Richard Westbrook Baker (Dick Baker) of Briggins Cottage Langham was the Grandson of
Richard Westbrook Baker (1798-1861), steward to Lord Gainsborough, a noted
agriculturalist and the designer of the Rutland Plough. A man with great concern for farm
labourers and the poor, who set up the small allotment system in 1830.
Dick Baker joined the Imperial Yeomanry and fought in the Boer war returning home in
1900 with the rank of Sergeant. Of independant means, he remained a batchelor but was
a much loved member of the community. He played cricket for the village, was a bell
ringer and regularly sang, told stories and recited verse at village concert parties.
He was the first choice as auctioner at harvest festival sales.
As the village correspondent for the Grantham Journal throughout the First World War he
had the very sad job of reporting the terrible family news as it was received in the village
and many of his articles are contained in a scrapbook now owned by the Mantle Family.
It looks from various notes that he was paid at the rate of one hapenny per line printed.
These articles are available fully transcribed and searchable by selecting the button at
the top of this page.
Dick Baker died suddenly on the 22nd August 1920 and is buried next to the South Door of
St Peter and St Paul church Langham.
Langham Village History Group
