J.W. Shuttlewood

(obituary from local paper, December 1936)

A well-known barge-builder at Paglesham, Mr James William Shuttlewood, died with tragic suddenness at his home on Thursday evening. He had just returned from a visit to Rochford and passed away within a few hours following a heart attack. Aged 78 years, he leaves a widow, two sons and five daughters.

Born in the parish of Canewdon, Mr Shuttlewood worked at a Paglesham barge-building yard until the age of 20 years.  Later he moved to Grays, where he was employed by Messrs. E. J. and W. Goldsmith at their yard. After twelve years, Mr. Shuttlewood designed his first cargo barge - a 180-tonner - at Greenwich.

In 1895 he returned to Paglesham to take over the boat-building business. It was whilst he was at Paglesham that he designed and built sailing vessels of various types, including the first yachts built along barge lines, a model of which can be seen in the Science Museum, South Kensington. The deceased was a man of remarkable craftsmanship and he was known all round the coast. He was a skilled helmsman and was often to be seen sailing his yacht. A man of generous disposition, he was straightforward and thorough in everything that he undertook. An instance of his activity was when he undertook the task of building his house at Paglesham [Milton Villa], at the age of 68, with the aid of only his son. The work was completed in only six months.

The remains were interred in the family grave in the Parish Churchyard at Paglesham on Tuesday. The mourners were: The widow, Leo and Frank (sons), Ethel, Maud, Rose, Alma and Hilda (daughters), Mr Harry Shuttlewood (brother), Mrs Rainbird (sister), Mrs F. Shuttlewood (daughter-in-law), Reggie Knopp (grandson), Elsie and Lylie (nieces), Mrs Ellis and Frank (niece and son) and Mr. and Mrs. H. Smith. Friends present included Mr. P Tranter, Mr. G. Alp, Mr and Mrs E.T. Baxter, Mr. F. Wiseman and Miss Wiseman, Mr. J. Woolfe, Mr. J. Thorogood, Mrs. J. Potton and M. Potton. The service was conducted by Rev C.B. Jennings with Mrs L. Chamberlain at the organ. The hymn 'Now the labourers task is over' was sung. Whilst leaving the church for the committal service,