Italy, labourer |
| 1881 Show Vans, Blue Lion Yard, Grantham, Lincoln, 1881 William Wilson, 52, head, Canterbury, Kent, photographer Henrietta Wilson, 48, Spaxton, Somerset, wife Ellen Wilson, 29, Christchurch, Hampshire, daughter, rifle gallery Frank Wilson, 18, Newcastle, Stafford, son, assistant photographer Arthur Wilson, 15, Loughboro, Leicestershire, son, assistant photographer Minnie Wilson, 12, Banbury, Oxford, daughter, scholar William Wilson, 10, Barston, Staffordshire, son, scholar Henrietta Wilson, 7, Sheffield, Yorkshire, daughter, scholar Lily Wilson, 7, Sheffield, Yorkshire, daughter, scholar George Harrison, head, 29, Belper, Derby, photographer (son-in-law) Emily Harrison, 24, wife, Southampton, Hampshire (daughter) William Harrison, 4, son, Manchester, Lancashire (frandson) Caravans, Mile End Old Town, London, Middlesex, 1881 Frederick Wilson, 27, Cirencester, Gloucester, head, Showman Martha Wilson, 26, Donnington, Shropshire, wife Fredrick Wilson, 4, Carlisle, son Arthur Wilson, 2, Manchester, son Lilly Wilson, 1, Watlington, Oxford, daughter |
| 1886 London: Frank Willison married Ellen Sedgwick and started travelling with Sedgwick's Menagerie as "Lorenzo" the lion tamer. 1887 Abingdon and Reading: William Wilson: roundabout proprietor (Abingdon and Reading Herald, 22 October 1887) 1889 St. Giles Fair, Oxford: "Sidgwick's menagerie and waxworks (including Lorenzo, an American lion tamer)" (Oxford Chronicle, 24 September 1889) |
| 1891 Caravans, Vacant Land, 27 Church Street, West Ham All Saints, Essex, 1891 William Wilson, 61, Kent, Canterbury, swings and roundabout proprietor Henrietta Wilson, 59, Somerset, Spaxton Minnie Wilson, 22, daughter, Oxford, Banbury William Wilson, 20, son, Stafford, Burslem Henrietta Wilson, 17, daughter, Yorkshire, Sheffield Lilly Wilson, 14, daughter, Yorkshire, Sheffield Frederick Wilson, head, 37, Cirencester, swings and roundabout proprietor Martha Wilson, wife, 37, Dunnington Arthur Wilson, son, 12, scholar, Manchester Lilly Wilson, 11, Berkshire, Wallington Henrietta Wilson, 7, Scotland, Stanraer Minnie Wilson, 5, Scotland, Dundee William Wilson, 2, Scotland, Edinburgh Frank Wilson was at St. Helen's, Lancashire with Sedgwicks. |
| 1893 February: William Wilson (sr) died at his caravan in Snowfield, Southwark, London. Henrietta continued to travel their fairground interests. Deaths: Wilson – On Thursday last, William Wilson, roundabout proprietor, of Belper, aged sixty four years; cause of death, pneumonia. Will be interred at Manor-park Cemetery, on Wednesday, February 8th. Deeply mourned by his beloved wife and family, who were all present at his death. (The Era, Feb 4, 1893) |
| 1895 St. Giles Fair, Oxford: "Probably the earliest traction engines to appear here were those belonging to Francis Bailey, a Burrell and a Fowler, both new in 1894. The following year saw the coming of the famous S.C.C. Burrell's "Empress of India", with Mrs. H. Wilson's Gallopers." (Merry Go Round: Vol VI, No. 6, August, 1949) "Empress of India", Burrell #1887: Mrs. Henrietta Wilson: William Wilson (to 1935) (Merry Go Round) Abingdon: William Wilson, roundabout proprietor (Abingdon Herald, 26 October 1895) |
| 1897 Banbury Mop: Mrs. H. Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) 1898 St. Giles Fair, Oxford: Mrs. H. Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) 1899 Wanstead Flats Easter: Wilson’s Switchback (Merry Go Round) Banbury: Mrs. H. Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) 1900 St Giles Fair, Oxford: Mrs. H. Wilson's four-abreast (Merry Go Round) |
| 1901 Deptford High Street Winter Fair: London: Mrs. H. Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) Banbury: Mrs. H. Wilson (Merry Go Round) St. Giles Fair, Oxford: Mrs. Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) Hampstead Heath May Fair: Wilson’s cinematograph show (Fairground Strollers and Showfolk) Census: April: Henrietta Wilson and son William were at Deptford, Kent: Exhibition Proprietors. Frank Wilson was with Sedgwick's at the Market Ground, Pendlebury, Eccles, Lancashire and Fred and Martha were in Glasglow: Old Barracks Grunds, Gallowgate, Glasgow, 1901 Frederick Wilson Senr., head, 47, England, amusement caterer Martha Wilson, wife, 47, Lily Wilson, daughter, 21 Henrietta Wilson, daughter, 17, Wigtownshire, Straeraer Minnie Wilson, daughter, 15, Forfar, Dundee William Wilson, son, 10, Edinboro Martha Wilson, daughter, 9 Mabel Wilson, daughter, 4 Rosanna Stokes, servant, 21, England Frederick Wilson, Jr., head, 24, England, amusement caterer Henrietta Wilson, wife, 25, Martha Bradley, visitor, 22, England |
| 1902 Reading Fair: Wilson’s Gallopers (Fairground Strollers and Showfolk) "Henrietta Wilson’s roundabout damaged when coupling up engine at Blackheath Whit Fair. William in charge. Horses smashed up. John Whiting was driver for William Wilson on Empress of India. Worked with 12-section Walker 4-abreast. Mishap on Blackheath Hill coupleing rod came loose, loads overran the engine and scattered contents all over the road." (Merry-Go-Round) |
| 1903 Deptford: Mrs. H. Wilson (Merry Go Round) Dartford Charter Fair (in a field next to the Rifleman Inn): Wilson and Bailey’s Coney Island Wheel. (Fairground Strollers and Showfolk) Crayford Chartered Fair (in a field opposit the Swann Inn): Wilson and Bailey’s Coney Island Wheel. (Fairground Strollers and Showfolk) Ashton, Lancashire: "On Wednesday afternoon, about 100 workhouse children and old people from the same institution were treated to their usual Wakes entertainment on the Ashton Market Ground. In the first place they were admitted to Sedgwick’s Menagerie, and heard the lions wildly roaring when Lorenzo put them through their paces. Then Captain PAYNE treated them to his bioscopes exhibition, and gave them enough to talk over for a week. Then they had a ride on Patrick COLLIN’s gondolas, and a ride on Jon COLLIN’s galloping horses, followed by an experience of the sensations acquired on John GREEN’s switchbacks." (Ashton Reporter, 22 August 1903) |
| 1905 World’s Fair Agricultural Hall: Mrs. Henrietta Wilson’s Four Abreast (Merry Go Round) Lynn Mart: “a brand new ride was William Wilson’s steam driven Big Wheel” (Merry Go Round) Fulham, London: May: Henrietta Wilson died, leaving her Walker 4-abreast Gallopers and the Burrell “Empress of India” to son William. "In May, 1905, the death
occurred of Mrs. Hennetta Wilson, formerly of
Belper, mother of the late Mr. W. Wilson of Peckam, and one time
President of the Showman's Guild. Her four abreast was a leading
attraction at St. Giles' Fair, Oxford, for a great many years. Mr.
Wilson continued to travel the ride for a year or two after his
mother's death, together with his steam driven Big Wheel. However, he
disposed of the Four Abreast on acquiring the Steam Switchback, which
still exists as the Rodeo Ride and was among the attactions at this
year's Lynn Mart." (Merry-Go-Round:
VOL. VIII, #5, June,
1955).
Wormwood Scrubs August Bank Holiday Fair: W. Wilson’s four abreast (Merry Go Round) |
| 1906 Hemel Hemptsead: September: F. Wilson’s shooting saloon (World’s Fair) Hampstead Heath: William Wilson’s Bioscope Show (Merry Go Round) Leicester May Fair: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel (Merry Go Round) |
| 1907 Marlborough first Mop: William Wilson’s Bioscope (Merry Go Round) Abingdon: W. Wilson’s Motors and Big Wheel (Merry Go Round) St. Giles Oxford: Mrs. H. Wilson's Four-abreast disappeared and its place was taken by her son's spinning top Motor Switchback (which in later years became famous as the Rodeo Switchback) (Merry Go Round) William Wilson’s Rodeo Scenic: This wonderful machine, with its spinning top and electric centre engine, needs no describing to a great many of my fellow members, but for those who have never seen it, here is a brief description. The rounding boards are covered and gilded like those on the old steam-driven swichbacks. The cars, which are all carved and gilded, with bodes similar to dragon cars, but have all different kinds of head; while at the back of each car is a life size model of a film star. In the centre facing the front entrance is a lovely, sweet-toned Varretta organ, and facing the back entrance is a beautifully carved and gilded pay-box, the whole machine being beautifully decorated. As I have said, this machine has only paid Cambridge one visit, and was attended by the scenic type Burrell engine No. 3938, “Quo Vadis” and that famous old S.C.C. Burrell engine No. 1887, “Empress of India.” (Merry Go Round, Vol. V, No. 6, June, 1946). |
| 1908 Abingdon: W. Wilson’s Motors (Merry Go Round) Blackheath: William Wilson’s Coliseum Bioscope (Merry Go Round) |
| 1909 Reading: W. Wilson’s Motors (Merry Go Round) Gloucester: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel (Merry Go Round) Stratford Mop: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel (Merry Go Round) The Wilson-Barron Wedding (photo of the principal guests). Mr. Jack Barron is the son of Mr. George Barron, the well-known amusement caterer of the Sea View Exhibition, Great Yarmouth. He is the owner of several touring exhibitions at present on the South Coast. Miss Emily Wilson is the eldest daughter of Mr. Frank Wilson, who for many years was leading animal trainer to the Sedgwick American Menagerie. (World’s Fair, 24 April 1909, p 1) “William Wilson. This well-known showman of Peckham Rye, had a show known as Wilson’s Coliseum, but I have no particulars of it, except that it used to be at various London holidays fairs, such as Blackheath, the Scrubs, and Hampstead in different years, and also for a year or two round about 1908-09 went to Marlborough Mops and Woodstock Fairs.” (Merry-Go-Round) Lindfield Fair (north of Brighton): Wilson’s switchback, motor cars and the big wheel (The Era, 14 August 1909, p 27) |
| 1910 Tooting Bec: Wilson’s Bioscope Show (Merry Go Round) Blackheath: Wilson’s Jungle Switchback and Four-Abreast (Merry Go Round) Mitcham Fair (on the Green): William Wilson’s Jungle Switchback (Merry Go Round) Stratford-on-Avon Mop Fair: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel (on Rother Street) (Merry Go Round) Gloucester Barton Fair: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel and Tower Slip (Merry Go Round) World's Fair, London: William Wilson's Zoological Switchback (The Circular Steam Switchback) |
| 1911 Durham Easter Fair: William Wilson's was one of the three bioscopes at the fair. The other two were Randall Williams' and Mrs. Paine's. Wormwood Scrubs Easter: William Wilson’s Motors (Merry Go Round) Redruth Whitsun: W. Wilson’s Big Wheel (Merry Go Round) Cornish Fairs: William Wilson's Big Wheel (steam-driven) (Merry Go Round, Vol. VII, No. 17, Midsummer, 1954) Wood Green London: "DEATH OF MR. FRANK WILSON THE FAMOUS LION TAMER: It is with deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. Frank Wilson, the well known showman and animal trainer, who passed away at 3.0 a.m. on Wednesday in the presence of his wife and family. The late Mr. Wilson attended Lord George Sanger's funeral last week and caught a chill and on Monday night he became worse and inflammation set in and though everything possible was done for him, he passed away as stated above. Mr. Wilson was located on the fairground, Station Road, Wood Green, London. The majority of our readers will best remember Mr. Wilson as the leading animal trainer with Sedgewick's Menagerie where he was known as "Lorenzo" the Lion King. He toured with the menagerie for many years and gained great popularity with his performances with the bouncing Lion, and was the recipient of many hand-some presents. We feel sure the sympathy of our readers will be with the widow and family in their sad bereavement. We are requested to ask all relatives and friends to communicate with Mrs. Wilson at the Fairground, Station Road, Wood Green, London. The funeral will take place from the above address at 3 p.m. on Monday." (World's Fair, 16 December 1911) 2 Caravans, Fairground, Alexandra Palace, Wood Green, Middlesex, 1911 (RG14PN7272 RG78PN354 RD132 SD2 ED27 SN298) Frank Wilson, head, 46, travelling showman, Newcastle-under-Lyne, Staffs Caroline Wilson, wife, 38, travelling showman, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey Reuben Wilson, son, 4, Sutton, Surrey Edward Frances Wilson, 4 months, Wood Green, Middx Amy Matthews, mother-in-law, 67, widow, assisting in business, Epsom, Surrey Martha Matthews, sister in law, 27, single, assisting in business, Windsor, Berks Williams Wilson, son, 22, single, assisting in business, Wisbeck, Cambs 18, Shore Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, Ireland, 1911 (travelling with John Duffy's Circus) Arthur Wilson, head, 33, circus performer, Lancashire, Free Church Phyllis Duffy, wife, 33, circus performer, Birmingham, Catholic, married 10 years, 5 children born alive, 4 still living Phyllis Wilson, daughter, 9, circus performer, Midlothian, Scotland, Free Church Annie Wilson, daughter, 7, South Africa, Free Church Martha Wilson, daughter, 5, Wicklow, Free Church James William Wilson, son, 2, Antrim, Free Church (from National Archives of Ireland) |
| 1912 St. Giles Oxford: William Wilson’s Motors, Frank Wilson’s Bicycles (Merry Go Round) Stratford Mop: Frank Wilson’s Bicycles (Merry Go Round) Mitcham Fair Green: “Again the fair was the scene of a London Showmen’s Protest, not against any abolition but against traffic proposals being put forward by the County Council’s Association. Showmen met in Alf Ball’s show on Wednesday, 14 August, to discuss which particular conditions would threaten their livelihood. . . . Present at the meeting were Messrs. H. Thurston & Sons, F. Gray & Son, William Wilson, William Biddall, Mrs. Bird and others”. (Fairground Strollers and Showfolk, p 168) W. Wilson Bioscope Show and Motors at Richmond (Merry Go Round) |
| 1913 Abingdon Mop: W. Wilson’s Jungle Switchback (Merry Go Round) Mitcham Fair: William Wilson’s Jungle Switchback (Merry Go Round): "The tradition of the Golden Key became extended and by 1913 it was awarded to the proprietor of the best attraction on the fair, which in the years leading up to the First World War, was awarded to William Wilson". (National Fairground Archives website) |
| 1917 “Arthur Wilson first started out with his circus in 1917 and his wife (who was a sister of John Duffy) died in 1919. His last season was 1920. 1 was with the show that season, at the end of which the show was sold, and John Duffy bought most of it. Wilson had had a very good season in 1920 but he grew tired of circus life. It was a fine show, he had then the largest tent in Ireland, and he was the first show in Ireland to have electric lighting. Owing to his wife's death, Wilson had lost heart in things. I spent a very happy season with Wilson's. Arthur was a very likable fellow. the age of eighty-four and was buried in Kilkee, Co. Glare. He had three of his daughters working in the ring. One was called Phyllis and was a singer. One did a riding act (Martha). One did a trapeze act (Annie). Bobby Davis worked in the riding act, as did Claude Powell, who was also the ringmaster. Charlie Julian did a trapeze act and was also a clown. Sam Henry hailed from Glasgow and did a song and dance act.” (John Moriarity’s Circus Memories) |
| 1918 Kircubbin, Ireland: Wilson’s Circus (Arthur Wilson): “I was with John Duffy in 1918 also and we were in Kircubbin on the same day as Wilson's Circus, but Wilson's joined in with Duffy's in the latter's tent, so the people of the town got a double show that night and a double band too.” (John Moriarity’s Circus Memories) |
| 1919 St. Giles Oxford: W. Wilson's Switchback, with gilded swans and other birds (Merry Go Round) William Wilson was a pioneer of the Showman’s guild and became its president in 1919. Birmingham Onion Fair: “In came Tom Clarke - a contemporary of Pat Collins and no newcomer to the business of the Guild - but 1919 appears to be his debut at the Onion Fair” (The Birmingham Onion Fair, 41) 1920 Banbury Mop: W. Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) |
| 1921 Birmingham Onion Fair: Tom Clarke’s Motors, Frank Wilson’s Three Abreast, Frank Wilson stall, Frank Wilson Shooting Ranges, Frank Wilson Hoop-las. Birmingham Onion Fair: “Once again it is the detail contained in these lists of names that charts the gradual changes in the fact of the Onion Fair. Frank Wilson, Tom Clarke’s step-son, had only had stalls at the 1919 fair, but here in 1921 we find he has joined the riding masters” (Birmingham Onion Fair, p 42) “Frank Wilson and Tom Clarke were based at Redditch and had built up their own North Worcestershire run of fairs, but along with their relations, the Chipperfields, they obviously felt it was worth interrupting their own back-end run to take prestigious positions at the Onion Fair.” (The Birmingham Onion Fair, p 42) "Notice: The following persons are about to be registered as Proprietors of the following properties with Absolute or Good Leasehold Title: No. Of Title: 220234: London, Camberwell, land and dwelling houses, 79A and 81 Peckham Rye. Freehold. William Wilson, 79A and 81, Peckham Rye, SE15, Showman" (H.M. Office Land Registry: London Gazette, 29 April 1921) |
| 1922 St. Giles Fair, Oxford: F. Wilson’s Gallopers (Merry Go Round) 1923 Birmingham Great Onion Fair: F. Wilson’s Three Abreast Galloping Hourses (Merry Go Round) |
| 1924 St. Giles Fair, Oxford: this was the year when the Felix the Cat cars were new for William Wilson's Switchback. They were delivered new to Oxford, and during the building up it was discovered that the new cars fouled the ones in front. Much sawing and cutting off of carved work was necessary before the machine could open, which was very late in the day on the Monday. (Merry Go Round, Vol. VI, #6, August 1949) William Wilson took over Agric Hall, Islington from his sister, who was married to Francis Bailey. William Wilson, son of the late William and henrietta Wilson, was born in Burslem and travelled in his youth in Staffordshire and Derbyshire with Waxworks and Photographic Exhibition and later a set of swings. Usually open at the Rendezvous, Peckham Rye. (World's Fair: History of Agricultural Hall Fair, 26 January 1924). H. and T. Read had taken over “The World’s Fair’ at the Royal Agricultural Hall in Islington, London, organised and financed by Franck Baily, back in 1880, and the Reads continued to run the annual winter circus and fun fair there until the winter of 1916/17. After the war, the 1920/21 ‘World’s Fair’ was run by Theophilus Edwin Read, the only survivor of the trio, with John Swallow managing the circus. Read continued to run the Royal Agricultural Hall shows until 1924 when William Wilson’s Pleasure Fairs Ltd., took over the building. (The Hippodrome, p 25) “Tom Clarke (1855-1924) was very much a contemporary of Pat Collins and the two men appear to have got on well. After Tom Clarke’s death, his business was run by his widow Eliza Wilson and then her son by her first marriage - Frank Wilson. Tommy Wilson, the present day Redditch-based showman, has made it clear that the Wilson contribution to the Onion Fairs operated as a “fair within a fair”, ie within their own sub-section of the fair, the Wilson’s had their own tenants”. (The Birmingham Onion Fair, p 7) Tom Clarke died at Warwick on 30 November 1924 a year after an accident. Funeral from Redditch – mourners Mrs. T. Clarke, Mr. And Mrs. Frank Wilson, daughter and son-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. H. Harvey, daughter and son-in-law; Mr. E. Clarke, brother. Tommy Wilson, Frank Wilson Jnr., W. Wilson Jnr., Ruby Wilson. Frank Wilson was his nephew. Mrs. Eliza Clarke’s estate, living wagon, swings and 500 to daughter Lily Harvey in 1931. Foden wagon to grandson Thomas and Frank Wilson. Switchback, Burrells, organ, men’s trailer, motor car, Royal Hotel Yard, Redditch to Frank Wilson. |
| 1925 St. Giles Oxford: W. Wilson's Switchback (with grand Marenghi Organ) (Merry Go Round) St. Giles: W. Wilson’s Animal Car Switchback and Big Wheels, Frank Wilson’s Gallopers (Merry Go Round) Strood Statute Fair (Kent): W. Wilson’s Novelty Switchback (World’s Fair) Agricultural Hall London: William Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilson’s Three Abreast Horses and Tom Clarke’s Motors (Merry Go Round) |
| 1926 Birmingham Onion Fair: The ‘star’ of the Snake Show was Maud Chipperfield - whom Harry Wilding claimed was the fifth generation of Chipperfields to be in the business. She was the daughter of John Chipperfield who married Maud Wilson. Maud was sister to Frank Wilson who presented his Three-abreast at the Onion Fair, they were son and daughter to Eliza and Thomas Wilson. Interesting Eliza - Maud’s grandmother, was also at the Onion Fair - managing the Motor Car Scenic that belonger to her late second husband Tom Clarke - a good example of how family relationships explains “who’s who” on the fairground. (The Birmingham Onion Fair) St Giles Oxford: "William Wilson's Ghost Trains (Merry Go Round) October: Banbury Fair: W. Wilson’s famous novelty switchback which was well patronised (World’s Fair) |
| 1927 Birmingham Onion Fair: “A number of observations were made about the shows . . Maud Chipperfield’s snakes now seemed to be incorporated into Dick Chipperfields’ “Palace of Varieties”. (The Birmingham Onion Fair) Whitney Mop: William Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) Banbury Mop: W. Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) |
| 1928 Hanwell: W. Wilson Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) Mitcham Fair: William Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) London Agricultural Hall: William Wilson’s Rodeo Swtichback (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilson was presenting the late Tom Clarke’s Motors and his own Three-abreast. |
| 1929 Warwick Mop: F. Wilson’s Gallopers (Merry Go Round) St. Giles Oxford: Dodgems jointly owed by C. Thurston and W. Wilson (Merry Go Round) |
| 1930 Mitcham Fair: William Wilson's Noah's Ark: “In 1930 I saw the Noah’s
Ark for the first time in
England, but I
had previously seen it at the Hamburg Fair in December 1929. It
was
presented by William Wilson, of London, at the Onion Fair: Mr. Wilson
had first opened it at the Mitcham Fair earlier in 1930. While at the
Onion Fair it was bought by Henry Irvin and was taken by rail to
Scotland. Apart from this 18 platform set, William Wilson also
had a
22 platform set, and both were driven by his Burrells, “Qou Vadis” and
“Empress of Britain” which were normally attached to his Rodeo
Switchback.” (World’s Fair, 2
October 1965).
“The first of these new
rides, known as a Noah’s
Ark, had been
introduced to the fairground by William Wilson and appeared at Mitcham
Fair in August 1930. It featured at least eighty animals – giraffes,
camels, stags, cockerels, pelicans, peacocks, and (worte a Wordls’ Fair
correspondent): “You sit on the back of one and then you are whirled
around first slowly, then at breakneck speed, and you are taken over
innumerable hills, up and down, and up again – and round and round all
the time at nearly 20 m.p.h.” (Fairfield
Folk, p159)
St. Giles Oxford: W. Wilson’s Noah’s Ark, Frank Wilson’s Galloping Horses (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilson with Tom Clarke Motors; William Wilson Noahs Ark: “Another innovation was presented by William Wilson - the London-based showman who had replaced Pat Collins as the President of the Showmen’s Guild. He seems to have come along as a special guest of the Midlands Section of the Guild, and no doubt had to give a speech at their annual Aston-based meeting - usually held in the Holte Arms. He presented no less than two Noahs Arks - the new machine that was about to make the old scenics finally redundant as far as most showmen were concerned. William wilson was currently importing these machines from Germany, and Pat ordered one which was delivered during 1931". (The Birmingham Onion Fair, p 50) Nottingham Goose Fair: William Wilson’s Noahs Arks (Merry Go Round) World’s Fair London: W. Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback , Big Wheel, Tower Slip, Dodgems and Italian Biff (Merry Go Round) |
| 1931 Mitcham Fair: Wm. Wilson’s Ghost Train and Rodeo Switchback (Merry Go Round) St. Giles Oxford: W. Wilson's Noah's Ark (Merry Go Round) |
| 1932 New World’s Fair Islington: W. Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback, with its fine Marenghi organ and his famous Big Wheel, two sets of dodgems, a Swirl (here called Italian Biff), and two ghost trains (one was W. Wilson’s). (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Onion Fair: Tom Clarke’s Motor Car Switchback (Frank Wilson’s) |
| 1933 Baldock Fair: W. Wilson Jr. (Merry Go Round) St. Giles: W. Wilson’s Rodea Switchback (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Fair: Here is Frank Wilson's Noah's Ark with the grand organ accompanying; next is the late Mrs. Clarke's motor switchback, one of the good old spinning top machines, and very popular too; then comes the dragon and peacock scenic, steam yachts No. 1, "over the sticks" yachts No. 2, the steeplechasers, with a sweet-toned barrel organ, the novel "Yo-Yo," with a fine Tannoy amplifier, and a beautiful Whale Island scenic. (World's Fair, 17 June 1933) |
| 1934 Birmingham Onion Fair: “Chipperfield’s Menagerie is too well known to need description, but the trained chip is surely unique. Miss Rose Purchase, aged 21, showed the audience how she was training a twelve-months old lion, and Mr. Chipperfield exhitibed two six-weeks old lion cubs. Mr. Richard and Mr. James, the sons of the proprietor entered small cages and gave thrilling displays of lion mastering and tiger training (World’s Fair, 1932) Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilson’s Switchback Motors and Noahs Ark; William Wilson’s Ghost Train |
| 1935 The New World’s Fair Islington: “Nearby was W. Wilson’s newly painted Helter Skelter, also his Ghost Train, Swirl and Dodgem track with a fleet of new Saxon Superb cars. (Merry Go Round) Clapham Common celebration of Silver Jubilee of King George V: William Wilson’s Rodeo Switchback and his electric Gallopers, the organs on both machines playing a treat. (Merry Go Round) Birmingham Onion Fair: William Wilson’s Dodgem and Ghost Train (William and son Bob); Frank Wilson’s Ark. |
| 1940
Peckham Rye Easter: William Wilson opened the Rendezvous Ground for the holiday with the famous Rodeo Switchback. Dodgems, Ghost Train and Chairs. The organ music was greatly enjoyed as the 98 key Marenghi (Varetto rebuilt) had just been renovated and was playing perfectly. (Merry Go Round) 1945 Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilson’s Dodgems and Noahs Ark 1949 Birmingham Onion Fair: Frank Wilsons Dodgems and Ark |
| 1951 William Wilson "of Peckham Rye" died 14 April 1951: survived by wife Louie, Louise and Jack Proctor (son-in-law), Eileen and George Studd (son-in-law). Frank and Milly Wilson (nephew), Stanley Edwards (nephew), Jim Purchase (brother-in-law). Birmingham Onion Fair: Wilson Brothers Dodgems |
| 1958 Birmingham Onion Fair: Wilson Brothers Dodgems and Waltzer |
| REFERENCES Merry-Go-Round: The Magazine of the Friendship Circle of Showland Fans. (various) Williams, Ned (2001) The Birmingham Onion Fair: Uralia Press, Wolverhampton Brown, Frances (2001) Fairground Strollers and Showfolk; Ronda Books, Malvern Brown, Frances. (1993) Fairfield Folk: A History of the British Fairground and Its People: Ronda Books, Malvern Scrivens, Kevin & Smith, Stephen (1995) The Circular Steam Switchback, The Fairground Association of Great Britain, Newcastle under Lyme. |
| CREDITS The late Dick Monte of Huddersfield did most of the research on the Wilson family. Dick was the grandson of Phillis Duffy and Arthur Wilson and the great great grandson of Henrietta and William Wilson. James Wilson of Abroath, Scotland also contributed a great deal to the Wilson history. James is the great grandson of Frank "Lorenzo" Wilson and was featured on the BBC series "Who Do You Think You Are"?: A Lion Tamer's Tale (December 14 2004). Visit James's website at: Wilson Family History
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| FURTHER RESOURCES Wilsons of Belper, Platform, Issue 103, February 2011, The Fairground Society RELATED WEBSITES Bob Wilson's Funfairs Alcester and District Local History Society Memories of the Mop part2 Michael Smith's Fairground Art: The Rodeo Switchback Steam-Up: Burrell Showman's Road Locomotive Quo Vadis Fairground Ancestors Home |