Radcliffe

Jack Besford began work as miner on his 13th birthday, and went on to become a leading trade unionist.

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.

Alexander Sanderson Besford was a miner, and a member of the Salvation Army at Ashington, where he played in their brass band. He was also, like his father David Besford, a Methodist lay preacher.

Daisy Besford was born in Amble, Northumberland. She married William Lyons in 1918. The couple had a daughter, Mary, and a son, also called William.

Janet Besford married Albert Edward Partland in 1925. In 1928, Janet gave birth to a son, also named Albert Edward Partland. The family later moved to Wakefield and Motherwell.

Mary Besford was born in Broomhill, Northumberland. Her first husband was killed in the First World War, leaving her with two children aged 7 and 4.

Nellie Besford was born at 9 Leslie Row, Radcliffe, Northumberland, on 22nd February 1904. Nellie was born with spina bifida and died just over one year later on 28th February 1905.

Radcliffe was once home to over 700 people. It was an independent and self-sufficient settlement with its own schools, shops, churches and working men’s club.

David Besford (1863–1954) and Mary Turnbull (1865–1951) were married at the United Presbyterian Church, Warkworth, Northumberland, on 10th December 1887. They had 12 children.