Stroud Local History Society: Bring Holloway ledgers home

A FASCINATING collection of ledgers from Holloway Brothers clothing manufacturer has come to light in the Midlands, and Stroud Local History Society want to bring them back to Stroud, to be available for local research.

The 15 books include account and minute books, and range from 1850s to 1970s.

Some photos are on our website: stroudlocalhistorysociety.org.uk - look for news on the home page.

Holloways started in Stroud in 1849 and became a world-wide company.

In the 1890s they employed 1,500 people at factories in Threadneedle Street and Brickrow, and made uniforms in the first world war.

They were taken over by EM Hammersley in 1963 (in the Midlands) and finally closed in 1975.

The Holloways were pioneers

• in business - George and Henry claimed to be the first in the world to use steam power for sewing machines,

• in politics - George created the Stroud Conservative Working-Man’s Association, and was an MP for Stroud;

• and in social reform - George started a Sick Benefit Society, and built houses for working men.

Holloways were a very important Stroud company and George Holloway's statue stands in Rowcroft near Holloway House.

The dealer is asking £400 for the collection, or he will split it up.

If you have an interest in this collection, or have any information or stories, please contact us by phone 01453 759641 or email: contact@stroudlocalhistorysociety.org.uk

Donations are welcome to help us bring this important collection back to Stroud.