I have just traced George Brown (my great Grandfather) to living and working in Southwell, Nottinghamshire in his fathers (William Brown) butchers shop in 1901. I visited the shop and slaughter yard seen in some old photos, and the shop is still a butchers shop today. I was also lucky to find a book of reminiscences which mentions "Butcher Brown" in the local library.
In 1905 George had married Rose Swain of Churton (shropshire) and by 1911 census he is recorded as living in Wem(shropshire) and working as a butcher. William dies in Southwell around 1922.
Any ideas as to how I might find out why George came to Shropshire? as this remains a mystery.
Mike, as Rose Swain and George William Brown were married in first quarter 1905 in Atcham District I assume that her stated birthplace was the Churton at Pulverbatch. Am unable at home to check 1891 and later Censuses but wonder if her father was George Swain who in 1881 was a well pump sinker living down the road at Longden. Obviously this was associated with the small collieries in the area and he may have later moved on - not of course that there was coal at Wem (only treacle as the leg-pull goes!).
Martyn
Looking at the 1891 and 1901 census Rose was the daughter of William and Elizabeth SWAIN ag lab.
In 1891 they were living at Smethcote in Hadnall parish and in 1901 they were living at Montford. By 1911 William was a widower living in Shrewsbury with one of his younger daughters.
George and Rose were living at 11 Weir Lane Wem in the 1911 census. There was no-one else in the house.
Unfortunately none of this seems to offer any clues to answer the original question.
Mike
Thank you both for your help and suggestions, I will try and follow up asap.
Kay
Hello Kay
Clutching at straws really but you might like to consider the following:-
Mike