Can you tell us more about mustard production in Bradwell? When was it produced and by who? If you can tell us more please get in contact via the Contact Us link.
What we know at present (mainly from census records) is that this was probably the work of the Foulkes family who lived in the village, headed by a coal carrier from Fenny Stratford called Thomas Foulkes (born 1869). This family had children born in Bradwell, James 1895, Lilian R, 1897 and Frank, 1900, Gladys, 1903.
More likely would be probable relatives from Fenny Stratford, the Foolks family who have been recorded as living in Old Bradwell from the nineteenth century through to the mid-20th century. James Foolks, born Fenny Stratford, was a platelayer who lived in the village from at least the 1894s, when he and his wife Elizabeth’s son, Charley, was born in the village. Other children were born in 1888, Annie, May, 1900 and 1903, Rosy. Another son, Edwin (born 1886 in Fenny Stratford) became a dairyman in Bradwell and his brother Alfred, born 1898 in Bradwell, farmed. By 1921 Edwin was being described on the census as a farmer and employer and Alfred as unemployed. He was a Special Constable (Bucks Standard 3 May 1930) and married a native of Old Bradwell, Gladys Stallard. She was active in the British Legion and the Conservative Party. In 1942 Edwin was described in the Bucks Standard, 25, July 1942, as ‘a well known dairy farmer’. No link has been made to mustard production.
A recent recollection is that ‘Edwin Foolks farmed at Old Bradwell and made mustard’.
The container appears to be one produced by at the Wilnecote Works by George Skey of Tamworth, whose company was established in 1860.
In 1950 bovine tuberculosis testing, which had been available since the 1920s, became mandatory. This advertisement (source: Wolverton Express 21 April 1950) for a dairy herd which had a ‘very good T-Test’ indicates compliance with the new law. The 64-year old Edwin George Foulks was by this time widowed and had moved to the large farm, later a YHA, in Bradwell. He does not appear to have advertised his mustard, although Colman’s product was advertised in the local press as was Taylor’s Mustard.
Mustard production is often associated with east England, particularly the Colman’s of Carrow, Norwich. However, from 1830 William Taylor (an apothecary and chemist on the High Street in Newport Pagnell) sold the first ready prepared English mustard. The mustard was produced in Newport Pagnell for over 170 years.
Thanks to Paul (whose hand is grasping the Old Bradwell pot) and Dianne for help with this request for assistance. More here.