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

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Ann Daughter of Thomas and Rachel Harper who died Young. Sarah Twentyman Late
of Maryport in Cumberland who died 11 th July 1833 in the 28 th Year of her age. She
liv’d belov’d and died lamented. Also Eliza their Daughter Wife of Richard Rylance
who died Augst. 9 th 1848 aged 27 Years. Also William Barlow who Died February
1856 Aged 7 Years. Also Ann Daughter of Thomas and Jane Harper Who Died April
3 rd 1856 Aged 8 Months. Also Elizabeth Their Daughter Who Died October 23 rd 1870
Aged 11 Years. Also Rachel Their Daughter Who Died April 1 st 1874 Aged 5 Years.”
Lawson (1898 p.71) records the Churchwarden’s Accounts for Flixton Workhouse
of the 3 rd October 1836, with “James Harper making out rate book at 1d in the pound.
10s.” He also lists the names of the Flixton Society of Change Ringers for the 31 st
March 1861, to include William Harper, Thomas Harper and George Barlow, with the
Tenor being James Royle (1898 p.30) and we can again study the Survey and
Measurement of the Township of Flixton, of 1818 (Langton. 1898 pp. 142 - 149) Here
we have land owned by the executors of Joseph Wood and occupied by George Royle,
with an area of 5 acres and 31 perches and a value of £25. 0s. 5d. By 1850 the list of
principal landowners and farmers is much reduced, as the long - term effects of
enclosure and urbanisation begins to pressurise traditional land usage. However, the list
includes land owned by the Reverend William Read and occupied by George Royle,
with an area of “11 Statute Acres,” at £37 rent. There is also land owned by the trustees
of the Reverend Madan and occupied by George Royle, with an area of “36 Statute
Acres,” at £98 rent.
Flixton’s Parish Registers record a George and Betty Royle, of Flixton; George and
Ann Royle, of Stretford; George Royle of Barton; and George Royle, Senior, of
Urmston. On the east side of St. Michael’s churchyard there is a memorial to George
Royle and family, originally of Urmston, which reads,
“ In loving memory of George Royle died December 4 th 1936, Aged 74 years. “For
Ever with the Lord.” Also Emily his dear wife, died June 30 th 1951, Aged 87 years.
Reunited. Lance Cpl. William Royle (Willie) 8 th Gloucester Regiment, second son of
George and Emily Royle, who died of wounds received in action June 14 th 1918, aged
26 years, and was buried at Sezanne France. “Greater love hath no man than this:
That a man lay down his life for his friends.” Also Arthur, their third son who died
August 12 th 1898, aged 3 years and 11 months. “ For of such is the Kingdom of
Heaven.” Also George Hazlehurst, who died Nov. 20 th 1891, Aged 54 years. “In the
midst of life we are in death.”
George Royle was born in the December quarter of 1864 and married Emily Smith
in the June quarter of 1889, both registered at Barton - Upon - Irwell. He can be found
on the 1881 Census (RG11 3889/46 No.27) where Mary Gilbody is the head of the
household and a widow, aged 80, of Flixton. James Royle is her son - in law, married
and aged 46, a labourer of Flixton. He is with his wife, Alice Royle, Mary’s daughter.
She is aged 50 and of Urmston. Their children are George, who is single, aged 16 and a