The Life and Times of George Ward of Barwell (1879-1951)

War Hero—Member of Parliament—Justice of the Peace--Alderman
County Councillor—District Councillor—Parish Councillor—Industrialist Company Director—School Governor—Lay Preacher—Philanthropist etc.
and
A man of great influence in Leicestershire
especially in the towns and villages of
Barwell, Earl Shilton, Hinckley, Burbage, Stoke Golding
and surrounding areas

Published by Hinckley and District Museum Ltd—Reg. Charity No 1015922
Framework Knitters’ Cottages,
Lower Bond Street,
Hinckley,
Leicestershire LE10 1QX

Described by the author as a biography which just had to be written. Here is the life of a modest but determined man who made a huge impact on the area where he lived and where he had the headquarters of his manufacturing business. His life is an object lesson for every young person who wishes to get on in the world.

After receiving only a basic education, George Ward rose to become the most successful Boot and Shoe Manufacturer in Leicestershire. He was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for the Bosworth Constituency in December 1923—the only locally born man ever to do so. He was awarded the Military Medal in the 1914-18 war and his contribution towards the local economy, education and welfare of the community during the inter war years was enormous. He gifted a Spitfire fighter aircraft to the RAF in 1940 and his main contribution to the war effort during this conflict was his appointment as local Chairman of Nation Savings for the Hinckley area. Over £5 million was raised locally for the war effort during his period in office

He was a man of enormous energy, with the will to succeed. However his very successful business and political life contrasts sharply with his tragic family life.
The Charitable Trust which he set up still benefits the local community to this day and will continue to do so for years to come.

Because of George Ward’s deep involvement in local affairs, this book forms a useful and interesting record of local government in what is now the Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council area. Also, without this book, important aspects of the era of boot and shoe making in this area would have passed largely unrecorded and could easily have been lost to future generations.