Minkley's Corner
John Minkley pictured with his scissor-grinding machine
The Skegness citizen of the present day who will qualify for posterity is a gentleman who, among other occupations, collects old clothes and old boots, to wit, a scissor grinder named Minkley.
At last Tuesday’s Skegness Petty Sessional Court, John Wagstaff, motor lorry driver, of 30 Cecil Avenue, Skegness, was summoned to answer a charge of driving a motor car in a manner dangerous to the public, at 11.15 a.m. on March 19th at Minkley’s Corner, Roman Bank. When the magistrate asked for precise information as to the location of Minkley’s Corner, Inspector Corden stated that it was the very precise bend around the old brick pit on Roman Bank, lying halfway between North Shore Road and Church Lane, being named after the scissor grinder, Minkley. Mr. Minkley pays no rates—the erection he occupies does not quite possess sufficient dignity to be assessed for rates—but at all events he has achieved a measure of fame not achieved by many ratepayers who have the “privilege” of contributing £100 or more every year to the General District Fund.
The defendant was represented by Mr. R. E. Frearson, who pleaded not guilty.
Source: Skegness News 16th April 1930
Below is a Google map of Roman Bank, showing the bend between North Shore Road and Church Lane. Perhaps the brick pit was in the triangular area near the red marker?
This is a new one to me. I know there was a brick pit where the allotments are now, but I have not heard of this one.
That’s the beauty of this game, Phil, turns up wonderful little gems like this, lol!
The article states ” the very precise bend AROUND the old brick pit”, – ie partially ENCIRCLING it, leading me to believe it was on the RIGHT side of Roman Bank, just in front of the Golf Links.
Yes, it would indicate it was there. I shall ask some locals who may actually remember and see if they can tell us exactly.
i know where the top of the chimney landed when it got brought down,have seen it for myself its now covered never to be seen again due to having been built on,i was thee when the footings for this new build were dug,i thought they were tunnels or sewers but loking at a picture of it topling and reading that the topmost section landed intact i know what i saw was that chimney.
Thanks, Mark.
I’ve reposted your comment here:
http://skegness.wordpress.com/2010/02/23/historical-records-buried-after-brickyard-chimney-felled/