Cliff Farm Alvanley and Mouldsworth Farms

Greenways of Cliff Farm Alvanley & the Mouldsworth Farms

wanting

NB caution !! ... I only keep these notes on my website so I don't lose them !

This is an initial draft of a story about the family history of my ancient ancestors in Cheshire ... they were into cheese making & potato farming ... and we guess for Cheshire folk from way back, such connections were almost universal before the urban trek ... there are still many errors, omissions and inaccuracies in this yarn ... perhaps someone will make some welcome corrections and additions?

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General View of the Agriculture of Cheshire - Henry Holland 1808

Four Centuries of Cheshire Farming Systems 1500-1900 - Geo Edwin Fussell 1954

The Agricultural History of Cheshire 1750-1850 - C S Davies 1960

Cheshire, 1660-1780: Restoration to Industrial Revolution - Howard Hodson 1978

How the Potato Changed the World’s History - W McNeill 1999

The Men Who Built Britain A History of the Irish Navvy - Ultan Cowley 2001

The Untold History of the Potato - John Reader 2009

We read the books and enjoyed the banter and, over the years, we had devoured our fair share of the earthy spoils. But it was scrumptious Cheshire cheese that excited our maternal Gandys and the humble spud was all but a footnote ... until Lockdown @ The Meister from March 17th 2020 ... lockdown offered a serendipitous opportunity to explore more of our Hindley Family History ... and delve deep into the Ancient Trade & Crafts of Rural Cheshire. Although the Birchalls ended up close to salt & the eastern mills, the Hindleys never strayed far from the farms making crumbly cheese ... & growing potatoes.

Cheshire Cheese was for the toffs in London? Cheshire Spuds were for the workers?

In 1980 The Meister in Mouldsworth proved to be an idyllic rural retreat for indulging in the exotic charm of ancient Chester, with easy commuting to our Warrington Factory and was just a short crawl back from The Goshawk. The pad provided therapeutic opportunities for the secret delights of gardening, daily walkings round the Mouldsworth/Manley village block ... with & without our faithful mongrel hound. During Lockdown these daily brisks monopolised social activity as beer, bridge, music & pubs were forbodden. The survivors, residents & exercisers who assembled down Mouldsworth Road and around the Manley village introduced us to the ghosts of the potato farmers from the past. Then as Poplar Grove Farm was demolished, and as new units grew from the rubble to add to our local silicon cluster ... old stories and yarns from the farming past recounted by Esme Turner & Frank Taylor ... and Uncle James Greenway were rekindled in our memories ... and introduced us to all the local farmers who seemed to embroil themselves in spuds rather than cheese and still managed to find time to shower attention on the farmer's daughter from next door ... in 1952 Auntie Clara Hindley (1914-1995) joined this mêlée of intermingled romance -

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Uncle James Greenway

At Cliff Farm, Alvanley, just up the road from the Mouldsworth Gap on the Sandstone Trail, Uncle James Greenway (1917-96), was a big time potato grower. Tithe Maps of 1845 identified Cliff Farm, Alvanley, in Frodsham Parish, Plot No 366, owned by the Trustees of the late John Arden (Edward Lord Skelmersdale, Wilbraham Egerton & Randle Egerton) and occupied by Samuel Greenway. Our old and new families spent hours underneath the Alvanley Cliff with the rabbits, pikels, tractors & spuds over looking the luscious Cheshire plain to the Welsh mountains ... an ideal spot for launching our model sailplanes ... and Auntie Clare's food was perpetually scrumptious ... Uncle James talked a lot about potato growing, milking cows and drinking beer at the 'Belle Monte' in Frodsham where he discovered a radiant Clara Newton neé Hindley helping out behind the bar ... but Uncle James didn't talk much about family ... we hadn't a clue about this guy called Samuel Greenway who was his great grandfather?

Samuel Greenway (1804-65) born 17 July 1804, son of Ralph & Mary. Ralph Greenway (1763-1814) was born 8 May 1763 in Utkinton and married Mary Spruce (1766-1846) 21 May 1788, St Oswalds, Chester they had 5 children. Ralph died April 1814 in Alvanley, Cheshire. Samuel's grand parents were Ralph Greenway (1731-99) and Mary Bratt (1731-99) married 19 Oct 1753 Utkinton.
Samuel married Hannah Rutter (1803-77) 21 Oct 1822 Frodsham (1655671). Hannah was born 15 Aug 1802 Alvanley, Cheshire, Daughter of Samuel Rutter (1766-1841) & Catherine Basnett (1765-1809). Hannah died 3 Feb 1877 Alvanley, Cheshire.

Samuel died 4 Oct 1865 Alvanley.
Samuel & Hannah had 12 children - Ralph (1823-55), Mary (1824-90), James (1826-1915), Martha (1829-96), Catherine Blythe (1831-90), Hannah (1833-1911), Henry (1835-59), Thomas (1838-1904), William (1840-), Ann (1842-1914), Mary A Turner (1844-1914), Elizabeth (1845-1920) ...

The Rutter Family of Clotton Hoofield were a power in the land and have been extensively researched by Dr Kenneth S Paulsen ... and there was a plausible link to the Milners of Woodhouses?
George Rutter (1665-1758) married Mary Milner (1673-1741) 29 January 1694 Frodsham when he was 28 years old ... licence ...

1841 census - at Alvanley Samuel Greenway (1804-65) aged 35 Farmer with wife Hannah Rutter (1801-) aged 40 with Mary (1826-) 15, James Greenway (1827-) 14, Martha (1828-) 13, Catherine (1831-) 10, Hannah (1833-) 8, Henry Greenway (1835-) 6, Thomas Greenway (1838-) 3, William Greenway (1840-) 1 ... plus three labourers Ralph Greenway (1826-) 15 & Thomas Leech (1826-) 15.

1851a census and 1851b census - at 51 Commonside Samuel Greenway (1804-65) 47 Farmer with wife Hannah (1803-) 48, James Greenway (1827-) 24, Hannah (1834-) 17, Henry (-) 14, Thomas (1838-) 13, William (1840-) 11, Ann (1842-) 9, Elizabeth (1846-) 5
... next door at 48 Commonside was Richard Hassall (1826-) Farming 60 acres employing 2 labourers

1861a census and 1861b census - at Cliff Farm, Commonside Samuel Greenway (1804-65) 56, Hannah (1803-) 58, William (1840-) 21, Ann (1842-) 19, Elizabeth (1846-) 15 ... plus Thomas Littler (1848-) 13 grand son.

James Greenway (1827-1915)
married Sarah Hassall (1835-1909) Oct 1854 Halton, Runcorn ... the 19 year old farmer's daughter from next door ... bapitised 31 May 1835 Alvanley
James died 12 Oct 1915

The Hassall Family were ??

1861a census - at Bowling Alley Farm next door was Richard Hassall (1801-86) 60 Farmer of 60 acres employing 2 labourers living with wife Mary Weaver (1810-70) 51 from Trafford with 3 sons George 20, Edward 18 & Richard 15 and living with them were son-in-law James Greenway (1827-) 33 with wife Sarah (1835-) 24 and their kids Walter (1856-) 4 and Arthur (1860-) 8 months ... plus 2 servants
James & Sarah's children -

1 Walter Greenway (1856-1940)
married Elizabeth Noden (1856-1943) in Jan 1881 ... elder brother married elder sister

2 Arthur Greenway (1860-1927)
married Mary Noden (1859-1925) in Oct 1882 ... year & a half later younger brother married younger sister
died 1927 probate
1901 census at Bowling Alley Farm with Mary (1859-) 42 and kids - Eveline (1884-) 17, Amos (1885-) 16, Edward (1887-) 14 ...
1911 census at Alvanley Hall

3 Oliver Greenway (1863-1927)
married Ann Ellen Ashworth (1878-1927)

4 Louis (1865-1938)

5 Herbert Greenway (1869-1935) baptised son of James & Sarah, 10 Oct 1869 Alvanley
married Mary Ann Noden (1878-1962) Daughter of Joseph Littler Noden (1851-1915) & Martha Elizabeth Jenkins (1852-99)
... looks like there were three gorgeous Noden girls Mary, Elizabeth & Mary Ann who ended up with Greenway brothers!

The Noden Family were, it seemed, a wonderful source of quality genes?
Samuel Noden (1762-1840) first married Margaret Lewis (1764-1800) 29 Dec 1785 second married Ann Pover (1779-1858) in 1808 -
MI - 'Margaret wife of Samuel Noden of Alvanley who died 13 Oct 1800 aged 36 also above Samuel Noden died 12 April 1840 aged 77 also Ann wife of above Samuel Noden died 17 Feb 1858 aged 78'

Son Edward Noden (1823-86) married Ann Littler (1826-89) in ???? = daughters Elizabeth (1856-1943) & Mary (1859-1925)

Grandson Joseph Littler Noden (1851-1915) married Martha E Jenkins (1852-99) in ????

Herbert Greenway died 23 April 1935 Alvanley ... probate ...

1861 census - at Hapsford, Edward Noden (1823-) 38 Farming 178 acres employing 3 men & 3 boys, born Alvanley, Ann Littler (1826-89) 35 born Elton, Samuel (1849-) 12, Joseph (1852-) 9 born Hapsford, Ann (-) 7, Elizabeth (1856-) 5 born Hapsford, Mary (1859-) 2 born Hapsford, Catherine (1861-) 1 month born Hapsford ... plus 6 servants

1871 census - at Walnut Tree Farm, Alvanley, Edward Noden (1823-) 48 Farming 119 acres employing 2 men, born Alvanley, Ann Littler (1826-89) 45 born Elton, Joseph (1853-) 18 born Hapsford, Elizabeth (1856-) 15 born Hapsford, Kate (1861-) 10 born Hapsford, Margaret (1867-) 4 born Alvanley ... plus 7 servants

1881 census - at Dunham, Thornton-le-Moor Joseph Littler Noden (1852-) 29 Farming 138 acres employing 1 man 2 boys, Martha Elizabeth (1852-) 29 born Manley, John Francis (1877-) 4 born Manley, Mary Ann (1879-) 2 born Dunham, Edward (1881-) 1 month ... moved to Alvanley between 1886 and 1890.

1891 census - at Walnut Tree Farm Joseph Littler Noden (1852-) 39, Farmer born Hapsford, Martha Elizabeth (1852-) 39 born Manley, John Francis (1877-) 14 born Manley, Mary Ann (1879-) 12 born Dunham, Edward (1881-) 10 born Dunham, Joseph (1884-) 7 born Dunham, Arthur (1886-) 5 born Dunham, Thomas (1890-) 1 born Alvanley,

1901 census - at Walnut Tree Farm Joseph Littler Noden (1852-) 49, widow Farmer born Hapsford, Mary Ann (1879-) 22 born Dunham, Edward (1881-) 20 born Dunham, Joseph (1884-) 17 born Dunham, Arthur (1886-) 15 born Dunham, Thomas (1890-) 11 born Alvanley, Lillian (1892-) 9 born Alvanley

Herbert & Mary Ann children -

1 Ruth Greenway (1908-2006)
married William Henry Warburton junior (1911-85) Depmore Farm, Depmore Lane, Kingsley, March 1942.
Ruth resided at Cliff Farm Alvanley prior to their marriage while William Henry Jnr was at Depmore Farm, Kingsley.
Not sure if, or to where, they moved after they married. Depmore is still owned by Warburtons. The brother of William Henry Warburton junior (1911-1985) was Thomas Warburton (1895-1966) married Emily Fletcher (1901-1986) with son Thomas Lionel Warburton (1928-1994) who farmed at Hatley House Farm, Frodsham and daughter Nesta Warburton (1927-).
Thomas Lionel's sons still run the same farm where, among other items they grow 'Warburtons Cheshire Potatoes; Grown under Frodsham Hill'.

William Henry junior was the son of William Henry Warburton senior (1862-1917) and Marta Ann Ravenscroft (1871-1947).
William Henry junior was likely born at Depmore Farm.
William Henry senior was the brother of Thomas Warburton (1854-1930) Hall Lane Farm, Daresbury.
William Henry senior & Thomas Warburton were sons of Peter Warbuton (1809-69) & Jane Warburton neé Swinton ()
Peter first married Hannah Wood (1819-53) another Farmer 22 March 1842 Over, Northwich - children Alice John Peter & Hannah Warburton (1849-1926)
married 7 Feb 1854 Weaverham, PeterWarburton (1809-69) widower Farmer, son of John Warburton (1770-1835) & Alice Bancroft (1769-1849) Farmer, Jane Swinton (1832-62) Daughter of Thomas Swinton (-) Farmer ... witnesses were Joseph Swinton and Ann Swinton - children Thomas (1854-1930) Richard (1857-1924) Joseph (1858-1926) Walter (1860-1929) & William Henry senior (1862-1917).
Jane died aged just 30 and William Henry senior, as the youngest Warburton child was adopted (aged just 7) by Eleanor Rigby neé Swinton (-) his God-Mother (sister of Jane Swinton).
William Henry Warburton (1865-1917) married Martha A Ravenscroft Jan 1895.
He grew up and spent his entire life on Depmore Farm where he died in 1917.
William Henry Warburton senior (1862-1917) was buried at St John's Church, Kingsley.

1939 register William Henry Warburton junior (1862-1917) born 4 April 1911 was managing the farm for his mother Martha A Warburton neé Ravenscroft (1871-) widow born 17 Feb 1871 plus Violet Gibson neé Salisbury born 7 June 1919 Dairy Maid. William Henry born 1911. Dad William Henry Warburton (1865-1917) married Martha A Ravenscroft Jan 1895. 1891 census at Hall o' the Hay, Kingsley, Martha Ravenscroft (1871-) aged 20 Daughter of Stephen Ravenscroft (1844-1916) Farmer aged 46 from Over & wife Mary (1852-) aged 39 from Kingsley.
Eleanor Swinton 1861 census - at Depmore Farm Joseph Rigby (1827-) 34 Farmer 75 acres 4 labourers & 1 boy, born Little Leigh with wife Eleanor Rigby (1827-) 34 born Lower Walton children Ellen 12, Margaret 10, Jane 7, John 4, Thomas 2 plus 3 servants.
1871 census - at Depmore Farm Eleanor Rigby (1827-) 44 widow born Lower Walton, Cheshire with 8 year old nephew William Henry Warburton (1865-1917) adopted after mum died in 1862.
1881 census - at Depmore Farm Eleanor Rigby (1827-) 54 widow Farming 28 acres employing 2 labourers with nephew William H Warburton (1865-1917) 18 ... Jane 27, John Rigby (1857-) 24, Thomas Rigby (1859-) 22, Joseph S Rigby (1868-) 13 ... Walter E Rigby (1869-) grand son 12 ...
1901a census - at Depmore Farm William H Warburton (1865-1917) 36, wife Martha A (1871-) 30 with Thomas 5, Adelaide 3, Maude 10 months ... William died 23 Sept 1917 probate
1911 census new additions Alfred 8, Lily 6, Hilda 2 ... and 26 year old niece Alma Rigby
died 2 Oct 1985 probate

2 Marjorie Greenway (1908-65)
married Leslie Bate (1901-)
1901 census - at Chester Road, Sutton John E Bates (1853-) aged 48 Farmer ... Leslie aged 2 months

3 Cicely Mary Greenway (1910-50)
married John C Crow (1915-79)
children -
Susan Crow (1943-) married Raymond Lea (1941-)
Jennifer Crow (1944-) married John Jones (1944-)

4 James Leslie Greenway (1917-96)
married Clara Newton neé Hindley (1914-95)

1861 census -
1871 census -
1881 census - at 63 Dunham, Thornton-le-Moors, Joseph Noden (1851-1915) from Hapsford 29 and wife Martha Elizabeth (1851-) from Manley, 29 Farming 138 acres employing 1 man & 1 boy with son John F (1877-) 4 (married Mary Jane Wright 1901 witnessed by Eleanor Wright), Mary Ann (1879-) 2 (who married Herbert Greenway), Edward (1881-) 1month
Joseph died 23 Feb 1915 at Walnut Tree Farm, Alvanley ... probate ... grave ...

6 Ada Annie (1874-1934)
married Arthur Priestner (1874-1960)

7 Leonard Greenway (1877-1974) baptised 29 April 1877 Alvanley
married April 1906 Eleanor Wright (1878-1958) born 28 March 1878 Woodhouses, Frodsham died 29 September 1958 Bowling Alley Farm, Alvanley, Cheshire, England (descended from John Wright (1792-) of Dunham) - 1881 census - at Woodhouses, Frodsham - Eleanor (-) living with parents Thomas Wright (-) Farmer 106 acres 4 men 2 boys with Jane (-), siblings Ann, Harold, Mary, step-son Arthur Hassall farmworker, Martha Cross [domestic servant] and Thomas Jones [farm servant] - 1891 census - at Church House Farm, Alvanley, Cheshire, England. - 1901 census - at Church Farm, Alvanley Thomas Wright aged 63, wife Jane Darlington 56, Harold 26, Mary Jane (1877-) 24, Eleanor (1878-) 23, Leonard 16.

Leonard & Eleanor children - Reginald (1907-), George S (1911-), Phyllis J Griffiths (1917-), Sarah E Greenway (1919-), Edna M Harvey (1921-), Leonard Percy (1923-88)
died 10 Dec 1974 at Bowling Alley Farm probate

1871a census - Samuel Greenway (1804-65) died in 1865 & at Cliff Farm James Greenway (1825-) aged 45 born Alvanley, Farmer of 78 acres employing 3 labours, wife Sarah Hassall (1834-) aged 37 born next door at Bowling Alley Farm, Commonside, Alvanley, children - Walter 14, Arthur Greenway (1860-) aged 10, Oliver Greenway (1862-) aged 8, Lois 5, Herbert Greenway (1870-) aged 1 ... all born in Alvanley ... plus 3 servants ...

1881a census and 1881b census - at Cliff Farm James Greenway (1825-) aged 56 born Alvanley, Farmer of 85 acres employing 3 labours, wife Sarah (1834-) aged 47 born Alvanley, children - Arthur 20, Oliver 18, Lois 16, Herbert 11, Ada Anne 7, Leonard Greenway (1877-) 4 ... all born in Alvanley ... plus 3 servants ...

1891 census -

1901 census - at Cliff Farm James Greenway (1827-) 74 Farmer

1911 census - at Cliff Farm Herbert Greenway (1870-) 41 Farmer, wife Anne (-) 32 from Dunham-on-the-Hill, Ruth 2, Marjorie 2, Cecily 1, brother Oliver Greenway (1863-) 48 assisting on the farm, plus 3 servants.

1911 census - at Bowling Alley Farm Leonard Greenway (1877-) aged 34 with wife Eleanor Wright (1878-1958) aged 33 from Woodhouses with children Reginald (1908-) 3, Ethel Rosaland (1910-) 1

1911 census - James Greenway (1827-) 84 year old widower retired living with daughter Ada Annie Priestner neé Greenway

1939 register - at Cliff Farm - Mary Ann Greenway neé Noden (1878-1962), Marjorie Bate neé Greenway (1908-65), Ruth Warburton neé Greenway (1908-2006), Cecily Crow neé Greenway (1910-50), James Leslie Greenway (1917-96) ... the girls helping mum and James with the farm, Herbert died in 1935.
at Bowling Alley Farm - Leonard Greenway (1877-1974) with wife Eleanor Greenway neé Wright (1878-1958),

The Geenway Farm Web emerged as all the lads seemed to marry the Farmer's daughter ... from next door! Lots of interesting couplings -
Samuel Greenway = Hannah Rutter ...
James Greenway = Sarah Hassall ...
Herbert Greenway = Mary Ann Noden ...
Leonard Greenway = Eleanor Wright ...
Ruth Greenway = William Henry Warburton jnr ... 1942

... and William Henry Warburton jnr had sisters Lily Warburton (1904-) and Hilda Warburton (1908-80) married brothers Thomas (1895-78) and William (1905-79) Fowles ... wot a party!

The Rutters, Hassalls, Nodens, Wrights, Warburtons and Fowles were all local farmers ... and all seemed to be interbred thoroughbreds of immaculate pedigree.

It looked like the Greenways made a propitious choice when Ruth married into the Warbuton family in 1942 ...

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Enter the Warburtons

Warbies Cheshires Everyone around Frodsham, Kingsley, Alvanley & Mouldsworth knew the local Warbies ...

The Warbies had a small seasonal farm shop, selling home-grown potatoes & eggs from May to Oct. The Farm was open to Educational Access through HLS, hosting school visits, including a number of special schools in the area. Their approach to farming was very closely integrated with the care of the natural environment. Depmore Farm and Hatley Farm were two farms run as one holding by the Warburton Family (Fourth Generation). Graham & Geoffrey Warburton, their wives Liz & Gill and their sons Richard & George, run the holding as partners trading as T L Warburton & Co (Thomas Lionel Warburton was their late father). They specialised in early potatoes but included 130 head of beef cattle. A mixed farm was important as beef and arable enterprises were totally integrated. The barley crop provided feed and straw for the cattle, which subsequently provided manure for the crops. The farm has two 'Sites of Biological Importance'.
Graham told the story 6 Oct 2019 - 'The farm is down Hatley Lane, alongside the Netherton Hall Pub. I will start with a brief history as to why we are here. In 1930 my Grandfather Thomas Warburton got the tenancy of Hatley Farm in Frodsham. The farm was about 60 acres of good arable land, and belonged to the Vicar of Halton, Runcorn. The land is on the edge of the Mersey Estuary and had been farmed since medieval times because of its good sandy soil, and was ideal for growing early potatoes. There are now six members of the Warburton family in the farm Partnership. I don’t know the exact year the farm was built, but there is a date of 1832 chiseled into a beam in one of the barns. This is not the oldest barn. My father was aged two when they moved to Hatley Farm, and they walked all their cattle including a bull all the way from Dunham Massey to Frodsham, and I would not like to do it now. Having watched Edwardian farm on TV last year, it made me realise just what hard work everything was. All produce was carried by men and women, and everything done by hand. Potato planting and harvesting, threshing grain, carting hay, hedge cutting and draining fields were all done by hand.
A furlong is a shortened furrow long. This was the length of the furrow a horse could plough without a break. And an acre is the area of land a horse could plough in one day. During the 1950’s the farm began to grow, and then in 1960 my Father and Grandfather got the chance to buy the farm from the Vicar of Halton. In 1956 my father married my mother, Jean Hough of Newbrook Farm, Dutton, and I was born two years later. In 1966, my father bought a neighbouring farm, Godscroft Hall along with 40 acres of land. All the fields were adjacent to Hatley Farm. Other parcels of land were added over the years. Today we farm approximately 1200 acres from Hatley Farm in Frodsham. This year, 2019, we grew approx 550 acres of wheat, 250 acres of oil seeds, 100 barley, 100 potatoes, and 200 grassland. There are three types of wheat: feed wheat, milling wheat, and durum wheat. Feed wheat goes into animal feed, bird feed, rat poison, wheat beer and ethanol production. The Cerestar factory in Manchester uses 1 million tons of wheat per year. Milling wheat is the best quality and is turned into flour for bread production. Slightly 2nd quality goes in to biscuits, cakes, Weetabix etc. The third type: durum, goes to make pasta. It is not possible to grow durum in this country due to the climate. Oil seeds are the fields of yellow flowers you see in May time. These are harvested at the end of July and are taken to Liverpool docks where they are crushed to make rape seed oil, which is used for cooking, cosmetics, lubrication and many other uses. This year our rape seed was diverted to a store at Shrewsbury instead of the docks. When I asked why, they said they weren’t using any British oil seeds at the minute because they had got a 30,000 ton boat load of rape seed from Ukraine at the docks. Barley: All our barley goes for animal feed. Potatoes: We grow 3 types of potatoes. First, the famous Cheshire Earlies which are harvested from beginning of May onwards and sold from our farm shop and other shops in the area. Then into July when the dry matters are right we start lifting the chipping potatoes, which are sold to chip shops in the NW of England. Thirdly, from August onwards, we start harvesting our crisping varieties. These go to processors for crisps and other potato snack products. Example: Seabrooks and KP foods. The grassland is grazed by our beef cattle that we purchase when they are approximately 6 months old. We keep them until they are approx 30 months, when they are then sold to local butchers. There used to be three things that affect my farming life. One: the most important is the weather. The weather dictates what we do every day of the year. Two: Commodity prices: which are affected by weather, pound/euro exchange rate and political decisions. Three: Red Tape. These mostly come from Europe via DEFRA. e.g. Rules that dictate how and when we cut hedges, rules to protect water quality, to try to keep nitrates, phosphates and animal waste out of water. Now there is a forth: The B word! And I don’t mean Boris. Brexit could be the biggest change in agriculture for 40 years. Every rule and regulation we abide by comes from the EU via the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) eg: Food tariffs, etc. Bovine TB: This is a disease of cattle that started in the south west of England and has spread gradually Northwards, and is now in Cheshire. We have never had a case of TB in our cattle. Our cattle are tested annually, so our badgers must be clean. Cheshire is on the ‘edge’, so cattle are tested more frequently than some. If you have a ‘reactor’, the animal is slaughtered and the tax payer compensates the farmer for the animal. The Government are carrying out a cull of badgers in certain parts of the country to try to stem the spread of TB. There is a badger cull in parts of Cheshire, but not in our area. The latest trend is to be Vegan or Vegetarian. I have no problem with Vegans. Most food I produce is vegetarian, but I don’t like the persecution of the meat sector. The future: there are exciting times ahead for the agricultural industry, with ever more millions of mouths to feed. Farmers feel as though they are needed once more. All the following issues are at the cutting edge of technology, however controversial they may seem now; they will form part of the future of food production. GM Technologies – is still going on, but is now called Gene Editing. Hydrogen powered tractors – at least one prototype undergoing trials. Renewable Energies is massive at present. Biomass (Willows, coppicing for burning in power stations). Biogas (Collecting methane gas from animal and food waste). Biofuels (Ethanol from Oil Seed Rape, Wheat and Sugarbeet). The Cerestar Factory at Manchester takes 1 million tonnes of wheat per year, and 1 tonne of wheat produces 340L of fuel. Super Dairies. Halal Meat is the major buyer of lamb in North Wales
And Satellite – GPS – more mechanisation means increased productivity. One combine manufacturer advertises that one of its machines can harvest enough wheat in one day to make 1 million loaves of bread. The public at large has never been more interested to know where their food comes from. I feel it is importance for farmers to demonstrate and communicate to the general public exactly what we do best: produce high quality food, but at the same time care and look after the British Countryside.

The Warbies of Weaverham, from our neck of the woods, were brilliantly untangled with hours of scholarship, by Ray Warburton ... superb ... starting from a 1734 Latchford lad who married Elizabeth Walker and ending with William Henry Warburton (1911-47) of Preston Brook who married Ruth Greenway in 1942 and our own Greenways!

... and there's more Ray also uncovered the Partington Clan and a Martha Warburton (1765-1810) of Lymm who married Hugh Dyer in 1790 and had an enterprising son who was an Ale & Porter merchant in Acton Bridge!

The Ray Warbutons Clans fantastical ongoing discoveries from Dutton to Warburton to Weaverham Clan (Ruth Greenway), Arley Clan (died out), Partington Clan (Hugh Dyer), Warrington Hamlet Clan, Warrington John Clan ...

Warburton south west to Lymm 2 miles & on to Grappenhall 3 miles ... Warburton north to Partington 2 miles ... Partington north east to Carrington 2.5 miles ... Warburton south to Arley 7 miles.

Warburton to Greenway =

Peter Warburton (1669-1738) married 1772 Elizabeth Smith (1696-776)

Peter Warburton (1734-80) Latchford married 1763 Elizabeth Walker (1738-1813) Acton

John Warburton (1770-1835) of Grange Farm married 1795 Alice Bancroft (1769-1849)

Peter Warburton (1809- 69) first married Hannah Wood (1819-53) in 1842 ... and at a youthful 45 second married 22 year old Jane Swinton (1832-62) in 1854
Peter died 1869 Grappenhall
1861 census - at Hall Green, Acton Peter (1809-) aged 51 Farmer 108 acres employing 3 labourers, wife Jane Swinton (1832-62) 28 from Appleton ... right next door to Hugh Dyer Ale & Porter Dealer!
Children -

Alice Warburton (1843-1924)

John Warburton (1845-1913)

Peter Warburton (1847-1913)

Hannah (1849-1926)

Thomas Warburton (1854-1930) son of Peter & Jane,

Richard Latham Warburton (1856-1924) son of Peter & Jane,

Joseph Warburton (1858-1926) son of Peter & Jane, born Acton married Mary ???? (-) from Aston
1901 census - at Grappenhall Joseph Warburton (1858-) 43 born Acton wife Mary ???? (1866-) 35 kids - Richard Warburton (1894-) 7, Annie Warburton (1895-) 6, Mary E Warburton (1899-) 2, Ellen Warburton (1900-) 5 months
1911 census - at Poplar Grove Farm

Walter Warburton (1860-1929) son of Peter & Jane,

William Henry Warburton snr (1862-1917) son of Peter & Jane, married Martha Ann Ravenscroft (1871-1947) in 1895 ... Depmore Farm, Kingsley
1861 census - at Depmore Farm Joseph Rigby (1825-) 36 from Little Leigh and wife Eleanor Swinton (1827-) 34 from Walton and kids - Ellen 12, Margaret 10, Jane 7, John 4, Thomas 2 ...
1871 census - at Depmore Farm widow Eleanor Rigby (1827-) 44 ... and 8 year old nephew William Henry Warburton (1862-)
1911 census - at Depmore Farm just before William Henry jnr was born with 26 year old niece Alma Rigby (1885-) born in Kingsley

Thomas Warburton (1895-65) married Emily Fletcher (-) in 1927 ...

Adelaide Warburton (1898-) married Edward Lewis Snelson (-) in 1929 ...

Maud Warburton (1900-) married John Harvey (-) in 1924 ...

Alfred Warburton (1903-) married Doris Ward (1901-) in ???? ... Heatly Heath Farm, Lyme

Lily Warburton (1905-) married 1927 Thomas Fowles (-)

Hilda Warburton (1908-80) married 1935 William Fowles (-)

William Henry Warburton jnr (1911-85) married Ruth Greenway (1908-2006) in 1942 ... and Ruth Greenway was the elder sister of our Uncle James Greenway (1917-96) ... Depmore Farm, Kingsley

Warburton to Hugh Dyer =

Warburton (-) of Partington

John Warburton (~1602-67) married Elizabeth (-1672)

Peter Warburton (1646-82) married Margaret Marken (1646-95)

Richard Warburton (1669-1727) of Lymm married Sarah Steele (-1729) in 1690

Thomas Warburton (1711-86) of Lymm married Hannah Warburton (1705-72) of Wet Gate Lymm in 1735

Richard Warburton (1735-1816) of Flixton married Mary Taylor (1739-1810) of Lymm in 1760

Martha Warburton (1765-1810) married Hugh Dyer (-) in 1790

Richard Warburton (1735-1816) buried 27 Jun 1816 St Mary's Churchyard, Lymm, Warrington ... 30 June 1816, Lymm (1656844) ...
married Mary Taylor (1739-1810) was Hugh Dyer's father-in-law ...

MI - Here resteth the body of Richard Warburton late of Wet Gate who departed this life June 27th 1816 in the 83rd year of his age, Mary wife of Richard Warburton of Wet Gate who departed this life July 16, 1810 in the 71 year of her age

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Enter the Fowles

Sisters Lily & Hilda Warburton married Thomas & William Fowles ... wot a party! ... a story which led to the Woods of Beeston Hall?

William Fowles (-1918) baptised
married
died Dutton 1918 probate to Robert

Robert Fowles (-1945) son of William baptised
married Mary Billingham
died 1945 probate to Alfred Fowles and Robert Billingham Fowles

Frederick Wood (1864-) married Ada Darlington (1867-1941)

Edgar Wood (1901-88) son of Frederick & Ada, baptised 22 Sept 1901 Church Minshull
married Mary Thelma Anne Tickle (1912-62) April 1934 Wirral
died Feb 1988 Ellesmere Port aged 85

Frederick Wood (1935-2019) son of Edgar & Thelma, baptised
married Jean M Fowles (1935-) the daughter of Thomas & Lily !

1911 census - at Beeston Hall Tarporley Frederick Wood (1863-) 47 Farmer married for 19 years 8 children, Wife Ada Darlington (1867-) 43 from Worleston Mary (1892-) 18 domestic, William (1893-) 17 Waggoner, Elizabeth (1895-) 15 Dairy, Alfred (1897-) 13, Ernest (1899-) 12, Edgar (1902-) 8, Esther (1906-) 4, Frederick (1909-) 1 plus 3 servants. All the kids born Worleston. Church Minshull to Worleston 3 miles. Worleston to Bunbury/Beeston 8/9 miles.

During the dark Covid lockdown Steve uncovered the engaging tale of the Greenway-Wood connection.

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While all this malarkey was going on ... in 2021 there was a rumour going around the Mouldsworth village that it was William Oulton Wade (1855-1924) who, through sheer hard work and enterprise, had earned the monkier 'The Cheshire Potato King' ... but who the hell was William Oulton Wade?

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Enter the Wades

The uncle of our very own uncle James Greenway (1917-96) was Leonard Greenway (1877-1974) who married Eleanor Wright (1878-1958) in April 1906, Frodsham ... now the Wrights were renowned local potato farmers but they were not the Wades ... close but no cigar ... we were looking for the Wades ... however ... Eleanor Wright (1878-1958) was the daughter of Thomas Wright (1838-1910) & Jane Darlington. Thomas had an older brother Samuel (1822-93) who had a daughter ... Eleanor's cousin ... Mary Elizabeth Wright (1858-) ... and Mary Elizabeth Wright (1858-) married William Oulton Wade (1861-1924) in 1882. We got to 'the potato king' in the end, thru the Wrights of Frodsham ?!

The Mouldsworth farms on the old Mouldsworth Road (Smithy Lane today) were in the middle of all this action ... the census told the story.

Bank Farm at the bottom, then Stone House Farm, Poplar Grove Farm, Mouldsworth Hall and at the top Beechwood Farm which was to become Birch Farm around 1914.

Bank Farm - south on the OS map closest to Ashton Brook border ... the oldest parts date back to 1600s.

Village crack - Bank Farm - Worrall's had Milk and Potatoes, but when the Foot and Mouth 1923 came, they didn't do milk after that .... 1967/8? ... 2001/2?

William Oulton Wade (1861-1924) son of William Wade (1825-66), baptised 13 Sept 1861 Tarporley ... (1751855) ...
married Mary Elizabeth Wright (1858-) Oct 1882 Chester ... Elizabeth, Daughter of Samuel, baptised 1858 Woodhouses, Frodsham.
William died 4 July 1924 Mouldsworth Hall ... 5 July 1924 Cheshire Observer reported the funeral service at the Wesleyan Chapel and internment at Ashton Hayes ... probate to Walter Harrison farmer and Joseph Bridge retired farmer £23,178-15s-2d
William & Elizabeth had children -

William Stanley Wade (1883-)

Wilfred Wright Wade (1884-1963)
died 9 May 1963 @ The Cottage, Smithy Lane, Mouldsworth ...

Alice Elizabeth Wade (1886-1974)
Mrs Alice Elizabeth Wade (1886-1974) of Homewood, Mouldsworth, aged 88 ...The Cheshire Observer reported the death on 11 October at Chester Royal Infirmary ... and all in the village and more turned out to say farewell ... including Esme Turner.

Mary Ellen Wade (1888-)

Allan Oulton Wade (1890-) ????

Ada Margaret Wade (1891-)

Gertrude M Wade (1892-)

Samuel Norman Wade (1897-1963) son of W O & M E baptised 7 March 1897 Mouldsworth @ Weslyan Methodist Chapel, Tarporley Circuit ... born 22 Dec 1876
married Joan Ferris Wild (1907-72) April 1929 Chester ... Joan died 7 Nov 1972 at Chorlton Lodge ...
Samuel died 21 Aug 1963 at Chorlton Lodge ... probate 12 June 1963 to Joan Ferris Wade and William Oulton Wade Farmer

Ethel Maud Wade (1898-)

Samuel Norman Wade & Joan Ferris Wild had a son -

William Oulton Wade (1932-2018) ... Lord Wade of Chorlton.

The Potato King done good but grandson William Oulton Wade (24 December 1932 - Died 7 June 2018) went one better and established a premier Cheshire cheese manufactory at Mollington Grange Farm and presented a 50 lb-er to HRM in 1979. The Liverpool Echo reported important happenings on Friday 2 Nov 1979! Mollington Grange Farm was originally constructed in the 16th Century as a monastic farm serving the Abbey of St Werburgh. The farm has had a fascinating and varied history, the visited of Queen Elizabeth II was in recognition of the quality of its cheese production built from 1948 by William Wild & Son (Lady Gillian Wade, Director, Housewife, born Nov 1936 - Christopher James Oulton Wade, Secretary, Farmer, born Apr 1961 - David Ferris Wade, Director, Farming, born in Aug 1936,
The breakthrough into premier Cheshire Cheese making occurred at The Nantwich Show in 1953 - The Daresbury Cup was won by William Wild & son of Mollington Grange ...

In 1957 William Ferris Wild presented prized Cheshire Cheese to the placed horses in The Chester Cup ... the Queen's horse Atlas came 2nd and added further kudos to Miss Ethel Davies at Mollington Grange and trained at Reeseheath!

1958 more Wild cheese headlines in the Cheshire Observer with Miss Davies and Miss Clarke taking a bow.

On Monday 19/6/1978 the BBC reported on the open day at Mollington Grange Farm, and Mr Oulton Wade talked about farm operations.
In recent years the ancillary buildings to this listed farmhouse have been used as small business and office accommodation, but are now being tastefully converted into high quality residential dwellings.

So who were the Wilds that brought cheese and fame to the Wades?

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William Wild & Son Enter the Wildes

Joan Ferris Wild (1907-72) who married Samuel Norman Wade (1897-1963) in 1929 was the grand daughter of -

Amos Wild (1799-) was a Carter from Chadkirk, Romily, Manchester who married Elizabeth Smith (-) from Openshaw on 12 Aug 1822 Manchester ... Romily to Openshaw 7.5 miles ...

1851 census - @ All Saints, Newton, Manchester - Amos Wild 53 - Betty Wild 49 - James Wild 26 - Amos Wild 22 - Wild 18 - Joseph Wild 14 - Thomas Wild (1840-) aged 11 - William Wild 6

Thomas Wild (1840-) son of Amos & Betty, baptised 19 April 1840 Gorton, Manchester
married Jane Ferris (1841-) 7 Dec 1862 St John's Church, Manchester ... Thomas was a Butcher from Gorton, Manchester aged 23, Jane from Bradford, Openshaw was aged 21 ... Gorton to Bradford 2.75 miles ...

1881 census - the Wild tribe @ 108 Foregate Street, Chester ... Thomas was doing well, a Master Butcher employing men & with servants ... the family births traced Thomas' travels from Bradford, Openshaw, Gorton all in East Manchester to Barrow-in-Furness to Warrington to Chester -
Thomas Wild (1840-) aged 41 - Openshaw ... Bradford to Openshaw 1.5 miles
Jane Wild née Ferris (1841-) aged 38
Hannah Wild 16 - Openshaw
Mary Wild 14 - Openshaw
Ada Wild 12 - Garden Brook, Gorton Brook?
Bettay Wild 10 - Manchester
Thomas H Wild 8 - Manchester
James Ferris Wild (1874-) 6 - Barrow-in-Furness
William Wild (1875-1955) aged 5 - Barrow-in-Furness
Amos Wild 4 - Warrington
Elizabeth Wild 2 - Warrington
Edward Wild 5 months - Chester
Thomas F Newland 27 Butcher
William Griffiths 26 Butcher
Elizabeth Webb 18 Servant

Thomas & Jane 7th child was a son William Joan's dad -

William Wild (1875-1955) son of Thomas & Jane baptised 3 Oct 1881 Chester ... born 1875 Barrow-in-Furness ... what ere they doing in Barrow?
married Mary Margaretta Boffey (1881-1950) 19 Sept 1905 Crewe ... Daughter of Joseph & Harriet baptised 1 Jan 1882 Haslington, Crewe ... dad Joseph was a Butcher ... dad Thomas a Farmer (Butcher?) ... witnesses elder brother James Ferris Wild and Philip Boffey ... William was at 127 Foregate Street at the time ...
Cheshire Observer reported the death of Mrs William Wild of Chorlton Lodge Farm, Backford on 15 April 1950 aged 68 ...
... all was revealed when William Wild (1875-1955) died 21 Feb 1955 at Chorlton Lodge Farm Backford ... probate added the details ... to son William Ferris Wild and daughter Joan Ferris Wild

Joan Ferris Wild (1907-)

William Ferris Wild (1909-)

1901 census - 3 brothers at Batemans Court, Chester, James a Master Butcher, William a Butcher and Edward a Baker.

1911 census - @ Hoole Dealer in Horses aged 35, with wife Mary Margaret aged 29, dad Thomas aged 75, Joan Ferris 4 aged 4 and William Ferris aged 2

William Wild & Son (Mollington) Ltd - Private limited Company - Incorporated 27 November 1948
officers - Lord William Oulton Wade, date of birth December 1932 - Lady Gillian Wade date of birth November 1936 - Christopher James Oulton Wade, Farmer, date of birth April 1961 - David Ferris Wade, Farmer, date of birth August 1936

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Father of William Oulton Wade (1861-1924) was William Wade (1825-66) who married Elizabeth Oulton (1833-) in 1857.

The Wade boss hencho was -

Robert Wade (1792-1851) of Storton son of Robert & Anne Manifold, baptised 24 Jan 1793 who married Mary Jameson (1802-68) of Barrow baptised 1 Feb 1802 on 17 May 1822 Tarporley ...

Here's the family in Utkinton in 1851 ...

1851 census - @ Utkinton, Tarporley Robert Wade aged 59 born Storton, Mary Wade aged 49 born Barrow, all the children born Utkinton - William Wade (1825-66) aged 26, Ann Wade aged 24, Hannah Wade aged 19, Martha Wade aged 15, Alice Wade aged 12, Sarah Wade aged 11, Samuel Wade aged 10, Margaret Wade aged 7, Elizabeth Wade aged 5 and Thomas Wade (1848-) aged 3 married Kate Lititia Lightfoot (-) 27 March 1873 Walton ...

William Wade (1825-66) son of Robert & Mary, baptised 8 May 1825 Tarporley
married Elizabeth Oulton (1833-) Daughter of George & Alice, 19 Feb 1857 Utkinton, Tarporley, Nantwich licence
Elizabeth baptised 6 May 1833 Tarporley ... (1751854) ...
William died 13 Jan 1866 Ashton aged 42 ... (1595462) ...

1871 census - @Mouldsworth Hall Farm Elizabeth (-) aged 38 Widow born in Tarporley, Mary Alice (1859-) aged 12 born Utkinton, William Oulton (1861-) aged 10 born Mouldsworth, Thomas (1862-) aged 9 born Mouldsworth, Martha Alice (1863-) aged 7 born Mouldsworth ...

NB after William died in 1866 Elizabeth married widower Joseph Waring.
Joseph Waring (1837-1914) from Doncaster previously married Mary Frances Bailey (1840-74) 5 Oct 1856 Doncaster.
Joseph Waring (1837-1914) moved to Bostock, Davenham between 1862 & 1868 and married Elizabeth Wade neé Oulton (1833-) widow July 1876 Chester when he was 39 years old. Joseph died in 1914.

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Enter the Oultons

We got to the Oultons through marriage.

We had some interesting info from Annie the 2nd & 3rd cousin on the Oulton / Wade branch of the family, all descended from Thomas Oulton of Tarporley. Annie's great great grandparents were Joseph Berrisford & Ann Okell.
This link to the Berrisford family was mentioned in both the Thomas Oulton and Frances Okell Wills.
Here were more interesting links to familiar Cheshire farming families! More work to be done!

The Oultons had been around Tarporley for a long time. Thomas Oulton, son of Richard was buried in Tarporley 9 June 1584.

Thomas Oulton Esq (1703-63) of Tarporley & Utkinton married Elizabeth Challoner (1706-69) of Beeston 24 Aug 1726 Tarporley ...

Thomas & Elizabeth had children -

Thomas (1735-93) son of Thomas & Elizabeth baptised 17 April 1735 Tarporley
married Mary Donlith (1734-1805) 28 Oct 1759 Tarporley ... original ... licence ... both aged 23 and up ... groom a Butcher!

Frances Oulton (1781-) Daughter of Thomas & Elizabeth baptised ??
married John Okell (1780-) 12 Feb 1805 Tarporley ... licence (John a Tarporley Cheese Factor and Charles Hoyland a Liverpool Druggist) ... Frances aged 24, John aged 25 ... Chester Chronicle reported the splice on 15 Feb 1805 Mr John Okell Lieutenant of Delamere Forest Rifle Corps to Miss Oulton of Hollin Hill Tarporley ... who. what were the Delamere Forest Rifle Corps?
Frances left a will page 1 and page 2 ... and John left a will ... mentioning James Dean of Winnington Surgeon, John Okell of Manchester, Commercial Traveller & Agent, Ann Berisford formerly Ann Okell, wife of Joseph Berisford of Burslem (Cooper), Thomas Rankin of Liverpool, Tailor & Draper, Richard Latham Rankin of Liverpool (Sail Maker), Elizabeth Weston widow of John Weston, late of Northwich Iron Monger, Hannah Dean wife of the said James Dean, Susannah Hazelhurst of Dutton ...
Frances & John had children -

Thomas Okell (1806-) son of John & Frances baptised ??
1851 census - @ 13 High Street, Northwich, 'Vine Tavern' Thomas (1806-) aged 45 retired Salt Proprietor staying with nephew James (1827-) Inn Keeper & Salt Maker with nieces Elizabeth (1823-), Martha (1825-) & nephew Jacob (1832-) ...

We know The Vine Tavern, 11 High Street, Northwich, on the edge of The Bull Ring. Later this site was occupied by J P Austin & Sons Estate Agents, who in 1973 advertised an idyllic riverside cottage No 9 Warrington Road, Acton Bridge @ £4,000 ... eventually accepting an offer of £3,000 from the Birchalls ... we were never sure who was sober at the time?
The original tavern opened as The Roebuck in 1776, but in 1833 changed the name to The Vine Tavern. One of Northwich’s largest pubs with many public rooms including a large Club Room that was used by all the local clubs and organisations in the town for their meetings. Hanging at the front was a bunch of grapes carved from stone giving the pub the nickname of The Grapes in the late 1800s. The pub closed in 1921 when Alfred Oakes was the last tenant and the building was sold to Northwich Urban District Council and demolished.

Ann Okell (1809-) Daughter of John & Frances baptised 4 June 1809 Tarporley
married Joseph Berrisford (1813-) 16 Dec 1833 Tarporley ... Joseph baptised 3 April 1814 Longton ...

children of Joseph & Ann -

Frances (1834-) born 2 Sept 1834 Wheelock ... baptised 27 June 1837 Hanley non conformist
married William Hill (-) 21 Nov 1852 Stoke ... Frances only 18 years old

William (1837-) baptised Burslem
married ??

Maria (1841-) baptised Hanley
married James Penny (1831-) 27 May 1861 Bucknall

Emma (1844-) baptised Hanley
married Richard Stanley Adams (1841-) 30 Sept 1865 Wellington

Ellen (1850-) baptised Hanley ...
married Thomas Hackney (1852-) 12 March 1871 Hanley

1851 census - @ Edmund Street, Hanley Stoke, the Beresford family, Joseph a Cooper aged 38 Ann born in Tarporley aged 41 with children - Frances (1834-) 16 Wheelock, William (1837-) 13 Burslem, Maria (1841-) 9 Hanley, Emma (1844-) 6 Hanley, Ellen (1850-) 1 Hanley ...

Thomas Oulton (1856-) son of James & Elizabeth baptised 13 July 1856 ????

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Uncle Robert Wade (1824-) farmer in Manley in 1861 census aged 37 married to Jane Ann from Kingswood?

Uncle Peter Wade (1834-) ... was a Draper

Uncle Samuel Wade (1841-) ... Farming at Utkinton Hall in 1891 census

Uncle Thomas Wade (1847-) aged 26 of Utkinton Hall, son of Robert, married Kate Lititia Lightfoot (-) aged 24, Daughter of Robert, Farmer from Chirkdale 27 March 1873 ... Farming at Wrenbury 1881 census

Grandfather Robert Wade (1798-)

1841 census Utkinton Robert Wade aged 45 Farmer

1851a census and 1851b census Utkinton Robert Wade aged 59 from Storton, Wirral and wife Mary aged 49 from Barrow, Farmers of 289 acres employing 3 out poor labourers + 4 in poor + 3 boys and large family, all born in Utkinton - William Wade (1825-) aged 26, Ann (1827-) aged 24, Hannah (-) aged 19, Martha (-) aged 15, Alice (-) aged 12, Sarah 9-) aged 11, Samuel Wade(1841-) aged10, Margaret (-) aged 7, Elizabeth (-) abed 5, Thomas Wade (1848-) aged 3 plus 9 servants ...

1851 census - Carrington Hill Farm

1861 census - William O Wade was born in 1861 in Mouldsworth Hall, Mouldsworth, Cheshire. Son 6 months years old.
William Wade (36, Male) wife Elizabeth (28, Female) children Elizabeth Ann Wade (3, Female) Mary Alice Wade (2, Female) William O Wade (6m, Male) plus George Oulton (22, Male) Mary Lloyd (24, Female) Betsy Tittle (25, Female) Margaret Buckley (15, Female) Elizabeth Hulse (15, Female) William Astbrook (23, Male) Joseph Steaton (17, Male) Thomas Littler (14, Male) Ralph Littler (12, Male)

1871 census -

1881 census - William O Wade (-) aged 20 in the Waring household at Mouldsworth Hall -

at Mouldsworth Hall Joseph Waring (1838-) 43 from Wath, Yorkshire, wife Elizabeth (1833-) 48 from Eaton, Cheshire, with daughters Mary Alice Wade (-) 22 born Utkinton, Mary Jane Waring (1860-) 21 born Doncaster, son William O Wade (1861-) 20 born Mouldsworth, daughters Carrie Waring (1868-) 13 Davenham, Maggie Oulton Waring (1878-) 3 born Mouldsworth and son George Oulton Waring (1879-) 2 born Mouldsworth ...

1891 census - William Oulton Wade aged 30 potato Merchant, born Mouldsworth, with wife Mary Elizabeth, and kids William Stanley, Wilfred Wright, Alice Elizabeth, Mary Ellen, Alan Oulton, Ada Margaret plus 1 servant.

1901 census - at Bank Farm, William O Wade (1861-1924) aged 40 Hay, Straw, Corn & Product Merchant, born Uktkinton, wife Mary Elizabeth Wright (1858-) aged 43, born Woodhouses, Frodsham, children - William Stanley (1883-) aged 18 born Manchester, Wilfred Wright (1884-) aged 17 born Manchester, Alice Elizabeth (1886-) aged 15 born Tarvin, Mary Ellen (1888-) aged 13 born Tarvin, Allan O (1882-) aged 11 born Manley, Ada M Wade (1881-) aged 10 born born Mouldsworth, Gertrude M (1892-) aged 9 born Mouldsworth, Samuel Norman (1897-) aged 4 born Mouldsworth, Ethel Maud (1898-) aged 3 born Mouldsworth plus servant.

1911 census - at Bank Farm, William Stanley Wade (1883-) 28, Mary Ellen (1888-) 23, Gertrude M (1892-) 19 ... the kids at Bank Farm mum and dad up the road at Mouldsworth Hall

1911 census - at Mouldsworth Hall William O Wade (1861-1924) aged 50

1901 census - next door at Stone House Farm was 74 year old widow Mary Wright (-) born Kingsley, with son Edwin Wright (1853-) son of Samuel & Mary, Farmer born Woodhouses, Edwin married Ann Sherlock (-) in 1901 at Chester.

Next door at Poplar Farm was Farmer Joseph H Gleave and family

Then came Peter Sherlock (1869-) aged 32 born Halewood, Pig & Cattle Dealer wife Sarah (1871-) aged 30 born Halewood, and family - Peter Sherlock (1894-) aged 7, Frank Sherlock (1896-) aged 5, Henry Sherlock (1899-) aged 2 ... who was this Sherlock guy from Lancashire?

Next at Mill House down by Ashton Brook was Thomas Wright (-) aged 40 from Little Barrow, a Labourer.

Then at Mouldsworth Hall was Joseph Waring (1837-) aged 64 Farmer from Wath, Yorkshire with 3 daughters and a son.

Enter the Frodsham Wrights

Stone House Farm - late 16th to early 17th century farmhouse, later extended and used as a house. Built in sandstone, with one bay in brick on a stone plinth, concrete tile roof. Long rectangular plan, two storeys, five bay front. Two storey gabled porch with finials. Windows mullioned & transomed, apart from brick bay with casement windows.

Village crack - Wrights were there in 1901. Wright's only had milk and grain, no potatoes. Wrights were from Dunham-on-the-Hill, Hapsford Hall, Alvanley Hall settled in Mouldsworth and married into the area - Carters, Sherlocks, Wades, Stretchs ... then Challoners. Mary Wright was the widow of Sam Wright and Edwin bought Stonehouse in 1900. Sam may have done so before he died. Maybe Stonehouse was purchased for great grandmother, born Anne Ellis (1869-) 1869 Chester. Anne had three husbands - Read, Sherlock, Wright. Married in 1900 ? and she brought with her a family of orphaned children, the Sherlock children and the son of her first husband. They may not have all come to live at Stonehouse but for the next 70 odd years they and their descendants came to Mouldsworth for holidays.

The Frodsham Wrights went something like this ... but how were they connected to the Warrington Wrights?

Samuel Wright (1756-1842) son of John baptised 16 Aug 1756 Great Budworth
married Mary Pritchard (1761-) 24 Dec 1785 Thornton-le-Moors

1841 census - at Hapsford Smauel Wright (1756-) 80 Farmer with wife Mary Pritchard (1761-) 75 children Mary (1801-) aged 40, Thomas (1811-) 30
Next Door William Wright (1798-) 40 Farmer wife Ann Cheers (1805-) 35 children - Alice (1828-) 13, Ann (1831-) 10, Mary (1834-) 7, John (1836-) 5 Henry (1838-) 3 and Elizabeth (1841-) just born
On the same census page John Noden (1820-) aged 20 and Ann Noden (1780-) aged 60 ??

John Wright (1792-) baptised Dunham
married Elizabeth Woodcock (1796-) 8 August 1819 Frodsham

Samuel (1820-)

William (1827-)

Ralph (1828-)

John (1836-)

Thomas (1838-)

1841 census - John Wright (1796-) Farmer from Woodhouses aged 45, wife Elizabeth (1800-) aged 40, Samuel (1820-) aged 20 Mary & Ann (1825-) aged 15, William (1825-) aged 15, Ralph (1830-) aged 10, Elizabeth (1832-) aged 8, John (1834-) aged 6, Thomas (1837-) aged 3,

1851 census - at Woodhouses, Frodsham John Wright (1792-) 59 Farmer from Dunham, 100 acres 6 labourers, wife Elizabeth (1796-) 55 from Frodsham, William (1827-) 24, Ralph (1828-) 23, Elizabeth (1834-) 17, John (1836-) 15, Thomas (1838-) 13 ... all born in Frodsham.

Samuel Wright (1820-93) baptised
married Mary Nichols (1826-1904) 1850
Samuel Wright died May 16th 1893 aged 73 years
Mary his wife died Dec 24th 1904 aged 78 years
children -

Ann Wright (1850-) eldest daughter
married William Speakman Carter (1845-)
1901 census Ann Carter neé Wright, Mouldsworth House Farm. They moved there from Greenbank Farm Smithy Lane after 1889.

Edwin Wright (1852-1929) baptised
married Anne Sherlock neé Ellis (1859-) 1901 Chester, born in ? lived in Ince, Helsby and Dutton, before living at Hapsford Hall with her parents. Dad John Ellis (1833-) came from well off farmers and he inherited a farm from his mother's relations who were all unmarried and for whom he had worked as an agricultural labourer. Tragedy struck and Anne Ellis' mother Ann Ellis neé ???? (1836-) died a month after Ann's youngest sister was born and Ann was recalled from boarding school to help look after her younger siblings.
Anne Ellis (1860-) first married Samuel Read (1847-) from Ince & 12 years older. He died soon after the birth of his only son also called Samuel Read (-).
second married Joseph Sherlock (-) farmer at Swinford House Barrow widower with at least 5 children of his own ... plus her own young son Samuel Read (-). Anne was hands on at Swinford House Farm and seems to have thrived on hard work. After only four years of marriage with Joe Sherlock they had 4 children. Joseph died 2 months before their daughter Ann was born.
But Anne picked up the pieces and ran the farm from 1888 to 1900 (1901) with help from farm servants named in the 1891 Census. That also shows she had sent young Jack Sherlock (14), to live and work at Swinford Mill Farm Barrow, with Daniel Wright, possible a cousin, and his wife Alice.
third married Edwin Wright (1852-1929)
Edwin purchased Stone House Farm in 1900
died 5 Feb 1929 ... probated ...

William Henry Wright (1856-)

Mary Elizabeth Wright (1857-) married William Oulton Wade (1861-1924) Oct 1882

Emily Wright (1859-)
married Thomas Leech (-) Eaton Hill Farm Tarporley.
eldest daughter, Florence Leech (-) married Fred Sherlock (1886-), April 1914 and they moved to Birch Farm to start a new life together

Alfred Edward Wright (1866-) 1901 at Stable Lane Mouldsworth
married Eleanor Lightfoot (-)

Maggie Wright (1869-) 1901 at Stonehouse ... engaged to be married and become the second wife of Edward Stretch, tenant farmer of Beechwood Farm, later renamed Birch Farm.
Maggie & Edward Stretch moved to a Manley Farm and then on to retire in Helsby.

... also sons of Samuel & Mary Wright Woodhouses, William died 7 Aug 1852 aged 4 months and John Alfred died 1864 aged 2 years 11 months

1851 census - at Woodhouses Samuel (1820-) aged 31 from Frodsham, Farmer of 72 acres employing 3 labourers, with wife Mary (1827-) aged 24 from Kingsley, and daughter Ann (1850-) aged 3 months

1861 census - at Woodhouses Samuel aged 41 from Frodsham, Farmer of 75 acres employing 3 labourers, with wife Mary (1827-) aged 34 from Kingsley, and Ann 10, Edwin 8, William Henry 5, Mary Elizabeth 4, Emily 2.

1871 census - now at Stone House, Mouldsworth, Samuel 49, Mary 44, Ann 20, Edwin 18, William Henry 16, Mary Elizabeth 14, Emily 12, Alfred Edward 5, Maggie 2.

1881 census - at Stone House farming 120 acres Samuel 59, Mary 55, Edwin 28, William Henry 24, Mary Elizabeth 23, Emily 21, Alfred Edward 14, Maggie 13 plus 2 servants.

1891 census - at Mouldsworth Samuel 65, Mary 64, Edwin 32, Alfred 23, Maggie 21 plus 3 servants

1901 census - at Stone House Farm 74 year old widow Mary Wright (-) retired born Kingsley, with son Edwin Wright (1852-) aged 47 unmarried Farmer born Woodhouses, and Maggie 28 unmarried.

Samuel and Mary family grave St Lawrences, Frodsham -

'in loving memory of William son of Samuel and Mary Wright of Woodhouses died Aug 7th 1852 aged 4 months and John Alfred their son died 16th 1864 aged 2 years 11 months also the above named Samuel Wright died May 16th 1893 aged 73 years also Mary his wife died Dec 24th 1904 aged 78 years'

1911 census - at Stone House Farm was Edwin Wright (1853-) aged 58 with wife Ann Sherlock (1860-) 51 married ? Fred Sherlock (1887-) 24 Annie Sherlock (1888-) 23 and Bertie Wright (1902-) 9, Eunice Wright (1905-) 6

Poplar Grove Farm - mid to late 18th century brick farmhouse, with a Welsh slate roof, stone ridge & three symmetrical three storeys and three bay front with casement windows.

Village crack - Major Ernest Johnson (1945), Lea (?), Piddington (2010) - they had Potatoes and grain only, plus swedes, both Pinningtons and the previous owners, the Lee's. Major Ernest Johnson and his wife, Violet, came to live at Ashton Hayes House and like many tenants on the Ashton Hayes Estate, they decided to purchase when the opportunity arose in 1923.
Shortly after the Second World War the Johnson family moved out to Poplar Grove Farm in Mouldsworth to allow their home to be used as a convalescent home.

1891 census - Joseph H Gleave (1866-) 26 from Bostock Green, wife Mary Ellen neé Kinsey (1859-) 32 from Widnes, mother & father-in-law Peter Kinsey (1833-) 58 & Ellen Kinsey (1829-) 62

1901 census - Joseph H Gleave (1866-) 35 from Bostock Green, wife Mary Ellen ???? (1861-) 40 from Widnes, children Joseph H (1896-) 5 & Mabel E (1899-) 2 both born in Mouldsworth

1911 census - at Poplar Grove Farm Joseph Warburton (1861-) 50, Mary (1866-) 45 married in 1881 with 6 children Richard (1884-) 17, Annie (1885-) 16, Mary Elizabeth (1888-) 13, Ellen (1901-) 10, Joseph (1904-) 7 May (1907-) 4 ....

Mouldsworth Hall - late 16th century brick farmhouse on a stone plinth, with Welsh slate roof, stone ridge & timber-framed core. L-shaped plan, two storeys & four-bay front, casement windows.
Village crack - Waring (1901), Wade (1911), Willis (2000) - they did Milk mainly and grain, no potatoes that anyone remembered.

1871 census -

1881 census - at Mouldsworth Hall Joseph Waring (1838-) 43 from Wath, Yorkshire, wife Elizabeth Wade neé Oulton (1833-) 48 from Eaton, Cheshire, with daughters Mary Alice Wade (-) 22 born Utkinton, Mary Jane Waring (1860-) 21 born Doncaster, son William O Wade (1861-) 20 born Mouldsworth, daughters Carrie Waring (1868-) 13 Davenham, Maggie Oulton Waring (1878-) 3 born Mouldsworth and son George Oulton Waring (1879-) 2 born Mouldsworth ...

1881 Mouldsworth farmers - Robert Lightfoot (1824-) 47 71 acres born Ashton, Samuel Wright (1822-) 59 born Frodsham - Peter Nicholas (1826-) 55 160 acres 2 lab born Kingsley - Joesph Waring (1838-) 43 210 acres 4 men + 1 boy born Yorkshire - Charles Hopley (1832-) 49 born Mouldsworth - Richard Winfield (1817-) 64 Blacksmith born Newcastle-on-Tyne - William Carter (1846-) 35 20 acres born Glazebrook - William Ellams (1813-) 68 born Helsby - Robert Done (1833-) 48 born Little Budworth ...

1891 census - at Mouldsworth Hall Joseph Waring (1838-) 53 from Wath, Yorkshire, wife Elizabeth (1833-) 58 from Eaton Hall, Cheshire, with daughters Mary Jane Waring (1860-) 31 born Doncaster and Maggie Oulton Waring (1878-) 13 born Mouldsworth and son George Oulton Waring (1881-) 10 born Mouldsworth ...

1901 census -

1911 census - at Mouldsworth Hall, William Oulton Wade (1855-1924) aged 50, Farmer & Produce Merchant, wife Mary Elizabeth Wright (1858-) aged 53, married in 1882 with 9 surviving children - 5 at home, Mouldsworth, Chester - Alice Eliabeth Wade (1886-) aged 25, Allan Oulton Wade (1882-) aged 21, Ada Margaret Wade (1881-) aged 20, Samuel Norman Wade (1897-) aged 14, Ethel Maud Wade (1898-) aged 13 plus servant.
3 kids were at Bank Farm, William Stanley Wade (1883-) 28, Mary Ellen (1888-) 23, Gertrude M (1892-) 19 ...

Birch Farm - neé Beechwood Farm, at one time hosted a mill down by Cat Rough? Sherlocks were there at the millennium ...
Village crack - they had milk and potatoes, and also an Irish man working there permanently who was a great help, especially at potato harvest time. His name was Jack Walsh and he lived in a caravan on the farm. None of these farms did cheese making that can be remembered ????
Edward Stretch was at Beechwood Farm as a tenant farmer, from 1914 Grandpa Sherlock took over and then bought it in 1924 when The Parr Estate gave tenants first refusal to buy. Originally Beechwood Farm, became Birch Farm in 19?? when a row of splendid Birch trees were planted.
Sherlock family line of farmers & market gardeners came from Manchester to Utkinton, Barrow and then Stonehouse.
Through intermarriage the farmers were said to be related to almost everyone in the village.

1901 census - at Birch Farm Edward Stretch (1864-) 37 from Lymn with first wife Agnes ???? (1868-) 33 from Eddisbury and their daughter Ethel (1895-) 6 born im Manley

1911 census - at Birch Farm Edward Stretch (1864-) 47 Farmer from Lymn with wife Maggie Wright (1871-) 40, married in 1908 and only child Ethel Stretch (1895-) 16 ... Maggie Wright (1869-) was Edwin Wright's (1852-1929) youngest sister at Stonehouse in 1901

Perhaps John Sherlock (1803-77) born Eccles/Irlam, a tailor came from a family of farmers or market gardeners moving to work in Utkinton and
married Mary Johnson (-) a local girl from Rushton, Tarporley and produced 10 kids around Rushton, Cotebrook & Stable Lane Utkinton - Henry (1826-), Ann (1828-), John (1830-), William (1833-), Samuel (1834-), Charles (1837-), Mary (1839-), George (1841-), Joseph (1844-), Richard (1846-)

Joseph Sherlock (1844-88) son of John, worked on the farms and eventually bought Swinford House Farm, Barrow, 130 acres
first married Alice Johnson (1849-83) by 1881 Dunham Massey - 5 children - Mary (1874-) married Albert Stretch (-), - Joseph (1875-) - Martha Alice (1876) died at 10 weeks - John (1877-) - Daniel (1879-), Henry (1881/2-) emigrated to USA
Alice died in 1883
second married Anne Ellis (1859-1955) born 1859 Chester (the house keeper), Anne had three husbands -

married Samuel Read (1847-) in ???? - one child - Samuel Read (1883-)

married Joseph Sherlock (1844-88) in ???? - children - Harry (1882-) - Charles (1884-) - Fred (1886-) - Annie (1888-) ... Annie married Allen Oulton Wade (-) and emigrated to Wisconsin

married Edwin Wright (-) in 1900 - children - Bertie Wright (1902-) Eunice Wright (1905-)

Joseph died 1888 Swinford Farm Barrow ... leaving Ann Ellis with a farm and a lot of kids!

Fred Sherlock (1886-1956) born 31 May 1886
married Florence Leech (1888-1970) April 1914, eldest daughter of Emily Leech neé Wright (1859-) from Stone House Farm and they moved into Birch Farm to start a new life together.

Frank Sherlock (1915-2001) the only child and he grew up to inherit Beechwood Farm and renamed Birch Farm
married Mary Cooper (1913-2001)

Peter James Sherlock (1945-) Mouldsworth sons David of Tattenhall and Simon of Kingsley

David Sherlock (-) of London

Helen

During the dark Covid lockdown Peter & David explored the Sherlock Saga and uncovered an engaging tale to tell of the Greenway - Sherlock connection. The Greenway - Wright connection followed.

1881 census -

1891 census - at Swinford House, Barrow Ann Sherlock neé Ellis (1859-) born Chester widow aged 31 Farmer ... with step kids Mary Sherlock (1874-) 17 born Utkinton, Joseph Sherlock (1875-) 16 born Barrow, Daniel Sherlock (1879-) 12 born Barrow, Henry Sherlock (1871-) 10 born Barrow ... son Samuel Read (1883-) 8 born Liverpool ... sons Charles Sherlock (1885-) 6, Frederick Sherlock (1887-) 4 & daughter Ann Sherlock (1888-) 3 ...

1901 census - at Swinford House, Barrow Ann Sherlock (1859-) born Chester widow aged 41 Farmer with Mary Sherlock (1874-) 27 born Utkinton, Daniel Sherlock (1879-) 21 born Barrow, Henry Sherlock (1871-) 19 born Barrow ... son Samuel Read (1883-) 18 born Liverpool ... son Frederick Sherlock (1887-) 14 & daughter Annie Sherlock (1888-) 13 ...

1911 census - at Stone House Farm was Edwin Wright (1853-) aged 58 with wife Ann Sherlock neé Ellis (1860-) 51 married 1901 ... step son Fred Sherlock (1887-) aged 24 step daughter Annie Sherlock (1888-) aged 23 ... and Bertie Wright (1902-) 9, Eunice Wright (1905-) 6

1851 Mouldsworth farmers - 1851 census Alvanley Farmers -

Wrights from Dunham & Frodsham. Wades from Utkinton. Samuel Greenway (1804-65) son of Ralph Greenway (1763-1814) who farmed in Uktinton and married Hannah Rutter (1803-77) daughter of Samuel Rutter (1766-1841) who farmed at Commonside, Alvanley.
1 Peter Wright (1774-) Marston & Felicia were at Alvanly Hall -- 1861 at Crabtree Farm
3 George Britland (1802-) Alvanley & Sarah were at The Green
4 James Pemberton (1812-) Burton & Frances were at Garring Green
10 Ann Leech (1785-)66 Alvanley widow -1861 John Leech (1817-) & Ester at Birches Farm
13 James Lewis (1783-)68 Alvanley & Martha -- 1861 at Bank House Farm
15 William Nixon (1796-)55 Dunham & Mary 200 acres + 5 -- 1861 Church House Farm
20 Joseph Nixon (1820-)31 Dunham & Alice
23 William Noden (1818-)33 Alvanley -- 1861 at Green Bank Farm 81 acres ... Thomas Noden (1821-) at Wallnut Tree Farm
29 William Fletcher (1806-) Manley & Ann -- 1861 Green Gate Farm Samuel Fletcher (1812-) & Martha
30 Peter Jepson (1804-) Alvanley and Blacksmith son-in-law Joseph Wade (1811-) Ashton & Martha (1811-) and John Wade (1864-)
31 Knight Wilson (1805-)46 Plumbley & Margaret 85 acres + 1
34 William Webster (1815-)36 Alvanley
36 John Fletcher (1766-)85 Alvanley Widower
37 Mary Hassall (1780-)71 Alvanley Widow Peck Mill -- 1861 William Hassall (1834-) Dunham & Hannah
43 James Briscoe (1784-)67 Kelsall & Catherine at Commonside
45 Samuel Jepson (1800-)51 Alvanley & Sarah 10 acres at Commonside -- 1861
46 Thomas Britland (1811-)40 Alvanley & Mary at Commonside
48 Richard Hassall (1801-)50 Alvanley & Mary 100 acres + 2 at Commonside -- 1861 Bowling Alley Farm
51 Samuel Greenway (1804-)47 Alvanley & Hannah at Commonside -- 1861 Cliff Farm
52 John Kirkham (1774-)77 Alpraham & Sarah 30 acres + 3 at Abbots Clough -- 1861 Abersclough Farm Sarah Kirkham (1780-) 60 acres + 1
53 Joseph Barnes (1782-)69 Alvanley & Mary

1881 Mouldsworth farmers

Robert Lightfoot (1824-) 47 born Ashton 71 acres, Samuel Wright (1822-) 59 born Frodsham - Peter Nicholas (1826-) 55 born Kingsley 160 acres 2 lab - Joseph Waring (1838-) 43 born Yorkshire 210 acres 4 men + 1 boy - Charles Hopley (1832-) 49 born Mouldsworth - Richard Winfield (1817-) 64 born Newcastle-on-Tyne Blacksmith - William Carter (1846-) 35 born Glazebrook 20 acres - William Ellams (1813-) 68 born Helsby - Robert Done (1833-) 48 born Little Budworth ..

Any additional information gratefully received contact john p birchall

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