Hastings....Stratford Place vs White Rock

[UncleLarry]

I don't know if there is a gravestone or not, I would guess that since he was in business and 'probably' was somewhat affluent, that he might have one. If it's convenient, that is without walking the whole place or whatever, that would be great to have that picture too. Obviously if you run into more adverts or whatever, I would be love to have theml. Also, to forewarn you, as bizarre as this sounds, there is another Foord watchmaker......his name is Alfred George Foord, and he operated from 14 Queens Road, Hastings, from about 1884 to 1917. I just found this out a little while ago and am also working to confirm the little info I have, and to try to see if the two are connected. While Foord (with two Os) is uncommon here (I am in Canada) it is somewhat common in the UK, but primarly in Sussex and Kent (I know I have a direction connection in Kent). However, how common is it that there are two Foords as watchmakers in Hastings in the same time frame? They must be related! And to further blow your mind, my occupation is (retired) watchmaker. Sorry for such more babbling, you just have got me so excited!
Thanks, Larry

[Chris in 1066Land]

Larry

When my wife and I started our family histories back in 1989 we learnt that an ancestor of my wifes was also a watch and clock maker in Burnley, Lancashire by the name of Blakeborough (Richard born 1778 at Pately Bridge in Yorkshire) in the early 1800's and then in Otley / Ilkley in Yorkshire

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,1960.msg1246202.html#msg1246202

Small world isnt it

Chris in 1066

[UncleLarry]

Small indeed. If your genealogy pursuits go back to 1989, as do mine, you will remember the pre-internet days. Mailing letters etc, boy how things have changed! And for the better I would say, although some might disagree. Regardless Chris, you've made my day!

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Larry

Went down town today to take some pictures of 39 white Rock place - i have quite a bit of news for you concerning the building - but got to take my youngest daughter to St Johns Ambulance cadets and my eldest to football training as she plays for Hastings Borough Ladies Football Team - so will not be back on till later this evening

See you then

Chris in 1066

[UncleLarry]

Wow, can hardly wait Chris. The bad news is that I am out of town until Saturday, but will be waiting with baited breath! And again, what can say......thanks just seems so insignificant!
Larry

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi Larry

As I said earlier I went down town today to see what is happening to No 39.

As you can see from the picture No 38, 39, 40 etc are being coverted into high class flats; but as parts of the buildings are listed, they can only do so much alterations.

I got talking to the foreman on the site and went and had a look inside No 40, but 38 and 39 were unsafe for me to enter - but the foreman promised to let me in, look around and take photographs in the very near future.
So more than likely I will be able to get inside the building that your ancestors lived in- but I dont suppose the interior will bear any resemblance of what it was like in the 1800's

So keep an eye on this space

Chris in 1066

[UncleLarry]

Hi Chris:
Now that is pretty cool, imagine being able to look at the building that 150 years ago was a shop that (probably) was one my ancestors. An inside picture, ableit different, would also be cool. I do appreicate it Chris, very much. Again thanks doesn't seem like enough. Perhaps one of these days (or years) I will actually get to the UK and I'll buy you a beer, or two, or.....
Larry

[Chris in 1066Land]

Hi again

I have had an e-mail from Bob the foreman (he is very interested in Local History) and we have made arrangements that he will show me around the place on Thursday next the 8th November.

Getting quite excited at the thought of looking around and taking lots of pictures.

Some of the architectual features especially the ceilings are listed, so they just cant touch them, just cover them up - who knows when anyone will ever see them again; but my little camera will have recorded them.

Great in it

Chris in 1066

[UncleLarry]

Wonderful, be looking forward to it. And it is so nice that preservation is a key word in that area!
Thanks much, Larry