The Roles of William and John Henry Royle in the Development of ...

significant when we remember that both John Royle Senior and Junior’s brothers were
named James and Joseph and that their father and grandfather were named Job, which
meant that John Royle Junior’s and Peter Royle’s common ancestors were their
grandparents, James and Elizabeth Royle, making them cousins. This example shows
the strength of the family link to business in a small rural community.
Crossland (1983) gives some interesting detail on this branch of the family, naming
their residence as Smithy Brow Farm, on Higher Road and opposite St. Clements
Church of England School, which from 1994 became a modern housing estate around
St. Clements Fold and Sumner Avenue. The farm at one time was called Coupe’s Farm
and was also occupied by Thomas Royle, a Chief Constable of Urmston and a relative
of Thomas Coupe, the owner. Peter’s occupation of Smithy Brow Farm by the time of
the 1881 Census shows that the farm had passed to him from his father, Thomas. The
Royles of Urmston have been resident in the area for hundreds of years. Another
Thomas Royle married Ellen Higginson of Greenfield House and they obtained, in
1867, a Royal Licence, meaning they could use the name Royle - Higginson. Their
monumental inscription can also be found on the east side of the old churchyard, close
to the middle entrance gate, at St. Michael’s Parish Church. There is also some detail
on their place of residence at the time of their death. It reads thus,
“In Memory. Thomas Royle, Hollin Pit Farm, Urmston, Yeoman, Who Died
October 2 nd 1892, Aged 60 Years. At Rest. Also Ellen Royle Higginson Wife Of The
Above Who Died September17 th 1908, Aged 75 Years.”
The burial of Urmston residents at Flixton, before 1868 and the consecration of St.
Clements church, prompted Lawson (1898 pp.94 - 95) to write that frequent changes of
pall bearers were a necessity at funerals, due to the walking distance covered from
Urmston to St. Michael’s churchyard, at Flixton. Although the Royle - Higginson
family would doubtless have been able to utilise their own transport for such an event.
Lawson mentions other Lancashire funeral rituals, such as the ‘capping’ of the Passing
or Soul Bell at the death of a resident, signifying the departure of the soul. Often sprigs
of Rosemary were worn by mourners, to be thrown into the grave, or retained and
planted in the owner’s garden, signifying remembrance. Robert Langton (see also ‘Part
Seven’ ) the father of local historian D. H. Langton, in his memorial letter, written by
John Mortimer (Manchester Literary Club Transactions. Vol. 27 1901 pp. 2 - 12) had
written on his death that, “…a spray of rosemary laid upon a grave, have been set
down in memory of that delightful fragrance which was once from his mild manners
quietly exhaled.” Bread was also specially baked at such occasions, to be distributed to
heads of visiting households, as a mark of respect. It is likely that the Royle Higginsons
were aware of these rituals. There is also a headstone dedicated to the children of
Thomas and Ellen Royle Higginson, which is again on the east side of the old
churchyard, close to the middle entrance gate and reads thus,
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