William Walker

William Walker (8 January 1822 – 28 February 1929) was a British centenarian who was the oldest known living person in the United Kingdom at the time of his death. He was also the UK’s oldest man ever until his age was surpassed by Thomas Pope in 1942.

Biography
William Walker was born in East Bridgford, England on 8 January 1822, and was baptised the following day. His father worked as a blacksmith. Walker later became a bricklayer, and didn’t retire until he was 84 years old. On his 104th birthday in 1926, he was congratulated by the Mayor via telegram.

The following year on 20 January 1927, Walker, having turned 105 twelve days prior, became the oldest person in the United Kingdom after the death of Frances Smith. It is currently unknown when he became the oldest man in the country. Walker would hold the title for the final two years of his life.

Walker passed away on 28 February 1929 at the age of 107 years, 51 days. His successor as the UK’s oldest person was Ann Russell (1823 – 1931).