Butchers, Ropemakers and Markets

Since we moved into Old Bolsover Yard and began working on renovating the site one of the things that was apparent was the history that surrounded the buildings. All our renovation work to date has been done sympathetically to try and retain the character of the area.

We know that the yard was once the town slaughter house with a meat processing area, with a butchers shop on Castle Street. Our Heritage Lottery Project is funding more work in finding out about those who lived and worked at Old Bolsover Yard before we came and turned it into a Craft Courtyard. 

It's believed from around 1911 Howard Knighton, who was born in 1884, was a butcher at 2 Castle Street with reference still being made to Howard in the 1939 register.

We'd love to be able to piece together things after 1939. Was he the butcher during the war?

If this means anything to you or you have any memories about H. Knighton Beef & Pork Butcher do let us know.

This advert for S.Davis High-Class Family Butcher appeared in the Church Parish magazine in January 1955 meaning by this time Howard was no longer the resident butcher.

We also know that in 1974 an application was made to the local council to change the use of the building from a butchers to offices.

As you can see a timeline is starting to develop for 2 Castle Street but we still need your help in filling in some of the blanks. Come along to our Show and Tell event being held on Saturday 14th March to help us further with finding out about those who lived and worked at Castle Street. Extra points if you've any photos, adverts or other documents that help to build a picture of the history of Old Bolsover Yard.

Thomas Taylor - Historical Ropemaker

In another exciting development I'm please to say that Unit 4 will soon be welcoming a new tenant to Old Bolsover Yard. Thomas Taylor, Historical Interpreter & Ropemaker will be moving in in March with events and demonstrations already being planned for April. I'll be bringing you more details in the coming weeks.

If you'd like to join us at Old Bolsover Yard then we do still have one unit available to rent - pop in to Old Bolsover Yard to see the space and find out more or email Sarah at [email protected]

Makers Markets 2020

Stall bookings are starting to come in for our Makers Markets that are going to be held throughout the year. Our first market will be Sunday 5th April and we're hoping that it will be the start of a great series of events.

If you are a crafter, artisan, maker and are interested in joining us for this or any of the other markets then please get in touch. 

Until next week........

Sarah