EHL325. SEALE AUSTEN & BARNES LTD - TONBRIDGE. 1903-1913. Mill Road, Eastbourne, near the junction with Hurst Road. what3words location: wipe.headed.steer

Condition: Worn and difficult to read wording (see Waterworks Road for a better example).

1864: The Tunbridge Wells Journal, January 28 advert ‘A. Seale, Ironfounder, Ironmonger, Smith, and Bellhanger, Tonbridge.  Engineers and the Trade supplied with Castings on the lowest terms.  Agricultural implements at Makers prices. Patent Kitcheners supplied and fixed.  Baths for sale or hire.’

1871 census: High Street, Tonbridge.
Anne Seale, Widow, 55, Ironmonger, Smith, and Iron & Brass Founder, employs 3 men & 1 boy in Foundry, born Kent, Sevenoaks.
Henry Seale, Son, Unmarried, 24, (works for mother Anne in foundry).
Anne Seale, Daughter, Unmarried, 22.
Clara Seale, Daughter, Unmarried, 18.

1881 census: High Street, Tunbridge.  (Note that Tunbridge was renamed Tonbridge in 1870 to avoid confusion with nearby Tunbridge Wells, but the old spelling was still used on various documents decades later).  Occupants are Anne Seale, 65, Ironmongers Widow, born Kent, Sevenoaks, and her 2 daughters.

1882 Kelly’s Directory of Kent.  Retail Ironmongers.  Seale Mrs. A. & Son, High Street, Tonbridge.

1891 Kelly’s Directory of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.  Iron Founders.  Seale A. & Son, 78 High Street & Botany, Tonbridge.

Between 1891 and 1903 Seale’s foundry merged with Austen’s.

1903 Kelly’s Directory of Kent.  Seale & Austen, 84 & 86 High Street & Botany, Tonbridge.

Between 1903 and 1913 Seale & Austen merged with Barnes foundry.

1913 Kelly’s Directory of Kent, Surrey, and Sussex.  Seale, Austen & Barnes Limited, 31 & 84 High Street, Tonbridge, listed under Iron Founders, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers.