Re: Local History question
 

No
The ones you saw in the Jubilee Book is where the Accy Co-op was formed.
That lot were demolished when they built the filling station on Abbey St, next to where the New Jerusalem Church was
The steps in the puzzle picture are more worn and were there about 7 years ago.

Keep guessing.
Retlaw.

Re: Local History question
 

see. I know the answer Retlaw, but I am not a "sneak" like you, so my lips are sealed! :-)

Re: Local History question
 

Still searching for this !! Trying to get down Accy to search as figure must be around the Oak Street/Black Abbey area.

Up to press, remembered your thread on yards, and Atarah put a 'photo up of Hall's Yard ... but seems pulled down.:( Constructions are very similar to your 'photo Retlaw ... wondered if I am getting warmer ?

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ton-36655.html

Re: Local History question
 

You are getting a bit warmer.
Accrington back in the early 1900's had quite a few yards and courts with stone steps to the upper floor.
Not only did pepole live in back to back houses, some were divided top and bottom, there were even cellar dwellings, I photographed one or two over the years, they still had the fire places intact.

Retlaw.

Re: Local History question
 

Must have been awful living in a cellar ! Did they have fireplaces in these, and what sort of outlet for the smoke would they have ?

Still searching for those blooming steps ... will solve am determined.

Re: Local History question
 

Yes those that I have seen had the black cast iron fireplaces, the flues followed the line of the upstairs rooms .
If you want to know what conditions were like in Acc in the mid 1800's, go to the library and ask to see the Babidge report on health in Acc.

Retlaw

Re: Local History question
 

Can anyone explain the difference between cellar accommodation and a basement flat?

Re: Local History question
 

If it up north of Watford then its a cellar dwelling.
If its down steps from street level, South of Watford then its a basement apartment or flat.

Them Southern Jessies don't like being compared to us common lot.

Retlaw

Re: Local History question
 

I regard the difference as-
cellars are only accessible from inside a property
basements have access from outside and maybe inside too

Re: Local History question
 

I just take it to mean the terminology "basement flat" is a modern day version of a "cellar dwelling".

But cellar dwellings would have had the old slop stone sinks, cold running water, no light, cramped conditions (Victorian families tended to be very large), - at the most two rooms, not very pleasant places to live I should imagine.

Re: Local History question
 

Thee were two properties in Church St Acc, that were classed as cellar dwellings, they were accessable from from steps railed of from the pavement, they are on an old street plan of Acc dated circa 1848. I went in one of them about 3 years ago whilst the property was being done up, took some photo's, but can't think where I put them.
The occupiers of the next property would'nt let me see them.
There is also one under the bottom shop in Warner St which used to be office supplies

Retlaw

Re: Local History question
 

You mean Tattersalls's Typewriter shop, I've been in that cellar as well. I took piccy's too but wish I could travel back in "The Tardis" and seen how the poor tenants actually lived!

Re: Local History question
 

Am I good, or am I gooood ??

Found it .. nah! nah ! Of course, this commanded extensive research intertwined with a street survey. Does Jacob Street Mews ring a bell ?... :)

To prove it here is an up-to-date photo hot out of my camera today :

Attachment 14637

Thanks to the resident for allowing me to take this image.

Just a "Well done Kate" will do Retlaw, as know you don't care for the karma system .. :D

Re: Local History question
 

Here is an outside view of a cellar dwelling. Not all could be seen as this, but this may help you to visualise.

Re: Local History question
 

Took you long enough. Looks like they had the old steps replaced & gone upmarket by calling it a Mews, Back Jacob St, was its proper name, and had been for 180 years.

Retlaw.
Do you want another picture to search for.