Newcastle under Lyme and Burslem

[BUZZ]

I have found a marriage on Family Search between John Hackwood and Matilda Cockson at St. Giles, Newcastle under Lyme on the 25/12/1797.

I also have a Christening for a Matilda Coxon at St. John Burslem on the 17/5/1778.

Could anyone tell that if someone living in Burslem at that time would have travelled to Newcastle under Lyme to get married assuming I have the correct Matilda and that she is still living in Burslem and not moved to Newcastle under Lyme already.

Lots of ifs and buts.

Buzz

[linell]

Hi Buzz, she could well have done, our ancestors would think nothing of walking 20 miles at a time, and don't forget it would have been across the fields, no main roads then.  Back in 1797 there weren't that many Churches, most of them were built after 1800.  You need to find out which Churches were around in 1797.  Linell.

[belmichael64]

Hi Buzz


Burslem and Newcastle are very close and it is highly likely that your ancestors could have moved between the two - mine certainly did!


Bel 

[BUZZ]

Thank you both for your reply's.

Buzz

[Zen rabbit]

It is quite possible as although Burslem had its own parish church people often got married outside of the parish, John Ward in "The history of the borough of Stoke-upon-Trent" pub. 1840 laments this practice, saying it was done by couples wanting to avoid having banns read out in their home parish so as people wouldn't know their business. I have ancestors marrying as far away as Whitmore! Best if you can look at the original parish records as that will tell you which parish the couple came from.