Swan Hotel in Birmingham

[Catherine61]

Morning,
My ancestor William Kiss (1734-1779) was born and died in Birmingham, Warwickshire. Sketchley's Trade Directory of 1767 lists William Kiss at Swan, Lower Priory, as a 'Publican food/drinks'. Subsequent Birmingham Trade Directories has William: 1770 - 84 Dale End, publican, 1774 - 84 Dale End, publican, 1775, 84 Dale End, publican.

Any reference to the Swan Hotel, states it's location is the corner of High Street and New Street (https://mappingbirmingham.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-swan-hotel-in-pictures.html). Given the reference to 'Swan' in the 1767 Trade Directory, could this be the same hotel or is there another Swan Hotel? Or maybe it's something completely different. As Lower Priory (street) meets Dale End (street), could this 'Swan' referenced in 1767 be the same establishment in the 1767,1770, 1774, 1775 directories?

Any help would be appreciated.

[ColC]

I have a 1731 map of that part of Birmingham, it clearly shows Lower Priory joining Dale End & Broad St. (bear with me for a moment), a later map in 1841 shows Broad St has moved to where it is today and replaced with the High St. however it shows Lower Priory running into the centre of Dale End.
Although quite clear I guess neither are produced with the accuracy of modern maps. In my opinion I think in the period you are looking at it is quite likely that the Swan was at the corners of the three roads mentioned.
That area changed again in the next century when Corporation St. was cut through.

If you would like copies of the maps mentioned please PM me with your email address, I think they will be hard to follow as attachments here.

Colin 

[hanes teulu]

It's an unusual name and came across -

"The town and country magazine; a Universal repository of knowledge, instruction and entertainment. For the year 1778" - Volume 10, published 1778

BANKRUPTS
William Kiss of Birmingham, button - maker

[Catherine61]

Thanks Colin and hanes teulu.

Yes, I also found the 1778 entry for William Kiss at 58 Steelhouse Lane, as Button Maker. I thought this was so odd, given the multiple years as Publican, until I found his father's Will. William Kiss's(1734-1779) father was William Kiss (1701-1762), who also lived and died in Birmingham. In William Snr's Will, he mentions property to be left to his wife Sarah (nee Carter), in Steelhouse Lane. So far I am scant on details of Sarah's death. Potentially, from 1762 - @1778, Sarah lives in the property in Steelhouse Lane, and then son William moves in and takes up button making???

Bankrupt is a new revelation! I wonder if he was bankrupt as a publican or button maker? Maybe life at the Swan got tougher. What else was happening in Birmingham at this time?

In subsequent Trade Directories, I cannot find reference to any Kiss's after 1780 in Birmingham.

Thank you both

[maddys52]

A William KISS is also listed as a button maker in 1777 "Birmingham Trades and Professional Directory"

"Birmingham 120 Years Ago. Being a Reprint of an Old Directory, Published in 1777; to Which Has Been Added a Streets Directory, a Trades Directory, and a Few Notes of Comparison between Birmingham of 1776 and the City of To-Day"
Author Scarse, Charles E.
Publication Date 1896

As hanes teulu says, the bankrupt was "William KISS of Birmingham, button maker" mentioned in Town and Country for the year 1778.

[maddys52]

For interest: John BURNER (Patten ring maker) is at 84 Dale End in 1777 ("The Birmingham Directory") and William KISS (button maker) is at 58 Steelhouse Lane.

[hanes teulu]

Shrewsbury Chronicle, 4 July 1778
Bankrupts.] .... - William Kifs**, of Birmingham, button - maker, July 21, 22, Aug 8, at Mr Bowlker's, Park Lane, Birmingham.

Manchester Mercury, 22 Aug 1782
BANKRUPTS
DAYS appointed for the payment of DIVIDENDS
Oct 18. William Kifs**, late of Birmingham, in the County of Warwick, Button - maker, Dealer and Chapman; at Guildhall, London

From previous bankrupt dealings I recall that being described as "Chapman" influenced the bankruptcy?

** - the "f" represents the "long s" used at this time.

[maddys52]

From previous bankrupt dealings I recall that being described as "Chapman" influenced the bankruptcy?

That's correct, has to do with the difference between being a bankrupt and an insolvent debtor. 
https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/help-with-your-research/research-guides/bankrupts-insolvent-debtors/

[hanes teulu]

Several newspapers carried the following advertisement in September 1791

"RUNAWAY HUSBANDS
The OVERSEERS of the POOR will reward any person or persons who shall give them such information as may bring to justice the under - named offenders whose families are become chargeable to this town; ....
Birmingham Workhouse
Vestry Room, Sep 16 1791
...........................
William Kifs, chaser and buckle maker, about 5 feet 8 inches high, about 28 years old, slender made, brown hair tied, fresh complexion, two or three scars on his forehead; supposed to be in London.........................."

Any link to "your" William?