Reverend William Robson
From Lacey Green History
The Reverend William Robson Vicar of the Church of St John the Evangelist in Lacey Green, Bucks. 1897 – 1922 research by Laurence Rostron
William Robson was the son of James and Margaret Robson of Binchester Hall Farm in Byers Green near Bishop Auckland, Durham. They had three children - the other two being:
1. Elizabeth Jane Robson – born in1861 and who remained a spinster until she died in 1938.
2. James Robson – born in 1862, educated at Durham University, married with 2 children and became the Vicar of All Saints Church in South Shields. He died in 1938.
William Robson was born in 1866 and the records show that his father died one year later in 1867. He appears to have been Curate in Harton in 1888 - 90, in Brighouse in 1890 – 92 and High Wycombe in 1893 – 1896 before becoming the Vicar of St John’s in Lacey Green in 1897.
In 1893 he married Frances Anne Beatrice Craven born near Manchester. She was the daughter of Frederick Craven who was a wealthy owner of a calico printing business and who lived in Thornbridge House near Ashford.
By the time of the 1901 census William Robson and his new wife had settled into the Vicarage at Lacey Green and it is thought that it was at about this time that they started to plan and subsequently build the indoor tennis court in Church Lane.
Whilst it is clear that the Robson family were not poor, it is also clear that they were not wealthy. At this time Margaret Robson, William’s mother was living with her daughter at Malton Colliery in Durham. Whilst his mother was living on her “private means” his sister was working as a housekeeper for the colliery owner.
It is possible to speculate that the finance for the new indoor tennis court was probably provided by his wife’s family. Her father had died in 1894, a year after she married William Robson and it appears that he left over £60,000 which today would probably be worth over £3million and whilst it is unknown how this was shared out among the family it is possible that part of it was spent on the tennis court.
Additionally, apart from purchasing the site for the Indoor Tennis Court, he made significant investments in property in Lacey Green including, amongst others, Lane Farm and Wimble End in Church Lane.
The 1911 census shows them still living at the Vicarage in Lacey Green with 2 servants but no children. He continued to live there until he retired in 1922 although it is rumoured that his wife moved to Cheltenham some years before he retired but there is no hard evidence to support this.
William Robson appears to have joined his wife at 6 Imperial Square, Cheltenham in 1922 and stayed there until he died in 1931. His wife died there in 1935.
The Reverend William Robson. Vicar of Lacey Green Parish 1897 – 1922 research by Joan West
William Robson and his wife moved into Lacey Green Vicarage in 1897
In 1899 he is the chaplain of the church’s Boys’ Brigade. As vicar he is a Trustee of St. John’s School and one of the managers of the school.
He acquired some land adjacent to Church Lane on the west side, there was a foot path that led to it from the Vicarage. Here he had built an indoor court for Real Tennis.
Jesse Hawes shoemaker’s work-shed removed from path to the new tennis court.
The following properties, purchased by William Robson were all in Lacy Green
December 9th 1901. Lane Cottage, Church Lane, conveyed to Wm. Robson by Mrs. Sarah West for £60
December 9th 1901. Park Cottage, Church Lane, conveyed to Wm. Robson by Mrs. Sarah West for £60
December 23rd 1901. Orchard, Church Lane, conveyed to Wm. Robson, by Mary Grace(site of tennis court)
December 23rd 1901. The middle cottage of Wimble End conveyed to Wm. Robson by exec of John Payne.
December 23rd.1901. The west cottage of Wimble End conveyed to Wm. Robson by Dan Floyd.
September 11th 1909. Lieu de Repos (Ardengrove) conveyed to Wm.Robson by execs.of Uriah Dell
September 11th 1909. Wayside, Main Road, conveyed to Wm. Robson by execs. of Uriah Dell
1910 1,Belle Vue Cottages, Main Rd, conveyed to Wm Robson by execs, Rebecca Carter Dell
1910 2,Belle Vue Cottages, Main Rd, conveyed to Wm.Robson by execs, Rebecca Carter Dell
September 9th 1911. Lane Farm, Church Lane, conveyed to Wm. Robson, from execs John Forrest £1640
September 9th 1911. Land & hereditament adjoining Lane Farm
September 9th 1911. Land on the Main Road. 3 acres
Sales. (The Reverend William Robson left Lacey Green in 1922).
February 26th 1921 Wimblehurst (Wimble End), Wm. Robson sold to G.F. Luther, for £1000
December 14th 1921 No 1 Belle Vue, Wm. Robson sold to James Lacey
December 14th 1921 No 2 Belle Vue, Wm. Robson sold to James Lacey
November 26th 1924. Lane Farm, Wm. Robson sold to Albert Stevens for £1350
October 21st 1926. 2 pieces of Land, Wm. Robson sold to The Lacey Green Allotment Society for £200