| Administrative History | The records were found on the premises of Ladywood Properties Ltd, Ripley. The exact identification of the records is not clear, but one of the volumes seems to be for H Crossley & Co, described in trade directories, 1887-1904, as manufacturers of silk and cotton boot laces and mohair braids. There are references to other firms in trade directories, such as James Crossley, later James Crossley & Son, manufacturers of silk and cotton, and later cotton wicks and silk and cotton braids, from 1855 to 1899. From 1903-1925, the firm's name was Morgan Crossley & Co Ltd, candlewick and lamp and sponge cloth manufacturers. There was also another firm called Ripley Manufacturing Co, described first of all as hair and fibre cloth manufacturers, then hair and fibre cloth and plaited candlewick manufacturers, in trade directories from 1899 onwards until at least 1941. |
| Custodial History | The records were deposited in the Record Office on 2 Aug 1989. |