A real Brownhills hero from the days of baggy shorts and the scent of liniment. Image from Sue Lote.
I was recently contacted by reader Richard Lee, who gently suggested that I was missing something with my local history coverage. Richard was quite right, I have left untouched a quite large piece of Brownhills history – the fact the we had a major-league football star in our midst.
Dickie Dorset played for Wolves and Villa and was a real footballing hero, signing to Wolves in 1937, and after the football break during World Warr II, during which Dickie served in the RAF, he signed to Aston Villa for the princely sum of £3,000. He was a well respected player, and by all accounts a solid good sport with a great deal of skill and integrity. After a car accident in 1950, he briefly returned to mainstream football, but retired to become a coach in 1953. After a spell at Liverpool, Dickie returned to Brownhills around 1962 and ran Brownhills Boy’s Cub. Dickie sadly passed away in 1999.
Much is written about Dickie Dorsett online, but it’s Sue Lote’s work that most interests me. Sue states that Dickie actually came from a family with a strong footballing pedigree, and has some really interesting bits an pieces on her page dedicated to the man who became known as ‘The Brownhills Bomber’.
I’m interested in why there seems to be no memorial to Dickie in Brownhills that I’m aware of – no streets named after him, and I’m similarly unaware of any memorials or dedications to him. Surely that’s a bit of a municipal oversight?
As readers can probably tell, football is a long way from my natural constituency, but I’d be interested in anything anyone would like to contribute about Dickie, or any other local sporting heroes. We’ve mentioned Walsall Wood Football Club before, and it would be nice to hear about Dickie’s life and folks’ recollections and legends. Brownhills has had various football and cricket teams over the years so there must be loads of stuff out there.
What do you know, folks? BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com, or comment here. Thanks to Richard Lee for the prod.
Sue Lote’s site contains a wealth of information about the Dorsett family. Click on the screenshot to go take a look.
There’s also, of course, the mystery of the Dorsett inscription on the old Warreners Arms Pub, mentioned in my post ‘Persistence of Memory’…
Carved into the side of the Warreners Arms, like so many Brownhills Names. Yet Sue Lote’s Dorsett family tree contains no W Dorsett. What do we know, folks?
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Hi,
Samuel,Sampson,Whittaker, of Shelfield,played for Aston Villa,early 1900`s,best season 1911-1912,and who, according to Aston Villa achives officer/historian, had a knack of keeping his shorts clean on the muddiest of pitches.
Bob,you might recall locating a grave for a miner killed in the Grove pit disaster,well, I am pretty sure this Samuel was one of his brothers.
Yes, I’m a 2nd cousin to these Whittakers, and Samson was the brother of John Whittaker who died at Grove Pit in 1930. Both were sons of the same Benjamin Whittaker.
Used to have a game of dominoes with Dickie in the Hussey, when it was a pub.
He lived on the estate of the same name.
Dickie Dorsett lived in Walsall Wood during the war years and for sometime afterwards at 150 Salters Road. He left his Brownhills home on marriage to a Griffiths girl who lived opposite us and lived for some years with his in-laws, having a young son, also named Richie. He joined the RAF in the war and “guested” for Southampton FC as professional players were allowed to do when stationed nearby, After the war, while still with Wolves, on home match days, he would leave the house about noon, carrying a tiny case, catch a bus to Walsall, then a trolley-bus to Wolverhampton, and return home the same way,later in the evening. He still lived in Salters Road after being signed for Villa. A relative, a George Dorsett, lived a few doors doors away in Salters Road,perhaps a little older than Dickie, but rumoured to be quite a good player in his time.
Things are so very different nowadays, but this was seventy years ago. Dickie never had a car and the most a retired player could hope for, was a pub to run when his playing days were over.
When Dic k Dorsett signed for wolves he lived next door to my Gran on Watling st Brownhills . Major Buckley the Wolves manager came storming into her house looking for Dick so as he was in the wrong house she threw him out, Dick was astounded.
Was George Dorsett married to a lady called Irene?….Just wondering if anyone can knows……..
George dorsett was my husbands grandfather and his grandmother was called Clara not irene
Can’t find Samuel Samson Whittaker in census, but
1911 Census has Samson Clement Whittaker, 24, professional footballer, at Green Lane, Shelfield, with wife Harriett Ellen, 24, and daughter Florence Hannah, 3 months.
1901 Samson, 14, coal miner, with family (including brother John, 15, coal miner) at Mob Lane, Walsall Wood (parish of St John), all born Heath End.
More at Aston Villa website http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/1420.html – Villa won the championship in 1909-10, but “Sammy” didn’t play in the first tema that season.
I have a photograph of Samson,in the kit,(looks hand knitted)sent to me by Terry,grandson of John
.I also have a picture of Pelsall cricket club,not sure of the date,group of 15 men,one of whom is Arthur ,son of John,father of Terry.but no names for the others.It looks a bit “formal”so there may be more than one of these about.
I used the link,and was surprised with the amount of info.on there,
I knew the family were methodists ,as I have some books given as sunday school prizes,to various members of the family,but didn`t know they also played football for them!.
More on Dickie at Aston Villa website – http://www.astonvillaplayerdatabase.com/391.html and at http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/WOLdorsettD.htm
A George Dorsett married an Irene Jackson in 1972, registered Aldridge.
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David says, “Dickie never had a car”, but he was involved in an accident…
Dick Dorsett, Aston Villa’s left back, who was going from Middlesbrough where he had played in a 3rd Round cup-tie, to his home in Brownhills because of illness of his baby daughter, was injured in a road accident earlier today at Worksop.
It was stated that he had cuts and an injured shoulder. His 3 month old daughter was taken to hospital yesterday with double pneumonia.
The car in which he was travelling was in collision with a stationary lorry at 2 am. The driver, a Saltburn man, and Dorsett, we’re both taken to hospital and released after treatment.
Hull Daily Mail 12 Jan 1950
Hi Pedro,
Perhaps I should have made myself a little clearer when speaking of
Dickie Dorsett as having no car, this was in the late 1930’s and up to 1946 when Dickie was living with his in-laws in Salters Road and playing for Wolves.
Not many people had cars in those days least of all married footballers whose weekly wage was £12 in winter and £8 in summer. “Soccer slaves” as Jimmy Hill used to call them. Dicky would depart on match days with his little case, and catch a bus from Walsall Wood to Walsall, then the trolley bus from Walsall to
Wolverhampton and return home the same way. The economic changes after the war made the car more readily accessible and by 1950 Dickie would no doubt be in possession of one.
Dickie Dorsett is my Grandad, You will see pics online of his boots which I took, nothing like holding the real items. My Nan is still extremely fit and has some lovely memories of Grandad. I used to sit in the kitchen with him by the old paraffin heater. I was always amazed at the stories told in the kitchen. Especially shaking hands with the King when receiving his FA cup medal. Again this is something else to hold and stare into it, Just cant believe my Grandad was awarded this. Grandad would be waiting in his chair for his brains on toast talking about his footballing days and what it was like for him when he was a child. Grandad never used to watch football on TV he said it was always ruined by greed and money and that the real talent was in his day.
He did lots for me and my brother when we were playing for our local district teams, even though he never came to watch due to his ill health his guidance in the game was special.
I agree that a street should be named after him and would like to find out what the procedure would be to enforce this.
Its fun to see all the things that come up for sale online and demand huge prices. People talking about Grandad and most is not the truth. He was a real gem and I am fortunate that his memories that I have are priceless.
My Great Grandfather – Played for West Brom then Manchester was George Dorsett who was Dickie’s uncle. We must be related – Niall Dorsett
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hi my name is kathleen cooper [bull]grew up in the avenues my grandparents were nell and gerald cooper they bought me up my granma was dickie dorsett sister i have a small photo that they gave to me i have allways been very interested in my uncle dickie but sadly never met him also my uncle george dorsett was granmas brother he was a lovely man ,i live in cornwall now since 1981 but we visit the midlands to see family my brother tim was good at football and i see where he got it from know ,if uncle dickies wife is still alive i would love to meet her ,thanks for listening and any news would be good .
Hello Kathleen,
Then your gran Nell was also the sister of my gran Kate! Would love to hear from you.
Sue Lote
Hi Sue
I’ll you’re OK with it I’ll send Kathy your email address, no problem.
I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for your wonderful site, Sue. It’s been a great resourse over the years and I pay tribute to your hard work in creating it.
If there’s anything we can do to help you here, please don’t hesitate to contact me
BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com
Cheers
Bob
Much appreciated, Bob – it would be great if you could put me in touch with Kathy. I like adding twigs to my ever growing tree branches. I’m pleased my web site has proved useful, afraid I haven’t been able to keep up with it as much as I used to though, plus I have changed computers a couple of times and lost the program I originally used to create it! I keep promising myself to update it to my current isp – again something I’ve left simmering on the back burner!!
I really enjoy your web site also, and was just pondering the signatures on the Warrener’s bricks – I am minded to think that the one signed W DORSETT is possibly that of William HAYWARD/DORSETT! My great grandparents Isaiah DORSETT and Nellie nee HAYWARD ‘forgot’ to get married until after the birth of their 6th child!!! I know – don’t ask! Their first 2 children, my grandmother Kate and then William, were given the surname HAYWARD, subsequent children were given the surname DORSETT, even those who were born out of wedlock. But it is possible that William HAYWARD may have also used the surname DORSETT, or adopted it in later life! Just a thought.
Regards
Sue Lote nee DERRY
hi sue how nice to hear from you ,yes my nan nellie cooper and kate derry were sisters i was actually named after my aunt kate ,when i was younger well to be precise i have a photo of her at my first wedding in 1969 young and head strong ,she was a lovely lady i remember her living in first avenue and we lived in second avenue ,do you mind me asking who your dad and mom are ,i love it when i hear from family members i doidnt know about i have been trying to find some one well anyone who remembers a place in brownhills called st james square or the old slang name of [metts] it would be just down from the old claridges electric shop but i carnt find a photo or anything any where i was born there you see my dad was george kelly my mom elsie died aged 22 [tb] and at the age of 5 i was legally adopted by my nan/grandad cooper i hope we can keep in touch take care .
kathy.
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Hi Sue. My mothers father was George dorsett. She was called Gladys Pugh.We must be related. Dave Pugh.
Hi David,
Dickie ‘Richard’ DOSSETT (DORSETT) was my dad’s uncle, ie Dickie was my paternal grandmother’s brother. But he was not the only footballing DORSETT – they seemed to have produced a fair sprinkling of athletic chaps – even down the SEAGER line. Ruth Diana SEAGER married Thomas DORSETT. So I have often thought the DORSETT sporting genes actua;;y come down through the SEAGER line.
I will dig out my family tree stuff and get back to you with more info, but there is a small amount on my web site. Bob has kindly put links to the site on here.
Regards
Sue
Hello David,
Can you give me further details of George and Gladys? There are a number of George DORSETTs in my database, but I can only find one marrying a Gladys – but her surname appears to be RUSHWORTH? This George DORSETT was the brother of my great grandfather Isaiah DORSETT.
Regards
Sue
Hi Sue,
No relation to the Dorsett’s other than cousin-in -law to Ted Dorsett, tragically killed at Walsall Wood Colliery. I still have some experience of members of the family who lived in Salters Road, Walsall Wood in the 1930’s. Dicky Dorsett, the noted footballer married a daughter from the Griffiths family, thlnk she was called Lenny, in the 1930’s. and they lived in Salters Road until well into the 1940’s, having a son called Richie. George Dorsett lived a bit lower down, a few years older than Dicky, his wife was named Gladys, but we took the name to be Rushforth, as members of the Rushforth family, lived in Salters Road, This George Dorsett had a son, also called George. born in 1937, and a daughter Glenda, born a little later. Hoping this little peep into the Dorsett history is of some help.
Regards.
Hello,
Yes I know about the Salters Road link – my dad used to holiday with relatives there (I think it was probably with his uncle George) Dad only lived in Brownhills!!
Got it Dave – I’ve got you in my database your mother being Gladys DORSETT? I see your grand parents were the ‘footballer who went north’ aka George DORSETT 1881-1942 son of Thomas DORSETT and Ruth Diana SEAGER (also my 2 x gt. grand parents). George’s wife being Clara WOODHOUSE 1886-1942 daughter of William WOODHOUSE and Fanny.
William WOODHOUSE was joiner/carpenter and I believe also the local undertaker. My dad seemed to remember they, or a later branch of this family ran their undertaking business from the premises where the old Natwest Bank stands in the High Street, Brownhills. This makes sense as the DORSETT clan lived next door in the old row of houses that stood where Specsavers to Wilko now stand!
Close by was some open ground where I believe foot races etc were often held – not many people in Brownhills realise today that before his glory on the football field, George was a well known foot runner and regularly beat those brought in to run against him. His brothers evidently made a good sum backing him to win in these races!
Please get in touch if you require any further info.
Regards
Sue
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Thank you for that information. My mother was a life long Manchester City supporter and took all her grandchildren to the home matches. She had a beautiful diamond ring bought with the money from George’s benefit match which I think my sister still owns.
Hi sue. I live in kineton and seem to remember in one of your posts that a member of your family was buried in kineton parish church or am I imagining that. Cheers dave
Hi Dave,
One of my paternal gt. grandmothers was Nellie HAYWARD (mother of Dickie DORSETT – the Brownhills Bomber), she was also the mother of my paternal grandmother, Kate.
Nellie’s father – William HAYWARD was born in Kineton in 1848, baptised at St Peter in December 1848 .
Regards
Sue Lote
Thank you for that information. I have looked through the buriel records of kineton parish church but was unable to find a William Hayward . It is strange that one of our relations lived in kineton as until recently I have no connection with the area.
Hi David
The HAYWARD/CARTER clan came from various parishes in Warwickshire
William HAYWARD was born in Kineton, but died in Ogley Hay in 1925!
He married a distant cousin Catherine CARTER 2 Nov 1872 at St James, Milverton, Warwickshire.
William HAYWARD’S mother was also a CARTER!
His father was also named William HAYWARD and was born 1823 Butler’s Marston. He died Sept 1900 Ogley Hay, and is buried at St James, Ogley Hay. His mother, Martha nee CARTER died 1899 Ogley Hay.
As you can see from the following 1871 Census taken at Ogley Hay – they were a rather nomadic lot.
1871 Census: RG10/2915.
Folio 57. Schedule 39.
William’s Row, Ogley Hay, Staffs.
HAYWOOD William. Head. marr. 47. Miner. Born Butler’s Marton, WAR,
HAYWOOD Martha. Wife. Marr. 46. Born Balsall Temple, WAR.
HAYWOOD William. Son. Unm. 23. Miner. Born Kineton, WAR
HAYWOOD Henry. Son. Unm. 15. Miner. Born Polesworth, WAR
HAYWOOD Herbert. Son. Unm. 12. Miner. Born Grindon, WAR
HAYWOOD Frank. Son. 8. Scholar. Born Baddesley Ensor, WAR.
WORTHDALE Henry. Ldger. Widower. 58. Miner. Born Loughborough, LEI.
The furthest back I have got with the HAYWARD family is William HAYWARD jnr’s grandfather, Joseph HAYWARD, who according to the 1851 Census was also born at Kineton in c 1800. By the time of the 1851 census, Joseph had moved his family to Butlers Marston.
Of course, the DORSETT clan hail from Shropshire!
Regards
Sue
i am so glad my uncle dickie is back in the news again he deserves to be as said befor he was my grandmother Nellie dorsets brother and the picture at the top of this page I have the original my gran had he was a great footballer and I think that’s where our timmy got it from he didn’t pleay proffesionally just in the street but he was good ,my uncle George dorset lived in Walsall wood he was a lovely man they all were anyway thanks again for mentioning my uncle dickie ,ps if none of you don’t no me its Kathy cooper [bull] now I grew up in the avenues xx
Hi sue. Maybe you can cast light on a Dorsett mystery. On one of the census( I am afraid I can’t remember which one) my grandfather George has four children, Ralph, Gladys,Molly and Alice. As it shows Alice and Gladys as both being two years old, I am wondering if my mother was a twin. To my knowledge she never made mention of this. Regards Dave.
Hi Dave,
I only have 3 children listed for George. Looking at the dates of birth of these children I am assuming you are referring to the 1910 census?
I’ve got:-
1) Ralph DORSETT born Brownhills 1905-1955.
2) Gladys DORSETT 1908-1994
3) Margaret C DORSETT 1911-1993.
I shall have to do more investigating!!!
As for Clara WOODHOUSE (George DORSETT’s wife) I have her born 17 Feb 1886 Brownhills, daughter of William WOODHOUSE and Fanny nee MANLEY/MASSEY?
I have 7 siblings listed for Clara – but no twins, as far as I am aware! Interestingly, I there was a sister named Alice, but she is something of a mystery. I have no date of birth for her, but she apparently married someone with the surname BAILEY? Again, more investigating is required.
William WOODHOUSE was a joiner and carpenter – I believe he, or one of his family, were the local undertakers – probably because they had the skills needed to make a coffin! From stories my dad told me their undertaking business was established in a dwelling that occupied the space roughly where the Natwest Bank was situated in the High Street, opposite Church Road. Next door , the terrace of houses that once stood where Specsavers to Wilko now stand is where the DORSETT clan lived – so it looks like George wed the girl next door!
Thank you. Very interesting, I do vaguely remember my mother mentioning an aunt Alice .
Just a further note. I am sure george dorsett lived with his family in levendhulme Manchester, probably when he was playing for Manchester city. Speaking to my cousin graham birch a while ago, he seemed to think that Alice may have died at two years old and that was why she was wrongly entered in the 1910 census. My mother rarely spoke about her famous father and uncle and my sisters and I never saw them although they were still alive when we were born. I wonder if there had been a falling out. Families hey.my mother died in 1984 and not 1994 as stated.
Hi sue lote and dave pugh. All that is needed is for you to contact me and I can give you all the information you need on the Dorsett family in Manchester. I have researched this for the past 15 years and what I dont know about them is not worth knowing. I am in contact withn the grandchildren of Joe Dorsett who live in the states, which took me 10 years to find them and when they came over we spent a great time in Manchester going round all the old places the family lived. Alice Dorsett was wrongly listed on the 1911 census by George. he wrote her name in the children living column and then crossed it out. Alice died age 2. The family never talked about her, possibly too painful.
Any questions give me a call on 07788197932 or e-mail me gbirchscs@googlemail.com
Hi. Graham. Thanks for the information about Alice. It is strange that having no connection with kineton we find ourselves,living there. With all the grandsons between us. I wonder if the talent will surface. All the best. Dave.
Hi Dave just noticed your comment on our grandchildren, I have one who played a blinder in the under 10s league in goal for Spilsby Town then got fed up with playing in goals and was head hunted and transferred to East Coast where he plays up front and cant stop scoring. He plays for his school team as well and I think he has more trophys than Messi. How are yours doing?
Regards Graham.
Hi dave pugh,
The aunt Alice you talk off was not the daughter of George and Clara (our grandparents) but was Alice Woodhouse. My Mother talked of her all the time and she was a great favourite within the family. She married well and was always well dressed and very refined. As I have stated previously all you need to do is contact me and I will endevour to answer any questions on the Dorsett family in Manchester, Call me on 07788197932 or e-mail me gbirchscs@googlemail.com
Also Hi Sue, hope you are well. I have not spoken to you for a while but still busy working on the family history and have found a bit more info on the Dorsett’s in the press, some of it is really interesting. Will let you know when I have finalised it.
Regards Graham Birch.
Hi graham. I have vague memories of visiting an aunt in a big house in the Liverpool area. She had a son about my age who went to warehouseman and clerks private school. Have you any idea who this “aunt” might be.
Hi Dave, nice to hear from you, ”Its been a while for sure”. I remember when I was a rep and covered the liverpool are my mum would say to me ” next time you go to Liverpool will you take me to see my cousin and I seem to remember she was called Lilly Brannon, Or another name it could be was Margaret ? we never did get there and I’m afraid I cant be 100% sure of the names. If I remember anything else I will let you Know. Don’t know anything about the son and the school I’m afraid. If you want to speak to me please call me on 07788197932 or e-mail me
gbirchscs@googlemail.com
Regards Graham.
Hi dave just remembered the name, I am sure it was Margaret Hutton who lived in Liverpool.
Regards Graham.
Thank you graham for all the information. It is really interesting. We only have two young grandsons, both football mad and two of our granddaughters play as well. Dave.
Thanks graham. Very interesting.
Hi Dave, it might be easier to correspond by e-mail if you wish. I have listed mine on the site a number of times with my phone number. Here they are again for your records.
gbirchscs@googlemail.com 07788197932
regards Graham
Hi Dave, my grandson plays for East Coast now. He was head hunted and got transferred from Spilsby Town F.C. Its good to know the gene’s are still working.
Regards Graham.
Hi graham, I spend most of my time in Ibiza now. I am sitting in a bar and have just noticed your comment.thanks for all your info. I remember visiting Margaret in Liverpool with hazel when the children were very small. Do you still support man city?
Hi Dave, Hope you and Hazel are well. I spend most of my time helping to coach East Coast junior football team. Dont have time to sit in bars (although the thought does appear to be a rather good one) i note that you said you had visited Margaret a while ago, does she still have any children around that you know of?. I would like to know where she fitted into the family tree. I am sure she might have been a Dorsett but more likely to have been a Woodhouse. All I know for sure is that she was our mothers cousin. Perhaps you can help me with this please.
Just to let you know my grandsons team stats so far this season, played 4, won 4, 26scored, 3against. Top of the league and as to your stupid question on who I support. There would never be a question of my loyalty to my beloved Man City. Manchester is now blue, the balance of power has shifted after years of living in the shadow of the boys from the swamp. Up the blues.
All the best Graham.
Will do
I am also related to Dickie Hart. his brother Cliff was my great Uncle his wife Rosa her sister Gladys was my Nan. Also tracing the family tree mainly on the Warner’s which is my family name
Sorry Dickie Dorset! I blame my age lol
Hi Wendy
Cliff and Rosa DORSETT were my Godparents – Cliff DORSETT and Dickie DORSETT being my dad’s maternal uncles.
Small World.
I know Cliff and Rosa’s family still reside in Brownhills.
Regards
Sue Lote
great to see the good people of Brownhills are still in love with the dorsett family
Nice to here. Dickie Dorsetts Grandson
Hi Scott, my grandfather was Dickies uncle George Dorsett who played for West Brom and Man City.