Following yesterday’s puzzler about the odd postcards of the long-gone Lichfield Canal, the wonderfully observant Kate from Lichfield Lore delved into the darkest recesses of her oversized cardigan, and pulled out the fantastic book, ‘Lichfield, Then & Now’ by Annette Rubery. This book was published only a few months ago, and is still available in WH Smith, Lichfield, and the gift shop at the Heritage Centre (formerly St. Mary’s) in the marketplace.
What Kate remembered was the original, undoctored image upon which these cards were based. Annette suggests the image was dated around 1905, and the white object I could see in the distance was indeed the Fosseway signal box at the level crossing.
As pointed out, the barge was indeed a fictitious addition, and was horribly out of scale, as is the horse if one looks closely.
The original image as featured in Annette Rubery’s fantastic book, ‘Lichfield, Then & Now’, available from all the usual Lichfield history sources.
As to location, Annette points out that this was between locks 16 and 17, and taken, as Peter ‘Pedro’ Cutler contends, from Wall Lane. The image he suggested of mine is in the same rough spot, but facing the other direction. I’d be interested on the opinion as to the building with the chimney: Is that the brewery, or Sandfields Pumping Station?
I shall get up there as soon as I can and take a current image.
eBay item no: 170984989574 – listed for £4, and it didn’t sell. Wish I’d noticed. Posted in 1909, but where is it? Click to go to the listing on eBay – sorry, no higher resolution version available.
eBay item no: 310549822358 – it went for £4.99. Note the horse and more complex background. I think this may actually be a photo. Click to go to the listing on eBay – sorry, no higher resolution version available.
While we’re on the subject, reader Elaine King tweeted the following in relation to the travel season ticket belonging to one Eva K. Richardson, featured in the same post, which raises some interesting questions, I think.
@BrownhillsBob Eva Richardson born March 1905 Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffs.
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
@BrownhillsBob She married Frank Newton in Lich in Dec 1928 …. so maybe 1/2 fare as senior citizen by 1950? Will look for birth ….
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
But that would make her only 45 at the time? I’m interested in the stamp on the ticket that states ‘Staffordshire E.C.’ – Staffordshire Education Committee?
@BrownhillsBob No children of Richardson/Newton marriage ……
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
@BrownhillsBob .. & an Eva Richardson born 1905 died in 1990 in N-U-Lyme .. divorced, back to maiden name & moved back to her roots perhaps?
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
@BrownhillsBob ….. and finally ….. perhaps she was a teacher not a pupil?
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
That really is an interesting suggestion, and one I’d not considered. Can anyone help, here? I note the ticket says ‘half rate’ rather than ‘Adult’ Or ‘Child’.
@BrownhillsBob On 1911 census she is at 141 St John Street, Lichfield …… assuming this is the correct Eva of course!
— Elaine Moore (@ElaineK73) March 4, 2013
It’s an interesting one, and about all we’ve got so far. Can anybody help illuminate this a little, please?
My thanks go to Elaine for looking into that. Without readers like you, this blog would be nothing. Wonderful stuff. Cheers.
You know how it goes: Please comment here, or BrownhillsBob at Googlemail dot com.
A curious ticket to ride.