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

manifested through the ownership of the local bakery, an important focal point in a
village community, where villagers would use the communal oven in order to cook
their Sunday meal; or in terms of the holding of influential positions in the local
community, leading to prestige and economic advancement, we can see their influence
upon Flixton Village. Influence which we can still trace into the first decade of the 21 st
century.
There were other influential and trade - active Royles, who can be traced as far back
as the 18 th century. At least eight George Royles were baptised at Flixton throughout
the 18 th century and Lawson (1898 p.43) in his listing of the Churchwarden’s Accounts,
dated 1708, includes the following, “Paid to George Royle for making ye wheel £00 7s
3d.” Greater Manchester County Record Office have a Certificate of Contract for the
redemption of Land Tax for William Harper, the proprietor of property in Flixton,
occupied by George Royle and dated 11 th May 1799 (E/18/13) Landed and property
interests for both the Harper and Fielden families were concentrated at the Green Lane
side of the Woodsend Road junction with the Red Lion Inn, at Three Lane Ends,
looking west towards the River Irwell. The discussed property was probably the
forerunner of Rocksavage, built in 1807 and occupied by the Royles from the 1850s,
until the death of John Henry Royle in 1937. Royle influence regarding this property,
George Royle and extended family is further discussed in parts ‘One,’ ‘Two’ and
‘Eight.’ John Royle Senior and his second marriage to Sarah Ann Aldred, in 1846, is of
significance, as Sarah Ann’s father is George Royle, a farmer, of Flixton and probably
the George Royle occupying William Harper’s property in 1799. Therefore, John Royle
Senior has inherited the property, probably on the death of George Royle, of which
there are two registered at Chorlton, in 1848. He can then use it to his advantage in
conjunction with land ownership in the vicinity, as detailed in the Tithe Apportionment
Book for Flixton of 1842, discussed in ‘Part Eight.’ On the 9 th December 1807 the
death of Mary Harper, widow, aged 83 is recorded at Flixton and in the following year
the death of William Harper, on the 14 th September 1808, is recorded, also at Flixton.
Finally, on the 24 th September 1808, there is both the receipt and discharge on an
account of personal estate of William Harper, of Flixton, Yeoman, deceased (E/18/14)
and probate on his will (E/18/15) William Harper was born on the 12 th June 1730 and
baptised on the 21 st June 1730, at Flixton, to James Harper. He was married at Flixton,
to Ellen Barlow, on the 3 rd August 1773.Their son, James Harper, was baptised at
Flixton on the 21 st August 1774. He is listed as the owner of land on The Survey and
Measurement of the Township of Flixton, of 1818. There is also a Jonathan Harpur (sic)
noted as an occupier (Langton. 1898 pp. 142 - 149) The dates 1807 - 08 are
coincidental with both the construction of Rocksavage and the occupation of George
Royle. There is a headstone dedicated to the Harper family, on the north side of St.
Michael’s churchyard, which reads,
“To The Memory of Thomas Harper Clerk and Sexton of this Church 43 Years. He
died May 16 th 1852 Aged 73. Rachel Wife of Thomas Harper who died Janry 20 th 1847
aged 69 Years. Also Rachel their Daughter who died Augst 23 rd 1846 aged 28 Years.
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