Burton, Horace Wilford – Pioneer in the motor trade

Horace Wilford Burton (1885-1931)

Horace Burton was born at Church Trees, off Swinegate, where he was in business as a motor engineer. He had originally gone into his father’s cycle business but knew the future lay elsewhere.

He was something of a pioneer in his chosen vocation and soon realised the importance the motor car would have on the country.

He saw the future of aviation too, and built his own glider using bamboo poles and wire, which he flew in 1910.

A former chorister and cross-bearer at St Wulfram’s Church, her served with the RNAS during the Great War.

Aged only 46, he took ill at work and was taken to St Clement’s Nursing Home. He had an operation but after making a recovery died suddenly.

He was buried at Great Gonerby, where he had lived for his last two years.