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The changing face of Goldenhill
Goldenhill
certainly existed as a few dwellings alongside the main road out of
Tunstall. Even today most of the village is centred along the High Street.
Extract from William Yates
1775 Map of Staffordshire
Showing the few dwellings along a single track at Golden Hill
Goldenhill redevelopment
Extensive redevelopment took
place in the late 1960's in and around the High Street area of Goldenhill
- the main street was widened which resulted in many properties being
demolished or losing part of their frontage.
Comments on
Goldenhill (from Maureen - June 2001):-
"My Maternal Grandparents the REDFERN
family lived in Alice Street, and I was born there at no.38 in 1946.
It was a lovely close knit community,
whose life seemed to revolve around the Methodist Church on the corner
of Alice Street and Andrew Street - in fact I and my two sisters were
baptised there. I remember as a child going to many of the Methodist
Anniversaries there - it was always packed with people, and my
maternal aunts were married in this chapel, and held there wedding
celebration in the Schoolrooms opposite.
My Gt. Grandfather Joseph Redfern
born 11th May, 1875 was quite well known in the area. I am told he
was the local "bookie". Apparently he was quite a character, and when
he died on Oct 4th 1950 there was a huge turn out for his funeral. He
was involved in the old Goldenhill Wanderers, and was their Secretary
for many years.
In addition he was involved in The Old Kidsgrove Wellington F.C., the
Old Port Vale F.C., Old Butt Lane F.C. and Burslem Swimming club. In
addition he had strong connections with the North Staffs. Fed.Homing
Society.
I was so thrilled to find photos of many
of the streets and pubs in the High Street (most of these have now
disappeared ) as I thought I would never see them again. My Mum, now
77yrs tells me of all the shows which she used to go and see at the
Chapel in Andrew Street, and she says it was always well supported by
the local population.
My Grandmother's home in Alice Street
was compulsory purchased under the re-widening scheme, and she hated
having to leave the home she had been in for years. She was re-housed
in Lancaster Street in one of the old people's bungalows, but never
got over leaving the home and community she loved. I can also say
that even though I loved to visit my Grandparents, it is only when you
get a little older that you really appreciate such things."
the 1881 census details of
Maureen's Gt. Grandfather "Joseph Redfern"-
Dwelling: 14 Attwood St - Beerhouse
Census Place: Wolstanton, Stafford, England
| Name |
Marr | Age | Sex |
|
Birthplace |
Occupation |
| Joseph REDFERN |
M 61 M |
Head |
Bilston, Staffordshire |
Beer House Keeper |
| Mary REDFERN |
M 58 F |
Wife |
Bilston, Staffordshire |
Beer House Keeper Wife |
| Elizabeth REDFERN |
U 22 F |
Daur |
Kidsgrove, Staffordshire |
Domestic Servt |
| Sarah Ann REDFERN |
U 17 F |
Daur |
Kidsgrove, Staffordshire |
Domestic Servt |
| Joseph REDFERN |
U 6 M |
Son |
Kidsgrove, Staffordshire |
Scholar |
Goldenhill Mineral Water Co
Junction of High Street & Rodgers Street
to the left of the picture Nos. 903-905 High Street
the shop name is "BEECH'S"
the white building to the right is the "Goldenhill Mineral Water Co" and
this is shown on the sign.
View of the Mineral Water Co
(High Street to the left - Rodgers Street to the right)
"My grandfather, Samuel, was known as 'pop'
Wharton. He owned The Goldenhill Mineral Water Company and manufactured
pop which he sold to shops and pubs. He also had a coal round (every
Thursday) collected from Birchenwood. He began his business, as a sideline
to working in the pit, by making ice & selling it by horse & cart.
As the years passed by, Goldenhill was torn
down - redevelopment they called it but it took away all the happiness
and comradeship. The community was torn apart. Families moved all over
the place. It seemed to take so long for this 'so called' redevelopment
to take place. Initially, we were told the road had to be widened and
replacement housing would be built. But, look now - where is it? There
is a lot of old folks housing and a cross close to the site of Mum's
shops. The sad thing is that the old community was devastated.
So life has to go on - progress its called .
I always drive through when I can, and try to remember what was where."
David Salmon - August
2001
the buildings of Beech's Shop and the
Goldenhill Mineral Water Co in 2008
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