In the 1841 Census, William Brookes (c.1780-1847) was a snuffer manufacturer.  His firm was listed from 1833 – first at Rockingham Street, then after the mid-1840s (by now ‘& Son’) at Howard Works, Carlisle Street, Spital Hill.   The products (many probably factored) included snuffers, nippers, nutcrackers, garden shears, tools chests, compasses, saws, files – besides scissors, razors, and table cutlery.  William’s sons in the firm included William Jun. (c.1805-1889) and Edward (1820-1898).   The founder died from ‘asthma’ in Rock Street on 9 December 1847, aged 67, and was buried in the General Cemetery.   The third generation (the sons of William Jun.) was involved by the 1850s, including William Henry Brookes (1831-?), John Shaw Brookes (1834-1907), and Edward Brookes (1836-1895).  According to the Census (1861), William employed 140 men.  After various partnership changes in the 1850s, the business was bankrupt by 1863.   However, William Brookes & Sons, Woodbourn Road, Attercliffe, continued to trade as an engineers’ tool manufacturer (or factor).  William Brookes Jun. died on 8 March 1889, aged 84, and was buried in the family grave in the General Cemetery.   William Brookes & Sons was active as a tool maker until 1946.