Arthur Dennis Passmore

The Passmores were a Swindon family who had an antiques shop at 29-30 Wood Street. Arthur was the son of Richard and Jane Passmore. He had one brother, Herculese, who worked at the family antiques business in Swindon. Richard Keylock Passmore was one of the earliest Swindon Photographers and appears in the Dore's Almanac of 1864 advertising his photographic services.

 

The Faringdon Advertiser dated 22nd February 1908, carried an article concerning Arthur Passmore, and described him as a furniture dealer and archaeologist. He was found to have been driving a motor vehicle in Shrivenham without an identification plate. Although the case actually went to Court, it was dismissed by the magistrates.

 

Arthur became a specialist in archaeology and antiquaries, and became noted for his talents in these fields. He was born 1871 and went on to write many articles and theories of things historical in the district of Swindon. 

 

In 1899, he enlisted in the No.1 Company of the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry and after training at Trowbridge he was sent to Cape Town to participate in the Boer War. He returned to England in 1908 and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. Until 1912, he was in the Sudan excavating local archaeology at Luxor.  

 

At the age of 40 years, he enrolled in the 4th Wiltshire Regiment and was sent to India where he was transferred to the Mechanical Transport Corps. By 1916 he was sent to the North West Frontier, achieving the rank of Quarter Master Sergeant in 1917. He returned to Swindon in 1918 to hear that his brother Herculese had been killed.  

 

Arthur returned to Wanborough and his old life, and the house where he lived, Callas Manor, was almost turned into a museum for his artifacts, but was demolished to make way for Callas Rise houses. Although he made many discoveries of archaeological interest during his life time, the recording of them was not comprehensive. Accordingly,  much of his work has not been recognised. He died in 1958.