Ancestry

Thomas Collins was one of the most important men of Victorian Tewkesbury – and he was one of our ancestors!  A full biography can be found at Thomas Collins (tewkesburyhistory.org)
He was baptised in Tewkesbury Abbey on 14th October 1818 and so began a lifelong association with the Abbey, as well as, in adulthood, becoming a significant ‘mover and shaker’ within both the local and wider community.  He finished an apprenticeship as a stonemason in 1841 and by 1851 “the census returns describe him as a stonemason employing four men” and by 1861 Collins described himself in the census as a "Builder, employing 64 men and 6 boys" .

At this time one focus for Collins was the restoration of the medieval buildings within the town. ‘In an attempt to make old properties look more modem, many of the timber and brick frontages had been covered with plaster or rough cast facades. Collins recognised the craftsmanship which had gone into the original structures, and he decided to return them to their former glory whenever an opportunity arose’.  

This included revealing the Elizabethan framing of his own home, Cross House on the comer of Church Street and Tolsey Lane. 

It is therefore coincidental or fitting that my nieces and Mum have recently moved to Cross House and are starting their own restoration project!

It is a Grade II listed building with English Heritage who describe it as “Early C16, but a third storey added in C17, and all extensively restored c1865 by Thomas Collins, the builder/restorer, who used it as his own residence”.

Extensive historic details about the building can be seen at:
CROSS HOUSE, Tewkesbury - 1201228 | Historic England

Historic England also state:  “Thomas Collins, the one-time owner and working stone-mason, has been referred to as "... the first important conservator..." in Tewkesbury (VCH), and was engaged in many important works in the town from 1860 onwards - before the major turmoil raised by the 1870's proposals to restore the Abbey. There is no doubt that he saved many important structures from loss through decay or demolition. His work at Cross House was substantial, and it is difficult to see what the original layout may have been; as much as possible of the early work was clearly retained, but it is not clear whether, for instance, the detail of the main lobby is as originally located or not. Collins is commemorated in a prominent memorial in the south transept of the Abbey”.

I think it is safe to say that the current project has a lot to live up to!​