Publications
The Broadwood Family, by John Wickens, published June 2014 in Sussex Family Historian (vol. 21 no. 2, article, pp.55-56) accessible at: The Keep [LIB/508981]
Preview:Many readers will have come across the name of BROADWOOD, piano manufacturers, whose family has Sussex connections as we shall see. John BROADWOOD, born 1732 in Scotland was apprenticed to Burkhat SHUDI in 1761 who had a harpsichord workshop in London from 1728. John married SHUDI's daughter Barbara in 1769 and took full control of the business after SHUDI's death in 1773.
His sons James Shudi and Thomas became partners in 1795 and 1808 respectively when the firm of John BROADWOOD and Sons was created. Henry Fowler BROADWOOD, eldest son of James Shudi, became a partner in 1836. Around 2500 pianos a year were being made at their factory in Horseferry Rd, Westminster. The firm were among the biggest employers in London. Following a disastrous fire in 1856 the factory was rebuilt, largely from private means.
His sons James Shudi and Thomas became partners in 1795 and 1808 respectively when the firm of John BROADWOOD and Sons was created. Henry Fowler BROADWOOD, eldest son of James Shudi, became a partner in 1836. Around 2500 pianos a year were being made at their factory in Horseferry Rd, Westminster. The firm were among the biggest employers in London. Following a disastrous fire in 1856 the factory was rebuilt, largely from private means.