This is a photo of Jacob Bowhill, South Lopham blacksmith, outside his premises. A note on the reverse says “the smithy was still there 60s/70s”, but it is not certain whether that meant it was still operating or if it refers to the actual building. [This is wording that accompanied the photograph.]
A Family Historian narrative of Jacob’s life can be viewed here .
There is a doubt as to whether the blacksmith in the photo is Jacob. The age of the picture might be early to mid C20, when Jacob would possibly be in his 70’s or 80’s, also by 1932 he had died. Could the man be one of his sons, Albert William or Eaton Stanley, who became blacksmiths? Eaton Stanley died in 1924, and if the photo is 1930s or 40s then perhaps the blacksmith can only be Albert.
Reasoning from a friend: Having looked up the family on Ancestry, I see that the two sons had become blacksmiths – shown in 1911 Census. Father, Jacob, appears to have become a farmer (1929 County Directory) before he died. Jacob died in late 1932 and son Albert is described as a blacksmith plus another Bowhill (described as a horseman) are named in the probate document. The other (blacksmith) son Eaton Bowhill died in 1924. The 1939 registration still lists Albert as the blacksmith. I’m speculating the photo was taken circa 1933. My reasoning is that photos were often taken at special points in people’s lives so might have been shortly after Albert became the formal owner of the smithy. Were the double doors (central in the photo with the blacksmith) brand new, representing part of his fresh start for the business - by which he wanted to be known? Am I presuming too much? Looking at a photo that was known to have been taken in either 1932 or 1933, it showed the image quality local photographers could produce by that time, like that of this smithy. David.
A Family Historian narrative of Albert’s life can be viewed here .
Any help to resolve this would be welcomed.
Photo © Diane Davis, who has kindly allowed us to add this photo to the Lopham Project, many thanks go to her.
