Mining

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.

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

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.

Jack Besford spoke at the Northumberland Miners’ Picnic, Carlisle Park, Morpeth, on Saturday, 17th July 1948.

The Ashington Mineworkers Federation presented Jack Besford with a grandfather clock when he stood down as president in 1939.

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.