I am researching the work of a Midlands writer called Archie Hill who mentions a brilliant lamp worker he calls 'Old Billy' who died in the late 1930's. This must be Billy Swingewood - but which one?
From the E&S (7-2-2014) I learn that in 2014 you, Paul, were 47 ( born 1967) and your father John was 74 born 1940.
Henry (John's father, Paul's grandfather) would have been born around 1915 (I think he would have been the gentleman in the photo in the E&S). John grandfather (Paul's great-grandfather) would have been born around 1890 and we know he was still around in the 1940's because he help raise John (per the E&S). I think he would be the young man at the British Industries Fair (probably 1920's).
So back to Hill's 'Old Billy'. I have found his on-line burial record at Amblecote Church and, yes, someone named William Henry Swingewood, was buried 12 November 1939 aged 68 so was therefore born 1871. Does this mean there were three generations of William Henry Swingewoods?
Also I have thought more about this quote from the E&S: "John Swingewood, now aged 74, was looked after by grandparents Lily and Mr Swingewood senior, who was a renowned glass maker in the Black Country at the start of the 20th century." This "Mr Swingewood Senior" would have been active rather later than the early years of the 20th Century. I estimated that he was born 1890 so he would not have become well known until perhaps 1925. Which again argues for that Old Billy was from the earlier generation.
If anyone wants to email me at jp AT john-price.me.uk I can send the extracts from Hill's book that mention Old Billy.
Mod: email address amended to prevent spam harvesting, change AT to @ and close up the spaces to make it usable