RootsChat.Com

Thank you so much for all the links it adds so much to your research to understand more of the background. I'm sufficiently old that I remember my father taking me into the mill to see where he worked and I well remember the noise generated by all the looms working and just wanting to get back outside as quickly as possible.
My Aunt lived in Nelson and there was a huge mill at the end of her road but it burnt down one night. I wasn't there at the time but it must have been terrifying such a huge fire with lots of houses so close by. That would have been in 1940's or possibly early 1950's but I can't remember what the mill was called. I just remember the burnt out shell that remained the mills were a huge fire hazard because of the dust in the atmosphere.

Jo

I now have the marriage certificate for Frank Ainsworth's first marriage.
He married Susan Cooper Baxter age 23 on 27th September 1915.  St Paul's Church Scotforth Lancaster. 
Frank was working as an attendant in the Royal Albert Institution a residential home for children and adults with learning difficulties.
Susan's address was also the Royal Albert Institution but there was no occupation.
Her father was Alexander Baxter a mechanic.
This fits with the details on the Irish census returns so it looks as though we have correct details for his first marriage and later divorce.

Jo

Hi Lu
I posted on the Lancashire board and they were very helpful. Looks most likely she came over from Ireland.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=676029.0
I will let you know more but certificate won't be here until end of next week.
Thanks for you interest and help

Jo

1891 census return Nelson Lancashire
Thos Henry Ainsworth   27
Margt Ann Ainsworth   24
Francis Ainsworth   2
William Ainsworth   60

1901 Nelson Lancashire
Thomas H Ainsworth   36
Margaret A Ainsworth   34
Frank Ainsworth   11
William H Ainsworth   8
Bell Ainsworth   5
May Ainsworth   1
Stanley Ainsworth 1 (My Father)

1911 Nelson Lancashire
Thomas Hy Ainsworth   47
Margaret Ann Ainsworth   43
Frank Ainsworth   22
William Hy Ainsworth   18
Bell Ainsworth   15
May Ainsworth   11
Stanley Ainsworth 10

My father died in Blackpool Lancashire in 1979
I am sure he had a brother called Frank who emigrated to New Zealand but I'm not sure the Frank Ainsworth I have the information from New Zealand on is the correct one. 
Certainly if Frank married an Irish girl it would have explained the family rift. He would have been disowned by the rest of the family. My Irish school friend wasn't allowed in the house!!