Tagged With: Gomersal
Happily ever after …?
It may be a long way off but how and where to end a story can be a dilemma. For me, recently, it has often been the least satisfactory part of otherwise excellent books I have read, fact or fiction. Now, Dickens knew how to end a story that left the reader feeling satisfied, giving … Continue reading
Love and marriage in 1794
Two brothers, James and William Burnley had a double wedding on Thursday 11 December 1794 in the Anglican parish church of St Peters, Birstall. James was 40 years old – rather late by the average for the time – and his brother William 10 years younger. Whatever had led up to this joyous occasion, it … Continue reading
The (un) mitred bishop of Yorkshire
Those charismatic preachers of the 18th century religious revival, John Wesley, George Whitefield etc were succeeded in the 19th century by other men of considerable repute, albeit addressing established congregations rather than outdoors, nationwide to crowds of thousands. James Parsons (1799-1877) pastor at Lendal Congregational Chapel in York was occasionally in the pulpit at Grove … Continue reading
Disease, disability and death
My sisters and brother have little interest in our family history. My brother, a doctor, was only curious to know what they died of. Finding that out before 1837, when death certificates were introduced, is chancy, though death notices in local newspapers are occasionally specific. Mary Susannah Burnley (nee Milner) 1804-1831, Thomas Burnley’s first wife, … Continue reading