WILLIAM ARTHUR SWEET-ESCOTT
2nd January 1898 – 14th October 1918
William Arthur Sweet-Escott (Bill) is the son of William Sydney Rice Sweet-Escott and Ethel
Frances (Barbie) Sweet-Escott (nee Brain) of Hartrow, Penarth. William was the grandson of
Samuel Arthur Brian, Chairman and founder of the Cardiff brewery company. William was born on
22nd January 1898.
(Hartrow estate, Somerset)
William Sydney was born on 10th October 1867 and he died on 29th October 1926. His brother was
Thomas Rice Sweet-Escott. Ethel Frances, or Barbie, as she was known, was born in 1873 to
Samuel Arthur Brain and Frances Elizabeth Thomas. Ethel had a sister, Gladys Mary Ann
Vivian(nee Brain). Ethel died in 1964 at the age of 91.
In the 1901 census the family consists of William Sydney, head of the household, who is 34 years
of age, a solicitor, born in Bedford. His wife Ethel Frances, is 28 years of age, and their children are
Ethel Violet, age 5, and William Arthur, age 3. Also in the house are servants - Clara Martin,
Florence Hookway, Elizabeth Evans and Gertrude Westecott, carrying out the duties of Nurse,
Cook, and Housemaids.(Eddie Hookway is also remembered on the memorial, one wonders if there
is a connection) Their near neighbours at “Oakhurst” and “Ashdene”; all large houses, either
shipowners or living off own means.