Hi Gillian

I have just discovered this wonderful message board.
I am hoping you might point me in the right direction. I never realised the lace industry was so big in the 1800's. I have just discovered my Great Grandparents were involved in the Calais lace trade, only because I was tracing my family tree. So I am wondering if you might have so information on them. Firstly, my Grandfather was born there in St. Pierre Calais France(Frederick William Holmes) I think 30/01/1881 definitely 1881 His father was called William Henry Holmes and his wife Mary Ann Holmes I am not sure how many other children were born to them, I have been told there were four children all boys (just hearsay) There is a story that William left her and went to America again just rumours. Mary Ann Holmes turned up in Arnold Nottingham on her own with one son Frederick William Holmes in 1891 there could have been two children and no mention of William Henry Holmers though, so this story could be
true. I really hope you can help in some way or point me in the right directions with records of this industry, it is so interesting. I look forward to your reply.

Margaret Holmes. email maggie.holmes@ntlworld.com