Wigton Genealogical Records
Wigton Birth & Baptism Records
An index to births registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of birth certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
Transcriptions of registers kept by the parish church, which record baptisms into the Christian faith. The records are in effect records of birth, naming parent(s), places of habitation and occupations.
A growing index of births registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.
A collection of indexes and transcripts of birth and baptism records that cover over 250 million people. Includes digital images of many records.
An index to births registered at the central authority for England & Wales. The index provides the area where the birth was registered, mother's maiden name from September 1911 and a reference to order a birth certificate.
Wigton Marriage & Divorce Records
An index to marriages registered throughout England & Wales. This is the only national marriage index that allows you to search by both spouse's names. Provides a reference to order copies of marriage certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
A full transcription of the marriage register, giving parents name & origin, residence and witnesses.
An Anglican marriage register, recording the names of the parties getting married and the date of their marriage. Later records tend to include residence, marital status and other details.
Transcriptions of registers kept by the parish church, which record marriages.
A growing index of marriages registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.
Wigton Death & Burial Records
An index to deaths registered throughout England & Wales. Provides a reference to order copies of death certificates from the national registrar of births, marriages and deaths – the General Register Office.
A record of burials, which typically occurred shortly after death. Records may include age, residence and other details.
Transcriptions of registers kept by the parish church, which record burials, which typically occur within a few days after the deceased's death.
A growing index of deaths registered in the region. Records include a reference to the sub-registration district, making it easier to order the correct certificate.
Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.
Wigton Census & Population Lists
An index to and digital images of records that detail 40 million civilians in England and Wales. Records list name, date of birth, address, marital status, occupation and details of trade or profession.
The 1911 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
A tax levied on the wealthier inhabitants of Cumberland.
The 1901 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
The 1891 census provides details on an individual's age, residence, place of birth, relations and occupation. FindMyPast's index allows searches on for multiple metrics including occupation and residence.
Newspapers Covering Wigton
A local newspaper including news from the Carlisle area, family announcements, business notices, advertisements, legal & governmental proceedings and more.
This fully searchable newspaper will provide a rich variety of information about the people and places of the Carlisle district. Includes family announcements.
Britain's most popular provincial newspaper, covering local & national news, family announcements, government & local proceedings and more.
A collection of transcribed extracts, particularly BMD columns, from over 20 newspapers.
An index to personal notices in a railway employee magazine.
Wigton Wills & Probate Records
Searchable index and original images of over 12.5 million probates and administrations granted by civil registries. Entries usually include the testator's name, date of death, date of probate and registry. Names of relations may be given.
Digital images, indexed by testor's name, of 28,716 wills, administrations, inventories and other probate documents. The records can shed light on an individual’s relations, possessions, land holdings, legal agreements and more. They cover various jurisdictions throughout the north of England.
An index to wills, administrations and inventories proved by the Diocese of Durham and Carlisle District Probate Registry. The index provides a reference, which can be used to view original documents.
An index to 263,822 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, year of probate, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).
An index to 10,195 wills, administrations and other probate documents proved by an ecclesiastical court in York. The index included the testor's name, residence, occupation, will & probate year, language, type of document and reference to order copies of the referenced document(s.).
Wigton Immigration & Travel Records
A name index connected to original images of passenger lists recording people travelling from Britain to destinations outside Europe. Records may detail a passenger's age or date of birth, residence, occupation, destination and more.
A full index of passenger lists for vessels arriving in the UK linked to original images. Does not include lists from vessels sailing from European ports. Early entries can be brief, but later entries may include dates of births, occupations, home addresses and more. Useful for documenting immigration.
An index to and images of documents recording over 1.65 million passengers who arrived in Victoria, Australia, including passengers whose voyage was paid for by others.
Details on over 600,000 non-British citizens arriving in England. Often includes age and professions. Useful for discerning the origin of immigrants.
Details on thousands of 17th century British immigrants to the U.S., detailing their origins and nature of their immigration.
Wigton Military Records
A searchable list of over 100,000 British Army POWs. Records contains details on the captured, their military career and where they were held prisoner.
Details on around 165,000 men serving in the British Army, Navy and Air Force who were held as prisoners during WWII.
Index and original images of over 5 million medal index cards for British soldiers It can be searched by individual's name, Coprs, Unit and Regiment. Due to the loss of many WWI service records, this is the most complete source for British WWI soldiers
This rich collection contains contains records for 1.9 million non-commissioned officers and other ranks who fought in WWI. Due to bomb damage in WWI, around 60% of service records were lost. Documents cover: enlistment, medical status, injuries, conduct, awards and discharge. A great deal of genealogical and biographical documentation can be found in these documents, including details on entire families, physical descriptions and place of birth.
An index to nearly 900,000 military personnel who were awarded the Silver War Badge for sustaining injures. Records include rank, regimental number, unit, dates of enlistment and discharge, and reason for discharge.
Wigton Court & Legal Records
The cartulary and other records of the important Cistercian house of Holm Cultram. The records cover many places in Cumberland.
Records of over 300,000 prisoners held by quarter sessions in England & Wales. Records may contain age, occupation, criminal history, offence and trial proceedings.
Over 175,000 records detailing prisoner's alleged offences and the outcome of their trial. Contains genealogical information.
Digital images of ledgers recording those registered to vote, searchable by an index of 220 million names. Entries list name, address, qualification to vote, description of property and sometimes age and occupation.
From the late 18th century many prisoners in Britain were kept on decommissioned ships known as hulks. This collection contains nearly 50 years of registers for various ships. Details given include: prisoner's name, date received, age, year of birth and conviction details.
Wigton Taxation Records
A tax levied on the wealthier inhabitants of Cumberland.
An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.
This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.
An index linked to original images of registers recording apprenticeship indentures. Details are given on the trade and nature of apprenticeship. Many records list the parents of the apprentice.
A compilation of records from the Court of the Exchequer primarily dealing with taxes and land. These records are in Latin.
Wigton Land & Property Records
The cartulary and other records of the important Cistercian house of Holm Cultram. The records cover many places in Cumberland.
An index to 11,000,000 parcels of land and property, connected to digital images of registers that record their owner, occupier, description, agricultural use, size and rateable value.
This vital collection details almost 1.2 million properties eligible for land tax. Records include the name of the landowner, occupier, amount assessed and sometimes the name and/or description of the property. It is a useful starting point for locating relevant estate records and establishing the succession of tenancies and freehold. Most records cover 1798, but some extend up to 1811.
Poll books record the names of voters and the direction of their vote. Until 1872 only landholders could vote, so not everyone will be listed. Useful for discerning an ancestor's political leanings and landholdings. The collection is supplemented with other records relating to the vote.
Abstracts of records detailing the estates and families of deceased tenants from the reigns of Henry III and Edward I.
Wigton Directories & Gazetteers
A directory of settlements in Cumberland & Westmorland detailing their history, agriculture, topography, economy and leading commercial, professional and private residents.
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.
A comprehensive place-by-place gazetteer, listing key contemporary and historical facts. Each place has a list of residents and businesses. Contains details on local schools, churches, government and other institutions.
Wigton Cemeteries
An index to those buried in the cemtery. Contains name, age and date of burial. The original register will contain further details.
Images of millions of pages from cemetery and crematoria registers, photographs of memorials, cemetery plans and more. Records can be search by a name index.
Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.
Profiles of several hundred mausolea found in the British Isles.
Several thousand transcribed memorials remembering those connected with the nautical occupations.
Wigton Obituaries
The UKs largest repository of obituaries, containing millions of searchable notices.
A growing collection currently containing over 425,000 abstracts of obituaries with reference to the location of the full obituary.
A collection of 364 obituaries of Quakers from the British Isles. The volume was published in 1849 and includes obituaries of those who died in late 1847 through 1848.
This transcribed and searchable work by Sir William Musgrave contains 10,000s of brief obituaries. The work is a reference point for other works containing information on an individual.
A text index and digital images of all editions of a journal containing medical articles and obituaries of medical practitioners.
Wigton Histories & Books
A short history of Wigton, including contemporary photographs and a map.
A collection of thousands of images, largely postcards and photographs of the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland.
A large collection of photographs depicting the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, arranged by place.
Detailed descriptions of Cumbria parishes from Mannix & Whellan, History, Gazetteer and Directory of Cumberland and Westmorland.
A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.
Wigton School & Education Records
A name index connected to digital images of registers recording millions of children educated in schools operated by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. Records contain a variety of information including genealogical details, education history, illnesses, exam result, fathers occupation and more.
A name index linked to original images of registers recording the education and careers of teachers in England & Wales.
A name index linked to original images of short biographies for over 120,000 Oxford University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.
A transcript of a vast scholarly work briefly chronicling the heritage, education and careers of over 150,000 Cambridge University students. This is a particularly useful source for tracing the ancestry of the landed gentry.
A searchable database containing over 90,000 note-form biographies for students of Cambridge University.
Wigton Occupation & Business Records
An extensive website detailing over forty different industries connected with the former counties of Westmorland and Cumberland.
Profiles of collieries in the north of England, with employment statistics, profiles of those who died in the mines and photographs.
Over 1,000 photographs relating to railways in the former counties of Westmorland and Cumbria.
An index to records detailing hundreds of railway employees in Westmorland and Cumberland.
Reports of mining distastes, includes lists of the deceased and photographs of monuments.
Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Wigton
Pedigrees of gentry families from Cumberland and Westmorland. Also describes their coats of arms.
A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.
Biographic and genealogical information of early Quakers in Cumberland.
Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.
A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.
Wigton Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records
Pedigrees of gentry families from Cumberland and Westmorland. Also describes their coats of arms.
A detailed history of the county's hundreds, parishes and religious houses.
Extensive and impeccably sourced genealogies for British, Irish & Manx royalty and nobility. Scroll down to 'British Isles' for relevant sections.
A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.
Over 600 pedigrees for English and Welsh families who had a right to bear a coat of arms.
Wigton Church Records
Transcriptions of registers kept by the parish church, which record the vital events of its parishioners The entries are indexed by name.
A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.
Historical and architectural dictionary to churches in the two counties. Contains numerous sketches of church features.
Histories and photographs of churches in Cumbria and the Lake District.
Documentation for those baptised, married and buried at England. Parish registers can assist tracing a family back numerous generations.
Biographical Directories Covering Wigton
A history of a period when ministers who did not conform to the Common Book of Prayer were ejected from their positions. This after a period of religious tolerance under Cromwell. The book also includes biographies of the several hundred ejected ministers.
A history of Cumberland and Westmorland's influence and affairs in Westminster. Also contains short biographies of the counties' members of Parliament.
Abstract biographies of people connected with mining in the North of England.
A searchable book, listing pedigrees of titled families and biographies of their members.
A book containing genealogies and biographies of Britain's titled families.
Wigton Maps
A map delineating Church of England parishes in the two counties.
A collection of maps and descriptions of the counties of Cumberland and Westmorland – their settlements and features.
A collection of digitalised maps covering the county.
Several maps depicting parts of Cumbria.
A number of maps of northern England with the locations of collieries plotted.
Wigton Reference Works
Two guides for locating and using manorial records for family and property history.
A beginner’s guide to researching ancestry in England.
Compiled in 1831, this book details the coverage and condition of parish registers in England & Wales.
A comprehensive guide to researching the history of buildings in the British Isles.
A service that provides advanced and custom surname maps for the British Isles and the US.
Civil & Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Historical Description
The town of Wigton is in the forest of Allendale. The streets are spacious, and many of the buildings are handsome and modern. The Church, which was erected in the year 1788, from materials procured from the Roman station at Old Carlisle, is a neat structure. Here is an Hospital for six poor clergyman's widows, and a Free Grammar-school. It has a market on Tuesdays, and in the returns of 1821, was stated to contain 091 inhabited houses, and 5456 inhabitants.
About one mile south from Wigton are the remains of that ancient Roman station, Caer Leol, now called Old Carlisle, but by some supposed to have been the Olenacum of the Notitia, where the ala Herculea were in garrison. These remains are situated on an easy ascent, and commanding an extensive prospect towards Solway Firth and the Scotch borders; they are very extensive, foundations of innumerable buildings being scattered over many acres, as well within the vallum as on every hand without the line, except to the westward, where the hill descends precipitate to a small brook. This station is an oblong square, 170 paces in length, and 110 in breadth, with obtuse angles, defended by a double ditch, with an aperture or approach in the centre of each side: the whole ground appears a confusion of ruined edifices. Within the vallum, towards the north, a well has been opened within these few years, of about three feet in diameter, walled regularly with stone, around which were scattered fragments of bricks, tiles, and earthen ware. Various inscriptions, sacrificing instruments, coins, altars, statues, and several other vestiges of antiquities, have been found at this station; "and certain it is (says Camden) that the ala (wing,) which for its valour was called Augusta, and Augusta Gordiana, was here in the time of Gordianus, as appears from the following inscription, which I saw in the neighbourhood.
I. O. M.
PRO SALVTE IMPERATORIS
M. ANTONI. GORDIANI. P. F.
INVICTI AVG ET SABINIAE FR
IAE TKANQVILE CONIVGI EIVS TO
TAQVE DOMV DIVIN EORVM A
LA AVG GORDIA OB VIRTVTEM
APPELLATA POSVIT CVI PRAEST
AEMILIVS CRISPIN VS PRAEF
EQQ. NATVS IN PRO AFRICA DE
TVSDRO SVB CVR NONNII PHI
LIPPI LEG AVG PROPRETO ....
ATTICO ET PRAETEXTATO
COSS.
"This votive altar was erected for the happy health of the Emperor Gordian the Third, and his wife Furia Sabina Tranquilla, and their whole family, by the troops of horsemen surnamed Augusta Gordiana, when Amilius Crispinus, a native of Africa, governed the same under Nonnius Philippus, lieutenant general in Britain, in the year of Christ, 243, as appeareth by the Consuls therein specified."
About one mile to the south of this station, on a well cultivated spot, but in the midst of an elevated and dreary moor, is Clea Hall, the seat of Sir Henry Fletcher, Bart. The northern prospect from this place is very extensive, the lower parts of Cumberland, the Solway Firth, and the borders of Scotland, being all comprehended in the view.
At the distance of about six miles from Wigton, and on the left of our road, is Brayton Hall, the seat of Sir Gilfrid Lawson, Bart; the house, which is an elegant and commodious dwelling, has been much improved of late years, and the apartments are enriched with several good paintings.
WIGTON is a small market town, township and parish, and the head of a union and county court district, pleasantly situated in a healthy and attractive neighbourhood, with a station on the Maryport and Carlisle railway, and is 11 miles south-west-by-west from Carlisle, 15 north-north-east from Cockermouth, 16 east-north-east from Maryport, 21 north-west-by-west from Penrith, and 305, from London, in the Mid division of the county, Cumberland ward, Allerdale-below-Derwent petty sessional division, rural deanery of Wigton, and archdeaconry and diocese of Carlisle. The parish is about 7 miles in length from north to south, and 5 in breadth, and is divided into three townships-viz., Wigton-cum-Woodside, Oulton and Waverton.
The “Local Government Act, 1858” (21 and 22 Vict. c. 98), was adopted by the district 16 April, 1875, but under the provisions of the Act of 1894 (56 and 57 Vict. c. 73) the government of the town is now vested in an Urban District Council of 12 members. The town is lighted with gas by a company established in 1831 with works in Wigton; water is supplied by the Urban District Council from the Boiling spring, about 6 miles south, on the gravitation system. In 1883 the sewerage works were completed at a cost of £9,000, from plans by Mr. J. S. Hodgson C.E. of Hexham.
The parish church of St. Mary, rebuilt in 1788, on the site of an ancient edifice constructed probably in part with materials taken from the Roman station, Olenacum (Old Carlisle), which is about a mile south, is now an edifice of red sandstone, in the style of the 18th century, consisting of chancel, nave, aisles, west porch and an embattled western tower containing one bell. The church was restored in 1882 at a cost of £1,350, under the direction of Mr. C. J. Ferguson F.S.A., architect, of Carlisle, and now affords 1,200 sittings. In the churchyard was buried, in 1856, Mr. John Rooke of Aikhead, an eminent geologist and writer on political economy; and there is also a stone to Thomas Warcop, vicar, dated 1632, with a rhyming epitaph said to have been cut by himself, but now almost illegible. The registers date from the year 1613. The living is a vicarage; net yearly value, £371, with glebe and residence, in the gift of the Bishop of Carlisle, and held since 1880 by the Rev. John Bainbridge Kayss M.A. of Trinity College, Dublin, chaplain to Wigton union and surrogate.
The Catholic church, erected in 1836, and dedicated to St. Cuthbert, is an edifice in the Gothic style, from designs by Benomi, and consists of chancel, nave, transept, chapel, added in 1857 at the cost of Miss Aglionby of Wigton Hall, south porch, and a turret containing one bell: there are 400 sittings. The convent of Sisters of Mercy, who teach the school and visit the sick and poor, was also built, in 1857.
The Wesleyan chapel in High street was erected in 1883, and will seat 400 persons.
The Congregational chapel in Water street, built in 1834, has 550 sittings.
The Primitive Methodist chapel, erected in 1864, seats 300, and there is a Friends’ Meeting House in West street built in 1829 of red freestone, and seating 500.
The Cemetery at Station Hill was formed in 1857, and comprises an area of 5 acres, but has no mortuary chapel; it is under the control of a joint Burial committee of 9 members.
The manufacture of checks, ginghams and winseys is carried on here; the other principal industries are tanning, brewing and the making of spade and shovel handles; a trade in timber is also maintained. The rivers Waver and Wampool, on which are several corn mills, pass near the town. Coal is obtained from a distance of about three miles.
The market is held every Tuesday in the open street for corn and all kinds of farm produce, and on St. Thomas’s Day there is a large market for meat, apples and honey. Fairs are held on the 20th of February for horses and cattle, which was formerly one of the largest in this part of the country; and on the 5th of April for cattle and merchandise; and Whit-Tuesday and Martinmas Tuesday for hiring agricultural servants.
Several persons of celebrity were natives of this place-among others, Robert Smirke, R.A., the historical painter, and father of Sir Robert Smirke, kt., R.A, the distinguished architect; he was born here in 1752, and died in London, 5 Jan. 1845; George Barnes, the mathematician; Ewan Clark, the Cumberland poet; the Rev. John Brown, D.D., author of the tragedy of “Barbarossa,” and some poetical and controversial works, received his education in the Grammar school here, and died 23 Sept. 1766.
A handsome drinking fountain was erected in 1872 in the Market place at a cost of £12,000 by G. Moore, esq. as a memorial to bis wife, who died in Dec. 1858; it is 32 feet in height, and constructed of variously coloured granite from Shap in Westmorland, and is surmounted by a massive gilt cross: on the four sides of the structure are four bas-reliefs in bronze, after designs by the late Thomas Woolner esq. R.A., representing the four acts of mercy, viz., Healing the Sick, Feeding the Hungry, Instructing the Ignorant and Clothing the Naked; the water flows into four granite basins, one on each side, and at the base are troughs for the use of cattle; the whole is beautifully carved, polished and gilt; at the four angles are lamp standards of cast iron; the structure was erected from designs by Mr. J. T. Knowles, of London.
Charities.-Barwise’s charity of 10s. a year, derived from rents, is for distribution in money; T. Thomlinson’s of £3 yearly, left by will in 1798, is also applicable to the relief of the poor; J. Thomlinson’s of £13 per annum (less deduction for land tax) is assigned to the vicar as part of his stipend if resident, but if not it is given to the poor; Sanderson’s, consisting of £4,500 in Consols, bequeathed in 1832, produces £135 a year for the relief of the poor, and is distributed in money yearly to 20 poor persons, who must be natives of and residents in Wigton; it is in the trust of the vicar, churchwardens and 8 others; Hodge’s bequest of £900 invested in personal securities produces £31 10s. yearly for educational purposes, which sum is now (1897) given in rewards to the school children for regular attendance; Barnes's charity is now lost; in 1724 the Rev. John Tomlinson left £120 per annum for six widows of beneficed clergymen, or those of curates of two years’ standing, but this benefaction is now abolished.
The Mechanics’ Institution in West street, built in 1849, contains a news-room, and is well supplied with books and newspapers.
Highmoor, the residence of Edwin Hodge Banks esq. J.P., D.L. is a fine modern mansion of stone, with a tower 135 feet in height, containing a clock, 10 chiming bells cast by Severin Van Aerschodt of Louvain, and one striking bell by Taylor of Loughborough, which is the fourth largest in England, and weighs 8 tons 16 cwt.; besides striking the quarters the carillon machine plays 28 different melodies, varying each day, and there is also a keyboard for playing by hand any tune not on the barrel; the clock is wound up by a gas engine; the house is surrounded by beautiful ornamental grounds and a deer park of 150 acres, containing a herd of 60 red and 90 fallow deer.
Lord Leconfield is lord of the manor or barony of Wigton, and holds a court leet and baron in September annually.
The land is generally low, but dry and fertile, the soil varying from loam, clay and gravel. The area of the township of Wigton is 3,141 acres; rateable value, £11,593. The population of the township in 1891 was 4,346, including 9 officers and 120 inmates in the workhouse; of the urban district, 3,965, and of the parish, 5,102.
Woodside was formed into a separate parish 29th June, 1894; it is about miles north-east of the parish church and consists only of a few scattered farms. The area is 1,838 acres; rateable value, £7,572.
Parochial School, average attendance, 39.
Petty Sessions held at Court house, Wigton, alternate Tuesday at 11.30 & Thursdays monthly at Silloth.
The following places are included in the petty sessional division:-Aikton, Allhallows, Allonby & West Newton, Aspatria & Brayton, Bencogo, Blennerhasset & Kirkland, Boltons, Bromfield, Caldbeck, Dundraw, Hayton & Mealo, Holme Abbey, Holme East Waver, Holme St. Cuthberts, Ireby High, Ireby Low, Kirkbride, Langrigg & Mealrigg, Oulton, Sebergham, Silloth, Thursby, Torpenhow & Whitrigg, Uldale, Waverton, Westward & Wigton-cum-Woodside.
WIGTON UNION
Wigton Union was formed 22 June, 1837.
The Guardians meet every alternate Tuesday at the Queen’s Head.
It comprises the townships of Aikton, Allhallows, Allonby, Aspatria, Blencogo, Blennerhasset & Kirkland, Boltons, Bowness, Bromfield, Caldbeck, Dundraw, Hayton & Melay, Holme Abbey, Holme East Waver, Holme St. Cuthbert, Holme Low, Ireby High, Ireby Low, Kirkbampton, Kirkbride, Langrigg & Mealrigg, West Newton, Oulton, Sebergham, Thursby, Torpenhow & Whitrigg, Uldale, Waverton, Westward, Wigton & Woodside. The area of the union is 137,647 acres; rateable value in 1896, £174,507; the population in 1891 was 23,953.
The Workhouse, occupying an elevated, position on Station, hill, is a building of stone, & was erected in 1841.
PLACES OF WORSHIP, with times of services
St. Mary’s Church, Rev. John Bainbridge Kayss M.A.; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.
St. Cuthbert’s Catholic, Rev. Michael Thomas Bourke M.A. priest, Burnfoot; 8.30 & 10.30 a.m. mass, evening service 6.30 p.m. daily mass 7.30 a.m.
Friends’ Meeting House, West street, 10 a.m. & 6 p.m.; Thur. 10 a.m.
Congregational, Rev. Joseph Price; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m.; Wed. 7.30 p.m.
Primitive Methodist, New street, 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. & Thur. 8 p.m.
Wesleyan, High street, Rev. Charles J. Preston; 10.30 a.m. & 6.30 p.m. & Wed. 8 p.m.
SCHOOLS
Free Grammar School, founded & endowed in 1730 by the Rev. Robert Thomlinson D.D. rector of Wichham & the Rev. John Thomlinson M.A. his brother, rector of Rothbury, Northumberland The school building was erected at a cost of about £400, of which £126 was defrayed by Dr. Thomlinson, & stands, with the master’s house, on Market hill, & in the schoolroom is a mural tablet recording the foundation. The endowments, given by the founders, by the will in 1800 of Mr. John Allison, of London, a former scholar, & by the will in 1798 of Mr. Thos. Thomlinson, of Newburn, N. Carolina, U.S.A. (1897) produce £19 6s. 4d. per annum. The school is managed by a body of 10 governors, of whom the vicar of Wigton is chairman; clerk to governors, D. H. Hewetson. The school will hold 60 boys.
National, built in 1820, for 200 boys & 200 girls; average attendance, 185 boys, 170 girls & 165 infants.
Society of Friends, Brookfield, built in 1826, for 60 children; average attendance, 48.
Catholic (mixed), built in 1857 & an infants’ school added in 1893; it will now hold 280 children; average attendance, 230; the Sisters of Mercy are the teachers. Catholic Orphanage, founded in 1873, for 50 children, who are boarded & clothed, & there are now (1897) 50 orphans; the institution is managed by the Sisters.
Most Common Surnames in Wigton
| Rank | Surname | Incidence | Frequency | Percent of Parent | Rank in Cumberland Ward |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bell | 123 | 1:42 | 3.39% | 2 |
| 2 | Wilson | 102 | 1:51 | 3.05% | 3 |
| 3 | Graham | 101 | 1:52 | 2.52% | 1 |
| 4 | Pearson | 96 | 1:54 | 10.30% | 27 |
| 5 | Robinson | 83 | 1:63 | 3.36% | 7 |
| 6 | Scott | 82 | 1:64 | 4.23% | 13 |
| 7 | Barnes | 81 | 1:64 | 11.28% | 39 |
| 8 | Dixon | 80 | 1:65 | 4.22% | 14 |
| 9 | Johnston | 73 | 1:71 | 3.32% | 9 |
| 10 | Brown | 68 | 1:77 | 3.28% | 10 |
| 11 | Little | 60 | 1:87 | 2.98% | 11 |
| 12 | Clark | 55 | 1:95 | 5.45% | 25 |
| 13 | Armstrong | 49 | 1:106 | 1.75% | 5 |
| 14 | Irving | 48 | 1:109 | 2.64% | 15 |
| 14 | Gate | 48 | 1:109 | 29.81% | 279 |
| 16 | Hewitson | 47 | 1:111 | 16.73% | 145 |
| 17 | Moore | 45 | 1:116 | 6.45% | 41 |
| 18 | Richardson | 44 | 1:119 | 3.01% | 18 |
| 19 | Story | 39 | 1:134 | 11.24% | 112 |
| 20 | Watson | 37 | 1:141 | 2.08% | 16 |
| 21 | Park | 36 | 1:145 | 6.19% | 51 |
| 21 | Pattinson | 36 | 1:145 | 3.92% | 29 |
| 23 | Taylor | 35 | 1:149 | 3.38% | 24 |
| 23 | Henderson | 35 | 1:149 | 6.31% | 58 |
| 25 | Studholme | 34 | 1:153 | 19.88% | 264 |
| 26 | Harris | 32 | 1:163 | 8.44% | 101 |
| 27 | Thompson | 31 | 1:168 | 1.05% | 4 |
| 27 | Hetherington | 31 | 1:168 | 2.91% | 23 |
| 29 | Miller | 30 | 1:174 | 5.21% | 52 |
| 29 | Ismay | 30 | 1:174 | 31.25% | 462 |
| 31 | Wood | 29 | 1:180 | 3.90% | 38 |
| 32 | Atkinson | 28 | 1:186 | 2.08% | 19 |
| 32 | Hodgson | 28 | 1:186 | 1.19% | 8 |
| 32 | Wise | 28 | 1:186 | 20.44% | 317 |
| 32 | Jefferson | 28 | 1:186 | 8.07% | 112 |
| 36 | Carruthers | 27 | 1:193 | 2.88% | 26 |
| 37 | Smith | 26 | 1:201 | 0.99% | 6 |
| 37 | Fell | 26 | 1:201 | 9.74% | 156 |
| 39 | Jackson | 24 | 1:217 | 1.23% | 12 |
| 40 | Nixon | 23 | 1:227 | 2.68% | 32 |
| 40 | Stubbs | 23 | 1:227 | 14.94% | 290 |
| 40 | Chicken | 23 | 1:227 | 67.65% | 1,081 |
| 40 | Dand | 23 | 1:227 | 39.66% | 705 |
| 44 | Hall | 22 | 1:237 | 3.90% | 55 |
| 44 | Hill | 22 | 1:237 | 5.53% | 97 |
| 44 | Kerr | 22 | 1:237 | 8.56% | 166 |
| 44 | Hampson | 22 | 1:237 | 78.57% | 1,273 |
| 48 | Murphy | 21 | 1:248 | 4.55% | 78 |
| 48 | Wallace | 21 | 1:248 | 5.43% | 100 |
| 48 | Law | 21 | 1:248 | 16.80% | 343 |
| 48 | Skelton | 21 | 1:248 | 6.77% | 124 |
| 48 | Lightfoot | 21 | 1:248 | 6.44% | 121 |
| 48 | Holliday | 21 | 1:248 | 3.17% | 43 |
| 48 | Carrick | 21 | 1:248 | 10.50% | 219 |
| 55 | Carr | 20 | 1:261 | 4.89% | 92 |
| 55 | Sanderson | 20 | 1:261 | 4.30% | 75 |
| 55 | Waite | 20 | 1:261 | 13.07% | 291 |
| 55 | Telford | 20 | 1:261 | 4.21% | 71 |
| 55 | Dugdale | 20 | 1:261 | 62.50% | 1,144 |
| 55 | Wallas | 20 | 1:261 | 40.00% | 798 |
| 61 | Matthews | 19 | 1:274 | 11.31% | 267 |
| 61 | Nicholson | 19 | 1:274 | 1.29% | 17 |
| 61 | Shadwick | 19 | 1:274 | 32.20% | 690 |
| 64 | Lawson | 18 | 1:290 | 3.42% | 62 |
| 64 | Howe | 18 | 1:290 | 6.38% | 142 |
| 64 | Hayton | 18 | 1:290 | 6.41% | 145 |
| 64 | Beaty | 18 | 1:290 | 6.02% | 135 |
| 64 | Mattinson | 18 | 1:290 | 9.73% | 238 |
| 64 | McWhinney | 18 | 1:290 | 52.94% | 1,081 |
| 70 | Wright | 17 | 1:307 | 2.65% | 45 |
| 70 | Simpson | 17 | 1:307 | 2.00% | 33 |
| 70 | Todd | 17 | 1:307 | 3.85% | 84 |
| 70 | Pennington | 17 | 1:307 | 20.73% | 514 |
| 74 | Harrison | 16 | 1:326 | 1.27% | 20 |
| 74 | Newton | 16 | 1:326 | 5.61% | 141 |
| 74 | Strong | 16 | 1:326 | 5.50% | 137 |
| 74 | Oliphant | 16 | 1:326 | 16.16% | 444 |
| 74 | Twentyman | 16 | 1:326 | 14.04% | 374 |
| 79 | Turner | 15 | 1:348 | 2.73% | 59 |
| 79 | Mitchell | 15 | 1:348 | 2.62% | 53 |
| 79 | Shepherd | 15 | 1:348 | 5.23% | 138 |
| 79 | Coates | 15 | 1:348 | 8.43% | 246 |
| 79 | Addison | 15 | 1:348 | 10.49% | 306 |
| 79 | Beeby | 15 | 1:348 | 14.29% | 411 |
| 79 | Hardon | 15 | 1:348 | 36.59% | 951 |
| 86 | Askew | 14 | 1:372 | 10.00% | 314 |
| 86 | Coulthard | 14 | 1:372 | 2.69% | 63 |
| 86 | Walby | 14 | 1:372 | 46.67% | 1,209 |
| 86 | Porthouse | 14 | 1:372 | 17.28% | 524 |
| 90 | Ward | 13 | 1:401 | 2.80% | 75 |
| 90 | Foster | 13 | 1:401 | 2.34% | 56 |
| 90 | Moffat | 13 | 1:401 | 4.32% | 133 |
| 90 | Peel | 13 | 1:401 | 6.07% | 207 |
| 90 | Snaith | 13 | 1:401 | 25.49% | 789 |
| 90 | Iveson | 13 | 1:401 | 44.83% | 1,235 |
| 90 | Stamper | 13 | 1:401 | 6.37% | 214 |
| 90 | Sinton | 13 | 1:401 | 30.95% | 932 |
| 90 | Tiffen | 13 | 1:401 | 22.41% | 705 |
| 99 | King | 12 | 1:435 | 6.74% | 246 |
| 99 | McDonald | 12 | 1:435 | 3.50% | 115 |
| 99 | Holmes | 12 | 1:435 | 2.16% | 56 |
| 99 | Reed | 12 | 1:435 | 2.73% | 85 |
| 99 | Baxter | 12 | 1:435 | 4.67% | 166 |
| 99 | Ray | 12 | 1:435 | 5.85% | 213 |
| 99 | Stoddart | 12 | 1:435 | 7.27% | 272 |
| 99 | Cowen | 12 | 1:435 | 5.94% | 216 |
| 99 | Dowell | 12 | 1:435 | 27.27% | 888 |
| 99 | Corrie | 12 | 1:435 | 9.30% | 334 |
| 99 | Manduell | 12 | 1:435 | 100.00% | 2,282 |
| 110 | Martin | 11 | 1:474 | 1.23% | 30 |
| 110 | Stephenson | 11 | 1:474 | 1.79% | 47 |
| 110 | Hogg | 11 | 1:474 | 4.23% | 164 |
| 110 | Hope | 11 | 1:474 | 2.70% | 95 |
| 110 | Elliot | 11 | 1:474 | 2.19% | 64 |
| 110 | O'Neil | 11 | 1:474 | 6.40% | 259 |
| 110 | Peet | 11 | 1:474 | 64.71% | 1,791 |
| 110 | Cubby | 11 | 1:474 | 27.50% | 967 |
| 110 | Frizzel | 11 | 1:474 | 100.00% | 2,421 |
| 119 | Wilkinson | 10 | 1:521 | 1.12% | 31 |
| 119 | Davidson | 10 | 1:521 | 0.88% | 22 |
| 119 | Harding | 10 | 1:521 | 3.69% | 155 |
| 119 | Osborne | 10 | 1:521 | 8.62% | 366 |
| 119 | Patterson | 10 | 1:521 | 4.37% | 191 |
| 119 | Main | 10 | 1:521 | 12.66% | 542 |
| 119 | Percival | 10 | 1:521 | 6.10% | 274 |
| 119 | Brough | 10 | 1:521 | 4.26% | 186 |
| 119 | Milburn | 10 | 1:521 | 2.72% | 104 |
| 119 | Rigg | 10 | 1:521 | 3.32% | 133 |
| 119 | Peat | 10 | 1:521 | 13.51% | 574 |
| 119 | Lowther | 10 | 1:521 | 5.05% | 220 |
| 119 | Pape | 10 | 1:521 | 8.77% | 374 |
| 119 | Lattimer | 10 | 1:521 | 6.71% | 298 |
| 119 | Feeley | 10 | 1:521 | 55.56% | 1,736 |
| 119 | Wannop | 10 | 1:521 | 5.41% | 238 |
| 119 | Bradey | 10 | 1:521 | 83.33% | 2,282 |
| 119 | Asbridge | 10 | 1:521 | 22.73% | 888 |
| 137 | White | 9 | 1:579 | 1.65% | 60 |
| 137 | Gibson | 9 | 1:579 | 1.19% | 37 |
| 137 | Lamb | 9 | 1:579 | 3.37% | 156 |
| 137 | Maxwell | 9 | 1:579 | 3.37% | 156 |
| 137 | Parkin | 9 | 1:579 | 5.92% | 292 |
| 137 | Parr | 9 | 1:579 | 25.71% | 1,057 |
| 137 | Roper | 9 | 1:579 | 7.56% | 362 |
| 137 | McNeil | 9 | 1:579 | 16.67% | 747 |
| 137 | Graves | 9 | 1:579 | 4.21% | 207 |
| 137 | Reay | 9 | 1:579 | 1.82% | 68 |
| 137 | Crozier | 9 | 1:579 | 13.43% | 619 |
| 137 | Mitchinson | 9 | 1:579 | 3.96% | 194 |
| 137 | Glaister | 9 | 1:579 | 3.46% | 164 |
| 137 | McQuiggan | 9 | 1:579 | 100.00% | 2,793 |
| 137 | Keswick | 9 | 1:579 | 36.00% | 1,379 |
| 152 | Robertson | 8 | 1:652 | 4.88% | 274 |
| 152 | Marshall | 8 | 1:652 | 3.19% | 171 |
| 152 | Gray | 8 | 1:652 | 4.62% | 256 |
| 152 | Ferguson | 8 | 1:652 | 1.28% | 46 |
| 152 | Gill | 8 | 1:652 | 1.96% | 93 |
| 152 | Hartley | 8 | 1:652 | 2.63% | 131 |
| 152 | Chambers | 8 | 1:652 | 4.26% | 235 |
| 152 | Noble | 8 | 1:652 | 2.61% | 127 |
| 152 | Vickers | 8 | 1:652 | 4.17% | 226 |
| 152 | Lancaster | 8 | 1:652 | 1.65% | 69 |
| 152 | Calvert | 8 | 1:652 | 4.88% | 274 |
| 152 | Pattison | 8 | 1:652 | 13.11% | 669 |
| 152 | Edgar | 8 | 1:652 | 1.96% | 93 |
| 152 | Grainger | 8 | 1:652 | 7.62% | 411 |
| 152 | Forrester | 8 | 1:652 | 4.12% | 223 |
| 152 | Routledge | 8 | 1:652 | 1.05% | 36 |
| 152 | Aird | 8 | 1:652 | 100.00% | 3,079 |
| 152 | Mark | 8 | 1:652 | 5.59% | 306 |
| 152 | Gilbertson | 8 | 1:652 | 13.56% | 690 |
| 152 | Crosthwaite | 8 | 1:652 | 4.85% | 272 |
| 152 | Haney | 8 | 1:652 | 100.00% | 3,079 |
| 152 | Faulder | 8 | 1:652 | 4.21% | 232 |
| 152 | Denwood | 8 | 1:652 | 9.41% | 502 |
| 152 | Peile | 8 | 1:652 | 12.12% | 625 |
| 152 | Kegan | 8 | 1:652 | 100.00% | 3,079 |
| 152 | Hammil | 8 | 1:652 | 100.00% | 3,079 |
| 178 | Jones | 7 | 1:745 | 1.48% | 72 |
| 178 | Edwards | 7 | 1:745 | 4.22% | 271 |
| 178 | Anderson | 7 | 1:745 | 1.53% | 80 |
| 178 | Palmer | 7 | 1:745 | 3.38% | 211 |
| 178 | Morton | 7 | 1:745 | 3.65% | 226 |
| 178 | Douglas | 7 | 1:745 | 1.94% | 107 |
| 178 | Archer | 7 | 1:745 | 7.29% | 462 |
| 178 | Morley | 7 | 1:745 | 5.74% | 355 |
| 178 | Potts | 7 | 1:745 | 1.97% | 109 |
| 178 | Pickering | 7 | 1:745 | 2.27% | 126 |
| 178 | Bowman | 7 | 1:745 | 1.23% | 54 |
| 178 | Bateman | 7 | 1:745 | 4.35% | 279 |
| 178 | Easton | 7 | 1:745 | 14.58% | 827 |
| 178 | Warwick | 7 | 1:745 | 3.02% | 187 |
| 178 | Fenwick | 7 | 1:745 | 11.67% | 678 |
| 178 | Carson | 7 | 1:745 | 7.95% | 495 |
| 178 | Snowden | 7 | 1:745 | 12.28% | 711 |
| 178 | Byers | 7 | 1:745 | 3.23% | 203 |
| 178 | Haig | 7 | 1:745 | 16.28% | 914 |
| 178 | Charters | 7 | 1:745 | 7.37% | 467 |
| 178 | Kirkup | 7 | 1:745 | 12.96% | 747 |
| 178 | Huddart | 7 | 1:745 | 3.02% | 187 |
| 178 | Boggis | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | Marrs | 7 | 1:745 | 11.48% | 669 |
| 178 | Barwise | 7 | 1:745 | 6.09% | 373 |
| 178 | Winskill | 7 | 1:745 | 29.17% | 1,423 |
| 178 | McAdams | 7 | 1:745 | 24.14% | 1,235 |
| 178 | Thornborrow | 7 | 1:745 | 28.00% | 1,379 |
| 178 | Brend | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | Whinney | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | McMechan | 7 | 1:745 | 70.00% | 2,597 |
| 178 | McCahy | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | McDonohoe | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | Nersby | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |
| 178 | Neylus | 7 | 1:745 | 100.00% | 3,452 |