Chapmans - An Old Trade

It is not often that we find pictures of old local trades.

Longer term residents will remember the final industrial use of the old water mill in Cornmill Lane – a tannery and sheepskin works.

This picture, from 1934, shows Mr E B Chapman, great-grandfather of Mr Jim Chapman, of Anslow Lane, the final owner. Mr Chapman is preparing vellum for drum skins.

According to the Victoria County History, the company made leather for cricket balls.

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Last updated: 3 December 2016