Edwin Rennolds (1879 – 1954) was born in Bedminster, Bristol, the son of a beer retailer. After leaving school he started work as a cleaner and then as a fireman on the Great Western Railway. He married Edith Kear in 1905 and they went on to have three children. He moved to Lydney in 1907 when he was promoted to engine driver and became active within the Lydney branch of the railway union. In 1911 he was elected as treasurer of Lydney Trades and Labour Association. He was appointed as a magistrate in April 1921.