Memories of Woolston

I am at present trying to write a book on the social & industrial History of Wooolston & Itchen c1880-1940. If you have any information, photographs etc; Please contact me by email.

I had at first thought to undertake two quite separate projects, one a family history concentrating on my great grandfather Horatio Holmes; The second a survey of the transformation of Woolston and Itchen from the rural village(s) of 1871 to the manufacturing centre of the early 20^th century ; however it soon became clear to me that the two stories were in fact closely entangled.

This is not an in-depth biography of an individual, nor is it a thorough history of a particular region; but rather an attempt to relate the social and industrial heritage of a community in terms of the life of one of its members.

In just a few short years the great manufacturing centre that was Woolston has become little more than a dormitory suburb of Southampton; yet in its heyday it had manufactured world famous aircraft and ships, and the men of Itchen Ferry were renowned as peerless yachtsmen the world over.

My story does not confine itself to the shores of the River Itchen , but ranges as far north as the Wear, from whence many “Woolston” shipbuilders sprang.

I Should be particularly pleased to receive any information on John Murry Mordaunt,Thomas Ridley Oswald, Oswald Mordaunt & co., Mordey Carney & Co., John.I.Thornycroft Ltd 1904-1962, Pemberton-Billing (pre-supermarine), Holmes Brass founders, and any related trades. Floating bridge co.etc.

The Geary family & The floating bridge Co.

 If you would like a site like this, or need further information:

                  Contact JOHN HOLMES

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