Harmans/Harman's Cross, Poole

[Crunwere]

Hi, husband's family were Harmans who were rag merchants in Fish Street, Poole (now called Castle street I believe?) in the mid 19th century (and I believe they were there in the first half of 20c too).

Whle googling I have also come across HARMAN'S CROSS as well and wondered why it is so named?
Also does anyone know anything about the Harmans from Fish Street - or have any old pictures?

Husband's grt grandmother was Kezia Harman who ended up in Pembrokeshire after marriage.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

The Dorset History Centre in Dorchester might be able to help with your Harman's Cross question.

01305  250550     or      archivesATdorsetcc.gov.uk           (replace AT with @)



Nanny Jan

[Crunwere]

Thanks Nanny Jan - was just wondering if there was a connection.

I did post a messaqge on their local website but no reply so far.
Cheers.

[stockman fred]

I had a look in "Dorset Place Names" by A.D.Mills, and he gives the example of Harman's Cross in Worth Matravers- "not recorded before the 19th century, from the surname Harman and Cross in the sense "Crossroads". Not much help, but at least it seems to rule out an older meaning.
Fred

[Crunwere]

Thanks - did see somewhere that there wasn't much there till early 20th century but no more info.

Update - had this from - http://www.worthmatraversparishcouncil.org/:

After the First World War, building began in Harmans Cross. Until then the only buildings were at Quarr and Old Caplestone. Houses were built in Haycrafts Lane and many wooden army huts and asbestos buildings were transported and erected along the new road. Later, more substantial properties were built at North Instow and South Instow. A Village Hall was erected in Haycrafts Lane and the development had a small shop, a small chapel and a very thriving garage.

[nanny jan]

Hi,


Kelly's Directory 1889 for Poole shows George Henry Harman at Fish Street; a marine store dealer and a rag & rope, iron & metal merchant.


Nanny Jan

[Crunwere]

Thanks - thats - George Henry Harman b1848 – ?
He was a brother to Kezia (hubby's grt grandmother) - she was born in 1859.  Kezia was at 20 Fish Street in 1871.

[nanny jan]

Hi,

FreeBMD has the death registration of a George H Harman  JunQ 1922, Poole, age shown as 75. 


Nanny Jan