The Family names of the FOLLOWING

Jane Fletcher Coulson my Mother married three husbands in her life, having families to each husband, bringing each family successfully into the present century, and also into this Millennium Century of 2000. This is the story and family history of her life and the lives of her offspring:

Coulson:

Bartlett:

Ord:

McCormick:

The families above are families associated with, Jane Fletcher Coulson. My mother, in order to survive, at the turn of the century; had to marry three times. Over the period, she survived three husbands, the first being Charles Anthony Bartlett, killed in battle in the First World War,

5/1350 Private Charles Anthony Bartlett, 5th. Battalion D.L.I.  Born Browne, Durham.

Enlisted, Castle Eden, living at the time at Coxhoe.Died of War Wounds, at Flounders, France, on 25th. 5. 1915, after the second battle of Ypres, thousands of Durham Light Infantry, men died in these two battles. A complete list in Durham Chronicle, June 1915,

John Ord, died with a very bad strain of influenza, coming from the Continent in 1920. 

Finally my father Michael McCormick, dying because of war wounds sustained in the 1914-1918 world war. He was machine gunned down one side of his body, later because of these wounds gangrene was found in his big toe, which ultimately led to his death.

 John Thomas Ord, the son of a very respectable family, who lived in Cornforth Lane, his father was a very upright clean living man Adamson Ord, Died February 1924 from Influenza

25225 Pte. Michael McCormick, Durham Light Infantry, 10th. Battalion, C. Company Entered Theatre of operations France, 20th. July 1915, after landing on 5th. June 1915. Wounded 7th. November 1915.  Left for England on 21st. of November 1915.

Medals awarded were 1914-15, Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal, Silver War badge.

Never once did Jane, my mother, have to board, any children, out and neither did the children have to starve. All three families have progressed into the present century, with their amazing offspring, and are living in various parts of Durham County. London, and other parts of the Country.

Into the Twentieth Century:

The early Coulson family is steeped with History, tradition and class, with a trace of bravery, and intrigue, as shown in the family chart. Around about 1550 the name, was spelt Coleson, showing that this line was an early Coulson line and possibly the start. This was spelt Coulson on a regular basis after 1600.

Two Early Examples of the Coulson Family

John Coulson, was living in 1590, he married Janet Greenwell, the daughter of William Greenwell, of Bowlees, Co Durham. This marriage produced a son, William Coulson, who in 1658, bought, Jesmond, Tyne and Wear, from Sir Francis Anderson. William produced a son, called John Coulson, who was born in 1653. John commanded a troop of horse, in Northumberland, Militia, in 1692.  John Coulson married Elizabeth Mitford, daughter of Robert Mitford, of Mitford Castle. They produced three daughters, Eleanor b1677 d 1693, Mitford, b1678, d1683, and Philadelphia b1688; there was no male line. Elizabeth, Johns wife, died in 1688, John Coulson then married Elizabeth Bromley, of Nesbit, Co. Durham, and with whom they had three male children.  Stephen Coulson, who in 1721 was Sheriff of Newcastle, died in 1728. Robert Coulson born, 1691, was made a free Burgess of Edinburgh, in 1729, finally dying in 1750. Finally William Coulson of Jesmond, born 1692, he was also a free burgess of Edinburgh, in 1729, William married the sole heiress of the Blenkinsop Family and Castle. Jane Blenkinsop born 1696, they were married 1727, thus Blenkinsop entered into the Coulson name. Of this marriage, there were two boys and a girl.  John Blenkinsop Coulson, of Blenkinsop Castle and Jesmond, born 1729, was unmarried and died, 1788, William Coulson, born 1737, who in 1768, was Sheriff of Newcastle, he married Mary Lisle, of Elehaugh, Northumberland, producing John Blenkinsop Coulson, who was born, 1779, JP, DL, Lieutenant Colonel, of Northumberland, Militia, who sold Jesmond, in 1809, his father died in 1789.  John Blenkinsop Coulson married, Alicia Francis Forth, daughter of Gustavis Hamilton, who was the 3rd. son of 1st. Viscount, Boyne, in 1796, he died 1853. This marriage producing a son, John Blenkinsop Coulson, who was a Captain in the Grenadier Guards; he was also High Sheriff of Newcastle, in 1868 and finally dying in 1868. Coulson was married to Mary Anne Byron, daughter of the 7th. Lord Byron, born 1817, married 1834, died, 1885.

The second son was Gustavis Hamilton Coulson, born 1801, he was captain in the Royal Navy, was JP for Northumberland, he married Lindsey Wastell, who was heiress of Newborough and Waltown, born 1819, married 1844, and died 1884. This marriage produced Henry John Wastell Coulson, of Newborough and Walltown, Northumberland, born 1848, who was a Barrister in Law.  In 1875, he married Caroline Stewart, who was the daughter of Henry Urwin. This marriage produced Gustavis, Hamilton, Blenkinsop Coulson, who was Lieutenant, in The Scottish Borders, born 1879; he was killed in action, at Lambrecksfontein, South Africa, 19th. Of May, 1901, where he saved the guns, and rode close under enemy fire, to rescue, a wounded trooper, for this gallant deed, he was recommended for The ‘Victoria Cross’, 

 

William Coulson:

Master Sinker

William Coulson was born at Gateshead Fell in 1791.  He was undoubtedly one of the most eminent Colliery sinkers in England. His sinking’s up to the time of his death was over a hundred pits both in England and abroad; although a high percentage of these were completed in the North of England. In 1862 he led a heroic band of sinkers when they tried to get 400-trapped miners out of the one pit shaft at Hartley Colliery where they were entombed. It was here, where an engine beam had broken in the shaft and trapped the miners deep in the bowels of the pit. He was in the area of Hartley, when he heard about the calamity at the pit and did not have any hesitation of going straight there to try to get the men out. When arriving at the pit everyone was at odds, and with his men set to work with zeal and determination to clear the blockage in the shaft.  Day after day they laboured mostly without rest and always with the threat of gas and debris falling from above. For their brave efforts William Coulson received a gold medal and his men were awarded silver medals.

William Coulson was a self made man, beginning his life not unlike George Stevenson {famous Engineer} as a trapper boy at a Northern pit. William Coulson was not educated as such, learning what he could on his own account. He had an inborn genius for surmounting the highest obstacles of nature. His energy and industry made for him a name as a brilliant mining engineer of the times, and he had amazing perseverance. William Coulson had a family of four sons and three daughters. All of the family settled abroad, except for William, his son who had accompanied him at Hartley Colliery. He carried on sinking collieries himself and was also involved in a project putting a tunnel under the Mersey at Liverpool. He also founded an Engineering Company at Crossgate Moor, Durham,  where he also lived. William Coulson (senior) in his early life was employed at Walker Colliery; he worked full time at the pit; then travelled to the Tyne where he worked a further shift as a trimmer at the docks. It was not just a coincidence that John Vaughan, of the Ironmasters ‘Bolckow and Vaughan during this period was manager of 'Walker Iron Company'. Later William Coulson sank shafts for the partnership; Coulson also sank shafts in Prussia, where Bolckow was born. He showed amazing energy and industry. Coulson came from a family of mainly Blacksmiths, his father, grandfather and other Coulson descendants worked for the Ravensworth Family for several generations.

William Coulson was involved in just about every colliery sank in the North of England over the last forty years up to 1865. The pits that himself and his men did not sink Coulson were usually consulted. The worst type of obstacles was just not a problem to him; with his practical knowledge and natural sagacity the worst problems melted away and he quickly progressed the sinking. His expertise and knowledge on sinking was even well known in Countries abroad; for a number of years he developed mining recourses in Prussia mainly in the province of West Phalia. The work in these Countries meant that he had to spend a great deal of his time at sea as well as arduous trips on rough terrain overland. His gift for finding coal in the strata elevated him to a high position amongst mining engineers of the day. Besides his engagements in Prussia the Austrian Empire, had the benefit of his great experience in developing mining recourses in that Country. He was also engaged in ironstone mining in Prussia; two of the best-known Collieries that William Coulson sank in Prussia were the Hibernia and the Banrock Collieries. He also sank a great deal of pits in Wales when he gave a service to the Newport and Cardiff Ironstone Company.

It was not only solving problems abroad that William Coulson was famous for, in this Country there was many catastrophes which was linked to mining operations; constantly happening when the North of England was trying to produce their natural recourses and to keep people in employment; Mr.Coulson was the one that was always consulted. In December 1856 William Coulson was invited to a complimentary dinner by a number of Durham and Northumberland dignitaries. The dinner was held at the house of John Gowland in Durham City; Mr. George Johnson who was an intimate friend of Coulsons occupied the chair. Through the chair he said that he had known William Coulson for forty-five years. He was the first man ever to prove that coal existed below the Magnesia Limestone; these were the Collieries of Hetton in 1821; this is when he proved this point, much to the delight and happiness of all concerned; including landowners, Government, and ordinary miners, who relied on the industry for a living. It was mainly from that point that he continued to rise in the estimation of mining engineers and Colliery Viewers and owners; infact all who were concerned in the development of Collieries. Coulson went from one difficult sinking to another none proved beyond his reach and that included the east coast collieries of Seaham and other coastal pits.  Most of these were plagued by water, tide and sand; he had an uncanny knack of producing coal in the strata; it was as if he could detect it with a dousing stick.  Just about all of the pits produced coal in abundance.

The Coulson family was known in general for their sinking ability in the North of England, the authors grandfather, great grandfather, and Great Great grandfather all were sinkers and part of the same family; worked hand in hand with  William Coulson; indeed their ancestors were from the same area having creative activities and also employed as Blacksmith’s, probably mainly by the Ravensworth family. These were Joseph Coulson  (born 1795), John Coulson (born 1820), and William Coulson (born 1860) [called after him] All like William Coulson dedicated their lives to the north of England coalfield. In the 1851 census all can be seen together at Billy Row with William Coulson, while sinking collieries like Roddymoor and others in the Crook and South West Durham area.  William Coulson and his associates were  credited with somewhere in the region of a hundred shafts up to 1865; some of the best known are as follows~~Whitley, Walker, Seghill, Callerton, Harton, Bedlington, North Seaton, Norwood, Crookhall, Roddymoor, Thickley, Peases 1St. Adelaide, Eldon, Blackboy (1st. Pit), Whitworth, Bishop Middleham, Bowburn, Coxhoe, Crowtrees, West Hetton, Sherburn, Sherburn Hill, Philadhelphia, Grange, Haswell, Thornley, Wingate, Castle Eden, (two winnings), Seaton, Seaham, Framwelgate Moor, Waldridge Fell, Pelaw, and Urpeth, West Sleekburn, Bewick Main, Peases Adelaide 2nd.  There was several winnings in Lancashire and North Wales;  also five Collieries in Prussia.

William Coulson commenced his career as a sinker at Thornley Colliery where he worked a sixteen hour shift out of twenty four every day; he even got material needed to commence the contract the following day;  this was on top of the sixteen hours worked. William Coulson was much respected by his family and men and they were confident in his judgment; so much so that they would unhesitatingly enter very dangerous places in connection with the sinking operations. In his life he was a modest and quite man who cared about people;  showing these attributes when risking his life to get the unfortunate men out of Hartley Colliery;  he was seventy-one at this time and he still toiled relentlessly. He had one thought in mind and that was getting the men back to their loved ones; to give them a Christian burial.  Even with a constant threat of gas and falling debris; he and his men laboured on, not relaxing until the men were  back on the surface.

William Coulson was married twice; his second wife was Mary Hopper,  who had a daughter Elizabeth, son George by her previous marriage.  Both children were shown on the 1851 census with their mother and Stepfather living at, 114 North Moor Cottages, Billy Row, Crook.  The [authors G.G. Grandfather Joseph Coulson, lived at 110 North Moor Cottages, with his family.  They were together with Coulson, when sinking Roddymoor and other shafts in the area.

On Monday 12 June 1865 William Coulson left his residence at Western Hill, Durham City,  in his usual state of health.  He was due to attend a meeting at Hetton Hall, the residence of Nicholas Wood esq. they were due to have a consultation with respect to a projected new Winning at Harton Colliery,  near South Shields.  The meeting had been due to take place at the coal trade office, in Newcastle on Saturday, but because of the absence of Mr. Collingwood and Mr. L. Wood,  this meeting had to be postponed until Monday at Mr. Wood’s house.  William Coulson arrived at the house in time as usual and entered into consultation with Mr. Charles Alderson from South Shields, together with Nicholas Wood and Mr. Collingwood the meeting progressed well until William Coulson felt ill with an attack of Apoplexy, and with which he was in much pain.  Mr. Edgar, surgeon was called from Chester-Le-Street,  and also Mr. S. Shiel,  who came immediately.  Mrs. Coulson and other members of the family were sent for and they quickly arrived before noon.  Shortly after noon Coulson had another attack, after which he was in much pain.  From the commencement of the problem until early evening Coulson appeared to be in much physical pain, and became unconscious.  At 6.15 that evening William Coulson  died leaving his family and friends were very distressed.  His body was conveyed to Durham City, arriving there 1 am.. Tuesday morning.

The funeral of the William Coulson, was held on Friday morning June 16th 1865 and it was exceptionally well attended by the Coulson family, and many friends, and associates with dignitaries, mining officials, mining engineers, coal owners, many ordinary citizens who knew and respected him; some were  not able to get into the Church but stayed outside to give their last respects. His remains were buried at St. Margaret’s Churchyard, Durham.

 

OUR FAMILY COULSON:

The main Coulson line progressed successfully, into the present Century, while many branched off, to various parts of the Country, using their own, skills and occupations, and now there is a Coulson in most forms of business and trade. 

My Great Great Grandfather, Joseph Coulson born 1785 was not the exception, infact according to my research and mining records, he was one of the most experienced coal shaft sinkers of the time and who gained his experience of his father before him. At the time of the start of his working life, it was all systems go for the sinking of coal shafts ready for the very high demand for coal, being a very major power source;  not only for this country but for the world. The demand for it was tremendous, and the old fashion bell mines could not supply anything like the output needed even for the home market. Rich landowners found that they did not need to go prospecting for gold to make a fortune;  here it was on their doorstep. It has always been known that there were rich veins of coal in the strata below, and people not unlike the Londonderry and Pease’s & rich men from the South of England were realizing that if the coal could be produced cheaply vast fortunes could be made.  The early Coulson’s realizing that their expertise was very much in demand formed a pool of highly experienced sinkers, keeping their expert knowledge very close to their chests, and especially where at all possible within the Coulson family. They travelled throughout the coal producing area, and were admired and respected for their knowledge of the strata;  their ability to sink difficult shafts through water and sand, and at the end of the day find coal in abundance was simply amazing. Their expertise was demanded from other parts of the Country such as at Snibston Colliery at Leicester,  where their own sinkers were at a standstill because they could not stop the extraordinary amount of water at Keuper Marl. Stephenson the owner, sent to Durham for sinkers and within 9 month the shaft was sunk to the main coal.  They had changed the lining to brick, and this stemmed the water flow. 

The Coulsons also had their own Millwrights Fitters and Blacksmiths, so that the fitting out of engine shafts, and the hardening of chisels, and drills were very much part of the operation. Having gained their expertise from their fathers and other older members of the family like William Coulson and Joseph Coulson they used the experience to develop mining interests throughout the north of England.

Joseph Coulson was very evident in the development of the early mining sinking’s at Londonderry’s, Rainham and Letch Collieries, which the Londonderry’s relied on, to feed the man made drops at Seaham.  At this time the family were based at East Rainton; because of the development of the industry in this area; and this is where Joseph met and married his wife Ann Robson as early as 1813.  The Robson family at this time was also heavily involved in coal mining; her brothers and father being viewers mine owners, and engineers. The Coulson ‘s expertise greatly advanced coal production from these Collieries, which fed Seaham Harbour with an abundance of coal; every Colliery in the area contributed to the success of the harbour at the time.  With the experience, and success of the Rainham, Letch and other Colliery’s the Sinkers pushed further south, to Sherburn, Sherburn Hill, Pittington and Durham area; still within a radius of ten miles from Seaham and the outlet to the sea, and research showed that they still managed to return home to East Rainton, where every member of Joseph’s family were born.

 

The Marriage of G Grandfather John Coulson at Roddymoor while in the proccess of sinking Roddymoor Colliery

His wife Elspeth Wilson. GG Grandfather , Joseph Coulson & brides mother Elizabeth Wilson were wittnesses:

As the years progressed the area of East Durham was fully established including the coastal mines and in 1851 came the ironstone boom and Balckow and Vaughan and the Pease family required the South West Durham area; including Roddymoor, and areas around Crook, like, Billy Row, Spennymoor, Willington developing.  Knowing fully that after test drilling by the Coulson's that large deposits of quality coal was there to be developed. This was needed to satisfy the overwhelming demand of coal required for the production of ironstone in various forms.

 

1851 Census at Billy Row, the census shows the Authors Great Grandfather Joseph Coulson 66 with his wife Ann Robson. The Census also shows William Coulson living at 114 with his second wife Mary Hopper, 'Hartley Disaster had not yet happened.' The Census also shows Joseph’s oldest son living two doors away. They were all busy sinking pits for the Pease's interests. Roddymoor was sunk at this time:

1851 CENSUS BILLY ROW:

Joseph and all of the family moved to 110, North Moor Cottages, Billy Row, I found them on the 1851 Census, showing him as head, aged 66, born at East Rainton, infact all of his family showed birth at East Rainton.  The Census also showed his wife Ann Coulson (nee Robson), aged 62, born at Rainton,  Robson; called after his mothers maiden name,  William, [13], born at Rainton, Thomas Wilson, [7] grand son, also shown to be born at East Rainton.  On checking out Thomas Wilson, I found the family on the 1851, census, at 57,  Long Row, Coxhoe, where the head of the family was George Wilson, [43] born at Newbottle; Jane Wilson (ne Coulson)[35] [Great Great Grandfathers oldest Daughter Jane;  this Jane and Jane Fletcher’s grand-mother also called Jane,] all are whom, my mother Jane Coulson is named after, and also my daughter Jayne. The name is also prominent on the Fletcher side of the family because of Jane Liddle and Jane Walker.  Also at Coxhoe was Thomas, [7] George [5] Joseph [3] John [1],  Thomas was named on both Census forms at the same time, obviously visiting his grandparents at Billy Row at the time of the census.  It was also noted that brother and sister married brother and sister, George Wilson  was Elspeth’s brother who was married to grandfather John Coulson. Another one of Joseph’s sons was on the form, living at 113, North Moor Cottages, Billy Row,  this being Joseph’s oldest son, [26], our Grandfathers brother and obviously called Joseph after his father,  married to Elizabeth [27], from Brancepeth; Robert [5]; Joseph [1]. Joseph junior had been involved in the sinking of Brancepeth, and Sunnybrow  (Willington) with other members of the Coulson family when meeting his wife, at the time of these sinking’s.  Joseph would be about 18 years of age, at that time, both children were shown to be born at Brancepeth,  it appeared now he was back with the main family, and his father Joseph, 3 houses away. Also on the census form was William Coulson, who, it showed was living at 114, North Moor Cottages, Billy Row at the time;  It appeared that they were working together over this period as there was a great deal of sinking happening in the Billy Row Crook area,  especially for the Pease, West Durham interests including Roddymoor, Joseph was 24 years his senior, and had a wealth of experience, of the Durham County Strata, [now he was transfering this knowledge to the west of the County] and of the very early sinking’s in the County of Durham.

My research shows it was very rare that William and Joseph came together, as they usually worked different areas of Durham, and later William Coulson concentrated on the North, including Northumberland.  A prime example of this was William Coulson’s sinking of St. Helens at Auckland, at the same time Joseph was sinking Sherburn pits. Living with William Coulson at the time was his second wife, Mary Hopper, [42], and her family, with a son and daughter George Hopper, [22]; and Elizabeth Hopper; [17], listed as step, son and daughter, it is noted that Mary Hopper’s first child was born At St. Helens Auckland,  where she was obviously living, when William Coulson was sinking the Engine Pit there, for Joseph Pease.  William Coulson had married Mary Hopper when they were residing at Shincliffe, on November 11th. 1846. Just a few years before coming here to Crook and Billy Row.

1851 Census Whitworth

John Coulson was now sinking coal shafts on his own experience, he was now 24 years of age with a wealth of experience, and knowledge; gained from his father, and other sinkers and engineers including his father Joseph Coulson, William Coulson (Hartley Fame), and Matthew Coulson (Master Sinker). As previously stated John’s father Joseph had also married into the Robson family of Rainton, and records show were mostly all mining engineers and coal owners. John Robson, [60] Ann’s brother, living at Colliery Row,  Houghton Le Spring,  was found on the 1840, census and noted as a Colliery Viewer, very near to his fathers residence was his son, [30], living with his wife Sarah, his work was given as a Colliery Agent. Mining records show that Robson’s was noted as joint owners of many pits, in particular, Hunwick, Whitwell, Coxhoe and on the 1871 census at Lumley,  Thomas Robson [36] was noted, as a mining engineer, his place of birth given as Rainton, and obviously part of great great grandmothers family.  Great Grandfather John Coulson married Elspeth Wilson, also from Rainton, the birthplace of John. The Marriage Certificate shows that the marriage was registered at Roddymoor;  obviously temporarily living there, when busy sinking Roddymoor Colliery.  Elspeth’s father also noted on the certificate, as William Wilson, the witnesses being, John’s father, Joseph, and Elspeth’s mother Elizabeth; later I found them on the 1851, census at Spennymoor when he was sinking Whitworth Colliery,  It was noted that their first child had been born and infact was 3 weeks old, Wilson, named after Elspeth’s maiden name.

Death of GGGrandfatheron 21 March, 1856 Joseph Coulson, at 73 years of age at Grahamsley, Crook. The cause of the death recorded as inflamation of the Chest, obviously due to coal dust after years of developing Collieries throughout the North of England:

 

1861 CENSUS QUARRINGTON HILL:

John and his family were now based at Quarrington Hill, Coxhoe. The Census shows John now [32], Elspeth [33],  Wilson now [11], Joseph [6], William (grandfather) [2], William was born at New Winning, Sherburn; when John and his associates were sinking the Sherburn pits.  Now they were at Quarrington Hill, a short distance from Kelloe where an airshaft was sunk at that time.

Coxhoe Colliery in 1850, shows the railway running directly through Joint Stock Row; to service Kelloe and complete the journey to Hartlepool, which was 14 miles distance; they had to use the incline, the Coulson’s were here mainly to sink the Colliery which was family owned by Robson & Jackson, &  Ann’s brother.  John at this time was living a little further towards Kelloe; where records show, an air shaft was sunk at this exact time, there was also a series of bore holes put down. Other pits were sank  in the area such as Tursdale,  West Hetton, Bowburn and Crowtrees. Coxhoe Colliery was worked out about 1857 and the family travelled again to the west of the County at Willington:

It was also noted that John’s older brother, Joseph and his family were now based at Joint Stocks Row, Coxhoe very close to the site where Coxhoe Pit had been sunk and where the ‘Clarence Railway’ incline transported coal via Hartlepool. Many borings and sinkings had been carried out in the Coxhoe Quarrington Hill area, and all of the rail companies were interested in the transport of the coals. John and his family’s address at Quarrington Hill were very close to Stocks Row and the Clarence Incline. It was evident that the Coulsons, as well as completing their work at Kelloe were also carrying out work at Coxhoe.  

 

Birth Certificate of Grandfather William Coulson: like his name sake spent his total life in developing mining in the North East of England. Born at New Winning Sherburn, just outside of Durham City. His father John was busy sinking the Sherburn Pits the date 23 July 1859.  Later he lost his legs due to blood poisoning after attempts to free trapped miners at West Stanley.

The census showed Robert [15], Joseph [11] working as pony drivers, also Ann [2] born at Sherburn where they had been sinking. Also noted was Ann Coulson (ne Robson) also living at Stocks Row, her youngest son Robson living with her, and the census showed that Joseph [Ann’s Husband& GG Grandfather] who was on the 1851 census at Billy Row was now dead, and they had travelled from Billy Row, where they were all shown on the 1851 Census.

 The census also showed that the Robson family were  living near to John at the time; infact  next door, and the family. From 1850 to 1861, the Durham Directory mentions that William Coulson and Coulson family and associates were given credit for the following  sinkings; Tursdale, Fallonsby (Wardley), Pagebank, Okenshaw, Kelloe, New-Brancepeth, (Sleetburn), Whitwell (Shincliffe), Pittington, Ushaw Moor, Stanley, West Stanley (Kettledrum), Witton, Brandon, South Pelaw, Elvet, Rough Lea, and the Lizzie (Shield Row), in 1861.  William Coulson (Hartley Fame) was also in the area, with the rest of the Coulsons. The family’s next major move was back to the west of the County at Willington, and where Joseph had been sinking for the Pease’s, around Crook,  and where the ‘Robson’ part of the family had a stake in Newfield, near Willington, it was also observed that the period that John and his family were at Willington this pit was also developed. There was a lull of sinking in the whole of the Northern Coalfield, as if it was the lull before the storm. In November 1862, a sad and terrible explosion occurred at East Hartley, where William Coulson, who superintended all rescue operations, at the request of Hartley Pit officials, Coulson was certainly the most able sinker at the time in the Country, and it was claimed that he had at  that date sank over 80 pit shafts,  [these were, completed with the rest of the Coulson family at the time]  But he could not and did not get any of the entombed men out of that terrible one shaft pit. 

The whole of the North of England and even the whole of Great Britain were deeply in shock. Even Queen Victoria cried, and asked to be kept informed of the rescue attempt by Coulson. Later her representatives would present William Coulson and his gallant men, including his son, [who was incidentally badly gassed] medals for their bravery, Coulson’s would be gold, and the others silver. These were the family, which John and the others, worked with on a daily basis of continually risking their lives in this hazarded occupation. The one good thing that did come out of this horrible disaster, was legislation leading to the abolition of the one shaft system in this country, other legislation including the type of metal used for engine beams greatly favoured the coal industry in this country.   

After the Lizzie was sunk in 1861, at Shield Row, Sacriston the industry did not even contemplate any more sinking’s for three long years. The sinking re-commenced in 1864 with the sinking of Tudhoe, and Tudhoe Grange, where coal was badly needed to feed the extra-ordinary demand for the production of Iron.  Iron Works were springing up all over the North East, a part of the Coulson family was responsible and indeed founder members of the successful Iron Works, at Tudhoe,  this was Matthew Coulson [40], born at Hetton le Hole, quite near to Rainton, and he was a cousin of John and the same age. To this day Coulson Street still exists near to Merrington Lane, and everyone knew about the Coulson Iron Works.  At the time they employed most of the work force in the area,  men flocked to the works for employment, and in a very short period of time the population in the area more than trebled. Iron Works opened infact in many other towns, namely Ferryhill,  where The Rosedale Company, used local limestone, together with coke produced in there own pits. 

The Bell Brothers were at the fore of this production, in 1854, when there was companies at West Cornforth, and in 1858, Coxhoe Iron Works, was in full production. Later The Weardale Company at Tudhoe was the largest producer of Bessemer Steel, in the region, and this is where John Coulson, and the family kick started in urgency, the sinking of Tudhoe Colliery, after a three year break, to feed the tremendous need for coal and coke, for the growing Iron Industry.  In 1846, Charles Attwood leased large interests of ironstone in the Wolsingham,  Stanhope area, at Tow Law,  right on the edge of the Coal Field he built blast furnaces, thus The Weardale Iron Company was born, they then expanded into coal, then became The Weardale Iron Steel and Coal Company.  They needed as much coal and coke to supply an extraordinary demand for steel. Balckow and Vaughan, the Cleveland Iron pioneers, prior to the discovery of Cleveland Ore, in 1850, used as much Iron Ore, from Weardale as they could lay their hands on,  wagon loads were transported to their furnaces, and using the empty wagons to transport inwards,  coke from mining interests in North East Durham, back to furnaces at Witton Park,  where they later built furnaces.

Elpeth's premature death on 12th. June 1865 at 22 Front Street, Willington. She was only thirty six years of age, She died of Phthisis (consumption). In the absence of Penicillan and other drugs this was a disease that struck often especially in the Mining areas. Later the family moved to Commercial Street, Willington. They stayed in the area for some years finding Willington central to other projects especially with the Iron Stone boom:

This was the task facing John Coulson, and the rest of the Sinkers, and from 1864, to 1874 they worked non-stop, sinking shafts for pits, in the area of The Weardale Iron & Coal Company. The shafts were sunk in a 15-mile radius, of Tudhoe, and the furnaces at Tow Law. 

 1871 CENSUS WILLINGTON:

It was noticeable that I found John and the rest of his family living at Willington at 88 Commercial Street, the 1871 census showed that John’s wife Elspeth had died and he was now a widower, the rest of the family showed as Wilson, now [20], Joseph [15], William [12](grandfather), John [9], Jane Ann [7], Sarah Graham (Servant)[39], employed as House Keeper, born at Etherley. It also showed that John and his 3 sons were all employed with him in mining, even William now 12. It was noticeable that Willington was within 2 miles from Newfield, where a drift was being driven in from 1870, it was also noted that Newfield Colliery was part owned by J. Robson. Willington was strategically important for the progress of many important industries at the time; being surrounded by mines, Limestone Quarries and Ironstone mining of Wolsingham, Tow Law and Stanhope. John Coulson also found the area ideal for his purpose and he spent some years here;  developing and sinking shafts for the Peases and Bolckow and Vaughan; who it appeared, also saw the importance of the area. The shafts sunk in the area at the time were 1860, Brandon, 1864, Tudhoe & Tudhoe Grange, Wooley, Shildon (Dabble Duck), 1865 Brancepeth, 1865-1866 Esh Winning, 1866-67 Lizzie, 1866-1868 Sunniside, 1867 South Medomsley, Ushaw Moor, South Moor, 1868 Burnhope, Cornsay, Hamsteels, 1869, Norwood, Morrison (Holmside), 1869 Tudhoe Grange, 1870, Ushaw Moor, 1870-1879 Waterhouses Drift, Newfield (two drifts) 1870-71 South Tanfield, 1870-74 Eppleton, Littleburn (Browney) 1871-1873 Browney.

1881 CENSUS HOLMSIDE:

All of the census returns for families are always hard to trace, especially not knowing their abode or movements. Our family was harder than the average being shaft sinkers; they travelled throughout the Durham area, where coal required developing. The only clue to their movements was the dates of shaft sinking; I found the family living at 2 Sinkers Row, Holmside, on the 1881, census, and it was noted that Sarah Graham, who acted as the house keeper at Willington was now married to John Coulson.  Sadly their lives together would not last for long as between the date of the Census in 1881, and the date of William’s (Grandfathers) wedding to Isabelle Fletcher, he would be dead.  Wilson Coulson was not included on the Census and it was obvious that he may have  married.  It was also noted that at the time of living at 2 Sinkers Row at Holmside, 2 sinking’s were completed within 2 miles of their home, in Holmside these Collieries being Lizzie, (Sacriston), and Craghead. On the 23 September 1881 John Coulson died approx. [54] years of age, now a Master Sinker, and probably at the time one of the most experienced, and respected Shaft Sinkers, in the North of England.  Later records showed that he had been killed by a fall of stone while completing work at South Hetton Colliery. ( see below) The census showed another Coulson family, living at number 6 Sinkers Row, William Coulson who was born at Spennymoor.  It was noticeable that he and his wife had named all of their children after John’s family, and wives, I/e John, William, Elspeth, and Sarah.  It was also obvious that they thought great deal of John and his family and checking on the places of the birth of his children; could be traced to pits that had been sunk by John Coulson throughout Durham County, where they would be working together.

Death of Wilson Coulson, G Grandfathers first born after an accidentat Willington Colliery  also recorder below

just another death to record as part of the development of the North East development of the Coal Industry: 

 

WILLIAM COULSON’S  [GRANDFATHER’S] WEDDING:

William Coulson, (Grandfather), married Isabelle Fletcher on the 16th. April 1883,the district being Houghton-Le-Spring. The marriage certificate shows that his father John, who was recorded as a Sinker of Coal Shafts, had died, prior to the marriage, so that from the date of the census in 1881 where it clearly showed him alive, he had now passed away. Isabella’s father was Thomas Fletcher, whose occupation was shown as a Blacksmith [Journeyman]. This was Thomas Wiseman Fletcher, son of William and Margaret Wiseman. 

1861 Census Bishop Wearmouth Sunderland, shows GG Grandfather Thomas Fletcher, [32] noted as 'Master Blacksmith',

with one boy apprentice; his wife Jane Liddle. [34] The family lived at 37, Thomas Street, which was right in the heart of Ship-building. Jane Fletcher's mother Isabella shown to be [4], also William shown as [1]:

Thomas was shown on grandmother’s birth certificate in 1856 as a Forman Shipsmith. Later on the 1861 census at 37Thomas Street, Sunderland it showed that he was now listed as a ‘Master Blacksmith’, with one boy. It was evident that he was continuing his trade as a Blacksmith outside of shipbuilding being his sole employment. Now in his daughter Isabella’s marriage certificate it shows him practicing his expertise as a journeyman possibly in coalmining, thus the marriage of his daughter to William Coulson (grandfather) may have been important to him and the work that could be created in the coal industry.

Birth of Gandmother Isabella Fletcher, born 2nd. December1856 at Sans Street, Sunderland which was directly on the front of the Docks and right in the heart of Ship construction. Father Thomas Wiseman Fletcher shown as a Foreman Ship Smith; mother shown as Jane Liddle and part of another family heavily involved in the building of Shipping:

Around 1850 a new dock had been constructed at Sunderland, said at the time to be one of the most advanced in the Country. For a number of years the whole area prospered and the shares in the concern soared. By 1860, mainly due to major coal owners such as the Londonderry’s and Lord Durham, re-routing their coal products elsewhere.  The Sunderland docks were badly effected and shareholders lost fortunes;  after which there was a terrible depression in the area which created much unemployment.  Looking at Thomas Wiseman Fletcher’s change of direction on his documents, this must have had a profound effect on his and his family’s lives at this time.  After the wedding in 1883 William Coulson found he was on his own, in his work as a Shaft Sinker apart from his brothers, Joseph, John, and Jane Ann was also on the Census.  On William’s marriage certificate, on 16th. April 1883, his residence at the time of the Wedding was 4, Travers Street, West Herrington. Isabelle Fletcher, his wife, lived at Shiney Row, Penshaw; West Herrington and Shiney Row, was very close to each other infact within 2 miles, and it was obvious that, this was a period when William and Isabelle Fletcher met and possibly courted,  both William and Isabelle were about 16 at this time.  New Herrington was sunk in 1874, and then Marsdon was sunk later.  They stayed in the area at least 6 years as Marsdon Colliery proved a difficult sinking. The death of their father was sad but life had to go on, William had gained a wealth of experience, of this amazing trade, from some of the most experienced sinkers of the day.  Most of the coal interests, in the south of the County was well established, but there was still a high demand in the north of the County,  and it would mostly be there that he would later, turn his attention.

On checking the 1891 census, [grandfather] William was found living at Newbottle, with his wife Isabelle and family while sinking shafts in this area.  Also on the census was Mary Ann aged [7], William aged [5] Ada aged [2] Thomas aged 2 month. They were boarding with brother in law John Park [Widower] who had 3 in the family John [7] Christopher [5] and Sarah [3] obviously staying with them while William Coulson was sinking a shaft.  On the 6th. Of December 1893, Jane Fletcher Coulson (Mother) was born, at 23, Shakespeare Street, Westoe, South Shields. William had work to complete at Bolden, Heyworth and Westoe.

 

1901 Census at 59, Wesley Street, Coundon Grange, shows the family now back in Durham County; the family

at this time of  William (head) 42, Isabella, (wife ) 42, Mary 17, Ada, 13, Jane (mother) 7, Thomas, 10, Laurence, 8,

Leonard 3, Stanley 1, William 6. father William obviously doing some work in the area where there are a host of

Collieries worked including the 'Black Boy. Colliery. Mary is shown as a tocking knitter:

William’s wife Isabelle Coulson died in Sunderland Hospital on February 9th. 1909(sec A. Ward 10, Grave 6533. While sinking was being carried out at Westoe.  Isabelle was buried at Sunderland Church Yard,  where the couple had a double grave and where later William would join his beloved wife; in the Town that meant so much to them both and where Isabelle was born.  William Coulson returned to Chilton, where further sinking at Chilton Pit was necessary. He lived with his family at 44 West Chilton Terrace, Chilton, Ferryhill, Co. Durham.  Lawrence Coulson, William’s son, informed me that they lived for a period at Mainsforth, in the Main Street, just outside the Colliery gates,  when they modernized the Colliery in 1907. Lawrence at this time would be around 22; he later found work at Mainsforth, married aunt. Annie, and lived nearby at Bishop Middleham for the rest of their lives, never having any children.  In 1909 the West Stanley pit Disaster occurred, having sank the pit, William Coulson (grandfather) helped the rescue teams in getting men to the surface. William Coulson had a bad accident at this time, when he was badly injured. My brother Leonard told me that he had to hang on to the cage main haulage rope, in the centre of the shaft to save him from being killed outright.  My two sisters Hilda and Cherry, clearly remember, the anguish and problems that occurred after our grandfathers accident, for my mother and the rest of the family.  He was badly injured at this time culminating in loosing both of his legs, because of blood poisoning and while on his death bed wrote “The West Stanley Disaster” a monologue, which was recited at concerts, and public gatherings, very effectively by my sister Hyda, but for some reason unknown, was never made public; but is still in the keeping of part of the family.

1909

This year will live in memory as being on of the most important in our family. 1/ the untimely and sad death of my grandmother Isabella Coulson, 2/ The West Stanley Disaster, 3/ This was also the year my Mother Jane Fletcher Coulson, met a young man, from Brandon, infact he lived at 36, John Street, Meadowfield Place, Brandon & Byshottles.  His name was Anthony Charles Bartlett, and he was the oldest son of Charles & Maria Bartlett (ne Howdon), Charles Bartlett senior was employed as a miner, which at the time were thriving being part of Pease’s West Durham Coal and Coke interests. Charles Anthony Bartlett was born, on the 13th. January 1892.  William Coulson had sank Colliery’s in the area,  in 1906, so there was a possibility that mother, met Charles Anthony Bartlett (2) at this time, Charles’s family were known to be living at 36, John Street, Brandon, at the time. 

1911

Jane fell for Charles Anthony Bartlett, and on 19th. August they married, Jane being [18] years of age Charles being [19] years of age. Because of loosing her mother, so early in her life, like any other girl, this was the happiest day of her life, it seemed a little stability was at last introduced back to her and she had everything to look forward to.

1912

The early years of the young couple went well two children were born Charlie 1912, and Hyda, the following year, these were cherished grandchildren for Jane’s father William.

 1914

This was a terrible year in the North East, according to writers of the time, the mines were paying off men, and infact men were unemployed all over the North of England. Young men were joining the army in droves as a way out, of the work problem that existed in the North East at the time and the Countries recruiting offices were glamorizing the cause of fighting for one’s country, against Germany in France, and thousands of young men were recruited without effort, with the promise of clothing, good food, pocket money, and adventure. Charles Bartlett was one of these men, he had two young children and a wife and felt it was a way of providing extra money to help keep his family, [prior to the war this entailed yearly fortnightly training periods; never thinking for a moment it could cost him his life], with a lot of his friends no-doubt he enlisted at Castle Eden recruiting office, and from that day became 5/1350 Private Charles Anthony Bartlett, of the Durham Light Infantry, 5th Battalion. This was a Territorial Battalion; no one ever dreaming that it was possible to go to war. The recruits attended yearly camps; but this time it was horribly different.

1915

Charles Bartlett went to war, no-doubt like many other young man of his age looking forward to the adventure, and security. Charles was pitched straight into battle, and on 25/5/1915, at Flounders, France, he died of war wounds, that day, like thousands of other young men from Durham, they had been involved in one of the bloodiest campaigns of the First World War, the second battle of Ypres. Thousands of Durham young sons were dead, a list of which appeared in the Durham Chronicle in June 1915, and these were mourned and sadly missed by their loved one’s for years after, they were the cream of Durham Young men.  [I have followed his enlistment, and his movements up to the day he died from a book, on the 5th. Battalion D.L.I. well written by Major A.L. Raimes D.S.O. T.D. which I have included later in the History]

Jane Bartlett,ne Coulson  (mother) found her self on her own, with two young children, living at 25, Long Row, Coxhoe, with not many prospects, to bring up two very small children, their father sacrificed in the trenches of France in a war that did not prove anything in the first place, England would be again at war in a further twenty years time against the same country it defeated in 1914-18. This terrible year 1915, had not yet ended and before it finally drew to a close William Coulson (Master Sinker), who had spent his life together with his father and grandfather before him; to develop the Northern Coalfields, William joined his beloved wife in death, and was buried with her in the 7-foot grave, which they had bought for that reason, at Sunderland Cemetery. The year 1915 would be embossed in the mind of Jane Bartlett Coulson for the rest of her life, and as it grew to a close her life together with her children’s lives was very bleak. But this was not the way Jane saw things, she was made of better stuff than that, and as previously stated not one of her offspring was boarded out or kept by anyone else she brought them all up, sometimes under pressure!  But they survived.

1916

Earlier photographs, of Jane Fletcher Coulson, showed that she was stunning especially in her teens, she was extremely attractive, with a complexion which was amazing, infact she could go anywhere dressed, without using makeup or any enhancing, tints or eye shadow, and look a million dollars, she had an air of grace, and class about her, her father being a Chapel Lay preacher, she never smoked, drank alcohol, and never uttered a naughty word in her life, and in my life, I have never ever seen her go into a Public House. In the short time her mother, (Isabelle Fletcher) spent with the girls in the family, she tutored them, in the expected standards of a Swiss Girls finishing school. All of my life I have been aware of my mother being very graceful conscience of her figure, and stature, and even when she was getting on in years, maintained her complexion, she loved pears, apples and all fruit which I am sure helped this way, at all times she conducted her life as a lady should. My brother Leonard tells me that, William Coulson was a chapel Preacher as he traveled around the County sinking the shafts, he had his own choir and music providers, within his family, when I was a youngster, older people who knew William Coulson, told me that he was a brilliant preacher, not only the bible but Politics or any topical discussion; and he could do this unprompted, without a soap box. Ike Heslington*[married Coulsons first granddaughter Hyda] before his death confirmed this, saying that his father and family, mentioned the same. All of the family could sing and play the piano or organ, their mother Isabelle, apparently was a brilliant organist, with a good voice, everyone including my mother Jane had a very good voice, and Lawrence, was a Cathedral singer, and one of the best Base Baritones in the County.

 Uncle Laurie Coulson having a day out with Eileen & Myself  and my two children Darren

& Jayne at Whitby. Laurence Coulson was a base Baritone singer who at the time was well

 known in the North of England; the clarity & richness of his voice was simply amazing:

My wife Eileen and myself took him to Cornforth Club, some years ago, when they had a white Baby Grande Piano in one of the downstairs lounges, where he sang without a mike, Paul Robeson’s  “Old Man River”, and the people who were in that night were amazed at the quality and clarity of his voice. This gift came out in my sister Hilda’s Family, she was a good musician, and she also had a terrific voice, also her son Peter who has made his living all of his life as a musician; Professional Artists booked him to back them in Northern Night Clubs in the sixties, because of his musical arrangements, he plays every wind instrument fluently and also plays, and teaches the piano. He now makes his living teaching music, some years ago when I was in the army, in the 13/18th. Royal Hussars; I did my initial training at 11th. Hussars, Carlisle. Peter was in the band there; apparently that regimental band was one of the best in the Country. Heather’s son [Hilda’s youngest daughter] was a child prodigy, appearing in the West End Musical, ‘Oliver’ where he had the leading part, he has also appeared in countless television parts. Also my brother Denis was gifted with a very good voice, so much so that he easily could of made a living out of it.

1916

My mother Jane met John Thomas Ord, the son of a very respectable family, who lived in Cornforth Lane, his father was a very upright clean living man Adamson Ord, who was well known in the area; who again was employed in the Coke Industry, which at the time was more important than Coal because of the Iron Ore, production in Cleveland. They decided to get married and it would be a marriage heaven sent for the family.  Jane and John Thomas Ord at this time had six very well looked after, thriving children.

Marriage Certificate of Jane Fletcher & John Thomas Ord, they were destined to spend eight glorious years together until John Thomas’s tragic death in February 1924. The Certificate shows Adamson Ord as the father of the groom, and William Coulson Jane’s father. William Coulson wrongly shows his occupation as a ‘Master Shifter’, but he was actually a ‘Master Sinker’, like his father and his grandfather, they spent their lives sinking coal shafts throughout Durham and Northumberland. Shortly after the wedding William Coulson died; it was also noted that William Coulson, junior acted as a witness, later he joined the ‘gold rush’ emigrating to Australia:

Death of Grandfather William Coulson  he died April 17th. 1917 at High Hope Street, Crook at 58 years of age; the cause of death being 1, Chronic Endocarditis, 2 Cardiac failure, his son Thomas was present. Just another victim of coal dust for another member of the Coulson family:

1916

The date was the 21st. February 1916, Jane Fletcher Bartlett now aged 22 years, and John Thomas Ord, married and registered at Bishop Auckland Registry office, on that date. [Entry 66]  After the marriage they lived at Lodge Terrace, Byers Green, where John worked at the Colliery the children Charlie, now aged 4, and Hyda, 3, Life progressed happily, for the next few years then along came the first child by this marriage a girl, they named Ria, named after their Grandmother Maria Campbell. A year later Lawrence a boy was born, and then Cherry then lastly, Hilda was born. They moved to Conyers Terrace, Ferryhill Broom, John Thomas and Jane Fletcher opened a shop which I was informed did really well and John Thomas also worked at the local Quarry, this was highlighted in his death certificate, which also confirms his death was brought on by influenza. At the time Jane and John Thomas Ord had six very well looked after thriving children. 

1924

But disaster raised its ugly head once again, in this year, for years about this time (spring),  people usually got mild forms of influenza, from which they usually recovered in due course, but this year it was horribly different, a terrible strain had came into the North of England from the Continent. I researched the period that John was ill, it showed from 1918, a serious outbreak of influenza, effected most of Europe, including England. This was nicknamed “The Spanish lady”, as it originated in Spain, and would last until 1925, people were dying in thousands, it was estimated that 15 million people died of this terrible epidemic. Possibly at the time John Thomas, may have been a little off colour or his bodily defenses were down but he caught this terrible Influenza, and died to the distress and horrible anguish of all of his family, friends, children and Jane his wife of eight years. [Sedgefield 10a pg. 317]. There was not a lot anyone could say, it was said that he had been in good health prior to his death, but he died March quarter 1924, and again Jane was left with six children, John Thomas Ord, was only 39 years of age, and in the prime of his life. This was a terrible part in the family’s life, and as Jane gazed round the room at her dependents, she must have wondered what she had to do to create stability into her life. It apparently took my mother and John Thomas’s family a long time even to come to terms with the death; Jane Fletcher was left with Charlie, Hyda, Ria, Lawrence, Cherry and Hilda, and all the responsibility that went with such a young family.  But life had to go on and it did.

Death Certificate John Thomas Ord; the certificate shows that he died mainly of heart failure brought on by influenza, there was no Post Mortem. It was evident that the family were having a good standard of living just prior to John’s death; he worked in a Quarry and they also had a shop in Conyers Terrace, Ferryhill Broom. The informant of the death was John’s brother William Ord:

1825

The family found themselves at 6, Conyers Terrace, Ferryhill Broom, there they opened a grocers shop, this shop still trades today but has the extra help of an off license, and it also appears to be opened all hours which is the modern trend. By now Charlie, was 13, and Hyda a year younger so they would be a great help with the running of the business, in later years Charlie, did the accounts for the Catholic Church (Father Denis Lucy) at West Cornforth; Charlie was apparently very intelligent and quick thinking. Finally the family moved back to 25, Long Row, Coxhoe, Co. Durham.

The McCormick family emigrated to England at the time of the Potato Famon and settled at Sunderland. 1861 Census showed they came from 'County Mayo' Ireland. Because of the early troubles in Ireland most records were destroyed and even though having an agent at Co. Mayo have not been able to progress the McCormick side of the family:

Michael McCormick my father settled in Coxhoe shortly after being wounded in the First World War *. [He was in the 10th. Battalion of the D.L. I.I have wrote an article on the movements of the battalion up to the date my father was wounded and I have included this in a later part of the History] Being a single man, most of his life spent in the army, and mining industry; up to that point unattached he lived in a Caravan near to Long Row, Coxhoe. I have been told that this caravan was the type used when maintaining tarmac on roads, and the caravan was towed by a steam engine. I have been informed by family, that [Charlie Bartlett (Mams first Born) was for a time involved in Tarmacadam, this was the period when most roads were being modernized and it may be, that dad worked for a period with Charlie]. As housing especially for single men at the time was hard to come by, father used the caravan for his home, which was parked near to 25, Long Row, at the time.

He was born 22nd of December 1882, at Witton Gilbert, Chester-le-street. His father was also called Michael, his place of birth being County Mayo, Ireland. His mother was called Mary O’Brien, her father Andrew O’Brien. 

 

1861 Census Sunderland shows GG Father James McCormick [75] & his wife Mary [64] daughter Ann [20] Grandfather Michael [14]. It seemed that both male member of the family were working as G  grandfather being 75:

Marriage Grandfather McCormick to Mary O'Brien on the 26th. July 1873, Michael [27] Mary OBrien [19] prior to the marriage grandfather lived at Quebec, Esh, this is the village noted in 'Swans', autobiography that Camerons (masons), were based when completing quality masonry especially in the Sunderland area where Grandfather lived. Michaels father now shown as deceased and Mary O'Brien's father Andrew O'Brien noted as working at Old Durham Colliery:

Michael my father spent his early years in the pits around about the Durham area [I found them on the 1891 Census living at New Durham,] dad at the time being [12]. When he was seventeen he gave his wrong age and signed up in the Durham Light Infantry, where he fought in the Boar War, at the turn of the Century. After returning from the Boar War, he again returned to the North East and the Mining Industry. Later after being wounded in the 14/18 wars, he again returned to the Northern coalfields, which was still in depression, he accompanied the Jarrow Marches to London, in their famous march demanding the right to work; and marched with them to London, during the 1926 strike. He was a devout practicing Catholic, and was a stretcher-bearer of the sick at Lourdes; I have a picture of the Hexham and Newcastle diocese, which was taken in Lourdes, France in 1926, which I treasure. 

The Wedding of Mother Jane Fletcher Coulson To Father Michael McCormick, dads sister & brother in law was witnesses& Father Leach officiated and they were married at the old St. Joseph's Catholic Church:

He worked at Kelloe Pit, as a Cutter Man, where he had a reputation for being a very strong man; he could turn a cutter machine on his own, in a tailgate it was said. But he suffered real pain and injury from his wounds, which he sustained in the 14/18th. War, apparently shrapnel was lodged in his body which on occasions moved about his body, and he often went to St. Dunston Hospital in Wickham, Tyneside, where he received treatment, and for convelesance. My father Michael McCormick was an extremely strong man, as well as being very sensitive and at times bad tempered, like many Irishmen he had a short fuse; a trait which most of the present McCormick family, I am afraid suffer from. He had a great sensitivity, and a devout faith with Catholicism, I will go as far and say he lived for his god and had absolute faith in the Catholic Church, morning and night; he openly said prayers, and before every meal grace had to be said. He struggled to walk, and attend mass at West Cornforth Catholic Church; but he always managed to get there. According to Hilda my sister; on Sundays he would walk to where ever the best service was going on, he lived and breathed the Catholic Religion. Just prior to meeting my mother he was about to join an  ‘Order’ as a monk.  Michael McCormick, spent some of his early life at Belmont, New Durham, this was very close to Sherburn House Hospital. The Hospital was founded in 1183, by Hugh Le Puiset, Bishop of Durham, to treat the sick, there was brothers, who were connected to the Hospital, called ‘The Brethren’, there was quarters specially built for them in 1760, where each Brother had 2 rooms, with an adjacent communal dining hall, I feel this was the order that Dad was about to join, he showed when being a stretcher bearer at Lourdes in 1928, that he was drawn to helping the sick. Later the Hospital at Sherburn carried out tonsil and adenoid cases for Durham County Council, and it was here that Jane Fletcher took Mary, when she was a young girl and needed treatment with her throat.

1928

My mother once again fell for my father; On Christmas Day 25th. December 1928, Jane and Michael McCormick were married at St Joseph’s Catholic Church West Cornforth; Michael being 46 years of age, Jane being 36 years of age. Charles Bartlett and Rose Ann Bartlett (dads sister) being witnesses. The service was conducted by V.R. Leach (Parish Priest) at St. Joseph’s Parish Church. It certainly was not his earning ability that attracted my mother, because his disability voided him from being the earner he no doubt would have been if he had not been wounded in France. [He received eight shillings a week war pension, but even so, he struggled without complaint to make enough money to feed his dependants (which at the time included the older members of our family) until he again, was injured at Kelloe pit, and was no longer able to work.]  It may have been, that she was still looking for some stability in her life, or she wanted share with him in his faith and strength in God, and possibly the major reason why she wanted to marry a third time, was she was still a very smart, and extremely attractive woman and she was still aware that there was still more challenges to face, and she was strong and virile, and very much up to that challenge. Lastly someone to care for her, into her old age; not thinking for a second that he would die prematurely because of his wounds sustained in the war.

My mother told me stories about dad’s ability to use his hands for healing, and told me he could relieve head pains and rheumatism pains by touch. He never liked individuals looking in mirrors saying that the “Devil was in the mirror”, and apparently on one occasion when in a temper put his fist clean through a door, but his caring and loving moods far outweighed his very rare lapses of temper. There is many tales of his strength and boxing ability and reputation, there was a carnival held every year at Coxhoe, and apparently he used to box in the booth that came each year. One special tale my mother told me many times, and no doubt most of the family, when on one of their rare days out, they came upon a boxing booth. There was a giant of a Negro boxer taking on all comers; who could last three rounds with him, when they were rewarded with £5. Showing all of his Irish courage and a little bit of show off; Dad pulled off his coat, and shirt, and jumped into the ring leaving my mother flabbergasted, at the side of the ring. He went on to knock the coloured boxer out, in one round thus earning his £5. The people who were there, was amazed at what they had seen, and Charlie Bartlett told me just recently, that the Negro boxer was a Champion, who was using the booth for training purposes; thus saving money with sparing partners. I have also heard further tales in his younger life of bare knuckle fighting for a pittance. After the ring episode my mother and father visited the races at Sedgefield where their luck held, after investing a small amount of their profit on a couple of horses, anyway after the races they spent the money on purchasing goods especially shoes for the family. My mother was fully aware of the health of my father when they married, and knew, he may not work, very often, and she fully accepted the situation. This was a marriage of love; mother accepted the extremely hard and demanding life at the time being married to a Catholic; she made sure all of the McCormick’s were brought up as Catholic’s, and indeed converted to a Catholic her self, leading her new young family by example. All went to Catholic Schools, St. Williams’s at Trimdon, where they travelled daily by bus. Stephen was pretty forward and intelligent at school and dad, had high hopes of him being a Catholic Priest, and infact my mother told me that he hoped and prayed that this would happen. Stephen did well at Grammar School, after which he was in the County Surveyors Office, and after a short time he succumbed to earning wages like the rest in the family, and for a long period before going into the army worked really hard for a living although making more money, than he was previously used to.  

1930

By now Charlie and Hyda, were leaving school and starting to earn a little money, to help the family budget. This year Leonard was born, and then quickly followed by Stephen. The family now consisted of Charlie, Hyda, Ria, Lawrence, Cherry, Hilda, Leonard and Stephen.

1935

The McCormick family were now very evident, and very much part of the overall family.  There were two more births, in two yearly periods, when first Mary, then Denis was born.

1937

This was the sad year when Lawrence died, and left the family, mother never talked much about the details, but when prompted got quite upset. The years from 1937 were important times; when a second world war was about to start, with Germany. Chamberlain going back and forth to Germany, getting negative promises from Hitler, and giving the people false hopes.  Charlie being just about 23 years of age decided to join the army and do his little bit for his Country like his father before him. It was also about this time that a house came available at 95, The Grove, Coxhoe, for the family. It was Jane Fletcher McCormick’s pride and joy, she got to work on proddy mats, and made the house spotlessly clean, it was a four bedroom semi-detached, situated in a key-hole; with a large garden at the front and a large garden at the back, which my father had set with all kinds of vegetables; to supplement the family income. He surrounded the front garden with privet, which when cut was beautiful, especially with a little golden added to one part. [Richard Heslington and his wife Pam and his family, now live happily in the house in the present day. They have modernized it; the back garden is landscaped and they have it beautiful

Myself in a grumpy mood at 95, The Grove, Coxhoe with my brother Denny; the best friend in the World

1938

On the 14th. January 1938, I was born, being the youngest and thank god, the last of the family. 

Our next door neighbours were Frank and Bella Taylor, they were everything good, that neighbours should be, Bella was a very overweight, soft hearted loving woman, who quickly made friends with Mother, and Father and was very supportive of her. Next door to them Mr. & Mrs. Nelson, then later they moved, and Mr. and Mrs. Wilkinson, arrived.  They were the same as Bella and Frank, everyone helped each other. Wilkinson’s went for their annual holidays to Crimdon-Dean, Hartlepool; every year never missing. A wagon took all of their furniture on this yearly expedition, when they had a giant tent put up just next to the beach, and they spent their time enjoying the open air. Next to Wilkinson’s, was Mr. and Mrs. Warrior, next to them Christison’s, Robsons, then Jack Shut. Who grew amazing Vegetables every year, without effort. It was around about this year that Ria, Hilda, and Cherry met their future husbands, Ria met and courted Tommy Blenkinsop, who enlisted to do his little bit for his Country, like Charlie Bartlett he was captured early in the war in France, caught out by the so called infallible French defences; of the Maginot line spending the rest of the war, as prisoners. Hilda Ord, met and courted Charles Bartlett who was in the Navy, on various ships and was actually torpedoed twice, managing both times to get back to England, [one of these ships being the Hood]. I have memories of sleeping in the front bedroom watching Plane dogfights over Hartlepool, the Town that got really badly bombed. The war years around about the Grove brought about a lot of camaraderie among neighbours and relations, Molly Harley, regularly came to our house where she played the accordion, and we all had regular sing songs, and parties. In them days, 95 The Grove was never empty; there was always something going on, and life was a never-ending party. I can remember Charlie Bartlett coming home to see Hilda, with boxes and boxes of Navy Cut, and Capstan cigarettes.

During the War The girls Hyda, Ria, Cherry, and Hilda, all did their little bit, working in munitions at Aycliffe, and also Spennymoor, it was also around about this time that they, from time to time went into service, all helping to progress the family, through the war years. I have also clear memories of Hilda, and Cherry working at the Post office, when they used bikes, and later were involved in a Bicycle Club. My mother and father spent these times worrying about everybody else, and listening to war bulletins, they also had a form in the front room near the front window, where they sat, all of us, one by one, if there was the slightest fear of any plane’s in the vicinity. What good it would have been is not clear.

About this time our family took in, two boys from London, being evacuees. They were called Garrigan, from London; Kevin was about Stephen’s age and obviously went to Grammar School in London because he started to go to St. Mary’s secondary school, Darlington with Stephen. The younger one was about my age and even at that age smoked and tried to get me smoking also. The war years seemed to come and pass with not very much excitement, a Flying bomb, came down at Tudhoe, and a Spitfire was shot down near Raisby Quarry, and for weeks after, boys at school had plastic gauges of every description including plastic gun sights and plane gauges, which they had as souvenirs. Soon the war was over and men were returning home to look for work after serving their Country, in what was hoped the last ever war with Germany.

 Tommy & Ria Blenkinsop at daughter Susan's wedding with her husband:

Again the wedding of Susan,  Ria Bartlett on the left with Tony and Valerie to the right:

 

Tommy Blenkinsop and Charlie Bartlett, and Charlie Bartlett (Navy) returned home to Coxhoe to a hero’s welcome, there was flags flying across the road, and people cheering I clearly remember this, and eventually they both got caught up again in British industry, to make a living, Tommy Blenkinsop, went Back into the pits and re-established himself back as a Deputy.  Later Tommy was a Captain in the Cadet Force, and they met, once a week, at a Drill Hall, down the bottom of Coxhoe, situated along the road behind Lengs Farm, at the side of Panicos Ice Cream Shop, where we did marching and other Military things. On some evenings there was target practice with .22 Rifles, the shooting range was situated underneath the stage where sand bags and a light was situated, everything was set up very efficiently. On occasions we went on training camps, and I can clearly remember being at Strensal Barracks, and later at an army Camp at South Shields, I suppose the training came in handy later when I was in the army. Ria was also involved in the Wrens at this time, and at local March Pasts, which were held for various reasons, they were both very smart indeed along with the young people who they were training.

Charlie Bartlett settled in Romford Dagenham, where he worked for the Ford Motor Company, and where he acquired a house at Rush Green, just outside Romford. [Charlie met and married Ann his Scottish wife, prior to being called up for the army, their first child was a girl Susan, just about the same age as I, Ann dressed her up in kilts and every thing Scottish when visiting us at Coxhoe] Charlie kept regularly in touch with his mother and the rest of the family, even though now at London, they frequently came back home to see her. They always visited Hartlepool dogs, and Seaton Carew, every time Charlie came home. [No doubt Charlie frequented these places often when he was younger & when visiting with his friend Harry McVeigh, from London, they went to Hartlepoo dogs l quite often and it appeared they nearly always won, obviously knowing people].

 

Charlie Bartlett & Ann, a rare photograph Susan probobly taken when Charlie was a prisoner of war, the photgraph  taken at Rush Green, where the garden can be seen:

Susan Bartlett taken when Charlie was a Prisoner:

 

  

Charlie Bartlett being part of the 'Royal Artillery', & posted to France 24/09/1939 would take the

heavy might of the advancing German Army when they broke through the French Maginot line.

There was no chance of Charlie ever getting back to Dunkirk and back to England for a second

chance at the German army. The men that got home from Dunkirk can thank men like Charlie

Bartlett who held the Germans  up to allow the famous withdrawal.

 Charlie was however captured at Amiena, France 31/07/1940  but in his way resisted their

dominance as far as he could. As prisoner 2510 He was reported to have attempted to escape

 on three occasions & he was constantly Interogated by the SS.

For five years he was no doubt forced marched to three different camps, XX1B Schubin Germany

June 1940, Posen Camp XX1D Poland, then from October 1944 he was taken to Lamsdorf

Camp 344.

 Charlie was released by allied troops 26/05/1945 when he returned to the UK and

posted to 205 Field  and discharged on medical grounds because of his general condition after

 the years of under-nourishment. Charlie's father also Charles Bartlett died at the hand of the

German army in 1915 but at least Charlie got home after years of punishment to his wife Ann &

his little daughter Susan:

 

 Above Ann, Charlie's wife while working, right children Charles & Norman, below left Charles and wife Dot, with their children; right Susan now all grown up: 

Jane Fletcher had the ability and strength to keep everyone together, no one was out of her thoughts for very long, and anyone requiring attention got that attention.  Ria & Tommy, got married and got one of the new Prefab Houses in West Cornforth, it was ideal and suited there purpose at that time. Hyda was married, to Ike Heslington, who was employed as a driller at Thrislington Pit, [Ike was a very happy person and forever telling jokes, and I enjoyed his company] and they settled in West Cornforth.  

 

Four Generations in the family L/R Hyda Heslington Mam Jane Fletcher

holding little John Amer, Sybil Amer married to Charlie Amer:

Hyda & Ike, typical hard working North Eastern

miner. He suffered terrible with 'Miners Lung: 

I went to see Ike, as often as I could, he really made me feel at home and laughed and joked telling one yarn after another, His pit mates called him ‘Fun’, and usually after his shift at the pit, he was escorted by his sons, home up the pit bank; all thought the world of him. Just shortly before his death, I called to see him quite often, at the time he could hardly breath because of Emphysema, but he still laughed and had a joke with me, at the bottom of his garden where he had a greenhouse, he gave me as a gift all of his small plant pots, and I didn’t even have a greenhouse. I carried them plant pots from one move to another. He often said that I remembered him of his wife and my sister Hyda. At the time he lived with Tony and Elsie, his daughter and son in Law. [Thousands of Miners are now claiming high amounts of compensation for this disease from the Coal Board]

Cherry and Bob Porrit married and chose to live at West Cornforth, where Bob was a well established, and respected miner at Thrislington Colliery.

Hilda & Charlie Bartlett married after Charlie left the navy, after the war; he was a Forman electrician in the mills near Greengates, Bradford. They had a family of two girls and two boys. 

1945

Dad, Michael McCormick at this time wasn’t keeping too well at all because of his wounds, and to cap it all he had a heart attack and was confined to bed, in the back room, where mother had it fitted out with a bed so as to best tend to, and look after him.; and eventually he died on 12th. February—1945, aged 62 years, the cause of death being officially 1/A cerebral hemorrhage/ Artery sclerosis 2/ Gangrene of Toe, brought on by the wounds sustained in the 1914/1918 war. Mother had nursed and loved him to the end, she was such a strong woman she made sure that Mick was not alone in death. It was amazing that 2 weeks after his death he was awarded instead of the 8/- weekly that mother had been managing on; to 21/- shilling a week, Army Pension, which she had to quickly return because he had died. Just prior to dying dad had said to mam, that she need not be afraid of death because according to visions which he was having, he was going to a far better place, he had visions of his family and people he loved and saints that had guided him throughout life; and Jane Fletcher said that his face just prior to dying was simply amazing and out of this world. I was just over six years of age and without a father, I can remember just prior to him dying spending a lot of time in the back room with him, and even though he must of been in a lot of pain, he had time to give me a cuddle or two. Denis would miss him more than any of us because he had a great deal of time for Denis and took him on his daily walks to the seat, where dad met and talked to friends.  

Shortly after Dad died mother took the family to Hartlepool for a family

Photograph, left to right Stephen attending 'St. Mary's ', Grammerschool

Darlington, Mary, Denis & myself (spoiling the picture) Jane Fletcher

Coulson  (mother) at the back :

1946-1964

Jane Fletcher McCormick was again without a husband, but she was as good as her word with dad and made sure that we all went diligently to mass; at least every Sunday, and certainly on Holy Days. We all walked through the fields to Cornforth, and to Church where Father Denis Lucy was at that time parish priest, and father Nicholson curate.

Above Roman Catholic Church 'St. Joseph's', West Cornforth. First built 1875, demolished because of subsidence 1968, making way for 'St. Joseph's', at Coxhoe. My family walked through the fields to West Cornforth 'St. Joseph's', Sundays and Holy days for years. Below new Catholic Church 'St. Joseph's', now situated at Coxhoe, no doubt the Catholics from the area worked hard to produce,  among them my family:

 

New St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Coxhoe:

Mother made sure that we all went to church neat and tidy, and every Easter we all had new clothes to wear on Easter Sunday; people remarked on how well dressed we all were. Len the oldest in the family was now 16 and he started work at Thrislington Colliery, and life started to turn for the better for the McCormick family;

 

 Bowburn Colliery

I worked here, from leaving school, for the following 5 years, working, in the Hutton, timber-leading then on a Loader, then as a Hand Putter. The early owner of this pit was William Hedley, and later ownership was passed to West-Hartlepool Harbour and Railway Company, after this the Bell Bros., Colliery was sunk by the piling method, in 1906, by E. Johnson and sons, mainly to relieve the excessive haulage from Tursdale Colliery. Later Dorman and Long owned the pit, a new screening plant and washer was added to the pit in 1932. The coal from Tursdale was drawn through the goaf, by a drift, to the Bowburn shaft, in 1930, using the old shaft for ventilation, coal drawing and man riding. In 1930, 639 men worked at the pit, rising to 2,358, in 1940 and 2,102, by 1960, finally closing in 1967.

 He was related to Mother being married to an Ord, but that did not make it any better for me, and it was no better than a slave camp. Eventually I trained for underground work, at Dean Bank Colliery, Ferryhill; then went to work at Bowburn Hutton seam, where the Overmen were Amos Harrison, and Percy Lovatt, who later invented the Lovatt Loader. I don’t know if they knew my family predicament but Percy and Amos took to me and made sure that I earned good money from day [1], first on a loader, where I was on a percentage of the fillers wages and then, I went hand putting, where I also earned real money all which helped our family situation. I put myself about a bit, money just did not appear. From this point life started to get noticeably better for the family at 95, The Grove, Coxhoe. Co. Durham. We started to go up a little in the world, [having four working men at home] as far as it was possible for a working class family! we purchased one of the first cars in the Grove, shortly after a television.

Marriage of Mary and John Moran, among others Jane Fletcher McCormick, Mr. & Mrs.  Moran, Kevin Moran

Bridesmaids, Susan Bartlett, Margaret Moran , Evonne Poritt,  Heather Bartlett:

 

 

Mary & John Moran Mayor & Mayoress of Sedgefield District Council,  Sister Hilda Ord back:

Jane Fletcher McCormick was quite enjoying life at this time, from time to time she looked after Colin, who was her first grandchild from the McCormick family, the first son of Mary, and John Patrick Moran, from Chilton, who was from a devout Catholic Family; Mam looked after Colin; when Mary was in night shift while working at Winterton Hospital, Sedgefield. Her husband John Moran also worked at Winterton, over this period; they lived at Trimdon.

  

Amanda & Michael Moran, son and daughter of John &

Mary Moran:

 

Janet & Billy, daughter & son in law to Hilda & Charlie Bartlett, ne Ord with Children

& Grandchildren Lesa & Dawn:  

Peter Bartlett son of Hilda & Charlie Bartlett was a brilliant Musician could

play any musical instrument In the picture he was playing with a jazz group

at Scarborough: 

 Janet & Peter Bartlett

 

Wedding of Lorraine and David the son of Steve and Margeret; also in the photograph, from left to right Margeret, Michael, Paul, Lorraine, David Margeret, Steve, Lorraine’s Mother; the couple now have two children Lesa & Ben:

  

Michael McCormick wedding, L/R  Steve & Margaret Michael with his wife, Paul, Margerat & David:

About this time I came out of the pits and started to work at Raisby Quarries, for some reason.  Probably because Bowburn Colliery was just about on its last legs or maybe I was just a little sick of pit work, I started work at the Quarry, and in a short length of time I was called up for the Army, spending my initial training at Carlisle, with the 11th. Hussars, the initial pay for a conscript was 50 pence a week, out of which I had to buy everything; the bullying and harassment, in the name of discipline was overbearing and bordering on cruelty, for those six weeks. Even though only receiving one rail pass, in the total time I trained; rather than stay in camp I walked home from Carlisle, for the full period I trudged the roads of Newcastle and Carlisle, and I was never very keen to return on the Sunday night to even more bullying. After the training I was posted to the 13/18 Royal Hussars, Q.M.O., and after a short time training at Piddlehinton, Dorset, found myself on the Troop Ship ‘Oxfordshire’, on my way to Malaya, [*and a Terrorist War that was being waged against England, and which had been going on since the end of the last world war, in 1945.] And the other side of the world, I was the last intake of recruits into National Service, in the Country, after this, National Service was discontinued in England. It was ironic that all of us at home seemed to have a spell either in the army or the navy. Len went into the Merchant Navy, working for the Cunnard Line, on the ‘Mauritania’; which had a regular run to New York, Steve signed for 21 years making a career out of the army mostly in the ‘Pay Corps’ serving  in many Countries abroad; his wife Margaret giving birth to a family of four, while being the wife of a Professional soldier. After I was demobed, and eventually returned home from Malaya. Denis who was now married signed on for six years, when he spent time abroad as well, in the army, i/e Cyprus, Germany, etc. And I was left to hold the fort. It was ironic that in the Past, John Coulson, married Elspeth Wilson, [born Newbottle] and his sister Jane Coulson, married George Wilson, also [born Newbottle] brother and sister marrying brother and sister, both Len and I married girls called Wilson, not of the same family.

My Children: 

Above Darren & Jayne as children:

On October 6th. 1962 I married Eileen Wilson from Spennymoor, the daughter of Sarah and Rob Wilson a very well liked and experienced miner who at the time was working at Kelloe Colliery. Rob went on to work over thirty-five years in the industry, and that is not all; he spent the war years in the army, and was on the Normandy Landings; then advanced through Holland and Germany with the allies until the surrender of Germany. Rob returned to the Mining Industry; retiring after his 65th. Birthday at Kelloe Colliery. Because he was transferred to Kelloe from Thrislington, he did not receive one penny in redundancy, only receiving his basic pension. Rob eventually died from lung disease, brought on, and then aggravated by coal dust.

Jane Fletcher Coulson was at last on her own, she had seen the offspring from her three marriages safely married, and in her own words to me,  said “she had nothing more to inspire her”. I obtained a job at UMM. Newton Aycliffe, late 1963, and we moved before the end of that year, to Mellanby Cres. Newton Aycliffe. On 26th.January 1964, Eileen gave birth to Darren, earlier while Eileen was in labour I stayed with Jane Fletcher, at 95, The Grove, Coxhoe, as Eileen was at Hardwick Hall Maternity Hospital, Sedgefield. The night of Darren’s birth mam, Jane Fletcher, and I made about three trips to the telephone box at the other end of the Grove to make inquiries on if Eileen had given birth, mam had promised me the earth, if we had a girl and called it Jane after her. It was now late into the morning when we made our final visit to the telephone box, where I heard that Eileen had been having major problems with the birth, and she had been transferred to Middlesbrough General Hospital, for an emergency Cesarean operation. The fast and bumpy ride to Middlesbrough progressed the labour and when Eileen arrived at the Hospital in the early hours, she gave birth to a boy, ‘Darren,’ mam was livid, she was so mad she just stopped talking to me, so I set off to walk to Middlesbrough, to see my baby not having a car at the time. [On June 25th 1965, Eileen had a girl who we called Jayne, after Jane Fletcher]. 

On 28th. February 1964, while I was busy working at my place of work, there was a telephone call for me. It was from John Moran, [brother in law] and it was the biggest shock I had ever had in my entire life, he rang to say that mam, Jane Fletcher McCormick had died early that morning, and had been found by Leonard. From that day something has been missing from my life, her strength and caring abilities for every individual member of her offspring disappeared forever.  This amazing strong willed woman had left our lives forever, and it affected everyone of her family in a big and individual way, because she was special!! Special to each and every one of her family, and she had all the time in the world for each and every one, and also her many friends.

1861 Map of Coxhoe shows the Village only partly developed; only Cow Close is visable at Cornforth Lane:

Coxhoe:

Coxhoe was the place of our birth and family progress and I feel it is fitting to include a short history of the village. Personally when I was in the army, and other times I was away from home, on arriving closer to the village, and when Coxhoe was being added to the signposts, my heart skipped a beat, and the feelings on arrival at the village was simply exhilarating.

The first records of Coxhoe was about 1235, when the name was spelt ‘Cokeshoui’, at this time it consisted of about 10 cottages. Lower down near the beck a watermill stood.The village stayed more or less the same until 1742, when a turnpike road was constructed from Stockton, this passed through Coxhoe where a Tollgate appeared at the Crossroads, and it was here that the village began to grow, ‘Blackgate’. By the 1800s, coal began to be mined and the population moved mainly to houses owned by the Colliery, so that Blackgate was no longer the centre of the village. The population rose from 117 to 1801, in 1841, and as mining progressed to 3904, and the area change from Agriculture to Industrial.

Coxhoe Hall was built in 1792, on the site of a former Manor House, and after a very sound History, part of which being the birth of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, on the 6th. March 1806, who later married Robert [‘oh to be in England’] Browning, the then owners National Coal Board dispensed with the Hall in 1952, when it was pulled down. One of the main reasons for this was because it was being vandalized, and was in a bad state of repair. During the war years it initially housed the British Army, then it housed the Italian and German prisoners of war, later the Hall and its surrounding area, accommodated Squatters who were mainly evacuees, from the southern, mainly London areas of the U.K. One of my best friends at the time was a squatter Alan Meager, who lived at the Hall in a Nissan hut; where I regularly visit him, especially on Sundays when his mother made Sunday tea, he lived there with his mother and brother Jimmy. 

Coxhoe Bridge Station

Coxhoe had two Railway Stations, one South and one north of the village. The first one was constructed in 1835, at the South of the village from Stockton, which served not only as a mineral line but also as a passenger line. It was amazing that passengers travelled from Durham to Coxhoe, in order to travel on this line, as at the time Durham never had a Railway Station.  By 1837, the other line was constructed this was the Clarence Railway, mainly to service the coal industry, with an outlet to the North Sea, at Hartlepool, and independent to the Pease’s S&D, Railways.

A Pottery existed at Coxhoe in 1769; the pots produced were brown earthen wear used for baking and cooking. They were cream glazed inside, with the outside being plain. In 1851 the same pottery produced clay pipes, they used clay from Cornwall to produce these. They were sold in shops and pubs in the area; sometimes the landlords gave them away to regulars. I can remember my father smoking a one, and even older woman mainly from the Mills in Barnard Castle area smoked them regularly, my wife’s grandmother always smoked one. 

Gas Works also existed at this time. Gas was produced from coal and sent around the village in pipes, the same gas, was used for the street lighting. This was prior to the village having electricity. The Primitive Methodists formed a Society, in 1839 at Coxhoe, using two small cottages as churches to worship. They also had a small school. In 1865, the Methodists Religion grew and they built a church with a day school for a hundred scholars by 1870; the Wesleyans built a chapel in 1840, with a day school for boys and girls in 1851, this school survived into the present century, and it was attended by Leonard&Stephen, when in primary age The present chapel built in 1871 at a cost of £800, seated approx. 500. Later in the century the primitive Methodist Chapel closed and the two congregations came together in the remaining Wesleyan Chapel, which was the last Methodist Chapel in the village. In May 1867, work commenced on St. Mary’s Church of England church. It was consecrated by Charles Baring, (Bishop of Durham) on May 14th 1868. The church cost £2,300, to construct and could seat 450. The amazing fact about this beautiful church was that it was never completed. It lacks a tower and steeple, and has no isle at the north side inside the church.

The new Roman Catholic church was built in 1966, St. Joseph’s, replacing the same at West Cornforth, which was effected by subsidence, because of mining, and was demolished. The present church seats 400 people, and also have a priest’s house. The cost of the construction was £60,000, which no doubt the Catholics of the area, saved and scraped to find, along with my family, with my father giving half of any surplus cash he had. The present priest is Father Smith, who is a very kind and able priest, looking after Coxhoe, Bowburn, West Cornforth, Kelloe, Quarrington Hill, and recently had to take on Trimdon. Father Smith was born at High Spen deep in mining country. On the 18th. November 1999, he very kindly officiated at the funeral held at the church for my dearest brother Denis, where he had a Requiem Mass; Father Smith had a very nice service for him and said some very comforting words. In December 1999 he again officiated at the death of my dear sister Hilda; again having Requiem mass, and was again very kind to her family and friends.

A report in 1840, said that Coxhoe had 30 outlets for the sale of Beer.

DLI 10th. Battalion (First Month’s in France)

I have the remains of a prayer book in my possession, which belonged to my Father Michael McCormick, it appears that he wrote the following on the first page, on his arrival back in England after being [Landed in France, on the 5th.June 1915 25225 M.McCormick X Bat. D.L.I./ C. Company.  British E.F. France wounded 7 Nov. Lasedes.  Left for England on 21st. of November.]  The parts of the prayer book that is left are Devotions for mass, Morning Prayers, The Confiteor, the Hymn “Te Deum”, and lastly A form of Burial Service, which I know must of been used many many times, by dad. The following is an account of the movements of his battalion, from when he entered the Theatre of operations until getting wounded on 7th. November 1915, as told by Captain Wilfred Miles, in his book “Durham Forces in The Field”.  The Tenth at the time were thought to be made up of the most experienced of soldiers, men that had previous army training.  My father Michael McCormick fell into this category, being in the D.L.I at the turn of the Century, in the African Campaign. “The Boar War”

May to September 1915:

The Tenth left Aldershot on May 21st., and then crossed from Folkstone, to Boulogne the same night.  On the 25th. They left by train for Cassel and marched to billets at Volkerinckhove, eventually reaching Bailleul on the last day of the month.  Work was done on local defenses after which the Battalion moved to Dickebusch, after which parties were employed at St. Eloi.

 The first experience of trench duty commenced on June 12th. when the 10th. Were attached to the 46th Division when they went into the line, initially by platoon, then by Companies west of Wytschacte. During this period there was 21 causalities, including 2nd.Lieut.G.E. Fairbairn, mortally wounded.  A few days were spent in billets near Poperinghe, then on June 24th., the Battalion took over the line astride the Menin road opposite Hooge.  The trenches in the area were in a very bad state, after a successful German attack.  Next morning Capt. C. James was killed and on the 27th. June the Germans shelled the support position, occupied by A. Company killing Major H.R. Chapman and wounding 2nd. Liet. C.E. Stewart, Capt. J.T. Saunders was also wounded before the Battalion was relieved, other rank causalities amounted to 50.

The Battalion was put on a few days well earned rest near Vlamertinghe where they spent a little time with the 2nd. D.L.I., after which the 10th. Battalion moved into reserve at Ypres Ramparts.  On July 22nd. The 10th. Took over the Railway Wood Sector on the left of the line previously held. That night there was heavy rain which indicated just what winter in the trenches was going to be like, even though this tour was quieter than previous. The Tenth were relieved in peace on the night of July 26th. After which they returned to their camp at Vlamertinghe.  At 3am. July 30th. Orders came to move at an half hours notice, this was the morning when the Germans introduced a new weapon a “flame-thrower” They were used in an attack on the battalions of the 41st. brigade who were holding the line before Hooge. The rifles had to give ground after loosing heavily, and they prepared to counter-attack. The 10th. Were hurried forward towards Ypres reaching the Ramparts shortly after 2pm., where they learned quickly that the counter attack had failed. That night they pushed forward over un-familiar ground. South of the Menim road, where they relieved the rifle-men  as best they could in the darkness.  The trenches were filled with killed or wounded, they lay as they had fallen. Soon after midnight both British and German artillery opened up with a terrific bombardment, each anticipating a counter attack—Shells screamed overhead and tore into Zouave Wood, where troops holding the front edge appeared to have retired.  The Division inquired through Colonel Morant if this line was lost, the reply was that they must hold the line at any cost.  D. Company who were in reserve went forward, finding the trenches empty and they occupied them without effort. At dawn Major J.S. Unthank was wounded, and as dawn broke it revealed a terrible scene of slaughter.  Zouave Wood suffered from German snipers and it was here that Capt. R.W. Braithwaite was killed. The following day the 10th. Spent the day rescuing wounded and striving to improve the line. That night the enemy poured in round upon rounds of heavy trench mortar shells, but the brave Durham’s held their positions even with damaged trenches.  Capt. H.M. Atkinson, Lieut. W.B. Merchant, and 2nd. Lieu’s. Richie and Emley were all wounded in two nights and a day the 10th lost 170 men.

On August 1st. A. Company were relieved and withdrew to the Western edge of Sanctuary Wood, but before the rest of the battalion did likewise, the next day a good support line called Durham Trench was dug in the wood. The 10th. And the sappers now worked hard to strengthen the front, and the whole line was wired under the direction of Lieut. C.E. Pumphrey who for this, and his activity on patrol  won the Military Cross.  The second D.L.I. came in on August the 5th. When the 10th. Moved back to Vlamertinghe in the pouring rain. The 10th. Moved up again on August the 9th. When they took over the battered line in the Y. Wood salient.  The trenches were gallantly carried by the 2nd.D.L.I. earlier that day were now occupied by neither British or German, but they were unfortunately a target for both sides artillery.  British Heavies dropped some shells among the Tenth, killing several men, and on August the 13th. Some machine gunners were buried by our own fire, but were promptly dug out under the direction of Lieut. J. B. Rosher. Colonel H.H.S. Morant was wounded on the same day when Major the right Hon. R.T. St. John assumed command, until the return of Major J.S.  Unthank a fortnight later.

The Tenth were relieved and withdrew to Ypres Ramparts on the night of August 14th., at this time they were subject to heavy bombardment by 17 inch guns, but there were few causalities.  Nine days were spent at Watou, west of Poperinghe, before the end of the month.  During September the Battalion had a fairly quite tour in Railway Wood Trenches, a week in reserve and much work in defenses. When Bellewaarde Ridge was attacked on September 25th., [with the object of Distracting the enemies attention and holding his troops to the ground] The Tenth did not participate but they had one exciting experience during the preliminary bombardment, they were heavily shelled while coming up by train in open trucks towards Ypres,  and lost 40 killed and wounded. Parties of the Battalion assisted to dig assembly trenches for the attack, and Lieut. A. Parke with 32 of the best bombers, was lent to the 9th. Rifle Brigade who led the assault on the left. 

At 3.15 am on the 25th. The German Redoubt just south of the Roulers Railway, was blown up, forming a vast crater. The infantry advanced after about an hour afterwards and although everything went well at first, the line was not strong enough to resist the vigorous German counter attack which followed.  Losses were heavy and the whole of the ground gained was re-languished, as the morning commenced  Lieut. Parke, who had led his bombers into the crater on the left, was wounded and did not get back. Only twelve of his men returned, they had held on alone in the German third line until noon. In the evening the 10th came up through pouring rain to take over the line on the left. The trenches now were just heaps of earth, and tumbled sand-bags.  All next day the Durham’s laboured to improve them. The rescue of the wounded was completed by nightfall, that night a bright moon arose and the Germans sniped incessantly from the crater. Suddenly at midnight the Germans attacked the 3rd. Division further south and a fierce bombardment swept the trenches of the 10th. But there was few casualties.

On September 28th. An informal truce resulted in the rescue of the British wounded lying outside the crater, that night the 10th. Were relieved. Causalities were not as heavy  as what might of been expected.  Capt. W.T. Wylie, Lieut. Stobart, and 2nd. Lieut. Jordan were among the officers wounded. Lance Corporal Chicken won the Distinguished Conduct Medal on Sept., 26th. For taking out food and tea to several wounded who lay between the lines.  He attempted to bring one in but the German fire killed the man before he could do so. The 10th. Were relieved and withdrew to Vlamertinghe, where they were rested for approx. three well earned weeks as they had very much been in the thick of German attempts to advance.  After the rest the 10th. Returned again to the front line and it was over this period that Michael McCormick(Dad) was wounded, infact even though I  was very young at the time prior to his death, I distinctly remember him telling me that he was machine gunned, the Germans had very effective machine gunners and on the  7th. November, he was stretched to the field Hospital patched up then left for England on 21st. November. 1915  *****

“Thoughts of those who ranked with them in Battle’s rough array, Their comrades of the morn who came no more from that fell fray.”

5th. BATTALION DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRYCharles Anthony Bartlett, on enlistment at Castle Eden, where yearly young men attended  camps where they trained in an army environment, the training was combined with an annuity, which came in handy for young fit not very rich miners who craved a little excitement in their lives. Durham men who joined the 5th. Battalion D.L.I.. The year 1914 was rather different, in that, this time it was the real thing, and Durham young sons were whisked away from their Mothers wives, and loved one’s before they had even time to learn to wash behind their ears.  For years our family have always wondered about the fate of Charles Bartlett, Jane Fletcher Coulsons first husband especially Charles, Susan, and Norman Bartlett [London] his grandchildren, and also the Heslington family, also grandchildren, and I have took time to research the last months of his life and his unfortunate death at the 2nd Battle of Ypres.  This was one of the bloodiest battles of this terrible war, which took away the lives of the cream of Durham young men. It is amazing that both Charles Bartlett, and my father Michael McCormick spent their short time in the same area, at Ypres, and Vlamertinghe, infact on the day that Charles Bartlett died, dad arrived in the area, both my mothers husbands had similar fates and seemingly harassed by the same accurate German machine guns. Only Michael McCormick came back to tell the tale, Charles did not!! And died of war wounds, on the Flounders battle field on 25th, May 1915  

Excerpts taken from;

The 5th. Battalion Durham Light Infantry:

by Major A.L. Raimes D.S.O. T.D.

Preparation for War in England:

On 1907 the Territorial force was established and the old volunteer force came to an end. The 5th.D.L.I. Was brigaded with the 4th. And the 5th. Battalions The Yorkshire regiment, and the 4th. Battalion the East Yorkshire Battalion, as the York and Durham Infantry Brigade.

From 1908 to 1910, Lieut. Colonel J. R. Hanson commanded the regiment, when the efficiency of the Battalion improved. In 1909 King Edward V11 presented colours to the 5th.D.L.I.  The drill halls at the time being Stockton, Darlington and Castle Eden.

On July 26th.1914, the Companies assembled at their drill halls as usual to prepare for annual training at Deganwy, North Wales. On August 3rd. the training was terminated and the battalion sent home.  Officers and men were dismissed for the night.  The next morning August 4th. At 5pm. A telegram arrived “Mobilization”.

On August 10th.1914 B.&C. Companies were relieved and crossed the Tees by steamer, joining the other Companies at the Hartlepools. While all together they were asked if they would be willing to serve abroad; while the answer not being 100% the majority agreed to do so. 

On September 5th.The battalion moved to Darlington and went under canvas in Hummersknott Park then on October 6th. Moved to Newcastle;  where there was regular ‘Stand Too’s’, and not much leave. There were regular route marches in sleet and rain.  Early in the month they were told that they must be prepared to go abroad soon. On April 14th. The Transport and machine gun personnel under Captain H.R. Wilson left for Southampton en-route for Havre.

On April 16th. The Battalion headed by the band, of the reserve Battalion, marched to the Central station, where there were scenes of great enthusiasm. The train left for Folkston, large numbers of Newcastle people lined the route wishing “God Speed”. The train left Newcastle, at 1.30 pm arriving at Folkston, at 1 am the following morning April 17th. The Battalion embarked immediately and they started to cross the Channel. The crossing was made without lights and in silence. Destroyers guarded the troop ship on either side. The Battalion dis-embarked, just before dawn at Bologna and marched to St. Martins Camp, where most of the day was spent. That evening the battalion marched to Pont-De-Brigues, where the men got on a cattle train to Cassel. In the early hours they marched to Steenvoorde, where they were billeted in farmhouses. This was about 15 miles west of Ypres. In the distance the dull sound of guns could be heard.

The Second Battle of Ypres 1915

Five days were spent at Steenvoorde; the weather was fine and warm. The billets were warm and comfortable and the men visited the numerous “Estaminets”, where the Flemish beer was found to be weak. One of the pitmen wrote in a letter home, said, “I had a dozen glasses and wasn’t even dizzy”. The Battalion spent 5 pleasant days here, but there was a constant reminder of the war, with the coming and going of war traffic on the main road and the rumble of gunfire in the distance.

On Friday April 23rd. it was noted that the gunfire in the region was getting louder, and it was because heavy fighting had again started at Ypres, and we had urgent orders to move to the battle area. We marched towards Steenvoorde, and waited some hours, in a field near to Ypres. The roads were full of ambulances taking wounded in the opposite direction;  we were now very near to the shelling, and the men found it very thrilling; and the mood among the men was excited anticipation. We moved to Brielen, a village near to the bank of the channel north of Ypres, although being dark burning houses at Ypres lighted up the sky. At Brielen a camp of wooden huts were found and the 5th. Stayed for 2 or 3 hours. It is a well known fact that the trenches defending Ypres was in a rough semi-circle, with the picturesque old town in its centre, Hill 60 on the south of the Salient was the sector held by the 5th. Division. On Thursday April 22nd. About 5pm. The enemy commenced a heavy bombardment of the French Section of the Salient.The possession of Hill 60 was considered important by both sides and house after house was demolished.

Ypres became deserted. In conjunction with the bombardment a strange cloud of greenish vapor rose from the German trenches, and with the help of the wind the French defending the trenches were soon choking coughing and gasping, with the gas. Not surprisingly the French thought they were about to die, so they left their trenches and fell back to Ypres, and Vlamertinghe, leaving 3 miles of the front undefended. Not knowing that the trenches were undefended the Germans missed a great chance to capture Ypres and cut off the Garrison of the Salient. The 3rd Canadian Brigade saved the day, by launching a counter attack, after disregarding the gas, and helped by a bright moon drove the Germans out of “Kitcheners Wood”, and formed and along the southern edge. Although a wide gap still in the line re-enforcement’s, were hurried forward, and the 5th D.L.I. found themselves on the night of Friday, April 23rd. 24th.at Brielen, that night was spent poring over maps and everyone smoked and talked until 1am, soon orders came directing us to take up a position near Brielen, in support of the 15th. Brigade. The 5th. Battalion moved off and turned into a field near the west bank of the Yser canal, we were now only a mile from where Colonel Geddes, and his comrades were trying to patch up the broken line.

A column was formed and we lay down trying in vain to keep warm, wondering what was going to happen next. The officers and some of the men got hot tea from the Canadian field kitchens others ate what was left from the day before rations. No one was allowed to smoke. Dawn came and we gradually got our bearings. Suddenly, there was a screaming noise, and a loud bang above followed by white and black smoke. There was a little mirth, as they realized that they were at last under fire. Se veral more shells burst above us again and bullets, and fragments ploughed up the field, and it was fortunate that there were no casualties. A. Company was sent to a farm to get picks, spades and ammunition, they were observed and that farm was a target for the artillery. This brought home the practice, of digging trenches in practice, now it was the real thing. The men took their tools and began digging in. Later an order came for the 5th. Battalion to proceed to Potijze, the canal had to be crossed and this was very dangerous, as the Germans had the range and shelled it vigorously. Dozens of walking wounded were crossing the bridge, in the opposite direction. The Battalion managed to get across without any casualties, but with some near misses. The battalion then moved in a south easterly direction, and arrived at Potijze, with the memories of its white Chateau. This is where the  reserve trenches were;  which were still occupied by men from other Battalions. This area was under shellfire, and this was the start of our casualties, among them Second-Lieutenant E.W. Faber;  also two or three, of the old bandsman who were acting as stretcher-bearers.

The 4th.Yorkshire and 4th. East Yorkshire followed the 5th. D.L.I., to Potijze, an hour later.  Then came A. Company, with ammunition and trench tools.  A. Company, found their way past Potijze Wood, to the reserve trenches, which faced east and south. Every trench was full of men, heavy shells were coming from the north frequently, and many dead bodies could be seen.  Officers shouted at the men to get under cover, but there was just no cover. The inexperienced men started to dig-themselves in, which was a waste of time as shortly orders were received, to go forward in support of the Canadian Brigade. The Battalion moved across country in single file to Wieltje, and waited there, until the Colonel found Brigade Headquarters, to report their arrival.  He was told that the position was serious, and told to take up defensive positions covering Wieltje, where we remained most of the afternoon. The position was indeed serious, strong German forces had been attacking the 3rd. Canadian Brigade, all morning, their object being to capture St. Julien;  then advancing forward through Fortuin, to the Zonnebeke Ridge. The second Canadian were holding out but a disaster seemed imminent. Later in the afternoon, the 5th. D.L.I., were sent back to St. Jean, where they formed a line facing North east; their left being, on the St. Jean-Ypres road,  they were joined in the evening by the 5th. Yorkshires. Later that night, the 4th. Yorkshires, and 4th East Yorkshires, withdrew to Potijze, as their advanced position, near St. Julian, was untenable.

April 25th.Sunday:

The 5th. D.L.I. had been far too tired to dig trenches, when they first arrived, the previous afternoon, each man made a ‘cubby hole’ for him, to lie down, and most because of exhaustion fell fast asleep. They had hardly had time for a catnap, when at 2am, that the 5th. D.L.I. and the 5th. Yorkshires,  were in support of an attack on St. Julien, by the 10th. Brigade.  We set off along the Gravenstafel road, the 5th. Yorkshires leading the way. It was a pitch-dark night, pouring with rain. The road was full of GAS. Wagons and ambulances, traveling in both directions.  The 10th. Brigade was also on the move, going in the same direction. The 5th. D.L.I. Brigadeer, set a fast pace, as we were late, and this dis-organized us in the dark.  We passed through Wieltje, which stank of gas, and fumes of shells. At the road junction,  the 10th.Brigade, went to the left to St. Julien, and the 5th. Carried on towards Fortuin, which was unoccupied by the enemy.The 2 battalions took up defensive positions, on the north side of the road, the 5th. D.L.I. being to the left of a little stream called Hanne Beek, which had a good field of vision, and fire towards St. Julien.

With the dawn the rain ceased as if to aid the attack, and at 5.30, the attack began. There was very little covering fire due to a miss understanding, with the artillery, of the 27th. And the 28th. Divisions, which should of supported the attack. The attacking Battalions went forward with determination, but a hail of bullets, shrapnel and gas met them, without support they withdrew, to Wieltje and shortly afterwards, they withdrew to Valorenhek, with the 5th. Yorkshires. According to the official war report, this was another  miss understanding, apparently the 5th. D.L.I. were supposed to advance through Fortuin, on the right of the 10th. Brigade. This arose because the Brigadier did not get the correct information, when the plan was changed. As we moved back,  the Brigadier of another company, intercepted A. & D. companies, and half of B. Company, and ordered them to advance, back to Gravenstafel road, and take up defensive positions. The Battalion did this conceding a few casualties, because of rifle fire.They dug themselves in, in the hedgerows, and old trenches, and remained there until dusk.  After awhile they lay watching German artillery destroy farm after farm. While in this position A. Company had their first experience of being shelled, by their own artillery. The 5th. D.L.I. and the 5th. Yorkshires were ordered to attack towards Fortuin, filling a gap in the defenses. As they moved forward they came under considerable amount of machine gun and artillery fire, and there was a number of casualties, including Second Lieutenant, J.C Brown, who was mortally wounded.

Sergeant J. Combes later awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal, when getting his machine gun forward, by hand under heavy fire.  Lance Corporal, A.R. Eglington, gained the same decoration, for his gallantry as a scout, during the same attack.  The casualties,  as reported in the official History of the War (1915-pg 243,) was 5th. D.L.I. and the 5th. Yorkshire, in a very short period, was 4, Officers, and 284 men. The enemy were in the process of making repeated attempts, to gain possession of Gravenstafel Ridge, which was tactically important, lying 2 miles east of Fortuin, and held by, the 85th Brigade, and 2nd Canadian Brigade, and also the 8th. D.L.I. A count on German shells, which were pounding the combined forces, was 68 shells to the minute; this was followed, by infantry attacks. Eventually by evening, the Germans gained possession of the whole Ridge, west of Gravenstafel with the exception of Boltleers Farm;  where the 8th. D.L.I. Battalion held,  until 4 am. On the 26th. Then they had to withdraw. The casualties of this gallant Battalion, was 19 officers, and 574 men. After dark the 5th. Battalion D.L.I. was relieved, in the front line by the 1st. Royal Irish, of the 27th. Division, and from the front line. The 5th. Went into support,  south of Fortuin, later A.and D. Companies rejoined the Battalion, and D. Company was dispatched, immediately, to re-enforce, the 1st. Royal Irish in the front line near to Fortuin. The other two battalions of the York and Durham Brigade, had by this time been withdrawn; they had been ordered to G.H.Q. near the Menim road.  As they moved to this new position, they were seen by the Germans, and shelled mercilessly, both Battalions sustaining heavy casualties. Their losses during the 24th. And the 25th were so heavy that at night they were withdrawn to Brielen, remaining until the night of April 28th29th.

April 26th.

On the 25th. The 5th. D.L.I. had been heavily shelled, in their position at Hannebeke, and at dawn on the 26th. They were shelled again. The Germans carried on their slaughter re-lentlessly the shells bursting near if not directly on the trenches, causing many casualties; the 5th remained in this position all that day. Early in the afternoon, another counter attack was launched in the direction of Langemark, French troops attacked on the left of the Ypres-Langemark road.  The Northumbrian Brigade, had the honour of being the first Territorial’s to make an attack as a brigade, and the courage and determination greatly impressed their comrades, in the 10th. Brigade, whose lines they passed. Courage was not enough to challenge a well-armed adversary, who had accurate machine guns and artillery, when they had none of their own. For all this they only reached a position a short distance in front of the other British line. On the morning they were withdrawn to Potijze, their Brigadier had been killed and the other casualties were 42 officers, and 1912 other ranks which was over 2 thirds of their total strength. During the day the enemy made sustained efforts to get control of the Salient at Gravenstafel but all the attacks failed. Wallace’s detachment was not actually attacked, but was so severely shelled that the officers destroyed all paper work and prepared for a last stand.  Later that night the 5th D.L.I. and the 5th. Yorkshire relieved Wallace’s detachment including the 8th D.L.I. in the shallow trenches. In the front line the 5th. Later relieved the 1st. Suffolk Regiment. Later the line came under heavy machine gun fire, this together with two or three field guns, the men replied with their own rifles and machine guns, and for ten minutes neither side let up.  Most of this time, A. Company, were above ground, getting some cover from a ditch, while others lay flat on the ground hoping for the best.

April 27th.

The next day was relatively quite; there was a rumor that the Germans were re-installing gas canisters ready for a re-newed attack, when the wind was favourable. At dusk, A. Company dug a trench, to the left of the Battalion front, joining up to the First Royal Irish, near Hannebeke.  The Colonel of that Battalion gave us much assistance, by supplying us spades which belonged to his men, lending them so that the 5th. Could get cover. The men toiled all night, and by dawn a good deep narrow trench had been dug, and occupied.

April 28th.

Wednesday the Battalion was shelled, and there was intermittent sniping, so it was dangerous to lift heads above the trench, some learnt this too late. About 11 pm. The East Yorkshire Regiment relieved the 5th. And they trudged wearily down the road to Wieljte, and St. Jean, skirted Ypres, and reached the camp at Brielen, which we left 5 days ago. The casualties during the 5 days were one officer mortally wounded, 43 non commissioned officers and men killed, and 95 wounded. A total of 3 officers and 138 men. On reaching the camp at Brielen, in the early hours of Thursday morning, the 5th. Were exhausted, but hot food and the sight of letters and parcels from the U.K. revived them. In a short time every man fell asleep, but this was short lived as at 9 am the whole Battalion were called on to dig trenches, near the camp as a refuge,  incase the camp was shelled. The Battalion remained at Balien for two days. During the nights of April 29th. And 30th. The camp was shelled, when the 5th. Sheltered in the trenches. Two horses had been standing tied to a tree, one was found okay but the other was found up in the branches of the tree. The Battalion gradually got used to the shelling, that is as far as possible, they remained at St. Laurent, until May 9th. On May the 4th and 5th. The Yorkshires paraded and were visited by Sir John French, who thanked both Battalions, for the good they had done. At this time the enemy was still attacking, sometimes with gas, sometimes without, at all times with superior artillery. On May 5th. They re-captured Hill 60, and on May 8th. After fierce fighting the 28th. Division, had to give up Frezenberge Ridge. The loss of the ridge, was a severe blow, and on the 9th. a Sunday; The Northumbrian Division, along with two Cavalry Divisions, were moved up and placed under General Plumers disposal. On the Sunday morning, the 5th. Battalion had their first church parade, since the action had started, and after the service the Chaplain, Rev. J.A.G. Birch, asked everyone to stand in salute, to those who had died. During the afternoon, the 5th. D.L.I. and the York Brigade, went again forward in motorbusses, spending the night at Brandhock, in reserve trenches, they remained there until the night of May 12th. They then marched 5 miles and bivouacked in a field near the Chateau Des Trois Tours adjoining the village of Brielen.  From May12th.  Onwards, the Division was known as the Northumberland York and Durham Light Infantry Brigades, as the 149th. 150th., and 151st., brigades respectively.

May 12th.

The 5th. D.L.I. were sent up to re-enforce the 81st. Brigade, who had taken a hammering recently. The march through Ypres, that evening will not be forgotten; just as twilight was setting in they marched through a deserted and burning city. Prior to the war, it must have been very beautiful with a fine Cathedral, with quaint streets, and ancient houses. Now it was desolate because of German shells, houses were burning, in the Rue De Lille.  The 5th. Walked past in single file, the roar of the German Artillery started once more. At the Lille gate they were met by guides from the 81st. Brigade;  they were led along the Roulers Railway, then across to Hooge, and Sanctuary Wood where they joined the Battalion, to whom they would be attached. A. Company went to the 2nd. Cameron Islanders, B. to the first Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders; C. and D. to the 1st. and 9th. Royal Scott’s.  B. And D. companies went into the line, while A. and C. were in support in shelters in Sanctuary Wood.  Battalion Headquarters, remained at Brielen.

May 13th.

This was a hard day of fighting, the 1st. and 3rd. Cavalry Divisions were holding the line, from Bellewaard Lake northwards, and the 4th. Division still further to the North, had a terrible day, after their trenches had been completely destroyed, by severe shelling and they had been attacked again and again by German infantry, they were pushed back between Bellewaarde Lake, and Verlorenhoek. The Regiment suffered some of this shelling and A. and C. Companies were held in readiness to go at short notice, to help the Cavalry. For the next ten days there was a lull in the fighting.

May 18th. & 19th;

That was left of the 27th? Division, were relieved by the 1st. cavalry Division. The 5th. Were then attached to squadrons of the 9th. Lancers and 15th. Hussar’s part of the 2nd. Cavalry Brigade, which had taken over the line from the 81st. Infantry, Brigade.  During the night there was much confusion, but by dawn the line was operational, with others in support in the woods.

During the 10-day lull, there was only one problem and that was the sniping, it seemed for a while that the fierce battle that had raged from April 22nd. Had came to an end, but there was still casualties, including Captain R. W. Pearson who was killed by a stray bullet.  His death was a bitter blow, and a great loss to the battalion, which he had served since, 1905. On one of these days an officer of the 15th. when trying to get to the Hussars fire trench was shot by a sniper. Stretcher-bearers in full view of the Germans, who could of killed them at anytime brought him in.

May 23rd.

Whit Sunday May 23rd., it was strangely quite, enemy aircraft flew very low up and down the line. On Sunday evening part of the 5th. Battalion was relieved, and A. & B. Company went to Zouavw Wood, where Colonel Spence again commanded them.

May 24th.

The relief had been a late one and they had barely settled before the Germans released a huge cloud of gas against the front, from the Menim Road to beyond Wieltje; they followed this up by repeated Infantry attacks.

Captain W. Marley in his diary describes the following day; “Suddenly I heard a long and continued burst of rapid fire”, “I thought it was as usual ‘Good morning’, all of a sudden I saw a great wall of white smoke advancing towards us and men running like mad before it. Shells were bursting all round us, and everyone started spluttering and coughing as the cloud reached us, it was evident that the enemy were making a serious attack”.

Captain Marley collected part of his company together and without waiting for orders, led his men to the firing line, and took up position to the left of C. Company. The gas, effected everyone even the Colonel himself. The main attack by the Germans was north of the main road, after a heavy bombardment of the line, the German infantry advanced, and pushed the British back to Hooge and Roulers Railway. The severity of the fighting over the period was highlighted by the 7th. D.L.I., who were attached to the 3rd Royal Fusiliers, who were in trenches near the Railway, were said to of had 7 officers killed and 2 wounded, they also lost in excess of 200 men.The Germans made good progress and they pressed on to Hooge via the Menin Road. D. Company in Zouve Wood found them under heavy machine gun fire, and had many casualties. Three officers Captain H.G. Faber, Captain J. Blumer, and Lieut. F.D. Brown, were wounded in quick succession.  The remainder of the Company under Lieut. J.A.N. Hessler stood firm and their rifle fire helped prevent the Germans outflanking troops in Sanctuary Wood. Captain Glasspools two platoons were in a dangerous position, as the Germans were now behind them. Captain Francis Grenfell V.C. was holding the line at this point, and the line north of the road had completely disappeared, Captain Glasspool, took an active part in organizing a defensive flank. During this period the Germans attacked from behind and were just discovered by Sergeant J. W. Close, who shot an officer, and a sergeant who were leading them, after this they quickly withdrew. Later a young German was seen crawling behind a hedge, calling out in German “Father, Father”, he was fired at and wounded. Later a photograph was found in the dead Sergeants pocket, in which him and the other young German was standing together. S Captain P. Wood earned the D.S.O. for his splendid work, the recommendation coming from another Battalion. Captain Wood and 30 or 40 of his company held the advance trench, part of which the Germans already held. Captain Wood knew nothing about bombs, but finding some jam-jar, bombs he lit them with a cigarette, and held the German attack until 75% of his men were killed or wounded. He then skillfully, withdrew them to the main trench. 

During the afternoon, a counter attack was launched, from the direction of Ypres and the enemy was driven back and some of the lost ground was made up. Eventually a new line was made, west of Bellewaardee Lake linking up with the old trenches, south of the Menin Road.

So Ended the Second Battle of Ypres:

May 25th.

This was the terrible day when Charles Bartlett died. It was ironic that he had survived the second battle of Ypres only to die, of wounds on this day. On the 25th of May the 5th D.L.I. were relieved, the relief was completed just before dawn.They went back to Brielen; the casualties from April 22 to May 25th were counted. The count was 2 officers, killed or mortally wounded, eleven wounded or gassed, 89 killed, 205 wounded and 4 taken prisoner. It was said that the 5th were a better Battalion now, infact they were very much battle hardened. Charles Bartlett died of his wounds this day after fighting courageously at the 2nd.Battle of Ypres, on reflection, and it was noted that Charles Bartlett’s D. Company, were under extreme machine gun fire, in Zouve Wood, on the 24th. and it may have been, or indeed a high probability that he was wounded in this action, infact mortally wounded,  then dying on the 25th. Of May.

“These laid the World away, poured out the red

Sweet wine of youth; gave up the years to be

of work and joy, and that unhoped serene,

That men call age; and those who would have been

Their sons, they gave, their immortality”.   

The War Grave of Charles Anthony Bartlett:

Charles Bartlett (Navy):

While writing on family involvement at the time of war, in this section it is only right and fair to mention Charlie at this stage.

Charlie joined the Navy as a boy of 14, serving 15 years. He served on a number of ships, during the war and I intend writing what I personally know of his service career. At the time of writing Charlie, who is 84, suffers from Altimers disease, and most of his brilliant Navy career is a little vague, but I will record what I know of it. 

Four of his ships were Chrysanthemum, Gloucester, Courageous (aircraft Carrier), and finally the Hood, (the pride at the time of the British Navy). Charlie was torpedoed twice that I know about, the second time was when he was on H.M.S. Courageous (aircraft carrier). A German submarine torpedoed Courageous, in the autumn of 1939. One ship in particular which came to the aid of the men in the water was H.M.S. Kelly, who was in that area of the med. on the direct orders of Winston Churchill and was in the process of returning the Duke and Duchess of Windsor back to the U.K.  SAt this time Charlie spent a long time in the water and suffers a great deal to this day with his legs because of this, Hilda his wife has no doubt at all that he suffers from this incident in the sea.

Charlie’s next ship was H.M.S. Hood; this ship was at the time the most powerful battle Ship in the navy.  The weaponry, was awesome having 8-380mm. Cannons, 12-140mm. Cannons, 4-120 mm. Cannons, 4-102 mm. Cannons. Later she received overalls giving her anti-aircraft capabilities. She was just about to have deck re-enforcement but along came the war. The Hood was initially engaged in the Atlantic, then in the Mediterranean, taking part in the Mers-el Kebir Affair. The ship at the time was as long as the best Japanese ship Yamato, 262 m., this was longer than the Bismarck, which was 251 m.  The speed of the Hood was 30 knots, faster than the Yamoto, which had 27 knots, Bismarck being faster than the two with 32 knots.

H.M.S. Hood was sadly sunk on 24th. May 1941, by the German pocket Battle Ship, ‘Bismarck’. The Hood had put to sea, with 1253, men on board, of these 86 were officers. The ship thank god was under manned, at the time being capable of carrying 1420 men.There were 3 survivors, all 3 received mentioned in dispatches. On the day before the hood put to sea, Charlie Bartlett who had already been torpedoed twice, was ordered to shore hospital with a badly swelled throat, later it was found he had mumps and this, saved his life.   

An Analysis of the Family History

Coulson:

The Coulson family and their forbearers passed down to our present society; years of engineering experience and no-how that would complement any employment in present day society. Most were employed as Blacksmith’s and were known to have been employed by such families as the Ravensworth family, based around the beautiful areas of the valleys and countryside of the Teams and the Tyne, which just prior to the Industrial Revolution was amazing with panoramic views of the lower land. John Wesley described the landscape of Tyneside as ‘Paradise on Earth’,

As the demand for coal increased; our family used their talents in the areas that they were needed; finding coal in abundance wherever they were. The importance of the part the Coulson’s and their forbearers played for the coal industry was highlighted by the great William Coulson; one of many ‘Master Sinkers’, within the family.  William Coulson proved beyond doubt in 1821 when sinking the Hetton collieries that coal existed under the Magnesium Limestone band within the strata in the north of England. William Coulson was made famous in 1862 when he attempted to rescue 204 entombed miners, and 43 pit ponies at Hartley Colliery. Afterwards William Coulson gave evidence which helped change coal mining in this country for the better; by the abolition of the one shaft mining system forever in this country and also that engine beams be manufactured only from the best steel possible and rigorously tested. The Robson’s entered the family when Joseph Coulson married Ann Robson; this family was made up of mainly mining engineers, viewers and coal owners. Joseph’s son John (also a Master Sinker) married Elspeth Wilson whose family was also mining engineers and sinkers. ***

Fletcher:

From as early as Saxon times the Fletchers were skilled in various forms but mainly as arrow makers. In Scotland they backed such clans as the Campbell’s, McGregor’s and it was said that it was a Fletcher that saved the life of ‘Rob Roy’, the Fletchers were also very noticeable at the rising of 1745. The Scottish side of the family was very distinguished and Andrew Lord Milton Fletcher was a respected judge. The clan Fletcher was recognized as the original inhabitants of Glenorchy, Argyle.

When widely checking the Fletcher family to find our ancestors, I was amazed at how very skilled this family was into the present day finding very few that were not skilled tradesmen.  One of the modern day trades seemed to be as Masons, Tile makers and Builders; all were at the top of their various trades and employed other people. Our Fletcher family in the main was geared up to producing and maintaining ships. William Fletcher was a ropemaker and his son Thomas Wiseman Fletcher was a Master Blacksmith shown on the 1861 Census; on his daughter’s wedding certificate, his occupation is noted as a Forman Shipsmith in 1856.

Liddle:

It was interesting to observe that Thomas Wiseman Fletcher married Jane Liddle; this is the lady who my mother Jane Fletcher and my daughter Jayne Ackley is named after. Jane’s father was George Liddle and at the time of the marriage between Jane Liddle and Thomas Wiseman Fletcher, Oct. 10th. 1853, he worked as a ‘Ship Smith’, at the newly built dockyard, in Sunderland, at the same time as Thomas Wiseman Fletcher and the other family members, who all were very skilled shipyard workers, according to their documents at the time. The Liddle’s in general were a very powerful North Country family made up of mainly landowners and business people. Lord Ravensworth was formerly known as Henry Thomas Liddel, in our family the l.& e at the end of the name is reversed.  Ravensworth spent Hugh sums on elections and represented north Durham in Parliament from 1837 to 1847.  It was this gentleman’s father who with his great wealth allowed George Stevenson to completely revolutionize Great Britain and the world for the better, with his Locomotive railway system. Lord Ravensworth Liddell’s ancestral home was Ravensworth Castle near Gateshead; which had been completely rebuilt to the designs of Nash in 1808; who was the Royal architect. Lord Ravensworth Liddell was friendly at the time with the Prince of Wales later Prince Regent and George 1V.  It was also noted that at the sad explosion of Hartley Pit, six members of the Liddle family lost their lives; all being in the pit at the time of the explosion. ****

McCormick:

The McCormick family was forced to migrate to England at the time of the Irish potato famine; like thousands of other Irish citizens they left their beloved country because of hunger. If they had stayed in Ireland at this time they would of died, like thousands of others. The summer of 1845 in Ireland was very wet but they still expected a good harvest of potatoes. In August potatoes in southern England had traces of ‘Blight’, the same disease had been detected in America in the summer of 1843. The Blight was a fungus, which lived, in mild damp conditions; it attacked through the leaves going down to the potato and rotting it. In the autumn of 1846 the disease destroyed crops in counties Wexford and Waterford completely. The main harvest of the year was mid October; when a third of it was found to be useless, it even effected stored potatoes. This was the year of the birth of Michael McCormick (grandfather) and explains why there is no documentation, even having an agent in Ireland.  Irish records show that 1846-1847 was disastrous for Ireland and the people were not able to feed themselves; even though the Conservative Prime Minister Sir Robert Peel 1788-1850 bought £100,000 worth of ‘maize’ from America, basically to stabilize food prices and the economy. This did not improve anything and at the end of 1846 there was a famine in Ireland leading to a massive starvation in the winter of 1846-1847 and the year 1847 was disastrous. Relief committee’s were set up in England and America but this only encouraged mass emigration to America, England and the rest of the world; many were so hungry and exhausted they never reached their destination and were buried at sea.  James McCormick [60] and his wife Mary [49], daughter Ann, [5] Michael (Grandfather) newly born.  Somehow they managed to get their young family to Sunderland; how no one knows? 

Like our family, some sought their fortunes nearer to their homeland to England via. Liverpool then moved throughout the UK using their ability and strength to develop a living in this Country.  This was the time of the growth of mining and the railways in this Country. The Irish being very good at most skills especially manual work quickly adjusted to our way of life in England.  Our McCormick’s were one of these families they established themselves in Durham County. This was the time of the Sunderland boom and this is where they first settled. The early McCormick’s were descended from Anselman O’Kygan who settled in the Lennox in the 11th. Century. The family in Scotland was prominent around Loch-Lomond in the 13th century and was part of the Buchanan Clan. The McCormick’s fought with dignity and bravely at Agincourt, and wherever the Buchanan Clan did battle, so much so that the French king awarded them a coat of arms for their services at Agincourt. At the same time a man named McCor, was a famous sword fencer taking on all comers, about this period.   John McCormick, at the turn of the Nineteenth century was arguably one of the finest tenors that ever lived. Throughout the history of the Catholic religion the McCormick’s have been representative as Priests, Bishops and Arch Bishops; the present leader of the Catholic religion in England is called Cormack.  One of the most important inventions last century was the invention of the Combine Harvester; this was invented and marketed by a McCormick. The McCormick family is entitled to display their own ‘Coat of Arms’, which is listed and documented in ‘Burke’s General Armory’; the description is the following, ‘Silver’, a red indented horizontal band between three blue eagles with their wings spread; it also has a black engrailed border.  

O’ Brien

The combination of McCormick and O’ Brien when grandfather Michael McCormick and Mary O’Brien combined for marriage at Durham in 1873; could not have been planned better, these are two old respected Irish families. The O’ Brien’s are important in Ireland; this originates from Great Brian King of Leinster and Munster who fought the Vikings at he battle of ‘Clontarf’.  Munster is where the family originates. The O’Brien’s expanded throughout the world, to Europe including France and England at the time of the Norman Conquest; when many English variations were noted such as Bryan, Bryant, Byrne.

The O’Brien’s have produced many literary figures over the years; novelist Edna O’Brien [B1932]

 Is a great romantic writer of her earlier life in the remote county Clare? 

Flan O’Brien [1911-1966]

The great humorist is known for his very humorous [A Swim-Two-Birds].     

 Conner Cruise O’Brien [1917],

 Politician Biographer, and Journalist ex-Editor of the Observer. 

Willis O’Brien planned the special effects for the film ‘King Kong’.

Aiden O’Brien has proved to be a genius as a race horse trainer; competing with the best in the world. 

One of the best French wines is named after O’Brien this is ‘Chateau Haut Brian’.

ACKLEY:

The name originates from early Saxon’Ac’ meaning Oak and’ Ley’ meaning a ‘clearing’. The name appears to originate from around the Middridge Aycliffe area where local Oak trees provided ideal material for building sturdy ships.

The name Ackley was taken by leaders in the area not unlike Scottish clans - other members were not named. At this time Aycliffe Middridge road appeared to be the main road North, also at this time the area was important for its oak, thus the start of Ackley.  Church Synods were held at Aycliffe in A.D.782 and A.D. 789, Saxon remains can still be seen at Aycliffe village church.

Ackley sometimes spelt Acle, Alclit, Aclea the name differed and took various forms from 1085 to 1195 finally arriving at Ackley from which the present day name derives and of course Aycliffe.

Over the centuries the name survived and there is much evidence of activity mostly as leaders of men. Thomas De Acle was a Knight who was mentioned around 1100 he held the Tenure of Whitworth Hall, near Spennymoor, Bishop Pictowin who was the successor of Bishop Pudsey granted this, this was granted for Knight service.  At the time Thomas De Acle assumed the name Whitworth and held the Ville by Knights service, fully responsible for the area with 14 shillings and 10 pence rent.  In 1183 Whitworth was a substantial village of 16 bondage tenants, responsible to the Bishop by Drengage Tenure, but by the time of Bishop Phillip 1197 to 1208 it was converted to a manorial holding of one quarter of a Knights fee. The Knight was at Whitworth before the present church was built so he would be interred in the previous one as the present churchyard goes back to 1131.  Outside the present church there is an Effigy Tombstone of a Crusader Knight his helmet is the type worn at the times of the Crusades. This was removed during the restoration of the church.  Ackley’s were mentioned in the 1569 rebellion, being Catholics they sided with Charles 1st. 28 inhabitants of Aycliffe and Middridge took part on the side of the King, 5 being executed for their part in it by Cromwell after the rebellion. ***

Wilson:

The name dates back to the ancient root word ‘willahelm’ that meant a willing man.  This word is largely intact today in the Germanic countries as Willem and will helm.  In Normandy it becomes Guillem.  By the time of the Norman invasion of our country this had became Guillaume. The name, along with Robert, Richard and John, was widely adopted in preference to old English names. 

By the twelfth century derivations on William had became the most popular of all first names, accounting for over 10 per cent of the entire male population registered on one of the rolls. Thus, early on, as efforts were made to distinguish one will from another, the name is already destined to give rise to many of today’s popular surnames male population registered on one of the rolls. Thereafter, during Henry1V’s reign from the end of the fourteenth century onwards the ‘son’ was much in vogue. This was notably true in the north of the country. Ever since, the fairly straightforward Wilson has predominated in the north, while in our southern counties less formal pet names gave rise to the diminutives Wilcocks and Wilken, derived from the Dutch word ‘Ken’ which means to’ know’. the first record we have of the name in its formative stages are in the Doomsday book of 1086, which refers to Robertus filius Willelmi (Robert son of William). 

Wilson Miscellany:

 By 1324 we were getting close to today’s name.  That year’s Court of rolls at the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire records a Robert Willeson. The first recorded Wilson person was in Yorkshire, Robert Wilson at Kirkstall in 1341. 

‘A week is a long time in politics’ a saying by Harold Wilson (b1916), one of Britain’s longest serving Prime Ministers, the youngest cabinet ministers since Pitt.

Woodrow Wilson was an American president (1856-1924), during the last years of his life he was too ill to run the country, his wife had to do this.

Wilson’s Disease is a hereditary condition leading to degeneration of the brain tissues.

Campbell:

The largest Clan in Scotland; reputed to have taken part in the massacre of the MacDonald’s at Glencoe. The Clan was originally known as Clan Duibhne. As early as 1263 a Gillespie Campbell was listed in exchange Rolls. In the uprising of 1795 the Campbell’s fought on the side of the British and King George; the Clan being so powerful that the British used them to keep law and order in the Highlands.

Campbell Miscellany:

Donald Campbell (1885-1949) broke the land speed record in 1924 & 1935 then he broke the water speed record on three occasions. Donald Campbell junior (1921-1967) also broke the land and water records until his tragic death when attempting to improve the latter.

George Campbell:

(B1913)  worked for the BBC, overseas where he learned 39 languages.

Mary Campbell:

Great love and inspiration of Robbie Burns, many of his poems and songs were based on his illicit and passionate affair with this lady, highlighted by the famous lines of  ‘Highland Mary’.

Robert Campbell:

Was a fur trader who travelled 3000 miles from Yukon to Montreal on snowshoes?

Clemintina Campbell:

Otherwise Cleo Laine the famous jazz singer, and married to Johnny Dankworth.

Campbell is Scotland’s 4th most popular name:

‘The Campbell’s are coming there’s going to be war’, refrain from the famous and well-known song.  

Bell:

Belle Latin for beautiful, or possibly a church dweller or bell ringer.

Robert le Bel was recorded in England around 1186.

In Ireland Bells are evident in Co. Louth and Ulster. Settlers brought the Bells name to Ireland from Scotland.

Ord:

The name originates from East Ord (Northumberland), or Ord (Peebles), which was later called Kirkurd. Other Ord’s originated from the land of Ord (Banff).

In the year 1206 it was recorded that a Henry Filius Ord was living. For a great number of years Squire Ord led the South Durham hunt and had an impressive pack of foxhounds. He was admired and respected by people like the Lambton’s Surtees and the Earl’s of Durham; and the many fox hunting enthusiusts of the times.

Thomas Ord of Newton who was actually an ‘Archdeacon’, of North west Darlington; saved the Quaker owned ‘Backhouse Bank’ from certain bankrupts, by campaigning rigorously and pasting posters all over the area advising people to have confidence in the bank. Ord also drove into the countryside and campaigned among the rich and influential farmers and land owners, not to withdraw their cash from their accounts when there was runs on the bank in the years ‘1793-1797-&1815’. Most other banks went out of business but the ‘Backhouses’, survived and were able to buy the premises on the ‘High Row’, that ‘Barclays own in the present day. Without the help of Thomas Ord this would have been impossible:

Howden:

Hardy border dweller around Northumberland, and just north of the border in Kelso.  It was here where Robert De Houedona lived in 1173.The name Howden is also mentioned in ‘Mackenzie’s History of Northumberland’, as a village called Howden Panns which is seated in a vale under a hill; How meaning ‘Hill’ and Den meaning ‘valley’ Panns refers to the many salt panns that existed there. Howden was very important in glass making and also ship making. During the American Civil War, ‘The Argo’, was built here, she had armaments of 44 guns. Howden le Wear is also another village named after Howden and lies in similar circumstances near a picturesque part of Durham County and the River Wear.

Lord Howden was a powerful landowner, owning land through which the early railways had to use to establish the early railway system; there were bitter negotiations between (railway king) Hudson and Howden, before it was agreed to use his land.

 In our family the Howden’s had appeared to have been established in the Brandon area for a number of years at West Street, Brandon Colliery, Maria’s father Anthony had married Mary Ann Lackenby also of Brandon. Anthony Howden’s father was Joseph Howden, also a coal miner, Mary Ann Lackenby’s (Lackenby’s originated from an area south of Middlesbrough and is infact a place name in that area) father was Thomas Lackenby, a Tile Maker who at the time of his daughters wedding, on 23rd. April 1866, was deceased; neither Anthony Howden or Mary Ann Lackenby could read or write, over that particular period not many could; as learning facilities especially in mining communities was just not available. [Many great business men and great engineers were not able to read or write until they were adults, people such as George Stephenson]. Our Howden family was, it appeared coal miners, in the area, which at the time was prospering in the mining industry because of the Pease West Durham interest’s and the iron stone boom.  

 Bartlett:

The name originated from the apostle ‘Bartholomew’, patron saint of ‘tanners’, vinters, and butlers. Bartlett’s were known to be thrifty and rich in goods. The modern Bartlett name is well established in England; there was a Thomas Bartelot in rolls around 1294. Charles Bartlett Married Maria Howden [19], the daughter of a coal miner Anthony Howden of 5, West Street, Brandon Colliery, Township of Brandon and Byshottles. They gave their address as being 32, St. John Street, Meadowfield Way, Brandon. Charles Bartlett had obviously come to Brandon, because of the ironstone and coal boom in the area. Charles Anthony was born on the 13th. January 1892 at 36, John Street, Meadowfield Place, Brandon; On the 1891 census it was noted that Charles Bartlett, from Bradford Abbess. [Dorsetshire] 36, John Street, with their new son Charles Anthony [Grandfather to the Heslingtons and the Bartlett’s, London] now lived close to Charles Bartlett senior who originated from Bradford Abbes, Dorsetshire; it was noted in both families that the name of Charles and Charlie is a widely used name by the Bartlett families throughout.

Samuel Smiles; brilliant author who described Edward Pease as a man that could see a hundred years ahead.  There was also a Smiles on the initial Railway Committee.

Conclusion

Although the family History is not quite finished I have had to have a cut off point; sometimes when attempting to find a family name all different possibilities can occur, I have had it completed twice but due to treble checking have to start all over again. The Bartlett side was difficult because of traditionally using Charles throughout their families as the main name; there is literally hundreds of Charles Bartlett’s. This caused a delay in the publication of the history. In progressing the McCormick & O’Brien side difficulties were found in finding documentation. During the many troubles in Ireland over the years records were destroyed in Dublin which effected Irish Family Historians tremendously; even though I have an agent in Ireland some information I got was incorrect and I am in the process of correcting it, the information will be easily added to the book later.

I have spent many enjoyable hours completing the Family History and I hope that it will help some of our family to appreciate their ancestors, and for their future family to know a little of the facts of their presence where they are today. It is possible that some future bright spark may be interested enough to get it back through Church Records to Medieval days.

© Bernard McCormick 2001

Northern Family History Research Undertaken
E/Mail with any information you may have & also for details.