Witham historian Albert Poulter has died, aged 94.

Mr Poulter, who lived in Homefield Road, was born and lived virtually all his life in Witham - a town he loved and knew so well.

And so many Witham people knew him, and admired his zest for life and his championship of causes, mostly on behalf of the underdog.

He lived on his own since his much loved wife, Addie, died 22 years ago.

He died after spending some weeks in hospital in Harlow following a fall.

He was working on his third local social history book - Witham End to End.

His editorial assistant and friend Ray Hedley said: "Over many years, I never had a wrong word with him. The more I got to know Albert the more I came to appreciate his knowledge and insight. "These had been gained in a life of troubles and struggles. His insight and humanity shine through his words and his writings."

Three years ago, he published his book "Albert's Witham" a social history recording changes in the town between 1847 and 1997.

Mr Poulter spent years doing his research - walking hundreds of miles to get information and take photos.

Born in a semi-detached cottage in the yard of the Spread Eagle Hotel, he was the youngest of what he described as a "hard-working" family. His father died when he was only four years old and he certainly knew hard times.

He grew up in 147 Newland Street, the oldest house in the street and, as he himself described, the house, known as "the shack" had to accommodate his mother, his two brothers, two sisters, brother-in-law, Albert himself, lodgers and some unwelcome four-legged ones - rats!

The slaughter house behind his home made an ideal hunting ground for the rats.

Mr Poulter's painstaking research and wonderful memory and eye for the human side of life led to all kinds of wonderful anecdotes in his book - the memory of a flea circus visiting, the "strike" at Witham Board School in 1922, the finest dolls in the world being made in Witham.

He was a member of the historical society and gave up his time to give guided tours of the town.

Mr Poulter leaves three children, six grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 22, at 11am at the Methodist Chapel in Guithavon Street, Witham.

There is a request for family flowers only, but donations, if people would like, to Mr Poulter's favourite charity, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

Published Tuesday January 15, 2002