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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Somerset => Topic started by: Trunkybun1 on Saturday 15 June 24 22:38 BST (UK)

Title: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Trunkybun1 on Saturday 15 June 24 22:38 BST (UK)
Can anyone tell me about Hills factory? I am researching someone on the 1861 census and it says he is a weaver for the Hills factory and he is living in Fountain Lane, Frome. I've tried googling for Hills factory but not got anywhere.
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: rosie99 on Saturday 15 June 24 22:41 BST (UK)
Maybe Frome museum can help you again
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Trunkybun1 on Saturday 15 June 24 22:54 BST (UK)
Yes, that is my plan if no-one knows here. I was hoping someone might recognise it .
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: hepburn on Saturday 15 June 24 23:01 BST (UK)
all I can see is a factory called Butts Hill.
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 16 June 24 05:17 BST (UK)
I think Butt Hills was an Iron Works https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Butts_Hill_Iron_Works
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: maddys52 on Sunday 16 June 24 06:08 BST (UK)
A little later, but in this 1880s map showing Fountain Lane if you scrollout a little, there are a number of possibilities involving weaving - Welsh Mill, "Woollen Manufactory" near West Hill House, "Silk and Crape Factory" etc.
https://maps.nls.uk/view/122161646#zoom=7&lat=2719&lon=9517&layers=BT

Is the writing very clear on the census? I can't see which person you have in particular, but can't see other occupations which are specific as to place in the area.
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 16 June 24 06:25 BST (UK)
It looks fairly clear
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Kay99 on Sunday 16 June 24 06:42 BST (UK)
Possiibly 1861  at Broadway, Frome, Somerset :-\

James   Hill   62   Woollen manufacturer J Hill & son employing 20 men, 10 women, 10 boys and 5 girls Frome, Somerset
Mary   Hill   Wife 60   Frome, Somerset
James   Hill   Son 29 Woollen manufacturer   Frome, Somerset
Eliza   Barber   Servant 25 Frome, Somerset

Possibly Broadway Mill? https://maps.nls.uk/view/122161646#zoom=7&lat=2535&lon=7487&layers=BT   
Added - However looking at page 34 of this report whilst there are references to the mill as early as 1824 the factory shown on the map may have been as late at early 1870's https://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/downloads/eus/Somerset_EUS_Frome.pdf
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: hanes teulu on Sunday 16 June 24 07:34 BST (UK)
Frome Times, 29 Oct 1862
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: Trunkybun1 on Sunday 16 June 24 10:55 BST (UK)
As per Kay99's jpg, it was William Evans I was looking at. If you scroll along the clip it says his occupation was a weaver at Hills Factory. I had not heard of Hills factory before. Maybe it was only called 'Hills' for a short time and changed ownership? Surely it has to be some sort of fabric manufacturer, employing a weaver?
Title: Re: Hills Factory, Frome
Post by: maddys52 on Monday 17 June 24 03:24 BST (UK)
I think Kay and  hanes teulu are probably correct in thinking it is the Broadway Mill, owned by HILLS. Interesting looking on the census (thanks Kay) I think I only saw the one reference to "Hills Factory", though there were a few at "Shepherd's Factory",  and a couple at "Smiths Factory", implying the owner's name.