Tag Archives: 1960

P.B. Cow – India rubber manufacturers in Tramway Path

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P.B. Cow & Co. Ltd. established their factory in Tramway Path, Mitcham, in 1947, according to this ad from the Mitcham Advertiser

Mitcham Advertiser 6 March 1947

P. B. COW (Queensbury) Ltd., require experienced Power Sewing Machinists for a new modern factory at Mitcham; good rates of pay and all piece-work jobs, interesting and pleasant work; also suitable applicants would be trained into first-class Power Sewing Machinist; music while you work; excellent canteen with good meals at moderate prices; first-aid department and a nurse in attendance during all factory hours, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. 1 hour for lunch and morning and afternoon tea breaks. Apply to Tramway Path, Mitcham, Surrey. Can be reached by buses 80, 80a and 118.

Another ad in 1960 reveals that they were making airbeds, or ‘LI-LO’.

Mitcham Advertiser 4 January 1960

FEMALES are required. for making of air-beds. hours 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., 5-day week., Mon. to Fri.; age 15-40 years; good piece work rates after initial training; canteen, social and sports facilities available. Apply Messrs. P. B. Cow & Co. Ltd., Tramway Path, Mitcham, Surrey.

These ads are from Graces Guide to British Industrial History.

1951 ad for LI-LO

1953 ad

1954 OS map

P.B. COW & Co. Ltd. was listed in the 1954 phone book “India Rubber Mfrs”, Tramway path MIT 2761
but not in the 1963 List of Factories.

Out of copyright Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced by permission of the National Library of Scotland.

Nelson Arms

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Pub rebuilt in 1910.

2012 Google Street View

Contents
Timeline
Maps

Location:15 Merton High St, London SW19 1DF

I. ORIGINS & FOUNDATION (Early 19th Century)

1829 | Establishment

  • Foundation: The Nelson Arms is established, planting deep historical roots in the local area.
  • Context: It emerges during a period of dense licensed trade along the High Street, driven by industrial employment and transit traffic.

II. THE EDWARDIAN REINVENTION (1905 – 1910)

1905 | The “Local Hero” Context

  • Cultural Atmosphere: The centenary of Lord Nelson’s death is celebrated locally with reverence.
  • Significance: He remains a “local hero” to the community, influencing the pub’s strong thematic identity.

1910 | The Grand Rebuild

  • Event: The pub is completely rebuilt.
  • Significance: This reconstruction transforms the building into a specialized “Nelsonian” landmark rather than a generic public house.

III. ARCHITECTURAL DISTINCTION (1910 – Present)

The “Garters” Murals

  • Feature: The exterior is adorned with iconic tiled murals depicting Lord Nelson and HMS Victory.
  • Artistry: These distinctive ceramics are attributed to “Garters of Poole”.
  • Impact: The murals turn the pub into a destination for architectural tourism, distinguishing it from its competitors.

IV. RESILIENCE & SURVIVAL (Modern Era)

Late 20th Century | Survival of the Fittest

  • Contrast: While the King’s Head converts to offices and the Royal Six Bells closes due to flooding, the Nelson Arms survives the erosion of the traditional pub network.
  • Strategy: Its specialized branding and unique architectural identity provide the resilience needed to withstand market pressures.

Present Day | A Living Landmark

  • Status: The Nelson Arms remains a functioning public house.
  • Legacy: It stands as a “Tiled Success Story” and a tangible link to the area’s historical density of licensed trade.

Maps

Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced by permission of the National Library of Scotland, reuse CC-BY.

1894 OS map

1950 OS map

1960 OS map