David Besford (1863–1954)
David Besford was born at Cowpen Colliery, where he began work aged 12. His work as a Methodist lay preacher led him to meet his wife.
Pegswood
Pegswood is a mining village in Northumberland 2 miles (3 km) east of Morpeth. Its colliery opened in 1868 and worked until 1969.
David Besford began work at Pegswood Colliery in 1875, at the age of 12.
William Besford (1851–1879)
William was born in 1851 at Cowpen, Blyth and worked as a coal miner. In 1877, he married Jane Temple at Morpeth Register Office. The couple had one daughter.