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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Cheshire => Topic started by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 16:53 GMT (UK)

Title: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 16:53 GMT (UK)
I am trying to locate the whereabouts of the property in the attached photo and detailed close up. I am advised that there is a strong possibility it was located in Birkenhead, Cheshire and I wondered if there was enough detail in the photo's to be able to establish an architect's signature style or who I should contact to find this out.

The photo is circa 1900 and shows my grandmother (right) and her domestic servant colleague in the doorway of their employers house - number 19 somewhere?  The property could be long since demolished or it could be still standing, I don't know.  The photographer's serial number is at the bottom left of the photo; d 956 D.

Any help with my quest will be gratefully received.  Many thanks,

Baz.

 
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: stanmapstone on Monday 23 February 15 16:57 GMT (UK)
Have you looked for your grandmother in the 1901 census?

Stan
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 17:02 GMT (UK)
The Main photo didn't send for some reason.  Here it is;
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 17:14 GMT (UK)
Hi Stan,

Yes I have.  She worked at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Mill Lane, Wallasey as a domestic.  The address and domain don't fit.  She lived in Seacombe, Wallasey so it's possible she worked in Birkenhead or Liverpool which I haven't tried yet!

Baz.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: jim1 on Monday 23 February 15 17:53 GMT (UK)
Do you have the original?
Is there a photographers name on the back?
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: lizdb on Monday 23 February 15 18:00 GMT (UK)
Do you know the name of the domestic servant colleague, and have you found her in 1901 census?
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 18:02 GMT (UK)
My sister has the original which I scanned.  There was nothing on the back, Jim1.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property
Post by: bigbazza on Monday 23 February 15 18:06 GMT (UK)
No to both questions, lizdb.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: sarah on Wednesday 25 February 15 11:06 GMT (UK)
Hi Bigbazza,

I have moved your post to Cheshire to see if anyone can recognise the type of properties it could be.

Regards

Sarah :)

P.S. Was just able to identify one of my own photographs after 10 years :D
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Wednesday 25 February 15 11:10 GMT (UK)
Many thanks Sarah.

Baz.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: Certacito on Friday 27 February 15 11:49 GMT (UK)
Something about that photo says Prenton or Oxton to me.  Could be way out of course but can't seem to associate it with Wallasey providing it is still around of course?
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Friday 27 February 15 15:35 GMT (UK)
It was someone from Wallasey who suggested Birkenhead to me!  Any thoughts on names of roads in Prenton and Oxton so that I can try street view?
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: Certacito on Friday 27 February 15 16:58 GMT (UK)
You could try the area around Waterpark road.  It's a while since I was driving my post van around the area so might be way out?
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Friday 27 February 15 18:47 GMT (UK)
I'll have a look, thanks.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: Jo Harding on Saturday 28 February 15 10:52 GMT (UK)
Hello bigbazza,

I used to work in Birkenhead for some years and also think this looks like one of the leafy suburbs there. Places as Oxton and Noctorum come to mind. The one road that I can think of is Vyner Road South. I suggest you have a look at that on Google maps and street view.

Have you asked a local paper to print the photo and ask people to suggest locations? I think this is now called Wirral News.

Jo
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Saturday 28 February 15 16:09 GMT (UK)
Hi Jo,

Many thanks for the suggestions.  Vyner Rd South is very leafy so you can't see the houses very well on street view. Unfortunately, No. 19 didn't tally.

I will keep Oxton & Noctorum in mind to drive around when I next visit Wirral.

I like the idea of sending the picture to the Wirral News and will follow that one up.

Regards,  Baz.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: kathb on Wednesday 04 March 15 11:34 GMT (UK)
Hi, Bigbazza.  I would suggest that you join Wikiwirral. Its a community on line site, free to join. It has a history section and there are some very gifted amateurs with local knowledge on the site who might be able to help.
Regards
Kathb
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Wednesday 04 March 15 11:45 GMT (UK)
Excellent Kathb - will do.  Many thanks, Baz.
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: kathb on Wednesday 04 March 15 13:08 GMT (UK)
Hi, Baz, you are welcome good luck.
Regards
Kathb
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: DellaR on Sunday 03 May 15 17:45 BST (UK)
As soon as I saw the photo I thought Prenton poss Oxton Style of house is very in keeping with other older houses in the area. I walk alot roundthere so will keep a look out for any number 19s!
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: DellaR on Sunday 03 May 15 20:48 BST (UK)
My children have spent ages looking on google street tonight as we are so sure it's a local house to ours as looks so familiar. Its driving us mad! Haha !
Title: Re: Architecture & Locating the Whereabouts of an Unknown Property Birkenhead ?
Post by: bigbazza on Sunday 03 May 15 22:26 BST (UK)
Many thanks for getting in touch, Swirly and landej.  Your help is really appreciated.

Regards, Baz.