Papers of Allan Bateley

This collection comprises the personal papers of Allan Victor Batley (1887-1970), relating to his career as a horticulturalist, with particular references to his time as the superintendent of the Parks and Cemeteries Department of the Borough of Dagenham, including letters of reference, written by his previous employers at Broke Hall Gardens, Ipswich, the Gardens at Leyswood, Groombridge, Waddesdon Manor Gardens, Aylesbury and Ashorne Hill Gardens, Leamington, as well as further correspondence, concerning his examination with the Royal Horticultural Society and his involvement with the Beacontree Heath Allotment Holders Association (30 March 1907-19 December 1934), together with photographs, showing him and family members, his private garden and the parks that he tended, such as Valence Park, Dagenham. Also accompanied by newspaper cuttings and printed certificates, awarded to him for participating in competitions involving vegetables and floral displays at the Dagenham Town Show (August 1950 and September 1951). Also accompanied by his birth, marriage and death certificates and communion book.

Allan Victor Batley (1887-1977) was born at Wramplingham, Norfolk. He was superintendent of the Parks and Cemeteries Department of the Borough of Dagenham for 24 years from 1930 to 1954. Before this he tended the gardens of a number of private houses, including Broke Hall, Ipswich and Waddesdon Manor, Aylesbury, as well as parks belonging to Southall and Norwood Urban District Council. After his retirement he returned to Norfolk. He died at his home in Attleborough at the age of 90.

The collection, which was found in a suitcase has been arranged according the format of the material and chronology.

This collection is open to research and can be viewed at the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre. To make an appointment to visit the reading room, please telephone 020 8227 2033 or email at localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk.

Donated by a relative of the creator, Shirley Thompson to the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre in 2010.

Catalogued by Clare Sexton, Assistant Archivist in accordance with ISAD(G).

For further information about the contents of this collection, please contact the Barking and Dagenham Archive and Local Studies Centre telephone 020 8227 2033 or email at localstudies@lbbd.gov.uk.

For further information about our reprographics and publication charges, please visit our website http://www.lbbd.gov.uk/MuseumsAndHeritage/BoroughArchivesandLocalStudies/Pages/Copyingandreproductionservices.aspx

Duplicate and enlarged photographs have been removed by the Assistant Archivist.

The collection was previous held by a relative of the creator, Shirley Thompson.

The acquisition of additional material is not expected.