Welcome to The Briercliffe Society Forum

Memorial card for William Brierley, kindly given by Gloria.

http://www.briercliffesociety.co.uk/Grave%20Stones/Ribbons%20and%20Cards/William%20Brierley.htm

Thanks Gloria

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Burnley Express and Advertiser

17 January 1931

Morecambe Disaster Recalled

Death of Briercliffe Resident Who Lost Husband

The unfortunate boating tragedy in Morecambe Bay in 1894, when several people were drowned, is recalled by the passing away this week of Mrs Betty Brierley, of 1, Queen-street, Briercliffe, who lost her husband by that disaster. She was one of the oldest residents in the village, of which she was a native. She formerly attended services regularly at Haggate Baptist Chapel. She is survived by three sons and three daughters.
The funeral took place last Wednesday in Haggate Baptist burial ground. Mr. James Halstead, son, officiated. Floral tributes were sent by: Amy and Eric; Martha Ann, Jim and family; Jesse and family; Fanny and Arthur; Ben, Eric, and Eunice (U.S.A.); Will and Maggie; Leslie; Doreen and mother; all at 5, Queen-street; and all at 9. King-street.

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

Thank you for finding this and adding it to the site.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

You're welcome

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Mel

Searching for lost relatives? Win the Lottery!

I read with great interest all the posts about the Morecambe disaster in 1894. The young boy and his sister that were rescued was my maternal grandfather, Ben Brierley and his older sister Fanny. Mr. Simon Williams wrote a wonderful book about the disaster called the Matchless Tragedy, and some of the information came from a copy of my great Aunt Fanny's diary that I had sent to Burnley Library after I had learned of its existence, and he was gracious enough to send me a copy; I had no idea my sweet old grandfather who liked to sit and show me the civilized tradition of afternoon tea in his Lancaster Massachusetts kitchen when I was just a child had such an amazing beginning to his life. To me he was a carpenter, machinist and no nonsense man of 88 who found joy in his garden and tinkering around the house. I am very interested in knowing more of my family across the pond. Thanks to all who share your stories,

Hi Barbara, my great grandmother Martha Ann Brierley was the sister of your grandfather. Some of my tree is on the home page under "trees".
I've sourced the book from Lancashire Libraries and sent for it.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.

Hi all, my great grandmother Sarah Whitehead was one of the victims of the disaster along with her sister and two of her children, I have been doing a lot of reassure about this and have copy of many of the newspaper articles.

The book that Simon Williams wrote is available to download from the MOURHOLME LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

http://www.mourholme.co.uk/users/UserFi ... l%20A5.pdf

regards
Dave Seymour

Many thanks for adding the link Dave.

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Gloria

I'd be dangerous with a brain.