Mark Foundry
Foundry in Mark, near Highbridge, Somerset
Mark is a long linear village, and the foundry was located at the western end, on Mark Causeway, 1.1 miles west of the junction with Albert Causeway. It was on the north side of the road, nearly opposite the Methodist Chapel. The 1885 O.S. map on the National Library of Scotland website here shows the location, and allows a modern satellite view to be superimposed. The main building has been demolished and a leisure centre built on the site, but houses on the foundry site remain, one being named Foundry Cottage. Another has cast iron features which are likely to have been made at the foundry, including two gateposts marked 'Mark 1875'.
1864 Bath and West of England Society annual exhibition - exhibits: 'Albert Day, Mark Foundry, Mark, Bridgwater, Somerset. — Double-roller apple mill, with stone rollers, haymaking machine, improved and manufactured by the exhibitor, gently raises and turns the hay without beating out the seeds ; Day's improved horse rake No. 1, collects the hay and clean rakes the ground by once going over it; Day's double cheese press, improved and manufactured by the exhibitor.' [1]
1893 'Mr. Albert Day, of Mark, one of the best known figures in agricultural engineering centres in the West of England, died on Monday aged 85.' [2]
1920 Death of John Day, senior partner in Albert Day & Sons. [3]
1922 'Deep regret has been occasioned in Mark and district at the death of Mr. George Albert Day, from heart failure. The deceased was the surviving head of the firm of Messrs. Albert Day and Sons, ironfounders, one the oldest and best known village works in the country. Mr. G. A. Day was for a generation the senior steward of the Mark Wesleyan Methodist Church and a foundation trustee.[4]
1923 Advertisement: 'ESTATE OF JOHN AND ALBERT DAY, DECEASED
MARK FOUNDRY, Within Two Miles of the Market Town and Shipping Wharves of Highbridge, and the Railway Station at Bason Bridge.
IMPORTANT SALE of those Old-established BUSINESS PREMISES, known as " MARK FOUNDRY," with certain TRADE UTENSILS and NEW STOCK, also the FOUNDRY HOUSE, COTTAGES, Close Rich PASTURE LAND, the whole with Early Vacant Possession.
J. H. PALMER & SONS have instructions from the Executors to SELL BY AUCTION. at the Railway Hotel. Highbridge, Tuesday, 13th February, 1921, at Two o'clock in the Afternoon, in the following or other Lots as may be decided upon :—
LOT 1.—MARK FOUNDRY, together with the two Steam Engines, 3 Cupolas Lathes, and other Fixtures, also including the Goodwill. The Premises have a frontage of 107ft., and a depth 140 ft.
Lot 2.—A Well-built RESIDENCE, known as "Foundry House."
LOT 3. - A Close of Rich PASTURE LAND, measuring 4a. 2r. 35p.
Lot 4.—Two Well-built COTTAGES.
The whole of the above Properties are within a ring fence.
To view apply Mr. F. Binning, Mark. and. further particulars may be obtained from the Auctioneers, at Burnham-on-Sea, or from MESSRS. BURROWS & HUTTON. Solicitors, Wedmore.' [5]
1924 Advertisement: 'TO CHEESEMAKERS. —Day's Double and Single CHEESE PRESSES in Stock, immediate delivery. Repairs of all descriptions carried out promptly.— Mark, Foundry. Mark, Somerset.' [6]
1924 Advertisement: 'DAY'S APPLE MILLS. Immediate delivery. All parts in stock. Castings of all description at short notice — Apply Manager, Mark Foundry, near Highbridge, Somerset.' [7]
After 1929 the foundry was managed by the Wensley family of Mark [8]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Western Gazette, 18 June 1864
- ↑ Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette - Thursday 30 November 1893
- ↑ Shepton Mallet Journal - Friday 8 October 1920
- ↑ Wells Journal - Friday 17 November 1922
- ↑ Western Gazette, 9 February 1923
- ↑ Western Gazette, 29 February 1924
- ↑ Western Gazette, 29 August 1924
- ↑ A Guide to the Industrial Archaeology of Somerset, Editor - Peter Daniel, AIA, 2019, entry S18.2