Ropemaking in Handsworth 1820s

[CeliaRenshaw]

I'm researching a Thomas JACKSON (born 1806 to a ropemaking family in Ilkeston, Derbyshire). In the Birmingham Trade Directories of 1827, 1828, 1829 he is listed as a Ropemaker in Handsworth. This seems to be before the well-known Wright's ropemaking factory started there in the 1830s, which was after Thomas had emigrated to Reading, Pennsylvania in 1829-30. I'm trying to find out where he would have worked in Handsworth in the late 1820s - would the famous Boulton & Watt employ ropemakers? Is it possible he had his own set-up at the early age of 21 to 23? Any historians of Handsworth who could give me some clues please?

 

[Astoness]

I'm researching a Thomas JACKSON (born 1806 to a ropemaking family in Ilkeston, Derbyshire). In the Birmingham Trade Directories of 1827, 1828, 1829 he is listed as a Ropemaker in Handsworth. This seems to be before the well-known Wright's ropemaking factory started there in the 1830s, which was after Thomas had emigrated to Reading, Pennsylvania in 1829-30. I'm trying to find out where he would have worked in Handsworth in the late 1820s - would the famous Boulton & Watt employ ropemakers? Is it possible he had his own set-up at the early age of 21 to 23? Any historians of Handsworth who could give me some clues please?

hi and welcome...it could be difficult to find out much more info as thomas emigrated before our census started...you say he is listed in the directories as living at handsworth...do you have an exact address in handsworth ? also do you have the name of his parents ?

lyn

 

[Pedrocut]

Aris’s Gazette, April 1829.
Looks like his property being sold for non-payment of rent ?

 

[Astoness]

Aris’s Gazette, April 1829.
Looks like his property being sold for non-payment of rent ?

View attachment 221981

thats great pedro as it does answer celias question of did thomas have his own rope business (which he did ).the newspaper article is dated april 1829 so it does look like thomas owned rent money..sold up and emigrated...the mention of his business near to the red lion pub is interesting ..there is still a red lion pub on the soho road handsworth however it is a rebuild but i would think the original pub would have been very close by..when i have a min i will check the red lion/soho road thread as i think there could be a photo of the original red lion..

lyn

 

[Pedrocut]

This could be the family in Ilkeston, January 1813.

 

[pjmburns]

hi and welcome...it could be difficult to find out much more info as thomas emigrated before our census started...you say he is listed in the directories as living at handsworth...do you have an exact address in handsworth ? also do you have the name of his parents ?

lyn

The 1828 directory just says "Handsworth" - nothing else.

 

[Vivienne14]

For background. This is the former Red Lion Inn - this buildijg existed when Thomas Jackson had his nearby rope-making business. Rope walk were sometimes - I think - marked on maps, but they would be later than the early 1800s. However, Jackson's Handsworth business ceased in 1829, perhaps it continued as a rope works after that. Are there any rope walks marked on later maps near the Soho Road?

(For info. The top line of the sign reads "Red Lion Inn" but can't clearly make out the line beneath it, possibly "John Downes" The existing Red Lion came into being in 1902).

And another view of the old inn posted by the late Oldmohawk

 

[Astoness]

For background. This is the former Red Lion Inn - this buildijg existed when Thomas Jackson had his nearby rope-making business. Rope walk were sometimes - I think - marked on maps, but they would be later than the early 1800s. However, Jackson's Handsworth business ceased in 1829, perhaps it continued as a rope works after that. Are there any rope walks marked on later maps near the Soho Road?

(For info. The top line of the sign reads "Red Lion Inn" but can't clearly make out the line beneath it, possibly "John Downes" The existing Red Lion came into being in 1902).

And another view of the old inn posted by the late Oldmohawk

View attachment 221985
View attachment 221987

yes viv i believe it to be the original red lion...this from directories..i think soho street became soho road..i wonder if someone can find the rope making works marked on an old map please

lyn

1868 Kelly's lists a John Downes at the Red Lion Soho Street, Handsworth.