Grade U
Last Nailmaker's Cottage, Far Moor
57,Church Street, WN5 8TG, Orrell
Listed Date: 00/00/0000
Part of Group:
At Risk: Yes
Part of Group:
At Risk: Yes
Description
History: The cottage, dated 1807, was the home of the Cadmans, who were well-known nailmakers/smiths. Orrell’s smithymen, better known as ‘Little Hammers’ or 'Little Ommers'. The craft of nail-making was a common activity in the villages around Wigan which began in the 14th century. Nail-making (and latterly bolt-making) ended in Orrell with the death of Sam Cadman, in 1962, who worked in the smithy behind this cottage.
The photos show the cottage how it is today (and currently up for sale, and at risk, as a development opportunity due to the large plot of land behind it), the Far Moor Smithymen (Sam, age 19 is 3rd from right), and Sam working in 1954 at the age of 75.
Images and text provided by Tony and Elaine Hanmer
