This photo was given to my Mum by a lady named Margaret. It shows the Smithy that stood on "Smithy Lane" next door to the Ring o Bells Pub. I believe she is one of the little girls and the Smithy is her Uncle. I think the photo was taken circa 1950 just before it was demolished.
This view show the area around where the Smithy stood prior to its demolition. The Smithy stood to the very right (off picture next to the lamp post). James North has since been demolished and a new housing estate is in its place.
This shot shows what stands there now - A car park for the Ring o Bells pub.
Margaret, if you are reading this blog, please will you get in touch so we can get the story details correct and thank you properly.
:)
12 comments:
Good post Nancy...
I saw the first picture and recognised it, I though I had a copy of it and knew I'd another to go with it... when I did find it I was pleased to see if was not the same as yours but one taken at the same time. I've included them in the post, I wonder if the chap in the two pictures I have posted is related to the Smith and the children.
The two girls are Margaret and Dorothy Hyde.
Margaret is the younger and is now Margaret Walker and still lives in Gee Cross, Dorothy lives in Auckland N.Z.
The Blacksmith is their uncle and the photos are are of the last horse shod at the smithy.
I remember Margaret being born and they then lived opposite me on Joel Lane.
Eric Downs.
Hi Eric.. and 'thank you'.
They say every picture tells a story.... well these certainly have. Thank you for this information... and I'm so pleased you looked in today. Nancy will be made up for sure.
I'm left wondering why the Smithy shut... and thinking of how many shoes he must have made, and horses shod. What tales that corner plot could tell.. I have a vision of the smithy standing at that doorway watching the building of the mill.
Fab pictures, living on Mansfield Road I remember The Smithy, as kids it fascinated us, we were allowed to stand by the door to watch the horses being shod, only if we were with our parents.
Our gran used to come with us and tell us everything that was going on.Grans granddad was a Smith so she knew all about it.
Thank you Eric! My Mum will be happy as she couldn't remember Margaret's second name. It's great to get some input from someone who knew the family ,too!
Although I dont remember the smithy a chap I know that worked on a farm said the blacksmith was called Harry Cunliffe that would be in the 40s
Thanks CeeCee - all information greatly received! :)
I love it when a post takes off like this.... I do hope Margaret and Dorothy get to see this.
Wow, I love the pictures. My great grandad was a smith´s apprentice in Hyde at the beginning of the century so it was very interesting to see these
We have just sent the posting to Dorothy in New Zealand. The photo would have been taken about 1948. I used to walk home to Gee Cross from Hyde Grammar with Dorothy past the smithy and look in to see her uncle George Hyde.
Gillian Meakin (nee Ollerenshaw)
Rowan:
Hello again... I recalled the post I did about your Great Granddad.. I have always had an interest in Blacksmiths and Farriers.
Gillian:
Thank you... I hope Dorothy leaves us a comment... Nancy will be pleased with how the posting as gone.
Wow, I love the pictures. My great grandad was a smith´s apprentice in Hyde at the beginning of the century so it was very interesting to see these
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