Reminiscences of Rotherham
back « «shop, leading into the hotel yard, was very handy for those tradesmen in the neighbour hood who preferred not to be seen approaching licensed premises . Entering the butcher’s apparently for the purpose of purchasing a chop or steak, they slipped through this door to the ‘Three Cranes bar for their morning appetiser.
In the other shop John Law carried on a carpet business, whilst he resided ín one of the cottages in the Three Cranes yard. Law was a useful man when a carpet wanted laying or a chair had to be re-upholstered. His son. William, who in later years acted as Market Inspector for the Corporation, assissted his father, Another son, George, carried on business as a butcher and auctioneer. His eldest daughter, Mrs.Hartshorn, owned the White Swan at Maltby, being well known for the excellence of her home-brewed ale and her adequate supply of good food.
THE BADGERS
The premises now in the occupation of Messrs. Garnett Bros. and others formerly served as residence and office for Mr. Henry Badger, solicitor, founder of the well-known firm of Badger, Rhodes and Co. This house and the one occupied by Lawyer Potter, ranked with the best residences in the town. As some indication of the changes that have taken place, I may say that the grounds of both these houses extended from High street to the cattle market and possessed croquet lawns which were beautifully kept. The stables and coach-houses were approached from The Crofts. At that period my parents resided in one of the cottages still standing above the vestry offices in Moorgate street. The back of this property overlooked the grounds of Henry Badger. I have spent hours watching from my bedroom window the family play at croquet and cricket. They were one of the leading families of the town.The two oldest sons, Thomas and Harry, were excellent cricketers, the latter being called upon on several occasions to assist the Yorkshire gentlernen in their matches.
Thomas Wright Badger succeeded to his father’s business and married Miss Ida Foster, of Newhall Grange. He built for himself Red House, now occupied by Mrs. Micklethwait. Of his subsequent career nothing further need be said at present. Harry Badger, when quite a young man, left the town to join a well-known firm of solicitors in York. Alan, the third son , threw in his lot with the firm of Hutchinsons, wine and spirit merchants, and the fourth son. Wilfred, following his father’s profession, commenced business in College yard, where he practised successfully for several years. About forty years ago he left the town for New Zealand, where he ultimately became a member of the legislature. There were two other sons, Joe and Fred, also three daughters, The eldest daughter married Parker Rhodes, and her sister married his brother, Charles Rhodes. Some time after Henry Badger’s death, the Moorgate street club took over the residential part of these.premises. It was whilst leaving his club to inspect the new club premises, then being erected in Moorgate street, that Mr. John Foster , of Newhall Grange, met with an accident. Stumbling over a plank, he fell into the excavations and was seriously injured, this eventually causing his death.
SAMMY OLDFIELD
In the premises adjoining the Badger’s, Sammy Oldfield carried on the business of a hatter and hairdresser.
I doubt if any tradesman was respected more than Sammy.
His eldest son, George, was supposed to help the old man, but being somewhat of a sporting character, he was more often to be found amongst the horses of the gentry who frequented the Crown Hotel , than attending to his father’s business.
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