-
Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.
We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team
Highgate Street Factory & Square
- Thread starter barkleyplastics
- Start date
Pedrocut
Master Barmmie
superdad3
master brummie
I have been researching Charles Iles and his company of thimble makers.
His first premises were in Coneybere Street but just before he died in 1870 he moved to premises in Highgate Street. To begin with this was just a dwelling house, with offices, with a covered gateway leading to a yard and workshops behind the house. A three-storey mill was built behind the offices and a steam engine and other machinery added later.The address remained, as 138 Highgate Street even though other properties in the street were acquired. It was known as ‘The Unity Works’. Employees lived in ‘back to back’ houses also in Highgate Street. Several generations of these families worked at the Iles factories.
This description is from a book by Norma Spicer called "Iles: a family of thimble makers"
Attached is a copy of a photo from the book of the premises in Highgate Street. I'm wondering if anyone has any other photographs of this part of Highgate Street or even has memories of the premises or even worked there? That would be marvelous and I would be really pleased but it was a long time ago. Thank you.
Can just make out the works on map on post 31 above. {RH} [Thank you Oldun]
The factory and houses were demolished in the early 1960s and Charles Iles moved to Tyseley.
His first premises were in Coneybere Street but just before he died in 1870 he moved to premises in Highgate Street. To begin with this was just a dwelling house, with offices, with a covered gateway leading to a yard and workshops behind the house. A three-storey mill was built behind the offices and a steam engine and other machinery added later.The address remained, as 138 Highgate Street even though other properties in the street were acquired. It was known as ‘The Unity Works’. Employees lived in ‘back to back’ houses also in Highgate Street. Several generations of these families worked at the Iles factories.
This description is from a book by Norma Spicer called "Iles: a family of thimble makers"
Attached is a copy of a photo from the book of the premises in Highgate Street. I'm wondering if anyone has any other photographs of this part of Highgate Street or even has memories of the premises or even worked there? That would be marvelous and I would be really pleased but it was a long time ago. Thank you.
Can just make out the works on map on post 31 above. {RH} [Thank you Oldun]
The factory and houses were demolished in the early 1960s and Charles Iles moved to Tyseley.
Last edited:
Kingsheathboy
New Member
Many thanks for posting this photo.Does anyone have any information about Diecastings Ltd? My father worked there in the 50’s and 60’s as an aluminium sawyer.