Our photo shows the large premises that at one time stood at the corner of St. John’s Street and St. Ann Street. At the time of the picture, the business was in the hands of ‘Messrs. Millward, Monumental Sculptures and Masons’ but it was originally established by stone mason, William Osmond.

Salisbury Journal: The old Monument Sculptors yard that is now part of the Chapter House

As can be seen in the picture, at these premises there was an area displaying a fine show of monumental stones, crosses, and other memorials. 

At the rear there was a large shed for cutting and polishing and there was also an even larger works in Bugmore Lane - at both of these establishments it was necessary to maintain a large staff to provide for the requirements of the business.

The firm also held sole appointment as masons to the London Cemetery Company at Highgate Cemetery.

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William Osmond was appointed mason to Salisbury Cathedral at the age of 27 and immediately undertook the making of two new pinnacles for the cathedrals tower.

He became good friends with Augustus Pugin adopting his Gothic style.

On January 5, 1820, William married Charity Marsh and it was said that together they had 17 children! Little wonder that in 1827, the family moved from their property at 13 St. John’s Street, to larger premises at ‘The Priory’ situated at Brown Street where they resided for 50 years.

At the age of 70 William was still working with his eldest son (also called William) who, like his father was a sculptor and mason at Salisbury Cathedral.

It was William Jr who continued the St. John’s Street business until he sold it to Millward and Co. Ltd around 1890. William Sr died at his son’s home in Exeter Street at the age 84.

The name Osmond can still be seen in St John’s Street where it is engraved into the bath stone premises now belonging to the Chapter House.