Approx. time Friends of York Cemetery 1½ hours +

Shopkeepers of Kirkgate One of a series of trails to enhance your enjoyment of the Cemetery Registered Charity Best enjoyed: All Year Round No. 701091 INTRODUCTION This Trail will visit 14 people whose businesses can be Kirkgate creates a street scene where people feel they found in Kirkgate, York Castle Museum's iconic have been transported to a bygone age. When it first recreated Victorian street. We will also visit a cousin of opened, many shops and locations were named after Joseph Hansom whose invention forms a centre piece people who had helped to found the museum. of the street. In 2012, following a large restoration and redisplay Five Shopkeepers (Allen, Ambler, Barton, Cattle & project, the time-frame was narrowed down to 1870- Barber and Sessions) are not resident in York cemetery 1901, some of the locations were changed and all the and a further six (Anderson, Epworth, Parkes, Pole, shops and business were renamed. Now, each shop Saville and Spurr) aren't adjacent to the footpath and and business on Kirkgate is named after a real are, therefore, not accessible. business that operated in late Victorian York. Kirkgate is one of the oldest recreated indoor streets Some of the businesses still operate today, others are of its kind in the world, possibly the oldest and the first within living memory and others have been consigned to be opened in Britain. It was created by Dr John to history. Lamplugh Kirk, the founder of the Castle Museum. The In presenting this Trail the Friends of York Cemetery street is named after him and has formed the offer sincere thanks to the Staff and Volunteers of The centrepiece of the museum since it opened in 1938. Castle Museum who have provided a wealth of information relating to the businesses and their owners. THE TRAIL !! FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY PLEASE KEEP TO THE PATHS AT ALL TIMES !! From the entrance, take the path behind the dominant milliners would set up a workshop in a street-facing beech tree. After a few paces note the modern window, so people could see them work and know what headstone to Kathleen Patrick on the right. The fallen kind of work they did. headstone in the next row behind marks the double At the end of the 19th century, ladies wore hats or plot of the Plummer family (Milliners) bonnets whenever they were away from their homes. 1. Emma & Alexandra Annie Plummer After 1890, large picture hats became fashionable and they might be trimmed with flowers, feathers and even Milliners. The business whole stuffed birds. Hats would have been ‘bought in’ was established around to decorate to order, or made from scratch. Often hats 1881 with premises at 5 would be stripped down and redecorated ready for the Church Street and 17 new season. Feasegate. The Plummer business was founded by David and Milliners create hats for Susan Plummer and was passed on to their daughters women and Hat Makers Emma & Alexandra Annie. David was born in St Albans, make for men. The two the son of a Stay-maker from the east end of London. Trades, whilst related, The first 20 years of his working life was spent in require very different Bethnal Green as a Warehouseman for ready made technical skills and clothes. working practices. By 1871 he had arrived at 15 East Parade employed as The term 'Milliner' is a Commercial Traveller for a clothier. David & Susan derived from Millaners, had 8 children, many of them employed in the clothing merchants of Milan, who trade as tailors and clothiers. travelled to northern Europe trading in silks, ribbons, braids, ornaments and general finery. The two Plummer daughters bearing the business name, Emma, born 1856 and Alexandra Annie, born Millinery was very much a female business. Hats were 1864 were set up in their millinery business by their made by women for women and their children. Most family. offered dressmaking services as well as hats and other accessories such as gloves. There was also an overlap In the 1871 census the 15 year old Emma is described with the fancy drapery trade. as a Governess. Subsequent censuses describe her as a Teacher and it is not until 1901 is she described as a Young women were apprenticed into the trade which Milliner. involved long hours, often in sweatshop conditions leading to ill health and often death. Traditionally, Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 1 Emma & Alexandra Annie Plummer continued The family moved to Clifton for a short while, retaining The Censuses from 1881 through to 1911 describe the business in Church Street. However, following Alexandra as a Milliner. Florence's death in 1903, William and Eustace returned to Church Street. The family moved to Penley's Grove Street prior to 1901. The two girls were still living there in 1939 when In 1939, William, aged 85 Eustace, aged 54, are still the Register of that year describe both women as living and working in Church Street as Cutlers and 'retired fancy drapers'. Opticians. Eustace's daughter is employed as a Shop Emma died in 1940 and is buried here with her parents. Assistant. Alexandra died in 1955 and is buried in the adjacent William died 39 years after his wife in May 1942, aged plot 87 years. He is buried here with Florence. Their father, David, committed suicide in November Eustace died in 1965, aged 80. He is not with us in the 1906. He was found in his bedroom suspended by the cemetery. neck by some underclothing from the top of one of the bedposts. His death is recorded in the cemetery Ahead and turn left in front of the Chapel. ahead to records as 'Committed suicide whilst suffering the Compass at your feet and turn left. Take a couple Melancholia' of paces into the left fork in the path and on your left, set back from the path, is the double plot to George Turn right in front of Plummer memorial across the and Alice Britton (Grocers), together with their 6 day mown burial area old son, Edward. !! TAKE CARE !! 3. George Britton (1832-1902) Turn left onto the curving tarmac path leading to the George was a high end Chapel. Stop immediately after the first large tree on Grocer who established your right. The second headstone from the path behind himself in Gillygate, the tree, marks the single plot of William and Petergate and Micklegate Florence Allison (Cutler). and operated from 2. William Allison - (1854-1942) around 1820 until after 1916. Cutler of 14 Church Street. High end Grocers & The business operated Provision Dealers differed from sometime after from the more common 1871 until the mid to late General Grocers in that 1950s. they carved a niche for The word ‘cutler’ is themselves as elite derived from the Latin establishments, catering ‘cutellarius’ and originally for the tastes of the meant a maker or seller wealthy middle classes. of knives and weapons They sold premium goods, with attention to quality and with a cutting edge. desirability. They carried and prepared a wide range of Later the emphasis teas, coffees, spices, wines and spirits. They stocked shifted from implements delicacies such as crystallised fruits, pates and truffles, of war to domestic wares regional specialities in meats and cheeses and also such as cutlery, razors quality branded goods. and scissors. The cutler was an artisan who designed They needed to maintain good levels of stock and give and made his wares, which he then sold in the market the appearance of abundance. But they also had to be place. In the 1891 census William describes himself as able to adapt and to anticipate what would be in a Cutler & Optician, although the Optician moniker has demand – not so much in terms of necessity, but in disappeared by the 1901 census. terms of fashion. William was the son of William, a Farmer of Letby Farm, They advertised in trade directories and local papers, Flaxton and his wife Mary. with confident and often flamboyant adverts, usually At the age of 15 he was one of six Apprentices of with illustrations. William Hill, Ironmonger in Hull Road. In 1881, aged The range of their stock was made possible by the 25, now a fully fledged Ironmonger, he married expanding railway network, transporting fresh and Florence Cundall from Shipton. They had two sons. The seasonal produce from source to shop in a fraction of younger son, Eustace, born in 1885, eventually joining the time it would formerly have taken by road, river or his father in the business. sea. Regional produce could now be made nationally In 1891, he describes himself as a Cutler and Optician available and Britton’s were actively taking advantage and is working from his home and business at 14 of this. Church Street, employing his neighbour's daughter as George was born on 1 May 1832 into a long and a Domestic Servant. In addition to cutlery, spectacles prosperous line of York grocers. His father, John Britton and field glasses, the business also sells telescopes, (1794-1866), was an established grocer employing microscopes/thermometers, mathematical and five apprentices and trading at 12 Church Street. surveying instruments. Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 2 George Britton continued goods - from carpets to curtaining, underwear to hats, George’s uncle, Thomas Britton (1798-1856), was a fashionable gowns to discrete mourning attire for grocer and wine merchant trading at 24 Spurriergate. bereaved families in mourning, readymade and In 1824 John and Thomas, were in partnership as T&J tailored clothes, haberdashery and ladies’ accessories. Britton running tea warehouses at Spurriergate and Later the store had many departments including a Petergate. cafeteria. The concept was that shoppers were By the the age of 19, George was an apprentice grocer, encouraged to browse and to make impulse buys. working in the family firm and by 1861 he had left York William Leak, the son of a Teacher, was born in Goole and was working as a commercial clerk, lodging in in 1817 and served an apprenticeship as a Draper. He Islington. had strong links with the Methodist Church throughout George inherited part of the family fortune on his his life. father's death in 1866 and established himself as a He married Helen Bell in 1843 in Goole. They did not Grocer in Gillygate, Petergate and Micklegate. have children. By 1871 they were living at Heworth in He had 10 children with his wife Alice, two of whom, a property called ‘The Glen’ which later became a Arthur & Tom, went into the Grocery business. children’s home. In 1871 George, aged 39 and Alice were living over the The partnership with Thorpe was dissolved by mutual shop at 34 Gillygate. They also had boarders, three tea agreement in April 1848 when William carried on the dealer’s assistants, two apprentices, a general servant business alone. The name Leak & Thorp was retained. and a nurse maid for the children. An indication of their Other financial partners came into the business affluence. (Simpson, Booth, Wright) and by 1861 the business The following year he is recorded as a ‘Family Grocer had grown to employ 40 people. and Tea Dealer and Importer of foreign wines and The business moved from Parliament Street into spirits’ at 56 Petergate from where he continued to prestigious new premises in Coney Street on the site trade for the next 30 years, adding the 96 Micklegate of the 14th Century Old George Coaching Inn, premises from the early 1880s and 25 Bootham by expanding into adjoining properties in 1892. 1889. There was provision for many of the staff to live in and In 1901, George and Alice, now in their 60s, had his own household included male and female sales staff, moved to West Cliffe Mount in Harrogate where he died a book keeper and five apprentices many of whom had of Cardiac Degenerative Syncope in January 1902, come from as far away as Plymouth, Wales and London. aged 69. Alice died of Heart Disease in 1922. They are Advertisements for apprentices stated that ’successful buried here with their 6 day old son, Edward, who died applicants will be expected to attend the Wesleyan in 1877. ministry’. Return to the Compass. Ahead at the cross junction. In 1908, William Collinson joined the business, 2/3 along this path, just past through the 2 trees, turn becoming Secretary and eventually Chairman. The right. Ahead to the dominant tree on your left and on store survived the First World War, the Great your right is the triple plot of William & Helen Leak Depression and a devastating fire in 1933 that totally (Draper). destroyed the building.

4. William Leak (1817-1887) The shop developed into an independent department On 11 March 1848 store that continued to adapt as times changed and William Leak opened could be compared with some of the biggest premises at 35 Department Stores in the North of England. Parliament Street. He The Collinson family held a controlling stake in the began with just one or Coney Street business until the 1980s when it was two assistants. Before taken over. It closed for refurbishment but never long, he was joined in reopened. business by Henry Bell Thorpe (1826-1900), his William, aged 70, died of Bronchitis in 1887 and is wife's nephew and the buried here with wife, Helen who died of natural Decay business took on the in 1878, aged 64. name by which it was to become so familiar to Henry Bell Thorp, died in Scarborough in 1900 and is generations of people. buried there. Traditionally a Draper is a Return to the Compass and turn right. Ahead to the dealer in cloth, the stock included household textiles northern boundary wall and turn right. Ahead for 5 such as bed linen and towels and dress fabrics for rows of graves. On your right, adjacent to Joseph wealthy customers. Sanderson, is the single plot of the Banks family (Music Shop). Drapers shops developed into the first Department Stores during the late nineteenth century and Leak & Thorp was York’s first such store. When the separate departments developed, they sold a vast range of

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 3 5. Banks Music Shop later learning piano and organ, playing the latter for St Banks music shop, which Gregory’s Minster. He married Annie Golightly in is claimed to be one of the Darlington. He died in 1934 at the age of 84 when his oldest Music Shops in son, Cecil Golightly Banks, took over the Music shop Britain, had a worldwide Cecil (1880-1960) married Annie Elizabeth Dresser in reputation, was a music 1906. They had five children. publisher and sold musical instruments and When Cecil died in December 1960, his daughter Janet sheet music. Banks took over the running the company and ran it until her death in 1980 together with her brother Peter The business grew from Dresser Banks who was in charge of the publishing side. an earlier firm founded in He died suddenly in 1977 Stonegate by Thomas Haxby in 1756. The shop remained at 2 Stonegate until 1985 when they moved to Lendal. Haxby was a music publisher who made, sold Janet Banks’ niece, Judith Thorpe, was the last of the and repaired musical Banks family to run the firm employing 20 people instruments, especially harpsichords. Wanting to including the Mail Order Department. She retired in concentrate on the repair of instruments, he sold off 2007 and sold the business to the Music Sales Group. the retail side of the business to Samuel Knapton in Ahead 20 paces and note the D Wells *CWGC 1788. Headstone on your left. Ahead 5 paces. Note Thomas Knapton, a cellist, became known as ‘The Father of the Bell headstone (back to you) on your right. Horsley York Musical Society’ of which he was President for Monument is third headstone from the path. some time. He was joined in the shop by his son, Philip *Commonwealth War Grave Commission (1788-1833). Philip was organist at St Sampson’s 6. Horsley & Sons Gun Makers Church and composed nationally published works. The Knaptons began a side of the music business in which This is the grave of the firm of Banks later specialised, that of music Thomas Horsley (1), the publishing. founder of Thomas Horsley & Sons, Gun In 1829, the business was taken over by William Makers. Hardman (1792-1855), who in 1831 employed Henry Banks who bought the business following Hardman's Thomas, the son of Philip death in 1856. Horsley, a Cheese and Bacon Factor (commercial Hardman, who is buried in York Cemetery, committed agent), was born in suicide by hanging himself with his cravat suspended Doncaster in 1810. from the bannister of the stairs. The cemetery records He had a gun shop in record his death as 'destroyed himself during a fit of Doncaster before moving temporary insanity' to Stonegate, York in In addition to running the most important music 1830, aged 20, to publishing business in the North of England, Banks also establish what was to become Horsley & Sons, Gun undertook the management of the principal concerts Makers. and entertainments in York. Henry was one of the Three generations of the family, all named Thomas and initiators of the Great Yorkshire Gala. all buried in York Cemetery, traded in the City for over The business remained in the family from 1856 until 100 years. The made hand-crafted pistols, shotguns & 2007 when it was sold to the Music Sales Group based rifles and their clients included the landed gentry, lords, in Bury St Edmunds. bishops and military officers. Their guns were of high quality and even today can fetch a high price in this Henry Banks (1812–1891) was born on Christmas day specialist market. 1812, the son of Christopher Banks, a Coney Street bookseller and stationer. He married the Catholic, The business moved to 48 Coney Street (now TK Maxx) Theresa Wright, in July 1847. They had at least 5 in 1834 and by 1851 was employing 4 men. In 1856 children, two of whom, Arthur and Mary Louisa died the business moved from 48 to 10 Coney Street and within two months of each other in 1862 and are buried by 1861 was employing 8 men & 3 boys. By 1871 here. Theresa, aged 41, died two years later in 1864 Thomas was employing 22 men, 4 boys & 1 shopman. to join her children. By 1881, aged 70, he was living in Rhyl with his Their eldest son, William Frederick, a Music Teacher unmarried daughter, Anne, a Certified Nurse and a joined his mother and siblings in 1889, aged 42. servant. The presence of the Nurse suggests that he had moved for the good of his health. He died the Henry died, aged 69, at the Stonegate shop in April following year in September 1882. The cause of death 1891. The business was taken on by his son Louis is recorded as 'Paralysis'. Henry. He is buried here with his wife, married daughter and Louis (1850-1934) ran the music shop from 1881 until 2 infant children. his death in 1934. He was a Minster chorister as a boy, Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 4 Horsley & Sons Gun Makers continued He was set to join a ship at Hull, but his mother Thomas' son, Thomas 2, was apprenticed to his persuaded him to stay in England. To earn money he father. The 1881 Census records him living in opened a village school and taught mathematics to the Osbaldwick and employing 22 men and 2 boys having sons and daughters of wealthy landowners. taken over the business when his father became ill. He moved to York in 1829 still teaching and it was then The 1901 Census is the first indication that he has that he made his first telescope, using the base of a moved to live in Coney Street. whisky tumbler for a lens and some tin to make the tube. Thomas 2 is recorded as having invented and patented He married Hannah Milner, one of his pupils in 1831 the Horsley snap-action breach-loading sporting gun. and they had seven children. Thomas 2 died in 1915, aged 71, leaving a personal He opened his first shop in 1837 at 50 Stonegate with estate of £4,800 to his son, Thomas 3, who is a loan of £100 from his wife’s uncle. Soon he was described as a 'Motor Engineer'. making not only telescopes but also microscopes, Thomas 3 took over the business from his father, opera glasses, spectacles, electrical machines, moving the business to 20 Blossom Street in 1915 barometers, thermometers, globes, sundials and where it was to remain until 1933 when it moved to mathematical instruments. 102 Micklegate. In 1844, the business moved to 12 Coney Street where they made turret clocks, some the size of a medium On January 1st 1904, two Horsley Motorcycles were sized family car. Some of these clocks can still be found registered, one in the name of Thomas Horsley and the in many great homes, including Chatsworth House, other in the name of his brother, Harold Horsley. Little church and factory clock towers, including the former is known about these vehicles except they both had Terry’s factory in York. black frames, aluminium tanks and weighed 130lbs. In 1855 they exhibited instruments at the Universal This was the start of the company's ill-fated Exhibition in Paris and in 1856 the Buckingham Works experiment with producing parts for motor car engines of Thomas Cooke & Sons opened in Bishophill on the and led to a long, slow decline of the business which site of the home of the second Duke of Buckingham. It closed in 1956 soon after the death of Thomas Horsley was one of the first purpose built telescope factories in 3 in 1954. Britain. In 1909 they were also agents for Rothwell, Star & Many of Cooke’s finest instruments would be made at Belize motor cars. Sometime around 1913 they set the Buckingham Works and the factory would be used about developing the experimental Horsley Disc Valve by Cooke’s until the 1940s. The site was sold to the Engine, based on the simple idea of a spinning valve North Eastern Electricity Board in 1948. driven from the crankshaft. It appears that only one In 1856, the company completed a contract to supply car was completed and was raced on the sands at a new clock on St Martin le Grand Church in Coney Saltburn in 1913. This car is now preserved in Belgium. Street. There has been a clock overhanging Coney Ahead to within 5 paces of the 3 finger signpost. On street since 1668. The Little Admiral dates from 1779. your right is the double plot of Thomas & Hannah Cooke's clock was made to strike the hour. Chimes Cooke (Instrument Makers) and 2 of their sons, Edwin were added in 1925 by GJF Newey. The clock was & Charles Frederick (Fred). heavily damaged during the Baedeker Raid of April 1942. 7. Thomas Cooke & Sons Scientific Instrument Makers In 1862 the company were approached by Robert Newall from Gateshead, a millionaire who had made The company was his fortune making wire and was also interested in founded by Thomas astronomy, to make a telescope using two lenses he Cooke (1807-1868) in the had purchased, each measuring 25 inches (63.5 cm) 1830s. Thomas was later across. joined by three of his sons; Edwin, born 1833; Cooke seriously under-estimated the time it would Charles Frederick, known take to manufacture it - it took 6 years instead of the as Fred, born 1835; and planned 1 year. Thomas senior died at the works in Thomas junior, born 1839. 1868, a year before the telescope was finished. Newall The company went on to sought to force the business into liquidation, but a become one of the wealthy Industrialist, James Meek, came to the greatest telescope and company's rescue. The completed telescope tube was instrument makers of all 32 ft long and the whole instrument weighed 9 tons. It time. was the largest refracting telescope in the world at that time. On Newall's death it was donated to the Thomas Cooke, the son of Cambridge Observatory and later moved to Athens. a shoemaker, was born at Allerthorpe, near Pocklington in March 1807. Declining to join the family business, Around 1866, the factory made four or, possibly, six this self-made man, who taught himself mathematics three wheeled steam cars. Three wheels were used as and navigation, had ambitions to follow his hero it was easier to devise a steering system for a single Captain James Cook, in exploring the world. wheel. The steam cars travelled at 15 mph and carried up to 15 people. Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 5 Thomas Cooke & Sons Scientific Instrument Makers continued demolished, ending 170 years of optical instrument Unfortunately, they were not permitted on the roads making in the City of York. as they were restricted to travelling at 4 mph and Four members of the Cooke family are buried in this required a man with a red flag to walk in front of them. double plot; In frustration he took the steam engine out and fitted it into a boat in which he travelled up and down the Thomas Snr. died 1868, aged 61 River Ouse. He wryly commented that no one with a Edwin died 1875, aged 41 red flag would bother him there. Hannah died 1884, aged 72 Charles Frederick died 1898, aged 63 Thomas Cooke Snr. worked incredibly hard, with consequences for his health. He died in October 1868, Ahead to the junction just before the 3 dominant fir aged 62. The cemetery records record the cause of his trees. Fork right and pass in front of the steps. death as 'Disease of the nerves' Setback beyond the bench on the left is a square red monument to Charlotte Hunt. Adjacent to this Following his death, the company was run for the next monument are two fallen headstones. The far grave is 25 years by his two sons Thomas Cooke Jnr. an optician that of Matthew and Elizabeth Cooper (Saddler). and Charles Frederick Cooke, an engineer. The grave nearer the path is occupied by 5 members In 1881, the company decided to concentrate on the of his brother's family. manufacturing side of the business and during the 1880s they produced domes for observatories around !! DO NOT LEAVE THE PATH !! the world. They also made the measuring instruments 8. Matthew Cooper - Saddler and Harness Maker used to build the Forth Bridge and supplied the War A Saddler is someone Office, railway companies and the Post Office. who works at a bench In 1893, H D Taylor, who was Optical Manager at the making repairing and Buckingham Works, designed the Cooke Photographic adjusting saddlery items. Lens which would become the basic design for nearly This is not to be confused all future camera lenses. with a Saddle Fitter who is someone who works In 1894, Charles Frederick Cooke retired from the with horses and riders in business and management was handed over to Alfred the field, checking to Taylor, who had worked for Cooke's since the 1880s. ensure a good fit and Alfred died in 1898. Thomas Cooke, Jnr. worked for the supplying new saddles firm for another 17 years, being joined by his son where required. Thomas Lionel Cooke. Matthew, the son of a At the turn of the Century, the Buckingham Works Shoemaker, was born in employed 400-500 workers. It was one of the most Reeth 1814. He attended complete factories in existence for the manufacture of Framlington Grammar School until he was 11 years old, surveying and astrological instruments with well then worked at the lead mines. equipped metal, glass, wood and leather shops. Showing some interest in the leather-working skills of In 1912, an instrument called a theodolite, which had his father, he was apprenticed at the age of 14 to John been made specially by Cooke’s, directed the epic Atkinson, saddler, of Leyburn. journey of Captain Scott and his companions to the During his youth, he is on record as having saved two South Pole. people from drowning in the Swale & Yore. In 1922 they joined with Troughton & Simms, to form He married Elizabeth Holmes and they went on to have Cooke, Troughton & Simms and in 1924 they became 6 children. a wholly owned subsidiary of Vickers. After the birth of his first child in 1835, he set off to In 1932, they were commissioned to build a large work for four different saddlers, first in York (only for transit instrument for the Greenwich Observatory. 2 weeks) then in Malton, Stamford Bridge and Leeds. Sadly, it proved to be a disaster as the finished article He returned to York in 1839, aged 25. was not of the quality expected of Cooke’s. By 1851 he had established a business in Swinegate The company was hit hard by the great depression in and had gained a good reputation as a manufacturer the early 1930s with many skilled workers being laid of saddles, harnesses, riding accessories and leather off. goods. In that year he exhibited at the International In 1938 Cooke’s sold the astronomical side of the Exhibition in London where he showed a case of five business to Grubb Parsons of Newcastle and in 1939 saddles gaining him a first prize medal. they moved Haxby Road. Further 1st class medals were awarded to him in On the 1st January 1963 a new company called Vickers London (1862), Dublin (1865), London (1866), York Instruments was formed, replacing Cooke’s as a (1866), Yorkshire (1868) and York (1879). trading company. Vickers traded until 1988. By 1871 the business has moved to the Rougier Street Sadly, the Haxby Road site closed in April 2008 and area of York and was employing 6 men and 3 boys during the latter part of 2008 the building was Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 6 Matthew Cooper - Saddler and Harness Maker continued Wealthy Romans relied on their families to look after Matthew’s high reputation brought him an impressive their remains, but professional mourners were list of patrons. Amongst his customers were Prince employed to make a fuss of the deceased following Albert Victor (Duke of Clarence & Avondale, brother of their passing. Kind George V), Prince Francis of Teck (brother of In medieval Britain, all Trades were described as Queen Mary), His Majesty King of the Belgians (a 'Undertakers' of a particular Trade. A 'funeral customer for over 30 years), the Maharajah of Baroda, undertaker' was someone who undertook funerals. The India, Prince Louis Rouan and a ‘large number of the term was eventually shortened to 'Undertaker' and, nobility and principal families’ of this country and consequently, other Trades abandoned the designation abroad. to avoid being associated with the Funeral Profession. Two years before Matthew’s death in 1903, one of his The first undertakers were craftsmen such as employees, Thomas Robson, a saddler and employee carpenters and furniture makers who had the of Matthew Cooper left the firm and took over the York necessary skills to make coffins. It was very much a saddlers business ‘Rymers’ of Stonegate. side-job apart from their main activity. In 1911 M Cooper & Sons amalgamated with Mr In rural areas, if they had a horse and cart, Robson’s firm Rymer’s and the new firm began trading undertakers would also provide transport, although as Robson & Cooper in premises at 14 Lendal. with most people dying at home, friends and family The business evolved to include luggage repairs and usually carried the coffin to the local churchyard. retail, sports equipment and trophies. As society became more urban, walking funerals The Robson & Cooper business operated in Lendal until became less practical and funeral transportation more 2014. necessary. Over time, Carpenters took on all the Matthew was a Churchwarden at St Martin-cum- elements that we consider to be an integral part of the Gregory in Micklegate for 23 years. There is a window modern Funeral Director’s role, from care and in the church commemorating his service. preparation of the body to organising the funeral service. He was a member of the Eboracum Lodge of Freemasons. The term 'Funeral Director' was in use back in 1905 and reflected the increased responsibility involved in Return to the steps and go up them. ‘directing’ every aspect of the modern funeral service. * (Wheelchair users should follow the directions below) We are standing at the grave of James Rymer 2 (1846- !! TAKE CARE ON THE STEPS !! 1914). The business was started in York by his father James Rymer 1 around 1841. James 1 was born in Ahead to the monument to Keith Robin Wood on your 1812 in Coxwold into a family of Joiners which right. ①On the other side of the path behind Jane stretched back at least two generations. Elizabeth Gibson is the monument to James Rymer (Joiner & Undertaker) The business started in Redeness Street, Layerthorpe and in 1851 it had moved to 18 St Andrewgate. * Directions for wheelchair users In 1854, when James 1’s daughter, Margaret, died Do not return to the steps but continue along the suddenly at the age of 13, he decided to make her curving path. Turn right at the cross junction to pass coffin and to arrange the funeral himself. This was to the bench on your left dedicated to Stephen Magson. be the start of the funeral business. Turn right just before the next bench. Follow the curving path to a cross junction and turn right. Ahead As the business grew it moved to larger premises in St to the dominant tree on your left. Ahead to the Wood Andrewgate. James 1 became a Master Joiner employing three men with his sons James 2 and monument on your left. Then refer to ① above William Henry joining the business. 9. James Rymer - Joiner and Undertaker By 1871, the title Undertaker has been added to his James Rymer's Joinery occupation. business was formed in Two of James 2’s sons, John Thomas and Robert, 1841 and still operates to joined the family business which James 2 ran until his the present day as a death in 1914 when he was succeeded by his son John Funeral Director. It Thomas. operated originally from Redeness Street, moving Meanwhile, Robert had become a carriage maker in to St Andrewgate and, Ogleforth and rented some of these to his brother’s finally, to its present firm, now called J Rymer Funerals. home in Penley's Grove John Thomas ran the business until 1925, when his son, Street. Jack, took over. Jack had been working in the business For as long as human since the age of 14. beings have cared for In the 1920's Jack Rymer bought a fleet of cars (a 1928 their dead, there have Rolls Royce hearse and two limousines) and J Rymer been funeral directors. funerals became York’s first fully independent funeral The ancient Egyptians had specialist priests spending directors. They also started hiring out the limousines up to 70 days preparing deceased royalty and nobility for weddings and private use. for the afterlife. Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 7 James Rymer - Joiner and Undertaker continued daughter, Eliza. 1868 was a significant year in their In 1958 the family bought a house in Penley's Grove lives; Eliza's father died, the pair where married and Street and later they purchased the house next door Henry took over the business which continued under moving the business there - where it is today. different ownerships until sometime after 1921. Jack’s son David Rymer (born 1940) ran the business In 1871, Henry employed a man and 2 boys. The until 1995 and his sons now run the firm. business grew in the 1870s and 80s by expanding and buying other shops and pawnbroking business in the James 1 is buried here with his wife, Sarah Ann, his 8 city. By 1881 Henry is living in Clifton Green and year old child Ida and his 41 year old son James describes himself as a Master Pawnbroker. He is Tomlinson. Also, in the grave is their 72 year old employing 4 young apprentices. Domestic Servant, Martha Plows. Henry died in 1907, leaving businesses in Petergate, Ahead & continue across the first cross path. Ahead Stonegate and Lady Peckitt’s Yard. At the time of his and cross Lime Avenue with the Pergola on your right. death he was described as a Pawnbroker and After a few paces note the modern headstone to the Silversmith, also dealing in Antiques. Kerrigan family on your left. On the other side of the path is the cross and plinth monument to the Henry & Eliza had 7 children, 4 girls and 3 boys. Two Hardcastle family in their triple plot. of the boys survived into adulthood and followed their father's profession. 10. Henry Hardcastle - Pawnbroker Ahead a few paces to the Sarah Jane Parker monument Pawnbrokers came to on your right. The next grave, with kerb, is that of England with the Ralph & Mary Eden (Hairdresser). Normans and the settlement of Jews in 11. Ralph Eden - Hair-cutter & Tobacconist England. In the late 19th Eden's was a men's and early 20th Century, hairdresser which also there were nearly as dealt in tobacco, cigars many Pawnbrokers in and smoking accessories Britain as there were with premises in Blossom public houses. Street and Micklegate. The ever present threat of The business was run by the workhouse hung over Ralph and his son, the lives of the poor. Many Charles Metcalf Eden and people used pawnbrokers operated from 1854-1913. to raise money to get Ralph was born in 1827 in through the week and buy the simple necessities of life Masham. He came from a especially foodstuffs. relatively poor, rural Pawnbrokers were easily identified by their sign of background and his early three golden balls, a symbol of St Nicholas who, working life was spent in according to legend, had saved three young girls from Service. destitution by loaning them each a bag of gold so they By 1851, aged 24, he found his way to York and was could get married. employed as a Servant to Julia & Maria Salmond, two Pawnbrokers would lend money on anything; bedlinen, landed spinsters who lived at Minster Court. cutlery, furniture, jewellery, clothing, shoes and even In the Spring of 1854, Ralph married fellow domestic wedding rings. The Pawnbroker lends an amount of servant, Mary Hornshaw Walker. He was 26 and she money to the owner of the item and returns the item was 21. Their first child was born around this time. when the debt, plus interest, is paid. If the loan is They would go on to have 7 children. Sadly, only three unpaid, the item is sold in the Pawnbroker's shop. survived into adulthood. The rhyme 'Half a pound of tuppenny rice' is about Shortly after this, Ralph left employment as a domestic pawning. The rice at tuppence a pound and treacle servant to take over the premises at 53 Micklegate, relate to the week's shopping. In order to pay for it the previously owned and run by Robert Wilson, a poor would pawn (pop) father's best suit (whistle hairdresser and Freeman of York. [weasel] and flute - suit in Cockney rhyming slang). It is not known if Ralph had any particular experience A pawnbroking business was established in Lady or training in hairdressing, but it was his chosen Peckitt’s Yard, in 1770, by George Fettes and the profession for the rest of his 40 year working life and Victorian business began with John Wood who, in 1851, a skill he passed down to his son, Charles Metcalfe. employed 2 apprentices, including 14 year old Henry Hardcastle. Ralph and Mary ran the shop together and lived on the premises until 1859/60 when they moved to 33 Henry was born in Barnsley in 1836 the son of John, a Blossom Street. It was here that they started operating Rag and Bone Merchant, who had come to live in Lady as a Hair Dresser, Toy Dealer and Tobacconist. Peckitt’s Yard, Pavement.

By 1861, the 25 year old Henry had become an Assistant Pawnbroker. He also grew close to the boss’s Continued overleaf

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 8 Ralph Eden - Hair-cutter & Tobacconist continued Boot and Shoemakers were traditionally not as high up Sometime around 1876, the family moved to 48 the social scale as Cordwainers, making new shoes Blossom Street (just outside Micklegate Bar) with using new leather, but they were higher than Cobblers Ralph running the shop for the next 15 years, until who repaired boots and shoes. 1890, as both hairdresser and tobacconist. (When In the historic Guild System, Cobblers and Cordwainers Blossom Street was renumbered in 1912, 48 became were separate guilds and Cobblers were forbidden 5 Blossom Street and is the site of the present Punch from working in new leather. Cobblers were allowed to Bowl Inn) make shoes, but only using old leather recovered from Ralph's only surviving son, Charles was taken on as an discarded or repaired shoes. apprentice with Mary taking a less active role in the James Kidd was born in Melbourne, near Pocklington, business. Charles continued as his father’s apprentice in 1841, the son of a Dressmaker. He served an through the 1880s and, at the age of 26, married Ada apprenticeship with Thomas Bell, a Cordwainer, in Blackburn, in September 1890. Melbourne and remained in his employ until at least Following his marriage Charles took over the family 1861 when he was 20 years old. business from his 63 year old father. In 1865 he married Amelia Reynolds at Wheldrake. Ralph and Mary retired to Abbey Street, Clifton, where James and Amelia were to have 10 children. Sadly, Ralph died in 1904 and Mary died in 1908. only three, Elizabeth, Frank and James jnr. reached Charles continued trading as a Hairdresser and adulthood. Tobacconist at Blossom Street. giving up the Having established his business in Wheldrake in 1871, tobacconist side of the business around 1901. James moved to Cleveland Place, Gate Fulford, where In 1910, the neighbouring property was occupied by it remained in 1881, before moving to Wolsley Street, George William Wright, a tobacconist, previously on off Heslington Road by 1891. He employed both sons Micklegate. The tobacconist eventually became a as assistants. Newsagent. Eventually, Frank married and set up his own business Charles continued to run the hairdressers until 1913, in Townend Street, the Groves. when he was 50 and the business was taken over by Later, James and James jnr. moved from Heslington Horace Graham. Road to High Eldon Street, The Groves, where James The hairdresser and newsagent businesses remained Snr. died in 1916 and his wife, Amelia, died in 1922, until the 1970s and has since been taken over as their leaving James Jnr. to carry on the business. former neighbour The Punch Bowl Inn has expanded. Boot-makers like James Kidd, working on the street Ada died in December 1924 and Charles died in corners, were as important as the corner grocer, November 1944. somewhere to go for a quick cheap repair of an expensive item. Ahead. Turn right at the next junction. Ahead at next cross junction. After 10 paces note the adjacent plots Frank and James Jnr. are recorded as operating of James and Amelia Kidd (Bootmaker) and his separate boot and shoe repairing businesses in the eldest son, James on your right. 1939 Register. Frank's son, Henry Raper Kidd, is recorded as a Boot & Shoe Repairer in the same 12. James Kidd - Bootmaker Register. Frank died in 1954 and James in 1967. Henry Raper Kidd, described as a Shoe Maker, died in 1992. Ahead. Pass the Sidney Bowker 'Angel' on your right. Turn right at next 'T' junction. Turn left onto Lime Avenue behind the Chapel by the bench on your right. Pass 4 large trees on your left. On your left opposite an ornate chest monument on your right, is a cross and plinth monument to William Francis Greenwood and his wife, Sarah. William Francis was the son of William Greenwood, the founder of Greenwood & Sons (Antique Dealers)

Cordwainers were originally workers in ‘cordwain’ leather, the finest goatskin leather which takes its name from the Spanish town of Cordoba and the main source of such leathers in medieval times. When shoemakers called themselves cordwainers, they were advertising that they used only the finest materials and the best craftsmanship.

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 9 13. W F Greenwood & Sons - Antique Dealer 14. The Hansom Cab The business was The centrepiece of founded by William Kirkgate is, of course, the Greenwood in 1829 and Hansom Cab designed by was subsequently owned Joseph Aloysius Hansom by five generations of the who was born in York in Greenwood family until it 1803 and died in Fulham closed in the 1980's. Over in 1882. its life, the business sold He is buried at St Thomas works of art, antique of Canterbury, Fulham furniture, antiques and and not in York Cemetery. curios. The term 'Antique' However, it is appropriate was first used in York in to mention him now. 1886, before that the term ‘ancient furniture’ Joseph Aloysius was born was used. into a Roman Catholic recusant family and a long line of Builders, Joiners and William Greenwood was born in Thormanby, near Cabinet Makers, many of whom were Freemen of the Thirsk and was a cabinet maker. He started business, City of York. in 1825, as a furnisher and upholsterer and also stocked second-hand goods. Some customers took He adopted the middle name Aloysius to distinguish furniture on rental. Clients included local customers as him from his cousin. well as nobility and gentry from wider Yorkshire. He showed great talent in the field of design and He married Sarah Jane Thorpe, the daughter of a construction and became an Architect, designing Shoemaker, in 1827. They had two sons, one of whom around 200 buildings including St George's Catholic was William Francis and six daughters. The other son, Church in York. Thomas Joseph died in the year of his birth. In 1843 he founded a magazine called 'The Builder' Sarah was an upholsterer and was very active in the aimed at Architects and Builders. The magazine is still business which started in High Ousegate and published having been renamed 'Building' in 1966. Jubbergate, before moving into Stonegate in 1849. It gradually extended into adjacent properties and yards However, he will be best remembered for the Hansom (Chapel Yard, Grape Lane and Coffee Yard). Safety Cab, a design he patented in 1834. They had workshops and warehouses as well as the The Cab could hold two passengers and the driver was prestigious shop fronting onto Stonegate. This area seated at the back of the vehicle from where he could had several jewellers, silversmiths, watch and clock communicate with his passengers through a trapdoor makers all serving York’s wealthy middle class. in the roof. On William’s death in 1861 Sarah continued in the The front was open which allowed a better view and a business, supported by her surviving son, William later development provided a leather curtain which Francis and her daughter Annie who dealt with the could be drawn across for privacy and shelter from the financial aspects of the business. elements, Annie died in 1863 and Sarah in 1873, by which time Hansom's cab had many advantages over earlier cabs William Francis had taken over the running of the of the time in that it overcame stability problems that business. caused earlier cabs to overturn. This was done without compromising speed. William Francis married Sarah Dobson of Brandsby Mill in 1865. The couple had ten children, five of whom It was light enough to be pulled by a single horse and became art/antique dealers. was, therefore, cheaper than a four wheeled carriage. The two younger sons were Automobile Engineers and The last London Hansom cab was registered in 1947. Motor Car Consultants. Joseph sold the design for £10,000 however, the The 1860s marked success and expansion of the company got into financial difficulties and he received business and by the 1880s Greenwoods had branches only £300. in Scarborough, Harrogate, London and Southport, Ahead to the 'T' junction. Cross the path and slightly each with a third-generation family member as to your right thread your way through the ‘pathside’ manager. monuments and ahead over the mown burial area The business continued in the hands of five behind the Father Stephen monument. generations of the Greenwoods until it closed in the !! TAKE CARE !! 1980s. Ahead and in front of the middle, of three, silver birch Ahead 5 paces. On your right, the 2nd monument in is trees is the single grave of Roman Wehrly and his to Joseph Hansom, cousin of the designer of the junior partner Severin Heine (Clockmakers) Hansom Cab

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 10 The Watchmakers, Jewellers & Silversmiths of 15. Wehrly & Heine - Clockmakers Stonegate appear to have originated from the Black This is the grave of Forest region of south west Germany; Severin Heine (1852- In 1813, Matthew Schwerer, moving from Hull, set up 1911) and his business a business which, in 1837, he passed to his sons, partner Roman Wehrly Matthew & Phillip. (1863-1922) who were clock & watch makers at By 1841, Phillip was employing Augustine & Andrew 12 Stonegate. Kleiser, selling the business to them in 1842 when he returned to Germany. Historic clocks include the sundial, water and candle Returning to England in 1846, Schwerer, started a new clocks. The oldest business at 18 and later, 14 Stonegate. working medieval clock in In the meantime, the Kleiser business had been joined the world is in Salisbury by brothers Joseph and Martin who purchased Cathedral and dates from Schwerer's business in 1861. 1386. It has no dial, instead it chimes the So how do Wehrly & Heine fit in? hours. The word 'clock' comes the Latin word 'Clocca' The 1871 Census has Kleiser & Co being managed by which means 'bell'. Bernard Tritschler who is employing Matthew (not In Britain, each town had its own time. Rural areas Roman) Wehrly and one Severin Heine who was an were governed by the natural rhythms of the sun, apprentice. moon and the Seasons. Urban areas relied on the Moving on to the 1881 Census. Matthew Wehrly church or public clock. (Senior Partner) and Severin Heine (Junior Partner) The advent of the railways in the 1840's and the need are at 12 Stonegate. One of their Apprentices is Roman to maintain a timetable, necessitated the standardising Wehrly who is 20 years younger than Matthew. of time throughout the country. It is not known if the two Wehrlys are related. Wehrly It was not until 1884 that International time zones, appears to be a popular name in that part of Germany including Greenwich Meantime, were formed. and clock making appears to be their speciality. Early clocks had to be made by hand. They were The 1901 and 1911 Censuses record the business still laborious to make and often highly decorated. operating from 12 Stonegate. Consequently, they were luxury goods purchased Severin Heine died in 1911, aged 58, of Congestion of almost entirely by the affluent. the Liver and Roman Wehrly died in 1922, aged 59, of Industrialisation and the migration of workers to the Influenza. towns and cities required Factory shifts to be Return to the path. Turn left and make your way back accurately measured. Workers employed a ‘knocker to the start of the Trail. up’ to ensure they reached work on time. Each worker paid a small amount for the 'knocker up' to knock on Now you have met visited some of the their windows and doors to make sure they were up on shopkeepers of Kirkgate, why not visit all of their time for work. business premises in York's world famous iconic street.

Please refer overleaf for the TRAIL MAP

We really hope you enjoyed this trail. Why not try another one. We hope you enjoyed this trail & that it inspired you to find out more about York Ceme- tery. A trail of this kind can give only a flavour of what is on offer, so why not: • Try one of our guided walks • Become a Friend of York Cemetery • Become a Volunteer (Pick up a leaflet or see the website for more details) This Trail was prepared by Dennis Shaw in 2019. Artwork by Keith Lea

Tel: 01904 610578 Friends of York Cemetery Email: [email protected] The Cem etery Gatehouse www.yorkcemetery.org.uk Cemetery Road Regd. Charity No. York YO10 5AJ 701091

York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020) 11 Approx. time Friends of York Cemetery 1½ hours + Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Registered Charity No. 701091

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York Cemetery - 20. Shopkeepers of Kirkgate Trail (Jan 2020)