Dixons of Borrowdale

[slateman]

Hello, I must state immediately I am not related to any Dixon of Borrowdale but I am seeking help. I am presently researching for a degree at Lancaster University on the subject of the slate quarrymen of Honister/Yew Crag/Rigg Head Quarries in Borrowdale. What I am not wanting is any history of actual work in the quarries but more about the social aspectof the quarrymen. It seems the whole area, that is Rosthwaite/Grange/Seatoller/Seathwaite had many quarrymen/miners living in these communities and I am interested in any snippets or photographs of this aspect. I know they worked long hours at the quarries and only had a short time at home, but this was not all spent in the pub because I have evidence that some wrote poetry and another painted. So any leads or hard copy suggesting any social aspect would be most welcome. I do not live in the Lake District, yet!, but I will be spending considerable time there from March 2011 until at least August for my research. If anybody has something they think may be of help then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Thanks

[suecrilly]

Hi
Have you read Seathwaite Wad by Ian Tyler?
I have some info, however I am not sure if it what you need
Please feel free to contact me *
Regards
Sue
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[slateman]

Hi Sue, Yes thanks for that, I have a copy of Seathwaite Wad and have spoken to Ian about my query, he was most helpful. I wondered if the post might prompt some interest from relatives etc, who knows what may turn up?

Thanks very much for your reply.
Mike

[suecrilly]

I am related to the dixons - i have lots of info on my tree but don't know if it is useful to you or not
sue

[slateman]

Thanks Sue, Any info with relation to the slate quarry plus photos would be of interest. I am looking at the social side more during the late 19th century so 1850-early 1900's is ideal. I know the surname Dixon crops up at Honister from the Tyler books, is this your same family? Anyway if you have a look through what is available and let me know I would be very obliged.Thanks once again.

Regards
Mike

[dmollison]

Have you enquired at Honister Slate quarry itself?  They have quite a few historical photos on display, with  snippets on the miners' way of life.  Sadly the owner, Mark Weir, who was probably the most knowledgeable person at the quarry, died in a helicopter crash in March.

I'm descended from farming families, including Charles Norman who had the Honister lease in  the mid-18th century (see Ian Tyler's "Honister Slate") and Robert Jopson of Seathwaite (1751-1829) who is mentioned a couple of times in "Seathwaite Wad".  But they were not themselves miners, and are a 100 years or so too early for you, I guess.

Denis

[mikeadair10]

Hello,  Does anyone have a Jane Dixon (b 1806 Borrowdale).  She may have married Thomas Birkett (b 1811 Borrowdale).  I see a daughter of this couple named Mary Dixon Birkett in the 1841.  Thanks,  Mike Adair

[dmollison]

Yes, I think she's from the mine agent Dixon family, youngest child of William Dixon:

William Dixon / Mary (Mally) Thompson, m 1 Dec 1782 Crosthwaite
 - William 1751/2 - 30 Mar 1837
 - can't find b/c
-> children:
Margaret Dixon - c 21 Dec 1783 Borrowdale
John Dixon - c 4 Aug 1788 Borrowdale
 - d Mar1866 aged 77 (Cockermouth 10b 331)
William Dixon - c 1 Nov 1791 Borrowdale
Dinah Dixon - c 14 Sep 1794 Borrowdale
 - m William Birkett, 8 Aug 1825 Crosthwaite
Joseph Dixon - c 24 Apr 1797 Borrowdale; d 18 Feb 1807
Daniel Dixon - c 11 Dec 1799 Borrowdale
Jane Dixon - c 5 Jul 1801 Borrowdale

Jane married Thomas Birkett on 13 Nov 1827, Crosthwaite
Thomas was one of the many children of Joseph Birkett (1755-1836), farmer at Seathwaite, Borrowdale:

Joseph Birkett / Dinah Stockdale, m 24 May 1790 Crosthwaite
- Joseph b 27 Mar 1755 Crosthwaite, d 8 Aug 1836 Seathwaite - see will
- Dinah (1769-1850)
Mary Birkitt - c 5 Nov 1791 Borrowdale, d 8 Dec 1791
Sarah Birkitt - b 28 Oct, c 5 Nov 1792 Borrowdale
 - m  - Charles Stuart 9 Apr 1817 Millom; d Threlkeld Jan 1870
John Birkett - c 4 Jun 1794 Nether Wasdale (Joseph Birkett / Dianah)
 - m Hannah Bainbridge 10 Jul 1819 Muncaster
William Birkett - c 22 May 1796 Nether Wasdale
 - see below
Nancy Birkett - b ? Mar 1798 (not in IGI)
 - m - Jenkinson
Dinah Birkett - c 11 May 1800 Irton
 - m - Benjamin
Betty Birkett - c 27 Jun 1802 Thwaites
 - m - Thompson
Jos Birkett - c 23 Sep 1804 Thwaites
Thos. Birket - c 21 Sep 1806 Thwaites
 - m 13 Nov 1827 Jane Dixon (qv, b 1801), in Seathwaite c1841-71
Mary BIRKETT, b ca. 1809
 - m Thomas Bennett 1 Apr 1828 Crosthwaite.
Jane BIRKETT, b 11 Dec 1811, Broughton in Furness;
 - m William BURROWS 20 Jun 1833 Crosthwaite.
Hannah BIRKETT, b 1817, Broughton in Furness;
 - m William SIMPSON 25 Apr 1844 Crosthwaite.

There is more info on both families, and the transcript of Joseph's will of 1836, which mentions 7 daughters and 3 sons including Thomas as beneficiaries, that I can point you to; and the Dixon family are mentioned in Tyler's book, Honister Slate.

Best wishes, Denis

[mikeadair10]

Dear Denis,  Excellent!  Thanks for all this.  Can you point me to the Will?  Thanks so much!  Mike Adair