Hills Factory, Frome

[Trunkybun1]

Can anyone tell me about Hills factory? I am researching someone on the 1861 census and it says he is a weaver for the Hills factory and he is living in Fountain Lane, Frome. I've tried googling for Hills factory but not got anywhere.

[rosie99]

Maybe Frome museum can help you again

[Trunkybun1]

Yes, that is my plan if no-one knows here. I was hoping someone might recognise it .

[hepburn]

all I can see is a factory called Butts Hill.

[Kay99]

I think Butt Hills was an Iron Works https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/Butts_Hill_Iron_Works

[maddys52]

A little later, but in this 1880s map showing Fountain Lane if you scrollout a little, there are a number of possibilities involving weaving - Welsh Mill, "Woollen Manufactory" near West Hill House, "Silk and Crape Factory" etc.
https://maps.nls.uk/view/122161646#zoom=7&lat=2719&lon=9517&layers=BT

Is the writing very clear on the census? I can't see which person you have in particular, but can't see other occupations which are specific as to place in the area.

[Kay99]

It looks fairly clear

[Kay99]

Possiibly 1861  at Broadway, Frome, Somerset

James   Hill   62   Woollen manufacturer J Hill & son employing 20 men, 10 women, 10 boys and 5 girls Frome, Somerset
Mary   Hill   Wife 60   Frome, Somerset
James   Hill   Son 29 Woollen manufacturer   Frome, Somerset
Eliza   Barber   Servant 25 Frome, Somerset

Possibly Broadway Mill? https://maps.nls.uk/view/122161646#zoom=7&lat=2535&lon=7487&layers=BT   
Added - However looking at page 34 of this report whilst there are references to the mill as early as 1824 the factory shown on the map may have been as late at early 1870's https://www.somersetheritage.org.uk/downloads/eus/Somerset_EUS_Frome.pdf

[hanes teulu]

Frome Times, 29 Oct 1862