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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Derbyshire => Topic started by: littleclaire on Sunday 09 March 08 19:37 GMT (UK)

Title: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Sunday 09 March 08 19:37 GMT (UK)
If anyone has Baptists in Derbyshire there is a new book out called "The Baptists of Derbyshire" 1650-1914 by Stephen Greasley (who is minister of Pear Tree Road Baptist, Derby). I have borrowed a copy and it has information on when many of the churches were founded and also some of the original ministers. As someone who's ancestor was a Baptist Minister in Hartlepool in th 19th century I know how difficult any Baptist info is to find, so if anyone is interested in the book let me know - I'm happy to tell you if any information you might want is in there.

Claire

Will also put this information in the occupations board
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Sunday 09 March 08 19:39 GMT (UK)
Link to occupations thread

http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,291217.msg1738718.html#msg1738718
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Anni B on Sunday 09 March 08 22:31 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire

I'd be interested to know if your book has any mention of Baptists in the Ashford-in-the-Water area.  Some of my ancestors are buried in the Baptist burial ground in Ashford Lane, the road between Ashford and Little Longstone.  I've always wondered if there was a Baptist meeting place in that vicinity. 

Regards
Anne
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Monday 10 March 08 09:27 GMT (UK)
It does - in fact the majority of the first chapter does so - I will get back to you later with more detail

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: martin mosley on Monday 10 March 08 16:16 GMT (UK)
Hi,

Does the book cover Belper and Cromford areas in early 19th C?

I have a diary which refers to baptisms and where they took place. It would be interesting to learn more.

Best regards
Martin
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Monday 10 March 08 17:52 GMT (UK)

I'd be interested to know if your book has any mention of Baptists in the Ashford-in-the-Water area. Some of my ancestors are buried in the Baptist burial ground in Ashford Lane, the road between Ashford and Little Longstone. I've always wondered if there was a Baptist meeting place in that vicinity.


Some general information....
The graveyard was probably found under the protectorate of Cromwell (1652-1658) when Cromwell gave a free expression to religious opinions
It is the only Baptist thing left in the Peak District now
There was evidence of Baptists in Monyash in 1668
There is a Baptisimal register for the Presbyterian chapel at Ashford from 1789 to 1826 at Derbyshire record office
A baptist church was registered in the area in the minutes of the general assembly of baptists in 1654-1728
Apparently there was another burial ground at Blackwell that served the church
In 1729 a meeting house was erected beside the graveyard you mentioned (for £70) and was completed in 1760
The Baptists in Ashford were closed in 1839

There is more information in the book, including info on some contributers and preachers/ministers.

I don't know what else you might want to know?

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Monday 10 March 08 18:05 GMT (UK)

Does the book cover Belper and Cromford areas in early 19th C?


There is a whole chapter on Belper and Crich which has info on early 19th century - ministers, membership size etc
Cromford never had a chapel , but did have a deacon based in the church in Wirksworth but they did have a preaching room. There is a whole chapter on Wirksworth.

Let me know any specifics you would like to know

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Anni B on Monday 10 March 08 22:30 GMT (UK)
Claire

Thank you for that information.  I'd be interested to know if the surname BERLEY/BIRLEY appears anywhere.

A relative has sent me images of the front and back fly pages of a book (John Bunyan's "Solomon's Temple Spiritualised") which belonged to a common ancestor who wrote on it "George Berley his book 1753".  In 1903 George's great grandson Samuel listed the names, dates and burial places of his parents, grandparents and great grandparents in the book.  According to him they were buried at Ashford Lane from 1789 until 1870 (so the burial place must have continued in use after the meeting house was closed?)

What may be of interest to others researching Derbyshire Baptists:
Samuel noted "The chief families buried at Ashford Lane are  : BIRLEY of Ashford, Bradwell and Wardlow and BRASHFIELD, BRAMWELL, MAWREY, MIDDLETON, TAYLOR, THORPE, WHITE and KITSON of Ashford".

Once again, many thanks

Anne
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Wednesday 12 March 08 18:32 GMT (UK)
hi Ann

Just read in the book that there is a burial in 1904 there, so the graveyard was used long after the chapel closed.
The Bakewell historical society believe that the graveyard may have been open to the Quakers too. There is mention of John Birley of Bradwell who d1831 and of Josiah and Hannah Birley of Wardlow.

George Birley submitted information for the 1851 census. He was also recommended to the North Derbyshire conference on Christmas Day 1844 to become a minister in the Ashford-Bradwell area to help revive the flailing churches but nothing became of the scheme.

Hope you find that interesting...

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: smouse on Thursday 13 March 08 16:47 GMT (UK)
Hi there

Tracing my 'baptist' line has been quite a challenge.  It is the Waller family from Swanwick I am interested in.  I haven't found any records between the late 1700's way into the late 1800's.  I don't suppose there is anything specific for this parish?

Damian
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Thursday 13 March 08 18:47 GMT (UK)
Hello Damian

There is no mention of any Waller's but there is a chapter on the start of the churches in Swanwick and Loscoe. Swanwick Baptist does have a small graveyard, but no specific people are mentioned in the book except for the ministers and some financial contributors.

Sorry
Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: smouse on Thursday 13 March 08 19:20 GMT (UK)
Thanks Claire.

I have a photo of what I think is that chapel and graveyard and a few photos of stones belonging to my Wallers so it seems to be a likely source of info.  Does the book give a "start" date for worship there?
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Thursday 13 March 08 19:25 GMT (UK)
Hi... this is what it says...

First preach 1794
Church built 1796
Independence from Loscoe in 1804

Hope that's helpful
Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: smouse on Thursday 13 March 08 19:30 GMT (UK)
Thanks.
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Anni B on Thursday 13 March 08 21:04 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire

Thank you for the further very interesting information.  I don't think that at the moment I have anything further I can share with other RootChatters on the board so will send you another PM.

You're doing a sterling job for fellow members with Baptist ancestors!

Anne
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Thursday 13 March 08 21:09 GMT (UK)
Now I need someone with a copy of the North East version of baptist history to help me out......! Will have to buy a copy I think.....

 ;D
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Jan Ann on Wednesday 04 June 08 14:00 BST (UK)
Hi Claire

Is there any mention of Melbourn(e) and inparticular the names Tivey, Tivy, or Fairbrother?

Cheers :-*
Jan
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Friday 06 June 08 18:16 BST (UK)
Hi Jan

There is a whole chapter on Melbourne, but no mention of Tivey, Tivy or Fairbrother, sorry.

Is there anything else you would like to know

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Jan Ann on Saturday 07 June 08 21:14 BST (UK)
Hi Claire  :D

Just want to say thanx for the PM and all Your help!

Cheers
Jan :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: scouse_mouse_2000uk on Wednesday 09 July 08 21:31 BST (UK)
Hi I am looking for the following names Powlson/Poulson and Ress they are in Belper, Duffield, Repton and Hazelwood just to name a few. Anything in your book? Thanx for reading, Lynn x
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Thursday 10 July 08 21:20 BST (UK)
Sorry Scouse, no mention....
There is mention of the churches in Duffield and Belper but not your names  :(

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: scouse_mouse_2000uk on Thursday 10 July 08 21:24 BST (UK)
Thanx for looking Claire. Lynn x
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Indigogirl on Thursday 17 July 08 01:04 BST (UK)
Hello Claire,

Is there any mention of Edwards family in this book please?
Possibly in connection with Matlock or Duffield or area around St Alkmunds?

Thanks

Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Saturday 26 July 08 15:49 BST (UK)
Hi Indigo (sorry I wrote India first)

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you, but I could not see any Edwards there. Have you seen this site

http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~blanchec/EMidBaps.htm

It doesn't have any Edward's in the area you are talking of, however, if you have baptist ancestors there may be something useful here

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: nigelrixson on Monday 04 August 08 09:11 BST (UK)
Hi Claire,

I can't determine from the chain if the book which you refer to is available to either purchase and/or is deposited at a library for viewing. Can you confirm? Would a copy be in the Angus library in Oxford?

If the answer is no to these, can you check to see if the name Stenson and/or Stinson is mentioned - virtually anywhere in Derbyshire. I have a little information on Silas and Elas Stenson, their ministry and the chapels/churches were they ministered. I'd be intreested to know if there is mention of any other relis.

Many thanks
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Monday 04 August 08 13:39 BST (UK)
Hi Nigel

The book wouldn't be in the library, but is available for purchase - if you are interested I can pm you the details.

I will scan the book for mentions of Stenson and be back in touch

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Tuesday 12 August 08 20:31 BST (UK)
Hi again Nigel

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to you again. The book unfortunately has no index, so finding people is very difficult without reading it all again! Have you any idea at all on the areas they were from? This might make it easier for me to find anyone, as I am likely to miss them otherwise.

Thanks
Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Indigogirl on Tuesday 12 August 08 23:19 BST (UK)
Thanks for looking Claire - no luck this time but you never know when you will strike gold
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: OURLASS on Tuesday 19 August 08 19:27 BST (UK)
Greetings from Canada.
My 3x great grandfather was John Smedley who was a Baptist preacher/minister first in Melbourne, Derbyshire  and later at Retford in Nottinghamshire (1790 to 1826)  If he is mentioned in the book I would love to purchase a copy. 
Honor Smedley
Hamilton, Ontario
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Sunday 23 November 08 09:55 GMT (UK)
Hi Honor

I have just been going back through my old posts and realised I missed this one. I am really sorry. I'll have a look and get back to you later on today.

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Sunday 23 November 08 18:12 GMT (UK)
Hello again Honor

There is a whole chapter on the church in Melbourne - particularly in the early years (it was one of the first Baptist Churches in Derbyshire).
Your John Smedley is mentioned as having assisted the ministers Francis Smith and Thomas Perkins. I also mentions him assisting with the mission in the city of Derby, his participation in a Baptism service in the river Derwent and mentions his move to Retford. Apparently five men were in contention for the ministry at Retford and the church drew lots for the appointment.

If you still would like to buy a copy I can give you information on the author and how to contact him. He is always interested to hear of people who have a connection with Derbyshire Baptist history.

Claire
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: grmather on Tuesday 15 December 09 05:30 GMT (UK)
Hi

I see that this thread has been quiet for a year - but I am interested in anything to do with the baptist worshippers of Swanwick near Alfreton.  My Great Great Grandfather was Samuel Mather born c. 1810.  He and his wife, Rosamond Robinson (born c. 1811), appear to have worshipped at the Baptist Church in Swanwick.  However - somebody at the local history society told me that all records had been lost in a fire?

I am stuck with my family research and have been for a couple of years regarding the Mathers.  Very frustrating.

Any ideas that anybody has about further sources of information would be most welcome.

Guy
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: littleclaire on Friday 05 March 10 19:44 GMT (UK)
Hi Guy

Sorry it's been so long. I was replying to another thread and realised I hadn't replied to you yet. Hope you still get this.

There is some mention of Swanwick in the book I have, although no mention of the Mathers. There are still some records available (a minute book from 1804 onwards being one of them) but I would not know where to get hold of it unfortunately - but I could give you a name! Did you know that Swanwick Baptist has a graveyard? I guess if your family worshipped there for a while there may be some evidence of them there. Also, Swanwick was a Particular Baptist and I wonder if you might get some info from them?

Hope you get this

Claire

Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: smouse on Saturday 06 March 10 16:50 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire

A fire!!  I really hope not but I would also be interesting in that contact name you have.  It would be nice to find out once and for all if there any records still around for Swanwick chapel.  Oh and if anyone is interested there is a picture of said chapel below (including its graveyard!).

Damian

(http://www.ultimate-moose.co.uk/temp/Swanwick.jpg)
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Billy Fish on Monday 08 March 10 22:52 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire,

Is there perhaps any mention of Wilkinsons from Ticknall, possibly using Melbourne or Castle Donnington Churchs. I'm particularly interested in Robert who was born about 1798, the son I believe of Robert Snr and Elizabeth Ford. I have a sneaking feeling that he may have been baptised a few years later in Ilkeston (on LDS)

If you're still looking for North East Baptists  there's some useful info on this website http://www.billgreenwell.com/fish_tree/index.php?key_id=669

Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: bspring on Friday 02 April 10 02:37 BST (UK)
Hello.  I am new to this chat room.  I am interested in the Melbourne Baptists.  My family names are SALSBURY, ROBEY, and CROXALL.  Thank you
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: tvpayne on Sunday 23 May 10 20:43 BST (UK)
Greetings,

I am looking for Redshaws in the Longford, Horsley, Brailsford area.  I have not been able to find the birth records for William Redshaw abt. 1759.  I have him on a 1841 Census as living in Longford and the Piggot's 1835 shows him as a shop keeper and brick maker.  I have not been able to find him in the Church of England's registers.  There is a William Redshaw with the right birth year from Rockingham but that is some distance from the area. 

Thanks,

Taylor
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: nelliedee on Thursday 16 September 10 21:48 BST (UK)
Hi

Just found this thread - probably because I'm just researching baptist ancestors in Derbyshire!

If it's of any interest to previous posters I've visited Swanwick Baptist Chapel today looking for my ancestors. I'm quite happy to go back to look for headstones for anyone researching Swanwick (Needless to say I don't live too far away).

Some quite old stones, some illegible , some broken but enough to be interesting - the one I was looking for was very eroded so no info. readable)
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: smouse on Thursday 16 September 10 23:39 BST (UK)
Hi

I don't suppose you asked if they have any old records too did you?  I wonder if they have any of the baptism, marriage or burial records still on site?

Damian
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: nelliedee on Saturday 18 September 10 10:50 BST (UK)
Hi Damian

I've left a message for the Reverend asking about the history and records of the chapel. I'll let you know when he responds  :)
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: chfl on Monday 27 September 10 18:25 BST (UK)
Hi,
Any mention of Dunnicliff (e)  in the Melbourne section, particularly looking for a marriage, Robert dunnicliff 1883

Chris
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Dizzifish on Tuesday 28 September 10 08:42 BST (UK)
Hello...just in case there isn't a mention in the book......


From the Derbyshire Registrars index

General Baptist Chapel, Kegworth, Leicestershire - 1883
ROBERT  DUNNICLIFF & ANN COOKE

No other details, only the year and place of marriage are given
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: chfl on Tuesday 28 September 10 19:15 BST (UK)
Thanks for that marriage.

Anyone know when burials took place in Melbourne Baptist chapel until?

Chris
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Paul Morrell on Saturday 08 January 11 21:59 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire, I came across this thread while trying to trace some information on a particular Baptist Chapel. Could you tell me if possible please, is Watson Street Baptist Chapel (Derby) mentioned in the book ? I believe the Chapel was demolished in the early 70`s

With thanks & kind regards

Paul
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: chfl on Sunday 09 January 11 18:08 GMT (UK)
Hi Paul,
If I may interject,
The Watson Street Chapel does get a small section in the Derby Chapter, also in data in the appendix, and there is a 1940 photograph .
The book is still in print, I was recently able to buy it on  Amazon

Chris
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Paul Morrell on Sunday 09 January 11 20:33 GMT (UK)
Hi Chris, that`s great. Many thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated

Kind regards

Paul
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: cheshiremog on Wednesday 12 January 11 09:43 GMT (UK)
Hi Claire

Is there any mention of the Pye Hill Chapels near Jacksdale or Ironville - we think they came under the Loscoe or Codnor circuit?
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Kim Birley on Saturday 05 November 16 23:01 GMT (UK)
Hello my name is Kim Birley, I'm from Tasmania, Australia, and I've just joined in order to contribute, as my family is from Ashford in Derbyshire.
Kim.
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Kim Birley on Saturday 05 November 16 23:04 GMT (UK)
I am very excited by Anni Bs posts, as we are almost certainly distant relatives. The 'Samuel Birley' she mentions is very likely my GrGrGrGr Uncle, an inlayer of marble.
Kim
Title: Re: Derbyshire Baptist History
Post by: Kim Birley on Saturday 05 November 16 23:07 GMT (UK)
I'm spinning this out over 3 posts, as I understand I need 3 posts to be able to send Anni a private message! (Help and advice on this welcome, as I'm such a noobie. If you're reading his Anni, you're also welcome to contact m on my normal e-mail, which is kimbirley@hotmail.com . I have quite a good amount of family tree stuff to share, photos and other information.
Sincerely,

Kim.