St Wilfrid's Catholic Cemetery, Preston

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas RABY:

Thomas Raby was born on 20 Aug 1838, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 26 Aug 1838. He was the son of John and Ann Raby and the sponsors were James and Mary Smith.

John Raby and Ann Smith were married on 20 May 1832 at St Peter's Catholic Church, Lancaster. They were married by G. Brown, and the witnesses were Joseph Seed and Mary Wells. For their marriage to be legal they should have had an "official" marriage ceremony in a Church of England church, but I can find no record of them having done that.

After marrying in Lancaster John and Ann eventually settled in Preston, and baptized seven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was born on 12 Dec 1834, and baptized two days later, with sponsors Thomas and Elizabeth Smith. He was followed by Elizabeth, who was born on 8 Nov 1836, and was baptized on 11 Nov 1836, with sponsors William and Ann Seed. Their third known child was the above mentioned Thomas, who died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Apr 1840, aged 19 months.

At the time of Thomas' death Ann would have been pregnant with their daughter Ann, who was born on 10 Sep 1840, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors Richard and Elizabeth Duckett. On the night of the 1841 census John Raby, a labourer, aged c. 30, was living in Fox Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 30, and three children, John, aged 6; Elizabeth, aged 4; and Ann, aged 8 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

About a year after the census was taken John and Ann had another son that they called Thomas. He was born on 13 May 1842, and was baptized two days later, with sponsors Robert Smith and Elizabeth Kenrick. Their sixth child, Mary, was born on 16 Apr 1844 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 19 Apr 1844, with sponsors John Smith and Jane McNally. Their seventh and last child, Margery Mary, was born on 28 Jun 1849, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel the following day, with sponsors George Smith and Margaret Worden.

At the time of the 1851 census John Raby, a carter, aged 42, was living at 1 Tank Row, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 41, and six children, John, a moulder, aged 16; Elizabeth, a power loom weaver, aged 14; Ann, a scholar, aged 10; Thomas, a scholar, aged 8; Mary, a scholar, aged 6; and Margery, aged 1. John Sr was listed as born in Middleton, Ann Sr was born in Claughton, and the children were all born in Preston. By 1861 the family had moved to 89 Byron Street and John Sr was working as a porter in a corn mill. Their daughter Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, died there on 31 Oct 1862 and was buried in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. Hers was the first burial in a private family grave, aged 25 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 31st ult.,...Elizabeth Raby, Byron-street, aged 25;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Nov 1862

On the night of the 1871 census John Raby, a labourer at a corn mill, aged 62, was living at 92 Byron Street, with Ann, aged 61. Living with them was their widowed son Thomas, a solicitor's general clerk, aged 28; their married daughter Margery Wilcock, a cabinet makers wife, aged 21; their married daughter Mary Shepherd, a cotton weaver, aged 25; and their grandson William J (Joseph) Shepherd, aged 2. John Raby Sr died later that year, on 20 Nov 1871, aged 64 years, and was buried in the family grave with his daughter Elizabeth.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 20th instant, Mr. John Raby, Byron-street, aged 64 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Nov 1871

Ann (Smith) Raby survived her husband by five and a half years, and died on 5 May 1877. She was buried in the family grave at Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...Ann Raby, Maudland-bank, 67;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 May 1877

Probate Information: 16 May 1877 The Will of Ann Raby formerly of 42 St. Peter's-square but late of 50 Maudland-bank both in Preston in the County of Lancaster Widow who died 5 May 1877 at 50 Maudland-bank was proved at Lancaster by John Raby of 50 Maudland-bank Machinist the Son one of the Executors. Effects under £200.

Note: Margery Mary's surname was mistranscribed as Naby in the baptism transcripts.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ann RAINFORD:

I can find very little information on John and Ann Rainford, but believe that they were the couple married in Leyland in 1796. John Rainford and Ann Wells, both of Leyland, were married on 18 May 1796 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by Thomas Baldwin, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Townsend and Nicholas Plaskett.

It is not known how many children John and Ann had or where they were baptized. In later records their daughter Ellen gave her birthplace as Whittle-le-Woods and I have checked the baptism records for St Chad's Catholic Church in Whittle-le-Woods, which are in a fairly bad condition, as well as the baptism records for St Gregory's Catholic Church, Weld Bank, Chorley, but did not find any baptism records for this family. We do know that they had at least four children - Elizabeth, born in about 1797; Richard, born in about 1807, Francis, born in about 1812; and the above mentioned Ellen, born in about 1814.

The first record I can find of the family in Preston was the marriage of their daughter Elizabeth to Patrick McNamara at St Wilfrid's Chapel in 1828.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Rainford, a labourer, living at 4 Union Street, with his son Richard Rainford, a stone mason. Richard was married in 1836 (see below), and his father died the following year.

John RAINFORD:

John Rainford, of Union Street, who was born in about 1760, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Feb 1837, aged 76 years. There was no death notice published, and he did not leave a Will.

John and Ann's daughter Ellen married Henry Robinson in 1838 and lived for a time with her widowed mother. On the night of the 1841 census Ann Rainford, a retail brewer, aged c. 60, was living in Union Street, Preston, with John Rainford, aged 9; Teresa McNamara, aged 4; Henry Robinson, a potter, aged c. 30; Ellen Robinson, aged c. 25; and Mary Robinson, aged 4 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

I cannot find Ann Rainford in the 1851 census, unless her surname was spelled wrong. On the night of the 1851 census John Renford, a spinner, aged 26, was living at 2 North Street, Preston with his wife Elizabeth, a power loom weaver, aged 23. Living with him was his widowed grandmother, Ann Renford, aged 68. John was listed as born in Preston, Elizabeth was born in Clayton-le-Dale, and Ann was born in Thornton-in-le-Fylde. John and Ann's ages seem to be off by a few years as, if they are who I think they are, John would have only been about 19 years old, and Ann would have been about 78. I believe she died seven years later.

Ann Rainford died on 24 Sep 1858, aged 86 years, but wasn't buried in Preston Cemetery, and I have been unable to find any record of her burial elsewhere.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday week, Mrs. Ann Rainford, Friargate, aged 86."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Oct 1858

The Family of Richard and Jane RAINFORD:

Richard Rainford, a bachelor, and Jane Holmes, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 3 Sep 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Melling and Elizabeth Wright. The bride, groom and Elizabeth Wright signed the marriage register with an X.

Richard and Jane's first child was Robert, who was born on 14 Jan 1837 and was baptized on 30 Jan 1837 at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Hardman and Ellen Rainford.

Robert Rainford's baptism

Richard and Jane's second child was Elizabeth, who was born on 9 Oct 1839 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church five days later, with sponsors Joseph Grayson and Elizabeth Watmouth. On the night of the 1841 census Richard Rainford, a stone mason, aged c. 30, was living in Percy Street, Preston with Jane, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 30, and two children, Robert, aged 4; and Elizabeth, aged 2. Also staying with them was Ellen Metcalf, aged c. 20; Mary Metcalf, aged c. 15, both cotton factory workers; Jane Harrison, a washerwoman, aged c. 60; and Henry Stanley, a blacksmith, aged c. 50. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

After a gap of almost ten years, Richard and Jane's third known child was born. Margaret Rainford was born on 27 Mar 1849 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with one sponsor, Margaret Preston. Margaret was less than two years old when her father died.

Richard RAINFORD:

This is a strange one. Richard Rainford, a stone mason, died in Percy Street on 25 Jan 1851, but when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later he was recorded in the burial transcripts as Richard Robinson, of Preston, aged 43 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last,...Richard Rainford, mason, Percy-street, aged 43."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 1 Feb 1851

On the night of the 1851 census Jane Rainford, widow, a mangler, aged 39, was living at 17 Percy Street with three children, Robert, a factory lad, aged 14; Elizabeth, a nurse, aged 11; and Margaret, aged 2. Living with them were two lodgers, Mary A Kirby, an unmarried factory worker, aged 23; and Peter Wilson, a factory worker, aged 16. They were all listed as born in Preston. This is the last record I can find of this family.

Note 1: The births of Richard and Jane's three known children do not appear to have been registered under either Rainford or Robinson.

Note 2: The confusion over Richard's surname may have been due to his sister Ellen having been married to Henry Robinson.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Mary RAINFORD:

John Rainford, a bachelor, and Mary Bainbridge, a spinster, both of Walton-le-Dale, were married on 3 Dec 1825 at St Leonard's Parish Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Edmund Stregfellow Radcliffe, Curate, and the witnesses were Samuel Woods and Mary Bolton. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X.

After marrying in Walton-le-Dale, John and Mary settled in Preston and baptized five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel.

Robert RAINFORD (1):

Robert Rainford was baptized on 4 Jun 1826, the son of John and Mary Rainford, and the sponsors were Edward Weld and Ann Wetmoor. He did not survive infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Jan 1830, where his age was recorded as "infant".

John and Mary's second child was Isabella, who was baptized on 1 Mar 1829, with sponsors Patrick and Elizabeth McNamara, but about a year after Isabella's birth they lost their first child, Robert, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Jan 1830. His age was recorded simply as "infant", but he would have been almost 4 years old. John and Mary's third child was another son they called Robert, who was baptized Robert Raynford (sic) on 24 Apr 1831, with sponsors John Wells and Ellen Raynford.

John and Mary's fourth child was Ann, who was born on 23 May 1835 and was baptized the following day, with sponsors James Dewhurst and Helen Rainford. She was followed three years later by their fifth and last child, who also died in infancy.

John RAINFORD Jr:

John Rainford was born on 3 Apr 1838, and was baptized on 8 Apr 1838, with sponsors Thomas Ratcliffe and Ann Watmough. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Feb 1839, aged 10 months.

On the night of the 1841 census John Rainford, a stone mason, aged c. 35, was living in Hudson Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 35, and their three surviving children, Isabella, aged 12; Robert, aged 10; and Ann, aged 6. Also staying with them was Ann Wallbank, aged 25. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Sadly, John Rainford died two years later.

John RAINFORD Sr:

John Rainford, who was born in about 1804, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 20 Dec 1843, aged 39 years.

At the time of the 1851 census Mary Rainford, widow, a dressmaker, aged 50, was living at 18 Alfred Street, Preston with three children, Isabella, a cotton winder, aged 22; Robert, a stone mason, aged 19; and Ann, a steam loom cotton weaver, aged 15. Also staying with them was a married lodger, Catherine Rainford, a steam loom cotton weaver, aged 27. They were all born in Preston. John and Ann's son Robert died later that year.

Robert RAINFORD (2):

Robert Rainford, who was born in 1831, died on 29 Jul 1851, and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 20 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last,...Robert Rainford, mason, Oxford-street, aged 20 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Aug 1851

Mary (Bainbridge) Rainford, of Bolton Street, died eight years after her son Robert, by which time St Wilfrid's Cemetery had been closed by public order. She was buried on 13 Mar 1859 in a public grave, D-602, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 59 years. The burial register records that she was the widow of John Rainford, a mason.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George RAINFORD:

George Rainford, bachelor, of full age, a spinner, of Walton-le-Dale, son of Joseph Rainford, a labourer, and Ann Forrest, spinster, minor, a power loom weaver, of Walton-le-Dale, daughter of James Forrest, a hand loom weaver, were married on 23 May 1841 at St Leonard's Parish Church in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by John Lomas, and the witnesses were Richard Gerrard and Mary Willowley. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1841 census George and Ann had only been married twelve days. George, a cotton spinner, aged c. 20; and Ann, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20, were living, presumably as lodgers, in Vauxhall Road, Preston, the home of James and Elizabeth Westby. Their first child was born the following year.

Joseph RAINFORD:

Joseph Rainford was born on 23 Oct 1842, and was baptized Joseph Rainsforth (sic) on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of George and Ann Rainsforth and the sponsors were Leonard Kellet and Alice Eastham. Joseph was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Jan 1843 from an address in Ousby Street, where his father's parents, Joseph and Ann Rainford, were living at the time of the 1841 census. Four years after their first son's death, George and Ann had a second son, but there seems to have been some confusion over his name.

Thomas RAINFORD:

Thomas Rainford was born on 5 Feb 1847, and was baptized on 7 Feb 1847 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors James Rainford and Mary Caton. Although baptized Thomas, his birth was registered as Joseph. When he died aged 2 weeks his death was registered as Thomas Rainford, and when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Feb 1847 his name was recorded as Thomas.

Ann (Forrest) Rainford died on 6 Jan 1849, aged 27. I have been unable to find her burial record, and suspect that she was buried in the churchyard of St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial registers appear to be missing.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last,...Ann Rainford, Moor-lane, aged 27;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Jan 1849

George Rainford's family were living in Vauxhall Road, very near St Augustine's Church at the time of Ann's death, and on the night of the 1851 census George Rainford, widower, a cotton spinner, aged 32, was living at 14 Vauxhall Road, Preston, with his parents, Joseph Rainford, an agricultural labourer, aged 58; and Ann, aged 62. Also living with them was George's younger brother Thomas, a cotton spinner, aged 21. Joseph was born in Weeton, Ann was born in Alston, and their sons were born in Preston.

Two months after the census was taken George remarried. George Rainford and Anne Hudson were married on 4 May 1851 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with witnesses John and Anne Rawcliffe. Their first child together was Ellen, who was born on 13 Jun 1852, and was baptized on 20 Jun 1852 at St Augustine's Catholic Church, with sponsors Joseph Rainford and Mary Ann Curty. She was followed by Margaret, who was born on 18 Jun 1855, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Jun 1855, with sponsors Thomas Rockliffe and Isabella Riley. Their third child was Betsey Ann, who was born on 8 Apr 1858, and was baptized three days later at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors Thomas Wilcock and Alice Bamber.

At the time of the 1861 census George Rainford, a baker, aged 42, was living at 82 Great George Street, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 39, and their three children, Ellen, aged 8; Margaret, aged 5; and Betsey Ann, aged 3, all scholars. Staying with them, as lodgers, were James Moss, a cotton spinner, aged 40, and his son William Moss, aged 13. They were all born in Preston. The following year George and Ann had their fourth child, another boy called Joseph, who was born on 27 Aug 1862, and was baptized on 31 Aug 1862 at at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Joseph Billington and Cecilia Moss.

On the night of the 1871 census George Rainford, a cotton spinner, aged 52, was still living at 82 Great George Street with Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 49, and four children, Ellen, a cotton winder, aged 18; Margaret, a cotton winder, aged 16; Betsey A., a cotton weaver, aged 12; and Joseph, a scholar, aged 8. Also staying with them was a boarder, James Moss, widower, a cotton spinner, aged 51. They were all born in Preston. Ann (Forrest) Rainford died two years later.

Ann Rainford, of 82 Great George Street, was buried on 11 Feb 1873, in a private grave, A-449, in a Catholic Section of Preston Cemetery, aged 51 years. Hers was the first burial, buried 20 feet deep. Her husband survived her by five years.

George Rainford, of Great George Street, was buried on 26 Jun 1878, in the private family grave at Preston Cemetery, aged 58. His was the second burial, buried 18 feet deep.

Note 1: In the 1861 census Ancestry has transcribed the family's surname as Bainford.

Note 2: Part of Vauxhall Road was renamed St Austin's Place, and part of the road disappeared under modern construction.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Three RAINFORD Burials:

This is a real puzzle. Two infant boys called Thomas Rainford were buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery within a few months of each other in 1832. In each case, their age was recorded as "infant", so there is no way to know exactly how old they were. To complicate matters further, there were two boys called Thomas Rainford baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel in 1831, and I cannot find either in the 1841 census, when they should have been about 9 or 10 years old.

Thomas RAINFORD (1):

The first of the two Thomas Rainfords was baptized on 17 Jul 1831. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Rainford, and the sponsors were Richard Walmsley and Ann Dickenson. I suspect that his parents were the Thomas Rainford and Elizabeth Smith who were married at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 28 Jan 1828, but I cannot find them in Preston, or anywhere in Lancashire, in the 1841 census. It is possible that Elizabeth Rainford died before 1841.

Elizabeth RAINFORD:

The Elizabeth Rainford who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Apr 1834, aged 29 years, may have been the wife of Thomas Rainford. A Thomas Rainford, a widower, was remarried two months later, on 25 Jun 1834, to Sarah Turner, a widow, at St John's Parish Church.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Rainford, a blacksmith, aged c. 50, was living in Ratcliffe Street, Preston with Sarah, aged c. 40, and her two children, John Turner, a labourer, aged c. 15; and Charles Turner, a cotton carder, aged c. 14. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Thomas RAINFORD (2):

The second Thomas Rainford was baptized Thomas Rainforth (sic) on 13 Nov 1831. He was the son of Richard and Ellen Rainforth, and the sponsors were John Wells and Ellen Rainforth. I suspect that his parents were the Richard Rainford and Ellen Richmond who were married at St John's Parish Church on 12 Jul 1830. It seems that their marriage would have been a matter of some urgency as their first child, John, was born less than a month later.

As with the first Thomas, I cannot find this family anywhere in Lancashire in the 1841 census.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Charles RATCLIFFE:

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Charles Ratcliff, F (father), living in Heatley Street with Margaret, M (mother), and Ann, aged 9; Mary, aged 8; and Thomas, aged 1, and by the time of the 1820 Catholic census Charles Ratcliff, aged 40, was living at 9 Simpson Street with Margaret 42, and Margaret 8.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Charles Ratcliffe, a joiner, living at 19 Simpson Street, but on the night of the 1841 census Charles was not at home. Margaret Ratcliff, a washerwoman, aged c. 60, was living in Simpson Street. Also staying with her was Ellen Bell, aged c. 25; and Elizabeth Bell, aged 20, both cotton reelers.

At the time of the census Charles Ratcliffe, a joiner, aged 60, was a patient at the County Lunatic Asylum in Lancaster, where he had been admitted 13 days earlier, on 24 May 1841. The note taken on the day of admission reads, "Admitted this day a pauper from Preston 60 years of age. Cause of insanity not known, exhibited symptoms of insanity two or three weeks ago, this is the first attack, has been no lucid interval, has been under medical treatment, has not been in an asylum before, does not labour under any bodily disease or infirmity that will render removal to the asylum at present dangerous or improper has an umbilical hernia". In another hand is added, "Roman Catholic, can read and write". A later entry reads, "It is said that his insanity was caused by disappointment in trade, he having embarked in business without capital, could not proceed, restless and dissatisfied, demands to be waited on with all sorts of luxuries". An entry made on 11 Jun reads, "Much improved, useful in cleaning &c", and a final entry made on 1 Mar 1842 reads, "Discharged cured".

Sadly, Charles' mental health issues were not over, and he was readmitted to the asylum on 22 Feb 1843. The entry in the case book records that he was 63 years of age, a joiner, and was married with three children. This was not his first attack, and he had been suffering for about six weeks. He was occasionally violent, was not subject to any peculiar illusions, had no tendency to suicide, and was not subject to fits. A later entry recorded that he was restless and agitated, talkative and sleepless, and was to have opiates at night. Entries on 6 Mar and 28 May 1844 again described him as restless, but on 8 Jun he was described as "better". An entry on 9 Aug read, "Often restless at night, getting out of bed, on the 7th injured his forehead by falling against the edge of his crib, also caused a wound to his scalp, speech very tremulous, gait unsteady, almost unconscious of what he is doing...".

Although an entry on 10 Aug reported that he "Rested better last night", his condition worsened and on 13 Dec 1844 the entry reads, "Since the cold weather set in, he has become weaker, a sore has formed on his back, has been placed upon a water bed, lies quietly, unable to speak, takes food tolerably well." The entry on 23 Dec 1844 reads, "The paralytic symptoms slowly advanced, during the last few days has swallowed with great difficulty".

A second entry written later on 23 Dec simply reads, "Dead", and a final, undated entry reads, "Body removed by his friends for internment".

Charles Ratcliffe was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Dec 1844, aged 64 years.

Note 1: I have not found the record of Charles and Margaret's marriage, and it appears that all of their children were born during the period for which the St Wilfrid's baptism records are missing.

Note 2: The asylum information is taken from the Lancashire Lunatic Asylum case books, reference HRL/4/12/1/11 and 12, held at Lancashire Archives.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Ellen RATCLIFFE:

Ellen Ratcliff (sic) was born on 13 Jan 1848, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Feb 1848. She was the daughter of James and Susan Ratcliff, and the sponsor was Margaret Helm.

James Radcliffe (sic), of Spring Gardens, Great Bolton, and Susanna Helm, of Bridge Street, Little Bolton, were married on 3 May 1842 at St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church in Bolton. They were married by John Dowdall, M.A., and the witnesses were John Heaney and Mary Dilworth. Although James' surname was spelled Radcliffe in the church register, it was spelled Ratcliff on the marriage certificate.

After marrying in Bolton, James and Susannah settled in Susannah's home town of Preston, where they baptized the first three of their children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Mary, who was born on 7 Jan 1844, and was baptized on 14 Jan 1844, with sponsors Edward Helm and Mary Leigh. She was followed by Margaret, who was born on 24 Dec 1845, and was baptized on 4 Jan 1846, with one sponsor, Ann Jane Helm. Their third child was the above Ellen Ratcliffe, who died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Mar 1849. Although the burial transcript records her age as 14 weeks, she was actually about 14 months old.

Some time after Ellen's death James and Susannah left Preston, leaving their eldest daughter with Susannah's parents. On the night of the 1851 census Edward Helm (spelled Helman in the census), a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 70, was living at 27 Maudland Bank, Preston with his wife Margaret, aged 64, their daughter Ann Jane, aged 19; and their granddaughter Mary Ann Ratcliff (sic), aged 7. Edward was listed as born in Garston, Margaret and Ann Jane were born in Ireland, and Mary Ann Ratcliffe was born in Preston.

I cannot find James and Susannah in the 1851 census and it is possible that they spent some time in America. Their daughter Sarah Jane was born in about 1852, apparently in the Manchester area, and they had a daughter Alice in about 1854 whose birth was registered in Preston, although she may have been born in Salford. Their son Joseph was born in the Manchester area in about 1857, followed by Edward, who was also born in the Manchester area in about 1860.

At the time of the 1861 census James Ratcliffe, a fitter, aged 41, was living in Hargreave Street, Manchester with Susan, a house keeper, aged 42, and six children, Mary, a housemaid, aged 17; Margaret, a dressmaker, aged 15; Sarah Jane, a scholar, aged 9; Alice, a scholar, aged 6; Joseph, a scholar, aged 4; and Edward, aged 1. Also staying with them was Susannah's widowed mother Margaret Helm, aged 75. James was listed as born in Bolton, and Susannah was listed as born in Preston, but the enumerator seems to have mixed up the birthplaces of some of the children. Mary is correctly shown as born in Preston, but Margaret is listed as born in America. Sarah Jane is shown as born in Preston, with Alice born in Salford, when the opposite is more likely. The two youngest boys are listed as born in Manchester, which seems to be correct. Susannah's mother was born in Ireland, and a note in the margin indicates that she was blind.

Note: The 1871 census records that Susannah was born in Enniskillen, Ireland.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas RATCLIFFE:

Thomas Ratcliffe was born on 13 Sep 1838, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later. He was the son of John and Margaret Ratcliffe, and the sponsors were James Ratcliffe and Margaret Hartley.

Thomas' parents had only been married a month when he was born. John Ratcliffe, a minor, bachelor, a plasterer, of 3 Salt Street, Preston, son of Silvester Ratcliffe, a plasterer, and Margaret Hartley, a minor, spinster, a weaver, of 31 Albert Street, Preston, the daughter of James Hartley, a weaver, were married on 4 Aug 1838 in the Parochial Chapel of Walton-le-Dale, St Leonard's Chapel. They were married by Robert Hornby, and the witnesses were Matthew Webb and James Tomlison. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X. Margaret would have been noticeably pregnant on their wedding day which may explain why a couple from Preston travelled to Walton-le-Dale to get married.

John Ratcliffe was not a Catholic. He was baptized on 25 Jan 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, the son of Silvester and Nancy Ratcliffe, and when he died two months after the birth of his son, he was buried in a Church of England churchyard. John Ratcliff (sic), of Albert Street, Preston, was buried on 18 Nov 1838 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 21 years.

Two months after burying her husband, Margaret buried her infant son. Thomas Ratcliffe, of Albert Street, was buried on 27 Jan 1839, aged 4 months.

In less than six months, Margaret had become a wife, a mother, and a widow, and on the night of the 1841 census was living with her parents. James Hartley, a journeyman cotton weaver, aged c. 60, was living in Albert Street, Preston with his wife Helen, aged c. 55, and three children, Austin, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; William, a brush maker's apprentice, aged c. 15; and Margaret Ratcliffe, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20. Also staying with them was William Gorton, aged 2 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Margaret remarried in 1846. James Gardner, a bachelor, aged 21, a spinner, of Mill Street, the son of Sarah and the late Thomas Gardener, of North Road, and Margaret Ratcliffe, a widow, aged 26, a weaver, of Mill Street, daughter of James and Ellen Hartley, of Mill Street, were married on 10 Jan 1846 at St Augustine's Catholic Church. They were married by T. Cookson, and the witnesses were William Hartley, of St John's Place; and Alice Gardner, of North Road.

James and Margaret had six children together, beginning with Margaret Elizabeth, who was born on 4 Feb 1847, followed by Thomas, born on 21 May 1849, twins Ellen and Mary, born on 11 Mar 1853, then Joseph, who was born on 19 Dec 1857, and Sarah Jane, who was born in 1860. All of their children, with the exception of Sarah Jane, were baptized at St Augustine's Church. Sarah Jane died in infancy and may have been given an emergency baptism at birth. She was buried on 11 Mar 1860 in a public grave, E-400, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery. Her address was recorded as Turk's Head Yard, but her age was illegible.

At the time of the 1861 census James Gardner, a cotton spinner, aged 36, was living at 18 Turks Head Yard, Preston with his wife Margaret E., a housekeeper, aged 43, and five children, Margaret E., a cotton winder, aged 14; Thomas, a blacksmith's apprentice, aged 11; Mary and Ellen, scholars, aged 8; and Joseph, aged 3. Also staying with them was Margaret's nephew, William Gorton, a cotton piecer, aged 20. James Gardner was born in Accrington and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

Margaret Elizabeth (Hartley) Ratcliffe-Gardner, of 15 Guys Row, died in Jun 1868, and was buried on 12 Jun 1868 in a public grave, D-69, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 50 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Margaret Ellen (sic) Gardner, Guy's Row, 50;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Jun 1868

Note 1: After Margaret's death James moved his family to Bolton, where he was living in 1871 and 1881. I can find no further record of him after 1881.

Note 2: William Gorton was the son of Margaret's sister Jane, who married William Gorton Sr at Blackburn Cathedral on 19 Oct 1839.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Ellen RAWCLIFFE:

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Robert Rawcliff, aged 20, living at 35 Bridge Street. He married the following year.

Robert Rawcliffe, a bachelor, and Ellen Waring, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 12 Feb 1821 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Dilworth, Mary Dunderdale, and William Fayle. Ellen signed the marriage register with an X.

Robert and Ellen's first child, Ellen, was born just two months after their wedding, and was baptized Helen Rocliffe on 1 Apr 1821 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The sponsors were Robert Dunderdale and Mary Woodacre. Their second child was John, who was baptized on 14 Sep 1823 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors William Winstanley and Helen Jameson. He was followed by Ann Rawcliffe, who was baptized on 30 Dec 1825, with sponsors James Holden and Rose Waring, and finally William, who was baptized William Rockliffe on 29 Nov 1829 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Richard Dunderdale and Jane Nayler. William was only 8 years old when his mother died.

Ellen RAWCLIFFE:

Ellen (Waring) Rawcliffe, who was born in about 1799, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Jan 1838, aged 38 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Robert Rawcliff, a cotton carder, aged c. 45, was living in Allan Street, Preston with four children, Ellen, aged c. 20; John, an apprentice Mechanic, aged c. 15; Ann, a cotton carder, aged c. 15; and William, aged 12. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. They later moved to Edward Street, Preston, where Robert died three years later.

Robert RAWCLIFFE:

Robert Rawcliffe, who was born in about 1792 [see Note 1 below], died on 7 Jun 1844 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 44 years. His eldest son joined him exactly one week later.

John RAWCLIFFE:

John Rawcliffe, who, as mentioned above, was born in 1823, died shortly after his father and was buried on Sunday, 16 Jun 1844, aged 20 years.

Note 1: Robert may have been the Robert Rocliffe, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 19 May 1791. He was the son of James and Jane Rocliffe, and the sponsors were John Bamber and Mary Droning.

Note 2: In 1841 Ancestry has indexed the family name as Raweliff.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary Ann RAWCLIFFE:

I cannot find a record of the baptism of Mary Ann Rawcliffe. When she was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Sep 1829 her age was recorded as "infant", so there is no way to know how old she was, but if she died shortly after birth she may have been given an emergency baptism at the bedside, and these were rarely recorded in a church baptism register. The only clue to her parents' identity is the abode recorded in the burial transcript, Cotton Court. At the time of the 1841 census Michel Rocliff (sic), a cotton spinner, aged 30, was living in Cotton Court, Preston with Mary, aged c. 30, and two children, Easter, aged 10, and Robert, aged 3 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

If Mary Ann was the child of Michael and Mary Rawcliffe, she was their first child, and her birth would have been imminent when Michael Rawcliffe, a bachelor, and Mary Yates, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 25 Jun 1829 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Roger Carus Wilson, and the witnesses were William Gudgeon and Betsy Pickering. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Michael and Mary's second child was Esther, who was born on 30 Jul 1830 and was baptized the following day at St Mary and St John's Catholic Chapel in Samlesbury. She was baptized by William Carter, and there was only one Godparent, Mary Walton. They had at least two more children. Their son Robert was born on 26 Feb 1841, and was baptized on 7 Mar 1841 at St Ignatius Catholic Church; and their daughter Betty was born late in 1844, but I have been unable to find her baptism record.

Some time after Betty's birth the family moved to Blackburn, where their daughter Esther was married on 27 Oct 1849. She married John Murray at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church, now known as Blackburn Cathedral, and at the time of the 1851 census Michael Rocliff (sic), a tailor, aged 40, was living at 23 Back Harley Street, Blackburn with his wife Mary, aged 39, and two children, Robert, a scholar, aged 7 (actually aged 10); and Betsey, a scholar, aged 6. They were all listed as born in Preston.

At the time of the 1861 census Michael Rawcliffe, a cotton spinner, aged 56, was living at 56 Brunswick Street in Blackburn with Mary, a house keeper, aged 55, and two children, Robert, a cotton spinner, aged 20; and Betsy, a cotton weaver, aged 16. Also staying with them was their granddaughter Betsy Rawcliffe, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Blackburn, which is almost certainly incorrect.

Mary (Yates) Rawcliffe died in Blackburn in early 1867, aged 61, but I have been unable to find her burial record. She was not buried in Blackburn Cemetery. At the time of the 1871 census Michael Ratcliffe (sic), widower, a labourer, aged 67, was living as a lodger at 5 Wellington Street, Blackburn, the home of Richard and Mary Hepson. He was listed as born in Preston. He died in Blackburn Workhouse and was buried on 29 Jun 1880 in a public grave, M-4491, in a Catholic section of Blackburn Cemetery, aged 76 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...RAWCLIFFE - Michael Rawcliffe, Workhouse, 76."

Published in the Blackburn Standard, Sat., 10 Jul 1880.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Sarah RAWCLIFFE:

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston Sarah Wrocliff (sic), M (mother), was living in Back Lane with five children, Robert, aged 18; Joseph, aged 15; Thomas, aged 13; Ann, aged 10; and George, aged 5. The four older children were her stepchildren, the children born to her husband and his first wife. James and Jane Rawcliffe baptized six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John Rocliff, who was baptized on 5 Feb 1788; William Rocliff, baptized on 19 Jul 1789; Robert Rocliffe, baptized on 19 May 1791; James Rocliff, baptized on 9 Mar 1793; Thomas Rocliff, baptized on 1 Jan 1797; and Ann Rocliff, baptized on 9 Aug 1799. Jane Rawcliffe died in 1801 and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church in Preston on 6 Oct 1801, aged 44 years. James and Sarah were married less than two months later.

James Roclif (sic) and Sarah Swinelhurst (sic), both of Preston, were married on 30 Nov 1801 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Saul, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Hothersall and William Hodgkinson. The marriage register does not record their marital status, but James was a widower with at least six children.

James and Sarah's first child together was baptized Mary Ann Roccliffe at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Mar 1803, with sponsors Joseph Wilkinson and Ann Aspinall. She died in infancy and was buried on 11 Apr 1803 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church.

James and Sarah may have had other children, including the George listed in the 1810 census, but due to the missing St Wilfrid's baptism registers, there is no way to be certain.

Sarah's step-son Joseph died young and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 7 May 1819, aged 24 years. The burial register records that he was of Spring Gardens, Preston, and was a Papist (Catholic). At the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston Sarah Rawcliff, aged 51, was living at 2 Spring Gardens, with George, aged 16.

When Sarah died on 17 Dec 1839 she was described as the widow of James Rawcliffe, a cabinet maker. She died at 3 River Street, the home of Thomas Greaves, a joiner, who died the following year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 Oct 1840, aged 45 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Christopher RAWSTHORNE / ROSTORNE:

Christopher Rawsthorne, a husbandman, and Margaret Banks, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 18 May 1772 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Randall Andrews, Vicar, and the witnesses were Henry Barns and John Thornton Jr. The bride and John Thornton signed the marriage register with an X.

Christopher and Margaret settled in Preston and raised a large family, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Alice Rostron, baptized on 14 Dec 1772, with sponsors John Bamber and Mary Rostron. She died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church on 5 Oct 1774.

Christopher and Margaret's second child was John Rostron, who was baptized on 19 Mar 1775, with sponsors Thomas Banks and Mary Sharrock; then Elizabeth Rostron, who was baptized on 25 Nov 1776, with sponsors Richard Glaive and Elizabeth Banks; then another daughter they called Alice, who was baptized Alice Rostron on 6 Jan 1779, with sponsors Peter Holyday and Mary Sharrock; Mary Rostron, who was baptized on 9 Nov 1780, with sponsors John Sharrock and Betty Allen; Helen Rostron, who was baptized on 9 May 1782, with sponsors John Gradal and Helen Holyday; and Margaret Rostrone, who was baptized on 8 Jun 1784, with sponsors Philip Banks and Betty Cowper. She too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 14 Jun 1784.

About a year after their daughter's death Christopher and Margaret had another daughter they called Margaret, who was baptized Margaret Rawstrone on 13 Jul 1785, with sponsors William Holding and Mary Allen. She was followed by Ann Rawstorne, who was baptized on 8 Feb 1788, with sponsors Thomas Nailor and Margaret Cooper; then Lucy Rawstorne, who was baptized on 19 May 1789, with sponsors Joseph Valentine and Mary Arkright. She died young and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 3 Aug 1805, aged 16 years.

Christopher and Margaret's eleventh and last child was Joseph, who was baptized Joseph Rostorn on 2 Jun 1790, with sponsors John Banks and Ann Brown.

Margaret (Banks) Rawsthorne, who was born in about 1748, died aged 51 years and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 28 Jan 1799. The burial register records that she was the wife of Christopher Rosthorn.

When Margaret died their youngest child was only 8 years old, and Christopher must have thought that his children need a mother, as he was remarried the following year. He was married in both St Wilfrid's Chapel and St John's Parish Church on 15 Oct 1800 to Jane Cuerden. At their official wedding they were married by Thomas Saul, Curate, and the witnesses were James Melling and William Hodgkinson. Christopher's surname was spelled Rawstron and Jane's was spelled Cuerdale in the marriage register. At their Catholic ceremony Christopher's surname was spelled Rawstorne and Jane's was spelled Cuerden.

Christopher and Jane had no children together, and at the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston Christopher Rostron was living in Friargate with Jane, Joseph, aged 20; and a granddaughter, aged 6. The ages of the adults and the first name of their granddaughter were not recorded.

After five years of marriage Christopher was widowed again. Jane (Ceurden) Rawsthorne, who was born in about 1748, was buried at St John's Church, under the name Jane Rostron, on 24 Sep 1815, aged 67 years. The burial register recorded that she was of Preston, and a Papist (Catholic).

Christopher survived Jane by almost exactly ten years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 28 Sep 1825, aged 80 years.

Note 1: When Alice was baptized in 1772 and Mary was baptized in 1780, their mother's name was entered as Mary instead of Margaret.

Note 2: The variations in the spelling of this surname are numerous and I have recorded them as they were spelled in the various records. Rawsthorne is the more common modern spelling, and Rawsthorne Road in Penwortham is named for a prominent local family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary Ann RAWSTHORNE:

Mary Ann Rawsthorne was born on 13 Jul 1839, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. She was the daughter of John and Alice Rawsthorne, and the sponsors were John Taylor and Elizabeth Newsham.

John Rostron (sic), a bachelor, and Alice Smith, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 9 Sep 1823 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Anthony Hammond, and the witnesses were John Prescott and Mary Smith. The bride signed the marriage register with an X. John signed his own name and spelled it Rostron.

John and Alice settled in Preston and baptized ten of their eleven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Joseph Rosthorne, who was baptized on 18 Apr 1824, with sponsors William and Mary Smith, followed by Ann Rosthorn, who was baptized on 25 Oct 1825, with sponsors John Wilcock and Elizabeth Newsham; then John Rostrone, baptized on 11 Jan 1829, with sponsors William Banks and Elizabeth Newsham; and Esther Rostorne, who was baptized on 3 Apr 1831, with sponsors William Eccles and Elizabeth Newsham.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Rostron, a gardener, living at 99 Friargate, and his seventh child was born the next year. Christopher Rostorne was baptized on 3 Feb 1833, with sponsors William and Jane Eccles; followed by William Rawstorne, who was born on 13 Mar 1835, and baptized on 22 Mar 1835, with sponsors William Gradwell and Alice Wykes; then Thomas Rawstron, who was born on 10 Oct 1837, and baptized on 13 Oct 1837, with sponsors John Jameson and Elizabeth Newsham.

The above mentioned Mary Ann was John and Alice's eight child, and she was followed by James Rawsthorn who was born on 20 Jan 1841, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Jan 1841, with sponsors Robert Prescott and Elizabeth Holden. At the time of the 1841 census John Rawstron, a gardener, aged c. 40, was living in Friargate, Preston with Alice, aged c. 40, and eight children, Joseph, a gardener, aged 17; Ann, aged 15; John, aged 13; Easther, aged 11; Christopher, aged 9; William, aged 7; Thomas, aged 5; and James, aged 8 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

John and Alice's tenth child was Robert, who was born on 21 Aug 1843, and was baptized Robert Roston on 27 Aug 1843, with sponsors George Howarth and Esther Farrell, followed by their eleventh and last child, Alice, who was born on 12 Aug 1849, and was baptized Alice Rawsthrone on 19 Aug 1849, with sponsors John Holliday and Agnes Livesey.

On the night of the 1851 census John Rawsthorne, a labourer, aged 49, was living at 107 Bedford Street, Preston with his wife Alice, a housekeeper, aged 48, and seven children, Esther, a steam loom weaver, aged 21; Christopher, a steam loom weaver, aged 18; William, a cotton tenter, aged 16; Thomas, a cotton tenter, aged 14; James, a scholar, aged 10; Robert, a scholar, aged 8; and Alice, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Preston.

John Rawsthorne died at the House of Recovery, and was buried in the churchyard of St Paul's Parish Church on 3 Nov 1854, aged 53 years. At the time of the 1861 census Alice Rostron (sic), widow, a house keeper, aged 60, was living at 2 Bedford Street, Preston with her two youngest children, Robert, a cotton weaver, aged 18; and Alice, a scholar, aged 11. Alice died six years later.

Alice Rostron (sic), of 5 Bolton Street, was buried on 25 Jan 1867 in a public grave, D-210, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 68 years.

Note: Mary Ann's birth was registered as Mary Rawsthron (no middle name) and her death was registered as Mary Ann Rawsthorne. Her surname in the baptism register was very difficult to read but looked like it was spelled Rostheraine.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Francis and Ann READ:

Francis Read, widower, a blacksmith, and Ann Higgins, a spinster, both of the Parish of Leyland, were married on 15 Oct 1821 at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland. They were married after Banns by James Cooper, Curate, and the witnesses were John Whittaker and George Taylor. The bride signed the marriage register with an X.

It is unclear where Francis and Ann started their married life or if they had any children before they settled in Preston. The first of their children to be baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel was William, who was baptized William Rayd on 6 Nov 1825, with sponsors John and Mary Noblet. For some reason, his mother's name was not recorded in the baptism register. Their second known child was Francis Reed, who was baptized on 5 Mar 1828, with sponsors Charles and Ellen Leach; followed by Sarah Reid, who was baptized on 5 May 1830, with sponsors Peter Dowd and Sarah Tominy; then Alice Reid, who was baptized on 10 Jul 1831, with sponsors Richard and Ellen Bilsborough.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Francis Reed, a smith, living at 13 Feeble Street. Their fifth known child was born the following year and was baptized Thomas Reed on 8 Sep 1833, with sponsors James McCann and Sarah Simpson. Their sixth and last known child died in infancy.

Ann READ:

Ann Reed was born on 21 Jan 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 24 Jan 1836. She was the daughter of Frank and Ann Reed, and the sponsors were Thomas and Mary Barker. Of all the children that Francis and Ann baptized in this chapel, this was the only time the father's name was recorded as Frank instead of Francis. Ann Read lived less than a year and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Oct 1836, aged 10 months. Her mother followed her to the grave less than a year later.

Mrs Ann READ:

Ann (Higgins) Read, who was born in about 1797, was buried at St Wilfrid's on 24 Sep 1837, aged 40. Both the burial transcript and death registration index spelled her surname Read.

At the time of the 1841 census Frank Read, a blacksmith, aged c. 50, and his son Thomas, aged 5, were living, presumably as lodgers, in Everton Gardens, Preston, the home of Peter Yates. He and his son were both listed as born in Lancashire. His other children were living elsewhere on the night of the census, including his son William, aged c. 15, who was living in Tithe Barn Street, aged c. 15, and working for John Jowitt, as a chimney sweep.

On the night of the 1851 census Francis Reed, widower, a blacksmith, aged 60, was a visitor at Vicarage, the home of Nancy Haydock and her family. Francis' birthplace was recorded as Standish, but in 1861 his birthplace was recorded as Preston. At the time of the 1861 census William Read, a chimney sweep, aged 37, was living at 9 Fishwick Court, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 38, and five children, Mary Ann, a scholar, aged 12; George, a scholar, aged 9; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 6; Thomas, aged 4; and William, aged 2. Staying with him was his widowed father Francis, aged 73; his sister Sarah, a scholar, aged 12; and a boarder, Thomas Wilkinson, a chimney sweep, aged 32. They were all listed as born in Preston. Francis Read died five years later.

Francis Reed (sic) died in Preston Workhouse, and was buried on 1 Sep 1866 in a public grave, D-3, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 84 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Francis Reed, Workhouse, aged 84;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Sep 1866

Note 1: The Sarah Read listed in the 1861 census as the sister of William Read was almost certainly his daughter, whose birth was registered in Preston in 1849.

Note 2: This family's surname is spelled Reed, Read and Reid in the various records but Francis signed his own name in the marriage register and spelled it Read. Later generations seem to have used the more common spelling, Reed.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Mary REGAN:

John and Mary Regan were both born in Ireland, as were their children, including their youngest known child, who died in childhood.

John REGAN:

John Regan Jr, who was born in about 1832, almost certainly in Ireland, was buried from 7 Savoy Street on 14 Jan 1840 in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 7 years.

On the night of the 1841 census John Regan, a railway labourer, aged c. 55, was living in Savoy Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 40; and four children, Patrick, a railway labourer, aged 24; Martin, a railway labourer, aged 22; Catherine, aged 15; and William, a railway labourer, aged 12. They were all listed as born in Ireland.

Timothy Regan, who was not at home on the night of the 1841 census, and his future wife Ellen Lever had a son born before they married. Although his parents were not yet married, William Lever, who was born on 27 Apr 1845, was baptized William Regan at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 May 1845, with sponsors William Bradley and Catherine Regan. Timothy Regan and Ellen Lever were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Dec 1846, with witnesses Edward Caton and Alice Kellett, and baptized another six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Their second child, John, was born in Clifton-with Salwick in 1846 and may have been baptized in Kirkham. Their third child, George, was born on 21 Oct 1849 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Nov 1849, with sponsors Richard Tait and Jane Kellet.

At the time of the 1851 census John Regan, a gardener, aged 62, was living at 5 Savoy Street, Preston with his wife Mary, aged 56, and their married son Martin, a gardener, aged 32, their married son Timothy, a bread baker, aged 29; Timothy's wife, Ellen, aged 26; and their three children, William, a scholar, aged 6; John, aged 3; and George, aged 2. Also staying with them were two lodgers, Mary Martin, a factory operative, aged 21; and Charlota Martin, a factory operative, aged 15. John Regan was born in Eyrecourt, Galway, Ireland; Mary and the two lodgers were born in Lusmagh, King's County, Ireland; Martin and Timothy were born in Eglish, King's County, Ireland; Ellen was born in Clifton, Lancashire, and the three children were born in Preston.

On the night of the 1851 census Timothy and Ellen would have been expecting their fourth child.

Mary REGAN:

Mary Regan was born on 26 Jun 1851, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Jun 1851, with sponsors Michael and Mary Martin. She died in infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Dec 1851, aged 5 months.

Timothy and Ellen had four more children, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Martin was born on 8 Oct 1852 and was baptized on 17 Oct 1852, with sponsors Francis Kellet and Mary Martin, and died the same year; Timothy Jr was born 11 Jan 1854 and was baptized on 22 Jan 1854, with sponsors John Twist and Julia Egan; Catherine was born on 4 Dec 1855 and was baptized on 9 Dec 1855, with sponsors Francis Guller and Jane Cross; and Thomas was born on 29 May 1859 and was baptized on 5 Jun 1859, with sponsors Thomas Kellett and Elizabeth Grayson.

At the time of the 1861 census Timothy Regan, a bakehouse keeper, aged 36, was living at 21 Ribble Bank, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 37, and five children, William, a servant, aged 16; John, aged 14; George, aged 8; Timothy, aged 8; and Catherine, aged 5, all scholars. Timothy Sr was born in Ireland, Ellen was born in Clifton, and the children were born in Preston. Their son Thomas was staying with his grandparents on the night of the census. John W O Regan, a gardener, aged 70, was living at 21 Pedder Street, Preston with his wife Mary T M, a housekeeper, aged 60, and their unmarried son William D, a collector and town man, aged 30. Also staying with them were two grandchildren, Mary A Regan, aged 6; and Thomas B. Regan, aged 3. The adults were listed as born in Ireland, and the grandchildren were born in Preston.

Mary Regan apparently died on 16 Mar 1864, but I have been unable to confirm this or find any record of her burial. By 1861 it seems that John Regan was using the name O'Regan and the family seem to have acquired middle names. Some researchers accept that John Regan's full name was actually John William O'Regan, and his death was registered under that name when he died on 29 Mar 1866. John W O'Regan, of Hammond Street, was buried on 1 Apr 1866 in a private grave, C-423, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 74 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...John William O'Regan, Hammond-street, aged 74;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Apr 1866

At the time of the 1871 census Timothy and Ellen were still living at 21 Ribble Bank, Preston with four children still living at home, William, aged 26; George, aged 20; and Timothy, aged 17, all bread and biscuit bakers like their father; and Catherine, aged 15. Also staying with them was Mary A Regan, aged 4. Her relationship to Timothy and Ellen is not recorded but she was almost certainly their granddaughter. However, in later records she was listed as their daughter - which was not correct. On the night of the 1881 census Timothy Regan, a bread baker, aged 57, was living at 8 Miles Street, Preston with Ellen, a housekeeper, aged 57, and two of their unmarried children, William, a bread baker, aged 36; and Catherine, a cotton weaver, aged 24. Also staying with them, and listed as their daughters, were Mary Alice Regan, a cotton weaver, aged 14; and Mary Ellen Regan, aged 3. Mary Alice was born in Preston but Mary Ellen was born in Ellan, Yorkshire.

Ellen (Lever) Regan, of 8 Miles Street, died in 1891, and was buried on 15 Jan 1891 in a private grave, E-298, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years. Hers was the first interment, buried 14 feet deep.

At the time of the 1891 census Timothy Regan, widower, a bread baker, aged 66, was living at 102 Miles Street with two children, William, also a bread baker, aged 41; and Catherine, a cotton weaver, aged 27. His granddaughter Mary Alice (listed as Mary A in the census), a cotton weaver, aged 24, was still staying with them and was again listed as Timothy's daughter. With the exception of Timothy, who was born in Ireland, they were all listed as born in Preston. Timothy died six years later.

Timothy Regan, of 102 Miles Street, was buried on 4 May 1897 in the private grave, E-298, at Preston Cemetery, aged 72 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Preston, Since our last...Timothy Regan, Miles-street, 72;"

Published in the Preston Guardian, Sat., 8 May 1897

Note 1: In 1851 Mary Regan's birth was registered under the surname Ragan, and her death was registered under the surname Raigan.

Note 2: King's County is now County Offaly.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Michael and Ann RIBCHESTER:

Michael Ribchester and Ann Pye, both of Preston, were married on 3 Oct 1785 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Nicholson, Curate, and the witnesses were James Pye and William Hodgkinson. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X.

Michael and Ann baptized at least eight children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, only two of whom survived infancy. Their first child was the first of two to be called Margaret, who was baptized on 15 Mar 1786, with sponsors George Gregson and Ann Ribchester. She was buried on 17 Dec 1788 at St John's Parish Church, aged 2 years. Their second child was the first of two to be called John, who was baptized on 12 Jan 1788, with sponsors Robert Ribchester and Margaret Leigh. He was buried on 25 Dec 1788 at St John's Parish Church, aged 1 year. Their third child was another son they called John, who was baptized on 5 Nov 1789, with sponsors John Swinhurst and Ann Ribchester. He survived, and raised a family of his own.

Michael and Ann's fourth child was another child they called Margaret, who was baptized on 1 Jan 1792, with sponsors William Hickinson and Margaret Leigh. She too died in infancy and was buried on 29 Dec 1799 at St John's Parish Church, aged 8 years. She was followed by the first of two sons to be called Michael, who was baptized on 5 Jan 1794, with sponsors John Marini and Ann Lee. He was buried on 26 Oct 1795 at St John's Parish Church, aged 1 year. Their sixth child was Ann, who was baptized on 31 Mar 1796, with sponsors John and Ann Leigh. Ann survived to adulthood.

Michael and Ann's seventh child was another son they called Michael, who was baptized on 20 Jan 1799, with sponsors Lawrence Hall and Dorothy Marini. He was buried on 6 Sep 1800 at St John's Parish Church, aged 1 year. He was followed by the eight and last known child, James, who was baptized on 1 Jul 1801, with sponsors Thomas Wilcock and Ann Lee. He was buried on 16 Mar 1809 at St John's Parish Church, aged 7 years. With the exception of James' burial, all of the burials at St John's Church listed the children as the child of Michael Ribchester.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Michal (sic) Ribchester, F (father), living in Singleton Street with Ann, M (mother), John, aged 20, and Ann, aged 14. By the time of the 1820 Catholic census their son John had married [see below] and they had moved home. Mickie Richester (sic) was living at Crows Street with Ann, and Ann, aged 24. The ages of the adults were not recorded. Michael and Ann's son John was also living in Crows Street in 1820 with his young family, however, I can find no record of a Crows Street in Preston at that time and believe that this was a mis-transcription, and should have actually been Crown Street, where Ann died eleven years later.

Mrs Ann RIBCHESTER:

Ann (Pye) Ribchester, who was born in about 1758, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Nov 1831, aged 73 years.

I can find no further record of Michael Ribchester and cannot determine if he died before or after his wife. He was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church.

The Family of John and Mary RIBCHESTER:

John Ribchester, a weaver, and Mary Simpson, a spinster, both of the Parish of Samlesbury, were married on 29 May 1815 at St Leonard the Less Parish Church in Samlesbury. They were married after Banns by James Barnes, and the witnesses were Henry Dewhurst and John Valentine.

Although described as "of this parish" when he married in Samlesbury, John was originally from Preston and was listed there with his parents, Michael and Ann Ribchester, in the 1810 Catholic census [see above]. After marrying in Samlesbury John and Mary settled in Preston where they baptized the first eight of their ten children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with James, who was baptized on 16 Jul 1815, with sponsors Joseph Coupe and Ann Ribchester. He was followed by Joseph, who was baptized on 6 Dec 1818, with sponsors James Wiggins and Helen Leigh.

At the time of the 1820 Catholic census John Richester (sic) was living at Crows (Crown) Street with Mary, James, aged 4, and Joseph, aged 1. Their third child, Margaret, was born later that year and was baptized on 19 Nov 1820, with sponsors William Sharroc and Betty Simpson. She was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 13 Apr 1823, with sponsors John Livesay and Elizabeth Singleton; Michael, who was baptized on 8 Jan 1826, with sponsors Richard Simpson and Jane Smith; Christopher, who was baptized on 14 Dec 1828, with sponsors Richard Parker and Sarah Houghton; and John, who was baptized on 10 Jul 1831, with sponsors John Halliwell and Ann Simpson. John and Mary appear to have moved house in 1832, as he is listed in the 1832 Preston electoral rolls in both Crown Street, where he and his parents were listed in earlier records, and in Atkinson Street, where he was living in later records. He was listed as a weaver, living at 64 Crown Street, and as a spinner living at 43 Atkinson Street, the address listed when he buried his eighth child.

Elizabeth RIBCHESTER:

Elizabeth Ribchester, the first of two daughters to be given that name, was baptized on 19 Jan 1834, with sponsors William Olderness and Margaret Simpson. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 15 Apr 1835, aged 15 months.

John and Mary's ninth child was another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born in 1836, but was not baptized at at St Wilfrid's Chapel and I have been unable to find her baptism record elsewhere. On the night of the 1841 census John Ribchester, a cotton weaver, aged c. 45, was living in Atkinson Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 40, and six children, Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; Mary, a cotton weaver, aged c. 15; Michael, a labourer, aged c. 15; Christopher, aged 10; Elizabeth, aged 5; and Ann, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Also staying with them was Mary Simpson, aged c. 75, who may have been related to Mary. The infant Ann, aged 1, was their granddaughter, the child of their unmarried daughter Mary. Ann's birth was registered under the surnames Ribchester and Gregson, and Mary Ribchester eventually married Ann's father, John Gregson, on 30 May 1846 at St John's Parish Church in Preston.

The year after the 1841 census John and Mary had their tenth and last child, Robert, who was born on Christmas Day 1842, and was baptized the following day at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston, with sponsors Joseph Barker and Ellen Dunderdale. John Ribchester, of Lancaster Road, died on 6 Mar 1847, and was buried three days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Church, aged 56 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...on Saturday last,...Jno. Ribchester, Lancaster-road, aged 56;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Mar 1847

At the time of the 1851 census Mary Ribchester, widow, a provision dealer, aged 54, was living at 143 Lancaster Road, Preston with two children, Elizabeth, a power weaver, aged 14; and Robert, a scholar, aged 9. Also staying with them was a niece, Ellen Ribchester, a servant, aged 18; and a grandson, John Ribchester, a power weaver, aged 14. They were all listed as born in Preston.

By the time of the 1861 census Mary, still a provision dealer, aged 63, was living at 127 Lancaster Road, Preston with her unmarried daughter Elizabeth, a dress maker, aged 24, and a granddaughter, Mary Ribchester, a scholar, aged 7. She lived at the Lancaster Road address for the rest of her life, and at the time of the 1881 census Mary Ribchester, widow, a grocer, aged 83, was still living at 127 Lancaster Road, Preston, with an unmarried servant, her niece, Ellen Simpson, aged 49. Mary died four years later.

Mary Ribchester, of 127 Lancaster Road, died on 25 Aug 1885 and was buried on 28 Aug 1885 in a private grave, B-35, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 87 years. Hers was the fifth interment in the private grave, buried 15 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:...Mary Ribchester, Lancaster-road, 87."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Aug 1885

Probate Information:

Mary Ribchester, 9 July 1887, Administration (with the Will) of the Personal Estate of Mary Ribchester late of 127 Lancaster-road Preston in the County of Lancaster Widow who died 25 August 1885 at Lancaster-road was granted at Lancaster to John Ribchester of 46 Peel-street-East Preston Fish Dealer the Son and Elizabeth Threlfall (Wife of John Threlfall) of 7 South-view Lostock Hall near Preston in the said County the Daughter two of the Residuary Legatees. Personal Estate £566 10s.

Note: Mary (Simpson) Ribchester, the daughter of Christopher and Mary Simpson, was buried in a family grave with her son Joseph and his family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Alice RIBCHESTER:

John Ribchester, a husbandman, and Alice Winstanley, a spinster, both of the Parish of Poulton-le-Fylde, were married on 2 Feb 1820 at St Chad's Parish Church in Poulton-le-Fylde. They were married after Banns by Robert Bowness, Curate, and the witnesses were James Marginson and John Fairclough. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Alice began their married life in the area of Poulton-le-Fylde, and baptized their first eight children at St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Poulton-le-Fylde, beginning with Elizabeth, who was born on 16 Jan 1821, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors William Bamber and Elizabeth Walker. She was followed by Catherine, who was born on 30 Jun 1822, and was baptized on 7 Jul 1822, with sponsors Peter and Elizabeth Winstanley; then Mary, who was born on 3 Jul 1824, baptized the following day, with sponsors Thomas and Elizabeth Eaves; James, who was born on 15 Jun 1826, and was baptized on 18 Jun 1826, with sponsors Thomas Eccles and Mary Winstanley; Anne, who was born on 8 Apr 1828, and was baptized on 13 Apr 1828, with sponsors John and Anne Atkinson; Alice, who was born on 6 Jan 1830, and was baptized on 8 Jan 1830, with sponsors Robert Cardwell and Mary Ribchester; Ellen, who was born on 6 Feb 1832, with sponsors John Rigby and Mary Cowel; and John, who was born on 5 Oct 1833, and was baptized on 13 Oct 1833, with sponsors John Bale Jr and Alice Cardwell.

John Ribchester's baptism

Some time after John's birth the family relocated to Preston, where they baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel. The first of whom did not survive infancy.

Thomas RIBCHESTER:

Thomas Ribchester was born on 10 Jan 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 Jan 1836, with sponsors James and Mary Owins (sic). He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Dec 1836, aged 11 months. Just 26 days later, John and Alice buried another child.

John RIBCHESTER:

John Ribchester, who was born on 5 Oct 1833, was buried on 6 Jan 1837, aged 3 years.

A little more than a year after their son John's death, John and Alice had another son they called John, who was born on 12 May 1838, and was baptized the following day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas Hornby and Elizabeth Harrison, and on the night of the 1841 census John Ribchester, a watchman in a flax mill, aged c. 45, was living in Red Cross Street, Preston with Alice, aged c. 45, and eight children, Elizabeth, a flax reeler, aged c. 20; Catherine, a flax spinner, aged c. 15; Mary, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; James, a cotton piecer, aged 14; Ann, a flax spinner, aged 13; Alice, aged 11; Ellen, aged 9; and John, aged 3. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Two years after the census was taken, John and Alice's eleventh, and last, child was born. Thomas Anselm Ribchester was born on 21 Apr 1843, and was baptized on 23 Apr 1843 as Thomas Ripchester (sic), with sponsors James and Catherine Ripchester. Strangely, Thomas' birth was registered as John Anselm Ribchester. At the time of the 1851 census John Ribchester, a labourer, aged 57, was living at 214 Brook Street, Preston with his wife Alice, aged 53, and four children, Catherine, a reeler, aged 28; Ann, a linen spinner, aged 22; Ellen, a rover, aged 19; and Thomas A., a scholar, aged 7, as well as a granddaughter, Martha Ribchester, aged 10 months. Also living with them was their married daughter Mary, a rover, aged 26, her husband William Myerscough, a labourer, aged 29, and their daughter Alice Myerscough, aged 1. John was listed as born in Chipping, Alice was born in Preston, Catherine, Mary, Ellen and Ann were born in Thornton, William Myerscough was born in Walton, and the rest of the household was born in Preston. John and Alice's son James, a house painter, aged 24, was living next door at 215 Brook Street with his wife Elizabeth, aged 24, and their son John Joseph, aged 2. James was born in Thornton, Elizabeth was born in Scotforth, and their son was born in Preston.

At the time of the 1861 census John Ribchester, a gardener, aged 67, was living at 211 Brook Street, with Alice, aged 64, and two of their unmarried children, Catherine, a cotton winder, aged 38; and Thomas A, a pupil teacher at school, aged 18; and a nephew, James Ribchester, a scholar, aged 8. Also living with them was their married daughter Alice, a brewer's wife, aged 29, her husband Richard Eccles, a retail brewer, aged 26; and their daughter Alice Eccles, aged 1.

John Ribchester, a gardener, died of chronic disease of the liver on 21 Nov 1870 at 211 Brook Street, aged 77 years. His death was registered by his son-in-law, Richard Eccles, of 63 Ashmore Street, Preston, who was present at the death. He was buried on 25 Nov 1870 in a public grave, N-335, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 77 years.

On the night of the 1871 census Alice Ribchester, widow, a housekeeper, aged 73, was living at 211 Brook Street, Preston with her grandson, James Ribchester, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 19. Also staying with her was a boarder, Rachael Hamer, aged 70. Alice's birthplace was recorded as Alston, James was born in Preston, and the boarder was born in Chorley. Alice died four years later.

Alice (Winstanley) Ribchester, of 26 Bootle Street, died on 5 Mar 1875, aged 77, and was buried on 8 Mar 1875 in a public grave, G-251, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 77 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...Alice Ribchester, Bootle-street, 77;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Mar 1875

FURTHER INFORMATION:

William RIBCHESTER:

William Ribchester was born on 2 Jul 1836, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 10 Jul 1836. He was the son of William and Sarah Ribchester, and the sponsors were Philip McGuire and Mary Eccleston.

William Jr would have been William and Sarah's last child, as she was about 48 years old at the time of his birth. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Apr 1837, aged 10 months.

William Ribchester and Sarah Loxham, both of Preston, were married on 29 Jan 1816 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Ellen Whittle and George Riley. The bride, groom and Ellen Whittle signed the marriage register with an X.

Although apparently a Catholic family, William was the only child they baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, and the only other child I can find a baptism record for was their daughter Margaret, who was baptized on 10 Apr 1829 at St John's Parish Church. The baptism register records that she was the daughter of William and Sarah, of George Street, and that her father was a labourer.

On the night of the 1841 census William Ribchester, a labourer, aged c. 50, was living in Simpson Street, Preston with Sarah, aged c. 50, and three children, Robert, aged 8; Margaret, aged 13; and Sarah, aged 3. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The 3 year old Sarah was William and Sarah's granddaughter, the child of their unmarried daughter Ellen. She was born on 12 Feb 1839 and was baptized on 16 Feb 1839 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors James Foy and Mary Eccleston.

At the time of the 1851 census William Ribchester, a labourer, aged 66, was living at 5 Simpson Street, with Sarah, aged 64, and three children, Robert, a cotton stripper in a mill, aged 19; Margaret, a flax spinner, aged 21; and Sarah, aged 12. Although Sarah was listed as their daughter, she was actually their granddaughter, as noted above. William was listed as born in Walton, and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

On the night of the 1861 census William Ribchester, a brewer, aged 74, was living in Simpson Street, Preston with Sarah, a housekeeper, aged 71, with their unmarried daughter Margaret, a spinner, aged 30, and their grandson John, aged 3. In this census William is listed as born in Fishwick, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Sarah died five years later.

Sarah (Loxham) Ribchester, of 8 Simpson Street, was buried on 24 Aug 1866 in a public grave, D-4, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 78 years. William Ribchester survived his wife by four years, and died in the workhouse on 17 Mar 1870. He was buried on 21 Mar 1870 in a public grave, N-304, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 83 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...At the workhouse, Fulwood: On the 17th inst., William Ribchester, aged 83 years;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Mar 1870

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Arthur RICE:

Arthur Rice, bachelor, a weaver, and Margaret Garner, a spinster, both of Manchester, were married on 23 Aug 1819 at the Parish Church of Manchester (now known as Manchester Cathedral). They were married after Banns by Joseph Brooks, and the witnesses were Robert Hilton and Thomas Anderson. Margaret signed the marriage register with an X.

After marrying in Manchester, Arthur and Margaret settled in Preston, where their first son was born a few months later. Arthur Rice was baptized on 12 Dec 1819 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Arthur and Margaret, and the sponsors were James Walmsley and Elizabeth Salisbury.

At the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston Margaret Rice, aged 26, was living at 7 Dale Street, with Arthur, aged 2. Arthur Sr was not listed, and may have been away from home when the census was taken. The following year their second child was born. Helen Rice was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 2 Dec 1821, with sponsors Francis and Elizabeth Brady.

Ellen was not yet 2 years old when her father died in June 1823. After Arthur's death Margaret may have moved her young children back to Manchester, where they later married in the same church that their parents were married in.

Ellen Rice, spinster, of full age, of Buckley Street, daughter of Arthur Rice, a weaver, and Joseph Walker, of full age, a labourer, of Buckley Street, son of John Walker, a labourer, were married on 30 Nov 1846 at Manchester Cathedral.

Arthur Rice, bachelor, aged 33, a private in the 15th Regiment of Foot, of New Islington, son of Arthur Rice, a weaver, and Rosannah Partington, spinster, aged 33, of New Islington, daughter of Charles Partington, an overlooker, were married on 2 Jan 1856 at Manchester Cathedral. Later that year, on 25 Nov 1856, he was admitted as a Chelsea Pensioner. At that time his age was recorded as 35, and his birthplace was recorded as Peeston (sic), Lancashire.

Note: A Margaret Rice, a widow, married Henry Ashton, a widower, on 26 May 1826 at Manchester Cathedral, but I cannot confirm that this was the widow of Arthur Rice.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Charles RICE:

Charles Rice was born on 6 Jun 1841, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Jun 1841. He was the son of Charles and Mary Rice, and the sponsors were Hugh Flanagan and Elizabeth Farmer.

This is one of the most confusing families I've ever come across. Firstly, this child's birth was never registered, under the surname Rice, his mother's first married name Ashton, or her maiden name, which was either Dearden or Duerden. The matter is further complicated by the fact that his parents weren't married at the time of his birth, and only married in 1850.

Charles Rice and Mary Ashton appear to have lived together as husband and wife for years before they were married. Some of the children listed as their children were actually Mary's children by her first husband William Ashton, but I can only find baptism records for one of them and can't be sure which of the children born before they married in 1850 were the children of Charles Rice. As a child, their son James used the name James Rice, but by 1891, he was using the surname Ashton. Their daughter Nancy used the surname Rice, but when she married John Hindle in 1873 she used the name Ashton and the space on the marriage certificate for her father's name and occupation had a line drawn through it. The witnesses to her marriage were James Ashton and Elizabeth Rice.

No matter what their living arrangements were at the time, they seem to have successfully avoided the census taker in 1841, but at the time of the 1851 census Charles Reece (sic), a cotton spinner, aged 39, was living at 65 Back Street West, Blackburn with his wife Mary, aged 37, and five children, two with the surname Reece, James, aged 7; and Nancy, aged 11 months; and three with the surname Ashton, Hugh, a cotton creeler, aged 12; Mary A, aged 17; and Esther, aged 15, both card room workers. Also staying with them was Catherine Reece, a widow, aged 82. Charles was listed as born in Preston, Mary was born in Pickup Bank, Catherine was born in Wales, and the children were born in Blackburn.

A year after the census was taken Charles and Mary had their first "legitimate" child, Reece, who was born on 25 Feb 1852 and was baptized Rees Rice on 11 Apr 1852 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church - a Church of England church - in Blackburn. Their next two children were baptized in the same church. Susannah Rice was born on 1 May 1854 and was baptized on 4 Jun 1854, but died the following year, aged 1 year. Richard Rice was born on 12 Apr 1856 and was baptized on 27 Apr 1856. At that time the family's abode was recorded as Nova Scotia, which was an area of Blackburn. The birth registration of those three children recorded their mother's maiden name as both Ashton and Duerden.

On the night of the 1861 census Charles Rice, a cotton spinner, aged 50, was living at 2 Rectory Street, Blackburn with Mary, a housekeeper, aged 49, and four children with the surname Rice: James, a cotton self minder, aged 17; Nancy, a cotton tenter, aged 11; Reece, a cotton tenter, aged 9; and Richard, aged 5; as well as one child using the surname Ashton, Eliz E Ashton, a cotton rover, aged 25. "Eliz E" may have actually been Esther.

At the time of the 1871 Charles Rice, a cotton spinner, aged 60, was living at 8 Hopwood Street, Blackburn with Mary, aged 59, and three children, Reece, aged 19; Richard, aged 14; and Nancy, aged 20; all cotton weavers. Mary (Duerden-Ashton) Rice died three years later, aged 63, and on the night of the 1881 census Charles Rice, widower, a cotton weft spinner, aged 70, was living with his married daughter Nancy Hindle. John Hindle, a master cotton winder, aged 32, was living at 11 Robert Street, Blackburn with his wife Nancy, a cotton weaver, aged 30, and two children, John R, aged 10; and William, aged 8, both scholars. With the exception of Charles, who was listed as born in Preston, they were all born in Blackburn.

By 1891 Charles Rice, a widower, aged 80, was living as a lodger with his son James. James Ashton, a cotton spinner, aged 47, was living at 43 Rock Cliff Street, Blackburn with his wife Mary Alice, a cotton rover, aged 33, and six children, Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 15; James R, a scholar, aged 11; Charles Rd, a scholar, aged 9; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 6; Susannah, aged 4; and Reece R, aged 1. Charles was listed as born in Preston, Mary Alice was born in Scotland, and the rest of the family were born in Blackburn.

Charles Rice died in Blackburn in 1893, aged 82 years.

Note 1: If Charles Rice was indeed born in Preston in about 1811 he may have been baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, but the records for the period 1803 to 1812 are missing.

Note 2: Mary Duerden or Dearden's first marriage was to William Ashton. They were married on 25 Dec 1833 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Blackburn.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Edward RICHARDSON:

Edward Richardson, a shopkeeper, who was born in about 1753, was living at 3 Marsh Lane, Preston when he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Jun 1839, aged 85 years. Because he died before the 1841 census and there was no obituary or death notice published, there are few clues to his identity. One possible clue is his address. On the night of the 1841 census a Henry Richardson, a butcher, aged 33, was living in Marsh Lane with Alice, aged 35; and three children, Edward, aged 5; Robert, aged 3; and Mary (actually Jane), aged 10 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. This was the only Richardson family living in Marsh Lane at the time, and the fact that Henry named his first born son Edward may be another clue.

Henry Richardson, a bachelor, and Alice Ratcliff, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 28 Oct 1834 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Clarkson and Mary Holden. Alice seems to have used both the surnames Ratcliffe and Holden before marrying Henry, and when their daughter Jane was born both maiden surnames were recorded.

Henry and Alice had four children while living in Preston, all baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Edward was born on 12 Aug 1835, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors John Clarkson and Margaret Richardson. He was followed by Robert, who was born on 21 Jan 1838, and was baptized on 28 Jan 1838, with sponsors George Molloy and Henrietta Goodwin; then Jane, who was born on 4 Aug 1840, and was baptized on 9 Aug 1840, with sponsors Edward Richardson and Bridget Corbett, and finally Henry Jr, who was born on 27 Dec 1843, and was baptized on 31 Dec 1843, with sponsors Edward Richardson and Mary Gregson.

After 1843 this family disappears from local records and were not listed anywhere in the 1851 or any later censuses.

Note: Edward may have been the husband of Mary Richardson, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 May 1844, aged 70 years. At the time of her death she was described as the widow of Edward Richardson.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann RICHARDSON:

Without knowing Ann's maiden name it is difficult to trace the record of her marriage to Thomas Richardson. They were not married in Preston, and were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston. Their first five known children were born before that date, but all during the period for which the St Wilfrid's registers are missing.

The first of their children to be recorded in the existing St Wilfrid's baptism records was Martha, who was baptized on 7 Aug 1814, with sponsors Hugh and Elizabeth Bell. The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Thomas Richardson, aged 48, living at Water Lane End with Mary, aged 17; Thomas, aged 15; Ralph, aged 14; Evan, aged 13; Margaret, aged 11; Ann, aged 9; Alice, aged 6; and Martha, aged 5.

Thomas RICHARDSON Sr:

Thomas Richardson, of Crown Street, who was born in about 1772, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Jan 1836. The burial transcripts record his age as 54 years, but I suspect this was a mis-transcription, as he would have been nearer 64 years old.

Evan RICHARDSON:

Evan Richardson, of 19 Crown Street, who was born in about 1803, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Apr 1836, aged 32 years.

Alice RICHARDSON:

Alice Richardson, of 21 Crown Street, who was born in about 1813, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Dec 1836, aged 24 years.

Thomas and Ann's youngest daughter, Martha, spinster, aged 25, a weaver, of Crown Street, the daughter of the late Thomas Richardson, a weaver, and William Parker, bachelor, aged 25, a clogger, of High Street, the son of James Parker, a weaver, were married on 13 Aug 1839 at St John's Parish Church in Preston, and on the night of the 1841 census Ann Richardson, aged c. 65, was living in Crown Street, Preston with Martha Parker, a weaver of cotton, aged c. 25. Also staying with them was Ellen Entwistle, aged c. 20; Ann Robertson, aged c. 15; and Mary Richardson, aged 7. William and Martha's first child, Ann, was born the following year but lived just 4 months and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 18 Sep 1842. Perhaps due to complications of childbirth, Martha died the following month and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Oct 1842, aged 28 years.

Ann Richardson died on 25 Jan 1848 at 19 Crown Street, aged 73 years, but I can find no record of her burial in Preston. It may be that she was buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register appears to be missing.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Mary RICHARDSON:

James Richardson and Mary Rainford were married on 3 Feb 1846 at St Peter's Catholic Church in Lytham by Father Walmsley. It would appear that James and Mary were related by blood and had to get special dispensation from Reverend George Brown, the Vicar Apostolic for the district.

James and Mary's Marriage

Permission was granted, perhaps because Mary was already pregnant with their first child, Mary, who was born on 22 Jul 1846, and was baptized four days later at St Peter's Church, with sponsors James Singleton and Ann Elston. Their second child was Elizabeth, who was born on 28 Feb 1848, and was baptized on 3 Mar 1848 at St Peter's Church, with sponsors Ezekiel Singleton and Margaret Bickerstaffe.

Some time after the birth of their second child, James and Mary moved to Preston, where their third child was born. James Richardson was born on 17 Oct 1850, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Oct 1850, with sponsors William Worden and Grace Atkinson. On the night of the 1851 census James Richardson, an agricultural labourer, aged 36, was living at 7 Heatley Street, Preston with his wife Mary, aged 31, and three children, Mary, a scholar, aged 5; Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 3; and James, aged 5 months. James Sr was listed as born in Garstang, Mary Sr, Mary Jr and Elizabeth were born in Lytham, and James Jr was born in Preston. By the end of that year they had lost two of their three children.

Mary RICHARDSON:

Mary Richardson, who was born on 22 Jul 1846 in Lytham, died in Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in Nov 1851, aged 5 years. The exact date was not recorded. Her sister died the following month.

Elizabeth RICHARDSON:

Elizabeth Richardson, who was born on 23 Feb 1848 in Lytham died in Preston and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Dec 1851, aged 4 years.

After the deaths of their two daughters James and Mary returned to Lytham, where they had four more children, all baptized at St Peter's Catholic Church. Oliver Richardson was born on 24 Nov 1853 and was baptized three days later, with one sponsor, James Rainford. While I know from an existing index that their other three children were baptized at St Peter's Church, the baptism register is still held at the church and I have not had access to it. Ellen was born in 1856, Charles was born in 1858, but died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham. The burial date in the church register is illegible, but was entered between 21 Oct and 5 Nov 1860. Mary must have been pregnant when their son died as they had another son later in 1860 and called him Charles.

On the night of the 1861 census James Richardson, an agricultural labourer, aged 44, was living at Common Side, Lytham with Mary, aged 41, and four children, James, a scholar, aged 10; Oliver, a scholar, aged 7; Ellen, aged 4; and Charles, aged 5 months. James Sr was listed as born in Weeton and the rest of the family were listed as born in Lytham. Charles Richardson died three years later and was buried in the churchyard at St Cuthbert's Parish Church in Lytham on 11 Sep 1864, aged 4 years. The burial register records that he was a Catholic, and there was no service. Mary (Rainford) Richardson died two years after her young son, and was buried in the same churchyard on 30 Dec 1866, aged 46 years. The burial register records that she was a Catholic, and again, there was no service.

James Richardson never remarried and on the night of the 1891 census James Sr, a farm labourer, aged 74, was living with his married son James, also a farm labourer, aged 40. James Jr was living at Lytham Road, Heyhouses, Lytham-St Annes, with his wife Ellen, aged 39, and six children, Mary, a scholar, aged 13; John, a scholar, aged 11; James, a scholar, aged 7; Thomas, aged 5; Charles, aged 2; and Henry, aged 1. James Sr was listed as born in Kirkham, James Jr was born in Preston, Ellen and Mary were born in Marton, Poulton; and the rest of the family were born in St Annes-on-Sea. This is the last record I can find of James Richardson Sr, who apparently died before the date of the 1901 census, but not in Lytham-St Annes.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann RICHARDSON:

Thomas Richardson, a bachelor, and Ann Butler, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 15 Feb 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were James Butler and Lawrence Tomlison. The bride, groom and James Butler signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic marriage ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day, with James Butler and Mary Richardson standing as witnesses.

Thomas and Alice settled in Preston and baptized the first three of their known children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Matthew, who was baptized on 7 Mar 1820, with sponsors James Norris and Mary Atkinson; followed by Mary, who was baptized on 1 Jan 1822, with sponsors James and Rebecca Butler; then Elizabeth, who was baptized on 21 Mar 1824, with sponsors William Brown and Agnes Harrison.

I'm not sure if Thomas and Alice left Preston for a time, but their next five children were not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel and I cannot find their baptism records. These were Jane, who was born c. 1827; Thomas, born c. 1829; James, born c. 1832; Evan, born c. 1836; and Joseph, c. 1839.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Richardson, a cotton weaver, aged 43, was living in Mill Street, off North Road, Preston with Ann, aged 44, and six children, Matthew, aged 21; Mary, aged 19; Elizabeth, aged 17; Jane, aged 13, all cotton weavers; Thomas, a cotton mill worker, aged 11; James, aged 8; Evan, aged 4; and Joseph, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Thomas Sr died the following year.

Thomas RICHARDSON Sr:

Thomas Richardson, who was born in about 1797, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Nov 1842, aged 45 years.

Ann was pregnant at the time of her husband's death as their ninth child was born five months later.

John RICHARDSON:

John Richardson was born on 3 May 1843 and was baptized on 7 May 1843 at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors James Brown and Margaret Leech. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Sep 1843, aged 4 months.

Two years after her husband's death, Ann remarried. Richard Gillett, a widower, and Ann Richardson, a widow, were married on 1 Nov 1845 at St Ignatius Catholic Church. They were married by Robert Havers, and the witnesses were John Armstrong and Ann Boardman.

Richard and Ann's Marriage

Four years after Ann's remarriage, her daughter Jane died.

Jane RICHARDSON:

Jane Richardson, who was born in about 1827, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Sep 1849, aged 22 years.

At the time of the 1851 Richard Gillett, a shoemaker, aged 54, was living in Back Upper Walker Street, Preston, with his wife Ann, aged 53. Also staying with them was a lodger, Roger Carter, a plumber and glazier, aged 24. Richard was born in Lytham, Ann was born in Preston, and their lodger was born in Alston. Ann died in the workhouse five years later. She was buried on 23 Aug 1856 in a public grave, G-59, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 59 years.

Thomas and Ann's son Evan died the year after his mother and was buried on 3 May 1857 in a public grave, G-199, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 20 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Evan Richardson, Nelson-street, aged 20;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 May 1857

Note 1: Thomas and Ann's daughter Mary married John Quirk in Bury on 14 Oct 1844 but was widowed two years later. She died on 11 Mar 1849 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 27 years.

Note 2: Thomas and Ann's son Matthew married Mary Thompson on 26 Dec 1844 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary RICHARDSON:

Mary Richardson, the widow of Edward Richardson, died on 7 May 1844, aged 70 years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later. According to a copy of her death certificate, her death was registered by Edward Richardson, of Hawkhead Street, Preston.

At the time of the 1841 census Mary Richardson, of independent means, aged c. 60, was living in Poulton-le-Fylde with Edward, a joiner, aged c. 20. They were both listed as born in Lancashire. Some time after 1841 they moved to Preston, where Edward was married.

Edward Richard (sic) and Sarah Ann Woodhouse were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Jul 1843, witnessed by John Helm and Esther Woodhouse.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Sunday last, at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfrid, Mr. Edward Richardson, of this town, to Miss Sarah Ann Woodhouse, of Claughton, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Richard Woodhouse, of Heaton."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Jul 1843

Edward and Sarah Ann had two children born in Preston, both baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. Their son Richard was born on 12 Dec 1843, and was baptized on 17 Dec 1843, with sponsors Joseph Hodin and Mary Hammond. Their second child, John, was baptized on 28 Sep 1845, with sponsors Henry Hodgin and Mary MacVale. Some time after John's birth the family relocated to Manchester and on the night of the 1851 census Edward Richardson, a joiner, aged 31, was living at 8 Sycamore Street, Manchester with his wife Sarah Ann, aged 34, and two children, John, a scholar, aged 5; and Mary, aged 2. Also staying with them were his sister-in-law Esther Woodhouse, a house servant, aged 41; two visitors, Christopher Martin, a blacksmith, aged 33; and Elijah Martin, a joiner, aged 28; and a lodger, Edward Jones, a labourer, aged 26. Edward Richardson was listed as born in Claughton, Sarah Ann was born in Heaton, John was born in Preston, Mary was born in Manchester, the two visitors were born in Chipping, and the lodger was born in Wales.

Note: Mary's late husband may have been the Edward Richardson who was buried in in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Jun 1839, aged 85 years, but I have not yet been able to confirm that.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Thomas RICHARDSON:

Thomas Richardson was born on 7 Jan 1846, and was baptized on 11 Jan 1846 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. He was the son of Matthew and Mary Richardson, and the sponsors were James Brown and Elizabeth Richardson. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 3 Oct 1846, aged 10 months.

Matthew Richardson, son of Thomas and Ann Richardson, and Mary Thompson, daughter of Thomas and Jane Thompson, were married on 26 Dec 1844 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Robert Havers, and the witnesses were James Brown and Elizabeth Richardson.

Thomas was Matthew and Mary's first child, and they went on to have three more children, all baptized at St Ignatius Church. Their second child was Joseph, who was born on 10 May 1848, and was baptized on 14 May 1848, with sponsors James and Mary Quirk. He was followed by John, who was born on 30 Jul 1850, and was baptized on 11 Aug 1850, with sponsors James and Elizabeth Richardson.

On the night of the 1851 census Matthew Richinson (sic), a weaver, aged 31, was living at 206 Green Bank Terrace, Preston with his wife Mary, a weaver, aged 28, and two children, Joseph, aged 3; and John, aged 8 months. They were all listed as born in Preston. Matthew and Mary where living at the same address as Jane Thompson, a widow, aged 51 and her four daughters, who may have been related to Mary. Matthew and Mary's fourth and last child was born two years later.

Robert Richardson was born on 15 Sep 1853 and was baptized on 25 Sep 1853, with sponsors Joseph Butler and Alice Thirlwall. Robert was not quite 3 years old when his mother died.

Mary (Thompson) Richardson, of Senior Street, who was born in about 1822, was buried on 14 Dec 1856 in a public grave, H-150, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 34 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last...Mary Richardson, Senior-st., 43 (sic);"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 20 Dec 1856

Less than a year after his wife's death Matthew was remarried to Jane Downey. Their marriage was registered in the third quarter of 1857, but they were not married at any of Preston's Catholic churches and I suspect that they may have been married in the Registry Office. Matthew and Jane had three children together, all baptized at St Ignatius Church, beginning with Mary, who was born on 15 May 1858, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors James Parkinson and Elizabeth Harrison. She was followed by Ann, who was born on 19 Mar 1860, and was baptized on 24 Mar 1860, with sponsors Joseph Richardson and Mary Downey. Ann did not survive infancy and was buried on 13 Jul 1860 in a public grave, E-694, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 3 months.

At the time of the 1861 census Matthew Richardson, a power loom weaver, aged 41, was living at 21 Harold Street, Preston with his wife Jane, aged 31, and four children, Joseph, a tenter, aged 13; John, a tenter, aged 10; Robert, a scholar, aged 8; and Mary, aged 3. Jane was born in Ireland and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Jane would have been pregnant with their third and last child, who was born six week later. Matthew Richardson Jr was born on 20 May 1861 and was baptized on 26 May 1861, with sponsors John Prescot and Emma Mills.

I cannot determine if Matthew and Jane left Lancashire for a time or whether they somehow managed to avoid the census taker, but the family is nowhere to be found in the 1871 census. By 1881 their children had left home and Matthew Richardson, a cotton weaver, aged 61, was living at 5 Trinity Place, Preston with Jane, a cotton winder, aged 51. They later moved to Starch House Street where they were living at the time of the 1891 census. Matthew Richardson, aged 70, was living at 2 Starch-house Street, with Jane, a char-woman, aged 56. In this census, Jane's birthplace is recorded as Antrim, Ireland. Matthew died six years later.

Matthew Richardson, of 11 Starchhouse Street, was buried on 30 Jan 1897 in a public grave, N-391, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 76 years.

Death Notice:

"Deaths...Preston, Since our last,...Matthew Richardson, Starchhouse-street, 76;"

Published in the Preston Guardian, Sat., 6 Feb 1897

I can find no further confirmed record of Jane (Downey) Richardson. There are two or three ladies called Jane Richardson listed in various records - but none that fits the information I have. A Jane Richardson died in the workhouse and was buried on 8 Apr 1903 in a public grave, AA-1103, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 67 years, but I have been unable to confirm that she was the widow of Matthew Richardson.

Note: Matthew Richardson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 Mar 1820. He was the son of Thomas and Ann (Butler) Richardson, and the sponsors were James Norris and Mary Atkinson.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Ellen RIDING:

William Riding, a bachelor, and Ellen Shaw, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 3 Sep 1821 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Nancy Beesley and William Coulthurst. The bride, groom and William Coulthurst signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where the witnesses names were spelled William Colthurst and Ann Beesley.

William and Ellen settled in Preston, where they baptized eight of their nine children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Margaret, who was baptized on 8 Jul 1822, with sponsors William Singleton and Agnes Albin. She was followed by Alice, who was baptized on 4 Jun 1826, with sponsors James Ryding and Helen Miller; then Jane, who was baptized on 24 Aug 1828, with sponsors Matthew Barton and Jane Lee. Their fourth child did not survive infancy.

Joseph RIDING (1):

Joseph Riding was baptized on 19 Jun 1831, and the sponsors were William Melling and Helen Hartley. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Jan 1833. Although he was about 1 year, 7 months old, the burial transcript recorded his age simply as "infant".

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed a William Riding, a shoemaker, living in the cellar of 3 Laurel Street. Two years later their fifth child, another son they called Joseph, was born. He was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Jan 1834, with sponsors Henry Porter and Alice Slater. Joseph was followed by Robert, who was baptized on 20 Jul 1835, with sponsors James Sharrock and Ann Parkinson. Their seventh child, the only child not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, did not survive infancy.

William RIDING:

William Riding was born in about May of 1837, but was not baptized in either St Wilfrid's Chapel or St Ignatius Church. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 10 Oct 1837, aged 5 months. His surname was spelled Ridurg in the burial transcripts.

William and Ellen's eighth child was Ellen, who was born on 21 Feb 1840, and was baptized Ellen Ryding on 1 Mar 1840 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors John Sharples and Bridget Crook. On the night of the 1841 census, William Riding, a shoe maker, aged c. 35, was living in Shepherd Street, Preston with Ellen, a cotton carder, aged c. 40, and six children, Margaret, a piecer, aged c. 15; Thomas, aged c. 15; Alice, aged c. 15; Jane, aged 13; Joseph, aged 8; and Ellen, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

William and Ellen's ninth child was Maria, who was born on 4 May 1843, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 7 May 1843, with sponsors Henry Kirkham and Mary Helm.

William and Ellen's daughter Margaret had a daughter in 1843 that did not survive infancy.

Martha RIDING:

Martha Ryding (sic) was born on 22 Sep 1843, and was baptized on 24 Sep 1843 at St Augustine's Catholic Church in Preston. She was the daughter of Margaret Ryding and James Barker, and the sponsors were John Barker and Mary Turner. It was unusual for an illegitimate child's father's name to be entered in a baptism register in this time period, but the fact that the child's birth was registered under both surnames, Riding and Barker, is an indication that James Barker was named on the birth certificate as well. Margaret went on to marry William Garstang at St Mary's Church in Penwortham in 1847, but they were living apart by 1851.

Two years after Maria's birth William and Ellen lost another son.

Joseph RIDING (2):

Joseph Riding, who was born in 1834, died on 20 Apr 1845.

News Report:

"Death by a Fall from a Pony - On Monday last, an inquest was holden by R. Palmer, Esq., on view of the body of Joseph Riding, a boy 11 years of age, who on Saturday had fallen from a pony in Shepherd-street, and died the following morning from the injuries sustained."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Apr 1845

Joseph was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Apr 1845. His age was incorrectly recorded in the transcripts as 7 years, but the death index and news report give his correct age as 11 years. His younger sister died the following year.

Maria RIDING:

Maria Riding, who was born in 1843, died young and was buried on 11 Oct 1846, aged 3 years. Although her birth, death and burial all recorded her first name as Maria, the baptism transcript recorded it as Mary. Maria is the Latin form of Mary, and this may have caused some confusion over her given name. Four years after Maria's death, her mother followed her to the grave.

Ellen RIDING:

Ellen (Shaw) Riding died on 10 May 1850, and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 50 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday week, Ellen, wife of Wm. Ryding, Shepherd-street, aged 50."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 May 1850

At the time of the 1851 census William Riding, a shoe maker, aged 49, was living at 30 Main Sprit Weind, Preston with his married daughter Margaret Garstang, a housekeeper, aged 29; and his youngest daughter Ellen, a scholar, aged 10. William was listed as born in Longridge and his daughters were born in Preston.

William Riding, of Shepherd Street, died in 1858 and was buried on 12 Sep 1858 in a public grave, E-41, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 56 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last...William Riding, Shepherd-street, aged 56;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Sep 1858

Note 1: The death of Joseph in 1845 caused me quite a bit of confusion. His age was recorded in the burial transcript as 7 years, but the only death of a Joseph Riding registered in Preston in 1845 was recorded with the age as 1 year, meaning a child born in about 1843/44. However, there was no record of a Joseph Riding born in 1843 and the only one born in 1844 was still living in 1851. Finally I checked the GRO death index on-line to find that the child who died in Preston in 1845 was actually 11 years old, and this explained why I could find no record of William and Ellen's son Joseph after the 1841 census.

Note 2: Margaret Riding married William Garstang at St Mary's Penwortham in 1847, but her husband was not listed with her in 1851. When she married Thomas Coupe on 4 Apr 1861 she was described as a widow, and the daughter of the late William Riding, shoe maker.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George and Ellen RIGBY:

George Rigby and Ellen Miller, both of the Parish of Goosnargh, were married on 10 Apr 1804 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Goosnargh. They were married after Banns by Joshua Southward, Minister, and the witnesses were Richard Rigby and Henry Grimbalston. The bride, groom and Richard Rigby signed the marriage register with an X, and Henry Grimbalston witnessed many of the marriages so may have been a church official.

George and Ellen seem to have moved around the area, being described as living in Fulwood, Haighton, and Whittingham; and baptizing children at three different Catholic churches. Their first three known children were baptized at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh, beginning with Mary, who was born on 6 Nov 1804 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John Rigby and Ann Millar. She was followed by John, who was born on 9 Oct 1806 and was baptized on 13 Oct 1806, with sponsors Jane Rigby and Thomas Millar; then Alice, who was born on 27 Jan 1813 and was baptized the following day, with sponsors Margaret Walmsley and Henry Millar, Alice's uncle.

George and Ellen were described as "of Haighton" when they baptized their fourth known child. Ann Rigby was baptized 6 Jan 1816 at St Mary and St Michael Catholic Church, Alston-with-Hothersall, with sponsors James and Elizabeth Walmsley. Their last two known children were baptized at St Francis' Hill Chapel in Goosnargh, at which time they were described as being "of Whittingham". Henry was baptized on 14 Jan 1822, with sponsors Henry Simpson and Ann Walmesley; and Margarite was baptized on 7 Jun 1824, with sponsors John Miller and Margarite Forrest.

At some point after 1824 the family moved to Preston, and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list George Rigby, a plasterer, living at 4 Bishopgate, where his daughter died five years later.

Alice RIGBY:

Alice Rigby, who was born on 27 Jan 1813, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 Jul 1837, aged 24 years. Her father followed her to the grave less than a year later.

George RIGBY:

George Rigby, of Bishopgate, who was born in about 1782, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 11 Mar 1838, aged 55 years.

Without further information I cannot be certain, but on the night of the 1841 census an Ellen Rigby, aged 60, was living in Hopwood Street, Preston with Ann, a steam loom weaver, aged 25; Henry, an apprentice, aged 19; and Alice, aged 3. Also staying with them was William Cross, an apprentice, aged 18. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The full occupation of the apprentices was illegible. I can find no further information on this family.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George RIGBY:

George Rigby and Alice Nugent were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 May 1846, witnessed by Richard and Anne Rigby. They settled in Preston and baptized three children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, only one of whom survived infancy.

Ellen RIGBY:

Ellen Rigby was born on 10 Jan 1847, and was baptized Helen Rigby on 17 Jan 1847, with sponsors Richard Rigby and Jane Dougthwaite. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 31 Jan 1847, aged 2 weeks.

Richard RIGBY :

Richard Rigby was born on 10 Feb 1848, and was baptized on 13 Feb 1848, with sponsors Richard Blacow and Ann Rigby. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Mar 1848, aged 11 weeks - although in the burial transcripts his age is recorded as 11 months.

George and Alice's third child was another son they called Richard, who was born on 4 Feb 1849, and was baptized the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Richard Blacow and Ann Rigby. He survived infancy, but lost his mother before the year was out.

Alice RIGBY:

Alice (Nugent) Rigby, who was born in about 1823, died on 31 Oct 1849, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Nov 1849, aged 26 years.

Death Notice:

";DEATHS...on Wednesday last, Alice Rigby, Goodair-street, aged 26;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 3 Nov 1849

A little more than a year after Alice's death George Rigby married his second wife, Ellen Moss. They were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Feb 1851, and the witnesses were Joseph and Ellen Rigby.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Sunday last, at St. Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel, Mr. George Rigby to Miss Ellen Moss."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Feb 1851

On the night of the 1851 census George Rigby, a journeyman joiner, aged 33, was living at 8 Brookfield Street, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 30, and his son from his first marriage, Richard, aged 2. George was listed as born in Hoghton, and Ellen and Richard were born in Preston. Their only child together was born later that year. Joseph Rigby was born on 26 Nov 1851, and was baptized the next day at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Joseph and Mary Rigby. Some time after 1851 George and Ellen moved to Hill Street, Preston where Ellen died.

Ellen (Moss) Rigby died at their Hill Street address on 6 Jan 1856, aged 35 years. I have searched the Catholic, Church of England and Non-Conformist burial registers for Preston Cemetery but been unable to find Ellen's burial record, and there was no death notice published.

At the time of the 1861 census George Rigby, a joiner, aged 43, was living at 10a Hill Street, Preston with his two sons, Richard, aged 12; and Joseph, aged 9, both attending school. Also staying with them was an unmarried servant, Mary Turner, aged 64. George married his third wife later that year.

George Rigby, a widower, aged 43, a joiner, of Hill Street, the son of Richard Rigby (deceased), joiner, married Ellen Ashton, a spinster, aged 37, of the Halfway Public House, Samlesbury, the daughter of Edmund Ashton (deceased), farmer. They were married on 4 Nov 1861 at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston by Thomas Weston, and the witnesses were Henry Devlin and Mary Rigby.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On the 4th inst., at the Catholic Church of St. Augustine (sic), Mr. George Rigby, of Preston, to Miss Ellen Ashton, of Samlesbury."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Nov 1861

Sadly, George and Ellen's marriage was brief, as he died almost exactly a year later. George Rigby, of Hill Street, died on 20 Nov 1862 and was buried on 23 Nov 1862 in a public grave, J-176, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 44 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 20th inst., Mr. George Rigby, Hill-street, aged 44."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 29 Nov 1862

Probate Information:

RIGBY George. Effects under £100. 16 December. Letters of Administration of the personal estate and effects of George Rigby late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Joiner deceased who died 20 November 1862 at Preston aforesaid were granted at Lancaster to Ellen Rigby of Preston aforesaid Widow the Relict of the said Deceased she having been first sworn.

Note: The street that George and Alice were living on at the time of her death was spelled Goodhier Street in the burial transcripts and Goodair-street in the death notice, but neither is correct. The street is called Goodier Street, and a small portion of it still exists off New Hall Lane, although there are no longer any houses on it.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Nicholas and Ann RIGBY:

Nicholas Rigby, a bachelor, and Ann Seed, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 18 Nov 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were James Swarbrick and Mary Richardson. All four signed their own names in the marriage register. The first of their ten children was Dorothy, who was baptized at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Preston on 9 Dec 1834, with sponsors John Rigby and Alice Seed. The rest of their children were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Robert, who was born on 20 Jul 1836 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors Richard and Mary Seed. He was followed by John, who was born on 11 Jul 1838, and was baptized four days later, with sponsors Joseph Ireland and Mary Rigby. Their fourth child was Mary, who was born on 12 May 1840, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 17 May 1840, with sponsors Thomas Bonny and Margaret Rigby.

On the night of the 1841 census Nicholas Rigby, a tailor, aged c. 30, was living in Friargate, Preston with Ann, aged c. 25, and four children, Dorothy, aged 6; Robert, aged 4; John, aged 3; and Mary, aged 1 year. Also staying with them were John Wilkinson, an apprentice, aged c. 15; Alice Procter, a servant, aged c. 15; and George Dodge, a tailor, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their youngest child died the following year.

Mary RIGBY:

Mary Rigby, who was born on 12 May 1840, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Mar 1842, aged 2 years.

Two months after burying the daughter, Nicholas and Ann's fifth child, Thomas, was born. He was born on 3 May 1842 and was baptized on 8 May 1842, with sponsors Thomas and Mary Seed. He was followed by Nicholas Jr, who was born on 1 Mar 1844, and was baptized two days later, with sponsors Richard and Mary Duckworth; then Richard, who was born on 31 Oct 1846 and was baptized on 1 Nov 1846, with sponsors John Suegar and Ann Rigby; Joseph, who was born on 24 Mar 1849 and was baptized the next day, with sponsors Henry and Elizabeth Walker; and Mary Ellen, who was born on 4 Feb 1851, and was baptized Mary Helen on 7 Feb 1851, with sponsors James Walker and Mary Kay.

At the time of the 1851 census Nicholas Rigby, a master tailor employing two men, aged 43, was living at 60 Friargate, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 38, and eight children, Dorothy, aged 16; Robert, aged 15; Thomas, aged 12; Nicholas, aged 8; Richard aged 7; Joseph, aged 5; John, aged 2, and Mary, aged 2 months. Also staying with them was a servant, Jane Macabe, aged 16. Nicholas Sr was listed as born in Poulton, the servant was born in Ireland, and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Nicholas and Ann's tenth and last child was Alice Ann, who was born on 1 Oct 1853, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors Robert and Margaret Seed. Ann Rigby died seven weeks later.

Mrs Ann RIGBY:

Ann (Seed) Rigby, the daughter of Robert and Dorothy "Dolly" Seed, was baptized on 18 Apr 1813. She died on 19 Nov 1853 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 22 Nov 1853, aged 40 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last, aged 40, Ann, wife of Mr. Nicholas Rigby, tailor and draper, Friargate."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Nov 1853

Nicholas Rigby Sr died in the workhouse and was buried on 22 Mar 1857 in a public grave, G-167, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 48 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Nicholas Rigby, workhouse, aged 48;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Mar 1857

At the time of the 1861 census Nicholas Jr, Joseph, and Alice Ann Rigby were living with their uncle Richard Seed at 57 Ashmore Street.

Note 1: Three months before they were married Nicholas Rigby and Ann Seed were the witnesses at her brother Richard's marriage to Mary Walling.

Note 2: The sponsors at the baptism of Alice Ann in 1853, were recorded as Robert and Margaret Leed.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of James and Mary RIGBY:

Without knowing what Mary's maiden name was, it is difficult to determine where and when she and James Rigby were married. Their eldest child was born in about 1814, and at the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston James Rigby, aged 31, was living at 20 Mount Street with Mary, aged 28, and Isabella, aged 6. Their second known child, Ann, was born the following year and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Aug 1821, with sponsors Thomas and Alice Bamber. She was followed by John, who was baptized on 15 May 1824, with sponsors Thomas and Ellen Hubbarstey. Their fourth child died in infancy.

Ellen RIGBY:

Ellen Rigby was baptized on 23 Oct 1827, with sponsors John Rigby and Sarah Smith. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 29 Apr 1832. Ellen was about 4 years and 6 months old, but her age was not recorded in the burial transcripts.

James and Mary's last known child was William, who was baptized on 1 Aug 1830, with sponsors Richard Mason and Mary Proctor. The family were still living in Mount Street and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Rigby, an hostler, living at 28 Mount Street, but by 1841 they had moved house.

On the night of the 1841 census William Rigby, a cotton weaver, aged c. 60, was living in Pitt Street, Preston with James, a groom, aged c. 50, Mary, aged 52; John, an apprentice bookbinder, aged 16; William, aged 10; and Ann, aged 19. Living at the next address was James and Mary's daughter Isabella, aged 27, with her husband William Procter, a cotton spinner, and their daughter Jane, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Isabella Rigby had married William Procter at St John's Parish Church on 12 Jun 1837. Mary died three years later.

Mary RIGBY:

Mary Rigby, who was born in about 1790, died on 4 Dec 1844 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 54 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday week, Mary Rigby, Arthur-street, aged 54."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 14 Dec 1844

About a year and a half after his wife's death, James remarried. James Rigby, a widower, aged 50, a domestic servant, of Arthur Street, the son of the late William Rigby, farmer; and Jane Moss, a spinster, aged 40, a servant, of Bedford Street, daughter of the late John Moss, farmer, were married on 14 Apr 1846 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by W M Coles, Curate, and the witnesses were Wright Carlisle and Jane Nichol. Both ladies signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1851 census James Rigby, a groom, aged 60, was living at 29 Arthur Street, Preston with his second wife Jane, aged 45, and his son by his first marriage, William, a warehouseman, aged 19. James was listed as born in Broughton, Jane was born in Howick, and William was born in Preston. By 1861 William had left home and James Rigby, a groom, aged 70, was living at 20 Arthur Street, with Jane, aged 55. Jane died two years later.

Jane Rigby, of Arthur Street, who was born in about 1805, was buried on 27 Apr 1863 in a private grave, Y-358, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 57. Hers was the second burial in a grave purchased by Thomas Moss for the burial of Ellen Moss, of Wellfield Road, who was buried on 11 Aug 1861, aged 44 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...James (sic) Rigby, Arthur-street, aged 57;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 May 1863

James Rigby died on 6 Apr 1866, aged 76 but was not buried in either the Catholic or Church of England sections of Preston Cemetery. There was no obituary or death notice published but he did leave a Will.

Probate Information:

RIGBY James. Effects under £100. 14 August 1866. The Will of James Rigby late of Preston in the County of Lancaster deceased who died 6 April at Preston aforesaid was proved at the Principal Registry by the oath of John Rigby of 16 Northgate Huddersfield in the County of York Bookbinder the son the sole Executor.

Note: We know from James' second marriage that his father was called William, and we know from the census that James was born in or near Broughton. He may have been the James Rigby who was born on 26 Jul 1789 and was baptized the same day at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh. He was the son of William and Ann (Gournall) Rigby, and the sponsors were Charles Edmondson and Ann Billington, daughter of John. William Rigby, a husbandman, aged 21, of Haighton, and Anne Gornall, a spinster, aged 21, of Fulwood, were married on 1 May 1775 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married, by licence, by Randall Andrews, Curate of Broughton, and the witnesses were Henry Barns and Nicholas Rigby. William Rigby signed the register with an X. All others signed their own names.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mrs Ellen RIGBY:

Ellen (Baines) Rigby, the wife of Henry Rigby, died on 10 Aug 1850 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the following day, aged 35 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last,...Ellen Rigby, Russell-street, aged 35."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 Aug 1850

Henry Rigby, the son of George and Ann Rigby of Preston, and Helen Baines, the daughter of Barnaby and Ann (sic) Baines of Preston, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Jul 1840, witnessed by Richard Rigby and Catherine Baines, both of Preston.

On the night of the 1841 census Henry Rigby, a plasterer, aged c. 20, was living in Pole Street, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 25. They were both listed as born in Lancashire. Henry and Ellen had been married just under a year at the time of the census, and Ellen would have been pregnant with their first child, Ellen Mary, who was born on 10 Sep 1841, and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas and Catherine Baines. Henry and Ellen baptized three further children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, being Catherine, who was born on 20 Feb 1843, and was baptized on 26 Feb 1843, with sponsors Frederick and Ann Green; Thomas Henry, who was born on 21 Dec 1844, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors Barnaby Baines and Alice Forrest; and Lewis, who was born on 3 Oct 1846, and was baptized the following day, with sponsors John and Cecilia Baines.

At the time of the 1851 census Henry Rigby, widower, a journeyman plasterer, aged 36, was living at 14 Russell Street, Preston with three children, Ellen, aged 9; Catherine, aged 8; and Thomas, aged 6, all scholars. Henry was listed as born in Catforth, and his children were all born in Preston. Henry and Ellen's youngest child, Lewis, aged 4, was staying at the home of his uncle Thomas Baines, an unmarried joiner, aged 32, who was living at 65 Russell Street with his unmarried sister Catherine, a housekeeper, aged 45. Thomas and Catherine were listed as born in Barnacre, and Lewis was born in Preston.

Henry Rigby seems to vanish after 1851 and I cannot find him, of his daughter Catherine, anywhere in the 1861 census. A Thomas Rigby, aged 18, who was born in Preston, was one of three Preston boys studying at a Catholic boarding school in Old Windsor, Berkshire called Beaumont Mansion, and this may have been Henry and Ellen's son. Henry and Ellen's two other children apparently went to live with two of their mother's siblings, and at the time of the 1861 census Ellen Mary Rigby, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 19; and Lewis Rigby, an apprentice joiner, aged 14, were living with their unmarried uncle Thomas Baines, a master joiner employing four men and three boys, aged 42; and their unmarried aunt Catherine Baines, a housekeeper, aged 55, in St Austin's Road, Preston. Ellen and Lewis were still living with their uncle and aunt in St Austin's Road in 1871.

Note 1: Ellen Rigby was born Ellen Baines on 7 Oct 1815 and was baptized the same day at St Thomas' Catholic Chapel in Claughton-on-Brock. She was one of a set of twins, but her twin brother Thomas died in 1817, aged 1 year, and was buried in the churchyard of St Helen's Parish Church, Churchtown, Garstang. They were the children of Barnaby and Ellen (Fletcher) Baines.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann RIGBY:

Thomas Rigby, a bachelor, and Ann Elliott, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 14 Jan 1833 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John Hodgkinson and Sarah Denny. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Ann baptized their first five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with John, who was baptized on 23 Feb 1834, with sponsors George Comeledge and Jane Rigby. He was followed by Margaret, who was born on 21 Mar 1836, and was baptized on 27 Mar 1836, with sponsors Patrick Murter and Nancy Rigby. Their third child did not survive infancy.

George RIGBY (1):

George Rigby was born on 14 Nov 1839, and was baptized on 17 Nov 1839, with sponsors Richard Singleton and Alice Harewood. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Dec 1839, aged 1 month.

Thomas and Ann's fourth child was Alice, who was born on 14 Mar 1841 and was baptized on 18 Mar 1841, with sponsors Richard Paine and Alice Haywood. On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Rigby, an agricultural labourer, aged 30, was living in Patten Street, Preston with Ann, aged 33, and four children, Isabella, aged 13; John, aged 7; Margaret, aged 5; and Alice, aged 3 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire, but it is unclear how Isabella was related to the family. She was born about five years before Thomas and Ann married. Their fifth child was born two years later.

George RIGBY (2):

George Rigby was born on 13 Nov 1843, and was baptized on 3 Dec 1843, with sponsors Thomas and Catherine O'Brien. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Oct 1847, aged 3 years.

Thomas and Ann's sixth and last child was Henry, who was born on 23 Jun 1846, and was baptized St Ignatius Catholic Church on 14 Jul 1846, with sponsors Hugh Grogan and Alice Heywood. At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Rigby, a bricklayer's labourer, aged 40, was living at 8 Clarkson Street, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 40, and four children, Margaret, a power loom weaver, aged 15; John, a piecer, aged 17; Alice, a scholar, aged 10; and Henry, a scholar, aged 5. Thomas was listed as born in Longridge, Ann was born in Blackburn, and the children were all born in Preston.

Thomas Rigby died some time between the dates of the 1851 and 1861 censuses and may have been the Thomas Rigby who was buried on 17 Apr 1859 in a public grave, AA-257 in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 47 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Thomas Rigby, Queen-street, aged 47;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 Apr 1859

On the night of the 1861 census Ann Rigby, widow, a charwoman, aged 56, was living at 2 Back Newton Street, Preston with four children, Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged 25; Alice, a cotton weaver, aged 20; Henry, a cotton creeler, aged 15; and Thomas, aged 10 days. Although listed as one of Ann's children, the infant Thomas was actually her grandson. Thomas, son of Alice Rigby, was born on 26 Mar 1861 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 31 Mar 1861, with sponsors John Rigby and Ellen Hodgskinson.

John Rigby married Mary Ann Kershaw in 1869 and at the time of the 1871 census he was a cotton weaver, aged 40, living at 20 Albert Street, Preston with his wife Mary Ann, a cotton scutcher, aged 25, and two children, Thomas, a scholar, aged 9; and Ellen, aged 10 months. Also staying with them was John's mother Ann, a widow, aged 77 years. They were all listed as born in Preston. The Thomas listed as John's son was born about seven years before John and Mary Ann were married, and may actually have been his nephew Thomas, son of his sister Alice.

Ann (Elliott) Rigby died in the workhouse and was buried on 6 Jan 1875 in a public grave, Q-504, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 80 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON, Since our last:...Ann Rigby, Workhouse, 80;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Jan 1875

Note: In 1851 Margaret's name was abbreviated and could easily be mistaken for Mary.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Nicholas and Margaret RIGBY:

Nicholas Rigby, a widower, and Margaret Oldham, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 24 Jul 1820 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas and Ann Oldham. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel on the same day and with the same witnesses, although Oldham was spelled Holdum in the Catholic record.

Nicholas and Margaret baptized six of their seven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel

Henry RIGBY:

Nicholas and Margaret's first child was the first of two sons they called Henry, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Mar 1821, and the sponsors were John Corbishley and Jane Rigby. This child died in infancy but I have been unable to find any record of his burial - unless he was the Henry Rigby who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Apr 1823, aged 1 year. The problem being that their second child to be called Henry was baptized a year before that date. It is possible that a transcription error was made and that the first Henry was actually buried on 1 Apr 1822, but there is no way to prove or disprove this.

As mentioned, Nicholas and Margaret called a second child Henry, who was baptized on 18 Apr 1822, with sponsors Edward and Alice Oldham. He was followed by Ellen, who was baptized with the Latin spelling, Helen, on 25 Mar 1824, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Pilkington. Nicholas and Margaret's fourth child was the only child not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel. She was born in about 1826 in a place called Hollyforth or Hollyfork, Lancashire. I can find no record of a place in Lancashire with that name. If Nicholas and Margaret were living away from Preston for a time, they had retuned by 1829, when they baptized their fifth child.

Nicholas RIGBY Jr:

Nicholas Rigby was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Nov 1829, with sponsors William Park and Ellen Swindlehurst. He lived almost 3 years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Sep 1832. Their sixth child also died in infancy.

James RIGBY:

James Rigby was baptized on 8 Aug 1831, with sponsors Thomas Park and Ann Harrison. He lived about one month, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Sep 1831.

Nicholas and Margaret's seventh and last child was Jane Ann, who was baptized on 8 Dec 1833, with sponsors James Park and Helen Taylor. Jane Ann was only two years old when her mother died.

Margaret RIGBY:

Margaret Rigby, of High Street, who was born in about 1792, was buried in stw on 27 Oct 1835, aged 43 years.

On the night of the 1841 census Nicholas Rigby, an agricultural labourer, aged c. 55, was living in High Street, Preston with two children, Ellen, a cotton winder, aged 17; and Margaret, aged 14. Also staying with him was his married son Henry, a painter, aged 20; and Henry's wife Margaret, a flax reeler, aged 22. They were all listed as born in Lancashire although Henry's wife was also listed as born in Ireland.

By the time of the 1851 census Nicholas Rigby, a warehouseman, aged 65, was living at 16 High Street, Preston with his married son Henry, a painter, aged 28, his daughter-in-law Margaret, aged 32; his unmarried daughter Margaret, aged 25; and three grandchildren (listed in the census as his children), Margaret, aged 8; Nicholas, aged 6; and Rose Ann, aged 9 months. Nicholas the elder was born in Broughton, Henry was born in Brockholes, Henry's wife was born in Ireland, Nicholas' daughter Margaret was born in Holleyforth, and the grandchildren were all born in Preston. Nicholas died two years later.

Nicholas Rigby died in Preston on 3 Apr 1853 and was buried three days later in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 68 years.

Nicholas Rigby wrote a Will naming George Swarbrick and James Horn his Executors. He directed that they use the money from the Burial Society, of which he was a member, to pay his funeral expenses. He left fifty shillings to his daughter Jane, and his wearing apparel to his son Henry. He directed that his Executors sell all of his household furniture and effects and, after paying any expenses from the sale, divide the money equally between his son Henry and his daughter Margaret. The Residue of his estate and effects were to be divided between his son Henry and his daughters Margaret and Ann, "share and share alike". Nicholas signed the Will with an X on 23 Mar 1853, and it was proved by his Executors on 5 May 1853, with a stated value of under £100.

Note: Nicholas and Margaret's daughter Jane was not quite two years old when Margaret died and Nicholas may have found it difficult to manage with such a young child. She was not listed with him in either the 1841 or 1851 censuses and I initially thought she may have died in childhood, until I read Nicholas' Will and saw her mentioned. The fact that he made separate provision for Jane and did not include her in the division of the residue of his estate leads me to believe that she was raised by someone else, perhaps another member of the family, through an unofficial adoption.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John RIGBY:

John Rigby was baptized on 13 Feb 1825 at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of John and Margaret Rigby, and the sponsors were William Rigby and Mary Walmesley.

John Rigby, a bachelor, and Margaret Collison, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 19 Oct 1820 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were James Walmsley, Mary Pemberton, and Lawrence Tomlison. John Rigby signed the marriage register with an X and all other signed their own names, Margaret spelling her surname Colison. They also had a Catholic ceremony ten days later, on 29 Oct 1820 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, witnessed by James Walmesley and Mary Pemberton. Margaret's surname was spelled was Collinson.

John was the first child they baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, followed by another son they called John, who was baptized on 27 Jan 1828, with sponsors William and Elizabeth Rigby. Their third and last known child was Ellen, who was baptized on 27 Feb 1831, with sponsors John Bretherton and Harriet Collison. She is a bit of a mystery as she was not listed with her parents in the 1841 census but I can find no record of her death or burial.

In the 1828-29 Pigot's Directory of Preston John Rigby was listed under Boot and Shoe Makers, living in Church Street, and the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed John Rigby, shoemaker, living at 54 Church Street. They later moved to Dover Street, and on the night of the 1841 census John Rigby, a shoe maker, aged c. 50, was living in Dover Street, Preston with Margaret, aged c. 45, and one child, John, aged 10. Also staying with them was Robert Gillow, a shoe maker, aged c. 30. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

At the time of the 1851 census John Rigby, a master shoe maker employing six men, aged 62, was living at 21 Dover Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, aged 59, and their son John, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons, London and [illegible] of Apothecaries Hall, aged 23. Also staying with them was Jane Lawson, a house servant, aged 25. John Sr was born in Alston, Margaret was born in Chowbent, John Jr was born in Preston, and the servant was born in Blackburn. Margaret died the following year.

Margaret (Collison) Rigby, who was born in about 1793, died on 9 May 1852, but I have been unable to find any record of her burial. She was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church or St John's Parish Church.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last,...Margaret Rigby, Dover-street, aged 59."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 May 1852

On the night of the 1861 census John Rigby, widower, a shoemaker employing 5 men, aged 72, was living at 42 Park Road, Preston with his unmarried niece, Ellen Bretherton, a house keeper, aged 26. John was listed as born in Preston and his niece was born in Manchester. John died three years later.

John Rigby, of North Road, who was born in about 1788, died in Preston on 27 Jan 1864 and was buried on 30 Jan 1864 in a private grave, C-310, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 75 years, His was the first interment in a grave purchased by his son John, and he was buried 20 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 27th inst., at the residence of his son, Mr. Rigby, surgeon, Mr. John Rigby, of this town, aged 75."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Jan 1864

Note: John Rigby Jr, a surgeon, died in Preston on 24 Jul 1879, aged 51 years. His was the second of six burials in the family grave. (Further details on request)

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Mary RIGBY:

I cannot find a record of Mary Rigby's baptism and suspect that she died very soon after birth and was baptized privately. The only clue to her family is her abode at the time of her burial, Bell Street. On the night of the 1841 census Richard Rigby, a porter, aged c. 40, was living in Bell Street with Ann, aged c. 40, and seven children, Ann, aged c. 20; John, aged c. 15; Joseph, aged 11; Richard, aged 9; William, aged 7; Mary, aged 4; and George, aged 2 months. John's occupation was illegible. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Richard Rigby, a bachelor, and Ann Connel, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on Christmas Day 1821 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph and Ann Rigby. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of their marriage Ann Connel already had a daughter, Ann, who was baptized on 22 Jul 1821, daughter of Ann Connel, with sponsors William Blacburn (sic) and Ann Cowel. It is possible that Richard was Ann's father. After marrying, Richard and Ann had another seven children, beginning with John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 20 Jul 1823, with sponsors John and Ann Rigby; followed by Joseph, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Mar 1830, with sponsors Thomas Swarbric (sic) and Catherine Dagger. The above mentioned Mary would have been their third legitimate child but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's. A little more than a year after her death they baptized their son Richard, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Apr 1832, with sponsors John Banks and Ann Simpson; then William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 27 Jul 1834, with sponsors William and Helen Brown.

Richard and Ann's sixth child was another daughter they called Mary, who was born on 27 Dec 1836, and was baptized two days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors John Banks and Jane Barrow. She was followed by their last child, George, who was born on 2 Apr 1841, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors Reuben and Catherine Banks.

At the time of the 1851 census Richard Rigby, who worked at an Inn, aged 53, was living at 7 Park Road, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 52, and six children, Ann, a steam loom weaver, aged 29; John, a servant at an Inn, aged 27; Richard, a coachman, aged 16; William, a clogger, aged 15; Mary, a weaver, aged 13; and George, a scholar, aged 8. Also staying with them was their daughter-in-law Mary Rigby, a steam loom weaver, aged 20; and their granddaughter Ann Rigby, aged 2; as well as two visitors, Marjory Edwards, a married steam loom weaver, aged 32, and Nancy Edwards, aged 5. Richard Sr was listed as born in Grimsargh, Ann Sr was born in Leyland, their visitors were also born in Leyland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Their daughter-in-law was the wife of their son Joseph, who was not at home on the night of the census. Joseph Rigby married Mary Ann Lancaster in 1850. The infant Ann Rigby was actually Ann Lancaster, the daughter of Mary Ann Lancaster, who was born on 19 Nov 1848, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 26 Nov 1848.

Richard and Ann later moved back to Bell Street and at the time of the 1861 census Richard Rigby, a bricklayer's labourer, aged 66, was living at 28 Bell Street, Preston with Ann, aged 67, and five unmarried children, Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 36; Richard, a groom, aged 28; William, a bricklayer's labourer, aged 26; Mary, a cotton weaver, aged 23; and George, a card grinder, aged 20. In this census, Richard Sr's birthplace was listed as Alston, Ann Sr was born in Leyland and the children were born in Preston. Their married son Joseph was living at the next address, 27 Bell Street, with his wife Mary Ann and four children, Ann, aged 12; Lucy, aged 8; George, aged 5; and Mary Ann, aged 2. They were all born in Preston. Richard Rigby Sr died there two years later.

Richard Rigby, of Bell Street, was buried on 12 Jul 1863 in a public grave, J-169, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 65 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Richard Rigby, Bell-street, aged 65;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Jul 1863

On the night of the 1871 census Ann Rigby, widow, a housekeeper, aged 77, was living at 8 Pole Street, Preston with four unmarried children, Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 46; William, a bricksetter's labourer, aged 36; Mary, an unemployed cotton weaver, aged 31; and George, a mason's labourer, aged 29. The family later moved to 18 Lord's Walk, Preston, where Ann (Connell) Rigby died in 1876. She was buried on 4 Feb 1876 in a public grave, G-277, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 81 years.

Note: At the time of the 1881 census Ann Rigby, unmarried, an unemployed cotton weaver, aged 58, was living at 18 Lord's Walk with her unmarried sister Mary, also an unemployed cotton weaver, aged 39. Also living with them was her recently married brother George, a labourer in a cloth warehouse, aged 37, his wife Mary, aged 37, and their daughter Margaret Ann, aged 2 months. Margaret Ann was born before they married and her birth was registered under her mother's maiden name, Walmsley. With the exception of Mary (Walmsley) Rigby, who was born in Stodway (Stodday) near Lancaster, they were all listed as born in Preston.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Elizabeth RIGBY:

Robert Rigby, a husbandman, aged 24, of Fulwood, and Elizabeth Boys, a spinster, aged 24, of Preston, were married on 14 May 1767 at St John the Baptist Church in Broughton. They were married, by licence, by John Hunter, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Boys and John Arkwright. Their ages and Robert's occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond.

It is not known how many children Robert and Elizabeth had before the start of baptism registers at St Mary's Chapel in Fernyhalgh, which start in January 1771. Any children they may have had before that date would have been baptized, but there may not have been any written records kept. We do know from later records that they had a sons called John and Richard, who were both born before 1771. The first of their children to appear in the baptism register at St Mary's Chapel was James, who was born on 8 May 1772 and was baptized the same day. The register (in Latin) records that he was the son of Robert Rigby, a Catholic, and Elizabeth Bois (sic), a Protestant, who were married in Haighton. The sponsors were John Billington, son of Thomas "et infantis consobrinus" (and the child's cousin), and Margaret Slater, daughter of Christopher, in Haighton.

The second child recorded in the register was Elizabeth Lucy, who was born on 14 Dec 1774 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors John Poulton and Elizabeth Slater, the child's aunt. In this and subsequent baptism entries Elizabeth's maiden name was spelled Boys and they were described as having been married in Fullwood (sic). Their next child was Alice, who was born on 13 Oct 1777 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors John Slater and Maria Arkwright of Preston.

The last of their children to be baptized in Fernyhalgh was Robert, who was born on 10 May 1781 and was baptized the same day, with sponsors James Richmond and Elizabeth Rigby, the daughter of Richard. At some point after Robert's birth the family moved to Preston, where Elizabeth (Boys) Rigby died. She was buried on Christmas Day 1805 in the churchyard at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton. The burial register records that she was the wife of Robert Rigby, was aged 64 years, and lived in Preston.

At the time of the 1810 Catholic census of Preston Rt (Robert) Rigby, F (father), was living in Heatley Street with Richard, aged 40; James, aged 36; Alice, aged 32, and Robert, aged 28. By 1820 the family had moved to Radcliffe Street and the 1820 Catholic census listed Robert Rigby, aged 78, living at 19 Ratcliff (sic) Street with Richard, aged 50; James, aged 48; Alice, aged 43, Robert, aged 38, and Elizabeth, aged 22.

This is where things get a bit muddled.

Robert RIGBY Sr:

According to the burial transcripts, Robert Rigby Sr died in 1823 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in April of that year. The burial transcript did not record the exact date of burial. However, according to his Will, Robert died on 27 Jan 1821. The death notice published at that time confirms his age as 81 years.

Death Notice:

"DIED...On the 27th ult.,...Mr. Robert Rigby, Heatley-street, Preston, aged 81."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 10 Feb 1821

While it is possible that there were two men called Robert Rigby, one dying in 1821 and the other dying in 1823 - both aged 81 years - it seems unlikely, and I have not been able to find any burial record for the Robert Rigby that died in 1821. I suspect that the two men were one and the same, and that an error was made in the burial transcription. One other thing to note is that, although the death notice says that Robert was of Heatley Street, the Will wrapper records his address as 9 Ratcliff Street.

Probate Information:

Robert Rigby Sr wrote his Will on 19 Feb 1819. At three and a half pages, it is quite detailed, mentioning his son John of Samlesbury, his sons James, Robert and Richard of Preston, his daughter Elizabeth, the wife of James Tuson of Broughton, and his daughter Alice Rigby of Preston, a spinster. He also mentions the children of his son John, though not by name. Robert died on 27 Jan 1821 and his Will was proved on 5 Jun 1821 by his son James, valued at under £1500 pounds. In his Will Robert had appointed George Boys (possibly a relative of his late wife), James Richmond and Richard Rigby to be his Executors but the three men renounced their executorships "for divers good causes and considerations", so his son James was appointed by the court to administer Robert's estate.

Richard RIGBY Jr:

Richard Rigby, who was born in about 1770, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Jan 1828, aged 58 years.

The remaining children seem to have lived together for the rest of their lives. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Rigby, an overlooker, living at 21 Radcliffe Street, but they later moved to Marsh Lane. The 1835 Preston electoral rolls list James and Robert Rigby living in Marsh Lane and owning houses in Spring Street, with "Clarkson, and others, tenants.".

On the night of the 1841 census James Rigby, aged 64, was living in Green Bank Terrace, Fylde Road, with Robert, aged 55; and Alice, aged 58. James and Robert were listed as "Ind." meaning of independent means, and Alice's occupation was originally entered as "home worker", but this was crossed out. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

One of the drawbacks of the 1841 census is that it did not record the marital status or relationship between individuals, but at the time of the 1851 census James Rigby, aged 78, was listed as the head of household at 215 Green Bank Terrace, with his brother Robert, aged 69, and his sister Alice, a housekeeper, aged 73. In the space for James and Robert's occupation was written "property and interest", so it would appear that they were living off the income from property, presumably the houses in Spring Street, and other investments. They were all listed as born in Preston.

James Rigby, of Fylde Road, died on 5 Mar 1855 and was buried in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 11 Mar 1855, aged 82 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS: On Monday last, Mr. James Rigby, Fylde-road, aged 82."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Mar 1855

James did not leave a Will and his siblings Robert and Alice opted not to administer his estate, passing that responsibility to their nephew Thomas Rigby, son of their older brother John. Letters of Administration were granted to Thomas Rigby of Samlesbury on 13 Mar 1855 with the estate valued at under £800.

Alice Rigby, a spinster, of Green Bank Terrace, died on 10 Aug 1858 and was buried on 13 Aug 1858 in a public grave, E-29, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 80 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Alice Rigby, Green Bank Terrace, aged 80 years;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Aug 1858

Probate Information:

RIGBY Alice. Effects under £800. 23 August. The Will of Alice Rigby late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Spinster deceased who died 10 Aug 1858 at Preston aforesaid was proved at Lancaster by the oath of Robert Rigby of Preston aforesaid Gentleman the brother the sole Executor.

In her Will, Alice left her clothes and wearing apparel to her niece Alice Rigby, the daughter of her brother John, and 19 shillings to the Reverend Thomas Weston, Roman Catholic Priest at Preston. She left the remainder of her estate, including property, money, securities for money, goods, chattels and effects, and all real and personal estate to her brother Robert, subject to him paying her debts, funeral and testamentary expenses. She signed the Will on 23 Jul 1855, and it was proved on 23 Aug 1858 by Robert Rigby, the sole Executor.

At the time of the 1861 census Robert Rigby, a land proprietor, aged 79, was living at 172 Green Bank Street, Preston. Living with him was his niece, Ellen Rigby, aged 51. Ellen's occupation is illegible, and they were both listed as born in Haighton. Robert died four years later.

Robert Rigby, of Green Bank Terrace, died on 20 Jan 1865, and was buried on 25 Jan 1865 in a public grave, H-187, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 83 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Robert Rigby, Green-bank, aged 83;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 28 Jan 1865

Probate Information:

RIGBY Robert. Effects under £1,500. 3 February. The Will with a Codicil of Robert Rigby late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Gentleman deceased who died 20 January 1865 at Preston aforesaid was proved at Lancaster by the oath of John Catterall of Preston aforesaid Solicitor one of the Executors.

In his Will Robert left £200 to his niece Ellen Rigby, daughter of his brother James Rigby; and £100 each to Thomas, Alice, Elizabeth and Margaret Rigby, children of his brother John Rigby. He appointed Robert Arrowsmith and John Jackson, both of Preston, to be his Executors and directed that they sell and convert into money his messuages, lands, tenements and real estate and any part of his personal estate that did not consist of money, and firstly pay his just debts, funeral and testamentary expenses and the legacies already mentioned, and then divide the residue equally between the Reverend Thomas Weston of Preston and the Reverend Thomas Williams of Preston as joint residuary legatees. If either of the men died during Robert's lifetime the survivor of the two would inherit the whole amount. Robert signed his Will on 13 Apr 1859, adding a Codicil several years later, revoking the appointment of Robert Arrowsmith as an Executor and replacing him with John Catterall, solicitor, of Preston. Robert signed the Codicil on 11 Jan 1865, which, along with the Will, was proved on 3 Feb 1865 by John Catterall, the other Executor having renounced his position as Executor.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Robert RIGBY:

Robert Rigby was born in late December 1846 but, having checked the baptism records for Preston's three Catholic churches open at that time, I have been unable to find any record of his baptism. As he only lived one day, it is possible that he was given an emergency baptism, and these were rarely recorded in a baptism register.

Robert was the son of Richard Rigby and Alice Nixon. Richard Rigby, of full age, bachelor, a servant, of Higher Bartle, Woodplumpton, the son of James Rigby, a shoemaker, and Alice Nixon, of full age, spinster, a servant, of Higher Bartle, Woodplumpton, the daughter of Robert Nixon, a farmer, were married on 3 Feb 1844 at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam. They were married by Thomas Berry, and the witnesses were Peter Latus and Mary Unsworth. The bride and groom signed the marriage register with an X.

Marriage Notice:

"On Saturday last, at the Catholic Chapel, Cottam, Mr. Richard Rigby to Miss Alice Nixon, both of Woodplumpton."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Feb 1844

Richard and Alice's first child was Elizabeth, who was born on 28 Jan 1845, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Feb 1845, with sponsors Henry Beasley and Margaret Nixon. She was followed by the above mention Robert, their second child, and then Ann, who was born on 3 Apr 1849, and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 8 Apr 1849, with sponsors Henry and Mary Blackow.

Some time after Ann's birth the family left Preston and settled on a farm in the village of Catforth, near Woodplumpton, and on the night of the 1851 census Richard Rigby, a farmer, aged 39, was living in Roots Lane, Catforth, with his wife Alice, aged 34, and two children, Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 6; and Ann, aged 2. Richard, who was farming 30 acres employing two labourers, was listed as born in Samlesbury, Alice was born in Clifton, Elizabeth was born in Ashton, and Ann was born in Preston. At the time of the census Alice may have been pregnant with their fourth child, another boy they called Robert, who was born later that year.

Richard and Alice had another four children, Mary in 1853, Richard Jr in 1856, Margaret in 1858, and William, in 1861. Sadly, their eldest daughter died on 3 Apr 1860 and was buried three days later at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam, aged 15 years. At the time of the 1861 census Richard Rigby, a farmer, aged 49, was living in Roots Lane, Catforth with Alice, aged 43, and six children, Ann, a dairy maid, aged 11; Robert, a scholar, aged 9; Mary, a scholar, aged 7; Richard, a scholar, aged 5; Margaret, aged 3; and William, aged 9 months. Richard Sr was listed as born in Samlesbury, Alice was born in Salwick, Ann was born in Preston, and the rest of the children were born in Catforth.

Richard and Alice had one last child, their ninth, another daughter they called Elizabeth, who was born in 1863. When Elizabeth was about 5 years old she lost her father. Richard Rigby died on 18 October 1868, and was buried four days later at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam, aged 57 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 18th inst., at Catforth, Woodplumpton, Mr. Richard Rigby, farmer, aged 57 years."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Oct 1868

Probate Information:

RIGBY Richard. Effects under £450. 3 February (1869). The Will of Richard Rigby late of Catforth within Woodplumpton in the County of Lancaster farmer deceased who died 18 October 1868 at Woodplumpton aforesaid was proved at Lancaster by the oaths of Alice Rigby of Woodplumpton aforesaid Widow the Relict and John Nickson of Salwick in the County aforesaid Farmer the Executors.

On the night of the 1871 Alice Rigby, widow, a farmer of 31 acres, aged 53, was living in Roots lane, Catforth, with five children, Robert, aged 19; Richard, aged 15; Margaret, aged 13; William, a scholar, aged 10; and Elizabeth, a scholar, aged 6. Alice was listed as born in Clifton and the children were all listed as born in Woodplumpton. The older children were working on the farm.

Alice lost two more children with the deaths of her daughters Margaret and Elizabeth within a few years of each other. Margaret died on 26 Dec 1888 and was buried four days later, aged 22 years. Elizabeth died on 29 Feb 1888 and was buried on 3 Mar 1888, aged 24 years. Both girls were buried at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam.

Alice continued to live at the farm in Roots Lane, and at the time of the 1891 census she was a farmer, aged 72, living in Roots Lane, with two sons, Robert, aged 39; and William, aged 30. Also staying with them were two servants, Robert Robinson, a farm servant, aged 13; and Sarah Dickinson, a farm servant - domestic, aged 21. Alice died in the latter half of 1893, aged 74 years. There was no death notice published and she left no Will.

Note 1: The spelling of Alice's maiden surname varied between Nixon and Nickson, with Nixon being the more common spelling.

Note 2: The burial register for St Andrew's Church, held at Lancashire Archives, ends in March 1893 and Alice died later in that year.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Agnes RIGG:

John Rigg, bachelor, a warper, and Agnes Lund, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 28 May 1804 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were John Speakman and Jane Hind. Agnes signed the marriage register with an X.

Unfortunately, John and Agnes were married during the period for which the St Wilfrid's registers are missing, so we don't know if they also had a Catholic ceremony, or how many children they baptized between the date of their marriage and the end of 1812. We do know from other records that they had at least two children during that period, Jane in about 1806, and Mary in about 1809. The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists John Rigg, F (father) living in Friargate with Agnes, M (mother), Jane, aged 4; and Mary, aged 1.

The first of John and Agnes' children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's records was John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 12 Apr 1814, with sponsors Thomas Tipping and Nanny Lund. He was followed Margaret, who was born in about 1817 but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel; then by James, who was baptized 9 Apr 1819, with sponsors Thomas Lupton and Agnes Burkitt. At the time of the 1820 Catholic census John Rigg, aged 38, was living at Charles Street with Agnes, aged 38, and Jane, aged 14; Mary, aged 11; John, aged 6; Margaret, aged 3; and James, aged 1. Their sixth child died in infancy.

William RIGG:

William Rigg was baptized on 29 Mar 1822, with sponsors John and Ann Parker. When he was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 19 Oct 1827 his age was recorded simply as "infant", but he was actually 5 years old.

Although a spindle maker by trade, at the time of his son's death John was the landlord of the Bee Hive Inn pub at 21 Bridge Lane. He was landlord there from about 1825 to 1829.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Rigg, a spindle maker, living 2 Grimshaw Street, where his son died two years later.

John RIGG:

John Rigg Jr, who was born in 1814, died on 5 Jan 1834, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 19 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Sunday last, aged 19, John, the son of Mr. John Rigg, spindle-maker, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Jan 1834

The 1835 Preston electoral rolls list John Rigg living at 2 Grimshaw Street, and having a house in Charles Street, which he rented to H. Hunt. By 1838 he had moved his family to The Windmill Inn pub in Moor Lane, where they were the victims of an attempted burglary.

Newspaper Item:

"ATTEMPTED ROBBERY - On Tuesday week, at about four o'clock in the morning, the family of Mr. John Rigg, of the Windmill public-house, Moor Lane, were aroused by hearing a noise below stairs. Part of the family went downstairs, when they found that the house had been entered by breaking open the shutters of the bar window. The person or persons had rummaged two or three drawers, but the till was locked, and they were, no doubt, alarmed, so they left without any booty."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Mar 1838

The family didn't stay at the Windmill long, and by 1840 they had taken up residence at The York Tavern at 46 Church Street. On the night of the 1841 census John Rigg, a publican, aged 59, was living in Church Street, with Agnes, aged 61, and their son, James, a warehouseman, aged 22, and their married daughter Jane Frawley, Ind. (of independent means), aged 36. Also staying with them, presumably as lodgers were William Crankshaw, aged 10; William Hancock, a hawker, aged 31; and Ann Hancock, aged 31. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

At the time of the 1851 census John Rigg, a retired tradesman, aged 70, was living at 4 Bold Street, Preston with his wife Agnes, aged 68, and their nephew John Rigg, a moulder, aged 23. John the elder was listed as born in Lancaster, Agnes was born in Goosnargh, and their nephew was born in Preston.

Also in 1851 John and Agnes' son James Rigg, aged 31, was the Innkeeper at the Fleetwood Arms pub at 13 Bridge Lane, with his wife Ann, aged 33, and two children, Margaret, a scholar, aged 8; and Jane, aged 3. Staying with them was a servant, Alice Chadwick, aged 45, and three lodgers, William Jenkins, aged 29, his wife Catherine, aged 30, and their son William, aged 5 months. James Rigg died the following month.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday last, suddenly, of apoplexy, Mr. James Rigg, of the Fleetwood Arms Inn, Marsh-lane, aged 32, only son of Mr. John Rigg, much respected by all who knew him."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Apr 1851

On the night of the 1861 census John Rigg, a property holder, aged 78, was still living in Bold Street, with Agnes, aged 80. In this census Agnes' birthplace was recorded as Andertons Fold. Agnes died four years later, on 31 Aug 1865, aged 84 years, and was buried in a private family grave in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 31st ult., after a patient sickness, Agnes, the beloved wife of Mr. John Rigg, of Preston, aged 84."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Sep 1865

John Rigg died a little more than a year after his wife, on 29 Nov 1866, aged 84 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 29th ultimo, Mr. John Rigg, Bolton-street, aged 84."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Dec 1866

He was buried in the family grave at Preston Cemetery.

Monument Inscription:

"Pray for the soul of Agnes, wife of John Rigg, who departed this life August 31st 1865, aged 81 years. Also the above John Rigg, who departed this life November 29th 1866, aged 84 years..."

Probate Information:

"RIGG John effects under £600. 8 January [1867] The Will with two Codicils of John Rigg late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Yeoman deceased who died 29 November 1866 at Preston aforesaid was proved at Lancaster by the oaths of William Banks of Preston aforesaid Gentleman John Rigg Foley of Preston aforesaid Innkeeper the grandson and Agnes Foley (Wife of John Winstanley Foley, Schoolmaster) of Preston aforesaid the Granddaughter the Executors"

Note 1: John and Agnes's daughter Jane married George Foley on 29 May 1827 and a child I believe to have been their infant son William was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Aug 1829. Jane (Rigg) Foley was buried in the same cemetery on 7 Jul 1846, aged 40 years.

Note 2: John and Agnes's daughter Mary married Thomas Crankshaw on 18 Feb 1830 and their son Thomas was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on Christmas Day 1833. Mary was widowed young and married William Horrocks in 1846. Their only child, Margaret Jane Horrocks, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Apr 1849, aged 19 months.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Margaret RISHTON / RUSHTON:

Margaret Rishton was the widow of Jefferey Rishton, who she married in 1784.

Jeoffrey Rishton, and Margaret Clayton, both of Preston, were married on 19 Apr 1784 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were John Banks and William Hodgkinson. The bride and John Banks signed the marriage register with an X. The groom signed his own name was spelled his first name Jefferey.

Early marriage registers did not always record a person's marital status, and in this case Jefferey was a widower with a young son when he married Margaret. Her marital status is still uncertain, but they both would have been in their early 40s when they married, and it is possible that she was a widow.

Jefferey and Margaret baptized two children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, both with their surname spelled Rushton, and with Jefferey's first name spelled Geoffrey. William Rushton was baptized on 9 Jul 1785, son of Geoffrey and Margaret Rushton, and the sponsors were Bernard Smith and Dorothy Clarkson. He was followed by Geoffrey Rushton, who was baptized on 27 Feb 1787, son of Geoffrey and Margaret Rushton, and the sponsors were Christopher Rawstorne and Ann Hoghton.

Although almost certainly living in Preston at the time, Jefferey and Margaret were not listed in the 1810 Catholic census of Preston, but at the time of the 1820 Catholic census Jeffery Rishton, aged 80, was living at 15 Mince Between with Margaret, aged 80. "Mince Between" was a corruption of Main Sprit Weind, where Jefferey was living when he died two years later. He died on 13 March 1822 and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church two days later, under the name Jeoffrey Rushton. The burial register records his age as 79 years, his abode as Mainspit Wiend (sic), and that he was a Papist (Catholic).

Death Notice:

"DIED...On Wednesday last, advanced in years, Mr. Jeoffrey Rushton, of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 16 Mar 1822

Margaret (Clayton) Rushton survived her husband by four years, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 12 Jun 1826, aged 95 years. Her address at the time was Main Sprit Weind. Six years later, the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed her son Geoffrey Rishton, a warper, living at 23 Main Sprit Weind.

Note 1: Jefferey's first marriage was to Ann Green on 27 Dec 1770 at St John's Parish Church. They had one child, James, who was baptized James Rushton at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Mar 1771, with sponsors Richard Hoyles and Petron Hoskison. Ann (Green) Rishton was buried on 16 Mar 1772 in the churchyard at St John's Church. The burial register did not record her age, but did record that she was the wife of Geoffry (sic) Rishton. Jefferey and Ann's only known child, James, died in childhood and was buried in the churchyard at St John's Church on 10 Oct 1774. As with his mother two years earlier, his age was not recorded, but he was listed as the son of Geoffry Rishton.

Note 2: The spelling of this family's surname varied between Rishton and Rushton, with Rishton being the more common spelling in the Church of England records and Rushton being more common in the Catholic records. Likewise the spelling of Jefferey's first name also varied. I have spelled it the way he spelled it, or how it was spelled in the relevant record.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Peter ROBERTS:

I cannot find any record of the baptism of Peter Roberts, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Apr 1827, with no abode listed and his age recorded simply as "infant". He may have died shortly after birth and baptized privately at the bedside.

With almost no information to go on it's impossible to be certain, but Peter may have been the son of Thomas and Isabella Roberts. If so, he was born about two months after they married.

Thomas Roberts, a bachelor, and Isabella Parkinson, a spinster, were married on 6 Feb 1827 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Robert Wright, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Mary Speakman and Robert Roberts. Isabella and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Isabella baptized two children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Robert, who was baptized on 23 Mar 1828, with sponsors Robert Roberts and Mary Parkinson. He was followed by Marianne, who was baptized on 20 Jun 1830, with sponsors Robert and Ann Johnson.

Sometime after Marianne's birth the family moved to Bury, where their third child was born. Peter Roberts was baptized on 15 Jun 1834 at St Marie's Catholic Church in Bury, with sponsors Thomas Smallwood and Elizabeth Oldham. His mother died a year and a half later.

Isabella Roberts, the wife of Thomas Roberts, of Bury, was buried on 12 Jan 1836 in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Bury, aged 32 years.

Thomas did not remain a widower for long, marrying again four months after Isabella's death. Thomas Roberts and Mary Brown, of Prestwich, were married on 16 May 1836 St Mary's Parish Church in Prestwich. They were married after Banns by William Hardman Molineux, and the witnesses were Robert Brown and James Sheldrick. Mary signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic marriage ceremony at St Marie's Catholic Church in Bury, where the witnesses were John Foster and Elizabeth Livesey, but the transcripts record the date as 1834 instead of 1836.

Thomas and Mary baptized six children at St Marie's Catholic Church, beginning with Thomas, who was born on 12 May 1837 and was baptized on 11 Jun 1837 with sponsors Eastwood and Ellen Eastwood. He was followed by the first of two sons they called Jacob, who was born on 31 Aug 1838 and was baptized on 23 Sep 1838, with sponsors Matthew and Mary Parkinson; then Alice who was baptized on 5 Apr 1840, with sponsors Richard Ditchfield and Ann Parkinson. Her date of birth was not recorded in the baptism register. A little more than a year after Alice's birth, Thomas and Mary lost one of their children. Jacob Roberts was buried in the churchyard at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church in Bury, aged 2 years 8 months.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas Roberts, an iron moulder, aged c. 35, was living in North Street, Bury with Mary, aged c. 35, and five children, Robert, a moulder's apprentice, aged 13; Mary, aged 10; Peter, aged 7; Thomas, aged 4; and Alice, aged 1. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their fourth child together was born later that year.

Ellen Roberts was born on 29 Nov 1841 and was baptized on 5 Dec 1841, with sponsors John Bradshaw and Catherine Parkinson. She was followed by Margaret, who was born on 31 Aug 1844 and was baptized on 1 Sep 1844, with sponsors Edward Southirst and Mary Woodcock; then another son they called Jacob, who was born on 13 Jan 1849 and was baptized on 21 Jan 1849, with sponsors James and Mary Riley.

The microfilmed copies of the 1851 census appear to be missing at least one page and several were filmed out of numerical order. The page that should have showed Thomas and Mary Roberts is missing and the next page begins with their five youngest children, Thomas Roberts, son, a scholar, aged 13; Alice, daughter, a scholar, aged 11; Helen, daughter, a scholar, aged 9; Margaret, daughter, a scholar, aged 6; and Jacob, son, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Bury.

On the night of the 1861 census Thomas Roberts, an iron moulder, aged 56, was living at 17 Eden Street, Bury with Mary, aged 56, and five children, Thomas, an iron moulder, aged 23; Alice, aged 21; Ellen, a dressmaker, aged 19; Margaret, a dressmaker, aged 16; and Jacob, a scholar, aged 12. Thomas Sr was listed as born in Preston, and the rest of the family were born in Bury. Mary (Brown) Roberts died two years later.

Mary Roberts, of Eden Street, was buried on 25 May 1863, in the churchyard at Bury Methodist Church, aged 59 years. It was a private grave, 1373, purchased by her husband. Thomas may have bought the grave in the Methodist churchyard because the Catholic churches in Bury did not have burial grounds.

Thomas married for a third time in 1865. Thomas Roberts, of Eden Street, the son of the late Peter Roberts, and Ann Fethney, of Manchester, the daughter of Henry Fethney or Taylor and Mary Taylor, were married on 7 Jan 1865 at St Marie's Catholic Church, Bury. They were married by James Boardman and the witnesses were Richard and Mary McClennan. On the night of the 1871 census Thomas Roberts, a retired iron moulder, aged 66, was living at 17 Eden Street, Bury with Ann, aged 64, and three children, Alice, aged 31; Margaret, aged 26; and Jacob, a bookkeeper, aged 22. Ann was listed as born in Burnley, and it was noted that Thomas was living off the income from houses. Thomas died two years later.

Thomas Roberts, of Eden Street, was buried on 21 Apr 1873 in the churchyard at Bury Methodist Church, aged 68 years. He was buried in the private grave, 1373, where his second wife had been buried ten years earlier.

Note: Thomas Roberts was the son of Peter Roberts and Mary Wignall, who were married on 11 May 1800 at both St John's Parish Church and St Wilfrid's Chapel in Preston. Mary's surname was spelled Wignea in the St John's register.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

Alice ROBINSON:

Alice Robinson, was born on (blank) and was baptized on (blank) at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. She was the daughter of James and Ann Robinson, and the sponsors were Joseph Waring and Mary McCloud. Although undated, the baptism was recorded between 18 and 25 Feb 1838, and her birth was registered in last quarter of 1837.

Alice Robinson's baptism

Alice Robinson, of 14 Elizabeth Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Jun 1839, aged 20 months.

James Robinson, a bachelor, aged 21, a weaver, of Elizabeth Street, the son of the late William Robinson, a bleacher, and Ann Wareing, a spinster, aged 21, a weaver, of Ann Street, the daughter of Thomas Wareing, a weaver, were married on 10 Jul 1837 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by A.R.G. Thomas, Curate, and the witnesses were Joseph Mason and Mary Ashworth. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

The above mentioned Alice was James and Ann's first child, and they only had one other. William Robinson was born on 29 Jan 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 3 Feb 1839, with sponsors William Waring and Mary McLoud.

On the night of the 1841 census James Robinson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged c. 25, was living in Blacow Street, Preston with Ann, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged c. 20, and one child, William, aged 2 years. They were all listed as born in Lancashire.

Sometime after 1851 James and Ann moved in with her aged father, and at the time of the 1851 census Thomas Waring, a widower, aged 76, was living at 7 Ann Street, Preston with his son-in-law James Robinson, aged 35; his daughter Ann Robinson, aged 30; and his grandson William Robinson, aged 12, all four working as hand loom weavers. Thomas was listed as born in Brindle, Ann was born in St Michaels, and James and William were born in Preston. Thomas Waring died four years later.

Thomas Waring died on 16 Apr 1855, by which time St Wilfrid's Cemetery had been closed by public order. He was not buried in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church, or St John's Parish Church. He may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Monday last, Thomas Wareing, Dickson-street, aged 81."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 Apr 1855

Ann (Waring) Robinson survived her father by just three years. Ann Robinson, the wife of James Robinson, a weaver, of Dickson Street, was buried on 29 Sep 1858 in a public grave, E-55, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 37 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Ann Robinson, Dickson-street, aged 37;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Oct 1858

I cannot find James Robinson in the 1861 census of Preston. His son may have been the William Robinson, an unmarried cotton machine glazer, aged 21, who was living as a lodger at 7 Silver Street, Preston, the home of Thomas and Mary Waring. Thomas Waring, a cotton twister, aged 50, may have been related to William's late mother. William and Thomas were both listed as born in Preston.

Note 1: When Alice was baptized in 1838 her father's name was abbreviated Jac in baptism register, which was short for Jacobus, the Latin form of James.

Note 2: The spelling of Ann's maiden name varied from one record to another but in the majority of records I have found it was spelled Waring.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The ROBINSON Family of Union Street:

Thomas Robinson and Margaret Forshaw, both of Preston, were married on 16 May 1802 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Humphrey Shuttleworth, Vicar, and the witnesses were Robert Taylor and William Hodgkinson. The bride and Robert Taylor signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Margaret's first child may have been the Ann Robinson who was born on 6 Jul 1802 and was baptized on 1 Aug 1802 at St John's Parish Church; followed by William, who was born on 20 Apr 1804 and was baptized on 16 Sep 1804, also at St John's Parish Church. It is not known why they baptized their first two children in a Church of England church, and there is a gap in the St Wilfrid's Chapel records from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, during which time they had at least two more children, Elizabeth, who was born in about 1807; and John, who was born in about 1809.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Margaret Robinson living in Mount Street with four children, Ann, aged 7; William, aged 6; Betty, aged 3; and John, aged 1. The fact that Thomas was not listed may have been because he was not a Catholic, and this may explain why the first two children were baptized at St John's Church.

The first of Thomas and Margaret's children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism records was Jane, who was baptized on 16 Jan 1814, with sponsors John Singleton and Margaret Whittle. She was followed by Mary, who was baptized on 18 Feb 1816, with sponsors Richard Bolton and Mary Walker; then Margaret, who was baptized on 5 Sep 1819, with sponsors Richard Gregson and Jane Gravewell.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Margaret Robinson, aged 44, living at 150 Friargate with five children, Ann, aged 18; William, aged 16; Elizabeth, aged 13; John, aged 10; and Margaret, aged 1. Again, Thomas was not listed. Also not listed were Jane and Mary, who may have died in infancy, but I cannot find any record of their burials. A Jane Robinson was buried on 8 Oct 1818 in the churchyard at St John's Church, but her age was recorded as 2 years.

Thomas and Margaret's last known child was James, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 28 Apr 1822, with sponsors James and Helen Mercer. The next record I can find of this family is the death of a man I believe was their son.

John ROBINSON:

John Robinson, of Back Lane, who was born in about 1810, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 31 Aug 1834, aged 24 years. The only clue to John Robinson's identity is the abode listed, Back Lane. Two years earlier the 1832 Preston electoral rolls listed Thomas Robinson, a labourer, living at 32 Back Lane, and we know that a Thomas and Margaret Robinson's son John would have been about 24 years old in 1834. His father may have been the Thomas Robinson who died in Preston three years later.

Thomas Robinson, of Mount Street, was buried on 2 Jan 1837 in the churchyard at St John's Church, aged 67 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday, aged 67, after a short indisposition, Mr. Thomas Robinson, brewer, of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Dec 1836

The next record I can find of the family is when one of their unmarried daughters had a child. John Robinson was born on 23 Apr 1838 and was baptized six days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel. He was the son of Elizabeth Robinson, and the sponsors were John Lupton and Ann Hayhurst. The following year another of their daughters had a child. William Robinson was born on 5 Oct 1839 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 23 Oct 1839. He was the son of Margaret Robinson, and the sponsors were Peter Abbott and Anna Grimshaw. A little less than a year later, another of Thomas and Margaret's daughters died.

Ann ROBINSON:

Ann Robinson, of 20 Union Street, who was born in about 1802, died on 7 Sep 1840 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, aged 38 years. Her death was registered by Margaret Robinson, of 20 Union Street, but there is no indication as to whether that was her mother or her sister.

On the night of the 1841 census Elizabeth Robinson, a scutching maker, aged c. 30, was living in Union Street with Margaret, Ind. (of independent means), aged 64; Margaret, a dressmaker, aged 21; James, a grinder, aged 19; John, aged 3; and William, aged 1. Also staying with them was Thomas Pool, a cotton weaver, aged c. 50. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Three years later the younger Margaret lost her son.

William ROBINSON:

William Robinson, of 22 Union Street, who was born in 1839, died at home on 24 Mar 1845 and was buried two days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 5 years.

A year after the death of her son, Margaret had a second child.

Jane ROBINSON:

Jane Robinson was born on 4 Dec 1846 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Thomas Poole and Mary Aymer, but did not survive infancy. Jane Robinson, of 22 Union Street, died on 11 Apr 1848 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 16 months. Her grandmother died a little more than a year later.

Margaret Robinson, of Union Street, was buried on 20 Jun 1849 in the churchyard at St Ignatius Catholic Church, aged 73 years.

Margaret
Robinson's burial

Not long after Margaret's death her daughter Margaret was married. The marriage of Thomas Robinson and Margaret Robinson was registered in Preston in the third quarter of 1849. I can find no record of their marriage at St Wilfrid's Chapel, St Ignatius Church, St Augustine's Church, or St John's Parish Church, and I suspect that they were married in the Register Office. At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Robinson, a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 48, was living at 25 Ashworth Street, Preston with his wife Margaret, a dressmaker, aged 31. Living with them was his brother-in-law, William Robinson, a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 46; his wife Ellen, a dandee cotton weaver, aged 35; and three lodgers, Thomas Rycroft, widower, a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 93; Henry Thompson, a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 45; and Henry Cleminson, a throstle spinner, aged 25. Thomas, Margaret and William were all listed as born in Preston.

On the night of the 1861 Margaret Robinson, married, aged 41, was visiting at 6 Mill Bank, Preston, the home of James and Mary Titterington. Her husband Thomas Robinson, a pensioner, aged 58, was living at 7 Lark Hill, Blackpool. They were both listed as born in Preston. Margaret may have been visiting her former neighbours, as at the time of the 1851 census James and Mary Titterington were living at 11 Ashworth Street, and Thomas and Margaret Robinson were living at 25 Ashworth Street.

I cannot find Margaret Robinson in the 1871 census but her husband, Thomas Robinson, a Chelsea Pensioner, aged 68, was an inmate at Her Majesty's Royal Hospital for Pensioners in Chelsea. He was listed as married, and was born in Preston. I can find no further confirmed record of either Thomas or Margaret.

Note: Margaret's husband Thomas Robinson, who was born in Preston in about 1803, enlisted in the British Army in 1820, aged 17. He served in the 25th Regiment of Foot, and was discharged in 1841, aged 38 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Joseph and Elizabeth ROBINSON:

Joseph Robinson and Betty Jenkinson, both of Preston, were married on 28 Aug 1796 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Nicholson, Curate, and the witnesses were William Grayston and Ann Gardner. The bride, groom and Anne Gardner signed the marriage register with an X.

Joseph and Betty's first child was William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 22 Sep 1799, with sponsors Robert Huthersall and Isabel Grayson. He died before 1818, but I can find no record of his burial in Preston. William was followed by Joseph and Mary, who were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Nov 1802. Joseph's sponsors were James and Elizabeth Melling, and Mary's sponsors were William Grayston and Sarah Noblet. Both children died in infancy. Mary was buried on 10 Jan 1803 and Joseph was buried four days later, both in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, where they were described as the children of Joseph Robinson.

There then appears a gap in the St Wilfrid's records, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, caused by a missing register, during which time Joseph and Elizabeth had at least three more children, another son they called John in about 1805, another daughter they called Mary in about 1807; and Nicholas in about 1812.

The first of their children to appear in the St Wilfrid's baptism records after the gap was Catherine, who was baptized on 7 Jun 1815, with sponsors Thomas and Sarah Dunderdale. She was followed by a second child they called William, who was baptized on 12 Apr 1818, with sponsors John and Agnes Bray. The following year, Joseph and Elizabeth lost one of their children.

Catherine ROBINSON:

Catherine Robinson, who was born in 1815, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Nov 1819, aged 4 years.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Joseph Robinson, aged 37, living at 10 Fylde Street with four children, John, aged 14; Mary, aged 13; Nicholas, aged 8; and William, aged 2. Elizabeth was not listed with them, which may mean that she was not a Catholic, or was she staying somewhere else on that day due to the impending birth of their last known child? A second daughter they called Catherine was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 31 Dec 1820, with sponsors John and Agnes Bray.

Joseph Robinson died sometime before 1841 and may have been the Joseph Robinson, of Princes Street, who died on 21 Feb 1832 and was buried five days later in the churchyard at St Paul's Church. The burial register entry (at St John's Parish Church) records his age as 57 years but the death notice records it as 50 years, which I believe is more accurate.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, Joseph Robinson, Princes-street, aged 50."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Feb 1832

On the night of the 1841 census Betsy Robinson, aged c. 60, was living in Fylde Road, Preston with John, a mechanic, aged c. 35; Ann, aged c. 30; Catherine, a cotton weaver, aged c. 20; Joseph, aged 10; Ellen, aged 8; Elizabeth, aged 5; Catherine, aged 2; and Elizabeth, aged 5. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. One of the drawbacks of the 1841 census is that it did not show the relationships between people or their marital status. I believe that the older Catherine was Betsy's daughter, John was Betsy's son, Ann was his wife, and that all but the last Elizabeth listed were their children. Catherine was married three years later.

John Lee, a bachelor, aged 22, a blacksmith, of Poplar Street, the son of John Lee, a tanner, and Catherine Robinson, a spinster, aged 22, a weaver, of Mill Street, the daughter of the late Joseph Robinson, a mechanic, were married on 17 Feb 1844 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by C. Richson, Curate, and the witnesses were John Gardner and Jane Gregson. The bride, groom and Jane Gregson signed the marriage register with an X.

At the time of the 1851 census Betty Robinson, a widow, aged 66 (sic), was living at 9 Mill Hill, Preston, with her widowed son Nicholas, a flagger and slater, aged 46; and her daughter Elizabeth, a factory hand (tenter), aged 16. Betty's place of birth was not recorded, and her children's place of birth was recorded as Preston. Living with her were three lodgers, Ellen Hull, a widow, aged 81; James Hull, a bricksetter, aged 22; and Ann Hull, a factory worker, aged 15. The lodgers were born in Poulton-le-Fylde. If the 16 year old Elizabeth was Betty's daughter she would have been born some years after Joseph's death, and I can find no record of her baptism.

I cannot find Elizabeth (Jenkinson) Robinson in the 1861 census and believe she died before that date. She may have been the Elizabeth Robinson, of North Road, who died on 8 Jun 1852, aged 78 years. She was not buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church, or St John's Parish Church. She may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last,...Elizabeth Robinson, North-road, aged 78."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 12 Jun 1852

Note: On the night of the 1851 census John Robinson, a mechanic, aged 45, was living at 26 Adelphi Street, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 40, and six children, Joseph, a mechanic, aged 20; Ellen, a rover, aged 18; Elizabeth a steam loom weaver, aged 15; Catherine, aged 12; Jane, aged 9; and William, aged 6. They were as listed as born in Preston. Strangely, although all of their children were reported to have been born in Preston, I can find no record of their baptisms in Preston, or the marriage of their parents.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Richard ROBINSON:

Richard Robinson, a widower, and Margaret Waterhouse, both of the Chapelry of Walton-le-Dale, were married on 8 Jul 1827 at St Leonard's Chapel in Walton-le-Dale. They were married after Banns by Randle Henry Fielden, Sub-Curate, and the witness were William Hardman and James Tomlison. The bride, groom and William Hardman signed the marriage register with an X. Although not recorded in the marriage register, Margaret, whose maiden name was Proctor, was the widow of Charles Waterhouse.

Richard and Margaret's first child was Mary Phoebe, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 13 Apr 1828, with sponsors Richard Bilsborough and Jane Bickerstaffe. She was followed by Joseph, who was baptized on 21 Feb 1830, with sponsors (blank) Walmsley and Jane Lund; then Jane, who was baptized on 25 Nov 1832, with sponsors William Waterhouse and Helen Hardman. Their fourth child died in infancy.

Cecily ROBINSON:

Cecilia Robinson was born on 18 Oct 1835 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel seven days later, with sponsors Henry Stanley and Helen Waterhouse. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 24 Feb 1841, aged 5 years, where her abode was listed as 24 Back Canal Street.

On the night of the 1841 census Richard Robinson, an engine tenter, aged c. 65, was living in Canal Street, Preston with Margaret, aged c. 60, and two children, Phoebe, a cotton carder, aged 13; and Joseph, aged 11. Staying with them was Hugh Waterhouse, a cotton piecer, aged c. 15; and James Lund, an apprentice millwright, aged c. 15. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Although the 1841 census did not show how people were related, we do know that Hugh Waterhouse was Margaret's child by her first marriage.

Four years after the census was taken, Richard and Margaret's unmarried daughter had a child.

John ROBINSON:

John Robinson was born on 23 Sep 1845 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Oct 1845. He was the son of Phoebe Robinson, and the sponsors were William Miller and Ellen Waterhouse. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Oct 1845, aged 1 month, and his abode was listed as Poplar Street. Phoebe's father died two years later.

Richard ROBINSON:

Richard Robinson, an engine tenter, who was born in about 1785, died at Brow Square on 3 Sep 1847 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 62 years. His death was registered by Phoebe Robinson, of Brow Square.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...yesterday week, Richard Robinson, Brow-square, aged 62;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 11 Sep 1847

Seven weeks after her father's death, Phoebe was married. Joseph Ball, a bachelor, aged 22, an overlooker, of Duke Street East, and Phoebe Robinson, a spinster, aged 21, a carder, of Bowran Street, the daughter of the late Richard Robinson, an engine tenter, were married on 24 Oct 1847 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Wilson, Curate, and the witnesses were Richard Yates and Alice Booth. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X. Phobe's mother died the following year.

Margaret Robinson, the wife of Richard Robinson, an engine tenter, died in the workhouse and was buried on 26 Mar 1858 in a public grave, F-779, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 68 years.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Agnes ROBINSON:

Thomas Robinson and Agnes Bamber, both of Preston, were married on 29 May 1815 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Towne, Curate, and the witnesses were Oswell (sic) Bamber and George Riley. Thomas signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic marriage ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where Agnes' surname was spelled Bambur and the witnesses were Oswald Bambur and Elizabeth Robinson.

Thomas and Agnes baptized eleven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with the first of two sons they called John, who was baptized on 18 Feb 1816, with sponsors Oswald Bamber and Elizabeth Robinson. He was followed by Ann, who was baptized on 6 Feb 1818, with sponsors John Cliffe and Ann Clarkson. Her surname was spelled Robeson in the baptism transcripts. Their third child was the first of two daughters they called Elizabeth, who was baptized on 31 Aug 1819, with sponsors John Turner and Elizabeth Bamber.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists William (sic) Bamber living in Crown Street with Agnes and three children, John, aged 4; Ann, aged 2; and Betty, aged 1. Their fourth child was born a year later.

Richard Robinson was baptized on 7 Oct 1821, with sponsors Thomas Noblet and Elizabeth Bamber. He was followed by Alice, who was baptized on 7 Dec 1823, with sponsors John Caupe and Alice Bamber; then Mary, who was baptized on 15 Jan 1826, with sponsors John and Mary Bamber; and William, who was baptized on 27 Jan 1828, with sponsors Nicholas Hayes and Ann Bamber. Thirteen months later, they lost their eldest child.

John ROBINSON:

John Robinson, of Wellington Street, who was born in 1816, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 Feb 1829, aged 13 years.

Thomas and Agnes' eighth child was a second son they called John, who was baptized on 19 Sep 1830, with sponsors John Walker and Catherine Wall. He was followed by Robert, who was baptized on 4 Nov 1832, with sponsors John and Margaret Bambur (sic). Less than five years later they lost another child.

Elizabeth ROBINSON:

Elizabeth Robison, of Bleasdale Street, who was born in 1819, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Apr 1837, aged 17 years.

Seven days after burying their daughter, Thomas and Agnes' tenth child, another daughter they called Elizabeth, was born. She was born on 16 Apr 1837 and was baptized seven days later, with sponsors Richard Robinson and Ann Bamber. Their eleventh and last child was Margaret, who was born on 21 Feb 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors William Bamber and Ann Robinson. Margaret was the first of their children to be born after the start of civil registration, but her birth was not registered.

On the night of the 1841 census Thomas (Robinson), a hand loom cotton weaver, aged c. 50, was living in Bleasdale Street, Preston with Agnes, aged c. 45, and eight children, Richard, an apprentice cooper, aged c. 20; Alice, a linen reeler, aged c. 15; Mary, a linen spinner, aged 14; William, a flax dresser, aged 13; John, aged 10; Robert, aged 8; Elizabeth, aged 5; and Margaret, aged 2. Thomas was listed as born outside of the county, and the rest of the family were born in Lancashire. (An error was made in the census and the family were listed with the surname Weights).

William Robinson, the son of Thomas and Agnes Robinson, and Jane Sherliker were married on 27 Jan 1849 at St Ignatius Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by William Knight and the witnesses were John Bashell and Alice Robinson. Their first child was Thomas, who was born on 5 Nov 1850 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors John and Alice Robinson, and at the time of the 1851 census Thomas Robinson, a hand loom cotton weaver, aged 62, was living at 7 Bleasdale Street, Preston with Agnes, aged 56, and five unmarried children, Mary, a flax reeler, aged 25; John, an apprentice cooper, aged 20; Robert, a cotton grinder, aged 18; Elizabeth, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 14; and Margaret, aged 12. Also living with them was their married son William, a cotton carder, aged 23; his wife Jane, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 25; and their son Thomas, aged 4 months. They were all listed as born in Preston.

Agnes Robinson, the wife of Thomas Robinson, a weaver, of Bleasdale Street, was buried on 2 Jan 1859 in a public grave, C-91, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 63 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Agnes Robinson, Bleasdale-street, aged 63;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 8 Jan 1859

On the night of the 1861 census Thomas Robinson, widower, a cotton weaver, aged 74, was still living at 7 Bleasdale Street, with two unmarried daughters, Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 24; and Margaret, a cotton weaver, aged 22. They were all listed as born in Preston. Thomas died eight years later.

Thomas Robinson, of Bleasdale Street, was buried on 4 Feb 1869 in a public grave, H-122, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 80 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Burials since our last:...Thomas Robinson, Bleasdale-street, 80;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Feb 1869

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Ann ROBINSON:

John Robinson, a bachelor, and Nancy Hothersall, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 26 May 1828 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by P. Fraser, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Bretherton and Martha Crook. Nancy signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Ann baptized six children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Helen (Ellen), who was baptized on 9 Aug 1829, with sponsors John Hartly and Martha Crook.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list John Robinson, a tallow chandler, living at 12 Nile Street, where they were living when their second child was born. John Robinson was baptized on 25 Mar 1832, with sponsors George Turner and Mary Hothersall. Two months later they lost their eldest child.

Ellen ROBINSON:

Ellen Robinson, of Nile Street, who was born in 1829, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 25 May 1832, where her age was recorded as "infant".

John and Ann's third child was Joseph, who was baptized on 31 Aug 1834, with sponsors James Smith and Helen Huthersall (sic). Less than seven weeks later John and Ann lost another child.

John ROBINSON (1):

John Robinson, of 77 Church Street, who was born in 1832, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 17 Oct 1834, aged 2 years. It is possible that their fourth child also died in infancy.

John ROBINSON (2):

John Robinson, of 71 Church Street, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Apr 1836, aged 6 hours. There is no record of this child's baptism, but as he lived only six hours it may be that he was baptized privately at the bedside.

John and Ann's next child was another son they called John, who was born on 26 May 1837 and was baptized two days later, with sponsors George Turner and Helen Parkinson. He was followed by another daughter they called Helen, who was born on 15 Oct 1840 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors George and Margaret Smith.

On the night of the 1841 census John Robinson, a tallow chandler, aged c. 30, was living in Church Street, Preston with Ann, aged c. 30, and three children, Joseph, aged 5; John, aged 3; and Ellen, aged 6 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their last child was born two years later.

William Robinson was born on 9 Feb 1843 and was baptized three days later, with sponsors Robert and Ellen Bradley, and at the time of the 1851 census John Robinson, a tallow chandler, aged 45, was living at 66 Chapel Street, Preston with his wife Ann, a housekeeper, aged 43, and four children, Joseph, a tallow chandler, aged 16; John, a joiner's apprentice, aged 13; Ellen, a scholar, aged 10; and William, a scholar, aged 8. John Sr was listed as born in Kirkham, Ann was born in Ribchester, and their children were born in Preston. Living with them was a lodger, Gregory Walker, a joiner, aged 16, who was born in Garstang.

It seems that John and Ann parted ways after 1851 and on the night of the 1861 census John Robinson, a tallow chandler, aged 57, was living as one of three lodgers a 4 Back St Paul's Road, Preston, the home of Catherine Eaves, a widow, aged 67, John and Catherine were both listed as born in Kirkham. John's wife, Ann Robinson, a laundress, aged 53, was living at 7 France Street, Blackburn with her youngest child, William, a joiner, aged 18. Staying with her was a nephew, Henry Smith, a joiner, aged 17; and a visitor, Mary Holden, a general servant, aged 16. Ann was listed as born in Ribchester, the visitor was born in Hurst Green, and William and Henry were born in Preston.

John Robinson apparently died before the date of the next census, when Ann was described as a widow.

A John Robinson, of North Road, was buried on 18 Oct 1863 in a public grave, D-232, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 59 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...John Robinson, North-road, aged 59;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 24 Oct 1863

At the time of the 1871 census Ann Robinson, widow, a laundress, aged 64, was still living at 7 France Street, where she had taken in two lodgers, John D Walsh, an unmarried tea merchant, aged 22; and Ralph Holden, widower, a stone mason, aged 22. She died eight years later.

Ann Robinson's death was registered in Blackburn in the second quarter of 1879, aged 72 years, but she was not buried in either Blackburn or Preston Cemetery, and I can find no record of her burial elsewhere.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...ROBINSON - Ann Robinson, France-street, 72."

Published in the Blackburn Standard, Sat., 14 Jun 1879

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Ann ROBINSON:

Thomas Robinson, a bachelor, and Ann Smith, a spinster, both of Ingol in the Parish of Preston, were married on 3 Feb 1824 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Anthony Hammond, and the witnesses were William and Isabella Smith. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Thomas and Ann's first child was Edward, who was born on 16 Oct 1824 and was baptized two days later at St Mary's Catholic Chapel in Fernyhalgh, with sponsors William and Isabella Smith. He was followed by Robert, who was born on 30 Nov 1826 and was baptized on 3 Dec 1826 at St Andrew's Catholic Church in Cottam, with sponsors James Worden and Mary Hoskinson.

Sometime after Robert's birth the family moved to Preston, where their third child was born.

John ROBINSON:

John Robinson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Jan 1829, with sponsors John and Elizabeth Wilson. He did not survive infancy and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Feb 1830, where his abode was recorded as Park Lane and his age was recorded as "infant".

Thomas and Ann's fourth child was a second son they called John, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 9 Jan 1831, with sponsors Edward Knight and Mary Orrell. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Robinson, a labourer, living at 88 Park Lane. Their fifth child was born the following year.

Richard ROBINSON:

Richard Robinson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 1 Sep 1833, with sponsors William Worden and Ann Orrell. He lived about 11 months, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 14 Aug 1834, where his age was recorded as "infant".

Thomas and Ann's sixth child was a second son they called Richard, who was born on 29 Jul 1835 and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Richard and Margaret Smith. He was followed by Thomas, who was born on 21 Jul 1837 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors John and Margaret Orrell; then another child that did not survive infancy.

William ROBINSON:

William Robinson was born on 15 Dec 1839 and was baptized the same day at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors James and Alice Billington.

William Robinson's
baptism

He died of convulsions on 27 Dec 1839 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery two days later, where his abode was listed as North Road, and his age was transcribed as 2 years instead of 2 weeks. His correct age was confirmed by his death certificate.

Thomas and Ann's ninth child was Ann, who was born on 12 Jan 1841 and was baptized at St Ignatius Church five days later, with sponsors James and Alice Billington, and on the night of the 1841 census Thomas Robinson, a warehouseman, aged c. 35, was living in Park Road with Ann, aged c. 35, and six children, Edward, a cotton carder, aged c. 15; Robert, a cotton carder, aged 14; John, aged 10; Richard, aged 6; Thomas, aged 4; and Ann, aged 5 months. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Their tenth and last child was born two years later.

George ROBINSON:

George Robinson was born on 5 Feb 1843 and baptized on 12 Feb 1843 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Thomas and Elizabeth Eastham. He died at his home in Egan Street on 31 Jan 1848, and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 6 Feb 1848, aged 5 years.

At the time of the 1851 census Thomas Robinson, a cart driver, aged 56, was living at 14 Egan Street, Preston with his wife Ann, aged 49, and four children, John, a weaver, aged 20; Richard, a weaver, aged 17; Thomas, a piecer, aged 13; and Ann, a scholar, aged 9. Staying with them was an unmarried lodger, Betsy Eastham, a weaver, aged 50; and a visitor, Peter Sharples, a Roman Catholic Deacon, aged 24. Thomas Sr was listed as born in Broughton, Ann was born in Lea, their children were born in Preston, the lodger was born in Cuerden, and the visitor was also born in Preston. Thomas Sr died before the date of the next census.

The death of a Thomas Robinson was registered in Preston in the first quarter of 1861, aged 64 years, but he was not buried in Preston Cemetery and there was no death notice published. At the time of the 1861 census Ann Robinson, widow, a provision dealer, aged 59, was living at 7 Fletcher Road, Preston, a provision shop, with two of her unmarried children, Richard, a cotton weaver, aged 25; and Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 20. Living with them was a boarder, Henry Lawrenson, a cotton spinner, aged 18. Ann was listed as born in Lea, and her children and the boarder were born in Preston. Ten years later, on the night of the 1871 census Ann Robinson, a housekeeper, aged 70, was living at 14 Aberdeen Street, Preston with Richard, a cotton weaver, aged 34; and Ann, a cotton weaver, aged 32. In this census Ann Sr was listed as born in Clifton, and her daughter was listed as married but with the surname Robinson. Ann (Smith) Robinson died later that year.

Ann Robinson, a Aberdeen Street, was buried on 28 Sep 1871 in a private grave, E-125, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 70 years. Her's was the third interment, buried 15 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Ann Robinson, Aberdeen-street, 70."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 30 Sep 1871

Note 1: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchases by Edward Robinson in 1857 and contains six burials. The first was William Bamber, of Edgar Street, who was buried on 29 Mar 1857, aged 10 months. He was buried 24 feet deep. The second interment was Elizabeth Bamber, of North Road, who was buried on 13 Jun 1858, aged 31 years, and was buried 17 feet deep. The above mentioned Ann Robinson was the third interment, followed by William Bamber, of the workhouse, who was buried on 13 Mar 1878, aged 78, and was buried 16 feet deep. The fifth interment was Margaret (Bamber) Robinson, of 39 St Ignatius Square, who was buried on 29 Apr 1903, aged 78, and was buried 14 feet deep. The sixth and last burial was Mary Robinson, a spinster, of 9 St Ignatius Square, who was buried on 22 Oct 1934, aged 75 years. She was buried 10½ feet deep.

Note 2: The Bambers buried in the private grave were members of Edward Robinson's second wife's family. Edward Robinson, the son of Thomas and Ann Robinson, and Mary Hodkinson, the daughter of John and Mary Hodkinson, were married on 20 Feb 1848 at St Ignatius Church. They were married by Robert Havers, and the witnesses were Michael Speakman and Dorothy Atkinson. Mary (Hodkinson) Robinson died in early 1853, aged 27, and Edward was remarried later that year to Margaret Bamber, the fifth person buried in the grave. The sixth person buried, Mary Robinson, was the daughter of Edward and his second wife Margaret.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Jane ROBINSON:

John Robinson and Jane Jackson, both of Preston, were married on 25 Jun 1812 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Isaac Smith, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Noblet and Betty Jackson. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

John and Jane baptized five children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with James, who was baptized on 19 Dec 1813, with sponsors Gub. Singleton and Elizabeth Jackson. His parents were listed as James and Jane Robinson. He was followed by George, who was baptized on 17 Nov 1816, with sponsors George Jackson and Margaret Walmesley; then the first of two daughters they called Margaret, who was baptized on 23 Oct 1819, with sponsors Henry Cooper and Eliza Jackson.

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists John Robinson, aged 32, living at 11 Canal Street with Jane, aged 32, and three children, James, aged 6; George, aged 2; and Margaret, aged 1. Their fourth child was born the following year. Isabel (Isabella) Robinson was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Nov 1821, with sponsors John Cooper and Margaret Hardman.

John and Jane's daughter Margaret died sometime before 1825, but I cannot find any record of her death or burial. Their fifth child was a second daughter they called Margaret, who was baptized on 20 Mar 1825, with sponsors Joshua Hoyles and Jane Cooper. She was less than 3 years old when her mother died.

Jane ROBINSON:

Jane Robinson, of Spittle Moss, who was born in about 1787, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 21 Nov 1827, aged 40 years. John Robinson did not remain a widower for long, marrying again eight months later.

John Robinson, a widower, and Ellen Gregson, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 26 Jul 1828 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Richard Kenny, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Joshua Hoyles and Elizabeth Eccles. The bride, groom and Elizabeth Eccles signed the marriage register with an X.

On the night of the 1841 John Robinson, a labourer, aged c. 50, was living in Back Bolton Street, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 45, and two children, Bella, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 15; and Margaret, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 15. Living with them was Jane Gregson, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 15, who may have been related to Ellen. Also staying with them was John Lee, a labourer, aged c. 60; Agnes Eccles, a cotton factory worker, aged c. 20; and Elizabeth Eccles, aged 1. John Robinson and John Lee were listed as born outside of the county and the rest of the household were born in Lancashire.

John and Jane's daughter Isabella married Walter Loynds on 29 Nov 1846 at St Leonard's Church in Walton-le-Dale, where her father was described as John Robinson, a striker, and at the time of the 1851 census John Robinson, an iron striker, aged 63, was living at 10 St Peter's Square, Preston with Ellen, aged 60, two of his unmarried children, James, a coal dealer, aged 36; and Margaret, a cotton coppin tenter, aged 26; his married daughter Isabella Lyons, a cotton coppin tenter, aged 29; and her son John Lyons, aged 3. Living with them were two lodgers, John Leach, an upholsterer, aged 29; and his wife Ann, a steam loom weaver, aged 28. John Robinson was listed as born in Swaledale, Yorkshire, his wife was born in Woodplumpton, Ann Leach was born in Samlesbury, and the rest of the household was born in Preston. John Robinson died four years later.

John Robinson, of St Peter's Square, died on 6 Jan 1855 and was buried four days later in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, aged 67 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Saturday last, John Robinson, St. Peter's-square, aged 67."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 13 Jan 1855

After her husband's death Ellen continued to live with her stepson and on the night of the 1861 census James Robinson, an unmarried coal dealer, aged 47, was living at 41 Bedford Street, Preston. Living with him was his widowed step-mother Ellen, aged 69, and his unmarried sister Margaret, listed as a lodger, aged 36. Also living with them as a lodger was William Pennington, widower, a blacksmith, aged 89. In this census Ellen was listed as born in Birtle.

At the time of the 1871 census James Robinson, a coal dealer, aged 77, was still living at 41 Bedford Street, Preston with his widowed step-mother Ellen, a housekeeper, aged 82; his unmarried sister Margaret, aged 46; his married sister Isabella Toynes (sic), a waistcoat maker, aged 49; and his widowed uncle, George Jackson, a gardener, aged 86. In this census Ellen was listed as born in Plumpton, George Jackson was born in Upholland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Ellen (Gregson) Robinson died later that year.

Ellen Robinson, of 41 Bedford Street, was buried on 31 Dec 1871 in the churchyard at St Anne's Parish Church in Woodplumpton, aged 83 years. There was no death notice published.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Henry and Ellen ROBINSON:

Henry Robinson, the son of Henry and Mary Robinson, of Castletown, Westmeath, Ireland, and Ellen Rainford, the daughter of John and Ann Rainford, of Preston, were married at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 25 Oct 1838, witnessed by John and Ann Rainford, both of Preston.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfrid,...on Thursday, Mr. Henry Robinson, to Miss Ellen Rainford, all of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Oct 1838

Henry and Ellen's first child was the first of three daughters they called Mary Ann.

Mary Ann ROBINSON (1):

Mary Ann Robinson was born on 6 Aug 1839 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Thomas and Ann Watmough. She was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Sep 1840, aged 13 months. Her first name was spelled Marian, and her abode was recorded as 21 Union Street.

At the time of their daughter's death, Ellen would have been pregnant with their second child, another daughter they called Mary Ann, who was baptized Marianne Robinson. She was born on 9 Jan 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel three days later, with sponsors Michael Shea and Rosanne Anderson. On the night of the 1841 census, Henry Robinson, a potter, aged c. 30, was living in Union Street, Preston with Ellen, aged c. 25, and Mary, aged 4 months. They were living with Ellen's widowed mother Ann Rainford, a retail brewer, aged c. 60. Also living with her was John Rainford, aged 9; and Teresa McNamara, aged 4. They were all listed as born in Lancashire, which, for Henry at least, was incorrect. Henry and Ellen lost their daughter the following year.

Mary Ann ROBINSON (2):

Mary Ann Robinson, of 21 Union Street, who was born in 1841, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 4 Oct 1842, aged 20 months.

Henry and Ellen's third child was William, who was born on 28 Mar 1843 and was baptized on 2 Apr 1843, with sponsors John Rainford and Ann Wareing. He was followed by a third daughter they called Mary Ann, who was born on 1 Sep 1845 and was baptized six days later, with sponsors John and Isabella Rainford; then Henry, who was born on 11 Jul 1847 and was baptized seven days later, with sponsors John and Ann Dellabella. Two years later, Henry and Ellen lost another child.

Mary Ann ROBINSON (3):

Mary Ann Robinson, of Friargate, who was born in 1845, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 7 May 1849, aged 3 years.

Henry and Ellen's sixth child was Stephen Henry, who was born on 28 Nov 1849 and was baptized on 2 Dec 1849, with sponsors John Rainford and Jane Walmsly (sic). When his birth was registered his name was recorded as Thomas Stephen Robinson, and he appears to have been known as Thomas. At the time of the 1851 census Henry Robinson, a toy dealer, aged 43, was living at 152 Friargate, Preston with his wife Ellen, aged 37, and three children, William, a scholar, aged 8; Henry, aged 3; and Thomas, aged 1. Living with them were two nephews, John Rainford, an assistant, aged 20; Francis Rainford, a scholar, aged 11; and a niece, Teresa McNamara, aged 14. Henry Sr was listed as born in Ireland, Ellen was born in Whittle-le-Woods, Francis Rainford was born in Kendal, Westmorland, and the rest of the household were born in Preston. Henry and Ellen's seventh child was born one year later.

Joseph Robinson was born on 22 Apr 1852 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors John Rainford and Teresa McNamara. Sometime after Joseph's birth the family went to stay in Blackpool for a short time, where their tenth child, Aloysius, was born in 1854. He was followed three years later by their eleventh and last child, Ignatius, who was born on 15 Nov 1857 and was baptized the next day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors Malachy and Elizabeth Reading.

At the time of the 1861 census Henry Robinson, a smallwares shop keeper, aged 52, was still living at 152 Friargate with Ellen, aged 47, and five children, Henry, a scholar, aged 13; Thomas, a scholar, aged 11; Joseph, a scholar, aged 8; Aloysius, a scholar, aged 6; and Ignatius, aged 3. Living with them was Ellen's brother Francis Rainford, a married shopkeeper, aged 49. Henry Sr was listed as born in Ireland, Ellen and her brother Francis were born in Whittle-le-Woods, Aloysius was born in Blackpool, and the rest of the children were born in Preston. Also staying with them was a visitor, Elenor Musgrove, a milliner, aged 16, who was born in Moons Mill; and an unmarried servant, Alice Harvey, aged 25, who was born in Ireland. Henry Sr died three years later.

Henry Robinson died on 3 April 1864 and was buried the same day in a private grave, C-316, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 55 years. His was the first interment, buried 18 feet deep.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Henry Robinson, Friargate, aged 55;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Apr 1864

Probate Notice:

"ROBINSON Henry - 2 May (1864) Letters of Administration of the Personal estate and effects of Henry Robinson late of Preston in the County of Lancaster General Hardware Dealer deceased who died 3 April 1864 at Preston aforesaid were granted at Lancaster to Ellen Robinson of Preston aforesaid Widow the Relict of the said Deceased she having been first sworn. Effects under £3,000. Resworn at the Stamp Office September 1864 Under £2,000."

Sometime after her husband's death Ellen went to stay with her unmarried son Henry in Blackpool, and at the time of the 1871 census Henry Robinson, a toy dealer, aged 23, was living in Bank Hey Street, Blackpool. Living with him was his widowed mother, Ellen, a draper, aged 57; and four of his unmarried brothers, Thomas, a basket dealer, aged 21; Joseph, a jeweller, aged 18; Aloysius, an errand boy, aged 16; and Ignatius, a scholar, aged 13. Ten years later Ellen was back in Preston and on the night of the 1881 census Ellen Robinson, a glass dealer, aged 67, was living at 121 Friargate, Preston with three of her unmarried sons, Thomas, a general smallware dealer, aged 31; Joseph, a general smallware dealer, aged 28; and Ignatius, a furniture broker, aged 22. Ignatius died four years later.

Ignatius Robinson, of 76 Maudland Bank, was buried on 12 Feb 1885 in the private family grave, C-316, aged 27 years. His was the second interment, buried 16 feet deep. His mother died three years later.

Ellen Robinson died on 14 Jan 1888 and was buried four days later in the private family grave, C-316, aged 73 years. Hers was the third interment, buried 14 feet deep.

Probate Notice:

"ROBINSON Ellen - 9 March (1888) Administration of the Personal Estate of Ellen Robinson late of Preston in the County of Lancaster Widow who died 14 January 1888 at Preston was granted at Lancaster to Aloysius Robinson of 28 Friargate Preston Draper the Son and one of the Next of Kin. Personal Estate £210."

Note 1: Ellen (Rainford) Robinson was the daughter of John and Ann Rainford. John Rainford was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Feb 1837, aged 76 years.

Note 2: The private grave at Preston Cemetery was purchased by Ellen Robinson in 1864 and there were seven burials. In addition to Thomas, Ignatius and Ellen, there was Thomas Robinson (Thomas Stephen), of Blowing Sands, Marton, who was buried on 23 Jul 1902, aged 53, buried 12 feet deep; Aloysius Robinson, a draper, of 12 Broadgate, who was buried on 10 Jul 1939, aged 84, buried 10½ feet deep; Anne Robinson, widow of Aloysius, of 14 Winmarleigh Road, who was buried on 11 Nov 1940, aged 79, buried 9 feet deep; and Joseph Robinson, of 17 Birchwood Crescent, Birmingham, who died at 'Rosalie', Carleton Avenue, Fulwood, and was buried on 26 May 1944, aged 68 years. His was the seventh and last interment, buried 4½ feet deep.

Note 3: When the third child called Mary Ann was baptized in 1845 she was described as the son of Henry and Ellen.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of William and Margery ROBINSON:

William Robinson and Margery Parkinson, both of Preston, were married on 23 May 1818 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were William and Elizabeth Morley. William and Margery both signed the marriage register with an X.

William and Margery baptized ten children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Mary, who was baptized on 6 Dec 1818, with sponsors Thomas and Margaret Leigh. She was followed by Ann, who was baptized on 25 Mar 1821, with sponsors James and Ann Parkinson; then Thomas, baptized on 6 Apr 1823, with sponsors Richard Simpson and Ann Hartley. Their fourth and fifth children did not survive infancy.

William ROBINSON (1):

William Robinson was baptized on 8 Jan 1826, with sponsors James Parkinson and Ellen Walmesley. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Sep 1827, where his age was recorded as "infant", and his abode was Leeming Street.

William ROBINSON (2):

William Robinson was baptized on 11 Aug 1829, with sponsors Charles McIntire and Mary Banks. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 May 1832, where, like his brother, his age was recorded as "infant", and his abode was Leeming Street.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list William Robinson, a weaver, living at 15 Back Leeming Street. Their sixth child, Elizabeth, was born in that year. She was baptized on 15 Apr 1832, with sponsors William Machon and Mary Eastom. Their seventh child also appears to have died in infancy.

William ROBINSON (3):

William Robinson was baptized on 4 May 1834, with sponsors Richard Bambur and Mary Harrison. He was not living with his family at the time of the 1841 census, when he would have been 7 years old, and may have been the infant, of Walton Street, who was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 8 Sep 1835.

William and Margery's eighth child was Eliza, who was born on 28 Jun 1835 and was baptized on 12 Jul 1835, with sponsors Richard Walmsley and Elizabeth Bland. She too died in infancy and was buried on 10 Jan 1836 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church in Preston, where her age was recorded as "infant", her abode was Bridge Street, and it was noted that she was a Papist (Catholic). At the time of Eliza's death Margery would have been pregnant with their ninth child, Jane, who was born on 6 Jul 1836 and was baptized four days later, with sponsors John Reynolds and Margaret Taylor. Jane was followed by Joseph, who was born on 18 Sep 1838 and was baptized five days later, with sponsors Thomas Gregson and Jane Clarkson. Joseph was the only one of their ten children to be born after the start of civil registration, and when his birth was registered his mother's maiden name was recorded as Parkinson.

On the night of the 1841 census William Robinson, a cotton weaver, aged c. 45, was living in Albert Street, Preston with Margery, aged c. 45, and five children, Ann, a cotton winder, aged c. 20; Thomas, a cotton carder, aged 18; Elizabeth, aged 9; Jane, aged 5; and Joseph, aged 2. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. William and his youngest son both died before the date of the next census. William Robinson, who was born in about 1792, died on 12 May 1846, aged 54 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last,...William Robinson, Albert-street, aged 54."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 16 May 1846

The death of a Joseph Robinson, who was born in about 1838, was registered in Preston in 1847, but neither he or his father were buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery or in the churchyards of either St Ignatius Catholic Church, or St John's Parish Church. They may have been buried in the churchyard at St Augustine's Catholic Church, but their early burial register is apparently missing.

At the time of the 1851 census Margery Robinson, widow, a housekeeper, aged 55, was living at 17 Walton Street, Preston with her two youngest daughters, Elizabeth, a cotton weaver, aged 18; and Jane, a cotton weaver, aged 14. Margery was listed as born in Penwortham and her daughters were born in Preston. Ten years later, on the night of the 1861 census, Margery Robinson, widow, a housekeeper, aged 65, was living at 18 Vauxhall Road, Preston with her unmarried daughter Jane, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 24. Margery died seven years later.

Margery Robinson, of 2 Stoneygate, was buried on 31 Dec 1868 in a public grave, H-114, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 73 years.

Note: When William and Margery's children were baptized their mother's name was often recorded as Margaret instead of Margery. Only the baptisms of William in 1826, Elizabeth in 1832, William in 1834 and Joseph in 1838 recorded her name correctly.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Peter and Grace Rock:

Peter Rock and Grace Cooper, both of Preston, were married on 11 Jan 1808 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by William Myers, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Simpson and Francis Brackenbury. Grace signed the marriage register with an X.

Peter and Grace were married during the period for which the St Wilfrid's are records missing, from 22 Feb 1803 to 1 Jan 1813, so there is no way to know if they also had a Catholic marriage ceremony, or what children they may have baptized in the chapel during that period. We do know that they had at least three children during that time, Isabella, who was born in about 1808; John, who was born in about 1809; and Mary, who was born in about 1811. The first of their children to appear in the surviving St Wilfrid's baptism records was Maria, who was baptized on 28 Nov 1813, with sponsors John and Helen Tyler. Their surname was transcribed as Book in the baptism transcripts. She was followed by their last known child, Jane, who was baptized Jane Roche on 26 Jan 1816, with sponsors John Cliff and Sarah Linden. Jane did not survive infancy and was buried on 6 Dec 1818 in the churchyard at St John's Parish Church, aged 3 years. Her abode was listed as the Shambles, and it was noted that she was a Papist (Catholic).

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Peter Rock, aged 33, living at the Shambles with Grace, aged 34, and four children, Bella, aged 12; John, aged 10; Mary, aged 8; and Maria, aged 6. Their daughter Isabella was married eight years later.

John Turner, a bachelor, aged 25, a butcher, and Isabella Rock, a spinster, aged 20, both of Preston, were married on 18 Nov 1828 at St John's Parish Church. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar and the witnesses were William Gornall and Mary Rock. As Isabella was under 21 years of age she need the consent of "Peter Rock the lawful father of Isabella Rock". Their ages and John's occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond dated 17 Nov 1828. Peter and Grace's daughter Mary was married two years after Isabella.

James Robinson, a bachelor, and Mary Rock, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 5 Jun 1830 at St John's Parish Church. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Bonny and Mary Rock. The witness may have actually been Mary's sister Maria. She and James signed the marriage register with an X.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Peter Rock, a stone mason, living at 39 Lord Street. His only son died the following year.

John ROCK:

John Rock, of Molyneux Square, who was born in about 1809, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 30 Apr 1833, aged 23 years. There was no death notice published.

In 1835, Peter and Grace's youngest surviving child was married. Thomas Turner, a bachelor, aged 21, a butcher, and Maria Rock, a spinster, aged 22, both of Preston, were married on 23 Oct 1835 at St John's Parish Church. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar and the witnesses were Thomas and Eleanor Nield. Their ages and Thomas' occupation were not recorded in the marriage register and are taken from the Marriage Bond dated 22 Oct 1835. Maria lost her father later that year.

Peter ROCK:

Peter Rock, of the Shambles, who was born in about 1786, died at about the end of December 1835 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Jan 1836, aged 49 years. There was no death notice published.

Three years after losing her father, Mary (Rock) Robinson lost her husband. James Robinson, of Butler Street, was buried on 19 May 1839 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church in Preston, aged 29 years. James may have died at the North Union Railway Hotel at the corner of Butler Street and Fishergate. When his wife remarried five months later she was described as a publican of Butler Street.

John Savage, a bachelor, aged 37, a warehouseman, of Water Street West, the son of the late Tobias Savage, a farmer, and Mary Robinson, a widow, aged 29, a publican, of Butler Street, the daughter of the late Peter Rock, a mason, were married on 14 Oct 1839 at St John's Parish Church. They were married, by licence, by Roger Carus Wilson, Vicar and the witnesses were John Tinkler and Sarah Seed. Their Marriage Bond was dated 11 Oct 1839.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES...On Monday last, at the Parish Church, by the Rev. R. Carus Wilson, M.A., vicar, Mr. John Savage, to Mrs. Mary Robinson, both of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 19 Oct 1839

After their marriage it seems that John Savage joined his wife in running the pub and on the night of the 1841 census John Savage, a publican, aged 38, was living in Fishergate with Mary, aged 31, and (Mary's son) William Robinson, aged 6. Among the four servants working for him was Grace Rock (Mary's widowed mother), aged 56. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Grace (Cooper) Rock died either at the end of that year or early in 1842.

Grace ROCK:

Grace Rock, who was born in about 1784, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in January 1842, aged 57 years. The exact date of her burial was not recorded, and there was no death notice published. Her daughter died nine months later.

Mary Savage, of Fishergate, who was born in about 1811, was buried on 13 Sep 1842 in the churchyard at St Paul's Church, aged 31 years.

Note: About a year after Mary's death John Savage, an innkeeper, was remarried to Susannah Edwards, and stayed on at the North Union Railway Hotel until his death on 18 May 1853. John Savage, of Fishergate, was buried on 23 May 1853 in the churchyard at St George's Parish Church in Preston, aged 51 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Wednesday last, aged 51, Mr. John Savage, of the Railway Tavern, Fishergate."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 21 May 1853

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Thomas and Mary RODGETT:

Thomas Rodgett and Mary Fazakerly, both of the Parish of Penwortham, were married on 25 Jun 1827 at St Mary's Parish Church in Penwortham. They were married after Banns by Christopher Barnes, Officiating Minister, and the witnesses were Thomas and Sarah Crook. The bride, groom and Sarah Crook signed the marriage register with an X.

Although married in Penwortham, St Wilfrid's Chapel was the nearest Catholic church at that time, and Thomas and Mary baptized seven children there, beginning with twins who did not survive infancy.

Thomas RODGETT (1):

John RODGETT:

Thomas and John Rodgett were baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 29 Jun 1828. Thomas' sponsors were John Lee and Jane Whittle, and John's sponsors were Richard Payne and Jane Waterhouse. Thomas, of Cragg's Square, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 5 Apr 1829; and John was buried in the same cemetery on 4 Mar 1830. Their ages were recorded simply as "infant".

Thomas and Mary's third child was Ann, who was baptized on 7 Mar 1830, with sponsors William Higginson and Mary Whittle. Their surname was transcribed as Hodgitt in the baptism transcripts. She was followed by Thomas, who was baptized on 15 Jan 1832, with sponsors George Alderson and Isabella Eskin. The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Thomas Rodgett, a butcher, living at 16 Singleton Row.

Thomas and Mary's fifth child was John, who was baptized on 4 Aug 1833, with sponsors Robert Morlay and Isabella Heskin. Their sixth child did not survive infancy.

James RODGETT:

James Rodgetts (sic) was born on 30 Nov 1835 and was baptized on 6 Dec 1835, with sponsors John Friar and Catherine Blackledge. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 23 Apr 1837, aged 16 months. His abode was listed as Singleton Row.

On the night of the 1841 Thomas Rodgett, a butcher, aged c. 40, was living in Feeble Street, Preston with Mary, aged c. 40, and three children, Nancy, aged 11; Thomas, aged 9; and John, aged 7. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. The following year, Thomas and Mary lost another child.

Thomas RODGETT (2):

Thomas Rodgett, of Cragg's Square, who was born in 1832, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Oct 1842, aged 10 years.

Thomas and Mary's seventh and last child was another son they called James, who was born on 13 Aug 1841 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel ten days later, with sponsors Thomas Kellett and Helen Clarkson.

It would appear that Thomas and Mary's marriage was not a successful one and by 1851 they were living apart. At the time of the 1851 census Mary Rodgett, a butcher, aged 54, was living in Tithe Barn Street, Preston with Nancy, a power loom weaver, aged 21; John, a butcher, aged 17; and James, a scholar, aged 9. Mary was listed as born in Broughton, and her children were born in Preston. Meanwhile, Thomas Rodget, a butcher, aged 54, was living in the cellar at 16 Shepherd Street, Preston. Both Thomas and Mary were described as married, but ten years later Mary was described as a widow - even though Thomas was still alive.

On the night of the 1861 census Mary Rodget, a widow (sic), aged 65, was living at 14 Bishopsgate Street, Preston with her two sons John, a butcher, aged 27; and James, a spindle and fly maker, aged 19. In this census Mary was listed as born in Preston. Her husband Thomas Rodgett, a butcher, aged 64, was living as a boarder at 13 Stanley Street, the home of William and Susannah Griffiths. He was described as unmarried, and as born in Samlesbury. Thomas died six years later.

Thomas Rodgett died in the workhouse and was buried on 6 Mar 1867 in a public grave, D-25, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 70 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Thomas Rodgett, Workhouse, aged 70;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Mar 1867

On the night of the 1871 census Mary Rodgett, widow, a butcher, aged 77, was living alone at 7 Tithe Barn Street. She was again listed as born in Preston. She died eight years later.

The death of Mary Rodgett was registered in Preston in the second quarter of 1879, aged 83 years, but she was not buried in Preston Cemetery, and I cannot locate her burial record. There was no death notice published.

Note: Although Thomas and Mary lived in Singleton Row, both Thomas Rodgetts were buried from an address in Cragg's Square. In 1841 there was a Nicholas Fazakerley living in Cragg's Square. As Fazakerley was Mary's maiden name, this man may have been related to her, and her children may have been staying with him during the illnesses that eventually killed them.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Robert and Lucy ROPER:

Robert Roper, gentleman, aged 21, of Preston, and Lucy Miller, a spinster, aged 21, of Catforth, were married on 16 Sep 1782 at St Anne's Parish Church in Woodplumpton. They were married, by licence, by Matthew Worthington, Curate, and the witnesses were Thomas Miller and Henry Eccles. Information not recorded in the marriage register is taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 25 Aug 1782.

After marrying in Woodplumpton Robert and Lucy settled in Preston, where they baptized eleven children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with Elizabeth, who was baptized on 4 Nov 1783, with sponsors William Hubbersty and Helen Roper. She was followed by Matthew, who was baptized on 29 Jul 1785, with sponsors William Roper and Betty Millar; then Mary, who was baptized on 23 May 1787, with sponsors William Roper and Elizabeth Adams.

Their son Matthew, who was born in 1785, died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard of St John's Parish Church on 12 Jan 1789, aged 3 years. Their fourth child was born later that year. Helen Roper was baptized on 3 Sep 1789, with sponsors Henry Brewer and Betty Roper. Almost exactly one year later, Robert and Lucy lost another child. Mary Roper, the daughter of Robert Roper, was buried on 29 Sep 1790 in the churchyard of St John's Church, aged 3 years.

Robert and Lucy's fifth child was another daughter they called Mary, who was baptized on 5 Sep 1791, with sponsors Richard Abram and Jane Swarbrick. She was followed by Ann, who was baptized on 16 Mar 1794, with sponsors John Roper and Eliz. Lawrenson; then the first of two sons they called William, who was baptized on 13 Oct 1796, with sponsors John Postlewaite and Eliz. Valentine. He was followed by Lucy, who was baptized on 20 Jan 1799, with sponsors William Roper and Ann Champion; and Alice, who was baptized on 9 Feb 1801, with sponsors Henry Shakeshaft and Mary Proctor. Alice's mother's name was omitted from the baptism transcripts. Alice too died in infancy and was buried in the churchyard of St John's Church on 26 Dec 1801, aged 1 year. Two months later, Robert and Lucy buried another child. William Roper, who was born in 1796, was buried on 4 Mar 1802 in the churchyard of St John's Church, aged 5 years.

Robert and Lucy's tenth child was another son they called William, who was baptized on 29 Mar 1803, with sponsors Henry Shakeshaft and Mary Proctor. He was followed by their eleventh and last child, Maria, who was born in about 1805 and was almost certainly baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel, but there is a gap in the St Wilfrid's records due to a missing register.

The 1810 Catholic census of Preston lists Robert Roper, aged 52, living in Lord Street with Lucy, aged 50, and seven children, Elizabeth, aged 24; Ellen, aged 20; Mary, aged 17; Ann, aged 15; Lucy, aged 11; William, aged 7; and Maria, aged 5. Their youngest son died three years later. William Roper, who was born in 1803, was buried on 14 Apr 1812 in the churchyard of St John's Church, aged 9 years.

Robert and his family were not listed in the 1820 Catholic census of Preston but the 1822 Pigot's Directory of Preston lists, under 'Stone Masons', Robert Roper, at Wood Street. His daughter Ann was married two years later.

William Gillow, a bachelor, aged 24, a gentleman, and Ann Roper, a spinster, aged 24, both of Preston, were married on 2 Jun 1824 at St John's Parish Church. They were married, by licence, by Thomas Raven, and the witnesses were Henry Cross and E. Roper. Information not recorded in the marriage register is taken from the Marriage Bond, dated 31 May 1824. William and Ann had been married the previous day in a Catholic marriage ceremony at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where the witnesses were Mr James Holland and Miss Elizabeth Roper.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIED...On the 1st inst.,...at the Roman Catholic Chapel, by Rev. J.G. Morris, and on Wednesday, at the Parish Church, Wm. Gillow, Esq., to Ann, third daughter of Robt. Roper, Esq., all of Preston."

Published in the Lancaster Gazette, Sat., 12 Jun 1824

The 1828 Pigot's Directory lists Robert Roper under 'Stone Masons' in Fishergate, and under 'Miscellaneous' as an architect at 74 Fishergate and 17 Lord Street; The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list Robert Roper, gentleman, living in Fishergate; The 1834 Pigot's Directory lists, under 'Gentry &c', "Roper Mr. Robert, 70 Fishergate"; and the 1835 Preston electoral rolls list Robert Roper, living in Fishergate, and as the owner of a freehold house in Nile Street with S. Winder as tenant. His daughter Lucy died the following year.

Miss Lucy ROPER:

Lucy Roper, of 70 Fishergate, who was born in 1799, died on 8 Sep 1836 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 37 years. The burial transcript spelled her surname Rooper, did not record her age, and gave her address as 70 Friargate.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Thursday last, Lucy, fifth daughter of Robert Roper, Esq."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 10 Sep 1836

Lucy's father died less than two years after her.

Robert ROPER:

Robert Roper, of Fishergate, who was born in about 1758, died on 19 Jun 1838 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery four days later, aged 80 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On Tuesday last, in the 81st year of his age, Robert Roper, Esq., Fishergate."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 23 Jun 1838

Robert and Lucy's daughter Maria was married in 1839. James Holland, the son of Thomas and Mary Holland, and Maria Roper, the daughter of Robert and Lucy Roper of Preston, were married on 22 Jan 1839 at St Wilfrid's Catholic Chapel, witnessed by Alexander Moore and Mary Roper, both of Preston.

Marriage Notice:

"MARRIAGES - On Tuesday last, at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfrid, by the Rev. George Connell, James Holland, Esq., of Swallow House, Penwortham, to Maria, youngest daughter of the late R. Roper, Esq., of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 26 Jan 1839

On the night of the 1841 census Lucy Roper, Ind. (of independent means), aged c. 80, was living in Fishergate with Elizabeth, aged c. 50; Ellen, aged c. 45; and Mary, aged c. 40. Also staying with them was a servant, Mary Waring, aged c. 20. They were all listed as born in Lancashire. Lucy (Miller) Roper died two years later.

Mrs Lucy ROPER:

Lucy Roper, who was born in about 1760, died on 24 Nov 1843 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery the following day, aged 83 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Yesterday, aged 83, Lucy, relict of the late Robert Roper, Esq., Fishergate."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 25 Nov 1843

At the time of the 1851 census Elizabeth Roper, an annuitant, aged 50, was living at 70 Fishergate, Preston with her two sisters, Ellen, an annuitant, aged 45; and Mary, an annuitant, aged 40. They were all listed as born in Preston. Living with them were two unmarried servants, Anne Gillett, aged 23; and Jane Davies, aged 22. The three sisters were listed as born in Preston, Anne Gillett was born in Kirkham, and Jane Davies was born in Garstang. The sisters seem to have been shaving a few years off of their ages, as Elizabeth would have been about 68, Ellen would have been about 62, and Mary, who was older than Ellen, would have been about 64. Mary Roper died later that year.

Death Notice:

"Yesterday, Mary, third daughter of the late Robert Roper, Esq., of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 17 May 1851

Mary's age was not recorded in the death notice and was listed as aged 45 years on her death certificate. She would have actually been 60 years of age.

On the night of the 1861 census Elizabeth Roper, a landed proprietor, aged 60, was living at 70 Fishergate, Preston with her sister, Ellen, a landed proprietor, aged 56. Living with them were two unmarried servants, Anne Gillett, a cook, aged 27; and Jane Duckett, a housemaid, aged 17. Elizabeth and Ellen were again being untruthful about their ages. Ellen died six years later, and Elizabeth died two years after her.

Death Notice:

"On the 30th ultimo, at her house, Fishergate, Ellen, daughter of the late Robert Roper, Esq., of this town."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 6 Jul 1867

Death Notice:

"On the 25th instant, at her residence, Fishergate, Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Robert Roper, Esq."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Mar 1869

When the deaths of Ellen and Elizabeth were registered their ages were recorded accurately.

The Roper family left their mark on Preston, with Roper Hall and St Joseph's Hospital being two landmark buildings. The building of St Joseph's Hospital was funded in part by Maria (Roper) Holland, who died on 25 Jan 1878 and left a will proved at Lancaster on 21 Feb 1878, with her personal estate valued at under £25,000.

Note: Miss Lucy Roper and her father Robert left Wills which are available to view, or order copies of, at Lancashire Archives in Preston. The reference for Lucy's Will is WRW/A/R168/70, and Robert's is WRW/A/R168/71.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of George and Ellen ROSE:

George Rose, a bachelor, and Ellen Sharrock, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 20 Nov 1819 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Matthew Mark, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Ward and Agnes Pratt. The bride, groom and Agnes Pratt signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic marriage ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel, where the witnesses were Ralph Sharrock, Agnes Bray and Agnes Pratt.

George and Ellen's first child was the first of two sons they called William, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 5 Mar 1820, with sponsors John Bradley and Ann Howarth, and at the time of the 1820 Catholic census of Preston George Rose, aged 28, was living at 13 Hope Street with Ellen, aged 20, and William, aged 3. He was not 3 years old, and as it isn't known exactly when the census was taken it is impossible to determine what his age was. He died in infancy (before 1827), but I can find no record of his burial in Preston.

George and Ellen's second child was the first of two daughters they called Jane, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 4 Nov 1821, with sponsors George Bell and Helen Marsden. She was followed by the first of two daughters they called Ann, who was baptized on 14 Sep 1823, with sponsors William Sharrock and Helen Richardson. About ten months later, George and Ellen lost another child.

Jane ROSE:

Jane Rose, who was born in 1821, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 13 Jul 1824, where her age was recorded as 5 years. She would have actually been about 3 years old.

Over the next few years George and Ellen baptized six more children at St Wilfrid's Chapel, beginning with their fourth child, another daughter they called Jane, who was baptized on 14 Aug 1825, with sponsors Thomas Leeming and Eliza Newsham. She was followed by a second son they called William, who was baptized on 17 Mar 1827, with sponsors John and Margaret Bell; then Ralph, who was baptized on 11 Oct 1829, with sponsors Thomas Lund and Elizabeth Caddy; and George, who was baptized on 6 Nov 1831, with sponsors Alexander Latus and Margaret Shorrock.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list George Rose, a shopkeeper, living at 34 Hope Street. George and Ellen's daughter Ann, who was born 1823, died in infancy but, like her brother William, I cannot find the record of her burial. George and Ellen's eighth child was a second daughter they called Ann, who was baptized on 13 Apr 1834, with sponsors William and Mary Latus. Their ninth and last child was Richard, who was born on 11 Mar 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel two days later, with sponsors Matthew Leeming and Mary Sharrock. His mother died nine weeks later.

Ellen ROSE:

Ellen Rose, of 34 Hope Street, who was born in about 1802, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 16 May 1836, aged 33 years. Widowed with young children, her husband remarried four months later.

George Rose, a widower, and Mary Hargreaves, a widow, both of Preston, were married on 19 Sep 1836 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by Thomas Clark, Curate, and the witnesses were John and Margaret Bell. The bride, groom and Margaret Bell signed the marriage register with an X. They also had a Catholic marriage ceremony on the same day at St Wilfrid's Chapel. George's infant son died about seven months later.

Richard ROSE:

Richard Rose, of Hope Street, who was born in 1836, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Apr 1837, aged 12 months.

George and Mary had one child together, which was Mary's second child, and George's tenth. John Rose was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 18 Feb 1838, with sponsors James and Alice Smyth. John was only two years old when his father died.

George ROSE:

George Rose, of Hope Street, who was born in about 1792, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 2 Feb 1840, aged 47 years.

George Rose died four months before the 1841 census was taken, and on the night of that census Mary Rose, a cotton weaver, aged c. 40, was living in Foster Square, Preston with John, aged 2. Also staying with her was William Rose, a cotton weaver, aged 14; James Catterall, a cotton dresser, aged c. 15; and Ellen Catterall, aged 9. Mary was listed as being born outside of the county, and the rest of the household were born in Lancashire. Although the census does not record how people were related, I believe that the William Rose listed with Mary was her step-son, and that the James and Ellen Catterall were relatives of Mary's, whose maiden surname was Catterall.

I can find no further record of Mary (Catterall) Hargreaves-Rose, unless she was the woman died on 30 Jan 1850. Mary Rose, of Cuerden, who was born in about 1797, was buried on 1 Feb 1850 in the churchyard at St Andrew's Parish Church in Leyland, aged 53 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 30th ult., Mrs. Mary Rose, Cuerden, aged 53."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 9 Feb 1850

At the time of the 1851 census George Rose, a cotton piecer, aged 18, was living as a lodger at 30 Pump Street, the home of Richard and Sarah Arkwright; Jane Rose, a steam loom weaver, aged 25, was living as a lodger at 9 Cunliffe Street, the home of Richard and Mary Pearson; and Ralph Rose, a piecer in a cotton mill, aged 22, was living as a lodger at 254 Heaton Lane in Heaton Norris, near Stockport. They were all married at St John's Parish Church in Preston over the next seven years.

George Rose, a bachelor, aged 22, a piecer, of Cunliffe Street, and Jane Procter, a spinster, aged 19, a piecer, of Cunliffe Street, were married on 9 Sep 1854 with witnesses Richard Wignall and Ellen Fisher; George Eastam, a bachelor, aged 34, a bookkeeper, of St Mary Street, and Jane Rose, a spinster, aged 33, a weaver, of St Mary Street, were married on 22 Jun 1858 with witnesses Richard and Elizabeth Lawrenson; and Ralph Rose, a bachelor, aged 26, a piecer, of St Marys Street North, and Ann Eccles, a spinster, aged 27, a rover, of Great Georges Street, were married on Christmas Day, with witnesses Thomas and Margaret Wareing. In each instance, their father was described as the late George Rose, a shoemaker.

Note 1: Mary Hargreaves was the widow of Evan Hargreaves. Evan Hargreaves and Mary Catterall were married at St John's Parish Church on 29 Jul 1833 and their only child together, Evan Hargreaves Jr, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery in 1835.

Note 2: When Richard Rose was baptized in 1836 the burial register apparently contains a couple of errors, referring to Richard as "daughter of", and recording that his mother's name was Ann when it was actually Ellen.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The ROSSALL Family of Brook Street:

Ann ROSSALL:

Ann Rossall, of Brook Street, who was born in about 1820, died on 26 Mar 1849 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 1 Apr 1849, aged 28 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...on Monday last, Ann Rossall, Brook-street, 28;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 31 Mar 1849

Ann Rossall was baptized on 28 Oct 1820 at St Michael's Parish Church in Kirkham. She was the daughter of Richard and Betty Rossall, of Clifton, where her father was a labourer. Richard and Betty baptized one other child at St Michael's Church, that being Robert Rossall, who was baptized on 5 Sep 1819.

On the night of the 1841 census Robert Rossall, a labourer, aged c. 20, and Ann Rossall, a servant, aged c. 20, were living in Brook Street, Preston, at the home of John Ducket. Also living there was Sarah Ducket, who married Robert Rossall the following year.

At the time of her death Ann Rossall may have been staying with her older brother Robert, who lived in Brook Street at that time.

The Family of Robert ROSSALL:

Robert Rossall, the son of Richard and Elizabeth Rossall of Preston, and Sarah Duckett, the daughter of John and Jane Duckett of Preston, were married on 8 Oct 1842 at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with witnesses William Duckett and Jane Rossall, both of Preston.

Marriage Notice:

"On Saturday last, at the Catholic Chapel of St. Wilfrid, Mr. Robert Rossall, of Newton, to Miss Sarah Duckett, of Preston."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 15 Oct 1842

Robert and Sarah had just one child during their brief marriage. Jane Rossal (sic) was born on 12 Apr 1844 and was baptized two days later at St Wilfrid's Chapel, with sponsors William Duckett and Ann Chapman. Her mother died nine months later.

Sarah ROSSALL:

Sarah Rossall, of Brook Street, who was born in 1821, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 26 Jan 1845, aged 24 years. Her surname was spelled Rossell in the burial transcripts and when her death was registered. Her infant daughter died six weeks later.

Jane ROSSALL:

Jane Rossall, of Brook Street, who was born in 1844, was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery on 9 Mar 1845, aged 11 months. Her surname was spelled Rossell in the burial transcripts and Rossall when her death was registered.

Four years after losing his wife and daughter Robert Rossall remarried. Robert Rossall, a widower, aged 29, a sawyer, of Brook Street, the son of the late Richard Rossall, a labourer, and Margaret Wignall, a spinster, aged 26, a winder, of Brook Street, the daughter of James Wignall, a labourer, were married on 21 Jul 1849 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by John Wilson, Curate, and the witnesses were Robert Benson and James Wignall. The bride, groom and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Robert and Margaret's first child together was another daughter called Jane, who was baptized on 11 Jun 1850 at St John's Parish Church, where her father was described as a labourer, of Brook Street. She was buried two days later in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, where her abode was recorded as Brook Street and her age was recorded simply as "infant".

On the night of the 1851 census Robert Rossall, a labourer, aged 30, was living at 15 Brook Street with Margaret, aged 28. They were living at the same address as James and Jane Wignall, who may have been related to Margaret. Robert was listed as born in Clayton, and Margaret was born in Wesham.

Robert and Margaret's second child also died in infancy. The birth and death of Richard Rossall was registered in Preston in the second quarter of 1854, but I can find no record of his baptism. I suspect that Richard died very soon after birth and was baptized privately at the bedside. He was buried on 1 Jul 1854 in the churchyard at St Peter's Church, where his abode was recorded as Brook Street and his age was recorded as "2", which was obviously not years and may have been 2 minutes, 2 hours, or 2 days.

Robert and Margaret's third child was another Jane, who was born on 27 May 1858 and was baptized three days later at St Walburge's Catholic Church, with sponsors Richard and Mary Clarkson. Her mother died two years later. Margaret Rossall, the wife of Richard (sic) Rossall, a sawyer, of Brook Street, was buried on 16 Aug 1860 in a public grave, B-347, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 39 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Margaret Rossall, Brook-street, 39;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 18 Aug 1860

At the time of the 1861 census Robert Rossell (sic), widower, a sawyer, aged 41, was living at 83 Ashmoor Street, Preston with his daughter Jane, aged 2. In this census Robert was listed as born in Clifton and his daughter was born in Preston. Robert married for a third time the following year.

Robert Rossall, of Ashmoor Street, the son of Richard Rossall, and Catherine Walmsley, of Adephi Street, the daughter of James Walmsley, were married on 13 May 1862 at St Walburge's Catholic Church in Preston. They were married by Joseph Walmsley, and the witnesses were Robert and Elizabeth Walmsley.

Robert and Catherine had two children together, Ann, who was born on 27 Feb 1863 and was baptized on 1 Mar 1863 at St Walburge's Church, with sponsors Robert and Alice Walmsley; and Elizabeth, who was born on 14 Apr 1864 and was baptized at St Walburge's Church three days later, with sponsors Richard and Mary Stasiker. The next couple of years saw the deaths of most of the family.

Elizabeth Rossall, of Bedford Street, was buried on 23 Apr 1865 in a public grave, H-640, aged 1 year; Jane Rossall, of Bedford Street, was buried on 12 Nov 1865 in a public grave, J-654, aged 7 years; and Ann Rossall, of Bedford Street, was buried on 23 Nov 1865 in a public grave, H-669, aged 2 years; all buried in Catholic sections of Preston Cemetery. Their father died the following year.

Robert Rossall, of 58 Bedford Street, was buried on 29 May 1866 in a public grave, H-197, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 45 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...Since our last:...Robert Rossall, Bedford-street, aged 45;"

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 2 Jun 1866

On the night of the 1871 census Catherine Rossall, widow, a power loom cotton weaver, aged 43, was living at 105 Victoria Street, Preston, the home of her married sister Margaret Roscoe and her husband Joseph. Catherine, who was listed as born in Inglewhite, was remarried to Robert Adamson five years later.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

John ROSSALL:

The birth of John Rossall, the son of Ellen Rossall, a single woman, was registered in Preston in 1841, but he was not baptized in either of Preston's Catholic Churches or in St John's Parish Church. He died on 14 Nov 1841 and was buried three days later, aged 5 months.

If John Rossall was five months old when he died he would have been born in about mid-June 1841, just a couple of weeks after the 1841 census was taken. On the night of the 1841 census Ellen Rossall, aged c. 25, was staying with her married sister. Robert Bradley, a journeyman blacksmith, aged 23, was living in Seed Street, Preston, with Mary, aged 22, and one child, Ellen, aged 2. Ellen Rossall may have been staying with them in the weeks leading up to the birth of her child.

Robert Bradley and Mary Rossall had been married on 7 Jun 1840 at St John the Baptist Parish Church in Broughton, at which time Mary's father was described as John Rossall, a shoemaker.

John Rossall's other daughter Elizabeth had married Emmanuel Bateman at St John's Parish Church on 15 Jun 1835 and on the night of the 1841 census Emmanuel Bateman, a labourer, aged c. 25, was living in Hill Street, Preston with Elizabeth, aged c. 30, and one child, Margaret, aged 5 months. Living with them was John Rossall, a shoemaker, aged c. 65.

Another of John Rossall's daughters, Jane, married Charles Dandy at St John's Parish Church on 9 Oct 1837. Their daughter Margaret Dandy was born on 23 Nov 1837 and was baptized three days later at St Ignatius Catholic Church, with sponsors Helena (Ellen) Rossa (Rossall) and John Cuerden. On the night of the 1841 census Jane Dandy, aged c. 25, and her daughter Margaret, aged 3, were living, presumably as lodgers, in Clark Yard, at the home of James and Mary Wilding. They were both listed as born in Lancashire. It was Jane Dandy who registered the death of Ellen's son John later in 1841, signing the death register with an X.

Seven years after the death of her infant son, Ellen Rossall was married.

John, the son of Thomas and Ellen Kitchen, and Ellen, the daughter of John and Mary Rossal (sic) of Claughton, were married on 29 Aug 1848 at St Ignatius Catholic Church. They were married by William Knight, and the witnesses were Robert and Mary Bradley, of Preston.

Marriage of John Kitchen and Ellen Rossall

At the time of the 1851 census John Kitchen, a farmer of 52 acres, aged 48, was living at Fishers in the village of Barton with his wife Ellen, a farmer's wife, aged 35, and his son Thomas, a farmer's son, aged 12. Living with them was a servant, Margaret Hall, a general servant, aged 15. Also staying with them was a visitor (their nephew), John Bradley, a scholar, aged 8. John Kitchen was listed as born in Fulwood, Ellen was born in Thistleton, Thomas was born in Ashton, and John Bradley was born in Preston. It was noted in the census that John Bradley was "deaf and dumb". This is the last confirmed record I can find of John and Ellen Kitchen.

Note: Ellen's nephew John Bradley was the son of her sister Mary Bradley and her husband Robert. He was born on 25 Sep 1842 and was baptized on 4 Oct 1842 at St Ignatius Church, with sponsors Thomas and Mary Dawson.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of Henry and Elizabeth RYAN:

Marriage and Baptisms in the Catholic Parish of Kingstown, Dublin, Ireland: Henry Ryan and Betty McDaniel of Dalkey, County Dublin, were married on 30 Jun 1821, with witnesses Henry Mulhalle and Hanagh Berny. They baptized six children in Kingstown, beginning with Elizabeth, who was baptized on 2 May 1822, with sponsors John Mullen and Mary Roberts. She was followed by John, who was baptized on 12 Jul 1824, with sponsors John Smithy and Elizabeth Neil; then Ann, who was baptized on 25 Dec 1826, with sponsors John and Ellen Donnell; Thomas, who was baptized on 16 May 1830, with sponsors Christopher Lawless and Catherine Carroll; Patt (Patrick), who was baptized on 7 Jul 1833, with sponsors Denis Glenn and Ann Carrol; and Peter, who was baptized on 21 Apr 1837, with sponsors James Healey and Mary Mulhall.

Sometime after Peter's birth the family moved to Preston, where Elizabeth (McDaniel) Ryan died.

Elizabeth RYAN:

Elizabeth Ryan, of Bow Lane, the wife of Henry Ryan, a labourer, died of inflammation in the chest on 1 Sep 1838 and was buried three days later in St Wilfrid's Cemetery, aged 40 years. Two years later Henry lost one of his young sons.

Patrick RYAN:

Patrick Ryan, of Vicar Street, the son of Henry Ryan, a weaver, died on 27 Mar 1840 after his clothes caught fire. He was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later. The burial transcripts record his age as 5 years but his death certificate and the inquest report give his age as 6 years.

This is an odd one. The burial transcript records the boy's surname as Ryan but his death was registered with the surname Royal. The death certificate, signed by the coroner, records his father's name as Henry but the news story records it as Patrick.

Newspaper Report Notice:

"CHILD BURNT TO DEATH - On Saturday last, an inquest was held at the Town-hall, before Mr. Palmer, coroner, on the body of Patrick Royal, a child of about six years of age, and the son of Patrick Royal, a weaver, in Vicar-street. The old tale was told as to the cause of death. The poor child was most culpably left to himself in a house where a fire was burning, and his clothes having caught fire, he was so much burned that he died shortly afterwards. Verdict, Accidental death."."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 4 Apr 1840

Not long after Patrick's death Henry moved his family to Blackburn and on the night of the 1841 census Henry Ryan, a labourer, aged c. 40, was living in Old Water Street in Blackburn with Elizabeth, a cotton drawer, aged 17; John, a cotton creeler, aged 15; Ann, aged 13; Thomas, aged 11; and Peter, aged 4. Also staying with him was Mary Lemon, a cotton worker, aged 22. They were all listed as born in Ireland.

The death of Henry Ryan was registered in Blackburn in the first quarter of 1848, aged 48, and he may have been buried in the churchyard at St Alban's Catholic Church. His eldest daughter was married later that year.

James Corrigan, a bachelor, of full age, a hawker, the son of Peter Corrigan, a hawker, and Elizabeth Ryan, a spinster, of full age, the daughter of Henry Ryan, a labourer, were married on 18 Sep 1848 at St Mary the Virgin Parish Church (now Blackburn Cathedral). They were married by W.J. Monk, and the witnesses were James Corrigan and Ellen Griffiths. Elizabeth and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

The death of Thomas Ryan, aged 19, was registered in Blackburn in the first quarter of 1851 and, like his father, he may have been buried in the churchyard at St Alban's Catholic Church, but the burial registers are apparently still held at the church and are not readily accessible. At the time of the 1851 census John Ryan, a winder in a cotton mill, aged 23; Ann Ryan, a rover in a cotton mill, aged 21; and Peter Ryan, a street sweeper, aged 14, were living at 72 Union Buildings, Blackburn, and were listed as born in Ireland. They were lodging in the home of William and Mary Weston. Also in 1851 James Corrigan, a spectacle maker, aged 27, was living at 188 Church Street, Ashton under Lyne, with Elizabeth, aged 26. James was listed as born in Blackburn and Elizabeth was born in Ireland. They were living as lodgers in the home of Cain Clare and his wife Jane, who were also born in Ireland.

FURTHER INFORMATION:

The Family of John and Agnes RYAN:

The 1820 Catholic census of Preston lists Bridget Ryan, aged 40, living at 21 Dale Street with two sons, James, aged 16; and John, aged 13. John was married nine years later.

John Ryan, a bachelor, and Agnes Abbott, a spinster, both of Preston, were married on 10 Jun 1829 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by James Gratrix, Curate, and the witnesses were George and Mary Pearson. The bride and both witnesses signed the marriage register with an X.

Agnes was pregnant at the time of their marriage, and their first child was born a little more than two months later. James Ryan was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 23 Aug 1829, with sponsors James Ryan and Bridget Simpson. He was followed by Ann, who was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 21 Aug 1831, with sponsors James and Ellen Ryan.

The 1832 Preston electoral rolls list James Ryan, a spinner, living at 2 Frenchwood Hill. Their third child was born two years later. William Ryan was born in about 1834 but was not baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel or St John's Parish Church, and I cannot find his baptism record elsewhere. William was followed by Henry, who was born on 26 Dec 1836 and was baptized at St Wilfrid's Chapel on 15 Jan 1837, with sponsors James Ryan and Helen Weardon; then John, who was born on 30 Aug 1839 and was baptized at St Ignatius Catholic Church on 8 Sep 1839, with sponsors John Melling and Catherine Swarbrick. About a year after this child's birth, John and Agnes lost two of their sons.

Henry RYAN:

Henry Ryan, of Frenchwood Street, who was born in 1836, died on 18 Oct 1840 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 4 years. His brother died the following day.

William RYAN:

William Ryan, of 1 Frenchwood Street, who was born in about 1834, died on 22 Oct 1840 and was buried in St Wilfrid's Cemetery three days later, aged 6 years. Both boys died of Scarlet Fever.

On the night of the 1841 census John Ryan, a cotton spinner, aged c. 30, was living in Frenchwood Square with Agnes, aged c. 30, and three children, James, aged 12; Ann, aged 10; and John, aged 2. Also staying with them was Bridget Ryan, aged c. 60. John was listed as born outside the county, Bridget was born in Ireland, and the rest of the family were born in Lancashire. Their sixth child was born later that year.

Mary Ann Ryan was born on 31 Dec 1841 and was baptized at St Augustine's Catholic Church on 16 Jan 1842, with sponsors James Ryan and Helen Whiteside. Agnes' maiden surname was recorded as Bennison [see note 1 below]. Mary Ann was followed by Emma, who was born on 1 Jun 1844 and was baptized on 23 Jun 1844 at St Augustine's Church, with sponsors Thomas Singleton and Ellen Swarbrick; then Alice, who was born on 4 Jul 1846 and was baptized at St Augustine's Church on 19 Jul 1846, with sponsors James Ryan and Alice Liptrot. Alice was the last of their children to be baptized in the Catholic church.

When William Ryan was baptized at St John's Parish Church on 28 Jan 1849 and error was made in the baptism register, with the child baptized as John instead of William. Their abode was recorded as King Street, and the father's occupation was fishmonger. John and Agnes' tenth and last child was Charles, who was baptized at St John's Parish Church on 30 Mar 1851, where their abode was listed as Frenchwood, and John's occupation was Fishmonger.

At the time of the 1851 census John Ryan, a fishmonger, aged 43, was living at 1 Frenchwood Square, Preston with Agnes, a housekeeper, aged 45, and eight children, James, a tailor, aged 21; Ann, a weaver, aged 19; John, a scholar, aged 10; Mary Ann, a scholar, aged 8; Emma, a scholar, aged 6; Alice, a scholar, aged 4; William, at home, aged 2; and Charles, at home, aged 1 month. Living with them was John's widowed mother Bridget Ryan, a lodger at home, aged 77. Bridget was listed as born in Ireland and the rest of the family were born in Preston. Their daughter Emma died later that year.

Emma Ryan, of Leeming Street, was buried on 10 Aug 1851 in the churchyard at St James Church, Preston, aged 7 years. Their oldest child was married three years later.

James Ryan, a bachelor, aged 24, a tailor, of Frenchwood Square, the son of John Ryan, a labourer, and Ann Southworth, a spinster, aged 24, a winder, of Harrington Street, the daughter of John Southworth, a joiner, were married on 3 Apr 1854 at St John's Parish Church in Preston. They were married after Banns by S Hastings, Curate, and the witnesses were James Ryan and Jane Godkin. Ann signed the marriage register with an X.

John Ryan's mother, Bridget Ryan, the wife of Samuel Ryan, a cooper, died in the workhouse and was buried on 26 Aug 1859 in a public grave, H-310, in a Catholic section of Preston Cemetery, aged 84 years.

It appears that at some point after 1851 John and Agnes' marriage broke down, and by 1861 they were living apart. On the night of the 1861 census Agnes Ryan, a char, aged 53, was living at 46 Edmund Street, Preston with three children, Alice, a cotton drawer in, aged 14; William, a scholar, aged 12; and Charles, a scholar, aged 10. Staying with her was a granddaughter, Agnes J Ryan, a scholar, aged 8. In this census Agnes was listed as born in Brindle. On that night John Ryan, married, a telegraph labourer, aged 58, was living as a lodger at 34 King Street, Preston, the home of Elias and Fanny Ward. He was listed as born in Preston. John Ryan died a few months later.

John Ryan, of Ribble Vale Place, died on 30 Sep 1861 and was buried on 4 Aug 1861 in a public grave, BB-93, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 60 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...On the 30th ult., John Ryan, Ribble Vale-place, aged 60."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 7 Aug 1861

At the time of his death John was staying with his married son James, who lived at Ribble Vale Place in 1861. On the night of the census James Ryan, a tailor, aged 31, was living at 8 Ribble Vale Place with his wife Ann, aged 30, and three children, Emma, aged 6; Ruth, aged 3; and Clara, aged 1. Ann was listed as born in Chorley, and the rest of the family were born in Preston.

John and Agnes' son William, a bachelor, aged 19, a clerk, of 26 Edmond Street, the son of John Ryan, a cotton spinner, and Elizabeth Clitheroe, a spinster, aged 20, of Clifton Road, Walton were married on Christmas Day 1867 at St Mary's Parish Church in Preston. They were married by George Alker, and the witnesses were John Birkenhead and Alice Clitheroe. William and Elizabeth had just one child before their marriage apparently broke down. John Ryan, the son of William and Elizabeth Ryan, of 3 Golden Square, was baptized on 15 Jul 1868 at St Mary's Parish Church, His father's occupation was recorded as an overlooker.

At the time of the 1871 census Agnes Ryan, a widow, aged 63, was living at 26 Edmund Street with three children, Alice, a cotton drawer in, aged 24; William, a cotton cloth looker, aged 22; and Charles, a cotton cloth looker, aged 20. William was listed as married, but his wife was not listed. Agnes was again listed as born in Brindle. Agnes (Abbott-Bennison) Ryan died four years later.

Agnes Ryan, of 18 Edmund Street, was buried on 26 Mar 1875 in a public grave, Q-643, in a Church of England section of Preston Cemetery, aged 66 years.

Death Notice:

"DEATHS...PRESTON - Since our last:...Agnes Ryan, Edmund-street, 66."

Published in the Preston Chronicle, Sat., 27 Mar 1875

Note: Agnes Abbott, the daughter of Ann "Nanny" Abbott, was baptized on 22 Apr 1808 at St James Free Church in Brindle. A little less than a year later her mother married Henry Bennison in the same church. They were married after Banns on 14 Feb 1809 by James Stanley, Minister, and the witness were Joseph Parker and Peter Worden. Henry Bennison may have been Agnes' biological father or a step-father, but in any event, she seems to have sometimes used his surname. When her daughter Mary Ann was baptized in 1841 Agnes' maiden name was recorded as Bennison, when Emma was baptized in 1844 the space for Agnes' maiden name was left blank, and when Alice was baptized in 1846 Agnes' maiden name was recorded as Abbott.