Another one of Robert Marriott (senior) sons was George's father, William, who married Gertrude Hodgeson in 1903, moved to live at 1, York Rd., Higham Ferrers where they raised the six children Edna, Thirza, Rowland, Douglas, Clive and George. William's claim to fame was in his sporting prowess having played professional football for Gillingham, Bristol Rovers and Aston Villa among others.

Obviously William's sporting skills rubbed off onto George who, in his younger days, played football for Higham Town Football Club and cricket for Higham Ferrers Cricket Club into the 1940's. After his cricket career ended he enjoyed his golf, winning many tournaments in the forty or so years he played the sport; he also had a spell as captain of the Club.

George married Gladys Horsford in 1932, the couple having three children, John, Sally and Gillian. His early entrance into the world of leather and footwear came when he commenced work for The Victoria Leather Company in Midland Rd., Higham Ferrers as an accountant. The Company was owned by a consortium of Boot & Shoe manufacturers supplying leather to their factories in and around Rushden.

He soon made a name for himself, so much so that he was head-hunted by one of the Rushden Shoe manufacturers, Eaton & Co. in Irchester Rd. His Boot and Shoe career took off in earnest and George Marriott remained at Eatons for all of his working life, progressing through the Company and finally being appointed Managing Director.

George Marriott was so immersed in the footwear industry that, in his later career, he was labelled by the industry its "Elder Statesman."  He was elected National President of the British Footwear Manufacturers Federation in 1953 and became a Life Member of its Council. He was President of the National Footwear Research Association and in 1975, as a result of him leading deputations to the government of the day, he was invited by the Secretary of State for Industry to chair a 30 strong all party study group which produced an extensive report on the Industry over the next three years.

In spite of his heavy workload in the Footwear Industry, George still had time to practise the Rotary motto 'Service before Self and joined the Rushden Club in 1942. He was a very active member of the Club, becoming President in 1947-48. He was chosen by 'The Rotarian', an international Rotary magazine, as a typical English Rotarian and a three page article featuring his Family, Work, Leisure and Rotary lives appeared in one of the 1957 editions.

Just how George Marriott coped with his Work/Life balance is a great mystery as he was very much a leading light in the local civic world, being elected chair of many organisations both nationally and locally. Apart from the many Footwear Committees he chaired he was on St Peter's Church Council and was chair of its Finance Committee from 1952-1966. He was a governor of Rushden Secondary Schools from 1962 becoming Chairman from 1970 - 1974. He was elected a County Councillor in 1961 and was elevated to County Alderman in 1970. He was also Chairman of SATRA - the Shoe & Allied Trades Research Association - in 1968, becoming President in 1972.

The civic involvement of the Marriott family is further indicated by George's wife, Gladys, having been a Rushden Urban District Councillor and Council Chairman before re-organisation.

George was rewarded for his devotion to his civic duties and his excellent services to the Footwear Industry with his appointment as a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1977.

George Marriott passed away on the 9^th March 1987.