Page 16 - Redditch People

Redditch People

moved. The workforce numbered about thirty and the company was then split into three
departments, rod, float and hook making.

Samuel lived close by in Clive House and was always on hand to make sure that they were
well looked after.

As his fortunes improved he built a larger property, ‘The Cedars’ on the edge of town less
than a mile from the factory. The Cedars had a large park and a long drive down to Hewell
Road. It is now a nursing home.

Samuel Allcock’s first wife died and in 1878 he remarried.

Samuel took his civic responsibilities seriously and was somewhat ahead of his time when
it came to workers welfare. When family festivities took place the whole of the workforce
was invited. Samuel was from the age of twenty, superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday
School.

The magazine ‘Land & Water’ said in August 1879 that Allcocks were the largest
manufacturer of tackle in the world with a work force that now numbered over 400.

In 1882 the Standard Work Sick and Dividend Society was formed to ensure that workers
would benefit when ill. All excess funds were paid out to the workers as a Christmas bonus.

In July 1889 Redditch received a visit from the Shah of Persia. When he arrived at the
Railway Station he was met by two members of the County Council, V. Milward and S.
Allcock, both local manufacturers and both serving the community.

In May 1891 there occurred an event which was to feature regularly in the history of the
company, a fire. It also caused the railway to be closed as the track distorted with the
heat.

On September 17th. 1899 the seventieth birthday of Samuel Allcock was celebrated along
with the sixtieth year in business. He put up two great marquees at his residence “The
Cedars” and provided the Town Band to play music.

Samuel survived into the 20th Century and died in 1910 at he age of 81.

Page: 16 © RLHS 2015