Sidney Guy Kimber

Sidney Guy Kimber was born in Southampton in 1873 on 5th November hence his middle name.

He was educated at King Edward VI grammar school and took over the family brick business in 1900.

In 1910 he was elected as a Conservative councillor and was influential in local politics for many years. He was Mayor from 1918-1920.

He was influential in ensuring the completion of Southampton’s Cenotaph. This was designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens and it is said that the one in Whitehall is based on the Southampton design.

In 1929 he helped to purchase Northam Bridge for the expanding town, abolishing the tolls. He arranged for the Floating Bridge to come under civic control in 1934.

He was a major force behind the building of the Civic Centre and the clock tower there is still locally known as ‘Kimber’s Chimney’.

Kimber was also behind the building of the Sports Centre and Municipal Golf Course in Bassett/Lordswood. He died in 1949 and is buried in Highfield Church.