Edward Burnard Squire: The Long‑Serving Vicar Who Shaped Victorian Swansea

St. James Church Hall, Uplands

St. James Church Hall, Uplands

Memorial Stone

In 1904, St. James Church Hall, situated within the grounds of St. James Church, Uplands, Swansea, was built in memory of Rev. Edward Burnard Squire, who served as Vicar of Swansea from 1846 to 1876. The commemorative stone was laid in October 1904 by his son, Rev. Herbert Upton Squire, marking a tribute to a clergyman whose influence on Swansea’s religious and educational life had endured for decades.

Early Life and Marriage

Edward Burnard Squire photographed by John Dillwyn Llewelyn credit - Amgueddfa Cymru - Museum Wales

Edward Burnard Squire was born in 1805 at Taunton, Somerset, the same year as the Battle of Trafalgar. His parentage remains unknown. In 1826, he married Eliza Anne Bruce at Calcutta, Bengal, India, beginning a life that would later bridge continents and faith communities.

The Squire Family in Swansea

1851 Census

By the 1851 Census, the Squire family were living at 3 Brunswick Place, Swansea. Edward, aged 46, was recorded as Vicar of Swansea and a widower. His children were listed by initials: H. U., aged 5, born in Burston, Staffordshire, and M. H., aged four months. Two servants, Margaret Webster (47) and Susan Holgate (30), were also in residence.

Edward Burnard Squire and Letitia Surman Bowen marriage certificate parish church of Walton West, Pembrokeshire

In 1852, Edward married Letitia Surman Bowen at the parish church of Walton West, Pembrokeshire. His occupation was recorded as Clerk, Vicar of Swansea.

Life at the Vicarage

1861 Census

The 1861 Census records the family at the Vicarage, Swansea. Edward, aged 56, was still serving as Vicar, and Letitia, aged 36, was his wife. Their children were Graham Harney (24), a student at Oxford University, born in the East Indies; Catherine Elizabeth (22), born in China; and Mary Anne Herschel (10), attending school. Three servants were also present: Jane Hart (27), Susanna Holgate (40), and Ann Saunders (22).

1871 Census

A decade later, the 1871 Census shows the family still at the Vicarage. Edward, aged 66, remained Vicar of Swansea, and Letitia, aged 45, continued to manage the household. Their daughters Catherine Elizabeth (31) and Mary Anne Herschel (20) were living at home, along with servants Susanna Holgate (50), Sarah Thomas (28), and Sarah Webb (20).

Death and Burial

Squire family
headstone
St. Mary's Church, Swansea
credit - findagrave

Rev. Edward Burnard Squire died in 1876 and was buried at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Swansea.

1891 Census

His widow, Letitia Surman Squire, was recorded in the 1891 Census as residing as a boarder at St. Brides Bay Private Hotel, West Walton, Pembrokeshire. She died in 1900 and was also buried at St. Mary’s Churchyard, Swansea.

Herbert Upton Squire: Continuing the Squire Family’s Clerical Legacy

Marriage and Ministry

Hebert Upton Squire and Alice Mary Noon
marriage certificate
St. James Church, Swansea

In 1875, Herbert Upton Squire, son of Edward Burnard Squire, married Alice Mary Noon at St. James Church, Swansea.

1891 Census

By the 1891 Census, the family were living at The Rectory, Holsworthy, Tetcott, Devon. Herbert, aged 46, was recorded as a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Alice, aged 44, managed the household. Also present were her parents, Thomas Noon (76) and Sarah A. Noon, a visitor James A. Prendergast (22), and three servants: Degory Stevens (63), Esther H. Cause (25), and Harvich H. Lawer (19).

1901 Census

The 1901 Census shows the family still residing at the Rectory. Herbert, aged 55, remained a Clerk in Holy Orders, and Alice, aged 54, continued as his wife. Also present was Catherine E. Squire (62), along with servants Emily Hooper (39) and Agnes A. Woodbridge (14).

Commemoration of His Father

Cambria Daily Leader

Cambria Daily Leader

October 1904, the Cambria Daily Leader published an article titled “Church Work in Swansea – Memorial to the Late E. B. Squire – Son Lays the Foundation Stone at St. James.” The report noted that the cost of the new hall was £1,900. During the ceremony, Herbert remarked that “Rev. E. Squire built the church on that ground and was specially interested in the work amongst children.” The Mayor of Swansea added that “the late Mr Squire was an educationalist when there were not so many as to-day. Mr Squire did a great work in his day.”

Later Years

1911 Census

By the 1911 Census, Herbert and Alice were living at Tetcott, 5 Manston Terrace, Heavitree, Exeter. Herbert, aged 66, was recorded as a Clergyman of the Established Church (Retired), and Alice, aged 65, was his wife. Two servants, Emily Amandas Trevithick (35) and Clara Anne Smith (30), were also in residence.

Rev. Herbert Upton Squire died in 1926, closing a family chapter that had spanned nearly a century of devoted service to the Church and to Swansea’s spiritual and educational life.