Page 18 - Redditch People

Redditch People

William Avery

Needle Manufacturer

William came from a Needlemaking family. He was a
musical prodigy and was widely known through the
district.

In 1858 William started the ‘Penny Readings’ in
Redditch as Newspapers were only in their infancy.
He helped to establish the Redditch Literary and
Scientific Institute and the School of Art.

He had been a Liberal in politics and took a prominent 1832 - 1899
part in local work. He had a strong interest in
education and had been on the Feckenham school William Avery
board. He died while sitting on a garden seat in the
grounds near his residence on 31st July 1899 aged (Source: The Book of Redditch by
Ralph Richardson)

Source/Researched by: British Newspaper Archives

These are the people who attended Wesleyan Methodist
Quarterly Meeting, assembled at Park House, Headless

Cartoon issued by the Ratepayers Protection Association 'Old Redditch' by William Avery, 1887
1877. Avery prized this cartoon. Dr. Page added the

Life and Times of William Avery

Dr. Page introduced his 'In Memoriam Mr. William Avery' by stating that 'William Avery
had 'for sixty years ... taken a prominent part in the public, social and religious life of the

Page: 18 © RLHS 2015