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I'm living down the hill from the Copt (can see the Burn Inn from my bedroom)and have seen Bobby Kerr in the Copt. I remember the game well from my youth. Being an Arsenal fan, Leeds were the dreaded enemy at the time, so I enjoyed that day too (not as much as the Mackums obviously).

Have found old maps of the area on www.old-maps.co.uk and many of the old railway lines are now country walks. the routes are clearly visible as are a few of the old engine houses (seen the one behind the Copt).

I find it incredible that almost no traces of the pits are visible today unless you know exactly where to look. Once I found their locations i could see where the slagheaps have grassed over, or the fenced off shaft seals, and I can follow the rail tracks as mentioned. but to the visitor they are practically invisible. More should be done to identify these places i believe.

I enjoyed walking along Blast beach too, fascinating area if not quite St Tropez. Quite sad that Michael Caine met his maker here in Get Carter

I've been to the museum in Sunderland too, which was also an eye opener.

Where are you living now?

Jericho

unfortunately not,

The Mary Jane you have found is a possibility though. They are a pretty elusive family. I've spent years tracking down my G-G-Grandfather James Hall, who married Mary Jane in 1860 whilst in the army at Raglan barracks, hence the address. But a year later he's back in Aldershot in the 1861 census, 3 months before his discharge. Where Mary went i don't know, she wasn't at the address given in 1861 and no sign of her father either.

What database are you using to provide all this wonderful information?
regards
Mark

certainly not a family to discount as you say. The ages are a concern but the names are all there.

I think you're right, now is the time to get William's birth certificate.

Mark

Michael

Now I've got my geography up to scratch    I can see you are absolutely right. There's a very strong chance they were in Winlaton in 1851.

These coalminers certainly got around a bit. Obviously chasing the coal seams as each becomes more lucrative, which is probably why some of the current descendants are in the Seaham area (including my partner) , as the mines there were some of the biggest.

many thanks for your time
Mark