Wakefield Museums and Castles

Photograph of Calvert's Ropeworks (c.1900)

What is it? Black and white photograph of Calvert's Ropeworks, Wrenthorpe.

How old is it? This photograph is dated around 1900.

Why is this source important? It provides insight into the working environment of a local rope manufacturer's at the turn of the 20th century.

What does the image show us? This photograph shows workers at Calvert's Ropery in Wrenthorpe in around 1900. We can see six men and four young boys holding rope making tools.

Where was it found / discovered / made? The photograph is believed to have been taken by a F. Parkin in around 1900 who lived at 15 York Street, Wakefield. The photograph was donated to the museum by a Mr W. Calvert in 1963.

Dimensions: Height 205mm, Width 245mm.

Where is it now? The photograph is part of Wakefield Museums' main collections.

Receipt (1906)

What is it? Receipt from Calvert Bros. Rope, Twine and Cord Manufacturers.

How old is it? This receipt is dated 19 January 1906.

Why is this source important? It tells us costs of items in the early 20th century. The company name, site illustration and contact details are printed in black at the top of the page and red lines indicate where prices and costings should be written. The receipt lists goods to the value of £1. 13s. It shows the goods were paid for in cash to the full amount.

Where was it found / discovered / made? The receipt was from Calvert Bros. based on Jerry Clay Lane, Wrenthorpe, Wakefield.

What is it made of? Paper and ink.

Dimensions: Height 207mm, Width 213mm.

How was it made? The letterhead was printed on to the paper. The details of the transaction were added in hand writing.

Who would have used this? A receipt is issued by a provider of goods or services to a customer or recipient as proof of payment. In this case the receipt was issued by Calvert's Ropery to a Mr Clegg.

Where is it now? The receipt is part of Wakefield Museums' collections. It is part of the handling collection and used in school workshops.

Metal comb or heckle board (1800 to 1900)

What is it? This metal comb draws hemp fibres through the heckle board to straighten the fibres before spinning them into rope.

How old is it? It dates to sometime between 1800 and 1900.

Why is this object important? It is an example of one of many tools used in the rope making process. It provides us with insight into the technology, materials and machinery used in the industrial production of rope in the 19th century.

Where was it found / discovered / made? The wooden base is stamped with the letter 'B' in one corner and 'Fine Hackle Pins from Wrenthorpe Hemp Drawing' is inscribed in black handwritten lettering on the base.

This object was donated to the museum in 1963 by Mr W. Calvert.

What is it made of? Wood and metal.

Dimensions: Height 135mm, Length 140mm, Width 90mm.

Where is it now? The comb is part of Wakefield Museums' main collections.

E. Green and Son Ltd. plaque (1865 to 1915)

What is it? Name plate from a Green's Economiser.

How old is it? It dates to between 1865 and 1915.

Why is this source important? This name plate is evidence of both the existence of the Green's Company and the fact that it was a Wakefield business. It connects a world-wide product with this locality.

Where was it found / discovered / made? Gifted to Wakefield Museum in 1982 by Nottingham Industrial Museum.

What is it made of? Metal (Iron).

Dimensions: Height 75mm, Width 710mm.

Where is it now? The plaque is part of Wakefield Museums' main collections. It is on display at Wakefield Museum in the Wakefield One Building, Burton Street, Wakefield.

Photograph of E. Green and Son Ltd. (1920 to 1950)

What is it? Black and white photograph of E. Green and Son, Ltd., Stennard Island, Wakefield.

How old is it? It was taken sometime between 1920 and 1950.

Why is this source important? It shows the exterior of the E. Green and Son factory on Stennard Island. In the foreground we can see cranes and canal barges. The cranes were used for loading / unloading the barges on the river as well as the warehouse/factory behind. A saddle tank shunter is also visible. This image gives us a glimpse of the industrial landscape of Wakefield in the early 20th century.

Dimensions: Height 215mm, Width 165mm.

Where is it now? The photograph is part of Wakefield Museums' collections. It is part of the handling collection and used in school workshops.

E. Green and Son Ltd. staff photograph (1921)

What is it? Black and white photograph of E. Green & Son, Ltd., Stennard Island, Wakefield.

How old is it? This photograph was taken on 10 July, 1921.

Why is this source important? The photo shows the staff of E. Green and Son assembled together in the factory yard in honour of a visit to the site by King George V on 10 July, 1921. You can see that this was a special occasion as everyone in the photograph is wearing formal clothing.

Dimensions: Height 253mm, Width 202mm.

Where is it now? The photo is part of Wakefield Museums' collections. It is part of the handling collection and used in school workshops.

Aerial photograph of E. Green and Son Ltd. (1920 to 1950)

What is it? Black and white photograph of E. Green & Son, Ltd., Stennard Island, Wakefield.

How old is it? This photograph dates to sometime between 1920 and 1950.

Why is this source important? This is an aerial photograph showing a view of E. Green & Son, Stennard Island in the foreground. The photograph shows the scale and size of Green's as well as a glimpse of the surrounding industrial landscape. You can see in the photograph how Green's was located between the railway lines and the canal which would have provided good transport links for the business.

Dimensions: Height 253mm, Width 202mm.

Where is it now? The photo is part of Wakefield Museums' collections. It is part of the handling collection and used in school workshops.