| I remember only one meeting with Alfred, when I was about 12 I think, I went to Smallthorne with my sister Marj., I remember he gave me a thick book called "True Blue"...I've still got it to this day. Alfred should also be remembered for the fact that he survived the Great War, despite being wounded, who knows what he experienced in that most dreadful of wars, what he saw, what he had to do...... There's something else I never knew...I should have had an uncle....Uncle Alf...Alfred's first son, born in April 1912, but sadly he died of pneumonia, just four years of age, poor little lad, whilst Alfred was at war. He must have been devastated, as if he hadn't got enough to contend with! Northwood was to become the focal point for this early part of the journey, as you will see as the story unfolds, but first, finding James..... I was a newcomer to the Archives at Hanley and I was pleased to find that the staff were very friendly and helpful. At first I confined myself to looking at Electoral Rolls, finding Alfred and Gertrude's names in Victoria Street, Rose Street and Barry Avenue. Interesting indeed, but not helpful in my quest, but I was feeling my feet, getting to know where the records were and where to look. I looked at the facilities, they had copies of the 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881 and 1891 census returns on microfilm. It occurred to me then that throughout all those years Queen Victoria (1837-1901) had been on the throne, and I remembered all the great achievements made during those times, the flourishing mines and pottery works. All the mines have gone now and but a few pottery factories remain, even Royal Doulton are in trouble. I decided to do a bit of research into the conditions at the time, just to put myself in the mood before I went in search of my ancestors. When you read that in 1842 the Mines Act banned women and children under 10 from working underground you realise just what the conditions were like. That was followed a few years later with Factory Act...Female workers were limited to a 12 hour day and 8-13 year olds to a six and a half hour day! |
| part 3..... |
| From Inner Tube to Shoemakers! |