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Hello,

I believe I am a relation to a couple of you posting here and was speaking to my dad last night. He is Robert Oliver - son of Ernest Oliver who was the last of the Oliver's to work at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry.
It would be great if you could get in touch, I am also trying to research the family history.

Many thanks,

L Oliver

Hi Loulabelle80,

My grandfather, John E. Oliver, was Ernie's brother.

I have little proof, mostly just verbally handed down from my father.

John E. Oliver, son of Bert Oliver, was eldest of 11 children.
John E. Oliver left school and started working for Whitechapel Bell Foundry to carry on the tradition.
He left the bell foundry when his father Bert Oliver died to join the army, the 6th Dragoon Guards, a Calvary regiment; the 3rd Carabiniers. (Bert's death must have been pre 1930 and believe he died at a relatively young age).
Known residence John E. Oliver:
1944 - 17a Lett Road, Stratford. 1944 the front of the house was blown off by a V1 rocket, (witnessed by my dad, the door was apparently still standing, no one was home).
1945 - 19 Ferndale Road, Leytonstone.

Before leaving the foundry John E. Oliver's younger brother, Ernie, started work at the foundry to carry on the Oliver tradition. I believe Ernie made bells for 57 years at Whitechapel before he died.


The King and Queen (George V and Queen Mary) visited the Bell Foundry in March 1919 to christen the new Peace Bell for Westminster Abbey. Bert Oliver played on a peal of bells for Queen Mary. He asked the Queen what she would like him to play. She selected the famous Irish ballad, Eileen Alannah. Her Majesty, accompanied our grandfather by singing the tune right through.
So by deduction; Bert Oliver, our great grandfather, was definitely working for the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1919. Presume Bert was using hand bells to play the tune “Eileen Alannah” and must therefore been very confident and accomplished at playing them.

Regards
John H. Oliver
Dallas Texas