Thomas Copson

 

Swansea Arcade

High Street Arcade, Swansea, was opened in 1890 and survived the bombing of the Swansea Blitz, only to be demolished in 1970.

One of the first Inspectors of the Arcade, who lived on the premises at the time of the 1891 Census, was Thomas Copson

Thomas was born in 1835, in Bosworth, Leicestershire—Son of Randall and Ann Copson.

At the time of the 1841 Census, only 6 years old, was residing at St. Margaret with Bishops Fee, Leicestershire, with his parents and older brother Joseph.

1841 Census

The family was still living in Leicestershire at the time of the 1851 Census.

1851 Census

A few years later, Thomas, enlisted and served with the 23^rd (1^st Battalion), Royal Welsh Fusiliers also with the 36^th Regiment of Foot.  Thomas saw action in the Crimean War.  Thomas was awarded two silver medals – Russo-Turkish (Sebastopol) War, with one clasp and one with the French.  Thomas also saw action during the Indian Mutiny and was at the Relief of Lucknow, in 1857.

Thomas was discharged from the Army, in 1874, where he became a Chelsea Pensioner.

The next record, which records Thomas’ whereabouts is the 1881 Census.

1881 Census

Thomas by this time is married, and they are both living at 8 Caswell Street, Swansea.

Present at the address are their two sons, Thomas David George, 12, and Lewis Edward, 5.

Thomas’ occupation is recorded as Army Pensioner.

A decade later, at the time of the 1891 Census, the family was residing at the Arcade Buildings, High Street.

1891 Census

Thomas, 56, is the Inspector of the Arcade.  Mary is 48.

Their sons, Thomas David George, 22, is a Blacksmith, and Lewis George, 15 is an Apprentice Ironmongery.

However, four years later, Thomas, died aged 59.

Swansea Journal and South Wales Liberal

At the time of his death Thomas, was living at 21 Fisher Street.  He was employed by Swansea Bank, High Street.  His death was announced in the Swansea Journal and South Wales Liberal.