Edwin
Richardson
JP DL
Born in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom
Ancestors 
Son of Caleb Richardson
and [mother unknown]
Brother of
Joseph Richardson JP
[spouse(s) unknown]
[children unknown]
Died
at age 68
in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom
Profile last modified
| Created 20 Apr 2024
This page has been accessed 41 times.
Contents |
Biography
Edwin Richardson JP DL was born in County Durham, England.
Edwin was a Friend (Quaker)
Early years
Edwin, the son or Caleb Richardson and Mary Driver was born on 29 August 1834 in West Lodge, Bishopwearmouth, Sunderland, Durham, England. His birth was recorded in the Society of Friends records at a Quarterly meeting at Durham, but was likely first welcomed at a monthly meeting at Nile Street, Sunderland.[1][2]
He first went to Mr Chalmers school in Murton Street and then to what is described as the "Friends School in York". This may have initially been the original 'York Quarterly Meeting Boy's School' in Lawrence Street, York but by 1846 the school moved to new premises in Bootham becoming known as Bootham School where it remains to this day.
In the 1841 census, Edwin (age 6) was living in Tunstall Lane, Bishopwearmouth, with his paternal grandmother, parents and siblings, presumably still at West Lodge. The family had four female house servants.[3]
| Name | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Frances Winn | F | 76 | Independent means | Durham |
| Caleb Richardson | M | 45 | Miller | Durham |
| Mary Richardson | F | 40 | ||
| Sophia Richardson | F | 9 | Durham | |
| Mary Richardson | F | 8 | Durham | |
| Edwin Richardson | M | 6 | Durham | |
| Fredrick Richardson | M | 4 | Durham | |
| Hannah Richardson | F | 1 | Durham | |
| Stansfield Richardson | M | 5 months | Durham | |
| Susin Smith | F | 27 | Female Servant | |
| Mary Heslop | F | 32 | Female Servant | |
| Susin Mills | F | 22 | Female Servant | |
| Jane Howerth | F | 16 | Female Servant |
Running a steam mill
In the summer of 1850, aged 16, Edwin was apprenticed to his uncle at the Bishopwearmouth Steam Flour Mills. This does not seem to be a formal trade apprenticeship but learning to run the business alongside his uncle.
He continued to live at home with his family and the 1851 census shows him still at West Lodge with his new occupation of Corn Miller.[4]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Caleb Richardson | Head | Married | M | 54 | Corn Miller (7 Men) Tanner (9 Men) Iron Master & Farmer (2 Men) | Bp Wearth, Durham |
| Mary Richardson | Wife | Married | F | 50 | Leeds, Yorkshire | |
| Joseph Richardson | Son | Unmarried | M | 21 | Agent Ironworks | Bp Wearth, Durham |
| Sophia Richardson | Daughter | Unmarried | F | 19 | Bp Wearth, Durham | |
| Edwin Richardson | Son | Unmarried | M | 16 | Corn Miller | Bp Wearth, Durham |
| Hannah Wilson Richardson | Daughter | F | 11 | Scholar | Bp Wearth, Durham | |
| Stansfield Richardson | Son | M | 10 | Scholar | Bp Wearth, Durham | |
| Emily Richardson | Daughter | F | 5 | Scholar | Bp Wearth, Durham | |
| Jane Kennedy | Servant | Unmarried | F | 33 | House Servant | Stanfordam, Northumberland |
| Isabella Harst | Servant | Unmarried | F | 27 | House Servant | Gateshead, Durham |
| Elizabeth Thompson | Servant | Unmarried | F | 23 | House Servant | Bp Wearth, Durham |
Mill Owners
In 1858, Edwin's uncle William retired and he and Frederick took over the ownership of the mills. It was a business started by their grandfather in 1814.
It became known as E. and F. Richardson, Bishopwearmouth Steam Flour Mills.
Fire
The mill was destroyed by fire in 1860 but rebuilt bigger and better afterwards on the same site. His brother Stansfield also joined the company around this time, all three brothers are shown as millers on the 1861 census.
The rebuilding was reported in the Newcastle Daily Journal on 21 January 1861.[5]
The Messrs. Richardson have commenced to rebuild their steam corn-mill, in Bishopwearmouth, on a much more extensive and important scale. The contract for the works has been taken, and in a few months the mill will again be in working order.
In the 1861 census, Edwin was living with his parents, his younger brothers, his sisters Sophia and Emily, and Sophia's children. They had three female servants.[6]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Caleb Richardson | Head | Married | M | 65 | Retired Corn Miller | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Mary Richardson | Wife | Married | F | 60 | Leeds, Yorkshire | |
| Sophia Littleboy | Daughter | Married | F | 39 | Corn Millers Wife | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Edwin Richardson | Son | Unmarried | M | 26 | Corn Miller | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Frederick Richardson | Son | Unmarried | M | 24 | Corn Miller | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Stanfield Richardson | Son | Unmarried | M | 20 | Corn Miller | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Emily Richardson | Daughter | Unmarried | F | 15 | Scholar | Bishopwearmouth, Durham |
| Charles Littleboy | Grandson | M | 4 | Benson, Oxfordshire | ||
| Graham Littleboy | Grandson | M | 3 | Benson, Oxfordshire | ||
| Mary Carr | Servant | Unmarried | F | 28 | Domestic Servant Cook | ..., Northumberland |
| Elizabeth Kelving | Servant | Unmarried | F | 22 | House Maid | ..., Cumberland |
| Ruth Waklin | Servant | Unmarried | F | 16 | Kitchen Maid | ..., Oxfordshire |
Marriage
Edwin married Emma Phillips Walker on 24 March 1864 at St. Mary's, Lambeth, Surrey. It should be noted that this is a Anglican Church and there is no evidence of a Quaker ceremony. Given his later association with Christ Church in Sunderland, it must be assumed that he was no longer part of the Society of Friends by this point.[7]
| St Mary's Lambeth is a very historic church. There has been a church at this location since at least 1062 and Lambeth Palace was built next door to it. Many Archbishops are buried there and Anne Boleyn's mother.
At the time of Edwin and Emma's marriage the main part of the church had been recently rebuilt with only the tower being from the 14th century. The church is still there and open to the public as the Garden Museum. |
Councilman
Edwin was elected a Councilman for Sunderland in 1867, representing St Michael's. He remained a councilman until 1873 when he was defeated by Henry Haswell. But by 1878 he was elected again and remained so until at least 1886.
His politics were Liberal, but he was more concerned with local politics and was not active in broader party political activities.
In the 1871 census, Edwin is living with his wife at 13 Grange Crescent, Bishopwearmouth, with two servants - a cook and a housemaid. His uncle William is living at No.15 with his unmarried daughter. William is recorded as a retired miller and tanner.[8]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Edwin Richardson | Head | Married | M | 36 | Corn Miller | Sunderland, Durham |
| Emma P Richardson | Wife | Married | F | 32 | London | |
| Elizabeth Campbell | Servant | Widowed | F | 24 | Domestic Cook | Darlington, Durham |
| Frances A Robson | Servant | F | 23 | Housemaid | Newcastle On Tyne |
Justice of Peace
By 1881 they have moved and Edwin and his wife are living at 6 Esplanade, Bishopwearmouth with three domestic servants. Edwin is recorded as "J of P" a Justice of the Peace, otherwise known as a magistrate. As magistrate he regularly attended the Houghton-le-Spring Petty Sessions.
The census also shows that the Steam Mill was employing 65 people at the time. [9]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Edwin Richardson | Head | Married | M | 46 | Corn Miller J G P Employing 65 Men | Sunderland, Durham |
| Emma P Richardson | Wife | Married | F | 44 | London, Middlesex | |
| Elizabeth Atkinson | Servant | Unmarried | F | 41 | Servant Domestic | Gateshead Fell |
| Mary Reid | Servant | Unmarried | F | 27 | Servant Domestic | Newcastle, Northumberland |
| Margaret Johnson | Servant | Unmarried | F | 21 | Servant Domestic | Howdon, Northumberland |
Mayor of Sunderland
In 1886 Edwin was elected Mayor of Sunderland at the same time that his brother Joseph was elected the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees. Edwin was described in the press as "of commanding presence and exceptional stature" by which we can probably assume he was a tall rather than a stout man.
He replaced Alderman Preston as mayor, and on election he gave a speech to the Council and members of the public which was reported in the Sunderland Echo
Mr Richardson received a gratifying reception from the town and the Council today, and the speech he delivered certainly strengthened the friendly feeling of the public and the confidence of his friends.
If need be, the Mayor will follow in the footsteps of his predecessors in conducting relief works for the distressed ; he will loyally assist the majority in carrying out the erection of the much needed Municipal buildings ; he approves if the Roker improvements ; he will "know no politics as Mayor," he will place his time, his business knowledge and experience fully at the service of the borough, and should the Queen's Jubilee be celebrated as in anticipated, he hopes that the mayoress and himself will be found equal to the occasion, and that the Council will never have cause to regret the choice made today.
There had been a tradition of the Mayor providing wine and biscuits in the committee room for council members after the election ceremony. Alderman Preston had instead provided a lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Edwin decided to do something different again and instead invited the Council to a breakfast at the Art Gallery on the Sunday 14 November after being elected, after which he was to attend Christ Church, of which he was a member. The expectation would be that council members would accompany him to church and donate to the church causes.
River Wear Commissioner
At the time Edwin was elected Mayor he was a member of the River Wear Commission. It is not clear how long he had held that position prior to then but he continued with this work until his death in 1902.
The Commissioners were responsible for the management and improvement of the river, they created its piers, including the landmark Roker Pier, and dredged the river so it could be used by larger ships.
Visiting London
In the 1891 census, Edwin and his wife were staying at the Bailey's Hotel on the Gloucester Road in Kensington. We don't know if this was a visit or if he was staying there longer term, but a brief visit seems more likely. They appear to have brought a domestic servant with them, presumably a maid servant to help Emma with her 'toilette'.
Edwin is not shown as having an occupation but as being of "own means", so able to support himself without working. He is recorded as Corn miller in the next census so maybe he wanted to appear more of a man of leisure than an industrialist while in the capital.[10]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Emma Richardson | Boarder | Married | F | 49 | London | |
| Edwin Richardson | Boarder | Married | M | 56 | Own Means | Sunderland |
| Ada Forster | Boarder | Single | F | 21 | Domestic Servant | Sunderland |
| By the 1890s Bailey's Hotel was one of the more successful hotels in London with over 300 rooms, and was popular with international guests. An American tourist guide published in 1891 mentioned the "cosy, homelike atmosphere, which is enhanced by the rich and substantial surroundings" (all for $1 a night at the time).
The hotel is still there and still functioning as a hotel. Despite been renovated in 1996 both the exterior and interior retain many original Victorian features and has a period appearance. |
Later life
In the 1901 census, Edwin and Emma have moved again and are living at 6 The Cedars in the parish of Christ Church, Bishopwearmouth. They have a waiting maid, housemaid and cook.[11]
| Name | Relation | Status | Sex | Age | Occupation | Birth Place |
| Edwin Richardson | Head | Married | M | 66 | Cornmiller | Sunderland, Durham |
| Emma Richardson | Wife | Married | F | 60 | London | |
| Margt Seed | Servant | Single | F | 32 | Waitingmaid (Domestic) | Lintgfork, Durham |
| Catherine Fenwick | Servant | Single | F | 26 | Housemaid (Domestic) | Bewick Main, Northumberland |
| Elizabeth Halliwell | Servant | Single | F | 45 | Cook (Domestic) | Sunderland, Durham |
Deputy Lieutenant
At some point before his death he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant, one of several deputies to the Lord Lieutenant of Durham. This appears to be a mostly ceremonial role, once they would have been responsible for leading the local militia, but it became something that was awarded to people who had served the local community.
Death
Edwin died, aged 68, on 23 September 1902. He was living at The Cedars at the time of his death. His death was reported the same day in the Bolton Evening News:[12][13]
DEATH OF AN EX-MAYOR
Mr. Edwin Richardson, ex-Mayor of Sunderland, died today. He belonged to the firm of E. and F. Richardson, of the Bishopwearmouth steam flour mills, Sunderland. Mr Richardson, who was 68, was a member of the River Wear Commission.
Funeral
He was buried in a polished oak coffin in Grangetown Cemetery, Sunderland (now known as Sunderland Cemetery), with a service given by Rev. C. G. Hopkinson. His wife Emma was buried in the same grave in 1916.[14][15]
The funeral was a grand affair attended by the great and good of Sunderland. There were more than 30 carriages - one just for wreaths and floral tributes - plus a large number of mourners on foot, which included a procession of aldermen, councillors and magistrates, as well as millworkers and constabulary. The Sunderland Daily Echo had a detailed account of the occasion and attendees which is transcribed on this Space
From the newspaper report, it appears as if his wife did not attend the funeral. This may be because of her own health or distress, but may be related to the death of Edwin's brother, Joseph, the day before the funeral.
Probate
Edwin's estate passed probate on 8 December 1902 in Durham. The details of the will were published in the Sunderland Daily Echo later that month.[16][17]
WILL OF MR EDWIN RICHARDSON
Donations to the Infirmary and Christ Church
The will, dated August 26th, 1902, of Mr Edwin Richardson, J.P., D.L., of The Cedars, Sunderland, senior partner of E. and F. Richardson, Bishopwearmouth Steam Flour Mills, and a former Mayor of the town, who died on September 23rd, has been proved by Mrs Emma Phillips Richardson, the widow, Frederic Littleboy, of Sunderland, corn miller, the nephew, and George Iliff Simey, of Sunderland, solicitor, the value of the estate being £119, 572 10s 2d gross, including net personalty of £115,716 15s.
The testator gives £2,000 to his wife, £1,000 to his nephew Frederic Littleboy, £1,000 to his niece Ellen Sophia Littleboy, £2,000 to his sister-in-law Teresa Walker, £1,000 to the Sunderland Infirmary, and £500 to the vicar of Christ Church, Sunderland, for charitable purposes.
The residue of his property his leaves in trust for his wife for life, and her death he further gives £1,000 to his nephew Frederic Littleboy, £1,000 to his nephew Charles Littleboy, £500 each to the children of his brother Stansfield Richardson, £500 each to John Stafford Stringer and Mary Helen Stringer, £1,000 to his god-daughter Alice Mary Walker. The ultimate residue he leaves as to one-sixth each to his nephews Frederick Richardson and Frederic Littleboy, one-sixth to his niece Sophia Littleboy, one fourth to his nieces Mary Sophia Crawford and Alice Maria Richardson, and the remaining one-fourth to his nephews and nieces Robert Heydon Gayner the younger, Frank Gayner, John Stansfield Gayner, Juliet Gayner, Katherine Gayner, and Edith Gayner. He made no provision for the children of his brother Joseph, as they are otherwise well provided for.
Research notes
Possible Categories needed for:
- Grangetown Cemetery (Sunderland Cemetery) Sunderland
- Christ Church, Sunderland
- Mayors England
- Quaker monthly meetings
Sources
- ↑
Birth:
"England & Wales, Quaker Birth, Marriage, and Death Registers, 1578-1837"
The National Archives; Kew, England; General Register Office: Society of Friends' Registers, Notes and Certificates of Births, Marriages and Burials; Class: RG 6; Piece: 1149
Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry uk Record 7097 #175043 (accessed 20 April 2024)
Edwin Richardson born on 29 Aug 1834, son of Caleb Richardson & Mary, in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England. - ↑
Birth:
"England Births and Christenings, 1538-1975"
citing Digital film/folder number: 007565557; FHL microfilm: 813536; Record number: 63; Packet letter: G
FamilySearch Record: JSJW-QBW (accessed 20 April 2024)
Edwin Richardson born on 29 Aug 1834, son of Caleb Richardson & Mary Richardson, in Durham, England, United Kingdom. - ↑
1841 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1841"
citing The National Archives of the UK Class: HO107; Piece/Folio: 309/36; Page: 13; Line: 24
FamilySearch Record: MQBN-S9M (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CS3H-8SX5-B
Edwin Richardson (6) in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom. Born in Durham. - ↑
1851 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1851"
citing The National Archives of the UK Class: HO107; Piece/Folio: 2396 / 507; Page: 32; Line: 17
FamilySearch Record: SGVM-FZ2 (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQ7-X98V-Q
Edwin Richardson (16), unmarried son, Corn Miller, in household of Caleb Richardson (54) in , Durham, England. Born in Bp Wearth, Durham. - ↑
Newcastle Daily Journal: "21 January 1861, p2 col3"
[ https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000242%2F18610121&page=2&article=003 FindMyPast] (accessed 20/04/2024) - ↑
1861 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1861"
citing The National Archives of the UK Class: RG09; Piece/Folio: 3772 / 56; Page: 14; Line: 13
FamilySearch Record: M76H-TDR (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQZ-PQQ9-V
Edwin Richardson (26), unmarried son, Corn Miller, in household of Caleb Richardson (65) in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom. Born in Bishopwearmouth, Durham. - ↑
Marriage:
"England, Select Marriages, 1538-1973"
Original data: England, Marriages, 1538-1973. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013; FHL Film Number: 1041655
Ancestry uk Record 9852 #32678280 (accessed 20 April 2024)
Edwin Richardson marriage to Emma Phillips Walker on 24 Mar 1864 in St. Mary's, Lambeth, Surrey, England. - ↑
1871 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1871"
citing The National Archives of the UK
FamilySearch Record: VBZ2-TZ4 (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 939K-GJ99-4H
Edwin Richardson (36), married, Corn Miller, head of household in Bishopwearmouth, Durham, England, United Kingdom. Born in Sunderland, Durham. - ↑
1881 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1881"
citing The National Archives of the UK Class: RG11; Piece/Folio: 4993/149; Page: 28; Line: 13
FamilySearch Record: Q271-FQYW (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQM-Q9WR-V
Edwin Richardson (46), married, Corn Miller J G P Employing 65 Men, head of household in Bishop Wearmouth, Durham, England. Born in Sunderland, Durham, England. - ↑
1891 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1891"
citing The National Archives of the UK Class: RG12; Piece/Folio: 32/ 134; Page: 7; Line: 4
FamilySearch Record: 3PVW-Y3Z (accessed 20 April 2024)
FamilySearch Image: 3Q9M-CSQQ-69R4-3
Edwin Richardson (56), married boarder, Own Means, in household of Emma Richardson (49) in Kensington, London, England, United Kingdom. Born in Sunderland. - ↑
1901 Census:
"England and Wales Census, 1901"
citing South Bishop Wearmouth subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey
FamilySearch Record: XSCG-LQC (accessed 20 April 2024)
Edwin Richardson (66), married, Cornmiller, head of household in Sunderland registration district in Durham, England. Born in Sunderland, Durham. - ↑
Death Registration:
"England & Wales General Register Office"
GRO Online Indexes - Death (accessed 20 April 2024)
Richardson, Edwin (Age at death: 68).
GRO Reference: 1902 Jul-Aug-Sep in Sunderland Volume 10A Page 299. - ↑
Bolton Evening News: "23 September 1902, p3 col 2"
[ https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000646%2F19020923&page=3 FindMyPast] (accessed 20/04/2024) - ↑
Burial:
"Web: Global, Gravestone Photograph Index, 1265-2014"
Original data: Gravestone Photographic Resource. An international directory of grave monuments. Gravestone Photographic Resource. http://www.gravestonephotos.com/: accessed 17 November 2014
Ancestry uk Record 9740 #402352 (accessed 20 April 2024)
Edwin Richardson burial in 1902 in Grangetown, Sunderland, Durham, England. - ↑
Memorial:
Find a Grave (has image)
Find A Grave: Memorial #235883518 (accessed 20 April 2024)
Memorial page for Edwin Richardson (29 Aug 1834-23 Sep 1902), citing Sunderland Cemetery, Sunderland, Metropolitan Borough of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, England; Maintained by Toni Goundry (contributor 50040792). - ↑
Probate:
"England and Wales, Index to wills and administrations (1858-1995)"
England & Wales National Probate Calendar 1902, page 311
Probate Search/Find A Will (UK) (accessed 20 April 2024)
RICHARDSON Edwin of Sunderland Esq. died 23 Sep 1902. Probate Durham 8 Dec 1902 to Emma Phillips Ricahrdson widow, Frederick Littleboy corn-miller and George Iliff Simey solicitor. Effects £119,572 10s 2d Handwritten noted indicating value recalculated as £115,799 3s 0d. - ↑
Sunderland Daily Echo: "23 December 1902, p3 col 6"
[ https://www.findmypast.co.uk/image-viewer?issue=BL%2F0000289%2F19021223&page=3&article=015 FindMyPast] (accessed 20/04/2024)
- Sunderland Daily Echo: "9 November 1886, p2, col 5" FindMyPast (accessed 20/04/2024)
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R > Richardson > Edwin Richardson JP DL
Categories: Sunderland, County Durham, Richardson Name Study | County Durham, Justices of the Peace | City Councillors | St Mary at Lambeth's Church, Lambeth, Surrey | England, Millers | Bootham School, York | English Quakers | Mayors | Bishopwearmouth, County Durham | England, Deputy Lieutenants