The Old Gospel Hall in School Avenue, Brownhills, clearly built on the same model and the House of Prayer in Walsall Wood. Similarly, it’s also now a private residence.
The Craddocks are one of Brownhills most notable and mentioned families; they’re one of those names that just keeps cropping up whenever you delve into local history.
Last Sunday, I posted a brilliant piece written by top reader and commenter David Oakley, which speculated as to which Craddocks were related to which. In order to clarify, elucidate and illuminate, I asked Richard Burnell if he’d check with with his wife, Rose Maria Burnell, who’s of the Craddock line herself.
I guess that makes Richard and Rose our special Craddock Relations Correspondents. A truly sought-after position, and no mistake.
Anyway, just to clear things up, here’s what they had to say:
Hi Bob,
Questions have been asked and I have some info on the Craddock connections. C.T. Craddock, the Credit Draper was Charlie Craddock. His store was where the Job Centre now stands on Brownhills High Street. Charlie mainly used to employ family and was one of four brothers. One brothers name is unknown, the other two were called John and Howard.
John Craddock was the father of Arnott Craddock (slightly different spelling to the name as recollected), meaning Arnott was the nephew of Charlie and Howard and cousin to the three ‘Howard Craddocks’ pictured in the blog.
Apparently the Charlie Craddock branch of the family used to worship in the old Gospel Hall which used to be on school street. When this building closed they had to worship elsewhere and from your other correspondants info it seems his nephew Arnott, at least, ended up in the House of Prayer.
Hope this helps a little.
Rich & Rose Burnell (nee Craddock), answers courtesy of Roy Craddock still going strong and living locally in his 80s.
My thanks to Richard, Rose and of course, Roy, for helping us on this question. It really is nice when we can answer local history questions here so directly.
My gratitude and best wishes to all.