Oborne & Gunning
Walter Oborne (1722-22 May 1778) and Thomas Gunning were ironmongers, who were active in the 1750s and 1760s. Their existence was directly related to the increase in economic activity in Sheffield, triggered by the Huntsman crucible steel process and the import of Swedish iron. Oborne owed his rise to the Parkin family – especially Elizabeth Parkin (1703-1766), who was a Rotherham heiress and Oborne’s relative (perhaps aunt). Oborne inherited her estate in 1766 (Wallis, 1952-57). A d....
