1918
(461)
(Wholesale Sweet Confectioner).
Son of Mr. Charles Lovell of Huntingdon, born there 2 June 1857 and descended from an old Huntingdon branch of the family, receiving his education privately at Stamford. At the early age of thirteen he was apprenticed to the grocery trade, and when twenty-seven, started in business on his own account in that line. In 1890 he transferred his energies to the manufacture of sweets, in which trade he has built up a business of considerable magnitude.
Mr. Lovell entered the council in May 1907 as a conservative, representing the Wycliffe Ward, capturing a strong seat from the liberals. In June 1919 he was elected an alderman and appointed a magistrate in 1921. His year of office as mayor will always be memorable. Two days after his election, the Armistice between the allies and central powers was signed 11 November 1918, when Councillor Lovell made his first public speech from the platform in the Municipal Square. The Great European War was ended. This was followed with Thanksgiving Services, Peace Celebrations, the Victory Ball, the entertaining of about 40,000 school children by the mayor, and two juvenile dress balls. Another important event of the year was the visit to Leic. 10 June 1919 of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary who made a Royal progress through some of the principal thoroughfares in state, visiting some of the larger works of industry en route. On this occasion His Majesty was, at the mayor's personal request, graciously pleased to restore to the town, four days later, the ancient title and status of a City. Several other events of importance mark AId. Lovell's year of office. In December 1918 the first Parliamentary Election under the new Franchise Act took place, when the three borough seats were filled with successful Coalition candidates and three labour nominees, including Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, the present Prime Minister, were defeated. The gift, by the late Mr. T. Fielding Johnson, senior, J.P., of land and premises for the establishment of a University College at Leic. in May 1919, and the Church Congress held here in October of the same year. One other event, which one scarcely likes to record, was the terrible Influenza Epidemic which attacked Leic. towards the close of the year 1918. It is sad to relate that between 12 October and 20 November (five weeks) no fewer than 1,270 deaths occurred in Leic. from influenza and other causes.
Mr. AId. Lovell, who is still an energetic member of the corporation, married 23 May 1887 Rose, daughter of Mr. J. T. Hextall, J.P., of Ibstock, co. Leic., and by her has had issue, two sons and one daughter.
Residence 1935: Morland Avenue, Leic.
