Questions and Answers....Email us with your questions or opinions and we will see if the answers can be found! From time to time at www.whitehaven.org.uk we get email calls for help......This is your chance to help users of Marras web site...please respond to the writer where an address is given. June 2008 Hi All, I recently found an old photo under the floor boards and have been doing some investigations. I am looking for the Dickinson family. Isaac and Anna marie Milward who lived in Albert terrace in 1901 with three children Lucy, Anna Emma and William. They lived in the house for years and i cannot find any more info on the family. The photo could be either Lucy or Anna. Lucy was born in 1871 and in 1901 was still unmarried and worked at the coco rooms in the market sq which is now fares chemist. Anna 1875 Emma 1876 and wm 1885. The photographer was Reay and Dyson from Cleator Moore and also St Bees. if anyone has any info or has traced their family back ground please reply. The father Isaac was from Corney and his wife Anna was from Geurnsey. Anna's sister Lucy also lived with them for a while toward the 1900. Kelly Doran April 2008 hello,im looking for any information about my mother,martha dickinson,nee boyd and crone,from common end,distington in the 1950s.she was a master confectioner and with my father,ran a small shop,what i believe was called the albert hall,also they catered for functions,the last known being on the 12th dec,1953 at the odd fellows arms in whitehaven,is it still there ?returning late there was a fatefull car crash at tollbar on howgate rd,my mother and 1 other person died, i was only 3 yrs old,so any information would be most welcome,many thanks,jan,JKeenan05@aol.com Looking for information on the Kendall Family: Jeremiah Kendall married Fanny Adamson Patman - had two daughters: Lucy & Sarah. Lucy was born Dec. 1852 and Sarah was born in Sept. 1857. Sarah married Francis James Kerr in Jan. 1884. They had 4 children: Florence/Lucy/Fanny/Kendall. Sarah died in 1902 and is buried in Whitehaven Cemetery. Francis brought his children to Quebec, Canada in 1914. Fanny Adamson Patman was the daughter of Fairey Patman / the sister to Frederick and Sarah - Looking for any information on these people With thanks Cathy Renoe Feb 2008 I am currently researching family history in Whitehaven. Most of my ancestors were Johnson/ Johnstons in Moresby. However after they moved to County Durham they continued to visit a family called Phillips who had a removals firm in Whitehaven. Does anyone know anything about this company or family? Also I remember my grandparents having a curious plate which read'Littledale and the Independence of Whitehaven' Does anyone know the significance of this inscription? Jenifer Spencer ajja80@ukgateway.net My g-grandfather, Irvin Hurst (shipwright) was b1833 to Henry Hurst (b1808 Flimby) and Sarah Swift. Henry's parents were Lawrence Hurst and Jane Irving. The last couple are buried at St Mary's, Maryport, their gravestone leans on the back wall. Sarah Swift's parents were James Swift and Sarah Woodburn, who married 1795 in Whitehaven.Sarah lived to old age in Cockermouth but I haven't been able to find the demise of James. He was supposedly from Gt Yarmouth which seems a long way to travel then. If anyone is related to these families, I would gladly exchange info from the New Zealand descendants of Irvin. Thank you, Colleen Newton colleen.newton1@xtra.co.nz Hi, I am researching unemployment relief projects of the 1920's and wonder whether anyone living locally has any information regarding the construction of the "Loop Road" which i believe was originally built as the Whitehaven Bypass by unemployed workers. I believe it was built around 1925 but have no other information on this. Does anybody have any details as to the construction period, how many people were engaged on the project and who (i.e. unemployed miners?) and especially when it was opened and whether there was any formal opening ceremony? There are occasional references to the road on local websites but very few details of its history. Any information will be much appreciated! Many thanks. Keith keith.a.spencer@voa.gsi.gov.uk I am researching my family tree and have come to a brick wall,I have copy of 1841 census which shows the family comprising Sarah Edwards (mother) ,Isabelle,wilfred,Alice ,John. any help very much welcome they lived Whitehaven Preston St ? and think the father John was stationed there in the Army. fjc@joecorkill.fsnet.co.uk January 2008 "I am doing some research for a freind of mine.her name is mary mckee.her dad was andrew mckenzie mckee,and her mum was margaret jane mckee nee barry.she was born at 6 johns lane,whitehaven in 1929.she has 2 brothers.john barry mckee born 1919,another brother,but i have forgot his name,and 2 sisters calledann ellen mckee,and ages mckee.her mum died in the 40,s tragically,an her died died in the late 30,s she thinks.if theres any chance theres anyone who knew the family,or if any of her siblings or near family are still with us,could you please contact me asap.she,s 79 yrs old" .thankyou wendy. Can anyone help with the McGill family of Whitehaven in the late 1800's? Abraham McGill born 1836 in Ireland and wives Mary and Catherine, (children - Mary, Eliza, Sarah, Malcolm, James, Abraham, Ada, Hugh, Joseph, Robert and George). Annie McGill born 1843 in Ireland who married Thomas Johnston. Joseph McGill born 1847 in Ireland and wife Eleanor, (children - Margaret, Sarah, Eleanor, Eliza, Mary, Joseph, Florence and Wilhemenia). There may have been other siblings of Abraham, Annie and Joseph. I believe the two boys were builders. Would love to know if anyone has them in their family history...particularly if they can tell me were in Ireland they were from! Thanks cathra_2000@yahoo.co.uk Nov 2007 I am trying to research the history of what is now Sporthouse, 75 King Street. This was, in the 60's the John Peel pub, in 1910 and 1901 the Prince Albert, and 1883 and 1873 the Prince of Wales. Rachel and Jim Seifriss. Oct 2007 Like so many other people I'm researching my past - Great Great Great Grandfather, Richard Ball was born in 1812 in Nuneaton but was a member of the Cumberland Militia from about 1854 (?) - do you know anything about this militia? - Richard was a Colour Sargeant and based in the Barracks Irish Street, Whitehaven in the last 1850's but moved to St Bees around 1867 and lived in Grindall Place with his wife Eliza. They had 2 daughters - Mary and Annie Mary, the latter becoming a school mistress in the area. Any information on any of these folks would be useful. Thanks Ian Monton ianmonton@talktalk.net Sept 2007 Whitehaven Operatics are to stage their next musical production next March and the show is to be staged around the second world war. We are looking for someone who can supply us with some uniforms of that period for the duaration of the publicity photos. We will be hiring our costumes for the show but need a couple of uniforms to borrow for an afternoon so we can get our publicity going for the show. Anyone connected to any reenactment society who can help please contact me ASAP at k865uk@aol.com July 2007 I lived at the "workhouse" from 1939 to 1950 when my parents, who managed the hospital, moved to Worcestershire. I have often wondered about the later days of the buildinds which I understood were demolished in the mid 70's due to subsidence problems. Are there any accounts in the local paper, etc, of the final days ?? Incidentally, I holidayed in Sweden in about 1962 and stayed aboard the MV Chapman which was built in Whitehaven . Regards C L Barnes/ yscubor@hotmail.com May 2007 I am trying to locate other members of the Hughes family. My grandfather, Edward Hughes, was born in Moresby Park Cottages on 18 Jan 1888. He married Bridget Sweeney of Mossend, Scotland on 14 Jul 1911 at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in Mossend. They had 6 children, all born in Uddingston, Scotland. Edward worked in the mines in Scotland and then emigrated to New York in Dec 1925. Bridget & the 6 children followed in Sep 1927. Edward was the 5th child of Edward Hughes & Ann Kelly. His parents, Edward Hughes & Ann Kelly, immigrants from Ireland, married on 13 July 1868 at St. Gregory's Chapel in Whitehaven. According to census records their other children were: Henry Hughes, b. 1871 in Cleator Moor James Hughes, b. 1873 in Cleator Moor Mary Ellen Hughes, b. 1882 in Cleator Moor Daniel Hughes, b. 1885 in Cleator Moor Any information regarding Edward Hughes's siblings and/or their descendants would be greatly appreciated. Regards, Brian Hughes email: brian229atl@hotmail.com

Feb 2007
I am trying to trace an old friend of my mum’s Dorothy (Dot) Wren b. c. 1839. Her mum was Fanny Bartron, married Joseph Wren had Joseph Annie and Lawrence and Dorothy. My mum Ruth Huddart lived 32 Solway Road, Moresby Parks, Whitehaven along with her grandmother Jane Smitham and Uncle Stanley. Does anyone know anything about this Wren family. Also does anyone know anything about the Smithams/Smitherams of Moresby Parks or the Connors family that lived at 80 Moresby Parks – the pit cottages.

Thanks.

Carol Stechman
Can I add my email address for people to answer the message sent previously on Dot Wren.
It is cazstechy@hotmail.com

I am researching my family of Martins` from Whitehaven.

James Martin b. 1814 (Brazier) m. Isabella b. 1824 - Whitehaven. One son- Isaac, lived at 3, Flosh Cottages - Cleator.

I am also researching the `Gledsdale` family, as they were related through marriage to the Martins.

I have other info., regarding the two families and would be willing to share.

Judith Harrison

Nov 2006
HI,

I have been trying to do research of my family from Whitehaven. My Great Great Grandfather was the last Vicar of the Holy Trinity Church which was built around 1715 and demolished in 1949. His name was Rev, Frederick Knowles Fell and I know of at least 2 sons - Hartley Taylor Fell and I'm not sure of the other. Rev. Frederick married a Florence Jane Taylor - not sure when. The son that I don't know his name, apparently died in a mining accident. If anyone has any information on the Fell's (burial sites, the Holy Trinity Church) could they please email me. I'm in Australia and it makes it a bit hard to go to Whitehaven to research! I would be grateful of any information. Thank you Jodie Thompson ..jodielee27@hotmail.com

Hello to you,I hope you may be able to help with my question.I have just discovered the graves of my Mills ancestors in Whitehaven cemetery,and I am hoping that one of your members might take a photo of the site for me and e-mail it to me.
The information I have on the graves is as follows:Joseph Mills aged 80 buried 17th.Aug.1858,the place of burial is described as 2-A No.34.Joseph's grandson George Mills was buried on the 15th.Aug.1863 aged 21 in 2-A No.33.
I do not know if there is a tombstone at the site but if there is I would be grateful for any information on it.
I look forward to hearing from someone in due course and extend my thanks and gratitude to whoever it maybe.
Regards
Bernard Mannix
Falmouth
Cornwall/ Straceyroad@aol.com
August 2006
Can anyone recall any information ref the name Kierman. I hace a birth certificate of my Grandma Margaret Kierman born 2/10/1914 2 West Strand, Whitehaven. Her farther was Thomas Kierman a shoemaker Journeyman and her Mother Eliza formerly Smith.
Somehow they ended up in Middlesbrough where Margaret married and sadly died in childbirth leaving her children with no photo. My mum has no pictures so iam desperate to find even a school photo.
I cannot find the marrige of Thomas & Eliza either so cannot trace the tree any further.
I know this is a long shot but fingers crossed xx
Please mail me diana.red23@ntlworld.com
Kind regards...Diana

May 2006
Does anyone recall the Davidson family who lived at 36, Irish Street before and during the last war. In September 1939 I was evacuated from Newcastle to Whitehaven and spent two happy years with this family. The Mother and Father were retired but sons Billy and Tommy, miners in the local colliery, but also Territorials in the Border Regiment, were still at home in the early days. Belle, a daughter married to Jack (also a Territorial) lived at home and another daughter, a Mrs. Smith lived round the corner.

Billy Dalzell who kept a shoe shop in the Town, also local Scout Commissioner, took a great interest in myself and another lad, and he and his wife would take us out in his car (DAO 567) to St. Bees and back home to 7, Inkerman Terrace afterwards for tea. A great man - his son was away in the War as a doctor or surgeon.

Also the Lithgow family who had a shop at the corner of Irish Street and the Market Place. We worked there when not at school.

I wonder if there are any of their families still about? John Williams. email johngwilliams@btinternet.com
April 2006
I have recently discovered that I have a relative who was born in Whitehaven, according to the census of 1851. She was born in 1825 give or take a year,and married a John Nelson, a Liverpool man in Liverpool in Sept 1843. Her name was Jane Crosbie and that unfortunately is as much as I know.

I should be very grateful if anyone could give me any information about her and her family.

With regards, Alan e-mail aj.pa.moore@tesco.net

February 2006
Would you be able to give me any information re: a family of brewers 1851
Esau Caldbeck& Sons. In 1851 living at 36 Queens Street Whitehaven.
Did the family have their own brewery or were they employed at brewery.
I have seen information ( brief) about Caldbeck Brewery but did not known if it was connected to this family.

Regards Mrs T Colbeck

January 30 2006
I wonder if you could help me.
My sister in law is a hairdresser in Newcastle Upon Tyne and one of her customers told her that her father was born in a pub called the Kings Arms and the address she gave her was Helpless Hill Whitehaven Cumbria.
I have asked a few people if they knew of this place and a couple said it was where the multi story car park area is.
An older gentleman told me it was next to wher Marchon works was established and when he was a lad he could remember horses being tied up out side and having to clean your shoes on a metal bar before walking in.
Could you let me know any information or where I could get photographs of this for her.
Thank You
Elaine Woodburn

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Digital TV...We had a caller who wanted to alert our viewers to detaikls of Cumbrian digital TV info site so her goes....try out http://www.digitaltvcumbria.info


This is a long shot.
Our family has had possession of a grand father clock passed down through several generations. My grandfather (dead in 1959) had told of carving on the lead weights as a child in Illinois which would probably be in the1880's.
On the face of the clock is what is apparently a signature of the clockmaker; W. Nichotlon or Nidiotlon, Whitehaven. I think the clock is from England, but not sure.
If any information is available I would appreciate it.
Thank you
Gerald L Harned
N57W30766 Lakewood Dr
Hartland WI 53029
USA Gharnbarn@aol.com

Oct 2005
Do you have any information on a Henry Walker or better yet his son Henry (also) Walker circa the 1750s? George Walker would have been fighting in the French & Indian War in the United States at this time. Any information, leads, or contacts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you very much, Bob
Robert O. Stakeley
Project Archivist
Library & Archives

Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania
Senator John Heinz Pittsburgh Regional History Center(In Association with the Smithsonian Institution)1212 Smallman Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222-4200
Tel. 412-454-6368 Fax 412-454-6028
rostakeley@hswp.org

Hi I have been researching my family tree and have found that one of my
ancestors came from the Whitehaven area. I don't know where but her name was
margaret Sartorious or Sortorius and she was born around 1839. At the time
of 1881 census she was single and living in Liverpool with three children.
If anybody can help me I would be very grateful, Thanks J Cox cox1508@hotmail.com

August, 2005
Hi I am trying to find my ancestor on the 1851 census for 105 Queen St. Whitehaven - John Whitfield (48yrs), clogger. Can't seem to find the entry in the online entries. Also would he have advertised his business in the local papers of the time? Deborah Gillie" <debgillie@blueyonder.co.uk>

July 2005
I can only echo Stephen Denver's mail....Golden Ball is listed in 1881,
1871 and 1891 as 33 Irish St....we were looking for the same family and have
since made contact...does anyone have an old photo? I had an (inherited) old
photo of the pub which used to be on the site of the North - or previously
the Dolphin - pub
Mary Denvir

June 2005
I was looking with interest at your Internet site regarding Old Inns of Whitehaven. My interest is in genealogy and in particular my 2x gt grandmother, one Agnes Gowan. In the 1861 census she is resident at the address 21 Queen St, Whitehaven and indicates that she was a 46 yr old widow and head of the household with occupation "Innkeeper". My query therefore is, was 21 Queen St, at that time an Inn? Or did she live apart from the Inn? If the property she occupied on the night of the census was an Inn, I wonder if you are able to give me any details, such as its name, size, wasdid it have rooms to rent,ownership, etc?
Agnes' husband was William Gowan, a mail coachman, coaching between Whitehaven and Millom when he was alive and, indeed, in 1851 they were living at 3 Fox Lane, although he was absent on census night.
I would be most interested and obliged if you are able to give me any information.
Yours sincerely
Jenny Judson in Rotorua, New Zealand

April 2005

I am researching the life of Robert Alleyne Robinson who in 1861 came to be
private secretary to the second William Earl of Lonsdale; but he was little
known in this neighbourhood until in 1872 he succeeded upon the resignation
of Mr James Lumb of Holmewood, to the position of Chief agent of the
Whitehaven Castle Estate. He then became Lord Lonsdale's deputy at the
Whitehaven Trustee Board, and a number of important changes in local policy
marked his accession to office. On the completion of his twentieth year as
chief agent he was involved in a carriage accident and died on 1 December
1892.

I would be grateful if you have anything on Mr Robinson's life

Kind Regards

Margaret Robinson

Hi can you help my wife and i are moving to Parton around the end of may and she would like to know if there are any embroidery clubs in or around Whitehaven that she can join when we move thanks Derek

March 2005:

I've just been reading about Alan Routledge's study on the history of pubs
in Whitehaven and note that The Golden Ball is listed as number 87. This
is of interest to me because I'm undertaking some family history at the
moment and have found out that my Great Great Grandfather, John Denver, was
the landlord of The Golden Ball, 33 Irish Street, in 1881 (listed as a
Publican, Druggist and Brewer in the 1881 census). Any historical
information about the Golden Ball which you have, would be very
interesting to me.

Regards Stephen Denver/stephen.denver@hsbcib.com

December 2004, Hello ! I really admire Your informative well done web site! My question is:
1954 to 1957 I worked as a night shift weaver at WEST CUMBERLAND SILK MILLS.
does the company still operate or when did it close ?? I hope to visit the
region in one or two Years. Best regards Max Thyssen Charlotte NC USA
mgthy@earthlink.net
I wonder if you can help me?
I believe that my Grandmother, Jane Little worked at the Globe Hotel in Whitehaven.I wondered how I would be able to learn more about when and what she did. It must have been around 1912, she would have been about 16.
Hope you can put me in touch with someone who can help.

Many thanks
Jean G Mcdowell
jean@jgmcd.fsnet.co.uk

December 2003
I am trying to find infomation about a pub called the Maugh
Sloop it is listed in the 1881 census and my grandfather was
the Innkeeper William Barnes. It is not in your pub guide
the address was 20 West Strand Whitehaven Cumbria can you please help.
reply to Ken.reay2@btinternet.com

Sept 6 2003
Can anyone tell me anything about A McGILL Brickmakers of Whitehaven? I have recently demolished two sheds, both of which were built with "whitehaven" bricks,(very difficult to drill!), and bricks with the logo A McGILL WHITEHAVEN impressed on the frog.
Tking@scillybanks5.fsnet.co.uk

July 15 2003
My mother was born in Whitehaven. I have a pair of clogs that belonged to her.
What is the history of clogs as far as Whitehaven is concerned? One of my anncestors was harbourmaster of Whitehaven about 1830's. His name was Anthony Nicholson. Thank You. for any information on clogs you can give me.
Les Hunter
Tucson, Arizona
coronahunter@msn.com
Whitehaven.org.uk replies:Lancelot Brew was the last clogger and he had a clog shop in Roper Street until the 1970s...

06 May 2003 Hello from Australia!

I have recently learnt that some of my heritage is in Whitehaven and the surrounding area. I am trying to learn something about the history of Whitehaven as this is where my gr gr gr Grandfather was born. His name was James REED and he married a lady named Ann GRAHAM in Whitehaven in 1833. I would like to learn more about them obviously and also about Whitehaven during this period. Can you please direct me as to where appropriate information might be gleaned. Also, a special request - are there many people with the surname REED or GRAHAM in the vicinity still?

Thank you
Cheers
Robyn MacIntosh <macintosh.robyn.j@edumail.vic.gov.au>

Hello! My name is Rick Erny, and I'm writing to you from Indianapolis,
Indiana, United States of America. I belong to a historical re-enactment
group, and our impression is the 2nd Battalion, Border Regiment. Here is
our website: http://www.ballindalloch-press.com/2ndborder/index.html
.As part of my impression, I have chosen Whitehaven as my hometown, circa 1914-1918. After
visiting your site, I know I have chosen well. I can only hope to actually visit your lovely community some day.

Any information on Whitehaven during the Great War, especially schools and other such institutions that existed back then, would be greatly appreciated. I may be contacted at: rerny@cji.state.in.us

Thank you so much!Rick Erny (Message dated 23-8-02)

Hello Kind Person,
I am currently doing genealogical research on my mothers family and found your address on the web, I am hoping you can help me. My great great grandfather, James Devlin ran an Inn called the Rams' Head Inn. His brother also had a business called the Blacksmiths Arm. They were both located in Whitehaven. James had at least three sons Thomas Hugh and My great grandfather also called James. His birth date may be August of
1868. The family lived in Whitehaven many years eventually moving to the Isle of Man and the maybe to County Down, Northern Ireland. It is believed that James Devlin, Sr. died in December 7, 1889 and is buried in Fords Cemetery. We believe the family was Roman Catholic and the undertaker was T. Maquire of 25 Oldham street and 2 Myrtle Street. This summer I am hoping to make a trip to County Down, to the Isle of Man and to Whitehaven.
I don't know if you can provide me with any about this family. If not specific information perhaps you would know something about the two Inns they once owned, the Rams Head Inn and the Blacksmiths Arm. And most
important to my research the location of Fords Cemetery. Thank you so much for your time and effort in this matter Most Gratefully and Sincerely , Bernard Caulfield (BERNIECAUL@aol.com)