Lancaster to Preesall (18th Century)
This section deals with the branch of Croft Family from the Lune Valley who moved to the Fylde in the 18th Century
In the Stalmine registers are the baptisms (and two burials) of six children of William Croft of Preesall and his wife Elizabeth. The baptisms run from 1726 to 1743, so it can be assumed that William was born around the year 1700 and married Elizabeth around 1725. However, there is no record of either William's baptism or marriage in Stalmine or the surrounding area, though the records for this period are complete. It seems likely then that William was born elsewhere, and came to Stalmine as a young man, already married. Searching further afield provides a very likely candidate for William's origin, the baptism of William, son of Thomas Croft of Lancaster.
The marriage of Thomas Croft of Lancaster is also in the parish register
As we can see, the baptism of William was 10 months after the marriage of Thomas and Margaret, so William was their first child (not forgetting that before 1752 in England the year started on 25th March, so February 1705 was 10 months after April 1705).
Thomas had four more children between 1708 and 1720 - John, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. On the baptism of Margaret in 1713 Thomas is described as "Thomas Croft, Gent", which which strongly points to his origin in the Claughton area of the Lune Valley. Thomas died in 1728, and again is described as "Gent" in the register. A further indication of Thomas's origin in Claughton is the lack of any baptism record for him in Lancaster. If he was born in Claughton he would have been baptised in Claughton church, but the records for that church are lost before 1701.
Thomas had four more children between 1708 and 1720 - John, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah. On the baptism of Margaret in 1713 Thomas is described as "Thomas Croft, Gent", which which strongly points to his origin in the Claughton area of the Lune Valley. Thomas died in 1728, and again is described as "Gent" in the register. A further indication of Thomas's origin in Claughton is the lack of any baptism record for him in Lancaster. If he was born in Claughton he would have been baptised in Claughton church, but the records for that church are lost before 1701.
First generation in Preesall
William and Elizabeth had six children in Preesall:
First generation in Preesall
William and Elizabeth had six children in Preesall:
John
Elizabeth William Margaret Mary Mary |
b. 1726 (died age 2)
b. 1730 married Zariah Butler in 1753 b. 1733 see next generation b. 1737 married Thomas Sandham in 1758 b. 1739 (died as infant) b. 1743 I can find no record of her after this |
William Croft died in Preesall in 1761 with his wife predeceasing him six months earlier in 1760.
Second generation
William - married Ann Starnforth in 1757 (in Lancaster). William is described as a "Blacksmith" in the marriage register, and he has a nice signature, implying he was quite literate.
They had six children, the first three in the Lancaster area, and then the following three living back in Preesall.
Elizabeth
Thomas William John Mary Ann |
b. 1759 I can find no record of her after this
b. 1761 I can find no record of him after this b. 1763 see next generation b. 1766 see next generation b. 1766 died age 2 b. 1769 married George Sykes in 1788 (Pilling) |
The reason for the change in location after the birth of their first three children seems to have been poverty. William and Ann's first child was born in Heaton, about 2 miles from Lancaster, over the river Lune. Their second child was born two years later in Lancaster itself, and when their third child was born another two years later they were back over the river in Oxcliffe (next to Heaton).
Despite apparently having at least some education (judging by his signature - most working class people in those days couldn't write at all and merely made a mark when required to sign anything, as Ann Starnforth did on the marriage register) and having a trade as a blacksmith, William and his family do not seem to have prospered. In 1764 the court ordered the removal of William and his family from the parish of Lancaster back to his home parish.
It seems that William and his family had become a financial liability to the church in Heaton cum Oxcliffe (the church was responsible for the maintenance of paupers in its parish), and as William does not seem to have the necessary certificate allowing him to settle in the parish, the churchwardens are taking this as reason to remove him back to his home parish of Preesall cum Hackinsall so that they can be financially responsible for the family.
Despite apparently having at least some education (judging by his signature - most working class people in those days couldn't write at all and merely made a mark when required to sign anything, as Ann Starnforth did on the marriage register) and having a trade as a blacksmith, William and his family do not seem to have prospered. In 1764 the court ordered the removal of William and his family from the parish of Lancaster back to his home parish.
It seems that William and his family had become a financial liability to the church in Heaton cum Oxcliffe (the church was responsible for the maintenance of paupers in its parish), and as William does not seem to have the necessary certificate allowing him to settle in the parish, the churchwardens are taking this as reason to remove him back to his home parish of Preesall cum Hackinsall so that they can be financially responsible for the family.
Having relocated back to Preesall, William and Ann went on to have three more children before William died in 1774 at the age of 41.
Third generation
William - married Alice Hoggart in 1789 in Poulton. He is described as "Husbandman" in the marriage register. They had three children in Preesall:
William - married Alice Hoggart in 1789 in Poulton. He is described as "Husbandman" in the marriage register. They had three children in Preesall:
William
Elizabeth James |
b. 1790 see next generation
b. 1793 married Evan Cottam in 1818 (Out Rawcliffe) b. 1795 see next generation |
William and Alice must have struggled financially, as in the baptism register William is described as "Pauper" on the baptisms of his first two children.
William's wife Alice died in 1838 in Preesall, age 77.
In the 1841 census of Preesall, William is working as an agricultural labourer (even though he was 78 years old by this time). He died in November of the same year.
William's wife Alice died in 1838 in Preesall, age 77.
In the 1841 census of Preesall, William is working as an agricultural labourer (even though he was 78 years old by this time). He died in November of the same year.
John - married Agnes Shaw in 1788 in Pilling (about 2 miles East of Preesall). They had nine children (three in Pilling and then the remainder in Preesall):
William
Grace Henry Grace Ann John James Mary Agnes |
b. 1789 died 1818
b. 1794 died 1797 b. 1796 see next generation b. 1798 had two illegitimate children, Agnes (father Robert Jarret, pilot) in 1829 who married James Sandham in 1851, and John in 1832 who died age 14. Grace married Richard Billington in 1834, and died in 1880 b. 1801 had an illegitimate daughter, Grace Shaw, in 1822. Ann Married Richard Cowell in 1827 (Bispham), and died in 1842 b. 1803 see next generation b. 1805 in the 1851 census he is in Preesall, described as a "Pauper, Formerly Shoemaker". He never married, and died in 1852. b. 1808 died 1829 b. 1811 see next generation |
John's occupation on the baptisms of his children, where given, varies between husbandman and labourer. The abode on the baptisms (again where given) was variously Preesall, Hackinsall Ridge or Knott End. Hackinsall Ridge and Knott End are two villages next to each other on the north coast of the Fylde, on the mouth of the River Wyre where it enters the sea (about a mile from Preesall). It is notable that the family was already living up there, as the place was going to prove significant to the family in the future.
John's wife Agnes died in 1829. She was buried at the church at Pilling, and her abode in the register is given as Knott End, Preesall.
The 1841 census shows John living with his son and family in Preesall. He is listed as a "Pauper".
John died in 1844 in Claughton, near Garstang, age 78. I can't be sure why John was over there when he died, though there were other Crofts living in Claughton at the time, so perhaps he was staying with them.
John's wife Agnes died in 1829. She was buried at the church at Pilling, and her abode in the register is given as Knott End, Preesall.
The 1841 census shows John living with his son and family in Preesall. He is listed as a "Pauper".
John died in 1844 in Claughton, near Garstang, age 78. I can't be sure why John was over there when he died, though there were other Crofts living in Claughton at the time, so perhaps he was staying with them.
Fourth generation
Children of William Croft and Alice (Hoggart)
William - married Elizabeth Tyson in 1812 in Ulverston, on the Furness Peninsula, north of Morecambe Bay. Elizabeth Tyson was from Ulverston, so perhaps William was living there when they met and married or perhaps Elizabeth was down in Preesall when they met. They settled in Preesall to have a family:
Children of William Croft and Alice (Hoggart)
William - married Elizabeth Tyson in 1812 in Ulverston, on the Furness Peninsula, north of Morecambe Bay. Elizabeth Tyson was from Ulverston, so perhaps William was living there when they met and married or perhaps Elizabeth was down in Preesall when they met. They settled in Preesall to have a family:
John
Alice Elizabeth Alice Fleming William William Jane Mary |
b. 1813 I can find no record of him after this (there is a death in 1849 of a John Croft in Liverpool Workhouse who is the correct age)
b. 1816 died 1819 - Alice and her sister Elizabeth were buried 9 days apart, presumably dying of the same illness b. 1818 died 1819 b. 1820 I can find no record of her after this b. 1821 see next generation b. 1824 baptised the same day he was born, which can only mean he was not expected to live. There is no burial recorded. b. ~1832 see next generation b. ~1838 I can find no record of her after the 1841 census b. ~1838 I can find no record of her after the 1851 census |
William and Elizabeth's first four children were all baptised (and two buried) at Stalmine church, and their abode is given as Preesall, with William described as "Labourer". The next two however were baptised In Pilling, where they were also living, so it seems the family had made a move (albeit only about 2 miles!). William is still described as a Labourer in the baptism register.
By the time of the 1841 register, William and Elizabeth have moved back to Preesall, William still working as an agricultural labourer. They have three more children with them, but I can find no baptisms for these three children, which is odd as William and Elizabeth had all their other children baptised. Also odd is the fact that they already had a child in 1824 named William, and I can find no burial for this child.
There is also quite a gap between their son William born in 1824 and this second William born in 1832 (an eight year gap), followed by a six year gap before the births of Jane and Mary (twins?). However, it was not uncommon for stillborn births to go unrecorded, so this might explain the gaps, and the lack of a burial for the first William would also by no means be the only burial not in the records (I have failed to find quite a few others along the way).
William Croft died in 1848, and was buried in the cemetery at Fleetwood.
In the 1851 census William's widow Elizabeth is living with her son Fleming and family in Fleetwood, just over the River Wyre from Preesall. With her is one of her younger children discussed above, Mary, now age 13 (listed as Elizabeth's daughter). Mary's twin, Jane, is not with them. The 1861 census still finds Elizabeth living with her son's family. She died in 1868 and was also buried in Fleetwood cemetery.
By the time of the 1841 register, William and Elizabeth have moved back to Preesall, William still working as an agricultural labourer. They have three more children with them, but I can find no baptisms for these three children, which is odd as William and Elizabeth had all their other children baptised. Also odd is the fact that they already had a child in 1824 named William, and I can find no burial for this child.
There is also quite a gap between their son William born in 1824 and this second William born in 1832 (an eight year gap), followed by a six year gap before the births of Jane and Mary (twins?). However, it was not uncommon for stillborn births to go unrecorded, so this might explain the gaps, and the lack of a burial for the first William would also by no means be the only burial not in the records (I have failed to find quite a few others along the way).
William Croft died in 1848, and was buried in the cemetery at Fleetwood.
In the 1851 census William's widow Elizabeth is living with her son Fleming and family in Fleetwood, just over the River Wyre from Preesall. With her is one of her younger children discussed above, Mary, now age 13 (listed as Elizabeth's daughter). Mary's twin, Jane, is not with them. The 1861 census still finds Elizabeth living with her son's family. She died in 1868 and was also buried in Fleetwood cemetery.
James - married Margaret Parkinson in 1821 in Pilling. James is described as "Husbandman" in the register. They remained in Pilling and had seven children:
Zachariah
Richard Mary James Alice Jane Edward |
b. 1821 see next generation
b. 1823 Richard is living with his brother Zacharia and his family in 1851, working as a farm labourer. He married Sarah Bostock in Stand, near Radcliffe in 1860. They had no children, and Sarah died in 1877 (April). Richard remarried Ann Jane Greenhalgh in Radcliffe in December of the same year. (Labourer on both marriages). Richard died in 1886 in Stand. b. 1826 married William Robinson (Labourer) of Great Eccleston in 1849 in Preston. In 1851 they are in Gt Eccleston living next door to William's mother and brothers. By 1861 they are in Radcliffe living next door to Mary's brother Richard. They had no surviving children as far as I can see. Mary died in 1898 in Radcliffe. b. 1828 see next generation b. 1831 Alice married Robert Dickinson (a labourer) in 1847 in Pilling (both servants). They had eleven children, all of whom survived childhood! Robert and Alice must have been extremely good parents, as infant mortality was high in those days. They remained in Pilling to the1860s, then moved to Preesall where they remained until Alice's death in 1903. b. 1833 Jane married Henry Clegg (a Woolcomber) in Garstang in March 1851 and had a son, John, in summer 1851 (which explains the marriage despite both bride and groom being only 18 and therefore minors at the time - she was fairly heavily pregnant at the time of the marriage). Jane died two years later in 1853. b. 1835 Edward married Alice Robinson in 1856 in Kirkland near Garstang, but died less than two years later in 1858. |
James is described as "Labourer " on the baptisms of all his children. Being described as a Husbandman on his marriage certainly implies he had a small amount of land (as a tenant) which he would have used to graze a few animals and grow a few crops, but while this could probably sustain a single man or perhaps even a married couple, it would not have been sufficient to raise a growing family. Hence his need to take paid labour, presumably as an agricultural labourer on nearby farms.
The next time the family appear in the records is the 1841 census, though James and his wife Margaret are nowhere to be found in the census (nor any subsequent census), and James and Margaret's children are all in different households:
Zacharia is working as a servant on a farm in Kirkland in the east part of the Fylde, near Garstang.
Richard is a servant in the household of Edward Parkinson, a farmer in Pilling (possibly a relative).
Mary is also a servant in the same household as her brother Richard.
James is a servant on the farm of John Clayton in Pilling.
Alice is a servant in the household of John Hayhurst, a farmer in Pilling.
Jane is living in the household of John Woods (an Agricultural; labourer) and his family.
Edward is in the household of John Turner, a tailor in Pilling. Edward is described as having "Independent Means", but where these means come from is unknown.
I presume since James and Margaret's family is scattered in this way that both James and Margaret died sometime between 1835 and 1841, though I can find no record.
The next time the family appear in the records is the 1841 census, though James and his wife Margaret are nowhere to be found in the census (nor any subsequent census), and James and Margaret's children are all in different households:
Zacharia is working as a servant on a farm in Kirkland in the east part of the Fylde, near Garstang.
Richard is a servant in the household of Edward Parkinson, a farmer in Pilling (possibly a relative).
Mary is also a servant in the same household as her brother Richard.
James is a servant on the farm of John Clayton in Pilling.
Alice is a servant in the household of John Hayhurst, a farmer in Pilling.
Jane is living in the household of John Woods (an Agricultural; labourer) and his family.
Edward is in the household of John Turner, a tailor in Pilling. Edward is described as having "Independent Means", but where these means come from is unknown.
I presume since James and Margaret's family is scattered in this way that both James and Margaret died sometime between 1835 and 1841, though I can find no record.
Children of John Croft and Agnes (Shaw)
Henry - married Margaret Swarbrick in 1819 in Kirkham. They are both living in Hambleton at the time of the marriage. Henry is initially described as a weaver and latterly as a labourer in the records (presumably as he could not make enough money to support a growing family by weaving).They had nine children, the first four in Preesall, then they moved to Out Rawcliffe where they had the remainder:
Henry - married Margaret Swarbrick in 1819 in Kirkham. They are both living in Hambleton at the time of the marriage. Henry is initially described as a weaver and latterly as a labourer in the records (presumably as he could not make enough money to support a growing family by weaving).They had nine children, the first four in Preesall, then they moved to Out Rawcliffe where they had the remainder:
Grace
Agnes William John Henry James Mary Thomas Adam |
b. 1820 I can find no record of her after this
b. 1822 married William Dobson (labourer) in 1842. Had a family in Fleetwood. Died between 1861 and 1871, but not registered. b. 1824 see next generation b. 1826 see next generation b. 1828 see next generation b. 1831 see next generation b. 1833 living with parents in 1851. I can find no record of her after this b. 1838 see next generation b. 1841 see next generation |
Henry and Margaret remained living in out Rawcliffe. Henry died in early 1880, and Margaret died a few months later.
John - married Jenny Banks in 1824 in Stalmine (both living in Preesall). John is described as a labourer in the register. They had nine children
William
Agnes John Robert Mary Ann Thomas Jane James Banks John James |
b. 1825 see next generation
b. 1828 married John Gaulter (farmer's son/labourer) in1853. Had a family in Preesall, then Stalmine, where they ran the Seven Stars public house for some years. They moved to Eccleshill, near Darwen during the 1870s to farm, where she remained after the death of her husband in 1898. She died in 1909 (buried in Stalmine) b. 1832 died in 1846 b. 1834 see next generation b. 1837 married Henry Miller (bolt maker from Accrington) in 1861. They settled in Accrington where they had eight children. She died in 1898. b. 1840 see next generation b. 1842 died in 1846 b. 1844 died in 1845 b. 1851 see next generation |
The abode given on the baptisms of the children is Knott End or Preesall. John's occupation varies between labourer, mariner, pilot, fisherman and boatman. They evidently live by the sea, so presumably they are living in Knott End the whole time.
In the 1851 census John and Jenny were living in Hackinsall Ridge (adjacent to Knott End) and John is a "Grocer - 4 acres of land". Eldest son William, still living with them, is a Ferryman.
By 1861 they were still in Hackinsall Ridge, and John is "Grocer and Boatman". Son Thomas, still living them, is also a boatman. Younger son Robert, living next door is also a boatman.
1871 sees John, now age 67, described in the census as "Ferryman". Youngest son John James who is with them is also a ferryman.
By the 1881 census John is a "Retired Boatman", and widower, as Jenny died in 1873. Still living with him is his son John James, now married with children, and also a boatman.
John died in 1885, age 81
As can be seen from the census returns, by 1851 the family were beginning to describe themselves as Ferrymen, and nearly all the family were involved (see next generation)
In the 1851 census John and Jenny were living in Hackinsall Ridge (adjacent to Knott End) and John is a "Grocer - 4 acres of land". Eldest son William, still living with them, is a Ferryman.
By 1861 they were still in Hackinsall Ridge, and John is "Grocer and Boatman". Son Thomas, still living them, is also a boatman. Younger son Robert, living next door is also a boatman.
1871 sees John, now age 67, described in the census as "Ferryman". Youngest son John James who is with them is also a ferryman.
By the 1881 census John is a "Retired Boatman", and widower, as Jenny died in 1873. Still living with him is his son John James, now married with children, and also a boatman.
John died in 1885, age 81
As can be seen from the census returns, by 1851 the family were beginning to describe themselves as Ferrymen, and nearly all the family were involved (see next generation)
Agnes - had an illegitimate son, William, in 1831 in Bispham (bapt. Oct 1831) see next generation
Agnes married John Carpenter in Nov 1831, however it seems very unlikely that he was the father of her son William, as William used the name Croft when he married in 1860. John Carpenter used both surnames Carpenter and Cartmell throughout his married life - on all the census returns the family are called Cartmell, but on the baptisms of their children the name Cartmell is used on some, while Carpenter is used on others. Why he did this I don't know, as far as I can see he was born John Carpenter. I can only assume he was hiding from something...
Agnes (Cartmell) died in 1885
Agnes married John Carpenter in Nov 1831, however it seems very unlikely that he was the father of her son William, as William used the name Croft when he married in 1860. John Carpenter used both surnames Carpenter and Cartmell throughout his married life - on all the census returns the family are called Cartmell, but on the baptisms of their children the name Cartmell is used on some, while Carpenter is used on others. Why he did this I don't know, as far as I can see he was born John Carpenter. I can only assume he was hiding from something...
Agnes (Cartmell) died in 1885
Fifth generation
Children of William Croft and Elizabeth (Tyson)
Fleming - married Elizabeth Tyson (from Ulverston) in 1840 - he was only 18 years old at the time, though she was 25. Looking a little closer at the dates gives a clue to a possible reason for the marriage - they married in May 1840 and their first child was born about seven and a half months later. There is no father given for Elizabeth Tyson on the marriage, so the assumption here is that Elizabeth was an illegitimate child whose mother was a Tyson. The records show that Elizabeth was in fact born in 1814 in Ulverston, the daughter of Mary Tyson. It is highly likely that Fleming's wife and his mother were related to some degree, the coincidence of name and place seems a little too much. In fact, one of the witnesses to to the marriage of Elizabeth Tyson and William Croft in 1812 (Fleming's parents) was Mary Tyson! So it seems he married his cousin. The marriage actually took place in Stalmine with them both living in Preesall, so perhaps Elizabeth was there visiting when they met, or perhaps they met on an earlier occasion while Fleming was visiting relatives in Ulverston. Fleming and Elizabeth's first child was born in Ulverston, not in Preesall (perhaps Elizabeth wanted to be with her mother for the birth).
Fleming and Elizabeth settled in Fleetwood and had four children.
Fleming is working as a railway labourer in the 1851 census, but by the time of the 1861 census he is an able seaman on the Royal Navy ship "Topaze" anchored off Vancouver Island. He seems to have been a bit uncertain about his age, as it is stated to be 34 on the ship census, whereas he was actually 39. His wife and family are all back in Fleetwood.
Fleming - married Elizabeth Tyson (from Ulverston) in 1840 - he was only 18 years old at the time, though she was 25. Looking a little closer at the dates gives a clue to a possible reason for the marriage - they married in May 1840 and their first child was born about seven and a half months later. There is no father given for Elizabeth Tyson on the marriage, so the assumption here is that Elizabeth was an illegitimate child whose mother was a Tyson. The records show that Elizabeth was in fact born in 1814 in Ulverston, the daughter of Mary Tyson. It is highly likely that Fleming's wife and his mother were related to some degree, the coincidence of name and place seems a little too much. In fact, one of the witnesses to to the marriage of Elizabeth Tyson and William Croft in 1812 (Fleming's parents) was Mary Tyson! So it seems he married his cousin. The marriage actually took place in Stalmine with them both living in Preesall, so perhaps Elizabeth was there visiting when they met, or perhaps they met on an earlier occasion while Fleming was visiting relatives in Ulverston. Fleming and Elizabeth's first child was born in Ulverston, not in Preesall (perhaps Elizabeth wanted to be with her mother for the birth).
Fleming and Elizabeth settled in Fleetwood and had four children.
Fleming is working as a railway labourer in the 1851 census, but by the time of the 1861 census he is an able seaman on the Royal Navy ship "Topaze" anchored off Vancouver Island. He seems to have been a bit uncertain about his age, as it is stated to be 34 on the ship census, whereas he was actually 39. His wife and family are all back in Fleetwood.
Fleming is still described as a Mariner on the marriage of his daughter Alice in 1865, but two years later in 1867 when his daughter Jane Elizabeth married he is a Fisherman, so that gives some idea of when he left the navy. In the 1871 census Fleming is with Elizabeth (Betty), living in Barrow, about 8 miles from Ulverston on the Furness Peninsula. He is working as a labourer, as is Betty ("labourer in steel works"). Times must have been hard for them both to have been labouring.
Fleming died in 1881 in the Fylde Union Workhouse, and Elizabeth died the year after, also in the Workhouse.
Fleming and Elizabeth's children were:
Fleming died in 1881 in the Fylde Union Workhouse, and Elizabeth died the year after, also in the Workhouse.
Fleming and Elizabeth's children were:
Mary Creighton
Alice Jane Elizabeth William Fleming |
b. 1841 married James Clarkson (a tailor) in 1865 (Fylde Register Office). Settled and had a family in Fleetwood, then Blackburn.
Following death of her husband in 1887 married Archibald Cairns in the same year in Blackburn. She died in 1901 b. 1844 married Robert Kirkham (a carter) in 1865 (Fleetwood) where they had a family. She is in Preston Prison in 1881. Robert died in 1882, and she remarried in 1887 to Francis Ottley (a labourer) in Preston. She died in 1913 b. 1849 married Thomas Blundell (a mariner) in 1867 (Fleetwood). She died in 1884 b. 1852 working as a farm servant in 1871 in Thornton. He married Annie Parr in 1875 and they had two daughters and a son, Richard William, (both daughters died in infancy). In 1891 Annie was in Preston, boarding and working as a laundress. Their son Richard is with her and she is described as married, but I can find no trace of William. William died in 1894 and Annie remarried in 1896 to Thomas Flynn who unfortunately died five years later in 1901. I cannot find a reliable record of Annie's death |
William - married Mary Ann Bell in 1848 on the Isle of Man. Mary Ann was a resident of the Isle of Man (though originally from Ulverston), but William is described as "of Fleetwood". His reason for being on the Isle of man is evident on the baptism register of their first child (three month later). William's occupation is Fireman on the ship Fenella. So it seems Mary Ann had fallen for a sailor! William and Mary Ann had one more child on the Isle of Man, three years later, by which time William is working as a labourer. By the time of the baptisms of their third child, they had left the Isle of man and were living in Barrow. They had seven children in total, and remained in Barrow, living a few streets from his brother Fleming. In the 1861 census William is working as an "Engine Driver". Presumably he was able to get this job due to his experience as a fireman on steam ships. In the 1871 census he is described as "Engineer", which may have been the same occupation. He certainly spent some more time on ships, as there is a record of him serving for one month as Fireman on the SS Quail in 1877, and it lists another ship on which he had previously served. Mary Ann died in 1889, and by 1891 William is a widower living with his daughter Elizabeth and her family, still in Barrow and still an engine driver.
William died in 1896.
William and Mary Ann's children were:
William died in 1896.
William and Mary Ann's children were:
William
James John Mary Ann Elizabeth Jane Margaret Ann William Fleming |
b. 1848 married Esther Ann Smith in 1873. He became an Engine Driver, and lived in Barrow until the late 1890's. By 1901 he and
his family are in Blackpool where he was a Steam Lorry Driver, living next door to his brother James. William and Esther had eight children, and he died in 1921. Esther died in 1938 (both in Blackpool).Their children were: Elizabeth, William (d), Esther Ann, Dora, Margaret Hannah, Robert, Catherine (d), Sydney James b. 1851 married Sarah Ann Prees (Price) in 1872. He became a Beam Engine Driver and lived in Barrow until the 1890's. He had seven children and moved to Blackpool with his family where he is in 1901. I can find no record of him after this. Their children were: Edward, Sarah, James, Mary Ann, William Richard, John, Elizabeth b. 1854 married Sarah Ann Thomas in 1882. They lived in Barrow where he worked as a Sawyer, and had seven children, but he died in 1898. Sarah Ann took their children and moved to Middlesbrough, where she remarried in 1909 (to George Holmes). They moved back to Barrow, but unfortunately George died in 1910 leaving Sarah Ann widowed again. John and Sarah's children were: Fleming, James, Rebecca, John Walter, Miriam, David, Charles Joseph b. 1858 married James Slater (a Railway Signalman) in 1892. They moved to Broughton in Furness and three children. Mary Ann died in 1923 b. 1860 married Walter Marstin (a Steelworks Labourer) in 1881. They lived in Barrow and had a family there. In the 1901 census however, Walter is in a boarding house in Barrow, listed as single. His eldest child Thomas, age 14, is also there, Elizabeth having died in 1891 age 30 b. 1860 married John Stanford (an Engine Driver) in 1885. They had three children before 1891, and in the 1891 census they are living in Barrow, but in the 1901 census I can only find the two youngest daughters, Lily and Eva, living with their grandparents in Barrow. I can find no record of Margret or John b. 1863 married Mary Elizabeth Kirby in 1889. He worked as an Engine Driver in Barrow, and had seven children (the first child was born around 1887, two years before they married, and is un registered, so Mary Kirby may not be the mother. William died in 1906. Their children were: William Fleming (b.~1887), Mary Elizabeth, Thomas, Lily, Joseph, Lucy, Margaret Ann, John, |
Children of James Croft and Margaret (Parkinson)
Zacharia - married Elizabeth Miller in 1842, and they settled in Upper Rawcliffe where they had a large family of ten children. He became a sawyer and latterly a carter, and died in 1868. Elizabeth remarried in 1870 to John Jenkinson (labourer then farmer Upper Rawcliffe).
Zacharia and Elizabeth's children were:
Zacharia - married Elizabeth Miller in 1842, and they settled in Upper Rawcliffe where they had a large family of ten children. He became a sawyer and latterly a carter, and died in 1868. Elizabeth remarried in 1870 to John Jenkinson (labourer then farmer Upper Rawcliffe).
Zacharia and Elizabeth's children were:
Thomas
James Richard Zachariah Margaret Zachariah Margaret Elizabeth Jane Edward |
b. 1842 married Elizabeth Rossall in 1867. Moved to Little Lever near Bolton where they had a family. Thomas worked as a carter. Elizabeth
died in 1890, and in 1891 he is in Radcliffe living with Edward his eldest son and his family, still working as a carter. In 1901 he is in the Bury Union Workhouse, described as a Pauper. He died in the Workhouse in 1911. their children were: Edward, Zachariah (d), Henry, Mary Alice (d), James (d), Thomas, Elizabeth Ellen (d) b. 1844 married Jane Procter in 1863. Lived In Out Rawcliffe, Catterall, Barnacre and Calder Vale where he worked as a labourer. They had thirteen children. Jane died in 1911 and James died in 1927, age 83. Their children were: Elizabeth, Mary, Agnes, Zachariah, William, Richard (d), Margaret, Jane (d), James (d), Jane, Dorothy, Harriet, James (d) b. 1846 married Margaret Hamer in 1865.They moved from Upper Rawcliffe to Ainsworth near Bolton, but in the 1881 census Margaret is alone with the children in Radcliffe, described as a widow, but there is no record of Richard's death. Richard appears in the census living with his "wife" Harriet in Rawtenstall, about nine miles north of Radcliffe, working as a Cowman. He appears to have deserted his family. In 1911 he is in Bury working as a Brewery carter. He is a lodger in a household, without Harriet, and his marital status on the census is left blank. He died in Bury in 1914. Richard and Margaret's Children were: Zachariah, Edward, Thomas, James b. 1849 died in 1850 b. 1851 died in 1852 b. 1853 I can find no record of him after this b. 1855 remained unmarried and died in 1879 in Bolton b. 1858 married Zachariah Dickinson (labourer) in 1879 in Preesall. Settled in Pilling/Preesall where they had a family. Elizabeth died in 1930 b. 1863 married John Foster (labourer) in 1883 in Pilling. Had a family and moved to Out Rawcliffe, Garstang, then Preston. She died in 1929 b. 1867 He was baptised Henry, but by the time of the 1871 census (after the death of his father Zachariah and the remarriage of his mother) he is being called Edward. Perhaps his mother preferred that name and started using it after Zachariah's death. He married Betty Catterall in 1898 in Upper Rawcliffe and moved to Pilling where they had a family. Edward worked as a Stockman on a farm. He died in 1908 age 40. Their children were: John, Elizabeth Jane, Thomas |
James - married Agnes Physic in Cockerham in 1849. They settled in Forton (near Cockerham) and had eight children there. James worked as a labourer. Only the first three children survived infancy however. They moved to Radcliffe about 1867, where they had two more children, both of whom died in infancy. On all the birth registrations of their children, Agnes's maiden name is given as Fishwick, and they actually gave that as a middle name for one of their children (Henry Fishwick), although Agnes was baptised Physic, and her father was Richard Physic. They were from Cockerham near Garstang, where the name Physic was not uncommon, and goes a long way back. Agnes died in 1900, and in the 1901 census James is living with his daughter Mary and her family, still in Radcliffe. I am unable to identify a record of his death, but James does not appear in the 1911 census so I must presume he died sometime before then.
James and Agnes's children were:
James and Agnes's children were:
Richard
Margaret Mary James Edward Grace James Henry Fishwick Zacharia Sarah Jane |
b. 1850 married Jane Fair in 1869 (Bolton). They settled in Radcliffe and had eight children, nearly all whom survived childhood.
Richard worked as a carter. He died in 1895, and Jane died in 1925. Their children were: James William, Zachariah, Agnes, Mary Ellen, Sarah Jane, Richard (d), Lily, Richard Edward b. 1853 married James Melling (labourer) in 1874. They appear together in the 1881 census living with Margaret's parents in Radcliffe, but then it appears to be a case of desertion, as in the 1891 census James Melling is living in Farnworth (about 3 miles from Radcliffe) a boarder, listed as single. I cannot find Margaret in this census. However she does appear in the 1901 census, living with her sister Mary, along with her father, still described as married. Her husband James is at this time living in Bolton with his "wife" Charlotte (there is no marriage in the registers for these two). The 1911 census finds James Melling in the Prestwich County Lunatic Asylum. I cannot find what became of Margaret. b. 1857 married John Johnson (labourer) in 1874. They lived in Radcliffe and had at least nine children, but only one survived infanthood (Agnes, born 1880). In 1891 Mary is no longer with John, but living in a shared house in Radcliffe, working as a cotton winder. Her daughter Agnes is living with her parents James and Agnes (also in Radcliffe). One of the people Mary is sharing with is John Bennet, a farm labourer from Handforth in Cheshire, and they married in 1896. In the 1901 census Mary and John Bennet are in Radcliffe with a six year old daughter Annie Johnson. Mary's sister Margaret and father James are both living with them. In 1911 John and Mary (Bennett) are in Prestwich with their daughter Annie. I cannot find a reliable death record for Mary. b. 1859 died 1860 b. 1859 died 1860 b. 1862 died 1864 b. 1864 died 1865 b. 1866 died 1867 b. 1868 died 1868 b. 1872 died 1873 |
Children of Henry Croft and Margaret (Swarbrick)
William - married Margaret Bonney in 1851 in Out Rawcliffe. In the 1851 census William is actually a labourer on the farm of Thurston Bonney in Out Rawcliffe, and living as part of the household, and Margaret is one of Thurston's daughters. The census was taken in March, and they married in November of the same year. They settled in Out Rawcliffe and William worked as an agricultural labourer. By the time of the 1881 census he is a farmer of 4 acres of land. They remained in Out Rawcliffe, farming, and had twelve children. Margaret died in 1903 in Out Rawcliffe and William died in 1904 in Fleetwood.
William and Margaret's children were:
William - married Margaret Bonney in 1851 in Out Rawcliffe. In the 1851 census William is actually a labourer on the farm of Thurston Bonney in Out Rawcliffe, and living as part of the household, and Margaret is one of Thurston's daughters. The census was taken in March, and they married in November of the same year. They settled in Out Rawcliffe and William worked as an agricultural labourer. By the time of the 1881 census he is a farmer of 4 acres of land. They remained in Out Rawcliffe, farming, and had twelve children. Margaret died in 1903 in Out Rawcliffe and William died in 1904 in Fleetwood.
William and Margaret's children were:
Joseph
Alice Henry Thurston Thomas William James John John Margaret Robert Robert |
b. 1854 married Elizabeth Rossall in 1877. They lived in Out Rawcliffe, Joseph working as a Labourer, and moved to Leyland around
1890. They had twelve children in all, and Joseph died in Leyland in 1923. Their children were: William, Henry, Mary Ellen, Margaret, Etheline, Frances (d), Ellen, Isabella (d), Elizabeth Ann, Daisy, Thurston, Isabella b. 1856 married Thomas Blackburn (Labourer) in 1877. They settled in Nateby where they had a large family. Alice died in 1908 b. 1858 married Ellen Rossall in 1884 in Kirkham. Lived in Kirkham where they had three children. He worked as a Stoker in a gas works. They moved to Leyland in the 1890's where they had six more children, Henry working as a Carter and Labourer. Henry died in Leyland in 1937. Their children were: Margaret Bonney, Thomas Rossall, Grace, Mary (d), Susanna, Elizabeth Ann, Joseph, Mary Rossall, William b. 1862 never married, died in 1896 b. 1863 married Catherine Ann Dobson in 1885. They had one child which died in infancy. Thomas worked as a Labourer and died in 1911 b. 1865 remained living with parents until they died, then moved to Bury. In 1911 he is a boarder in a house there, described as a "House Painter" and "Feeble Minded". I cannot find a reliable death record for him b. 1867 married Jane Rawcliffe about 1894. James worked as a Farm Labourer, then Bricklayer's Labourer. They settled in Staining, near Blackpool and had eight children (four of whom survived infancy). James died in 1937. Their children were: John 1894, Margaret 1896, Thurston 1898, Agnes Ann 1901 (d), Elizabeth 1902 (d), William 1904 b. 1869 died in infancy b. 1871 single, living with parents in 1891, and died in 1894 b. 1874 married Richard Bee (Labourer) in 1900. However, in the 1901 census she is living with her parents in Out Rawcliffe, and her husband is not there. Margaret died in 1901 b. 1873 died in infancy b. 1879 remained living with his parents until they died. He married Alice Bradshaw in 1906 in Pilling, and in 1911 he was working as a Cowman on a farm in Out Rawcliffe, while his wife and young family were with her parents in Pilling. They had seven children in total, and in 1939 Robert and Alice were together with two of their daughters in Lytham St Annes. Robert is a Farm Labourer in the census. Robert died in Chorley in 1969 age 89. Their children were: Alice, Robert, Susannah, William, James, Margaret, Sarah Jane |
John - married Ann Salthouse in 1854 in Great Eccleston By 1861 they were in Woodplumpton near Preston, and running the Red Lion Inn. John died in 1874 in Woodplumpton. Ann continued running the Red Lion Inn until she also died in 1883. John and Ann had seven children:
Thomas
Henry Grace James John Adam Robert |
b. 1855 married Ellen Kellet in 1883. Ellen already had a seven year old daughter, and they had three more daughters together, Ann,
Margaret and Grace (died in infancy). Thomas worked as an agricultural labourer in the 1880s and 1890s, but by the time of the 1911 census he had become a Dairy Farmer in Catforth (between Wharles and Woodplumpton). He was still farming the same farm (Rays Farm, Catforth) in 1939 age 84, although he was retired by this time and the farm was being run by his grandson Thomas Fecitt. Thomas died in 1940 b. 1858 In 1881 he was a butcher in Woodplumpton, still living with his widowed mother and siblings at the Red Lion inn. By 1911 he was lodging in Blackpool, still a butcher (unemployed) and still unmarried. Henry died in Blackpool in 1911 b. 1860 married William Bolton in 1880 - William's family had the farm (Woodplumpton Hall) next to the Red Lion Inn. They had two children and by 1891 Grace and William were in Salwick, a couple of miles from Woodplumpton, running the Clifton Arms pub. They were still running the Clifton Arms in the 1911 census. Grace died in 1934. b. 1862 after the death of his mother, James took over the running of the Red Lion in Woodplumpton. He married Alice Melling in 1883 and they had six daughters, Ann, Jane, Grace, Alice Rebecca, Dora Mary and Margaret (and one son, John, who died in infancy). By 1901 they were no longer at the Red Lion, but still in Woodplumpton with James working as a Bricklayer's Labourer and ten years later in the 1911 census he was a farmer, still in Woodplumpton. James died in 1929 b. 1864 died in 1884 b. 1865 lived at the Red Lion in Woodplumpton with his siblings until his mother died in 1883, then moved in with his sister Grace and her family at the Clifton Arms. He worked as a Farm Labourer and never married. Adam died in 1914 b. 1869 married Elizabeth Sharples in 1892 in Preston. He was a Joiner and he and Elizabeth lived initially in Blackpool (first three children registered there 1895, 97, 98) Preston (1901) and then in Newton with Scales, about 4 miles from Woodplumpton (1911). In the 1911 census he is actually described as a Cabinet Maker in an Electric Car Works. Who would have thought it would take over a hundred years for electric cars to actually take over from petrol cars. Robert must have taken up farming at some point, as in the 1939 census he and Elizabeth (and two of their daughters) are still living in Newton with Scales and Robert is described as a Retired Farmer. Robert died in 1959 age 89. Their children were: Ellen (d), Ann, John (d), Lily, Grace, Doris(d), Adam |
Henry - married Mary Ann Mulholland in 1856 in Fleetwood. They settled there, had five children, and Henry was initially a Boatman, but by 1871 he was a Lighthouse Keeper (Fleetwood is famous for having three lighthouses to guide ships into the harbour). He was still in this occupation by 1881, but in 1891 he and Mary Ann are living in Woodplumpton (where his brother had kept the Red Lion Inn). In 1901 he and Mary Ann are in Freckleton (in the south of the Fylde, near Kirkham), and Henry is working as a farm labourer. One of his sons and his widowed daughter Grace and her children are living with them. Henry died in 1909 age 80 and Mary Ann died the following year.
Henry and Mary Ann's children were:
Henry and Mary Ann's children were:
Thomas
Henry Grace Mary Margaret |
b. 1857 in the 1881 census he is aboard the fishing vessel "Zephyr" in Ramsey harbour, Isle of Man. He was the cook, and the Master of the
vessel was Richard Wright, probably brother of Thomas Wright who was married to his sister Grace. In the 1891 census he is living with his sister Mary and her family in Fleetwood, still described as a Sailor, and in 1901 he is living with his parents in Freckleton, working as a farm labourer. He never married and he died in 1905 b. 1858 died in infancy b. 1860 married Thomas Wright (a Fisherman) in 1880. They had seven children. In the 1901 census Grace is a widow, and she and her children are living with her parents in Freckleton, though I cannot find a reliable record of Thomas's death. In 1911 she is still in the same house with two of her sons, her parents having died in 1909 and 1910. I can also not find a reliable record of Grace's death. b. 1862 married Thomas Rigby (a Sail Maker) in 1882 in Freckleton. They settled there and a family (nine children, six of whom survived to adulthood). Mary died in 1947 b. 1863 married John Smith (a Fisherman/Mariner) in 1884 (though there seems to be no record of the marriage). They settled first in Fleetwood and then Preston and had four sons (one died in infancy). |
James - married Margaret Dixon in 1864 in Whitehaven, Cumberland. They had seven children in all, the first three in Cumberland before moving back down to Lancashire in the late 1860s where they had four more. In 1871 they are living in Out Rawcliffe next door to James's brother William. James was an Agricultural Labourer. In 1881 they have moved to Barton, a couple of miles from Woodplumpton where his brother John had kept the Red Lion Inn, James still a farm labourer. By 1891 they are in Lancaster, and they are still there in 1901, James working as a Steam Engine Fitters Labourer. Margaret died in 1908 in Lancaster, and by 1911 James, with his two younger sons and his youngest daughter, are living in Longton near Preston. James is actually not at home on the night of the census in 1911, but is visiting his eldest son up in Dillicar, near Sedbergh in Cumberland, who was the Station Master there. James is described as State pensioner (OAP) in the census. He must have moved in with his son John and family, as on the US immigration record of one of his other sons James in 1913, the address of his father is given as Lowgill, Westmorland, which is very near Dillicar. He died in 1915 in Cumberland.
James and Margaret's children were:
James and Margaret's children were:
John Henry
Agnes Mary Henry Margaret William James |
b. 1865 still living at home with his parents in 1881 and 1891, working as a Railway Porter. He married Grace Lancaster in 1892, and they had
five children. In 1901 they were in Clifton in Westmorland, and he had become the Station Master. By 1911 they had moved to Dillicar in Westmorland where he was still Station Master. In 1939, now retired, he and Grace were living in Lancaster (where Grace died in 1943), but he was living in Carlisle by the time he died in 1950 age 85. Their children were: Thomas, James (d), Harry, Edgar b. 1867 in Preston working as a Housemaid in 1881, and in Longridge in 1891, still working as a Cook/Domestic Servant. I cannot find what became of her after this. b. 1868 in 1891 she was still living at home with her parents. In 1901 she was in Lancaster, working as a Cook in a household, and in 1911 she had moved down to Longton, along with her father and two of her brothers, James and William. She was still working as a Domestic Cook at this time. In 1913 she emigrated to the USA along with her brother James, her sister Margaret having already done so two years earlier. She settled in Montana, but never married, and died in1955 b. 1870 in 1891 he was still living at home with his parents in Lancaster, working as an Oil Cloth (Lino) Labourer (the oil cloth industry was a big employer in Lancaster at that time). In 1901 he was still in Lancaster, working as a Steam Engine Fitter's Labourer. He married Eva Jane Lindsay in Lancaster in 1910, and they moved in with her parents in Dalton in Furness, Henry becoming an Iron Ore Miner. They had eight children. Henry died in Pennington, near Ulverston in 1949. Their children were: William James, Margaret Hannah, Eva Annie, Robert, Grace, Jack, Sarah Mary, Henry b. 1871 in 1891 she was a General Servant in a household in Little Eccleston, and in 1901 she was living with parents in Lancaster, working as a Cabinet Makers Clerk. She emigrated to the USA sometime before 1911, as in 1911 she married John Pratt in Montana, USA. She lived there until her death in 1961 b. 1875 In 1891 he was living at home with his parents in Lancaster, working as an Oil Cloth Labourer like his brother Henry. By 1901 he was still living with his parents, working as a Mason's Labourer, and ten years later he had moved down to Longton with his father and siblings, and was working as a Builder's labourer (still unmarried). He emigrated to Montana in 1914, as several of his siblings had already done, and he died in 1951. b. 1883 in 1901 he was living with his parents and siblings (in Lancaster), working as a Railway Clerk, as he was ten years later in 1911 (in Longton). He emigrated along with his sister Mary to the USA in 1913, settling in Montana where he worked as a Farm Labourer/Farmer. He never married, and died in 1962 |
Thomas - married Ellen Nixon in 1863 in Garstang (in the 1861 census he was working as a farm labourer in Kirkland near Garstang and Ellen Nixon was a Dairy maid on the same farm). By 1871 Thomas is a widower, Ellen having died in 1869 age 23. Thomas has two young children by this time and his mother Margaret is staying with them (described as "Housekeeper"), presumably to help with the children. They are living in Nateby, where Thomas's wife was from. They must have settled there after marrying, as both the children are stated to have been born there. In 1881 he is still in Nateby with his eldest daughter Margaret, and still working as a labourer. Thomas remarried in 1891 to Ellen Fleming, and they remained in Nateby. In the 1911 census they are still there, and Thomas is a Retired Estate Labourer. He had no further children with his second wife, and died in 1915
Thomas and Ellen Nixon's children were:
Thomas and Ellen Nixon's children were:
Margaret
Ellen |
b. 1864 died 1891 unmarried
b. 1865 died 1879 unmarried |
Adam - married Elizabeth Crane in 1862 in Out Rawcliffe. They moved to Hambleton where he worked as a farm labourer. By 1891 they were still in Hambleton, but Adam was a farmer in his own right. In the 1911 census Adam was working as a farm labourer again, and with him were his sons Richard and Robert and Robert's wife and baby. He was a widower, as Elizabeth had died in 1910. Adam died in 1928 age 87
Adam and Elizabeth's children were:
Adam and Elizabeth's children were:
Robert
Henry Richard Alice |
b. 1864 worked as a gardener then a farm labourer. In 1901 he was living in Seaforth, Liverpool. He married Mary Clarke in 1908. They had
four children, and Robert died in 1950. Their children were: Elizabeth Alice, Norman, Harry, Margaret b. 1870 worked as a gardener as a young man, and then as a farm bailiff. Married Margaret Bramwell 1898 in Hambleton. They had one child, James Bramwell Croft. Henry died in 1901 b. 1871 worked as a labourer and died in 1917 unmarried b. 1874 died in 1909 unmarried |
Children of John Croft and Jenny (Banks)
As mentioned in the previous generation, the occupation of "Ferryman" or "Boatman" became predominant in this family in the mid 19th century, and it was actually John Croft and his sons who were responsible starting the Knott End to Fleetwood Ferry. There are several articles written about the Ferry service and it's origins, I include a few here -
(from Simplon - The Passenger Ship Website)
The Fleetwood-Knott End Ferry provides an essential link between two towns; whilst the two are less than a mile apart, with a direct view of each other from their shorelines, they are nearly 15 miles apart by land.
In 1841 the Croft family utilised their rowing boats and ferried people back and forth between the two shorelines at a minimal cost. This unregulated service allowed Knott End farmers and residents to take advantage of the growing popularity of Fleetwood Market and to sell their produce there. As well as taking pigs, sheep and fowl on the boat, cows and horses would often swim across the estuary alongside the ferry.
It was clear by the mid-19th century that there was a need for a more formal ferry commercial ferry service, this was not formalised until the late 1890s. The commercial service included many of the vessels which had been used by the Croft family and saw a number of family members appointed roles on the ferry. Passenger fee lists from this time show the variety of passengers with fees for all manner of animals as well as coffins and corpses.
With the new structured ferry service, Knott End became a popular holiday destination and bed and breakfasts quickly began to appear along the promenade. The proximity to the sea partnered with its rural feel was a big part of its appeal and by the 1940s ferry usage was at its peak. In addition to holidaymakers, the ferry also transported a number of refugees and troops during World War II as well as school children.
The remains of two of the ferries that operated can still be seen off the Knott End coast in low-tide. These include the Caldervale and Lunevale; retired after twenty-nine years and thirty-one years respectively. Ferries that followed include the Princess Anne, Wyre Lady and Viking 66. In 1974, the Viking 66 made newspaper headlines when it was stolen by a Burnley man hoping to travel to a coastal town in France to see his love, Jeanette. He only got as far as Blackpool’s North Pier.
The survival of the Fleetwood-Knott End ferry has been questioned in the recent past due to changing political and financial climates. In 2018, Wyre Borough and Lancashire County Council jointly funded the ferry service for a further eight years and the Wyre Rose continues to make daily trips across the estuary.
(from Blackpooltransport.com)
The port of Fleetwood was developed from 1830, and early ferries which ran across the River Wyre were powered by oar and sail. In 1841, the Croft family organised a ferry service, running from the beaches on either side of the river. The first meeting to propose a steam Fleetwood-Knott End ferry service was held in 1851, but is was not until 1892 that the Fleetwood Improvement Commissioners reached agreement with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway to build a ferry jetty at Fleetwood. Agreement was then made with the local landowner to gain access at Knott End. The Ferry Committee of the Improvement Act District of Fleetwood (predecessors of the Fleetwood Urban District Council - UDC) assumed responsibility for the ferries in 1893, but leased the operation to local operators, initially Newsham & Myerscroft. In 1894, a steam launch Nelson was being used for the ferry. From 1895-98, the Croft family regained control of the ferries.
The Croft family again tendered for the service in 1898, but the decision was taken that the council should run its own ferries, and the steamer Onward, plus sailing vessels Quail and Nymph, were bought from the Crofts. However, members of the Croft family were subsequently appointed as Ferry Manager, Captain, engineer, deck hands and general assistant for the new concern. Onward could carry 117 passengers, and she was soon joined by the Progress, which could carry 140 passengers and was built locally by John Gibson. In July 1901, a further new addition was the Bourne May, also built by John Gibson.
(from The Blackpool Gazette)
The ferry’s colourful history dates back to the mid-1800s when Knott End fisherman, old John Croft, and his sons took passengers across the estuary in their sailing and row boats. Sailings were haphazard, planned to fit in around the Crofts’ fishing and cockling commitments.
In 1894, Fleetwood Council, after recognising the need for a commercial ferry service to strengthen links between the thriving port and holiday town and the Over Wyre farming community, took over the running of the ferry, hiring the Croft family to operate it.
Those making the journey had to be prepared to share space with ferrets, poultry, pigs and sheep, with Over Wyre farmers relying on the ferry service to transport livestock to Fleetwood market. Cows and horses would be attached by a halter to the ferry vessel and forced to swim across the river.
Knott End resident Bob Croft is descended from the ferry founders – old John Croft and his sons, Robert, John and Thomas. He knows little about them, other than that they were a wild bunch, known for bickering among themselves.
They were not averse to throwing punches midway across the river – much to the alarm of passengers – as they argued about whose turn it was to be skipper!
As mentioned in the previous generation, the occupation of "Ferryman" or "Boatman" became predominant in this family in the mid 19th century, and it was actually John Croft and his sons who were responsible starting the Knott End to Fleetwood Ferry. There are several articles written about the Ferry service and it's origins, I include a few here -
(from Simplon - The Passenger Ship Website)
The Fleetwood-Knott End Ferry provides an essential link between two towns; whilst the two are less than a mile apart, with a direct view of each other from their shorelines, they are nearly 15 miles apart by land.
In 1841 the Croft family utilised their rowing boats and ferried people back and forth between the two shorelines at a minimal cost. This unregulated service allowed Knott End farmers and residents to take advantage of the growing popularity of Fleetwood Market and to sell their produce there. As well as taking pigs, sheep and fowl on the boat, cows and horses would often swim across the estuary alongside the ferry.
It was clear by the mid-19th century that there was a need for a more formal ferry commercial ferry service, this was not formalised until the late 1890s. The commercial service included many of the vessels which had been used by the Croft family and saw a number of family members appointed roles on the ferry. Passenger fee lists from this time show the variety of passengers with fees for all manner of animals as well as coffins and corpses.
With the new structured ferry service, Knott End became a popular holiday destination and bed and breakfasts quickly began to appear along the promenade. The proximity to the sea partnered with its rural feel was a big part of its appeal and by the 1940s ferry usage was at its peak. In addition to holidaymakers, the ferry also transported a number of refugees and troops during World War II as well as school children.
The remains of two of the ferries that operated can still be seen off the Knott End coast in low-tide. These include the Caldervale and Lunevale; retired after twenty-nine years and thirty-one years respectively. Ferries that followed include the Princess Anne, Wyre Lady and Viking 66. In 1974, the Viking 66 made newspaper headlines when it was stolen by a Burnley man hoping to travel to a coastal town in France to see his love, Jeanette. He only got as far as Blackpool’s North Pier.
The survival of the Fleetwood-Knott End ferry has been questioned in the recent past due to changing political and financial climates. In 2018, Wyre Borough and Lancashire County Council jointly funded the ferry service for a further eight years and the Wyre Rose continues to make daily trips across the estuary.
(from Blackpooltransport.com)
The port of Fleetwood was developed from 1830, and early ferries which ran across the River Wyre were powered by oar and sail. In 1841, the Croft family organised a ferry service, running from the beaches on either side of the river. The first meeting to propose a steam Fleetwood-Knott End ferry service was held in 1851, but is was not until 1892 that the Fleetwood Improvement Commissioners reached agreement with the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway to build a ferry jetty at Fleetwood. Agreement was then made with the local landowner to gain access at Knott End. The Ferry Committee of the Improvement Act District of Fleetwood (predecessors of the Fleetwood Urban District Council - UDC) assumed responsibility for the ferries in 1893, but leased the operation to local operators, initially Newsham & Myerscroft. In 1894, a steam launch Nelson was being used for the ferry. From 1895-98, the Croft family regained control of the ferries.
The Croft family again tendered for the service in 1898, but the decision was taken that the council should run its own ferries, and the steamer Onward, plus sailing vessels Quail and Nymph, were bought from the Crofts. However, members of the Croft family were subsequently appointed as Ferry Manager, Captain, engineer, deck hands and general assistant for the new concern. Onward could carry 117 passengers, and she was soon joined by the Progress, which could carry 140 passengers and was built locally by John Gibson. In July 1901, a further new addition was the Bourne May, also built by John Gibson.
(from The Blackpool Gazette)
The ferry’s colourful history dates back to the mid-1800s when Knott End fisherman, old John Croft, and his sons took passengers across the estuary in their sailing and row boats. Sailings were haphazard, planned to fit in around the Crofts’ fishing and cockling commitments.
In 1894, Fleetwood Council, after recognising the need for a commercial ferry service to strengthen links between the thriving port and holiday town and the Over Wyre farming community, took over the running of the ferry, hiring the Croft family to operate it.
Those making the journey had to be prepared to share space with ferrets, poultry, pigs and sheep, with Over Wyre farmers relying on the ferry service to transport livestock to Fleetwood market. Cows and horses would be attached by a halter to the ferry vessel and forced to swim across the river.
Knott End resident Bob Croft is descended from the ferry founders – old John Croft and his sons, Robert, John and Thomas. He knows little about them, other than that they were a wild bunch, known for bickering among themselves.
They were not averse to throwing punches midway across the river – much to the alarm of passengers – as they argued about whose turn it was to be skipper!
Returning now to the sons of John Croft -
William - married Catherine Newton in 1852 in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. In 1851 Catherine was working as a servant in a household in Fleetwood, but the marriage took place in Chesterfield as that was where her family was. In the 1851 census William is described as a "Ferryman", but in the marriage register he is a Labourer. However, as the majority of people in the Chesterfield marriage register around that time were listed as Labourer, perhaps the minister was not very specific. By the 1861 census William and Catherine were in Fleetwood and he was a Grocer, but by 1871 (still at the same address) he was a Ferryman, as was his eldest son Thomas. He continued as a Ferryman into the 1880s. Catherine died in 1886. In the 1891 census William, age 65, is still described a "Boatman". He was living with his daughter and her family by this time. He was still there ten years later in 1901, a "Retired Boatman". William died in 1904.
William and Catherine's children were:
Thomas Newton
Mary Jane John |
b. 1853 married Statira Elizabeth Hodgkinson in 1877 in Dukinfield, east of Manchester. They had five children, three of them
surviving to adulthood. He worked as a Ferryman with his father. By 1901 Thomas had become the Ferry Manager, the Fleetwood to Knott End Ferry having been taken over from the Croft family by the council, and he was still in this position in 1911. Thomas died in 1915. Their children were: Frank, Alice (d), Edith Alice, Kate, Agnes (d) b. 1856 married Robert Woods (a Joiner) in 1882. They had six children in Fleetwood. Mary Jane died in 1916 b. 1858 married Margaret Doughty in 1881. They had five children (three surviving to adulthood). John was a Joiner, and they lived initially in Fleetwood, but by 1901 they had moved to Blackpool. John died in Blackpool in 1916. Their children were: William Newton (d), Lilian (d), William Newton, Edith, Lilian |
Robert - married Jane Kay in 1861 in Pilling. He is described as a "Boatman" in the register, as he is in the census the following month. At the time of the census they were living in Hackinsall Ridge, next door to his parents and brother Thomas, also "Boatmen". By 1871 they were still in Hackinsall Ridge, a few doors from his parents and youngest brother John James, and he was a "Grocer and Boatman". His other brother Thomas was living next door. At this time the whole family, John the elder and all his sons, were Ferrymen.
In 1881 Robert, still in Hackinsall Ridge age 46, was a "Master Mariner". How many people he employs is not specified, but the Ferry business was obviously doing well.
In 1891 and 1901 the situation was the same, but Robert's son had also become a Boatman. Robert was a widow in 1901, Jane having died in 1899 and Robert died in 1910
Robert and Jane's children were:
In 1881 Robert, still in Hackinsall Ridge age 46, was a "Master Mariner". How many people he employs is not specified, but the Ferry business was obviously doing well.
In 1891 and 1901 the situation was the same, but Robert's son had also become a Boatman. Robert was a widow in 1901, Jane having died in 1899 and Robert died in 1910
Robert and Jane's children were:
Robert Woodburn
Elizabeth Clarkson Jane Ellen John Robert |
b. 1863 died in infancy
b. 1864 married John Sumner (a harbour Cashier) in 1905. They had no children, and I cannot find a reliable record of her death b. 1869 died in 1954, unmarried b. 1873 married Beatrice Anna Maria Cumming in 1903 in Pilling. In the 1911 census he is described as a "Master Yachtsman". They had three children (one of whom died in infancy). John Robert died in Preesall in 1937. Their children were: Eric, Kathleen, Lily (d) |
Thomas - married Mary Ann Bagot in 1865 in Stalmine. By 1861 Thomas had become a Boatman along with his father and brothers in Hackinsall Ridge, and in 1871 he was a "Ferryman" and living next door to his brother Robert, also a "Boatman" in Hackinsall Ridge. By 1881 he and his family were in Fleetwood, still a Ferryman (and Grocer) and by 1891 his two eldest sons had joined him in the Ferry business. In 1901 he is "Master of Ferry Boat", but his two eldest sons (still unmarried and living at home) have become fishermen. Thomas's youngest son has become a joiner's apprentice. In 1911, age 70, Thomas is still a "Master Ferryman". Mary Ann, Thomas's wife, died in 1914, and Thomas died in 1926 age 86.
Thomas and Mary Ann's children were:
Thomas and Mary Ann's children were:
Martha Jane
John Harriet Bagot William John Dinah Florence Bagot Thomas Herbert |
b. 1866 had a daughter, Marion, in 1887, and married Ralph Mason (a Seaman) in 1889. Ralph died in 1894. They had two
children together. Martha Jane died in 1929 in Fleetwood b. 1867 died 1868 b. 1869 married Samuel Bannister Tomlinson (an Engineer) in 1893 in Fleetwood. They had three children there, but Harriet died in 1903. The three children were taken in by their grandparents Thomas and Mary Ann, as Samuel Tomlinson remarried in 1909 and it seems did not want to take his children from his first marriage. b. 1870 lived in Fleetwood his whole life as a boatman and fisherman, and died unmarried in 1920 b. 1874 like his brother William, he lived in Fleetwood his whole life as a boatman and fisherman. He never married and was still a Boatman in the 1939 census at the age of 65. John died in 1956 age 81 b. 1881 married George Hedley Cowell in 1915 in Fleetwood. She died in 1920 b. 1883 married Margaret Wilson in 1908 in Fleetwood, and became a Joiner. They had five children in Fleetwood, and Thomas died in 1957. Their children were: Florence Marion, Thomas, Phyllis, Annie, Margaret |
John James - married Mary Hargreaves in 1875 in Stalmine. He had become a Ferryman with his father by the time he was 19 years old (in the 1871 census), and in the 1881 census he was still a Boatman, living with his wife and three children in Hackinsall Ridge with his father John (now retired). By 1891 they were in Fleetwood, John James still a Boatman and Fisherman. By 1901 his eldest son had joined him as a Boatman. John James died in 1906 age 54 and Mary died in 1920
John and Mary's children were:
John and Mary's children were:
Jenny Banks
John William Esther Ann Mary Adeline Thomas Emily Robert |
b. 1876 married William Henry Stephens (a Soldier) in 1896 in Fleetwood. They moved to Bispham where William became a
shopkeeper. They had at least two children, and moved back to Fleetwood. William Henry Stephens died in 1920 and Jenny remarried in 1923 to Joseph Southwell and continued living in Fleetwood. Jenny died in 1946. b. 1878 married Jane Elizabeth Nugent in 1899 in Fleetwood. In 1900 they had twins, but sadly not only did the twins die, but also Jane Elizabeth. John remarried in 1905 to Caroline (Carrie) Croston but they had no children. By the 1911 census John was a Yachtsman, but was living with his widowed mother and younger siblings, with no sign of his wife (though he states he is married). By the time of the 1939 census he was a Cable Labourer. He also seems to have married Beatrice Swindale at some point (though I can find no record of this, nor of the death of Carrie Croft/Croston). He had four children with Beatrice between 1914 and 1927. John William died in Fleetwood in 1946. John and Beatrice's children were: Doris Winifred, Beatrice (d), Winifred, David b. 1880 married William Robert Moores in 1908. They had one son. b. 1886 married Tom Dennison (a Tailor) in 1909 in Fleetwood, where they had a family. She died in 1927 b. 1889 Died before 1911, though I can find no record of his death. b. 1893 married William Booth in 1925 in Fleetwood. They don't appear to have had any children. b. 1895 an Ironmonger's Apprentice in 1911, he married Agnes Stansfield 1915 In Fleetwood. They had a son Harry in 1918. Agnes died in 1925 and Robert remarried the following year to Mary Jane Sharples (they had no children together). Robert died in 1965 |
Child of Agnes Croft and (Father Unknown)
William - married Mary Cookson in Thornton in 1860. Interestingly, following the odd use of surnames which had been part of William's life since birth, William states the name of his father to be John Croft in the register. William was of course illegitimate, so his father certainly wasn't called Croft, and while it's understandable that he might have thought of his mother's husband as his father (he was only a month old when they married, and John Cartmell describes William as his son in the census returns), it's notable that he used neither Cartmell nor Carpenter for him. Also notable is the fact that one of the witnesses to the marriage was Alice, his sister, who is named Alice Carpenter in the register. The rest of William's siblings also seemed to choose between the two names - I have found two of them in the census returns using the name Cartmell, and two more using Carpenter!
William and Mary settled in Thornton, with William initially a Farm Labourer, but in 1871 he is described as a "Cattle Dealer" and by 1891 he was a Farmer, which he remained until his death in 1919 (Mary died in 1923). William and Mary's children were:
William - married Mary Cookson in Thornton in 1860. Interestingly, following the odd use of surnames which had been part of William's life since birth, William states the name of his father to be John Croft in the register. William was of course illegitimate, so his father certainly wasn't called Croft, and while it's understandable that he might have thought of his mother's husband as his father (he was only a month old when they married, and John Cartmell describes William as his son in the census returns), it's notable that he used neither Cartmell nor Carpenter for him. Also notable is the fact that one of the witnesses to the marriage was Alice, his sister, who is named Alice Carpenter in the register. The rest of William's siblings also seemed to choose between the two names - I have found two of them in the census returns using the name Cartmell, and two more using Carpenter!
William and Mary settled in Thornton, with William initially a Farm Labourer, but in 1871 he is described as a "Cattle Dealer" and by 1891 he was a Farmer, which he remained until his death in 1919 (Mary died in 1923). William and Mary's children were:
Agnes
Elizabeth Elizabeth John James William Alfred Frederick Mary Charles |
b. 1860 died in infancy
b. 1860 died in infancy b. 1861 married Adam Parr (a Labourer) in 1892. They settled in Longridge, about 18 miles east of Thornton, north of Blackburn, where they had four children and Adam became a Railway worker. By 1911 they had moved to Walton le Dale, near Preston, and he had become an Insurance Salesman. Elizabeth died in 1942 b. 1864 married Ann Whiteside in 1889. John was a Farm Labourer and they settled in Fleetwood. he worked variously as a Butcher and Labourer, and they had a family of nine children. John died in 1947. John and Ann's children were: William, John, Frank, Margaret, Mary Elizabeth, Annie, Edith Alice, Eleanor, Elizabeth b. 1866 married Mary Jane Waring in 1891. They settled in Fleetwood, and James worked as a Farm Labourer and eventually a Farm Bailiff. James died in 1927. James and Mary's children were: James, Henry (d), William, Mary, John, Ethel Margaret b. 1868 remained living at home with parents, working on the farm, and never married. He died in 1948 b. 1871 married Elizabeth O'Neill in 1896. He worked as a Labourer, and subsequently at the Fylde Alkali Works (which later became ICI). Alfred died in 1927. Their children were: Alfred (d), Elizabeth, Charles, Frances, Alfred, James b. 1873 married Lois Jones in 1898. They lived in Thornton, and like his brother he worked at the Alkali Works, and was also a Dock Worker in Fleetwood. Frederick died in 1942 and Lois died in 1944. Their children were: Hilda Vera, Mary Cookson, Jessie Lois, Frederick, Lavinia Mabel b. 1875 remained living at home with parents, working on the farm, and never married. She died in 1948 b. 1878 remained living at home with parents, working on the farm, and never married. He died in 1951 |