Old photo of canal side - Oldbury ?

[Bellou]

Can anyone identify where this could be ? My family came from Oldbury and were canal boatmen and lived in Oldbury . My Gr x 2 Grandfather James Hollway (b1852) had a Canal boat coal business there.

If anyone is able to improve it - all the better ? 

Thanks

Bellou

[PaulStaffs]

Not sure how much help this is but here goes....

I checked the 1881 census and found what I assume is your Holloways at 7 Canalside.

There was a pub 'The Boat' at Canalside, Oldbury in this period, where Birchfield Lane crossed the canal.

Perhaps you could visit that location (just off J2 of the M5) and see if there is any trace of the building in the photograph - you never know 

Good luck!

[Bellou]

Thanks . My family are at 7 Canal Side in 1881!  I am not sure if I can get up there . Does anyone live near Oldbury who could go and have a look?

Or has anyone got any old photos/postcard which could show the area? I expect that is a bit of a long shot.


Bellou

[PaulStaffs]

I searched through this site for you...

http://www.blackcountryhistory.org.uk/default.aspx

but couldn't find a relevant image. I'll ask around as I know a few people in the area.

[PaulStaffs]

It looks as if there won't be any trace of those buildings if it *is* Canal Side in the photograph. This picture shows the area today - the Boat Inn was where I've drawn a red arrow and a dual carriageway crosses the canal at that point (the large building is ToysRUs' - progress eh?).

Looking at the 1880 OS maps there was a row of buildings SW of the triangular basin where I've drawn a blue line. Quite possibly a suitable location for a coal merchant.

[Image Removed]

[Bellou]

Thank you very much. You have taken a lot of trouble for me . Much appreciated .   Looks as if that area has all changed , but good to know where it was .

Very attractive that ToysRus building ! I would have through the Canal side buildings in the photo  and even the coal merchants would be preferable!

Bellou 

[Boogie Girl]

My family lived at 8 Canal Side in 1881 - what a coincidence!

Great photo to add to the family archive!

[Bellou]

Hi Boogie Girl

What was the name of your family ? They were most probably next door neighbours as there may only have been one side numbering on the ide of the canal.

Bellou

[Boogie Girl]

Hi Bellou

Harley

J xx