Robert Waddington was born in 1845 and came from the Liverpool area. After serving his apprenticeship there he became a dealer in watchmaking materials and developed a growing trade with the Coventry watchmakers. He became friendly with one of his customers and, mixing business with pleasure, brought his family to Coventry on several occasions.
His wife’s health — she was asthmatic — was always so much better when they were in Coventry that it was decided they should move permanently. A house was built on Earlsdon Terrace, named ‘Wythburn’, with a workshop at the rear, and they took up residence there in 1878. Waddington started business there as a manufacturer and also took an interest in the city trade, being one of the original directors of the Coventry Watch Movement Company, formed in 1889. Twelve years later, in 1901, he became Chairman, holding the post until his death in 1918.
He was also a Coventry City Councillor in 1890, and played an active role in the local community — he was involved in the organisation of the Methodist Chapel building project, serving as head of the organising Trust. Robert’s grave is in London Road Cemetery.