Since the launch of Hunslet Remembered I've had many people asking me questions I don't know the answer to. They are often seeking information about people, places or firms because they are researching their family history or local history, or just want to remember and learn more about Hunslet.
Have a look through the questions on these two pages. This page has questions about life and places in Hunslet, and the next page has family tree questions. If you have any questions or answers, contact me at chris@hunslet.org
Have a look through the questions on these two pages. This page has questions about life and places in Hunslet, and the next page has family tree questions. If you have any questions or answers, contact me at chris@hunslet.org
You are here: Home > Answers needed > Life and places
Answers needed - 1. Life and places
David Hector
I am doing some research into Fowlers. John Fowler was born into a wealthy Quaker family. As his Engineering works grew bigger he took over a Public House on Leathley Road called The Cabbage Inn, and made it into the works canteen. Does any one have any information about The Cabbage Inn?
Angela Middleton (nee Broadbent)
My father, aged 98yrs, is Hunslet born and bred. He has good memories of Hunslet as all his family (and there were lots of them) lived there. The name of one of his uncles, Alfred Broadbent, was on the war memorial at Henry Berry's. Does the war memorial still exist? Is it legible?
My father, aged 98yrs, is Hunslet born and bred. He has good memories of Hunslet as all his family (and there were lots of them) lived there. The name of one of his uncles, Alfred Broadbent, was on the war memorial at Henry Berry's. Does the war memorial still exist? Is it legible?
Dave Myers
I was told by my grandmother that my grandfather, Samuel North, used to play for Hunslet. He died shortly after the Second World War. Does anyone know about such a Hunslet player?
I was told by my grandmother that my grandfather, Samuel North, used to play for Hunslet. He died shortly after the Second World War. Does anyone know about such a Hunslet player?
Nick Beaumont-Jones writes about the Swan public house
My maternal grandmother, Alice Bell (nee Burrows) came from Hunslet where she lived at The Swan until, I believe, about 1920. Her father, Richard Burrows, was the landlord and the only thing I remember Gran telling me about was the famous "Swan Particular" which was brewed in the cellar. Unfortunately Gran died in 1990 before the internet was around so I never had the opportunity to share all of the fascinating posts from this website with her, nor research her childhood for the benefit of your readers. I would very much like to know of any recollections of The Swan before its demolition from anyone who remembers it, as I know my mother will be very interested.
My maternal grandmother, Alice Bell (nee Burrows) came from Hunslet where she lived at The Swan until, I believe, about 1920. Her father, Richard Burrows, was the landlord and the only thing I remember Gran telling me about was the famous "Swan Particular" which was brewed in the cellar. Unfortunately Gran died in 1990 before the internet was around so I never had the opportunity to share all of the fascinating posts from this website with her, nor research her childhood for the benefit of your readers. I would very much like to know of any recollections of The Swan before its demolition from anyone who remembers it, as I know my mother will be very interested.
Colin Ross (who now lives in Auckland)
What was the engineering company that was on Church Street, somewhere around the the Sun and the Brassmoulders pub. I think it manufactured leaf springs or something similar. I remember wandering around it during my lunch break, when I was working at Henry Berry’s training school in 1972. It was derelict then. I still have the paperweight of a copper plated pewter moulding of a leaf spring, fixed to a piece of mahogany, that I found on the floor of the old abandoned offices. I would be very grateful if anyone could provide a bit of history about this company.
Also, does anyone remember my grandparents, who I never knew. My father, James Ross (1908-1988) was born in Hunslet in the Penny Lane area. He used to play for the Hunslet B rugby team in 1933 and was a very keen, loyal supporter at Parkside. He was known to his friends as Jim, Jimmy or Little Jimmy. He had three brothers, Albert George and Walter, all named after the great Goldthorpe brothers. He had a son, Barry (my step-brother), born in 1940.
Answers
Paul Crowther
The company was Chapman Springs. They were a family business who relocated to Aire Street around 1970. My Dad worked for them from the 1960's, and I remember visiting the premises that Colin describes. I worked for them myself at Aire Street in the summer of 1971 as a general labourer before going to university. My dad had to retire from Chapman's due to ill-helath in 1987. I don't know what happened to the firm afterwards, but in the House of Commons on April 11th 1989, Derek Fatchett M.P. asked a question concerning the Urban Development Corporation in Leeds which I suppose says what happened next: 'Another example is Chapman Springs, a well-established engineering firm in south Leeds. It is now the subject of a compulsory purchase order without consultation, participation and information. From time to time a number of Hon. Members find it convenient to criticise the Post Office or British Telecom. They may feel that that was the reason why the Leeds Urban Development Corporation was unable to talk to either South Leeds Builders Merchants Ltd. or Chapman Springs. Both firms are sited within 100 yards of the UDC's offices. I suspect that Mr. Peter Hartley, the chairman, and Mr. Martin Eagland, the Chief Executive, pass both firms on their way to and from the UDC's offices. A simple courtesy would have been to talk to the two firms. Jobs in two local businesses are at stake. One of the firms wrote to me and said that the Conservative Government pride themselves on their interest in small businesses, so it is difficult to understand how they can allow one of their organisations-the UDC to behave in such a way.'
What was the engineering company that was on Church Street, somewhere around the the Sun and the Brassmoulders pub. I think it manufactured leaf springs or something similar. I remember wandering around it during my lunch break, when I was working at Henry Berry’s training school in 1972. It was derelict then. I still have the paperweight of a copper plated pewter moulding of a leaf spring, fixed to a piece of mahogany, that I found on the floor of the old abandoned offices. I would be very grateful if anyone could provide a bit of history about this company.
Also, does anyone remember my grandparents, who I never knew. My father, James Ross (1908-1988) was born in Hunslet in the Penny Lane area. He used to play for the Hunslet B rugby team in 1933 and was a very keen, loyal supporter at Parkside. He was known to his friends as Jim, Jimmy or Little Jimmy. He had three brothers, Albert George and Walter, all named after the great Goldthorpe brothers. He had a son, Barry (my step-brother), born in 1940.
Answers
Paul Crowther
The company was Chapman Springs. They were a family business who relocated to Aire Street around 1970. My Dad worked for them from the 1960's, and I remember visiting the premises that Colin describes. I worked for them myself at Aire Street in the summer of 1971 as a general labourer before going to university. My dad had to retire from Chapman's due to ill-helath in 1987. I don't know what happened to the firm afterwards, but in the House of Commons on April 11th 1989, Derek Fatchett M.P. asked a question concerning the Urban Development Corporation in Leeds which I suppose says what happened next: 'Another example is Chapman Springs, a well-established engineering firm in south Leeds. It is now the subject of a compulsory purchase order without consultation, participation and information. From time to time a number of Hon. Members find it convenient to criticise the Post Office or British Telecom. They may feel that that was the reason why the Leeds Urban Development Corporation was unable to talk to either South Leeds Builders Merchants Ltd. or Chapman Springs. Both firms are sited within 100 yards of the UDC's offices. I suspect that Mr. Peter Hartley, the chairman, and Mr. Martin Eagland, the Chief Executive, pass both firms on their way to and from the UDC's offices. A simple courtesy would have been to talk to the two firms. Jobs in two local businesses are at stake. One of the firms wrote to me and said that the Conservative Government pride themselves on their interest in small businesses, so it is difficult to understand how they can allow one of their organisations-the UDC to behave in such a way.'
Maureen Brown, who now lives in Perth, Australia, has sent this photo taken, she believes, during the First World War at a munitions factory in Hunslet. Can anyone recognise the factory, and tell us where it was?
Her husband's aunt, May Plowman (b.1897) is the woman in the V-collar.
Posted 2/5/12
Her husband's aunt, May Plowman (b.1897) is the woman in the V-collar.
Posted 2/5/12
John Ward
My great grandfather was George Ward, whose family owned a haulage company on Jack Lane. I haven't any photographs of the wagons. Can anyone help?
My great grandfather was George Ward, whose family owned a haulage company on Jack Lane. I haven't any photographs of the wagons. Can anyone help?
Brad Pullan writes from New South Wales, Australia
I believe my great great great great Grandfather Richard Pullan, was an engineer and brass and iron founder and have the idea that his “Pullan and Son” foundry, also known as the Soho Foundry, made locomotive bits and pieces and other steam engine parts in the Hunslet area around the late 1790’s to 1820’s. A map on the Hunslet Remembered website shows Low Road and the Soho Foundry (works ). I think that Richard’s son Benjamin started with him in the foundry and then possibly took over the company when Richard Pullan died in 1823. It then appears that Benjamin died in 1838.
Has anyone knowledge of this foundry or the “Pullan & Son”? Who owned the foundry, and what was it before “Richard Pullan and Son” and the Soho Foundry? After their deaths, post 1838, who had the foundry then?
Posted 29/5/12
I believe my great great great great Grandfather Richard Pullan, was an engineer and brass and iron founder and have the idea that his “Pullan and Son” foundry, also known as the Soho Foundry, made locomotive bits and pieces and other steam engine parts in the Hunslet area around the late 1790’s to 1820’s. A map on the Hunslet Remembered website shows Low Road and the Soho Foundry (works ). I think that Richard’s son Benjamin started with him in the foundry and then possibly took over the company when Richard Pullan died in 1823. It then appears that Benjamin died in 1838.
Has anyone knowledge of this foundry or the “Pullan & Son”? Who owned the foundry, and what was it before “Richard Pullan and Son” and the Soho Foundry? After their deaths, post 1838, who had the foundry then?
Posted 29/5/12
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Tina Richards wants to know if anyone can identify this industrial photo. It was probably taken around 1900. John Abraham Barratt (born about 1853 in Leeds) is the man standing to the far left. He was living in Hunslet around that time.
Posted 29/7/12
Anne Riekenberg is researching her Hunslet ancestors. In 1868 a William Coverdale was working at a butter factory. Does anyone know where this might have been?
Lorraine Loftus
My grandad and grandma lived in Hunslet and my father was born there, along with his siblings. Her father told me that my grandad, George Edward Thompson, had a scrap business in Hunslet and also a charabanc. He then supposedly bought a coach after the charabanc (not sure if he did a trade in with the charabanc) but apparently one of his drivers accidentaly killed someone, perhaps as a result of a road accident with one of her grandad's vehicles. My grandad was so upset that he sold the coach business, supposedly to Wallace Arnold, and moved over to Doncaster. I read in one of Wallace Arnold's archives that he (Wallace Arnold) started his coach business in 1926, so this would fit the timeframe perfectly with when my dad was a young lad growing up while my grandad was running the business prior to selling it. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers this business or the fatal accident involving my grandad's vehicle. Anything would be of immense interest to me e.g. the place where the business was, the company's name etc.
My grandad and grandma lived in Hunslet and my father was born there, along with his siblings. Her father told me that my grandad, George Edward Thompson, had a scrap business in Hunslet and also a charabanc. He then supposedly bought a coach after the charabanc (not sure if he did a trade in with the charabanc) but apparently one of his drivers accidentaly killed someone, perhaps as a result of a road accident with one of her grandad's vehicles. My grandad was so upset that he sold the coach business, supposedly to Wallace Arnold, and moved over to Doncaster. I read in one of Wallace Arnold's archives that he (Wallace Arnold) started his coach business in 1926, so this would fit the timeframe perfectly with when my dad was a young lad growing up while my grandad was running the business prior to selling it. I would love to hear from anyone who remembers this business or the fatal accident involving my grandad's vehicle. Anything would be of immense interest to me e.g. the place where the business was, the company's name etc.
Zoe Durrant-Walker
My mum's pictures include these of Hunslet Carr Old Boys R.F.C, one of which has the dates 1935-36. My Mum grow up in Hunslet Carr and her maiden name is Majorie Cutts (born 1947). She had a brother Terence Cutts (born 1940).
Mum's dad, Sam Cutts, is in the pictures: on his own with trophies; far left bottom row on group with shield; far right bottom row on group with cup and ball; and far right bottom row on young boys photo. I wonder if any of the Hunslet Website readers know anyone else's names?
Posted 1/2/13
My mum's pictures include these of Hunslet Carr Old Boys R.F.C, one of which has the dates 1935-36. My Mum grow up in Hunslet Carr and her maiden name is Majorie Cutts (born 1947). She had a brother Terence Cutts (born 1940).
Mum's dad, Sam Cutts, is in the pictures: on his own with trophies; far left bottom row on group with shield; far right bottom row on group with cup and ball; and far right bottom row on young boys photo. I wonder if any of the Hunslet Website readers know anyone else's names?
Posted 1/2/13
Alan Shore
I worked at Henry Berry from 1946 to 1956. I finished my engineering apprenticeship there and when I was 21 (in 1949) I continued as a centre lathe turner. During my final two years I operated what was known as the `Big Lathe`. I believe it was the biggest centre lathe in Leeds and there would not be many bigger in Britain. I operated this lathe to produce such things as large cylinders or crankshafts etc. I have many fond memories of my time at Henry Berry and I have good memories of many of my workmates. I lived in Altofts and was a keen club cyclist, so I cycled to and from work. My route was via Stanley Ferry, Woodlesford and Stourton. I left Henry Berry in 1956 to become a draughtsman in Manchester. I would love to make contact with anyone who worked at Henry Berry during that period and may have photos, particularly of the big lathe. Regrettably I have none. It was great to see the factory front and the attached pub, The Gardeners Arms, wherein I had the occasional pint.
Posted 22/2/13
I worked at Henry Berry from 1946 to 1956. I finished my engineering apprenticeship there and when I was 21 (in 1949) I continued as a centre lathe turner. During my final two years I operated what was known as the `Big Lathe`. I believe it was the biggest centre lathe in Leeds and there would not be many bigger in Britain. I operated this lathe to produce such things as large cylinders or crankshafts etc. I have many fond memories of my time at Henry Berry and I have good memories of many of my workmates. I lived in Altofts and was a keen club cyclist, so I cycled to and from work. My route was via Stanley Ferry, Woodlesford and Stourton. I left Henry Berry in 1956 to become a draughtsman in Manchester. I would love to make contact with anyone who worked at Henry Berry during that period and may have photos, particularly of the big lathe. Regrettably I have none. It was great to see the factory front and the attached pub, The Gardeners Arms, wherein I had the occasional pint.
Posted 22/2/13
Answers
Peter Higginbottom
In the 1935/36 picture with the big shield (top right) , the 3rd player from the left in the top row is my dad, Thomas (Tommy) Higginbottom.
In Morrisons in Hunslet there is a copy on the wall with all the names.
Peter Higginbottom
In the 1935/36 picture with the big shield (top right) , the 3rd player from the left in the top row is my dad, Thomas (Tommy) Higginbottom.
In Morrisons in Hunslet there is a copy on the wall with all the names.
Peter Higginbottom
Does anyone have a photograph of Hardisty's Yard? My dad lived there with His grandmother up to 1937, when he joined the Cameron Highlanders.
Posted 6/3/13
Answer
Peter Unwin
My grandmother on my mother's side was living in Hardisty's Yard when she got married. I did not know where it was until I searched for it, although I lived only 100yds away in Askern Terrace, but it must have been demolished just before I was born in 1936. The photo shows the view from Jack Lane looking towards Waterloo Road. The block on the right side is the back of Hardisty’s Yard. The street on the left was Albion Terrace. The Wesleylan Chapel and Garden Gate pub, both on Waterloo Road, are in the distance.
Hardisty's Yard is marked by a green circle on the Centre map.
Does anyone have a photograph of Hardisty's Yard? My dad lived there with His grandmother up to 1937, when he joined the Cameron Highlanders.
Posted 6/3/13
Answer
Peter Unwin
My grandmother on my mother's side was living in Hardisty's Yard when she got married. I did not know where it was until I searched for it, although I lived only 100yds away in Askern Terrace, but it must have been demolished just before I was born in 1936. The photo shows the view from Jack Lane looking towards Waterloo Road. The block on the right side is the back of Hardisty’s Yard. The street on the left was Albion Terrace. The Wesleylan Chapel and Garden Gate pub, both on Waterloo Road, are in the distance.
Hardisty's Yard is marked by a green circle on the Centre map.
Audrey Ann King (nee Naylor)
Has anyone a photograph of the fountain that was on Hunslet Moor, and does anyone know what happened to it?
Posted 6/1/13
Has anyone a photograph of the fountain that was on Hunslet Moor, and does anyone know what happened to it?
Posted 6/1/13
Steve Topp
Could anyone give me any information concerning Gibraltar Island? Gibraltar Island starts at the end of Old Mill Lane and it is the starting point of the Aire & Calder canal.
Could anyone give me any information concerning Gibraltar Island? Gibraltar Island starts at the end of Old Mill Lane and it is the starting point of the Aire & Calder canal.
Geoff Tebbutt
When I used to be a customer at the Crooked Billet, Albert Goddard, the landlord, formlery landlord of the Chemic in Woodhouse and before that the Prince Albert on Hunslet Road, used to sing a song about Hunslet.
Albert loved Hunslet and was very proud of his roots. Rugby player, ice cream man, landlord and a great fellow.
Sung to the tune of Dixie, as far as I can remember the song had words something like:
Is is true what they say about Hunslet?
Do they fight, do they thratch every night?
Do dandelions blossom, round everybody's door?
Do folks eat fish and tatties, on good old Hunslet Moor?
If it's true what they say, every blinking day
Then that's where I belong.
It would be nice to know if anyone knows the full song.
Posted 12/3/13
When I used to be a customer at the Crooked Billet, Albert Goddard, the landlord, formlery landlord of the Chemic in Woodhouse and before that the Prince Albert on Hunslet Road, used to sing a song about Hunslet.
Albert loved Hunslet and was very proud of his roots. Rugby player, ice cream man, landlord and a great fellow.
Sung to the tune of Dixie, as far as I can remember the song had words something like:
Is is true what they say about Hunslet?
Do they fight, do they thratch every night?
Do dandelions blossom, round everybody's door?
Do folks eat fish and tatties, on good old Hunslet Moor?
If it's true what they say, every blinking day
Then that's where I belong.
It would be nice to know if anyone knows the full song.
Posted 12/3/13
Terry Reynolds who now lives in British Columbia, Canada:
I worked at Kitson & Company in the mid-1940’s until National Service in 1950. Does anyone know where I can find a picture of Kitsons’ office building, showing the beautiful brickwork that faced onto Hunslet Road? When I started work there, the outside of the building was covered in grime and soot, but I understand these buildings were later cleaned after the use of coal fires was reduced. Although I didn’t live in Hunslet, I was always fascinated by the brick and stonework designs almost hidden behind the dirt and grime of industrial Leeds. So many of those older buildings were constructed with designs and patterns included in the brickwork that they were a work of art. ‘progress’?
Posted 10/4/13
I worked at Kitson & Company in the mid-1940’s until National Service in 1950. Does anyone know where I can find a picture of Kitsons’ office building, showing the beautiful brickwork that faced onto Hunslet Road? When I started work there, the outside of the building was covered in grime and soot, but I understand these buildings were later cleaned after the use of coal fires was reduced. Although I didn’t live in Hunslet, I was always fascinated by the brick and stonework designs almost hidden behind the dirt and grime of industrial Leeds. So many of those older buildings were constructed with designs and patterns included in the brickwork that they were a work of art. ‘progress’?
Posted 10/4/13
Glynis Parker
I am trying to find out more details aboout Christ Church (Leeds 11) as this is the church that I was christened in on 19th September 1952. I think the priest was called Hugh Phalock.
Posted 9/5/13
I am trying to find out more details aboout Christ Church (Leeds 11) as this is the church that I was christened in on 19th September 1952. I think the priest was called Hugh Phalock.
Posted 9/5/13
Fran Morley
This photo shows the Pottery Inn, a John Smith's pub, on Jack Lane. The propietor was W. Stables. This was the maiden name of my mother-in-law's mother. My mother-in-law and her mother are on the doorstep. The photo was probably taken in or before 1923.
The pub is not listed on the Hunslet Remembered "Pubs and clubs" page. Does anyone know where it was on Jack Lane exactly, and was its name later changed?
Posted 9/5/13
This photo shows the Pottery Inn, a John Smith's pub, on Jack Lane. The propietor was W. Stables. This was the maiden name of my mother-in-law's mother. My mother-in-law and her mother are on the doorstep. The photo was probably taken in or before 1923.
The pub is not listed on the Hunslet Remembered "Pubs and clubs" page. Does anyone know where it was on Jack Lane exactly, and was its name later changed?
Posted 9/5/13
Tom Martin
Does anyone have any information on the Boyne Engine Works, or Myrtle Place, Pottery Field? My great great grandfather Edward Belton Thwaite worked and lived here. He died in 1914 in Hunslet Infirmary Rothwell (it became St. George's Hospital) of tuberculosis, aged 45. My great grandfather, Thomas Thwaite, lived in the last house in Derby Street.
Posted 15/5/13