Research Forum

whitecross nursery
published by on Sun, 15/01/2023 - 13:13

Thanks for the opportunity to post my query, I have already spoken to some very helpful members. Basically, my surname is Brooks, and I am looking for any information that anybody might have about Whitecross Nursery in Walliscote Road. I know that my great grandfather owned the Nursery from late Victorian times until his death in 1924. I have one picture of the building at the time, which is sadly out of focus. I have already been sent some of the press adverts for Whitecross which were great, but I am really looking for pictures of the Nursery or of my ancestor William Brooks, or recommendations of people or sources from where I might get help. Many thanks, Graham.

Comments ..

Submitted by Pat Hase on Fri, 20/01/2023 - 11:48

Have you tried contacting the Weston Library to see if it has any information about William BROOKS or Whitecross Nursery in their files of people or places in the North Somerset Studies Library ?
You can contact the library by email local.history@n-somerset.gov.uk or perhaps one of our volunteers will be able to look for you during a free help session on the 1st Sat of each month.

Is this the same photograph that you have which is on Know your Place? This is probably about 1900

This photograph from 1950 also appears on Know your Place Site of BROOKS Nursery

I believe at the far right, past the Police Houses you can just see the shop front of what was still known as "Wm BROOKS Ltd - Nurserymen, Seedsmen and Florists - Tel 172". (information from Street Directory 1952)

Submitted by Pat Hase on Fri, 20/01/2023 - 19:01

Compare the photo you have with what is there now.

Cooksley's Undertakers - from Google maps.

Submitted by on Sun, 22/01/2023 - 19:15

That's fantastic. The only change is the nature of the business. I suppose there is a connection, both businesses would involve flowers.I thought it was demolished for a Police Station. Thanks.

Submitted by Ian Granger on Wed, 08/01/2025 - 20:27

Whitecross Nurseries also had a site in Locking Road which is the location of the College and formally Clarks Factory. I understand that the business continued to run until the mid 1950's by a couple of William Brooks' sons. One of the sons was made bankrupt in 1955 which I assume was linked to the business ceasing to trade

Submitted by Ian Granger on Wed, 08/01/2025 - 20:15

William Brooks was my great great grandfather who was born in 1843. Here is a picture we have of him: