| Administrative History | William Fletcher was born in Heanor in July 29th 1845. He was the first child of John of Parkfields and his wife, Mary (nee Earnshaw). As he grew up he began to learn the art of lace making at his father's business on Tag Lane.
In 1871 William and his brother Thomas set up their own lace business, W & T Fletcher at New Street, Long Eaton. In 1881 they decided to enlarge their business, and moved into factory premises near the Railway Bridge on Osmaston Road, Derby. Trade continued to flourish, so William and Thomas decided to start lace manufacture in Russia. In 1887 they built and equipped a factory in Moscow.
However, after 'insoluble problems' and after a quarter-of-a-century in business together, the partnership between the brothers was dissolved.
Now fifty-two, William decided to look for suitable premises in which to restart business on his own account. Eventually he found a 'small uneconomic foundry' on Nottingham Road, Derby. He bought this site in 1899, and began to lay the foundations of the company which was to become known as William Fletcher and Sons (Derby) Ltd..
Profiting from his experiences in Moscow, he built houses for his employees and a works institute in 1904.
In 1912, the business became a limited liability company with William and his three sons John Thorpe, Thomas, and Joseph Edward as directors. All products were sent to Nottingham where an office and a warehouse were established. |
| Custodial History | These records were transferred from the Derby Local Studies Library in April 2000. |