John
Thynne-Russell B.E.M. 1919 - 2005
John Thynne-Russell who died on the 18th January 2005 at the age of 85, was born at Matson, moving as a child to Woodfield Cottage, Vicarage Street, Painswick, Gloucestershire.
His father John Thynne later (Russell) senior (a son of the Thynn(e) family of Longleat, Wiltshire and maternally of the Cannings of Hartpury, Gloucestershire) was a skilled Cotswold craftsman who made the casket containing the loyal address from the people of Painswick to the Queen on her coronation in 1953.
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 John
Thynne
Russell
senior 1920s
Woodfield Cottage the early years. Alice
and John Thynne Russell senior |
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 Alice and John Thynne Russell |
His mother Alice
was the daughter of Richard
Price Hill (1826-1898) and Lucy Hill (nee Jones)
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Whilst in the Middle East, he was awarded the B.E.M for his work with young apprentices. His citation told how he "put duty before self to an exceptional degree" On his retirement, he worked for some years at Ullenwood Manor (now the National Star Centre)
John's great love was the church and his faith was simple, straight forward and practical. A great deal of his retirement was spent helping the commmunity, giving people lifts for shopping or hospital visits and with his duties as Crucifer at the church.
John also appreciated a pint of cider. Like his father, his distinctive presence was known throughout the Cotswold Pubs and clubs. He was never happier than when talking to people, whether visitors to the chuch or in the pub in his own unique way about Painswick.
Immensely hospitable John welcomed many people into his home over the years, whether as lodgers where rooms were often offered to people down on their luck, or to family and friends for holidays and short stays. His meals (often fry ups) were served with the recommendation "Better than the Painswick Hotel"
For 16 years John wrote regular columns for the Citizen and Gloucestershire echo
An eccentric character,
he never learned to walk, but hurried everywhere. His phone always answered
with "John ere" in his broad Gloucestershire accent and conversations
sometimes ended unexpectedly with the sound of his receiver going down.
1975
Telegraph
Alice
Thynne Russell On July 6th 1975, passed away in her sleep at her home Woodfield
Cottage, Painswick, Glos, in her 98th year. Alice Louise, wife of the late
John Thynne-Russell, and dear mother of John. Funeral service 11.a.m. on Thursday
July 10th at Painswick Parish Church, followed by cremation at Cheltenham.
Flowers may be sent to Burdock & Son funeral directors, New Street, Painswick.
Will friends and relatives please meet at the church.
1974
PASSING OF A COTSWOLD CHARACTER
Mr John Thynne Russell senior passed away after a short illness on September
5th 1974 in his 88th year. An original member of Thynne (Bath) family. Brought
up by foster parents in Gloucester, Russell by name.
Served
his King and country in World War 1 in the 5th Gloucester Battalion. Married
Alice Louise Hill whom he met whilst convalescing at Sutton Coalfield in the
1st World War. His wife was in charge of the Y.M.C.A they were married at
Cowley Church in Malvern, and have lived in Painswick for over 50 years, is
survived by his wife and son John at Woodfield, Painswick, Glos.
A Cotswold craftsman of great repute, in 1953 he hand made the casket which
contained the "Golden Book" or Loyal Address which was sent to Her
Majesty The Queen on the occasion of her coronation from the people of Painswick.
A lover of the Cotswold scene and especially the Cotswold Inns and landlords.
He was known for his knowledge of rights of way and if a farmer put a fence
across a public right of way he was always ready with a pair of wire clippers.
He
walked the Cotswold way many times......
Below in 1891 is John Thynne Russell senior and the couple who adopted him ! How exactly were they connected with the Thynnes of Longleat? and the Cannings of Hartpury? Dorothy told me she knew Miss Canning of Hartpury the grandmother of JTR junior.
Why were they chosen to foster John Thynne (Russell) senior? Were they connnected with Longleat?
1891 Census 5 Millbrook Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Henry Edward Russell Head M 48 Black Smith ...........................................
Gloucester
Clara Bedwell Russell Wife M 52 Monthly Nurse.................... Painswick,
Gloucester
John Thynne adopted son 3 ............................................
St Leonards on Sea, Sussex
Annie Harding Boarder S 36 Living on her own means .................... Wolverhampton
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RG12; Piece: 2017; Folio 8; Page 6; GSU roll: 6097127
1901 Census 12 ? Milbrook Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire
Henry Edward
Russell Head M 57 Blacksmith Stoker ? ............................. Gloucester
Clara Bedwell Russell Wife M 63 Midwife ..........................
Painswick, Gloucestershire
John Thynne Russell Son 13 Errand boy Book Shop ... St Leonard
on Sea, Sussex
Charlotte Harris Boarder Widow 80 infirm .....................................................
Slad, Stroud
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RG13; Piece: 2430; Folio: 44; Page: 2
Anyone who knew John would recognise his distinctive features in this picture (left) of his kinsman Colonel Ulric Thynne son of Lord Henry Thynne (1832 - 1904) and Lady Ulrica Thynne (nee Somerset) daughter of the 12th Duke of Somerset
John's
mother Alice Thynne Russell was a good friend of the mother of the film producer
Michael Powell
John
stopped builders filling in cannon damage (from the civil war) on the church
tower at Painswick
..
John's grandfather Richard
Price Hill Solicitor of Worcester who died in 1898