Tagged With: Thomas Burnley
Scraps that survive
Among my grandmother’s (Mabel Burnley nee Harrison) few surviving papers are some interesting items. There is a newspaper obituary of her father who died in 1933 and several letters about the business of clearing up his estate, but the oddest of all is a page from the Gomersal Book Society. This must date between 1904-1913 … Continue reading
Who is going to read this?
There may be many reasons why we begin to research our family history but what we all do with our findings is a big unknown. Some of us may be content simply to learn facts? Many of us will want to record what we have discovered for others to read. But who are these others? … Continue reading
The value of Wills
I have collected over 50 Wills in the course of my family history research, ranging in date from 1802 to 1975. One of the reasons I focussed my efforts on particular branches of the family was the likelihood of their leaving Wills, as well as being of sufficient local importance to feature in various archives. … Continue reading
North Berwick – the Biarritz of the North?
When did our habit of taking summer holidays by the sea begin? In the 18th century it seems. Doctors began to recommend the ocean for its therapeutic properties and at first people went to cure their ailments. By 1780 Brighton had been transformed into a prosperous seaside resort, attracting many famous people. It was already … Continue reading
Happily ever after …?
It may be a long way off but how and where to end a story can be a dilemma. For me, recently, it has often been the least satisfactory part of otherwise excellent books I have read, fact or fiction. Now, Dickens knew how to end a story that left the reader feeling satisfied, giving … Continue reading
Disease, disability and death
My sisters and brother have little interest in our family history. My brother, a doctor, was only curious to know what they died of. Finding that out before 1837, when death certificates were introduced, is chancy, though death notices in local newspapers are occasionally specific. Mary Susannah Burnley (nee Milner) 1804-1831, Thomas Burnley’s first wife, … Continue reading
The Master Worsted Spinners
The master worsted spinners – An occupational category from the Census denoting employer viz mill owner (not a skilled operative) and his product – fine yarn. My story is about five generations of a Yorkshire mill owning family – their rise from cottage industry to wealthy manufacturers and property owners. Their surname was Burnley and they lived in Gomersal, … Continue reading