Thomas Hume Plumbers Stafford Street

[Doddie]

Looking for any general information about Thomas Hume and Sons of  2a Stafford Street Edinburgh. My great grandfather Alexander Stewart (1867-19250 worked there, possibly as an apprentice in late 1880's/early 1890's before setting up in business for himself on the West coast. I managed via trade directories to establish that Thomas Hume and Sons were still in business till at least the early 1970's. Any info. & photos of business premises etc. would be most helpful.

[ian55]

Hi Doddie,

Thomas Hume, Master Plumber 1840-1908 was my great-grandfather.

He was a partner in the firm of Morrison & Hume, Plumbers, Brassfounders and Gasfitters in Edinburgh and Lasswade. They were the plumbing contractors for the building of the Public Baths at 10 Infirmary Street Edinburgh in 1886 which suggests they were involved in quite large scale commercial work.

There is a Notice of Dissolution of Morrison & Hume in 1892 which refers to Thomas Hume of 2A Stafford Street Edinburgh but I am not sure if this was an existing address for the old firm or the address of Thomas Hume's new business.

Later in 1892 there is an article in The Scotsman which refers to Thomas Hume chairing a meeting of The Scottish Plumbers' Society which suggests he was quite prominent in his profession.

The Edinburgh phone book for 1904 has an entry for Thomas Hume, Plumber, Gasfitter etc. 2A Stafford Street.

As far as I can tell three of his sons went into the business. John Hume died in 1906. Joseph Hume resigned in 1911 and emigrated to Australia. William Moffat Hume died in 1925.

I am guessing the firm was sold as a going concern and the new owners continued to trade as Thomas Hume & Sons, Plumbers at 2A Stafford Street until 1975 which is the last time the firm appears in the phone book.

If you would like to send me a PM with your email address I would be happy to share the details with you.

Ian55