Tales from the Grave
The Allens, Lynns and Joynsons of Bowdon
The graves include John Allen JP of Oldfield Hall, Altrincham born August 17th 1804, died August 26th 1892 and of Ellen Sarah Wife of the above born March 17th 1809, died July 1st 1888. Also of Bulkeley Allen of West Lynn, Altrincham, second son of John Allen born March 28th 1839, died May 30th 1912
Click on the icon to read about the Allens, Lynns and Joynsons of Bowdon by Rosie Hurley, October 2021
The Stamford Chapel (Part 1.The Booth Family)
In the early fifteenth century Sir Robert Booth had a residence at Dunham Massey – “A certain hall with a high chamber… a chapel and other small chambers adjoining”. Sir Robert Booth and his son were buried in Wilmslow church but in 1484 his grandson, George Booth, was interred at Bowdon. By the late sixteenth century Dunham Massey had become the family’s main residence and eventually the significant members of the Booth family were all interred in the vault beneath the chapel.
Reference: Dunham Massey. James Rothwell 2003. Pub National Trust
Click on the icon to read the full article from our resident historian, Ann Nosowski
A Gravedigger’s Reply to an Advertisement in 1867
Whilst sorting through the myriad of uncatalogued papers and other material stored in the church vestry loft, our resident archivist (Derrick Murdie) came across this interesting letter which he transcribed for publication in the October 2018 edition of the Bowdon Sheaf.
The letter provides a valuable commentary on the social class hierarchy of Victorian Britain. The letter is written in such a formal, deferential and somewhat obsequious style, that it was possibly drafted by someone other than by John Daine himself.
See the whole reply and some information on grave digging in the 1800s by Clicking on the icon below.
Spencer Henry Bickham (1813-1886). Grave no. 2860
A Generous Benefactor to Elderly People
In 1859, Spencer Bickham purchased a plot of land on Green Walk from the Earl of Stamford and built a 20-roomed mansion, completed in August 1863 which was named Gorsefield after the 1839 tithe plot it was built on called ‘Higher Gorsey Field’. The mansion was in the traditional Victorian style with separate quarters and staircase for staff, and was approved by Lord Stamford. It would in time become Bickham House. Read more of this Grave Tale written by David Miller (local historian and author) by Clicking on the icon below.
Momento Mori or “remember you need to die”
Many churchyards contain gravestones upon which an alarming injunction can be found. It is a rhyme which was possibly derived from the Medieval tale of the three living and the three dead. Several versions of the medieval tale appear in churches and in psalters of the 13th and 14th centuries but its precise origins are still mysterious. To read more about the history around this saying and other grave symbols please Click on the icon to read the full article from our resident historian, Ann Nosowski
The Perils of a Hand-pulled River Ferry
Mackennal grave No. 4304
On Saturday 18th July 1908 Alexander and Clara Mackennal, left their home in The Downs Cottage, Bowdon, and took the train to Bridgnorth. They were looking forward to spending a few days of their Summer holiday boating down the river Severn.
Little did they think that they would both meet their watery deaths. Allexander Mackennal’s body was found on the following Monday but that of his wife Clara was not discovered until the Wednesday.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
David Stott (1779-1848) Grave Number 1204
The Educator of the Poor
One of the finest neo classical memorials in Bowdon churchyard was purchased not by the family of the deceased, but with the subscriptions of dozens of friends and grateful admirers of David Stott. His whole life’s work was dedicated to the free education and care of the poor in the slums of Manchester in the early years of the nineteenth century.
Elsewhere in the churchyard lies another gravestone purchased in a similar way by the friends of Robert Weston who, like Stott, devoted his life to the music education of the working poor in the slums of early nineteenth century Manchester.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
John William Eastwood 1844 – 1867
Grave no 2455 – A Sad Accident
In 1867 John William Eastwood was newly married and the father of a little girl called Letitia. His father had been a fruiterer at Smithfield in Manchester and his widowed mother continued to work as a fruit dealer, most probably in the nearby Smithfield market.
At about 7 o’clock in the evening of Monday 7th January 1867 Josh Eastwood was supervising the shunting of a goods train in Altrincham in anticipation of the arrival of the express train from Oxford Road Station, Manchester. As that train entered Altrincham station Josh stepped out of the way but was caught by its buffer. He was thrown across the rails and run over by the express which crushed his body.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Jesse Haworth Grave No: 3433
A Merchant Prince and the Golden Mummies
The memorial stone to Jesse Haworth and his wife lies within the large grave of the Armitage family. The lead inscription on the stone has deteriorated but can still be read. The remains of an Egyptian ankh or “key of life” symbol can be made out on the top of the memorial stone whilst there are simple stylised lotus flower designs on the sides and on the frieze at the bottom.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Sir Edward Leader Williams (1828 – 1910) Grave No: 4414A
A Talented Family
Of all the distinguished individuals whose memorials are to be found in Bowdon churchyard. Edward Leader Williams was possibly one of the most famous worldwide. But if it had not been for his innovative genius as an engineer Edward L Williams may have been eclipsed by one of his younger brothers, Benjamin Leader Williams, who also became world famous as an artist, but who was known as Benjamin Williams Leader to distinguish him from his brother.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
John Josiah Ollivant (1798-1868)
A Story of Industry and Prosperity in Cottonopolis
This grave occupies three plots (2406,2423 and 2407- which is the entrance to the vault of John J Ollivant)
John Josiah Ollivant, by his own admission in the preamble to his will, frequently calling himself John, was born in Manchester at 26 Mosley Street, on 1st October 1798, almost literally with a silver spoon in his mouth. He was baptised at the new St Peter’s church a short walk from Mosley Street on 21st November, the son of Thomas and Sarah Ollivant. St Peter’s church, had been completed in 1794 in a fine neo classical style. It stood on the site of the present day St Peter’s Square.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
The Schoolmaster who became the Master of Manchester Royal Exchange
Edwin Simpson Grave No:3986
Many of the great men who lived in Bowdon, and who were buried in the churchyard during the nineteenth century, were extremely wealthy textile merchants or business owners in Manchester. In the second half of the century these men must certainly have been acquainted with, or known of, Edwin Simpson who for many years was Master of the Manchester Royal Exchange and a prominent local Freemason.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
A Murderer’s Escape – The Secret kept at Moss Farm, Bowdon, in 1835
On 23rd August 1835 a young woman was buried in an un-numbered grave in Bowdon churchyard and on the same day a blacksmith named John Garner was found guilty by a coroner’s jury of her murder.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Jane Hoult 1703 – Grave Number P406
Maybe we are sometimes too quick to see a fault in people who lived in the past without having a clear understanding of their life and times. That is why studying history can be so fascinating. One of the oldest gravestones in the churchyard often creates hilarity because of the strange wording of the inscription. Most people assume that the mason who carved it must have been illiterate and perhaps not very intelligent. This is the gravestone of Jane Holt, the wife of David Holt, which can be found just to the East of the South porch of Bowdon church
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Mary Wake and her family – Grave number 3044
When we established the Friends of Bowdon Churchyard group we did not expect our work to become known across the globe. Thanks to the internet we are fortunate to have received this gripping story, complete with images, of the Wake (and Hardey) family. The inscription on their gravestone looks interesting but behind it lies an extraordinary, adventurous and entrepreneurial story of a dynamic family in the nineteenth century.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by Jenny Wake, June 2022
(Descendant of Robert and Mary Wake through their son William)
The Murder of Thomas Jenkinson – Grave No. 2725
A violent assault in Hale in 1868
Gangs, alcohol, and race have always been triggers for violence. This explosive mix was present on the evening of Saturday 6 September 1868 when a fight between Irish workers and local men on Long Lane (now Hale Road), Hale at the end of Westminster Road, resulted in the death of a local man.
The inscription reads: “In health and strength he left his home, Not thinking death was near, It pleased the Lord to bid him come; And his presence to appear, When he walked forth that early morn, Full of health all blithe and gay; He little thought it was the dawn, Of his last dying day.”
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian David Miller
Baum – Franz, Margaret Lydia and Philip. Grave number 3267
Watch the Birdy
Franz Baum’s London studios were busy during the 1880s; in 1885 he was entered under “Photographic Artists” at 4 Brook Street, Hanover Square W and West Villa, Catford Bridge SE and by 1891 was renting rooms at 12 Old Bond Street in London (now the Omega shop) where his clients included some of the most renowned figures of the day, such as the 3rd Duke of Wellington and a mistress of the Prince of Wales, Daisy, Countess of Warwick. He left here in 1897 following court proceedings against his landlords, the Vicars family. He and his family eventually ended up in Bowdon.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Edward Dowling 1860-1889. A Tragic Holiday Accident
Not everyone commemorated at St Mary’s church Bowdon has a visible gravestone there. Instead their story is told by a memorial on the wall or, as in the case of Edward Dowling, by a beautiful window. This one can be seen at the North West corner of the church.
The inscription reads: To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Edward Dowling of this Parish who on 30th August1889 on a mountain in Galway was called to behold the things unseen.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
William Wood “The Chimney Sweeps’ Friend” Grave No.1854
One of the many interesting, heart-warming graves in Bowdon Churchyard is that of Bowdon resident William Wood (1782-1868) and his family
The pitiful plight of pauper climbing boys, and sometimes girls, was recognised by many reformers in the very early years of the 19th century. Wealthy householders often preferred to turn a blind eye to these children and their work. However, newspaper articles attempted to call attention to them by challenging their readers to think about how their chimneys were being cleaned in the early hours of the morning whilst they slept comfortably in bed.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
The Family of William Sharp Grave numbers 1079 & 1184
Sorrows, Success, Secrets, and Innovation
In 2022 approximately 3 or 4 babies in 1,000 might die before reaching their first birthday, but in 1840 the figure was about one in six, and about a third of all the children born died before the age of five. A Victorian couple were fortunate indeed if they did not lose at least one child. Gravestones in Bowdon churchyard tell many sad tales of parental loss, often in successive years, and of children dying within weeks of each other. Extremely contagious childhood diseases such as scarlet fever or whooping cough could decimate a family within weeks before the days of antibiotics.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
The Story of William Saxon , grave number 4051
This is the story of the second son of the Saxon family whose eldest son, Harold Saxon, is the subject of “Lest We Forget” – a story of remembrance. Like many of the families who settled in Bowdon during the nineteenth century the Saxon family was well to do, with a background steeped in the industrial history of the region. William John Saxon (died aged 43 in 1894), was born the son and grandson of two engineers who were both renowned for their contribution to the development of the Weaver navigation. His grandfather had been trained by the famous engineer Thomas Telford.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Lest We Forget: The Story of Harold Saxon , grave number 4051,
Not all of the victims of the First World War died during the conflict. Many men returned home to their families broken and severely unwell. Even though they survived the war their deaths were often as a direct result of the conflict. So we should also remember these casualties and their families. One such fallen hero is Harold Saxon whose grave, number 4051, can be found in the lower part of St Mary’s churchyard. It is marked by a stone cross mounted upon a rusticated base. Members of the Saxon family are commemorated on three sides of the stone. The South face bears the following inscription:
Also of his eldest son Harold Saxon who passed away Nov 5th 1922 aged 40 years.
“Greater love hath no man than this. That a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Bowdon Remembers
As Remembrance Day approaches the Friends of Bowdon Churchyard remember the sacrifice of all the men whose names are commemorated by the War Memorial and on the plaques inside the church. We must also remember that there are several soldiers whose names appear on family graves, some of whom returned home, gassed or wounded, and who died later as a result of their injuries. We have listed in our database 123 people listed as Killed in Action. There are 59 named on the war memorial and 13 official War Graves.
Charles Morris Cooper died in Belgium and his name appears on his family’s grave.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Rosie Hurley
Resurrectionists and Churchyard Watchmen
As the nights close in and we enter the season of Keat’s “mists and mellow fruitfulness” All Saints’ and All Souls’ days are celebrated in many parts of the world, usually by making visits to the graves of departed loved ones and leaving an offering of flowers. Since ancient times, people have revered their dead but they also gathered around the embers of an evening fire to share spooky stories of ghosts and ghouls.
Click on the icon to read the full article written by local historian Ann Nosowska
George Bebbington Grave no. 3817
Victorian secrets, a matter of paternity and a disputed will.
George Bebbington’s grave is marked by a grand pink marble pillar surmounted by an attractive and substantial draped urn. The enigmatic verse beneath his name might be interpreted in a number of ways. There are certainly enigmas attached to his story.
Thou didst call me to resign, What most I prized it ne’er was mine
I only yield thee what is thine, Thy will be done
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Nathaniel and William Howard, Grave number 723
Samuel Howard of Altrincham who departed this life on the 28th of February 1859 aged 55 years, also William Robinson aged 11 years, also Nathaniel Timperley aged 9 years. Sons of Samuel and Martha Howard.
“In one short night the God above called them to his heavenly care. Though hard to part with those we love in Heaven we hope to meet them there”
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowska
Ellen Skelton, 1817-1868, grave no 2766
Ellen Skelton is commemorated on a marble column monument next to an almost identical monument in stone to Frederick Pershouse who died two years before her. There was evidently a connection between Ellen and Frederick, but what was it and is there a connection to the railway junction Skelton Junction in Timperley?
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Rosie Hurley
Helmuth and Alice Petschler, grave no.2114
A very modest horizontal stone, bearing simply the names, dates and family relationships of three people, hidden away behind much grander memorials, covered for a century in grass, leaves and moss. Helmuth and Alice Petschler, and their daughter Millicent rest here forgotten in Bowdon churchyard. But this simple grave belies a dramatic tale of Victorian Altrincham.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Joanna M Williams
Thomas and Martha Furness, Bowdon Churchyard, grave number 2961
A Pandemic Story
Gravestones can tell us far more than just the names of the dead. By looking carefully at the inscriptions it may be possible to bring to life significant events in the history of England. Some of these events would be familiar to us even today. For example, the distressing message of this simple gravestone reveals stories of two deadly pandemics in 1665 and 1892 and of seeking a better life abroad – both of which resonate in 2021.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski
George and Elizabeth Starkey Grave no. 2617
ALARMING ACCIDENT IN BOWDON CHURCH-YARD.
“On Monday noon an occurrence took place in the graveyard at Bowdon which might have been attended with a fatal result. A grave had been dug ready to receive the body of Mrs. Starkey, the widow of the late Mr. George Starkey, of Dunham Massey. Some of the relatives of the latter…. expressed a wish see his coffin, and Charles Albinson, the son of the sexton, had descended into the grave which was very deep, and was removing the earth from the top of the coffin for the purpose, when suddenly the soil, which was very loose and sandy, gave way under the weight of the bystanders, and the poor man was overwhelmed with the falling earth, being literally buried under the mass………….”
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski
Frederick Charles Collens 1876-1895
On the 16th February, 1895, aged 18 Frederick Charles, the beloved son of Henry John and Ellen Collens, of Stamford-road, Bowdon.—Drowned whilst skating on Rostherne Mere. Find out more about Fredrick, his family, and how he came to drown during the ‘Great Freeze’ of 1895.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski.
Eric Bayley 1881 – 1908
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, usually peaking in September, and this has been well known for several centuries. In September 1908 there was plenty of evidence of a storm brewing, Little did Eric Bayley know but this would be the last storm he would see.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski.
Benjamin Goodall 1834-1900
When it comes to ‘Adopting-a-Grave’ how do you choose from over 5,000? One option is to find a grave that bears your family name. This was the case for the Goodall family who found not one but two graves with the name Goodall. Thanks to local historian Ann Nosowska one of them has provided a fascinating insight into a local family.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski.
John Finnie 1790 – 1885
As a successful merchant John Finnie was typical of the prosperous cottontots who moved to live in Bowdon during the nineteenth century but the charitable munificence of Finnie and his wife was exceptional. He lived and died by the principals in which he believed, that industry would lead to prosperity which should be used for the general good. John Finnie died on 26th July 1875 at Bowdon Lodge (now Altrincham Girls Grammar School), leaving £300,000 – equivalent to £35,000,000 today.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski.
Robert Weston 1817-1856
At the time of Robert Weston’s birth in Manchester in 1817 the population of the city had almost doubled from its size at the turn of the century and it was to double again to 400,00 before his death in 1856, transforming Manchester into Britain’s second city. His lifetime encompassed the tragedy of the Peterloo massacre, the rise of demands for political reform, and the height of the Chartist movement.
Click on the icon to read the full story written by local historian Ann Nosowski.