Notes and Queries | History of Bath Research Group

Note/Query: Has Anyone Researched the Background and Life of Thomas Baldwin From: Andrew Foyle 22-Sep-2023

                     Andrew has if anyone has researched the background and life of Thomas Baldwin? I remember reading in the Bath History series that his early life and place of birth are unknown… is that still the case? Searches on Ancestry revealed a possible birth of the right date, that ties geographically to a Baldwin building outside Bath. I haven’t done much to follow this up, but I think it’s interesting. If anyone has any relevant information I will share it with Andrew.

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Note/Query: World War II POW's From: Johnathan Self 30-May-2023

                     Can you tell me if there were any German soldiers held prisoner during or after the second world war in Bath. Possibly  working or recuperating at any hospitals in Bath; maybe St Martin's or Claverton? If so, are there any records? 

If anyone has any information please let me know.

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Note/Query: Ventilation Shaft in Walcot Street From: Lucy Lavers 30-May-2023

                     I have recently been involved (with a group called Our Hut) in the writing of a book called Inventive Vents which is about ventilation shafts in London. We have subsequently been asked to write one covering the UK - I am interested in the shaft in Walcot Street which I see used to be much larger and was photographed by Lord Snowdon. I can see it has been replaced with a more simple/small design but wonder if you could confirm it's use and whether you have any more information about it.

If anyone has information please let me know.

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Note/Query: Turner Bros, Sword Makers From: Mark Barton 24-Apr-2023

                     I have found some swords listed as made by Turner Bros of Bath they are Victorian, and one of the swords dates from other evidence from between 1873 and 1892. I am trying to establish if anyone knows any more details about the company, particularly when they started and when they ended. They were probably mainly either tailors or cutlers.

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Note/Query: Combe Down and Expectant Mothers From: Mathew Mayes 30-May-2022

                     Mathew Mayes' Grandmother was evacuated from Grays near Tilbury in 1940 to give birth to his late father at Combe Down. It is also recorded on his birth certificate that he was born at Combe Down/ He asks, "does anyone know if there was there a place that dealt with expectant women and where would that have been.

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Note/Query: Display of Books On Local History the Library in Moorland Road, Oldfield Park From: Peter Cullimore 30-May-2022

                     Peter has emailed to let our members know about a new display on local history books at the community-run library in Moorland Road, Oldfield Park.
http://www.moorlandroadcommunitylibrary.com/post/local-writer-feature-and-local-history-display

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Note/Query: Invitation: Gresham History lectures From: Lucia Graves 30-May-2022

                     Lucia Graves has emailed to invite members to attend free Gresham History lectures in June; you can register via the webpages to watch online or in person (or online to watch on catch up. Subjects include:

    Bernini and the Remaking of Rome
    A Modern History of Sex: Abstinence
    Protestant Missions and European Empires: Allies or Adversaries
    Inigo Jones and the Architecture of Necessity
To book etc please go to https://www.gresham.ac.uk/watch-now

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Note/Query: Suzie Moon asks about St Martin's Chapel From: Suzie Moon 11-Nov-2021

                     John Plass, the stonemason who singlehandedly laid all the stones at St Martin’s Chapel. He is buried in the churchyard. It would be interesting also to know what the training/apprenticeship etc was for a stonemason working in Bath.
Another interesting and relevant area is researching how paupers were buried (their coffins, the number in the grave, the actual burial service etc) and what happened to unmarried mothers and unbaptised babies as we understand they may have been treated differently (and there were quite a few of these who died in the workhouse).
What happened to St Martin’s Chapel after the workhouse was closed and the buildings were taken over by the NHS – so roughly 1930s to end of the century.

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Note/Query: When were the "1 Mile from the Guildhall BATH" Erected From: Brian Fooks 11-Nov-2021

                     Does anyone know when the "1 Mile from the Guildhall BATH" stones were placed on several main routes around Bath? Entry Hill still has a stone. on the bridge, but the metal sign has disappeard some time ago. I would like BANES to replace it but when I enquired they said they have no record of it, dispite the stone has been there so long that the wall has been rebuilt around it. It is part of Bath's history.

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Note/Query: History of The Royal Hotel, Bath From: Carolyn Eeles 11-Nov-2021

                     I'm trying to find out more about the history of The Royal Hotel, Bath. Established in 1846 it is one of the oldest hotels in the area but is sadly lacking of any of its own archives. We are really keen to find out more as we feel sure there must be some fantastic stories and individuals linked to it over its 175 year history. We are particularly keen to know more about its links with the station, The Garibaldi bridge directly linking the hotel to the station. Our aim is to greatly enhance the hotel's contribution to the history of the city. I would be hugely appreciative of any help, information you can provide me with.

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History of Bath Research Group Notes & Queries