Edward Driver
of Manchester
- Ruler makers
- Driver's Rule Works probably represents a 'dynasty' of ruler makers, with members of the Driver family as principals, although there is no suggestion from the evidence found so far that the turnover of this ruling family was anything but modest.
- Slater's Directory of Manchester & Salford, 1883 (Part 2) and 1886 (Part 2) list Edward Driver as a rule maker, working from 62 Hardman Street, off Deansgate, Manchester. Home address: 138 Great Jackson Street, Hulme. The 1891 census shows that Edward Driver and eight other family members lived there, including son Thomas, age 14, listed as an employee of Edward. By 1911 Edward had retired and was living at 2 Dalton Street. The 1911 census informs us that the house had just seven rooms. The works, at 62 Hardman Street, on the north side near to the junction with Gartside, could also be described as 'modest', judging by some 1895 photographs [1] [2] [3] [4] A sign proclaims 'Driver's Rule Works', and to avoid ambiguity, a large replica folding ruler adorned the wall which faced the street.
- The 1901 census shows son Edward and daughter Eliza employed as rule makers
- 1911 Slater's Manchester, Salford & Suburban Directory, 1911 (Part 3) shows that the business had moved to Wood Street, Hulme, probably No. 19, but No. 15 is also mentioned. This was a predominantly an area of high density housing, the houses being typically of the terraced or back-to-back type.
- Going back further in time, the 1851 census includes Thomas Driver, rule maker, living at 3 Park Place. In the 1861, one of his sons, also named Thomas, is listed as a rule maker employing 2 men. One of his sons was Edward. The address, presumably the home and business address, was 38 Lower Mosley Street. The 1871 census shows three rule makers in the family: Thomas senior and sons Thomas and Edward, living at 44 Lower Mosley Street. This address was on the west side of the street, and the premises would have been demolished to allow the construction of Manchester Central Station.