Photographs (4) of Edmonds agricultural engineering workshops, 19th Century

Four fascinating photographs of the engineering workshops of Edwin Hugh Edmonds of Lydiard Tregoze. Edwin ran a successful business manufacturing agricultural equipment.

The first and earliest photograph, although a little hard to see, contains a huge amount of detail. Several workmen are busy constructing carts, many of which can be seen in the foreground. It is believed that the workshops were opposite Hook Farm on Hook Street, Lydiard Tregoze.

The second image appears to show a horse being shod, to the right a sign appears to read Carpenter and Undertaker.

Members of the Edmonds family appear in the fourth photograph, proudly showing of the 'Edmonds Engineer' swing. The swing was made to advertise agricultural events. Business owner, Edwin Hugh Edmonds, can be seen seated alongside his wife Fanny, on the left of the picture.

The fourth and final image shows a group of young men and boys inside the workshop, including Edwin's sons, Fred (3rd from L); Edwin; William (4th from L); and Albert (5th from L); who are standing in the back row.

The workshops were relocated to Coped Hall, opposite the Prince of Wales pub, when Edwin moved his family to Coped Hall House. The workshops were situated behind the the house, some of which still remain in 2024