Jesse Wallwork
Of Drywood Hall
Worsley
Manager of Bridgewater Estates
Research and written content © Wallwork History
Jesse Wallwork
28th May 1860 - 19th January 1951
Jesse Wallwork was a close friend of the Earl of Ellesmere and his family. He was born on 28th May 1860 at Farmhouse, Pinfold, Hilton Lane, Worsley, and was christened at St Paul's church Walkden.
Jesse was the son of Thomas Wallwork and Mary Wallwork nee Bate.
See below for Jesse's family tree
Jesse's family had previously been living in Stainstreet, which in years gone by was a small hamlet of Walkden Worsley. The cottages were built by the Duke of Bridgewater for his tenants and workers.
Jesse was the founder and Manager of Bridgewater Estates from 1923 until his death on 19th January 1951 at the age of 90 years. He was dedicated to the running of the Worsley Estates, coal mines and the famous Bridgewater canal. He refused to work anything less than a full day. Shortly before his death, he had been inspecting the estates in freezing snowy weather, as a result of this he caught a chill and only lived a few days longer.
Jesse Wallwork was a close friend of the Earl of Ellesmere and his family. He was born on 28th May 1860 at Farmhouse, Pinfold, Hilton Lane, Worsley, and was christened at St Paul's church Walkden.
Jesse was the son of Thomas Wallwork and Mary Wallwork nee Bate.
See below for Jesse's family tree
Jesse's family had previously been living in Stainstreet, which in years gone by was a small hamlet of Walkden Worsley. The cottages were built by the Duke of Bridgewater for his tenants and workers.
Jesse was the founder and Manager of Bridgewater Estates from 1923 until his death on 19th January 1951 at the age of 90 years. He was dedicated to the running of the Worsley Estates, coal mines and the famous Bridgewater canal. He refused to work anything less than a full day. Shortly before his death, he had been inspecting the estates in freezing snowy weather, as a result of this he caught a chill and only lived a few days longer.
Jesse Wallwork in 1881 aged 21 years
It is clear that from a young age Jesse was destined for a career in the Coal Mining Industry. By the age of 21 years Jesse was already working as a surveyor of coal mines and estates. During that time he was living with his parents and siblings at Hilton Lane, Worsley. Jesse's father Thomas Wallwork had been employed as a coal mine manager and engineer for the Bridgewater Trustees for over 60 years.
By 1881 Jesse's eldest brother James Wallwork was the manager of a cotton mill, and his other elder brother Thomas Wallwork junior was employed as a general clerk.
Jesse served his articles as a civil and mining engineer under Mr. Thomas Berry, the father of Betsy Berry who Jesse later married. Jesse was appointed as the under manager to his father Thomas Wallwork at the Bridgewater Collieries.
In 1883 Jesse gained his Colliery Manager Certificate at Owens Colliery, Manchester. His examiner was Mr. J. Ridyard of Walkden Moor who was also a relative of Betsy Berry.
On 12th September 1892 Jesse started teaching mining classes at St. Paul's school and was granted £50.00 for apparatus by the Barton Authority. There were two groups. The senior, for managers had 34 on the roll, some from as far as Hindley. The junior class for firemen, had 20 on the register.
There was an advert in the local press dated 1st October 1892 which stated:-
Advertisement for: Walkden Technical Classes, include, Advanced Mining, teacher Mr J. Wallwork at St Paul's. Classes 7 to 9pm with fees of 5/- or 10/- for those out of the district.
In November 1892 Jesse was employed as a Mining Engineer and was appointed lecturer at the Haydock Mining and Mechanical School.
Jesse left Worsley and Walkden for ten years during 1895 - 1905 during which time he became manager for Haydock Collieries and later General Manager at the Collieries of Messrs. William Ramsden & Sons.
By 1881 Jesse's eldest brother James Wallwork was the manager of a cotton mill, and his other elder brother Thomas Wallwork junior was employed as a general clerk.
Jesse served his articles as a civil and mining engineer under Mr. Thomas Berry, the father of Betsy Berry who Jesse later married. Jesse was appointed as the under manager to his father Thomas Wallwork at the Bridgewater Collieries.
In 1883 Jesse gained his Colliery Manager Certificate at Owens Colliery, Manchester. His examiner was Mr. J. Ridyard of Walkden Moor who was also a relative of Betsy Berry.
On 12th September 1892 Jesse started teaching mining classes at St. Paul's school and was granted £50.00 for apparatus by the Barton Authority. There were two groups. The senior, for managers had 34 on the roll, some from as far as Hindley. The junior class for firemen, had 20 on the register.
There was an advert in the local press dated 1st October 1892 which stated:-
Advertisement for: Walkden Technical Classes, include, Advanced Mining, teacher Mr J. Wallwork at St Paul's. Classes 7 to 9pm with fees of 5/- or 10/- for those out of the district.
In November 1892 Jesse was employed as a Mining Engineer and was appointed lecturer at the Haydock Mining and Mechanical School.
Jesse left Worsley and Walkden for ten years during 1895 - 1905 during which time he became manager for Haydock Collieries and later General Manager at the Collieries of Messrs. William Ramsden & Sons.
Jesse head hunted by
The Earl of Ellesmere
Jesse was head hunted by the 3rd Earl of Ellesmere in 1903 to be appointed chief mines agent of The Bridgewater Trust. On taking this post Jesse and his family moved into Drywood Hall Worsley in 1908.
Jesse devoted his life to the Ellesmere Estates Worsley as Lord Ellesmere's Chief Mining Agent, then Managing Director and later Chairman of Bridgewater Estates Ltd. He always gave his very best. He was the last of the higher officials who worked for the 3rd Earl and he never spared himself if there was something to be done.
Jesse knew every inch of the estates he was know for visiting the farms and estates of the Company gaining first-hand knowledge in order to be sure to solve any disputes that may have arisen.
In 1929 Jesse became a Director of Manchester Collieries Ltd, he was also a Past President of the Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Owners' Association.
Jesse was a close personal friend of the Ellesmere family.
For more information on the history of The Earl of Ellesmere and his estates please follow this link:-
Worsley - The Duke of Bridgewater - The Earl of Ellesmere
Jesse devoted his life to the Ellesmere Estates Worsley as Lord Ellesmere's Chief Mining Agent, then Managing Director and later Chairman of Bridgewater Estates Ltd. He always gave his very best. He was the last of the higher officials who worked for the 3rd Earl and he never spared himself if there was something to be done.
Jesse knew every inch of the estates he was know for visiting the farms and estates of the Company gaining first-hand knowledge in order to be sure to solve any disputes that may have arisen.
In 1929 Jesse became a Director of Manchester Collieries Ltd, he was also a Past President of the Lancashire and Cheshire Coal Owners' Association.
Jesse was a close personal friend of the Ellesmere family.
For more information on the history of The Earl of Ellesmere and his estates please follow this link:-
Worsley - The Duke of Bridgewater - The Earl of Ellesmere
A Union of Coal Mining Families
Ridyard - Berry - Wallwork
Jesse Wallwork and Betsy Berry were married on 9th September 1885 at Walkden Parish Church. Jesse's occupation was a Colliery Surveyor. It was reported that Betsy Berry of Hilton Bank wore a brown silk dress.
Jesse and Betsy came from families that were long standing important figures in the background of coal mining for the Worsley area.
Betsy Berry was the daughter of Thomas Berry an engineer, and Harriet Ridyard, both of Walkden Moor.
Harriet's grandfather James Ridyard was also a mining agent, coal mining and a connection to the Duke of Bridgewater had been in the family for generations.
Some notable Ridyards in the press.
John Ridyard died on 16 February 1858 aged 76. He had been in service for the Duke and the Trustees for 64 years, 23 years as a collier, 11 years as an underlooker and 30 years as Collieries Agent, up until the day of his death. John Ridyard lived at Jackson Fold for the last 30 years of his life.
John Ridyard married Margaret Lindsay. He was known as the t'owd maisther and worked with James Brindley.
Jesse and Betsy came from families that were long standing important figures in the background of coal mining for the Worsley area.
Betsy Berry was the daughter of Thomas Berry an engineer, and Harriet Ridyard, both of Walkden Moor.
Harriet's grandfather James Ridyard was also a mining agent, coal mining and a connection to the Duke of Bridgewater had been in the family for generations.
Some notable Ridyards in the press.
John Ridyard died on 16 February 1858 aged 76. He had been in service for the Duke and the Trustees for 64 years, 23 years as a collier, 11 years as an underlooker and 30 years as Collieries Agent, up until the day of his death. John Ridyard lived at Jackson Fold for the last 30 years of his life.
John Ridyard married Margaret Lindsay. He was known as the t'owd maisther and worked with James Brindley.
click the images to enlarge
t'owd maisther John Ridyard and wife Margaret Lindsay
Thomas Ridyard retired on 22 February 1865 after 28 years as Landlord of the Stocks, Walkden Moor. On the return of his youngest daughter from her honeymoon, he gave the entire business to his new son in law Mr. W. Challinor.
March 4th 1865 saw the funeral of Richard Ridyard, Senior, aged 58 of Boatshed, Walkden Moor, who served for 40 years with the Bridgewater Trustees as an engineer.
May 7th 1870 reported the funeral of Mr. T. J. Ridyard, colliery surveyor, son of J. Ridyard, Colliery Agent.
November 8th 1873 reported the death of James Ridyard, Mining Engineer, aged 69 who had been employed by the Bridgewater Trustees since commencing as a drawer in the mines at the age of 8 years.
James Ridyard was born 1804 he was Betsy Berry's grandfather, also know as "pumping Tommy"
On September 12th 1885 the marriage of John Ridyard, Chairman of Little Hulton Local Board, to Ellen Young of Oakwood was reported. It was intended to be a private ceremony, but the secret was leaked and a large crowd filled the Walkden churchyard.
Thomas Berry was the first man to register births deaths and marriages in the Worsley Barton Upon Irwell area.
t'owd maisther John Ridyard and wife Margaret Lindsay
Thomas Ridyard retired on 22 February 1865 after 28 years as Landlord of the Stocks, Walkden Moor. On the return of his youngest daughter from her honeymoon, he gave the entire business to his new son in law Mr. W. Challinor.
March 4th 1865 saw the funeral of Richard Ridyard, Senior, aged 58 of Boatshed, Walkden Moor, who served for 40 years with the Bridgewater Trustees as an engineer.
May 7th 1870 reported the funeral of Mr. T. J. Ridyard, colliery surveyor, son of J. Ridyard, Colliery Agent.
November 8th 1873 reported the death of James Ridyard, Mining Engineer, aged 69 who had been employed by the Bridgewater Trustees since commencing as a drawer in the mines at the age of 8 years.
James Ridyard was born 1804 he was Betsy Berry's grandfather, also know as "pumping Tommy"
On September 12th 1885 the marriage of John Ridyard, Chairman of Little Hulton Local Board, to Ellen Young of Oakwood was reported. It was intended to be a private ceremony, but the secret was leaked and a large crowd filled the Walkden churchyard.
Thomas Berry was the first man to register births deaths and marriages in the Worsley Barton Upon Irwell area.
Jesse and Betsy Wallwork attending a funtion
Jesse and Betsy Wallwork
Jesse and Betsy's Family
Jesse and Betsy Wallwork
had the following children:-
had the following children:-
Harriet Wallwork born 1887
Harriet married Arthur Edwin Timperlake
Thomas Wallwork born 1889
Thomas died in 1973
Douglas Wallwork born 1891
Douglas Wallwork was killed in shaft No 2 at The Newtown Pit Pendlebury, on 20th May 1928 during the miners strike. There was question as to whether he was pushed.
Herbert Wallwork born 1894
Herbert was killed at High Wood, The Somme on 20th June 1916 aged 23 years Herbert Wallwork was a Lieutenant in the 20th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He is remembered with honour on the Thiepval Memorial According to the letter sent to Jesse Wallwork Lieutenant Herbert Wallwork was killed on the night of 20th July 1916. He was hit just before the battalion was relieved after a very trying 30 hours or so of fighting for an important position. From all accounts he was perfectly splendid during the action. He was a bright cheery lad who kept the older officers in the "C" Coy. mess feeling young.
Arthur Wallwork born 1900
Harriet married Arthur Edwin Timperlake
Thomas Wallwork born 1889
Thomas died in 1973
Douglas Wallwork born 1891
Douglas Wallwork was killed in shaft No 2 at The Newtown Pit Pendlebury, on 20th May 1928 during the miners strike. There was question as to whether he was pushed.
Herbert Wallwork born 1894
Herbert was killed at High Wood, The Somme on 20th June 1916 aged 23 years Herbert Wallwork was a Lieutenant in the 20th Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He is remembered with honour on the Thiepval Memorial According to the letter sent to Jesse Wallwork Lieutenant Herbert Wallwork was killed on the night of 20th July 1916. He was hit just before the battalion was relieved after a very trying 30 hours or so of fighting for an important position. From all accounts he was perfectly splendid during the action. He was a bright cheery lad who kept the older officers in the "C" Coy. mess feeling young.
Arthur Wallwork born 1900
Jesse Wallwork aged 82 years with his daughter Harriet aged 55 years, her daughter Joan aged 28 years, and Joan's son Robert aged 2 months.
Photo taken in 1942
Photo taken in 1942
Drywood Hall Worsley
Drywood Hall from the Frank & Elsie Mullineux collection.
Drywood Farm was home to the Massey family who married into the Worsley family, they became tenants of the manor. Seventy acres of land went with the property. Drywood Hall was a farmhouse that was rebuilt at the end of the nineteenth century.
Drywood farmhouse was in the hamlet of Drywood, it had been farmed for 300 years by the Lansdale family.
Drywood was within the estate in Worsley which belonged to the Duke of Bridgewater.
In 1820 Drywood was tenanted by John Manley
The Bridgewater Trustees sold Drywood in 1878 to Robert Jonathan Wood J.P. of Birch Middleton a Manchester Calico printer. Drywood was sold with a reserved chief rent of £100-12-6 per annum payable to the Bridgewater Trustees. There was also a covenant that Mr. Wood should spend no less than £700 on improvements. Mr. Wood rebuilt Drywood Hall with some of the old farm buildings retained to the rear.
Mr. Wood fell into financial difficulties and let the Hall to Captain Tailby.
Drywood Hall was later bought back from Mr. Wood by the Bridgewater Trustees for the sum of £1500
After 1897 the Hall was let to John Rigby Murray, a Barrister.
Jesse Wallwork moved into Drywood Hall in 1908 he lived there until his death in 1951. Jesse's widow remained there until 2nd November 1951.
The Hall was bought by the Parents Association for use as a school on 9th April 1952 when it became Bridgewater School, which is still open today.
Drywood farmhouse was in the hamlet of Drywood, it had been farmed for 300 years by the Lansdale family.
Drywood was within the estate in Worsley which belonged to the Duke of Bridgewater.
In 1820 Drywood was tenanted by John Manley
The Bridgewater Trustees sold Drywood in 1878 to Robert Jonathan Wood J.P. of Birch Middleton a Manchester Calico printer. Drywood was sold with a reserved chief rent of £100-12-6 per annum payable to the Bridgewater Trustees. There was also a covenant that Mr. Wood should spend no less than £700 on improvements. Mr. Wood rebuilt Drywood Hall with some of the old farm buildings retained to the rear.
Mr. Wood fell into financial difficulties and let the Hall to Captain Tailby.
Drywood Hall was later bought back from Mr. Wood by the Bridgewater Trustees for the sum of £1500
After 1897 the Hall was let to John Rigby Murray, a Barrister.
Jesse Wallwork moved into Drywood Hall in 1908 he lived there until his death in 1951. Jesse's widow remained there until 2nd November 1951.
The Hall was bought by the Parents Association for use as a school on 9th April 1952 when it became Bridgewater School, which is still open today.
Jesse Wallwork Barge
Image from The Frank & Elsie Mullineux Collection
For many years the barge was owned by the Upper Weaver and Mersey Navigation Company. In 1975 it was sold to the Manchester Ship Canal where it was the support vessel used by the company's divers. The barge was later sold to Salvesen Driving Co in Liverpool. The Jesse Wallwork was renamed Sun Risen it was registered in Liverpool as a house boat and kept at the Iron Wharf boatyard Kent.
Jesse Wallwork and George Orwell in 1926 Isle of Man
Jesse Wallwork and Eric Arthur Blair (George Orwell) 1926 Isle Of Man
Jesse Wallwork's Family Tree
Thomas Wallwork
1812 - 1877
Born Blackleach, Pinfold, Little Hulton, Worsley.
Jesse's Father
1812 - 1877
Born Blackleach, Pinfold, Little Hulton, Worsley.
Jesse's Father
Thomas was the son of William and Ann Wallwork he was born at Pinfold, Blackleach Little Hulton, Worsley in 1812.
A press report states that Thomas was in service for the Bridgewater Trustees for over 60 years as a drawer and collier, underlooker of the Peel group of collieries from 1844 became assistant to J. Ridyard in 1861 as underground manager to all the trustees pits and from 1871 had management of Linnyshaw, Bridgewater and Mosley Common pits.
Thomas was also the church warden at St Paul's Walkden.
Thomas acted as a regular peace maker between the men and management, he was an arbiter in piece work prices.
A press report states that Thomas was in service for the Bridgewater Trustees for over 60 years as a drawer and collier, underlooker of the Peel group of collieries from 1844 became assistant to J. Ridyard in 1861 as underground manager to all the trustees pits and from 1871 had management of Linnyshaw, Bridgewater and Mosley Common pits.
Thomas was also the church warden at St Paul's Walkden.
Thomas acted as a regular peace maker between the men and management, he was an arbiter in piece work prices.
Thomas Wallwork and wife Mary Wallwork nee Mary Bate
Thomas and Mary were Married in late 1855 at Eccles Parish Church St Mary's.
They had the following children:-
James Wallwork born 1856
Thomas Wallwork born 1858
Jesse Wallwork born 1860
Alice Ann Bate Wallwork born 1864
Thomas and Mary were Married in late 1855 at Eccles Parish Church St Mary's.
They had the following children:-
James Wallwork born 1856
Thomas Wallwork born 1858
Jesse Wallwork born 1860
Alice Ann Bate Wallwork born 1864
Jesse with his father Thomas Wallwork
Thomas had been married twice prior to marrying Mary Bate.
His first wife was Maria Lloyd
Thomas married Maria Lloyd on 28th May 1832 at Deane.
They had the following two children:-
Ann Wallwork born 1833
Jane Wallwork born 1835
Ann was baptised at St John the Evangelist in Farnworth with Kearsley on 3rd March 1833.
Their second daughter Jane Wallwork was born in 1835. She was baptised at Peel Chapel, Worsley on 5th July 1835. She sadly died at the age of 4 years and was buried at Peel Chapel on 28th March 1840.
Thomas's wife Maria died in 1835 and was buried at Peel Chapel Little Hulton, Worsley on 11th September 1835 aged 23 years.
Thomas's second marriage was to Lydia Lloyd, probably the sister of Maria Lloyd. Thomas and Lydia were married on 1st January 1840 at St Mary the Virgin Deane.
They had the following children:-
Jane Wallwork born about 1841
Maria Wallwork born about 1843
William Wallwork born about 1847
Emma Wallwork born about 1849
Stephen born about 1851
His first wife was Maria Lloyd
Thomas married Maria Lloyd on 28th May 1832 at Deane.
They had the following two children:-
Ann Wallwork born 1833
Jane Wallwork born 1835
Ann was baptised at St John the Evangelist in Farnworth with Kearsley on 3rd March 1833.
Their second daughter Jane Wallwork was born in 1835. She was baptised at Peel Chapel, Worsley on 5th July 1835. She sadly died at the age of 4 years and was buried at Peel Chapel on 28th March 1840.
Thomas's wife Maria died in 1835 and was buried at Peel Chapel Little Hulton, Worsley on 11th September 1835 aged 23 years.
Thomas's second marriage was to Lydia Lloyd, probably the sister of Maria Lloyd. Thomas and Lydia were married on 1st January 1840 at St Mary the Virgin Deane.
They had the following children:-
Jane Wallwork born about 1841
Maria Wallwork born about 1843
William Wallwork born about 1847
Emma Wallwork born about 1849
Stephen born about 1851
William Wallwork
coal miner
1786 - 1842
William was born about 1786 in Tyldesley he married
Ann Smith at St Mary's Church Deane Bolton
on 7th August 1804
William was listed as a coal miner on the 1841 census and was living at Virgin's Inn, Dean, Black Leach Little Hulton
They had the following children:-
Samuel Wallwork born 1805
Mary Wallwork born 1806
Thomas Wallwork born 1812
Roger Wallwork born 1814
Ann Wallwork born 1817
Catherine Wallwork born 1819
Ellen Wallwork born 1821
Sarah Wallwork born 1823
Betty Wallwork born 1830
William and Ann Wallwork were the grandparents of Jesse Wallwork and parents of Thomas Wallwork.
William's parents are thought to have been Thomas Wallwork born about 1855 and Mary Yates.
Thomas's father born about 1855 was John Wallwork born about 1700
Ann Smith at St Mary's Church Deane Bolton
on 7th August 1804
William was listed as a coal miner on the 1841 census and was living at Virgin's Inn, Dean, Black Leach Little Hulton
They had the following children:-
Samuel Wallwork born 1805
Mary Wallwork born 1806
Thomas Wallwork born 1812
Roger Wallwork born 1814
Ann Wallwork born 1817
Catherine Wallwork born 1819
Ellen Wallwork born 1821
Sarah Wallwork born 1823
Betty Wallwork born 1830
William and Ann Wallwork were the grandparents of Jesse Wallwork and parents of Thomas Wallwork.
William's parents are thought to have been Thomas Wallwork born about 1855 and Mary Yates.
Thomas's father born about 1855 was John Wallwork born about 1700
Written and compiled by Lizzie Leek
For further information on Jesse Wallwork's family tree and connected family trees with surnames:-
Ridyard - Kent - Bate - Roscoe - Grundy
please email
wallwork.history@ntlworld.com
I would like to acknowledge and thank Glen Atkinson
local historian and author of many local history books, for educating me on Jesse Wallwork and providing me with the relevant documentation to make this webpage possible.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank Elsie Mullineux and her late husband Frank Mullineux for holding the history and images of Jesse Wallwork and the Bridgewater Trust in safe keeping. Elsie and Frank Mullineux are both local historians and authors of many local history books.
Thank You Glen
other sources of information
Census, BMD, Parish Registers, Newspapers,
Books on the local history of Worsley and the Canal Duke.
I do not claim copyrights to any of these photograph's they are all from
The Frank & Elsie Mullineux Collection.
For further information on Jesse Wallwork's family tree and connected family trees with surnames:-
Ridyard - Kent - Bate - Roscoe - Grundy
please email
wallwork.history@ntlworld.com
I would like to acknowledge and thank Glen Atkinson
local historian and author of many local history books, for educating me on Jesse Wallwork and providing me with the relevant documentation to make this webpage possible.
I would also like to acknowledge and thank Elsie Mullineux and her late husband Frank Mullineux for holding the history and images of Jesse Wallwork and the Bridgewater Trust in safe keeping. Elsie and Frank Mullineux are both local historians and authors of many local history books.
Thank You Glen
other sources of information
Census, BMD, Parish Registers, Newspapers,
Books on the local history of Worsley and the Canal Duke.
I do not claim copyrights to any of these photograph's they are all from
The Frank & Elsie Mullineux Collection.
www.thewallworks.co.uk
2005
contact email wallwork.history
Research and written content © Wallwork History
2005
contact email wallwork.history
Research and written content © Wallwork History
PLEASE NOTE:- If you wish to share any images/research from my website either contact me or post an acknowledgement link to my website. I am all in favour of preserving and sharing our local history. It is therefore not my intention to infringe anyone else's copyrights.
