Sorry forgot to add Rycroft Wilkinson who died August  26th 1867 was Buried in Thornton Church August 30th.  I don't know if this is Thornton, or Thornton in Craven ???

best regards

Frank Wilkinson

Posted elsewhere on the site by John Turner.  Frank, do a search on the home page engine for Wilkinson, lots more on here.

THE WILKINSONS (3)
I have ascertained, on the authority of the late Bishop Wilkinson, that the name "Wilkinson” is of Danish origin, and means literally "Viking's Son."
It is an historical fact that after the Danish invasion of the North of England many of the invaders did not return to the Continent, and some of the settlers remained on the hill country stretching from Earby to Haggate, near Burnley. There are several place names in the Burnley district, which have survived more than a thousand years.

WILLIAM WILKINSON, the first minister of the Earby Baptist Church, is entitled to worthy recognition. He was a native of the village, and by occupation was a handloom weaver. At the time when twelve members left the Baptist Church at Barnoldswick, early in 1819, to form a similar community at Earby, there were five Wilkinsons among the number, and William Wilkinson, junior, was appointed pastor at a salary of £10 per year.

He laboured unsparingly for the good of the villagers, as well as the religious community to which he belonged, and for a long time he used the vestry at the old Baptist Chapel as a day school, and taught in the evenings as well. To raise funds for the chapel, which was built in 1821, he travelled to London on foot, preaching at all the Baptist Chapels on the way which were open to him, and on arriving in London he was prevailed upon to preach in the famous Bloomsbury Chapel, and a handsome collection was generously devoted to him in recognition of his services and unselfish labours. He was held in venerable esteem by all who knew him, and was regarded as a real saint. It is impossible to estimate the influence for good which he exerted during those difficult years, when riot and disorder swept the countryside upon the introduction of the "power loom" and during the "hungry forties."
Another branch of the Wilkinson family tree was generally known as
" THE NICKIES," presumably after a familiar name which was applied to the head of the family. They were associated in our recollection with the Mill Brow district, and many older residents will remember the kindly figure of Hartley Wilkinson, who was generally known as Hartley o' Nickie's. His son, William Wilkinson, is one of the most worthy native residents in Earby to-day.
Almost all his life-time he has followed the occupation of stonemason and builder, and in recent years he has established a successful contractor's business. He has also rendered distinguished public service in several offices. For thirty years he has been an overseer of the poor, and has only just retired. He was a member of the old Parish Council from its beginning, and has had a longer period of service on the Urban District Council than any other Earby councillor. He was the first Earby man to be appointed Chairman of the Council, and his services to the Council have been of the highest order, by reason of his business ability and practical experience. He has had a life-long association with the Baptist Church, and was a leading supporter of the old Mechanics' Institute.

John and Thomas Wilkinson were two brothers, whose father was known as "Calic,"
JOHN WILKINSON was a tackier at Bracewell's Old Shed, and of course, was well known on that account. He was better known, however, as one of the prominent workers at the Wesleyan Chapel and School. He was a manager of the Wesleyan Day School for many years, and remained a teacher at the Sunday School until he was a veteran. His principal forte at one time was that of chapel organist, and his wife (formerly Mary Ann Harrison, of Kelbrook) was the leading singer. Oratorio music was then becoming popular at "Charity Sermons," and this worthy couple were known all over the country side for their musical abilities and enthusiasm, for they could both take solo parts with deserving credit. When they passed away they left a legacy to the trustees of the Wesleyan Chapel, which is the only endowment the local church possesses.

THOMAS WILKINSON
A man of different type to his brother. By occupation he was a farmer, at Higher Varges. He, too, was connected with the old Methodist Sunday School in Stoneybank Lane, and became a superintendent in early manhood. He is especially remembered for the originality and humour of his addresses. He re-moved to Gisburn, and was a farmer there for about forty years, but at Christmas time he was always a welcome visitor to the Wesleyan Tea Party, and the "star" speaker at the entertainment.

And what stories he told, and in such a comical style! Who that was there can ever forget how he completely convulsed a crowded school with the tale of a farmer who had a poorly cow, and sent for a friend to "pray over the cow," in the hope of its restoration. His friend came, and he "prayed" in these terms: 'If tha' lives, tha' lives; an' if tha' dees, tha' dees ! " The cow got better, and some time later the farmer's friend was very ill with the "Quinsies," and his life was almost despaired of. So the farmer thought "One good turn deserves another," and he went to see his friend, who was unable to speak. Taking his stand at the bed-side, he said: "Well! if tha' lives, tha' lives ; an' if tha' dees, tha' dees." This caused the poorly man to break out into a fit of laughter, which burst the swelling in the throat and saved his life.

The head of another family of Wilkinsons was known as "Striker." One of the sons was called Tom, and this was converted to "Tit." He was the village humorist, whether in the mill, on the cricket field, or walking out with his mates. But it was unconscious effort on his part, which made it the more amusing. He was always making "bulls-" One story that lingers is associated with a day trip to Morecambe. "Tit," with some of his friends, turned up at the station as the train was starting on its return journey. "We s'ould all ha' bin left," he said, "if t' guard van hedn't put 'is heead out o' t' window."
Perhaps the best joke is that associated with a notice posted on the rails at the Manor House, Thornton, which was then unoccupied. A very prominent notice was displayed on a board: ON SALE.

Walking out one Saturday afternoon, after they had passed through Thornton, "Tit" asked his mates if they had seen the notice—"No Sale." They laughed until they were split with laughing nearly, and the more they laughed the more he "stuck out" that it was "No Sale." So a bet was made, and the party trudged back more than a mile "to prove it." "Tit" was fairly done this time, and he never heard the last of it.

WILKINSONS AT "THE MOUNT."
"The Mount" is an imposing residence on the hillside above Earby, facing the village of Thornton, overlooking Thornton Wood, but always considered to belong to Earby. It formed part of the Fence End estate of Thornton-in-Craven, and was formerly used by the Wilkinson family as a summer residence, especially during the shooting season. Some members of that family are held in grateful remembrance. John Wilkinson Wasney, whom we remember as the squire of Thornton-in-Craven, was accustomed once a year to traverse on horseback all the roads and bridle paths of the extensive parish to ensure that the public rights were maintained. A plain stone marks the resting-place of Mr. Wasney in Thornton Churchyard, and also that of his sister, of whom it is recorded "that no poor man was ever turned away from their door." Their characteristic generosity was continued by their successor, the late Mrs. Smith, and many are the families in Earby, as well as Thornton, who retain thankful remembrance of her kindness- J. H.

Transcribed from the Craven Herald, written by John Hartley.
From a collection of newspaper cuttings made by J. Hartley kindly loaned by Mrs. E. Wilkinson.

April 17, 2005
1362
jct

Rycroft Wilkinson – death registration 3rd quarter volume 9a Page 26 district Skipton
http://freebmd.rootsweb.com

The 1841 Census shows the following:
Moss House, Colne, Lancashire
Joseph Wilkinson 20 M Hand Loom Lancashire
Caroline Wilkinson 20 F Weaver Lancashire
Riecroft Wilkinson 1 M Lancashire

Unable to locate any of them in 1851 right now

The 1861 Census shows the following:
Harden Newhouse Farm
Ryecroft Wilkinson Servant S 21 M Agricultural Labourer Foulridge, Lancashire

Ryecroft was born at Moss Houses and christened on 5 Sep 1841 in Colne Lancashire
http://www.familysearch.org/Eng/search/frameset_search.asp?PAGE=ancestorsearchresults.asp

I am currently at work, but have photos at home of most of the Wilkinson gravestones in Thornton St. Mary's Churchyard.  I will look tonight and see whether Ryecroft is one of them. 

Do you have the name of Ryecroft's wife so I can search 1871 census for her? 

This is the death you mention and it gives his birth year as about 1837, so I would think you are right and it is the same guy.

Name: Rycroft Wilkinson
Estimated birth year: abt 1837
Year of Registration: 1867
Quarter of Registration: Jul-Aug-Sep
Age at Death: 30
District: Skipton
County: Yorkshire - West Riding
Volume: 9a
Page: 26

Gloria

Possible Caroline 1851 living at Spring Hill, Thornton with her sister

Ann Croke 17
Betty Croke 39
Charles Croke 38
Hargreaves Croke 14
Jane Croke 12
John Croke 10
Joseph Croke 15
William Croke 3
Caroline Wilkinson 29

Hi all.

Struggling to find  BENTS as a  location any help appreciated ( with a pint of course when we come down to foulridge) or whatever the lady drinks !!!

Frank Wilkinson

Frank,

Sorry - don't appear to have a photo of a gravestone at Thornon for you.  May be he didn't have one.

I initially discounted the 1851 return posted by Gloria because Caroline Wilkinson is shown as single there, although that could be a mistake.

Checked family search to see whether I could locate Charles Cooke or Croke to see whether that would confirm he married a Betty Wilkinson, but no luck there.

Are you looking for BENTS because of the 1871 entry :

The 1871 Census shows the following:
Bents, Colne, Lancashire
Rycroft Wilkinson Head W 54 M Cotton Weaver Colne, Lancashire
Sarah Wilkinson Dau S 36 F Cotton Weaver Colne, Lancashire

The 1861 Census shows the following:
Bents, Colne, Lancashire
Rycroft Wilkinson Head W 44 M Worsted & Cotton Weaver Colne, Lancashire
Sarah Wilkinson Dau S 23 F Worsted & Cotton Winder Colne, Lancashire
James Wilkinson Son S 22 M Worsted & Cotton Winder Colne, Lancashire
Thomas Wilkinson Son S 20 M Cotton Mill Jobber Colne, Lancashire
Jane Wilkinson Dau S 15 F Cotton Mill Winder Colne, Lancashire

The 1851 Census shows the following:
Bents, Colne, Lancashire
Rycroft Wilkinson Head W 37 M Power Loom Weaver Colne, Lancashire
Sarah Wilkinson Dau S 16 F Colne, Lancashire
James Wilkinson Son S 13 M Winder Colne, Lancashire
Thomas Wilkinson Son S 11 M Colne, Lancashire
William Wilkinson Son S 8 M Colne, Lancashire
Jane Wilkinson Dau S 5 F Colne, Lancashire
Rachel Rycroft Lodg S 33 F Weaver Colne, Lancashire
Susanna Rycroft Dau S 6 F Colne, Lancashire
Jane Rycroft Lodg S 27 F Powerloom Weaver Colne, Lancashire

There is a further Rycroft in 1851 (he is not immediately identifiable in 1841):
Broads, Foulridge, Lancashire
Rycroft Wilkinson Head W 79 M Bobbin Winder Foulridge, Lancashire
John Wilkinson Son S 40 M Hand Loom Weaver Dela??? Foulridge, Lancashire
James Wilkinson Son S 35 M Hand Loom Weaver Dela?? Foulridge, Lancashire

The 1841 Census shows the following:
Bents, Colne, Lancashire
Rycroft Wilkinson M 25 H Weaver Lancashire
Betty Wilkinson F 25 H Weaver Lancashire
Sarah Wilkinson F 6 Lancashire
James Wilkinson M 4 Lancashire
Thomas Wilkinson M 1 Lancashire

There are 5 Rycroft Wilkinsons in the IGI (www.familysearch.org).  Non of them appear to be yours born 1837, but worth taking a look at. (Sorry if I am teaching my grandmother to suck eggs!)

Thank you Anni, 

Today in the mail from the ONS I received Rycroft Wilkinsons  marriage certificate,  

Rycroft Wilkinson  Born  6th July 1839 Moss Houses Foulridge. Parent Joseph Wilkinson and Caroline Harrison  who married Dec 24th 1837.  Rycroft Wilkinson  is in the 1861 census aged 21 living at Harden New House Farm.

On the 27th June 1862 he married aged 21,   Elizabeth Ridihough aged 18  at the Parish Church in Thornton in Craven. It says residence at the time of the marriage is Kelbrook for both of them.

I am waiting for my Grandfathers Birth certificate from the ONS to check that he is indeed a result of this marriage.Grandfather was Joseph Wilkinson born in Harden in  1866. I am also awaiting Rycrofts Death Certificate to confirm who reported his death.

Twins   Caroline and Mary Wilkinson turn up from around 1864, I have found them living with the Riddiough  as grand daughters and then later as nieces with other Riddihough family members.  When they are  17  I found them again as step daughters.  This time they are living with  Richard Crabtree & Elizabeth Crabtree at Emmott Lane,   Laneshaw Bridge. I am trying to establish if Elizabeth re married after the death of Rycroft in 1867.

I found this information very interesting because in the 1950s I used to go with my father to visit an " Aunt Bibby "  at Laneshaw Bridge she was also a  Crabtree !!!.  I think we used to call her Aunt Bibby but she was my  actually my fathers, cousin.

Thanks for your help so far, this is the most interesting thing I have done for years !!! 

 Once I complete all this, together with copies of the census information and BMD Cerificates etc. If anyone knows if it is of interest to anyone else, I would be more than happy to supply a copy of everything I collect.

Regards

Frank Wilkinson

It's addictive Frank, you won't be able to give it up.

You will find that this thread will attract interested parties. If you put all your info on here some will participate, others will just read it, but it will be useful.

Thank you for that,

Bents comes up on a census I am looking at for Wilkinsons

Regards

Frank Wilkinson