Tyndale was one of thirteen children of John Heelas (1803-1884), linen draper, Market Place, Wokingham. He succeeded his father in the business that Tyndale’s grandfather, William Heelas (d. 1856), had founded in the early 19th century. As time passed, the shop expanded considerably and eventually extended along the north side of the Market Place. It closed in 1965 to make way for development.
In 1867 Tyndale married London born Amelia Mary Ann Hipp (1844-1923). They had eight children: Henry Martyn (1870-1887), Alice Amelia (b. 1871), Ernest George (1873-1912), Arthur (b. 1873), Frank Charles (b.1874), Ethel Emma (1875-1885), Mabel Mary Ann (b. 1876) and Hilda Dorothy (b. 1877). The family, at first, resided at 1, Market Place and, at the beginning of the 20th century, they moved to 1, Murdoch Road, which they named Weston House.
Tyndale and Amelia were present at the consecration ceremony of St. Paul’s Church in 1864. For thirty years Amelia supervised the church Penny Bank while Tyndale served as a sidesman and secretary of the Clothing Club. He was also one of the original trustees of St. Paul’s Schools and a member of the first Committee of School Managers of the schools.
In addition to his civic and church duties Tyndale was treasurer of Wokingham Savings Bank, treasurer of British Schools; honorary secretary of the Temperance Society; honorary secretary of the Wokingham Institute; committee member of Berkshire Friendly Society and one of the original members of Wokingham Company Volunteers.
Tyndale died on the 24th October 1919 at the age of 81 and was buried in St. Paul’s Churchyard. Amelia, who died on Saturday, 16th December 1922 was buried beside him.
Wokingham Town Museum Unique Identifier: WTH0134