Department: Social History

The name Balm Green may relate to the herb balm, grown and used to ease wounds. This part of Barker's Pool was originally called Flint Alley, leading to Flint Well. The shop on the left was run by John Mellor (c.1799-1866), a grocer. Thomas Aldam (c.1817-1888) was a chiropodist and bespoke shoemaker, as well as an amateur artist, living at 103 Barker's Pool in the 1850s before moving to Devonshire Street. It is possible that this painting was framed by Charles 'Charlie' Peace (1832-1879), notorious burglar, later murderer. Between 1872 and 1876, he lived in Sheffield, and worked successfully as a picture frame maker.