Object Details

From:NHerts

Name/TitleMetal object marked Gatward Hitchin

About this objectA large and heavy piece of metal with holes which may be for spokes. The metal object features the words "Gatward Hitchin". The Gatward family are best known in modern times as jewellers, the family have operated as jewellers in Hitchin since 1760. However the Gatwards also once worked in much heavier metals.

John Gatward is listed as an ironmonger in Cock Street (now High Street) in the trade directory for 1839. John and his decendents work in iron for almost a century, with a last appearance in the directory for 1926. Within directories the business carries unnumbered addresses at Cock Street, High Street and then an address of 33 Market Place until it dissapears from the directories.

Along with ironmongery the Gatwards listed numerous other metal working trades in this arm of the family, appearing in lisings variously as:

Watchmaker and ironmonger in 1846

Ironmonger and iron and brass founder and agricultral implement manufacturer as well as furnishing ironmongers & whitesmiths & bellhangers in 1853 1862 and 1867.

Furnishing ironmonger and iron and brass founder & agricultural implement manufacturer in 1870.

Ironmonger in 1874

General & furnishing ironmonger, kitchen range and stove manufacturer in 1882

Agricultural engineers & implement makers and ironmongers at 33 Market Place in 1886 1895 and 1902

Agricultural implement makers and agents in 1912

Agricultural implement makers and agents, ironmongers, etc. in 1917 and 1926.

Given that this object was found in a field it is very likely that this formed part of an agricultural implement or machine, made by this arm of the Gatward family during the companies presence in the town.

MakerGatward

Maker RoleMaker

Date Made1839-1926

Place MadeHitchin

Medium and MaterialsMetal| Iron

Measurements128 x 180 mm

Named CollectionNorth Hertfordshire Museum

Object TypeMetal part

Object number2022.114

Copyright LicenceAll rights reserved