• 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

Leonard and Co. fillagree, button, and gilt toy makers, Great Charles Street

R

Rob Pass

New Member
I'm researching my Leonard ancestors, who had a 'toy making' business in Great Charles Street in the late 18th and early 19th century.

Does anyone have any further information about the business or the family?

My direct ancestor is Richard Leonard (1766-1821) and his wife Mary Horton (1768-1818) married at St Martin’s in the Bullring, Birmingham in August 1790. Mary Leonard was buried in August 1816 at St Mary’s Church, Whittall Street. Richard Leonard was buried in the same church in August 1821.

A firm, William Leonard & Co., located on Aston Street in Birmingham, made steel sword handles, buckles, and buttons in the 1790's. William and his wife, Elizabeth, appear on a list of hair powder licensees at 12 Aston Street in 1795.

If anyone has any further information, I'd be most grateful.

Kind Regards,

Rob
 
There exist a company listed as Leonard and Co, Filigree and Button Maker, Gilt Toy maker, Great Charles St in the 1818 Birmingham Directory.
 
William Leonard & Co, Aston St., sword cutlers and button makers.
Appears in an article in the Birmingham Daily Post in April 1870 tracing listing history from a Directory of 70 years previous.
 
Last edited:
That's very interesting. I'm particularly interested in finding out whether William's brother Richard was involved in the family business. He's my direct ancestor, but have been unable to discover his occupation.
 
Great, so it looks as though brother Richard was not involved. Leaves the mystery of what he did for a living.

He was buried in St Mary's Whittall Street, in the Gun Quarter, so may have been involved in the gun trade?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top