19th century Hornworking in Bewdley

Hornworking in Bewdley continued after the 18th century. Two local families, the Lankersters and Humpherstons continued the trade into the 19th century. The former Snuff Mill, in Golden Valley, changed its purpose and was used to cut the teeth of combs. A trade card of the last horn works run by the Humpherston Family shows the variety of products manufactured in the 19th century. These included powder horns and flasks, combs, shoehorns, spoons and containers for salt, pepper and tobacco. The hornworking industry declined, like other Wyre Forest trades, when horn ceased to be used by consumers for everyday items.