Dickinson, Edward – The man who built Noah’s Ark

Edward Dickinson (1828-1913)

BORN in Melton Mowbray, Edward Dickinson came to Grantham aged 12 as an apprentice to brazier, gasfitter and tin-plate worker to John Parker.

His indentures lasted seven years, during which time he had no half-days off, and finished work daily at 8pm.

He returned to his native town for four years, then came back to Grantham in 1851 taking over Mr Parker’s Swinegate business for the next eight years, then moved to Market Place to become Rogers and Dickinson, haberdashery.

From there they moved next door to the Angel Hotel, where for 35 years their shop was known as the Noah’s Ark.

A staunch Wesleyan, he was instrumental in the chapel building installed in the former theare at the bottom of Swinegate. He was the Sunday school superintendent for 30 years. After the chapel was sold, he joined the Congregational  Church.

He was sworn in as a special constable and was a member of the Lincolnshire Rifle Volunteers for 40 years, finishing as QMS.

He was an ardent Liberal and was secretary of the local association.  He joined Grantham Town Council in 1868 and apart from being unelected for two years continued for many years.

He was appointed mayor in 1879, an honour that he would have been offered earlier, had he not threatened to abolish the customary wine breakfasts.