Old toolbox from Goldthorpe & Shuttleworth, Grimsby c1900.

A beautifully made, metal toolbox. Inside is a label which reads, “Goldthorpe & Shuttleworth, ironmongers, 10 Old Market Place, Grimsby”. Goldthorpe & Shuttleworth went into business in c1895 and the partnership was dissolved in 1906.

The box was painted red many years ago. The inside of the box is the original red-brown colour. The complete lack of damage to the inside suggests that the box was not used to hold metal objects.

After 1906, the business became J. Goldthorpe, ironmonger, cutler, etc., 9 Old Marker Place. The Bolton Hotel (H. Smith) was at 10 Old Market Place. In 1921, the business was named Goldthorpe & Disney, plumbers and ironmongers, 9 & 10 Old Market Place. In 1937, it was back to just J. Goldthorpe again. In 1958, 9 Old Market Place was occupied by J. R. Cook, motor and cycles (and J. Maurice, ladies hairdresser) and 10 Old Market Place was occupied by F. A. Would Ltd., hardware, crockery, cutlery etc. (and also Co-operative Insurance Society). Chambers and their Tudor Café was next door. The location at 9-10 Old Market Place is now occupied by Sense charity shop, a much later building.