Frederick Hallworth
Frederick Hallworth


To many in Bratton, Mr Hallworth was the smart man who was always nicely turned out, worked at the library, was active in the British Legion, and occasionally played the church organ. But during his 30 year career he transformed access to reading for scattered rural areas, improving the lives for thousands across Wiltshire. In a post war era when many people had little or no contact with formal education of any kind after their compulsory schooling or training for a job was finished, Fred Hallworth's sole aim was to bring books and readers together. He saw a need to prepare for the future when he said 'In this technical age it is vital that books containing information on all subjects should be freely available to all who are able to use them'.

He put Wiltshire at the forefront of county library development, overseeing enormous and rapid library expansion, building new branches and doubling membership in the 1950s. Then, to serve locations that had once been 'literary deserts' he also introduced five mobile libraries, making this the first county in the South West to cover all rural areas. He toured the county giving talks to groups on the importance of the place of reading in modern life and demonstrating the value of reading to young children who from 1957 could access thousands of books in the new Junior sections, from as young as five years old.

His bold vision and achievements were recognised by his Librarian peers when he was elected as the youngest President of the South West Library Association at the age of 40. Later an OBE followed in the 1977 Silver Jubilee Honours. A lifetime of enriching so many others lives came to an end in 1996, and he was laid to rest in Bratton churchyard. The footpath opposite his house, alongside the Old Police House, is now named 'Hallworth Way'.




[Return]
Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

Copyright Bratton History Association 2015-2026

Bratton History Association Privacy Statement
Web Design by Blue Engine Web Development © 2008-2026