Opening of the Preston and Wyre Railway.

There is mention in this article of Barton Fletcher Allen.
Did Isaac Wilcockson write this article?
Was Isaac present, did he see George Stephenson?
How many others of our families were in the crowd witnessing this event?
(I thought this was a short article but it has taken me three evenings to handwrite it from the screen, I hope it does not take as long to type up. And I found it fascinating. How many times have I travelled on the Blackpool line!)
************************************************
The Preston Chronicle and Lancashire Advertiser.
Preston. Printed and published by Wilcockson and Dobson.
17 Market-Place
price 4half D ready money
5s3D per Qr on credit
or 4s9D per Qr if paid in advance.
Saturday July 18 1840
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Opening of the Preston and Wyre Railway.

This railway was publicly opened on Wednesday last, under the immediate management of the directors, engineers and contractors. For some days previously several experimental trips had been made, with a view to prove the perfect readiness and to test the security of the line - a precaution highly praiseworthy on the part of the directors. The opening, on Wednesday, created a very powerful and lively interest. A great number of the principal inhabitants of this town and of the surrounding neighbourhood were specially invited to be present on the occasion, and by eleven o'clock, the time appointed for being at the North Union station, thousands of spectators, including a goodly sprinkling of fashionably attired ladies, were assembled to witness. Our readers are probably aware that the North Union Company have contracted, for a certain period, to work the Wyre line, and this is the reason why the starting place was from that station. Between eleven and twelve o'clock, the station and its environs presented a scene of great bustle and animation, the greatest anxiety being manifested by everyone to participate in the rejoicings of the 'opening day'. It was at this period that we were rendered fully alive to the value of our 'ticket', as scores and scores of persons were running about in all directions, anxiously and importunately desiring, either for love or money, to be included among the privileged lot. From all the convenient places at, and adjacent to the station, as well as from the engines and several of the carriages, flags and banners of every hue were proudly waving, while two excellent bands of music contributed their exhilirating influence to the interest, gaiety, and excitement of the occasion.

At a quarter before twelve o'clock, the travellers having taken their places in the carriages, and everything being in readiness, two splendid engines, decked with gorgeous colours, moved gracefully forward, and being instantly attached to the train, we started on our jouney, amidst the enthusiastic acclamation of the assembled multitude. All the way to the viaduct at Tulketh, the road was thickly lined by spectators of both sexes, and of all classes and conditions, who lustily and loudly cheered us on our course. Indeed, it was very good and very thoughtful of our kind friends to keep up our spirits on our approaching to the viaduct, - for many very dark and dismal forebodings had been whispered aboard as to the fate that there awaited us; and although as an outside index every countenance wore the smile of joy and the aspect of buoyancy, yet undeniably hundreds there were who secretly feared and trembled for the result of that part of our probation - or rather, we should say, the probation of the bridge, for, where we sat, one gentleman was heard to say, with a rueful countenauce, on nearing it, in reference to the speed being a little increased, "that it was most dangerous and exceedingly improper." We went however gallantly and safely over, and when on the other side we were greeted by the loud and enthusiastic gratulations of the thousands who had assembled to lament over our downfall, or to exault over our preservation from it, the aforesaid gentleman, doffing his rueful countenance, and mingling in the triumphant shout, was heard coolly to declare, "that it was evidently very safe, and exceedingly proper." We mention this little incident mainly because the 'exceeding propriety' exclamation formed, in a certain circle, one of the standing jokes of the day. On starting from the North Union station the train consisted of eleven carriages, and on arriving at the Wyre station, which is at the junction of the Lancaster and Wyre lines, three more were attatched.

From Tulketh, we proceeded as pleasantly as could be desired, to the Kirkham station, where hundreds, and perhaps thousands, had congregated together to witness the novel spectacle. Here again we were hailed with loud huzzas ; and the good people of Kirkham were evidently in high glee at the commencement of railway operations in their locality. Precisely at fifty minutes from the time of starting, we arrived at the Poulton station where every thing wore the appearance of a gay and gladsome holiday. From the Church steeple a flag was waving, while the bells sent forth their merry peals. The concourse of spectators was immense, and their reception of the train was of no common kind. Loud and long were the shouts of enthusiasm which issued from the motley group, and manifold were the compliments and gratulations interchanged between friend and friend. After a short stay in Poulton, we proceeded on our journey, and in a few minutes arrived at the embankment on which the railway is carried over the bay to Fleetwood, a distance of about two miles. This we crossed without the least accident or interruption, arriving at Fleetwood, a distance of 19(and three quarters) miles from Preston, in precisely one hour from the time of starting. We must not omit to add, that nothing could be more steady and agreeable than the movement of the carriages on the rails. It is highly creditable to the directors, to have brought the line into such excellent trim before opening it.

On entering Fleetwood, the appearance of the town and hrabour were extremely imposing. The day being fine, the crowd of visitors was exceedingly vast, and comprised a very great number of elegantly attired females. While descending from the carriages, four times four rounds of cheering, loud as peals of thunder, broke upon the ear ; the bands struck up their inspiring music, and ever and anon the jolly tars on board the different vessels, gave us 'the minute gun at sen', not in tones of soft music, but in real artrillery. In the river, besides a number of other craft, three handsome steam vessels were cruizing, while as soon as we alighted from the carriages, were in readiness for an excursion. In a very short time they were all 'standing out,' each being abundantly freighted with passengers, and as they gracefullly moved up the magnificent estuary, the coup d'oeil, and all the associations connected with it, were of a character almost to beggar description. On the steamer where it was our lot to get ensconced, Sir Hesketh Fleetwood was a fellow voyager, and many and ardent were the gratulations he received from persons of all classes and all interests. This we feel bound to state, for it came under our personal observation.

(I shall come back to type some more of this latter, my fingers are sore.)

After about an hour's cruize, during which we passed the beautiful lighthouse, recently erected near the estuary, we returned to Fleetwood, and took a river side tour round the town. At the observatory, refreshments were provided, which, after our long ride and breezy sull, were very acceptable.

After a short sojourn at the several public buildings and other works which are in progress here, we repaired to
THE DEJEUNER
Here a splendid reception awaited us. We were ushered into a superb pavilion, here after to be used as the station shed, but fitted up on this occasion with all the show, glitter and pomp of a banqueting hall. Two long tables were arranged all the length of the immense apartment, which were united at the western extremity by the cross table. This arrangement of the tables left a large rectangle in the centre, which was occupied by the piano-forte, and a party of glee singers, who were engaged for the occasion. The bands of music, which kept playing at intervals during the entertainment, were also stationed in this portion of the room. The repast itself was in excellent keeping with all the rest of the arrangements. It was a cold collation, and included everything that the most fastidious appetite could desire, or the most skilful epicure invent. Mr. Benjamin Smith, of the Castle Inn, in this town, was the principal purveyor, and the provisions, the attendance, the cooking, and the hospitable scale on which everything was conducted, reflected the hightest credit upon his catering, and upon the skill and activity of Mrs. Smith, the worthy hostess of the Castle. Mr. Taylor, of Poulton, had some share in furnishing the repast, to the extent, we believe, of fifty guests, and so far as we could learn, he gave the fullest satisfaction. The wines were supplied by Mr. E. Sidgreaves, of this town, and they were of excellent quality. Of prime port and sherry, and sparkling champagne there was no lack, and every person partook ad libitum. The desert, including all the horticultural delicacies of the season, was also amply provided, and supplied to the guests without stint, and without exception. About a quarter-past three, the dejeuner commenced and Sir HESKETH FLEETWOOD, Bart., M.P., took the chair.

Among the gentlemen who sat near to him, and who were present at the entertainment in other parts of the room, we noticed Reece Bevan, Esq. of Wigan; Wm. Garnett, Esq., of Lark Hill, W. Garnett, Jun., Esq., Wm. Taylor Esq., S. Horrocks, Jun., Esq., C. Swainson, Esq., C. Swainson, Jun., Esq., T. Ainsworth, Esq., J. Blauchard, Esq., R.Friend, Esq., J,Kay, Esq., W. Calrow, Esq., G. Gradwell, Esq., D. Newham, Esq., A. Power, Esq., T. Miller, Esq., W. Talbot, Esq., and J. Bray, Esq., of Preston; G. Burrow, Esq., and J. Binns, Esq., of Lancaster; G. Stephenson, Esq., of London; W. Birley, Esq., of Kirkham; G. Thornber, Esq., of Poulton; Captain Denham, R. and J. King, Esqs., of Liverpool; Henry Boyce, and T. Downward, Esq., of London; James Dixon, Esqs., of Preston; the Revds. C. Hesketh, J. Hull, R. Moore, J. Pedder, J. Thurtell & c., &c., &c.

As nearly as we could calculate, from 380 to 400 persons sat down to the repast, including a great number of the squireacrchy, whose names we did not learn.
The Rev. C. Hesketh said the grace before and after meat, when the tables being cleared.
The Chairman gave the following toasts, introducing each of them in appropriate and elegant terms.
'The Queen, and the Ladies of England.' Four times four. Air, 'God save the Queen.'
'Prince Albert.' Three times three. Air, 'Rule Britannia.'
'The Queen Doweger.' Three times three. This toast was most rapturously received, and elicited 'one cheer more.'
'The Army and Navy. Three times three.

William Garnett, Esq. then rose, and said that as his stay was unavoidably short, he would avail himself of an early opportunity of proposing a toast, and he was quite sure that the company would not refuse to drink it in a bumper. He must confess that the events of the day, and what he had witnessed since his arrival, had afforded him the him the hightest delight, He had no interest in the great undertaking they had met to celebrate, and had no reason therefore to give anything but a disinterested and unbiassed opinion; and he had no hesitation in declaring it as the deliberate conviction of his mind, that the works in which the chairman had borne so prominent a part, would turn out to be a great national and public advantage. (Loud cheers.) He sincerely hoped that in its benefits and results, it might prove exceedingly advantageous to the projectors. (Cheers.) Perhaps there never was an undertaking commenced with less prospect of success than this one. It had been the custom to deride the project on all hands; and yet the result was, that in his judgement, Fleetwood would become a second Brighton. (Loud cheers.) He would give no opinion respecting the port, because he was not competent; but if the advantage of a port could be added to its other advantages, there could be no doubt but that it would be highly profitable. (Loud cheers.) He would avail himself of that occasion for addressing a word or two to Sir Hesketh Fleetwood in his capacity as a legislator of the country. He could not but deprecate the busy meddling spirit which had been manifested by those in high places, to interfere with projects of this kind. The effect of such interference might be to drive enterprise and capital out of the country, as had been the case in France, Denmark and other countries. A bill, entitled a 'Railway Bill,' had been introduced by Lord Seymour and Mr. Loch, the certain effect of which would be to impair and to destroy railway enterprise. (Cheers.) He hoped the hon. member would look to the subject in his place in parliament. Without further trespassing on the company, he would now beg to propose 'Prosperity, success, and every possible advantage to the Preston and Wyre Dock, Harbour, and Railway Company.' (Loud and continuous applause.)

The Chairman rose to return thanks. In the prosecution of these works, he had always been supported by the consciousness, that a man of high resolve could not fail, and that perseverance overcame difficulties - (Great cheering.) As the work progressed, individuals of knowledge and of science came down to inspect it, and they one and all reported favourably. From time to time friends flocked in and supported it, and it might be said of Fleetwood, and the undertaking generally, that almost every eminent engineer in the kingdom had visited and approved of it - (Loud cheers.) Some people talked of the gain being remote, but he felt even were this the case, there was a pleasure in handing down works of benefit and usefulness to ages when the projectors of them would cease to exist - (Cheers.) During that morning, they had been enjoying the benefits of pure air and water, and the proprietors of the undertaking had endeavoured to adapt it, alike for the advantages of pleasure and of commerce, or for the combination of both - (Applause.) In their acts of parliament they had endeavoured to keep their charges down to the lowest rates, thereby affording every facility to the public. He considered that such undertakings could not fail to be of public benefit. Every railway was like a vein or artery in the human system, connecting, feeding and invigorating the national system at large - (Cheers.) This being the case, there need be no jealous rivalry; but they should sink everyhing that had a tendency to mar and jar and work together as men bound by the ties of one holy and happy brotherhood, promoting, in harmony and good will, the happiness of each other, and striving only for the pre-eminence of being reciprocally of advantage to each other. (Loud and enthusiastic cheering). As to the exertions of the Wyre Company in future, the public might measure them by what had been already done. Their ambition was to render the spot where they then were, and the operations connected with it, a kind of artory by which to unite it and its occupants with the world at large - (Cheers.) In reference to the bill which had been referred to by his friend Mr. Garnett, he might state, that he had seen Lord Seymour and Mr. Lock on the subject, and had told them that the restrictions imposed by that bill ought equally to extent to all public companies - (Hear, hear.) He need not say, that he sould carfully watch the future progress of the bill, in fact he was interested, and that, perhaps, was the best security. (Cheers and laughter.) He begged to return his sincere thanks for the manner in which the last toast had been received. (The honourable baronet sat down amid enthusiastic cheering.) The healths of 'Mr. Brockholes, the High Sheriff,' and 'The Lord Lieutenant of the County,' were next given, and duly honoured by the company. The Chairman rose and said, that there was no toast which he had so much pleasure in proposing, as that which he now begged to introduce to the company. He meant the health of his brother,' The Rev. Charles Hesketh, and the Clergy present' - (Cheers).

The Rev. Charles Hesketh M.A. begged to return his thanks for the kind manner in which his health had been received by the company, and in which it had been proposed by his brother. He begged to congratulate their chairman upon the successful results of all his exertions, which he could truly say had been unwearied - (Cheers.) It appeared like magic, that such a town should spring up in a place, which only a few years ago was inhabited by rabbits, curlews and wild ducks. - (Cheers) He was glad to find, that among other public buildings, a church was in the course of erection. He hoped it would keep going up with railway speed, for among all the advantages they contemplated, this would not be found among the least - (Loud applause).

The Chairman gave us the next toast, 'The Manchester and Liverpool Railway.'
Wm. Garnett, Esq. as the only director of the Manchester and Liverpool Railway present begged to return thanks, and to assure them that anything which they could do in co-operation with the Preston and Wyre Railway Company shoud be done. (Cheers.) He begged to give the health of Mr. Geo. Stephenson the father of railways. (Great cheering.) The toast was drunk with three times three.

Geo. Stephenson, Esq,. rose to return thanks, and on his rising was greeted with tumultnous applause. He spoke very briefly, but in so low a tone, that amid the noise which prevailed, we could not catch an entire sentence of what he said. He concluded by proposing the health of Captain Denham R.N.

Captain Denham briefly returned thanks, and proposed the health of John Power Esq. the secretary, who also briefly and appropriately acknowledged the compliment. Mr Power proposed the health of his predecessor, Mr. Owen T. Alger.
The Chairman expressed his sorrow at the unavoidable absence of Mr. Alger, who was, he was sorry to say, confined to a sick bed. He could sincerely say, that Mr. ALger not being present, and the cause of his absence, deprived him of one half his pleasure on the occasion. He begged now to propose success to the North Union Railway Company. (Cheers.)
Chas. Swainson, Esq. returned thanks in a suitable speech, and proposed the health of Sir Hesketh Fleetwood. (Immense cheering.)
The Chairman in a speech characterized by eloquence and pathos expressed his acknowledgements.
The following toasts were then given and responded to ; but as by this time the wine began rather prominently to manifest itself in noisy and festive conviviality, the speeches were delivered for the most part in dumb show :-
'The Lancaster Railway.'-Responded to by George Burrow, Esq.
'The Longridge Railway.'
'The Lancashire Witches.'
'The Contractors for the Wyre Railway.'-(Mr. Stanton returned thanks.)
'The Rev. Mr. Thurtell.'
'Abel Smith, Esq. , and the Wyre Directors.'
'Mr. Burridge.'
The Chairman, in an excellent speech, proposed prosperity to the working classes.
Mr. Barton. F. Allen begged to propose the health of Mr. Kemp Sir Hesketh Fleetwood's agent ; who had purchased a whole line of railway without a single dispute or a single inquiry. The toast was drunk amid great applause, and Mr Kemp duly expressed his acknowledgements.

The train being now ready, a great portion of the company rose to depart, but we believe a large party remained behind and kept up the hilarity for some time longer, under the presidency of Sir Hesketh Fleetwood. Soon after the dejeuner was over a large party of ladies entered the room and remained until nearly the close of the proceedings. We understand that the evening was kept up by fire-works and other amusements, and that the rejoicings continued all day on Thurday; the visitors to Fleetwood on that day being exceedingly numerous.

RETURN TO PRESTON
About a quarter before seven o'clock we left the banqueting hall, and proceeded, amid the playing of the band and firing of guns to take our places in the railway carriages on our homeward journey. The train consisted of nine carriages, and the arrangements were so admirably conducted that not the least inconvenience or interruption arose in getting through the crowd to the respective positions assigned us. - We proceeded pleasantly and safely over the embankment, and, doubtless, should have arrived in Preston with the pleasing and consoling reflection of having spent a day unmixed by gloom, and unmarred by accident, but for an appaling and fatal accident which occurred to a man named Dean, a tailor, of this town. The particulars of the painful occurrence will be found below; it will be seen that the unfortunate deceased was intoxicated at the time of the accident, and that not the least blame is attachable to anyone but himself. This painful and untoward occurrence detained us about twenty minutes, and it was ten minutes past eight when the train arrived in Preston. With the solitary exception of this accident, nothing else occurred during the day to interfere, in the least degree, with the gaiety and gladness of the proceedings.

THE RAILWAY
Most of our readers are aware that there is only one line of rails on the Preston and Wyre line. It is nineteen miles and three-quarters in length, and has cost, up to the present time, about £260,000, or rather more than £13,000 per mile being we believe less considerably than the construction of any other railway in England has cost. The harbour, exclusive of the docks, is estimated to have cost from £40,000 to £50,000. The works on the railway generally, are, we are given to understand, not inferior to those of any other similar undertaking.

Barton Wilcockson Allen Part 2

So I have dealt with the first Allen family to go to Preston, what of Barton Fletcher Allen's children?
John Allen 1816 no further information.
Joseph Roscoe Allen 1817 from census was a civil engineer and landowner.
C1871 living Lentworth Hall, landowner employing 3 men.
wife Sarah Ann 46 from Durham,
children Ann Margt. 26 born Burton in Lunedale
Edith Mary 16 born Morcombe
Emily Roscoe 15 born Morcombe
Marian Reid 14 born Morcombe
Josephine G 11 born Morcombe
Parker Roscoe 10 born Morcombe
Gertrude 7 born Fullwood
Octavia Matel 5 born Fullwood
Charles Joseph R 3 born Fullwood
Barton Fletcher Allen 10m born Wyresdale
5 servants.
From the birthplaces of his children it would seem Joseph moved to Wyresdale some time between 1868 and 1870.

Liverpool Mercury etc. Wed May 17 1876.
Death
Allen- May 12, at his residence, Lentworth, near Lancaster, Joseph Roscoe Allen, Esq.

marriage Jun Quarter 1849 Joseph Roscoe Allen Settle 23 537
married Sarah Ann Parker
It would seem then that Anne Margt. age 26 (birth about 1845) is not of this marriage.

In the C1881 the family is split up.
The older daughters had moved to Weston Super Mare in Somerset
Annie M. Allen 30
Edith M. Allen 26
Marian K. Allen 24
Josephine G. Allen 21
living with 2 servants and living on income from dividends and mortgages

Gertrude Allen 17 and sister Mabel Allen 15 are scholars at Argyle House, The Avenue, Kingston on Thames, Surrey

Marriage Jun Quarter 1884 Axbridge 5c 1031 Josephine Grace Allen to Edmund Kemp Bourne
Death Jun Quarter 1890 Axbridge 5c 370 Josephine Grace Bourne
C1891 Warwick, Kenilworth
Edmund K Bourne 31 Medical Practitioner General
Muriel G. Bourne 5
Morrow (Marian) R. Allen 33 sister in law, daughter of Gentlm. living on own means
2 servants
Edmund then married Josephine's cousin.
Marriage Jun Quarter 1892 Warwick 6d 951 Edmund Kemp Bourne to Nina Maud Allen

Death Mar Quarter 1901 Marian Reid Allen age 41 Christchurch 2b 475

In C1881 Parker R. Allen age 20 was a student at Cooper Hill College in Windsor, Surrey.
possible marriage Jun Quarter 1904 Hastings 2b 57 Parker Roscoe Allen to Maud Clarkson
From google search there is an obituary for Parker R. Allen ? - 1912
331 Council in 1893 and was elected president in 1903
died at Bellary India 20th Dec 1912
Trained at Coopers Hill College.
He joined the Indian Public Works Department in .....and was first employed in connection with the Periyar Irrigation project.

possible marriage Mar 1907 Octavia Mabel Allen Reigate 2a 299.
Alice Allen 1819
Now this lady fascinates me. She lives with her father until the 1861 census when she is 42. Her father dies in 1864. Then she gets married in 1868.

The Leeds Mercury. Wed. Oct 7 1868
Marriages
PARK-ALLEN Oct 1st at Lillington, Warwickshire by the Rev. J. Wise Vicar, Philip Park Esq of Preston to Alice daughter of the late Barton Fletcher Allen Esq of Preston.

We then find the couple back in Preston in 1871 living in THE place to live in Preston.
22 Winckley Square.
Philip Park 75 Retired Civil Engineer Magistrate, born Goosnargh
Alice 51
along with a cook, waitress and Housemaid.

I have not found them in 1881, but in 1891 Alice Park aged 72 a widow living on own means with 2 servants is living at 10 Ribblesdale Place. (Isaac Wilcockson had lived at 12 Ribblesdale Place.)
And in 1901 she was still living there.
Richard Allen 1821
C1871 102a Fishergate, Preston
Richard Allen 49 General medical practitioner M.R.C.S. ??? born Preston
Emma E. 37 born Yorkshire
John H. F. Hamilton stepson 13 born Preston
Alice Allen 4 born Preston
John E. Wall visitor 16 clerk in drapery business
Elizabeth Crabtree 53 cook
Ann Lodhunter 23 housemaid
C1881 Richard is missing but Emma is down as married and surgeons wife living at 101a Fishergate, with daughter Alice now 14 and sister in law Annie Fearnley age 48 along with one servant Isabella Sandwell age 26
By 1891 Emma is a widow living on own means with Alice, Anne and servant Jessie McLean. They are living at 2 Avenham Tower.
In 1901 They are still living in Preston - Emma 67, Alice 34, Annie 68 and servant Annie E. Spencer 27.

Friday Dec 25 1885
On the 23d inst. after a short illness, at his residence 102 Fishergate, Preston, RICHARD ALLEN M.R.C.S. England and Surgeon-Major to the Royal North Lancashire Militia, youngest son of the late Barten Fletcher Allen of Preston.

The Medical Register
1859 Jan 1
Richard Allen 102 Fishergate Preston.
Lic. Soc. Apoth. Lond. 1844
Mem. R. Coll. Surg. Eng. 1846

Ann Allen 1823 no further information
Barten Fletcher Allen 1825/6
(Why did this man name his first born son Barten Wilcockson Allen?, I would be very interested if anyone can shed light on his early life. Also missing definite proof that he was the son of Barton Fletcher Allen Senior.)
I have been unable to find him before the 1871 census.

1871 - West Derby area, Sandfield?
Barton F. Allen 45 South American Merchant born Preston
Charlotte M 36 born Brazil, Brit. Sub.
Edith D. 11 born Brazil, Brit. Sub.
Frank 7 born Leamington
Ada M. 3 born W. Derby
Arthur D. G. 1 born W. Derby
Nina M 4m born Waterloo
Sophia G. 13 born Waterloo
living with 6 servants.

Then in 1881 Warwick, Leamington 12 Newbold Ter.
Carlota M. Allen 47 living on Railway Shares born Rio de Jen. Brazil
Grace R. 26 born Rio.
Edith D. 21 born Rio.
Barten W. Allen 19 Undergraduate Cambridge b. Leamington
Frank 17 b. Leamington
Ada M 13 b. Leamington
Mina M 10 b. Liverpool
Constance 8 b. Liverpool
Ellen D. L 7 b. Welford Northampton
living with 5 servants.

In 1891 Thorncliffe, Lillington
Carlota Maria Allen 57 again living on own means with daughters Grace Roscoe 36, Ada Miream 23, Nina Maud 19 and Constance Darby 18 with 4 servants.

marriages may be ;
Jun 1892 Nina Maud Allen to Edmund Kemp Bourne, Warwick 6d 951
Sep 1895 Ada Miriam Allen to Lawrence Thorneley Leech Warwich 6d 945
Sep 1902 Constance Denby Allen Warwick 6d 1147
(either Paul Rogers Cleave or Harry George Simpson)
Jun 1897 Arthur Denby Allen to Florence Line Warwick 6d 1263
Mar 1879 Sophia Gertrude Allen to William Burton Baker Warwick 6d 543
Mar 1886 Sophie Gertrude Baker (Allen) Marylebone 1a 959
(either Philip Patmore Peters or Charles Raymond Radclyffe
and Mar 1886 William Burton Baker Croydon 2a 273
to Ellen Elizabeth Postlethwaite (was this Sophia's husband???, did they divorce?)
Sep 1893 Barton Wilcockson Allen Warwick 6d 890
to Alice Mary E. Beaumont.

In 1901
Warwick Edmund k Bourne 41 Doctor living with Mina A. 30 (Nina), Minnie G 15 (Muriel) Dennis K 5, Kathleen 4, Thelma M. 2 with 3 servants.

living in Somerset Lawrence S. Leech 46 on own means born New York USA with Ada M. 27, Adwyn B. R. 4 and 3 servants.

living in Banbury Arthur Denbigh Allen 34 on own means with Florence 34 and 2 servants

living in Marylebone Carlota A. Allen 45 head of nursing home born Rio de Janero.

living at Foleshill
Barton Wilenkson Allen 39 Clergyman (church of England) Born Leamington
Alice Mary Eliz, 42
Barton Herbert B. 5
Roscoe Jace 4
living with 4 servants.

Cambridge University Alumni.
Barten Wilcockson, Allen
college Jesus
entered Michs. 1880
Adm. pens. (age 18) at Jesus, Oct.1.1880. S. of Barten Fletcher Esq., deceased. B at Leamington, Warws. school, St George's College Harrogate, Yorks. Matric. Michs. 1880 B.A.1884, M.A. 1932 Ord. deacon 1885, priest (Worchester) 1886; C. of Amblecote, Worcs, 1885-8. Held other curacies, 1888-93 V. of Foleshill with Longford, Warws, 1893-1904 V. of Kempsey, Worcs., 1904-17 Chaplain to the Forces, 1918-19. V. of Ettington, Warws., 1919-20 R. of Severn Stoke Worcs, 1920-32 Hon Canon of Worcester, 1927-36 Canon Emeritus, 1936 - of Abbey Lodge Tewkesbury (Crockford, 1938)

Entries in the Times newspaper.
Friday Oct 25 1940
ALLEN on Oct 23 1940 passed peacefully away of heart failure at Fawlings, Seer Green, Bucks the REV.CANON BARTEN WILCOCKSON ALLEN, former Vicar of Severn Stoke, Worcestershire.

Sat. Feb 14 1914
marriage
BEVILLE-BOURNE on Thursday the 12th Feb by licence Major Harry Gilbert Peyton Beville son of the late Maj Gen Henry Beville C.B. to Nina Maud Bourne daughter of the late Mrs. Barten Allen of Rossmore, Leamington.

Tue. May 30 1893
The Rev. Barten Wilcockson Allen has been presented to the vicarage of Foleshill in the diocese of Worcester.

Thurs. Dec 8 1881
On the 5th inst. at Harrington House Leamington, EDITH DENBY ALLEN the fourth daughter of the late Barten Fletcher Allen of Liverpool and Rio de Janeiro aged 21 years.

I also have a note (but not which newspaper)
Tuesday 4 May 1920
ALLEN - On the 1st May at 'Fettercairn' Leamington Spa. GRACE ROSCOE ALLEN eldest daughter of the late Baten Fletcher Allen of Liverpool and Rio de Janeiro aged 66 years RIP.

William Adam Allen 1827
Sat. Sep 8 1860
Thursday last Thwaites Church. William Adam youngest son of Barton Fletcher Allen to Agnes youngest daughter of John Lewthwaite Esq. of Broadgate Cumberland.

in 1861 the couple were in Lytham with Joseph Dixon cotton spinner and his family.
in C1871 living in Poole, William is 42, a retired cotton spinner. They have 2 servants and a daughter Margaret A. Allen age 7 born in Preston. By the next census Agnes is living in Altrincham living on income from dividends and Margaret Anne Allen age 17 is a pupil in Hendon, Middlesex. In 1891 Margaret 27 is living on own means in Ulverston.
Charles Thomas Allen 1829
possible death Mar quarter 1845, Preston.

(please do not rely on my numbers and references if ordering certificates, it is very easy to make mistakes so please go to the Free BMD site to check them.)

Barton Wilcockson Allen Part 1.

I embarked on researching this name because 1) the middle name Wilcockson and 2) his father was born in Preston. I wanted to see if anyone else in the Allen family had the Wilcockson middle name or if there was a marriage into the Wilcockson family. At the moment there is no indication of a connection to our Wilcockson family but I believe there must have been contact between the two families in Preston. Whether this was a strong friendship or business connections I do not think that someone would have lightly named their firstborn son, the middle name Wilcockson when for the previous two generations Barton Fletcher Allen had been used. My guess at the moment is that Barton Fletcher Allen senior knew Isaac Wilcockson the newspaper man who had no children, and that Issac knew Bartons son Barton Fletcher junior and in some way helped him or had a close relation with him. Any suggestions more than welcome. In the course of this I contacted Chuck a member of the Allen family in America to see if there was any information which could shed light on this question. He kindly answered and I am putting this research up for him to read (it is also interesting to us to know about). Also I know I will forget in a couple of weeks what my thoughts were on this.

I HAVE NOT VERIFIED this research, it is based on the internet using IGI, National Archives, Google search and FreeBMD sites. The census information and the newspaper articles however have been sourced from primary documents.

There is a second connection that I found in the family to the Quakers. (National Archives site) Information relating to document ref no. DDX813/6 Lease for 20 years at rent of £2 Joseph Roscoe Allen of Morecambe esq. to Joseph Kelsall of Over Wyersdale and others - building now used as a meeting house and school by the Quakers with burial ground and adjacent land. (Lancashire record office 1854).
And in the 1871 census Joseph and his family are living in Over Wyresdale at Lentworth Hall next entry to Joshua Kelsall. Now the Wilcocksons link to the area through the Dilworth family and perhaps business links from David Wilcocksons Hat business.

The basic Allen tree I have come up with so far is as follows :
Barton Fletcher Allen 1783 - 1864
Grace Roscoe
married at Prestwich Parish Church
children :
John Allen c. 26 Jan 1816 Ringley
Joseph Roscoe Allen c. 9 May 1817 Ringley
Alice Allen c. 12 Aug 1819 Ringley
Richard Allen c. 14 Oct 1821 Ringley
Ann Allen c. 4 Jun 1823 St. John Preston
maybe also c. 26 Jul 1824 Ringley
Barton Fletcher Allen : no christening found, seems to have been born around 1825, 1826
William Adam Allen c. 3 Aug 1827 St. John Preston
Charles Thomas Allen c. 22 May 1829 St. John Preston
................................................................................
Barton was born the same year 1783 as our Isaac Wilcockson. Why and when did Barton move to Preston? Well Preston and the area seem to be growing quickly due to the textile industry. Barton himself says he lived in Preston from about 1800.
Preston Guardian etc. Sat. July 3 1847
Court of Enquiry
Claim for Compensation
The Fleetwood, Preston and West Riding Railway Company and the Trustees of the Peel Hall Estate
"Mr Barton Fletcher Allen, who being sworn, stated that he had been a land agent and surveyor for more than 28 years in Preston, where he had resided for nearly 47 years."

There is an 1801 census for Preston which names head of the household and number of persons living there but no addresses. There are no entries for Allen, but this only means he was not a head of a household in Preston he might well have been lodging with someone. Then why were his first five children christened in Ringley and Ann appears to have been christened twice - in Preston and Ringley?

I have Baines Lancashire Directory for 1825 the entry for Barton is as follows
Allan B.F. corn merchant h1, Jordan Street
Corn and flour Dlrs.
Allan Barton Fletcher & co. 12 Lord Street.
So in 1825 he was definitely living at number 1 Jordan Street in Preston and carrying on a business in Lord Street.

In the 1841 census living in Jordan Street Preston were -
Joseph R. Allen 24 Civil Engineer
Alice Allen 20 Ind
Ann Allen 18 Ind
William Adam Allen 14
Charles T. Allen 12
Margaret 45 Ind
Margaret 55 F.S
Martha 20 F.S

The two Barton Fletcher Allens are missing.
I have also been unable to locate our Isaac Wilcockson.

What about the corn business?
Preston Chronicle Saturday March 16 1833
"The Partnership heretofore carried on at Preston by BARTON FLETCHER ALLEN and JOHN DAVIDSON, as Corn Dealers, under the firm of B.F. ALLEN & Co. and at Walton-le-Dale under the firm of 'John Davidson and Co' as Millers, was disolved on the 1st day of May, 1831 by mutual consent. It is requested that all persons in debebted to the partnership concern carried on at Preston will immediately pay their accounts to the said Barton Fletcher Allen who wil discharge any debts that may be owing from that concern, and all persons indebted to the concern at Walton-le-dale, are requested immediately to pay the same to the said John Davidosn, who will discharge any accounts that may be owing from the same concern -
Witness our hands this 8th January 1833
JOHN DAVIDSON
B.F.ALLEN
witness W. Ormerod Pilkington

In the Preston Chronicle Sat. July 2 1836 is mentioned
'Mr. Barton Fletcher Allen Land Surveyor'

According to the 1847 paper, Barton was a land agent from about 1819.
Preston Guardian etc. Sat. Aug 25 1849
Preston County Court
Right of Fishing in the River Ribble, At Ashton
'Mr. Barton Fletcher Allen, who said : I was formerly assistant agent for the property of the Hoghton family. I commenced my agency on the first of August 1800, and during that time I have seen the fisheries of Lea, Ashton, Ingol, and Cottam let. Mr Fletcher was the principle agent or steward of the property, and he let them.

From the National Archives
DDHO/41 Letter Elizabeth Harvey to Mr. B.F. Allen acknowledging receipt of £20 and referring to the death of Major General Hoghton. 23 Jun 1811
DDHO/411 Letter Eliz. Harvey, Nethersfield to Mr. B.F. Allen at Walton Hall acknowledging receipt of £10. 17 Nov 1810

also
QSP/2952/125 Amounderness Hundred
Bill of B.F.Allen and E.Elletson High Constables for census enumeration c.1831
QSP/2960/115
Account of payment of one year's salary to B.F.Allen High Constable of Amounderness Hundred c. 1832

Preston Chronicle Sat. Oct 10 1840
"Mr Barton F. Allen ably sustained the office of vice-chairman."
Annual Meeting of the Preston Agricultural society.

The Preston Guardian etc. Sat Oct 6 1849
Police cases during the week
NUISANCE- On Monday last, Mr. Barton Fletcher Allen was summoned as the agent of property for a nuisance at the Snuff Mill Dam, caused by a deposit of filth in the lodge there. The case was adjourned till Monday, to give time to abate the nuisance.

Sat. Dec 10 1853
Institution for the Diffusion of knowledge, Preston.
Exhibition of paintings and other works of Art 1854
The list of Patrons includes both Barton Fletcher Allen Esq. and Isaac Wilcockson Esq.

The last census we have for Barton is in 1861 when he is living at 24 West Cliff, Preston :
Barton F. Allen 77 landed proprietor born Prestwich
Alice Allen 42 born Preston
Margaret Roscoe 66 sister in law born Liverpool
Isabella Mcmillan cook
Susannah Dacre housemaid

Liverpool Mercury etc. Monday Nov 21 1864
Deaths
Allen- Nov 17 at West Cliffe, Preston in his 82nd year Barton Fletcher Allen, Esq. of The Shoretop in the Parish of Prestwich.
(Through google search have come up with two places which may or may not be of interest, Shore Top Farm, Kearsley Rd, Radcliffe and Outwood's Shoretop Reservoir.)

Barton was also mentioned in an article about the opening of the Preston and Wyre railway in 1840 which I have copied out in full later.

My Quaker day out.

Well - what a lovely mothers day present I had on the 18th April 2009. I went to the Quaker conference in Skipton and met Richard.

Firstly many thanks to Richard for passing on to me information about the Wilcocksons from Preston. Unfortunately we did not have enough time to properly talk and I as usual was unprepared and in (I can only excuse myself, too much excitement) awe. The first thing I should have told him about was this blog .......anyways I shall write to him and ask his permission to use the materials he gave me. He has already sent me an outline of the family tree which goes back much further than mine. He has visited many of the places relevant to the family. I also met Richard's wife Sheila. What lovely people. I am so happy with my growing family. Can you tell that I have not recovered from yesterday, sorry if I am not making much sense.

Anyway before I forget I shall record an account of my day.
............................................................................................
I should have realised early on that this was going to be a good day, a successful day.......I didn't sleep well and was up with the birds at 5.30 to blue skies. Despite my early rising we were on the last minute for departure and rushing to the end of the street saw the bus already at the bus stop. Poor Joseph, we legged it and luckily it was one of the nice bus drivers who waited for us. Then when we got into town we saw the free bus to take us up to Piccadilly, so we arrived in very good time. There was no que (haha Joseph's just made a joke....not Q from star trek, I asked him for the spelling) for tickets and Joseph saw on the departure board an earlier train to Leeds. We just had time to buy his railway magazines and the newspaper and the train arrived at the platform at the same time as us. It was nice and quiet. I was thinking good, we will have more of an allowance for late running trains and maybe get to Skipton even earlier than planned....(I am happy to say that all the trains we used ran to time). At Leeds we literally stepped off one train and on to another.

It must have meant to be, catching the earlier train that Joseph sat on the side to see Keighley and Worth station that soon after leaving Leeds stopped at a junction, Joseph saw a heritage diesel excursion train. The rest of the journey was spent discussing possibilities of this train. He was unlucky at Keighley there was no steam train in. So I said that we would wait at Skipton to see if the diesel train came through. Well we waited, and we waited. Anyone else would have given up but having just lately been on the Tin Bath excursion we were well aware that these trains are held at junctions sometimes for considerable periods of time......We saw the departure of the Bradford train and three trains to Leeds and were just on the point of saying we will have to go now when there was an announcement and just as they finished saying stand back from the edge on platform three it came thundering around the bend. Full speed. Rattling and rushing. Oh such a thrill. Joseph had his camera at the ready, I think his hands were shaking. It was passed in a moment. I was so pleased for Joseph. And do you know we were the only ones at Skipton and along the way we had seen no other enthusiasts out with cameras. Later when we got home Joseph looked it up on the internet and that train had come from Holyhead. I must say they had a lovely day for doing the Settle-Carlisle run.

Anyways, Joseph's good fortune did not end there for on the way to finding Skipton Meeting House what did mother see but one of her loves, a bargain book shop. We had to go in didn't we. Unfortunately I got nothing, but Joseph came out with two new books. They were study books, mind you, but he had seen them on the shelf whilst I had been looking for railway books or history books for me.

We found Skipton Meeting House hidden away from the general hustle and bustle of Skipton market day down a ginnel. Nestled behind protective stone walls the stillness and peacefulness of a beautiful pocket sized garden bathed in sunlight was a most attractive foreground to the stone meeting house. It was obviously a place looked after with much love. What was the picture like hundreds of years ago when the Friends came to meeting with long flowing dresses when inclement weather did not give such a warm welcome. You see I always think of questions to ask well after the event, I should have liked to have known how far they came to meetings here. Were they Skipton folk or travelled from roundabout? As you passed through the gate into this place of sanctuary the meeting house is on your left and to the right another building where there was a reception room, kitchen and toilets. It was here I met Richard. There was refreshments, and a book stall. There was 38 of us present, I know this because they gave us a sheet with the programme and a second sheet with a list of all those present - what a good idea. Everyone was very friendly and welcoming.

The actual talks took place inside the single storey Meeting House. Inside the floor was flagged and it was separated into two parts by a sort of wooden screen, we sat on one side in wooden bench like seats and at the rear was a raised section. The first talk was about the history of the Skipton meeting. When the Meeting House had been first built it had a thatched roof and the inside would have been open to the rafters. That certainly would have changed my fanciful flight into the past. Again challenging my preconceptions. At one time there was a Quaker school nearby and some of the boy pupils had carved their names or initials into the wooden seats at the back. At another time there had also been an adult Quaker school - I should have liked to know more about that.

The second and third talks were about personal family trees. There were several interesting points to me that came up. The difficulties of putting on family trees where cousins married cousins, I did like the method shown. Families are not neat little 2D packages that can easily be described in flat 'trees' but are vibrant living complexities. Lately I have been looking at Barton Wilcockson Allen for a possible connection, the best I have come up with is the possibility that there was a friendship or business connection between the Allens and Issac Wilcockson who had no children. How could this, or even should this be shown on a family tree. Were friendships, business associations just as important? This also has me thinking about the importance of a name. Also not to be afraid to come up with solutions that work for you. Mention was made of those trees which separate male and female issue. I must admit that I often get confused when trying to find my way round family trees. I am not even sure that having a standard format is helpful.
Another reassuring point was that there are many many questions to which we shall never find the answers because the records are just not there. We may come up with plausible answers but we must be prepared to accept that that is what they are.
That it seems common for people to have married more than once.
The last talk was about the early Friends in Dent. I found many interesting points in this talk too. (I have not come across any evidence to suggest that the Wilcocksons were amongst the early converts.) It would appear that George Fox was predisposed to travel to places where he might be favourably received because they were already areas open to liberal thought. That many of the early converts were people of modest means and people of standing in the local communities rather than ordinary working folk. That the original convert group in Dent consisted of 5-6 (goodness I have already forgotten, I know one was a youth) persons. That the early Quakers were drawn from rural rather than urban folk. That there came to be a change in attitude within the Quaker movement between the original convert generation and the next generation ie. intolerance to drink. Mr. Boulton made reference to the fact that many early converts were drawn from military men who had been part of Cromwell's Model Army because they were 'liberal' thinkers. I think another area of ignorance for myself. So then......
Who in the Wilcockson family was the first to convert to Quakerism?
How did they become converted?
More questions.
I shall just close and say we had an uneventful journey home albeit two tired travellers arrived at 7.20 pm. having returned via the long route to Manchester Victoria.