Further information from Mrs Bacon:
The file cutting shop was at the back of 192 Grammar Street, Walkley from at least 1901 to 1914.
It was built in a lean-to fashion against a wall at the back of the yard, there were windows all along the side facing the yard and the entrance was through a door from the yard.
Along the back wall were hung the tools which the file cutters used, these were made by William Greaves and were carefully looked after.
Also along the back wall was a fireplace, and a small furnace where the scrap metal which William Greaves collected was melted down to make the tools.
The stands at which they worked were in a row under the windows, if you happened to be working the furthest away from the fire, it was very cold in the winter.
Most of the children were pressed into service from a very early age, they had to be up early in the morning and put in some time before heading for school. |