Rodney John Bassett descends from #224 John Bassett as follows:
John Bassett (b. 1660) and wife Elizabeth Baker
William Bassett (b. 1696) and wife Mary Medhurst
William Bassett (b. 1729) and wife Mary Farmer
Stephen Bassett (b. 1760) and wife Abegale
Thomas Bassett (b. 1778) and wife Sarah Vinall
John Bassett (b. 1813) and wife Jane Dadswell
James Bassett (b. 1853) and wife Mary
John Bassett (b. 1882)
Rodney John Bassett (b. 1908)
East Sussex Record Office
Administrative History
Rodney Bassett worked for the firm of J Bassett, coachbuilders, wheelwrights and blacksmiths. The business was established by James Bassett, Rodney’s grandfather, at Sparrows Green in 1881, and had moved to Durgates by 1887, at first occupying premises nearly opposite the later site; the later building seems to have opened around 1902. James borrowed the money for the premises from his brother, Charles, who worked as a builder and church sprie shingle in Wadhurst. James died in 1940; his sons, William (died 1936), Charles (died 1966) and John, known as Jack (died 1969), were also involved in the firm. Rodney was Jack’s only son, and carried on the business until his retirement in 1988.
The Bassett family was closely associated with the Wadhurst Fire Brigade from its formation in 1900. William and Charles Bassett were founder members; William later became chief officer. Jack Bassett was also a member. Rodney joined the volunteer brigade in 1925, becoming a uniformed member in 1933. He was a part-time section-leader during the Second World War, with Wadhurst, Mark Cross, Rotherfield and Frant under his control. He was appointed sub-officer when East Sussex Fire Brigade took over in 1948, and became station officer in 1952. He retired from the brigade in February 1968.
Rodney married Violet Norah Kathleen Hartridge on 15 April 1933. They had one daughter, Sheila. Rodney died on 4 April 1992.
