A recent edition to the Anstey Archive – a painting of the Nook in 1894 by James Freer.
Category: Anstey History
The History of Marwin Machine Tools, by Brian Kibble
The History of Marwin Machine Tools, by Brian Kibble The two founders of the Marwins were Ernie Hopwell and Derek Robinson – they both worked for the well known Wadkins woodworking and cutting tool machinery company on Leicester’s Green Lane and old Mr Wadkin had been hoping they would take over after his retirement –…
Enquiry Answered: Did the framework knitters use wool from local sheep?
Enquiry: The framework knitters in Anstey – did they make woollen stockings and if so did they use wool from local sheep? When boot and shoe manufacture took over were they using hides from local cattle? (hence Harry Roberts Leather Tannery – when did that come into existence?). If that’s the case, did local farms…
Enquiry Answered: Was there ever a paper mill?
Enquiry: Were there/are there Anstey businesses using cardboard (for boxes) and paper, e.g. Anstey Wallpaper, Artisan Press, Suburban Press, Ulverscroft Large Print Books. Where did the paper/cardboard come from originally? Was there ever a paper mill? (as in Papermill Row, Paper Mill Close). I’m aware of Broughton’s Timber Yard – was the timber used for…
Enquiry Answered: What was the old building behind Bradgate Brides?
Enquiry: What the old tall building behind Bradgate Brides was originally used for? There’s a sign on the wall LUXURY OFFICES TO LET. Brian Kibble Replies: The building in The Nook (near) you refer to was originally built in the 1870’s for Burton and Stone boot and shoe factory – the machinery was driven by…
“John Bull” – Anstey’s first full-sized motor vehicle
The Story of John Bull” “Fifty years ago (1969) as I was preparing for Anstey’s Local History Exhibition, Anstey’s George Salisbury answered our appeal for photographs and sent me the 1909 picture of the arrival of John Bull and shortly afterwards Josie Bryan put forward the picture of John Bull at it’s garage in Church…
A new lease of life for old Kirby and West Milk Float
Thanks to Brian Kibble for sending over this photo of the reconditioned Kirby and West Milk Float at the 2019 Anstey Gala. The vehicle now sells coffee for The Bridge charity, which “helps people in Leicester on their journey from hopelessness to hope.”
Old Anstey Receipts from 1930s – from wireless sets to physician’s invoices
Our thanks go to Diane Green for loaning Anstey Archivist Brian Kibble this wonderful set of old receipts and invoices – which we have now been able to scan for both the archive and our online collection. Brian notes that he particularly likes the Horrace Elliot receipt as his father joined them in 1931…
Old Anstey Photographs – A. P. Ross Grocers on Cropston Road
We would like to give our thanks to Angela Driver who has given us permission to publish this family photograph of A.P. Ross Grocers on Cropston Road, Anstey. The family are descendants of the Ross’s Provision Market’s owner and any information that anyone can give us on the date of the photograph, or on the…
Thomas Sketchley of Anstey, Architect of Old John, Bradgate.
A few months ago our team was contacted by a family who are decedents of Thomas Sketchley, the architect commissioned by George Grey, the 5th Earl of Stamford, in 1784, to build the well known Leicestershire landmark – the mock ruin known as Old John. We were able to provide some starting points for information…
Anstey Local History Society 