Hi Sandra and Janet,. Our MONKs in Minchinhampton were blacksmiths for generations but their children either emigrated to New Zealand or went to Birmingham. One daughter and granddaughter worked as curtain pin or pearl button makers in the Ladywood area. Another was a Hair Plaiter (for wigs?) The daughter's husband who was born in Hereford was by 1871 a Metal Roller. His son was employed as a Bronzer and Polisher, another a Fork Polisher presumably in the cutlery trade.. I guess it was happening everywhere with changed farming methods; people forced off the land to find work in the towns and cities. I couldn't see a direct link to Birmingham but perhaps jobs were advertised. Does anyone know? Best Wishes, Jane > From: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [GLS] Seeking all Gloucestershire Smiths > To: [email protected] > > Hello Janet,> > My STAIT family moved from Gloucestershire to Manchester in the late > 1800's > and as far as I can tell, it was purely for work. Perhaps it was the > same > for your family. > > Sandra > > > Some interesting points arise from what has been discovered. The > Gloucestershire HESKINS family has no connection with Manchester, so I > wonder why they > moved there. >