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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Yorkshire (West Riding) => Topic started by: dawnsh on Friday 26 January 18 11:10 GMT (UK)
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I'm looking into the Hammert0n family who for generations are Yorkshire based but then suddenly between the late 1760's and 1790's seem to up-sticks and move to Coventry.
Are there any known socio-economic reasons known for this?
Did the parishes of Coventry request labour from Yorkshire to fill gaps as happened in WW1 for munitions?
I've looked at canals and these aren't in the right place.
Is a railway route a factor?
Emley, their last known residence, is I'm led to believe agricultural, but could the textile industry have influenced this move, although ribbon-weaving in Coventry came along a bit later.
I'm open to suggestions from those with more local knowledge.
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Railways would not have been a factor in the 18th century.
The Coventry Canal was constructed between 1768 and 1789 so that fits the timeframe exactly.
Do you know what your Hammertons did for a living ?
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Hi dawnsh, I don't know if this may be of any interest:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/trail/local_history/city/history_of_city_03.shtml
David
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Thanks for replying.
Would a millwright have been needed for a canal?
My current person of interest Stephen 1763-1840 was supposedly born in Emley but was married in Coventry in 1787.
He was later named in the father column on a marriage cert as a Millwright.
But at some point the family 'got into' ribbon weaving in a fairly propserous way.
I've been thinking about the Industrial Revolution but they could have gone anywhere in Yorkshire or Lancashire to take up factory jobs, why travel to Warwickshire?
I was chatting to the History Centre this morning and Coventry is known currently as being a phoenix, but it has always risen to the challenges, ribbon weaving, then watchmaking and later bicycles and cars.
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It was the millwrights that had the skills necessary for the engineering [civil and industrial] revolution
https://www.sussex.ac.uk/webteam/gateway/file.php?name=steep30.pdf&site=25
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A millwright knew all the workings of windmills and water mills and in reality they were a type of engineer. People usually move for a better life, better wages, etc., and if you think the timeframe fits the building of a canal, then knowledge would be needed about the movement/distribution of water, which means there would be a variety of knowledgeable engineers in the labour force.
You mention the ribbon weaving trade - that industry also needed occupational trades other than spinners and weavers, such as pattern makers, engineers, etc.
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Coventry was not really part of the industrial revolution but did supply coal via the canals to the foundries of the Black Country.
Skilled workers for other than heavy industry prospered in Coventry and one of the skills that Coventry was known for was ribbon making.
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Just a thought and I expect you've done this but have you checked that the Stephen you know was born in Emley didn't stay there? Also and again I'm sure you have but what evidence to you have that your Stephen was born in Emley?
The reason I ask is that some years ago I was contacted by a distant relative who was convinced I had it wrong and we descended from someone different. I checked everything and discovered that the person they thought we were descended from had actually died at the age of 4 years. I breathed a sigh of relief, they weren't too happy!
Are there any wills that might help? Again with wills I discovered that my ancestor's brother who I thought must have died was actually highly educated and was a Rector over in Norfolk whilst his brother, my ancestor died young in Lancashire leaving a pregnant wife and 2 young sons. The wife gave birth shortly afterwards and then a few weeks later died leaving 3 young sons to be brought up by their grandparents.
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We are talking of 1760-1790, the beginning of the industrial revolution.
A quote from Sir William Fairbairn,
... [T]he millwright of the last century was an itinerant engineer and mechanic of high
reputation. He could handle the axe, the hammer, and the plane with equal skill and
precision; he could turn, bore or forge with the ease and despatch of one brought up to
these trades; and he could set out and cut in the furrows of a millstone with an
accuracy equal or superior to that of the miller himself... Generally, he was a fair
arithmetician, knew something of geometry, levelling, and mensuration, and in some
cases possessed a very competent knowledge of practical mathematics. He could
calculate the velocities, strength, and power of machines, could draw in plan and
section, and could construct buildings, conduits, or water-courses, in all the forms and
under all the conditions required in his professional practice: he could build bridges,
cut canals, and perform a variety of work now done by civil engineers (Fairbairn,
1861/3).
Of course, nowadays a millwright is an highly skilled engineer who maintains machinery amongst other duties.
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Thanks for replying.
Would a millwright have been needed for a canal?
My current person of interest Stephen 1763-1840 was supposedly born in Emley but was married in Coventry in 1787.
He was later named in the father column on a marriage cert as a Millwright.
But at some point the family 'got into' ribbon weaving in a fairly propserous way.
I've been thinking about the Industrial Revolution but they could have gone anywhere in Yorkshire or Lancashire to take up factory jobs, why travel to Warwickshire?
I was chatting to the History Centre this morning and Coventry is known currently as being a phoenix, but it has always risen to the challenges, ribbon weaving, then watchmaking and later bicycles and cars.
Hi Dawn
I have a transcribed copy of the Coventry Apprentice Register 1781 to 1806 (by the Dugdale Society), saw it at a Sale and thought that might come in useful one day, for somebody, I don't know who, but I ought to buy it.
No.
1938 Hammerton, John, nephew of Stephen Hammerton of Coventry, millwright: to his uncle: 14 Feb 1803: 207v.
No.
1939 HAMMERTON, John, s. of Stephen of Coventry, millwright: to his father: 5 Jan 1802: 197r.
No.
1940 HAMMERTON, Stephen, s. of Stephen of Coventry, millwright: to Thomas Cope of Coventry, silkman: 31 May 1805: 242v.
Looks like one of them became apprenticed to Thomas Cope of Coventry, Silkman, 1805.
Coventry and Stockingford (part of Eatun / Eaton / Etan / Eton) renamed Galley Common Stockingford (renamed circa 16th Century) were known historically for Silk Weaving.
The farms of Lord Paget (one of the Lords of the Manor at Stockingford) in 1746, off what is now known as Plough Hill Road, Galley Common (formerly Medieval Stockingford where Iron Age finds have been found) and the Moated Farmhouse "Blackhams Hall" and renamed Poplar Tree Farm (19th Cent) demolished, had "Hemp Yards" and rope making was also carried out too.
Sounds like the Hammertons were Millwrights (perhaps family already at Coventry?), who diversified into Silk weaving.
Document mentioning Thomas Cope of Coventry, Silkman.
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/76656852-a568-4b21-97bd-7513b5751404
Of course Cash's of Coventry (Independents and Quakers- John Cash 1822-1880 and Joseph Cash 1826-1880) were Weavers and Embroiderers too.
There should be an Embroiderers Guild, somewhere, too?
Mark
ADDED: Regarding Coventry Archives, I was told their opening days and times were drastically cut, so check before going. Also, if you know the documents, ALL documents required advance ordering.
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Another apprenticeship, in February 1796: William J Watson to Stephen Hammerton, millwright, City of Coventry
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Gibel & youngtug, sorry for not replying, I seem to have overlooked the notifications :-\
I am trying to piece together the Hammerton families in the Yorkshire villages to see if there are any more obvious links.
I had a quick look at the Borthwick catalogue but didn't see many candidates for the time frame.
Mark
Thank you so much for your continued interest in this topic, your find is amazing and certainly helps clarify some of the names and relationships.
I think we all might be a little guilty of buying a random item, not knowing when it will come in useful.
Over the last few days we have found out that Stephen the millwright worked for the Leigh family at Stoneleigh.
We also have an address for him, Naul's Mill, from a poll book.
Yes, Stephen the son of Stephen was heavily involved in the ribbon industry, he turns up in all sorts of records - at Coventry Archives, and newspapers. We are researching the son John's line.
I found one reference to the apprentices (1796) on either FindMyPast or Ancestry, can't remember which, but I'll go back again and see if I can find the others.
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Also
No.
4490 WARD, William, bound by Holy Trinity, Coventry Overseers: to Stephen Hammerton of Coventry, millwright: 2 Aug 1790: 76v.
Mark
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I wonder what that means?
Was the young William Ward an orphan or parish pauper that needed gainful employment and Stephen took him on?
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Dawn
While posting, ShaunJ has found one from another source.
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Leigh of Stoneleigh
Some of their records are at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust Archives at Stratford upon Avon. They even have individual receipt vouchers of 1740!
Under DR 18, but check their Catalogue.
They have a wonderful collection
http://collections.shakespeare.org.uk/search/archive/view_as/grid/search/everywhere:leigh-of-stoneleigh-54813
Warwickshire County Record Office may have stuff, but they were behind with indexing and whole collections relating to Nuneaton are covered by single pages in their paper indexes, which simply say Nuneaton and an accession number.
Check opening times before going to Warwick C.R.O. Archives too.
Mark
Sounds like the Holy Trinity Coventry Overseers have placed Ward with Hammerton.
Holy Trinity being a church.
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We have already written to the Shakespeare Trust earlier this week asking if they can copy the 4 receipts in their collection, if not transcribe them. Don't know what their copying policy is or if the documents are too fragile to do anything with.
Hopefully the receipts may confirm his address or provide us with another.
Fingers crossed.
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If the Hammertons lived in Tithable property, they should appear in a Tithe Apportionment Schedule Owners / Occupiers, provided they are not sub-letting from the main Tenant.
http://heritage.warwickshire.gov.uk/warwickshire-county-record-office/county-record-office-resources-and-catalogues/county-record-office-tithe-maps-database/
WCRO and Volunteers have transcribed the Warwickshire Tithe Apportionment Schedules, which was Free on their online website. The Maps are not online.
Hopefully, Stoneleigh (like Nuneaton Parish) has an 1840s Tithe Map and Tithe Apportionment Schedule?
Tithable Fields are the old fields and if like ours, many fields were hedged well before 1690 with some well before 1500, with Medieval Ridge & Furrow.
Bear in mind, if you are London based, most English Tithe Map and Schedule copies are in TNA, Kew, too.
Mark
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I can't believe how far this thread has taken your research dawnsh.
Then when I read the actual detail of the apprenticeships I'm quivering with excitement for you.
No.
1938 Hammerton, John, nephew of Stephen Hammerton of Coventry, millwright: to his uncle: 14 Feb 1803: 207v.
No.
1939 HAMMERTON, John, s. of Stephen of Coventry, millwright: to his father: 5 Jan 1802: 197r.
I'm pretty sure I've got the same familial apprentice relationships with my 1776-1861 ancestor who moved across several Scottish counties to work but in those days family apprenticeships weren't registered.
Best Wishes,
Rena
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I'm grateful to the contributors but suspect that my topic really now should be on the Warwickshire board as there is little to verify the link to Yorkshire at this time.
I did look at the Tithe database but if I'm reading the 3 results correctly, it's the correct family name but out of the time frame, 1840's 1850's.
Yes Rena, this is one of the joys of Rootschat, you find people on the county boards who have so much knowledge tucked away that they then have the opportunity to share.
Warwickshire and Yorkshire are well away from my London/Middlesex/Surrey/Essex comfort zones.
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We are talking of 1760-1790, the beginning of the industrial revolution.
A quote from Sir William Fairbairn,
... [T]he millwright of the last century was an itinerant engineer and mechanic of high
reputation. He could handle the axe, the hammer, and the plane with equal skill and
precision; he could turn, bore or forge with the ease and despatch of one brought up to
these trades; and he could set out and cut in the furrows of a millstone with an
accuracy equal or superior to that of the miller himself... Generally, he was a fair
arithmetician, knew something of geometry, levelling, and mensuration, and in some
cases possessed a very competent knowledge of practical mathematics. He could
calculate the velocities, strength, and power of machines, could draw in plan and
section, and could construct buildings, conduits, or water-courses, in all the forms and
under all the conditions required in his professional practice: he could build bridges,
cut canals, and perform a variety of work now done by civil engineers (Fairbairn,
1861/3).
Of course, nowadays a millwright is an highly skilled engineer who maintains machinery amongst other duties.
2017 In better weather, spring and summer, I traveled through Emley village & country side by bus & car on my way to Wakefield a lot, all that is there is Y junction at the village centre, a church, a few rows of old houses on the main roads, a small 1960's built private housing estate and old people residence. The rest is farms and fields. So I can't imaging the need for a Millwright in Emley parish or village -18th century or even today as there is no industry in Emley what so ever - A need for a blacksmith/farrier - yes ! 18th century
Dobfarm :)
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I was thinking of the millwright being in the Coventry area, although being born in Emley. I had a look and Emley is about 100 miles away, I did find this though;
Mining had an important role but before coal mining began, iron ore was discovered around Bentley Grange which led to the establishment of iron ore mines and a forge by the monks of Byland Abbey under a licence granted by Sir William Fitzwilliam (the first lord of the manor to adopt the name Fitzwilliam) in 1217 and another endorsed by his son Sir Thomas Fitzwilliam in 1237. Grange, a name associated with many buildings in and around Emley including Bentley Grange, is a reference to Byland Abbey's outlying monastic farming estate, typically where sheep were kept.[16] The remains of bell pits around Bentley Grange, a scheduled monument, are medieval workings from when iron ore was mined from the Tankersley seam.[17]
The steep scarp slope overlooking the Dearne Valley south of the village contains the remains of day holes, medieval mines where coal was dug for iron forging.[18] "Cole mynes" at Emley Woodhouse were operating in 1597 and possibly from shallow shafts on Emley Moor in the 17th century. The Jagger family were the owners of Emley Moor Colliery in 1821 when winding was done by a horse gin.[19]
Although farming was the main industry in Emley, by the 19th century rich coal deposits had made coal mining an important industry along with the more traditional weaving. Mining was a source of employment until 1985 when Emley Moor Colliery closed after the year-long miners' strike. The site is now a business park.
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You might find this of interest;
https://undergroundhistories.wordpress.com/colliers-and-hurriers-part-ii/
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Coal mining engineer come Millwright ( or visa versa) - that could be a reason to uproot to move to pastures new ?
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but if the baptism in 1763 in Yorkshire is correct and he was married in Coventry in 1787 (aged 24), issuing invoices to the Leigh family in 1796 and taking on an apprentice (aged 33), he had established himself as a millwright of some reputation in a very short amount of time.
I know these things can take years to corroborate/verify/prove.
I'm grateful you are still showing a lot of interest.
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I've just been looking at the parish registers for 1754 for Mirfield, there are baptisms for children of mill-wrights. Unusual for the registers of those dates to include the occupations.
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The Mirfield registers also include christening entries for the children of Moravian Brethren.