Thornhill's tailor's shop, High Road, Beeston

Thornhill family album

Thornhill's, facing Willoughby Street, Beeston

Decorated for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, 1897

By Stephen Wallwork

The photo shows William Thornhill (21 January 1834 - 11 February 1910) and his staff or family outside his tailor's shop at 15 High Road, Beeston. The shop was on the north side of the road, facing down Willoughby Street and it is decorated for the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in June 1897. The business had been started by William's father in 1826 and William took over in 1876. It was much respected, reportedly making liveries for local aristocracy. The family lived over the shop, their Christmas dinner being reputedly served at one of the large cutting-out tables. In later life, William moved to Middleton House (perhaps so named because his first wife, Eliza Wibberley of Wollaton, was the daughter of Lord Middleton's head gamekeeper) but his wish was that his funeral should start from the shop, his place of birth.

This page was added by Stephen Wallwork on 20/12/2010.

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