Horn Working

Local Chronology

In "1800. (About). An Ivory Comb Manufactory was established in Kendal. Horn Combs were an early Kendal Manufactory."

From the Lancaster Gazette 15 August 1801 "A machine made by an ingenious mechanic at Chorley Moor, in this county, has lately been erected in Kendal, for cutting all kinds of ivory combs. (The 'ingenious mechanic' above named was Mr. Thomas Eastham, a gentleman who became well known and highly esteemed in Kendal for his scientific attainments and worthy character. The machine was set up for the late Mr. Ald. Berry, by whom the business was conducted for several years under the practical management of Mr. Eastham. He subsequently became a partner in the business, and died January 28, 1822, aged 48.)"

December 13 1823 "December 13th. A great fact is announced this week, much more important than any record of the fumes of rival newspaper indignation. Mr. Alder- man William Berry, ivory comb maker, of Stramon- gate, in this town, has set up a beautiful steam- engine of two and a-half horse power, which has the honour of being the first established in Kendal." (p.56)

and about the same event from the Appendix

1824 "The first steam engine erected in Kendal by Mr. Alderman Berry. It was used for cutting ivory combs."

1932 Also, from the Chronology August 11 1832 "The horn- comb manufactory of Mr. Benjamin Ion, behind Mr. William Richardson's tea and grocery shop, of this town, took fire one day last week; the loss is about 200l. (£200), but all is insured."

1834 "On Thursday the 10th April at the Kendal Borough Sessions a man named Thomas M'Connell was sent to the House of Correction for uttering a base coin to Mr. G. R. Greenhow, comb manufacturer, Kendal."

Kirkbie-Kendall_1900

Referring to 34 Highgate - "On the site of the tall narrow building adjoining, there used anciently to be a butcher's shop, a continuation indeed of the Butcher's Rows; but after the erection of the Old Shambles, the house became, together with a warehouse at the back, Benjamin Ion's horn comb manufactory. He it was who added the third storey and refronted the old house with dressed limestone. The warehouse had previously been used by Alderman Jackson Harrison, wine merchant and wholesale grocer."

Abbey Horn

The company moved from Gloucestershire to Kendal in 1932. Then owned by Percy Leresche, the firm merged with the old established horn comb works owned by James Troughton and Sons, making Jim Troughton a partner.

(The horn comb works was located at Bela Mill, Milnthorpeand is still operating but manufacturing plastic combs)

Interview with Paul Cleasby from Abbey Horn - Manufacturing since 1749