Blyth

John Besford was born in Blyth, and worked for the Cowpen Coal Co. for 61 years.

George Robert Besford and his wife Isabella Summers emigrated from the UK to Canada in 1947. The family returned in 1949 and lived in Blyth, Northumberland.

William was born on at Cowpen, Blyth and worked as a coal miner. In 1877, William married Jane Temple at Morpeth Register Office. The couple had one daughter.

John was born in 1826 at Eshott Heugh. He would have worked as an agricultural labourer from a very early age (5 or 6). He later worked as a coal miner, which he continued until he was at least 74 years old.

Thomas Besford married Minnie Dorsett in 1925. Together they ran a chip shop in Blyth.

Thomas Besford worked as a coal miner throughout his life. He was left with four young children when his wife died of smallpox.

Ann Besford was working as a servant at Earsdon West Forest Farm north of Morpeth by the time she was 16 years old. She had six sons, five of whom survived to adulthood.

George Besford was born at Fenrother, Northumberland, and worked as a coal miner. He was actively involved in boat racing.

William Besford was taken prisoner in the Second World War in 1942. He was repatriated at the end of the war.

Robert Besford was an agricultural labourer. His first wife Isabella died aged 24. He married Mary Marshall in 1821.