This is the grave of Thomas Crutchley, an awl blade maker from Bloxwich.

Awl blades are a tool used for working heavy materials such as leather. The ones made in Bloxwich were renowned for their quality and durability, and were supplied in volume into Walsall's famous leather manufacturing industry.

Thomas Crutchley was born in 1832 in Cheslyn Hay, a small village situated just four and a half miles from Bloxwich. He was the son of Jeremiah Crutchley (b.1809) and Ellen Morgan. He was married to Ellen Mardsen (b. 1836).

According to the 1851 census, Thomas's occupation was apprentice awl blade maker to James Whitehouse. By 1881 he had changed occupation, and was working as a green grocer.

Thomas died at his home in 83 Church Street, Bloxwich on 2nd May 1889. He is buried in Field Road cemetery, just a few metres from the grave of his father Jeremiah.

Church Street, Bloxwich, 20th November 2022.

The video below shows Bloxwich Cemetery and the graves of Thomas and Jeremiah Crutchley.