40 - The Rowbotham Family

The Rowbotham Family consisted of Joseph (25), his wife Mary (26), and their 2 children Sarah Annie (3) and Joseph (1). Joseph was working as a Felt Hat Finisher.

Joseph Rowbotham was one of 7 brothers born to a gardener named Edward Rowbotham. The family lived in the little hamlet of Burymewick, metres from Chadkirk House and Chapel. They spent some time living in "The Cage", which had 3 main rooms.

Mary was born Mary Tunstall and originated from Wirksworth, Derbyshire. Her father was a silversmith but Mary was largely brought up and educated by her grandmother who ran a school.

The family lived near the Duke of York pub and had 6 children in total, including twins Lucy and Walter in 1877. Sadly Walter died aged 3 days. In 1881 Mary Rowbotham passed away aged 36.

Joseph remarried, joining his family to that of Elizabeth Clayton, a pregnant widow who had only recently married. They went on to have many children together, Joseph fathering 16 children in total.

In 1885 they moved from Romiley to Hazel Grove where they lived in a house on Commercial Road. The huge family took in Joseph's brother William, who was described as a "Cripple" in the census. He died just a year later after falling on ice.

Whilst Elizabeth died aged 48, Joseph reached 85 years, outliving 7 of his children.

You can find out more about the Rowbotham family in the book "Residents of Romiley Road" which will be coming soon.