Celebrating Hampshire's Historians

Warren, William Thorn

10 September 1839 – 4 January 1918

William Thorn Warren was born in Winchester, the second son of Nathaniel Warren and his wife Mary Ann.  He was educated at Trafalgar House School and learned to become a practical printer in the business established by his father.  

He then spent time in Sussex, editing the Hastings & St Leonards Observer, and Devon, working in Bideford, before his father’s death saw him return to Winchester.  He took over the running of the printing business, which became known as Warren and Son.  He married Agnes Drew in 1871 and they went on to have three sons and three daughters.

Once established in the city, William Warren gave much of his time to civic matters.  He was elected in 1881 to St Thomas’ ward and by 1884 he was Chief Magistrate and served the first of two terms as Mayor.  On serving the second term nine years later he was made Alderman and became a Justice of the Peace from 1893.  In later years he was praised for the ‘zeal and ability’ with which he had carried out his many duties.

Away from the council chamber and bench he was a director of the Winchester Water & Gas Co and pioneer in the early closing movement in the city.  He was also a member of the Diocesan Conference and committed supporter of the Cathedral.

A keen antiquarian, William Thorn Warren was well placed to produce many books, maps, directories and articles about Winchester and the county, as author, editor or publisher.  Examples include:

• The Illustrated Guide to Winchester

• Notes from the History of Winchester

• St Cross Hospital near Winchester

• Kebleland

• The Story of the Great Siege of Basing House

A number of these were updated by Frank Warren and some titles are still in print, with or without further revision

And the Warren name lives on.  David Morgan bought the business in 1978.  The shop at 85 High Street and Winchester Office Supplies operate under the name ‘Warren & Son’.

Sources

• Hampshire Observer January 1918

Portrait

Contribution to county’s history

Innumerable guides, directories and books about Winchester from the late 19th century onwards.

Relevant published works

• Warren W T ed (1899) St Cross Near Winchester: Its History and Buildings Warren & Son

• Warren W T (1900) Kebleland: Keble’s Home at Hursley etc Warren & Son, Simkin & Co.

• Warren W T (1902) Round About The Old Capital of England Warren & Son

• Warren W T (1909) Illustrated Guide to Winchester, Warren & Son

• Warren W T ed (1913) Winchester Illustrated Simpkin & Co

Critical Comments

Guides (and directories!) soon out of date. Good period pieces. Some of the history a bit shaky. Much derived and edited material

Other Comments

Contributor

Dave Allen, May 2024

Key Words

Winchester printer; Warren & Son; St Cross; Hursley, Winchester

If you are able to add anything to this entry, please send your ideas to celebrating@hantsfieldclub.org.uk.

Back to HIstorians V-Y from Vancouver, Charles to Yonge, Charlotte M.