past and present
Families
Downs
The Downs family are traditionally said to have come from Ireland to Bawtry in the 15th century and set up
as graziers.
1881 Census
In 1881 living at 18 Effingham St., Rotherham:
- William DOWNS hd M 35 Bawtry Butcher & Local Preacher
- Ann wf M 37 Rawmarsh
- Ellen d 12 Greasbro
- Joseph s 10
- Thos. Wm. s 9
- Frederick s 7
- George s 5
- Henry s 3
- John s 1 Rotherham
- Betsy SUTHERTON 16 Tipton, Staffs. dom serv
In 1867, William Downs set up as a butcher in Rotherham. Four of his sons followed him into the butchery
business.
One of these, Frederick (1873-1950), opened his own shop in Attercliffe in 1896 followed by further shops at
Tinsley
(c.1924) and Rawmarsh (1928).
In 1920 he purchased Flanderwell Farm at Bramley. He was succeeded by his son John Downs
(1907-73).
The Tinsley shop was compulsorily purchased in 1964 to make way for the Tinsley Viaduct of the M1 motorway. In the same year the Rawmarsh property was sold for redevelopment. The continued depopulation of Attercliffe made the Attercliffe shop increasingly uneconomic and it closed in 1970
Flanderwell Farm,was sold by auction on 26 February 1945
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