| Description | Collinson
DOB: November 1893
DOD: N/A
Born at No. 7 Twyford Buildings, a slum area in Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London.
Shortly after his birth, the family moved to two rooms in Peabody Buildings, Drury Lane.
His father lost his sight in 1899, when A.T. was about six.
Grew up in severe poverty, engaging in street games, soup kitchens, and odd jobs to help his family survive.
Experienced and witnessed street violence and harsh urban conditions.
Attended Great Wild Street School.
Became a choir boy at Holy Trinity Church.
Teachers and headmaster were remembered fondly, though one headmaster died by suicide.
Helped the local milkman at a very young age.
Took over a newspaper delivery job from his brother in Theobalds Road at age 12.
Worked for his blind father who operated a newspaper kiosk on Kingsway, eventually known as the "Colonel of Kingsway".
Enlisted in World War I and took part in its final stages, demobilized in early 1919
N/A
Sang in the church choir.
Participated in mock street parades (e.g., fake injuries with red ink to amuse pedestrians).
Frequent walker with his father, especially on Sundays along the Embankment and Rotten Row to see upper-class life.
Deeply religious in youth, though questioned aspects of his faith.
Witnessed the return of the City Imperial Volunteers from the Boer War.
Saw Queen Victoria, the Kaiser, and other notable figures in parades.
Saw a man kicked to death during a fight and another commit suicide after shooting himself.
Father received help from the church community to start his newspaper kiosk.
Had a personal interaction with Dr. Crippen, who later became infamous as a murderer
Type-written
Poverty, London slums, Trade unionism, Faith and religion, Social reform, Childhood adversity, Blindness and resilience, World War I, Community support, Urban history. |