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The Old Forge, Pound Lane, Godalming,
about 1910 |
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The Old Forge was for many years run by members of the same family.
In 1855 James Stilwell was listed as beer retailer & blacksmith
at the Pound Lane property[1].
By 1878 "Steven Mackey & Son, shoeing smith"[2] were
advertising and the business was still there still there
in 1913[3].
The Mackey's ran a riding school and forge.
1878 - "Steven Mackey & Son, shoeing smiths, from
Messrs. Mavor's, vetinary surgeons, Park Street, Grosvenor
square, London w. ; hunters and other horses of every description
carefully shod on Mavor's principle at moderate terms, Pound
Lane"[2]
Godalming born Steven Mackey was James Stillwell's son in
law and worked for him as a farrier[4].
Stephen was a widower in 1861 and shared a home with his father
in law who was also a widower; Stephen's son was not at home.
In 1881[5] Stephen,
by now 62 and a "Blacksmith Employing Three Men",
was still living in Pound Lane with Emma Stillwell: Emma was
both his sister in law and housekeeper and the daughter of
James Stillwell[4].
The business was taken over by Harry Mackey, described as
a Shoeing Smith (Master) in 1881 and who was with his wife
and young family at 2 Cranmer Place[5].
In 1901 Harry was a "farrier" and so were his two
sons Arthur and Harry[6].
Stephen died in 1900, aged 80, and Harry senior died in 1911.
The card, which shows that postage should have been a ½d,
was not franked. It was, however, addressed to someone in St. Jean,
Qué[bec]. I assume it was written by one of the Canadians
who were based close by during the First World War. "Godalming
being the largest town near our camp, though not as big as St. Jean"
(rough translation from the French) . It is signed Adelard.
A modern music shop now stands on the site of the old forge.
Also see, in another section of this website:
Godalming,
Surrey : A Personal View
Godalming,
Surrey : Murder, Trial & Execution, 1817-18 |
"The Old Forge, Pound Lane, Godalming". Frith
Series Postcard No.62243, published in 1910. Not posted. Message
quoted above.
Postcard in the collection of, provided by and © Ann Andrews.
Page researched, written by and © Ann Andrews.
Intended for personal use only.
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References:
[1] "Post Office Directory
of Essex, Herts, Kent ..." (1855), Part 1: Counties & Localities,
pub. Kelly & Co., Old Boswell Court, Temple Bar, London,
p.702
[2] "Post Office Directory
of Surrey" (1878) Kelly & Co. Ltd, London, p.2233
[3] "Kelly's Directory of Surrey"
(1913) Kelly & Co. Ltd, London, p.210
[4] 1861 Census of England and Wales,
National Archives
[5] 1881 Census of England and Wales,
National Archives
[6] 1901 Census of England and Wales,
National Archives
Further reading:
"Memories of Farncombe and Godalming" (1981),
The Godalming Trust, ed.
David Coombs. The late Ray Martin, a former Mayor, described
life in Pound Lane. Harry Mackey's sons were mentioned by
Mr. Martin.
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