Fig. 6. Plane for unknown use. There is some speculation that it is for cutting the feed-in groove for the tambour of a roll-top desk. (Author's collection.)
Sometime between 1832 and 1844, John(i) conveyed the Pottergate premises to John Robert(ii), as, after the latter's death in 1844, he left all his estate to his wife Hannah, which included his real estate at Lower Goat Lane and Pottergate Street.
In his will, John Robert was described as a planemaker of the city of Norwich, and when this was proved on 4th January 1845, it was noted that he left effects sworn at under £600.
After John Robert(ii)'s death on 14th September 1844, Hannah Griffiths, his widow, became the proprietor and she, together with her sons and brothers in law, guided the firm for the next forty or so years through the period when it was most prosperous. Shortly after she had taken over the conduct of the firm, Hannah Griffiths placed an advertisement in the Norfolk Chronicle which gives one of the earliest records of the type of tools made by the firm.
Plane, Saw and General Tool Manufactury.
Lower Goat Lane, Norwich
HANNAH GRIFFITHSIn returning thanks to her friends for the kind support rendered to her late husband for the last 17 years, begs to solicit a continuance of their patronage for the support of herself and her family of seven children. Hannah has the kind assistance of her brother-in-law whose experience in the trade for 30 years offers a guarantee for the supply of the articleson sale to be of sound workmanship and good materials.
All orders punctually executed and the articles of best quality. Coachmaker's tools made on the most improved London plan. All debts owed to the late John Robert Griffiths are requested to be paid forthwith to Mrs. Hannah Griffiths, the sole Executrix.
It will be noted that both planes and saws are mentioned. It is not clear, however, whether saws were actually made by the firm or whether they were obtained from elsewhere. The advertisement also clarifies the date when John Robert(ii) had taken over from his father, (17 years previously, that is 1827 or thereabouts). The notice further states that her brother-in-law (singular), who had bee in the business for 30 years, would assist. This would have been Williams, the eldest son of John Griffiths(i). By this reckoning he must have started work in 1814 when he was approximately16 years old.
It was in 1845, shortly after John Robert(ii)'s death that the first rail link between Norwich and London was opened. This must have opened up a whole new market. Before the establishment of the railway link to London and soon thereafter to other parts of the country, Norwich trade either went by the coastal shipping ports up and down the country including London via the Thames Estuary or in the case of lighter goods, overland by coach or wagon. The coming of the railway must have enabled the firm quickly and cheaply to transfer its products to London and thus compete with the established London and other provincial makers.
In the 1851 census, Hannah is named as being head of the house, 45 years of age and a plane manufacturer employing 12 men. Two of her sons, the before-mentioned John Robert(iii) and Isaac were living with her and were employed by her. In 1853, the found, John Griffiths(i), died at the age of 88. He must have been pleased to see that his efforts had produced such an acclaimed planemaking firm with his family still actively involved.
The importance of Norwich as a local centre of trade at this time is clearly recorded in White's Directory of Norwich for 1854 which lists 18 firms of coach builders, 47 cabinet makers, 18 coopers, 20 wheelwrights and 95 joiners and builders.
In the 1861 census, Hannah is named as a planemaker employing 10 men and 3 boys.
Fig. 6. Plane for unknown use. There is some speculation that it is for cutting the feed-in groove for the tambour of a roll-top desk. (Author's collection.)
Fig. 7. A 4 inch wide cornice moulding plane with branded owner's mark. (Author's collection.)