Records of Rodney John Bassett (1908-1992), Wadhurst, farrier and blacksmith

Records of Rodney John Bassett (1908-1992) Wadhurst, farrier and blacksmith, relating to the firm of J Bassett, and Wadhurst Fire Brigade

Contents

AMS6439/1 Customer account books, 1893-1983

AMS6439/2 Draft customer account books, 1947-1984

AMS6439/3 Income and expenditure account books, 1933-1988

AMS6439/4 Statements of accounts, 1955-1982

AMS6439/5 Other financial records, 1958-1968

AMS6439/6 Other papers relating to J Bassett, c1880 - c1980

AMS6439/7 Papers relating to Wadhurst Fire Brigade, [1904] - 1980

AMS6439/8 Personal papers and photographs, c1915 - c1970

<p>For articles on the history of J Bassett, see AMS6439/6</p>

Documents are closed to public inspection for 30 years from the last date of a document

Deposited 14 Mar 1997, ACC 6992

Rodney Bassett worked for the firm of J Bassett, coachbuilders, wheelwrights and blacksmiths. The business was established by James Bassett, Rodney's grandfather, at Sparrows Green in 1881, and had moved to Durgates by 1887, at first occupying premises nearly opposite the later site; the later building seems to have opened around 1902. James borrowed the money for the premises from his brother, Charles, who worked as a builder and church spire shingler in Wadhurst. James died in 1940; his sons, William (died 1936), Charles (died 1966) and John, known as Jack (died 1969), were also involved in the firm.

Rodney was Jack's only son, and carried on the business until his retirement in 1988.

The Bassett family was closely associated with the Wadhurst Fire Brigade from its formation in 1900. William and Charles Bassett were founder members; William later became chief officer. Jack Bassett was also a member. Rodney joined the volunteer brigade in 1925, becoming a uniformed member in 1933. He was a part-time section-leader during the Second World War, with Wadhurst, Mark Cross, Rotherfield and Frant under his control. He was appointed sub-officer when East Sussex Fire Brigade took over in 1948, and became station officer in 1952. He retired from the brigade in February 1968.

Rodney married Violet Norah Kathleen Hartridge on 15 April 1933. They had one daughter, Sheila. Rodney died on 4 April 1992.