Stannington

Joan Matthews was born in Haltwhistle, Northumberland. She married David Besford four years after the start of the Second World War.

David Besford worked for the Cooperative Wholesale Society in Newcastle, where he met his future wife Joan Matthews. He drove a fire engine during the Second World War, and later joined the Civil Service.

John Besford (1820–1875) was born in Stannington, Northumberland in 1820. He was run over by a train on Stannington Viaduct on 3rd August 1875.

John David Besford trained as a cabinetmaker in Glasgow and sailed for Boston in 1907, later working as a carpenter in Ontario.

Charles Herbert Besford was working as a butcher’s boy in Heaton when the First World War broke out. He joined the Royal Navy and remained a reservist following his return to civilian life.

Robert Besford (1792–1844) married Isabella Robson at the Parish Church of St. Mary Magdelene, Mitford, Northumberland, on 18th April 1818.

John Besford was employed as a labourer at Cheviot Farm, Hallington. He married Isabella Wright in 1819 and died before the birth of his third child.

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