Davies, Gareth – Grantham MP was a hit in North Korea
Gareth Davies (b1984) Gareth was born and raised in Yorkshire, the eldest of two sons to his mum, a state primary school teacher, and his dad, a small business…
Davies, Quentin – Tory MP turned to Labour
JOHN Quentin Davies, Baron Davies of Stamford, was elected as Grantham and Stamford’s Conservative MP from 1997-2007 then defected to the Labour Party.
Dawes, Samuel – Head of teacher training college
Samuel Dawes (1915-1981) SOUTHAMPTON-born Samuel Raymond Dawes was educated at Taunton Grammar School and Southampton University where he gained a BSc in mathematics. While teaching maths at Southend-on-Sea and…
Dawkins, Bob – foreman was a top musician
Robert Edward Dawkins (1912-2002) Bob Dawkins was born 2nd January 1912.He was the youngest of 14 children of William and Harriet Dawkins of Water Lane, North Hykeham and was…
Dawson, Ivan – Grantham Mayor died on Germany visit
Ivan Dawson (1930-1985) IVAN Dawson was a Labour councillor and one of the founders of Grantham Twinning Association. And it was on a visit to twin Town Sankt Augustin…
Dawson, Margaret Damer OBE – Founder of Grantham’s policewomen
MARGARET Damer Dawson, the daughter of surgeon Richard Dawson and his wife, Agnes Baird was born at, Hove, Sussex. Although she later helped found a home for abandoned babies,…
De Vido, Dante – Italian prisoner-of-war was knighted
Dante De Vido (1920-2012) Dante De Vido, was born in Collalto di Susegana, a small village in the foothills of the Dolomites, Northern Italy. He came to England as…
Deering, Richard – Hanged after failed suicide bid
Deering, Richard (1882-1907) RICHARD Deering was sentenced to death after a lovers’ suicide pact went horribly wrong. Deering, a married man from Birmingham, had been working in the area…
Dennis, Richard – A professional publican
Richard Dennis (1918-1981) RICHARD Dennis spent 17 years of his life running pubs in the Grantham area. He began his work at Stamford with Stamford Electrical but eventually took…
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…
Dillon, Ben – Marie Lloyd’s lover had a little of what he fancied
Ben Dillon (1888-1941) JOCKEY Bernard Dillon was born at Caherina in Tralee. In 1901 he joined his older brother Joe, both of them being apprentice jockeys at the famous…
Dixon, John – Tailor’s son was record-breaking batsman
JOHN Auger Dixon and his younger brother Percy achieved an incredible collection of medals and accolades between them. He was the eldest son of the owner of Grantham clothing…
Dixon, Percy – Top of his game at Wimbledon
PERCY Dixon and his elder brother John achieved an incredible collection of medals and accolades. Charles Percy Dixon was born in Grantham in 1873
Docherty, John – The killer who wouldn’t die
John Docherty (1926 – ?) JOHN Docherty tried to take his own life, was sentenced to death, but survived both. From the north-east of England, but described as a…
Dolan, Anthony – Parish priest delved into the past
Rev Canon Anthony Dolan (1939-2024) BORN Nottingham shortly before the outbreak of the Second World War, Anthony Dolan’s parents met and married in Dublin, his father’s hometown. They moved…
Dolby, Bernard – Had a great knowledge of all sport
Bernard Dolby (1935-2015) Bernard Henry Dolby, was born in Inner Street, Grantham. He worked with his father as a bricklayer and later at Padley’s hatchery. His interests included crib…
Donger, Richard – War hero was a founder of Kesteven Rugby
Richard Hugh Donger (1923-2014) BORN at Peacock Farm, Muston, Richard attended primary school in Muston, followed by The King’s School, Grantham. On the outbreak of the Second World War,…
Doughty, Nigel – Popular Forest chairman’s untimely death
Nigel Doughty(1957– 2012) NIGEL Edward Doughty, was a venture capitalist who, made a fortune buying “risky businesses” and then spent much of it on the Labour Party and Nottingham…
Dove, Maurice – Works manager became a tool merchant
Born at Colsterworth Maurice was the youngest of five children born to Katie and Charles Dove. In 1952 he married Mick (Myrtle) Frisby at St John’s Church, Grantham.
Dow, Angus – Things are swinging for Angus
Angus Dow (1959- ) ERIC Angus Dow was born in Cheshire, and since 1985 has been club professional at Stoke Rochford Golf Club. His Scottish-born parents moved to Harby,…
Dowd, John – Man died of a single blow at Grantham pub
John Dowd (1897-1954) AFTER seeing active service for his country, John Dowd died in a fight outside a Grantham pub. Born in Crowland, he did his war service with both…
Dowman, Mat – Recorded top score against the Windies
CRICKETER Mathew Peter Dowman is the son of Grantham policeman Clive Dowman. He went to Earl of Dysart School and St Hugh’s
Down, Pete – Local lad played in Wembley final
Peter Down (1948-2018) BOTTESFORD-born, Pete moved to Grantham with his family at the age of five to Heathfield Road on Beeden Park estate (flat tops). After two years at…
Downes, Johnny – Boom! Boom! Johnny had a Brush with Basil
JOHNNY Downes was a pioneering television producer during its formative years after the war. The originator of Crackerjack, a hugely popular
Dowsett, Doreen – Powerlifter won golds and smashed records
Doreen Dowsett, nee Welbourne (b1951) Born at Barrowby, Doreen Welbourne attended Barrowby Primary school before going on to the Girls Central School/ Walton Girls School. She had little interest…
Drake, Joseph – Was youngest drum-major in the British Army
Joseph Drake (1892-1940) BELIEVED to have been the youngest drum-major in the British Army, Joseph Frederic Drake, came from a family with a proud military record. A native of…
Dring, George – Killer won a Military Medal
George Dring (1917-2003) THE son of Fulbeck’s village blacksmith, George Dring went to the local school, worked on the land and became a fearless horseman, riding in point-to-points, hunting and…
Duncan, Bob – Non-stop manager of Lincolnshire clubs
Robert Don-Duncan (b1949) Born in 1949 at Wigan, Robert Don-Duncan but was more commonly known without the double-barrelled surname during his time as manager of Grantham Town FC .…
Dunning, Lionel – reached his peak with Jungle Bunny
Lionel Dunning (1939-2014) Lionel Dunning, of Brant Broughton, regularly represented Great Britain on Nations Cup teams and is still the only rider to have jumped four double clear rounds…
Durance, William – Was the top man in local football
William ‘Chucky’ Durance (1898-1986) William ‘Chucky’ Durance was born in the Grantham area and was educated at Sedgebrook Grammar School. On leaving, he worked at Grantham Post Office. He…
Dutton, Richard – Breaking both legs inspired Richard to racing
Richard Dutton (b1952) Richard Dutton, who originates from Leicester, was a prolific speedway rider for the city club, until a bad accident curtailed his progress, leaving him with two…
Eager, Vince – The man who played the King
VINCE Eager – originally Roy Taylor – has been entertaining the public for more than 60 years.
Earll, Norman – Works manager for biggest employer
Norman Earll (1907-1963) NORMAN Courtney Earll was works manager and director of Aveling Barford during the 1950s & early 1960s. Born in Rochester, Kent, he started as an apprentice turner…
Eatch, Arthur – Football-mad Mayor was a major builder
Arthur Eatch (1877-1959) BORN in Newark Arthur Eatch came from humble beginnings to become Mayor of Grantham, President of the Chamber of Trade and manager of Grantham Football club. He…
Eaton, James – Was Grantham’s oldest medical practitioner
James Eaton (1836-1916) JAMES Eaton, M and L.&C5, Eng, and LS, Lond, of Abbey House, St Peters Hill died suddenly following a cold. He was still practising aged 80.…
Ebbutt, Alfred – from bikes to motors
Alfred Ebbutt (1891-1981) BORN in Witchford, Cambridgeshire, Alfred Norris Ebbutt was only a few months old when his family moved to Caythorpe. After leaving school he took an apprenticeship…
Edgley, Ross – Loves to be in deep water
Ross Edgley (b1985) Ross Edgley is an extreme adventurer, ultra-marathon sea swimmer and author. He holds multiple world records, but is best known for completing the World’s Longest Staged…
Ellingworth, Rod – Grantham man behind Cavendish’s medals
GRANTHAM-born Rod Ellingworth is the race coach for Team Sky.
Elliott, Charles – Singer could play any stringed instrument
Charles Elliott (1852-1903) CHARLES James Elliott was in the Goods Department Grantham Station for more than 30 years, rising to the position of chief accounts clerk. Six years before…
Ellis, John – Survived Ypres but was killed at La Houssoie
John William Ellis (1886-1915) John William Ellis was born in January 1886, of three brothers. All three were to join the armed services. John and Joseph joined the Army…
Ellis, John – Grantham soldier died on the battlefield
John William Ellis (1886-1915) John Ellis was born in January 1886. He was one of three brothers. All three were to join the armed services. John and Joseph joined…
Ellis, Tim – Offbeat bishop wears an ear-ring
Ellis, Tim (b1953) THE Rt Rev. Dr Timothy William Ellis was the Suffragan Bishop of Grantham until retiring in 2013. He was educated at City Grammar School, Sheffield, King’s…
Elmer, Betty – Betty will spin you a yarn
Betty Elmer (b1933) BORN in Anfield, Liverpool, in the shadow of a certain football ground, she was named after a contemporary film star – Betty Boop! Born Betty McGorian,…
Elsey Warren, Hugh – expert in aeronautical mathematics
HUGH Elsey Warren, lived with his parents and brother in Westgate, Grantham and was educated at the King’s School, leaving in 1937.
Emma, Duchess of Rutland – Opera singer lives in a castle
Manners, Emma (b1963) Emma Watkins was the daughter of a Welsh farmer and owner of Radnor Hills Mineral Water Company. She went to boarding school then won a scholarship…
Endley, Pop – A man for all seasons
Pop Endley (1934-2011) Peter Brian Endley (Pop) was Born at RAF Cranwell, the son of Harry and Hilda Endley. He was married to Edna for 54 years After leaving…
Escritt, Henry – Employer cared for his workers
Henry Escritt (1836-1913) HENRY Escritt was born at Ross-in- Holderness, Yorkshire, and was educated at Great Driffield, but played a substantial part in Victorian Grantham. Possessing the indomitable perseverance…
Everton, Walter – Survived one rail disaster only to die in another
Walter Everton (1894-1940) WALTER Everton escaped one of the Grantham area’s worst rail tragedies, only to succumb to another four years later. The railwayman who escaped from the Barkston…
Fane, Charles – A member of the Fishmongers Company
Charles Fane ( 1822-1901) BORN in Fulbeck, Charles Thorold Fane was the third son of the Rev Edward Fane. Educated at Charterhouse School, he began his working career with…
Fane, Francis – Lord of the Manor died in yacht explosion
Francis Fane (1900 – 1947) BORN in London and brought up in Fulbeck, Francis Christopher Fane had an adventurous career. He was the second son of Col WVR King-Fane,…
Fane, Julian – The man who began a nuclear ‘war’
Julian Fane (b1938) JULIAN Francis Fane is the son of Francis and Joyce Fane. He married Mary Julia Allday, daughter of Michael William Allday, in1965. Educated at Marlborough…
Farmer, Mick – Made 143 appearances for Town
Mick Farmer (b1944) MICHAEL Chester Farmer is an English former professional footballer who played wing-half in the Football League for Birmingham City and Lincoln City. Born in Leicester, he…
Featherstone, Thomas – Caught poaching? Now that’s a queer ‘un
Thomas Featherstone, (1879-1931) THOMAS Robert Featherstone was an expert naturalist who could easily live off the land. He knew where to find the best mushrooms, especially blue stalks. Tom…
Ferdinand, Harry – returned from India to marry his Grantham sweetheart
Harry Lincoln Ferdinand 1922- 1986 Harry Ferdinand was born in London and joined the RAF. He was posted to RAF Spitalgate where he met his wife-to-be but the couple…
Fiennes, Oliver – Controversial Dean came to Colsterworth
Oliver William Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes (1926-2011) The Very Reverend Oliver Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, was Dean of Lincoln from 1969 to 1989. He was the younger son of the 20th Lord Saye and Sele,…
Fillingham, John – Chemist took over the George Hotel
John Fillingham (1869-1930) JOHN Fillingham was the proprietor of the George Hotel, having succeeded his father William Fillingham in 1903. A native of Grantham, on completing his edication at…
Fillingham, William – Staunch churchman ran the top hotel
William Fillingham (1841-1906) WILLIAM Fillingham was the proprietor of the George Hotel. Born at Hose, Leicestershire, his father died young so William was brought up by his uncle John…
Finn, Courtney – Driving force behind the blue plaques
Courtney Finn (b1941) BORN in Northampton, Courtney was educated in his home town before graduating at Leeds University in 1963. He gained experience with various companies across the country,…
Firth, Dr Sydney – Grantham GP was tried for murder
Dr Sydney Firth (1866- ?) DR Sydney Firth, who lived at Lindis House, Dudley Road, was not a conventional GP. It all started so well. Born in Halifax, he…
Fitchett, William – Became a top Australian journalist
WILLIAM Henry Fitchett, Australian journalist, minister, newspaper editor, educator and founding president of the Methodist Ladies’ College, Melbourne, was born at Grantham, the third son of William Fitchett and…
Flack, Denis – Denis gave swimmers plenty of flak
Denis Flack (1925-1989) DENIS George Flack came to Grantham in 1964 and became a legend in aquatic sports –especially water polo. Born in Lincoln, he was transferred by Ruston…
Flatman, Arthur – ex-Guardsman made his life in the RAF
Arthur Flatman MBE (1896-1954) A NATIVE of Norfolk, Arthur Flatman came to Grantham through the RAF, in which he served for 36 years, retiring as a warrant officer. He…
Fletcher, Frederick – Wine merchant saved from sinking ship
Frederick Fletcher (1831-1913) FREDERICK Fletcher, who lived at “The Cottage”, Westgate (later the Westgate Club), took an active part in the public life of the town. Grantham-born, his father…
Flinders, Matthew – Explorer buried under station platform
Matthew Flinders (1774-1814) Matthew Flinders was born in Donington, the son of surgeon Matthew Flinders and his wife Susannah. In his own words, he was “induced to go to…
Flowers, Joan – Local witch cheated the hangman
Joan Flowers (C1570 – 1619) Joan Flowers, together with her daughters Margaret and Philippa were ‘known to be herbal healers’ and came from a local family which ‘had fallen…
Flowers, Rupert – A cut above the rest
Rupert Flowers (1894-1988) Rupert Flowers was born at Ashridge House, Hertfordshire, where his father was groom and later appointed head coachman to Lord Brownlow. When the Brownlow family sold…
Ford, John James – Appointed Grantham station master aged 21
John James Ford (1846-1928) LONDON-born John James Ford joined the Great Northern Railway Company at Hatfield in 1861, and at the age of only 21 was appointed Grantham’s first…
Foster, Brian – Young athlete became top Grantham lawman
Brian Stanley Foster (1927-2013) Brian Stanley Foster’s final job as clerk to the justices for Grantham Magistrates, belies the fact he was a young athlete. Brian was the son…
