Skipton tree – generation 5
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Jane 1794-1810	Full name:	Jane Capsticks (or Coupsticks)
	Born:	9 Feb 1794
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
	Occupation:
	Resident in:	Skipton
	Father:	William 1744-1819
	Additional:	Illegimate daughter of Martha (Matty) Capsticks (1771-1816) and William Birtwhistle. Christened at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, on 2 Mar 1796. Died October 1810, aged 16, in Skipton (cause recorded as ‘consumption’). Buried in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton on 16 Oct 1810.
Ann 1796-1823	Full name:	Ann Capsticks (or Coupsticks)
	Born:	2 Jan 1796 in Skipton
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:
	Resident in:	Skipton
	Father:	William 1744-1819
	Additional:	Illegimate daughter of Martha (Matty) Capsticks (1771-1816) and William Birtwhistle. Christened at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, on 7 Feb 1796. Was a named beneficiary in her father William’s will. Died December 1823 in Skipton . Buried in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton on 2 Jan 1824.
Jane 1788-	Full name:	Jane Smith (Birtwhistle) (photograph)
	Born:	1788 in Carleton-in-Craven, Skipton
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:	‘Independent means’
	Resident in:	Skipton
	Father:	William 1744-1819
	Additional:	Illegitimate daughter of William Birtwhistle and Susan Smith. Christened 6 Jul 1788 in St Marys Church, Carleton-in-Craven. Recorded in 1841, 1851 & 1861 census at 6, High St., Skipton as ‘head of household’ – in 1861 together with her half-bother Col. John (Dickson) Birtwhistle.
John 1791-1867	Full name:	John (Dickson) Birtwhistle (photograph)
	Born:	13 Jan, 1791 in Kirkcudbright
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:	Army Officer primarily with 32^rd ‘Cornwall’ Regiment of Foot
	Resident in:	Gatehouse of Fleet, Skipton, Edinburgh and Cheltenham
	Father:	William 1744-1819
	Additional:	Illegitimate son of William Birtwhistle and Margaret Dickson who served the majority of his career as an officer in 32^rd ‘Cornwall’ Regiment of Foot with whom he served in the Peninsular Wars and at Waterloo (Waterloo medal awarded). Subsequent service with the 32^nd Regiment included Ionian Islands (1817-1825), Ireland (1827-1830) and Canada (1830-1841). Having been slightly wounded on 16^th June 1815 at Quatre Bras, he was severely wounded in the main battle at Waterloo on 18^th June 1815 whilst carrying the Regimental Colours of the 32^nd Foot into the conflict (an event captured in the painting “Saving the Kings Colour of the 32nd During the Battle of Waterloo - A French Officer attempts to seize the Colour but was instantly run through by Sgt. Switzers Pike and also by the sword of Ensign Birtwhistle” - by the war artist Richard Simkin ). He was commissioned (without purchase) as Ensign with 32^rd ‘Cornwall’ Regiment of Light Infantry on 14 April 1813 and served in the last month (April 1814) of the Peninsula War. Promoted Lieutenant on 14 January 1819 and Captain on 13 May 1824. For most of their service in the Ionian Islands (1817-1825) the 32^nd were headquartered at Citadel Barracks in Corfu with the exception of a short period in 1821 when in Caphalonia. After their return to England in Sept 1825 they were initially based in Devonport and Plymouth before being deployed in July 1826 to Yorkshire (Halifax) and Lancashire (Manchester). From Jan 1827 to May 1830 the 32^nd were deployed in Ireland, initially Dublin and then to Limerick, followed by Kilkenny and then, for a final 12 months, back to Dublin – based this time at the Richmond Barracks. In June 1830 the 32^nd Regiment embarked from Dublin for Canada where they arrived in July 1830 and were garrisoned at Quebec for the period 1830-1837 before redeployment to Montreal in response to the outbreak of the Canadian “Papinean” Rebellion in 1837. For the period 1838-1841 the Regiment was variously headquartered in Kingston, Toronto, New London and Montreal. In Jul 1841 they were brought back from Toronto to Quebec from where they re-embarked for Plymouth, arriving Sept 1841 In June 1837, presumably following a period of home leave, the then Captain Birtwhistle sailed with the 32^nd Regiment from Plymouth, bound for Quebec, on barque HMS Rajah in charge of 100+ recruits. In March 1838 he is recorded as successfully commanding the main body of the 32^nd Regiment against a well armed body of American “brigands” who had landed but were then forced to retreat on a British Island at the head of Lake Erie Promotion to Brevet-Major was on 28 June 1838 and to Regimental Major on 19 January 1839. Following 28 years of Service with 32^nd Regiment he was, in March 1841, placed on ‘half-pension’. Although the illegitimate son of William 1743-1819 , he did inherit William’s properties in Scotland (1/2 share of Gatehouse of Fleet cotton mills Gatehouse property & 1/3 share of Dundeuch (parish of Carsphairn)), in trust, for the remainder of his life. – ref letter dated 27 Feb 1839 from his Gatehouse of Fleet ‘agents’ to Major John Birtwhistle, 32^nd regiment, Skipton. In the 1851 census in Scotland he was recorded as being a visitor in the household of his cousin (and brother-in-law) John Birtwhistle - Cargen House, Troqueer, Dumfries. His occupation described as Military Major (half-pay). In Nov 1851 he became Lieutenant-Colonel and on 17 July 1857 he was appointed Colonel (unattached) –-ref Harts Army List 1858. On 6 Sept 1856 he is recorded as a witness at the marriage in Kirkcudbright of Anna Jane Niven Kissock (elder daughter of his cousin Jane Birtwhistle Kissock). Records show that he also maintained close contact with his mother Margaret Dickson (who remained living in Kirkcudbright and married Peter Morrison), his half-bothers William & Andrew Morrison and half-sister Elizabeth (Morrison) Rain. (Note- Elizabeth’s son was christened John Birtwhistle Rain). He was recorded in 1861 census as residing at 6, High St., Skipton, in the house of his half-sister Jane Smith as ‘Col John Birtwhistle’ and was subsequently commissioned Major-General in August 1865. He continued to visit Gatehouse of Fleet and retain links with the family in Skipton (ref letter dated 29^th June 1862 to the daughter of a cousin in Skipton) through to his death on 6th October 1867 at the residence of his cousin John Birtwhistle (Beaufort Villas, Cheltenham). He was buried at Cheltenham Borough Cemetery, Gloucestershire with the inscription - "Sacred to the memory of Major General John Birtwhistle, late of HM 32nd Light Infantry, who died October 6th 1867 aged 75. The Memory of the Just is Blessed " Note: Also buried in the same vault at Cheltenham Borough Cemetery is John Birtwhistle (1799-1869); Martha-Maria Birtwhistle (1801-1872); and Maria Anne Birtwhistle (1824-1875).
Martha c1801-1872	Full name:	Martha Maria (nee Capsticks) Birtwhistle (photograph)
	Born:	22 June 1801
	Married:	John Birtwhistle (1799-1869) in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton on 17 Sept 1818
back	Occupation:	-
	Resident in:	Gatehouse of Fleet; Skipton; Avranches dep. La Manche; Dumfries; Cheltenham
	Father:	William 1744-1819
	Additional:	Illegitimate daughter of Martha Capsticks (1771-1816) and William Birtwhistle. Christened at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, on 9 Aug 1801. Married her cousin John Birtwhistle (from Gatehouse of Fleet) and evidently travelled widely, as her 3 daughters Anne Maria, Adelaide and Agnes are recorded as born in Edinburgh, Paris and St Helier, respectively. She also had 3 sons Alexander (Naval officer), William and John (Army officers). In the 1851 census in Scotland was recorded as being resident together with husband and 3 daughters and half-brother (John Dixon Birtwhistle) at Cargen House, Troqueer, Dumfries. At the wedding of her 2^nd daughter Adelaide, on 4 Sept 1855 was recorded as living at Beaufort Villas, Cheltenham – an address she is also found at in the English census of 1861, together with husband John, son John and daughters Maria Ann & Agnes Augusta. Died at Cheltenham 14 May 1872 and was buried 21 May 1872 in a family vault at Cheltenham Borough Cemetery together with husband John Birtwhistle (1799-1869); eldest daughter Maria Anne Birtwhistle (1824-1875); and half-brother Maj Gen John Birtwhistle (1791-1867). A brass plaque below one of the stained glass windows in the North Aisle of Holy Trinity Church, Skipton, is inscribed:- “To the glory of God and in loving remembrance of Martha Maria, relict of John Birtwhistle, of Dundeuch and Barharrow, this window is erected by her surviving children. She died at Cheltenham, 14^th May, 1872.” (note: the neighbouring stained glass window is in memory of her husband John).
(daughter)	Full name:	Not known
	Born:
	Married:
back	Occupation:
	Resident in:
	Father:	John 1746-1792
	Additional:
Jane 1790-1858	Full name:	Jane (Birtwhistle) Kissock
	Born:	28 Oct 1790 in Kirkcudbright
	Married:	David Kissock (1791-1841)
back	Occupation:	Innkeeper
	Resident in:	Kirkcudbright
	Father:	Alexander 1750-1810
	Additional:	Illegimate daughter of Alexander Birtwhistle and Jean Dickson. Together with David had three daughters: - Agnes Jane Vardill Niven Kissock, born Kirkcudbright 6 Oct 1826; - Anna Jane Niven Kissock, born Kirkcudbright 18 Aug 1828; - Ellen Margaret Kissock, born Kirkcudbright 3 Nov 1830. In Scottish census of 1841 was recorded as living in St Cuthbert Street, Kirkcudbright together with her 3 daughters. Died Kirkcudbright 24 Dec 1858. Cause of death – ‘Dropsy’. Widow at time of death. (see below for additional details re children). Ref: David Kissock Date of birth not known but probably circa 1780. He was the son of John Kissock (1753-1829) and Helen Cairns of Sillerhill, Kirkcudbright. In 1827 he is recorded in Pigot’s Directory to be running the Golloway Arms Inn, St. cuthberts Street, Kirkcudbright. Died 1840 in Kirkcudbright – following which his wife, Jane Kissock, took over responsibility for the running of the Galloway Arms Inn - ref announcement in Dumfries Times dated 28 July 1840 stating: MRS KISSOCK Widow of the late Mr David Kissock of the GALLOWAY ARMS INN, KIRKCUDBRIGHT Begs respectfully to intimate to her Customers and the Public that she intends to continue the above Establishment. Mrs Kissock in thus advertising her intention, begs at sametime to assure those who may honour her with their favour, that her utmost exertions will be used for their comfort, in order to obtain and secure to her the patronage of the Public, and of those who supported her late husband. Note: by 1852 it would appear that Jane Kissock had also taken over the larger Commercial Inn in St. Cuthberts Street and combined this with the Galloways Arms into a single, even larger, Commercial Inn. Ref: Agnes Jane Vardill Niven Kissock In 1861 census through to her death recorded as living in Commercial Hotel, St Cuthbert St, Kirkcudbright – her mother’s business until her death in 1858. Also recorded there in 1861 census are nieces Jane, Ellen & Isobelle, the 3 eldest children of her sister Anna Jane. Died 9 February 1893 in St Cuthbert St., Kirkcudbright. Cause of death – carcinoma of breast. Present at her death was niece Agnes Jane Candlish. Ref: Anna Jane Niven Kissock Married Alexander Candlish in Kirkcudbright on 6 Sept 1856 before moving south to England, initially to London, then Hereford, Berkshire and finally Leicester. Census returns record: · 1861 – Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford; · 1871 – 5, Shriven Road, Faringdon, Berkshire; · 1881 – 22, Welland St., Leicester; · 1891, 1901 & 1911 – 9 St Saviours Hill, Leicester. Note 1 – 1861 census Alexander described as “Land Steward of 400 acres”; Note 2 – 1871 census Alexander described as “Unemployed Land Agent”. In addition their 3 eldest children (Jane, Ellen & Isobelle) are recording staying with their Aunt Agnes Jane at Commercial Hotel in Kirkcudbright. Alexander Candlish died in Leicester 10 July 1872, described as a “Cattle Dealer”. Following his death Anna Jane remained in Leicester becoming an established and valued member of the local community until her deathin 1917 (see extract from St Stephens Presbyterian Magazine – March 1917). Anna Jane and Alexander had six children: · Jane – born 1858 St James’, London. In 1907 travelled to USA and married a Mr Ferguson, 2018 Louisiana St., Little Rock, Arkansas. · Ellen – born 1860 Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. Died 1912, Leicester. No record of marriage or children. · Isobelle – born 1861 Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. Died 1915, Leicester. No record of marriage or children. · Alexander – born 1863 Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. Married Ada Timson (18xx). Died Leicester Jan 1944. Descendants of this family still live in the Leicester area. · Agnes Jane – born 1864 Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. Died 1938 in Portishead, North Somerset. Occupation – Teacher. Travelled annually to Gibraltar in 1920’s (presumably to visit youngest sister, Anna Jane). No record of marriage or children. · Anna Jane – born 1865 Marston Court, Pembridge, Hereford. Occupation – Teacher, in Leicester & Market Harborough. Married Edward Martin from Ansty (18xx), another teacher, with whom she had a son Edward. She subsequently appears to have moved to live in Gibraltar. (Edward jnr also recorded as being at his Aunt Agnes Jane’s funeral in 1838). Ref: Ellen Margaret Kissock Married David Houston (Master Mariner, from Liverpool) at St Philips Church, Liverpool, on 24 Sept 1857. On 20 April 1859 Ellen, David and their only son (also David) were all drowned at sea when “The Lady Head”, a ship of 850 tons with 26 crew, was shipwrecked off the coast of South Africa en route from Rangoon to Liverpool (see extract from Liverpool Mercury & Dumfries Courier).
Elizabeth 1797-1843	Full name:	Elizabeth (Birtwhistle) Heywood
	Born:	25 May 1797 Gatehouse of Fleet (Girthon), Kirkcudbright
	Married:	John Joseph Heywood (1789-1855) on 4 March 1822 in Douglas, Isle of Man
back	Occupation:
	Resident in:	Gatehouse of Fleet and Conchan, Douglas, Isle of Man
	Father:	Alexander 1750-1810
	Additional:	Died 1843 and buried at Conchan. Only daughter (Eliza Mary) married Rev CT Pratt. Ref: John Joseph Heywood A member of a long-established manx family, John Joseph Heywood (born 1789, died 1855) was proprietor of Bemahague and "one of her Majesty's Deemsters for this Island, the duties of which important trust he discharged with uprightness and ability for the lengthened period of 33* years." He was married twice: first to Elinor Rowan (born 1791, died 1820, buried at Conchan) and subsequently to Elizabeth Birtwhistle. *J.J. Heywood was 2^nd Deemster from 1821 to 1847; 1^st Deemster from 1847 to 1855. Note: A Deemster was a High Court Judge in the Isle of Man, of which there are a maximum 3 at any one time. Until 1965 both 2^nd and 1^st Deemsters had a seat in the legislative council of the Isle of Man. 1^st Deemster is also deputy Lieutenant Governor of Isle of Man.
John 1799-1869	Full name:	John (Purdie) Birtwhistle (photograph)
	Born:	1799 in parish of Rerrick, Kirkcudbright
	Married:	Martha Maria Capsticks (1801-1872) on 17 Sept 1818 in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton
back	Occupation:	Landowner, Millowner and “Gentleman”
	Resident in:	Gatehouse of Fleet; Skipton; Avranches dep. La Manche; Dumfries; Cheltenham
	Father:	Alexander 1750-1810
	Additional:	Born in the village of Netherlaw (parish of Rerrick) in 1799, close to the Balmae estate – prior to the ‘public’ marriage between his father Alexander and his mother Mary Purdy in 1805. Was brought up in Gatehouse of Fleet and on the death of his father Alexander in 1810 inherited his father’s properties and businesses in Scotland (Barharrow, 1/3 share of Dundeuch (parish of Carsphairn), residence plus 1/2 share of the two Gatehouse of Fleet cotton mills) – Note: Alexander’s share of the family’s English properties were subsequently in dispute and resulted in a major court case between John and his aunt Agnes Vardill (nee Birtwhistle). In 1817 he was commissioned as a Lieutenant in the Craven Yeomanry Cavalry. He was subsequently promoted Captain and became the Commanding Officer. He was also presented with a memorial Silver Cup inscribed as follows: CRAVEN YEOMANRY CAVALRY Presented to CAPTAIN BIRTWHISTLE By the non-commissioned Officers& Privates of the Skipton Troop as a Token of the high Esteem in which he is held by them as their commanding officer Note: It is not recorded when this cup was presented but was presumably prior to John & Martha Maria’s return to Scotland in c.1824. In 1818 he married his cousin Martha Maria Capsticks, the illegitimate daughter of his uncle William Birtwhistle (1743-1819), in Skipton and after this was reported to be resident in Beamsley Hall, 6 miles east of Skipton – living the life of a ‘gentleman’. In 1823 and then in 1825 he took up a legal claim for his father’s share of the family’s properties in England (valued at £1200-£1400 p.a.) against his aunt Agnes, who on the death on her brother William in 1819 had assumed title to these. In both 1823 & 1825 juries found against John on the basis of English law – where an illegitimate son does not inherit his father’s estate in England (contrary to the law in Scotland where this is the case). Ultimately this court case was appealed to the House of Lords in 1830 where after lengthy consideration the decision was reversed, in favour of John, and then finally ratified in 1840 - on the basis that since Alexander had been domiciled in Scotland for a long time and John was born in Scotland, then Scottish law should prevail over English law in respect of both Scottish and English properties. Following this legal victory, John erected a memorial in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton to his grandfather and all immediate family members except Agnes. During the period 1825 – 1850 John and his family appear to have regularly moved between a number of residences in England, Scotland and France. This is reflected by their seven children being variously born in Skipton, Gatehouse of Fleet, Edinburgh, London, Paris and St Heliers (Jersey). However he was also appointed a Justice of the Peace and a deputy Lieutenant of the Stewardry of Kirkcudbright. In the 1851 census in Scotland was recorded as being resident together with wife and 3 daughters plus cousin (John Dickson Birtwhistle) at Cargen House, Troqueer, Dumfries. In 1855 at the time of the wedding of his 2^nd daughter Adelaide he is recorded as living at Beaufort Villas, Cheltenham – an address he is also found at in the English census of 1861, together with wife, son John and daughters Maria Ann and Agnes Augusta. Family photograph albums from 1860’s reflect that he maintained contact with his relatives in both Skipton and Beverley through to his death at 3, Beaufort Villas, Cheltenham on 4 Dec 1869. John was buried on 14 Dec 1869 in a family vault at Cheltenham Borough Cemetery alongside cousin Maj Gen John Birtwhistle (1791-1867) and subsequently together with wife Martha-Maria Birtwhistle (1801-1872); and eldest daughter Maria Anne Birtwhistle (1824-1875). A memorial stain glass window in the north aisle of Holy Trinity Church, Skipton was executed in 1870. It is of English make and approx 7 ft high by 4 ft wide – the chief feature of the design being a full length painting of St. John who is surrounded by several smaller figures, represented as performing acts of mercy. At the foot of the window is a brass plate on which is the inscription:- “To the glory of God, and in memory of John Birtwhistle of Dundeuch and Barharrow, this window is erected by his widow. He was a justice of the peace and deputy lieutenant of the stewardry of kirkcudbright, and died in Cheltenham, Decr 4^th, 1869.” Note1: - the above memorial window remains in Holy Trinity Church but cannot now be viewed from inside the church as the Church Organ was placed in front of it when this was relocated in 1970; Note2:- during his life John was also responsible for placing several other family memorials in Holy Trinity including one to his grandfather John Birtwhistle (1714-1787) and his eldest son Alexander (1823-1855).
Anna Jane 1781-1852	Full name:	Anna Jane (Vardill) Niven (miniature)
	Born:	19 Nov 1781 in Marylebone, London
	Married:	James Niven (1769-1830) on 19 May 1822 at Marylebone Church
back	Occupation:	Writer and poet
	Resident in:	Marylebone, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcudbright, Woolwich and Skipton
	Mother:	Agnes Birtwhistle 1752-1826
	Additional:	Only daughter of John and Agnes Vardill, born Nov 19, 1781 at John Vardill’s house 30, Clipstone St., Portland Place, Marylebone, London. Spent the majority of her childhood in Gatehouse of Fleet before returning to London in c1798. A child prodigy who became a prolific writer, poet and contributor to the European magazine during the period 1809-1822 under the pseudonym ‘V’ or ‘AJV’, and moved in the highest literary and social circles in London – her supporters including both George Prince of Wales (later George IV) and Charlotte Princess of Wales (miniature). Her most significant publications included: · Poems and Translations from the Minor Greek Poets and others: written chiefly between the Ages of Ten and Sixteen, by a Lady (1809); · The Pleasures of Human Life: A Poem. (1812); In the period 1809-1822 the European Magazine published more than 200 contributions, comprising both poetry and ‘literary tales’. Married James Niven of Kirkcudbight (1769-1830) by special license at Marylebone Church on 19 May, 1822 and returned to New Galloway. Following the death of her husband, left Kirkcudbright with her daughter Agnes in 1830 and after short visits to Skipton and London, is recorded on Aug 23^rd 1840 as settled at Woolwich Common as boarders with the Miss Winters. Soon after this she and her daughter moved back to Skipton. And is recorded in censuses of 1841 & 1851 living, as a lady of independent means, in the house of the King family in Mill Bridge St., Skipton. She is also reported to have left behind her in manuscript a diary extending from November 1837, to September 1848. It apparently consists almost exclusively of accounts and of memoranda as to her property. The entries show, however, that during her widowhood she made some tours at home and abroad. Hastings, the Lake District, Buxton, Bristol, Oxford, Stratford-on-Avon, Bath are mentioned, and in 1843 she visited France and Italy. Milan, Parma, Modena, Florence, Rome, Naples, and Turin are amongst the places mentioned in this journal, which extended over ten months. She was again in France in 1845 and in 1847, when she also visited Scotland. She died in Skipton on June 4, 1852 and is remembered in a memorial erected in Carlton Church, Nr Skipton, by her daughter Agnes. Note: most of AJV’s literary works have now been made readily available via ‘The Vardill Society’ website www.vardill.org Re Agnes Vardill Niven (1825- 1872) Only daughter of Anna Jane Vardill, born at Kirkcudbright Jan 22, 1825. (James Niven appears to have had 6 children by previous marriage / relationships – William, Mary, Anne & James (by 1^st wife Margaret Blair Prince) plus David & Elizabeth.) Left Kirkcudbright with her mother in 1830 and after short visits to Skipton and London, is recorded on Aug 23^rd 1840 as settled at Woolwich Common on Aug 23^rd 1840 as boarders with the Miss Winters. Soon after this she moved back to Skipton and is recorded, along with her mother, in the 1841 census as living with the King family in Mill Bridge St., Skipton. In the 1851 census she is recorded as being ‘head of household’ and ‘landed Proprietoress’ at 5 Dowry Parade, Clifton, Bristol. At the time of the census she has a visitor, Martha King, a member of the King family (from Skipton) of the same age as herself (25 yrs) with whom she and her mother were lodging at the 1841 census. A record in the National Archives subsequently records: 1855 Draft conveyance of property in Carlton from Rev Henry Currer Wilson and Mathew Wilson to Agnes Vardill Niven of Skipton. In the 1871 census is recorded as a visitor, again in the King household in Mill Bridge St., Skipton. In 1872 she made a major endowment to the Carleton Almshouse (now named Spence’s Court) in memory of her mother Anna Jane Niven and her maternal grandmother Agnes (Birtwhistle) Vardill. She died in Skipton on 7 Oct, 1872.
John 1802-1879	Full name:	Rev. John Burton Birtwhistle (portrait) (family group) (photo)
	Born:	10 Oct 1802 in Long Preston (Crake Moor)
	Married:	Agnes Tennant (1803-1882) on 10 May 1832 at Long Preston.
back	Occupation:	Clergyman
	Resident in:	Crake Moor Farm (Long Preston/Kirkby Malham); Rylstone; Richmond (Yorks); Beverley.
	Father:	Robert 1758-1815
	Additional:	Christened on 16 Jan 1803 at St Marys Church, Long Preston. Educated at Glasgow University and Lincoln College, Oxford (BA – 1825, MA – 1826). Ordained deacon 1826 and then priest in 1827. Appointed curate at Rylstone and Burnsall, near Skipton, in 1826 and in 1832 moved to Richmond (Yorks) to become Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Church. Appointed incumbent curate of Beverley Minster in 1844 and subsequently (on the death of the Vicar of St Marys, Beverley) was appointed surrogate for the district and Vicar of Beverley Minster. (ref map) Having inherited his father’s 1/3 share of properties in Scotland (e.g. Dundeugh, Cotton Mills etc), he was primarily responsible for ‘disentangling’ the finances of these in conjunction with the other shareholders (his cousins John Purdie Birtwhistle and John Dickson Birtwhistle). On the 22^nd anniversary of his residence in Beverley (15 June 1866), a special silver salver was presented with the inscription: “Presented to The Reverend John Burton Birtwhistle MA, together with a purse of 200 guineas, by 600 of his parishioners and friends, in recognition of his high character, and in grateful acknowledgement of the faithful and efficient fulfillment of his duties as the perpetual incumbent curate of Beverley Minster, in establishing schools for the education of the poor, and voluntarily providing additional Services during the last 22 years.” On 10 Dec 1867 was made a ‘Canon of York’ and appointed to the prebendal stall of Biliton in that cathedral. Died Beverley Sept 1879 – the history of Beverley states: On the 17th September, 1879, Canon Birtwhistle died, aged 76; he had been 35 years perpetual incumbent of Beverley Minster, a fearlessly outspoken man, and connected with nearly every good work in the town. A year or two later a fine brass lectern was placed in the minster in his memory, and, to quote from a pamphlet on the church, by Dr. Stephenson, "as a token of the regard which his pure life and kindly heart inspired in all who knew him." (lectern photo) Re Agnes Tennant (photo) Born 1 Nov 1802 at Riddings, Hellifield, Nr Long Preston. Christened 25 Dec 1802 at St Marys Church, Long Preston. Parents: John Tennant & Margaret (nee Wilkinson) Following the death of John Burton Birtwhistle she moved back to Skipton, from Beverley, to live with her sons William and Alfred at 12 Swadford St., Skipton. She died in Skipton, Sept 1882.
Robert 1806-1894	Full name:	Robert Burton Birtwhistle (photograph)
	Born:	31 Mar 1806 in Kirkby Malham (?Crake Moor)
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:	Solicitor and Farmer
	Resident in:	Crake Moor (Long Preston/Kirkby Malham) and Skipton
	Father:	Robert 1758-1815
	Additional:	Christened 8 Sept 1806 at St Michael’s Church, Kirkby Malham. In 1834, on the death of Christopher Netherwood, Robert together with his brother-in-law Thomas Mitchell took over the wine merchant's business in Skipton Market Place (ref White’s 1837 Directory of Skipton) founded by the Netherwood family (who were partners in Chippindale, Netherwood & Carr, the Skipton Bank, until its failure in 1826). In the 1841 census he is recorded living in Newmarket St, Skipton together with his brother William and mother Ann Burton (as housekeeper) and in the 1851 census he is recorded as having moved to Skibeden. Robert retired from the Wine merchant business in 1858 to concentrate on his farming interests at Skibeden. Occupation recorded in 1881 census as “Farmer of 240 acres” - although aged 75. Address recorded as Skibeden House, Skipton. Earlier references also refer to him as a Solicitor. Included in list of principal residents of Skipton & District in the 1884 Craven Almanack and Local Directory. Died Skipton 1894 aged 88 The Craven Herald dated Nov 20, 1894 recorded his death as follows: “By the demise of Mr Robert Birtwhistle, which took place in Otley Street on Tuesday afternoon, a venerable Craven gentleman has been removed from our midst. Deceased was 88 years old and up to a few weeks ago was in comparatively good health. He then had an almost imperceptible apoplectic attack, and bronchitis supervened, to which death was due. Dr Fisher was the medical attendant. Deceased was brother to the late Dr Birtwhistle, of Rockwood, and to the late Canon Birtwhistle of Beverley, For over 40 years up to 1891, Mr Birtwhistle kept a farm at Skibeden, which is now occupied by Mssrs Stockdale and Harrison, and adjacent to Mr A Nicholson’s farm. Prior to that he was interested in other businesses. Whilst living at Skibeden he was in the habit of walking regularly to Skipton, even after he had passed the allotted span of life by ten years or more. Needless to say he was widely known , and having a good memory his friends have frequently been entertained by his interesting and suggestive reminiscences. He was much interested in agriculture, being a member of the Craven Agricultural Society. Mr Alfred Birtwhistle, nephew, resided with deceased gentleman. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the interment being at Weltonwrays cemetery with Rev HL Cook officiating at the graveside.”
William 1811-1872	Full name:	William Burton Birtwhistle (photograph)
	Born:	5 Jul 1811 in Kirkby Malham (?Crake Moor)
	Married:	Margaret Parkinson on 14 Oct 1841 at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton
back	Occupation:	Surgeon & General Practitioner
	Resident in:	Crake Moor (Long Preston/Kirkby Malham) and Skipton
	Father:	Robert 1758-1815
	Additional:	Christened 1 Sept 1811 at St Michael’s Church, Kirkby Malham. Qualified MRCS Eng LAS and practiced in Skipton Listed under ‘Surgeons’ in White’s 1837 Directory of Skipton with an address of Newmarket Street, Skipton. Still resident in Newmarket St in 1841 & 1851 census but subsequently built and moved to ‘Rockwood’, Gargrave Rd. (photo1), (photo2) Died Skipton 28 Jan 1873. Re Margaret Parkinson: (photograph) Born 1811 in Winterburn Nr Skipton. Living in ‘Rockwood’ as head of household in 1881 census. Died Skipton 1882
Anne 1809-1870	Full name:	Ann Burton (Birtwhistle) Mitchell (portrait) (photograph)
	Born:	21 Apr 1809 in Long Preston (?Crake Moor)
	Married:	Thomas Mitchell on 23 Oct 1833 at Holy Trinity Church, Skipton
back	Occupation:	-
	Resident in:	Skipton
	Father:	Robert 1758-1815
	Additional:	Christened 17 May 1809 at St Michael’s Church, Kirkby Malham. Died 18 Nov 1870 in Skipton. The brass lectern in Holy Trinity Church, Skipton is placed there in memory of Thomas & Ann Mitchell and is inscribed accordingly. Ann Birtwhistle (1809-70) married Thomas Mitchell (1803-81) in 1833. Thomas was born 16 Nov 1803 in Skibden, Skipton. They are recorded in the 1851 census as living in High St., Skipton. Ann’s financial independence was assured by her father Robert’s will. She had a substantial lifetime annuity (£80 per annum) and additionally a sum of £1000 to be given to her six months after her marriage. The Mitchells were farmers and cattle traders having come to Skipton from the Glasgow area around the time of the Act of Union. Like the Birtwhistles they married into the local Dixon and Heelis families. There was a wine importing business, ‘Birtwhistle and Mitchell’, located at site of the present Skipton Town Hall - ref White’s 1837 Directory of Skipton. Thomas and Ann Birtwhistle-Mitchell had two children John (born 6 Nov 1849) and William (born 9 Dec1852), both educated at Edinburgh Academy at the same time as Robert Louis Stevenson. John Mitchell (1849-1935) was the Dux (head boy) – only John had a descendant and this was a son Thomas Mitchell (1884-1962), by his marriage to Barbara Dixon. They had two daughters – and one of them still remembers her grandfather John Mitchell well. Because of this narrow Birtwhistle-Mitchell line there remains a substantial archive in the family. Pictures: 1. Ann Birtwhistle–Mitchell herself 2. Ann’s Uncle William Birtwhistle of Balmae (1743-1819) 3. William and other Gatehouse of Fleet Birtwhistles at the consecration of the Craven Legion Colours by Lady Ribblesdale in 1802 Photographs: 1. Thomas Mitchell (1803-1881) 2. John (Jack) Mitchell (1849-1935) 3. William Mitchell (1852- ??) Letters: 1. To Thomas Mitchell from his wife Ann Birtwhistle-Mitchell’s cousin, John Birtwhistle (?John Dickson or John Purdie Birtwhistle) 2. To Ann Birtwhistle-Mitchell from her nephew John Birtwhistle (1838-69), soon before he tragically drowned at sea near Capetown in 1869 3. To Ann Birtwhistle Mitchell from her brother Canon John Birtwhistle (1802-79) Other: 1. The Birtwhistle and Mitchell Wine and spirits business. See: the Waller Print in ‘Skipton’ by Ella Hatfield 1991, published by Smith Settle Ltd, Otley: p.36-7. 2. Bill of Lading (loading) addressed to Messrs Birtwhistle and Mitchell - of two hogsheads of Port wine shipped to Hull on the good ship Ibis in 1835
John 1799-1863	Full name:	John Lowcock Birtwhistle
	Born:	April 1799 in Skipton
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:	General Surgeon
	Resident in:	Various overseas posts; Skipton; Bow, Middlesex.
	Father:	John 1746-1811
	Additional:	MRCS Oct 19^th 1827; FRCS(Eng) May 1^st 1856, and a regular contributor to The Lancet. Initially appointed in the East India Company Service and then the Government Emigration Service where he was awarded a Gold Medal for his services. For 10 years (1846-1855) he was Surgeon Superintendent of Her Majesty's General Infirmary and Lunatic Asylum, Cape of Good Hope – based on Robben Island. The infirmary was a converted prison and the patients comprised a mix of lepers, ‘lunatics’ and incurably sick paupers. Management of the infirmary was the responsibility of the Surgeon Superintendent together with the Chaplain (Rev Lehmann) and Clerk/Storekeeper (David Thompson). John was subsequently dismissed from this post and returned to England in controversial circumstances in 1855 when he was criticized for being too familiar with the ‘servants’ and some patients. The real reasons would however appear to have been a combination of internal politics involving a resentful administrator (David Thompson) who had lost some of his responsibilities for patient and staff management to the Surgeon Superintendent, plus the continued use of perceived ‘old-fashioned’ treatments. He is also reported to have been awarded the Royal Humane Society's silver medal for saving life. However the details (including date) are currently unknown. Died at Primrose Cottage, Rosebank Road, Bow, Middlesex 11th April 1863 aged 63.
William 1805-1857	Full name:	William Lowcock Birtwhistle
	Born:	June 1805 in Skipton
	Married:	Maria Brown nee Naylor in 1836
back	Occupation:	Surgeon
	Resident in:	Glusburn; Skipton
	Father:	John 1746-1811
	Additional:	A surgeon (MRCS) living at Beanlands, Glusburn, near Keighley, aged about 30 in the 1841 Census, and of Newmarket Street, Skipton, aged 45 in 1851. Married Maria, daughter of Thomas Naylor of Hunslet (a tailor), and widow of James Brown of Skipton (a solicitor). Died Skipton April 29^th 1857 (aged 51) and buried Christ Church, Skipton.
Richard 1806-1846	Full name:	Richard Lowcock Birtwhistle
	Born:	Dec 1806 in Skipton
	Married:	No record of marriage or children
back	Occupation:	Royal Navy Surgeon
	Resident in:	Skipton; Glusburn; Stepney.
	Father:	John 1746-1811
	Additional:	MRCS 29 Dec1826; FRCS (by election) 26 Aug 1844. Appointed Royal Navy Assistant Surgeon 25 Oct 1827 and promoted Surgeon 25 May 1836 whilst serving on His Majesty’s flagship HMS Caledonia. In Jan 1840 Navy List was recorded as Surgeon on the 1062 ton paddle-driven Sloop HMS Rhadamanthus in the Mediterranean. Other appointments included: · HMS Radamanthus (assistant Surgeon – 1832) · HMS Columbia (assistant Surgeon – 1833/4) · HMS Vernon (assistant Surgeon – 1834) · HMS Caledonia (senior assistant Surgeon – 1835/6) · HMS Purser (Surgeon – 1836) · HMS Volage (Surgeon – 1841) · HMS Romney (Surgeon – 1842) A regular contributor to The Lancet based on his naval experience, including: · 19 Nov 1836 – Gun-shot wounds followed by fatal tetanus; · 3 Jan 1846 – Yellow fever treatments; Recorded living with his brother William at Glusburn, aged about 30 in 1841. Died January 1846 in Stepney, Middlesex.