Bassett Family Association Database

John (Jack) Bassett

Male Abt 1882 - 1969  (~ 87 years)


Personal Information    |    PDF

  • Name John (Jack) Bassett 
    Born Abt 1882  Wadhurst, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location 
    Gender Male 
    _UID E4A5CE066444364F941B5E6DC854100030EA 
    Died 1969 
    Notes 
    • John (Jack) Bassett, along with his brother, Charles, owned a blacksmith and carpentry (wheelwright) business in Wadhurst known as Bassetts' Forge.

      East Sussex Record Office
      Administrative History
      Rodney Bassett works 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 spire shingler 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.

      1891 British Census of Wadhurst, Sussex, England
      James Bassett - 37 - M - Head - Rotherfield, Sussex - Coach Builder
      Mary - 38 - F - Wife - Wadhurst, Sussex
      Edward - 17 - M - Son - Wadhurst, Sussex - Assistant
      Tho. Wm. - 11 - M - Son - Wadhurst, Sussex - Scholar
      John - 9 - M - Son - Wadhurst, Sussex - Scholar
      Alfred Chs. - 6 - M - Son - Wadhurst, Sussex - Scholar
      Fred. C. - 2 - M - Son - Wadhurst, Sussex - Scholar
    Person ID I88  224B John Bassett of Rotherfield, Sussex, England
    Last Modified 14 Jul 2012 

    Father James Bassett,   b. 1852, Rotherfield, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 2 Jan 1940, Wadhurst, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age 88 years) 
    Mother Mary Rabson,   b. Abt 1853, Wadhurst, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location,   d. 5 Oct 1917, Ticehurst, Sussex, England Find all individuals with events at this location  (Age ~ 64 years) 
    Family ID F10  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Children 
    +1. Rodney John Bassett,   b. 1908,   d. 4 Apr 1992  (Age 84 years)
    Family ID F28  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart