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I have had quite a number of enquiries over the life of the web site requesting information on relatives and potential family connections. This page will be dedicated to such requests and E-mails inviting
connections with relatives in and from this village will be posted on this page on request. Useful information may be obtained from www.statistics.gov.uk/registration look on family records - Research and Records - FRC.
Also www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/leeds.htm
In addition I add the following tips in the search for information on relatives in times past. :-
Locating a distant relative -
(a) contact the GRO (General Registration Office) at Smedley Hydro, Trafalgar Road, Southport.
PR8 2HH. Tel: 0870 243 7788 for births, marriages and deaths. Offer as much information as possible eg. date or year of birth, Fathers and Mothers names and approximate area.
(b) Further information can be
sought from the West Yorkshire Archives Office at Sheepscar, Leeds (0113 2456362 to make an appointment) to view registers of Baptism, Marriages and Burials from 1837 onwards.
(c) Enquiries on BM and B before
this time can be made to Don Beilby through the feedback page on this website.
(d) Contact Pontefract Family History Group on the links page, they cover the Methley area
(e) Try www.familysearch.org - this is the free website set up by the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church).
(f) Available 7 days a week is the
Local Studies Section of Leeds City Central Library, Calverley Street, Leeds LS1 3AB - they hold copies of parish registers, census returns, maps, directories etc. and can be contacted on 0113 2478290
and
localstudies@leedslearning.net (New addition 6.12.04)
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Methley Census
In his book Methley 2000, Jim Melvin publishes census details from 1841 to 1891. For reasons of space, Jim elects to display only selected records from the
returns.
However in the case of the rows of terraced houses at Methley Junction he shows the complete census records covering the years 1881 and 1891. The census for 1891 in addition to addresses names and ages, records where the householder originated from and as some of those names are unchanged from 1881 then it is possible to see that mineworkers migrated to this village during the second half of the nineteenth century.
It is interesting to see how many people originated from Wales, Notts and the Forest of Dean in Somerset but it is noticeable that the significant majority came from the West Midlands
It was largely handed down that the Staffordshire men came here as strike breakers, a simple view that is only a small part of the answer.
What can be deduced is that during the period 1850 to 1890 if the influx
at the Methley pits is mirrored throughout the thenYorkshire coalfield then a massive shift in population must have taken place.
It would seem that families were attracted to the new jobs and indeed new houses as
at Methley Junction and it is more than likely the mine owners played a part in encouragiong this movement which in turn also developed a more skilled workforce of engineers and supervisors. How did those
families make their way in those days - there were no removal vans, it must have been a mixture of cart travel and rail travel with a minimal amount of belongings.
At a Commemorative Meeting of a unique workmens
cooperative system at Whitwood Colliery in 1867, the Rector of Methley the Reverend Phillip Yorke Savile reflected on the harmony between masters and men under the scheme. He said that having lived in the area
for over 50 years he felt a deep interest in their welfare and rejoiced in their prosperity.
He also expressed the hope that as gas was being introduced to Methley Junction Pit, he would be pleased to welcome it at his own houseand also especially to those who worked night shifts. He added that he would be happy to reciprocate the boon by granting the use of a suitable field as a recreation ground. The Chairman at that meeting said that he was pleased to see that cock fighting, bull baiting and gambling had almost been eradicated.giving an observable improvement amongst the colliery population.
The enumerators of the 1891 census picked up places of origination, some of which are as follows:-
Taylor (Cambridgshire) Beards (Great Bridgeford, Staffs)
Websdale (Tibbenham, Norfolk) Booth (Walsall, Staffs)
Bailey (Darlaston, Staffs) Spencer (West Bromwich, Staffs)
Turner (Darlaston) Crew 25 (Kidsgrove, Staffs)
Crew 60 (Framlington, Gloucs) Wright (Donisthorpe, Leics)
Hartshorne (Bilston, Staffs) Williamson (Nuneaton, Warwicks)
Jackson (Foleshill, Warwicks) Whitaker (West Bromwich, Staffs)
Tremelling (Bilston,) Fellows (Pelsall, Staffs)
Perry (Wolverhampton) Kirkham (Ironbridge, Salop)
Grice (Bilston) Smith (Tipton, Staffs)
Jones (Hall Green, Staffs) Spencer ( Bilston)
Webster (Edwinstowe, Notts) Millard (Great Bridgeford)
Population statistics for Methley
1831 1293 1841 1678
1851 1926 1861 2475
1871 3277 1881 4073
1891 4329
For information on tradespeople and people of independent means in Methley read the article on Kelly’s Directories
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E- Mail Requests for Family Information
It was with great interest I am reading your website, especially to see the family name. Would you have any history about the Charlesworths
farm? Does it still exist? Are their still Charlesworth family members farming the original farm? How long ago did it come into the familys ownership? Is there any other interesting tales to be told?
Hoping you can assist or are able to pass on to the family, who may have some family tree details to assist with my studies.
Thanks & cheers Murray Charlesworth30 Avalon
Cres,Lower Hutt, WELLINGTON, New Zealand
Personal e-mail: Charlie@paradise.net.nz
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Good Morning Bill,It was great to look at your web site and gain more knowledge on the village of
Methley.I am researching the above families and have traced some to Methley,Oulton,Mickletown.I have seen a photo of a Harold Firth on another site - he looks about 10 years old in a Mickletown football team.(Photo about 1943) Now I have seen the photo of Peter Firth.Could you put me in touch with any
Firth's in the area?
I married a lad from Kippax and we live in Qld Australia - so it is a bit hard to pop over and look for myself.
Hoping you can help me
Maureen Firth boxers_willander@primus.com.au
7th April, 2004 E-mail from Diane Sugden (Nee Wheeler) of Castleford formerly of The Hollings, Methley. Hi Bill,
A few months ago I e-mailed you because a Maureen Firth from Australia was enquiring about any relatives of Thomas Firth.
I e-mailed Maureen because Thomas Firth was
my
great, great grandad and we have finally discovered that Thomas Firth was the brother of her great, great grandad Eli. This information as really helped me with my research. so " thanks to your excellent website".
Diane Sugden (nee Wheeler) T&D@sugden7509.fsnet.co.uk
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My mothers family came from Methley, My Grandma was born Charlotte Elizabeth Wright.
I am trying to complete a family tree and wonder if you know where I could get access to the parish registers. I know my parents were married in Methley and my Grandad buried there.
As I
live in Germany the research is difficult. I am coming to the UK in June and hope to visit Methley with my daughter to look at the church.
Do you know how I can contact the Vicar/Rector to arrange to look at the records.
Sorry to bother you but I could not find any other contact.
RegardsSheila Vine
In der Masch 35
33175 Bad Lippspringe
Germany
Telephone 0049 5252 1486
Fax 0049 5252 934821
sheilavine@yahoo.co.uk
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Hi, I enjoyed reading through your website. I'm looking for any information on the CLAYBROUGH
family that lived at Pit Head House, Methley in the mid to late 1800s, and wondered if you have or know of anyone that might have heard of them? I have the following names:
1 Edward CLAYBROUGH 1849 +Mary UNKNOWN 1847
Beatrice Louisa CLAYBROUGH 1874 Ethel CLAYBROUGH 1879
Ester CLAYBROUGH 1880 James CLAYBROUGH 1883
John CLAYBROUGH 1889
any info would be greatly appreciated.
Best regards
Nick Pye npye@stustongranary.co.uk
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Does anyone remember the Stringer family from Little Church Lane?
Please contact J Waite on;
Jwaite21@yahoo.co.uk
Also does anyone know how Betty Lockwood is?
Thanks. Joyce Waite.
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Hi Bill.
Well here goes. I am sending you some things re the Crewe family of Methley as you requested. Samuel Crewe (1856-1932) and Hannah
(Owen)(1859 1947) had 7 children, all born in and around Methley. 4 ended up in Winnipeg, Canada and 3 stayed in England, 2 of the 3 remaining till they died in Methley, the
eldest Beatrice and the youngest Francis. I have sent you a picture of everyone. Samuel and Hannah are #1 and #2, the children and their families then follow by numerical order of the
photos, eldest to youngest. I have also included a genealogy report from the computer. ( probably more than you really want.) Anyway you can let me know if any of this is really
helpful to anyone or if you want something else or in a different format. The one mystery that remains is the Crewe connection to a pub, and was it the one next door to their shop? You can
read about the reference to it in the notes  that go along with daughter Laura Crewe who
married Harold Davey. Supposedly the girls attended a girls private school (this may not be true) I wonder which school it might have been. I wonder if either Samuel or Hannah left a
will and where one could find that? I could send you a copy of Crewe tree #1if you think anyone is interested. I wonder also when the Crewe shop (now Post Office) was sold and if
their was a sale or and auction or notice in the papers? There is always more to find out isn't there. I thank you again for all your help and also that of Don Beilby. He might be interested
to read this. I need your address if you want me to send the tree. Cheers and a Happy New Year to everyone in Methley.
Myra Davey - Victoria BC Canada akdav@coastnet.com
Samuel and Hannah came from Bristol and Ironbridge respectively for work at the new coal mines and new housing. They originally lived at 53 Loscoe Drive, Normanton where
Samuel possibly worked at Dom Pedro Mine or Good Hope Mine which is now covered by junction 31 of the M62. Their first 2 children were born at Loscoe and the others in
Methley. They moved to Green Row where he possibly worked at the new Methley Junction pit and later Hannah lived at ‘Crescent House’ which is possibly the shop where
she ran a Milliners/drapers business. Myra included in her information the Crewe Family Tree a section of which I include on the Nostalgia page.
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Hi
Wonderful site, I visit quite regular hoping to see anything or anyone connected to the surname Flockton, as yet no luck, so I thought I’d E-mail you, hoping you may be able to help me.
I have recently started to trace my grandfathers family and they
came from Methley, surname Flockton. I know that at one time some of them lived at Low Common, Carr Houses and 76, Fords Row, Whitwood Mere. They married into the Wright
Family and the Cherrett family, are those houses still there? are any of the above families still around?
My grandfather came from Yorkshire to Cornwall to live so
there are a few Flocktons down here but by living in this part of the country I’m a little too far away to find out the things I need to know. I know my
gggrandfather (Daniel Flockton) was married at St Oswalds, Methley in 1865 to Mary Wright. Daniel had several children, my ggrandfather John Edward Flockton born 1882 Methley, my
grandfather John Flockton was born 1911 at Whitwood.
I hope to hear from somebody who is or who knows any members of the Flockton Family.
Gina graham@dec1990.freeserve.co.uk .
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Hi. I was surfing the web looking for info. on Claytonville, Methley and I found your site.
I have reason to believe that my gr.gr.gr.grandmother's son, Murray Clayton, a retired machine maker from Leeds
was living in Methley in 1881. My gr.gr.gr.grandmother's name is Margaret Murray and her brother is the
famous Matthew Murray of Leeds. Her son, Murray carries the family name as his first name as does her grandson who was born in Methley. Here is the 1881 census entry for the Claytons in Methley:
Name relation MaritalStatus Gender Age Birthplace Occupation
Murray CLAYTON Head M Male 65 Leeds, Yorks Retired Machine Maker
Mary CLAYTON Wife M Female 65 Hatfield, Yorks
Murray CLAYTON Son U Male 21 Methley, Yorks Machine Toolmaker (E & M)
Ann HAWES Servt U Female 17 Methley, Yorks Gen Servt
I need to know if you have access to any information on my Clayton
ancestors in Methley and whether Claytonville is a place, a house or perhaps a village.
Any assistance you can render regarding the above queries would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Ron Stallard,
Nova Scotia, Canada ronald.stallard@ns.sympatico.ca
I have given Ron some background information re Clayton Villa and St Oswalds
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Hi Bill,
My husband's GG grandmother Martha ELY married Elijah TAYLOR at St Oswalds in 1861, though the family lived in Rothwell.
Martha's brother Charles lived in Methley from 1858 until his death in 1902 at was buried at St Oswalds. I was wondering if there were any ELY gravestones still extant.Elijah TAYLOR's brother Peter TAYLOR also lived at Foxholes, Methley from some time in the 1870s.
Would appreciate any information on these families.
Thanks Judith Armstrong
Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia robjud@bacchusmarsh.net.au
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HiI
just wondered if you know if there are any
pictures of the House at Lemon Royd Lock, it is just that some of my distant relations were living there according to the 1901 census. I Suppose it is long gone now, but my relation John R Mattinson
was the General Lock Keeper at the time of the census.
I do hope you do not mind this type of query.
kind regards
Jane Roberson robeysales@robey10.fsnet.co.uk
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Hi Bill, My name is Michelle Rowlands (nee Carr), I am originally from Pudsey and have lived in Adelaide Australia for the past 35 years and I am researching my family tree.
They were the family of Emmanuel and Mary Ann Carr
of Mickletown, Methley (listed on 1881 census.) Also the family of William and Elizabeth Hudson of 12 Lower Goslam, Rothwell, (also as listed on 1881 census) These are my great, great grandparents.On 1901 census I believe that Emmanuel and Mary Ann still lived in Methley.
I have also found my great grandparents on 1891 census William and Emily Carr living at 20 Low Row, Methley. My dad was born at Thwaite Gate, Hunslet - Is this close to Methley?
Do you know which church they may have belonged to going by the addresses?
Any information at all is most welcome.
Thanks, keep up the great work, I will be visiting
the site again to learn more about my where my family lived.
Well done.
Michelle. shelby39@bigbutton.com.au
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My son's g-g-g-grandmother, Rachel CONNELL
was born in Methley c.1816. She was the daughter of George CONNELL, a waterman. She married in 1838 to John GLOVER, another waterman, son of Thomas GLOVER, shoemaker. If anyone has any further information on this family I would love to hear from them.
My email address is uklancs@aol.com
Thanks
Brenda Jolley
Phillip Connell was Landlord at the Lord Nelson public house certainly from 1861 to 1892, there is also a headstone to one of the Connells in the churchyard. However Brenda does not think it is the same line.
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Hello,
My name is Rebecca Spence and for the past two years I have been researching my family tree and found links with Methley. My great, great grandfather William Spence moved to Methley
where he was a ship's carpenter from
either Knottingley or Pontefract, where his parents lived. Through the 1881 and 1901 census I have traced his sister,my great, great aunt Selina who was married to a Levi Winterburn
who was a grocer in Mickeltown, and is listed as being on the jury in your murder at Foxholes article. Their son Fred is listed as being a methodist minister. Any further information anyone has on these families would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to finding out more at the heritage days.
My ggg grandfather was Richard Spence, a mariner who is recorded as living at Caroline Bridge House in both 1881 and 1901. He died in 1904, however I have been unable to locate a grave in St Oswald's
cemetery. Richard had two sons named Joseph Richard Spence who were both living in Methley in 1901. One was
living at a grocers shop in Woodrow, I have heard that the Spence family ran a grocers shop in Methley for many years and would love to know more. The other was living in the Windmill cottages, Low Common. Richard and his wife Mary(Shooter) also had daughters named Dinah, Caroline Ann, Ann and Florrie, as well as my gg grandmother Ellen Elizabeth.
Rebecca Spence
swanton_bekky_@hotmail.com
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I am a descendent of the Smirthwaite's in Methley.
I remember seeing a grave by the side of Methley
Church dated in 1600s and the family graves from the 1700's were on either side of the path leading to the church door.
I have in my possession a family bible from the 1720s that was a gift to Robert
Smirthwaite of Hazel Farm from his mother. I also have a family will from the 1740's where one guinea was to be given to all those of the poor and needy that attend my funeral also mention of out houses
and orchards in Stanley in the Parish of Wakefield.
There was a beautiful large oil painting by John
Rooke. who's daughter married a John Smirthwaite, of Manor Farm or Manor House. This was still in the possession of my fathers cousin some 20 years ago but I have no idea of what has happened to it since. However my Mother now age 94 has an ink drawing copy from it that was made about 30 years ago.
The family left Methley in the late 1800's and
settled in Doncaster and Nottingham. My Mother still lives in Doncaster. I left the Yorkshire area when I was 15 and have always lived in the South so any family research has been difficult.
I like you web
site and if I can ever help or if you have information that you think I would be of interest please contact me.Geoff. Smirthwaite
geoff@smirthwaite.co.uk
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I emigrated to Australia in 1974 but have returned to the village oftenover the years. I lived at 60 Pinfold Lane, opposite the old prisoncamp, now demolished. I still have relatives (Grayson
and Pyrah) in thearea and am finally researching my family history. Anyone who wants or can provide information about the Grayson family from Penistone (arrived in Methley 1860s
in the form of Jim Grayson, coal miner) please contact me. My grandfather was Herbert Grayson, mother Frances Hobbs nee Grayson. My fathers family came from Ackworth and Featherstone.
I also have
good memories of the village and may be able to help with some areas. For your interest I work as an historian and heritage consultant in Canberra, Australia.
Its good to see that there are some who still remember the old days.
Good luck with the site.
Roger Hobbs
Roger.Hobbs@deh.gov.au 15.7.2004
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Dear Bill
I have enjoyed looking at your webpages on Methley. Most informative. My name is Judith Kaye. My grandfather was Redfern Kaye
(born 1875 in Methley) who was married to Clara Bilton (b1877 in Methley). Redfern's parents were George Kaye and Ann Asquith. Clara's parents were Frederick Bilton and Elizabeth Bell. If you have any information on the above or are in contact with people who might know I would be grateful if they could contact me. My new e-mail address is kaye2226@hotmail.com.
Yours sincerely
Judith (Sydney Australia)
Sep 2004 Judith received an E-mail from Roy Kaye formerly of Normanton who was able to throw light on her enquiry where both of them share the same g g grandfather - George Kaye of Methley. Roy had earlier been helpful to me in connection with an enquiry regarding the Parker family.
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My father, Colin Jackson,
born in 1925, lived at Low Common until he married my mother and moved to Oulton where I was born. He was captain of Methley United football team in the 1940's and was a brilliant football player. He worked at the Savile Pit and Junction pit till he went to the Water Haigh. The most wonderful man I ever knew and he died last December 2004. My maternal grandmother
Eliza Mary Hodgson
was born at Red House in 1902. I am guessing that her parents were employed by the council and that's why they lived there, but we really don't know. I would love to hear from people who knew my Dad and his family and my great grandfather George Hodgson and his family from Red House.
I live in Sacramento, California, but I still have family living in Methley, Oulton and Garforth and I get to visit regularly. I was in Methley at
the Methley Archive meeting and gave lots of photos to put on the web site.
Looking forward to regularly checking all the Methley sites
Sheila Vick nee Jackson froschle1@yahoo.com
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G'day Bill,
I am sure you won't remember me but I do remember you, and Ivor Cookman.I have attached a couple of photographs, One, No 43 Pinfold lane in the snow and Two of Savile Transport in the yard
behind where the old Police
station used to be, behind John Ely's house. The business went bankrupt in about 1967 but employed 100 + people, mostly locals from the Castleford area and at least one driver from Featherstone. The business operated 44 trucks in its peak and the owners were
Arthur Marsh, Cliff Marsh and Ron Marsh. Arthur later formed a new haulage business operating from a yard at Watergate. My father ( Cliff Marsh ) came to Australia, he passed away here in Perth in
1998. Ron still lives in Methley.
My older brother
Ronnie lives in The Oakfield's off Pinfold lane. My younger brother Garry is in Cairns, North Queensland and I live in Perth Western Australia, 5000klms from Garry.
It is really good to see your
web pages and brings back many many memories. One of the articles recalls two 10 year olds getting stuck in the
mud in a bell hole, well I can relate to that because in 1960 Roger Beilby ( used to live opposite Eamonsons butchers on main street , now living at Albury Waddonga in NSW Australia ) and I got our selves in exactly the same mess with the same result. We were still living at Old Rectory Farm in those days and the transport yard was there. I drove to Albury and met Roger again in1984.
You might also be interested to know that Elaine, Leslie and Yvonne Whittaker all live with their families not 200 meters from my home, all Methley girls.
I hope you can use the photo's.
Regards
Cliff Marsh margiemarsh@bigpond.com
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Dear Bill,
I am trying to find out more about some relatives/family friends who lived in Methley, Allerton Bywater and Castleford. I wander if you can help me? Firstly, I am trying to find
out more information about Mr Tommy Lunn, who was the Barber in Methley at the beginning of the last century. He had a sister called Sally I believe.
I have also noticed on the Bomfi site you link to, amongst the old photographs, a picture of a Mr Henry Laurenson, the ferryman posted by Minett who I see has sadly died now. My great-great
Grandfather was Henry Lawrenson. He was a Coal Miner who lived in Allerton Bywater and born at Whitwood. He was aged 44 in 1901. Do you know if this Mr Henry Laurenson could be a mis-spelling and
be his son or grandson? The photo of the ferryman is dated 1943 so would very much doubt it was my actual great-great Grandfather as he would be in his 80s if still alive!
Would any of your readers
remember the barber, the barbershop, or the ferryman? Any information would be gratefully received. (12/04)
Mrs Justine Wall graeme-wall@ntlworld.com
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Dear Bill
I am researching my family history from London (difficult in itself) and have come across two names, John Stead and James Stead, both of whom apparently were blacksmiths in
Methley, around 1830 and 1860 respectively.  However, I can only find one reference to
John (presumably James' father) and none to James (who married Annis Atkinson) on the websites. Would you be able to tell me
whether this information is true? I should also be delighted to know any details about the Stead/Atkinson families and definitely would appreciate any scanned photos or other docs involving any
of them. On the Methley Tour site it mentionsHunts Farm, with a picture of Ossy Stead.
Many thanks and best wishes
Jan Alsop J.Alsop@ion.ucl.ac.uk
Picture is Jan outside what was once Hunt’s (Stead’s) farm
April 2005. Jan also viewed Templar House where her Mother had previously lived, St Oswalds and the Churchyard with kind direction by Don Beilby.
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Dear Bill:
I am beginning to look into my family history and recently visited Methley, where my mother’s family originated. I have found your website fascinating.
I have had in my possession for some 40 years the Honours Board from the former Methley Church School. It hangs in pride of place in the stair well of our house in Newbury,
Berkshire.
My mother, Dorothy Thompson, lived with
her parents (whom I never met, as they both died before I was born in 1947) and her two sisters and brother, in a house in Church Lane, I believe. Her sisters were Alice (known as
Meg) and Connie (who died in her teens) and her brother was John Stanley. My mother was born in 1912 and both her and her sister Alice’s names appear on the Honours Board
as having gained County Minor Scholarships (to Castleford Grammar School).My mother trained as a teacher at Ripon College and subsequently taught in a school in Harewood
before coming south to Essex, meeting my father and marrying. She told us of her days in Methley, which of which I sadly no longer
recall. What I do remember is that her father worked in the mine, where he was, I think, responsible for the pit ponies, and was one day killed by being pinioned (maybe underground)
by a runaway truck. Her mother was a homemaker and, among other things, would bake a loaf of bread especially for communion services, presumably at St Oswalds.
Robert Whiting (03/05)
r.whiting@onetel.net
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I’m researching into my family history and I've come to a stumbling block,
I do hope you can help me. Could you please let me know who to contact to find out if my great grandfathers grave is in St. Oswalds graveyard. I do know that they were married there and my grandfather,
John Henry Wyke and his sister were living in Methley in 1901. My great grandmother Martha Wyke was living there
also, I did come over to look but it was impossible. If you have the name or number of someone I could contact about this please email it to me at caswyke@aol.com I would be very grateful.. Martha was living with her husband Henry,aged 63, and her two sons,Arthur aged 17 and Albert aged 13. at Low Green Terrace. I also found on the census my great grandfather, Henry's son Philip, his wife Laura and their children Alathra, 6 and John Henry( my grandfather) aged 2. They were living at Oak Fields. I would be grateful for any information especially if anyone actually remembers anything about them.Could you forward anything to me.
Carol Buchan
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Dear Sir,
I am trying to trace my husbands side of the family by doing
the family trees. Last weekend we visited the church yard to see if any relatives were buried there. There were non. Please can you tell me where else from Methley people went to be buried? He had quite a few relatives in the 1800’s to the middle 1900’s but can find no graves for them.
The family name is Parkin
Regards
Amanda Parkin (05/05) parkinsamtr@aol.com
Next time Amanda call me Bill
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Dear Bill,
My name is Maureen Byrne, I was born in Castleford but have spent most of my adult life in the East Midlands, now living in Nottingham.
I am tracing my family history when time
permits, presently being interested in my Great Grandparents Joseph and Martha Green.
In 1901 they lived with their family at 36 Boatstake, Methley. Joseph was a miner and I believe that, Martha at sometime, grew flowers which she sold on a stall in Castleford Market 1920's? 
Also one of their sons is named on the War Memorial in St Oswalds Church yard, Smith Green.
I wish to know where the Parish records for St Oswalds are held and how to arrange a look at them. Also if you can direct me to any other records.I have one photograph of Joe Green in
his greenhouse He still has two surviving Granddaughters, that I know of, one is my mother now ninety three and her cousin who is seventy eight. I would be grateful for any help
Kind Regards,
Maureen Byrne. (04/05) maureenbyrne8350@sky.com
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Dear Bill,
I am looking for any information on my ancestors and hope someone perusing the pages of your website may be able to add to my family history?
My Great Grandfather Fred Stansfield was born in Mickletown Methley in 1879. His father
George Stansfield was a Coal Miner and resided in Mickletown Methley. His mother was Emma Stansfield, formerly Holdsworth.
Regards
Mrs Karen McGathan (maiden name Stansfield) mcgathan@aol.com
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Dear Editor
My name is Mark Harrison and I live in Adelaide, South Australia. My Grand-father was Albert Harrison
of Methley, Leeds 26.
Apparently he lived in the village of Methley, was one of 11 children, he later went worked Yorkshire Copper works in Stourton. If he was alive today he would be 97.
His family lived in one of the terraced houses
after the white pub on the main road as you go through methley coming from Rothwell, before you get to the Cricket Club and the Rose and Crown. I don't know the name of the row of terraces but there around 9 or 10 of them on your left as you pass. I only know this as my Grandmother pointed at them as we drove past in a car many years ago.
His first wife later died when he was in his 40's and my father was 3 in 1953. He was a lone father for a few years which was very difficult back then I guess. He then went
on to marry a lady called Edna
May from Castleford, sorry I only know her as Edna May Harrison who had a sister called Muriel who lived at 3 Lane Ends and another called Edy who was married to a miner called Lester all from Castleford (I think). I don't know any of my Grandfather's Brother's or sister's names other than
Belle who died at age 99 in 2003.
Basically, I know very little of my family history
and wish to know more about this gentleman and my history. If you or anyone does have any knowledge of him or his numerous Brothers and sisters . I would be much obliged to hear from you or anyone with even the slightest snippet of info.
Regards
Mark Harrison (06/05) ozeharrisons@iinet.com.au
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Hi Bill
My great grandfather and his wife ran the Rose And Crown for at some period in the early 1900's, up to (I suspect) his death on 11th April 1926. he was Robert William Barker
(died aged 71 on 11th April 1926) and she was Martha Jane Barker - which confusingly was also her maiden name (died aged 81 on 21st Nov 1941).
We know very little else about them, other than he
had also been the Inn Keeper at The Shamrock, Clifford. The inn is now a private home called Shamrock House, 11, High Street, on the
corner of Albion Street. Then he became landlord of the Rose and Crown, Methley
They are
buried together at Methley in St Oswald's Church graveyard behind The Rose And Crown, next to the the back wall of the pub.
Would the community archive be likely to have photographs or any other
information on either of
them? I understand that the present owner of the Rose And crown had his photograph taken by the society for their records, so I was hoping the Barkers may have had theirs taken, too.
Their children, born in the 1890's seem to have been fascinating characters. For example, Charles Oxtoby Barker (1892 - 1916)
died aged 24 in the First World War when he was thrown from a horse, whilst serving as a gunner with the RGA. Although (we assume) the
family was Church Of England, he is buried in a grave situated just through the gates at St Luke’s Catholic Church, Clifford
If you have any information or photographs at all on the publicans or
their children, it would be fantastic!!
thank you very much in anticipation,Grant Barker, (11/05)
Grbarker@worldonline.co.uk
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My name is Catherine and I live in Derbyshire, I came accross your site whilst researching my family tree and thought it was great.
My Great Grandfather was Bill Mosely
who I believe was the Station Porter in Methley for many years.
Bill Mosely married Sarah Ann Bosworth in 1913 in they had 2 children Nelson & Tommy who they had before they were married and so the
children had their mothers surname (Bosworth). My Grandfather was Nelson Bosworth.
Both Bill & Sarah were born in the Midlands Bill in Nottingham & Sarah in Ockbrook. This is all I know
about them, I've no idea how they came to be in Methley and whether they lived out their days there, so any info you can give would be great
Catherine Spare
ukcadjin@hotmail.com
I was able to pass on some information to Catherine and I continue to ask. (Aug 05)
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I am currently trying to find further info and photos of the Troths
from Methley : Harry & Clara Troth and their children Lucy & Marshall (and
possibly Harry Jr) lived in the village between approx 1884 and 1891.
Any help you can give would be gratefully received.
Andrew Troth (Bradford) mail@andrewtroth.co.uk (Dec 05)
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Researching the Backhouse family Richard Backhouse married Mary Denison, Mary's parents were Thomas Denison and Hannah Shuttleworth
married 1806. Thomas’ parents were Richard Denison and Grace Fletcher married 1778, one of the sons of Richard Backhouse married a Hough. Love to hear from anybody with connection to these families.
Bill, Avoca Beach , NSW
Kevin Lane in Newcastle made contact in Aug2001 (see Visitors Book) re the same antecedents. Need Kevin to make contact again (Feb 06)
3rd July 2006
I
wonder if you could help me. I noticed on the Family History page the above and I wondered if there was anyway of contacting Bill as research into my family tree has uncovered that Richard Backhouse was
my 4x great grandfather, and I will like to share information with him.
Diane Howard andyhoward@blueyonder.co.uk
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I am researching into the Chatham family as I am related by way of my great grandmother who had an affair with I believe
William Lawson Chatham believed to have been a coachman for the Earl of Mexborough of Methley Hall. William Lawson Chatham was alledgedly found drowned in Fleet beck in 1909
PTHORPE5@aol.com |
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Hello, (4th July 2006)
I am looking for some information on the Hartshorne family who lived
in methley, they originated from Bilston staffs. William and Martha Hartshorne were living in methley having several children (Information from the 1881 census records):
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Harriet HARTSHORN
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Daur
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13
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Burntwood, Stafford, England
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Scholar
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Isaiah HARTSHORN
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Son
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7
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Chase Feria, Stafford, England
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Scholar
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William HARTSHORN
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Son
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6
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Chase Feria, Stafford, England
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Scholar
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Maria HARTSHORN
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Daur
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3
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Featherstone, York, England
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Albert HARTSHORN
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Son
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5 mth
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Featherstone, York, England
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William was born in 1875. Who did this William marry and how many and who were his children?
Hope you can Help
Benjamin Durham stuartdurham15@aol.com
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Dear Bill
Have read with interest all that is on the Methley village website I would like to register my interest in
Benjamin Burnley and John T Rayner who were
instrumental in much of the mining in the Methley area. Benjamin was my ggg grandfather and John my gg grandfather. Both died at Methley House in Methley Lane which Benjamin built in the first part of the 1850s. Does anyone know what happened to the house or if it is still standing?
I note that Alan and Pamela in Australia appear on
your Forum and I have been in contact with them over the last year. I have just published a book called ROOTS AND ALL - a history of the Eaton and Hastings families. This has much fascinating information on the Burnleys and Rayners and I am sure there would be people in Methley who would be interested. Is it possible to organise a link to my site: www.bedepublications.com which gives more detail of the book?
With many thanks
Dinah Eaton dinah@f2s.com (09/06)
Dinah has visited Wakefield doing FH and visited the churchyard some 3
years ago from her home in Brockenhurst - she saw the Burnley window and the Rayner gravestone but would like to locate a gravestone for Benjamin Burnley.
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Hello
I wonder if you maybe able to help me. I am currently trying to research my family history. My paternal Great
Grandfather was called James William Clarke. He was born in Hull at the very beginning of the 20th Century, but by 1969/1970 he was living in Methley. His second marriage was to a lady called
Edith Cora Webster (known as Cora). They had a daughter called Margaret. I know that her married name was Speight. I am trying to contact her and wondered if you maybe able to assist.
I would be grateful of any assistance you could provide.
Sarah Clarke (11/06)
s.a.clarke@yorkshireuniversities.ac.uk
Margaret lived in the Albert Place and I have seen her from time to time - but unable to locate her at present.
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mandy.hirst@tesco.net (01/07)
I wonder if you could be off any help, I’m having a go at tracing some of my family tree & as there are no older members of my
family left alive it is difficult to find a starting point. As a child I remember spending some of my long summer holidays in Methley at an Aunts I believe they lived somewhere near Pinfold Lane as this name is very
familiar to me. There would have been at least two generations of the same family, but the family name would have been different PRIESTLEY (my great-grandfather) & SUNDERLAND. To the best of my
knowledge both my grand mother & her sister were married in Methley in the 1920’s & had a dual wedding HARRIET PRIESTLEY marrying SIDNEY HIRST (my grand father) & EMILY PRIESTLEY marrying WILLIAM SUNDERLAND,
the SUNDERLANDS had 2 sons COLIN & ROY, EMILY & BILLY remained in the house until their deaths in the 1970’s. I understand that Roy’s 2 daughters BEVERLY & TRACEY are still living somewhere in
the Methley area
If you are able to offer any suggestions as to where I may find any relevant information I would be most Grateful
Yours truly,
Mandy Harriet Hirst
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Hi, (02/07)
I hope you can help me, I am
tracing my family tree and I am stuck on my great grandmother. According to the 1891 census, she was living in Whitwood with her family and she was born on 28th January, 1879 in Methley. Her name was
Tryphena Clark. It means alot to me if you could help, she also had a brother called Samuel Clark, born Methley in 1888 and died 1891 registered in Pontefract.
Thanking you
Janet Clarke janet1508@tiscali.co.uk
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Dear Bill 05/07
I stumbled upon you website whilst searching for my husbands ancestors the Blackers.
I believe John Blacker
married Elizabeth Atkinson in Methley on 18th August 1823.They had a least three children Thomas, Ann and Margaret. Thomas later married Fanny and moved to York where he traded as a shoemaker in Walmsgate. Thomas was my husbands Great great Grandfather I would appreciate any information on either family or to hear from anyone who is descended from the
Blackers of Methley.
Living in deepest Lincolnshire, makes travelling to all the archives very difficult, so many thanks for any help.
Regards Anita Muchall IanMuchall@aol.com
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Hello Bill
I am currently living in the Forest of Dean Glos, but my Father's family hail from West Yorkshire, My Grannie was Lily Wright
daughter of James Arthur and Priscilla Wright, Priscilla was one of Jim Grayson's
daughters. Priscilla and James Arthur lived in Dennison Square (Jingo Nick), James Arthur played the big drum in the Methley prize band in 1901. My Father was baptised in St Oswalds by the Bishop of Knaresborough, and he tells me you are not a true christian unless you have been "dipped at Mucky Methley!" his words not mine. They have a long history in Methley.
May I congratulate you on a very informative and intersting site, also the Methley Commanet contirbutions are exceptional and have been a great help in my researches.
Jacqui Freegard
<chasingrainbows02@btinternet.com > 07/07
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My father's family were supposedly all from Lancashire, particularly Hulme as many of them were bombed out during
the war.
I now know that most of us came from Yorkshire (even my husband has more Yorkshire links than the Scotland and Lancashire we knew about!). So - I would love it if anybody can fill in the gaps. My father's grandmother was
HANNAH JANE COLLINSON, born in Methley around 1838. Parents were CHARLES (born Bradford) and JANE POPPLEWELL
born Methley 6 December 1808. Her father was BENJAMIN POPPLEWELL and he was baptised on 26 December 1767 but I know not where. His occupation is thought to have been as a tailor. He married
ESTHER HARTLEY in Leeds on 9 October 1793. I think his father was a JOSEPH POPPLEWELL who married JANE GELDARD on 16 April 1745 again in Leeds.
If any of the lovely people of Methley who
feature on your website have any information or who would undertake a search of the parish registers for me I would be more than happy to cover any expenses. Also if any Methley folk think their
relatives may have migrated "down south" to Devon I will be happy to look for them.
Thank you in advance
Sheila Eyre in Honiton, Devon SHEILASheilaE@aol.com 07/07
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I have recently found out that my grand mother was born in Pontefract in
1909 and worked as a cook/domestic at 14 St Margarets Road, Mickletown, Methley. Her name was Gertrude May Baugh
and she lived at 83 North Baileygate, Pontefract. Do you know how I can obtain anyf urther information about her or the address she was at especially who might have lived at her employers house.
Thanking you
in anticipation - We have also been in touch with the Nursing Home Cedars where my grandmother died
Many thanks to Don Beilby who referred me to Charles Potts
a son of Gertrude Baugh It was only some time later when checking the visitors book I saw that a Charles Potts had made contact in December 2006 subsequently they are now in touch.
Kim Stovold patton4401@aol.com 08/07
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Bill
Great to see the Methley website just found it. I will add a link on http://www.wells-genealogy.org.uk/alimited.htm
My wife runs our local website: www.armadale.org.uk which has a small link with yours (
Welles and Nita Knapp!) I am one of the north Yorkshire Wells (but born in Leeds): and run the UK Wells website: http://www.wells-genealogy.org.uk/
Keep up the good work.
Best Wishes John Wells 02/08
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Joanne Hinchlif in Thorne is hoping she can find information about her Grandfather his name was Hazelgrove and he would have been in the Methley area from 1930 to 1940.
Hinchlifj@aol.com 02/08
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Good morning Bill,
I found your website some time ago but was hesitant in asking for help as I have not done anything like this before!
I am researching my elderly (84) Aunt's family
from Yorkshire and discovered that her ggreat-Grandfather is buried in St Oswald's churchyard. The family were living in Woodrow Hill.
Problem is we all live in Australia and I would love to have a photo of
his headstone to give her His details: John Massey Sims buried section 7a plot 57
Inscription reads: "In Affectionate
remembrance of/ Thy will be done/ John Massey Sims/ Late of Leeds/Died April 5th 1875/ aged 72 years/ His son Tom Watson Sims/ died Oct 30th 1874 aged 18 years
I would be extremely grateful if there is anyone who could help me in this regard -
Kind regards
Yvonne Howarth
ylhowarth@optusnet.com.au (06/08) Photo duly sent
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I moved over from Canada about a year ago,and I have been doing some researching of my family tree for a number of years.
The only info that I have so far on my GGrandparents is as follows......
Henry Smith .......Son of William Smith Born 1834 in Glasshoughton
Henry was Born in 1860 I believe in Glasshoughton also
He was married to Annie ....surname formally Etherington or Hetherington
Born 8 August 1873Whitwood mere. Marriage was Possibly at St Oswalds in 1891
My Grandmother their daughter Harriet was born May 22 1901 and her parents were living at Low Common Methley at that time,I am
aware my Grandmother had other siblings one named Bill or William and a sister called Lottie
But I don’t know much about them just bits and pieces
Put Kevin who now lives in Garforth in touch with Elaine Williams
You may contact me at the following email address kevin.oxberry@btinternet.com
Thank You
Kevin Oxberry (06/08)
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I am descended from a line of Fletchers, present in Methley from at least 1825
John Fletcher
Believed to be a stone mason
& listed as such in an 1822 Trade Directory (Baines Yorkshire West Riding) covering the Methley area. In 1835 is listed as being both a Stone Mason & Landlord of The Lord Nelson Inn, Mickletown
James Fletcher
b. Oct 30th 1825, in Methley, d. summer 1883 aged 69. Â A teacher at Methley Sunday School at age 13 (I assume this was a part-time voluntary position) his wife Emma Fletcher, daughter Eliza Fletcher, son John Fletcher, & other daughters Sarah Anne Fletcher, Emily Fletcher, Ann Elizabeth Fletcher. Married Emma at Methley Parish Church, St. Oswalds on 14.11.1854 with the ceremony being conducted by Philip Yorke Saville. This was James’ first marriage and he was resident in Methley at the time and working as a labourer.
Eliza Fletcher b. Jan 1855, Methley
John William Fletcher b. October 11th 1856, Methley. A Colliery Fireman in 1881 at age 25Francis Fletcher (female) b. 1865, Methley. Listed as being a dressmaker in the 1881 Census, still living with parents at age 16 in 1881.
George Fletcher b. 1866, Methley. A Colliery Carpenter at age 15 in 1881.
Edwin Fletcher b. 1868, Methley. Listed as a Scholar at age 12 in 1881 & a
Colliery Carpenter in 1891 at age 22. There is a prominent grey headstone towards the rear wall of Methley Churchyard towards the rear of the Rose and Crown pub which states: In Loving Memory of Clara, beloved wife of Edwin Fletcher
Janice Newsome newsome387@btinternet.com 04/08
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