<<<Photos of Victorian life & Framework Knitters>>>

[Jane Eden]

I went to Ruddington Framework Knitters museum yesterday. This is a unique surviving example of a purpose built framework knitters yard from 1829. There are dwellings and workshops on site. I took loads of photos as they will be interesting to anyone interested in:
                    Framework knitting
                    Circular knitting
                    Victorian life - 1900s cottage with contents
                                          1850s cottage with contents
                     A stocking worn by Queen Victoria

I have put the photos on the following link. Please enjoy and copy them if you like.

http://photobucket.com/albums/y277/swanjane/


Jane

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jane

Thanks for those pictures of the Framework knitters tools etc and the building.

It looks very very much like 'Hardys Yard' in Sutton Bonington where my ancestors on my mothers side were all framework knitters and believe it or not were named Hardy.

There were several Hardy families in the village who carried on that trade.

As I now live in the South, it brought back some memories

Chris in 1066

[Jane Eden]

Chris

Does Hardys Yard still exist or are you describing photos you have? I am very interested in the life they led as lots of mine were FWK in Mansfield, Caythorpe and Nottingham. Sutton Bonnington is not that far away for me as I am in Beeston.

Jane

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Jane

yes, as far as I know Hardys yard, just off the main street in Sutton Bonington still exists.  The buildings are arranged exactly as they are in your pictures of Ruddington.

Incidentally, I was born and bred in the next village of Normanton on Soar

Chris in 1066

[Jane Eden]

Chris

Thanks. I must go and have a look. Its a small world my other half learned to sail on the river at Normanton in the 1960s, they had one of the chalets there. Nice part of the world.

Jane

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi again

We had friends who owned one of hose chalets and used to visit them often when they down at the chalet.

My dad learnt me to swim in that river back in the 1950's - he just chucked me and my brother into the river when I was about eight saying 'everyone can swim' - I needless to say - I swam using a doggy paddle to the bank.

Ahhhh, happy times

Chris in 1066

[Jane Eden]

Hi Chris

A bit of nostalgia for you, your favourite river in the 1960s.


Jane

[Chris in 1066Land]

Jane

Ohhhhhhhh, the charms of the banks of the Soar.

Zouch and the Weirs were our favourite spot

Chris in 1066

[wilkipet]

Thanks for the lovely pictures. Canyou tell me the opening hours for the museum? Are the cottages inthe museum?
Gerald