RootsChat.Com
England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Durham => Topic started by: Greensleeves on Monday 02 March 09 14:11 GMT (UK)
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I am currently researching my paternal grandmother's line of SHADFORTH. The 1851 census gives a number of members of the family as living at Joshua's Folly, Hartlepool. I'd be interested to know if anyone has come across this before, and if anyone knows what type of place it was. Most of the male inhabitants seem to have had jobs associated with the sea - Anchor wright, cordwainer, seaman etc etc. The population of Joshua's Folly appears to have been fairly large, but there are no street names so I am a bit curious...
Any comments/thoughts would be appreciated.
Greensleeves
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In the 1851 Census Joshua's Folly is in Enumeration District 10f. This district includes Cleveland Street, Chapman Street, North Well Street etc. to the north side of North Gate. There is an 1841 map of Hartlepool at http://lewis.dur.ac.uk/pip/singlezoom.asp?img=m0148&ref1=84 You will see these streets if you zoom in on the area between The Moor and North Gate. Joshua's Folly will be somewhere in this area but is not marked.
Stan
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Many thanks for this, Stan. Looking at the 1851 census, Joshua's Folly certainly seems to be a lively place! Pity no-one knows where the name originated - I bet there is an interesting story in there somewhere, because it is such a splendid name!
Regards
Greensleeves
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It's probably where Joshua hung the monkey!
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Oh, I'd forgotten about that story. My father (who was born in Middlesbrough) took a great delight in telling that one!
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I also have an interest in Shadforth from Hartlepool.
I have a connection with John b. about 1822 son of Charles & Sarah.
Would like to swap notes
Avalon
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It's probably where Joshua hung the monkey!
The monkey was hung from the mast of a fishing boat on the beach according to http://www.thisishartlepool.co.uk/history/thehartlepoolmonkey.asp
Stan
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Hi Avalon
I'm afraid my info on the Shadforth side is incomplete, thus I have:
Charles Shadforth b. circa 1801, Hartlepool, Shoemaker married (1) ?? (she having died before 1841 census) with children William b. 1831 and Charles b. 1832. Charles then married Ann Robinson and had three daughters. I am descended through William Shadforth. If any of this tallies with our tree, I'd be delighted to hear from you.
Regards,
Greensleeves
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Hello Greensleeves
Could you please contact me and I will send you my research so far.....the Shadforths are such a complicated family to research....would love another set of eyes :)
Avalon
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Hi Avalon
Sorry for silence; I'll get my Shadforths into shape and email you so we can share data. I'll be interested to know how our trees compare!
Regards,
Greensleeves
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Robert Wood's book on West Hartlepool, pub.1967, page 34, gives a mention of 'Jossie's Folly' which was adjacent to Farewell Field in the 1840's. Farewell Field (or the Farwell Field) was an area of common grazing along Durham Street within the agricultural headland of Hartlepool. Archaeological deposits associated with St. Helen's Chapel and Well have been found within the area. The chapel fell out of use during the post-medieval period when the site likely reverted to pasture. The area was developed with terraced residential and commercial premises in the mid 19th century, which were subsequently demolished and partly replaced by a Fire Station and a primary school.
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Many thanks imsij - nice to have the mystery solved. !