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

George Royle and the occupation of property in 1799. The discussed property, owned
by James’ father, William Harper, was possibly the forerunner of Rocksavage
(E/18/13) This remains significant when we note that John Royle Senior is also the
tenant farmer of land owned by George L. Ridehalgh Esq., namely Wellacre and Great
Wellacre, spelt ‘Willacre’ on the Tithe Apportionment Map of 1843. These fields are
opposite Rocksavage cottage, as was detailed in Royle, Booth and Walkden
Connections in 19 th and Early 20 th Century Flixton, Part One (Dickens. 2010 p. 113)
thus allowing John Royle Senior easy access to this large area of farmland, totalling
approximately 13 acres. According to the Census of 1851 (HO107 2218/397 No. 8)
which is also discussed in ‘Part Two,’ John Royle Senior is of Boat Lane, to the west of
Rocksavage and near the River Irwell. However, it is possible that his family
connection to the cottage dates from earlier than 1851 and he took the earliest possible
opportunity to occupy Rocksavage once the tenancy became available and the
adjoining land had been acquired. The earlier family connection becomes apparent with
the second marriage of John Royle Senior to Sarah Ann Aldred, in 1846, discussed in
more detail in ‘Part Two.’ Sarah Ann’s father is listed as George Royle, who is a
farmer, of Flixton and probably the George Royle named regarding the occupation of
William Harper’s property in 1799, detailed above and in ‘Part Six’ (E/18/13) There
were further family and trade ‘support mechanisms,’ with John Royle Senior’s sons,
John, a baker and James, a farmer, being perfectly placed to support one another
throughout their respective business processes - from provision of raw foodstuffs, to
retailing of finished products.
The Tithe Apportionment Book also lists other Royles as tenant farmers. John
Booth is the landowner, renting two houses and gardens to George Royle and John
Valentine. John Georges rents land to James Royle, who is probably John Royle
Senior’s future brother -in- law, his second marriage taking place in 1846, to Sarah
Ann Aldred, James Royle’s sister, as detailed in ‘Part Two.’ The land farmed by James
Royle is named as New Hey; Shawfield; Cow Hey; Oak Field; and a house, buildings
and orchard. Reference can be made here to a Grant and Confirmation of the 7 th
August 1863, which was noted in ‘Part Five’ and lists James Royle (E/SHAW/1/12)
These papers refer to the Shaw (sic) area of Flixton, with the listing of Shawfield
amongst the land farmed by James Royle confirming the location of this family at
Shaw (sic) later known as Shawe Town. The most significant rental, in terms of land
acreage, is from William Reed to George Royle and is land named as Donker’s Bridge;
Meadow; House, buildings and garden; Near Lime Kiln Acre; Pit Field; Near
Whiteleach; Further Whiteleach; and Great Whiteleach . He is also named on the 1850
list of Principal Landowners and Farmers (Langton. 1898 pp.142 - 149). These land
acquisitions, as an adjunct to business and trade dealings, are supplemented by the
earlier Survey and Measurement of the Township of Flixton, of 1818, detailed in ‘Part
Seven.’ These provided the foundation for the expansion of economic activity
throughout the 19 th century and well into the 20 th century.
The death of John Henry Royle occurred in 1937 and that of William Royle in
1939. William is buried at St. Michael’s Parish Church, Flixton, with Greater
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