Thomas was born in Cambridgeshire in 1824, although he and his mother moved to Hoo during his childhood. As well as his business interests, his relatively short life saw him become active in the community – serving as Mayor of Rochester, a trustee of the Watts’ Charity and governor at the Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School. He died at Boley Hill House in Rochester in 1882 and is buried in the churchyard at St. Werburgh Church, Hoo.
TASH volunteers (I am one) hope to install an interpretation board in Hoo and erect name plaques at places associated with Thomas and his family. Work commenced a while ago on researching his life, compiling information and producing/submitting grant applications.
Back in 1982 an event was held in Hoo to mark the centenary of his death. This included steam rollers (and enthusiasts from around the country) driving through the village and along Church Street and Vicarage Lane (to St. Werburgh Church).
If you have any old photographs of this centenary event, I would very much like to hear from you. If you have hard-copy photographs – they can easily be scanned and returned, just get in touch by emailing me here.