CROASDELL FAMILY HISTORY & GENEALOGY
CROASDELL FAMILY - POTTED HISTORIES - BRANCHLINES
James Croasdale and Alice Clarke
James Coward Croasdale was born on 22 July 1867 at Tom Cragg, Finsthwaite ( Colton parish) and baptised at St Peter's church, Finsthwaite on 25th July, his middle name being derived from his mother's maiden name. He moved to Haverthwaite with his family and was recorded there with his parents as a child in 1871 and 1881, but was absent from home in 1891. Four years later he married Alice Clarke, born on 2 September 1866 in Tangley Hampshire, at St John's Church in Derby on August 28th 1895. It is probable that James and Alice lived first in Derby, at Grove Terrace, North Parade. The 1901 census shows the couple were by then living at No 1 Ray Street in Heanor, Derbyshire with their first child Arthur, aged 2 and with James's orphaned nephew Henry Kirkby, who had been living previously with James's brother George. James was described as a chemist and shopkeeper. Also in the household were Alice's two sisters, Edith A Clarke, aged 25 and born in Hampshire, and Rose B Clarke, aged 22, born in Derby. There was an 18 year old general domestic servant.
James and Alice and their family had moved to Bury in Lancashire by 1903, by the time their third child was born. James was the proprietor of a chemist's shop at 14 Fleet Street. He also operated from the premises as a Stationer and Account Book Manufacturer, Letterpress, Copperplate and Lithographic Printer. The family moved on to Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk in 1921 where they also established a chemist's shop. Alice was a staunch member and supporter of the Mothers' Union.
James died on 22 October 1939 at Bury St Edmunds aged 72. He left no will but administration was granted to his two sons in 1940
Alice died on 14 March 1942 when living at Crown Street, Bury St Edmunds. Her funeral was held on 19 March at Haverthwaite, where she was buried with her husband, and a memorial service was held for her on the same day at St Mary's, Bury. She also died intestate and administration of her estate was granted to her daughter and surviving son six years later in 1948. An obituary appeared in the local paper.
There is a memorial stone for both James and Alice in Haverthwaite churchyard
James & Alice had four children
- Eleanor Margery 1896 - 1898
- Died of cerebal meningitis
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Arthur Herbert 1899 - 1944
- Born 30 December 1898 at 13 Market Street, Heanor, Derbyshire
- Married Gwendoline Phyllis Norridge, a chemist's dispenser on September 19th 1935 at Rushmere St Andrew's in Ipswich She had been born in Filkins, Gloucestershire on 10 July 1909, the daughter of Edward and Maud Amelia Norridge. Photos of the bridal couple and their families were taken after the event on September 19th
- Arthur worked as a chemist and optician in Ipswich, running 2 shops at 24 and 33 Buttermarket, whilst the family lived at Gray Gables, Ipswich. He became a Fellow of the British Optical Association in 1924 and a Freeman of the City of London in 1926
- Died at "Rostead", Cark-in-Cartmel on 29 May 1944, leaving a widow and 2 young daughters. His will, proved 4 years later in 1948, named his widow and brother as two of the executors.
- Gwen died at Lancaster on 22 December 2002 aged 93.
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Dorothy Alice 1901 - 1993
- Born on 1 April 1901 in Basford Reg Dist (probably at Heanor)
- Dorothy went to Grammar School in Bury, Lancashire, and was one of the first ladies to go to Newham College Cambridge. She gained a diploma but was unable to complete the full degree course because she was needed at home. She was a maths teacher for a short while at a grammar school near Birmingham and later worked in the family chemist's business in Bury St Edmunds and helped to care for her parents.
- She never married but was a muched loved aunt to her two nieces
- Died on 6 March 1993 at St Edmund's Nursing Home, Bury St Edmund's, aged 91 and was cremated at Cambridge Crematorium on 15th March. A service of Thanksgiving was held for her life at St Mary's Church, Bury, on April 4th 1993.
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James Alfred 1903 - 1985- Born on 24 July 1903 in Bury, Lancashire
- James trained as a pharmaceutical chemist, gaining the Pereira medal, the Pharmaceutical Society's highest award, and took over the chemist's shop and business in The Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds. Later in life he became a pedigree landrace pig farmer at Lawshall and won many prizes at Smithfield
- He never married but occupied a semi-paternal role in the up-bringing of his 2 nieces
- James died on 1 June 1985, aged 81, at Stowlangtoft Nursing Home, Bury St Edmunds. He left a will and there was an obituary in the local paper.
The Current Generations
All the present day descendants of James Croasdale and Alice Clarke no longer bear the name Croasdale - they are the married daughters and families of Arthur Herbert Croasdale and Gwendoline Norridge. Janet and Susan were brought up in Cark-in-Cartmel, after being evacuated from Ipswich in the war, but later moved away from the area.
Janet Croasdale, a teacher, married Michael Vickers who became an Anglican Bishop
Janet is also a freeman of the City of London by patrimony
They have now retired and live in Lancaster
Janet & Michael have three daughters, all teachers - Lorna Ruth; Fiona Catherine; and Nicola Jane. Fiona is married with 2 sons and a daughter and Nicola and her husband have a daughter and a son
Lorna was made a Freeman of the City of London in 2003
Susan Croasdale, also a teacher, married a chartered accountant, Derek Ross.
They have one daughter Jennifer Croasdale Ross
Janet has provided many of the photos and illustrations for this page. To see more of her collection please have a look at Janet's Photo Album.
Click here to return to James's father James