Hi Connie
Well, there is no doubt that our ancestors would have known each other as I have several families living there between 1851 and 1881 census's. Members of my family were also listed as miners and potters. I don't have clear proof of exactly where Ratten Row was, I have seen several period maps including the first ordinance survey map of 1865 and nothing is shown. I have my on theory which is highly likely but as a stickler for historical proof I will never be sure until I have real evidence. If you send me a private message with your e-mail I will share my theory with you.
On the 1851 census 18 properties are listed under Ratten Row, 1861 lists 17, 1871 lists 16. If you follow the sequence enumerated you will see next to Ratten Row is always listed Outgang, Baustead Buildings, Pit yard etc.
This gives clear clues that it was very close to the Pit head of the Lonsdale pit, probably where your ancestors and mine worked. A short walk perhaps 1/4 mile west was the Jubilee pottery again where our ancestors worked
Another family of my ancestors bought this pottery and hawked it around local villages towards Cockermouth, where eventually they became established as high class china merchants owning several shops
