Genealogy Chat

I have found a relation as a Silk Weaver in USA Paterson Passaic New Jersey who was originally from the UK. Can someone please give me a tip where he could possibly be from with this occupation? Many thanks Katrina Australia

Katrina There was a large population of silk weavers in the East End of London, Spitalfields area, that arrived as Hugenots fleeing from persecution in Louis XIV's reign in France. Not sure whether there would be others. You could try googling. nell

Although it is more famous for cotton, there were also silk weavers in Lancashire. Do you have details of who you are looking for? Maybe we could do an name and occupation search on the 1881 census. Louise

With out more info its imposable to say as there were Silk weavers all over the country.

I believe Coventry was renowned for silk weaving around the late 19th century. Mary

I think Macclesfield football club's nickname is the Silkmen. There were also silk mills north of Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

I believe that Macclesfield was the centre for silk weaving. There is a silk museum in Macclesfield. I should try Google and see if it is on the web. Mary

thanks everyone for your help katrina

My ancestors were from Bradford and worked as silk weavers. Most likely at Manningham mills, where listers velvet was made.

Hi Katrina, Have you ever wondered why in Oz linen is called Manchester. Manchester (UK) was a great exporter of linen and probably silk too. :-) Mel in Oz.

At one point there Canterbury, Kent was the centre of the silk weaving industry. I'm still trying to prove that the Macaree's of Canterbury became my Macaree's of Bethnal Green. (If you look on the IGI the Macaree's of Kent were worshipping in the Huguenot Chapels, I guess along with the french silk weavers)

They were all over Britain...whereever there was a mill that made that type of cloth. My Aunt died through an accident working a French Drawing machine and that was in Halifax. Anne :))

Macclesfield and Congleton were very big in the silk and cotton trade. Nearly all of my rellies on my Mum's side were fustian cutters or silk hands. I live in Congleton and i've recently had to watch a building contractor pull down our one of our largest cotton factories. It was especially heart wrenching for me as my parents met there! sorry, i'm rambling again - i leave you in peace now! c x

Hi Katrina, There were silk weavers in the Sudden District of Rochdale, Lancashire England, and the mill was situated on Silk Street, (it figures!!)which disapeared in the 1960's to make way for road widening.The 1881 census for this area has a great number of silk weavers in an area more generally known for cotton. Sheila.