Comments on: Frost Bros, Rope Makers & Yarn Spinners

By: patrick kingwell

patrick kingwell — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:43:15 +0000

I am researching the history of Southwark Park in Bermondsey. There was a Frost’s ropery nearby in the 1860s. Could it be owned by the same family?

Thank you.

By: John M Glover

John M Glover — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 21:02:11 +0000

In 1966 I married Josephine Victoria frost, only daughter of Rebecca and Alfred Douglas Frost.
His great grandfather was one of several brothers who were involved in the Fost brothers rope works. Unfortunately one of the brothers was not too bright, and to give him a job in the company he was made chief officer of the company fire brigade.
Douglas Frost had little if any knowledge of that part of his family,however, somehow he passed to me a watercolour of Frost the fire chief, an illustrated catalogue of the company works etc, and a very interesting Pedigree of Frost … dating around 1668 to 1880’s , which at the moment is being framed to protect it from further deteriation.Should any of this be of interest , please do not hesitate to get in touch.

By: John Allen

John Allen — Sun, 23 Feb 2020 20:30:14 +0000

My great great and great grandfathers were ropemakers. in the following census my great grandad changed careers and become a master plasterer! They lived in Narrow Street according to the Census and other searches. I’m sure one of them is pictured in two of the pictures. I can only dream and wonder. thanks for posting these pictures.

By: david lee,

david lee, — Sat, 02 Feb 2019 23:28:00 +0000

my grandfather, edwin hales, was a ropemaker, in east london, what great photos, and a great product, david grandson,

By: Gillian Pattenden

Gillian Pattenden — Wed, 18 Jul 2018 08:41:29 +0000

very interesting. My mother and grandmother both worked in the British Rope Works in Charlton in the 1940s. Although this was later than the period shown in your photos, it has given me a good idea of the process involved. How I wish I had spoken to these ladies about the place and the work.

By: Sharon Hill

Sharon Hill — Sat, 29 Jul 2017 08:39:57 +0000

Wow thank you.My great great grandfather was a rope maker around Bermondsey so very helpful .

By: Maralyn P,umb

Maralyn P,umb — Sat, 10 Sep 2016 13:25:44 +0000

I found the photos and information very interesting. I have been researching my ancestors among them, Spillman, Day, Pope, Edwards. So many of them were involved in rope making in Camberwell and thereabouts. So pleased I found this site, very informative. Thanks.

By: NIki Holmes

NIki Holmes — Thu, 08 Sep 2016 22:14:57 +0000

I have been researching my family tree and have found that many generations of one branch of my family (Spillman – spelt in various ways) were twine and rope makers in the East End of London.

Seeing theses images has given me a greater feel and empathy with how life must have been for them all. Perhaps they are even IN some of these photographs!

By: Achim

Achim — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 11:02:49 +0000

Fascinating!

Love & Peace
ACHIM

By: Caroline Bottomley

Caroline Bottomley — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 09:02:32 +0000

5th picture!
haha