Hi SkyblueFF,
My Great Grandfather was the young Roger Capstick that you refer to in your introduction. Roger Capstick and family, having moved from High Park to Low Park between 1861 and 1871 then moved again to Cockshead Farm in Liverpool between 1891 and 1901. Your Great Grandfather Edward was Roger’s brother and moved to 98 Admiral Street, Toxteth (not sure when). I too would like to know why they moved to Liverpool. I think it was for economic reasons mostly but the flight of Roger and family from Low Park may have a mystery attached to it. Some of Roger’s children (another Roger, Margaret and William) went to live at Allerton Road Farm Liverpool owned by Roger and Edwards other brother William. The remaining younger children (Mary, Jane, Thomas, James my grandfather and Walter) went to Cockshead Farm. Hannah the eldest daughter went to work for your great grandfather Edward at his home in Toxteth as a domestic servant. Question is, why move to a farm that is too small for your family? My Uncle Ted (born at Cockshead Farm), now sadly deceased did mention something untoward had happened which prompted their departure from Westmoreland but that was all he knew. I’m trying to find out what it was.
I visited Low Park, about ten years ago. I had to wait until mid July when the Lune River dropped sufficiently to ford on foot. I have some photo’s which I can send to you if you want any.
I’ll try to answer some of your questions:-
1. High Park was in the path of the motorway, it was just below Knott Hall farm across the railway line from Low Park. In fact the access road to Low Park went past High Park then over the level crossing. The little lane just south of Mountain View opposite the mile stone is still there on the recent OS map, I’ll go and look for it next time I’m in the area. High Park can be seen on an old OS map, First Series, Sheet 98E, circa 1864. This link may get you there:-
http://visionofbritain.org.uk/iipmooviewer/iipmooviewer.html?fileName=first_edition%2Flm_98ne%3DThe+British+Library%3DOrdnance+Survey%3DFirst+Series%3D98+NE&x=54&y=432. I think Low Park is derelict due to the access road being cut off by the motorway. There is no access the other way across the Lune except on foot and the nearest other access is travelling north down a farm track for some distance all the way to Low Borrowbridge.
3. Still searching for an answer.
4.Yes me too.
5. We probably do if we go back far enough.
It seems we have a common ancestry and several common goals in our research, we probably need to pool our resources if you think it would be beneficial. I live in Timperley, south Manchester and my frequent visits to the Lake District usually involve walking or painting. I guess I’ll have to bite the bullet and spend some time in Kendal Library going through old newspaper articles or such like.
Regards
Brian.