Category Trap Making

Trap Making, Wednesfield

It’s a Rat Trap and We’ve Been Caught

A number of myths, narratives and assumptions about trap making have developed over the years. The repetition of these stories has reinforced a belief in their validity and have done a disservice to Wednesfield and the former trap makers. I outline and re-examine three of the narratives concerning the historical timeline, the nature of the industry and the dismissal of traps as inhumane and a forgettable part of Black Country history.

Trap Making, Wednesfield, Williams

43 Taylor Street – Wednesfield

Wednesfield was once the world centre of the trap making industry. Once threatened by demolition, the home and business of John Williams & Son at 43 Taylor Street is now the last remaining site of a trap works in Wednesfield.

19th Century Working Lives, Trap Making, Wednesfield, Williams

John Williams & Son – Trap Makers

The story of the business established by my great great grandfather, John Williams. John learnt the skills of trap making as an apprentice in Wednesfield and went on to build a successful business in Wednesfield which traded until 1966.