Rocks Alley (General)
by broadestm, Monday, April 21, 2014, 18:19 (3863 days ago)
on a birth certificate for someone born in the Newent area the place of birth is stated as "Rocks Alley". I tried to find this place on a recent visit but could not find it. Has anyone any knowledge of where this place is or was.
Rocks Alley
by Mike Pinchin , Bedford, England, Monday, April 21, 2014, 18:48 (3863 days ago) @ broadestm
I know where I think it is. I’ve found some of my own relatives living near it in the late 19thC and also wondered exactly where it was since the name wasn’t in use in my time in Newent.
In Census it appears after Church Street but before Upper Church Street and Gloucester Terrace (or Road). This series of streets form the main road leading out of Newent towards Gloucester. If you go along Church Street towards Gloucester you will eventually come to the Black Dog Inn on the right. A little way past this the road turns sharp right. On the left hand side of the corner old maps mark an alleyway leading off with a few houses in it. I’m fairly sure this must be Rocks Alley.
The whole area was redeveloped many years ago and I think even the alley may have been obliterated as well. It might be the modern cul-de-sac of Church Way.
This is the only picture of the general area I can find,
http://speedy1.smugmug.com/History/Newent-Gloucestershire-early/i-DFCxDFF#!/History/New...
It's picture 58 if the link doesn't work properly. Rocks Alley must branch off in the very far left hand corner.
Rocks Alley
by Jefff , West London, Middlesex, Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 15:31 (3862 days ago) @ Mike Pinchin
Searching the net shows a few brief mentions of the alley c1851 Census but no more. However the earliest map of Newent on the Old Maps site is from 1883 and as Mike says it doesn't show the Alley by name. www.old-maps.co.uk.
That said I've no doubt that Mike is correct, as-ever local knowledge being priceless.
Perhaps the Newent Local History Society can help you out further ?
http://www.newenthistorysociety.co.uk/Pages/default.aspx
Or maybe try the Heritage Exhibition in the old Market House on Broad Street, this link contains their phone number and opening times. http://www.newent-online.co.uk/attractions/