Gun Quarter

[davidfowler]

I've got a copy of an article written by Dr D M Smith from the University of Manchester sometime around 1964. It makes fascinating reading (perhaps some of you have already read it.) Here are some of the illustrations. I know that the photos have been seen many times before but maybe not the drawings and data.

 

[davidfowler]

Some more

 

[changinman1]

Fab....all of my paternal ancestors were gunmakers that came up from London and also lived in these vicinities.....very interesting thanks....

What i would really really love to know is the name of the firms / companies that my relatives worked for . Joseph field and george field.....would anyone have any records of the names of employees of gunmaking companies.....i wonder.

 

[Dave M]

Past this building on Monday, Carrs Lane opposite Moor St Station

(Replacement Picture)

 

[davidfowler]

Hi Dave, when I worked in town I used to buy fishing gear from them.

 

[Dave M]

Fishing Gear ?

 

[terryb18]

W.Powell used to have a shop just off the High St and sold guns and fishing gear. There was a cafe close by where an aunt of mine worked, aand when I was in town I used to visit her,and not just because she gave me a free cup of tea I used to do some fishing those days and I always had a browse round the shop.

Terry

 

[davidfowler]

That's right Terry. Powell's stuff was a bit pricey though. They had nice clothing for all outdoor pursuits.

 

[davidfowler]

To paraphrase Dr D M Smith:

The Gun Quarter occupied an “L” shaped area on the western side of the General Hospital. The area contained an mixture of industrial and residential property, with the Georgian facades hiding a multitude of small factories and workshops created by the conversion and extension of what were originally built as town houses for the well-to-do. (see the illustrations earlier)

By no means all the workshops were occupied by gun makers, but it was as the gun manufacturing district that the area was recognised universally as a distinctive part of the city.

Two distinct concentrations of gun makers existed after the end of WW2, in the north around St Mary’s Row, Loveday Street and Price Street and to the south between Weaman Street, Whittall Strett and Steelhouse Lane.

 

[dek carr]

As a youngster back in the early 60s i worked for an electrical co (walker Bros ) based in Bath St by St Chads opposite was i believe called the Gun makers Arms in the basement or in the basement of the adjacent building i,m sure they had some sort of firing range where they tested guns you could often hear the sound of gunfire this area was called the gun quarter.Dek

 

[changinman1]

David im desperate also to see JD GOODMANS list of workmen employed ....i may see my ancestores there wow.......is that possible.....there names are GEORGE FIELD OR JOSPEH FIELD.....can you check for me please.

 

[mikejee]

As can be read in this article from th Ev. Mail in 1978, a gun museum in the city was once being considered. What an opportunity was lost