CHESHIRE
NOTES,QUERIES, COMMENTS BARRACKS LANE, WILLASTON, NANTWICH a.lamberton@sky.com Our village history group are researching the origins of the name of Coppice Road, Willaston which, in 1875 was called Barracks Lane. There doesn't appear to be any military connection with the road and we do know that barracks were provided in Crewe for train drivers to spend the night when working on late or early shifts.There is a Barracks Lane at Ravensmoor and one at Burwardsley. Does anyone know how they got their names? POW CAMPS AROUND CREWE mark.tyrrell1951@hotmail.com I am currently researching two POW camps in the Crewe area and also the lives of prisoners who decided to stay in the area after the war. If anyone has any information that would be of use to me, including documents and photographs. MACCLESFIELD
CHILDREN'S HOME HARTFORD FAMILY SEARCH <george.atkins1@ntlworld.com> Re Property in Hartford Cheshire: The Beeches 264 Chester Road occupants from 1800, also how to obtain Workhouse inmates' personal records same year any advice would be so appreciated. Renee ITALIAN
POWs IN HOLMES CHAPEL COTTONS/CAULTONS OF COMBERMERE Steve Caulton, from New Zealand <Steve.Caulton@waitakibio.co.nz> writes: I have been researching my family heritage and, despite having the name Caulton, I am led to believe that our family name was Cotton. However there was a name change by a Cotton which came about over some family property dispute. My family apparently goes back to the Cottons of Combermere andInterestingly enough, my middle name, like a number of Caultons before me is Stapleton after Viscount Stapleton Cotton of Combermere. I have been sucessful in determining who all the Caultons are in New Zealand and can trace them from the first ones to arrive in 1861. These Caultons orginated from Macclesfield and I have the 1841 and 1851 census records for them and thier children at those times. I have a transcribed letter by an Isabella Caulton written to her son Stapleton Cotton Caulton (my GGGrandfather) explaining the family background and why he had the name he did. Unfortunately we don;t know which of the Cottons denounced his heritage and changed the name to Caulton. I would be very keen to hear from those whom might have further information about the Cottons and/or Caultons IS YOUR NAME CHESTER? Janet <wightway@tiscali.co.uk> writes: I am wondering if there are any established records of the CHESTER name and its origins in Chester, and whether there is any one with knowledge of such. I have a long line of CHESTER folk born in Scotland, where the name found a variant in CHESTERS. As however there is a Fort on Hadrian's wall with this name, it is something of a puzzlement. NEW FERRY P.O.W. CAMP Babjtaffy@aol.com writes: I am looking for any information or pictures about a possible Italian Prisoner of War camp that was situated on Shorefields in New Ferry during WWII. My father remembers it being there but we can find no record of it on the net. Apparently after the war it was used for ATS Women and then bought by the council and my aunty lived in one for a few years. Any information would be gratefully appreciated, even if someone else at least remembers it!!! NEWTON HALL/FRODSHAM Dave Husy writes: I am interested in any information regarding Newton Hall, Frodsham during the 40s and 50s as my father and his brothers were raised there. Can you provide any further information? Dave's email is: <dhusy@umhlaba.com> TIPPING/TIPPINGE FAMILY Louise Calderbank <Louise@brewersgrains.com> is looking for Tipping/Tippinge family connections in the Cheshire area. Any information, especially pre- 1841, would be gratefully received. LAWTON FAMILY SEARCH Brenda Ezell<bezell204@sbcglobal.net> writes: I am looking for info on the Lawton's from Cheshire. They are William died Nov 25, 1820 and I think his wife was named Elizabeth. Next is William's son also named William Lawton born abt 1797 died bef 1841 and his wife Alice born 1772 died Sept 1842. William and alice had a son named George born 1812/13 in Neston, Cheshire. EATON FAMILY
SEARCH THE SPANNS OF NORTHWICH Terry Nixon <TerenceNixon@aol.com> writes:. My wife's maternal family was the Spann family who came from the Northwich area in mid 19th century and her great grandfather was John Henry Spann born on 12/01/1869 in either Broomhall, Sheppentall (?) or Newhall, depending on which census record one looks at. His father was Joesph Spann, born 20/05/1846 at Bidle in Staffordshire. My problem is that I have census records for these and other family member for 1901, 1891 and 1881 but cannot find any reference to them in any earlier census. John Henry would have been two years old in 1871 so should have been recorded and his father Jospeh should appear in 1851, 1861 and 1871 records - but I have tried searching on all variants of spelling of their surname with no luck. I am guessing that they probably upped sticks and moved to Ireland but I have absolutely no reason to assume that apart from obvious that they did not appear to be living in England or Wales at the time. In the 1891 and 1901 census, Jospeh Spann is shown as a Brick Maker and an employer so he had a skill which he could have taken with him. THE MITFORD
FAMILY INFORMATION
ON WALLASEY MILL KNUTSFORD PRISON SEARCH Vernon Warburton <vernon.warburton@btinternet.com> writes: I am a Warburton by birth and I am looking to find out about my great grandfather. I have been led to believe that he was the govenor of Knutsford Prison in the 1800s. Unfortunatley I do not know his forenames. It could be either George, or Frederick, as that was the name of my grandfather, my farther was Harry Vernon Warburton and my name is Vernon. I am now in my seventies. Patricia Smith <picsmith@mackay.net.au> writes: I'm living in Australia and researching my Knutsford Roots. My ancester William Leicester, I have been lead to believe was in abt 1846 Deputy Governor Knutsford house of correction. Would you be able to link me with any books or other material to assist me with my search?. Editor's Note: Green's Knutsford is a wonderful book about the town's history. Also suggest you contact the Knutsford Heritage Centre, http://www.knutsfordheritage.com GRAPPENHALL
HEYS WALLED GARDEN PIMBLOTTS, NORTHWICH Jenny Carter <michael.carter@arts.usyd.edu.au> writes: I would be interested to find out the history of the Pimblott's Shipyard that was based in Nothwich, on the River Weaver. My great grandmother was a member of the Pimblott family, but rejected by them for marrying someone they disapproved of. I am very curious as to the history of the family. Do you have any information? Editor's Note: On this one we can help: Pimblott's Shipyard was established by Isaac Pimblott around 1870/80. He was born in 1844 into a humble family in New Street, Northwich and from the age of nine worked in a rope-making establishment. Later he was employed at a local salt works and then joined the firm of heavy engineers, Joseph Parks, Northwich, as a boilermaker. At nineteen he moved to Liverpool, to work in the shipyards of Messrs Vernon and others. Upon returning to Northwich he set up Pimblott's Shipyard, originally on a site near to the town's Hayhurst Bridge. The firm moved from here in 1906, to a yard upstream from Hunt's Lock. The firm ceased trading in 1971 and the yard is now a marina. Isaac Pimblott was immensely proud of the fact that he built the first Northwich steamer to cross the Atlantic, to South America. He died in 1909. NEWTON HALL, FRODSHAM Charles Ellis <barbara1@merseymail.com> is seeking inforemation regarding the Children's Home at Frodsham in the 1930s. He writes: 'A friend who is now in a nursing home would dearly love to have any inforemation regarding his childhood at this establishment as this would greatly assist his memory loss'. ATHERTON/HORNBY FAMILY Tom Hornby <gallopede@ukonline.co.uk> writes: I am looking for information on one of my lines of ancestry. I am descended from Thomas Hornby, shoemaker, of Weaverham, born, I believe, January 1796 and who died between 1875 and 1878 (I have not managed to find which of 3 possible Thomas' died on which date). I have information which takes me back to the late 1600s on the Hornby side. Thomas married Ann Atherton of Crowton. An entry in a Hornby family bible indicates Ann was born 13th. Feb 1801 and that they married on 26th. Sept 1831. Ann seems to have died in 1878. My question is; does anyone have any information relating to the ancesty of the Atherton family which could be helpful in tracing Ann's parents and earlier ancestors? EYTON/EATON
FAMILY THE HUGHES FAMILY OF BURWARDSLEY Pam <pammiet@ntlworld.com> inquires about: the Hughes family, of Burwardsley, near Chester: Does anyone out there have a connection to the Hughes family from Burwardsley? Charles and Martha Hughes are buried in St.John's churchyard. Charles was the son of Thomas Hughes a Farmer from Tattenhall. Charles had brother George who lived in Outlanes Farm. Any information would be greatly appreciated. TIME IN THE COMMUNITY Susan Ross-Turner <aoja35@care4free.net> is the Project Manager for Ash-worth Time Bank, based in Ashton Hayes, Chester. She writes: Ashworth Time Bank is all about bringing local rural people together to share their skills with each other. We were awarded a Community Fund Grant in 2003 to take our project to 12 rural Cheshire Villages. At present we have 164 members in Ashton Hayes, Mouldsworth, Manley, Kelsall, Kingsley, Tarvin and Norley and our network is spreading. We organise social group events for our more elderly members and have a reading group, a walking group, a Tai Chi group and a Remininscing Group, as well as coordinating jobs for people who need help. Membership is entirely free as are all services. Our web site is: www.ash-worthtimebank.org.uk and www.tarvintimebank.org THE ATHERTONS OF WHARTON Graham Atherton <grahamatherton@ivylea.wanadoo.co.uk> writes: Researching the ATHERTON family of Wharton and surrounding districts who in the 1800's appeared to have had a thriving business as flatmen on the weaver. I have a Copy of a will dated 1572 of a CHARLES ADERTON of Waverton who i believe was a predecessor ? stating that he should be buried under the pulpit of the parish church of Davenham where all his ancestors before him had been buried. Do you have any information going back this far ? I believe the church was moved at some later date after and was wondering as to whether there was still records available. INFORMATION WANTED ON ARTIST T.J.YARWOOD Fiona Cotton <cottons@cyberone.com.au> writes from Australia: I have come into the possession of a rather nice landscape painting (oil on canvas), which my mother said was of Cheshire Vale. It is signed and dated TJ Yarwood, 1902, and was, I understand, purchased by my grandfather, Thomas Murthewaite Dutton. I would very much like to find out more information about this artist, but as I now live in Canberra, Australia, it is difficult for me to research the topic. MARTON CAMP & TARPORLEY RACECOURSE Louise Gregory, louise.gregory@musicradio.com, is enquiring about about Marton Camp and Tarporley Racecourse. She writes: I am finding it really difficult to find anything even on the net. I have however discovered that there was a prisoner of war camp on the racecoure, but as I do not live locally I do not know if Marton camp was even a prisoner of war camp. Was the racecourse camp and Marton camp one and the same camp? I would be really grateful if you were able to point me in the right direction. My mother was adopted and I have been lucky enough to find her siblings, but unfortunately her mother died some years ago. Within all the paperwork we have there is a mention of Marton camp Tarporley and I would really like to find more about the place as there could be a link to my Mum's father there. Audrey Price <Jim@27price.freeserve.co.uk>replies: I was most interested in your mention of Marton Camp. As a young girl aged 10, I was a patient in Marton Camp for a few months in 1946. At that time it was run as a convalescent home and I was placed there by Cheshire County Council. I remember the transport problems faced by my parents in visiting me from Ellesmere Port. I would be interested in any information or photographs on the original Marton Camp which now appears to be a very upmarket housing development called The Paddocks. Editor's Note: You will find a history of Tarporley Racecourse in the Cheshire Magazine archives. During the Second World War POWs were held here. As regards Marton Camp, this was four or five miles away. Marton Camp was in the village of Marton, near to Winsford. It was a 'camp' with wooden huts etc and was built at the start of the war to house evacuee children, principally from Liverpool. After the war it was taken over by Northumbria County Council who developed it as a special residential school. In the 1980s some of the buildings were used as a sports and leisure club. All the huts have been demolished and the site is now occupied by an exclusive housing development. Today it is called Marton Park and is within the parish/village of Whitegate & Marton, about half a mile from the old Whitegate Railway Station. The former branch line that ran through Whitegate Station, now forms the Whitegate Way Country Park which passes right alongside the old camp and the new houses. Paul Smyth <paul@paulsmyth1.wanadoo.co.uk> writes: Being a former resident of Marton Camp 1978/79 ish when it was used as a residential children's home and school for Bryn Alyn Community. I would dearly like to be able to get some information about Marton Camp and some photographs if at all possible. I live in the NE of England. WARTIME GUNS
IN WILLASTON GRAPPENHALL
HEYS WARTIME AIR CRASH AT BYLEY An email from <cnparklane@sagainternet.co.uk> asks: I wonder if any of your readers have any memories or information on a wartime air crash which killed George Buxton and eight others at Byley near Cranage on April 1942. All are buried in Byley churchyard.Although I have visited the site and gained some information in the past I am still seeking help in tracing photos and information on his family. MARBURY
PARK ARMY CAMP THE TOLLEMACHES CHESHIRE'S GRINNING CAT Further to earlier references concerning the origin of the ‘Cheshire Cat’. A reader has drawn our attention to a reference noted by the writer, Wolcott (1790-1819)… ‘Lo! like a Cheshire Cat our court will grin.’ Can anyone supply other examples to help discover just when the phrase was first applied to the cats of Cheshire? Email the Editor. ITALIAN PRISONERS OF WAR Robert Hobson <undwater@btopenworld.com> writes: I have written a book “Chariots of War” that tells the story of a human torpedo operation started by the Italian Navy in 1939. After sinking the battleships Queen Elizabeth and Valiant in 1941 their idea was copied by the British Navy. I have discovered that some of the Italians were captured and taken to a prison camp in Cheshire. Would anyone know which one and how many camps there were in Cheshire? CHESHIRE
GUEST SPEAKERS YARWOOD'S
SHIPBUILDERS HOOTON PARK 611 SQUADRON Ralph E. Rigby (nimrod75@smartchat.net.au) writes: I served on Hooton Park with No. 611 West Lancashire Squadron which was previously located at Speke until it moved to Hooton Park on 26th June 1946, to serve alongside No. 610 County of Chester. On 22nd July 1946, No. 611 West Lancashire Squadron moved to Woodvale until on 9th July 1951. It moved back once again to Hooton Park, alongside No. 610 County of Chester Squadron. Both squadrons remained together at Hooton Park until they were disbanded 10th March 1957. In July 1989, No. 611 Squadron's ex-members were, as No. 611 Squadron Association, presented with the Queen's Colours by Her Majesty at R.A.F. Station, Benson. SEARCHING
FOR ALAN KEHOE SEARCHING
FOR PATRICIA CROSS, DISLEY CHARLES DICKENS ARTICLE From Peter Gill in Canberra comes the following observation regarding the article at Christmas on Charles Dickens' Cheshire connection and the tale of Mr J.H.Siddons: 'Another curious, but lesser known, connection arises from the visit of a Mr J.H.Siddons who wrote an article for the magazine Figaro, parts of which were subsequently printed in the Chester Courant, of March, 1879... 'His real name is Joachim Hayward Stocqueler (1800-1886) and you will find him in the DNB.' THE ANGLESLEY FAMILY Kathleen Richman <kathr@cc.usu.edu> writes: I have extracted over the past twenty years all the Angleseys in the Cheshire area, and would love to make them available for others. I have information from the 1500s to the 1800s, from parish registers, bishops transcripts, wills, tax records, memorial inscriptions, etc. LORD LEVERHULME QUERY Jos Le Voi" <joslevoi@hotmail.com> writes: I found the Cheshire Magazine website most interesting, as my mother was from Cheshire and I have been researching my family tree for some years. Patricia Moody's letter got me looking at the Lever family, but I was a little puzzled that the 2nd Viscount Leverhulme (Tresham) appears to be only 15 years older than the 3rd Viscount, his son (Philip), according to several web sites. Anyone have any info? ELLISON FAMILY, NORTHWICH Kathy MacDougal, South Africal <kmacdougall@grinaker-lta.com> writes: I am trying to trace James ELLISON who was a beerhouse-keeper, Witton, 1850 as I am a descendant of this family and I think John Ellison, owner of the Bowling Green Inn, 1826-1828 is also related. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Kathryn M MacDougall, Grinaker-LTA Construction Cape, PO Box 3, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa. |