Tagged With: Pollard Hall
A Bronte connection?
Throughout the 19th century my Burnley ancestors lived at Pollard Hall, Gomersal, which meant they were next door neighbours of the Taylor family at the Red House there. Charlotte Bronte was a frequent visitor to the Red House, in the 1830s, to see her school friend Mary Taylor. She fictionalised the Red House as Briarmans … Continue reading
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
Putting the record straight
Nicola wrote about getting the facts right in the first place and the importance of verification – no small task for research into the 18th century. I am trying to correct numerous published 20th century sources (mostly minor I will admit) which repeat endlessly a story that first appeared in 1952. That year the management … Continue reading
The Master Worsted Spinners
The master worsted spinners – An occupational category from the Census denoting employer viz mill owner (not a skilled operative) and his product – fine yarn. My story is about five generations of a Yorkshire mill owning family – their rise from cottage industry to wealthy manufacturers and property owners. Their surname was Burnley and they lived in Gomersal, … Continue reading