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Brassmakers

A historical misprint from a Bristol newspaper

Jacob Shartman senior & junior & William Shartman: “This is to certify to all persons that are afflicted by worms in many parts of their bodies or any other distemper that I, William Shartman,...

The Fray Family

Find me a scientist was a challenge issued by my late brother Colin Pillinger.  At Christmas I would send him a story about our numerous ancestors but the nearest approximation to science I came...

“The DUTCHMEN” – brassmakers of Bristol, Warmley, Keynsham, Bath & District.

“What is the origin of copper wire?” Answer: “Two Dutchmen fighting over a penny.”  (Joke, told to me by a Danish cousin.) I have a particularly interest in the “Dutchmen” – who were recruited...