Charles Aubrey Fothergill (1880-1932) Civil Engineer
1911 Living at 20 Powderham Crescent, Exeter: Charles Aubrey Fothergill (age 30 born New Tedegar, Mon), Engineering Contractor - Waterworks and Sewage - Employer. With his wife Madelaine.[1]
1932 Died. 'The death took place, at his residence, Taddyforde, New North-road, Exeter, of Mr. Charles Aubrey Fothergill, who was well known throughout the West-Country a civil engineer and contractor. Aged 50, he had been in poor health for some time. He was managing director of Messrs. Fothergill Bros., Ltd., engineering contractors and bridge builders, of 12, Southernhay West, Exeter, which firm he founded in 1911. Mr. Fothergill, who was native of New Tredegar, Monmouthshire, was a keen Rugby enthusiast, playing for Newport his younger days, and he was a strong supporter of the Exeter Club. In politics he was a Conservative. He was member of the Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart South-street. Commencing his career as an engineer with Mr. W. H. Smith, he came to Exeter in 1910, and was engaged on the construction of Dane's Castle waterworks. The following year he founded the firm Messrs. Fothergill Bros., Ltd., and, retaining his Welsh connections, secured many important contracts. Most notable among his achievements was the construction of St. David's-road, Pembrokeshire, which was acclaimed splendid piece of engineering. was also responsible for road works Breconshire, the dam at Milford Haven, and Maes-du Bridge, Llandudno, a feat requiring considerable skill. Mr. Fothergill's work in Devonshire included the Baulk Bridge on a dangerous S bend near Cullompton, the construction of Whipton by-pass, near Exeter, and all roads on the County Council housing estate at Buddle-lane. He directed work at Torquay reservoir, and the driving of piles at Turnchapel, Plymouth. He leaves two sons, Messrs. Charles and John Fothergill. The former, who is also civil engineer, is with the same firm as his father was with over 20 years ago. It is now directed by Mr. H. V. Smith.'[2]