James Sutton

James Sutton

James Sutton was a native of Fosdyke, near Boston, and served in the Lincolnshire Police Force for nearly 32 years before becoming verger of St Wulfram's church,  Grantham. He joined the Constabulary in 1873, and during his long career was stationed at Saxilby, Glenton, Alford, Skirbeck Quarter, Gainsborough, Mareham-le-Fen, Horsington, Timberland and finally Spittlegate, where he remained for almost 14 years.  At the time of the 1901 Census he was living at 5a Rycroft Street, Spittlegate.

He retired from the Police Force in 1905 and in 1909 was appointed verger of St Wulfram's. He retired from that position in 1923, although he continued for a time to perform relief duties during holiday periods. During his time as verger his daughter Edith married Thomas Wright at St Wulfram's on 26th April 1917. Thomas was also a Officer in the Lincolnshire Police, being a Sergeant at Cleethorpes in 1917.

During the last years of his life James lived at 68, North Parade, Grantham. He was ill for two years before his death in Grantham Hospital on 9th August, 1933 at the age of 81 years. The bells of St Wulfram's were rung half-muffled in his memory and he was interred in Grantham Cemetery.

After his death his widow, Alice, moved to the Scunthorpe area to be either with or near her daughter Edith. She died in 1935.  However, the story does not end there, as many years later, in September 2005, one of James's granddaughters, Winifred Edith Blades, passed away and in her Will left a substantial bequest to St Wulfram's church.

With thanks to Geoff Wright, gt grandson of James Sutton, for the photograph and family details,and the Grantham Journal (August 12th and August 19th 1933) for the death announcement and obituary.