Charles Rowles in his Churchwarden Jacket

[Gadget]

Possibly the  vestry/parish minutes for that time have been destroyed. I wonder if it's worth looking through the BMD  records. It may record him as a witness .

[TROOPER ROLLO]

I have just sent a copy of the picture to the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Maybe they can identify the costume.
I don't suppose he was the only one photographed in such regalia.
It may be a while before they answer but I will endeavour to relay any information.

[ShaunJ]

I checked with the church in Coombe

I am wondering why you think he would have been a warden at the church at Combe/Coombe ? He lived for most of his life at Kidlington and his children were baptised there. By 1861 he was in Headington and he died at South Hinksey in 1868.

[TROOPER ROLLO]

Thanks Shaun and well spotted.

The information on the back of the photo is obviously incorrect.
I admit I should have spotted that my self. Apologies.
I will send an enquiry to Kidlington and check there.

[ShaunJ]

The shako the man in the photo is wearing is of the type adopted for the Chelsea Pensioners but the badge isn't right

https://image.invaluable.com/housePhotos/CTAuctioneers/49/598149/H20253-L106936039.jpg

[TROOPER ROLLO]

Just received a reply from Kidlington church and a bit more information. Shets attached.

I am unsure now whether the jacket worn by Charles is a churchwarden's jacket or a
village constables uniform. He was a churchwarden for 5 years hence the chevrons on the sleeve.
But I note that he had 2 more chevrons on the other sleeve making 7. He was a churcdhwarden
for 7 years.
Any thoughts anyone?