Catherine Besford was born on 22nd September 1883 at Bog Row, Hetton-le-Hole, Co. Durham. Catherine was the daughter of George Besford (1852-1935), a coal miner, and his wife Isabella Besford (née Miller).

George was the son of Ann Besford (1825-1896), meaning that Catherine was Ann’s granddaughter. Catherine’s ancestry can thus be traced back to the marriage of James Besford and Margaret Robson in 1679, James and Margaret being her 5x great-grandparents.

The 1891 Census recorded Catherine (now 7) living with her parents at 130 Walker Road, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Ten years later Catherine was shown on the 1901 Census as Kate Besford (age 17) working as a general servant in the household of John and Mary Mullarkey at Paddlers Row, Bedlington. John Mullarkey was a coal miner. Catherine’s parents, George and Isabella Besford were living at 25 Back Ayton Street in Bedlington in 1901 with Catherine’s brothers and sisters, Margaret Ann (19), Mary (16), George (13), William (6), Isabella (4) and James (1).

Catherine Besford married Robert Gordon, a coal miner, on 24th January 1903 at Gateshead Register Office. Robert was 28 and Catherine 20, although they evidently declared their ages as 26 and 21 respectively when the marriage was registered.