1841/1851 Census Lookup - Barnsley - Swaine

[Simma]

I am looking to find details of John Swaine who was born in c.1821 in Leeds, on either the 1841 or 1851 census.

I know that in 1841 he lived on Elis (or Heelis) Street in Barnsley (ecclesiastical district - St John) with his wife who I believe was called Susan. I also believe they had a daughter called Mary Ann Swaine who was born in c.1840.

I know nothing about his whereabouts in 1851. However, he was living at 4 Winn Street in Barnsley (also in ecclesiastical district of St John) in 1861 and so I would imagine he was either at Elis Street as in 1841 or at this new address. His first wife had died by 1861 and he remarried a woman called Alice so his wife may be listed as either as I don't know the date he became a widow.

A son may also be mentioned on the 1851 census - Thomas Swaine, born in either 1850 or 1851.

He was employed as a linen weaver all his life.

I hope this is sufficient information for someone to help!

Thank you in advance!

[Ticker]

Hi Simma

Sorry we haven't been able to help you so far on this one. 

Are you still looking for this information?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Best wishes 

Ticker

[sarah e]

1851
HO107/2332
Reg Dis - Barnsley
Sub Reg Dis - Barnsley
Foilo - 650
Page - 14

Barebones (not fibbing here), Barnsley, Yorkshire.
John Swain, head, married, 30, Linen weaver, bn Leeds, Yorkshire.
Alice Swain, wife, married, 33, Bn Gawber, Yorkshire.
Mary Ann Swain, daughter, 9, bn Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Thomas Swain, son, 7months, bn Barnsley, Yorkshire.
William Berry, lodger, single, 21, linen weaver, Bn Yorks.
John Elam, lodger, single, 23, Linen weaver, bn Barnsley, Yorkshire.

regards, Sarah

[Simma]

Thanks for the help with this!

I have also recently managed to trace John Swain(e) onto the 1841 census and obtained both his marriage certificates.

The 'Barebones' reference you make is the real name of an area of Barnsley - mainly the working-class housing close to the town centre built in courts in the early 19th century. I think the name probably refers to the reputation the area had for poverty - people living on the 'barebones'. Indeed, in 1881 the John Swaine I was searching for lived in a two roomed house with his wife and ELEVEN children. Quite a squeeze I would imagine.

The area was cleared in the 1920s and the term fell into misuse.

[jackspap]

The area of Barebones in Barnsley is so called as it's where the gibbets used to be