OLD PLYMOUTH . UK
www.oldplymouth.uk
 

©  Brian Moseley, Plymouth
Webpage created: April 02, 2022
Webpage updated: April 02, 2022

        

WHO WAS WHO IN OLD PLYMOUTH

ALBERT NICHOLAS MOXEY COLES (1861-1930)

Albert Nicholas Moxey Coles, founder of Messrs A N Coles (Contractors) Limited, public works contractors, was born in Plymouth towards the end of 1861.  He was the only son of Mr John and Mrs Amelia Coles, a mason by trade, of Henry Street, Plymouth.  The rest of the family were girls.

On August 6th 1883 hMr Albert Nicholas Moxey Coles married Miss Edith Ann Rogers at Saint Andrew's Church, Plymouth.

As a contractor, Mr Coles was responsible for the erection of many large buildings in the Three Towns along with the new housing estates that sprung up after the Great War.  The business was based in Queen Anne's Battery, Coxside, before the Second World War and in Sutton Road, Coxside, afterwards.  He was also a member of the Plymouth Board of Guardians for 22 years.

Mr Albert Nicholas Moxey Coles died at his residence, Seven Trees, Lipson, on Monday December 29th 1930 and after a service at the Wesley Methodist Chapel in Ebrington Street was buried the following Thursday in the Plymouth, Stonehouse and Devonport Cemetery.

He was survived by his widow; Major and Mrs R M Coles, son and daughter-in-law; Mr and Mrs G W Wakeham, son-in-law and daughter; Mr and Mrs W H Priest, son-in-law and daughter; and Mrs Frederick Dean, sister.  Amongst others at his funeral were fellow contractors Messrs John Wakeham, J W Spencer, and Russell Pearn, and representatives from a wide range of activities in Plymouth life.

During 1959-60 the Company constructed the Anglican Church of the Holy Spirit, at Southway, Plymouth.