William Thomas Buckland
William Thomas Buckland | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Wraysbury, Berkshire, England |
| Died | November 1, 1870 (aged 72) |
| Occupation(s) | Surveyor, auctioneer |
| Known for | Founder of Buckland Surveyors and Auctioneers (later Messrs Buckland and Sons); founding Wraysbury Baptist Chapel |
William Thomas Buckland (5 September 1798 – 1 November 1870) was a notable British surveyor and auctioneer operating out of Wraysbury, Berkshire, England. He established the company Buckland Surveyors and Auctioneers, which later became known as Messrs Buckland and Sons. This enterprise functioned for more than 150 years, maintaining offices in Windsor, Bloomsbury, Slough, and Reading. In addition to his professional pursuits, Buckland was instrumental in founding the Wraysbury Baptist Chapel. He married Mary Wood in 1820, and together they had ten children—four sons and six daughters.
Early life
As the youngest among six siblings, Buckland experienced the loss of his father in 1812. He left formal education a year later in 1813 and undertook a demanding apprenticeship near Reading. By 1820, he had attained the status of freeman of the City of London and launched his business on Holborn Bridge.
Survey and Auctioneering work
Buckland inaugurated his surveying and auctioneering business in Windsor in 1828. His initial projects involved handling compensation claims related to land requisitioned for railway construction under Private Acts of Parliament. Furthermore, he was responsible for creating Tithe Award Maps, some of which are preserved and available at local archives like the Centre for Buckinghamshire Studies in Aylesbury.
Slough Cattle Market
In September 1850, William Thomas Buckland together with his son Thomas commenced livestock auctions in a field adjacent to the Great Western Road Railway Station in Slough. These sales began on a monthly basis but soon transitioned into weekly occurrences due to growing demand. The market continued under the management of Buckland and Sons until its closure in December 1988.
By Royal Appointment
An important yearly event was the Christmas livestock sale from the Royal Windsor Estates, drawing purchasers from across the country during the same week as the Smithfield Show. The 1850 auction featured premium animals such as Superior Fat Heifers priced at £20 each and fine sheep nourished by distinguished individuals including Prince Albert and the Duke of Buccleuch, with total sales reaching £226. On 12 December 1894, Buckland & Sons proudly publicized an eminent sale involving fat stock owned by HM the Queen. Despite this enduring royal association, it was not until November 1911 that King George V officially granted Messrs Buckland & Sons their Royal Warrant.
Wraysbury Baptist Chapel
In 1862, G.W.J. Gyll emphasized William Thomas Buckland’s dual identity as both an agriculturist and auctioneer while recognizing his pivotal role in founding the Wraysbury Baptist Chapel. Buckland dedicated 35 years serving as its preacher, offering spiritual leadership and community support without financial compensation, demonstrating his devotion to religious and ethical service.