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Messages - Stevenlfireworks

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Occupation Interests / Re: What is the most interesting occupation in your family tree?
« on: Thursday 15 September 22 19:24 BST (UK)  »
I've just found a topical one

listed in the 1851 census as 'an artist in fireworks'

Out of interest, what was the name of your family member who was the artist in fireworks?

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One Name Studies: T to Z / Re: WIGZELL Family History (Link)
« on: Thursday 15 September 22 19:18 BST (UK)  »
Hi Pauline

Did you manage to get any further with the hunt for Wigzell? Currently researching old firework companies and pyrotechnists. There were and a lot of very small companies prior to the 1860 and 1875 Explosive Acts, often living above and next door to each other and an awful lot of accidents and explosions.

James Wigzell was an unfortunate victim in one of those accidents and ended up with severe burns to his hands. He worked for Mortram, a well known and respected pyrotechnist. Rockets were being charged (filled and rammed) perhaps over zealously by a young lad named John Nash when an explosion occurred, 30lbs of gunpowder was evidently on the premises and exploded. A Thomas Cullen, present in the factory building died. Nash, face very badly burned and Wigzell with very badly burned hands both ended up in hospital. The Coroner's Inquest was reported in the papers on 28th August 1818.
Hope this helps.

Steve

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Yorkshire (West Riding) / Re: Fireworks from Lepton
« on: Monday 14 June 21 17:12 BST (UK)  »
There was/is Standard fireworks up at Crossland Moor as well. And Black Cat??
I wonder why there was such a pyrotechnic connection in Hudds?
Also, and someone might like to research this, I recall that in the 1970/80's and beyond there was a chap, a vicar I think, former old boy of Almondbury Grammar who had a firework display company somewhere in the Midlands. They did displays all over the country.

Hi Bykerlads

The old boy you refer to was most likely the Reverand Ron Lancaster who up until February 2019 owned Kimbolton Fireworks. The company has now been taken over by Phoenix Fireworks.

Steve

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