William Wilkinson & Sons Ltd
The Wilkinsons manufactured shears (and knives) in Grimesthorpe. The foundation date was commonly given as 1750; though 1730 was occasionally cited in the firm’s advertisements. Paul Wilkinson (1729-1813), shear maker in Grimesthorpe, appeared in the local directory (1787). He used his full name as a trade mark. His father was John Wilkinson (1688-1772), who was a nailor. It is possible that the family was descended from a branch of the Wilkinson family at Ecclesfield. Leader (1905-6....
