Blyth

John Besford was born in 1890, the son of Thomas Besford and Elizabeth Besford (née Train). He enlisted as a Private in the Northumberland Hussars and served in France in the First World War.

Margaret Besford married Alexander Sanderson in 1890. They had a daughter, Margaret, in 1893, but Alexander died when Margaret was just nine years old.

Edward Besford was born on 30th December 1857 at Crofton Mills, Cowpen, Blyth. He only lived for 13 hours.

James was born on 21st August 1860 at Cowpen Lane, Blyth. He died three days later on 23rd August 1860.

John was born on 19th September 1859 at Cowpen Lane, Blyth. He only lived for 15 days.

John was born on 31st May 1868 at Cowpen Colliery, Blyth. He died on 25th July 1869, just short of 14 months old.

Robert Besford was born on 14th November 1856 at “Mill, Cowpen”. He died when he was three weeks old.

Cowpen is situated on the southern bank of the River Blyth. Cowpen Square was built to house the coal miners and their families who came to Cowpen to work in the pits.

John Besford (1826–1914) and Margaret Patterson (1827–1914) were married at All Saints’ Church, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 12th November 1850. They had eight children.