Some of my ancestors moved from their North Craven farms and became cowkeepers in the Bootle area of Liverpool.
An extract from Faith Wolfenden Finegan's book, 'A Bit Akin - the Story of a North Craven Farming Family' reads:
The first Wolfenden to be attracted to Liverpool was cousin Robert, second son of James of Woodhouse Gate. He went to Bootle about 1877 with his wife Jane and their young baby. They would have plenty of family support. Two brothers in law, James and Robert Waterworth were already there; they had married cousin Robert's sisters, Betsy and Isabella. Some of Jane's family, the Manserghs were there too.
The life of a cowkeeper wasn't an easy option however. The cattle were kept inside all the year round of course, so they had to be 'fothered' in the shippons with plenty of nourishing food to ensure good quality milk. At least twice a day they were let out into the yard for an airing and to drink at the trough. There were no water bowls in those days. Milking was by hand and so that fresh milk would be on the breakfast tables, the men began to milk at 5am at the latest. The afternoon milking began at 3 o'clock. It was hot in the shippons and even strong young men would often catch cold when they went out into the wintry weather. Many developed pneumonia and died.
Reference: A Bit Akin: The Story of a North Craven Farming Family by Faith W. Finegan
Lamberts Printers
2 Station Road
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD24 9AA
Telephone: 01729 822177
