Presentations that were made to Thomas Parker, when he
left Coalbrookdale for Wolverhampton, in October 1882

These are copies of newspaper articles that come from Thomas Parker's newspaper cuttings book. I don't know which newspapers they are from, or publication dates.

Leaving Coalbrookdale

On Wednesday evening a social meeting of a large number of the working men at Coalbrook took place in a large room of the Rodney Inn, under the presidency of Mr. P. Elwell, for the purpose of presenting Mr. T. Parker, who is leaving the neighbourhood, with a testimonial, consisting of some handsomely-bound scientific books, which had the following inscription in gold letters: “Presented to Mr. Thomas Parker by the working men of Coalbrookdale, as a small token of their respect and esteem for the many sterling qualities and uniform courtesy to all with whom he came into business relations.” The presentation was made by the chairman on behalf of the subscribers, in a few appropriate remarks, and feelingly acknowledged by Mr. Parker. Some capital songs were given during the evening, which was spent in a most friendly and convivial manner. On Thursday evening at the Commercial Inn, Mr. Parker was presented with a very handsome timepiece, having an inscription as follows: “Presented by the managers and heads of the departments of the Coalbrookdale Ironworks and a few friends to Thomas Parker, on his leaving Coalbrookdale, October 7th, 1882.” In addition to the above there was a fine case of mathematical instruments.

On behalf of the subscribers, Mr. Weston, who presided, asked Mr. Parker’s acceptance of the above, and in a few remarks complimented him upon his successful career.


The Rodney Inn as it is today.

 He fully believed that in the future, as in the past, he would make his mark on the world and had no doubt that he would be a successful man, and his career should be an incentive to the young men of the place to strive and emulate his example. He had much pleasure in cordially and heartily wishing him every success in his new undertaking. Mr. Parker, who evidently felt the kindness of his friends, thanked them all most sincerely for the many tokens of their good feelings towards him, and he could assure them that he should highly prize them.

A Presentation to Mr. Thomas Parker

On Tuesday evening the Borough of Wenlock Liberal Association presented him with an illuminated address which had been tastefully embossed and decorated by Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton of Shrewsbury. The presentation took place at Mr. James Page’s Vaults, Ironbridge, and was made by Mr. W.A. Walker of Coalbrookdale.

Coalbrookdale, October, 1882

An interesting series of presentations on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings were made to Mr. Thomas Parker, who for a number of years has been connected with the Coalbrookdale Ironworks, and who for a few years has filled an important position at the works, previous to his departure from the district to take up an important post in an ironworks in Wolverhampton. The presentation on Tuesday evening was made at Mr. Page’s Vaults, High Street, Ironbridge, at a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Borough of Wenlock Liberal Association. The chair was occupied by Mr. Walker, who after a short speech presented Mr. Parker with an illuminated address, expressive of the regret of the association at his approaching departure from the neighbourhood, and from the Executive Committee. The committee hoped that Mr. Parker would prove as useful and successful in his new sphere of labour, as he had done in his old one.
Messrs. Dunnill, Grant, and Maryatt, bore testimony to the value of Mr. Parker’s services. Mr. Parker, feelingly acknowledged the presentation. It may be mentioned that for several years he has been a member of the Executive Committee and had during that time worked very hard in the interests of the party. The address was beautifully illuminated by Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton, of the Square, Shrewsbury.

On Wednesday evening a social meeting of a large number of the workmen employed at the Coalbrookdale works was held in the large room of the Rodney Inn, for the purpose of making a presentation to Mr. Parker, on behalf of the employees at the works. Mr. Paul Elwell was voted to the chair, and in a few appropriate words made the presentation. The testimonial took the form of a number of handsomely bound books on scientific subjects. 


Mr. Pages Vaults, as it is today.

 The books bore the following inscription in gold letters: “Presented to Mr. Thomas Parker, by the working men of Coalbrookdale, as a small token of their respect and esteem, October 4th, 1882.” Mr. Parker very feelingly acknowledged the presentation. Several capital songs were sung, and the evening was spent in a most friendly manner.

On Thursday evening, a representative gathering of the managers and the heads of departments took place at the Commercial Inn, for the purpose of taking leave of Mr. Parker. The chair was taken by Mr. Phillip Weston, who in making the presentation, referred to the success which had followed Mr. Parker up to the present time and said he hoped it would follow him in his new sphere. He would like the younger men in the works to study well their work, and to take as an example Mr. Parker, as one who had risen by his own industry to a high and important position. The presentation took the form of a valuable marble timepiece and a case of mathematical instruments. The timepiece bore the following inscription: “Presented by the managers and heads of departments in the Coalbrookdale Ironworks to Mr. Thomas Parker on his leaving Coalbrookdale, October 6th, 1882.” In acknowledgement of the presentation, the recipient remarked that he would ever look upon it as something to be valued, and as a remembrance of many friends he had made at Coalbrookdale. The meeting afterwards became convivial, and a pleasant evening was spent.

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