Author Topic: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans  (Read 10295 times)

Offline specialkg

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Re: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans
« Reply #18 on: Thursday 15 November 07 12:57 GMT (UK) »
That's okay.  No rush.

Betty

Offline benzon

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Re: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans
« Reply #19 on: Monday 21 January 08 10:44 GMT (UK) »
Hi there

I have just been researching one of my ancestors, a straw plaiter from St Albans. 

There is some interesting general info on -

www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/topics/t012-strawhats.htm

and
www.hertfordshire-genealogy.co.uk/data/occupations/straw-plait.htm

One says that in the 1881 census for St Albans Abbey Parish there were some 500 people linked to the industry. 

I had not realised that St Albans was a centre for the straw hat industry.  I think we always associate Luton because the football team are called the hatters but there were obviously a great many in St Albans also connected to the industry.

Hope this helps your general research.

Cheers
Denise
LAWRENCE - Gt Hormead, HUTCHIN - Albury, CARTER/CARTER CLAY - St Albans/Stanstead Abbotts, BURTON - Hoddesdon, WARD - Hunsdon, BEARD - Ware, LEE - Cripplegate/Glemsford

Offline specialkg

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Re: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans
« Reply #20 on: Monday 21 January 08 10:55 GMT (UK) »
Thanks Denise for sending me these two sites.

My knowledge has certainly increased since I started this genealogy business.  I just wish I had a better memory!!

I will away and look at the two sites.

Thanks again.

Betty

Offline muriel walker

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Re: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans
« Reply #21 on: Wednesday 22 January 14 18:26 GMT (UK) »
In case of interest, a sampler thought to be worked by Anne Wesley who was born in January,  1857 in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, is for sale on EBay.  Her father, William worked as a straw bonnet blocker, and her mother, Ann,  who hailed from Barby in Northamptonshire,  sewed straw bonnets. If you're a Wesley descendant you can see a picture of the sampler, worked by Anne when she was eight.


Offline specialkg

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Re: WESLEY - Straw Hat Manufacturers St. Albans
« Reply #22 on: Thursday 23 January 14 09:21 GMT (UK) »
Thanks for taking the time to post this information.
Much appreciated.

Betty