William Wright (1854-1927)
1854 Born in London
1875 Started work at the Crystal Palace[1]
1881 William Wright 37, draughtsman, lived in Norwood, with Elizabeth Wright 38, Nellie Wright 11, Frank W Wright 10, Ethel E Wright 8, Alice M Wright 6, Mable T Wright 3[2]
1901 William Wright 47, Architect's draughtsman, lived in Norwood with Elizabeth Wright 48, Nellie Wright 21, Frank W Wright 20, Ethel E Wright 18, Alice M Wright 16, Mabel T Wright 13[3]
c.1908 Appointed chief engineer at Crystal Palace.
1911 Engineer (Resident At The Crystal Palace), mechanical and structural, lived in Norwood with his family[4]
1921 William Wright 67, Engineer in Charge, Structural and Mechanical, employed by the Crystal Palace Trustees, lived in Norwood, with Ethel Elizabeth Wright 38, Alice Mary Wright 36[5]
1927 Died in Upper Norwood. 'The death occurred on Friday. May 27. at his residence, 20 Beconsdale road, Upper Norwood, of Mr. William Wright, after a prolonged period of ill health, at the age of 73. Mr. Wright had been in the engineers' office at the Crystal Palace for 52 years, and had been chief engineer for nearly 20 years up to his retirement in July last year. He took a very keen interest in the Crystal Palace, and was responsible for the carrying out of a number of important works on the structure in recent years - notably at the North Tower. He was decorated with the M.B.E. for his work during the occupancy of the Crystal Palace by the Admiralty during the War. Mr. Wright leaves two daughters.'[6]