Limestone Date Stone - I.W. 1812 - Joseph Webster

Early 19th century Limestone, date stone from 1812. This stone comes from Penns Cottage of Penns Lane, Sutton Coldfield. The cottage was one of the dwellings built for workers of Joseph Webster's Wire Mills. The cottages were all demolished by the end of 1984. 'Penns Cottages stood end-on to Penns Lane, as shown in the sketch-plan overleaf. The house (Fig , overleaf) overlooking a flower garden and mature oaks, was attractive, with it's tall and imposing chimney stacks, low pitched slate roof, and general feeling of mellowness. When viewed from the front or east side. In the middle of this, above the 'front door', was the most eye catching and evocative item of all - an oval date stone with the inscription, I.W. 1812. An irresistible challenge to the enquiring mind....who was I.W.? The answer is: J.W. For the stone mason was using the roman form and so I.W. stood for Joseph Webster.' The stone has aged beautifully. Height: 53 cm Width: 40 cm Depth: 9 cm If you would like a delivery quote, please do get in touch. (last picture) Penns Lane Cottages, sketched by the late Jim May in 1984, stood next to the railway bridge in Penns Lane, the site now occupied by Arbor Court. Sources: https://sclhrg.org.uk/images/stories/proceedings/V1-Autumn_1992-1.pdf https://sclhrg.org.uk/history-spot/108-articles-281-320/1719-penns-lane-282.html https://sclhrg.org.uk/history-spot/101-articles-1-40/1885-penns-mill-27.html https://www.whgroup.org/timeline/