Richard Wyers: History

The Company

Detailed historical information about the Richard Wyers business was difficult to locate because no advertisements for the company have been found. The firm was consistently listed in city and trade directories from 1828/29[1] through 1912[2]. Apparently, the company was established on Fish Hill in Redditch sometime prior to 1828[3] by Richard Wyers or possibly a father or grandfather with the same name. Starting in 1842[4] it was most often listed as Richard Wyers needle and fish hook manufacturers on Unicorn Hill in Redditch except in 1865[5] when it was recorded as Richard Wyers & Sons at Albert Mills. The factory name “Albert Mills” may have been an error because in 1877[6] the firm was listed as being located at Albert Works on Unicorn Hill. From at least 1876[7] until at least 1892[8] the Wyers family also had a private residence on Unicorn Hill as well. However, by 1892[9] the firm’s factory had moved and it was now listed as a palm and needle manufacturer on Beoley Road in Redditch.

Sometime before 1900[10] the business seems to have split into two branches with Richard Wyers being the palm and needle manufacturer at 130 Beoley Road and Wyers Brothers becoming fishing tackle makers at 23 Melen Road. In 1905 a 229-page catalogue[11] of fishing tackle, rods, reels, hooks and accessories was published by Wyers Freres of Continental Works in Redditch. The drawing of the factory seen here was included in the catalogue. Freres is the French word for brothers. Evidently Wyers Brothers sometimes used the French name Wyers Freres because they had three business enterprises in the Paris area[12]. Wyers Freres won a gold medal at La Grande Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1900[13]. According to their catalog they were “the only manufacturers ever awarded a Gold Medal for the First Exhibit of Fishing Rods and Tackle at the above Exhibition, many of the exhibitors have shewn repeatedly before receiving the coveted prize. This is, without doubt, the most convincing proof ever offered to the Angling world of the superior quality of our goods.” By 1912[14] the two Wyers businesses in Redditch still existed but now the Richard Wyers on Beoley Road was recorded as needle, palm and sail makers with a factory named Neptune Works whereas Wyers Brothers, fishing tackle makers, was on Queen Street presumable the location of Continental Works. Today none of the Wyers manufacturing buildings exist. The original factory located on Unicorn Hill[15] was replaced with a cinema in 1937 and it in turn was converted into a pub which is now known as Wetherspoon’s “The Royal Enfield”.

The Owners

Richard Wyers was born c1798 in Bromsgrove, a town about seven miles west of Redditch. He married Frances Carew sometime around 1824 and they had two children: Mary Ann and Richard. Unfortunately, Frances died at age 22 in 1829 approximately a year after the birth of their second child. The family lived on Unicorn Hill in Redditch next to Richard’s needle factory. Richard did not remarry and was consistently listed as a needle manufacturer. He died at age 55 in 1852 and left his estate to his two children. His will listed a number of properties in the Redditch area indicating he was a man of considerable wealth.

The son, Richard Carew Wyers, was born in 1828. In 1849 he married Elizabeth Field in Redditch. At first Richard worked as a commercial traveler in his father’s needle business. He became the head of the firm after his father passed away and from 1861 until his death was listed as a needle manufacturer living next to the business on Unicorn Hill. Richard and Elizabeth had 13 children: Elizabeth, Ann, Richard (who died at age 10), Thomas, Fanny, Edward, Mary, Alice, Harold, Richard, Catherine, Eleanor and Oscar. Richard died at age 55 in 1883 and Elizabeth died fifteen years later in 1898. Both were buried at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch.

The Richard Carew Wyers family must have been quite well off because of the five sons who survived to adulthood only one had an occupation, the other four being most often listed as living on their own means. For example, other than being off at school in 1871 and being a commercial traveler in 1881, the son Thomas, who was born in 1855, lived with his parents and from 1891 until his death in 1931 at age 76 was living on his own means. The second son Edward, born in 1857, was a clerk at the family’s needle business in 1881, however once married he was consistently lived on his own means until his death at age 51 in 1908. Because Edward left his estate to a needle manufacturer and the manufacturer’s manager it seems most likely that the family business was earning enough money to support him and his brothers but was being managed by others. The son Harold was the only one with a consistent occupation. Harold was born in 1864 and after his marriage moved to neighboring Droitwich where he was a victualer, a person licensed to sell alcoholic liquor. He also died in middle age at 51 in 1915 leaving a wife and five children: Charles, George, Robert, Edward and Hubert. The fourth son, also named Richard, was born in 1866 and lived all of his life with his parents or mother and was listed as living on his own means until his death in 1894 at the relatively young age of 28. The youngest son Oscar, who was born in 1871, was living on his own means or private means in 1901, 1911 and 1939. He died near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire in 1952 at age 80.

Richard Wyers: Images

North side of Unicorn Hill just west of Bates Hill where the Wyers needle factory and home were originally located, 2018.

View of the north side of Unicorn Hill east of the intersection with Bates Hill, 2019.

The Wetherspoon Pub where the Wyers factory was originally located, 2019.

North side of Unicorn Hill next to where the Wyers factory and home where originally located, 2018.

View of the south side of Unicorn Hill west of the intersection with Bates Hill, 2019.

View of Unicorn Hill east of the Redditch Ringway, 2019.

The Neptune Building of the Platinum Training Acadamy on Beoley Road West where the Wyers Neptune Works factory was originally located, 2019.

An old factory building on Grange Road near where the Wyers Neptune Works factory was originally located, 2019.

Richard Wyers grave at the Plymouth Road Cemetery in Redditch, 2018.

The Cricketers Arms, another interesting house, along Beoley Road West, 2019.

St. George the Martyr Church located just north of where the Wyers Neptune Works factory was originally located, 2019.

Detail of the Richard Wyers grave at the Plymouth Road Cemetery, 2018.

The Empress Needle Case front closed.

The Empress Needle Case front open.

The Empress Needle Case back.

Richard Wyers: Genealogy

Generation 1: Richard Wyers (c1798-1853) and Frances Carew (c1807-1829)

· Born: c1798 Bromsgrove (S4).

· Baptized: not found.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· Marriage: not found.

· Wife’ Death: Frances Carew Wyers died June 19, 1829 Redditch at age 22 (S1d). Listed as Frances Carew Wyers born about 1807, buried June 24, 1829 Redditch.

· 1851 Census: 98 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as Richard Wyers a widow age 53 a needle manufacturer born in Bromsgrove with daughter Mary A. C. age 26 born in Redditch.

· Richard Wyers Death: December 21, 1852 Tardebigg (S8d). Listed as Richard Wyers age 55 needle manufacturer who died in Redditch with Eliza Hoddges in attendance.

· Probate/Will: April 14, 1853 London (S=The National Archives, Kew). Listed as Richard Wyers needle manufacturer from Redditch. The will lists a daughter Mary Ann Carew Wyers and a son Richard Carew Wyers.

· Children:

1. Mary Ann Carew Wyers (c1825-??) Born in Redditch (S4).

2. Richard Carew Wyers (1828-1883) see generation 2.

Generation 2: Richard Carew Wyers (1828-1883) and Elizabeth Field (c1830-1891)

· Born: May 7, 1828 (S1c).

· Baptized: November 6, 1828 Independent Congregational, Redditch (S1c). Listed as Richard Wyers with parents Richard Wyers and Frances Caren of Redditch.

· 1841 Census: not found.

· Marriage: December 25, 1849 Redditch (S1m). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers and Elizabeth Field. Richard’s father was listed as Richard Wyers.

· 1851 Census: 44 Church Street, Bishops Castle, Shropshire (S4). Listed as Richard C. Wyers age 22 a married commercial traveling needle born in Redditch living as a lodger.

· 1851 Census: 18 Evesham Road, Redditch (S4). Listed as Elizabeth Wyers age 22 married listed as a commercial traveler’s wife born in Redditch with 1 child: Elizabeth C.

· 1861 Census: 196 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as Richard C. Wyers age 32 a needle manufacturer born in Redditch and his wife Betsy age 32 born in Redditch and 7 children: Richard C., Thomas F., Edward F., Elizabeth C, Ann F., Fanny C. and Mary A. C.

· 1871 Census: 106 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as Richard Wyers age 42 a needle manufacturer employing 6 persons born in Redditch and his wife Betsey age 42 born in Redditch and 9 children: Elizabeth Carew, Ann Field, Fanny Carew, Mary Ann Carew, Alice Field, Catherine Carew, Elenor Carew, Harold Ridon and Richard Carew.

· 1881 Census: 41 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as Richard Wyers age 52 needle manufacturer born in Redditch with wife Elizabeth age 52 born in Redditch and 11 children: Thomas F, Edward F., Betsey Carew, Ann F., Fanny C., Mary A. C., Alice F., Richard C., Catherine C., Eleanor C. and Oscar C.

· Richard Wyers’ Death: 2nd QTR 1883 Bromsgrove at age 55 (S5d). Listed as Richard Crew Wyers. June 18, 1883 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S6). Listed as Richard Wyers.

· Death Notice: June 23, 1883 in the Redditch Indicator newspaper (S=on microfilm at the Redditch Library). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers of 41 Unicorn Hill age 55 years.

· Burial: Plymouth Road Cemetery (S=personal visit to the cemetery in 2018).

· Probate: October 3, 1883 Worcester. Listed as Richard Wyers late of Unicorn Hill Redditch a needle manufacturer proved by Betsy Wyers of Unicorn Hill widow sole executrix. Personal Estate: £2,358.

· 1891 Census: 108 Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S4). Listed as Elizabeth Wyers age 61 a widow living on own means born in Redditch with 7 children: Thomas, Mary Ann, Alice, Richard, Catherine, Eleanor and Oscar.

· Wife Elizabeth Wyers’ Death: September 3, 1898 (S6).

· Wife Elizabeth Wyers’ Probate: November 17, 1898 London (S6). Listed as Elizabeth Wyers widow from Redditch to Annie Field Wyers spinster. Effects £164.

· Wife Elizabeth Wyers’ burial: September 6, 1898 St. Stephens, Redditch (S1d).

· Children:

1. Elizabeth/Betsy Carew Wyers (c1850/51-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

2. Ann Field Wyers (c1852/53-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

3. Richard Carew Wyers (c1854-1864). Born in Redditch (S4). Died: November 10, 1864 Claines, Droitwich (S8d), listed as Richard Carew Wyers age 10 the son of Richard Wyers a needle manufacturer.

4. Thomas Field Wyers (c1855-1931) - see generation 3.

5. Fanny Carew Wyers (c1856/57-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

6. Edward Field Wyers (1857-1908) - see generation 3.

7. Mary Ann Carew Wyers (c1861-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

8. Alice Field Wyers (c1863-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

9. Harold Picton Wyers (1864-1915) - see generation 3.

10. Richard Carew Wyers (1866-1894) - see generation 3.

11. Catherine Carew Wyers (c1867-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

12. Eleanor Carew Wyers (c1869/70-??). Born in Redditch (S4).

13. Oscar Carew Wyers (1871-1952) - see generation 3.

Generation 3: Thomas Field Wyers (1855-1931) and Elizabeth ????? (c1857-??)

· Born: 2nd QTR 1855 Bromsgrove (S5b). Listed as Thomas Field Wyers. March 16, 1855 (S1c).

· Baptized: October 5, 1880, St. Nicholas, Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland (S1c). Listed as Thomas Field Wyers with parents Richard Carew Wyers and Elizabeth Wyers.

· 1861 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Thomas Wyers age 6 scholar born in Redditch.

· 1871 Census: 71 Stony Gate, Knighton, Leicestershire (S4). Listed as Thomas Wyers age 15 a scholar born in Redditch.

· 1881 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Thomas F. Wyers age 26 a commercial traveler needle trade born in Redditch.

· 1891 Census: listed with mother (S4). Listed as Thomas Wyers age 36 single living on own means born in Redditch.

· Marriage: not found.

· 1901 Census: 185 Evesham Road, Headless Cross/Upper Ipsley (S4). Listed as Thomas Wyers age 46 boarder living on own means born in Redditch.

· 1911 Census: not found.

· Death: Registered September 1931 Alcester at age 76 (S5d). Listed as Thomas F. Wyers. Aug. 8, 1931 at Brook Villa, Birmingham Road, Studley (S6).

· Probate: September 2, 1931 London (S6). Listed as Thomas Field Carew Wyers of 3 Church Road, Redditch to Annie Field Wyers spinster. Effects: £2,670.

Generation 3: Edward Field Wyers (1857-1908) and Alice/Lizzie Austin (c1866-??)

· Born: 2nd QTR 1857 Bromsgrove (S5b).

· Baptized: not found.

· 1861 Census: with parents (S4). Listed as Edward F. Wyers age 5 born in Redditch.

· 1871 Census: Church End, Hanley Castle, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Edwd Wyers age 13 scholar born in Redditch.

· 1881 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Edward F. Wyers age 23 a clerk needle trade born in Redditch.

· Marriage: May 12, 1888 Birmingham (S8m). Listed as Edward Wyers age 28 a bachelor printer/pointer?? whose father was listed as Richard Wyers (deceased) and Lizzie Humphries age 23.

· 1891 Census: Adelaide Street Back 13, Redditch (S4). Listed as Edward Wyers age 33 living on own means born in Redditch with wife Lizzie age 25 born in Redditch.

· 1901 Census: 19 Adelaide Street Back, Redditch (S4). Listed as Edward Wyers age 43 living on own means born in Redditch with wife Lizzie age 35 born in Redditch.

· Death: 3rd QTR 1908 Bromsgrove at age 51 (S5d). Listed as Edward Field Wyers. July 31, 1908 (S6).

· Probate: October 1, 1908 London (S6). Listed as Edward Field Wyers of Redditch to William Howard Adams needle manufacturer and John Alfred Hill manufacturer’s manger. Effects: £1,527.

· Children: none

Generation 3: Harold Picton Wyers (1864-1915) and Maud ?? (c1867-??)

· Born: 1st QTR 1864 Bromsgrove (S5b). Listed as Harold Picton Wyers. February 9, 1864 (S1c).

· Baptized: not found.

· 1871 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Harold Picton Wyers age 7 scholar born in Redditch.

· 1881 Census: not found.

· Baptized: May 29, 1881 Hockley, All Saints, Birmingham (S1c). Listed as Harold Pieton Wyers with parents Richard and Elizabeth Wyers a needle manufacturer living on Harding Street.

· Marriage: not found.

· 1891 Census: 7 Hanbury Wharf, Hadzor, Droitwich, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Harold Picton Wyers age 27 a licensed victular born in Redditch with wife Maud age 24 born in Dudley, Staffordshire.

· 1901 Census: 16 High Street, Droitwich, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Harold Wyers age 37 a licensed victualler employer born in Redditch with wife Maud age 34 born in Dudley, Staffordshire and 5 children: Charles, George Robert, Edward, and Hubert.

· Death: 4th QTR 1915 Whitchurch, Shropshire at age 51 (S5d). Listed as Harold P. Wyers.

· Probate: not found.

· Children:

1. Charles Wyers (c1892-??). Born in Hadzor (S4).

2. George Wyers (c1894-??). Born in Hadzor (S4).

3. Robert Wyers (c1895-??). Born in Hadzor (S4).

4. Edward Wyers (c1898-??). Born in Hadzor (S4).

5. Hubert Wyers (c1900-??). Born in Droitwich (S4).

Generation 3: Richard Carew Wyers (1866-1899)

· Born: 2nd QTR 1866 Bromsgrove (S5b). Listed as Richard C. Wyers.

· Baptized: September 22, 1883 Norton Lindsey, Warwickshire (S1c). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers with parents Richard Carew Wyers and Elizabeth Wyers.

· 1871 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers age 5 a scholar born in Redditch.

· 1881 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Richard C. Wyers age 15 a scholar born in Redditch.

· 1891 Census: listed with mother (S4). Listed as Richard Wyers age 25 living on own means born in Redditch.

· Death: 3rd QTR 1894 Bromsgrove at age 28 (S5d). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers. August 5, 1894 at Unicorn Hill, Redditch (S6).

· Probate: October 20, 1899 London (S6). Listed as Richard Carew Wyers of Mt. Pleasant, Redditch to Annie Field Wyers spinster. Effects: £861

Generation 3: Oscar Carew Wyers (1871-1952) and Maria Wilkes Days (c1877-??)

· Born: 3rd QTR 1871 Bromsgrove (S5b). Listed as Oscar Carew Wyers.

· Baptized: not found.

· 1881 Census: listed with parents (S4). Listed as Oscar C. Wyers age 9 scholar born in Redditch.

· 1891 Census: listed with mother (S4). Listed as Oscar Wyers age 18 fishing tackle warehouseman born in Redditch.

· Marriage: to Maud Wilkes Days 4th QTR 1898 Bromsgrove (S5m). Listed as Oscar Carew Wyers.

· 1901 Census: 32 Flyford Flavell, Worcestershire (S4). Listed as Oscar Wyers age 29 living on own means born in Redditch with wife Maud Wyers age 24 born in Astwood Bank and 1 child: Kathleen. (Note: wife’s name is incorrectly listed as Maria in the census index).

· 1911 Census: Newbold on Stour, Halford, Stratford on Avon, Warwickshire (S4). Listed as Oscar Wyers age 39 living on private means born in Redditch with wife Maud Wilkes age 36 born in Feckenham and 1 child: Kathleen Maud. Indicated they had been married 13 years and had two children of which was still living.

· 1939 England and Wales Register: Callow Hill “Ivycote”, Kidderminster, Worcestershire (S=ancestry.com). Listed as Oscar C. Wyers born June 5, 1871 living on private manes with Maud W. Wyers born on June 13, 1876 and Kathleen Wyers born January 5, 1900.

· Death: Registered June 1952, Malvern, Worcestershire at age 80 (S6). Listed as Oscar C. Wyers. April 26, 1952 Gloucestershire (S6).

· Probate: July 10, 1952 Gloucester (S6). Listed as Oscar Carew Wyers of Sunnyside Ripple near Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire to Midland Bank Executor and Trustee Company Limited and Kathleen Mary Satchwell spinster. Effects: £9,325.

· Children:

1. Kathleen Maud Wyers (c1899-??). Born in Redditch/Ipsley (S4).

2. Unknown (??-before 1911).

Needle Related Patents and/or Design Registration made by Wyers

· 1858 Design Registered: January 29, 1858 for a “Nonpareil” needle case (S=The National Archives, Kew).

Avery style needle cases with the Wyers name: Empress.

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Endnotes

[1] Pigot and Co’s National Commercial Directory, for 1828-9, page 872. Available at https://books.google.com. There was also a S. Wyers listed in 1820 and a Wyers in 1822 and 1823 but it is unclear how they are related to Richard Wyers. Copies available from Ray McLaren.

[2] Kelly’s Worcestershire Directory, 1912, page 232. Available at https://books.google.com.

[3] Pigot and Co’s National Commercial Directory, for 1828-9, page 872. Available at https://books.google.com.

[4] Pigot and Co’s Royal National and Commercial Directory and Topography of the Counties of ..Warwickshire, …Worcestershire, 1842, page 29 of the Worcestershire section. Available at https://books.google.com.

[5] Jones’s Mercantile Directory of the Iron District of South Staffordshire and East Worcestershire, 1865, page 139. Available at https://books.google.com.

[6] The Commercial Directory and Shippers Guide, 1877, page 485 lists Richard Wyers at Albert Works on Unicorn Hill. Available at https://books.google.com.

[7] The Post Office Directory of Worcestershire, by Kelly and Co., 1876, pages 1037 and 1039. Available at https://books.google.com.

[8] The Post Office Directory of Worcestershire, by Kelly and Co., 1892, page 177. Available at https://books.google.com

[9] The Post Office Directory of Worcestershire, by Kelly and Co., 1892, page 180. Available at https://books.google.com.

[10] Kelly’s Directory of Worcestershire, by Kelly’s Directories Limited, 1900, page 209. Available at https://books.google.com.

[11] Catalogue of Wyers High Grade Anglers Specialties. Page 103 claims the company had been producing fishing tackle for 25 years. Page 224 contains a small paragraph about needle cases also available through the company. Available at https://books.google.com.

[12] Catalogue of Wyers High Grade Anglers Specialties. The third page from the beginning which are not numbered. Available at https://books.google.com.

[13] Catalogue of Wyers High Grade Anglers Specialties. The third page from the beginning which are not numbered. Available at https://books.google.com.

[14] Kelly’s Worcestershire Directory, 1912, page 232. Available at https://books.google.com.

[15] Patrick Chester at the Forge Mill Needle Museum provided information about the location of the original Wyers Unicorn Hill factory. The date the cinema was built came from the Internet.

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