{"id":2101,"date":"2017-12-30T10:31:47","date_gmt":"2017-12-30T10:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/?p=2101"},"modified":"2018-12-11T21:27:54","modified_gmt":"2018-12-11T21:27:54","slug":"john-roger-atcherley-and-railway-accountancy-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/john-roger-atcherley-and-railway-accountancy-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"John Roger Atcherley and railway accountancy \u2013 Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sometime between April 1851 and November 1852, the family of Thomas Cureton Atcherley (1804\u20131874) established itself in Wolverhampton, settling a little to the west of the town centre at Chapel Ash. Not long afterwards an expanding transportation company also arrived in Wolverhampton \u2013 the Great Western Railway. In conjunction with the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, the GWR opened a new station in the town in 1854. This development was an important step in the GWR\u2019s push to extend its railway line from London into the industrial heart of the English Midlands, and onwards into the north-west. It also gave Thomas Cureton Atcherley\u2019s son, John Roger, an opportunity of life-long employment.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Wolverhampton Low Level Station, pictured in 1997.<\/em><\/p>\n

John\u2019s journey begins<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

John Roger Atcherley\u00a0[<\/a><\/strong>] was the eighth child, and third son, of Thomas Cureton Atcherley\u00a0[<\/a><\/strong>] and his wife Mary, n\u00e9e Matthews\u00a0[<\/a><\/strong>]. Born at Hurst Farm, in the Shropshire parish of Westbury, on 8 August 1842 (and baptised at the parish church of St Mary on 16 September that year), John had grown up as part of a farming family. The 1851 census recorded John with his siblings and parents at Cruckfield House in the parish of Ford, near Shrewsbury \u2013 but as we have seen, the Atcherleys did not remain there for long.<\/p>\n

The death of John\u2019s sister Ann Atcherley\u00a0[<\/a><\/strong>] at Chapel Ash on 13 November 1852, at the age of 23, is the earliest indication I have found of the family\u2019s move to Wolverhampton. The next indication is the inclusion of \u201cAtcherley T. C, Chapel Ash\u201d among the Grocers and Tea Dealers of Wolverhampton, in White’s Directory of Birmingham<\/em> for 1855.<\/p>\n

By 1861, Thomas Cureton Atcherley and his family had moved \u2018down the road\u2019 into Wolverhampton proper: on that year\u2019s census they were enumerated at Darlington Street. Thomas was still trading as a grocer. John, meanwhile, was said to be a hardware merchant\u2019s clerk \u2013 which is puzzling, as he had been employed by the Great Western Railway since January 1855 and continued to work for them for the rest of his life.<\/p>\n

John Roger Atcherley\u2019s career with the GWR can be traced through a series of entries in the company\u2019s registers of clerks (now held by The National Archives). These show that when John started out, in the Accounts Department at Wolverhampton, his annual salary was just \u00a310. This was doubled to \u00a320 in July 1855, and then rose by \u00a310 in each successive year . From July 1861, three months after the census was taken, John was earning \u00a370 per annum.<\/p>\n

John did not receive another pay rise until January 1864, but this was followed by an additional rise of double the usual amount in August that year, taking his annual salary to \u00a3100. By this time John was working in the Great Western Railway\u2019s Accounts Department at Paddington, London, having commenced there in October 1863.<\/p>\n

On the right lines: keeping track of finances<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

By the end of 1863 the total mileage of routes covered by the GWR\u2019s railway lines had reached 1,106 miles (a considerable increase from 171 miles at the end of 1841). It had achieved this partly through construction of its own lines, and partly through the acquisition of other companies including the Shrewsbury and Birmingham Railway, the Shrewsbury and Chester railway (both in 1854, with 79 miles between them), the South Wales Railway (1863, 164\u00be miles) and the West Midland Railway (1863, 198\u00be miles).<\/p>\n

As you can imagine, operating and expanding this railway network involved the movement of a great deal of money as well as a large amount of rolling stock. It was essential for the GWR to \u2018keep track\u2019 of its many and various financial transactions. Not only did the company need to know what was happening with its finances, so did its investors (including a number of Atcherleys such as the Misses Atcherley of Shrewsbury<\/a>). Hence the need for the small army of clerks like John Roger Atcherley in the company\u2019s accounts offices.<\/p>\n

\"\"Paddington Station in Victorian times.<\/em><\/p>\n

Parliament also took an interest in the affairs of railway companies (including their finances). Indeed, it was only through the passing of Acts of Parliament that these businesses could come into being. Beyond these enabling Acts however, Parliament initially did little to regulate the construction or operation of the railways. But the zeal for railway building and the financial repercussions of \u2018railway mania\u2019 were so great that they could not be ignored. Indeed, in the words of John J Glyn (in his paper The development of British Railway Accounting: 1800-1911<\/em>): \u201cRailways in the nineteenth century had a major influence in reshaping some of the legislative procedures in parliament, the development of the capital market, and the economy at large.\u201d<\/p>\n

Of particular relevance to the accounts departments of the GWR and other railway companies was legislation relating to the keeping and presentation of accounts of income and expenditure. Returning to Glyn\u2019s paper:<\/p>\n

Prior to 1868, no precise form of accounts was prescribed for railway companies, although certain requirements with reference to accounts were placed on such companies as came within the scope of the Railway Regulation Act, 1844, and the Railway Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845.<\/p>\n

The keeping of accounts was, however, obligatory on all railway companies (in common with other companies carrying on undertakings of a public nature) under the provisions of the Companies Clauses Consolidation Act, 1845. […]<\/p>\n

The Regulation of Railways Act, 1868, made it obligatory for all railway companies to render their accounts half-yearly in line with the forms prescribed in the first schedule of that Act.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Just the ticket! John\u2019s improving station in life<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

John Roger Atcherley probably lodged or boarded at several different addresses after his transfer to Paddington. At the time of the 1871 census he was boarding at 11 St Marys Square, the home of 64-year-old widow Jane Nicholls and her unmarried daughter May. John too was single. Aged 28, he was this time correctly recorded by the enumerator as a railway accountant. Pay increases in December 1865, October 1867 and April 1869 had taken his annual salary to \u00a3130. This rose to \u00a3140 within a fortnight of the 1871 census being taken. Larger pay rises in 1872 (\u00a315), \u201974, \u201975 and \u201976 (\u00a325 each time) meant that within five years John Roger Atcherley was earning \u00a3225 per annum.<\/p>\n

With his higher salary John was now able to afford a place of his own, and the house he acquired in turn qualified him to vote in elections. The Register of Electors for the Borough of Mary-le-bone for 1876 therefore included John Atcherley of 20 Porteous Road. He was still at this address in 1881, by which time his salary had risen to \u00a3260. He had also been joined by his widowed mother Mary (age 71, an annuitant) and his unmarried sister Margaret Bell Atcherley\u00a0[<\/a><\/strong>] (47, a housekeeper \u2013 presumably for John). The household even included a general servant!<\/p>\n

Balancing the books \u2013 of the Literary Society<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The expertise in accountancy which he had developed through his employment with the Great Western Railway were now also being used by John for purposes outside of \u2013 but still connected to \u2013 his \u2018day job\u2019. In 1877 for example, \u201cMr. J. R. Atcherly\u201d was appointed Treasurer of the Great Western Railway Literary Society. This fact I gleaned from a report in The Freemason’s Chronicle<\/em> of 16 June that year, which also stated:<\/p>\n

The Report of the Great Western Railway Literary Society, which was read at the twenty-fifth general meeting, discloses a very satisfactory state of things. Bro. Sir Daniel Gooch Bart. M.P., Provincial Grand Master Berks and Bucks, is the President of the Society, which numbers now 593 members, there having been an increase during the past year of 43 members. As many as 411 volumes have, in the same period, been added to the library for circulation, thus raising the total number from 7,354 to 7,765 volumes.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"Sir Daniel Gooch\u00a0\u2013 pictured right\u00a0\u2013 was at that time Chairman of the GWR (a position he had held since 1865, having previously been the company\u2019s Superintendent of Locomotive Engines from 1837 until 1864). We will meet him again later in this story; for now it is enough to say that his Chairmanship of the GWR\u2019s Literary Society was a reflection of the interest his company took in developing such facilities for its employees. The beginnings of the society were reported on by the London Daily News<\/em> of 27 May 1853 as follows:<\/p>\n

A report, embracing a variety of interesting details respecting this newly formed institution, has just been issued by the committee. It is gratifying to find that the facts disclosed reflect no less credit on the employ\u00e9s<\/em> of the company than on the directors, and that while the latter not only sanctioned but effectively promoted the formation of the society, the former have eagerly availed themselves of the advantages placed within their reach. The society started in March, 1852, with 113 members, and it now possesses 178. At that time the library contained 730 volumes, but it has since been gradually increased to 1,375 volumes. The funds of the society are also stated to be in a very flourishing state, and the circulation of the books has steadily increased. […]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Was John Roger Atcherley one of the members of the GWR Literary Society? I like to think he was, and that the books he borrowed from the society\u2019s growing library provided a pleasant way for him to while away some of the leisure time available to him when he was not working on his employer\u2019s accounts. I don\u2019t know for sure though. I am also uncertain of how long John remained as the Literary Society\u2019s treasurer after his election in 1877.<\/p>\n

The society continued to thrive and grow long after the days when Sir Daniel Gooch and John Roger Atcherley were involved. Its library, originally established in rooms at Paddington Station, was moved in 1899 to new premises at 44 Eastbourne Terrace, the new accommodation and associated costs being funded by the GWR\u2019s directors. \u00a0By 1906 (according to the Exeter and Plymouth Gazette<\/em> of 15 February that year) it had a membership of 728 and \u201ca library of upwards of 10,000 works\u201d which had \u201cproved a considerable attraction among employes of the Company.\u201d The centenary of the GWR Literary Society was celebrated with a luncheon held at Paddington\u2019s Great Western Royal Hotel, with the institution\u2019s President in the chair.<\/p>\n

The Whitland and Cardigan Railway \u2013 full steam ahead?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

In 1881 John became the auditor of the Whitland and Cardigan Railway Company (WCR). He was listed as such (being described as \u201cJ. R. Atcherley, Great Western Railway, Paddington, W.\u201d) in that year\u2019s edition of Bradshaw\u2019s Railway Manual, Shareholders’ Guide, and Official Directory<\/em>. The WCR had been struggling financially, so assistance from the GWR was broadly welcomed by its directors and shareholders.<\/p>\n

Sadly, after assisting the WCR John Roger Atcherley would face difficulties of his own. The saga of the Whitland and Cardigan Railway, and the conclusion of John\u2019s own tale, follows in Part 2<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\n

Picture credits.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em>Wolverhampton Low Level Station, pictured in 1997: Adapted from a photo by Lamberhurst; taken from Wikimedia Commons<\/a> and used, and made available for re-use, under Creative Commons licence<\/a>.\u00a0<\/em>Paddington Station in Victorian times:\u00a0adapted from an image at\u00a0Wikipedia;<\/a>\u00a0original source a period postcard, copyright expired. Sir Daniel Gooch: Image\u00a0\u00a9 National Portrait Gallery, London, ref\u00a0NPG 5080<\/a>, used under a Creative Commons licence<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n

[1]<\/strong> 1851 census of England and Wales, Piece 1991, folio 116, page 18: Cruckfield House, Ford, Shropshire, England.
\n[2]<\/strong> Staffordshire Advertiser, 20 Nov 1852, page 5. \u201cDeaths. […] On the 13th instant, at Chapel Ash, Wolverhampton. aged 23, Ann, second daughter of Mr. T. C. Atcherley.\u201d Copy viewed at Findmypast.
\n[3]<\/strong> Wolverhampton Low Level railway station<\/a>. At: Wikipedia (website, accessed 20 Aug 2017).
\n[4]<\/strong> Station Name: Wolverhampton Low Level<\/a>. At: Disused Stations website (accessed 20 Aug 2017).
\n[5]<\/strong> Birth of John Roger Atcherly registered at Atcham, September quarter 1842; volume 18, page 15.
\n[6]<\/strong> Westbury, Shropshire, baptism register covering 1842: entry for John Roger, parents Thos Cureton and Mary Atcherley. Copies viewed at Shropshire Archives and at Findmypast \u2013 Shropshire Baptisms.
\n[7]<\/strong> White’s Directory of Birmingham (1855), page 573 (Wolverhampton Directory). Copy viewed at Ancestry \u2013 UK, City and County Directories, 1766 \u2013 1946.
\n[8]<\/strong> 1861 census of England and Wales, Piece 1990, folio 75, page 4.
\n[9]<\/strong> The National Archives, Kew: Group RAIL, Class 264, Piece 3. Great Western Railway Register of Clerks Volume 3, folio 55. Copy viewed at Ancestry \u2013 UK, Railway Employment Records, 1833-1956.
\n[10]<\/strong> The National Archives, Kew: Group RAIL, Class 264, Piece 399. Register of Clerks in the Service of the Great Western Railway, No. 3, folio 44. Copy viewed at Ancestry \u2013 UK, Railway Employment Records, 1833-1956.
\n[11]<\/strong> The National Archives, Kew: Group RAIL, Class 264, Piece 409. Great Western Railway, Register of Clerks, Accountant’s Department, folio 2. Copy viewed at Ancestry \u2013 UK, Railway Employment Records, 1833-1956.
\n[12]<\/strong> Great Western Railway<\/a>. At: Wikipedia 9website, accessed 27 Dec 2017).
\n[13]<\/strong> John Daniel (2013), Railway Companies acquired by the GWR<\/a>. At: The Great Western Archive (website, accessed 27 Dec 2017).
\n[13]<\/strong> John J Glynn (1984), The development of British railway accounting: 1800\u20131911. In: The Accounting Historians Journal, Volume 11, Number 1, pages 103\u2013118. Also in: J R Edwards (ed.) (2013), Reporting Fixed Assets in Nineteenth-Century Company Accounts, copy previewed at Google Books<\/a>.
\n[14]<\/strong> 1871 census of England and Wales, Piece 10, folio 53, page 11.
\n[15]<\/strong> 1881 census of England and Wales, Piece 6, folio 67, page 28.
\n[16]<\/strong> The Freemason’s Chronicle, 16 Jun 1877, page 395.
\n[17]<\/strong> Daniel Gooch<\/a>. At: Wikipedia (website, accessed 29 Dec 2017).
\n[18]<\/strong> London Daily News, 27 May 1853, page 5. \u201cGreat Western Railway Literary Society.\u201d Copy viewed at Findmypast.
\n[19]<\/strong> The Railway Magazine, April 1900, page 376. Copy viewed at Google Books<\/a>.
\n[20]<\/strong> Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 15 Feb 1906, page 2, column 5. \u201cThe Great Western Railway Literary Society […]\u201d Copy viewed at Findmypast.
\n[21]<\/strong> The Railway Gazette, volume 98 (1953), page 274. Snippet and OCR text viewed at Google Books.
\n[22]<\/strong> Bradshaw, George (1881), Bradshaw’s Railway Manual, Shareholders’ Guide, and Official Directory for 1881. Page 369.
\n[23]<\/strong> Whitland and Cardigan Railway<\/a>. At: Wikipedia (website, accessed 30 Dec 2017).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sometime between April 1851 and November 1852, the family of Thomas Cureton Atcherley (1804\u20131874) established itself in Wolverhampton, settling a little to the west of the town centre at Chapel Ash. Not long afterwards an expanding transportation company also arrived in Wolverhampton \u2013 the Great Western Railway. In conjunction with the Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway, the GWR opened a… Read more »<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2101","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-family-history-articles"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2101"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2101"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2101\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2811,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2101\/revisions\/2811"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.atcherley.org.uk\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}