George Besford (1831–1908)
George Besford was born at Fenrother, Northumberland, and worked as a coal miner. He was actively involved in boat racing.
Cowpen
Cowpen lies on the southern bank of the River Blyth in Northumberland, and is now part of the town of Blyth. The Cowpen North and South pits were opened at the end of the eighteenth century. The name comes from Old Norse and is pronounced coop’n.
See the full article about Cowpen Square.
William Thompson Besford (1899–1997)
William Besford was taken prisoner in the Second World War in 1942. He was repatriated at the end of the war.
Mary Besford (later Ferguson) (1822–1883)
Mary Besford was born on the farm where her parents were living and working. She worked on the farm, and later as a dressmaker.
William Besford (1823–1906)
William Besford worked as a coal miner until he retired, and was later recorded at age 77 to be working as a grocer in the 1891 census.
Margaret Besford (née Patterson) (1827–1914)
Margaret Patterson married John Besford (1826–1914) in 1850. The couple lost many children in their infancy.
Robert Besford (1792–1844)
Robert Besford was an agricultural labourer. His first wife Isabella died aged 24. He married Mary Marshall in 1821.
John Besford (1890–1916)
John Besford enlisted as a Private in the Northumberland Hussars and served in France in the First World War.
Margaret Besford (1866-?)
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 (1857)
Edward Besford was born on 30th December 1857 at Crofton Mills, Cowpen, Blyth. He only lived for 13 hours.
James Besford (1860)
James was born on 21st August 1860 at Cowpen Lane, Blyth. He died three days later on 23rd August 1860.