The National Archives describe Renson as 'chemist and local historian" and give four paragraphs of his life story. In brief: of Russian descent, born in Scarborough Street E1, but in 1910 the family moved to Colvestone Crescent E8. Engaged with the political far left but also set up his own business in Classic Mansions, Well Street E9. A founder member of the Hackney Society and the Victoria Park Society, and assisted in publications, as well as producing his own work on Broadway Market. He lived with his eldest sister for many years in Skipworth Road E9.
The Hackney Terrier, via Layers of London, adds that he was "one of the earliest Friends of Hackney Archives. Associated with Centreprise bookshop from 1974, he contributed to several of the publications of photographic records of the borough."
Layers of London captions the photo with "Israel Renson outside his shop (date unknown)".
Money Must Go contains "an obituary for Renson that appeared in the History Workshop Journal" This is the same text as that presented by the National Archives. A Communist and almost a member of the Socialist Party of Great Britain but he realised that this would be incompatible with running a business. With Phil Feldstein, he co-authored a short 1943 book making the case that "Money Must Go!". This page has the text from that book and shows the splendid front cover, showing that this anti-money book cost 2/6!
Our colleague, Andrew Behan, states that Israel Renson was born on 6 April 1906, a son of Lewis and Rachel Renson. His birth was registered in the 2nd quarter of 1906 in the Whitechapel Registration District, London.
When his father completed his 1911 census return form he showed the family living in a 7 roomed property at 10 Colvestone Crescent, Dalston, London. Israel Renson was shown as aged 4 years. His father described himself as aged 46 years and a butcher under the Jewish Official Board of Shechita who had been born in Russia and had been married for 25 years to Rachel Renscon, aged 42 years, who had also been born in Russia.
Israel Renson's five siblings were also shown on the 1911 census return form. They were all listed as single: Annie Renson, aged 23 years, born Russia, no occupation; Abraham Renson, aged 21 years, born Russia, a fur cutter; Herman Renson, aged 19 years, born Bath, Somerset, a dental mechanic; Morris Renson, aged 13 years, born Aldgate, London, at school and Jacob Renson, aged 11 years, born Whitechapel, London, at school.
His death, aged 80 years, was registered in November 1986 in the Hackney Registration District, London. Probate records confirm that he had lived at 14 Skipworth Road, London, E9 and that he died on 11 November 1986. Administration of his estate was not granted until 20 January 1988 and his effects totalled £96,695. His body was buried in Plot H, 35 20 in the Rainham Jewish Cemetery, 416 Upminster Road North, Rainham, RM13 9RY.
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