Forum

Here we are in 1851, 17 years on from the first item regarding the history of Goldenhill.

There haven't been any drastic changes but the mid 1800s were not known for radical change except for the railway comimg to Stoke around 1845.

We still have 5 beer houses.

Obediah Booth still keeps the Nelson Arms but the Red Lion is owned by Thomas Oldfield, the Wheatsheaf has appeared and is owned by Hannah Dale.

The number of blacksmiths is down from 3 to 2, Thomas Habberly is still there but his business rival is now Richard Cooke.

St John's church is now complete and the village has a vicar, the Reverend Frederick Wade M.A. along with his curate Reverend George Knapp.

Both the Wesleyans and Methodists have chapels now.

There are 3 tailors, John Hilditch, Joseph Lunt and Henry Nixon, Henry may be the son of the 1834 tailor, John Nixon.

Ashford & Munslow have set up in business as hat makers.

The number of shopkeepers has risen from 2 to 8, including a baker.

The 9 farmers has reduced to 4, they are, James Johnson, Joseph Mountford, John Nixon and Randle Wilding.

Two butchers, George Alcock and William Clarke have appeared.

John Collinson is a blackware manufacturer, does anyone know what blackware is?

Ralph Unwin is a cratemaker, does he supply the crates for Thomas Walker who is the earthenware manufcturer.

There is still a shoemaker, George Dean.

Matthias Bailey makes bricks for a living and our old friend Robert Shufflebotham the joiner & builder might very well be his best customer.

Robert Williamson is still a coalmaster and also produces iron ore.

My great, great, grandfather Samuel, born in 1809 was an ironstone miner, I wonder if he worked for Mr Williamson.

John Williamson is a colour manufacturer, could he be Robert's son?

I think the colour works was in Heathside Lane opposite the playground gates.

Martha Glover has been appointed as the teacher at the Church of England School which was opened in 1841.

The other seat of learning, the National School was also opened in 1841 and William Hart is the principal there, it has places for 300 children.

The population has risen to 1317, look out for a population explosion anytime in the next 20 years.

The lack of fresh water was a major problem, so a reservoir was built at the top of the village in 1847 and water was pumped to it from the new steam pumping station in Tunstall.

Look out for the next ( exciting ) instalment which should be for 1870.