Ann Besford (1825–1896)
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.
Mining
Coal was mined in Northumberland from the medieval period, and the coalfield expanded quickly through the nineteenth century as waggonways and then railways carried coal to the staiths at Blyth and the harbour at Amble.
Some Besfords emigrated from the UK to Australia to work in mining. David Besford left Choppington for Victoria in 1925, and his brother Thomas followed from the Kent coalfield to Wonthaggi in 1928.
George Besford (1831–1908)
George Besford was born at Fenrother, Northumberland, and worked as a coal miner. He was actively involved in boat racing.
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.
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.
Jack Besford’s speech at the 1948 Northumberland Miners’ Picnic
Jack Besford spoke at the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic, Carlisle Park, Morpeth, on Saturday, 17th July 1948.
Jack Besford’s Clock
The Ashington Mineworkers Federation presented Jack Besford with a grandfather clock when he stood down as president in 1939.
Cowpen Square
The houses of Cowpen Square were built for the miners of the Cowpen pits: one narrow room and a ladder to the garret, with the inner square as their shared social space.