Shirt Making in Taunton - Somerset

[stevenpenny]

Hi,

I am hoping that somebody can point me in the right direction for Shirt Making in Taunton in the late 1800's.

In the 1891 census a good 40 to 50% of the inhabitants of the town seem to have been involved in the shirt making process, although information on the factories seems to be scarce.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Steve

[CanadianCousin]

Hi Steve,

I don't have any particular knowledge about the area, but just had a quick peek at Kelly's Directory of Somerset for 1889 on the Historical Directories website. This is what they said about industries in Taunton at that time:

There are two silk factories, three producing linen collars and cuffs, and others for the making of gloves and paper boxes; besides these there are several small iron and brass foundries, coach making, malting and brewing establishments and cabinet manufactories.

I don't know if that's much to go on, but hopefully it's of some help.

Good luck -

Tim

[Thomasin]

According to Google, new textile-based industries, making lace products and shirt collars, flourished in Taunton in the later 19th century. Another website expands this to include the making of shirts, not just the collars. The Somerset Industrial Archaeological Society website shows a photograph of the St Augustine Street Collar and Shirt Factory, Taunton, which dated to 1899.

[Jan1954]

You may also find the History of Taunton to be of interest.

[stevenpenny]

Hi,

Many thanks to all of you; i'll start digging...

Steve

[JenniLl]

Steve,

I looked at the Somerset Record Office online catalogue for 'Shirtmakers' '/ Shirtmaking' and drew a blank. I will make enquiries when I am next there.

Meanwhile, Van Heusen had a factory/outlet just down the road from where I live. It closed some 15 years or so ago (It was still going late 80s early 90s as I used to buy my sons' school shirts there!) The building (built 1934) is still there but occupied by various small businesses. It may be worth contacting Van Heusen to see if they can help.

Jenni

[stevenpenny]

Hi Jenni,

Thanks. I remember the Van Heusen factory myself; seems like a lifetime ago now.

Steve

[Gobanian]

Can anyone remember what street the Van Heusen factory was?

[macwil]

Can anyone remember what street the Van Heusen factory was?

Victoria St.

There is a photo of some staff outside entrance here;-https://www.flickr.com/photos/hairni...616/?ytcheck=1

This Link
will take you to map of area. Victoria St is off East Reach near to Hospital.

[helachau]

https://webapp1.somerset.gov.uk/her/d....asp?prn=31915