Peter Paul (or William Paul)

I wonder if anyone can find info for me on a man I only know of as Peter Paul. I don't know if Paul was his surname or not. He lived with my aunt and grandfather (Phyllis and Arthur Walker) at number 8 Crescent Avenue, Copsewood during the 1950s and into at least the late 1960s. I understand he was a gypsy, or Romany, and that his funeral was a big affair attended by many Romany people. He was certainly an interesting fellow - I'm just sorry I never really got to know him, but my older cousins tell me he had a very good sense of humour.

Just hoping that those of you who have access to Census and Electoral records could have a look for me.

I'm not remotely an expert on tracing people but from reading the topics, the censuses aren't released for 100 years, so it will be another 30-40 years before the period you're asking about will come up so that his real name might be determined. There might be something in the newspapers but it would be quite hard to find a reference without his name and date of death. Was he still living at Crescent Av when he died?

Nothing showing for the London Road Cemetery.

There are no deaths recorded in England and Wales of "Peter Paul" which matches the information provided.

Have a look at BDM Online. There are three Peter Paul deaths post 1960s but not in the Warwickshire area. Lambeth in 72, Norwich in 75 and Wharfedale in 79. All feasible but, as MR states, not corresponding to the few facts known.

The first step must be to visit the Coventry Archives at The Herbert and look in the Electors Lists for the said address, to see whether he's listed, and what are his correct names.

In 1939 there is a Peter Paul born 12th July 1914 living with a Kimberley family at 217 Old Church Road, a Mechanical Draughtsman. He died on 12th August 2009, aged 95, in Leamington. Might be worth following up!

Yes, Helen. I'm not sure if my grandfather, Arthur Walker, or my aunt, Phyllis Walker predeceased him, but they all lived at 8 Crescent Avenue. And, yes, I found a few Peter Pauls on Deaths registers, via My Heritage, but none of them at all likely. He was a very enigmatic man! Thanks for taking an interest!

Looking at the directory for 1955 there is an Arthur Walker and a William Paul at number 8, but he wasn't listed by 1960 but Arthur was.

The death of a William Paul, born 1911, was registered in Coventry in the first quarter of 1979. Further investigation from the National Probate Calendar records that he died on 31 December 1978, and his residence was 8 Crescent Avenue, Coventry. He left £2,118. In 1939, he lived at 10 Yule Road, with William and Florence Cattell. Employment recorded as 'Spline Hobbing Machine Hand'. He was born on 2 Jan 1911, and in that year's census he was at 5 Court 8 House Greyfriars Lane, the youngest of 10 children of Charles and Jane Paul.

William Paul is also listed in the 1953 directory at number 8 but there is another at 25 Lower Ford Street.

Many thanks, Helen, MR! I never heard him referred to as William, but that's him at 8 Crescent Ave, for sure. That's a wonderful sounding occupation too - Spline Hobbing Machine Hand - on a par with the famous "sagger-maker's bottom knocker" from "What's my Line?"!

Hobbing

You live and learn, eh, MR! Hobbing is like skiving, only different!