In 1881 he was living at Upton NTH, where his father George was farm bailiff of the Asylum Estate. George was aged 2 and his birth place was given as Clifford YKS. Later his birth place is stated in census records as Beverley YKS. In 1891 the family was still at Upton.

George William Gardam married Florence Levina Beaumont at Duston parish church, near Northampton, on 29th September 1906. He was aged 28, and a 'model maker' and Levina was 21. In 1911 he was an engineers' pattern maker at Bassett Lowke in Northampton. They now had three children, twin sons Herbert and George aged 3, and Christine aged 2.

Sadly Florence died, and George married Eva Elsie Boote in 1918. He was working at Winteringham Engineers as a joiner.

By 1925 he was the woodwork teacher at the newly formed Intermediate School in Rushden. Here, he also ran classes for older students at the continuation school. The students would hold an annual exhibition to show off their years works.

In 2000 a boat modelled by George was discovered by Brian Eaton, and in 2014 he shared the story with us.

GARDAM Family This boat has been rebuilt by Brian Eaton, who would like to make contact with the Gardam Family. He writes to say: In 2000 I bought the hulk of a model boat at an antique toy fair, it is 54" in length and I was told it had writing under the very broken deck. The writing says it was made by a W. GARDAM in 1915 for Bassett Lowke Northampton; it goes on to say some other interesting information. I acquired a Bassett Lowke Catalogue for 1913 where a photo and description of this type of model states that it is a TORPEDO BOAT DESTROYER. I have restored this boat to sailing condition over 14 years and would like to trace any relative of Mr Gardam if possible. Brian has sent these pictures of the boat. If you can put Brian in contact with the family please email Hearts & Soles website. see news page for details.

In 2025 Brian Eaton contacted us again with a little additional information and a copy of his recent article in Model Boats. He has sent us a copy of the deciphered pencil note he found under the decking, and some school photographs - see Intermediate school. Brian had found George's marriage too, and enabled us to further research his family [added above].

One note says:- "made June 1915 by W G[ard]am for Bassett-Lowke Northampton. Morning's news G[erman] submarine sunk by [Brit]ish. Hurrah 3 cheers." The other "steam [power] fitted by H. Slade(?) March 1916 for Bassett-Lowke London." - below right

Visit to London shop by the staff from Northampton in 1913. George in boater▲.

Intermediate 1940 - Mr Gardam is seated 3rd from left.

1938/9 Intermediate Old Boys - woodwork teacher Mr Gardam seated second from left

Note: Brian also wrote a longer article for Model Boats, magazine in March 2025. In 2000 he had been to an antique toy fair at Sandown Park, where he discovered the boat, and bought it. That set him on doing the further research, which he has shared with us.