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Hi
Although not related I have been researching the Robinson family of John, son of James. John's son Alfred was Chief Engineer on the SS Ottercaps when it was lost with all hands in 1903. We have just had an exhibition in Sunderland on the Ottercaps and have contacts with many of the descendants of Alfred, many of whom live in Australia. If you do not know about the Ottercaps I am happy to share information and would also like to take contact details if possible from descendants of James Robinson born Skelton in 1785. I believe that James also had sons William and George, William was also a shipbuilder. By the way Gibson Terrace, which was part of Chester Road, and where several of the family lived, was built by John Robinson. He used his workforce in building when the shipyards did not have much work.

research by Patricia J Storey and published by Sunderland Antiquarian Society gives:
Richard Spoor b Newcastle 24 Sept 1794, son of Robert a draper and Sarah ms Cropton. Married Maria Eliza Towen only dau of Richard Graydon. Died Newcastle 2 Dec 1851 buried Sunderland churchyard. A town Councillor in 1835, then from 1847-48, Mayor of Sunderland 1837 relelected 1837. ( the second mayor). Father moved from Newcastle to Sunderland in late 1790's

Can anyone help with tracing the Mapp family from Londonderry NI? Patrents believed to be George and Maisie who had 3 children William, Kingsley and Lena

These are the details from my research of the family of John and Margaret Ayre. John's birthplace is given as Kirk (or Church) Merrington in County Durham but I have never been able to trace his baptism as yet. Margaret's maiden name was Rogerson and she was born in Northumberland, records look like Brainton (at daughter Mary's baptism) but I haven't been able to find a parish of this name. I do have copies of the registers of John and Margaret's marriage and of some of the baptisms of the children if anyone would like copies.


Children of John Ayre and Margaret Rogerson who were married at Christ Church, Tynemouth 15 Dec 1810

Mary born 1 April 1811, baptised 1 December 1811 Christ Church Tynemouth. Family living at Percy Main

Elizabeth baptised 25 July 1813 Christ Church Tynemouth.  Family living at North Shields

James baptised 29 June 1815 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford (part of Sunderland)

Ralph baptised 23 November 1817 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living as above

John baptised 6 August 1820 Christ Church Tynemouth. Family still residing at Ayres Quay

William baptised 6 December 1821 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

George baptised 17 August 1823 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

Robert baptised 15 September 1825 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford. Died at 11/2 years of age; buried St Michael’s 5 June 1827.

Thomas Septimus baptised 9 April 1827 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

Sarah baptised 29 January 1830 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

Robert Octavus baptised 31 January 1832 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

Margaret baptised 4 July 1834 St Michael’s Bishopwearmouth. Family living at Ayres Quay Deptford

The attached photo is of their youngest daughter Margaret with her two children John  and Sarah

The Sunderland Volunteer Life Brigade, who hold the memorial plaque for the children of the city who died in this disaster, are holding a memorial service on Thurs 9 September 2010 11am at All Saints Church Fulwell Road Sunderland. There will also be a display at the Brigades Watch House at Pier View Roker Sunderland from 9-12 Sept.
I have done a lot of research on the Sunderland children but there is one we know little about. Derek Leigh was the son of Ernest and Margaret. He was 11 years old when he died in the disaster.
The book Children of Benares by Ralph Barker is a very good account and lists all the passengers and crew