Rawdon Crematorium

[kiwijude]

I am currently researching my families involvement in Knottfield House in Rawdon.  I was wondering if anyone had information as to this old house and property and its Lodges.  I also want to know when the Rawdon Crematorium which now occupies the grounds was built.
Regards
Judith Gardiner
Wellington, New Zealand

[Calverley Lad]

Hi Judith: Could this link to Cragg Woods assist you?
http://www.a-history-of-rawdon.co.uk/cragg-wood-11/
Maybe others may find further information.
 Brian

[dawnsh]

According to the local authority website, it opened in 1959

http://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/Pages/Cemeteries-and-Crematoria.aspx

[Wooly62]

Hi I live on knott lane about 2 minutes walk from west lodge which is one of the exits from rawdon crematorium. I have only just started doing some research into the history around here. I think knottfield house was built in 1874. I don't know where in the existing grounds is was located. There is a small building near the car park with a stone stating built in 1925 but not found out what this was as yet. Crem opened in 1959, but when you walk around the 2 lodges are much older as are some of the walls, steps etc

[dawnsh]

Hi Wooly62

Welcome to Rootschat 

According to her profile, Judith hasn't been online here for a couple of weeks, but should receive email notifications that we have posted and hopefully come back soon.

Dawn

[kiwijude]

Hi there guys, yes I am still here in New Zealand.  As to Knottfield House and its Lodges.  I have come a long way since my first postings.  Just briefly.  Knottfield House was originally built in 1847 and over time was enlarged by various owners.  One of which was my great great grandfather John Dawson who along with his brothers, Benjamin and Edwin owned and operated what was the brewery at Kirkstall in the 1850's.  However this is another story!  Knottfield actually had three lodges.  North Lodge.  West Lodge and East Lodge.  The West Lodge was the only one on freehold land.  The North Lodge was on leased land so as was the West Lodge, which I understand was demolished in the  early 1970's.  I would like more information on this lodge if possible.  I am in contact with the lady in the North Lodge, however I would very much like to be able to contact the person in the West Lodge.  I have sent a couple of letters addressed 'to the occupants', but to no avail.  Does anyone know the occupants?  They may wish to not make contact with me, however I would very much like to know if the occupants have any information as to this lodge.
Cheers
Judith

[Graham Harrison]

Hi Judith, I believe that my Wife has a family connection with the Dawson family,If Benjamin Percy had a wife called Emily then that would be the connection.

[kiwijude]

Great to hear from you.
Yes you are correct. Benjamin Percy Dawson married Emily Wilshire.  Where do you fit into the family.  I would very much like to hear from you.
Kind regards
Judith Gardiner
Wellington, New Zealand

[Graham Harrison]

The reply will be in two halves, mine first with what I know, you may already have some or all of it, and then my wife's reply regarding her family.
I know Rawdon crematorium well as I am a part time hearse driver, I also live about 2 miles from there.
As you will know Knotfield is long gone, the only bit left are the steps which were in front of the house, they now used to get to and from the car park.
Emily was born in1862 possibly in the public house called Old malt mill inn  owned by the Dawson family,her Father William was the landlord, his Father ( William Brice Wilshire died in 1850 and is buried in a family grave with other members of my wife's family there are  14 names on the grave stone)
According to the records when Emily married the 21 year old Benjamin, she was only 16,was this Benjamin the Brother of John who lived at Knotsfield and who died in his 30s?
There are pictures of the Old malt mill inn on a site called Leodis.
When Benjamin returned to England did Emily come with him? If so did she go back to New Zealand? Did she have any children with him? did she remarry?
I will get my wife to go into detail about how she is related to Emily.
If I think of anything else I will post again.
                                                           Regards Graham