Research Papers

COPY OF LETTERS FROM MR. JOHN BEARDMORE, Hallfields Foundry, HANLEY. ORIGINALS in possession of OLIVE A. DALE, 92 Hassam Parade, NEWCASTLE.

JOHN BEARDMORE, Iron & Brass Founder. Hallfields Foundry, Hanley, August 12, 1905.

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

I enclose a List of my Grandfather’s Brothers and Sisters – all the women were unmarried – the only married ones were – William. George. Thomas. Francis 2nd. John. Samuel.

I have had an interview with Jeremiah Beardmore, Bucknall – he said he should very likely go to Kingsley – something has to be done to the Church – He is in about the same fix as myself – he has got “stuck” at his Great Grandfather.

With kind regards to the Ladies,
Believe me ever,
Yours sincerely,
Jno. Beardmore.

WILLIAM BEARDMORE of Cotton near Oakamoor – was my Great Grandfather; he married a MARY CRITCHLOW from Licks Head, near to Ramsor.

WILLIAM BEARDMORE = MARY CRITCHLOW, married Dec. 26th, 1780. Had issue as follows. (Note from O.A.D.: “I have inserted dated baptisms. Mr. B. only gave years in this letter.”)

• FRANCIS, born July 11, 1781 – died young
• MARY, born Mar. 24, 1783
• WILLIAM, born Dec. 16, 1784
• GEORGE, born July 18, 1787
• THOMAS, born Apr. 7, 1789
• FRANCIS, born Sept. 7, 1790
• JOHN, born Nov. 2, 1792
• SOLOMON, born Jan. 1, 1795
• SAMUEL, born Mar. 26, 1797
• DANIEL, born Apr. 23, 1799
• KITTY, born Jan. 29, 1801
• JAMES, born Dec. 22, 1804
• ELIZABETH, born Oct. 27, 1806

JOHN BEARDMORE – was my Grandfather.
THOMAS – was the Grandfather of JOHN BEARDMORE, Burslem – (Pidduck & Beardmore, Ironmongers).

Letter No. 2. Hanley, November 12th, 1905.

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

I enclose my pedigree as far as I can go. If you have copies out the registers – send them on to me – or to J. Beardmore. It does not matter which, so that he and I can copy them we can each have them then for mutual reference. If you have a chance to look over the Register again, see if you can find the Marriage Register Dec. 26th, 1780. At any rate, I intend to have another good search – “wind and weather permitting”.

Yours ever sincerely,
Jno. Beardmore.

Letter of November 15th, 1905 (to Mr. George Beardmore, Registrar of Births and Deaths, Hall Croft, Kingsley, Staffs.)

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

Many thanks for yours to hand and for the trouble you have taken – I keenly appreciate it.

No doubt if we have patience we shall be able to piece things together to our Mutual Satisfaction.

Mr. J. Beardmore intends to write for the particulars of that ½ Million when he gets it. – No doubt he will let us know.

In my great grandfather’s days a man of the name of Gilbert (Squire Gilbert) – lived at Cotton Hall – or was brother to the man who lived there – (of this I am not certain) – and he came over to the North Staffs. district – he was the Builder of the present “Clough Hall” – whether my Great Grandfather was in his employ I do not know – but he must have had a high opinion of him for he brought him over – and put him on a small farm called the “Foxholes” close to Talk-o’th’-hill – and also Bought Stock – for my Great Grandfather who was – a poor man at least he had not sufficient means to take the Farm on his own account – This Gilbert – also took a great interest in the Sons of my Great Grandfather – and used his influence to “put them apprentice” – to different trades – one a Builder – one a Blacksmith – one an Ironfounder and one a Potter – the one who was the potter – got killed when about 14 years old.

The Estate owned by Gilbert of course Contained Coal and Iron and a Colliery and Ironworks was owned – or rather rented – at the Hall-o’th’-Lee – by a Family of Luckcocks – My Grandfather “John” being put apprentice to these Luckcocks – to learn the Business of an Ironfounder.

At the period my Great Grandfather – came into Staffordshire he must only recently been married for I believe all his children were born at the Foxholes Farm.

My Great Grandfather – walked from “Cotton” to Talk-o’th-Hill – and carried a small cheese with him – I believe the date of this journey could be fixed – for I am told – that it happened on the same day as the Great Gunpowder Explosion happened at Talk-o’th’-Hill and my Great Grandfather – when about ½ way on his journey, felt the concussion – but of course did not know what it was–

The Event was this, a Large waggon – (drawn by several horses) was passing through “Talk” – and it is said that a spark from one of the Horse’s hoofs set fire to the Powder – which Exploded with Terrific effect – and Blew down a good number of Houses – some of which I am told were never rebuilt – and where the waggon stood was excavated a great hole – the waggon and Horses being all blown to atoms–

I almost fancy this “Gilbert” was a Bachelor – at any rate he died – and the Estate passed into other hands.

Do you know this for certain? Did your “Robert & Mary” Live at Cotton? Did they ever Live at the “Side” Farm?

Yours sincerely,
Jno. Beardmore.

3rd October, 1905.

Dear Sir,

A short time ago I had a visit from a Mr. JOHN BEARDMORE, of Hanley, an ironfounder (up to that time a complete stranger) who said he was making researches into his family history, and he thought I might be related to him, and give him some assistance.

I told him that neither my Father nor Grandfather had any brothers, and I did not think I had any relation of the same surname except Sisters and Brothers.

He shewed me a list of his ancestors, as far back as he had gone, commencing with a William Beardmore of Cotton, born in 1749 (1759 O.A.D.) his great Grandfather. He had a family of 10 sons and 3 daughters. Sons’ names were Francis, William, George, Thomas, John, Solomon, Samuel, Daniel, James, and Francis (2nd). Daughters – Mary, Kitty and Elizabeth.

Now my Grandfather was born at the Side in 1748, and I have reason to think he was first cousin to the William born 1749 (1759 O.A.D.) who was probably your Great Grandfather also (no O.A.D.) If so, you and I are third cousins, once removed.

From my deeds I can trace my ancestry to the latter part of 1600 – to my Great-great-grandfather, one Robert Beardmore of the Side Farm (who is your relative also, but one stage further off), and I have no doubt, by searching the registers at Kingsley Church I could go further back still.

The subject is certainly an interesting one, and I am quite willing to assist Mr. John B: (who is a very intelligent man) as far as possible.

Do you think I can get a view of the registers, without fee? If so, to whom shall I apply?

I have been told that the first name in the register is our own. Is this so?

Perhaps you will kindly drop me a line at your convenience and oblige. Yours faithfully, J. Beardmore.

P.S. I have our family Arms and Crest, and could let you have a copy of some and the “family tree” if you can assist me and would like one.

The Poplars, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent. 30th Oct., 1905.

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

Acting upon the suggestion contained in yours of the 20th inst., I wrote the Rector respecting the proposed search in the Registers, and herewith enclose his reply (apparently not extant. O.A.D.)

I conclude his “½ day” contains 4 hours @ 5/3 per hour; therefore if we can get the search over in 2 hours (and I hope it will not occupy longer) his fee will be 10/6. I am writing him to this effect. John, of Hanley, agrees to his terms; what say you?

Since you wrote me I have seen Mr. Jno. E. Smith and happened to mention our proposed search. He said when we were about it, we might ascertain particulars about his ancestors also, and he would share the cost. He does not wish the Rector to know this.

I have asked him to let me know what dates he is short of. His first title deeds are dated 1664.

I am enclosing a list of inscriptions in the Church yard. Can you pick out any of your ancestors? I do not find the THOMAS BEARDMORE whose will is dated 1742. Possibly he was my ancestor ROBERT’s son or nephew. (No, O.A.D.) Perhaps we can ascertain.

I also enclose a rough “Family Tree” for your consideration. My line is quite distinct up to ROBERT who lived about the end of 1600 and beginning of 1700.

He probably had brothers, JER’h., MICHAEL and RALPH. This remains to be proved. (I have proved that he did not. O.A.D.)

I return the will you lent me with thanks. It is very interesting.

Please say what days you have at liberty and I will then arrange with the Rector and John.

With kind regards, I am, Yours sincerely, J. BEARDMORE.

Mr. Jeremiah Beardmore’s Notes. ROUGH SKETCH OF THE BEARDMORE FAMILY TREE.

1337–1360. N.B. In the reign of EDWARD III the Vicar of Leek was one William Beardmore. He was afterwards made BISHOP OF LLANDAFF. Hence the family crest, which is a bishop’s mitre. Motto: “PROVIDENTIAE ME COMMITTO”.

(Supposed) JEREMIAH BEARDMORE, of the Side or Upper Cotton [Olive: say 1650]. His children:
– (Supposed) JEREMIAH BEARDMORE (probably disinherited on account of his becoming a Catholic.)
– ROBERT (actual), say 1680 to 1730
– (Supposed) MICHAEL
– (Supposed) RALPH
– [“Supposed” crossed out by Olive, “Actual” written in] THOMAS whose will is dated 1742 (is he the g.g.gfthr of Mr. GEORGE?) [Olive: “No.”]

ROBERT’s children:
– JEREMIAH (actual) 1705 to 1755 → JEREMIAH 1748 to 1836 → JEREMIAH 1790 to 1868 → JEREMIAH born 1844, livg. 1905.
– (Supposed) William → (Actual) WILLIAM 1759 to 1824, marr. MARY CRITCHLOW Dec. 26, 1780 (had 13 children, FRANCIS, WILLIAM, GEORGE, THOMAS, JOHN, SOLOMON, SAMUEL, DANIEL, JAMES, and FRANCIS (2nd); MARY, KITTY and ELIZABETH).

WILLIAM’s descendants:
– JOHN b. 1792 → BENJAMIN → JOHN, now living at Northwood (1905)
– THOMAS → GEORGE → JOHN at Burslem and EDWARD at BARLASTON
– GEORGE → WILLIAM → Rev. WILLIAM, London

Query: Where does Mr. GEORGE, of Kingsley, come in?
For answer see notes accumulated by O.A.D.

[Olive’s handwritten note on the bishop:] I can as yet find no trace of this William Beardmore (or de Berdmor) being appointed Bp. of Llandaff. He was, I think, undoubtedly Rector of Leek, and gave lands to the chantry etc. and also something to Abbey of Dieulacres. I think he is the Wm. described as “under age” as under: (1) Matilda = Richard de Berdmor = (2) Philippa (sued for dower 1297). Children: Richard de B. [of ?] by Matilda; William ([1297?] under age) and Robert ([1297?] under age) by Philippa.

(COPY OF HANDWRITTEN PEDIGREE IN POSSESSION OF MRS. O. A. DALE).

PEDIGREE of JOHN BEARDMORE, Brassfounder, HANLEY

My great-grandfather was named WILLIAM BEARDMORE, formerly of COTTON, near CHEADLE.

He was married to MARY CRITCHLOW, formerly of LICKS HEAD, near ALTON. He had 10 sons and 3 daughters. None of the daughters were married. My grandfather was the 6th son, and his name was JOHN.

The above WILLIAM BEARDMORE was buried in AUDLEY churchyard on June 11th, 1824. His age was 65.

These are practically all the essential particulars I am able to obtain at present. What I want to find out is – to carry on the pedigree further back if possible.

WILLIAM BEARDMORE and MARY CRITCHLOW, married December 26th, 1780. Died June 11th, 1824 – aged 65.

WILLIAM and MARY BEARDMORE
→ JOHN BEARDMORE, 6th son, died 1874, married ELEANOR LUCKCOCK, died 1859.
→ → THOMAS BEARDMORE and JOHN BEARDMORE, both unmarried
→ → BENJAMIN BEARDMORE, died 1890, married H. THOMAS, died 1892.
→ → → Daughter: H. BEARDMORE, living 1905.
→ → → Son: JOHN BEARDMORE (HANLEY), living 1905.

Page 1. From: (Mrs.) Olive A. Dale, 92 Hassam Parade, Newcastle, Staffs. [Handwritten: Long version.] The BEARDMORES of FARLEY, COTTON and ALTON.

THOMAS BEARDMORE of Farley. Will dated March 12, 1568. Will proved Apr. 10, 1573.
– FRANCIS of Farley (“my sonne”), will pr. 1579 = AGNES.
– WILLIAM (“my sonne”), will pr. Sept. 20, 1598; Robt. B. to take invty. = ELLEN (son by 1st marr. Humphrey Wollerscroft); will pr. Dec. 17, 1609, dated Nov. 20, 1609.

Children of Francis: ROBERT of Farley (“my grandson”), purc. tithes of Farley, etc. 1607; leased farm from Earl of Shrewsbury 1613; will Apr. 21, 1619, prvd. May 30, 1619; buried at Alton; all 5 ch. under age. FRANCIS, w. 1617, d. unmar.; bro. JOHN apprsr. JOHN of Ford, Wetley, ancestor of B’s of Fd. Wt. ?Other young ch. not named in gfr’s will.
Children of William and Ellen: KATHERINE = BONAVENTURE HARTSHORNE (will 1629 pr. but missing); ALICE = RICH. PERCIVALL; MARGARET (d. 1609) = GEORGE HEWITT → MARGARET.

Children of Robert of Farley: THOMAS; ROBERT = ANNE (→ JANE bp. May 26, 1644; Wm. bur. Mr. 27, 1646); WILLIAM = ANNE (Wm. bur. Mar. 29, 1656; Ann bur. May 24, 1652; → SUSANNAH bp. Ju. 12, 1643; WILLIAM bp. Dec. 8, 1648 xx); ELIZABETH; DOROTHY.

Above ROBERT buried as “Senex” (an old man) at Alton Sept. 9, 1684. Paid tax on three hearths (fair-sized house), 1666. Will dated Mar. 25, 1684 unfortunately missing, but tithes were left to his sons. These were eventually all secured by the BILL family of FARLEY HALL.

xx WILLIAM BEARDMORE = MARY SHAW at Alton Jan. 16, 1676/7. Had one dau. only, SARAH = .. NIXON, one grandson WILLIAM NIXON. Will dated May 6th 1725, pr. May 5, 1725. WILLIAM bur. “Senex” at Alton Apr. 11, 1725. MARY bur. Mar. 5, 1717. I am not sure whether this WILLIAM is the son of WILLIAM and ANNE, or whether ROBERT and ANNE had another son named WILLIAM after the first one died. I had some knowledge that the tithes of FARLEY, COTTON and ALTON were left to ROBERT’s three sons, who are referred to by their residences, but as his will of 1684 is missing, I am not sure. I have had a lot of information from the BILL papers, so will try to find this again, but this particular WILLIAM does not affect you in any case.

ROBERT BEARDMORE = ANNE. Will pr. 1684.
– PRUDENCE (1) = THOMAS of Farley = (2) ELIZABETH ELKES, marr. Dilhorne May 26, 1687. Will dated Apr. 19, 1700, proved Aug. 18, 1702 (refers to my “cosen” Robert, but I think this means his nephew Robert son of Samson). THOMAS bur. Alton May 17, 1700. → ROBERT (Curate at Kingsley) (see over).
– SAMSON of ffur-Cotton = ELLEN HUNT, marr. Dilhorne May 11, 1678. C/W Alton 1683. Left 10s. chg. for sermon to be preached. Will dated July 7, 1712 (refers to “brother” John Hunt). SAMSON bur. Alton (“Senex”) Feb. 24, 1712/3. ELLEN bur. Alton Feb. 1, 1718. → ELIZABETH, ROBERT.

Page 2. ROBERT, B.A. 1683–4, M.A. 1693, born Feb. 12, 1660, bp. Alton. Educ. Jesus College. Curate at Kingsley 1685 on. Marr. at Temple Church, London, May 17, 1688 to ELIZABETH WOOLLEY, d. the late Rev. RALPH WOOLLEY, Vicar of Alton (d. 1681). ROBERT afterwards Vicar of Nassington, Northants, 1693–1730; bur. there Jan. 26, 1730. Children: ANNA, born May 14, 1679 [sic], bap. Kingsley May 18, 1689; RALPH, B.A. 1713–14, M.A. 1726, bap. Kingsley 1691, educ. Pembroke Coll., Vicar of Stamford, Lincs., died unmar.; eventual heir to all Beardmore tithes was his nephew JOHN SWANN, who sold the last of them to complete BILL’s possession; THOMAS, bp. Nassington June 2, 1696, bur. Aug. 1698; ELIZ., bp. Nass. Apr. 9, 1698; ANN, bp. Nass. Apr. 16, 1700.

SAMSON BEARDMORE = ELLEN HUNT (marr. at Dilhorne May 11, 1678); bur. Alton Feb. 24, 1712; she bur. Alton Feb. 1, 1718. Children: ELIZABETH, bp. Alton June 10, 1680 = SAMUEL SLATER, C/W 1720, bp. Alton Apr. 13, 1680; ROBERT, C/W 1722, bp. Alton Oct. 3, 1685, bur. Alton Mar. 1, 1728 = JOYCE SLATER, bp. Alton May 16, 1688 (children of JEREMIAH & JOYCE SLATER (bur. Sept. 22, 1716) – hence name of JEREMIAH). ROBERT & JOYCE marr. CAVERSWALL Apr. 26, 1707.

Children of Samuel and Elizabeth Slater: 1. JEREMIAH. 2. SAMUEL, bp. Feb. 28, 1702/3. 3. ELIZABETH, bp. Feb. 27, 1699. 4. ELLEN, bp. .. 10, 1711. 5. JOYCE, bur. Feb. 18, 1717. 6. JOHN, bp. July 4, 1717. 7. JOYCE, bp. Oct. 12, 1719.
Children of Robert and Joyce: 1. THOMAS, bp. Feb. 13, 1708, bur. May 10. 2. ELLEN, bp. June 25, 1713. 3. JEREMIAH, bp. May 2, 1715 (x). 4. ROBERT, bp. Aug. 23, 1719 (x). 5. JOYCE, bp. Nov. 1, 1722. All at Alton, but 6. SAMUEL, bp. Kingsley Mar. 9, 1726. (x See next page for descendants of JEREMIAH and ROBERT.)

Page 3. (3) JEREMIAH BEARDMORE of KINGSLEY, bp. Alton May 3, 1715, bur. Aug. 24, 1755, will pr. Nov. 6, 1755 (aged only 40 yrs.) = ELIZABETH HARRIES, marr. at Alton Aug. 20, 1744; (2) marr. SAMUEL FITTON of SWINDON, May 1764; Wit: ROBT. BEARDMORE. Children: ELIZABETH of “The Side”, bp. Kingsley Sept. 1, 1745, bur. Kingsley Dec. 10, 1781, aged 36 yrs.; ROBERT, bp. Kingsley Jy. 5, 1747, bur. Kingsley Jy. 6, 1747; JEREMIAH, bp. Kingsley Mar. 12, 1748/9, C/W Kingsley 1773 and 1795, juror for Whiston, Totmonslow Hundred 1784, bur. Kingsley Dec. 28, 1836, aged 87 years = ELIZABETH LOCKER, d. JOSEPH & MARTHA, bp. Kingsley Aug. 19, 1753, d. Ju. 5, 1820, aged 67, marr. at Kingsley Mar. 21, 1773; ELLEN, bp. Kingsley Mar. 22, 1752, bur. Kingsley.

Children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Locker: CATRINE, bp. Kingsley Ju. 22, 1775; MARTHA, bp. Kingsley Sept. 13, 1777, marr. THOS. MOOR Feb. 21, 1814, wits: HANNAH & JERE. BEARDMORE; BETTY, bur. K. Dec. 10, 1781; BETTY, bp. K. May 25, 1783; HANNAH, bp. K. Oct. 9, 1785, d. Sp. 21, 1852, ag. 67 yrs.; ELLEN, bp. 1788, bur. K. Dec. 8, 1826, aged 38 yrs.; JEREMIAH 1790–1868, bp. Kingsley Nov. 28, 1790, C/W Oct. ?, d. at Bucknall Dec. 20, 1868 = SARAH, d. Ju. 1882.

Children of Jeremiah and Sarah: JEREMIAH (architect, of “The Poplars”, Bucknall), born 1844, died 1923, unmarried; JOSEPH, b. June 2, 1850 = ANNIE, b. Sp. 15, 1858, d. Oct. 2, 1938 → HOPE & or. ch. (This Miss Beardmore has visited me, and I know she has a nephew to carry on the descent.); ELIZABETH, d. Aug. 1919; CATHERINE, d. Sept. 1921; HELEN, d. Feb. 1920. I think all are bur. at Bucknall, but have not searched too thoroughly for the gravestones – grass too long and wet.

(4) ROBERT BEARDMORE, bp. Alton Aug. 23, 1719 = GRACE BRASSINGTON, marr. at LEIGH, Staffs. July 27, 1741. Children: MARY, bp. Leigh Mar. 23, 1741/2; ANN, bp. Alton Jan. 20, 1744, marr. Alton May 5, 1766 to EDWARD BIRCH of Stafford, wit: ROBT. B.; JOYCE, bp. Alton Mar. 23, 1745; JEREMIAH, bp. Alton June 18, 1752; ROBERT, bp. Alton May 19, 1754; ? WILLIAM, bp. .. 1759 = MARY CRITCHLEY Dec. 26, 1780. Banns at LEIGH Dec. 3, 10, 17, but no marr. He desc. as of LEIGH, she as of DRAYCOTT. (I will try to find the marr. at Draycott when opportunity occurs. It took years of search before I eventually found the Banns at Leigh. He is supposed to be of Cotton and I cannot find any Beardmore other than Robert & Grace having ch. round that period. One reason for hope is that Robert and William were either married or “banned” at Leigh, and their resp. first child bap. at Leigh.)

Page 4. WILLIAM BEARDMORE, bur. Audley June 11, 1824, aged 65 = MARY CRITCHLEY, married Dec. 26th, 1780 (possibly at Draycott). Banns called at Leigh Dec. 3, 10 and 17, 1780. William described as of Leigh (might have been working there or taken residence to qualify if son of Robert and Grace, so that does not clear up his birth entry). Mary described as of Draycott, although her parents are said to be of Ramsor, or Ramshorn, fairly near to Cotton and Alton.

Children: FRANCIS, bap. Leigh July 11, 1781, died young; MARY, bap. Audley Mar. 24, 1783, died unmarr.; WILLIAM, bap. Audley Dec. 16, 1784, afterwards of Dimsdale Hall Farm, Wolstanton; GEORGE, bap. Audley Jy. 18, 1787, fthr. Wm., g’fr. Rev. Wm. George, London; THOMAS, bp. Audley Apr. 7, 1789, g’fr. of JOHN BEARDMORE (Pidduck & B., Burslem) & EDWD., Barlaston; FRANCIS, bp. Audley Sp. 7, 1790; JOHN, bp. Audley Nov. 2, 1792, g’fr. of JOHN BEARDMORE, Brassfounder, Hallfields Fndy, Hanley, S-on-T. = ELEANOR LUCKCOCK (JOHN d. 1874, ELEANOR d. 1859; → THOMAS, d. unmarr.; JOHN, d. unmarr.; BENJAMIN d. 1890 = H. THOMAS, d. 1892 → dau. H. BEARDMORE, living 1905; son JOHN B. (brassfndr.), lvg. 1905); SOLOMON, bp. Audley Jan. 1, 1795, died unmarr.; SAMUEL, bp. Audley Mar. 26, 1797; DANIEL, bp. Apr. 23, 1799, dd. unmarr.; KITTY, bp. Audley Jan. 29, 1801, died unmarr.; JAMES, bp. Audley Dec. 22, 1804, died unmarr.; ELIZABETH, bp. Audley Oct. 27, 1806, died unmarr.

[Handwritten by George Beardmore, with a line drawn to Thomas:] Richard – This is our line. GCB 20/3/79.

In a list of very rough and incorrect notes supplied by JEREMIAH and JOHN and my uncle GEORGE BEARDMORE, of Hall Croft, Kingsley, they have tried to trace a relationship between all three of them, but without great success. In it they list a ROBERT 1714 as possibly the father of WILLIAM 1759, whereas ROBERT was born 1719. He could be the father of WILLIAM and if only I could find a baptismal entry, I should be happy to accept this. However.. in the KINGSLEY Register there is an entry dated 1759, the crucial date, as under:

1759. WILLIAM, son of THOMAS and ELLEN BEARDMORE, Bapt.

There is also an entry 1766. WILLIAM BEARDMORE, Bur., but I think this was an older WILLIAM with children of his own, as at that date the entries gave the names of all parents whether the child was Bapt. or Buried, so it is possible the above WILLIAM, son of THOMAS and ELLEN, was your ancestor. Shall I type out the other entries appertaining to THOMAS and ELLEN? I really think he was ROBERT’s son, but have no definite proof either way. I think I told you previously that there are no less than fifteen pages of single spaced foolscap entries for BEARDMORES alone in the KINGSLEY registers!

[Handwritten at top:] This page fits in somewhere

HUMPHREY BOUGHEY, Lord of Whitmore. Will dated 10th Aug. 1539, proved 25th Sep. 1539. Buried at Whitmore.
= JOYCE. Will pr. Jan. 26, 1539/40.
[Handwritten:] both these wills refer to John Berdmore as husband of their dau. Margaret

Their children:

• ROBERT, and 6 other sons. Robert’s daughter ALICE married (2nd husband) EDWARD MAINWARING: the Mainwarings of Whitmore.
• MARGARET, and 2 other daughters. Margaret = (1) JOHN BERDMORE (of Froghall), marr. before 1539.

(2) JOHN BERDMOR of WYTTMOR = ELIZABETH. Will dated 13 May 1558, proved 20 Oct. 1558. “To be buried at Wyttmor.” Beq. all lands, etc. lying in the lordshippe of Kingsley to his wyffe ELIZABETH, and (see children below):

• (3) JAMES BERDMOR (my sonne), to have all lands lying in the lordshippe of Kingsley after the death of his mother (ELIZABETH, above)
• (4) STEPHANE (my sonne), £4 of lawful money of England
• JONE (my doghter), £4 of lawful money of England

All grandchildren to have 1 Lambe.
Elizabeth Prachett to have 1 Yewe and 1 Lambe, etc.

[Handwritten:] (1), (2): Are these the same John or father & son?
(3), (4): James & Stephane were “frankpledges” of Whitmore & appear in Newcastle Court Rolls.
More anon.

[Handwritten at top:] This page fits somewhere

Will dated (proved) April 10, 1573 of THOMAS BERDMORE of ALVETON and notes from JEREMIAH BEARDMORE, BUCKNALL, dated 1905, shew descent as under:–

• THOMAS BERDMORE of ALVETON
• JEREMIAH BERDMORE (my sonne)
• ROBERT (grandson) of FARLEY (?selling tithes 1613?)
• J.B. Notes: ? JEREMIAH (say 1650?)
• Cal. of Wills: ROBERT (Alton), will pro. 1684 (but not in bundle at Probate Office, Birmingham)
• J.B. Notes: ?above ROBERT (actual) 1680–1730 ?will pr. Aug. 18, 1702
• Cal. of Wills: ROBERT (alive 1755) and JEREMIAH, 1705–1755 (will pr. Nov. 6, 1755) (of Kingsley) = ELIZABETH

Regs. at Kingsley, children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth:

• ELIZABETH, bap. Sep. 1, 1745, bur. Dec. 10, 1781, aged 36 yrs.
• ROBERT, bap. July 5, bur. July 6, 1747.
• JEREMIAH, bap. Mar. 12, 1748/9 = ELIZABETH LOCKER Mar. 13, 1773. C/Warden at Kingsley, 1795. Bur. at K. Dec. 8, 1836.
• ELLEN, bap. Mar. 22, 1752.

Children of Jeremiah and Elizabeth Locker:

• CATRINE, bap. June 22, 1775.
• MARTHA, bap. Sept. 13, 1777.
• BETTY, bap. May 25, 1783.
• JEREMIAH, 1790–1868, bap. Nov. 28, 1790.
• HANNAH, bap. Oct. 9, 1795.
• ELLEN, bap. Mar. 22, 1788, bur. at K. Dec. 8, 1826, aged 38 yr.

Children of Jeremiah (1790–1868):

• HELEN
• JEREMIAH, born 1844, died

[Handwritten:] I have seen Jeremiah’s will dated 17[5]5 and he mentions his brother Robert in it, so our Jer. (1905) wondered whether we were related here, but no, as appears from the second sheet attached. OD

[George Beardmore, born July 18, 1787 – top line worn]
Married Jan 1 – 1811 in his 24 year of age

Mary Beardmore Born Nov 27 – 1811
Married July 30: 1835 in her 24 year of her age

George Beardmore Born Sept 20 – 1813
Died August 27: 1834 aged 21 years

William Beardmore Born July 9 – 1815
William Beardmore died June 24 – 1848 aged 27 years

Hannah Beardmore die[d] Nov 10 – 1816

Emma Johnson Born Decem 29 – 1803
[Newspaper cutting, dated in ink “September 1860”:] DEATHS. On the 14th inst., at Fegg Hays Villa, Chell, aged 56 years, Emma, the beloved wife of W. Ford, Esq., chief bailiff of Burslem.

Hamlett Johnson Born May 29 – 1805

Catharine Beardmore Born June 5 – 1785

Elizabeth [a word struck out, “Leigh” written above] Leigh Beardmore Born June 3 – 1818
Burslem Staffordshire

William George Beardmore. Born Nov[ember] 25th 1842 [the day and year are worn on the page, and are taken from George Cedric Beardmore’s transcript of 1967]

45, Pinner Park Avenue, Headstone Lane, Harrow, Middlesex.
Hatch End 1763.

November 4th. 1952

Dear Trooper,

Your mother has only just let us know your address or we should have written before. It’s quite an event having a soldier in the family again. You may not know it, but you had a great-uncle killed in 1917 (blown up by a mine in a suicidal counter-attack ordered by staff officers who were some miles behind the line) and your father skipped out the army to join the R.F.C. I missed it myself, and I’m sorry. It’s thrilling to learn that you’re in for 3 yrs. regular service. I have never heard of a C.O. called Hadrian. Is he a general?

We are all pretty well, and working hard without getting anywhere, like a swimmer in mid-Atlantic. My Dan Dare story about the Red Moon was so successful that they’re publishing it in Australia. But I’m not occupied with Dan at all these days. The Editor accepted one story called “Winds of Space” but the artist (a very fine fellow called Hampson who has a small boy who wears a space-suit and refers to doors as “air-locks”) decided that he was fed-up with the present universe, as known, and the next story will therefore show Dan skedaddling into Outer Space. I don’t know what the story’s called, but it’ll be good. The present Mercury story is a wash-out, and not by me or Hampson. I am much occupied with writing the two cartoon-serials in GIRL – “Robbie” and “Starling”. Robbie is so popular that I have had to think-up another story about her, dealing with a drowned valley, but Starling is to be replaced by a soppy item dealing with a girls’ ballet-school. The artist is John Worsley, who does the PC.49 drawings in EAGLE. I have never attended a girls’ ballet school so had to begin from scratch – very funny to go there and see these shapely little poppets bouncing up and down. Also young men who might be doing 3 yrs. r.s. whirling round and round on the points of their toes. I’ve just had a novel accepted (title not yet decided upon) all about a 5-years-old crime in a small French village. [underlined in ink, with a tick]

That’s all about me. Your Auntie Jean is plumper, Victoria is a grown-up young lady, and Anthea is quite a character. She always runs, never walks, with the result that she turns corners at 45 degrees, head down. A biography is to come out this month about your great-uncle (the famous one) but as a biography it is plain bad. I have read the proofs and don’t remember so incompetent a bit of writing.

Someday you will be posted nearer London and when that happens we want you to make use of us. We shan’t mind if you turn up at midnight or anytime and want a bed. But I shall feel really hurt (I mean this) if you don’t come and see us all you can. That is what uncles are for. Don’t forget. Here is a scrap of paper to remind you – keep it and you will never be penniless. Better still, send it back – I’ve had to borrow it from A. Jean.

Jolly good luck, Rick,
from
Uncle C

Keep us posted with your addresses

The Beardmore Family

George Beardmore. Born ? Died ? [Father of Edward and John]
Edward Beardmore. Born ? Died ? before 1910 (I think)
John Beardmore. Born 1845. Died between 1907 and 1920 (I think)
The above Edward and John were the sons of the above George.

Children of the above John who married Emily Hancock. Emily died in May 1923. She had been the President of the local British Women’s Temperance Assn: and she had been active in affairs of the Swan Bank Wesleyan Chapel, Burslem.

Edward Harry, born Sept. 5th 1869, died 1932
Francis William, born Oct. 19th 1870, died 1936
John Ernest, born Dec. 3rd 1871, died ?
(Maria, still born Dec. 31st 1872, buried Jan. 1st 1873)
(George Harold, born April 12th 1874, died Jan. 12th 1875)
(Charles Edgar, born Feb. 27th 1876, died June 25th 1877)
Emily Mary, born Oct. 29th 1878, died ?
(Ada, born June 28th 1884, died Sept. 1884) twins
Agnes Ethel, born June 28th 1884, died Nov. 17th 1970

The above information is taken from a Bible (weighing 7 lbs) which was presented to John Beardmore in 1856 “Having attended School for at least 2 yrs & having been examined and approved by H.M. Inspector, the Revd. J. P. Norris M.A. etc. etc.” by “The Association for the Advancement of Education in the Mining and Manufacturing District of North Staffordshire”. Note: on the board cover of the Bible, printed in gold, are the words “Presented by the Iron Masters and Manufacturers of North Staffordshire 1856”.

“Children of John and Emily Beardmore” contd.

Edward Harry. His parents always called him ‘Harry’; hence ‘Denry’ of some of Arnold Bennett’s books. He was head of the firm of “Pidduck & Beardmore”, Ironmongers and Iron Manufacturers of Market St, Burslem, with a factory in Longport. He did not marry, though he was once engaged to his brother Ernest’s future wife Pattie, who broke off the engagement in order to marry Ernest. (In a letter from my auntie Agnes she has told me he once said he’d only loved two women and his brothers had married them: you can work out who the other woman was!) He it was who gave me the silver hair brush etc. you now have. He lived in the parental home, Aspley House, 188 Waterloo Rd, Cobridge, where also lived May Marsden after her husband was killed. After the death of his mother, Edward built a house in Woodland Avenue, Wolstanton (in about 1920), which house soon suffered from subsidence for which he was frequently compensated. With him lived May, and they were tended by the wonderful servant Emma, who dated with the family from my childhood at least. After May died I don’t know what happened to the house except that it vanished and on the site is now a garage (or was 10–20 yrs ago). He and A.B. were friendly but of course A.B. left the district.

Francis William, who was always called Frank. He took out his money from Pidduck & Beardmore’s and set up as a potter at the Sutherland Pottery, Fenton, where he failed in, I think, 1914. His business life was more or less a failure but as a man and as a father he was completely successful. He married Fanny Gertrude Bennett and they had four children: Francis Alan born 1899; Margaret born 1901, Roger born 1904 and George Cedric born 1908.

John Ernest married Pattie Dickinson (of Buxton, high class grocers I think). They lived at Rode Heath and at Congleton and had three children: Helen, who died about 10 years ago (I think she was born about 1904); Jean, who is married to Colonel Rigby and lives in Mere, Cheshire – she is nice & has visited us here and with whom I correspond quite a lot; John, perhaps about Cedric’s age: he is head of P. & B.’s & is a very nice man and a very good business man and he married Anne ? and they live at Congleton and have I think three children.

Emily Mary, always called ‘May’. She married Sidney Marsden, who was killed in the 1st war, and they had one daughter, Joan, who is married to Dagnall (can’t spell it) Ellis and lives in Blewbury and in Westminster.

Agnes Ethel, who was always called Agnes. She was the delicate one who was rather expected to die with her twin but who survived 33 years after the last of her brothers and sisters. She married Leonard Arrowsmith, Arrowsmiths being a firm in Moorland Road, Burslem, who made stilts, spurs, thimbles etc. for pottery ovens. They lived first at Wolstanton, then Pipe Gate, then Whitmore and lastly at Swynnerton, Staffs. They had two daughters, Mary and Kathleen. Mary has three sons and one daughter, Pat, Peter, Richard and Madeleine. Kathleen has three sons, Nicholas, Jonathan & Francis.

Note. John Beardmore was a magistrate of Burslem.

Edward Beardmore, brother of John, married Alice ? (his housekeeper, and very nice too). They had one daughter, belatedly, Dorothy, who was born in 1900, who married somebody Green of Newcastle-u-Lyme and who died ages ago, I should think in the 1920s. Edward and Alice lived at The Grange, Barlaston.

Sidney Marsden had at least three sisters & I don’t know about brothers: Maud, who married Septimus Bennett & had two children, Ruth & John; Clare, who married Dagnell Ellis & had I think 3 children; Gladys, who married ? Wright & had some children I think.

HENRY SANDON M.B.E.
Worcester

27th Nov 2014

Dear Richard:

Lovely to get your letter of 23rd Nov with photograph of the coffee set that Cyril gave you as the wedding present in 1965. As you say, not quite like the Roadshow service but much more meaningful and loved than a greyhound trophy.

It was great to read your account of the day at Davenham with Cyril and I am sure that the lunch and visit to Upton upon Severn meant a lot to Cyril. Cyril booked into Davenham soon after his dear wife died and he was very happy there. Barbara and I went to his 100th birthday party there and he was very full of life though his memory had gone; I suppose we would call it dementia now. There were 4 centenarians in the room, counting Cyril.

When Barbara died last year I had thoughts of applying to go to Davenham but have stuck it out here and still manage to do lots of talks and the odd Roadshow. Even came near you: to Pudsey a couple of years ago. I am so pleased that Cyril passed the family bible and photos to you. When Barbara and I saw him in his room on the last occasion he gave me a pottery bust of Shakespeare that he had made at Royal Worcester back in the 1950s. The factory never produced it but I treasure it.

He was a lovely man and I will never forget him. One of my treasured photos was when he and I were presented to the Queen on her visit to the factory and Museum to celebrate the 250th anniversary. When she spoke to him he was unable to answer and I’m afraid I broke protocol and spoke for him, explaining he was 99 and opened the door of the Museum when she opened it in 1951 – the bicentenary of the founding. Now, regrettably, the factory is no more; thankfully Cyril did not see its demise, and remembered when the two of us remade the Museum in its present home – still going strong. Perhaps you will be able to visit it one day – will be delighted to take you around. You could see the new oil painting of me (see top left of this letter). Cyril would have been proud and pleased.

Yours sincerely,
Henry Sandon

There are many Beardmore families in North Staffordshire. One of [these], the Beardmores of Farley, Cotton and Alton can trace their line as far back to a Thomas Beardmore who died at Farley in 1568. [This family] seems to have descended from a Richard de Berdmore who died [in 1295?]. These Beardmores are listed in the Kingsley Parish Registers as early as [?]. Two members of this family, in 1905–6, tried to prove a connection between them and Lord Invernairn and the Beardmores of Uplands House, but there was no proof. Anyone interested in this branch of Beardmores [should contact] Mrs Olive A. Dale (née Beardmore) of 92 Hassam Parade, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs. Mrs Dale has carried out 18 years of research on the Beardmores of North Staffs. At one time, this family owned a considerable amount of land in Farley, [Cotton and?] Alton, North Staffs, and their pedigree contains many eminent people, including George Beardmore, the novelist.

92 Hassam Parade, Newcastle, Staffs., 22nd August, 1967.

My dear George,

I was delighted to receive the autographed copy of your new book, and feel that it should be very successful indeed. I started to read it, but was reluctantly torn away to go with my husband to Stafford.

This morning he had a ’phone call from the County Librarian (several things she wished to consult him about, one thing being about him performing the official opening of the Barlaston Library – he is the Chairman of the County Libraries Committee, amongst so many other things, and has opened quite a large number of Branch Libraries, also the huge County Library Headquarters a few years ago.) We took the opportunity to take your new novel with us, and asked if the Library had any copies – of course, we do not wish to be accused of nepotism, but still –. They have got three copies, and I showed the County Librarian and her Deputy my copy. I also borrowed from their stock two of your previous novels. Some years ago I very much enjoyed “A Tale of Two Thieves” and was very anxious to obtain “The Staffordshire Assassins” but was unable to do so at the time. The two I have got out of County stock are “The Staffordshire Assassins” and “Madame Merlin”, which I should think are two of your best.

I will try whenever I can to find the baptism of William Beardmore born 1759, but he is not in the Alton register, where other children of Robert and Grace are, but their dau. Mary was bap. at Leigh, so one never knows. William & Mary had their banns read at Leigh, and their first son Francis bap. there, but have not yet asked at Draycott if the marr. actually took place there. Of course, when Jeremiah, John and my uncle George were trying to find their joint relationships, they deducted William’s death date wrongly, writing 1749 for birth, but if he was 65 at death in 1824, it would be 1759. On one sheet I have Mary died 1824 aged 65, so there may be an error there. If only they had had a marr. lic. and had been under age, the names of guardians would have been of help. However –

I have now run up against two or three snags for your modern descent. Old John of Hallfields (Brassfounder) stated that William & Mary had ten sons and three daughters, the latter all dying unmarr. He named them as Elizabeth, Mary and Kitty. From somewhere else (it escapes me for the moment) I had a list which gave Catherine B. as a sister, born June 5, 1785, which of course fits her in nicely between William b. Dec. 1784 and George b. Jy 18, 1787. One might have thought from other entries that the three entries within the end pages of your Bible shewed George d. Feb. 17, 1839 aged 50; Catharine d. Sept. 15, 1844, aged 58 and Mary sister to the above George died Feb. 17, 1860 aged 77 were two sisters and brothers. Have you by any chance misread or mistyped any of the dates you gave to me, do you think? Catharine Beardmore born June 5, 1785 is entered in your Bible but the will I have of Catharine B. of Audley is dated 14 Nov. 1832, pr. 2nd May 1833, and in it she refers to her brother Samuel, sister Mary (spinster) and sister Elizabeth, residue to surv. s. & b. share and share alike. All these were children of William and Mary.

Then in Mary’s will dated Feb. 13, 1860, pr. Mar. 5, 1860 she refers to Mary, dau. of my late nephew James B. (Farmer) decd., niece Eliz. Machin, wife of Alfred Machin of Talk o’th’ Hill, writing clerk, Eliz’s son Frank Machin (under age), makes the Rector and bro. Samuel exors., and if nephew Frank did before 21, residue equally between surviving bros. Samuel, Francis, John, and the children of decd. bros. William, George, and Francis [handwritten: Thomas]. Also will of Wm. B. (one of dec. bros.) d. 1857 [handwritten: will dated July 12, 1856, pr. May 1857] refers to his wife Mary, son John, daus. Eliz. & Martha B. and dau. Kitty marr. to Wm. Mason. But turn over for biggest snag.

[Overleaf] FRANCIS BEARDMORE of Burslem, Bricklayer and Beerseller. I nominate my brother GEORGE BEARDMORE of Burslem, Blacksmith, and JOHN WATKIN of Burslem, Builder, exors. and trustees, they or their heirs to sell, etc. and invest the parcels thereof in Govt. or Real Securities (the will gives £100 as value), income to be for “my infant daughter MARGARET until she shall attain the age of 21 years. George B. and John W. to be guardians. Refers to wife SUSANNA BEARDMORE. Also desires that if his dau. MARGARET shall die before 21, his said real and personal estate shall go to nephews JOHN BEARDMORE and EDWARD BEARDMORE, the two sons of my brother GEORGE BEARDMORE. Witnesses: CHARLES HODGES, HAMLET BEARDMORE.

Now sort that one out! You can see what a frustrating job genealogical research can be.

Your grandfather JOHN was born in 1848, EDWARD round the same time, so were infants when this will was made, but how do you account for the GEORGE dying 1839 Feb. 17 (presumably the one born July 18, 1787) being referred to as father of JOHN and EDWARD when they were born after that date. There must have been another generation, and old John (Brassfounder) who stated that Thomas b. 1789 was grandfather of John and Edward and the George who heads the list in your Bible must have been the anc. of Rev. W. G. If so, why did the Bible come to you? Or is the FRANCIS will above bro. as he says of your great-grandfather George, and not the brother of Mary, will 1860, etc. You will note she refers to her brother Francis as being alive in 1860. I think you will find after asking your cousin John of Burslem that your great-grandfather George had a bro. Francis who died 1853, and an uncle Francis alive in 1860. What a tangle!

Dates have been put wrongly before – for example, my ancestor JAMES FYNNEY born late 1739 is entered in the Cheddleton register as dying aged 74 in 1804, whereas he was only 64. And one of his brother’s WILLIAM is not entered in the Alstonefield register, although all the others are, even one born after him, and yet I have his wife and all his descendants, to say nothing of the fact that he is included in his father’s and his uncle’s wills in the correct order of age. Oh, oh, these careless parsons and parish clerks. To say nothing also of my ancestors Thomas Beardmore and Sarah Bostock entered in the marriages in both Kingsley and Leek, also another marr. in Caversall and Kingsley, and my g-g-g-g (I am not counting) uncle ROBERT SHENTON is entered as buried in Kingsley and Cheadle. The answer is that both parsons wanted their fees for the marr. and the burial was entered in both as Robert S. left a charity to both villages, but why couldn’t the Kingsley parson say “bur. this day at Cheadle”? I know he was there as his gravestone is in the tower of Cheadle church!!

Again many thanks indeed for the lovely book – Charlie Pocock seems like a Potteries character to me.

Must close now for the time being. If you can think of any clues, or if I can, letters must follow. I have a terrible tangle to sort for an Australian distant relative, who I have got back to 1529 without any doubt, but she now wants to link up another branch (one who had big ideas of their descent from a kinsman of William the Conqueror!) Heigh-ho!

Best love from
Your affectionate cousin,
Olive

Telephone: Newcastle, Staffs. 69015
“Kingsley,” 92 Hassam Parade, Newcastle, Staffs.

27th March, 1955.

Dear Mr. Beardmore,

I was glad to hear that your nephew Richard Beardmore is interested in his family tree. Oddly enough, I had just had a letter from my only nephew asking how I was getting on with my digging into the past history, and asking me not to go too far, otherwise I might find our ancestors wearing tails and swinging from trees – in the next line stating that I was not to worry, as they were not believers in the Darwin theory!

You may tell your nephew Richard that the first definite ancestor of the Beardmores that I have so far traced was Richard de Berdmor (or Bordmor) acting as a Juror in 1280 at the time that Edmund the King’s brother proposed to endow a chantry at St. Mary’s, Tutbury; this Richard died in 1295, leaving a son Richard by his first wife Matilda, and sons William and Robert by his second wife Philippa. My working out of dates, etc., makes me believe that the William was the one who was Rector of Leek, stated by Jeremiah in 1905 to have become Bishop of Llandaff. I have looked up the Llandaff Bishops, and oddly enough one was appointed in 1361, whilst William is supposed to have died 1360, but no note of William de Berdmor amongst the list of Bishops. I went to Llandaff Cathedral last Whit.; three generations of us went; my sister her son and his wife and three boys, my husband and myself. It was badly bombed in 1940, but services are held in part of it. However, I have now got acquainted with the Diocesan Registrar’s Secretary at Lichfield, and knowing that the secret of William de Berdmor must lie entombed in two large volumes lying there – the registers of the then Bishop, Roger de Norbury (Northburgh, Northbury) I shall make another endeavour to find definite information.

With regard to his crest, I can find nothing as to where Jeremiah got this from – nor the motto. A Bishop’s mitre is not handed down to descendants, and in any case William a priest at that period, would hardly be married. Another crest, the stag’s head, which my uncle claimed we had, (also another, a boar’s head my sister vaguely recalls) is given on a seal attached to documents bearing this William’s name, as “W. de Leke”, but it might have been a Rudierd, of Rudyard. A stag’s head caboshed is also the crest of the de Bougheys of Whitmore, and one John Berdmor of Frogholle (with “lands lying in the lordshippe of Kingsley”) married Margaret Boughey. I enclose a draft of his will which I have examined at the Probate Office, B’ham, which may be the son of John and Margaret, or the Elizabeth mentioned may be John’s second wife. However, I am again “taking steps” to see what I can prove about this. I wondered whether Jeremiah’s notes might be a bit of “wishful thinking” and taken from Sleigh’s book, which is not too well-referenced, but I have examined both Sleigh’s big and little volume for all the references to William de Berdmor, but nary a mention of any crest or motto.

Jeremiah was an educated man, an architect, and of good position, and his sister is quoted on two occasions in the history of the Adams family, as Percy Adams visited her when writing it. She is referred to as Miss Helen, which might be correct, but the usual spelling in their branch was Ellen.

In Jeremiah’s notes which you quote, he was evidently trying to attach both John and Uncle George’s branch far too soon. On the copy I sent you, I think I had written “No.” where Jeremiah asks about the old will possibly being Uncle George’s g.g.g’fth’s. I did not know then that Ralph’s wife (my great-great-grandmother) was a Beardmore before she married Ralph, so that sent me off on another branch of the Beardmores, to discover that the will is that of her grand-father, therefore my four-greats and a grandfather’s. To be clear, I am the seventh generation from the Thomas, whose will it is in that branch, whereas Ralph’s immediate ancestors for three grandfathers, that is his father Thomas’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather were all George Beardmores.

Going back to Jeremiah and his note, he asks “Where do Robert and Mary come in”? Well, Robert and Mary were the parents of Mary who married Ralph, as you will see from the enclosed sheet, quoting notes from the will dated 1742. Unfortunately, Mary’s two brothers Robert and Thomas died in infancy, so your line is not connected through them nor is Jeremiah’s. I have had one or two Wills of Jeremiah’s line out, and found out the information about his family through these and the registers, which gives a lot more information about him that he knew before, but still nothing whatever to shew who were the parents of your William born 1759. Have none of your family any idea at all? However, I shall be getting hold of the Cheadle registers sometime and will let you know if I have any success there. He was not bap. at Alton, nor Kingsley; of course, he might not have been born at Cotton, although living there when he married. We might have to advertise yet, but shall see.

Rychard Berdmore [handwritten: bur. at K. 1575. I have seen his will at B’ham] was the Lord of the Manor of Lutley, otherwise Litley, Cheadle, in Elizabeth’s day, and you may tell Richard that there was a Richard and also a Robert from the Hundred of Totmanslow mentioned in the famous Muster Roll of 1539 as being liable for “a hors and harnesse for a man” which meant all war-harness for the horse and man, and this was the height of importance, some only producing a “bowe” or a “chiefe of arrowes”, or a “byll”. I feel so frustrated sometimes, but progress keeps progressing slowly. Shall eventually write a book on the Beardmores, I think. What do you say? I have a large family tree written out of my own folks, and you have William’s from 1759, and I have some of Jeremiah’s, but want William’s parents!

Yours sincerely,
O. A. Dale

Burchfield, Four Marks. 4th August 1967

My dear Olive,

I’ve come unstuck somewhere. Would you mind helping out? Put very simply it is that my grandfather was John Beardmore, the ironmonger, of Burslem. He I guess is the man you call a “brassfounder, living in 1905”. (He died in fact in 1909.) Now his father was George: this is indubitably so, and I enclose a letter from my Aunt Agnes, John’s only surviving daughter, giving one or two charming reminiscences about her grandfather George. BUT you say John’s father was Benjamin, the man who married Hope Thomas. In fact, in the rough sketch of the family tree you were good enough to enclose with yours of the 13th July, you say that John (brother of the Barlaston Edward whom I vaguely remember) is the son of George. I wonder if perchance you are under the impression that my grandfather was someone other than the Pidduck & Beardmore JOHN? Because he was. I know this, having spent my childhood Christmases with his widow (born Emily Hancock) at 188, Waterloo Road.

It’s quite on the cards that somewhere I have misread your tables. Just put me right on this one point and I will trace the rest back from your comprehensive tables.

Needless to say I can’t thank you enough and am looking for ways to repay you. Would you for example like a copy of the book I’ve got coming out on Thursday next? Funny you should say that you felt a relationship with me: when I got back in the car I told the missis (this was at the School): “I know it’s absurd, but I feel I’ve known that woman all my life.”

I enclose a note of the handwritten entries made in a 1794 Bible I inherited.

Best wishes

Enclosure: Transcript of handwritten entries in a Bible printed by Mark and Charles Kerr in 1795, now in possession of George Beardmore, Alton, Hants., 1967.

George Beardmore born July 18 1787, married Jan. 1st 1811 in his 24 year of age.
Mary Beardmore Born Nov. 27 1811, married July 30 1835 in hir 24 year of hir age.
George Beardmore Born Sept. 20 1813, died August 27 1834 aged 21 years.
William Beardmore Born July 9 1815 ½ pas 8. William Beardmore died June 24 1848 aged 27 years.
Hannah Beardmore died Nove 10 1816.
Emma Johnson Born Decm. 10 1816 [the Bible itself appears to read December 29, 1803]. (Here is stuck in a newspaper obituary: “Deaths, On the 14th inst., at Fegg Hays Villa, Chell, aged 56 years, Emma, the beloved wife of W. Ford Esq., chief bailiff of Burslem”. Handwritten are the words: “September 1860”.)
Hamlett Johnson born May 29 1805.
Catharine Beardmore Born June 5 1785 [added in pencil: m. Thos Repton of Norton 6/6/1805].
Elizabeth Leigh Beardmore Born June 3 1818, Burslem, Staffordshire.
William George Beardmore. Born Nov 25th. 1842. 37 Isah., 9 II Kings, 32 II Cron.
William G. Beardmore, Northwood, 186?

Within the end pages: George Beardmore died February 17 1839 in his 51 year of his age. Catharine Beardmore died on Sunday September 15th. 1844, her end was peace, aged 58 years. Mary Beardmore, sister to the above George Beardmore, died February 17th. 1860, aged 77.