The lasting influence of Richard Arkwright's achievements on Great Britain's history should not be under-estimated. Major changes to both society and industry took place during the Industrial Revolution and Arkwright's involvement in and contribution to these changes was enormous. His cotton mills, followed by the building of Willersley Castle, totally changed the parish of Matlock and the surrounding area.

There is a great deal of information already on this site, so there is no short biography about him on this page.

Please see:
Arkwright's Cotton Mill includes biographical details as well as discussing his Masson mill
Kelly's (1891) Directory of Cromford is worth reading
Other Cromford Directories mention Arkwright
There is a pedigree for this family onsite
Details of the Arkwright Coat of Arms
Find the Arkwright surname in Eighteenth Century: Game Duty Lists | Nineteenth Century - Game Duty Lists
Descendants are named in various directories and census returns elsewhere onsite
Masson mill briefly described in "Gem of the Peak"
Extract from "The Beauties of England and Wales" (1802), written shortly after his death, which describes of cotton manufacturing and has more on the mills, Willersley Castle (plus an engraving), Sir Richard Arkwright and the area surrounding Willersley.
Details of "The Derwent Valley Mills and their Communities"

James Bown is known to have built grandfather clocks but it is not known if just one of the two who made large clocks or whether they both did. However, both were clockmakers and watchmakers in Matlock. There are at least five Bown clocks in private ownership. They have their maker, named as "James Bown, Matlock" or "J Bown Matlock", on the clock face. One also is marked towards the bottom of the face under a flourish (but above the numeral ring) with the initials W H A and with the H inscribed above the W & A, but it is not known what these letters mean. The exact date any of the clocks were made is unknown, but in one clock there is a chalked cleaning date written inside of 1854.

The occupation of clockmaker was recorded against James Bown snr's marriage to Elizabeth Stevenson (1741-1830) of Darley in 1764. Their son, James Bown jnr., is listed in several directories as Bown, James, watchmaker and victualler, Crown Hotel. The former hotel building on the site at the corner of Crown Square and Bakewell Road does not quite occupy the same site as the hotel that James kept, which was a few yards further down the road. James jnr.'s wife was Hannah Longden (1767 -1846), whom he married at Matlock on 4 Oct 1791.

The authority on clocks, Baillie^[b1], records Bown, John. Matlock. an[te] 1788. Watch[maker]. The second volume in the series, updated by Brian Loomes^[b2], shows James Bowen of Matlock 1835. This probably refers to the 1831 and 1835 entry in Pigot's Directory. From other evidence in parish registers, directories and Wills it can be assumed that both entries are slightly incorrect.

Sarah Bown, who married Sir Joseph Paxton, was a granddaughter of James Bown the elder.

Pigot's 1831 Directory | 1841 census | MI | Pre-1858 Wills | Bown(e) Pedigree |

John Bowne was born at Lime Tree Farm, Matlock and baptized at St. Giles Church before the parish registers began. He emigrated to Boston USA in 1649 with his father Thomas and sister Dorothy; his mother Mary is said to have died in 1647, though no Matlock burial has been found for her. He later settled at Flushing and was described as "a plain, strong English farmer".

John married Hannah Feake (1637- 31 Jan 1677/8 and bu Islington), the first of his three wives, on 7 May 1656 in Flushing, Long Island. Hannah was well connected as she descended through her mother Elizabeth (nee Fones) from Adam Winthrop of Suffolk; the Puritan and Governor of Massachusetts Bay Colony John Winthrop was Elizabeth's uncle and also descended from Adam; his son Henry was Elizabeth's first husband.

John, Dorothy and Thomas Bowne are mentioned in the last chapter of Anya Seton's historical novel "The Winthrop Woman", a book about Hannah Feake's mother Elizabeth. It was first published in 1958. In a scene set ca.1653 John's father, Thomas (a son of Anthony and Alice of the Lime Tree) was described as an old man who followed the Anglican faith.

The Bowne's were not the only Matlock residents to emigrate around this time, at the end of the English Civil War and in the Commonwealth period of British history. The Ludlams (see below) also settled on Long Island and would have known the Bownes as Matlock was a very small community at the time.

Hannah (nee Feake) became a Quaker and John Bowne followed suit. In defiance of Peter Stuyvesant's ban on the Quakers, John Bowne allowed them to meet at his house; they had previously been holding their meetings in the woods of Long Island. The story of John's subsequent arrest by Stuyvesant, his deportation to Holland and his other actions in his stance to keep religious freedom in the colony, including quotations from his journal, used to be found in "No Tip of the Hat" (note: 2011-18 internet searches find no current links to this information). The journal is held by the New York Historical Society & Library.

Bowne House, John's home in Flushing, New York, was built in 1661 and is one of the oldest buildings in the United States.

See Strays
Pre-1858 Wills
The Lime Tree, Lime Tree Hill, 1920s

On other web sites (external links open in a new tab or window):
Bowne House
Old Quaker Meeting House, Flushing
The Graveyard at Flushing Meeting House, where John Bowne is probably buried.
Waller, Henry D. (1899) "History of the town of Flushing, Long Island, New York" pub J. H. Ridenour is available to read on line. There are numerous mentions of Bowne and his descendants. Use the Search inside facility.
A History of Flushing Meeting is well worth reading.

Lime Tree House/Farm, probably dating from the 1920s, when it was the home of the Else family, who also owned it. Parish registers show the death of Anthony Bown of Lime Tree in 1713 and the Nortons were in residence in the first half of the nineteenth century. Whilst it is speculative, it is possible the house may have been divided into two at some stage - note the chimneys. There are very few images of this part of Matlock Bank and this is from an enlargement of a picture of Pic Tor. The property, which was just over half way up Lime Tree Hill, was demolished.

Also:
BRYAN, Mary, nee Bown (1793-1838)
BRYAN, Henrietta, nee Butler (1817-1879), later Wheatcroft
BRYAN, William (1846-1928)

Benjamin Bryan, the eldest son of William and Jane Bryan, was born in Marylebone, London on 2 Feb 1799 and baptised there on 24 Feb. He married Mary Bown at Broadwater by Worthing in West Sussex on 29 July 1818. Mary was from Matlock Bath and was the fifth child of Anthony Bown and Elizabeth (Woodiwiss or Woodhouse). She was born on 19 Oct 1793 and baptised a month later at the Independent Chapel (see chapel baptisms). The Bown's were the proprietors of the Botanic Gardens in Matlock Bath and Mary's family were also involved with the Devonshire Cavern after its discovery in 1824. The cavern proprietor was an E. Bown (Edwin), who died in 1827, aged 49 (see his burial). He was Mary Bryan's elder brother.

Benjamin became the proprietor of the Devonshire Cavern and part owner of other Caverns, possibly initially through his marriage, and his occupation is often described as "guide". He also leased the Rutland Cavern, having taken over the lease of the Heights pleasure grounds, together with the cavern and the newly built Victoria Tower, in 1847^[b3]. But he never owned the Heights.

In 1851 William Adam wrote that he was one of the two chief guides of the Bath and could generally be found on Museum Parade^[b4]. However, he was also a journalist and contributed to several local newspapers, including "The Derby Mercury" and "The Derbyshire Courier"; he became sub editor of the latter and visited Chesterfield regularly every day except for Sunday. He also helped those in the community who could not read or write by both reading to them and writing letters on their behalf.

After their marriage Mary and Benjamin had returned to Matlock Bath to set up home. They had five children: Jane, born 1819, Elizabeth bap Brighton 1921, William Benjamin (1827-1829), Emily (1829-1854) and Ann, born 1831. Jane married George Scotthorn at Matlock in 1836 and remained in the area until her death at the age of 35, Elizabeth married John Murphy in 1841 and moved to Penzance some years after her marriage whereas Ann emigrated to Australia (see MUMFORD Ann).

Mary died in 1838 and was buried at St. Giles (see burial info). Benjamin remarried a year later. His second wife was 18-year-old Henrietta Butler from Alderwasley, the daughter of William and Martha Butler. Benjamin and Henrietta's first son, called Benjamin after his father, was born in 1840. They also had more children: Ellen (b.1841), Agnes (b.1844), William (b.1846), Daniel (b.1848), Joseph (b.1850) and George (b.1852). Benjamin Bryan snr. died at Matlock Bath on 21 July 1860, "much respected and regretted"^[b5]. He had proved to be quite a character in the village and was responsible for many firework and other pyrotechnic displays. He even staged a version of "Macbeth" in the Devonshire cavern one winter. The family did not live at the Heights whilst Benjamin was alive; their home was on Waterloo Road, quite close to Hodgkinson's Hotel.

What is perhaps less well known was his role in cheap excursion train trips from many large towns and cities. In 1858, for example, about 1200 arrived from Nottingham and hundred came frome Derby. During the same week 2,000 visited from Birmingham and a further 1,000 from Nottingham. All the trains had contracts with him to provide admission to the principal sites around the village. He was a shrewd businessman^[b6].

Henrietta was the executrix and sole beneficiary of Benjamin's Will in which he described himself as a Guide; he had left her his "mines and parts or shares of mines". She took over the lease of the Heights, subsequently marrying Edward Wheatcroft, and died at Matlock Bath in 1879. Benjamin, Henrietta and Edward were buried all at St. Giles', Matlock.

Benjamin and Henrietta's second son, William, lived above Bryan's Milliners, a shop at the bottom of Holme Road in Matlock Bath, at the top end of North Parade. There was a big workshop at the back of the shop, where about 10 girls were employed and where the hats were made. During the 1914-18 war William sometimes wrote articles for the High Peak News under the pseudonym of BB - the Busy Bee.

Caverns and Mines in 1840 | 1841 census | 1851 census | MIs | Matlock Names in the London Gazette, 1861 (Mrs. Bryan) | Strays
On this page see: BRYAN, Benjamin Jnr. (below) ; MUMFORD Ann.

Upper Tower, Heights of Abraham

The Victoria Prospect Tower, Matlock Bath

Benjamin and his father, William, are mentioned on:
Mining History: The Bulletin of the Peak District Mines Historical Society. Volume 17, No. 3, Summer 200
Henrietta Bryan took over the Devonshire Cavern title in 1855.

The last guide book reference to the Devonshire Cavern can be found in Bemroses' Guide, 1869.
Henrietta had advertised the Heights in Hall's "Days in Derbyshire", 1863, but only mentioned the Rutland Cavern.

Benjamin was the eldest child of Benjamin Bryan Snr. by his second wife Henrietta (nee Butler). His father called him "Penny Post" because his birth date coincided with the introduction of the penny postal rate. Benjamin began his schooling at Mrs. Potter's Dame School on the Dimple, then went to Bonsall Endowed School and finally attended Matlock Green Academy, under the tutelage of William Corden Clarke and his brother Edward.

He joined "The Derby Mercury" in 1853 but the following year was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Newbold for seven years. He learnt shorthand and later felt that his time on a Derbyshire newspaper had given knowledge that was better than if he had been given a University education. By Christmas 1860 he was reporting for the Chronicle, Torquay, moving next to Bideford, then spending two years with the "Essex Times". He returned to "The Derby Mercury" in 1864 and from there moved to Blackburn to edit "The Patriot" on Wednesdays and "The Standard" on Saturdays. He spent some time in Canterbury editing "The Kentish Gazette". He went back to Blackburn for a while but then became Secretary to the Anti Vivisection Society in London. Clearly interested in archaeology as well as local history, he submitted some articles to the Derbyshire Archaeological Journal.

His major work was a history of his birthplace: Benjamin Bryan (1903) History of Matlock - Matlock, Manor and Parish published in London and Derby by Bemrose & Sons, Limited. Before he left London he had spent several years researching his book and his History was said at the time to have taken him ten years to write.

An obituary stated that he had travelled far and wide, both on the Continent and at home. He was an accompished speaker and also politically active, having helped the Conservative party at several general elections.

Benjamin married Annie Boden in 1866; there were no children of the marriage. He returned to Derbyshire after his wife's death and died at Belper in 1914. He was buried at Matlock.

See Strays
On this page see: BRYAN, Benjamin Snr. (above); MUMFORD Ann

Lady Glenorchy's association with Matlock Bath came about by accident, when she passed through the village whilst travelling. She was forced to stop when her carriage broke down. Her background was totally unconnected to Derbyshire. She was the younger daughter of William Maxwell of Preston, Kirkcudbright, Scotland and widow of John, lord Viscount Glenorchy (the eldest son of the 3rd Earl of Breadalbane). Lady Glenorchy held strong religious beliefs that were a mixture of Scottish Presbyterian and Methodist. She built several chapels and she founded one in Matlock Bath. The chapel eventually became a Congregational chapel.
See Glenorchy (Independent) Chapel

Charles Clarke, who was deputy lieutenant of the county when he died, was born at Duffield. He was an attorney by profession with the firm of Messrs. Mousley and Clarke of Derby. During the 1820s he lived at Greenhill House, Derby, moving to Matlock Bath after the death of his father in law, Adam Wolley. Charles had married Anne Wolley at Bromley in Kent on 2 Aug 1821 and the couple lived at Masson House (also referred to as Masson Lodge), her parent's former home overlooking Masson Mill and Cat Tor. Anne and her sister, Mary Hurt (later Wolley), were co-heiresses of the Wolley estate.

In 1828 Charles was Steward of the Wirksworth copyhold court and in 1842 was appointed as one of the Commissioners for the Hundred of Wirksworth to execute the Property and Income Tax Act in the County of Derby. He was also a Justice of the Peace.

As many landowners of the time did, he applied annually for Game Certificates. He was elected, with other Derbyshire residents, as a Member of the Royal Agricultural Society for England on 8 Feb 1843. He was also on the Management Committee of the Nottingham, Erewash Valley, Ambergate and Manchester Railway in 1845 and in September of that year became a provisional director of the company.

Both Charles and his wife were active in the community. When Queen Victoria's marriage took place on 10 Feb 1840 the village celebrated. "Mrs. Clarke, the lady of our worthy magistrate, gave tea on their beautiful terrace in front of the mansion, to our Infant school children" ("Derby Mercury"). A brass commemorative tablet in the church shows she always cared about the parish and its needs.

Charles was buried at Holy Trinity on 18 April 1863; his Will was proved at the Principal Registry in 1863 by his nephew Charles Harwood Clarke of Lincoln's Inn Fields. Anne survived Charles by over twenty years and she was buried at the church on 21 Oct 1885, aged 82. The executor of her Will was another nephew, Frederick F Clarke of Walsall who advertised Masson House for sale in 1886. The property was bought by Mr. Hubbersty, of "The Ford", for £3,400.

His Matlock Bath home
1851 Census | 1861 Census - J.P. | 1871 Census | 1881 Census
Pedigree of Wolley | The Wolley Manuscripts | Property described in "Gem of the Peak", 1840 | MIs
His name was included in the following trade directories: Pigot 1831 | Pigot 1842 | Whites 1852 | Whites 1857 | Whites 1862
Also see: Nineteenth Century - Game Duty Lists | Return of Owners of Land 1873 | Magistrates

An ironmonger of Matlock Green, Francis ran a family business that had been established in 1783 and which held a "large stock of ironmongery". The range of goods for sale included cooking ranges, mantel shams, locks, coffin furniture (this last was available "written and engraved on the shortest of notice"). He also sold household goods, powder and cartridges for guns, gardening tools, joiners' tools and seed. He was the elder son of Francis Clay of Bonsall and Crich by his second wife Martha (nee Crook) and was born at Lea Hill. During the 1830s he is believed to have been on a Grand Tour of Italy. He farmed at Dethick up to 1844 before moving to Matlock. His wife, Margaret, was one of the daughters of George Hodgkinson, the Matlock postmaster. The couple had 6 children and 24 grandchildren, some of whom emigrated to Canada.

Old Matlock	Pic Tor	The Old Bridge	Matlock Church	Matlock Bank	Riber Hall
High Tor 1887	Heights of Abraham	Ferry House	The Derwent	Church & Boat House	Lea Hurst

Henry Hadfield Cubley was born in Newark, NTT, on 30 Oct 1858. He was the son of Samuel Ward Cubley, a Nottingham born painter and gilder, and his wife Jane Elizabeth (nee Willey). Henry was their eldest son; he had two elder sisters and several younger siblings^[c1]. In 1881 he was living with his married sister, brother in law and a younger sister in Box, Wiltshire and described himself as a landscape painter^[c1].

Cubley painted several pictures of Wolverhampton. He married Julia Gertrude Palmer at St. Jude's, Wolverhampton on 16 September 1886^[c2]. They were living at Montpellier, in Matlock Bath, by 1887. His two daughters were baptised at Holy Trinity, Gladys Gertrude on 25 Aug 1887 and Kathleen Doris Palmer on 30 July 1891^[c2].

He exhibited his work between 1882 and 1904 both locally, at the Bath's Assembly Rooms and Derby Corporation Art Gallery, and further afield. According to various nineteenth century newspapers he exhibited both watercolours and oil paintings. For example, on 17 Jan 1900 "The Derby Mercury" reported the 13th annual exhibition of Derby sketching club and said that among the 69 hung "are many of outstanding merit, prominent amongst them being the works of ... Mr Hadfield Cubley ... most attractive work is probably his "Morning, near Arrochar" [a watercolour]. [Also] ... a nice canvas, "Near Matlock".

Matlock and Matlock Bath scenes were subjects for his paintings. Derbyshire featured too, including Ashbourne Grammar School, Buxton and Dovedale and his pictures were turned into postcards by Ralph Tuck and Sons. He painted Highland cattle whilst visiting Scotland, Bettws Y Coed in Wales, Barmouth, Newark - the list of his subjects is seemingly endless. His characteristic backwardly sloping signature appeared at the bottom, and usually on the left, on all his work. Where he wished to add some human interest to his paintings he liked to include his wife and daughters and they can be seen in a wide cross section of his work. His trademark, though, was to include a small patch of scarlet or other shade of red. Of the thirty-two paintings he executed of Matlock and Matlock Bath scenes, distinctive patches of red have been noted on thirty of them^[c3].

Whilst living in Matlock Bath he played his part in village life. He stood as a candidate In the district council elections of 1896 and 1899 and as elected as one of the four men to represent Matlock Bath. He also attended Holy Trinity Church and seems to have been a lay preacher.

Although it is unclear exactly when he left the area, he did not advertise in the local trade directories after 1908. He experienced some financial problems, as did other residents, at around this time but his were caused by his daughters making up an elaborate story about a mystery wealthy woman who was to leave the family a fortune which neither he nor his wife questioned. In the belief that the story was true he amassed a large number of debts and there was a court case in June 1909 - described as The Phantom Fortune Case in the local press. By 1911 and he was living in Longsdon, near Leek^[c4]. He died, aged 75, in 1934^[c2].

Julia Gertrude also worked as a landscape painter and she exhibited, as Gertrude Cubley, between 1887 and 1903. She died, aged 91, in 1948. Both daughters studied art. Gladys married in 1921 and lived until 1978; Kathleen did not marry until 1941 and died in 1981.

"Kelly's Directory of Derbyshire": 1891 | 1895 | 1899 | 1908. He was also listed in 1887, but this is not transcribed
1891 census | 1901 census
Church records - inscriptions at Holy Trinity, Matlock Bath

Elsewhere on this web site:

Ashbourne Market Place

Betws y Coed

Cromford Church & Bridge

- - - Haddon Hall (2) - - -

Haddon Hall (3)

Haddon Hall (5)

Wingfield Manor

In September 1806 it was announced that both the Old Bath and the Temple were to be let^[c5]. A few months later, in February 1807, the following notice was published by the new tenant:

"Having taken the Old Bath for a Term of Years, [J. Cumming] most respectfully solicits the patronage and support of the Nobility and Public in general, and assures them that nothing in his power shall be wanting to make it as comfortable as any house in the Kingdom. Independent of the Natural Baths that are present in the house, it intended immediately to erect one which may be heated to any temperature. There will be regular Assemblies for the accommodation of the Company in the House, and of the Families resident in the Neighbourhood"^[c5].

Joseph Notzel Cumming was one of the sons of James and Alice Cumming; he was born in London on the 11 July 1781 and baptised at Saint Leonard's, Shoreditch, on 5 Aug 1781. His father was in the spa hotel business and the boy was brought up in Buxton, at least in his later childhood. He had 3 brothers and a half-brother, John. Alice Ann Cumming, found in Matlock records, was Joseph's niece; she lived at the Old Bath for some years, presumably working for the family. Her elder sister, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Bates, lived in Buxton. Thomas Tyack (b.1835/6 in Chasewater, CON), who was at both the New Bath Hotel and the rebuilt Old Bath Hotel towards the end of the nineteenth century, was linked to this family by marriage^[c6].

Joseph married Mary Barnes at Chesterfield on 18 Nov 1805. The couple had 3 sons, James, Joseph George and William John, as well as a daughter Elizabeth who married Simeon Clayton.

He died on Tuesday 11th April, 1820 at the Old Bath; "About the same hour his wife gave birth to a son"^[c5]. Joseph's widow Mary Cumming (1786-1842), then took over the hotel's management and remained at the Old Bath for a further 22 years. She died at Matlock Bath, "regretted by all who knew her, Mrs. Mary Cumming, many years landlady of the Old Bath Hotel"^[c5].

The lives of some of Joseph's family - his brothers and children - were quite eventful (see below).

See J N Cumming's name in Nineteenth Century - Game Duty Lists
Burial - Joseph and Mary Gosling Cumming (both 1820) | 1841 census | Burial - Mrs. Mary Cumming | Wills
Trade Directory entries for Mrs. Cumming (under Matlock Bath): Glover 1827/8/9 | Pigot 1828-9 | Pigot 1831 | Pigot 1842 |
The Old Bath was a venue for property sales in the 18th century (see London Gazette) and a place where officials met in the 19th century. It was sold in 1857 and in 1869 the Hydropathic Company was wound up.
There were some problems after Mary Cumming died. See William John Cumming in the London Gazette in 1843 and Alice Ann Cumming in 1853.

Card of the Old Bath, 1840s

He was the eldest child of Joseph and Mary. He was apprenticed to James Dawson, an apothecary of Liverpool, in 1823 for 5 years. He was examined by the Royal College of Surgeons in London in 1828 and qualified MRCS^[c7]. In 1831 his brother William John became his apprentice^[c7]. James was then living at Tavistock Square, London^[c7] and was still there two years later, when he was living at No. 28^[c8].

When James returned to Derbyshire he practised surgery in Ashford and then Buxton^[c6]. He was recorded at the latter in 1837: "The Buxton Bath Charity resolved, at a General Meeting in the Great Hotel, to accept the offer of the professional services of "James Cumming, Esq., Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons"^[c9]. In the 1851 census his occupation was given as General Practitioner and Member of the Royal College of Surgeons.

He married Mary Ann MacDonald and the couple had ten children. James drowned, together with one of their sons, in a tragic rowing boat accident in the River Derwent near Masson Mill when the river was in flood. The pair, as well as James's wife who died shortly afterwards, are buried at St. Giles.

His baptism | Burials at Matlock
For more on the very sad events that overtook this family see Newspaper Cuttings | Subscription for the relief of the Cumming children, 1852
Matlock Bath: Boating on the River Derwent, 1914 mentions James and his son
Bryan's book^[1] gives a full account of the drowning accident, which can be emailed to anyone who is interested in reading it.

The second son of Joseph and Mary. He attended Oakham Grammar School and Emmanuel College, Cambridge, gaining his M.A. in 1837^[c10]. He was admitted to Holy Orders in 1835^[c10] and at various times was curate to his uncle James at North Runcton; classical master at West Riding Prep. School; vice-principal of King William's College, Isle of Man (he was there for fifteen years); Master of King Edward's School, Lichfield; warden & professor of classical literature at Queen's College, Birmingham; rector of Mellis, Suffolk; and vicar of St John's, Bethnal Green, London where he died in the vicarage. Published several books including "The Great Stanley" and "The Isle of Man ; its History, Physical, Ecclesiastical, Civil, and Legendary". He married Agnes Peckham in 1838 and they had six children.

He is listed in the Dictionary of National Biography.

The youngest son of Joseph and Mary. He was apprenticed to his brother James Cumming of Tavistock Square (see above) in 1831 as an Apothecary for 5 years, attending lectures from October 1832. He spent 18 months at Westminster General Dispensary; D N A (?) dated 7 July 1836; he was examined in 1836 and became MRCS^[c7].

He practised as a surgeon, initially in Matlock Bath. His wife, Susan (nee Hall), ran a girls' school in Matlock Bath with her sister. In 1839 the school was at Belle Vue House, but by 1840 they had moved to the Lower Tower and remained there for two more years^[c11]. They later lived in Northampton and then in Olney, Buckinghamshire.

William John Cumming died of yellow fever at Newborn (New Bern), North Carolina, USA in an epidemic which killed 1300 people during the American Civil War^[c6]. It took quite a while to work out why he ended up involved in a war so far from home.

In October 1863 William John Cumming had been found guilty of stealing a book from W. H. Smith's stall at King's Cross Station and was sentenced to be imprisoned in the House of Correction for six months^[c12]. Presumably, knowing he would be unable to work as a surgeon in the U.K. after his release from prison, he decided to try his luck in the United States where surgeons were in great demand. Under the 29th section of the Medical Act he was deemed to be a "delinquent" and the General Medical Council announced they were to erase his name from the register in late 1866 as he had been convicted of felony. This additional punishment was somewhat late in the day as he had died two years before^[c13]!

His baptism | 1841 census | Pigot's Directory 1842 | Strays |

CUMMING, George William (1784^[c6] - 26 Jun 1823)

Brother of Joseph Notzel Cumming. Captain, RN. He was wounded on Lord Exmouth's expedition to Algiers in 1816. He married Charlotte Sophia Cumming on 9 Apr 1820 at St. Marylebone, London and the couple had a daughter, Charlotte Atherton Cumming, who was baptised at St. Giles' (see baptism). Her father's occupation was given as Lt RN at that time and they resided in Matlock Bath. Captain Cumming died in London and was interred at St. James', Lambeth, on 1 Jul 1823^[c6]. His widow remarried in 1826.

CUMMING, James, FRS, FGS (b. 24 Oct 1777-10 Nov 1861)

Brother of Joseph Notzel Cumming. Professor of Chemistry at Cambridge University. Rector of North Runcton, near Lynn, Norfolk^[c6]. His appointment as Rector was announced in 1819: "The Rev. James Cumming was lately instituted to the Rectory of North Runcton with Hardwick and Setchy, in this county, on the presentation of the Master and Fellows of Trinity-coll. Camb."^[c14]. Published several learned papers & books including "A Manual of Electro-dynamics". He died at North Runcton, NFK. It is not known if he was ever directly associated with Matlock Bath although he clearly played a part in the career of one of his brother's sons.

North Runcton website | More about Victorian North Runcton
He is listed in the Dictionary of National Biography.

CUMMING, William George (20 Mar 1787 -1813)

The youngest brother of Joseph Notzel Cumming. Officer in the British Army. Born at Burlington House, London and christened at St George, Hanover Square on 11 Apr 1787 (as George William). He was shot dead at Anhoa (near Bayonne) in the Peninsular War^[c6].
Read his Memorial in Matlock Church, commissioned by his brothers. It used to be thought that the monument was erected by only one brother, but recent cleaning has shown it was erected by his brothers, though whether some or all of them is not known.
There are slight differences in references to the date William Cumming was killed. See, for example, British Army Officer Casualties 1808-14 (though he is not listed). The place of death also varies slightly and includes Anhoa (given above) and Aubo. These could be the village of Ainhoa near Bayonne^[c6].

Guy Dawber was born in Kings Lynn, NFK in Q3 1861, the son of John Stockdale Dawber (d. 1898) and his wife Lois Ellen (née Edwards). When, as a young man, he was sent to work on a great house at Basford, GLS he seized the opportunity to study the local architecture of the Cotswolds and his designs reflect his interest in traditional rather than contemporary buildings. According to Who Was Who, his speciality was laying out and designing gardens. He was also a painter in water colour. Dawber was the architect who designed the Arts and Crafts style St. John's chapel of ease in Matlock Dale as well as the cottages at the bottom of St. John's Road and his parents lived locally. He played a prominent part in establishing the Council for the Preservation of Rural England in 1926 and became the first President. He was also President of the British School of Architecture (1925-7), was awarded the Gold Medal (1928) and was knighted on 15 July 1936. He married Mary Eccles in Lancashire in 1896. He died in London on 24 April 1938 and is commemorated at St. Giles with his parents and brother.

Churches & Chapels | Parents in the 1891 census | Where his parents lived | Dawber family Memorial Inscriptions

Cottages, Matlock Dale, 1899

St. John's Church, Cliff Road

Horace was the elder son of Horace George Donegani and first wife Emma (later known as Pembroke or Pem), née Hand. They married at All Saints' on 4 Jul 1899 and Horace was born at Cordella, Smedley Street, Matlock where the Donegani family lived with Emma's parents at the beginning of their marriage. They were later (1907) of Glena House in Matlock Bath. His younger brother, also born at Cordella, was Rev. Harold Hand Donegan (1903-1965) of Onancock, Va..
Both were the grandsons of Joseph Francis Donegani (below) and Henry Hand.

The family emigrated in 1910, initially going to Niagara in New York State, but his parents split up not long afterwards and then divorced, after which his surname was abbreviated. His father remarried, moved to first Montreal and then Winnepeg; he and his second wife had two sons.

Horace junior lived in Toledo, Ohio and later studied at Oxford [note: his brother studied at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio so it is possible that he attended the same establishment]. He was to cross the Atlantic a number of times as a student, then a salesman, a cleric/clergyman and later in his role as a Bishop - he became the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of New York of the Episcopal Church (1950-1972) and was the highest ranking Episcopelian clergyman at the time of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He had hosted a dinner for John F. Kennedy some two or three weeks before the assassination.

He was an advocate of civil rights, women's rights and those of the poor and is remembered by his family as a gentle and refined man. Bishop Donegan was created an honorary CBE in 1957. After his "retirement" he returned to being a parish priest. He passed away in Florida. He was unmarried.

There are a number of inaccuracies in some of the published information about Horace. He was not born in Matlock Bath, his father was neither a doctor nor had died before the Donegani family went to North America, although his mother's father had died before the Donegani family emigrated.
See Horace with his parents in the 1901 Census

The son of a professor of music who had in his youth fought at the Battle of Waterloo, Joseph Francis Donegani married Pamela Fisher on February 10, 1874 in Mark Church, Somerset. The family's first home was in Scarthin and they moved to Belle Vue House in Matlock Bath after 1901. They were definitely living at Belle Vue in 1904, but it is less clear if they were there before then. By that time Joseph Francis was a local butcher and had become a Councillor on the Matlock Bath and Scarthin Nick Urban District Council. When he joined the Council in 1897 it was reported that he had the full support of the Scarthin and Matlock Dale ratepayers. He had previously served on Bonsall's UDC. He was in charge of the milk and bread rationing during WW1.

Below are extracts from his obituary^[d1]:

.... "A native of Bath, Mr. Donegani came to Derbyshire in 1880 as an estate agent to the Right Hon. Robert William Hanbury, M.P., Ilam Hall, Dovedale and whilst there he made several important purchases of land which added to his employers' beautiful estate. Notable amongst these acquisitions were parts of Thorpe Pastures and Thorpe Cloud".

"Displaying a deep interest in all matters agricultural, Mr. Donegani was instrumental in inaugurating Ashbourne branch of the Derbyshire Dairy Farmers' Association, being chairman for the first nine years of its existence. He was the pioneer of the Dove Dale Sheep Dog Trials, and was an exhibitor at Ashbourne Agricultural Show when it was quite a small affair. When he left the District in 1882 a banquet in his honour "was given at the Green Man Hotel, Ashbourne, and he was presented with a purse of gold.

After leaving Ashbourne Mr. Donegani farmed at Brightgate, Bonsall, and was elected to Bonsall's District Council. "But a few years later he moved to Matlock Bath, where he commenced to take a keen interest in local affairs. He was elected a member of the old Matlock Bath Urban Council, on which he served for 25 years, and for a considerable time he was chairman of the Finance Committee. A keen Conservative, Mr. Donegani was president of Matlock Bath Unionist League at the time of his death, and he was formerly the president and secretary to the local Conservative Club. He was election agent to Lord Kerry and later to the Marquess of Hartington at Matlock Bath. His other activities included a sidesman at the Parish Church, and a member of the Matlock Bath Bowling Club".

"Mr. Donegani and his father held a somewhat unique position in the Masonic world. His father was a member of the 4th Dragoon Guards Lodge, Yorks., so far back as 1817, and between them they held a record of 116 years' unbroken membership of the craft. Mr. Donegani was worshipful master of the St. Oswald Lodge, Ashbourne in 1887, and in the following year he was elected an officer of the Provincial Grand Lodge".

Pamela and Joseph Francis Donegani had 12 children (one died in infancy). To celebrate their golden wedding in 1924, "Mr. and Mrs. Donegani made a voyage to Canada to visit four of their sons, who hold important posts in the Dominion. Their other son, Mr. Oswald Donegani, is manager of the Bournemouth Pavilion".

A report of their golden wedding celebration in 1924 stated that they had 26 grand children.

At the funeral service on April 26th 1933 the vicar talked of "the splendid example Mr. Donegani had set at Matlock Bath. He was, he said, an exemplary sidesman and he was always a most conscientious and helpful officer".
(Douglas Donegani)

1901 Census | Matlock Bath Business Letterheads | Kelly's Directory (1908) | Kelly's Directory (1916) Matlock Bath | MIs | Photos of Matlock Bath Today (3) | World War 1 Newspaper Cuttings, 1917 | Matlock Bath & Scarthin Newspaper Cuttings, 1939 |

Portrait of the DONEGANI family

Ilam Hall, where Joseph Francis worked for Robert Hanbury.

Eliza Dorothy was the daughter of John Howe and Mary (nee Holmes) of Ashford in the Water. Mary's death, leaving John with seven children, plus his failing business as a Tallow-chandler, left him in sore straits. Below are slightly edited extracts taken from "A Short Biography of a Derbyshire Woman" by Eliza's grandson, Alfred Doxey, in 1890 (John Palmer's grandfather).

Eliza, then only 13, had to face the world in search of a livelihood. ...

Eliza had many trades: she was a candle maker and deliverer for her Father when a girl; a domestic servant as a cook in some good families in Manchester, Nottingham and York; a maker of Umbrella tops for the noted firm of Pickerings in Nottingham; a dressmaker when first married; then a school mistress; then a manufacturer of fustian coats in Middleton and the old smock frocks which used to be worn in Derbyshire; a schoolmistress again for nine years in Rotherham where she had scholars half time from a Mill; later a trimmer of hosiery for John Smedley at Lea Mills where she trimmed some red silk Merino shirts for the Exhibition of 1851. She kept a little shop at Matlock Bank and a Toll Gate at Wensley. Adaptability to existing requirements seems to have been a prominent characteristic of her temperament.

Eliza was married to William Doxey at Bradbourne in 1833 and afterwards lived in a very small cottage at Middleton. ... Later she moved to Lea where she looked after the poultry at the home for her Aunt Mrs. Sims and for which she had her cottage rent free for 18 years after which she moved to Matlock. ... William's earnings as a lead miner were very small and while with Eliza's help and economical management the home was maintained in comfort, there remained little or no surplus funds to be devoted to the acquisition of books and other literature so necessary to one of her tasks and accomplishments.

Notwithstanding, she continued to amass a mine of matter Poetical, literary, and antiquarian. Possessed of a most tenacious memory and the knack of selecting out matter most appropriate to any subject under discussion, while rendering her a dangerous antagonist, furnished a most enjoyable entertainer, and her society was in consequence sought by people much more fortunately placed in circumstances. ... Eliza was a Churchwoman and never went to Chapel until she was about 50 years of age. ... Eliza had a family of two sons, William and Alfred. In 1890 another Alfred Doxey wrote about his Grandmother: "My earlier recollections of her are when keeping the little Toll Bar House at Wensley near Darley Bridge. ... A Grandfather clock stands in one corner, an old oak corner chair in another, which chair after having been handed down through several generations of Alfred's, now remains in my possession.

A portrait of Miss F. Nightingale hangs on the wall, a small brass table stands on the secretaire and a stone box carved by my Uncle Alfred rests on the mantelpiece.

There is the bright oak coat rack, gofering iron, and miscellaneas assortment of odds and ends characteristic of an English homestead. Grandfather is seated on the sofa carefully selecting straws which are then threaded through the band of his hat to be used for shot-firing at Mill Close Mine on next shifts.

... Eliza Dorothy died at 11.30 on the night of January 25th 1888 aged 81. ... Her son William writes "She was a true Theosophist, thinking of others always, never of self. So she is now reaping what she has sown...good."
(John Palmer)

1851 census | 1881 census
Transcripts of extracts from her letters, by John Palmer, are on the Wirksworth website. She was his 4xg grandmother.

Although not strictly a biography, the letter below provides an insight into the life and interests of a Victorian young man.

Letter from Walter to his brother Alfred (1865-1933).

Bank Rd
Matlock
May 26th [18]95

Dear Alfred,

I arrived home all safe & sound on Monday last, my machine I am pleased to say behaved splendidly on the journey. I found on examining my machine on Monday before starting I found the nut that goes on the pin in the clip to seat stalk was split in four places. I took this to Vick & he said he would send for another at once. Will you be so kind as to call sometime when you pass & see if he has got this for me. He said he thought the other one would hold till I got home & strange to say it did so falling in two while I was cleaning my machine next day. I have fastened it together with the help of a little copper wire & fine solder & it might last a long time but of course it is a weak point. I enjoyed my holiday last weekend very much it always feels so much like coming home to come to your house & I always feel that I am both comfortable & welcome a feeling that I am sorry to say does not impress me in most places I go to visit. However I hope before the summer is over we may be able to get a good few runs in together. I had a run to Ashford in the Water last Thursday night the journey up being against the wind took just 1 hour of course this was in daylight & easy riding I rode all over the village had a look in the church yard etc & then lit up & started home at a pretty good pace. At exactly 9 o'clock when I got over Haddon Bridge I found the handles had skidded about 8 inches out of true this I had to dismount & remedy but in spite of this & the fact that I had to keep turning up my lamp to keep it lit & straightening my handles as I rode I arrived home at exactly 20 minutes to ten - 9/40 - the journey of 13 or 14 miles taking 40 minutes (what about solids). On Saturday I put two small pieces of pin steel in the handle clip & in my journey to Arbor Low in the afternoon over the roughest roads it has ever been my lot to ride they never gave once being as straight at the journeys end as at the start. We can have a talk about the Druidical Remains when you come over as I must cut this letter short. Father, Eliza, Lucy and I have been to Via Gellia getting lillies this afternoon we got quite a nice lot but it is terribly hard work to the feet. I am writing this while my feet soak in hot water to get rid of the soreness in my toes. Don't think I have got gout or if I have it is not mangy gout. Although I had plum pudding for dinner today I never thought of this it must have got in my toe ends. But I shall have to bring my epistle to a close as it is time I went to roost. We are expecting to see you over this week end Sat if possible but if you cannot get that day Gerty & William we expect to see & if you send word what time you will start on your machine I will try and meet you at Baslow. But must conclude hoping you are all quite well we are all pretty & well at home at present I am pleased to say. So with love hoping to see you all soon

I remain
Your affectionate brother,

Walter

A photo exists of Walter's bike, which has solid tyres, fixed wheel and single brake pressing on rear tyre, operated by pneumatic pipe connecting to rubber bulb under handlebar
(John Palmer)

1871 Census | 1891 Census (Walter), living on New Street | 1901 census

The second son of Robert and Sarah Littler, he was born at Glenorchy and christened at the Chapel House, H--ton Lane [Heaton Lane or Horton Lane], Bradford the following year. His father was the minister of the Independent Glenorchy Chapel for about ten years (see Pigot's Directory 1831) and seems to have returned to Matlock Bath fairly often. After their time in Matlock Bath the family moved to London.

Ralph appears to have been known as Daniel until after 1851 and in 1871 he was Robert. He was educated University College School and University of London where he studied chemistry, graduating in 1854. He was called to the Bar in 1857 and his legal career spanned half a century. He was appointed Revising Barrister to Northumberland in 1868 and took silk in 1873. The sentences he meted out were often regarded as harsh, although it was said at the time that he was generous to the families of those he sent to prison.

He piloted the Great Railway Extension to London Bill and then became the leading counsel for many railways. He was also an Associate of the Institution of Civil Engineers and a member of the London Society of Derbyshire men.

It was said that on a trip to Constantinople (Istanbul) he discovered that an acrobat was keeping several English boys in a state of slavery, although pretending they were being trained as acrobats. The boys' parents, however, were receiving money from the acrobat! On his return to the U.K. he set to, contacting the Foreign Office and pressing the point that the boys were English nationals to secure their release; he also helped to ensure their future careers.

Ralph was involved with politics, serving on Wood Green District Council until 1904 and had been Chairman of Middlesex County Council. After his defeat at the election that year he moved to Kensington. By 1908 his former home, Broomfield House in Southgate, had become a public recreation ground.. Amongst his other roles was the Chairmanship of Alexandra Park. He was knighted in 1902.

He died from typhoid fever and was buried in the family vault in Hampstead Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Mary Annie. His will was a short document of 61 words, written in his own hand.

Churches & Chapels | Glenorchy Independent Chapel Baptisms (Ralph is the penultimate entry in this register, but his first name was omitted) |
Strays, Surnames L |

Adam Lowe was born in Salford on 10 December 1840 and was christened at Manchester Cathedral on 2 Jan 1841. His parents, Joseph and Mary, lived in Gravel Lane in Salford. Joseph was a Master Milk Seller and both he and his wife had been born in Derbyshire, at Chapel en le Frith. Adam was educated at Manchester Cathedral School. By 1861 he was working as a Warehouseman in Flixton for his brother in law Adam Stott, a cotton manufacturer. He then went to Jesus College, Cambridge, graduating with a B.A. in 1869; his M.A. degree was conferred in June 1873^[l1].

He was admitted into Holy Orders at Aukland Castle, Durham, in 1869; he was initially a Deacon but the following Christmas was ordained as a Priest^[l1]. He became the Curate of Esh in Durham and from there went to Edale^[l2]. He "gave up a well-endowed living ... to undertake a mission^[l1]" in Matlock, where he arrived in 1877. He conducted services in the school, which had been erected two years before, and part of his duties was set about raising money to build All Saints' Church. He was to be the first Vicar of the new church on Matlock Bank.

Amongst the Ecclesiastic Appointments listed in "The Times" in January, 1885 was the Rev. Adam Lowe, incumbent of Holy Trinity [sic], Matlock Bank. In June 1886 he was granted a Licence to a Perpetual Curacy, with his Patron being the Bishop of Southwell.

He was not the only member of his family in Holy Orders. One of his brothers, Joseph, was the Vicar of Haltwhistle, Carlisle.

Rev. Lowe did not marry. He retired in 1911 and died in Matlock in 1924. He was buried at St. Giles'.

Churches & Chapels | 1881 census | 1891 census | 1901 census

Julia Parish Ludlam wrote in 1896 that "William Ludlam, of Matlock, Derbyshire, England, came to America about the year 1640 [sic], landing at Boston or Lynn, Mass. Settled at Southampton, L.I., and was a miller and farmer there. He purchased the mill at Watermill, Southampton, in 1652 [sic]. It was owned by his descendants until 1733. He died at Southampton in 1665, and was buried there. His Will was the first Will recorded in the Surrogate's Office in New York City. It was dated April 27, 1665, was proved June 7, 1665, and recorded October 5, 1665"^[l3].

He was referred to as William Ludlam junior in some British records. He was a son of William Ludlam senior of Matlock (bu. Matlock 29 Jan 1660^[l4]) and Mary his wife (bu. Matlock 28 Jul 1645^[l4]. He married Clemence Fordham (b. ca. 1604/7 at Sacombe, HRT), about 1627. She was the daughter of Philip Fordham. The couple had seven children who survived childhood: William (b. ca. 1628) Grace (b. ca. 1630), Henry (bap 1638), Mary (bap 1639? - not found), Frances (bap 1642), Antonie (bap 1643) and Joseph (bap 1646)^[l4]. There is a record of an eighth child, John, who was buried at Matlock on 8 Apr 1650 but there was no baptism for him^[l4]. The burial is inconsistent with when William is thought to have left Matlock as it seems strange that one son would have been left behind. John could have been a young adult when he passed away as several of his siblings were born before the Matlock registers began.

Nevertheless William is believed in some sources to have emigrated to the United States about 1647, following the death of his wife; her burial was recorded in Matlock's register on 16 Aug 1646^[l4]. "The earliest established date for the family in America was 1648, when in July his [William's] eldest two children arrived in the ship Triall."^[l4]. Dr. Walter Ludlam suggests that they may have been left behind until their father was settled, but it is possible that he went there after his eldest children. He emigrated at or around the same time as Thomas and John Bowne (see above) and the men would have known each other in Matlock. William's descendants live in the USA where the surname has also evolved to Ludlum^[l5].

The Ludlam descendants believe that William arrived in Boston before travelling to Long Island, where he bought the Water Mill, in 1653. William Ludlam's Will was the first Will recorded in the Surrogate's Office in New York City; the certificate of quitetus was obtained by his son Henry on 5 Oct 1666^[l4].

Reverend Robert Fordham of Hertfordshire, William's brother in law, had left England some years before the Ludlam family and had been living in Southampton on Long Island since 1644. According to Venn, he went to New England in 1638^[l6].

1. Evidence of William Ludlam in Matlock (either the William who emigrated or his father):
Seventeenth Century Lists, Vills & Freeholders, 1633 | Seventeenth Century Lists, Ayd to His Majesty King Charles I, 1627 | Duchy of Lancaster Court Rolls
2. William Ludlam or his father are mentioned in Wills of:
Edmunde Flynte | Thomas Mather | Edward Walker (alias Woddywis) | Thomas Wood
3. Other info:
Strays
4. USA info:
Water Mill Museum, Long Island (eternal link, will open in a new tab or window)

J J Lynch was born near Lisselton in County Kerry, on 13th Sept 1859. He joined the Customs and Excise service, and raised a family in Peterborough. He later moved to Liverpool, then Bootle and finally Derby. He retired from the C&E service between 1918 and 1921[l7] as a Collector, 2nd Class. He also moved to Matlock, where he lived until his death in June 1944, initially living at Heath Bank in Matlock Dale from about 1919 to 1922. The family then moved at Hy Brasail, Wards End, Starkholmes his home until his death. He had bought Chindras House, Starkholmes in 1926 to rent out.

His obituary^[l8] said "the district loses one of its best known figures, and a man who gave unstintingly of his services for the benefit of the locality". It continues "Probably he will be best known as Chairman of the Matlock Charity Carnival Committee^[l9] ...He was a member of the management committees of the Whitworth Hospital and the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary. He was also involved in the Scouts service and the Liberal Club. Mr Lynch was a keen gardener and cultivated an allotment at Starkholmes up to the time of his death." What is less well known is that he laid out his own meadow in 1928 so that Starkholmes residents could have allotments and for a number of years was the Chairman of Starkholmes Allotment Association^[l10].

His wife Amanda died in 1931. Of their children (Alphonsus, Katherine, Bernard, Agnes, John and Elizabeth), Alphonsus retired to Matlock after a long career in the Merchant Navy, surviving both world wars. Bernard became a port Pilot in South Africa. John was also in the Merchant Navy but died at Heath Bank aged 27 due to poor health after shell fire at Dunkirk^[l11]. His twin Elizabeth lived at Hy Brasail until her death in 1974.
(by Nick Lynch)
Also see:
Heath Bank in Matlock Dale | Chindras House, Starkholmes | Starkholmes and Riber from a Path to High Tor | Matlock Carnival, 1937 - Queen Crowning Ceremony on Causeway Lane

The life of the famous mineralogist was not without drama and Mawe spent 15 years at sea as a young man but, at the end of the eighteenth century, he toured many mines in both England and Scotland and collected minerals for the King of Spain. Imprisoned as an English spy in Montevideo (1805-6) he then visited the Brazilian diamond mines (1809-10). On his return to London in 1811 he opened his first shop in the Strand and became a well known practical mineralogist. He also joined Messrs. Brown & Sons of Derby as a partner - they had bought a house in Matlock Bath in 1810. Mawe subsequently purchased the business from them. His original museum in Matlock Bath was on South Parade, in the house that has a very large bay window and had earlier been part of an hotel (though the window wasn't there at the time of the hotel). In 1835 the museum's stock of expensive items was large and included " a fine assortment of Derbyshire spar and marble ornaments after the most approved antique shapes, executed in the best of styles by Derbyshire workmen, copies of the obelisks of Rameses and Cleopatra ..."^[1]. Marble turning was in its prime at that time. Mawe gave lessons in mineralogy and published "A Treatise on Diamonds and Precious Stones" (1823). Other works included "The Mineralogy of Derbyshire" (1802), "Travels in the Interior of Brazil" (1812, and later editions) and "The Voyager's Companion; or Shell Collector's Pilot ... (various editions). Mawe was buried on 2 Nov 1829, aged 64, at St. Mary-Le-Strand. His abode was 149 Strand. He is commemorated on a memorial at Castleton.

One little known episode of 1821 was when some Matlock and District miners went to Lima in Peru, where they were employed by the agent of mine owners there. They included William Twigg. During their absence Mawe paid their wives a guinea each per week by order of the Company. In 1822 it was reported that there was a piece of silver from a vein at Pasco, which these men were to visit, that weighed about nine pounds.

After his death his widow (Brown's daughter) took over the business. It was first managed by Mr. Vallance, who had worked for the Browns in Matlock Bath since 1810, but he decided to open his own premises next door. Mr. Adam, the author of "Gem of the Peak", took over as the agent/manager and subsequently purchased the premises. Adam described Mawe after his death as "a man of great energy, commanding mind, and extensive knowledge of the world"^[m1].

Their son, John Saint Mawe, died aged 24 at Northampton in 1820. He was buried under the font at St. Giles' there and is commemorated on a brass plaque. He was on his way to Matlock Bath (this from a transcription © Northamptonshire Family History Society.

Mr. Mawe's Museum, later Adam's

Hartle's Bazaar, first opened by Mr. Brown in 1810

There are a number of on-site sources that mention Mawe:
Extracts from "Gem of the Peak" | Public Notices & Announcements, 1832 | Matlock Names in the London Gazette - 1818 |
Moore (1818) : Minerals by Mr. Mawe

The youngest child of Benjamin Bryan snr. by his first wife, Mary Bown, Ann was born in Matlock Bath. In 1850 Ann gave birth to an illegitimate daughter named Matilda (see baptism, 1850) who died at Steeple Grange, Wirksworth in 1852. She then married Andrew Stevens, a Steam Power Engineer, in 1853 at Penzance, Cornwall. By the end of that year she arrived, with her husband, at The Burra copper mines in South Australia. In the grim, hot and God forsaken copper mining town she befriended a shepherd by the name of John Johnson and deserted her husband. She and John Johnson, who was from Hamburg in Germany, headed for the Victorian gold fields where she had two children by him before they, too, separated. Ann then met Frederick Walter Mumford, who was from Essex, and had three more children before she died - as Ann Mumford - in 1876 at Sandhurst in Victoria, today named Bendigo. Her husband, Andrew, predeceased her in 1873 at Kadina in South Australia.
(Dieter Retz)

See Strays
On this page see: Surnames B : BRYAN; BRYAN, Benjamin Snr.; BRYAN, Benjamin Jnr.

The founder of the weekly "Tit-Bits" journal was born at Glenorchy House, Matlock Bath on 13 Mar 1851. His father was the Independent Minister Thomas Mold Newnes and his mother was Sarah (nee) Unquart. One month old George and five of his siblings, some of whom were later interred at St. Giles, can be found living with their parents in the 1851 census. He was educated at Sculcoates in Yorkshire and later at the City of London School ("Derbyshire Courier", 14 June 1910).

The family moved away, but his parents and sister returned to Matlock by 1881, by which time George was married and living in Stretford, LAN with his wife Priscilla (nee Hillyard) and their two sons. In 1891 his brother William was also back in Matlock and residing with his sister and brother in law.

In 1881 George he was running an "Eating House" and was described as a Restaurant Proprietor Employing 12 Women and 1 Boy. It was not long after then, having scraped together some money, that he produced the first "Tit-Bits" paper in the October of that year. Unbelievably, he sold 5,000 copies in under two hours, a notable achievement. The paper became extremely popular and Newnes moved his offices to London.

George had been at school in Wakefield with William Thomas Stead, who was later to perish on the Titanic. It was Stead's suggestion that Newnes brought out the "Review of Reviews" in 1890 and Stead was his editor, but the two parted company not long afterwards. Newnes then became involved with the "Strand" magazine and later the "Westminster Gazette", along with other publications the most noteworthy of which is probably "Country Life". He'd become a Liberal M.P. in 1885 and he represented Newmarket for ten years, later representing Swansea from 1900-1910. He was knighted in 1895.

With some of his family living in Matlock, he still had links to his birthplace and became involved first with the formation of the limited company and subsequently building the cable car which ran up Bank Road. He "bought out the other shareholders and presented the tramway and its belongings to the local Urban District Council, as representing the people of Matlock^[1]". This was in 1898 and the tramway continued to run until 1927. Newnes died at Lynton, Devon, on 6 July 1910 where he'd already built a cliff railway prior before becoming involved with the project at Matlock.

1851 census | Independent Chapel | Parents and sister in 1881 | Brother, brother in law and sister in 1901 | Brother, brother in law and sister in 1901 |
Strays

Bank Road & the Steep-Gradient Tramway

This biography has been rewritten and moved to:
Miss Florence Nightingale, 1820 - 1910

A lead merchant and yeoman and the 2 x great grandfather of Miss Florence Nightingale. He married three times; his third wife was Elizabeth Dodd, a widow, whom he married on 9 Aug 1757 at South Wingfield.

He showed concern for the welfare of the local poor. For example, in 1757 the "Derby Mercury" (25 February 1757) carried an announcement saying that "We hear that Mr. Peter Nightingale, of Lea, near Matlock in this County, out of a truly Christian Disposition, and Compassion for the Poor in this general Time of Scarcity and Distress" had caused a large fat Ox of 800lb to be killed and a cow, which he has given amongst his poor neighbours as well as a "proportionable quantity of corn".

He was buried at Ashover on 5 Feb 1763. His first wife Anne (nee Cheetham) had been interred there on 18 Apr 1742. Three of their children are also buried there: Eliner (bu 1741), Thomas (bu 1755) and Peter (see below), none of whom married. Peter's daughter Anne was the only child to marry and have legitimate heirs.

References to Peter Nightingale, and assumed to be Peter Nightingale the elder because of the date, in the Wolley manuscripts: 6668 | 6681 | 6683
Pedigree of Nightingale | Coat of Arms |

The younger Peter Nightingale, son of Peter and his first wife Anne, was the great great uncle of Miss Florence Nightingale. He became High-Sheriff of Derbyshire in 1770 and had already been nominated as one of three Sheriffs in 1768 ("The Derby Mercury", 18 November 1768).

"The Nightingales and their successors have been landed proprietors in the parish since 1771" when Peter Nightingale bought an estate called "the Coumbs and Bough or Bow Woods" ... and the manor of Wakebridge, Crich^[1].

He built a mill at Lea about 1783 and it was when he was recruiting workers for the mill in 1784, advertising for calico weavers and slag smelters with large families who could be accommodated with houses and would have employment for their children^[n5], that he first fell out with Richard Arkwright and was accused of "seducing and employing a Manufacturer" from Cromford and at Matlock Bath; he was ordered to pay twenty guineas in damages and costs to Arkwright^[n6]. The man he was accused of poaching was called Benjamin Pearson, someone whom Arkwright had trusted, and the Nightingale/Pearson partnership was dissolved in 1785^[n7]. His mill was taken over by the Smedley family in 1807 and Nightingale's mill at Lea is still producing knitwear.

In 1785 Nightingale was the defendant in a case at the Court of Common Pleas, London regarding a carding patent; the plaintiff was Sir Richard Arkwright, who won the case.

Later the same year the main part of his Cotton-Mill, which was described as being in a narrow dale, was "thrown down and carried away". The banks of a large reservoir he had constructed to supply it were unable to cope and gave way. Fortunately, Mr. Nightingale saw it happen, and was able to call out the work-people and save some bags of cotton and property. Afterwards, a head count was done and nobody was missing, although part of his machinery had been swept away[n8].

Peter Nightingale, "one of the proprietors of Cromford Sough", sold the Manor of Cromford to Richard Arkwright in 1789.

It was said that "this eccentric sporting squire, known throughout the county as 'Mad Peter Nightingale' had gained notoriety as a dare-devil horseman, a rider in midnight steeplechases and a layer of wagers, given to hard drinking and low company"^[n6]. Nevertheless, he appears to have been concerned for the welfare of the local poor. "Upwards of Forty poor children in the Townships of Lea and Holloway in this county, have lately been inoculated at the expence of Peter Nightingale, Esq. And this is the third time that gentleman has done the same in the village of Lea within a few years.-- An example truly worthy of imitation by those in affluent circumstances" ("The Derby Mercury", 5 December 1793). The previous year he had built a hat Manufactory at Lea (see View of Lea and Bow Wood across the Derwent Valley).

He died at Wood-End on 25 June 1803 and was buried at Ashover on 29 June alongside his parents and other family members. He was unmarried, although he had at least one illegitimate child - Mary Browne who married James Sweetenham.

References to Peter Nightingale in the Wolley manuscripts:
6667 f.139 | 6670 f.232 (2 folios) - 233 | 6673 ff.62-3 | 6679 ff.1-4 6684 ff.109d-112 | 6707 f.59d
Pedigree of Nightingale | Coat of Arms | Wills | Eighteenth Century Lists: Land Tax, 1780 |

Matlock Old Church,1870 & before

Like his father and grandfather before him, George Nuttall was a Land Agent. He was the only child of George and Mary Nuttall, his mother being a daughter of Dr. Stephen Melland of Youlgreave. George was a wealthy man and owned, amongst other things, the Cawdor Quarry (the Megdale estate). He is said to have lived with his mother for many years though census returns in his lifetime show him living on Matlock Green whilst his mother lived at The Firs, now Matlock library.

Towards the end of his life he was clearly not a well man as he had what was referred to as both a chronic abscess and a tumour at the base of his spine at the time he drew up the first Will in September 1854. He was seen by first Dr. Adams and then Dr. Chinery not long before he died in 1856^[n9].

Settlement of his estate took some years because of the discovery of additional codicils to his Will and it was not resolved until 1864. What became known as "The Great Matlock Will Case" was heard at the Court of the Queens Bench, Guildhall, London; the case was to establish whether three codicils that had been found at his home were forgeries.

The press of the time had a field day and some of the speculation and character assassination that was rife then has stuck. Whatever one's opinion of the case itself might be, there is no evidence that George Nuttall and his housekeeper, Catherine Marsden, had any children and the Marsdens named in George's Will were clearly defined as his housekeeper's siblings^[n10]. After all, why would someone go to great lengths to identify the illegitimate son of his own father in his Will (which he did) yet not acknowledge any children he himself might have had? It was an additional complication that the main beneficiary of the actual Will, George's second cousin John Nuttall, had died in France shortly after George.

A report of the first court case in "The Derby Mercury" in 1859 said George had settled in Matlock some 28 years before, as his grandfather lived there. "He had houses and land in Bonsall, Matlock, Snitterton and other places. Towards the end of his life he ceased working as a surveyor, instead being occupied with parish affairs as Surveyor of the highways". As far as his character was concerned, Mr. Macauley, the Q.C., described him as benevolent^[n9]. He had helped John Else when the latter was a boy, teaching him accounts, and generally advancing the young man's career; Else married Eliza Marsden.

Although not a lawyer himself, George would help people he knew with their Wills, and his "personal and intimate"^[n9] friend Mr. Newbold, who had known him since 1820 and managed his business affairs for many years, would supply him with skeleton Wills. At the first court case hearing Newbold described George as "strong minded and intelligent"^[n9].

George was buried at Youlgreave, alongside other members of his family.

1841 census | 1851 census | NUTTALL pedigree - George was the main contributor.

Read:
The Great Matlock Will Case - Court Report, and what happened afterwards
The Great Matlock Will Case - 100th anniversary newspaper article.
This case was not solved immediately as some of the beneficiaries were minors. See the onsite extracts from the London Gazette in 1872 and 1893

He was a Land Agent in Matlock and Commissioner of Inclosures. He was appointed in 1780 by Peter Nightingale, John Wolley and others to be the arbitrator for the enclosure of land, John Nuttall "acted repeatedly for settling claims under the Inclosure Acts and .. [was said] to have given general satisfaction^[1]". In this role he placed advertisements in local newspapers announcing when and where the hearing would take place to ascertain the boundaries of a particular town or village. Petitions from claimants would be heard and the land would be valued. He also acted as a referee in cases where land sales might be disputed. One such case was the sale of the Marquess of Ormonde's estates in 1824, reported in "The Morning Chronicle".

John was one of the sons of Thomas Nuttall of Birchover, the illegitimate son of Thomas Eyre of Rowtor. He married Elizabeth Rouse and although the couple had six children, only one son, George, survived childhood. George was to follow in his father's footsteps, as did his grandson, also George (see George above). John Nuttall died at Matlock on 22 May 1833 and was interred at Youlgreave.

NUTTALL pedigree

A son of David Peters of Elberfeld, Germany, he arrived in England in 1861 and was initially employed at Bradford. He then joined his brother and sister in law as elastic web manufacturers, silk throwsters and general merchants at an extensive works on City Road, Derby and became the head of the firm Messrs. Peters, Bartsch & Co., Manufacturers and Merchants^[p1]. The company was later described as "foreign exporters", of Tenant-street. Derby. Following his brother-in-law's death the partnership dissolved in 1902 and became Messrs. C. A. Peters, Ltd.^[p2]

Charles Peters was an able linguist and took steps to become naturalised. He and his wife Rachel (nee Spence) moved from Borrowash to Guilderoy in Matlock Bath in 1880 and involved themselves in local affairs^[p3]. He became a member and then Chairman of the Local Board, was a generous subscriber to local charities, and was a Life Governor the Derby and Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, a member of the Board Management of the Derby and Derbyshire Convalescent Home at Matlock Bank, and patron of many other philanthropic societies. He was responsible for the Pavilion and Gardens Scheme in Matlock Bath, the acquisition of the Jubilee Promenade and the rescue of Artists' Corner^[p1].

The Peters were well thought of in the village and in 1888 they were presented with a solid silver table centrepiece, specially manufactured by Elkington and Co. of Birmingham, "on the occasion of their silver wedding as a token of esteem, and in recognition of their efforts for the welfare of Matlock Bath - June 5th, 1888"^[p4]. The couple left Matlock Bath at the end of 1893; a Complimentary Banquet was held in Mr. Peters' honour at the New Bath Hotel, with Mr. Arkwright J.P. presiding, where he was praised and thanked for all he had done^[p5]. Rachel and Charles Peters returned to the Derby area, moving first to Aston on Trent, and he died at Nunsfield, Boulton in 1904^[p6]. His ashes were interred at Duffield. Sadly for him, about a year before his death he became ill and it was thought he would lose his eyesight, so he spent a quite a lot of time in a darkened room^[p1]. His wife survived him, and died in 1910.

Mr. Peters was at Guilderoy in the 1881 census | the 1891 census. He was also listed in Kelly's 1891 Directory and was on the Local Board in the same year.
One of his company's products was used at St. Giles'.
Rebuilding Derby General Infirmary - Fundraising in May, 1891.
Read a poem about the first sod being laid at the Royal Pavilion on Matlock and Matlock Bath: Inspiration of Poets

Mr. Rawlinson was born in 1769 and lived in Derby before moving to Matlock Bath. He was an English portrait painter but only once exhibited at the Royal Academy, London; this was in 1799 when he exhibited a painting of an old woman knitting. His portrait of Erasmus Darwin "has been well engraved by Heath"^[r1]. He also painted landscapes. "In 1822 he published an album of Derbyshire views. He also produced lithographs after drawings by his daughter, Eliza, with whom he visited Italy in 1829. More recently, Mallalieu thought "his work is atmospheric but technically unaccomplished"^[r2].

An obituary notice published in "The Liverpool Mercury" on 8 August, 1848 said he died on "July 25, at Belmont-cottage, Matlock Bath, James Rawlinson, Esq., artist, aged 79 years. He was a pupil of the late celebrated George Romney, and one of the few remaining artists who were contemporary with Sir Joshua Reynolds".

His daughter Eliza commissioned a memorial from the sculptor J. Loft, whom she married in 1856, which was erected in All Saints' Church, Derby. The inscription reads: "In memory of James Rawlinson, Esq. (artist), late of Matlock Bath, formerly of this town, who was called into eternity, reposing in the faith of Christ, on the 25th day of July, 1848, in the 80th year of his age. His abilities were far above mediocrity, but exceeded by his humility". It was also noted that he was distinguished by his talent and professional productions. He visited the Continent more than once, making studies from pictures in the principal galleries of Holland, France and Italy, which remain as proofs of his great discernment of the beauty and peculiarities of the originals, and the fidelity with which "he transferred them to his own canvass" (Derbyshire Courier, 26 May 1849).

Mentioned in Adam's "Gem of the Peak"
1841 Census for Matlock Bath | MI of wife, who had passed away not long before.
Trade Directory entries: Brewer 1823/4 | Glover 1827/8/9 | Pigot 1828-9 | Pigot 1831 | Pigot 1842 | Bagshaw 1846
Belmont can be seen on Matlock Bath from the Heights of Jacob, 1920s
See Pre-1858 Wills info, Surnames R

Louise or Louisa was one of the six daughters of the Victorian watercolour painter Samuel Rayner and his wife Anne (nee Manser) and was born in Matlock Bath on 21 Jun 1832. She was baptized in London at the Newman Street Catholic Apostolic in Saint Marylebone on 8 Feb 1835, together with her slightly younger sister Frances. The girls and their brother Richard Manser Rayner would have been surrounded by the artist friends and acquaintances of their parents, and it isn't too surprising that they all were pupils of their father and all but one became artists in their own right. The eldest, Nancy, was elected as an associate of the Water Colour Society but died of consumption in 1855.

By 1881 Louise had been living in the City of Chester for eleven or twelve years; she was boarding with Robert Shearing, a retired chemist, and his wife Mary Ann at 2 Ash Grove and described as a Water Colour Artist (Painter). Her sister Margaret was also earning her living as a watercolour artist, but was living in New Windsor with her mother and Frances, by now Mrs. Coppinger, was lodging nearby and describing herself as an Artist Painter. Brother Richard was in Gomshall, Surrey, though later moved to Orpington in Kent. Another sister, Rose (Rhoda), exhibited last in 1866^[r3].

After their mother Anne died in 1890 Margaret went to live with Louise and the sisters taught watercolour drawing in Chester, where Louise lived for about 40 years. Louise was painting in pure water colour and Chester's architecture was her special interest, with pictures of old houses in Watergate Street and Bridge Street favoured subjects of her time in the city. At one time her work was very much in vogue and sold to collectors both at home and in America^[r4]. Margaret's work was mostly of interiors.

Although based in Chester, Louise travelled around Britain, and the subjects she chose were the old buildings and churches she visited, and the landscapes and street scenes she saw. Studies of other locations included Stratford on Avon, Hawarden, St. George's Chapel at Windsor and Haddon Hall. Indeed, Haddon was painted by a number of family members. A few early works, such as "The Interior of Haddon Chapel", were executed in oil but the majority were watercolours. The sale of the contents of Mickleover Manor in 1910 included drawings by both Louise and Samuel Rayner^[r5]. She also visited France.

She exhibited in both London, where she'd begun exhibiting in 1852^[r2], and in galleries in several British cities. Fisher^[r6] says she exhibited 91 works, including 31 at the Royal Academy. Waters^[r7] describes her output as considerable though she "duplicated many of her works".

The two sisters later moved to Tunbridge Wells, where they were living in 1911, and Louise spent the last four years of her life at St Leonard's in Sussex. A few years after her death Derby Art Gallery was bequeathed a collection of paintings under the will of Miss Frances Jackson Moseley that included "Long Gallery, Haddon Hall" and "Bristol, about 1850" by Louise and "Terrace and Steps, Haddon Hall" by her father Samuel^[r8].

The Bridgeman Art Library has examples of the work of both Louisa and her father, including a watercolour of Irongate, Derby. Sothebys list a record price paid for one of her paintings at a sale in recent years.

See Strays | South Parade, from a sketch by Samuel Rayner, 1830 lithograph
Bridgeman Art Library - the selection of the Rayner family's images including those of Louise Ingram Rayner

There are two other on line resources that are very informative on this little recognized artist and a "must" to visit :
DudleyMall*** has been considerably enlarged to include a great deal of information about the Rayner family, including a lovely engraving of Matlock Bath on black marble done by Louise's mother, Anne.
Louise Rayner,*** also on Dudley Mall
***Broken Link. Site currently unavailable

*Originally named Louisa Ingram Rayner

His influence on the town of Matlock, with the building of his hydro and then his castle at Riber as well as six churches in the area, was enormous. There is a great deal of information already on this site, so there is no short biography about him on this page. Both he and Caroline (1822-92), who worked alongside her husband and had also read the books and papers on hydropathy, were buried at Holloway Cemetery.

Caroline Smedley

Selection of pages that mention either John or Caroline Smedley:
Lea Mills, Derbyshire
Riber
Water Cures Includes an engraving of Mr. Smedley's tent, where his employees worshipped
Advert for Hydro, 1869
1871 census (both Caroline and John)
1881 census and 1891 census (Caroline)
"There Was Red Tape at Smedley's Hydro Then"
The Enduring Folly of Riber Castle
Smedley shows concern about an employee (newspaper report of 1872)
Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Images. Includes a number of pages about Smedley's Hydro and seven pages of mid 19th century images from John Smedley's "Practical Hydropathy"
Eighteenth and Nineteenth Century Images. Includes six pages of mid 19th century images from Caroline Smedley's "Ladies Manual"
Twentieth and Twenty First Century, Matlock Includes postcards and an advertisement published in "The Derbyshire Countryside"
Further reading

Matlock: Water Cures, Mr. Smedley's Baths, Boxes & Douches John Smedley designed a range of steam boxes, baths and douches, as well as some other gadgets, for use at both the hydropathic establishment and the free hospital.

Job, a son of George and Rachel Smith of Matlock Bank (see baptism), was the proprietor of Malvern House Hydro*, where he was born and died. Although in residence in Malvern House he did not buy the property until 1886 when it was auctioned at the Crown Hotel. He applied for a full licence to his premises at the Brewster Sessions in the summer of 1887 but his application was opposed by both Smedley's and local publicans and was refused[s3].

He was very involved in public life but is probably remembered most for his contribution to "the steepest tramway in the world", having worked diligently to bring a tramway to the town.

He had been employed by Smedley's before 1862, but then roamed the world for six years "from China to Peru". It was on these travels that he saw the San Francisco system and realised the potential for Matlock Bank. He mentioned the idea to John Smedley when he got home, but Smedley wasn't interested. Job didn't forget the idea, resurrecting it again in late 1884 and the idea eventually took off when Sir George Newnes was prepared to provide financial backing.

Job was the Managing Director of Matlock Cable Tramway Company, a Director of the Gas Works, Chairman of Matlock Waterworks, Chairman of the Social Institute and of the High Tor Recreation Grounds. He served on the Local Board and was the Chairman for eleven years. The town was not ungrateful and in February 1893 a complimentary banquet was given in the Assembly Room in recognition of his services as Local Board Chairman over the previous 10 years. Mr. Arkwright presented him with an illuminated address, a gold watch and a 130oz. solid silver tea urn^[s4].

He subsequently served on Matlock Urban District Council and its various committees for many years and became chairman (Kelly's 1904 Directory), overseeing important changes to the town including the widening of the County Bridge and the purchase of the Hall Leys. He also represented Matlock on the County Council.

He was one of the committee formed to build the new church on Matlock Bank (All Saints') and by August 1882 they had raised over £2,000. Job was the first church warden at All Saints', serving the church for 22 years. Four coloured windows were installed in his memory, with money raised by public subscription. He was also the Manager of All Saints' Schools.

His commitment to public life was immense. He became a director of several non-Matlock companies, including the Hathersage Gas Company, and was a member of the following: the Bakewell Board of Guardians, the Whitworth Hospital Board and the Almshouses at Matlock Bank. He was, in addition, a trustee of the Educational Boards and on the political side was a member of Matlock Conservative Club^[s5].

Job never married. He can be picked out in many old photographs of Matlock as he invariably wore a stetson hat.

Just born in 1841 | 1851 census | 1861 census | 1871 census | 1891 census | 1901 census
Matlock Names in 19th C Lists (see County Council)
His MI | Will info

Bank Road & the Steep-Gradient Tramway

*Malvern House (ref in Kelly 1900) on Smedley Street was formerly the Horse and Jockey pub, which Job ran as a hydro, was eventually purchased by Smedley's as staff accommodation and is now flats^[s6].

George Edward Statham was one of the sons of William and Sarah Statham, originally of Matlock Town.

He was said to have been "one of the most promising young architects in the Midland Counties" when he passed away at his father's home - Greystones at Matlock Bridge. He had contracted Scarlet Fever, and died aged only 38.
He trained at an eminent firm of Manchester architects. Although he maintained an office in Matlock, he lived in Nottingham where he carried out most of his work. Shortly before his death he had won a competition, leading to him being appointed as the architect of a large club that was to be built in the city's King Street. Amongst his local designs was the Old English Hotel, built in the Elizabethan style in 1880, and Starkholmes School. He also designed improvements and extensions at Smedley's Hydro, preparing the plans for the first extension of the hydro in 1882. He subsequently prepared plans for Bakewell's Town Hall, which opened in 1890.
He was involved with Matlock Choral Society over the years and in the April of the year he died he conducted their performance of Haydn's "The Creation".

An example of the work he undertook for Smedley's Hydro

He also designed a new wing for the New Bath

He was christened at St. Giles in 1854 and buried in the churchyard on 27 Nov 1893.
He can be found in Matlock in the 1861 census | the 1871 census | the 1881 census | in 1891 he is listed amongst the Strays, Surnames S. His Matlock Bridge office is listed in Kelly's 1891 Directory

Memories of her childhood, spent at Castle Top Farm, were the inspiration for the animal tales invented by Alison Uttley to amuse her son. Her delightful children's books, illustrated by Margaret Tempest, became familiar and well loved tales in very many households. The animal characters were in such wonderful children's stories as "The Little Grey Rabbit", "Sam Pig" and "Fuzzypeg".

Alice Jane Taylor was born at Castle Top Farm "on a Saturday ... a week before Christmas", the daughter of Henry Taylor and his second wife Hannah (nee Dickens). Many generations of the Taylor family had lived at Castle Top Farm, which is within the parish of Matlock, and their baptisms and burials are in the church records.

Alice was a clever girl; she was educated at home and then at the village school across the fields at Lea. She found that she had to write on a slate with a pencil at school, instead of using paper and her quill pen. At the age of thirteen she won a scholarship to Lady Manner's Grammar School, Bakewell. She would catch the milk train from Cromford Station, just down the road from the farm. After Lady Manners she went on to Manchester University where she gained an Honours Degree in Physics. This was followed by a further year studying in Cambridge where she qualified to become a teacher. She later became active in the Suffragette Movement.

She'd met her scientist husband, James Uttley, whilst at Manchester and they married in 1911; they had one son. Her writing talents weren't properly developed until after her husband's death in 1930 when she needed an income to support both herself and her son. She'd begun to write before this, but James didn't really encourage her. However, "The Country Child" was published in 1931 and she published over 100 books in total. Although she never went back to live at Castle Top, she describes Cromford, the village and country life of Derbyshire that she'd observed, as well as her schooling, in her books. "A Traveller in Time" is based on the Babington Plot to free Mary Queen of Scots; Anthony Babington had owned property in the nearby Dethick and Wingfield Manor, where Mary Queen of Scots had been imprisoned, wasn't too far away. "High Meadows" is set at the nearby High Leas Farm. Alison believed in the supernatural and in her book "When All is Done" there are ghosts are part of the plot. Her books for adults provide a very useful insight into nineteenth and century farm life and she had a very strong awareness of history, with all kinds of snippets interwoven into her stories. She spent her later life living in rural Buckinghamshire.

Church registers | Census returns and Trade directory transcripts
Also see the 1901 census transcript on this web site - Alice Taylor 16
Eighteenth Century Lists: Land Tax, 1780 shows Widow Taylor at Castle Top Farm

On 6 Oct 1851 a Public Meeting of Miners, Persons interested in Mines and Landowners was held in the Moot Hall, Wirksworth; amongst those present was Mr Geo. Walker (Matlock). The meeting's agenda was discussion of the Mineral Laws and Customs in preparation for forthcoming Parliamentary legislation. A committee was appointed for the purpose of introducing the Bill to Amend the Mining Laws and George Walker's name was included amongst the committee members^[w1].

George was a lead miner and later acted as an agent for the Moletrap or Bullistree (Bullistre / Bullistrey) Lead Mine^[w2]. Documents held by Stuart Flint show he was a co-owner and partner of the Bullestree and Moletrap Lead Mines in the 1840s, together with his brothers William and Joseph (Stuart's great grandfather) although Joseph was a silent partner. The mines were on the same raike as the Wapping Mine. The Moletrap Mine was on the opposite bank of the River Derwent to Masson Mill, behind Willersley Castle, whereas the Bullistree Mine is where Cromford Railway Station was built; the mounds of the mine are still visible off Willersley Lane. Seams from Moletrap mine ran into Bullistree^[w3].

In 1847 the sale of two twenty-fourth shares in the Bullistre and Moletrap Lead Mines was advertised; the mines were "situate in the Liberty of Matlock, near Cromford Bridge in the Wapentake of Wirksworth". The lot was described as an "improving property" and one of solicitors was a Mr. Mawe. There was a further sale in 1853, this time of one twenty-fourth share in the Bullistrey and Moletrap Mine, near Cromford Bridge. The share was to be sold with a proportionate share of the steam engine, mining plant and other material. "... the mine has recently realised upwards of One Hundred Loads of Ore at a reckoning". In 1868 applications for sale particulars of the Mole Trap Mine and Plant were directed to George Walker of Belle Vue Cottage^[w4].

The three brothers, George Wigley, William and Joseph, were sons of William and Catherine Walker (nee Wigley) of Bolehill. George, their eldest son, was born at Bonsall on 25 March 1803 and baptised at St. James' Church on 24 July 1803. A sister, Sarah, married William Smith; Smith was employed by Mr. Gilbert as a gardener at the Heights of Abraham and the Botanical Gardens in the 1830s when a lead miner attempted to dig up the Gardens (see Lead Mining).

George married Lydia Maskrey at Wirksworth on 16 Sep 1828. Lydia, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Maskrey, had been baptised at Wirksworth on New Year's Day 1808. The couple lived at several addresses in Matlock Bath, including Alpine Cottage and Belle Vue Cottage. They did not have any children. George Wigley Walker was buried on 1 Aug 1873 at Matlock Bath Holy Trinity where he had been a sidesman^[w3], aged 70; Lydia outlived her husband and was buried on 30 Jun 1890, also at Holy Trinity.

1841 Census | 1851 Census | 1861 Census | 1871 Census | 1881 Census
MI | Wills