Caldicott One-Name Study

DEATH OF MR. C. M. CALDECOTT.
It is with regret that we have to record the death of Mr. Charles Marriott Caldecott, of Holbrook Grange, Rugby, which event took place soon after mid-day yesterday. Mr. Caldecott was the sixth and youngest son of Mr. Abraham Caldecott, Lord of the Manor of Rugby, in which town he was born in June, 1807. He entered Rugby School in 1815, and on leaving it went to the East India College at Hailebury, where he quickly distinguished himself, and gained several prizes. He was subsequently appointed judge in the India Civil Service, and also a magistrate. When yet in his teens he married in Bengal, and had a large family. He leaves a widow, and is succeeded by his son, Colonel T. C. Caldecott, J.P. The deceased gentleman was for many years chairman of the Rugby Board of Guardians, and, on his retirement, was enetertained to dinner, and presented with a handsome testimonial. He was the senior magistrate in the Rugby division, and at the County Quarter Sessions his advice was ever welcome. He was on several of the county committees, and for many years devoted much time and attention to county affairs. He was connected with most of the county institutions, was a prominent member of the Chamber of Agricuture, the Warwickshire and Birimingham Agricultural Societies, and an experienced judge at archery meetings. He always took a lively interest in Rugby School, and till the last few years was frequently judge at the principal football matches. He was one of the principal witnesses before the commission of Endowed Schools Act; and for his indefatigable exertions on behalf of the inhabitants of Rugby, when the new statutes were framed by the newly-created governing body of Rugby School, a scholarship was founded in his honour. In religion he was a Churchman, and endowed the chapel of ease in the hamlet in which he resided. Mr. Caldecott was a staunch Conservative, and at the last contested elestion in North Warwickshire was chairman of Messrs. Newdegate and Bromley-Davenport’s Executive Committee. He was for many years chairman of the Rugby and Dunchurch Conservative Association, and always took a most active part in political matters. Although most firmly rooted in political faith, he never permitted difference of opinion to interfere with private friendship. He was regarded as an authority on agriculture; and although for some years he had given up extensive farming on his own account, he continues deeply interested in all county agricultural matters. His uncle, in 1839, left him Holbrook Grange, where he has since resided; and in 1875, on the death of Mr. Thomas Caldecott, he became head of the family. The deceased gentleman was widely known throughout the midlands, and was beloved and respected by all classes. He was distinguished for his cheerful disposition, most genial presence, and unfailing courtesy to every one with whom he came in contact, and his death will be regretted by all who knew him. The deceased’s estate, at Little Lawford, was formerly possessed by the Boughton family, who had a mansion there until the event which gave such sad celebrity to the place – the murder of Sir Theodosius Boughton in 1780, by poison administered by Captain Donellan, who had married his only sister. In 1793 the estate and manor were sold by Sir E. Boughton to the late Mr. John Caldecott, when Lawford Hall was demolished, and the present manor, Holbrook Grange was built.

(Featured image at top of post – Holbrook Grange ca. 1900 Courtesy of Warwickshire CC, Rugby Library Local Studies Collection; WCRO PH827/5/25; photographer Rev. E. Dew)