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Thomas Elvins New Street Birmingham 1781

H

headmaster0_2

proper brummie kid
I am researching Bretby Hall, South Derbyshire. This famed Hall & gardens which rivalled Versailles was demolished in 1780/81. All the Building Materials of Bratby Hall [sic] were listed for sale with 'further particulars apply to Thomas Elvins, New-street, Birmingham' (Derby Mercury 4th May 1781) Can anyone enlighten me as to the said Thomas Elvins or where I might their archive?
 
Is this the same firm in later times?

T. Elvins & Sons Ltd

I worked for Elvins from 1981 to 1993 and have very fond memories of the place. They were originally in Naden Road which is just off Hunters Road. I don't suppose anyone has any pictures or memories they would be kind enough to share.
birminghamhistory.co.uk birminghamhistory.co.uk
 
How interesting! A joiner & metalworker! I wonder why he would have been chosen to dispose of the 'building materials of Bratby Hall and Chapel, near Burton upon Trent, consisting of a large Catton Stone [Ketton Stone] Portico'? More intrigue. Thank you once again.
 
Thomas Elvins is listed as an apprentice carpenter on 1753 indenture list.
By 1768 he is lsted as the master and has an apprentice. Also has apprentices listed in 1791 and 1797. Sometimes it says joiner and sometimes carpenter.
 
This is fascinating as I am looking at records I have never seen. In 1800 on Warwickshire land tax records. There is an entry across the double page spread which suggests he paid £ditto (and the entry several lines above is a 2 so I assume £2 3s and 3d and the payee was Mander of London. It does say Elvin (no "s") but I think it is the same person.
1631620100527.png
 
How interesting! The plot thickens! The perfect inquiry on this dreadful day! I wonder what else may come to light? I am pleased your are enjoying this excursion))) Thank you again.
 
Yes, this was the announcement but it took until 1812-15 for the 'new' hall to be constructed and then it was never finished!
 
If the 5th Earl of Chesterfield demolished and rebuilt the Hall in 1812 (Wikipedia) then as much building material was disposed of around 1780 (including 30-40 tons of lead pipe) then it did take some time to get going !
 
Passed the present Bretby Hall in 2007…
www.ipernity.com

Bretby Hall - Derbyshire Walks, Bretby

By Pedrocut. One of the owners of the estate was Lord Carnarvon the Egyptologist, who sold the property to finace the famous expedition in search of the tomb of Tutankhamun, the boy king. The present…
www.ipernity.com www.ipernity.com
 
There is a transcript only on Ancestry
1631624419696.png
This makes me think the apprentice Thomas Elvins in 1753 may have been a son of the above. He is hardly likely to be an apprentice and have a business.
 
Pedrocut said:
If the 5th Earl of Chesterfield demolished and rebuilt the Hall in 1812 (Wikipedia) then as much building material was disposed of around 1780 (including 30-40 tons of lead pipe) then it did take some time to get going !
Click to expand...
Absolutely! The 5th Earl loved his horses!
 
pjmburns said:
There is a transcript only on Ancestry
View attachment 161526
This makes me think the apprentice Thomas Elvins in 1753 may have been a son of the above. He is hardly likely to be an apprentice and have a business.
Click to expand...
I think you may be right. Thank you so much again. My pondering makes me ask what the link between Chas Burton, the steward charged with the task and Elvins had in common. Why go to Birmingham when Derby is just down the road?
 
Pedrocut said:
If the 5th Earl of Chesterfield demolished and rebuilt the Hall in 1812 (Wikipedia) then as much building material was disposed of around 1780 (including 30-40 tons of lead pipe) then it did take some time to get going !
Click to expand...
There is also considerable demolition debris dotted around & under the present estate. It was a huge undertaking.
 
I wondered if there was a connection between Elvins and the steward. Now you have provided his name I will look. As you know records are patchier the further back you go.
 
Not getting anywhere at the moment.
I don't subscribe to the newspaper site but can see this - perhaps someone who does subscribe could see if it has any further useful info. It seems to have been in several different editions and days.
1631637466384.png
 
Thank you Janice. I have the British Newspaper Archive online. It is from this advertisement I discovered the Elvins connection. Your endeavours are greatly appreciated.
Kindest regards,
Richard
 
pjmburns said:
Is this the same firm in later times?

T. Elvins & Sons Ltd

I worked for Elvins from 1981 to 1993 and have very fond memories of the place. They were originally in Naden Road which is just off Hunters Road. I don't suppose anyone has any pictures or memories they would be kind enough to share.
birminghamhistory.co.uk birminghamhistory.co.uk
Click to expand...
Elvins in Naden Road, Handsworth, was my first job in 1962 at the age of 14 after leaving Summer Lane School. We were kind of was asked to respond to the owners as Mr. Tom or Mr. John.
I was in the costing office run by Mr. Bertie (who I thought was quite old at the time)
Looking back it was a good firm to work for and have happy memories of all the people there.
 
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